The Truth

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Zatz and Maya finally tell Dusk and Dawn the truth of their battle against Mictlan.



Dawn and Dusk were in their bedroom reading books one afternoon. They had turned fifteen a couple days ago. Just then, there was a knock at the door.

“Come in.” Dusk said.

Zatz and Maya slowly walked in, looking uncomfortable and uncertain, “Hey.” Maya said, “Do you have time to talk?”

Dawn and Dusk exchanged a confused look, “Ok, sure.” Dawn said, putting her book down.

Their parents sat by them on the floor, “Do you remember the story we told you about the sun and moon?” Zatz asked.

“Yeah.” Dusk said, “If you're gonna tell us it's about you, we figured it out. It's pretty obvious.”

“Well, yes.” Maya said. She looked at Zatz who nodded, “But when we told you that story, there were things we… didn't tell you. Things you weren't old enough to understand… but you are now.”

“What do you mean?” Dawn asked.

Maya took a deep breath, “You know how I have two moms?” The twins nodded.

Zatz and Maya explained everything; King Teca and Micte's affair, the prophecy, the journey, the deaths of Maya’s brothers, Picchu, the pantheon, and Zatz and Maya. They didn't hold anything back this time.

“For our sacrifice, the grand celestials made us the sun and moon.” Maya finished. Dawn and Dusk had barely said anything during the story. 

“So… you went through all that to stop him?” Dawn asked. 

“We had to.” Zatz said.

The twins’ eyes were wide as they stared into nothingness. Zatz and Maya glanced at each other awkwardly before getting up to leave. 

“We're going to raise the moon.” Maya said, “We'll be back in an hour.” They turned back to look at their kids one more time, “We know it's a lot to take in. We'll give you space.”

As soon as they were gone, Dawn and Dusk flopped on the floor, staring at the ceiling. They laid in silence for a good while.

“Do you really think they went through all that?” Dusk finally asked.

“Why would they tell us if they didn't?” Dawn said, “How could Abuelo do that to Abuela?”

“I don't know.”

“So many gods died… and Picchu, Colmillo.”

“And Mama and Papa… they gave their lives to save everyone.”

The air became somber. The twins didn't know what to think. They've heard the story of the battle against Mictlan dozens of times, but never like this. Knowing what their parents went through added a sense of tragedy the story never had before. 

They heard their parents return home and scrambled to their feet, shoving each other to get out of the room. Zatz and Maya looked at their kids in shock as they burst through their door. 

“Are you ok?” Maya asked. 

“Papa, Mama…” Dawn said, “Why? Why did you do all that?”

Zatz and Maya looked at each other sadly before walking to them, “It was for many reasons.” Zatz said, “We were in a situation we didn't ask to be in, we wanted justice for our loved ones.”

“But most importantly, everything would be destroyed if we didn't do anything.” Maya added.

“But… But you died.” Dusk said.

“That was the sacrifice we had to make. We all knew the risk.”

“And we'd gladly do it again.” Zatz said, “Besides, I'd say we got a good deal by the end of it.”

“Exactly. You two might not be here if we didn't.”

Dawn and Dusk hugged their parents tightly, surprising them for a second before returning the embrace. The twins silently sobbed as Zatz and Maya stroked their hair.

“We know.” They whispered, tears falling down their own eyes, “We know.”

Dawn and Dusk could never admire their parents more than at that moment.

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