Now back to our regularly scheduled programming!

The chilling night air blew through the streets with a howl. One who was foolish enough to be wandering around at night would bundle up into so many layers as they strolled, only to look up and see the glistening castle on the edge of the Isle. The Queen's castle could be seen from any point on the Isle, and one could only imagine what was happening inside with all those shining lights.

For the important and powerful, they didn't have to imagine. For they were already there, enjoying the many benefits of the ball. Rich and strange music played, there was no musical instruments made on the Isle except basic drums, flutes, and chimes. The freshest food one could find was being served on iron platters by the castle servants, while a sour cake made of rotted apples was the centerpiece of the dining hall. Villains and sidekicks danced wildly on what was made to be the dance floor, flinging about without any direction or rhythm. People grouped up into small circles, drinking small portions of homemade alcohol, and discussing gossip, business or fanning rivalries.

Gil stepped up to Harry who was looking bored leaning against a support pillar, wearing a fancier version of his red trench coat paired with a nice hat with a feather sticking out from it.

"I didn't think a ball would be this dull." Harry rolled his eyes as he spoke.

"Oh c'mon it's a little fun." Gil nudged him a bit. He wore a yellow, traditional French coat with gold trim and a white ascot around his neck while also wearing his hair back in a ponytail with a black ribbon.

"How much do ye think this cost?" Harry looked around, putting his hands in his pockets.

"Hmmm hard to say, haven't thrown many parties lately." Gil joked.

Harry didn't find it amusing, "'Er majesty's crown could pay a family's meals for over three months." He gestured to Evie who was smiling and socializing with glee, her crown sparkling in the candlelight.

Gil looked at the crown for a moment, "now that don't seem fair."

A sly grin grew on Harry's face, "it certainly isn't. Want to help yer dear ol' mate..." he opened his coat to reveal several stolen pieces of silverware and jewelry, "even the playing field?"

Gil smiled deviously and rubbed his hands together, "now that's what I call fun. Where shall we start?"

Before Harry could even speak, two arms draped over them and they felt a weight shift onto them along with the smell of alcohol. They both looked to see a heavy eyed Uma with a goofy smile plastered on her face.

"I really love you guys, you know that?" She slurred while hugging them closer to her, their heads touching each other.

"Uh... Uma? You okay?" Gil asked with concern as he tried to break away from her death grip.

"I think our captain's been hitting the drinks a wee bit much." Harry then caught her from falling over.

"I'm fine guys," she stumbled, "just... I need to..."

Without warning. she kicked off her high heeled shoes she'd been wearing and they went flying across the dance floor. Both Gil and Harry's eyes widened at the sight of so much value being chucked across the room. Uma only giggled and snorted.

"That's much better."

"Captain, I think you ought to lay off the drinks." Harry caught her from falling again as he spoke.

"I told you I'm fine!"

She tried to walk away but she only stumbled a little as she lost her balance yet again. Gil and Harry both quickly followed behind her, making sure she didn't make too much of a fool of herself with all these important people in the room.

Dizzy was just passing through when Uma cut in front of her path, she stopped and watched as she stumbled along. Then came Harry and Gil behind her. They're so whipped, would do practically everything for her. Dizzy merely shrugged off the thought and continued on her way. She looked around the ballroom, more specifically she was looking for a suitor. Someone that would sweep her off her feet. What Evie said earlier was still on her mind.

As she walked, she accidentally bumped into one of the servants that were carrying food.

"Sorry about that." She quickly apologized. She looked up to see a small servant boy with a greasy looking face and ruffled hair.

"Don't let it happen again." He told her rudely and then went on his way.

It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that people are rude on the Isle but Dizzy couldn't take her eyes off him as he walked away. She saw him disappear into the crowd and started to follow him, but she hesitated. Instead she decided that the boy shouldn't be bothered anymore.

