Hey there guys! Back again with another chapter! This chapter will have the song 'What's Beyond Here' in it, so please be kind as I'm not a song writer. This chapter will serve as the major turning point for the Madrigal family dynamic. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and be sure to let me know if I make any errors in regards to the Colombian culture or Spanish language as the internet is not always reliable lol.

Also, I'm going to use one of the early concept designs for Luisa's room as sort of a tribute, so understand that I don't own the design.

Inside Luisa's room back in Casita, the Madrigals, minus Bruno, were helping Luisa get ready for her date with Mateo. Luisa's room was a large open expanse that had a sort of oasis theme to it. Her bedroom area was located in a similar type of cave layout as Bruno's, but it was more of a big open floor plan with a large living space and an entrance towards the 'outside' where there was what looked to be an ocean. The 'sun' was setting in the distance, but there was plenty of light inside, which showed Luisa's training equipment on one end of the living space and Luisa's sleeping area on another side. There was also a large mirror and bench which was where everyone was helping Luisa prepare in front of.

Felix and Augustin were standing nearby, with Augustin looking somewhat miffed about something but keeping it to himself, though it was easy to see he wanted to say something. Julieta was working on Luisa's hair while Isabela stood next to her to help her with pins, while Luisa herself was looking both nervous and somewhat panicked, keeping one hand in her lap as she tried to keep her composure. Abuela, who was seated next to her, had Luisa's other hand in hers as she watched them get Luisa ready. Pepa was holding Antonio in her arms while standing next to Dolores and Mirabel was seated next to Camilo on the ground next to Luisa and the others.

Luisa was now wearing a similar outfit to that of her daily wear, expect now it was a little more loose around the sleeves and instead of the usual white shirt, it was now a soft baby blue shirt with dark blue dumbbells stitched onto the sleeves and around the neckline to replace the red string hemlines. She also wore skirt with a slightly lighter shade of blue that had the same oasis theme as her room, with little palm trees along the skirt hem.

"Almost done. I'm so excited for you, mi chica! Your very first date!" Julieta softly squealed as she pinned up some more of her middle child's hair

"You look really pretty Luisa" Antonio said with a smile

"Thanks…" Luisa replied with a glance to him before looking back at the mirror's reflection

"I remember my first date with your Abuelo Pedro. He took me on a walk by the river while we at homemade tamales and talked about our favorite memories as children" Abuela said as she patted Luisa's hand while fondly remembering the story

"Were you…nervous?" Luisa questioned

"Oh absolutely! Just being near him made me feel like there were mariposas en el estómago." Abuela laughed as she held a hand to her stomach to demonstrate her point, making the others chuckle too.

"You should have seen Pepa on our first date. She made a hurricane that lasted for a week before the actual day. And then she-" Felix said, but was then cut off by Pepa who placed a finger on his mouth

"Ay, shh, no need to bring that up." Pepa said with a look that was slightly warning but also slightly embarrassed as she still held Antonio in her arms

"And your father was no better. He tripped over so many things that day, I was worried my food wouldn't be enough to heal him" Julieta joked as well, looking over to the still miffed looking Augustin

"Papá, is everything okay? You've been awfully quiet over there" Mirabel questioned

"It's just…what do we even know about this guy?" Augustin finally said with a somewhat sulky attitude

"Well, he's from the Maravillas family." Isabela stated, summoning a blue cattleya trianae orchid in Luisa's hair

"Who have only been here for about two months now" Augustin replied in stubborn defense

"His magic makes him superfast" Camilo stated as he took a bite of on an empanada before placing it back onto nearby plate

"Yeah and Luisa could crush him with a well placed boulder. Next." Augustin replied with his annoyance growing

"He's really good-looking. All the girls in the village are practically in love with him, even now they're talking about him." Dolores stated with emphasis on the 'really'

"So he's a playboy. Nope, that does it. Luisa, you're not going out with him." Augustin stated matter-of-factly as he made an x with his arms

"But he hasn't flirted or spent time with any girl here since they arrived. I think it's safe to say that he really does like Luisa. He's been hanging around her since practically day one" Mirabel defended Mateo

"Augustin, why are you being harsh on the young man?" Julieta questioned with an amused tone and an eyebrow arch

"Yeah, you weren't this opposed when I was almost engaged to Mariano" Isabela smirked at him

"That's because I thought it was what you wanted. But Luisa has never seemed interested in dating before" Augustin stated matter-of-factly

"Oh don't worry about him, he's just being protective of his bebita." Felix said with a laugh as he put a hand over Augustin's shoulder, with the latter trying to wiggle free but failing

"Yes, Felix is right. Luisa, do not listen to your father and just have fun tonight." Abuela replied with a warm pat on the hand in encouragement

"But I don't want to mess anything up! What if I say something wrong?" Luisa began to panic, her eye twitching its usual nervous tick

"Luisa, its okay. The fact that you're so worried about this tells me you really like this boy, no?" Julieta said, sitting on Luisa's other side and holding a hand to her shoulder

"…yeah. He's…really nice, and he's always got this big smile on his face. He's pretty funny sometimes, and he's always wanting to help me with my work. And I guess…his good looks don't hurt either" Luisa said with a shy expression before giving a slight shrug of the shoulders and an embarrassed smile.

