Region of Hun-Camé, Xibalba

After talking with La Catrina, the Ruler of Mictlan…Uriel and his group decided to head towards XIbalba…in search of a way to head to the Land of the Living…

“Man this is a wasteland, I can’t believe we have been walking for only 30 minutes…” Alejandro whines as he and the others travel in the region of Vucub-Came.

“It’s only been half a day…however, it’s been half a month in the land of the living…” Uriel replies to Alejandro. The group travels in a wasteland, there is only a white desert among the whole area.

The group travels wearing black robes that hide their presence. Alejandro gets closer to Uriel; “By the way Uriel…is it true that La Catrina went to your room?”

The girls look at Uriel with curious eyes. Emma blushes; “Wow…so bold…”

Uriel nods; “Yes…she did…”

Alejandro opens his eyes wider; “WAIT…SHE DID? DON’T TELL THAT YOU GUYS…”

“Nothing happened…” Uriel continues to walk, Alejandro looks with disapprovement; “Are you serious? Come on…tell me the truth…at least you could have…”

“I am not interested…”

“Oh yeah…you’re interested in Marjorie right?” Alejandro teases Uriel, Uriel sighs; “Now you tell me…what were you doing in Xbalanque's room?”

“Huh…” Alejandro looks nervous as he feels Anastasia and Tiwa glaring at him; N-N-Nothing happened I swear…we were just looking at some manga and anime…I swear…”

Anastasia and Tiwa walk to his side; “Alejandro…” Alejandro chuckles nervously; “Come on girls…don’t look at me like that…”

Emma walks straight at Uriel; “Hey…Uriel…” Emma looks nervous, Uriel looks at her; “What is it?”

“About you being the Horseman of War…what does it feel like?”

“What does it feel like?” Uriel chuckles, Emma gets embarrased; “Sorry…it was a dumb question…”

“No it isn’t…in fact, you’re the second person to ask me that…” Uriel looks at her with a smile; “To be honest…I feel normal…like a normal human being…however, there are times that I feel fear…fear of losing control…”

Uriel looks at his hand; “This power is beyond anyone’s comprehension…if I lose control of my emotions…I may cause a catastrophe…”

Emma looks surprised; “I understand…that’s why you always try to remain calm and not show too much emotion?”

“You’re correct, if I lose control of my emotions…a catastrophe may occur, just like it did on Jalisco…two years ago…” Uriel lowers his head upon remembering important events from the past.

“I’m sorry…I didn't want you to remember bad stuff…”

“Don’t worry about it…in fact, remembering the past helps me think about the future and to avoid making the same mistakes…”

“I see…I’m glad to hear that…”

“Emma…after this is over…you and Tiwa must leave the Borderland…” Uriel stops walking. Alejandro and Tiwa react with shock:

“WHAT DID YOU SAY?”

“You heard me…Tiwa, Emma…you should leave the Borderland…and the reason is her…” Uriel points at Anastasia. Alejandro looks at her confused; “Wait…Anastasia? Why her? What’s happening Uriel?”

“Anastasia’s real mission is to leave us in the world of the dead…am I right?”

Everyone is in shock, Tiwa gets in front of Emma. Alejandro is confused; “W-W-What do you mean?”

Anastasia walks forward; “It’s true…as I mentioned before…I have another mission imposed by my Master…and that is to obtain the necklace of Mictlāntēcutli that Uriel currently has in his possession…and the second is to make sure the HISTOREA Alliance doesn’t return from Mictlan…”

Everyone is in shock upon hearing those words. Tiwa with great anger approaches; “YOU BITCH…EVEN AFTER EVERYTHING WE DID…AND EVERYTHING WE HAVE GONE THROUGH…ARE YOU STILL WILLING TO FULFILL MY MISSION?”

“I-I-I…” Anastasia takes a deep breath and looks at everyone; “I refuse to fulfill my mission…and therefore…I decided to sacrifice myself and stay here in Mictlan…”

Everyone is silent upon hearing those words, Alejandro lowers his head; “Oh yeah…I remember what La Catrina told us…”

(WOOF WOOF)

At that moment, an Alebrije that serves as their guide barks. Strange beings approach them, everyone uses the opportunity to hide from the beings. Alejandro remembers the conversation they had before the departure.

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

Palace of Kukulkan, Aztlan

Before leaving for Xibalba…La Catrina had important warnings to give to the group…

“Very well…so you decided to head to Xibalba…” La Catrina looks at Uriel and the others. Xbalanque and Hunaphu stand next to her.

