Hey out there! This is a story that's been in the back of my mind for quite a while now, and I just couldn't resist writing it anymore!

Just so everyone understands, this is a prequell to KH, involving many of the older characters like Merlin in their teen years, beginning to face the oncomming darkness. This also takes place at a time before the worldsbecame seperate(The manga mentions a time when all the worlds were one) and tells the origins of some characters and events.

Enjoy!

(I own nothing but the storyline... kinda.)

Fire…

That's all she could see. A terrible roaring fire that engulfed everything. She tried calling out to someone, though she had no idea who, but no sound came from her mouth.

How had this happened? Where did this fire come from? She sank to her knees as she began to silently sob for…

Who?

Who did she cry for? Had someone been hurt? Did someone… die? She was certain someone had, but she just could not remember who it was. All she remembered was a face. A beautiful, but sad face.

Who had done this? She called out once more, but finally blacked out…

As the green flames grew larger.

---

She awoke with a start to find the sunlight shining pleasantly across the land.

Cautiously, she reached out a hand to see if she were truly here, and not back in the deadly inferno. There was her hand all right, but what of the rest of her? She slowly crawled to a nearby puddle and gazed at her reflection. All was normal.

Well, she sneered. As normal as I can get anyway.

She glared at the dark haired girl that looked back at her… a freak. That's all anyone had ever considered her. Ever since that awful night when she was found nearly dead in the burned down remains of a great castle, the only survivor.

She had no memory of anything before, except for the fire. No idea who she was, where she came from, or why she was so… different.

She sighed to herself as she looked up to see the sun high in the sky. She'd slept a long time and decided now was the time to continue her journey. She'd come a long way, but her efforts would soon pay off.

---

The road was long and winding, and Merlin tried in vain to stifle a yawn.

Merlin, far from being the old wise wizard he was destined to become was still a young boy, barely seventeen. As of yet, he had no need for glasses, and had not even grown the stubble of a beard, much less the long flowing beard he would one day sport.

Young Merlin, in his prime, was actually quite a handsome young man. He was tall, and well built. His face, though not one to be compared to the sculpted facades of heroes of Greece, was not unpleasant. His eyes were a deep blue, the kind that reminded one of a clear, cloudless day. Perhaps his most striking feature was his silver hair, which grew to reach the bottom of his neck in the back, and bangs which haloed his face. He wore a simple blue tunic and no hat. It was his philosophy in those days that only old men wore hats.

He walked merrily along the dirt road, the same one he'd followed for days. For Merlin was currently on a quest. A quest to become a sorcerer's apprentice!

But not just any sorcerer. He sought out the great Master Yen-Sid himself. And after many days of travel, he finally caught view of the great wizard's famous tower.

"Finally," Merlin said to himself, in his usual cheery voice. He spoke with a hint of an English accent. "After all this traveling, I've finally made it!"

"Who, who? What-what?" A voice called from Merlin's bag. Merlin looked down to see an owl hatchling crawl out and climb up his arm to perch on his shoulder. "We're there?"

"Yes Archimedes." Merlin replied with a chuckle. "And you said we'd never make it."

"You can't blame me for being a tad negative," Archimedes hooted. "After all, the kingdom is quite far away from here. Where is here, anyway?"

"It's called Twilight Village. Although I hear it'll be a city someday."

Archimedes huffed in disbelief. "Right. And someday we'll be able to make rocket ships out of rubber."

"You never know Archimedes." Merlin chided. "Anything is possible."

Merlin approached the tower, and noticed that the top resembled a pointed hat, covered with stars and moons.

Interesting display of architecture, he thought. But he gasped when he noticed several others, teenagers like himself, waiting outside the tower.

"Wow," Merlin gasped. "Looks like I'm not the only one who wants this job."

He noticed several young men and women, but the most prominent of these was a group of girls, about sixteen or fifteen. They stood close together, chatting, wearing pink, blue, and green dresses, and Merlin even noticed small wings growing from their backs. No doubt they were fairies.

He looked around and saw another fairy with blond hair. She was only seventeen, like himself, but had a loving, motherly look to her. Merlin couldn't help but think she'd make a good mother, or perhaps a godmother.

He also saw a strange figure which looked like a ghost made out of a burlap sack, and talking to him was a young woman with dark hair. Merlin saw through her disguise, thanks to his experience with magic, and saw that her hair was actually white, and her skin was purple. Her legs weren't real either, but disguised her octopus tentacles. Merlin could only guess she was some odd species of mermaid.

Another prominent face in this crowd belonged to a young man, about sixteen years old, wearing a back shirt, red vest, and baggy red pants. His hair was dark, as were his eyes, and his face was long and pointed. Something about this boy didn't sit well with Merlin, and he knew right away he wasn't going to like him much. Despite this, he decided that he needed some information and approached the suspicious young man.

