Did you know that Rosa's voice actress, Montse Hernandez, is also the current voice of Gwen Tennyson from the Ben 10 reboot? When I found this out, I was elated since I love both Ben 10 and Coco so much! :D Now anytime I watch the Ben 10 reboot and Gwen talks, I'll be thinking of Rosa and vice versa! Should I write anything about her and Miguel, it'll most likely be greatly inspired by Gwen and her own awesome relationship with her cousin, Ben!
Now that I think about it, quite a few actors/actresses who had roles in various Ben 10 installments were also in Coco such as: Alanna Ubach (Mamá Imelda as well as Rook Shar/Rook Ben from Omniverse) and Herbert Siguenza (Tío Oscar and Tío Felipe as well as Victor Validus from Ben 10: Alien Swarm). It nearly blew my fangirl mind! AAH!
ANYWAY, I would love to thank everyone so much for all the lovely comments, favorites, and views! They made me so happy and motivated me so much to keep working on this! I've been having a lot of fun with it and really hope to keep rolling with it! You're all absolutely amazing and wonderful! ;3;
As a thank you I made Chapter 2 extra long! I edited it as best and carefully as I could but please feel free to point out any errors! I hope you enjoy this chapter! I'll be taking a bit of a break to work on some art-I'm TheBig-ChillQueen on deviantART and tumblr if you wanna check out my gallery and/or follow me! I hope to do some Coco fanart!-so I'll see you in the next chapter!
Rosa held her Papá Héctor's hand as they strolled out of the Marigold Grand Central Station and through the bustling, resplendent city together. Héctor was whistling a jolly tune, occasionally stealing fond glances at his great-great granddaughter, as they ambled down the sidewalk.
He avidly chose to walk her home to not only give him ample time to spend with his descendant and get to know her better but to also protect her from the claustrophobic trolley that would surely be full of curious eyes and nosey people who didn't understand the meaning of boundaries. Not only that, but Rosa's stained, torn clothes and missing shoe (he really wished the agency had a surplus of donated clothing) was bound to raise even more questions that neither had the time nor energy to spare for.
Most of the denizens of the Land of the Dead associated Héctor with that one momentous Día de los Muertos where he had been revealed as the true author of the songs that gave rise to Ernesto's celebrity status.
Héctor's–along with the entirety of the dead Rivera family–role in bringing the fraud to light with the help of his great-great grandson also had much to do with his increasing popularity. The family often found it difficult to go about their daily lives without getting swarmed and pestered by their new fans; Imelda had to resort to either chasing them away with her boot or having her intimidating winged-jaguar alebrije, Pepita, scare them off.
Even Miguel had become a rather prominent figure in just a short amount of time for he was the first and only living human being to have been transported to the dead world via a curse, thus earning him the simple yet meaningful nickname of The Living Boy.
Héctor surely missed the days when he was considered just an ordinary guy from a small town who was trying to live his life as happily as he could, which he hoped to do again after getting reacquainted with his wife, granddaughter, and in-laws.
If anyone saw Héctor with another young relative of his, dead this time around, they would certainly be flocking around them to ask hundreds of bothersome and personal questions. Héctor wasn't one who willingly sought out attention or stardom, not even while touring with Ernesto during their lively years, and he knew Rosa didn't need their prodding in her frail state of mind.
So he avoided the trolleys altogether, even if they were the fastest way to get around. Rosa hadn't said anything, but Héctor knew that she was greatly appreciative and relieved by his decision.
Once they were outside, Rosa was practically blinded by just how ridiculously bright the Land of the Dead truly was; what with its myriad of neon colors that were beacons against the backdrop of night. The moon hanging in the sky was practically a giant light-bulb that just made things all the more luminescent with its ethereal white glow.
Rosa didn't have the chance to soak in her new place of residence–having been too preoccupied with more pressing matters–but now that she was calmer and more observant, she felt as if she was walking through a funhouse at a carnival rather than a fantastical land full of undead citizens.
Being a skeleton herself was something Rosa was still comprehending. It was just so foreign to see bones that had just hours (has it really only been that long?) ago been covered by flesh and muscles. At first it was so bizarre to her that she thought she was dreaming.
After she had been left alone in the waiting room to gather her bearings, Rosa had tried pinching her arms multiple times, though there was no skin or nerves to pinch. She had even tried slapping her own face to force herself to wake up from whatever nightmare she was having; practically almost knocking her skull off in the process.
