For Whom the Bell Tolls

It was Dias De Muertos. It was early in the day, the festivities hadn't quite yet started but people were getting ready. Going to the cemetery to clean up the graves of their loved ones. Cars arriving in town from other places.

Miguel and Acacia wanted to enjoy the day with their families… But currently, that was the last thing on their minds.

They had spent the last two days researching what they had seen… And Miguel had done some asking around with his family at the Department of Family reunions.

Everything was pointing to one thing and one thing only.

That boy's form fading away was astral projection. Something Miguel couldn't control.

And it was a doppelganger. A spirit being that was meant to copy Miguel in every way and seek out a way to end his life and replace him.

Everything added up. It was the copy who got Luis and Santiago into trouble. It was the copy who had knocked over Enrique's tools and got Miguel in trouble.

It was the copy who was astral projecting. Which meant this wasn't like other doppelgangers either.

The Department of Family Reunions couldn't help them with this particular event. Psychic Children having doppelgangers were unheard-of, almost never occurring normally. There was nothing they could give them except a wish for the best.

"It wants to replace him. Which, means it wants everything it doesn't have currently. Be very cautious."

They didn't know when… But it was inevitable that the doppelganger would appear once more.

Miguel just hoped he would be ready.

"Miguel?" Acacia whispered breaking him out of his thoughts. He looked to her, worry in his eyes.

They were sitting under the cypress tree, Acacia with her computer in her lap, Miguel had his knees drawn up tightly to his chest.

He wanted this day to be just fun. Just enjoy himself, enjoy his family being around. Not worry about something coming for him.

Acacia looked to him concerned. "I'll ask my family if I can stay with you guys during your-"

"We know that won't happen. Your abuela is friends with mine." Miguel sighed. "We just… Gotta be ready."

She nodded bringing an arm around him, ruffling up his hair a bit.

"And when you need me, I'm here."

She looked to where Dante and Sombrita were laying, the small goat curled up atop the dogs back fast asleep.

"So will they."

Miguel snorted a bit.

"Sombrita going against an evil version of me. Yeah. I could see it."

Unless, she was an alebrije.

"Acacia!" Elena called from the kitchen area. "Your mama just called, she wants you home in ten minutes!"

Both teenagers sighed unable to fight off the feeling of unease. Acacia put her computer away, Miguel helping her to her feet.

"Promise you'll be okay?" She asked grasping both of his hands tightly.

Miguel gave her his best reassuring look squeezing her hands gently. "I promise. And when this is all over, I wanna do what we did last year."

"Meet up with leftovers and have a picnic listening to music?" She smiled a little.

"Darn right." Miguel hugged her quickly. "Be careful walking home. If you see him-"

Acacia pointed down to her sandals a grin on her face.

"My chanclas will have a word or two with him."

"Yeah. Mama Imelda would like you." He laughed.

She picked up Sombrita, the little goat cuddling into her as she walked.

"I hope so. It's still weird to think they're all really out there… Y'know?"

"I know right? I thought it was something like vitamins."

They both laughed as she waved before heading off.

Miguel sighed leaning against the entrance. He glanced behind him to be sure no one was nearby yet before he closed his eyes.

"Mama Coco." He whispered his voice shaking. "I could really use a hug."

He felt warmth around him, arms coming around him in a protective but gentle embrace. Miguel looked up to see Coco beside him, a gentle gaze in her eyes.

"You're going to be okay. We're not going to let anyone hurt you."

Miguel nodded burying his face into her shoulder, as she rubbed his back.

"Te amo Mama Coco."

"Te amo Miguelito." She kissed his head. "Your family will be here no matter what."

"But… When night comes-"

"When night comes, we'll be here. And you know if it's an emergency we'll come when you cry out for us. No matter what."

He smiled keeping close shuddering a bit as he felt a chill go through him… Coco's arms tightened around him as she looked around.

She felt the same chill.

"Go inside." She told Miguel firmly. "Keep Dante close. Pepita too."

