The next morning, breakfast was quiet. There was tension in the air, La Muerte dreaded for the moment Xibalba would have to go to his trial, she was still afraid he might not return. Xibalba accompanied her back to bed and stayed with her for a few minutes, still assuring her everything would be alright. He gave La Muerte one last kiss on the forehead, and planted an extra kiss on her abdomen for the baby, before he grabbed his staff and teleported away. As soon as he was gone, most of his hounds came inside his room to make her company. He hadn't let them in ever since she came back, he didn't want them to unintentionally hurt the baby, especially since one of their habits was to get on La Muerte's lap so she could scratch their ears.

There was a knock on the door. "Come in." La Muerte said, sighing sadly as she stroked Colmillo's back.

Roberto peeked his head in. "My Lady, Lady Epona and the Candlemaker are here."

The Candlemaker? "I'll be there shortly. Please serve them some snacks meanwhile.

"Yes, My Lady."

After Roberto left, La Muerte gently ushered the hounds next to bed aside for the time being so she could stand up with a bit of difficulty, since her baby bump was considerably bigger now. Taking a few breaths, she walked out of the room, and since she couldn't teleport due to her state, she walked down all the way downstairs to the throne room. Like Roberto had said, Epona and the Candlemaker were there, the latter was enjoying some biscuits Emilio had probably brought.

As soon as she saw La Muerte crossing the doorway, Epona left the obsidian chair and rushed to her. "La Muerte, is Xibalba-?!"

"He already left." La Muerte said sadly. "He said it would be best it I stayed here…"

"Don't worry, he'll figure something out." The Candlemaker attempted to lighten the mood. "Come on, he's gone through… Well, I don't really think there's something worse than this, but you know what I mean!"

La Muerte noted Epona was not accompanied by a certain god. "Where's Zipacna?"

"He received a notification to attend his brother's trial too."

"I'm worried… What if he's condemned…? I just-!" La Muerte groaned in dismay, pacing around. "It kills me now to know what's going on there."

The Book of Life elbowed the Candlemaker's arm and flapped its pages. "What? Are you nuts, man?" the Candlemaker told him in worry. "If the Kings find out, they'll put me on trial!"

Unfortunately, Epona heard him. "What?"

"err… Nothing! Book is just worried, that's all! Hehe! The Candlemaker tried in vain to hide Book from view, but it merely flew out of his grasp and towards La Muerte, opening itself to Xibalba's Story. However, suddenly the letters started to glow white, and a small bubble of energy formed. As it grew, blurry images started to form inside it, and when it was large enough the images cleared, showing a dark god standing before two golden doors.

"Xibalba?" When La Muerte reached out, her hand went through the bubble, it rippled almost like water, and she retreated her hand.

Epona approached warily. "What is that…?"

Seeing no other choice the Candlemaker sighed in dismay. "It's a sort of… Well, it's a way to either spy on people, or used in case you want to know what's exactly happening all around that peson, instead of simply reading his part in the mess."

The horse goddess frowned, crossing her arms. "Don't you think that think would've been useful with all the fiasco about Egypt?!"

"Hey, that method it's frowned-upon! It's considered invasion or privacy!"

"Isn't reading from the Book invasion of privacy too, then?!"

"Not if it doesn't include images…!"

La Muerte coughed loudly, frowning. "If you two don't mind, I want to see what's going on!"

Both Epona and the Candlemaker realized they had more important things to take care of. They approached the Book of Life, and the trio of Gods stared into the energy ball as the doors opened…


He was afraid.

This wasn't the first time he feared for his life. The first time was at the time he lived under his father's cruelty, constantly fearing he'd eventually kill him. The second during in his time in the wars, fearing a loose arrow or a blow from a spear would eventually murder him. The third was when Itzlacol left him bound in the Egypt flood chambers, though what he actually feared at that time was to leave his wife and unborn child at the mercy of Itzlacol.

But this time, he feared that the Kings would have him executed. They had a legitimate reason, he had broken a Blood Oath out of his own choice, Tezcatlipoca would not accept excuses of any kind. If it were for him, he'd already be vaporized out of existence, but rules were rules.

Still, he kept a serene expression as he strode elegantly into the Trial chamber. It was a circular room, with high, marble platforms all around where the rest of the pantheon sat. He could hear whispers of either disdain or surprise coming from the rest, but he did receive a few sympathetic glances, but the indifferent stares outnumbered them greatly. Only the accused, and whoever was on his 'side' were at the bottom floor, so he wasn't surprised to find Zipacna there, staring at the golden swirls on the floor until he heard him come. The Kings were on the highest platform, sitting side-by-side, like in Ancestral Times, both frowning upon Xibalba in disappointment.

