People wash up on the shore of my Island. It’s my job to KILL them before they wake up.

Have you ever just sat on a beach watching the waves crashing into the shore and retreating back out to sea have you noticed a Driftwood or shells being dragged back out not knowing where they would end up next every morning I sit here looking out into the ocean where the gray sky meets the dark water on the horizon I wait wait to see if one of them washing with the tide drifting up Under the hard packed sand as soon as I see them I run from my position grabbing them and dragging their limp bodies further

up the beach laying them to rest in these soft sand near the brush fill dunes and that's when I set to work it's a ritual I performed since I was a child being trained by my father just like his father did for him I looked down at the body always different so sometimes a man sometimes a woman ranging from a younger Adult to decrepit and old some have been thin some obes once The Drifter was missing a leg making the ritual difficult to perform in its entirety I make do though I lay them on their

backs feet facing L and head to the water their arms stretched out to their sides in a crucifix position I know that I have to work quickly before they wake up I've never had the misfortune of seeing it before but I've been told stories of what happens if they wake before the ritual is complete the entire Island could be erased in the blank of an eye generations of work my bloodline all for not I'm getting distracted sorry the ritual while in the crucifix position I start the ruins beginning with each hand and foot I carve

the same sequence going inward towards the body from the tips of The fingers and toes moving counterclockwise from the left hand to the feet and finishing with the right hand the work is methodical my knife moves with a determined Precision honed with 20 years of practice their blood flows blue staining the Sands with an almost neon Hue a sense of ammonia lingers with it when every limb has been carved I start at the top of the head moving from the small bump in the middle of their forehead down toward the chest And they bleed much

more when I get to the neck as one of the ruins must caught right across the jugular their blood sprays leaving a shower on these surrounding sand some days it mixes in with a drizzle of rain creating a bluish Mist that floats across the beach finally the ruins are finished the ritual is almost complete I lay my knife down and wipe my hand across the drifter's throat making sure that I have enough blood to Finish I swipe their blood across my own forehead at leaving a horizontal line above my eyes and then drawing a vertical

line under each of my eyes this is my war paint I alone stand against these Terrors protecting my Island community and by extension the world the preparations are done I pick up the knife once more and walk to meet the crashing waves the final stop my hand dips under the salt water opening with my palm up the waves crash In and as soon as they begin to be pulled back to the sea I swipe the knife across letting my own blood flow freely and mix with the water this is the final offering The Plea to

whatever Gods rule over the sea to end this monstrosity and keep us safe the salt water stings as I bring my hand back up the cold air adding to the pain my feet slide across these sand as I walk back to The Drifter lifting the knife still dripping With the mix of my blood and salt water I plunge it into the middle of the drifter's chest into the diaphragm the same reaction every time their eyes snap open a final and desperate gasp for air all in vain I've severed the muscle that allows them to draw

breath they slowly drown as whatever blood is left in them fills their lungs screaming curses in a language that I don't understand when the ritual is done and the last spasms Go through their bodies I grab the can of gasoline and the herbs that I keep in the small Shack on the beach I dowe the body setting it to light and throwing the herbs on top like Sage for cleansing Spirits the bundle of lavender and catnip smolders sending wisps of their sand through the air with this The Drifter is cleansed and the island safe once

more I head back to the Village taking the beaten path carved into the brush by The generations before me I exchange nice pleasantries with others as I passed by they thank me for what I do protecting us from The Drifters I simply nod at telling them that it's my duty and nothing more I make my way to the Village Square heading into the courthouse at the other end and Briggs our mayor is waiting for my daily report he looks up from the papers that he's signing as I walk into the Room rally how are you

doing today any happenings at the shore he shuffles the papers aside and leans back in his seat motioning to the chair across from him I sit down in the stiff leather chair hearing it squeak under me there was one older male there come coming more often these days this is the third one this week when I started 20 years ago we got one every 2 weeks or so should we be worried sir his brow furrowed with worry he was An older man at least 60 he had lived on the mainland for a while before coming

back to the island in his younger years World weary and in disbelief at what we had to worry about compared to the outside world they knew nothing of The Drifters they dangers that they posed to our world the heretic God that they served we'll certainly need to keep an eye on it the records show that more show up preceding times of trouble the earliest that we have on record preceded The black plague they were at an average of two drifters per day with the highest number being five washing up at once your post was manned

by five Watchers Around the Clock making making sure that none went uncleansed we must be vigilant to make sure this doesn't become a problem like then do you think there could be something terrible on the horizon I asked I was the only one trained in the Ritual my father had me to help when he was my age and his father and brothers before him but I was alone I had taken no wife and I had no living children and my only brother was killed as a child if they they began washing up more often I

