#encanto alejandra

[toaverse]

Mamá Mirabel AU

My own (rewritten) version of the mamá Mirabel AU, in which Mira takes care and basically raises Alejandra, Juancho, Cecilia and Antonio

Enjoy!

Ever since her failed ceremony, Mirabel tried very hard to prove to her family that she’s worth something.

But when she was 10, Pepa and Félix decided to take advantage of this, and dumped their newborn son Antonio onto the 10 year old girl to care for, the couple not wanting to be parents again. Besides, it gave that useless brat something to do other than be lazy.

Despite only being 10, Mirabel took good care of her primo, and loved him to bits.

Unfortunately, some of the townspeople got the same idea Pepa and Félix had, and decided to dump their kids onto the 10 year old as well.

In total, Mirabel had to care for 4 babies; Antonio, Juancho, Alejandra and Cecilia.

It obviously was hard caring for 4 young kids when being 10, especially when no one bothered to help you, but Mirabel somehow managed.

It went on for years. Every day, Mirabel had to go to town and take care of the 4 children while their actual parents were doing their chores, gossiping or mostly relaxing…

And obviously, the 4 kids started to see Mirabel as their mamá…

“Mami!” Antonio said, reaching towards Mirabel as little Juancho and Cecilia called her that as well. “Mami!”

Mirabel tried to correct them, saying that she wasn’t their mami, but it was already too late.

And when Alma, Pepa and the other parents found out, all hell broke loose…

[gamerbearmira]

hey this is just another little silly suggestion for the giant siren au if u don’t mind, can I see some loving guppy giving out affection to the older sirens. Like either cuddling into the neck of the caretakers or their families. Maybe Antonio snuggling into his mom or into Mirabel and the other guppies into their parents. Mostly cause I’d like to see more of the other characters and see Antonio just being a sweetie. These giant scary people getting affection from their tiny babies 😊 hehe hope this isn’t too much if so then it’s up to you. no pressure, I really love your art u do a great job at it

OF COURSE I CAN‼️‼️ I WILL DRAW THE SILLIES AND THEIR PARENTS⁉️⁉️⁉️

Tbh I love seeing characters just. Doting in each other my. My favs <33 and only, yeah, lil gups just being absolute sweethearts to giant sea creatures. I love irony

SILLAY…

[miracles-and-butterflies]

In the reincarnation au does the dinner with Alejandra’s family go similar to how the Guzmáns did? Any changes from canon? Who all is there is it just her mother or does she have siblings too

If the cracks are still a thing, I think you mentioned them in a previous ask about this au?

I think there’s a mistake in this ask? Because Reincarnation AU is very, very different universe and none of this applies to it. So I’m going to assume it is actually for the Reversed AU.

The dinner does go down a very similar path to canon, except Mirabel handles the situation differently because she’s grown up.

She doesn’t get up, say anything, force the proposal along, etc. She intervenes more quietly and manages to bribe Dolores to not talk about it; Dolores is happily giggling with Isabela about the promised sweets she’s getting after dinner (if she keeps quiet). Isabela helps her by also playing quiet, though she has no idea why. The two don’t say a word throughout the meal.

Mirabel leaves the dinner early, well, she excuses herself with Alma’s permission. For what looks like just a simple bathroom exit, but in actuality she goes to help Luisa. Meanwhile, the vision shards are stolen from Agustín by Antonio’s animals and put together, the older Madrigals draw their own conclusion about this and accuse Mirabel the moment she steps back into the room.

Cracks start appearing everyone, magic goes haywire… I mean, you’ve seen the scene. You know how it goes from here.

Alejandra has no siblings - just a load of cousins, but they didn’t attend the proposal dinner because that would just be a ridiculous number. All of the Madrigals attended because it was their house, otherwise the extended family also would have sat out. Her parents are the only people from her side of the family in attendance.

[dragoneyes618]

Nothing is as Simple as Black and White

Inspired by the “What if Bruno Madrigal is Carlos de Vil’s father” idea by me and @silverloreley plus this fanfiction by @silverloreleysfanfics.

Carlos hovered nervously at the outskirts of the village.

It looked like a nice little village. Friendly. Peaceful. People bustling around on their everyday business, children playing.

Completely foreign, for an Isle boy.

He scratched Dude between the ears. It had been a hassle, bringing him all the way here - two plane flights, a short boat ride, and a lot of walking, not necessarily in that order - but in Carlos’ opinion it was worth it.

“It’s going to be fine,” he told Dude, rubbing his fur. Dude growled softly in contentment.

“Right,” Carlos continued, emboldened. “We’ll just go in and ask directions to the Madrigal family….there’s a bunch of them, it shouldn’t be too hard to find one…and then we’ll just - well, I’ll just say who I am and ask them to stay and give them the letters he…Oh, forget it,” he said abruptly. His arm dropped to his side. “Who am I kidding?”

Dude barked cheerfully, as though to say, “Me!”

“They don’t even know me,” Carlos muttered. “They probably don’t even know I exist. If they did they would have showed up at Auradon Prep like Snow White did for Evie. They’ll just kick me out and I’ll have to find somewhere else to live for the summer.”

It was hot. He was thirsty. There were birds singing in the trees - even after months in Auradon, he still found that odd - and beautiful, vibrant flowers grew everywhere.

This wouldn’t have been nearly so bad if one of his friends or cousins were with him. But his cousins, of course, were still on the Isle. Carlos had promised to try to get them off, just as Jay had to Jade and Mal had to Hadie and Evie had to Dizzy. But so far, nothing was doing. Being friends with the, admittedly extremely busy, king of Auradon didn’t have as many advantages as Carlos had thought it would. And just being in Auradon didn’t mean they had the power to change things. The newly-arrived and technically on paper not actually in Auradon Freddie Facilier was already getting very impatient.

And his friends weren’t there, because for the summer they weren’t allowed to just live in the dorms. (“We live there the rest of the time!” Mal had argued, but Fairy Godmother had been adamant. “It’s not like the buildings are unfit for human habitation! There’s enough food and running water and plumbing and everything! Why are you looking at me like that? We won’t be lonely, we’ll have each other! We can even catch up on all our schoolwork since we’ll literally be living in the school! What do you mean we need adult supervision and stable family structures?”)

So for the summer, they were all staying with whatever family they had in Auradon. Which wasn’t much.

Evie was staying with Snow White, who was technically her stepsister. From what Carlos had seen so far, the time Snow had come to school to meet Evie and from whatever Evie mentioned about the occasional texts they’d exchanged since then, they seemed to be getting along all right. But then, in a way the Evil Queen was Snow’s mother as well.

Jafar had no known family, so Jay was staying with Coach Jenkins.

Maleficent also had no known family - at least, no known family that could be contacted and was willing to. Unless Mal wanted to wander into the wilderness in Auroria and wait for any fae kin to find her, she was alone, so Ben had convinced his parents to let her stay with them for the summer.

Which left Carlos. The only one of them who had biological family anywhere in Auradon.

Ben had been surprised. “I thought all the de Vils were on the Isle,” he’d said.