Out of the corner of his eye, Carlos saw Uma stumbling about giggling with Harry and Gil not far behind her. He saw the sea blue ballgown she wore, it was torn in several places and the front showed a lot of her legs. He swirled his drink in his glass as he watched Uma dance around wildly, though in a room full of villains she didn't seem to stick out too much. He took at sip of his drink, his fur coat tickling his chin as he drank, as he did he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked back to see Jay standing there, looking rather worried.

"What's the matter?" Carlos asked calmly, trying to make their exchange look casual and discreet.

"We've got a problem." Jay said in a low tone.

"What?"

"I..." he struggled to get the words out, "don't know how to dance." he winced, waiting for Carlos' answer.

He was taken by surprise, "that's it?"

"At least four girls have asked me to dance and I've had to turn them down," Jay rubbed his sweaty hands on his pants, "I know the Queen asked us to make the guests happy no matter what but I just don't know what to do."

Carlos let out a heavy sigh, "look, it really isn't all that hard."

Jay watched as he put his glass on a nearby table and then, with his free hands, grab onto Jay's and lifted them up in the proper position.

"Uh..." Jay tensed up, "what are you doing?"

"Teaching you how to dance, Mr. Fashion-And-Etiquette," he told him, "now put your feet like this."

Sooner or later, Carlos and Jay were dancing together in one small corner of the ballroom. Jay's cheeks remained red the whole time as Carlos guided him through the motions flawlessly.

"Where did you learn to do this?" Jay asked.

"Like you said, stick around Evie long enough and eventually you'll learn something." Carlos said smugly, a smile dancing on his face.

Their attention was quickly drawn up to the single throne found in the room when an adviser stepped up to give an announcement.

"Attention everyone!" He croaked, holding a glass in his hand and looking a bit drunk, "may I announce our esteemed sovereign; Evie, Queen of the Isle of the Lost."

Carlos clapped happily as he watched Evie step up to the throne, turn, and look at all of her guests as she sat down gracefully. By this time the people of the Isle knew what to do when a royal stood above you and looked at you; everyone began to bow in respect for Evie. She smiled victoriously when she saw her subjects bowing before her.

In that moment, a chill went up Jay's spine. His breath hitched and he stopped dead in his tracks. Carlos' smile dropped with concern, placing a hand on his shoulder. Jay looked up to make eye contact with Evie, who appeared to just had a similar reaction, and then his eyes landed on the door to the hall. Distantly, they could hear faint footsteps and the cries of agony from innocent guards and servants. Jay's heart stopped.

The footsteps became louder, but for Jay they were pounding in his head. His breathing stopped, his fists clenched, and his brow began to sweat. Then he felt Carlos' hand grabbing onto his wrist with comfort; Jay could feel his nerves too.

The doors burst open with a gust of wind, the fire on the candles faltered and flickered, the crowds of guests stood up straight from their bows in a hurry with worry written all over their faces. Jay couldn't quite yet see her but he knew she was there, her footsteps echoed throughout the hall steady and calm. Though Jay knew she was anything but calm. As the crowds cleared a path for her, he saw her. He felt the pounding in his ears and his hands tremble as he watched her saunter up to the throne, eyes never once breaking their gaze with Evie's.

Jay had difficulty coming to terms with the fact that Mal had come to them. On the night that all of Evie's allies would be at the castle. On the night that none of them were prepared. She stood there holding her mother's scepter in her hand, and that only made her seem more terrifying in Jay's mind.

"My, my, Queen Evie," Mal spoke with a hint of conceit in her voice, "what a glittering assembly."

Evie frowned as her nails dug into the arms of her throne. Everyone was either too shocked or too scared to interfere.

She spoke again, a playful look on her face, "royalty, nobility, the gentry, and..." Mal looked about the room as she talked; her eyes landed on Uma with a chuckle, "how quaint, even the rabble."

While Gil and Harry scowled with offense, Uma only giggled and leaned up against Gil. Mal had a sly smirk on her face as she watched her foolishness.

She looked back up at Evie, "I must say I really felt quite distressed at not receiving an invitation."

