Unknown…

According to ancient myths in Latin America…there is a place where the souls of the dead travel as they find peace…it is not heaven like modern cultures have written…it is a land made of pure Gold…and this land is called Mictlan…the land of the dead…those who die travel to this place…and it is said that if you enter this place while you are alive…you will never return to the land of the living…

(BADUMP BADUMP BADUMP)

A maiden opens her eyes, she lies on her bed and looks at the ceiling. She stands up and walks towards her window. The giant window is illuminated as something bright shines in a dark sky.

A silver light falls from the sky and heads to a land filled with gold.

(BBBBOOOMMMM)

The maiden opens her window, the moon illuminates her face, half of her face is a skeleton with beautiful decorations, and a blue flame illuminates her eye. The other half is a smooth brown skin with a yellow eye. She has half of her hair white and half of her hair black.

The girl smiles as she thinks; “Now this is a surprise...he’s finally here…”

“Mi Señora…hay algún problema?” (My lady, is something wrong) A man enters the room. His face is a complete skeleton with his eyes being blue flames.

“No hay ningún problema…de hecho…prepárate porque vamos a tener unos visitantes muy interesantes…” (There is no problem at all…in fact…I want to be prepare because we are about to have interesting visitor…)

The woman smiles at that man as she looks up to the sky; “Teatl…necesitare que me hagas un favor…” (Teatl…I will require a favor)

The silver light shines upon Mictlan, getting the attention of everyone who looks up. The light crashes into a crater.

(PPPUUUMMMM)

“What’s going on? Why do I feel so strange? It’s like I feel lighter…”

At the site of the crater, Alejandro slowly opens his eyes and sees a dark sky filled with many stars.

Alejandro Sanchez is a 16 year old boy who has brownish hair, he has white skin and a skinny body .

“Where am I?” Alejandro lifts his body, and looks around; “What the hell happened to me?” Alejandro stands up. He looks around and sees a crater; “This is odd…a crater…did I just fall from the sky or something?”

Alejandro looks at his body; “WHOA…WHY AM I NAKED?” Alejandro covers his parts as he looks around to see if anyone noticed it; “Looks like no one’s around…”

Alejandro wanders around the deserted area; “This is so weird…I remember that I was at the restaurant working and now this?”

Alejandro climbs a small hill and notices an empty wasteland; “Holy Cow…don’t tell me…that I was isekaid!!!!”

Alejandro looks to be in shock at first. He breathes rapidly thinking; “Okay…if I was isekaid then..that means that I must’ve died…right…”

Alejandro scratches his head with his left hand, he notices something weird; “The key…the key is gone…” Alejandro remembers the pain in his hand; “Don’t tell me…I died at that time…the golden key killed me…”

Alejandro falls into his knees; “Damn it…Valerie…damn it…just when I found the courage to confess to her…just when I finally got a girlfriend…why…” Alejandro looks at the sky and with tears in his eyes, Alejandro shows despair:

“AAHHHHHHHH”

After a couple of minutes later, Alejandro stands up and wipes his tears away:

“Okay…I already cried and that didn’t work…I guess I will just explore the place and see what I find…”

Alejandro walks around the area, the area is completely dark. He comes across a skeleton wearing a some clothing:

“Holy cow…a skeleton…”

Alejandro approaches with caution, he pokes the skeleton with a stick to see if it moved:

“Oh well…it looks like it won’t stand up…might as well…”

Alejandro uses the opportunity to grab the skeleton’s clothes.

The clothes consist of a worn out Mariachi black Mariachi outfit. The attire has a resemblance to Uriel’s. The attire consists of a Mariachi jacket that goes down to the hip, a white shirt with long sleeves. A tight black colored pants covered with decoration on the sides and holes in the knees. A red silk tie and black shoes.

“These shoes fit perfectly…awesome…” Alejandro continues to walk, he doesn’t notice that the skeleton isn’t there anymore.

Alejandro walks aimlessly:

“It feels like forever…I don’t have a clue on where I’m going…and there is no one on sight…”

He arrives at a town, the town looks deserted. Alejandro walks down the town:

“HELLO…IS ANYONE HERE! HELLO!”

At that moment, Alejandro hears a loud noise coming behind him. Alejandro turns around with excitement:

“Finally, I found someo…”

Alejandro opens his eyes wider as he sees a Sombra. The Sombra has the body of a feline with a bat face.

“A S-S-Sombra…what is it doing here?”

(GGGRRRR)

The Sombra charges straight toward Alejandro, Alejandro dodges his attack. -PPPUUMM- The Sombra goes into a house. Alejandro smiles; “Haha…take that…”

The Sombra comes out and chases him. Alejandro dodges another attack. -PPPUUMM- Alejandro breathes heavily as he looks at the Sombra with confidence:

“You give me no choice…I’ll have to use my trump card.”

Alejandro rolls up his right arm’s sleeve; “ACTIVATE; SILVER MUSTANG; COMPLETE” Alejandro notices that nothing happen; “ACTIVATE; SILVER MUSTANG; COMPLETE”

Again, nothing happens, Alejandro looks at his arm and notices that his crest isn’t there. Alejandro chuckles nervously; “Oh-uh…this is bad…” Alejandro begins to run from the Sombra.