That was enough for it to dawn on her that she was in no dream and that she was, in fact, very much dead. It wasn't an easy conclusion to arrive at, which was why she had then spent the time it took for Héctor to arrive at Reunions to try and convince herself to come to terms with her afterlife, of which she was still trying to do.
As the duo walked, Héctor keeping up a slow-enough pace for her so she didn't stumble trying to match his long strides with those giraffe legs of his, Rosa tried very hard not to look any other skeletons they passed in the eyes. She shied away some when a couple jovially greeted her and Héctor.
She expected her ancestor to chastise her for being rude like her Mamá or Papá would but, instead, he simply returned their greetings with a cheery response of his own while hugging Rosa close to him in reassurance and then moving the two of them along. The teenager was extremely thankful that the musician understood her needs so well even if it hadn't even been more than an hour since they had met.
As they continued on their path home, music and laughter ringing through the air from all around them, Rosa gaped up in awe at the towering precariously stacked buildings that absolutely defied the laws of gravity and any sensible building codes in the living world.
Strings of lights and papel picardos hung between them and over the cobblestone road. Rosa felt dizzy just looking at all of the structures so she averted her gaze to, instead, look up at her great-great grandfather. He was currently humming "Un Poco Loco" while wearing the same genial grin he's had on since handing the completed paperwork to the case worker.
"Papá Héctor?"
"Hmm?" Héctor's head moved downwards so that he could meet her eyes with his own half-lidded ones. "Qué pasa, gatita?"
Rosa blushed a little under the second usage of her relative's apparent nickname for her. Admittedly it was beginning to grow on her. She cleared her throat before speaking.
"Uh, are these buildings safe?" Rosa pointed out one of the aforementioned structures that looked as if it were built by a drunken architect; a group of skeletons were carelessly leaning over or against the semi-crooked wrought iron railings on the balconies, either laughing, shouting, or talking to one another.
"They're as safe as they can be for beings that no longer have to worry about getting seriously hurt!" Héctor beamed cheekily.
"But they look like they're about to topple over at any minute!"
"The same magic or whatever it is that governs whether or not we continue thriving in this world based on how well-remembered we are is also what keeps that from happening, mi querida." Héctor explained casually as if this wasn't the first time he's had to. Considering that curious Miguel had been here before and most likely asked the same thing, Rosa assumed that to be the case.
Her eyes wandered around some more before falling on some vendors aligning around a small cul-de-sac, selling various treats such as freshly baked pan dulce, tamal tortas, chamoyadas, and paletas. That was surely an unusual sight, considering the fact that skeletons lacked any digestive system–or any system, for that matter.
This spectacle was made even more perplexing when customers bought the foods and then ate them. Rosa didn't see the food spill down from the bottom of their jaws as she had suspected would happen. They just seemed to have vanished…somewhere. Rosa's inquisitive mind was baffled.
"Hungry?" Héctor's voice startled her out of her stupor.
"Huh?" Rosa stared at him with a befuddled expression.
The older Rivera rolled his eyes good-naturedly as he ruffled her hair, causing her headband to go askew. Rosa groaned in annoyance and reached up to fix it.
"I asked if you were hungry. You were kinda staring off at those vendedores, chamaca."
"O-oh, no. I didn't mean to-I was just…how?"
"How?" Now it was Héctor's turn to be confused. They stopped walking so they could chat easier.
"Yeah, I mean. Where does the food go? You…er, we…don't have stomachs anymore! Or tongues or throats or anything except bones and eyeballs! And that's another thing! How are we still able to move and talk and walk around as if we were still alive? By any logic it doesn't make sense!"
Rosa paced around her elder as she carried on; one arm crossed over her torso as she tapped a finger against her chin in thought. Héctor's skull was swiveling on his neck to follow his nieta. He couldn't help the amused smirk from forming on his lips as he listened.
"Do we really still need to eat here? Will we die again from starvation or thirst? What about doing other bodily functions? There are so many questions about this place, I don't even know where to begin!"
At this point, Héctor, who had been trying so hard to repress his snickers, burst out guffawing. He doubled over and slapped his knee as his laughter roared through the streets, causing bemused onlookers to gawk at him. Rosa was doing the same thing, unsure if she should be scared or surprised.
She gripped her arm.
"What?" Rosa asked meekly, feeling small about being laughed at.
Héctor managed to catch her uneasy expression between his squinted, watery eyes. He immediately started composing himself; straightening back up with one final whoop before wiping away the tears that formed from his laughing fit.