was the only defense as if yet there's no way to tell we simply must pay attention find someone from the village that chills promise and take them to be trained you may need help he answered waving me off I got up to walk out rally I turned back giving him a questioning Lu he dug around in his desk a drawer before withdrawing a long and thin blade in a black Scabbard he pulled the blade out of the sheath by a few inches showing me a pristine edge with the ruins that I use inscribed on it

he sheathed it again and handed it over to me this has been handed down from Elder to Elder if the time comes when there are too many use this it allows the Ritual to be bypassed I bowed and thanked him as I took the saber in all my research and learning about my position I had never heard of this we had always been told the ritual was the only way I had it out and back to my house lost in thought as I walked I was shaken from my Daydreaming by screaming coming from down the

path the direction of the shore rally rally Vil one of the village Teenagers she was shouting for me in a panicked voice fear rising to overtake any other emotion quick you have to go to the shore what's going on I stopped her as she ran up panting for breath she leaned over and grabbed her knees gasping another one a Drifter some of the kids were playing in the water and it washed up she wheezed I didn't even wait for her to finish when she said Drifter I took Off sprinting with all the energy that I

had they never washed up past noon rarely even after Daybreak even two in one day this is bad if one wakes up while I'm not there ruin would follow thankfully it wasn't far to the shore as I passed over the dunes I saw the children gathered around it The Drifter this time appeared to be a woman old and covered in wrinkles one of the children had a stick of Driftwood that they were using to Poke at it nudging it as the waves lapped around stop I shouted waving my arms as the children continued poking they

looked toward me a quizzical glint in their eyes get away from it it happened in slow motion the drifter's eyes opened their une Earthly green Hue like emeralds reflecting a blue sea shine through the haze I saw the sharp teeth bear themselves and the hands reach for the Nearest child Long Claws tour skin and red blood mixed with Ocean Spray I heard the boy scream in pain before turnning into a low gurgle as blood filled his throat instead I wasn't thinking Instinct took over and I drew the blade that I had just been given the

runs reflected the gray sky the sharp edge of the blade shining like the sea I jumped at The Drifter and plunged the blade between its neck and shoulder stabbing downward Through through the chest and into the gut it let out a high Screech and the wind around picked up intense howling echoing the drifter's cry the ocean churned in response seaf foam churning into madness where calm small waves were before her die I screamed I plunged my hand down into the wound covering it in Blood and painting my face with it I withdrew the sword quickly

slicing my my palm and dipping it into an Incoming wave The Drifter screamed again clouds moved in erasing any light that was left the weather turned from a gray morning to a small hurricane in moments I knew this had to end quickly in one DEA movement I stabbed upward bringing the blade out of the water and impaling the creature right in Target the screams that died out along with the Wind peace had returned to the Shoreline I sat there for a moment Collecting myself before turning to look at the red and mixed with ocean the

poor boy his throat torn out and passed I took him in my arms and carried him up to dry sand before going back and Gathering the drifter's body I covered the boy with my coat and the creature with gasoline I wanted it to feel the Flames of hell I sat and watched it burned for a while long after the local doctor had come and taken the boy his mother Screaming in grief as she had watched I couldn't come up with words to say that I was sorry I was supposed to protect these people I was

the one that should be dead when the last ashes had fizzled out I still remained thinking to myself what could be done to prevent this from happening again I didn't know that it would only get worse from there there were two this morning I was waiting watching the sea thrash and roll I'm not sure when I drifted off the same nightmare that kept me up the night before covered me again leaving me in fits I saw the boy's corpse laying in the waves blood being pulled out with the seaf foam suddenly the cloud started rolling

in Wind w whipping up sand and spray I saw lightning flash down the shoreline and felt the Thunder boom in my chest immediately after something was coming the waves grew taller with each One that crashed ashore when I looked closer I saw that it wasn't just water hitting the shore Drifters hundreds of them all tangled into each other in the waves piling on top of each other as they hit the shore levies made a body started to block the waves suddenly the sky opened up above me the wind stopped and the ocean calmed The Drifters

lay in their piles sleeping like the Dead the eye of the Storm just as soon as it had started it was over a million eyes snapped open at once their screams layered each other creating an Unholy chorus as they awoke and began flooding inland right before the flood I caught a glimpse of the Horizon gray clouds admired above rolling waves through the rain and wind I could see something moving against the sky waiting through the depths of the water towards my Home I had seen pictures of skyscrapers in this dwarf th just as it began

to become clearer through the Sheets of Rain a bolt of lightning struck in front of it I awoke with a start jumping from the was stand and looking in the direction that it had been the flood was gone and the day was gray but still just a dream I shook the sleep from my eyes and resumed my vigil I spotted one washing in with the Waves male middle-aged other than the bump in the middle of their forehead and the long claw-like nails he could have passed for a normal Islander I set to work and was