“We are,” Carlos had said. “I don’t mean my mother’s family.”

Now, Carlos took a deep breath. “Come on, boy,” he murmured to Dude, slinging his backpack, which contained everything he owned, onto his shoulder. “We might as well get this over with.”

.

Mirabel spun as she danced in the street, laughing. “Come on, dance with me,” she called, and three small figures (usually there would be four, but Tía Pepa had informed Camilo that it was his turn to watch Antonio for the day) ran after her, spinning and dancing to the best of their ability. Which wasn’t much, considering none of them were older than six, but their enthusiasm more than made up for it.

Mirabel liked spending time with the little kids of Encanto. Children were so sweet and adorable and enthusiastic. She played with them and made up games with them and told them stories, and they told her all about the events going on in their lives, competing for her attention, and at least this way she was doing something useful, right?

“Faster!” Mirabel shouted, reaching out her arms; Juancho and Cecilia and Alejandra grabbed her hands - well, Cecilia and Juancho did, Alejandra held both of their hands - and they all spun in a circle until they fell down dizzy, giggling.

“That was fun!” Juancho announced. “Let’s do it again!”

Mirabel stretched in the warmth of the sun and began to sit up.

Her head hit the dirt as she fell over backwards, bowled over by a heavy weight that had materialized on her stomach. She yelped, her vision full of brown fur. Something warm and wet lapped at her face.

The children were laughing and shrieking.

“Dog! Dog!”

“Mirabel! Are you okay?”

“I wanna pet the dog!”

Someone shouted in English, accompanied by running footsteps.

The dog sprawled atop Mirabel shifted, ears perking up. Mirabel tried to sit up again, pushing the dog into her lap and wiping the dog spittle off her face with her sleeve.

A boy of about Mirabel’s age was running forward, his face panicked, calling out in English; Mirabel caught the words no and stop. The dog leapt off Mirabel and bounded over to the boy, tail wagging, as though expecting to be rewarded with treats. The boy gave it an angry look, gesturing to Mirabel, then looked at her nervously as she stood up and brushed her dress off.”

“I’m sorry,” he said in stilted, accented, but understandable Spanish. “He doesn’t usually do this. I am very sorry. Are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” she assured him, but he still looked afraid, like he thought she was going to be furious at him. “No, really, I’m fine! No harm done.”

“Is that your dog?” Cecilia asked.

“Of course it is!” Juancho interrupted before the boy could answer.

The boy looked startled. “Oh - yes, this is my dog. Sorry. Um-”

“Can we pet him?” Alejandra wanted to know.

“Oh - sure - he liked being petted - just be gentle-”

He’d barely gotten a few words out before the dog was laying down with a supremely contented look on its face while the three children gave him belly rubs.

“You’d think they’d never seen a dog before,” Mirabel commented fondly.

“No?” the boy asked.

“I mean, they have, they just get really excited over, well, everything,” Mirabel explained. “Anyway, so…you’re new here?” Clearly, he was; the Encanto didn’t get many visitors, so strangers were instantly recognizable.

“Um, yeah, I’m….My name is Carlos.”

Carlos. That was a Spanish name, but Carlos himself didn’t appear to be. He didn’t look it, and while his Spanish, while fairly good for a foreigner, wasn’t fluent, and his accent wasn’t Colombian either. Perhaps his parents had died when he was young, and he’d been raised elsewhere?

Enough speculation. He was a visitor to the Encanto, and she was the only Madrigal present and so must give him a good impression of the Madrigals and the Encanto. Although that was kind of hard to do with mud all over your skirt.

“I’m Mirabel,” she said. “Nice to meet you.”

Carlos blinked. “I - oh - thanks,” he said. “Um, I’m actually looking for something…someone, I mean, a few people….Would you happen to know where the Madrigal family is?”

Oh. Well. That made sense. To anyone outside the Encanto, the Madrigals were the only notable members inside it, what with the magic most of them possessed. Maybe he needed help, help that only her family’s magic could give him.

“Right here!” Juancho piped up from where he was scratching Carlos’ dog behind the ears.

“What?” Carlos said.

“Mirabel’s a Madrigal,” Alejandra explained.

“Oh!” Carlos, if anything, looked even more nervous. Which was ridiculous, really; no one would ever be wary of her. Not when there was Luisa-Who-Can-Lift-Anything or Dolores-Who-Knows-All-Your-Secrets or Tía Pepa-Armed-With-Lightning (Okay, so Camilo’s imitations were a little funny, she had to admit) to be faced.

Or, once, Tío Bruno. But no one talked about him.

“So….do you want to meet my family?” Mirabel prompted. He’d have to, if he needed their help, but he looked like that was the last thing he wanted to do.

“Um…yes?” Carlos almost squeaked. “Please? If it isn’t too much trouble?”

“Of course it’s not! Come on, Casita - my house - is this way.”

Mirabel led the way. Carlos, who kept glancing at her out of the corner of his eye, followed just behind her, and his dog right behind him, accompanied by the three kids who had apparently decided that said dog was currently their most favorite thing in the world. (“Look! He licked my hand! He likes me! Look, he lets me pet him! That’s nothing, he lets all of us pet him! Ooh, look, he’s smiling at me! Dogs don’t smile! Yes they do! Isn’t he smiling, Juancho?”)

“So, um…Mirabel.” Carlos swallowed. “Could you…tell me about your family?”

“Sing him the song!” Alejandra called from behind them.

They both turned. “The song?” Carlos asked.

Mirabel shrugged. “A while ago I made up a little song about my family, to sing for the kids around town. I guess they liked it.”

“We LOVED it!” Juancho announced, jumping up and down; Mirabel wondered if he’d been at the coffee again. “Sing it again! Please!”

“You have to sing it, for him,” Cecilia pointed out. “Because he doesn’t know your family.”

Mirabel gave a half-laugh. “Oh, all right, but only if we keep walking.” Somewhat self-consciously, she began her song.

She sang of how her family had been blessed, how they used their gifts to keep the Encanto safe and flourishing. She sang of her Abuela who led the family and the village, who had received the miracle so many years ago, through her own love and grief; of Tía Pepa, who could control the very weather with her emotions, calling up a storm in a rage or a rainbow in bliss; of Tío Bruno, the prophet long gone (Carlos flinched); of her mother, the kindest, gentlest soul in the Encanto, with the gift of healing to match; of her father and Tío Felix, who both proclaimed that they’d become the happiest men alive the moment they’d married their respective wives.

Moving on to her generation, she began with Dolores, who could hear a pin drop from the other side of the village. Then on to Camilo, who could change shape at will and perfectly imitate anybody he saw. Antonio, soon to receive his gift. Señorita Perfecta Isabela, beautiful and graceful, who could grow any kind of flower, anywhere. Luisa, gifted with superstrength.

“Wow,” Carlos said when Mirabel had finished. “That’s….a lot.”

“It is,” Mirabel agreed wholeheartedly.

“So what’s your gift?”

Mirabel’s heart sank down to her toes. She’d hoped he wouldn’t ask that.

“Mirabel didn’t get one,” Cecilia informed him.

“No?”

