Episode 9 of The Sandman Season 2 kicks off with the unveiling of Corinthian 2.0, a novice entity bearing fragments of his predecessor's power. Though formidable, he is inexperienced and adheres rigidly to Morpheus' every word. Recognizing the need for oversight, Morpheus entrusts Johanna with the role of babysitter, arming her with a pendant capable of disintegrating Corinthian 2.0. Though reluctant, she accepts, finding the new nightmare snarky yet relatively benign.
Mrs. Shore persists in peppering Loki with questions, baffled by the circumstances surrounding Daniel's murder. Lyta, sensing her persistence, ushers her away, leaving Hettie to mourn in solitude as she watches from afar.
Morpheus, confined and restless within the confines of his realm, grows increasingly cabin-feverish. Lucienne urges him to channel his energy into something productive, prompting him to attend to pending realm affairs. Similarly, Nuala finds herself trapped in a monotonous cycle, irritated by her glamour and the faerie revelries. Cluracan, in his characteristically ambivalent manner, encourages her to engage in Titania's games while also offering to search for their missing army general.
Mrs. Shore, determined to uncover the truth, attempts to trail Loki. However, her pursuit proves futile as Loki manipulates her thoughts, leading to a confrontation where she realizes the gravity of her situation. Accepting her fate, she demands an explanation for Daniel's death, to which Loki replies coldly, asserting his indebtedness to no one before incinerating her.
Meanwhile, Barnabas, Destruction's loyal dog, is missing, leaving Delirium once again feeling isolated and longing for adventure. She approaches Destiny, who warns her that her quest may uncover unwelcome truths along with her beloved pet. Seeking companionship to cheer up Morpheus, she approaches him, only to be confused by contradictory advice from multiple manifestations of Destiny.
In the realm of the Dreaming, Gilbert gently checks in on Morpheus, who remains steadfastly silent when the topic of Orpheus arises. Seeking to soothe his troubled friend, Gilbert reminds Morpheus that he did not slay his own flesh and blood but instead made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down his life for Orpheus. This transformation, he assures, shall indeed bear fruit in Morpheus' future endeavors.
As the investigation deepens, Corinthian's peculiar choice to frolic with dogs astounds Johanna. Their differing viewpoints on the course of action spark a lively debate, with Corinthian adhering strictly to Morpheus' edicts while Johanna defiantly challenges them. Though they eventually reach a compromise, fate intervenes too soon, as Johanna inadvertently unleashes Odin upon them during their search for Loki.
Puck awakens to find Daniel still breathing, yet transformed by the flames. The blaze has scorched away the boy's mortal coil, awakening dormant powers within him. However, Puck acknowledges that the outcome was never guaranteed. He is further distressed by Loki's deception and betrayal, having been drugged without his knowledge. With a heavy heart, Puck departs, though Loki harbors hope for his return.
Elsewhere, Corinthian's theft of Mrs. Shore's eyes guides them to Loki's hotel. Playfully, Corinthian suggests to Johanna that they pose as a couple, an idea she promptly shoots down. Meanwhile, Puck waits anxiously at the bar, hoping Loki will seek him out. Undeterred, Corinthian adopts a newlywed charade, and though Johanna reluctantly goes along, their act falls flat on Puck, who is all too familiar with the first Corinthian. Nevertheless, irate with Loki, Puck hands over his room keycard before exiting.
Delirium endeavors to persuade Morpheus to embark on her quest, piquing his interest when she reveals the existence of multiple Destinies prophesying his future. This revelation kindles a spark of hope within Morpheus, prompting him to entrust Goldie to assist in Delirium's endeavor. As they part ways, she expresses her earnest wish for their paths to cross again, and for the first time, he echoes her sentiments with genuine feeling.
As per their customary routine, Corinthian and Johanna engage in a petty spat as they make their way to their hotel room. Meanwhile, Loki attempts to deceive them by adopting various disguises with sheer ingenuity. Just before the situation begins to spiral out of control, Odin and Thor make a dramatic entrance, apprehending Loki with authoritative precision. To everyone's astonishment, Odin declares that he harbors no malice towards Morpheus for sparing Loki's freedom.
Elsewhere, Hettie escorts Lyta to the realm of the Fates. Lyta, driven by a thirst for vengeance, finds a willing ally in them, who agree to mentor her in the art of slaying Morpheus.
Back at the hotel, Johanna expresses her desire to bring Daniel, now the incarnation of Dream, to Lyta. Corinthian, moved by her plea, agrees to bend the rules despite knowing the grave consequences. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Johanna entrusts Daniel and the pendant to him. Corinthian urges her to accompany him, but she declines, acknowledging her growing affection for him while remaining convinced that their relationship is doomed. How ironic, she thinks, as Orpheus once harbored similar reservations towards Lady Johanna!
In Faerie, Puck returns and takes up residence with Cluracan. Suddenly, Nuala bursts in, frantically searching for her necklace. As Cluracan hustles her out, Puck, with a mischievous grin, reveals that the Fates have dispatched someone to hunt Morpheus.
In a hurry, Nuala rushes to Titania, who indeed possesses the necklace. Agreeing to hand it over, Nuala barters for a trip to the Dreaming to warn Morpheus. Titania, however, insists they needn't leave and summons Morpheus using the necklace. Morpheus is devastated; not only has Nuala betrayed him, but his absence from his realm now puts him in grave danger.
Destiny stands firm as his conflicting visions dissipate, revealing that Morpheus' fate has already been inscribed.
In a cliffhanger ending to The Sandman Season 2 Episode 9, Gilbert is astounded to witness the presence of the Fates alongside Lyta Hall, whose humanity seems to have been overshadowed by their influence. Gilbert demands that the Fates release Lyta and depart, asserting their impotence in the absence of Morpheus. The Fates counter by reminding him that Lyta sought their aid and that Morpheus is currently absent. In a chilling turn of events, Lyta coldly slays Gilbert, leading to the gradual disintegration of Fiddler's Green.
