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Chapter Text

Deep in the heart of the jungle gathered many animals from the largest hippo to the tiniest mosquito.

“Is it true?” whispered the bears

“I thought the eternal flame was granting only one speaker to us,” whispered the parrots

“Hush, the wise ones will explain it all,” said the Jaguars

Suddenly the air was filled with thousands upon thousands of butterflies.

“Oh great transformers, is it true we are being given more than one speaker?” asked a hippo

“Yes, the eternal flame has decided its future keeper can no longer be without a gift lest she lose what made her worthy in the first place. Ten years ago it misjudged how the humans would view its choice it fears for its own safety for few truly see her. The flame has decided that she too will be able to speak with us as well as the young one who was originally going to be our speaker. We butterflies will do our duties as speakers of the flame but as she is destined to be its keeper she is by that extension, our ruler. However both speakers are young and will need guides of similar ages,” said the swarm of butterflies

“I volunteer to guide the elder speaker, future keeper of the flame,” said a mother jaguar named River, bowing her head to the butterflies

“If my mother is guiding the elder I shall guide the younger,” said an adolescent jaguar named Parce copying his mother’s gesture.

“So it shall be, come the ceremony is mere hours away and it is quite the journey to those with no wings,” said the butterflies

“Great ones, what are the names of the speakers?” asked a tucan named Pico

“The names the humans gave them are inconsistent with their destinies, to all of us creature of the wild the elder speaker shall be called Firebele, the younger will tell you his own name but will be given a new one by us when he reaches adulthood,” said the butterflies

“You said they were both young but the elder already has her name by us?” asked a bear

“Though young she has been made to mature faster than she should have and is more grown than most her age, the younger speaker may not be her offspring by birth but it is she who has raised him and it is her he looks to for guidance. The eternal flame does not wish a rift to form between them as it has between her and the rest of her elders. They do not know the flame’s intentions and therefore missed the point,” said the butterflies with a note of sadness

“Then let us be off, there is no time to waste,” said the jaguars

…

Mirabel felt like she was the one back at that door so long ago as she led Antonio to his door. She stood off to the side as Antonio touched the candle then approached his door. The magic spread through his fingers to the door and Mirabel gasped as she felt a warm glow through her as she had when she had touched the candle so long ago.

A tucan landed on Antonio’s arm and address both him and Mirabel

“Welcome speakers, do you understand me?” asked the Tucan

“Uh-huh uh-huh, I understand you,” said Antonio

The Tucan turned more to Mirabel

“Do you? Firebele?” asked the Tucan

“Yes, I understand,” said Mirabel

Abuela stood shocked.

“Can my friends come?” asked Pico

“Of course, they can come!” exclaimed Antonio

“Come one come all, our speakers are here, the eternal flame keeps its promises,” Called Pico

Antonio wasn’t paying much attention to that last part, he was too excited to just have a gift. Mirabel looked between the candle and the tucan.

Were animals connected to the magic?

Mirabel was covered in a swarm of butterflies.

“Dearest Firebele, our queen, we understand you will have many questions but the jaguar River will guide you when we can’t. The highest of your court will stay with you but it is best for us to answer your questions away from smaller ears,” said one of the butterflies.

“My name is Mirabel though, not Firebele” she said

“The humans have named you Mirabel, but to all creatures of nature you are to be known as Firebele,” said the butterfly

The door glowed and everyone gasped as it had two names and two people on it. Mirabel and Antonio.

“We have a new gift,” exclaimed Abuela

Antonio suddenly grabbed Mirabel’s hand so they could open the door together.

The door opened to about ten feet of a normal room then turned into a massive jungle with a tree at the center. The upper canopy seemed to be a huge treehouse covered in thousands of different flowers and the wood was painted teal.

Parce bounded in and picked Antonio up and threw him on his back as he ran up to explore the tree.

River walked up to Mirabel’s side.

“Come speaker, your palace awaits you,” said River, lowering herself for Mirabel to climb on.

They climbed high into the canopy and Mirabel found the inside of the treehouse was larger than the room it was in. It was an actual castle made of wood and flowers, butterfly motifs everywhere. There was even a throne room with candles lighting the rug up to where a golden throne in the shape of a zinnia stood on a dais.

“This would have been your room if the eternal flame’s intentions had been understood, you would have had all of this when you took over its care. Instead, the flame decided to give it to you now. As the one who will one day keep the flame, the great transformers see you as their queen. So you get your castle within the jungle as a speaker,” said River

“What do you mean by eternal flame?” asked Mirabel

“The fire maintained by love, lit by sacrifice, and gifted by the maker, the one that has granted your pack its magic,” said River

“The candle?” asked Mirabel

“The very same,” said River

“But Why don’t they see Abuela as their queen now? She keeps the candle right now,” asked Mirabel

“She wasn’t ready and when the gifts were first given she proved she had missed the true nature of the flame and therefore the great transformers would not listen to her,” said River

There were countless hallways, rooms dedicated to things she loved most. A sewing room with a dress on a form in the center, it looked like a blooming light blue aster. There was a magenta and gold cape and gold crown covered in butterflies and jewels set to look like flowers and flames.

“You don’t have to wear it now but they are for when you feel ready, there are much less formal gowns in the closet in your bedroom,” said River, leading the girl up a staircase to the right of the dais in the throne room.

Mirabel gasped as she opened the door to the master bedroom. It was almost a blue, magenta, and gold version of Isabella’s room but the bed was a hammock and the curtains were massive palm frawns and the walls were exclusively butterfly bushes. She opened her closet to find at least fifty different dresses all in her favorite colors, her eyes gravitated to one that looked like the wings of a blue morpho butterfly.

“This seems like a bit much,” she said

“The eternal flame feels guilty that its intentions weren’t clear enough to the current keeper, the butterflies believe it is going over the top in trying to compensate you, I believe the den you humans live in is also playing a role in the extravagance,” said River

“But why now?” asked Mirabel

“Because your cub was getting a gift and it saw how close you two are, rather than give you a random room out of nowhere it decided to combine the gift it was going to give your cub and your room, and since you would need communication with the flame, being able to talk with those who can speak to it was all the more incentive to give you the same gift as your cub,” said River

“We should probably head back to the party,” said Mirabel.

She rode River back down the tree.

Everyone was waiting and a slightly wet Antonio was giggling like crazy, he had clearly ridden Parce through a waterfall

“We need a picture! Everyone together,” exclaimed Abuela,

Antonio grabbed Mirabel’s hand and pulled her to the front with him, butterflies by the hundreds swarmed above in the photo as the whole family showed off their gifts.

“La Familia Madrigal!” everyone exclaimed, marking Mirabel’s first picture with her family.

During the biggest party Mirabel had ever experienced, Abuela approached her.

“Mirabel, Tonito is still young since you two are sharing a room you will be expected to look after him, I am proud that you have a gift now. You and Antonio must find a way to use it to serve the community,” said Abuela

“I will Abuela,” said Mirabel

“Excellent,” said Abuela

…

Later that night after the party had wound down and everyone started heading home, Mirabel was helping Antonio get ready for bed.

“I’m glad you have a door now, I’m even happier that it’s mine too,” said Antonio hugging her.

Mirabel smiled and tucked him into his hammock. Parce had his own massive cushion on the sleeping balcony.

“Goodnight Tonito, I’ll see you in the morning, I love you,” said Mirabel, kissing his forehead and walking to where River was waiting to take her up to her castle in the tree.

“Love you, Mama,” whispered Antonio

Mirabel felt her heart soar. And she walked through the wooden hallways of her treehouse castle to her bedroom. River lay down on a pile of cushions in the corner.

She had a gift, she had a room, she had Antonio still, for once her life was looking up.

Chapter Text

The cawing of the tucans woke Mirabel up and it took a moment for her to remember where she was. Then she reached for her glasses which she had placed on the emerald side table the night before. Instead of grabbing her normal green-rimmed glasses, however, the ones she now held in her hand were gold and teal with lenses that seemed to be made of crystal.

“Dios Mio, when miracles apologize they really go all out,” she muttered, putting them on.

Her vision was clearer now than with her old glasses and they stayed on her face a lot better. She climbed out of the hammock and walked over to the dress she saw last night. It was silk and flowed over her body like water. There were also matching shoes that were just as comfortable as her usual ones. There was also a set of gold butterfly stud earrings in a box on her dresser, there were tiny magenta gemstones in the wings. She caught a glimpse of herself in the large mirror in the corner.

She did a small twirl and the skirt of her dress billowed out like a blooming flower.

There was a knock on the door. Mirabel opened it to reveal a coati.

“Pardon me dearest Firebele but all animals residing in the valley are waiting for you in the throne room so that you can address where we will be needed for today. Your cub is being tended to by his biological mother but we have told him that you will be unable to attend the meal with your family because there are things you must attend to here,” said the coati

“I hope Abuela isn’t angry at me,” sighed Mirabel

“This is unavoidable, however, tomorrow you will be woken earlier so the morning address can take place before your pack eats,” said the coati with a bow before heading back down the stairs.

“Although I know you are not ready to wear the proper crown, this ribbon will suffice in its place,” said a tucan pulling out a golden silk hair ribbon that was embroidered with magenta butterflies and flames of cut citrine stitched between each butterfly, from one of the shelves in the closet.

Two hummingbirds tied it around her head similar to how Dolores wore her hair.

…

“Antonio, is Mirabel going to be joining us this morning?” asked Pepa

“No mama, all the animals in Encanto and the surrounding jungle need to talk to her this morning, it’s very important they said, it involves how we can help the town but they said she has a special area where she can talk to all of them at once, the hippos even got the donkeys there but will make sure they go back home when she’s finished talking,” said Antonio, he was still not used to calling Pepa his mama, Mirabel had always been more of his mama even though she was his prima.

Abuela frowned.

“And why don’t they need you there too Tonito?” asked Abuela

“Mirabel is older and already has her own name the animals call her, they say when I’m grown up I’ll get a name from them too. But the animals see her as more of a royalty figure but I’m their friend. She tells them what to do I get to play with them, but when I grow up more I’ll be royal too,” said Antonio

…
“Ok so better grazing and a larger pen will keep you all from leaving all the time?” asked Mirabel to the donkeys. Every creature was in front of her arranged by species but the butterflies were above her.

“Yes Firebele,” brayed the donkeys

“Ok, next order of business is the bees, may all queens step forward?” asked Mirabel

Every queen from all hives came forward.

“Here in the Encanto there are no humans who wish to intentionally hurt you, stinging humans is unnecessary and if there is a problem please come find me or Antonio. My father and several others are allergic to your stings. Now I have been informed that you honey producers have a surplus this year and are willing to exchange the surplus for better flowers is that correct?” asked Mirabel

“Yes my lady, and we will of course refrain from stinging humans now that we know they don’t really mean any harm. All we ask for in exchange are flowers that produce bountiful pollen and tasty nectar,” said a queen

“Please make a list of what flowers you would like and I’ll ask if my sister can grow them,” said Mirabel

“Thank you, your majesty,” said the queens in unison

“Other than Parce and River I would like all predators on patrol around the mountains with one tucan per predator, if there is any suspicious activity like a threat to our home then you are to signal with three caws, a pause then four caws, If you tell this to Antonio he will be sure to tell Dolores that if she hears this then she is to gather the human guards,” said Mirabel

“Of course,” said the predators in unison.

“Hippos, I know you are the strongest of the animals gathered here, one of my sisters is always doing quite a bit of heavy lifting and manual labor and I worry about her doing too much if there is any way you could all band together and aid her in whatever you can it would be greatly appreciated,” said Mirabel

“You can count on us,” said the hippos.

“Ok, I have nothing else for the other insects and arachnids so you can all do what you’d like, as, for the rats, you said you wish to speak to me privately?” said Mirabel

“Yes, it is a matter of great importance,” squeaked one of the rats

“How urgent is it? Is it right this moment urgent or can it wait till later tonight?” asked Mirabel

“Tonight is fine,” said the rat.

“Right, as for the other birds if you could all assist in the harvest of the fruit trees you seem to know what is ripe and what is not and can reach fruit on branches that not even our tallest men on ladders can,” said Mirabel

“What about us?” asked a capybara

“I don’t know very much about you all so please play to whatever strength you have around town, as for the snakes, unfortunately too many people are scared of you all so herding younger rodents out of the fields is going to be your main objective today if you can be discreet,” said Mirabel

There was a collective nod from the snakes.

“I think that's all for today,” said Mirabel rising from her throne.

This was going to take some getting used to. As the animals filed out she looked around at her castle, queens were supposed to be graceful and elegant, and even as the butterflies and other creatures assured her that she didn’t need to be perfect and she could take her time to grow into her role, she knew that she would need to start showing that she could lead and be a rock in a storm for those who counted on her. Even if her family had never looked at her like they could depend on her, it was clear that the animals had been waiting for their speakers for a long time and as the eldest, it was up to her to help them until Antonio had grown up some more.

If there was anyone she could ask about how to be perfect it was Isabella, and as much as they didn’t get along, Mirabel needed her help.

…

Luisa suddenly found herself surrounded by hippos and every time a villager asked something of Luisa, a hippo would go off and do it. Leaning house? Seven hippos shoved it back into place. Temporary river re-route? A heard of the beasts carefully diverted the flow with their bodies. Even the donkeys seemed to be staying put. There was one hippo who seemed to be directing the others as she stayed by Luisa’s side.

She walked into town and saw Dolores talking to Antonio

“So if I hear a tucan caw three times with a pause then four times it means there's danger?” asked Dolores

“Yep, that's what Mirabel told them,” said Antonio, Parce was next to him.

“What did Mirabel tell the other animals because I’ve had hippo help all morning,” said Luisa

“I’ll ask,” said Antonio

“Firebele told us to help her strong sister because there are more of us than there are of her and we can easily accomplish quite a few large tasks with only a few of us. I have decided to accompany her through the day and if she would like me to stay to help her with tasks around your dwelling I am more than willing,” said Franchesca, the Hippo next to Luisa.

“Mirabel asked them to help you today, I think this is going to be a normal thing and Franchesca here wants to stay with you and be your friend,” said Antonio

“And where is Mirabel? I haven’t seen her all day,” said Luisa

“I saw her come out of the house a little while ago, something happened between Tio Agustin and the bees again,” said Antonio

Luisa winced, fully expecting to see her father covered in be stings later.

“Worry not my friend, Firebele told all bees that the humans meant no harm and not to sting them, if there was a problem then to go get her to solve it. Her father is in no danger,” said Franchesca

“Franchesca says Mirabel talked to the bees this morning and they won’t sting people before talking to her,” said Antonio

…

After the debacle with her father and the bees was dealt with, Mirabel went to find Isabella.

“Your sister is in her room preparing for tonight,” said a butterfly

“Right, time to bite the bullet,” sighed Mirabel as she went upstairs. Casita giving her squeaks of encouragement.

She knocked on Isabella’s door.

Chapter Text

“What do you want?” sneered Isa as she opened it.

“I need your help,” said Mirabel

“Oh really, why?” asked Isa

“Look, I know I haven’t made things easier for you, and I’m sorry. I was a jealous little girl who just wanted to be special and help my family, but I have a gift now and I have beings who depend on me, if an animal screws something up helping the village then that's on me because the animals listen to me. Antonio is too young for that and the miracle knew it. Please, teach me how to be perfect so I don’t let anyone down,” said Mirabel

“Fine, I’ll help,” sighed Isabella, ushering her sister into her room.

Mirabel had never noticed that her sister had posed hedges of herself to practice.

“Wait, you practice all your poses? I thought you just did all of it effortlessly,” said Mirabel

“I’m expected to be perfect, I can’t let anyone down,” said Isabella sourly

“You don’t want to be perfect all the time but Abuela wants you to,” said Mirabel, putting the pieces together.

“I’m the face of the family, no one can know we aren’t a perfect family,” said Isa

“Teach me so you don’t have to be, I’ve helped Luisa today by sending the hippos to take some of the burdens off of her, but there isn’t an animal that can help you. My part of the room is a treehouse castle Isa, the animals see me as a queen, and the miracle isn’t dissuading them of that thought. Every candle lighting the place is carved like THE candle. The butterflies talk to it, the other animals call them the great transformers. I have a different name the animals use. I’m scared Isa, I went from no gift to having one that means a lot of lives are in my hands and my decisions are law for these lives. And what’s worse is I know this is only the beginning because the butterflies told me I was supposed to get all this later but I was too young during my door ceremony but the miracle feared for its life when Abuela misread the whole situation. So now I have to think of the future and mend my relationships with a family I’m going to have to lead because a stupid candle wants me to protect it,” said Mirabel

“Does Abuela know?’ asked Isa

Mirabel snorted.

“Hell no, I can’t tell her until I’ve gotten a whole bunch of messes sorted out, and the rats have to talk to me about something important later,” said Mirabel

“You been thrown into a role you’re unprepared for, just like Abuela when she had to suddenly lead a town after being given a miracle from losing the love of her life,” said Isa

“Yes, but getting her to listen and open up is going to be really hard, I know what I have to do but being able to do it is much different,” said Mirabel

“Maybe we should practice in your room, I haven’t seen what your area looks like and it might be easier to act regal in a regal setting, the whole fake it till you make it thing,” said Isabella

“Sure, but if you want to get away from pretty perfect flowers my room won’t be of much help, my walls are literal hedges and there are flowers everywhere,” said Mirabel

“So long as they aren’t pink,” laughed Isa

…

“You weren’t kidding about the castle thing, do you have a crown?” asked Isa

“Yeah it’s in my sewing room with a gown for when I’m ready for it,” said Mirabel

“It might be easiest to do this in the largest room you have,” said Isa

“That would be the throne room,” said Mirabel

They practiced for a few hours until Mirabel walked and danced with the same grace as Isabella.

“Thanks for helping me Isa. Hey listen, I have a bunch of brand new dresses that all look like butterfly wings if you want we can go to my bedroom and you can pick whichever one you want to keep, I’m already wearing the one I think is my favorite,” said Mirabel

“I totally forgot to ask you about your new look today,” laughed Isa

“So is that a yes? You said you don’t like pink, but I have an orange and royal blue monarch dress you might like, it’s beautiful so Abuela can’t say anything against it,” said Mirabel

“Sure, let's go look,” said Isa

“Also one more small favor I need, can you make some nice lush grass and alfalfa and some wildflowers for the donkeys to graze on so they stop escaping, also rosemary, it’s good for mama’s cooking and for the bees, more of their favorite flowers means more honey for the town,” asked Mirabel

“Easily,” said Isabella

…

“Woah, you weren’t kidding about having a lot of dresses,” said Isa, looking through the closet

“Take whichever one you want, I can always alter it to fit you,” said Mirabel sitting on her hammock.

Isa then spotted the one Mirabel spoke of earlier. The pattern was the same as a monarch but in place of the normal black, it was a deep blue.

Isa slipped behind a changing screen and put the dress on.

