Chapter 113: The Heart of Hope Part 1: Casita Madrigal
In the Harmony, everyone was waiting for their friends to return to the ship, watching as the massive ball of light shot out from the surface of the world, heading straight for them, passing through the glass as it landed right into the cockpit. When the light died down, everyone was happy to see their friends were alright, but were shocked to see Princess Luna was with them, starring at the princess of the night with wonder as they tried to figure out how she got onto that world in the first place and why she was there at all.
"P-P-Princess Luna!?" Twilight asked, immediately bowing to her. "W-what are you doing here?"
"You can thank somepony named Maleficent for that." Luna replied. "She abducted me and was going to barter me off to a Voodoo Witch Doctor who went by the name Facilier, who people called him the Shadowman."
"And man you should have seen us beat that guy up!" Scootaloo said. "He took the Heart Piece and was using it to fight us, but Spyro came and helped us and-"
"Wait, Spyro was there!?" Pinkie asked.
"He was!" Sweetie Belle replied. "He fused with us and we took that mean old Shadowman down! After that, we attended a wedding and got the Heart Piece."
"Man, how could we have missed an epic fight like that!?" Rainbow Dash asked, falling onto the ground.
"Now don't get yer tail in a knot Rainbow." Applejack said. "We'll get to see the next one. For now, where's the next one."
Twilight took the book out again, opening the pages to the end of the fourth chapter and when she got to a blank page, the Roman numeral for five appeared and the name of the chapter soon followed, looking at it as the words filled in.
"Chapter Five: The Heart of Hope." Twilight said, the coordinates appearing underneath the chapter. "And it looks like we got coordinates."
May took the book to see what was there, examine the coordinates before putting them into the computer, getting the engines ready for the journey to the next world.
"Alright everyone, buckle in." May said, turning to the crowd. "Princess, would you like us to drop you off back in Equestria?"
"Actually, I'd like to join you all in your adventure." Luna replied, looking to the stars. "I'd like to do what I can to help find Spyro's heart."
"Well welcome aboard then." May said, pulling a lever. "I hope you're ready for an adventure then because we're moving onto the next world."
The engines then charged up, building up until the ship shot forward, going into Warp Space, passing through a large corridor of lights and color on their way to the next world.
Ten years ago
In a world elsewhere, in a house located at the edge of a town a grandmother was bringing a candle over to her granddaughter, setting it down on a side table before sitting down and putting her granddaughter on her lap.
"Alright nieta, open your eyes." The grandmother said.
The little girl opened her eyes to see a glowing candle with a golden flame, decorated with butterflies and plants, gazing in amazement at it.
"Wow." The little girl said. "This is where our magic comes from?"
"Yes." The grandmother replied. "For this candle holds the miracle, given to our family."
"But... how did we get a miracle?" The girl replied.
"Well, that my little nieta is a sad story." The grandmother replied. "Long ago, when my three babies were just born, your abuelo Pedro and I were forced to flee our home. And though many joined us in the hope of finding a new home, we could not escape the dangers and your Abuelo was lost. But in our darkest moment, we were given a miracle and the candle became a magical flame that could never go out, blessing us with a refuge in which we could live. A place of wonder."
"An Encanto!" The girl said excitedly.
"Sí, an Encanto." The grandmother replied. "And the miracle grew and our house, out Casita itself came alive to shelter us. And when my children came of age, the candle blessed each with a magical gift to help us. And when their children came of age-"
"They got magic too!" The girl finished.
"Hehe, sí, that's right." The grandmother said. "And together, their gift made our home a paradise. And tonight Mirabel, this candle will give you your gift me vida. Strengthen our community, our home. Make your family proud."
"Make my family proud." Mirabel repeated.
They then looked out and saw fireworks going off, a clock rolling around and ringing to let them know it's time.
"Yes Casita, we know." The grandmother said, Mirabel's shoes coming out from underneath the bed.
Mirabel got up excitedly and pulled her grandmother up, excited to see what her gift was.
"What do you think my gift will be?" Mirabel asked.
"You are a wonder Mirabel Madrigal." The grandmother replied. "Whatever gift awaits, will be just as special as you."
The grandmother took her grandchild into the main foyer, walking her along the banister where a door was glowing, Mirabel excitedly reaching out her hand to the door and touching the doorknob, wondering what her gift will be as the light shined from the door, engulfing her.
Present Day
The Harmony was going through Warp Space and everyone was doing well for the most part as the fillies had gotten sick after their last adventure, sneezing, coughing, and having bad stomach cramps, stuck lying in bed as everyone took care of them, checking their temperature, giving them some soup to help them recover, and making sure they went to sleep to help speed up their recovery. In the kitchen, Cadence and Zecora were making some more soup for the fillies while everyone else was sitting at the table enjoying their breakfast as they made their way to the next world.
"Oh, the poor fillies." Twilight said. "How did they get sick in the first place?"
"Zecora said they picked up some kinda bug from the last world we visited." Applejack replied. "Apparently they caught it while they were in that swamp."
"Oh, I hope it isn't Swamp Fever." Fluttershy said.
"It is thankfully not a fever of the swamp I am pleased to say, but it is a fever that they got just today." Zecora replied. "They will need to remain in bed and given soup to be fed."
"Oh poor Sweetie Belle." Rarity said. "And she was so looking forward to going to the next world too."
"Well, they'll just need to sit this one out." Applejack said. "We ain't lettin' some sick fillies out into the next world. Might end up spreading it."
