Here it is! So excited for this! Keep in mind, I had one story in mind of where I wanted to go with this and I started taking screenshots for THAT and then I changed my mind in the middle of writing the generation 3 main story. So then I totally had to scrap most of my screenshots- but I salvaged some. So if you notice any small inconsistencies in the pictures (like the time of day changing mysteriously or details in outfits being off), that's why. I tried to avoid it as much as possible, but somethings cannot be helped. I AM SO HYPED for gen 4! The poll is still open, but there is one very clear winner so far. I don't see the result being altered so I'm going to go ahead and start gathering screen shots. This interlude is important because it both sets up the events for gen 3 AND impacts some things that are going to happen in gen 4. Originally, it was going to be in two parts, but I decided what I would rather just do this part and have the rest sort of slowly reveal during gen 4. It'll all make sense in time dear readers- I promise! Without further ado or ramblings- Here. We. Go. One thing I always loved about the city was that it reminded me of home. Where I lived as a child, there were no tall buildings or bustling noises. Just stars. "Look there! Miras 'Tonio- it's Mach’acuay, the serpent!" "Wow! And look there- it's Hanp’atu." "I don't see it." "There- left of la cruz." "Looks more like a blob to me." "Shut up." I remember it all so vividly. The soft grass on my back, my brother Antonio at my side, the smell of my mother's signiture patchamancha sizzling, my parents laughter from the porch. Above all- I remember the peace. The kind of peace you have when the whole world makes sense. I haven't felt that kind of peace in a long time. I grew up in a place called Selvadorada. Equal parts Latin hideaway and tourist hotspot. My papi, Renaldo De Luna, worked two jobs- a tourguide and a jungle scavenger during the slow months. My mami, Solana made quilts and sold them at the marketplace. My mother used to tell me that life is all about the choices that you make. Make the right one- and you will find your happiness. Make the wrong choice, and it will bring you nothing but misfortune. I've made a lot of choices in my life- some small, some life altering. But sometimes, you make a choice that is so life-altering, that destroys your life so badly, that it follows you for the rest of your life. My name is Maritza De Luna. And this is my story. "You know, I've been doing these tours for ten years, and I have never once enjoyed being awake before the sun." "Oh Renaldo, don't be a child. Give yourself some credit- if you didn't get up this early, those tourists would get lost in that jungle." "True words, mi amor. Who knows where this town would be without me." "And there is that confidance that made me fall in love with you." "Ouch. And here I was thinking it was my good looks." "Very funny- call the children. I don't want you three leaving without a full breakfast. Are you sure you should be taking them near that place?" "Oh Solana, calmate. They have to learn the business eventually. Besides, if I can't count on my looks, then who could say no to such adorable children?" "I just.....don't trust that place. There's something evil in there, my grandmother always said so. I don't even like you going in there." "I never go far, and besides- I would never take our children that far. You know that." "I know....I just...." "Besides, your grandmother was crazy." "Eat your breakfast or you'll be scrubbing your own shirts tonight." "Bye mami! See you later!" "Adiós. Be careful! Ten cuidado!" "Here, stop here. Take a look at her." "Who is that, Papi?" "That is the statue of Madre Cosecha, the spirit of bounty. Legend says that she watches over the people of Selvadorada. And the tourists too, at least that's what I tell my tour groups." "Does that mean she watches over us papi?" "Absolutley. As long as you don't disobey your parents hahahahaha!" "Mami is right. You're jokes are silly." "My jokes are hilarious. But that's besides the point. Remember mis hijos, if you remember any one rule- remember this. You should NEVER go into the Bellomisia Jungle. It's far too dangerous." "Like what?" "Well, the spiders, the snakes, the bats. Just to name a few." "But you go there everyday, and you don't get hurt." "Yes Maritza, but that's because I'm trained for this. My papi taught me the ways of the jungle, and one day, I'll teach them to you." "What's in there?" "That Maritza is the trail of the great Temple. It's abosolutley forbidden, even to tours." "Why?" "Don't you pay attention in school? The temple is the home of las huacas- the spirits." "Shut up 'Tonio, no one asked you." "He's right Maritza. Even if you don't believe in the spirits- the Bellomisia Jungle is far to dangerous. Only a few explorers have ever gone deep into the jungle and lived to tell what they saw. Promise me that you will never go in there." "I promise Papi." "Good. Now take your brother and gather some firewood." "Can you imagine Antonio- going all the way through the jungle? Being the greatest explorer of all time?" "Come on Maritza, don't be silly- you heard Papi, it's too dangerous to even think about." "I'm not being silly. I mean it. I'm going to get all the way to that Temple one day. I'm going to be the greatest explorer in the history of Selvadorada!" "If you say so Maritza. If you say so." "MARITZA MARIANNA DE LUNA. Where are you? If you make us late for church again, you'll be peeling potatoes for a month!" "Okay, okay. Mami! I'm here." "Oh no. If you