AT A SPECIFIC POINT IN THE CHAPTER, YOU'LL SEE A MUSIC VIDEO. IT IS RECOMMENDED TO CLICK ON IT FOR OPTIMAL ENJOYMENT. THE IMMERSION FROM DOING SO WILL BE INCREDIBLE, ESPECIALLY WITH HEADPHONES. NOW LET'S BEGIN THE CHAPTER.

The negro type is seen in the most ancient Mexican sculpture. The negroes figure frequently in the most remote traditions of some American pueblos. It is to this race doubtlessly belongs the most ancient skeletons, distinct from the red American race, which have been found in various places from Bolivia to Mexico. It is likely that, we repeat, that America was a negro continent. Source: Estudios Arquelogicos y Ethnograficos. Vol 1, Madrid, 1920. Written by Carlos Cuervo Marquez. 

Zocrix rubbed his eyes. He made sure to get up before Maroya and Boniael exchanged places. The sea was quiet. The canoe wasn't moving. And he was still. With the conch shell wrapped around his fingers, he blew with hope and passion, all so that they wouldn't die.

Many of the children woke to this sound. It was one you couldn't ignore. The characteristic moderate hollow sound it gave radiated from the boat, going for kilometres. He then pulled it from his lips, patiently waiting for someone to respond. Some fishermen would come to catch fish around this time. To get the biggest catch early meant that you could relax for the rest of the day and you get to barter for a lot more in the market. This allowed for competition as to who will be out in the ocean first to get the largest fish. 

"Couldn't you have waited until we woke up to blow that thing?" Matolo was annoyed.

"Yeah. What she said." Inina aligned with her.

"You clearly have no experience in the ocean. You're too young to appreciate it." 

"No. It's too far away from land and I hate the smell of freshly caught fish."

"Don't you eat fish?" He caught her in her own logic.

"Yes. Yes I do. What about it?"

"Then you're a hypocrite."

"I'm not no hypocrite."

"Yes, you are."

"No. I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

"No. I'm not."

"Yes, you are!"

"No. I'm NOT!"

"Can you all just shut up?!" Inina got them to be quiet.

Everyone agreed. They were being unbearable. If they were going to die, they wanted it to be a peaceful one, not with stupid arguments. This woke up Yomil, who was a heavy sleeper.

"Are we still in the ocean?"

"Yes stupid."

"Don't call him stupid, Matolo."

"Sorry."

"Apology accepted." He let off a fart that permeated the area.

"What did you eat?"

"Some water apples." He was still a little tired.

Zocrix was nearly brought to tears by the putrid scent. "Kid, when we get to Alliouagana, you gonna get a purge. A big one."

"Make sure it's for a week," said Inina while holding her nose.

"And ensure it's an extra-strong mix." Matolo was gagging at the smell.

"Well," Zocrix was fanning the scent away with his hand, dissipating it. "Is everyone awake?"

The children looked at each other and around them and found everybody to be up. Well, all except for one. It was a young girl, about twelve years old. She had a long face and short, scruffy hair. 

"Wake up the kid. Don't want her complaining when I blow the conch shell to save your lives." 

Inina, Matolo and several others went towards her and shook her to wake her up. She didn't respond. They then called out to her. She still didn't respond. They shouted at her, and she still didn't wake up.

Zocrix wondered why she wasn't getting up. His mind drifted to a place, a dark one he doesn't like. Is she... "Check her pulse! Check it now!" He pointed at them.

"Why. Is she dead?" asked Inina. 

He looked away. That told Inina everything.

She put her hands on her head. "She's dead! We're all gonna die!" 

They went into crying and screaming. All of them were now traumatised for the rest of their lives.  

Zocrix was sad and angry at himself. It was his fault as the lone adult and canoe rower. He shed his tears, not caring whether the children see or not. He thought about the child. "She seemed quite... quite... ummmmmm..." Zocrix couldn't think of anything. He didn't care enough to know any of them. For him, this was something he did as a side hustle for the last four years. This wasn't something he bartered for. He usually got coconuts or something, not a dead child. This was the first time he saw someone so young die at sea. The tears continued to flow, and then something came into his mind. 

The gods. 

