**** I had to travel for a work event, and will be out till Friday. I had 2 chapters written but unedited, I'll post them today and tomorrow. Next might be on Friday or Saturday. ****

Edward chuckled lightly, the corner of his lips tilting upward as he gestured toward the nearby bench. "You haven't changed much either, Morpheus. And this must be Death," he added, his gaze flicking to the pale young woman standing several paces behind the Dream Lord.

"Though I'm not sure why you're standing so far away, as if I have the pox." He offered a small grin, trying to lighten the mood.

Death didn't meet his eyes.

Morpheus's expression remained as it always did, unreadable, though a flicker of disinterest crossed his eyes as he looked around. "I'm tired of this place," he said, tone low and steady. "The noise and stench is extensive."

Death, standing with her arms folded, added in a curt voice, "Uh… yes. We should be on our way. We have duties."

Morpheus's brow lifted. He turned to look at her. "But isn't today your day off, sister?"

Her glare was immediate and sharp, enough to silence him. Morpheus blinked, confused, but said nothing further. Still, inwardly, he took note. That was… strange. She wasn't usually so short-tempered with him. And ever since they encountered Edward,her mood had shifted entirely. Her posture was defensive, her voice tight. Morpheus narrowed his eyes slightly, thoughtful. Is there something going on?

Edward lifted his hands in a half-hearted shrug, unbothered. "It seems she has something against me," he said casually. "Not sure what I did to incur her hatred. That's rather sad. I was actually looking forward to talking with her."

Death looked away, her gaze fixed on a distant lamppost as if it were more interesting than the conversation. Her voice was quiet when she replied. "I… don't hate you. I just don't wish to interfere in mortal lives. It never ends well for them."

Edward laughed, amused. "Well, whatever mortal part remained of me has long since vanished. Thousands of years ago, in fact. No need to worry your pretty little head over it."

Death let out a scoffing noise, folding her arms tighter across her chest. "Yeah, right. You got injured and bled a lot on your journey. If you were really immortal, that wouldn't happen, would it?"

Edward's smile didn't waver. But he paused, a slight lift of his brow betraying surprise. "Oh? So you have been observing me?" His grin widened. "Can't say I mind. Since it's a gothic beauty like you, it's almost flattering. But I do hope you weren't peeking during my… more intimate moments?"

Death, for the first time in eons, actually blushed. Her cheeks flushed pink as she snapped, "Of course not! I am Death! I have better things to do than watch you have sex for three days!"

Edward raised his hand in mock alarm. "Wait a minute, that's rather specific." His eyes lit up with amusement. "How did you know the exact time?" He gasped and theatrically covered his mouth. "You really did peek!"

Morpheus blinked. He looked between Edward and his sister, suddenly struck with a strange feeling. He studied her again. Her reactions weren't casual. There was something deeper. It feels like… she knows him?

Death huffed in annoyance, clearly rattled. "I don't know what you mean. I am leaving." She turned on her heel sharply, boots clicking against the pavement as she began walking away. Morpheus glanced back and forth, unsure what to do, before wordlessly following her.

But Edward, feeling playful and lacking anything to do, decided to keep the teasing going. He followed behind them, a mischievous grin plastered across his face.

Death stopped and looked over her shoulder, her voice sharp. "Did you need something?"

Edward shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm just going out for an enthusiastic walk."

"Then walk elsewhere," she snapped.

"I know the King of Britannia," Edward replied smugly. "He specifically said I could go anywhere on this land."

Morpheus let out a cough. "Maybe I should leave…"

"Stay right there." Death gave him a look so sharp that even the Lord of Dreams didn't dare disobey.

Edward chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "Alright, don't pout. How about you tell me why you're pissed at me, and I can try to remedy that?"

Death stopped again. Her tone was low and composed as she turned to face him. "I'm pissed because you are annoying. It's in your best interest to stay away from us. Mortals always get hurt when they get close to us."

Edward tilted his head. "I thought you'd be cool to hang out with. Like Olethros. Guess not. Never mind then, I'm getting bored. You guys can go on your way." He turned around to leave.

"Wait!" Death called out suddenly. She stepped forward, her voice urgent. "Where did you last meet him? Olethros. He's been gone for over a century. We can't get a hold of him. Where is our brother?"

Edward didn't look back. His voice was casual, but firm. "I'm afraid I can't tell you that. Bro code and all that."

Something in her expression softened, maybe frustration, maybe desperation, but before she could stop herself, she reached out and grabbed his hand. "Hold on! I still have..."