Uriel nods in agreement; “I thank you for your hospitality…but we must head towards the land of the living…” Xbalanque lowers her head thinking; “Alejandro is leaving…”

La Catrina begins to explain; “I see…before you go, let me explain to you what dangers lie in the region…first you have the two large regions that surround Xibalba…The regions Hun-came and Vucub-Came are wastelands that lead towards the lower areas…the region of Wuqub where the capital city of Popol Vuh is located…the city where the Judges of the Xibalba live…behind the palace of Xolotl…there is a small area where the door that leads to the land of the living is located…”

“I understand…”

“There is something I must tell you…the truth is that the land of equal exchange applies to the land of the dead…that means the equal number of souls that entered Mictlan must also leave…”

“What do you mean? Does that mean that one of us has to stay behind?” Tiwa asks La Catrina. La Catrina nods in agreement; “I’m afraid…there isn’t any other way…one of you must stay behind…”

“No way…but…that means…we must choose…” Alejandro feels as anxiety grows. Uriel puts his hand on his shoulder; “Relax…we have another option…I have this…” Uriel shows Alejandro the necklace of Mictlāntēcutli.

The Necklace of Mictlāntēcutli is an item that was created by Mictlāntēcutli himself in the world of the living…the necklace has a small gold skull in the middle, four fangs on the sides and has a black string connecting them…

“WAIT…WHEN DID YOU TAKE IT?” Hunahpu exclaims. La Catrina touches her neck. Uriel smiles at her; “You let your guard down.”

“YOU BASTARD…HOW DARE YOU!” Hunahpu gets angry. La Catrina stops him; “Calm down my son…it’s alright…” La Catrina looks at Uriel; “I will let you have it…however…please return it to me once your mission is complete…”

Uriel nods in agreement. Uriel extends his hand and releases mana, creating a portal; “I marks the location of Hun-Came; “We will depart immediately…”

“WAIT…” Xbalanque jumps down towards them. Alejandro walks forward; “Xbalanque, what’s wrong?”

Hunaphu steps forward; “Xbalanque…you can't go with them…” Xbalanque glares at him; “I KNOW SO SHUT UP!” Hunaphu takes a step back. Xbalanque gives everyone a special robe:

“I can’t go with you…but I wanted to give you these robes…if you wear these robes, you will be able to walk unnoticed…and it will preserve your mana…”

“OH WOW…THANK YOU!” Alejandro looks with excitement. Xbalanque smiles and summons an Alebrije.

The Alebrije is a Xoloitzcuintle with colorful skin and patterns.

“This is one of my familiars…he will guide you to the Palace of Xolotl…Alejandro…” Xbalanque proceeds in kissing Alejandro’s cheek, surprising everyone in the room:

“Please take care…and I’ll be waiting for you…”

Alejandro is in shock; “I-I-I…ugghh…”

“COME ON LET’S GO!” Tiwa pulls his arm and throws him at the portal. Everyone enters the portal. Uriel is the last, he looks at La Catrina. La Catrina winks at him, Uriel makes a little smile. La Catrina chuckles:

“He managed to fool them…that Necklace has nothing to do with crossing to the world of the living…but it was necessary…”

Xbalanque looks at La Catrina; “Mother…I have a request…”

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

Region of Hun-Camé, Xibalba

The group takes shelter as they wait for a group of Alahmez (Sweeping Demons) to pass them. They hide near a couple of rocks. The Alahmez have human figures, however, they seemed to have purple skin with many patterns throughout their bodies.

“What are those?” Tiwa asks Uriel as they take shelter.

“Those are Alahmez…they are servants who serve the Judge of the Tomb…Miccapetlacalli…they are basically the souls of the sinners who come to Xibalba…and were given a second chance to do something with their lives…”

“Are they strong?” Alejandro asks, frightened.

“No…however, they are immortal, meaning that they won’t stop until they receive the orders from their leader…”

“So they are basically zombies?”

“You could say that…come on…I don’t sense them anymore…” The group moves quickly and heads into a town. As they walk, Emma approaches Anastasia; “Hey…Anastasia? Are you going to betray us?”

“No…I am not…I love Alejandro…and I don’t want him to feel sad…”

(GULP)

Alejandro hears that thinking; “This is bad…now I mean…I care about her but not in that way…”

“YOU BETTER NOT…OTHER WISE…I WILL TO TAKE YOU DOWN…RIGHT NOW!” Tiwa glares Anastasia. Tension grows once more, Uriel sighs with his eyes closed:

“Right now…our priority is to not get caught…we are going to a town known as El Diablo…”

“El Diablo?” Alejandro, everyone looks confused.

“That’s right…you see this part is territory of my Predecessor…and the town is filled with souls that made a deal with him…now they are to pay by working non-stop…in other words…I am not welcome there…”

“Uriel…have you been here before?”

“I have…I used to come here with my uncle to supervise the souls…however, one day…I had a problem with him…and I was prohibited to enter the territory again…for now…let’s move with caution…”

The group walks down a road leading towards the own…there are plantations of vegetables…and ranches with cattles and horses being the Alebrije types…the group sees people working on those fields, with many of them being only skeletons…they are commanded by Alahmez riding horse Alebrijes.

“This is something so sad…” Emma looks with somber. Uriel takes a glimpse; “Many of them have been working for more than a hundred years…”

“What happens when they can’t work anymore?” Alejandro asks with concern.

