Chapter Text
The storm was raging outside, Zeus' rage was near...
Apokuna went to sleep with little worries, her sleep was usually peaceful and her dreams pleasant.
The advantages of being a champion of Morpheus, surely. Her Patron didn't like wars and conflict, that said she was holder of the Title out of symbol more than anything, a reward for her devotion and loyalty.
Knowing that they weren't a tool of war, the Champion of Morpheus fell asleep.
When she raised her head again,why it felt... wrong.
They knew easily, from experiance maybe, they've gotten better at recognizing dreams. At least, when they wanted to be recognized....
"this is fine" she told herself as she looked for Him.
Lord Morpheus smiled to them. He was standing there, taken the form of a taller mortal man. A form that he struggled to keep if the fact that his hair dissolved into cloud was anything to judge by.
He waved at Apo, inviting them closer but... his face held something she'd never seen in him : restlessness.
"Apokuna..." he greeted, his voice sounded like it echoed inside her very mind. "Good evening"
Apo went to kneel but he made a gesture to stop them.
"Please, stay standing. I need to tell you something.
Apo's voices trembled,despite her efforts, "Yes, my Lord ?" she questionned.
Morpheus looked at them with sadness in his eyes, like he wished he could something else than to answer. Apo almost thought she saw regret in his eyes ? No. She banished the thought. Gods didn't regret, much less things that have yet to happen.
"I can not stall, Apokuna. I must send you away to the battlefield."
The room grew colder around Apokuna and she clung her fists.
She never wanted to go to war, she didn't want to take lives, she didn't want to lose hers !
"Oh Apo..." Morpheus approched and took their face in his hands "I am so sorry. I've never wanted blood to dirty your hands."
Morpheus's hands were cold, even in a world of dreams, they felt uncomfortable on her cheeks. When she to looked into his eyes she saw only the sadness... The sadness of a father sending his child to war.
"Before you go, I shall give you a gift." The god said before taking his hands off.
Before Apo knew it, they had feathers growing out their cheeks and wings opening up their back. The feeling was strange but familiar. The growing of wings wasn't painful per say, more like finally moving a limb that had been still for hours.
Morpheus pressed his forehead to Apo's.
"Those black wings, I give them to you in the hope that they'll grant you the protection of someone powerfull. Do you understand ?"
Apo didn't understand but found themself nodding either way...
"Have my blessing Apokuna..." Morpheus's voice echoed through the very fabric of the world.
"Your enemies shall fear you, your allies shall be loyal, you shall come back to your home alive"
Morpheus took her hand
"I will not let you die Apokuna. I swear it."
Those were the last words Apo heard before waking up. It was still night outside but she didn't want to go back to sleep. She had to ready herself.
She felt the wings in her back, real and moving with her as she breathed,
a sign that she really must go to war...