Phantom Sitri

by shadowwriter329

Danny has a bigger secret then being a half ghost. What if you knew his other half was not human? He is in fact a half Devil. How will this affect everything when he is the son of one of the most important devils of the Underworld? rating M because this is DxD duh. Danny X harem

7. Chapter 7

¡Bienvenidos todos y cada uno, a un capítulo especial de Phantom Sitri!

Sorry, the translator was still up. Welcome one and all, to a special chapter of Phantom Sitri! We have a special treat for you all today and this one is years in the making…literally, I am afraid. What do I mean and why the Spanish intro? Because we are diving into some Mexican culture with the most famous holiday: Dia De Los Muertos or to my English-speaking American fools like myself, the Day of the Dead!

Now I know that Dia De Los Muertos starts on October 31st till November 2nd so this chapter is a bit late but I didn't want to wait any longer than I had to. My partner and I tried to work on this last year to update in the time frame but life getting in the way and writer's block forced us to wait until we get to go again. And while we missed the deadline again, I was not waiting when we were so close. But better late than never but I hope it was well worth the wait.

Now, this maybe be a late holiday special but it does have some plot and is important for the overarching story. In fact, one character will be the main focus of this chapter and will show a different side of her. What do I mean? You will just have to wait and see.

And fair warning, my knowledge of Mexican culture is limited with most coming from works of art including a very beautiful yet underrated movie in my opinion. So if I get some things wrong I do apologize first hand. Hope you all can spot the easter eggs and enjoy what we have for you all.

We now have a Discord server! Feel free to stop by, say hi, and hang out. I can answer questions for stories, new ideas in the works, or just to talk and hear your ideas. The Link to the server should be on my profile page and if that didn't work send me a PM (not a review) and I will help you out. This will be my first time doing something like this so all I ask is go easy on me and just don't be rude to each other. Hope to see you there.

Disclaimer; I do not own anything from Danny Phantom nor High school DxD. The same can be said for Wolfpackersson09, though I am sure he would not mind owning DxD.

Phantom Sitri

Paulina skipped through the halls of Casper high with a large grin on her face. The reason for her giddiness was her plans were coming together nicely to not only spend time with her family but get Danny's attention. Even better since if things go right they will be alone for the entire trip with none of the others interrupting them. Reaching the cafeteria Paulina quickly spotted Danny with the rest of the peerage. Skipping over to them she called out, "Danny! I have wonderful news!"

Never one to miss a moment Sam cut in with the tone she reserves to people who act like idiots and Paulina, "You discovered you are a shallow husk of a human being and plan to get rid of the ten layers of makeup, shave those horsehair extensions on your head and finally be a proactive member of society?"

Paulina shot her a dirty look, "no I'm not desperate like you." She turned back and grins to the others, "I finally got both my parents' and Mr. Lancer's approval; I can take a friend with me when my family leaves for Mexico!"

Danny blinked before he shrugged and offered, "I hope you and Star have a good time."

Star, however, shook her head, "I'm not going. But I don't mind anyway."

Paulina giggled, "I'm thinking of taking you silly!"

This surprised the rest of them, Sam looking very agitated by this answer. "Okay I'm flattered," Danny admitted, taken aback by Paulina's claim. "But before I say yes, I want to know why you and your family are heading to Mexico?"

Paulina took this as her king accepting her proposal, "My family is visiting my nana and to celebrate, Dia De Los Muertos."

Tucker paused in eating his layered meat and cheese sandwich, "sounds Spanish. I thought devils can understand any language."

"It's the name of a national holiday," Valerie explained. "I think it means Day of the Dead right?"

Paulina nodded and Tucker just got bored and went back to his sandwich. "Okay, so it's Mexico's Halloween, big deal."

Before Sam could lecture Tucker on his cultural insensitivity, Paulina beats her to it of all people. "It's not Halloween you uncultured swine. Dia De Los Muertos is a day of positivity and celebration. A day where we pray to remember friends and family who have passed on into the afterlife. A day where those who have died can walk the earth again with their families."

Danny thought it over and honestly didn't see a problem with this. He was sure he can convince his parents to let him go since it was to bond with his peerage piece and a holiday that could involve ghosts, the real reason that that would bring his father on board. He just wanted to make a few things sure, "your parents do know that the friend you are bringing is a boy, right?"

Paulina nodded, "oh yes they know I intend on bringing you. They don't really care about it."

Danny gave a deadpan look as he recalled how her father acted when he was taking his daughter to the school dance. He doubted the man has changed his opinion at all about him. "And Mr. Lancer? Is he really gonna just let me go to Mexico this week?"

It was an honest concern since the teacher has been hard on Danny in general ever since becoming a half-ghost. Here Paulina looks a bit smug "I may or may have not talked about my concern about needing help on a project about the culture and needed both a dependable and studious partner. When I suggested you, he was all for it."

Danny raised a brow, a bit surprised by Lancer allowing him to do this. Next to him, Sam was glancing at Paulina and her king, realizing that Danny was going to go on the trip. "Danny, you can't seriously be thinking about going?"

"Why not?" Valerie asked. Sam gave her a look of betrayal, but the knight just raised a brow, "I mean out of the rest of the peerage the ones that need the most work are Paulina and Star." She paused and turned to the blond next to her, "no offense."

Star just shrugged, "None taken since you're right. But a trip with Paulina would actually be good for them."

'Please this whole trip Paulina will be focusing on getting into Danny's pants,' Sam mentally denied, glaring at the girl, whose grin all but confirmed it for Sam.

"Well, I can ask the folks if they'd let me go, and if they say okay, then sure I'd be glad to go. It would be cool to see Dia De Lad Muertes." Danny said, and that answer made Paulina's day, much to Sam's jealous chagrin.

"Great! I'll make sure the family knows that you'll be coming with me, and then we will be in Mexico and the Sanchez family hometown of San Angel." Paulina was beaming as she said that Danny would ask and likely be going with her. This would be the happiest week of her life.

(Scene Change)

"Of course you can go, Danny! It's a holiday with ghosts and you're bonding with a peerage member." Jack said as he was working on something else now with Maddie, Jazz was also there if only to make sure there wasn't another explosion, like the last time that didn't work out as planned.

"Your father's right," Maddie agreed. "It'd be good for you to go experience another culture, learn from them, and best of all bring that experience into your line of work like a devil."

Jazz raised a brow at her mother, "and yet you always seem to be the first to object to Serafall's attempts to get Danny enrolled into Kuoh Academy."

This made Maddie's smile drop into a sour look, "there's a difference between studying abroad for most of the school year and staying for a week or two on what is practically a studying vacation. And in Danny's case, he won't be gone for more than a week or so. Dia De Los Muertos is a celebration that lasts a few days so he'll settle and perhaps be part of the preparations."

"Sounds about right" Danny confirmed for his mother. "Paulina told me it is a three-day celebration for the actual Dia De Los Muertos and she wants us to get there a few days early to relax at their family home before seeing the sites before the celebrations. She says we'll be packing up and leaving after the final day."

"Just let us know about all the ghosts you see!" Jack said excitedly as that was the biggest part he knew about the holiday.

"I doubt they will cause trouble," Danny tied to assure his dad. "I mean they are visiting family if any do show up. No reason to even bring any weapons."

Maddie and Jack both scoff at the idea of not bringing any sort of ghost weapons but they did agree with the odds of him needing to use any for defense was slim.

Seeing as he got permission Danny headed towards his room to call his pawn and let her know before packing for the trip. As he climbed the stairs Jazz followed after him. "So, is there anything to worry about on the supernatural side?"

"I doubled checked before I asked mom and dad" Danny assured her. "The city isn't any territory with any major factions, nor devils, angels, or fallen angels. There is a small church but the pull of the biblical faction there is the same as having a church in a town or small city. As long as I don't enter it or cause trouble for them then I should be fine."

Jazz nodded, happy that her brother and king were covering his bases. "Still I will admit Paulina surprised me by inviting you to go with her family."

"Honestly she was really passionate about the whole thing," Danny said as they entered his room. Seeing his sister's look he added, "I'm serious. You should have seen and heard how Paulina went off on Tucker when he called it a Mexican Halloween. Dia De Los Muertos is very important to her and her family so I will treat it as such."

"Very mature Danny," Jazz complemented with a smile. "You get to see a new culture in a national holiday and get to properly bond with your pawn. I am proud of you."

"Thanks, Jazz," Danny as he got his suitcase from his closet. "If any ghost problems turn up I trust you can handle it with the others."

Jazz nodded, "Valerie told me of how you two were working on a patrol schedule for ghost activities so we can work with her on that. And if we get any messages from the Underworld I will hold them unless they are important that need your attention." Jazz left Danny to begin his packing but paused at the door, "And if Serafall comes by I'll try to stall but knowing her, she would try and give you a surprise visit."

