Chapter Text
"Open your eyes."
At the sound of her Abuela's voice Mirabel opened her eyes to stare in amazement at the candle in front of her, the ever-burning flame that never went out. "This is where our magic comes from?" she looked at Alma's face with wonder feeling the familiar comforting hand on her she turned back to the candle. How could something so small create something so magical, so powerful, so wondrous?
"Mmhmm." Alma gave a small chuckle as she squeezed the shoulder of her youngest nieta "This candle holds the miracle given to our family."
"How did we get a miracle?"
Alma pulled Mirabel into a hug nothing but pure love in her eyes. Mirabel the family baby who had the family wrapped around her finger since the day she was born. She was everyone's pequeña mariposa. With a small smile, she began to tell the story every Madrigal has learned. "Long ago..when my three babies had just been born. Your Abuelo Pedro and I were forced to flee our home, and though many joined us hoping to find a new home we could not escape the dangers...and your Abuelo was lost." Alma took a shaky breath the pain of that day never faded "But..in our darkest moment we were given a miracle-the candle became a magical flame that could never go out and it blessed us with a refuge in which to live-a place of wonder."
"An Encanto." Mirabel whispered
"An Encanto." Alma confirmed "The miracle grew and our house-our Casita itself became alive to shelter us." smiling down at Mirabel who was staring back at her eyes wide in amazement "When my children became of age, the miracle blessed them each with a magical gift to help us..and when their children became of age-"
"They got magic too!" Mirabel interrupted with excitement.
"Yes." Alma rubbed the little girl's cheek "Tonight this candle will give you your gift, Mirabel. Strengthen our community, strengthen our home and make your family proud."
"Make my family proud." Mirabel said as the first firework was set off outside and Casita moved a clock forwarding showing the time.
Alma laughed "Yes, yes Casita we're going."
Mirabel jumped off her bed and Casita brought her shoes, with a giggle she grabbed Alma's hand and pulled her off the bed. As they walked Mirabel clung to her side with eyes full of excitement "What do you think my gift will be?"
Alma paused and leaned down to her nieta with a smile "You are a wonder, Mirabel Madrigal. Whatever gift you get will just be as special as you are."
Before she knew it Mirabel was standing before the glowing door, Alma standing there holding the candle eyes still shining with the same love Mirabel had known her whole life. She looked behind her to see her whole familia alongside everyone else in the Encanto waiting in excitement to see the newest blessing be received.
"Mirabel."
Mirabel turned and Abuela held out the candle, knowing just what to do from watching her primo Camilo a few months before. She recited her vows to help the community with her gift and touched the candle a smile spreading across her face as it began to glow. Pulling her hand back she took a deep breath and wiped her hands on her dress before reaching for the doorknob, turning it she held her breath-this was it-the moment of truth. The smile instantly vanished as the door faded leaving nothing but the bare wall. Tears forming she turned to Alma in confusion to see the warm love in her eyes had been replaced by confusion and...fear?
Stunned silence filled the air...the miracle..failed.
Julieta made the first move rushing up the stairs to console her now sobbing daughter "Shh shh it's okay mi amor." scooping her daughter up her arms she headed towards the nursery ignoring the crowd behind as her mother asked everyone to leave explaining there will be no party tonight. Sitting down on Mirabel's bed she began rocking her just as if she was still an infant "Shhh..shh..don't cry mi mariposita."
"W-w-what did I do w-w-wrong?" Mirabel asked between sobs.
Julieta's heart broke seeing how distressed her baby girl was having been so excited less then an hour ago "You did nothing wrong preciosa."
"Then why did it go away? Why didn't I get a g-g-gift."
"I..don't know...but it doesn't mean I love you any less my hija."
"Mamá?"
Julieta turned to see her two other daughters had entered to room and climbed onto the bed wrapping their arms around their hermana.
"Why didn't Mira get a gift like the rest of us?" the eldest Isabela asked "Is the magic broken?"