“This is so comfortable,” said Isa with a twirl

“And it looks good on you,” said Mirabel

“And it’s not pink,” said Isa with a laugh.

“Look, the butterflies told me about tonight’s event and that you don’t want to marry Mariano, but you’re in luck because Dolores is enamored with him. I might be able to help get you out of this but it will involve some scheming with Casita and I’m warning you now, snakes,” said Mirabel

“I will wear a snake around my neck if it means I don’t get trapped in a loveless marriage,” said Isa with conviction in her voice.

…

“Isabella! What are you wearing?” asked Abuela

“Mirabel gave it to me, she has a lot of dresses now and said I could have one,” said Isabella with a smile and a twirl.

Abuela looked like she was thinking something over, and Isabella was mentally crossing her fingers with the hope that her new outfit would be approved.

“Perhaps she has one that Luisa might enjoy, as well as your mother, It would be so wonderful for all of you to match,” said Abuela

“I can go ask,” said Isabella

The joy on her face was not lost on Abuela.

Isa had flounced into town, putting rosemary in gardens and around known beehives until she made her way to the donkey pen where Luisa was…riding a hippo?

Isa waved her hand around the pen and saw the donkeys perk up at the sight of lush grass, wildflowers, and alfalfa.

“That should keep them there for a while,” said Isa

“Let me guess, Mirabel told you how to fix one of my biggest issues?” asked Luisa

“Yep, and she gave me this new dress, Abuela wants you to ask Mirabel if you can borrow one as well, she has so many, and mama too,” said Isa

“Is that why you’re so happy? A new dress Abuela approves of?” asked Luisa

“Well it’s a dress that I like, also Mirabel said she can get me out of having to marry a man I don’t love. You better believe I’m happy,” said Isabella

“I thought you liked Mariano,” said a confused Luisa

“He’s kind and sweet but he’s not my type,” said Isabella

“Dolores will be so happy,” said Luisa, they were making their way back to the house, and saw Antonio running and laughing with Parce and a few coatis

“By the way, Mirabel’s area is massive, Tonito wasn’t kidding this morning when he said the animals see her as a queen,” said Isabella

…

Luisa stood shocked in the entrance hall after one long hippo ride up to the treehouse castle.

“Franchesca, where is Mirabel? I think we’d get lost in this place,” asked Luisa to her new friend.

The hippo went up the entrance hall stairs on the right, past the fountain and past the double doors to the throne room.

They followed the hippo down a long hallway lit by magenta candles that were carved to look like the miracle candle.

…

“So you’re saying my Tio Bruno is hiding in the walls and left to protect me because of an undecided future that everyone would misinterpret because of his reputation?” asked Mirabel to the rats. They were all gathered in a plush sitting room next to the library.

“Yes Firebele, we grow concerned about him by the day, he needs positive interaction with other humans. Perhaps you could put him up in one of the many guest rooms and spend time with him until you feel it is safe to reveal him to the family,” said a rat.

“Of course, bring him here when the rest of the family is asleep,” said Mirabel

“Thank you Firebele, the eternal flame chose its future keeper well,” said the rats with a bow before filing out of the room.

The other girls were at the end of the hall and skirted the horde filing out of the sitting room.

“Isa, Luisa, Franchesca, what are all of you doing here?” asked Mirabel

“Abuela loved my new dress and wants you to give one to Luisa and Mama so the girls of our side of the family can all match,” said Isa

“Oh, of course, I can’t wear all of them, I might have to alter the one Luisa picks though,” said Mirabel.

She motioned for her sisters to follow her and Franchesca tagged along. Luisa stopped dead in her tracks at the sight of the throne room.

“Yeah it’s a bit much,” said Mirabel noticing her sister’s stare.

“I’m thinking that it might be nice to relax here since you’ve sent me ample help around town and lightened my workload enough to where I don’t need to do as much anymore,” said Luisa

“Music room is down the other hall three doors down and across the hall from the sewing room. The library is next to the room I was in,” said Mirabel

“How do you already know your way around?” asked Luisa

“The butterflies are a big help, I’m kinda their queen but because they are revered by the other animals I’m kinda just the queen of animals at this point, River is also a huge help,” said Mirabel, gently scratching the ear of the aforementioned jaguar.

They made their way up the spiral staircase to Mirabel’s bedroom.

“Let’s see, a dress for you and a dress for Mama,” hummed Mirabel looking in her closet.

There was a pale pink one that looked like the wings of a swallowtail with dark blue in place of black.

“What about this one?” asked Mirabel, knowing pink was one of Luisa’s favorite colors, while also knowing now how much Isa despised the color.

“It’s wonderful but I don’t think it will fit me,” said Luisa sadly

“That’s an easy fix,” said Mirabel, going over to her smaller sewing section that was for emergency repairs and alterations, little things that didn’t require her whole sewing room.

A few measurements, snips, and stitches later, Luisa was standing in front of a mirror in her new dress.

“I’ll do your hair, a change is always nice considering we have to look our best for tonight,” said Isabella

“I’ve already spoken to the snakes and to Casita,” said Mirabel

“But isn’t Dolores terrified of snakes?” asked Luisa

Then she saw Mirabel’s smile.

“You’re playing right into the damsel in distress and charming knight trope Dolores loves, when the serpent tries to steal the princess the knight dashes to her rescue,” said Luisa, realizing her sister’s plot.

“Not to that extent but close,” laughed Mirabel

“Have you told Dolores?” asked Luisa

“No, we need her reaction to be organic which is why I did all my talking in here where she can’t hear me, and I think Casita can read my mind,” said Mirabel

“Are there any animals who don’t respect you?” asked an impressed Luisa

“Yeah, ants, I don’t know why though, even the mosquitoes listen to me,” said Mirabel

“Tell them to stop going after me while I’m working then!” exclaimed Luisa

All three girls collapsed into giggles. A night Isabella had been dreading was now something she couldn’t wait for.

Chapter Text

The three girls and the hippo walked to Mirabel’s sewing room.

“If this is going to work, Dolores needs to be as eye-catching as Isa, I doubt she’d say no to a new dress,” said Mirabel.

She grabbed several yards of gold silk, and ruby red satin.

“We only have 5 hours Mira, that’s not very long to make a brand new dress,” said a worried Isabella

“It’s plenty of time for me, especially when I have help,” said Mirabel

“But I can only do basic mending and Isa doesn’t sew,” said Luisa with a frown.

“You can pin and Isa can cut, leave the actual sewing to me,” said Mirabel. She had selected a pattern from a book on a shelf and began laying out the pattern onto the gold, using chalk to mark out her lines. She knew Dolores and Isa were almost the same sizes and a coati had swiped Dolores’s Sunday outfit for a better reference. She planned on alternating the skirt in red, gold, red, gold ruffles to be more like sound waves.

Luisa and Isabella had never seen Mirabel work so fast on something, the whirr of the sewing machine filled their ears as the concentration on Mirabel’s face was total. It took much less time than they thought it would, even the embroidery was swift as the needle flashed in and out of sight with Mirabel’s skill.

When the dress was done Mirabel admired her handiwork with only an hour to spare.

“How? Not even the seamstress in town works that fast!” exclaimed Isabella

“I’ve spent nine years perfecting my skills and figuring out tricks with the machine to make the process faster,” said Mirabel

“Let’s go bring this to Dolores and get that dress from your closet for mama,” said Isa

“I took care of that, a few coatis took it to bring to her, it’s the blue and purple swallowtail one,” said Mirabel

“How will she know it’s for her?” asked Luisa

“Antonio will translate, they already know to get him for help since I’ve been busy today,” said Mirabel as the girls walked.

As they exited the jungle room to look for Dolores, Isabella saw a ten-foot boa constrictor slither into the dining room.

“Um Mira, does Antonio know about what is going to happen tonight?” asked Isabella

“The snakes told him earlier while I was meeting with the rats,” said Mirabel

She knocked on Dolores’s door.

“Hi Mira, what do you need?” asked Dolores

“I made you this, I figured since the rest of us have new dresses you should have one too,” said Mirabel, handing over the red and gold gown.

“Oh Mira it’s gorgeous, I’ll put it on right away,” said Dolores

Suddenly Antonio came running over.

“Tia loves her new dress, she just didn’t like the coatis in the kitchen, we need to keep an eye on them, they like causing trouble,” said Antonio, Pico was on his arm and Parce was at his side

“Also Parce stole some queso when she wasn’t looking,” he laughed

“PARCE! You know better!” scolded River but to the ones who couldn’t understand the animals, it sounded like the two felines were going to fight.

“Um, Mira…” said a very worried Luisa

“She’s scolding him, she’s his mother,” said Mirabel, unconcerned.

“This is going to take a lot of getting used to,” muttered Isa

Then Dolores came out of her room in her new dress.

“Oh Mira I love it,” she said, hugging her cousin.

“Mariano’s on his way,” came Abuela’s voice.

…

Casita was being stubborn tonight, Abuela noticed. First, it wouldn’t let Antonio sit next to Pepa or any of his siblings, instead, it kept moving him next to Mirabel. Then it wouldn’t let Mariano sit next to Isabella, moving him next to Dolores every time he tried to sit. Abuela tried to tell the house to cut it out but the magical home just wasn’t listening. Eventually, everyone had to concede to Casita’s seating arrangement, though Antonio seemed very happy to sit next to Mirabel and hadn’t even tried to fight Casita as his chair was moved.

“Since everyone has a talent I thought we could see a bit, Luisa, could you bring over the piano?” asked Senora Guzman

“Ok,” said Luisa, getting up to go fetch the piano from upstairs.

“Mirabel, we haven’t seen you all day, where have you been? The children in the town missed you,” said Senora Guzman.

“I’ve been dealing with some problems for the animals around town, the bees had a slight grievance when Pa’s ax hit a nest but thankfully they came to get me before stinging,” said Mirabel

“It is wonderful that you have found a way to use your gift to help this community,” said Abuela

Luisa returned with the piano.

“Sing for us Firebele,” asked the butterflies as Agustin played with Felix’s accompaniment on the tiple.

“Hm, alright,” said Mirabel, standing up

“The butterflies have requested that I sing,” said Mirabel

“Oh, they do seem to follow you around a lot after last night, go ahead Mira, serenade us all,” said Senora Guzman.

Mirabel began to sing.

Dos oruguitas enamoradas
Pasan sus noches y madrugadas
Llenas de hambre
Siguen andando y navegando un mundo
Que cambia y sigue cambiando
Navegando un mundo
Que cambia y sigue cambiando
Dos oruguitas paran el viento
Mientras se abrazan con sentimiento
Siguen creciendo, no saben cuándo
Buscar algún rincón
El tiempo sigue cambiando
Inseparables son
El tiempo sigue cambiando
Ay, oruguitas, no se aguanten más
Hay que crecer aparte y volver
Hacia adelante seguirás
Vienen milagros, vienen crisálidas
Hay que partir y construir su propio futuro
Ay, oruguitas, no se aguanten más
Hay que crecer aparte y volver
Hacia adelante seguirás
Vienen milagros, vienen crisálidas
Hay que partir y construir su propio futuro
Dos oruguitas desorientadas
En dos capullos bien abrigadas
Con sueños nuevos
Ya solo falta hacer lo necesario
En el mundo que sigue cambiando
Tumbando sus paredes
Ahí viene nuestro milagro
Nuestro milagro
Nuestro milagro
Nuestro milagro
Ay, mariposas, no se aguanten más
Hay que crecer aparte y volver
Hacia adelante seguirás
Ya son milagros, rompiendo crisálidas
Hay que volar, hay que encontrar
Su propio futuro
Ay mariposas, no se aguanten más
Hay que crecer aparte y volver
Hacia adelante seguirás
Ya son milagros, rompiendo crisálidas
Hay que volar, hay que encontrar
Su propio futuro
Ay mariposas, no se aguanten más
Hay que crecer aparte y volver
Hacia adelante seguirás
Ya son milagros, rompiendo crisálidas
Hay que volar, hay que encontrar
Su propio futuro”

She finished and noticed Abuela had silent tears down her cheeks.

“Mira, how do you know that song?” asked Pepa

“Mama used to sing it as a lullaby and the butterflies hum it a lot,” said Mirabel as she sat back down.

They all ate with very little chatter until the middle of the meal when no one noticed Mirabel tap her foot three times under the table, no one except the boa constrictor under Dolores’s chair. Mariano had just stood up when the snake popped its head out to Dolores.

Her screech broke the glass in Abuela’s hand, and she jumped into Mariano’s arms.

Mirabel hid her smirk with her juice glass, all according to plan.

“Dolores what in heaven’s name is wrong!” asked Abuela

“S-snake!” exclaimed Dolores, clinging to a startled Mariano.
He stood there with a terrified young woman in his arms, totally unsure of what to do. He didn’t know if it was Senora Pepa’s doing or not but it literally felt like he had been struck by lighting as he stared at the red and gold vision clinging to him like a koala.

“Um, hi,” she squeaked.

“Marry me,” he said

“Yes,” she said breathlessly,

Through the chaos, no one noticed Isabella’s victory pump.

“Oh dear, Sol, I thought I told you to stay in the room,” said Mirabel, no one saw her give a small wink to the snake.

“I’m so sorry Dolores, he is a very friendly little guy and I think he wanted you to scratch his head, he wouldn’t hurt a fly though,” said Mirabel

The snake nodded enthusiastically before Antonio stroked the scales on his head.

Mariano set Dolores down.

“Mama, Senora Madrigal, I have decided I wish to marry Dolores instead, no slur on Senorita Isabella but I feel I may have been blinded to the beauty of Senorita Dolores until she trusted me enough to protect her from perceived danger, however, I must say that it may have been me who jumped if it had been a spider,” said Mariano

“No hard feelings Mariano, Dolores needs a knight in shining armor more than I do, I’m sure you two will be good for each other, she adores poetry,” said Isabella, not breaking her composure.

“I can’t believe that actually worked,” Luisa mouthed to her little sister who just smiled.

Abuela just stood there shocked, with no idea what to say or do. But nothing looked ruined and Mirabel did scold the snake and Isabella didn’t look upset in the slightest.

“Is it just me or did that all seem like something out of a fairytale?” asked Camillo

“Says the shapeshifter who got his gift from a magic candle and lives in a sentient house,” smirked Mirabel

…

Later that night Mirabel was tucking Antonio into his hammock when Dolores walked in.

“Thank you, Mirabel, I know you planned all of that, but next time please don’t try and give me a heart attack,” said Dolores hugging her cousin.

“How did you know it was me?” asked Mirabel

“Because Casita wasn’t listening to Abuela and the only other person who talks to it is you, the moment it kept moving Mariano next to me I suspected something was up but no more snakes next time please,” said Dolores

“Why not? They’re as cute as puppies when they want attention,” said Mirabel

“I don’t doubt that but I’m fine staying 100 ft away from them,” said Dolores with a shiver.

“You’re lucky Sol was so willing to help, my next bet would have been the spiders and your prince would have ended up in your arms,” laughed Mirabel

“Or both of us on the floor,” shuttered Dolores

Chapter Text

“Hola Tio Bruno, the rats told me everything,” said Mirabel, looking at her uncle who had been unceremoniously carried by his rat friends into the room and up the tree. Then they dumped a disheveled-looking Bruno in front of her while she sat on her throne talking to the butterflies.

“Mirabel, why am I here?” asked Bruno

“Because your little friends were worried about you and understand it isn’t safe for you to reveal yourself to Tia and Abuela, since I have plenty of spare bedrooms your friends practically begged me to let you stay here and I agreed,” said Mirabel

“Did they say why I left?” asked Burno

“Yes, you had a vision after I didn’t get my gift and saw an undecided fate but assumed everyone would only see the worst outcome because of your reputation,” said Mirabel

“So why are you letting me stay in here?” asked Bruno

“Because you’re my Tio, you wanted to protect me and now I have the means to protect you. Also, rats are surprisingly adorable when begging for something. Your little friends have mastered the puppy dog face,” laughed Mirabel

Bruno looked at the assembled rats, they were all making that innocent face only seen on those who know they’ve been naughty.
“Come on Tio, I’ll take you to where you're staying,” said Mirabel, grabbing his runa and leading him out the throne room doors.

The room was large, about the size of his vision cave, he noticed. It was a deep teal and the hedge walls had a few flowers for some color pop. The large hammock had plenty of pillows and blankets on it.

“There are plenty of things for you to make little beds on the shelves for the rats, coatis will bring you food three times a day and there is a library and music room as well as a ballroom with a stage, you’re friends told me of your telenovelas, and I will be happy to make little costumes for them,” said Mirabel

“Gracias Mirabel,” said Bruno, unsure of what else to say.

“Oh please Firebele, please make our costumes,” pleaded the rats, Bruno had never heard them squeak like that.

“Of course, I will, the royal thespians need royal attire for their shows,” smiled Mirabel, booping one of the rats on their cute little nose.

“You might want to tell Dolores where to come to hear the telenovelas, I know she could hear me in the walls and she might get worried that I’m not there anymore,” said Bruno

“I will tomorrow,” said Mirabel “good night Tio Bruno,”

She walked back to her room, intentionally staying as poised as possible, she needed the practice.

….

The sun had not yet risen when Mirabel was once more woken up by cawing tucans.

“River go downstairs and tell everyone their tasks are the same as yesterday,” mumbled a groggy Mirabel, rolling over and putting a pillow over her head.

“How about we let your cub decide the tasks for today, he has yet to see what your castle looks like on the inside, and the only way he will be successful in his role is through practice,” said River

“I’ll go get him,” said Mirabel, yawning as she walked to her closet and put on a magenta and teal swallowtail dress, the hummingbirds once again helped tie her hair into that golden ribbon.

She rode River to Antonio’s balcony. Parce yawned and stretched as his mother pawed him to get up. Mirabel went to her own cub, fast asleep in his hammock, cuddle up with the toy she had made him.

“Wake up hombrecito, I need you to help me get the animals ready for the day,” said Mirabel, shaking him lightly.

“Five more minutes mama,” mumbled Antonio

She smiled.

“You’ve had twenty minutes more than me, your friends are eager to know who gets to play with you today,” said Mirabel

Antonio mumbled and rolled over.

“Perhaps he hasn’t seen the present you made him last night, cubs always wake up for food or gifts,” said an amused River, still trying to wake up Parce

“Food?” asked Parce, his eyes opening instantly.

“Present?” asked Antonio, jumping out of bed.

“Told you,” laughed River. A laughing jaguar was not something many people had ever seen.

Antonio dashed to the wardrobe and found next to his new yellow suit was a gold one with jaguar spots embroidered in teal, a bright magenta scarf accompanied it with black paw prints on the edges.

“Oh thank you, mama,I love it!” exclaimed Antonio

“Put it on and then Parce will take you to my area so you can talk to all the animals in the Encanto, then we will go have breakfast with the family,” said Mirabel

“Ok!” exclaimed Antonio

Mirabel and River went back up the tree.

