Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires (2025) | Transcript

Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires (2025)
Director: Juan Jose Meza-Leon
Writers: Ernie Altbacker, Alfredo Mendoza, Juan Jose Meza-Leon
Stars: Luis Bermudez, Omar Chaparro, Raymond Cruz

Plot: The father of Yohualli Coatl, a young Aztec boy, is murdered by Spanish conquistadors. As an adult, Coatl is a priest in the court of King Moctezuma II and works with his fellow clerics in the temple of Tzinacan to defy the Spanish invaders and protect their people using the masked persona of the “Batman”.

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Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires (2025) | Transcript

[theme music playing]

[Young Yohualli panting]

Father?

Papa?

[in other language] Tahtli!

[gasps]

[frightened panting]

[screaming]

[screeches]

[screaming]

[panting]

[in English] No!

[pants, sighs]

[Toltecatzin] Another vision?

Huh?

A nightmare I’d say.

Must’ve been that old huitlacoche I ate.

Ah. I’ve never known you to eat old huitlacoche, my son.

Especially, so many times in a row.

It’s nothing, Papa.

Just the corn.

Don’t you ever ignore your dreams, Yohu.

No matter where they come from.

Now then, if it was nothing, then let us be thankful for that.

[in other language] Tlacatle…

Totecoe, Tzinacan!

Tlaca… [yawns] [in English] You will give our Bat God the respect that he is due.

Even your mother would not have blamed him.

Her death was not his fault.

But he also didn’t lift a finger to save her.

Even when we prayed with the utmost respect.

She’s watching over you…

[groans softly] You know that?

Yes, Pa. I know.

Your mother’s got her eye on you right next to Tzinacan.

Now don’t forget, son, your training isn’t a game, so… before you join the village fe…

[people chattering indistinctly in distance]

[grunts]

Ah, it’s always so unnerving when our Young Shadow vanishes like that.

GULF OF MEXICO COAST

[panting]

[drums beating]

Hey! Yohu!

[gasps]

[grunting]

Let’s begin with the overhead strike!

Shields!

They are your best defense.

Now show me your sidekick!

[grunting] [Toltecatzin] Yohu!

And hold!

Don’t move a muscle!

The position of your arm needs to be higher.

Or your strike will completely lack power.

[grunts]

Alright. Let’s continue.

I know how difficult it was for you after the death of your mother.

But now that you’ve grown up, it’s time you got serious about your future.

Don’t scold me, please.

When you take my place, it’ll be your duty to always be ready for battle.

And when your people need you to serve them as best you can.

Remember, fear can kill you or inspire you to action.

It’s your call.

You’re… You…

What are those?

[woman 1] Look!

Mountains carried by clouds!

[woman 2] How can a mountain float upon the water?

[man] No!

Those are monsters from the depths!

[dramatic music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

They look like they’re gods.

Listen carefully to what they say, Yohu.

But pay closer attention to how they act.

That’s how you can tell if they’re gods or not.

[sniffs]

[kisses]

Hmm?

I salute you, blessed people!

I am Captain Hernan Cortes.

I’ve come to your lands in the name of almighty god and the Holy Roman Emperor, his majesty, Charles the First, the King of Castile.

I am Chief Toltecatzin, first son of Oquitzin.

May I ask the reason you’ve come?

I’m exploring the New World.

You’ve found the New World?

The vast green landscape stretching out before us it’s called the New World since we only just discovered it.

Many suns have already passed since our people first knew these lands.

We seem to find ourselves low on supplies.

Would you be willing to make a trade?

No.

No?

Our village has plenty that we can share.

Join us!

You shall be our honored guests.

[laughs]

That is excellent.

What a splendid idea.

[crowd murmuring]

[chattering indistinctly]

My Lord, I don’t trust these pale strangers one iota.

They act as if this village now belongs to them.

I understand your frustration, old warrior.

Tonight, I’ll consult the judgement of the gods.

We shall let them decide.

Diego sent us here to get gold, not to fill our bellies.

And he’ll get it, once we discoverYour fabled city, swimming in gold?

Gold is what makes Diego and the authorities happy.

My plans with god are far more grand than such riches.

I would like to thank you all for this warm welcome.

Allow me to show you some of the wonders of my world.

[Hernan] Inventions, ideas from some of our brightest minds.

Behold!

[all gasp]

[gasps]

[Hernan] And this is Toledo, the most glorious city in Castile, the land where I come from.

I’ve heard your capital is beautiful.

Tenochtitlan?

Tenochtitlan.

Oh, thank you.

I want to say it right when I get there.

[Young Yohualli chuckles]

And finally, this is an arquebus or as some Mexicas already know it…

[men exclaim]

[all gasp]

The thunder of the gods!

Time for bed, Young Shadow.

But it’s still light out, Tahtli.

Your father is right.

Enough talk for today.

Until tomorrow, Chief Toltecatzin.

Rest well, Young Yohualli.

And their armor looks so shiny, almost like the skin of a fish.

And yet, it seems also like it’s as hard as a turtle shell.

And their writings possess magic.

One even showed how to fly like a bird.

Is it possible to fly?

Again, you’re asking for advice from Tzinacan?

I pray for guidance, and for answers.

I believe that they do look like gods.

They’re not gods.

But if it’s Tezcatlipoca who advises them, then they might be as devious as they are powerful.

In that case, then wouldn’t that make them gods?

Do you remember Acatzin?

