That night, Osvaldo returned to the Land of the Remembered at 8:00pm, at an adequate hour. He knew Sol probably took those kind of things into account, and he wanted to remain on his good graces. As soon as the carriage stopped in front of the stairs leading up to the entrance doors, Osvaldo was the first to get off so he could help La Muerte climb down, which she accepted, surprisingly this time. He accompanied her to the doors like a gentleman would do, and offered to open the door, but she held out her hand gently and opened the door slightly enough to enter.

"So, did you like it? I-I mean, the view… The date…" Osvaldo stuttered nervously, trying to calm himself down, but it was no use. She had this effect on him, and doubted he would ever grow out of it.

"It was beautiful…" La Muerte said gently, making her way towards the opened door. "Much better than the one with Itzlacol… Sincerely, it was much more enjoyable the time I went there with you…"

The little ray of hope in his heart grew brighter when she said those words. "Really?"

"Sort of. At least you didn't book the whole place just to indirectly brag about how wealthy you are."

"I am not that wealthy, you know." Osvaldo blushed. "I have enough to live comfortably, but not enough for that kind of… feat."

La Muerte couldn't help but smile, tucking the blue rose and the small book in her arms. "Thanks for tonight… Osvaldo."

Before he could say anything else, the goddess pressed her lips against his cheek, and went inside. Osvaldo just stayed there, frozen in utter surprise, still feeling the warmth of her lips on his cheek, lifting his fingers up to touch the spot marked by her lipstick. She had just…? She…. She… He calmly went back to the carriage, and ordered Juarez to advance.

But on the inside, he was yelling and dancing in happiness and joy, crying out mentally. "SHE KISSED ME! SHE KISSED ME! I'M THE HAPPIEST GOD ALIVE!"

Meanwhile, La Muerte was received by Aimé as soon as she entered the throne room. The younger goddess turned into marigold petals and rushed towards her sister, squealing in delight. "How did your date go?"

La Muerte motioned her to lower her voice. "Let's go to my room."

Both goddesses rushed towards the elder goddess' room, and as soon as they were inside they closed the door. La Muerte led Aimé to bed and both side down, then she showed her the book and blue rose. "He took me to Japan." La Muerte couldn't contain the smile that drew across her lips. "It was beautiful, Amy… the sakura trees were in bloom, the petals were falling from the branches and blowing with the wind… I even got to see Kappas!"

"Kappas?" Aimé inquired. "I thought they were dangerous."

"Turns out they like cucumbers very much, and do anything to get them."

"This is beautiful, Muertita…" Aimé read the pieces of poetry and the drawings in the small book. "He must have worked hard on it. "

"He did…" La Muerte started fidgeting with her wedding ring with her fingers, staring forlornly at it. Aimé noticed it.

"Is that…?"

"Yes."

"He kept it?"

"Around his neck. I think it was sweet on his part…" La Muerte froze when she spoke those words.

"So you've forgiven him?"

"N-No…! I…" She didn't know what to think anymore. "I just need a bit of time to figure things out… I can't just forget what he did to me."

"But he has shown you he's changed."

"He has, but don't forget it's Xibalba we're talking about."

"Yes, I've heard he's very good a trickery, but I don't think he's trying to trick you this time."

"Me either…"

"Father said Itzlacol invited you to have breakfast tomorrow morning, but I figure you don't want to see him."

"I think I'd rather have tomorrow for myself… if Itzlacol and Father won't mind."

"Don't worry, Muertita. With your state, we can say you need to rest a bit. After all, my little sobrinita needs some quality time with her mami, right?"

La Muerte giggled. "Gracias, Amy."


Next morning, Aimé informed King Sol that La Muerte felt indisposed today, and would like to take the day to rest. Thankfully, Sol understood and sent the best massagists over to his daughter's room so she could relax and have a good massage. After all, the better the mother was, the healthier the baby would be. Still, he was delighted when Itzlacol-and surprisingly, Count Osvaldo- still decided to pay a visit, and leave some gifts for her. Itzlacol delivered a beautiful flower arrangement adorned with crystals and diamonds, the best flowers in his garden, he assured. And again, much to Itzlacol and Sol's surprise, Osvaldo simply left for her one of the famous blue roses which had captivated not only la Muerte, but Itzlacol as well.

