Xochimilco

Near Xochimilco, in the south part of Mexico City. Located near the rivers, a little house stands in it. The small house is located at the bottom of the temple. The house looks in ruins, there are no doors or windows, the roofs have large holes…At that house, two small siblings live there in a very tough situation…

Note; This conversation is Ancient Aztec…

“Xochitl, it’s going to rain, finish your meal and open your umbrella.” A silhouette of a boy says as he stands in the door.

“Alright I will Adihe.” The silhouette of Xochitl says as she drinks from a broken glass. Adihe looks at a small serpent; “Quetzi, what’s wrong? You look troubled”

“It looks like someone evil has arrived in this area…We must be careful; it looks like he has the same mana as the one who killed your mother.”

Adihe gets furious;”Perfect, I will get my revenge against that monster…”

“Brother, you’re scaring me…” Xochilt trembles, Adihe notices and hugs her; “I’m sorry Xochilt, I didn’t mean to scare you…”

Lightning strikes down illuminating the house revealing how the siblings look like.

Ahide (Age 10) has black hair, yellow eyes and brown skin. He is wearing a blue sweater with black shorts and sandals.

Xochitl (Age 8) she has long brown hair with pinkish colored eyes and brown skin. She is wearing a small brown dress with some decorations and sandals.

Rain pours down as Xochitl opens the umbrella, Ahide sits next to Xochitl and hugs her. Xochitl cries:

“I miss my mother.” Ahide looks up and says: “I miss her too.”

Quetzi the serpent stays close to them; “SSS…I’M SORRY, I PROMISE THAT I WILL PROTECT BOTH OF YOU WITH MY LIFE!”

A few meters away from where the siblings live, a silhouette slowly approaches them. Lighting falls once more revealing to be El Muerto; “The great God Kukulkan lives there, I can’t believe how low he has fallen…”

“Well dear, it’s because the Godly power was stolen a long time ago…” El Muerto hears someone approaching him. El Muerto jumps back as he sees a silhouette asking:

“Who are you?”

The silhouette slowly walks towards El Muerto slowly; “I am a humble old lady taking a walk, that’s all…” The silhouette comes out of the tree into the light revealing to be an old woman.

“I didn’t sense her…when did she arrive?” El Muerto is on the defensive. The old woman chuckles:

“Calm down young one, I am here to help you…my name is Bella…”

“Bella?” El Muerto notices a crow landing on her shoulder and a black cat cuddling her leg; “Those animals, they have mana with them…it’s something weird…”

Bella has the appearance of an Old woman. Her skin is brown with wrinkles, she has a little hump on her back, and has only one eye open. She has white hair without brushing.

“I came here to help you. You see, I have with me part of Kukulkan’s power…” Bella shows El Muerto a sphere filled with mana from different colors. El Muerto walks forward:

“Why do you have that power with you…don’t tell me that you’re…”

“Let’s keep it a secret, for now here…be creative and convince the children to help you…” Bella throws the sphere to El Muerto; “Use this with the Gem of Kukulkan and you will release its power…have fun…”

Bella slowly disappears along with her cat and crow. El Muerto looks at the orb and slowly walks towards the house where the children are located.

***************************************************************************

Hotel Mexica; Estado de México

(SSSPPPLLLAAASSHHH)

“Take this”

“GYYAHHH”

The students decided to go and have fun in the pool. All the girls play in the water. Alejandro, Crespo and Angel play with the girls as well. Antoine decided to swim across the pool. Raul types on his computer on a beach bench. Stephan draws on his sketchbook. The professors are looking at them as they eat dinner at a table next to the pool...

Everyone has fun, the only students missing are Leticia and Uriel.

“Catch Alejandro…” Marjorie throws a beach ball. Alejandro catches it and throws it back:

“Catch!”

“This is so much fun right?” Marjorie says with a smile. Alejandro smiles back, nodding in agreement. Marjorie looks around:

“Hey, where’s Uriel…”

“Oh, he said he had something to do…” Alejandro replies. Marjorie lowers her eyes; “Oh, I see…”

“But don’t feel bad, I’m sure he’ll come…”

“Well, I hope so…I mean I want him to see my new swimsuit…” Victoria says as she steals the beachball. Marjorie gets angry and makes a fake smile; “Well, he won’t pay attention to you because he will be only looking at me…”

Both of them “release flames” with fake smiles. Alejandro chuckles nervously; “Calm down girls…”

Angela uses the opportunity and hugs him from behind; “Alejandro, want to play with me?”