"My apologies, Rosa, but I was not laughing at you," he assured her, clapping a hand onto her shoulder. Her knees buckled a bit but she remained standing.
She raised a skeptical brow, tilting her head to the side. "You weren't?"
"No, no, no! I would never do that!" Héctor's other hand found her other shoulder and he lowered himself down onto one knee so that he could be at eye-level with her, his voice taking on a benevolent tone with a smile to match. His eyes softened. "You are a naturally curious child, mija. There is nothing wrong with asking questions about things you don't understand and you shouldn't allow others to put you down for that.
The reason I laughed was because you just reminded me so much of myself at your age. I drove my parents muy loco with all the questions I had; most of them being rather silly!
Unfortunately I don't really have an answer for where the food we eat or the drinks we consume go, and I'm afraid I won't be able to answer all of your questions. Us being alive, so to speak, and able to move about and doing things is just something that we have just learned to either chalk it up to the magic I mentioned earlier or to just accept things as they are.
We don't necessarily feel hunger or thirst, either. I suppose we eat and drink as a way to remain connected with our old lives. And for obvious reasons there are no baños in the Land of the Dead, either. Entiendes?"
"Sí, I think so," Rosa responded honestly. It was a weird concept but like Papá Héctor said, she had to either just think some mystical force was behind everything here or just accept it with no questions asked.
Héctor smirked and reached up to gently tousle Rosa's hair, eliciting a giggle out of her. "Now, why don't we go grab some chamoyadas before we continue home?"
Rosa smiled back at him and nodded. Her grandfather stood up, looping an arm around her shoulders, and led her to the line in front of the vendor selling the spicy, sweet confectionary. They got their treats and resumed on their way.
Shortly afterwards, Héctor heard familiar voice calling out to him.
"Oye, Chorizo!"
The elder skeleton paused in his tracks with an annoyed groan and eye-roll. "Oy vey, I thought we were past this, Gustavo."
The two turned around as a bearded man about Rosa's height approached them, carrying a violin case and a teasing expression upon his face.
"Hehe, sorry Héctor. I couldn't resist for old time's sake!"
"Yeah well, unfortunately, those "old times" weren't good ones for me, amigo," Héctor responded dryly but hugged Gustavo anyway, regardless of any past negativities he had about the violinist. "How are you, Tavo?"
"Soy bastante bueno! The band and I just finished rehearsing for Frida's next performance this Día de los Muertos! It's going to be one heck of a show, Héctor! Possibly even better than the last one!"
"Epa, I have no doubt about that! Frida's shows are always a sight to behold and your band is muy maravilloso!"
"Gracias! You know, Frida misses having you around the studio. I think even Ceci misses having you stop by to borrow and lose her dresses! You should come visit and perform with us!"
Héctor frowned. "Ah, sorry, Tavo, but you know Día de los Muertos is strictly spent with my family."
Gustavo realized what his implications were and winced. "Sorry, Héctor. You know I didn't mean anything by my offer."
"I know, and it's alright. Any other day I would be glad to visit and play alongside you!"
"Excuse me," Rosa politely interjected, shyly lifting a hand. "Did you say Frida? As in Frida Kahlo the artist Frida?"
Gustavo turned to her with a toothy smile. "Who else would I be talking about, niña?"
Rosa's jaw dropped in disbelief. Miguel had mentioned meeting the renowned artist during his adventures in the Land of the Dead, describing her as incredibly talented yet eccentric, but she had also been very kind to and supportive of him and his dreams.
She had even told Miguel that he had the spirit of an artist after helping her come up with ideas to make one of her shows more impressive. Frida was beloved by all to the point of being part of the elite, A-list celebrities alongside Ernesto de la Cruz, El Santo, María Félix, and others in the Land of the Dead. Despite her status, Frida would much rather spend her time in the Arts District to work on her unique self-inspired portraits and stage shows than gamboling off to fancy parties.
Frida had even generously offered her assistance to Miguel and his dead family during their mission to retrieve Héctor's photo that Ernesto had stolen so the boy could return home with it and put it on his family's ofrenda, where it rightfully belonged.
Needless to say, Rosa never expected to not only meet an acquaintance of one of the most influential people of Mexican history so soon after her arrival, but to also find out that her Papá Héctor had special connections with her. Rosa was awestruck. She hoped that she would have a chance to meet Frida in person and thank her for her part in repairing her family and for being an overall amazing person.