And of course, Itzlacol simply couldn't miss this. He had a satisfied smirk as he sat on his own place, his arms crossed. Xibalba continued the urge to make any sort of comment to him. Now was not the moment. On the corner of his eye, he could see King Sol, who stared indifferently at him. But he guessed it was better than a glare right then.

When Quetzalcóatl stood up, the whole room went quiet. "Lord Xibalba. I assume you know the reason you are here."

Tezcatlipoca followed suit. "If not, we could remind you meticulously." His gaze was dark and it presaged nothing good.

Zipacna gulped, his ears pressing against his head as he glanced at the Kings, then at his brother.

Xibalba nodded solemnly. "I do know why I'm here, Majesties." He looked down, closing his eyes. "I broke the Blood Oath I made when I rose to the throne." He heard the room exploding into quiet murmurs of utter shock.

"Good. Then we can skip the part where your accusations are laid down." Tezcatlipoca said.

"What you have done is of the gravest possible crimes, not to mention that you have broken more than one Ancient Rule" Quetzalcóatl narrowed his eyes. "You broke a Blood Oath."

Xibalba nodded. "I am well aware of that."

"Yet, you still chose to do it. My question is if you did it in all of your senses and under your own free will."

Tezcatlipoca's gaze softened in the slightest. "He must have been. And if he was, we would want to hear the reason."

He was gripping his staff so tightly he thought it would snap in two at any moment. "I was in all my senses when I carried it out, and I did have a good reason to do it." The best would be to tell the truth; if he lied, they would think he was trying to hide something. "My wife La Muerte was attacked by Forgotten Beasts, and she nearly lost the child we are both expecting."

Again, the rest of the gods murmured amongst themselves, this time out of worry for La Muerte's wellbeing.

Quetzalcóatl felt terrible for La Muerte, but that didn't justify it. "But the spell you used was too complicated to be used just to fend off Forgotten Beasts. Instead it seemed like it formed…"

"A cage." Tezcatlipoca finished, his tail twitching.

"We tried to enter several times, but we were rejected by the spell."

Xibalba frowned. "I wasn't trying to keep her in. On the contrary, what I wanted was to keep certain people out."

"Did you have something to hide?"

"Maybe hide La Muerte from other gods." Tezcatlipoca glanced at Itzlacol, then at King Sol.

"I did." Xibalba's gaze went to rest on Itzlacol with a deep frown. "I wanted to keep her safe from Lord Itzlacol."

Itzlacol scoffed, rolling his eyes. "And here we go again!" He winced when suddenly Quetzalcóatl stamped his tail on the floor, signaling him to be quiet.

"Lord Itzlacol, I believe your… opinions have not been asked for yet."

"And we still have not forgotten…" suddenly, Itzlacol thought he heard Teztatlipoca's voice inside his head. "…about Egypt." The war God muttered under his breath, irritated as the Kings' attention went back to Xibalba.

"What were your reasons to hide La Muerte from Itzlacol?" Tezcatlipoca inquired. "She is indeed your wife, but according to general marriage rules, the spouse has the freedom to interact with whoever they wish, especially in such a lonely realm as yours, Lord Xibalba, as long as there are no intentions of unfaithfulness."

"It wasn't like I liked it. La Muerte can associate with whoever she wishes, indeed, but at the time I had to cast the spell she was very delicate, the baby was as well. If her father or Itzlacol had gone down and made a scandal, I don't know how it would have affected them…"

Subtly, Quetzalcóatl and Tezcatlipoca exchanged a glance, before the latter spoke again. "Would you be so kind as to explain what do you want to protect her from? What would Lord Itzlacol have done to her?"

Xibalba started to tremble in rage when he remembered all the threats. "He wanted to get rid of me to get to her… Then he would have taken her child's life so he could have her."

Itzlacol punched the table with his fist. "Lies!"

Tezcatlipoca glared at Itzlacol, hissing. "Lord Itzlacol, be quiet!"

Quetzalcóatl glared at Itzlacol sternly. "We are aware that Lord Itzlacol is no saint either." Then his eyes set on the dark god once more. "But what you did, Lord Xibalba, has no measure. The Book of Death cannot be used even with noble intentions, it was what killed your father if you don't recall!"