"S-si!" He broke away from her bolting inside as fast as he could.

She stayed where she was, her eyes narrowed trying to spot anything out of place.

Coco couldn't spot him… But like many wayward spirits, it could still be sensed.

It faded after a moment… But it did nothing to calm her fears.

Please… Don't let our boy die tonight.

ooooooooo

Marco was distraught as he bolted from the living Rivera compound. He couldn't believe what he had seen.

Ernesto had never told him about that. He had never told him about it at all. He was under the impression Coco was still alive.

She was so old though, he should've known. He should've checked the ofrenda room or something. Or at least spent more time tailing the other dead Rivera's.

BUT THAT'S HER FATHER ISN't IT!? HE SHOULD'VE TOLD ME! HE DIDN't EVEN BRING IT UP!

He could feel the rage bubbling up, tears welling up in his eyes. He had half a mind to not come back to that hovel he got to share with his ancestor.

He couldn't attack, it was too easy to get caught. It was broad daylight. He did that twice and had stirred up plenty of trouble, but around another Rivera spirit didn't bode well.

He would have to garner attention in front of them though. At least that's what his plan was. He refused to tell Ernesto that part, since he didn't want to hear a lecture about being too obvious.

He wouldn't kill the fake in front of them. That would just ruin everything… But he could at least start up a fight and get the fake to chase after him.

The more that idea settled in his head the more he wanted to go back and just get it over with.

But, there was a part of him that said to slow down, to think about what he was even considering. Marco was no fool, no matter how much Ernesto riled him up and got him plotting, he was very aware of the permanent result that would happen.

Someone, was going to die. That was quite obvious… And he would admit he wasn't too keen on doing it anymore either even though part of his mind was screaming at him to get it over with.

Stop it, stop it, stop it…

A shriek was building up at the back of his throat. He opened his mouth ready to let it out when a loud yapping met his ears.

Marco's eyes fell to a chihuahua alebrije sitting beside him. One of Ernesto's that as of late had been attaching itself to him more often. She answered to Blanca having been a pale color in life, even if now it didn't match her colorful form.

"Blanca?" He whispered biting down the shriek. Blanca wagged her tail, jumping up a little whining.

As much as he wanted to be angry, Blanca always got him to calm down when he was ready to lose it. He knelt down scooping her up.

Blanca licked at his cheek eliciting a sigh as his anger faded away. Tears slowly made their way down his face as he walked staring straight ahead.

"Blanca what am I gonna do?" He whispered. "I don't even know what's the right choice. I… I don't think I can do it."

She nuzzled him whining louder.

Marco sighed. "Maybe I can just beat him up and dump him into a truck heading out of town?" He mused.

Blanca's ears pricked as she growled when they came closer to the slums. She wriggled trying to get out of Marco's arms.

"H-hey Blanca stop! It's just Papa Ernesto's place-"

Blanca yowled as if she was in pain jumping out of his arms. Marco frowned worry in his eyes. "What's wrong with you? C'mon, this isn't funny."

Blanca growled, clamping her jaws around his pant leg digging in hard trying to pull him along.

"Ay! You gotta calm down…"

Marco knelt down petting her until she reluctantly let him carry her into the hovel he called his temporary home.

Night was coming soon… And he was starting to wonder what he needed.

All the boy knew was, he was not going to be happy regardless of what he chose. Despite what he wanted… Despite what that part of him wanted the fact the day had arrived was making him fear of what he would choose.

"Papa Ernesto?"

Marco looked around until his eyes landed on Ernesto, the man was sat at their table looking at a clear glass bottle with some kind of fluid inside it.

"Welcome home Marco. You found Blanca I see… I don't know why she ran off." Ernesto gave her a look of disappointment. "She knows better."

Marco didn't respond to that choosing to sit down with the little spirit guide situated in his lap.

"What is this stuff?" He asked instead.