"Say, Héctor, who's this anyway? Is she another great-great grandchild of yours? I thought you had just the one?" Gustavo asked, the corners of his mouth dipping downwards into a frown. He sounded rather concerned about another child related to Héctor being in this world, and even more so about her being dead as opposed to cursed.
Rosa felt subconscious and shrunk away some only for Héctor to embrace her from behind.
"Nope, I have six of these angeles preciosos!" he announced proudly, giving her a comforting squeeze. "This is Rosa, Miguel's cousin! Rosa this is Gustavo. He's one of Frida's musicians and a good buddy of mine."
"Pleased to meet you, Señor Gustavo." Rosa shook the man's hand.
"The pleasure is all mine, Señorita Rosa!" Gustavo doffed his hat to her. "And please, you can just call me "Gustavo"! I'm assuming you're a new arrival?" Rosa nodded. "Then welcome to the Land of the Dead! Don't worry about understanding everything so soon; this place is a lot to take in all at once but just take your time and get yourself settled and used to the way this remarkable world of ours works. You have such a wonderful family looking after and helping you, so I have no doubts that you'll have a hard time doing so. I wish you the best of luck all the same."
"Gracias, Señor Gustavo…I mean…Gustavo."
Rosa's eyes then fell upon his violin case. He noticed, his smile broadening a little.
"Do you play?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah…sort of. I mean, I'm not a professional like you," Rosa admitted modestly with a tiny shrug. "I just started taking lessons after the music ban on my family was lifted. I did play the first song my cousin had learned to write alongside him and my older brother a couple Día de los Muertos ago. We did the same last year."
"And, Dios mío, were they spectacular performances!" Héctor threw in, absolutely glowing with pride by now from those particular memories as well as from the rapidly developed skills of three of his descendants, making Rosa blush. "You'd never know that Rosa was just starting out if you had heard her! Certainly she's only improved since then!"
"Really now?" Gustavo hummed, looking thoughtfully at Rosa, then at his case, and finally back at her.
He held it out to her.
"Let's see what you've got, muchacha."
Rosa's eyes enlarged, realizing what he wanted her to do. "Wh-what? Really?"
Gustavo nodded. "Your Papá Héctor seems to have a whole lot of faith in you and he's no liar…er, well, not anymore, but if he says you have the skills to back up his claim, then I'd be greatly honored to have an aspiring violinista play my violin."
Rosa ogled the case, jaw slightly agape. Quivering, irresolute hands slowly reached for it. She hasn't played or touched a violin since…before the incident. All of a sudden, a mind-stabbing memory burst into her mind, forcing her to recoil from the case with a yelp as if she had been burned by it.
Moaning as if she were in pain, Rosa clutched her head and slammed her eyes shut.
She then fell to her knees, the panicked yell from Héctor dulled by the sounds of snapping strings, wood shattering, her muffled screams, and jeers from her captors echoing throughout her skull.
She could still feel the ropes digging into her wrists and the heavy pressure of someone straddling her. She had been rendered helpless and forced to watch her precious instrument, still brand new, be reduced to splinters.
Rosa gasped as the memory faded, returning her to the present. She was panting heavily, her face blanched and eyes wide. Héctor's worried face appearing in her line of vision made Rosa jump. Gustavo was standing behind him, watching her with his case now hanging by his side.
"Mija! Are you alright?" Héctor asked in concern, slowly reaching out a hand to cup her cheek. "Was it another memory?"
His granddaughter bit her lip and nodded while looking down at the ground, feeling rather embarrassed.
"I'm sorry," she whimpered. Tears dripped down her cheeks. She was ashamed that these memories kept plaguing her and that she couldn't anything to prevent them.
"Oh Rosita, cariñito, no! No, no, no!" Héctor enveloped her in his arms, holding her protectively with one hand on the back of her head and caressing it with mollifying motions. "You don't have to apologize! None of what happened to you is your fault, gatita. You never asked for any of this. As unfortunate as it may sound, these recurring memories are something you simply cannot stop.
Believe me when I say that I would do anything to make them so you're not hurting anymore, but I think it's best if they keep happening. You're only at the start of your recovery, and I'm not lying when I say that things will get more difficult from this point on for a while.
However, I also believe that these resurfacing memories are a good thing. I know what happened to you was traumatic but you can't keep trying to block them out, bebita. You'll only end up hurting yourself even more. Your familia is here for you every step it takes for you to heal and to get through this ordeal so don't ever think you're alone."