almost done with the carving when I Heard a Voice from behind me there's another one my looked up startled nobody else came out here this early after what happened I didn't think anybody would ever come here again I was surprised even more to see That it was Veil now nodding towards a Shore way to my left I followed her gaze and saw another motionless form crumpled there sea F washing over damn it all I muttered time to kill two birds with one stone I left the one that I was working on and walked over to

the new arrival before grabbing this one I dunked my hand into the water and sliced my palm completing this part of the ritual ahead of time as I began to drag the body back Towards the first Drifter Veil ran up and grabbed the other arm helping me along it wasn't your fault you know she said grunting with exertion I was nearby when they found it it I should have told them to get away before I came to get you I didn't even think they would do something like that don't blame yourself I replied letting go

of the new Drifter and kneeling down next to the first I took out my knife and I plunged It into the diaphragm the piercing scream began and then died out quickly the new Drifter didn't stir if there is showing up more often you're going to need help she said again still watching as I doused the first one and struck a match and teach me I can handle it I didn't answer her but I threw the match down and started carving up the new Drifter small sizzles could be heard as Ocean Spray and light rain hit

the Burning body I could still feel veil's eyes on me intently watching my hands work the knife through skin carving my legacy in a Living Canvas when the runes were done I bet woned for her to follow me into the water she Stood Beside Me as waves lapped over our feet I looked out at the gray sky and rolling sea remembering the moment my father brought me out here how he had carved the runes and then walked Me out to the water have you ever lost someone Veil I asked her she seemed taken aback by

the question at first and looked down at the water as she pondered it you knew my mother she said you knew I lost her you didn't know your mother she died giving birth to you have you ever lost anyone you truly knew and loved I shot back well then no I guess I haven't I sighed and unholstered my Knife turning toward her if you take this on you will lose someone that you love maybe more than one that's what we give up in order to protect the island are you prepared to take that on she

seemed scared and I couldn't really blame her she saw the aftermath of what happened yesterday she knew what we would be dealing with but underneath the fear there was a desperation desperation to prove her Strength and protect others I am she finally answered after staring out at the foaming waves what do I have to do you're out of my bloodline but there are certain cases where others can be allowed and to take over I looked down at my hand the cut already clotted with blood I swept the knife across to reopen it come we have

to go further out when we were way deep in the water I handed her the knife cut your palm and hold it open I Said she winced as the sharp edge of Steel sliced her hand the blood float quickly dripping into the water and leaving a red Cloud I held my hand above hers making a fist and squeezing so a trickled of blood fell into her cut I then opened my own Palm placing it flat on her so that her Cuts aligned and I took her hand under the water she drew a deep breath and

through her teeth as the saltwater had open fles But composed herself quickly I Raleigh Caris do hereby pass my bloodline onto Veil Jensen having no living children and having taken no wife I realize that any day my bloodline may die into our cleansing end veil has offered herself as a tribute to the ocean pledging to protect the island and all inhabiting it from The Drifters and the heretical gods they serve do you accept this Duty Veil yes she Replied I motioned for her to walk further into the water letting go of her hand she looked

at me asking how far until the sea takes you I replied she nodded walking further at about 10 m out she was completely engulfed going under the water she came up moments later walking back to my position her usually wild and curly hair was now limp and soaked around her shoulders she shined with a new purpose As she rejoined me you are aware that with this acceptance you may never leave the island to be in the first and last defense against the unknown you know that the ocean requires a heavy toll for your surface and

the power bestowed upon you do you still accept I hoped that she would say no but knew in my heart that she couldn't it was the same feeling I had thinking back to when I took the oath my father standing in my place once you had the notion to take on this Duty And never left you yes she said again Veil Jensen by my power and authority being the last remaining of my bloodline I Surrender you to the Sea today you are born a new in the salt and brine of the ocean I withdrew my

hand from the water turning my fingers down so the mix of salt water and blood it coated my fingertips I drew the ruin of rebirth on her face a clockwise spiral Ting in a smaller spiral spinning counterclockwise from the center The ever flowing dichotomy of life in the sea I swear to serve with my life she replied giving a small bow we'll start your training tomorrow I told her for now I'll finish this ritual you will walk back to the village and stand in the Square until I return tell anybody that asks you that you

are now my Apprentice yes sir she said walking back up the Beach I sighed as she left taking myself back up to where the newest Drifter lay on the sand I kneeled next to it hefting my knife once more I placed it above the diaphragm one hand holding it steady while the other one was poised above it ready to thrust downward I bowed my head closing my eyes and Whispering a prayer protect her let me be the father to her that I could never be to my own daughter I Muttered my hand raised up ing

at the expectation of pain when it hit the knife handle I was more surprised to feel the hands on my wrist as it moved downward my eyes snapped open to see The Drifter grabbing on holding my hand back our numbers are infinite we serve and we will be rewarded and we will devour you drown you in the blood of your loved ones we are vast as the ocean and Relentless as the waves we will break like You the pure hatred in its eyes terrified me I had never seen anything like it the pure dripping spite

