Kindle

by waywarddreamer

Summary:

!Estrella AU

 

Mirabel becomes the candle, finally earning the admiration of her Abuela. It doesn't come without a price.

Notes:

I accidentally made this AU so here I am.

Chapter 1: Breaking Point

The music continues, everyone at ease by Abuela’s reassurance. Mirabel catches her grandmother’s stern gaze across the room. Her heart beats quickly, wilting under the weight of it. Abuela turns her attention to Antonio, who is clinging onto Mirabel’s leg.   

Mirabel finally allows herself to breathe. A gentle tug on her hand redirects her attention to the little boy who seems unbothered by her interruption. 

“Thank you for walking with me,” Antonio whispers. 

“Don’t mention it, primito.”

She bends down, hugging her little cousin, doing her best to ignore the impatient frown on Abuela’s face. She holds onto him a little longer and a little tighter than usual, before reluctantly letting him go. 

Her mother lays a comforting hand on her shoulder.

-

She enters the nursery, running her healed hand over the wall. The cheers float in, as she lies down, turning on her side to avoid looking at the empty side of the room. 

Mirabel closes her eyes, forcing herself to drown out the noise until it fades away into nothingness.

Abuela’s eyes are full of fear as they stand in the middle of the courtyard. 

What is Abuela so afraid of?

Mirabel looks down to see ash covering her hands, the candle broken in half underneath her. Her eyes snap up to see nothing but fire. She's alone in a burning field.

Mirabel wakes up shaking, heart thundering in her ears. She rushes out her room, skidding to a stop in the courtyard.

The flame stands valiantly, flaring steadily in the night.

She waits for a few minutes more. 

Nothing happens. 

Maybe her mom was right.  It was the stress of the ceremony getting to her. Mirabel slowly sat in the courtyard watching it burn, fear slowly leaves her the longer she stays.  A strange feeling growing, as she traces over her palm.  

Everything is normal. Everything is fine. 

Footsteps pad across the cobblestone. She knows who it is. The only other insomniac of the house.

“Hi, Dolores.”

Her cousin plops down next to Mirabel, exhaustion written across her face. Dolores mumbles a greeting into her shoulder.

“Was it the party?”

Dolores shakes her head. Mirabel takes her cousin's clenched hand, unfurling it, running her fingers gently over the crevices in her palms.  

"Just the small things." Dolores said, after a while, her voice so quiet Mirabel had to tilt her head just to hear her. 

“Tell me about them.”

Her cousin’s eyes are wide with surprise, letting out a little chirp. “Are you sure?”

She nods, wanting to do anything to make her cousin feel better. Dolores goes completely slack against her, squeezing Mirabel's hand. 

Creaky floorboards, babies crying randomly, small animals scampering throughout the night; are just some of the noises Dolores confides in her about, before she has to stop, another noise causing her to flinch. 

Dolores rubs at her temples, shivering against Mirabel whose heart drops watching the state of her cousin. 

How could she not have seen this before? 

Mirabel escorts Dolores back to her room, but she is restless. Her mind already thinking of ways to ease her cousin's pain. 

“I’ll be back soon.” Mirabel whispered to Casita as she put on a cloak, patting the brick wall gently. 

Her plan was set into motion that very night, unable to wait. Screechy windchimes are replaced, creaky floorboards lifted, and she adjusted the church bell to be more pleasant, a bit quieter.  

Mirabel returns late, stopping to see if the light flickers again, and was relieved when it didn’t. In fact, the candle seems to glow even brighter. This couldn't be because of what she did, was it?

The next morning, Dolores looks lighter, much calmer, more focused; able to report accurately on the happenings in the village without all the extra noise. Mirabel barely hearing the news of the upcoming dinner with the Guzmáns. Hope was swelling in her chest holding all of her attention.  

Mirabel needs to test if her theory is true. This could be her chance to help Encanto and honor the miracle, like a real Madrigal. Mirabel’s out of the house as soon as breakfast is over, mumbling out the family motto before she speeds into town. 

She follows Luisa from a distance, hearing her sister’s name being called left and right. Surely, Mirabel could lighten some of the burden for her. 

A wayward donkey made its way back to it’s pen, before the farmer could cry out. Small items that would fall off a house or tumble off a bridge whenever Luisa would move it, would be back safe and sound in a matter of minutes. She was always there, offering to lift items that only required human strength when Luisa was busy. 

Mirabel was sweaty, muscles burning from the amount of stress she was suddenly putting on them. Her hands slightly tremble at the dinner table that night. 

For the first time in her life, she feels useful. She waits for everyone to head to their rooms, then quietly she approaches the front gate once more. 

Who has time to sleep? Mirabel has so much work to make up for, to apologize for wasting time for all these years. The townspeople greet her, surprised that she’s out this time of night. They quickly find tasks for her to assist with. 

She repeats this routine, day and night, always taking some of her mother's food, for a boost of energy. 

One morning, Luisa walked down in the village. No one calls out her name. Mirabel watches as she sits down on a bridge, enjoying the breeze. The image stays in Mirabel's mind for a while.

When she looks up at the candle, she swears she can see a rainbow beginning to form around it.

Mirabel begins getting up before dawn, cooking to replace the rapidly draining supply. Casita setting alarms and sliding pans towards her as they work in tandem for hours.  

She was so focused on rolling out dough, that she didn't notice her mother standing in the entrance of the kitchen, until Julieta clears her throat.  Mirabel freezes with a rolling pin in her hand, panic rising in her throat. Had her mother found out?

Instead, her mother smiles, patting her cheek gently, before joining her in the kitchen.   

“I’m so proud of you, mija .”

The statement doesn’t comfort her like it normally would. Guilt weighs in her heart, as she snuck extra food into her pockets, turmoil swimming in her belly the entire time. 

Mirabel's high up on a ladder helping villagers string up decorations for an upcoming festival when Isabela comes, draping her and the balcony with flowers with a wave of her wrist, almost toppling her over in the process. Mirabel spits some of the offending petals out, as they cheer for her sister. Isabela shot Mirabel a look, a clear sign to stay out the way as she took over, the villagers already forgetting she was there. 

Mirabel tries to ignore how much that hurts. She moves to climb down, when hands grab her by the waist, throwing her into the air causing her to yelp. Mirabel lands gracefully in Luisa’s arms, as the ladder falls behind them. But Luisa would never waste her strength like that. Not anymore.  

“Camilo!”  Mirabel exclaims, overjoyed, as he carries her through the village. He puts her down, transforming back into himself.  Mirabel had to be dreaming, it had been months since she hung out with him alone. He was supposed to be helping with the decorations as well. Something must have happened. 

“You transformed into Mariano didn’t you?” she said, amusement crinkling in her eye, at the thought of him teasing Isabela and being chased off.  

“You know it.” Camilo said, flashing his signature smile at her.   

The kids rush to them immediately, recognizing their favorite babysitters, almost knocking them over in excitement. Camilo shapeshifts into whatever makes them laugh, Mirabel narrating his impromptu one-man play. Eventually, the kids run off, thoroughly entertained. 

They quietly walk back toward the house, his arm slung over her shoulder. Camilo holds onto her like the night he left the nursery, tight and promising and full of love. Mirabel bites her lip, swallowing down the memory and all the emotions that came with it. 

Her body starts having a slight slump at the table no matter how much of her mother’s food she ate. She found herself visiting Antonio and falling asleep halfway through a bedtime story.  Mirabel would stay out longer, building her body to handle the endurance of her tasks, training herself to spot problems before they even began. As long as the magic was okay, that’s all that mattered, and these days it seemed to be flourishing.

Mirabel could sense it in the air, life was improving in Encanto. And yet she felt so drained, like something was leaking out of her.   

Mirabel forgets she’s at dinner sometimes, always finding something to chew on just to avoid talking. She offers a soft smile at her mother, who is staring at her more and more these days. Isabela was perfect as always, giving her an annoyed glance upon locking eyes. Luisa is leaning forward, a peaceful smile on her face. Camilo laugh’s recklessly, teasing Dolores about some crush that she was daydreaming about as Pepa tells him to leave his sister alone. Abuela sits at the head, congratulating everyone on what they had done today, her eyes shining with love. 

Mirabel’s name goes unmentioned. 

After dinner, Antonio insisted on being carried to his room and he wanted her to do it. She gently took his yawning form from Pepa. In his sleep, he murmurs, gripping onto her dress tightly. Mirabel lies him down gently in his hammock. She smiles sadly, brushing his curls out of his face. 

How long would it be until Antonio ignores her too?

She hastily stood up, ignoring the startled cries of the animals as she did so. Mirabel barely makes it out of his room, before her knees buckle. Quickly, she throws an arm out, steading herself against the wall. Mirabel grit her teeth, trying to push away that exhaustion that hung over her like one of her Aunt's clouds. She ignores the way Casita rumbled anxiously under her feet.  

A bright flash cuts through the darkness, making her look up. 

The candle was flaring sporadically.

Panic fuels her, giving her all the strength she needs. Mirabel scrambles up from the floor, rushing towards the fading light. 