"You weren't wanted." Carlos spoke up, growling a bit with a fire in his eyes.

"Not wanted?" Mal put on this whole act of being upset and sad, her lips quivered as she whimpered and her eyebrows quirked up. Everyone realized her mockery when she burst out laughing, "oh my... what an awkward situation."

"Let's cut the impressions." Evie sneered, she stood from her throne slowly as she looked down at Mal.

"Why? Didn't you enjoy my performance?" Mal joked; her lips curled into a wicked smile.

"Carlos is right, you aren't wanted here," Evie's expression never changed from calm and collected, though Jay and Carlos could tell she was distressed, "leave now."

Mal stared up at Evie, a hatred growing inside her, "bitch."

"I will not say it again, leave now." Evie's anger was starting to show through.

Mal tightened the grip on her mother's staff, "you'll have to make me."

Evie frowned, "I'm giving you the chance to leave with your life. Don't test your luck."

"You don't have the guts to kill me," Mal snarled, "if you did, you would have taken the opportunity to do so that fateful night."

"Would you like to test that theory?" She stepped forward with assertion.

Mal's lips quirked up in a smirk, "are you challenging me?"

Evie straightened her back and rolled back her shoulders, "what if I am?"

She chuckled under her breath, "do you really think you can take me?"

"The two queens are gunna go at it!" Uma's voice was heard from the crowd. Gil and Harry tried to silence her but they were clearly unsuccessful, "fight! Fight! Fight!" she started chanting.

Soon the whole room was chanting along with her, the rowdy villains can only stay collected for a short amount of time anyway. They crowded around in a circle, eager for the two titans to clash against each other.

"Your majesty, don't do it!" Jay shouted. He tried to get over there but Carlos held him back.

"Stay back, traitor." Mal growled as she looked over at him.

Evie stood there with uncertainty. The chanting pounded her head and time seemed to slow down. She couldn't show weakness in front of so many potential allies, and at the same time she couldn't ever hope to defeat Mal in a real fight. She was was pinned in a corner. She glanced over at Carlos and Jay who were fearfully waiting for her next move. Her hands began to sweat as she looked back at Mal who had a sinister grin on her face. She too waited for Evie's next move with anticipation. Slowly, she balled her hands in to fists. As she took a deep breath, she put her fists up.

"Let's see if your punches have changed at all, princess." Mal put her mothers staff on a belt on her back and then put her fists up as well.

"Stop talking and get this over with." She frowned.

"Whatever you say, your excellency." Mal mocked.

She rushed forward, her fist cocked back and ready to punch. Evie snapped her eyes shut, tensing and waiting for the impact of Mal's merciless fist. Yet it never came. Evie opened her eyes only to see Carlos standing in front of her.

"What the hell?" Mal said as she wiped the blood from her lip.

"Carlos?" Evie spoke softly.

It appeared as though Carlos stepped in between the fight, coat discarded and sleeves up, and he fended Mal off before she was able to hit Evie. Suddenly, she felt someone grab her arm.

"We have to get out of here." She recognized Jay's voice and didn't resist as he pulled her away from everyone.

Mal sneered and looked at Carlos with her glowing green eyes.

"You're really going to regret that." She snarled.

"I will never let you lay a hand on Evie again." Carlos put his fists up.

"You know nothing," Mal spoke lowly, "you just let her poison your brain to think whatever she wants. You're weak, Carlos, and you always have been."

"Leave now, Mal, before this gets any worse." He warned as she stepped forward.

She cried out in frustration, and before he could even react, Mal punched him square in the face. He recoiled back in pain, cupping his cheek with his hand. The crowds of villains around them hooted and cheered, finally seeing some action. Carlos readjusted his jaw and looked back up at Mal with a fury growing in him. He let out a cry as well and gave Mal a nasty uppercut right in the jaw. She winced and was thrown back by the sheer force of his blow.

Again the crowds cheered, holding up their glasses with grandeur. Mal grit her teeth together.

"You think you can really beat me?" The hatred in her voice was razor sharp.

