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Chapter Ninety-Six: Dreams – With What One Dreams
By the third or fourth circle of the exact same path, Desire decides they are more than content with the utter mess Destruction is making. They initially were irate with their elder brother’s response to all of this – because they worried that it would fall back on Dream… only to realize Lucifer likely didn’t even need a reason, and after going in multiple roundabouts – likely thanks to Lucifer -, they decide they wish he was doing more.
Though, they do start to wonder if they just have an issue with older siblings given how quickly they found themselves irritated with Destruction… or was that just a Dream trait… at the very least, this was all distracting from how much time they’ve wasted by this nonsense.
Time they didn’t have – time Dream certainly didn’t have -, and when they walk another path with remnants of their previous time through, Desire has half a mind of throwing their hands up. Delirium, however, elects to be the one to stop walking.
“Around and around we go,” she says. “Insanity.” By definition, what they were doing was insanity – repeating the same actions yet expecting different results. They had tried walking, they had tried to follow the path, but nothing had changed. They were no closer to the palace than when they were at the start of the gates. That was the only benefit that Delirium could see at least – the gates were no longer in sight; although, that didn’t mean they were far from them.
“This isn’t working,” Despair says, looking to both Death and Destiny. They’re also aware, but they don’t…
“I could try to manipulate the landscape,” Destiny says. He glances out across the barren wasteland – it would be undermining Lucifer directly, but it was possible – especially given his siblings nearby.
“She would just undo it,” Death says, with a heavy sigh. “She’s not going to let us near, not until she’s ready.” Or she tries to wait them out, Death supposes. At some point, pending the time dilation in Hell, they would need to return to their functions – their duties – else they all abandon them.
“Not unless we find another way,” Destruction says. He figures if they stop playing by Lucifer’s rules, then maybe they can make progress. They had the power to pull themselves directly to the palace on most occasions; it was just Lucifer was now blocking them. She couldn’t keep them out of Hell – not with the key… he does wonder if she’s aware of that tidbit now… but they needed to stop walking the path given to them by her.
“What do you suggest?” Desire asks, eyeing Destruction warily.
“We stop trying to get to Lucifer,” he says – quickly continuing before Desire can throw a tantrum, “Death said, Hell was on the brink of a civil war again. I suggest we go to a demon Lord.”
An unspoken unease settles over them. It was one thing to be aware of an unrest; it was quite another to go to a Lord and stoke it. Because that’s what this would be doing – the Endless would be showing support, snubbing Lucifer… but it was something Death had already considered. If Lucifer did not rule, if another took her place – it would give them leverage, it would give them opportunity to create a new deal, a new bargain where Dream was not the collateral. But perhaps, they did not need to go that far – merely convince a Lord that their presence was disturbance enough.
“Beelzebub would be the likely choice,” Destiny says – given his domination in Hell, his already established partial rule. Azazel would have been the other – if he was not… gone.
“Wouldn’t he be just as likely to claim Dream though?” Despair asks. The demon would not likely pass up the opportunity – very few would – not unless it further benefited them.
“A lesser lord then?” Destructions suggests.
“Lilith,” Desire says. “Her want for more… would make her more agreeable to our terms.” They could twist her with their function to ensure a better outcome for themselves and Dream… and unlike Beelzebub, she’d be less inclined to want to deal with the trouble an Endless would bring… especially Dream. “She’s not far from Asmodeus, however.”
“We don’t need to start a war,” Death says.
“Merely try to use them to help us,” Destruction says, nodding at Death.
To make a deal with Lilith – with any demon… there was risk. If they could tempt the demons for some mild aid – given their annoyance, their grievance with Lucifer, then perhaps – that would be all it would turn too. However, there was also the possibility too of this going further – not merely speaking but the demons looking for support – to overthrow… something the Endless had never given… if they did, if the demons asked for it – would they choose them, choose to help usurp Lucifer for Dream..?
“So be it,” Death says, even after a moment, and Destiny says nothing. The remaining younger Endless do not argue, merely wait for the oldest to figure out what direction they now need to go in to speak with Lilith and Asmodeus.
