Chapter Text
Unlimited power corrupts the possessor. - William Pitt
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!”
Screams.
*CRASH*
Broken furniture.
“AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
Manic laughter.
This was now a common occurrence in the Madrigal household ever since that day. That damn faithful day.
They all should’ve seen it coming. There were signs. So, so many signs. And yet they ignore it, they ignore it all, just because they want her to be happy. To explore her gift, to create something new. To be who she wants to be. To be who she used to be before the pressure.
*CRASH*
And it all started with that damn book… How can such an unassuming innocent looking book cause all of this. It was just a book. It shouldn’t be able to cause such chaos. And now, the accursed book title was etched into their minds for all eternity and with it their mistakes.
(6 Month Earlier)
With the rebuilding of Casita finished and the return of their magic. The entirety of the Madrigals come together and for the first time in probably years - decide to just sit back and relax, enjoying each other's company and catching up with each other's life. Their chores and responsibility are put on the back of their minds. Because although they had lived under one roof, they couldn’t be more of a strangers to one another.
Case in point, though Isabela would say she is good at reading people and finding out what would please them easily. What they want is so simple that she could practically do it while her mind was elsewhere. But talking to her little sisters is as confusing as watching other women her age fawning over men.
What do Luisa do when she’s not working? Does she even stop working? Does she have the time to have fun with her friends? Does she even have friends? Does she have a boy that she has a crush on? Or were they all too intimidated by her appearance or heaven forbid being insecure because of her little sister being two times their size? And what about Mirabel? Has she been doing well in school? She hadn’t been bullied right? How about her friends? She has friends right? How is her embroidery project going? She wasn’t trying to distance herself right?
It made her feel like a toddler learning how to put the right shapes into the corresponding hole in a box.
“-And the donkey’s get out again even after I check the fence! It was fixed before and it was broken again!” Luisa whines, complaining about the donkey’s getting out again. She slumps against the table, her head propped up by her folded hands under her chin. Her drink was steaming in front of her.
They were currently ‘hanging out’ in the kitchen. Drinking Chocolate en Leche de Coco, one of the few drinks that they had the ingredient to make. There was alcohol as well but she would be the only one to be able to drink it and she wasn’t really keen on getting drunk this early in the morning. She can do it later with Dolores at night when everybody else is asleep.
Feeling pity for her little sister. Isabela gives her shoulder a reassuring pat, putting more force then she normally used so Luisa could feel it. Hoping that the gesture was comforting enough.
“I’ll make sure to bring this up to Abuela. It’s honestly a long overdue problem that should’ve been fixed a long time ago.” Isabela said with a smile, and she was already thinking of a way to make sure that her ‘request’ is followed through. One of the many problems that should’ve been fixed without relying on their gift.
“Thanks Isa…” Luisa said, looking up and smiling back at her.
“I dunno Isa… Abuela had already talked to him once and he still hasn't fixed it.” Mirabel chimed in before taking a sip of her drink, waving a dismissive hand. Looking skeptically at her. She would’ve felt offended if there wasn't any weight to her words.
“Well then… For his sake, he better fix it soon. By this point his ‘problem’ is just unacceptable.” Isabela reaffirms with a huff, giving the air a glare. Moving her gaze away so they wouldn’t think she was angry at them. If anything she was angry at herself.
If the fall of Casita did something for her, it was giving her a chance to reflect on how she acted around her family. And it made her feel ashamed of herself, looking back she treated her family more like an associates at work than her own flesh and blood. When was the last time she had to stop and talk to her parents? Found out how they were doing or how their day was going? Or hang out with Dolores? Catching up with their days, gossiping like a pair of teenagers. Or dance around with her Tia Pepa like they used to do or talk with Tio Felix about his wood carvings. What about Camilo and Antonio? When was the last time she gave them the time of day. Hell, when was the last time she talked to Luisa? Or talk to Mirabel without the barbed jabs and insults? When did her actions isolate her from her own family? She had done the things that she did because she had thought it would make them happy, to make them proud, because she had thought it was what’s best for them all.
And it all amounted to nothing. Isn’t that a bitter pill to swallow?
She hadn’t been the best daughter, she hadn’t been a good niece and cousin, and she had been a terrible sister. What a pleasant and enlightening thought in this fine early morning…
“Anyway, have you heard of the traveling merchants that’s visiting? I heard they sell new things.” Isabela said, changing the subject albeit too quickly, her index finger playing with the rim of her glass. Pretending not to notice the concern looks her two younger sisters are giving her. She was fine. “We could go together and see what they’re selling? Maybe they have something interesting.”