it bore through my skin and into my soul it despised me and that cold unfeeling stare almost seemed to freeze the entire world I forced myself to move as it opened its mouth wide to scream making the wind pick up in clouds go diam my other hand to plunge the knife in its screams turned to wet gurgles as as it drowned to choking on blood I fell back In the sand shaking after it seemed like an eternity I pulled the knife from its chest and got the gas can and herbs beginning the final step of

the cleansing I didn't stay to make sure the fire was put out but instead I rushed back up the path to the Village stopping at the first person I saw hello Raleigh anything I can do for you he said I didn't remember his name but recognized him from The Butcher Shop In town I need you to go to the shore and keep watch if any wash upop come and get me I'll be speaking to Briggs in his office he looked at me quizzically not quite understanding why I would want an untrained person watching the shore

my ended up losing my temper just go he tore off up The Path leaving a dust cloud behind him I rushed into the square grabbing Vil who was standing in the middle chatting with some of the Village women who were congratulating her we barged into the office to brg surprise Raleigh you didn't tell me youd chosen an apprentice already I should have had final approve I cut him off before he finished what is happening Briggs I shouted causing both him and Vil to winon return one of those things grabbed me and spoke they have never

spoken before his eyes grew wide I could see Veil bring a hand to her Mouth next to me Brigg sat back in his chair reaching into a drawer and pulling out a tall bottle filled with dark Amber he produced three glasses from the same drawer and started pouring I'm sorry for overstepping your Authority he said raising the glass to his lips and slashing half of it down his shirt from shaking hands I had hoped this wouldn't happen while I was in charge guess I hoped for too Much he drained his glass and then got up

and walked over to a portrait on the wall pulling the portrait up and setting it down on the floor he revealed a safe behind it he opened it and pulled out a large leatherbound Buck yellowed with age the next item that he revealed was an old flint lock pistol everything you'll need to know is in there he said emotion to the bug I'm sorry but this it's just too much he raised the gun to his Temple and He cocked the hammer I barely had time to grab Veil and divert her eyes when he pulled the

trigger warm blood and sharp skull fragments sprayed over us the past 24 hours have been a blur I only remember walking Veil out into the square both of us spattered with blood and gray matter everybody looking at us some Screaming some crying I sat Veil Down on a bench and motioned for a nearby woman to come over Take care of her if she's not in shock yet she will be soon I sat and then turned to walk back into the building also call for the doctor I'll need is help moving BRS the smell that already

gotten bad inside copper sharp it took me by surprise after dealing with the ammonia tinged Blood Of The Drifters for so long I looked down at Brigg's body small wisps of steam rising from the open wound as cold air Drafted in you coward I muttered to his body for probably the first time since my father had brought me out to the beach I was scared I had seen the soul drain from Brigg's face when I told him about The Drifter speaking he knew things that I never did things that he didn't want to face but

what the book was still lying on the desk Where he had left it now covered in a messy layer of well him I grabbed a nearby cloth and wiped it clean trying my best to get all the pieces of brain and skull off ruins were in blazent on the cover some of them that I had never seen before I opened the book and began reading the pages were old and yellowed with spots here and there from where ink had been spilled and what I think was blood there were illustrations of Drifters making detailed notes of

their anatomy and physiological traits the next page showed the ruined configurations as well as the carving for the ritual I had just begun to flip through to another one there was a knock on the door Raleigh what the hell happened here Gareth our local doctor was standing in the doorway a handkerchief held over his face he gazed around the room in horror before settling on Briggs body oh God Briggs you know anything about all this I asked him drying his eyes to the book he shook his head looking Instead at the Flint Lo pistol still

clutched in Brick's hand so he did this to himself yeah I told him about The Drifter that just spoke while I was doing the ritual he handed me this book and then blew his own brains out I haven't seen anyone that terrified since while your brother Gareth had finished my thought go Raleigh I'll take care of This I know this brings back painful memories for you he moved from the doorway revealing that veil was standing behind them still with a look of shock on her face I snatched the book off the desk and walked briskly

out grabbing her arm and turning her from the grizzly scene there were tear tracks through the blood on her face we walked in silence towards her home when we finally reached it I sent her inside to clean up and I sat on the Porch to look further into the book the first half seemed to be all things that I already knew about the ritual the drifter's anatomy a cipher of the ruins but then something different caught my eye it was another illustration but this one was of a human multiple drawings of the same person but

was subtle changes between each one initially it was a lengthening of nails and teeth small gills growing in Near the nape of the neck and then the eyes turning I don't know what they used to capture the color of the eyes in the illustration but it was hauntingly lifelike the next page held notes and more illustrations large as ships at Sea during a storm being rocked by the waves a figure standing in the water towering above them and then the ships being torn asunder by the wind and serf One Survivor of caro ship Fat's rest