"Mom won't try something like that," Danny objected before he paused himself as he thought it over. "…I hope."

(Scene change)

Turns out Paulina had their meetup with her parents for the trip all planned out to avoid inconveniences with their families. Danny would be dropped off at the airport and meet up with Paulina and her parents before they boarded the plane. Paulina's father was just as he remembered, a large-built man with a mustache and an intimidating glare for a human wearing a comfortable collar shirt with khakis, Danny noticed that from the crossed arms and glare he was giving him, Paulina's father clearly remembered him just as well.

The woman next to Paulina could only be her mother though looked young enough to be an older sister. Paulina noticed Danny and waved him over while calling his name. Danny picked up his carry-on bag and suitcase before heading over to them. "Hey Paulina," he greeted with a smile.

"Danny! So glad you made it!" Paulina said gleefully.

Paulina's father scowled and kept his arms crossed. "So this is the friend you are bringing with us?"

Paulina's mother smacked her husband on the shoulder, "oh behave. I recall this nice young man took our daughter to their school dance and was no doubt a gentleman as her date. If he wasn't do you think our daughter would invite him to see my mother during Dia De Los Muertos if he wasn't."

Danny and Paulina snuck a quick glance at each other, recalling how their 'date' went that night. They did talk about that night in the few times Paulina made contracts with Danny and they manage to bury the hatchet since there were some issues on both sides and moved past that. Still, Danny wanted to make sure he was on the good side of Paulina's parents. "Thank you for letting me experience Dia De Los Muertos with your family," he said to them politely.

Paulina's father gave a small grunt while her mother beamed, "what a nice mannered young man you are dear. And it's no trouble at all dearly, Paulina was so excited when we permitted a friend to join us this year. I'm sure you two will have plenty of fun and learn so much when we arrive."

"Can you even speak Spanish?" Paulina's father asked him. "Or are you planning on having my daughter translate everything for you boy?"

Danny could tell that the second question was in Spanish but since he was a devil then he was able to understand it perfectly. Barely able to keep a smirk off his face, Danny answered, "I can understand perfectly sir, no need to worry about me."

While it sounded like normal English to Paulina and himself to the others it sounded like perfectly spoken Spanish. From the look, Paulina's father had on his face he clearly wasn't expecting that. Paulina and her mother just giggled at how they were acting. Danny felt he had made his point and turned to Paulina's mother, "so from what Paulina said we're going to be staying in a family home."

She nodded to him, "that's right. It was the home I grew up in and mother will be happy to have us there."

"Oh you will love gran-ma," Paulina said happily. "And there is plenty room for everyone."

While she would love to have Danny stay in a room with her, she knew she wouldn't be able to pull on over on her grandmother. The woman loved Paulina dearly and thought the girl many of her tricks, but Paulina knew while she could have been able to fool her parents into letting Danny stay in a room with her, her grandmother was another story.

"Plenty of room," Paulina agreed. "We could even have completely separate wings of the house."

Again, this earned another slap from his wife who realize what he was suggesting. "Well we still have time, let's get through security so we don't miss the boarding."

Paulina's father grabbed most of their suitcases while his wife and daughter has their carry-on bags. Danny grabbed his own and followed along with Paulina slowing down to walk next to him. as they walked, Paulina took a moment to glance at her parents before she whispered so they couldn't hear, "serious question; do you think we will actually see the ghosts of my family or others? Since I know ghosts exist."

Danny considered how to answer, "it's possible but even if we do see any, I doubt they will cause trouble. Any ghosts that appear that night will be visiting family and we shouldn't have any problems."

She nodded as she thought the answer over. If she was being honest, she wouldn't think any members of her family appearing as ghosts would be a problem. In fact, she would like to see some members of her family even as a ghost.

(Scene Change)

The flight was fairly decent as the group, with passports in hand, managed to get to the town of San Angel, and it was quite a nice town to see as it seemed to have a peaceful feel as the group came to a large building, it was one of the biggest in town.

"This is the family home, which has been in the family for many generations," Paulina said as they grabbed the bags for the stay and entered the home, or rather mansion

"Impressive," Danny said, not wanting to admit to Paulina yet that his mother's family had a much bigger mansion than this. Still, he felt it was impressive enough for a human family and he can feel the rich history as he walked through the doors.

"Only my mother grew here, but I always come to visit during the holidays," Paulina explained with a sigh. "While I do love my home in the states, there is just something special about this house."

"It's not the house that is special but the family that lived in it."

Paulina squealed as someone walked down the main stairs, "Gran-ma!"

The elder lady was a head shorter than Paulina as the girl ran up and gave her a hug, her gray hair in natural curls and wearing a bright red sundress. While she looked a bit frail, Danny could tell she was stronger than she looked and if she is anything like his pawn had a fire inside. Only he could tell she already knows about it and isn't afraid to bring it out. Still, the woman easily accepted her granddaughter's hug before reaching out towards Paulina's parents, "Rosa, Ricardo don't keep me waiting and give me a hug already."

"Mother is so good to see you again," Rosa greeted happily as she hugged her mother.

Ricardo waited for his wife to finish before reaching down and giving the woman a brief hug. "Thank you for having us this holiday, dear."

The woman gave a playful scoff, "like I would have my family be anywhere else for Dia De Los Muertos." She then noticed Danny, "and who's this boyo? A boyfriend Paulina?"

Danny gave what he hoped was a disarming smile, "sorry but I'm not her boyfriend."

She gave a small frown at him, "And why's that? Is my grandbaby not good enough for you?"

Danny held his hands up in surrender, "no she's just out of my league."

Again the woman gave a scoff, "Oh please, like that ever stopped anyone. Not for my Manolo, Ricardo, and not for you deary."

"Gran-ma," Paulina pouts at the teasing. "Danny is just a friend." She would want more but she didn't need to say that aloud in front of her father. "He's joining us to learn more about Dia De Los Muertos and what it truly means."

"I know it's for family so sorry to intrude Mrs.-"

"Just call me Maria," the woman said as she walked over and pulled him into a hug that surprised him. "And don't worry about intruding. Dia De Los Muertos is more than just about family. It's about bringing people together, be them family, friends, or just strangers of the community. All of us are welcome together as we celebrate and remember our loved ones as they also come and visit us once more." She broke the hug and gave Danny a firm pat on the shoulders. "You are just as welcomed as any other guest, and we will treat you like family."

Danny was surprised by the declaration but smiled back at her. "Well, then Maria; my name is Danny Fenton, and I am in your care."

"What a well-mannered boy," Maria said before turning back to the others. "No use standing in the doorway, let's get everyone settled into their room. Everyone else knows their room but you Danny can have the empty room next to Paulina."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Ricardo asked, giving Danny a short glare.

Maria gave him a small slap on the arm as she passed him. "Behave. He is a guest here and I doubt Danny will try any sort of trouble. Besides if my grandbaby wants to start something with the boy then nothing is gonna stop her."

Ricardo grumbled as he took the suitcases and leveled another glare at him while Maria wasn't looking. Danny wasn't too bothered as he was more amused with how Maria was treating them all. Paulina walked next to him as he took their bags and she gave him a smirk, "sooooo?"

"Your grandmother is cool," he admitted. "She's got spunk."

"And sass," Paulina added. "She would be the poster girl for a 'strong independent woman' when she was younger. Hell, she still is."

"I can tell," Danny agreed. "I wouldn't want to mess with her."

As they walked through the house, Danny noticed several paintings of different people and he assumed they were members of their family. One large painting in the hallway to the rooms looked like an older Paulina wearing a fancy red dress full of energy and life. He knew it couldn't be Paulina since she was clearly older so he had an idea who it might be. "Wow, your mom really looked like you where she was younger."

To his surprise, Paulina giggled, "silly Danny, that's not a painting of my mama; that a painting of my gran-ma."

"Really?" Danny asked surprised looking back at the painting. "I see that your looks are strong on your mother's side of the family."

"Ha!" Maria called out from up ahead, having heard them. "I like him."

Danny had a small blush as Rosa giggled behind her hand while Ricardo gave another scowl. Paulina had to hold back a squeal at how well her king was getting along with her family. She knew her father's stance with any boy she hangs out with even if she isn't interested in them, but the rest of her family seem to at least approve. That will make things easier in her mind as she had planned this holiday with her alone time with her king. Still, she knew they had to unpack and settle before seeing some of the celebrations. "Here is where you can stay Danny," Maria states as she paused at one door and opens it. "Paulina is right next to yours while her parents will be down the hall near mine."

"You know we could always have a room closer to-" Ricardo tried to say but was pulled along by his wife.