"Everyone, can I have your attention please." May said. "We're approaching the next world now. So finish up what you're doing please and come to the cockpit. Except for the fillies, you three stay in bed."
The ponies chuckled a bit as they finished their breakfast, Zecora and cadence remaining behind to finish up the soup to serve to the sick fillies. When everyone else got to the cockpit, the ship came out of warp space and before them was the next world they needed to visit, which was a house on the hilltop of a small village surrounded by rocks as high as the sky with plenty of trees and magic flowing throughout the whole house, everyone gazing in amazement at it.
"Ooh, pretty!" Pinkie said.
"It's stunning." Rarity said.
"Man, this place looks like it is fun central!" Rainbow Dash said. "Twilight, the book got the next riddle for us?"
Without waiting to be asked again, Twilight took out the book and the page started to glow, the image of the world appearing on the chapter sheet as she turned the page, golden words appearing on the pages.
"A house of magic, with a family with a magical gift, lies the heart of it all, a girls who spirits she does lift." Twilight read. "Crumbling with time as hope will fade, help a girl to realize her gift and help her follow her path that has been laid. Issues with family with an atmosphere of toxic perfection, only when the family realizes they aren't;t perfect will the magic return and the world's protection."
"So, we gotta find some girl and help her discover her gift?" Applejack asked. "What does that mean?"
"Well, we'll find out when we get there." Twilight replied. "May, who's going down this time?"
"Actually, I'm sending you six down there this time." May replied, looking to the girls.
"Wait, all six of us!?" Rainbow Dash asked excitedly. "Awesome!"
"But why us?" Twilight asked. "Why all six of us?"
"Because I think all of you might like and benefit from this world." May replied, getting up. "Since this world is filled with magic, it's alright for you to talk, but do be careful with who you talk to and how much you say. This world is new, so we shouldn't try to say anything about other worlds."
"Okie Dokie Lokie!" Pinkie said.
"We won't let you down." Twilight said. "Where should we start?"
"Try the house where all the magic is at." May said. "The Heart Piece might be in it."
Twilight nodded her head as everyone going down gathered in the center of the cockpit as May called her Keyblade, raising it up into the air as light surrounded them, several balls of light appearing and flew out the window, purple, cyan, yellow, white, orange and pink lights shot through the space between the ship and the world below, making their way to the planets surface. Back on the worlds surface, it was early in the morning and Mirabel had just woken up, stretching as she got up and dressed for the day, putting her glasses on and her normal day clothing as she pumped herself up, walking to her bedroom door as she was about to leave.
"Make your family proud." She said to herself.
She then ran out the door and the stairs turned into slides for her, sliding down and reaching the main floor, walking along the corridor as the windows opened, but when one window opened, it showed the six different colored lights landed just outside of the house, five of them gently landing while the last one, cyan in color, came down to fast, flying all over the place until it flew into the side of the house, slamming into it as the ponies flinched, covering their eyes after seeing Rainbow Dash run into the wall. While in the dining room, Mirabel walked in and was about to start setting the plates on the table when she heard something hit the side of the house, wondering what it was.
"Ow." Rainbow Dash said.
Mirabel then walked over to see what had hit the house and who was injured, looking out to see the five ponies standing outside, which they looked up to Mirabel right as she looked down, seeing Rainbow Dash rub her head as a bump formed.
"Oh, you poor thing." Mirabel said. "Are you ok?"
"Yeah, I'll be ok." Rainbow Dash replied, making Mirabel jump and fall to the ground, poking her eyes up above the window sill to look at her.
"Y-you just talked." Mirabel said, getting up and looking excited. "You... just talked!? How!?"
"Well it comes naturally to us darling." Rarity replied.
"Dios mío!" Mirabel said. "You talked too! Do you all talk?"
"We do indeed." Twilight replied. "I'm Twilight Sparkle. And these are my friends Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash."
"It's nice to meet you all." Mirabel said. "I'm Mirabel Madrigal. Welcome to the Casita de la Madrigal."
As she said it, the plates rolled past her on the table and set themselves, getting Twilight's attention
"Is somepony else in there with you?" Twilight asked.
"Oh no, just me." Mirabel said, turning to see the plates rolling and grabbing them. "Thanks Casita."
"Wait, you're thanking a house?" Rainbow Dash asked. "What for? Houses don't do anything."
"Not if they aren't magic." Mirabel replied, music staring to play.
"Wait, you said magic?" Twilight asked, her curiosity spiking. "What kind of magic?"
"I don't know exactly." Mirabel replied, placing the plates. "But whatever kind it is, it grant my familia gifts to help the community."
"Gifts!?" Pinkie asked excitedly. "What kind of gifts!?"
"Magical ones." Mirabel replied. "Each of mí familia has a gift. My cousin is due to get his later."
"Wait, each member of your family has magic!?" Twilight asked, her eyes sparkling. "Oh my gosh, this is amazing! Tell me, what kind of gift do they and? And what's yours!?"
"Well Twilight, I can't just talk about myself." Mirabel replied. "I'm only part of the amazing Madrigals."
"Who's the amazing Madrigals!?" Pinkie asked excitedly.
"Heh, you're not going to leave me alone until you know, huh?" Mirabel asked, everyone nodding their heads. "Well, I'll tell you. Casita, a little help!"
The house then suddenly came to life, walls and cabinets moving as the floors moved too, Twilight's eyes sparkling as she saw what was going on as the music started to pick up.
[Mirabel]
Drawers!
Floors!
Doors!
Let's go!