a man by the name of William Stettler noted that before the ship sank he witnessed a looming Giant on the horizon I remembered my dream the giant looming behind the waves of drifters a general commanding his army Stellar swears that he saw this figure smash these ships within its own hands causing all on board to fall into the water here he says that they were set upon by people that looked just like them save For a small bump in their foreheads and elongated Claws and teeth ster says these figures would drag the surviving crew and

passengers under the water never to resurface the book went on to explain how Stettler had survived he was knocked out by a plank of wood hitting him in the water and managed to wash up on the island much like The Drifters do when the Watchman on the shore at the Time found him he was almost cleansed with the ritual only saved because his blood was red instead of blue safe to say this was a surprise for the Watchmen ster joined the watch through marriage eventually choosing to stand the island instead of going back to his

home on the mainland he is responsible for one of the greatest breakthroughs in our understanding of The Drifters 10 years after the accident and stetler was on duty keeping watch one morning when a Drifter washed any move to retrieve it as he normally would but he was Frozen with fear upon looking at the face Veil walked back outside and looking at me with concern as she rung water from her hair what are we going to do she asked sitting down next to me I didn't answer still reading and rereading the same Sentence stutler recognized his

brother Jacob stutler who had been last seen dragged under the surface a 10 years previous he hadn't aged and the only difference was the small bump on his head Veil I said looking at her there are things that I'm still learning along with you things that may cause me to falter in the coming days and weeks I need you to promise promis me that if I hesitate you will step in and finish the job I promise Vil said still looking Concerned what's going to happen Raleigh just then somebody came running up the path shouting my

name I recognized the same man that I had stationed at the shoreline out of breath and wild Eyed Please please come quick it's going into the village he stopped in front of the house panting and shaking calm down what the hell do you you mean I asked jumping from my chair and how did you know that I was here Dr Gareth told me that you were Taking Bale home I saw well I saw Briggs he almost looked like he was going to vomit when he said it thinking of the mess in Brigg's office a Drifter

washed up on shore I saw it and started coming to get you but then it well it spoke to me it asked where you were Raleigh oh hell I said beginning to gather my things and start back toward the village he stopped me again before I could walk off no Raleigh this one it ain't like The others he said waving his hands frantically in front of him it's him Raleigh I don't know how but it's him who who is it veil was shouting at him now trying to make sense of this whole situation River the

man whispered looking down at the the ground I stopped dead in my tracks I couldn't move there was no way that it could be him he was gone dead his body was never found this guy just didn't remember what he looked like he was Confused who the hell is River Veil asked getting impatient at the lack of answers I turned to look at her grabbing the ruin inscribed a blade from my bag in the process I handed it over to her you don't know the ritual yet and I may not be able to see this

one through I said will anyone please tell me what's going on I can't help when I'm in the dark here Vale was practically screaming now tearing at her hair who is River and why are you so worried about Him I felt tears forming in my eyes as I looked at her hot bile burned in my throat and I almost choked on the words as they came up River was my brother the silence smothered us as we walked back to the Village Square I was beyond lost it hit me when I read the book that something

like this could be possible but I didn't think it would happen this soon veil was certainly worried is shooting me looks of concern between looking down at the blade that I had Given her finally she spoke what do you mean that he was your brother what happened I knew that she needed to know knew that she was only asking so that she could be prepared but I resented it all the same I had grieved River since the day that I lost him and it was only compounded by losing dad a Days Later did my dad

know about this is that why why he did what he did makes sense you don't remember it You would have been very young I find the replied the words sounding as if they were coming from somewhere far away River was out with Dad and I One Day keeping watch and he was playing in the water while Dad and I were patrolling he was there one second and gone the next I don't know if it was the riptide or something else he was just gone so you never found his body Vil whispered I could feel the

chill in her voice and she realized where this was Going that was 12 years ago Vil he was 6 years old and we never found them there was a noticeable shakiness in my voice as I started to say what I feared Dad Dad blamed himself or maybe he knew the truth either way he killed himself that night walked right out to the beach stood in the waves and slashed his own throat dear God Veil let out a small gasp I found him the next morning the tide was going out when he did it so he

