- "There’s nothing too broke to fix. If you want it bad enough, don’t throw it away."
- ―Chula Battiest[src]
Chula Battiest is Maya Lopez's estranged grandmother and a descendant of the Choctaw tribe who had given birth to Taloa using the help of her ancestors, who gave her strength. When Taloa died, Battiest disowned William and Maya Lopez, believing her decision to be for the good of the family. Once Maya returned to Tamaha, Battiest tried to protect her family from her but eventually realized that the two shared visions of their ancestors. She then made amends with Maya.
Biography[]
One with the Ancestors[]
The Birth of Taloa[]
Battiest struggles during pregnancy
- "That night with your mother and I… it was a life or death ordeal."
- ―Chula Battiest to Maya Lopez[src]
Chula Battiest became pregnant but had many complications during the pregnancy. The doctors notified her that the baby and her were in danger. Thus, she decided to leave the hospital against doctor's orders and made her way out to the woods with the help of her friends. She found a midwife who tried to help her. Battiest started going into labor as the midwife checked the dilation. She then gave Battiest a stick for her to bite on.
Battiest sees her ancestors
Battiest breathed heavily under the pain but suddenly started calming down as she looked up to see a vision of the Nanih Waiya. She took the stick out her mouth and calmed down, looking to the side and seeing more of the cave, which calmed her down. She also saw her ancestor, Tuklo braiding her hair and Chafa, which gave her strength in a time of need. The midwife then sprinkled water onto Battiest's belly before Battiest stood up, leaning herself on a tree to try to give birth standing up. As the rain poured down, Battiest tried to give birth only to lay back down again and finally was able to birth her daughter, Taloa.[1]
Loss of the Connection[]
Battiest posing with her family
Battiest raised Taloa under the culture of the Choctaw and even learned American sign language to help Taloa, who was deaf. She also met Skully and formed a great relationship with him.[2] She also kept in touch with the teachings of her ancestors, studying Chafa, the first Choctaw who saved her family.[3] When Taloa grew up, she married William Lopez and had a daughter named Maya Lopez who inherited her deafness. Battiest always had a bad feeling about William, knowing he and his brother could cause trouble.
Battiest sits with Skully
In 2007, Battiest was at the Battiest Residence with Skully, William and Taloa, sitting by the fire place while Maya and Battiest's granddaughter, Bonnie were in a tent. Skully told a story about Biscuits' father and his love for peach pie. Skully said that everyone should love something that much, prompting Battiest to touch him and jokingly say "peaches". Once they decided to leave, Battiest and Skully drove out of the driveway.
Battiest sees a Biskinik
Battiest looked out and saw a Biskinik, seemingly warning her of incoming doom. Battiest sat there incredibly worried of the warning as Skully sang. He then noticed her worry and asked if everything was okay and if the ancestors were talking to her. He then made a joke, asking her to wish for them to win the powerball. Battiest soon got notice that Taloa had been killed in a car accident.[2]
Abandoning the Lopezes[]
Battiest disowns the Lopezes
- "Oh, and you think that makes me feel better? That another family is now destroyed?"
- ―Chula Battiest to William Lopez[src]
Battiest and Skully sadly arrived at the hospital the following morning to see William Lopez, who was looking at the injured Maya Lopez. He said that he had taken care of whomever cut the brakes to Taloa Lopez's car. Battiest got very mad, saying that it did not make her feel better that he had ruined another family. She then remarked how she warned Taloa not to marry William as she knew he was no good. She told William he would never forgive him before William announced he and Maya were moving to New York. Battiest brutally said that it was not far enough before leaving.
Battiest watches the Lopezes move
Once Maya healed, Battiest saw the Lopezes off as she held Bonnie. William gave one last look only to see a straight face from Battiest. The Lopezes left Tamaha despite Maya calling for Bonnie to come. Battiest then had to restrain Bonnie, who did not want Maya to leave. When Bonnie broke free, Battiest grabbed her, finalizing the Lopezes move and abandoning her granddaughter.
As Battiest's grief grew, she eventually broke up with Skully. She also kept the Battiest Residence just as it was the night Lopez died.[2] She maintained good relations with Skully and once gave him a sewing machine to sell at his pawn shop as she did not have a use for it anymore.[1]
Maya's Return[]
A Worrying Revelation[]
Battiest learns of Maya Lopez's return
- "Just if you can, encourage her to stick to her plan. Pass through town without causing any trouble."
