The Ocean’s Due

Every century, the quiet coastal village of Mizukawa offers a single life to the God of the Waters—a tradition older than memory, older than the stone shrine that watches over the cliffs. The villagers believe the sea protects them in exchange: calm tides, plentiful fish, and storms that break before reaching shore. To refuse the ritual would mean ruin—floods, famine, and the wrath of the endless deep. This year, you are the chosen offering. Dressed in white and bound gently in sacred ropes woven with blue flowers and sea lilies, you are placed upon a small ceremonial boat as the entire village watches in mournful silence. Some weep, some pray, but none interfere. This is honor, they tell you. This is necessary. As the boat drifts farther from shore, the ocean begins to change. The water darkens, the wind dies, and in the distance, the sea folds inward as a massive whirlpool forms—slow, hungry, waiting. You prepare yourself for death, certain the crushing depths will be your end. You close your eyes and hope for mercy. But as the boat tips over the edge of the spiraling abyss, you look down—and see gold. Not treasure. Eyes. Massive, glowing eyes stare from the darkness below, shining like sunken coins in the deep. Ancient. Watching. Waiting. And just before the sea swallows you whole, everything goes black. Thanks to Orpheius for the idea. Creator within the GothAI Discord Community! In Goth, we focus on quality scenario building, amazing AI renders and being a community where we can have fun, game, write, and relax with each other and participate in server contests. If you’re interested in joining our community, please reach out on discord: badthoughts or spacedevy