18. Chapter 18

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All was still in the Encanto expect for inside Casita's walls Alma tossed and turned in her sleep as nightmares began to plague her peaceful slumber.

Alma looked around nervously, here she was in the middle of nowhere the full moon shining with an eerily glow with a blood red tint. It was quiet, too quiet. Walking forward she could swear could hear laughter coming from the shadows. "Hello?" she called out. No response. The hairs on her neck stood up as she felt someone's breath but when she turned around no one was there.

She began trembling but not from cold, a heavy feeling in her stomach. That feeling of dread when you just know something bad was going to happen. A rustle ahead of her made her freeze the sound of laughter again filling the air. She now recognised the laugh-Mirabel. Taking a gulp she proceeded forward the laughter fading before getting closer than fading again.

Her feet seemed to move on their own as a second laughter joined the first. See saw flashes of two other people out of the corner of her eye but when she turned her head there was nothing. She reached a clearing surrounded by shadows the moon so large it looked like it was about to crash into the earth. She stood still as a shiver went up her spine as laughter came from behind.

"Are you afraid of the dark?"

Alma knowing that voice slowly turned to see Mirabel standing behind her grinning demonically, she felt her heart rate increase as she realised Mirabel was covered in splatters of red-blood.

"Are you scared?"

Alma frantically took stepped backwards not taking her eyes off Mirabel who just stood there grinning not moving not blinking when she bumped into another person, afraid of what she was going to see she slowly turned to be greeted by Dolores that same grin on her face also covered in blood. Turning back around she was frozen in horror as Mirabel crept closer eyes never breaking contact with hers and that smile never faltering.

"Are you afraid of the dark?" Mirabel giggled "Are you scared?"

Alma felt a cold hand reach grab her shoulder from behind sending chills throughout her body.

"She's afraid." Dolores giggled "We have her scared."

Further dread filled Alma as Dolores's hand gripped tighter before dropping away completely. Taking the chance pushed pass Mirabel breaking into a run, but no matter how much distance she put between them Mirabel's voice was still as clear as if she was right next to her.

"Run as fast as you can go, but we will catch you before you know."

The sound of footsteps behind her started faded, pausing to catch her breath her legs trembled. Leaning against a tree for support the sound of distance laughter having her eyes dart in every direction. Home she had to get home she continued walking looking over her shoulder for brief moment she turned forward to see Mirabel and Dolores standing on the path in front of her. Alma could not tear her eyes away from Mirabel's. Her breathing became panicked as Mirabel walking forward a blood covered hand extended.

Mirabel's voice was one of delight "I can sense your horror...though I'd like to see it closer."

Alma spun around running in the direction she came from running until she reached the town. But something was wrong, large cracks split the town into halves. Alma's hand flew into her mouth as she took in the scene. Blood stained the ground red as the bodies of the townspeople were scattered across the ground.

"We're coming." Dolores's voice called out.

Bursting back into a run the sound of laughter following her she ran towards the Casita only for a shriek of horror to escape as she saw what had happened. Casita was destroyed and blood flowed across what was once the courtyard. Dead, the whole family was dead. Slain in their own home. Alma dropped to her knees. "W-w-what happened?"

"We happened." Mirabel came from behind her "We showed no mercy."

"No mercy." Dolores repeated "Now..it's your turn."

Alma turned without getting up Mirabel had the candle clutched in her grasp.

Mirabel gave Alma a knowing nod before crushing the candle shaking the wax off her hands "We have now taken everything...expect one thing..."

"What?"

Dolores laughed pointing at Alma "You." she held up a sword that coated in red that still dripped from the blade.

Realising what they intended to do, Alma found the strength to pull herself off the ground and ran. Not stopping until she found herself knee deep in the river. She knew this spot, this was the spot where she lost her Pedro the water carried the same red tint as the moon.

"Time is up."

Alma turned knowing what would be behind her, Dolores sword raised as Mirabel laughed maniacally.

"We win. We win." Mirabel clapped her hands in delight.

"Say goodbye." Dolores added joining in the laughter.

"Demons!" Alma cried "Burn in hell the pair of you."

Mirabel gestured with her hand for Dolores to finish the job "After you, Alma Madrigal...after you."

