Three months before the ship arrives to the Port City.
The ocean.
A wide expansive plain of liquid with life barely appearing on its surface. A flock of gulls can be seen flying overhead. The ocean is vast and expansive, but only when we look below the surface do, we see something beautiful. Life ever growing, life ever changing. A school of fish swimming the natural architecture of the coral floors. A pod of whales can be seen navigating the dark abyss. One of the younger whales' swims ahead full of life and energetic to boot. It's eagerness pushing it forward not realizing that it's swum into something hard. Something hard and metallic. The whale pays it no mind and returns to the pod. Our attention however remains on the metallic object.
It is one of many chains that are dragged along the ocean floor. Multiple anchors constantly looking for points to latch onto to keep them still. What they were anchored to was much more important. A massive hulking metallic iceberg floating in the ocean. Easily the size to hold multiple cities within it. Top to bottom an assortment of fans, vents, propellers, and exhausts could be seen jutting out from the walls. Ascending up higher and higher the waves pull apart revealing an island on top. A smokestack up on top surrounded by a sandy beach. Seeing something in the distance the MAW rises up to welcome them.
A small rowboat can be seen off in the distance. The figure rowing said boat was a massive figure in a trench coat and a fedora. Their most standing out feature was their face. Whatever horrific mutation caused his face to sag down in a massive grin, their nose has disappeared from sight, and two massive eyeholes devoid of any eyeballs. They were adamant in their work as the rowed deep into the gaping MAW.
The Ferryman is seen tying his boat to the dock before pulling out a cage and a suitcase. A child could be seen within the cage. They wore that same blue shirt from the last time they encountered Mono and Six. They managed to get the shackle off of their leg as a large angry red mark could be seen wrapped around their leg.
Flashback A Couple of Days Ago
They were free. RK was seen traveling throughout another city much farther away. He learned well enough from the last time to hide from the hundreds of slobbering mouths walking through town. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough when he was captured by the Ferryman.
RK reflected on that day when he thought he found another teenager. Finally, someone normal just like him. Unlike those from that day, he shuddered from the memory as he sat within the cage. After that fateful day at the supermarket, he spent the following few days constantly looking over his shoulder. He was still convinced those two weren't children rather skin wearers or something terrifying like that. Normal children in this world don't just eat souls or whatever that black stuff coming out of their bodies was. They certainly don't just lose an arm and just grow another one.
RK was finally glad to see someone normal. At least until they turned around and RK could see that they were actually crying. Before RK could ask why they started to change. The teen's body started growing in size with skin started to bulge out in areas. Their grin growing wider their teeth falling out like broken tiles. The clothes around shifting and transforming into that long overcoat and they were adorned with a fedora placed atop their head. The Ferryman merely stood there before offering a hand to RK. RK began running to which the Ferryman asked.
"Why child? Why do you run from me? I mean you no harm. In fact, I wish to help you."
RK wasn't having any of that as he continued running only to find that the door leading out was locked tight. RK began throwing his body at the door trying to cause the smallest of gaps.
"You are hungry, yes? Cold and tired from this cruel world? I can offer you a place of sanctuary. A place to hide from the rest of the world. A place where you can have a bed, nice warm clothes, food, and toys for you to play with."
RK still rammed into the door his body tired from the constant collisions of him trying to escape. With one last heave against the door RK slumped down. His body bruised and battered from his own desperation. He could feel something grab him by the collar and lift him up. He was face to face with the Ferryman who was "looking" at him. RK fought a gag back because it looked like the Ferryman didn't actually have eyes.
"Hmmm even better, you're one of the few that doesn't seem to have powers. Ha! Or maybe you do, and they haven't even manifested yet."
'Other children actually have powers!?' RK was starting to think maybe he was the odd one in the world if those two from before could actually be considered normal children.
"In any case you're too tired to do anything else. I'll be taking you with me. You don't look like HIM so you should be safe as long as you don't try to run."
Back in the MAW
What did the Ferryman mean by that? RK didn't know and he wouldn't have time to figure that out as his thoughts were interrupted as a door slammed open with RK scrambling back against the bars as he felt a very familiar presence enter the room.
A figure can be seen standing in the doorway leading to the inner sections of the MAW. It's here that the Lady now inspects the children ensuring that Mono will be executed before he even has a chance to do so. The Void has informed her that Mono has grown much stronger than when he was in the Tower and her "successor" has evolved unlocking abilities she didn't have access to herself. To the point where if she weren't so accepting of the Void's "assistance" she wouldn't last long against the dynamic double.