"Beat the shit outta her, Carlos!" They heard Uma from the crowds.

Harry once again silenced her, they were supposed to be keeping a low profile and, of all people, Uma was screwing that plan to hell.

"What do we do now, captain?" Gil asked her.

"Aye, he's got a good point there." Harry said.

"Tear out her eyes!" Uma promptly ignored her comrades and only focused on the fight.

Harry couldn't help but watch as Mal ruthlessly slammed Carlos' face down on her knee. An unsettling crack accompanied his whimpers and cries. Red stained the floor and Carlos put a hand on his nose in a vain attempt to stop the bleeding.

Harry looked back at Gil, "I've got an idea, watch the captain will ya?"

"What kind of idea?"

"I'll tell ya later, jus make sure ye watch Uma," Harry said, "don't let her do anythin' stupid."

With that remark, Harry disappeared into the crowd and Gil looked back at Uma without a clue as to what to do with her. In that moment, he suddenly had to hold up and support Mal as she fell back into the crowd that circled around the fight. For a moment, he saw her bloodied and bruised face, the glazed over look in her eye, and the absolute determination and relentlessness she had. Immediately she hopped back up on her feet, ready to fight once again. He looked across the made up ring they had and saw how tired and beat up Carlos looked. He saw his bloody fists and black eye, he saw how his body swayed slightly as he stood there, and he saw that same determination. Neither of them were going to give up so easily.

Halfway across the castle, Jay was leading Evie through the many hallways to her private quarters. She struggled to keep up with his long strides, especially in her high heeled shoes, but he refused to let go of her hand. After a haste walk, Jay leads her into her room and locks the door behind himself. Before Evie could even say anything Jay turns on his heel and swiftly kisses her to shut her up. His hands cup her cheeks gently, and for a moment Evie enjoyed the promiscuous gesture. He broke their kiss unprompted, quietly breathing in and out.

"Don't you ever do that again." He told her.

A scowl scrunched up on her face and she proceeded to slap him right on the cheek. He winces in pain and his brow furrows in confusion.

Evie speaks up, "and don't you ever do that again, idiot, we're not fucking horny teenagers anymore I'm the Queen of the whole goddamn Isle!"

"Fuck! You've got a good swing on your hand," he rubbed his reddening cheek, "I'm wondering if you really could hold your own against Mal now."

Evie was suddenly brought back to the reality of the situation after that comment, "Carlos! He's down there by himself, he can't take Mal on his own!"

"Carlos can hold her off for the time being," Jay tried to subdue her, "I have alerted the guards in the west wing. They will be there soon."

Evie seemed a bit distracted and she sat down at her table and looked in the mirror that sat on it.

"Did you see her down there? Did you see how angry she was... she was like... a different person... a..." She couldn't find the right wording.

"A villain?" Jay piped up, still standing near the doorway.

"She must be stopped. Who knows what she'll do if this madness continues."

"You talk about her like she's a monster."

"Did you not see her, Jay? She might as well been a monster," Evie put her hand on her heart, "I can't believe I ever loved that girl."

Jay shifted uncomfortably where he stood and nervously rubbed his sweaty hands together. He honestly didn't know what to say.

Just under their noses, Harry Hook was quietly tip toeing down the hallway just outside the room. He carried a sack full of valuables from around the castle and he could hear their muffled voices behind a large wooden door. He silently glided over to it, but he didn't need to strain his ears to hear through the old wood door.

"I always liked it when you would come in late hours of the night to comfort me."

"Comfort you? I remember doing much more than that."

Harry instantly recognized them to be Evie and Jay talking behind the door. A sly smirk grew on his face as he listened with great interest.

"You really think no one noticed we left?"

"I know I would notice if someone like you left the room."

He only heard movement from then on. Harry merely shrugged and continued down the hallway with a skip in his step. He stopped for a second when he heard a crash coming from downstairs. The fight between Mal and Carlos was still going on.