(RRRAAWWW)

“WHERE’S MY CREST…WHERE’S MY POWER!” Alejandro runs as he tries to get away from the Sombra, he sees a pointy piece of wood and grabs it; “Damn it…leave me alone…”

(SSLLLASSHH)

Alejandro stabs the Sombra’s leg. -RRAAAWWW- The Sombra roars as it feels pain. Alejandro grabs another piece of wood and holds it as a weapon with his two hands. The Sombra prepares to attack him once more. Alejandro smiles nervously:

“This is bad…if the Sombra attacks directly…oh wait…can I still use mana?”

Alejandro notices the Sombra distracted and uses the opportunity to hide in a house. As he hides, Alejandro takes a deep breath and looks at his palm:

“Okay…I don’t have the golden key anymore and I don’t have my crest…however, I’ve been training on how to mana without my crest…come on…focus…”

Alejandro closes his eyes and focuses. At that moment, a bright silver light shines on his hand, as he releases mana around the house. Alejandro smiles with excitement; “Yes…I can do this…and this mana…it feels more powerful than usual…”

(BBBOOMMM RRRAAWWW)

The Sombra was attracted by the mana and enters the house. Alejandro, with more confidence, jumps back and dodges the attack. Alejandro jumps off the window with the Sombra attacking. The house collapses, Alejandro grabs another piece of wood and hits the Sombra with all of his force.

(RRRAAWWW)

The Sombra steps back as pieces of wood enter its eyes. Alejandro uses the opportunity to gather mana in his hand; “Alright you monster…get ready for this…” Alejandro charges straight to the Sombra:

“SILVER PUNCH”

(PPPUUUMM)

Alejandro punches the Sombra, he releases an enormous amount of mana, creating an explosion. The Sombra was destroyed, Alejandro takes a few steps back and falls to the ground. He breathes heavily as he thinks:

“Excellent, I still have mana…now what I must do is…”

(GGGRRRRR)

At that moment, Alejandro is surrounded by Sombras. There are Sombras from all shapes and sizes:

“What the hell…when did all of you come from?”

“Who would’ve thought one of my pets would be destroyed like that? You have some guts kid…”

Alejandro hears a voice approaching; “What the…what is that?”

(BBBBOOOMMM)

A Sombra with the shape of a bull approaches him. The Sombra has circular patterns all over its body. A figure is mounting the Bull Sombra, the figure has a black cloak with a reddish tone; “Oh…we have a visitor here? Who would’ve thought…and he is from the world of the living….fascinating…”

“What is he saying? I can’t understand him…” Alejandro looks at the figure nervously as he slowly stands up. The figure gets off the Sombra and walks towards Alejandro:

“Kid…why are you in my territory?”

“Who are you? Where am I?”

“Hahaha…” The figure laughs and removes his cloak. Alejandro opens his eyes wider as he sees a skeleton with blue flames in his eyes. The skull has bluish curly line patterns and with small blue circle surrounding his eyes:

“What the hell? A skeleton?”

“It seems that you don’t understand my language…too bad for you kid…now I am going to take your soul…”

Alejandro takes a deep breath and gathers mana in his right arm. The skeleton begins to laugh:

“You dare to face me?”

“I can’t understand what he is saying…but I guess I have no choice…” Alejandro charges directly at the skeleton, he extends his fingers, creating a blade:

“SILVER SWORD”

(SSSLLLAASSHHH)

Alejandro tries to cut the skeleton, the skeleton stops the attack with ease; “Nice Try…but it won’t work…”

The skeleton grabs the mana with his hand, and slowly makes it disappear. Alejandro opens his eyes wider; “I-I-It can’t be…”

“HAHAHA…YOU’RE A FOOL…YOU’RE UINDER THE PRESENCE OF ONE OF THE 8 JUDGES OF XIBALBA…TEOTLALE…THE DESERT”

“Teotlale? Don’t tell me that…”

Telltale puts his hand on the ground. At that moment, white sand comes out of the ground like a geyser erupting with force.

Alejandro feels the powerful mana. He trembles as he thinks; “He…he is a God…I’m no match for him…I need to escape…I need to run…”

Alejandro immediately runs away. Teotlale laughs really loud:

“WELCOME TO MICTLAN…THE LAND OF THE DEAD!”

(BBBOOOMMMM)

Teotlale points at Alejandro, suddenly, the waves of white sand expands and heads towards Alejandro. -RRRAAWWW- Alejandro runs as fast as he can, he turns around and sees the Sombras escaping the sand as well. One of the Sombras gets trapped in the sand, the Sombra slowly disintegrates.

Alejandro opens his eyes wider as he sees how the Sombras get desintegrated; “WHAT THE HELL!!!”

“Hahaha…my sand can absorb everything that has mana…there is no escape…kid…” Teotlale heads towards Alejandro.

Alejandro panics; “This is not good…the sand will reach me…I must do something…I must…” Alejandro thinks fast; “That’s right…even if I don’t have my esper suit…I can still do this…” Alejandro closes his eyes and focuses.