The last thing Alma saw was the sword swinging down upon her. As she fell into an eternal darkness she could hear Mirabel's mocking laughter and her hissing whisper in her ear.

"I told you we would come for you."

Alma shot up in bed with a scream breathing heavily "It..it was just a nightmare.." turning on her beside lamp she looked at the clock the hands showing it was 6am. Climbing out of bed she walked to the window where the sunrise painted the sky in a beautiful mixture of orange, red and yellow. The candle sitting proudly in it's place. Taking deep gasps Alma tried to calm her nerves "It wasn't real..it'll never be real."

It would be another hour until Julieta would get up to start preparing the breakfast, maybe a quiet morning walk would do her some good. Yes, that's what she needed. Getting dressed and putting her hair into it's usual bun she stepped into the quiet hallway. Her gaze drifting to Dolores's door, the golden glow the other doors held gone..it looked haunting almost. Shaking her head to clear her mind she made her way down the stairs and out the door. The town was silent everyone still tucked into their beds.

Reaching the empty market square which in a few hours will be bustling she sat down on a bench. "Pedro...what do I do? I can't lose everything because of them. I worked so hard to earn the respect and loyalty of this town. I can't let Mirabel ruin it." looking up to the sky "Mirabel and Dolores want to destroy everything I worked on for fifty years. This town looks up to me, they see me as their leader never have they questioned me. My family is admired! The guardianship of the whole Encanto is mine!"

"My family never gave a second thought about serving the community...not until Mirabel. She is ruining everything-everything you died for." Alma buried her face into her hands "Give me a sign, Pedro. How do I defeat this evil? I'm losing control. I can't let them win, I won't let them win." she stood up and began pacing "Mirabel and Dolores will be going down...Julieta and Pepa will come back to me..they still see their daughters not the monsters they have become. I won't let Mirabel poison anyone else's mind."

She began to walk to the barn, just to look in. Reaching it she quietly went around the side to the window above where she knew they slept. Peeking inside she saw the both of them still fast asleep the only sounds coming from the barn were the snorting of donkeys and the occasional stamp of a hoof. Alma noticed something under Mirabel's arm. Looking again she saw the plush jaguar, the one Antonio had claimed to have lost. Why did Mirabel have it? Suddenly it all came back to her how the morning after his ceremony Antonio happily told her about Mirabel coming to see him, how she was his friend.

"You won't get him Mirabel...just stay away..I won't let you take him."

A donkey across the aisle looked at Alma curiously letting out a loud braying sound setting off the others.

Alma froze as both girls stirred. Dolores just rolled over in annoyance grumbling under her breath not opening her eyes. Mirabel however sat up blinking around in confusion. Alma couldn't move as Mirabel's eyes locked with hers but feeling relief when she realised Mirabel didn't have her glasses on. She can't see me...she can't see anything...she can't do anything.

Mirabel groaned plopping back down and closing her eyes.

Alma breathed a sigh of relief as she quickly walked away headed back to the Casita. How exactly would she take Mirabel and Dolores down? She had no idea what they were actually plotting. How would they destroy the candle? She had to keep an eye of them, monitor their movements. Their victory would mean she loses everything. She won't let them take it away. Pedro didn't die for them to make his sacrifice be in vain.

Entering the house she was greeted by the sight of Julieta coming down the stairs, putting a smile on her face she greeted her "Good morning, Julieta." she had to get everyone back on her side. She had too. They could all unite against Mirabel and Dolores to drive them off.

"Morning." Julieta said back but wouldn't look at her as she made her way to the kitchen.

Making up her mind she might as well start with Julieta she followed her entering just as she was sitting down with her morning coffee. Casita quickly sending a second cup her way which she accepted then sat down next to her daughter still smiling.

"You're up early." Julieta commented staring straight ahead.

'I went for a walk, very peaceful this time of morning."

"Mmhmm."

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

Alma's smile dropped as Julieta still refused to look at her "Yesterday's clean up went well."

"Mmhmm."

Forcing the smile back on her face "How is...Mirabel?" she had to force herself to say the name.

For the first time Julieta looked at her "How do you think she is? You saw her yesterday."

"Yes..I did..did you manage to get her to stop carrying on like that?" Alma wasn't prepared to admit she went and looked in on them.

