Allies diverge and leaders fall

The old hideout was a lot different than he remembered. Then again he wasn't really looking back then. Dust coated every surface, cracks webbed their way through the walls and split the spray painted murals. He looked at all the broken down furniture and sprawled out beauty products. It seemed even this place wasn't spared by Mal's rage.

He looked over to see only a curtain that now hung between him and his newfound ally. Mal hadn't spoken since that night on the beach. She only told him to stay at the hideout and go get food when he was hungry. He had attempted to give her something to eat, but she responded to that by throwing it off the stairway. Carlos was right, she had so much anger in her. He didn't blame her though. He knew she couldn't trust him yet.

"Jay." A voice pierced the dangerously still silence of the room.

"Yeah?" He responded with weary.

A quick flapping of fabric and the Dragon Queen herself stood there before him. Her eyes glowing that same mystic green.

"Come with me." She ordered simply, not even suspecting for a moment he wouldn't listen. He stood and followed her as she went for the door.

"Where are we going?" he asked, but wasn't surprised when he didn't get an answer.

She tossed him a bit of fabric before wrapping a hood around herself. He quickly understood and fashioned an identity concealing mask for himself.

They left the hideout late in the evening, it was still light but the shadows were getting longer and there was an orange hue to the sky. Jay followed Mal obediently a few steps behind her, making sure to hide his face from any onlookers who might recognize him. He saw the Isle in a different light from usual. He saw the Isle how it was before he was famed lieutenant of the Queen.

Someone gutting another in the darkness of the alley, kids laughing maniacally as they beat on someone, shameless marketers preaching their products, breaking of glass, howling of animals, hisses and growls of people passing by. He couldn't lie, he definitely didn't miss this.

Though he watched Mal glide through the streets like a phantom; unbothered and undisturbed. Her essence and soul was the Isle. Ruthlessly cruel and heartlessly cold. She didn't even bat an eye at the two men who started fighting next to her. At the same time, even when no one knew who she was, they could sense her darkness and swiftly avoided her as she cut her way through the crowds effortlessly. Jay had forgotten how much power she truly held. It was a marvel to watch.

She stopped in her tracks in front of an old worn down cantina that was too quiet for this time of night. The window shutters creaked as the wind blew up against it. Spider webs could be seen in every corner. Even the door itself had a broken hinge at the bottom. Jay felt uneasy about standing in front of it; he sensed danger. Though Mal made her way inside without a second thought. He cautiously followed.

It took a second for his eyes to adjust to the darkness of the place. Streaks of sunlight shot through the slits of the window shutters. The place had a smokey cloud of dust that hung in the air like a disease. It was hard to breath and the place was far too quiet. There were a few mumblings of conversation when they came in, but those quickly halted once they saw who came through the door. A steady silence accompanied with Mal removing her hood and revealing who she was. Jay scanned the room out of habit, looking for any other exits or any weapons in sight. While scanning he saw about twelve people, including the bartender, and a cluster was sitting in the corner booth shrouded in darkness.

"If it ain't the Dragon Queen, herself." a voice came from the shadowed corner.

Mal didn't flinch. Her eyes trained on the voice.

Jay heard a few footsteps and someone stepped into the light. He was bald, Jay couldn't tell if it was by choice or not, and his left eye was replaced with a nasty scar. He was shirtless to show off his gallery of tattoos smattered across his chest and torso. Held between his teeth was an Isle brand cigarette. Pretty much just some shit rolled up tight with paper and lit on fire. He was much older than both Mal and Jay. It was hard to tell if his face was ridden with sin or just aged.

"You're a difficult girl to find, you know that?" The man told her, he took the cigarette out of his mouth and held it between his fingers.

Mal still didn't say anything, just watched him as he sat down at the center table.

"Please, your majesty, if you wouldn't mind taking a seat." He gestured to the chair across from him at the table.