"I thank you both for your gifts." King Sol smiled, and signaled one of the maids to take the flower arrangement and the rose to his daughter's room. "I'm certain they'll be of La Muerte's liking."

"I sure hope so, your majesty." Osvaldo said, bowing politely. "I must say, your daughter is truly an impressive woman. She has wits and spirit, something you won't find in a woman these days."

"Not to mention no other lady can hold a candle to her beauty and grace." Itzlacol added, glancing at Osvaldo dryly.

"If you'll excuse me, gentlemen, I must tend to some business right now. I'm sorry I didn't prepare a proper receiving for you…"

"Oh, no, Your Majesty. Actually, I have certain matters to tend to as well." Osvaldo said. "But please do tell La Muerte I'm glad she enjoyed our date yesterday."

"I will, Excellency. Once more, thanks for your considerations." Sol turned to Itzlacol. "Thank you for bringing such an extravagant present, Itzlacol. La Muerte loves flowers."

Itzlacol nodded, smiling. "I'm certain she will like them."

As King Sol headed towards one of the corridors that led to his study, Osvaldo and Itzlacol made their way to the stables, where their horses awaited. Itzlacol glanced at his rival, finding something… familiar about him in a way, but he couldn't tell what. And those blue roses… those damn, beautiful and extremely rare roses… "I see you haven't ran out of roses, your Excellency."

Fuck. Osvaldo cursed mentally at the fire god. Why was he so obsessed with the roses, anyway?! "No, they are well kept." He said calmly, not turning to see him. "Don't worry about them."

"Forgive my insistence, but where did you acquire such… rare flowers? My personal gardeners have tried to make that combination naturally, but up to now all their experiments have failed."

"I already told you before, they've been growing in my gardens ever since I can remember."

Itzlacol could catch some dryness in the Count's voice. "Interesting."

"I see you are quite interested in my… roses." Osvaldo retorted, rather bitterly.

"I admit, I do like to collect rare items from around the world, and your roses are quite a feat."

"I didn't now you liked gardening, My Lord. After all, you're a god of fire, I simply can't picture you planting flowers in a garden. But I guess your gardens hold some precious treasures as well."

"Indeed they do." Itzlacol smiled proudly, or smugly, as far as Osvaldo was concerned. "The most precious trees and flowers you can imagine, diamond fountains with crystal clear waters and all type of songbirds form around the world. But those blue roses…" his voice started to sound frustrated. "…have eluded me for a long time. I must congratulate you, I've been told it's impossible to grow blue roses naturally. And yet your… family managed to do so."

"Yes. That's why I promised that they would always remain within the family-"Osvaldo shut his mouth in realization, and realized what he just said. "oh, god, why did I say that if I've been giving them to La Muerte?"

Itzlacol raised an eyebrow at the Count's dismayed expression. "Oh, really? As far as I know, you've been giving La Muerte quite plenty of them. In that case, I see no problem in you parting with a few more."

Osvaldo quickly regained his composure. "La Muerte is especial. She's the princess, after all, and a beautiful flower like her deserves only the best." Xibalba, snap out of it! If you tell him these things he's going to suspect something!

"You seem like the poetic type, your Excellency. But I do agree with you in one thing. A woman like La Muerte deserves only the best presents one can offer." Itzlacol decided to test the waters a bit. "I have noticed that you only give her those roses. I have never seen you bring any sort of jewel, or dresses, anything more than roses."

"Well…" Osvaldo tired to think of something. "You are not the only one who likes these roses, La Muerte's favorites flowers are roses and marigolds, she told me so yesterday. And besides… I give her what she represents to me…" He froze in dismay again. "Damn it, Xibalba! Why are you still talking to this… ARGH!"

Itzlacol stopped when the Count leaned against the wall momentarily, and noticed he was nervous. Definitely there was something about this… gentleman that was familiar. If only he could get a bit of information out of him. "You know, you sound… familiar." He said, bringing his hands behind his back. "Do forgive me if I sound rude, but you remind me of… someone."

Oh, no. He was connecting the dots. "Who do I remind you of, if I may ask?"

"Oh, you may have heard of him." Itzlacol circled around Osvaldo, thoughtful. "He rules the Land of the Forgotten and is not very… well-liked by most of the other gods. And unfortunately, he's the father of La Muerte's child."

