BACK ON THE PEREGRINE SPACESHIP

In the command center, Roanne’s rectangular profile on the big screen—once gray and labeled “DORMANT”—shifted to a glowing seafoam green. The label beneath it now read “AWAKENED.”

BACK TO ROANNE & YONDER

On a large rock jutting out from the middle of the sea, several figures gathered.

“Why did you let the princess out of your sight, Yonder? Allowing her to wander aimlessly in the ocean—this is gross negligence on your part!” Sir Christian, a stern red hermit crab, scolded the young pufferfish in his deep, commanding voice.

“I’m sorry,” Yonder mumbled, looking downcast.

“You mentioned something was wrong with the princess. Out with it!” Galileo, a plump seagull, squawked, though he faced the wrong direction.

Sir Christian grumbled as he turned Galileo around to face their ‘princess.’ “Here, Galileo. Princess Ruana is in front of you, not behind.”

“She said she wanted to have her feet again,” Yonder blurted out.

“What?! Why would a mermaid princess want to be a lowly human?” Sir Christian exclaimed in disbelief.

“Oh, well! Luckily, I know a way,” Galileo announced triumphantly. “There’s a distant island with magical conch shells that can turn a mermaid into a woman.”

Roanne stared at the trio. They look just like Flounder, Sebastian, and Scuttle from The Little Mermaid. Even their personalities… how is this possible? Their cartoonish faces and exaggerated appearances delighted her, though she found the situation bizarre. The thought even brought a smile to her face, despite her predicament.

“Please, show me the way, Galileo. I’m willing to try,” Roanne said softly, her voice filled with quiet determination.

“Of course, my Princess. It would be an honor.” Galileo bowed deeply, eager to help.

“I won’t allow this nonsense!” Sir Christian protested angrily. “Your father, the Sea King, would be furious if he knew about this!”

But Roanne, Yonder, and Galileo had already swum quite a distance from the rock and from Sir Christian.

I won’t tolerate any of this madness. I must stop them, Sir Christian grumbled to himself as he leapt into the water, swimming as fast as he could to catch up.

On the secluded coast of Laiya Beach, hidden behind a large rock.

“Will you try it now?” Galileo asked eagerly.

“Yes, I will,” Roanne replied earnestly.

“And how, exactly, is that conch shell supposed to transform our princess into a woman?” Sir Christian scoffed. “I was there with you on that island, Galileo. It’s nothing magical—just ordinary sand and random seashells scattered around the shore. This is ridiculous!”

“Will it really work?” Yonder’s eyes widened with anticipation.

It’s true, Roanne thought, I was also disappointed by the island’s ordinariness. But something about this conch shell is different. She could still remember the brief moment when it glowed seafoam green and lavender. I have to believe in it.

Taking a deep breath, Roanne raised the conch shell and blew into it, directing the sound toward her mermaid tail. The conch’s melody was mesmerizing, and as it played, seafoam green and lavender sound waves danced around her tail. Slowly, her shimmering fish tail began to transform back into two human feet.

Sir Christian’s jaw dropped in disbelief. He pulled at his cheeks with his claws, completely astonished.

“It worked,” Yonder said, awe-struck by the spectacle.

“I told you so!” Galileo laughed, clapping his wings together in triumph.

That crazy bird actually did it, Sir Christian thought, still bewildered by what he had witnessed.

After some time, Roanne had managed to change back into her clothes. She smiled warmly at the three creatures. “Thank you all for your help,” she said with gratitude. “I hope we meet again someday.”

Unbeknownst to Roanne, nano-molecules rapidly traced a large pentagon behind her, and within its outline, a swirling cyan portal appeared. Before she could react, the portal twisted space around her, sucking her in with force. In an instant, she was gone.

The three marine animals stared in shock.

“Our princess… she’s gone in the blink of an eye!” Sir Christian exclaimed, wide-mouthed.

“Where did she—” Yonder suddenly gasped, clutching at his ‘throat’ with his fin. “I can’t breathe!” In a panic, the young fish frantically leapt back into the water.

“Wait for me!” Galileo cried, hurrying after his friend as quickly as his wings would allow.

In the backstage, black cloth draped the walls, creating a dark, quiet atmosphere. A large mirror, framed by glowing bulbs, reflected the scene. Below it, a dresser stood, its surface scattered with makeup tools, while drawers sat neatly underneath. Allison gazed at her reflection, admiring her own beauty, as her mother, Thalia, applied makeup with a steady hand.

Thalia skillfully brushed a hint of blush onto Allison’s cheeks. “Just a subtle touch,” she said, her voice confident. “It’ll bring out the softness in your makeup. After all, you’re the star of a children’s fashion show.”