He wondered why would they allow this. They gave their offerings as they left Yamaye. Why would they let this child die? With the quality and quantity they had, their passage was practically guaranteed. He then thought thoughts he didn't want to think. He wanted to question the gods. Zocrix felt that they weren't all that powerful, that they were greedy and entitled. 

He wanted to scream at the gods, and he did.

"Gods and goddesses, hear me!" He gripped the oar in his hand, holding it up with authority next to him. "What you allowed this child to go through was unforgivable! Why did you let her die?! Don't you feel ashamed of yourselves?! All high and mighty you are, but can't save a child! One CHILD!" The children looked on as Maroya and Boniael stopped in the sky, permitting darkness and light to blend. 

"Rower." Yomil was afraid. He wondered why the sky became so freaky. 

"Shut up!" He turned at them with an expression as if he was scarred by a thousand wars.

They hushed as they let him continue. 

"You are dead to me now! I despise each and every one of you." He built up some saliva in his mouth, confusing the children with his noises. He then spat in the ocean. The whiteness of it quickly dissolved and mixed with the saltwater. 

https://youtu.be/jVXQxPEQ96U

Quiet returned but the freakish sky remained. The sea juxtaposed it, however, with the beginnings of loud movement. The boat twisted and turned to the waves. 

"Canoe rower, what did you do?"

With a deep tone, he said, sinking his fingers into the oar, "I disrespected the gods."

They had no words.

As the waves got stronger, something appeared in front of them. A wall of water one hundred metres high rose from the depths. It seemed to exude malice. All sorts of sea creatures were trapped inside, adding some character to the monolithic blue. Some of their heads and limbs poked out as it was exotic for them to see the surface from such an altitude.

They wondered who created such a monstrosity. To do so would be impossible. There were too many deities and pantheons that could do this. 

The canoe got taken up by it, gradually moving up as it did. Aquatic life was enjoying the ride, but for them, this was terrifying. Zocrix just froze at what was happening. He went too far. He was rude to the gods, the ones who brought the trees and the air, and the clouds and the soil; they gave humanity everything. And for them to be so ungrateful is blasphemy. They understood how he felt but even gods had limits. What happened to her soul was up to them. They can take it or leave it.

They had to be punished for their wrongdoings. They had to set an example. The wave began moving forward, almost creating a roar as it did. The children were the most scared they had ever been. Zocrix was still frozen as a constant stream trailed down his face. 

A whale, near the crescendo of the watery wall, fell from its height. It was coming towards them. 

"Zocrix! Zocrix!!!" The children's voices were in tune as they screamed at him to move. They don't want someone else to die. If he did, what point there is to keep on living? "Zocrix!" Inina shouted, "Zocrix, please we need you. Who's gonna take us to Alliouagana?"

"Yeah, who's gonna protect us as we get there?" said Matolo in an effort to lift his spirits.

"Who's gonna educate us about the sea?" Yomil attempted the same.

The others said what they had to say about him. He couldn't disappoint them. Zocrix had to live, for himself and for them. 

"Kids... get down."

"Huh?" They were puzzled.

"I said get down! Don't you see that whale coming towards us?!"

"We accepted our deaths already. We'll die together. We just wanted you to be calm before the worst happens." Yomil was ready to get on his knees and accept the worst.

"Don't say that. Just do as I say and GET DOWN!!!"

They took in all the passion he gave out. They ducked just before the barnacle laden whale came. It passed over them and made a splash so spectacular, everything about it seemed to be in slow motion. 

They dodged the whale but it wasn't over yet. The wave was beginning to come downwards. 

"Kids, hold on!"

They held onto anything they can. Zocrix now asked for forgiveness in his thoughts. He was unsure if it was from him being genuine or from fear. The latter seemed more logical. He also didn't want the children to lose their lives over his newfound personal grudge. If he died, it was between him and them. But he was scared of dying. Everyone is. He wanted to go back home after this and meet his uncle. He wanted to draw on some more dirt. And he wanted to get a girlfriend so his parents would stop bothering him.

Please forgive me. I have transgressed immensely. I will repent for what I've said and done. Just spare us. More tears came to him. 

