Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Why do you ruin everything Mirabel."

"Why are you always in the way ?"

"You always mess with my life !"

"You are not living up to the name of the Madrigals !"

Every day every night was the same for her. Her family ignoring her.

He mother giving her apologies that she never meant. Her father just passing everything like it was a joke. Her oldest sister outright hating her, while the other one ignored her. The other side of the family prevented she did not exist, and her own abuela could ever hide her disdain for her.

Antonio was the only one that had showed her love and kidness for the past 5 years, but now that he has a gift, he will soon forget about her, and that is a pain that she refuses to see threw.

So she did what was best....and left.

Went in the middle of the night. Casita had helped her out so that no one could hear it. Other than Antonio the sentinent house was the only companion she had had, and she made sure it knew how thankfuly she was before she left.

Encanto has not felt like a home for a while, no point of staying.

She went first to the Mendez Family, Samson and Camilia. Samson is a trader, while Camilia was a seamstress. Both had always been very kind to Mirabel, not caring that she had no gift. Camilia had even been the one that taught her all she knew. In a way they felt like family more than her own.

The old couple had offered them their home, but Mirabel had to decline. She loves them...but she needs to leave this town, this place. She needs to head to a place where the Madrigal name means absolutley nothing. Only there can she begin to heal.

So Sampson offered to take her to a costal town far enough the village where she could start a new.

Mirabel agreed and in that night, she got on Sampsons cart, and gave Encanto one final look.

For one moment, she wondered if anyone was gonna come for her, try to stop her, to tell her that she mattered.

No one came...and that told her all she needed.

She looked away from the town, and it was the last time she looked at it.

Little did she know is that as she left, the magical house she leaved in started to crack.

Casita had tried everything on its power to help the Madrigals understand why Mirabel was so important. Other than Antonio, everyone else had failed.

Mirabel was Casita's favorite, and it was a shame to see her go. The last thing Casita did was ensure the girl will end up with people that will actually care for her. People that the ocean itself loved, and nothing is as pure as the ocean.

As for the Madrigal Family well.....reckoning was about to hit them. And Casita can only hope they notice before its too late.

Mirabel settled in surprisingly easily.

She opened a tailor shop with trader Samuel's help, and got consumers soon. The people here were surprisingly nice.

She was treated nicely, and had a nice hotel room, with not having enough still to get her own home, but she will get there.

Its not like she will have need for much space, she is just one person after all. After all, her time in Encanto had left her little hope to find a lover.

Mirabel had privately come to terms that she is bisexual. She feels the same attraction towards man and woman. But on the chance she ever chose a female lover, she knew Abuela would not accept it, she wanted the Madrigals to have kids after all.

Then again it’s not like Abuela would allow her to even have kids, believing their are cursed. So that’s an idea she might get on a future here.

She had gained some friends, but none close. She has only been here for two weeks after all.

"Man....that's quite a storm coming." She mumbled. She was at the beach collecting some shells for an idea she had. "Better go back inside !"

Mira went to rush inside when a giant wave almost hit her !

"Oh boy...the ocean is really having it today !"

But before she could move to her home she noticed something.

It was a boat.....crashed on the beach !

Mirabel dropped her stuff and hurried to see if anyone needed help.

"Hello, anyone there !"

Then before she could get close to the boat, a....chicken came out.

"What the ! "

The chicken looked....weird, he just walked like normal, like he wasn't just in a ship wreck,

"What in the world is this chicken..."

Before she could wonder, Mirabel finally saw a person crawl from the boat.

It was a woman, with long black hair, a lovely brown skin color and....goodness she was really pretty.

"Ow...that smarts." She mumbled. "Why is it always the same foot ?"

Mirabel looked at the woman again, she looked like nothing she had ever seen.

"Hello ?"

"Hm...oh hi ! Sorry ! Storm got pretty bad and the ocean refused to help me !"

She looked at the ocean like it spoke to her....which was weird but meh, she's used to it.

"Sounds like a bad ship wreck."

"You tell me about it. I'm Moana by the way. Moana Waialiki."

"Mirabel." She greeted her back. "Mirabel Madrigal...though the last name is loose at best."

"Huh ?"

"Long story."

"Hum...well I need to get on fixing this. The wood seems find but..the sail is are broken up."

"Wow. That is a beautiful sail." Mirabel could not help but admire that beautiful sail and how it had been made. And the unique textiles, she would love to work with that.

"Ugh, unfortunatly I lost my sewing kit on the storm ! Dam you ocean !"

"I could...fix that for you ?"

"What ?"

"I am a tailor ! This is right on my area !"

"But I...I can't pay you right now."

"It's fine, on the house ! Honestly I just want to work on that sail !"

"Hm...well I will not say no to that ! However I insist you let me help in something while you fix my sail. It's only right."

"Fine by me ! Its been a long time since I had company...long time indeed."

Oh I almost forgot ! Give me a sec !"

