Just Like An Action HeroAmong the countless invention made by modern civilization, Tezcatlipoca was particularly drawn to movies.

No matter where he was, whether observing from his Grand Berserker throne or receiving it as part of Pan-Human History knowledge when he walked on Earth in his modern man vessel, the god made sure that he had the time to appreciate movies. A projection of moving slides, camera tricks, and exhilarating background music. Handsome actor done his role as a noble hero to answer the call of the leading lady, while dastardly villain plotted the hero’s demise behind the shadow. Much like the the Aztecs’ dance-play entertainment, a movie’s plot had acts. Tension escalated as the act progressed, reaching its climax as the hero confronted the villain in a dramatic battle, and ending with a charade of explosion as the hero walked away with the heroine in his embrace. Then the credit rolled, and Tezcatlipoca clapped and shouted “Bravo” with the widest smile on his face.

For this reason, superhero movies caught his attention the most. He called Daybit every time he found a new superhero movie title and asked him to watch it together. Daybit would, obviously, refuse right away as he was in the middle of the jungle (when was he not in the middle of the jungle). Tezcatlipoca then just said that he’d tell the spoiler-free version of the movie when the younger man returned. “Do as you like,” replied Daybit as usual before ending the call.

Of course, it wasn’t only the action that fascinated Tezcatlipoca.

In a particular movie franchise, as it reached the final act, the superheroes arrived to the scene in a manner called “superhero landing”. They dropped from the sky, left leg supporting their body and right leg in a kneeling position, shoulders slightly hunched forward and head hung low. Then, they slowly rose and set their gaze on their enemies, signaling the beginning of the last battle. The impression never failed to sent shiver down Tezcatlipoca’s spine. The thrill, the excitement. This was what he was waiting for. For the same reason, he wanted to experience it in real time once.

In a twist of fate, he really got to experience it, with blood-red sky and the sound of crumbling stones around him to boot. Above him, O.R.T’s looming figure casted a menacing silhouette as it moved to attack Chaldea team. Both he and Daybit stood on a large floating debris, but it wasn’t for too long. Soon, the platform shook and fell, and the two men followed suit.

This is it, Tezcatlipoca thought. Finally, I could get my own superhero landing.

He shouted at the younger man who was already below him, “Daybit Let me handle the landing”

Then, he saw many black, slim things flew toward his direction.

The god didn’t have time to react as they were ridiculously fast. When he came to his senses, he realized that the ‘things’ were tentacles that wrapped his body in a tight grip. Tezcatlipoca yelled curses and closed his eyes as the tentacles dragged him to the ground with the same speed, thinking they would just slam his (admittedly) fragile body to the landing. But, they slowed down when the ground was close to his sight and gently handed him to Daybit’s arms. Then they disappeared, and Daybit proceeded to flee the scene.

“Uh…what was that about” asked Tezcatlipoca, still processing the whole tentacle rescue thing and the fact that he was being bridal-carried around.

“Saving you,” replied the younger man.

The god folded his arms, slightly disgruntled at his ruined plan. “When I said I’m letting you handle the landing, I didn’t mean being caressed by your ‘friends’”.

“Sorry, but I kind of want to do it once.”

“Qué”

A wide river appeared before them. Daybit tightened his grips on Tezcatlipoca and hopped on the row of stones to get across. “I said I wanted to rescue you even just for once, and I might do it again.”

“Wasn’t it more beneficial for me if I did it instead” replied the god.

“Yes, but I knew you wanted to do that ‘superhero landing’ thing and I had to disagree. That was too dangerous.”

Tezcatlipoca bursted out laughing. “What we did back there was catastrophically dangerous. Superhero landing isn’t even close to that.”

Daybit just shrugged, signaling that he wasn’t up for endless argument, and continued to run back to their place. Tezcatlipoca accepted the silent treatment and rested his head on the other’s shoulder, exhaustion finally creeping up to him. Maybe later, he would nag Daybit again to watch the movie together. Perhaps he could convince him to do another stun from the movie, just not as ridiculous as superhero landing.