Unknown…

“Uriel…hey Uriel…” Uriel hears someone calling for him. Uriel wakes up and sees an unfamiliar setting. He appears to be in a room with multiple posters of what appears to be the “SPACE RANGERS.” Uriel’s favorite show as a kid.

“Big brother, big brother, wake up!”

As soon as Uriel rises up from his bed to see who's calling, a soccer ball hits his face.

(PPPUUUMMM)

“OOOOUUUCCHHHH!!!” Uriel screams in pain as he rubs his face.

“Valerie what was that for?”

The boy says it with a tear in his eye and his nose with a drop of blood.

“It's breakfast time Uriel!”

“Come on, hurry or it will get cold!” Valerie says with a smile on her face as she runs outside the door.

“I'll be right there” Uriel replies with a big smile. -BBBAADDUUMMPPP- At that moment, Uriel feels pain from his head:

“W-W-What’s happening to me? I was…in Mictlan…but now…I am here?”

Uriel breathes heavily as he walks towards the mirror. He opens his eyes wider as he sees himself as a little boy. He doesn’t have his scar anymore:

“Is this…me? What’s going on?”

He closes his eyes and rubs them as he feels them heavy. He opened them again and got frightened of the image he was seeing.

The left part of his face begins to change in the mirror. The cornea of his left eye changes into black and the pupil changes into red color. The left side of his hair also began to change into a dark red color.

The mirror begins to crack making a line. He is about to touch it, Uriel´s mother called from the kitchen:

“Uriel, hijo, it 's breakfast time okay!”

Uriel looks away for a second and looks again. His appearance is back to normal; “What’s going on?”

Uriel puts on his uniform. After changing into his uniform, Uriel goes down into the kitchen on the first floor, where he meets his mother, she is putting their breakfast on the table, two scrambled eggs, and a piece of white bread with a glass of orange juice.

“Buenos Dias, (good morning) Madre” Uriel greets his mother as he sits at the table.

“Buenos Dias, Hijo” Maria greets him with a great smile on her face. “Good morning, Daniel” Uriel greets his little brother as well as normal. Daniel smiles and greets him too.

“You´re late Uriel, now you owe me your bread!” Valerie tells Uriel as she eats her breakfast as well.

“Alright Valerie…” Uriel smiles at them. He feels a great peace in his heart. Maria looks at him; “Is something wrong?”

“Oh…it's just that I had a weird dream that I was in…”

(BBBAADDUUMMMPPP)

Uriel remembers something, he drops his fork. At that moment, the sky turns crimson, Uriel feels frightened; “I was in Mictlan…”

“Uriel…Uriel…you have to wake up…” Coming down the stairs is Uriel´s Father. Uriel tries to turn and see. At that moment, he hears a loud noise.

(CCCRRAASSHHH)

Uriel turns to see his family dead and blood on the floor. Uriel falls to his knees; “M-M-Mother?”

“This will happen…you did this to them…and you will do this again…” Uriel looks up and sees his older self in his Charro attire. He has red eyes and his sword:

“Remember who you are…”

“NNNNNOOOOOOO!!!”

“Uriel…you have to wake up…” Uriel hears his father’s voice. Suddenly, everything turns black.

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

Region of Tlalocan, Mictlan

After the battle with the two Judges of the Underworld…the group was saved by a mysterious warrior known as Hunahpu…he called his Alebrije, Taetl to take them to Aztlan…the capital city of Mictlan…

“Where am I?” Uriel opens his eyes and looks up; “This is…”

“Oh good you’re awake, I was so worried…” Emma greets him, Uriel lifts his body and notices that they are traveling on an Alebrije:

“What happened when I lost consciousness?”

“You were attacked by Nexoxcho…one of the 8 judges of Xibalba…his ability summons your fears…apparently, it just wore off…” Hunaphu replies as he sees Uriel. Uriel looks surprised:

“I see…so, one of the Two Mayan Heroes came to our aid…”

“That’s correct, right now…my sister should have made contact with your friend as well…”

“Alejandro? You mean…he’s okay?” Tiwa asks desperately, Hunaphu turns around to look in the front; “I’m not sure…but you shouldn’t worry about him…my sister is more powerful than I am…”

“I see…”

Uriel looks at Anastasia, she is unconscious and has a big wound on her hip; “How is she?”

“She’s been getting weaker…she lost too much blood…”

“I understand…” Uriel puts his hand on her wound; “Curacion…” (Healing) A bright golden mana shines as Uriel closes her wound.

Anastasia opens her eyes; “I’m sorry…I failed to be of use…” Emma grabs her hand and shakes her head:

“No…you did an excellent job…”

“You should rest and replenish your mana…” Uriel looks at Anastasia, she nods in agreement.

