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

I've Got Your Back

The night before the group leaves to the divine gate.

Chimi and Maya slept in Maya’s room the night before they set out to the divine gate. Maya stared at the ceiling for what felt like hours, her heart hammering in her ears. 

“Can't sleep either?” Chimi asked, startling Maya.

“How did you know?” Maya asked. 

“Anyone can hear you breathing from a mile away.”

Maya exhaled, “Sorry. I'm just nervous about tomorrow.”

“You and me both.” They were silent for a while until Maya asked, “So, what are you going to do after we defeat Mictlan?”

“The only thing I can do. I go back to being El Monstruo Blanco and to my tree.”

“Come on, that can't be what you want to do.”

“Of course not. I just never thought about what else I'd do, assuming I get to meet my mom.”

Maya sat up to look at Chimi, “When we went to the Jungle Lands, the Widow Queen had nothing but great things to say about you. She said you were the best archer. You are so much more than El Monstruo Blanco. You're our friend. And I've always wanted a sister.”

Chimi’s eyes went wide and she stared at Maya. She blinked to prevent herself from tearing up, “Tha-Thank you, Maya.”

“I mean it. I might have a sister on the way, but still. So, again, what are you gonna do when this is over?”

Chimi sat up, “Maybe I could stay with you for a while if it's ok with you? It'd be nice to stay somewhere that isn't the outdoors.”

“I think we can arrange that.” Maya pulled her knees up to her chest, “If I survive, the first thing I'm doing is taking a nice nap.”

“Great plan.”

“You know, I've been wondering, who do you like? Rico or Picchu?”

Chimi scoffed, “Wouldn't you like to know.”

“Yes, I do.” 

She shoved Maya, “Like I'm ever gonna tell you. What's your deal with Zatz? You like him, don't you?”

Maya's heart stopped, “What are you talking about? Of course I don't like that creep.”

“I heard your little dance with him the other night. And we both know he's pretty easy on the eyes.” 

Maya looked away and blushed, “I mean… I guess he's not so bad, after all. He is pretty nice.”

“Ha! I knew it, you do like him!”

“Shut up!” Maya pushed Chimi back onto the bed as they burst out laughing.

...

Rico and Picchu were staying in the room that used to be the Jaguar brothers’. Stepping into their room again was bittersweet for Maya. The two of them also couldn’t sleep.

“Please tell me you're awake, man.” Rico said.

“Picchu awake.” Picchu said, “Wizard boy can't sleep?”

“Nope. I mean, w-we've fought gods before, b-but not Mictlan.”

“Wizard boy needs to take mind off battle. Think of other thing.”

“I would if I could.”

“Ok. What does wizard boy want most?”

Rico thought for a second, “Well, I've never thought I'd do this, b-but I want to rebuild the magic school at Luna Island.”

“That good idea.” Picchu said.

“I don't know why no one ever bothered to fix it yet. Maybe it's time I do it, you know.”

“Picchu can help. Strength good for building.”

“I'll keep that in mind. So, what d-do you want to do after all this?”

Picchu shrugged, “Picchu not sure. Picchu might keep doing what Picchu doing before.”

“You don't mean back to the mist, do you?”

“No more mist. Picchu will live life away from mist.”

Rico smiled, “I'm glad. It must've been pretty lonely up there. You plan on having a girlfriend? Someone who isn't Chimi.” He muttered that last part.

Picchu side-eyed Rico, deciding to ignore that last comment, “Maybe. If Picchu finds right girl. Wizard boy think he found right girl?”

Rico and Picchu had sat up and stared at each other with narrow eyes, “I like to think I have. B-But who knows, there are plenty of girls out there. There might be a certain other someone for you.”

“Oh, is that so? Well, Picchu keep in mind. Wizard boy keep in mind, too.”

After glaring at each other for a few moments, Rico and Picchu laughed. Regardless of their rivalry over Chimi, they still cared about each other. 

The four warriors slept with more ease that night. No matter what happens, they would always have each other's backs.