“I heard last night from some of the bears that your mother and father will be bringing your stuff from that puny little room you had into here, a task force will be needed to help them, the bears have volunteered their services,” said River as they walked

“Oh yeah, of course, I’ll also be available to help, but Luisa needs a day off so I will request her help as well and after she’s gotten the boxes to the entrance hall I’m shooing her into the library,” said Mirabel

“And what of you’re mother’s littermate?” asked River

“You mean Tio Bruno? I’ll make sure the rats keep him in the ballroom or his room, also please tell the rats to show him into one of the office rooms so he has somewhere to write scripts.

They finally made it into the throne room and Mirabel walked down the aisle to her throne, her posture perfect, her steps graceful, just as she had practiced with Isabella. She sat on her throne, composed, and looked out at her assembled subjects before the door opened again and Antonio came through on Parce, he took one look at everything before sliding off the jaguar and running to Mirabel. Parce took his place beside his friend.

“Today I will be having Antonio tell you where you are needed, aside from the bears and rats and those who already know of their permanent assignments,” said Mirabel

“Yes dearest Firebele,” came the unanimous reply from the animals.

Antonio looked nervous.

“Go on Tonito, there is nowhere you can send them that I can’t fix if it’s a bad fit,” said Mirabel

“Um, well I want to play with the tucans again but I know not every day will be all play. Yesterday ran really smoothly and as long as the donkeys are happy now and won’t give Prima Luisa a hard time then just do the same things you did yesterday, well Sol don’t scare Dolores again, that was a one-time thing,” said a sheepish Antonio “Oh and the coatis can help Tia Julietta pass out food, just don’t bother Tio Agustin,”

“You heard him do what you all did yesterday, for the tucans and other predators the signal is the same. I need two bears to help my parents move my things from the nursery into the proper rooms here, as for the rats, please show your friend to one of the offices, not the main office but preferably one close to his room,” said Mirabel

“Yes Firebele, yes young speaker,” came the reply from all the animals.

“Dismissed,” said Antonio, trying to emulate Mirabel’s tone.

“Did I do ok?” asked Antonio

“Fantastic Tonito, now let's go down and see about breakfast,” said Mirabel hugging him.

“Your part of the room is big, Parce said it was a castle but I didn’t know it would be seven times as big as Casita!” exclaimed Antonio as they rode the jaguars down.
Breakfast was outside again, as they exited the room Mirabel looked up at the candle which flicked at her in what she assumed was some kind of greeting.

“The eternal flame says hello,” said a butterfly helpfully

“Gracias mi amigo pequeno,” said Mirabel

Casita decided it liked one aspect of last night’s seating arrangement, Antonio was back next to Mirabel.

“Oh Tonito where did you get that suit?” asked Pepa, staring at her son’s new outfit.

“Ma-Mirabel made it for me,” said Antonio

Pepa tried to disperse the cloud that had formed when she noticed how close the colors were to Mirabel’s favorites, it made him even look more like Mira’s child instead of Pepa’s. But how could she get mad at her sobrina for being there for Antonio more than Pepa was allowed to. She shot a small death glare at Alma, one that Alma conviently didn’t notice.

“Family, what are your plans to help the community today?” asked Alma

“The same as every day, I have injured people to help, Agustin will be moving Mirabel’s things into her new space today,” said Julietta, disappointed that she couldn’t help her husband.

“Speaking of that, I have asked two bears to help with that as it’s very hard to get to my space unless an animal is carrying you, Also the hippos have agreed to continue helping Luisa with her own chores so if she would like to help papa and make sure he doesn’t hurt himself that would be appreciated, the donkeys won’t escape anymore as well,” said Mirabel

“And what will you be doing today Mirabel?” asked Abuela

“I was planning on starting Dolores’s wedding dress and all the other dresses for the wedding. Dolores, the predators, and tucans on patrol around the valley will be using the same signal as yesterday so just keep an ear out,” said Mirabel

“Wonderfull, is there anything else, something that benefits the community by using your gift?” asked Abuela

“As I said, the hippos will be taking care of most of Luisa’s tasks, the donkeys won’t be escaping again, and the predators are on patrol keeping everyone safe, all of this on my request, the fruit harvest will be more bountiful as the birds know exactly what is ripe and what is not and can reach what even the tallest man in the village on a ladder can not, no one is being stung by bees because they now know to come to me before stinging and Isabella has already grown the rosemary that has been accepted as an adequate exchange for the surplus of honey this year. Mine and Antonio’s gift is best used to help the community by speaking to all the animals at once and assigning the tasks for the day, as yesterday was the first day of this new task it started later than it should have but now both Antonio and I will be assigning tasks to the animals well before breakfast so that he has time to play and I have time to work on sewing projects or settling disputes between animals or animals and people,” said Mirabel, her voice had a slight edge to it but she was composed and her tone had an air of finality to it.

“And what about the snakes?” asked Dolores, she had thoroughly checked under the table and chairs for wayward slithering creepy things before she sat down.

“They are in the fields, hunting and ensuring the younger rodents don’t ruin the crops,” said Mirabel gently to her ophidiophobic prima.

“Tia the coatis are going to help you pass out food so they don’t bother Tio Agustin, just give them pets in exchange for their help, they like being helpful they just need guidance,” said Antonio

“Thank you Tonito,” said Julietta, ruffling the little boy’s hair.

Abuela pursed her lips together, There was something new about Mirabel, something that made Abuela not want to get on her nieta’s bad side, was it the large jaguars that followed her two youngest grandchildren everywhere? Or was it Mirabel’s newfound confidence and poise as well as using indisputable facts to counter every argument Alma could have?

Chapter Text

Mirabel sat on her throne as many different spiders and insects were yelling at each other.

“It’s the circle of life, we can’t all eat dirt and plants and rotting things,” exclaimed a spider at a fly.

Mirabel sighed, she should have seen this coming, the predator and prey disputes, figures it would be the creepy crawlies to start it.

“Sure you can, there are enough nutrients for everyone in those things,” said the fly

“The maker made us to eat you!” said the spider

“You never talked to the maker!” said a bee

“The spiders are correct,” said Mirabel

“Thank you Firebele, and we never eat more than we need to!” said a spider in a haughty voice.

“Be as that may, now that it has been established that there is a problem, we need to find a solution,” said Mirabel

“Like what? Criminals get eaten?” asked a mosquito sarcastically

“Do each of you have laws governing your society?” asked Mirabel

“Yes,” said all the insects

“And how many of your species break those laws and how many break laws that warrant the death penalty?” asked Mirabel

“Well all of our laws carry the death penalty for population control,” said the fly

“Then publicly march the offenders to the nearest predator, as for the hive insects, I understand you heat up the offenders in a ball till they die, it would be less energy to just fly offenders to a spider to be dealt with,” said Mirabel

“And what about the plants that eat us?” asked a fly

“I have no control over plants and my sister merely grows them,” said Mirabel

“Thank you Firebele,” said all the spiders at once.

Then Mirabel turned to the butterflies above her.

“Can I put all of you in charge of the insect population? Otherwise, these kind of disputes will take up my whole day,” said Mirabel

“Of course, Firebele,” said the butterflies

“From now on any issues you have you are to tell the butterflies first then they will decide if it is enough of an issue for me to deal with, Dismissed,” said Mirabel

The creepy crawlies filed out of the castle and back around town, though it was hard to miss Abuela’s shriek as several spiders she had never seen in her room before, crawled into her drawers and under her bed.

One of them even seemed to wave at her. Of course, she didn’t realize the candle was laughing at her.

…

“Please tell me animals have already settled this kind of dispute,” sighed Mirabel

“Long ago, though no one wishes to die, they understand that it is merely another part of life and most creatures respect the needs of the others. They die so we don’t just like the plant die so they don’t and when we die the fungi eat us all. It is said that the term Circle of Life was coined by a great lion. His brother had no respect for this process and the kingdom fell to chaos when the brother usurped the throne. It may be just a legend from a faraway land brought over by the birds but it still holds true and we all respect it,” said River

“Wow, so I’m not going to have the mice come running to me complaining about the snakes?” asked Mirabel

“By the maker no, snakes don’t need to eat every day, and survival of the fittest is something the prey animals have come up with. You only get to live if you can outrun the rest, and those who befriend a human will have their needs met forever,” said River

“But humans eat meat to,” said Mirabel

“Humans are predators, their prey is just larger and taken care of until it meets its end. It is a dream for many, live in luxury and die never having to have foraged fo food a day in your life,” said River

The door opened to reveal two bears.

“Firebele, we are ready to help your father and sister move your things,” said one of the bears

“Excellent, I assume Franchesca is with Luisa so she will be helping as well,” said Mirabel

“Shall we go assist now?” asked the other bear

“Yes please, I will be in the entrance hall waiting for the five of you,” said Mirabel

The bears bowed deeply and headed out.

…

“Are you the two Mirabel sent to help me move her things?” asked Agustin, surprised when the bears nodded. He had gotten more used to the animals being around than most had, the coatis, in particular, seemed to follow him everywhere and one of his daughters now rode a hippo. Speaking of Luisa, she had come into the room with her large friend right behind her.

“All I had to do was move the church again, the hippos did everything else the moment someone asked,” said Luisa

“Your Abuela hasn’t said anything has she?” asked Agustin, concerned his mother-in-law might have had some words against how little Luisa had been doing the past two days.

“I think she started to but then Franchesca and a few other hippos surrounded me and looked at her like they were going to charge if she made one more sound. I might not be able to actually understand them but they’re rather protective of me and I’m getting good at understanding their body language and reading their eyes,” said Luisa

“I don’t know what’s more terrifying, one of my girls with command over all animals and insects or my daughter who can lift up buildings with one hand and has a herd of hippos willing to charge someone to defend her,” said Agustin

“Mirabel is scarier, she’s too much like mama,” said Luisa, carrying two boxes, the bears hadn’t let her carry more even though she could.

Franchesca let Agustin ride on her behind Luisa as they climbed the tree.

“Mirabel should really install a pulley system so we can visit easier,” said Luisa

“I think Casita did this intentionally to make sure Mirabel didn’t have any unannounced visitors, it’s a lot harder to bother her when you have to ask an animal to carry you up and I can’t see Abuela asking a bear to carry her up a tree,” said Agustin

“Oh yeah, Pa, don’t be too surprised at Mirabel’s space, it’s really big and the animals are probably here to show up where to put everything,” said Luisa

“Is that why they wouldn’t let me pack the sewing machine?” asked Agustin

“She has a better one in her sewing room, I’ve seen it when she was making that dress for Dolores last night,” said Luisa

The double doors opened into the entrance hall and Mirabel was standing outside the double doors at the top of the branching staircase.

“Luisa you remember where the library is, you’ve done enough work today so I insist you go find a nice book and curl up on a chair by the fireplace, a coati will bring you snacks,” said Mirabel

Agustin looked up at his youngest, who smiled and walked down the stairs to them.

Franchesca lightly nudged Luisa up the stairs and to the library.

Once Luisa had been pushed into the library, Mirabel looked through the boxes and instructed the bears where to bring them.

“Care to give me a tour Miraboo?” asked Agustin, looking around at the massive entrance hall, neither of his other children had rooms even close to this size.

“Sure pa, follow me,” said Mirabel

…

Luisa walked down the hallway, she couldn’t remember where the music room was and it didn’t seem like Franchesca knew either.

Then she heard talking behind another set of double doors.

Wait, she knew that voice.

“Tio Bruno?” asked Luisa, opening the door.

“OH! Luisa, um…” Bruno started, trying to look for an exit.

“Wait, I’m not mad Tio, I’m just confused, why are you here I thought you left or were at least within Dolores’s hearing distance but not here,” said Luisa

“I didn’t leave, I was hiding in the walls for ten years, I love my family and the mountains are just so high,” said Bruno

“Why did you leave in the first place? Did you have a vision or were you just tired of how everyone acted around you?” asked Luisa, gently putting a hand on her Tio’s shoulder

“Little of both, because of how my gift is seen the vision I was forced to have after Mirabel’s ceremony made me realize it was safer for her if I left,” said Bruno, glad his Sobrina wasn’t the prying type

“Oh, so how did you end up in Mirabel’s part of the room?” asked Luisa

“My furry friends told her everything and apparently begged her to let me stay here until it’s safe to come out of hiding, your Tia is scary and my mama’s disappointment is more than I can stand,” said, Bruno

“I see, well I’m glad I get to see you again, do you mind if I play the piano in here? I can’t find the music room,” said Luisa

“Sure, my novelas could use some musical accompaniment and I haven’t heard you play since before you got your gift. I remember when you’d sit on Agustin’s lap and he’d show you where to press your tiny little fingers,” said Bruno with a smile

“Let's see if I still remember then,” said Luisa, hitting a cord experimentally.

…

As they walked and Mirabel showed him the rooms, a rat scurried past wearing a tiny little dress.

“Oh thank you for the outfits Firebele, Papa says we look adorable,” said the rat

“You are very welcome little one,” said Mirabel

“I didn’t realize rats liked wearing clothes,” said Agustin

“They are all little drama stars, even more than Camillo,” said Mirabel

Once the tour was over Mirabel had to get back to work and a bear let Agustin ride him out. Mirabel thought it might be a good idea for Bruno to know how the rats saw him so she walked to the ballroom.

Soft piano music was coming through and Mirabel saw Luisa playing and Bruno directing the rats with a script.

“I got lost trying to find the music room after staying in the library for an hour, I found Tio Bruno in here and he told me everything,” said Luisa

“And you’re not freaking out?” asked Mirabel

“Dolores usually said she could always hear him in the walls, none of the adults believed her but why would she lie, I was just too busy to say or do anything about it,” said Luisa

“Oh, anyway, Tio you should probably know that the rats see you as their father,” chuckled Mirabel

“Yeah that checks out,” laughed Luisa

“We have a whole mischief of Primas and Primos,” said Mirabel

Bruno looked at the assembled rats dancing on stage to the music.

“Something tells me Abuela won’t be fond of her grand rats,” laughed Luisa
“You two have fun, Luisa feel free to hide here if Abuela or the town is putting too much pressure on you. I have to go actually start on Dolores’s wedding dress, I got derailed when the insects needed an emergency meeting with me,” said Mirabel

As she left she could hear her sister continue playing the piano, the gentle classical music echoed through the ballroom and the adjacent hallway.

Chapter Text

Antonio came running through the hall on Parce.

“MAMA!” he yelled frantically

“Tonito what’s wrong?” asked Mirabel, hugging him tightly

“Abuela told me to tell the hippos to stop helping Luisa and I said no, she started yelling at me, Parce growled at her to lay off but then she threatened him and all the animals, and I got so scared I got on Parce and we ran here,” said Antonio on the verge of tears.

Mirabel saw red, holding Antonio tightly she took him into her own room to calm down.

“Parce keep him in here please, it’s safer and I don’t want Abuela to be able to find him,” said Mirabel

Suddenly a coati appeared with Mirabel’s crown in its mouth. She stared at it, three days was not nearly enough time for her to feel ready, but this had to be done, Alma was trying to undermine Mirabel and worse, had scared her baby.

“Jasper, go fetch a rat, and Tio Bruno, the rat can do the explaining for Tio but I want Tonito with an adult I trust,” said Mirabel to a butterfly.

“Of course, an entourage will be prepared for you to confront the previous keeper,” said the butterfly.

“Thank you,” said Mirabel.

Antonio had never seen Mirabel this angry but knew she wasn’t mad at him at all.

Bruno was dragged in by the rats.

“Mirabel what happened?” asked Bruno

“She yelled at MY cub and threatened my people,” growled Mirabel, Bruno swore that jaguar was rubbing off on his sobrina.
“Why am I here though?” asked Bruno.

“I need you to watch Antonio, the animals are amazing but I want a human I trust here to get him anything the animals can’t,” said Mirabel

“You trust me?” asked Bruno

“Of course, you’re my Tio and you had solid reasons for leaving for all those years, you did it all to protect me. If there is anyone I trust in this house it’s you,” said Mirabel

Bruno smiled and hugged her.

“Just don’t kill your Abuela, she shouldn’t die without the chance to correct her behavior,” said Bruno

“I’ll try, she scared my baby,” said Mirabel, a slight growl to her voice.

She left on River and there were thousands of butterflies behind her.

As she went out into the hall of Casita she had an Idea.

“Casita, please move all of Abuela’s things, except for the candle, into the nursery and get rid of her door. She can earn it back in time,” growled Mirabel

Casita complied.

“Firebele, what of the Eternal flame?” asked a butterfly

“It can stay in the window, the room will still exist but she won’t have access to it,” said Mirabel

The candle flickered in the window.

“The flame is agreeing with your decision, but also wishes to come,” said another butterfly

They all paused to watch as Abuela’s door vanished like Mirabel’s had over ten years ago. Before Casita flicked the window frame up and the candle went flying at Mirabel who caught it.

…

The town square was busy and bustling as usual before several hundred parrots mimicked the noise of a trumpet. The whole square turned and saw a cloud of thousands of butterflies part and move behind a very angry but very composed-looking Mirabel, wearing a crown and carrying the candle while riding River.

“MIRABEL WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING!” shouted Abuela

“Alma Madrigal you are confined to live in the nursery from now until you fix your mistakes, you had no right to try to make Antonio go against what I had told the hippos for you are not their speaker nor their queen, I am. The candle is a sentient being and so is Casita, while you are still currently the keeper of the candle until you die, you have no authority with it anymore, it chose me. Furthermore, you had absolutely no reason to yell at Antonio and terrify him by threatening to kick my subjects and his friends out of the house. For these reasons you have lost your door,” said Mirabel with authoritative rage.

“Mira, where is Antonio?” asked Julietta

“He is in my bedroom being looked after by some animals and someone I trust,” said Mirabel

Pepa was thundering at Alma, how dare she scare Antonio.

“Tia Pepa,” said Mirabel more gently.

“What is it Mirabel, I’m currently debating whether or not to fry my mother,” said Pepa

“Tia I know you’re aware that Antonio sees me as a mother figure, not because of fault on your part but because of Abuela’s stupidity. But, the animals also refer to me as his mother and I just want to be aware that this is not likely going to ever change. If I had your powers we’d be in the middle of a hurricane with how angry I am right now but you have two other children that Abuela has hurt like she has hurt my sisters, they need you more and Antonio has me and the entire animal kingdom in the Encanto to take care of him so all I ask is that you just let me care for him as I have done since the day you put him with me in the nursery,” said Mirabel, her tone gentle.

“Alright,” sighed Pepa.

“You have the right to feel your feelings without worrying about what weather others want, all I ask is that you hold off the rain until the butterflies can find suitable shelter,” said Mirabel

Pepa nodded before rounding on Abuela.

Mirabel didn’t hear the shouting match, she didn’t even stick around for Alma to try to say something to her, then again, the elderly woman was trying to avoid being struck by lightning and Felix was not even attempting to calm his wife.