This is our home, we've got every generation!
So full of music, a rhythm of its own design!
This is my family, a perfect constellation!
So many stars, and everybody gets to shine!
Whoa, but let's be clear, Abuela runs this show,
Whoa, she led us here so many years ago!
Whoa, and every year, our family blessings grow!
There's just a lot you simply got to know, so,
Welcome to the family Madrigal!
The home of the family Madrigal! (We're on our way!)
Where all the people are fantastical and magical,
I'm part of the family Madrigal!
[Kids]
Oh my gosh, it's them!
What are the gifts? I can't remember all the gifts!
But I don't know who's who!
The ponies followed close behind, also wanting to know more about this family and about what kind of gifts they have.
[Mirabel]
All right, all right, relax.
[Pinkie Pie]
It is physically impossible to relax!
[Twilight Sparkle]
Tell us everything! What are your powers?
[Young Boy]
Just tell us what everyone can do!
Mirabel then took a glass out of the kids hand, finding it was coffee as she smiled at him.
[Mirabel]
And that's why coffee's for grown-ups.
She then moved to in front of a mural that had a drawing of everyone on it, including all members of the family.
My tía Pepa, her mood affects the weather!
When she's unhappy, well, the temperature gets weird.
My tío Bruno...
[Choir]
We don't talk about Bruno!
The ponies saw how the people reacted to when Mirabel started talking about Bruno, finding this to be extremely weird and confusing as Mirabel leaned in.
[Mirabel]
They say he saw the future, one day, he disappeared,
Oh, and that's my mom, Julieta, here's her deal.
Whoa, the truth is she can heal you with a meal!
Trying that, Rainbow Dash walked up to her, which she just smiled at her and gave the pony a roll, which she ate and found the roll to be very good, feeling the affects of the magic as it healed her bump, instantly healing her.
[Rainbow Dash]
Thanks ma'am!
She then took off into the air, surprising Juliet's as she looked up, watching Rainbow Dash fly before looking to her rolls, wondering what she put in them to make a pony talk and fly.
Whoa, her recipes are remedies for real!
If you're impressed, imagine how I feel, mom!
Welcome to the family Madrigal!
The home of the family Madrigal! (Hey, coming through!)
I know it sounds a bit fantastical and magical,
But I'm part of the family Madrigal!
Two guys fell in love...
[Mirabel, Félix, Dad]
With family Madrigal!
And now, they're part of...
[Mirabel, Félix, Dad]
The family Madrigal!
[Mirabel]
So, yeah, Tío Félix married Pepa,
And my dad married Julieta!
That's how Abuela became an...
[Everyone]
Abuela Madrigal!
[Mirabel]
Let's go, let's go!
[Abuela]
We swear to always help those around us,
And earn the miracle that somehow found us.
The town keeps growing, the world keeps turning,
But work and dedication will keep the miracle burning!
And each new generation must keep the miracle burning!
[Rainbow Dash]
Wait, who's the sister and who's the cousin?
[Pinkie Pie]
There's so many people!
[Rarity]
How do you keep them all straight?
[Mirabel]
Okay, okay, okay, okay,
So many kids in our house, so, let's turn the sound up.
You know why? I think it's time for a grandkid round-up!
[Choir]
Grandkid round-up!
[Mirabel]
Cousin Dolores can hear a pin drop,
Camilo shape-shifts, Antonio gets his gift today.
My older sisters,
[Everyone]
Isabela and Luisa!
[Mirabel]
One strong, one graceful, perfect in every way! (Isabela!)
Grows a flower and the town goes wild! (Isabela!)
She's a perfect golden child. (Luisa, Luisa, Luisa)
And Luisa's super strong,
The beauty and the brawn do no wrong!
That's life in the family Madrigal! ([Choir] Whoa-oh-oh-oh!)
Now, you know the family Madrigal! ([Choir] Whoa-oh-oh-oh!)
Where all the people are fantastical and magical! ([Choir] Whoa-oh-oh-oh!)
That's who we are in the family Madrigal!
Adiós! Ooh!
[Twilight Sparkle]
But what's your gift?
[Mirabel]
Huh, well, I gotta go, the life of a Madrigal! ([Choir] Whoa-oh-oh-oh!)
But now, you all know the family Madrigal! ([Choir] Whoa-oh-oh-oh!)
I never meant this to get autobiographical! ([Choir] Whoa-oh-oh-oh!)
So just to review the family Madrigal, let's go!
It starts with Abuela, and then Tía Pepa, she handles the weather...
[Rainbow Dash]
But what about Mirabel?
[Mirabel]
My mom, Julieta, can make you feel better with just one arepa...
[Pinkie Pie]
But what about Mirabel?
[Mirabel]
My dad Agustín, well, he's accident-prone, but he means well.
[Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash]
But what about Mirabel?
[Mirabel]
Hey, you said you want to know what everyone does!
I got sisters and cousins and ([Ponies] Mirabel!)
[Mirabel]
My primo Camilo won't stop until he makes you smile today! ([Ponies] Mirabel!)
My cousin Dolores can hear this whole chorus a mile away! ([Ponies] Mirabel!)
Look, it's Mr. Mariano, hey, you can marry my sister if you wanna ([Ponies] Mirabel!)
Between you and me, she's kind of a prima donna,
Yo, I've said too much and thank you,
But I really gotta go! ([Ponies] Mirabel!)
My family's amazing ([Ponies] Mirabel!)
And I'm in my family, so ([Ponies] Mirabel!)