She had to be sure and as a result the sharks around the MAW had a treat of meat every so often.
She approached the Ferryman with a look of disdain. She hated the Ferryman, if it weren't for the fact that he was bringing children to satisfy the Guests now known as Gorgers. Still, she decided in her head that even if he disobeyed her one time...
She'd execute him right on the spot and she'd savor every moment of watching his head fall to the ground.
"Alright Ferryman you know the drill let me see the ingrate you've brought this time."
She leaned forward only for the Ferryman to pull the cage back slightly.
"Oh, come now, Ferryman. You don't want to follow your brother's path do you. The foolish man killed himself because of his ideals. Do you want to die just because I don't want vermin on the ship?"
The Ferryman sighed and held the cage forward allowing the Geisha to take a peek inside the bars. She looked in with disappointment that it wasn't exactly Mono. Her nightmare continued on for now. Although the child looked familiar though she couldn't pinpoint why. Perhaps it would be better to snuff this life out now and not lose sleep over it.
She allowed her powers to flow over her. A black tendril sneaking its way closer and closer to RK. A small game of catch as RK wriggled around the cage. RK is cowering in fear as the smoky black tendril just barely hovers over the skin. The Geisha recoils back as a sharp pain sears through her forehead. The Ferryman and RK watch as the Geisha tears off her mask clutching her face as though it were burning off. RK couldn't but notice that through small glimpses of grayed and wrinkled flesh her forehead appeared to be glowing.
" ꈤꂦꅏ ꈤꂦꅏ ꉓꀤꈤꉓꍏ. ꅏꃅꍏ꓄ ꍟꊼꍏꉓ꓄꒒ꌩ ꍏꋪꍟ ꌩꂦꀎ ꀸꂦꀤꈤꁅ? ꀘꀤ꒒꒒ꀤꈤꁅ ꍏ ꉓꃅꀤ꒒ꀸ ꌗꀎꉓꃅ ꍏꌗ ꓄ꃅꀤꌗ ꂦꈤꍟ ꀤꌗ ꍏꈤ ꂦꋪꀸꍟꍏ꒒ ꓄ꃅꍏ꓄ ꌃꍟꍏꋪꌗ ꈤꂦ ꎇꋪꀎꀤ꓄ ꀤꈤ ꂦꀎꋪ ꁅꂦꍏ꒒ꌗ. ꋪꍟꎭꍟꎭꌃꍟꋪ ꂦꀎꋪ ꍏꋪꋪꍏꈤꁅꍟꎭꍟꈤ꓄ ꂦꈤ꒒ꌩ ꓄ꃅꍟ ꂦꈤꍟꌗ ꀘꈤꂦꅏꈤ ꍏꌗ ꎭꂦꈤꂦ ꍏꈤꀸ ꌗꀤꊼ ꍏꋪꍟ ꓄ꂦ ꌃꍟ ꀘꀤ꒒꒒ꍟꀸ. ꓄ꃅꍟ ꋪꍟꌗ꓄ ꌗꃅꍏ꒒꒒ ꌃꍟ ꀎꌗꍟꀸ ꓄ꂦ ꀤꈤꉓꋪꍟꍏꌗꍟ ꂦꀎꋪ ꌗꍟꉓꀎꋪꀤ꓄ꌩ ꂦꋪ ꎇꂦꂦꀸ ꌗꀎᖘᖘ꒒ꌩ ꓄ꂦ ꂦꀎꋪ ꈤꍟꅏ ᖘꍟ꓄ꌗ. ꌗᖘꍏꋪꍟ ꓄ꃅꀤꌗ ꂦꈤꍟ, ꒒ꍟ꓄ ꃅꀤꎭ ꁅꋪꂦꅏ, ꃅꍟ ꅏꀤ꒒꒒ ꀸꀤꍟ ꒒ꍏ꓄ꍟꋪ ꌃꀎ꓄ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꈤꂦꅏ."
The Void only offered this semblance of mercy as it had other ideas appear in its mind. The Void was an omnipresent being, true, however being banished from its original realm in Elysium cost it foresight. The Void could no longer see the future as it once was able to. The Void was fine with that knowing the outcome of any situation would be unknown. However, it didn't stop the Void from looking into the past involving this boy. This boy in particular who had lived and died for five separate times all turning out the same. Eaten as a Nome trying to help a cursed insequential Veronica.
This. This would be useful later on.
The Geisha having finally calmed down from her massive headache. She quickly slipped the mask on before looking at the two in disgust.
"Send him to the rehabilitation room first. I want his spirit to be broken so he doesn't even think of escape."