Both Zipacna and Xibalba winced at the mention of Akrinok. "I know, but at that moment I saw no other choice." Xibalba closed is eyes. "I'm willing to accept any punishment you wish to apply."

Figuring Xibalba was done speaking for the time being, Quetzalcóatl glanced at Itzlacol warily. "Lord Itzlacol, you may speak now. Wisely."

Itzlacol stood up, having already thought of his words. "Everything he claims is nothing but bluff! I never did such things-" Much to his confusion, Tezcatlipoca frowned.

"Speak wisely, Lord Itzlacol. Everything you say can and will be used against you if necessary."

For the first time, Itzlacol felt a nervous shudder run down his spine, especially when all eyes were on him, not all of them friendly. "Why I do admit, Lord Xibalba has never been of my liking, I would never go as far as to kill him."

"Lord Xibalba did not fear for his life, he feared for his wife and child's." Tezcatlipoca pointed out matter-of-factly. "Would you happen to know why?"

"As we know… he has made himself enemies in other pantheons…! Maybe one of those gods tried to kill him, and used a glamour conveniently looking alike to my persona!"

"That's a bunch of horse manure!" Xibalba growled, casually saying one of Epona's phrases.

Tezcatlipoca narrowed his eyes at Itzlacol. "That does not answer the question." His brother had not spoken yet. He must have figured it out, and was yet to share the information with him.

"I heard a rumor that one of his enemies was an Egyptian god named… Xibalba mentioned his name once, his name was Set, I think… I also heard he tried to kill Lasy La Muerte once, that could be enough. And I recall Xibalba saying he was taken and almost drowned in Egypt, which is an ocean away from here. Maybe Set had something to do with it."

Finally, Quetzalcóatl spoke with a dark voice. "We told you to speak wisely, Lord Itzlacol, not against yourself."

"I don't understand, I just mentioned gathered things from Xibalba's claims…"

Tezcatlipoca coughed loudly. "Brother, if you recall we are not here to talk about Lord Itzlacol, but Lord Xibalba."

Zipacna had not said anything yet. He was afraid to get his scoop in and mess everything up. The Kings looked down at Xibalba again.

"Lord Xibalba, you're under accusation, and there is enough evidence to show your blame, so you shall be punished."

Zipacna didn't know what overcame him, but he stepped forward calling out. "M-My Lords!" he quickly regretted it when all the eyes in the room, including his brother's, were onto him, but he gathered his courage to speak calmly. "I did not have my own chance to speak and… defend my brother."

"Indeed." Quetzalcóatl nodded. "But we're aware you are his brother, and you would do anything to defend him, but he has confessed. There is nothing you can do."

Xibalba was staring at his older brother sadly. "Zipacna…"

"But… I can…"

Quetzalcóatl decided to hear what he was going to say, much to Tezcatlipoca's impatience. "What is it, Lord Zipacna?"

"I can defend my brother! I know things…! I witnessed things!"

That was when Tezcatlipoca snapped his fangs, losing his nerve at taking so long in punishing the Oath-Breaker, as he had always sworn. "There is nothing you can do or say, Lord Zipacna!"

The tone in which the jaguar god spoke made Zipacna go quiet. He gave Xibalba an apologetic look, and was responded with a reassuring glance, but the both of them froze when the two Kings stopped discussing, and looked down at Xibalba.

"Lord Xibalba, your punishment shall be…"

"Not death, not death, not death…!" Zipacna chanted in his head like a sacred mantra, crossing his fingers behind his back

"It should be death…" Tezcatlipoca said firmly.

Xibalba froze in place, his blood going cold like poison and his stomach dropping, Zipacna looked like he was going to faint in any moment, while Itzlacol looked like he had won a prize for something. Behind the solemn expression, Xibalba could see the glee and the happiness hidden. The whole room was silent. Zipacna wouldn't let them harm his brother so easily; this crow would peck hard if he had to.

"Nono! My Lords, please reconsider! You don't have exact reasons as to why he did it! You could kill him and he didn't even…!"

Tezcatlipoca frowned. "He confessed, Lord Zipacna!"

"If you kill my brother, then you'll have to kill Itzlacol too! Xibalba was almost killed by that rat and he doesn't get to be punished?!" Zipacna hissed at them, which made some of the other gods whisper hurriedly and in fear.