Well...
"Mirabel!" Abuela shouted, getting everyone's attention. "What are you doing?"
"Oh, these ponies were just asking about the familia." Mirabel replied.
"She was telling us about everyone's super awesome amazing gifts!" Pinkie replied. "And she was about to tell us hers!"
"Oh, she didn't get one." Dolores said, making the ponies look to Mirabel.
"You didn't get a gift?" Rarity asked. "Why?"
"Well... I don't know why." Mirabel replied. "But it doesn't means I'm not as special as the rest of mí familia."
They then looked to the house, watching as Louis tossed a cart full of barrels above her head, her sister Isabela waved her hand and flowers grew over the house and her aunt Pepa called a rainbow, Twilight in complete amazement at what she saw.
"Right... just as special." Rainbow Dash said, which Applejack stepped on her tail. "OUCH!"
"Rainbow Dash, zip it." Applejack warned.
"Hey, could we come in and have a look around!?" Pinkie asked. "Please, please, please, please!?"
"Alright, alright already." Mirabel replied. "I suppose it's alright. Come on in."
They walked with Mirabel into the house, finding an out of people were in the house helping to organize and decorate for Antonio's party to celebrate his time to get the gift. They also watched how everyone was decorating, Louis moving barrels around, Camilo shape shifting to someone tall to help with a banner while Isabela grew a vine and swung on it with elegance as she made flowers grow, everyone cheering for her, which seemed to annoy Mirabel.
"Oh my, I simply adore her outfit." Rarity said.
"Why thank you little..." Isabela said, looking down at Rarity. "Pony?"
"Oh, you're most welcome darling." Rarity said, spooking Isabela and Louis as she ran into a post. "Wow, Mirabel who or what are they?"
"Oh, they're new around here." Mirabel said.
"I know they're new, but what are they?" Isabela asked.
"We're ponies." Twilight said. "I'm Twilight Sparkle, this is Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Fluttershy."
"Talking ponies?" Isabela asked. "Ok, Mirabel, we need to have a conversation about how to make proper friends."
"Isabela, be nice to her." Abuela said, walking down. "Everyone is welcome in the Casita de la Madrigal." She then approached them, a smile on her face. "Welcome to the casita de la Madrigal little ponies. I must say, seeing some talking ponies today is quite the surprise. Tell me, what brings you here today?"
"Well, we're looking for something with this symbol on it." Twilight said, bringing the book out and showing the people, Isabela and Mirabel looking at it, as they saw the symbol on the cover, but Abuela turned pale, her heart stopping as she saw it. "You see, whoever or whatever has this symbol has a piece of our friend's heart."
"A piece of a heart?" Isabela asked. "Disgusting."
"Oh no, not a physical piece of it." Fluttershy said. "It's magic."
"He lost his heart almost two weeks ago and we're looking for the pieces." Twilight said. "We already found four of them and the fifth is somewhere here."
"Well I've never seen this symbol before." Mirabel said. "Abuela, have you seen something like this before?"
"No, no I haven't." Abuela replied, trying to sound convincing, but Applejack raised an eyebrow as she knew she was hiding something. "Anyway, you're more than welcome to remain in our home, so long as you can help out around the Casita."
"It'd be our pleasure ma'am." Applejack replied.
"Very good." Abuela said. "We still have much to do, so if you could help out if you can."
"Ugh, Félix, where's Antonio's suit!?" Pepa asked, a storm cloud hanging over her.
"Pepa, you get a storm cloud over your head again." Abuela said.
"I know, but Antonio's suit is missing!" Pepa replied. "And the ceremony is about to begin!"
"Oh, I can help out with that!" Rarity said. "I have my own boutique, so I make dresses, suits, clothing of any kind."
"You do!?" Pepa asked, the sun shining brighter than before. "That's perfect! We have a sowing machine upstairs! Come with me!"
Pepa and Rarity ran up the stairs as quickly as they could to get her son's suit ready for the ceremony tonight. Before anyone else could say anything, Pinkie immediately went to help with decorating, taking decoration and hanging them where they were to go, walking up the roof with her suction cup boots, popping up of random places, even firing her party cannon and the decorations hanged themselves, making everyone laugh as they kept going.
"Your friend is pretty good at decorating." Abuela said.
"She's a party planner, and the most random pony we know." Twilight said. "AJ, could you help Luisa with carrying some of the other things needed for the ceremony tonight?"
"No problem sugarcube." Applejack said, running to help Luisa.
"Rainbow Dash, could you keep the skies clear for tonight? Twilight asked.
"No problem!" Rainbow Dash said, flying into the air.
"I must say, you and your friends are most resourceful." Abuela said, walking up the stairs. "It warms my heart to see people and animals alike helping for tonight."
"It's no problem ma'am." Twilight said, watching as the house moved decorations around and decorated itself with Pinkie's help, the party pony giggling as she rode around as the floor moved under her hooves. "If I may ask, how is this house alive? And how does every one here have magic?"
"It's due to the candle." Abuela replied, pointing to the candle above. "Its magic has granted our family the blessing of the miracle. It provided us a refuge we call home. And each member of the family has a gift that helps serve the community."
"But... what about Mirabel?" Fluttershy asked, Abuela's mood changing. "Why didn't she get a gift?"
"I do not know." Abuela replied. "I love her, sí, but she is trying to hard to prove she can help without a gift. Sometimes, it's best to just step aside and let the family take care of everything."
