Skyline Gang One Shots and Short Stories

El Día de los Muertos

Most of this story takes place at the same time as "Halloween Scream!"

That time of year was approaching once again.

Normally, Dude wouldn't be superstitious. However, during his time in the Skyline, he's seen monsters, ghosts and real magic, both dark and light. Misty was even created by magic. It made him start seeing things differently. All the supernatural things that he had learned about growing up is suddenly seen in a different light. It didn't stop him from doing a little research. This time of year shouldn't be that different from the past times that it has happened, but he felt like it was still worth researching a little bit. And also teaching the others about this special tradition for him and his family. Even if they had heard of it, it would probably be worth the effort in explaining it by someone with personal experience.

Images skimmed across the screen as Dude looked over the laptop. Nothing too extensive, just small and simple resources that the others might want to look at when he explains his plan. He looked over the images, his heart skipping a beat for a minute. He didn't know why but a particular image made him think of something that happened before when he was a kid.

"So Abuelo will come back?"

"Not tonight, but he will tomorrow."

"Will I be able to see him?"

"No, but you'll feel him there. I know I will."

"I miss him."

"I know, I miss him too, mi pequeño guerrero."

"Dude!"

"Hm? What?" Dude asked automatically, his eyes finally peeled away from the screen. He turned in his chair, seeing Sprout, Pip, Candi and Bud behind him. Rainbow had parked himself beside Bud, looking a little unimpressed.

"We were calling out to you, but you didn't say anything." Pip scolded lightheartedly.

"Oh, sorry. I was lost in my own world." Dude sheepishly responded, rubbing the back of his neck. Rainbow let out a small grumble as he shook his head. Great, even the dog is judging him for being so deep in thought.

"But you've been sitting there the entire time." Candi said, tilting her head in a puzzled manner.

"Figure of speech, Candi. I meant I was just thinking a lot." Dude laughed a little. Sprout rather unceremoniously yanked, Dude's cap off of his head and placed his hand on top of it.

"Maybe we should implant a map in your brain so you don't get lost again!" Sprout grinned, moving Dude's head to make a circular motion.

"Very funny!" Dude muttered sarcastically as he swiped his cap back and smacked Sprout with it lightly.

"What are you looking at?" Candi asked, looking over Dude's shoulder at the laptop screen. Not everyone was here but it was better than nothing. He couldn't hold this off any longer.

"This is El Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead." He stated, opening up one of the articles that he had found.

"Doing some research?" Bud asked, pushing his glasses up his nose.

"Not exactly." Dude said, sliding the laptop out a bit more so that everyone could have a proper look. The four around him peered closer at the article, even Rainbow propped his chin on the tabletop to have a nose around. "I was hoping to educate you all about it. It'll be my first time celebrating without my family but I hoped to share it with you all if you're interested."

"Didn't you once say that your family is Mexican? This is something that comes from Mexico right?" Pip asked, scratching her head as she recalled a distant memory.