the-fandom-melting-pot-blog

[the-fandom-melting-pot-blog]

ABC’s of Coco -- Acceptance

Summary: Stories covering moments pre-movie, post-movie, and during the Disney-Pixar movie Coco. They will not be in chronological order.

Note: I don't speak Spanish, English is my native and only language. Any Spanish written has been translated with Google Translate. If there are any translation errors, please let me know.

Acceptance

1) The action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered.

2) The action or process of being received as adequate or suitable, typically to be admitted into a group. 

It was an awkward transition from banning music to allowing it back into the Rivera's’ life. It was hard enough to try an keep it out of the household. From drunken passerbys to the limited television shows they watched, it seemed as if the world was attempting to draw the family into the enticing sounds. But it was a situation that they had a system to. One that worked well for the family.

So when the music ban had been lifted, it took awhile for some of the family members to transition easily.

Coco and Miguel took to it naturally. In her weakened state, Coco relied on her great-grandson to bring music to her. Which he was more than happy to do. He would come into her room and play for her a song he’d heard from the plaza. Or would play a section from a song he was working on. Without fail, Miguel would play the lullaby for Coco each night, just as her papá would. She, in turn, would share stories about her papá before her left that Miguel would tell the family.

For Elena, it took great restraint to not pull off her shoe and to brandish it threateningly when she heard a tune. It was a chilling day when she entered the plaza with Miguel and Rosa following. The bands had fallen quiet. A fearful watch was kept on her as she passed by, flinching when she eyed them with a brow raised.

“Well? Play! It’s your job to play, no?” She huffed and nodded when the song started up again. People were still tense after this to even hum around Elena. It was about three months after this that people outside the family felt comfortable playing around her.

Luisa and Enrique where proud of their son. And more than a little shocked that they were forgiven so easily after their argument. Whatever happened to him that night of Dio de las Muertos had changed him in some way. He’d found a way to practice, listen to the music in the plaza, make shoes with his family, and help with making dinner each night. He balanced his passion and showed love to his family. Miguel was only twelve, but he was showing more maturity than most adults Luisa and Enrique knew.

The school was shocked when Rosa asked to join the band. She was known throughout the school as ‘Elena Jr.’. Announcing her distaste for music as loudly as she could when she entered that building. From planning the perfect path to avoid the music rooms to denying friendships to those who played music. Rosa didn’t hate people who played, but she made it very clear that anything music related around her would not be tolerated.

So when she entered the band room with a look of both determination and some slight fear, it was surprising to say the least.

“Is...there something I can help you with Rosa?” The instructor asked, a smile on her face.

“Sorry for interrupting profesor, but I was wondering if I could join?” Rosa asked, her voice carrying a large about of uncertainty. “I’ve already talked with my counselor and we’ve found a way to fit the class in. I just need your written permission that I can join.”

“Todos, descanso.” The teacher called out, her students dissolving into private conversations. She placed her baton down before facing Rosa again. “What kind of instrument are you interested in playing?”

“Um….” Rosa’s eyes traveled over the room, eyes lingering on the flute, than the drums, than the trumpets. “I’m...not really sure.��

“Well, how about you pull up a chair and listen why we play. Maybe an instrument will call to you once you hear it.”

Indeed one did. It was a gentle humming over the rest of the music. Fingers dance on the strings while the other hand held a bow that pulled each note from it gently. Rosa was thrilled when she carried home a school violin. Sure, it was well worn, but it was hers until she could buy her own. Miguel was more than happy to help her tune and teach her about fingering techniques.

Abel was a different but simple story. He arrived home one day carrying an accordion case with a wide beam on his face. Miguel was close behind, telling the family how they had listened to a band where one of the members played said instrument. Abel was taken and asked (demanded) that the musician train him.

“And he said yes?” Carmen asked.

“Well, he said if Abel bought his own instrument, than he would teach him.” Miguel said with a shrug.

