The madrigal kids meet some Disney villains

The one behind the mask

(Camilo meets Dr facilier and plays a game of cards)

In the bustling House of Mouse, Dr. Facilier sat at a table, flicking through his deck of cards with a sigh. The once vibrant atmosphere now felt stale, with familiar characters milling about, chatting and enjoying their routines. As the shadows danced on the walls, he wondered what kept luring him back to this place.

His thoughts were abruptly interrupted when his shadow began to move in a peculiar way. Curious, he followed its path and spotted Camilo Madrigal, the shapeshifting cousin of the Madrigal family. Camilo was playing with a group of children, their laughter brightening the room as he morphed into various animated characters. His charm was undeniable, but there was something lingering beneath his spirited exterior that caught Dr. Facilier's attention.

"Camilo! Over here!" Facilier called out, a gesture inviting the young Madrigal to join him. Camilo's eyes sparkled as he waved goodbye to the children and approached the table, his customary grin plastered on his face.

"What's up, Facilier?" Camilo said, his voice cheerful.

"I was wondering if you'd like to join me for a little game of cards," Facilier replied, shuffling the deck with a flourish. Camilo's smile broadened, and he nodded enthusiastically, settling into the chair opposite the doctor.

As the game progressed, a sense of unease hung around Camilo like a thick mist. Dr. Facilier, accustomed to detecting the emotions of others, sensed it immediately. With each hand dealt, he noticed the forced smile and killed laughter that accompanied it.

"Something's on your mind, ain't it, Camilo?" Facilier asked, his voice taking on a softer tone.

Camilo paused, his fingers hovering above the cards. "It's just... I've been feeling kinda weird lately," he confessed, his tone slipping into vulnerability. "Like I always have to wear a mask, you know? I'm the funny cousin, the one everyone expects to make them laugh. But I don't always feel like that. Sometimes, I'm tired of pretending."

Dr. Facilier leaned closer, intrigued. "Tired of pretending? That's a heavy burden for someone so young. What's behind that mask of yours?"

Camilo took a deep breath, his expression turning serious. "It's just... my family has these high expectations. They're amazing, but I can't help but feel like I have to keep up. I don't know who I really am outside of their vision. Am I anything more than the jester?"

Facilier's heart softened for the boy. "Finding yourself is no easy journey, but it starts with being true to your feelings, Camilo. If you want to discover who you really are, you might have to break free from those expectations."

Camilo looked unsure, his hands fidgeting with the cards. "What do you mean?"

Dr. Facilier leaned back in his chair, his eyes glinting with intrigue. "I'm talking about adventure. I could take you on a journey with me-show you the world, help you find your true self without the weight of expectations. You'd be free to explore, to become someone completely new."

The idea lingered in the air between them, shimmering with both promise and uncertainty. Camilo felt a flicker of excitement. Could he really leave behind the comfort of his family, the only life he had known, to embark on such a journey? But the thought of freedom-of finally being himself-was intoxicating.

"Would I really be able to find out who I am? Away from the pressure?" Camilo asked, seeking reassurance.

"Absolutely," Facilier replied earnestly. "But the choice must be yours. You have to want it."

Camilo contemplated his options. He could stay, continue to entertain, continue to hide behind his facade, or he could take a leap into the unknown-an opportunity to discover his true self, free of judgment, expectations, and the heavy weight of his family's legacy.

With a deep breath, Camilo smiled for real this time, a smile imbued with newfound hope. "Alright, Dr. Facilier. Let's go find out who I really am."

Facilier grinned, a mix of excitement and mischief in his eyes. "Then let's make some magic happen, my friend. It's time for you to discover the real Camilo Madrigal."

Together, they conjured a portal filled with swirling colors, and Camilo stepped towards it, casting one last glance back at the House of Mouse before stepping into the great unknown. The adventure awaited, and with it, the promise of a true self waiting to be found.