The one who watches over our house in the city?

I think so, yeah.

Do you think that CortesEnough with Cortes. [sighs] Please, if something bad happens to me, go find Acatzin and he will help.

Yes, Pa.

[gasps]

[people chattering in distance]

[horse whinnies] Pa?

[chattering continues]

[door opens]

[woman] What was that? Thunder?

[girl] I’m scared, Mama.

[Young Yohualli] Huh?

[gasps]

What is it, Father?

For now, nothing.

Keep quiet though.

[horse whinnies and snorts]

[Hernan] Chief Toltecatzin, we are grateful for your generous hospitality.

It was nothing.

What might be nothing to some people, can be everything to others.

That’s why my men and I require a little bit more from you.

The location of Tenochtitlan.

Impossible.

We have strict rules in place that forbid this.

Rules are rules. Hmm…

Ah, how about this idea?

What if you joined our expedition and showed us?

Even better, Yohu could be my herald and announce my arrival to the Sun King.

Yes.

That’s out of the question.

Father, please.

I can do it.

The boy is more than old enough to make his own decisions.

Don’t you think?

Captain Cortes speaks the truth.

I’m a grown man.

That’s what you said.

Listen, close, son.

If anything happens, you run and go straight to Acatzin.

Take your mother as well.

She’ll protect you.

[all gasp]

[man] Do you see his hair, how it shines like the sun?

Is he a god, Mama?

Tonatiuh!

[all chattering] [warrior gasps] [crowd murmuring] Tonatiuh!

I will personally request for an audience on your behalf with Moctezuma.

Meanwhile, you shall wait in our village as our guest of honor.

[sighs] It’s best to arrive unannounced.

Besides, everybody loves surprises.

Well, that all depends on the surprise.

[thunder rumbling]

So you still don’t trust me, eh?

[all chattering indistinctly]

[Hernan]

You have nothing to fear.

We’re Christians, and we are here to help you.

[horse whinnies] [man] The gods!

[woman] The gods have arrived!

Back, or I’ll kill you!

[gasps]

[thunder rumbling]

This is “help” in your world?

No. None of you strangers are gods.

You’re nothing but liars and murderers!

[thunderclap]

As long as I draw breath…

[inhales sharply]

you’ll never see Tenochtitlan.

[thunderclap]

[laughs] Fine.

Thank you for such wise counsel.

[gasps]

[Young Yohualli breathing shakily]

[all gasp, grunt]

[thunderclap]

Slaughter them all!

[all yelling]

[men grunting]

[all screaming]

[grunting]

[cries] Tahtli!

Papa!

Pa…

I’m sorry. [grunts] [gasps] That decides it.

You’re coming with me now.

[groans]

Filthy wretch!

[panting]

[yells]

[panting]

[bull grunts]

[bat screeches]

[sighs wearily]

[Forest Ivy]

It courses through your veins.

It runs through your body.

Mama?

[grunts]

Through all of our bodies…

[yells]

[Forest Ivy]

…you must fight…

or die.

Fight…

and die.

Your life…

it must be in balance.

[yells]

[Forest Ivy] Our world must also be in balance.

[exclaims softly]

[screeches]

[yells, pants]

Huh?

[gasps]

[grunts softly]

[kisses]

[Forest Ivy] No…

he isn’t ready yet.

Give him a test, you say?

Hmm, perhaps.

Excuse me.

Is this Mictlan?

No, you aren’t dead.

Not yet.

Then what is…

Please, I have to leave.

Which way is the path…

to…

What is that?

What you witnessed will come true.

But not all of what you saw has come to pass yet.

There’s time.

Nothing you’re saying makes any sense.

[sighs] What is this place?

It’s the beginning for you, and the end.

It wouldn’t be wise to say anymore.

[Young Yohualli]

You crazy witch.

[grunts softly]

[grunts]

[breathing heavily]

[water dripping]

[gasps]

[water flowing]

Huh?

[grunts]

[gasps]

It’s you.

You who let my mother die.

Did you see what they did to my father?

To my village?

How is this a balance of justice?

You have done nothing!

That’s because you’re a lie!

[breathing heavily]

[ground rumbling]

[gasps]

[wind blowing]

Huh?

[bats screeching]

[grunts] Help me! Get them off!

Get them off!

What is this? [yells]

[gasps]

Huh?

[panting]

[groans]

[pants]

I can give you a little food.

But I told you, you cannot sleep here.

Yohualli?

Are you alright?

Where’s your father?

Acatzin!

[cries]

Oh, my dear Yohu.

MOCTEZUMA’S PALACE

You’re not alone, Yohu.

I’ve been at your side since the day you were born.

[chattering indistinctly]

You’re saying you were robbed by a Jaguar God?

That’s absurd.

Try telling that to my guards with the scars on their faces.

It slashed them all with its flying claws.

This isn’t the first time it’s stolen from us, either.

This humble servant comes before Your Eminence to present his new lord, Yohualli Coatl, son of Chief Toltecatzin from the Smoking Village.

Is this the young man who saw the teules and their leader?

Yes. I am the one, High Priest, that saw them.

You may speak, Little Lord of the Forest.

Huey Tlatoani, Moctezuma the Second… is listening.

Their leader, he calls himself Captain Hernan Cortes.

He came into our village with soldiers.

My father, he shared food withWhat else happened?

Cortes wanted to know how to find…

Tenochtitlan.