This made the ladies of the Madrigal household all give harmonious 'oo's', making Luisa bury her head in her hands from the embarrassment while Felix and Camilo laughed at this, though Augustin simply gave an eyeroll.

"Papá, come on. It'll be okay. He knows that if he hurts her then he has this whole family to look out for." Isabela stated, coming up to him and giving a comforting arm pat as she swept her arm out to indicate the whole family

Getting himself free from Felix's hold, he looked at Luisa for a minute. Seeing her face of both nervousness and hopefulness, he ultimately gave a defeated sigh and a small smile to his middle child

"You look beautiful"

"Thank you papá" Luisa replied with a relieved smile of her own, but then gave a look of surprise and asked "What time is it?"

Augustin pulled out a pocket watch and said "It's about 5 minutes till 7."

"Oh no, he'll be here any minute!"

With that, everyone quickly rushed their way out of Luisa's room and towards the main entrance, with Casita cheering her own with its usual jittering of tiles and other household materials.

"Now remember, don't panic. It's just a date, not an engagement." Isabela stated as they walked towards the door.

"Yeah, save that panic for Dolores." Camilo joked, making Dolores side-eye him

"Just be yourself." Mirabel stated

"Okay…I can do this, I can do this…I can't do this!" Luisa tried to calm herself but began to panic again and tried to swerve around and away from the door

"Yes you can!" Mirabel replied as she, Isabela, and her cousins blocked Luisa's path, then said "Look at me. He likes you, you like him, and that's all that matters."

Suddenly, a knock on the door made everyone look towards the entrance. Luisa gave a small gulp at her nerves before looking back to Mirabel. She gave Luisa a knowing smile and nod, to which Luisa took a deep breath and nodded back to her.

When the front doors were opened, Mateo was standing there with an delighted smile on his face, his hands behind his back in a proper stance. He was dressed in dark pants and a light gray long sleeve shirt with the interlocking arrow symbol representing his superspeed woven into the fabric. He also wore his Panama hat and shoes that were not meant for running.

Seeing him, Luisa locked up in place due to nerves. However, with a firm but comforting push forward by Felix, Abuela, and Julieta who stood behind her, she stepped towards him with an awkward yet endearing smile of her own.

"H-hi, I'm ready. If you are, that is." Luisa said with her nerves jumbling up her thought process a bit

"Very ready. Here, a gift" Mateo said, stilling happily smiling at her before handing her a gift.

He handed her a small little plush toy of a white unicorn that had rainbow thread hair and a golden horn. When he handed it to Luisa, she looked at the toy in surprise, not saying anything as she continued to stare at her gift.

"I remembered how you said you like unicorns and stuffed animals. I had Chea make it for me since I couldn't find all the colors for the hair. Do you like it?" Mateo continued before questioning her with a somewhat worried expression

"It's…it's so cute! I love it!" Luisa finally replied after a moment of silence, hugging the unicorn tightly as she praised her gift

"Really? Great!" Mateo replied with relief

"Thoughtfully prepares a gift? That's another point for Mateo" Isabela whispered to Julieta with a smirk

"Okay, I hope you're hungry because I've got dinner waiting for us. Shall we?" Mateo said, gesturing away towards the village path.

Instead of replying, Luisa simply nods before giving her unicorn to Antonio to hang onto as she walked side-by-side with Mateo. When she looked back towards her family, they were all waving to her, minus Augustin who simply gave a look of worry, but was slightly eased as Julieta hugged him in comfort. Even Casita was waving it's window frames to her as she departed.

"Have fun!" Mirabel called out

"Have her back before 10!" Camilo called out jokingly

"And there they go." Felix said with a smile

"Now, speaking of dinner, its almost time for ours as well. Will Mariano be joining us tonight?" Abuela questioned Dolores

"Yes, he's on his way now." Dolores replied as she perked her ear up into the air, giving a small smile of her own

"Alright then Julieta, let's go get things ready. Pepa, Felix, Augustin, come and help us."

Everyone began to pour back inside as the older members went towards the kitchen to start getting the family meal ready. What they didn't see was Bruno quietly making his way out of the front door while no one was looking. Once outside, he turned and began to make his way towards the Maravillas ship. However, he was suddenly stopped.

