Days And Nights (Book of Life and Maya and the Three One Shots)

If At First You Don't Succeed

Zatz gets some reassurance from Micte.

Zatz had gotten a new power and was able to turn into a swarm of bats. He was able to figure out what thought tapped into this power. Unfortunately, this power was more difficult for him to learn than his first power.

He was practicing this power in Mictlan's temple, turning into a swarm of bats after countless tries. He flew through the temple halls for a few seconds before transforming back, falling to the ground, "Ow…"

"Are you alright?" 

Zatz looked up to see Micte standing over him. She bent down to his level and helped him up. When he got back on his feet, he sat down, slumping against the wall.

"Is something wrong, Zatz?" Micte asked.

"I can't control my new power." Zatz said, "I keep trying, but it never works. If it does work, it only happens for a second." 

"Don't worry, mijo, you'll learn."

"No, I won't."

Micte sighed, sitting next to him, "Yes, you will. I know exactly how you feel. When I was your age, I struggled with my powers, too."

Zatz looked up at Micte with wide eyes, "Really?"

Micte chuckled at his reaction, "Yes, I did. I remember trying and failing so many times, I thought I’d never get the hang of it. One day, I tried my power again, not thinking anything would happen. And then, poof! I was an owl. You just need to keep practicing and to not be so hard on yourself."

Zatz was silent for a moment before looking up at Micte with a smile, "Gracias, Micte."

"Anytime, Zatz." Micte affectionately patted his head, "Do you want to try and show me your power?"

Zatz looked down at his feet, "I don't know. It was hard to get the power to work before."

"I'm sure it will this time. Just concentrate, but not too hard."

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He concentrated on the thought that would trigger his power. At first, it didn't seem like anything was happening, but after a minute or two, Zatz transformed into a swarm of bats. 

"I did it! I did it!" Zatz cheered as he flew around Micte. 

"My, what a wonderful power you have there, mijo." Micte laughed.

A few seconds later, Zatz suddenly turned back into himself, falling to the floor again, "Ow."

Micte quickly stood and helped him up, "Controlling it is a different story."