Héctor planted a series of kisses on Rosa's head. "You don't have to feel embarrassed or scared, either. You come and talk to any one of us if you need to, comprende?" He felt Rosa nod against his chest and kissed her head one more time, giving her a final fatherly squeeze before breaking the hug.
Gustavo was waiting patiently for them to have their moment, smiling sympathetically at Rosa as Héctor carefully helped to her feet.
"Lo siento, Gustavo. I'm ready to play something if you still want me to." Rosa quietly said as she dried her eyes.
"Only if you're up for it, chiquita," Gustavo responded kindly, not wanting to pressure her.
Rosa wordlessly stepped away from Héctor and took the case. She kneeled down to set it upon the ground. Next she undid the clasps and opened it. The sheen of the polished violin glistened in the moonlight. Rosa wistfully ran her fingers over the body; a pang of sadness seizing her heart when she remembered that her own violin was not only back in the living world, but it was back in the living world in irreparable pieces.
She quickly shook the feeling aside and took the violin out.
Héctor crouched next to her, rubbing her back. "What are you going to play, gatita?"
"I was thinking "Proud Corazón"? Do you think Miguel would mind if I did?"
"I'm sure he'd love for you to play one of his songs." Héctor patted her shoulder. "Go for it and just do your best, Rosa. You can do this!"
For the first time since she got here, the teenager genuinely beamed at her grandfather, who returned it with a wink and amiable grin of his own. Rosa then stood with violin and bow in hand; Héctor moved to stand beside Gustavo, thumbing his suspender straps and smirking at him.
"You ready to have your cabeza knocked off by the impeccable talents of my great-great granddaughter, Tavo?"
"If she's as good as you're making her out to be then I'm sure I'll lose more than my head, amigo!"
Rosa flushed under the praise before taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly to soothe her nerves. She then placed the violin atop her shoulder, setting her chin on the chinrest and bow upon the strings.
With a final glance at her Papá Héctor, who nodded encouragingly while giving her a double thumbs-up, she closed her eyes to help her concentrate and to drown out the ambiance except for Héctor and Gustavo, reveling in their comforting presence.
She launched into the song.
The intro started out beautifully and leisurely. Héctor watched with pure fondness as Gustavo grew more and more impressed with each well-executed note.
A few passers by paused once they entered the circle of tranquility that formed around Rosa as she played. Entranced, they mingled around the trio. As more captivated souls joined to watch and listen to the young violinist, a small crowd formed.
A few couples started dancing as Rosa picked up the tempo; effortlessly producing the faster string of notes and moving about herself, completely absorbed in the song. The crowd made sure they kept their distance as to not accidentally disrupt her.
Héctor was clapping his hands and tapping his foot along to the beat while Gustavo's jaw was close to dropping off. He was utterly snowed by the talent before him. Rosa continued twirling and swaying, a blissful smile upon her face. It seemed to Héctor that she was lost in another world in that moment; which world that was he didn't have to guess. His heart ached and his smile wavered.
At last, Rosa finished the song and opened her eyes, jumping as she did not expect to see the extra audience around her. Nervousness overcame her as she subconsciously clutched the violin's neck.
To her relief and astonishment, acclamations and even some gritos broke out, taking the teen even further by surprise. Rosa was delighted, nonetheless, and curtsied a few times to show her appreciation.
Another grito that was far louder and more energetic than any of the ones before it sounded from behind her. Before she knew it, Rosa was swept into her grandfather's arms as he laughed joyously and lifted her off her feet so that he could swing her around, eliciting giggles from his granddaughter.
"Bravissimo, mija! Simplemente asombroso!" He peppered her face with loving kisses, hugging her tighter.
The crowd "awwed" at the familial spectacle before casually dissipating, giving their final appraisals as they did.
After giving Rosa a few more kisses and an even tighter hug, Héctor finally set her back onto the ground with a gentle hand on top of her hand, stroking her hair. "I'm so proud of you, gatita! Gustavo here nearly lost his jaw, you did so well!"
""Well"?" Gustavo scoffed incredulously, coming up next to them to take Rosa's hand and patting the back of it. "She was spectacular! Rosa, you truly have what it takes to be as much of a gifted musician as your cousin and abuelo!"
Rosa smiled shyly, tucking a lose strand of hair behind her head. "Well, thank you, Gustavo, but to tell you the truth…I'm not quite sure I want to be a musician."