"This… Is quite the hard item to get in this world. We have no real need for it the dead. But… Sometimes we get lucky. Morticians cross over too and their tools of trade get put on ofrendas." Ernesto was utterly elated at the plan he had hatched. It would've been satisfying to sic Marco on Miguel and have the other boy killed by someone with his own face. But, the brutality of it and the guarantee it would come back to him didn't seem worth it.

Marco frowned as Blanca's ears moved back baring her teeth. He didn't like where this was going… The look Ernesto had in his eyes, that same look he got back when he had gotten Marco good and riled up over Hector ruining his family.

"Why do you need that?"

Ernesto shoved the bottle in Marco's direction giving a smirk. "Not me. It is you who will be using it."

Marco gave him a puzzled look, reaching for the bottle his fingertips brushing against Ernesto's as he did…. The boy's eyes getting a glazed over look.

While, it wasn't the same bottle… The same negative intents were infused within.

The room was quiet, the mood was tense… He could see two men, one he could recognize as Ernesto back when he was alive…

The other, was a tall thin man with messy dark hair in a pink charro suit. He was packing up his suitcase, looking at a red notebook… Before he threw it in as well.

"You want to give up now? When we're this close to reaching our dream!?" Ernesto asked getting up with a furious look in his eyes.

The man was making his way for the door with his bags, an unamused look in his eyes.

"This was your dream, you'll manage."

Marco could feel Ernesto's rage and desperation as the man lunged grabbing onto the suitcase tightly.

"I can't do this without your songs Hector!"

Hector… That was Hector!? And what songs?!

Hector tore it out of Ernesto's grip an annoyed look in his eyes.

"I'm going home Ernesto!" He told him harshly. "Hate me if you want but my mind is made up!"

Hector turned away not seeing the infuriated look Ernesto was giving him before a serene look came to his eyes.

He stood up straight a warm smile on his face.

"Oh I could never hate you." He told him. "If you must go, then I'm sending you off with a toast!" He said going over to the mini bar in the room.

Hector looked out the door and sighed.

Ernesto took a glance over his shoulder while he had done so, adding something else to one of the shot glasses.

"To our friendship." He said turning to face Hector. "I would move Heaven and Earth for you amigo! Salud!"

The scene flashed to the two walking to the train station… Hector stumbling, gasping in pain as he gripped at his stomach.

"Augh…" He groaned.

Ernesto smiled patting his shoulder. "Perhaps it was that chorizo my friend." He suggested taking Hector's guitar case.

Hector dropped his suitcase, trying to regain his balance… Before, he fell forward slamming onto the ground.

Dead.

Marco blinked slowly feeling sick as he came to. His hand was still gripping both the bottle and Ernesto's hand tightly, so tight his knuckles were turning white. There was a dark look in the skeleton's eyes. "Marco… Are you alright?" He asked quietly.

You poisoned him…

Marco gulped recoiling as if he had been burned.

"Si… I'm fine…" He murmured. Blanca was growling again, the other alebrijes starting up as well. "So… This stuff… Why do you want me to use it?"

"Don't try to play dumb." Ernesto leaned over the table giving the boy a glare. "I know what psychic children can do… You saw something."

"S-si but. J-just a mortician using it." He lied. "Gross stuff honestly."

Ernesto leaned back raising an eye ridge. He could read the boy as well as he could read Miguel.

He wasn't telling him what he really saw.

"Marco. Tell me what you saw."

Marco's eyes went to the doorway before flickering back to Ernesto. It all was adding up. All too much.

All the things he had been whispering in his ear. All the means of hiding his copy's body… Trying to rile him up the closer it came to Dias De Muertos.

He wants me to poison that kid… He's not going to let me go without doing it. I need to get out of here. I need to get going.

Marco looked at his hand seeing how badly it was shaking. He glanced back to Ernesto before making a break for it.

Ernesto growled giving chase as the table was knocked over, the bottle shattering as it collided with the floor.

"STAY AWAY FROM ME!" Marco cried out, trying not to slip in the sand. He had to get away, he couldn't trust him.

If he caught him, he knew he was in danger.

