"Why would you do this, Layla? You are strong enough yourself. You don't need his help and you don't need to kidnap another innocent. You can still go back on this and find a way yourself..."

Layla rolled her eyes as Philip followed her through the streets and once again tried to talk some sense into her. When was he ever going to give up? It almost sounded like he was willingly staying with her, only to try and get through to her.

"I need to get closer to Lily, and this just one of the few ways," she answered, without even looking at her old friend. "What harm can taking one little girl do?"

"What does he even need her for?" Philip pressured and Layla simply shrugged.

"How would I know? I don't care about other's business as long as I get what I want. I couldn't care less about what he will do with her... If she is as weak as she looks, perhaps it can teach her to be stronger."

A small smile crawled onto her lips. Girls like her didn't stand a chance in the world anyway. She looked naive enough to believe anyone who approached her even when it was clear they were evil. And people like that got what they deserved... Most people thought that it was bad to make use of someone's kindness, but she saw it differently. They needed to earn their lesson and not be so naive. She was happy to teach Charlotte that lesson... That was of course, if she survived.

"Now, stop your nagging," Layla told Philip. "You know what we are here to do. Even if you don't like it, that doesn't matter. You know who's in charge here."

Philip narrowed his eyes but looked away.

"Of course..." he muttered and Layla smiled.

She still believed she was showing him mercy. She was sure that if she did not make use of him, Jafar would have killed him a long time ago. And after all... Philip wanted his old friend back. Now he got to spend time with her for a very long time.

She searched the streets, looking for Tiana's restaurant, where Facilier told her she would probably be. Tiana was Charlotte's best friend, and according to him, they needed to be careful with her. Nothing she couldn't handle probably. She wouldn't have any trouble getting rid of her if she had too.

"There," she said, pointing to a building saying 'Tiana's place. She turned to Philip, giving him a serious look, narrowing her eyes. "You know the plan, right? Remember not to try anything funny to stop me from doing this."

"We're just a couple from another country, visiting New Orleans," Philip replied, his voice sounding dark and annoyed. "We want to see the town and find the finest places."

Layla gave a quick, short nod.

"Good," she answered. "Now let's get this over with. We don't have all day."

She took his hand, making it look like the two of them were a couple. Then she made her way towards the crowd, walking towards the Restaurant. As they walked in, they were instantly greeted by a young woman with black hair and a green dress.

"Good evening," she said with a happy, excited smile. "I am Tiana. A table for two? Did y'all make a reservation?"

"Yes, a table for two," Layla answered with a nod. "But we didn't make a reservation. We only just got here, but we heard this restaurant was the greatest in New Orleans. I hope there is still a table free..."

"The greatest restaurant in New Orleans?" Tiana asked with a soft laugh. "Oh m, well that is certainly a compliment. It's no problem, we still have a table free. Please follow me."

Layla smiled, already having the hostess wrapped around her finger. And Facilier said she would be more difficult to deal with. Clearly that was not true... She and Philip followed the woman, who made a gesture to the table at the far end of the restaurant.

"I will get you a menu," she said. "Can we get you anything to drink?"

Layla tilted her head, pretending to think for a moment, but actually scanning the area to find the girl she was looking for.

"What would you recommend?" she asked. "Do you have any special wine or Champagne? Something that is special from this restaurant?"

Tiana's eyes lit up and she nodded.

"I think I know what to get you. I will be right back."

She quickly turned around and rushed off to get whatever expensive drink she probably had for them. Layla wondered if she would purposely get the most expensive. Though Tiana didn't seem like someone who would just do that. Either way, she did not really worry about money in the slightest.

As she scanned the room, she heard a familiar voice and turned her head.

"Oh Tia, you just have to come to the party I am hosting! And don't worry about the cooking, I will not let you do the catering at my party. You are a guest after all."

Layla smiled. Bingo! Now she needed to find a way to get close to Charlotte.

"You know I don't mind cooking, Lottie," Tiana answered as she made her way back to the table with a big bottle and two glasses balancing on a platter. Charlotte followed her as they talked, leading her straight to their table.

"Here you go," Tiana said as she put down the bottle and the glasses on the table. "This is our special house wine. I hope you'll enjoy it. Now what would you like to..."

"Oh what a cute couple you two are!" Charlotte exclaimed, interrupting Tiana's work. "I have never seen you around here before. Are you new here? You do have to see all of our marvelous places! There is so much to see around here!"

"Lottie..." Tiana said with a sigh but a faint smile. "Don't overwhelm them... They are just here to eat."

Layla faked a kind smile and waved off Tiana's apologetic look.

"That's alright," she said, then turning to Charlotte. "We only just got here. We were looking for someone to show us around the place. We don't have anywhere specific in mind, so if you would like to give us some suggestions..."