Her head flared up again as the Void communicated to her once again.
"Have the Rakshasa clasp him in irons. His first few weeks here are going to be enjoyably torturous to him, but I don't want him to kill any of the other food."
The Ferryman solemnly bowed his head and with that The Geisha glided out of the room with noticeably uncaring pace. The Ferryman began lumbering towards the Prison where hundreds of children lay asleep.
"So, this is your idea of a safe place? What was it you said? "a place of sanctuary"? I highly doubt that and judging from your little discussion with your boss there, you don't think so either."
"It's true on both accounts. The MAW can be a sanctuary for those that live smart. I picked you off the streets because I observed you. You've been in dangerous situations before, and you did the right thing and hid."
"And for those that haven't learned that? Why do you take them to this horrid place?"
"There was once a time where I believed this place was safe for children as long as they behaved, but now since the MAW received a crueler leader, things have changed. My beliefs have dwindled and changed since my younger brother killed himself for his own."
The Ferryman rounded a corner before stopping. They had entered a wide expansive room with a single Eye along the wall. Only it was not beaming its standard yellow light. A wide multicolored light could be seen as it beamed down on a child whose mouth and fingers were bloody. That singular child was surrounded by various children of all ages. Their own throats torn out with scratch marks in their clothes and deeper in their skin. The Ferryman pulled a lever on the adjacent wall and the Eye closed.
The sudden sound awakening the child. RK could only look with horror as the child rose to their feet. A feral look could be seen within their eyes. RK was very glad he was in his cage until the very next thing that happened. The child extended her arms and the pools of blood around her victims began to ripple. Solidified blood chunks becoming slimmer and slimmer into crimson floating daggers. She flung her arms forward and the daggers flew through the air.
The Ferryman set down RK's cage before quickly transforming into a small child. The daggers flew into the wall before shifting back into blood. Showering RK in a coat of blood a small amount getting in his eyes. Quickly wiping the life fluid out of his eyes, he watched as the Ferryman charged the child arms extended. The child clenched their fists and RK felt the blood around him begin to harden and compress against him. The Ferryman tackled the child wrapping his arms around her. Attempting to crush her RK first thought.
No.
He's not crushing them, he's hugging them.
The Ferryman keeping the child bound as they thrashed against his grasp. A small field of energy could be seen around the Ferryman encapsulating both him and the child. The child's growling turning into moans before fading into silence as they slumped over the Ferryman's shoulder. The Ferryman then pulled a necklace out of his pocket before clasping it around their neck. The Ferryman then turned back into his original form and then picked up the child putting them in his pocket.
"Better to put them to sleep now. The Geisha knows who and where powers aside from hers are used."
"Will that happen to me?"
"Only if for some reason you actually have powers but it's a once in a blue moon chance there's a very late bloomer."
The Ferryman entered the rehab room begrudgingly. Gingerly he undid the cage keeping RK secure before carefully picking him up.
"What'll happen to me now?"
"I'm not sure. It's different for every person I just know it's not pleasant."
RK was getting scared now. Now having crazier thoughts along the lines of maybe he should've stayed with those two that saved his life. They were the only ones that had shown him kindness, of a sort, in this messed up world.
These were the thoughts traveling through his mind as he was securely fastened to a cot in the middle of the room. Only then did RK notice the multiple closed eyes around him. He watched as the Ferryman looked down at him in pity and sadness as he tipped his hat to RK.
RK could only struggle against the bonds as the Eyes around him bathed him in multicolored light and the world around him exploded in pain.
The Prison
The Ferryman is seen walking away pulling his hat over his eyes in ignorance as the halls of the MAW are filled with the screams of another child. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small bottle of liquor. Unscrewing the dirty cap and pouring the bittersweet liquid down his gullet. He makes his way into a small room pushing the door emblazoned with an eye open. He spies his brother's mattress collecting dust below a small vent. A pair of slippers never to be filled by feet that lay off to the side. A wooden chair made more for a teenager than either he or his brother sat in the middle of the room. A note lay on the floor that the Ferryman has read many times before. The Ferryman makes his way over to the chair.
"You don't mind if I borrow this do ya?"
The person in question was unresponsive, mainly due to the fact that they weren't on this plane of existence anymore. The only other occupant in this room was quiet because he was dead. Hanging above the wooden chair was a bellman. The uniform they were wearing was a faded red with buttons lining the sides of the shirt. The body itself was browning and waxy. Their face closely resembling that of a candle after the wick has been lit.