“Nope!” Juancho chimed in. “She’s the only Madrigal not to get one! No one knows why.”

“Oh,” he said. “Uh. Sorry.”

“It’s all right,” she assured him. It made sense that he would ask. The questions - at least the first questions, the ones of “What’s your gift?” and “You didn’t get a gift?” didn’t bother her; they were only to be expected. What did bother her were the ones like “So why do you think you didn't get a gift?”

“Anyway!” she said with some relief. “Here we are!”

Mirabel led him into the courtyard. Juancho, Cecilia, and Alejandra offered to stay at the gate and watch his dog. Carlos said, in English, “Stay, Dude!” to his dog, who plopped himself right down for some more belly rubs.

“Mirabel!” her mother called, coming through the door. “Where have you b- Oh! Who’s this?” She gave Carlos a surprised, almost spooked look.

“This is Carlos,” Mirabel said. “He’s from…” She realized that Carlos hadn’t actually told her where he was from. “Anyway, he wanted to talk to all of you, and I said I would bring him to meet you? He needs our help.” Carlos didn’t contradict her.

Mama blinked several times. “Hello, Carlos. It’s nice to meet you. I’m sorry - it’s just that you reminded me of someone for a moment. Come right in; Mirabel, bring him to the living room, Abuela will see him there.”

Mirabel led him through the hallway, past Tío Felix, whose eyes widened; past Dolores, who poked her head out of a doorway, squeaked, and pulled herself back in; past her father, who dropped the stack of plates he was holding and shooed them both away when they tried to help him pick them up; past Luisa, who was juggling dumbbells; and past the kitchen, where her father had deposited his miraculously unbroken plates and was whispering loudly to her mother “Doesn’t he look a bit like-” before finally reaching the living room.

Sometimes she wished she’d been born into a normal family.

“You can sit if you want,” she offered. She didn’t usually entertain guests and had no clue of what to do.

Carlos jumped a little, said “Thanks,” and sat down gingerly on the very edge of the sofa.

Abuela walked in, took one look at Carlos, and demanded “Who are you?”

Carlos quailed, but drew himself up and answered “Carlos de Vil.”

Devil? Wasn’t that the English for Diablo? What kind of name was that?

“A-are y-you Doña Alma Madrigal?” Carlos stuttered. Mirabel thought he was trembling. He looked terrified.

“I am,” Abuela answered, but before she could say anything else Carlos reached into his pocket and withdrew several grubby, folded pieces of paper; sealed envelopes. He unfolded one, then another, and handed that one to Abuela.

“This is for you,” was all he said.

The envelope was labeled, simply, Mamá.

.

"Oh, Dios mío!” Mirabel gasped. “You’re C!”

“You’re C?” Camilo asked. “You must be!”

“He’s C!” Dolores agreed. “Wow, I never thought we’d actually meet him!”

Carlos looked overwhelmed, like he quite wished no one would be paying any attention to him. Unfortunately, the exact opposite was the case. “C?”

The entire family was crowded into the kitchen. Mama and Tía Pepa were hugging each other, weeping about their poor Brunito, the letters Carlos had delivered to them from him clutched in their hands. Abuela was sitting in her seat, reading her own letter over and over, as though trying to discern some hidden meaning in the words.

Carlos himself was sitting at the table with the heaping plateful of food Julieta had demanded he eat before interrogating him about his father and ripping open her own letter to read. So far, he’d eaten very little of it.

Papa and Tío Felix were huddled together, whispering.

Mirabel and her sisters and cousins were all crowded around poor Carlos.

“You got a door,” Isabela explained. “To your room in Casita, and you would have received your gift when you opened it. It had your initial on it, so we knew you existed, and that your name started with C. But that was all we knew about you. And you weren’t there to open it, so your door disappeared.” She hesitated. “You do know about the doors and the gifts, right?”

Carlos nodded jerkily. “He told me. But I thought it was just a story, then.”

Antonio interrupted them all to come up and wrap his arms around Carlos and the chair Carlos was sitting in. “A new cousin!” he proclaimed. “Hi, new cousin! I’m Antonio!”

“Uh - hi, Antonio,” Carlos said, sitting very stiffly and ill at ease, seemingly uncomfortable.

“Do we also get to meet a new tía?” Antonio wanted to know, still keeping his small arms wrapped around Carlos’ stomach.

“What?” Dolores asked.

“If we have a new cousin,” Antonio explained, “then we also have a new tia! Is she visiting, too? Can we meet her?” He looked around expectantly, as though waiting for the cousins’ new tia to come walking in.

“No!” Carlos snapped, and then again, calmer, gingerly removing Antonio’s arms from they were wrapped around him, “No. You won’t meet her. You can’t meet her. She’s not here.”

Mirabel remembered when Carlos’ door had appeared, only about a year after her own failed ceremony. She’d been so excited, because she’d thought she would finally be getting a gift, after all. But then the door hadn’t even been for her.

She’d been jealous, at first. She had been born and raised in Casita and got no gift or room at all, while the cousin the rest of them knew nothing about would have gotten a room and gift of his own - or would have had, if he’d been there to open his door. But he hadn’t been, so his door had faded as well.

But she’d also felt a strange kinship. After all, the mysterious C was also a giftless Madrigal. There had been no C to open the door. No C to receive a gift. She wasn’t the only Madrigal without a gift, then.

Every year, the Madrigal cousins marked the date the door had appeared as C’s birthday. It was a day of tense silences, a day to be lost in thought, just like the triplets’ birthday was, and Mirabel’s birthday, and a random day near the beginning of November that they had eventually realized was the day Tío Bruno had been taken away.

She’d always wondered if one day, somehow, she would get to meet the mysterious C. And now, here he was.

This is a week or so before Antonio receives his gift.

I figure that Carlos would know some Spanish because if and when Bruno was present in his childhood, he would have spoken it to him. Also, once he found out he’s getting sent to Encanto for the summer, he would have tried to learn some; he’s smart, he’s picked up at least the basics by now.

As an aside, according to Return to the Isle of the Lost, Carlos’ middle name is Oscar. And what was Bruno’s name originally in some early concept art? Oscar.

[cloudly-moonlight]

There is part two.

[achitka]

Change is Good?

Chapter 21: Change is Good?

Summary:

This is a excerpt from my fic "Doors" I have a bit of a toothache and focusing is an issue so since this part of that Chapter (La Señora de Los Dolores) has to do with Luisa (whom I adore) and I'm messing with her Gift...I decided it could be here as well. Camilo found his way in there too...Good on him. Hope you don't mind.

Luisa ran through town only stopping long enough to get her father and Tío's attention. When they reached the house, they were joined shortly by her mother, Camilo, Tía Pepa, Mariano and Abuela. Alejandra's mother was also there, she was very close to being frantic. As the other parents arrived, the doctor spoke with them and asked them to move a little further down the street, to give the workers room. They protested at first, but her Abuela stepped in and after a few minutes was able to persuade them to do as the doctor asked. Luisa, her father Camilo and Tío Félix stepped through the unfinished doorway and called out to the children.

