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Chapter Text

Zatz dusted off his black armor as he looked to the dawning sky. A mix of red and orange colors filled the sky. Marigold petals floated around him as he spotted his father, The God of Bats, General Camazotz, who was glowing a bright yellow approaching him through the petals.

Zynaya, Zatz’s mother ran ahead and enveloped him in a hug. Her long slender arms traveled up around her son’s handsome face.

“You’re so handsome, just like your papa.” Zatz smiled and nodded.

He looked over at Maya, lovingly as she strained to stand. He rushed to her side and helped her stand. Xibalba held in his hands a discarded Medal of Everlasting Life. The two warriors who should’ve been sacrificed now lived on. Xibalba smirked and dissipated.

“How am I alive? How are you alive?” Maya whispered, then tears gathered in her eyes. She touches her lover’s cheek believing it to be of an unrealistic fantasy.

Finding a solid face, she happily kissed her beloved. “I don’t know how Maya, but perhaps the gods were smiling down on us.” Zatz sighed and smiled.

They pulled apart from their embrace and softly kissed each other on the lips. General Camazotz smiled and embraced his human wife. King Teca and his wife were sobbing with relief that their daughter survived.

Their newborn babies happily cooed and giggled before resting their heads for a nap. Their faces were in a serious expression.

The jaguar triplets, glowing a bright yellow, walked among the rest of the fallen Teca Army, Gran Brujo, the King of the Jungle Lands and Vucub and other fallen heroes.

Maya and Zatz reunited with Maya’s family. The jaguar triplets gathered around the newborns. Maya introduced the triplets to the babies. The awed and cooed at them.

Afterwards, a great feast was held in celebration of the defeat of Lord Mictlan. The dead even ate their fill as the sun set was upon them once again.

Lady Micte hugged her daughter as she dissipated promising to visit every November 2nd. The rest of the spirits followed suit and went away. Maya had tears in her eyes as her mother left. Zatz watched as his parents went away as well.

Some time had past and soon it was another October 30th. Zatz sat on Maya’s bed stroking the end of her bed. Maya was sick in their bed. It had been a couple months since their wedding day.

Queen Teca sent for the healers. King Teca’s injuries had all but healed. The damage to the Teca temple had all at the very most been rebuilt.

Chimi and Rico, happily married, walked through the temple’s entrance. Concern was written on their faces. Chimi had a hand around her middle. Her other hand behind her back. Rico smiled reassuringly at his heavily pregnant skull archer wife. He was carrying two infants in his arms.

Jaguar and Eagle, the year and a half old twins, crawled out to greet them. Queen Teca arrived with the healers and scooped up her children.

“How’s the Luna Island kingdom?”

“Oh it’s awesome, the Gran Bruja put me on the magic council.” Rico puffed out his chest.

“Before you ask, my Queen, I was made head archer of the Skull Island kingdom.”

“Oh that’s splendid.” She waved the healers onward as she stayed and talked with the couple.

The healers entered Maya and Zatz’ bed chambers. They went up to Maya and examined her. They told Zatz to leave the room. He obliged and exited to find Rico and Chimi talking to Queen Teca.

“Ay, how’s Maya?” Queen Teca asked.

“She’s doing better my mother-in-law, she is just a little pale. It seems before the healers arrived she got over her sickness, they are just double checking her.” Queen Teca sighed in relief.

Queen Teca then pondered at what Zatz had said. Her eyes became wide. Zatz looked at her confused but before Queen Teca could say anything more, one of the healers ran towards the group.

They spoke to Zatz, “My prince, Lady Maya requests your presence.” Zatz turned to the group. They all nodded encouragingly.

In the room, Maya was smiling at the silk bed sheets as her hand ghosted her stomach. Zatz burst into the room, concern written on his face.

“It’s okay Zatz. Everyone can you please give my husband and I some time to ourselves?”

“Yes princess.” The healers nodded and exited single file out the door.

“What’s wrong, mi amor?” Zatz softly kissed his wife’s forehead.

“Well, you are going to be a…….father.” Zatz’s slanted eyes widened and he happily embraced her.

“Oh mi amor, this is muy fantástico.” He let go and asked, “How far along are you?”

“The healers estimate around four months.” Maya wrapped her arm around Zatz’s waist.

Her husband hoists her up and they gradually began walking out of their room. Queen Teca ran to greet them.

“Is everything alright mija?” She asked with concern laced within her voice.

“Everything is alright mamá. I have an announcement to make, come dinner time. Have Rico and Chimi stay for dinner as well.”

“Alright mija, I’ll tell the servants to prepare for two extra people.” Queen Teca exited the room.

Timeskip to dinner

“So Maya, what is this announcement you wanted to say?” Chimi said as she dug into her corn.

All eyes were now on the black haired Latina, former Aztec warrior princess. Maya coughed into her hand signaled for her husband to tell the news.

“Well Maya and I learned just today that…..”

“Oh. My. Gods. Spit it out already!” King Teca impatiently spat out.

“Husband!”

“Papá!”

“What?” King Teca’s eyes met the angry eyed stares of his eldest daughter and his wife.

“Oh, sorry Zatz, please continue.” King Teca rubbed the back of his head embarrassed.

“Like I was saying, Maya is expecting our first child.” Zatz warmly smiled at Maya before kneeling down out of sight to kiss her belly. Maya softly smiled.

Her family spit out their food. Chimi calmly put down her corn. Rico choked on his beans. Jaguar and Eagle just clapped their hands, and smiled.

“Is it true, Maya?” Chimi asked with a hint of hope in her eyes.

“Si it is.” Maya rubbed her slightly enlarged abdomen for emphasis.

Chimi squealed and excitedly stood up and ran to hug her friend. Rico slapped Zatz’s back.

King Teca slowly ate a blue corn tortilla. Queen Teca stood and walked over to her daughter’s side. Chiapa playfully pounced at Zatz, licking him over and over with his cat tongue.

“Ah, Chiapa, good boy but could you please stop licking my face?” Zatz manages to get out. He heartily laughs.