“Wait- he bought that!?” The Rivera boy couldn’t help but laugh watching his aunt run after Abel.

Miguel was the biggest contributor of music being heard in the workshop and the Riveras household. He was seen with a guitar in the workshop when he didn’t need to work on shoes. A stood sat in the corner for him so when he played, he was easily heard and seen. Miguel would play for the twins while they twirled, ran, and danced in the courtyard. A familiar lullaby would be heard coming from Coco’s room each night, Miguel sounding happier than the first time he played it for her.

When Coco passed away, Miguel was found playing the song in the ofrenda room. Sitting on the worn stone floor, he’d make sure the photo showing Imilda, Coco, and the newly discovered family member Héctor faced him. His voice was both calming and filled with pain.

“I know she’s in a better place. She’s with her mamá and papá…. But I miss her.” That was his answer whenever a family member asked if he was alright. It wasn’t exactly wrong.

Miguel was happy to know that his Mamá Coco was finally free of pain and he did miss her. Singing to her every night, listening to her stories about growing up. But there was another fear that he couldn’t share with anyone else. That was the fear of not knowing if Papá Héctor actually survived.

Héctor was barely clinging to (after)life when Miguel was sent home. He wasn’t sure if he was fast enough to help Coco remember her father. But Miguel had no idea how he would get his answer. He was pretty sure he wouldn’t be able to see spirits the next Dio de las Muertos since he was no longer cursed. Meaning he wouldn’t know if Héctor was still around or not until Miguel reached the end of his life. Which the boy hoped wasn’t going to be that soon.

When the day arrived, Miguel was only slightly hurt when he didn’t see any walking skeletons. He knew to expect it, but he had held onto a sliver of hope that he would have been able to see Héctor one more time. When the final day of celebrations started, Miguel couldn’t focus on the sadness he felt. To busy performing his songs and family favorites, eating what he could, and playing with his cousins. Miguel was more than ready for bed once the festivities died down.

Miguel was fast asleep when the town clock struck midnight. The adults were still up, drinking to the past families memory. To busy sharing stories to notice the door leading to the young musician’s room twitch open a little more. Jerking out of his sleep feeling something gently placed on his cheek, Miguel blinked the sleep away. He thought he was still dreaming seeing the faint image of his great-great-grandfather standing before him.

“P-Papá Héctor?”

“Hey mijo, I didn’t mean to wake you.” Héctor replied with a sheepish smile. His bones still looked worn but had started changing from yellow to a pristine white. The torn garments that could have hardly been called ‘clothes’ were now replaced with freshly tailored ones. The wig, while still wild and untamed, seemed to hold less knots with a shine of cleanliness to it.

“Are you...actually here?” Miguel asked. He was slightly angry with himself that he didn’t have enough energy to even sit up. But he was just so tired….

“Yeah, I’m actually here. Coco told me what you did, that you sang her song for her.”

“Mamá Coco...you finally got to see her.”

“All thanks to you mijo. There aren’t enough words to tell you how much that means to me.”

“How’s the rest of the family?”

“Imilda has allowed me back in, she’s still as strong as I remember her. We’re slowly getting back into a normal relation. The twins are making up for lost times in being the annoying siblings who want to make sure I’m good enough for their sister. Feel they’re a little late for that. But if it makes them happy, who am I to complain.”

Miguel giggled, nestling down into his bed again, listening as Héctor talked about his family. He talked about how between him and Julio, the family couldn’t tell who more tense to be around Imilda. Rosita was always warm, more than happy to make Héctor’s favorite meal to make up for all the years he’d missed out. Victoria was the hardest person to really connect with. She always seemed to be judging every action that Héctor did.

“I suppose it’s only fair after what I’d done. She’s probably making sure I don’t go running off again.”

“You wouldn’t do that. Not after what we all went through to get you back.” Miguel replied, upset that his aunt would assume such a thing.