Hmm? Hmm.

My father refused.

Cortes murdered him, then slew my whole village.

But not you.

You must run fast, then.

[Moctezuma II]

Cortes seems to behave the same way gods act towards men Sometimes he will be kind, other times, cruel.

What’s your take on this, High Priest Yoka?

Are they men or are they gods?

Gods, Your Eminence.

And we should invite them here to prevent them from getting angry.

No!

Silence, you little…

Go ahead, young one.

Cortes is not a god.

But he is a powerful and cruel man.

He must be stopped before he sets foot in this city.

This boy from the provinces is… but a simple warrior.

What gift was he endowed… to know who is or isn’t a god?

Please, My Lord.

I beg you to heed my words.

We shall test their capabilities.

Although if they were gods, they’d get here on their own.

[growling angrily]

He has no idea how dangerous Cortes is.

I believe you.

But Yoka is the city’s high priest.

He speaks directly to the gods.

He knows them.

The gods don’t need to use weapons when they come to take your head.

What are you talking about, Yohualli?

Cortes murdered my father.

He spoke of my right to seek revenge.

At your age, no one expects you to take such rash action.

Avenging my tahtli isn’t rash action.

It’s my debt.

No, it’s not.

You don’t understand.

I wouldn’t listen.

I wasn’t ready to…

I let fear take control.

[sighs]

I vow never to make that mistake again.

I want you to train me to become the greatest warrior that the world has ever known.

I’m going to stop Cortes and his soldiers.

Your wish is my command, My Lord.

[Yoka] Damn that Yohu!

The prophecies are certain!

[grunts angrily]

Insolent forest whelp!

[chanting in other language]

Tlacatle… Tlacatle…

Huitzilopochtli!

Tlacatle…

totecoe Huitzilopochtli!

[Huitzilopochtli in English]

Is that doubt I sense?

No, I would never…

I’d never doubt you.

But what of the king?

Are you saying you doubt yourself, Yoka?

Make him see.

[Young Yohualli grunts, pants]

[groans]

And again.

[pants]

And again.

[grunts] And again.

[yells]

[both grunting]

And again.

[screams]

[Young Yohualli grunts]

[pants] Hmm.

ALLIANCE WITH TLAXALTECAS CHOLULA MASSACRE

[all grunting]

[exhales]

The teules are at our door.

Just as I predicted.

Nothing will hinder them.

For they are gods!

And they deserve our welcome.

And you, Yohualli Coatl?

What do you think?

Will it be impossible to stop them?

Give me the order, Great King.

My warriors and I are more than ready to test them in combat.

[all grunting]

[warrior] Death to the pale invaders!

We’ll push them back into the sea!

He’s insane, Your Majesty.

It’s a fool’s errand to wage a war against the gods!

Huey Tlatoani, these intruders are not gods, I swear upon the blood of my parents.

I have much to think over.

In any case, I expect you to be prepared regardless of my decision.

CORTES ARRIVES IN TENOCHTITLAN

Look, a silver metropolis.

It’s even bigger than Toledo.

[chuckles]

What did I say, Pedro?

That we’d soon find their hidden metropolis.

And finally, we are here!

[laughs]

There must be a mountain of gold and riches within.

But we won’t know until we’re inside.

Let us make for the city gates!

I salute you, O Blessed people!

I am Captain Hernan Cortes.

I’m here in the name of god and King Charles the First of Castile.

I humbly ask permission to enter, so I may share the many wonders of my world with you.

Persuade the king that he must open the gates to the teules.

Yohualli Coatl clouded his judgement with foolhardy counsel.

[in other language]

Yohualli Ehecatl, Ipalnemohuani.

[in English]

He refuses to listen.

If it’s what I desire, he will listen.

[Yoka gasps] [chuckles] You are my voice on earth, son. Go.

Huey Tlatoani, I beg you.

Please welcome the teules into the city!

The time is nigh.

Rise, gentlemen!

Time to claim what’s ours.

[soldiers yelling]

[soldier] Show no mercy!

Kill every last one!

For the king!

Tell us, War Leader, what are your orders?

Allow them inside.

[conch blowing]

[gasps]

We’re entering into the lion’s den.

Everything will be alright.

How do you know this?

Did the lord tell you?

Yes.

Every morning I hear from him on high, “Hernan, it is all in your hands.”

[grunts softly]

[both gasp]

Yoka, why are they not satisfied by our many sacrifices and offerings?

[Yoka] They look like teules.

Perhaps they wish us to present them with different gifts.

Is it you?

Are you… Are you Moctezuma?

Yes, I am Moctezuma.

Welcome to our city, My Lord.

Take your rightful throne.

I’ve watched over it for you all this time.

My predecessors, Itzcoatl, Moctezuma the First and Axayacatl all proclaimed that one day you’d come for what’s yours.

And today is the day.

Welcome at long last to your destined land.

[all gasp and murmur]

I am Hernan Cortes, first emissary of god, and the Holy Roman Emperor, King Charles the First.

Do you think they’re gods?

The king will know.

And I’ve come all this way to show you the many wondersHe touched the king!

[all murmuring]

The gods would never do such a thing!

[hesitates] Would you like, O, Great King, for us to speak in a place that’s a bit more…

See that, child?

Citlalimpopoca!

The teules used their godlike powers to cause citlalimpopoca to appear in the sky!

It’s a sign.

What is it, Hernan?

Be on your guard.

No, not the end.