The gods heard his plea. Their frames were hidden in the clouds, lightning and thunder were exuberant. Seeing his and the children's suffering on display swayed most except the most aggressive and war-hungry. It was a majority decision. They gave in and spared them. 

The wave regressed as it returned to plain seawater. The sea was calm once more. Maroya and Boniael began to move again. Darkness and light now blended into an assortment of colours that was staggering. Boniael took up post, saying goodbye to his sister. They would see each other soon.

The canoe now settled on the surface. Things were back to normal. 

Zocrix slowly stood and asked, "Are you all okay?"

They replied positively.

He then broke down in tears. The children approached him as he bawled. The fear of dying; the fear of never going back home; the fear of his charges; the fear of not making it to the course; the fear of the gods and the girl - he had everything to cry about. 

"Don't cry, canoe rower..." Inina hugged him and caressed his face. 

He opened up. "My name is Zocrix."

"Zocrix? What a pretty name. Your parents took their time to name you well." said Matolo. 

"Thanks," Something popped in his head. "Can you... check her pulse?"

"Okay." The children went to the dead girl.

He felt dumb he hadn't thought of this sooner. There just might be a chance that she's still alive. He cracked a small smile, but he tempered his expectations as he was prepared for the worst. The gods heard him ask for forgiveness and listened. Maybe they brought her back. But to be safe, he prayed once more. 

Gods, please breathe life back into this child. Please, please do. She's a young girl with her whole life to look forward to. To take her from this world would be too much for her friends and family. And for me. Her coursemates would like for her to be alive as well. Please just do this one thing. It's nothing much for beings as powerful as yourselves. 

He was done. He hoped it had worked; that they have listened and acted to his prayer.

The children asked him where to check for a pulse. He said the neck or wrist. They checked the neck. They pressed into it.

There was nothing. They tried again, multiple fingers pressing into her neck and wrists, but there wasn't anything. Water escaped their eyes. She was dead. They could do no more.

"Well, tell me. Is she alive?" He had a slightly excited look on him.

No one wanted to answer.

"Come on, tell me." It grew even more.

Inina opened her mouth. "She's dead, canoe rower." She burst into tears. 

He was destroyed. The little girl he had to take to Alliouagana was no longer with them. 

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! They were shocked. Zocrix dropped his oar and began crying uncontrollably. The children watched on as his emotions were unrestrained. His tears hit the canoe so hard that you could mistake it for drops of rain. He was hunched over, his hands were balled into fists. His forearms were touching the canoe's innards. 

Inina and the rest went to him inching their feet little by little. 

"Stay away from me!"

"But canoe..."

"STAY AWAY FROM ME." He turned at them giving a look that was demonic, as if an evil spirit had taken hold.

They complied. They rather watch at the girl's deceased body. Zocrix's agony was too much for anyone to watch.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen. This is all my fault. If it wasn't for me, you would still be here."

His suffering was infectious. The children were crying their eyes out. Inina did the same. She watched as he was only getting worse. He was now hammering the canoe. Zocrix was descending into madness. 

She couldn't continue watching this. She had to intervene. Inina came towards him.

"What are you doing? I said to get away!"

"Please."

"I said..."

"Just please." She stared into his eyes.

Her look was too genuine to chase her away. He looked at himself. He needed help. He needed someone. 

He agreed. She could come to him now.

"Canoe rower..."

"My name is Zocrix, I'm more than a profession. Is that all you see me as?"

"No. That's not it." She paused. "We're all guilty. We're all culpable in her death."

"No. It's all my fault. I was given responsibility of you all and I failed. You all must hate me. You probably think I should've died instead of her."

"No. We would never think that. You're great Zocrix. As we said before, you teach us so much. Just a few minutes ago, I didn't know what a pulse was."

He chuckled softly. "You didn't? Wow. You really need this course." The children were looking on at the two.

"To be more accurate, I just didn't know where it was. But I feel grateful for the specifics."

"My uncle taught me that one. Whatever I've learned, it's from him. My parents are great, but the bond my uncle Tinal and I have is incredible."

"I see."

"Little girl." He said softly. 

"Inina. My name's Inina."

