Achilles held a serious gaze combined imperceptible amusement with a smile, and watched Hutizi waiting for him to make his move.

The stands became more excited as the fight unfolded further.

- Achilles has challenged Huitzi! While our half-god stands tall, despite being the most injured so far!

Aphrodite, sitting on the divan in her personal room, stared at the Greek hero she'd faced with her trojans many years ago.

- So... he's not only a pretty handsome and strong warrior - she spoke with sensuality and interest - He also has a very covetable spirit...

Geir was looking directly at the arena; but despite having her eyes on the combat, his mind wasn't there. She had many things on her mind; one of them was his Valkyrie sisters within the walls of Valhalla.

- Several minutes have passed since the tournament started. By now, everyone should be awake.

At the moment of whispering that, a probable moment crossed her imagination, which stole an amused smile from her.

- Maybe Hlökk is angry, a lot 'cause Líf and Lífthrasir don't get up from her beds. Maybe Mist, Hrist and the others are convincing her not to hit that cute pair of kids.

But, that smile quickly disappeared.

- We're only in the first round and I feel like an eternity has passed here. But... - she shook her head at her and fixed all her attention on the arena - I must continue with this, to save humanity and will protect my sisters.

The Mexica pantheon threw cheers and applause with fervor, filling the side of the spectator Gods of the combat.

- Come on, lord Huitzi!

- The southern hummingbird will win!

- Mesoamerica terror will crush that human in no time!

- Tremble, humans! God of War is going to bathe this battlefield in the blood of that human!

While everyone shouted excitedly without losing her devotion, Coa fell to her knees on the ground as she felt her strength as her mother constantly diminish.

- Mother! You don't have to worry about my brother! - Cuahui spoke to the Goddess, bowing beside her - He has overcome many obstacles and won in countless battles against many Gods... He's the southern hummingbird!

- Since he entered that arena, he's in danger of dying... - Coa spoke, while she cried in whispers - I'm very worried he'll drop dead in this arena.

- He won't fall! He himself defended you with fist and sword from your other children, when they wanted to kill you!

She directed her gaze back to her Huitzi, her chest spilling blood from her 2 wounds, and she closed her eyes.

- Please, win... son.

Huitzi smiled and raised her gun to point it at Achilles.

- "Blessed God of war", you say? It seems you've been well informed about me, but... Answer me "half-god"... Have you really heard the truth from me?

Achilles didn't respond, but instead took one hand to his freshly covered wound.

- I'm feared in my pantheon, by many Gods and demons... I've been called "The southern hummingbird", "God of war" and other titles, but... There's only one has always caught my attention, 'cause it's my favourite... Do you know which one it is?

- ... Which one...?

- ... Blood demon...

A new morning rose over the land of Aztlan, the sacred temple where the Mexica pantheon's Gods lived.

At that time Coyo, the Moon Goddess, was queen of Aztlan, considering herself and proving to be the strongest of the Mexica.

On that morning, the Goddess, who had great physical height and wore furry and exhibitionist clothes to show off her body, beautiful and disciplined, sent for all her brothers. They were 400 men, Coyolxauhqui being the only woman.

The 400 brothers had to undergo strict training to be the Centzon: the stars that protect Aztlan and the army of the Mexica Gods, fighting monsters and demons wanted to take Aztlan.

And that day was the most special in training.

- Brothers! - Coyo spoke with elegance and delicacy, in contrast to her dominant appearance - I've seen and closely followed your training, individual and group. After seeing your results, I've come to a conclusion. I declare today... all of you have finished your days to train... From now on, I officially name you Centzon!

Everyone immediately entered into celebrations and joys.

- Finally!

- I thought those training centuries would never end!

- Now we'll do real things! Men things!

- Very well, my brothers. - The Goddess smiled proudly - Now, do your job... Take care of Aztlan, right now!

The celebration of the Gods was interrupted by sudden discouragement.

- Huh? Will that be all sister? - asked a young Cuahui with curiosity - There will be no more celebrations or anything?

- What did you think, bunch of fools? We must be alert all the time, to avoid being attacked suddenly. Aztlan safety is more important than any celebration.

- Excuse me, Gods.

Another deity of Mexica pantheon appeared from the shadows. Of small stature and very elegant clothing compared to the others, which consisted of a full body feather suit and a jeweled helmet. The Gods looked at him cheekily.

- Oh... It's you, Yaca...

- You shouldn't treat me with such disrespect! - demanded the little God as soon as he heard them - I am the messenger of the Gods. I always keep an eye on everything that happens in Aztlan since you started your training... You must respect me!

- Yes, yes! Whatever you say... - The Gods ignored him and began to speak in amused whispers.

Coyo, who used to do the same when she was younger, held back her laughter. But, noticing it was very difficult, she swallowed hard and regained her composure.

- Guys, Yaca is a God as important as you, so he deserves respect.

The Gods silenced and one by one they nodded respectfully at their older sister.

