The journey to Cayocan (Updated)

A current section of my story, It’s a draft. Set in an ancient Mesoamerica world.

Context: ( Characters- Tezca, the main protagonist- Xochi, his sister- Renzo, his friend- Locaris, his guardian/teacher).

(Nahualli is a type of ‘soul energy’ that can be used for unique supernatural abilities).





The market pulsed with life—bright music strummed from guitars, voices rose in laughter, and dancers spun in dazzling skirts, their steps quick as drumbeats. The air was rich with spice and smoke, roasted maize and chili drifting between rows of colourful stalls.

Locaris drifted along the crowd with his usual measured calm, pausing at a food vendor whose steaming pots sent out mouthwatering aromas. He scanned the menu, rubbing his chin as though the decision required serious calculation.

“Ten veggie tamales, please,” he said at last, offering the vendor a faint but polite smile. His tone was courteous, deliberate—almost teacherly, even in buying lunch.

With a neat bundle of tamales secured under his arm, he turned and started the quiet walk back to the dorm.


Inside, Tezca closed his book with a soft thump, stretching until his shoulders cracked. A yawn forced its way out of him as he wandered toward the hall, scanning the empty living room and kitchen with mild boredom.

He stopped at Xochi’s door, tapping his knuckles against it. “You in there?”

“Come in!” came the muffled reply.

The door creaked open, revealing what could only be described as a disaster zone. Books and clothes lay scattered in drifts across the floor; cups balanced dangerously on stacks of papers; and in the middle of it all, Xochi hunched over her desk like a commander inside a fortress of notes.

“What is it?” she asked distractedly, scribbling something down without looking up.

“Where is everyone?” Tezca stepped carefully through the clutter, wary of crushing a book underfoot.

“Locaris went out. Renzo’s holed up in his room,” Xochi said, finally leaning back with a sigh.

“Where’d Locaris go?”

She shrugged, twirling her pen. “Didn’t say. Been gone half an hour, maybe more.”

“Mm.” Tezca’s gaze wandered over the piles again. “And make sure you tidy up before we leave,” he said, his voice soft but edged with older-brother firmness.

“Yeah, sure,” Xochi answered, flashing him a grin far too mischievous to be sincere.

Tezca just shook his head, muttering under his breath as he backed out of her room.

Moments later, the dorm door swung open. “I’m back,” Locaris called, voice carrying its calm authority even in casual moments. “And I’ve brought lunch.”

The smell hit the hall instantly—spiced masa and roasted beans, citrus and herbs—and Tezca’s expression brightened as he started toward the kitchen.

A door banged open upstairs. Xochi burst out like a thunderbolt, her hair slightly wild. She spotted Locaris’s bundle and, with zero hesitation, sprinted straight at Tezca.

“Move it!” she barked gleefully, tackling him into the wall.

They hit the floor in a tangle of elbows and knees. Tezca caught her ankle, dragging her down with him. In seconds they were a writhing heap, shoving and clawing.

“What is your problem?!” Tezca growled, laughter bubbling under his voice.

Xochi cackled, yanking a fistful of his curls. “Survival of the fittest!”

The two rolled, smacking into the table leg, fighting like wolf pups over a bone.

Renzo appeared in the doorway at his usual unhurried pace. He leaned against the wall, arms folded, eyebrows raised. “You two realize food doesn’t vanish if you don’t body-slam each other for it, right?” His tone dripped with amusement, but the grin tugging at his mouth gave him away.

Neither sibling responded. Locked forehead-to-forehead, they glared as if the universe itself was at stake.

“Enough.” Locaris’s voice cut through with weary precision. He stepped between them, setting the plates firmly on the table. “You’d think I was raising wild dogs, not students.”

The tamales gleamed golden in the light, their aroma instantly silencing the squabble. Tezca and Xochi abandoned their feud without hesitation, sliding into chairs like nothing had happened. Locaris set his own smaller plate down with quiet dignity, while Renzo took a seat beside him, smirking the whole time.

“Finally,” Xochi muttered, already reaching for hers.

The first bite crunched, steam curling from the masa. Within seconds, Tezca and Xochi were devouring tamales with reckless abandon, crumbs flying, plates scraping clean.

