CHAPTER 17: A NEW POWER

CHAPTER 17

A NEW POWER

Chía's narration:

The shadow hands keep dragging me and Julio's body through the forest. Every time I tear one apart, another takes its place, as if they're determined to reach their destination. My heart races. Where are they taking us?

I struggle, but I can't stop the inevitable. As I look ahead, the destination becomes clearer. They're leading us to Milagros' house… That's it! The souls of those killed by La Patasola… they're being dragged into the underworld through this house. But then, why are they taking our physical bodies, too?!

Before I can dwell on it further, a blinding light erupts from the darkness. The intensity of it is almost unbearable. It evaporates the shadow hands, freeing Julio and me in an instant.

I blink, the world is still shimmering... but once the intense light disappears, I don't believe what I'm seeing at first, but then I know. I would recognize that figure anywhere. That big bear/fox thing with a silly, friendly smile, fluffy fur, fluffier tail, and always carrying a vase filled with liquor. There he is, standing there, waiting for us: none other than Nencatacoa, the god of parties. My good old friend.

—Now that was a close one, huh? —he says, grinning—. Good thing I decided to wait for you here, my dear Chía. Or was it Huitaca? Molly? Hehe, I don't know. You always liked to change your name.

—Nenca!!

For a moment, everything else disappears. The weight of the situation, the lingering danger—none of it matters. I jump into his arms without thinking, hugging him like I've never done before... which, technically, I haven't in centuries. My tears soak his fur, and I can feel him flinch slightly, knowing he doesn't like getting wet. But I can't help it. If I consider Bochica my father, Nencatacoa is like my big brother. My best friend. Even when I became Huitaca, he never stopped treating me like his little sister. So laid-back, so friendly. Gods, I forgot how much I love this goof.

Nencatacoa looks at me with a curious expression, his grin never faltering.

—You know, I heard Bochica finally released you after all these centuries locked away in the moon. I had to see it for myself. —He pauses, tapping his chin thoughtfully—. And Sugunsua told me you've been busy saving a little village from the cruelty of the Mohan, and now you're investigating where your old chaos magic went and what Goranchacha is up to. Seems like you're working really hard for your forgiveness, huh? But I have to admit… it's strange that you've stopped in Harmony Town. As far as I know, there's no sign of your magic here, and no clues about Goranchacha either.

His words hang in the air, but I can't focus on them. Not now. My attention is pulled back to the lifeless body of Julio in front of me. My heart aches, and I feel a weight press against my chest.

I sit down, pulling Julio's head gently into my lap while my fingers brush through his hair.

—I'm so sorry... I should've helped you sooner. —The words escape me like a whisper, filled with regret. My tears drops on Julio's forehead while I'm focusing on his peaceful face.

I look up at Nencatacoa.

—Did Ofelia and Licovi make it out of the forest?

He nods, his expression softening as he places a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

—Yes. They're safe. You don't have to worry about them.

—Why are you here, Nenca? Are you helping us to stop la Patasola and save this town from The Velas?

—Nuh-uh. I'm afraid that you're on your own on this. Your path of redemption is yours and yours only. Gods cannot interfere. Not now.

—But you just said it. This town has nothing to do with my mission. We're ended up here by mere coincidence!

—Then why did you stay?

—A freaking wraith and some douchebags dictators are ruining this place! I couldn't leave them on their own. I have to stop them!

—Oh, wow! Now that's a Chía I've never expected seeing. A one who actually cares for humans. Not gonna lie, sweetie. I like this change.

—Well, it won't last longer if you don't help me!

—I say! You were almost dragged to the underworld with that poor man's body. Seems like you angered the wrong shaman.

—Then, please, I beg of you, Nenca! Help me! Help this town!!

Nenca gives me a sad look. I can say he really wants to help me, but he can't do it… come to think about it, maybe he even broke a rule by saving my life.

—… Why are you here, then?

—We can't help you, but still, I'm here to give you one of your powers back.

—Wait, really?! That's a big help!

—Yup. Actually, it was Sugunsua who sent me here to give it to you. But don't take us wrong, sis. This is the last you'll get from us in a long time.

—Well, then what power are you giving me back, Nenca?

He takes a sip from his vase and continues.

—Your ability to transform into an owl.

—An owl? —My frustration spills out before I can stop it. — How's that going to help me right now?!

Nenca chuckles softly, scratching his fluffy ear.

—No offense, but maybe if you could fly at full speed, you'd have reached Julio in time to save him.

My throat tightens, his words hitting harder than they should.

—That's low, Nenca.

—Just keeping it real, little sis. Besides, being an owl isn't just about flying. Your senses heighten—sight, hearing, even that gut feeling you're always ignoring. You'll perceive things in ways you can't as a human.