- Continuing with what I told you, children - she joked to calm them down - Today you will take care of Aztlan. Unless...

The Goddess smiled and put a hand to hair.

- I don't know. Unless, tonight, there's a coronation ceremony that ends in a huge celebration party I've been planning for 500 nights.

- Oh yeah!

All Gods exclaimed together with joy and murmured among themselves with excitement. After long minutes, one by one they went to carry out their duties; more or less they had an idea, since the training had given them the necessary foundations.

Coyo was left alone with Yaca and then spoke with him.

- Okay, what's your message for me?

- Majesty, speaking about Gods... A messenger traveled from far away to bring a letter. He told me you should receive this - the messenger spoke as he extended a small paper envelope to the Goddess - His name was Hermes, in case you're interested to know.

- Thanks - Coyo took the envelope and looked at it doubtfully. Especially the recipient's name - "From: Zeus, God Father of the Cosmos. To: ruler of Aztlan."

- I already thoroughly investigated the paper without opening the envelope. It's safe for you.

The Goddess nodded as she continued to focus on the written name; that word "Zeus" caused her a lot of intrigue. She ignored that and opened the letter, to read its content carefully.

- Let's see... - she mumbled as she read - "Olympus Gods", "Cronus defeated"... Cronus. I think that name came to mention Quetzal.

- So is.

- Huh? And what is this? "A Conference of Gods"? What do it means?

- Probably... It means a meeting to do what I do with you: inform the other Gods about the incidents and developments, to take care of each other.

- Hmmm... Yes, maybe that's it...

The Goddess continued reading the letter, forming a long silence. At the end, Coyo nodded and closed the letter.

- I think it's a good idea, especially now I see it has a map - she addressed it to Yaca - Please, prepare the trip. It seems to be long, so I'll stay there for a while.

- As you order.

- When you finish, go back to check the messaging. To see if any other letters come from that Zeus.

The God disappeared from the queen's sight, and she was apparently left alone; but a third voice disconfirmed it.

- Don't you think you're dry and cold with him? He has served as Aztlan's private messenger long before you took that throne.

- I'm not so cruel to him. He's still serving with us, or am I wrong, mom?

Coa appeared from a corridor that connected with the special throne room, presenting herself as a very beautiful woman (and much younger than her in second Ragnarok); that beauty was in stark contrast to knowing she had over 400 children. Coa smiled at her firstborn daughter.

- Just say. You can be a little more charismatic with everyone here.

- Of course I'm charismatic, mom!

- Only with me, young lady - the Goddess in snake clothing walked to her daughter - You should smile more. Maybe you could get a boyfriend.

- Mom!

- I'm just saying... - she smiled mockingly as she disheveled her daughter's hair with an affectionate movement - Being single for so long makes you very cold.

- Mom! Stop saying false things about me... I don't need any man to be happy! - she spoke with pride and firmness - I have you, the mother who has cared for me and raised me to be Aztlan queen I am today.

- Don't give me all the credit either. You proved your place in this kingdom, and thus managed, after so much effort, to become this queen.

- Hehe... As you say, mommy! - Coyo warmly hugged her mother, stooping down because of her height difference - Thank you for everything you've done for me.

- You don't have to thank me. That... is a mother's duty... - Coa held the hug for a while, while she ruffled her daughter's hair.

But the sound of an animal rattle from behind took them by surprise. They turned to see who was responsible for the sound: a giant, fearsome-looking snake, especially covered in feathers. As Coyo gave a startled cry and jumped back, Coa reached out and bent down to stroke her feathers.

- My other daughter! - she exclaimed while took her by the head and placed her on her shoulders, to carry her - My beautiful Xiau... Are you sure you don't want to caress her, Coyo?

- No, thanks... - answered the Goddess with revulsion and fear - I've never liked your pets, especially Xiau.

- And now, it's time for your morning walk... - the snake amicably entangled itself in the body of the Goddess, and she walked towards the temple exit.

- Let this party begin!

Coyo built a fire in the main courtyard of Aztlan Temple, where the 400 Coa children gathered to celebrate, after the long and boring coronation.

Eating from the specially made banquet, doing exotic dances, drinking lots of artisanal pulque, telling stories of their experience. Everyone celebrated with great joy and fun.

- That training was a hell! - exclaimed one of the brothers - I'll never do that again... Even if offered me the position of lord Quetzal himself!

- None of us! I remember we had to travel to Mictlan for some bones... We almost died!

- That was the worst part! - answered a third - Having to go down those damn 9 floors!

- But, nothing compares to what Coyo did to us. - Cuahui commented confidently.

- It's true! Walking on red-hot cut obsidian, grabbing a star from the sky in hands, and beat it to death!

- Her tests were the most insane and terrible!

- And thanks to those tests, you bunch of brats, now you can defend Aztlan with excellence.

The reunited brothers were startled by the sudden appearance of their older sister Coyo, behind them.

- Coyo!

- Don't forget to add "lady". You all, in addition to my younger brothers, have become Aztlan and your queen's personal guard.

