The day was dark and gloomy as rain fell in thick waves over the small quiet little town of San Vivida, Mexico. As the rain was falling, many of the quiet friendly villagers hid in their small homes spending time with their families telling stories and the like. However not all was peaceful; at the edge of the village where the rich farmland laid, a short middle aged man ran as much as he could despite his disability in his leg while he carried a small baby in his arms. He had found the newborn abandoned in the forest and as a kind nurturing man he wouldn't dare leave a baby to die. The best thing he could possibly do was bring the baby to the most respected man in the village; Death. Despite the name, everyone in the village looked up to Death. Many told stories to the children that Death came from a distant magical land, with teachings and magical potions that helped heal the village especially during the times of plague. No matter if it was true or not, all of the village was grateful to him. With the newborn wrapped in cloth and held tightly in his arms, the man known as Jorge knocked quickly on Death's door. He was soaked to the bone, and his cane that he relied on to walk was long discarded back in his hut. As a lonely man, Jorge's only solace was having conversations with Death as well as practicing his love of carving into wood. Often he would carve small toys for children and fashion small furniture for the locals from scraps of wood he would purchase from merchants. With a shiver and a grunt, Jorge held the quiet baby close to his chest. As he was waiting he prayed that the silence didn't mean the baby wasn't alive.

"Por favor, dios mio..." He whispered to himself.

(ooooo I love it~)

 

Jorge sighed as he watched Grim go consume the many sweets. It was nice to see Grim again and see him be so happy, however to see him down here so early broke Jorge's heart. How could Grim die so young? How could Miguel die too? Jorge couldn't even handle the thought of it. When Grim brought a woman over who was apparently his grandmother, Jorge looked to her rather surprised.

"H-Hola..." He said, not really expecting such an event. He didn't even get to meet Andres. "Yes, I am a close friend of your son. Your son is a dear friend to me. Your grandson is like a grandson to me as well. Many years ago, I had found a baby that was abandoned. Your son helped me raise that baby and when I died, he took him in as a son."

Javier couldn't help but smile widely at the sight of the sweets. Especially the fruits. He absolutely adored fruits and could eat them forever. But for some reason he didn't eat a single thing. Once Grim brought over his grandmother, Javier approached her with a face full of awe.

"You're pretty..." Javier said. "I wish I had a abuela!"

Rosenda looked over somewhat indifferently at Jorge. "I see." She hummed. She had only spent a short time with her son. She got sick and died when he was only merely six to seven years old. She had hoped that Andres had raised their child right, and to hear that he had grown up to have sons of his own, made her happy in the slightest of senses. At least Death had made it alive through his childhood with Andres. "I still...don't understand how or why is he here at such a young age. He should have lived a full life!" Rosenda insisted. Grim scratched his cheek as he smiled sheepishly. "Well, it's a long story, abuela..." Grim began. Rosenda's attention then turned to the human looking child. She looked down at him rather sternly, but her eyes softened after a few seconds. "Ah. It is you." She said, recognizing the son of La Muerte. It wasn't hard to figure out...he was the only person in this entire place that looked human compared to everyone else. Grim quickly wrapped his arms around Javier's arms. "Javi is going to show me to his mom! She's going to help me find Miguel! Come on, come on!" Grim insisted. He just wanted to see his beloved brother again. "Miguel, a friend?" Rosenda murmured, but simply sighed and shook her head. She could have only hoped that Grim had simply inherited some of the outgoing traits from either his grandfather or his parents. "Right, lets go see her then." Rosenda hummed. She turned over to Jorge and gave a small bow of the head. "I am Rosenda, by the way."

Jorge smiled as he vowed his head as well. He was going to give Rosenda a kiss on the cheek but he figured maybe that wasn't the best idea. Rosenda definitely looked like a strong independent woman, and instantly knew just by looking at her she was definitely Death's mother. Yeah she was just bones now, but Jorge could tell who's mother she was.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. And Miguel is mi hijo. I found him when he was un bébé. After I passed away, your hijo adopted him and he grew alongside your grandson as a brother. In speaking of which, I think Guadaña should explain to you why he's here..." He muttered, looking to Grim with a look.

 

Meanwhile Javier looked up to Rosenda and pointed to himself in confusion. "Sí?" He asked. Just then, Grim threw his arms around Javier. He looked back to Grim and smiled.

"Ah, okay! Vamanos! Mi mama is in the next room! She'll definitely bring you to Miguel!"

