23. Comatose

''So?'' Lucy asked. ''What are these things I'm supposed to see?''

''Well, it isn't quite that simple. I can't just magickally make them appear. This is the void. The space between life and death.'' It explained.

''Well, then how am I supposed to see anything?'' She sighed like a juvenile.

''Don't search for the truth, let the truth come to you.'' It said.

''What does that even mean?!" She yelled, feeling beyond frustrated. She tried to grab her hair but failed. She couldn't touch anything, and suddenly grew even more frustrated. She felt helpless and weak. She felt like a ghost of herself, then realized she actually was.

She fell to her metaphysical knees and took a few deep, calming breaths. She needed to get out of here, get back to the castle before someone found her. She was nothing, a nobody, so why did all of this stuff suddenly have to happen to her? Why couldn't she go back to when she was a kid, to a time when things were simpler.

Suddenly her house materialized around her. Her family was there; ma, pa, and her little sister, Mary. Everyone was sitting around the dinner table, eating peacefully.

''Where are we?" Lucy asked her guide.

''Your memories.'' It answered.

''Why? And how are you tapping into my memories!?'' Lucy asked, slightly concerned.

''The void shows you what you want to see.'' It answered.

''Okay, and where do you come into this? What part of the void are you?'' She asked skeptically.

''I am your anchor. Without me, a simple human like yourself would get lost in the void, stuck in a memory. I am here to guide you through and ensure a spiritually stimulating experience on your travels.''

''You are not my personal spirit guide, are you?''

''Gods no! I've seen more of you hairless monkeys in the last century than I have my entire lifetime. Do you know the history I've lived?'' The booming voice asked, making Lucy smile. She was entertained by the consciousness.

''I would love to hear it. I love a great story.'' She said with a bright smile.

''Another time child, maybe when I'm less tired.'' It yawned.

''Can you die? Reproduce? Anything?'' She asked, sudden curiosity growing the better of her.

''What is it you think I am?'' It asked.

''I don't know. That's what I am trying to figure out. Do you even have a name?'' Lucy asked sensitively.

''I do. My name is Kharon. ''

"The Ferryman, right?''

''My purpose has become a bit more sophisticated than what it was in my youth, but yes, most know me as The Ferryman.''

''Can I die in here?''

''Yes, like I said, the void is the space between life and death.'' Kharon answered.

''So if I take a wrong left and exit the wrong side, I could die?''

''Yes.'' It said, a bit more annoyed by Lucy's endless questions.

Lucy intuitively picked up on his annoyance and turned her attention back to the memory in front of her. It was a simple night at the dinner table. Everyone was there, her family was whole. She must have been 8 or 9 and was too busy to notice that her parents were talking.

''How was your day at Sea?'' Ma asked.

''Slow, as usual.'' Pa answered, chewing on his food with an open mouth.

''Hmm.'' Ma hummed.

''And the shop?'' Pa asked.

''Fair.'' Ma shrugged, pa hummed in return.

It was a dull exchange, Lucy barely even paid attention to it, but she suddenly noticed the shimmer streaming down her mother's cheek. Was she crying?

''I will not let them grow up to destroy each other.'' Ma whispered.

''Hestia, we are not going anywhere. Our children will be alright. We will save money then leave the city.'' Pa consoled her quietly, trying to avoid drawing any attention to them.

''The Blacklegs are already descending upon the city. I'm afraid we've run out of time.'' Ma whispered, with a frown that broke Lucy's heart. What was her mother talking about?

She wasn't allowed the opportunity to hear anymore as Mary had started throwing a fit about something so Ma had gotten up to take her to bed.

''Was that as simple as you wanted it to be?'' Kharon asked.

''I get it, things aren't exactly as I remember.'' Lucy sulked.

Arthur hadn't left her side for a second. So much so, that his knights were forced to come see him in Lucy's room in order to talk to him.

''Art?'' Percival knocked, and asked as he hesitantly entered the dark room with Bedievere, Goosefat Bill, and George behind him.

Arthur lifted his head to greet his friends, his trusted knights.

''Is she going to be okay?'' Bedievere asked, concerned.

''The doc doesn't know. Nothing appears to be wrong.'' Arthur answered, his gaze never leaving her. ''Where is Mága?''

''She has returned to Merlin.'' Bedievere answered.

''When will she be back? I need her here.'' He sighed, frustrated with his lack of options.

''We are here.'' Goosefat Bill reassured him.

''I appreciate that.'' Arthur stood up, tearing his eyes away from her long enough to talk respectfully to his knights about the state of the kingdom.

''Any updates?'' Arthur asked, crossing his arms across his chest as he leaned against the wall, Lucy laying perfectly still in the bed before him.

''The Vikings haven't been coming any closer. We believe they are waiting for something.'' Bedievere answered.

''Ok well, find out what, I don't want to a be sitting duck.'' Arthur nodded, then looked to George.

''Training has been going well. We have a sizable force established, and will be accepting eligible recruits from the Academy next week, sir.'' George answered straight to the point.

''Thank you George.'' Arthur smiled at his teacher. He wouldn't want anyone else training and establishing his army. George was a well disciplined man and never seemed to fail.

''I've got some feelers out about these rogue vikings, ain't nobody sneaking up in our backyard.'' Goosefat Bill reassured.

Arthur nodded with a smile, "I really can't thank you guys enough for managing without me.''

''Anything boss.'' Percival answered and they all nodded in agreement.

''Can I talk to Percival alone guys?''

''Yeah.'' Goosefat nodded, resting his hand reassuringly on Arthur's shoulder for a moment before leaving.

Bedievere nodded stoically and exited silently, along with George who traditionally bowed upon his exit.

''What's up?'' Percival asked.

''I don't want everyone to know, but I'm really starting to get worried about Lucy. I mean how long can you be out like this and be okay?'' Arthur asked, worry filling his face.

''I, I don't know.'' Perci answered.

''I don't either.'' Arthur admited.

''All we can to is wait, wait and pray.'' Perci advised.

''Pray to who? Which gods should I hope to be listening?''

''All of them.'' Perci answered.

Arthur looked longingly at Lucy. She had to come out of it, come back to him. He was sure she was fighting whatever it was that was holding her back, but until then he had to wait. How long would that wait be?

Author's Note:

Good question! How long with the wait be? I am so sorry for the delay but its been a busy week, I worked extra overtime and I'm exhausted. I didn't give up though, I managed to pull through and give you this much. I hoped you like it. :)

- Surviving (9/10)