- As you say, lady Coyo!

All the brothers remained silent for a few moments, but not being able to take it any longer, the younger ones burst out laughing. And soon after, the eldest joined them.

- I really love you, little brothers! - Thanks to her great size, she was able to extend her arms and hug open that group of about 6 Gods - I'm very happy to know you'll already be the Aztlan stars.

- And we're sad because you need a boyfriend! - Cuahui joked.

- Huh? What are you saying, you little idiot!? - Coyo blushed - I don't need those things!

- Sister, you have to admit it! - a second brother insisted - You need a big and strong man, to make a pair on Aztlan throne. Also, that can calm your aggressive temper.

- I'll show you how I calm my temper! - Coyo hit him on the head.

- It doesn't have to be any of the beauties in this humble kingdom. - a third spoke sarcastically - It could be... I don't know, maybe some "Olympus God".

- Olympus? How do you know that name!?

- We heard recently, through a messenger, some very interesting things... like "Olympus", "Zeus", "Gods of other Kingdoms"...

Coyo immediately knew the informant's identity, and her blood boiled inside her as she whispered angrily.

- Damn Yaca... you talked too much.

Another one of her brothers continued speaking.

- You may find some "blonde" with a pretty face out there for you to marry. Or something like that.

- What nonsense do you say? I'm the queen of Aztlan - she tried to defend herself with pride and dignity - Having a partner would diminish my royalty, and I may end up leaving the throne and this land to be... someone else's servant.

- Or... you could find a God who likes to be subjugated, something like a masochist. In that conference of Gods must be a perfect candidate for our older sister.

- "Conference of Gods"? And how do you know about it?

- A messenger.

- Come on, sister! - Cuahui exclaimed fiercely - Stop being bitter and get yourself a husband from Olympus. That Zeus could be a good choice, his messenger Hermes or some other son he has... The possibilities are endless!

Coyo thought of all the options, and his head ended up spinning all over the place.

- What the hell are you all talking about!?

The party was given in the courtyard of the Aztlan temple.

But, inside it, Coa walked quickly through the corridors of the palace, followed by Xiau who crawled from her and followed her step. The Goddess looked everywhere with anguish and concern, as if she were seeking to pass unseen through the labyrinth of corridors and doors lit by torches.

After an eternal journey, she arrived at destination: a room, larger than the others and with a wooden door marked with a flame of fire on the material.

Inside it was another God, who from his expression when saw Coa made it clear he was waiting for her. His body wore an imposing jaguar costume, with reddish plumage decorating her back and head.

As soon as he saw Coa, he approached her with a smile.

- You arrived. I thought we wouldn't see each other today.

- Of course not! - Coa exclaimed, with a blush on her cheeks - I came all the way here just for you, honey.

- I'm glad...

That God was Mix, the Aztec God of storm and the hunt.

Mix hugged Coa around the waist, and they joined in a long loving kiss. Their passionate lips collided, while their hearts fluttered with love. Their eyes closed letting the moment grow in time and pleasure.

Mix's hands began to descend on her body, getting Coa out of the romantic trance.

- No, here no. It's my daughter's temple, and outside are my children in their celebration for being the Centzon. We should go out-

- We are already here. - Mix whispered to him tenderly as he kissed the cheeks of the Goddess - And far away from party. No one will hear us.

- But... this temple...

- This place will witness our union. - he spoke delicately, taking her hand - If we aren't worthy, we'll be punished by lord Quetzal and sent to Mictlan. But, our love is pure and beautiful.

Mix took Coa's cheek to look at her face to face.

- I really love you. And I want us to be one.

Coa was confused, between her feelings of love and the concern generated by having kept that relationship a secret for many millennia.

She separated her hands from the God, and reached out to remove the warrior helmet from her lover, finally depositing it on a table in her room. Then, she intertwined her hand with Mixcóatl and nodded.

Putting aside the reasoning that gnawed at her head, her heart passed sentence.

- It's fine. We are and will be one... my beloved...

Xiau understood the situation. Her expression was cold and blank, especially since, being part of the love plot, she already knew her role.

As kisses and caresses of pleasure filled the room, the snake quickly crawled out of the room; and once outside, with the tip of the door she closed the door. She wrapped herself up and settled in front of the door, to make sure no one wanted to enter.

Her waking night had begun, as had the special night of love and passion between Coa and Mix. Their first night together...

Three months have passed since Coa children became Aztlan stars, the Centzon.

In one room, queen Coyo awoke lazily. She got up from her bed heavily, and looked at herself in the mirror in front of her. She sighed firmly and widened her eyes determinedly.

- Very well, Coyo... - she spoke to her reflection - Time to start a new day.

She took a brush from her nightstand and ran it through her hair several times to untangle it. Right after, not wanting to change her clothes, she left her room.

- No one is awake at this time, except for my brothers who've done night watch - she murmured to herself - I'll put on my queen clothes later.