Grim chuckled nervously as he ate another churro. Rosenda glanced down at Jorge and then looked back at her grandson. “Yes…mind explaining?” She asked. Grim gulped and glanced to the side. “Well…Miguel died so…I killed myself to get here and find him and bring him back like the man in the story!” Grim explained, rather quickly too, as if hoping that she wouldn’t understand what he said. Before she could scold him, he grabbed Javi’s hand and began to follow him onward. “Let’s see your mom! I bet she’s really pretty!” Grim chimed, hurrying off with Javier. Rosenda stared, analyzing what she was told before glaring. “You did what?!” She screamed, just about to chase the kid. However instead she sighed, and began to follow gently along with Jorge.  “I kind of wished I would have lived to at least visit you. I would have definitely had kept Andres’ influences from harboring your judgement.” She murmured. Andres was a wonderful man. Exotic, intelligent, loving, and a beloved husband…just a little bit too much of a child even as old as he was. She glanced down at Jorge. “I think that Andres will have a lot to explain one he gets down here.” 

Jorge shook his head as Grim began to explain himself. He still couldn't understand it all. He couldn't just believe that Miguel has died and that Grim committed suicide to go after him. It all just felt like some terrible nightmare.

"I would have love to meet you. And I certainly agree your husband will have a lot of explaining to do." Jorge said with a chuckle as he waddled over to follow Grim and Javier.

 

Javier really couldn't react much, for Grim basically yanked him away into the next room where his mother was. "O-Okay!" He chimed, getting dragged along by Grim.

 

The next room was beautiful. A twenty foot door opened to reveal a room that was very large and had a very tall ceiling. The beige walls were decorated with colorful decorations all over including lanterns of all different kinds of colors. A red and gold carpet went straight through the middle and onto of it at the end was a long table that like the others in the previous room, was full of enough food to feed an entire village. At the end was a large red chair like throne, which turned around to reveal a very tall slender skeleton woman with elegant patters all over her face. She had a flower in her long black hair. She wore a red festive dress as well as a large hat which carried many lit candles. Her face lit up as soon as she saw Javier.

"Mama!!!" Javier called excitedly as he ran up to give his mother a hug.

"Oh mi amòr!" The woman, obviously La Muerte replied as she hugged her son dearly. She lifted him up in his arms and looked to Grim as well as Jorge and Rosenda.

"And who are your friends~? I believe I'm familiar with those two elders... Jorge and Rosenda I believe but ahh... It looks like we have a new friend here!"

 

(I know you probably already know what she looks like but hereeeee

 

 

Edited December 24, 20159 yr by Aqua7KH

Rosenda gave a small bow. “Good to see you, La Muerte.” Rosenda said respectfully. Grim couldn’t help but to awe. This lady was absolutely beautiful! He couldn’t understand how Javier seemed human and her skeleton like, but he didn’t seem to mind much at all. She was tall and grand looking, yet in his mind, never as pretty as his own mother Megara. Though she had raven hair just like Megara…it made him nostalgic, thinking of his mother and the breakfast that she would make him and Miguel once they got back. For that he had to hurry. “This would be my grandson, Grim.” Rosenda said, pushing Grim gently forward. Grim walked up, smiling. “Hola, it is nice to meet you! I’m Grim!” Grim said, smiling. “I came to find you in hopes that you can help me, La Muerte!” Grim insisted, gently shuffling his feet. “You see, my brother Miguel died, and I read in a book the story of a man who died in order to find his love and bring her back to life with him…my parents and I missed him very dearly, so I killed myself in order to get down here and find him!...but I can’t seem to find him anywhere. Maybe, you know where he is?”

Jorge waddled along inside, and bent slightly forward in order to bow to La Muerte. Due to his leg, he obviously couldn't put too much strain on it or else it'll give in, even if he could no longer feel pain.

"I hope you are doing well..." The disgruntled Jorge uttered. He was very upset with Grim and Miguel. If they were alive he would've smacked both of them upside the head with his cane.

 

La Muerte chuckled and gave a smile to both elders.

"I am doing fine. Muy bien! It's wonderful to see you all again. And ah! Aye que linda~" she chimed, face softening as Grim walked forward. She didn't like seeing kids down here, but they still were cute either way.

"Why, I'd love to help you!" When Grim said that he killed himself however, La Muerte's face completely changed. She looked like she was about to explode.

"YOU WHAT?!" She asked loudly, the plates on the table shaking from the sudden outburst. She went forward and stood face to face with Grim. She was about to continue with her outburst, however after looking at Jorge, Rosenda, and a now shaking Javier, La Muerte cleared her throat and went back. She fixed her sleeves.

"W-Well... Your brother Miguel? I'll see if I could try to find him for you..." With that, she went behind her throne and took out a large book. She placed it on the table after clearing some of the food. She opened it and read through the list.

"Hm...? Your brother is not here!" La Muerte said with a frown as she looked up. "If he's not here, than he's supposed to be alive. That can't be... Are you sure he died?" La Muerte asked. She looked deeply concerned.