Julieta stood up to take her empty cup to the sink "Dolores got her to settle, not that you care." she began to pull out pots and pans placing them onto the counters with a clang

Alma sat there watching her for several minutes waiting for her to say something, but Julieta was ignoring her presence. Giving up for now she stood up from her chair and returned to her room walking over to the candle. Picking it up she sighed "Help us Pedro, help me protect the miracle." she looking up at the framed photo of her wedding day "I need your strength."

She couldn't let them win.

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Mirabel kept her head low as she entered the market place ignoring the whispers of the townspeople as she passed, she heard it all before. Suddenly she felt a leg stick out under hers knocking her off balance causing her stumble but thankfully not fall. The laughing that followed filled Mirabel with fury she growled as another leg pulled her feet from under feet sending her to the ground the laugher even louder.

"Mirabel? What's going on-"

Mirabel watched as Dolores was shoved to the ground next to her "Hey don't touch her!" she blinked now registering who their tormentors narrowing her eyes "Rafael..Alejandro..you both look well. How unfortunate."

Dolores stood up pulling Mirabel up with her "I recall Luisa telling you to leave us alone." she hissed

"Luisa ain't here is she?" Rafael looked around "And no one here cares what happens to either of you. What a fall from grace Dolores, going from being apart of the most powerful family in the Encanto to an outcast."

Dolores stood in front of Mirabel protectively "What do you want?"

"Señora Alma made an announcement yesterday, neither of you are granted any sort of protection. You been stripped of all status and respect of being a Madrigal. You're both nothing. So.." Rafael raised his fist "It'll just be like old times Mirabel."

Dolores's eyes widen as the two men advanced she looked left and right and though many people saw no one came to their aid "Mirabel...RUN!" she spun around and took off in a sprint dragging Mirabel along by the arm.

"Dolores! Slow down I can't-" Mirabel stumbled causing Dolores to lose her grip as their pursuers got closer.

"I know I'm sorry but we have no choice." Dolores grabbed Mirabel again and kept up their run. No one is helping us...no one is helping us... Dolores fumed with anger, after everything she did for this town. This is how they repay her. Leaving the town behind them she ran towards the river the footsteps getting closer looking in every direction for an escape she crashed head first into another person knocking her over taking Mirabel down with her.

"Woah-" Luisa looked down at them in shock "Dolores? Mirabel What's-" the sound of more footsteps made her look up she frowned seeing Rafael and Alejandro. Looking at them and back down to the terrified Mirabel and Dolores she put two and two together. The men skidded to a stop when they saw her. She cleared her throat "Were you chasing my cousin and baby sister?"

"What? No of course not." Alejandro laughed.

"They chased us all the way from town, after knocking the both of us over then threatening to beat us that is." Dolores kept a hold of Mirabel "I found them picking on Mira."

"Is that so?" Luisa moved around so she was between them and the two men "Now what did I tell you about touching my baby sister?" she pounded her clenched fist into her palm "I remember us discussing this."

"Look it's all a big misunderstanding-AHH"

Luisa pinned the both of them against a tree "I'll do this as many times as it takes for it for you to get it through your thick skulls-LEAVE THEM ALONE."

"But Dolores and Mirabel are nothing but dirty useless-" Alejandro was cut off by his own whimpers as Luisa pressed him harder.

"Dirty useless what?" Luisa demanded she really didn't want to hurt these two fools but if that's what she had to do that's what she'll do.

"Ah forget what we said, please let us go." Rafael begged.

"Let them go, Luisa." Dolores told her "Before someone comes investigating."

Luisa nodded removing her hold so both men fell to the ground "By the way..one word to my Abuela about this and well..." she punched her fist into her palm "NOW GO!"

The brothers looked each other than Luisa before taking off.

Luisa took a deep breath to calm herself turning back around "You two alright? Any of you hurt."

Dolores shook her head "We're fine, thanks to you. Gracias."

"Anytime."

Mirabel folded her arms "Not one person in town stood in to help us, they were just going to let us both be attacked. Nothing new for me but they sure turned against Dolores quick."

Dolores threw her arms in the air "And after I gave sixteen years of my life working for them, all that for nothing. They all bow before Abuela, they take her word like it's the gospel." she slammed her fist on the ground in frustration. Feeling Mirabel's arms wrap her she rubbed the girls back "I'm sorry, hermanita-" she cut herself off "I mean prima."