Chiapa began to lick Maya’s face, then he paws at her stomach with his slender black paw. Maya giggled and smiled at the battle cat. She petted him and he purred rolling onto his back.

Zatz looked up at the night sky. His parents seemed to twinkle a bit brighter upon hearing the news. Zatz smiled at the prospect of becoming a father.

King Teca then bolted up from the table and bear hugged his daughter.

“I’m so proud of you mija. But in all honesty, I think we will need a bigger pyramid.” He put his finger to his chin in thought.

Maya laughed and leaned on Zatz. Her eyes fluttered and they slowly started to get heavy. They soon closed and Maya began to snore.

Zatz smiled and said, “Please excuse us, my princess is tired.”

He waved goodnight and transformed into his giant bat form and flew with Maya on his back into the temple. He landed on the tile laden floor. He transformed back into his human form and carefully laid Maya on the bed.

“Goodnight my Eagle Warrior.” He pecked her lips as he laid down beside her.

Timeskip to November 2nd

General Camazotz and his wife were stoked to see their son and daughter-in-law. Lady Micte was excited to see her daughter. The jaguar triplets were stoked to see their family.

It was morning at the Teca Temple and Maya awoke with a start. Zatz awoke with a start. “You okay, my princess?”

“I felt it Zatz….”

“The what, my love?”

“The baby….it’s kicking.” Maya smiled down at her midsection.

Zatz sat up immediately. He put his half purple colored ear to her belly. His fang like makeup spread a little as he continuously rubbed his cheek on her belly.

The little kicks fluttered around Maya’s belly.

“Now I know how Rico feels.” Zatz softly smiled.

“I know how Chimi feels. I feel fat.” Maya huffs.

“My love, you look beautiful.” Zatz kissed his lover’s lips.

“Mi príncipe.” Maya slowly caressed her husband’s face. She leaned in for a kiss.

Timeskip to later that evening

General Camazotz embraced his son. Zynaya put a hand on her daughter-in-law’s belly.

“What names were you thinking of?” Zynaya asked.

“Well we don’t have a girl’s name picked out but if it’s a boy; Yoatl, it means warrior.” Maya said with certainty.

“Ah, a befitting name considering how you and our son, Zatz, were both skilled warriors.” Camazotz said.

Maya smiled as she turned to her Jaguar triplet brothers.

“You….”
“Are so……”
“Cute!” the three brothers finished the other’s sentence.

Maya blushed as she rubbed her belly.

“We are…..”
“So proud of you…..”
“Little sister.” The triplets smiled as they high-fived each other.

“I’m proud of you guys as well.” Maya smiled and stroked each one of their cheeks.

“Aw…”
“Thanks,…..”
“Big sis.” They blushed as they went to talk to their mother.

“How….”
“Are….”
“Our favorite siblings?” They cooed at the Teca Twins.

“Hey!” Maya playfully teased knowing it was all in good fun.

“They are doing quite well. Thanks for asking, mijos.” Queen Teca proudly stated.

Picchu stood proudly with his familia. “Picchu proud of Maya and pretty vampire boy.”

Maya giggled, “Thanks Picchu. It’s great to see you, hermano.” Picchu bear hugged the princess.

“Picchu noticed you have new family now. I send congratulations.” Picchu curtsied in his battle skirt.

“Hey Picchu!”

Picchu turned and saw Rico and a very round looking Chimi.

“Friends….!” Picchu ran to hug Rico and carefully hugged Chimi.

“G…G….Great to see you too Picchu.” Rico said smiling.

“Pretty vampire boy?” Zatz asked with a smirk.

“Just roll with it husband.” Maya said.

Chapter Text

Somewhere in the realms of the gods

Xibalba fingered the medal. He smiled. He had hated his brother from the start. Humans, he thought were just like him but he didn’t despise them totally like his brother did. La Muerte entered his sanctum.

“Have you ever dated a human?”

“I have. It was a terrible experience but it wasn’t the worst experience I’ve gone through, I’ll give them that. It was the night we met of course.”

“That honor of the most horrendous experience goes to your sister’s wedding with Lord Mictlan.”

“I know, Lord Mictlan was simply terrible. I didn’t see what my sister saw in him.” La Muerte sighed.

“What made you decide to spare the children my love?” La Muerte asked very curiously.

“Oh you know me, I wanted to meddle in human affairs.”

La Muerte rose her one of her eyebrows not convinced in the slightest. “If you won’t tell me that’s fine, but I just want you to know, I’m proud of you Balbito.”

Xibalba huffed but looked at his wife out of the corner of his eye. His black tarred scowl turned into a smile.

In the Land of the Living

Zatz was tending to a pregnant Maya. Jaguar and Eagle walked in on their stubby toddler legs.

“Zatty!” The twins exclaimed.

“Zatty?” Maya asked stifling her laughter. She eventually lost it and she laughed hard.

Zatz sighed, “It’s a nickname, that was given to me by those two.”

“Well although it sounds funny it rhymes with batty, my príncipe of bats.” Maya smiled softly and immediately got up out of her bed.

Eagle smiled, “Maya, up please?” Maya obliged. Then she reached out for Zatz.

Zatz came closer and when he was close enough, Eagle threw her head back and slammed it hard into Zatz’s face.

Zatz immediately put his hand on his face. “Ay, Ay, Ay, that head of hers hurt like Lord Mictlan.”

“Eagle what have we told you. You must use your words. Although that was a good head but.” Maya resigned to sighing. She didn’t like Eagle or Jaguar head butting her husband but she was impressed.

Jaguar kicked Zatz in the foot. “Oh my gods. What has King Teca been teaching you two?” Zatz screamed in pain.

“Come on Jaguar, you should know it’s impolite to kick people in the foot. Unless they are a jerk to you.”

Zatz drew a breath through his teeth, “Maya….”

“What I’m kidding….mostly.” Maya smiled mischievously.

Zatz laughed, “I could never be angry at you for long, mi amor.” He kissed her forehead.

Eagle and Jaguar looked down, “Sorry Zatty.”

“It’s okay niños.” Zatz kissed the top of their heads. He tickled their stomachs and they fell over laughing.

