The Calamity (Short Story)

Chapter 2: An Ill Omen

We haven't managed to catch anything in our nets for a week now. All the villagers are getting really worried because fishing is our main source of income. Even the swordfish that were usually extremely common had all seemingly disappeared. There hadn't been an attack for days.

I was in the forest nearby trying to scavenge what roots and berries I could to try and get enough food for the day since fishing bore no results. If this carried on though, we might starve to death come winter. Suddenly I heard shouts and yells coming from the direction of the village.

Turning my head towards the village, I was alarmed to discover a dark mass of clouds heading towards the village. It seemed like it would be a storm on the level of being able to destroy the village. If only it was just that much.

A fishy smell suddenly assaulted my nose as large waves rose up suddenly and crashed so hard against the shore I'm pretty sure it would have killed anyone who took the brunt of the impact. I'm pretty sure I saw a figure get washed away when it receded.

Shuddering in fear as I recalled that my family had gone out to the market which was around that area, I dashed back to my hut, which was fortunately further back from the shore. There I found my wife and my youngest son huddling in a corner, fear showing on their faces.

Thank the stars they were alright, I thought. Still my relief didn't last long as I heard a low roar from the outside. Was that... thunder? It didn't sound like it. I also noticed water beginning to seep into the house so I told my family to grab what food they could and follow me out.

When we ran outside, we nearly dropped our food sacks in shock due to what we saw. Villagers were screaming and panicking as a large... thing grabbed a few of them before withdrawing to the sea. I couldn't really catch a good look at it but I did notice it's eyes. They were glowing a bright red, filled with madness. I'm pretty sure it was the source of that fishy stench.

Deciding not to remain any longer I grabbed my wife and son and headed inland, where the elevation was higher.