Alejandro focuses mana on his legs; “I got it…” -BBBOOMM- Alejandro jumps high, gaining distance; “Excellent…I had outrun him…”

Alejandro runs faster, leaving Teotlale behind; “Oh…so you think you can outrun me? Think again…”

Alejandro looks back and sees that he disappears; “Good…now all I have to do is…” At that moment, Telltale emerges from the ground behind Alejandro and grabs his legs. He lifts Alejandro to the air and slams him to the ground.

(PPPPUUUMMM)

Alejandro coughs up blood as he is out of air. Teotlale chuckles; “You can’t escape me…you see…I can control the mana in the sand…which means that I can control my surroundings…”

“Ha…ha…ha…” Alejandro breathes heavily. Teotlale approaches him; “Now then…intruder…time to…”

(PPPUUUMMM)

Alejandro punches Teotlale with force, his skull separating from his body. Alejandro smiles; “Take that you damned skeleton…” Alejandro stands up; “Now I must…”

“Hahahah…that was a good punch…kid…” Alejandro opens his eyes wider as he sees Teotlale’s body grabbing his skull. He attaches it and moves it around:

“You know…you have some nerve to punch a God like that…but I must recognize your braveness…not everyone can do that…kid…”

Teotlale spins his fingers and makes the sand gather around them. Alejadnro looks at it; “Damn it…I can’t move…what can I do? I don’t have the energy to move…”

“Now then…time to die…”

The sand attacked Alejandro. Without warning, a hooded figure appears and grabs Alejandro. Teotlale looks surprised; “Who are you? How dare you interrupt me…”

The hooded figure kicks Teotlale in the skull once again separating it from his body; “What the…not again…”

The hooded figure grabs Alejandro; “Hold on tight…” Alejandro, who is barely conscious, looks at the figure; “Who…are…you…”

“WAIT…THAT’S MY PREY!” Telltale screams as his body grabs his skull. The hooded figure looks at him; “See ya…old man…”

“Wait…you’re…”

(BBBBOOOMMM)

The hooded figure releases mana in the hand and slams it to the ground, creating a giant explosion. As the smoke clears, Teotlale looks that they disappear:

“That girl…I have to tell Xolotl about it…damn it…”

(BBBAAADDUUMMPPP)

Teotlale feels an important presence and looks to the right:

“Incredible…it’s been a long time since we had an intruder like that…oh…and this one is some one special…I better hurry back…because the fun is about to start…”

**************************************************************************************************************

Region of Hun-Came, Mictlan…

Mictlan, the land of the dead is divided in different regions…in one of the largest regions of Mictlan called Hun-Came…a door opens from the land of the living…as the door opens…all of the major rulers of Mictlan noticed that a powerful entity has entered their territory…

“It appears that we have entered Mictlan successfully…” Uriel looks at the region. Anastasia walks to his side:

“We were successful…the land of Mictlan…the land where the sun never rises…”

“Why is it chilly here…” Tiwa shakes as she hugs herself; “It feels so cold…Uriel are we in Mictlan?”

“We are…this is the land of the Dead…”

The door closes and disappears.

“Oh wow…then…”

“Uhhmm…excuse me?” Tiwa hears a voice like her, Tiwa slowly turns around and sees a girl who has the same appearance as her. Tiwa with tears in her eyes and her voice breaking approaches her:

“E-E-Emma?”

Emma nods in agreement and with tears in her eyes, she explains; “Tiwa…it’s me…Emma…” Tiwa uses the opportunity and hugs Emma:

“Emma…I’m so glad…but what are you doing here?”

“I did tell that everyone who passed the gate would materialize right?” Tiwa and Emma look at Uriel:

“We entered the land of the Dead with our physical bodies, however, they turned into souls as we walked through using the golden key and a spell that I performed…”

“...” Both of them are shocked. Uriel continues to explain:

“Right now Emma is now a separate being…and it’s up to her to either be a burden or help for us…”

“Hey Uriel…don’t be so…” Tiwa tries to exclaim but Emma stops; “He’s right…I promise I won’t be a burden…”

Uriel nods at her; “Let’s get going then…we need to reach Aztlan…”

“Aztlan?”

“The capital city of Mictlan…” Uriel explains the situation; “We must meet with the ruler of Mictlan…aside from rescuing Alejandro…I need to meet with the ruler…”

Tiwa gets angry; “Wait…so your intentions weren’t to rescue him?”

“That is part of my mission…”

(SSSLLLAAAPPP)

Tiwa slaps Uriel. Emma and Anastasia look surprised; “Tiwa…why did you do that?” Tiwa glares at Uriel; “Why Uriel…why are you using him as an excuse to come here? You know he believes that you are his friend…”

“I know that clearly…however, being friends doesn’t mean that the importance of my mission will falter…”

-TCH- Tiwa glares at Anastasia; “Do you have a secret mission as well?”

Anastasia nods in agreement; “I have to take back an amulet for my master…” Tiwa gets angrier; “You damn bastards…” Emma holds her; “Tiwa calm down…”

“YOU CAME HERE FOR YOUR OWN BENEFITS…I THOUGHT YOU CAME HERE TO SAVE YOUR FRIEND…THE PERSON WE CARE ABOUT…BUT I WAS WRONG!”