Chimi and Rico came into the room. Tozi and Coyotl smiled at their aunt and uncle. General Camazotz stood outside the temple. Zynaya stood watching them with her husband. They both smiled.

“Just think Camazotz, in just a few more calendar months we will officially become grandparents.”

“I know, it’s an exciting prospect mi amor.” Camazotz kissed his wife. Zatz noticed them standing outside of their window. He waved back eagerly. He picked up Eagle and Jaguar and brought them to the window.

Camazotz jumped up with Zynaya on his back. They landed on the sill outside the huge open window. Eagle and Jaguar were frightened. They started tearing up.

“Oh no niños look, it’s me the silly bat.” He pulled funny faces. It only seemed to worsen the situation. Zynaya sighed and grabbed Jaguar and bounced him up and down, she then swung him around. It looked like he was flying.

Eagle motioned for her to be picked up. Camazotz picked her up and swung her around. Eagle giggled at this. She and Jaguar touched fingers as they were flown around.

Zatz smiled and leaned against the frame of the window. Maya joined his side.

Chapter Text

Chimi and Rico looked on and smiled. Tozi giggled and laid a chubby finger on Coyotl. Her twin grasped her finger. She giggled.

Coyotl laughed as he slapped his other hand on his father’s chest.

Rico laughed, “That’s my boy.” Chimi laughed. They then left to go join in the festivities.

Maya and Zatz watched from the window as Rico and Chimi descended the stairs outside of the pyramid.

“I’d go meet their twins. They are very cute.” Zatz offered. Camazotz and Zynaya obliged and went down to chat with Chimi and Rico.

Chimi noticed the bat god approaching them. She stopped Rico and he looked up. Tozi smiled and nodded off to sleep.

Coyotl reached out to touch the ears of the strange god. Camazotz leaned in closer and Coyotl pulled his ears.

“N-no, Coyotl, we don’t pull people’s ears. I’m sorry Mr. Camazotz. H-he doesn’t know how to behave yet.”

“Oh don’t worry about that, Zatz was the same way.” He pointed towards the window. Zatz ducked inside quite embarrassed. Maya rubbed his shoulder trying to appease his embarrassment.

He then kissed Maya ferociously. They broke apart. “I thought according to my mom, I was supposed to hormonally unbalanced, not you.”

“Good point, but you’re still beautiful.”

“I am quite sure that you were a cute little baby.” Maya laughed.

“To tell you the truth, I was.” Zatz laughed wholeheartedly.

“Our baby will be beautiful.” Maya said as she rubbed her belly. Zatz knelt down and giggled.

4 months later

In Teca, Chimi and Rico were walking up the pyramid’s stairs to Maya’s chamber. Chimi held her two 3 month old twins in her arms.

“Remind me, why we are here again?” Rico asked defeated.

“We were summoned by Prince Zatz, I do believe but I don’t know what it’s about.” Chimi shrugged her shoulders.

Rico held their older twins, Tozi (named after the goddess of healing and sweet water) and Coyotl (Coyote). The new twin’s names were Nicte (Flower) and Yaax (Nature).

The infant twins twisted in their sleep. Coyotl asked, “Down?”

“Alright but don’t run ahead.” Rico set him down. Tozi motioned for down as well and the two twins, one with white hair and the other with brown hair respectively ran ahead.

“Oh c-come on, what d-did I just say.” Rico chased after them but stumbled and fell down a couple times. Chimi giggled.

“F-Fine, don’t help me.” Rico started to stand. He fell backwards but Chimi caught him at the last second. They stood to try to get their bearings.

“Why must they live in a pyramid?” Rico wheezed.

“I guess it’s to keep out intruders.” Chimi joked.

“Yeah uh huh.” Rico wasn’t convinced.

Meanwhile Tozi and Coyotl made it up the pyramid stairs and around the corner, into the hallway and hung a right. Maya was laying in bed resting. Zatz was pacing the room, looking panicked.

Zatz noticed the one year old twins.
“Zatz!” The twins screamed and ran into his arms.

“Zatty!” Eagle and Jaguar yelled. Queen Teca sighed as she followed them.

“Hello niños. Please be quiet. Maya is resting.” He looked back at Maya. Her pregnant belly, rose and fell as she breathed in and out.

“Hello Queen Teca, I’m worried about Maya.”

“Well if she’s anything like me she’ll pull through.”

The bed sheet rustles and Maya’s head popped up from the covers. A kick jolts her out of her tired stupor. A sneeze is heard followed by very violent coughing.

“Oh, good morning.” Maya violently coughed into the bed sheets.

Rico and Chimi appeared in the door. Noticing her very ill appearance, Rico stepped forward. Queen Teca hurried towards him.

“You’re our last hope. The healers have tried everything but nothing has seemed to work.”

“M-M-M-Me?” Rico was unsure.

“The King saw your healing on the Gran Bruja.”

“But I’ve never h-healed the violently ill with m-magic before.” He noticed that Queen Teca’s and Zatz’ eyes had widened.

“However, for Maya, I will try.” He said with determination. He walked over to her. Maya violently coughed, this time blood splattered on the sheet. Her breathing became abnormal.

Zatz rushed to Maya’s side. Maya pushed him away, “Don’t get too close. I don’t want you getting sick mi amor.”

“Mijo, she is right.” Queen Teca pulled him back.

Rico sighed, “Alright, guys please leave me with Maya.” He tied the remainder of his cape around his face like a mask.

Everyone left. He performed his incantation that he used on the sick. Right away, Maya’s runny nose seemed to stop.

Zatz poked his head in. Queen Teca followed suit. Soon it seemed that practically everyone in the pyramid was watching the most powerful wizard in Luna Island at work.

Maya’s lungs started to clear. Zatz held his breath as purple light surrounded her and Rico. Maya almost fell unconscious and Rico’s eyes widened.

“Zatz get in here! S-She can not fall unconscious.” Zatz’s eyes widened and Queen Teca removed part of her long dress and gave it to him.