- ―Chula Battiest to Henry Lopez[src]
In 2025, Battiest allowed Biscuits to use her truck while she planned the annual Choctaw Nation Powwow. At a house, Battiest planned the powwow with Shikoba, Nita and Ramona. Battiest asked where they should put the speakers and Shikoba gave his insight while Nita pointed out that she did not see Battiest's booth. Shikoba reminded Nita that Battiest had not had one in years. Battiest then pointed out a location for Nita's own booth. Shikoba then thanked Battiest for her hard work with Maya Lopez back in town. Battiest stopped in her tracks as this was the first she heard of this news.
Battiest talks with Henry Lopez
Battiest arrived at Black Crow's SkateLife where she found Henry Lopez, asking to talk. They sat down at a booth where Battiest asked if Maya was back. Henry asked if she came to see her, but Battiest admitted that was not likely. She asked what Maya was doing but Henry said she would not want to know or worry about it. Battiest remarked how Maya's influence is bad, especially for someone like Biscuits. Henry assured Battiest that Maya has grown and it is his understanding that she is just passing through. Before leaving, Battiest remarked how she hoped Bonnie did not find out this news and also hoped that Maya would stick to her plan of passing through. She later called Biscuits only to quickly get put on voice mail.
Battiest sees her wrecked truck
The next day, Battiest made her rounds as a United States Postal Service mailwoman in a beat up old car. She stopped at Nita's home for the mail only to hear Nita ask about the car. Battiest exclaimed how Biscuits was borrowing her truck. Right on cue, Biscuits drove by with the truck on horrible shape. The glass was broken and the bumper was almost fallen off. Biscuits tried to pay no attention to his grandmother as Battiest rolled her eyes.[3]
Seeing Skully[]
Battiest at Skully's Pawn Shop
Battiest arrived at Skully's Pawn Shop and was let in only to see Skully trying to pose in an appealing way. She told him to cut it out. Skully tried to flirt, but Battiest was having none of it as she came out with her problem, stating how Maya Lopez was back. Skully told her to come to the back with him. They both sat down on the couch only for Battiest to tell Skully to sit at his chair. She then gave him a receipt that Biscuits used to sell his Playstation 4 in order to pay for damages on Battiest's truck.
Battiest talks with Skully
Battiest stated her worry as Biscuits was now caught up in Lopez's affairs. She stated that Lopez was just like her father. Skully called Battiest out, saying how she did not even know Lopez. Battiest could say the same for Skully, but realized that he had already seen Lopez. She asked what Lopez was up to, but Skully said it was not for him to say. He then shut off the radio and exclaimed that Battiest and Lopez were exactly alike, which Battiest refused to believe.
Battiest thinks about Maya Lopez
Battiest claimed that whatever she had done was to protect her family, however much it hurt. Skully told Battiest that she already lost her daughter and she should swallow her pride before losing her granddaughter as well. Battiest said she could not talk to Lopez as she had nothing to say. Skully simply said she should not have to talk but instead listen. Battiest shot him a look before leaving without saying another word. Later, Battiest attended a religious ceremony with Biscuits but could not bring herself to sing; instead just staring into the distance.[4]
Swallowing Her Pride[]
Battiest gets a vision
- "I was a child. I needed you. But you chose yourself!"
- ―Maya Lopez to Chula Battiest[src]
Battiest went to the Haskell County Fairgrounds to set up for the Choctaw Nation Powwow. She went to help Caroline set up her stand before getting a sudden vision, much like she did while giving birth to Taloa Lopez. She saw Chafa's natural form, Chafa's human form, Tuklo, herself and Lowak. Battiest then rushed back to her house, trying to make sense of what she saw.
Battiest reunites with Maya Lopez
Eventually, Henry Lopez arrived with a tranced Maya Lopez. Being led by Henry, Maya approached Battiest, who let her into the home. Not really knowing what to do, Battiest grabbed cookies and placed them on the table before asking Maya if she wanted something to drink. Maya got annoyed, telling Battiest to stop pretending like everything was normal. Battiest obliged and told Maya to sit as she did too. She then asked Maya to tell her what Henry thought was so important.
Battiest listens to Maya Lopez
Lopez then talked about how she felt like she was losing it due to many visions of random people she did not know in places she also did not know. Battiest asked how long it had been happening and Lopez told her it started when she arrived in Tamaha. Lopez explained what she was seeing, which matched what Battiest saw. Battiest was shocked as she said it all made sense now as what she was describing is what Battiest saw when she gave birth to Taloa.
