"Yo~ ho~ Yo~ ho~ On the Abyss we go~" The Ferryman sang while his spear steered the boat. "Where the black tides churn and the dead winds blow~ "Pay the toll or lose your soul~ "The Ferryman takes all who seek his boat~" During this silent journey, Alice found herself tapping her finger along with the song he was singing. "The waters whisper of lives undone~ "Of broken vows and the setting sun~ "Yet onward he rows with a steady hand~ "From shadowed shores to the no-man’s land~ Yo~ ho~ Yo~ ho~ On the Abyss we go~" "Did you compose this song?" Alice asked curiously as the Ferryman didn’t turn. "Nay, a passing bard composed it for me. I took him on a journey, the only time I made an exception to make multiple stops along the ride. You see, he was a little lost in the maze called life." The Ferryman chuckled. "At first, he wanted to drown himself in the Abyssal Waters then I appeared. I told him my fee and proclaimed that I could take him wherever he wanted in the Abyss. Where the Abyss Waters lead, I could guide, for I am the Ferryman of these dark tides. "And do you know how he responded?" Alice shook her head. "Surprise me. I’ve seen a myriad of sights. The highest peaks and the lowest depths of mankind. What is left for me to see but to die and see what’s in the afterlife? "Bit of a dramatic fellow don’t you agree?" The Ferryman laughed. "So I made an exception. Dead men have no use for coin do they? So I proposed to take him around the Abyss. To see the sights he has not seen before, to witness the flow of life in these depths. To lay his eyes on Terminus and return unharmed." He grinned. Alice sat up at the mention of Terminus. A place that should be sealed off until recently. Yet... he could access it? "For each stop that we made, I would take two coins from him." The Ferryman closed his eyes, recalling that month long journey he had with the bard. "During that month, we drifted past ancient ruins, lands of treasures and the prisons of the Old Lords. "I showed him an orchestra of sirens who sang in the depths, whales that flew in the sky, inverted islands that hovered beneath the waves. I showed him the cosmic sea sealed in a cover, the silken bands of light that painted this perpetual darkness. "I took him to the golden city that lost its lustre, the folly of kings and the beauty of art that transcends time. "We sailed past hollowed monasteries where believers and monks of no faith chant prayers from day till night. Fields of glass that trapped souls of those that wandered too far. "I sailed and he played his tunes. Then, at the end of the month, he gifted me this song. His eyes now found purpose and his mind cleared. It was an enjoyable month." The Ferryman chuckled. "Though I hadn’t expected to hear his name long after he departed from another client. He recognised the song I sang. Turns out the bard had made a name for himself in a city next to the ocean. His songs about our journey painted a picture of the Abyss like no other." He sighed. "Isn’t that a good thing? You seem sad." Alice frowned. "Aye, for he was killed. You see, his songs earned him the favour of the Lord’s daughter. She was enraptured by his tales and fell in love. The Lord, seeing this, proclaimed him to be a beast, a siren, and ordered his execution." The Ferryman shook his head. "So I drowned the city in these waters and for it never be heard from ever again." He cackled. "Huh?! It was just the Lord, so why the city along with it?" Alice widened her eyes. Why did he have to drag the innocent in his revenge? "Pft, lil’ miss, you’re more gullible than I thought. Do you think I can still enjoy myself if I wiped out a city like that? The other Lords will be going after my head, hahaha!" The Ferryman laughed from the pits of his stomach. After a moment to calm himself, he smiled. "I killed the Lord in the most brutal way. Filled his lungs and stomach with Abyss Water. Watched him mutate, transform and beg for help. "He flailed his arms, splashing Abyss Water to his surroundings. Soldiers that tried to help, those with low resistances and low Sigils died almost instantly. Those who had more power managed to hold on, fighting off the corruption. You can think of it as an outbreak." He shrugged. "The Lord refused to die alone so he dragged others into the mess. Naturally I left. While the destruction of the city technically wasn’t my doing, I