"Well Inina, thank you. And thank you to all of the kids. Next time, I promise that I'll do better to protect you."

"And we'll protect you as well, Zocrix. You're our canoe rower. You're the most important person here." They embraced each other.

Silence came. There they were in the middle of nowhere, with their minds now at ease. And a dead body to carry.

SIX HOURS LATER

"Hey, Moroman. Do you see that boat over there?" The man had dirty fingernails and a scrawny body.

He nodded. "It's strange to see a boat just floating there so late in the day."

They pulled out their conch shell and blew as loud as they can. 

Zocrix was sleeping as it happened. He didn't hear it. 

"Try again. They should hear you." Moroman tried again.

"Hmmm. What's making that noise?" 

"Zocrix. It's another canoe." said a child. "They're blowing the conch shell."

"Seriously?" He got up and tried to determine where it was coming from. He then picked up specks in the distance: the outline of two men and a canoe. It was of a different design but it was hard to make something out.

He asked the kids to pass him his conch shell in his pouch. He grabbed it and pressed his lips into it, producing a sound that was tremendous. 

He saw their hands moving. Zocrix waved back in response. 

They came towards them and asked them how they ended up here. They told them everything, except the calamity they had with the gods and the dead girl. 

"Wow. Never knew the Bravadang acted like that," said Moroman. He had a belly and was balding somewhat. Also, he had a scar on his cheek.

"It's weird, isn't it?"

"Yeah. But what happened to the sky today was ridiculous. I've never seen the sun and the moon behave like that before. It was like a solar eclipse."

"No way that's a solar eclipse. That looked like the apocalypse. The final days." His fishing mate, Dulgunax said with fear.

"Really? Are the final days coming? Best I get prepared."

"I wouldn't say that. Probably just some weird weather."

"How would you know?" Dulgunax had a perplexed stare. They were caught off-guard by what the rower said. 

"We were out here for hours, even days. If any end of the world stuff were to happen, we would be the first to see it."

"True." They couldn't dispute his logic. He made too much sense to them.

"Can you guys guide us to your village?" requested Zocrix.

"Where are you guys going?" 

"This is the Special Survival Course delegation." He stepped aside to present them, but he didn't move too much to reveal the deceased girl. The children remained firm to block their view as much as possible. 

"That's incredible. To meet you all is great."

"Thanks."

Dulgunax peeked behind him and saw a girl lying on the bottom of the canoe. "Who's the girl lying down? It's practically the afternoon sun."

Their efforts failed. They were too perceptive. "She's ummm... well..." 

"She's sleeping. She has a bad illness you know." Inina interjected. They didn't want to speak about what happened. Not so soon.

"Yeah. She has a bit of a sickness. But she'll get better soon. We gave her some herbal medicine already." 

"Oh okay. Who's the rower?" They were suspicious of what they said. If they knew any better, they probably committed a crime. But looking at their dishevelled states was enough to give pity upon them. They were desperate and needed saving. 

Zocrix half raised his arm. 

"Okay. Follow me," said Moroman.

Zocrix went with them on their way to safety. 

Like we made it to the end of this one. This was really long. Had to get some perseverance for this chapter. Zocrix is the best character, right? I expect some fanart after this. 🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃

Just wanted to drop some info on Maroya and Boniael. They're siblings in Taino mythology. They are known for chasing each other around the skies, seeing who can circle the world faster. Maroya is said to be the consort of Guacar, and has influence over friendships and love. She also has come to be associated with loyalty. Appears as a young woman, wearing a grass-weave dress. 

On the other hand, Boniael holds control over the sun and is credited for teaching the first humans how to farm. He is the god to who the most shrines are dedicated, although he isn't considered the most powerful in the Taino Pantheon. Has come to also be associated with healing and longevity. Appears as a young man, perpetually smiling. He carries a small stone orb.

This chapter from start to finish was straight fire. Enjoyed writing it. Have to do some chores now. See you next time. 👋👋👋👋👋 

Oh yeah, one question. Does anyone know how to place pictures or video in the chapter itself? I think I forgot. (and no, I'm not talking about the start of the chapter) I know that you can place pics and videos anywhere but I just forgot how. Any advice on how to do so would be grateful. Thank you.