Theo's POV
The movie was about halfway through when Theo noticed Ame's breathing had changed. Her massive form had gradually relaxed against the sofa, her six eyes already closed as the gentle music of Spirited Away played in the background.
She must have been really exhausted, he thought, watching her peacefully sleeping face. Poor thing probably hasn't had a safe place to rest in who knows how long.
Her ears twitched occasionally at sounds from the movie, but she was clearly in deep sleep. Warmth spread through Theo's chest as he watched her. Having a companion made this dream world feel less lonely, more... real somehow.
Though I guess that's how dreams work. Your subconscious fills in what you need most. Even her own backstory and context before I made her appear.
He reached over carefully and grabbed a soft blanket that had appeared on the nearby chair - tsk. tsk... dream logic really was too convenient, he just wished for it and it appeared. He then gently draped it over Ame's sleeping form. She made a small contented sound and shifted slightly, curling up more comfortably.
Huh... She's actually pretty cute asleep. Theo thought with a smile.
The movie continued playing, but Theo found himself more interested in just enjoying the cozy atmosphere. The fireplace crackled softly, casting dancing shadows on the walls. Rain had started pattering against the windows outside... when had he added weather to this place?
My subconscious is really going all out with the ambiance.
As the peaceful evening settled around them, Theo felt himself getting drowsy too. He stretched out on his side of the large sofa, pulling another blanket over himself. The cushions were incredibly comfortable, and Ame's presence nearby made everything feel safe and warm.
Just as he was starting to drift off, a sudden tickle in his nose made him scrunch up his face.
Oh no, not now...
"Ah... ah... ACHOO!"
The sneeze echoed through the cozy room, and Theo immediately felt embarrassed and looked over to see if he woke up Ame, luckily she only stirred slightly but didn't wake up.
Wait, he thought, blinking in confusion. Why am I sneezing? I'm in a dream. I shouldn't be able to get sick in a dream.
A weird scratchy feeling lingered in his throat, like the beginning of a cold. It felt oddly real for dream sickness.
This is bizarre. Maybe I'm getting sick in real life and it's affecting the dream?
But this was supposed to be his perfect fantasy world. Getting sick here seemed wrong, like a glitch in the system.
Well, if I can create houses and furniture, I should be able to fix a stupid cold.
Farbauti's POV
In the deepest pit of the true Abyss, something ancient stirred.
Farbauti, the Devil Monarch, felt it the moment his domain was breached. Someone - something - had opened a direct portal to his realm. The audacity was staggering.
Who dares?
His massive form, wreathed in shadows and flame, moved through the corrupted landscape of his territory. The lesser demons cowered as his presence swept over them, sensing their master's rage.
For eons, the Abyss had been his sanctuary. His escape from the petty wars of the other Ancient Gods. Here, he could plot and scheme without interference. The realm itself was corruption incarnate, a place where only beings of pure malevolence could survive.
And now someone had not only entered uninvited, but had the sheer insolence to reshape part of his domain into some kind of... dwelling.
His many eyes focused on the distant disturbance. Through the layers of corrupted reality, he could perceive the intruder. A being was sitting calmly in what appeared to be a comfortable room, completely unaffected by the Abyss's corruption.
How is this possible? Nothing should be able to resist the corruption of my domain. Much less a mortal.
Yet, fury built within the Devil Monarch. This was not just trespassing, it was a direct challenge to his authority over the Abyss itself, even more as the trespasser was a mere mortal.
You dare make yourself comfortable in MY realm? I'll show you what happens to those who disrespect me.
Farbauti gathered his spirituality, weaving together strands of multiple curses filled with malice. He would send a curse through the connection this fool had opened. Something subtle but deadly. Let the intruder suffer as his body was dissolved from within.
A simple eroding curse should suffice. Let your mortal form rot while your mind remains aware of every moment of agony.
The curse shot through the spiritual connection like a venomous snake, launching for its prey.
Theo's POV
Alright, let's see...
Theo closed his eyes and focused on the weird sick feeling in his body. If this was a dream, he should be able to just... extract it somehow.
Like removing a virus from a computer. Or maybe like those games where you can cure status ailments.
He concentrated on visualizing the sickness as something separate from himself. Something he could grab and pull out. The sensation was strange - like there was actually something foreign and nasty wriggling around inside him.
Okay, that's gross but... I can feel it. It's like there's actually a little parasite or something.
Following his instincts, Theo reached out with his mind and grasped the foreign presence. It felt slimy and evil, like it was actively trying to hurt him.
Got it. Now... out you go.
With a mental yank, he pulled the sickness out of his body and into the physical world.
What materialized in his outstretched palm made him blink in surprise.
It was tiny - maybe the size of a hamster - but it looked like a perfectly formed miniature demon. Red skin, little horns, glowing yellow eyes filled with rage. It was hissing and spitting, clearly furious at being extracted.
Whoa. My subconscious created a literal virus demon. That's... I'm actually pretty creative. Huh?
The tiny creature was trying to claw at his hand, but it was so small that it felt more like an angry baby kitten scratching him.
"Insolent mortal!" the mini-demon squeaked in a voice like a mouse with a sore throat. "You dare extract the curse of Farbauti, Devil Monarch of the Abyss? I will consume your soul and—"
Oh, it talks too. And it's got quite an attitude for something I could squish with my thumb.
Theo held the tiny demon up to eye level, studying it with amusement. "You know what? You're kind of annoying. And you were making me feel sick."
The little demon's eyes widened in what might have been fear. "Wait, you cannot simply—"
I don't want annoying parasites in my dream world.
Theo closed his fist gently, and with a simple thought, erased the tiny demon from existence.
There was a brief flash of light and something merged into his skin, and then... nothing. Like it had never been there at all.
Huh. That was easier than I expected.
But as the mini-demon vanished, Theo felt a weird rush of energy, like he'd just gained experience points in a video game. It was actually quite pleasant - warm and energizing.
Oh cool, it must be like Minecraft. When you kill mobs, you get XP orbs.
The sick feeling was completely gone now, replaced by a sense of vitality and strength. Whatever that little curse demon had been, getting rid of it had definitely been the right call.
My dream world's immune system is pretty effective, he thought with satisfaction. Good to know I can handle any weird glitches that pop up.
He settled back down on the sofa, pulling his blanket up to his chin. Ame was still sleeping peacefully beside him, completely undisturbed by the whole incident.
She looks so relaxed. I'm glad I could give her a safe place to rest.
The movie was still playing softly in the background, the fireplace was still crackling warmly, and the rain continued its gentle pattering on the windows. Everything was perfect again.
This really is the best dream ever, Theo thought drowsily as he finally began to drift off to sleep. Cozy house, good company, and apparently I've got cheat codes for dealing with any problems that come up.
I could get used to this.
As sleep claimed him, Theo remained blissfully unaware what he'd just done.
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Author's Note: Heyo! Erm, honestly I thought in the start that it would be easier to write this as I was an avid fan from multiple god like novels, but... erm, each novel has its own way of doing jokes and everything and it may feel weird.
Anyway, author's out! ciao!