Phoenopolix, Land of the Phoenix
AT THE PHOENIX HIDEOUT
Chiko, Brando, Blas, Iggy, Dom, and James gathered in their hideout, adorned with vibrant marigolds and papel picado. They shared stories of their departed loved ones while crafting intricate sugar skulls and papel picado banners.
"I'm so excited for today," Brando said.
"Pop quiz, Brando," Chiko replied. "¿Cómo se dice eso en español?"
"Uhh... Soy excitado por hoy?" Brando answered.
"It's actually Estoy muy emocionado por hoy," Dom replied.
"Of course you know Spanish, Dom," James chuckled.
"Muy bien, chicos. Sigan practicando su español," Chiko said.
Meanwhile, Coral, Felix, and Tangie roamed the market, seeking the perfect Día De Los Muertos outfits. They embraced the festive spirit, selecting embroidered dresses, sugar skull masks, and vibrant accessories that echoed the celebration's colorful tradition.
"This dress looks great on me!" Coral yelped with excitement. "Don't you think, Felix?"
"Muy bonita, Coral," Felix replied in a flirty way.
Both girls chuckled while Tangie was taking a picture of the two in their elegant outfits.
"Mujeres," Tangie chuckled jokingly.
Meanwhile, Dom sat with James, his gaze lingering on the altar adorned with photos of his parents. He opened up, expressing how much he missed them and the pain of their infrequent visits. James listened, offering a comforting presence and understanding.
"I barely get to see them nowadays," Dom says. "I talked to Chiko if it's alright if I could put some picture frames of my parents since I know they might not come to celebrate the fiesta..."
"I'm sure they would love to come," James replied. "And besides, who knows where they're at now? But they haven't forgotten about you at all, and you haven't forgotten about them either."
"Right," Dom said.
Feeling the weight of Dom's longing, James decided to bring joy to his friend. He picked up his phone and called the Dalmatian family, inviting them to join the Día De Los Muertos fiesta. Dylan answered the call, while Dolly was listening.
"A fiesta? For Día De Los Muertos? We would love to attend!" Dylan yelped with joy.
"Aren't they in... Phoenixopolis City?" Dolly wondered.
"It's Phoenopolix, an odd land, and yes, it is there," Dylan replied. "Not to worry! They said they'll help us get there."
"Awesome!" Dolly said as she began to get ready.
Dylan and Dolly's excitement was palpable as they enthusiastically accepted the invitation, eager to share in the celebration.
While inviting more people to join, Brando, feeling the festive spirit, decided to extend the celebration even further. He dialed Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli, enthusiastically inviting them to join the Phoenix Gang's Día De Los Muertos fiesta.
"Hey dad! Mom! Bluey and Bingo! We're throwing a Día De Los Muertos fiesta at our hideout. It's gonna be epic! You guys should totally come over!" Brando said with excitement.
"Sounds like a ripper of a time, Brando!" Bluey yelped with joy. "We'd love to join in!"
"Count us in! I've always wanted to experience Día De Los Muertos!" Bingo replied.
"Great idea, Brando!" Bandit said. "We'll bring some snacks and make it a true celebration."
"Absolutely!" Chilli replied. "Can't wait to share this special day with you all."
"Can't wait to see you guys," Brando smiled as he hung up.
Blas and Iggy also decided to broaden the guest list. They reached out to Keegan and Bliss, their mischievous twins, as well as the PAW Patrol, who always brought a pawsome energy to any gathering. Blas called Keegan and Bliss, while Iggy called the PAW Patrol.
"Hola, mis amigos! We're throwing a Día De Los Muertos fiesta, and you two troublemakers are invited! Ready for some festive fun?" Blas asked.
"Fiesta time? Count us in! Just warn the neighbors, Blas!" Keegan answered.
"Hey PAW Patrol pals! We're hosting a Día De Los Muertos shindig. Ready to join the fiesta and paws-itively liven up the celebration?" Iggy asked.
"Woof-tastic! The PAW Patrol is always up for a celebration," Ryder answered. "We'll be there with bells – or should I say, collars – on!"
The playful banter continued as Blas and Iggy shared jokes and laughter, ensuring that the upcoming fiesta would be a memorable gathering of friends and loved ones.
Amidst the laughter and preparations, Chiko found himself lost in a wave of nostalgia, recalling childhood memories. However, as he reminisced about adventures and cherished moments, he inadvertently overlooked someone important: his dad.