“Things are going to change from now on, our family needs time to work out some issues and that means the family will be unavailable to all of you for the next week, the animals will still be assisting you all though, and I will be available for emergencies,” Mirabel told the townsfolk as she passed.

Chapter Text

Mirabel went back into the room and went to her sewing room, the dress was still on the mannequin.

She set the candle on a table and changed into the dress, ready or not she could not let Alma continue to lead the family right now. 

She walked to her room, still holding the candle, and woke up Antonio. 

“Tonito I know you’re still afraid of Abuela but I need you with me when I address the family,” said Mirabel

“Is it time for me to reveal myself?” asked Bruno

“No, that will have to wait until Abuela is ready to start making a change,” said Mirabel 

Antonio rode Parce out of the room and then stood next to Mirabel as they waited for the rest of the family to arrive. A tucan came down from the sky with a small silver circlet made of paw prints and feathers and a yellow diamond cut like a paw print for Antonio.

“Mama where is Abuela’s door?” asked Antonio

“She has to earn it back, she’ll be in the nursery until she proves she has learned her lesson,” said Mirabel 

They were both at the top of the stairs as the family walked in, the thunder was still booming overhead and lighting flashed, illuminating both the queen and young prince. A tucan had put the candle back in its spot. 

Once the family was all inside, Mirabel made herself known.

“Casita, lock the doors,” she said.

There were several audible clicks as Casita obeyed Mirabel. 

“Mirabel Madrigal what is the meaning of this!” exclaimed Abuela

“It’s simple, Alma, no one leaves until I say so,” said Mirabel 

“How dare yo-” started Abuela

“How dare I? How dare I what Abuela? Help this family and town with my gift? Show my sisters they can relax and be themselves? Help Dolores feel seen? Raise the child you thrust into my arms when he was hardly hours old and never let his mother spend time with him? Oh, I see, you mean how dare I take your place and give you orders and take away your door. Well, only half of that was my choice, if the candle didn’t agree with my decision it wouldn’t have listened. The true miracle is this family, the gifts are an extension of ourselves designed to help each other and protect each other, wake up and see us, your children, your grandchildren, get the cactus out of your ass and act like you care about us,” said Mirabel as she slowly walked down the stairs with River at her side, growling like the predator she was, until Mirabel was mere inches away from Abuela’s face.

Abuela stood there, her mouth opening and closing like a fish.

“Casita, please show Alma to her new room, Luisa, Isabela, talk to mama and papa about how you feel, Tio Felix and Tia Pepa I think you should talk to your own children and then tomorrow we will all come together as a family,” said Mirabel 

The rest of the family stood there shocked as Casita used its tiles to literally drag Abuela into the nursery, it didn’t seem to care much for her composure as it did so. 

“Mira why aren’t you going to join us in these discussions?” asked Julieta softly

“Because I’m extremely angry right now and if I don’t take the rest of the night to calm down before listening to how much Abuela has hurt you all then I might have several hundred spiders take up residence with her,” said Mirabel 

Antonio had come down the stairs and held Mirabel’s hand, he knew she need him right now. 

It was the middle of the day but the sky was so cloudy it could be confused for night. Mirabel and Antonio went back into their room and up into Mirabel’s castle, she needed to immerse herself in a sewing project to calm down and Antonio patiently sat in a pillow-filled corner as a coati brought him an age-appropriate book and some coloring stuff.

“Mama what are we going to do about dinner?” asked Antonio

“I’ll go get us food when it’s time and we’ll eat in my dining room with Tio Bruno,” said Mirabel 

“Are you going to be ok?” asked Antonio, walking over to give her a hug.

“I will be Tonito, I’m just really mad at Abuela right now, she hurt the whole family and she scared you,” said Mirabel

“She hurt you too, she’s been hurting you the most, I used to hear you cry at night when I couldn’t sleep, why would she do this?” asked Antonio, cuddling into her.

“I don’t know Tonito, maybe once she realizes how bad she hurt everyone then she’ll explain,” said Mirabel 

“Do you want me to forgive her?” asked Antonio

“That is for you to decide, you know it’s easy to lie and say you’re sorry and it’s easy to say you forgive someone but it takes a lot to really forgive someone, and right now I don’t know if I want to forgive her, it is definitely going to take time though,” said Mirabel 

“I’ll wait until after you forgive her, she hurt you and I don’t like it, I’m not scared anymore but she needs to at least say sorry for everything,” said Antonio

Mirabel hugged him tightly.

“I love you Tonito,” said Mirabel 

“Love you too mama, I always will,” said Antonio 

“Did you like spending a little time with Tio Bruno?” asked Mirabel

“The rats are funny and he’s nice,” said Antonio

“Good, eventually he’s going to go back to his own room but I think we’ll be having him and all our rat Primas and Primos as guests quite often,” said Mirabel 

“The rats wanted a bedtime story from Tio and I listened, that why I fell asleep,” giggled Antonio 

“Oh? And what did he read to you all?” asked Mirabel, she was gradually calming down, her anger deflating to exhaustion from the whole ordeal. 

“I forget what it was called but Tio did all these funny voices and the rats wanted to act out the scenes and wouldn’t go to bed even though it was supposed to be a bedtime story,” laughed Antonio 

…

Agustin, Julieta, Isabela, and Luisa were all in Julieta’s room sitting on the comfy sofas waiting for someone to make the first sound. 

“I guess I’ll go first, I hate being perfect,” said Isabela

Chapter Text

“I hate being perfect, I want to grow things other than flowers, I hate pink and light purple,” said Isabela

“Oh Isa why didn’t you tell us earlier?” asked Agustin, quickly pulling his eldest into a hug.

“Abuela expected it of me, I couldn’t disappoint her,” said Isabela quietly, burying her face into her father’s shoulder and letting seventeen years' worth of built-up tears flow.

“Mi flor, you should never be afraid to come to us if something is bothering you, you have every right to be who you want to be, not who Abuela wants you to be. I’m so so sorry that we didn’t do our jobs as your parents to make you feel safe enough to come to us,” said Agustin quietly.

“I hate being treated like the village workhorse, I’m useless if I’m doing something or helping someone, I feel like my gift is all I’m good for,” said Luisa, tears beginning to fall from her eyes.

Julieta this time, pulled her middle child close and gently shushed her.

“Luisa, listen to me please, I know how you feel, I feel the same way time and time again but your father helps me through those feelings and makes me feel loved and needed when I’m not using my gift. You will always be our sweet, sensitive little girl who loved her stuffed toys and sitting on your father’s lap to play piano, nothing will ever change how much we love you. The house could come crashing down and all our gifts could fade and we wouldn’t love you any less. We are all so much more than our gifts, and we all have things we keep hidden away from everyone else, but none of you girls should feel like you have to hide anything from either of us, just like I can’t manage to hide my own fear and stress from your father,” said Julieta, her voice quiet and in her daughter’s ear, mainly to maintain breathing because Luisa was clutching her mother so tightly she may have broken a rib.

“What about Mirabel? She’s obviously dealing with her own demons but isn’t here to let us listen to them?” asked Isabela

“She has my temper, I also think the best person to help her right now is the one person who in this whole family who hasn’t failed her, Antonio,” said, Julieta

“And lots of animals and other critters,” muttered Luisa

“Do you think things will really change?” asked Isabela softly

“I think your little sister is determined enough to make sure it does, and something tells me the candle and casita will help her,” said Agustin

…

“Abuela is demanding Casita open the door,” said Dolores softly, her quiet voice actually being heard in the silence of her mother’s room.

“It won’t let her, we all know Mirabel is Casita’s favorite,” laughed Camilo, trying to use his humor to break the tension.

“So who is going to start? I thoroughly agree with Mirabel, we need all these issues out in the open, I only know your mother’s and that is where I have failed, I should have been a better father and made you feel comfortable to talk to me about anything,” said Felix

“Can I not be the town babysitter anymore? I barely know what I’m doing with the infants and I’m exhausted, I have no idea how Mirabel is such a natural with kids, but then again she did raise Antonio,” said Camilo

Pepa looked ready to burst into tears and the cloud forming over her head went uncommented on for once.

“Sorry Mami, I forgot you’re still sensitive about that,” said Camilo

“It isn’t your fault Milo, it is mine and mama’s. I should be happy that he at least had a childhood full of love and attention which is more than I can say I gave any of you, I’m so so sorry mi hijos,” cried Pepa

Felix pulled his wife close.

“Dolores, how are you feeling about all this?” asked Felix gently.

“I don’t know, I got so used to being the one who heard everything, even things I should not have heard at five years old, I got so used to hearing but not being heard that I really just accepted it as normal but I still hate my gift, I hate not being able to laugh or cry too loud, I can’t remember the last time I had fun at a party, I’m so close to just begging Mirabel to ask the candle to take my gift away,” said Dolores

“Come here mi vida,” said Felix softly, extending his free arm to pull his daughter into a hug.

“Have you tried to tell us this before?” asked Pepa gently, Dolores only nodded.

“Is there anything else mija?” asked Felix

“I used to be able to hear Tio Bruno in the walls, he was there ever since he vanished, I tried to say something but no one listened to me so I just stopped trying, Mira knows where he is now but I forget what she said because the town was just so noisy,” said Dolores

“Tio was in the walls?” asked Camilo
Dolores nodded. Pepa’s cloud grew larger and began thundering, Felix covered his daughter’s ears to try to help with the noise.

“Amor, lightning, and rain are ok but please no thunder so close to Dolores,” asked Felix gently.

Pepa calmed down just enough to stop thundering.

“Mama are you mad at the name or where he’s been this whole time?” asked Camilo

“The later mijo, I miss my brother and if Mirabel is hiding him I’m going to have words with her,” said Pepa

“Don’t you think she probably wants to bring him out but both of them are scared of how Abuela will react?” asked Camilo

Pepa’s cloud got bigger at the mention of her mother.

“She has a lot to think over and apologize for,” sighed Pepa, the cloud starting to drizzle.

“When she does apologize should we forgive her?” asked Dolores

“I don’t think I can, she hurt me, she hurt all of you, she made me miss every milestone of my own baby and let a ten-year-old little girl raise him, I’ve spent forty-five years not being allowed to feel what I want because of her. Dolores, I know just how you feel about wanting to ask Mirabel about getting rid of your gift, I just want to be able to cry without getting soaked, panicked without a tornado, and happy without a heatwave, just as you want to be able to laugh and shriek like you had before your ceremony,” said Pepa, pulling her daughter into her own arms, making room for Felix to beckon Camilo over.

“Mirabel and I were so close when we were little, but Abuela took me away from my twin and now I hardly know her, less than I know myself, and I don’t know who I am anymore, because no one wants me to be me,” said Camilo

“Milo, we know who you are, you are our son, a kind young boy who cares about those he loves more than anything, no matter who your gift lets you become, it can’t change how much we love you and how proud we are to call you ours,” said Felix

“Thanks, Papa,” smiled Camilo

“No problem our little chameleon, perhaps we should make these family talks and hugs a regular thing,” said Felix

“Maybe, but it’s exhausting laying seventeen years of hurt out for all to see,” said Dolores

“That it is mija, but just know that you should never feel like you need to bottle up your feelings around us, I say the same thing to your mother, it never bothered me that we got married in a hurricane because I got to marry her. I married my Pepi for all of her, rain, snow, hail, sun, wind, thunder, all of it,” said Felix as he caught the loving look in Pepa’s eyes.

Oh, that man was going to be the cause of sunny skies for a week before tomorrow came.

“What do you think Mirabel is doing now?” asked Dolores

“Probably sewing while Antonio is sleeping curled up against her or his jaguar,” said Camilo

…

He was half right, Mirabel and Antonio had both fallen asleep snuggled against each other while River acted as a pillow.

Chapter Text

The double doors to Mirabel’s castle creaked open and Luisa slipped inside, she needed an outlet for her feelings now that her tears were dried up and Francesca had been more than willing to take her up to the tree palace.

Francesca was leading the way after what Luisa assumed was a quick conversation with a butterfly. She went into the music room and sat at a grand piano.

“Pressure like a drip drip drip that’ll never stop, woah, pressure that'll tip tip tip till you just go pop,” she sang softly as she played

When she was done playing she looked up and saw Bruno sitting on the bench of the organ.

“Hi Tio,” she said, too emotionally drained from earlier to care that he heard her quiet lament.

“How are you holding up? Mirabel must have caused quite the stir in town and for the family, she’s currently sewing Dolores’s wedding dress to relax, though she did take a bit of a nap. Since you’re here I assume you’ll eat dinner with the three of us?” asked Bruno

“I’m tired Tio, and not just physically, I’ve never felt so drained and done with everything,” confessed Luisa

“I heard you singing, you’ve probably realized Mirabel noticed your burdens and that's why she sent the hippos to you,” said Bruno

“And I’m eternally grateful for it, I’ve spent less than a week with them but I can’t imagine my life without Francesca here to listen and be the best friend I was never able to have. All of them were ready to stampede Abuela to defend me. It just feels so wonderful that I have companions who will defend me instead of me being the one doing the defending. Creatures who are loyal to me and go beyond what they were asked to do because they care, it’s strange and wonderful all at the same time. I know I am loved by my family but the town sees me as just the strong one, the useful Madrigal, but the hippos, despite the language barrier see me as so much more. A glance from one of them, Francesca making me lean on her if I’m tired, it means so much just to be cared about by someone even if they aren’t human and I wish I could understand them so I could know what I could possibly do for them as a thank you,” said Luisa

“It’s like me and the rats, I found a different kind of family I didn’t know I could, and now that I know they see me as a father figure and love doing the Telenovelas and spending time with me, it means the world to me,” said Bruno

“Animals are better than people,” sighed Luisa

“Most of them, but I think your little sister and cousin are the exception,” said Bruno

“They rule the animals, they count with the animals,” chuckled Luisa

“So how was the fallout with Abuela? What exactly did Mirabel do?” asked Bruno

“Abuela has to live in the nursery until she earns her door back, she’s currently locked in there and shouting at Casita to let her out, Mama thinks Mirabel is going to send an Animal to bring Abuela’s plate to her at dinner,” said Luisa

“Casita has always loved Mirabel because Mira treats Casita like family instead of just part of the Miracle though if I remember what Mirabel told me, the candle itself is sentient, the butterflies can understand it,” said Bruno

“So why did it put up with Abuela for so long? And what about that vision you were so scared of?” asked Luisa

“The candle invalidated that vision, I actually had a new one yesterday because I wanted to see if the future had changed, it has, Mirabel is going to make things so much better because the candle and casita are helping the animals help her, Abuela’s hold on the family and the town is over,” said Bruno

“Things will really get better after tonight?” asked Luisa

“I’m certain of it, I’ve never had a vision so clear in meaning, I also think the gifts are going to change a bit for the better,” said Bruno

“How?” asked Luisa, she was absently playing the scale.

“I don’t know but what I do know is that Mirabel loves her family and sees all of you and your struggles with your gifts, now that she can act directly I know she is going to try to fix the glaring issues. She knows it will be hard for you to break your conditioning to never say no to someone asking for your help and that’s why she asked the hippos to help, to make sure you don’t have to because someone else is already doing whatever task is needed. You don’t have to say no but you don’t have to do the task if you don’t want to and if you do manage to say no you have an army of persuasion to back you up, You’re a kind sensitive young woman and animals can see that, from everything I know of animals they are very observant and if you care about them they will come to trust you eventually. Some animals it takes less time than others and their queen vouching for you certainly sped things up,” said Bruno

“Did you see what I was doing in your vision?” asked Luisa

“You were in your swimwear laying on Francesca’s back as all the hippos lounged in the river, you looked happy, If I recall correctly there were quite a few male onlookers being chased away by seven of your large friends,” said Bruno

“Hmph, males, they should know their place,” said Francesca with an eye roll.

Suddenly Mirabel walked in.

“Hi Luisa, I was told you were here, dinner is in the dining room down the hall, sorry it’s not mama’s cooking but apparently the rats know something about cooking because they’ve grown up watching mama in secret, and the birds brought fresh fruit,” said Mirabel

“Mira are you doing ok? Today was…a lot, for everyone,” said Luisa

“I’m calmer than I was, there's something therapeutic about stabbing fabric many many times,” said Mirabel with a grin.

The three of them walked down the hall to the grand dining room, the table was set with leaf-shaped plates that looked like they were made of dark green crystal, fine silver forks, knives, and spoons and there was a wine glass at Bruno’s place that was also made of crystal but the base was cast to look like a pale green leaf and the stem was covered in amethyst arranged to look like grapes. The tablecloth was lime green linen and the candelabra hat lit magenta candles that complimented the chandelier high above that was casting specks of pale pink light around the room as the candles showed through hundreds of polished rose quartz and pink diamonds. The walls were made of dense blueberry bushes some in bloom and some with berries. The juice glasses were made of light pink crystal and full of grape juice. There were large chairs of mahogany with teal satin cushions with carved leaves and butterflies all over and Mirabel had her own chair at the very head of the table that seemed to be more of a mahogany throne than a dining chair.
“Um, are you sure it’s ok for me to eat with this stuff it all just seems so fragile,” said Luisa nervous about her strength.

“It’s completely fine, I think Casita made them unbreakable because Antonio accidentally dropped his glass earlier and it didn’t break,” said Mirabel

Luisa gave a sigh of relief before she looked at all the food on the table.

There was an impressive spread of arepas, Arroz, a variety of vegetables and fruit and the main dish was Carne con chimichurri.

“The rats made all this?” asked Luisa

“Yes they did, I’m considering having them help mama from now on,” said Mirabel proudly, there were happy squeaks coming from a mini table Luisa hadn’t noticed till now.

“Um Mirabel, the steak, isn’t it a bit off-putting for the two of you?” asked Bruno

“I talked with the farm animals earlier, the cows say they don’t mind dying to be eaten because they’ve lived an easy life and think it’s a fair exchange,” said Antonio

“Better to die and be eaten than die in the middle of nowhere and rot and be good for nothing but the grass,” said Francesca

“They put up less of a fuss than the flies at least,” said Mirabel cutting into her steak after helping Antonio with his.

“Luisa isn’t Tia going to be looking for you?” asked Antonio

“I told her I was probably going to skip dinner to rest a bit, today was crazy, if they really get worried she’ll send Isa to find me and this place will be the second place she looks if she can get a bear or one of the hippos to bring her here,” said Luisa

As if on cue, Isabela walked in being led by a few coatis.

“Sorry, the rain was getting a bit much for me and Abuela’s yelling was starting to give me a headache, Dolores is also on her way up, I think dinner might just be the four adults and Camilo,” said Isa, she looked soaked through.

“Isa go get changed out of those wet clothes, there's a guest bedroom down the hall you can change in, I’ll have a coati bring you one of my dresses to change into,” said Mirabel looking at her.

“TIO BRUNO?!” exclaimed Isa seeing her uncle for the first time in ten years.

“Long story short he was living in the walls because of a vision he couldn’t show Abuela, the rats told me and I had them bring him here,” said Mirabel

“Oh, ok,” said Isa, but it was clear she had lots more questions.