Screw the stupid plan, screw all the mind games! I HAVE TO LEAVE THIS PLACE! I NEED TO GO HOME!

One minute he was running, scrambling to get to the nearest area with people… The next he was being yanked back by his hood, gagging as it cut off his air supply.

Marco tried to elbow him but even being what he was, Ernesto still had the strength of being a full-grown adult. Ernesto had him by the arms now, lifting him up rage in his eyes.

"You had one job. All I asked was one little favor but no… You just had to figure it out again didn't you Miguel!?"

Marco struggled kicking at him trying to get free. He let out an inhuman shriek that echoed through the slums.

"PUT ME DOWN!" He kicked him hard in the ribs but even that didn't phase Ernesto.

"You may be stronger than the boy but you're alone. No one will want you or take you in when they know the truth!" Ernesto spat holding him higher so they made eye contact. "You still think you're human!?"

"I AM!" He shouted struggling. "EVEN IF I'M NOT NORMAL I'M MORE HUMAN THAN YOU!" He kicked at him again. "I DIDN't KILL SOMEONE FOR STUPID SONGS!"

Ernesto growled. "And yet you're going to kill just to live in that little family. Don't act like you're better than me boy. YOU are a hypocrite if you think that!"

Marco froze his eyes wide before shame filled them. He knew it had been wrong. He didn't want to go through with it though. Not anymore…

And he knew deep down, he never truly wanted to in the first place.

"Going home… Isn't worth it if I have to do that to get there."

Ernesto growled lifting him up higher opening his mouth to tell him exactly what he was… Before, he gasped feeling energy rush through his very bones.

He heard barking, as his spirit guides rushed out lunging up at him, trying to bite him… His own spirit guides trying to attack him.

"You… Get off!" He dropped Marco as he felt another shock of energy stumbling away from them.

His alebrijes were looking at him with disappointment. True, utter disappointment.

Marco was staring at him in horror, before he picked up Blanca… A third shock of energy leaving Ernesto dizzy as his vision blurred.

"Come on… L-let's go!" The boy called to the three on the ground before they started to leave…

Ernesto reached out to them, unable to comprehend this hollowness he felt… Like he had lost something he could never obtain again.

Even his alebrijes couldn't stand by and watch him try to corrupt another spirit.

You traitors…

Marco and the alebrijes kept running, not slowing down even as they got out of the slums. Marco knew Ernesto wouldn't come after them around people. He just had to keep moving.

Hood up, head down, quiet. He couldn't stop moving now….

Not until he could at least see it.

I'm going home…

I'm not a de la Cruz.

I'M A RIVERA!

ooooooo

The Rivera compound was abuzz with activity, loud noise as they laughed and told stories of people long gone… Or at least supposedly.

"A-and then when I lost that shoe, Mama Imelda chased me with her chancla for a whole hour!" Enrique laughed slamming his hand on the table. "She was like 74, ay dios mio she could move like no tomorrow though!"

"That was Abuelita alright." Elena snickered. "Where do you think I get that strength from?" She boasted.

"Because Mama Coco also chased YOU with La Chancla that time when we were kids and you decided to bring that desert snake home to torment Victoria-" Franco spoke up smirking at his wife.

Miguel was trying his hardest to not laugh at the look on Elena's face, even more so when he could see Hector fall over from right behind her laughing. His bones rattled as he pointed up at Imelda.

"You corrupted our grandkids!" He cackled.

"I did not corrupt them! It was tradition!" Imelda scoffed.

"Sure it was Mama." Coco snickered helping her father to his feet.

"Oy, Queque how about that journal huh?"

Enrique looked to Miguel who nodded. The boy pulled out Coco's old journals thumbing through them gently. The copies of the letters on display were scans, the real thing was still safe.

"Dear Diosa…" Miguel started, doing his best "Hector" impression. "Today, I saw the most beautiful thing… I dreamed about you. Well, you and everyone else. We…" He frowned a little. "We were walking Coco down the aisle. Imelda she looked so much like you… I don't want that day to come too fast though! She's still my little girl! I'll be home soon… Te Amo."