"When I grow up, I wanna build things like you!" A young, cheerful Chiko yelped years ago.
"I wonder who it was with," the current, present Chiko said. "Too bad my path changed."
As the celebration unfolded, a subtle but unsettling change occurred. Chiko's dad, engrossed in his work on futuristic gadgets, began to fade from view, his presence diminishing as if slipping away from memory.
"Why do I really feel like I'm forgetting... someone important?" Chiko wondered.
The room Chiko's dad was in began to be filled with a sense of unease as Chiko's dad continued to fade.
"Chiko... mijo..." Chiko's dad said in a weak tone. "God, help me..."
Coral, Felix, and Tangie, adorned in their vibrant Día De Los Muertos outfits, gathered in front of a mirror, admiring their festive attire.
"Looking fabulous, aren't we?" Coral awed. "These outfits really capture the spirit of the celebration!"
"Absolutely! I feel like I can dance my way into the afterlife with these colors," Felix answered. "What do you think, Tangie?"
"You guys are a riot! Imagine the ancestors laughing at us from the other side. 'Look at those three, bringing the party to the beyond!'" Tangie chuckled.
They burst into laughter, sharing light-hearted jokes and banter, their camaraderie adding to the joyful atmosphere of the day. The room echoed with their contagious laughter, embracing the spirit of celebration and camaraderie that Día De Los Muertos was all about.
Just as the laughter and joy reached their peak, the door creaked open, revealing Anton, Chiko's childhood friend, standing in the doorway with a mischievous grin.
"Long time no see, Chiko. I heard you were having a little fiesta." Anton said. "Mind if I join the fun?"
"Anton? Is it really you?" Chiko said as he approached him then gave him a warm hug. "Dude, it's been a while! I missed you so much!"
"Aww I bet you did, pal," Anton replied.
Chiko invited Anton in. Little did he know, Anton harbored a vendetta from years past. In a sinister whisper, Anthony vowed to ruin Día De Los Muertos for Chiko by keeping his dad away, ensuring that the fading process continued until he vanished for good.
"Time to pay Chiko back for what happened all those years ago. His precious memories will crumble, starting with his dear old dad. And as long as I'm here as someone he should pour full focus on, it's all set for good," Anthony whispered in an evil tone while chuckling silently.
"You said something, Anton?" Chiko asked.
"Nothing!" I was just wondering if you have any of those delicious nachos I like," Anton chuckled.
"Oh you," Chiko chuckled along.
As the fiesta prep continued, Anton schemed in the shadows without Chiko knowing nor noticing, weaving a web of disruption that threatened to unravel the joyous celebration for Chiko and the Phoenix Gang.
"Soon, friend... soon..." Anton chuckled in a silent, evil tone.
As some time passed, Taurro walked into Chiko's room, eyeing the decorations and sensing the unease.
"What's going on, Chiko? You seem a bit off. Who have you invited to the fiesta?" Taurro asked.
Chiko, a troubled expression on his face, hesitated before responding.
"I invited my friends and family, but... I forgot to invite someone important. My dad..." Chiko sighed.
Taurro, understanding the gravity of the situation, offered a supportive smile.
"It's never too late, amigo. Call him, invite him to the celebration," Taurro encouraged Chiko. "Día De Los Muertos is about honoring and remembering our loved ones. Don't let the past overshadow the present."
"Obviously, my dad's still alive," Chiko replied. "Out of everyone, why did I even forget about him? Oh wait... right, I barely even bothered keeping in touch with him. Don't I now?"
"Easy there," Taurro said. "Besides, better late than never. Give him a call!"
"Right!" Chiko replied as he quickly grabbed his phone, dialing his dad's number.
Anton heard the conversation and growled silently. "I better put a stop to that before his dad regains his physical form..."
"He's not answering," Chiko said. "I guess he hates me for ignoring him for quite a time."
"Who knows? Maybe he wants to surprise you," Taurro replied.
"I sure hope so," Chiko sighed.
What Chiko did not realize is that his dad began to slowly reappear as a result of Chiko's recollection and connection.
"Mijo... he's remembering me!" Chiko's dad said with joy.
However, just as relief washed over him, Anton, who had arrived at the scene, fueled by bitterness, seized the moment. Swiftly, he knocked Chiko's dad out, leaving him unconscious inside an abandoned tower.