She walked slowly, still half asleep, through the halls of the palace to reach her throne room. As soon as she entered the central esplanade, she saw her mother doing her typical daily chore:

Every morning from very early, the Goddess Coa cleaned the temple of Aztlan; specifically, she was in charge of sweeping the corridors and rooms, especially her daughter's throne room. That activity brought back beautiful memories from long ago.

But for Coyo, seeing her mother working so hard drove him crazy.

- Mother! - she exclaimed and addressed her - I've already told you not to do homework or chores. I have servants who take care of that.

- First, good morning. - she corrected her immediately as continued sweeping. As soon as finished, put the broom on her shoulder and looked at Coyo - Second, If I don't do this, then what will I do? Every day I'm in my room, and easily get bored. Let me at least sweep here.

- I could find you another activity. I don't know... maybe you could weave.

- Weave? Do you think I'm a grandmother? - Coa laughed with fun.

But her expression changed immediately.

A sudden pain in her belly made Coa clutch her stomach and drop to the ground. Coyo was very scared to see her like this.

- Mother? Mother!?

- Don't worry. - Coa managed to mutter, trying to hide that pain was increasing - It's nothing... a simple... stomach ache...

- No. Your face tells me otherwise. - Coyo approached and touched her forehead - You don't have a fever, but... What's wrong?

She looked around her, finding her brother Cuahui returning from night watch.

- You!

- Huh? What's wrong lady Coyo? - he quickly approached. At first, his surprise was towards his sister's style, but changed his attention when he saw his mother on the ground - Mother!? What happened!?

- I have no idea! She suddenly fell to the ground, saying her stomach hurts.

- It's nothing children... - Coa spoke in whispers, with a pale face - It's nothing...

- It's not a good thing. Please, brother, take her to infirmary and take care of her. I must change these clothes.

- O-Okay sister. I'll take her right away.

Cuahui took Coa by the shoulder and hand to help her walk to infirmary. The doctor was sitting at the entrance, greatly surprised to see the Goddess Coa in such a way.

- What's this!? What happened, Cuahui!?

- I don't know! - he began to explain him desperately - I only know she fell to the ground, with a great pain in her stomach. Please help us.

- Leave your mother on this stretcher... Quickly!

Cuahui obeyed immediately and placed his mother carefully on the stretcher. The doctor began a quick general check-up, touching her stomach and belly.

- What exactly hurts?

-My... belly... - she mumbled very heavily, taking her hand carefully to that area - It hurts a lot... I feel something inside here...

-Let me check... - before starting, spoke to the God - Please get out. I need personal space.

- Yes doctor!

Cuahuitlícac left the infirmary immediately and closed the door behind him.

There were many sounds that came from behind the door that greatly distressed him: complaints of pain, nausea with vomiting, and a very frightening silence.

He was about to go back inside when Coyo, wearing a very casual feather robe, came running into the building's entrance accompanied by a bunch of siblings.

- You're back!

- What are you doing out here!? - Coyo desperately grabbed the youngest of his shoulders - What's wrong with my mother!?

- I don't know either! The doctor started checking on her a few minutes ago, but he hasn't told me anything.

- Then let me in!

Coyo pushed through and opened the door impatiently. He had a little argument with the doctor, but in the end he went in and slammed the door.

The other brothers didn't pass, and all remained outside very impatient and anguished. They began to bombard his brother Cuahui with questions, but he had no new answer to give them.

The wait was getting longer and longer, and everyone's concern was growing terribly by leaps and bounds.

Little by little, all of Coa's children gathered at the entrance to the infirmary, with the same questions. And just as the last of the 400 Gods arrived, the atmosphere changed.

The infirmary door opened and Coyo came out; the brothers saw her countenance had changed, with empty eyes and a lost gaze. The brothers immediately bombarded her with questions.

- Sister! What has happened!?

However, to their surprise Coyo was totally silent as she made her way between them.

- Sister!? What happened?

- Tell us something! You're worrying us!

- Sister! - Cuahui intervened to stop her - What has happened to our-!?

- We'll talk about that later...

Coyo's words were very firm. At the empty look of her, a few tears from her cheeks along with a change of expression for one of pain accompanied her.

- I can't... understand this...

- What are you talking about? - Cuahui imagined the worst - Is our mother going to die!? Or is she already dead!?

- No... it's worse... - Coyo took Cuahui by the head and moved him to continue walking towards the palace - Our mother... she has been dishonored and she has dishonored us.

- Huh? What are you talking about!?

Her next statement was like ice against the 400 siblings.

- She... she's pregnant...

Saying this, Coyo continued walking, dragging her feet heavily. All the brothers were shocked and looked at each other in confusion.

- What? What did she say?

- I-Is that...?

- Can not be...

Cuahui was the only one who came out of the surprise, although he didn't understand anything. He turned around and hurried into the infirmary.

The doctor was running some tests on his lab table, away from the gurneys. Cuahui went to the stretcher where he had left her mother, and found her lying down but with a very different countenance than a while ago.