Uriel sighs with his eyes closed; “Don’t misunderstand…we have other missions…but we still came here to save him…right Anastasia?”

“Indeed…my primary objective is to retrieve Alejandro…that’s why I came here…my other mission doesn’t matter to me…”

-MMHHPPHH- Tiwa looks away, acting like a tsundere; “Well I don’t believe you…in fact, I think it’s better if we just split up here…” Tiwa grabs Emma’s hand; “We’ll go that way…”

“Wait…Tiwa…” Emma struggles. Uriel, with great speed, appears in front of them; “We shouldn’t separate…we just arrived here…and we might have the attention from powerful entities…”

(BBBAADDDUUMMPPP)

Uriel and the others feel a powerful presence approaching; “It seems they already noticed us…”

“Uriel…an enemy is approaching us…from the east…” Anastasia looks at Uriel. Uriel nods and sees at the girls; “Listen up…the enemy is most likely one of the Judges of Xibalba…”

“Judges?” Emma looks confused. Uriel continues to explain; “Mictlan has 8 guardian deities aside from the ruler…they are 8 powerful beings who judge the souls of those who enter Mictlan…and one of them is here…”

Uriel makes his sword appear and points towards east; “Tiwa…Anastasia…take care of Emma…we are going to face a tough battle. Tiwa nods in agreement; “I guess I don’t have a choice…Zuni, Jana, Suma…” Tiwa summons her spirit guardians.

As the cloud of sand disperses, a figure walks towards them.

(BBBAADDUUMMMPPP)

At that moment, everyone feels an enormous amount of mana. Emma falls into her knees and throws up. Tiwa looks at her worried; “Emma…are you alright?”

“I-I-I’m fine…”

“Everybody…stay back…that monster is here…” Uriel looks at the figure that stands in front of them.

“Greetings my fellow intruders…my name is Nextepehua of the Ashes…” Nextepehua bows his head as a sign of greetings. Uriel chuckles as sweats come out of his forehead:

“It looks like we attracted the attention of the Judges…”

“U-U-Uriel…what do we do?” Tiwa trembles upon sensing Nextepehua’s mana. Uriel walks forward; “It’s a pleasure to meet you…Nextepehua…I came here to speak with the Ruler of Mictlan…if you could please let us through…”

Nextepehua has the appearance of a man in his late forties. He has brown skin, white eyes, long white hair that goes down into the hips. He has a muscular body and a mask that covers his mouth and nose. He wears a cape made out of Jaguar skin, a band made out of animal skin, and jaguar wristbands. He also has many mayan ceremonial decorations throughout his body.

“I’m afraid that I came here to stop the intruders…” Nextepehua chuckles, Uriel chuckles as well:

“I guess…we are fated to clash…am I right?’

“I am the Judge of the Ashes…Charro Negro…no…Horseman of War…you are going to die…right here…” Nextepehua takes out his weapon; “I will turn you into ashes…”

Nextepehua’s weapon is a Macuahuitl…a wooden sword with obsidian blades on the sides and a skull in the front of the blade.

Uriel smiles as his eyes turn red; “Very well…I want to test my strength with a God…” Uriel and Netepehua walk slowly to face off. At that moment, both of them disappear from the girl’s site and clash with force.

(BBBBBOOOMMMM)

Uriel jumps back and charges once again, he clashes swords with Nextepehua. Both of them clash their weapons multiple times. Uriel kicks the God, the God takes a few steps back. Uriel uses the opportunity and jumps into the sky, preparing to attack, Nextepehua swings his sword, creating a shock wave, sending Uriel to the sky.

Uriel floats in the air. Nextepehua jumps into the air as well. Uriel and Nextepehua clash swords multiple times in the air. Nextepehua kicks Uriel force, sending him towards the ground.

(BBBBBOOOMMM)

Uriel crashes into the ground, Nextepheua lands next to him and prepares to swing his sword, Uriel dodges the attack and attacks again, he pushes Nextepehua back. Uriel charges mana in his sword:

“Arte del Mariachi: Cancion de la Luna, Tercera Estrofa: Media Luna” (Translates: Mariachi Art: Song of the Moon, Third Stanza: Half Moon)

Uriel’s sword shines in a platinum color as he slashes the God horizontally, materializing the form of a half moon. Nextepehua blocks the attack with ease, Uriel charges once more:

“Arte del Mariachi: Cancion de la Luna, Cuarta Estrofa: Cuarto Menguante” (Mariachi Art: Song of the Moon, Fourth Stanza: Quarter moon descend”

Uriel attacks Nextepehua, cutting it downward forming the shape of a crescent moon with a platinum aura, he cuts Nexpetehua in the arm, making a small cut. Nextepehua chuckles:

“Not bad…you’re movements are similar to Nemesio’s…I wonder if you can keep up…”

Nextepehua moves down his mask, revealing to be a skeleton from the nose down. Uriel opens his eyes wider; “This is bad…I must keep my distance…”

“Cenizas de la Muerte '' (Ashes of the Dead) Nextepehua blows out a cloud of ashes, covering the whole area.

“Damn it…I can’t escape…” Uriel gets trapped in the ashes. Tiwa, Anastasia and Emma look at the ashes approaching.