How could you have missed this?

Was it because…

Because I delayed in welcoming Cortes, or because I allowed him in?

Why does the end approach us, Yoka?

Great and powerful King, I…

I don’t know!

[Acatzin] Tzinacan, protect this city.

Help our people survive this great calamity.

Are you going somewhere, at this hour?

Cortes won’t sit on his hands and do nothing.

He’ll explore the streets.

[Acatzin] But you won’t be able to fight him at night.

Not without the protection of the Sun God.

Fortunately, my family worships a night god.

Tzinacan owes me.

Blasphemy.

Cortes is a royal guest.

He’s been offered hospitality by the king.

To touch him now would merit a sentence of death.

This is why you trained me.

To avenge my father.

So if you won’t help, then leave.

I release you from my service.

My Lord, in the spirit of my continuing to assist you, what say you to the idea of wearing a costume?

[gasps]

[gasps]

It’s not gold, but it shines.

[chuckles]

Please excuse my friend.

His manners are rather brash.

Please consider it my gift to you.

I guess those rumors about the teules and gold turned out to be true.

But did you know it’s the sun’s excrement?

[Hernan] How dare you!

[man gasps]

[Hernan] Huh?

[yells]

[both grunting]

[grunting]

I’ll gut you slowly like you’re some pathetic little cur.

Wait! I want to see what he’s capable of.

Your arrogance will be your death.

[chuckles softly] You took the words right out of my mouth.

[Yohualli grunts]

[grunts]

You murdered my father!

I can’t seem to recall exactly who he was.

But when you see him again, give him my regards.

[yells] [grunts]

[Hernan screams]

Hand me the arbalest.

[whimpering]

[Jaguar Woman] Hmm.

[man 1] Did you hear that?

[man 2] Yeah. Over here.

Let’s go.

This isn’t over.

Are you coming or not?

[both grunting]

Wow!

Did you feel that?

Yes. That was a really good fight.

[in dull tone] “Yes, that was a really good fight.”

Come on, get excited!

You could at least be a little bit thankful you’re still breathing.

Tlazocamati.

[sighs] Thank you.

I’m very grateful.

You were brave.

You’re pretending to be a jaguar goddess?

Same as you.

Except I invoke the powerful, untamed spirit of the jaguar.

[sighs]

I saw.

I’m intrigued.

What were you thinking when you ran at them like a chicken without its head?

That Cortes was weaker.

I was mistaken.

But I will find a way to defeat him, no matter what it costs me.

Sounds suicidal.

I guess it’s good we have opposing missions then.

Perhaps. But at least mine’s a mission of honor.

Unlike certain people thatSteal?

That’s what you were going to say?

I didn’t meanNext time, I’ll just let them chop you up for their soup like a tuna. [grunts] Mmm.

[soldier] I can close your wound, my captain.

AXAYACATL’S PALACE

[Hernan] Find that bat and that cat.

But your infection will only worsen.

[Hernan] Drown them in the lake, then draw and quarter them.

Did you hear me, Pedro?

[Pedro] Mmmhmm.

Don’t be upset.

But the men and I were talking and we think that back in Toledo, you’ll find the best doctors in the world who can heal your…

Uh, your scratch.

I see.

You all wish to return home, then, don’t you?

[all gasp]

Perhaps then, you need reminding that there’s still a mission to complete.

That’s why I commanded all our ships be set ablaze.

[all gasp] Now that you’ve all been made aware…

who wants to stay here with me?

Anyone else can swim all the way back to Cuba.

And then she used this whip to balance herself, and…

It’s just…

She’s so resourceful.

[in other language] Tlacatle.

Huh?

Totecoe Tzinacan!

[in English]

I’ll make an offering.

But she’s not an actual goddess.

It’s not for her.

It’s for Tzinacan.

[inhales] Ah. Alright.

For sending her to save you.

No. No one sent her to save me.

She stopped you from getting killed.

Of course she was sent by him to save you.

Listen, the more important point here is that even with all of your training, I still can’t defeat the teules and their weapons.

What’s your next move then?

I need to learn how their inventions work, and use that knowledge to gain the upper hand.

But how will you even get close?

They’re not going to invite you in to study them.

I’ll be careful?

Hmm. Too risky.

If only there was somebody that you know, who was stealthy, and who had sticky fingers…

Perhaps they’d be able to help you.

[groans]

[suspenseful music playing]

[pants]

[gasps]

[gasps]

[giggles]

[Jaguar Woman chuckles]

[gasps]

[both grunt]

Huh?

[pants]

[exclaims]

[both grunt]

[Jaguar Woman] Didn’t take long for you to miss me.

[both grunting]

I’m not your enemy.

[grunts] My mission is to take back what we’ve lost.

But you wouldn’t understand since you’re one of them.

I just want to talk.

Then talk.

Sorry for following you.

But I needed to know what you did with the things you steal.

And now that you know?

You saved me.

I want to do the same thing for you.

But please, you have to stop stealing from our people.

At least don’t do it while Cortes is trying to take everything from us.

And if I don’t, you’ll kill me?

No. But in these times, someone else could.

Don’t throw your life away when you have so much to live for.

What do you care for the life of another dishonorable thief?

A path of dishonor that aims towards good deserves admiration.

Now, please, I could really use your help.

Must have been hard realizing you needed me, wasn’t it?

Looks like you were right.

By night, the guards patrol this place in a pattern.