Osvaldo clenched his hands into fists, and did his best not to lash out at the showing-off bastard. "Act casual, don't punch him, don't be irrational, Xibalba. You're smarter than him." After a few seconds of reassuring himself, Osvaldo pretended to think for a while. "Well… I haven't had the honor to meet this man. I wonder what La Muerte saw in him… By the way you describe him, he doesn't seem… nice."

"Oh, he is not! Have you not heard of Lord Xibalba? He is very cruel, everyone fears him, though he does have his… charms. That's how he managed to trick La Muerte despite her famous intuition and wits." He noticed the Count stiffening, and smirked a bit. "It would be better if you didn't know him, he'd not very pleasant to be around with."

Son of a-! Wait till I-! Like you were a pleasant company! That's what he wanted to say. "I feel so bad for La Muerte, to be tricked by that… monster." He said instead. He had to stay in character, after all, no matter how much he wanted to make a hole in the red head's face. "

"Indeed"

You're not a monster, Xibalba. He's suspecting something and is trying to provoke you, don't let this fool get the better of you.

Itzlacol shrugged. "Well, at least she'll be free from him in a few more days."

What? What did he mean? Osvaldo glanced subtly at him. "What do you mean?" Don't show any interest or it'll give him hints.

"Nothing at all, just a thought." Itzlacol shrugged it off as if it was nothing.

"Alright…." He had to get out of here. "Well, My Lord, it was… pleasant to chat with you, but I must go check on my horse, he's very high-spirited and I wouldn't like those stable boys to cause an uproar."

"He's from Lady Epona, right?"

Osvaldo stopped in his tracks when Itzlacol mentioned Epona. Damn it, just how did this guy know where to hit the spot?! He was not as air-headed as he originally thought, apparently. Sorry, Epona, but I'll have to lie about this. You can smack me for this later. "Unfortunately, I haven't gotten such attentions from Lady Epona. I hardly know her." He was starting to sweat. Damn it, it would let Itzlacol know he was lying. Maldita sea, it was much easier to lie before he met La Muerte, that woman would make him a saint soon!

Osvaldo smiled when he saw the signs that the Count was lying. "Oh, you don't have to be subtle, your Excellency. I have seen her horses, I can tell the steeds she raises apart from the more common ones."

"You've never seen my horse as far as I know, how would you know?"

"I was taking a look at King Sol's stables when I arrived, and I caught a glimpse of it. I must say, your horse has an air of dignity and elegance you don't find in normal horses. He's a Friesian thoroughbred, right?"

"There might have been more there. You know, since La Muerte got so many horses as presents."

"Ah, yes, indeed. I was one of the people who gifted her with a steed, but no one would ever think of giving her a black horse. It wouldn't fit such a pure, beautiful, virtuous woman like her."

Maldita sea! "Yes…" Osvaldo finally sighed in defeat. "That's my horse alright." And for your information, you're not the only one who gave her a horse. "Now that I recall, La Muerte has a white mare in her stables as well. I can tell that is her most favored horse." He smirked internally when Itzlacol grimaced a bit.

"It seems so. I could tell it was also bred by Epona, though I can't tell if it was a gift from her or her husband. Though knowing her kindness, even if it had been from him, she wouldn't take it out on other people, not even that animal." The fire god smiled at the Count as they continued their way to the stables. "You are very fortunate, Lady Epona is not known for giving away her horses just like that."

Osvaldo shrugged. "Well, you caught me. What can I say…?" soon the surroundings became more humble yet with an air of elegance and luxury as they finally made their way into the castle stables. "Well, here we are."

Though not was majestic as Aztlan's stables, the stables of King Sol were very elegant. The stalls were made out of the finest metal, painted in gold and black with a few red, and most horses inside were the skeletal type, except for those used by the gods, which were larger and looked like living horses. Stable hands ran around pouring water and hay into the stalls to feed the horses. Itzlacol caught sight of the Count's horse; such a fine animal he was, elegant proportions, high-spirited, and apparently he had good stamina and endurance as well. Of course, Epona's horses were the best of all the world, but all his attempts to buy one from her ended in failure. If only he could get his hands on that horse. Medianoche felt the avaricious eyes on him, and snorted, stomping his hoof nervously, there was something about that guy that freaked him out. Osvaldo headed over to his horse.

