CHAPTER 1: The 2 snakes

And here I am—back on Earth, blind, powerless, and trapped in a human body. If I didn't know how to navigate without my sight, I'd probably be lost and dead in the middle of nowhere.

"But Chía," you might ask, "how can you do that?"

Honestly? I have no idea. Maybe gods have a deeper connection with this planet, so we don't really need our senses to understand what's happening around us. We just… know. You know? Huh. Now that I think about it, I might be human now, but it seems like Bochica left me this little ability as a consolation prize.

Oh, Bochica… you still care about me, even after all the shit I put you through. Especially you. But I have to admit—it would've been nice if you had been here to welcome me back. Are you still mad after all these centuries? I wouldn't blame you. But then… why did you free me? Are you okay? Did you forgive me? Will you give me my powers back?

Damn it. So many questions.

But since you're not here to answer them, I guess Bachué and Sugunsua will have to do. The Iguaque Lake isn't far—I can feel Bachué's presence. Better get moving.

Hours later, in the cold forest…

I don't remember the Iguaque Lake being this far. I feel like I'm getting closer, but I can barely move anymore. I'm cold, exhausted, and starving… or at least I think this is hunger. When I was a goddess, I never felt the need to eat—neither did Bochica.

But every time we arrived in a new town, the people were so overjoyed to receive the gods that they'd offer us their best dishes. That infuriated me. I always thought they saw us as some kind of exotic animals that needed to be fed before performing magic tricks or something.

Bochica, of course, would just chuckle and say, "There, there, Chía. They're just being kind. Stop being so grumpy," right before stuffing his face like there was no tomorrow.

Heh. I still remember that food—chicha, corn, bread, meat, beans… Gods, I'd do anything to have some of that right now.

Chía, you ungrateful bitch.

…yawn

I need to sleep. I'll get there tomorrow.

The next day…

Huh?

I smell water. I hear water.

Wait a minute.

Am I already at the lake?!

But how?! Last night I was still far from it!

I rush to the lake, drinking desperately.

It's not food, but at least my stomach will have something. *slurp* …Am I a sleepwalker? *slurp* …Was I so tired I didn't notice I was already here? *slurp* …I don't care. *slurp* Right now, I just want to—

—Maybe a 'thank you' first?

A voice. From the lake.

I freeze.

That voice…

—Please, Bachué —another voice speaks, gentler —Let her finish first. The poor girl hasn't eaten or drunk anything since her return.

—Hmph! The nerve…

No doubt now.

—Bachué! Sugunsua! —I call out —Did you bring me here?! It's me, Chía! I-I don't know what happened, but I'm back on Earth, and I'm mortal now! Please, come here! I need answers!

—I KNOW IT'S YOU, CHÍA! WE ALL KNOW YOU'RE BACK!!

Bachué's voice roars, shaking the air around me.

—AND DON'T YOU DARE SPEAK TO ME IN SUCH A DISRESPECTFUL MANNER! DON'T THINK I'VE FORGIVEN YOU FOR WHAT YOU DID TO MY CHILDREN!

I feel them—two overwhelming presences rising from the lake. Even after all these centuries, Bachué and Sugunsua are still the strongest gods.

—Bachué, please —Sugunsua says with calm voice —Don't let anger consume you.

—QUIET, YOU! —Bachué snaps —YOU KNOW WHAT SHE DID TO THE WORLD—TO OUR CHILDREN! AND YOU STILL DARE TO BRING HER HERE?!

—She could have died, Bachué! If Bochica set her free, he must have had a reason! Are you questioning his judgment?

—ARE YOU QUESTIONING MINE?!

—...Umm —I mutter, raising a hand —should I come back later and let the lovely couple finish arguing?

—Hush, kiddo —Sugunsua mutters —Don't make her angrier.

Bachué takes a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. When she speaks again, her tone is still tense, but controlled.

—Fine, Sugunsua… I don't trust Chía, but I trust you and Bochica. Handle this, and make her leave as soon as possible. I'll be waiting for you.

Without another word, she sinks back into the depths of the lake, leaving me alone with Sugunsua.

He sighs —Alright, kiddo, we need to talk.

TO BE CONTINUED…