Javier meanwhile snuggled into his mother's arms. He jumped down and once she began to scream at Grim, Javier went back and shivered. La Muerte was always scary when she was really, really mad.

"M-Mama..." He whimpered, hiding behind the throne. When La Muerte calmed down however, he poked his head out to look at the book that she brought out.

"N-Not here...?" He asked.

It was rare to see La Muerte get angry. But whenever she did, it was quite a sight to behold, a very terrifying sight to behold. Her sudden outburst even caused Rosenda to flinch ever so slightly at the reaction. La Muerte was never a woman to mess around with. Grim didn't even had the time to be afraid. He had never met such a scary woman since Old Miss Rodrigez from down the creek who was always in a bad mood. He could feel the increasing heat of the handles, and held his breath to prepare himself for anything, However La Muerte calmed down, giving Grim a chance to relax again, and ponder why it was the same. Why was everyone so mad whenever they found out? He had thought this true for weeks after Miguel had died. Pondered and planned. Maybe the gravity had not yet kicked in for him. Maybe he was too young to even realize what he had taken away from himself and his parents. La Muerte looked in her book...and announced Miguel wasn't here. "WHAT?!" Grim screamed, his eyes widening as he hurried and jumped on the table, walking closer to La Muerte and her book. "Everyone that dies come here, right? So he HAS to be here!" Grim insisted. When she asked if he was sure he was dead, the emotions inside Grim along with panic simply bursted out. "If I'm sure he's dead?! Of course I'm sure! Why else would I be here for?! I saw my parents try to save him from the snake bite only to see him die on the table, I shook him for hours and he never woke up, I saw the undertaker lock his body inside a casket and then bury it into the ground right next to Jorge, and that was WEEKS AGO!!!" Grim screamed, the previous emotions he felt at his death returning to him, tears falling down his hollow eyes. "If he's not here then tell me where...I...I just want Miguel back..." Grim finally whispered, allowing himself to collapse on his knees as he then sat in front of the book itself. He didn't know if he had a heart anymore...but it ached ever so badly.

(I was thinking of bringing in Xibalba in soon. Would you like to control him or I? I don't mind controlling him ^^' or the Candlemaker. Pick whoever you'd like!)

 

Jorge reached out his hand, but it was too late. Grim was already on the table. Jorge wasn't surprised by Grim's reaction; he knew what Miguel meant to Grim and vice versa. They could never truly be apart... Miguel would whine and cry about being apart of Grim just for the night. He just hoped La Muerte wouldn't be offended. His eyes couldn't help but widen over the realization of what La Muerte just said.

"Q-Que...?" He asked, taking a step forward with pleading eyes. "Por favor, La Muerte. He has to be in there somewhere! He is mi hijo! I raised him with all the love and care in my old frail heart!"

 

La Muerte wasn't expecting Grim's reaction. At first her eyes widened, but then her face softened. She saw such love and despair once before. In a youth she watched grow into a brave man strong enough to write his own story. She looked down at the book once more and closed her eyes. Miguel definitely wasn't in there. She knew every person in the book. She would've at least saw Miguel when he arrived.

"Lo siento niño... I will get to the bottom of this. Tell me, have you notice anything strange with him during his life? Strange events... I know it's a silly question, but is there anyone else in the Land of the Living that knows him or remembers him?" She knew Miguel couldn't be in the Land of the Forgotten, but she had to get that out of the way first.

 

Javier meanwhile looked down sadly at Grim's reaction. The boy wasn't one who got sad, as he always avoided such moments like the one he was experiencing now. What made it worse was the fact that La Muerte seemed confused as well. He knew his more he had to get to the bottom of this and reunite Grim with Miguel... Right?

Grim listened and couldn't help but to feel angry at the question. "Of course there are people who remember him! There is mami, and papi, and Santiago, and abuelo, and mister undertaker, and the old priest, everyone should be able to remember Miguel!" Grim screamed, glaring as he gritted his teeth. He was starting to think that La Muerte simply didn't want him to find Miguel for one reason or the other. He was to desperate to see in any genuine help in it. "You're doing this on purpose, aren't you? Because the people call him the son of a bruja?" Grim asked. It wouldn't be the first nor the last. For their entire lives the two had listened as people pointed at Miguel and mentioned how he was the son of someone who they didn't even know about, and for that sole suspicion he was torn around and treated like nothing less than a monster when he was merely a child. "Everyone in the village lies! Miguel isn't the son of a bruja, he's Jorge's son! Even if the bruja was his mommy he has nothing to do with her and my mom is his new mom so she can back off!" Grim yelled, genuinely upset. However just as quickly he was roughly pulled from the table onto the ground by Rosenda, who began to scold him. "What are you thinking? Do you think you can just stroll in here and yell at the one person that rules this place?" Rosenda asked as she shook Grim around.