“URIEL!” Tiwa shouts, Anastasia looks at Tiwa; “Stay behind me…” Anastasia puts her hands on the ground; “Barieră” (Barrier) Anastasia creates a small barrier to protect themselves.

The ash covers the whole area. Uriel covers his mouth with his hand as he notices that his vision was cut off:

“I’m trapped…with no vision…and I don’t know if the ashes are poisonous…”

Uriel begins to run in search for a route of escape. -SSSLLASSSHH- At that moment, Nextepehua appears in front of him trying to cut him. Uriel dodges the attack and jumps back, without warning, another attack comes from the back. -PPPUUMM- Uriel blocks it and kicks Nextephua back, however, the God disappears in the ashes.

Uriel remains calm; “Very well…let’s try this…” Uriel gathers mana in the palm of his hand:

“Viento Divino; Expansión de Vortex” (Divine Wind; Vortex Expansion)

(BBBBOOOMMM)

Uriel creates a powerful wind current that scatters the ashes, however, the ashes return in a blink of an eye. Uriel coughs up blood and falls into his knees:

“I knew it, this ash cloud is poisonous…I need to end this quick or else I will…”

Nextepehua attacks Uriel one more time, Uriel blocks the attack. The God attacks multiple times, until he lands a hit. -SSSLLLAASSSHHHHH- Nextepehua made a cut on Uriel’s right shoulder. Uriel jumps back as he bleeds, breathing heavily.

“Horseman of War…you are a disappointment…you are already dying…but don’t worry…I will pass on Judgment…to you and your comrades…”

Nextepehua disappears from Uriel’s sight; “W-W-Wait…” Uriel throws up more blood; “Damn it…I must remain calm…I must think…I must use that…”

Uriel closes his eyes; “Campo de la Canción (Song Field); Inicio (Beiginning)”

-♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫-

Uriel closes his eyes and focuses as he expands the song field. Meanwhile, the girls are on high alert.

“I don’t sense anyone…” Tiwa looks worried. Anastasia, with a calm expression, analyses the situation:

“It appears this cloud of ash prevents us from sensing mana…”

“But that means…” Emma opens her eyes wider and points at Nextepehua standing in front of them; “Little girls…it is my duty to punish you…and for that…I will have some fun…”

(CCCRRRAASSHHH)

With one swing, Nextepehua destroys the barrier. -GGYYAAHH- Emma gets blown away. Anastasia and Tiwa attack the God. Anastasia kicks the God, but he blocks it with ease. Tiwa uses her spirit serpent:

“Jana…fuse…”

Tiwa opens her eyes revealing a change of color to white. She has a Serpent rope,Tiwa swings her arm, the rope wraps the Sombra tight.

“Abrazo de la víbora…” (Serpent’s hug)

Tiwa wraps the God. The God chuckles; “Little girl, you shouldn’t have done that…” Nextepehua touches the rope, at that moment, the rope begins to turn into ash.

“JAAANNNAAA” Tiwa immediately difuses with her, the rest of the rope disappears. Jana the serpent appears with half of her body turned into ash; “Jana…answer me…Jana…” Tiwa, with tears in her eyes, grabs the serpent with both of her hands.

Jana opens her eyes; “SSS…I’m sorry Mistress…” Tiwa takes out her amulet; “Jana…return…recharge you mana…”

“Little girl…I convert anything I touch to ash…your spirit has only a little time left…however…you don’t have time left…”

Nextepehua prepares to attack Tiwa. Emma screams; “TTTTIIIWWWWAAA”

(SSSLLLAASHHHH)

Uriel appears and stops the attack, however, the force of the attack was so great that his sword was reflected, the God’s sword piercing through his abdomen. Uriel throws up blood and grabs the sword tightly.

“UUUURRRIIEELLL!” Tiwa screams with shock. Nextepehua is surprised; “Horseman of War…have you lost your mind?”

“No…I didn't… now…” Uriel looks up, Anastasia creates a giant sword and attacks Nextepehua. -BBBBOOOOMMMM- A massive explosion blows away the ash, however, it doesn’t disappear. Uriel grabs Tiwa and throws her towards Emma.

“Tiwa…Tiwa…” Emma runs for her aid. Tiwa coughs up as she has an expression of fear:

“That monster is just toying with us…he can kill us in an instant if he wanted to…”

The giant sword slowly turns into ash. Uriel looks at Anastasia; “Anastasia, go with the girls…and create a powerful barrier…”

“Right…” Anastasia runs to their side and creates a barrier. The sword turns into complete ash. Nextepehua comes out of the crater and looks at Uriel:

“You are giving me more trouble than I want…I will have to get serious…”

Uriel chuckles; “Very well…then I will have to be serious as well…” Uriel closes his eyes and chants:

“Liberati Bellum” (War Release)

(BBBBOOOMMM)

Uriel’s appearance changed. The right side of his body changed, half of his hair turned crimson, his cornea turned black and the pupil red, similar to a beast’s eye. He has a fang on his right side.

“What’s happening to Uriel?” Emma takes a few steps back as she feels fear. Tiwa looks at Uriel; “So…this is the power of the Horseman…it’s terrifying…”

“Now then…let’s get started…” Uriel attacks Nextepehua by punching him. Nextepehua resists the punch, by stabbing his sword in the ground. Uriel appears behind him and kicks him.