Moana went back to the wrecked ship and looked over it, coming back from with a sea shell.

"What's that ?"

"Its a sea shell I can use to call my friend Maui. Its a long story but a fun one..and also weird."

"Heh, lucky for me, i am used to weird !"

"Heh, me too actually, me too !"

Both women shared another laugh and Mirabel helped Moana walk to her room.

Unkown to both of them, one of the candles in Mirabel's room started to shine brighter.

And the candle she used to know, in the place she once called home, started getting smaller, and her former home, started to crack.

Chapter Text

“Months ago, the morning after Mirabel left.”

That morning everything felt….weird for the Madrigals.

Julieta was just waking up when she noticed something.

She overslept !

Julieta had never over slept ! Not once in her life !

“Agustin amor wake up !” she told her husband quickly.

“Huh wha…”

“We overslept !” Julieta said, already ready to get out. “Get ready as fast as you can ! Oh my mamá will be so angry !”

Julieta could already picture Alma’s anger at her when she saw them. Except…except when she opened the door, she found everyone else was still sleeping…they had all sleeped in, even her mother.

“What the….this never happened before.” Usually they all wake up in time. Mirabel made sure they did. Always banged their door when their time to wake up came.

But she didn’t this time….

An ugly feeling came to Julieta’s stomach, and she went to the nursery.

Oh how much she hated for Mirabel to still sleep there ! It wasn’t fair to her. But no matter how much she begged her mother never allowed her to build her youngest hija a room.

Julieta knew her mother and Mirabel didn’t get along. But sometimes…sometimes she felt Alma went to hard, like…like it was personal. Julieta wanted to believe her mother wasn’t intentionally mean and hurtful towards her youngest…but there were days that was hard to believe.

“Mirabel.” She opened the door. “Hija are you ok ?”

But instead of finding her daughter there. She found the room empty. The bed made, everything spot clean.

It was…concerning.

“Mirabel ?”

Then Julieta noticed a paper on her bed. Two actually. One had her and Agustin’s name, the other had Antonio’s.

Julieta decided to open the letter and read what it said.

“Dear Mamí and Papí

When you read this I’ll be long gone. I decided to do what was best for the Encanto and leave. Honestly I have been planning this for a while but stayed for Antonio. I wanted to be here until I could see he got his gift. I’m glad he did, he deserves it.

I want you two to know I don’t blame you for this choice. Most of the family drove me away, but not you two. Even thought I would have liked a bit more attention, I know you both did the best you could. Specially you Mamí, I knew I always could count on you, so thank you. Please don’t blame yourself for this. That’s my last request for you.

Only you two and Antonio that is, I will never blame him and please make sure he doesn’t either.

That said…I know you are gonna tell this to the rest of the family and since I’ll never see them again so I have one message for them.

Screw them. Screw them all.

I’m sorry to say this to you but not to them. They were all either neglectful to just downright awful. Well except maybe Tio Bruno. Since he left I can’t blame him for anything. Honestly he had the right idea.

Let’s go down the list because I want every single one of them to know what I think of them. If they care or not I honestly don’t care.

First there is my so called Tia Pepa. If I can call her that. Ever since I didn’t get a gift I noticed how hard to not loose control over me. I learned not to care because she’s clearly not an atentive person. Hell I think I cleaned more of Antonio’s diapers than she did. I get her emotions are wild but man, she could at least pretend not to hate me. Do you know how many times she almost struck me with lightning, four times ! By then I learned to stay away. And Tio Felix ? He’s a romantic I’ll give him that, but he has rose colored glasses. All he cares is pleasing his wife and screw everyone else. Sometimes I wonder if Antonio is really their child ? Cause he certainly didn’t come out like them. Unlike Dolores and Camilo.

Speaking of them let’s talk about my cousins. It was like to them I stopped existing to them the moment I didn’t get a gift. Camilo was supposed to be my best friend but ever since then he decided to ignore my existence. He shape shifted so he wouldn’t talk to me but I saw it, every single time. So much for being a best friend. And let me tell you that doesn’t even reach an effort to what Dolores did. Yes she also forgot my existence but also ignored when certain other people hurt me. Completely ignored and said nothing. She’s a coward with no spine.

So to resume, other than Antonio I care not for the yellow family. They are selfish assholes.

Now let’s talk about my dear sisters.