Casita hesitates, refusing to form stairs for her. Fueled by determination, she rapidly scales the wall instead, dodging Casita's attempts to slow her. She lands inside the candle room.   

The candle dims once more, only to flare violently, almost catching her skin. Mirabel looks around to find the rest of the magic steady, the doors still alight. Something was different, something had changed. 

She considers calling out for everyone before the thought vanished. 

What if it disappeared again?  What if she wasn’t believed again? 

She could fix this all by herself. 

Casita was winding around her feet trying to push her away from the unsteady light, but she only got closer. The magic swimming inside of it flashes, and she gasps when she sees herself in the flame.

Mirabel is five, still recovering from her ceremony and Abuela is telling her to be a good child and stop asking questions.  Her mother is placating her with false promises, reminding her she has nothing to prove when she clearly does.  Luisa gently takes her off her back and explains that they can’t play together anymore. 

Mirabel shakes her head, trying to avoid the feelings that were swelling inside of her, struggling to control them. 

She loves her family, and they love her. And yet the feeling continued to intensify, the candle's flame growing higher as memories continue to play. The ones she tries so hard not to think about.

Mirabel accidently gets mud on Isabela’s dress in the middle of town, and she hisses you ruin everything underneath her breath without breaking a smile. Mirabel is crying silently in the nursery room alone so she won’t wake up Dolores. Abuela scolds Camilo for spending too much time with her and he listens avoiding her for weeks afterwards. She's setting the table, greeting her family with a smile and optimism because what else can she offer? 

They take that picture without her, no one notices she’s gone. 

Antonio has his gift, nothing was wrong with the magic, it was just her. 

Only her. 

A door never opened for her. She will always be that little girl staring at that empty wall. A dark bitterness arose, as her eyes welled with tears. The realization sunk in, the truth sinking in like wildfire, spreading second by second. The grief turns, boiling inside of her. She is the nasty stain on a perfect family legacy. 

“Why was I born-”  Mirabel thinks, rage and grief, and hatred swimming in her as the last word comes to her. 

Broken.

A tear slides down her face, landing onto the candle. The flame extinguishes, turning into ash in front of her eyes. Casita goes completely dark, nothing moves under her feet.  

Mirabel picks up the melted candle, terror striking her. 

What has she done? 

The flame explodes back to life in her palms, completely enveloping her.  

She screams, pure magic blazing through her; raw and potent it marks her body, splitting her skin open. The entire house shakes from it’s very foundation, the different doors of Casita flashing wildly. The magic carves it’s way down every wall, taking Mirabel with it. 

Heartbeats and confused whispers flood her ears, every breath coming to greet her. Life was just underneath her fingertips, begging her to turn it into something beautiful . Her body buzzes with potential, ready to change, not wanting to be trapped in just one measly form. Strength rolls through every muscle, unforgettable in its power, ready to be commanded, to protect . Feelings swam like lightning through her, begging to be released , whipping around like the wind itself. Duty came to her like she was born drowning in it, aching to wipe away hurt. 

Grief is her, eating her raw from the inside out. 

Mirabel didn’t know what was happening, her mind barely recovering from the shock as she was suddenly back in her own body. The pain fades as the magic settles inside of her, no longer spreading, waiting for something to direct it. Or someone.      

“Mirabel?” 

Her attention snaps down. 

Antonio is staring up at her from the courtyard, his toy animal slipping out of his grip. His eyes wide, her reflection shines in them. 

A stranger stares back at her.

She's floating above the smoking candle room in her white and gold dress, the one she wore when everything fell apart.  Her eyes mimic the very flames of the sun,  hair flowing upwards curving toward the sky. Butterfly veins that decorated the candle, swim down her arms and legs like molten lava, glowing radiantly, ending at white-hot fingertips.

Mirabel focuses on him, golden lines heading toward Antonio’s feet. He scrambles back. 

He’s afraid. 

Because of her. 

Mirabel unfreezes, hands flying to her mouth. She falls, landing in the pile of ash where the candle once burned. Her dream had become reality, fear spiked in her chest, before she darts out of the crumbling candle room.

Mirabel misses Antonio's expression turn to awe. 

She breezes past glowing doors, eager to escape. The house suddenly moves just as she rounded a corner, causing her to lose balance.  She crashes against a wall, the dressers next to her sliding open from the impact. The magic running through her skin dims, allowing her to fully feel the overwhelming pain coursing through her body. Distantly she registers the sound of doors being burst open, cries of alarm ringing in the warm air.

“Casita.” Mirabel wheezes, tasting iron in her mouth. She needs to protect everyone; desperation is heavy in her voice. Feet are rushing towards her, people are calling her. Mirabel’s eyes begin fluttering closed. “Please.”

Casita shudders violently around her, bricks forming a hole in the wall she was hiding against. Multicolored tiles rush to pull her inside. The wall patches itself together, shutting out the rest of the world.

Mirabel’s staggered breaths echo in the darkness. The floorboards creak underneath her. It’s there that she faints; head ringing, flesh smoking, and fresh magic beating in her chest.

The light flowing through her fizzles out, leaving harsh red lines in its wake. 

The house is still. 

Chapter 2: Rebirth

Summary:

Bruno stumbles across an injured Mirabel and makes an important realization in the process.

Notes:

Thank you guys for all the support, kudos, and comments I received. They brought me so much joy!

Bruno sprints through Casita, toward the direction of the scream, goosebumps rising on his skin. He desperately clings to the idea that it’s just someone having a nightmare, but the light shooting wildly up and down the house tells him otherwise. The magic is untamed, burning it’s way deep into the interior. The house looks too alive. A flow of magic flies past him, nearly sizzling him as he reaches his destination. 

“MIRABEL!” Abuela’s shout thunders through the hallways, just as everything stops shaking.  

That was Mirabel screaming? 

He skids to a stop, peering through the slim crack into the courtyard. Bruno’s attention immediately lands on the smoking candle room above, before looking down at the commotion. 

Abuela is running her hand over burn marks that were left on Casita's walls, looking pained.

Agustín is trying to hold onto a panicked Julieta. Pepa cries, looking like she’s on the verge of fainting, Félix and Dolores steady her while Camilo stares at his hands. Isabela looks well, less than perfect; her bedhead is visible as she watches her parents with her arms folded and eyes narrowed. Luisa’s eye twitches as her lips wobble.

Antonio seems to be the only one not frazzled, looking at the others with confusion, his toy tiger tucked under his chin. 

“The candle is gone?!” Abuela asks, voice heavy with disbelief and fury. A hush falls over the room at her tone.  Bruno’s blood runs cold at the statement, a sharp gasp coming out of him. Dolores doesn’t even tilt her head in his direction, and that’s how he knows the magic is gone. 

“And Mirabel?”

Bruno looks down at the empty space between Agustín and Julieta, then at the empty candle room full of ash. He gulps, the vision, had it come already? It made no sense, everything was right after Antonio’s ceremony - there were no cracks in the walls, no bits of fallen tile - it all seemed so stable. 

“Dolores!” His sobrina flinches as she turns to her Abuela, “What did you hear?”

“I-I-” she stutters, before a little eep is heard. “Mirabel almost fell coming out of Antonio’s room,” she starts, the sentence bursting out of her. “And then I heard her climb up the walls to the candle room.”

Abuela nods, encouraging her to keep going despite the growing frown on her face.  

“And then it was silent for a long time, like she was thinking about something. Her breathing became unsteady-” Dolores looks down. “And then the scream then-”  she points to her ears. “Nothing.”

“She is just borrowing it.” Antonio says, tearing away all attention from Dolores. The flash of confusion that crosses everyone's faces spurs him to continue. “She’ll bring the magic back.”

“She has the magic?!” Abuela says curtly, cutting through the wall, sending Bruno into a spiral.  He could already hear the thoughts swirling in his mothers head. Mirabel stole the candle. An assumption and a dangerous one. 

Antonio shrinks in on himself a bit, before continuing. “I think she’s hiding from us.” he says quietly, shifting back against Félix, who doesn’t hesitate to scoop him up. 

Julieta’s eyes begin to water, Agustín moves to comfort her. Abuela visibly sighs, looking more worn than he has ever seen, before her face is stoic once more.

“The dinner must go on.”

“Mamá!” his sister cries, shock written across her face. “You can’t possibly expect-”

“The last thing we need is to make everyone panic and ruin Isabela’s future.” Her voice is resolute, leaving no room for argument. "I don’t know what she got herself into this time but we will find her and get the candle back.” 

Isabela's eyes turn downcast before she stands up straight, nodding to her Abuela. Agustín opens his mouth but Julieta shakes her head, gripping onto his wrist. 

“We are the Madrigals!” she yells, strength and pride in her voice. "And we will get through this."  The rest of the family repeats the statement, some more reassured than others, but it feels empty to him without Mirabel there.

Then, they all disperse, looking a bit shaken one way or another.  

His mamá remains in the courtyard, hands clasped in front of her staring at the nursery. Her gaze turns into a harsh smolder. 

A sharp squeak startles him, tearing him away from his spying.  He whips around to find one of his rats staring up at him. 