Twilight and Fluttershy looked at one another, feeling bad for Mirabel as they looked to her, finding her trying to help out around the kitchen while everyone else went about their day. During the day, everyone was helping out however they could, Rarity making the new clothing for the boy who is to get his gift that night, being asked to make something special when Antonio get's his gift, Applejack helping to move some barrels and other heavy stuff around with Luisa while Rainbow Dash moved clouds away from the event to make sure nothing would ruin the young mans night while Pinkie Pie helped finish up with the decorations. At the top of the stairs, Twilight was helping to decorate the place, using her magic to levitate some flowers and streamers on the wall when she noticed Mirabel talking with her Abuela, seeing how unhappy she was as she walked away, heading into a room with a blue door as Abuela was talking with one of her daughters, Applejack walking up the stairs as they were talking, looking at them as she walked to Twilight.
"What the heck is that about?" Applejack asked.
"I don't know." Twilight replied. "I think it's about Mirabel. She seemed pretty upset after talking to her."
"Shucks, wonder what she said that got her so upset?" Applejack asked. "Maybe Ah should go check on her." Applejack walked over to the door that wasn't glowing, knocking on it before entering to find Mirabel sitting on her bed with a present in her hands. "Hey sugarcube, ya'll alright?"
"Oh, I'm alright Applejack." Mirabel replied, fixing the bow on the present. "Everyone's looking for you." She paused for a moment, confusing Applejack as she wondered what she was doing, watching her lower the present to be near the bottom of the bed. "This present will self destruct if you don't take it in three... two... one..." A moment later, the present was gone, surprising Applejack before she looked under the bed, finding the missing Antonio hiding under the bed, looking very nervous, so Mirabel and Applejack moved underneath the bed, lying next to the young kid as he crossed his arms. "Nervous? Don't be. you're going to get your gift and open that door and it will be the coolest thing ever."
"What if it doesn't work?" Antonio asked.
"Ah horse feathers, that's stinkin' thinkin'." Applejack said. "Ya'll are gonna get yerself a gift. Ya just gotta believe.'
"Yeah, you just need to believe." Mirabel said. "Besides, if that 'impossiblility' does happen, then I get you all to myself." She then started to mess with the young kid, who was laughing and happy, looking to his older cousin as he smiled.
"I wish you could have a door." Antonio said.
"Hey, you don't need to worry about me." Mirabel said. "Because I have an amazing family and an amazing house... and an amazing you. Seeing you get your special gift on your door is going to make me happy, way more than any gift. But alas, I am going to miss having the world's best roommate."
She then pulled the present over to Antonio, who opened it and saw a home made toy, the kid looking very happy when he saw it.
"Hot apple cinnamon, that looks pretty good." Applejack said.
"Thanks Applejack." Mirabel said, looking to Antonio. "I know you're an animal person, so I made this so when you move into your cool new room, you'll always have something to snuggle with." Applejack's heart melted when she saw that, seeing Antonio hug his cousin, but a second later, the house brought over a clock, letting them know that it was time for the ceremony. "Alright un Bestito, you ready?" Antonio tried to leave, but Mirabel there grabbed him, holding him in a hug. "Sorry, gotta get one last squeeze in!" A second later, the houses floor boards bounced under neath all three of them, moving them out of the bed. "Ok, Ok! We're moving!"
Outside, the sun was setting and everyone in the town was coming towards the enchanted house, Luisa and Applejack working to get the mules and donkeys into the pens, giving each person a number so they know whose is whose while Rainbow Dash flew around outside, trailing a rainbow around and amazing everyone with some of the stunts she had, getting a lot of attention form the people as they gazed up in amazement. Fluttershy and Twilight walked among the crowd, greeting everyone as they came in, not surprised by the fact they were talking ponies, which was a relief for them while Rarity walked around, wearing a special dress she made native to them while also talking with other members of the family Madrigal while dancing with Isabela, the young lady creating flower crowns and putting them on the kids heads and on Rarity's head as they danced. Pinkie however was helping with the catering, bringing around some of the food for everyone to enjoy while also teaching them some of the games they brought with them from Equestria, being a smash hit with some of the kids as they played along. On the second floor, Mirabel was bringing Antonio down, wearing a white and gold suit Rarity made for him as they walked to his family, Applejack and Twilight walking in just as they arrived.
"Ah, there you are!" Félix said.
"Look at you." Pepa said as a cloud appeared over her.
"Pepa, amore..." Félix said, chasing the cloud away. "You're gonna get him all wet."
"You're making your papa proud!" Camilo said, turning into a miniature version of his father.
"I don't sound like that." Félix said.
"I don't sound like that." Camilo repeated, mocking his father.
"Abuela says it's time." Dolores said
"We'll be waiting at your door." Pepa said, she and her husband and other kids leaving them behind the curtains.
"I... don't know if I can do this." Antonio said.
"Ya'll got nothin' to worry about sugarcube." Applejack said, walking up. "Ya'll gonna get yer gift. You got nothing to worry about."
"Yeah Antonio, just relax." Twilight said. "You have nothing to fear." She then looked out, seeing Abuela with the candle in her hand and got excited. "That candle's radiating magic! I bet that's where Spyro's Heart Piece is at!"
"Heart Piece?" Antonio asked.
"A piece of their friend's heart." Mirabel said. "And if that's true, then we have their friend to thank for our gifts."
"Well, good luck sugarcube." Applejack said. "We'll be waitin' for ya."
"Wait, could you... stay here with me?" Antonio asked.
Applejack and Twilight looked at the nervous kid, seeing how scared he was as Mirabel hugged him.
