Author's note: I'm sooo sorry, guys! I really want to thank you all for your kind reviews! GRACIAS! I went over Maya and the Three again for some trivia searching and I really loved it, even more than before. I love to see shows that show slight foreshadowing and are smart-written. For example, the fight with Bear Killah. Fact aside that I love Di Maggio's voice work, it's interesting to see some details that already speak about the last episode like the Eagle stature, the ray of light or the fact that Maya crashes against the snake slab (aside from the battle that ends in a tie). But enough trivia for today, let's go!

Oh, and before I forget. I would like to dedicate this chapter to the marvelous Gilbert Gottfried, for so many years being the voice of many wonderful characters; and the people of Havana in these hard days.

11. Cochitlehualiztli

Manolo wasn't sure when had he fallen asleep. All he knew was that he and Maria had went together to bed to discuss the matter of the house and nothing more. The bullfighter sure felt tired. Too much work for one day. Sighing, Young Sanchez yawned and found himself in what it seemed like the bull-fighting arena, or at least the main corridor. Was he awake or dreaming? There was only one way to find out.

Taking heart, Manolo began to walk down that hall until he reached what it should have been the ring, but no. A large room stood in its place and it was filled with memories. The posters, the capote, the three stone rocks from the Cave of Souls (they do make a little cameo in Maya and the Three), a statue of Chakal, the Book of Life, candles, the table of the Land of the Remembered, the eagle fountain of San Angel (yes, that too it's a "hint, hint, stab, stab), his guitar and a bat figure? What was that doing in there? This wasn't part of his story, was it?

"Can't believe you don't recognize your own figure, Manuel!" said a familiar voice from the side and Young Sanchez was breathless. It was the boy of his dreams! The Bat Prince! "Also, I do have a name, remember?"

"Zatz" nodded the bullfighter. "Wha-why are you here, mano? How did you?"

"It's also my head, bro. You are me, after all, even if it seems to displease you" the young demigod groaned.

"It doesn't displease me. It's just that, well, it's really loco. You have to at least me give me that" they sat together.

"True" nodded Zatz. "And just in case you were wondering, this is Lord Xibalba's doing. With a little help from Lady Muerte. I guess they are expecting you to put me to rest again"

"Oh! Uh, wait! ¿Qué?" Manolo blinked. "But I just figured out you are here!"

"Lo sé. Believe me, I know, but what we can we do? This is your life now, Manuel. I mean, look at the room. This is all you" the Bat Prince touched his eye patch sorrowfully. "All I wanted was to see Maya again, but now it's impossible. If you don't do it, the gods will"

"Hu? Why? I mean. Hey, I'm sure there's a way! I found you, no? The least you can have is an adios"

"Gracias, Manuel, but what's the point? She does not remember me"

"Hu? She who? How are you so sure?"

"Because Maya, my precious princesa is your beloved María, Manuel" Zatz really was heartbroken. They both went quiet for a while. "I'm happy that, at least, in this life I get to really love her and marry her as you, brother, even if it means our adventure in this past is forgotten"

"But it's still unfair. I-I have hardly met you and you already have to leave? It's so unfair, chamaco! If you really are going to disappear then I want to know your part! Who I was back then, my family, Maria, everything! You have to at least give me that pleasure, mano! I beg of you! This is also your room, I mean! Please! ¿Por favor? I promise I won't ask for anything else. I need this. Every since these dreams started, I knew I had to know. I need this story. I need to know who I am"

"Why? It's all in the past, Manuel!"

"Maybe, but right now my present is not exactly the brightest. I need this, hermano. If I can see what it was like when I was you, maybe I could understand the things I can't right now. Please, Zatz. I know I can't give you Maya and I'm sorry, but I beg you. My familia is gone. You're the closest thing I've got left. Please! I'd give you anything"

"Ni yendo a bailar a Chalma, eh? You really are something, Manuel. Very well. I'll tell you my story but it ain't pretty. Know this"

"Asústame, calaverón!" smiled Manolo. No matter what, he was willing to take that risk. Unbeknownst to both, Xibalba and his wife were watching the whole scene, pleased to see that both youngsters were getting to know each other but what would Young Sanchez think after hearing the tale? Would he still want to help Zatz or condemn him? That was still unknown.

XXXX

Back in the old times, when the Gods were fighting to reach a position of power within the Underworld (and trying in their spare time to overthrow Lord Mitclan), the Bat God Camazotz was a feared opponent of the four tribes: the Tecas, the Luna Islanders, the Jungle people and the Barbarians. This last group specially. To fight a fearsome deity was a great honor. In one of those many escapades t conquer lands, the Death Vampire came sword to sword against the fierce and beautiful Zyanya (who is voiced by the same actress as Manolo's Grandma. Hint, hint, stab, stab) and their battle was one for the History books. Of course, it didn't took long for them to fall in love, despite the general aversion of gods dating mortals. Camazotz became a regular visitor and the two shared many battles. Shortly afterwards, Zatz was born and sadly, not much later, the fierce Barbarian women had to sacrifice herself to save her family. The young demigod was left in the care of his father, who took upon himself the almost impossible task to protect his only child. Lord Mitclan was not happy about having a young demigod in his halls and made it clear from day one, taking away one of the toddler's eyes.

Even so, with Lady Muerte's promise in mind, Zatz came to meet his later beloved Maya, when she appeared in Lady Micte's arms. The Underworld gained a purpose for the young man: to see again the little girl before her fifteen birthday, before she was sacrificed to empower the cruel deity. And Camazotz surely trained his son for the task, to become Mitclan's emissary and right hand in battle. And what better way to do it than given him his very own mount? A large puma, who had grew among the tribe of Zyanya, was the chosen one.

"Almost there, mijo" Camazotz had covered his son's eyes to make sure it was a surprise.

"Papá! Are we there yet? Please? Por favor!" begged Zatz.

"Just a little further" they stopped at the stables. "Are you ready?"

"SI!" smiled the boy and the god took away his large hand. The feline, who had died bravely in battle, was now a living skeleton and seemed surprise to see the white-haired boy. "Father! He's… He's perfect!" Zatz ran towards receiving a short snarl, that made him cower in fear.

"Easy there, mijo. You can't expect him to trust you just now. Trust must be earned, remember" Camazotz warned him and the boy nodded. "He will be your companion from this day on, but you must take good care of him. Once you get to know each other well, he'll be your mount and protector. But you must promise to look after this new friend"

"I promise, Papa" the demigod smiled happily. Camazotz smiled.

It didn't took Colmillo and Zatz to become good friends and, to some degree, brothers. They shared many battles and lonely sunsets, training to be good enough for Lord Mitclan. Sometime later, the young goddess Acat joined them and spurred the rebellious side of Zatz, hoping that he would act like a real god. It was the hardest stage for Camazotz and his son but, as years went by, the love relationship between the Prince and the Lady of Tattoos began to grow cold. She wanted to be part of Mitclan's big set, he wanted to avenge his mother. And so came the day when it all changed. The day when Zatz was sent to retrieve the Teca Princess, Maya.

It caught my eye that Acat, despite her alliance with Camazotz and Zatz, she was still seeking the approval of Lord Mitclan (first episode at the table, nonetheless).

Manolo and Zatz have a long journey ahead. Will the Prince see Maya again or his quest doomed to fail?

More to come!

P.D: Oh, and as for the title of this episode, it can be translated as "walking among dreams, standing up in our dreams or sleepwalking".