"Tío Bruno?" Mirabel called out to him from the entrance

"Oh! Mirabel. I was just…um" Bruno quickly turned his attention to her and was trying to come up with an explanation

"Why are you going to the Maravilla's ship?" Mirabel questioned before he could think of an excuse

"I…um. Well…I was invited. To have dinner with them. By Catalina." Bruno finally fessed up

"Oh, well that was nice of them. But why not just tell us?" Mirabel questioned again

"I don't know…I guess I didn't want everyone asking so many questions. I mean, even I don't know why they asked me to come." Bruno replied with an honest shrug and unsure expression

"Okay…well then, have fun. I'll let mama know you'll be skipping dinner tonight" She replied as she accepted his answer

"…Thanks Mirabel. I'll see you later" Bruno replied with a relieved smile

He then began quickly making his way towards the ship. Mirabel stood by the door with a somewhat unsure expression of her own before turning back and reentering the Madrigal household.

Once Bruno reached the ship, he began to look from side to side to see how he was supposed to get inside. However, before he could find an entrance, his attention was diverted when Catalina appeared at the railing of the ship.

"Bruno! You're here! Hold on, let me help you up!" Catalina called down to him with an eager tone and delighted smile

With that, her eyes and tattoos began to glow their silver color. The same silver energy encapsuled Bruno before slowly lifting him up into the air. Bruno stumbled a bit as he regained his balance and by the time he reached the top he was now a little more used to her magic's capabilities. She then gently set him down onto the wooden deck, though he still shook a bit.

"Still haven't gotten used to that" Bruno nervously laughed

"It's alright, it's like that for everybody. Come one, everyone's waiting!" Catalina replied before taking Bruno's arm and leading him away

They headed over towards a door where Catalina opened and it led down a u-shaped stair case. Once they reached the bottom of the stairs, there was a set of double doors with ornate door handles. She let go of his hand walked over to them, taking both handles in her hands before looking to Bruno over she shoulder with a smirk.

"You ready?"

Bruno nodded to her, and with that she threw open the double doors. Inside, Bruno was amazed. Just like the Madrigal family's magic bedrooms, the inside of the ship was much larger than what one would expect it to be from the outside. It resembled a large open circular room with a ceiling so high that it was almost hard to see it. At different heights along the circular wall there were rooms that had balconies attached to each one, stylized to the liking of their inhabitants. Unlike Casita, their rooms were not larger on the inside, but were each spacious enough to house a family of four. On the ground level, there was an open living space with an large attached library and plenty of furniture and decorations all along the massive room that was distinctive of many different cultures. There was also a room for the kitchen, a dining area, and a setup that looked like an aerial obstacle course complete with swings, rope challenges, and even a zipline from one end of the large room to the other. As there weren't any windows inside the large open space, there were instead a multitude of lights that dotted along the walls and the ceiling.

"So, what do you think?" Catalina turned around with her arms held open as she asked him his thoughts.

"It's incredible." Bruno replied, still admiring the area

"Thank you. Took us quite a long time to get it just right." Catalina smiled before looking around herself

At that moment, Miguel, Celeste, Tawin, and Dulani came out of the kitchen carrying several dishes and were headed towards the dining area table. As Catalina and Bruno got closer to them, Miguel looked over and noticed them coming.

"AH! Señor Bruno! Welcome to El Barco de las Maravillas! You're just in time, have a seat!" Miguel exclaimed in a hearty, welcoming tone.

As he said this, Miguel placed his platter onto the table and used his elasticity to make his way over to Catalina and Bruno, shaking Bruno's hand before gesturing towards the table for him to sit. Catalina swiftly grabbed Bruno's hand and led him over to two chairs near the end of the table for the two of them to sit at. Miguel then looked up and put a hand to his mouth as he began to loudly call out.

"Everyone come down, it's time to eat!"

"Coming dada!" Arohi called down from her room's balcony

At that moment, everyone who wasn't in the dining area, minus Mateo, came out of their rooms to join the rest all at the same time. Arohi, whose room was only one story higher than the ground level, used a sort of elevator like contraption to bring herself down, reading a book as she made her way over. Chea and Kosal, whose rooms were next to one another and connected by a rope bridge, had come out from their respective dwellings at the same time. With the wave of her hand, the rope bridge was then transformed into a spiral staircase, which the two of the proceeded to race each other down. Chea managed to make it down first, giving a victory laugh while Kosal groaned in defeat before hugging onto her playfully with his arm over her shoulder and messing up her hair. She elbowed him for this, then smoothed out her hair and the two made their way over. However, when Sanyu failed to show up, everyone looked up to where his room was.