"I won't let him remember you that easily, and I will make sure he has to do more to save you," Anton growled as he casted a spell where Chiko's dad would disappear if Chiko doesn't come face to face with him for an official interaction after a while.
AT THE DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL
Later, Anton arrived at the Día De Los Muertos festival concert where Chiko and the Phoenix Gang were going to play. Hidden in the shadows, he watched as the vibrant celebration unfolded.
"Time to ruin their precious concierto and make Chiko pay," Anton smirked.
As the concert echoed with music and laughter, Anthony plotted a sinister interruption, determined to shatter the joyous atmosphere that Chiko and his gang had worked so hard to create.
As Chiko's dad's unconscious form lay in the abandoned tower, the Phoenix Gang took the stage at the festival, playing their instruments with passion. Suddenly, the crowd fell silent as Chiko, groggy but determined, stumbled onto the stage. He took a deep breath and began to sing "La Llorona" from the movie Coco, his voice echoing with emotion and memories.
The haunting melody filled the air, captivating the audience. However, Anton, unable to resist the chance to cause chaos, burst onto the stage, attempting to confront Chiko amidst his poignant performance.
Chiko, undeterred, continued to sing, his gang rallying to protect him. A musical battle ensued, with Chiko's heartfelt singing and the Phoenix Gang's powerful instrumentation creating a magical barrier against Anthony's disruptive intentions.
With the musical clash reaching its peak, Chiko, fueled by the intensity of the moment, managed to pin Anthony down. Panting, he demanded answers.
"What's your game, Anton? Why are you trying to ruin this celebration?" Chiko asked in anger.
Anton, struggling beneath Chiko's grip, hesitated before revealing the truth.
"I suggest you don't waste your time on me, Chiko. I casted a spell on your dad. He's still fading away. The only way to save him is for you to see him face to face, to interact with him before he disappears for good. It's the only way." Anton chuckled evilly.
"Why would you do that...?" Chiko worriedly asked.
"I won't tell you bullshit. That's for you to figure it out!" Anton growled.
A mix of confusion and determination flashed across Chiko's face. Realizing the urgency of the situation, he released Anton, who later retreated, and rushed as fast as he could, trying to find his dad. He approached an abandoned tower and, accompanied by his concerned gang, entered.
Chiko's dad's physical form was slowly fading once again. Time was of the essence, and he needed to bridge the gap between the living and the departed before it was too late.
In the dimly lit room, Chiko faced his fading dad, a sense of urgency in his eyes. Without wasting a moment, he began to speak from the heart, sharing memories, expressing gratitude, and acknowledging the profound impact his dad had on his life.
"Dad, I can't let you go. I need you here with me. I remember the times we laughed, the lessons you taught me, and the love you've always given." Chiko said in tears.
As Chiko spoke, his dad's fading form began to stabilize. A shimmer of light surrounded him, signifying the strength of their connection.
"Chiko, 'mijo, yo siempre estaré contigo en tus memorias y en tu corazón. Celebra tu vida porque siempre seré parte de tu vida," Chiko's dad replied as he tried to remain strong for his worried son.
With those words, Chiko's dad stood before him. Overwhelmed with emotion, they shared a heartfelt hug, the room filled with the warmth of their bond. What Chiko didn't know is that the spell was broken, which made his dad remain his physical form for good.
"Mijo, mírame," Chiko's dad said. "I'm still here!"
"No way... does that mean-" Chiko cried with joy as he realized the spell's broken, and his dad's no longer fading, back in his physical state.
The Phoenix Gang cheered on this moment as both father and son officially reunited, leaving distance behind and reassuring future father-son interactions.
BACK AT THE PHOENIX HIDEOUT
As the Día De Los Muertos fiesta began, the Phoenix Gang celebrated with friends and families, the atmosphere vibrant with music, laughter, and the warmth of shared memories. The altar, once a symbol of loss, transformed into a tribute to life and connection.
Little did they know, a mysterious Koopa observed from the shadows, intrigued by the sense of camaraderie and the powerful bond among the Phoenix Gang. The Koopa, torn between isolation and the desire for connection, contemplated whether to join this lively group.
As the night unfolded, the Phoenix Gang's celebration became a beacon of joy, drawing the mysterious Koopa closer. The decision to embrace the team in her life or remain in the shadows lingered.
"Should I or should I not...?" The mysterious Koopa wondered to herself.
END OF CHAPTER