Yet again Mal gave him the silent treatment, but she did make her way over to the chair. She flipped it around and straddled the seat, putting her arms on the table and waited for him to speak again. Jay made his way over to her side, desperately not wanting to be caught off guard.

"I see you didn't come alone," the man spoke again, "what's he? Your bargaining chip?"

"You don't ask the questions here." Her voice sliced through the thick silence of the room. He was taken aback by her response, then gave her a breathy laugh, which resulted in coughing.

"I see," He wheezed, recovering from his coughing fit, "you know why I called you here?"

She didn't speak once again, she didn't have to.

"We all saw what you did at that little party the Queen had," he used his cigarette to point at her, then brought it back up to his mouth with a shit eating grin on his face, "we're on board."

"What?" This time it was Jay that foolishly spoke up, there was an audible shift in the room at the sound of the top lieutenant speaking up. Even the head man himself eyed him threateningly. The only person who didn't move was Mal. She remained as diligent as ever.

"This Isle can't be ruled by a prissy Auradon kiss ass," he explained, "it needs a strong leader. One who isn't afraid to bash a few heads."

Mal quirked her head curiously, showing her interest had peaked. The man took this opportunity.

"Maleficent's daughter, the real ruler of this Isle. You need to sit back up in that castle." He told her.

She took a moment to think. Silence hung in the air once again as Jay darted his eyes between each person in the room, waiting for any sign of danger.

"What's in it for you?" She spoke cleanly and coldy.

"Well, sweetheart, it don't take a genius to know that getting in good with the Queen is beneficial." He put his cigarette in between his teeth and smoke poured out as he spoke.

Her eyes narrowed and she looked at him suspiciously. Jay could tell she was considering the offer.

"I got dirt on every gang leader this side of the Isle, they do whatever I tell 'em to; you need men then you come to me." He really didn't know when to stop talking.

Jay took another sweep of the room. Every person held their breath as they watched the meeting. At the same time, a few couldn't keep their eyes off him. That certainly didn't make him feel better. His eyes fell to Mal again, she was as stiff and menacing as ever. It was no wonder she used to play these gang leaders like a violin. She was as cunning as always, never losing control of the room. Even if she was significantly younger, she could still hold even the scariest of men by the fear in their hearts. Jay knew she reveled in the power.

"And if I agree?" she leaned in closer to him, "would you put your life before mine?"

"Sweetheart, what happens between now and getting you that crown back doesn't matter," he smashed the cigarette into the table, "all that matters is the gangs of this Isle are tired of being ruled over by a princess with eyes towards Auradon."

Jay didn't even see her move before a blade went through his throat. A terrible choking sound echoed throughout the room as the last gasps of life left his body. Mal sat there, arm extended, with the same stone-faced expression she had that night on the beach.

"Don't call me that." she spoke at the same low pitch as before but the threat laced in her voice was clear and precise.

Jay was horrified, he watched the blood pool down his neck, staining his skin and covering his tattoos. The room erupted with the sound of blades being drawn to protect their leader, but it was too late. His eyes rolled back in his head as his body went limp. Only Mal and her knife propped him up now.

She scanned the room, looking at each of the gang members and saw how they watched their leader fall face first onto the table with a sickening thud as she removed her blade just as swiftly as she entered it. She stood from her seat.

"Just remember this the next time any of you think of taking advantage of this alliance." she announced to the whole cantina, no one dared speak.

She had accepted the agreements.

"The throne is mine to take," she went on, "the Queen is mine to overthrow, don't forget that."

With that, Mal put her hood back up over her head and left the cantina. Leaving the wake of their fallen leader for them to reflect on. Jay almost forgot to follow after her, he was so caught up in the bloody mess that was now dripping down the table. He left the cantina as quickly as possible only to find Mal was already down the street.

He went to run after her but he ran into someone instead. He was forced back. .

"Hey, man, watch it!" he heard the familiar voice cry out.

He shook his head and his vision adjusted to see Gil standing there.

"Gil?" Jay was still slowly getting out of shock.