Alejandro blushes for a moment and nods in agreement. Meanwhile, the LeFleur and Cortes stare at each other. Antoine begins to speak:

“Let me start by saying that Uriel knows about our Organization…”

TCH- Ana looks angry; “You had to open your mouth…”

“No Ana, it was both of us…we had no choice…” Angel steps in and avoids starting another conflict.

“So what do we do now?” Madeleine asks the others.

Marinette asks; “So…is Uriel that strong?”

“Yes he is…and we must avoid making him angry…”

Everyone looks tense. Suddenly, a beach ball hits Antoine.

(PPUUMM)

“OUCH!”

“Sorry, can you pass it back?” Marjorie waves with a smile. Crespo looks at the others and suggests:

“Well, for now, let’s just enjoy our time here…El Charro said that he wasn’t interested, besides…we are just investigating, we won’t interfere right?”

Everyone nods in agreement, and heads with Marjorie’s group to play. Marjorie looks at the door asking herself:

“Where could Uriel be?”

***************************************************************************

Room 530 Kasumi Miyazono and Johanna Gomez

Kasumi and Johanna decided to stay in their rooms…Kasumi felt sick and Johanna decided to stay and aid her…Kasumi decided to change her clothing…Johanna decided to take a shower…

“Aww…I really feel bad Johanna, you were stuck with me all day…” Kasumi, who is in her underwear, looks at the bathroom door. Johanna finishes taking a shower, she dries off and looks at the mirror:

“Don’t worry about it, it’s my job as a nurse to help those in need…”

“Yeah, but still…” Kasumi lowers her head feeling disappointed. Johanna chuckles; “Well, now you know that airplane food is bad for your health.”

“I learned my lesson…” Kasumi and Johanna chuckle. Johanna finishes drying herself; “Hey, want to go to the pool? I bet Uriel will be there…”

Kasumi blushes and doesn’t respond at first. Johanna teases her; “ Imagine seeing him in a swimsuit, I bet he will look so hot…”

“Johanna stop it…” Kasumi exclaims as she turns red as a tomato. “Oh what’s wrong, aren’t you interested in him?” Kasumi lowers her head being honest:

“Johanna, do you think he will ever see me as a woman? I mean, we have fought in many battles before but I still feel as if we are really distant”

“Kasumi, you must be more confident with yourself…of course he will, I mean look at yourself, you have a nice body, big boobs, long hair and you act all innocent…any man would fall for you…if you want some tips, I think you should ditch the glasses…well, that's just an advice…”

Kasumi takes off her glasses; “Do you think he will notice me more like that?”

“Who will notice you?”

“Isn’t it obvious…Uri…” Kasumi turns around and opens her eyes wider and panics; “U-U-URIEL!!!!”

Uriel stands on the window and he slowly walks inside; “Kasumi, we need to talk…”

“W-W-Why are you here? Uriel…I am…” Kasumi takes a look at herself and remembers she is in her underwear:

“GGGYYYAAAAHHH”

Kasumi immediately hides behind her bed; “Please don’t look at me…”

“Oh my, who do we have here?” Johanna with a lustful tone comes out of the bathroom wearing just a towel; “If it isn’t El Charro Negro…did you come here to have some fun? I was just taking a shower, would you care to join me?”

“No…” Uriel coldly replies, Johanna chuckles; “I love it when you reject me…”

Uriel looks at Kasumi; “Kasumi, this is urgent…”

“Uriel please turn around, I need to get dressed. Johanna, you two…”

“Why me, I think I look fine the way I am…”

Uriel sighs and jumps off the window; “Fine, but make it quick” Uriel uses his holy wind to float outside.

After Johanna and Kasumi put on their swimsuits, Uriel went ahead and explained the situation about the Mage's Association…

“So you found out Uriel…it’s true, the M.A.G.I.C is an organization made up of mages who are in charge of protecting Europe. They are independent from Yggdrasil and have different motives than us. The fact that they are here means that they have interest in the Borderland as well…The Cortes and the LeFleur are rival families who belong to that organization.”

Kasumi sits on her bed, Uriel looks at Johanna; “Are you part of that organization?”

“Oh no…I am loyal to the country where we live, I belong to a different one, if you want me to tell you the name…than…you will have to kiss me…”

“WWWHHHAATTT???” Kasumi exclaims, Uriel sighs; “I’ll pass…right now, we must discuss our objectives on why we came here in the first place…”

“So cold…fufufu…” Johanna chuckles as she licks her lips. Kasumi looks at Uriel and explains:

“Uriel, our objective right now is to find out what that creature was in the picture and also to learn why the Lucifugus insisted on sending people here…plus…”

Kasumi looks embarrassed; “It’s also normal for us to have some vacations right?”

“I see…” Uriel turns around and looks at the clouds; “Kasumi, are there more members of M.A.G.I.C here?”