"Sanyu! It's time to eat!" Dulani called out to him, but still there was no response from young man.

"I'll go get him." Celeste said

With that, she sprouted her golden wings and flew up to one of the higher rooms and landed on the balcony before disappearing into the room to find him.

"How does he usually get down?" Bruno questioned

"Sometimes I help him, sometimes Chea makes him a slide." Catalina replies before looking back up

Finally Celeste came back out with Sanyu next to her, tapping his head with her golden magic before beginning her descent. Sanyu simply sighed and jumped off the balcony, the golden magic of Celeste making him slowly float down to the ground. Once everyone was finally at the ground level, they all took their seats at the table, with Miguel and Celeste at opposite ends.

"It's a shame Mateo couldn't be here tonight, but we all hope his date with your sobrina goes well." Miguel gave Bruno a wink, then continued with "Now everyone, let's eat!"

At that, everyone dug in to the food on the large platters. The cuisine was a mix of different dishes that belonged to the different cultures from which the Maravillas members came from. Some Bruno recognized but others he didn't. While everyone filled their plates, Bruno looked to Miguel with a questioning face.

"So…Catalina told me you had something important to talk about." Bruno said as he scoped some food from a nearby plate.

"Yes, but let's save that for later, shall we? Let's us enjoy the food for now. You have not lived till you tried Celeste and Dulani's cooking. Their food is a gift sent from the lord himself." Miguel replied as he gave a quick praise to Celeste and Dulani before doing the same for God.

To that, Bruno simply nodded and began to fill his plate. Everyone started to eat, and when Bruno tried the food his eyes lit up with amazement and hunger, eating another bite quickly before closing his eyes in a savoring expression.

"Is it to your liking?" Celeste quietly questioned with a smile

"It's…well, as Señor Miguel put it, heaven-sent" Bruno gave a joking expression on his face

This made the entire table chuckle, even Sanyu couldn't help give a tiny smile of his own, but quickly went back to his neutral expression. Bruno saw the smiles on their faces as they chuckled, and though he didn't notice it, his back instinctively straightened up with a little more confidence then what he was used to.

Back with Mateo and Luisa, they had made their way up a small hillside that was dotted with a couple of trees of decent size. Nearing the top, Luisa noticed what was ahead of her and gave a small gasp of awe. At the top of the hill, with a large tree in the center, was a small table set up with chairs on either side, two small candles on a saucer, tableware, and some flowers in a vase. The tree that stood behind the set up had little clear jars hanging by strings on the branches, and inside the jars were lit candles, creating a soft lighting that was just enough to be calming and beautiful.

Mateo took Luisa's hand and led her over to one of the chairs and pulled it out for her, to which she sat down, looking somewhat lost on what was happening. He then pulled out a basket from under the table and pulled out three dishes with food on them and a clear bottle of green juice. He began to portion the food out onto their plates using his speed, and while doing so he looked at her with a smile.

"Feel free to eat as much as you like, there's plenty more in the basket." He explained as he quickly began to pour the juice

"Okay" Luisa said, still unsure of what to say

Once he was finished, he zipped over to his seat and placed his hat on the back of his chair in less than a second. He then picked up his glass and held it up towards her.

"¡Salud!" He said cheerfully

Luisa picked up her glass and repeated his toast, the two of them clinking their glasses together before he took a sip of his juice. Luisa simply held the drink in both of her hands, looking at the liquid's surface before glancing up at him. He was looking back at her, his smile making her quickly look back down at her drink.

"Is everything alright?" Mateo questioned

"Oh! Yes, it's okay. I mean everything is great! I just…" Luisa quickly assured him that things were find, but then quickly trailed off before finally saying "I was wondering…can I ask you why?"

"Why what?"

"Why did you ask me on a date? We haven't known each other long…and you and I are very different people. So what made you want to have a date?" Luisa asked, still holding onto the glass

Mateo, surprised by this question, set his glass down and looked at her with a genuine expression, saying "Because you're real."

"I'm real?" Luisa questioned with genuine confusion

"You're true to yourself. When I first met you, I was taken by your strength. But then I got to know more about you. You're kind, sensitive, caring, diligent, beautiful, brave, hardworking, it's all so admirable. You don't hold yourself back when it comes to the things you love, whether it's your strength or your family or even the stuffed toys you like. You're just…amazing" Mateo answered with a genuinely amazed expression, which made Luisa give an embarrassed smile in return, but then his face went solemn and he quietly stated "Unlike me"

"What do you mean by that? Everyone here thinks you're just as amazing as the rest of us." Luisa replied, setting her glass down as she tried to encourage him

"Only because they expect me to be." He said quietly as he ran his hand through his hair with a sigh before continuing with "I've always known that I was a handsome man. Many people, mainly women, have made that perfectly clear. But sometimes I wonder, if I didn't have my looks or my talent, would they still think that of me? I doubt it."