“Be patient…we will arrive in Aztlan in a couple of minutes…” The Alebrije enters the Tlalocan region.

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

Road to Aztlan, Mictlan

The city of Aztlan is located in the middle of a giant lake…to cross it…people use bridges made out of orange and gold chrysanthemum…a special flower used in the land of the living in the famous Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead)...

Normally, everyone is free to pass whenever they like to the city…however, on this occasion, there is a blockade…Heading towards the blockade, a couple with a giant Dog-like Alebrije pulling the carriage…

“Good day sir…we’re searching for a couple of intruders and we believe they are heading to the capital city…mind if we have an inspection on your carriage…”

“Go ahead sir…we are just carrying a special order of our fine liquor to the capital city…”

The guards look at the back of carriage six barrels of liquor. They inspect the barrels without opening them, they inspect the carriage and everything around.

“Alright sir…you’re clear…carry on…”

“Thank you…Good day…” The couple continues to head to the capital. As they head to the capital, Alejando comes out of the barrel:

“Oh man…it’s so hot in here…being here…I feel like I want to become King of the Pirates…if you get me…”

“Oh right…you mean Monkey D…”

“We’re still not out of the woods children…wait a couple of minutes…””

Alejandro uses the opportunity to see the bridge made out of orange and gold chrysanthemum:

“Incredible…I could never imagine I would ever see this…”

“I know right…and every Dia de los Muertos…the ruler of Mictlan creates a bridge that connects to the land of the living…”

“Amazing…” Alejandro is amazed with the view as he sees dozens of Alebrijes flying across the sky and sees several bridges throughout the lake connecting Aztlan. The group arrives at Aztlan.

Aztlan is a giant city located in the middle of a giant lake…it has temples, pyramids across the area with buildings of all colors and sizes…the streets are covered with orange and gold chrysanthemums…the most unique part is that everything is made out of gold… In the middle of the city, there is a giant palace…where the ruler of Mictlan lives…

The group arrives in an alley, where it’s time to say goodbye. Alejandro stretches his legs; “Oh man…I feel less alive by the minute…”

Alejandro looks at the couple; “Thank you so much for your help…” The couple smiles, Regina chuckles:

“You’re very welcome…”

“It was a pleasure to help you…Ms. Xbalanque…one of the…”

“SHHH…Please don’t say anything…” Xbalanque looks at them with suspicion; “Why did you help us…”

“Well…we wanted to help our grandson before we lose our memory…” Miguel replies with joy.

“Grandson?” Alejandro asks, confused. The couple smiles at them and immediately disappears in the crowd:

“GOODBYE ALEJANDRO…MAY ONE DAY, WE REUNITE AGAIN…WITHT HE ENTIRE FAMILY…”

Alejandro is left thinking:

“You know it’s weird. We ate something that I really like and their names, if I remember, were Regina and Miguel…just like my grand…”

“Shhh…don’t think too much of it…okay…” Xbalanque puts her finger on his lips. Alejandro blushes and takes a step back; “You know it’s incredible how people from here can eat and drink as well.”

“It’s not necessary for us because we are completely made out of mana…but we do it because it reminds us of our previous lives.”

“I see…but you seem different from the rest of them…”

Xbalanque smiles; “Oh…are you hitting me again?”

“N-N-No…I mean…”

“Hahaha…I’m just teasing you…we must hurry…have you seen yourself in the mirror?” Xbalanque points at a window. Alejandro slowly walks towards it and notices that his face is completely white with black patterns around his eyes and mouth:

“WWHOOAA…WHAT HAPPENED TO MY FACE?”

“Well…the more you spend here…the faster you’ll become part of this world…” Xbalanque looks at him with a serious expression.

“How much time do I have left?”

“I don’t know…that’s why we’re going to see the ruler…” Xbalanque winks her eye. Xbalanque looks at the mirror:

“Now then…they're looking for humans right…”

She puts her hand on the human side of her face and slowly changes it to match the other side of her face.

“WHHOAA…THAT’S SO COOL!”