But she didn't get to finish her sentence.

The moment her fingers touched his hand, she gasped. A sudden, overwhelming force washed through her.

It was unlike anything she had ever felt. Blinding white light erupted from within Edward, warm, immense, serene. It was… peace. A sensation like floating through sun-drenched clouds, a weightlessness that eased every burden, quieted every doubt.

Her connection to sorrow, to endings, to grief, all of it faded for one impossible moment.

She stood stunned, her eyes wide. The light in her gaze shifted, transforming to pure white. Tears fell from her white eyes , as she whispered, " I see it... Hope."

Morpheus moved instantly, stepping forward protectively. His cloak swirled, face tight with icy calm. "What have you done to my sister? Speak." The area around him started flickering between dream and reality.

Edward caught Death gently as she wavered. She would've collapsed if not for him catching her. She felt quite light.

"She's fine," he said quickly, holding up a hand. "Her powers are reacting to my energy. It seems she… accidentally peeked into my secret. Don't worry. She'll be alright. Think of it like getting drunk for the first time."

Morpheus didn't lower his guard. His eyes remained narrowed, posture poised for a fight. But just then, a third voice cut in.

"Calm down, Brother. He means no harm."

A figure stepped out from the shadows. A tall man, cloaked in grey, with a large tome bound in heavy chain held close to his chest.

"Destiny?" Morpheus frowned. "Why are you here? You never appear in the mortal world unless it's absolutely necessary."

Destiny lifted a hand, signaling for silence. His gaze rested on Edward. "Greetings, Brother. We meet again. Although you continue to refuse to acknowledge your standing."

Edward scratched his head, looking sheepish. "Hey man. How's it going? I told you before, I'm non-union. You guys can deal with the responsibilities. I'll just keep doing my thing."

*****

Morpheus stared at Destiny, a rare flicker of genuine confusion etched across his normally composed features. "What is going on here, Destiny? Why are you calling him brother? Explain."

Destiny closed his eyes momentarily, as though recalling pages already written. His voice, calm and immutable as always.

"Dream, this is something only Destruction, Delirium, and I have known. It happened without warning. Edward has been granted dominion over the fundamental force of Hope… by the Presence Himself."

Morpheus blinked, his lips parting slightly in disbelief. He had witnessed countless oddities and truths across time and space, but this… this was different. This wasn't another tale of some ambitious sorcerer or forgotten god. It felt heavier, something deeper than even his own endless existence.

Destiny continued without pausing, his expression neutral. "I came to know of it when the pages of the Book of Destiny changed. His name was written. I sought him out, as was required, to welcome him among us. But he declined the title. He wished to remain.... Anonymous."

Morpheus's voice grew sharper. "Then how did the others know? If it was meant to be secret…"

Destiny nodded slightly, acknowledging the question. "Delirium followed me secretly. I was unaware of it at the time, but when she saw him, she recognized the truth instinctively.

As for Destruction… he met Edward before leaving. Their encounter was brief, but meaningful. Edward told him the truth."

Edward scratched his neck awkwardly and glanced at the passersby on the street beginning to glance in their direction. "This might not be the best place to have a divine family drama. Maybe we should take this to my house. People are starting to stare."

The group made their way silently to Edward's home. It was unassuming from the outside, modest stone walls, simple timber frames. But inside, it exuded a quiet elegance. The architecture was medieval in structure, but the space held an unnatural calm, like time slowed slightly within its walls.

They settled in. Morpheus remained standing for a moment, arms crossed, his gaze resting accusingly on Destiny. "You should have told us," he said at last, his tone laced with tension. "Someone becoming one of us… it's unheard of. One of us joins only when another ends. No such end occurred."

Destiny remained still. "He is not as we are. Not fully. Edward has free will. He exists outside the structure that binds us. The cosmic laws do not apply to him as they do to us. He was granted this position for a reason even I do not fully comprehend."

Edward, seated casually near Death, who was still lying peacefully on the couch, poured some tea into cups and offered them around. "Look, Morpheus… Destiny was just respecting my wishes. This needs to remain hidden. At least for now."

He leaned back into the couch he had built himself, oak and leather, with signs of handcraft etched into its grains. "There's a war coming. Something massive. Bigger than anything you've seen. I don't know the full details yet, but I was told to act as normal as possible. If the enemy senses what I am, what I carry, it could jeopardize everything."

Morpheus's expression didn't shift. "And we are simply meant to accept that? Sit back while something brews in the dark? If a war is coming, then we should prepare. Tell me, Edward, who exactly is the enemy?"