Again, La Muerte endured Grim's reaction. She understood his reaction. Such a reaction she saw long ago but a man who killed himself for the woman he loved. When Grim mentioned Miguel being the son of a 'bruja,' that was when La Muerte's eyes narrowed. She looked to Jorge with her face full of concern.

"What is he talking about?" La Muerte asked to Jorge.

Jorge cleared his throat nervously, and he took a step forward to speak. "S-Sí..." He began. "Back in our village, there lived a woman who we called 'La Bruja.' She was said to be a bad omen, talking to demons and casting curses on those who disrespected her. One day she killed herself... And as I was walking home from selling my crops of the season I found a baby that was abandoned next to her house. With my friend's blessing- Death's, I took the baby in as my own and raised him. There were stories of La Bruja having a child... But the woman was so private with her personal life other than her notorious reputation that it was impossible to know if anything was true or not. We believed that the baby- my son; Miguel was her son. I know he is. He has her eyes. The village knew it too... And so they tormented us because of it. Many strange things happened in the village, including a fire in my home and a child who was murdered by his own father. Muerte figured out that it was a snake who bit him, but the village blamed my son anyway. I died from gangrene I contracted during the fire. All of it was still blamed on Miguel."

La Muerte listened, and as soon as Jorge mentioned a snake her eyes widened and all of a sudden she was filled with an even stronger rage than before. She looked like she was about to explode.

"A snake... Snake... XIIIIIIBALLLLLLBAAAAAAAA!!!" She screeched, her powerful voice sending tremors throughout the entire structure. Javier trembled behind her.

Grim watched La Muerte shake the building with her booming voice even Rosenda was startled by the sudden reaction. "A snake killed Miguel too...we couldn't stop the venom." Grim added. "Snakes and witches? What kind of place were you raised in, Grim?" Rosenda hissed. Grim looked up at Rosenda. "It's a nice place! With lots of flowers and pretty sights and nice people! I never met La Bruja nor I want to. She left Miguel alone so she's mean! I don't care about her." Grim huffed. He honestly didn't care for the witch or if Miguel had anything to do with her, he loved his brother and just wanted him back. However he couldn't help but to feel curious at the name that La Muerte had screamed. Xibalba. He had never heard of such name before. "What is a Xibalba?" Grim asked innocently enough. "More of a who question, Grim. He is...someone equally as powerful as La Muerte. But not as trustworthy. He's as slithery as the snakes he owns." Rosenda warned. "Wait, would one of his snakes could have killed Miguel?" Grim asked softly.

(I don't know if you want to control Xibalba so I'm just gonna control him this one post)

 

Jorge couldn't help but shake in the slightest at La Muerte's sudden outburst. He could never get used to it. Such a powerful woman could scare anybody. He looked down to Grim and shook his head with a growl. One could tell he didn't like the person who was known as Xibalba.

"Not trustworthy alright... That cabròn is sadly the ruler of the Land of the Forgotten. He's a sneaky bastardo and he always makes bets with La Muerte that he always cheats in. I'd trust my mierda before I trust that pendejo."

 

La Muerte meanwhile was fuming. She looked like the realm was going to explode if she didn't calm down. Suddenly out of nowhere a dark figure with a black skull for a face appeared in a small puff of black smoke next to her. He carried a cane made out of two snakes.

"Yes, my love...~?" Came the newcomer's sly voice as he reached out a finger to stoke the woman's chin. La Muerte in turn, just grabbed his neck.

"WHAT DID YOU THIS TIME?!" She screeched where in response Xibalba only choked as comically his neck was in the grip of what sounded like his significant other.

"A-Ack-" came the choking Xibalba. "W-What are you talking..... A-About my d-dear-"

Javier meanwhile went out from behind his mother, and reached his hands up to Xibalba.

"M-Mama... You're hurting Papa Balba..." Javier silently complained to La Muerte, in fear of angering her more than she ready was.

"Hurting?! Hurting will be the LEAST of his worries once I'm through with him!" La Muerte screeched once more, grabbing Xibalba's throat with both hands as she shook him silly.

Xibalba only tried his best to get out of Muerte's grip.

"I-I don't know-..... W-What y-you're going-.... O-On about...... L-l-listen to y-your boy, p-please...." He pleaded hopelessly.

Edited January 7, 20169 yr by Aqua7KH

(Ah sorry! Well I don't know how Xibalba is connected to Miguel's death and the whole thing with the snake and the deal, I can speculate but I don't want to mess anything up. I can be the candlemaker if you want.)