Luisa was quiet for a moment, before giving a nostalgic chuckle, which made him look at her with slight confusion before she said "You know, you remind me of Isabela."

"How so?"

"She used to be the star of the Encanto. She has her looks and her magic, and was Abuela's favorite grandchild who was expected to be perfect in every way. But now she doesn't have to be the 'perfect golden child' anymore, thanks to Mirabel. And I think it's the same for you." Luisa said, looking out towards the Encanto village before looking back to him with a nod

"I'm not sure I understand" Mateo said with an unsure expression

"I guess I'm saying…don't let yourself be brought down by the pressure. You know, I used to only believe that my value came from what my gift could do for the people here. I took on so much just to prove my worth, to live up to everyone's expectations of me. Even now I still have moments where I feel that I need to do more. But when we lost our magic, it gave me the chance to be more than my strength. To finally be myself. And I believe you can do it too." Luisa explained, giving him a hopeful nod as she confirmed her belief while gesturing towards the Encanto village

Mateo gave a neutral look for a moment as he gazed at the village that she indicated, then gave a breathy chuckle before looking back up to her.

"You really are amazing" Mateo quietly said with a small smile of gratitude

The two smiled at one another for a moment before Luisa awkwardly looked away and said "Well, we should uh…we should probably eat before the food gets cold."

"You're right. Be sure to try the samosa first. It's one of Dulani's best dishes." Mateo said, sitting back into his chair and picking up his fork.

"Señora Dulani helped you make all of this?"

"Oh yes, she's the best cook of the family. Even better than mama, but don't tell her I said that" Mateo gave her a knowing smirk

"Your secret is safe with me" Luisa gave a chuckle

"Thank you. So, tell me a little more about yourself." Mateo replied as he took a bite from his dish

In the tree above them, Camilo, shaped as a hawk, was watching them as they continued to chat. Back with Bruno and the Maravillas, the table erupted into laughter as Miguel continued with a story from his and Celeste's youth.

"When that poor little boy found out Celeste was married, he looked like his heart was broken. You could see he was trying his best not to cry." Miguel continued to laugh heartily

"Thankfully his mother came and took him away before he actually did." Celeste quietly chuckled at the memory

"Oh beta, I've always loved that story. I've heard it a million times but I still find it funny." Chea said with a laugh of her own.

"Gracias, mi cariño. Now, Señor Bruno, I want to thank you for joining us tonight. Your presence has been a welcome change of pace." Miguel said with a clap of his hands

"Oh, uh, thank you for inviting me. The food was great." Bruno replied, though a bit awkwardly

"What do you think about our ship? Unlike its outer proportions, the star let us make it much bigger on the inside, just like your Casita." Arohi eagerly questioned him, setting her book down beside her half-eaten plate

"He thinks it is bigger than his room." Sanyu stated as he took a bite from his plate

"Sanyu, let him speak for himself" Dulani quietly replied her son, who only rolled his eyes as he ate

"It's okay, he's right. You'd think I'd be used to things being bigger on the inside." Bruno gave a small laugh at his joke

"It would be nice if it could move on its own like your phteah. Hey, why don't we wish for that?!" Chea eagerly suggested

"We could, but their Casita is…something very special. Unlike anything magic could make." Catalina replied with a nod to him, which made him look somewhat puzzled by her response

"I suppose you're right." Chea replied with a shrug

"So…what exactly did you want to talk to me about?" Bruno asked

"Ah, yes, forgive me. Let us all take a seat in the salón and I'll gladly explain. Catalina, would you be a dear and send all the dishes to the kitchen?" Miguel replied as he remembered his purpose for Bruno's invitation and stood up from his seat.

"Of course papá."

With that, Catalina summoned her magic to make everything on the table float towards the kitchen. As the tableware left, everyone got up and made their way over to the living space and took their seats. Bruno followed suit and sat on an empty chair that was near everyone else, Catalina sitting beside him with a look of anticipation. Chea had taken her plate with her and chose a seat, then changed it into a long sofa so that Tawin and Arohi could sit next to her. She then changed her plate of food into a new dish that wasn't on the menu and began to munch happily on it, giving a bite to Tawin with a smirk. Dulani, Kosal and Sanyu chose their own seats nearby, with Sanyu still looking somewhat displeased.

"Now, to cut to the point, we'd like to first thank you for keeping Catalina's secret." Miguel started, putting a hand on Celeste's shoulder as he stood next to her where she sat.