Edward sighed. "I wish I could tell you. Believe me, I do. But I was warned. The less people know, the safer everyone remains."

Destiny nodded, " Edward is right, Dream. It's better not to enquire about it."

At that moment, Death stirred. Her eyelids fluttered as if waking from a deep dream. She blinked rapidly and sat up slightly, looking around in surprise. Her gaze moved from Destiny, then to Morpheus, and finally rested on Edward, her expression confused and cautious.

"What happened when I touched you?" she asked, her voice soft, but tinged with wonder. "It felt so… peaceful. As if I had slept for centuries. It was warm and still and quiet. Like everything made sense for once."

Edward met her eyes. His tone turned more solemn. "That, Death, was your soul reacting to my somewhat uncontrollable powers. You caught a glimpse of what I am, what I represent."

He raised one hand lazily, palm upward in mock formality. "Hello, Death. I'm Edward. Embodiment of Hope. Non-union member of the Endless Club. Cheers."

There was silence.

Death blinked and turned to Destiny, disbelief etched across her face. "This makes no sense. We don't just… gain new siblings. That's not how this works."

Destiny only nodded, confirming Edward's words with a calm that didn't need repetition.

Edward raised a brow. "I'm sitting right here, you know."

Death looked away, unsettled. She had seen countless things, held the hands of emperors and beggars in their final moments. But never before had she felt something like that momentary contact, something so pure it threatened to unravel her understanding of existence.

Destiny straightened slightly and turned toward Morpheus. "I believe we've lingered long enough. We should be on our way."

Morpheus gave a brief nod and rose to his feet. He hesitated for a moment, as if contemplating something, but ultimately said nothing. His eyes lingered on Edward, unreadable.

Death tried to stand, but stumbled. Instinctively, Edward reached out and caught her by the arm, steadying her gently.

She looked up at him hesitantly, her voice low. "Thank you… We… should talk later."

Edward smiled, easy and genuine. "You know where to find me."

****

The waves struck the jagged rocks below, spraying white foam into the air as Edward sat on the edge of the cliff, his gaze fixed on the ocean. His expression was unreadable. The sky was overcast, and the sea birds called above, circling before diving for fish. Occasionally, a silver flash would break the surface—fish leaping before vanishing again.

It had been over a week since the meeting with the Endless. The memory still lingered in his mind.

A voice came from behind, soft but clear. "Mind if I join you?"

Edward didn't look back. He gave a small shrug. "It's a public place. Feel free."

Death walked over and sat beside him. Her tone was light, but there was something behind it. "You feel different today. Are you brooding?"

Edward exhaled slowly. "Nah. It's one of those days that makes you feel the blues. I've lived over 2500 years. Can't expect me to be cheerful all the time."

Death tilted her head slightly, studying him. "So Hope also gets moody now?"

"Maybe."

She looked away, watching the waves crash against the cliffs. Her voice dropped. "I apologize for earlier. It's… complicated."

Edward turned toward her. His brow furrowed slightly. "It's not complicated to explain why you act weirdly around me. Last time you tried to avoid me. Now you're sitting beside me."

Death sighed in frustration. "That's why I apologized. Look, it's not like I have anything against you. It's quite the opposite. I admire you. But because of my nature, I could never get close. It might've brought great tragedy to you. The Endless are forbidden to get too near mortals. It never ends well."

"And that explains why you were acting strangely last time?" Edward asked, a slight smirk tugging at his lips.

Death looked away again. "I usually take a day off every hundred years. I let my avatar take on a mortal form, with mortal emotions, thoughts. To feel alive, somewhat. So when the person you're interested in, the one you've been trying to avoid, shows up when you're vulnerable… I tried to leave."

She paused. "I am Death, Edward. Death can't be close to life. Or life will perish. That's just how it is."

Edward nodded slowly. "I understand your teen angst phase. And I don't blame you. Just be normal. Since you now know I'm not just any mortal."

Death's eyes narrowed. "That's uncalled for. I'm older than you, and you call my emotional turmoil teenage angst? Like walking aimlessly for years was some healthy emotional release?"

Edward laughed lightly. "Your stalking habits are healthy. And we still haven't talked about you peeking at me during my private moments. Ms. Cosmic Voyeur."

Her face reddened slightly. "That's… accidental. It's not like I have a habit of spying on people."

Edward raised an eyebrow. "Do go on."