Didn't want away he was just laying there in a tide pool of his own blood I my voice cracked remembering that day I could still feel the cold rain stinging as it hit my skin the wind scraping my face sitting in the pool of his blood and shaking him hoping that he would wake up I just sat there until I saw The Drifter wash up and then I had a duty something that I was the only one fit For only I could do until now the Village Square was in sight now and I could see

a crowd of people gathered around all holding on to each other and staring at something in the middle I stopped in the path causing Veil to almost run into me she hafted the blade in its sheath and looked at me expectantly as I turned to her remember what I told you step in if you falter she nodded to me as she said it if she Was scared if she wasn't going to show it her gray eyes like the steel of the blade she was well suited for this if I make any sign of weakness of

not being able to do this kill it I said reaffirming I can promise the emotion won't get the better of me if I move to stop you then cut me down Raleigh she looked shocked at this but the resolve returned moments later okay we walked the remaining 100 yards or so into the square the crowd parting As We Came as The last of them moved I could see what they had been staring at a boy no older than the day that he had disappeared has standing in the middle of the square he had the signature

bump of The Drifters in pointed fingernails and teeth nothing had changed he still had the short cropped haircut that Dad had given him just days before he disappeared and I could see these small slits in his neck where gills had taken shape He gave me a sharp Smile as I approached you grew up he said his voice was more guttural than I remembered the innocence of a child's voice was gone replaced by Menace and bloodlust I've missed you big brother River I replied simply I could feel hot tears stinging my eyes I knew that he

was dangerous and that he could Brit me to pieces in seconds if I let my guard down it didn't change the fact that he was my Brother once he still looked like that six-year-old boy that disappeared in the waves you don't seem as happy as I thought you would I was hoping for more of a reunion he replied he looked around at the crowd that was still looking on Staring at him in horror what I feel like you're all scared of me what happened to you River I managed to choke out out I was showing

weakness No doubt he would try to take advantage of this the ocean takes us all eventually some of us earlier than others you and Dad didn't keep your eyes on me and now here I am I've come back for you though I wanted to show you all the wonderful things that I've learned all the amazing sights and feelings they've taught me a lot in these few years that I've been gone who I asked oh the others like me of Course there are quite a few of us as I'm sure you've noticed in the past few

days we've been busy recruiting creating swelling our ranks we bring more to him and he makes them like us I'm sure that I can put in a good word for you all River this this isn't you I was talking more to myself at this point than am I didn't want to believe believed that this was what my brother had become didn't want to believe that He could be this monster you wouldn't know who I am he roared causing dark clouds to roll in in the winter rise I looked around motioning everybody to stand back I

noticed then that veil was no longer beside me please brother don't do this come back to us you don't have to be this way I said to him trying to look around for Veil without him noticing I finally spotted her in the Crowd of people slowly moving away through the masses trying to flank River I to keep him distracted there's no going back now this island won't exist for much longer all will be swallowed by the ocean soon enough you'll all join us or drown some of you have a choice some don't he took took

a step forward opening his arms toward me I wanted to bring you with me Raleigh to extend an offer I can bring you with me and you Can be made new quick and painless I want to help you I continued veil was almost behind him just another minute and she would be in place oh but I want to help you River sneered back at me Veil looked at me and nodded now I lunged forward at the same moment that she did her with the blade drawn and me with my knife all I could see before

striking was River's twisted smile Veil struck just right stabbing Right into his spine and my knife found its Mark in his throat cutting any sound from him short he managed to get two good swipes of his claws in one striking Veil across the face and leaving four warong Jagged Ravines of open flesh from her left eye down to her chin the other hand managed to catch me in the stomach knocking the wind from me and gouging into my flashh I felt his hand tighten into a fist closing around whatever internal Organs he could get some

rope I shouted at the onlookers two of them ran toward the nearest building and found a halfway weave to fishing n that had been left there in the excitement of the day throwing it to Veil and ey we quickly wrapped it around River making sure that he was bound right before cutting a strip of fabric from my sleeve and stuffing it in his mouth there no storms if he can't scream I said sitting back on the ground and clutching my stomach I looked down to assess the damage and I could see Heavy bleeding as well

as some of my insides where they shouldn't be Gareth where's Gareth Veil ran to my side side taking off her coat and applying pressure to my stomach her eye was swollen shut at this point she would be lucky to see out of it again Vil help him please I was gasping at this point the adrenaline was wearing off and the pain was taking over The last thing that I saw before passing out was Veil tears mixing with the blood on her face and River smiling at me on the ground I'm awake again it's been 2

days since we subdued River Gareth patched me up the best that he could but the diagnosis is Gham River managed to do some damage while he was in there Vil told me that she has him locked away in briggs' office said that he's tied up in there smiling at anyone Who comes by half of her face is covered in bandages and Garrett that said that her eyes should heal but she'll never regain 100% of her sight I've been researching the book she tells me says she learned the ruins and memorized the ritual she said there's

also some talk of an older ritual one talked about from Long Ago by long gone ancestors something that may be able to stop all of this once and for all that God I guess you could call it Veil says the giant that creates them there's the thought here and there by whoever put this together they transl ated from some ancient notes left behind by the first inhabitants of our Island whoever wrote this thinks that if two sacrifices are made then he can be weakened and bound under sea she went on explaining this further but I

was drifting in and out from pain eventually Gareth came back in and gave me a new dose of medicine it Didn't do much for the pain but it sedated me I'm in and out now Vale is working on figuring out this ritual if she can crack it then we may just have a way to end all of this I just hope that I'll live to see it hell came to our Island death came to our Island it was beginning to get dark outside and I was still recovering hoping for the medicine that Gareth had Given

