All right, I guess it's time for Mal to prove that his talent with hair has not gone with his personality. Thanks for reviewing, Bloodylilcorpse, QueenOfChocolateWinx and What'dIMiss.

Back in the nineteenth century, miracle potions were sold, except that they were mostly just snake oil and things like that. In the twenty-first century, though, when hair care potions were sold, some of them worked, and most were sold by the best hair salons in town. That's why, when McClean's Miraculous Mane-Maker was being promoted on the streets, Mal saw it as an opportunity to show off his skills by challenging this guy, who ran the best salon in town. Mal, of course, only had his flat to work with, but he knew customers preferred a friendly atmosphere with a skilled worker, not a swish atmosphere with no substance. And he could do that. He may not have been Mike anymore, but he knew how to act.

Scarlett came along, too. "I must admit, I'm curious to know what kind of ingredients go into a hair-growing potion." she said, a touch of pink coming to her face, as if she was embarrassed that she was interested in such things.

The promotion was done in a marquee, with a stage, half hidden by curtains. But before the creator stepped out, a small skinny boy that looked about twelve began to introduce the product.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began in a voice that made it clear he was a few years older than he looked, maybe fourteen or fifteen, "Prepare to marvel at the miracle of the Mane-Maker!"

However, no one seemed to be listening until he said the last couple of words. His voice was weak and scratchy, and his unassuming presence didn't help much, either.

"You see," the boy said, gesturing to the curly mop of hair he sported (similar to a young Michael Jackson), "I didn't always have hair like this. Only a few months ago, I had sparse thinning hair, as if I was an old man. But after I used McLean's Miraculous Mane-Maker, it proved that it was truly miraculous. Sometimes, I even get complimented. But I owe it all to this! That's why I am so pleased to give out these free samples!"

Soon, almost everyone held tiny bottles of the Mane-Maker. Mal opened his sample, inspecting the contents carefully. Scarlett read the ingredients, her expression becoming surprised, then amused.

"Somehow, I'm not sure that the boy up there got his hair from using this." she whispered to Mal.

"I know hair care mixtures, and this is clearly not one of them. No one will be able to grow more hair with it." Mal agreed, not bothering to lower his voice. "This is clearly the equivalent to snake oil."

At that moment, the curtain behind the young boy was pushed aside to reveal another man. "Excuse me?" He had obviously heard Mal's comment and was scowling.

"You heard me." Mal said in a casual voice. "You're conning people. I assume you're the McLean who created this?"

The man gave a nod, his face sort of pouty, like he was a child who'd just been scolded. "Yeah, that's me, but I like people to call me Chris. And my Mane-Maker is not a con! Who are you to accuse me?"

Mal raised an eyebrow. "Only a man from the other side of the world, who happens to know a thing or two about hair care."

Chris was trying hard to keep his temper in check. "Is that so? How about we put that to the test? We'll need two volunteers, and we'll see who can more accurately give them what they want."

Mal smiled darkly at this. It would be the perfect way to establish his reputation. "What a good idea!" He stepped onto the stage. "May we have two volunteers?" he called out to the audience. "A free trim, anyone?"

The volunteers were both men. They only wanted simple trims and their sideburns to be neatened up, which was perfect. It meant that it would be easier to see which man was the superior hairdresser. But apart from that, they needed a judge. And who should offer but Scott, the same man who'd headed the jury all those years ago. Mal recognized him instantly, but made sure not to let his true feelings show on his face. If anyone recognized him, he was done for.

Mal carefully watched Chris as the contest began, assessing his skill. He tried to make himself look a little worried, but on the inside, he knew there was nothing to worry about. "This guy's skill is a joke! I could do better than him in one minute!"

Mal only sped into action after Chris had been working for about ten minutes. He not only got his volunteers' hair – facial and head – finished before Chris was done, but the overall result was much better.

Scott agreed too. He grinned at Mal, genuinely impressed. "Well, I can tell you that I'll definitely pay a visit to your establishment sometime. Probably around this week. Er...where are you set up?"

"I'll be sending out flyers soon." Mal told him. "I'm just above Bakery of Savouries, if you know where that is."

"Oh yes." Scott nodded, as the crowd dispersed and everyone went on their way.

Scarlett's expression was neutral as she and Mal left, but as they walked, she spoke. "So, I suppose your revenge has begun?"

Mal smirked, nodding. "It has. And the first person that's going to pay is Scott, that foreman of the jury that convicted me of God-knows-what. Well, actually, God probably doesn't know since I don't think even the judge knew what he was accusing me of."

Scarlett raised an eyebrow. "Oh? So even you don't know what you supposedly did?"

Mal just gave a shrug. "Never worked it out. To be fair, the only thing I remember from that day is seeing Zoey for the last time." His voice became softer for a moment, as he remembered her.

Scarlett stayed silent, knowing that there was no point in saying anything. There wasn't really anything she could say to that.

Phew! That took a while to write! I'm dying to get back to Gidgette, anyway.