Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
🦇🐉
At the Teca Palace, Maya eagerly anticipates her father, brothers, and the Teca army's return. She's excited to hear the victorious war story and prove the prophecy true to other kingdoms.
Beside her mother, she bounces in place. "I can't wait for them to return, mamá!" Maya exclaims, eyes fixed ahead. The Queen chuckles at her daughter's excitement. "Oh, Maya. The journey to the Divine Gate is long, mija. It'll take time. Meanwhile, we need to keep busy." Maya nods, eyes lighting up with an idea. "Right. Mama, I'm hungry," she coos, tilting her head, expecting her mother to succumb to her baby-like act.
The queen gasps and claps her hands. "I will cook your favorite dish." She swiftly exits the room, leaving Maya alone. "Gracias, mama!" Maya then unties the bandage around her right arm, gasping at the scar. "Oh, this is such a cool scar! Can't wait to show my brothers," she tells the blue bird Shield had gifted her for her coronation. "I mean, I could wait until they're back, but maybe I can meet them halfway."
Maya gracefully leaps over the edge and glides down the palace side. Sneaking past vigilant Teca guards, she conceals herself behind a potted plant. "But first, gotta find Ximena." Her eyes survey the area, locating Ximena seated with a group of children. Maya smiles softly, "Of course."
Ximena harbors a tender spot for children, especially those in the orphanage. That's why she visits them daily, assisting caretakers, sharing stories, and engaging in games. Seated in a circle with the youngsters, one of them braids her hair.
"And that's the tale of how the Eagle Claw and the Dragon Heart conquered the evil monster," she concludes, the children captivated by Ximena's narrative. Of course, Ximena hasn't revealed it was really Maya and her, fearing the children might follow in their footsteps. "Now, it's almost lunchtime, so let's wash those hands and enjoy some food, niños."
They groan in unison, a little hand raised. "One more story, señorita Ximena?" Others nod, and Ximena, unable to resist, agrees, "Ay, fine, one more story." Before she continues, a moving potted plant catches her eye. Narrowing her gaze, she spots Maya's face peeking from behind. Maya waves, motioning for Ximena. Clearing her throat, Ximena clasps her hands, "How about you kids eat first, and then, once you're finished, we can play a little game, how about that?"
Smiles light up the children's faces, and they rush back to their houses or the orphanage. Ximena brushes her braid over her shoulder, grinning at a little girl. "Gracias, niña." She playfully pinches the girl's nose, eliciting giggles. "Now, run along, my little Warrior." The girl nods and skips away. Ximena then hurries to Maya, scolding, "Now, what in the celestials are you doing here when you're supposed to be up there?" She jabs her finger toward Maya's bedroom.