Luisa ain’t that bad I guess. She was forgetful and far from the most attentive sister. But she is the town’s mule (let’s face it that what she is) I wish she would stand up for me more. One would think they would feel safe if they had a super strong sister. I never did but Luisa has too many duties. And unlike everyone else she didn’t pretend I didn’t exist or was mean. The few few times we spoke she was always nice. So yeah not the most attentive sister but that’s about it with Luisa. Wish it was like that with the other one…l

Let’s talk about Isabela shall we ? I actually wish she would forget me. La señorita perfecta was anything but that to me. She was a bully. A selfish person that made it her Joy tormenting me. What did I even do to her ? As far as I remember she’s the one with the perfect dream life. You want to know all the things she called me. Waste of space, bother, idiot, worthless, a disgrace for the family and to Abuelo. I could go on and on but I won’t. And let’s not count the three times she hurt me phisically. I don’t know why I never told you but she did. I’ll give it to her that that wasn’t her aim but still…. The sad thing is, I can’t bring myself to fully hate her. Maybe cause I remember the Isabela that took care of me when I was little, the sister I admires. I don’t know what happened but that Isa is gone, and the one left is one is one I want nothing with.

And then there is Abuela…

Mamá I say this on the kindest way possible. Your “mother” is the worst person ive ever met. I can’t call her abuela any longer because she’s not. Ever since that stupid ceremony she looks at me like I am a course, like she wanted nothing more than to get rid of me. So she is probably gonna be happy I left. That woman only cares for that candle and nothing more. She’ll sell all of us to the devil if it meant protecting the candle. And she hurt me more than anyone. And yes, like Isabela sometimes it was physical, unlike Isabela, she meant it. Called it discipline and I couldn’t go to you for food. I know it’s a shocker and hey, you might not believe me, and I’ll understand. But I just want to say it. I’ll never miss that woman…ever.

Mamá, Papá, I know this seems selfish of me but….maybe it was time for me to be. I’m tired of being the mockery of the town for being giftless, of having a family that mostly either forgets me or hates me. So yeah I decided to leave for myself. Felt like the right thing to do. Go ahead and start singing “We don’t talk about Mirabel” I could care less.

Know that I love you both very much. Thank you for trying, it was worth more than you know. I hate being a Madrigal…but I do feel blessed that you were my parents.

My sincere hope is that you find happiness.

Love, Mirabel.”

When she finished reading the letter Julieta fell to her knees and cried, cried like she never had before.

Mirabel….her baby was gone. Driven away by her own family.

They had always being so close. Isabela had taken after her grandmother, and Luisa was Agustin’s girl, but Mirabel…that had been Julieta’s little girl.

She had done her best to make sure her baby never felt out because of what happened. She never dared imagine the people threatening her the most were the ones she lived with.

Mirabel had told her not to blame herself. But how could she. She failed her daughter, simple as that. She failed to protect her….from her own family.

Pepa and her family (baring Antonio) treated jer like a curse.

Isabela bullied her own sister.

And her mother….abused her.

She….she won’t forgive any of them except probably,Isabela (she’s also her daughter after all, but she’s gonna have to earn it really hard.) they drove her baby away.

Julieta crie taking a moment to…process this for a bit. This is not something she can just get through.

But once she was stable enough…..they would all know what they did. She would make sure they knew. She owns Mirabel that much.

“Papá…please protect her. And please…help her find people that give her the love she deserves, the one I failed to give her. Please….do that for me.”

*Present day. With Moana and Mirabel*

Mirabel had been so used to living alone that she forgot how…nice it is, to have company.

Thankfully the room she was had two beds. The owner of the inn, Señora Olga Gonzalo was really kind and really liked her. She actually only made Mirabel pay half of the rent, which she was really thankful.

Moana was a really interesting person. She came from far away of Colombia. Has seen things she would never imagine.

“So where are you from again ?”

“Motoniu. It’s 4 days away at sea ! It’s simple but…it’s home.”

“Man….that sounds nice. And so you what you travel the sea looking for people ?”

“Something like that. I am helping reconnect the ocean and its people. After what Nalo did…it has to be done.”

“Huh. One would think being a god would be enough.”

“I said that ! But Maui says that Nalo is someone who seeks power no matter what.”

“Can’t believe your are best friends with a demigod. That must be nice.”

“Our friendship didn’t have the best start but well….Maui has saved my life twice. He’s a true friend I can always count on.”

“And where is he know ?”

“He’s looking for Matengui. She was the one in the clam that helped us. After we raised Motu vanished. And since she’s one of the few gods that doesn’t hate him, he wants to make sure she is fine.”

“Aw that’s sweet of him.”

“You know you believed me pretty easily despite this being so…weird.”

“After the giant singing crab I decided to believe you. Thst was too strange not to be real.”

“Heh…so what about you ? I’ve told you all about me but,..I want ti hear from you.’

“M…me ?”

“Yeah !”

“Well….I ain’t that interesting. I never really…got along with most of my family sadly.”

From what Moana told her. She got along with her parents and little sister wonderfully. Probably more than Mira did with her own parents, and she truly loves Julieta and Agustin. And she much rather nit think of the sister part and be reminded of Luisa, and specially of Isabela.

Moana had also mentioned her loving grandmother Tala who she dearly misses. Hah, the only thing about Alma is that she’s glad not to see her again, except on her nightmares.

“Oh….sorry.”