She didn't respond to the jab. Instead, her eyes remained on the crashing sea. "It's just… sometimes it's not fair. Can you imagine being there for every soul as they die? Guiding them, day after day. I see their lives. How interesting they are."

She paused again. "Sometimes I feel envious of humans. They can do whatever they want. Create. Destroy. Love. Hate. Because they have free will. We don't. So we're drawn to them. We watch."

Edward leaned back, resting his hands behind him. "So we're a soap opera for you. And you want to be part of the drama?"

She glared sideways at him. "Don't make fun of someone after they pour their heart out."

He raised one hand. "Fine. My bad. Want a drink?"

Her lips curved into a faint smile. "Finally, some manners."

He pulled out a flask and poured the drink into a small chalice. She took it, sipped, and closed her eyes for a second. "Mmm. That's wonderful. You have to give me a bottle. You've ruined my taste for anything else."

Edward grinned. "Maybe I shouldn't. So you have more reason to visit."

Death looked away again, her voice soft. "You wish. I have better things to do."

He leaned in slightly. "Not even if I ask nicely?"

She muttered, just loud enough to hear, "Maybe."

Then, her expression shifted. "Wait. I almost forgot why I came here. I wanted to ask you about my brother."

Edward placed a hand on his chest in mock offense. "So… you didn't come to see me? Ouch. That hurts."

She stifled a laugh. "Well, that might be one of the reasons. But seriously, can you please tell me where Destruction is?"

Her tone changed. The amusement left her voice. "He's been gone for a century. We can't find him. He refuses to answer our call."

Edward's expression became more serious. He looked away from her. "I can't do that. He specifically told me not to inform you where he's going. He's fine, that's all I can say. He might return someday. Or not."

Death lowered her head. Her voice was quiet. "You know, he was the glue that held us together. Now that he's gone, we barely talk. Desire keeps picking fights with Dream. Despair's just off on her own. Delirium… she's always drifting. Destiny is… Destiny. He doesn't speak much."

Her voice strained slightly. "It's just me, trying to hold it all together."

Edward reached out and placed his hand on hers. She didn't pull away. In fact, her fingers gently curled around his.

"Don't worry," he said. "Everything will work out in the end. And if it doesn't, you can always come and complain about it to me."

A small, genuine smile formed on her lips. "Thank you, Edward. It's nice to talk to someone like you. My siblings are… well, not great at conversations."

Edward chuckled, " Delirium would disagree. She very interesting at conversations."

Flashback

Year 1385

Britannia

The modest home Edward had built for himself was quiet, its thick stone walls muffling the wind outside. The fireplace crackled gently in the corner, casting long shadows across the parchment-strewn table where he sat writing in his journal.

The ink glided smoothly from his quill as he documented his encounter with Destiny earlier that day, a visit that had left him contemplative. Destiny had said little, his expression as unreadable as always, but Edward had sensed the weight behind the brief exchange.

He leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. The flickering candlelight danced across the page. He had convinced Destiny to keep the truth of his embodiment as Hope a secret, for now, at least. It had taken some effort, but Destiny agreed. Or, rather, didn't object. That was enough.

As he reached to close the journal, something stirred in his peripheral vision. He paused, narrowing his eyes. A flash of red—hair?—disappeared behind the doorway. He waited. A moment passed. Then, slowly, a young girl's head poked into the room again, eyes wide with curiosity and mischief.

Edward pretended not to see her.

As soon as she leaned in further, he moved silently and light on his feet despite his size.

"Boo!"

"Aaahhhh!" The girl shrieked and stumbled backward, losing her balance. But before she hit the ground, Edward caught her in one smooth motion.

"Gotcha!" he grinned.

She blinked, then broke into a giggle, light, unguarded, almost musical. "Are you my new brother? You're funny."

Edward tilted his head, feigning confusion. "Hmm… maybe. But you'll have to tell me who you are first."

Still laughing, the girl twirled once, arms out, her voice filled with amusement. "I'm Delirium, silly!"

He raised his eyebrows with an amused smile. "Wow, I didn't know my little sister was so cute and adorable."

With a slight flourish, he conjured a sweet treat, a small, brightly colored candy wrapped in a gold twist.

Her eyes lit up with glee as she accepted it. "Hehehe… stop! You're so nice compared to the others." She unwrapped the treat quickly and popped it in her mouth, then closed her eyes in delight. "Mmmm… hey, it's really good! "

Edward chuckled and reached out, gently ruffling her already messy hair. "Hello, Delirium. I'm Edward. So, how'd you find me?"