"I was wondering the same." Alma said as she walked into the room "I asked Bruno to have a vision..we must know..we must protect our miracle." turning to Mirabel "Since you not granted a room you will remain in the nursery." her voice now cold and distant, far from the warm voice filled with love from earlier." with a pause she turned around "Julieta we must discuss what happened tonight in the kitchen, bring Agustín with you." without another word she left closing the door behind her.
"Can I stay with Mira tonight? Please?" Luisa begged.
"Me too, por favor Mamá?" Isabela begged.
Julieta kissed each of her daughters on the head "Of course mi amores. Remember I love you all so much." she remained sitting there stroking Mirabel's hair until overwhelmed with exhaustion she drifted off to sleep. Carefully laying her youngest down so as to not wake her she stood up "I must go speak with your Abuela now...do you know where your Papá is?"
"He went off to speak with Tio Félix." Isabela piped up
Ah yes..the two other Madrigals without gifts they would understand exactly what Mirabel will have to go through.
By now Luisa had drifted off to sleep next to Mirabel her arm still around her.
Isabela lay down on the other side of her littlest hermana "Goodnight, Mamá." she whispered through half-closed eyes.
"Buenas noches mis preciosas hijas." Julieta whispered pulling a blanket over the three forms, tip-toeing out of the room. Once out in the hall, she leaned against the wall her own heart broken, her cooking could heal the wounds of all the villagers but it could not heal the broken heart of her own little girl. With a heavy sigh, she made her way down to the kitchen ready to speak in defence of her daughter.
-V-
Alma Madrigal was worried, fear etched on her face as the adults of the family filed into the kitchen, her only son Bruno stood by her side. In his hands he held the green slab of his latest vision. On the table the plates were still set up, ready for the now canceled celebration.
"Why have you called us here, Mamá?" Pepa demanded a cloud forming over head "Is it about Mirabel? Why did she not get a gift?"
"That's exactly why I called you." taking her usual seat she nodded for everyone else to do the same, once everyone was settled she rose her voice "There is danger to our family, and Mirabel is the cause."
"WHAT?!." Julieta jumped up from her seat "How could you say that? She's only five, she's just a niñita! What danger could she pose?"
"Bruno had a vision." Alma responded "Bruno, show them."
Without a word, Bruno placed the slab on the table where everyone could see. Casita broken...Mirabel..an older Mirabel.. standing in front of the ruin a satisfied look on her face.
"NO!" Julieta yelled "I won't believe it, I refuse to. Mira would never hurt Casita or this family."
"Think about it, Julieta. She is the only one of all the children to have not been blessed. The miracle knows something we do not. She is a curse."
Agustín could not stay silent any longer "How dare you speak of my daughter in such a manner, how could you think so poorly of a child? The child you looked at with love and promise for just this morning."
Boom
Pepa's cloud had grown into a storm as she stared down at the slab, could Mirabel really be the cause of their downfall? Had Bruno ever been wrong before? "What do we do?"
"We must protect our miracle! Mirabel must go-"
'NO!" Julieta screamed "You will not take away my daughter based on something that might happen. Maybe if we make her feel love..make her feel welcomed and not treat her as a stain to be cleaned up we could prevent this..."
"We cannot throw out a child Mamá." Bruno spoke out for the first time "What would everyone think? The rumours that will spread..."
Alma knew this was true she closed her eyes murmuring a small prayer "I suppose you are correct, if the people knew there would be panic. It would bring shame to our family." she stood up "Mirabel may remain for now, but she shall remain in the nursery." glancing at the slab she frowned "Word of this mustn't get out. The magic is still strong. Mirabel is just.."
"Just what?"
With venom in her voice, Alma spat out exactly what she was thinking.
"Tainted."
-V-
Five years later...
The now ten-year-old Mirabel burst out of the nursery with a smile on her face "Buenos dias la familia Madrigal!" she called out as she knocked on each door as she passed. Despite everything Mirabel kept a positive outlook on life at least, that's how it appeared on the outside, but it was all a mask-a mask to hide the pain. "Morning, Abuela!" she greeted the older woman as she walked out her door.
Alma hardly glanced at Mirabel as she walked past without a word leaving Mirabel crestfallen.