Renzo chewed his food at a measured pace, exchanging a look with Locaris over the chaos. “Do you two even taste it?” he teased.

Twin glares snapped his way—mouths still full, cheeks puffed like squirrels.

Locaris leaned back in his chair, wiping his fingers on a napkin. “You know,” he said between bites, “the geography of this place still amazes me. The north and west feel completely different from the south and east. Like two separate worlds.”

Xochi paused mid-sip, one brow arched. “Different how?”

Locaris gestured vaguely with his hand, searching for words. “Hard to pin down. The terrain, the people, the air itself—it’s like crossing dimensions. You’ll see it for yourselves soon enough.”

Tezca leaned forward without realizing it, his eyes fixed on him. A faint smile tugged at his mouth, the kind that slipped out when he was already imagining the road ahead.

When the last crumbs were gone, Renzo stretched with a loud groan and pushed back from the table. “Alright. Let’s move before I fall asleep here,” he said, jerking his chin toward the door.

“Yeah,” Tezca agreed quickly—then blinked as he caught Xochi dragging her tongue across her plate, polishing it clean. She met his stare, grinning wide, and gave him a shameless thumbs-up.

Locaris laughed under his breath as he gathered the dishes. “I’ll stay behind and clean up. Go on. I can see you’re eager to run off.”

Renzo smirked and hooked an arm through each sibling, hauling them toward the door. “Fine by me. The less time you two spend licking plates, the better.”

“Shut up,” Xochi shot back, wriggling free. She darted down the hall. “Give me two minutes to get ready!”

Tezca and Renzo waited by the door. Minutes ticked by. Renzo scratched the back of his head with a sigh. “Of course she’s last. Always.”

Finally Xochi reappeared, hair freshly tied back, eyes bright with anticipation. “Lunch was amazing—thanks, Locaris!” she said, hurrying into her sandals.

“Appreciate it,” Renzo added, swinging the door open.

Locaris gave a long-suffering sigh, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward. “I’d tell you to stay out of trouble, but we all know that’s a lost cause. Just… don’t burn the place down.”

Xochi giggled, already halfway out the door. “No promises!”

“See you later!” the three called together.

But Tezca lingered on the door frame, fingers brushing the wood. He glanced back once more, a softer smile breaking across his face. “Thanks—for everything.”

Locaris met his eyes and nodded. No words this time, just a quiet look that held warmth enough.

Then Tezca stepped out into the light, the door closing behind him.

The three burst out of the dormitory doors, laughter and exhilaration buzzing through their veins. The crisp air smelled faintly of smoke from cooking fires behind them, mingling with the sweetness of flowering vines. Ahead, the narrow street gave way to the edge of the small town, where the jungle pressed close, wild and unrestrained. Above it all, the sky stretched endlessly, dotted with floating islands far in the distance. The islands shimmered faintly, wreathed in shifting bands of multicolored cloud.

“Where are we even going?” Xochi asked, her voice bright with excitement as her gaze fixed on the distant archipelago.

“There!” Renzo shouted, throwing his arm up dramatically toward the horizon.

Xochi’s brow twitched. “I can see that, genius. I mean how are we getting there?” Her fist curled tight.

Renzo only grinned, lips quirking with smug satisfaction, and offered no answer.

Tezca stepped forward, snapping open a folded map. His eyes flicked between its markings and the path ahead. “Locaris mentioned a city called Cayocan,” he said, thoughtful but sure. “If he’s right, we’ll find what we’re looking for there.”

“So, which way is it?” Xochi asked, leaning in close enough to bump his shoulder.

Tracing a finger over the parchment, Tezca nodded to himself. “We’re in the south. The capital’s to the southeast. Cayocan’s north. That’s where we’re heading.” His tone carried an easy confidence, as though he had already walked the road in his head.

For a heartbeat, the three of them stood together at the town’s edge, the din of voices and clatter of hooves fading behind them. The open world sprawled out ahead, humming with promise.

“Then what are we waiting for?” Renzo said, setting off with long, unbothered strides.

Tezca and Xochi followed, sandals crunching on the wide dirt track that cut into the jungle. Towering trees pressed in from both sides, their leaves whispering in the breeze, while the air grew thicker, damp with green life.

