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Chapter Text

It all started with the sun...

She woke up every morning the mortals who adored her, who needed her light to brighten their day and make everyone happy.

Keeping everyone happy was something that made her happy, but it was also something tiring.

Although she loved her work like the sun and looking at her family and friends after dancing in the heavens, she couldn't help but feel that every day and every morning something was missing to make her day even happier.

Him. Her love, su principe, su luna...

The one who always illuminated her nights, the one who made her smile in her lonely sunrises and sunsets. It hurt her soul from not being able to be close to him, allowing herself to only observe him from afar.

Only on special occasions could they be together, like on days when there were eclipses. It is in those times that she could hug him, kiss him, be with him.

At least for a few moments, but that wasn't enough for them.

A day like any other, during a solar eclipse, when they were finally together, something very bad happened. Suddenly, an invisible force forcefully yanked them away from each other.

Desperate, they tried to hold on so as not to separate, but it was useless.

They were crying and screaming for each other, not wanting to be separated. Seeming to fall from a precipice, the sun felt how its energy and light were slowly weakening, as same as her love's.

After falling into nothing, she only saw a light that she was trying to reach and after that...

Her light faded.

San Angel, Mexico - 1915

"I'm serious, Dora Luz! Our daughter needs a strong hand!"

"Oh, and how are you going to do that?! Send her away?!"

"If it's necessary, I'll do it!"

In the small town of San Angel, in the center of the city, lived the Posada family, a family known for their wealth and victories in wars through generations.

The General, Ramiro Guadalupe Posada, was the one who had commanded the troops since the revolution began, and that stressed him out. Meanwhile, her wife, Dora Luz Posada, was in charge of the education of her daughter, Maria Posada, and at only five years old, she was a rebellious girl, but at the same time sweet and innocent.

After seeing her daughter's uncontrollable behavior, the General made a decision that could take Maria away from her home. Dora Luz, firmly, opposes that.

"How can you say that? Have you even thought about what I think about this?! I'm her mother!" Dora Luz exclaimed.

"Exactly!" The General shouted. "You are her mother, the one who should educate her better than anyone! Now I see that you have not educated her so that she can be a proper lady!"

"I remind you that she is also your daughter, Ramiro. You should pay more attention to Maria and less in that stupid war!"

"You know very well that I can't! Maria is your responsibility, not mine. And if you can't do something simple, it would be better if someone more qualified to educate her does it!"

Dora Luz's eyes burned with anger after hearing her words. "How dare you?! You can't take my daughter away from her home, much less from me!"

"I can and I'll do it, woman!" The General stomped heavily on the ground.

Dora Luz was going to shout all his truths to her own husband until she heard a small voice calling her. "Mama...?"

She looked back and saw her daughter at the door of her room. Her eyes were swollen and she seemed tired. Her gaze never left her mother, who, unlike her father, looked at her softly.

"Maria." Dora Luz murmured.

"Maria, what are you doing up at this hour?!" The General scolded her. "Go back to your room right now!"

"Ramiro!" Dora Luz shouted at him. She walked over to her daughter and knelt in front of her, getting down to her level. "Are the nightmares back?" She asked.

Maria nodded.

Dora Luz sighed, stood up and took her daughter's hand to return her to her room, but not before telling her husband: "We'll talk about this later."

With that, mother and daughter left the room together.

After arriving at Maria's room, Dora Luz put her back to bed.

"So, tell me, what was the nightmare about this time?"

Maria stayed quiet for a while, her gaze on her hands the entire time.

"Your father is not here, mijita." Dora Luz takes her hands, smiling at her. "You can tell me anything."

Hearing the calm voice of her mother, the girl looked at her again, her mother's eyes managed to calm her nerves. Then, she began to speak.

"There were snakes, they followed me everywhere." She said with a trembling voice, her fear still tormenting her. "And there were strange people there."

"What kind of people?"

"Well, warriors." Maria responded. "There was a puma, and a skull, and a magical rooster."

Dora Luz chuckled. "Are roosters magical? I didn't know that."

Maria laughed a little. "Me neither." Her mind wandered further into the dream. "And there was a prince, too."

"Did you see a prince too?" Dora Luz smiled mischievously. "At least he was handsome?" She tickled her, making her laugh.

"No!" Maria blushed a little. "Well maybe..."

Her mother laughed. "Ay, mija."

Maria calmed down and her smile faltered. "Mama?"

"Hm?"

"Do you...do you think papa would send me away? Do you think I'm not enough for him...?" She asked innocently.

Dora Luz was stunned, she didn't expect Maria to hear the conversation she had with her husband moments ago, and to be frank, she hoped she hadn't heard it.

"No, no, it's not that, mija." Her mother responded. "You know how your father is, he says things without thinking. You are enough for both of us, mi niña. At least for me, you are." She wiped her tears with her thumb.

"And I promise I won't let him send you away."

Maria smiled slightly, moved by her mother's words. "Mama, can you sing me a song, please?" She requested.

"Of course, mijita." Dora Luz sat next to her daughter, who snuggled close to her while she hugged her closely.

She hummed a harmonious melody and began to sing.

Si sientes frio

Y hay mucha niebla 

Si las estrellas

Esconden su brillo

Maria yawned silently to the melody, Dora Luz ran her hand through her brown locks and continued with her singing.

Si mi princesa

Perdio su castillo

Jugando en la arena

Solo recuerda

Yo voy contigo

Dora Luz kissed her daughter's head, watching as Maria fell asleep little by little.

Te abrazare cuando te sientas sola

Te ensañare como cruzar las olas

Te cuidare si estas dormida

Maria fell asleep in her mother's arms, snuggling deeper into her embrace while she unconsciously listened to her voice.

Te encendere una luz en la mirada

Para que nunca te de miedo nada

Y vuelvas a soñar tranquila...

Her mother watched her closely, making sure she was completely asleep. Taking care of her, Dora Luz left her daughter's side and tucked her in.

Looking at her with a lot of love, she kissed her forehead. "Que sueñes con los angelitos."

When Dora Luz left her room, Maria smiled happily in her sleep. Her father wasn't the best with her on occasions like this, but she always contacted her mother to calm her nightmares.

For a time, the nightmares did not torment her again, until after more than ten years.

Chapter Text

San Angel - One year after the battle against Chakal

"We have to save him!"

There it was again. Her own voice shouting as she felt her body moving in one direction, her sight always in a straight line.

The shape of a strangely familiar snake blocked her path. She looked up to see that the snake had someone in it's jaw that was trapped between his teeth.

Then, she heard his voice.

"I love you, Maya..."

A green flash illuminated the place suddenly, blinding her vision, and then she saw nothing but green smoke everywhere.

"Zatz!"

She woke up, sitting on her bed, breathing heavily and her forehead filled with sweat from fear and desperation. Again.

In the Mondragon mansion, the sun peeked through the windows, its rays of light gradually illuminated the room.

Maria Posada, now Sanchez, opened her eyes as her sleep was interrupted by the nightmare. From what she could remember, she had these nightmares as a child, for a while they stopped appearing in her mind during her time in Spain, but apparently, they came back to torment her after what happened a year ago. 

She calms herself down, yawned and stretched, trying to wake up enough to start the day.

From the corner of her eye, she saw the empty space on her husband's side. Maria smiled, she knew that Manolo did these kind of things, he would constantly preparing breakfast for her every morning she had to go out, it was rarely for anything else. She had insisted that he didn't have to do it, but he continued doing it with pleasure.

She put on her best outfit, her typical red skirt and white blouse always made her stand out, some say. Once she finished getting ready, she left her room and went downstairs.

At the bottom of the stairs, a delicious aroma reached him.

