Act 1
Chapter 2: Welcome to Tangamandapio
Riolu woke up immediately upon hearing a loud noise outside the house The surprise made him fall to the ground. He looked around, totally confused and surprised.
Then he would hear two people's screams from outside the old house. After making sure that no one was in the house, he went to see the mess through the bedroom window. He saw that it was two smaller versions of the thing that almost crushed him and two people yelled at each other.
"You are a piece of idiot!" The first man yelled. "Why don't you watch where you go!? You hit my car!
"Me what?! You were driving like a crazy!"
"So now it's my fault?!"
Riolu, was not so focused on the screams of the two men, but the appearance they had. They were not like him. They did not have hair all over their bodies, (with the exception of their heads and faces). They were bigger and taller than him. What's more, he saw that more people were going to the scene of the accident out of curiosity about what happened.
All those people were very different. Among those there were children, youth, adults and old people. But what worried him was that there was no one like him or at least someone else. It wasn't that there were a lot of people out there, there might be more like him. He couldn't be the only one… could he?
Either way, he needed to confirm. He need to get out of the house. But getting out of there couldn't be good. He had a feeling if they did see him, they wouldn't take it in a good way. He had to use something to hide his appearance and what he was using it was not enough. He searched his backpack if there was something that could be useful and effectively. There was a hooded sweatshirt, shorts that were compatible with his legs, and boots.
He wondered himself why he was carrying all this. It was as if he had it for this very situation. That increased his questions even more. He sighed and ended up wearing all the clothes. Now was undercover, including his face thanks to his blue bandana and his hood covering his ears and whatever was on his sides. Although the bad thing is that he started to feel very hot, especially because of the warm climate of the place where he was.
He left the house and walked down the sidewalk, avoiding the discussion and the people from the scene of the accident.
As he walked through the streets of the town, it was very different from that night. He felt much calmer and more relaxed. Seeing other people outside the house, walking and chatting, gave an atmospheric tranquility and good vibes. Much is owed that this time, he was no longer being pursued and not in an abandoned place.
Once he remember it, what about those guys? Are they still chasing him? He didn't feel like he was in danger, but it was easy to assume that he would go to town for help. And if that's the case, how would he recognize them? He could not see their faces and he hardly remembers their voices in detail. It would be necessary to be a little careful.
After a walk, he reached the Santiago Bridge, according to a post that said that. He recognized that bridge, since that's where he entered the town. But this time, more cars or similar vehicles were passing by on the road.
During that walk, he confirm his suspicions and fears. He was the only one of his kind. There was no one else. He didn't understand it and it didn't make sense either. If there was no one like him, why was he here? Was he from another world or did he live far from here?
He couldn't help feeling frustrated. He still couldn't remember anything and he didn't know where to start looking for clues to his past. He was in a bad situation.
Then he pay attention to a statue that was very close to him. The statue was of a man with a cap, uniform, with a mustache, he had a letter in his right hand and carried a bag on his left shoulder. Not only was it that, there was also a description that said the following
In memory of Jaimito el cartero.
To whom the town of Tangamandapio pays posthumous tribute for having made our municipality known internationally.
H. Town Hall 2012-2015
July 25, 2012
He wondered who this Jaimito el cartero was. What did he do to make this town known?
"It is a nice statue. Right forastero?"
Riolu, jumped in shock. He looked to his right and saw a man with a mustache, and around forty years old, skinny and without any hair on his head. The mister, came to speak to him in good faith and with a rather pleasant accent.
This would be the first time he has spoken to someone since he woke up. It would be disrespectful not to speak to him, but he would also not try to act strange to prevent him from finding out.
"Eh, yes. It is a beautiful statue." Riolu said. Once he remembered the question he was thinking, why not ask the mister? "Who was Jaimito el cartero?"
The question made the mister to surprise. "You don't you know, Jaimito el cartero?!"
Riolu, was silent. He did not expect this Jaimito to be more famous than he appears. "Well, no." He replied simply.