(BBBBBOOOMMMM)

Nextepehua flies to the sky, Uriel jumps as well, preparing his sword to attack. Nextepehua releases more ashes from his mouth:

“Cenizas explosivas” (Explosive Ash)

(CCCRRRAASSHHHH)

The ash explodes in mid-air. The girls look at the explosion with shock; “This is not good…Uriel…he will…”

“Please observe…” Anastasia points up. From the smokescreen, Uriel comes out with high speed and punches Nextepehua. -PPPUUMM- Nextepehua tries to attack him, Uriel destroyes his weapon with his sword.

“Impossible…”

(PPPUUUMMM)

Uriel kicks him, sending him to the ground. Uriel gathers mana in his left hand; “Now to get rid of the ash:

“Bellum Impulsum” (War Impact)

Uriel punches the air, releasing a powerful crimson mana, directly towards Nextepehua. - CCCRRRASHHH- A huge explosion scatters the ash completely and makes it dissapear.

“It appears, he will need my assistance…” Another figure looking from afar stands up and disappears.

In the battlefield, Nextepehua lies on his back inside the huge crater; “How can this be…his hands and feet should’ve turn into ash…then why?”

Uriel stands next to him; “That’s because…I fuse them with mana from the Horseman…even if you are a God…you can’t beat the Horseman…”

Nextepehua stands up; “Horseman of War…I won’t be defeated by those attacks…”

“I know…that’s why…I decided to cut you in half…” Urie points his sword at the God. The God chuckles; “Very well…I accept your challenge…”

“That’s quite enough Nextepehua…I will take over…” Both of them hear a voice coming behind Nextepehua. Nextepehua gets angry as he turns around:

“What are you doing here…this is my territory…”

The other being chuckles; “Xolotl told me to come to your aid…”

Nextepehua gets angry; “Damn him…Xolotl has no right…”

“Enough…those were the orders…”

“Very well…” Nextepehua begins to leave; “Until we meet again…Horseman of War…”

The Judge of Ash disappears. The other being looks at Uriel. Uriel looks nervous; “This guy looks more powerful than the other one…”

The other being bows; “Greetings…my name is Nexoxcho…the Judge of Fear…Horseman of War…I can see that you have fears as well…”

Nexoxcho has the appearance of a younger man. He has a blindfold, pale skin and long black hair with mayan decorations. He is wearing a black cape, with feathers in his shoulders. He has a black suit with native american decorations and no skin on all of his body.

Uriel smiles nervously; “This guy is stronger than the last one…”

“Do not misunderstand…when it comes to strength…Nextepehua is stronger than me…however…I am more dangerous…”

“What does he mean?” Tiwa looks at Anastasia. Anastasia analyses the situation; “That God has a strange mana coming from his eyes…”

“Tiwa…I’m scared…” Emma grabs her arm. She notices Tiwa shaking; “Tiwa…you’re also…”

“Don’t be ridiculous…I’m just cold that’s all…” Tiwa chuckles nervously as she thinks; “To be honest…I’m also afraid…that God…is fear itself…”

“I have a bad feeling coming from him…I must keep my distance…therefore…” Uriel makes a step, creating the Song Field once more:

“Campo de la Canción (Song Field); Coro (Choir)”

“Oh…so you plan to attack ehh…”

Uriel grabs his sword with his two hands and prepares to makes a horizontal swing, Uriel takes a deep breath and blows a little wind current; “Viento Divino; Corriente.” (Divine Wind Current)

“Arte del Mariachi: Canción del Viento, Primera Estrofa: Ráfaga de Viento Cortante”( Mariachi Art: Wind Song, First Stanza: Gust of Cutting Wind)

(SSSSLLLAASSHHHH)

Uriel swings his sword, releasing a powerful wind attack. Nexoxcho stands still and lets himself be cut. Everyone is surprised as the upper half of the body falls into the ground.

“The curse has begun…know fear…”

(BBBAAADDUUMMMPPP)

Uriel opens his eyes wider as he sees his mother, Maria cut in half; U-U-Uriel…” Uriel opens his eyes wider; “I-I-It can’t be…mother…”

“This is your fear…I understand now…”

Uriel turns around and sees Nexoxcho standing behind him; “Damn you…” Uriel, with great speed, stabs Nexoxcho. -SSSLLLASSSH- Uriel breathes heavily as he hears a voice; “B-B-Big Brother…” Uriel looks up and sees Valerie; “W-W-Why?”

Valerie falls into the ground. Uriel feels he is about to panic; “What’s happening?”

“Your fear…no that other soul’s fear…is losing his family…”

Uriel looks around and sees everybody on the floor covered in blood. Father Clemente, Sister Carolina, Fabiola, Mariana, Abril, Estrella, Sister Griselda, Kasumi, Tiwa, Alejandro and Marjorie. Everyone is covered in blood and dead.

Uriel feels fear as he falls into his knees; “N-N-No…it can’t be….No…” Uriel puts hands on his head:

“NNNNOOOOO!!!!!”