“Go to her, oh and wear this around your face.” She pushed him into the room. Zatz held the fabric in his hand. Chimi urged him to put it on. He put it on. He immediately rushed to Maya’s side.

“What do you need me to do, Rico?”

“Make sure she stays awake. If she doesn’t, I-I’m pretty s-sure we are g-going to l-lose them.” Zatz nodded, understanding the stakes.

Chapter Text

Zatz and Rico were helping Maya. Maya had a loose grip on Zatz’s fingers. Zatz had a mask made of Queen Teca’s long dress on his face.

Maya looked at Zatz lovingly. Zatz rubbed her cheek. She softly smiled. Her eyes fluttered closed and before Zatz had time to think, his hand struck her cheek.

Everyone gasped including Rico. Maya rubbed her cheek.

“What the hell? Why did you slap me?!” Everyone winced at her tone.

“You need to stay as strong as you can, we are all counting on you.” Zatz said encouragingly.

Sensing the dire situation, she immediately wrapped her hands around Zatz’s left hand.

“I’m sorry mi amor. I just wasn’t expecting that.” Maya’s breathing was still abnormal.

“It’s okay, mi amor.” Zatz smiled gratefully.

He noticed his black sword, Crimson Moon sitting by the wall. He summoned it causing it to turn a bright green color.

“If it makes you feel better you can hold Crimson Moon.” He brandished his sword. His left outstretched hand held the sword.

Maya took it in her left hand and cradled it. Chimi looked concerned at Maya. Tozi and Coyotl looked at their mother worriedly. Chimi reassured her children, “It’s okay children, your daddy will make Maya all better. I know he will.”

Tozi and Coyotl smiled and yelled, “Go daddy!”
Rico smiled gratefully at his children and his wife. He then turned his attention back to Maya and concentrated harder.

At once, Maya’s fever disappeared. Her chills were all but gone. Her breathing became normal. Her violent cough dissipated. Her cheeks were still flustered, from the high temperature but that would go down in a short time.

Rico stopped his incantation and collapsed into a heap on the floor. “I can’t believe I did that.”

Chimi rushed forward to Rico. “That was so cool, mi amor.” She happily embraced him.

“I can’t believe I did that.” Rico reiterated, more slowly this time, not believing that he had succeeded.

Chimi whimpered and made Rico look up at her. “You saved our friend’s life, be proud of yourself.” Rico embraced his wife.

“T-Thank you, for believing in me.” He hugged his wife even harder. “And thank you children, for giving me the confidence to do so.” He hugged his four children.

Eagle and Jaguar eagerly ran to Maya’s side. Maya sat up. “Hello niños.” She sat up on the bed. Eagle got there first and climbed up on the bed. Queen Teca called in the servants to remove the bedsheets and to bring fresh ones. They agreed.

“Want me to get off the bed, mamá?” Maya asked.

“If that wouldn’t be too much trouble, then yes, mija.”

Maya heaved herself off the bed. Zatz was by her side. “Thank you Rico, I am humbly in your debt.” Zatz said.

With a renewed sense of confidence Rico replied, “Naw, it’s all in a day’s work.” Rico smiled big. Chimi giggled.

“Our hero.” She said through laughter.

King and Queen Teca ran to their daughter. “How’s the baby?”

“Still alive and kicking.” As if the baby understood her, it gave her a hard kick in her abdomen.

Eagle and Jaguar wrapped their tiny arms around Maya’s legs.

“You okay?” They both asked in a cute way.

“Yes, niños.” Maya said reassuringly. Zatz picked up the twins. Maya kissed each of their cheeks. She gingerly took Eagle from Zatz.

King Teca wiped a tear from his eye. “You two will become great parents.”

Queen Teca smiled brightly as she took in the scene in front of her. Maya and Zatz looked so natural holding the Teca twins.

Maya and Zatz kissed each other on the cheek. A dull but sharp pain radiated her abdomen. She pulled a face but quickly smiled.

Timeskip to dinner

Everyone was eating corn. Chimi had sat down next Maya. Zatz sat to Maya’s left. Rico had his chest puffed out. Maya felt another contraction hit her.

“That was some fine magic, son.” King Teca pointed out to Rico.

“I know.” He grinned a big toothy smile. He turned to Chimi who giggled.

After her very short laughter fit she genuinely said, “That’s my wizard.”

“Yeah thanks Rico. You quite literally saved my life and the baby’s.” Maya was genuinely thankful for what Rico did.

“It was as if I instinctively knew that I just had to succeed.” Rico stated. He took a bite of corn.

Maya took a huge tomato and bit into it. Zatz munched on some beans. He rubbed Maya’s right hand.

“This came out quite good, gracias mamá.” Maya took a bite of beans.

“Gracias niña.” Queen Teca nodded to her daughter. Queen Teca was drinking pulque.

King Teca ate some blue corn tortillas filled with beans and peppers. He drank some pulque as well.

Maya had water. She had bitten into an acocil, a type of crayfish native to Lake Texcoco. Zatz had bitten into a fish.

Rico ate his meat. Chimi stuck to eating squash, beans and corn. As a friend of the animals, she didn’t eat meat.

Maya had laughed at a joke that Zatz had told. She then felt a sharp pain in her abdomen. She leaned over the table and put on a brave face. She felt another sharp dull ache around her leg area this time lasting longer.

“Ha, Ha good joke mi esposo.” Maya forcefully laughed. Chimi raised an eyebrow and turned to face Maya. Queen Teca also noticed the forced laughter.

“Maya, care to tell us why you look like you are in pain?”

“Nope I’m just…..” She screamed before she could finish her sentence.

“Don’t tell me…” Chimi started to say.

“You’re going into labor?!” Queen Teca finished for her. Rico screamed. Maya started to labor breath as instructed by her mother.

“Rico, calm down.” Zatz implored his best friend.

“Calma, calma, I’ve got this.” He took deep breaths.

“Alright I feel better. Thanks Zatz.” Rico held out his fist for a fist bump.

Zatz flew Maya into the pyramid. “Fine, leave me hanging!” Chimi offered him her fist. Rico fist bumped her having a small smile on his face.

