Author's Note: My apologies to those that like their characters to match that of the comics, film, or TV episodes. I've manipulated the characters in this story so that they fit my random musings. I own none of these characters other than original ones I created. Also, a HEADS UP: this story has a LOT of fantasy elements as it goes further in, as well as some crossovers with X-Men, so if that turns you off, you might not want to read into it too far.

Additional Note: This story takes place and at times, has flashbacks. (Sorry, it helped the story flow much easier!). I've noted time changes when they happen! Also, mythological references will most likely be incorrect.

Prologue:

She heard her parents whispering, but she knew they were really arguing. Most likely over her. Again. She sighed.

"Alison!" Her mother's harsh tone made her realize what she was doing. She frowned. She couldn't understand why her mother didn't like the lovely plants she grew. She offered the flower up to her mother, who smacked it away. "What have I told you about that!" she hissed.

Her lip started to quiver, but she pressed her mouth together before Mother could see. "Sorry," she said softly, bowing her head. She couldn't understand why her mother never liked the gifts she made her. She also got angry when she talked to the animals. She didn't know why. They always had interesting things to say, especially about the people around her. She stifled a giggle, recalling what the dog had just told her earlier that day about her mother.

"You see what I have to put up with? You're hidden away in Scotland, so you are never embarrassed by her. No matter how hard I try, she just won't stop! I can't hide her away forever!"

She watched as Mother thrust a paper in her Da's hand. She whimpered, knowing it had something to do with her, something about going away. Her Mother kept telling her if she didn't stop, she'd send her away.

She crawled over to her father and rested her head against his leg. He reached down and patted the top of her head. She always felt safe with her Da. She wished he would take her away to his castle and to Maggie, in Scotland. He had explained to her before, when she begged to stay with him, that Mother missed her and needed her time with her. She didn't think her Mother missed her that much and it was just something adults said when they couldn't tell you the truth. She wasn't sure what the truth was, but she knew there were times her Mother didn't want her around. Like now.

She looked up as her father made a sound in his throat, watching as he frowned at the paper Mother had handed him.

He handed it back to her and sighed. "If you insist on sending her away, why not let her come and stay with me? You know you have full visitation rights…"

He was interrupted by bitter laughter. "Oh yes. And learn to be a heathen! No, this school has been recommended to me. Since it's a "school for the gifted," we don't have to worry about any shame in sending her there. This Charles Xavier is supposed to be the best at working with children like, and is very discrete. Don't think I'm going to allow you any more time with her! She can learn to repress these "gifts", as you call them, with this man. Then she can be properly introduced to Society as the Lady she is supposed to be."

Her Da sighed, looking down at her. He bent down so he was at her eye level. "Hear that, poppet? You get to go to school!" He was trying hard to be enthusiastic, but she could see the tears in his eyes.

"I want to be with you, Da! Why can't I come with you?" she pleaded, not caring that her Mother was standing right there. She knew she made Mother upset and that's why she was sending her away. Why couldn't she just stay with her Da, and Maggie, and her cousins? She always had so much fun when she lived with her Da!

"I'm sorry, poppet, but you know you have to spend some time with your Mother. We'll still have our time, I promise."

He stood up, lifting her into his arms as he did. "Charles Xavier," she heard him mutter. "Yes, that will do nicely. You'll like him, poppet," he told her. "He's a good man and he'll teach you lots of things."

"I'm so glad you approve," her mother sniffed. "I have great plans for our daughter. The sooner she learns to control these….urges….of hers, the better."

He sighed. "She's five. You can't expect her to fight her birthright. Let me take her to this school, to check things out and say goodbye…until our time together again."

Her mother sniffed again. Little Alison wondered if she was getting a cold. "I guess you can take her to this school for me," she said, her voice sounding funny. "I just wish….well, it makes me wonder, if she had turned out to be a normal child…."

Her Da's grip tightened on her. "Don't even say that! Don't ever think that! What our daughter has is a gift, a great heritage! What happened between us had nothing to do with her! Don't you dare make her feel at fault in any way!"

Alison whimpered and her Da quickly apologized, loosening his grip. He kissed her forehead and told her to go outside and play, that he would come get her soon.

Alison skipped outside, careful with her skirt, knowing her mother would yell if she saw a spot of dirt on it. She spied the dog digging in the garden and went over to investigate. He always had the most interesting things to tell her!