"Oh, don't be so overprotective dear," she told him as she move him along. "Danny is being nothing, but a polite young man and we can trust Paulina to handle herself."

"I trust my daughter easily," Ricardo informed her. "I don't trust him."

Maria rolled her eyes at this, "the day a father trusts a boy near their daughter is when they are completely fooled or are dead. Now relax, it's a time for family so go settle in."

Maria stopped for a moment to shoot a wink towards her granddaughter who smiled back at her and winked as well.

Danny entered his room for the next few days and looked around. It was bigger than his room back at Fenton Works and just smaller than the room he has back at the Sitri manor. It had a four-poster bed with fresh red coverings and sheets, several dressers and side tables, and even a desk and full body mirror. Another door was no doubt the closet and two large glass door-like windows he can see lead out of a balcony. He placed his suitcase down near the bed and inspected the room and finding it to be relaxing. Paulina peeked inside a moment later, "let me know you get unpacked. I want to show you around town."

"Sure thing. Wouldn't hurt to take a look around town." Danny said as his phone suddenly rang. "One moment. Hello?"

"Danny-tan, where are you!? You're going to miss Halloween and it's our favorite family bonding time!" Came the voice of his biological mother on the other side of the phone. Danny might not have mentioned that he was going to be elsewhere, and that might cause problems later.

"Sorry I forgot to mention it to you mom, but I was invited by one of my peerage to celebrate Dio De Las Muertes and I told Dad and Maddie to let you know." Danny was definitely starting to regret not telling the woman that gave birth to him and nurtured him from her own breasts, but he was a teenager going into adulthood and needed his own space from time to time. Something said woman was not as thrilled about it.

"But Danny-tan, we always celebrate Halloween together with spooky movies, trick or treating, and all that, and you spring this on me now!?" Serafall was not happy about it and even continued, "Tell me where you are and I will be right over to celebrate with you."

"No! I mean aren't you busy with work and your show?" Danny asked as he felt he might regret some things later, but he was going to play a card he knew would work. "Just let me have this, and I'll show up on your show for a few episodes."

Danny waited as the line went quiet, afraid that his gamble wasn't going to work. Finally, after a minute Serafall asked, "You promised?" She said this in a tone of voice that made Danny picture his mother asking with narrowed eyes and daring him to lie to her.

"I promised," Danny said even if felt like he was signing his death warrant.

"I hope you have a great time Danny-tan!" shouted Serafall who's mood went a complete one-eighty. "I will have something special planned for you when you get back. Let me know in advance if any of your peerage wishes to also join in and I can add them too. You are going to love this! Bye, sweetie!"

And with that she hung up, leaving Danny to have a cold shiver run down his spine, "well that sounds ominous," he mutters as he puts his phone away. "I just hope that doesn't backfire on me."

Paulina, who was able to listen to most of the conversation, left her king be while wondering what that was about. And what she heard about a show and Danny being a part of it. "I should ask the others when we get back," she said softly before skipping back to her room to get her things unpacked as she had plenty of places she wanted to show Danny.

(Scene change)

It didn't take the teenagers long to unpack before they told the rest of the family what they were planning. While Ricardo was against the idea, he was overruled by his wife and mother-in-law. They told them to have fun but also to keep their phones on them in case of emergencies. Paulina happily led Danny down the long driveway to the town itself which was alive with activity. Danny saw stands being built and food being placed out while a group was pulling some rope so a display arc went over a building, giving it a more festive look. Several bands could be seen on street corners, happily playing tunes as some people danced or children played around them. Danny followed Paulina as she pointed out different shops and places she always visited as a child when she was here. From how people seemed to greet them before recognizing Paulina happily, Danny could see that everyone was friendly. Paulina then squealed happily and took his hand before pulling him ahead, "oh they have the Calavera out already!"

"Calavera?" Danny asked as she didn't recognize the word.

Paulina stopped them in front of a food stand which held- "Sugar skulls!" Paulina explained happily. "They are a traditional treat during Dia De Los Muertos. They are mostly made of sugar or chocolate."

"Wow," Danny said as he gaze at the colorful display of different size candy skulls as well as miniature sugar coffins. "That's so cool."

Paulina nodded, "yes it is usually something children love during this time of year but they are also acceptable offerings to family that has passed. You should try some, it's on me."

"Thanks, Paulina," Danny said as he knew he could easily pay her back it was still embarrassing he forgot to exchange his money for the trip. "I think I will get some for the offerings you mentioned as well as get some to give to my folks back home."

"Not a problem," Paulina said and she would admit to herself it really wasn't. She had learned from her lessons with Danny and Jazz about Devils' society that the family Danny was a part of was insanely rich and could easily pay her back. But even if that wasn't the case, she didn't have a problem paying for something for them. The only other person she was like that was Star and even then there was a limit. Thankfully Star doesn't take advantage of her. She watched Danny pick several helpings of different candy's some he would save as gifts for home and some he would use as offerings. Not wanting to be left out she picked a few Calavera and sugar coffins for the two of them to share. After everything was boxed up while hers were bagged, Paulina paid for everything while also sharing a hug from the owner and an extra small bag of bite-size Calavera. Paulina was embarrassed when the owner shared a small story to Danny of how she would give him puppy dog eyes for extra treats while her mother was shopping. Danny took it in strides before walking off, both waving goodbye to the owner.

As they walked Paulina held one of the bite-size Calavera for him to try only to cheekily toss it into her mouth when he reached for it. This earned a laugh between the two of them before Danny got to try one himself. It was very sweet like a sugar cookie which he expected but the flavor was unique and different than Danny wasn't sure how to really describe it. He was picking another one to try when he noticed that Paulina had stopped and was gazing at a building. He saw it looked like a normal building with open wooden doors showing people working over a center workbench. He saw the name on the side saying 'Rivera Shoemakers' and he could help but grin teasingly at her. "Is a joke of you wanting a new pair of shoes every time you go on a shopping trip, too much?"

Paulina seemed to snap out of her gazing and pout cutely at her king before giving him a small smack on the shoulder. "As if the shoe companies in America can compare. These are pure hand-crafted quality work you can't find anywhere else."

"She's clearly a smart lady."

Danny noticed they attracted the attention of one of the residents from the shop and came out to them. She was an elder lady with gray streaks in her hair and some winkles but otherwise of good health. She smiled as she addressed them, "so how can we help you…" the woman stopped as she noticed Danny's pawn. "Paulina?"

Paulina giggled and smiled at the woman, "Hello Elena. I know it's been a long time since I saw you guys."

The woman turns and calls out into the shop. "Come, quick everyone! It's Paulina!"

Danny raised a brow at the slightly blushing girl as several more members of the family came up, one was a young woman carrying a child that didn't even look a year old yet. This caused Paulina to squeal in joy and all but tossed her boxes to Danny, who manage to catch the lot and balance them. "I don't believe it!" Paulina gushed as she stopped before the smiling mother and the baby that was looking at Paulina curiously. "Luisa! You had her! Oh, she looks so adorable."

"Congratulations," Danny said to the new mother who nodded in thanks. He smiled as he watched Paulina gush over the baby and even held her hand out as the baby played with her fingers.

"So happy to see you again Paulina," Elena said before turning her gaze to Danny and seeming to be studying him. "And who is your friend? A boyfriend perhaps?"

Danny gave her a soft grin, "No, sorry we're not dating."

"And why not?" the elder lady asked in a harsher tone. She stepped towards Danny while taking off one of her sandals. "You think she's not good enough for you?"

She asked this while holding the sandal to his face as if it was a weapon. Danny was surprised by this turn of events as well as how she was threatening him. The fact Paulina and trying and failed to hide an amused grin didn't help much. "Oh no, that's not it," Danny finally said to try and defuse the situation. "If anything, she's out of my league."

Elena seemed to study him as if trying to see he was lying before she nods. "Smart boy," she says as she places her sandal back on.

Danny couldn't help but let out a breath of relief at that moment. Paulina found this whole thing amusing and kept trying to get her giggles under control.

"What's going on?" came a soft voice from the doorway.

Paulina froze before turning towards the doorway as a young boy pushed a wheelchair out into the sun, an elder lady sitting comfortably in it. she was the oldest member of the family by far with her hair a pale white and tied into two braids that draped over her shoulders. Her tan skin had heavy winkles and her body was slightly hunched in her chair. The woman barely opened her eyes and focused on Paulina, who looked surprised and concerned. Finally, the woman asked slightly confused "Is that little Pollie?"

Paulina gave a soft gasp, covering her mouth in shock while tears started to form in the corner of her eyes. Danny wasn't sure what was going on as his pawn asked aloud, "granny Coco?"

The newly revealed Coco smiled softly at the girl, "oh Pollie, when did you get so big?"