Who always had a smile while doing chores or taking care of one of his children, now he no longer had any smile. The way she was holding her head said she was emotionally destroyed.

Her beautiful emerald eyes, which conveyed her maternal love, were now flooded with tears of pain. Her face, which communicated her feelings. he couldn't accomplish that task because of the hands covered him to hide the crimson of his cheeks and nose. Legs clinging to her chest, her body looked like a small fetus filled with barely visible tremors; messy hair and the sobs she expelled in tears from him with a hiccup.

That Goddess, who had fathered and cared for 400 Gods, participated in the construction of Aztlan and feared for being called the Goddess of death and snakes, was now a young girl who regretted the worst mistake of her life.

Cuahui was moved and shocked by that scene so different from what he had never seen. And, without even thinking about it once, he lunged forward to hug his mother. She felt it, but all she did was increase her crying.

- Son... I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I've made a terrible mistake!

- Mother, calm down. Breathe calmly... - he clung to her tightly, making her separate hands from her face to take his arm.

- I... I...

- I have no idea what's going on, but I don't care. I'm here for you, mother.

- Son... Thank you very much! Thank you very much! - she kept pouring out her tears, but now the reason was gratitude for her son.

But, that wouldn't be the end...

After 5 months of investigation, the brothers and Aztlan learned the truth after Coa's sudden pregnancy:

The night of celebration for the stars of Aztlan, the Centzon, Coa had been united illegally (that is, out of wedlock) with the God Mix. That union ended her mother's pregnancy, and the future birth of a bastard God in the coming weeks.

- This is my final verdict.

Coyo, sitting on her throne with a feeling of greatness unusual for her, was carrying out the trial against her own mother.

- B-But... daughter...

- Daughter? You dare to call me that after this? - In Coyo an irrational anger grew as she spoke each word - You had illicit sexual relations in MY palace. While my brothers and I were celebrating their achievements, you were secretly making out with that God to satisfy your needs for pleasure... And you want to call me "daughter"!?

- Please... Don't say those things! I just... just...

- Just? Did you want to feel love for a man, after our father passed away?

Those words of the Goddess also carried the pain she felt.

- Did you want to be loved by someone? Take away the loneliness left by our... my dad? Did your children fail you in giving you love and companionship? Were we so mean and foolish you were "forced" to do this... this disgraceful act?

- Forgive me!

Coa was so devastated she didn't even know how to respond; she so guilty and so ashamed.

- Please forgive me, Coyo! I didn't want to come to this. I wanted to tell you all, but... - she lowered her gaze sadly - Forgive me.

Coyo was silent for a long time, but her mind acted first. She shook her head and her gaze turned grim.

- No. I won't. Aztlan's law doesn't offer forgiveness but punishments. And your punishment has already been meted out.

The punishment was Coa exile from the lands of Aztlan. Eternal exile.

- No, please...

- From now on, you'll be considered a foreigner to this kingdom.

- Please, don't do this... - Coa trembled in fear with every word she heard.

- While I occupy this throne, I won't give any condition for your return. If you return, you'll be an enemy. Only the decree of the next king of Aztlan can end your exile. The 400 Centzon of Aztlan are witnesses to this trial, and we agree.

- Please... daughter...

- YOU ARE NOT MY MOTHER, AND I AM NOT YOUR DAUGHTER!!

Coyo's scream was an explosion that startled everyone. The silence rumbled, and so Coa could hear her heart break into pieces.

Her firstborn, that girl she had raised to be strong like her father and determined like her mother, now broke all emotional ties with her. Her little and only daughter now hated her.

Her legs lost their strength and she fell to the ground with a crash; she was plunged into a feeling so bitter that she could taste it in her mouth. A cold and emotionless cry came from her eyes, and her gaze was lost on the floor. She was barely able to speak with a stutter.

- I'm sorry. I did not want this. I didn't want to... cause this to you all... especially you...

Aztlan queen looked at Coa, but she almost immediately looked away from her as she rose from her throne.

- Get this exile out of my land. I don't want to see her anymore.

A group of 3 brothers nodded, and took Coa by the shoulders.

All the brothers, as soon as they knew the results of the investigation, were the same as their older sister. Hurt, outraged and ashamed of her. Now, they had all declared obedience to her sister, even if it meant exiling her mother.

2 of the 3 Gods, carefully because of her pregnancy, lifted her off the ground and dragged her out. It wasn't a big problem, since Coa did not put up resistance; she was so down the Goddess she was like carrying a corpse. The only thing indicated she was still alive was her whisper of regret.

- I don't want to do this to you... I just wanted... someone on my side... sorry...

The 2 brothers, escorted by the third, reached the Aztlan exit, which was made up of 2 giant metal gates. They carefully set the Goddess down on the ground just outside the door.

- Get out. Now. - Indicated both Gods with firmness and coldness.

But the third didn't act like that. The third was Cuahui.

He took off the feather coat of his uniform to place it on his mother's shoulders. She felt the cloak brush against her body and clung to the article, but without breaking out of her depressive trance.