"Ya'll go ahead Twilight, Ah'll stay with Antonio and Mirabel." Applejack said.
Twilight nodded her head and walked through the curtain of gorgeous flowers, jointing her friends as Abuela reached the height of the stairs, turning to face the crowd as she held the candle.
"Fifty years ago, in our darkest moment, this candle blessed us with a miracle." Abuela said. "The greatest honor of our family has been to use our powers to serve this beloved community.. And tonight, we come together once more as another steps into the light, to make us proud."
As she said it, the curtains pulled back as Antonio stood there alone, the tiles changing to look like a red carpet, lights shining on him as everyone clapped and cheered for him, making the young boy nervous as he looked to Mirabel and Applejack, holding out his hand as he wanted them to join him.
"I can't." Mirabel said.
"I need you." Antonio said.
"Do on Mirabel." Applejack said. "Ya'll love him like a brother don't ya? He's still just a little kid, nervous and in need of support. The least you can do is walk him to the door, a gesture of support and love."
Mirabel looked at Applejack, then to her cousin and saw how nervous he was, not thinking twice, she walked over and took his hand, the family surprised she was there and holding the young boys hand as she walked with him, the nervous boy holding onto her arm as they walked. As they walked, Mirabel remembered when she was his age, remembering as she walked down the same path and up the stairs, eagerly awaiting her gift as she touched the candle, reaching her hand out to the doorknob and touching it, the glowing door slowly vanishing before their eyes as her Abuela looked at her in horror, fearing the worse. They arrived at the glowing blank door, Mirabel walking to the side as she watched her cousin go through the remainder of the ceremony.
"Antonio, do you swear to serve this community?" Abuela asked. And strengthen our hope?"
Antonio touched the candle and then walked to his door, touching the doorknob as the door glowed, everyone amazed by the glow as a toucan flew down and landed on his arm, Antonion looking at it as the bird talked to him, understanding what he was saying."
"Uh huh, uh huh, I understand you." Antonio replied. The bird then flew up and made some more sounds, as if asking him a question only he can hear. "Of course they can come!"
The toucan then sounded out, letting his friends know they could come in as the door glowed, revealing an image of the young boy with animals around him, Abuela letting out a sign of relief as she turned to face the crowd, happy the ceremony was a success.
"We have a new gift!" Abuela announced.
The crowd cheered as fireworks went off, everyone clapping as the ponies stamped their hooves, cheering for the young boy as he opened his door, everyone walking in as the room transformed into a jungle paradise complete with trees, leaves, and a large tree in the center that would act as a play area for him.
"Amazing!" Twilight said, she and her friends walking in.
"It's bigger on the inside!?" Pinkie exclaimed, amazed to see the room.
A minute later, a jaguar ran in and the young boy hopped onto the jaguars back, riding it as it ran about in the new jungle room, the young kid having fun as it ran around, Antonio hopping off and bouncing on a hammock that would act as his bed before sliding down a slide that connected to a river, grabbing a python and swinging on it as he got back onto the Jaguars back, riding it back to his family and the visitors, all cheering for him. Mirabel smiled as she saw her little cousin get his gift, happy for him before her Abuela walked over and congratulating him, praising him for his gift and saying how special he was, mirabel's heart breaking when she heard those words.
"We need a picture!" Abuela said, getting up. "Everyone, come! Come, come, come! It's a great night! It's a perfect night!"
Everyone walked over to take the picture with the Madrigals, the ponies walking over with the rest of the crowd, but Applejack noticed that Mirabel wasn't;t walking over, going up to her as she felt worried for her, seeing the sadness in her eyes and how unhappy she looked.
"Ya'll alright sugarcube?" Applejack asked. "Ya'll ain't going up to take the picture with yer family."
She didn't answer as she watched her family get into their places, a tear rolling down her cheek as she watched the camera flash, time slowing down for everyone but Mirabel and Applejack as the young lady walked over, looking at her family as music started to play, Applejack worrying for her as she walked next to her towards the family.
[Mirabel]
Don't be upset or mad at all.
Don't feel regret or sad at all.
Hey, I'm still a part of the family Madrigal,
And I'm fine, I am totally fine.
I will stand on the side as you shine!
[Applejack]
Ya sure yer alright, not mad at all?
Ah can tell, yer not totally alright at all.
Ah know the look, ah seen the sign,
Of a jealous pony, who wants what she was denied.
[Mirabel]
I'm not fine, I'm not fine!
I can't move the mountains,
I can't make the flowers bloom,
I can't take another night up in my room!
Waiting on a miracle!
[Applejack]
Mirabel...
[Mirabel]
I can't heal what's broken,
Can't control the morning rain or a hurricane!
Can't keep down the unspokenl invisible pain,
Always waiting on a miracle, a miracle!
[Applejack]
Mirabel...
[Mirabel]
Always walking alone,
Always wanting for more!
Like I'm still at that door longing to shine!
Like all of you shine!
All I need is a change, ([Applejack] Is a change!)
All I need is a chance! ([Applejack] Is a chance!)
All I know is I can't stay on the side!
Open your eyes, open your eyes, open your eyes!
[Applejack]
Ya'll are not alone!
Ya'll will someday get your chance!
You may not have gotten your gift,
But that does not mean you are not special!
Ah believe that someday you will find,
That your gift is the most special of them all!
[Mirabel]
I would move the mountains,
Make new trees and flowers grow,
Someone please just let me know, where do I go?