Then Dolores walked in, less wet than Isa but her hair was still dripping water everywhere

“Tio? Is this where you went after you left the walls and Mira why do you have a castle?” asked Dolores

“Yes and because casita and the candle are trying to overcompensate me,” said Mirabel

Dolores awkwardly sat next to Luisa and a bear came over with another plate, silverware, and a wine glass similar to Bruno’s. Another bear set the exact same for Isa who came in with her hair in a towel and a pale blue monarch butterfly dress on. The two eldest grandchildren sat at the table, Dolores staring at her surroundings.

“Where did ll this food come from? It's delicious,” said Isa after a little while

“The rats have grown up their whole life watching mama in the kitchen, they picked up a thing or two,” said Mirabel causing Isa to almost choke.

“Please tell me they washed their little paws,” said Dolores

There was a very indignant squeak from the little table.

“We a cultured rats, we always make sure our paws are clean when we handle food,” said the rat

“They get rather offended if you question how cultured they are,” giggled Mirabel causing everyone to laugh.

“So Tia is still crying huh,” sighed Mirabel

“I don’t know if she’s more upset with herself or with Abuela,” sad Dolores

…

Sol slithered into the dining room and looked at Julieta

“Oh aren’t you that snake from the other night? Sol right?” asked Julieta, Sol nodded eagerly.

“What are you doing down here again?” she asked

He looked between the food on the table and the door to the nursery.

“Oh you’re here to take food to mama,” said Julieta, another little nod.

Julieta made a plate and gave it to Sol who used his tail to hold it.

“Be careful now,” said Julieta, casita made the stair into a ramp for him and casita opened the door but used the floorboards to keep Abuela inside as Sol set the food down and hissed angrily at her before the door slammed behind him.

“Sol come here for a moment,” Julieta called and the snake slithered back into the dining room puzzled.

“Here, for being such a sweet little thing,” said Julieta giving him the chicken scraps from when she was prepping the food.

He happily gobbled them up before wrapping himself around Julieta’s leg and giving a short squeeze, snake hug.

“Would you like to keep me company in the kitchen during the day? It’s warm in there and I could use a sweet little guy like you for company,” said Julieta, she had always loved snakes as a girl, Bruno had his rats and she had her little friend who hung outside the window in the garden waiting for chicken scraps. She missed her little scaly friend.

Sol flicked his tongue and nodded, Julieta let him slither up her arm and drape across her neck.

Pepa came in and almost screamed when she saw the large yellow constrictor on her sister’s neck like a scarf.

“Pepa look Sol is back, he is such a sweet little thing, brought mama her food so we wouldn’t have to talk to her,” said Julieta petting the scales on his head with her thumb.

“Bruno and his rats, Luisa and the hippos, Mirabel and Antonio with the whole animal kingdom, and now you and the snakes? What’s next me and a tarantula!?” exclaimed Pepa

“Oh knock it off, Sol is a sweetheart,” said Julieta

“Pepi look what I found, this fun little guy likes perching on my shoulder,” said Felix coming into the room. Pepa really did scream this time and the rain came pouring harder.

“Hello Ronaldo,” said Sol to the spider.

“Oh, hello Sol, look a human other than the queen and prince who doesn’t want to step on me!” exclaimed Ronaldo gesturing to Felix.

Chapter Text

Pepa went outside to stand in the rain, even her clear skies mantra wasn’t helping her fried nerves at seeing a tarantula on her husband’s shoulder. She walked to the river where the hippos were being lazy, there was a large black caiman standing on the river bank just chilling.

The caiman stared at her

“Oh I know you, you are related to the queen and you make all this wonderful rain, do you mind if I sit with you?” asked the caiman walking over to sit next to Pepa who was frozen in terror.

“Oh right, you can’t understand me, well maybe I can show you I mean no harm,” said the caiman before climbing onto Pepa’s lap and blinking up at her.

“Well now I’m going to look like a hypocrite, after complaining about my sister and husband having dangerous critters for friends I go and get myself one who could eat them both,” sighed Pepa after it was abundantly clear that the large reptile had no intent to hurt her.

Sitting with a predator on her lap was not something she was used to but it was strangely comforting.

“I think this is the first time since I got my powers that I’ve ever been allowed to have a full-on downpour, no one telling me I have a cloud, no one yelling at me because it’s raining, I’m allowed to calm down at my own pace,” said Pepa scratching the top of the caiman’s head

“Emotions just like the weather need to be allowed to run its course if you’d like I can hiss if anyone tells you to suppress your emotions for sunny skies,” said the caiman

“I know you’re talking but I can’t understand you, I wish Mirabel or Tonito were here to translate,” sighed Pepa. It had stopped pouring rain and the sky was just a dull gray now, she was also soaking wet.

“Humans aren’t meant to be wet for long periods of time, we should probably head back to your nest,” said the caiman

“I should head home shouldn’t I, I’m going to need to find Mirabel so I can learn your name,” said Pepa slowly getting up and starting to walk home, she had no doubt the caiman was following her.

She walked into her room where Felix was sitting on the bed trying to use a fishbowl as a terrarium for the tarantula.

“We’re going to need to find something bigger for the little guy though I’m wondering if letting him roam is a better idea, and have him sleep in there only at night, he is very content on my shoulder and keeps away the more annoying critters,” said Felix before he even saw the caiman.

“Um Pepi, you know you were followed right?” asked Felix

“Yes I know, this one just spent half an hour on my lap,” said Pepa

“Rosa it’s nice to see you outside morning court,” sad Ronaldo

“Ronaldo how are you?” asked Rosa

To the two humans, it was strange seeing a ten-foot caiman walking over to a tarantula and seeming to hold a conversation.

“Sol has become good friends with the mother of Firebele, lucky bastard,” said Ronaldo

“Well you and I have befriended the biological parents of the prince, so that’s something,” laughed Rosa

“I suppose,” said Ronaldo

“Firebele will speak with her family tomorrow then our new friends will know our names,” said Rosa

…

Sol was contentedly draped over Julieta’s neck listening to her talk about her worries for her family.

“I had no idea my girls felt like this, I feel like a terrible mother,” sighed Julieta, Sol gave her a small nuzzle.

“It is not you that they blame, it is the previous keeper of the eternal flame,” said Sol reassuringly even though he knew she couldn’t understand him.

Suddenly Isabela walked into the kitchen.

“Isa there you are, I was getting worried when neither you or Dolores showed up for dinner,” said Julieta

“Abuela pounding on the door was giving both of us a headache so we went to Mirabel’s room, Luisa was there too, and apparently you’ve had little spies watching you cook, the rats have become excellent cooks,” said Isabela

“Oh so I assume I’m going to be getting help in here?” asked Julieta

“That's what she plans on happening, but it looks like you have at least one helper already,” said Isa, spotting Sol.

“Have you made any friends with the animals? Your father is currently in our room with a cock-of-the-rock,” said Julieta with a small giggle

“That orange bird?” asked Isabela

“Hopefully it can warn your father before he smacks into something,” said Julieta

“Pa has always been good with birds,” said Isa

“But back to my original question, any animals who are glued to your hip?” asked Julieta

“No but I think I prefer my plants, Mira told me to try new things and I’ve sorta filled my room with cacti and carnivorous plants, I’m done with roses and other pretty things, I want danger, I want crazy, I want beauty and danger like Tia’s storms and Luisa’s strength. There are useful plants that I can grow because Mirabel said to go nuts, grow what I want to, and not care about what the village says or Abuela,” said Isa fiercely.

There was a shining light coming from the courtyard.

“The candle, it’s…burning brighter,” said Isa

“Maybe because you are finally embracing and expanding your gift, we all are breaking away from our limitations thanks to Mirabel,” said Julieta

“Probably, though Mira did tell me no cacti in hazardous locations and I think she will try to get Tia to calm down before the weather becomes threatening to people and homes but other than those reasonable limits we’re free to feel, free to do, and free to be,” said Isa flopping back onto a pile of bright multicolor autumn leaves.

“And as long as I have even a small part in each dish created the rats can churn out more food in so much less time,” said Julieta

“As long as I get the meat scraps I won’t hunt in the kitchen,” said Sol

…
It was late, she could hear Bruno tucking the rats into bed, she had already tucked Antonio in. She dragged herself to her throne and sat, gazing around her throne room and admiring the corinthian columns carved into the trunks of Palma de Cera that created the canopy of the massive room, morning glory vines snaked up the columns which were twenty-five feet apart with ten columns on each side of the red carpet. The twin rivers flowing from fountains carved from massive emeralds and shaped like palm frawns beside her throne flowed to outline the ruby red carpet and magenta candles floated on the rivers every two feet supported by boats of leaves. The rest of the floor was polished obsidian tile and her throne stood on a raised dais made of a single massive slab of fire obsidian. The sheer grandness of it all was finally starting to hit her, as well as the true power of the miracle that was placing itself in her hands.

How would her room have been different if Abuela had understood the candle’s intention? If she had gotten the room the candle had truly intended to give her in a few years. If all this was merely compensation how in the world would her true room have compared? This was obviously made to fit the rest of the natural theme of Antonio’s room but with an elegance that came with a status thrust upon her, one that she wasn’t sure if she could truly accomplish, fear had begun to set in as she took off her crown and stared at it. She wasn’t ready, she doubted she would ever be truly ready to hold the miracle, she doubted Abuela truly knew the scale of the miracle’s true power.

“Oh Abuelo, I doubt anyone will ever be able to truly grasp just how much you loved your family, that your sacrifice to save that family could bring forth a miracle this powerful, and yet at least three of your family hate their gifts because they aren’t being treated as gifts, they are being forced to earn something they never had the choice of receiving in the first place,” sighed Mirabel.

The crown weighed heavy in her hands, she knew the candle would be heavier.

She stood from the throne and placed the crown upon the cushion. Tomorrow her real test as a leader would begin.

…

Luisa looked around her own room, Casita had given her a large pillow for Franchesca to sleep on and the hippo was sound asleep. She could feel change coming, her gift seemed to be growing stronger now that she was allowed to rest, allowed to care for herself before the village, not even a week ago she could have sworn her gift was weakening with each new burden placed on her. But with Abuela practically grounded and Mirabel putting the family before the town, the candle burning as bright as ever, for the first time since her ceremony, Luisa felt like her gift truly was a gift.

Chapter Text

Isabela looked at her room after she had dissipated every last god-forsaken rose and painted her canopy and bedspread with so much pollen it had turned black.

She was just wondering what to do first when botany and horticulture books flew off shelves she had never even known were there, extinct plants, rare plants, endangered, plants impossible to cultivate, all spread before her. Miracle herbs time forgot, ancient texts from forgotten libraries of the past, translated into something she could read.

With a wave of her hand, Silphium, Middlemist’s Red Camellia, Blood Orchids, Cooksonia, and hundreds of other plants either lost to time or rarer than pink diamonds sprang up around her. She wanted to laugh maniacally and never stop, Abuela would never have let her make these. Suddenly a sundew plant bigger than any other plant of its kind sprang from the ground, it was almost as big as a Palma de Cera.

“I can do more and be more than flowers, I can revive extinct plants I can grow whatever I want or whatever is needed, I am Isabela Madrigal, and my gift is plants, not flowers,” she said to herself.

The only one of the extinct plants in front of her that she knew had uses was the silphium, she didn’t know what her mother would do with it but she did know that it had been prized by the Greeks and Romans.

She burst out of her room carrying one of the silphium plants and gave it to her mother.

“MAMA LOOK WHAT I CAN MAKE!” exclaimed Isa like she had the day she got her gift.

“Is that?” asked Julieta stunned.

“Silphium, I can make extinct plants,” said Isa proudly

“Dios Mi, how much did you make?” asked Julieta taking the holy grail of herbs into her hands.

“A lot, and I can make it anywhere, growing conditions and soil quality mean nothing to my gift, I could grow coffee in the desert, I could grow a cactus in the arctic, I’m unstoppable!” exclaimed Isa running back out of the room as though she were 3 again and listening to her father read Hercules to her.

“I think that candle created a monster,” said Julieta with a small smile and shake of her head.

“Isa? Why are you yelling? It’s almost 11 at night,” said a confused and groggy Luisa poking her head out of her room.

“Time is meaningless to my gift!” shouted Isa as she ran.

She stopped at the nursery, Abuela had long stopped shouting and was probably asleep. Vengeance would be Isa’s.

“Casita I promise this is only temporary,” said Isa as she sent a wave of magic under the door, not an inch of floor on the nursery was spared from the cactus invasion.

“One more toe out of line Abuela and I’ll feed you to Audrey,” smirked Isa, Audrey sounded like a good name for her big sundew.

The candle flickered in her peripheral, but it wasn’t an ominous flicker. No, the candle was….laughing?

The bright joyous flicker almost hurt her eyes but laughter was the only thing that came to mind and Mirabel did say the candle was sentient.

…

Mirabel couldn’t sleep, the daunting task before her tomorrow was keeping her awake. She decided to go for a walk around her castle to try and make herself tired.

Slipping out of her hammock so as to not wake River, she left the room in just her nightclothes and slippers.

The hollow echo of the floorboards under her feet and the flickering of the candles in their holders were the only sounds throughout the castle. The left hallway had a door that led to another hall that she turned down, she hadn’t been to this part yet and had no idea what was in it. She opened a door and a draft of cold air hit her, she descended the dimly lit corridor that seemed to lead deep through the tree and then turned to dirt then solid stone. Candles turned to torches and then she noticed several prison cells, it was so cold down here she could see her breath. The cells ranged in size from giraffe to fruit fly.

“Ok so it looks like I have a dungeon, no idea if I will ever use it but it’s good to know I have it I guess,” said Mirabel going back up the stairs and back into the tropical warmth of the rest of the castle.

The opposite door also descended well below Casita and even to bedrock but the lighting was much better. Shelves, racks, barrels, all filled with every high-quality alcohol you could imagine.

“Ok note to self, don’t let Tia find out this door is unlocked, “ said Mirabel

She left her wine cellar and walked down the hall again and soon found an entire wing of the castle dedicated to spa services. A sauna, a room that seemed to be an entire outdoor garden hot spring. Down a few more halls and she came to double stained glass doors that opened out into a courtyard garden with topiaries, rose bushes, fountains of carved marble with veins of gold with golden butterfly statues that had bejeweled wings and pouring crystal clear water from the antenna tips of wrought iron. Lush green grass tickled her ankles as she walked, it was night in the garden, the false sky reflecting the real one outside Casita but the constellations were different, unnamed, and unique for each star was a different color and glittered like gemstones. She could hear crickets chirping and the gurgle of the fountains but other than those, it was silent. She sat on the edge of the largest most central fountain and dipped her hand into the crystalline water. It was cold but not overly so, it contrasted nicely against the warm summer air and the smell of roses wafted through on an infrequent breeze. It was grounding for her. She inhaled the sweet scent of the roses on the breeze, they smelled better than the ones her sister had grown but Mirabel knew those were not roses that wanted to exist, they were as artificial as Isa’s smile had been, The roses in Mirabel's room were fragrant, covered in thorns and as real as they would have been if grown without magic. She inhaled deeply again, the scent of the flowers filling her nose and calming her racing heart. Tomorrow would be ok, the animals would make sure of it, her authority was absolute and appointed directly by the Miracle that the people of the town believed in more than God himself, it was a higher power they could see, its existence couldn’t be questioned, and it had chosen her. She moved her hand through the cool water of the fountain before splashing her face, she was falling asleep but knew the marble would not be a good place to sleep on so she got up and went back through the blue and green stained glass doors.

Walking back to her room she stopped in the throne room. Tomorrow would be her formal coronation where she would vow to wear the crown every day and uphold the rights, dreams, and laws of the animal kingdom.

Then she would focus on her family and later that week, the town. She walked back up to her bedroom hoping to finally be able to fall asleep and be prepared for what the morning would bring.

Chapter Text

Mirabel woke up the next morning, her heart pounding in her chest from anxiety as she slowly got dressed into the flower dress and cape. Monkeys did her makeup as she sat on her vanity chair. River could hear Mira’s elevated heart rate and gently slid herself under Mirabel’s hand.

“Some of the coatis are going to fetch the little Prince’s biological mother to help him get ready for the day, the parrots will translate,” said River

“And once he is ready Parce will bring him up here for your coronation,” said a butterfly

Mirabel just nodded.

…
Rosa lifted her head from the cushion when she heard the knock on the door.

“Who is it?” she growled

“Martin and Jason, we need the Prince’s biological mother to come to get him ready for the day, it is Firebele’s formal coronation,” said the coatis

Rosa’s eyes widened and lightly used her tail to shake Pepa. Ronaldo had crawled out and began tickling Felix. Both of them woke up to their new animal friends staring into their faces. Pepa shrieked and rolled out of bed with a thunderclap. Felix was still trying to figure out when he had grown an eight-legged mustache. It took a moment for Pepa to remember why there was a caiman and a tarantula in their room before she heard the knocks at the door. Opening it revealed two coatis and a couple of parrots.

“Child needs get ready for day,” said one of the parrots

“Big coronation, Firebele busy,” said another

“Rosa carry you to tree,” said the first

Pepa looked at the caiman.

“Do you know what's going on?” asked Pepa

Rosa nodded.

“Who is Rosa?” asked Felix rubbing the sleep from his eyes

“Rosa caiman,” said the second parrot perching on her head.

“So Mirabel is busy getting ready for something and we need to get Antonio ready? What time is it?” asked Pepa, everything finally starting to click into place.

“Four morning,” said the parrot.

“Dios mi, why is this taking place so early?” asked Pepa

“Big day too much do no time do it, more hours before sun,” said a parrot

Pepa trudged out of the room with Rosa at her heels.

“Ride Rosa, tree hard climb tired,” said one of the parrots

Pepa just nodded tiredly.

She shook Antonio awake and saw the large jaguar yawn and stretch.

“Wake up Tonito, the animals apparently have something important they need you for,” said Pepa.

“Oh yeah, mami’s coronation,” said Antonio rubbing his eyes.

Pepa helped him get into the suit Mirabel had made, he refused to wear anything else. Pepa noticed the jaguar Parce had a cushion in his mouth with the circlet she had seen Antonio wearing last night.

“Is this your’s Tonito?” asked Pepa

“Oh yeah, I need that too, mami helped me put it on last night but I don’t know how to put it on right myself, I think it goes around my head but I don’t know what it’s supposed to look like,” said Antonio

Pepa took the circlet and placed it on his head so the diamond rested between his eyes.

“There now, you look like a little prince,” smiled Pepa

“I am a prince,” grinned Antonio.

“That you are Tonito, and you make everyone so proud just by being you, I think Mira is the proudest of all of us,” said Pepa

“She has a lot of responsibilities now, I want to help her but I don’t know how yet,” said Antonio

“Tonito just by being there for her you are doing so much, right now all you need to do to help her is just hug her when everything is too much and just be your happy little self, no more,” said Pepa.

