Bachué returns to the deeps of the lake, leaving Sugunsua and me alone.
- "Alright, kiddo, we need to talk" - Says Sugunsua.
- "We need to talk indeed, Sugunsua." – I reply – "Care to explain me what the hell is going on? Why was I set free?"
- "Well, seems like all these centuries of lockdown did wonders with your manners."
- "YOU KNOW WHAT?!... Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry. Guess I still have some of my old personality left."
- "As long as it's the only thing that remains from your old you."
- "*sigh*… It is, I promise. I'm not Huitaca anymore… I'm just… I'm just really confused, dizzy, hungry and blind... Sugunsua, please. Tell me what's going on. Why am I free? Where's Bochica? Did he do this?"
- "Bochica disappeared a long time ago. We have no idea where he could have gone. Bachué and I can't sense his presence. He just vanished."
- "He just… vanished?"
- "Vanished."
- "Oh… so that's why I'm here. He didn't forgive me. I'm just here 'cause he disappeared (Don't cry, Chía! Keep it together!). He was the one who sealed me in the moon. Maybe the lock spell he put on me vanished with him… He still hates me (Don't cry, don't cry, you idiot!)."
- "Not really. Your freedom has nothing to do with that. If that had been the case, Chibchacum would have been free as well."
- "Chibchacum? The God of rain? He was sealed too? Why? (phew! That was a close one)"
- "Well, remember when you corrupted human race?"
- "Yes, thank you… ass."
- "Chibchacum believed the only way to rid the world of human corruption was to eradicate the entire race and start anew. So he attempted to flood the planet. However, Bochica intervened, leading to a fierce confrontation between them. Ultimately, Bochica emerged victorious and sealed Chibchacum in the depths of the earth."
- "Oh… Bochica is so cool! Anyway, back to me. If Bochica vanished and my freedom has nothing to do with that… why? Why am I free?"
- "You said that he still hates you, Chía. But that's not true. He doesn't hate you. He never did. He loves you as much as Bachué and I love our kids. He didn't create you, but he's still your father. If he set you free at this moment, he must have a good reason."
- "And what would that be?"
- "In recent years, the forces of darkness have become way more active. And, to make things worse, the power from Chaos we took from you are lost as well. Maybe that's the reason why monsters and demons are so crazy."
- "Wait a minute! You kept my chaos power?! Why you didn't destroy them?!"
- "You can't destroy chaos, Chía. You should know that. In order to have balance in the universe, order and chaos must exist. Bochica was in charge of watching the chaos power, but soon after he disappeared, the chaotic magic vanished as well. If you ask me, I think Bochica released you because he needs your help."
- "My help? How?"
- "Simple, that power used to be yours. You were the queen of the forces of darkness. If anyone knows where the chaos power is or who might have it, that would be you. Maybe you can even find Bochica in the process. Looking for redemption? Then this is your chance to do so."
- "Sounds fair… except for the little fact that I'm a mere human now!"
Sugunsua remained silent for a moment, like he was thinking in something.
- "Hello? Sugunsua? You still there?"
- "Alright Chía." – Says the big snake – "Bochica is the wisest of all of us. If he trusted you, I'll do the same."
- "Thanks, Sugunsua. I really apprecia- WHOAH!!!"
Without warning, I feel a powerful light beam hitting my body. It's strong, really strong. However, it doesn't hurt. Far from it. It feels warm and kind… nevertheless, HE FREAKING FIRED ME WITH A LIGHT BEAM WITHOUT WARNING!
- "AGH! WHAT THE HELL, MAN… SNAKE?" – I say slightly upset.
- "Feel a little warmer now?"
- *touching myself* "Did… did that light beam gave me clothes?"
- "It gave you more than that. It gave you your powers back… kinda."
- "Kinda?"
- "Listen. I genuinely believe you're on a path toward redemption. But you can't complete this mission as a mere human; you need to regain your status as a goddess. However, I can't immediately restore your goddess status. You have to earn it. Each time you demonstrate true worthiness, you'll reclaim a part of your powers. Return to the realm of humans. Aid them. Shield them from the forces of evil you once commanded. Find your former chaos magic and locate Bochica in the process. Once you've accomplished all that and proven to the other gods that you've truly changed for the better, you'll regain your title as the Goddess of the Moon. Ok?"
- "…"
- "Huh. Weird. I thought you would be happy for the news."
- "I am. I really am… listen, I know I can be annoying sometimes, but you have no idea how much this means to me." – I kneel before Sugunsua – "God Sugunsua: The invisible one. I, Chía: former Goddess of the Moon, humbly accept this new chance. I promise I won't disappoint neither you nor the rest of the gods."
- "Good to hear, kiddo. I'm sure that if you complete this mission, even Bachué will forgive you… I hope. But, for now. It's time for you to leave. There's a town near here where you can start looking for hints. Also, take this" – Sugunsua makes appear in my hands a bag full of fruit – "This will calm your hunger until you arrived there."
- "Thanks, man… I mean, sir."
- "Good luck, Chía. Time for me to leave now. I have to cheer my wife up."
Sugunsua disappears into the lake leaving me alone.
- "Ok, Bochica. Here I come."
TO BE CONTINUED…