There was no answer so she said, "Dolores, are we in the right house?" *yes* Luisa blinked; it sounded like Dolores was right next to her. She turned to her Tío, "Dolores says this is the right house." He was giving her a look and she added, "I'll explain later how I can hear her."

Her Tío nodded and someone handed him a flashlight. He looked at it and a voice behind them said, "Just push the switch." It was the doctor, so her Tío did and was impressed with the amount of light the gadget gave off. He pointed it up and they saw a portion of the roof had collapsed. He followed it down until he saw a small shoe. He peered behind it and grunted. "They're here." He waived to Luisa and asked her to gently lift but not move aside the large piece of ceiling.

Luisa moved very carefully as her Tío shined the light on the most problematic spot and she saw that the roof over the kids was barely holding. She needed to brace that so she put one arm under the roof above and with her other arm, slowly lifted the part blocking access to the children.

"A little higher, Lulu," her Tío said and Luisa nodded and put her foot under the raised portion using that to gently lift the stone higher. She continued this until she heard a cracking sound and she froze. The slab in her hand had snapped where she was holding it and it terrified her that the rest of the roof would come down on them. "I don't think I can move it higher, Tío."

"I'll fit," it was Camilo and he shifted to a third of his normal size and slid under with only a little trouble.

She heard Alejandra mumble as she appeared head first from under the slab.

"I got you," she heard her father say as Camilo passed her under the wall to him. Next was Cecelia, she wasn't making any noise. Last was Juancho, he was wide awake and clearly terrified. Camilo shushed him saying it was going to be okay and he was proud of how brave he'd been, keeping his friends safe. Just a little longer. Just gotta get out here first.

"Okay, Luisa. Camilo is clear, let it down slow," her Tío said.

"I will, but it's not gonna hold. Have everyone get out, it won't hurt if it falls on me."

"Right."

From the door she heard her father say, "Okay Luisa. Gently now."

Luisa knew when she set it down the wall would split in half where her hand was. That crack was why she'd stopped moving. She let go of both pieces at once and the roof finished collapsing with a crash of breaking tiles and rock. Luisa pushed a rock off her leg and went outside. A cheer went up from the gathered crowd and Luisa just blushed and waved. She took a few steps and felt a twinge. Then her mother was there, frowning, looking at her leg at the same time handing her a buñuelo. Luisa looked down and saw there was a long gash along her calf and she was bleeding quite a bit.

Luisa popped the sweet into her mouth and the skin and muscle began to knit themselves together leaving behind, nothing. Not even a line to show where the rock hit her.

"Please be more careful in the future, Luisa," her mother said.

"I'm sorry Mamá, guess I'm out of practice," Luisa said. Normally she wouldn't have felt anything. But it was a new miracle...had her gift changed?

The doctor came up then, his clothes were torn in places and there was blood on his shirt but there was no sign of injury. "The other two children are waking up Señora Madrigal."

"Please, call me Julieta," she said.

He nodded, "As you wish it, Julieta," he said and guided her further down the street where the children were arranged with their parents.

Camilo was gone and Luisa's father came up then and said, "You all right Lulu?" He asked this as he took her arm. She nodded. Luisa did feel a bit fatigued. More changes? Or was it because she'd not tried to maintain her strength. There was concern on her father's face when he said, "Let's get you home, Lulu." She nodded and she allowed herself to be led away from the crowd.

[junosaccount]

✨Happy New Year ✨

[tboycamilo]

they are a family. understand the vision

[lethal-amigos]

@my-gunpowder beautifully drew a scene of a roleplay scenario we did where Alejandra finds out about the affair with Chepe and Jose. And Chepe will finally confess his love in public to Jose 😭.

"Yes you have... you've done a lot. Is that all you've come for? You roll in like a bandit and destroy families and leave? I also heard you took another victim from the Madrigals." She looks away and thinks about all the signs and hints since his return. "Though Chepe isn't innocent as well." She looks bitter and sighs. "I think a part of me knew he never let you go...it all makes sense"

Fyi, it was Pepa who told Alejandra of the affair 🤭 and Chepe had retuned home when it was revealed. But that will be a later story to tell.

[misspotato82]

Cecilia has brown eyes now YIPEEE:333

[toaverse]

Au where Pepa was infertile and the kids were Julieta's and Bruno's (Bruno with Dolores, Mirabel and Antonio and Julieta with Isabela, Luisa and Camilo)

Okay!

@cartoon-lovers-world here it is!

Pepa didn’t like to admit it, but she was jealous, really jealous.

Seeing how happy her sister and brother were with their kids, seeing Julieta’s and Ozma’s stomaches while they were pregnant. Knowing that she couldn’t have that joy of having a child, sharing that with Félix… it made her mad…

She always wanted children, and showed it by how she interacted with Isabela and Dolores, but as hard as she and Félix tried and tried, it didn’t seem to work…

Pepa’s jealousy grew, and started to lash out at Mirabel because of it. Though she stopped and apologized to her niece after Bruno called her out on her behavior.

As the years passed, Pepa accepted the fact that; no, she and Félix couldn’t have children, biologically at least. So, the couple focused on serving the village, as well as babysitting their nieces and nephews when Julieta, Agustín, Bruno or Ozma needed a break.

But one day, when Pepa was 45, the tragic news broke that three separate babies were orphaned.

There was baby Juancho, who was abandoned by his parents who didn’t want children. Baby Alejandra, who’s mother passed away during childbirth without a father in the picture. And baby Cecilia, who’’s mother left the Encanto and her father suddenly became I’ll and tragically passed…

Hearing the news, the Madrigals were shocked, and devastated for the babies.

Alma immediately asked the town who would willingly raise the children.

But Pepa interfered.

“Félix and I will raise them.” She said with clear determent. She didn’t want those three kids to grow up with parents who felt forced to take care of them. She wanted to offer them a home.

“Are you sure, Pepa?” Alma asked. She wasn’t complaining, but she wanted to make sure her daughter knew what she was doing.

“Yes, Mamá.” Pepa said, Félix nodding as well.

So, it was decided. Alejandra, Cecilia and Juancho would be raised by the warm couple.

And three doors appeared.

Pepa and Félix raised the three kids, with love and care.

They adopted them around the time when Antonio was born, so the townspeople and some of the Madrigals called the four kids “the quadruplets”.

When the kids turned 5, gift ceremonies arrived. Antonio got the gift of speaking to animals, Juancho got super-speed, Cecilia could communicate and control insects, and Alejandra had flight.

Pepa and Félix couldn’t be happier for their kids.

Finally, they had their family😊

[gamerbearmira]

Giant Mer Siren questions

Do guppies go to school? If so, do they eat Livyatan (large prehistoric whale) and megalodon(prehistoric shark) for lunch? I’m using these big prehistoric animals because I’m convinced a swarm of guppies can make a whale disappear in less than a millisecond like piranhas. 

Or, do guppies eat during lessons? Like say teachers leave a pile of fish near each student in case they get hungry. (a cute little idea i had is the guppies swimming around like a school of fish for field trips and such. Or, they ride on a giant mer sirens back like in finding nemo)

Do teen mer sirens still eat every 5 minutes or do they eat regularly? I’m asking because teens grow a lot as it is and I know giant teen sirens are still growing to be full grown. 