While Thalia worked on Allison’s left side, Morissette stood on the right, leaning casually against the dresser. The maid smiled, watching her employer with admiration.

“Madam, you really know your stuff,” Morissette complimented, impressed by Thalia’s technique.

“Of course!” Thalia responded with a sassy grin. “What kind of beauty salon owner would I be if I couldn’t make my own daughter look beautiful?” She paused suddenly, her expression shifting. “Hold on— I think I need to use the restroom.”

“Actually, Madam, me too,” Morissette chimed in with a sheepish grin.

Thalia playfully rolled her eyes. “You’re always copying me, even when it comes to bathroom breaks.”

Morissette chuckled. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Madam.”

Thalia shook her head, amused. “Alright, fine. Come with me, Morissette. Allison, stay here and wait for us. We’ll be quick.”

With a parting wave, Thalia left with Morissette, leaving Allison alone in the dim backstage.

Left alone at the dresser, Allison glanced slyly toward the direction of the ladies’ restroom. Good, they’re gone. Now I can do my thing, she thought with a smirk. Besides, the line for the restroom is always long anyway.

With that, Allison stealthily snuck down a hallway draped in black cloth. She moved quickly, her heart racing, until she reached the end. Carefully parting the black curtain, she peeked onto the stage.

Yes, I did it! Allison thought triumphantly, proud of her little accomplishment.

On stage, a young man was hosting the children’s fashion show, evident by the mic in his hand. Robin Dominguez, a celebrity host who also doubled as a DJ, was charming, handsome, and charismatic—a true master of communication.

“Hello folks,” DJ Robin greeted the audience, who sat neatly in rows, separated by an aisle down the center. “Welcome to Avon’s Kids’ Collection!”

The mall’s center thundered with cheers and applause. Boys and girls, paired up, strutted down the ramp and runway in stylish children’s attire.

It’s great that I’m in the second batch. I still have time to enjoy watching my celebrity crush, DJ Robin. Allison gazed dreamily at him as the show continued.

Meanwhile, back at the dressing room, Thalia and Morissette returned, only to find Allison missing.

“Where could she have wandered off to?” Thalia muttered in frustration. “She’s up in 10-15 minutes with the second batch!”

“Let me find her for you, Madam,” Morissette offered quickly.

“Fine, but make sure you’re both back within ten minutes,” Thalia agreed, clearly annoyed.

Morissette hurried off in search of Allison.

Suddenly, the spotlights, hanging from a bridge between two posts, began to collapse. Panic rippled through the crowd as the spotlights plummeted toward the audience. Just as chaos was about to unfold, a glowing heart shot from Allison’s palm. The heart expanded rapidly until it grew massive, stopping the collapsing spotlights in mid-air. Screams echoed through the mall as half of the audience fled in terror, while others stayed, mesmerized by the enormous, floating heart that prevented disaster.

ON THE PEREGRINE SPACESHIP

In the command center, the large screen flickered to life. Allison’s rectangular profile—once gray and labeled DORMANT—now glowed pink, the label changing to AWAKENED.

BACK AT AVON’S KIDS’ COLLECTION

Did that heart just come from my palm? Allison thought in shock. Focus, Allison, you can’t hold this any longer!

With all her might, Allison remotely pushed the giant heart, guiding the spotlights away from the crowd. They crashed to the ground with a loud thud, sparking as they landed safely in the empty area backstage. The remaining onlookers caught a glimpse of Allison’s gesture, as if she had controlled the heart with her hands. Several people had their phones raised, capturing the entire incident.

At this rate, I’m going to be busted, Allison panicked, bolting from the scene.

As she ran, a glowing pentagon-shaped portal materialized at the end of her path. From a nearby hallway, Morissette caught a glimpse of Allison speeding away.

What futuristic thing just appeared in front of me? And… curse momentum! I can’t stop running! Allison thought dramatically.

Without a second to think, she ran straight into the portal, disappearing just as it closed behind her. Morissette arrived at the spot, her eyes widening in disbelief as she looked around—Allison was gone.

Night had fallen at the Kennedys’ mansion. In the quiet kitchen, Topher filled a bowl with dog food from a carton, setting it down for his loyal companion, Hunter. Next, he filled a second bowl with water, ensuring his tan-and-black German Shepherd would have something to drink after his meal.

Topher watched as Hunter eagerly devoured the food. He smiled, his thoughts drifting back to a time three years ago.

“You were just a pup then,” Topher began, speaking softly to his dog. “But you were brave—heroic, even. You showed the rescuers the way to the sinkhole. Because of you, Kuya Benjamin and I were found and saved. Mom told me the whole story.”