“I wouldn’t know…but Uriel, try to relax, you are in a school trip after all…”

“She’s right, why don’t you come with us to the pool? You could have fun and you get to see your teacher in a bikini…”

Uriel looks at both of them thinking; “Maybe I should just take it easy…”

(BBAADDUUMMPPP)

Uriel feels a disturbance and opens the window; “There’s a Sombra here, it’s on the ceiling…”

“Really, then I’ll go…” Kasumi stands up. Uriel stretches his arm, stopping her; “No…we are on a vacation after all…I will take care of it and then go with you at the pool…”

Uriel makes a little smile and jumps off the window. Using his holy wind as an impulse, Uriel jumps towards the ceiling.

Kasumi looks at Johanna; “Hey, do you think he will be okay?”

“Fufufu…Of course, he is El Charro Negro after all…”

***************************************************************************

A Few moments before…

At the ceiling, Leticia Marino decided to sit in a corner and read her book below a tarp that would cover her from the rain…She wanted to get away from everyone and thought that the ceiling was the best place…

“Finally, some peace and quiet…I don’t know why but those girls started talking to me…” Leticia looks at the clouded sky; “It looks like it’s about to rain…I like the rain…”

Leticia sees her book, she opens it and smiles; “How I wish I could be inside this books where there is always an adventure and the protagonist doesn’t have to worry about the future…only what is happening now…”

Leticia you must study…study so that we don’t have to suffer from poverty…study to be rich and don’t end up like us…

Leticia remembers her father’s words and gets depressed; “Father, I only want to read books…I don’t care about the future…I just want to be in a place away from everyone…”

(DRIP DRIP DROP DROP DROP)

Rain falls very lightly, leaving a very pleasant aroma. Leticia enjoys reading her book. Without warning, Leticia feels someone is looking at her; “Who is there?”

(STEP STEP STEP)

Leticia opens her eyes wider as she sees two sombras standing in front of her. One has the body of a jaguar with the face of a parrot. The other stands on two legs, has a pair of wings, the body of an ape with the face of a jaguar. The Sombras have black bodies with red circle patterns covering the entire body.

(RRRAAWWW)

The jaguar Sombra attacks Leticia. “GGYYAAAHH” Leticia dodges the attack.-BBBOOMMM- Leticia tries to run to the exit; “What are those monsters? They are the same as before…”

(RRRAAWWW)

The ape sombra jumps and lands in front of her. Leticia runs to the other side. She goes under some ventilation tubes. Leticia crawls fast, she tries to avoid the Sombras as they stretch their claws trying to grab her. Leticia notices an opening and gets out of the tubes and tries to run.

“I need to get to the door…”

(PPUUMM)

The Jaguar Sombras pushes her with his body sending her flying to the edge of the building. Leticia loses her glasses, she desperately tries to find them. The moment she grabs them, she notices that she is surrounded by both Sombras. She looks like a mouse trapped by a cat.

“NO…S-S-STAY AWAY…”

Leticia trembles with fear. The Sombras get closer and chuckle:

“POOR…GIRL…SHE IS SCARED…PATHETIC…I WANT TO EAT HER SLOWLY AND MAKE HER SUFFER…”

“STUPID APE…I WANT TO EAT HER ARM FIRST TO HEAR HER SCREAM…”

Upon hearing those words, Leticia wets herself. The Sombras laugh harder as they grab Leticia by the neck.

“N-N-No…someone…help…”

The Ape Sombra slowly moves her closer to his mouth and the Jaguar Sombra grabs her arm.

“Hey you stupid pedophiles…stop harrasing my partner…”

(SSSLLLAASSHHH)

Without warning, Ape Sombra’s arm gets cut, letting Leticia go. The Jaguar Sombra also gets his leg cut.

“WHO IS THAT…DAMN YOU…”

Leticia, who is barely conscious, looks at someone approaching. The moon slowly comes out of the clouds revealing Uriel standing next to them. Leticia cries as she feels relief; “U-U-Uriel…”

“I see that you are alive Leticia, that’s good…” The Sombras charge straight at Uriel, however, the part of the ceiling where Leticia is, suddenly breaks apart. Leticia begins to fall:

“GYYAAHHH”

“LETICIA!” Uriel with great speed runs straight at the edge and jumps down in order to save her. Leticia falls and sees the lake; “Am I going to die? Is this the end of my adventure?”

“LETICIA” Uriel uses his holy wind to create more speed. Leticia loses consciousness, Uriel catches up to her and grabs her.