“How long to Cayocan?” Xochi asked after a stretch of silence, tilting her head toward Tezca.

“Five days,” he answered casually, not breaking stride.

Xochi stopped dead, her upper lip twitching. “Five—?!” Her voice spiked high enough to scatter a startled bird from the branches above. “The tournament is tomorrow!” Her fists tightened, veins rising against her skin as frustration boiled out of her.

Renzo glanced back, unimpressed, and rolled his eyes. “Relax. You’re acting like a scared little rabbit.”

“Are you both out of your minds?” Xochi barked, glaring at each of them in turn. “How are we supposed to make it back in time?”

“We will,” Tezca replied, calm as stone. He tapped the map with a fingertip, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “There’s a town not far from here. I already planned ahead—we’ll get a ride.”

Suspicion narrowed her eyes. “What kind of ride?”

His smirk widened, anticipation glinting in his gaze. “You’ll see. With it, the trip won’t take five days. It’ll take an hour.”

Xochi blinked, thrown off balance. “…An hour?”

Renzo cut in, unable to resist. “That’s right. Try to keep up, princess.”

Her face flushed, half with irritation, half with embarrassment. “Ugh! You could’ve said that sooner!” She crossed her arms with a loud huff, marching faster as though to hide her fluster.

Renzo chuckled, clearly enjoying himself, while Tezca only adjusted the map in his hands, the faintest curve of a smile tugging at his mouth as he kept them moving forward.

A cool breeze swept across the path, rustling the canopy until the towering trees seemed to breathe as one. Their branches swayed, scattering shifting shadows over the red soil at the trio’s feet.

Renzo stretched his arms lazily, eyes flicking through the green expanse. “This jungle is great and all,” he said, “but if something jumps out at us, just know I’m running faster than both of you.”

Tezca scoffed, amused. “Huh? You think you’re faster than me?”

“Of course I am,” Renzo shot back with a grin. “By the time you’re done posing with that map, I’ll be halfway to Cayocan.”

Xochi giggled. “He’s not wrong.”

“Yeah, whatever,” Tezca muttered, looking away—but the tug at the corner of his mouth betrayed him.

From the bushes ahead, a rustle drew their attention. A small, monkey-like creature waddled out, its curly fur mottled green and brown like moss. Its round eyes blinked curiously as it paused in the middle of the path.

Tezca’s face lit up. “A Vireoco,” he said, voice carrying an almost childlike thrill.

“So that’s what it’s called,” Renzo said, leaning forward with interest.

“I’ve read about them, but never seen one,” Tezca went on. “They’re social, friendly—almost mischievous.”

Xochi crouched, beaming. “It’s cute.” She stretched a hand forward, and the Vireoco wasted no time—it scampered up her arm, scrambled to her shoulder, and nestled into her neck.

Xochi squealed with delight. “Aww, it likes me!”

Renzo sighed dramatically. “Poor thing. Doesn’t even know it’s trapped for life.”

The Vireoco tilted its head, then—perfectly mimicking Xochi’s high-pitched squeal—chirped back at him.

Xochi’s eyes widened before she laughed, hugging it closer. “See? It agrees with me!”

Even Tezca chuckled, shaking his head. “Guess it’s joining us now.”

They pressed on, the Vireoco perched proudly on Xochi’s shoulder. Sunlight pierced through gaps in the canopy, scattering shafts of gold across the path. Birds trilled overhead, frogs croaked from unseen pools, and the air was thick with the perfume of wildflowers bursting in red, yellow, and violet along the forest floor.

Renzo swatted lazily at a buzzing insect, only for Tezca to grab his arm suddenly. “Careful!”

Renzo blinked, startled. “What? What is it?”

“You almost stepped on that ant,” Tezca said, pointing to a tiny black speck on the ground.

Renzo squinted down. “Seriously? That? How did you even notice?”

“I’ve been using my Nahualli to sense presences,” Tezca replied casually, releasing him. “Doesn’t matter if it’s big or small. I don’t want to crush anything by mistake.”

He glanced at Xochi. She nodded with a soft smile. “I do the same.”