I am waiting on a miracle, a miracle!
[Applejack]
You have waited for a miracle, a miracle,
Someday you will have what you want!
[Mirabel]
I would heal what's broken,
Show this family something new!
Who I am inside, so what can I do?
I'm sick of waiting on a miracle, so here I go!
I am ready, come on, I'm ready!
[Applejack]
Ya'll will find out who you are!
You just need to wait!
Always demand, rush to get, never waiting for your time,
It will only bring you closer to trouble.
[Mirabel]
I've been patient, and steadfast, and steady!
Bless me now as you blessed us all those years ago!
When you gave us a miracle!
Am I too late for a miracle?
Mirabel fell onto her knees, on the verge of tears as she felt her hope for getting her gift faded, Applejack walking up to her and putting her hoof on the depressed girls shoulder, Mirabel looking up to her as tears rolled down her face.
"Don't ya fret sugarcube." Applejack said. "Ya'll might not have a gift, but that don't mean yer not special. Magic doesn't solve everything and Spyro understood that."
"S-Spyro?" Mirabel asked.
"Mah colt friend." Applejack replied, raising her ring to look at the gold band with the red and green apple shaped gems on it. "He always made us special. Mah friends and ah, we're apart of a herd, all in love with him. He never belittled us or made any of us feel worthless as he loved us unconditionally." She then looked back at Mirabel, putting her hoof down as she sat down. "We didn't need no fancy magic to be special, for he saw us for who each of us were, not what we are. The gift doesn't define who somepony is... it's you who defines who you are. And the way Ah see it, ya'll are a loving and caring person who loves her family, despite having a gift. And that, Mirabel, is more valuable than any gift."
Mirabel felt her own heart leap with joy, wiping the tears away from her face as she hugged Applejack, the orange earth pony hugging her back to comfort the upset girl as they sat there, alone in the middle of the room as Mirabel allowed her sorrow and despair to flow in her tears. However, as they were hugging, they didn't notice that Mirabel's right hand was glowing, the symbol appearing on her hand as it glowed purple, the triangle spinning as she hugged Applejack, but the young girl still felt sad and unloved, unhappy and jealous that she didn't get a gift while everyone else did, causing the symbol to turn from a royal purple to a crimson red before disappearing. A second later, they heard something break, looking across from them as they saw a shingle from the roof had fallen down from the roof and got up, walking over to investigate it.
"Is that... a shingle?" Applejack asked, looking up to the roof. "How old is this house?"
"Over fifty years old." Mirabel replied, picking up the shingle. "But... why did it just fall? What's-"
Before she could say anything else, she accidently cut herself on the shingle, hissing as she looked at the cut, finding it was a large cut.
"Mirabel!" Applejack exclaimed, looking at the cut. "Ya'll ok?"
"Yeah, I think so." Mirabel replied. "Just a cut." She then looked at the floor and saw it was shaking, Applejack and Mirabel looked at one another before returning their gaze to the floor. "Casita?"
She reached it her hand to see what was wrong, but the floor then cracked, Miabrel was shocked when she saw the cracks appear, but more shocked then the cracks grew bigger, moving in a single direction, so they both ran after the crack, flowing the cracks as they reached the stairs and up the wall, going behind the picture of Mirabel's grandfather as it went up. The two of them then reached the second floor and an to the railing, watching as the cracks went up the wall and moved towards the candle, stopping just short of it as they saw the candles flame flickering, the magic in the candle fading as it turned red, Mirabel horrified by what she was seeing while Applejack seemed confused and worried as what was going on indicated that something was happening to the magic in the house. Without waiting, they ran to Antonio's room where everyone had gathered to celebrate the young boy getting his gift.
Meanwhile in Antonios room, everyone who attended the part were celebrating, people and ponies were dancing, music was playing and everyone was having an over all good time. While on the dances floor, Twilight and Pinkie Pie were dancing with the crowd while Fluttershy was with Antonio, talking with some of the animals the young boy now has with him, becoming friends with the animals and with the young boy as he now has the ability to talk to animals like she does while Rarity was talking with Isabela, admiring her dress and some of the clothing the Madrigals were wearing. Rainbow Dash however was flying around, letting some of the kids ride around on her back as they giggled and screamed in delight and joy as they were having fun, the Pegasus setting down to let the kids hop off and join the party, letting Rainbow Dash go to her friends who were having a good time.
"Man, I can't remember the last time we got to have this much fun since starting this adventure." Rainbow Dash said.
"You said it Dashie!" Pinkie replied. "Ever since we started this whole thing, we haven't had time to let loose and have fun together!"
"I must agree with you girls." Twilight said. "It's feels nice to unwind and have some fun once in a while, but we also need to find the Heart Piece and I suspect it's in the candle."
"I must agree darling." Rarity responded. "The grandmother seemed rather protective when I tried to tried to ask questions about the candle. Wonder why?"
"Hey, has anypony seen Applejack?" Twilight asked.
"The house is in danger!" Mirabe; announced, she and Applejack running into the room and up the stairs and to the group.
"Mirabel darling, whatever are you talking about?" Rarity asked.
"The house's in danger." Mirabel replied. "The tile's falling and there are cracks appearing on the wall."
"Ah also saw it." Applejack said. "The cracks were forming on the wall and the candle started to flicker and turned red."
"Show me." Abuela said.
Everyone walked with Mirabel and with Applejack to see what they were talking about, but when they came outside, they saw that everything was alright, no cracks, the candle had it's golden glowing flame and the tile on the roof looked to be alright, everyone looking down at Mirabel and Applejack like they were crazy.