 

Rosenda watched somewhat amused. This went from a happy, usual meeting to what could possibly end up being a family brawl, the poor Javier being stuck between the two. She couldn't help but to feel rather annoyed that her own grandson had come all this way only to cause such disturbance. She walked over to Grim, getting a hand on his shoulder. "Grim, you're causing quite a racket." She hissed. Grim shook his head and got her hands off his shoulder. "I'm not going to stop doing rackets until I find Miguel then!" Grim insisted. He was usually a very obedient child, his parents could hold out on that. However Miguel meant allot to him...so he wasn't afraid to cause as much trouble as he could in hopes that he could find him. He walked closer to the fighting family, looking over at Xibalba. "Mister Xibalba. I want to ask you about someone by the name of Miguel. He's my brother, and the son of a bruja. He was taken away from me because a snake bit him and killed him, yet, he's not here in the Land of the Dead. Do you know where he might be?" Grim asked pretty directly, not wanting to waist any time. The more time was wasted, the more time they were afraid from mami and papi.

La Muerte only continued to shake Xibalba silly. It wasn't until when Grim came that La Muerte even considered letting loose her grip on her counterpart.

"D-Dear-..." Xibalba coughed out. Suddenly, Grim asked about a Miguel and it appeared he knew something. La Muerte growled and roughly let go of Xibalba's neck.

"You BETTER tell us the everything and nothing but the truth if you know what's good for you!" She hissed venomously. Xibalba rolled his eyes and looked to Grim as he rubbed his neck. When Grim mentioned a bruja, Xibalba's eyes widened in small surprise.

"The son of that witch? Kid, it's no wonder why he isn't here then." Xibalba mused, scratching his chin. "Yeah, sorry to break it to you, but that witch's soul was supposed to belong to those demonios. When she died, she apparently promised one of them the soul of her son if her soul was spared. So the son of your little friend isn't here because it belongs to the dark now." Xibalba said it rather bluntly, because honestly he really didn't feel much sympathy.

Jorge's eyes widened, and he dropped to the floor in pure agony.

"This can't be true!" Jorge cried, the weight of the situation finally hitting him. "That puta sold my hijo's soul in order to save herself?! My boy! Pot favor, that cannot be the fate of my son!"

 

La Muerte was visibly shocked, and even more angry than before. She heard of such beings, however recently the never really meddled in the affairs of man other than just simply roaming the land of the living. Due to Xibalba's command of the Land of the Forgotten, it was only obvious that he'd know more about and have more connections to those beings. La Muerte knew more about and had connections to good spirits.

"WHAT?!" She screeched, the building shaking even more now. She was about to just pummel Xibalba right there but somehow she held herself back. Slowly, she closed her eyes and seethed through her teeth.

"You knew about this and did NOTHING to stop it?! Such things are forbidden! Every soul must go to afterlife except for the most rotten souls! That boy's soul is not rotten!"

Xibalba shrugged. "Well, honestly it was none of my business. I've only heard such things around in my realm. For some reason they like to roam about my realm. They say this realm is far too colorful for most of their taste. If anything maybe you should send your boy down for a few centuries... He might learn a thing or two from being around those like him."

"My son is NOT one of them!!! Xibalba, you better get off of your lazy rotten culo and do something because so help me I'll wipe you off of the face of the afterlife!" She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Honestly the most upsetting thing about it all was the idea that a mother sacrificed her own son just to save herself.

Javier really couldn't do anything. When his parents fought, they fought. He only stood next to them and only try to protest the fighting. After Xibalba announced Miguel's whereabouts he shivered. Could a mother really do that to her son?

"B-But she's his mama..." He whimpered.

Grim looked back and forth at the bickering as it all came to closure. The reason why Miguel wasn't here was because his soul was never meant to be here in the first place. From his mother's influence he was sent to a whole other place. Even Rosenda was in shock at the revelation. "For a mother to do that to their child...it is despicable..." Rosenda whispered. Grim turned to Jorge and frowned, before looking down at his hands. "All this way for nothing?" He whispered. Slowly his eyes narrowed, and just as suddenly he turned angry. He had come all the way for Miguel. There was nothing that would stop him from getting Miguel back. He had to bring him back. For mami and papi, so they could be a family again. "So...Miguel's mami sent him somewhere else?" Grim asked, his expression saddening as he shook his head, wiping away a few tears from the edges of his eyes. "Then where?" Grim asked, walking closer to Xibalba. "Mister Xibalba, do you know where Miguel would be? Where he is? If he isn't in this realm or yours, then where is he? Is there a way I can travel there?" Grim asked, making his hands fists. "There must be a way to reach...wherever Miguel is, right?"