And if you want to get in without having to fight them, repeat the magic words.

I’m sorry for being rude to you.

I shall forever be in your debt, Great Jaguar, for teaching me the ways of the night.

Uhhuh. Very well.

Next time, try your best not to sound like a chicken with its head cut off.

[gasps] Hmm?

[yells]

[slashing]

[groans] Pretty clever idea to disarm the enemy from afar.

Don’t you think?

[Aztec Batman] Hmm.

[both grunt]

[Acatzin] Well, that’s odd.

There’s still a while before the Atlakoowalo festival.

These trees weren’t for the festival.

Cortes is behind this.

What’s he doing with them?

Nothing good.

[gasps] Is this the place?

Yes, it was here.

[gasps]

This is the forgotten temple of Tzinacan.

I thought it was a myth, though.

[gasps]

So you said that when you were wounded you ran all the way from your village to a temple you had no idea existed, one that your father had discovered in his earlier years?

I got lucky.

Luck has absolutely nothing to do with this.

The Bat God guided you that day to its lair.

[in other language]

Tlacatle, Totecoe, Tzinacan!

[in English] No!

Stop it, Acatzin.

That day, Tzinacan left us all to die.

But, My Lord, what about the forest goddess that helped you?

She was nothing but a hallucination.

It was the fever, exhaustion.

Who knows?

You’re so stubborn.

Blindest are those who refuse to see.

Stubborn and maddening are those who see a stone god altar and think it’s listening to them.

You’re the Bat God’s chosen one, My Lord.

You’ve been given a sacred mission, and whether you accept it or not, it’s the truth.

If you really believe in the gods, then let’s test you.

Stand there and don’t move a single finger until night falls.

Yes, My Lord.

It’ll be a great honor.

I’ll be as still as a chinicuil worm as it hides in the dirt from a hungry bird.

[Yohualli grunts]

Ah. Huh?

[yells]

Get them off me! Get them off!

See? Guess it’s not such a sacred mission after all, is it?

[dramatic music playing]

[grunts]

[grunts softly]

[gasps]

You do exist.

Forgive me for doubting.

You’re not the first nor the last to have doubted.

Ask your questions.

Tell me how to defeat Cortes, how to get the teules out of the city.

Without him, you don’t exist.

Without him, you cannot win.

Is it better to earn his trust or kill him?

What’s Cortes doing with all those trees?

When empires clash, some will rise, others fall.

A great metamorphosis will take place.

And the gods shall anoint their chosen emissaries whether they know it or not.

Balance depends on them.

Not by way of vengeance, but through sacrifice, for all must move in eternal momentum.

I don’t understand you!

Stop speaking in riddles, for once!

[gasps] Respect the will of the gods!

[gasps, pants]

Was it a vision?

[sighs]

Just go back to sleep.

Oftentimes, the gods use dreams as a way to speak to the chosen ones.

That’s how they offer guidance during times of great adversity.

Then someone should tell them to be a little less confusing.

Well, some gods speak to you plainly, while there are others who will act quiet or more evasive.

Some visit to tell you the truth, while others seek to deceive and torment you, such as Tezcatlipoca.

You must be extremely careful with that god.

[sighs] Try and get some sleep.

Tomorrow’s gonna be a long day.

[Moctezuma II’s advisor]

Our people believe that they have powers, but they don’t think they’re gods.

The white rock discovered upon their arrival is proof that they’re correct.

Contrary to all that Yoka has said.

[Huitzilopochtli]

Tell him he must feed them.

That he is wrong about the teules.

They are hungry.

Oh, good, My Lord.

Huitzilopochtli, he assures me our visitors are not some sort of cosmic test we must overcome.

On the contrary, we must satisfy their hunger.

Your answer is always more and more sacrifices.

You disappoint me, Yoka.

Now I am certain that for us to achieve peace, every member of this kingdom will have to right their wrongs.

[gasps] Including you.

[Yoka yells]

No, not this.

No.

I beg you, My Lord.

You are hereby banished, Yoka.

Go to the mountain and contemplate the ruin that your choices have brought upon us.

But I am your most faithful!

I am the gods’ messenger!

Please! I don’t deserve it!

[yells, grunts]

[horse whinnies]

Huh?

To arms! It’s the bat warrior!

[both grunting]

Huh?

Dealing with this infernal bat is starting to become quite the endless headache.

For now, there’s a more urgent matter we must attend to.

Ah, yes.

It seems the glorious governor of the island of Cuba is ordering me to return like some useless mongrel.

What’s his messenger been up to?

Watching everything so he may report to you.

Send him inside.

Did you reconsider?

Will you obey Diego Velazquez de Cuellar, officer of King Charles, and governor of Cuba?

Or would you prefer I call the army to haul you back in chains?

Huh, of course I shall comply with this order.

Tell me, how would you care to join us on a secret mission?

What do you say, hmm?

Very well.

I couldn’t ask for more.

What else do you require, My Lord?

Fear.

[dramatic music playing]

[explosion]

Thank you for agreeing to make the offerings before we begin our trials.

Yes. It’s the right thing to do.

Do you remember how to say it?

[in other language]

Tlacatle, Totecoe…

Tzinacan!

[in English]

Oh, thank the gods!

I thought that I had failed you, My Lord.

I, who, am just but a humbleAcatzin…

other than my father, you are without a doubt the best man I’ve ever known.

I feel like Tzinacan would smile if he saw me leap into the fray.