think you are going to church dressed like that, then you have another thing coming." "Oh come on, what's wrong with the way I'm dressed?" "You look like one you're about to go mountain climbing. What happened to that nice dress I made you? How are you going to find a husband when you spend all your time in that ridiculous museum?" "Honestly Mami, some parents would be grateful for a daughter who doesn't chase after boys and waste my time." "I'd be more grateful if you did your chores." "Seriously- What's wrong with me spending time in the museum? I can't go in the jungle myself. It's the next best thing. I need to learn everything I can if I'm going to explore it one day." *SIGH* "Maritza, I need you to get serious. The tour business isn't doing so well. If you're going to waste you time- at least find a hobby that pays something." "Well....I have been learning a lot about the history of Selvadorada....maybe if you let me go past the trailhead I could find something valuble or...." "Absolutley not." "But mami, I could do so much if I could only just-" "The answer is no Martiza. Now finish setting the table." "......." "*sigh*Mi carina, I know you think I'm not on your side. But I only do what I do because I love you. And you're such a pretty girl, you could have so many friends if you just tried a little more." "UGH. Mami! I don't want to be popular- I want to be an explorer! Why can't you understand that?!" "Just trust me Martiza, I know what's best for you. Remember what I said- make a good choice and the bounty will follow. Going into that jungle is not a good choice. It will bring you nothing but sorrow. Trust me." "You seriously can't go any lower for the pollinia flower?" "I'm sorry, but $12 is as low as I can go. It's the slow season, without the tour groups, I have to make ends meet." "Hmmmmm. Okay then- it's a deal." "Well, well, well. If it isn't the famous explorer Maritza de Luna." "I think that young man is trying to get your attention." "I know. I'm trying to ignore him. You should be too." "Well, well, well yourself. Things get boring in your fancy boarding school already?" "Hardly. I'm just here for the summer. My father is has arranged an internship in his company." "If only the rest of us could be so lucky." "Aaaaand that's my cue to step in. Hey Carlos! Glad you're back!" "Hey 'Tonio- you wanna meet up at the cantina later?" "Totally!" "Ugh. Honestly 'Tonio I don't know why you hang out with this this pretentious jerk." "Come on, Maritza- Carlos is cool. Just give him a chance." "Don't bother, she'd rather collect cobwebs in the museum than actually have any fun." "I'll have you know that I know more about that jungle than anyone else you'll ever meet." "Oh please- you've never even set foot in that place. You're probably too scared." "TOO SCARED?" "Oh geez, Carlos. Did you have to get her started?" "The only reason I haven't gone in there is because my parents said-" "Oh, real cute. My mommy and daddy said I can't go. Some explorer." "Okay- that's enough of that- Carlos I'll see you at the cantina later." "*sigh* Maritza, I thought you were supposed to be smart. Why do you let him get under your skin like that?" "Honestly Tonio, I don't even know. There's just something about him that drives me crazy." "Maybe it's because you like him." "Oh please- ewwww. Either way-Thank you for rescuing me Tonio." "What else are twins for? Let's go home, we can talk about your exploration plans then." "Tonio. Tonio. Tonio- wake up." "Wah. What- who- why- Maritza? It's like 1am, what do you want?" "I was thinking about what Carlos said....." "Seriously Maritza, you woke me up to talk about your boyfriend?" "He's NOT my b- you're changing the subject. I was thinking about what he said. And...he's right. All I ever do is talk. I never do any of the things I say I'm going to do." "I don't like where this is going." "Tonio- I'm going into Bellomissia. Tonight." "Ohhhh noooo. Absolutley not. Maritza, that place is dangerous. You know that. You can't go in there. Why would you even tell me? You know I'm going to to tell mami and papi." "Because you won't say anything. We're twins, I have your loyalty, remember?" "We were six when we swore that- I don't think it holds up." "Come on Tonio- please. I want you to come with me." "What? No. Just because you have no sense of self preservation, that doesn't me I don't." "Please Tonio, you're the only person I trust. Even I'm not reckless enough to go in alone. Ane besides....you're the only person who has ever had any faith in me. I want to be an explorer. Papi thinks it a joke, Mami would never let go, and everyone else is just like Carlos- they think I'm stupid or cowardly. You're the only person who had ever had my back. I'm going into that jungle, and I want to share it with you." ".......Did you at least pack some bug spray?" "Four cans." "Okay. I'm in." "Where the hell did you get a machete?" "I traded for it at the market. There's a vendor who sells supplies for the tourists. I got a good deal actually." "Well. That's just great. That fills me with confidance." "Do you even know where we are?" "Of course I do, it's just like the maps in the museum. This is the northern trailhead. If we follow it, we'll reach the ancient royal pools." "Those maps are like a hundred years old. How do you know they're even accurate?" "Well, no one's actually tried to create better ones, so I have faith." "Woah. Maritza- look at THAT." "Wow. It's stunning. I've never seen anything like it. Wait a second- it can't be......" "What?!" "There's only one waterfall in Bellomisia- the Gocta