Ernesto De La Cruz: The Guards..

The Land of the dead.

How long has it been..? Weeks, months, years?

He didn't know. De La Cruz was trapped under the big, rusty bell. He was being tourmented everyday by hooligan Teenagers that died when they were drunk. He sat there, in the dark. Nothing but his own thoughts washed over him. He wondered how Hector was. He wondered how everyone was. If he showed his face, would everyone turn on him and destroy that last light? No, Ernesto didn't care. He didn't care about getting out. For all he wanted, was to stay hidden and be forgotten. His clothes we're dirty and ripped. They were worn down and several cracks were on his face and body. One crack came directly from his eye and another crack on the bridge of his nose. Ernesto looked like a mess. This wasnt what he wanted. He wanted to be forgotton, destroyed, never to be known. He wished that he never hurt Hector. He wished he never existed.

He crumbled up his emotions and threw them away. Unless something happened he wouldn't need them.

A sound of people could be heard forming around the bell, like a crowd at a concert. Ernesto looked at the nothingness and darkness and he only listened. Then the sounds of people trying to lift the bell was heard. Ernesto could see the blinding light that came from the small gap of the openning bell and he squinted. The gap got larger and it seemed like the bell was being lifted. A wash of breath air mixed with the smell of food filled his lungs and mind. Is was orgasmic and he forgot what freedom tasted like. But no, little did he know he was being tourmented once again, then sent straight to the guardias.

The Guardias. They were a powerful group who were punished. Filled with murderers and other law breakers. Their duty are to protect the land of the dead from the "Almas Olvidadas." Creatures who feed of memories and will do anything to be remembered and have the life they had before. They were forgotten souls. And they would stop at NOTHING! Everyone knew about them. Before Ernesto was trapped, rumors spread that the "Almas Olvidadas" penetrated through the Guardias' infiltration. Killing them were the hardest part. What they looked like was DREADFUL! You couldn't stare at one for a minute without pissing yourself. Except the experts. They were the Sociopaths with no emotion. That thought emotion was irrelevant. Instead they can do it with no worries. If an Alma Olvidada was to overpower you, it would suck the memories from you and the life from your soul. Then it will take your place to find its next victim before it becomes its original form. When victims are attacked, they usually survive. But not for long. They would stand at the bridge after 12am on dia de los muertos. And turn into dust.

Its barbaric and horrible! Which is why there was a barrier to keep them out which was serverely guarded. But now they've inflitrated the land of the dead and Ernesto was the next upcoming Guard to join. As Ernesto was dragged out from under the bell, the crowd booed and threw tomatoes and other rotted food at Ernesto. Ernesto didnt look fazed, he seemed as all the emotion drained from his once, extroverted face.

People threw many rotten food at Ernesto. They were angry, upset and saddened of why he wasn't forgotten yet. But they were happy too. He was going to get what he deserved. Everyone thought a dofferent reaction to be made when they told him he was joining. But he just smiled sadly and nodded. He knew thats what the crowd wanted, a genuine, unhappy reaction. But no, he wasn't going to give it to them so he accepted his own fate. The crowd was silent and they were wondering why he wasn't upset. He didn't even make eye contact with that silent crowd. He was escorted off stage and taken to that fateful place. It had only been a year under that bell. But it felt like forever.

☆Many Years Later☆

Half of the hall was filled with singing and laughter. The other half was filled with dread, sadness, crying and the sounds of swords being sharpened. Ernesto was on that side, eating. He had his hair slicked back and was heavily armoured. He didn't have emotion on his face, not a single one. You couldn't tell how he felt. Sad? Neutral? Happy? Angry? No, he felt nothing but guilt, never showed it, but he was guilty. Thats all he ever felt. The Almas Olvidadas were getting worse. They were getting stronger and are breaking the barrier. Some got in but were instantly killed. Ernesto was especially good at this. Since he didn't feel anything when he killed one. Then where was his guilt coming from? A few people who were very much acquainted with him, sat next to Ernesto with a tray, of food.

"Hey! Nesto amigo. Whats wrong?" Asked Ñeque. Ñeque was strong, vigorous and brave. Literally what his name meant. He was charismatic and a complete sociopath. He murdered 5 women and 2 children. He could kill Almas Olvidadas without a care and a smile on his face. He thought Ernesto as an ally, a tool and acted as Ernesto's friend. Though Ernesto could see straight through him, he still acted this way. They ate and trained together. Ñeque found him interesting since he was once a cowardly singer, that is now a brave and emotionless fighter. General Acosta Chaparro came in with not so exciting news.

"Atención! Soliders you have a task ahead!" He started. "As you know, some Almas Olvidadas have been escaping the barrier. There have been several attacks this year! In 3 weeks it will be Dia De Los Muertos! Which means, not only people will be attacked, but families. As your duty, you must protect these families until the barrier will be restored!"

Ernesto looked at him and sighed. Probably what "family" he'll recive. Little did he know it was a family he never wanted. "I will leave the familia's you will need to protect, on the wall!" General General Acosta said as he nailed a paper of family names on a wall. The first person to stand up was Ernesto. He walked over to the paper and looked for his name. His eyes scanned over all the names until he reached his. He looked over at the families name and his face, in years, showed emotion. He gasped. Everyone gasped too and some were surprised. He read the name over and over. Until he yelled out, "RIVERA?!" It went silent. Then all of a sudden, Ñeque started cracking up and stood up and slapped ernesto on the back "LUCKY YOU AMIGO! HAHA!" He yelled out in between laughs. And Ernesto just stood there in disbelief.

Hey! Readerssss Thanks for reading Chapter two soonnnn

bai >o<