"Good morning my love." Manolo, her husband, the love of her life, walked towards her to give her a soft kiss on her cheek.

Maria smiled. "Good morning."

"You're just in time, I made your favorites." She shows him a plate with her prepared breakfast: Chilaquiles with red sauce.

"Ay, Manolo." Her smile grew wider as she took the plate. "You didn't have to do it."

"You've been very busy this week, I just want you to relax." Manolo said, they both walked towards the table.  "Besides, you know I would do anything for you."

"Thank you. By the way, and Joaquin?" Maria put the plate on the table near them.

"He said that he had to train the soldiers before the big party tonight, and he also promised he would help with the preparations at the pantheon."

Maria's eyes widened. Preparations?

Manolo noticed the sudden reaction of his wife. "You haven't forgotten, have you?" He asked.

"It was today?" Maria growled. "Ugh! I promised Sister Ana I would help her with the orphans, I completely forgot about the party! I swear I'll make it up to you, Manolo, I promise-!"

"Hey, hey." Manolo gently took her by the shoulders. "It's okay, don't worry. You don't have to make it up for anything. You know what? Don't worry about it, I'll take care of it."

"You're sure?"

"Of course." Manolo smiled, his hands passed through her arms until he took her hands in his.

Maria sighed calmly. "Sorry, I'm tired. It's getting harder and harder for me to sleep." She said softly.

Manolo's smile faltered. "Nightmares again?"

"It wasn't like a year ago." She responded, lowering her head. "It was the same nightmare when I was a child."

Manolo looked at her with a sad expression. A year ago, both of them had experienced long, frightening nights caused by nightmares about the event they had experienced a year ago. He remembered those nights when they woke up frantically and with fear in their eyes, but always with each other's company.

"Do you think that's normal?" Maria raised her head, looking into his eyes. "Shouldn't I have different dreams?"

Manolo shrugged his shoulders and Maria lowered her head again.

In an attempt to cheer her up, Manolo took her necklace from the table, stood behind her, and put it around her neck. He came back in front of her and placed his hand on her cheek.

"You're beautiful." He said, his voice filled with love and tenderness toward her.

Maria blushed, smiling softly. "Ay, ya." She gave him a little push back from her, making him laugh.

"Look, I'm serious. You take care of the orphans, I'll take care of the rest, it helps cheer you up a little. After all, it's the Day of the Dead." Manolo said.

Maria chuckled and nodded. They both sat at the table and enjoyed breakfast, as if nothing was going to go wrong that day.

After she left home, Maria went directly to the church orphanage, both the orphans and the nuns waited for her with enthusiasm.

They had a good day, Maria spent more time with the children than she expected, telling them stories, playing with them and even teaching them a couple of things that she learned in Spain.

While the children played outside the church, Maria helped Sister Ana take out some boxes that they received as a donation.

"Again, thank you for joining us today, Maria." Sister Ana smiled.

"It was nothing. Who could say no to those cute little faces?" Maria chuckled.

"Yes, the children love you, you know. They were very excited that you came today, and on Day of the Dead!" Sister Ana exclaimed. "We're sorry if we put more pressure on your shoulders today."

"Ah, don't worry." Maria said as they reached the kitchen and set down the boxes. "And I don't have so much on my shoulders thanks to Manolo."

"Ay, ese muchacho. I knew sooner or later you would end up together. You're lucky to have someone like him."

"Yes..." Maria smiled lovingly as she thought of her husband. "And I am very grateful."

Suddenly, Maria was blinded by a reflection of light from the side of her eyes, coming from one of the boxes.

Maria approached and checked things out, it didn't take her long to find the origin of the light. Among the things, there was a golden necklace, carved into a symbol. The gold of the necklace shone in the sun.

She held it close. She didn't know why, but the necklace seemed very familiar, as if it belonged to her or someone else.

She was so deep in thought that she didn't hear sister Ana calling her.

"Maria. Maria? Maria!"

"Huh? Wha-? Wh-What happened?" Maria blinked, trying to get her bearings on reality.

"Are you going to attend the party tonight?" Sister Ana asked.

"O-Oh, yes! Yes, of course."

"Are you okay, girl? I notice you're distracted." She said worriedly.

"Yes, Yes! Pfft, I'm fine!" Maria said with a forced smile with tense shoulders.

Sister Ana looked her up and down. "Okay, I'll go check on the kids, stay here and rest, okay?"

The nun walked out the door and Maria sat down in a nearby chair. She ran her hand over her face and stood thinking with the necklace still in her other hand.

What happened to her? First the dream and now this? It's much worse than when she was a child. Those dreams didn't mean anything, they're not real.

Right?

Meanwhile in the town square, dusk had arrived and the citizens were busy preparing the town for the Day of the Dead celebration during the day.

Manolo had been helping as best as he could. After supervising most of it, he was with the Rodriguez brothers near the Mondragon mansion preparing some songs for his debut as a musician.

"So, this song?" Manolo asked.

"Yeah!" Pablo exclaimed happily. "It's excellent for your first presentation as an official musician!"

"It will be the big event tonight!" Pepe put his arm on his shoulders. "You're very good for show! More than us."

"Oh, don't say that." Manolo smiled. "It was because of you that I learned a lot, and that is why I am where I am now."

"Aww!" Pancho sniff. "Stop it, you're going to make me cry!"

Manolo chuckled, looked to his side and saw Joaquin walking towards them.

"Can you excuse me for a moment?" Manolo said goodbye to the brothers and walked towards Joaquin.

They both smiled and greeted each other. "Hola, hermano." Joaquin said.

"I thought you would never arrive." They walked straight to the mansion and entered through the main door.

"Don't blame me, blame your father-in-law. He entertained me with some things."

Manolo grimaced. "Hmph, yes, I believe you."

"By the way, I was supervising the arena and found this in the chapel." Joaquin took out a wooden box with a lock.

Manolo raised an eyebrow in surprise, he had never seen that box when he still lived with his father. He assumed it was from his great-grandmother, Anita.

He took the box and looked at it carefully. "Do you think it was from Doña Anita?" Joaquin asked.

"Maybe." He muttered looking at the lock. "One second."

He went up the stairs to his and Maria's room and searched through the drawers. In the middle drawer, he found a golden key as the lock. He grabbed it and put the box on the dresser.

Using the key, he opened the lock and the box opened and what he had in front of him, he put himself into strong Deja Vu.

Inside the box, there was a bracelet. It looked old, but his appearance remained in shape. He grabbed the bracelet and noticed that a golden puma was carved into the wood.

He didn't know why, but he felt a strong connection with the relic, as if he had seen it before.

"Have you opened it yet?"

Manolo jumped with fright, turned towards the door of the room to see Joaquin enter. He let out a deep sigh, he didn't know how long he was holding his breath.

"Yes, it was this." He showed him the bracelet.

Joaquin looked at it closely. "Surely the old lady didn't have that on before she died?"

Manolo hit him on the shoulder. "I don't remember, but it feels strange." He said, running his fingers over the puma golden symbol.

"Well, if it's not so important now, can you leave it for later? Pepe, Pablo and Pancho are looking for you, they say it's urgent." Joaquin said.

Manolo took one last look at the bracelet before placing it on the dresser next to the box. "Sure, I'm coming."

He was about to leave the room when he heard something.

Ah, ah, ah, ah....

Manolo turned around, looking at the balcony window, as if he were looking for something.

"Did you hear that?" He asked Joaquin, who looked at him confused.

"Hear what?" Joaquin looked between the window and him, not understanding what he meant.

Manolo stood there for a second and shook his head slightly. "It doesn't matter. Can we go now?"

Both men left the room, the moon was already rising when the sun set and the bracelet shined thanks to its light.

The time has arrive...

Chapter Text

It's Day of the Dead.