“It’s fine. It just…wasn’t meant to be I guess. I moved here to start my new path and I’m happy.”

Not really….more like content is what she is. Which for her, it’s enough.

“Hm….and what got you into sewing?”

“Huh…you are asking about that ?”

“Of course ! You are really skilled and clearly love it. I’d like to know.”

“Oh….well my oldest sister before we…fell apart, she was the one that first taught me. Then I just fell in love with the art. Designing, cutting, putting together, the colors, the patterns it…seems simple I know but to me it…means everything.”

“Hey, that’s how I fell in love with the ocean. That’s a sweet story.”

“Thanks. Any way I should be done on two days…you must be desperate to be back home.”

“I mean I miss my home but I am a traveler. I am used to being weeks away. Besides I could do a break from the marriage proposals.”

“Huh ?”

“I told you I’m the next leader of the tribe. So some families want to marry me with their so they can rise. My father has always been completely against the idea, he wants me to marry who I want and went Im ready. but doesn’t stop some for trying.”

“That seems annoying.”

“You got no idea.”

Suddenly there was a knock.

Mirabel went to see who it was, the old woman Ms. Gonzalo, the kind inn owner.

“Señora Gonzalo hi ! How can I help you ?”

“I just wanted to see how our new guest was doing dear. And to check on you of course !”

“Aw thats really kind of you Mam.”

“Why it’s not problem at all. Someone had to care for you after the failure of your family.”

“Huh what…” she was interrupted when Olga hugged her tightly.

“Her family really hurted her.” She addressed Moana. “Left her out because she wasn’t like them. Specially that monster she has to call grandmother. What a tragedy. I’m so glad she made a friend her age….what it’s your name dear ?”

“It’s Moana madam.”

“Well I am thankful Moana. I got no family but Mirabel has certainly felt like one. Well then I must be off. Please come for dinner in time.”

When the woman left Mirabel turned to Moana.

“So about my family…well…”

“Hey it’s fine. I honestly could tell that there was something off…but I won’t pressure you. If you want to tell me then I’m all ears. Hei Hei will listen too ! He’s great at that.”

“Heh…thanks…wait, where did your chicken go ?”

“Hei Hei….where did he go ? He escaped again ! Hei Hei ! HEI HEI !”

Chapter Text

Mirabel hates nights.

Nights were when she didn’t work. Night was when she had free time with her thoughts, and said thoughts went to places she didn’t want them to go.

Sometimes sleep came easily. Others….it almost didn’t come.

Today was one of those nights. She just couldn’t sleep. It was so annoying.

“Can’t sleep huh ?”

Oh shit right ! She’s not alone right now.

She saw Moana looking at the window at the ocean.

“Yeah..I take it you are on the same boat.”

“Pretty much. Memories…they can be as annoying as they are wonderful.”

“Heh, I get you.”

They sat at the window for a while.

“Hey I never asked…what do the tattoos on your left arm mean ?”

“This…they are the mark of…when everything changed for me.”

“What do you mean ?”

“Well you see…..remember how I and my crew reconnected the ocean ? Well I left out one little part. I sorta….you know…..died.”

It took her a while to process that.

“Wait…you…you DIED ! Like dead dead !”

“Yeah..dead dead.”

“But…if you died ! How are you here ! Alive and well.”

“Maui and the ancestors didn’t think it was my time. They made the Manna Vau.”

“The Manna Vau ?”

“It’s a pledge to the gods. Where demigods and spirits made a pledge for a deceased human to return to the land of the living. If the gods accept well…that human is brought back….as a demigod.”

“Wait a sec..that means you….you are…”

“A demigoddess…yeah…I am.”

“Wow….just wow.”

“I died and came back. Not everyone can say that. It’s…really something.”

“So I take that keeps you at night.”

“Sometimes. But that’s not the main reason.”

“Then….what is it ?”

“It’s just….demigods don’t agree with. Maui is over 3000 years old and he looks like a man on his 30s. And now…that will happen to me. I won’t age. I’ll watch everyone know die. Loto, Kele, Moni, Púa, Hei Hei, my parents….Simea. All of them will go and I’ll…I’ll stay. I’ll have Maui at least but….but everyone else I’ll loose them. And that…that keeps me up at night.

“…I’m so jealous of you.”

“Of what. Being a Demi…”

“No it’s not that. I’m jealous…that you have someone to loose…I have no one.”

“Oh…is that what that old lady was referring too.”

“Yeah….see where I come from. It’s a place called, the Encanto. A hidden village protected by magic. And my family was the ruling one. The Madrigals.”

“So you were like…the royal family ?”

“In a sense. It was the sacrifice of my abuelo Pedro that lead to the creation of the miracle. That’s the magic and it’s represented by a candle. Our family gained a magical houses named Casita and well…all Madrigals by blood got gifts.”

“What kind of gifts ?”