"Hermanita? I do like that. You really are becoming like a sister to me." Mirabel smiled.

"I agree, than it's offical. You're my baby sister now, I always wanted a baby sister." Dolores poked her tongue out at Luisa "Sorry, Luisa she's mine now."

Luisa laughed "Sorry to break it to you but you're going to have to share." she settled herself down next to them "How it go yesterday? I know Abuela went..."

At the mention of 'yesterday' and 'Abuela' a scowl filled Mirabel's face.

Dolores sighed "Mira totally blew up in front of Tía Julieta and Mamá. They know about the plan. They're with us."

"Dolores slapped Abuela." Mirabel laughed.

"Abuela hit her across the head." Dolores replied softly "So yes, I slapped her. Tía Julieta then smacked her across the head asking if she liked how it felt."

Mirabel tuned herself out as the two went over the events of yesterday instead focusing her mind on the treatment the town gives her..and now Dolores. For five years it's been the same. People getting delight in making her already miserable life more miserable. Insulted, had things thrown at her, pushed, punched...she has suffered it all. For a period of time she was terrified to even step foot outside of the barn. Refused to anything much outside of huddle in the corner, scared and alone in a world that hated her. She would go days without sleeping stressing someone will come for her in the middle of the night or be plagued by nightmares. This would go on until exhaustion won over and she would pass out where she sat. Until the nightmares ripped her from her slumber with a scream that is.

She would cry out to unhearing ears begging for forgiveness for whatever she did to be denied like this. A child should be shown love! A child should be shown compassion! She was shown no such thing. She wishes she could make them pay, make them feel her suffering...wait she could. She looked in the direction of the town a smile creeping at the corner of her lips. Revenge on the towns people never occurred to her but she did find it very...tempting. They weren't her family, she loved her family. But she couldn't care less about these townspeople she felt nothing for them. They meant nothing to her. Her own voice laughed inside her mind You have the power's of the Madrigals on your side. A sister who can crush any opponent, a mother who can heal you instantly, an aunt who could destroy everything in her path a tornado..you're unstoppable. Make them pay. They used for your family for years. Make them pay. They made your life a living hell. MAKE THEM PAY.

Shaking off the thoughts she looked over at Dolores and Luisa deep in conversation. Unnoticed she stood up and walked towards the town the voice repeating in her head. Make them pay. Make them pay. Make them pay. "Stop." she whispered "Stop it.". Rounding the corner the same time as Alma both froze for a second before Mirabel with a glare shoved past she really wasn't in the mood to deal with Alma Madrigal today. Sliding down against a wall she hugged her knees, rocking back in forth to comfort herself "Mirabel...you're losing it...you're really losing it."

It would be Dolores that would notice Mirabel was quiet...too quiet "Mirabel are you o-" she stopped with a gasp when she realised Mirabel wasn't here "Uhh..Luisa?"

"Yeah-" she too realised the problem. Dolores asked the questions on both their minds.

"Where did Mirabel go?"

ᙙĬᙖ

Camilo stood outside the barn "Dolores? Mirabel? Anyone home?" his calls and knocks went answered peeking through the doorway no one expect donkeys. Sighing with annoyance he turned around to see Dolores running towards him "Dolores! There you are! Where's Mirabel?"

Dolores's face fell "She...isn't in the barn?"

"No...should she be?"

"I don't know where she is, we were together but she wandered off somewhere..I have to find her." she turned around but Camilo grabbed her arm.

"Woah, Mirabel isn't a baby Dolores. She'll be fine on her own for a little bit. She's managed all this time, give her some breathing space." Camilo's face fell as he remembered what Alma said about Mirabel and Dolores no longer under protection "...oh...and she can't fight back."

"Exactly! That and..."

"She's going nuts."

"How did you know?"

Camilo shrugged "Overheard Mamá talking about it with Tía Julieta. Is it true you slapped Abuela?"

"Yes but we don't have time for that, we have to find her before she goes to scream at Abuela in the middle of town."

Camilo laughed "I totally wanna be there when that happens."

"You're not helping!"

"Can't you just listen for her?"

"I lost my gift!" seeing Camilo's shocked expression "We don't have time for this! We have to find her!"