The crescent moon appeared under the small town and the cemetery was brighter than ever.

After a year of various events: death, amazement, but above all, love, San Angel wanted to make this night something special. In addition to celebrating the magnificent tradition that has been celebrated for generations, his victory is celebrated after the fight against Chakal and his bandits.

For a year now, the town of San Angel has been at peace since then.

In the cemetery, the inhabitants visited their loved ones who are no longer with them, decorating their graves with Cempasuchil flowers, candles and offering them food and offerings while music filled every corner of the place.

In the largest part of the cemetery were the tombs of the Sanchez family, the brightest area of the pantheon, some would say.

Manolo and Maria put the last prayers at their graves and sat in front of them so they could feel their presence.

Their hearts were filled with joy as they felt his visit from the other world, smiling with love, wonder and melancholy.

"It seems like they're in high spirits today." Manolo commented.

Maria chuckled. "You think?"

"Well, it's either that or it would be a hunch to believe that Carmelo devoured everything in his own grave, and probably everyone else's."

They both laughed.

When their laughter died down, Maria put her head on his shoulder, sighing happily. "It is very beautiful." she whispered as she looked at the graves.

"Yes..." Manolo's smile faltered a little. "I hope they feel proud."

"They are." His wife grabbed his hand, giving it a light squeeze and made him turn to look at her. "I can assure you."

They both put their heads together, comforting each other. Although they know that those who lost that fateful day are in a better place, their departure still hurts.

But they will always remember them.

The moment was interrupted when the church bells rang and someone approached them. It was Joaquin.

"Manolo, it's time." Joaquin said.

They both exchanged glances. "It's time to see you in action, mi amor." Maria said with a mischievous smile.

"Oh, come on, it won't be a big deal." Manolo blushed.

"We'll see about that." Maria laughed still mischievously.

"Ok, ok, enough flirting, lovebirds." Joaquin separated them by grabbing Manolo by the shoulders. "We have to go, the public is waiting."

"I'll see you there, amor." Maria said excitedly as they walked away.

When she lost sight of them, she felt a slight headache. She didn't know why, but she had felt those little pains since the morning.

She had ignored them most of the time, but each time they became unbearable.

But she didn't give it any importance, the only thing she wanted was to enjoy the night and that's what she will do.

In the large town square, people gathered for the great event of the night. The Rodriguez brothers played non-stop while people danced across the large square very happily.

Maria arrived in time to witness the opening, she alone didn't expect there to be so many people around her. She would have preferred a larger space.

"Maria." Someone called her. She turned to see who it was and saw it was Sister Ana.

"Hola, mija." The nun said, smiling affectionately.

"Hola, Sister Ana." Maria smiled at him. "You could come."

"Oh, of course, I couldn't miss it. It's a great night, everything is perfect today." They both laughed.

"Yes, it is..." Maria responded, staring into space.

Sister Ana's smile faded when she noticed her lost face. "In fact, I was looking for you. I was worried about how you behaved in the morning." She said lightly.

Her gaze returned to her, surprised.

"Maria, if something bothers you, if there is anything I can help you with, you know that you can always count on me for anything."

Since her mother divorced her father and moved to Europe, the nuns from the church and boarding school back in Spain have been present for most of her childhood. Sister Ana was like a mother figure to her.

Of course she knew she could count on her.

Taking a deep breath, Maria nodded her head. "Yes Sister." She said smiling.

The mariachi music ended, giving way to the final act of the night.

"Thanks friends!" Pepe announcement. "Thank you for being present today! Now, to end the Day of the Dead with a flourish, it is my honor to introduce you to our new and official musician!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present you, Manolo Sanchez!"

The audience applauded enthusiastically, Maria smiled brightly when she saw her husband in his mariachi outfit standing in front of the audience and the music began to play through everyone's ears, more joyful than the previous ones.

The music sounded even more beautiful when he started singing.

Solitaria camina la Bikina

Y la gente se pone a murmurar

Dicen que tiene una pena

Dicen que tiene una pena que la hace llorar

The people screamed with excitement and the song grew even more joyful with them swaying to the music.

Altanera, preciosa y orgullosa

No permite la quieran consolar

Pasa luciendo su real majestad

Pasa camina los mira sin verlos jamas

Maria's smile grew even more with each letter she heard.

No matter how many times she heard him sing, she always felt amazed just by hearing his voice, which calmed her during the nights of crying and terror, knowing that he would always be there for her.

Sister Ana was right, she is very lucky to have him by her side.

La Bikina, tiene pena y dolor

La Bikina, conoce el amor

Altanera, preciosa y orgullosa

No permite la quieran consolar

Dicen que alguien ya vino y se fue

Dicen que pasa las noches llorando por el

The audience went crazy, there were even moments when people started singing the song along with him. It seemed like a real party.

Maria had never been happier for Manolo since his first bullfight, something she wasn't thrilled to see at first, at least. But seeing that she was finally able to fulfill her dream, that made her happier than ever.

It wasn't until she heard the sound of an eagle.

Her smile disappeared, she looked around her for a clear view of the bird. She didn't see anything, but she felt how her surroundings suddenly changed before her eyes.

The music faded in her ears and she could only hear cheers and praise from the people, but it was not her people.

She no longer saw the crowd singing with joy, but rather a population completely different from her own, they even looked like ancients due to their clothing and facial paint.

It seemed like they were celebrating something, or someone, rather. In front of her, there was a large golden pyramid.

At the top, she could see that there were people above, but there was one that stood out the most of all of them. She was wearing a big dress, a big feather crown and had the same face paint standing out on her face.

Maria felt a strong Deja Vu when she saw it, as if she had already experienced this before. But it wouldn't make sense, she doesn't remember being there in her life.

Suddenly, she heard the voice of an ancient old woman, just as familiar. "And so a new day has begun! Princess Maya will be the sun!"

The old woman's laughter rang like an echo in her ears, she felt so confused, what did that mean?

Then, as if she were a bolt of lightning, her sight returned to the present and the music played again. She blinked a few times, even more confused than before.

"Maria? Are you okay?" Sister Ana's voice made her return to reality, she watched as she looked at her more worried.

"E-Eh, yeah, yeah, I'm fine." She lied, running her fingers over her eyes.

What is happening to me...?

La Bikina, tiene pena y dolor

La Bikina, no conoce el amor

Altanera, preciosa y orgullosa

No permite la quieran consolar

Dicen que alguien ya vino y se fue

Dicen que pasa las noches llorando por el

Dicen que pasa las noches llorando por el

Dicen que pasa las noches llorando por el

Manolo finished singing with a great solo, the people applauded him enthusiastically when he finished his song.

"Thank you thank you very much!" He bowed, smiling when he saw that the people had enjoyed his first presentation as a musician and not as a bullfighter.

And with his achievement, the moon shone even brighter.

Chapter Text

After the great event, General Posada organized a great dinner for the people in his mansion.

Thus, the entire town was cordially invited to the dinner in commemoration of the Day of the Dead and the anniversary of his daughter's marriage. (Maria insisted that it was not necessary)

While the music played in the large room, some people danced on the dance floor. Maria, Manolo, Joaquin and the General were sitting in the center, having a conversation.

"I want to congratulate you, mija." The General said. "A year ago, we saved San Angel and you two celebrated one year of marriage, who would have thought?"

Maria and Manolo smile. "Thank you, papa." Maria said. "I still insist all of this was not necessary."

"What do you say, Maria? A celebration like this cannot go unnoticed."

Maria sighed. 

The General looked at his son-in-law. "I must say, boy, that was quite a show you put on. Truly, it was impressive."

"O-Oh! Uh, thank you, señor." Manolo smiled, he was surprised at the compliment coming from his father-in-law.