“I mean… We can but are you okay Isa-” Mirabel began before she was cut off by the loud chair movement of Isabela sitting up, her glass of drink in hand. Giving them both a smile.
“Great. Let’s go and check it out now.” Isabela declared with gusto, downing her drink down - ignoring the still hot liquid rushing through her mouth and throat - and put it in the sink, quickly rinsing and cleaning it with one swift motion before turning to look back at them, not giving them any time to interrogate her. “And I don’t know about you but I want to see what things outside of the Encanto look like. Maybe they have a new type of clothes or even a romance novel in stock.”
Mirabel and Luisa - almost on cue - quirk up when clothes and books are mentioned, their interests undoubtedly pique. She would’ve laughed out loud if she wasn’t trying to distract them from trying to dissect her feelings and forcing her to talk about it.
She isn’t quite ready to confront her many unresolved issues just yet.
“Well… I heard that the fashion styles are different now, especially in the big cities. Maybe it’ll give me inspiration for my next project?” Mirabel mumbled to mostly herself as she looked concentrated. Likely thinking of designs. And she couldn’t wait to see it. Mirabel works are always so colorful and pretty. Maybe she could ask her to do one of her dresses, the one that she doesn’t like all that much and see if she can make her like it. After all, it would be ashamed to have a beautiful dress gathering dust in her closet.
“And I heard from Tia Pepa that there was a new book series from a romance author that I like…” Luisa hesitantly put her two cents in, looking slightly guilty. That’s also something that should be worked on. Her little sister should feel guilty for having fun.
“See, even if we don’t buy it, we could just browse around. Come on, let’s go right now before it gets crowded. That way we could see more.” Isabela urges, skipping towards the kitchen entrance. Not waiting for them to have second thoughts.
Her two sisters quickly finish their drinks and scramble towards the sink. But she didn’t see the rest as she had exited the kitchen and headed towards the entrance and maybe by then they would catch up to her. And as she predicted, Mirabel and Luisa had caught up just as she had reached the entrance. Mirabel jogged a bit to catch up while Luisa just walked with a longer stride.
They walk down the hill side by side. Occasionally chattering up whatever topic that comes to mind but other than a few small topics, they were just silent. There was an awkward and uneasy atmosphere surrounding them and she couldn’t help but cringe a little. They really do need to work out on this whole sister bonding thing. They were all apart for so long that if they really want this to work then they really need to set some boundaries.
Once they reach the edge of town, they could already hear the chatter of people. It isn’t as loud as the usual hustle and bustle when the sun has reached its peak, but it still looks like the beginning of a crowd. It wasn’t surprising really.
Ever since the crack had opened up the mountain, for the first time since the founding of the Encanto, they could freely get out of the town without having to do the long track over the mountain, allowing those who wanted to explore or to trade to the other side of the mountain an easier passage without having to prepare a week worth of supplies in advance. And though the fall of Casita allowed them to look at their family problems from a different angle, the act had also been a double edge sword. Because by opening up the mountain, they had also allowed easier passage for those that had come from outside of the Encanto. Although thankfully, the people they met were mostly kind and considerate but just to be sure Abuela had told them not to mention their gift or even use it in front of the travelers - Something about trying not to scare them and thinking they were practicing witchcraft. But Isabela knows that sooner or later, people with ill intention in mind will come, it was just a matter of time.
But in the meantime, they had just gotten a traveling sales group. And a pretty big one at that. They had arrived really late at night.
When they reached the town center, just as she predicted a crowd was forming. Already talking and browsing the stock that were on display. She grimaces as she can already tell that if they want to buy something then they would have to buy it on the spot or else it would be taken by someone else. It looks as if half of their stock has been sold.
“Whoa… And I thought you’re quinceañera got crowded real early. This really takes the cake, eh Isa?” Mirabel teases, giving her side a quick playful nudge with an elbow. Making her side tingle and force a yelp out of her.
“Oh shut it, shorty.” Isabela retorts back, giving her youngest sister an indignant huff. Flipping her hair back as it had been displaced by her sudden jolt of movement. “My quinceañera isn’t as crowded as you believe. You were tiny back then, three people seemed a lot to you.”
“Yeah, no… I gotta agree with Mira there, Isa. The last time I saw a crowd this big this early in the morning was from your quinceañera. Almost everybody from town comes. Invited or not.” Luisa nodded her head in agreement. Giving her an apologetic smile even though she didn’t look guilty at all.
Betrayed by her two sisters. Good to know they’re both bonding at her expense.
“Yeah, yeah. Let’s go see what they’re selling.” Isabela said, letting it slide. Grabbing both of their hands and tug towards the crowd. Ignoring their protest for her to slow down.
