There it was. The battle that we've been discussing for the week. Coyotl and Citlalli went ahead and gave a detailed description of all that we discussed the night before. They had also made a full drawing for the other Tlācateccatl to understand too. They hoped to add it to the current plan. Leaving me to get ready and dress up back home. I hurriedly went up the stairs, find and put on the correct clothing. I placed the lace for my armor in it and started to tie the armor on. I wore my helmet and mask. I ran towards the middle of the river that rests close to our base. It had been captured the weeks before. As I hurried to the foot of the camp. Each of the soldiers was falling into positions already. Generals brought their troops to the flanks and assigned, positions exactly as written on paper. Each passing each other their weapons, some from us and some from those by sea. And their wooden shields each ordained with their family's crests and history. The shields, however, were made entirely of wood due to strict resources. Despite the new weapons, the army could tear it to shreds. A full metal shield would be impractical due to its weight. Coyotl's army reserves were beginning to hide at the bottom of the hill a little far from the battlefield. With only a mere second left everyone was in positions. The first arrow had been shot and has descended. Landing right between my feet. A warning shot. We hurried to our positions. We hyped each other and ourselves up. As each of the troop's generals began to say they were ready. To show we were. We fired our own toward the enemy as well. Shot by Citlulli standing next to me. Exactly the same way, between the feet of their statistician miles at the back. She went back to her troops. I remained with my troops all dressed in the same armor as I. Each was clean and well kept though each had unique plumes and designs of the jaguar. Ordained by our ancestors we looked like a pride of jaguars. We stood tall for what's about to come.
The battlefield occured on the patch of land not covered by the grey soil. Instead it was a muddy terrain filled with potholes of varying sizes. Some that are as wide as the houses the village lived in while others as small as a quarter. Each and every one of the army walked barefoot. Only the tloatani may wear sandals. Once we walked on that mud, our whole foot would be pulled within it. Albeit the stones or sticks in it, once we pulled our foot up, it would be filled with punctures, wounds, and such. But we must carry on despite the hindrance from the mud slowing our steps.
Horns from both sides had blared. We attacked. Roaring, ready to attack it's prey. Me and my troops were in charge of attacking head on to the enemy. However, as we were charging we held each other close. Our arms on the shoulder of the person next to us. Raising our feet as high as our waist stomping on the thick mud. Citlulli and her army was attacking right behind us though they stayed put at the beginning. Their formation was a single line. Evenly spaced. Right in the unburned woods were the enemy. Rushing in as quick as the leopards. Screaming as loud as their roar too. They stopped right at the end of the unburned woods. As soon as they were merely a tenth of a foot away I ordered my whole army to immediately stop. All complied. The army began to use the weapons from beyond the sea. They barraged us with flying bullets yet we held our ground. Not a single inch. With our armor, the front part of my troops who received most of the bullets would deflect it back. Our arms behind the armor of the one next to us so we were almost unharmed from the attack. Some of us would still be shot through. Some of my men falling instantly to the ground. But not a single one ran away. After what seemed like a lifetime. The enemy began to run out of bullets. The army began to charge right for us. Leaving their weapons behind them to fashion their swords and shields. They carried not arrows as the army ahead of them received a full blast of their projectile weapons. Believing them to be weakened. As they inched ever so closer to us. We still moved not. Once they were a 8/10 feet away from us. We raised the wooden shields. It cannot stop a bullet, but it can stop arrows. Arrows began to fly and fall on the enemy like the rain. All fell right to the enemy and us. Since our shields were raised high. Only the enemy had casualties. Despite their helmets, the heavy arrows tipped with volcanic rock, pierced them. They reacted accordingly and raised their shields too, made of leather. Even though it pierced both our shields, it was enough to stop it from hitting both of our heads. That's when we began to move in. We marched right toward them. In sync like a band of drummers. Our feet made songs of impending danger despite the mud dampening our steps. We began to swing our swords once the enemy was in reach. As they had their hands tied up to deflect the arrows. They only had one hand, ready to defend themselves. Easily we mowed them. All falling with a single slash. As we reached to the armies at the very back. A new wave of them came out.