“Once they reach their limit…their souls crumble and become part of the soil where they grow their crops…similar to what happens in the land of the living…”

“Really…what an awful fate…”

“Unfortunately, that was the deal they made with the devil…they are forced to work until they disappear…however, don’t be sad for them…because many of their wishes were to live a good life when they were alive…it’s just a give and take…”

“I see…” Alejandro looks at them as he thinks; “So…the stories were true…you make a deal with the devil…you are forced to pay the consequences…”

The group enters the town with the same situations as the outside…the buildings are crumbling and slowly collapsing…people lying on the ground…and some of them walking aimlessly…

“Everyone keep walking and whatever you do…don’t pay attention to your surroundings…the faster we get out of here the better…”

“Right…” The group continues to move fast, trying to get out of the town. At that moment, something unexpected happened as they hear a loud scream:

“KKKKYYYAAAHHHH!!!”

“Was that a scream?” Tiwa and Alejandro react; “It was, and it sounded like someone is in trouble…”

“Ignore it…like I told you…this may be a…”

“HHHEELLLPPP MEEEE!!!”

Alejandro and Tiwa run towards the scream; “WWAAAIITT!” Uriel tries to stop them, however, he can’t. Uriel, Emma and Anastasia follow them; “Those idiots…I told them to stay put…”

“Uriel…what’s happening?” Emma asks scared, Uriel continues to run; “It’s probably a trap and those two fell for it…”

Alejandro and Tiwa arrive at the scene and see a little girl struggling as she is pulled away by one of the Alahmez. Soon other two Alahmez joined the other one. The girl manages to break free, she is covered by a veil, making it impossible for her to be seen.

“Tiwa…that girl is in trouble…” Alejandro looks at Tiwa. Tiwa looks desperate as well; “I know…Alejandro, let’s work together…” Both of them nod in agreement.

The girl runs from the Alahmez, panting; “S-S-Someone…help me…” The Alahmez gain up on her and capture her.

“KKKYYAAAHHH!”

“STOP RIGHT THERE!” Alejandro runs with great speed towards them. The Alahmez notice him and charge straight at him, Alejandro gathers a small amount of mana in his right arm; “Take this…”

(BBBBOOOMMM)

Alejandro punches the ground, shaking it up, causing the Alahmez to lose their balance. At that moment, Tiwa appears with white eyes and uses a serpent rope to bite the four of them:

“Mordida de la Serpiente” (Serpent Bite)

At that moment, the Alahmez disappear in an instant; “You’ve been poison…that poison drains mana in an instant…”

“HELL YEAH! WE BEAT THEM!” Alejandro celebrates. He and Tiwa proceed in walking towards the little girl; “Hey, are you alright?”

“I-I-I am…thank you so much mister…you saved my life…” The little girl hugs Alejandro. Alejandro feels happy; “It wasn’t a big deal seriously…”

“Sheesh Alejandro, there you go hugging strange girls again…”

“It’s not what you think…it’s…” -BBAADDUUMMPP- At that moment, Alejandro opens his eyes nervously; “She’s speaking my language…” Alejandro remembers a conversation he had with Xbalanque:

“Xbalanque, how come you can understand my language…and those two people couldn’t…”

“Well Alejandro…it’s easy, only Gods can understand and speak all the languages of the world of the living…and take this as a warning…if you encounter someone who speaks that language, that being is probably a God…”

Alejandro trembles; “N-N-No way…don’t tell me that you’re….”

“Hehehe…you caught me…” The girl removes her hood revealing her human face with her left eye being similar to a calavera; “ Nice to meet you…my name is Miccapetlacalli, the Judge of the Tomb…and you’re coming with me…”

Alejandro looks at Tiwa; “TTIIIWWAA RRUUNNN!’

Miccapetlacalli snaps her fingers, at that moment, a coffin appears around Alejandro and traps him.

“AAALLLEEJJAANNNDDRROOO!” Tiwa screams as she observes the coffin shrinking into the size of her palm; “I have a new toy…” Miccapetlacalli smiles as she looks at Tiwa; “Now it’s your turn…”

-TCH- “That idiot…I told him to keep his guard up…” Uriel thinks to himself as he observes

“DAMN YOU!” Tiwa summons her spirit Suma. Tiwa opens her eyes as they change to the yellow color. Tiwa lifts her hand, her hand turns into a silver colored claws. Tiwa proceeds in attacking Miccapetlacalli, however, she dodges the attack with ease.

“Damn it…how did they know?” Tiwa looks at Micapetlacalli. Suddenly, another presence appears behind her:

“Alright little girl…I think it’s best if you take a little nap…”

(BBAADDUUMMPP)

At that moment, Tiwa feels sleepy; “W-W-What’s going on? My head’s spinning…” Tiwa turns around and sees Xoalentli, who is the Judge of Sleep, walks to her side with a smile; “It’s time to sleep…”

Tiwa loses consciousness and she is captured by Micapetlacalli like Alejandro. Xoalentli looks at Miccapetlacalli; “That was very easy…but we’re missing a few intruders right?”