“Why thank you…now come on…we need to get close to the palace” Xbalanque grabs Alejandro’s hand; “Come on…let’s go explore…”

“W-W-Wait…”

Xbalanaque and Alejandro walk through the commerce aisle where there are many stores and spectacles in every corner. They have no troubles as both of them are the same as the population…

They eat some elotes (corn), meat, drink some Aguas Frescas and many typical Mexican foods. They try several pieces of clothing like sombreros, typical scarfs, and many dresses. As they head towards the center, they reach a plaza where they are playing music…

Xbalanque pulls Alejandro and dances together with the crowd. They dance and have fun for a long time…they take a commemorative photo together…

As they rest, Alejandro and Xbalanque have an interesting conversation…

“This photo is incredible…” Xbalanque looks at it with excitement. Alejandro smiles and wonders:

“I didn’t know there was this kind of technology in Mictlan…”

“Well…it’s not that advanced…but at least we have some…the ruler says that technology leads to the destruction of a society…I don’t know about that…”

“Look at all this gold…if someone from the land of the living had this…they would be the most powerful people in the world…

“Yeah…you humans are always so greedy…hahaha…” Xbalanque laughs. Alejandro makes a serious expression; “Can I ask you something?”

Xbalanque, who eats Cotton candy looks at him with a serious expression; “What is it?”

“Why are you helping? There must be a reason why?”

“Well…I was bored…and decided to take a walk…after that…I found you…”

Alejandro looks with suspicion; “Really?”

“Listen…we must head to the palace…come on…” Xbalanque pulls Alejandro. Suddenly, Alejandro falls; “What the…my legs…they feel so numb…”

Alejandro rolls up his pants and sees that his legs have turned into a skeleton. Xbalanque looks at Alejandro preoccupied:

“We’re running out of time…it’s time to pick up the pace…”

Xbalanque carries Alejandro with her back. Xbalanque runs with high speed,

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

Palace of Kukulkan, Aztlan

At the top of the largest pyramid in the city lies the famous Palace of Kukulkan… The Palace of Kukulkan…a palace created to honor God Kukulkan…who is said to be the creator of Mictlan along with the other Four Gods…The Palace is made out of gold entirely, it has several Mesoamerican culture drawings and hieroglyphics…This is where the ruler of Mictlan lives…

The dragon Alebrije, Taetl, arrives to the palace. Hunaphu and the others get off the dragon. Hunaphu looks at everyone; “Welcome to the Palace of Kukulkan…we’re at the center of Aztlan…”

“INCREDIBLE…IT’S SO BEAUTIFUL…”Emma and Tiwa look down towards the city, they see many colors, and many balloons floating in the city. They see hundreds of Alebrijes in the city as well.

“So many Alebrijes!” Emma looks with wonder. Hunaphu walks to their side:

“Alebrijes are guardian spirits that are meant to guide those who committed no sin to Mictlan…they are also our partners like Taetl is to me…once someone dies, the Alebrije is manifested…”

A couple of Alebrije birds approach the girls. The girls smile and lay with them.

“Then…why are there so many Sombras in our world?” Emma asks, confused. Hunahpu replies:

“Because…there is always a balance in the world…the equal amount of Alebrijes needs to be the equal amount of Sombras…Human malice is so strong that Alebrije get corrupted when they are in the world of the living…corruption is something inevitable…unfortunately…the Alebrijes are the ones who pay the price…”

The Alebrije birds fly away.

“I see…I’m sorry for asking…” Emma feels bad, Hunaphu shakes his head:

“Don’t be…you need to know…”

Hunaphu walks towards the palace; “Come…the ruler is waiting for your arrival…”

Hunaphu stops; “It seems we have some intruders…please head to the dining room…I will go and take care of this business…” Hunaphu disappears from their sight.

The group is left there to wait. Tiwa and Emma use the opportunity to look at the city. Anastasia uses the opportunity to speak with Uriel.

Anastasia looks at Uriel with a concern:

“Is something wrong Uriel? You seem to be a little worried?”

“It’s nothing…it’s just the frustration that I lost to those Gods…”

“I understand…I also feel the same way…”

“I see…I never knew that you had those types of emotions…”

“I didn’t know either…recently…I’ve been feeling that I am a different person…”Anastasia touches her chest; “You know what I really am right?”

Uriel nods in agreement, Anastasia continues to speak:

“I know you’re my enemy and yet…I tried to protect you…I feel so strange…”

Uriel chuckles; “It’s normal to try and protect someone…that’s what it means to be human…”

“I can’t have the feeling that it can become a weakness to humans…”

Uriel smiles; “It is a weakness…and you should be careful…otherwise, that weakness might consume you…”

“I see…” Anastasia continues to walk, Uriel looks forward; “That weakness is consuming me…”

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

Below the Palace…

Below the palace, Xbalanque and Alejandro arrive at a secret entrance that Xbalanque knows…Time is limited as Alejandro is slowly turning into a skeleton…

“Here we are…this is the secret passage I use to enter the palace…” Xbalanque puts her hand on the wall. She releases a large amount of mana to the wall. The wall takes the shape of a small door and slowly opens.