“Powers. Each of them has a specific power. My mother for example, she could heal with her food. My aunt could control the weather with her emotions and my uncle could see the future…though that didn’t end that well for him. Anyway, the children of them also gained gifts. My cousins for example. One could hear everything, the other could shape shift, and my little Tonito could talk to Animals. Even my two older sisters got gifts. Isabela can control plants and Luisa got super strength. All is good but me well….”

“You…didn’t get one.”

“No…I didn’t. I don’t know why but I didn’t. Yet that changed everything from me. Ever since then, other than my parents and my cousin Antonio, everyone treated me like a curse. My aunt and her family pretended I didn’t exist, Luisa avoided me, and Isabela downright bullied me. And…and then there is my abuela…Alma. She hated me since that day. She yelled at me, hurt me….hit me even. All cause she saw me a threat to her precious candle. Cause that’s all she cares for. Her stupid candle. She will do anything for it. She even drove my Tio Bruno away…and so did with me. And I bet you she’s patting herself on the back now.”

“…I’m gonna say this in the most respectful way I can think off. Your grandmother….is a lunatic bitch.”

“Heh…”

“No seriously. Who hurts their grand child for not being like the other ? For not having powers ? That’s insane ! She’s a delusional old hag, that’s what she is.”

“At last someone says it..”

“And your family they didn’t do anything ? I’m not talking about that sorry excuse of oldest sister of yours. I’m an older sister, and I’ll destroy anyone that harms my Simea. But your parents ? The other sister ? Anyone.”

“My parents tried…but they were unable to prevent it. Part of me doesn’t blame them. My mother is the town’s healer and easily overworked. She honestly looks a lot older than what she actually is. And little Antonio is just 5 so there is no way I’d expect him to do anything. But the rest….nope.”

“That’s….thats awful ! Ms. Gonzalo was right. Those people really hurt you !….those your…sorry excuse for a grandparent, can’t call her grandmother as it would offend all the good ones, have powers ?”

“No…she’s just the candle holder.”

“And didn’t she, or anyone think that….maybe it meant you were meant to take over her.”

…. Now that….she never thought of.

“Hm…maybe. It doesn’t matter. I ain’t coming back.”

“Hmph, good choice. People like this aren’t meant to be called family.”

“Yeah…. I like it here. It’s nice….not to be judged by who you not become.”

They sat there silently for a while, hearing the ocean waves.

“Well, I finally feel sleep finding me so I’m gonna head off. Goodnight Moana.”

“Goodnight Mirabel.”

She watched her go to bed and sighted.

It was not fair. What those people did to her it wasn’t fair.

She has only gotten to know her for some days, but has really taken a liking to her. To learn that her family essentially forced her to leave because of something so stupid. It was….unreal.

Maybe….maybe she can change that….maybe….

Bruno didn’t know how long he has been here.

It happened about two weeks after he left Encanto. He had been followed by two men and captured. Thrown into this shed and left there. With only a hole where his captor brought him food and water.

It was only him and his visions.

Bruno had been using them to find a way out, but what he found was much more concerning.

His family…the Madrigals. Their fate is coming. His captor has dark intentions towards his family and wants to destroy everything they ever had and love. No mercy to anyone.

And Mirabel was they key for that person to do what they wanted.

He saw it. Mirabel standing alongside her, wicked smiles as casita fell. Sometimes with the family trapped inside, crushed by the fall. Others he didn’t see them….one time he saw them standing proudly in top of Alma’s corpse.

No matter what he did it changed nothing. The Madrigals were doomed.

And when he heard Mirabel had arrived here, he saw the dark future begin to unfold.

He tried everything to call out to his sobrina, to warn her. But his captor stopped him.

For a while Bruno felt hopeless. The future was set and there was no way to stop it.

But then…everything changed when the wave finder arrived.

For some reason she avoided Bruno’s visions, like she was invisible to them. But as soon as she came it all changed.

Those dark visions he had vanished. A new vision then came. Mirabel leaving with the wave finder.

He still saw Casita fall. He still saw reckoning coming towards everyone, specially Alma. But…that dark twisted ending was gone. In fact Mirabel wasn’t involved in the visions any longer. Which meant…they had a chance.

That wave finder is the key. The one meant to save his sobrina from the darkness that wants to take her.

Bruno doesn’t know who she is, doesn’t know even her name. But right now, the fate of Encanto lays on her shoulders.

He can only hope his captor won’t notice.

Maui had spend days searching for Matangui. Only to come out empty handed.

With Nalo’s curse gone she was supposed to be free. But her clam was sealed shut. No matter what he did he couldn’t open it.

He wasn’t naive. Nalo wasn’t done. He would want his revenge against him, Moana, and everyone that helped break the curse.

“What are you planning Nalo ?”

“Nothing good I tell you.”

“What the !”

He turned to his back to see.

“Matangui !”

“Yes…but not quite. This is an illusion. A little trick I learned on that clam.”

“Where are you ?”

