“There are two others: Ix-Tub-Tun and Och-Kan. Neither are prone to violence. Ix-Tub-Tun is known for spitting gems—a fascinating but decidedly non-violent magic, while Och-Kan is a teacher. He guides shamans. He, unlike Hapikern, likes humans.”
“So, we should look into Hapikern and see if we can confirm that he hasn't left the God Realm,” I concluded.
“Before you go after Hapikern, may I ask what other information you have about the snake who attacked the humans?”
“He attacks at night and our witness said he looked Mexican in his human form,” I offered. “Of course, it was dark, he was scared, and witness accounts aren't the most reliable. But I think it's safe to say that he saw a snake turn into a dark-skinned man.”
“And the snake?” Quetzalcoatl asked. “What did he look like?”
“Big and green.”
Quetzalcoatl frowned, then glanced at Viper. “What do you look like in snake form?”
Viper went still. “Big and green.”
Quetzalcoatl lifted an orange eyebrow at Blue.
“It can't be Viper,” I protested before they followed that line of reasoning. “He was with me last night.”
“Then I'm out of suggestions because Hapikern is an indigo snake,” Quetzalcoatl declared. “He is not your murderer.”
“What about the other two?” Viper asked.
Quetzalcoatl grimaced and grudgingly admitted, “Och-Kan is pale green in snake form. But he would never attack humans. I would bet my immortality on it.”
“We'll take that into account, but we need to investigate him since he's our only lead.”
“It will be a waste of effort, but I understand.”
“I made a lot of mistakes in my early days because I didn't know there were good gods but these days, I have a lot of help and we always gather evidence before hunting a god. I promise you that we won't go after Och-Kan without cause.”
“I appreciate that and will hold you to your promise.”
“Thank you so much for your help, Quetzalcoatl.” I held my hand out to him again. “It was a great pleasure to meet you.”
Quetzalcoatl smiled, back to his gentle self, and shook my hand. “You are exactly what I expected, Vervain.”
I blinked in surprise. “You know what? You're the first god to say that to me.”
He grinned wider. “Well, I've heard a lot about you.”
“I've read a lot about you but it still didn't prepare me for the magnificent sight of you in flight.”
He chuckled. “I'm sure you're just as impressive in your dragon form.”
I shook my head. “I don't have feathers.”
“But you have wings, yes?”
“Yes, those I have.”
Quetzalcoatl sighed. “I've always wanted wings.”
“Even flying feathered serpents have dreams,” I said softly, with a hint of wonder.
“Flight doesn't stop us from dreaming, it only allows us to dream higher.” Quetzalcoatl bowed to me. “I hope we will meet again, Vervain.”
“I'd like that very much, Quetzalcoatl.”