“Ah, let her be paranoid. I’m surprised Imilda is being so open with me.” Hector paused when the clock chimes to announce another hour. “I should let you sleep.”

“No….”

“Hush mijo, you’ve been awake for way to long.” Héctor couldn’t help but laugh at the pout now on Miguel’s face. “Now, none of that. You have nothing to pout about. You can play music now, you know I’m still here-”

“Still don’t want to sleep. I’m not even tired.”

“Sure you’re not.”

“I’m not….” Miguel couldn't hold back the wide yawn that escaped him, eyes closing afterwards. “Not tired….”

Héctor didn’t reply, only pulled up the blanket to Miguel’s chin. The child didn’t respond, his breathing already starting to slow. Running fingers through the younger’s hair, Héctor started singing a familiar lullaby, watching as Miguel relaxed further into his bed. He was asleep before the skeleton finished. Héctor made sure the child was tucked in properly before placing kiss on Miguel’s forehead.

“Duerme bien mijo. Te veré el próximo año.” Héctor whispered before leaving the room.

When Miguel woke up, he was sad that he couldn’t find Héctor. But he took some solace in knowing that his great-great-grandfather was still alive and now with Coco. At that moment, Miguel knew that was enough.

[the-fandom-melting-pot-blog]

Moving Forward Chapter Two

Fandom: Cuphead Pairing: Blind Specter x Cagney Carnation

Plot: (Set after the game with the brothers beating the Devil). Blind Specter was used to his rather simple life that involved work and sleep. That routine was interrupted, not only when the brothers fought for the soul contracts and the Devil. But when he spotted a rather short tempered carnation at the celebration.

He was at a very low and desperate place in his life when he made the deal with the Devil. His home was being destroyed, people tearing down trees. He wasn’t strong enough to make the problem go away on his own. He was small and, as a flower, very unintimidating. Even with his short fuze and hot temper. So he begged, screamed, and pleaded to the Devil to give him abilities to defend himself and his home.

He got what he wanted. He was turned into a behemoth, able to look innocent to draw his pray in before he lashed out with throned vines. He became a powerful creature that could defend himself against those trying to take his homes and the imps when they tried to take his soul. He was riding high on his victories when the Porcelain Brothers came to collect and it cost him. So sure that two little cups wouldn’t beat him that he made a misstep and he lost his contract. He had waited in fear for his soul to be ripped from him.

But it never happened.

Instead he was celebrating his freedom with the other debtors. He couldn’t feel happier knowing both his soul and his home were going to safe. The day was a blur of joy and relaxation, something that left him feeling warm. It was near the end of the day that something interesting happened.

The celebration was winding down. Elder Kettle needing to take the boys home as they were barely awake. All were saying their goodbyes and Cagney turned to head for home when something caught his eye.

A ghost, glowing blue and slightly translucent, had been watching him before quickly turning away. The carnation was surprised when he noticed the large socket on the ghost’s face was empty. His hands literally held his eyes. It was different to say the least.

Cagney wasn’t very worried of the ghost, he seemed harmless. The flower was just confused as to why or how he’d drawn the ghost’s attention. But he didn’t worry about it as they both departed to their respected homes.

Cagney hadn’t thought much of it afterwards. Instead he focused on tending to his garden and getting the forest back. It was a quiet lifestyle, but he prefered this over being in fear of the Devil. Each day was filled with the warmth of the sun and the gentle breeze that washed over the field.

It was peaceful and it was-

“Hello!”

Cagney reacted before giving it much thought. Vines with thorns shot out from the ground and, father than either expected, entered their target. It was very fortunate that the target was already dead.

“People are very violent on this island.” It was the ghost from the celebration.

“What the- what are you doing here!” Cagney demanded, angry that someone had just waltzed into his domain. What gave this ghost the right to walk into his home.

“Hi, um, I was just in the neighborhood-”

“There is no neighbrohood.”

The ghost faltered slightly. “Well, I just…. I’m Blind Specter! Could you get your vines out of me?”