(RRRAAAWWW)

Uriel looks up and sees the Sombras falling straight at him. At that moment, Uriel makes his pistol appear and smiles:

“You damn fools, you’re dead…”

(BANG BANG)

Uriel fires two bullets, instantly killing the Sombras. Uriel turns around and notices the speed that they are falling.

“At this speed I won’t be able to stop…” Uriel looks at the lake; “That’s it…” Uriel extends his hands and creates a red portal at the ground.

(SSSPPPLLLAASSHHH)

Before touching the ground, Uriel and Leticia pass through a portal to the lake. Uriel let’s go of Leticia, Leticia opens her eyes and sees the moon.

***************************************************************************

Leticia floats on the water as she began to dream:

“When I was little, I always wanted to be a princess like in those stories that my father used to read…”

Leticia imagines herself as a princess; “My mother always made me those dresses, I was so happy and yet so naive…”

Leticia sees her father and mother crying because they lost their house; “My parents were poor, we hardly had anything to eat in Italy…I grew up in a small town located South of Italy called; Pomacio. I was happy despite always being hungry…and yet…”

Leticia sees her being dragged away from her parents; “My parents “sold me” to a rich landlord who promised me a better future…that landlord sent me here because he said I was a prodigy…I never knew why…”

Leticia sees the landlord hitting her, and her walking to her room filled with books; “That’s why I love books, because they made me escape from this cruel reality…I learn every language from ancient to modern because of them…but I am always scared of speaking to people…maybe it’s better if I just…died…”

(GULP)

“Where am I?” Leticia slowly opens her eyes and looks around, there is a fireplace keeping her warm. She has her body lying next to a tree and she has a coat as a blanket.

“I see you're awake…” Leticia looks at the lake and sees Uriel standing there.

“Uriel…why are you here?” Leticia remembers everything; “That's Right, I was attacked by those Alebrijes…”Leticia stands up; “Uriel, were those Alebrijes just part of my imagination?”

“I’m afraid not…they were real…” Leticia notices that she is talking to someone and panics; “I-I-I’m sorry, I was speaking so informal…”

“That doesn’t matter…” Uriel gets closer to her, he sits in front of her; “Listen Leticia, those monsters are called Sombras, they are Alebirjes who were corrupted by human malice. The fact that you see them means that you have manna…”

“Manna, you mean nature energy? Is it real?”

“It is, I know you have noticed a strange feeling around people, right?”

“Now that you mention it, I sense the presence of something when I'm with other people. Is that manna?"

"Yes it is...I sense that your manna is strong and because of that...you will always be a target…"

Leticia remembers moments of her past and smiles; "In a sense...I already knew...that's why I always went to school and stood in the library and always hurry back to my house before it was dark...because the Somhras would always chase me...I was so scared…I am afraid of people..."

"I see…"

"Uriel, can you help me? Can you protect me from them?"

"No...I'm afraid I can't…" Uriel replies very coldly. Leticia lowers her head, Uriel looks at her and gets closer:

"Leticia, it's normal to feel scared but listen...If you are ever in danger, I will protect you...right now you are my partner and that means that you are someone who I will protect…"

" Really?" Leticia looks with excitement. Uriel continues to speak; "Listen, Somhras normally attack people who are alone...I suggest you be brave enough to make friends...You should be more confident with yourself...if you are with friends, the Sombras will not attack...I can promise you that…"

Leticia hesitates at first, she takes a deep breath and nods in agreement. Uriel puts out the little fireplace:

"It's time to head back...you need to change yourself because you had an accident…"

Leticia remembers wetting herself and gets embarrassed; "R-R-Right…do you think I am a coward…"

“Of course, but everyone is a coward in their own ways…I myself consider myself a coward…” Uriel remembers the time he left his family without telling them.

“Come on…”

“Right”

As they walk back, Uriel gives Leticia her book; “Here, this is yours…”

“Thank you, I love reading books…”

“I see you’re a fan of History? I also like that subject…”

“Really?” Leticia shows him the book title; La Conquista de Cortés (Cortés’ Conquest):

“Did you know that according to this book, Hernan Cortes conquered the Aztecs with the help of two mysterious knights and a witch?”

“A witch?”

“That’s right…a Witch in Red…”

“I see…now that is interesting, how about tomorrow we talk more about it…we’ve arrived…”

They arrive to the hotel entrance, Uriel turns around; “I will stay a couple of minutes here…you go on ahead…” Leticia looks at him walking away, she gathers courage and shouts:

“URIEL!”

Uriel turns around, Leticia waves smiling; “Thank you!” Uriel smiles a little; “You’re welcome…” Leticia walks inside.

Uriel towards the trees; “I know you’re there! Come out!”