“What is it, little guy?” he says, the rat crawl ups his arm, chittering excitedly. It jumps back down, tearing ahead of him, nose twitching. It halts, turning back towards him, stomping its feet on the ground impatiently. 

Bruno spares one more glance at his mother, before following the critter through Casita’s underbelly. He rounds several corners until he comes face to face with what looked like a collapsed room. His rat slides against the wall, drawing his attention to a crumpled form tucked tightly underneath crisscrossed floorboards. 

The hair framing their face gives him a hint, but the green glasses that lay next to her confirms his suspicion.  

It's Mirabel. How did she get here?  

“Mirabel?” he whispers, staring at her unmoving form. No response. That’s all he needs to go rushing towards her.

He cradles Mirabel, allowing the slim light to catch her for the first time.  Blood leaks out of thin, veinlike cuts on the exposed skin of her arms and legs. It looks like she’s been struck by Pepa’s lightning.  She’s barely breathing, chest moving unnaturally. The only relief Bruno feels is knowing that Julieta could heal this in a couple of minutes.  

Bruno walks as fast as he can without jostling her. She’s so light in his arms.  He’s not used to seeing Mirabel so fragile. Even as a little girl, she was always running around, her contagious laughter lifting his spirit even through the walls. 

“You’re going to be okay.” Bruno whispers, heart aching at her stillness.  He can’t tell if he’s trying to reassure her or himself.  “You have to be.”

He heads towards his hole-in-the wall, muttering to himself, trying to mentally prepare himself for the barrage of questions that he knows will be asked of him. He's almost there when bricks land harshly in front of him, sealing off the exit, shrouding them both in complete darkness. Anxiety builds as he stares at the closed exit horror-stricken. Casita would always allow him to slip in and out, even alerting when someone was around. 

This never happened before. 

“Casita, she’s hurt.” Bruno pleads, looking up at the walls around them. “Let us out.” 

No movement greets him. It sends a shiver down his spine. 

“Don’t panic." he whispers, repeating it to himself several times. He would be of no use without a clear mind.  Her life depended on him getting his act together for once.  

Bruno shifts her to one arm, careful not to cause her any more injuries. The darkness allows him to notice the slight light weaving in and out of the wall. He reaches out to touch and flinches back, hissing at the heat. The wall flares violently, as if daring him to try it again. 

They are trapped within Casita’s walls.

He’ll just have to make do for now with Julieta’s teaching and hope it’s enough for the time being.  

He tears off pieces of his ruana, wrapping them gently around Mirabel’s arm and legs to stem some of the bleeding.  The fabric is already beginning to stain with red. He lifts her up, walking back towards his room, his rats chattering anxiously behind him. What happened? 

Bruno frowns, thinking about less and less he’s seen or heard of Mirabel in the house recently. Her warm laughter and jolly nature have been sparse recently.

Mirabel doesn't deserve any of this. He wouldn’t have even left if he knew it was going to lead to this. Bruno tucks Mirabel’s head under his chin.

I’ll do better, Mirabel. I promise. 

Her body gradually turns warmer to the touch the further they walk and Bruno, fearing a fever, looks down. Mirabel’s eyes crack open; golden and alight, they greet him. Bruno halts, his own eyes begin to glow as magic rushes into him like a gentle storm, settling in his soul. A hollowness burns away inside him. 

He’s no longer in Casita, instead he’s floating above a world of sand. A ticking sound greets him, slightly out of sync it rings gently in the air. The sand stirs around him, and a familiar scene unfolds.  

Casita is falling apart as his family dodges, his throat gets tighter, watching the cracks form. He knows this, and Bruno fights not to look away. Then everything freezes, the rubble glowing orange-white, before it pieces itself back together. The once cracked walls are alight, as magic weaves up the cracks, one by one they disappear.  None of his visions have changed before, no matter how much he pleaded and begged and hoped . 

He looks over to see Mirabel with her hand outstretched.  She’s holding a bright flame in her heart , the candle he realizes.  

She didn’t take the candle.

She is the candle. 

His jaw drops, suspended in disbelief. Butterflies surround her sandy form, almost like a halo before the vision falls apart. 

When the sand fully fades, her eyes slide back shut.

She’s no longer wheezing painfully, the red stain through her dress receding. She’s healing herself, he realizes. Bruno latches on to the gentle sound of her breathing normally. A new vision clunks next to his feet. 

Mirabel has a gift. His little Mirabel has a gift, after all these years. And with it came a new future for her. Bruno looks down at the little girl in his arms, a wide smile adorning his face as his eyes return to normal. His terrible vision was wrong. Bruno sits her down gently on the floor. 

Mirabel spasms suddenly, head violently hitting the wooden floor. Her nails dig into the wooden floor under her, snapping it into pieces. He rushes towards her, putting a hand underneath her head. Bruno yanks the cushion off his chair, lessening the impact. 

“There we go.” he whispers, watching her return still again.  “You’re going to be alright.” 

It’s far from over. Some hours, flowers bloomed just under her snapping around his ankles, others a cold chill would come from the room and his rats would huddle against him for warmth. Other times he had to be completely still or she would flinch in her sleep. 

It made the room nearly unbearable to stay in as her magic flowed in and out sporadically. But he kept watching, refusing to sleep until she’s awake again, holding the new vision in his hands with a mixture of awe and disbelief. 

Casita starts rumbling around the house again, greeting every family member. Relieved gasps echo throughout all the rooms. Camilo bursts out of his room, shifting wildly. His mother breathes a deep sigh of relief as she passes the kitchen, Isabela’s flower twirls back up the wall. He can hear Casita patching itself back together, but the barrier still stands. It must be soundproof from the inside, Dolores hasn’t responded to any of his reassurances or questions. It's been almost a full day since Mirabel landed in here with him, and they were still cut off from the outside world. 

Bruno walks, running his hand over the wall, looking for any weak point. He spots Julieta in the hallway, and the heartbroken expression compels him to stop his exploration. 

Julieta staggers through Casita like a ghost, clutching her chest. A heaviness sits with her, making its way home. She enters the nursery alone. Julieta runs her hand over the empty bed. 

“Not you too, Mira.” Julieta whispers, a choked sob follows. “I can’t do this again.” 

“I’m sorry.” he said, leaning his forehead against the wall, feeling his heart break.  Bruno never meant to cause her this much pain. But he can make it right. He can make sure Mirabel is okay.  He’ll do everything in his power to get her home. 

Even if he never will. 

Floorboards pop up over him with a melodic chime in them. It takes a minute to realize that Casita is moving inside the walls. 

The floorboards slide under his feet, dragging him back towards his hideaway. Everything is sewing itself back together, the hallways seem less narrower, less twisted. He’s plopped unceremoniously in his room. 

Mirabel’s eyes flicker underneath her lids. Casita, unable to contain itself, knocks off his sandals, dancing with them against the floor. 

Bruno takes careful steps toward her. Would she even remember him? It’s been ten years since Mirabel last laid eyes on him. 

Fifteen years, since he was standing outside the nursery room, hearing Julieta scream, holding onto Isabela and Luisa for dear life. Dolores was upstairs with her father, no doubt helping her block out the noise. He'd been through this four times and it still got no less terrifying. 

A baby's cry floats through the nursery door.

It’s a girl, he heard Pepa say, before the door opened. His mother was smiling even though she was clearly exhausted, an aura of calm floated into the room.

Julieta told them to come in, a bundle against her chest. She was so tiny, her curly hair poking out of the cloth she was wrapped in. His nieces had rushed in, but he was stuck, fear locking him in place.  He quickly ran out of the room while they were distracted under the guise of getting Dolores. 

He managed to avoid direct contact for a couple of weeks, busying himself by taking over Félix’s and Agustín's chores so they can attend to their children instead.  

Julieta(always the observant one) caught onto what he was doing, cornered him in the kitchen one day, a cooing baby in one arm and his ruana in her grip in the other. Her stern look left no room for argument, and Casita had cut off all avenues of escape. 

Traitor, he thought, glaring at the wall. The tiles had popped up in what looked like amusement.   

What if he upsets her? What if she could sense this cursed magic flowing through him? 

The baby reached toward him, completely unafraid, gummy hands reaching for his finger. And suddenly he felt like everything would be alright. He practically snatched her from Julieta’s hold. 

“Mirabel.” he whispered, the name falling out as he happily rocked her. It took a couple of seconds for what he did to register before he had turned to his sister with a sheepish look.  Was that even her name?

“We were waiting for you.” she said, and Bruno realizes he must have mumbled it out loud. Julieta had smiled, eyes full of warmth as she leaned against him with a proud smile. “Took you long enough to name her.”

Julieta stared down at her daughter, who was latching onto Bruno’s shirt with surprising strength, her big eyes blinking up at him.

It was easy back then, Bruno had encouragement and he wasn't hiding in the walls from his family. He is a walking bad omen. He shouldn't be here, she would probably only get hurt more. Bruno's feet begin to shift away from her. 