"What's the big deal? Why're you coming out of that musty joint? If you want food you should have come down to Ursula's." He spoke cluelessly as Jay was catching his breath.

"Right, you're right." He spoke distractedly.

"I mean I can't go because Uma thinks I'm plotting against her so…" he trailed off in his sentence, getting lost in thought.

"Yeah…" Jay scratched his neck, hoping that Gil wouldn't suspect anything.

"Hold on, don't you live in a castle?"

"Well… you know how castle life is."

"No, no I don't actually." he spoke with that same dumb smile he always had.

"Right," Jay said awkwardly as he hit his fists together, biting his lip, "well, anyways, it was great running into you, Gil, I hope that stuff with Uma or something works out. Uh… see you back at the castle!"

"Bye." Gil said with a wide smile as Jay gave him a pat on the arm.

He stepped around him and went on his way, pulling his mask tightly over his face hoping that no one else would recognize him. He looked through the crowd for Mal but to his annoyance she was nowhere in sight. He knew she was long gone and decided to head back to the hideout on his own.

Eyes of burning disgust peered into her soul as she stared deeply back into them with caution. Evie had been playing the same game with Markus over and over for days now. He refused to reveal anymore information about his position or his assignment. She had no idea how spies worked or what they did, but she wanted to learn.

They were in a different room than the servants quarters, now they stared at each other from opposite ends of an empty bedroom that was always locked. Markus hadn't made an attempt to escape yet, or at least to her knowledge. They often found themselves just staring at each other in silence. Markus hated Evie, that was perfectly clear, any moment she tried to speak he'd respond with mockery or insult. Here she thought every man from Auradon was a gentleman.

"Hello? Evie?" A small voice came from the other side of the door. It was Dizzy.

Evie sighed heavily, she saw Markus' head dip out of annoyance as well, then she made her way over to the door and opened it to let her in. Dizzy was invited to perform her own interrogations on the spy. Well interrogation was a word for it. She mainly just asked him about his life and what he liked, which he effectively deflected. Somehow though, Dizzy seemed to get more of a reaction out of him than anyone. Out of all the beating and torture, mind games and trickery, Dizzy was seemingly getting the most information out of him just by simply annoying him. Evie always found it entertaining.

"Hi!" She spoke cheerfully, holding a small basket in her hands.

She skipped into the room and Evie watched her place the basket down in front of Markus as she closed the door. She opened it up and took out what looked to be a small amount of pastries. She noticed Markus perk up.

"I brought something for you, I bet you haven't eaten anything good in days." She told him.

"More like years." He carefully took a small scone that she had handed him. He examined it for a moment before taking a bite. His reaction to the food was the same as anything, disinterested and mild. He shrugged with approval.

"I bet you had all kinds of good food in Auradon." she beamed.

He glared up at her a bit, only to see her smiling face and his expression softened, "yeah, well, it's not hard to beat the slop here."

"I'm sorry, is Auradon's leftovers not good enough for you?" Evie said sarcastically and he responded with a glare.

"What's your favorite food from Auradon?" Dizzy brought his attention back to her. He shook his head and looked back down at the floor.

"Can't tell you that; classified."

"Your favorite food is classified?" Evie said with sass.

"I don't make the rules, your majesty." He spat at her comment.

"I bet it's delicious though." Dizzy butted in again with her childish glee, Evie sighed again and looked away from the both of them.

"Yeah, you could say that." Markus told her.

"What was it like there?" Dizzy asked that question with such innocence. It clung in the air as Evie slowly lifted her head back up to watch his response.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Just… what's it like? Outside that barrier?"

He took a deep breath and finished his scone. Then he looked out the window of the room.

"I can hardly remember it myself now," he said, "but I'll never forget those perfectly blue skies."

Dizzy scooted closer to him, clearly interested in what he had to say. Even Evie perked up at him. It was the one question that all Isle kids wanted answered. What was life like beyond the barrier?