It’s Desire, who steps forward now. They can sense her – with their function -, and thankfully, it’s not where they were just headed – or trying to head at the very least. Unlike before, when they start again, they actually make progress this time – the landscape evolves and changes. They find other creatures – who promptly scattered at the sight of them, and they eventually reach – not a castle – but obviously a hold of some sort. Not one they would have cared for nor have need to have visited in the past.
But at least, it was somewhere – it wasn’t that path nor the gates.
Here, Destiny and Death take lead again – as the eldest of the Endless, it makes the most sense, and once they’re all in the courtyard, Desire is certain they’re where they should be. Lilith sits on an upper balcony – one crumbling and rusted -, while Asmodeus leans against a nearby pillar – one that’s shattered in half already. Neither demons pay the Endless immediate attention, nor do the Endless beg for it. Instead, the two sides wait. However, eventually one side folds – and while the Endless are restless, the demons decide to first. It’s obvious they don’t want the Endless here.
“What pray bring the Endless to our humble door?” Lilith asks, smartly dropping down to where Asmodeus stands. Initially, she meets their gaze without question, with little hesitation, but the realm… even here… shudders against even just one Endless – though none claim it. None admit to it being them.
“Let’s not play games,” Desire says, tail flickering in annoyance already. This may have been an agreed upon idea, but they regret it already. Standing here, they realize they look like the desperate ones; the advantage they have is just that – that they’re the Endless.
“A bit rich coming from you, is it not Sovereign Desire?” Lilith asks, well aware her tone is nothing short of rebellious. However, she is a demon, and when Desire moves, Destiny steps in front of them. Starting a fight here would do them no good – the eldest Endless knows.
“Enough,” Destiny says – his power felt by everyone. Both Asmodeus and Lilith drop their eyes respectfully – finally.
With gritted teeth, Asmodeus says, “We don’t have him.” Which Desire scoff too – of course the two demons did not. At no point did the Endless think they did. “He’s enjoying our Lord Lucifer’s hospitality… greatly.” Asmodeus flies into a pillar – sent there by one of the Endless… though none claim credit for it. Instead, the courtyard ripples again.
“Enough. From what we’ve seen, he’s here willingly,” Lilith says, breaking away from this. She glares at Asmodeus, then turns on the Endless. “What do you want?” She doesn’t expect they’d survive against the Endless – not given their current mood. It was not often one faced the entirety of the family – save for one… even Destruction was present, and while she would like to toy with them, this isn’t the time. Not if she’d like to keep her head. Instead, she elects for the next best option – bargaining and discovering what they actually want.
It was just… based on what she had seen Dream was… okay – yes, a toy for Lucifer, but otherwise intact. However, Lilith would be lying if she stated she thought it was truly only that. Dream was proud – he would not bow… not without reason… and she recalls what his family – corrupted family – did. It’s likely more than what she’s seen.
“Our brother,” Death says.
“As he said, we don’t have him,” Lilith counters, and Desire decides this was the better play. Given how her voice rises, given the tension in her frame, they truly don’t, nor do they want him – the trouble outweighing the worth to her. At least here. At the palace, he was out of sight, out of mind… although… Hell was still – not as it should be. Things were not… improved, even with the Endless now bent. But…
“We’re aware,” Destiny says. “We merely wish to speak with Lucifer.”
And at that, Lilith laughs – short but loud. Even Asmodeus chuckles, though he keeps his head tilted down now respectfully. The two demons can see what’s being laid in front of them quite readily, but neither are certain what to do with such options. The Endless were here – because they couldn’t get to the palace, where Dream was being held -, so instead, they came to two lesser demons… giving Lilith and Asmodeus something.
“You have ways to get there,” Desire says. “Other paths, other avenues.” Lilith shrugs.
“Why should we help you?” she asks. “Dream bending the knee…” They all ignore the subtle whisper of and more from Asmodeus, though Death’s power skims his skin – an unspoken threat. Should he speak again, should he try them again, Death will toss this plan aside, and they’ll try a different demon or a different way. Lilith continues forward, unaware of the unsaid threat – but smart enough to not antagonize the Endless directly. She wasn’t suicidal. “Your brother’s obedience is good for all of us.” Not that she truly believes that – not completely, but she wasn’t willing to antagonize Lucifer… not yet.