Not since that night had Alma looked at her with any sign of love, not since that night had she felt that warm embrace, not since that night had Alma been proud of her..not since that night...
Mirabel shook her head to get rid of those thoughts, it's not her fault she didn't get a gift...was it? It didn't make her worthless, did it? No course not! Her Papá and Tío Félix didn't have gifts either and they were still special. One day Mirabel would prove to Alma she could just be just as useful as her sisters and cousins.
A groan behind her caused her to turn her head, to see Pepa walking towards her pregnant belly swollen..any day now and Mirabel would have a new prima or primo and for the first time in five years, she would not have her room to herself.
"Tía Peppa!" she ran towards "¿Cómo te sientes?"
Pepa gave her youngest sobrina a small smile "Like I'm about to explode, soon you'll have a new roommate. I just hope he or she doesn't-" end up like you Pepa finished in her head. She didn't want her child to be confined to life in a nursery, she didn't want her child to be the scorn of her mother, she didn't want her child to be a stain on the family, she didn't want her child to be...tainted.
Tainted. Polluting the family's perfect image. Tainted. A blemish to hide. Tainted.
Mirabel noticing the cloud forming above Pepa's head asked nervously "Tia?"
Snapping back to reality Peppa shook her head closing her eyes muttered "Clear skies, clear skies..." as the cloud vanished, opening her eyes she met Mirabel's wide with concern "Why don't you go downstairs and help your mother with breakfast?" she suggested with a smile "I'll fetch your sleepy head cousins." she looked away so Mirabel couldn't see her face, every time she looked at her she couldn't help but see that vision again, clear as if it was right in front of her face.
Mirabel brightened "Alright! Cuídate Tia!" skipping down the stairs she called out "Good morning, Casita." the tiles rumbling in response. Entering the kitchen she sat at the table "Morning, Mamá."
"Good morning Mira, mi amor." Julieta kissed her on the forehead "Breakfast is nearly ready, could you be a dear and set the table?"
"Of course, Mamá." Mirabel jumped up and Casita tossed the plates at her, catching with a laugh "Thanks, Casita." as she set the table she chatted away "Tía Peppa should have her baby any day now, I can't wait to have a roommate. Maybe I'll even get to teach him or her embroidery."
Julieta smiled at her daughter's excitement but she couldn't help but feel afraid. Bruno's vision was still fresh in her mind.
Casita broken. Tainted. Mirabel centre. Tainted.
No. How could she think such things of her sweet little Mira? Her brother got it wrong. He must have. Her mother overreacted. She must have. The miracle had been going on strong for forty-five years. Her child won't destroy it. She can't.
By now the rest of the family had arrived and was choosing a place to sit, Julieta smiled seeing Luisa choose the seat next to Mirabel giving her baby sister a smile as she did so. That smile faltered when she noticed the glare Alma gave her and Luisa sinking into her seat.
Mirabel's gaze dropped to the table at her grandmother's scorn. She just wanted to know what she did wrong. She thought back to the night of her gift ceremony and the words Alma told her.
Make your family proud
But she didn't. She failed. Maybe that's it. She failed. She couldn't even open a door. She failed.
A pain-filled cry filled the air causing everyone to jump in their seats.
Mirabel looked around the table, Dolores covering her ears in pain. Pity filled Mirabel, sometimes her gift was truly more of a curse. She quickly found the source of the noise. Pepa was breathing heavily clutching her stomach. Turning to Julieta she asked "Mamá-"
Julieta interrupted her "Children, all of you go to your rooms please." darting to her sister's side "Breathe..breathe.."
"Mamá?" Camilo's eyes widened in fear "Papá what's wrong with her?"
"Your new sibling is ready to join this world." Félix gave his son a hug "It will be very hard, you must stay out of the way. I'll come to get you when it's time."
"That's how babies get here? Why does it have to make her hurt?" Camilo began asking questions but was ushered out of the room with the rest of the children as Félix returned to support Pepa on one side and Julietta on another and began to walk her to the stairs.
"Casita, help us up there." Alma followed closing behind breakfast forgotten.