Berto held up his glass.

"For Papa Hector, who hopefully made it home tonight."

They held up their glasses in a toast.

"Salud!"

Imelda smiled softly, bringing her arm around her husband. "How's it feel to finally be here?"

"Amazing… Still, a little worried but… I'm actually here. I'm really here."

"And I'm glad."

The celebrations were in full swing, from eating together to eventually making their way across town to leave specific offerings on the graves as well.

Miguel was picking up the rear taking the time to enjoy the presence of his entire family, all around.

There was still the presences of other skeletons but unlike the previous year it was welcomed. He even saw some folks he recognized from ShantyTown leave his little hideaway with their offerings he had left for them.

"I'm nodding and I'm yessing now count it as a blessing." Miguel hummed softly dancing a little as he walked.

"Miguelito be careful."

"I am Tia Rosita-"

Oscar reached forward grasping his arm to keep him from losing his footing near an open grave. "And none of that for you this year."

"Gracias Tio Oscar." He dusted himself off, looking to where his living family was. He would catch up in a few minutes, he wanted to enjoy this time for a bit… And hoping that this night would continue to be peaceful.

He didn't feel afraid, surrounded by his family. This was HIS place, even if someone else might've been wandering.

One second he was joking around with Hector, the man having him halfway over his shoulder… The next he saw Dante who had been sniffing around a grave, bolt out of view barking like crazy.

"DANTE!" He called squirming out of Hector's hold. "Come back!"

Hector grasped the boy's arm tightly to hold him in place. "No you don't mijo. You know he's fine."

"Mira!" He nodded to where Dante had run off to.

Hector followed Miguel's gaze, seeing a figure standing near one of the graves. The sound of Dante's bark increased as several high-pitched ones joined in.

"You, are staying RIGHT here Chamaco!"

Miguel frowned but crossed his arms, doing as told. Hector exchanged a concerned look with his family.

"We don't know what powers he has and what he doesn't. I'd rather get scattered than you guys. Be careful."

"That's what I should be saying to you mi corazon." Imelda retorted but still brought her arms around Miguel.

Hector gave a reassuring look before breaking into a run.

Dante was crouched low, the barking fading into a growl as Hector moved to his side.

The dogs barking at the boy's side didn't stop. He looked startled upon seeing Hector before shame filled his eyes looking away.

Hector knew what he had been expecting but it was still chilling. A boy who looked exactly like Miguel wearing clothes that looked like his.

But there were still differences, even throwing the eye color out the window. The posture was more timid as he took a few steps backwards. He looked exhausted at that dark circles under his eyes.

Hector put an arm in front of Dante. "Quiet." He told him with a stern look prompting the xolo to go silent but still stayed in his crouched position. "Ay, can you quiet those hell hounds?"

In all honesty, a fight was the last thing he wanted. This wasn't the place for it, nor the time… And he didn't want to fight off a kid of all things. Even if that kid was posed as currently the worst danger to Miguel.

The boy gulped hugging himself tightly, taking another step backwards. Marco in truth hadn't thought about anything past getting to the compound and at least taking a twenty-minute snooze in what he thought was his bed.

"I… I don't know. What're you gonna do to me if I can't?"

Because even though, Marco wanted to believe Hector wasn't violent, he knew what led to the man being how he was. He knew Ernesto's worst secret, and he had been manipulated into almost doing the same thing.

"I just wanna talk." Hector responded. "I know what you are."

The boy flinched.

"And I just wanna ask "why"?"

Marco closed his eyes tightly lowering his head. He felt his throat tighten his breath hitching.

Hector braced himself, but instead of a wave of energy or outright lunging him, the boy looked up tears in his eyes.

"I JUST WANTED TO GO HOME!" He cried out, his voice fading into a loud sob. "I…" He sucked in a shaky breath. "I just wanna go home…"

Now it was Hector's turn to flinch… He didn't see Miguel at all in the boy at this moment. It was something more familiar, more familiar than he wanted to admit.

