Standing amid his butterfly conservatory, Abel Aurelius scribbled notes in his battered notebook. The rare blue butterfly he was researching flitted nearby, its wings a vibrant splash of color against the greenery. Hundreds of butterflies danced around him, a whirlwind of delicate wings and fleeting shadows. His long, black, curly hair blew gently in the warm spring wind, tickling his cheeks as he focused on his work.
The conservatory was his sanctuary, where he could lose himself in the beauty and intricacies of nature. But his emotions were in a storm of worry and frustration. Today's significance brought bittersweet memories as he observed the rare butterfly; a vivid and unbidden memory surfaced, transporting him back in time.
____________________________________________________
He was a small child again, maybe three or four, nestled in his mother's lap in a sprawling meadow. The grass was tall and lush, dotted with wildflowers of every conceivable color. His mom was there, sitting cross-legged, her presence as natural and beautiful as the flowers around them. She wore a simple white shirt and a light blue cardigan, but what stood out most was the flower crown adorning her head. It was woven with orange, yellow, and blue blossoms, making her look like a queen from one of his favorite storybooks.
He felt the warmth of her embrace, his tiny hand wrapped securely in hers. He remembered his simple outfit—a plain white T-shirt and navy shorts—and how he felt utterly safe and loved. The butterflies were everywhere, swirling around them in a magical dance of green, purple, and white. They seemed drawn to his mother as if they recognized a kindred spirit in her gentle, nurturing presence.
"My darling Abel, do you love butterflies?" his mother asked. Her long silver, gold, and purple hair reached down her back. Her purple and gold heterochromia eyes looked upon him with love. Her pearly white smile was brighter than the sun.
"I love butterflies, Mama!" his childish giggles tickled her cheek like the spring wind.
Reaching out to wipe a tear from her gold-colored eye, she laughed with all the abandonment of a free spirit. "I am glad you love butterflies, my little prince, because the butterflies love you, too. Very much."
Looking into his heterochromia blue and purple eyes with flecks of gold, his mother smiled sadly. "My darling child, my little prince of butterflies, promise me you will protect these beautiful creatures."
"I promise! Pinkie, promise!"
The sunlight bathed the meadow in a golden glow, casting a halo around them. It was a perfect moment, one of those rare instances where the world feels whole and beautiful. Behind them, the hills rolled gently under a sky so blue it seemed endless, dotted with just a few wispy clouds.
Even now, he could almost feel the warmth of that day, hear the soft murmur of his mother's voice, and see her radiant smile. It was a memory he held close, a piece of his past that kept his mother's spirit alive within him.
____________________________________________________
Abel blinked, the flashback fading as he returned to the present. The rare blue butterfly had landed on his notebook, its delicate wings pulsing gently. He smiled, feeling a connection between his passion and those cherished moments from his past. His mother had given him more than just love; she had given him an appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. And in this conservatory, surrounded by the fluttering wings of his beloved butterflies, he felt her presence more than ever.
That was the last day he saw his mother. On her second awakening day, she chose to become a Holder, who is always to stay in the Dreamlands.
Finishing his note-taking, he bid farewell to his butterflies and headed to his library, some of the butterflies trying to follow. 'Mother, why did you choose that path?' he had been asking for almost ten years.
Opening a grand, vine-decorated bronze door marked the entrance to the library. The door was a masterpiece, with detailed carvings of intertwined vines, flowers, and butterflies, symbolizing the connection between knowledge and nature. Above the door, a beautifully crafted stone arch bore the inscription "Bibliotheca Aurelius," signifying the legacy of the Aurelius family. Flanking the entrance were two ornate lanterns, their soft glow welcoming visitors even in the twilight hours.
As he entered; cool air brushed his sun-warm cheeks. The library stood as a majestic edifice amidst the lush greenery of Abel's family estate, a structure that seemed to be plucked from the pages of an ancient storybook. Its exterior was an intricate blend of old-world charm and timeless elegance. The building was constructed of weathered gray stone, with ivy vines crawling up its walls, lending it a touch of nature's artistry. Large, arched windows punctuated the facade, their stained glass panes depicting scenes of mythical creatures and enchanted forests, casting colorful patterns on the ground when sunlight filtered through.
He placed his notebook on his desk and sat in the royal blue velvet armchair. Crossing his legs and laying his head on his hand, his thoughts went to his birthday, his twelfth birthday, to be precise. He checked the grandfather clock near the staircase. "Two more hours till my life is forfeit to fate." Sighing in reluctant acceptance, he opened a Lepidopterology textbook, his favorite. Caressing the hardcover, he remembered how much his mother loved this book. Shaking the memories away, he read.