"Hush, Medianoche…" he shushed the animal, stroking his head. "That's just a friend, Itzlacol…" A friend that I'd like to see dead.

Medianoche…. That name rang a bell… He had heard something from other gods. It struck him. "Medianoche? My, what a coincidence!" Itzlacol laughed. "Xibalba's horse is named just like that, or so I've heard!"

Osvaldo froze for the third time that day. MALDITA SEA! At this pace he's going to discover me in less than five minutes! Medianoche had to snap him out of it with a snort. "Oh, really? What a coincidence, indeed."

Itzlacol noted the mood change in Osvaldo. "Who knows? It's a rumor, I might as well be wrong." He walked closer and took a closer look at Medianoche. "But I'm serious, your horse is exceptional."

"Thank you." Osvaldo couldn't contain himself and technically spat those words. Itzlacol continued to smile, however.

"I beg your pardon, but however did you manage to get Epona to give you that horse? He looks like a fine specimen, I suppose she was be reluctant to part with it."

"I still wonder the same thing, I was as surprised as you are." You wish, red head. "I guess she knew I would take good care of him."

"I have tried to buy a horse from her countless times, but up to now she has refused all my offers." He approached the stall where his horse-a reddish brown stallion with white socks, streak on its head and black mane and tail-was. The animal snorted and flattened his ears, as if frightened of his master's very presence. Osvaldo noticed.

My, I wonder why's that. "Your horse is magnificent as well." He commented, taking a good look at the steed. "I guess you had to search far and wide for him."

"Heck, I did!" he patted the horse's head, but it trembled slightly. "Thoroughbred Arabian, from the stables of the Sultan himself. I must say, though, he has quite the temper sometimes."

Osvaldo only needed a look at the horse's expression to see why, though. The poor thing was terrified of Itzlacol! "May I?" he inquired, glancing at the horse.

"Of course, if you'll let me stroke your steed."

"Very well, you I must warn you, he doesn't like strangers." Osvaldo glanced back at Medianoche. "You know what to do." Medianoche snorted in reply.

Itzlacol approached the Friesian without a care in the world, and caught his attention. Medianoche snorted, flattening his ears when the god reached out a hand to touch him.

"Be careful." Osvaldo warned him when he noticed the look on Medianoche's face, but on the inside was expectant of what would happen.

As soon as Itzlacol's hand was near Medianoche's nose, the stallion let out an angry neigh and dug his teeth into Itzlacol's hand.

"OW!" Itzlacol retreated his bitten hand and gripped it on his other hand, glancing at the bite marks, and contained his urge to curse the animal for daring to bite him.

"Medianoche!" Osvaldo stomped his way to Medianoche and glared at him, before glancing at Itzlacol. "I'm very sorry, he's usually not like this!"

Itzlacol was shaking his hand, muttering. "He does have quite the bite!"

"I tried to warn you. Horses don't like to be touched unless you make them feel safe." Osvaldo headed over to Itzlacol's horse.

"Don't worry, Excellency. Perhaps I put him nervous in some way." Once he was done tending to his hand, he noticed the Count was heading to his horse's stall. "Be careful with that one. He loses his head at times."

Osvaldo ignored him and kept approaching. The stallion snorted and flattened his ears, like Medianoche, but there was genuine fear in this horse's behavior. He guessed it was not used to good treatment. "Easy boy… Easy... I'm not going to hurt you." As he reached out to pat his neck, the horse stepped back, snorting and giving nervous neighs. Yes, the poor thing didn't have a good life. "Shh, it's okay." He searched in the pocked of his pants and took out a few sugar cubes, holding them out for the horse. "Here, do you want some? You can have them." The horse started to come out of his shell and reached out to eat the sugar cubes from his palm. He gave it a few pats on the neck, speaking reassuring words.

Itzlacol could not believe it. His horse had responded positively to a complete stranger, while he often had to whip it into obedience everytime he tried to even ride him. Osvaldo noticed this, and decided to rub it into his face… subtly, of course.

"See? It's not that hard."

"I must admit I'm intrigued." Itzlacol said simply.