"But... the cracks were there." Mirabel said, pointing to the wall with the candle. "They were... everywhere. The house was in trouble and the candle was..." She then looked to her grandmother, hoping she'd believe her. "Abuela... I promise you that-"
"That's enough." Abuela said, holding up her hand before turning to everyone else. "There is nothing wrong with the Casa Madrigal! The magic is strong! And so are the drinks. Luisa, music!"
The music then started back up again as everyone went back into the room to party on, but Mirabels' mother walked down to her daughter as the ponies walked down to their friend, Mirabel walking with her mother while the ponies remained with their friend.
"AJ, tell us from the beginning, what happened?" Twilight asked.
"Well, Mirabel was upset and felt left out because she wasn't included in the photo." Applejack said.
"Why not?" Pinkie asked. "She's family, isn't she?"
"She is, but Ah got the feeling she doesn't feel accepted by her family." Applejack replied. "Except by her mother and father, even Antonio likes her, but her sisters and her Abuela don't seem to like her much."
"You know, now that you mention it, she didn't seem too excited when Mirabel was trying to make special decorations for her family." Twilight said.
"And her sister Isabela only seems to see her as somepony who get's in the way of everything." Rarity said. "And she seems to look down on her a lot as well."
"And Luisa doesn't seem too thrilled about asking for help either." Rainbow Dash said. "You ask me, this family seems to have some problems."
"Yer tellin' me." Applejack said, looking to the grandmother. "And the grandmother knows more about the Heart Piece than she's lettin' on.
"Well let's go and confront her about it!" Rainbow Dash suggested. "If she knows where it is, we need to get it from her!"
"Hang on there Rainbow Dash." Twilight said. "We shouldn't cause any trouble where none should be made. We'll talk to her in the morning. For now, let's just enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts. We've earned a bit for a break."
The ponies then walked up the stairs and towards Antonio's room, heading back to enjoy the celebration and have some fun before getting back to searching for the Heart Piece. On the roof of the house, there were some dark sparks that appeared in the air before a corridor opened up, Vanitas walking through and stretching his arms as he took in a deep breath.
"Finally." Vanitas said. "Casita Madrigal. Quite an interesting place to hide a piece of your heart little prince. Now... where is it hiding?" He then took a couple of steps forward, looking over the edge of the roof and saw the ponies walking up the steps, hissing in rage as he saw them. "They're already here? This complicates matters." A second later, he slipped on the tiles as they angled to make him slide down, trying to grab hold of something before falling off, falling to the ground before the floor underneath him launched him into the air and out of the house, causing him to crash land on his face, his body bending to where it looked like it might break as his leg and hand twitched. "That... makes it worse."
In the nursery that functioned as Mirabels room, the young girl was wide awake, thinking about what had just happened and why the damage had repaired itself, turning to look at the ponies, who all agreed to sleep in the nursery with Mirabel while they stayed as the Casita expanded the room, making enough room for everyone to have a bed. While everyone else was sleeping, Mirabel was looking out the window and looking to the candle, wondering if something was happening to the magic in the house, so she got up and walked over to the window and hopped out, climbing up the wall and running along the roof towards the window that had the candle, pressing her back against the wall.
"What are you doing?" Rainbow Dash asked, scaring Mirabel.
"What are you doing up here!?" Mirabel asked, trying to be quiet.
"Same thing you're doing, wanting to see the candle." Rainbow Dash replied. "No offense, but your grandmother doesn't seem like the best kind of person around."
"She means well." Mirabel said. "And besides, she-"
They then heard someone approach, pressing up as much to the wall as possible to not get spotted when Abuela walked to the window, pulling out a locket and opening it to show a picture of the grandfather, Abuela looking like she was on the verge of tears.
"Oh Pedro, I need you." Abuela said. "Cracks in our casita and these ponies... looking for what gave us our miracle..."
"She does know about the Heart Piece!" Rainbow Dash whispered, Mirabel putting her hand over her mouth.
"I truly feel bad for them Pedro, I do." Abuela said. "But... I just can;t give them what they want. What if they take it and our miracle is lost because of it?" She then looked to the candle, putting her hand on it as a tear rolled down her face. "Oh Pedro, if our family only knew how vulnerable we are... If we loose our miracle... we cannot loose our home again." She then looked down at the locket, another tear running down her face. "Why is this happening? Open my eyes, please. If the answer is here, help me find it. Help me protect our family.
As she asked for help, the candle's flame turned from gold to purple, getting Abuela's attention as she looked into the flame, watching as a purple heart appeared.
"Conditional love... destroys." A voice said, the heart breaking in two as it rotted. "Toxic perfection... degrades. A miracle of love will fade... a home of hope... unmade."
The heart then disappeared, the flames and light returning to a golden yellow as Abuela looked at the candle, shocked and surprised by what she saw.
"What does this mean?" Abuela asked. "Conditional love? Toxic perfection? What does this mean?"
She then walked away from the window, pondering about what she heard as Mirabel let go of Rainbow Dash as both were stunned by what they witnessed.
"The candle's never done that before." Mirabel said.
"Yeah, strange." Rainbow Dash said. "Conditional love... toxic perfection, what does that all mean?"
"I don't know, but I know one thing." Mirabel said. "I'm going to save the miracle."
Mirabel then walked away from the window with Rainbow Dash flying right behind her as they made their way back to her room to find a way to save the magic in the Casita and the family's gifts.