Chapter 13.
Xibalba's Plan
After stealing Xibalba's magic medal in a battle Chakal had risen to become the king of the bandits. But when Xibalba stole it back, Chakal had come undone.
"We found the medal!" said Chato, "The Medal of Everlasting life! It's in the town of San Angel."
"Are you certain?" asked Chakal.
"I swear! I swear!" said Chato, "A beautiful hero wears it to protect the town! It looked just like that."
"Gather my men," said Chakal, "We ride for San Angel. You've come back to me, medal."
Back at San Angel:
"I got this one for saving some orphans from a fire . . ." said Joaquin, "And then going back in for their cribs, and then going back in for their toys. And then I also saved a little puppy one time that had a little thorn in its paw. And this medal is for having the most medals."
"Well, here we are," said Maria, "Thank you for this most informative talk about you."
"I have something for you, Maria," said Joaquin.
"That is so nice of –."
She stop midsentence when she saw it was a photo of him.
"Wow," said Maria, "I'm speechless."
"I know. Right? I get that a lot," said Joaquin.
"Goodnight, Joaquin," laughed Maria as she walked towards the door of her home.
"Wait. Maria," said Joaquin.
"Yes?" asked Maria, "My bonnet. You kept it all this time?"
"Well, it's what's kept me going," said Joaquin, "About my proposal, will you at least just think about it?"
Maria smiled and nodded before going inside.
"Goodnight, Joaquin," said Maria.
"Yes! Yes, yes, yes! Joaquin, you're awesome!" cheered Joaquin.
"Yes," said Xibalba.
An hour later:
Maria was in her bedroom, with her pig chuy, looking at photos of her, Manolo and Joaquin when they were kids when there came a tap on the window. She went outside onto her balacony and saw Ingram in her huge bakugan form.
"Meet Manolo at the bridge at dawn," said Ingram.
"I can't. My father won't -," said Maria.
"Please, Maria. Manolo begs you," said Ingram.
Maria smiled and nodded. Ingram flew away to rejoin with Manolo and Alexander but unknown to her, Xibalba was watching her fly by.
"If she meets him alone . . ." Xibalba said to himself, "I will lose the wager."
His snake staff came to life and Xibalba said to it:
"Fix this for me, old friend."
And his snake slithered away.