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

Mirror For Your Thoughts

Tezcatlipoca gives Camazotz advice.

Tezcatlipoca spent a lot of his time in the mortal realm. Mortals were always easy to mess around with and cause chaos.

One day, he was walking through the forest after causing drama in a village, whistling a tune, “They're not gonna talk to him for days.” Out of nowhere, he heard a shout and was hit in the back of the head, “Ow!”

“Oh, Tezcatlipoca, it's just you. I'm sorry, you startled me.”

Tezcatlipoca turned his head and saw the god of bats, Camazotz, “General.” He said, getting up, “What are you doing here?”

“I'm on a scouting mission.” Camazotz explained.

“I see. And you didn't see me coming from three feet away. Not like you.” Tezcatlipoca leaned in close to Camazotz's face, making him uncomfortable, “What's on your mind?”

“Nothing, Tezcatlipoca.” Camazotz turned away, about to walk away.

Tezcatlipoca got in front of him, “Come on, you can tell me anything. Tell your old buddy what the problem is.”

“It doesn't concern you.”

“It does now.” Tezcatlipoca’s obsidian mind mirror materialized in his hands. Camazotz sighed as the mirror was held to his face, knowing there was no escaping this.

Tezcatlipoca’s eyes and smile grew wide as he read the mirror, “Ah, I see. You're worried about Zatz and the demigod princess.” He put the mirror away.

“Why do you do this?” Camazotz asked.

“Because I love to help out my dearest friends. And it's entertaining.” Camazotz rolled his eyes. “But why is this twisting your wings?”

“Zatz is infatuated with the princess.” Camazotz said, “I'm afraid more will be compromised with what's at stake.”

Tezcatlipoca’s face softened for a moment before he smiled, “Oh, I see. The little bat boy is in love.” He created heart illusions, much to Camazotz's annoyance, “But seriously, what's the problem?”

“‘What's the problem?!’ Mictlan wants to sacrifice Maya, the world is in danger because of it, and on top of that, Zatz and I are trying to overthrow Mictlan. I'd say everything is the problem!”

Tezcatlipoca had his arms folded behind his head as he levitated, lounging in the air. His face was indifferent, “I still don't get it.”

Camazotz groaned and turned to leave. Tezcatlipoca created a giant hand that turned him around, “Ep, ep, ep. I didn't say I was done.”

“I didn’t know you started.”

“Zatz is a smart kid, you flying rodent.” Tezcatlipoca said, “It's rare that he messes up a mission. Or at least, that's what Puppy says about him.”

Camazotz thought about it for a second, “He has become more level headed over time working for Mictlan.”

“Now you're getting it.” Tezcatlipoca floated back to the ground, “Besides, maybe the princess could be good for Zatz. She could help the boy become a man, if you know what I mean.” He smirked and nudged the bat god.

Camazotz grabbed Tezcatlipoca by his jaguar foot and hung him upside-down, “That's my son you're talking about.”

“Take it easy, Camazotz, I didn't mean to offend.” He let go of Tezcatlipoca.

“But you might be right. A new love could be good for Zatz.”

“I'm always right.” Tezcatlipoca said. 

“Sure. I guess I am over analyzing all of this.”

“You just need a vacation somewhere. Now, do you happen to know where Chaska is?”

“She's either in the forest or home.”

“Ah, yes, thank you.” Tezcatlipoca walked away into the woods, “Glad we could talk, batty.”

Camazotz shook his head, “Ay, I don't know how Chaska puts up with him.” 

He hated it when Tezcatlipoca made a point. His son doesn't let his emotions compromise the mission unless he had to. He was gonna have to talk to Zatz about their plans with Maya. He never really had it in him to sacrifice her anyway. 

Camazotz chuckled to himself. Zatz had finally found a nice human girl like he had always told him to.