As Hunter finished his meal, Topher gently nudged the water bowl closer. “Hey, Bud, don’t forget to drink your water. You need to stay hydrated,” he urged.

Obediently, Hunter began lapping at the water, his royal blue collar—a short, bone-shaped golden tag hanging from it—jingling slightly. The tag read “Hunter Kennedy.”

With both food and water taken care of, Hunter trotted over and rested his head on Topher’s lap. The boy sat down beside his dog, leaning back against the kitchen drawers. He softly petted Hunter’s head, the warmth of their bond clear in the quiet of the kitchen.

For that moment, it was just Topher and Hunter, enjoying the peaceful stillness of the night.

Daytime at Our Lady of Lourdes School, commonly known as Lourdes School, James sat alone in the music room across the Magnificat Grounds. Strumming his guitar and singing, he embodied his usual easy-going, carefree self.

[Verse 2] I was lost in a lonely place

Could hardly believe it, yeah

Holding on to yesterday

Far, far too long

[Pre-Chorus] I believe it’s okay ‘cause this time, it’s real

[Chorus] I lay my love on you, it’s all I wanna do

Every time I breathe, I feel brand new

You open up my heart

Show me all your love and walk right through (Oh yeah)

As I lay my love on you

– “I Lay My Love on You” by Westlife, from Coast to Coast (2000)

As James sang and played, he suddenly noticed something strange: a wavy band of orange musical staff, floating mid-air in front of him. Small music notes—cyan, magenta, and orange—hopped along the glowing staff. Surprised, James set his guitar aside and stood up, examining the magical sight before him. The notes danced and popped with gentle, melodic sounds.

Curious, James reached out to touch the floating music, but his hand passed right through it, as though it were nothing more than a visual illusion. Could this illusion have appeared because I was singing “I Lay My Love on You”? James wondered, intrigued.

To test his theory, he picked up his guitar again, closing his eyes as he strummed a random upbeat tune. Clover leaves, clover leaves, he chanted inwardly. When he opened his eyes, clover leaves floated in the air around him. How is this possible? Did I just discover I have music magic?

Briefly confused and worried, James quickly let his creativity take over.

ON THE PEREGRINE SPACESHIP

In the command center, the large screen flickered. James’ profile, which had previously been gray and labeled DORMANT, now glowed orange. The label below it changed to AWAKENED.

BACK AT THE MAGNIFICAT GROUNDS OF LOURDES SCHOOL

Rowan arrived at the edge of the school hall, bewildered by the loud music blasting from the music room. Did someone set up a sound system in there? he thought, approaching the door.

Inside, James was dancing to the happy, upbeat tunes he played on his guitar. Neon-lit illusions of skateboarders, graffiti, and urban scenery filled the room, glowing brightly behind him. Rowan opened the door suddenly, dropping his snacks in shock at the impossible sight. James stopped abruptly, caught red-handed. Before James could say anything, Rowan quickly shut the door and bolted down the hall.

“Aaaaahhh!!!” Rowan let out a long, loud scream, which caught the attention of their other bandmates: Ezra, Apollo, and Kai.

When Rowan met their eyes, he rushed toward them and exclaimed, “James has turned into a modern-day bard, like from the video games! You know, like the Pied Piper! He has music magic and conjured skateboarders and a graffiti wall!”

Ezra stared in disbelief. “What the—”

Apollo, skeptical, checked Rowan’s temperature by placing a hand on his neck. “You don’t feel feverish. Maybe you drank too much Coke and the sugar went straight to your head?”

Suddenly, Kai slapped Rowan across the face.

“Did you just slap me, bro?” Rowan shouted, rubbing his cheek.

“Just making sure your sense of reality is still intact,” Kai replied coolly. “You’re talking crazy.”

From inside the music room, James noticed a pentagon-shaped portal appear. What is that? Is it another illusion I created? he wondered. It looks so different—more futuristic than cool.

Curious once again, James approached the portal, tentatively dipping a finger into its glowing surface. To his shock, the portal began to pull him in. First, his right arm was sucked in, then his left. Before he knew it, his entire body was being dragged into the portal.

“Help! Help—” James’ cries were cut short as the portal whisked him away.

Moments later, the door to the music room swung open again. Rowan, Ezra, Apollo, and Kai rushed in, only to find that James, the skateboarders, and the graffiti wall had all vanished.

“See?!” Rowan exclaimed, dumbfounded. “James is gone, and so are all the illusions!”

Ezra, Apollo, and Kai exchanged skeptical glances.

“I swear, I’m not making this up,” Rowan insisted, raising his hand as if taking an oath.