Rosa bit her lip, gripped her arm, and nervously looked up at Héctor, worried about how he'll take her confession. Would he be sad or worse…disappointed? Music had only just become important again to the Riveras, but with 13 years of living without it, Rosa had been pursuing other interests and goals about what she had wanted to become once she grew up.
Picking up the violin had been done more for a hobby and homage to her late great-great grandfather as well as to provide her a break from making shoes. She loved music, of course, and she enjoyed creating shoes with her family, but she never wanted to create a career out of either. Rosa had still been weighing her options before she had died.
And now she'll never get the chance to see any of them come to fruition.
She waited with bated breath for her relative's impending response.
Héctor was staring at her contemplatively, which did wonders for Rosa's already frazzled nerves, but then his face broke into an understanding smile that instantly alleviated the girl's anxiety, leaving her feeling slightly guilty about assuming his reaction. Héctor approached her, sitting on his knees, and grasped her shoulders, rubbing calming circles into them with his thumbs.
"Rosa, mi preciosa, lindito ángel. If you don't want to become a musician, that is perfectly fine! No one ever said you had to! Becoming a musician is Miguel's dream, but it doesn't have to be yours. It doesn't necessarily have to run in the family. You also don't have to become a shoemaker if you don't wish to do that, either. You choose whatever you want to be, mija! Don't ever let anyone deter you from your dreams! Miguel had to learn that the hard way and look at what almost happened to him."
Rosa shuddered. "I agree, but Papá Héctor, unlike Miguel…I'm dead. My dreams have been destroyed the moment I took my last breath. They made certain of that when they…" Rosa trailed off, not wanting to say what had been done to her. Her voice tapered to a despondent whisper. "I was forced to watch them as they smashed my violin."
This heartbreaking detail, alone, made Héctor immediately wish something far worse than the Final Death upon those responsible for causing his baby girl so much anguish.
The pain they caused her would be nothing compared to the soul-consuming fear they will endure at his hands should they ever arrive in the Land of the Dead.
Even Gustavo looked like he wanted to enact justice–if his clenched jaw and fists and darkening eyes were anything to go by. He hadn't been sure how Rosa had died, figuring it wasn't his business to ask, but now that he knew that she had been murdered, he was overcome with the need to protect the girl, despite only knowing her for less than an hour, and ensure that her killers got what they deserved. It was something he could give back to the man he so ruthlessly mistreated and made fun of for so many years.
Héctor pushed aside his indignation towards those bastardos, silently signaling to Gustavo to do the same. The well-being of his granddaughter was the topmost priority; they could be angry later. Rosa was solemnly quiet as she placed the violin back in the protection of its case, closing the lid and the clasps before holding it out for Gustavo to take back. Much to her surprise, the older violinist chuckled as he shook his head and held up a hand.
"Keep it, niña."
"Qué? B-but I can't! It belongs to you and violins are muy expensive!" Rosa was flabbergasted that Gustavo was so easily willing to just give her his prized instrument.
"Maybe in the living world, but mi familia manages to give me a new violin as an offering each Día de Muertos. I have many of them, so it's not a problem. I insist!"
Rosa was rendered speechless as she just stood there, her mouth open and eyes wide, while still holding out the case.
Héctor chortled as he gently lowered his granddaughter's arms. "What do you say, Rosa?"
Rosa snapped out of her daze, just managing to stutter out a quick thank you before launching herself at Gustavo. The man was caught off guard for a second before he wrapped his arms around her to return her hug. Héctor was looking on with tears welling up in his eyes. Gustavo noticed and smirked; a mischievous glint flickering in his eyes.
"Aye, don't go all sentimental on us now, Chorizo!" Gustavo then addressed Rosa, saying in a mock exasperated way, "Your Papá Héctor always was such a sap. He would gush over just about anything."
"Not true!" Héctor denied as he attempted to pretend he had been doing anything but getting choked up.
"Oh really?" Gustavo scoffed and gave him a pointed look. "Who was the one that saw a snake alebrije last week and just started bawling like un bebé, hmm?"
"They don't have any arms!" Héctor wept dramatically, holding his hands up to his mouth. Gustavo cackled while Rosa smirked and looked at her grandfather in amused disbelief.
"Papá Héctor, did you really do that?"
"Eh-heh, well I can't help that I'm a bit sensitive," Héctor shrugged sheepishly.
Gustavo snorted. ""A bit"?"
"Okay, okay, a lot!" Héctor harrumphed and crossed his arms, turning away to pout in a way that made him look like a stubborn 5-year old who didn't get what they wanted rather than the physically 21-year old he was supposed to be.