But then, Mirabel turns towards him with her hand outstretched. She looks afraid, almost as if she doesn't want to wake up. His hesitation evaporates upon seeing it. He goes to her, clasping onto her awaiting hand. He tucks her gently in his arms as Casita trembles around them both.   

Mirabel’s eyes open, brown and bright; they greet him once more.  

They are still the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen.

Notes:

The next chapter might take a bit longer because it's a very pivotal point of this story.

Chapter 3: Reemergence

Notes:

Thank you to all my beta readers and all my support so far. I hope this chapter has been worth the wait.

The pain vanishes the second the darkness cocoons her. Mirabel lies completely still, surrendering to the sound of her own breathing. Eventually, Mirabel thought she would become restless, but she felt so comfortable that she didn’t dare move.

A wave of apprehension rushes over her, shocking Mirabel out of her contentment. A ticking sound follows, forcing Mirabel to pay attention to it as it gets increasingly louder, making her stir. The sound of glass shattering snaps her eyes open, filling her vision with a world of green.

Someone’s holding her, dark hair draping over his eyes. Mirabel tilts her head up at him, almost beginning to shake. His fear threatens to swallow them both. What does he have to be afraid of?

It’s not like he destroyed the- 

Mirabel jolts out of his hold as the memories surge into her. Mirabel scrambles to her feet, knocking the man down in blind panic. 

The candle. 

Antonio. The candle flickering. The flame snapping. The magic. Antonio. His fear. 

Mirabel looks down to see bloody green cloth on her body. Mirabel unwraps them to see imprints wrapping around her arms and legs, carved deeply into her skin. Mirabel swallows the nausea down at the scars.  

Mirabel looks at her shaking hands, something buzzes in them, spreading through all of her. This is real. The candle is gone. Mirabel braces herself against the wall, trying her best to calm down, her panicked breathing becoming more and more audible. 

A cough sounds through the air.

Mirabel turns sharply towards the hooded man hiding behind the armchair, his rats huddling on his shoulders. Mirabel tilts her head towards the stranger, her panic evaporating. She should be apprehensive if not afraid, but Mirabel isn’t. The buzzing in her fingertips needs to reach out to him, wants to understand him. Mirabel allows her curiosity to win. 

She focuses on the new sensation allowing it to flow freely from her fingertips. A mixture of emotions greet her upon doing so.  Fear, concern, and that swell of hope that clings to him like tree sap. She is safe , familiarity floats in the air. Mirabel has always known him. Mirabel searches, looking deeper; something very faint calls to her, commanding her to follow it.

Something shifts inside him like sand flowing hesitantly, as if having to discover itself. It swirls, flowing from one side to the other, sparking faintly, almost forming something, before breaking off into pieces again.

It clicks. The buzzing in her satiates. It's his magic. 

The sand, the ticking, the glass all form into a beautiful image, telling the story of one man in particular. 

Mirabel offers him a soft smile, walking in front of his timid form. She holds out her hand. 

“Hi, Tío Bruno.”

His eyes shine with joy. He seems so human with his sheepish smile, the way he hesitantly takes Mirabel’s hand. Bruno’s hood falls down as he gets up from his hiding place. He steps into the muted light, revealing just how skinny he is. He shifts from side to side, clasping onto his ruana as she observes him.  

This is the Bruno that everyone whispers about when Abuela turns her back? This is who they fear? It’s almost laughable.  

“How do you feel?” Bruno asks, interrupting her thoughts. He gestures towards Mirabel’s markings. “You were pretty hurt when you got here, kid.”  

Mirabel takes a moment to collect herself.  She feels….amazing.  No exhaustion. No struggling to breathe. Even the marks on her skin aren't painful. In fact, Mirabel feels complete, in a way she never did before. That sensation flares up in her again, making her twitch. Bruno’s eyes flash with concern. 

“Your magic.” Mirabel says, focusing on Bruno once more. She sees the magic slowly settle near the top of his chest. “I can sense your magic.”

The silence is heavy between them as they both ponder over what she just said. It’s Bruno who moves first, walking back towards the armchair and ducking behind it. He reappears with glass shining in his hands, chasing away all shadows in the room. Bruno flips the vision over to allow Mirabel to see her reflection.

Mirabel's mouth falls open in shock. 

That couldn’t be her.

That flame in her chest, that determination on her face, the power flowing from her. Mirabel takes it from him, staring at the image with complete fascination. She tilts the glass, watching as the cracks shift from alight to not. 

“Mirabel, you are the very source of magic itself.” The awe in his voice draws her away from the picture, “The candle.”

This couldn’t be real. A gift that was ten years too late? That was unheard of. But Mirabel supposes she has a habit of breaking traditions. She flexes her hand, the magic swimming in it feels light, a pleasant sensation that reminds her what she holds.

“Do you remember what happened?” The question makes her heart drop, the excitement freezing inside of her. 

What happened? Why did the candle show her those memories? Bruno tilts his head at her, and Mirabel realizes she still hasn’t answered. The way she reacted to those memories, surely it would hurt him to know that she felt that way about their family. That’ll be something she’ll figure out. Alone. 

Mirabel shakes her head no, doing her best to not thinking about how good of a liar she's becoming these days. 

Bruno hums, clearly believing her. “I don’t know what happened either. The magic was the steadiest it’s been in a while.”

“So there was something wrong with the magic!” Mirabel exclaims, throwing her hands in the air and sending the vision flying. Bruno rushes to catch the glass, letting out a visible sigh of relief upon it still  being in one piece. 

“It’s been faltering for quite some time, Mirabel. ” He taps the vision gently, a proud smile forming on his face once again. “But luckily we won’t have to worry about that anymore.”  

She stares at her future self once more. 

“What exactly can I do?” Mirabel asks looking at her Tío, her eyes shining with excitement.  “Do you know?”

“Based on what I saw sobrina….everything.” Bruno leans against the wall, pointing around the small space they were in. Mirabel looks around the very sparse room. There are vines in the corner of her room, a cracked floorboard, and what looks like frost on the ceilings.  

“I did all that?” she whispers. The magic in her sparks knowingly. Bruno nods, smiling at her fascination. Mirabel focuses, thinking of blooming a simple flower, a rose, but nothing comes to her. 

“It’s alright. Magic is just like everything else. It needs time to rest.” Bruno says, seeing her disappointment. “You might have drained it all out of your system.” She looks around at the damage again, an apology forming on her tongue. 

“Lo siento, Tío.” Mirabel said, smiling nervously but Bruno just offers her an understanding smile.  

“It’s alright, we managed to survive.” He leans down, to pet one of his rats under the chin. She watches him in anticipation, waiting for him to chide her. Bruno catches her gaze, offering her a shrug.  “I needed to redecorate anyway.” 

Mirabel averts her eyes from him trying to ignore the guilt rapidly rising in her. She takes the time to look around the dense space instead. It looks abandoned rather than lived in. Random items were strewn about, some in a state of disrepair. 

“Where are we?” 

“Inside Casita.” He murmurs, an embarrassed grin appearing, as she wanders around, taking a peak at the posters hung haphazardly.  “My humble abode.”

Mirabel thinks back to the seconds before she fainted, the tiles rushing at  her. 

“Casita must have hid me here. And you took care of me.” 

“Of course.” 

She looks back up at her Tío Bruno who for the first time doesn’t shrink in on himself. He stands resolute, the love for her overriding his fear, sending it to her in shockwaves despite the damage she’s done to his haven. It washes all of her guilt away. Mirabel spots light coming through a crack and peers through it, spotting the dining room. Casita is setting the table, as her cousins move about looking more stressed than usual. 

“How long have you been here?” Mirabel whispers, afraid to find the answer. 

Bruno takes the time to count on his fingers, whispering something for himself, before he knocks on the wall next to him. “Ten years, give or take.” 

“Ten years?” Mirabel  exclaims, the thought leaves a bitter taste on the tongue.  She touches his name carved into the wood.  He’s been here the whole time? Looking on like an outcast while they lived without anyone knowing he was only a couple of inches away? This was wrong.

This is wrong. 

“Why are you here?”

He sighs, a tsunami of unpleasant feelings rolling over her. Mirabel fights back a wince. 

“My gift couldn’t help the family, Mira.” Bruno says,  “It was hurting everyone. I’m sure you’ve heard the things people have said about me.” 

And Mirabel had, but she had always brushed it off to rumors, like the ones that were whispered around Encanto about her having a curse. But she knew from first hand experience just how much it hurt.

Bruno walks up to the walls, looking out with her. Camilo chases after Antonio around the dinner table. Isabela and Dolores whisper to themselves, as her mom and Félix put the finishing touches on the food. Their backs are turned to them, and she feels a pang of loneliness run through her. She can’t tell who it’s coming from. 

“It’s just better this way.” Resignation fills her, heavy it sits at the base of her stomach. 

“But you,” he continues, swinging around back toward her with an almost too jolly look on his face.  He throws the vison toward her, and she rushes to catch it. “You have to leave.”  Bruno speeds away from her out into the hallway, his voice chipper. “You don’t wanna miss dinner!” 

“Tío, what-”

He’s out of her sight in an instant. Mirabel clutches onto the vision as she trails him, doing her best to match his speed.  They walk past some buckets, Mirabel glances up to see where he had patched the cracks.  