Abel closed the textbook an hour and a half later and headed to the family home. The butterfly conservatory was built within walking distance of the manor. Stone tiles made a walkway connecting the two buildings. Rose bushes and evergreen trees made a lovely scenery. Three butterflies followed him inside, hiding in his long black hair. "You should be with the others, little ones. I will be leaving soon," he whispered to his hideaways. Fluttering in his hair was their only response.
The Aurelius family's family home, or manor, was a sprawling estate with grandeur and history. Built in the style of a classical mansion, it featured a harmonious blend of architectural influences, combining the solidity of ancient structures with the grace of more modern design elements. The manor's facade was adorned with elegant stonework and tall, columned porticoes that gave it a stately appearance.
The exterior walls were clad in smooth, cream-colored limestone, which gleamed softly in the sunlight. Large, mullioned windows offered glimpses of the opulent interiors, while the roof, covered in dark slate tiles, added a touch of austerity to the overall look. Balconies with wrought-iron railings provided serene views of the surrounding gardens, each meticulously maintained with vibrant flowers, shrubs, and evergreen trees.
A comprehensive, stone-tiled walkway connected the conservatory and the manor, lined with blooming rose bushes and shaded by towering evergreens. The pathway led to a grand entrance with a double door of rich mahogany, intricately carved with flora and fauna motifs, echoing the library's designs. Above the door, a large, arched window added to the sense of openness and light.
The gardens surrounding the manor were a sight, with meticulously trimmed hedges, colorful flowerbeds, and a serene fountain at the center. The marble fountain featured a sculpture of a graceful butterfly in mid-flight, water cascading gently around it, creating a peaceful ambiance.
Abel entered the sitting room—his father and twin brother were already there. "Father. Asher." Abel greeted, sitting down in the loveseat. Checking the grandfather clock near the fireplace. 'Twenty-five minutes left till Awakening day.'
"Abel! It's almost time. I'm so excited! Are you excited?!" Asher was always loud and active compared to Abel, who was always calm and collected.
Looking at his twin brother, Abel saw the same black, slightly curled hair, but Abel wore his long past his shoulders, and Asher liked his shorter. Asher's blue eyes contrasted with Abel's heterochromia purple and blue eyes and the beauty mark on Abel's left cheek. Abel's girlish appearance was often compared to Asher's boyish good looks by the townspeople, something Abel found annoying. At almost twelve, Asher had lean, developing muscle, which was often shown by his clothing style. He liked sleeveless shirts and shorts.
On the other hand, Abel did not enjoy physical activity; he preferred spending his days in the butterfly conservatory, researching and reading. And it showed with his lean, gentle body. He wore oversized cardigans and long dressed pants. Sometimes, he wore hoodies during the colder days.
Turning away from his twin, Abel simply sighed. "No, I'm not." His curt answer attracted their father's attention. Looking up, his cold blue eyes stared at his youngest son knowingly. "Abel, what class will you be choosing? I don't need to ask Asher. He has been shouting it almost every day this week," Jonas Aurelius chuckled.
"Fighters are the best starter class!" Asher exclaimed, jumping excitedly, pretending to hold and thrust a sword. "I wanna be a knight just like Dad."
Abel turned away from the window he was looking through, watching the stars, and faced his father. Tilting his head in contemplation, he thought of the question. "Caster, I think."
Jonas nodded in acceptance. "Caster, hm? Yes, I think that would fit you best. Remember, once you arrive at the Cloudlands, respect your Receiver. They may look harmless, sheep-like humanoids, but are still far more powerful than a Dreamer."
Asher and Abel nodded. "Yes, Sir," they confirmed in unison. Everyone knew once you arrived in the Dreamworld, you were the weakest. A simple cloud bunny could kill you.
Abel checked the time—ten minutes until twelve. He rose from the loveseat and said, "It's almost time." Abel nodded to his father in farewell and then headed to his bedroom to lie down.
"Father, why does Abel almost act so cold? All he does all day is play with his butterflies and read dusty books!" Asher crossed his arms and frowned at his father. He wanted his brother to play with him, too!
Jonas looked at his older son with the same calm expression as his younger son. The eyes, as cold and steady as a lake in early winter, looked deep into Asher's similar-colored eyes. Unlike his younger son, Asher's eyes held very little pain at the loss of the woman who left them in this world. 'He let go of the pain. This son is strong-willed. Very good for a Fighter Class.' Nodding in appreciation, he answered his son.