"I guess it's normal. Normally the most common episodes of Chavo del 8 are those of... between the 70s and 80s."
Again he was silent, uncomfortable. "What is Chavo del 8?"
The mister was surprised again. But this time, his eyes were wide open "You haven't seen Chavo del 8 either!?"
Apparently that Chavo del 8, had a fame that anyone knows him. "Neither."
"By any chance you never watched television or do you live in a place with no communication?"
If his memory was intact, he would most likely not see one. "Um, both."
"I see." He said and began to explain. "El Chavo del 8, was a number one program on humorous television in all of Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. That show had it all. Good dialogue, good characters, perfect jokes. There is no better healthy comedy like that It even keeps running the channel today."
Riolu, was curious about that TV show. It sounded like it would make him laugh a lot. "Answering your previous question. The character Jaimito el cartero, had a phrase that he said very often: 'There in Tangamandapio… Tangamandapio is my hometown. A beautiful little town with beautiful flushed twilights... and then someone said: "You already told me, Jaimito." But what really matters is that he made all of Mexico known that this little one exists. That we exist. And that's why we built a statue in his honor. This is our appreciation for this great character. Descansa en paz, Raúl "Chato" Padilla. Señor who play this character.
The boy was amazed. Now he understand the fame of Jaimito in the town. He believed that it was not easy for a small town to be well known throughout this country. And thanks to him, he did what seemed impossible. He had their respects.
At least now he knew he was in a country called México. A very big country, if he's not mistaken. Although it seems little, this was to be very useful. Eventually he would have to leave town to search for clues related to his past. It would mean that he would have to return to the abandoned place to find the clues to help him regain his memory.
Although going there might be something dangerous or useless, but he had no other way to go.
If in case of not finding anything or at least something, he would need to have a map to plan his next stop and information related to the people who chased him. The things he needed, he should find in the center of town.
"By the way, my name is Alberto." Said the sir and raised his hand.
Riolu raised his paw and they shook hands. "I 'm Riolu."
"Riolu? What a peculiar name."
"I guess so." Riolu said.
"Are you a tourist or do you pass by by chance?" Alberto asked.
"By chance." He replied. "I'm looking to get to the center of town and take advantage of knowing the place a little."
He hide his true intentions and his situation, so that Alberto would not help him. It wasn't that he disliked him, on the contrary, he was a nice gentleman. But he knew that if he told him the truth or that when he found out his true nature, it would get him in trouble and he didn't want to take that chance.
Fortunately, he believed it. "Go down Calle Madero, straight ahead." Alberto said. "Go that way and you will arrive without problem at the center of Tangamandapio."
"Just so?
"Yes. Trust me, you will know when you see it."
"All right. Thank you very much."
"You're welcome. But be careful, a little boy in this town can be dangerous. Be very careful."
"I will. Adios."
"Adios. It was nice talking to you."
Riolu, nodded and went towards the direction. Alberto also went his own way, but with a smile on his face.
Riolu, couldn't help but smile too. This was a good start to his day. Meet a very friendly and nice person. He would have loved it if he had given him a tour of the town.
He didn't feel in such a hurry. He was relaxed and calm, although he wondered how long it would take him to get downtown. The town didn't seem big, so he had nothing to worry about. He did not see many people and some of them said good morning to him, and kindly as he did.
Suddenly, he stopped. It wasn't because he had a bad feeling or that he saw trouble, it was that his nose had just detected a good scent. He took several steps back and turned to the right. Right now he was looking at a little food place. He saw how there were people eating sitting at the tables.
But what most attracted his attention was the food that was on the plates. Colorful and delicious in appearance. It couldn't be seen with the bandana covering his face, but he was gaping and drooling. His stomach growls, he was very hungry. The breakfast calls him and he must answer it.
He enter the place, without thinking. "Good morning, boy!" Said a woman, who was at the kitchen door.