Do giant sirens keep some creatures as pets? Like Julieta has clownfish, Bruno has sea horses, and pepa has tiger fish? Or do they keep large creatures as pets like Livyatan, Megalodons, giant squid, etc? 

Do you mind if I do some world building around your au? Most of it has to do with the different types of sea people. 

I got you⁉️⁉️

So school isn’t really a thing. If there’s guppies gathered in one place, it’s more like a daycare. Usually one of the teenagers or adults stick with the guppies and kinda follow them around, make sure they don’t wander off or something. And yes. A group of guppies, even only 4, can easily take down something as big as a whale in a matter of minutes. Mind you the daycare can last for a few days, because most the time the guppies are only there because the adults are hunting and can’t watch them. So whoever is watching gets to deal with a bunch of hungry guppies 👹👹

Also fun fact that I never mentioned by siren guppies are. Freakishly strong. It’s terrifying tbh. It's worse when they're hungry, cause despite being somewhat weak in terms of stamina, physically, they are way too busted 😭

Yes they do eat. All the time. Whoever is watching has to constantly have a source of food or has to be able to quickly supply food. Consequently, if they don’t, the guppies will take matters into their own hands. And trust, that’s not something you want to happen <333

Kind of? The teens eat a lot still, but not nearly as much as guppies do. They can hold off longer, and usually they’re fine if they don’t eat, they don’t lose that much energy and aren’t weak. Nor are they in danger of going into their human forms.

Yes, they can have pets! They can be just about anything that can be tamed. Bruno does keep several sea horses around, and the other family, it varies. They can have big pets, but they’re kind of uncommon. They’re hard to tame, except ones like whales and all that. It’s not uncommon, however, for full schools of fish be something like pets. Just keep them away from the guppies 💀

And yes! Go ahead and world build, I don’t mind :)

[miracles-and-butterflies]

I think I missed something. What's the Reversed AU again? Who is Alejandra?

No worries!

The Reversed AU is another age swap. With Antonio as the eldest of the grandkids, Isabela as the youngest, etc.

Alejandra (from the three kids that question Mirabel at the start of the film) is also aged up here and plays the role of Antonio’s love interest/fiancé.

[cartoon-lovers-world]

Encanto ladies (and kiddos) appreciation post

I had to put Cecilia because she's Antonio's future wife (i mean, c'mon, it's just a tiny version of Pepa and Félix, but not as kids, of course), and i would've felt so bad if i didn't add Alejandra too

[oncexinxmyxdreams]

Encanto OC Event Week 2: Mercedes and her twins. Madre e Hijas

Week of relationships! Not sure what to put here. Mom and daughters each designed their own Mochila bag. Mercedes painted flowers. Alejandra decorates her with ribbons, cords and a bead chain. Francisca, she didn't design hers. Alejandra made her a chain out of green glass beads to dress it up.

Let's start at the beginning! Mercedes was shocked and numb realizing she got pregnant so fast after marrying Pablo. (It was just one time!) He was too, but still cheerful and reassuring. His mother, Perla, eventually realizing Mercedes was forced into the marriage when told otherwise, offered comfort. Mercedes steadily grew happy and took one day at a time. It wasn't an easy pregnancy with aches and nausea. While the family was out of town for the day, working out details for their cantina, Mercedes realized she was in labor and gave birth alone. The family came home just in time to find a minute old Francisca snuggled against her tearful, but overjoyed mother. They were able to assist with Alejandra's birth and good thing because she was breech!

Though Mercedes and Pablo discussed names, she chose them. She'd always loved the name Alejandra. It sounded like a brave and kind heroine for a romantic novel. Francisca was a possible name, but not expected. Everyone guessed the twins were both boys or one each. (Sons were common in the Salazar line.) Mercedes might've named her firstborn Alejandra. Yet when she first held her baby, she knew her name was Francisca. She could never explain it.

Mercedes and Alejandra were most alike. They're similar in creativity: both enjoying art while Mercedes was a painter with Alejandra making jewelry and glass. Right down to the full lips, dark brown hair, face shape, and jade green eyes, they look near copies. They're close in personality being caring souls and hopeful though Alejandra clings to the past instead of looking forward. Together they enjoyed doing craft projects, cooking and fixing each other's hair.

Mercedes at first worried about Francisca. Her firstborn crawled and walked later than her twin. She fretted that she did something wrong. However, things changed when Francisca was a toddler. So much changed that Mercedes was confused. She wasn't sure why Francisca wasn't physically affectionate or didn't play like other kids. However, she soon figured her child's growing personality and could read between the lines. Francisca could be loving: more with words and would give hugs though not as warm or often like her sister. She preferred solving puzzles for fun. Mother and daughter had their own way to bond. Mercedes would try playing chess with her and they'd guess riddles. They could have deep conversation about things Francisca couldn't understand. Mercedes always gave attention to Francisca's migraines. She tried every home remedy she learned and comforted her.

Both daughters loved her dearly. They appreciated her hard work, love and strength. Besides, her cooking was great! All three did chores together; gardening was a favorite. They all liked running errands or just taking long walks. After the marriage annulled, the twins showed their mother extra support. Alejandra would cook breakfast so Mercedes could sleep later after night shifts. Francisca worked for extra pay. She also wasn't afraid to stand up for her mom when needed. There were rumors going round that it was Mercedes's fault that Pablo's marriage was annulled. "She must've failed as a wife for him to cheat!" Remember how I said Francisca wasn't afraid to call BS when she saw it?

Mercedes loved both her twins equally and appreciated their differences. She never pitted against each other or have them worry about favorites. Like a good mother, it broke her heart to see them in pain be it physical or mental. She was proud of them, but like any parent was concerned. She knew their flaws and guided to wise choices. She wanted Francisca to have more compassion. (This partially influenced Francisca's work in medicine.) She hoped Alejandra would gain confidence in herself.

Mercedes was upset that Pablo didn't contact their children, but decided she'd fill the roles of both parents. She did her best right to her last breath. Rest assured, she'd be thrilled to know her daughters meet the Madrigals, especially Bruno. He'd be surprised that one of them shares the name of his favorite telenovela heroine: Francisca.

@encanto-extended-edition

Don't worry I'll get to the friendships they each have with Bruno. 😉

[achitka]

Doors (Chapter 23) La Señora de Los Dolores

I have not given enough screen time to Dolores…mostly because I found it problematical to demonstrate her Gift in words…I also haven't messed with her POV since much earlier chapters. I am a bit of a slacker. Hopefully this chapter will remedy some of that -

Dolores was just about to take a bite of her sandwich when she heard it. A collective of folks were really wound up and the overlap of the voices always meant trouble. She tilted her head and used her Gift to focus on one in particular. Señora Guzman was shouting to someone. Probably from her veranda since her voice was not bouncing off anything.

(What do you mean missing?)