“With our dear friend Nalo of course. He’s not happy as you can tale.”

“Hmph. Well tell me where he is and I’ll..”

“That’s the thing. I don’t know. You see. Nalo learned something that has him really angry.”

“Listen if he’s angry about me saving Moana then he can….”

“Oh he’s pissed. But all of the other gods agreed with you plea on turning her into a demigoddess. What you did was nice and clean. He can’t do anything about it, despite how much he hates you both. No this is something else.”

“Huh….what is it ?”

“As you know. Humans aren’t meant to hold magic. The few that are are turned to demigods because they were found worthy. You and Moana for example, earned your magic. But it seems there is a family of humans that didn’t get the memo.”

“You mean….there are humans out there weilding magic and are still mortals ?”

“Yep. And let me tell you none of them are worthy of it. Well….except for one. And according to my bats, that person is with none other than Moana right now ! I suggest you find her as soon as possible. We must prepare for what’s coming.”

“What the. What is coming ?”

“War.”

War…there hasn’t been a war like this in centuries.

“I got to go ! Find Moana and the girl that she’s with and keep them out of Nalo’s grasp ! Prepare everyone for the war he wants. Farewell Maui.”

With that she vanished.

War….

War was coming.

Nalo wants war….

“Well if he wants war ! We will give it to him ! Right little buddy ! Hey…hey don’t hide over there ! Hey ! Come on !”

Chapter Text

Things had never been as tense full in casita as they were now.

Outside it looked like the familia Madrigal was still the same, united and powerfull.

But inside the walls. Things couldn’t be more different.

The family had been on the break or arguments, of snapping at each other.

All because one of their own was missing….

*Days before*

Everyone on the Madrigal family sat at the table waiting for breakfast.

They had all woken up much later than usual.

Alma wasn’t happy, it was their responsibility to wake up as soon as possible so they can help their town, honor their miracle.

Unfortunately there was no sign of Julieta (and Agustin and Mirabel for that matter) so there was no one to prepare for breakfast for the family.

“Isabela, Luisa, where is your mother ?” Alma demanded.

“I don’t know Abuela.” Isabela said. Luisa shook her head in denial.

“Well this is unacceptable. I expect her to provide the family breakfast so that we can honor our miracle !”

Alma was about to go to Julieta’s room when said woman appeared with her husband at her side.

“There you are Julieta ! This is simply unacceptable ! You are supposed to be here early to provide breakfast for the family so we can help the community!”

“….”

“I am so disappointed in you ! I expected better of you ! My eldest daughter ! You…”

SLAP !

Everything became silently still as Julieta slapped Alma.

No one spoke. There was only one gasp from Pepa. No one in the table knew what to say what to react.

Alma was beyond shocked. She had never expected this from Julieta. She had always been her most obedient child. So for her to do this…

Alma was about to respond in anger, demand an explanation, but Julieta spoke first.

“I will say this once. Shut up you hija de puta.”

Again no one knew how to respond to that.

“How did you just call…” Alma was about to demand but Julieta, in an aggression she had never displayed before, pushed Alma hardly to the floor.

“I CALLED YOU A HIJA DE PUTA BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE, YOU SORRY EXCUSE OF A PARENT !”

This time everyone let out a huge gasp,at hearing that. Julieta never swore, specially not against Alma.

Alma went to stand up and confront her revel daughter but casita made her slip. Shocking her.

Whatever was happening with Julieta, Casita agreed with her.

“How dare you !” Alma shouted. “How dare you call…”

Julieta slapped a peace of paper on her face.

“Read it ! Read what you did you monster !”

Alma glared at her but read what she was given.

“So….Mirabel has abandoned the family, just like Bruno did, I should have know.”

At that Julieta let out a yell of anger and punched Alma straight on the face.

“Julieta !” Pepa shriked. “That’s our mother !”

“And so ? She hitted Mirabel. She hurt my baby so I am returning the favor. If she can hit a member of the family, so can I.”

She then turned to Alma again.

“Don’t you ever say those words again. My baby didn’t abandon the family. She was forced to leave, because of you !

She glared at Alma with such fury that even her mother had to back down a bit.

“Go on tell me. Did you or did you not abuse my daughter.”

“….I did what had to be done.”

Julieta snarled and went to kick her but Agustin held her.

“Mi Amor please. I want to hit her just as bad as you but a kick like that can seriously harm her at her age.”

“Well she deserves it !”

“I know she does. But I don’t want you to have that in your conscious.”

Julieta took deep breaths and relaxed.

“Listen up you bitch.” She glared at Alma. “I don’t care what you say. For now I refuse to follow your orders. I want you to stay away from Isabela and Luisa and don’t get close to them again ! You hear me !”

“Julieta this is nonesense. I did nothing wrong ! It’s not my fault Mirabel chose to abandon the family !”