Uriel, who is hiding nearby, sighs; “Damn it…those two…how reckless can they be…”

Xolaentli raises her voice; “IF YOU WANT YOUR FRIENDS BACK, THEN COMEOUT…HORSEMAN OF WAR…”

“I guess I have no choice…” Uriel decides to reveal himself; “I have no choice right now…if I face them head on…the other Judges might come as well…and I can feel that there are actually three of them here…”

“Oh my…you’re as handsome in person…Horseman of War…” Xoalentli makes a luxurious expression. Uriel acts like a gentleman:

“It’s a pleasure to meet you…Judges of Tomb and Sleep…my name is Uriel…please refer to me as Charro Negro…”

“Oh such a gentleman…maybe I would like to have a sexy dream with you…what do you say?” Xoalentli tries to seduce him. Uriel chuckles; “I would be more than considerate if you release my comrades…”

“I’m sorry but we can’t…we have our orders to take you to our Lord…”

“And if I refuse…”

“THEN WE WILL TAKE YOU BY FORCE!” Uriel hears a voice from above, he looks up and sees a giant figure trying to attack him.

(CCCRRAASSHHH)

Uriel dodges the attack, as the dust cloud clears, Uriel sees the figure. A giant figure with golden armor and a skeleton face. Uriel smiles; “So then, to think I would see you again… Miquiztetl”

Miquiztetl laughs; “It’s been a long time…Charro Negro…” The Judge disappears from Uriel’s sight and appears in front of him. -BBBOOMMM- Miquiztetl punches Uriel with force, Uriel blocks the punch lifting the pieces of land surrounding them.

Uriel releases mana and kicks the Judge to the air. Uriel jumps into the air surprising the other two judges; "Oh wow…to have the Judge of Death being thrown into the air like that? That boy sure is something…"

As Uriel approaches the Judge, the Judge reacts and punches Uriel with force, sending to a house and causing a huge explosion.

(CCCRRRAASSHHH)

Miquiztetl lands next to the other two Judges; "Boy…you have gotten stronger…please surrender before I passed judgment to you…"

At that moment, a musical note appears in front of Miquiztetl (♫). Uriel comes out of the rubble and punches the musical note. -CCCCRRAASSHHH- Miquiztetl gets hit by a powerful shockwave, sending him flying and crashing into three houses.

Xoalentli and Miccapetlacalli look at the fight with their eyes wide open. “Oh wow, he push Miquiztelt back with one punch..he’s strong…right sister?” Miccapetlacalli looks at Xoalentli who nods in agreement.

Uriel cleans the blood of his mouth; "Hahaha…I guess if I fight 3 Judges at the same time…I would probably die right?"

Suddenly, many souls of the people serving him begin to gather:

"CHARRO NEGRO….CHARRO NEGRO…EL DIABLO" ( DEVIL)

“Oh my…it seems the souls reacted to your mana…now they will want revenge…." Xoalentli comments as she and Miccapetlacalli observe the souls gathering. Miquiztetl chuckles as he looks at Uriel trembling:

"Now then, what will you do?"

"CHARRO NEGRO….CHARRO NEGRO…EL DIABLO" ( DEVIL)

"Hahahahah" Uriel laughs as the souls grab his legs. Uriel opens his eyes revealing a sinister glare:

"Who gave you permission to touch me?"

(BBBOOOMMM)

Uriel releases an enormous amount of mana, the entire area turns crimson. The souls of the people surrounding him take a few steps back. Uriel extends his arm:

“Listen well...you are sinners that have been condemned to work here for eternity…I am El Charro Negro…now return to work immediately…”

The souls turn around and begin to walk away.

“Hahaha…impressive…just like Juan de la Trinidad…you have the power of a leader…Charro Negro…” Miquiztelt turns around; “Come on…our Lord is waiting for your arrival…”

“Wait…there are five intruders here right? Where are the others?” Xoalentli looks around. Uriel sighs; “Does it matter? They are probably dead somewhere…come on, you don’t want Xolotl to be angry right?”

“Fair enough…besides the Alahnez will find them…” Xoalentli replies, Miccapetlacalli begins to walk; “I’m tired…and besides, I have a new toy that I would like to play with…”

The group begins to walk towards the capital of Xibalba. Uriel looks back and sees two figures hiding in the shadows with their robes.