- I wanted... to have a partner... to love me... I...

- I'm sorry, mom - Cuahui apologized, while he went back into Aztlan.

After a while, Coa got up from the ground and, holding on to her feathered cloak, and she began to walk slowly, entering the forest that surrounded Aztlan. Just over an hour later, she disappeared from the sight of the 3 brothers.

The 3 entered the palace and went to report to her older sister, in whom her hatred and resentment had disappeared to now have an emotional void.

- It's done. Coa is exiled.

- Very good. Now, get on with your work and make your rounds around Aztlan. Don't stop taking care of your kingdom.

- Okay, lady Coyo.

- Wait! - Coyo noticed Cuahui no longer had his feathered uniform - And your clothes?

- Sorry. I left it to our mother to-

- Mother? You've got confused - Coyo's response scared Cuahui - We don't have a mother.

- What? Coyo, that's not-

- Where is your outfit?

Cuahui wanted to say the same thing again, but he immediately realized there was no point in arguing further.

- I just lost it.

- Then go to the store for another one. Remember to have your complete uniform; don't lose it again.

- It's fine...

Meanwhile, things with Coa were not encouraging.

She walked in forest in company of her long and sad wail of despair and sadness.

After a while, walking was more difficult for her due to the injuries caused to her bare feet in contact with nature. Her tear-stained eyes could barely see what she had in front of her, so she sometimes bumped into a tree, and her hair caught all kinds of things that she got tangled up with.

Over the tops of the trees the darkness of the night loomed, and luckily for her, her feather cape was her coat for that first of endless nights.

For a few days and nights she walked aimlessly, until she looked up and realized she was on top of a small hill on which several snakes with their nests lived. She was quite surprised to see them, snapping out of her depressive trance.

- Snakes on this hill... and snakes have covered my body... - after that comment she looked at her clothes; it was worn now, but at one time it reflected her nature as a serpent Goddess.

In one part of the hill she saw a stone, towards which she advanced to sit down and rest from that long walk.

- You're going to be born away from home... son or daughter... - Coa whispered sadly, while she caressed her belly, quite inflamed by her months of gestation.

The baby gave a couple of kicks, which brought her comfort.

- It seems you don't care where you'll be born, but with whom.

« That's right mom. »

- Ahhh!! - Coa scared to hear a voice resound in her head. So much so that she nearly fell off the rock.

« Mom? Why are you scared? »

- What? You...? - without understanding what was happening, she spoke out loud - Who are you?

« Don't you recognize me? I'm your son... who moves in your womb... »

New kicks moved in her belly, quite surprising her.

- You are my son...?

« So is. I'm your son Huitzi. »

- Huh? How do you know that name?

« I heard you say that name when I felt you alone... »

Coa remembered that moment; she quickly got used to hear that voice in her head so continued speaking, this time calmly.

- I almost forgot it. I was in my room, when saw a hummingbird take nectar from a flower and then fly south. That's how I came up with that name for you in case you were a boy... So, I guess I was right...

Coa fell silent as a couple of tears ran down her cheeks.

« What's up mom? Why are you crying? »

- Because of a mistake I made. - Coa spoke with new sadness - I committed a terrible crime, I did something was wrong, and... I've been exiled. Therefore, you won't be able to born in a home...

« Without a home? What are you talking about? » The declaration of her son was impressive and loving « Wherever you are, it'll be my home. Where you live I'll be there. You are my home, mommy, and I'll never leave your side. »

Huitzi stirred happily in her womb, and Coa was able to see her situation from a new point of view.

She committed a crime, paid her penalty, and perhaps she would live in disgrace. But...

That act, which was a dishonor, brought a beautiful fruit for the world of Gods: a son who would be her new sustenance. Coa cried again, but 'cause realized that truth, and lovingly hugged her belly.

- Thank you very much son.

600 Valhalla meetings. That time has passed since Coa's exile. Millenniums, for the Kingdom of Aztlan, were the darkest.

Aztlan now was almost like a wasteland, hidden and dark. But, not because of Coa's absence, but Coyo's reign, which became an irrational tyranny full of madness.

Carrying out the trial and cruel dismemberment of Mix, responsible for Coa's pregnancy; punishing the Gods who didn't obey her orders and even threatening the Valhalla Council if they interfered.

Although Mix's murder sought to recover the family's honor, the message conveyed Coyo's madness to Aztlan, and in her it was an emotional step she had never experienced.

After a meeting in Valhalla, the Goddess queen ended up in an incomprehensible depression forced her to lock herself in a room, without eating food or drinking water or seeing sunlight. She spent all time inside the room, only going out to attend the conferences of Gods every thousand years, and then she would return to confinement.

All were very bad. The 400 brothers could barely keep Aztlan in order while their queen was incapacitated; the palace smelled of Mix's blood was never cleaned, the air was icy in a way that froze anyone who passed by, and the silence between the Gods was overwhelming.