"What do you mean there's a problem?"

"Well senor… It appears no one has put up your photo. Which, means sadly you can't cross over this year. Maybe next year."

"No, no that can't be. I have a wife and daughter, they had to put up my picture. They wouldn't!"

"Senor p-por favor calm down."

"I HAVE TO GO HOME TO THEM, YOU HAVE TO LET ME GO THROUGH!"

Hector frowned, he knew all too well that feeling.

'You don't even know what's happened the last year do you?"

Marco shook his head biting his lip to keep from crying out again.

"He… He told me so much but I don't know what's real. I… I don't know anymore." He sobbed.

He?

"Who did?" Hector moved closer, still keeping a fair bit of distance.

Marco lowered his head. He felt ashamed he had believed the words of a killer for so long.

"Ernesto de la Cruz." He said softly.

Hector hadn't thought about that man in months. He shuddered, his bones rattling as the memories of their last encounter came to mind. "That rat."

"He is a rat." Marco agreed, sighing. "He lied to me so much… Said stuff that I didn't think about and kept getting me good and mad and tried to keep me that way."

And he emotionally abused this kid until we took notice. Ay dios mio Ernesto you just wanted to pull me down with you didn't you?

"Oh Chico… I know. Never honest, then when you think he's got your back…" Hector trailed off looking away.

"He tries to hurt you again." Marco finished. "I… I have the same powers as your Miguel. Tonight he…" Marco shuddered covering his face with his hands, trying to fight off the flashes he got to seeing Hector's death. "He wanted me to do something really, really bad. He's wanted to get me to do it for a while now but it got worse."

Hector felt his memory of a heart break, without hesitating he walked up to Marco kneeling to his level.

"I'm not angry, I promise. Like I said I just wanna talk."

"I saw it…" Marco whispered. "I saw what he did. I know what he did."

"You saw it.?" Hector shuddered as Marco's hands lowered revealing his eyes that held pain in them.

"I came home tonight and he had this bottle… Said weird stuff about how I'd need it… He wants me to kill Miguel. He… He said I'd need the bottle to do it. I didn't wanna hurt him honest!" Marco tried to explain, his voice getting higher the more anxious he felt.

"Shh, shh, shh. Easy, easy. Deep breath." Hector inhaled, as Marco mimicked him. "Exhale."

He slowly released the breath, looking at his hand seeing how bad it was shaking.

"You don't have to tell me anymore right now. Do you want to harm Miguel?"

"No." He looked Hector in the eyes. "I don't. I didn't even wanna really hurt him. Ernesto kept… Kept making me think I had to, to go home but going home isn't worth it if I have to be like THAT!" He cried out, a screech exiting his mouth. "I JUST WANTED TO LIVE!"

Hector's memory of a heart broke hearing that. He understood all too well that level of desperation, that desire to be home where you felt like you belonged only to have obstacles keeping you from it.

In this case, knowing there was no way to go home and be accepted as he was. No way to ensure he was who he thought he was.

"Miguel-"

"Marco." He interrupted. "The one thing he ever did for me that was decent. He gave me a name."

Ernesto what have you done?

Hector opened his arm, as the boy fell into his embrace crying out. Hector stroked his hair keeping quiet… Letting him have the moment he needed.

He didn't even want to ask what kind of lies Ernesto fed him. Whatever it was, it was all coming undone right there before his eyes.

Internally Hector was both livid and saddened. Livid his former friend had once again found a Rivera to harm and once again saddened that it had gone too far once more.

All he knew was, that this boy didn't have anyone it seemed.

"I got you, I got you…" Hector held him tighter. He didn't know the extent of Marco's memories of last Dias De Muertos. He didn't need to know he decided.

Not yet. He could find out later.

Marco hiccuped, burying his face into Hector's suit. Hector tightened his embrace, resting his head against Marco's.

"It's okay Chico. You don't have to go back to that monster."

Marco nodded, shuddering.

"You're gonna be okay." Hector whispered. "Your not gonna be alone… I'm not letting you be alone."

