The great spirit was very surprised by the quetzal's new beauty and choose him to be king of all the birds. From that day on, the quetzal was so busy being king, he had no time to return the road-runner's feathers. He soon forgot all about his promise to the road-runner.
Days later, the other birds found the road-runner hiding deep in the forest. He had no feathers, and he was very cold. He told the birds about the quetzal's promise.
The birds felt sorry for the road-runner, and each gave up a few feathers to cover him. That is why, today, the road-runner's feathers are such an odd mix of drab and faded colors, and why he always watches the Mayan roads. He is still looking for the quetzal that took away his feathers.