As much as I hate to admit it, he's making sense. Still, it feels like he's avoiding the bigger issue.

—Fine. Give me the power then.

Nenca smiles, but it's not the one I expected.

—Oh, no, no. It's not that simple.

I clench my fists.

—What do you mean "not that simple"? If you're not going to help me, then don't waste my time. Let me do my job!

His face softens, but his tone carries a seriousness I'm not used to.

—Chía, you can't do your job properly until you face what's really holding you back.

—…And what's that supposed to mean?

—Oh, don't play coy. Just because I can't intervene doesn't mean I haven't been watching.

His words make me freeze.

—I… can't.

—You can't keep running forever, Chía. Monsters and demons aren't the only enemies you'll face. Evil humans exist too. Plenty of them. And this path of redemption? It demands you confront your past mistakes—including them.

 —That's why I'll save them. Once I reclaim my place as a goddess, I'll cleanse their hearts.

Nenca lets out a sigh, his tail flicking with visible annoyance.

—Sweetie, you're not even close to that yet. And as long as you keep dodging the hard stuff, you'll keep letting those humans hurt the truly innocent ones. That doesn't sound very goddess-like to me.

He's annoyingly wise when he wants to be.

—So… what do I do?

He kneels, placing a paw gently on my shoulder.

—First, you need to confront the Patasola's summoner. That's one nasty human right there. But to do that, you need a clear head. Use that sharp little brain of yours to figure out who it is. Once you've done that, you'll earn back your transformation.

—*sigh* And where do I start?

—How about that poor man's body you have there?

I glance back at Julio's lifeless form. He looks so peaceful, a stark contrast to the fiery temperament he carried in life. I only knew him for two weeks, but that was enough to see what an incredible person he was. The thought of Licovi losing someone so dear breaks my heart... I'm so sorry, Licovi.

I kneel beside him, searching for clues. His body carries the faint scent of dried herbs. His hands are coated in a powder similar to the ones Old Bertha and Licovi often use. That's right—despite not being a Shaman, Julio was still Bertha's apprentice.

Wait a second. I wasn't there when they arrested him, but I'm sure he wasn't carrying any shaman tools at the time… So where did this powder come from?

I examine him further and notice his body is marked with bruises. Likely the handiwork of Francisco's officers. Did they kill him, too? … No. There's something else here. A faint, lingering trace of dark energy. He was definitely killed by la Patasola.

But then, where are they now?

Think, Chía. C'mon, think.

At the same time at Bertha's Café…

Ofelia's narration:

Licovi and I managed to escape the forest. If it hadn't been for Lady Chía, we would've been dragged away by those strange shadows too. I'm worried sick about her, but for now, I have to trust in her abilities. I can't leave Mrs. Licovi alone. She's devastated, crying inconsolably.

—She did it! That horrible monster did it! She killed Julio!

I want to comfort her, but I can't find the words. She collapses to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably. The only thing I can do is hug her. She clings to me while her tears are soaking my chest. During our travels as demon hunters, I've seen so many people die, so many families shattered... but this is the first time it feels so personal. Mr. Julio wasn't my relative, yet it still hurts deeply. Is this how my parents feel when they fail to save someone?

—Licovi? Ofelia?

A voice calls from the stairs. It's... Mrs. Bertha! She's awake!

Mrs. Licovi freezes mid-sob, her eyes widening in disbelief.

—Mrs... Mrs. Bertha! —she stammers, her voice trembles.

Mrs. Bertha looks confused as she descends the stairs.

—Why are you crying? What's happened? Where's Julio?

Mrs. Licovi breaks down again, rushing to Mrs. Bertha and hugging her so tightly it seems she might crush her.

—Licovi, mija, please! Calm down and tell me!

—Julio is... *sobs*... Julio is... *sobs*... —Her voice falters, unable to form the words.

—Mr. Julio... died —I say softly. —La Patasola killed him.

Mrs. Bertha's eyes widen in shock. For a moment, it looks as though she might faint, but she steadies herself. Then, the tears come.

—No... not Julio... not him!

She embraces Mrs. Licovi, and together, they cry for their loved one.

A few minutes later…

Some time passes before they calm down. Mrs. Bertha brews chamomile tea for all of us, though the air is still heavy with sorrow. Licovi's demeanor has changed—her grief replaced by a burning fury I've never seen in her before.

—It was the Velas —she growls, her voice is trembling with rage. —I should've known those monsters were the summoners.

—The Velas? —Mrs. Bertha asks, her voice laced with worry. —What are you talking about?