"He is in pain, Asher. To you, today may be an exciting day, but to your brother and me, to a lesser degree, today is a reminder of the loss of your mother. Do you remember your mother, son?"
Thinking, Asher tried to remember his mother. He was three when she disappeared, after all. "My memories of Mom are fuzzy since I don't have Abel's perfect memory, but I remember her smile and warm hugs. She liked butterflies like Abel. She would hum while cooking." Feeling something tickling his cheeks, he touched them. He looked at his fingers and saw them wet with tears.
Watching as his son cried for the first time in years, Jonas reached out and hugged him. "It is okay, my son. I am sorry for asking something that caused you sadness. Go to bed before Somnus comes, hm?"
Wiping his cheeks, Asher nodded and headed to his room next to Abel's. Watching Asher walk away, Jonas took a heavy sigh. He raked his hand through his shoulder-length black hair in frustration, seeing his sons in pain. 'Vanessa, did you know how much pain your decision would cause them? Was this the only way?'
Nine Minutes Ago:
Abel closed the door to his bedroom and looked around at the barren room, which had white walls and cold, hardwood floors. The pearl-white sheets and pillowcases on the bed were the only decorated things besides the purple butterfly stickers stuck to the sizeable two-door window doors that led to the balcony. The king-sized canopy bed was made of white elm wood. The butterfly-shaped rug beside the bed was his only exception to decorations on the floor.
Laying down in the soft bed, he checked the butterfly alarm clock. His father's friend, who had a wood-shaping skill, made it for Abel's and Asher's tenth birthday. "One minute left." Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes. Soon, he felt the light touch of the God of Sleep mark his forehead with its marking. His whole body felt tingling all over, like butterflies were giving kisses to every crevice of his body. Then Dreamland welcomed him. A soft meow was the last thing he heard.
Once he opened his eyes, he noticed the humongous rainbow he was standing on. The beauty of the bridge of the Dreamlands was even more magnificent than the stories told in school. "Beautiful," Abel whispered in awe. The clouds around him looked like a soft sea. He had the urge to reach out and touch them.
"The awe in your newcomers' faces always amuses me." A beautifully divine female voice suddenly startled Abel away from the beauty of the scenery. Turning around, he saw a white-haired with rainbow tips young woman looking around eighteen years old with eyes the same rainbow radiance of the bridge beneath their feet. Her pearly white dress was dragging down to the rainbow floor.
"Iris, Goddess of the Rainbow," Abel uttered in surprised awe. He bowed his head in respect. "It is an honor to be escorted to the Cloudlands by someone like you." Earning a chuckle from the Goddess.
"You are an amusing one." Iris complimented. "One far beyond his years, I see. Come, take my hand, little one. We don't want to be late, hm?"
As they traveled across the Rainbow Bridge, Abel watched as the creatures who resided in the Cloudlands bounced from one cloud to the next until Iris led him to the end of the Rainbow, where the Cloudlands were.
Stepping on the sands of the shores of the Cloudlands, Abel looked down in amazement once again.
The shores of the Dream Sea in the Cloudlands were unlike any earthly beaches. Instead of conventional sand, the Dream Sea was bordered by what was known as Timeless Sand. This sand was a captivating mixture of colors that shimmered and changed with the light, creating a breathtakingly beautiful spectacle.
The rainbow-colored sand was an iridescent blend of every color imaginable. Each grain seemed to contain a miniature spectrum, shifting through hues of blue, green, purple, pink, and gold as one moved or as the light hit it from different angles. The overall effect was like walking on a moving, living rainbow.
The sand was magnificent and soft, almost like powdered silk. Abel thought walking on it felt more like floating, as the grains cushioned each step gently and seemed to spring back slightly as if imbued with a magical resilience.
Iris let go of Abel's smaller hand. "Abel Hyacinth Aurelius, go forth to find your chosen path. May you be worthy of the God of Dreams' Blessing." After the blessing, she kissed his forehead, where Somnus had marked him and disappeared.
Coming from the Temple of Morpheus, a Receiver, a serene and gentle presence, walked towards Abel. The Receiver was an enchanting blend of human and sheep-like qualities, radiating a sense of calm and wisdom.
The Receiver had a kind and gentle face framed by a mane of soft, curly wool that cascaded down their back and shoulders. Their eyes were large and expressive, a soothing mix of warm brown and flecks of gold that seemed to shimmer with an inner light. Their nose was small and delicate, with a slight upturn, adding to their approachable demeanor.