Cagney frowned, doing as asked while keeping a close eye on the other. “You didn’t tell me why you’re here.”

“You didn’t tell me your name.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“It’s called being polite.”

“Says the ghost who entered my home without my permission!”

“Oh...yeah, you have a fair point.” Specter inched back in fear as Cagney shifted into something rather terrifying.

“Get out.”

“I-I just...wanted to say hi….”

“Great, you said hi. Now leave.”

Specter frowned when Cagney turned away and returned to his garden. The ghost took in the wide field of bright colors. The clearing was large, the trees offering a thick shield from outside eyes. It was bright and warm, making Specter feel safe.

“I like your home. It’s very nice.”

“Are you still here?” Cagney faced the ghost with a look of exasperation. It disappeared when his eyes fell onto the other. Specter was looking around the field with awe, as if it was the first time seeing anything like this before.

“There are so many colors. Nothing even close to what’s on the Express. I mean, the carnival had a lot of colors too. But these are so much better. The others were almost to bright.”

“What express are you talking about?”

Specter stood straight at the question, his attention turning to the carnation. He was thrilled to see he had Cagney’s attention. “The Phantom Express. You know, the one that take souls to their final resting place. I work on it.”

“Work...so you’re not a passenger? I thought maybe you had gotten lost in trying to find your way to the station.”

“Nah, spirits don’t have to travel to the station. They just show up there so they don’t get lost. I’m actually surprised when those meant for Hell would willingly go there. I mean, it’s Hell! Why would anyone would want to go there.”

“Maybe because they sold their souls and just accepted their fate.”

Specter wince hearing the dead panned tone in Cagney’s voice. “Sorry. You probably don’t want to relive that ordeal.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Right, sorry, I just…. Sorry.”

“It’s alright. I’m slightly surprised you would want to bring it up. You had a contract too, didn’t you?”

“Oh no, I’ve never even seen the Devil.”

Cagney blinked in surprise. “But, you were at the celebration.”

“The Express had a contract that the brothers took. We all fought against them, but obviously we lost. The Express can’t leave the tracks so we all went in his place. It was amazing, wasn’t it? It was my first time off the Express. There was so much to see! Is the carnival always that active? Because it was lively that day. Course I could just be because I work around the dead all the time. But that’s kinda rude to assume.”

Cagney had eventually turned back to his garden, letting Specter’s words wash over him. It was a strange interaction. The flower wasn’t exactly annoyed, there was still a residual anger from Specter just showing up. But the ghost wasn’t really bothering him. He was just talking as if they were old friends and were catching up. Something about the interaction was oddly comforting.

Cagney was used to being alone. He lived in a very vacant area of Isle One. The thick growth of trees hide him away from everyone. Unless you were specifically looking for him, you never would. And on the very off chance that you would, his quick start rage and glare would scare you off easily. It was a bit of a lonely existence. But Cagney would rather have loneliness and his garden than have people trying to destroy his home.

“Do you take care of your garden alone?”

Cagney jumped when Specter appeared right next to him, a low growl of annoyance escaping him. “Would you back off! And yes, I do tend to the garden on my own. Do you see anyone else here? No. Besides, I don’t trust anyone else to care for the flowers. They need more than just water and only I know what they need.”

“...Wow, I think that’s the most you’ve said to me.” Specter grinned at Cagney’s scowl.

“Why are you still here?”

“...I was enjoying the view….”

Cagney raised a brow at the answer. Specter turned away to face the field again. “Okay….”

“It’s getting late. I need to head back.”

The sun was just barely touching the horizon.

“It’s not that late.”

“The Express is on it’s last run of the day. I need to be on it or T-Bone will be angry that I’m missing part of my shift.”

“Okay, have fun.” Cagney gave a half-hearted wave.

“Can I come back?”

“Can you what?”