Chapter Text

Maya was layed down on the bed. Her eyes were filled with tears. This caused her so much pain. The midwife comes in and offered a prayer to her fingers, her most valuable tools.

The midwife then examines her and haves her drink cihuapatil to help expel the baby. She then massaged her in sweathouse and had rubbed tobacco on her stomach.

She then offered Teteoinnan a short prayer. She urged Maya to act like a warrior.

“Zatz, this hurts so much.” Maya’s eyes were filled with tears.

“Shh, mi princesa. I’ll be by your side. Let’s do this together.” He held out his left hand and Maya gripped it tightly. She squeezed his hand until it turned pale. Zatz didn’t mind.

Rico had made his way through the entrance and saw the state that Maya was in. “D-D-D-Dang!”

“How is this anything different from when I gave birth?” Chimi raised her eyebrows in concern.

Rico whispered, “It’s because both Maya and Zatz are demigods. Their children would be a demigods or I think at least a quarter-god?” He pondered this question before he continued.

“We are both human. This means this labor will probably be a very difficult affair.”

Rico stepped up towards Queen Teca. “I’d like to help with the birth, if you d-don’t mind Maya?”

“That would be……” Maya screamed. Chiapa bounded into the room and licked Maya’s face.

“Chiapa down, por favor.” Zatz urged with a hint of demanding in his voice. The big black battle gato, obliged and whined as he curled up beside Maya’s bed on the floor.

Chiapa looked up at Zatz and purred. Zatz kneeled down and pat the big cat. The contractions subsided for Maya to catch her breath.

“First the sickness and now childbirth. You are one strong woman.” Chimi said in awe whilst whistling.

Maya sat up and gripped Chiapa’s fur. He yowled. He then realized it was Maya and he growled curiously before he nudged her arm. (Xóchiquetzal (Xochi just for her name and Yaotl)

Timeskip to several hours later

Rico was using magic to stabilize Maya as she took deep breaths. She gradually pushed with all her might. Chimi looked on with worry.

Queen Teca and her husband looked at Zatz whom was sweating bullets. The healers were all gathered around Maya. Maya screamed. She strained to push. Her labored breathing became much worse.

“I can see something. Keep pushing my lady.” One of the healers implored to Maya. Zatz gripped Maya’s hand even tighter.

Maya looked hopefully at her husband. “I can’t wait to see our baby.” Maya grunted and shouted.

Not even a few minutes later the pain subsided, Maya took a huge relieving breath. A cry was heard.

The midwife takes the baby and drops a few drops of water from a jade bowl on the baby’s tiny tongue, she had breathed on the drops before hand.
“Nice job, my lady. She’s a little warrior.”

She whispers to the child that the Lord and Lady of the Ninth Sky have blessed her with life. She then turns to Maya.

“You did well, Princess Maya. You acted like a true eagle warrior.” The midwife praised. Maya nodded.

A beautiful baby girl was given to her. She cradled the newborn baby and softly cooed to her daughter. She had Zatz’s eyes but Maya’s hair, and an olive skin tone.

The newborn baby stopped crying and motioned for Maya to expose her breast. She exposed it and the newborn baby happily suckled and latched on.

“What’s her name, Maya?” Queen Teca asked.

“We were thinking Xochi, after the goddess of love.” Maya looked at Zatz lovingly.

After Xochi was done suckling, Maya took her in her arms and held her. She laid down and put Xochi on her bare chest.

Everyone smiled at the tender moment. Rico smiled gratefully and embraced Chimi. Then he walked over to Zatz, “Nice job keeping your cool, when my twins were born; I freaked out.”

“I know my wife is strong. I knew she would pull through.” Zatz stated as he looked over at Xochi, the perfect combination of the two.

The midwife placed Xochi in a basket next to flames to warm her soul. Xochi’s head was next to the roaring fire. It was to warm her Tonalli, an important soul center for the body.

Timeskip to two hours later

Zatz was holding his newborn daughter. Maya was resting, completely tired after giving birth. Everyone else went to sleep other than Rico who volunteered to watch over the new parents.

Xochi had woken up and was staring at her father. To her, he was a blurry blob but she recognized his voice. Her face tightened.

In their chamber, Queen Teca was sculpting something out of clay. The chips of clay were flying everywhere. Her tongue was outside of her mouth as she licked her lips in concentration.

“Wife, come to bed.” King Teca pleaded as he was trying to fall asleep.

“Come on husband, you know that these are super important.”

“Ay, I do but why must you do this so late at night?” King Teca asked quite tired from the events that transpired.

Ay, fine but when the sun rises early, I’m up.” King Teca sleepily nodded.

Back in their bed chamber, Maya slowly stirred. Her abdomen still felt bloated. She rested her right hand on her stomach as she slowly sat up.

She looked over at Zatz holding their newborn daughter.

“You’re a natural at this, mi príncipe. Xochi stirred in her sleep. Maya held out her hands so she could receive her daughter.

Zatz gently laid Xochi into her mother’s arms. Then Maya groaned in pain. Zatz immediately kneeled by her side.

“What’s wrong, Maya? Rico, wake up!”

“H-huh. What’s going on?!” Rico woke up with a start.

“I think I am having more than one baby here.” Maya clenched her fists as she screamed.

Rico panicked. Zatz screamed along with Maya. The couple looked at each other before they completely stopped screaming.

“This is wonderful news, mi amor.” Zatz kissed her lips gingerly. Xochi awoke and began to cry.

Zatz immediately took Xochi away from Maya and ran out the door.

Chapter Text

Zatz ran to Chimi’s room. He rushed to the bedside. He frantically shook her. Next thing he knew, an arrow was pointed directly at his throat.

“Don’t move.” Chimi said with rage.

“Chimi it’s me, Zatz.”

“Oh sorry about that,” she tossed the arrow aside. ,”what do you want?”

“Maya thinks she has gone into labor again. Could you please watch over Xochi for us?” Chimi nodded, she was a bit unsure.

She took Xochi from Zatz and cradled the small baby.