A woman who must be between fifty and sixty years of age, black and gray hair, plump and brown skin. And in a pink dress.
Right now, she was getting into her kitchen. "Sit in a table, we will attend you for a moment."
"Thank you very much." Riolu said kindly.
He located a table in the corner and sat down on a plastic chair. There he wait patiently for someone to attend to him.
"Hijo!"
"Yes?" Someone young asked.
"Take care of the table in the corner."
"Yes mom." He said.
Then the person with a white apron came out of a door and went to Riolu. "Good morning, are you give me tip?
Riolu, was confused with the question, but that confusion did not stay for long, since right after the woman screamed. "Don't be rude! You don't make people to tip you! "
"What I'm not make people to gave me tip?" Asked the young man.
"Of course."
Then he turned to Riolu again. "Can you give me tip, please?"
The woman hit on the table in frustration. "I mean don't ask customers for tips! It's rude."
"Okay mom." He said, and went back to talking to Riolu. "Here is the menu for you to choose which dish you want. Would you like a juice, coffee or an entrance to start? "
Quickly he took a look at the menu, in the section of entrances and drinks. What caught his attention was an orange juice and two small asked for that and the boy went to the kitchen. Riolu, took the moment to choose the main dish.
Tamales, Chilaquiles, Huevos Rancheros… It all sounds very delicious. They didn't know what they looked like, but he had a great feeling that his food would be the best he ever had. It will be a difficult decision.
His thoughts were interrupted, when the young man with the muffins and the orange water arrived. Los molletes consisted of bolillos, butter, refried beans, melted gratin cheese and on top, el pico de gallo. A very colorful dish, couldn't wait to eat it.
"Have you already chosen?" He asked.
"Eh yes." Riolu replied. "I want... two Barbecue Tacos, please."
"All right. I'll be right back."
After she left, he took el mollete that was still warm. This smell… it is simply mesmerizing. When he took his first bite, he savored the flavor of the cheese, the crusty bread, the refried beans and especially the spicy flavor of del pico de gallo gave that unique touch. A cool one. His mouth felt a lot hot, but he couldn't stop eating them. When a certain point that he couldn't handle the spicy, he drank the orange juice. It was all cool. Totally natural.
After finishing los molletes, the young man arrived with the two Barbecue Tacos. He put him off the table and he left. Los tacos were something else. The meat in the thin tortilla and the cilantro and onion pieces on top. It was also a beauty. So he grabbed a lemon and drizzle the juice on the meat.
The moment ate it, he fell in love with tacos. Its taste was something he couldn't describe. He was giving a big smile. Before long, he kept eating more until it were gone. He was pleased. He thought there was no food like this anywhere.
Then the young boy came back and left a paper on the table. "The bill." He said and Riolu's smile was gone.
He stared at the bill, worried. "The… bill...?"
"Sí." Affirmed the young man. "Don't you have money to pay the bill?"
He froze. He must have thought that this meal was not free. But hungry and mesmerized by the smell, he couldn't think of the detail that he had to pay the bill. And his fear, obviously, was that he didn't have the money to pay for the food.
"Eh, wait a little." Riolu said, and went to search his backpack, quickly hoping to find the money he needed.
He didn't want to get in trouble by not paying the bill. Also if he didn't have any money, somehow he would have to pay for it or... he would just have to flee from here. The only way he could get food or money was by stealing, something he did not like.
If it was the clothes he was wearing to disguise himself, there must be a possibility that there was the money. And if there is, unless he had what it takes. Fortunately, he found a wallet full of money. He took out the money and looked at the account to see how much he need to paid.
At that moment, the young man has his eyes open, when he saw that Riolu had more than one hundred thousand pesos in his paws.
"Can you tip me half of your money?" He said, without thinking.
Riolu stared at him confused. Half? Did he have that much money? He only stared at him until the young man's mother hit him on the head.
