As the early morning sun began to cast shadows upon the land, Morpheus entered Philiopia. The city was already thriving with business. The streets were lined with venders selling their goods. There were many people out with their children. The local taverns were already open for business. Even this early in the day, there were people ready to sedate themselves with alcohol.
Morpheus slowed his walk outside of such a tavern. It was named Tavern of Morpheus. He smiled at the name. Too much alcohol is as destructive as Morpheus could be on a bad day. He turned to go inside, to show the chosen one his destiny, when suddenly a man came flying out of the door. With his quick refexes, Morpheus dodged him. The man landed on the ground with a hard thump. A strong young boy named Aramis came out of the door behind him.
"We've shown all the kindness we can tolerate," he said, "Don't come back here with your deadbeat attitude."
Morpheus smiled as he looked at the young man. He knew he was in the presense of the chosen one.
The man quickly got up. A group of three men came out behind Aramis. They were friends of the man and they weren't too happy. "You can't treat Traxzy like that."
"Watch me, " Aramis said. He wasn't going to hurt the man any more than he had, but he knew because of brut ego, that these other men would attack him. Man no. 1 decided to tackle Aramis. Aramis suddenly turned around and grabbed him by his neck, and threw him across the street. The man's head hit a building and the blow knocked him unconscience. Morpheus was surprised by the boy's strength. Man number 2 decided he would try some oriental techniques. He decided to do a karate kick. Aramis caught his leg with a strong arm and spun the man around and let go. The man twirled in a dizzle circle and landed in the street. The third man was too afraid to even try, so he ran away. The others managed to crawl off.
The chosen one looked at him. "Can I do something for you?"
"Yes," Morpheus replied, "I'm looking for a boy named Aramis." As if he didn't know.
"I'm Aramis," the chosen one replied. "Who are you?"
"My name is Morpheus"
Aramis laughed, "Morpheus, the undertaker, the angel of death, the God of Thunder."
Morpheus smiled at his strength to laugh in the face of a possibly dangerous stranger whom was demented enough to believe he was a god. "Yes, that's right. I'm from a race not quite human, but we're not gods. I got my reputation from visiting people about to die. I council them and let them know there's nothing to be afraid of, and that when we die we go on to another life form." He could see now was the time to change the subject. "So do you often have this kind of trouble with people that come into the tavern."
Aramis paused not sure if he wanted to reply. "No," he smiled. "It usually doesn't go that far. I can win the people over with my charm. We often get people in here with a bad attitude. It's easy to pick up their hate, rage, and bitterness they feel towards the world. The thing is there's alot of people that have been hurt by people in the world. So in a business of service like this, you see alot of hurt people. It doesn't help to reflect their hate. So when I deal with people I'm nice, and I smile. I let them know the world isn't all bad, and not to focus on the negative. Negativity comes easily, but I let them know they should focus on the positive in every situation. Also, it just isn't worth it. I refuse to let their negativity bring me down. I'm gonna be happy no matter what the world thinks. Anyway, to get back to the original question, these people just got out of hand and I had to show them the way out."
"Well," Morpheus said, "you're very wise. So I suppose you would understand, that I am Morpheus and I have come for you."
Aramis raised his eyebrows. Apparently he has another delusional drunk on his hands. "Alright, so you're Morpheus the caretaker, the god of thunder, the god of death, blah blah blah, I think you've had enough to drink already, I can't let you come in here, you might end up causing trouble, and I might have to hurt you."
Morpheus smiled, he understood he would see it like that. "I understand, but I have to tell you, you are more important than you know. I have come to show you your destiny."
"Oh please, as if the gods would just come down and start talking to people, and me especially."
"Like I said, I'm not a god, but you have special gifts, which are rare for a human."
"Well," Aramis said joking, "If you're referring to my beauty, style, and grace, well that's true."
"No, I'm referring to your supernatural power."
"Oh, well my uncle told me there is no such thing as supernatural. Nothing is above nature. I believe anything people do is natural and those that complain that the things we do are not natural are wrong. If it was not natural, people wouldn't do it."
"Yes, but, supernatural is just something in nature that is super and way out of the ordinary. Alot of people who take hold of their destiny are supernatural. That is a rare occurance in nature."
"Well," Aramis smiled. "Angel of death or whatever, it was nice chatting with you, but I have to get back inside before my boss misses me."
Morpheus smiled, "Alright, but a black dragon will soon enter the village from the east and will cause you grief. Trust your instincts."
Aramis smiled rather nervous. He didn't really believe the stranger, but he was starting to suspect maybe it's true. "Well, I've got to go." Aramis turned and started to walk inside. He glanced back to look at Morpheus, but he was gone. He suddenly turned around and walked back out and looked in the street. There was not a trace of the stranger.