“I’m happy for you guys.” Chimi hugged Zatz with a free arm.

Zatz raced back to Maya. Chimi cradled Xochi.

“Where’s Xochi?” Maya asked in concern.

“I gave her to Chimi.”

“She should be in good hands then.” Maya said.

Chimi sat in her bed chambers with Xochi cradled in her arms. The white haired baby looked up at Chimi.

Outside the pyramid, an elderly looking man approached the pyramid. His crooked nose extended from his face. A smile creeped onto his face.

He ascended the stairs. He stopped to look at the waned moon almost shrouded in clouds. A few people had run into their houses in preparation for a nasty rain storm.

He reached the top of the stairs. He glanced around and slithered inside. Once inside, he stuck to the shadows.

After a couple of hours, he snuck around the corner and into Chimi’s room. Chimi was up. She held Xochi.

Zatz approached her and smiled. “Maya is doing fine. She asked me to come get Xochi.” Chimi raised an eyebrow in confusion.

It had taken her at least ten hours to deliver her second baby on both occasions. “Are you sure?”

“Yes I’m positive.” Zatz teeth for a split second turned into sharp triangular teeth. That caught Chimi off guard and she rubbed her eyes in disbelief.

“Still, I believe that I should hold on to hold to your daughter just in case Maya needs you.” Chimi felt like this person wasn’t as he seemed so she didn’t want to give Xochi to him.

Just then, Zatz pulled out a two headed snake staff out from nowhere and charged at Chimi. Chimi ducked and jumped up high to avoid his strike.

“What’s going on with you?!” Chimi said as she ducked. Xochi, at this point had begun to cry. She comforted the screaming and crying infant. Xochi stopped screaming but still cried.

Zatz jumped up onto the ceiling. He rocketed down and barely missed Chimi, as she ducked out of the way.

Frantic footsteps could be heard. Queen Teca had heard the screaming infant and was coming to investigate. Zatz acted quickly and struck Chimi in the cheek with his fist.

He then struck her in the head with the staff effectively knocking her out. He picked up Xochi. The infant had stopped crying.

“Finally, that took longer than expected.” Xibalba transformed back into his tarry self. He held Xochi in his long slender fingers. The footsteps had gotten louder.

Xibalba snapped his fingers and he and Xochi transformed into a trail of black tar. The trail slithered off just as Queen Teca found an unconscious Chimi.

In the realm of the Gods, El Chamuco, Xibalba’s older brother had been cooking up an evil plan as well. He wanted to make the mortals pay for having defeated and killed his brother.

His body was made of boiling lava and he had blue skull eyes. Lo Noche his wife was sitting on an Aztec style throne.

“What should I do once the Tecas are laid to waste, mi amor?”

“I believe you should attack the other kingdoms. I mean they did help the Kingdom of Teca.”

“You’re absolutely right, mi amor but instead of me attacking them myself, I’ll send an old acquaintance of my brother’s after them.”

“So you aren’t going touch the Tecas or their allies?”

“That’s exactly right. Why get my own hands dirty when someone else can do my own dirty work.” El Chamuco laughed evilly.

La Noche wasn’t sure this plan would work. However, she did not raise her opinions as she didn’t want her husband to turn on her. She loved her husband dearly, however he had a terrible temper.

In the Land of the Living, Queen Teca laid the unconscious Chimi on her bed. Zatz had also heard the noise. He ran to Queen Teca. He stopped short when he didn’t see Xochi.

Chimi started to come to only to be faced by an absolutely outraged Zatz. He shook her violently, “Where’s Xochi?!” This action caused Chimi’s head to spin.

Chimi immediately shook it off and grabbed her bow. Zatz summoned Crimson Moon. Before Queen Teca had any time to respond, a voice echoed through the pyramid.

“Wait Maya, where are you going?!” Rico chased after her.

Zatz’s eye widened and he turned to see Maya standing there looking quite annoyed. Her right was arm arched over her stomach.

“Maya….what are doing here?” Zatz was more than concerned. He was scared.

Chimi looked at Maya pleadingly. Maya noticed her sad expression. “Okay exactly what happened?” Before Zatz could speak however Maya placed a slender finger to his lips.

“Chimi will speak first.” Maya’s words were quick.

“Well, I was watching Xochi when all of a sudden Zatz comes in and demands I hand over Xochi.” She points a finger over at Zatz.

“I did no such thing.” Zatz angrily said.

“Please let her finish Zatz.” Rico implored.

“Fine.” Zatz crossed his arms in a huff.

“I obviously refused but after several attempts at asking me politely he attacked me with a two headed snake staff.”

“What? A two headed snake staff? I don’t own one.” Zatz was puzzled.

Maya’s expression has turned grim.
“I think I know who took Xochi.”

“You do?!” Everyone in the room gathered around her.

“It was a god, but I’m not sure who it was.”

“Wait, you said they had a two headed snake staff? It has to be one of Lord Mictlan’s brothers.”

“I should also mention while insignificant, his teeth turned sharp for a split second.” Chimi offered.

Zatz widened his eye, “Thank gods, although this isn’t good. It’s Xibalba, Ruler of the Land of the Forgotten. I say this is good because I’m glad it wasn’t El Chamuco, he’s way worse.” Zatz shivered uncontrollably.

“Wait, you mean the God that’s made out of tar and is green?” Rico asked.

“Precisely that one.” Zatz stated.

“Why won’t the gods leave us alone? Is it too much to ask?” Rico groaned.

Maya collapsed onto her knees. She screamed as Zatz had come to her aid.

“By the way Chimi, I’m sorry I was quick to blame you.” Zatz said.

“Don’t worry about it.” Chimi was blowing it off, but deep inside she felt hurt.

Rico rushed forward and hugged his wife. Chimi gladly reciprocated the hug.

Maya gasped, “The baby is coming.”

Queen Teca raised both eyebrows, “Really, another baby?”

Chapter Text

Xibalba reached his domain. Xochi began to cry. Xibalba tried to shush her but to no avail. Some of the forgotten souls watched in admiration. While others watched in horror, as she was carried to Xibalba’s castle.