Paulina gave another soft gasp, unable to believe what was happening. She noticed the family around them were smiling softly at either herself or Coco. Elena said to Paulina softly while twirling a finger, "don't just stand there, give her a little spin."

A smile broke on Paulina's face as she wiped the tears from her eyes. She gave a slow twirl, a soft laugh coming from her while Coco looked amazed and gave her own laugh. When she stopped Coco sighed, "you look so nice dearly. Just like how little Maria looked."

This brought another round of surprised and happy tears from Paulina before she turned to the rest of the family. "How?" she asked them. "I thought her dementia…"

"A miracle last year," Elena admitted, amazing but happy at how her mother was smiling at Paulina. "Miguel was acting strange last Dia De Los Muertos and ran away for a few hours. When he returned hours later he seem desperate for mother to remember. Then he played a song for her and then…" Elena took a moment to wipe a tear from her eye. "She seemed to remember who own father, one who even we don't know truly. Ever since then her memory has been a bit better and remembered us more often than not. It was a miracle."

Danny and Paulina looked amazed before looking at Miguel, the child that rolled Coco outside. He looked embarrassed by the stare but said, "you probably wouldn't believe me."

"Maybe," Danny said, keeping a grin off his face as he had a feeling it was something to do with the supernatural.

Paulina spent a few more minutes chatting with the Rivera family and promising to either have the rest of the family visit or try and convince them to have a big dinner with the two families together. When they left, Paulina was all smiles as she waved goodbye and the rest of the Rivera family, even Coco waving goodbye as well. Once they were far enough away Paulina turned back towards the road and wiped another tear from her eyes. "Are you okay?" Danny asked her. "You want to talk about it?"

"I'm fine. I am just happy that Coco was able to heal in some way." Paulina said as she was happy for the family but there was still more to see. "There is another place I want to show you."

"Really? What kind of place?" Danny was curious about what Paulina had in mind as she had put a smirk on her face when he asked as this was going to be interesting.

"You'll see, it is a place that is very important to my family history," Paulina said as they kept moving through San Angel.

(Scene Break)

"Welcome to the bullfighting arena," Paulina said as she showed Danny the bullfighting arena, which was not in use at the moment, but it was amazing to see an actual bullfighting arena.

"Wow, this is kind of cool, but why is it so important to your family?" Danny asked as Paulina continued to smirk as she continued to guide Danny into the arena.

"Because the Sanchez family have long been a family of bullfighters! For generations, we have practiced the way of bullfighting and how to defeat the mighty bull!"

"Really?" Danny asked, surprised by this. "They were those guys that waved the red capes to get the bulls to charge."

"Matadors," Paulina corrected. "And yes they were the fighters in the area facing the bulls. Though the color was more for showman ships since bulls react to the movement of the cape and the fighter." She twirled around with her arm out as if holding something. She smiled as she imagine the arena filled with people as they cheered. "It was truly a dance of death for all to see. A man facing a beast many times his size and weight, with the power to send him and more flying with a single blow. How he avoids its horns with the grace and skillful movements and counters with his own." She bows to the pretend crowd as Danny watched with his own smile. "Not for the faint of heart but truly an art and the Sanchez family were the best matadors around."

"It sounds amazing," Danny said with a laugh. "I would love to see one in action. The whole peerage might be able to enjoy them… except for Sam. She might not like the fact the bull dies in the end."

Paulina shrugged, not to upset her main rival/critic wouldn't be a fan. In fact, she saw it as a bonus. "It's her loss. It's an event of culture and something that can only be experienced here." She let out a sigh, "I can only wish I can see some of my family fights in action."

Danny frowned, picking up on her wording as well as how she was feeling down. "You said your family were the best matadors. Are they no longer doing it?"

Paulina smiled sadly, "No, it was a tradition passed from father to son mostly. My mother never wished to take part and gran-pa never pushed her. It didn't help that the tragedy all but ended the tradition."

Danny looked concerned, "what happen?"

Paulina didn't say anything but led him out of the main arena down one of the entrances where the matadors would enter for their fights. They walked in silence before they came upon a small altar where flowers lay and a picture carved into a golden plaque. It was a man with strong features and s grinning face. Danny felt like he saw the man somewhere before until he saw the name carved at the bottom. [Manolo Sanchez: The Last Sanchez Matador]

"My grandfather," Paulina explained as she gazed at her ancestor's smiling face. "He was the last of the Sanchez family to enter the arena. He died here in this arena."

"He did?" Danny asked surprised. "Was it during…?"

Paulina shook her head at the unfinished question. "It was before his final fight. I hear it was a packed arena, with his last fight for his retirement. From what my mother told me he has something special planned, something he wanted to do for a long time. But before he could even make it to the center arena, he was found in his room. He had heart issues and before he could even come out he had an attack. Paramedics came to try and help but it was too late." Paulina wiped a tear from her eyes before reaching out and running a hand down her grandfather's face. "There were no more matadors in the family after that. It was a shame but I always looked up to him, hearing the stories of my family and how they faced almost impossible odds in their fights." She gave a small laugh, "I would sometimes pretend I was a matador and was a part of their legacy. I don't even know if I could even live up to them."

Danny saw how insecure his pawn actually was with this. He knew Paulina was confident even before she became a devil so finding how she felt was both shocking but also humbling that his pawn trust him that much to show sides she doesn't let others see. Shifting the boxes he held, he reached and gently wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "I'm sure they would be proud, matador or not," he said as she looked at him. "And even if it isn't in the bullfighting arena, you can still show them that their family are still graceful fighters. Be it against ghosts back home or even against other devils." Seeing her confused look he explained, "I told you of how contracts as used to increase a devil's power and ranking. It is the slowest and easiest way but another are events called the Rating Games. They are matches between devil peerages where you can increase your power and rank. I'm not ready to even try any games but when we are I'm sure the crowd will be cheering like they were for your family."

Paulina gave an inaudible gasp at how her king was so supportive of her somewhat admittedly childish wonders. But soon those old imaginary scenes of her facing a bull shifted to a shadowing opponent, be it ghost or devil she didn't know. She still had the matador cape as she taunts her opponent and they changer recklessly. She saw himself playing with her opponent with the style and flair she always imagined. She couldn't help herself, she returned the hug, nearly causing him to drop everything. "Thank you," she said softly before releasing him. "Maybe we can see what I can do against devils or ghosts."

"We can when we get home" Danny promised. "We're here to relax and celebrate. We have plenty of time to work out a style for you."

Paulina just hummed in thought, agreeing that they didn't need to worry about that. She wanted this trip to celebrate with her king and get some personal bonding with him. She didn't want to rush things after all. Though if what Danny says is true then she might have plenty of chances to get some personal one on one time. It wouldn't even matter if it was for training; in fact, if she can work on a style similar to her family's historical matador style then she would push even harder. She knew how others thought of her and she was fine with opinions that don't matter to her. But if she could pursue a once possible dream then she was going to take it.

As they left the arena and alter, Paulina took a moment to glance back at her grandfather's face, wondering if he would approve of the choices she has made recently.

(Scene change)

The next two days have been exciting for Danny as Dia De Los Muertos has officially begun. It was a three-day celebration and Danny found the first two days families make altars of the deceased members of their family in their homes where they leave out gifts, flowers, and offerings to them. He was told that on the final day the families would go to their cemeteries and decorate the family graves and give a final evening of prayers, offerings, and celebration. Danny took it in strides and made sure to have offerings to give out of respect.

The family also went out into the city and saw everyone was it and celebrating the holiday. Danny found that Dia De Los Muertos wasn't just a day to remember those who died, but celebrate their life and the life of those around you. To them, death wasn't a final goodbye, to them there was a whole other world waiting for you when you died and your family would be waiting. Being both a devil and a ghost he wasn't sure how much that was true but he wasn't going to let that stop him.

The city was alive with stands filled with colorful food, treats, and other items to celebrate. A small parade went down one of the main streets and many people were either wearing masks or painted their faces like Calaveras. Danny and Paulina enjoyed themselves and got their own mask, one smaller for Paulina that covered the top half of her that was dazzling with fake gems while Danny got a full mask that was black, white, and green and he felt fit his ghost form more. The two had fun as they explored, Paulina, stopping to dance in front of a street band where several children joined her. She urged Danny to join and to his embarrassment couldn't really keep up with her fast pace dancing. Thankfully the crowd that watched and the band took it in strides and were mildly amused.

It wasn't just the celebrations Danny experienced but had more than a few hearty meals with Paulina's family. Even more when her family visited the Rivera's and invited them to dinner. It turns out the two families were friends with Maira and Elena growing up together, Maira even seeing granny Coco as a second mother. The two families talked and swapped stories, Miguel getting out a guitar and playing songs with the family, much to Coco's amusements.