(Damn, your icon is making GermanyxItaly like my OTP LOL. Now I'm in the mood for a Germany x Fem! Italy ffs)

 

Xibalba looked down at Grim and rolled his eyes. He didn't pity the boy at all, honestly.

"Go where he is? Kid, his soul belongs to a demon now. He is someone's property. And I tell ya, they don't give up anything. You better just give up now. So-" he was going to continue, before La Muerte grabbed him by the neck again and brought his face centimeters away from hers.

"No, he is not going to give up because YOU are going to do something about this! You have connections to them, so you better think up of something quick if you know what's good for you! I'm in an EXTREMELY foul mood today because of your mierda, so if you dare roll your eyes or do anything to piss me off one more time I will ensure that you will never be able to speak again!"

Xibalba shrunk in small fear, and nodded. La Muerte let him go and he straightened himself out nervously.

"I see... Well, I guess I could call one of them here. Y'know, should really lighten up, my dear. After all, I doubt your boy likes seeing you so mad..."

Javier couldn't help but pout and hug La Muerte's leg. "But you make mama mad..."

Jorge only stood on the ground, completely consumed by anguish. Xibalba's words only made it worse.

"Un demonio... Mi Miguelito... Oh, mi poor Miguelito..."

(GerIta forever)

 

Rosenda could only kneel down with Jorge and rub his back, trying her best to comfort him from the circumstances at hand. She could never imagine herself in the position of where her own son could be in the hands of a demon for the rest of the afterlife. In all honesty, she didn't wanted to think about it, either. It was a terrible circumstance to be in as a whole. Grim's body shivered at the thought. Demons. Miguel was among, and with Demons, with or against his will. "He...is with demonios..." Grim asked, barely letting out a whisper, his eyes widening. Demons weren't a thing to joke about, in the living world or in the dead. To think that Miguel was among them...it pained him more than he would admit. He wrapped his hands around his necklace, holding it tightly and gritting his teeth. He was afraid. This wasn't what he was expecting. This wasn't what he had planned. What if they were torturing Miguel? What if they came after him if he tried to get Miguel back? He glanced over at Jorge, and the pain in his eyes only seemed to push Grim further. He looked back at Xibalba with determination and walked even closer. "Sir Xibalba. Please summon a demon that might know where Miguel is. I wish to talk to this demon and make a deal of my own!" Grim insisted.

Xibalba watched Grim carefully. He had to admit he was rather intrigued by the boy. He could tell Grim was special. He could tell Grim's soul was made out of nothing but the pure determination to get his brother back. That made him quite interested to see what Grim could do. With a cross of his arms and yet another roll of his dark eyes, Xibalba nodded. "Sure, sure kid." With that, he snapped his fingers and out of thin air one of them appeared. It was Sage. Sage's eyes widened and he looked around, his eyes settling on Grim.

"W-What the..." As soon as he saw Grim, Sage's face fell. He looked /very/ angry. He didn't say anything however, for he was unsure if he should reveal the fact that he knew Grim. Honestly, it was pretty shocking that he was holding himself back because he wanted to shake Grim silly.

 

La Muerte's face couldn't help but soften upon seeing Sage. She had a soft spot for children, and Sage was basically still a baby. How could one so young be a demon? Sure, some demons only appear to be children... But La Muerte could tell Sage had a soul at least close to one.

"Hola, niño..." La Muerte muttered, looking to Sage. She held Javier close to her. "We wish to speak to you about the affairs of a deal that was made between a mortal bruja woman and a demonio?"

 

Sage hissed and looked down, completely unsure of what to say. He was never summoned before in the Realm of the Remembered, so it was a rather... Different experience to be in front of La Muerte. "..." Suddenly, his gaze softened as his eyes settled on Javier hiding behind his mother. As soon as he saw Javier, his eyes widened. He then ripped his gaze away, and he continued to look at the ground. "...Sí"

 

Javier hid behind his mother fearfully at the sight of the demon. He never saw one before, as he was constantly surrounded by the wonderful citizens of the Realm of the Remembered and other good spirits. To be around a... New kind was rather scary. Suddenly, the demon looked to him to which Javier jumped and shivered from behind La Muerte who only held him closer. "H-Hola-" Xibalba only cut in.

"You better not try anything. I summoned you here so you better be of use to me." He said with a grumble. He hated having to waste magic, and wasting summoning magic made it even worse.

Jorge meanwhile eyes' widened upon seeing the newcomer. He saw Sage before; not when he was alive no- when he was dead. He saw Sage at his death and funeral. Jorge also saw Sage with Death whenever he visited on the Day of the Dead. Jorge's eyes were wide and his jaw opened but no words could come out. He didn't know what to say. "..." He only stared straight at Sage.