(Yes, have you seen them? They were supposed to come to my house for lunch today, but they didn't come…) that was Alejandra's mother (…when I checked with Juancho and Cecelia's mother's they said they'd not seen them either. We've already checked all the places they normally go and no one's seen them…)

"Dolores?" Abuela said when she noticed she was sitting frozen with her head tilted, mouth open, holding up her sandwich. Still listening, Dolores held up her other hand and set down the sandwich. She closed her eyes to shut out the sound around her and let in a few more voices.

(…I saw them down by the school this morning…) Camilo

(When was that?) Alejandra's mother

(Uh…around nine, they were playing on the playground when I came out of the school around eleven thirty…)

(I can help too!) it was Antonio, he whistled and Dolores winced, there was the sound of many bird wings (Pico, I need you and the rest of the birds to look for my friends…)

There was squawk and chitter (Yes, those guys. They might be lost in the forest or something and maybe three calls if you see them…) additional squawking (Oh, you're right, okay send the others off and you can tell Nadia too…)

(Camilo, what's happening?...) Tío Agustín and Mira together.

(Juancho, Alejandra and Cecelia are missing. No one's seen them since they followed me to the school this morning…) Camilo

(Oh, thank heavens…) Señora Guzman (Mirabel can you please go and let your Abuela know what's happening, and have her come into town with Mariano?…)

There was a pause then (Okay…) Mira said then another pause (Dolores, I know you're already listening. Can you let Abuela know? And then meet me in my room? There's something there I think you can help me with…)

Dolores opened her eyes and said, "Three children are missing and they've started a search. Tío Agustín is helping to organize. Your mother," she said to Mariano, "is asking for you and Abuela to come into town."

Nadia, Dolores remembered was the head eagle in Antonio's room. Pico was coming and she let out a squeak as she hurriedly got up and started for the stairs. Mariano and Abuela were up as well. "I'll be right back," she said over her shoulder, "I have to open Antonio's door." She was sprinting now and pushed his door open in time to see Pico making a beeline for it, the bird landed just inside and began squawking furiously. There was an answering cry from the eagles and Pico promptly turned around and took off toward the forest. Six eagles in all swooped past Dolores and then things quieted, though there were more birds leaving her brother's room. Mariano and Abuela were looking at her from the plaza and Dolores said, "Mira asked me to wait here for her, so I'll catch up with you both later."

Mariano nodded and headed for the door, Abuela hesitated for just a moment then she too started for the already open door. The door closed and Dolores went to Mira's room and gently knocked before opening it. Dolores came in and moved to the side. Someone else was coming and from the sound of the footsteps it was Luisa. She noted Casita had moved the furniture out to the walls and Mirabel was there just starting to roll up the carpet in her room with her back to her.

There was another knock and the door opened and Luisa stepped inside, "Mira, do you know what's happening? I heard Pico screeching all the way in my room. Is Antonio, okay?"

"Antonio's fine. He's with Camilo in town. Three other kids are missing though and I came home so I wouldn't distract anyone who is searching." Mirabel sounded irritated as she struggled with the rug.

"Oh, right," Luisa said and took two steps and rolled the carpet in one motion, "Should I go help?"

"Thanks, no not yet, I need your help with this," Mirabel said and stood up. She noticed Dolores and smiled. "Hi, Dolores."

Luisa turned and waved, "Sorry, Dol didn't see you there."

"That's alright. What did you need me for Mirabel?"

"This," Mirabel said, hands on her hips. She was looking at the floor and for the first time Dolores noticed the small points of light moving around on it.

"Are those…people?"

"I think so," Mirabel said, "Only problem is we don't know who is who."

"How can I help with that?"

"You know, I'm not sure, but I was thinking of all the times you rooted me out of what ever hiding place I'd picked to hang around in when I was little. I always thought I was being super quiet, but you always found me, no matter how far I went."

Dolores did remember. Mirabel had gained the habit of wandering off when she was sad after her Gift Ceremony. It didn't matter who was looking after her, she was just really good at doing what she wanted. Dolores noticed it was Casita that was aiding and abetting her prima. Opening a door or the back gate. Most times she would go out in the woods behind Casita and sit in her favorite tree. She'd cry as quietly as she could asking the tree why she wasn't good enough. After the first few months that happened, Abuela had Luisa pull the tree down so she couldn't do that anymore. Mirabel would just stubbornly find a different spot. Each time Abuela would try to stop her from doing it by ruining whatever Mira built to make it her own.

While Abuela said it was so Mirabel wouldn't get lost or hurt, Dolores was not so sure. She talked to her mother about it and her mother told her, from then on, to bring Mira back but to bring her to her Mamá instead of Abuela. Once Abuela started hyper focusing on Isabela she stopped caring where Mira was every minute of the day. It was hard to tell if Mira thought this was a good thing or a bad thing because for the most part she didn't interact with the family as much. Stuck at home she took to learning what Casita was saying and sometimes she would play with Camilo, but eventually Abuela even separated her from him. So, it was just Casita Mira had to talk to.

Dolores remembered how once school started, Mira happy to be out and about would often stay in town and play, mostly alone, trying her best to be that perfect non-magical Madrigal. It was right about then that Camilo started acting up in school, but it wasn't until later when she heard him talking with his prima on the way home that she realized why. If everyone thought he was in detention, then he could do whatever he wanted to before he'd be expected to do chores. Her little brother had found a loop hole and Dolores was not about to mess that up.

The door opened again and Isa came in breathing heavily, "Okay, what…" she stopped and took a deep breath, "what are we doing?"

"You okay, Isa?" Luisa asked.

"Yeah, yeah, just ran all the way here. I'm alright," Isa said sitting on the bed. Dolores noticed Isa's heart was beating very fast. Faster than it should be.

Mirabel looked at her sister and shook her head. She turned back to the floor, eyes flitting about and she said, "Dolores, do you think you can tell which of these might be Abuela, or Mariano or his mother?"

Dolores was now very curious if she could, in fact, tell where someone was just by listening but not being out in the town. This was something she never really tried to do without having a general idea of where that person was. She focused her hearing on the town and her eyes on the image. She heard Mariano's voice and could almost see his face as she smiled and pointed to a light that was moving through an alley. "That's Mariano."

"You sure?" Mira asked.

"Yes." Dolores said with growing confidence.

"Okay, Casita is there a way to label that light?" Mira asked. The tiles near the window clattered questioningly. "Yeah, words would be too long and hard to read, how about, I don't know, maybe just his face?" Tiles bumped along with the floor board and a tiny face appeared. It moved along the alley stopping at the windows and doors depicted.

"My goodness, that is just adorable," Mirabel said with a giggle.

"Mira there are hundreds of people in the Encanto, it will take too long to do this one at a time," Luisa said sitting next to Isa.

"Yeah, I know, but it is kinda cool though."

Out of curiosity, Dolores reached out and touched the light floating around with Mariano and pulled her hand back with a frown and small squeak, "That was odd."

"What was?" Mira asked.

"When I touched that light there," and she pointed, "it was not who I expected." Dolores had assumed it was Abuela or Mariano's mother. Turned out it was neither.

"You can tell who they are by touching them?" Luisa asked.

