Alison's Point of View

Braig and I stepped out of a dark corridor that led back to Braig's home. The minute there was trouble with Mal and her friends, he pulled me away from the party. "Are you okay?" Braig asked.

"Yeah. What was that all about?" I wondered.

"Not everyone in Auradon likes it that the children of villains aren't still on the Isle. I pulled you out of there to avoid you getting caught up in that mess. I'm sorry you couldn't spend more time with Brittany and Molly. I know you really wanted to," Braig explained.

"I understand," I sighed.

"I'll think about taking you to the coronation. With the children from the Isle coming to Auradon, things are going to be rough over there for people like us. I'm hoping this will all blow over. In the meantime, our lives are here," Braig mentioned.

"You're talking as though I'll be with you for a long time," I noted.

"You probably will be. Don't look so disappointed," Braig smirked.

We went inside. "We're home!" Braig called out.

Clarissa came running down the steps with tears on her face. "Daddy, Mama is sick again," She sobbed.

"What?! But she was fine," Braig replied.

Ienzo came into the room. "I had warned her that it could come back suddenly. Now, it appears that it has. I'm sorry, Braig. We're doing all that we can."

"Is Even here too?" Braig asked. He moved past me and headed straight for his room with Ienzo.

"Yes. It seems to be more viscous this time." Ienzo answered.

I went upstairs to check on Lucy, but she wasn't in our room. I went back down the stairs and to the kitchen, where I found her making food. "Lucy, are you okay?" I checked.

"Get out," Lucy growled.

"Hey, if you wanna talk about it-" I started.

"Get out! Why can't you just leave us alone?! I don't want to see your face ever again!" Lucy screamed. I left the kitchen, and without saying a word to anyone, I left the house.

I walked throughout Radiant Gardens, working my way into the city. I stopped at a bench to think. That was when I saw a gummi ship land. I was curious, so I ran to the area where it looked like it had landed. I didn't find the ship, but I found something more interesting. Merlin was approaching me. That was when I realized that I was in front of his house. "Ah, you're here! A bit early, but here nonetheless," He greeted.

"Merlin!" I exclaimed. He didn't look any older, but he didn't look any younger either. I wondered if he was immortal.

"Hello, child. It's good to meet you," Merlin said.

"You know me?" I asked.

"Why, yes, of course. You're Alison. Have you forgotten? I know many things that have passed and what is to be," Merlin reminded.

"I suppose that's true. What am I early for?" I wondered.

"Why, to see your brother and Brittany, of course," Merlin explained.

"Oh. Then you mean I'm too late. I just got back from Family Day at Brittany's school," I sighed.

"No, no, no. Next door. Brittany is with Riku and Yuffie next door. You can't go there yet, however, because it's too soon," Merlin corrected.

"Brittany's here? Why can't I visit her now?" I questioned.

"That is not something I can answer. Why don't you join me inside for a cup of tea," Merlin suggested.

"I suppose that sounds pretty good right about now. I have nowhere else to be," I agreed. Merlin went inside. Before I could join him, my phone started ringing. I answered it.

"Alison, where are you?" Braig inquired.

"I stepped out. I'm sorry. I'm at Merlin's house. He just invited me in for tea," I answered.

"Alright. Stay with Merlin until I get there. You can't just come and go as you please. Not everyone here is your friend, and don't tell anyone who you are unless they already know. I'll be there in a bit. I have some things here that I need to take care of first," Braig instructed.

"Take your time. Merlin told me that Brittany is next door with Riku and Yuffie," I mentioned.

"She is? Shouldn't she be at the school? Never mind. I have bigger things to worry about. Just stay in that area until I get there," Braig huffed. He hung up the phone.

I went inside to meet with Merlin, who was sitting down at a small table holding a teacup. I sat down at the opposite side of the table, picked up the teacup in front of me, which already had tea inside, and took a sip before setting it back down. "Thank you, Mr. Merlin. Braig will come for me, though I'm not sure when. He has his wife to tend to at the moment, so I'm not sure when he'll be able to get me," I said.

"Braig, you say? What's wrong with his wife?" Merlin pressed.

"You don't know?" I asked.

"I know of certain events, but I must say, that is not one of them," Merlin replied.

"Well, sir, when Braig and I came home from an event at Brittany's school, we found out that Braig's wife is sick again. Ienzo and Even are there right now," I explained.

"Oh, dear. That isn't good. She almost didn't make it the last time. Still, if anyone can help her, it's Ienzo and Even. She's in good hands," Merlin commented.

"Is there something you can do?" I wondered.

"I'm afraid not, my dear. The illness she has, I cannot cure," Merlin sighed. I frowned. I was starting to worry about Mrs. Prism.

The door opened. "Hey, Merlin, have you seen-" I turned to see that Yuffie was at the door. "Alison? What are you doing here?"

"I'm staying with Braig and his family. I wandered out here and ran into Merlin, who invited me in for tea," I answered.

"I thought you hadn't met Merlin. You came into a stranger's house and drank his tea?" Yuffie questioned.

"I know him from a movie and the game," I reminded.

"Right. Well, since you're here, would you like to come to my place and see Brittany. I'm sure seeing you will cheer her up," Yuffie invited.

I remembered what Merlin said about it not being time, so I looked to him for guidance. "It is about time for you to see your sister. Now, run along," Merlin mentioned.

I got up from my chair and turned back to Yuffie. "I would love to," I accepted.

"Great! We're right next door. Follow me," Yuffie prompted.

I changed the picture back to my regular cover for this story. I know it didn't last long. I'm hoping to have other cover art for different chapters in the future, though it won't be very often.

Also, I wanted to let you know that I have edited up to chapter 6 now. It's a work in progress.