Alejandro, who is lying near a rock, looks with excitement; “That’s incredible…it’s like we’re playing a Zelda game…”

“I know right…Zelda is one of my favorite games as well…”

Alejadnro looks at her with suspicion; “Hey…have you been to the world of the living before?”

Alejandro stands up, Xbalanque helps him walk. They enter the palace underground. As they walk down the tunnel, Xbalanque answers Alejadnro’s question:

“I have…however, we who are born in the land of the dead can’t withstand the land of the living anymore…”

“Why is that? Are you just like vampires?”

“Hahaha…you’re so funny…no…the truth is that the world of the lying doesn’t have enough mana as it used to have…we used to live in the land of the living during the age of ancient civilizations…however…”

Xbalanque looks down, Alejandro looks at her nervously; “W-W-What happened?”

“Humans began to rebel…they didn’t see us as heroes or Gods anymore…but rather a nuisance…as technology and philosophy advanced…the rift between humans and Gods also split…soon mana became scars in the world…and we didn’t have a choice but to return to Mictlan…”

“That’s too bad…I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be…it’s been centuries now…and I get to visit the land of the living once a year…on El Dia de Muertos…”

“Really?”

“Yeah…that’s when I have the chance to buy everything I want…and also…”

“There they are…after them…”

Suddenly, guards begin to chase them. They run in the tunnels that appear to be sewers, as a current of water flows in the middle.

“Uh-oh…we have to run…” Xbalanque pulls Alejandro’s hand. Alejandro, feeling weak from his legs, decides to give it his all and run next to her; “I won’t get caught…”

“That’s the spirit…” Xbalanque gathers mana in her right leg and kicks the air with force.

(PPPUUUMMM)

“AAHHH” The pressure pushes the guards away.

“Woah…you’re so strong…”

“Of course I am…” Xbalanaque and Alejandro continue to run; “Hey…how come you know about this passage anyway…who are you exactly?”

“Oh…I’m no one important, I just happen to know this passage that’s all…”

“I see…” Alejandro looks at her with suspicion. As they travel towards the exit, the guards continue to pursue them.

“This is not good…I feel that I will faint any moment now…” Alejandro breathes heavily as he is about to reach his limit.

“Come on Alejandro, you can do it…look there is the exit…” Xbalanque and Alejandro reach the stairs that head to a higher floor. As they climb, Alejandro breathes harder; “What’s happening? I am losing all of my strength…”

“We will make it…after that…I will ask my mother…”

At that moment, Xbalanque opens her eyes wider as she sees Alejandro falling to the water:

“AALLEEJJJAAANNDDRROOO”

(SSSPPPLLLAASSHHH)

Alejandro slowly submerges into the water as he is losing consciousness; “Damn it…I am so weak…I couldn’t even keep a promise…a promise to her…”

(SSSPPPLLLAAASSHHH)

Someone enters the water as well, Alejandro faintly sees that person as he sees long hair; “V-V-Valerie…”

(GULP)

(SSSPPLLLAASSHHH)

Xbalanque pulls Alejandro out of the water, she coughs up water as she sees Alejandro turn completely into a member of Mictlan; “No…this can’t be…I still had a little time…”

“Ay hermana…” Hunaphu walks towards them, Xbalanque, with tears in her eyes looks at her brother:

“H-H-Hunaphu…I-I-I didn’t know…”

Hunaphu sighs; “Look…I know you wanted to have some fun…but that was really irresponsible on your part…now he is part of this world…”

“But I…”

“Enough…” Hunaphu carries Alejandro; “I’ll take him to see mother…in the meantime…guards…take her to her room…”

Hunaphu floats towards the upper floors. Xbalanque is taken back to her room.

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

In a room…

(BADUMP BADUMP BADUMP)

“What is this sensation…I feel so warm…and this place, it’s so comfortable…” Alejandro thinks as he opens his eyes. He sees a decorated ceiling with many mayan and aztec symbols. The ceiling is filled with shining rocks and colors.

A hand touches his forehead, the hand has a black glove. Alejandro tries to see who is next to him but his vision is blurry; “You’re going to be alright now…can you feel your hand?”

Alejandro slowly lifts his hand and sees it; “Yes…I can…wait…” Alejandro raises his body surprised:

“My hand…it’s back…”

Alejandro looks for a mirror, he immediately gets off the bed and runs to see his face. His face has come back to normal along with all of his body:

“It’s back…I’m back to normal…”

“Fufufu…I’m glad you’re full of energy as ever…” Alejandro heard someone talking to him. He immediately turns around and sees a beautiful woman sitting on the edge of the bed.

The woman stands up, revealing to be a tall woman. 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. She wears a long black dress with mesoamerican decorations

She approaches Alejandro, Alejandro opens his eyes wider. The woman smiles; “Does my appearance frightened you?”