"Thanks"
The Ferryman pulled the chair off to the side. Turning the chair to now face old Waxy and shifting his body to be that of a teenager. Taking another swig of liquor, he eyes his brother's corpse hanging above before laughing.
"It's funny ya know? I can become anything I want in the world. Any person in the world is a muse I can use. But no matter who I turn into I look in the mirror and I still see myself for who I am. A god damn coward who listens to the will of the devil herself."
He takes a drink from the bottle before feeling the wetness from his eyes dripping down. He looks down at the bottle seeing the reflection of himself. He hadn't realized but he turned into the kid he just condemned to another life of hell. Another kid who will spite him for what he's done. The Ferryman clenched his fists around the bottle before standing up furiously and chucking the bottle at the wall. The remaining liquid and shards of glass colliding against the walls and floor around.
"IT'S JUST SO FUNNY!"
The Ferryman takes the chair and just swings it out at the wall. The chair is fine the craftmanship is amazing that it's still sturdy from so much use. The Ferryman huffing and puffing letting all this air out allowing himself to calm down.
"I thought it'd be over by now. But the child wasn't there this time. It's been almost three years and the child still isn't here."
The Ferryman, like the North Wind, was well aware of the Cycle that plagued this world. Often, he would go to the Prison, and he find that certain children who lived on the MAW for some time no longer lived there. It's not like they were taken by the Janitor or devoured. No, they were somehow back on the mainland and had no idea who he was. It was like they met for the first time.
The Ferryman would remember them, and he would especially remember one child. A little girl in a yellow raincoat who always appeared in the same port city, at the exact same time, in the exact same place. The reason he knew this child well was because this one seemed to be a catalyst for change. One girl's life in exchange for the death of the Lady. The Ferryman knew when to find this little girl mainly depending on a radio. He didn't dare use a television, but he knew of the accursed radio channel. One that cursed all who listened but during each of these cycles there would a sudden glitch in the radio. As if whoever was broadcasting the signal suddenly disappeared. It didn't last for very long until the signal came back.
This is when he knew the girl would appear.
Five different times this has happened and yet during this sixth roundabout the signal went out and this time stayed dead. This got the Ferryman confused but he immediately set out for the same port city. He arrived at the same spot at the same time only to find…
The girl wasn't there.
The Ferryman was very confused and very distressed. Since the fifth cycle the Lady had become very sinister and cruel. What once became a safe place for children now turned into a hunting ground of them. The Ferryman had been encouraged to save children but now he was threatened to capture them.
The Ferryman had stayed at that same spot for days waiting for that little girl to come out. He would take her to the MAW, and she would kill the Lady just as fate appeared to plan. Week after week the girl didn't show up and the Ferryman finally gave up thinking she might have died this time. Finding another child, he took them instead giving them all the warnings of that place. When the best time would be to stay hidden from the Janitor ensuring they were never caught. This time though when he arrived in the MAW things were different.
The Lady was there waiting for him. She asked him if she could see the child. The Ferryman was very confused with these changes revealing the child to her. In a fit of rage the Lady quickly snuffed out the life of the very confused child within the cage and very forcefully pulled the child out. Looking at the corpse in her hands she walked over to the side and dropped the child into the water. She looked at the Ferryman that day and he could tell that behind the mask she was many things but above all else.
Disappointed.
Things took a dark turn after that.
The residents on the MAW started to change. It started with the shadows in the MAW. The ghosts, the wraiths of children warped immortal only weakened by the light. No longer were they shadow children of the MAW. They were merely Shades ever haunting the metallic hallways of the MAW.
The Janitor was one of the first transformed. Apparently, he was called to the Lady's quarters for a reason. When he came back, he was not the same old man he was before. The Ferryman never recalled the Lady to have the ability to shift flesh before. The Janitor now known as the Rakshasa was on new orders to kill anyone who dares try to escape.
There had been new additions to the staff as well. The twin chefs who were head over heels in respect for the Lady were apparently rewarded with two extra brothers. The Lady now referring to herself as the Geisha has dubbed the group as the Executioners.
He hadn't been to the Guest area in a long time but judging by the screams of agony. It seems that they were also transformed as well into horrid abominations. The MAW once known as a safe place for children and resort to the citizens of the world…
Was now a prison for all who were welcomed and taken. Since then, there has only been one escapee of the MAW.
And that person was currently hanging right in front of the Ferryman.