Cuahui was very concerned about everything was happening in his land. But, what kept him awake the most during those millennia was knowing if his mother would be okay, or... if she was already dead, between the teeth of the beasts of the forest...

The God, taking a walk, reached the throne romm, which had been empty for a long time. He came to his memory of the events of 600 millennia ago, and began to whisper to himself in regret.

- No... I think we shouldn't have done that. It's true she had done something dishonorable; she had sex with Mix in this palace, and kept that relationship a secret from us, but...

» She surely didn't want to do this to us... Maybe she just wanted love like she had with dad, something we couldn't give her. Her methods were incorrect, but intentions may not have been bad...

» And that punishment...wasn't it too cruel? Exile her in such a cold, heartless way? - ruffled his hair desperately - I'm very confused.

- Cuahui? What are you doing here? - one of his brothers appeared.

- Huh? I'm sorry... I was wandering in my thoughts - he turned around him - I didn't even realize I was here.

- Cuahui, you've acted weird these days. You've not fulfilled your duties and have acted with little responsibility.. What happens?

- Yes, forgive me. It's just... - he thought before deciding to voice his concerns - Don't you think.... what happened 600 millennia ago was horrible? What happened with Coa... don't you think it was very severe?

- No. Of course not.

The tranquility with which his brother responded frightened Cuahui.

- She did those dishonorable things. She deserved that punishment, with every letter. She asked for it.

- But...! Haven't you thought that was very cruel? I mean... Was it necessary to banish her shortly before gives birth? And dismembering Mix wasn't also very bloody?

- Of course not. The law demands sins be paid for with a proportional punishment immediately. Our sister fulfilled those punishments, to take care of this land.

- I know, but... Does our law approve of this? Banish a pregnant woman, without giving her a chance to defend herself against her? Do these punishments with feelings involved? Would not be...?

- What are you trying to tell me? Are you against the decisions of your queen and older sister Coyo?

- What are you saying? Of course not, and I never said that!

- Assemble everyone.

Coyo's muffled voice startled the brothers. Her clothes were black and dark, gaze cold and dull, walk very light with slow movements; With all that, she headed for her throne.

The aura she emitted was far worse than what the Gods had felt in previous millennia, and both brothers felt it with surprise and fear.

- Lady Coyo - the second bowed reverently, but Cuahui approached her cautiously.

- Big sis... I...

- You've already heard me - she spoke again with that voice, firm and cold, although cruel. Reached her throne and took a seat on the cold and dry metal - Assemble the Centzon. Now.

Cuahui with determination and his brother with loyalty, but both left their presence to carry out the order.

Coyo rubbed her forehead and hair with a hand, trying to get rid of all those thoughts consumed her. Especially, her meetings in Valhalla hadn't been very fruitful in making her better. Not all Gods were pleasant company...

She closed her eyes to rest the sight was beginning to blur; whenever she did that, she would freak out; and didn't want to get to that point right now.

« - Coyo.

That voice in her head surprised her. It's been 600 millennia since he heard it.

She opened her eyes again, and clearly saw Coa in front of her. Standing with his hands clasped, gazed at the Goddess giving her a warm smile. Coyo was very surprised by the clear and perfect image of her, so much so that she could barely speak with a stammer.

- ...C-Coa...

However, her hurt feelings were stronger. Immediately her countenance turned dark and cold again.

- You again...

- I can not believe it. You still have all that grudge against me after 600 millennia. After all, I'm still your mother.

- No... - her mind rekindled judgment and Coyo closed eyes angrily - You're not my mother.

Those words must have been a hard blow. But that image of Coa was strange; instead of feeling sorry and sad for her statement, said image let out a smile of innocence... macabre.

- That's right, I'm not your mother. I'm just a living image in your head, thanks to your imagination, regrets, and so beautiful memories...

- Leave me alone. I haven't seen you in more than ten thousand years. Get out.

- Actually, I think I'm not that either... I'm just a Goddess who didn't keep her part of the deal...

- Your part... Of the deal... - Coyo was surprised - What are you talking about?

- I had promised my happiness and love to you and your brothers. But... I broke that part because I found with Mix what I didn't find with you...

The countenance of that mental image immediately corrupted and distorted into one very different from Coyo, something that Coyo never saw or would see in her: her eyes darkened, her smile became macabre and her words sharpened; her snakes and her clothes became real and the aura around her darkened.

- Bliss and pleasure.

- What?

- Only he could offer me the love I wanted so much... - she smiled at her maliciously as she played with hair - You asked me... "Have we failed you in something?" Yes, you all have failed me: none of you are the love of my life.

Coyo got pretty mad.

- In the end... You just wanted to roll with someone to satisfy your appetite.

- Satisfy my appetite with that mediocre? No! Of course not. That was never my goal. I was more eager to break the rules and...replace your father...

Coyo's hatred began to go out of bounds from her.

- Shut up!

- Your father could never give me what Mix gave me: erotic love, company in my nights of passion, his arms whenever I wanted, and all sex I wanted.

- Don't you dare talk about my dad like that!