It was a two headed snake castle with one snake eating the other. It was also surrounded by lava. Ash was falling from the sky.

La Muerte was away chatting with her sister, La Noche. Xibalba put the screaming infant on the grayish black floor.

“Oh my gods, can you please be quiet?!”
Xibalba cried on the verge of tears.

Xochi quieted down. Xibalba then sighed. Who knew stealing kids was hard work.

La Muerte was meeting La Noche in her and husband’s realm, The Unknown.

“So how are things over in your realm sister?” La Noche asked.

“Xibalba has been on edge recently. I’m not quite sure why?”

“Yeah, your husband is a mystery.”

“I could say the same thing about your husband.”

“Yeah, El Chamuco does have his secrets.”

“Listen, he plans on…..” ,La Noche paused and muttered the rest.

La Muerte understood that this was something big and probably devastating. She didn’t pry any farther and left. She waved goodbye to her sister and departed.

El Chamuco stroked his dragon trident. It hissed as it coiled its three heads around its body. He suddenly stood up and tapped his trident on the flame oriented floor. It ceased its movement.

He made his way to the Divine Gate. It was a big statue that could come to life. He went through it and turned into a lava puddle and zoomed away once he was on the other side.

Meanwhile, Maya was having trouble delivering her second baby. Zatz was by her side encouraging her. Rico was using his magic to stabilize her, as again the midwives worked hard to help Maya.

Chimi sat in a corner holding her children close. “Maya alright, mama?” Tozi asked very concerned.

“She’s trying her best. Let’s cheer her on.”
Chimi offered.

The Kingdom of Cuetlachtli or the wolves, were sharpening their weapons for war. El Chamuco appeared before them. They were fearful.

“Attention, allies of my brother Lord Mictlan. Unfortunately, my brother is dead.”

This particular sentence caused quite the uproar. The wolf kingdom had begun to throw their spears and daggers at the God. El Chamuco dodged each one with ease.

“Gentlemen please, you don’t want to fight me. It’s the kingdom of Teca you want.”

“Why should we believe you?” One man voiced.

El Chamuco’s eyes glowed a bright red. It was a sickly red that reminded them of blood. Their eyes became the same color. Instead of killing themselves, they were given a very twisted version of the final battle at Teca. One where the situation was reversed.

El Chamuco released them from the twisted vision and he was met with angry shouts.

“The Kingdom of Teca must pay!”

“Let’s slaughter them all!”

“They will pay!”

El Chamuco smiled evilly and said, “Then what are you waiting for, go.”

Hoards of men rushed to get multiple spears and similar weapons and shields. Wives of the men waved goodbye to their husbands. Their children hugged their fathers. Boys as old as fifteen were forced to participate.

The men painted wolf markings on their eyes, nose and mouth. They faced their sons and roughly applied the war paint to their faces.

The paint stung their faces as for many young men, this was their first battle. Some cried only to be hit hard to the ground. Others tried to bear the pain for their moms and siblings. Others liked the stinging pleasures that the paint brought.

Once the face paint ritual was complete each young man got to choose his weapons. Some chose clubs, others swords, others lances, and others daggers. Once that was complete, each young man would begin a four month long training that was very lethal. To them only the strongest would prevail.

El Chamuco smiled and disappeared leaving only a few droplets of lava behind. He went back to La Noche and told her all about it. On the outside she was pleased, inside she was crushed.

Back in the Kingdom of the Wolf, Citlalee, a small fifteen year old boy peeked out from behind his house. His mother was hiding in the doorframe.
“You must go Citlalee. Warn the Kingdom of Teca. I’ll cover for you.” The brown haired boy shook his head.

His mother knelt down in front of him, “Son please, you never need to be afraid to do what’s right.”

His blue eyes widened and he nodded. He took off running with a small supply pack. He ran into the forest that surrounded the village until he heard a scream. He quickly turned and ducked into some bushes and peeked out.

What he saw made his blood turn cold. There was his mother being stabbed countless times. His blue eyes widened and he ducked back into the bush. He covered his mouth and his throat closed. His tears were flowing down his face.

He immediately stopped however when his ears picked up the faintest of footsteps coming near his location. He was right as a couple of buff men from the kingdom ran past him.

He peeked out again and finding no one he made a run for it. According to his mom, the Teca kingdom was a week’s travel from his village. He ran on.

Meanwhile, Maya had successfully delivered a healthy baby boy, Yaotl. He had Maya’s hair and her eyes but Zatz’s skin tone and eye color. Maya held Yaotl close to her before the midwives performed the same ritual as before.

Zatz immediately grasped her hand, “You did great mi princesa.”

Tozi and Coyotl cheered. They peered into the flame at Yaotl. “He nice, momma.” Chimi laughed holding her other two children, Yaax and Nicte.

Maya laughed a little bit and immediately fell asleep. Chimi looked at Zatz. She narrowed her eyes at him. Zatz caught her glare and immediately turned away.

Eagle and Jaguar came running into the room. They tripped over themselves but laughed and got up. They ran to the basket. They spotted Yaotl, “He is…,”

“So cute.” The twins stated. They looked at each other and laughed. Queen Teca had been in the room since the start of Maya’s labor. She smiled at the line as it reminded her of her late triplet sons.

Chapter Text

Time had past over in the God’s realm, about a week to be exact. Xochi laid next to La Muerte in the Land of the Remembered. Her eyebrow twitched.

“What’s this child doing here?” She asked calmly.

“Her name is Xochi.”

“Xochi, who’s Xochi?!” She asked with obvious anger in her voice.

“That’s her name. Is there a problem?” Xibalba asked clearly annoyed.

“Xibalba you’re not supposed to steal mortal children or you’ll get attached to them.”

“Now put that child back where it came from or so help me!” She yelled, causing stalactites to shift.

“Well it’s not my fault Maya left her baby properly unguarded oh……”

He quickly shut his mouth but it was too late. “You……what?!” She slowly turned to face him.

“I didn’t steal this baby that definitely did not belong to Princess Maya of the Teca Kingdom……..” Xibalba again couldn’t control his mouth.