“We need to get you out of here.” 

Mirabel’s eyes snap toward the man who travels through the twist and turns of the hallways with ease. Surely, he's not going to stay in here?  Mirabel grabs onto his shirt, forcing them both to a stop. Casita creaks questionly above them through the wall.  

“If you can’t come with me I’m not leaving either,” Mirabel folds her arms, the rats chitter around them in what sounds like agreement.  

“I think your Abuela would have a heart attack if she saw us both at the same time.” A somber smile appears on his face, as he looks down at his niece. "Besides, your mother’s been crying for you.”

The thought causes Mirabel to loosen her grip. Bruno continues forward, like he never uttered anything at all. 

“We have another problem.” Bruno mutters, avoiding her gaze entirely. Bruno gestures at the wall.  “We’re sorta trapped in here.” 

Mirabel notices towards the light weaving around them. On instinct, she moves her hands toward the brick. 

“Wait, it-”

Just as he tries to warn her, her hands land on the wall. She feels nothing, instead the magic swims around her fingers. Mirabel hears an audible knock, and turns to see his fist falling down from his face. 

“Of course!” Bruno exclaims, not seeing the way Mirabel frowns at the action. “You must have put it up when you came in here.” 

She thinks about her mother once more. Her hand falls from the wall. 

“How long?” she says, eyes traveling to Bruno’s gaunt frame, his rauna hanging off him. 

“Almost an entire day.” he says, following her gaze. He shrugs once more. “Not the longest I’ve been here.”

“I’m sorry.” Mirabel whispers, trying not to focus on the implication. Bruno didn’t look like he could afford to miss any more food. “I didn’t mean to.”

“It’s alright, kid.” Bruno says, almost laughing. “Everyone loses control when they first gain their gift.” 

It reassures Mirabel only a little.  Bruno smiles awkwardly back at her. He pats her shoulder before continuing to lead her down the narrow crawlspace. They approach what looks like newly laid bricks. Bruno nods toward her, stepping out of the way.

“Casita." Mirabel commands, "Let me out." 

Immediately, the bricks crumble away, scattering elsewhere. The entrance reveals itself once more but the barrier still remains. Mirabel reaches out, tapping it lightly with her finger. It dissipates as a surge of magic runs through her, before settling in her heart. 

She's free to leave. Mirabel doesn’t move. 

“Hey.” Bruno says, sensing her hesitation. “You’re going to be okay.” 

“You sure?” Mirabel bits her lip, nervousness rolling through her. 

As soon as she steps out, that would change everything. She’s afraid. This wasn’t just one of her usual antics in which Abuela would spare her a glance of disapproval before chiding her.  She had threatened the magic and destroyed the candle. The dinner would only protect her for so long, before Mirabel had to answer for what she’s done. 

“If anything goes wrong, just show them the vision.” Mirabel glances down at the glass in her hand. “It’s impossible to see the worst in that.”  

Bruno’s surety, and his care for her that sent the butterflies swimming in her stomach away. There was no doubt running through his system. Slight sounds emerge from the dining room, the familiar sound of Mariano in the house.

“I’ll be right there, cheering you on,” Bruno continues, seeing Mirabel’s hesitation leave. He offers her a reassuring smile, before taking off his ruana. He wraps it around her shoulder, pure love in the action, making her clutch onto the cloth to chase the feeling.

“And if it goes terrible just come back here and we’ll figure it out.” 

Mirabel nods, a smile forming on her face from the invitation. Either way, she’ll see him again, whether Bruno liked it or not. Mirabel makes a promise to herself, she’ll get him out of here and at the dinner table once more. Mirabel wraps him up in a hug, making him squeak a little bit. 

“Thank you, Tío.” She leaves the wall before Bruno could even move. 

It feels much less cramped as soon as she enters the house, stepping into the fresh air.  She instantly feels rejuvenated.  Mirabel has no idea how Bruno could stand being in there for so long. 

"Goodbye, Mirabel." She hears, just before the painting stills behind her. She smiles, still able to feel his joy through the wall. 

Mirabel walks down the hallway slowly, running her hand over the wall. Mirabel stares up at the candle room that's noticeably empty, and yet strangely in place. Her eyes fall down to her room. 

The nursery is cracked open.

It’s only the start of dinner, she has time for a detour. Mirabel pushes inside her room, stopping it right before the door creaks. A toy jaguar sits in the middle of the bed and a plate of food is on the dresser. Mirabel wants nothing more to curl up in her bed, tuck that jaguar in her palms, and fall asleep. She runs her hand over the impression on the bed, it's clear someone slept in it. The thought makes her smile sadly.  

Her family deserves to know that she's okay, that she's not lying on the jungle floor half-dead somewhere. She looks at the clock, taking note of the time.  Mirabel takes off the ruana, and begins sowing it back together with some spare cloth. Slowly, the green becomes covered with butterflies and swirls. Mirabel puts the ruana over her shoulders, checking to make sure it covers the markings on her arms. Mirabel holds the vision once more, debating on taking it or not but she ends up tucking it underneath her pillow. 

“Casita, take the food to him.” Mirabel whispers to the nursery wall. She leaves just in time to see the plate disappear from sight. 

Mirabel takes her time walking to the dining room, grabbing onto the ruana for comfort. The familiar sound of everyone eating dinner gets louder the more steps she takes. Once a reminder of home, the sound now fills her with dread. Anxiety begins to boil in her stomach. Mirabel slinks into the shadows just around the corner from the dining room. She mutely listens to the sound of the conversation, hearing the clinking of forks and knives. 

Nothing is wrong. The candle isn’t gone, nothing is wrong with the magic. Nothing was ever wrong with the magic.  She’s normal. Everything’s normal.  

Mirabel just needs to repeat it until she believes it. 

“Where’s Mirabel?” Mariano asks, making her refocus on the conversation. “Is she okay?”

“She’s fine. Mirabel just has a little cold.” 

The sound of Abuela's voice shot Maribel’s nerves, as she slams back against the wall. Nope. She couldn’t do it. Mirabel takes one step toward the nursery. A chair speeds past her, bumping against the head of the table with a purpose. Luisa yelps, and Mirabel can hear chairs and silverware shift around the table. Confused muttering erupts from the dining room, but Mirabel knows what Casita wants. She takes a deep breath, letting her magic flow to the one person who offers her comfort. Just like he promised, Bruno’s there, waiting filled with encouragement from the other side of the wall.  Mirabel supposes it’s now or never. 

“Sorry, I’m a little late.” Mirabel squeaks, rushing out the shadows, sliding into the new seat. Her vision is blurry, for a brief movement, before she adjusts her glasses, the clear view of everyone’s reaction greeting her.

Everyone’s eyes are locked onto her, it’s so quiet she can hear a pin drop. They are all stock still, their eyes wide, Camilo’s comically so. Félix promptly raises a hand over his wife’s head. Just act normal. She remembers what her Abuela had said.  

Mirabel waves at Mariano sheepishly. “I feel better now.” 

Mariano lets out what sounds like a sigh of relief, before giving her a little wave back. 

“I’m glad you’re alright.” Mariano says, offering her a refuge from the tension.  The genuine relief on his face, makes Mirabel smile. At least if Isabela was going to hate her all her life, she wasn’t going to marry someone who did as well. 

“Thank you-”

Mirabel could barely finish the statement before she's wrapped up in her father’s arms. Her mother kisses her cheek, and normally it would make her feel a bit embarrassed, but given the circumstances she allows them to coddle over her. Her mother’s magic is light, and comforting, making Mirabel lean into it. It spreads from her fingertips, almost feathersoft in its weight.  

Mariano smiles at the reunion. “You must have been really sick.”

Abuela coughs, moving all attention toward her. They all suddenly remember where they are, the expectations that they need to live up to, especially for tonight. Agustín drops her back down to the floor, smoothing out the creases on her clothes before he and Julieta returns to their seats.

Abuela’s attention then falls to Mirabel, barely sparing her a glance before she begins pouring a cup of tea. It causes Mirabel to stare down at the table, the smile falling off her face. 

“Yes, join us Mirabel.” 

Mirabel regains her seat at the table, although shakily. Abuela's motions for Casita who immediately moves the tea toward Mirabel. She politely nods to her Abuela, trying to ignore the growing tension in the room as she sips on the offered tea. 

“It suits you.” She looks up at Mariano, who smiles at her, gesturing toward her ruana. “It matches your glasses.”

Everyone stares at the green ruana she now adorns. Her mother's eyes dim a little bit noticing it on her. Pepa’s lip twitches, a small rain cloud forming overhead, as she avoids Mirabel’s gaze. She can hear her Aunt swallow deeply as she tries to focus. Her magic is in knots, tangling and morphing on itself, a wildness to it. Mirabel offers her an awkward smile.  

Isabela glares at her from across the room, her nails drumming across the table, irritation clear in her eyes. Her magic is blooming within her, waiting on her beck and call, curling prettily around her. Mirabel fights the urge to roll her eyes, even her magic is predictable, shooting her an equally icy glare back.