suppose I had a part to play in it." "That... You could’ve stopped them, couldn’t you? Stop them from spreading the Abyss Waters." Alice creased her brows. "That I could. But why should I?" The Ferryman revealed a sadistic grin. "Bystanders they were when my friend was accused. They so easily believed the lie of him being a beast, crafting stories such as him wanting to drag them into the Abyss. So now that the Abyss had come to them, why should I help them avoid it? My vengeance was satisfied, what follows I care not!" "Or does that disturb you lil’ girl?" He glanced back at Alice who closed her eyes. Thıs content belongs to NovєlFіre.net Each person had their own circumstances. With the Zenia family, there were those who knew what’s going on and actively helped. But there were probably also those who were reluctant. In the situation where she wipes out the family, how will she differentiate those who are guilty and those who are simply a victim of the circumstances? If Alice had to be honest... Those who were truly disturbed by what the Zenia family did would’ve left already. So they who remain will become the victims of her wrath, even if they felt guilty. As for those who didn’t know the true face of the Zenia family... She could only apologise for what she will do! "Nah, it doesn’t." Alice shook her head. The Ferryman was a little surprised. This clarity in her eyes, she was serious. A smile appeared on his lips as he let out another laugh. "Indeed! It doesn’t! We each have one life so why not live being true to yourself? I have climbed to the position of Lord because I sought freedom. I will not bend my way of life to satisfy another. So this city disappearing from the map weighs not on my mind." "I think it should still weigh to some degree." Alice’s smile twitched. Shaking her head, she gave up arguing with him. But she has to admit, his talk of showing the bard around has her interested. "Do you think you’ll be able to show me around like you did with the bard? I’m rather curious as to how you even enter Terminus." Alice asked. "I’m afraid I cannot do that. One journey per meeting! No pauses between stops." "Didn’t you make an exception for him?" "That’s why it’s called an exception. One time thing. Repeat the exception and it becomes the norm." He shook his head. "Even if that means travelling a month with a pretty gal like me?" Alice flipped her hair. [Okay calm down narcissist.] Cayla rolled her eyes. ’Heh.’ Alyss simply smirked. Yet that smirk spoke a thousand words. Alice felt embarrassed but she too wanted to see the sights that the Ferryman talked about. Hearing her words, the Ferryman glanced back and stared at Alice. "Sorry but you’re a little short for my tastes." He scratched his chin. "And your assets are a little... lacking." "So no, I don’t think you classify as a pretty gal by my tastes." He laughed, turning around to focus on the steering. "I’ll have you know my assets are average!" Alice protested. Sure she might be a little short but she was pretty proud of her figure! [You sure about that? I’d say they’re closer to below average if anything.] Cayla folded her arms, pushing out her chest. ’You know that’s an insult to me as well right?’ Alyss’s smile twitched. ’We still have time to grow! Plus too big and they’ll be annoying to manage in combat!’ Alice retorted. ’I’m pretty sure our growth period is over a while ago.’ Alyss mumbled as Alice collapsed onto the floor. She’ll stay this short forever... She didn’t ask for much! Just a few extra inches! Being 5ft 2 inches has its issues like reach! But alas a girl could dream. [All of your height disappeared into your love for mead.] Cayla smirked. ’If that’s the case don’t you think she’ll be shorter?’ Alyss smirked. [Hm... You’re right...] ’What the hell is today? Is today a bully me day?!’ Alice wanted to cry. [Isn’t that just everyday? You’re too dumb not to be bullied.] Cayla’s words felt like a drop kick from beyond the sky as Alice gave up. She still has hope! Surely becoming a Lord or perhaps even the Abyss Goddess will reshape her body! When the time comes, she’ll do everything in her power to gain a few inches in height! She couldn’t let Allura, who was tall as hell, have a short daughter after all! Sobbing internally while sitting on the Ferryman’s boat, they soon reached their destination after two days or so of travelling.