A beautiful woman comes out from the shadows; “You’re Rhythm Sense is flawless, nice work Muchacho…”

Uriel opens his eyes wider as he sees that the woman is Felicitas; “You’re the one from before…”

“Good evening, my name Felicitas.We need to talk, Uriel Di Fiore…”

***************************************************************************

Near the Lake…

Uriel decided to follow Felicitas as she requested to speak to him in private…The clouds covered the moon and the sky once more with lightning falling to the ground…

“My, oh my, now that I look at you, you are quite handsome, just like your predecessor…” Felicitas looks at Uriel with lust. Uriel, being impatient, demands:

“CUT TO THE CHASE! ARE YOU FOLLOWING ME?”

“Following you? You make me laugh, I am also staying at the hotel…Room 230 if you want to have some fun Muchacho…”

-TCH- Felicitas chuckles, Uriel gets angry upon seeing her joking.

“Relax Muchacho, it’s just a joke…the reason I came here is…”

In a blink of an eye, Felicitas makes a small dagger appear and attacks Uriel.-SSSLLLAASHH- Uriel dodges the attack, Felicitas chuckles:

“Fufufu, your reflexes are impressive…now how about this…”

“Stay calm, use the rhythm…wait…” Uriel tries to read her movements but Felicitas moves faster.-SSSLLLASSHH- She makes a cut on Uriel’s cheek. Uriel opens his eyes wider; “The attack…I didn’t see her…”

“And you won’t Muchacho, because your “Song Field” is just the level of a novice…”

“Song Field?” Uriel is shocked upon hearing that word. -STEP- Felicitas makes a step. Suddenly, musical waves from every color become visible to Uriel’s eyes, Felicitas smiles:

“Campo de la Canción (Song Field); Principio (Beginning)”

Uriel looks around on how the sound waves stretch all the way where the eye can see.

“That Juan, I bet he never explained to you about the Song Field right?”

“No he didn’t, I left before my training was completed…”

“I see…well then Muchacho, I hope you brought your notepad because classes are about to begin…” Felicitas gets closer to Uriel and begins to explain:

“You see the “Rhythm Sense” is just another way to perceive mana…we perceive them by hearing the rhythm of the world…close your eyes and you will hear the rhythm of nature…”

-♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫-

Uriel hears the rhythms of the trees, the animals and the water itself. Felicitas puts her forehead closer to him; “You can hear them right? That’s what the “Song Field” is…it’s a field in which you concentrate your senses in a space…what we are hearing now is my Song Field…try to create yours…”

Felicitas stops creating the Song Field. Uriel closes his eyes and hears her words; “In order to activate it, use your Rhythm sense and expand it beyond your own body and soul…”

“Beyond my body and soul..”

(BADUMP BADUMP BADUMP)

Slowly, musical waves become visible and come out of Uriel’s body extending in a wide area. -CLAP CLAP CLAP-Felicitas claps; “Excellent Muchacho…you’re a quick learner”

“Yes but maintaining it…it’s difficult…” Uriel struggles to maintain it, Felicitas pats his head; “Calm down, remember that breathing is the most important thing in life...breathe slowly...and open your eyes…”

Uriel breathes slowly and manages to control the Song Field. He breathes slowly and opens his eyes. Felicitas draws her sword:

"Song Field is like a song that is divided into three parts. First, let's try the opening stage called; Principio (Beginning). Concentrate on my attack and try to dodge it. I will be faster than before…"

Uriel notices the silhouette of Felicitas next to her; "You can see a silhouette next to me right?"

Uriel nods in agreement. "Well then, here I come…" Felicitas moves her sword in a stabbing position.

"Wait, the silhouette is moving to my right side…." Uriel sees the silhouette move before Felicitas. Felicitas moves the same way as the silhouette. Uriel dodges her attack with ease.

"Good…" Felicitas smiles; " With this field, you will see the silhouette of the movement. With normal rhythm sense you can predict a movement through a song but with this, you can actually hear and see the movement itself... It will give you an advantage but if you hesitate it will be a drawback…you won't move on time and receive the attack..."

" I see…"

"Now for the next part; Choir (Coro). The enhancement on your attacks. Uriel, remember the attack on the Zocalo?"

"Yes, the Sombras were killed instantly by what appears to be slashes."

"Indeed, that was my attack...with Choir, you will make your attacks long range…Uriel swing your sword towards that tree…"

Uriel nods and swings his sword. -SLAASSSHH- The tree in front of them gets cut in half. Uriel looks impressed. Felicitas chuckle; "Fufufu...excellent...if you use your attacks with this form, you will be invincible in close range as well.The only drawback is that it uses too much stamina…"

"I see...what about the third and final stage…"

"Fufufu, I'm afraid the "Finale" would be too much to show here...basically, you will reduce the Song Field into a circumference with a radius of 1 meter...it will amplify the first two stages by 10 times but it has a huge drawback. You will drain your manna and stamina in an instant the moment you finished activating it...You will need to train the first two in order to perfect the third and you should only use it when your life depends on it…"

"I understand...can I ask why are you teaching me this?"