They had to wonder what was truly going through their brother's mind before he hung himself the Ferryman didn't know. The note he had left behind only detailing that he refused to put children in harm's way. That he refused to carry out the Lady's will now that it had descended further into darkness. The Ferryman mourned the loss of his brother while the Lady appeared to relish it. Making a mockery of ol' Waxy's death by warping the lyrics to an old tune.
"No more Bellmen among the Sea, eh Waxy?"
The Ferryman stood there staring at his brother's corpse whilst questioning his own life choices. He stood there as he questioned the motives that led to his brother tying the noose around his neck.
Was it bravery? Bravery to be so stubborn in his beliefs that he died for them.
Or was it cowardice? Cowardice of those so much stronger than he that he dares not face them head on.
The Ferryman asked himself those questions as well. Bravery or cowardice to succumb to the Geisha's command?
Looking over the spilled liquid and glass on the floor he wasn't sure anymore, but he did know this. Sooner or later, he would need to go out there and instead of giving the next children an ultimatum painted with hopes of good will and generosity. He would offer unto them a choice when he and his brother were not offered any such thing.
Maybe it's time for him to follow his brother's footsteps and pass on.
The Lady's Quarters
The Geisha is seen wandering her quarters looking for something by lantern light. It's been a couple of hours, but she's seen through the security eyes that the new child has been successfully rehabilitated.
Oh, how she enjoyed his screams of terror.
What the kid saw the Void would not tell her. Merely telling her now she's only a tool only able to control her arms and legs. She's too far gone, she can't resist the thrall of the Void, and if she did so she'd permanently be gone from this world. At the same time, if all goes according to the deal she brokered with the Void, she will still be ruler of this world.
The Void commissioned her granting her new abilities to start gathering flesh. It was rather easy at first, going to the grinder room. A massive vat of ground Guest flesh sat in the MAW waiting for the chefs to take portion by portion. However, with Cinca's new power she was able to do more with the meat than just make it food for the next guests. She gave it life by the Void's command. She created more flesh golems to do her bidding, but the vat still remained full. It would continue to do so until was connected to the Geisha's quarters.
A trail of flesh could be seen going a certain path until it reached the Geisha's balcony. A throne made of pink/green flesh with eyeballs and teeth was made for her. With it the Geisha was more connected to the MAW than ever before. Sitting down on her throne she could see through the eyes of her staff. She could see throughout the eyes of the MAW. Tendrils of flesh watched through all the vents. In that throne she was the true queen of the MAW. Her "subjects" below could be heard rattling their chains.
No more hiding.
No more rats.
She was taken out of her thoughts when she reached a boarded-up room in the back of the storage room. Sitting back there was the only thing that could actually harm her. She realized with her continued use of dark power without something to balance her caused her appearance to become more monstrous. Because she always targeted her powers to drain the life force of monsters if she ever sees her reflection her powers work against her.
The Void reminded her to get rid of this easy weakness and her enemies would have one less arrow in their quiver. With her powers she pried the nailed planks away from the door frame. She saw the small mirror sitting on the pillow. Moving very carefully to avoid the mirror's judging gaze she snatched it up. Looking at it idly for a second remembering the time she used a mirror against the previous Lady.
She enjoyed watching her crumble to the floor. Another body to devour. She remembered making them suffer starting with the face. Tearing out portions of their face with her teeth, pulling out their eyeballs and squishing them into mush. She lapped up the blood that was pouring out of her face. Then she went for the throat making that a long-drawn-out process too. Watching as the Lady's face of abject horror slowly relax her eyes dilating as the life left them.
She was taken back to the present staring at the mirror in her hands. This was how the Lady before her was defeated, she would not let the same happen to her. With furious toss she threw the mirror at the wall. The last mirror ever in the MAW lay in fragments on the floor. Now? With her new minions, her new MAW flesh, and prisoners there would be no way Mono could ever come for her successfully.
She smiled to herself, and Void observed the world in glee.
All would go according to plan.
The Prison
It's one of the bedrooms adjacent to the one of the many playrooms around the MAW. Toys lay strewn about all over the place, fraying ropes holding up planks of wood making a mockery of a swing. A trail of train tracks ever revolving around the carousel with the train never reaching their destination. It's been a few hours since RK was "rehabilitated" into a child of the MAW. A small group of children sat still in the corner huddled away from one of the beds on the far side of the room. They dare not get closer terrified of the occupant on the bed.
There lay RK only he's not quite sane right now. Bound in chains around his waist and both arms and legs. He lay there twitching with the occasional screaming. Sometimes with rage, fear, or sadness. All children go through rehab but for every one of them it's different.
But this? To this extent?
It's never happened before, no one's ever been this violent, this scared, and the children are terrified of what plagues his mind.