"Ummm, more like I can hear the them," Dolores said, frown deepening.

"But can't you already hear them?" Mira asked.

"Yes, but that's not what I mean. I can only hear them. Everything else went quiet."

"Wow, that is odd," Mirabel said kneeling close to the floor and poking it a few times, "I don't hear anything."

"So, who was it?" Isa asked from the bed.

"Acacia López," Dolores said flatly and almost felt angry. She knew Mariano was completely devoted to her, but she did not like the thought of that one being with him for any reason. Acacia was quite sure she was the one Mariano wanted to be with and had often said inflammatory and derogatory things to her about Isa's relationship with Mariano. She didn't want to know what venom that one was spreading about her so she made a point of not hearing her.

"That little snake," Isa said and slid off the bed next to her. "I should wrap her in vines and squeeze her 'til her beady eyes pop out."

Dolores suppressed a smile and gave Isa a gentle shove, "I don't think that would be the best idea Isa."

"Oh, it would at least shut her the-"

"Guys, can we talk about this later?" Luisa said, "We're supposed to be working on finding those kids."

Dolores noticed that Mirabel had moved on to another section of town where no one was supposed to be living yet. There were a bunch of half-finished houses and though there shouldn't be any lights there; Mira said she thought she saw three tiny and very dim lights. It made Dolores wonder if that meant they were hurt.

"Dolores, come and touch these." Mira said waving to her and pointing to one spot in particular.

She did but shook her head. "I don't hear anything, wait…" she said, brow furrowing. "No, I can hear breathing," she touched another, "All three are but it sounds too slow for little kids."

"I can go," Luisa said.

"Wait, there's one more thing, Dolores, I know this is gonna sound weird but if you can hear Mariano, maybe he can hear you?" Mirabel said, "Try it, and if he can, without freaking out, have him get Mamá and meet Luisa there."

Dolores nodded then tentatively touched the face of her beloved and said, "Mariano, can you hear me?" she took her finger off the face and heard; (Dolores?) "He can," Dolores said excitedly. "Oh," She put her finger back down and said, "Mariano, we think we know where the kids are. But they may be hurt so you'll need to find Tía Julieta, Luisa's on her way now. From where you are now, go…ten streets west and look in the fifth house on the right." (I understand, mi amor) "He's on his way."

"I'm out," Luisa said and was out the door.

---------------------------

Luisa ran through town only stopping long enough to get her father and Tío's attention. When they reached the house, they were joined shortly by her mother, Camilo, Tía Pepa, Mariano and Abuela. Alejandra's mother was also there, she was very close to being frantic. As the other parents arrived, the doctor spoke with them and asked them to move a little further down the street, to give the workers room. They protested at first, but her Abuela stepped in and after a few minutes was able to persuade them to do as the doctor asked. Luisa, her father Camilo and Tío Félix stepped through the unfinished doorway and called out to the children.

There was no answer so she said, "Dolores, are we in the right house?" *yes* Luisa blinked; it sounded like Dolores was right next to her. She turned to her Tío, "Dolores says this is the right house." He was giving her a look and she added, "I'll explain later how I can hear her."

Her Tío nodded and someone handed him a flashlight. He looked at it and a voice behind them said, "Just push the switch." It was the doctor, so her Tío did and was impressed with the amount of light the gadget gave off. He pointed it up and they saw a portion of the roof had collapsed. He followed it down until he saw a small shoe. He peered behind it and grunted. "They're here." He waived to Luisa and asked her to gently lift but not move aside the large piece of ceiling.

Luisa moved very carefully; Her Tío shined the light on the most problematic spot and she saw that the roof over the kids was barely holding. She needed to brace that so she put one arm under the roof above and with her other arm, slowly lifted the part blocking access to the children.

"A little higher, Lulu," her Tío said and Luisa nodded and put her foot under the raised portion using that to gently lift the stone higher. She continued this until she heard a cracking sound and she froze. The slab in her hand had snapped where she was holding it and it terrified her that the rest of the roof would come down on them. "I don't think I can move it higher, Tío."

"I'll fit," it was Camilo and he shifted to a third of his normal size and slid under with only a little trouble.

She heard Alejandra mumble as she appeared head first from under the slab.

"I got you," she heard her father say as Camilo passed her under the wall to him. Next was Cecelia, she wasn't making any noise. Last was Juancho, he was wide awake and clearly terrified. Camilo shushed him saying it was going to be okay and he was proud of how brave he'd been and keeping his friends safe. Just a little longer. Just gotta get out here first.

"Okay, Luisa. Camilo is clear, let it down slow," her Tío said.

"I will, but it's not gonna hold. Have everyone get out, it won't hurt if it falls on me."

"Right."

From the door she heard her father say, "Okay Luisa. Gently now."

Luisa knew when she set it down the wall would split in half where her hand was. That crack was why she'd stopped moving. She let go of both pieces at once and the roof finished collapsing with a crash of breaking tiles and rock. Luisa pushed a rock off her leg and went outside. A cheer went up from the gathered crowd and Luisa just blushed and waved. She took a few steps and felt a twinge. Then her mother was there, frowning, looking at her leg at the same time handing her a buñuelo. Luisa looked down and saw there was a long gash along her calf and she was bleeding quite a bit.

Luisa popped the sweet into her mouth and the skin and muscle began to knit themselves together leaving behind, nothing. Not even a line to show where the rock hit her.

"Please be more careful in the future, Luisa," her mother said.

"I'm sorry Mamá, guess I'm out of practice," Luisa said. Normally she wouldn't have felt anything. But it was a new miracle...had her gift changed?

The doctor came up then, his clothes were torn in places and there was blood on his shirt but there was no sign of injury. "The other two children are waking up Señora Madrigal."

"Please, call me Julieta," she said.

He nodded, "As you wish it, Julieta," he said and guided her further down the street where the children were arranged with their parents.

Camilo was gone and Luisa's father came up then and said, "You all right Lulu?" He asked this as he took her arm. She nodded. Luisa did feel a bit fatigued. More changes? Or was it because she'd not tried to maintain her strength. There was concern on her father's face when he said, "Let's get you home, Lulu." She nodded and she allowed herself to be led away from the crowd.

-------------------------

Dolores watched Mirabel as she paced watching the lights on the floor. Dolores had spent a little more time naming some of the lights and Isa was watching the tiny bodiless heads float about occasionally making tiny flowers appear in their hair. Dolores wondered if they flowers appeared in real life or if Isa was just dressing up the faces.

"They're out," Dolores said clapping her hands and smiling. Mirabel sighed and Isa threw some rose petals in the air. Dolores now focused on the three little lights as they moved further down the street. They were swarmed, by others so she lost track of them. She touched Mariano's face and said, "Thank you, mi vida, is everyone alright?" (The children are with the doctor and your Tía. Once they wake up enough to eat something they should be healed. You will have to tell me how I can hear you when I know you are in Casita. You have learned something new, mi vida, that is so exciting.) And Dolores realized she had, all because her prima thought she could. (Dolores, since lunch was interrupted,) Mariano continued, (can you come for dinner?) "Yes." (Great, I'll pick you up when I bring your Abuela home.) Dolores sat back and relayed everything Mariano had told her.