Renzo looked between them, his smirk faltering into something quieter. For a beat, he just watched—then quickly masked it with a grin. “Great. Guess I’ll let you two protect me from ants.”

He dragged his gaze away, pretending to study the canopy overhead where a bird darted between branches.

“How much longer?” he asked a moment later, tone lighter, covering the shift.

“Not far,” Tezca assured him. He bent to pick up a sturdy stick, turning it over thoughtfully in his hands. “Shame we didn’t bring weapons.”

Xochi raised an eyebrow. “What, helpless without them?”

“Of course not,” Tezca said with a chuckle, giving the stick a playful swing. “It just would’ve been more fun.”

She rolled her eyes, but the grin tugging at her lips gave her away.

Eventually, the jungle opened, and they reached a fork in the path. One road stretched endlessly north, swallowed by green. The other curved toward a town visible in the distance, its rooftops catching the last gleam of sunlight. A weathered signpost pointed the way, its lettering faint but welcoming.

Xochi held the Vireoco’s little hand as it chirped again—this time echoing her earlier giggle. She laughed, and for a moment the weight of the journey lifted. Ahead, the choice of paths waited.

As they stepped into the aged settlement, the town’s charm came alive. Wooden beams propped up adobe brick walls, their weathered surfaces still resilient. Sunlight caught the earthy bricks—mud, sand, water, straw—making them gleam against the vibrant cobblestone streets.

Locals moved at an unhurried pace, chatting with one another as vendors arranged their wares. Children darted past, their laughter ringing between the walls, as the air carried the smell of roasted maize and fresh fruit.

Tezca scanned the area with a furrowed brow, searching for their next stop. “I don’t see it here,” he muttered, his voice low.

When no response came, he glanced to his side—and froze. The street beside him was empty.

His eyes darted until they spotted Renzo, already swarmed by a mob of giggling children tugging at his arms and legs. Renzo let himself collapse in mock defeat, groaning dramatically as the kids cheered and clambered over him.

Tezca pinched the bridge of his nose. “Seriously? I take my eyes off them for one second…”

Turning again, his frustration only deepened. Xochi was twirling with the Vireoco in her arms, her laughter blending with the strum of a street musician’s guitar. A circle of girls had joined her, skirts flaring as they spun in rhythm.

Tezca stared for a beat, disbelief flashing across his face. “How?!” he grumbled. With a resigned sigh, he muttered, “Maybe it’s further in,” and pushed on alone.

The town’s warmth should have been reassuring, but a flicker of doubt gnawed at him as he walked. His eyes swept the adobe walls and weaving market stalls, searching for any sign of their destination. Is this even the right place?

Just then, an old salesman shuffled past, his bent frame bowed beneath a mecapal strap that balanced a heavy crate across his back. The wood creaked under the weight of ripe fruit piled high, their bright skins glowing against the dull planks.

Seizing the chance, Tezca called out, “Excuse me—do you know where the stable is?”

The man paused mid-step. His cracked lips parted, and his long, unkempt beard, threaded with dull beads, quivered as he tilted his head toward Tezca.

Tired eyes glimmered with mischief. “Further into the center,” he said, voice rough but cheerful. He clicked his tongue thoughtfully, then added with a knowing grin, “Keep heading north. You’ll hear it before you see it—rowdy place, full of shouting.”

Tezca dipped his head. “Thank you,” he replied, though the man’s playful tone left him oddly unsettled. He watched the old figure hobble off with a low chuckle, vanishing into the bustle of the street.

From the corner of his eye, Tezca caught movement—a figure barreling toward him. Renzo skidded to a halt a few paces away, hands braced on his knees as he panted.

“Man, those kids don’t give up,” he groaned, straightening at last. His eyes darted around. “Wait—where’s Xochi? I thought she was with you.”

Tezca’s blank expression was an answer enough. Renzo groaned. “Perfect. Now we’ve lost both monkeys.”

“Come on,” Tezca said, already marching toward the town center. “She can’t have gone far.”

The town grew busier as they advanced toward the center. Vendors called out to passing customers, selling food, jewelry, and vibrant textiles. Tezca noticed the streets becoming crowded, the swell of people making it harder to navigate.