“Is it?” Destiny counters, before indicating all of them. The entire Endless family in Hell – an unprecedented event. “We would rather strike a conversation with Lucifer first if she’d allow it.”
“And if not?” Asmodeus asks.
“I will raze Hell to the ground myself,” Death says – uncaring of the ramifications. She was not leaving here without Dream, not without trying.
“And if she doesn’t, I will,” Destruction adds. That palace – that cell – would not be standing when he was done with it. There’s a murmur of agreement among the Endless. “Us being here for Dream does no one any good.”
“Dream belongs…” Lilith started.
“To us,” Desire interrupts. “We would like to remind Lucifer of that fact.”
“Interesting little thing to say coming from you, Desire,” Lilith says, and this time when they move forward – no one stops them. They recall seeing Lilith last time in Hell – they recall practically handing Dream over to the Lords to save themselves… not this time. In a blink, they’re across the courtyard – their hand around Lilith’s throat, back to one of the few intact pillars. She squirms, kicking – nails digging painfully into Desire’s arm – but they merely curl their lip back, uncaring of the red welts being dug into their skin.
When Asmodeus moves to help, Destruction intercedes with a grin – and an unsaid promise of what would happen to the balcony above said demon’s head should he try.
“Dread was… not ideal for any of us,” Desire says – voice tight, much of their mannerisms melting away in this moment. “The corrupted were… far from it.” Their hand tightens. “Dream being here is on par with that. If he’s here, we’re here.” With that, they drop Lilith. “I can taste how much you would prefer us not to be here as well.”
“All of this,” Lilith says in-between coughs, “has been far from what any of us wanted.” She stands up, hand touching her tender throat. “Chaos in Hell is one thing. Unchecked balances are another. Loss of dreams, desires, everything puts us all at risk.”
When she stopped being able to dream… when it came back with a vengeance… it was a breath of fresh air – she had forgotten for even a moment what it was like to be alive, even as a demon. Having Dream here – in this manner – was a risk to that again. She’s aware of that – as is Asmodeus. But – she doesn’t understand what the Endless want specifically from her.
The Endless wait, and Lilith realizes for what now, “Lucifer put us all at risk, and for what…” She stares at each of the Endless. “But what you’re…” She realizes why the Endless are here – specifically here. She licks her lips nervously. “What you’re seeking is mutiny against her. That’s suicide as well.”
“Perhaps,” Destiny says, cryptically. “All we ask for right now is the route you would take to the palace. For you to show us.”
“If we do that, we may as well chop off our own head,” Asmodeus says, but it’s said with less anger – more resignation. Even he recognizes having Dream here… was not worth all of this. It would be different had his family ignored him as they did with the Burgess incident or at the start of the Dread issue. Instead of this… none of this… the realm was still unstable even now, and it had them all on edge. It would be a lie if there wasn’t talk of Lucifer being no longer fit – but it was one thing to whisper and another to state it aloud to the Endless.
“But if the opportunity arose?” Delirium says, with a smile. They all realize abruptly she now sits on the balcony, content as can be.
“Perhaps,” Lilith says, just as cryptically. Like Asmodeus, she was not inclined to make any significant moves… not yet… but… she was opportunistic. It was just Lucifer was their ruler – given she had their interests in mind… the possibility was there this would still turn out for them. After all, she was no longer corrupted. She did have an Endless by her side… Hell could still win.
However, Lilith was not one to not have a back-up plan, and she did not want the Endless to stay here another minute. With a wave of her power, a cage appears – a single bird cage with a very familiar raven inside.
“We may not be able to lead you there, but… as a token of good will,” the demon says.
The cage opens, and Desire kneels by Matthew’s side.
The raven’s intact – which is relieving -, but feathers are broken, and he’s far too quiet. Desire gently picks the bird up, keeping him close as Dream would likely appreciate.
“He was at the palace,” Asmodeus says. “We found him before Lucifer.” Meaning they had hidden his presence from her and had not yet divulged it… and that he also had a way to the palace, likely one not well known given his hidden existence.
For now, the demons step back – their part in this complete. Until the tide changed, they wouldn’t involve themselves further – which was less than ideal in Desire’s opinion but at least they now had Matthew… Matthew, who had yet to speak.