Grim jumped a bit as the demon was summoned. Though he was scary, Grim couldn't help but to think that he still looked odd. Demons were suppose to have red skin and sharp tails and teeth like broken glass. But this one, without the horns and so on, could easily pass as a human. Rosenda couldn't hel but to notice this as well, glancing at Jorge. "This demon looks more human than demon." She scoffed. However as she saw Grim take a step forward, she quickly hurried and got her hand on Grim's shoulder. "Grim be careful! This is a demonio, remember that." She warned. Even though they were dead, she knew for a fact that there were many fates besides, and beyond death. Fates she certainly wouldn't want for her grandson to suffer. Grim looked back and gently pushed her hand off his shoulder. "It's ok."He said. Though on the inside he was nervous, he took a deep breath and walked closer to Sage. "Hello, mister demonio. I've been told, that you have to do with the reason why my brother Miguel isn't here in the Land of the Remembered. Something about his mother making an exchange of hid soul for hers." Grim began, his fists tightening around each other as he held his hands together. "Then I want to make a deal too. What do I have to do, or give, so Miguel can come back with me to the Land of the Living?" Grim asked, looking at Sage straight in the eyes, his look of determination basically the spitting image of Death. "I don't have much, as I left everything I had in the land of the Living, but I'm not leaving you alone until we can make a deal."

Sage looked very, /very/ aggravated and upset. He didn't have time to be wasting over such bullshit, especially with how everyone was practically insulting him in the face with looks. Sage crossed his arms and looked down at Grim, his words aggravating him further.

"I wasn't the one who took his soul." Sage grumbled, upset at even being accused of it. "But I know who did. There's a demon that goes by many names... But most call him La Chupacabra, or just Cabra. He keeps human souls as his... Pets. His collection. Every new pet is his favorite. So right now your brother is his favorite pet. I could try to take you to see him... But you have to pretend that I own your soul. It won't be easy." Sage uttered. 'Especially since I never owned a soul. They won't believe he's mine.' He thought.

 

Jorge's heart shattered upon hearing Sage's words. His Miguel? His Miguelito? Someone's pet? He couldn't imagine it. Such a thought just shattered his entire being. He couldn't bare the idea. He slumped over and held onto Rosenda for dear life as he weeped for his son.

"M-Mi Miguelito! Dios mio, allow me to wake up from this never ending nightmare of hell!"

 

Xibalba couldn't help but stoke his beard in slight amusement. He couldn't help but to be very interested into the story Sage was telling. Still, such a thing wasn't his problem, so he was just satisfied summoning Sage wasn't a waste.

"There you have it, kid. Have fun on your adventure."

 

La Muerte rolled her eyes as Xibalba's response. Her worst days were only the days that Xibalba was in her presence no matter if he was trying to take over the Land of the Remembrance of if he was simply visiting to annoy the shit out of her. Still, Sage's words alarmed her, and she knelt down to put her hands on Grim's shoulders.

"Niño... I'm very sorry to hear such terrible news... But what he is saying is very dangerous. You could get seriously hurt. It's your choice if you want to go, but... I'll talk to the Candlemaker and see what I should do in such a situation."

 

Meanwhile Javier puffed his cheeks at Sage's explanation. There was no way Grim was going to go on such a journey alone, even if Sage was with him. Javier wanted to go and help alongside him.

"Okay! Mama, me and Grim are going to go get his hermano back!" He proclaimed proudly, putting his fists on his hips.

 

La Muerte whipped her head around. "No you're not, muñeco. You're staying here with me." Javier whined, and Xibalba chuckled at such a sight.

"My dear, you're so how do I say... Un fun." La Muerte growled.

 

Sage's eyes widened as he looked to Javier proclaiming his desire to go. His metaphorical heart almost skipped a beat at the idea of Javier going. A part of him didn't want Javier to go so he wouldn't get hurt... But a part of him wanted Javier to go just to get a chance to spend some time with him. "..."

The demon looked rather angry, to say the least. At least that made him look more evil like, such as demons were apparently supposed to look like, Grim thought. Miguel was being held by someone known as Cabra as a pet. He could feel an ache inside his body, especially after Jorge collapsed in emotional distress at the news. Rosenda gently held Jorge, rubbing his back in any form of comfort. This place was paradise, but it was no paradise to those who had precious ones in such situations like the ones that Miguel was in. Grim bit his bottom lip. This was going to be dangerous, La Muerte warned him. Maybe he wouldn’t even be able to come back with Miguel at all, or even just himself. But Jorge’s wails only pushed Grim further. He smiled over at Javier. “Thank you, Javi. But I want you to stay with your mom if she doesn’t allow you to go. I don’t want you to get in big trouble.” Grim said softly. He then turned to face Sage, his eyes softening as he walked closer, and reached for Sage’s hands. “Take me to see him. Please mister. I’ll do whatever it takes. Pretend to be your soul, or whatever it needs to be. I have to see Miguel again!” Grim insisted. If there was one thing that he gained from his mother, it was that he was stubborn. “Grim, if that man that caught Miguel catches you, you may never be able to see neither us or your parents again.” Rosenda warned. Grim looked back. “I know, but I promised mami and papi that I would rescue Miguel and bring him home, and that’s what I’m going to do! I’m not going to break any promises!”