Every single child's attention is ripped from RK as the door slams opens all they see is a multitude of arms with virulent purple claws entering the room.
Present Day
"ix…."
"Six…."
"…wake up."
"SIX!"
Six's head jolted straight up finally waking up from her sleep. Bleary eyed she looks to the window to see that daylight is peeking in illuminating the room. She looks to the right to see Mono has prepared a small breakfast of eggs and bacon. He also appears to be fully donned in clothing.
His shaggy hair slightly covering his eyes, but she can still see the blue and silver orbs deep within. He's wearing pair of forest green shirts and pants along with a brown cloak with a hood reaching down to his feet. Around his hands are a pair of fingerless gloves and adorned on his feet are a pair of brown loafers. He's already wiping his mouth of bacon grease already eating his fill.
"Today's the Six! We need to get ready to wait for the Ferryman to find us. I already took a look out from the rooftops. The main ship isn't here yet, but the Citizens also know today's when the ship is due. They're already making their way to the docks."
"Mmh, Can't you give me at least five more minutes of sleep?"
"Well do you want to eat your eggs cold?"
With that Six was already out of the bed quickly scarfing down her eggs. There was one time when Mono made eggs and Six hadn't eaten them when they were ready. She still remembered the sensation of cold cooked eggs going down. Not very enjoyable.
"These taste good Mono; did you do something different?"
"I used the bacon grease to help speed up the cooking process of the eggs. Thus, adding a bit more flavor to the eggs."
It doesn't take Six long for her to inhale her breakfast. Drinking the small cup of water, she turns to ask Mono something when the sound of a horn can be heard in the distance. Both of them look at each other in urgency.
The ship is here, the Ferryman isn't too far behind.
Six quickly gets dressed. Tying her long hair into a ponytail before shrugging on a white shirt and shorts also covered by a yellow cloak with a hood. A while back they realized that while the hoodie and sandals were more comfortable, they would need to be concealed rather than obvious. She quickly looks herself over in the mirror the small scars around her neck disappearing as time went on. She slips on a pair of boots as well before joining Mono at the door.
"We could just stay here ya know? Live out the rest of our lives here, let the MAW be someone else's problem."
Six pauses when Mono says that. The thought has crossed her mind before. She could imagine her and Mono living here until they grow old and die. But then, she looked at the negatives.
"We could Mono, we honestly could, but I would never be satisfied just living here knowing there was more I could have done. Besides, I know you and you know me, we're too stubborn when we have a goal in mind. I helped you with your nightmares and now it's time for me to put mine to rest."
Mono smiles fully expecting the answer when he asked it. "There's the Six I know."
The two of them look back at the apartment that was their home for the last three years. They were a good time growing up but now it was time for another adventure. One that could be as harrowing as the Pale City all that time ago.
The two decide to take the sewers again with them being a straight shot to the other side of the city.
"I'll race ya Six."
"I'm not taking that bet Mono even with my glide you'd still barely beat me."
"It was worth a try."
"However,"
With that Six hopped onto Mono's back with him quickly looping his arms around her legs. Mono silently accepting before using his powers to teleport. With a few short bursts of static disappearance, they arrived back at that familiar grate over-looking the sea. With a skip and a hop, they found themselves observing the Citizens march into the ship at the docks. By the sound of a squeal Mono and Six's head turn to see one of the Citizens had spotted them. Standing side-by-side the two of them allowed their powers to flare up. Mono adding to his effect by making his clawed arm grow a small bit to become fleshy in appearance. Six could feel the heat coming from his arm so suddenly needing to take a few steps back.
It seems to be unneeded as the dock descends into chaos. It's been three years and every single Citizen knows of the demons of the city. Every single slobbering jiggling Citizen started pushing each other out of the way trying to get onto the ship. Bodies were seen falling into the water that quickly sank under the water. The ship was quickly filled up and the gangplank fell into the water. A small group of ten Citizens looked back at Mono and Six who were still standing there. Six takes a small step forward and the small group quickly run back into the city. Each of them pushing the others away trying to escape a threat that in all honesty wasn't really after them.
"Do you think it's ironic Six?"
"What do you mean Mono?"
"The Citizens, they all did their best to get on the boat for the MAW not knowing that's our destination as well. I find it quite hilarious that they think it's their escape when in reality they're dooming themselves."
"They're dooming themselves anyway no one leaves the MAW alive and if they do, they find their way back there."
Both of them sat down at the edge of the docks hand in hand as the watched the horizon above. Six clenching his hand tightly. Mono looked over to see Six downcast before looking up to see Mono concerned for her.
