Complete story — includes the ending
In the Dreaming, Dream is heartbroken over the loss of his most recent love interest. She has decided that she no longer loves him. As a result, he orders his servants to have her quarters erased, and that they never mention her again. His depression fills the Dreaming with endless rain, which oppresses its inhabitants.
Finally, a distraction comes when the Gryphon and Wyvern guarding the gates to the Ghost Castle announce that they have caught an intruder claiming to be Dream's sister. They have, of course, caught Delirium. Dream recognizes her, and has her released. The girl's fear of her older brother is obvious, but he invites her inside for some dinner, glad of the distraction.
After eating, Dream takes Delirium to his gallery to speak about the reason for her visit. Awkwardly, she explains that she thinks they should try to find their brother Destruction. She admits that their sisters Desire and Despair refused to help. Hearing that Desire was involved, Dream calls on his sister-brother and asks about Delirium's cause. Desire professes no involvement in Delirium's impulse to seek out their brother, and further, she denies involvement in the end of Dream's relationship.
Meanwhile, Delirium remembers vaguely a time when she was known as Delight. But things had changed. Destruction came to her, and told her that the time had come for change, and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Dream interrupts her, and, surprisingly, agrees to help her find Destruction.
Lucien challenges Dream on his decision, warning that it may not be wise. Dream admits that he doesn't expect to find his brother, and he and his sister leave.
Finally, a distraction comes when the Gryphon and Wyvern guarding the gates to the Ghost Castle announce that they have caught an intruder claiming to be Dream's sister. They have, of course, caught Delirium. Dream recognizes her, and has her released. The girl's fear of her older brother is obvious, but he invites her inside for some dinner, glad of the distraction.
After eating, Dream takes Delirium to his gallery to speak about the reason for her visit. Awkwardly, she explains that she thinks they should try to find their brother Destruction. She admits that their sisters Desire and Despair refused to help. Hearing that Desire was involved, Dream calls on his sister-brother and asks about Delirium's cause. Desire professes no involvement in Delirium's impulse to seek out their brother, and further, she denies involvement in the end of Dream's relationship.
Meanwhile, Delirium remembers vaguely a time when she was known as Delight. But things had changed. Destruction came to her, and told her that the time had come for change, and there was nothing she could do to stop it. Dream interrupts her, and, surprisingly, agrees to help her find Destruction.
Lucien challenges Dream on his decision, warning that it may not be wise. Dream admits that he doesn't expect to find his brother, and he and his sister leave.
Sources and content license
Source and revision history ↗ · Adapted from DC Database contributors, Sandman Vol 2 42. Illustrations and reference markup removed; synopsis paragraphs combined. · Content license