“N-N-No…it’s just that you’re so beautiful that it makes me unworthy to see you…” Alejandro blushes and avoids looking her in the eyes. The woman chuckles; “You know…you’re the second person aside from my husband to tell me that…very well…I will change my face appearance…which one do you like best…the right side or the left side?”

“T-T-The left side is better…I really like your decorations…” Alejandro replies with a shy voice. The woman puts her hand on the right side of her face which is the human side and changes it completely along with her hair.

Her appearance is a white skin, resembling a skeleton, with black circles in her eyes. beautiful decorations, and a blue flame illuminates her eyes.

“Is this better?” The woman asks Alejandro, who smiles and nods in agreement. Alejandro looks around; “I’m sorry…but where am I?”

“You’re in my room…you see, I return the mana you lost…and I decided to let you rest for a couple of minutes.

“Oh thank you…I really appreciate it…I owe you my life…”

“Fufufu…no need my dear…it was my decision to help you…now then, why don’t you head to that door…there are people waiting to see you…we will meet in a couple of minutes.”

A guard leads Alejandro the way. Alejandro turns back thinking; “I never ask who she was…”

Alejandro heads towards the dining room thinking about the woman who helped him. The guard opens the door; “This way sir…”

“A-A-Alejandro?”

Alejandro enters the room and opens his eyes wider as he sees four people sitting at a large table; “T-T-Tiwa…Uriel…Anastasia…Tiwa?”

“ALEJANDRO!” Tiwa and Anastasia run and hug him with force. -BBBOOOMMM- “You’re choking me…” Alejandro smiles as he thinks:

“Oh yes…this is the harem moment that I wanted…”

Anastasia and Tiwa cry as both of them hug him, Alejandro feels happy; “How did you get here? Why are you here?”

“We came here to save you…” Uriel walks towards him and stretches his hand; “It’s good to see you…my friend…”

Alejandro grabs his hand and slowly stands up; “Same here…Uriel…” Alejandro asks Uriel:

“Hey Uriel…I saw a skeleton named Teotale…”

“Oh right…he was one of the Judges of Xibalaba…”

“REALLY! HOLY COW!” Alejandro exclaims in shock. Tiwa looks at him and a tear comes out of his eye; “I see you haven’t changed at all…I’m so relieved…”

The girls also stand up and grab his arms. Anastasia with tears in her eyes smiles:

“Alejandro…I’m so happy to see you…”

“I’m happy to see you as well…” Alejandro looks at Tiwa; “Tiwa…I-I…” Tiwa acts like tsundere:

“Look…don’t get me wrong…I only came here because Emma wanted to save you…”

“Emma?” Alejandro looks at Emma. Emma walks forward; “It’s a pleasure…I am Emma Smith…I always wanted to shake your hand…”

“Oh so that’s why I saw two Tiwas…” Alejandro and Emma shake hands; “By the way…why are you dressed like a Mariachi?”

Alejandro chuckles as scratches his forehead:

“Well…I wanted to look like Uriel…just kidding…it’s the only thing I found…” Alejandro looks at everyone:

“Hey…how come you’re not skeletons like I was a couple of minutes of go?”

“Because we entered using the Golden key…” Uriel shows the golden key. Alejandro panics; “WOW…THAT 'S DANGEROUS!”

“Relax…I am El Charro Negro…this won’t affect me…”

“I see…”

Hunaphu enters the dining room:

“I see that everyone has gathered…please follow me…the ruler of Mictlan wants to speak with you…”

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

Inside the Palace…

The group entered headed towards the main hall…the main hall has paintings of Ancient Mesoamerican Gods including; Quetzalcoatl (Kukulkan), Tezcatlipoca, Huitzilopochtli the Green Hummingbird, Tlaloc the Blue Rain Salamander and Xipototec the Orange Guardian Dog. The room is filled with guards that go all the way to the throne.

“Wow…look at all these Gods…” Emma looks with wonder. Tiwa looks at Uriel; “You fought against two of them…right?”

“Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca…yeah those guys were super powerful…right Uriel?” Alejandro asks Uriel. Uriel looks at the four paintings that are behind the throne.

The throne is a mini pyramid with a giant golden chair. Behind it, there are four paintings with different colors. The paintings have four equestrians with different armors and weapons. The green one has an ax on the back with bows and arrows in his hands. The blue one has a scale on his left hand and a sword on his right. The red one has a sword on his right arm and a shield on his left. The black and white one has a scythe grabbing with both of his hands.