Battiest talks about her grief
Battiest recounted what happened when she gave birth to Taloa, remarking how Taloa came into the world as a healer. Breaking down into tears, Battiest said how there was a unique connection between a mother and her daughter that was unbreakable. She continued, saying that when Taloa was killed, her heart shattered. Lopez then got mad saying how Battiest disowned her. Battiest assured Lopez that she did not disown her but her father. Battiest then brutally explained that she could not bear to be around Lopez as she reminded her of Taloa. Lopez told Battiest that she needed her but she chose herself. She then left, leaving Battiest to cry alone.
Battiest creates the choctaw dress
Battiest walked into her sewing room and picked out a mannequin, crying once she unwrapped it. Battiest then started sewing and creating a choctaw dress for Lopez in order to symbolize the echoing of their ancestors.[1] However, she needed a better machine and arrived at Skully's Pawn Shop. Skully started flirting once again, but Battiest asked about the sewing machine she brought in years ago. Skully left and returned a few moments later with it, saying how he oiled it, cleaned it and kept it as he knew Battiest would come back. Battiest asked what she owed him and Skully said that only her coming to see him every once in a while would be good.[5]
Power of the Ancestors[]
Battiest meets Wilson Fisk
- "Oh. I learned for my daughter. She’s passed on now."
"Yes, I’ve lost someone who I loved. It’s the kind of pain you never quite get over." - ―Chula Battiest and Wilson Fisk[src]
Battiest went to work and arrived at the United States Postal Service office only to accidentally bump into a girl, causing her to drop her mail. She knelt down to grab it but was helped by Wilson Fisk, who handed her back the mail. Battiest then asked if he was there for the Choctaw Nation Powwow, which he said he was. They then talked about it before Fisk pointed out Battiest's necklace which was ALS for "I love you". Battiest was surprised Fisk signed and he said he did it for his niece.
Battiest talks about her family
Battiest remarked how she learned for her daughter who had passed. Fisk stated how he lost someone he loved too and it was the kind of pain you cannot get over. Battiest agreed and said how she kept up the sign language for her granddaughter, Maya Lopez. Upon hearing this, Fisk grew cold and kidnapped Battiest as his niece that he was talking about was Lopez.
Battiest uses her powers
At the powwow, Battiest was forcefully brought out into a barn where she saw Bonnie also captured as well as Lopez in her dress, pointing a gun at Fisk. However, she stood down when she saw her family. Battiest watched as Lopez argued with Fisk until Fisk yelled that he killed William Lopez. Lopez then channeled the power of her ancestors into Battiest and Bonnie. Battiest's hands glowed with a spiral as she started punching her captors with her new strength. This allowed Lopez to take care of Fisk.[5]
A Healed Heart[]
Battiest embraces Maya Lopez
The next day, Battiest had her family, Biscuits, Bonnie and Henry Lopez over for a meal. The group laughed as Biscuits told a story to them. Battiest then looked over and saw Maya Lopez around the corner. She got up from her seat and was the first to approach Maya. She grabbed Maya's face and kissed her on the forehead before hugging her granddaughter, finally healing the heart that was shattered along with the family nearly twenty years prior.[5]
Personality[]
- "All I ever heard growing up from my dad was how you destroyed this family. How you wanted nothing to do with us."
I couldn’t... bear... to be around you. You’re so much alike." - ―Maya Lopez and Chula Battiest[src]
To be added
Powers and Abilities[]
Powers[]
- Ancestral Evocation: As a descendant of the Choctaw tribe, Chula possesses the ability to call upon the strength and skills of her fellow ancestors.
- Memory Recall: Through her powers, Chula can recall the memories of her ancestors and witness events that they went through.
- Enhanced Strength: To be added
Abilities[]
To be added
Equipment[]
To be added
Facilities[]
To be added
Relationships[]
Family[]
Allies[]
|
Enemies[] |
Appearances[]
In chronological order:
Echo | Episode 1.04: Taloa (flashbacks)
- Echo | Episode 1.01: Chafa (flashbacks)
- Echo | Episode 1.03: Tuklo (flashbacks)
- Echo | Episode 1.05: Maya (flashbacks)
- Echo | Episode 1.01: Chafa
- Echo | Episode 1.02: Lowak
- Echo | Episode 1.03: Tuklo
- Echo | Episode 1.04: Taloa
- Echo | Episode 1.05: Maya
Behind the Scenes[]
- Michelle Rose was a stunt double for Tantoo Cardinal in the role of Chula Battiest.
- Christina Mayo was a photo double for Tantoo Cardinal in the role of Chula Battiest.
.png){kind=link}
.png){kind=link}
.png){kind=link}
.png){kind=link}
.png){kind=link}
.png){kind=link}
.png){kind=link}