me to kick in soon so I didn't have to feel this throbbing pain nearly as much I flipped through the book as I waited the lamp beside me causing the pages to almost glow yellow there were notes scribbled in the margins wherever they would fit all in different handwriting I had to wonder if these were written by cleansers before me how old was this book what happened to all Of these people if they had these notes and theories about the end but still they couldn't bring it about was there something that we weren't seeing in

all of this I flipped the page again and noticed that the there were no notes scribbled for the first time in at least 100 pages instead there was just one stanza of a poem like a prophecy being laid out before me written in beautiful Script when waves ride high and oceans flood rain and wind howl filled with blood into the sea Brothers of red and blue ending Waters wrath beginning days a new holy I said under my breath this was it this was the answer this was how to stop everything Raleigh Raleigh wake up he

stirred from the bed against the opposite wall still in a drug stoer and Gareth had said that his condition was UN promising when River plunged his hand in he had severed quite a few of his intestines causing massive internal bleeding Gareth did as much as he could but he wasn't outfitted for major surgery on this level righ turned to me eyes barely open Josephine he mumbled looking at me in surprise are you here to take me away you've grown so much no rally it's me Veil I said and Gareth had told me that he may

hallucinate due to the medicine I found it I'm not ready Josephine he muttered back tears stung my eyes seeing this this man broken he had protected our Island for so long brought me under his wing without a question I cried a little more as tears tracked their way across my still open wounds there came a soft knock at the door as Gareth walked in holding another vial of medicine and an armful of clean Bandages he looked at me as rally muttered for Josephine once more a poor man he hasn't spoken about her in years Garis

said who was Josephine I asked him he let out a sigh and sat next to the bed beginning to dress Raley's wounds again the only person that he ever loved Gareth replied Josephine was his daughter where is she now now whatever Heaven you believe she only lived for an hour after birth Passed away not long after her mother he answered I think that's why he took to you so well you reminded him of what he lost I couldn't hold it back any longer tears began to flow freely stinging my wound even worse than before I

had no family my mother had died during childbirth my father killed not long after my conception The Village raised me and Raleigh had always been there offering advice or helping where he Could and now here he was dying just a few feet away Gareth finished wrapping the new bandages and stood up handing me the vial give this to him when he wakes up it'll help with the pain he patted me on the shoulder as he began to walk out of the door righ stirred Gareth he muttered Gareth I need to go he turned back around

looking to Raleigh rest old friend we'll be safe until you're ready he said as he opened The door to step outside a scream pierced the air Rising wind followed it within seconds help help me please came a voice from somewhere outside it began to scream again but was cut off in a moment drag them to the waves came another voice this one gutural like the sound of rocks scraping against the ocean floor bring them to pant the lace in so he may shape them in His Image Ah hell GIS said stepping back inside and slamming

the door there's a horde of them out there more screams cut through the air causing the wind to strengthen once more I could hear a rain begin to pound on the roof of the small Hut the walls creaked as they were moved Raley starred yet again suddenly more alert what's happening where's the blade he began to sit up and then screamed out in pain falling back on the bed Gareth I have to get out out there afraid I can't Do that brother Gareth told him pacing the room and thought they've never come this far inland

other than River of course I don't like this they'll find it soon enough as if on QE the door was kicked open and the Towering Drifter barged his way in claws tearing at the door frame it screamed at the sight of them bringing more heavy rain onto the hot back away Gareth I whispered moving my hand down to the blade still sheathed at My side he Dove aside leaving a straight path I had to make sure that I was on target even with my crippled eyesight I drew the blade slowly leaning forward and focusing on

the diaphrag area just like Raleigh had showed me that day on the beach it ran forward rushing at me with arms held high claws branded I lunged forward as stabbing up toward it I missed it screamed in pain as the Blade struck in the middle of the rib page above the diaphragm I heard the bone crack as it was cleaved in two The Drifter fell on top of me teeth nashing as it tried to recover I moved my hand to the hilt to the blade and grasping it and starting to saw downward The Drifter threw

its head forward attempting to bite down on my neck as I moved to the side under it furiously working the blade lower I heard the final gasp as I hit my target The Drifter collapsed Twitching Gareth ran went forward to help roll it off of me as I pulled the Blade free splattering Blue Blood on the walls Val are you okay Ry asked sitting up slowly this time so as to not hurt himself he still winced in pain rally thinkk God I said and moving over to him look I found how we can stop this

we have to get River I grabbed the book from the table nearby flipping to the poem I shoved it toward rally to read Brothers of red and Blue that can't mean us can it he asked looking up at me I think so I said I could see the fear in his face he was putting all of this together the same puzzle that I had pieced together just hours ago the wind was constant now a continuous Roar a monster tearing the island apart a board was torn from the roof leaving an opening for rain to begin