Mirabel watched as the stairs turned into a ramp allowing Pepa to easily be guided up to her room. Mirabel didn't mind she was getting soaking wet from the cloud above her Tía's head. She was elated, finally her new baby cousin. She couldn't wait! Spinning around she ran smack into Isabela who jumped back with a shriek "Isa I'm sorry-"
"Watch where you're going!" Isabela spat out brushing invisible dirt off her dress "If you ask me you shouldn't be allowed near the new baby. You're a bad influence. Nothing but a curse!"
Tears formed in Mirabel's eyes "Isa-"
"Mirabel."
Mirabel looked up to see Alma standing above them, towels and blankets in her arms. "Apologise to Isabela."
"But I didn't-"
"NOW"
Tears streaming down her cheeks Mirabel looked rapidly around for backup, only one remaining was Dolores but one glance from Alma sent her fleeing up the stairs into her room hands still over her ears. Where was her father? Luisa? Or even Camilo?
Isabela tapped her foot "I'm waiting."
"I'm..s-s-s-orry. I'M SORRY!" Mirabel cried before running up the stairs and slamming the door behind her. Sliding down she put her head in her hands and sobbed. She remembered how close she and Isabela used to be. How she comforted her when she didn't get her gift. But as time went on the distance between them grew. Alma kept Isabela away, turning her against her own hermana. For what, Mirabel didn't understand.
Isabela, the perfect golden child. Alma's favourite. Everyone could see that she could do no wrong. While Mirabel just had to breathe the wrong way it seemed,
Still sobbing, Mirabel crawled onto her bed and looked across the room, all her belongings had been moved back to one side to make room for the new arrival. Wishing she had a soundproof room like Dolores she wrapped her pillow around her ears to block out the cries coming from Pepa's room. With no one around to hear, she cried. it wasn't fair. It just wasn't fair.
-V-
She must have fallen asleep at some point as she awoke to the sound of the door opening. She sat up to see Julieta and Pepa walk in, Pepa cradling something small in her arms. "Is that my-"
Julieta chuckled "Yes, mi amor. This is your new primo, Antonio."
Pepa glanced back and forth between Mirabel and her new child "Will he be safe in here with..."
"Of course!" Julieta cried "Why wouldn't he be?"
"But Mamá said..and the vision..."
"What vision?" Mirabel asked "Is the vision why Abuela doesn't love me anymore? Did I do something wrong?"
Julieta gave Pepa a look that said 'zip it' and sat next to Mirabel on the bed "Oh mi amor, I know it hasn't been easy. But Abuela is just..worried about the magic. We don't know why you were not given a gift. But you did nothing wrong."
Silence filled the air as Alma walked in "We have been blessed with a new magical miracle. A child who will grow up and help our community. Keep the magic strong. And to show" she gave Mirabel a look "The miracle will survive."
Julieta opened her mouth to point out how her daughter was treated but decided against it, this was Pepa's moment. "Have you seen him, Mamá? So much like his father."
A smile, a real smile spread across Alma's lips as she gazed down at her little nieto "Very much so. You are a wonder Antonino Madrigal."
And I'm not? Not anymore? Mirabel wondered with a sigh "Tía Pepa? Can I have a look at him? ¿Por favor?"
"Of course." Pepa kneeled down so Mirabel could see better, a smile on her face.
"Wow..he does look like Tío Félix!"
"Mirabel. I would like to speak with you. Alone."
Mirabel looked up in shock "Abuela?" she looked back at her mother who looked just as shocked.
"Come now." without waiting for an answer she left the room as Félix ran in, Dolores and Camilo right behind him.
Julieta followed Mirabel out, giving her sister's family their space. "Mamá" she began "What do you need to speak to Mira about?"
For the first time since the failed ceremony, Alma grasped Mirabel's hand. But the touch wasn't loving and warm. It was cold and without love. "I just want to speak with her, Julieta." without another word she led Mirabel towards her room.
Mirabel looked over her shoulder as she was pulled along not understanding. Why did her mother look worried? Alma was finally spending time with her! Sure her touch wasn't as loving as it once was but maybe one day it will be again. A smile spread wider across her face.