"You alright?"
"I'm feeling a mix of both excitedness and anxiousness. Is this what you felt before you rescued me from the cabin all those years ago?"
Mono pulled down his hood before looking back at Six, "Yes, but you know what? Despite all the hardships we've been through I'd say it's all been worth it. All the pain and terror, just to be by your side through all this Six."
Six leaned against him and Mono pulled her in close before seeing something out in the distance. A small rowboat driven by a massive figure.
"He's here, get ready Six." Grunting as he got up stretching his arms out a bit. Six following in his example.
The Ferryman comes across to the shore seeing two small figures out in the distance.
'Of course, must be two small Citizens still upset they just missed the ship.'
The Ferryman was still rowing his boat to the city when the oddest occurrence happened. He usually made it to the docks while the ship was still anchored with guests still piling on. This time? The boat had passed him both ways before he even made it to land.
'Must have been almost picked clean of this city. World's still the same just less in it now. Wonder what you'd a though about this Waxy.'
The Ferryman takes a swig of liquor steeling himself for the long hard search for the next child to bring to the MAW. Tying the boat to the riggings of the dock and picking himself up. He looks out over the city which appears to be dead.
'Well… At least it'll be easy to find the children this time around.'
Before he could take a step forward, he felt something poke his leg. Confused he looked down to see two children dressed up in cloaks standing right next to him. Those two figures from before not adults but not little children either. Young teenagers who managed to live this long without being caught. A boy and a girl the Ferryman could tell that much at least. The boy had his hood down he could see blue and silver eyes with a bold determination and the Ferryman could tell.
Those eyes have seen so much and carried a truth that could shake the world.
"What are you two doing here?"
The girl looks at the boy before pulling her hood down. The Ferryman takes a step back in shock. It's been a long three years, but he can tell. It's the same girl from before all those cycles ago. The same black hair, the same crimson eyes, although not the same attire but it's her.
"We're here so you can take us to the MAW."
'WAIT WHAT!? These two WANT to go to the MAW!?'
The Ferryman thinks something was tainted in that liquor he was drinking earlier and decides to chuck the vial of tainted swill.
"One more time please. It sounded like you want to go to the MAW."
The boy spoke up, "Yes actually, you, rather we missed you by about three years ago. We've waited in this city for three years for your return."
The Ferryman pinched the bridge of his nose or rather where his nose would be, "And how exactly do you know of me and why do you know of the MAW?"
"Long story short both Six and I know of the Cycles in fact it was both me and her who put an end to it this time. We've been through so much to get here and now we wish to take over the MAW ourselves and make it a safe place for other children so they can grow."
That was a first for the Ferryman as far as he was aware only three beings knew of the Cycle: himself, the North Wind, and the Tower.
The girl, now known as Six, continued on, "We were the ones who killed the Tower and now we've come here to help make the world a better place."
"You genuinely wish to make it a safe place for children? It won't be easy now that the Geisha has gone crazy."
"We have something for that, right Six?"
Both of them allowed their powers to flow out around them. The Ferryman stood there impressed before remembering.
"Unfortunately, that might not work out like you think. Things in the MAW have changed, she too has grown in power, the staff around the MAW are more monstrous, the Guests aren't safe, she has eyes everywhere, and she can sense powers that aren't her own around the ship."
Mono pulled out a small chain from his pocket. The rusted anchor slowly falling apart.
"What if you gave us two of these? Would that keep us concealed until we can take her down?"
The Ferryman considered that for a moment. These two could be his chance for his own freedom. A way to atone for what he's done. These two may be able to change things for the entire world.
"Very well I shall take you two to the MAW. If you managed to break the cycle, I'm sure you can stop the Geisha and her madness."
With that the Ferryman reached into his pocket and pulled out a pair of chain necklaces. He then opened up his suitcase.
"Here, hop into this, with luck I can hopefully convince the Geisha I didn't find any children. I'll take you to the old Guest quarters and you should be able to sneak into the Geisha's and take her down."
Both Mono and Six knelt down into the suitcase and the Ferryman latched it shut before gingerly placing it into the boat.
"There's hope Waxy, there's hope."
A few hours later
The two crowded in the small space as the Ferryman kept controlling the boat in the direction of the MAW. It hadn't lasted long when Mono started getting sick rolling around on the waves. The poor boy had sea sickness and it was taking all his willpower not to throw up.
"If you throw up on me Mono, I swear to Elysium I will never forgive you."
