"I know no mortal body,

I am the divine.

My brothers and I,

We are immortal souls.

You did us justice boy,

We are free.

You did us an honour boy,

We are power."

A dark shape took form, haunting words whispered on the tide. Cold, biting tendrils wrapped my arm; a black ocean sliding over my heart.

Anji, murdered by my sword, appeared before me; his tumultuous body imposing, the ocean currents running over his visage.

Had I drank more than previously thought? No. My penance was due; I could no longer outrun my crimes.

He drew me close. Inky water lapped at my boots, his grip binding. This was what his words meant; he and his brothers' transcended humanity. Become something of the Earth, immortal and forever changing.

"Kamiya Koshijiro, you fulfilled our fate. Your guilt is your penance but not your punishment."

Anji's words washed over me, filling my mind with the sounds of a tsunami. Crashing, blowing, whipping, cleansing.

"We thank you for what you have given us, but what you have taken outweighs that. Lives not meant to end, innocent hearts slain. That is what you will be punished for."

My mind raced, fighting off the water that filled my ears. I had nothing they could take. No value left. My life was all I had.

"Take my life then, Anji-san, it is all I have."

Thunder shook the air, ice pelted my face.

Anji was laughing.

"You have nothing now boy, but you will. I have seen your future and it is fortuitous. No, we will not take your life. When the time comes, you will know your punishment."

And then it was over. I was left cold, stranded, and knee-deep in the Pacific.