The reserves showed strength, full armour such as ours and worse? Full of energy. Something my troops had depleted. Some of them had fallen to other soldiers so we were fully outnumbered. The rain of arrows had stopped. We stopped on our tracks. We looked right at them. We had to pull our last trick from our sleeves. We began to form a u-shape around the enemy. Citlalli's army had seen us struggle and march towards us. They began to fold their formation in along with us. Then they themselves moved forward. Covering us. Prepared to fight nonetheless if they ever reach us. Their weapons? Instead of a macuahuitl and yaochimalli like my army. It were tepoztopilli. Long enough to jab at the enemy with a safe distance. They made their poses that I couldn't understand. And skewered the enemy with quick and short jabs. As a tepostopilli stabbed on one side. The enemy would block that with their leather shields though it would penetrate through it as well. Citlalli's fellow troops next to them would hit them while they were exposed. They aimed specifically at the neck that wasn't being covered by their masks. Compared to the rest of the army. Only her and her troops could pull such a maneuver. Because of this, parts of the enemies' well-thought positions were breaking. Some of them began to run away from them to regroup. A cowardly approach. And when they regrouped. They began to focus on a single part of the formation. Where I was at
As the last of the enemies army had begun to form in on that opening. Horns were blared. The hill at the side of the unburned woods would unleash Coyotl's army. They used their horses to quickly reach the enemy. They began to head straight for them after a great turn around the hill. They reached the enemy and began to push them back inside the kill circle. The army had no choice but to stay and fight even further, forming a circle inside to defend their last troops. That very circle began to grow smaller by the hour, then by the minute, then by a second! Finally, the opposing force had blared their horns. The battle is over and finally won. The morning turned to night. The hours had ran away. Those that survived those hours chose to run not for cowardice but for the knowledge that the battle has been lost and to prepare for the next one. They began to focus on one single point once again. To ensure lesser casualties. We let them through the ranks. Covering both of their sides with our shields and weapons. As they were escaping, one of their comrades was caught by us. One of my troops. He was pinned down and by the weight of the armor along with their ichcahuipilli from both of them, they could not get up. Others from our side started to run toward this debacle. They helped our fellow comrade but tied up the enemy. With the battle finally over. Only one enemy stayed among the sea of my comrades.
We went back home. What ensued in our walls was nothing but colorful banners, beautiful jewels worn by all. Everyone cheering for us and the whole army. Though we came back fewer than before. They remained hopeful and optimistic. Those who had lost loved ones during the battle were consolidated by the generals of their squad. I had to speak to over a hundred. Along with them did we mourned for the thousands lost in battle by offering tears. Soon after, the play had begun. A total of 20 were the performers that was chosen to be tied to the rock. A few of them had damaged the opposing characters but none were successful. As the play stopped, whatever they used for fake blood had poured through the cracks and unto the floor causing a slight rumble. We then tended to our wounds, mostly from our feet. Despite our many weapons and clothings, only the tlatoani may wear sandals and walk on the muddy dirt. As kids, we were warned of the mud but they were never specific. It was either a monster that laid under it or the mud was poisonous and sharp. And the latter was right. As me and Coyotl were bandaging our wounds while Cītlalli waited, one of our guards from a different house barged right into the city. He screamed that there was yet another attack. This time, the ones who controlled the row of wooden mountain ranges. A house only near the forest, the forest with the cave where the river begins. The tlatoani was with us and the tired warriors at the time and looked saddened. He puffed up his chest and said "We shall worry about this predicament later. For now, rest and feast". Despite today is the day of fasting, no one expected us to follow the tradition that day. I however, continued to fast. I hoped that by following the gods I can gain their favor. I went to the temple and stayed there for who knows how long. I chanted the prayers for peace over and over. Cītlalli and Coyotl came by my side after what seemed like minutes. We went out of the temple and I saw it was already nightfall. As we descended the stairs, we discussed today's plan. We laughed at how it actually worked despite the many things the enemies could have done if they saw it coming. They asked where I had gotten such an idea and I told them. That it was from the house of the wooden mountain ranges. In one of the buildings with no openings but two doors on it's side. Filled in them papers and like our codex filled with messages and such. But instead of our language, it was the dead language. It had a title of "how to hunt jaguars". A read I was curious as I was looking for something to get more jaguar motifs for the jaguar warriors. They were both surprised by this. Coyotl asked "How were you able to read those texts? Not even Cītlalli can read them." Cītlalli added "Yeah, that text came from a language that was way before my own grandparents. How did you even find that place to begin with?" Cītlalli was the oldest out of them and seemed the most knowledgeable on this stuff. A lot of members of our village don't travel often anymore because of the war. And some have stayed at that house for all of their lives. So it became hard to