Abuela sends her sister a look and immediately Isabela sits up straight, her expression softening, as she bats her eyelashes at Mariano.  Julieta moves to put food on Mirabel’s plate, gently smoothing her slightly mused hair out the way. Mirabel can see her magic sparkle into the food. It’s beautiful to watch, and Mirabel finds herself staring down at the plate watching the food shine like stars. 

“So you were going to perform a song?” Dolores chirps excitedly. Mariano smiles at her, before beginning to explain his performance the atmosphere begins to relax once more. Dolores nods toward Isabela, who sends her cousin a grateful look. Luisa moves to grab the piano as Abuela pours an additional glass of wine for the Guzmáns. Mirabel lets out a sigh of relief. Everything’s going surprisingly well so far.  

Something slams against her, nearly knocking Mirabel out of her chair. She looks down to see an afro, attached to her side. 

“Hi, primito. ” Mirabel giggles, booping his nose, as his toucan chirps happily above her. “I’m okay.” 

Antonio's beaming up at her with no fear in his eyes, “I’m glad you came back.”

“Only for you.” Mirabel whispers, sending him a wink before nudging him with her elbow. Pure joy radiates from him. Antonio's magic is surprisingly tame, easily the calmest out of everyone. His magic spreads in the animals under and below him, forming their own paradise to a world that only he can enter. He gestures for Mirabel to lean closer, his feet tapping excitedly on the ground. 

“Congratulations.” he whispers, before rushing back toward his seat. Antonio meets her confused gaze and gives her a thumbs up. 

Luisa slams the piano down with a resounding thud, tearing her attention away from him. Luisa gently pats her back as she heads back to her seat.  Her magic flows through Mirabel. Resolute and unmoving, it's built like layered brick, a promise to keep her safe.  It makes her smile. 

Mariano starts singing some love ballads, and it’s surprisingly pleasant. Mirabel finds herself relaxing as she digs into the food, she underestimated how hungry she was. Mirabel stares at the wall, she needs to find a way to bring Bruno some. She did not expect Dolores to follow her gaze, her ear twitching in question.

Dolores' magic is quiet but it’s everywhere all at once, echoing back to her repeatedly. Her cousin quirks her eyebrow at the staring, and Mirabel averts her eyes, focusing on the very engaging performance and the warm food. Camilo passes her more and more helpings, an impressed grin on his face at the third serving. He morphs into her, with a more exaggerated grin, as he follows Mirabel’s lead allowing her to get a feel of his magic. Camilo’s are in bursts, popping randomly in his body as he changes. It reminds her of fireworks and she can’t help but smile. She flicks a piece of food at him when no one is looking.

Abuela looks directly at her, causing her to still her movement.

It’s silent, she can feel everyone, their magic flowing around her except Abuela. Mirabel cannot look away from the emptiness. Mirabel searches deeper, hoping to get a sense of anything. She only receives faint traces of whatever was there before. Her Abuela looks nervous for a split second, before she turns to Señora Guzmán again. Mirabel latches onto it, the fear on her Abuela’s face imprinting in her mind. It terrifies Mirabel, making her lose her appetite.

Abuela is never afraid. 

Mirabel gulps, a shiver running through her entire body. Her silverware slips out of her hold, and clatters on the floor. A toucan begins picking at it, dragging it further underneath the table. Mirabel looks over at Antonio who is slightly swaying to the music. She doesn’t need to bother him with this. Mirabel drops down, reaching forward to take the fork but the toucan flies toward her, not wanting to give it’s treasure up without a fight . 

“You're lucky Antonio likes you.” Mirabel growls out, as it pecks and pulls at her ruana. Mirabel finally manages to wrestle the fork out of its beak, ignoring it’s squawk of protest. She shoots the bird an annoyed glare, before reappearing above the table with a few feathers flying out of her hair.  

The music halts mid-note. Mariano gasps, his eyes filling with horror. Everyone turns to look at her.

The ruana is on the floor, no longer covering her markings. 

Julieta’s hands fly to her mouth. Agustín faints, thankfully on a bed of flowers and vines that suddenly pop up everywhere. A sudden storm pours down on everyone, shifting from sleet, hail, snow, and thunder. Félix tries to calm everyone down, shielding his youngest from the storm.  Antonio’s animals dart around the room, knocking plates off the table and he’s too shocked to even attempt to control them.  Dolores is covering her ears, her head tilted towards the wall. Camilo is transforming rapidly as he stares at his cousin, eyes glued on Mirabel’s skin. 

There’s too much magic running around her, suffocating her. Mirabel can’t even see the feelings attached to them it's so chaotic. A horrible migraine threatens to consume her. Her body aches, causing her to stumble forward into the table as pain floods her temple. Luisa walks backward into a wall trying to avoid stepping on an animal and knocks it out of Casita. The cheers from the crowd outside destroy the last willpower Mirabel has left. Abuela stands up from her spot at the table, just as the command forms at the roof of Mirabel's mouth. 

“STOP!” Abuela and Mirabel both cry out suddenly. Everyone freezes in place. 

Something thunks on the dinner table. 

Mirabel moves immediately, before she could tell what it is. The only thought she could focus on was the painting. Mirabel barely makes it to the safety of the courtyard, before someone grabs her wrist. Vines wrap around her ankles to prevent her from moving.  Mirabel turns to face Isabela, who as usual, looks at her like the scum of the earth.  Isabela’s dress is ruined and her hair is frizzy, but her usual smolder is strong. But there is something else there, a small spark of happiness that was growing, a sharp contrast to Isabela's other emotions. The grip on her wrist tightens, making Mirabel hiss and forcing her not to dwell on it. 

“What’s going on with you?” Her sister seethes, leaning over Mirabel, her eyes flickering to the marks. "You just ruined my proposal after you ran off with our magic.”

“I didn’t run off with it.” A flash of hurt crosses Mirabel's face, her sister’s resentment is strong, forming barbs in her throat. Mirabel struggles to speak, “I was trying to save it.” 

Isabela scoffs as she releases her. Her parents rush into the courtyard, just as the vines at her feet wilt. Isabela steps out the way, allowing her parents to reach her.

“What happened, mija.” Her father asks.  It takes everything in Mirabel not to flinch from the dreaded question. "You know you can tell us everything.”

The love in his eyes, his concern almost makes Mirabel break. She needs to tell her parents something.  She glances at the painting.  None of them would know the wiser if she twisted the truth a little bit. 

“I accidentally knocked the candle over.” Mirabel says, knowing its a story that everyone would believe. They all knew how determined she was, they knew she would ignore her Abuela. Mirabel looks away from her parents, hoping they couldn’t sense the fear in her voice. The lack of truth in it. “I panicked and went to Bruno’s room.” 

Luisa walks in holding Bruno’s ruana, already looking up at the dilapidated tower. Camilo follows shortly after carrying his little brother, Pepa and Félix walking right behind him. Her mother looks down at the engravings, tracing the raises on her skin. Pepa and Julieta share a look. 

“Is that how you got this?” her mother asks. Mirabel nods, shifting uneasily from side to side from the attention.

"Does it hurt?" Mirabel shakes her head no. Julieta wraps her up in a careful hug, and Mirabel returns it, leaning into the feeling of her mother's overwhelming relief.  Julieta pulls back, frowning at the scars, an unspoken question lingering in the air. Why hasn't it healed? 

Abuela enters the courtyard. Dolores walks next to her, whispering something in the matriarch's ears. The moonlight catches the green glass in Abuela's hands.

Mirabel whirls around just in time to see the rats running out of the nursery room. Slowly, Mirabel turns back to face her family, whose eyes are glued onto the vision. 

Her cousin avoids her fearful gaze, but she knows Dolores must have already told Abuela everything as she moves to stand beside Pepa. Abuela’s gaze locks onto Mirabel, who immediately shrinks in on herself. Mirabel gulps, not seeing a trace of happiness or relief in sight.

Bruno was wrong.

“I didn’t mean too, Abuela.” she stutters, trying to lessen the damage already done. “It was an accident.” 

The matriarch continues toward her unmoved by her words, completely silent. This was it. All of her shenanigans finally caught up to her. She should have never tried to help. She should have listened to her Abuela.  

“I’m sorry,” Mirabel says, voice wavering. “I’ll do extra chores to make up for it. I’ll stay out of everyone’s way. I’ll-” 

Mirabel’s pleading comes to a stop suddenly as her back meets a wall. Abuela hands the vision off to Julieta, who stills upon looking at it.

There’s nowhere to run.

Abuela’s shadow drapes over her. Mirabel clenches her fists, bracing herself for the fury that will surely come out of her Abuela's mouth. A weathered hand lands gently on her cheek, forcing Mirabel to look at her Abuela. 

Abuela stares into Mirabel’s eyes, before a warm smile breaks out across her face. Mirabel's eyes widen as a dam breaks between them, the pride, the amazement, are all in Abuela’s eyes and it’s directed at her. Mirabel’s heart beats faster as her mind races, unable to believe what she’s seeing. Mirabel shines in between her Abuela’s palms, hearing the amazed whispers of her family around her. The veins running down her arms fully heal, her skin clear once more.  