“Uriel? Is something wrong?” Emma touches Uriel. Uriel reacts to her with his eyes wide open. Emma looks at him nervous:

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah…it’s nothing…”

Hunaphu kneels in front of the throne; “NOW EVERYONE…KNEEL AS THE RULER OF MICTLAN HAS ENTERED THE ROOM!”

Everyone kneels as the drums and instruments play. The ruler enters the room and sits on the throne.

“I PRESENT TO YOU…THE RULER OF MICTLAN…LA CATRINA!”

Based on Mexico's Tradition, La Catrina is considered a representation of death. She wears a long black dress (colonial style), with mesoamerican decorations in the front and on her feet. Her appearance is a white skin, resembling a skeleton, with black circles in her eyes. beautiful decorations, and a blue flame illuminates her eyes. Her hair is long and black with a hat with traditional flowers from the day of the dead and a veil that covers her face.

“GREETINGS MY FELLOW VISITORS FROM THE LAND OF THE LIVING…YOU MAY RAISE YOUR HEAD…”

Uriel whispers to Alejandro; “Alejandro…whatever you do…don’t make a scene…otherwise…”

“NO WAY!” Alejandro stands up. Uriel and Tiwa lower their heads; “Idiot!” Alejandro points at La Catrina; “You’re the woman who saved me…”

(CCHHHIINNGGG)

Hunaphu and many guards point their weapons at Alejandro; “SHOW SOME RESPECT YOU FOOL! SHE IS THE RULER OF MICTLAN…THE MOST POWERFUL BEING IN THIS WORLD!”

Alejandro sweats nervously; “S-S-Sorry…”

“Fufufu…that’s enough…he was surprised because I never introduced myself…in other words, it is I to blame…”

“Yes mother…I apologize…” Hunaphu and the rest of the guards lower their weapons. La Catrina begins to speak:

“LISTEN UP…THE VISITORS ARE NOW OUR GUESTS…THEY ARE FREE TO BE AROUND THE PALACE UNDER MY DISPOSAL! UNDERSTOOD!”

“YES YOUR HIGHNESS!” The guards reply with pride. La Catrina orders the guards to leave. La Catrina walks down towards Uriel and the others; “I never thought that you would actually come to meet me in person…Charro Negro…”

“I came to rescue my friend…your highness…”

“Fufufu…such a gentleman…”

(BBBAADDUUMMPPP)

Tiwa, Anastasia and Emma feel a powerful presence as she comes closer. Emma trembles; “What is this fear? I can feel my soul disappearing…”

La Catrina notices Emma fainting; “Fufufu…calm down dear…breath…” La Catrina pats her head. At that moment, the immense pressure disappears. La Catrina takes a few steps back:

“Calm down my children…I mean no harm…besides…I don’t intend to harm the friends of one of the four horsemen…”

“W-W-What did she just say?” Alejandro and Emma look at Uriel surprised. La Catrina looks confused:

“Oh sorry…I thought you already knew…El Charro Negro…is just an alias invented by one of his predecessors.”

La Catrina points at Uriel, soon the lighting of the room goes down:

“That man in front of you is the Horseman of War.”

A shocking revelation causes everyone to look surprised. Alejandro and Emma react with shock:

“WWWHHHHAATTTTT?”

“Fufufufu…I guess you never told them Uriel…” La Catrina chuckles, Uriel shakes his head:

“I wanted to avoid an overreaction like that…”

“So sorry about that…” La Catrina winks at him. Alejandro and Emma stare at him, Uriel sighs with his eyes closed:

“Now they won’t stop staring at me…”

“I see…how about we continue this in the dining room…” La Catrina and Hunaphu show the way.

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

Xibalba, the Land of the Forgotten.

The land of the Forgotten, also known as Xibalba…a region below the land of the Dead. The land is filled with souls of people who committed sins or were forgotten by the land of the living…

The regions Hun-came and Vucub-Came are regions located in Xibalba…they are located below the region of Tlalocan…below that region…Wuqub where the capital city of Popol Vuh is located…the city where the Judges of the Xibalba live…

The city is also made of Gold with rotten flower petals surrounding the streets. In these regions, the demons that inhabit the land are called Ahalmez, the sweeping demons…demons who serve the ruler of Xibalba…

At the castle, which has the same features as the ruler of Mictlan’s temple…the main hall has a reunion of the 8 Judges of Xibalba…

“GODDAMMIT! I CAN’T BELIEVE XBALANQUE INTERFERE WITH MY PRAY!” Teotlale drinks from his mug. The servants pour more liquor in his mug, he continues to drink.

“It was quite unfortunate but we were stopped by Hunaphu when we were about to take down the Horseman of War!” Nexoxcho drinks from a glass of wine. Nextepehua eats from a plate filled with a weird animal:

“You know…it’s strange but that Horseman of War seemed too weak…”

“Indeed…his powers weren’t match for us…”

“SO THAT MEANS YOU WERE JUST PLAYING WITH THEM?” Teotlale exclaims as he drinks more beer.