The young man exclaimed and Riolu, was surprised by the unexpected arrival of the woman. "What tip, ni que nada!? You can't do that!" She said, and looked at Riolu. "Keep that money very well, it can be stolen from you."
The woman was right, especially after the look the boy made after seeing it. It can attract bad people if he's not very careful. And speaking of careful, he had to keep that money very well and spend it when is necessary. Where did he get so much money?
"I will." Riolu replied.
"I hope so." She said, and turned to see her son. "And you don't just stand there and attend the other customers."
"Y-yes mamita chula!" He said, and left them.
"Oh, this youth of today." She said, and turned to see Riolu. "By any chance, you're not from here, are you?"
"No, I am not."
"What I thought. Even though your face is covered, I had a feeling you weren't from here."
"Well, your hunch was correct." Riolu said.
"May I know what you are doing here?" She asked.
The reason for the question was that it was very strange that a young boy would walk around here without a father. She also suspected that he was poor, but with a hundred thousand pesos in his hand, it was too strange. Like if he stole from someone fool enough to have that money in hand
"I'm just passing. Knowing the town."
"Are you with your parents or with a relative? Friends?"
Once the question came. Did he have a family? A father? A mother? A brother or sister? Friends? Someone he loved? Are they worried about him? He wish he remembered something about it. Remember that happiness of being with someone.
Riolu, got a little sad thinking all that. Where would he find his family or... if he at least had one? He didn't even know where to start looking for clues. He couldn't be frustrated.
"You're going through a bad time, aren't you?"
The woman's question brought him back to reality. He saw that she was looking at him, with some concern towards Riolu. Somehow, he felt a little good that someone cared about him. Like a mother towards her child.
He simply nodded his head, still with sadness on his face. "Don't be like that. Life is not easy and the only barriers you have will be the one you put. So stop being that way. Everything will be fine."
It turns out that words were just what Riolu needed. It was true that, he could not allow to be that way. No matter how long it would take, he need to look for a clue to regain his memory and not stop until his body stops you from continuing. So he paid the bill, got up from the table and went towards the entrance.
"What are you doing!?" She asked, surprised.
"I'm going to continue my way! Thanks for the food and the words! Adios!" He said, encouraged and left the place.
The woman just sighed and smiled. She was going to tell her son to accompany him and help him in everything he need, but this boy left without giving her the opportunity. "This youth of today."
Then she went back to the kitchen, to continue preparing more food for the clientele with empty stomachs.
But in the same inn, there were two people at a table. One fat and one skinny, both wearing sunglasses. The skinny guy was eating Huevos Rancheros, while his partner was thinking. Before Riolu, was gone, the fat man watched him without anyone noticing.
"Did you notice it?" Asked the fat man.
"Notice what?" He said as he took another bite into his mouth.
"The boy who was here. You saw him?"
"The waiter?"
Suddenly, the fat man gave a hit on the head, to pay attention to him. "No moron, the boy who was sitting at that table. Did you see him or not?"
"Oh no, I was eating." He said. "What's the matter with him?"
"I have the suspicions that this is the person we were looking for."
Hearing it, he was shocked. "Chanfle! Really?"
"Naturally." Said the fat man. "Remember that I have a sense of orientation that allows me to know the people we are looking for."
"Hey, boss? Isn't the sense of orientation knowing where you are?"
The fat man was thoughtful for a little while. The truth is that these two are real idiots. Both of them did not finish school, not even high school. The fat man always acted like he was the smartest, but he wasn't. The skinny was very distracted and very easy to fool. Above all, he listens to the belly with legs.
Not knowing exactly what to say, he returned to the previous topic. "Well, we have to go for him."
"But are you sure it's him? Remember that our jefe will not like us to take him to the wrong person. Again."
"Relax, right now we are going to him and we are going to find out."
At that moment, the waiter arrives. He leaves the paper on the table and leaves. It was clear that it was the bill and that they had to pay, before leave.
"Are you going to pay the bill?" The skinny man asked.
"Of course not, you invited." Said the fat man.
