MMatthew
Where are we going?
MMatthew
Hell. As in Hell-Hell? Or were you being metaphorical? Because either way, we should probably check in with Lucienne first, right? See how she's feeling about it. I'm gonna go out on a limb, which is something birds actually do, and say she will not be in favor of Hell-going. [As Matthew speaks Morpheus uses his sand to teleport him and Matthew] But I don't get a sense you're listening, so, fuck it, let's go to Hell!
It has many names. Avernus, Tartarus, Hades, the infernal region you call Hell.
MMatthew
So, Hell does exist?
MMatthew
Does that mean it doesn't exist if you don't believe in it?
Did you believe in it? When you were a man?
MMatthew
Yeah. … I just didn't expect Hell to be cold.
The landscape is subject to the whims of the Morningstar.
MMatthew
The morning star? We have to spend the night in this literally godforsaken —
MMatthew
As in the Devil?
The Ruler of Hell is no mere devil.
MMatthew
So, you two know each other?
We've known each other for a very long time.
When we first met, Lucifer was the angel Samael.
MMatthew
I forgot the Devil used to be an angel.
Not just any angel. The most beautiful, wisest, and most powerful of all angels. Saving only the Creator, Lucifer is, perhaps, the most powerful being there is.
MMatthew
More powerful than you?
I am … a dire wolf. Prey-stalking, lethal prowler.
I am a hunter. Horse-mounted, wolf-stabbing.
I am a serpent. Horse-biting, poison-toothed.
I am a bird of prey. Snake-devouring, talons ripping.
I am a butcher bacterium. Warm-life destroying.
I am a world. Space-floating, life-nurturing.
I am a nova. All-exploding, planet-cremating.
I am a universe. All things encompassing, all life embracing.
I am anti-life.The Beast of Judgement. The dark at the end of everything. What will you be then, Dream Lord?
[fallen to the floor, dying] I … I … I …
MMatthew
Boss? Hey, boss!
MMatthew
He is — and it's his move … Your Majesty.
There are no more moves. What can survive the anti-life?
MMatthew
Hey, boss. Listen to me. You know what can survive the anti-life? You. — Dreams don't fucking die. — Not if you believe in them, and I believe Dream of the Endless would never leave his raven here, alone, in Hell with Lucifer.
I … am … Hope. [rises, and stands]
Well, Lightbringer? It's your move. What is it that kills hope?
[despairing] Choronzon, give him his helm.
[as his palace burns away] You must stop. It is not too late to save yourself.
Oh, you think it's me that needs saving?
Your father stole the ruby from me and cursed you with it.
You mean he blessed me with it. [he begins using the ruby to absorb more of Dream's power] Your reign ended when my father captured you. Your kingdom is my birthright. Your power resides within me. How does it feel to know I hold your life in my hands?
You're hurting the dreamers.
Well, it's time they woke up! Your life and your lies end now. [crushes the Ruby] I did it. … I killed him. … I won.
[revealed as holding John in the palm of his hand] Thank you, John.
You destroyed the ruby and released the power inside it. I would never have thought of that. I'd forgotten just how much of myself I had placed in the jewel.
Are you going to kill me?
I could. … Perhaps I will. … But the dream stone was not made for mortals. And it came to you through no fault of your own. … So, no, John. I will not kill you. [returns John to Arkham Asylum] Sleep well, John.
MMatthew
[amidst the carnage of the streets] All the damage the ruby did, can you undo it?
The ruby didn't do this. John merely used it to reveal wounds that were hidden, but never healed. Tomorrow, the rebuilding will begin. In this realm and in mine. But tonight at least … humanity will sleep in peace.
DDesire
[As Morpheus walks down the street] I'm watching you, big brother.
The Sandman · 41 quotes