The Receiver's ears were long and gently pointed, covered in the same soft wool, and twitched slightly as if constantly attuned to the whispers of the Dreamworld. A small, fluffy tail peeked behind them, wagging gently, reflecting their tranquil mood.
Their bodies were humanoid, with a slender and graceful build. Wool-covered parts of their bodies like a natural garment, particularly around the neck, wrists, and ankles, giving them an ethereal and mystical appearance. The rest of their skin was smooth and had a faint, luminescent glow, enhancing their otherworldly presence.
The Receiver wore simple yet elegant robes of light, flowing material that moved with an almost liquid grace as they walked. The robes were a soft white, with subtle patterns of gold and silver thread woven throughout, reflecting the light in delicate, shifting patterns. The edges of the robes were adorned with intricate embroidery depicting stars, moons, and clouds, symbolizing their connection to the celestial and the dreamlike.
The Receiver exuded an aura of calm and benevolence, making Abel feel instantly at ease. Their presence was like a gentle balm, soothing any anxieties and filling the air with peace and safety.
"Welcome, Child of Chronus. I, Labradorite, am pleased to be your Receiver on behalf of the Great Gods of Dreams, Sleep, and Time. Please follow me to the Temple of Morpheus." The Receiver, Labradorite, reached out to Abel like the Goddess Iris.
When the Receiver spoke, their voice was melodious and gentle, carrying a musical quality that was both comforting and enchanting. Each word resonated with more profound wisdom and understanding, making Abel feel like he was in the presence of a being who had seen countless dreams unfold.
Taking the hand his Receiver offered, Abel was led to the giant temple up the hill. The Temple of Morpheus stood as a monumental testament to the divine beauty and grandeur of the Dreamlands, a structure that inspired awe and reverence from all who beheld it.
The temple was reminiscent of grand ancient architecture, with influences of classical antiquity blended seamlessly with ethereal elements. Constructed from gleaming white marble, the exterior glowed softly in the perpetual twilight of the Cloudlands, giving the temple an otherworldly appearance.
Tall, fluted columns supported expansive porticos, each intricately carved with scenes of dreamers and mythical creatures. These columns were adorned with delicate vines and flowers, as if nature had chosen to embellish the divine structure.
The temple's facade was adorned with carvings of celestial symbols, stars, moons, and representations of the gods. Statues of majestic guardians flanked the grand staircase leading up to the entrance, their expressions both serene and formidable, symbolizing protection and wisdom.
A wide, grand staircase ascended to the entrance. Its steps were polished and smooth, reflecting the light in subtle, shifting patterns. Each step felt significant, as if ascending to a higher plane of existence.
The entrance was marked by a massive archway through which a gentle, inviting light spilled out. The arch was framed with more carvings, depicting scenes of dreamers guided by divine beings, a testament to the temple's purpose as a sanctuary and a place of guidance.
Its magnificence stole his breath as Abel was led inside the majestic temple. The interior was characterized by high, vaulted ceilings that soared above, creating a sense of immense space and freedom. The ceilings were adorned with golden and silver mosaics that depicted celestial scenes, stars, and galaxies, which reflected the soft light in a mesmerizing display.
The temple's vast open spaces were filled with an ethereal light that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere. This light bathed everything in a soft, warm glow, enhancing the sense of peace and serenity.
The walls were covered with intricate mosaics and frescoes depicting the history of dreams and the gods. These artworks told stories of creation, the first dreamers, and the divine beings who watched over the Dreamlands.
At the heart of the temple stood a grand altar dedicated to Morpheus, the God of Dreams. The altar was made of a crystalline substance shimmered with an inner light. It was surrounded by a ring of smaller altars dedicated to the other gods, including Somnus, Iris, and Chronus, each altar reflecting the unique essence of the god it honored.
Similar to those outside, tall pillars lined the pathways within the temple, guiding visitors through its sacred halls. The paths were paved with smooth, polished stone that echoed softly with each step, adding to the serene atmosphere.
Floating orbs of light drifted through the air, illuminating the scenes depicted in the mosaics and frescoes. These orbs seemed to respond to the presence of dreamers, following and lighting their way.
Within the temple were serene gardens and water features, where streams of crystal-clear water flowed gently through channels carved into the floor. These features added to the temple's tranquility, providing spaces for reflection and meditation.
Labradorite stopped in front of Morpheus's altar. Turning to face Abel, it explained what came next. "Dreamer Abel Hyacinth Aurelius, place your dominant hand on the Alter of Dreams so that the Blessed Glow may shower you." Its musical voice echoed across temple walls.