"I know, but I thought you were going to say: 'no my friend, I pay '."
After hearing this, the fat man gave his partner smack in the head, angry. "Don't be stupid. Be a man of word and pay."
"There is a detail. I have no money."
The fat man got even more angry. "How you don't have money!?
"I was very sure that you were going to tell me that and... you see."
Anger made him hit his friend on the head again. "Yes, you are a piece of idiot." Then he raised his hand. "Waiter!"
Then the waiter came over to them and the fat man began to take money out of his wallet. "Be grateful that you have a partner who is always prepared for all kinds of situations and always pays what his depts. But next time you pay."
The fat man gave the money to the waiter's hand and he began to count it if it was right amount. Then the two of them got up from the table and headed out. But the waiter stopped them.
"Falta." He said, and the fat man gave some money. But again, the waiter stopped them. "Still lack." He gave another bit of money and again stopped them. "Tip."
Suddenly his mother screamed at him. "Pablito!"
Pablo, got worried. "Sorry, mamita chula!" Then he leave.
Without Pablo, blocking the way. The two people left the inn and went after Riolu.
Returning to Riolu, who without problems, reached the center of town. He explore the small square, thinking where to go. The square seemed very pretty to him. With the trees and bushes, the children were playing and saw people talking and eating at small food stands. He wanted to eat, but his stomach was full and he didn't want to look like a fat.
But again, here was not here as a tourist. He should look for useful information and in the center he could find it or at least he could ask a person, without attracting much attention.
Then his gaze went to a sculpture of a standing log surrounded by water. There was just a writing that said:
Tangamandapio
-Meaning-
"Rotten log that stands in the water."
Ever since he heard the name of the town, he wondered why it was called that. Now he knew. But he never imagined that they could be named for a rotten log. Although he admits that it is a very original and complicated name to say.
Suddenly, a man called out to him. "Hey, do you have a minute?"
He turned to look and saw precisely the two men from the place. Riolu never saw the guys there and did not know their true intentions either. Even though they had followed him in an undisguised and foolish way.
"What happens?" Riolu asked.
"We have a question." The fat man said, as he took a photograph and handed it to him. "By any chance have you seen this person?"
Riolu took the photo curiously. When he saw it, he opened hid eyes wide open. Since that photograph showed himself, at the height of his shoulders to the head and smiling.
He got worried. Because if he's not mistaken, those guys seemed to belong to the same people who chased you at night.
He couldn't let himself be caught, especially here. So he lied quickly. "Eh no! I haven't seen him."
"Are you sure?"
"Sí. I think that this guy is... unique. And if I saw him, I would remember him without problems."
"You're right." Said the skinny man. "That guy we were looking for is quite different."
"How different is it?"
"Well, he's short, he has blue fur, dog ears."
"And don't forget that he has a moronic expression on his face." Added the fat man and Riolu, felt insulted. But soon that man asked another question. "By any chance you are not that person?"
The question made him worry. "Me!? Of course not." He said
"Then take the bandana off your face."
"Eh, I can't." Riolu denied.
"Why not?"
Then Riolu, lied even more. "I am sick, very sick." Then he started pretending coughing.
Hearing the fake coughs, the two idiots made an uncomfortable face. Showing they believed him. "Oh, It's clearly he is sick." Said the skinny man.
"You are right." The fat man affirmed. "But then why are you doing out here? Isn't it more logical for you to stay at home? "
"It's just… heat kills bacteria!" Riolu said.
"It kill them!?" The skinny man asked.
"Yes."
Then the skinny man looked at his partner. "That is true?"
"I don't know. I failed in Geography." Said the fat man.
Hearing that, Riolu, became confused. He had lost his memory, but he was almost certain that Geography is the study of places or something like that. There he wondered if they were idiots. If that was the case, he could take advantage of that and evade them.
"But still, we need to check that you are not the guy who's after him." Said the fat man.
"I understand, but why do you want to catch him?" Riolu asked.