“I will,” said Antonio

Pepa saw hundreds of animals climbing the tree up to Mirabel’s part.

“I think that’s your cue Tonito,” said Pepa, she noticed Rosa following the rest of her species.

“Tell Rosa I’ll save her some chicken before Julieta claims all the scraps for Sol,” said Pepa as she watched Antonio climb the tree on Parce.

…

Bruno had been dragged awake by the rats excitedly squeaking and dragging him to a wardrobe containing a brand new outfit in his usual green but more vibrant and trimmed with gold, it looked like something a lord would wear. There was a parrot there to help translate.

“Part Firebele court, Lord Bruno,” said the Parrot.

Antonio was at the door.

“Mirabel’s coronation is today, she made that for you so you could look nice, the rats say they’ll help you get ready,” said Antonio

“I’m confused,” said Bruno

“Mirabel is being formally made queen of the animals today, her coronation is soon, and we are expected to be there, I as the prince and next in line for the throne and you are part of the court as a lord and trusted advisor, there is a pendant with Mirabel’s coat of arms on it in emerald and gold for you,” said Antonio before riding Parce to the room where he would wait for his signal.

Bruno looked at the long gold chain where a golden butterfly was embossed on an emerald cut to look like a shield and edged with garnets. He sat on a chair and let the rats work on his hair.

He watched the rats order each other around and felt his hair being pulled in all directions and combed and cut before a mix of honey and tree sap was used to make it stay in place. He looked at himself in the mirror, subconsciously dreading tonight when he’d have to try to wash this out.

He was then led by the pant leg to follow the rats who were all groomed and looking so proud of their handiwork.

He was shown where to stand, slightly behind and to the left of the throne, Antonio was on the right with Parce on his own right. The parrots mimicked the sound of trumpets and the double doors opened. Mira walked gracefully down the aisle, all the animals on either side bowing.

“Firebele, do you vow to uphold the rights, the laws, and the dreams of the animals in your kingdom?” asked a Butterfly

“I will,” said Mirabel

“And do you promise to lend your guidance and wisdom to any creature, great or small who may have need of it?”

“Yes,” said Mirabel

“Then by the power vested in us by the eternal flame, the fire of loving sacrifice and given by the hand of the maker, we crown thee Queen Firebele Ruler of The Animal Kingdom Throughout the Encanto and the Surrounding Jungles,” proclaimed the butterflies together and the tucans lowered the crown onto her head. All the animals bowed and shouted.

“ALL HAIL QUEEN FIREBELE!”

Antonio bowed as well and Bruno followed his sobrino’s lead. Mirabel stood, and then sat on her throne.

Whatever may come, she would face it.

“Rise my friends and family, I will strive to be the Queen you all deserve but all I beg is for patience as I continue to learn and grow into this role, I cannot be perfect but I will do my very best to be the best that I can for each and every one of you. From the largest condor to the tiniest fruit fly, from the strongest hippo to the smallest mouse, you need never be afraid to ask for my help and I promise to rule true and fair,” said Mirabel

Antonio took that as his cue to step forward and Bruno followed suit, confused but attempting to be as supportive as possible.

“Lord Bruno, come what may with the rest of the family but you will always have a place both in my court and in my castle,” said Mirabel addressing her uncle.

“Thank you, Mirabel,” said Bruno, it still felt so odd bowing to his niece.

Then Mirabel got down on her knees to be at eye level with Antonio.

“And you mi hijo, you bow to no one,” said Mirabel, pulling him into an embrace.

Chapter Text

Mirabel sat back down on her throne and looked at her subjects. Bruno noticed a stoic but kind expression on her face, it was in contrast to his mother’s stern one.

Mira had Antonio on her lap.

“Tio, now that Abuela is kinda locked in the nursery, how do you feel about revealing yourself, I know my mami misses you and now everyone but them, Abuela and Camilo know you’re here anyway,” said Mirabel

“I suppose that does make the most sense,” said Bruno

“And with the hippos seeing Luisa as one of their own I’m thinking of making her a Lady like you’re a Lord,” said Mirabel

“That would also make sense, when are you going to announce it? We still have a few hours till breakfast,” said Bruno

Mirabel turned to Francesca.

“Please go get my sister, the bride’s maid dress I made for her to wear to Dolores’s wedding will suffice for this occasion,” said Mirabel

The hippos nodded and left the castle. A monkey left with them to open the doors.

…

Luisa woke up to a bunch of hippos staring at her.

“Francesca what time is it?” groaned Luisa before looking at the clock next to her bed.

“Five in the morning? What’s going on?” asked Luisa

She felt herself being gently nudged out of her bed.

“Ok ok, what is so important?” asked Luisa

She climbed onto Francesca who took her to Mirabel’s room.

Luisa was deposited into a plush guest room and quite a few monkeys began fussing with her hair and makeup then a small gold tiara encrusted with tiny sapphires was placed on her head and she was given a golden butterfly brooch with garnets in the wings. A sapphire blue dress was brought in and she got the impression that the animals wanted her to change into it. This was obviously Mirabel’s sewing and she noticed the shimmering pink thread woven amongst the blue that caught the light each time she moved. She was then gently nudged in the direction of the throne room. Opening the doors she found it packed with Animals and her sister sat on the throne with Antonio on her knee, Tio Bruno stood to the left of the throne.

“Luisa, your bond with the hippos it much like Bruno’s bond with the rats, they see you as one of their own, a sister and that is why I have decided to grant you the title and place in my high court as Lady Luisa,” said Mirabel

Luisa just stood dumbstruck, this was not something she expected to hear at five in the morning after a hellish last 24 hours.

“I know the feeling kid, woke up to the same thing, just come on up here,” said Bruno quietly

Luisa stood next to her uncle feeling more like a fish out of water than nobility of the animal kingdom. She only half-listened as Mirabel gave the day’s tasks to the animals. One difference she could see was that Mirabel was asking the animals instead of telling them what they were going to do, it was so different from how Abuela had run the house. Also, Antonio was just so adorable sitting on Mirabel’s lap with that little cornet on his head.

After the animals had filed out, Mirabel turned to address her sister.

“That room you were taken to get ready in is one of the guest suites, it is yours anytime you want to use it,” said Mirabel

“Is anyone else going to become part of your court?” asked Luisa

“Likely not, you have bonded with all the hippos, and Bruno is practically the father of the rats, so unless anyone else bonds with an entire species as opposed to a single individual, I don’t see anyone else becoming part of my court. I’ll make you a dress for you to wear every day like I made Tio’s new outfit but the dress you have on now is the one I made for you to wear to Dolores’s wedding,” said Mira

“Mira you don’t have to, the butterfly one you gave me is great,” said Luisa

“I know but I want to, just wear the brooch and tiara from now on, they’ll signify to any animal who has a memory lapse that you are a Lady of the Animal Kingdom, nothing would dare harm you or else they will face the wrath of the other animals before word even reaches me,” said Mirabel.

“Can I at least pick what colors I want in my new dress?” asked Luisa

“I was going to go with gray and pink with blue accents,” said Mirabel

“You know me better than I know myself, but why gray?” asked Luisa

“To represent the hippos, Tio has brown accents woven amongst the gold to represent the rats, I think colors are nicer than symbols,” said Mirabel

“Not too fancy though, I need to still be able to work in it,” said Luisa

“Of course, though your responsibilities will greatly diminish in town, it’s high time all of you get to be treated as regular humans and the town can care for themselves for once unless there are emergencies. You will be able to use your discretion as to who you want to help and who can either be helped by the hippos or can do the thing themselves,” said Mirabel

“And if they get angry when I say no?” asked Luisa

“Lulu, the hippos see you as one of them and are borderline overprotective of you, you saw how they acted when Abuela was about to scold you. Do you honestly think anyone is stupid enough to retaliate against you when you are not only 200 times stronger than them but have hippos ready to commit murder for you?” said Mirabel

“They’d actually commit murder to protect me?” asked Luisa

“Every time you are asked in town to do something when you are already busy they spend hours plotting how to make Abuela have a little accident, as well as any town people who don’t seem to give a crap that you have limits,” said Mirabel

“Would you stop them?” asked Luisa

“Yesterday, I was so angry I would have let them, but any other day I’d tell them to maim not kill,” said Mirabel

“Her scaring Antonio really got to you huh,” said Luisa

The boy in question was fast asleep on Mirabel’s lap, cuddled into her with a small smile on his face.

Mirabel sighed.

“Tonito has been my rock for five years, I’ve raised him since the day he was born, I’m his mother in all but blood and the animals recognize this. Abuela crossed a line and struck a nerve with me, ten years of being ignored and unwanted then she mistreats my baby, it was the last straw for everything. If she had done anything else horrible to you yesterday I might have ordered the hippos or River or even a rat to take her out. I’m calmer now and will give her the chance to atone but yesterday was just too much,” said Mirabel

“You wouldn’t have had to ask, we would have been asking for forgiveness for it before you could even consider asking us,” said Francesca

Mirabel chuckled and patted Francesca on the head.

“Are you ready to talk to the family?” asked Bruno

“It’s still too early in the morning and Camilo is not a morning person,” said Mirabel

…

It was eight am when Mirabel, Antonio, and Luisa left the room, followed by Bruno who quickly hid behind a plant.

Antonio sat at the breakfast table like it was any other day, Luisa decided to follow suit and sat to his left, leaving his right open for Mirabel and her own left for Bruno. Mirabel sat down and everyone turned to her. Then Casita shuffled the chairs, putting Mirabel at the head of the table where Abuela normally sat, Antonio to her right, followed by Luisa then the empty chair that Casita wasn’t letting anyone else sit in. Another chair had been flung across the room just as a shriek of pain came from the nursery.

“Oh good, sounds like Abuela has discovered the new carpet I gave her,” laughed Isabela, the dress Mirabel had given her was the only part of her new look not covered in pollen, it looked like she had attempted to dye her hair and hands with a variety of colored pollen.

Mirabel also noticed Sol around her mother’s neck and Rosa the caiman in a bright yellow bow and..eye shadow? Next to Pepa. Tio Felix had Ronaldo the tarantula on his shoulder. Dolores had been mercifully moved next to Camilo who sat next to Agustin so she was a good distance away from the more terrifying new friends of the family. Mirabel then saw Alvaro the Cock-of-the-rock on her father’s shoulder being fed fruit. The bright orange ball of feathers was talking to himself about not letting a single bee near his new best friend.

“Ay Alvaro still got that vendetta against bees eh? What did they do to you?” Ronaldo

“I don’t trust them, or rocks, the Queen’s father must be protected at all costs,” said Alvaro

“You birds are more paranoid than Lord Bruno,” said Rosa

“I concur, the queen specifically told the bees to get her if there were issues between them and humans, you are needlessly worrying your feathers off,” said Francesca

“I suppose I should start by informing you all of a few overnight changes that took place,” started Mirabel, her speaking had shut the animals up instantly.

“Go ahead Mira,” encouraged her mother.

“First, I’m am now officially Queen of all the animals in the Encanto and surrounding jungle, Antonio is prince and next in line for the throne, no offense Tia and Tio but both he and the animals see me as his mother so that is how it will be from now on. Second, Luisa’s bond with the hippos far exceeded my expectations when I asked them to help her out, this bond with an entire species is what prompted me to make her a Lady of my court. And finally, some of you are aware that I’ve had a certain guest staying with me because his little friends were worried about where he was staying, but I’ll let him explain everything. Lord Bruno, please come here,” said Mirabel

Pepa and Julieta’s shrieks of surprise caused Dolores to cover her ears and it started raining, then was sunny, then raining again as both sisters were determined to hug their brother who had just appeared, followed by several rats in little medieval-style clothes, one was even wearing a tiny suit of armor. There were a few butterflies hovering around and Mira called them over.

“Could you ask the candle to suspended Dolores and Tia’s gifts for a little bit?” asked Mirabel

“Of course, the eternal flame is also working on a permanent solution for all who are generally unhappy with their gifts, Lord Bruno included,” said a butterfly.

“Tia and Lola, please don’t freak out when your gifts stop working, I’m asking the candle to suspend them for a little bit to make sure you’re comfortable and so the Encanto doesn’t flood, you still have them they just won’t work until we can find a way to make them better,” said Mira

As if on cue, the clouds vanished and Dolores’s hearing was just like everyone else’s, Mirabel noticed her prima visibly relax.

“There will be no duties in town today as the animals will be taking care of everything and this family needs to work out some of it’s issues. I’m happy that most of you have found friends in some of my subjects and, though Camilo you are not allowed to be in cahoots with any of my subjects, I know you my primo and I don’t want to deal with any headache induced by you playing your pranks with a bunch of animals, the chameleons are particularly mischievous,” said Mirabel

Camilo sulked, there went most of his prank plans and he couldn’t even make friends with one behind his cousin’s back, she had eyes everywhere.

“So what will we all be doing?” asked Dolores

“Spending time together as a family, talking, having fun, enjoying each other's company. I’m told there is supposed to be a natural thunderstorm rolling through in about an hour that will last all day, I can think of no better weather for family time,” said Mirabel

“I’ll go set up Parques!” exclaimed Antonio about to dart out of his chair but Mirabel set her hand on his shoulder to stop him.

“Wait a moment Tonito, we need to finish eating and half of us haven’t even started,” said Mirabel gently.

“Oh yeah,” said Antonio, sitting back down.

“Mira what about Abuela?” asked Dolores

“I will be speaking to her after this if Isa can get rid of the cactus carpet,” said Mirabel.

“Fine, I’ll do it just before you go in, she needs to suffer a little longer,” said Isa

…

Mirabel quietly slipped out of the living room after losing and having to drop out of the game, only Antonio seemed to notice she lost on purpose.

Isabela and Camilo were teasing each other over bad rolls and the adults were making up for lost time and talking. Luisa and Dolores were discussing a romance novel while each one was curled up on a chair and facing each other. The animals were holding their own conversations.

Fifteen minutes ago Isa had removed her cactus carpet from the nursery so Mirabel quietly made her way upstairs.

Casita opened the nursery door and let Mirabel in, Abuela was sitting on the bed, there were tiny pinpricks of blood dripping from cactus wounds on her feet.

Wordlessly, Mirabel handed her an arepa from breakfast and sat next to her.

“Abuela, I need to know, do you hate me?”

Chapter Text

That one question hung in the air like one of Pepa’s clouds.

Abuela turned to look at her granddaughter who seemed to be fiddling with her earring but looking at the floor.

“What do you think Mirabel?” asked Alma, the question had felt like someone had hit her in the gut with a soccer ball.

“Well, you certainly don’t love me, not after my ceremony, and probably even less after yesterday,” said Mirabel quietly

Another soccer ball to the gut.

“I could never hate one of my grandchildren,” said Abuela

“You never saw me as part of the family after I didn’t get my gift,” said Mirabel

“You think I don’t love you Mira?” asked Abuela

Mirabel looked at the floor.

Abuela sighed, what could she say? There was no way for her to fix this, or to even pretend everything was fine because it most definitely wasn’t fine. The miracle was listening to Mirabel, casita adored the girl. How could she have been so blind?

No, she knew what had blinded her, it was her fear, a justified fear at the start but now….

“I’m sorry,” whispered Abuela

“The candle said it connected with me and gave me some of its powers on the night of my ceremony, I would have gotten my room when I turned twenty, it could feel the magic fading for years and if it had decided to wait any longer than Tonito’s ceremony casita would have fallen. The cracks in the family-run deep, I’m trying to help fix them but you have to fix the foundation before the second floor,” said Mirabel

“I want to try to be better for my family, but I need to know just how badly I’ve hurt them so I can start,” said Abuela

“I don’t think I can forgive you yet, I’m still angry and hurt over everything, and just so much is happening and changing that I don’t even think I can explain in words how badly you hurt me. I think I understand how you felt upon receiving the miracle and being thrust into roles you were unprepared for but understanding and forgiveness aren’t the same,” said Mirabel, her voice still quiet, but now she held her crown in her hands and was turning it over in her hands, still refusing to look Alma in the eyes.

“After I lost my Pedro, I never got the chance to mourn properly, I let myself become apathetic. I had to be strong for my babies and for the village, I thought we had to earn our miracle’s protection and our gifts, I lost sight of who the miracle was for and why it was given, your Abuelo loved his family so much that he was willing to give his life for us to be safe and love isn’t something that needs to be earned. I know and understand why you can’t forgive me yet but I hope maybe we can help each other navigate this new normal,” said Abuela

Mirabel nodded, not trusting herself to speak without sobbing.

“Come here Mira,” said Abuela softly, before pulling her into a hug.

…

Antonio had gotten bored of the game and just picked up an age-appropriate book, the whole room was rather quiet now except for the splattering of rain on the windows and the occasional roll of thunder.

Bruno and Luisa were both fiddling with their new jewelry, Luisa had her tiara in her hands and Bruno was having fun making the gold on his pendant catch the light for Parce to chase.

“So Mira is going to make new clothes for us centered around the colors attributed to animals we bond with or our sides of the family instead of based on our gifts?” asked Dolores

“I think she wants us to not be defined by our gifts instead let us define them, I get pink and gray with a bit of blue but you can probably ask her if you can pick the colors you want,” said Luisa

“She still hasn’t come to ask me for what I want on my wedding dress,” said Dolores

“Mirabel knows all of us better than we know ourselves, I’ve seen your dress Lola, you’ll love it, the rest of our dresses for the occasion are more sunset themed with mama’s side being closer to evening colors and you’re mama’s side being the bright oranges, yellows, and reds of the skyline, no clue how she’s doing her’s, Antonio’s or Tio’s outfits, but Isa’s is a deep indigo with orange accents,” said Luisa

“Ooh, I hadn’t even thought of color schemes, Mariano has been too busy talking to your mama about the food so we haven’t even had the chance to talk colors yet,” said Dolores

“What’s this I hear about wedding colors and dresses?” asked Pepa

“Mira has all our outfits for Dolores’s wedding finished, Tia your dress is golden yellow with pink accents,” said Luisa

“Oh that does sound gorgeous,” said Pepa

“Did she make one for Abuela?” asked Camilo

“Red and orange like the sun,” said Luisa

“Speaking of the wedding, Lola you and I need to talk flowers, no roses or flor de mayo though,” said Isa

“Well if Mirabel is going sunset theme could you just get creative with those colors? But no cacti or anything carnivorous,” said Dolores.

“I’ll make some test bouquets later, once this mess is sorted out,” said Isa

“It’s unnerving not being able to hear them talking, but at the same time I’m relieved, even in my soundproof room I couldn’t even escape the noise of my own heartbeat, mama is crying or laughing and yet the weather is a natural storm that we are completely dry from because we are indoors,” said Dolores, looking at the door.

“Do you think Mirabel will forgive Abuela? Should we forgive Abuela?” asked Isabela

Antonio chose that moment to plop down next to Luisa.

