#chpater1

Two days had passed since the ship began to rumble and quake, and during that time Yuu and Janet had regained some semblance of normalcy. They had made a promise to go jogging together on the open deck at 7am every morning, though that routine had been interrupted when Akihiko was snatched and killed right before their eyes. Now the kraken lingered around the boat, striking the ship more and more as time went on.

Eventually, the two grew a tentative sense of security when they realized that the kraken’s only interest was in the ship itself and not the people onboard. With that in mind, they decided to give their routine another try and did their best to ignore the giant monster swimming in the waters below.

They had grown used to the shaking of the boat, even timing their steps as they ran to avoid falling over. On this particular morning, however, they were pleased to find that the ship seemed to be calm, allowing them go about their morning routine in peace. Yuu and Janet met at their usual place at the door before heading out onto the deck. They were pleased to find the seas calm and the breeze pleasant as the sun started to rise on a beautiful, peaceful morning.

Not long after starting their run, Janet suddenly slowed to a stop. Yuu noticed and followed suit, though confused at her actions. However, when he looked out ahead, he could see it. There was something further up the deck, somewhat obscured in the shade. As they neared it, they realized it was a person collapsed on the ground, unmoving. They picked up their pace. Had someone fallen because of the intense tremors the night before? Did they need help?

No matter how many questions buzzed through their heads, none of them mattered once they reached the figure’s side. All they could see was skin marred with sickening purple bruises and streams of red, sticky blood.

"O-oh god…"