“It is your fault you abusive bitch ! You harmed her ! Mentally and physically! All because she didn’t get a stupid gift !”

“Mirabel was a threat to the miracle ! To the candle ! I did what I had to to protect our home and your father’s sacrifice !”

“She was nothing but that ! Mirabel loved this family until we drove her away ! We failed her ! But you won’t see it, because all you care about is that STUPID CANDLE !”

“Don’t you dare disrespect your father, he..”

“He would be ashamed of you ! He gave his life for his family ! Not for this town and a candle. He would never condone what you have done !”

Julieta stepped back. Alma went to reach her but Casita made her slip again. The sentient house was making it clear. It did not side with the matriarch.

Julieta walked to her sister and glared at her. She went to her and slapped her too.

“I expected better from you Pepa. You and your family, except Antonio, treated Mirabel like a curse ! Your own sobrina ! How could you !”

“Julieta listen…”

“I remeber well it was you the one that started the “we don’t talk about Bruno” thing. All because you misunderstood what he said. If I hear you do the same as to mi hija, you won’t end any better than our mother !”

Before Pepa could even reply, a snif was heard.

Antonio looked at his Tia with tears on his eyes.

“Is Mira truly gone ?”

Julieta looked at him and calmed down. Antonio was not only completely blameless, but also probably the biggest victim of this. Mirabel had been his world. She had practically raised him, even more so than his own parents.

“She is Toñito. But please understand it’s not your fault in any way. Mirabel adores you even if she’s gone. She didn’t leave because of you.”

Antonio nodded at his Tia. Camilo tried to put a comforting hand on his shoulder but the little kid pushed it away.

“You all made Mira leave ! She was the most important person to me ! I HATE YOU ALL !” He then glared at Alma. “SPECIALLY YOU YOU MONSTER !” With what he ran away to his room. His pet jaguar following him. Giving everyone but Julieta and Agustin a growl, telling them not to come close to him.

“Why did you do that !” Pepa yelled.

“Told him the truth. It’s not my fault you and Felix aren’t attentive parents. I won’t say I’m perfect, clearly with what happened I’m not, but hey I always showed my girls proper attention. You left Mirabel to raise Antonio so that’s the result. You weren’t a good mother to him Pepa, just like you weren’t a good sister to Bruno and a good aunt to Mirabel, and they both left. I suggest you look at this.”

She turned to the rest of the yellow family.

“And you three are just as bad as her. Horrible tio and primos. Though the worst of you is by far Dolores. You heard what was happening. Heard my mother and certain other hurt my child, and said nothing, remained quiet. You are just as guilty as them, a disgraceful cousin.”

Dolores let out a quiet whimper but Julieta didn’t care. She turned to her own daughters.

Luisa was already crying, and Isabela just looked down.

She turned to her second first. “Luisa darling calm down ok. You weren’t even close to the others. Your only issue was not paying her enough attention and even then, it’s not your fault you are overworked. When you were able to be with her you were a good sister to her. This is not your fault Mija.”

“I…I’m sorry I wasn’t there for her mamá…” Luisa cried.

“I know sweetie. I wish I was there for her too. But I don’t want you taking this burden ok. I’m not mad at you, but just like me and your father, we have to reflect on this, ok ?”

Luisa nodded at her and kept crying.

With that said, she turned to her oldest. And Julieta’s fury was unleashed again.

“As for you Isabela Rosa Madrigal, I have never been more furious and disappointed at any of my children as I am with you right now ! Unlike your sister you are 100% guilty of what happened ! I still can’t believe all the things you did !”

“Mamá I..”

“I care not for your excuses Isabela ! The only reason I haven’t hit you is because I don’t have it in me to hit my daughter ! But let me tell you you would deserve it.”

Isabela knew it was better to just shut up.

“You bullied your sister ! You called her names and dragged her down and…and you even hurt her physically ! How could you do that ! To your own baby sister !”

“It was an accident ! I didn’t mean to harm her ! I felt terrible afterwards !”

“And did you say sorry to her ? If you felt guilty why didn’t you tell us ?”

“….”

“I don’t know what happened to you Isabela. I can’t expect much of the yellow side, Mirabel isn’t theirs. My mother is a selfish person that only cares for her candle so I can’t say I am impressed. But you…..I remeber at time you loved Mirabel more than anyone. And you turned to this ! I raised you better than this.”

Isabela looked down. She couldn’t hold her mother’s eyes.

Beside her Luisa gripped her fists at hearing what her sister had done.

“You are grounded. You are to stay in your room until your father and I come talk to you. I pray you take this time to reflect on what you have done, of what it costed us. I’ll bring you breakfast soon.”

Isabela just nodded and left.

“Julieta there is no need….” Alma said.

“SHUT UP ! THIS WAS ALL YOUR DOING, YOU MADE HER A BULLY.” Julieta yelled at her mother. “I forbid you from speaking to either her or Luisa !”

“I am the matriarch of this family !”