Don’t you think?

I’m grateful you’ve finally accepted your destiny.

Break your backs if that’s what will get it up there!

[all grunting]

[Hernan] Pull!

Excellent work, gentlemen.

Take a break.

[grunts]

Nature calls.

[gasps]

[gasps]

On your feet, you vermin!

We’re under attack!

[explosion]

[gasps]

[Hernan groans]

Quick! Put it out!

[all clamoring]

[both grunting]

[Hernan panting]

Bravo!

I see that you’ve made a few improvements.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

[Hernan growls]

[grunts]

[groans]

[both grunting]

[gasps]

[clears throat] Was this mission supposed to show me your abilities?

Too few of you understand what almighty god has given me.

The opportunity to finally sit on a throne.

A throne?

Just the one in a Cuban jail, where you shall face judgement.

He has also told me, my hands control the power of destiny.

Hmm.

Fate can be cruel.

By the lord and his saints!

You’re…

You’re a monster!

[flesh tearing] [choking]

[choking]

Goddamn you!

It was the bat!

He was the one who murdered Diego’s messenger!

I shall see you’re avenged, my friend!

Leave him there.

Let’s return to the city.

You’ll need some new armor first, Captain.

Some new armor…

[laughs]

And a new strategy.

[Hernan] It’s outrageous!

To be waylaid like this on an excursion through the forest!

My men and I, we come in peace.

But I answer to King Charles, and he is not nearly as merciful as my god is.

But why not inform me you all were leaving the city?

And why were you in the forest at night?

That’s not what’s important here.

We were attacked! [sighs] For this reason, I humbly request the Sun King accompany us to avoid any future attacks.

[Moctezuma II]

I will go with you as compensation for your losses, sir.

Please, if you would accept, I wish for you and your men to be my guests of honor at our Toshcatl festival.

Your Highness is too generous.

I’d like to do my part to avoid future misunderstandings, and to promote a better understanding between both of our peoples.

I’d be very eager to hear your proposal.

Huey Tlatoani, I volunteer in your stead to be companion to the esteemed Captain Cortes.

I’ll answer his questions and learn with him, and from him.

Very well.

Our war leader shall accompany you henceforth.

[all murmuring indistinctly]

[grunts]

I gave my life to the king, to our people!

How am I repaid?

With humiliation and disgrace?

Show Moctezuma his mistake.

He must see just how immaculate you are, that your faith is pure and undeniable.

Yes, my faith!

With all of its power, it will drive away Cortes and that citlalimpopoca.

Precisely.

Such zealous ingenuity is why you’re my chosen one.

[people laughing in distance]

Do you also believe that the citlalpoca up in the sky predicts misfortune? [laughs] I think its appearance alongside your arrival…

is not a good sign.

We also used to believe that the comet the name we call it, was the portent of a bad omen.

TLATELOLCO’S MARKET

But today, we know it’s simply a floating ball of gas…

revolving around our world in the cosmos, just like the sun and the moon.

Are you saying you believe the sun revolves around this world?

It’s been proven.

You don’t think so as well?

No.

Our people have known for many suns now that this world isn’t the center of anything.

Well, if you know so much…

[chuckles]

…then why didn’t you all discover us before we discovered you?

Your people already have your own magic, your own world.

What exactly do you want from us?

Oh, it doesn’t matter how much you have because you can always have something more.

Isn’t it important how you go about getting it?

Does your god approve the slaughter of women and children?

In this world, our souls shall be tested.

The more difficult the test we face becomes, the more pure we shall be as a result.

That is not…

That’s not an answer.

The sad reality is that sometimes a leader will be forced to make some decisions that are difficult.

But what if those decisions they make are wrong?

When that happens, I’ll make sure you’re the first to know.

Come here, my love.

I want a hug.

Give me a big hug. [exclaims] How I’ve missed you, my son.

Oh, it’s been far too long.

I’m so happy that you’ve finally come back home.

Yoka, come. Come. Come in.

Come in. Come in.

Why so serious?

You’ve always smiled since you were little.

The work of the gods is a serious matter, Mother.

You saw citlalimpopoca?

It appeared the same day as Cortes and all of his soldiers.

[sniffles]

And if we fail in our duty to feed the gods, it shall spell doom for our people.

Now, I must ask you, Mother, to put your trust in me.

Are you certain?

Moctezuma also agrees with you?

You’re sure this is the right thing?

Yes.

Then we place our faith in your hands…

Yoka.

Without any risk, there will be no reward.

This festival shall be the perfect moment.

You will be in charge.

The plan hinges on you.

So don’t screw it up.

If we were to call upon the Tlaxcaltecas, then we wouldn’t need to divide our forces like this.

And why would you share with someone when you might easily have it all for yourself, Pedro?

This way, we kill two birds with one stone.

Am I interrupting?

No, perfect timing.

We received some stupendous news just now, and we’re planning a surprise for your people.

You do all enjoy surprises, mmm?

Well, that all depends on the surprise.

What did you say?

Nothing.

Hmm.

Right. Pardon me.

I must go get ready.

Tonight, things shall take quite a radical turn.

[Yoka]

Citlalimpopoca’s still there.

Cortes is still on.

He taunts you at every turn.

Oh, he isn’t taunting me, for it’s been I that’s taunted you since the start.

What are you saying, Huitzilopochtli?

I am not Huitzilopochtli.

[cackles]

Tezcatlipoca?