"Catalina told us about your trip to El Cruce." Celeste quietly explained in response to Bruno's surprised expression

"You did?" Bruno questioned Catalina, who nodded to him

"Señor Bruno, I want you to understand just how special it is for Catalina to have told you the truth about her magic. From a young age, she's been able to see the dearly departed and guide them to El Cruce. But as consequence, people who learn of her magic's nature have feared her, and that is putting it lightly." Miguel explained, his tone a little more saddened than normal.

"They were all idiots" Sanyu stated from his seat, his arms folded in front of him

"Sanyu" Dulani quietly scolded him

"Everyone in here was thinking it." Sanyu stated without regret

"I actually agree with Sanyu. Once, Catalina helped a young boy who had passed from a fever find his peace by delivering his favorite toy to his mother. And what did she do? She cursed Catalina as though she were some kind of monster!" Chea piped up in annoyance as she recalled the event to Bruno

"She was grieving. She had only lost him a few days earlier." Catalina replied with an understanding yet still somewhat solemn expression

"That's still no way to treat someone who brought her son's memento back to her" Chea retorted with irritation

"True. In any case, it is truly a blessing that she was able to meet you. You have no idea how grateful we are to you. So to show it, we would like to make you an offer." Miguel nodded

"What-what kind of offer?" Bruno questioned, looking at Catalina for an answer but when he didn't get one he looked back at the patriarch with intrigue

"Kosal" Miguel looked to his son

Kosal nodded to his father and walked over to a nearby shelf and took down a box that was sitting inside of it. He came back and handed it to his father, the older man nodding to his son as he took it from him. Dulani took off one of her hair pins gave it to Chea, who threw it to the center of the floor, waving her hand and changing it into an oak short table before the pin hit the ground. Miguel placed the box onto the table before looking at Bruno with a more neutral expression than his usual jovial self.

"You see Bruno, during our brief time here, we've met the people who live here. All of them very kind. However…they have told us about your…history with the people of the Encanto."

"Oh…you have?" Bruno said with realization in his face

"Yes. And we are so sorry you've had to endure such injustices." Miguel said with a more somber expression in his eyes

"Oh no, its okay. I've been slowly making it up to everyone here. I'm sure soon enough it'll be like nothing ever happened." Bruno nervously laughed as tried to deflect the topic

"You are lying. You are not okay with it at all. In fact, you are actually really mad about it." Sanyu stated, sitting up in his chair with the slightest bit of surprise in his expression

"What? No, I'm-I'm not, I just-it was my fault, after all." Bruno tried explaining

"How? From the stories we were told, you only did as you were asked. Yet you were blamed for their visions coming true." Kosal questioned him

"Well…I should have told them no. My gift only ever caused trouble." Bruno tried to justify his reasoning

"You are the one needing an apology, not them. You did not cause him to get fat, you did not make her goldfish die, and you did not ruin her wedding. Their actions are not your fault. You know it was not, but you cannot help feeling like it is. She made you use your gift. You had a choice, but in the end you never had a choice." Sanyu stated, his voice getting more intense than usual

"I…I" Bruno said, but was left with no other defense

"What happened to you was unfair. You grew up having to take on all the guilt for something that wasn't your doing. They had the power to change their fate, but they chose to let it happen and blame you for it." Chea stated with an understanding tone

"Just like our Catalina. Her magic gives her a great responsibility, but others shun her for it because they don't understand it." Miguel continued, nodding to Catalina.

"Which is why we asked you to join us tonight. To offer you a chance to start new." Celeste said quietly with a smile

With that, Miguel opened the box and took out a small ornate dagger with a very thin blade. The sight of the weapon made Bruno very nervous, leaning back in his seat as he look at the knife.

"Um…what-what um…why-" Bruno tried to form a sentence.

"Oh, it's alright, this blade is harmless to people. Arohi?" Miguel gave a chuckle before looking to his granddaughter

Arohi hopped up and walked over to the wall where there were a few hung portraits and artwork. She walked up to a large, framed painting and grabbed it by the sides. She spun it to where it was upside down, which caused a clicking sound. She then proceeded to pull one side of it, revealing the painting to be on an axis and had it spun around to where the painting was now hidden. On the other side of the painting, they were met with a full-sized map of the world. Miguel walked over to the map and gave Arohi a pat on the head before she walked off.

"Though our ship does not have as much…character as your Casita, it still has magic of its own. This dagger and this map are what we use to travel the world. It's a simple trick, really. Just drive the dagger into the spot where you wish to go and the ship will take flight. From there, we do most of the crew work." Miguel explained the process

"I'm sorry, I still don't understand what this has to do with me" Bruno said with a slight shake of the head

"You see…" Miguel started, then looked to his rest of his family who gave him a nod, then to Catalina who nodded with a smile as well, then said "We, the Maravillas, would like to extend an offer to you, Bruno Madrigal, to join us on our travels."