She didn't even pause to consider her words. "I followed Destiny when he came to meet you. He didn't even notice me! But then I saw a butterfly and followed it. Ao I got lost, but I sensed him and came here! Aren't I great? " .

Her grin was wide and proud, as though expecting a medal for sneaking past one of the most perceptive beings in the universe.

Edward laughed and patted her head again. "Yes, you're awesome. Did you just come by to say hi? That's very nice of you."

Delirium nodded excitedly. "Yes! I'm the nicest one! Maybe sister Death is as nice as me. And Destruction…" Her voice faltered, the grin slowly fading from her lips. "But he left. Now I'm alone. Nobody would talk to me, so I talk to myself. And the Trees! they are so nice to talk to. But they don't answer."

Her tone dropped, softer now, unsure. She looked at the floor.

Edward's expression shifted. He sat down beside her, placing an arm gently around her shoulders. "Cheer up. Even though he left, he's still alive. Still watching over you. One day, when the time is right, maybe he'll return."

Delirium didn't say anything for a moment, then leaned against him.

"And if you feel sad," Edward continued, "you can always come find me. We can go traveling, do things you like, or just talk."

She looked up again, her eyes glimmering with warmth. "Really? You promise? No backsies!"

Edward pinched her cheek gently, smiling. "I promise."

"Then…" Her voice was eager now. "Can we go now? I saw some fun things out there, but I wanted to meet you. So I forgot where they were. "

He shrugged with a smile. "I don't have anything to do at the moment, so why not?"

Delirium let out a squeal of excitement and grabbed his hand, practically pulling him toward the door.

As they stepped outside into the countryside, she chattered on about the most absurd topics. At one point, she asked, "What's the weirdest ice cream flavor you can think of?"

Edward thought for a second, then said with mock seriousness, "Chicken fry flavor."

Delirium burst into laughter. "Silly brother! Who would even eat that?!"

Edward raised an eyebrow. "And you said cloud-flavored ice cream. That's just ice."

He grinned. "Anyway, no ice cream for another 600 years or so."

She nodded sagely. "True. But we could just make one with our powers."

Edward tilted his head. "That's true… but it feels wrong. It's never quite the same."

She nodded in agreement. "It's better to taste the real thing. When it's made by someone who loves making it."

She thought on it for a moment. "I never get the details right when I make it myself."

"Don't worry," he said gently. "Next time, I'll help."

They continued their little journey, strolling through a nearby market town. Though invisible to ordinary mortals, they walked among the people, observing the bustle of daily life. Eventually, Delirium dragged Edward toward a clothing stall filled with bright, colorful fabrics.

He watched with mild amusement as she darted from one dress to the next, holding them up and twirling in front of a cracked mirror.

Edward picked out a few he thought would suit her—a sky-blue one with gold patterns, a light green one with a flowing hem.

Delirium squealed in joy. "These are so pretty!" She tried them on immediately, spinning and laughing.

He smiled quietly. She radiated innocence and chaos in equal measure. There was a strange peace in her presence, even if her mind danced in a thousand directions at once.

The day wore on. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, they sat by a small hill overlooking the trees, the sky painted orange and purple.

Delirium was quiet now. She stared at the fading light, then turned to him with hopeful eyes.

"I can come visit you again, and we can go and have fun again, right Brother?"

Edward looked at her and nodded, arms open. She leaned into his embrace.

"Of course, dear," he said softly. "You can come and visit me anytime. We'll have lots of fun. Just like today."

She smiled, her eyes closed as she rested her head on his shoulder.

Flashback End

Death chuckled lightly as he told her the story of their meeting." You really are a weirdo. Even we can't keep up a conversation with her."

Edward smiled, " You just need to be patient and help her express herself."

She stood slowly, brushing off her skirt. Then she looked away. "I should get going." She hesitated, then added, "I'll visit from time to time. If that's alright with you."

Edward smiled. "Sure. If it's you. But no peeking at my private life from now on."

Death paused. Then she turned and gave him a radiant smile, one rare to see from her.

"No promises," she said, and winked.

Then she disappeared, leaving Edward alone with the wind and the waves. " Heh, flirting with Death herself. Is that what they call courting death?" He chuckled to himself.

In a far away place, Destiny watched the pages write themselves in the book of Destiny. He suddenly split into two versions of himself. They spoke simultaneously, " A new path has opened up. The destiny has merged . The world shall unravel under darkness and light."

Nobody knew what it meant, but it sounded rather ominous.