Wretched deceiver!

But don’t worry, for you’re still my chosen one.

Providing ways of testing people like you is why I exist in the first place.

But what have I done to be punished so?

You were always far too eager to dismiss the idea of your own sacrifice…

because you are nothing.

You’re no one.

It must all be a dream.

It’s only a nightmare, only a nightmare.

Yes, yes.

Oh, and, you know, your mother really had a point…

You should smile more, Yoka.

[Yoka cries]

How can I earn your forgiveness?

What? Mother? Is that you?

Tell… Tell me.

[gasps]

Yes, I will, Mother.

I will make sure I enjoy life and smile.

I promise.

I promise.

[laughs]

[Aztec Batman grunts]

[both] Huh?

You’re mine.

[grunts softly]

[grunts]

[exclaims]

[panting]

[groans]

[grunts]

[horse whinnies]

[grunts]

[grunts]

TOXCATL’S FESTIVAL

[drums beating]

Do you want blood?

I shall give you blood.

Calm down, Pedro.

[Pedro grunts] I knew it was you in there, Yohualli.

I could sense you!

I saw it in the way that you forged metal.

But I couldn’t be certain.

That is, until I heard you quote the words of your father.

Good.

Now you won’t be surprised when I end your terror.

You are truly one hell of a warrior.

Too bad you aren’t back in the city to defend Moctezuma.

[laughs]

He could use the help of someone of your talents when we pay him a visit tonight.

No.

[Hernan laughs] Yes.

Did you think the circus we put on here was about you?

My friend, despite our history…

you are nothing but my dessert.

[grunts]

[Hernan grunts]

[pants]

[grunts]

[pants]

You wretched bastard!

The captain’s not going to like this.

MASSACRE IN THE GREAT TEMPLE

They started it.

Now clean that filth up.

[gasps]

[Pedro] Well…

There you are, Your Highness.

You wanted a festival of blood.

Well, there you have it.

Hold him there, and kill the others.

[grunts] What have I done?

[grunts]

[yells] No!

[gasping] [growls] [soldier] Kill him!

The Bat Demon has finally come!

Keep shooting!

Fire!

Seal those damn doors already.

“Without him, you don’t exist.”

She meant Tzinacan, not Cortes. Acatzin, you and my tahtli have been right all along.

Cortes is the bull, and the Bat God is who protects me.

How could I not see it sooner?

I’m such an idiot.

[horn blows]

The horn of the king.

He’s summoning us.

Maybe he escaped.

I don’t think that’s the king.

I can only hope that we’re not too late.

Did my father leave any gold?

[chattering indistinctly]

[gasps]

How dare they lay hands on the king!

[crowd gasping]

The life of your beloved king depends how well you all behave yourselves.

Your own warriors will be in charge of making sure you vermin comply.

[laughs]

What I want is gold.

Not one piece or two.

[laughs]

You see, I want all of it.

All of the gold there is.

I want it now.

Yes.

This is exactly what I desire.

[crowd clamoring]

[Hernan] Yes. [laughs] For the love of Moctezuma…

No! Stay back.

We don’t want to have to hurt you.

[both grunting]

[Hernan] Yes. [chuckles]

More. [chuckles] More!

I want it all!

[crowd clamoring]

Why didn’t you do it?

Vengeance was yours.

It was within your grasp.

Because what happens here depends on something far greater than me.

Cortes must stand and face our justice, not my vengeance.

What’s your plan then?

Our warriors won’t be able to fight.

Not while the king is being held prisoner.

That’s why I have to free him.

[scoffs] How easy.

[Jaguar Woman] Nice shrine.

[Acatzin gasps] Better make that last prayer count.

I’ll go get the weapons ready.

Bring all of them.

You came here to help me?

No, just to say farewell.

Farewell?

And that’s all?

Don’t get me wrong, you’re quite interesting.

But not enough to risk death.

Not when so many people still depend on me.

I understand.

I have to go and get ready.

I’m sure what you’re planning to do is probably insane.

But that doesn’t mean it can’t be something pure and selfless either.

To catch a glimpse of that is rare.

I wanted to see it and wish you the best.

Thank you.

[soldier groans] [gasps]

[gasps]

I beg you, Tzinacan.

Spare me from your vengeance.

Pardon this bastard disgrace of an emperor!

I thought I saw a god where there was nothing but death! [cries] And now I don’t know what to do!

Cortes and his soldiers are not gods.

They’re evil men who must be stopped.

Summon your warriors.

Tell them to rise and fight back.

Yes, oh, powerful Tzinacan! [gasps]

[grunts]

Your sacrifice won’t be for naught.

Nor will your armor. [cackles] [soldier] Move it!

Hurry up!

[Hernan]

What did I tell you, Pedro?

[Pedro] You told me that we would be rich.

And that after all the bribes had been made, we would all live like kings.

Hmm. If I see one more feather,

[inhales sharply]

no more useless bird feathers!

[kid gasps] Or I’ll hang your king…

[all gasp] …next to all those who’ve dared provoke my anger!

[horn blows]

Captain, we have to get out of here right now.

[horn blows]

[in other language]

Ahuaque tepehuaque!

[in English] I have a message, one that I heard directly.

It’s from Tzinacan himself.

[crowd exclaims] Listen, listen to me.

I beg you.

I know I’ve failed you, that I’ve made mistakes, but the Bat God has visited me and

[groans]

[grunts]

[screams]

[cackles]

It seems you’ve lost the trust of your people, My Lord.