In a blink, the demons vanish – leaving the Endless in an empty desiccated field - the previous hold now gone. The lesser demons were lesser in many ways but not without power. Briefly, they worry Delirium is not among them, since she was sitting on the balcony – only for her to pop up in the center of the Endless as though she was never not there.
“Matthew?” Death says – her own hand reaching out gently for the raven. Her fingers cart through his feathers, and he finally reacts. He shifts – one beady eye opening, though the weariness is easily felt all the same. “Oh Matthew,” she whispers.
“You’re here,” he says, quiet – to Death specifically.
“We are.”
“I didn’t think you’d…” Matthew trails off, eyes fluttering close. “I didn’t think Dream would truly take that route but after…” He swallows roughly, and the Endless shift, uncomfortable and concerned by the enigmatic words.
“Dream is not dead,” Death says firmly. Not yet – she would know. She would… and not even Lucifer would keep her from that. She would walk her brother… she would… she hopes that’s not what they’re going to find at the end of all this.
It’s only then that Matthew seems to realize it’s not just Death but all the Endless. A heavy sigh slips past his beak. “I didn’t think he would, not after Lucifer’s threats.”
Somehow, it’s Desire that forces out - “What did she do…”
Matthew keeps it brief – exhaustion tugging at him, and Death suspects it’s in response to whatever Dream is going through in turn. However, the raven explains the deal – that Lucifer would not touch Johanna and Hob as promised, as long as he submitted… which he could not do if he left this world… so yes, a new Dream could take hold but at the cost of Johanna and Hob, and while Johanna now only had one lifetime…
“Hob’s immortal,” Death says, eyes closing. “But…”
“He wouldn’t ask if of Hob,” Matthew says. Desire says nothing, merely tightening his grip on the raven. Not enough to cause undo pain, but enough that he bites into Desire’s fingers in warning.
“But his memories…” Destruction says. “The deal..?”
“He allowed Lucifer to change the terms, when Dread almost killed me,” Desire admits quietly. “Memories or not, he belongs to her.” They all fall silent – Despair turning away, only to reach out with her function, trying to now sense Dream. If he had his memories of Hell… if he… she swallows roughly; he should be there if he did, he should be within her realm, her purview.
“I can take you there,” Matthew says, resignation in his tone – whether a side effect from Dream or the situation remains unknown. “But…”
“But what,” Desire says, voice quiet.
“It’s bad,” is all Matthew offers.
………………………
Stepping into Lucifer’s throne room invokes something different for each of the Endless. They had all been here as of late in one form or another – save for Destiny… and even then, with his knowledge, he had read enough to have certain expectations.
Desire hesitates – though their runes… the ones that held them are long gone thanks to Johanna’s magic. However, they refuse to let this room hinder them – instead, they keep their head up – meeting Lucifer’s gaze head on… who’s stare immediately meets theirs in turn.
By default, it would be expected for Lucifer to address Death or Destiny, but no, she stares at Desire – a small twist to her lips.
Destruction keeps a hold on Delirium, Despair glares, and Death’s wings cast a shadow in the room – reminding everyone quickly that Lucifer no longer had hers… thanks to Dread. That does cause Lucifer’s smile to drop, much to Desire’s pleasure.
“Greetings,” Lucifer says, not rising from the throne – not giving the Endless an inch of respect. Instead, she leans farther back in the throne, far too causal given the threat in the room. “I hope you found your way here… with ease.”
Desire has half a mind to state exactly what they think of that, when Death grips their wrist – the pressure a warning. The next few minutes must be played delicately. They’re here – they have the key – but should Lucifer completely banish them from the realm, they would need to restart the journey and who knows how long it would take to try again. No, they need to try some patience first, much to Desire’s dissatisfaction.
“You know why we’re here Lucifer Morningstar,” Death says, remarkably keeping her words and tone even. She’d rather not show the former angel an inch, but she also needs to see Dream.
The devil tilts her head, considering the Endless – each of them, far too casually, far too recklessly. Mazikeen moves in the shadows nearby – the untold power in the room unsettling. The very floor – she swears she sees it buckle and immediately replace itself in an instant.
“In all honesty, I do not,” Lucifer says, remaining sitting – continuing to snub Endless. She watches as Desire, of all Endless, move forward – lip curled, anger evident. She grins, purposefully focusing on them now. After all, it was Desire’s original machination that started all this. “As you know, he made that deal of his own volition. It is binding.”