“The matriarch that made two members leave and it will be 6 if she doesn’t do what I say. They are my daughters. I choose what to do with them ! Come on Agustin, I’ll prepare breakfast for us and Luisa. As well as for Isabela and Antonio.”

Julieta walked to the kitchen with her husband gently guiding Luisa.

“Hey !” Camilo yelled. “What about us !”

“Today it’s every family for themselves. Ask your parents to make you something.”

*Present day.*

Ever since then the house was fractured in the inside. Antonio saw it all happening.

Alma ( he refuses to call her abuela) refused to take any responsibility for what happened. Insisting she had done what she had to and that Mirabel was at fault. She even tried to start a “we don’t talk about Mirabel rule” only to be sharply stopped by Tia Julieta and Casita. Since then the two didn’t speak except to fight.

His Mamí (the blood one) tried to speak to her sister but was refused. Antonio too refused to see her own parents and siblings. No one was happy with the yellow family. Tia Julieta was specially angry with Dolores. She refused to even look at her. Antonio followed her. He likes his Tia a lot this days.

Isabela had remained grounded for two days. It would have been more had Alma not insisted enough. Still the oldest child of the blue family was in extremely fragile ice. No one in the family was happy with her, except for Alma of course, and practically no one wanted anything to do with her. Her parents could barely look at her and her sister refused to have anything to do with her. Too Antonio it seems Tia was softer on her because she’s her daughter. But he has no obligation to do that and told Isabela how much he hates her and what a horrible monster is.

Luisa was the only of the younger generation that he still likes. From Mira’s letter it seemed Luisa was never mean to her, just too busy. It wasn’t her fault. Luisa loves Mira, and Antonio still loves Luisa.

Tia Julieta refused to keep cooking for the town all day. Much to Alma’s ire. She only healed those who were either seriously injured, or were always nice to Mira, like the traiders. Antonio decided to follow his Tia and refused to help the community like Abuela wanted too. Thankfully his animal friends kept him safe.

Every night his tíos held a prayer for Mira and he joined them every single time. He really hopes Mira is happy where she is, and that he can see her again in the future.

Still….something didn’t sit right with Antonio.

Most of the family acted like nothing had happened to the town. They still saw them like the perfect family…not the monsters that drove Mira away.

That couldn’t stand. Mira deserves justice !

Antonio hadn’t stand up for her earlier. But he would do now.

He had a bird pick the letter and take it to the town. So the people knew what the Madrigals are really like.

Today was bitter sweet for Mirabel

She was almost done with Moana’s new sail. Which was great because it’s a finished project but…..it also meant she had to leave.

It was understandable. Moana is the heir to her island. She needs to return home.

But she has become her friend and…it’s sad to see her go.

Everyone she talks here is significantly older than her. Moana it the first friend she’s made her age since she left Encanto.

Well..She’s just gonna have to accept it.

“So the sail is ready to go.” Mirabel told Moana.

“Wow it looks so resistant ! That will be perfect to cruise the seas !

“Yeah…it will.”

“….”

“….”

“…..”

“So listen I wanted to say….”

“Come to Motonui with me !”

Wait….WHAT !

“Ugh that was too fast right ? Too fast, stupid Moana !” Moana cursed herself.

“You want me…to come with you.”

“Yeah ! If you want that is, I won’t force you.”

“But why…”

“Listen I’ve been thinking. About your family and all of that. And even here…they are still hunting you.”

“What ! No they are not…”

“Mira. Every morning you mumble a song about La familia Madrigal. I know enough to know what that means.”

“Oh…”

“Look I get it. The past can be really hard to escape. My island was trapped in it for so long, it was a lot of luck that we could leave it behind. But it also took strength, to leave it. I left my island for the first time so we could break from the past.”

“Oh…”

“And well you are really nice ! And I think you would fit right in with us ! My people are really welcoming to everyone. Besides with your skills. Oh boy you can go far. We depend on sewers a lot.”

“Hm…I don’t know. Leaving the country….its all I know. Besides I don’t know how to sail. Hell I can barely swim.”

“I can teach you. I can stay a couple more days. It will be fine !”

“But…”

“Look. I ain’t forcing you. But I,.I want to show you that the rest of the world it’s not like the Madrigals. I want to show you what is beyond the encanto….if you allow me that is.”

Leaving….

One didn’t leave if they had something too lose….but she has no one. Nothing except the memories she wants to escape from.

And she can’t deny…she’s always been curious of the rest of the world.

Maybe…this can be her chance to finally find a miracle. It’s what Abuelo Pedro did.

“Ok….yeah I’ll go with you.” She finally accepted. “I want to see your home…I want to see what truly is beyond.”

“Great !..I mean..Ehem great. So I just need a couple of days to teach you the ropes and we can go ! Trust me, you won’t regret it !”

“Heh.” Mira for some reason, already knew she wasn’t gonna regret it.