Charlotte let out a squeal, that made Layla almost cringe, but she kept on her facade. She would really have something to squeal about when she realized who she really was.

"Oh of course I can help you!" Charlotte exclaimed. "There is so much I can show you, you just have to come here early tomorrow and we can start. I'll just have to ask someone to help me with the decorations for the party but everything will be fine! Tomorrow will be a day you won't forget!"

"I'm counting on it," Layla said, her smile widening.

Too easy... From the corner of her eyes she saw Philip glaring at her. There was going to be another lecture from him after this...

"You just have to see the finest shops in New Orleans," Charlotte continued to ramble on. "I really love your dress b the way, but if you are looking for something new, we just have to visit Tiana's mother. She's a seamstress and she makes such beautiful dresses! You'll love them. She made all my favorite dresses when I was little, and this one too!"

She spun around in her extravagant pink dress for her and Philip to see. The glitters on her dress reflected the light of the chandeliers at the ceiling, and there was a light pink hue reflected on the walls and floor as she spun around. Tiana smiled as her friend rambled on about the dresses and the parties as she gave Layla and Philip the menus.

"Come on Lottie," she said, pulling her friend away. "Let's give them some peace."

When they were out of earshot, Layla let out an exhausted breath, her facade falling.

"God, she's annoying," she muttered, shaking her head. "How can anyone be friends with a woman like that? She sounds like a child that had too much sugar."

To her surprise, she saw Philip's lips curl into a smile. For a moment she was caught off guard. She hadn't seen him smile ever since she got him, but it was still the same as it used to be. The same smile he used to give her if she was annoyed or frustrated b something. He would always give her a joke or a small comment that would've made her smile again.

"You know you don't have to stay anywhere near her if you don't want to, right?" he asked.

Layla sighed as she was brought back to reality. Of course it wasn't like that anymore.

"Again?" she asked him annoyed. "When are you going to stop trying to talk me out of this? You can't. I'm not going back to that weak little girl you knew no matter how hard you try." She turned to Charlotte, who was still following Tiana around. "As for her... I'll just have to put up with her fr now I guess."

There was a small tug at her heart as she looked at the young innocent woman and she could suppress a soft growl coming out of her. It had been there ever since the mirror broke and Lily was released. Making her wonder if she was doing the right thing like she had always done before. But it wasn't strong enough to make her weak again. And she was determined to keep it that way...

The next day, Layla was waiting together with Philip outside the restaurant, waiting for Charlotte to arrive. She could hear happy music going through the streets as a band came towards them and walked past them, followed by a group of dancing, chatting and laughing people. They all seemed so happy without a care in the world. None of them had any idea of the danger that was among them. But that didn't surprise her. No one could ever see what was right under their noses.

Soon she heard a familiar, annoying, high pitched voice from the distance and she turned around, faking a smile.

"Good morning Charlotte," Philip said as she reached them. "You are looking lovely today."

Layla rolled her eyes at his charming greeting. When Charlotte giggled softly and even blushed as she made a spin in another pink dress, she felt even more annoyed. Charlotte knew he was taken... And as far as she knew, she was standing right in front of his partner, but she seemed to enjoy his charm and didn't hold back.

"Thank you," she said. "This is one of the other dresses that Eudora made for me. She is amazing at making dresses." She turned to Layla. "Would you like to visit her? She could make you a marvelous new dress and for a good price too. And don't worry if you don't have the money. I'm sure I can help you if you really want one. I think you could use a more extravagant dress. I love this one, but every girl needs a new dress every once in a while, right?"

Layla smiled and took another deep breath as she tried to remain calm. Just hold on a little longer... She needed to play along for just a little while, but she was already happy to get rid of the little brat.

"Oh yes, of course!" She said as excited as she could. "I would love too. If she isn't too busy of course. I woudn't want to put too much pressure on her, especially when we won't be staying for long."

"Of it will be fine!" Charlotte exclaimed. "She's be happy to help you, trust me. She loves her work. Now come on, her shop isn't too far from here."

She grabbed Layla's hand and pulled her with her, forgetting about Philip for a moment. But he followed close behind them and remained silent. As Layla looked over her shoulder, she saw him clench his fists and he only glared at her. She swallowed, wondering if she should have just done this on her own... She shook her head, realizing what she was doing. No, this was the best way. And Philip needed to deal with it. He'd get over it eventually, she knew he would

"Here we are," Charlotte said, stopping in front of a small building.

She pushed open the door and a bell chimed softly.

"I'll be with you in a moment!" someone called from the back.

Soon, a woman with black hair, looking a lot like Tiana, emerged from the back area. She smiled when she saw Charlotte.