"Although, I would like to say the same about your first bullfight a year ago. A disappointing ending, I must say."

Nevermind.

Manolo kept his smile, forcing it not to fall so that he would not show his discomfort at the comment.

"Papa..." Maria scolded him.

"What? It was just a harmless comment." The General said, earning a withering look from Maria. "Tell me, Manolo, are you planning to return to the arena?"

The atmosphere became tense between the three of them, Joaquin watched nervously, Maria's gaze became more intense and Manolo's awkward smile finally fell to an insecure expression.

"A-Ah, well-I... I don't plan to come back..." Manolo murmured.

"What? Bullfighting is what has supported your family for generations, boy. And you don't plan to return?"

"I'm just starting my career as a musician, maybe I can-"

"Have you at least considered that your future son will be a bullfighter like your ancestors?"

Manolo grimaced. "E-Eh, I don't think that's up to me..."

"What if it's a girl? If we ever think about having children." Maria refuted, looking at her father.

The General laughed. "Oh, mija. You should know that a man's genes are more dominant than a woman's. We have to admit it."

Manolo watched as Maria's hands balled into fists, her grip strong enough to break her skin.

"Also, this would be a great opportunity for you to give me a strong and healthy grandson like his grandfather." The general sighed. "The son I never had."

It was enough.

Maria slammed her hands on the table hard, standing up from her chair. "The son my mother never gave you?"

Her loud voice caught the attention of the guests, until the music stopped.

"What are you talking about?" The General frowned.

"Oh, you know what I'm talking about." Maria replied. "I remember the times you complained to mom for not giving you a son, and now, you demand that we give you a grandson to fulfill your frustrated dreams?"

Her father stood up from the table. "Watch your tone, Maria."

"Well, know that I'm not going to give you the pleasure. If our son is a boy, I won't let you put wrong ideas in his head. I would even say that you really enjoyed it when you sent me away from San Angel because I didn't meet your silly expectations."

"I'm serious, Maria-"

"I could even claim that you ran your own wife away!"

"Don't mention that woman! That's beside the point!"

"Well, guess what? That woman is my mother." Maria said, this time with a low voice. "And because of you, she is now in a place very far from here..."

The general maintained his firm stance. Manolo could see the anger and pain in Maria's eyes, and that worried him a lot.

A few seconds passed before Maria broke the silence. "Thanks for nothing."

And with that, Maria walked towards the front door, leaving the mansion. People remained silent and the atmosphere became very tense.

Joaquin, who remained very quiet throughout the discussion, approached Manolo and whispered to him. "Okay, this went very wrong."

Manolo looked at him out of the corner of his eye. "You think?" He asked sarcastically.

After the discussion with her father, Maria returned directly to her room in the Mondragon mansion.

Distraught, she sat on her bed holding the necklace that once belonged to her mother, looking at her with sad eyes.

Maria sighed. "Mama, I wish you were here..."She whispered.

After a few moments, she heard someone knock on the door.

"Come in." She said. When she looked at who came in she saw Manolo at the door.

"Hey." Her husband smiled at her.

"Hey..."

Manolo crossed the room and sat next to her. "Are you ok?" He gently took her hands in his.

"I've been worse." Maria shrugged her shoulders.

It hurt him to see his wife like this, hurt by the serious words of her own father and the absence of her mother. He never met her mother-in-law, but from what he had heard from Maria, she was a good woman.

An absent but loving mother.

Manolo took a deep breath. "Your father ended the party right after you left. He said he didn't want to be embarrassed anymore."

Maria rolled her eyes. "Yes of course..."

"Maria, if you need to talk about this, you know you can talk to me, right?"

She looked into his eyes, smiling at him and tightening her grip on his. "Of course, I just don't feel too good to talk about it right now."

Manolo smiled. "It's okay. When you're ready, I'm here to listen to you."

Maria felt her eyes fill with tears, her smile trembled and she hugged him tightly. With her words, she sent a wave of tranquility to her soul, as if her voice managed to calm her nerves, and successfully.

And she was grateful to have someone like him in her life.

Manolo hugged her back almost immediately, listening to her sobs. In an attempt to calm her down, he began to hum a melody, soft and hopeful.

He rocked her back and forth as he calmed down, and as the minutes passed, her sobs began to fade.

When everything seemed calm, a voice began to sing.

Ah, ah, ah, ah...

Manolo raised his head, looking around the room, looking for who was calling him. His eyes scanned the room until he saw the balcony.

The balcony curtains flowed with the soft wind that came from outside, the weak rays of light passed through the windows and the moon shone brighter.

The guitarist felt uneasy when listening to the voice, he felt an immense desire to follow it and at the same time not. He had no idea what that meant or that she was calling him, but he just hoped she would stop and leave him alone.

The voice was gone for the moment, and when he left, he had heard Maria's voice calling him.

"Manolo?" Manolo snapped out of his trance, turning his head to look at Maria, who looked confused and worried. "Are you ok?"

"U-Um, I'm fine, I'm fine." He answered.

"Sure?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm just a little tired, that's all." He didn't like lying to her, but until he knew what he was listening, he didn't want to worry her.

They had already been through a lot last year, why do it now?

"We should sleep, it's been a long day, don't you think?" He smiled foolishly.

Maria chuckled, wiping away her tears. "Yes it's correct." She got up and headed to the bathroom. "I will not be long." I wink at him before closing the door.

Manolo held his goofy smile as he blushed, but when he looked back at the balcony, a wave of anxiety hit him.

This will be a long night.

After a chat and some laughter to lift their spirits, the married couple fell asleep late at night. Maria let out a few small snores while she slept peacefully.

Manolo, on the other hand, slept on his side, immersed in his dream so peacefully.

Until he heard the voice again in his dreams.

Ah-ah, Ah-ah

Manolo growled underneath, shifting position to return to his dream, but the voice rang in his ears again.

Ah-ah, Ah-ah

Hearing it again, Manolo opened his eyes, his frown becoming visible in his frustration. In an attempt to muffle the sound of the voice, he moved his body to the other side, placing a pillow over his ear.

Ah-ah, Ah-ah

Seeing that it wasn't working, he had no choice but to get up. He sat on the bed, careful not to wake his sleeping wife.

Ah-ah, Ah-ah

He managed to get out of bed quietly and left the room. Closing the door, he responded to the voice.

I can hear you, but I won't

Some look for trouble

While others don't

He walks down the hallway until he comes across a mirror with a piece of furniture together. Looking in the mirror, he struggled to hear it.

There's a thousand reasons

I should go about my day 

And ignore your whispers 

Which I wish would go away, oh-oh-oh

(Ah-ah, Ah-ah)

Oh-oh-oh

(Ah-ah, Ah-ah...)

He continued his way down the hallway, his stance remaining firm in opposition, although he knew that a part of him wanted to hear it, but he wouldn't.

You're not a voice 

You're just a ringing in my ear 

And if I heard you, which I don't

I'm spoken for I fear

Manolo arrived at the living room, where he had pictures of important people in the Mondragon family. Among them was a picture of him, Maria, Joaquin and Chuy, looking very happy.

Everyone I've ever loved is here within these walls

I'm sorry, secret siren, but I'm blocking out your calls

The way to the balcony in front of him. He opened the doors, feeling the wind on his face as he sang.

I've had my adventure, I don't need something new 

I'm afraid of what I'm risking if I follow you

Into the unknown

Into the unknown

Into the unknown

(Ah-ah-ah-ah)

After hearing the voice once again, Manolo sighed and went back inside to leave through the main door. His intrigue grew even more as he listened to the voice.

Somehow, he knew it was close, much closer than it already was...

(Ah-ah-ah-ah)

What do you want? 'Cause you've been keeping me awake

Are you here to distract me so I make a big mistake?