They browse the display one by one, eyes scanning each and everyone of the things that’s been selling. There was clothes, jewelry, books, and all kinds of stuff. But there wasn't anything that had caught her eyes. Everything looks good and maybe she should buy something nice for her mama and papa. And maybe Dolores too since she saw a really nice red necklace that would look great on her. And maybe Abuela too while she’s at it. She remembers that her grandmother complained about losing a pair of earrings that she liked.
From the corner of her eyes she could see Mirabel looking at a particular colorful looking dress, touching and inspecting the fabric and bringing it closer to her eyes. Looking really deep in thought as she stares at it.
“Hey Isa! Can you help me with this!” Luisa called out over the crowd. And it didn’t take her long to find her ‘little’ sister by the book section of the improved market. Holding five books in her hand.
“What’s wrong Luisa? Are you short on gold? I can lend you some.” Isabela said, ready to pull out her coins if she needs to. Though she expects that they don’t really need it since just four coins should be enough to buy the whole book catalog that that traveler had.
Being as they were isolated they don’t really have the same currency as the merchants are using. So they would barter with the pure gold coins they have, which were the things that they were already using as currency. So color her surprise when she finds out how much worth their pure gold coin is.
“No, no. The gold I have is plenty enough. It’s just that I'm only interested in these five books but I need to buy six. Can you pick something for yourself so we have six?”
“Sure, I’ll take a look and give it to you.” Isabela gets closer to get a better look at the books that were offered.
Most of the books were interesting to say the least. A book about history, math, geography, novels for every genre, children’s books, and even art books. And while they would be enjoyable to read, it wasn’t really what she was looking for at the moment. And while she wanted to browse more, she could see that Luisa was not-so-subtly looking around the area, probably wanting to browse for more things that she could buy, so she tried to pick up her pace. She had almost given up trying to find a book that she would enjoy when she noticed a green colored book with a giant weird looking flower as its cover. She picked it up and read the title cover.
‘Exoticus: The Exotic Plants Catalog From Around The World’
She doesn’t know why, but the book was mesmerizing. The words alone had piqued her interest but the flower on the cover was what caught her attention. Never before had seen a flower so big and beautiful. The petal was large with the outside being deep green while the inside was dark burgundy red with a deeply furrowed texture and the spandix was in the center and the tallest piece of the flower. She then noticed the smaller words near the bottom of the flower. ‘Amorphophallus titanum’ it reads. A flower with a name that escapes her, that she has no knowledge at all. She wants this book.
No… She needs this book.
A grin slowly spread across her cheeks before she realized it. Excitement building up in her chest. Her thumb moved to caress the image of the flower. She can feel the itch of her gift surfacing, eager to try and create it, to make something new. But she forces it down. She needs to focus, no showing their gift to the outsiders. They don’t want to be accused of doing witchcraft.
“This book should do.” Isabela said with a smile, turning towards Luisa and holding the book up for her sister to grab, her hand trembling slightly. Trying to contain her excitement and remain neutral. She doesn’t trust herself with the book just yet.
“Alright then. We’ll take these books please.” Luisa said with a friendly smile to the trader after taking the book from her hand and putting it on top of her stack. If she noticed her weird behavior, she didn’t show it.
They pay for the books and meet back up with Mirabel, who had just bought two dresses, six different types of fabric, two different sewing kits, three boxes of needle and threads, and four hoops. And is in the middle of trying to buy another weird looking dress.
“Oh, hey Isa! Could I borrow some money? I’m short on two coins and I really want this dress.” Mirabel said, pointing at a dress with her head as her hands were full with things that she already bought. Looking sheepishly at their disbelieved looks.
How much money did she spend? They were given fifteen gold each.
“Yes, of course! Absolutely not.” Isabela flatly said, crossing her arm over her chest. “You already bought enough for the three of us alone. You don’t need more.”
“Oh come on Isa! Pleaseeeeeee! Just look at that dress! The pattern! The color! The sheer creativity! This is something that we’ve never seen before! It’s something new! And it’s really soft to touch!” Mirabel said, giving her a sales pitch, sounding like she had made a rehearsed speech with how fast she managed to point out the best quality of the dress. She would’ve been impressed if she didn't see the massive growing pile in her hands.
“No Mirabel. You already have enough dress. You don’t need more.”
“Maybe I could-”
“No Luisa. You’re not giving your money to her.”
“Pleaseeee!” Mirabel pleads. And she was going to deny her again when she did the thing.
