Book of Life ruined me

[playsfromtheheart]

Your enthusiasm is - [Admirable? Charming? Flattering?] - interesting... [oh.] but I would like to remind you that I will beat any of these "games" you throw at me. Especially if you plan to keep me from María, I think we both know how far I'm willing to go to reunite with her.

[He might just be a little overconfident, but can anyone really blame him? Guy's seen some stuff.]

But I do have one question. Why am I playing against whatever this is? I can't say I remember that happening...

[At all.]

Comments

[thepoweroflove]

[Well he could break the bad news to him about how the "Games" work here, but once he gets to the part about playing music (against... a living Happy Meals Box? Man the future's kind of weird), Marty just ends up getting distracted.]

Oh hey, you play music too?

[playsfromtheheart]

[Yeah, the future is kind of messed up. Like, what is this guy even wearing?]

You play?

[Excuse him while he pulls his guitar out, you know, that one he's constantly carrying. He even strums a few chords, as if to get Marty going. He might be just a little too excited right now.]

[thepoweroflove]

[That's cool, because Marty's eyes actually light up at that. You have no idea how long it's been since Marty's last met someone who also plays the guitar.]

Yeah, I play the guitar too and-

[His face faulters as he realizes that, unlike Manolo, does not carry his guitar on him at all times.]

Damn, forgot that I don't have my guitar on me. Sorry about that.

[playsfromtheheart]

[What? Why not? A guitar should be, like, an extension of one's body. That's pretty disappointing to hear, that glimmer of joy in his eyes quickly begins to fade.]

Oh.

[The tune he's been strumming slows down, as if to reflect his disappointment. ...And yet, despite that, he still can't help but smile.]

Hey, don't worry about it! What matters is you're still a musician at heart, right?

[beyourrock]

These games aren't actually games in which you can actually win in. But your self confidence is admirable.

I'm sure your Maria would be very flattered.

[playsfromtheheart]

[Oh, well isn't she nice? Even with this unpleasant news, he can't help but beam. María just does that to him, even simply mentioning her.]

Heh, it would take a lot more than that to flatter María, but I assure you I would do everything in my power to get back to her, señorita.

...I should probably mention that I won't be sent to a "game" anytime soon, there's still plenty of time.

[beyourrock]

That's good! You can prepare yourself if that's ever the case!

These games can be quite troublesome, from what I've gathered thus far.

[playsfromtheheart]

Yes... that's what I'm hearing.

[Not that it'd stop him, but he would like some time to just...settle down with the love of his life.]

But as long as I follow my heart, I will find a way to make it through. I can't stop, not after everything...

[serpientededoscabezas]

From what I've been told, what's played here aren't your ordinary games.
Particularly because there aren't even any ways to "win."

[Manolo may have caught the sudden burst of black feathers out of the corner of his eye, but if not, he should certainly be able to recognize the familiar voice now coming behind him.]

[playsfromtheheart]

[It's hard to forget that voice, especially after everything he's put him through. Manolo can't help but take it all in stride, not even faltering for a second. Yes, Xibalba, you're still very creepy.]

Then I will find a way, whatever it takes. You of all people should know that.

[serpientededoscabezas]

[Why thank you, Manolo, he's glad you still find him creepy~]

Of course, of course...
[A small, low chuckle.]
That is if it's even your way to find.

[playsfromtheheart]

[Manolo cocks an eyebrow at that last comment.]

Whose else could it be...?

[saxappeal]

... that might be one of the creepiest things I've ever seen hold a violin.

[And this is coming from a guy that deals with Skullgirls on a regular basis. That must say something.]

[playsfromtheheart]

[Oh good, Manolo isn't the only one bothered by the box. If it weren't for Xibalba, he might've even been frightened by it.

But instead of making any comments related to it, he'll just stare at this man in awe. Because um, wow.]

Please forgive me, but you are...?

[saxappeal]

[... oh. Right. Not everyone's used to a guy as big as he is.]

The name's Ben, but you can call me Big Band. [He'd consider it appropriate, given the saxophone-stylings of his suit, but... well, it's not clear that Manolo might not know about that particular genre.]

[littlecrowgirl]

[Move over, Jammin' Ninja, because you got some competition now with this guy here. There's probably actual sparkles surrounding her as she looks, seeing the decorative outfit and guitar.

We all know where this is going.]

Are you a hero?

[The outfit, the guitar, the girl...he's got everything he needs to be one, in her opinion. Well--almost everything. She's got to ask on the voice thing.]

[playsfromtheheart]

[Oh. Oh no, she's precious. Manolo can't help but chuckle as his hand begins to rub the back of his head, almost like he's embarrassed. This is something he'll have to get used to now, isn't it? Back when he'd compare himself to Joaquín, he might've said no. That's not really the case anymore now, is it?]

Well, maybe a little.

[Maybe a lot.]

[littlecrowgirl]

I knew it! You got the entire look about you, you know? The outfit, the hair, the...guitar!

[Her fists go up, playfully giving a punch to the air.]

I wouldn't worry about games too much, looks to me like you can handle your own!

[colourist]

[Sabine's someone who can appreciate a good outfit or colour scheme when she sees one. Art was often lost with an Empire taking over, so she made sure to keep aesthetics alive.

But this guy? He needed no help with that. The way he's decorated, he's practically begging to be glorified in artwork.]


Whoa. Nice duds!

[playsfromtheheart]

[Okay, that is the second young lady to bring up his clothes. Not that there's anything wrong with that, they are nice, but so were everyone else's. It's like the world he comes from is nothing but art or something.]

Oh, uh, thank you, señorita. Your outfit is also very, um...colorful.

[What is she wearing????]

[colourist]

[Sorry bud, you stick out like a gilded sore thumb here. Don't mind if she leans forward to inspect the little gold trinkets.]

They almost look like real gold with that paint!!

[Whoever did this was definitely a master--although...he looks very wooden himself. Is he some kind of forest-made droid?

No, definitely 'alive', in every sense of the word.]

Oh, me? Thanks! It's kind of part of the job more than personal appearance--...then again, it's got a -lot- to do with it.

My name's Sabine. I'm kinda new here too.

HOW DID I MISS THIS.

[awager]

[She claps her hands and is shown, in her glory for the first time since she arrived here.] bravo Manolo!Bravo!

/BLENDS INTO THE CROWD

[playsfromtheheart]

[Well, this certainly is a nice surprise.]

My lady, you've made it!

[...Wait.]

That's...unfortunate.

D: no manolo never

[awager]

[Her smile is warm as candlelight]

Why is it unfortunate? [she spreads her arms] My duties extend to all living. all, barring mischance.

No one here should be forgotten.

[gambling_death]

[In a brief flash of gold light and a small flurry of yellow petals, Manolo has another familiar face.]

That contest of musical talent I had nothing to do with.