Carlos slowly stood up, broken table remains laid all around him. His suit was completely drenched in his own blood, his left eye was swollen shut, his arm was twisted in a weird way, and his neck had deep impressionable bruises on it from Mal strangling him earlier. He looked across the room to see Mal there, terribly out of breath, her right hand broken and disabled while her left hand is balled in a fist. Around her lay various guards from the west wing, beaten bloody and out cold; out of the corner of his eye he spotted more guards coming for her. Though he knew she noticed them as well.

"You can't win this, Mal," Carlos struggled to get his words out, "you know you can't."

"I don't need to win," she breathed out, she spat blood out of her mouth, "I just need to send a message."

His eyes narrow in confusion, but he isn't given time to think about her remark before she charges at him. She jabs right in the middle of his stomach, a huff of air quickly escaped his lungs; he fell to his knees and clutched his stomach tightly. He turned to see what she will do next and to his surprise, she wasn't there. He looked around frantically only to see her standing next to the Queen's throne.

"Mal!" Carlos cried out, jumping to his feet.

She slowly caressed the arm of the throne, her lips curling into a sinister grin, "my throne..." she whispered.

"Guards! Seize her!" Carlos shouted.

Mal took out her mother's staff that was attached to her back, she gripped onto it tightly as she put a foot on the throne and looked down to see all of the people of the Isle. Her grin grew wicked as she looked down at all the pathetic people that mindlessly worshiped Evie and her nonsense. She saw the guards coming for her through the crowds as well.

"People of the Isle! Know that I do not go silently into the night! I do not rest and I will not relent while my rightful power is out of my grasp. I am the daughter of Maleficent and I am the true ruler of this Isle! I will haunt your children's dreams and make your protectors beg on their knees!"

From her room, Evie and Jay could hear Mal's booming speech. She let out a light gasp as she listened, holding Jay tighter out of sheer instinct. Harry as well heard Mal as he was just returning to the ballroom with his finds, he saw Gil and Uma's faces of disarray. For a moment, even with her severe drunkenness, Uma looked livid.

"You will never find me, and you will never stop me! For I will not let this treason on the crown go on any longer!" Mal shouts from the roof tops and just as the guards are about to grab her, she makes a run for it. Straight back behind the throne and headed for the glass window.

"No!" Carlos cried out, he tried to get to her as fast as he could but his leg was damaged in the fight.

Mal smashed through the glass window and fell through to the waters down below. Carlos looked down out the shattered glass only to see and small splash in the water.

"Master Carlos... she couldn't have survived that fall," one of the guards piped up, "especially with her injuries."

"Get a search party down there!" Carlos barked, "I want her found dead or alive."

"Yes sir!"

The guards run off out of the ballroom and Carlos turned to see hundreds of eyes looking at him, eagerly awaiting his next move.

"Party's over! Go back to where ever you came from!" Carlos snarled with rage. The night was over. Whatever Mal wanted to achieve, she got it. Everyone was shaken by her appearance.

The guests all shifted around, looking for their belongings, or someone else's, and began to make their way out. Carlos looked back down out the window and on the crashing waves of the sea. He clenched his fists tightly and grit his teeth. She got away once again, and they had the golden opportunity to take her down. He failed yet again. It was his fault that Mal had escaped, and it was his fault that he let her gain the upper hand in the first place. Now she's stated her message in front of the most important people on the Isle, she's demonstrated her true power and that was only the tip of the iceberg of what she is capable of. He was genuinely scared; he was terrified. No one is safe; not him, not Evie, and certainly not any other of their supporters on the Isle. She had won this round, but he wouldn't allow her to win anymore. This was war, and he was determined to win. He wouldn't let his sentimental attachment stop him any longer.

Even you, Carlos? You... are going to betray me as well?

Carlos closed his eyes tightly and tried to suppress the memory. Things were so different back then. He remembered how Mal looked that night, that terrible night, and she looked so much younger; so much more innocent. Now though, now she looked more like a villain than ever before.

I will never let you get away with this. I promise you that much.