these hands that held the world, only for you

1:

Mirabel Madrigal, Encanto

The first sign that the day would go somewhat a mess was the fact that the sky that morning was cloudy, though a few rays of sun peeked through the fluffy clouds.

Mirabel smiled as she slipped on a cream dress, specifically created for her for this very special day. She also took hold of the pink and purple diamond embedded tiara from her maid, as it rested on her head.

It was her birthday, and her Gift Ceremony! Her little tiara tilted a little as she smiled at herself in the mirror, before a knock was heard on the door. "Princess Mirabel? Prince Camilo is here." Mirabel brightened. "Cami!" Her cousin and self-proclaimed twin, born only a few weeks earlier, smiled at her as he entered the room.

"Mira! You look absolutely stunning!" The girl giggled, before the two left the room, hand in hand. The boy had his own Gift Ceremony a few weeks ago, getting the Gift of Shifter, to which he has been using to play a few pranks and also look after a few of the kids, like a babysitter. "Are you excited, Mira?" The girl smiled, though the nervousness in her chest grew. "I am, of course I am, though I can't help but be nervous. What if it goes wrong, Cami?" Mirabel asked, her red eyes glowing slightly.

Camilo's own red ones glowed with sympathy. He hugged her tightly, as a show of support. "It'll be fine, Mira! It worked just fine for everyone else, why wouldn't it go well for you?" Camilo said softly, as Mirabel whimpered. "But what if?" Mirabel mumbled, as Camilo sighed. "Then I'll be with you, all the way. Even if it doesn't go well."

Mirabel stared into his eyes, watching as support and love swirl around. She smiled slightly, as he grinned.

"There's my Mirabel. Now come, we'll be late and Tiá Julieta would be anxious again." Mirabel laughed softly as Camilo joked, pulling her along to the Throne Room, where the Gift Ceremony was always held.

"Mirabel, there you are! Thank you Camilo." Julieta said with a relieved sigh, as Camilo smiled. "It's no big deal, Tia." Pepa then appeared, picking Camilo up into her arms. "Come now, Cami, we need to stand in front while Mirabel gets ready."

Camilo waved to his cousin, as Mirabel smiled, watching him go away before the smile faded as she sees how many people were waiting for her.

Julieta caught the disappearance of said smile, glancing over at Augustin who walked over. "What's wrong, Miraboo?" Mirabel hummed softly. "A little anxious, papi. I'll be fine." Mirabel said, offering a soft smile as Julieta and Augustin kissed both sides of her cheeks.

Abuela then appeared, a soft smile on her lips. "Come now, you two. We should let Mirabel prepare herself." Mirabel was then placed back onto the floor, before the two of them went upstairs. Abuela gave her a kiss on the forehead, before joining them at the top of said stairs.

She held the candle tightly, before releasing a deep breath. "Forty years ago, in our darkest moments, this candle blessed us with a miracle. And the greatest honour of our family has been to use our blessings to serve this beloved community. Tonight, we come together once more, as another steps into the light. To make us proud."

Mirabel watched as the curtains were pulled back, revealing herself to the crowd. The tiles of the castle flipped, revealing red as it lead her to the stairs. She felt the tiles nudge her forward a little,w making her giggle softly. "Yes, yes, Casita, I'm moving..." She sighs, before walking slowly towards the staircase. As she reached the top, Abuela kneeled in front of her, holding out the candle with a soft smile.

"Do you promise to use your Gift to help the Encanto?" She asks, as Mirabel held the candle softly. "I do." She mumbled, before Abuela smiled again. She then stood back up, moving aside as Mirabel faced the glowing doors. She stared anxiously at the door knob, before she saw flowers sprouting around the door. Isabella said nothing, but a small smile graced her oldest sister's lips.

Right. She slowly reached out, grasping the cold knob, before twisting. The door flared with magic, before it shook. Mirabel watched in horror as the door began disappearing, the magic seeping away from the walls. Gasps were heard all around her as Mirabel felt panic bubbling in her very soul.

"What happened?"

"The door vanished!"

"Is she cursed!?"

"Mirabel!" Camilo's voice called out, but Mirabel was already gone, running away from the throne room as her little legs brought her through hallways and hallways of the castle. She didn't stop until she reached the Enchanted Garden, where she would always spend her leisure time with her cousin and often times with her uncle.

She sobbed, tears flowing from her rapidly reddening eyes and her tiara fell from her head, rolling onto the grass that surrounded the girl. "Why?" She hiccuped, rubbing away the tears and stared up at the now twinkling night sky, which was accompanied by a few stray clouds. The winds were howling, the air was tense.

"Mirabel? Mi milagro, are you ok?" Mirabel froze as her uncle came into view, the older Madrigal coming closer. "Tio Bruno..." The girl sniffled, as the man sat beside her. "It didn't go so well, did it?" Bruno asked softly, as Mirabel sniffled and shook her head. "Oh my sweet Mirabel. It wasn't your fault." Mirabel turned to face him, and Bruno felt his heart break as he noticed the girl's puffy red eyes and tear stained cheeks.

"Then, why didn't I get a Gift, Tio? Am I not a part of this family?" Bruno hugged her tightly, shaking his head. "My little sobrina, it's not that. You're just as much of a Madrigal as all of us are. Maybe the miracle as something else in store for you. Something far greater that doesn't need a Gift." Bruno said softly, as Mirabel sniffled.

"You think so?" She muttered, voice slightly muffled. "I do. Maybe you'll save our Encanto!" Bruno joked, making Mirabel laugh softly. "That's too much, Tio Bruno." She smiled, as Bruno grinned. "Maybe. But who knows what the future holds, Mirabel." Mirabel nodded, before he stood up, picking her up with him.

"Now come on, your mother would have torn the castle down if you went missing for too long." Mirabel giggled, before they both left the Gardens.

As they left, the stars twinkled brighter and the candle, safely stored back into its room, flared.

Hehehe :D