"No particular reason, I feel like it is my duty to pass my knowledge to the next generation. Also, I was part of the Mariachi Group that Juan belonged to and also...you look like someone I used to know…"

"I see...thank you…"

"No problem muchacho…I think we should go back...I have a bottle of Tequila that I want to drink...care to join me?"

"No thanks...I'm a minor…"

"Oh right...oh well...you should deactivate the Song Field…"

"Right…"

We need to talk...it's about El Charro Negro…

Uriel hears someone talking; " What's going on? I hear voices…"

" Oh yeah...with Song Field you can hear people within your reach…"

Uriel...I understand…

"Wait...this voice...Marjorie…"

***************************************************************************

Pool Locker Room…

At the same time…Marinette, Madeleine and Marjorie decided to go and change back to their normal clothes as the pool closed…As they were getting dressed, they were having an important conversation…

“That stupid Alejandro, I can’t believe he is such a pervert, taking off the top part of your swimsuit, ma sœur (sister)…” Marinette expresses her rage towards Alejandro. Marjorie chuckles; “Don’t be mad, I mean, it was an accident and he apologized so…please try to forgive him…”

“There you go again Marjorie, always trying to defend him…he’s a perv and you know it…”

“Well, he might be a little pervert…but he had no intention…” Marjorie chuckles, Madeleine stands in the corner sulking; “Everybody saw my boobs, I am very embarrassed…now I won’t get married…”

“Cheer up ma sœur (sister), I will make everyone forget about don’t worrying…”*

This is a story that you will read about in a special chapter later on…

“Mercy” Madeleine stands up and continues to change. Ana enters the changing room; “Sorry to interrupt but we need to talk now…”

“Right, we need to talk about El Charro Negro…” Marinette looks at the other girls. Marjorie puts a serious expression:

“Uriel…I understand…”

The girls finish changing and decide to sit on the benches. Ana sighs; “As much as I hate to be in the same room as you guys, we are part of the same M.A.G.I.C. and we have the same mission…”

Marinette nods in agreement; “You’re right, we from the Mages Association have the task of investigating the phenomena occurring in the region known as the Borderland…”

Madeleine explains; “Right now, we have noticed powerful entities gathering in the Borderland; The Chupacabras, the Skinwalker, and the Ghoul…Fortunately for us, Yggdrasil has taken care of all those situations without us having to intervene…”

“Indeed, we are only Low-Level mages…Marjorie is Mid-Level along with Antoine and Crespo…the leader is High-Level but she said she prefers to avoid those types of monsters…”

Madeleine looks at Marjorie; “You’re friend, Alejandro is officially a member of Yggdrasil…I heard he’s strong…Marjorie, does he know about your situation?”

“No…I haven’t told him…and I am worried about his situation with the Golden Key…”

“You’re right, the Golden Key is dangerous, but that’s something beyond our reach…for now, to talk about what we will do with El Charro…”

Marinette chuckles; “Oh yes, Uriel Di Fiore…The Leader informed us that he made an alliance with Yggdrasil along with the Shaman Priestess, Tiwa…”

Ana looks at Marjorie; “Marjorie, we must be cautious, even though he has acted as a good guy defending the school and purging the ombres (Shadows). But he is a threat and he is on the wanted list for the European continent as a criminal…”

Marinette and Madeleine nod in agreement; “Marjorie, you must keep your distance, he is a démon (Demon)...despite his handsome look…”

“Don’t worry about me…I understand that I must be careful but still, I promised to see him and that’s what I will do…”

The twins sigh; “Very well…but we will be watching you from a distance, you are our squad leader and as such remember our mission here…”

Marjorie nods; “I know, I am the leader of this squad…Our leader, Riina left us with the task of investigating the Borderland and most important, the Seven Cities of Gold…I will not fail that mission…but for now, it’s almost 10pm and I promised Uriel we would meet…”

“Right…” The girls nod in agreement.

***************************************************************************

Outside the Hotel…

At that moment, people will call it fate, or just a coincidence but…Uriel heard everything in their conversation…

“Muchacho, are you alright?” Felicitas asks Uriel as she sees him making a fist and trembling.

“I am…” Uriel replies without any expression. The Song Field disappears, Felicitas also hears everything. Felicitas looks at Uriel and sighs; “Sorry, but that is also a drawback from the Song Field, you get to hear unwanted conversations. But to be honest, it must be really hard for you right now…”

“It isn’t…it was my fault…I’ve been letting my guard down…I’ve been acting more like…”

“More like a human?”