"Alright..alright.." Camilo raised his hands "I'll look in town, you look by the river I know she likes to hang out there."

Dolores nodded, Luisa was already searching the jungle in case Mirabel decided to go hide out there for a while it wouldn't be the first time. "If you find her bring her back here." without another word she spun around and ran off.

Camilo made his way into town ignoring the calls for him, he was to busy to play babysitter. Problem was he had no idea where Mirabel would go, he only knew she liked to sit by the river or stay in the barn. He checked every street and every alley way to see no sign of her. That was until he rounded the corner and there she was. On the outskirts of town looking in the direction of the Casita a blank look on her face, Camilo couldn't tell what she was thinking "Mirabel?" he called out not sure if she would snap at him or not.

"Camilo." Mirabel answered without looking "What do you want?"

"I went to see the pair of you at the barn but..you were both gone then Dolores came running up saying she couldn't find you..so she asked me to help look for you. She was pretty panicked."

"I didn't mean to panic her..I just needed a moment."

"Can I sit?" Camilo gestured next to her. When Mirabel nodded he plopped down "What's wrong?"

Mirabel sighed "It's just...the people in this town. Did Dolores tell you we were attacked today?"

"WHAT?! Camilo screamed in shock "No she didn't. By who?"

"Rafael and Alejandro López we got away but...those two especially seem to get a kick of making my life more of a hell than it already is." Mirabel faced Camilo "No one helped us, Camilo. Half the town saw and no one helped us they were just going to stand by and let it happen. We had to run for our lives. Damn this town. DAMN THEM ALL!"

"Hey..hey..don't get yourself worked up please." Camilo placed an uneasy hand on her shoulder "I know you have had a hard time.."

"You don't know the half of what I've been through!"

"Tell me..tell me about the first time it happened." Camilo pleaded "Please? Let me know how it all began."

Mirabel took a trembling breath "It was only a few weeks after I got kicked out.."

Five years ago.

Mirabel timidly entered the town, it was the first time she had be here since her before gift ceremony five years prior. Her face still sore with burning pain, no matter how much of her mother's food she ate she couldn't make it stop. Her mother's magic simply wouldn't work on injures caused by the candle it's self. She kept bumping into everything in her path. Why couldn't she see properly? She was so scared, she wanted her mother to scoop her up and tell her it'll be okay. She could hear people whispering as she passed.

"Its her."

"The tainted one."

"Look at her face."

"Demon."

Mirabel tucked her head low trying to make herself even smaller than she already was tears forming in her eyes "Please...leave me alone.."

"You're useless!"

"A disgrace!"

"The candle should of killed you!"

Mirabel broke into a run not sure where she was going, she could hear the curses of the towns people as she bumped into them. Why were they doing this to her? She did nothing to them! Nothing! Or did she? She didn't know.

An arm reached out to grab her laughing "Where are you going you little curse?"

Mirabel trashed trying to get away screaming out for Julieta "MAMÁ! MAMÁ!" she let out a cry of pain as she was hit in the back of the head and thrown to the ground "Please..don't hurt me.." she squinted trying to see who it was. The blurry faces of Rafael and Alejandro López came into view. "Please...I'll leave just please don't hurt-AHH" she felt a blow to her stomach "Please...stop...stop..stop."

She could hear laugher from the two teenaged boys as she was pinned down leaving her screaming and trashing in a desperate attempt to escape. Another face loomed over her "Abuela?".

Alma pulled Mirabel to her feet roughly only to harshly shove her forward "It's your own fault, you should of stayed locked away like you belong you estúpida chica."

"Abuela please..." the little girl begged.

"I am NOT your Abuela any longer. What part of you're no longer part of the family did you not understand?"

"I'm sorry.." Mirabel whispered taking off in a run only to trip and fall onto her face resulting in laughter from behind her. Scrambling back up she didn't stop running until the barn door was slammed behind her. She huddled in a corner of her stall through her blurry vision she could see the red of blood and she could feel the stinging of wounds. But not even the pain of her burning face compared to the pain in her heart. She let an ear splitting yowl of distress before breaking down.

Though over time she adjusted to her vision and her new home she could never fully escape her torment. From the moment she woke up in the morning to when she went to bed of a night she reminded of just how much was ripped from her.

