In Another Life

Live Again

Centuries. 

It's been centuries. 

Nearly 400 years and so far, Chaska's search has been fruitless. 

She refused to give up. Throughout the years, she had passed the scent to every wolf she and Estrella had encountered in hopes of covering more ground.

But even still, there was no vessel that was worthy of carrying souls as powerful as their deity halves. 

One night, Chaska was staring up at the night sky lost in thought. 

There were some days where she wondered if it was worth it to keep searching. She thought if it's been this long, perhaps there were no worthy vessels.

But she'd always tell herself to keep going, to search for a little longer. The wolf often searches for a full day to find its next kill.

Estrella came into the room and yipped.

Chaska's ears quirked at the news her friend had just delivered, "What? Are you sure?"

Estrella nodded.

One of the wolves had found a potential vessel.

Chaska turned around to face him, "Take me. I want to see for myself."

Estrella passed the scent to Chaska as they set off for the mortal realm. 

The town of San Angel. 

A quaint and small town that has been in the center of the world for a few short years. 

It hurts to see the fall of a kingdom, but it's fascinating to see the rise of one.

The scent that was given to them led them to the home of the Sanchez's.

The bullring. 

Chaska doubted Vucuub would approve of this profession. 

Chaska looked through the windows and eventually found a sleeping couple, the woman with child.

"This is it?" Chaska asked.

Estrella yipped.

"Alright. Let's have a closer look."

They stepped into the room and sniffed the air.

From what they could smell, the couple were both strong people, caring, loving. The woman was creative, musically inclined, gentle and understanding. The man was more stubborn and firm, but still had a gentle touch to him.

Even so, she could tell they were both more than worthy.

"They're perfect." She said as she gave one last confirming sniff, "Who do you think they should have?"

Estrella thought for a second before yipping.

"Zatz it is."

They returned to the realm of gods to tell Candle Maker they found a vessel.

"Give the soul of Zatz to Carmen and Carlos Sanchez." She told him, "They're more than worthy."

A few weeks later, Manolo Sanchez was born. 

Chaska had gone to see the child that night.

He was asleep in his crib by the time she got there. She ran a hand through his dark hair and said, "You have a greatness within you. More than you may ever know."

It was a little harder to find a suitable vessel for Maya. But one night, as she and Estrella were wandering near San Angel, a certain scent caught their attention.

After following it, they were back in the small town. They were now in the house of what seemed like a couple of high status.

Once again, the woman was with child. 

After sniffing around with Estrella, she found that the woman was cultured, well read, independent, and empowering with kindness. 

The man was less favorable, being the exact contrast of his wife, thinking less of women, she even smelled a hint of manipulation.

Yet, they seemed like the best fit. 

"It's them."

Estrella groaned and gave a questioning look.

"I know. Let's just hope the child doesn't take much after their father."

They had told Candle Maker to send Maya's soul to the Posada residents. 

The next day, Maria Posada was born.

Like before, Chaska had seen the child when it was asleep. She touched the girl's head and said, "Strength will always be a part of you. As it served you once, it will serve you again."

That night, Chaska had the best sleep in her life. Her goal was accomplished. 

May the children have the lives Maya and Zatz never did.