"Lord Zipacna, I believe you don't understand the… gravity of the situation. The Book of Death is no longer safe under Xibalba's supervision…" Quetzalcóatl stared at Zipacna, scratching his chin, thinking. "But perhaps… it will be under yours…"

Zipacna blinked in confusion. "What?" He glanced at Xibalba, but he looked as confused as him. Heck, even Tezcatlipoca seemed to be confused at his brother's comment. "H-Hold on, what do you mean?!"

Xibalba spoke again. "Yes, what do you mean…? Will I be… executed?" the very thought sent shivers down his spine.

"In a way… yes." Quetzalcóatl simply said. "But not in the way you imagine."

"All we need to know is if he will live to see the light of day!" Zipacna exclaimed in dismay at the tension.

"Oh, he will…" He narrowed his eyes at Zipacna when he sighed in relief.

Tezcatlipoca finally realized what his brother was proposing. In his opinion, that punishment was too mild for the crime, but Quetzalcóatl must know what he was doing. He decided to follow along, he'd discuss with Quetzalcóatl later. He glanced down at Xibalba. "You should thank your brother for this, Lord Xibalba. You owe him your very life."

"But you still must be punished."

Xibalba didn't even know what punishment they were had in mind, but still he nodded. "I accept it." But soon he regretted when Quetzalcóatl'w eyes glowed a bright yellow, and he stamped his tail on the floor. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in all of his body; he dropped his staff, falling to his knees as the pain intensified. Hearing a cry coming from Zipacna, he turned his head and saw he had fallen on his knees too, and he looked like he was in pain.

The other gods watched in shock as Xibalba's crown suddenly vanished into thin air. It didn't end there, however. A green energy emanated out of Xibalba's body, making the green marks on his face disappear, and it flew into Zipacna's body. Zipacna's cape changed into a deep black color, blacker even than his skin, and lime green patterns formed on it, looking exactly like Xibalba's. As a finishing touch, Xibalba's crown re-materialized into Zipacna's head, accommodating itself on top of his crest feathers. When the pain finally subsided, both brothers collapsed from the pain, but they managed to glance at each other.

"What just happened…?" Zipacna whispered weakly.

Xibalba just closed his eyes, panting. "I lost my crown…"

Quetzalcóatl's eyes went back to normal. "Lord Xibalba, as punishment for breaking a Blood Oath and an Ancient Rule, you will no longer be the ruler of the Land of the Forgotten."

"A blood oath which you don't have to respect anymore, because you have no more authority and possession over the Book of Death." Tezcatlipoca added as he stared at Zipacna's exhausted form. "You saved your brother from death. At a cost."

Were the circumstances different, perhaps Xibalba would have laughed. He had the feeling Quetzalcóatl had seen this as a sort of chance to make Zipacna snap out of it and become responsible, but unfortunately Zipacna didn't seem to catch on as he quickly went back to his feet, looking like he had seen a ghost.

"My kings, I cannot be ruler of two realms!"

"There is no rule that says a God cannot have two realms." Tezcatlipoca said.

"B-But… My brother is…"

"Was."

"My Lords, I could tell you' I refuse' in 32 languages! That would spare the number of no's!"

The other gods rolled their eyes, but Quetzalcóatl wouldn't change his mind. "Lord Zipacna, we all know that you are having difficulties ruling one single realm."

"Exactly!"

"Well, perhaps ruling two realms will make you more responsible."

Dismayed, Zipacna glanced at his younger brother. "Hermanito, I saved you, now you save me!"

Before Xibalba could say anything on the matter, however, Tezcatlipoca growled. "Lord Zipacna! Enough of this! Since you are the next in line, you shall be the ruler of the Land of the Forgotten from now on. By the Ancient Rules, you would have been the heir to the throne, but your father chose otherwise… Well, now it is yours." Tezcatlipoca didn't look forward to this. Xibalba had kept the Forgotten Beasts under control, and he was a fair ruler even for the conditions of the realm. However, he still needed to be punished for his action.

"What if I don't want it?!"

"You have no choice."

Zipacna was tense. Xibalba sensed a dark energy coming from him, almost as hot as the fires of the Cursed. He was beyond angry, he could tell with a glance; his hands were clenched into fists, and his expression was serious, but there was a cold fire in his gaze. "Zipacna… are you okay?" he inquired as he went back to his feet, picking his staff up in a telekinetic hold until he had it back in his hands. However, Zipacna ignored him and gave the Kings a small bow.

"As you command, my kings…" he said with a darkness never heard before… a seriousness that made even Itzlacol shivers. Xibalba had a bad feeling about it.