"Excuse me," He said politely. "Could you tell me what's going on here?"

The young man turned to Merlin and smiled, though his smile seemed more like a snake's than a person's. "Of course," The boy said. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Jafar. I hail from the land of Agrabah. What's going on here is that I, along with many others, have traveled great distances to this place, seeking to become Master Yen Sid's apprentice. I assume you're here for the same reason?"

"Yes," Merlin replied. "But I didn't expect so many others to want the same job. There are even fairies here."

"Oh, you noticed them too?" Jafar said, glancing at the blond fairy. "Yes, very beautiful bunch. But I doubt Yen Sid will be judging us based on looks."

"Lucky for you." Archimedes commented dryly, hopping onto Merlin's shoulder.

Merlin glared at the owl for his rude comment, even if he did agree, but Jafar just laughed. "A talking bird, how intriguing. Perhaps I should acquire one."

"They're very rare," Merlin explained. "And Archimedes here would've been locked up as a king's novelty if I hadn't taken him in." The last part was directed mostly at Archimedes who just ruffled his feathers and huffed. "Where is Yen Sid? How long have you been waiting?"

"Not long. I only got here a few hours ago. And everyone else arrived not long after. Quite a coincidence that we should all arrive on the same day, eh?"

Merlin nodded, glancing back up at the tower. This all did seem rather coincidental. It wasn't hard to believe a famous sorcerer like Yen Sid would have many hopefuls trying to become his apprentice, but for all of them to arrive on the same day? Coming from such various corners of the world, it would be far more likely that they should arrive at different times. Merlin could tell something was going on.

He saw someone approaching from the corner of his eye and turned to see the fairy in pink walk up, followed by her two companions. The fairy in pink had shoulder length brown hair, and smiled sweetly but held an air of dignity.

The girl in green had brown hair as well, but hers went down to her back and was tied in a ponytail. She seemed a little taller, or perhaps thinner than the pink one, but had a more youthful air.

The blue one was as different to the others as night is to day. She was the shortest of the three and had darker hair. She also seemed like more of a tomboy.

"Hello," The pink fairy said cheerfully. "How do you do?"

"Fine, thank you." Merlin replied.

"That's good. I'm Flora, and these are my sisters, Fauna and Meriwether." The two fairies curtseyed politely.

"It's nice to meet you. I'm Merlin."

"And I am Jafar," Jafar interrupted, stepping between Flora and Merlin. "It is an honor to meet such beautiful maidens as yourselves." He took Flora's hand and kissed it, unaware of the chills of terror it sent down the fairy's spine.

"Thanks," Meriwether replied flatly. "But we were kinda talking to this guy over here."

"Meriwether!" Fauna chided softly.

"Oh, I see." Jafar said calmly, though it was obvious that he was a little wounded. "Very well, I shall leave you to your business. Perhaps we shall meet again?"

"Yes… perhaps…" Flora replied, smiling awkwardly.

"Excellent!" Jafar turned to Merlin and shook the young wizard's hand. "Farewell to you as well Marvin. Good day!"

"It's Merlin…" He corrected, as Jafar walked away. He sighed and turned to Flora. "You want to talk to me about something?"

"Yes," Flora replied. "We couldn't help but notice… Are you a wizard?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact."

Fauna and Meriwether sighed sadly as Flora continued. "Oh… I see."

"Is something wrong?"

"Oh no, nothing at all. It's just… well; a wizard will probably have better luck becoming Yen Sid's apprentice."

"Oh… well, perhaps, but I am a novice wizard after all. My powers aren't too advanced. The biggest thing I've ever done was have a little vision."

"Little vision!" Archimedes scoffed. "Listen here you three; this here boy was hired by a king to- Mph!" Merlin clamped his hand over the owl hatchling's beak.

"Not another word Archimedes!" He chided harshly.

"Hired by a king?" Fauna asked excitedly. "How wonderful! I wish we could work for a king!"

"Believe me, its not as glamorous as it seems." Merlin said, blushing slightly.

Suddenly, the door to the tower opened and all the hopeful apprentices turned to see the majestic figure of Master Yen Sid step out.

"Welcome," He said. "I know you've all come to try and become my apprentice. However, I'm afraid that is a position I cannot give out." The crowd murmured in confusion and protest, but quieted when Yen Sid raised his hand for silence. "I'm sorry, but only one can be my apprentice, and he has not yet come to me. The rest of you hold great powers, and I thank you for coming, but I'm afraid you must all go home."

The crowd grumbled and murmured unhappily, but turned and left without much of a fuss. It was obvious nothing would change the sorcerer's mind.