"Springtime was always my favorite time of year," he told them, "that's when the flowers bloom and the snow melts."

"What's springtime?" Dizzy asked him.

He didn't answer her, "the people have hope in their eyes. They are welcoming and kind. Their hospitality isn't matched by any other, especially in Auradica. There's rigid snowy mountains with howling winds, there's mysterious dense forests filled with lost dreams, clear blue oceans with magical creatures deep below the surface, enchanting desserts with secrets hidden under the scorching sand dunes, and castles that tower over everything with lights that rival the stars and call to those in need. There is hope, there is dreams, and that is my home. That is Auradon."

Both Evie and Dizzy found themselves speechless. Lost in their imagination. They didn't even know half the words he said but they were magical. Enchanting. Everything they hoped it would be and more.

Then sobering reality hit both of them. Dizzy looked down with regret as she was brought back to the truth. Back to the Isle. Evie's face hardened and she went over to Dizzy to comfort her.

Markus' prideful look left him. He too was brought back to his current situation. The promise of Auradon was enough to distract anyone. He just couldn't stop himself from speaking of his home after having to remain silent for so many years.

"This place mocks me," he sneered with disgust. Evie's eyes darted up to look at him, "of all the places to be assigned."

"Despite our differences, Markus, you can't help but notice our similar predicaments," Evie spat back at him, "we all are here out of circumstance, not by choice. That is the way of the Isle."

"I'm nothing like you, scum, you Isle folk are a waste of life." he spoke heartlessly.

"Take that back." Evie growled.

"You all are criminals, murderers, betrayers" he accused, "even you, your majesty, even you didn't earn your crown. You stole it from your best friend and laughed in her face."

She shot up to her feet, her blood boiled, "come on, Dizzy, we're leaving this gutter rat."

She was already making her way to the door, Dizzy wasn't far behind her as they both left Markus alone in the room once again. They were outside in the hall, two guards stationed either side of the door. Evie let out a breath she'd been holding and then saw Dizzy's dismal, distant face.

"Oh, Dizzy," she said as they walked down the hall, "you're okay, right?"

Subconsciously she nodded, "every time I see him I always hope he doesn't talk like that."

"You're putting too much faith in him," she told her, "he's not like us. He's… brought up differently."

"Was it him or me that was raised by the wicked step sisters?" She joked a bit, Evie laughed then held her close. She knew Dizzy still hasn't let go of her Auradon fantasies. Her eyes were still looking towards the stars.

"Evie! I need to talk to you!" She heard the voice of her advisor from down the hall. She stood and turned to face the white haired lieutenant. HIs eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep.

"Carlos, does it have to be now?" she gestured to the girl who stood next to her.

"Yes, it does, it's important." He said, out of breath and still limping towards her.

"I told you to stop doing this to yourself, your leg will never heal properly if you keep using it like that." she scolded.

"The gangs from the lower banks have broken off our alliance," he told her abruptly, "the messenger just left."

"My god…" she said in disbelief.

"I don't think it was by accident either," he spoke in a dark tone, "their leader was killed last night.'

"She had something to do with it. I know it." She said confidently, nodding in agreement.

"What's going on?" Dizzy piped up with confusion.

"It seems my predecessor doesn't know when to quit," she scowled, "she's planning something big. I don't like it."

"Jay still isn't back." he spoke with guilt and Evie looked up to him with worry.

"Do you think?"

"I don't want to think about that now, we need a plan." Carlos walked past her and down the hall.

"Right, I'll assemble the council," Evie nodded frantically, "Carlos!"

He turned his head to look at her.

"I'm sure he's fine," she said with a gentle voice, "he's always fine."

Carlos nodded doubtfully and then continued on his way. He didn't want to look at her worried eyes anymore.

The war room was the only addition to the castle Mal made. It was smaller than the throne room but still had the same general layout, just having a bit more chairs and a crude map of the Isle in the center. No one on the Isle bothered to take up cartography between the stealing and killing. They only had memory to work on. The room had no windows and was unbearably hot, the burning fire sconces on the walls didn't help either. Both Carlos and Evie spent many days in the chamber.

