Last Son: Book One

Chapter 36 Mama Neptune's Burial

As Samael stood before the large crowd, holding Mama Neptune's lifeless body in his arms, he felt a mix of sorrow and determination. The weight of his actions weighed heavily on his shoulders, but he knew that Mama Neptune deserved a proper burial, a final farewell befitting her power and presence. The crowd fell silent as they watched Samael, their eyes filled with curiosity and reverence. Whispers spread through the air, the murmurs growing louder with each passing moment. "Is that Mama Neptune?" some wondered aloud, their voices filled with awe and disbelief. Samael, guided by a newfound sense of purpose, began making his way towards the river that lay just ahead. The path was lined with onlookers, their gazes fixed on the lifeless deity cradled in his arms. The air was heavy with anticipation as if the very elements of nature mourned the loss of their guardian. As Samael reached the banks of the river, the crowd followed, forming a solemn procession. The sound of the flowing water provided a soothing backdrop as if nature itself acknowledged the significance of the moment. Samael carefully laid Mama Neptune's body on a bed of vibrant seaweed, its colors mirroring the vastness of the ocean she had protected. The crowd watched in reverent silence as Samael began to prepare Mama Neptune's burial. He adorned her body with delicate seashells, symbols of the ocean's beauty and the treasures it held. Whispers of farewell filled the air, a collective goodbye from those who had relied on Mama Neptune's power and guidance. Samael then turned his attention to the river, knowing that it would be the vessel to carry Mama Neptune's body back to the depths of the ocean. He fashioned a makeshift raft out of fallen branches and leaves, weaving them together with his skilled hands. Each movement was deliberate and filled with respect, honoring the deity who had sacrificed herself for the greater good. With the raft complete, Samael gently lifted Mama Neptune's body and placed her upon it. The crowd watched in solemn silence, their eyes locked on the peaceful figure as it floated upon the river's gentle current. The sun cast its golden rays upon the scene, illuminating the solemnity and grace of the moment. As the raft drifted further downstream, Samael stood at the water's edge, bidding his final farewell to Mama Neptune. His heart overflowed with gratitude and remorse, knowing that her sacrifice had come at a great cost. But he also felt a renewed sense of purpose, a determination to protect and preserve the oceans in her memory. The crowd remained silent, their thoughts and emotions swirling like the waters of the river. They knew that Mama Neptune's legacy would live on, not only in their hearts but in the very fabric of the ocean she had guarded. And as the raft disappeared from view, carried by the currents towards the vast expanse of the sea, a collective sigh of gratitude and mourning filled the air. With Mama Neptune's burial complete, Samael turned away from the river, his mind filled with reflections on the past and thoughts of the future. The journey to save the ocean and its creatures was far from over, but now he carried with him a newfound strength, a determination fueled by the memory of Mama Neptune's sacrifice. Samael sat far away from the crowd, his back against a boulder, and shut his eyes then the night came, and he woke from his rest. Samael made his way toward the Captain and the crew members, they sat around the campfire with the villagers, and as soon the villagers saw Samael they were in fear. The Captain said unto them; "Don't fear lads! This young lad—came a long way. And saved me, and my men!" One of the villagers shouted; "He slain our sea guardian. She was a goddess of the deep blues!" Samael said unto them with a soft voice as he looked at the villager who had spoken. "Don't worry. I'm gone before sunrise." Samael moved forward to Mama Neptune's skeleton which was washed up to the surface, and the Captain followed from behind. The Captain waited for a moment as the two of them gazed upon the deep blue, and he then said to Samael. "Well, lad—what are you going to do?" Samael answered back. "It's like what I said back there." The Captain then looked at his vessel, Sally, and said to Samael. "She's in no shape. If we take her—we surely will sink." Samael looked at the Captain and said with a deep tone. "I'm going alone." The Captain answered back. "What do you mean lad?" Samael looked at the Captain with a serious stare but what he said was respectful to the Captain, and the crew members. "I need to do this alone." The Captain answered back. "Do what alone, lad?" Samael pointed in the direction that he needed to go and said. "I need to go North from here." The Captain smiled and said to Samael; "Alright lad! Heading to the cities." Samael answered back and breathed heavily. "Yelp." So the night was soon to be over, The Captain and the crew members were found asleep, and the whole village was resting as well but Samael took Sally, and headed off into the deep blue before sunrise. The vessel is in bad condition, so will Sally survive across the deep blue sea, and will Samael arrive at his destination or will he perish with the ship? She is deteriorating as the waves are beating the vessel.