navigate our own country for many people, including the Tlācateccatl. Coyotl and I were no exceptions to that, all but Cītlalli. But I responded, "Despite the relationship I have with the tlatoani, he apparently knows how to get there and to speak the language. He taught me in every of his many sermons since he wanted me to "improve". I think it was because of his mom's family. They are apparently scholars of this kind of stuff." They were both surprised by this. Not by the fact that the tlatoani knows such knowledge but because the tlatoani was even willing to share such knowledge with him of all people. I said as they looked at me in shock "I kept telling you guys! You even said yes and kno- ohhh, wow." It's been known throughout the village that Quetzal was not on good terms with the tlatoani. It could be because of how he leads his army. Or how often he works on the houses. Or even what he did before. But despite all of that, the tlatoani appointed him as a Tlācateccatl. As everyone knows, he earned it. Coyotl suddenly stopped and said "Are there people in the enemies' side who can speak it as well?" in a shocking tone. Both Cītlalli and I looked at him in shock. I was too tired from the battle to even realize it. What if they could, it took me a whole week to read a single book so I don't know all the contents in that house. There could be all sorts of ancient knowledge there. Not only effective battle plans but spells, potions and curses. We had to move up our date time. Plan quickly. And execute as soon. But with used up weapons, lesser men, it had to be a precise plan down to the bone. Cītlalli said in a bold tone "I can go there and gather Intel. I can write down what they have, how many there are, defenses, everything. I can even sabotage some of it too to help." Coyotl looked at her with concern and said in a monotone voice "That's way too dangerous. The enemy has been known to have large defenses. What if you were caught? There will be guards everywhere." Cītlalli said in a sly tone "I have the know-how on sneaking. Quetzal isn't the only one who knows convinient stuff." Coyotl looks at me with an angry tone. As if to say "Quetzal! Why aren't you concerned?" I said in reply "I would trust her judgement here." Coyotl frowned and closed his eyes. He then took a deep breath and said "I'll come with then. Just in case." Cītlalli opened her eyes in surprise and worry. She said "You're way too big! You can be seen from a distance!" He said in response "Well, your convinient know-how can help me then!" Cītlalli looked worried and looked at me. As if saying what Coyotl said earlier I simply replied "I would also trust his judgement here. He can handle himself." Cītlalli looked angry and turned her back. Coyotl asked me if I was coming. A part of me dreaded the idea. I could understand why these two would still have energy left but not me. I was tired much like the rest of the soldiers. Coyotl sensed what I was thinking. He said it would be fine if Cītlalli and he would go. I looked at him with shock. I mustered up the strength to say I can but he said "Trust my judgement." I looked surprised and Cītlalli still had her back turned against us. As if to agree with him. He turned and headed for the house of the tlatoani on the wooden terrace. That's where the mess hall was. Cītlalli headed in the opposite direction to get to her house. And I stood there by myself and thought.
"Everyday there is another war. Another planning. Another close call. Another pile of corpses. If there is but a week of peace. A mere day, I would fast for my whole life. But that is impossible. But for the gods with all their powers? It could happen. I hope for it everyday."
I went towards the house of the tlatoani as well. I picked up the usual watered-down food and sat next to the far end of the table with Coyotl. Every general in that room was quiet. No one laughed, shouted, nor whisper. And surprisingly, everyone had the same idea of fasting today. Perhaps they too want what I want? While we were eating, Cītlalli broke down the door and jumped right towards the table. She said in all her might "I have a plan! I will go to the sacked house. Gather Intel, sabotage a few. And we attack it right after!" Coyotl and I immediately turned stiff by surprise. That. was not. the PLAN!!! But for some reason the whole room filled with cheers and chants. Apparently the whole room can still handle another war. She shouted "If we plan ON THAT DAY and EXECUTE IT ON THAT DAY, we can finish right as the day strikes 12 finishing the day of fasting and the battle. CELEBRATE AND FEAST RIGHT AFTER." The whole room cheered and everyone began to start writing up plans. Everyone kept chatting and laughing. Coyotl began to speak with the other Tlācateccatl. I started to get swept up by their cheers. I joined a group and they chuckled and let me join. A whole lot of miracles. The tlatoani entered the room and all went silent. He looked around and said "Well carry on." And the whole room kept cheering as if nothing happened. The tlatoani grabbed a cup of water and the food for fasting. Walked up to me and asked to speak with me. The group I joined looked worried for me. I stood up and followed him to the one quiet table as the others continued to chat. The tlatoani had a stern face despite the merriment around him. He looked to me and scolded me on the plan from earlier. He said that a warrior should only face head on. To show no fear. Surrounding the enemy should come naturally and... A part of my heart swelled up. Not out of pain but by courage. I stood up and shouted "I too shall join Cītlalli on this journey!" And everyone cheered for me. They carried me right out and celebrated with the other villagers. Coyotl and Cītlalli looked in shock. That was also not part of the plan. I got to join and I got to get out of that scolding! Coyotl and Cītlalli came right after me and asked why I did such a thing. I smiled and told them I had a plan during the merriment.