(PPPPUUUMMM)

“THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE! YOU SHOULD HAVE KILLED HIM WITHOUT HESITATION!” A giant uses his giant sword and slams it to the floor.

Nexoxcho sighs and shakes his head; “Listen…Lord Miquiztetl even if we were to attempt to kill him…we would have caused a war with the Horsemen....”

“NONSENSE…THOSE HORSEMEN ARE WEAKLINGS!”

Miquiztetl, the Judge of Death, has the appearance of a 8 feet tall giant. He has the face of a skeleton with red decorations around the mouth and eyes. He has giant jewels in his eyes. He has golden armor with a golden double edge sword.

“Oww…you’re making too much noise…I want to go to bed already!” A little girl yawns as she moves some peas on her plate.

“WHAT DID YOU SAY MICCAPETLACALLI! WE ARE HAVING A DISCUSSION HERE!”

“I said you’re annoying me!” Micapetlacalli glares at Miquiztetl, the giant takes a step back;

“Are you threatening me?”

“Perhaps…is that how you want to see it…” Micapetlacalli chuckles.

Miccapetlacalli, the Judge of the Tomb, has the form of a little girl. She has long uncombed brown hair, brown white skin and yellow eyes. She has a small body, and wears a yellow colonial dress with long gloves. She has a human appearance with only her left eye being similar to a calavera.

Another figure pats Miccapetlacalli’s head; “Now now Micca…you shouldn’t be picking fights with your elders…you might kill them and we would be one member short…”

“I know Xoaltentli…but he started it…” Miccapetlacalli leans on a woman’s lap; “Fufufu…despite being a Judge of the Underworld…you are still my younger sister…”

Xoaltentli, the Judge of Sleep, has the appearance of a young woman. She has white skin and black painting in her eyes similar to La Catrina. She has long brown hair tied up with flowers. She has an elegant long green dress (colonial style) with long gloves and a fan that she carries along every time.

“Xoaltentli…since when were you here?” Nexoxcho asks Xoalentli. She chuckles and winks at him:

“I was always here dear…but perhaps…you were dreaming I wasn’t…”

“OH WOW…YOU’RE AS LOVELY AS EVER!” Teotlale laughs as he throws the mug towards the wall.

“Settle down…Teotlale…our lord will come shortly…” Nextepehua tries to calm him down. Teotlale looks at Xoatentli:

“I WON’T BE SATISFIED UNTIL SHE SAYS YES!”

“Oh sorry but I’m not into skeletons…” Xoatentli shakes her head. Teotlale releases mana:

“GOD DAMMIT…WHY AM I A STUPID SKELETON!”

“I see you’re as loud as ever…Teotlale…how many years has it been since we had meeting?” Everyone hears a voice coming from the shadows. The figure comes forward, Xoatentli looks with disgusts:

“So there you were…Necucyaotl…you’re as weird as always…”

“And you look as lovely as always…Xoatentli…” Necucyaotl walks and takes a seat next to Miccapetlacalli

Necucyaotl, the Judge of Discord, is a mummified being with orange eyes. He has bandages covering all around his body except for his eyes. He has a skinny body, he wears elegant colonial clothing with a pair of black pants and blue buttoned pants and a tie.

Miccapetlacalli lookes at with discussed; “Don’t sit next to me…”

“I’m sorry but this is my spot…little girl…”

“You’re annoying me…die…” Miccapetlacalli summons a coffin and pulls Necucyaotl inside, she lifts it to the air and closes her hand.

(CCCRRAASSHHH)

The coffin explodes, and blood falls into the table. The other judges look at Miccapetlacalli, who is angry. Nextepehua chuckles; “Remind me not to get into her bad side…”

“I agree…she may look like a kid…but she might be the most lethal in this table…” Teotlale who looks sober replies as he sits down. Xoatentli shakes her head:

“Micca…don’t go using your powers at the table…you will get it messy… “

“I’m sorry…it’s just…that…”

“That I made you angry…right?” Necucyaotl comes out of the shadows and sits once again, crossing his legs and acting as if nothing ever happened. The other Gods look at him with a weird expression.

Nexoxcho drink from his wine; “I will never understand how does he do it…”

“You monster…get away from me…” Miccapetlacalli tries to use the same ability again. However, at that moment, somebody else appears and pats her head:

“Now… now Micca…don’t be so rude with your comrades…”

(BBBAADDUUUMMPPP)

Everyone stands up and vow their heads, Miccapetlacalli slowly turns and sees a man standing behind her. She immediately stands up with a frightened expression:

“Lord Xolotl…I didn’t mean to…”

“IT’S A PLEASURE TO SEE YOU AGAIN! LORD XOLOTL!”

