Yaxkin took a deep breath, feeling a profound sense of calm as he prepared to leave the bustling city behind.
He needed time alone a period of reflection to ground himself amidst the weight of leadership. The artisans' district had inspired him, but he knew he needed space to gain clarity, to sharpen his spirit and body without the distractions of the city.
Clad in a beautiful, woven cloak gifted by the women of the city and carrying his newly forged macuahuitl adamantine-strong, with silver accents along the blade's edge he set off. With only a small sack holding his essentials, he informed his people of his intended two-week journey, assuring them of his return.
As he strolled along the well-trodden paths leading from Chichen Itza, he passed groups of people families, workers, and merchants each busy in their routines.
He observed them, their laughter and lively discussions echoing in the air. He smiled softly, taking in their joy.
These sights stirred memories within him. Once, in his past life, he had been obsessed with ideas of perfection, of changing people to fit an ideal. But that narrow path had left him isolated, removed from life's vivid complexities.
Now, in this new world, he saw his purpose differently. Here, he would protect those who wished to live freely, preserving the light within each soul.
Two days into his journey, he reached the outskirts of Tulum, watching its growing center from a distance. He admired the industrious movement of workers laying foundations, the rough but lively beginnings of a city that would soon be a sanctuary for many.
Turning away from the sight, he began climbing the nearby mountains, eager to connect with the land and the tranquility it offered.
In these dense forests, Yaxkin encountered creatures reminiscent of those in Gracea peaceful and harmonious with their surroundings.
He marveled at the animals he passed: alpacas grazing in clusters, armadillos trundling through the underbrush, and hummingbirds flitting around colorful wildflowers. Overhead, condors and macaws sailed, their feathers glistening in the light.
He even saw parrots with bright green plumage and a lively personality that reminded him of home.
Pausing to take in the beauty of it all, Yaxkin entered a deep meditation, focusing on his Ch'ulel. The golden aura within his heart present since he first set foot in Ikal began to circulate through him, flowing with each breath.
As he concentrated, he felt the aura merge with his blood, flowing into his right atrium and then to his right ventricle, where it traveled to his lungs.
He felt an unusual lightness as the aura-infused blood returned, oxygenated, invigorating him. Subtle shifts enhanced his senses the world seemed clearer, sharper. Colors were brighter, sounds more resonant. Every scent, every brush of wind on his skin, became distinct.
As the day turned to evening, Yaxkin found a quiet spot under the shelter of a massive tree.
He made a small campfire, feeling the warmth of the flames and the connection to his past, where similar fires had lit his nights.
Sitting by the fire, he brought out a simple meal, savoring each bite. As he ate, he began to hum a song from his memories, one that had always lifted his spirits in his previous life.
In a low voice, he began to sing, the familiar melody filling the air.
It was "La Guadalupana," a song that recalled the vibrant streets of his childhood, the plaza bustling with life, the warmth of his homeland.
From the sky a beautiful morning,
From the sky a beautiful morning,
The Guadalupana
The Guadalupana, the Guadalupana went down to Tepeyac.
His arrival filled with joy,
His arrival filled with joy,
Of light and harmony
Of light and harmony and freedom…
The melody carried a quiet strength, a warmth that resonated deep within him. As he sang, he felt his heart swell with gratitude and nostalgia, but also with a fierce power.
He wanted Chichen Itza, and all of Ikal, to become that same place of warmth and belonging for others a home, a sanctuary, a place filled with the light and harmony he yearned for.
He paused, the words lingering in the night air. In this serene moment, surrounded by nature and guided by his memories, Yaxkin felt more alive than ever.
He was ready to give his all to this world, to forge a legacy worthy of the Viatori Empire, and to nurture the light within himself and his people.