The youngest sibling's undefeated arsenal, the signature sad puppy dog eyes. The one that strikes down all older siblings resolves the moment they had unfortunately laid their eyes on. No older siblings had ever won this battle. Always losing to the warm and adorable look that always looks up to the older sibling with hope and comfort. Forcing them to feel like they were being relayed upon and giving them a sense of accomplishment and pride. The ultimate final weapon. Not even her mama, who had been with her siblings for fifty years was able to say no when Tia Pepa and Tio Bruno used it against her. And now here, Mirabel had used it against her. And she can’t make excuses like she was in a hurry or busy to escape like she had done all those years ago. She can already feel her resolve going down to the deep end.
“.... Fine.” Isabela sighs, feeling defeated, before pulling out her two golds and handing it to the shop owner, who happily accepts it. She can see from the corner of her eyes as Mirabel cheers and shows the dress to Luisa, who happily listens as she rants about the intricacy of the stitching pattern.
With that done, together they continue to look to the other vendors. Buying things for the others. Trying out the food that was offered. She even got herself a new small aloe plant, a fake one at that but she was planning on putting it by the window to see if anyone would try and water it. She was feeling rather mischievous. There was even a moment when both Luisa and Mirabel used the puppy dog eyes on her when they saw a really cute plushie of a unicorn and butterfly respectively and all the sudden she felt her pocket feeling a little lighter. And by the end their hands were almost full with things they had bought.
They laugh as they head home, bringing the spoils of their venture back to Casita. The sun by now had reached the apex of its height, showing that they had spent a good couple of hours browsing and the market was now full of the everyday people. Though, admittedly between the three of them it was somewhat ironic that Mirabel had the biggest pile while she herself had the smallest. Even Luisa thought so too if the nervous glance she was giving Mirabel was anything to go by. She could see her fingers twitching, getting ready to help out if she needed it. Although, she admits that she doesn't think Mirabel needs it.
“That was really fun! Did you see all those cool things!” Mirabel said, grinning as she heft up her piles of purchase. The giant pile wobbles unstable-ly and she and Luisa almost rush to catch it. But thankfully she somehow managed to not drop it, which was a miracle with how clumsy her little sister could be.
“Yeah, they really do have cool stuff. Do you think they’ll still be here tomorrow?” Luisa asked, looking at Isabela expectantly.
“I don’t think so, Lu. Abuela said that they were only stopping here because they were traveling to a coast to the west. By tomorrow they would’ve packed up and left.” Isabela informed, feeling awful for being the bearer of bad news. And she almost winces from the sad look Luisa now has.
“Do you think there’s more things like that out there? Or is there like an even cooler thing?” Mirabel interjected quickly, changing the subject.
“If they do, then I’m not buying it for you.” Isabela deadpans, giving her a sly smirk.
“You say that now, but when it happens you’re gonna fold like mama’s arepa’s~” Mirabel sang, giving her a smug grin. Making her blush in embarrassment.
“I did not get folded, I was giving my money to you out of the goodness of my heart and not because you asked me.” Isabela stated with vigor, puffing her chest up. She wasn’t about to admit that she fell for the classical puppy dog eyes. Her pride wouldn’t allow it.
“Sure thing Isa, whatever helps you sleep better at night.” Mirabel shrugs but the smugness still remains. If anything she looked even more amused.
This little-
“Alright listen here you little s-”
“Oh right Isa! The book from earlier, do you want it now?” Luisa interrupts with panic, her hand fumbling with the six piles of books before holding out a book for her to take. Her breath hitch as her eyes zone in on a familiar looking book.
That’s right, the book. She almost forgot about it. She was trying not to think about it in fear of making her gift manifest. But now that they were far away from the town and back to the safety of Casita…
“That’s right. Thank you for reminding me Luisa.” Isabela smiles, gladly taking the book. Ignoring the feeling of her gift raging inside of her and waiting to get out.
They reach Casita’s entrance and while she does want to spend more time with her sisters. A part of her really wants to read the book and experiment. The itch of her gift was getting unbearable and she wants nothing more but to create something and anything. It felt like she was about to burst from all the thrill and excitement.
“Sorry to cut this outing short but I think I’m going to sort all of this out in my room. See you both later.” Isabela hurriedly said before immediately leaving without waiting for their answer. Normally, she wouldn’t have done something so rude - especially to the both of them - but she really couldn’t wait any longer.
She rushed up the stairs - even skipping steps to move faster - and headed straight to her room and closed the door louder than she intended to. Trudging across her too large room and dropping off her purchases by her vanity. She’ll sort all of that later, right now the book came first. She heads towards her bed and sits on it, making herself comfortable.
And with excited trembling hands she opens the book and reads the first page.