Danny noticed how Coco didn't eat much and while seeming to have a good time, was mostly tired. Maybe it was because he was part ghost or his devil heritage, but he could tell that Coco didn't have much time left in this world. He could tell her family knew but were going to celebrate what time they had with her. And from what they believed; they would see her again.

Now on the night of the second day, Paulina was with Danny as they lit more candles by the family alters, allowing Danny to place his offerings out to them. Paulina pointed out different members of the Sanchez family to him. "These are the pictures of my ancestors. Such as my Jorge Sanchez who fought bulls with one leg and one arm." Paulina pointed to a picture of a man with a rough beard and an eyepatch that had a kind but fierce expression.

"Okay, that had to be rough doing everything with half your limbs gone." Danny had to admit that was tough and gutsy at the same time as one couldn't move as well without the use of limbs.

"Well, he might say that limbs are for cowards. There is also Carmelo Sanchez who didn't use a cape. I think he didn't like showmanship." The next picture shown was a man that almost looked like a giant Aztec warrior, but Paulina needed to move on. "There is also Luis Sanchez who fought three bulls at once, Carlos who died fighting a villain, and the father of my grandfather Manolo Sanchez."

Danny couldn't help but laugh in amazement, "man your family has such a crazy history. So many members being matadors."

"Not all of them," Maria corrected, sitting off to the side in her rocking chair. She held a hand to a photo of two young women back-to-back while each holding weapons. "The twins Adelita and Scardelita are distant cousins to Manolo both fought in the revolution and helped in some important victories. And of course, we can never forget Carmen Sanchez," she smiled at a woman smiling next to Carlos. "My mother-in-law. She died when Manolo was young, but I know if she was alive then I doubt my Manolo would become a matador like the rest of his family. Let me tell you she was the one in charge of the family."

"As she should," Ricardo said smiling at his wife. "The Sanchez women are very strong-willed. One reason why I married into your family name."

Rosa giggled and leaned against her husband. "Oh, don't be like that dear. Your family is important too."

"In business maybe," Ricardo admitted. "But even my family will admit the Sanchez have their own flair to them. Even Maria's father was the chief of the military of the town when he was alive."

Looking at the alter with the many offerings, Danny placed a plate in front of one of the photos. "I kinda feel bad I don't have much to give. My family doesn't really have these traditions when it comes to love ones that passed away. I just don't want to seem like I'm messing up your traditions."

The other stared at him in surprise, not expecting this. Paulina wanted to comfort and assure him but wasn't sure how without it seeming like she was only doing it because he was her king. Even Ricardo and Rosa were quiet as they felt they had underestimated the boy, seeing he was truly trying to put in the effort. Maria just stayed in her rocking chair, glancing at the photo that held her husband's smiling face. "Do you know when a member of family truly dies?" she asked Danny.

Danny was taken aback, not expecting this nor how to answer. Paulina and her parents said nothing as well, knowing this was something he needed to hear. Maria didn't seem to expect him to answer as she went on, "do they die from falling in battle?" she asked as she gestures to the pictures of the twins. "Do they die from an incurable disease?" here she gestures to the photo of her husband. "Do they die when they kiss you goodbye and breathe their last?"

Danny said nothing, allowing Maria to get her emotions together and continue her lesson she was no doubt trying to teach him. "No," she finally said firmly. She turned to look him in the eyes, "they die when they are forgotten."

Danny's eyes went wide for a few seconds while Maria held her hand out towards the family altar and offers. "This is why we have Dia De Los Muertos, so our family can continue to live on. They might not be with us in the land of the living, but they will never truly die. And on Dia De Los Muertos, they come to visit us and show us what it means to be family." She smiled back at Danny, "and you my boy, have done nothing but be respectful with our traditions and learning of our way of life. You are welcome to join our family anytime so don't feel like you are intruding." She gave an amused glance at her granddaughter, "even if you do not join our family, or walk a different path of life, you are always welcome Danny Fenton."

Danny was truly taken aback, barely able to believe what he was told. He glanced to Paulina and her parents, and he found his pawn and her mothers were smiling at her while Ricardo looked a little less stern than usual. Danny couldn't help but be touched by this and returned the smile to Maria, "thank you."

Maria nodded, pleased that the boy's worries were at least. Ricardo glanced at the grandfather clock near them and stood up. "I think we should call it a night everyone. We got a busy day tomorrow."

"That's right!" Paulina said excitedly. "We're visiting our family grave where we will decorate them and give final offers."

"I can't wait," Danny said with a laugh as he let Paulina pull him up.

The rest headed up the stairs while Maria stayed in her chair, wanting to stay a bit longer. She was alone with only the light from the candles of the alters. She hummed to herself, eyes closes and at peace. A small chill shifted through the air, barely noticeable. Maria paused for a moment when she felt as if someone fix a stray hair falling on her face and brushes it in place. She smiled and stopped her rocking before she says aloud as she opens her eyes. "Hello, Manolo."

(Scene change)

After making sure her parents and Danny had gone to bed, Paulina snuck out of bed and left her room. Making sure no one saw her, she snuck down the hall and gentled entered one of the rooms. After making sure she didn't make any noise and entered the room. She turned and stared around her at the displays. It was a room she often snuck into when she was younger and visited her grandmother. It was a display of Matador uniforms and swords were in cases, photos lined the wall. It was the room where the matador gear of not only her grandfather was kept but her great grandfather's gear as well. Paulina stepped up to the display case, gently wiped the dust off the front. She smiled sadly but now saw she of enough for her reflection to make it seem like she was the one wearing it. She took the pose before she twirled and held her hand up as if she held the weapon her grandfather used. After visiting her grandfather's shrine in the arena with Danny, telling him of his tale, Paulina felt she needed to visit this room again. She often pretended she would be one to follow in her family's footsteps, and if Danny's words were true then she might be able to in her own way. She let out a sigh before she glanced at the last item in the room. It was a small lock chest, the last item that they found in her grandfather's waiting room in the arena when he died. She was told by her grandmother that he took it with him and was what he planned to reveal in his final fight. After his death, Maria didn't have the heart to open it and kept it locked in the room. Paulina didn't want to open it, wanting to respect her grandmother's wishes, but after her moment with Danny and telling him her family's legacy; she felt that it was time. She hoped her grandfather wouldn't be angry with her for doing this but it would give her peace of mind.

Paulina knelt down, gently lifted the lock, and with a hairpin, slowly unlocked the chest for the first time in decades. With a click, Paulina removed the lock and, after taking a moment to steady her nerves, opens the chest. With her devil eyes, she didn't need any light to see the content but that didn't stop Paulina from blinking at what she was seeing. "What?" she whispered aloud as she gently ran a hand down the wooden instrument laying inside. Taking a moment to wonder, she noticed that a few folded sheets of paper lay on top the color faded from age. Paulina gently picked them up, almost afraid they would turn to dust in her hands, and opened them. She read the words, checked the other sheet, and saw it was her grandfather's writing. She stared, bewildered at what she was reading before looking at the display case of her grandfather's uniform.

"Is this real?" she asked herself.

(Scene change)

The final night of Dia De Los Muertos and the Sanchez family plus Danny were in the cemetery before the grave of Manolo and more of the family. Early that day they went ahead and took time to decorate the graves with candles, flowers, photos, and Calavera offerings. Danny was first surprised at the graves being above ground in stone caskets. They decorate the graves during the day, went to dine, dance, and celebrate with the Rivera family for the afternoon before coming back in the evening to light the candles and give their final goodbyes.

Danny was also with them to give his offerings as respect for the dead. Being a Devil didn't mean you disrespected people on principle or anything, and because he was also part ghost he knew that there was an afterlife. Heaven, Hell, the Ghost Zone, and other possible afterlives existed after all. Not to mention that the family that was such a gracious host should at least have some of the gratitude repaid.

As the Sanchez's were saying prayers to their family, Paulina was barely able to hide a small wince at the beginning, Danny glanced around the graveyard. His ghost sense has been going off a few times but as he looked to the other families there, he found they were not alone. Either behind or beside the families were clearly ghost, given their glowing bodies and their face they looked to be animated skeletons, wearing different styles of clothing and had heads with hair and some even beards. But none of the ghosts were doing anything other than standing near the families, almost comforting them. It didn't take him long for him to connect the dots on who they really were.

No one else seem to notice the ghosts around them and Danny figured that was by choice. He had no desire of harming any of the peaceful ghosts here nor did he really have a reason to. When he turned back, he noticed Paulina paused for a moment as she noticed the other ghost before glancing at him. He smiled and shook his head to assure her they were harmless. They manage to do this before the rest of the family noticed. "Thank you for coming Danny," Maria told him softly.