“It appears the Horseman of War has another weak soul within him…and his fear was that someday the Horseman would lose control and kill everyone he cares about…what an interesting fellow…”

(SLASH SLASH SLASH SLASH)

Uriel sees how his family is killed by him multiple times; “No…I never wanted this…stop…STOP!!!”

“What’s happening to him? He’s just standing there without moving a muscle…” Emma asks Tiwa, Tiwa looks in shock:

“Something’s wrong…it’s as if God is controlling him…”

Nexoxcho walks slowly towards him; “Very well…now to finish him off…” Nexoxcho takes out a double edge sword and prepares to attack Uriel.

“UUURRRIIIEELLL!” Tiwa screams as she tries to move. Suddenly, Anastasia, with great speed, charges to attack. She lifts her arm and creates multiple daggers attacking Nexoxcho.

(SSSLLAASHHH)

Nexoxcho dodges them with ease, Ansatasia makes a sword and clashes with the God. Nexoxcho defends as he thinks:

“What’s this…she doesn’t have fear? No…she isn’t human and besides…her fear has already happened.”

Anastasia continues to attack Nexoxcho as she creates more swords and daggers, Nexoxcho destroys the weapons with ease:

“You're a strong young girl, however, I must kill you…”

Anastasia creates another giant sword, Nexoxcho attacks Anastasia in a blink of an eye.

(SSSSLLLLAASSHHH)

Nexoxcho makes a cut on her hip. Anastasia throws up blood as she falls into her knees. Tiwa and Emma are in shock:

“AAANNNNAAASSSTTAASSIIAAA”

Nexoxcho prepares to finish her off; “This is the end…” At that moment, another figure appears and attacks Nexoxcho:

“SSSTTOOPP!”

(BBBOOOMMM)

The figure kicks Nexoxcho back. Nexoxcho gets angry; “You…why are you here?”

The figure summons a lance and spins it with force, creating fire; “Fuego de los mil soles” (Thousand Sun Fire)

The figure attacks with a giant fire vortex. Nexoxcho blocks, however, the power is too great that he is blown away:

“Damn you…”

(BBBBBOOOOMMMM)

After the explosion ended, Nexoxcho appears from the smokescreen; “Why are you interfering?”

“I have orders from the great Ruler of Mictlan…I am to escort them to Aztlan…therefore…this intruders fall under my jurisdiction…”

“How dare you…I am the God of Fear…and one of the judges of Xibalba…I will…”

At that moment, Nexoxcho receives a message from his leader; “I see…very well…I will stop the attack at once…” Nexoxcho slowly disappears within his shadow:

“You were lucky…however…next time…I will pass on judgment…”

Suddenly, Uriel falls to the ground unconscious as the technique was broken. He turns back to normal as he slowly closes his eyes.

Tiwa and Emma take a deep breath as they sense that the threat is over. Tiwa looks at the hooded figure closing in to Uriel:

“Thank you…for saving us…”

“No need to thank me…I was just following orders that’s all…” The hooded figure removes the hood:

“My name is Hunahpu…and I will be your guide to Aztlan.”

Hunahpu has the appearance of a young man, he has brown skin, long black hair. The right side of his face appears to be white, with black marking, resembling a skeleton. The other half is human with reddish eyes. He has a long hooded cape, a traditional mayan warrior attire with a loincloth, and mayan amulets in his body.

Tiwa and Emma run to help them. Emma goes to see Anastasia, Tiwa goes to help Uriel.

“Oh no…Anastasia has lost too much blood….” Emma grabs her and lifts her, Tiwa looks at Uriel breathing heavily:

“Uriel is also in bad condition…what happened to him?”

“He was attacked by Nexoxcho’s technique…Fear…he probably had visions of his worst nightmares…don’t worry…he will regain consciousness later on…your friend is going to be cured by our medics…for the meantime…”

(RRRRAAAWWWW)

Hunahpu whistles, at that moment. A giant dragon-like being lands next to them. Emma screams:

“GGYYAAHHH…WHAT IS THAT?”

“This is my Alebrije…his name is Teatl…” Hunahpu pets his dragon; “He will take us to the palace…”

Teal (Fire) is a giant dragon-like Alebrije. He has every feature of a dragon, only in a smaller size. He also has many colors in his body and circular colorful patterns around all of the body.

*Note-Alebrijes are colorful beings that come in all shapes and sizes with different colors. They are in charge of guiding the souls of the dead to Aztlan…the capital of Mictlan…the territory where the souls of the people who are remembered go…

Hunahpu carries Uriel and Anastasia and puts them on Teatl’s back. Emma, Tiwa and Hunaphu mount Teatl:

“Very well…off we go…”

The Alebrije flies to the sky and heads towards Aztlan.

**************************************************************************************************************

Region of Vucub-Came , Mictlan…

(DRIP DRIP DROP DROP)

In an empty room, drops of water fall. They fall into the face of Alejandro, who was previously assaulted by one of the Judges of Xibalba. Alejandro slowly opens his eyes and sees the ceiling of a room:

“Where…am I?”

