I returned to the Underworld, with everything that could go wrong swirling around in my head. What if I can't convince him? Would he really kill me? Or would he kill Papa? Would he really take my second eye? Would I be blind for the rest of my life, unable to see Maya's beauty?

I stopped in front of the door. I took a deep breath. Colmillo believes in me. So why can't I believe in myself? Papa knows I won't let him down. But...I just did.

Take a breath, Zatz. You're thinking too much. Maybe he's in a good mood and he won't kill anyone. I take another breath before opening the door. "Zatz!" Papa whispered to me. He waved a hand for me to join him.

I joined Papa. "Did you get Maya?"

"Well, I..."

"Zatz, what happened?" Papa asked, concern in his voice.

"Well, I couldn't. I just need more time."

"Come on, Zatz. I'm your father. What's the real reason?"

"Well, Papa. She...she's wonderful!" A smile grew on Papa's face as I waved my arms in the air above me. "She's loyal, she's brave! And...beautiful!" My shoulders slumped just thinking about her. Maya is the most lovely person I've seen. Her eyes sparkled in the sun and her hair was glossy.

"I haven't seen you like that in a while, Zatz," Papa said, pleased.

"I've never seen an angel in person, Papa. She's wonderful!"

"That's good, mijo!" Papa slapped me on my back. "Zatz." I turned to see Lady Micte, but I was still thinking of Maya. "Zatz, Mictlan wants to have a word with you."

Dang. I knew exactly what that meant. It means someone might die. "Yes, my lady." I bowed as she floated away, to sit next to her husband. Honestly, I'm not sure why she's married to him. She was most likely forced, of how kind she is.

I closed my eyes. Mictlan wants to see me. If I stay calm, I can keep it under control. I could convince him to let me try once again. I opened my eyes and walked to Mictlan's throne. "Mictlan, I can explain," I tried.

"You better explain yourself, boy!" he screamed at me. "If you don't have a good reason then I'll put you and your father somewhere they can never leave!"

"Mictlan, they had an army. A big army. Even with Papa's army I couldn't stop them. They are protecting the princess really well and it's impossible to break through their military." Mictlan rubbed his chin with his clawed fingers. "I am sorry I couldn't bring her here. If you give me one more chance I'll-"

"I hear you. But I have a better idea. Perhaps, we should rid Teca of their army. Perhaps then, you can retrieve Maya for me."

"Mictlan, are you sure about this?" Lady Micte said. "You would be engaging a war between the humans and the gods. The humans have no defense against us."

"Exactly!" Mictlan said. "The humans cannot stop us, meaning Maya would be all alone in her little Teca city. Her family and the warriors of Teca would leave her alone to fight us off!"

"It's a very good plan, sir, but, are you sure you want to do this?" Papa asked.

"Of course, Camazotz!" Mictlan yelled. "If I wouldn't, then I wouldn't have brought it up! You, out of anyone, should know that!"

"Y-yes, sir," Papa said.

"Zatz!" Mictlan said, returning his gaze back to me. "I want you to stay here. If I see you there, doing anything, I will not hesitate to kill you. Once her family is dead, that's when I want you to retrieve Princess Maya."

"Yes, sir," I said.

"Good, now I'll return later."

Mictlan rose from his throne and fled out the door. "Camazotz!" he screamed down the hall. "Get my army! The whole army! I want to make sure none of them stay alive!"

"Yes, sir!" Papa replied.

"Papa, please don't do this," I said, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Zatz. I have to. I have no choice."

"Of course you have a choice, Papa. You always have a choice!" Papa looked away and brushed off my hand. "Not this time, Zatz. I'm sorry."

Papa walked away, without giving me another look. I can't believe this. Papa is so scared of Mictlan that he would follow his orders. I get it. Mictlan killed Mama, but...Mama would want him to be brave. Mama would want him to do what he believed was right. Mama would want the best for him. That's why she fought him. That's why she fought Mictlan. That's why she gave me to Papa. She believed Papa would do whatever it took to protect me. She believed Papa would do what was right, no matter what.

Then...then why did I follow Mictlan's orders? Why did I do what he asked me to do? Mama wants me to be who I want to be. Papa wants me to be who I want to be. Then why am I following his orders without a second thought? Why am I doing what he asked me to do? Why do I follow him?

Why am I still following his orders? Why am I staying here? Maya is in danger of the gods! Mictlan will show no mercy to anyone! Mictlan will stop at nothing! He might even kill Maya if he could! So why am I sitting here? Why am I not doing anything to stop him? Why am I still obeying him? He can't tell me what to do, who to be, what I should become! I am my own person with my own decisions! So why don't I start acting like it?