Osvaldo glanced at him. "Intrigued? You simply have to get to know your horse." He patted the Arabian stallion's nose gently, and it snorted in delight. "Medianoche hates to be touched on the nose, but yours seems to adore it."

The Friesian hates to be touched on the nose?! He new that and didn't tell him?! Itzlacol coughed. "I don't mean to sound rude, but that information would have been useful a few minutes ago." He said calmly, rubbing his still sore hand, though in reality he fumed with ire.

Osvaldo glared at Medianoche. "Don't worry, a horse bite won't kill you."

"No, but it does hurt!"

Medianoche heard his master's voice in his head. "Good boy, Medianoche. I'm going to give you a tasty reward later." The horse snorted.

Itzlacol managed to calm down as he stared at Medianoche. "Regardless of its temper, your horse is remarkable, Excellency."

"Maybe, but he is as stubborn as a mule…" Osvaldo walked to Medianoche's stall and patted his neck. "Boy, how about we go stretch your legs a bit? What do you say, the same road as yesterday?" Knowing Itzlacol, he'd probably try to obtain his horse in a way or another. Thankfully, his avarice would be the end of him. No one had ever beaten Lord Xibalba on a race, after all.

Itzlacol kept staring at Medianoche. High-spirited, endurable, fast, beautiful… He had to get his hands on that horse, definitely. It would be a good addition to his stables, and he'd get to get back at it for biting his hand. "Sounds intriguing, your Excellency."

Osvaldo glanced at him. "Excuse me?"

"How about we make things interesting with a little wager?"

"A wager? What kind of wager?"

Good. He had caught his interest. "You know, there are races in Arabia in which each rider puts his own steed as a leverage. The winner wins the mounts of all his opponents."

"Alright… And what does it have to do with the wager?"

"I was thinking we could make a small bet on our horses. The winner takes the loser's steed."

Yes! He fell for it! Osvaldo glanced at Medianoche. "Well… and how about we make things more interesting?"

"More interesting, you say?"

"The loser not only loses his horse, also… he is not allowed to talk or communicate with La Muerte for 10 days." He smirked internally at the look in Itzlacol's face. "Soo…"

Itzlacol chuckled. "Is this an attempt to delay the inevitable?"

"And what would that be?"

"Me winning her heart, of course."

"We'll see about it." Osvaldo smirked. "I accept the wager, but only if we add my stakes as well." You're in for the humiliation of your life, pal.

"Very well, then. I accept you terms." Itzlacol stretched out his (good) hand. "By the Ancient Rules…"

Osvaldo shook it. "…The wager is set."

"Shall we saddle up, then?"

Both gods led the horses out of the stalls, but Itzlacol ordered the stable hands to saddle his horse up, while Osvaldo saddled his himself. As he was adjusting the bridle, Osvaldo whispered into his horse's ear. "Let's beat the ginger head." Medianoche snorted in agreement. A few minutes later, both horses were ready, and Osvaldo noticed Itzlacol's bitten hand was getting in the way when he tried to grab the reins of his steed. "My Lord, you seem to have problems with your horse."

"Not at all, Excellency."

"You know, I feel generous today. I will let you choose where the race will take place."

Itzlacol glanced to his opponent in surprise. However, it turned into an evil smile when he thought of a place where he could have the terrain advantage; Osvaldo had made it difficult for him to even grab the reins with his bitten hand, so they would be even in making it difficult for the other to win. "Very well, in that case…. Is your horse used to sand?"

Osvaldo's confidence started to recede. "More or less… why?"

Itzlacol's smile grew wider. "I know just the perfect place for our little competition."

"Go on."

"Have you been to the Namibia desert?"

"… No. I haven't, actually." Osvaldo glanced at his horse, who had the exact thought in his head. "Okay, Medianoche…. We might have a little problem. Me and my gratitude, dammit. Though I could kill him there, nobody will find him, anyway. Don't you think, Middy?" Medianoche snorted in annoyance and dismay. His master and his antics.

"Let me guess…" Osvaldo continued. "The race will take place in the Namibian desert? Well, your horse it's Arabian, it's used to sandy terrain…"

"Sort of, though I haven't gone to a desert lately, so it might have lost his touch… Who knows? In a desert, anything may happen."