He continued walking through the lonely streets of San Angel, passing by the city fountain. When he saw his reflection, he let his guard down a little.

Or are you someone out there who's a little bit like me?

Who knows deep down I'm not were I meant to be...?

From the moon's rays, bluish flashes appeared that guided him beyond the town. The flashes passed over him, wanting them to follow him

Astonished, Manolo followed them without hesitation.

Every day's a little harder as I feel my power grow

Don't you know this part of me that longs to go

Into the unknown

Into the unknown

Into the unknown

(Ah-ah, Ah-ah)

(Ah-ah, Ah-ah...)

As he passed through the streets following the sparkles, they formed like masterful settings, shining telling an ancient legend.

Or perhaps, the memories of someone very old.

Oh-oh-oh

Are you out there?

Do you know me?

Can you feel me?

Can you show me?

After a long internal struggle, the mortal sang alongside the celestial.

Ah-ah, Ah-ah (Oh-oh, Oh-oh)

Ah-ah, Ah-ah (Oh-oh, Oh-oh)

Ah-ah-ah-ah 

Ah-ah-ah-ah

Ah-ah-ah-ah

A h-ah-ah-ah

The sparkles scattered in the air, spinning around Manolo as he sang. The moon grew brighter with his singing and even brighter when he stared at it.

The flashes guided him towards the moon. Manolo ran to catch up with them, crossing the bridge on the outskirts of the city.

Where are you going?

Don't leave me alone

How do I follow you...

The flashes disappeared when they were within reach. It was just Manolo and the moon, and the mortal gave his salute to the great star.

Into the unknown!

(Ah-ah-ah...)

At the end of the melody, the moon blinded his eyes with its light. Manolo covered himself as best he could while the light continued to grow until it consumed him completely.

The last thing he heard was the voice calling him again...

Wake up!

As if it were a bad dream, Manolo woke up in his bed, sitting on it while panting and fresh sweat fell on his skin.

He looked everywhere and saw that he was in his room.

Thousands of questions were going through his head the moment he opened his eyes, his eyes fell on his wife who was still asleep, and it was still early morning.

What? All was just a dream? But it felt so real...

He didn't know how or why, but when he saw the moon in his dream, he felt a familiar feeling. Loneliness, sadness, fear...

Those same emotions that he had felt during the ten years he spent without Maria. But these were not his, but someone else's.

But that couldn't be possible... right?

Chapter Text

The Land of the Remembered, as vibrant and joyful as every day. People celebrated and ate countless foods.

It seemed the queen was enjoying the sight of her subjects and not getting bored in the process, but she also had a way of having fun.

“My love, are you going to continue looking at your kingdom or are you going to go back to bed?”

La Muerte sighed upon hearing the words of her husband, still sleepy from waking up to her. The cold wind passed through her hair as she turned to see him still lying in their bed with the sheets covering him from his waist down.

She walked over to the bed and sat on the edge of it next to him.

“Oh, Balby.” She laughed. “Do you always have to be so impatient?”

“What can I tell you, Muertita.” Xibalba smiled mischievously. “You were the one who made me wait eons for you to forgive me and I only ask for a day alone with you.”

La Muerte rolled her eyes. “You know very well why I left you there.”

"I know."

“But all that’s in the past. I knew you would make things right in the end in our last bet.” She put her hand on his. "I'm so proud of you."

Xibalba looked away, blushing. “Well, it was nothing. Although your champion was a very annoying headache.”

“Oh, stop complaining. Better shut up and enjoy~” She leaned in to place a kiss on his lips, which took him by surprise but he returned it immediately.

The kiss intensified as they hugged each other, one would even think they stopped breathing since then. And it might have gotten far if not for a certain wax god abruptly entering the room.

"La Muerte! Xibalba!” The Candlemaker flung open the doors, making them jump.

The two gods separated and looked at him with wide eyes.

Xibalba growled. "You don't know the meaning of the word 'privacy', you piece of-"

“I'm so sorry to interrupt…whatever you were doing, but this is important!” The ancient god walked into the room, the Book of Life following behind him. “Something wierd came up!”

“Well, it must be something important to interrupt us.” Xibalba murmured again.

“Hush.” La Muerte silenced him before looking back at Candlemaker. "Show us."

The Book opened before her and revealed a golden flash emerging from the pages, La Muerte had to squint her eyes so that the intense light wouldn’t hurt her.

Among them, there were writings, written with a golden ink. It was strange, the Book only tells the stories of the mortals of the Land of the Living. It's unusual that this happened.

“Candlemaker, what is this?” La Muerte asked, Xibalba approached to see it.

“It's the same thing I asked myself, I've never seen anything like this.” Candlemaker responded. “Less among mortals. Ah, but what do I say? We don’t deal with just any mortals!”

“Mortals?” Xibalba asked. “Is there more than one who has this?”

“Yes, and ones we already know.” Candlemaker revealed who those pages belonged to. Manolo and María Sánchez, no less.

Both La Muerte and Xibalba were dumbfounded, they did not expect this. Much less that they would deal with the same mortals they had problems with.

Xibalba pinched the fountain of his nose. “Oh, great celestials… Why? Why do those two have to be there every time something happens? It's been a year!" He raised his arms in frustration.

“This can't be…” La Muerte put her hand on her lips. "Why right now? Why them?"

“If I knew, I would tell you.” Candlemaker said. “But this is something complicated to understand, I have no knowledge about this kind of thing. I’ll need help.”

Xibalba approached him, frowning. “You better have it, I won't stick my hands through those brats again.”

La Muerte put her hand on his shoulder. “Well, it's a shame.” She told him. “We will help you, Candlemaker. Tell us, what can we do about this?”

“For now, we must seek information. We have to find out what it means and then find a way to solve it.” Candlemaker said softly.

“So, there is no time to waste. Who knows what is affecting them this way.” La Muerte said worriedly.

Candlemaker nodded and they both flashed towards the Cave of Souls, leaving Xibalba perplexed.

The god sighed in annoyance. “Ah, yes of course, let's save those poor children again. Yay, I love my life.” He said sarcastically.

With that, he followed them.

“So, do you want coffee or tea?”

“Tea, please.”

The next morning, Manolo woke up with a horrible migraine. It seems like he had too much to drink the night before, but in reality, it was the weird dream that made him that way.

Once he woke up from that dream at dawn, he could not sleep again, as if that prevented him from resting as he did before.

It was something similar to the nightmares he and Maria had a while ago, but the lucid dream was something much stronger than any nightmare.

He didn't know what it was and a part of him didn't want to find out.

Joaquín served her tea and put it on the table while Manolo leaned on her. He sat back down and took the tea, downing it in one sip. He looked like he needed it.

“Wow! Hey, take it easy.” Joaquín said as he sat next to him. Manolo put the cup on the table again. “That dream really left marks on you, hm?”

“It was more than a dream, Joaquín, it felt so… real.” Manolo said, then rubbed his eyes. “That voice, I've been hearing it since last night.”

“More like since you found that bracelet.” The soldier commented.

Manolo started to think, it was true. Since he found that bracelet, he began to hear voices and feel another presence that he had never felt before.

The guitarist shook his head. “It doesn't make sense, it can't be that bracelet the cause of al of this.”

“Who knows, maybe that attracted something supernatural. Like a ghost." Joaquín smiled mischievously, moving his hands darkly. “And soon it will take over your soul!”

Manolo snickered and nudged him, making him laugh. “What nonsense, I had enough of souls last year. I don’t need any more of that.” His smile disappeared when he mentioned it.

Apparently it still affected him.

Joaquín made a face and wanted to change the topic. “Well, enough about that. Tell me, where is Maria now? She left without saying a word.” He asked.