Merlin, Jafar, and the three fairies were the last to leave, but stopped when Yen Sid called to them. "Wait," He said, causing the five teens to turn to him. "You may stay. Come here." The five blinked in disbelief for a moment before obeying. "I'm glad you've come." Yen Sid continued. "I've been waiting."

"What?" Jafar asked. "What do you mean? I thought none of us could become your apprentice."

"That is correct. However, I have another job for all of you."

Merlin blinked in disbelief. He wouldn't become Yen Sid's apprentice, but he would still get his chance to learn from the great sorcerer.

"What do you mean Master Yen Sid?" Meriwether asked.

"A day is coming when there will be a dire need for people with great power and talents." He replied. "There will be many key players in this game of chess, and it will be my responsibility to find them and prepare them for the challenge ahead. Speaking of which," He turned to the forest surrounding his tower. "You can come out now. There is no need to hide." Merlin and the others heard a small gasp of surprise from behind a tree and saw someone peek out timidly. "Come now, we are all friends here." Yen Sid said gently.

The figure slowly came out from behind the tree to reveal a sixteen year old girl.

Jafar noticed this, and immediately put on a charming smile. "Indeed, Master Yen Sid is right. We are all friends. Now come out of the shadows so we can see you better."

The girl drew back and softly replied. "I… I can't. You shouldn't see me."

"Why not?" Fauna asked gently. "Don't be afraid, we just want to know you better."

"No. No, I can't…"

Merlin sensed her fear and insecurity and doubt and felt bad for her. Something made her afraid to come out of the shadows, and he felt a strong urge to help her face the light of day. "Please," He said softly, a kind smile on his face. "We won't hurt you. We want to be your friends… I want to be your friend."

The girl hesitated still, but as she looked at Merlin's smiling face her confidence grew and she slowly stepped into the light.

Jafar and the three fairies gasped silently when they saw her. She was a normal looking girl from a distance, slender with slight curves any teenage girl would have, and ebony black shoulder length hair. But what was unusual about her was her skin, which was an unnatural pale green, and her eyes were a stunning shade of gold.

Merlin looked at her and knew the other four were gaping. He knew the poor girl's confidence was quickly dwindling as she stood awkwardly before the small crowd.

"I shouldn't be here…" She said softly. "I'm sorry."

She turned to run away but stopped when she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was Master Yen Sid.

He looked at her kindly and she seemed a little less nervous. "There's no need to leave, you're here for a reason. All of you are." He turned to the others. "You have all been brought to me because you will all one day play an important role in a great story that has yet to unfold. I am here to instruct you, and give you the strength necessary to face your destiny."

This was all quite a lot to process. Merlin had trouble retaining it all. An important destiny? It all seemed like a dream. But it wasn't.

Merlin looked around and saw the same confusion in the others' faces, but also saw determination. He felt the same determination as he turned to proudly face Yen Sid again.

"So," The sorcerer continued. "Are you all ready?"

Merlin nodded firmly, as did Jafar and the fairies. But the girl seemed hesitant. But one assuring smile from Merlin was all she needed to bolster confidence enough to nod in agreement.

"Excellent." Yen Sid declared proudly. "Then follow me inside, and I shall explain your duties."

Yens Sid entered the tower, and Jafar and the fairies seemed eager to follow, but stopped when they notice Merlin and the girl hadn't moved.

Merlin approached the girl and gave her another smile. "This all sounds exciting, huh?"

The girl tried to smile back, but it was like she didn't know how. She turned away, as though she was ashamed.

"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?" Archimedes blurted out, before Merlin clamped his beak shut again.

"I'm sorry about him," Merlin said hastily. "He just hatched a few weeks ago, and hasn't learned manners yet."

"It's okay." The girl replied. "I don't expect people to treat me any different."

Merlin gazed at the girl and couldn't help but feel sad for her. She seemed to feel so much pain. "You don't have to expect people to treat you differently, especially not if that means they mistreat you." The girl slowly turned to face Merlin. "You shouldn't let what other people think affect the way you think of yourself."

"Maybe…" She replied, almost in a whisper. "But it's so hard… Looking like this, everyone's afraid of me or hates me. I've never even had any friends."

"You do now." The girl was surprised to see Merlin hold out his hand. "I'll be your friend… if you want." The girl seemed hesitant still. "It's alright, you can trust me…"

The girl struggled with herself, wondering if she should take his hand or not. Finally, she slowly placed her pale, slender hand in his.

Merlin smiled happily and softly introduced himself. "My name's Merlin."

The girl finally managed to return his smile. A smile that was surprisingly beautiful, yet at the same time it was somehow slightly haunting. "… My name… is Millicent."