She failed to notice the grim look on Alma's face.
-V-
Mirabel had never been into Alma's room before. It was simple but well-suited, decorated like the rest of the house. Pictures of her children and grandchildren growing up lined the walls. On the window sat the candle. The source of their miracle.
Alma sat in a chair and cleared her throat "Mirabel, as you know I would do anything to protect the miracle." she began.
"I don't understand why are you telling me about-"
Alma held up her hand for silence "The night when you didn't get your gift. I asked Bruno to look into it, to make sure the magic wasn't failing. And he had a vision." Alma reached over and picked up the green slab Mirabel didn't see before "And what he saw-the miracle dying, Casita nothing but ruins-the magic lost!"
"What does that have to do with me?"
"Because the cause of it all was.." she held up the slab to reveal the image displayed "..you."
Mirabel froze in horror. Grabbing the slab she stared down at it. Casita..ruined..and an older version of herself standing there..proud of it. So this is why Alma didn't love her anymore. This is why she was treated like an outcast. With a scream, she threw the slab across the room watching it shatter. Spinning around to face Alma, Mirabel for the first time was pleased to see the fear on her face.
"Mirabel-" Alma saw it in her mind. Cracks forming..Casita crumbing..the flame burning out. Trying to hide the fear she rose her voice "For safety of this family you can't stay here any longer."
"You're going to make me leave the Encanto?"
Alma's face said it all. If she could she would but the mountains surrounding made that almost impossible. "No..I made the arrangements with Señor Pérez for you to stay in the barn. Where you can not harm anyone."
Anger filled Mirabel. What did she do to deserve this? Once the beloved baby of the family now to be tossed outside and treated no better than a donkey and all because of some stupid candle- Mirabel cut off her own thoughts as the candle caught her eye..maybe if she destroyed it and got rid the magic everyone would be better off. Her Mamá wouldn't have to slave around in the kitchen all day, her Tía would be able to express emotion without affecting the weather of the whole town, Luisa wouldn't be treated as a pack mule and herself..wouldn't be an outcast and maybe...Isabela would hug her again. Yes, it was better for everyone. She stormed towards the candle ready to put it out once and for all.
Alma followed with her eyes jumping up when she realised what Mirabel was going to do "NO! DON'T-"
Mirabel reached out to end this once and for all. The candle seeming to sense danger lashed out hitting Mirabel with a blast that sent her stumbling back.
Pain, searing pain. Mirabal screamed as she felt more pain than she thought possible. She heard the door slam open and someone call out her name in horror.
Pain so much pain.
"Mirabel! What..."
"The candle..she went for the candle...it defended its self.."
It all faded to black
-V-
"I told you she was a curse!"
"She tried to destroy our miracle!"
"Bruno was right!"
"Is she dead?"
"No, she's still breathing."
"Her face!"
Consciousness found its way back to Mirabel she opened her eyes her face still burning. But something was wrong, her world was not there. She could hear the voices, and feel another hand holding hers but her sight was gone. Did her glasses fall off? No that's not it even without them she should still be able to but she should be able to see. "Mamá!" she called out "Mamá!"
"I'm here mi niña pequeña." Julieta stroked her daughter's face "I'm here..." she had to look away. She couldn't bare to see her daughter's face like that..horribly burnt. The wounds extended down her neck. And her eyes...
"I can't see Mamá!"
Eyes. Clouded over. Eyes that were so bright this morning. Now dull.
"T-t-ry your glasses. Maybe they'll help..." Julieta mumbled placing the knocked-off glasses back on her face.
Sight. Mirabel blinked as a fuzzy world came into view "It's all blurry! Why is it blurry?"
"Because the candle decided this was the punishment you deserve!" Alma's shouted the candle firmly in her grasp "Bruno's vision spoke true. You are a danger to us. The candle knew this and so you are now marked forever to remind you of what you have done."
Bruno and Pepa stared down at Mirabel as if she was some sort of monster. Félix had his arm around his wife muttering in her ear trying to prevent a storm from breaking out. Alma no longer saw her nieta she saw el diablo-the devil.