“Come back. I really like it here.” Specter looked sheepish when Cagney gave him a piercing look. “I figured asking would be better than just popping in again.”

“...If you come back here, I’m going to put you to work. Do you really want to use your free time like that?”

“I don’t mind. If I get to enjoy the area and the company.”

“Alright, you can come back.”

“Great! I don’t really know when that will be. I have a day off every five days or so.”

“Just...don’t scream your arrival again.”

“Right, sorry, again. I’ve been told I’m a bit to up front about my greetings.”

“I can agree to that…. Cagney.”

“What?”

“My name, it’s Cagney.”

“I know.”

“You do? Than why did you ask?”

“Because I didn’t want to seem creepy and I wanted to be polite. I’ll be back! See you in a few day!”

Cagney watched Specter take his leave with the biggest grin on his face. About thirty minutes later, he heard the familiar whistle on the Phantom Express. The field was back to being calm and quiet. He was surprised that he missed the other’s ramblings. How could one afternoon make him realize how loud the silence was?

“What a weird ghost.”

[the-fandom-melting-pot-blog]

so yeah~ 

I was not active for a while and this page is late for a day … really sorry for this (I had a few real life problems) but I hope this is ok and that you will like this new page! :)

Page 1 - New Page 

[the-fandom-melting-pot-blog]

Chapter 03 page 01. the story begins!

[the-fandom-melting-pot-blog]

Moving Forward Chapter One

Fandom: Cuphead Pairing: Blind Specter x Cagney Carnation

Plot: (Set after the game with the brothers beating the Devil). Blind Specter was used to his rather simple life that involved work and sleep. That routine was interrupted, not only when the brothers fought for the soul contracts and the Devil. But when he spotted a rather short tempered carnation at the celebration.

He supposed it made since that death would be attracted to life.

He was used to the death that surrounded him. Not only was he a ghost, but he worked on a haunted train that transported departed spirits into the afterlife. The only form of nearby civilization was the Inkwell Isle City and it was far too noisy for him to enjoy. So his entire life consisted of work and sleep. He didn’t need anything more.

Than the Porcelain Brothers appeared to take the Express’ contract and there was a fight on their hands. Specter was crushed when they lost, the brothers collecting what they needed and headed straight to the Devil’s Casino. The next few hours were stressful. All were waiting for the Devil to appear and wisk their friend away.

Instead, they received the best new they possibly could get. The Devil had been defeated and all contracts had been burned. They were now free. A big celebration was quickly made at the Inkwell Isle Carnival and all were there.

Specter was absolutely blown away with the colors that surrounded him. The Express’ route was always dark and the city was pale. His world was flat. But everything here was bright and full of life. He was the only one to be floored by what was surrounding him. Everyone else was celebrating the victory. Specter was taking in everything else. He was over the moon with what was occurring, wondering how anything could even top this.

That was...until he was him.

He was like the sun, except it didn’t hurt to look at. In fact, all Specter wanted to do was stare at him. He was a walking flower, a vibrant for of life, the complete opposite of Specter, Legs, body and arms were thin vines of dark green with yellow-green thorns covering him. His face was yellow. The sun surrounded by petals of orange that faded to yellow near the tip.

His name was Cagney Carnation and Blind Specter had fallen for him.

___________________________________

Time off from the Phantom Express wasn’t uncommon. But it was rare that any of the crew actually left the Express. More often than not, they would just lounge in their respected rooms for the day. So T-Bone was surprised when Specter made an odd request.

“You want to go where?” T-Bone asked with a raised brow.

“Inkwell Isle One.” Specter replied, his innocent smile in place.

“Why do you want to go there?”

“Uh, well...I heard that it’s a really quiet place. I wanted to go exploring,” Specter faltered at T-Bone’s hard stare, “I just...I was amazed with what I saw at the celebration and I want to see what else is out there.”

“Than why don’t you just go to the city?”  

Specter stuck out his tongue in disgust. “I see plenty of that place from my room. I don’t want to see anymore. Please T-Bone, I just want to see it.”