[groans] Fear not, there’s one way you may still help the cause.

[cackles]

[groans softly]

And that’s with your death.

[groans softly] [cackles] Your fear is the reason your empire dies with you!

[Yoka and Tezcatlipoca laughing]

[all gasp]

The teules have slain Moctezuma!

[laughs]

Huey Tlatoani has been murdered!

Now our plans have been ruined.

You fools!

‘Tis nothing our swords cannot remedy, My Captain!

To the palace!

Until more troops arrive!

[all yelling]

[groaning]

[cackles]

[laughs]

Just 50 meters more.

This is war, gentlemen.

Give them hell!

[all clamoring]

Ocelotl!

At your service, great Tzinacan!

The horn.

Summon all of our warriors!

Now!

[clamoring continues]

[horn blows]

[clamoring stops]

Oh, great and powerful Bat God, grant me a weapon that may vanquish the pale invaders.

Tzinacan, here are the weapons.

Never again.

Not one shall set foot in these halls.

They shall not take this sacred throne.

[all clamoring]

[horn blows]

Attack!

[all clamoring]

[gasps]

[whimpering]

[grunts]

[grunts] [groans] [Aztec Batman] Cortes!

I’m going to end you.

Let’s finish this.

[both grunting]

[Ocelotl yells]

Get the cannon ready.

Load it and fire!

Fire!

[all screaming]

It is inevitable, Yohualli.

There always must be a loser.

Fire!

[gasps]

[all gasping]

[soldiers scream]

[grunts]

[Aztec Batman] You were saying?

Yes.

I was saying…

[laughs]

…that god almighty himself always safeguards my victory.

[laughs]

Now let’s see if your gods move a single finger for you.

[both grunting]

[groans]

[Hernan] In case you were wondering what all of that wood we cut down was for.

[laughs]

All that remains is to leave it up to fate.

[grunts] Damn you!

[gasps]

[warrior]

For Huitzilopochtli!

Fire!

On all I hold sacred, I will destroy this city.

I am your new god now!

[pants]

[feet thudding] I knew you’d come back.

[grunts]

Oh, really? I didn’t.

My Lord, you’re wounded.

It’s just a scratch.

[groans softly]

Did you do as I asked?

I placed it at the top of the temple.

[Jaguar Woman] And all you have to do is jump off this wall?

I mean, you’re joking me, right?

No, I followed what all of their writings said.

It’ll work.

I’ve got to try.

[grunts]

Are you sure you’ll be able to pull this off?

A little blood has never stopped me before.

[Jaguar Woman gasps]

Here, for good luck.

[gasps] I knew it.

He is the chosen one.

[warrior]

Tzinacan is here!

The Bat God has come to fight alongside us!

[soldier] They’ve invoked an infernal winged demon!

Impossible.

[crowd cheering]

[Aztec Batman groans]

[grunts] Come on.

I know we can pull through.

[guns firing]

[screams in pain]

[soldiers exclaiming]

[explosion]

[gasps]

[crowd cheering]

[yells]

Gunners, load, and fire!

Don’t stop shooting, soldiers of god!

Slaughter them all!

[in other language]

Tlacatle, Totecoe, Tzinacan.

[in English] I know I should have been a better servant.

But please, permit me to see my mission through, and I’ll submit to your power and take the path to Mictlan.

Fire!

No.

[in other language]

Axcan kema! Tehuatl nehuatl [in English] What?

[grunts]

Now is our moment!

Let’s break their skulls!

[grunts] [groans] For Tenochtitlan!

[all gasp]

[groans]

I will make you bow to me!

I’d rather die!

[groans]

Those wounds look dire.

You won’t last much longer.

I’ve got long enough to bring you to justice.

[soldiers gasp] [all clamoring]

[grunts]

No, no!

[muffled] No!

[groans]

[woman] Citlalimpopoca’s gone!

[man] The ill omen has ended!

[woman]

The gods have granted us mercy!

[man] We have been blessed by the blood of the dead.

[gasps]

[all shouting, cheering]

[Hernan]

Am I not your chosen one?

[cries]

Why have you forsaken me, Lord?

Why did I fail?

This can’t be it.

[soldier] Captain, perhaps we could improve our strategy to take the city?

Send a message to Xicotencatl, the leader of the Tlaxcaltecas.

Tell him that he and I must speak.

And repeat the same stupid mistakes, Captain?

[laughs]

I will…

make the throne yours.

[cackles]

[all crying]

Look at you.

[sobs]

Such a fool.

Look at what you’ve done.

A wise man told me once…

“Fear can kill you, or inspire you to action.”

Glad I was there to save you.

You shouldn’t have sacrificed yourself like that.

Fate leaves me with no regrets.

Well, maybe there’s one thing I’ll regret.

[Acatzin cries] My boy.

Now rest in peace, Yohualli Coatl.

Young Shadow of Chief Toltecatzin, Tzinacan’s chosen one and sacred Bat Protector.

Rest in peace.

Sleep until Quetzalcoatl, our creator, decides that he needs you back in this world.

[Jaguar Woman]

Do you think this is over?

[Acatzin] No.

I fear there’s far more evil to come.

[intense music playing]

[upbeat song playing]

[instrumental music playing]

[breathing heavily]

[upbeat music playing]

[heavy metal song playing]

[upbeat music playing]