“Mirabel, mi estrella,” Abuela says, in a soft tone that she hasn’t heard in a decade. “Welcome home.” 

Her family cheers around her, pride, approval, and wonder burrows it's way deep inside Mirabel's chest. Abuela kisses her forehead and Mirabel's magic moves, spreading down to her feet into the very ground they were standing on. 

The candle room rumbles, drawing everyone's attention away from Mirabel. The cheering quiets around her as the sight holds everyone hostage. The room shifts around wildly until it fully flattens. A golden banister rises, chandeliers fall down from the ceiling, and with a bated breath Mirabel waits. 

A glowing door appears at the highest point in the courtyard. Abuela gasps, her hands falling from Mirabel's face. 

Mirabel stares until her eyes burn, bathing in the light of the door. Her door. Tears run freely down Mirabel’s cheek. 

She wasn’t too late for a miracle. 

Notes:

Thank you for reading!
:) And they all lived happily ever after with absolutely no drawbacks to this whatsoever.

Chapter 4: Illusion

Summary:

The moment.

Notes:

Hello. I’ve missed you all :)

Mirabel pinches herself, unsure if her door is actually real. The sight is unchanging. Her miracle is finally here, right where everyone can see it. She can’t register anything over the swelling hope that invades her system. Her body sways from the force of her excitement. 

Hands move to steady her. 

“It’s time to rest, mi vida.” There’s a hint of amusement in her mother’s voice as she is led away from the courtyard.

The nursery door creaks open in welcome. Mirabel collapses on the bed with an audible groan as she melts into the soft pillows. A shelf detaches itself to sling a cover over her. She gives Casita a thumbs up in response. Her parents sit on the edge of the bed, whispering amongst themselves. Through her exhaustion, she picks up only pieces of the conversation:

A miracle. That everyone is safe.   

Their relief feels like a weighted blanket pressed down on her. She slides Antonio’s toy jaguar to her chest, enjoying the comfort that runs through her veins.

 

Mirabel’s eyes open to sunlight. Hummingbirds dart in and out of her window with lights in their beaks. Abuela’s commands echo from the courtyard. Mirabel mumbles to herself, forcing her body awake. It seems the celebration is to be happening right away. The fresh smell of newly baked bread makes her stomach growl. 

A clinking sound turns her attention to the dresser. Her eyes land on a spinning plate; it’s been wiped clean. Mirabel bounces from her room with the plate in hand, knocking gently against the wall. A little rhythm answers, guiding her into the kitchen. 

Her mamá and Tía are slicing and chopping vegetables. There are baskets on the counter overflowing with fresh ingredients. Pots and pans are being shuffled around behind them, grime being wiped clean in a shower of bubbles. Mirabel adds the dish to the sink, and Casita makes a point to splash her with water. The attack makes her pause long enough to hear the deep sigh coming from her mother. 

Pepa glances over at her sister with an understanding look on her face. “You know how mamá is about these things.” 

Mirabel’s stomach buzzes with worry. 

Her mother gives a solemn nod, before placing down the knife. “I wish we could give her more time.” 

Mirabel wipes the last traces of exhaustion from her eyes. She tackles her mother, earning her a surprised laugh. Tía Pepa makes a show of rolling her eyes but the rainbow above her head tells all. They both land a kiss on Mirabel’s cheek, as she sits at the table. Her mother hands her a fresh chontaduro. A salt canister rolls near her hand. Mirabel doesn't need it though, the taste is already perfect from her mother's touch. 

“Your mother thought that you had a novio,” Tía’s eyes are twinkling with amusement. 

Mirabel's face flushes, she almost drops the fruit. She wants to die on the spot.  

“Mamá!” 

“All that sneaking around.” Julieta nudges Mirabel, whose face is still red. “I didn’t know what to think.” 

“I told her to leave you alone.” Pepa leans over the counter with a dazed smile. “We are only young once.” 

Her mother pulls out another tray of fresh bread, mouthing toward Mirabel ‘save yourself’ as Tía Pepa starts talking about her glory days. Mirabel eagerly follows the advice, consuming the last piece of her snack. She takes several fruits as they continue talking and places them near the wall. Casita flips their tiles, allowing them to disappear out of sight.

Mirabel slips into the bustle of the courtyard. She ducks underneath Luisa, feeling the weight of the wine barrels on her own shoulders. Dolores and Isabela are hanging up her name over the door, the latter using her vines to adjust her side properly. Antonio sits on Camilo’s shoulders, overseeing the lights being strung up and down the banister by his birds. She walks over to the boys. Mirabel ruffles Camilo’s hair, who shoots her a playful glare in return.  

“Getting out of work again?” Mirabel teases. Camilo gives her a wink in response. 

She gently pokes Antonio’s belly, earning her a laugh. The tiles rumble, a toy jaguar teeters over to them. Mirabel plucks it from the ground. 

“Thank you, hombrecito.” Mirabel says, as she returns the toy. “I really needed him.” 

“I know.” Antonio whispers, also sending her a wink. Camillo laughs, absolutely thrilled to see his younger brother copy him, and the two boys share a high five.  

“Mirabel!” Her heartbeat spikes at the tone. What did she do now? She turns toward the voice. Abuela strides toward her, eyes holding so much warmth that Mirabel can barely believe she’s looking at her . 

“There you are.” Abuela holds her face in her palms. “Tonight will be your night.”

“I can’t wait.” Mirabel manages to puff out between the smothering grip. 

“Girls!” 

Dolores squeaks, dropping her side of the banner; Isabela quickly props it up with another vine. Abuela gestures in Mirabel’s direction. Isabela and Dolores are at her side in seconds. In a flash, Mirabel is whisked down the hallway until the scenery changes to perfect pink. They set her down in front of Isabela’s vanity, opening drawers with precision. They are both silent as they work on her appearance, exchanging nods and looks that only they can interpret. 

The house begins to fill. 

Villagers are mingling below, coming to Casita in droves. Sparklers light up outside, replacing the setting sun. Anticipation renders Mirabel unsteady, as the memories from her last ceremony swell. She can’t take another year of sympathy gifts, of that gnawing disappointment and sadness from being a nobody in a family full of stars.  Of being left out of family photos and being shoved into the shadows of the nursery room. 

Isabela hums sharply, snapping Mirabel out of her thoughts. Isabela’s eyes are piercing as she stares down at her sister. Mirabel braces herself for the snide comment, fists clenching by her side. A sensation Mirabel hasn’t felt in years, grows in her hair as Dolores spins her toward the mirror.  Mirabel looks at her reflection, fighting to blink the tears away.

A white flower crown rests upon her head. 

“It’s beautiful, '' Mirabel whispers, reaching up to touch the daisies. Isabela avoids her gaze. Dolores studies them both intently, her eyes soft. She chirps suddenly, shocking them out of the moment. Dolores grabs onto their arms, leading them out of the room and to the curtain below.

Abuela’s hands are clasped, as she stands in the middle of spiral stairs. Mirabel can hear the confused mutters about the missing candle.  

“Our family has received a blessing that will honor all of Encanto. It is our joy to share it with you all." Abuela begins, facing the crowd. Her parents move to stand by her door. 

It’s time. Mirabel’s heartbeat pounds in her ears. 

“Calmáte.” Dolores whispers, her head tilts toward the wall. “We believe in you.”

Isabela nods by her side. Dolores and Isabela duck out of the curtain, moving into the crowd with silent grace. 

“Today, our dear Mirabel will finally step into the light becoming who she was always meant to be.”

Mirabel can hear her name amongst the crowd as everyone turns in her direction. She steps forward, following the light of her door. The distant singing of Mirabel’s name drowns out every whisper. Abuela meets her halfway and together they ascend the staircase. When they arrive at the door, Abuela takes Mirabel’s hands in her own. 

“Will you use this gift to honor our miracle? Will you serve this community and serve our home?”

She stares into Abuela’s eyes, determination erupting from her mouth. “Con mi vida.”

A tight squeeze on Mirabel’s hand. Abuela steps back.  

Mirabel stands at her door alone. She swallows harshly, remembering the way the magic tore through her body. She can only hope that this time it won't be as painful. Her shaky hand touches the doorknob. Magic flows through her, almost apologetic as it flutters through her system. The pleasant weight in her chest beats with her heart, melding into one. 

Her heart becomes a flame.

Casita shudders, all of the doors and windows, seem to be applauding. Mirabel laughs, a swarm of golden butterflies fly through the courtyard, clinging to her family. Each touch makes her flame beat stronger as their magic melds. It’s Isabela’s magic that bursts to the forefront, always demanding to be shown. Mirabel’s eyes glow and her hair begins to move on its own. She turns to the crowd, bowing as marigolds burst from her hands.

Isabela’s jaw drops, a flutter of feelings tangles in her magic. 

The crowd erupts. 

The door explodes with light, a new imprint appears. Mirabel’s eyes are closed, her hair flared out with butterflies surrounding her. The candle rests in her heart, constantly moving, flickering with light. 