“She went to the market for some things, she won't be long. In the meantime, you and I must be busy.”

Manolo stood up from the table and went to the front door.

Joaquín followed him. “Don't you think it's too much to ask to take the day once in a while?” He asked innocently.

Manolo turned to look at him, raised an eyebrow.

“Ay, fine.”

San Angel’s market was a smaller place than she remembered, with smaller stalls and little to sell.

People from other towns richer than yours would say a lot of atrocities about the sale, but as far as it goes, that's the charm of the town.

Maria walked through the stalls with a basket in hand, carrying various fruits and flowers in it.

As she walked and waved as she passed her with a forced smile, her mind wandered to the events of the previous night. She couldn't stop thinking about what her father said and the tension between them.

They had never fought like this before, and personally, she didn't like it. Her father can be unbearable at times, but she still loved him in a way.

Oh, couldn't this be any worse?

“Well, well, who do we have here today?”

Damn it.

María rolled her eyes when she heard the annoying voice accompanied by laughter behind her. Great, Claudia and her sisters had once again ruined her day.

“How have you been, Maria?” Claudia asked. “We thought you weren't going to leave the house after the scene you made last night.”

Her sisters laughed mockingly.

“Ugh, I'm not in the mood right now, Claudia.” María wanted to get away from them, but two of her sisters stood in front of her, preventing her from passing.

Claudia put an arm on María's shoulders. “Oh, please, Maria. We just want to talk, make things up to you. Maybe we will become friends.” She said with the diva tone of hers.

Maria moved away from her. “Why would you want to do that? You hate me."

"Could be." Claudia shrugged. “But I have been thinking and I think you would be a very useful member of our position. Maybe you would be interested.”

She pointed to a bar, where men go at night to stay up late and get drunk with waitresses who are quite provocative for her taste.

Maria made a face of disgust, since she could see what they were trying to do from miles away.

“Do you want me to be your employee at that disgusting bar?” She asked disgustedly.

“Refined, dear.” Claudia said, “After last night, we intended that your father would never let you lead the city, so we are doing you the favor of giving you a high position in our humble business.”

Maria growled beneath her, her scowl deepening as she spoke.

“We would earn a good amount with the jewel of the town working with us. A good deal for the boys, don't you think?”

“Forget it, I would never work in a pigsty surrounded by men who only go there for one thing, and I would never do something like that to my husband.” Maria stated.

“Oh, yes. Manolo Sánchez, what a lovely man you have.” Claudia said with her sisters sighing dreamily. “Even though I prefer Joaquín, I have to admit that your husband is a very good catch, mm?”

“Don't talk about my husband like that in front of me!” Maria snapped.

“Wow, calm down. I was just saying, you're so lucky to have him. What woman wouldn't want a man like him in her life, right?" Claudia smiled maliciously.

Maria became even more upset when she mentioned him that way.

“In that case, if that happens, don't worry, Maria.” Claudia came face to face towards Maria and said in a low voice: “He will be fine under the care of one of my sisters.”

That was enough.

“Ay, ya me hartaste-!” Just when she was going to give the lady in front of her a well-deserved slap, Maria screamed in pain when she felt a sharp pain on her head, dropping the basket she had in her hand.

She clutched her head, letting out several grunts of pain. Voices could be heard, ringing her ears and several blurry images passed through her eyes.

She couldn't tell who the people in her vision were, but she could hear what they were saying. Among them, the voice of a young man who could be mistaken for Manolo's.

“Honor them…”

That was what she said when her vision showed three golden weapons that were broken. A shield broken in half, the tip of a spear that was missing the rest, and some daggers in pieces.

She didn't know why, but when she saw the weapons she felt a horrible weight fall on her stomach, as if those weapons belonged to a loved one.

It seemed so familiar to them, but why...?

"Hey. Hey…! I am talking to you…!" Between her visions, he could hear Claudia's voice calling to her.

“Don't turn your back on me when I'm talking to you! Who do you think you are, huh?” Claudia grabbed her shoulder so tightly, drawing her attention.

The next thing that happened, it was too fast for Maria to know what she was doing.

When she felt her hand on her shoulder, her body reacted involuntarily. With a strong impulse, Maria grabbed her wrist and threw her forward, causing her to fall backwards to the ground.

Claudia's screams of pain snapped her out of her trance and she returned to reality. Maria shook her head, her vision became clear and she saw how Claudia was surrounded by her sisters, who came to her aid.

"Estúpida! You broke my arm!” Claudia yelled at her.

Maria gasps in horror. Did she do that? The crowd began to gather around them, murmuring and talking among themselves as they watched them.

"What's going on here?" Joaquín walked through the crowd until he reached the scene. His eyes widened. “Maria, what happened?” He asked.

“This idiot broke my arm!” Claudia yelled angrily.

“I-I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to do it, I- “María felt her hands tremble and tears gather in her eyes.

She felt everyone's gaze on her, she couldn't resist it anymore, she had to leave.

"I’m so sorry." Maria ran back to the mansion.

“Maria, wait!” Joaquín wanted to stop her, but she was already far enough away for him to hear.

“Joaquín, would you please help me?” Claudia asked sweetly before complaining about the pain. "It hurts me a lot."

Joaquín looked once more at the direction Maria ran and turned back to Claudia. He sighed surrendered, he would have to tell Manolo about what happened.

"I'm coming."

Maria entered the mansion quickly, closing the doors behind her and her back against them as she breathed heavily.

“What happened to me? What the hell happened to me…?” She put her hands on her face, her legs couldn't resist and they fell to the floor, her back still pressed against the doors.

She asked herself a thousand times: what happened? She had never lost control of herself like this, it seemed that her body was responding alone and not to her.

Or rather, she seemed to be controlled by someone else.

Tears of frustration fell down her cheeks, until she heard his voice calling out to.

"Maria…"

Maria snapped her head up, looking around. When she saw that he didn't call her to anyone, she returned to her previous position. Then she heard it again.

"Maria…"

She got up when she heard him again, who is calling her? There was no one in the house but her. Isn't she hallucinating? Those visions of her must be doing her quite a disservice.

That was what she thought until she saw something shine from the room where she and Manolo were sleeping. Near her, there were some swords hanging on the wall, she took one of them and walked down the stairs carefully.

She walked with silent steps towards her room, preparing her sword in case it was a thief or a bandit.

Her hand touched the handle, and prepared, she opened the door quickly to find nothing, the light going out once she entered. She looked everywhere inside the room, searching for a sign or movement, but nothing.

She lowered her sword slowly. Apparently she was right, she was hallucinating-

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the light shine again, this time it decreased and her brightness increased. She saw that it came from the top drawer of her dresser.

Maria approached her dresser and opened her drawer. Inside the drawer, was the necklace that was found in the orphanage.

She wasn't going to take much notice if it weren't for the fact that she heard her name once again. "Maria…"

As if it seemed like she was hypnotized, Maria took off the necklace she was wearing and tried to put on the shiny necklace.

Once she put it on, the necklace began to glow brighter and brighter until the room lit up. Outside the mansion, the wind grew crazy and the sun began to rise above the clouds that covered it.

La Muerte was carrying a few books to take to Candlemaker, but by the time she was about to enter the other room, she felt a small but strong wave in her chest.

Hearing the sound of books falling from her, Xibalba immediately went towards her. “Muertita! Are you ok?” He asked her worried.

La Muerte touched her chest over her heart. “Balby…they came back.”

"What? Who?"

“Someone we thought was lost a long time ago.”

Chapter Text

After a time that seemed like hours passed, Maria woke up from her trance, opening her eyes to find herself in the great hall of the mansion.

She gasped deeply, catching her breath once she regained full consciousness. How did she get here?