T-Bone’s sockets flickered between Specter’s hands before letting out a sigh. “We can’t get super close to Isle One. You’ll only get a few hours before you’ll need to come back.”

“That’s okay. I only want a few hours.”

“...Alright, but you’d better not be late!”

“I won’t, promise.”

Specter had gone to bed that night with excitement vibrating through him. The next day, Specter was out as soon as they stopped at the first station. He was dumbstruck again when he properly entered Isle One. When he was at the carnival, all the colors seemed to swirl together in constant streams of neon and pastel. But here, only one color stood out.

Green.

Everything was covered in a deep, healthy green with small spots of other colors. This seemed to make more of an impact than the multiple hues that he saw before. But he had to focus. He only had a few hours before the Express would return and he needed every second. The first problem to overcome was to find out where Cagney lived. The Isle wasn’t large, but unlike the city, people didn’t live that close together. So finding anyone to ask for directions was difficult.

Specter got a break when, traveling along the riverside, he spotted a fish...fishing? He didn’t think much of it. After all, his name was a literal interpretation of what he was. Strange was just strange sometimes.

“Hello!” Specter winced when the fish screamed and the water was disturbed. He inched back fearfully when he was faced with an angry fish. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to-”

“Ghost!” Specter was stunned when the fishing pole was flung at him. It went right through, but it was still alarming.

“That was rude.”

“Says the person who shouted at me!” She huffed as she walked over to retrieve the pole.

“Well, I didn’t mean to. I just wanted to ask for directions. Do you attack everyone who comes to talk to you?”

“Only those who scare me. Normally, I only see ghosts when they try. One good parry and they go away.”

“So you threw something at me?”

“You said you wanted directions? To where?”

Specter frowned, unhappy that she was trying to change the subject. But he couldn’t waste anymore time. “I’m looking for someone. Do you know a Cagney Carnation?”

The fish paused, her arm in a throwing position to release. “I know of him. I don’t know him personally. He tends to keep to himself, don’t like intruders or visitors, and keeps to himself. He’s...not exactly friendly…. Why do you want to talk to him?”

“I….” Specter fell silent, realizing he didn’t have a good reason to be there. He really didn’t want to give the true reason to a complete stranger. It didn’t look like she would give an answer until he did.

“Okay, so, I work on the Phantom Express and the Porcelain Brothers came to get it’s contract awhile back. When the brothers beat the devil, I was able to go to the celebration. Everything was so overwhelming but amazing! Did you know so many colors to exist? I didn’t! It was so amazing, and then I saw him….” Specter let out a soft hum.

“He looks like the sun, have you seen it? He’s so bright, his petals almost look like rays of sunlight. He’s just so...vibrant. I just want to see him again….”

“Someone’s been bitten by the love bug.” The fish smirked.

Specter shot straight up, eyes and socket wide. “What, no! Bugs can’t bite me!”

“Really, that’s what you focus on?”

“I mean….” Specter twiddled his thumbs, I won’t deny it. I’m...curious. But I don’t really know anything about him. So I want to meet him, properly, to get to know him better.”

“Do you always wear your heart on your sleeves.”

“I don’t have sleeves.”

“You know what I mean.”

“I can’t really lie, not well anyway. So why do it? I have nothing to hide.”

“So are you just going to go over and confess our feelings to him?”

“Goodness no! That would be a very awkward first meeting. I just want to talk to him, get to know him better.” Specter frowned slightly when he didn’t get a reply right away. “Well….”

“There’s a path further down this lane, you’ll find it leads into a really wooded forest. Go into the forest and you’ll find a wide field and him. Just be careful not to harm any of the flowers. They’re his pride and joy.”

Specter show off down the path with a quick “Thank you!” before he was to far away. She only laughed softly before going back to her activity.

“What a weird ghost.”

[the-fandom-melting-pot-blog]

king dice item