“Everyone please take your seat…we have important topics to discuss…”

Xolotl, the Judge of Life, also known as the God of Fire and Lightning. A powerful entity and ruler of Xibalba. He has the appearance of an older man (around his 40’s) He has white skin, yellow eyes and long black hair. He has a black European style armor combined with Aztec decorations around his armor. He has two Xoloitzcuintle breed Sombras on his side as he sits on his throne.

Xolotl begins to speak; “My fellow companions, we are the Judges of Xibalba…our responsibility is to judge the souls of those who enter in this part of the world, who committed sins and crimes…today…a despicable being crossed to our world…the Horseman of War…”

The Judges don’t say a word. Xolotl points at Nexoxcho and Nextepehua:

“I sent two of my judges to deal with the intruders…however, they were interrupted by one of the two Mayan Heroes…my son…Hunaphu…”

“We apologize for having failed you our Lord…in our defense…we didn’t know that he would show up…”

“Do not apologize…it is I who needs to apologize to you…my foolish children acted under their mother’s accord…and intervene in our holy deed…I assure that they will receive punishment…”

“If I may ask…why is the Horseman of War in Mictlan?” Necucyaotl asks with politeness. Miccapetlacalli glares at him; “I hate him…”

“I have a theory that he came here to save the soul of a young man that Teotlale encountered…however…I fear it’s something else…”

-TCH- “Xbalanque…that brat will pay…” Teotlale drinks from his mug. Xolotl makes a holographic image of Uriel appear in front of them.

“Oh my…isn’t he a cute one…” Xoatentli looks at him with lust.

“I believe that in the land of the Living…they are after the Seven Golden Keys left by the CIBOLA tribe…”

“The seven golden keys? Weren’t they sealed away a long time ago?” Nexoxcho asks Xolotl. Xolotl shakes his head:

“Unfortunately, a couple of days ago…the first golden key emerged from my other half's territory…” Xolotl releases a powerful pressure; “That same key was used by the Horseman to enter Mictlan in an illegal way…and that's unacceptable…”

Xolotl makes a necklace appear in the table:

“His next objective is to have this…the necklace of Mictlāntēcutli…the necklace that my wife has in her possession…”

“A necklace, why does he want that?” Miccapetlacalli asks with confusion.

“The keys were originated in the land of the dead…if a living being touches them…they will get cursed by the gold…with that necklace…a regular human being may be able touch it without suffering the consequence…” Necucyaotl answers the question. Miccapetlacalli sticks out her tongue:

“Bleeh…nobody asked you…”

(CLAP CLAP)

Xolotl claps at Necucyoatl; “Excellent answer…indeed…human beings want the golden keys and the necklace will grant them access to them…that is considered a sin and that’s why the Cibola tribe was judged by the Gods…”

“HE SHOULD BE PUNISH! I WANT TO GIVE HIM JUDGMENT!” Miquiztetli slams at the table.

(PPPUUUMM)

“He’s right…as much as I hate to agree…we must punish those who entered the world of the dead without permission…” Nextepehua comments.

“I want to see that handsome young man in person…and give a goodnight kiss…” Xoatentli chuckles.

“I WANT TO KILL THAT HORSEMAN…” Teotlale looks at him with jealousy. Miccapetlacalli lifts her body and sees the image:

“I want to play with him as well…”

Xolotl stands up; “I see that everyone agrees with me…” The two dogs beside him also stand up and walk around the table. Xolotl continues to speak:

“They will head this way…because they are in search of the door that connects with the living…they will probably want to cross it…however, using that door is forbidden and that’s why…”

Xolotl releases a powerful aura. -AAWWOOOO- The Xoloitzcuintle begin to howl, the 7 Judges stand up one more time.

Xolotl raises his glass of wine:

“WE THE 8 JUDGES OF XIBALBA WILL BRING JUDGMENT TO THE HORSEMAN OF WAR AND HIS ALLIES! WE WON’T LET THEM CROSS TO THE WORLD OF THE LIVING AND BREAK THE BALANCE OF THIS WORLD…I XOLOTL, JUDGE OF LIFE DECLARE WAR TO THE HORSEMAN OF WAR!”

(CCRRAACCKKK)

Xolotl breaks the glass as the other gods nod in agreement and celebrate. Xolotl looks at the window:

“Horseman of War…I will be waiting for you…”

A great threat from Xibalba awaits Uriel and his allies. The Judges of Xibalba declared war on the Horseman of War…