“...” Uriel doesn’t say a word, Felicitas pats his head; “Muchacho, unfortunately, people like you and me have it different from others. El Charro Negro will always be a target, and those who are related to him will also be targeted…It’s normal to act like a normal teenager, but remember that you aren’t…Things like love, friendship and emotions will only get you killed…”

“I know…” Uriel walks towards the hotel, Felicitas sighs one more time with her eyes closed; “I don’t what you will do Muchacho but remember this…don’t do anything that you will regret later…El Charro Negro is someone that lives between the worlds of the living and the dead…”

“I understand…thank you for the lessons…Ms. Felicitas…”

“Call me Felicitas…I will see you around, Muchacho…” Felicitas slowly disappears from his sight. Uriel continues to walk towards the hotel.

(DRIP DRIP DROP DROP DROP)

Uriel approaches the entrance, Marjorie stands there with an umbrella, she is wearing a white blouse with a short black skirt. She looks at Uriel approaching and waves at him:

“URIEL! OVER HERE! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?”

Uriel doesn’t answer as he thinks; “I let my guard down, I feel that it’s just like that time…” Uriel remembers a girl with black hair, red eyes and pale skin.

Marjorie notices that something is wrong, Uriel gets closer to her, Marjorie extends her arm; “Uriel?”

Uriel passes by her without saying a word. Marjorie is surprised and grabs his arm; “Wait, is something wrong? Uriel, are you mad at me? There is something I wanted to talk to you about…”

“Nothing is wrong and there is nothing to talk about…it’s just, like El Charro, I am a threat to the Mages Association, right?”

Marjorie opens her eyes wider; “How did you…”

“How do I know? Well, that’s simple…I am El Charro Negro…” Uriel points at the trees over there; “Why don’t you let your friends come over here…”

Marinette, Madeleine and Ana come out of the trees; “How did he know? I can’t believe it…”

Majorie looks at Uriel; “Uriel, I can explain, I wanted to tell you but…”

“Marjorie stop…You don’t have the obligation to tell anything…I was a fool in believing in you…”

“No Uriel…please listen…”

(BADUMP)

Uriel feels the killing intent coming out of the three girls behind her.

“Duermanse” (Sleep) Uriel puts everyone in the lobby and outside to sleep. Including Victoria, Angela and Stefan who were hiding in the bushes. Alejandro comes out of the bushes; “What the hell man…”

“Alejandro, you also knew that she was part of M.A.G.I.C.?” Uriel asks Alejandro, Alejandro nods in agreement.

Uriel releases mana as he glares on both Alejandro and Marjorie. Alejandro nervously tries to speak; “Hey man, I just found out by accident, I was going to tell you…please, calm down…”

At that moment, Antoine, Angel and Crespo charge from behind with daggers. Uriel uses his manna to manipulate the vines from bushes and trees and ties the guys and girls up.

(GGYYAAHHH)

“You monster, let us go…” Marinette screams. Majorie looks at Uriel with fear; “Uriel…please stop…”

“Marjorie ran away from that demon…run!” Antoine and the others say to Marjorie.

Uriel chuckes; “You imbeciles…I am not a demon…I am far more evil than that…You guys from M.A.G.I.C. are naive when you think you can defeat me…I guess she was right, I am a monster and a monster doesn’t have no one…I was stupid in believing in you guys…”

Uriel releases crimson manna. Alejandro gets in front of Marjorie; “Marjorie stays behind me…”

(BBBAAADDUUUMMPPP)

At that moment, Uriel stops as he looks in front; “This manna…”

“AAAAYYYY MMMIIISSS HHHHIIIJJJOOOSSSS”

Everyone is paralyzed upon hearing that cry. Alejandro and Marjorie look in front and see from afar, a woman in white dress walking in the water. The woman has no reflection and slowly cries one more time:

“AAAYYYY MMMIIISSSS HHHHIIIJJJJOOOOSSS”

Uriel lets everyone go…at that moment, a pillar of light shines from afar…

***************************************************************************

A few moments before… Xochimilco

Bella, a mysterious old lady, gave El Muerto a sphere, that sphere contains the power of a God…El Muerto decided to speak with the kids…

(DRIP DRIP DROP DROP)

Rain falls with great intensity, the house where the kids are located has hole and it’s in bad shape, almost to the verge of collapsing.