He sighed in frustration. “At this rate, we’ll never find her.”

Renzo dragged his feet after him. “Chill, she’s probably bartering herself for sweets by now.”

Tezca shot him a sidelong glance, half amused despite himself. “That’s fine. I’ll just have to sense her Nahualli, then.”

He slowed, closing his eyes and steadying his breath. Renzo watched with interest as Tezca’s brow furrowed, his focus narrowing.

A moment passed. Then Tezca’s lips thinned into a frown. “…Nothing.”

Renzo raised a brow. “Nothing? Why not?”

“I don’t know.” Tezca exhaled sharply, the words tight. “I just feel… off.”

Renzo leaned closer, smirk tugging at his lips. “Ah, I get it. Big brother instincts kicking in. You’re getting anxious.”

Tezca hesitated, his jaw tightening. “…I can’t help it.”

Renzo chuckled and clapped him on the shoulder. “Come on, she’ll be fine. She’s tougher than both of us put together.”

Tezca gave a small nod, though his eyes stayed fixed on the crowded streets ahead, the weight in his chest refusing to ease.

In a rough bar, Xochi and the Vireoco perched at the counter, devouring a plate of nachos heaped with salsa and guacamole. The tang of lime and the sharp spice of chili powder filled the air as Xochi eagerly dipped each chip, savoring the crunch and creamy bite. She leaned back on her stool, patting her stomach with a satisfied grin.

The Vireoco, however, was far from done. Its tiny fingers darted toward a nearby plate belonging to another customer, plucking a few chunks of meat before popping them into its mouth.

Xochi’s eyes widened. “Hey!” she hissed, grabbing the monkey’s wrist.

The Vireoco squirmed, pulling back with surprising strength. In their tug-of-war, the little creature knocked over a man’s beer, sending foam spilling across the counter.

The crash of clay against wood echoed sharply. The man stiffened, slowly turning toward them. The sharp scent of spilled alcohol mixed with the bar’s warmth, and foam dripped onto the floor.

Xochi raised her hands, a sweet smile plastered on her face. “Whoops!” she said, hoping charm could diffuse the situation.

The man straightened, towering over her. Scarred knuckles cracked as his fists clenched, brow furrowed.

“Sorry! I’ll get you another drink!” Xochi blurted, voice cracking slightly.

“And the food,” he growled, pointing at his now-empty plate smeared with crumbs.

Xochi fumbled with her small, handwoven Chimborican bag, rifling through its soft fibers until she produced a modest pouch. She untied it and peered inside. Two dull copper coins glinted at the bottom. Her stomach sank.

That’s it?

A chill ran up her spine. She looked up at the man’s stern gaze, forced a cute smile, then—swift as lightning—snatched the Vireoco and bolted for the exit.

“Hey! You haven’t paid!” the bartender’s voice boomed.

The bar door slammed open with a crash. Xochi sprinted out, sandals smacking against uneven cobblestones, the Vireoco squirming in her arms. Heads turned as the shouting men surged behind her.

“Stop that thief!” someone yelled.

Xochi weaved through the crowd, her laughter mingling with the clamor. The humid air hit her, thick with the scent of grilled food from nearby stalls. The man roared, and his three companions burst through the door, barreling after her with the bartender in tow.

“Get her!” they shouted, but Xochi was already disappearing into the crowded street.

The street bustling with vendors shouting prices, customers arguing over scraps of coin, and the clatter of carts jostling for space. Xochi darted through the chaos, weaving between legs and baskets. The vireoco clung to her shoulders, chittering anxiously—until its hand shot out, snatching a guava from a stall.

“Stop that!” Xochi hissed, but the little beast only cackled and hurled the fruit backward. A wet splat and an angry shout followed.

That was only the beginning. The monkey swiped a handful of shells, then a wooden spoon, then a broom, flinging each into the mob of men behind them. Vendors cursed, customers ducked, and the pursuers only grew more furious with every hit.

Further down the street, the distant racket made Renzo and Tezca turn their heads.

“What’s all that yelling?” Tezca muttered, squinting through the crowd.

Renzo’s face lit up. “It’s Xochi! I told you she’d find trouble.” He elbowed Tezca with a grin.