“Under duress,” Despair says – not that it matters for creatures such as them. Perhaps for humans, a contract would be null and voice under such circumstances, but not for them. Something they’re all aware of. Nonetheless, she wants it said aloud – that Dream did not do this because he truly wanted… this.
However, Lucifer merely grins. She does not care about the circumstances, after all – only the outcome.
“Enough of this Lucifer,” Destiny says. “Dream is Endless. He belongs in the Dreaming, not in Hell. His duty…”
“Is to me now,” Lucifer growls – uncaring that it’s Destiny that she talks back to. Against one of the Endless, she maintained the upper hand… against all of them… in this state… she may not win, but they would not either. Which helped neither side. “And from what I know, he has not asked for your help.” She watches the tension flicker through all of them at that. They were here, but they could only do so much.
“Where is he?” Death growls.
However, Lucifer doesn’t answer that; instead, she crosses her legs – the air of pomp surrounding her, as she continues to hold the higher hand here. As long as she had Dream – she would… but she also did not want the Endless to stay in her palace much longer – she did not want to play this game of words with them. She had other matters to attend to – demon Lords and the like again causing issues, much to her irritation -, and it was likely Dream had learned his lesson from earlier… a lesson perhaps she could put to the test.
And after, she could take Dream with her to deal with the Lords. She’d dress him, have him follow, and if the Lords did not qualm themselves… perhaps, it was time to change the hierarchy… she sighs at the thought – the work, the machinations. It brings her nothing. Though Dream did buy her moments of amusement… that was something, and for now, that’s what she focuses on. That and the Endless here.
With a wave of her hand, Lucifer pulls Dream abruptly from the cell into the throne room – he stands, barely, obviously not expecting the shift… his clothes rags now, and his hair unkempt, longer. Desire shakes from the realization that unlike the few days it’s been for them, it’s been much longer in Hell. They curse waiting to leave as they did.
“Dream,” Death says, hand slightly outreached towards him. His back is to her, and given how the clothes hang on him, she sees far too much of the scars on his back… ones she had not yet glimpsed – ones that churn her stomach. Destruction, on the other hand, shies from the memory of what caused those – Delirium and Despair as well. Desire just shakes.
“If he wants to go with you willingly, he’s yours,” Lucifer says, with far too much confidence. She leans back on what remains of her throne – her gaze boring into Dream, who smartly drops his.
It’s a stupid deal – one that likely has far too many loopholes and falsehoods -, but Death won’t let this opportunity pass by. She moves closer to Dream, her fingers curling into his elbow immediately – intending to pull him in close, protect him… when he scampers away from her, eyes wide. She worries that perhaps he didn’t realize it was her, but his gaze flickers to each of them, all of them, and there’s no relief.
“Dream,” Destruction says, unconsciously stepping forward – worried with how Dream steps back… towards Lucifer of all creatures.
“Don’t,” Desire hisses – their voice cutting through. Though, everyone hears Dream’s whine.
“Desire,” Destruction says, but they shake their head.
“Don’t,” they repeat. “Lucifer kept his memories. We’re in Hell, he’s in Hell…”
“He sees us corrupted,” Death says, quietly – aware now of why Lucifer would pull him to them in such a state. Unless she was willing to bind him herself, tie him, and drag him from here, he would not come with them – not in this state. “Dream,” she says, her voice quiet – trying to comfort him, but he seems unaware of them… trapped in a memory, a flashback in this moment. In pain… fear… features she would not have ever easily associated with Dream before now.
Human, Endless… it wouldn’t matter in this moment; she’s nauseous by the sight. She can’t stand this – can’t stand how he looks at them… no relief, just dread. The only upside in Death’s mind was that hopefully she could approach - it wasn’t as though her… corrupted… side actively tortured him. She prays that’s enough that she can get nearer – do something. Maybe drag him from here before Lucifer could stop her.
However, before she can, Destiny stops her again. “We can’t. Not that far,” he whispers, aware of her thoughts. “He needs to ask us for help.”
