Alison's Point of View

Soon after Merlin came back, Riku showed up. He was so angry that he pushed past Merlin to look inside his house. "Where is she?" He snapped at me.

"She's not here. You should really shouldn't break into people's houses. It's rude," I remarked with a bored expression.

Instead of replying, Riku left the house in a huff. It was just Merlin and me. "Mr. Merlin, can I know where Brittany is?" I requested.

"If I tell you, it is vital that you don't tell anyone else," Merlin warned.

"I won't. Trust me, I want this resolved just as much as you do. I can see how it's hurting Brittany," I agreed.

"For now, she is with a friend of her mother's, Leon. Cid, one of our... allies, is also with her," Merlin explained.

"But they're part of the Radiant Gardens Restoration Committee. Won't they be loyal to Yuffie and tell her?" I pointed out.

"They won't. Brittany is safe with them. They are also friends of Sora, Riku, and Kairi. Just because they have known Yuffie longer does not mean they will take her side. I am trusting them to be neutral. Speaking of neutral, I do believe Braig will be here soon," Merlin commented.

"I wish I could stay somewhere else," I grumbled.

"Don't be so sure of that. I have a feeling that there is someone right now who needs you, even if she doesn't realize it," Merlin mentioned.

Before I could ask him what he was talking about, there was a knock at the door. Merlin went to open it to reveal Braig at the other side. Braig immediately became defensive. "I'm not here to cause any trouble. Alison is staying with my family and me, and I'm here to bring her back with me."

"I'm aware. Alison, come along, dear," Merlin said.

I went to the door where Braig and Merlin were. Braig didn't seem mad, but he looked tired. "Thank you, Mr. Merlin," I thanked.

"Anytime, dear," Mr. Merlin replied.

Braig and I began walking back to his house. "I'm sorry that I-" I started.

"Don't. Just don't. I don't feel up to hearing any excuses right now. You're not in trouble. Let's just leave it at that," Braig sighed.

"Are you sure there's nowhere else I can go? I feel like right now, I would be more of a burden than anything else," I inquired.

"I'm not just handing you over to anyone else right now. I can't trust many people because of who your father is. I promised your dad I would take care of you while he's away, and that's what I'm going to do," Braig insisted.

"Is Mrs. Prism going to be okay?" I wondered. I was worried about her. From the way it sounded, it was almost like she was dying.

Braig put his hand on my shoulder. "We don't think so," He admitted.

"W-what do you mean you don't think so?" I asked hesitantly.

"My wife is dying. She almost died the last time, and her disease is stronger this time. It came quickly, and they don't think she'll recover in the end. That's just how it is sometimes. All I can do now is try to make her as comfortable as possible," Braig explained. I wasn't sure what to say. The thought of Mrs. Prism dying was horrifying. I wiped away the water from my eyes that had been forming as I thought about it. "You okay?"

"How can I be? You just told me she's dying. I don't know her very well, but that's terrible," I answered.

"Hey, she's not dead yet. I just need to get ready for it. Reevaluate my life and stuff. Nothing for you to concern yourself with," Braig reminded.

We walked back to Braig's house in silence as thoughts of Mrs. Prism swirled around in my head.