"I'm sorry." He blurted out. "I'm sorry for getting Luis and Santiago in trouble. I'm sorry for stealing that stuff from the market, I'm sorry I messed up Papa's work bench-"

"I know, I know. And those things were wrong."

"And I won't do it again."

Hector nodded, sitting down keeping him close. Dante was giving him a confused look, as were the chihuahua's.

"... Hey Chico? I know I wasn't gonna ask but… Are hose your alebrijes?"

"I guess? They hate Ernesto now too. They ditched him."

"Good." Hector sighed looking up at the night sky, seeing the fireworks starting off. It was getting late… They had to get home at some point.

He wasn't sure how he was going to sell it to the others but… He had an idea what he needed to do with this boy.

"Marco, I'm gonna talk with the others… And I want you to be there okay? We're gonna talk this out together. No fighting, no huge brawls."

"Okay…" Marco hiccuped. "Do I gotta right now?"

"Take a few minutes. I'm not rushing… We got hours before dawn."

Marco sniffled nodding, Hector continued to stroke his back.

"Technically I'm… I'm your great-great grandson right?"

"That's right. Ernesto is not related to us at all."

"Thank goodness." Marco sighed a little, slumping a bit against Hector. "Sorry… I just… He said weird stuff. I'm looking back on it and wondering why I fell for it."

"He's a good actor. Scarily good."

"Yeah… Do. Do I really have to be there? What if Mama Imelda's alebrije eats me?"

Hector stroked his hair. "Pepita will not eat you, I promise."

"You sure?"

"I mean it Chico - that okay if I call you that?"

"I like it… It's mine?"

"Si."

"Then I like it." Marco smiled a little, glancing up at Hector. "Chico…"

"There's a smile." Hector smiled softly.

Now to face the familia… And if he doesn't feel like he can we'll take it slow.

"Hector? I… I think I'm ready now."

"Alright Chico." Hector helped him to his feet, offering him a hand as they started walking. Dante fell into step behind him as Marco's alebrijes tried to keep up.

The Rivera's were waiting, curiosity coming to their faces as they saw them. Marco holding tightly onto Hector's left hand and upper arm. Hector looking down at the boy in concern.

Hector looked up a serious look coming to his eyes. "Mi familia… We need to have a discussion."

"Yeah." Miguel darted forward out of Imelda's hold stopping right in front of Marco.

Marco gulped ducking behind Hector. "I don't wanna kill you. Just getting that out there."

Miguel looked up at Hector.

"He's not lying mijo."

Miguel nodded walking back a few paces. "That's good… Hah… I should be all freaked out right?"

Marco shrugged keeping quiet. He didn't want any part of this discussion right now, he knew Hector believed him but would the other Rivera's?

"Mi familia, this is Marco. He's a doppelganger yes… But, he has no desire to harm anyone." Hector explained. "And, I'll come right out and say it, Ernesto found him. He's been manipulating him and trying to get him to harm Miguel when all he wanted was to go home where he thought he was supposed to be."

Marco nodded.

Imelda sighed. "Alright we have time. Let's hear the whole story."

Hector nodded, starting to explain what he knew, with Marco chiming in quietly with more specifics.

In the end, they were all disturbed. The worst enemy of their family had found someone who didn't even really know who he was, attempted to turn him into his own personal attack dog.

Miguel gave Marco a look of sympathy. He knew that feeling all too well with believing Ernesto was nothing but a "good guy."

Didn't mean he was. It just meant he was good at hiding his true colors.

Marco was hiding behind Hector clinging to his suit tightly.

"And that's the last of it. Si Chico?"

"Si… I… I'm really sorry Miguel. I didn't wanna hurt you, I mean it. I… I didn't even know what was right anymore."

Miguel nodded. "I get it."

"G-gracias."

Hector ruffled up the boy's hair. "There's a good boy."

"Hey!"

Miguel smirked. "Welcome to my world. He does it ALL the time."