—While you were in a coma —I explain —, Francisco Vela and his men came here. By the mayor's orders, they arrested Julio. A few hours later, we found him dead in the forest.

—Those bastards! —Mrs. Bertha snarls, slamming her teacup onto the floor, shattering it. —Bastards!

—I sensed dark energy on his body —Licovi continues —. Underworld hands stole his corpse. Miss Chía was dragged away with him while trying to recover it. The Velas... they summoned La Patasola to kill him.

—Wait a minute, Licovi —I interject —. If the Velas were the summoners all along, does that mean they killed Iván Vela too?

—Him, and all those Benefactors over the past weeks —Licovi spits. —Even the Benefactor Council. And then they dared to frame Julio and have him killed! *sniff*... I'll kill them myself!

—Licovi, calm down, please!

Mrs. Bertha rises from her seat. Her voice turns somber, and her expression darkens.

—The Velas aren't the summoners. Only Antonio is.

—What? —Licovi and I exclaim in unison.

—I was their nanny for ten years, and their housekeeper for ten more —Mrs. Bertha says gravely. —Even as a shaman, I never suspected them. Benefactors being shamans? It seemed impossible. Only Purists who maintain our traditions can do such things, and not all of us are even capable. If it's true that the Velas are shamans, then Antonio must be the only one. Iván was nothing but a drunken fool obsessed with women and parties, and Francisco is a coward who hides behind the Justice system. Neither of them has the wit to be a shaman. But Antonio... he's different. He's intelligent, cunning, and cruel. If anyone could hide such a secret from me, it's him. I'm certain Antonio is the summoner of La Patasola. We must confront him and, gods forbid, kill him. Julio's death was the last straw. The Benefactors will fall tonight.

I can feel an uncomfortable energy in the air. The kind-hearted Bertha and Licovi are gone. I can only see pure rage and thirst for vengeance.

Back to the forest…

Chía's narration:

While I keep checking Julio's body, I find something in his pocket. It's a piece of paper… wait, no. It's an old photo. When I check it, I see a familiar face.

—Huh? What's that? —asks Nenca.

—A photo. I recognize this face. It's Milagros.

—Milagros? That's La Patasola's true name, right? Wow, she was gorgeous, and she looked really happy.

—Yes, but why does he have this photo?... It's really old and torn in half… wait a second. This is really familiar.

I also noticed a trail of blood coming out from the house and heading to the forest.

—Julio was mortally wounded, still, he managed to flee to the forest… He died mid-road.

I take the photo and enter the house. As soon as I step inside, I can see broken vials and special powder all around. Seems like Julio was trying to stop the wraith, but he couldn't. I keep checking the photos until I find the one I was looking for—the one torn in half with a younger Milagros I saw last time we were here. I take both halves of the photos and put them together. After decades, it is finally complete. In the photo, older Milagros is hugging the young one. Older Milagros looks so happy, full of life. However, younger Milagros looks sad. I even dare to say, frustrated. But…

—Is something troubling you, Chía?

—This makes no sense. If these are pieces from a single photo, then why are there two Milagros?

I turn the younger Milagros's photo and see once more the same letters: "…get, …er …u."

—If this photo has half a message, then…

I turn the older Milagros's photo and find more letters, even words: "Don't for… your sist… will always love yo…" The full message reads: "Don't forget, your sister will always love you."

—Milagros had a sister!!

—It seems so, sweetie.

—But why was Julio with the other half of the photo? Where did he take it?!

—The same place he took the tools, Chía.

—Bertha's house?! But, if Bertha has had this picture all this time, that means…

—You got it, little sis —replies Nencatacoa.

—Bertha is her sister!

Nencatacoa gladly smiles when I discover the truth.

—There you go!

—I must investigate further… Of course!

I run to the dining room and I start removing all of the rubble that fell over the dining table.

—What are you doing, Chía?

—Last time we were here, there was a trap door under the table. A huge quantity of dark energy was coming from the basement. When we were going to investigate, la Patasola came from there and attacked us. If it wasn't by Bertha and Julio who came to our rescue, we would have died. But now it's my chance to see what the hell is in that basement.

—Are you sure about that? You're all alone now.

—I know you, Nenca. You said you wouldn't help me, but I know you wouldn't let me die either. Besides, I can't feel any dark energy now. Neither la Patasola nor the summoner are here.

Bertha's Café…

Ofelia's narration:

Mrs. Bertha's rage fades, and her usual calm, loving demeanor returns. She hugs Mrs. Licovi gently.

—Licovi, I know how you must feel right now. And I understand. You and Julio… you were like my children. But your connection with him ran deeper. You were married, for gods' sake! From now on, though, I'll continue this fight alone.