Itzlacol was beyond angry. It was as if the universe was against him; the perfect chance to get rid of Xibalba, and the… Kings had to ruin it by sparing his life?!

"My Kings, you can't be serious!" he exclaimed, standing up. "You will let him live?!"

"Lord Zipacna spoke wisely enough to save his life." Tezcatlipoca simply said. "The sentence is definitive until Xibalba earns the right to bear the Crown again."

Itzlacol coughed loudly. "With all due respect, my Kings, I think you're being to lenient on him!"

Quetzalcóatl frowned. "It's done. Lord Xibalba lost his crown, but he will live." The two kings stood at the edge of the platforms, signaling the other gods that the trial was nearly over. "Lord Zipacna will rule both the Lands of the Cursed and Forgotten."

Zipacna didn't say anything when the two of them gave him a respectful bow, as the tradition commanded. The rest of the gods, including Itzlacol and even Xibalba himself, had to give one of their own. He responded with a bow of his own, before disappearing in a swirl of black feathers. Xibalba followed suit in a burst of green fire as Tezcatlipoca spoke again.

"This council is dismissed."


La Muerte was startled when she felt a dark aura behind her, but when she turned around she found Zipacna there. The Book of Life closed shut and flew to hide behind the Candlemaker in fear of Zipacna. Shortly after, Xibalba reappeared next to him, and he looked shaken by what just happened. La Muerte ran towards her husband and embraced him tightly. Xibalba returned the embrace as he stroked the back of her head, the both of them relieved that it hadn't come to an execution. But Zipacna's expression was cold, and he was trembling in anger.

Epona hesitated, but she approached him to place a hand on his shoulder, but much to her surprise he gently shoved it away. "Z-Zipacna…?"

Finally, he exploded, turning to his brother with glowing eyes. "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!" Although he spread out his wings in anger, when Xibalba jumped in fright from his sudden outburst, even wrapping his wings around La Muerte instinctively, he managed to lower the volume of his vice. "What were you thinking when you did that…?"

For the first time in his life, Xibalba was afraid of his older brother. He gently pushed La Muerte behind him. "Z-Zipacna, calm down…"

"Calm down…?" Zipacna chuckled bitterly as he turned towards them slowly. "Did you just tell me to freaking calm down when my brother just lost his throne and it was given to ME?! WHAT IN TARNATION WERE YOU THINKING!" The castle itself seemed to tremble.

"What did you expect me to do?!" Xibalba snapped defensively. "Sol would have eventually figured out my wife was there and he would have taken her away!"

La Muerte decided to say something. "Zipacna, he di d what he thought was best-!"

"What was best?! Breaking a Blood Oath?!" Zipacna's glare remained on his brother. "There were other ways of doing something about Sol, Xibalba! You could have killed Itzlacol if you wanted! We had enough proof against him to avoid any accusations against you! Oh, but no! Let's listen to dear ol' daddy and play with the Book of Death!"

The Candlemaker realized there was black mist flowing around Zipacna, and it started to extend across the room. "Err, guys… I don't mean to interrupt, but…"

Xibalba realized what was going on. "Zipacna, you're-!" he quickly pulled Epona behind him, spreading out his wing to keep them from interfering. "La Muerte, Epona, step back!"

"I'M WHAT?! YOU THINK THIS IS EASY FOR ME?!" Zipacna screamed, his eyes swelling up with tears as his eyes glowed. "ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS YOURSELF! YOU NEVER THINK ABOUT ANYONE AND ANYTHING IN THE WORLD!" soon the black mist was swirling around the throne room, and it took the shape of ravens and crows who cawed wildly.

"ZIPACNA! YOU'RE LOSING CONTROL!"

"THE SAME AS YOU DID! WHAT'S WRONG, DEAR HERMANITO?! DO I REMIND YOU OF SOMEONE?!"

La Muerte and Epona nearly tripped when everything started to shake, and La Muerte protectively took her hands to her belly, feeling the baby squirming, frightened by what was going on outside. The Candlemaker quickly teleported in front of them, just in case something went flying towards them. Xibalba reacted quickly and flew towards Zipacna to pin him to the ground.

"ZIPACNA! STOP! YOU'RE DOING THE SAME THING YOU ACCUSE ME OF!"

"GET OFF ME!" In a fit of incredible strength, Zipacna kicked Xibalba off him and against the wall, making him grunt in pain.

Finally, both Epona and La Muerte had enough. Despite her state, La Muerte stamped her way towards Zipacna, while Epona cried out with tears in her eyes. "ZIPACNA, STOP IT!"