Quetzal said "The cave we had just won has the river in its mouth. If we can change the river's direction temporarily. We can flood their base before we infiltrate it. With the sabotages from us three included. The enemy will be in the same position as us if not worse. Houses flooded, too many men busy, weapons destroyed. It's the perfect plan." Cītlalli asked "How are you gonna diverge the river?" Quetzal responded "We can dig a ravine directed towards the house. Then we simply connect the river to that ravine and block the original path. That way, all of the water will head towards them. Just like what we use for the Tezcotzingo." Coyotl asked "Did you also get that from the house of wooden mountain ranges?" Quetzal replied "Surprisingly yeah, two different books, one to divert the river and the plan to use the river but it was used to clean a stable though." They looked puzzled at Quetzal. Cītlalli added "With that much water and force? It would rip it out of its roots." Quetzal shrugged and the three carried on. Cītlalli said "If you two are coming, you better wear all black. Just for this one." Despite the many colors Cītlalli wears to battle, she loves to wear the one armour that is coated in black. Her headdress, gems, and even the gold on it. All black. She seems to like the color as she also gave me and Coyotl one. We all went home to fetch it. I had to go back to the tlatoani's house as that's where it was, in my room.
As I wanted in front of the house. Why did we walked so far for this one?!?! I looked around the house. Everything was quiet. And the torches were all snuffed out. Nothing but snores filled the house. Perfect time to practice my sneaking skills. I wanted to avoid the tlatoani as much as possible unless I continue that last scolding. I tiptoed to my room. I walked past by the corridor. Apparently I missed the tlatoani looking down on me in that corridor. He whispered "In a hurry?" I got my armour, which he side eyed. Another topic. And we sat outside the house. Despite the tense situation, the environment was peaceful, serene, and quiet. No matter how much I disliked the lectures. I always felt comfortable around him. Even if all of it was ridicule, I felt strong from it weirdly enough. Perhaps it was the way he spoke and what words he chose to which. As if he is singing directly to my heart without carrying a single tune. He continued the lecture I tried to get out of. I mentioned that there has been other warriors who had used similar tactics. But he said that despite some people doing it, does not mean that you should do it. He envisions wars and battle as straight on without planning, clever maneuvers, and such. That a battle is hard won by strength alone. I see that vision as a bloody one. He then asks me why I joined the scouting mission despite my position. I answered that I wanted to help my friends and make sure nothing bad happens to them. But he retorted that my friends are one of a kind and can handle themselves. He mentions how Cītlalli is crafty and can sneak past many guards. And Coyotl can take on those guards she passed. He then adds that aren't you tired from the battle earlier. I said yes. He asks the same question again but in a kind voice. Why did you join? I told him the truth. During my travels into that house. I noticed that there was a hole with several tunnels underneath. All of which lead to this dried up pool. I found this out with some hints of green from the dried moss. It had all sorts of mechanisms that can be seen from the floor to it's top. I believe with some of the water from the river, I can revive it.
The tlatoani remained silent and stared at me.
He then placed his hand on my head and uttered a prayer of protection. He told me that he hopes that I and my fellow friends will succeed. The road to the house is broken, so he will walk over the brown mud and provide a pathway. As the tlatoani alone could were sandals, the sandals that will not sink in the mud. He said goodbye and took his leave. I stayed at the front of the house. Listening to the quiet night. I look over at the opening of the house to see the stars. At the left was the house I've been working on. Tall and proud. I got up and went over to my room. It didn't seem so quiet as I thought. Some of the others were chatting in the kitchen and some in the living room. Only with a light of the candle under the darkness. I barely noticed them. I grabbed the black armour from Cītlalli and my signature weapon. And grouped up with my friends.