The clock chimed the five o'clock hour and Isa said, "Well guess that meeting's been postponed. Who's hungry."

"You could go start supper," Mirabel said.

"I could, but everyone would be afraid to eat it," Isabela said as she got off the bed.

"Why?"

"Everyone knows I can't cook."

"I'll take my chances and I need to talk to Dolores about the thing."

"Okay hermanita, your stomach." Isa said and she was out the door.

"Mira everyone knows she's a disaster in the kitchen," Dolores said after the door had closed.

Mirabel snorted and deadpanned, "She wants everyone to believe she can't cook…but she used to make food for me and Luisa all the time when Mamá was out in the town. Now Tío Bruno cannot cook to save his life."

"Mariano is on his way here with Abuela so what do you need to talk to me about?"

"Oh, well it's gonna take some time to explain and we'll need Camilo as well. How 'bout you come back once you're done and I'll explain it to you both then?"

"Alright Mira," she said standing up, "Oh, and thank you for today," she said gesturing to the floor. "I'll be home by dark, so I'll see you then."

"Great," Mirabel said as she walked with her to the door.

-------------------------

Mira closed the door and stepped back from it to look at the image. She'd been purposefully not looking at it since it made her nervous about the future. She wondered again who had asked for it. Abuela had said it was not her when she asked directly, so Mira decided it was probably her mother. Her mother had found her worriedly talking to Casita that first day and seemed to understand some of what she was feeling since she could understand the house as well or better than she could. Mirabel had to admit, her Mamá knew her better than anyone.

Looking at the door she realized it was there for a purpose, but not a bad one as she looked at the details. The bird she'd seen before was there again and the tall grass was hiding a jaguar. Small cacti were all about the base of the smaller tree like a tiny wall. There was a short knock and Mira stepped back as Abuela opened the door and came in and said, "Mira did you really tell Isa to start supper?"

"Yeah."

"Dios Mio," she said and looked about to turn around and go back downstairs, but stopped when she saw the image of the town on the floor.

"It'll be fine, Abuela," Mirabel said groaned, she forgot Luisa wasn't here and now she'd have to move that stupid rug herself.

"What are all these lights?" Abuela asked.

"The people in the town," Mirabel said as pushed the rug off the sofa where Luisa had put it. Stupid rug was heavy.

"Just a moment," Abuela said and looked closer at the floating heads. "Why do some have faces and others do not?"

"Oh, they were all just little lights when we found it the first time. I asked Dolores to see if she could find you and Mariano and show us where you were. Dolores is the one that added the faces. Well Casita actually added the face. Dolores just told us who was who. Do you know she can talk to people by touching their lights? She's pretty amazing. So versatile. I don't think we would have gotten to the kiddos in time without her…" Mirabel stopped talking when she realized she was rambling again.

Abuela was smiling and put an arm around her giving her a squeeze. "You did very well today, mi vida. You kept your head and found a solution. Now please go help your sister. I don't know where this confidence in her cooking came from but just to be safe and I want to look at this for a little while."

"Okay," Mirabel said and glanced at the door. Abuela's butterfly looked for all the world like it was dancing on those fingertips, this made Mira smile as she opened the door. Once outside as she walked down the hall she asked Casita, "Is Tío Bruno in his room?" Casita indicated no and Mira wondered where he'd gotten off to, but then he was a grown man after all and went to the kitchen to help Isa with supper.

---------------------------

Camilo immediately left the crowd and went to find Antonio. His hermano was sitting atop Parce near the great oak, so Camilo let him know his friends had been found and were safe. The jaguar let out an exceptionally loud roar and shortly Pico and Nadia appeared in front of them.

"They found them in a house," Antonio said, "Thanks for helping me look. Gotta say, that was pretty fun."

Pico let out a squawk so loud it made Camilo jump and took off in the direction of Casita. Several other birds veered off from the woods, others settled in the trees. Nadia watched it all and spread one of her wings, pushing Antonio's hair from his face then inclined her head to them. She then went a few steps back and took off, sending up a small dust cloud. She gave out a loud cry and several eagles that had settled on rooftops rose to follow her.

Camilo was in awe of his younger brother's handling of his Gift, since Camilo knew when he was his age, he'd probably only used it for pranks. They would have been the best pranks too.

"Camilo you have a really big cut on your head," Antonio said.

Camilo reached up and touched the sore spot on his forehead then looked at the blood on his hand. "So I do. Guess I should go find Tía," he said and was about to turn to head back to the area where the kids were.

"Wait," Antonio said and pulled out a small box with his name on it. He opened it and pulled out a wax paper wrapped candy and handed it to him. "Tía made these, she said I was only supposed to use them in case of an emergency."

"Thanks, Toni, I owe you one," Camilo said then popped it into his mouth and savored the squishy caramel center. He felt his head. No more cut and the blood was gone as well.

"You think it's okay to check on my friends?"

"Yeah, but you may want to ask Parce to wait here…whole bunch of jumpy folks over there right now."

"Do you mind Parce?" Antonio asked and the jaguar chuffed and laid down on the spot. Antonio got off but stopped long enough to hug the big cat saying, "I'll be right back."

Camilo and Antonio were walking toward the new part of town and Antonio spied something shiny. He picked it up to find it was a small metal truck. Seeing as no one was around he pocketed it and they continued on their way. People were filtering away from the area now that the excitement was over and Camilo put Antonio up on his shoulders and stayed toward the edge of the street to let people pass by. The church bell rang off five times as they finally reached the street they were looking for.

Cecelia, Juancho and Alejandra were sitting in a small circle and Camilo put Antonio down and his brother ran over to join them. Camilo hung back not wanting to get in his little brother's way as all three stood up and squished him in a great big hug. Camilo was surprised when his mother appeared in front of him and took his face in her hands.

"Your father told me what you did, Corazón," she said and Camilo felt the gentle rain, he used to hate enough that he would always try to stop her from doing that. He used to think it was embarrassing, but realized he'd missed it when she couldn't do it anymore. "So brave, mi vida." And kissed him three times, once on each cheek and then his forehead. This too was embarrassing but he knew he'd always tolerate it just because it was his Mamí doing it. She released him and his father was there, clapping him on his back.

The parents of the kids joined in and Camilo not knowing what else to do, stepped back and took a deep flourishing bow. Those still around clapped and laughed and he took a second. The kids came then and Camilo knelt down and hugged the lot of them at once. His Gift had actually been useful today and when he stood up, Alejandra grabbed one hand and Juancho the other. Cecelia not wanting to be left out grabbed Antonio's hand and pulled him into the group. For fun he shifted making himself taller and the kids holding his hands were lifted off the ground. He shifted back and Cecelia and Toni shouted, "Me too! Me too!" He did but felt that first twinge of hunger that followed anytime he persistently used Gift and decided that was enough for today. He set them all down, returning each to their parents, who were all smiling now. They thanked him one last time before they all left for home. He walked with Antonio over to where their parents waited and together, they headed back toward the plaza to pick up Parce.

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