—What?! —Mrs. Licovi stares at her in shock — No! I can't let you do this alone! Last time, you almost died! I can't lose the only family I have left to something like this!

—Licovi, this is now a spiral of hatred and vengeance. You are far too pure for this. Harmony Town is no longer a place for you.

—What are you saying?! —Mrs. Licovi's voice cracks.

Mrs. Bertha looks at me now. Her eyes, filled with sorrow and determination, lock onto mine.

—Ofelia… I just met you and Chía a few days ago, but I can tell you're both trustworthy. I want you to take Licovi with you.

—Mrs. Bertha… —I reply, hesitant — … Yes. You can count on us.

Mrs. Licovi breaks into tears again, clutching Mrs. Bertha's sleeve desperately.

—No! Please, Mrs. Bertha… I don't want to lose you too!

—This is not up for discussion, Licovi!! I will be the one to end this!!

—B-but…!

—No "buts"! —Mrs. Bertha's voice sharpens —Ofelia, you know what to do.

—Y-yes, ma'am!

When Mrs. Licovi meets Mrs. Bertha's steely gaze, she knows there's no room for argument. Grief and anger boil within her, but deep down, she also knows Mrs. Bertha is right. From what I've seen, Bertha is an incredibly powerful shaman—She is, possibly, the only one capable of stopping La Patasola or even hurting her. Licovi, though competent, has much to learn. And with Lady Chía lost and my own strength insufficient to face the wraith… fleeing is the only sensible choice.

I reach for Mrs. Licovi's hand, and she softly holds mine back.

—Mrs. Licovi, it's time to go. Let's pack our things.

—*sniffs*… yes.

A single tear slides down Mrs. Bertha's face.

—Go back and never return. Live your life, Licovi… be happy.

—Mrs. Bertha… —Licovi whispers.

—I swear over Julio's corpse… I won't let you die. I couldn't bear to see your throat slashed as well.

… … …

!!!

Milagros' house…

Chía's narration:

I finish removing all the rubble, finally leaving the trap door free.

Without time to lose, I enter to the basement. The stench is overwhelming, almost making me faint.

—Everything's fine, Chía?

—…

This… this is probably one of the most horrifying sights I've ever seen. The room is filled with remnants of witchcraft: vials containing poisonous herbs, severed heads of venomous creatures, powders, animal bones… even human bones. There's no doubt—this is where the summoner controlled la Patasola.

As I continue searching, I find a box filled with severed legs. Some are freshly cut, with flesh still clinging to the bones. At the very top of the pile lies a blackened left leg, missing two toes and bound with strands of hair. Attached to it is a piece of aged paper, stained with writing in dried blood:

"Milagros, your soul shall stray,

Bound to shadows, night and day.

This cursed blood will hold your spite,

Your rage enshrined, your endless fight.

Obey your sister, the pact is sealed,

In life or death, my will revealed."

—No!

—And there it is, girl —smiles Nencatacoa.

A sudden burst of light covers my body, as I pierce the ceiling, destroying the house and elevating myself into the darkness of the night.

—Fly away, Chía —whispers Nencatacoa.

Bertha's café...

Ofelia's narration:

—Girls? —asks Mrs. Bertha— What happened? Why did you suddenly go pale?

—Mrs. Bertha… —says Licovi nervously— How do you know how Julio died?

—What?

—You just said you couldn't bear to see Mrs. Licovi's throat slashed as well —I say— How did you know that's how he died?

—Licovi, Ofelia. I… I was just being metaphorical.

—That was… an oddly specific metaphor, Mrs. Bertha.

—Please, Ofelia, don't twist my words. It was just a figure of speech! You know, imagining the worst-case scenario. After all, I saw how devastated Licovi was, and I assumed… it wasn't difficult to piece together what might've happened to Julio. That's all!

Licovi and I begin stepping back slowly, while Mrs. Bertha moves closer.

—Licovi, Ofelia. What's wrong? What's happening?! You've been through so much, perhaps it's clouding your judgment…

Licovi starts sniffing the air.

—Dark energy —whispers Licovi— … I just realized… I can smell dark energy.

—… Girls?

—Run, Ofelia!! —shouts Licovi.

—Yes!

As soon as she finishes shouting, I grab her hand and rush toward the exit, but before we can reach it, we are both hurled against the wall.

—Aghh! —cries Licovi in pain.

I quickly regain my senses and see the one who attacked us—it was La Patasola.

—I-It can't be! —I say, horrified.

Mrs. Bertha appears behind the creature, her eyes colder and more malicious than I've ever seen.

—Oh, girls… I truly am sorry it had to come to this.

TO BE CONTINUED…