The burns on her face healed over time leaving her with the distinctive scars, but the pain of her broken heart only grew. Sorrow was replaced by anger as the resentment filled her. The once warm and loving girl had turned cold and uncaring. Her happy singing replaced by harsh snaps. The only thing that kept her going was her dream that one day..one day.

She would make them see it all her way.

"And after all that." Mirabel finished off her story "It was all just downhill. I suffer everyday while everyone looks the other way. At least now I got Dolores...she gave up so much for me..."

Mirabel was right, Camilo really didn't know half of what she had been through "I'm...so sorry Mirabel..you didn't deserve any of that. I'm sorry I abandoned you. I'm sorry I let my pride get in the way. I'm...sorry I broke my promise." he hugged her "We vowed to stay by each other's side no matter what. Yet when you really needed me...I left you to face it all alone.."

Mirabel didn't respond to him her breathing just got heavier as she muttered under her breath "Damn them..damn them...I hate them..I hate them.."

Camilo knew he had to her out here, hauling her to her feet "Come on..let's get you home." he kept up a calm yet hurried pace...as long as he got Mirabel back to Dolores before she broke down completely that was all that mattered, he wouldn't know how to handle it. Thankfully so far Mirabel was following along quiet and obediently just whispering to herself something Camilo couldn't pick up.

He had let Mirabel suffer, he had a lot to make up for.

ᙙĬᙖ

Dolores was pacing aside the barn "I hope Camilo has found her...we looked everywhere we could think of."

Luisa watched her frantic pacing back and forth "I'm sure she is-hey there!"

Dolores spun around almost collapsing in relief when she saw Camilo walking towards them half dragging Mirabel behind him "You found her!'"

"She has been pacing back and forth like an anxious mother." Luisa commented.

"Oh hush." Dolores gave a small chuckle "Lets get you inside."

Camilo stood back watching as his sister guided Mirabel back inside whispering something into her ear. "Uhhh...hi Luisa. What are you doing here?"

"Same as you I suppose."

"What do you think of all this?"

"All of what?"

"This!" Camilo pointed to the barn "Them, living out here. Treated like they are. The way Abuela acts! Everything!"

Luisa's face took one of anger "It's wrong, it's all so wrong. You know it's wrong, I know it's wrong. They shouldn't be out here! Dolores shouldn't have to be stepping in as Mirabel's mother pretty much. She should be at home with our mother. Dolores should be with Tía Pepa."

"Yeah but what can we do?"

Luisa looked into the barn where she could see Dolores back facing her she was speaking but the voice was too low to pick up the words "Make sure they both know we're for them. I'm helping them as much I can. They need us Camilo." she wanted to tell him about the plan but it wasn't her place, Mirabel and Dolores will tell them when they're ready.

"Did you know the town has been torturing Mirabel since she was ten?"

"What..do you mean?"

"Come..lets give them some space and I'll tell you what Mirabel told me."

The two walked until they reached a secluded area at the edge of the Encanto, they knew no one would bother them out here. Luisa leaned against the side of the mountain wall "So...what's the deal with Mira exactly? I know they got chased today, I dealt with it."

"Well.." Camilo sat and began repeating the story Mirabel told him.

Tears starting spilling from Luisa's eyes, they dared to gang up on a defenceless little girl? And their own Abuela blames Mirabel for being the victim? It made her feel sick, turning to a rock next to her she put all her rage into hitting it causing to smash pieces flying in different directions.

"Whoa calm down."

"Sorry it just makes me so angry. It's not fair! How would they feel if they were in her position? HOW WOULD THEY FEEL?!"

"Getting worked up about it and going after them will just backfire on both Mirabel and Dolores. Plus yourself."

Luisa rubbed her face "I know..but I'm supposed to be the strong one. I'm supposed to protect everyone. But I failed two members of our family, and because of my failure they are suffering. Two mothers have been separated from their daughters. I lost my sister, you lost your sister. We both lost a cousin!"

"...you really think it's your fault?" Camilo questioned "Because it's not. You're not responsible for everyone. Dolores made the choice she did for a reason, she knew what she was doing. If Isabela kept her mouth shut Dolores would still be in the house."

"But Mirabel would still be all alone..."