“It looks like they didn’t notice us…these robes are really effective right?” Emma removes her hood. Anastasia nods in agreement; “Indeed…now to follow them at a distance…”

Both of the girls remember Uriel’s words, when they were running towards the others:

“Listen both of you…this is obviously a trap…and their objective is probably me…Now I understand that our enemies are Judges of Xibalba…we’re no match for them…that’s why, I want you to follow us in secret…after that…use whatever means to save them…don’t worry about me…”

“Is it okay to abandon him?” Emma looks at Anastasia, Anastasia nods; “Yes…Uriel knows what he's doing…now then, we must hurry and save them…”

“You humans make me laugh…why did you friend rush to help someone in need…I mean it was obviously a trap…” The Alebrije speaks to both of them. Both of them are surprised upon hearing his voice; “GGYYAAHHH!” Emma shouts, Anastasia immediately covers her mouth:

“Shhh…we will be noticed…”

Anatasia looks at the Xoloitzcuintle; “You can talk…how is it that you know our language…”

“Foolish girl…we Alebrijes can cross to the land of the living… of course we understand you…” The Alebrije replies, making a smirk. Emma looks frightened; “The dog just talked…”

“Anyway…my name is Naran, meaning Lunar Eclipse…and my master ordered me to take you to the door…and that’s what I will do…”

“But what about our friends?” Emma looks worried, Naran chuckles; “Do not worry dear…I will help you too…because…I like pretty girls…”

“Really…oh thank you thank you…” Emma hugs Naran, Naran makes a pervy expression; “Yeah, pretty girls are the best…”

“Mr. Naran…what’s our next move?”

“Our next move is to go wild…” The girls hear a voice approaching them and both of them open their eyes, surprised.

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

Palace of Xolotl, Xibalba

“Where…where am I?” Alejandro opens his eyes, he looks at a bright light shining down. He looks at the ceiling with different decorative mesoamerican patterns:

“The last thing I remember is that I was captured in a coffin…but now…”

Alejandro tries to move; “Wait…what’s happening…why can’t I move my legs…I feel so weak…” Alejandro extends his hand and sees that he has short hands, the hands are white color with many circular patterns:

“Wait…these are my hands…what’s happening?”

Alejandro notices that he has turn into a calavera doll.

The Calavera doll is a mexican traditional doll used by the people as offering to their dead. The Calavera has many colorful patterns in the face, and a mariachi attire similar to Uriel 's.

“WHAT THE HELL! I AM A DOLL! WHAT HAPPENED TO ME?”

“Oh so…awake…good…” Alejandro hears a voice of a little girl, he looks at the girl with multiple calavera dolls in a large yellow bed. Alejandro is sitting on a yellow couch; “Wait…you’re that little girl from before…”

The girl stands up and heads towards him:

“My name is Micca…I placed your soul into a calavera doll…now you will be my toy forever…”

Miccapetlacalli grabs Alejandro and hugs him with force. Alejandro tries to move as he thinks; “I always wanted a girl to hug me but not like this…”

“Listen…Micca…where is my friend…Tiwa…”

“Your friend is in a cell…she’s under the control of someone else…”

“Why did you do this to me?”

“Because…you’re a prisoner…but because you tried to save me…I decided to make you my toy…it’s better isn’t…”

“Oh yeah…” Alejandro looks at the door; “I need to escape…”

“Oh, escaping is useless…because you’re in the palace of Xolotl…which means you're now my property…”

“Damn it…if only I listened to him…” Alejandro feels useless as Miccapetlacalli decides to leave him in the bed.

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

In a prison cell…

(DRIP DRIP DROP DROP)

The sound of water echoes around the prison cells, all of the cells have rotting skeletons who are actually souls of people who committed sins inside the Capital city of Popol Vuh. One cell has a very lousy girl:

“HEY…LET ME OUT…HEY!!!”

Tiwa shouts as she struggles with her chains; “Damn it…how could I be so stupid…they took my spirits away…it was obviously a trap and yet…and yet I…”

“You fell directly into our trap right?” Tiwa hears footsteps, she sees a figure approaching her. A man covered in bandages approaches her.

(BBBAAADDUUUMMPP)

Tiwa feels a powerful presence, she begins to tremble as the man stands in front of her cell; “Little girl…you and your friend made the wrong move…”

“W-W-Who are you?”

“My name is Necucyaotl and I am the Judge of Discord…”

Tiwa trembles thinking; “What’s happening? Why am I feeling fear? I’m feeling more fear than when I saw the other Gods…this man is dangerous…”

“Hahaha…no need to look at me like that…”

“S-S-Sorry…”

“I’m used to it…here…” Necucyoatl gives Tiwa her amulets; “Zuni, Suma, Jana…”

“Mistress Tiwa…” Her spirits come out of the amulets. Tiwa smiles; “Thank goodness you’re okay…”

“Now then, I wish you luck…” Necucyoatl begins to walk away. Tiwa tries to stand up; “WAIT…WHY ARE YOU HELPING ME?”

“Because…little girl…I’m feeling bored…and I want to see how far you can go…now if you excuse me…”

Zuni releases Tiwa from her chain by biting them, and Suma destroys the cell door with his claws. Tiwa comes out of the cell and runs to the stairs:

“We must hurry and save Alejandro…”

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

Hall of the King…

(STEP STEP STEP)

Uriel walks down the corridor as he reaches small pyramid like throne, in the throne, a man with black armor sits as he smiles:

“It’s a pleasure to meet you…welcome Horseman of War…Uriel Di Fiore…”

Uriel kneels with one knee in sign of respect; “The pleasure is mine…oh great Lord of Xibalba…Xolotl…”

“Tell me…why did you come here? You know that entering the land of the forgotten without authorization is a crime…”

“I understand…however, we must reach the land of the living…therefore…we have no choice…”

“I see…so tell me…why are you helping humans?”