"…What?" Bruno said, his face mirror complete surprise and slight confusion

"Haven't you ever wondered what life was like beyond the mountains? To see new places, meet new people?" Catalina questioned with eagerness

"Well I have thought about it but-" Bruno started to reply

"So come with us! It's so much fun, you'll love it!" Arohi exclaimed

"And it wouldn't be forever. We can always come back to visit." Chea continued

"We just want to give you the chance to break away from your past here and experience something new. I think after years of unjust guilt, you deserve a chance for something new." Kosal stated with assurance in his voice

"I-I'm sorry, I-" Bruno began but was cut off by Catalina

"Bruno, I know about your vision. The one that you had with Mirabel…about me" Catalina interjected

"What, how?!" Bruno looked startled about the news

"Sanyu told me about it after we first met you and your family." Catalina replied as she indicated the young man who shrugged about it, then continued with "Don't you think that maybe this is why we're here? So you can come with us on a new adventure that's all your own?"

Bruno was quiet for a moment, pondering all the information he was just given, but then gave a small sigh and said "I'm sorry, I can't go. I owe it to my family to make up for my past mistakes. Until then, I have to stay here. But I appreciate the offer. I should probably go now."

Bruno got up from his seat, but Catalina quickly got up and stood in front of him, blocking his way, saying "Wait!"

(Okay people, this is my next song titled 'What's Beyond Here.' Remember, I'm not a song writer, so please be kind as I tried my best to make a good song.)

I know this is a big decision
But don't be too quick to decide
Maybe this is why I'm in your vision
To take you places far and wide

Catalina put her hands on Bruno's arms as she began to reason with him. She then held a hand to her chest as she indicated why she was 'in his vision', then gestured towards the map as she sang about places 'far and wide'.

So run away with us
Just fly away with us
Is it really that hard to choose?
What do you really have to lose?

Everyone in the salon got up and Chea quickly used her magic to change the furniture into a set of identical stools, then changed the small table into a much bigger, circular table where everyone placed the newly made stools around. Everyone then began to dance around the space while Catalina continued to sing to convince Bruno to join them.

Here, take a shot. It's up to you
Who knows, you might find someplace new
The wind is steady and the sky is clear
Don't you think it's time to see what's beyond here?

Kosal came up to the two of them and brought the dagger to Catalina, who handed it to Bruno and pointed towards the map, suggesting he throw the dagger and pick a place for them to travel to. Bruno looked unsure while Catalina gave a reassuring smile as she continued to sing, describing the fair weather and addressing his inner wish to see what's out there.

Hang on, lets slow down a bit
You're right, it's hard to choose
It's a tempting offer, I'll admit
But I'm sorry, I'm going to have to refuse

Bruno held up his hands in a 'hold on' stance, with the dagger still in one hand. He admitted to being tempted by the offer, but he then handed the dagger back to Catalina as he 'refused'

Nothing will change if I run away
This place is home to everything I hold dear
It's not destiny, but this is where I'm meant to stay
Even if I may never get to see what's beyond here

Bruno continued to sing, looking somewhat regretful, running a hand through his hair and rubbing his neck as he continued to explain how he felt about it all. He went over to the map and held a hand to it, still looking slightly saddened by the refusal.

I need to go now

Bruno turned and began to walk away.

Wait, hold on a minute!

This time it was Chea who jumped in front of him to stop him from leaving

We can hike up the Pyrenees by mid-noon
Or relax by the seaside in Cancun
Let's go to Greece, I hear the weather's nice!
Maybe next year, we've already been there twice.

Chea described the hike, then Kosal joined in and described Cancun. Arohi jumped in and suggested Greece, but then Kosal smiled and patted her back as he said no. While all of this was happening, Kosal used his magic to conjure images of the Pyrenees mountains, the beaches of Cancun, and even the countryside of Greece.

Let's head up north to see the fallen snow
The fields of white really set your heart aglow
It's nothing like the stuff your sister makes
We can even go skating on the frozen lakes

Miguel and Celeste sang back and forth regarding the snowy landscape of the northern regions, with Kosal's illusions showing a winter wonderland blanketed with fresh powdered snow and frozen lakes. As they sang, they danced together around Bruno, who watched them with a smile.

By this time tomorrow we can be in France
Or why don't you choose? Hey, we'll even let you steer
Do not let your fear make you lose this chance
Come on, don't you want to see what's beyond here?

Chea sang about France, then Kosal suggested letting Bruno chose the destination and steer the ship. Sanyu actually joined in for a change and gave a little encouragement to Bruno, though he still looked unaffected by the whole ordeal. Then Arohi eagerly questioned him if he wanted to finally 'see what's beyond here'.