Osvaldo sighed in dismay. "Indeed."


The Namibia desert was considered one of the most desolate habitatas on the face of the earth by both humans and gods alike. There were but three oasis in that scorching sea of sand, and little to no plants at all, not even dead bushes to remind trespassers that the desert showed no mercy to anyone that came unprepared. If you got lost in that endless landscape of dunes, you were doomed to a slow death by dehydration or starvation, what happened first. Whatever few animals managed to live here were renown survivors, most of them reptiles and little mammals, as well as a few birds that fed on the remains of the doomed.

Osvaldo was starting to regret giving Itzlacol the choice of where the race would take place. He instantly knew he'd have the terrain disadvantage, Medianoche was not used to sandy terrain, and he either, frankly. Itzlacol knew it. He was glad that at least the path was marked, and he managed to summon a cloak for this climate. The starting point would be some canyons in the middle of the desert, from here they would make their way through the sea of dunes, and the finish line would be the Kunene river, one of the only three lush areas where water could be found that divided Namibia between Angola so that the horses could drink some water.

"So, Your Excellency, shall we start?" Itzlacol inquired, patting his horse's neck.

Osvaldo finished adjusting Medianoche's harness, and glanced at his rival. "Why the rush, My Lord? It's the Namibia desert, one mistake can cost our lives in this place.

"I see you're wary. That's good, considering the harsh landscape of this place, and the unpredictable circumstances we're facing."

"Yes. Indeed."

Both gods climbed unto their horses, and Osvaldo caught glimpse of spurs in Osvaldo's leather boots. He shifted uncomfortably in the saddle and tightened his hold on Medianoche's reins; what if he lost? He'd lose one of his oldest friends, and he'd be at the mercy of this cruel god. No! Now was not the time for pessimism, he had to stay positive.

Ready.

Set…

Both riders spurred their horses into a gallop-Osvaldo using a firm but not too strong kick at the sides, while Itzlacol dug his spurs into his steed's flesh almost to the point of making it bleed-and the animals through the canyon like devils, struggling to keep ahead of the other, their hooves pounding on the stone and echoing through the dry valley. Both Osvaldo and Itzlacol were head-to-head, however, both horses were equally good. However, Osvaldo knew his horse like the palm of his hand, and on some parts of the trail he'd trust Medianoche's judgement enough to let him go along on his own. He caught glimpses of Itzlacol whipping his horse's rear with a riding whip, and dig the spurs into its sides, making it give neighs of pain.

When Itzlacol realized Osvaldo was getting ahead of him, he realized he had to do something. Seeing the path broke into a two-side cross-road, he led his stallion across Osvaldo's path, forcing the Count to pull the reins to slow down and avoid crashing into him, and made his stallion buck dust into the friesian's eyes. Medianoche neighed loudly as he shook his head and reared up in fright. Hopefully he could knock the Count off the horse, but he didn't bother to stay and see if it happened, he simply urged his horse to gallop faster as he galloped down

"Medianoche, Soo!" Osvaldo pulled the reins with all his might until he managed to calm his horse down, patting his neck reassuringly. "Shh, it's okay, my boy." Realizing they had lost precious time, Osvaldo quickly kicked Medianoche into a gallop once more, but towards the other way. Seeing a staircase-like rock formation that led into the upper part of the canyon, Osvaldo turned rightwards towards it. Medianoche jumped up the rock formation impeccably without a single trip, and was soon galloping across the rock of the upper canyon, trusting his master's judgement. Osvaldo caught a glimpse of the sea of dunes ahead, and snapped the reins, urging Medianoche to go faster.

Itzlacol smirked in satisfaction when he looked back and didn't find his rival, certain he had lost Osvaldo, but as he emerged into the sea of dunes, suddenly a black steed jumped from the atop the rock formations and landed on top of the sand on its hooves and continued to gallop without a single scratch. How in tarnation-?!

Osvaldo glanced back at him tauntingly. "What's wrong, Itzlacol? I thought you didn't like being on second place!"

The fire god growled through grit teeth. "We'll see who's in second place." Itzlacol again spurred his horse to go faster; thankfully he'd have the advantage on sand.