Uriel lifts his head, Xolotl notices his expression and stands up; “As the Horseman of War…no…El Charro Negro…you must merciless…just like Juan de la Trinidad…he is a very ruthless man…and yet…here you are…trying to help a bunch of humans who made the wrong decision of coming here…”

Xolotl walks down the stairs and stands in front of Uriel; “You’re weak…am I right? Your human soul is returning to you…and the more you doubt yourself…the more your human soul will grow…right?”

Uriel opens his eyes wider. Xolotl chuckles; “My wife probably already told you that right? Tell me…did you enjoy spending the night with her?”

-TCH- Uriel makes a challenging smile; “It was quite enjoyable…she’s a really beautiful woman…she has really soft lips…”

(BBBOOOMMM)

Xolotl gets angry and releases a powerful mana; “Is that so? Glad you enjoyed it…Now then, Charro Negro…your intrusion is consider a treason to the contract of the Land of the Forgotten…I, Xolotl…declare that you are guilty…”

Uriel chuckles and stands up; “So then…I guess the Ruler of Xibalba doesn’t like jokes huh…very well…” Uriel summons his sword; “We have no choice but to fight…”

“Oh…so you’re declaring war?”

“I am the Horseman of War…of course there will be war…”

“Hahaha…this is great…you’re declaring war on the entire Underworld…and you’re doing it all alone…”

Uriel smiles and lowers his sword; “Who says I’m alone…”

Without a warning, a giant sword falls down the ceiling and attacks Xolotl, creating a huge explosion.

(CCCCRRAAASSSHHHH)

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

Popol Vuh, 1 hour before the attack.

1 hour before the current events, two people infiltrated the capital city of Xibalba…Emma and Anastasia entered the city without anyone noticing…

Popol Vuh is a city like any other, with tall buildings decorated with Mesoamerican symbols. The buildings are similar to those from Mesoamerica with a couple of pyramids located in the middle of the cities…

Emma and Anastasia walk along the main street…guided by Naran…

“Oh wow…it’s so colorful…I thought the capital city of Xibalba would be terrifying…” Emma looks overjoyed. Anastasia who walks beside her asks Naran:

“Excuse me Mr. Naran…why is it there are a lot of people in this city…”

“Well…how do I put it…this city is exactly the same as Aztlan…you could say that they are connected…souls who come here and are approved by the Judges to live here…have the opportunity to enjoy life within the city…as you can see, they live a normal…just like Aztlan..”

Anastasia and Emma look around at people buying food, trading and even having fun at the plaza:

“But I thought they were sinners…”

“Lord Xolotl believes in second chances…therefore, the souls of those who pass the trial given by Lord Xolotl…are able to live in this city…”

“I see…so he’s a benevolent God…”

“Not quite…you saw outside of Popol Vuh…the environment there is hell itself…Xolotl only cares about those who are in the city and nothing more…that’s why the Horseman of War has its own territory in Xibalba…”

“Incredible…you’re really smart Mr. Naran…” Emma pats Naran's head, making him happy. After a while, they arrive near the castle. They stand a couple of meters away from the entrance to avoid being detected. Naran looks at the girls:

“Listen girls…I know of a small passage that will permit us to enter the castle…”

“Really? But what about the security?” Emma asks concerned. Naran chuckles:

“Look around you…do you see any guards…”

The girls look at the entrance, there are no guards and people walk freely inside and outside. Anastasia nods in agreement:

“You’re right…there is no security here…but why?”

“The Judges of Xibalba are immortal beings…and they are the most powerful authority here…no one is foolish enough to attack them straight on.”

“I see…then it’s time for us to be foolish…” Anastasia looks at Emma, with a confident expression, Emma nods. Naran chuckles; “You girls are something else…very well, time to go Emma…Anastasia, await for the signal…”

“Right…” Anastasia disappears from their sight.

Emma and Naran head to the back of the castle. There is a secret passage that leads inside. Emma and Naran enter the castle.

“Hey Naran, how come you know about this passage?” Emma asks Naran as they walk in a tight space.

“Well Emma…I am one of Xbalanque’s Alebrije…she used to sneak around here a long time ago…”

“Xbalanque? Wait, why did she come here?”

“That’s because she is Xolotl’s daughter…”

“REALLY?” Emma looks surprised, Naran laughs. As the reach he end of the corridor Naran asks Emma:

“Hey Emma, why are you trying so desperately to help your friends…you know that if you get caught…you’re dead right?”