“Mami won’t forgive Abuela until Abuela shows she’s actually changing her ways, she hurt my Mami and everyone else so I can’t forgive her yet either. Mami said it’s just like being sorry, you can say the words but it doesn’t make any difference unless you show that you truly mean it. Forgiveness needs to be earned, and you can forgive with all your heart but it takes far longer to forget,” said Antonio

“When did you get so wise Tonito?” asked Dolores

“I grew up observing the family dynamic. If Abuela did try to force me away from Mami if that night hadn’t gone as it did, I would have set Parce on her, not to hurt her but just to scare her enough to listen,” said Antonio

There was a slight screech from Pepa as a very dapperly clothed rat scurried down Bruno’s arm.

The sound was immediately followed by Julieta’s laughter that no one had heard since her own wedding day when Agustin had made an awful pun at the altar. The cause of her current bout of laughter was her sister standing on the back of the couch.

“Pepa you put a bow on a ten-foot caiman yet you are scared of such a distinguished little gentleman?” laughed Julieta

The rat puffed out his little chest at his Tia’s praise for his dapperness. That only made Julieta laugh harder, and she was almost struggling to breathe when she noticed her husband’s avian friend perched on his head scanning for signs of danger, he had obviously flown there the moment Pepa screeched. By then everyone else was laughing until Julieta got the hiccups.

Chapter Text

Mirabel sighed and leaned back in her chair at her desk, she had been writing from early the next morning to almost noon. The whole family other than her was sleeping in. She wished she could be in her sewing room right now but she needed to write down new limitations for the town so that no one in her family would have their abilities taken advantage of but the town would still be able to thrive. She also needed to write contracts for her Tio to have people sign before they received a vision from him. The candle was redesigning his room to be less taxing on the body to get to but still private. And Isa had gone plant crazy, creating more and more dangerous plants in her room and casually snipping the heads off roses every time she saw Abuela.

Sol and the rats had reassured Mira that they would look after her mother and make sure she didn’t overwork herself but Mirabel knew there had to be set rules in place to protect her family. With Sol judging whether the injuries were serious enough for healing food or whether it would heal perfectly fine on its own, and the rats being split between the kitchen and Tio’s new theater that was being built and they would rotate places depending on what cast members the theater needed. Unless in emergency cases, the new clinic/rataraunt (not a typo) would be open from 9 am to 7 pm on weekdays and 9 to 1 on weekends.

Luisa and the hippos would only be allowed to work from 9 in the morning to 5 at night on weekdays, with breaks for lunch and a water break whenever she needed it, the hippos would ensure she didn’t skip her water breaks and lunch and would rather forcefully show when Luisa’s services were no longer available.

Dolores would have limitations to her gift, being able to turn it on or off when she wished and adjust how far she wanted to hear. The birds had asked Mirabel if Dolores could help them while they were on patrol around the borders. A special guard treehouse would be built for her and Mariano to spend their days in, nine to five on weekdays and an hour of their choice on Saturdays.

Camilo decided he liked babysitting the slightly older kids but only wanted to do it every other day for a max of four hours, if he was needed longer then he would expect compensation and forewarning.

Pepa now no longer needed her emotions to control the weather, she just needed to will it into existence and she would set the weather to match the reports from the birds outside the Encanto said the weather was unless it was an extreme anomaly like a drought or hurricane.

People asking for particular weather would find a ten-foot caiman in a bow growling at them ready to charge.

Mirabel set the pen down and looked at her work, two pages of legislation per member of the family. River put her front paws on the desk to read what Mirabel had written.

“Looks good, it’s respectful to the village but put plenty of boundaries in place that your family can adjust to suit their needs,” said River approvingly

“I didn’t add consequences to breaking the terms because the people aren’t oblivious to how the animals react to their favorite humans, Luisa in particular,” said Mirabel

“Just add a clause about the animals having permission to react as they see fit to these terms being broken, Rosa has already made her presence at your aunt’s side known and has bared her teeth at someone who asked when things would return to how they were,” said River

Mirabel nodded and jotted the line at the bottom of each second page. She would go to her own printing office she found the other night to make enough copies for the whole town.

There was a knock at the door.

“Mirabel, may I come in?” came Abuela’s tentative voice.

She had somehow convinced a bear to take her up here and had almost gotten lost following one of the golden butterflies to try to find her granddaughter.

Mirabel looked up and sighed.

“Come in Abuela,” said Mirabel

Abuela walked into the lavish office with a basket of snacks.

“Your mother and the rats have been cooking up a storm in the kitchen, I’ve never seen your mother laugh so hard while cooking, I think she’s trying to directly teach them. She wanted me to bring you a basket of your favorites since you missed breakfast, I also got the impression that the rats were eager for you to try their handiwork,” said Abuela setting the basket on the desk before looking at the papers.

“Gracias Abuela,” said Mirabel

“Is this what you’ve been doing all morning?” asked Abuela, hesitantly sitting on one of the chairs opposite the desk.

“Si, I’m writing some rules for the town so they don’t continue to take advantage of our gifts, so we can live our lives how we want but still help around town,” said Mirabel

Abuela sighed.

“I should have done that the moment my children got their gifts but I was a blind fool,” said Abuela

Mirabel just nodded silently and straightened the papers.

There was a few minutes of silence.

“I have to go finish work on the wedding clothes for Dolores,” said Mirabel after a while.

“May I join you? I would like to see how much your skill has grown since I first taught you when you were four,” said Abuela

Mirabel shrugged then nodded.

Abuela followed her through the halls, the bear keeping a very close eye on her as it stood on its hind legs like a guard. The jaguar was also giving her the side-eye.

Abuela sat on one of the massive high back armchairs in the corner of the room and Mirabel silently handed her Pepa’s dress for the wedding. Abuela could tell it needed to be hemmed.

The only sound was the flickering of the candles in their holders around the room and whirr of Mirabel’s sewing machine.

After an hour of near silence, Abuela spoke again.

“I remember the days when you would sit on my bed next to me, your tongue hanging out the corner of your mouth as you concentrated on your stitches,” chuckled Abuela

“I remember that too, the last time was the day before my gift ceremony,” said Mirabel quietly.

Abuela flinched.

“I’m sorry Mirabel,” said Abuela

Mirabel just nodded

“Did I ever tell you about the time I tried to teach your Abuelo how to sew?” asked Abuela

Mirabel looked at her and shook her head.

“No, you’ve ever only told us about Abuelo the night you lost him, no other stories. Why did you try to teach him how to sew?” asked Mirabel quietly

“One night about a month after we got married, he came home with his shirt in tatters, he had about as much sense of direction as your father has balance,” started Abuela

Mirabel chuckled softly.

“He comes home with this story about several dogs and bushes, and gives me that sheepish look like he knows I’m going to scold him for getting lost again because it’s the third shirt I’ve had to repair that month,” smiled Abuela

“I can see that, it’s the same look Papa gives mama when the bees have stung him again, that love-struck I know you’re annoyed but I can’t help it look,” said Mirabel

“Aye, that’s one of the things that eventually warmed me up to your papa, in that moment he looked so much like my Pedro that I couldn’t help thinking he was a good man for my Julieta,” said Abuela

“What happened next?” asked Mirabel quietly

“Well, I told him that if he was going to keep ruining his shirts he’d better not expect dinner until late at night since his shirts took so long to fix. Then he quietly asks if he can learn to fix them himself,” said Abuela

“What did you say?” asked Mirabel, moving onto the more delicate embroidery on Mariano’s suit.

“I told him I would but he needed to make snacks first for us, he agreed and I kissed his nose in thanks. Well, it turns out your mother did not inherit her skill in the kitchen from him. Sure the food was far more edible than what Pepa or Bruno can make but it wasn’t good, and he seemed to know it,” chuckled Abuela

“Oh no,” laughed Mirabel

“Oh his sewing was even worse than your first attempt, you at least understood small stitches, he just couldn’t grasp the idea nor could he sew in a straight line even on the machine. If you remember the last time your mother tried to teach your aunt about heat levels on the stove, it was similar to that,” said Abuela

“She thought that if he did everything at the highest heat she could then the food would be ready faster, I take it he thought big stitches held the fabric together better?” asked Mirabel

“Poor man, patient and strong, but could have the intelligence of an arepa sometimes,” chuckled Abuela sadly.

“Like Tio Felix when Tia is dancing, he just turns to mush staring at her until she notices, then Dolores runs to her room to escape the inevitable sounds she is destined to be plagued by,” said Mirabel

Abuela suddenly looked horrified.

“Oh dear, I never thought about that when it came to her gift,” exclaimed Abuela

“She learned way too many things at a way too young age,” said Mirabel

“I suppose she did,” frowned Abuela

“But back to the story, did Abuelo ever get the hang of sewing?” asked Mirabel
“No, he never could, he’d get halfway through repairing a tear then just stare at me with that puppy-like grin before taking me into his arms and we’d just end up holding each other on the bed,” said Abuela

“Could we do this again sometime? Sewing together and you telling me stories about Abuelo?” asked Mirabel

“I’d like that Mira, I’d like that a lot,” smiled Abuela

Chapter Text

The new rules had gotten published to the village and had received mixed results. While most of the villagers were very understanding and apologetic, some were grumbling about how it had always been done the way it was and shouldn’t need to change. The dissenters had received retribution in animal form, a man putting pressure on Luisa for example, had needed multiple arepas from Julieta after the hippos had stampeded him. The angry mother only gave him enough to mend the life-threatening injuries, no more. He’d be recovering for well over two months on his own, Julieta had found that she could now adjust the potency of the healing food she produced.

The clause about the animals acting as they saw fit to each circumstance was now being fully heeded.

Luisa had been in shock throughout the incident. She had told him no multiple times because she frankly didn’t want to move the bridge for the ninth time that week, and he had kept pursuing her before calling her several slurs and threatening to harm her. Twenty angry hippos suddenly left her side, charging the man whose facial expression became one of sheer terror as the two-ton mammals began to run at him, he had no hope of escape.

Shaken and scared, she had made her way back to Casita, the hippos protectively surrounding her. They had almost killed someone to set an example and to protect her. The rules had been published last week by Mirabel and the hippos incident happened just two days after. Shockingly, Abuela hadn’t said a word about the incident, but that might have been because Mirabel had done so first, thanking the hippos for looking after Luisa and then pointing out the clause to all the onlookers and mutterers, her tone and poise causing them all to shut up.

Mirabel had then turned her ire to the bleeding, semi-conscious man and had said that he was lucky to be alive and that since Luisa was a Lady of Mira’s court the hippos would have faced no punishment if they had killed him. Luisa had spent most of the rest of that day in her room, trying to process everything.

It was now Wednesday evening, close to dinner time and Luisa had been finished in town for an hour, she loved the new nine to five schedule. She looked at her sister and Antonio’s door, Mira had been in there all day working on something, whether it was more sewing or something to do with ruling the animals, no one ever knew.

Suddenly, Isa poked her head out of the room.
“Oh perfect, just who I was looking for, Mira needs to do a final fitting for your dress, she got everyone else earlier, except for Dolores and I think Mariano,” said Isa

Luisa looked at Franchesca who nodded at the silent request to take her up.

The sound of her little sister’s sewing machine greeted Luisa’s ears as she walked down the hall.

“Ah Luisa, sit, please,” said Mirabel

“I thought my dress was finished, I wore it when you named me a Lady of your court,” said Luisa

“True, it fits you perfectly, but because of your status I had to change a few things, and I thought this would be a perfect excuse to talk to you,” said Mirabel

“Oh,” said Luisa

“Try on the dress, see if you like it then we can go to the garden courtyard and talk, Isa wouldn’t like it there, too many roses,” said Mirabel

Luisa stepped behind the changing screen.

“Mira what are these gemstones?” asked Luisa looking at the new beading along the neckline.

“Gray labradorite, I found a chest of countless crystal beads in here, and that was before I found what I’m assuming is my treasury, Casita really really went overboard,” said Mirabel

Luisa stepped out from behind the screen.

“Oh perfect, once we add some jewelry it will work wonderfully for the wedding,” said Mirabel

“Mira, this dress might outshine Dolores, I don’t want that,” said Luisa

“Trust me, nothing is going to outshine her, I sewed tiny rubies and citrine, and yellow diamonds into various spots on the dress and I increased the skirt size and added lace to the train to make it long. She is going to literally sparkle in the light of the setting sun through the church windows, her reception dress is still white but simpler, I still couldn’t resist threading yellow diamond beading onto the lace overskirt,” said Mirabel

“Can I see it?” asked Luisa, she loved dresses and her own wedding gown was something she had fantasized about most of her life.

Mirabel smiled and walked to the massive closet and pulled out the stand containing the mass of silk, satin, lace, and precious gems.
“I had Isa’s assurance that the bronze headband could be filled with the flowers Dolores wants,” said Mirabel pointing to the exquisite lace veil that must have taken her a full day of work to create. It looked out of place on the bronze headband that would soon be turned into a tiara of flowers.

“Mira if that’s what you’re making for our Prima, what are you going to do for Isa and me?” asked Luisa.

Mirabel smiled, grabbing a sketch pad.

“Page two is what I plan for you when you finally find someone to marry,” said Mirabel

Luisa gasped as she looked at the drawing. Ballgown style similar to Dolores’s but it was sleeveless with an open back, pink and black diamond beading on lace each gem centering a gladiolus flower woven in lace.

“Do you like it?” asked Mirabel

“Mira, it’s better than anything I could have ever dreamed of,” said Luisa

“I’m glad you like it,” said Mirabel

“What are you wearing to Dolores’s wedding? Have you even started on your own dress?” asked Luisa

Mirabel put the gown away and brought out another dress. Rich teal silk with emerald and garnet butterfly beading, trimmed with gold satin ribbons and an overlay of deep blue lace.

“Woah,” said Luisa

Come on, we’ve lingered in here long enough,’ said Mirabel

“Oh right,” said Luisa

“Here, I finished your new everyday clothes,” said Mirabel, shoving a pile of gray, lilac, and peony pink fabric into her sister’s arms.

Luisa changed into the new dress, it was mostly gray but with pink gladiolus flowers woven around it and lilac butterflies between each flower. It was sturdy and she would be able to move in it quite easily to complete her tasks but it was also formal and made her feel like a princess.

“I love it Mira, but what do the flowers mean? I’m not exactly versed in flower language since that’s Isa’s thing,” said Luisa

“They mean strength and hope, I think they fit you better than having a skirt with embroidered dumbbells,” said Mirabel

“What about Isa’s new clothes? If you put flowers on mine then what is she getting?” asked Luisa

Mirabel walked to the closet once more and pulled out a dress that was a pale green at the skirt and a burnt orange bodice, it was covered in cacti and marigolds with golden sundews at the hem. There weren’t any butterflies this time because Isa wasn’t part of the court. She put the dress back before putting her current project away and the two girls left the room.

“Marigolds symbolize creativity, she’ll know that, but she adores her dangerous plants so I had to put those on too,” said Mirabel as they walked down the hall after leaving the sewing room.

“They fit her,” said Luisa

The two arrived at the double stained glass doors and they opened to the courtyard garden.

“I’ve never been here at sunset, it looks like the flowers change based on time of day, it was the middle of the night last time I was here,” said Mirabel looking at the orange and yellow hibiscus blooms, the “sunlight” was a massive sunstone gem that was backlit by an enormous candle. The multicolored sky was a result of the dimming light refracting off wisps of steam from the heated fountains.

There were benches around the lawn and surrounded in berry bushes, massive obsidian stones mixed with dalmatian jasper formed the walkway to each fountain and bench. The butterfly topiaries were no longer hedges but massive floral arrangements of purples, reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks. Luisa stared at it all, the main fountain and setting sun framed by two massive topiaries of flowers, and in the center of it all stood her little sister, looking for all the world like a goddess of nature.

Mirabel patted the spot on the fountain next to her for Luisa to come to sit down.

“Are you doing alright after the incident a few days ago?” asked Mirabel

“Wha-oh yeah, I guess I’m doing ok,” said Luisa

“Lu, I did warn you that the hippos would do whatever was necessary to keep you safe, Animals see and hear everything, that man, well his intentions were far more than he said, and he would have gotten his friends in on it,” said Mirabel with a shiver

Luisa blanched.

“The spiders in his house ran to the hippos to warn them, if you noticed that day there were more around than normal, the spiders also told me but the hippos had dealt with him before I could get there. The things he was planning, well honestly leaving him alive was more merciful than what I would have ordered,” said Mirabel

“So I shouldn’t feel awful that someone was hurt because of me?” asked Luisa

“No Lu, it’s not your fault at all, the hippos protected you and that man will never bother you again, nor will any of his friends, the spiders are keeping eyes and ears out for trouble, one word against you from their mouths is the nail in their coffins, I’m not telling mama about the full story because then she’ll feel bad for healing him but her magic will conveniently not work on spider venom should anything happen,” said Mirabel

“What should I do?” asked Luisa

“Go about your days like normal, just make sure a hippo or two are with you at all times in town, but that won’t be an issue since you are part of their pod,” said Mirabel

“Do you control the candle?” asked Luisa

“Oh no, the candle is its own entity but I am its link because I can talk to both the family and the butterflies so if I ask it something it usually listens,” said Mirabel

“How long are you keeping Abuela in the Nursery?” asked Luisa

“A while, she’s trying, I know that, but..there’s just too much hurt, I can’t bring myself to forgive her yet, I need to know this isn’t just an act to get her room back,” said Mirabel softly, running her hand through the water

“I think most of us are waiting until you forgive her before we start considering it ourselves, she hurt you the most so none of us want to forgive her too early,” said Luisa

“I don’t know how long that will be,” sighed Mirabel

“I doubt any of us are expecting you to forgive her before the year is out,” said Luisa

The two girls just sat in silence for a little while, Luisa laying down and staring up at the artificial sky.
“You want to know my favorite part about having a gift now?” asked Mirabel after a bit

“What is it?” asked Luisa

“I finally get to spend time with my sisters, Isa doesn’t hate me anymore, I’m a real Madrigal now. I mean the gift itself is wonderful and my castle room is more than i could have ever dreamed but it’s nothing compared to actually feeling like part of the family. I know I would always be a Madrigal gift or no gift but for so long it didn’t feel like I was,” said Mirabel

“I’m sorry, I should have tried harder to be a better sister to you,” said Luisa

“It’s not your fault, you were so overworked you couldn’t even do things you liked let alone spend time with me, It’s Abuela’s fault, something I don’t know how long it will take me to forgive her for,” said Mirabel

Luisa pulled her little sister into a gentle hug.

“We see how bright you burn and how brave you’ve been, it’s time to see yourself in turn,” whispered Luisa.

Chapter Text

Three days before the wedding, Mirabel found herself tackled to the floor in a hug tighter than the bears’, the hug had followed a squeal of glee from an exuberant Dolores who had just seen her dress.

“THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!” exclaimed Dolores.

“Lola I can’t br-ea-the..” gasped Mirabel

“Sorry,” said an embarrassed Dolores releasing her cousin.