Sage looked down at the persistent boy. He looked go the side and closed his eyes. He saw a lot of himself in Grim. Sage didn't know what choice would be best. Should he actually take Grim? Could he risk Grim's safety? It could make things worse or fix them. It was a risk... He had to take. Sage was already in enough deep mierda as it is.

"Okay..." Sage finally said, looking to Grim. "But you have to do exactly as I say, no questions asked. We're not gonna be walking around in no playground."

 

Javier whined as Sage explained everything to Grim. Sage should be explaining everything to Javier too! He didn't want to just sit around while Grim was in danger. Grim needed someone to have his back!

"But Mamaaaaaaa!" Javier uttered with a sniffle, looking up to La Muerte. "Por favorrrrrrrrrr."

 

La Muerte shook her head sternly and hissed. "No! You are staying here with me and that is it." Xibalba was not amused whatsoever.

"You should let him go. The boy should be with his own kind." He hissed, to which La Muerte shot a glare so dark to Xibalba, he shut his mouth almost instantly.

 

Jorge looked up to Grim, eyes full of tears. He didn't know what was worse- Miguel being lost forever or Grim going to save him. Grim could succeed. But if he fails not only Miguel would be lost, but Grim would be too.

"I died and came here so that my pain could be gone. Why must I suffer so even in the afterlife?" He asked, hysterical.

Grim smiled at Sage, nodding softly. "Thank you." Grim said. He looked over at Jorge, and then back at Sage. "One second though." Grim said, hurrying over to Jorge as he threw his arms around him, giving him one big hug. "Don't cry, Jorge! I'm going to get Miguel back!" Grim said, looking back as he smiled at the older man. He was actually absolutely terrified. He would be going with a demon to an unknown land, where he might never be able to get back from. However that didn't stop him from going forward. He needed to get Miguel back. He needed to get his brother back. He needed for all of them to be a family once more. Regardless of what it took. "Don't worry, Jorge...I will bring Miguel back, I promise." Grim assured. He thought for a moment and took the necklace from around his neck, the one his grandfather had given him. "Abuelo told me that as long as I wear this, and Miguel wears his, we will always find a way back to each other, as the necklaces are connected." Grim said, getting the necklace around Jorge's neck. "If you wear it, we're sure to come back to you!" Grim assured. Of course, it was just speculation, and more of wanting to make Jorge feel better, and to at least give him hope. He didn't want to see him cry. He kissed his cheek and backed away, hurrying over to Sage as he took his hand. "Take me to Miguel."

Jorge's eyes widened as Grim approached him to give him the beautiful necklace. It was the smallest of charms and yet it gave Jorge hope. He believed in such things anyway. Maybe Grim could actually bring Miguel back. Anything could happen in the afterlife.

"G-Guadaña..." Jorge whispered. Suddenly, he brought Grim into a strong hug, tears streaming down Jorge's face.

"Gracias, hijo. You're just like your padre..." He whispered. With that, he pulled away and looked to the ground. He couldn't bare to watch Grim leave.

 

La Muerte piped up, taking out one of the many roses in her hair. "Wait-" Slowly, she approached Grim and knelt down to look into his eyes. With a soft smile and a kiss to his forehead, La Muerte placed the rose in Grim's hair.

"This will help you on your journey. Be careful, sí? I will see what I can do in my end to help."

Xibalba only yawned, and rolled his eyes at such a goodbye. He wanted the kid to get lose already. "Yeah, goodbye good luck yadadayada-" he was cut off by La Muerte glaring at him again. Xibalba went quiet after that.

Javier snuffled, and went up to hug Grim. He was still very upset at not being able to go. "Nooooo! We only just became friends... Here!" Javier reached into his pocket and took out a small stone. He placed it into Grim's hands. "It's a good luck rock! You'll think of me and hold this rock and it'll give you good luck!" He turned to Sage,and wagged his finger. "You better be nice to him or I'll be mad!"

 

Sage's eyes widened when Javier approached. He tried to look away and not pay attention to him, but couldn't. When Javier began to talk to Sage however, Sage's eyes softened. There was a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"...I... I will." Sage said, looking down to Grim. "Are you ready to leave?"