- Mix served to satisfy my appetite, much better than your father. Especially with what happened THAT NIGHT - she jumped up and down with amusement, like a little girl - When I joined him, body and soul, inside your temple. It was my idea, just like always, and I must confess it was the most exciting sex in my life. The best night, where I also knew I didn't need any of you...

- Damn bitch! Shut up!

At that point Coyo began to cry. Seeing her mother say such things, even if it was a disturbed mental image, destroyed few feelings she still had for her.

- I realized it would've been better not to have you.

- Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!

- In the end, that's who I am. Coa, the Goddess who prefers a lover to her children... The woman who doesn't want or love you. It's better a bastard of pleasure than 400 children. That bastard who is more sane, strong, manly and with enough autonomy to have what you, with your madness, have lost. That son of mine is more worthy to be king than you.

- Dammit!!

The anger and hatred that grew in her were such that he jumped from the throne and took Coa's neck from her, to suffocate her.

- Die whore! You'll never be welcome here, and I'll see to it that you never set foot here again!!

The image of Coa just laughed madly and evilly, provoking more Coyo's anger.

- DAMN FUCKING BITCH!! DAMN... DAMN... DAMN!! »

- Lady Coyo?

The voice her brother made her look up. The entire scene she saw vanished as soon as opened her eyes, just as it had been happening ever since she first saw the images of Coa.

She was still sitting on the throne, with her hand entangled in hair, and in front, as she requested, were the 400 brothers gathered from her. She ran her hand through hair again, then sighed.

- Sis, are you okay? - Cuahui asked, in front of her brothers.

- No I'm not - she looked up with difficulty. She didn't even know what to say; had forgotten the reason for that meeting.

She tried to remember, and among her memories came that mental argument with the fake Coa. As she was about to give up on the memory of her, a sentence rumbled through her unsteady mind.

« That son of mine is more worthy to be king than you. »

An idea permeated her head and in a matter of moments she came up with a simple, if unreasonable, deduction. Without thinking any further, she started talking to her brothers.

- We have to kill her... We'll kill Coa.

- Huh?

- She hurt us a lot. She broke our laws, had illicit relations and had an outlaw baby... - and stated her conclusion - She fathered a bastard who... plans to kill me... wants to kill me.

- What? What are you saying?

- Yeah... I could see it. A warning from future. Coa had her bastard, and during these 600 millennia she educated him to take Aztlan from me.

» That damned intent of God wants to come here, to kill us and take away the kingdom. But we won't allow it: that bastard has no right to live on our land since he was begotten.

» And we also have to kill Coat. That whore educated our destruction and will forever be the reminder of our shame. Until both are dead, with their corpses hanging and disemboweled on my walls, our lineage will be freed from their curse... And we will recover the purity of Aztlan...

One last wave of memories interrupted her monologue and tried to stop her...

« - Mommy, look at me! I'm already as tall as you!

- I'm glad, my little girl!

...

- Mommy, will I have another brother? You already have 100 children, besides me! How can you do that?

- Remember I'm a very strong Goddess.

- When will you finish? At this rate, you'll forget about me!

- That never. I could have up to 400 children, but you'll be my only Coyo. My one and only beautiful princess.

...

- Only with me, young lady. You should smile more. Maybe you could get a boyfriend.

- Mom!

- I'm just saying... Being single for so long makes you very cold.

- Mom! Stop saying false things about me... I don't need any man to be happy! I have you, the mother who has cared for me and raised me to be Aztlan queen I'm today.

- Don't give me all the credit either. You proved your place in this kingdom, and thus managed, after so much effort, to become this queen.

- Hehe... As you say, mommy! Thank you for everything you have done for me.

- You don't have to thank me. That's... the duty of a mother... »

Coyo closed her eyes, letting out the last of her feelings of attachment to her in a bite to her lower lip. An hour of blood fell on the ground, and that was the last moment Coyo felt love for her mother.

- We have to kill her... Kill that whore who has dishonored us... and kill the bastard who wants to kill your queen of Aztlan...

Publication Date: 03/10/22
ASFD

Author's note: For convenience of reader, the names of characters in Aztec mythology have been abbreviated. The abbreviations used are explained below:

▪ Quetzal - Quetzalcoatl
(God of wind, light and life).

▪ Coa - Coatlicue
(Goddess of death and snakes).

▪ Xiau - Xiauhcoatl
(Mythical serpent of fire).

▪ Mix - Mixcoatl
(God of storms and hunting).

▪ Coyo - Coyolxauhqui
(Goddess of moon and queen of Aztlan).

▪ Centzon - Centzon Huitznahua
(Legion of Warrior Gods; formed by 400 sons of Coatlicue).

▪ Cuahui - Cuahuitlicac
(Aztec minor god, brother of Coyolxauhqui).

▪ Yaca - Yacatecuhtli
(Messenger of Aztec Gods, as Hermes).

▪ Huitzi - Huitzilopochtli
(God of war; southern hummingbird).