“Big brother…I’m hungry…” Xochitl looks at her empty plate. Adihe looks down; “I’m sorry sister, that bread was all I had…”

SSS….SOMEONE IS COMING…

“Quetzi, who is it?” The snake crawls to the door. The door slowly opens the door, a hooded figure stands in front. Lightning falls revealing El Muerto’s face, the kids look scared, the Serpent gros bigger to the size of the room:

STAY BACK…SSSSS….

“The Mighty God Kukulkan…to think a God ended up like this…”

YOU KNOW WHO I AM?

“Of course…incredible for you to understand my language”

I am God…language isn’t an issue…

“Quetzi,what is he saying?” Adihe asks, El Muerto looks at the kids and chuckles; “So, the ancient language of the Aztecs, that woman was right…”

“I came here to help you…” El Muerto removes the hood and the mask. The kids are surprised. Quetzi, the serpent reduces its size; YOU…YOUR FACE IS FAMILIAR…

“Like I said, I came here to help…here…” El Muerto, who is now unmasked, has a feminine voice, extends the arm and leaves a basket filled with food. The kids hesitate at first. El Muerto says; “It’s not poisonous…”

El Muerto grabs an apple and bites it. -GGRRRROOOWWLLL- The kids, who are hungry, look at Quetzi. Quetzi nods in agreement, the kids run and eat the food in the basket.

WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?

“I want your help…you see, a figure named El Charro Negro has come here in search for a treasure, a golden key…”

Golden Key? You mean from the Golden City of Halona?

“That’s right, and he came here with a group of people who threatened this place…a few of them are known as the Cortes…”

“Cortes…did that person say Cortes?” Adihe stands up and goes to El Muerto; “Where are they? Take me to them…I want to kill them…”

“I’m sorry, I don’t understand your language…”

Adihe enough…you must finish eating and let me speak…

Adihe continues to eat. El Muerto continues to speak; “They are here to destroy this environment…the Cortes have come to finish them off…the last descendants of the Aztecs, am I right?”

You are…I cannot permit that…however, I was reduced to this state by the Red Witch…

“I see…then how about we make a deal…you will help me find the golden key in order for me to protect it, and in return, I will give you the power to stop them…they are threat and a common enemy…I also promise to protect the children…”

Quetzi doesn’t say a thing, Quetzi looks at the children eating and smiling; I accept…

“Excellent, then, here you go…” El Muerto throws the sphere to Quetzi; “I suggest you go outside…”

Quetzi goes outside. El Muerto explains; “Now break the orb and absorb the power…”

(CCRRRAAACCCKKK)

Quetzi bites the orb.-BBBBOOOMMMM- Golden mana comes out and forms a pillar illuminating the sky. Quetzi slowly absorbs the mana; This is my power, this is the grace of the Gods…

“It is, but only a fraction…that’s the only thing I got for now…”

That’s alright…I need it so I can defeat them…I want revenge on those who called themselves Guerra, Conquista, Isabella and Cortes…they will know my fury…

“Excellent, I will be on my way…here…money for your troubles, go sleep in another place…” El Muerto puts back the hood and the mask and opens a portal. El Muerto slowly disappears as he says; “I will contact you tomorrow…”

(BBBOOOMMM GGYYYAAHHH)

Uriel uses his holy wind to stop the shock wave. Alejandro, who is holdin Marjorie screams; “WHAT’S THAT POWER”

The shockwave stops and the pillar disappears. Uriel opens a portal and walks in it. Alejandro tries to stop him:

“Uriel wait…”

“Alejandro, be careful…” Uriel closes the portal.

The woman in white disappears as well leaving the student in shock at what just happened.

Meanwhile…

In Room 510, El Muerto paid a visit to the Professors…

(PPUUMMM)

“Gyahh, sto please…you’re going to kill him…” Dr. Escobar says as she witnesses El Muerto stepping over Dr. Ortiz. El Muerto begins to speak:

“Now, listen, here are the lists of the students who will go to Xochimilco…I need you to follow my instructions or I will kill you…”

“Y-Y-Yes I will…please, let me go…”

“Good…don’t forget, I will be watching…” El Muerto disappears. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Escobar are left with no choice as they see each other with fear.

El Muerto appears near the lake as he looks at the moon; “Everything is set…now for the plan to begin…and we will achieve the Golden Key…”

Uriel stands on the ceiling and looks at the horizon thinking; “What was that power? and that woman…What is going on here?”

“AAAAAYYYYY MMMMIIIIISSS HHHHIIIIJJJJOOOOOSSS”

In another location, the woman in white appears in front of a house.

(BADUMP BADUMP BADUMP)

A small child wakes up, hears the cry and gets hypnotized. The child slowly comes out of the house.

(BADUMP BADUMP BADUMP)

The woman grabs the child and disappears in the rain without a trace.