Emma stops moving; “I know…but still…a long time ago, I was very selfish and honestly…didn’t care about anyone…but then, I met Tiwa and the others…and I think I changed as a person…and right now…all I want is to save them…”

“Hahaha…you humans are foolish…but still…I like your determination…”

Naran and Emma exit the narrow passage inside the castle. Naran uses his sense of smell to search for Tiwa and Alejandro.

Outside of the castle, Anastasia awaits at the ceiling for a signal. As wind blows, Anastasia looks at the dark sky:

“When I was in Romania, I always saw a dark sky like this one…and it was always cloudy and rainy where I lived…as I see this sky…it reminds me of how sorrowful the world can be…I don’t to return to that…I want to see the sun with you…Alejandro…”

(PPUUUMM)

At that moment, a flare explodes in the air. Anastasia takes a deep breath and lifts her right arm; “Now…where is his mana?”

Anastasia closes her eyes; “I found him…the Lord of the Underworld is there…” Anastasia points with her left hand, she charges mana in her right hand:

“Sabia regelui” (Sword of the King)

Anastasia creates a giant sword, enough to split the castle in half. Anastasia drops it towards the castle.

(CCCRRRAAASSHHHH)

The giant sword hits Xolotl, the sword splits the castle in half.

(AAAAAHHHHH)

There is a great panic as the souls flee from the castle. The rest of the Judges notice and move out. Emma and Naran hide as the castle is in a state of panic.

“What’s going on?” Tiwa runs as the floor rumbles. Necucyaotl enters the main hall; “YOUR HIGHNESS!”

Uriel sees Necucyaotl; “This guy has something weird surrounding him.”

(BBBOOOMMM)

Xolotl splits the sword in half with his own sword; “HAHAHA…NOW THAT WAS A SURPRISE!”

“I guess it will take more than that huh?” Uriel chuckles as he sees outside; “Nice work… Anastasia…”

“My Lord…it appears the castle is under attack…” Necucyaotl exclaims, Xolotl chuckles:

“I notice it…also…we have an army waiting outside the city…”

“What did you say? Necucyaotl looks surprised.

Outside the city, Xbalanque and Hunaphu await with an army of Alebrijes and Soldiers.

“So, was it your doing…Charro Negro?” Xolotl asks Uriel. Uriel doesn’t answer; “I see…very well…Necucyaotl…”

“Yes my Lord…”

“Take an Teotlale and Nextepehua to intercept the intruders outside.”

“Very well my Lord…”

Xolotl closes his eyes and shouts; “ATTENTION, JUDGES OF XIBALBA…WE ARE UNDER ATTACK…I ORDER YOU TO INTERCEPT THE INTRUDERS AND KILL THEM! SHOW NO MERCY TO THOSE WHO DEFY US!”

The rest of the Judges answer at the same time; “Yes, my Lord…”

Xoalentlu, who was in her room, stands up from her bed. She had a red robe on and slowly took it off; “Aww…I wanted to have a good night's sleep…I guess we don’t have a choice…” Xoalentli puts her dress back on and heads for battle.

Miccapetlacalli puts Alejandro (in his calavera form) on the bed; “I wanted to play with my toy…” She looks at Alejandro and smiles; “Now stay right there and don’t move okay!” Miccapetlacalli leaves the room. Alejandro tries to move:

“Come on…move…you need to get away!”

Nexoxcho walks down the hallway as he thinks; “There is a ruckus outside…I feel that I should go and intercept that intruder but the other Judges will take care of that…” As we walks Nexoxcho remembers the previous fight:

“Oh right…maybe I should go and scare that boy one more time…yeah…but first…there is someone I would like to see…”

Anastasia stands at the ceiling; “Sabie fantomă” (Phantom Sword)

Anastasia creates a dozen swords that float in mid-air. She directs the sword towards the castle.

(BOOM BOOM BOOM)

The swords connect to the castle destroying parts of it.

“HOW DARE YOU!” Anastasia looks up and sees Miquiztetl charging towards her.

(BBBBOOOOMMMM)

The Judge of Death destroys two buildings with his punch.The Judge charges once more to punch her. Anastasia blocks the punch, however she jumps back to avoid more damage.

“Impressive…you’re a lot stronger than I thought…little girl…what is your name?”

Anastasia removes her robe and summons two swords; “I am the sword of the Lucifugus Family…my name is Anastasia…”

“Anastasia ehh? Very well…I shall remember it well as you’re the fool who tried to challenge me… Miquiztetl, the Judge of Death…” Miquiztetl summons a golden scythe as big as him. The scythe has mesoamerican patterns and two bones near its blade:

“PREPARE YOURSELF…LITTLE GIRL…”

Miquiztetl and Anastasia clash swords creating a huge shock wave.