Epona's voice momentarily caught Zipacna's attention, he didn't have time to react as La Muerte came to him and slapped him hard on the cheek, making him step back. The glow in his eyes disappeared, as well as the mist, and everything became quiet again. Zipacna remained frozen, but he felt La Muerte's glare sent shivers down his spine.

"Que demonios estabas pensando?!" she hissed. "You could have hurt anyone here! You have hurt Epona, Xibalba, me or the Candlemaker! Instead of acting like a spoiled child who throws tantrums because he didn't get what he wanted, act like an adult and try to think on how to help instead of complaining for everything!"

Zipacna took a few breaths to try and calm himself down, turning his head towards his sister-in-law with a frown, but when he spotted Epona helping Xibalba get back on his feet, his expression softened considerably. However, as she turned to look at him he looked away once more, ashamed.

"Zipacna…" Epona whispered.

"It's easy for you, La Muerte… You have nothing to lose in this. And if I recall correctly, this mess happened because of you." Zipacna said bitterly. Epona had enough, and she teleported right in front of him, taking him by the shoulders and forcing him to look at her.

"That's enough!" she growled, frowning deeply. "Calm down!" Her frown softened. "Please, for me…"

The Candlemaker was staring at Zipacna warily, he never thought that god could be so scar . "Well, guys… if you don't need me right now, I need to get back to the Cave of Souls and… well, you know…"

Xibalba nodded, understanding. "I think we can handle it from here, Candlemaker." As the Candlemaker disappeared in a flash of golden light, Xibalba had to lean unto his staff, spreading out his wings to try and get rid of the stiffness in his back from the blow. La Muerte immediately walked over to his side to help him stay on his feet as Zipacna turned his back on everyone, rubbing his forehead and tangling his claws with his crest feathers. "It's a mess… I'm a mess… How am I supposed to look after two realms?!"

"I know what you're thinking, but it's not that hard." Xibalba said gently, flinching when he received a dark glare in return. "You're technically my boss, if you think about it… I have to help you anyway."

"I'd say you're still the ruler… at least in person, I'm only in title." Zipacna pointed out.

"That's what I mean." Xibalba sighed in dismay. "Unfortunately, though, the Forgotten Beasts won't think of it like that."

"That might be a big problem, a big one indeed…"

"What can we do meanwhile?" La Muerte inquired.

"For now, keep Itzlacol and Sol away in the best way possible…" Zipacna thought for a moment. "If La Muerte wants with the latter, that is…"

"Itzlacol is still a threat…" Epona commented, crossing her arms.

"Yes…" the Lord of the Cursed and… Forgotten glanced at his younger brother. "Don't worry, Xibalba, this is still your castle and you can stay here, I'd rather stay back home most of the time, if you don't mind. And since you are not linked to the Realm anymore, you'll have to be wary with Forgotten Beasts. They won't recognize you as their King anymore and will attack you without thinking it twice."

"We'll figure it out." Xibalba nodded assuringly.

After thinking for a moment, La Muerte sighed. "I think I'd like to talk with my father."

"Are you sure, La Muerte?" Zipacna asked her in concern.

"I was thinking on asking him to come down…"

"Without Itzlacol. I won't allow him to put a foot here."

"Muertita, are you sure…?" Xibalba pulled her close. "What if you get stressed out? The baby…"

"It'll be fine, Balby…" she smiled, stroking his cheek. "I can't go on like this forever. I'll have to face my father sooner or later. You have to talk with my father too."

"It would be good if you did solve things up with Solly… Just try not to cast another forbidden spell while you're on it…" Zipacna glanced at the throne sadly, letting out a sigh he didn't know he was containing. Xibalba noticed something was up with him.

"What is it?"

"I feel like a criminal… A puppet everyone plays with as they wish, they didn't even ask me if I wanted this in the first place…"

Suddenly, the whole room became dark once again, but this time it was not Zipacna's doing. The torches flickered and finally the green fire extinguished. Zipacna winced when the others gave him a warning glance. "It's not me, I swear! Maybe it was just the wind…!"

A humorless chuckle coming from seemingly no one echoed in the room. Xibalba instantly recognized that voice, and quickly pulled La Muerte close to him, wrapping her in his wings. Epona ran to Zipacna's side and hugged him in fright of that dark voice, but Zipacna was too frozen in fear to try and show her some comfort.

"So… You did dare to return after all…"