“The flowers will be added to the headpiece right before you walk down the aisle,” said Mirabel

“Oh Mira I love it,” said Dolores

“I’m glad, why don’t you come with me to the treasury and you can pick up your jewelry,” said Mirabel

“Mira the dress is too much as it is,” said Dolores

“Please, I have more jewelry in that place than I could wear in a lifetime, even if I wore a different set every day,” said Mirabel rolling her eyes.

Dolores’s eyes nearly bugged out of her head at the sight of the treasury, It could fit casita in twelve times and still have room to walk around, this massive room was totally filled with treasures of all kinds, neatly organized and labeled.

“I went through about a quarter of the jewelry over the course of a month and organized it by who I’m giving it to and for which occasion, this is your wedding set,” said Mirabel, giving Dolores a small box.

Inside was a gold filigree statement style necklace that would drape over her chest like chainmail and was set with hundreds of rubies in multiple different sizes. It had a good amount of weight to it and then Dolores saw the matching earrings, small teardrop cut ruby studs set in gold that then led into gold filigree suspending another ruby. The set was completed with a gold laurel leaf filigree bracelet with tiny rubies at the tip of each leaf.

“Mira…this is…” Dolores was at a loss for words.

“This is only your wedding set, I’ll give you the next set on your birthday, I’ve also organized sets for future children and grandchildren,” said Mirabel.

Dolores pulled Mirabel into yet another bone-crushing hug.

…

Isabela’s squeal of delight at seeing both her outfit for the wedding and her new everyday clothes nearly broke the diamonds in the chandelier. Julieta and Pepa were surprised Dolores wasn’t coving her ears until they realized that she had anticipated her Prima’s excitement and had dialed her gift back so much she had made herself deaf. Antonio was bouncing so much he could hardly stay still long enough for Pepa to help him into his outfit for the wedding. After ensuring everything fit and was liked, Mirabel led them all to the treasury and gave all the women a box with a set of jewelry that would complement their wedding outfits.

“Mira is this why we’ve barely seen you in the last month?” asked Julieta

“I love sewing mama, and getting to make stuff for my family for something this special is a dream come true, I did have quite a bit of help from birds and other smaller critters, you wouldn’t believe how talented spiders are at making lace and silk,” said Mirabel

Dolores felt the fabric of her new everyday outfit, it was pale blue and embroidered with daisies. Suddenly a small turtle popped its head out of Dolores’s hair.

“Lola, when did you meet Javier?” asked Mirabel

“Oh, that’s his name? I was sitting with Mariano when he fell from the ceiling of the guard tower into my hair earlier today and has just been sitting there,” said Dolores

“I was having a conversation with Pico and lost my footing,” said Javier

“How did you even get into the rafters?” asked Mirabel

“Pico flew me up there,” said Javier

Mirabel shook her head before moving on.

Abuela was next, her dress was rose-red with purple hyacinth embroidery and a black ribbon at the hem.

Julieta’s dress was the color of wheat and had bluebells amongst the green embroidered herbs.

Pepa looked at her new dress, it looked like a storm with swirling grays and greens with specks of blue, the hem covered in embroidered mushrooms among emerald grass.

Bruno also had a new outfit, evergreen in color with a runa of gray, brown, and black, tiny fir tree cufflinks, and buttons in gold.

“This is for when you’re at work,” said Mirabel, handing the folded outfit.

Her father got a suit the color of honey but with herbs, gold butterflies, gladioluses, and sundews embroidered into the collar and cuffs.

Felix also got a suit that was sky blue with ranunculus flower buttons, daisy cufflinks, mushrooms on the pant cuffs, and a golden paw print on the shirt pocket.

Calimio’s was a bunch of colors blending and shifting into each other with orange ranunculus flowers on the runa.

“Woah, cool, I look like I got splashed with paint!” exclaimed Camilo.

“Mira what’s this tannish bronze outfit over here?” asked Dolores, she saw daisy buttons and cufflinks that seemed to be made of mother of pearl.

“Those are for Mariano after you two get married, I made all the family spouses' outfits to complement their wives’ outfits and have the flowers attributed to their children and wives on them but also be unique because who they married doesn’t define them. Once you two have kids I’ll add the embroidery like the others,” said Mirabel

Dolores tackle hugged her cousin for the second time that day.

“Mira, the color of my suit…” started Agustin

Her smirk was all the answer he needed.

“Bee grateful she didn’t embroider a giant bumblebee on your chest,” teased Felix, causing all of them to crack up.

All the women had new jewelry for the wedding and new daily jewelry.

Abuela couldn’t believe just how much Casita and the Candle had given Mirabel, nor how limitless the magic seemed to be.

…

The morning of the wedding had the whole town rushing around for last-minute preparations, Felix and Agustin had ensured Bruno would make no comments about rain, today was not the day to tease his sister when her nerves were already fried. There had been some debate on where the ceremony would be held, in the church or Mirabel’s throne room but they ultimately decided that it was best to hold it in the church to avoid clashes between the animals and the guests.

Mirabel still had all the animals helping with the wedding, her mama had been in the kitchen with the rats for days baking and frosting the cake and had spent all night cooking food for the reception. While the wedding would be in the church the reception would be in the center of town. Luisa and the hippos were getting things ready while Isabela was doing all the floral arrangements, though she point blank refused to put roses anywhere. Antonio was the ring bearer and little Cecilia and Alejandra were flower girls. Mirabel had made their pale pink and yellow dresses, their baskets full of pink tulip petals. Mirabel was at the moment trying to make sure the doves and butterflies knew exactly what to do, the doves were the epitome of bird brains so this was the seventh time Mirabel had to explain it to them that hour, the butterflies were getting annoyed with the dove’s shenanigans.

“Firebele are the feathered idiots necessary? We are more than capable of pulling this off ourselves,” said a butterfly, as several doves became distracted by the shiny jewelry around.

“I’ll go talk to Dolores,” said Mirabel

She poked her head into the room where Pepa was helping Dolores get ready.

“Hey Lola, we need to forget about the doves, the butterflies are still willing to help but the doves have the combined intelligence of an arepa and won’t focus,” said Mirabel

“That's fine,” said Dolores

Mirabel left, muttering about feathered idiots.

She then went to inform Mariano.

“Hey Mariano, we’re switching to butterflies only, the doves just aren’t understanding what to do,” said Mirabel

“Oh that's alright, birds aren’t usually the brightest,” said Mariano

“If by not the brightest you mean a mango being smarter than a whole flock,” said Mirabel

“That bad?” asked Senora Guzman

“You have no idea,” said Mirabel.

Suddenly three very very hyper children ran up to her.

“HIMIRABELWEWERENERVOUSEARLIERSOJUANCHOGAVEUSCOFFEEIS’TITAWESOMEICAN’TBELIVEWEGETTOBEINDOLORES’SWEDDING!”

All Mirabel could understand was “Juancho gave us coffee,” and “get to be in Dolores’s wedding.

Antonio wasn’t talking a mile a minute but he did seem like he was vibrating.

River glared at Parce.

“Mom I looked away for half a second, I swear,” muttered Parce

Mirabel now had three very caffeinated children to deal with.

“Tonito, you and I will discuss this after the reception,” sighed Mirabel

Antonio deflated, he knew he was in trouble.

“I don’t have time to deal with this right now,” sighed Mirabel

Suddenly Cecilia’s father and Alejandra’s mother came racing in.

“These three just ran through the square and almost caused Luisa to fall off the ladder, what is going on?” asked Cecilia's father.

“Juancho gave them coffee, I suggest you talk to his parents,” said Mirabel

“Oh dear,” said Alejandra’s mother.

Suddenly a spider came down from the roof.

“Your highness, the fish murderer lady has cornered Lord Bruno,” said the spider

“Great just great,” sighed Mirabel, almost running off.

She found her uncle being chewed out by Senorita Pezmuerto about yet another goldfish death, he didn’t even predict this one!

“Senorita Pezmuerto, I assure you that Lord Bruno did not kill your fish. The spiders in your home have informed me of the horrendous condition you keep the bowl in, as ruler of the animal kingdom of Encanto and the surrounding jungles I’m am revoking your ability to associate and keep any of my subjects in your so-called care,” said Mirabel firmly

“But I-”

“Should you go against this order, I will know because the spiders go where they please, you will lose the ability to ask for services from any of the Madrigals and you will be placed in my dungeon for a month for the mistreatment of my subjects, the only reason you are not being put there now is that you were not aware of this statute. I had assumed it was common sense but that was my mistake. Lord Bruno your assistance is needed in the church dealing with three five-year-olds who decided to try coffee,” said Mirabel firmly, leading Bruno away.

“Thank you, Mira,” sighed Bruno

“Don’t mention it, you can go do what you were doing, I’ll find Camilo to keep an eye on the three rascals, he has the time and energy to keep up with them,” said Mirabel

…

There was little that could be done as the two flower girls all but bunny hopped down the aisle, Antonio was at least focusing on not dropping the rings. Juancho’s parents had taken away his coffee cup and were watching him the whole ceremony.

Mirabel stood beside Abuela who got slightly misty-eyed at the sight. Mariano’s dopey grin upon seeing Dolores walk down the aisle being led by Felix reminded Alma of Pedro’s look upon seeing her all those years ago. Camilo was the Best Man, and to everyone’s surprise, Luisa was the Maid of Honor, no one had ever realized Dolores and Luisa were that close.

Mirabel was right about Dolores sparkling in the light of the setting sun, her hair braided down her neck instead of in its normal bun, the veil would have looked silly otherwise.

The bouquet had all different types of sunset-colored flowers in a cascade style and the tiara holding the veil was of the darker sunset shades giving an almost ombre look to the floral pieces. Isabela was proud of it and happy that there wasn’t a rose in sight.

The ceremony was perfect despite the hyperactive flower girls and ring bearer.

And Mariano gladly took the Madrigal name as he promised to cherish and love Dolores. Mirabel smiled knowing this wouldn’t have happened if she hadn’t intervened that night a few months ago with a careful scheme, Isabela squeezed her little sister’s hand in thanks, knowing how differently this day might have been having she been in Dolores’s place, unhappy and resigned to fate.

It was two in the morning when Mirabel put a sleeping Antonio into his hammock before climbing onto River. Antonio had crashed from the caffeine ten minutes before the reception ended and Mirabel was dead on her feet from all the dancing. She was glad for River, otherwise, she would have had to walk up the stairs. She threw her crown and shoes onto one of the upholstered chairs in her room before falling into her own hammock fully clothed.

Chapter Text

There was a bright flash early one morning as the doors shifted. Mirabel gave a startled shout as she opened the double doors of her castle and found herself back in Casita instead of Antonio’s room. She looked at the door behind her, it was glowing like the others from the Casita side but once inside turned into massive double doors. The candle had moved her castle to her own room in the middle of the night. Dolores, Pepa, Julieta, and the door frame of Abuela’s room had shifted all to one side,and her own door was where Abuela’s used to be. Antonio, Luisa, and Bruno’s rooms were on the side opposite the others and the nursery had moved between Antonio’s and her own room. She looked up to see the candle in the second story window above her door and bolted up her grand staircase to see a new balcony section on each side right before the doors to the hallways, the balconies led to the window where the candle resided, flickering at her in a kind of wave. She then ran back outside to look at her new door, Antonio’s had changed to just be him and animals and her door now had her surrounded by Animals, a crown on her head, butterflies everywhere and she was holding the candle. It was like her castle had just been transplanted in the middle of the night.

Everyone started coming out of their rooms to see why Mirabel had shouted. There were also other changes to the other doors, particularly the married couples. Julieta’s was now Julieta and Agustin with a picture of both of them as well as a snake and a bee. Pepa’s now had Felix on it and a caiman and tarantula, Bruno’s had the rats, Dolores’s now had Mariano on it as well as a turtle. Isabela stood in front of venus fly traps and sundews. Luisa had a hippo pod behind her.

Dolores did not seem happy about being woken up so early on the day after her wedding but was shocked at the changes to Casita.
“Aye, it seems Casita likes to tease me as well,” said Augustin looking at the bee on his door, before he noticed the cock-of-the-rock on his shoulder in the portrait.

The candle flickered joyously and the butterflies said that the candle was laughing hysterically at Agustin.

“Blame the candle, Papi, not Casita,” laughed Mirabel

“Oh dear it seems the candle has your Abuelo’s sense of humor,” said Abuela, coming out of the nursery, after hearing the commotion outside and catching the last of the conversation before seeing the door in question.

She then saw the frame of the door that must have been hers, where only wall should have been. It meant she was slowly getting it back, she was making progress.

“Does this mean I don’t get to share with mama anymore?” asked Antonio

“Fret not little prince your door will always be open to you mother but the candle has decided that it’s time for her space to be her own, it also needs her more accessible to itself and to others. The keeper of the candle and leader of the Encanto can’t be unreachable,” said Parce

“Will my room change as well?” asked Antonio

“As you get older small changes will occur to give you more privacy and to show your status as prince. Lord Bruno’s has already changed from what it once was to be more fitting for his position and needs, Lady Luisa’s will probably change more throughout the day since the changes can’t take place in occupied space unless they are small and won’t affect the occupier, she will need a total overhaul of her room,” said Parce

“Luisa you should stay out of your room today, Casita needs to make some big changes to it,” said Antonio to the girl on his right.

“Ok, I have the day off, we all do so I was planning on just curling up with a book but since I need to be out of my room, Mira can I use your library?” asked Luisa

“Sure, I got hounded with dress and suit commission requests last night by the townspeople so I planned on sewing all day,” said Mirabel

“Did you just get up?” asked Dolores

“No I’ve been up for a few hours, had to have morning court, but this is the first time I’ve been outside my castle today,” said Mirabel

“Firebele the eternal flame is pleased with how much you’ve grown and that is why it decided to make you its keeper now, Alma is done,” said a butterfly

She looked up to where it was happily flickering in her window, it seemed brighter, taller even, as though it was a brand new candle that had just been lit.

Mariano then came out to see what all the commotion was about.

“Is it me or are we on a different side of the house than we were last night?” asked Mariano rubbing his eyes.

“Yes, the candle moved everyone and made Mirabel head of the Family and Encanto,” said Dolores, leaning against the door frame as her mother stared at her with a knowing smile, making the newlyweds blush like crazy.

Luisa saw the smirk on Pepa’s face before looking at Dolores.

“Mirabel has some books in her library,” grinned Luisa

Dolores gave Mirabel a look like a puppy begging for snacks.

“Luisa can show you where the Library is,” said Mirabel

The three married Madrigal women dragged their husbands and Luisa into Mirabel’s castle room.

“I’m going to explore and see what changes were made to my room,” said Antonio darting back in.

It hadn’t taken long for Casita to make the changes to his room and had been able to change it in the ten minutes he was outside. His hammock and dresser had been moved into a brand new luxury treehouse that even had a bathroom and heated pool and waterfall for bathing.

…

Luisa led the small group to the library and showed them the erotica section.

Pepa took a look at some of the titles, chose an interesting one, and dragged Felix to one of the large plush couches by the fireplace to read.

Julieta found a tamer book involving food-based romantic encounters and both she and Agustin went onto one of the balconies overlooking a courtyard.

Dolores had several armfuls of books by the time Mariano had picked one and they both went to read in one of the window nooks in the corner.

Luisa climbed the ladder, glad it was made of stone, to the top where she knew the best books were, as well as the most private of reading nooks. A little alcove set in the wall was filled with cushions and a lantern suspended from the ceilings. The hidden staircase opened to reveal Franchesca who lay down next to Luisa.

“I hope my new room has a library of its own with a space like this,” said Luisa

“It will, you are the Lady of the court and your new room will reflect that, it will be almost as luxurious as this castle,” said Franchesca, even if Luisa couldn’t understand her.

The Hippo’s favorite person in the world gave her a scratch on the ears.

…

Julieta had never engrossed herself in a book like this, her daughter’s love of reading had come from Agustin, but the words in the book played like moving pictures in her mind, and out of the corner of her eye as she read she could see her husband taking notes on certain things in the book. Pepa’s giggling from inside the library proper was trickling out to their private balcony.

“Mi amor, look” said Agustin

Julieta looked up at the white sandstone and marble wall and saw vines climbing up and up, thick and full of the largest grapes she’d ever seen. Agustin plucked a bunch and smiled at her.

She set the book down and lay across the upholstered bench, allowing her husband to feed her grapes. They were full and sweet and though firm in the hand the skin split easily beneath her teeth. They were the color of amethysts on the outside but peeled were like peridots. Julieta opened her mouth for another but Agustin surprised her by kissing her.

“Would you like me to close the balcony door mi amor?” he grinned

“Quickly,” giggled Julieta.

…

Mirabel sat at her sewing machine, Abuela telling her about the time Pedro tried to make breakfast to surprise her on her birthday and nearly burnt down the kitchen.

“Mira would you like to know a secret?” asked Abuela, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

“Sure,” said Mirabel

“Promise not to tell Pepa?” asked Abuela

“I promise,” said Mirabel

“In my room, I had a whole shelf of dirty novels, your Abuelo and I would take turns reading them to each other,” giggled Abuela

“When was the last time you read them?” asked Mirabel

“Oh it’s been years, but I think when I get my room back I’ll dust off one of my favorites, some of them would make even Felix blush,” giggled Abuela

“Or you could surprise all of them right now and pick one off my shelves,” laughed Mirabel

“Oh that is a wonderful idea,” said Abuela.

…

The library door opened and Alma walked in, followed by Mirabel.

With a smirk on her face, Mirabel showed her grandmother to the dirty romance section.

“They made a sequel to this, oh how wonderful!” exclaimed Abuela, pulling the book and walking over to the couches where Pepa and Felix stopped their reading to stare at her. Pepa caught a glimpse of the title of the book in her mother’s hand.

“MAMA?!” exclaimed Pepa

“Pepa, mi hija, where do you think you got your dirty mind from?” asked Alma

Pepa looked both impressed and horrified at the idea of her buttoned-up, prim and proper mother, enjoying such stories.

…

Outside, in Casita. The last change took effect. A golden door filled in its frame, and an image appeared of a younger Alma with a silhouette of Pedro behind her.

…

That night, happy shrieks came from each room as the occupants each discovered something new. Luisa had her own library and music room, each with her favorite aspects of Mirabel’s, she also had sitting rooms and kitchens and an indoor pool. Casita had given her a mansion.

Isabela’s room looked like a wild unkempt rainforest with furniture carved into the trees and her bed was a hammock made from a giant leaf. Her oversized sundew Audrey next to the hammock.

Alma was surprised to see she had her room back, and even more surprised at the outline of Pedro behind her, bringing tears to her eyes as she caressed the image.

Soon everyone went to bed after such a long day.
..

A golden butterfly landed on the banister and smiled at Mirabel’s door, a young jaguar came up behind him.

“She has done well, are you happy with her?” asked the cub

“My granddaughter could never fail to make me proud,” said the golden butterfly before flying off into the night.