Tezca kissed his teeth. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Help!” Xochi’s shrill cry cut through the din as she barreled toward them, the brute and his gang pounding after her like a storm. Even a red-faced bartender was among them, apron flapping wildly.

Renzo threw up his hands. “There’s a whole gang chasing her and… a waiter?!”

Tezca shook out his arms, loosening his shoulders as if this were nothing more than a warm-up. “Ridiculous. Come on, get ready.”

The men were gaining fast, boots pounding the cobblestones. Xochi’s lungs burned, but she refused to slow, eyes locked on her friends up ahead. “Almost there!” she shouted, weaving through a cart of melons. “Don’t just stand there—help me out!”

Tezca’s grin spread even as he started running toward her. “Alright, let’s go.”

She reached them at last, shoving the vireoco into Renzo’s chest without breaking stride. “Here—take the monkey!”

The animal screeched, immediately scrambling onto Renzo’s head. Tiny hands yanked his hair, tugged his ears, and smeared guava pulp across his cheek as they ran.

“Hey! Get off!” Renzo barked, staggering as the monkey clung like a parasite.

Xochi, sprinting beside him, smirked. “Wow, I’m shocked you two don’t get along. So much in common.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” Renzo growled, voice muffled as the monkey yanked his face sideways.

“Oh, nothing,” she sang, laughing breathlessly.

Tezca kept his pace steady, eyes flicking to the mob behind them. “Why are they after you?” he demanded between strides.

Xochi ducked her head, “Uh… I didn’t pay for my food.”

Tezca snapped his head toward her. “You were eating?! What happened to the money you brought?”

She flashed a sheepish grin. “I spent it all.”

“You what?!”

Xochi leaned close as they sprinted, eyes wide and innocent. “Surely you wouldn’t mind paying for me?”

“Hell no!” Tezca barked. “That money’s for the ride and emergencies.”

“Yeah, not your bottomless stomach,” Renzo added, still trying to pry the monkey off his head while dodging a basket of pottery pieces.

Xochi pouted dramatically, breath hitching. “Fine, fine.”

The pursuers were still hot on their heels. Tezca muttered under his breath. “Ugh. Where’s your purse?”

“Here!” Xochi fished it out mid-run, tossing it at him with a sly grin.

Tezca caught it, his hand already moving quick as lightning. Coins clinked as he stuffed the pouch full, yanking the strings tight. “Guess we should pay them back!”

Without slowing, he twisted, hurling the pouch at the brute’s feet. “Here’s your money!”

Then he grabbed Xochi by the wrist, hooked his other arm around Renzo’s shoulder, and yanked them both into a sharp turn down a narrow alley.

The pouch clattered against the cobbles.

“Finally,” the bartender panted, stooping toward it.

“Back off.” The brute shoved him aside, snatching it first. His men crowded close as he tore open the strings.

Out spilled… stones. Ordinary river rocks, with only two battered copper coins mixed in.

For a heartbeat, the street went silent.

The brute’s face twisted purple as his jaw clenched. “Those little bastards tricked us!” he roared, flinging the pouch down so hard it split.

The bartender folded his arms, smirking. “Outsmarted by kids. That’s embarrassing.”

“So were you!” the brute snapped, punching the wall hard enough to rattle the boards of a nearby stall.

One of his men swallowed. “Should we chase them?”

“No.” The brute’s voice was low, dangerous. “Forget it. We’ve been humiliated enough today.”

Down by the riverbank, under the shadow of a wooden bridge, Tezca, Renzo, and Xochi crouched low, chests heaving. Water lapped quietly beneath them as they caught their breath.

The vireoco perched on Renzo’s shoulder, licking guava pulp off its fingers before wiping the rest into his hair.

Renzo groaned, shoving at it, but then barked a laugh and thumped Tezca on the back. “Hah! Brilliant thinking, man. That distraction was perfect.”

Tezca tried to hide his smile, but it tugged at his lips anyway. “It wasn’t that great.”

The monkey shrieked, hopping down onto Tezca’s knee as if to argue.

Renzo shook his head, still grinning. “Always gotta be so damn modest.”




Continue the story in Part 2:
https://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/2347172-The-journey-to-Cayocan-pa...