Alejandro raises his body and feels something different; “What the…why does my left arm feel so…” Alejadnro opens his eyes wider and panics:

“AAHHHH”

His left arm has been turned into the arm of a skeleton. Alejandro looks at it; “This is…something so cool…and creepy…”

Alejandro walks towards the window and sees a wasteland with a dark sky; “I guess…it wasn’t a dream…I’m still iseakaid…”

“Isekai…what’s that?” Alejandro hears someone behind him. He turns around and sees a hooded figure sitting in a chair with the legs crossed. Alejandro panics; “Whoa…I didn’t notice you there…when did you get here?”

“I was always here silly…”

“Wait…you can understand me?”

“Of course…you see, I studied the language of the world of the living?”

“World of the Living…” Alejandro realizes something; “So…this is…”

“Yep…this is the land of the Dead…Mictlan…”

“WWHHHAATT??” Alejandro reacts with excitement, he looks with deception and sighs:

“And here I thought I was sent to another world…well…I guess Mictlan is another world right?”

“You’re weird you know that?” The hooded figure removes the hood. Alejandro is in shock;

“WAIT…YOU’RE A GIRL!”

“Of course…my name is Xbalanque…nice to meet you…and what’s your name?”

“My name is Alejandro…wait…Xbalanque? You mean…one of the legendary Mayan heroes?”

“Yep…that’s the one…so you heard about me?”

“Of course…Xbalanque and Hunahpu are Mayan heroes that fought the Judges of the Underworld…but wait…I thought you were a guy…”

“Well…you know they changed my gender as time passed by…but I have always been a girl…”

“I see…well that’s so cool…”

Xbalanque has the appearance of a young woman. She wears a Mayan style dress with Mayan decorations. Her face has a white paint, with black on the left side of her head, resembling a skeleton. She has brown skin, long curly black hair and bluish eyes. She has a headband with Mayan symbols.

“Now then…time for the important part…” Xbalanque gets closer to Alejandro and bends her knees:

“So this is a living male’s d*ck…fascinating…”

Alejadnro notices that he is naked and panics; “WWHHOOAAAHHH….WHY AM I NAKED!”

“Oh that’s easy, I stripped you because I wanted to see a modern male body…you see I haven’t been to the world of the living for almost 100 years now…and I need to say…you’re not that bad…”

“What the hell?” Alejandro runs to get his clothes. Xbalanque laughs; “Hahaha…no need to be embarrassed, here…I’ll show you my body…”

Xbalanque begins to stip. Alejandro stops her; “Whoa…that’s enough…”

“Hahaha…you’re funny…anyway…judging from your reaction…you’re still a virgin right?”

Alejandro blushes and looks away; “That’s none of your business…” Xbalanque lifts her skirt a little; “Hey…want to do it with me? I haven’t been with a living man for a century…”

“HELL NO!”

“Oh don’t tell me you’re…”

“NO…I’M SAVING MY CHASTITY FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL THAT’S ALL!” Alejandro exclaims. Xbalanque smiles; “Well…she must be a lucky girl right?”

“She is..and I love her…” Alejandro realizes his words and looks away embarrassed. Alejandro clears his throat:

“Anyway, why am I turning into a skeleton?”

“Well that’s a simple answer…you see…when someone from the land of the living crosses to the land of the dead…they are made out of mana…everytime you use mana…it will not come back and you will turn into a resident of Mictlan…”

“Say what?” Alejandro looks at his body and sees that other parts are turning into skeletons as well; “What can I do? I mean…I don’t want to die just yet…I have to go back to the world of the living…”

“Mmmhhhmm…you know what…I know who can help you…”

“Really? Who?” Alejandro looks at her with hope. Xbalanque pulls his arm; “Come on, let’s go…”

“Where?”

Xbalanque whistles. Suddenly, an Alebrije of a winged jaguar descends. Alejandro looks in shock:

“INCREDIBLE…AN ALEBRIJE!”

“Her name is Yatziri and she will take us to Aztlan…”

Yatziri (Flower) is a winged Jaguar Alebrije with a big body and wings of multiple colors. She has multiple symbols with different colors as well.

“Come on…get on…” Xbalanque kicks Alejandro to the sky. Alejandro lands on the Alebrije. Xbalanque gets on Yatziri as well:

“Alright…let’s go to the region of Aztlan…”

(RRRAAAWWW)

Yatziri flies to the sky. Alejandro is in shock upon seeing the lands:

“THIS IS INCREDIBLE…I NEVER IMAGINED SEEING MICTLAN IN MY LIFE!”

“OH YOU HAVEN’T SEEN NOTHING YET!”

As they cross the mountains, they enter the region of Tlalocan.

Tlalocan is heaven for the Mesoamerican cultures. It has colorful mountains, bright blue water. The vegetation has different colors and it has Alebrijes flying around with people dancing and celebrating around the area.

The urban part consists of small colorful villages where people who entered Mictlan have their own houses and live normally.

“INCREDIBLE! I ALWAYS IMAGINE THAT MICTLAN WAS SOMETHING LIKE THIS!”

“It is right! This is what you call heaven, Tlalocan. We are heading to the capital city of Aztlan…I hope you're ready?”

“I am…I need to go back…I made a promise to her…”

Xbalanque looks with curiosity; “A promise with who?”

“The person I love…Valerie…”