Falls, it's the sign for the entrance to the Great Temple. That means it's nearby!" "Maritza- going into the jungle is one thing, but the Temple? That place is supposed to be cursed." "Don't be so superstitous- no one has even seen the Temple. It's just a fairy tale. But I bet there is SOMETHING out there- maybe it's the Bellomisian treasure. With money like that, we could be ten times richer than Carlos!" "I thought this wasn't about Carlos?" "IT"S NOT." "Whatever you say Maritza." "How is this even possible Maritza? We've been in this jungle no more than an hour and we just happen to find some crazy cursed Temple? This thing is supposed to be waaaay deep in the jungle. Why is it here?" "I wish I had an answer for you Tonio. Really- I do." "I don't like this Martiza- let's get out of here. We should be at home." "No. We can't leave yet. Just imagine what's in there!" "Maritza! Wait!" "Are you sure about this Martiza? Mami always talks about choices. Call me crazy, but this doesn't feel like a good one." "This is the opportunity of a lifetime. If you're nervous, then wait here. Once I find that treasure, everyone will take me seriously." "I take you seriously- isn't that enough?" "Okay- here we go. These are the same glyphs from the relics at the museum. If I unscramble the code, then I could definitley......" "Who. Are. You?" "What? Who said that?" "Who. Are. You?" "AHHHHH! Who are YOU? Are you going to hurt me?" "I go by many names- but I am the ruler of this Temple. Beneath it is the entrance to my realm. I asked for your name girl." "I......I........" "I don't like people who waste my time." "My name.......my name is Maritza. Maritza De Luna." "Okay then Maritza De Luna, why have you sought me out?" "What? I didn't seek you out- I swear! I just wanted to be taken seriously. I wanted to prove to everyone that I was brave." "Is that all? You came all the way here for such a simple request? I don't think you're telling me the whole truth. The only thing I hate more than people who waste my time are those who dare lie to me." "I'm not lying! I swear!" "I admire your determination. You found this place very quickly. Only those with the bravest or the most foolish souls seek out the Temple of the Dead. I will give you a choice." "A choice?" "Yes. There are two doors ahead of you. Choose one. The door on the left has all the treasure you seek. The door on the right will take you home. Choose." "I choose the left." "Are you sure about that?" "Yes. I just want to provide my family with everything they could ever ask for. I want them to be happy. And to believe in me." "Very well. Enjoy your reward." "AHHHHHHHHHH. MARITZA!!! MARITZA! HELP ME! AHHHHHHHH!" "NOOOOOO. TONIO! THIS CAN'T BE....HAPPENING. I DON'T UNDERSTAND. I just-don't understand." "I warned you girl. I don't like liars. Or people who waste my time. I have been watching you for a while. You invaded this spiritual place. You invited an innocent into your plans. You ingored the warnings of the people around you. You say you wanted to show others that you were brave. You wanted to be validated. But you had it already." "I.....I wasn't lying. I swear." "Oh but you were. You didn't want money for your family. You wanted to prove a point. You wanted to be the best. You let your selfishness, your ego, and your impulsiveness lead your heart and this is the result." "But that's not fair!" "I gave you a warning. I gave you a choice. And you make the wrong one. Now you must live with that." "Mr. and Mrs. De Luna?" "Yes. Are you here from the police? Have you found them?" "We have found your daughter. She was unconcious but unharmed. We found her at the Bellomissia Trail head. She was taken to the hospital, but appears to have no memory of what happened." "And my son?" "We found him as well. But......I'm afraid he is dead. We found his body in a ravine further down the trail. It appears his neck had been broken in a fall." "My.....my baby.....my son......this can't be......" "You and your family have my condolences." "Oh Renaldo- this nightmare. It can't be real." Two months later"Mami. Can I talk to you?" "Of course mijita, you can tell me anything." "I know how Antonio died." "Please Maritza, we don't have to-" "No. Mami I have to tell you the truth. It's all my fault. I'm the one who convinced him to come with me to the jungle. I don't know how we got where we did. But It's all my fault." "You.....you went into the jungle. After I told you it was dangerous. After your father warned you. After EVERYONE told you." "Yes. I did. Mami, can you ever forgive me." "I.....I don't know Maritza. I think you should leave for a little while. I'll always love you. But....I can't forgive you until you forgive yourself. I'm sending you to stay with your cousin Stella in San Myshuno. I don't think Selvadorada is the best place for you." "But mami, I can't leave. You and are papi are here. My home is here. Antonio is here." "I know where Antonio is Maritza, and that will never change. You leave in the morning." "I gave you a choice. You made the wrong one. Now you must live with it." Antonio. My twin. My best friend. The only person who ever believed in me. You're dead. And it's all my fault. All my fault. My fault. And that's it folks! What did you think? You haven't seen the last of these characters. ;) There's more here to unravel. But you'll just have to wait until Gen 4!
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About MeI am a elementary school teacher who loves bad puns and terrible movies. Archives
November 2019
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