"True...if anything good came out of this it's the fact they have each other. Dolores takes her role as Mira's guardian very seriously."

Luisa couldn't help but laugh "That she does, anyone who wants to get to Mirabel will have to get through Dolores first."

"Did you know Dolores lost her gift?"

"Yep, she told me. Makes sense considering her door went out..seemed pretty happy about it."

"Do you know if there's anything going on with them two? I heard Abuela this morning muttering on about something about not letting them win..whatever that means."

"I know..." Luisa looked the other way "But it's not my place to say it...they'll tell you when they are ready..but all I can say it really is for the greater good."

Camilo rose an eyebrow "So if I talk to them long enough...they'll tell me?"

"Pretty much."

"Well, guess I better drop by more often." Camilo was determined to find out the truth once and for all. Why Alma was determined to not let them win..what ever that was supposed to mean.

ᙙĬᙖ

Félix put his head through the doorway "Dolores?" he entering grinning when he saw his daughter "DOLORES!"

"Papá!" Dolores ran into his waiting arms "You came to see me!"

"Of course I did, did you think I wouldn't?" looking over Dolores shoulder he gave Mirabel a nervous smile "Hello, Mirabel. It's been a long time since we had a catch up hasn't it?"

Mirabel was frozen where she was just staring at Félix.

"Umm..Agustín? Get in here. Your daughter is doing the staring thing again." Félix saw the look of shock flash across Mirabel's face at the mention of her father.

Agustín slowly entered stopping when his eyes met his daughters "Miraboo..."

"Where were you?" Mirabel's voice broke "I waited for you for five years. WHERE WERE YOU?!"

"Mirabel...I'm sorry. I been a fool, I been a downright fool. I didn't protect you when I should of. I haven't been the father you deserved. I should of came a long time ago but I was afraid...and I didn't think you would want to see me."

Tears fell from Mirabel's eyes "I waited for you, everyday. Mamá came but never you. I wanted you Papá, I wanted you to hold onto me and tell me everything was going to be okay but you never came. Of them all you leaving me hurt the most."

Agustín slowly made his way closer tears in his own eyes "I know mi corazón..believe me I know. No one can blame me more than I blame myself. I made a mistake I know that now. I was just so scared..."

"You were scared?! What about how I felt?"

"Mirabel-" Dolores left Félix and walked over "You forgave me, you forgave my mother, you forgave Camilo and Luisa. Now you have to forgive your father."

"Are you really sorry Papá? Can you love me again? I missed you."

Agustín reached Mirabel placing a hand on her face slowly tracing the scar that ran down her neck with his finger "I never stopped loving you mi pequeña mariposa. I'm so sorry, you have been so brave. Te amo mi querida hija." he pulled her into a hug smile widening when she didn't pull back "I won't leave you again."

"Papá.."

Dolores let out a squeak of delight as she returned to her father "Everything is going to be okay Papá."

"I sure hope so Dolores...I sure hope so..."

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I had more fun writing Alma's nightmare than I really should of, I am sorry.

Ever been writing a story planning one thing but then get an idea for another direction?I been toying with the idea of the treatment the town gives Mirabel plus the way they use the family just finally making her snap completely. The years of abuse just making her lose it as she gets more and more obsessed with the idea of revenge.

And no she won't be going on a mass murder spree.

I admit an 'evil' Mirabel and Dolores sounds like it'll be fun to write.Besides if anyone has an excuse to turn into a 'villain' here it is Mira.

What do you lovely readers think? Should the town get a taste of karma?

Review responses

ZE40: In this universe while Casita does have a mind of it/her/his own Alma has control and can give commands which Casita obeys. Anyone can enter as long they have open permission or they are accompanied by a Madrigal which is how Mirabel got in with Dolores.

FlowerChild23: They listen to her cause they need to use the family gifts to help themselves. Angering her puts that at risk.

AngelSenpai73: Exactly, I mean yeah she treated Mirabel coldly but so did most of the family they pretty much pretended she didn't exist most of the movie.

KaliAnn: The mass murder comment is ironic considering Alma's nightmare where Mirabel and Dolores wiped out the whole Encanto leaving themselves the only survivors. But yes, if they could get away with it Julieta and Pepa would go after Alma for what she did to their daughters.