And that's what did it for Rosa.
It started out as a snicker but within seconds, the 14-year old had gone into a full-blown laughing fit that had Héctor and Gustavo staring at her with slight concern that was short-lived on the former's part.
Héctor brimmed with elation at the sight of his great-great granddaughter actually laughing wholeheartedly for the first time since he met her. Her laughter was like a swarm of butterflies that tickled the space where his stomach once was; so gentle and wonderful.
Rosa had some trouble standing, she was laughing so hard, so she leaned against the wall of the shop next to them.
"Easy there, gatita." Héctor tittered and moved to help support her until her laughing subsided and she was able to stand upright again.
A few remaining giggles trickled from Rosa's mouth while she cleared away the happy tears from her eyes. "Papá Héctor, you are so silly! I can't believe you cried over something like that!"
Héctor shrugged a shoulder and ruffled her hair. "I just have a big heart, mi querida."
"And it's alright that you do! Most people today would rather prefer someone who's as compassionate and considerate and sensitive like you!" Rosa assured him, hugging his arm.
"Though there is a thing called having too much of a heart," Gustavo quipped.
Héctor rolled his eyes. "Oh sure, if I didn't have one, I'd be Ernesto de la Cruz!"
The two adults made disgusted faces at that then chuckled.
"Speaking of whom, whatever happened to him?" Rosa wondered aloud. "Miguel said that he never found out what became of him due to the circumstances at the time."
Héctor shrugged. "He was knocked into a bell, the last I saw of him. As for where he is currently, I'm not sure. For all I know, he could still be under that bell or roaming the city, trying to keep a low profile. I bet my gold tooth that his soured reputation is doing wonders for his legacy. Quite frankly, I don't care where Ernesto is, just as long as he stays far away from mi familia." At this, Héctor snaked the arm Rosa had been holding around her and pulled her close, bowing his head to plant a kiss on her forehead.
"I heard his tower is being renovated into a shelter for the Nearly Forgotten," Gustavo informed them, "so they'll be more comfortable until their Final Death."
Héctor's heart tightened at that but his small smile and half-lidded expression said that he was pleased by such good news that would benefit his surrogate family in Shantytown.
As bittersweet as it was, they wouldn't be living in squalor anymore and will be surrounded by amenities, warmth and love until their time came. While he regrets having lost contact with them after reuniting with his own family, Héctor never forgot about the people who had took him under their wing after he had been shunned and proceeded to adopt him into their close-knit community, nicknaming him Cousin Héctor, nor will he ever.
They might have been forgotten in life, but he would make sure their memories lived on in the afterlife. At that moment, Héctor made a promise to himself to visit them once Ernesto's tower was converted and they got settled so he could tell them how incredibly thankful he is to them and for everything they had done for him.
He just hoped that they would still be around by then and that they wouldn't feel any resentment towards him for essentially abandoning them.
"Well, it's been a pleasure catching up with you, Héctor, but I must get home to rest up before the next rehearsal. Rosa, it was very nice meeting you! I'm sure we'll see each other again, soon! You keep working on those sweet skills of yours and you'll be a pro in no time!"
"Gracias, Gustavo! It was nice meeting you, too, and I promise to take special care of your violin!"
"You mean your violin, chica, but de nada. I'm certain that you will!"
Héctor clapped Gustavo on the back. "You take care, Tavo. Break a leg with the rehearsals and the show! Be sure to tell me all about it when we meet up again!"
"Gracias, mi amigo. I promise to do so! Adiós!"
The two men shook hands before Gustavo took his leave.
Héctor then took Rosa's hand once more. "Let's go, niña. We have to get back home before Imelda starts to worry, though I suspect she might already be a little cross with me for leaving the shop unattended and for being out later than I meant to be." Héctor winced.
"Will she whack you with a chancla like Abuelita?"
"A boot, to be exact."
"Yikes."
"Yeah," Héctor agreed, shuddering as he ushered her along.
They've been walking for about half-an-hour when Rosa felt the grip her Papá Héctor had on her hand unexpectedly become firm and protective; the reason becoming apparent to her once she noticed the drastic change to their surroundings.
The vibrant and picturesque city became very desaturated and depressive relatively quickly; the grimier buildings more dilapidated and even less structurally sound. Various bits of trash (Rosa swore she saw fragments of bone, as well) littered the ground almost everywhere while torn, soiled papel picardos and broken, burnt out lightbulbs either hung between or down the sides of buildings.