"You must leave at once, Mirabel. You are no longer one of us."
"Wait! No! Please! I haven't healed her..and you can't..." Julieta began begging "Let me try another arepa-"
"Julieta. These burns were given out by the candle it's very self. The candle has chosen to mark Mirabel this way. They can not be healed, if the candle didn't do this without reason it would have worked by now." Alma forced Mirabel to stand up pulling her to her feet "I will escort her to the barn where she shall remain, Mirabel, you must never return to Casita you are no longer part of la familia Madrigal. You are hereby exiled."
"You can't please-" Mirabel began to beg as she was pulled towards the door "Mamá!"
"NO! YOU CAN'T TAKE HER PLEASE!" Julieta was held back by Pepa "Agustín!" she turned to her husband "Stop them.."
"Maybe..it's for the best..." Agustín "Maybe she'll be better off...somewhere else.."
"HOW COULD YOU SAY THAT?! SHE'S YOUR HIJA!"
"We also have to think about Luisa and Isabela..if Mirabel truly is a threat."
Julieta swung her head around "You can't be serious! Pepa, Pepa please-"
"Keep that...monster away from my son." Pepa muttered.
-V-
It all passed in one big blur for Mirabel. Dragged kicking and screaming from her home. Taken into the barn. Handed some food and blankets and left. Mirabel sobbed to herself as night settled in not understanding how a day that started so well ended so awfully. That candle...that stupid candle. She wanted to go home, she wanted her mother.
The days passed into weeks. Mirabel kept hope up that Alma would change her mind and let her come home. Julieta would come to spend as much time as she could with her. Bringing her food, clean clothing and scraps of material Mirabel could sow with. The candle destroyed her vision, but it seemed to show some slight mercy if you call it that. With glasses, she could see just enough to do her embroidery. The one thing stopping her from going completely insane.
The weeks passed into months. Mirabel accepted Alma was not coming back for her. Julieta was now forbidden from spending her days in the barn neglecting her duties started meeting with her secret at night. Julieta was refusing to see her daughter as a monster. Never forgiving Agustín for not standing on her side. Isabela seemed almost glad her baby sister was gone. Luisa cried at the mere mention of Mirabel's name refusing to talk about it.
Alma made a new family rule. We don't talk about Mirabel.
The rest of the family moved on, their attention showered on the family's newest addition.
All of Mirabel's belongings were moved out of the nursery and into an empty stall in the barn, it was as if Mirabel never existed in the walls of Casita.
The months passed into years. Alma found out about the nightly visits and at her request Casita locked up at night. Julieta and Pepa would take turns each morning leaving enough food to get Mirabel through the day by the fence.
Mirabel would attempt to visit Casita only to have the house throw her back out, eventually, the house would sense her approach and lock all doors and windows.
So Mirabel now fifteen years old would spend her days wandering around the village square looking forward to moments Julieta can sneak in a hug or sitting in the barn with only her thoughts for company.
Luisa would give her a smile if no one was looking but if the rest of the family saw her they made it a point to ignore her save Agustín who would look away in shame. Mirabel could never figure out if he was ashamed of her or the fact he didn't stand up for her. She somehow became a favourite among the children who would bring them their ripped clothes to fix before their mothers found out. And that's where they would find her on a sunny day, under a tree by the river working on some sort of ripped clothing item.
The burn marks from the candle left both eyes horribly scarred a scar almost like a streak of lightning ran down her neck. One would think children would find her frightening but quite the opposite despite their parent's protests of '"stay away from her".
Still, Mirabel was far from content, every time she looked at Casita. Every time she saw the villagers work her family to the bone not even bothering to say thank you. Bitterness filled her heart. How could they sleep at night exploiting her family like that? How does Alma sleep at night knowing and encouraging it? All while she was left to rot because she didn't have a gift.
Mirabel remembered the prophecy given to her, she was the one destined to destroy the miracle. A smile spread across her face as she looked towards Casita. If she was the one who was going to make it fall, she was going to do everything to fulfil it.
She will do what she tried to do five years ago...
That candle will be going out for good.