At the same time…

Uriel and Xolotl glare at each other. Xolotl begins to laugh:

“You know it’s impressive…you’re the first intruder in 100 years who dared to challenge me…and coincidentally….it was also a Horseman of War…Nemesio Santacruz…”

Xolotl looks at Uriel and behind him, the image of a man with a Charro outfit; “That’s right…that one man who defeated me…Nemesio Santacruz”

“Oh…so you're at the Horseman itself huh…” Uriel comments as he looks at Xolotl:

“I guess you’re pissed because we destroyed your castle…”

(BBBBOOOMMM)

Xolotl releases a powerful aura, the castle crumbles; “A castle can always be rebuilt but if I let you escape then I would have lost to you…a second time…and that is something I would really hate…”

“I see…then I have no choice…” Uriel charges straight at Xolotl. Xolotl smiles; “You fool…”

(SSSLLLASSHHH)

At that moment, a being comes out of Xolotl’s shadow and attacks Uriel. Uriel blocks the attack with his sword and jumps back:

“What the hell? What is that?”

Uriel sees blood coming out in his right hip. The figure takes the shape of a Sombra. Xolotl chuckles:

“It seems that you’re surprised…let me introduce you to my personal Bodyguard… Tepeyollotl…the Judge of Sin…”

Tepeyollotl is the Judge of Sin…the Judge is a Sombra that has human like figure…the body is completely black…it has a Xolotzquintle head with muscular body, a long tail and claws….The Judge has orange patterns around the body with mesoamerican armor and feather crown in its head worn by ancient kings.

“The Judge of Sin?”

“That’s right…remember that we are actually the 9 Judges of the Underworld…Tepeyollotl is my shadow…”

(BBAADDUMMPP)

Uriel throws up blood as he looks in shock; “I thought I dodged his attack…”

“Let me tell you a secret…it you have sins…you will be affected…the larger the sin…the larger the damage when my shadow attacks…”

(RRRAAAWWW)

Tepeyollotl roars and attacks Uriel. -PPPUUMM- The Judge kicks Uriel and sends him to the wall. The wall collapses, Uriel comes out of the ruble and attacks the Judge.

(SSSLLLLASSHHH)

Uriel cuts one of Tepeyollotl’s arms, the Judge kicks Uriel. Uriel lands on his feet and stabs the sword on the ground to stop the momentum. The Judge grows its arm back. Uriel opens his eyes wider:

“What the…he can regenerate?”

“Of course…he is a Sombra after all…” Xolotl smiles and points at Uriel; “Now then…Uriel Di Fiore…if you want to face me…you will have to pass my shadow first…”

-TCH- Uriel looks at the Sombra as he knows he will face a difficult battle.

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

In another location of the castle…

(BBBOOOMMM)

“GYYAHHH EVERYTHING IS FALLING!” Emma runs with her arms on her head as she covers from the falling rubble.

“We are almost there…run faster Emma…” Naran expresses concern as he runs in front of her.

(PPPUUUMMM)

At that moment, the floor breaks, Emma falls; “GGYYAAHHH!”

“EEMMMAA!” Naran turns around and runs towards her. At that moment, a figure passes by him; “Abrazo de la Vibora” (Serpent Hug)

A serpent rope grabs her by the hip and slowly pulls it up; “Mistress Emma…are you okay?”

Emma hears Jana’s voice and opens her eyes; “Jana…it’s you…” As they go up, Emma looks at Tiwa:

“TIWA!”

Emma steps on the ground and runs to hug her. Tiwa hugs her as well with tears in her eyes; “I thought I wouldn’t see you again…”

“Silly girl…you know I will be with you forever…” Tiwa replies as she stands up.

“Mistress Emma” The three spirits come out of their amulets to be with her. Emma smiles at them; “Suma, Zuni and Jana…I’ve missed you…”

“We must find Alejandro…”

“Right this way madam…” Naran speaks to her, Tiwa looks surprised; “Wait…the alebrije can talk? Amazing!”

Emma chuckles; “Says the one who has three talking animals…”

As they head to the hallways, multiple parts of the ceiling fall. Zuni helps Emma by deflecting them. Tiwa looks at Emma; “What happened here? Why is the castle falling?”

“Well…Anastasia said she would be the decoy and I think she overdid it a little…” Emma chuckles.

“I see…well then, we must find Alejandro and get out of here…”

The group arrives at Miccapetlacalli's room; “Wow…it looks like a little girl’s room…”

“Be on your guard Emma…it could be a trap…” Tiwa warns Emma who nods in agreement.

They look around and see no one. Tiwa looks at Naran; “Hey Naran…you said that Alejandro was here…but I don’t see anyone…”

“Little girl…my nose never lies…” Naran replies as he sniffs again. Emma gets closer to the bed. Alejandro notices her; “No way…Emma…Emma it’s me…hey…EMMA!”

Emma looks at the Calavera doll; “Oh..it’s so cute…”

“Emma…hey Emma…” Alejandro tries to speak but it’s useless; “Damn it…if only I could…oh yeah…mana…come on…focus…”

At that moment, the doll begins to shine a silver color. -GGYYAAHH- Emma gets scared and throws it to the bed. Tiwa and Naran get closer; “This mana…no way…”

Naran smiles; “I told you that my nose doesn’t fail…”

Tiwa grabs the doll; “A-A-Alejandro?”