The Shinobi Demigod

Ch 4: The Funeral and Camp Activities

I woke up breathing heavily. What kind of dream is that? I take a second to catch my breath. I look over at the clock and see it's 6:30 a.m. Just in time for my morning run. I quietly grab my clothes and sneak out of the cabin. I change into my clothes and start my run. I ran for an hour or so. I need to get back into my schedule, I already took a couple days off. I went to take a shower and heard the horn for breakfast. I quickly finish the shower and head over to the pavilion to see everyone there. I went through everything I did yesterday and started walking off to find a spot to sit. As I was about to exit the pavilion, I felt someone grab my arm. I turn to see Serena "Nuh uh. You're sitting at the table today. Come on."

The tone at breakfast was very somber. Not many people were talking. No one wanted to accept that Sophia passed away. We sit in silence and eat our breakfast. At the end of breakfast, Chiron walks up next to me, "Tamotsu, Serena, follow me. Mr. Romano is arriving at camp today for the funeral. I think he'd like to see some friendly faces."

Serena and I leave the Mess Hall with Chiron. As we leave I see Annabeth there waiting, "What are you doing here?"

Huff. I'm too tired for this right now, "Shut the hell up."

Annabeth was about to reply when Chiron gave us a look, "Stop it both of you. Remember who this day is about."

I didn't say anything and kept walking. I really don't want to have to deal with her today. We get to the top of Half Blood Hill and walk over to a small parking lot. The three of them go and greet Mr. Romano while I stand back and lean on a tree. I still don't know how he feels about me. Does he blame me for Sophia's death? Mr. Romano broke me out of my thoughts, "Tamotsu, what are you doing hanging back there? Get over here."

I hesitantly walk over, not knowing how to react. I get in front of him and he pulls me into a hug. I tense up before relaxing and hugging him back. I tear up a little, "Y-You don't blame me? I thought you'd hate me for what happened to Sophia?"

After a second he releases me from the hug and gives me a sad smile, "I was never mad at you Tamotsu. I know that you tried your best to save her."

We walk to the border and Chiron lets him in. We walk down to the amphitheater where the funeral is to be held. Everyone is already there waiting for it to start. I try to sit at the back, but Mr. Romano stops me and tells me to come to the front, "I know how people treat you, but you're sitting next to me. Come on."

I gave him an appreciative smile, "Thanks."

We walk to the front row and sit down. (A/N I'm not going to try to explain a funeral b/c I don't know how they work. I might edit this chapter when I find out how it works). Chiron goes up to the front and starts, "We gather here today to celebrate the life of Sophia Romano..."

As Chiron was giving his speech, a lot of people were crying. I guess she touched a lot of people's hearts here. She always did know how to break down barriers between people. When Chiron was done, he gestured for Mr. Romano to come up and give the eulogy. At the end of the eulogy, it was time to put the shrouded body on the pyre. I gave him a look asking if he was sure and he gave me a nod. I walk up and help him move the body onto the pyre. He walks down but I stay up there a second, looking at the shrouded body of my best friend. I couldn't hold my emotions in anymore. I close my eyes and let the tears silently fall down my face. I open my eyes and say quietly, "Thanks for everything, Sophia. You've been there for me whenever I needed you. You'll always be remembered and your legacy will live on. I know you made it to heaven, or the Greek version of it, so I know it can't be too bad. Hopefully I'll see you in the afterlife."

I walk down while wiping my tears away. Damnit, I told myself I wouldn't cry. Chiron goes over and lights the pyre and we all watch it turn to ash. Once the funeral was over, everyone started to slowly leave the amphitheater. Only a handful of campers were left. I just sat there, staring at where the casket used to be. Someone thumped down beside me. I turn to see Serena, "How are you holding up?"