"Hurp-, I can't help it Six. I'm not, urp, used to sailing on such rocky water."
Six ended up rubbing small circles on Mono's back as they sat still. Their only source of light being the keyhole. They took turns looking out the small hole not seeing much except for open waves. Then far out in the distance Six sees it at last.
The MAW.
It rises up to swallow the small boat whole allowing the Ferryman to enter and the two of them look at each other with a small bit of anxiety.
They were finally here.
The Ferryman carefully ties the rowboat to the moorings of the deck. Picking up an empty cage and placing it on the dock, then moving to gingerly pick up the suitcase before whispering,
"Do your best to stay silent, The Geisha comes to inspect me for children. She's looking for someone but I know not who."
As if summoned by word she appears waiting in the entry hall leading to the lower levels and below those lies the Prison itself.
"Back already Ferryman? Seems both the main ship and you have had a quick journey today. A shame the MAW seemed to liven up a bit without your drooping face."
The Ferryman stayed silent during her ribbing. Inwardly he was already making plans if things went South.
"But you know how it is. So, let me see the mongrel you've decided to bring this time."
The Ferryman merely held out his hand holding the cage and let it drop onto the floor.
"No child, it seems that this Port City has already been picked clean of its youth. Only a few stragglers remain in the city, it may not be worth making a return trip there for a while."
The Geisha looked down at the busted cage. Never has the Ferryman been nonchalant about this but then again never has he showed up without a child. Perhaps the Ferryman was simply in a bad mood not finding a child to provide "care" to. This was what she thought before a sharp pain rang through her head, and the Void spoke to her once again.
"꓄ꃅꍟ ꎇꍟꋪꋪꌩꎭꍏꈤ ꒒ꀤꍟꌗ ꃅꍟ ꃅꂦ꒒ꀸꌗ ꍏ ꌗꍟꉓꋪꍟ꓄ ꀤꈤ ꃅꀤꌗ ꌗꀎꀤ꓄ꉓꍏꌗꍟ. ꀤ ꉓꍏꈤ ꎇꍟꍟ꒒ ꀤ꓄, ꀤ ꉓꍏꈤ ꎇꍟꍟ꒒ ꓄ꃅꍟꎭ. ꓄ꅏꂦ ꉓꃅꀤ꒒ꀸꋪꍟꈤ, ꌃꀎ꓄ ꀤ ꀘꈤꂦꅏ ꈤꂦ꓄ ꀤꎇ ꀤ꓄'ꌗ ꓄ꃅꍟꎭ."
Two? It had to be them, Cinca would make absolute sure of that.
"You really believed you could pull a fast one on me Ferryman. Unfortunately for you I have powers on my side that reveal the truth. I'll give you one last chance to prove your allegiance. Give me that suitcase and I'll grant you mercy. Otherwise…"
She trailed off leading to implication.
It was here that the Ferryman stood at a crossroads. He could surrender his will to the Geisha and continue watching the world suffer for his choice, or he could take a chance and allow the two to live and with hope they succeed. In his mind he could have sworn he saw his brother for a split-second gesture at something on the wall near the floor.
It all happened so fast.
The Ferryman reared his arm back and then quickly threw it forward. Launching the already battered suitcase down into the ventilation. As soon as that happened the Geisha whipped out with her powers grabbing the distracted Ferryman. Using her powers forcefully lifting his head up exposing the neck. With a flick of her wrist a foot long dagger shot out of her sleeve and with a quick slash, the Ferryman's throat is sliced open. The Geisha still using her powers holds the Ferryman's bleeding body using her new powers to transform the boat he used into an anchor tied around his feet.
"And so, the Ferryman dies by drowning in the river Styx. I can't imagine a more fitting death for you. I'd say it's been enjoyable but then I'd be lying."
The Ferryman watched as the light from the sun slowly started to get farther and farther away.
The Prison
The suitcase banged from side to side of the vent shaft. Both Mono and Six grunting with each impact while the clothes within somewhat cushioned each hit. The for a moment it felt like they were floating only for the largest impact to hit them from below. With a snap the two locks keeping the case shut popped open. Six being the first to move slowly picked herself off the ground. She eyed where exactly they had fallen only to see very familiar territory. It was where she had begun her journey in the MAW the first time. She felt a little timid at first, the rush of emotions she held at this place once starting to overwhelm her. But then she turned back to Mono who was slowly getting his bearings. She wasn't alone, not this time, and together they would overcome this. So, she walked over to Mono, who was shaking his head, and knelt down with her arm outstretched.
"Well Mono… welcome to the MAW."