pouring through help me up Gareth Raleigh said swinging His legs over the side of the bed we need to go get my brother I hafted the blade getting ready to make our run across the square Gareth has stood holding Raleigh up on his shoulders we exchanged a small nod before running out of the Hut and into the chaos the square was bathed in red Drifters were dragging bodies out of homes taking no care if they cut them open or not not anyone that resisted was torn open treated as a game by the Attacking monsters I

could see one in the distance grabbing a woman away from her screaming wife slashing her throat so blood covered the woman that she loved it leted out A demented laugh before lunging at The Other Woman we made our way through dodging what we could and trying to cut through what we couldn't we finally reached the door of briggs' office busting in and charging through River sat there in the center of the room staring toward us a smile playing behind the gag over his mouth grab and run I said looking towards Gareth and Raleigh I took

a hold of the chair that River was in and began dragging it out into the storm we tried to go around the perimeter of the square and toward the path to the beach so as to not be seen A Drifter chased somebody out into our path stopping us as it saw us I charged Forward as stabbing it through the eye this time it fell to the ground shrieking causing the storm to strengthen when we finally made it to the path I saw that we didn't have far to go the amount of drifters congregating in the

island in the chaos they were bringing had caused a storm to Surge bringing waves crashing just a few hundred yards away the dunes were gone and now the island just consisted of the square and Surrounding area oh oh it's time brother River shouted over the chaos I looked back to see that he had chewed through the gag allowing him to talk once more There Is Our God waiting just as promised I looked in the distance to see an Inky silhouette on the horizon moving ever closer to our position with every stride it sent a towering

wave toward us taking more of the land for its own Drifters were frothing in the waves Moving closer to the square there had to be hundreds all crashing on top of each other as they scrambled to be the first to the feeding they stopped as they saw us set me down Raleigh said Gareth gave him a look to confirm what he was asking and then a small nod before setting him to his feet Ry came over to me then and putting his hands on my shoulders whatever happens I want you to know that I'm proud

of you he said he Deafly slipped the La away from me hiding it in his co- pocket well brother does your offer still stand will you take me to the sea I thought you would never ask River smiled as showing his sharp teeth rally walked over to him holding his knife to the rope and snaring them I will let you free but you must promise me that you will not harm them Raleigh was weeing with the effort of standing on his own River simply nodded in return with a the Quick flick of the knife his

restraints fell around him they walked together toward the water river shouting to the other Drifters in Victory when they were waste deep he turned to Raleigh and behold panan he motioned to the giant figure a features still obscured by the wind and rain that seemed to emanate from it the great sea ruler of all beneath the waves I bring you a sacrifice the last of the CLE ing line he turned to Face Raleigh looking at him as he did the same I've waited so long Raleigh he thrust his hand forward and paling Raleigh through the

heart he let out a gasp leaning forward on his brother River took him in a great hug bringing him close Raleigh wrapped his arms around him in return I is well I heard him say he Flipped the blade from his pock it and held it to River's back hugging him tight with one arm before thrusting towards himself River LED out a noise of surprise as he and dry were joined by the blade The Drifters standing around began to scream and ride causing the wind to rise with them suddenly they stopped Gareth grabbed my arm and

pulled me back away from the water as we watched the two brothers their blood Mixing on the blade and running into the water seemed to melt away into a pool pool of red and blue it only took moments for them to Disappear Completely the color in the water branching out further toward the crowd of drifters when they were touched by the blood The Drifters turned to water with each new Mass a rising wave was formed holding its place as a wall of water at the Shoreline I could almost make out the two brothers in the

middle of it still locked in their death Embrace translucent in their new state of being when all The Drifters had been reached it was a towering tsunami standing at the ready Pantha L stood in the distance the Storm still swirling around him he hefted his first crashing it down into the water and sending his own wave forward the great tsunami rushed to meet it absorbing it as they Collided it picked up speed as it moved ever closer to the sea god rolling with Fury there was a loud crash as it smashed into the giant knocking

him from his feet I saw it try to get back up and regain its footing but as it did a tendrils of water shot forward from the surface and snaring him at every possible Point finally two tendrils one red and one blue shot forward to wrap around the Ancient neck of the sea pulling it first to its knees and then under the surface forever we've started taking count Mountain burying are dead now the island is destroyed house is gone completely it appeared as though we had suffered a direct hit from a hurricane I was walking

along the beach earlier when I spotted something shining in a tide pool as I ran forward to look I was able to make out the hilt of the time Blade the blade itself was broken Nothing but Jagged splinters after a few inches but I kept it anyway it's to remember the father that I only had for a short time the man who gave his life for us as long as he had lived I know when the waves crash in it's him telling me that he's still there keeping the evil at Bay in death as he

did in life thank you rally