You think your gift has your fate prewritten
This mountain range has been your cage
For many years the shadows kept you hidden
But now it's time you take center stage

Catalina came up to Bruno and quietly sang to him about his past, which made him look away in slight shame. But she held a hand to his turned cheek and made him look at her again, holding his hand in her free hand. She then used her magic to make the two of them float onto the large table Chea had made earlier.

So fly away with us
Just run away with us
It doesn't have to be forever
But enough to become more than who you were

Catalina continued to sing as everyone danced around the table, holding both of his hands and giving more encouragement to him that anyone could see was beginning to work.

You don't understand
This is where I'm supposed to be
Though I might feel caged
I don't need to be set free

Bruno broke free from her hands and stepped back a bit, holding one hand onto the other arm in a sort of protective stance. He admitted his feelings of being trapped but then shook his head about not 'needing to be set free'

I thank you for the chance to see some place new
I don't need my gift to see that you're sincere
But my fate here is something that I know is true
Even if I may never get to see what's beyond here

He hopped down from the table and gave a nod to Catalina as he thanked her for the opportunity. He looked towards the rest of the Maravillas with a sincere look of gratitude, then walked a few steps away from the entourage, turning back to them and expressing a look that was slightly defeated but accepting of his reality. He then turned away and began to walk off

All my life there was something missing
Something that I felt deep inside but couldn't see
I may not know what the future will bring
But I can see you were the missing piece in me

Catalina sang to him, gently lowering herself down from the table as she did so, and her words made him pause in place. His face was conflicted as she continued, but she could tell that he understood what she meant. When she admitted to his being the 'missing piece' in her life, he turned to her with surprise.

And I know you've felt it too
So come be part of the crew
Don't let yourself settle for less
Just have faith in yourself and say yes!

Catalina continued to get closer to him, with her family still standing behind her in encouragement. When she told him to 'have faith in himself' he gave an expression that was

This really is a chance like no other
So I guess I have to wonder
Hypothetically of course
Hypothetically of course

Bruno began to contemplate the offer, looking more and more convinced as he went on. When he sang 'hypothetically of course', Catalina nodded and repeated the statement, with a look that said 'sure', even though her face showed that she could tell that he was warming up to the idea, taking a step closer to him as he looked around. The rest of the Maravillas, minus Mateo, all grouped up behind her as they waited for his reply

When would we leave?

With that simple question, Bruno turned to Catalina and the others with a smile on his face that said 'Let's do this'

It'll be a while before we're in the air
Till then, you can get things ready to go
The journey's long so we need to prepare
And its best we let everyone know

Catalina smiled a huge, relieved smile as she quickly ran up to him, the rest of the Maravillas joining her as she explained the steps that needed to be taken before they could actually leave. However, as she sang about 'letting everyone know', Bruno's face reflexively looked nervous at the though of sharing his decision.

Hey, don't be afraid
If you need us, we'll be near
Don't let your courage fade
You'll soon get to see what's beyond here

Catalina, seeing his nervous looked, grabbed his hands into hers and gave them an encouraging shake as she looked him in the eyes and convinced him to not be nervous, stating they'll be there for him if he needs them. Chea joined in on his left side and gave him a shoulder tap, reminding him to not let his courage fade. Kosal appeared on his right, throwing his arm over Bruno's shoulders in a friendly side hug and waved his arm outward, using his magic to display a vast, open valley with lush greenery and a nearby lake, which left Bruno in awe before returning them to the inside of the ship.

Welcome aboard, we're glad you're here
I'm ready to finally see what's beyond here

Miguel swiftly stepped in front of Bruno with a happy smile, holding out a hand to Bruno to shake. The latter looked at his hand for a moment before smiling back with a determined expression, then stated he was ready for the next big step in his life.

"So you'll really come?!" Catalina asked with eager anticipation and hopefulness in her expression

"…Yeah, yeah I will" Bruno stated with the same determined expression

The Maravillas cheered and Catalina hugged Bruno, who was surprised but didn't resist, even when the rest of the family joined in for a group hug. This made Bruno smile, with a look that was all too happy to see the world outside the Encanto.

However, at that same moment, at the dinner table for the Madrigal family, Dolores eyes widened in shock and she gave a small, breathless gasp.

"Tío Bruno" She quietly stated, eyes still wide with shock

AND THAT IS IT FOR THIS CHAPTER! Man, I cannot believe I wrote that much for a chapter. I hope you all enjoyed all that this chapter provided, including the song and this new dilemma for the Madrigal family and our main man Bruno. Bruno is now taking a path he never thought possible, but it means leaving behind his family to go along with the other. How will this affect his relationship to his family? How will they react? Only time will tell, so stick around to find out! I'll see you all in the next chapter!