Danny offered a smile, "Hey I'm here to learn. I should be thanking you for welcoming me." He took another look around the graveyard, seeing the families and of course the extended family few could actually see. "It all seems so surreal to be honest."

Ricardo studied him before he nodded, "you have been nothing but respectful of our traditions and customs. You have been a modest guest for our family, and you have my thanks and gratitude."

"Thank you, sir" Danny replied with a small grin, thinking the man might have changed his mind about him.

The man then gave him a level look, "I still do not like you nor do I approve of you dating my daughter."

"Papa!" Paulina cried angrily while his wife gave his wife a smack on the arm.

Danny couldn't help but chuckle at this, "you know…that's fair."

Then Danny's ghost sense went off, a much bigger burst than the ones he has been getting all day. Luckily none of the adults seem to notice his gasp nor light blue wisp coming from his mouth before it vanished. Paulina however did and looked at Danny concerned. Before they could try and figure out what could be happening, everyone heard a rumbling and the ground started to shake. Candles and offerings shook and fell from their places while the people tried to steady themselves and held each other. They looked confused and afraid while the unseen ghost had matching looks but was more focused on their living family members. "Is this an earthquake?" Danny asked, hoping it was only that.

Paulina however saw an eerier green glow coming from on a hill of the graveyard. "I don't think it's an earthquake."

Then something came rolling over the hill, or rather a massive number of ghostly creatures. They were nothing but glowing skeletons, but the size shape, and massive horns showed they were none other than bulls. They bellowed angrily as they charged without remorse or fear for the people and ghosts below. The people screamed in terror and started to flee, families making sure to keep themselves as together as possible. Unbeknown to the living families, they had help from their ghostly relatives, helping push them or keeping them together. In the panic no one noticed how they could feel hands holding them, steadying them, or pulling children into the arms of parents. Danny gasped before he turned to Paulina and pushed her to her family, "we got to get out of here!" he said, though his look between her and her family told her what she was being ordered: 'Get your family to safety.'

Paulina bit her lip but nodded. She knew Danny was going to stay and fight the ghost bulls and she wanted to help him, to show she wasn't useless. But she also knew she needed to get her family back to the mansion and to safety. Besides, she needed to get back to the mansion anyway. 'If I am going to help Danny, I'm gonna need the proper gear.'

"Come on!" Paulina said as she helped her father keep her grandmother steady. "We have to get home."

"Where is Danny?" Maria asked, noticing he wasn't w3ith them.

Ricardo scowled, "if he went on ahead of us…"

"He's helping the Rivera's!" Paulina shouts, not wanting to deal with her father's protective issues.

Danny was sneaking through the crowd, trying to find a spot to transform easily. He ducked behind one large tomb as people pass on the other side. "Going Ghost!"

He transformed in a flash and flew in the air and got a good look at the herd and the people. He saw the bulls were knocking over alters and damaging a few grave heads but thankfully few were actually chasing people. The few that did Danny shot with his ecto-beams to knock away to used his ice to trip them up. Danny then noticed one large bull was chasing Miguel who was pushing Coco's wheelchair. He seem to be struggling as they were separated from the rest of the family.

Danny dove right at the massive ghost bull, using his devil wings to gain extra speed.

Miguel pants as he pushes his great-grandmother's wheelchair. It wasn't easy moving so fast around everything, but the ghost behind them wasn't going to let up. Miguel thought it was lucky that Coco didn't seem to realize what was going on as she sat confused as to where they were going. Suddenly Miguel felt two bony hands around his own as well as someone else pushing the chair with him. He gasped as he glanced over his shoulder to see a ghostly skeleton. "Hector!" Miguel shouts, both in shock and happiness.

"I will meet my daughter face to face one day," Hector said, either to himself or his family, he didn't really know. He pushed with a determined look on his skull-like face. "But it will not be today!"

The bull bellowed behind them but then was forced to stop with someone dropped in front and grabbed its horns. Danny grits his teeth as his feet dragged but the bull finally slowed to a stop. He glared at the bull, which glared back with red angry eyes. It snorted in anger, forcing Danny to gag. "Dude, how can a grass diet and no gut make your breath smell so bad?"

"My god?" Hector whispered, seeing the ghost with white bat-like wings in amazement.

Danny noticed that the ghost and boy had stopped and was staring. "What are you doing!?" he shouts as he struggles to push the bull back. "Get out of here!"

Hector seems to realize what he was doing and started to push once again. "Thank you my friend!" he shouts back to him.

Danny made sure they were gone before he glared back at the bull. It snorts and shakes its head and horns to try and get Danny off. "Not today buddy," Danny told it as he pushed it back.

Danny then saw something dash right past both of them and stop behind them. The bull then staggered, allowing Danny to push the ghost onto its back where it crumbled away. A green whisp seems to leave the bones and fly in the air and away from them. Danny stared as the figure turned to show he was another ghost. He was dressed as a matador and was a skeleton, with a square jaw and dark hair with a slight curl to it. it took Danny a moment to realize who this ghost really was. "You're Manolo Sanchez."

"I am," confirmed Manolo. "And you are the boy my granddaughter is interested in."

Danny blinked at this, "wait no! It's not what you think!"

"Now is not the time boys!" came another loud male voice.

Danny looked to see another ghost dressed as a matador with hair similar to Manolo but had a mustache on his face. Carlos Sanchez swings his sword and slashes a charging bull. "We have work to do," he said as the bull fell.

A joyful laugh filled the air as a skinny figure flew over them and towards another bull. He flared a red cape, getting the bull to charge before the ghost spun around. Danny then realized that the ghost has one arm and leg replaced by a saber each. The blades slashed at the bull which fell and crumbled. "Ha-ha!" the ghost cried out. He was a skinny skeleton wearing a metal helmet and white bread, revealing to be Jorge Sanchez. "Fighting with both arms and legs are for cowards!"

"Wrong Boyo!" a rough voice cried out to counter.

Danny saw a big ghost wearing green Aztec-like armor laugh as he swung his large weapon that crushed a bull before swinging back to shatter another. The ghost of Carmelo Sanchez held his weapon high in victory. "Fighting with a cape is for cowards!"

"Wrong!" another male cried out. This was the shortest figure by far as he rushed three charging bulls. He moved between them with ease as he slashes his sword, causing them to crumble away. Luis Sanchez stood with his thick bushy white mustache in all his glory. "Fighting only one bull is for cowards."

"Boys stop the dick measuring!" said a tall woman wearing a large sombrero and two ammo belts across her chest. She held two pistols as she fired them to stagger two charging bulls. A second identical female flew past the bulls and stabbed them with two large knives. As the bulls crumbled the second twin gave her family a look. "You don't even have them anymore."

"Adelita and Scardelita Sanchez," Danny realized before looking between all the members of the family standing ready to fight. "Why are you guys here?"

Carlos gave Danny a look, "you think we would let these bulls just hurt our family and everyone in the city?"

"These are not normal bulls," Luis explained with narrowed eyes. "These are all the bulls that Sanchez's family has slain."

"Of course they are," Danny muttered as his shoulders slumped. "And how many is that?"

"Thousands," Manolo answered solemnly.

"Perfect," Danny groaned, straightening back up and staring as the bulls started to gather around them. "This will take a while."

"We can't fight them here," Carlos said as they all held their weapons.

"Right, and this is probably going to hurt...a lot," Danny said as he readied to fight with the Sanchez family to protect San Angel and the raging hate of thousands of bulls that the Sanchez had slain over the years. This was not going to be easy.

(Scene Change)

Paulina managed to slip away from her parents hoping to help Danny fight the ghost bulls, but she wanted to follow tradition. She knew she could be a shallow, insensitive, popularity-seeking individual, and that is actually agreeing with Sam, even if she doesn't like the fact. However, there were still things that made up her core and her family and heritage are some of those things. She took a breath before she open the case to her grandfather's matador outfit and quickly put it on. It was a bit big on her but the fashionista as she was, she was able to adjust it so it wouldn't fit or slow her down. She draped the cape over her left shoulder and finished by sheathing the two sharp swords to her back. She wasn't sure her grandfather's swords would be able to fight ghosts but she couldn't wait and do nothing. Not this time. She stood readied to fight and stepped towards the window.

"I think you're forgetting a couple of things, my granddaughter."

Paulina turned and was surprised to see her grandmother standing there with a strip of cloth in her hand.

Paulina didn't think she would get caught at least before she even had a chance to leave. "I'm sorry gran-ma, but I can't stay here. Not when Danny is out there fighting to protect people. You can't stop me."

Maria rolled her eyes as she stepped forward and held up the strip of cloth, "I'm not stopping you. I just said you forgot something."