He asked the question, hoping to find out something about his pursuit. They would do him a great favor if they answered the question.
The skinny man bent down and spoke into Riolu's ear, without first looking around to make sure no one was looking or listening "You don't tell anyone?"
"No."
"Me neither."
Riolu, was disappointed. It was too good to be true. the skinny man stood up.
"Well, shows that you are not him. But do it fast, because we don't have all day!" The fat man said.
"Calm, calm! I will!"
As the two spoke, the skinny man noticed something strange on his back. The thing he noticed was Riolu's tail, which somehow came out of his pants. The skinny man stared at it, very confused and trying to think of a logical reason.
Coming to nothing, he spoke to Riolu. "Do you have an animal part?"
"What do you mean?" He asked, turning to the skinny man.
When he turned around, the fat man noticed Riolu's tail. "Chanfle!"
The moment he heard the exclamation and looked at him. "What's going on?" There he realized that his tail had come off. "Chanfle!"
"Is him!" Said the fat man.
"Who?" The skinny man asked, confused. Not realizing that the one they were looking for was in front of them.
"Idiota! Is him!" He yelled, and the skinny man already get it. "Catch him!"
The two of them lunged towards Riolu. But he ran forward and they both ended up bumping into each other.
Both of them got up from the ground and the fat man gave a blow to the skinny's head and the two went after him.
Riolu, ran, while he put the tail back to the pants. The persecution took place throughout the square. They were running too fast, making a mess around food stalls and shops. It seems that it won't have an end. There was a moment when the two cornered Riolu, from the sides.
The two of them would slowly get closer until they caught him if he didn't do something. So he ran to the fat man, who did not move and he was skinny man was after him. But Riolu, ran under him and passed between his legs very fast. Although the skinny one collided with his partner and he in response threw him into the bush and went after him.
He did not realize it, but he ran to a corner with no way out and when he looked back, discovering that the fat man, again cornered him. Riolu, did it again, but this time, the fat man grabbed him, before going under him. Although Riolu, did not give up and gave several kicks in the face until he released him. Riolu, ran again and the fat man was a little dazed and did not chase him right away.
But Riolu, met the skinny man, who was carrying a wooden stick. The skinny man tried to hit him, but he moved to the left. He did it again, but again failed the hit as he evaded it to the right. A third try and the same thing happened. On this occasion, he went to the right, but to Riolu's surprise, he hit him, since when he had dodged the blow, the skinny man did not move and hit in the same part, and Riolu, moved there, out of habit.
He fell to the ground from the blow, stunned. The skinny one, take advantage of it and grab him. When he had it on his shoulders, Riolu, recovered and moved as much as possible until the skinny one lost his balance the two fell. Riolu, was the first to get up and ran to the left, soon the two followed him.
Riolu crossed the street without any problem. The two of them were also crossing the street, but suddenly they heard a loud sound that made them stop. When they looked to the right, they saw a car going very fast towards them. They both screamed, but didn't move.
Crash! The car collided with them, causing them to fly off the impact. Riolu watched the entire event and he closed both of his eyes twice. When they collided and the moment they fell to the ground.
Then Riolu, headed towards them to make sure they were okay. Of course they weren't going to be right, but at least to make sure how bad they were.
Riolu, got to the fat man and touched him. "Are you ok?" He asked, but there was no answer.
They were both sore and stunned to answer him or catch him off guard. The next time he cross the street, he is going to look around, no matter that this town does not pass many cars.
But then He notice something the fat man have. He took what appeared to be a piece of informational paper with some photos attached and a device with an antenna. What most caught his attention is that he seemed to himself and others that he was not of the same species that populated the town. He thought that this information was what he needed, but he couldn't read it here.
People began to approach the place where he was, to see how they were. He couldn't stay, they would suspect that he had something to do with it and they would soon end up discovering his identity.
So he left the place, as calm and less suspicious as possible. He had a clue and he had to take advantage of it.