Marco chuckled a little trying to smooth his hair down. "I don't mind." He looked Miguel over. ". It's weird to finally be able to talk together. Y'know?"

"Right? You still like music or…?"

"I do! I had to leave my guitar behind though." He sighed. "I can't go back for it, it was a good guitar too."

"Ay I get ya." Miguel sighed. "And oh boy remember that one made out of scraps?"

"You know out of all the stuff that didn't make it to my memory, that was one I wish hadn't gotten through!" Marco rubbed the back of his neck. "I mean it was hideous let's be honest."

"But oh gosh did it play so good."

Hector chuckled, bringing an arm around Imelda. "So, you all think it'd go like this?"

"Honestly no." Imelda brought her arms around him.

Rosita sighed. "He's too skinny. What was de la Cruz feeding him?"

"And so scared… Poor boy." Coco sighed, looking him over. "He's going to need someone."

"Which side then?" Victoria spoke up. "He's a Rivera."

Marco pulled his hood up feeling nervous, not used to getting this kind of attention. Miguel leaned on him a little.

"Get used to it primo. This is the usual."

"You actually wanna call me primo?" Marco whispered raising an eyebrow.

Miguel grinned. "Your psychic and got better control of some stuff than I do. Can you cross stuff over yet?"

"I… I actually don't know." Marco blinked. "Can't you astral project?"

"Only in his sleep!" The twins shouted as Miguel turned red.

"So I made her drop the sewing machine twice!"

Marco covered his mouth trying not to laugh. "So that's one I got."

"Yeah, show me sometime?"

Marco lowered his hand shaking his head. "You make it sound like I'm gonna be around."

"Why? You in a rush?"

"You need a good meal or two too! Or several!" Rosita chirped.

"We have a spare room at home." Julio pointed out as Coco nodded a warm smile on her face.

"And plenty of love to give too."

Oscar and Felipe looked him over, eyes straying to his boots, taking note of how scuffed up and worn out they looked. "Those cannot be comfortable."

"Not anymore." He shrugged. "I make do though."

"No, no that will not do. No Rivera will ever have shoes that aren't perfect!"

Victoria took a bit of his hoodie into her fingers lifting the fabric up. "And you'll need more clothes than this."

"And… Hector and I did want more children someday." Imelda smiled warmly.

Marco looked to Miguel. "They're… They're serious? And you're okay with this?"

"Well yeah. You're a Rivera, still makes you family."

Marco lowered his hood running a hand through his hair. He looked up gazing at them before his eyes getting a little misty.

"... Then… Can I have one request?" He asked.

"Si, of course!"

He pointed to Imelda and Hector. "Can I call you two "Mama" and "Papa"?"

"Of course! You'd be ours after all!"

Miguel nudged him a bit. "Go, you know you wanna."

Marco broke into a run, right into their arms hugging them tightly… A laugh escaping him.

"See Chico? I said you weren't going to be alone."

Marco closed his eyes, nodding savoring the moment… It wasn't what he expected, not at all. This was going to take some getting used to, but he was more than ready to handle it.

I'm really home…

"Alright HUG THE NEW KID!"

"UWAH!" He laughed as he was swept into a group embrace. This was still his family, these were still people who loved him.

I really am home…

Miguel ruffled up his hair. "Yeah, welcome to the family Marco!"

"HEY! QUIT IT!"

"NEVER!"

No fighting, no having to cross him over. He's just family.

Yeah… I think I like the sound of that.

He could hear Luisa calling for him from across the cemetery. He looked to the others. "You guys good if I run?"

"I think we got a few arrangements to make mijo. Go right ahead." hector ruffled his hair up. "Go."

Miguel smiled before running off to be with the rest of the family, grabbing up Socorro out of Luisa's arms.

"C'mere hermanita!"

Socorro squealed cuddling close to her brother.

"Someone's in a good mood, what kept you?" Luisa asked bringing an arm around her children.

"Had to take care of something."

Our family got a little bigger.

This was a WAY better Dias De Muertos than before.

Way better.