Maria sat on the floor, looking around her. She could hardly see anything because of how dark the room was due to the windows closed with curtains blocking the sunlight.

Until she saw a golden flame floating in front of her.

Maria jumped a little, that wasn't there, was it? It appeared out of nowhere, she assumed.

Slowly, Maria stood up, still regaining her balance from her fainting state. She walked with small steps towards the flame, reaching out to touch it. But when her fingers touched it, the flame shone brightly again, though dim.

Maria, believing that he was going to knock her down again, covered herself and walked away from her. Squinting a little, she watched as the flame took shape, a human shape.

When the light went out, a voice could be heard in the living room. It seemed like he was complaining.

“Uggh…” the voice echoed in her ears and the human form was already more defined when the light went out completely.

The light revealed a girl with short black hair, she had a shaved part on one side of her head and on the other she had long hair that reached almost to her shoulder. She was dressed in a very peculiar type of eagle armor, red and gold colors decorating her appearance. Her face was painted red that covered her eyes, white and green markings were also on her.

But the most shocking thing of all is that her body was wrapped in a golden aura, as if she were a ghost.

Maria opened her eyes and gaped at the one in front of her.

“Oops! Yes, you were late!” The girl stretched out her arms, replying. “What did it cost you to put on the collar and free me? A thousand years in the sun and eighteen years asleep do something to you, you get me?"

Maria didn't respond, she was still in shock.

The girl looked around her. “Hmm, what a strange temple you have.” She flew all over the room. “It's very dark, cold and alone.”

Maria jumped in fright, causing her to fall to the ground again when the girl appeared behind her. “Do girls wear dresses now?” She floated in front of her. "How old-fashioned-"

She was interrupted by Maria's horrified scream that she held in for a few seconds before exploding.

The girl covered her ears, grimacing. “Oh, sure. Forget how loud this part could be.”

"You-!" Maria walked away from her.

“Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you.” The girl said. "No. Just breathe and-“

"No! No." Maria stopped suddenly. “I don't want to hear it.” She turned her back on him, walking away from the ghost.

"This has to be a joke." She whispered to herself. "I must be dreaming! It's not even possible for something like that to happen, is it?"

“Oh, this is very real, Maria.” The girl appeared next to her. “Ah!” She walked away again. She growled in frustration. “Can you stop doing that?!”

“Sorry, force of habit.”

“Wait, how do you-?”

“How do I know your name?” The girl smiled. “Well, there are many things that need to be explained. But first, I need you to calm down.”

“How do you want me to calm down if I have a ghost in front of me?! And now I'm talking to you?! I’m starting to go crazy!”

“Ok, ok,” The girl held up a finger. “First: I am not a ghost. Second: you’re not. You’re just in shock.” She moved a little closer to Maria, standing on one side of her. "What are you doing?" Maria asked.

"I’m helping you. Just follow me." She took deep breath. “Inhale…” And she exhale deeply. “…and exhale.”

Maria followed in her steps, breathing deeply and releasing the tension and pressure she felt in her heart. The shock passed her by and now the young woman could think clearly.

"Chill?" The girl asked. Maria nodded. "Well then-"

"Wait." Maria interrupted her. “If you're not a ghost, or if you're not alive, then...what are you?”

The girl sighed. “That's what I was going for.” She said. “My name is Maya, princess of the Tecas, warrior eagle of the great prophecy.”

Maya? María remembered, in one of her visions, the name of a certain Maya resonated in her head. Her eyes narrowed as she realized it.

She gasped. "It's you!" The girl looked at her confused. “It is you who I saw, on the day of the dead. “You were wearing a big crown and a big dress.”

“Ugh, of course, you had to remember that day.” Maya muttered to herself, a little annoyed.

“But I heard someone say that you would be the sun?”

“Ah, that was definitely Ah Puch. Esa viejita loca.” The warrior floated in front of her, again. “Let me explain to you, I am not only a princess, I am the one and only Goddess of the Sun.” She said with an upright posture.

Maria raised an eyebrow. Maya looked at her, incredulous. “Really? Not even a “Wow!” or something?"

“Forgive me, but it doesn't seem like you are.”

Maya gasped, offended. “Excuse me, I know my height is not the size of a tree, but just hearing you saying that, it offends me very much.”

Maria sighed, she couldn't just believe him so easily. But she had to get answers, so she decided to play along.

“Okay, if you're a goddess, how did you end up here? Specifically, here?”

“Oooh!” She laughed nervously. “It is a somewhat long story, but at the same time short. “You better sit down.”

"Okay…?" Maria sat on the ground, waiting for a response from the supposed goddess.

Maya sat down, crossing her legs. “Okay, where do I start…?”

“Are you sure you felt it?”

"I'm sure! And I'm sure she's up there in the Land of the Living!”

After the strong premonition that La Muerte had, the gods took her directly to the library of the Cave of Souls so that she could rest. But she had insisted to her companions that she had felt the presence of a soul that was supposed to have been lost many years ago.

"But that… that can't be.” Xibalba said. “There wasn't a chance her soul could have survived.”

“But she did it!” La Muerte stood up from the chair and looked at him with hopeful eyes. “Balby, believe me. I felt it, in my heart I felt it.” She held his hands in hers. “My niece, my sister's daughter… is alive.” she finished with a smile.

“Still, It doesn’t make sense, mi amor. How is that so many years after the fall of the gods, she has been able to remain stable?” 

Candlemaker thought for a second before something came to mind. “Hold on. Hold on!”

The ancient god teleported to the other side of the library, leaving the two gods alone. La Muerte and Xibalba looked at each other, incredulous.

After many noises of books falling and furniture moving, Candlemaker returned with a large, dusty, antique-looking book.

"Aha! Found it!" The wax god exclaimed happily.

"What?" Xibalba frowned.

“Information, maybe this will help us.” He placed the book on the table and opened it, releasing dust.

The gods coughed at the dust before setting their eyes on the book.

“Come on, there must be something that can help us…” Candlemaker magically flipped through the pages, taking a closer look.

Until…

"Here it is!" He exclaimed. He stepped aside so his companions could see.

On the page, there was an image of two people, but one was a spirit, while the other was a mortal completely different from the appearance of the soul.

“What is this, Candlemaker?” La Muerte asked.

“A possible answer to all our questions.” His partner said. “You see, many years ago, as we know, most of the gods faded away because humans stopped worshiping us and believing in us.”

“But there is an ancient myth. It is said that souls can travel from realm to realm in search of a new carrier, a new body. A new life…"

La Muerte and Xibalba's eyes widened.

“But souls cannot live long in nothingness and without a body.” Xibalba mentioned.

“Perhaps, if there is a possibility that certain souls survived the fall of the gods, those souls may have survived because they found a new body in which to start over.”

La Muerte placed a hand on her chest, the feeling she felt before became even greater as the seconds passed.

“Candlemaker, you're not telling me that…”

Candlemaker nodded. “La Muerte, if what you’re saying is true, that means that your niece has been…”

“Reincarnated?!”

Maria looked at Maya with wide eyes, processing everything she just heard.

Maya had explained in detail what was happening, how she ended up in the Land of the Living, and how she was connected to her.

“Yep, just like you heard it.” Maya said, with a forced smile.

Maria stood up and walked back and forth, sometimes passing through Maya as she walked.

“No, no, no, no… first, some gods made a bet on the fate of our lives, then a spirit appears in my house and now this?! What’s next, sprouting wings?!”

“Look, I know it’s a lot to process and a lot to digest, I get it.” Maya floated over to her. “But, trust me. If I could, I’d be back in the sun for another thousand years.”

Maria glared at her, before taking a deep breath and calming her nerves once more. She had to stay sane to face this. She did it last time, why not do it again?