The few lampposts that weren't shattered or terribly mangled poorly illuminated the area, adding more to the dark and dreary atmosphere. Quite a few loitering, shifty-looking skeletons eyed the two of them as they passed by. Rosa gulped nervously as she desperately attempted to avoid their gazes.
"Stay close to me, mija," Héctor instructed in a low voice as he pulled his granddaughter so close to him she was nearly standing on his feet, his arms now wrapped protectively around her. He frowned deeply, his eyes cautiously darting around, sending icy glowers at anyone whose eyes lingered for far too long on Rosa.
"Wh-where are we?"
"Just like in the living world, the Land of the Dead has its fair share of iniquitous souls; not even dying caused them to abandon their immoralities. They just decided to seclude themselves in their own territories throughout the city. Even if we're already dead and can't get severely injured, they are still very dangerous and should always be steered clear of. Unfortunately that's easier said than done since more of them claim or expand their territories."
"So then why are we walking through one of them?"
"Because one of those territories happens to border the block our casa is on."
"O-oh." Rosa gulped nervously.
She had a disturbingly clear idea of what kind of immoralities Héctor was referring to and didn't dare think further on what would happen if any one of these skeletons got their hands on them. Luckily Héctor was adamant about preventing that from happening.
As she tried to keep her mind free of those thoughts, Rosa's eyes fell upon a small gathering of 15 to 17 year olds that were just up the road from them. Most of them were smoking cigarettes while others swung around cans and bottles of beer and tequila. They looked and sounded drunk and were undoubtedly having crude conversations with one another.
The sensation of a palpitating heartbeat pounded against her ribs as her throat constricted. Things worsened when their eyes shifted to meet hers once she and Héctor got close enough to them.
"You should really watch where you're walking, novia. You know how dangerous these streets can be for a linda chiquita such as yourself."
"It seems like it's our lucky day, fellas! It's been a looooong time since any of us had a good time!"
Rosa's eyes glazed over, pupils contracting, and her body stiffened. It was suddenly really difficult to breathe; her heartrate increasing and her bones quaking. Hyperventilation was beginning to set in. She fumbled for Héctor's vest, grasping the fabric as if her life depended on it, alarming him. He hurried to come around to kneel in front of her.
"Rosa?! Mírame! What's wrong, mija? Are you alright?!" He delicately cupped her face in both his hands but, like a deer caught in headlights, she was fixated on something straight ahead and she was only getting more and more petrified each passing moment. It wouldn't be long before she went into a full-blown panic attack.
Héctor turned his head and it was only when he spotted the rag-tag group of teenagers that he knew why Rosa was reacting in such a way. They were showing far too much interest in Rosa than he cared for–a couple inappropriate catcalls he heard had him indignantly grinding his teeth. He didn't want to venture a guess as to what their intentions for her were.
The extreme ire Héctor had been trying very hard to keep at bay was resurfacing but he gladly welcomed it this time, for he now had a reasonable excuse to unleash it.
Héctor scooped his distressed descendant up into his arms and held her so that her face was hidden against the crook of his neck, that way should he wind up confronting those delinquents face-to-face, she wouldn't have to. He took off his hat and placed it on her head to further shield her.
Rosa was whimpering softly and shaking, seemingly lost in her ghastly memories, but she encircled her arms around her great-great grandfather's neck, seeking sanctuary.
Héctor gladly gave it to her in the form of slowly rubbing allaying circles on her back and whispering condolences to her. He then prepared to walk forward, only getting one step when a chillingly familiar voice made him nearly stagger to a halt.
"Well, well, well. As I live and breathe, if it isn't Héctor Rivera. I never expected to see you, of all people, here."
Had he still had any, Héctor's blood would have frozen.
He hissed under his breath, "Mierda."
Aw, who let Ernesto out from under the bell? :v Can we seal him up in another one and toss it into the Marianas Trench?
Also, I love Gustavo's character and design so much. I figured he and Papá Héctor would make amends and become close friends after the truth gets out! He seems like he enjoys being around children, as well, considering how nice he was to Miguel and how cooperative he and his band was following his music advice! Maybe he was a father or even an uncle?
Fun fact: his voice actor (as well as the Mariachi's) is Lombardo Boyar, who had voiced Lars Rodriguez from "Rocket Power", a show I watched all the time as a kid!
ALSKDJFHG, I've babbled too much. Thank you for reading!