Death’s mouth opens – yes, he hadn’t directly asked them… but even though he, from what she understood, had asked Hob and Johanna, had practically insinuated it, by their laws – if he wasn’t coming willingly, then… their hands may be tied – something Destiny had hoped wouldn’t hold true, that Dream would have retained enough of his sense to ask for it now. But looking at him – Destiny worries.
The other Endless shift – Desire honestly doesn’t care. The old laws never accounted for this – they never accounted for this when they made their pacts to stay out of each other’s business. Lucifer owning one of them was all of their business, but… they start to consider ways to circumvent it.
“Dream,” Death says, quietly – moving towards him. “Ask,” she pleads. It’s only one word – only one. Except that’s not the one he gives her.
“Don’t,” Dream says – quiet, pleading when she moves towards him, and her heart breaks. It stops her, as much as she doesn’t want to; she can’t ignore him, not like this. As much as she wants to shake him and remind him that they’re all okay – thanks to him -, she stays where she is – her grief palpable.
All the while, Lucifer grins. As she expected, he would not go willingly, and he cannot ask for help. He’s hers.
“Come here, little Dream,” Lucifer says, voice soft – inviting. She waits – initially patient – only for Dream to remain where he was – frozen. Her face twists into a scowl briefly before settling again. “Dream, here now, or back to the cell… where I’m sure you could spend more time with your family.” His head drops, but he moves to Lucifer’s side – only a small push from her fingers needed to get him to sit by her side – on the ground.
“He can’t rest,” Matthew whispers. “He falls only into nightmares and relives this over and over… and when he wakes, Lucifer torments him in turn. There’s no escape.” Not unless she took his memories – which was… which was almost always worse… Matthew shudders, something the other Endless notice.
Of course, Matthew did what he could before being found by Lilith and Asmodeus to try and help, to try and ground Dream… but between the cell, his memories, and what Lucifer kept doing to his mind… the raven worries his boss had started to blur the line. He was never not in pain… not unless Lucifer deemed it so – not unless she felt like giving him a kind touch… forcing him to rely on her. He scowls at the thought, the memory. He had been found out after that – though by the other demons… because he had been planning to chase after Lucifer… to do something – anything! He just couldn’t watch it anymore… he couldn’t… it breaks him even.
“You vile…” Destruction starts – his own body tremoring with rage. To treat one of the Endless like this… it’s beyond absurd and more than that – degenerate, despicable. He may not always love Dream at every turn – they all had their issues, every sibling did… but they wouldn’t… they…
Desire feels sick – to see their own nightmare play back out again. To see it but this time as though Lucifer fully won, no collar but utter obedience from Dream – they… they hate it. The difference being they didn’t hand Dream over, and this time, they weren’t running out.
“I’ll challenge you,” Desire says.
“For your brother?” Lucifer laughs – fingers pressing Dream’s head down. They can see the shiver run down his frame. “There’s nothing you could offer me worth what he is.”
“Of course not,” Desire says – they would like to, of course, but Lucifer was right as was Destiny. Dream hadn’t asked… they hope he does, but Lucifer wouldn’t give Dream up. However, there are other things – other ways to play this, and Desire – well Desire did love their games. Death, however, has her hand on his elbow – trying to pull them back, but they’re unperturbed. They move forward.
“For what then?” Lucifer says.
“For whatever else I desire,” they say. They think back on the other Lucifer’s words… find what this one wants the most. It’s not just Dream; it wasn’t only Dream that ruined Hell, but Dread was… gone. However…
“And what do you offer me in turn?” she asks, leaning forward – interested in this now.
“Desire,” Death says warningly, but Destiny halts her.
“Me,” they say, and Lucifer grins – salivating at the terms. She’d be content with one Endless, but to have revenge against the other… she wouldn’t turn it down, something Desire was betting on. Perhaps, this was what she was looking for. She glances down at Dream – the shudder well noted. With both Endless again… maybe that would settle her… maybe she’d find more enjoyment, purpose in that. She smiles at the possibilities.
“The challenge is set,” Lucifer says.
Quick Notes: So, yeah… Dream… he’s not in a good place, but good news – his family is here? And we get a round two of Desire vs. Lucifer.
I finished writing the story yesterday. Now, just edits left. That's a bit... that's a bit sad to think on. The chapter before the last chapter... phew, it's a doozy (10k) for words