Although last time, she didn't know or wasn't aware of it, but it counts.

Before Maria could say anything, Maya spoke up. “But enough talk. The important thing is that we don't waste any more time.”

Maria raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” She asked.

“There's something I haven't told you yet. You're not the only one who was reincarnated, there's someone else.” Her voice sounded hopeful, which confused the young mortal even more.

“…What?”

“I wasn’t the only one who was given the honor of being the sun that day.” Maya’s smile grew even wider as she spoke. “The one who was given the honor of being the moon… mi luna, mi amado príncipe.”

Maria’s eyes widened. “Wait, the moon is… is your love?”

“His name is Zatz. He was a demigod like me before he passed away and ascended to be the God of Moon.”

“And you think he could have been reincarnated, like you?”

“Like us, yes,” the goddess corrected.

Maria ran a hand across her face until she reached her chin. Her eyes remained downcast, wandering in the void as her mind wandered.

As a child, she had heard stories about the sun and the moon, legends about an impossible love. Two celestial beings who couldn’t be together because of the positions they were in. She remembers how she was fascinated by those stories, wondering if she would ever find a love like that…

Now, it seems those stories were true.

Too much information, too many events. These were the things she least expected.

Maya sighed, her smile fading. “I’m sorry, it’s a lot to process, I know. And I know what you’ve been through in the last year.” Maria finally looked up to look at her. “But I really need your help, my body is totally disconnected from this world and, well, you see how I am. You’re the only one who can help me with this, Maria. Please.”

“Do you want me to help you find another god who might have reincarnated?” Maria asked and Maya nodded. “Maya, I-”

“Maria?”

Manolo’s voice echoed in thier ears and through the walls of the room, making them jump.

Maria turned around and saw him approaching her quickly along with her piglet, Chuy. But what upset her the most was the fact that Maya was still there, and next to her.

“Manolo!” She said, nervous. “How are you? I-“

“Oh, I was so worried about you.” Manolo hugged her tightly. “I’m glad you’re ok.”

“Yes.” Maria half-hugged him back, perplexed. “How-How come you don’t-?”

“Oh, yes, only you can see me.” Maya whispered to her. “I’m invisible to any mortal, except you or any other supernatural being.”

Maria frowned at her.

Manolo finally pulled away to look at her up close. “Joaquin told me what happened at the market. Did she do something to you?”

“No. No, no, the truth is… I don’t know what happened.” Maria looked down, rubbing her arm in embarrassment. “I lost control, I guess. I didn’t mean to. She provoked me, but I never meant to hurt her.”

“It’s okay, it’s okay.” Manolo said. “I believe you. I know you would never hurt someone if it wasn’t for a good reason.”

Maria sighed in relief, his words calming her down almost instantly. It even made her forget for a moment that she practically had a ghost next to her.

Chuy bleated and put his little paws on her legs so she could pet him, giving her comfort.

“Maria!” His father’s voice entered the mansion, his cry could be heard all the way outside the house.

Manolo tensed up. “Your father is here, do you want me to talk to him?”

“No, it’s okay.” Maria smiled at him, taking his hand. “I… I’ll talk to him, I just need a moment, please?”

Her husband smiled softly. “Whatever you ask of me, mi reina.” He gave her a kiss on the forehead before leaving.

Chuy bleated and followed Manolo to leave her alone.

Maria watched them go with a smile until she finally left the room, her shoulders slumped and her eyes the same.

“What a nice man you have.” Maya said, still floating next to her. “He reminds me of someone special…” she smiled dreamily.

Maria glanced at her out of the corner of her eye. “Listen, Maya… as much as I want to help you, I don’t know if I’ll be of any use to you.”

“What?” She stared at her.

“Please, understand, I’m going through a difficult time right now. I had an outburst this morning and now I have to fix it.”

“Oh, come on, it wasn’t that big of a deal.” Maya waved her hand dismissively. “That girl was already getting on my nerves, she deserved that punch we gave her.”

Wait.

Maria’s eyes widened. “Wha… What did you just said?”

Maya visibly tensed up. “Uh, oops. Did I say that out loud?” She muttered to herself.

“You were the one who threw her to the ground?” Her voice grew even louder.

“Well, I- I might have… put my hand a little while you were having another vision…”

“You controlled me?!”

“Hey, I had to do it! That idiot was bothering you and in the position you were in, you were helpless. I had to help you!”

“Well, thanks for the help! Not only do I have to deal with this, now I have to be stuck with you!”

“Oh, nonsense!” The young princess put her arm around her shoulders. “Just listen to me, everything that happened today doesn’t matter anymore. We have to focus on what’s really important. We have to find Zatz before-”

“I’m serious!” Maria snapped, walking away from her. “The person you’re looking for could be anyone, and what if he’s not here? What if he’s somewhere else outside the town?”

“He’s here, I know it!” Maya rebutted back. “I have no doubt about that, you’re the only one I can count on with this, after all we’re the same person.”

“We’re NOT the same!” Maria’s voice echoed throughout the room, and for the first time since she appeared, Maya fell silent.

“I’m not you! And you’re not me! I’m just a girl who had a bad day today and I don’t need a ghost girl to cause me more problems, do you understand me?!”

After saying that, Maria turned her back to her, leaving a distance between them.

Maya floated where she was, she may not have a beating heart anymore, but she could feel a small pain in her chest when she heard her words.

Maria wiped away a frustrated tear and closed her eyes, she felt bad for saying those things to her, but she was desperate. She couldn’t take so much pressure on her anymore until she finally exploded. She exhaled deeply and spoke with a shaky voice.

“Please, just… leave me alone and… look for whoever you have to look for without me, okay?”

Maria opened her eyes and looked over her shoulder. “Maya?” She asked but there was no answer.

When she turned around, she saw that he was no longer there. Maria sighed and looked towards the windows, expecting to see the warm midday sun that would illuminate the city but only found the sun hiding to give way to the night.

How long was I asleep? She wondered. A while ago she thought that the fresh morning of the day had ended and now it was dusk that covered her beautiful town. Maria shook her head, she didn't want to think about that now, she had things to do, and one of those was to face her father. 

La Muerte was pacing back and forth in front of Xibalba and Candlemaker, thinking of what to do next.

“It’s ridiculous.” Xibalba spoke up. “If she really has been reincarnated, why is she only making herself known now?”

“Are you forgetting our intervention in the Land of the Living last year? We may have awakened something inside her.” Candlemaker replied. “I think she might have minor problems with her memories for now.”

“You say she can remember her past life?”

“It’s just a theory, though it’s very likely to happen.”

“Whatever it is, we have to act quickly.” La Muerte stopped and looked at them. “If she was reincarnated, there might be a chance to save her soul.”

“Wait, you mean helping her return to her original form as a goddess?” Candlemaker looked at her with wide eyes.

“Exactly.”

Xibalba laughed hysterically. “This is incredible. We would never achieve something like this, we would break too many rules.”

“And since when do you care about rules, Xibalba?” La Muerte arched an eyebrow.

“I’m doing it now.” The god stood up and put his hands on her shoulders. “Muertita, I know she’s your niece, but what guarantees us that Maria Posada is her reincarnation?”

“Everything points to her, Balby.” La Muerte stepped aside and walked to the Book of Life, who showed them the pages of Maria’s life still soaked in gold.

“There is no doubt that it’s her.” She gently touched the pages. “But to clear any doubts, I am planning to go to the Land of the Living, I will keep a close eye on her. If my intuition is correct, I will help her.”

“Wait, La Muerte.” Candlemaker stopped her. “If Maya managed to reincarnate, that means-”

“That a certain moon boy did as well.” Xibalba muttered with slight irritation in his voice.