She held out the cloth by the ends and stretched it to show Paulina the cloth has eyes holes cut into it. "If you are going to fight out there, then you will need something so no one will recognize you."

Paulina smiled before she accepted the mask and tied it around her head. She took a step back and spun around. "How do I look?"

"Like a Sanchez," Maria said, causing Paulina to smile. The elder woman sighed but offered her granddaughter a soft smile, "I know you were always in awe of the tales of your grandfather and the rest of the family. I never really cared for it and to be honest, I don't think Manolo truly had his heart into it either."

This made Paulina pause and glance at the chest she had opened just the other night. "You are more right than you could believe grand-ma," she said as she went over and grabbed the chest, knowing what she had to do.

Maria seemed surprised by his action but did nothing to stop her. "Go help your love, I'll handle your parents. I love you, Paulina."

"And I you," Paulina said back before she open the window and revealed her wings. She knew this would have been an issue if it was anyone besides her grandmother. In an instant, she pushed off the floor and flew through the air. She was thankful for the lessons Danny gave to the newest members of his peerage to know how to fly and sped off into the night.

Maria was surprised by her granddaughter's wings but only chuckled as she left the room and closed the door behind her. "Be safe dear."

(Scene change)

"You know," Danny started to say as he fired a beam of ice and froze another bull which one of the Sanchez shattered. "When you guys said there are possibly thousands of bulls your family has killed, I was hoping it was an exaggeration or something. But it's starting to feel like we are getting close to a thousand at least."

"Sorry my friend," Manolo said as he slashed another bull. "But I'm afraid that number is not an exaggeration. My family has been doing this for many generations, and a lot of blood has been spilled."

Danny noticed the sadden and almost ashamed tone Manolo seem to have as he said this. He wanted to ask but knew they had bigger things to worry about. Be turned back to see a couple more bulls charging at them. Danny flew ahead while Manolo was easily able to keep up. The bulls kept the chase, not even attempting to attack any people still outside or any of the houses as Danny and the Sanchez made sure to stay in the wider streets to avoid the houses. "At least it isn't taking them much to chase after us. No need for a red cape."

"That is a common misconception," Manolo couldn't help but explain to his ghostly ally. "The bulls are attracted to the movement of the cape and charge at it rather than because it is red."

As the pair entered an open plaza, they stepped away and allow the bulls to charge and miss their targets. Seeing this the bulls slid to a stop, crashing into each other and staggering. Danny fired a large ecto-beam while Manolo lunged and stabbed his sword into their targets. The bulls broke apart and several green wisps flew from the bones. Danny frowned as he followed the wisps, seeing more flying in the air no doubt from the other Sanchez fighting. "I don't like who wisps. Every bull we defeat seems to release more and more."

"I noticed as well," agreed Manolo, a frown also gracing his bony face. "Something is wrong."

They didn't have time to speculate as Carlos entered the plaza and a bull twice as large as the normal one coming behind him. He stood next to his son and the three got ready for another round. But as the bull entered the plaza a dagger threw through the air and stabbed into the ground before the bull. It stopped and turned towards who threw it and saw a small female masked matador. She strut towards the bull with black wings out before she struck a pose and waved a dazzling red cape. "Toro! Toro!" She called out.

The bull bellowed in rage before he charged at her. The men stared, the Sanchez confused while Danny recognize who it was by the devil wings. He couldn't help but wonder what was Paulina doing. Before the bull could hit her, Paulina twirled gracefully out of the way as she waved the cape in the bull's face. "Olay!"

The bull slid to a stop before it turned and charged again. Again Paulina gracefully avoided the bull while taunting it into a deeper rage. He bucked and tried to stab with its horns but she danced around it, pulling smaller swords and stabbing them into the back of the bull, enraging it more.

"Who is that?" Carlos asked, amazed at what he was seeing. "She moves like a Sanchez."

Manolo said nothing, studying the girl.

Paulina stood before the bull as he stagger to try and get to her. With another flare of her cape, she stabbed her long blade into the ghostly beast, stopping it cold before it crumbled before her. Paulina pulled her sword back up before her face and then bowed to her fallen opponent. She smiled as she turned and walked towards her king and family members. "Who are you?" Carlos asked as she stopped before them.

Manolo however saw that she was the spitting image of his Maria, but knew that was impossible, and the girl was even too young to be her own daughter Rosa. That only left… "Paulina?"

She smiled at him, "I'm happy to see you gran-pa."

Manolo smiled before pulling her into a hug which she returned. Carlos seem to make the connection and laughed, "I knew you moved like a Sanchez. The wings confused me but well done my dear."

Paulina nodded in thanks as she broke the hug. She then addressed Danny, "when I was in the air, I saw trails of whatever is coming from the bulls flying. They seem to be all heading towards the arena."

Manolo let out a small gasp while Carlos gained a determined look, "I will go and inform the others. We might have a chance to end this before the bulls do any more damage."

He took off to find the other members of his family, leaving Manolo with the two devils. He seem conflicted and Danny figured it was because of how he died in the arena years ago. The ghost manages to steer himself up before nodding to Paulina, "be careful Paulina, I don't my granddaughter to leave with me back to the land of the dead." He then turned to Danny and told him firmer, "watch over her."

"I will" Danny promised, allowing the ghosts to run off.

Paulina reached out to him but he was already gone. She slumped slightly but looked up when Danny placed a hand on her shoulder. "He'll be okay."

His pawn let out a sigh, "I know but there is something else I need to tell him at the arena."

"Then let's pick off any stragglers and meet him there," Danny said before giving her a good look up and down, "you look good. And man you took care of that ghost easily."

Paulina giggled "I guess I'm not just a pretty face, huh?"

Danny laughed before he noticed a few ghost bulls entering the plaza. "Why don't you show me what you can do? You have my permission to promote."

Paulina grinned before she walked towards her opponents, flaring her cape to get their attention. She already knew what piece she needed to be to perform her best, and if her king wanted a show; well she was a Sanchez after all. "Promotion: knight."

The bulls took no heed of what she was saying as they all charged at her, head lowered so their horns were ready to impale her. But before they could land a blow, she vanished from their sight. The lead bull was confused before it staggered as he felt a blade stab and slash several times into its bony body in seconds. What it didn't know was the other bulls experiencing the same thing. They stumbled and shattered into pieces onto the stone ground. Danny saw everything and couldn't help but grin as Paulina held her pose behind where the bulls charged from, her sword held before her. "Not bad," he admitted to her, causing the girl to squeal in glee.

Danny unleashed his wings and took to the sky where Paulina followed after. They saw another group of bulls and flew up to finish them off and meet the others.

(Scene change)

Manolo stood inside the arena tunnel, staring at the plaque and alter made to him. He had already told the twins where to go and went on ahead, mostly to gather his nerves. He was stunned to see the alter as he moved down the tunnel and now just stared. "I had no idea."

"I would be surprised if you did."

Manolo nearly jumped when he heard Danny come up behind him. Danny motioned to the alter, it was after your death when they did this. The people seem to admire you. I know Paulina does."

"…yeah," Manolo said, in a barely audible tone.

Danny raised a brow but decided it wasn't his place to ask what was wrong. "Paulina said she is getting something but the others are up ahead in the main arena. We should meet up with them."

Manolo took a deep unneeded breath to steady him before he nodded. "Let's end this."

Danny followed Manolo as he exit the tunnel and into the arena. Up ahead was the rest of the fighters of the Sanchez family, all watching what was in the other end of the arena. It was another ghost bull, but this one was thousands of times bigger than the rest. Bigger than many of the buildings in the city. They knew if that bull got out, no one would be safe. He laid there, as more of the green wisp traveled through the air and into the bull's body, no doubt increasing its strength. "Oh, that is bullshit," Danny couldn't help but say. This earned a laugh from a few of the Sanchez members but the rest kept focus on their enemy.

"But that means there is only one target," Carlos stated, a hand reaching for his weapon. "We must defeat it."

"It's not your opponent," came Paulina's voice as she flew down, the chest in her arms.

The others were confused with not only what she meant but what she held. Manolo stared, wondering if that could really be…

Paulina walked towards them and said firmly to her grandfather. "It's your gran-pa, the final opponent you were meant to face."

"Paulina," Manolo manages to get out with his eyes on the chest.

Paulina held it out before him, "I know why the bulls are acting up now. It has been thirty years since your death before you can make your final match. You made a promise that day, and now it will be the day you keep that promise."

Manolo stiffens, his eyes focused on the chest, the one he left behind. He shakily raised a hand and placed it on the chest. He looked up into his granddaughter's eyes, who gave him a look that told him she knew what was inside. "You know I'm right."

Her grandfather studied her face before he nodded in agreement. "You are."