“The candle is alive!” Abuela shouts. “A miracle in the flesh.” 

Mirabel soaks up the delight in Abuela’s voice, wishing she could live in this moment forever. Her door slams open with a flurry of golden butterflies. Light rushes from inside beckoning them all to follow it. 

Mirabel doesn’t hesitate.

The blackness of the room fades away, revealing a galaxy overhead. The stars twinkles as the rush of people come in, greeting them all. Light pulses under Mirabel’s feet, revealing an endless, clear sea. Everything is amplified, bouncing back to her, pulling her everywhere at once.

Isabela stares up at the stars overhead, the petals behind her stop flowing. Camilo bends down, touching his own watery reflection. Luisa inhales deeply, the slight ocean scent putting her at ease. Antonio is in complete awe, watching his birds try to reach the ceiling. A rainbow appears in the sky of her room, bright and bold, her Tia free from its weight. Her mother’s ache from her absence erases completely. 

A star collapses in on itself, outpouring a shower of golden lights on the crowd. The crowd whispers amongst themselves, speaking of nothing but wonder. 

Seven platforms slowly rise to float above the water, each one with a different theme. The jagged mountains from Luisa’s room provide a challenge. The open field from Tía Pepa's room beckons rest. The bountiful flowers from Isabela’s room say to shine. The expansive gardens from Julieta's room speak of shelter. The jungle of Antonio’s room roars with freedom. The playful museum from Camillo’s room erupts with laughter. Dolores’ sound hall says to be heard.

Everyone settles in on a different island, followed by the sounds of corks. Abuela beckons and the photographer comes closer, she’s in the center as the family surrounds her.  

Everything is perfect.

The stars rotate around Mirabel, reflecting off of the water below. It’s like she’s one with the sky. She has no choice but to dance, letting the joy guide her.  Her laughter echoes through her room, filling the space with light. As the evening continues, in between all the music and the dancing and the congratulations something fades. It starts small, a mere dimming of her mood. But, the sensation grows the longer Mirabel stays in her room. The weight in her chest shifts unsteadily. A star shines brighter above her, a sharp current thumps in her heart. A warmth is escaping. She needs to leave.

Mirabel looks for one person in particular. Abuela stands alone, in the middle of the sky and sea. There’s happiness in her eyes, but her face is unreadable. The nothingness comes to her again, the longer Mirabel stares.  

The painters cheer as they enter, providing enough distraction to make her escape.

 

Mirabel wanders the empty Encanto streets, trying to convince warmth back to that dimness in her chest. She hums, hoping to distract from the uneasiness prickling her skin. The sound comes back easily in the vacant village. It fills her with dread. A loud thump echoes through an alleyway, making Mirabel jump. Mariano appears in the middle of the street. 

“What are you doing here?!” Mirabel exclaims, trying to calm her racing heart.   

“I can’t find her.” Mariano whispers, sounding out of breath. Mirabel’s eyebrows raise at his condition. Mariano’s hair is windswept, and his shirt clings to his skin. Fear shines in his eyes.

“Isabela’s in Casita.” Mirabel gestures toward the hill, confusion clear in her voice. He was just with her sister. Maybe he had too much to drink. She expects to find relief on Mariano’s face, but instead, he deflates, looking even more pitiful. Another round of whizzing, hissing, and popping in the sky. 

“She never takes these nights well.” Mariano mutters to himself, staring up at the fireworks. 

Everything clicks. 

The cause of his concern becomes clear. Mirabel searches for Dolores magic. Nothing flies through the air. Another pang of absence runs through her. She grabs Mariano by the shirt, looking him dead in the eyes. 

“Are you sure she’s not in her room?” Mirabel demands. It would be a likely spot, and easily overlooked. Mariano seems disappointed that she asked.

“I saw her run from the celebration, Mira,” Mariano’s voice is trembling. “She was scared.”

They need to find her. 

Mirabel’s fire flares. 

“Keep looking!” she commands, tone immediately making Mariano straighten up. “I’ll take this side.” 

One would think finding someone in an empty village would be easy but Dolores was always good at finding hiding spots. A talent that Mirabel wishes that her cousin didn’t have as she checks alley after alley. She is getting nowhere. Another round of fireworks being set off, turn Mirabel’s attention to the rooftops. Maybe what she needs is a new perspective. 

Mirabel peers down, surveying the entire village from the tallest house in Encanto. She thinks about the advice Dolores gave her earlier. She has to maintain a clear head. The light of the fireworks catches the Madrigal mural. Mirabel’s eyes and skin have been given a yellow-orange glow. She gawks at her new image, something keeping her attention there. Her eyes slide over to the corner of the wall. There is a smudged golden handprint. Someone was stumbling through, and touched the wet paint. 

The shock almost makes Mirabel slide off the roof. She climbs down, following the dripping paint to the edge of Encanto. It is there that Mirabel finds Dolores hidden in between empty firework boxes with a trail of blood leaking out of her golden covered ears. At some point, Dolores must have given up on blocking out the noise.

“Dolores.” Mirabel whispers, stepping into her prima’s line of vision.

No response. Her cousin’s eyes stare blankly through her. She is frozen, other than the hesitant movement of her chest. Mirabel touches her cousin's shoulder. Dolores rockets away, slamming harshly into the wall, making them both flinch. Shame swims on Mirabel’s tongue. Mirabel remains still, not wanting to scare her cousin even more. Tears fall down Dolores’ face. 

Mirabel slowly extends her hand where Dolores can see it. Her cousin’s mouth twitches into a hesitant smile. Mirabel registers the broken stream of her cousin’s magic, only coming to her from their close distance. Dolores is ashamed that in her panic she didn't just run to her room and afraid to be seen at her most vulnerable. Mirabel pushes back, only sending love and relief that Dolores is found. 

Dolores takes her hand. Their foreheads touch. Dolores’ breathing returns to normal, and all of those negative emotions fade away. That empty space in Mirabel’s chest reignites. 

“You found her.” Mariano comes into view. He’s so relieved, tears are forming in his eyes. 

Dolores magic reignites with pure joy, a steady stream that pinpoints only him. Mirabel moves without hesitation. 

Dolores wraps her arm around Mariano’s shoulders, tucking her head gently into the nape of his neck. Mirabel recognizes the move, something Dolores always did with her family whenever her magic got too much. She’s listening to Mariano’s heartbeat. He returns the hug full heartedly, glaring up at the fireworks overhead. It’s oddly sweet. When she’s done, Dolores tucks her head into his shirt, her eyes slide shut in content. 

“Come on, Mirabel.” Mariano’s voice is steady for the first time. “Let’s take her home.”

They walk around the back of Casita. Distant sounds of the party make Dolores stir as they reach the room. Mariano clutches her impossibly closer to his chest. Casita spawns more stairs under his feet to avoid jostling Dolores. Soon, they arrive, Mirabel and Mariano share a glance as they stand in front of Dolores' door. 

“Thank you.” Dolores says, finally able to speak. They can barely hear her. “I’m fine now.”

Mariano puts Dolores down as if she's the most precious thing in the world. Mirabel hopes to have a friendship like that one day. 

“If you need anything else.” Mariano says, voice resolute. “You know where to find me, Lolo.”

She nods at them both, but her eyes tell all. There’s love swimming there, soaked in the kindness of their act. Together Mariano and Mirabel watch as she enters the room,  both of them knowing that space is what she needs.  

“Thank you for looking out for her.” Mirabel says, as they head toward the celebration. 

Camillo walks past, holding a fresh arepa in a napkin. The sight of them makes the worry fall from his face. 

“I always will.” Mariano replies in a way that Mirabel could never doubt the statement. “I know her gift can be hard sometimes.” 

They arrive back to her room. They are welcomed back into the party with ease. As usual, Mariano stands by Isabela’s side, although he looks a little less charming than usual. Luckily, they manage to catch the end of the festivities. Mirabel stands near the door, thanking everyone for coming and giving the children some parting butterflies to play with. 

“Sleep well, mi estrella.” Abuela says, before closing the door.

Mirabel is left alone in her oasis. 

The world around her is still. Mirabel looks back up at the sky, focusing on the brightest star. She thinks about everything that led her to this moment, the labor in Encanto, the searing pain through her skin. It was all worth it. There’s so much work to be done. Mirabel tugs at the bright star, and it descends willingly into her open hands. Sadness comes to her as she stares down at the swirling mass. How much does Dolores keep inside because she’s afraid to bother anyone. Afraid to ask for help? Dolores deserves more, so much more. The star dims, and she allows it to float back to the ceiling. 

A different star drops down, bouncing around on the water. It settles for a corner of the room. A tiny island forms. It’s a desert, overrun with sand that constantly flows into the water. A distant butterfly lands on a sleeping man, he is terrified and lost in his own home. Mirabel places her hand underneath the rush of sand, watching it weave through the cracks of her hand. 

Change is coming soon.

Notes:

I appreciate the patience. It takes a lot of behind the scenes work to build a story like this! If you would like to be a beta reader come find me on tumblr!
https://beauty-of-sins.tumblr.com/

Notes:

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed.