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"Hail, esteemed King and Queen of Teca! Permit us to present ourselves!" declared the two mysterious figures. Removing their helmets, they unveiled their true identities. "I am Zatz, the Prince of Bats," announced the white-haired individual with shoulder-length hair, fair skin, and crimson eyes.
The companion next to him placed his helmet on his hip, surrounded by dark wisps of shadows. "I am Sombra, the Prince of Darkness," he added, his jet black hair tied in a man bun, revealing piercing blue eyes. "We serve as emissaries for Lord Mictlan."
Gasps rippled through the crowd, with someone fainting at Sombra's revelation. The queen queried, "Why are you here now? We have done nothing but honor the gods." Sombra, expressionless, evaded her question, stating, "We are here to escort Princess Maya to her rightful kingdom in the underworld..." Maya raised an eyebrow, questioning, "My rightful kingdom?" Glancing at Ximena, who shrugged in confusion.
"...And in the underworld, Princess Maya is destined for sacrifice," Sombra concluded. The crowd gasped, exchanging fearful glances as they faced the royal Teca family. "Sacrificed?" the jaguars questioned in unison, confusion and worry etched on their faces.
Ximena, noticing the queen's fury directed at her husband, clenched her fists and positioned herself slightly in front of Maya. In that moment, Ximena sensed an unsettling truth—the King and Queen of Teca harbored a secret involving Maya.
"And, of course, we cannot overlook Lord Mictlan's second demand," Zatz declared, recapturing everyone's attention. "...Lady Ximena, descendant of the God of Flame and Destruction, the Dragon Goddess, shall assume her rightful place at the table, replacing her father." His gaze shifted to Ximena, who stood behind the Jaguars. The corners of his lips lifted slightly as Ximena, perplexed by his words, furrowed her eyebrows at him.
'Descendant of the God of Flame and Destruction? A Dragon Goddess? My...father?' Ximena directed her gaze toward the king and queen, who exchanged guilty looks with the girl they had raised since toddlerhood. Her mind buzzed with unanswered questions, and the desire for clarity gnawed at her, making her feel on the brink of madness. Seeking solace, Maya reached over, intertwining her hand with Ximena's and squeezing it reassuringly.
"Alas, Lady Micte, Maya's true mother, shall welcome her to the endless death." claimed Sombra. The Jaguars gasped in unison, exchanging concerned glances. "True mother?" they questioned together. Maya, puzzled, turned to her mother, asking, "Mama, what is he saying?" The queen averted her eyes, burdened by guilt for withholding the truth. "Everything will be all right."
Chiapa, stay to protect Maya and Ximena," the king commanded, receiving a firm nod from the battle cat. Turning to his sons, he instructed, "Jaguars, on my command, we move." With his two swords in hand, the sons prepared themselves.