Medianoche felt his hooves slippery on the sand and had difficulty at galloping at full speed through the dunes, he often slipped down when galloping down the dunes, but thankfully managed to remain on his footing. Itzlacol's steed, on the other hand, had apparently no problem in traversing through the slippery sand.

Then both horses sensed it.

Osvaldo was caught off guard when Medianoche momentarily reared a bit, and seemed upset for some reason, but he managed to make him continue. He was about to ask him what was wrong when suddenly he felt the wind blowing stronger than before, carrying some dust and sand into his face. Managing to look ahead, his eyes widened when he saw a gargantuan cloud of whirling sand approaching from the horizon.

A sandstorm.

Maldita sea!

"Get ready, Medianoche!" Osvaldo called out, pulling up his hood and covering half his face up to his nose with the cloak's scarf. "This is going to be the heck of a ride!"

The sandstorm struck. Medianoche and Itzlacol's horse were momentarily spooked, but nevertheless they continued to gallop. But Medianoche's eyelashes were too thin to protect his eyes from too much sand compared to Itzlacol's Arabian stallion, much more adapted to these extreme conditions. Medianoche was soon shaking his head, blinking rapidly and neighing loudly as he tried to get the sand out of his eyes. Osvaldo knew he was in trouble when his horse started bolting, panicking and snorting.

Itzlacol was satisfied when his rival's horse apparently lost control in the storm, but soon the sand entered his eyes as well and he had to close them shoot, his bitten hand letting go of the reins and lifting them to wipe his eyes and block any further sand.

The Arabian stallion saw the friendly god and his dark mount were in trouble. If his master won that black stallion would suffer the same abuses as him, and he could tell the rider clad in black was very close to the black horse. If The black rider won he could finally be free of his cruel master, and start over again. Taking advantage that his master was blind and had no idea of what was going on, the red stallion cantered towards Medianoche and neighed to call his attention. Medianoche lifted his ears and managed to catch a glimpse of his rival; the stallion motioned him to follow him and trotted through the storm. Osvaldo saw what was going on, and seeing no other choice, motioned Medianoche to go after him "Follow him, boy! I don't think he has bad intentions!"

Despite his hesitance, Medianoche did as told and followed the stallion. Itzlacol managed to regain his sight, and with squinted eyes spurred his horse to go faster despite the weather. He didn't see Osvaldo getting ahead of him once again in the direction the red horse had pointed them to. Osvaldo caught a glimpse of a oasis in the distance.

The Kunene River.

"Go, Medianoche!"

Itzlacol panicked when he heard the Count's voice, and heard the hooves pounding against the sand, then on firm ground. In desperation, he whipped his horse's rear with all his might, but the horse had enough of mistreatment and out of sudden reared up, frightened, nearly knocking his rider off the saddle.

"Stupid beast! Hurry up, I want that horse!" Itzlacol snapped at the animal, whipping and spurring it mercilessly.

Osvaldo crossed the finish line when Medianoche's hooves touched the waters of the river. Panting heavily, he pulled down his hood and scarf, sweating heavily, and patting his horse's neck, his glove moistening because of the sweat on the stallion's neck, listening to Medianoche's heavy breaths as he himself recovered his breath. "Well done, chico…."

As Osvaldo dismounted and allowed his horse to drink from the refreshing river, Itzlacol approached by foot, dragging his horse by the reins. His hair was a mess, and his clothing was all dirty with sand. Osvaldo didn't need to ask what had happened.

"Lord Itzlacol, are you alright?" he asked, glancing at the fire god upside down.

"Ah, yes, Excellency, just a little… shaken by that sandstorm." Itzlacol said, barely managing to contain his anger, keeping a calm expression. "But congratulations on your…. Victory."

On your face, ginger head! "Thank you, My Lord. And I believe we had an agreement by the Ancient Rules."

"Indeed." Itzlacol released the reins of the horse. "As in accordance to our agreement, this Arabian stallion is yours."

"It was a good race."

"Indeed it was. I hope you will excuse me, but I have matters to attend to."

Osvaldo nodded. "I understand."

After Itzlacol disappeared in a burst of fire, the red stallion walked closer to his new matter and nuzzled against his shoulder. Osvaldo chuckled and patted the animal's head gently.

"Well, chico, how about you and Medianoche take a good bath before we take you to your new home?"