Once the council of the wealthiest and most powerful citizens of the Isle assembled, Evie sat in her chair which led the rest to sit as well. Evie also locked eyes with the blue pirate who sat across the room. She always brought her two comrades; Harry and Gil along with her. She didn't know if it was for security or to flaunt her power but either way there was no convincing her otherwise.

"I'd like to thank you all for coming on such short notice," Evie began speaking, "there has been a recent development concerning our allies among the gangs of the lower banks. They have broken off our alliance."

Everyone looked around the room with interest, proposing their own theories and situations in their own side conversations.

Evie continued, "I suspect my predecessor, Mal, has something to do with it. Their leader was killed last night in a cantina."

Gil perked up at the mention. Something seemed familiar but he couldn't place it. He put a hand on Uma's shoulder.

"Captain," he whispered to her, "did she say a cantina?"

"Yes, be quiet." Uma hissed back.

"Yeah, but there's something about that I just…"

"Gil, what did I tell you about talking to me in the middle of meetings," she hissed again, "Harry put in a good word for you to come back, don't screw it up now."

"Right, Captain." Gil nodded and removed his hand.

"We don't need those ruffians!" someone shouted out.

"Well," Carlos stepped forward, "they did offer us quite a few numbers. With their gangs and Uma's crew we could guarantee control of the docks and in turn control of the supply ships that come in."

"Aye," Uma piped up, "lot's of bloodshed between us back in the day."

"And more likely far more bloodshed to come if what we suspect is true. Mal has taken those gangs for herself." Carlos added.

"I wouldn't put it behind her," Evie spoke, commanding the room to listen, "back before she was queen she could get those gangs to do whatever she wanted."

"Don't I know it." Uma grumbled.

"What have I been saying all along?" Another outburst of a council member, "That treacherous snake is our first priority. She'll be the death of us all if we don't do anything."

"Perhaps he's right," Carlos looked to Evie who gave him a dismissive look, "Mal cannot go unchecked any longer."

Evie took a deep breath and looked at her nail as she tried to think. While she knew they were probably right, she didn't want to admit it.

"What would you propose we do?" She asked.

"Jay is still out looking for her," Carlos continued, "he has to be getting close. Once he brings her in again we shouldn't hesitate."

Evie glared at him as she dropped her hand.

"Jay?" Gil mumbled to himself thoughtfully.

"Have something to say, Gil?" Uma spoke to him through clenched teeth.

"No-"

"Good." She hit him lightly with the back of her hand.

"Killing Mal does no good," Evie told them, "it's a waste of time."

"Keeping her here means she'll just escape again." Carlos argued.

"Carlos, there are other ways to deal with people. I thought you knew that already." Evie continued to glare at him.

His expression dropped and he sighed with a heavy burden, "we have to find her at least."

"I am beginning to doubt Jay's ability to find her." Evie concluded.

"He did it before."

"Mal is smarter than that, she won't allow herself to fall again," she told him, "we need a better plan."

"How about a search party?" someone proposed.

Evie's eyebrow lifted as she thought. She looked up at Carlos who was waiting for her response.

"No," she stated, "not a search party, too weak, but a taskforce built of our own design."

Carlos couldn't help but smile with revelation, "who did you have in mind?"

She let her eyes drift around the room, they eventually landed on Uma.

"Uma," she said with playful villainy, "you will lead a taskforce to find Mal and bring her to me."

Uma had a hard time containing her feelings. A golden opportunity. Harry and Gil both visibly shifted in their stance, eagerly awaiting their captain's response.

"Yes, of course." Uma couldn't help the devilish smile that spread across her face. Her plan formed in her mind perfectly. Harry and Gil could tell their captain was plotting something. She leaned back and watched the rest of the meeting unfold with minimal interest. She was determined to come out of this war on top.

Evie was a fool to trust her.