La Muerte slapped him upside the head. “How dare you, that was my sister’s daughter’s child?!”

“Ow woman. That hurt!”

“You bet your misbegotten ass it hurt.”

“Well I wouldn’t have won the wager otherwise.”

“You cheated?!” She skyward screamed.

“In fact, just for that,” she clicked her fingers and Xibalba disappeared and reappeared in the Land of the Forgotten.

“you are to remain here, for three hundred years!”

“Amor, this hardly seems fair.”

“Says the guy who cheated.” La Muerte crossed her arms and huffed. Xóchi looked at the white sugar candied goddess with black hair.

La Muerte picks up the infant. She becomes relaxed against the warm goddess. La Muerte looks up to the top of her castle’s interior. She heavily sighed and prayed that Maya would come to get her daughter.

In the Land of the Living, Chiapa was outside with bags on his back. Zatz and Maya were crying when they said goodbye to Yaotl.

Tozi and Coyotl waved goodbye to them. Queen Teca hugged her daughter. King Teca openly cried. Rico shook Zatz’s hand.

Yaax and Nicte were held in Chimi’s arms.

“I’m sorry we’re leaving on such short notice but we have to get her back. Please watch over Yaotl for us.” Maya told Chimi.

“Look, again I am dreadfully sorry. I didn’t mean to blame you.” Zatz said, bowing his head.

“I’m sorry to, I was also quick to blame you. I have given it some thought and I never thought to ask how my accusation hurt you.” Chimi hugged Zatz. Zatz had gotten on Chiapa behind Maya.

“Finally, it was about time you made up.” Rico said as Chiapa leaped away with Zatz and Maya on his back.

“Hey Zatz, how about a fist bump?”

“Um Rico?”

“Yes?” Rico said showing his white teeth.

“They already left.” Chimi pointed out.

“Oh for gods sake, ZATZ!” He yelled after they were but a speck in the distance.

Maya laughed, “You know you owe him a fist bump when we return.”

“I know.” Zatz smiled and held Maya close.

Rico huffed and put his arms together. Tozi flopped a hand onto her father’s cheek.

“No sad, daddy.” Coyotl nodded.

Rico smiled at his daughter. Chimi smiled and handed Nicte to Rico. She had set Tozi down. She graciously had taken Yaotl and cradled him.

Queen Teca had watched her daughter disappear. Eagle and Jaguar sadly waved goodbye. In just a few short months it would be the Day of the Dead.

Camazotz was looking concerned, from his position in the starry night. His wife held his hand. Lady Micte was concerned as she also looked down from below.

Chiapa leaped from rock to rock. Maya held on tight to the eagle saddle horn. Zatz was still holding Maya closely.

“Hopefully, our daughter will be safe.” Zatz mumbled.

La Muerte had spoken to her sister once more and uncovered more of what El Chamuco was planning to do. She felt rage in her being. So she also came up with her own sneaky little plan.

Zatz smiled as he and Maya set up camp for the night. Maya had started to make a fire.

“I’m surprised as to why a god would go to the trouble of kidnapping a child.” Maya asked.

“Remember Lord Mictlan?” Zatz reminded her.

“Do you think Xibalba is going to….?” Maya said with wide eyes.

“I think we still have time, he is married to La Muerte, she loves children.” Zatz reminisced about the sweet goddess.

“I..just can’t believe our baby was stolen.” Maya started to sob.

Zatz comforted his wife. He gave her a hug. Maya held him close. Her tears were silently making their way down her cheek.

Back at the Kingdom of Teca, Citlalee came upon the plaza. He was in awe of its architecture. He unfortunately didn’t see Chimi staring him down.

Chimi saw him and squawked. Rico put a magic bubble around him. He desperately tried to break free.

Citlalee was brought towards the Queen and King of Teca. The two royals looked scornfully down at the small boy. The small teen audibly gulped.

“What brings you here boy?” King Teca growled.

“I….come…..bearing a message.” Citlalee managed to get out. He was shaking in fear.

“Spit It out, boy!” King Teca barked.

“Honey, could you please be more diplomatic?” Queen Teca asked, her head in her hand.

“Ugh…fine.” King Teca sighed.

“L-Like I was trying to say, my Kingdom is planning to attack yours.”

“What?!” King Teca roared.

“Please sir, it’s the Kingdom of the Wolf. I didn’t want to participate in the war. My mamá told me to come tell you.”

“She unfortunately was killed, by the village men for letting me escape.”

“You liar!” King Teca roared again. Queen Teca immediately pulled him to the side.

“Gordo, why are you being so harsh? He’s just a boy.” Queen Teca reasoned.

“He could be a spy for the gods, you remember what happened to Xochi?” He looked to Eagle and Jaguar.

“Yes, but what if he’s telling the truth?”

“Fine, I won’t kill him. I’ll put him in our cages and interrogate him every day for the next month. Unfortunately, Zatz is gone so I don’t have anyone to verify his story.” He rubbed his hand on his bearded face.

“Gordo, that seems highly unnecessary.” Queen Teca sighed.

“It must be done, I don’t want to give the Gods a chance.”

“Fine.” Queen Teca had turned to face Citlalee.

“Unfortunately, my husband wants to imprison you. He thinks you work for the Gods.”

Citlalee sighed, “Okay, I’m really glad he didn’t want to kill me.”

“Oh he did. I just talked him out of it.”

Citlalee immediately gulped. He started to sweat as he was led to the cages. Rico walked alongside him as he maintained the magic bubble. Tozi looked confused after Citlalee.

“Mamá, he bad?” Tozi asked.

“We don’t know yet, mi niña.” Chimi reassured her daughter.

“Don’t you think you were a little harsh?” Queen Teca asked her husband.

“Oh, no way.” He said while Queen Teca held his hand.

“Well I’m glad you didn’t decide to just kill him.”

Chimi watched as Rico lowered Citlalee into one of the cages. Tozi and Coyotl hugged each other. Queen Teca watched hopefully, as she was going to get to talk to him tomorrow.