He took the chest from her hands before turning towards the monster ghost at the end of the arena. It seemed to also notice him as it gave a massive snort and slowly started to shift its body, rising to its hooves. Manolo started to walk towards the bull, Carlos stopped him for a moment, "Son, what are you doing?"

Manolo didn't take his eyes off the bull as he answered, "what needs to be done."

Danny seem to realize something as Manolo walked on, "wait, you're going to take that thing on by yourself? Hey we can take it on-" before he take a few steps to get into the fight Paulina held her hand to his chest to stop him. "What? Paulina!"

Paulina said nothing but kept her gaze on her grandfather. Manolo near the center of the arena and knelt down before he opened the chest. The members of his family expected a sword or a weapon but none of those were inside. Manolo ran a hand over the surface of the wooden guitar, his eyes finding the words carved into the side. He glanced at the sheets of music and the words he wrote many years ago. He picked the guitar up and turned to face the bull which was now scrapping one hoof into the sandy floor, preparing to charge. The bones seem to shudder before they burst into flames, giving the ghost a more demonic appearance.

"What is he doing!?" Luis asked in horror, with the others not much better.

Carlos gasped in fear for his son. Danny wanted to fly down to help him but Paulina kept a firm hand in his chest. "Let him do this," she told not only him but the rest of the ghosts there.

Manolo showed no fear as he strums the guitar, playing some notes before he sang aloud,

"Toro, I am humble, for tonight I understand,

Your royal blood was never meant to decorate this sand

Toro bellowed before it charged right at him. His family cried out for him to move but Manolo did no such thing as he kept going.

"You've suffered great injustice

So have thousands before you

I offer an apology and one long overdue

To the amazement of everyone watching, Toro stopped the charge and slid in the sand, stopping right before Manolo.

"I am sorry, Toro, I am sorry

Hear my song, I know I sing the truth

Although we were bred to fight

I reach for kindness in your heart tonight, and if you can forgive

Toro stood, towering over Manolo, his eyes focused on the man; studying him and seeing if this was a trick

"And if you can forgive, love can truly live

And if you can forgive, and if you can forgive, love can truly live

Danny stopped fighting against Paulina, staring in amazement. The Sanchez were the same, most with gapping jaws while Carlos held a hand over his mouth as if realizing the truth now. Manolo took no notice of this as all his attention was on Toro and the promises he made.

"Toro, I am frightened, but I'll use my final breath,

to tell you that I'm sorry, let us end this dance of death

Two centuries of agony, that to your heart we sent

Here and now with my amends, this senseless killing ends

"I am sorry, Toro, I am sorry

Hear my song, I know I sing the truth

Although we were bred to fight

Toro shook its head as if to focus before it lifted one of his front hooves in the air, preparing to crush him in one final blow. Everyone shouts in horror, and even Paulina looked afraid for a moment.

All expect for Manolo

"I reach for kindness in your heart tonight,

Slam!

The force of Toro slamming its hoof down shook the whole stadium. But it didn't crush Manolo and slammed on the ground before him.

They stared in shock and awe as Toro's angry face melted into a sad somber look and the flames went out. It bent its legs and laid before Manolo as he sang his apology, both looking sadden and tried. Now, so close to each other they were within arm's reach of each other. Manolo stopped his guitar and placed his hand on Toro's chin while he kept singing softly.

"and if you can forgive

And if you can forgive, love can truly live

And if you can forgive, and if you can forgive, love can truly live

The bull groaned before it closed its eyes. From the spot Manolo was touching the bone dissolved, leaving a trail of bright gold flower pedals. Soon Toro's whole body was gone and the storm of flower petals flew into the sky. Manolo smiled and finished his song, happy he manage to do what he wished he could have done years ago.

"And if you can forgive, and if you can forgive

Love, love will truly live"

When the song ended and the petals were gone, the Sanchez family and Danny made their way to Manolo. They knew the crisis was over but still, they needed to know how and why.

"So, why did you sing?" Danny was curious as he had expected a bullfighter to fight the bull. "I'm just curious because I'm not sure what was going on with the song."

"The truth is I never wanted to fight the bull. I always wanted to be a musician and sing, but things didn't go as planned." Manolo said as he was then suddenly by Jorge Sanchez as he wanted to comfort the man.

"I too never initially wanted to be a matador. I always wanted to sing in the opera!" The two men laughed as they said as one.

"Our dreams were crushed." It was said as more of a joke as Carlos stepped towards his son.

"It is so rare for a Sanchez to apologize that it is almost a point to never do so, but I believe at this time I must say I am sorry for not letting you go after your dreams." That meant more to Manolo than everything else and the entire Sanchez family looked to Paulina. Carlos then added, "You, my great-granddaughter are a true Sanchez. No matter what happens, wear that with pride."

Paulina couldn't help but grin as the other members of her family gave her looks of approval. With a flare of her cape she gave a playful bow to her family, "I may not be fighting bulls like you all did but I do wear it with pride and will continue to do so."

Danny decided it was probably wasn't good to mention that if she wears it again it will be during a fight or during a rating game. With what the family had to go through tonight, he didn't want to add to it. "I think we still have a few hours before Dia De Los Muertos is over. Why don't you guys spend it back at the house, with your family."

"I think I will," Manolo said as he held his guitar. "I have some songs I wish I had been able to properly sing to Maria."

"Awww," Paulina gushed, "So romantic." Part of her wanted to see the scene for herself but she knew it was best for the two to have their moment alone.

"Psssh," Jorge 'whispered' to Danny. "I think you need to learn how to play guitar."

Danny rolled his eyes, but he would be lying if he didn't think that Paulina looked amazing in her matador uniform. He quickly averted his eyes to make sure he wasn't noticed. What he didn't know was Paulina already saw him looking and had to keep a squeal of glee to herself. If she didn't already have a reason for keeping her outfit, she had a new one now.

(Scene change)

Thankfully the unexpected events of the last day of Dia De Los Muertos didn't cause too much damage. Any that could be found was minor and everyone was able to at least get home and no one was hurt. While they were leaving that day, Danny and Paulina took a few hours to go back to not only check the Rivera family and see if they were okay but help however they can with some of the clean-up. Paulina's parents were a bit concerned from last night but Danny used some of his magic to modify their memories slightly. He didn't do the same to Maria since Paulina explained what she did to help last night and because he felt that Manolo and Maria deserved a night to themselves after everything that has happened.

Now they were in the airport once more, waiting to board to head home. Paulina stood at the window and watched the different planes leaving or boarding. While it was a short time she would miss the home of her heritage, and the events just last night she would never forget, she was starting to miss home. But Paulina will not deny she had changed slightly from all of this. She showed her heritage to her king and her passion and he not only accepted them easily but is willing to help her improve on them and in a way follow that passion even further.

She noticed Danny walking next to her. "Happy to be heading home?" she asked him.

"I will admit it wasn't what I expected," Danny admitted. "And I'm not talking about yesterday. But I'll have plenty to talk about when I get home…after figuring out how to give them a censored version of what happened."

Paulina couldn't help but giggle, thankful that she didn't have to deal with that. "Still I can't wait to show everyone what I can do now. I don't even have to hide it with the peerage anymore."

"I'll help get you all set for some training when we get back," Danny promised her since he knew it would benefit all parties.

Then Danny's phone started ringing. He pulled it out and grimaced seeing it was his mother. "Hey mom," he said as he accepted the call.

"Danny-tan!" came Serafall's loud voice over the phone. "Where are you! Are you home yet!?"

"Mom!" Danny cried, quickly walking away so he can talk to his mother without her embarrassing him anymore. "I'm at the airport waiting to board the plane…Yes, I have to use it…Because that is how I got here and how I need to get home!"

Paulina couldn't help but laugh, seeing Danny get all flustered while explaining to his mother that he couldn't just teleport home to see her faster. She knew he could handle it and she couldn't wait to meet Serafall 'Officially' and hopefully impress her. 'How hard can it be?' Paulina asked herself as she watched Danny now look confused.

"Wait…what is this about a new show?"

---

It's over! We can finally put this to rest! Man, this took way too long but then again we had so much to add to this story. As you can see we had a ton of inspiration for this story, mainly from some wonderful, beautiful and I dare say underrated movie. I am sure you know what they are and if not I am sure you can easily see for yourself.

This was a major chapter not only for the holiday but a ton of character growth for Paulina. We took plenty of liberties for her and honestly the fact her last name actually matches only made it fit even more. And it won't stop there as now we can get the ball rolling for her.

But what do you all think? Was this worth the wait and long two years to get this chapter just right? The next one won't be as long of a wait as it shouldn't be a major special I promised. But tell us what you think in the reviews and if you want check out our discord server. It is small and has only a few members but go easy on me since it is my first time and I do wish to talk to everyone who loves these stories and other different media. Until next time.