"Good morning Charlotte!" she said, then glancing at Layla and Philip. "Are you looking for another new dress? Who are your new friends?"

"This is Layla and Philip," Charlotte said, making a gesture towards the two. "They are just on holiday here. We were wondering if you wanted to make Layla one of our amazing new dresses!"

Layla smiled, trying to top herself from rolling her eyes. Of course, she hadn't asked about the dress and Charlotte had just insisted on it.

"If you are not too busy, Ma'am," she said. "I'm sure you have a lot of other clients without some random tourists coming in."

Eudora smiled at her kindly, coming from behind the counter towards her.

"Oh I am sure I can find something for you," she said. "I would love to help you. Do you have something in mind?"

Layla shook her head and started to glance around the shop. She had to admit, the dresses this woman made looked beautiful and she seemed to know what she was doing. She did like having a new beautiful dress every once in a while, like any other woman would. Perhaps her trip to new Orleans was not as bad as she first thought it would be.

"I don't have anything specific in mind," she then said, looking back at Eudora. "What do you think?"

Eudora walked around her, tilting her head lightly as she examined Layla and took in her figure and features.

"Well, I can say red looks very good on you, and I think you could stick with that color," she answered and then she quickly rushed back behind the counter, getting a book from behind it. "I might have a few designs that would fit for you if you would like to try."

She flipped through the pages, then stopped at one, turning it to Layla. Layla looked at the design and without even thinking, her eyes lit up. The dress was long and elegant. It wasn't too extravagant, but fancy enough for Layla's taste. It had a low cut with a trim around the neckline and the waist. She nodded slowly as she inspected the dress. She smiled excitedly, for a moment forgetting the real reason why she met Charlotte today.

"That looks beautiful," she said.

Charlotte looked over her shoulder at the dress and let out a squeal of joy.

"Oh that would look Marvelous on you!" she exclaimed. "I can already see it. I would have chosen something a bit more extravagant myself, but this would look perfect on you. Perhaps with some jewelry it would look even more beautiful!"

Layla did her best not to cringe as Charlotte squealed and talked. God, that voice was going to give her a headache... She looked back at Eudora, giving a short nod.

"I think that one looks good." she said, trying to ignore Charlotte.

"Perfect," Eudora said, closing the book again. "Now let's see for the fabric and the color."

Not much later, Layla stood on a small plateau as Eudora took her measurements. She had chosen a dark red fabric with gold for the trimming round the edges, and some lace for the sleeves and the skirt. She could already picture it in her mind, and she couldn't wait to pick it up and wear it.

"Alright, I should have it ready b the end of the day," Eudora said as she straightened herself up and put away her measuring tape. "Does that work for you?"

Layla nodded, stepping back to the ground again.

"Thank you for helping me on such a short notice," she said. "I am sure the dress will look absolutely beautiful."

She happily walked out of the shop, followed by Philip and Charlotte.

"Alright, where do you want to go next?" Charlotte asked with a skip in her step. "There are more clothing stores, and we could look for some jewelry that would go good with your new dress. Gold, obviously... Oh and I need to find an outfit for the party tonight.

Layla smiled and nodded, knowing very well that the girl was not going to make it to her own party. As they walked down the street, something caught Layla's eye. Shadows glided over the pavement and into a dark alley. That was her clue on where to find the Shadow Man...

"I think I heard of a shop in this alley over here," Layla said. "Could we have a look there?"

Charlotte looked into the alley curiously.

"I usually don't go into these kind of places," she admitted. "I prefer my stuff from high class shops. Usually these kind of shops don't have anything fancy."

"Oh come on," Layla said, giving her a playful nudge. "You don't know that until you've been there. Why not have a look? You'll never know what you can find in places like this."

Charlotte let out a soft, nervous giggle and looked back at the alley.

"Well, alright," she said. "If you really want to go there, I suppose we can. It won't hurt to have a look, but I doubt we are going to find anything interesting there."

Layla smirked lightly as she linked her arm with Charlotte.

"You'd be surprised, Lottie," she said with a grin, using the playful nickname that Tiana had given her.

It really was far to easy... Facilier could have easily have done it himself and used the price for what she wanted for something else. But she supposed if she got what she needed, everything would be fine.

She pushed open the door and a bell chimed. She hoped they wouldn't be interrupted by some of his other clients, but she had a feeling he at least knew what he was doing. She glanced around the room, looking at all the voodoo and divination stuff that he was selling. Cards... Crystals... It was something people believed in. She however did not. She knew the Shadow Man was a scam and only pretended to know everything about his clients. There was no fortunetelling even if people wanted to believe it. Voodoo however... Now that was more her style. The ability to manipulate someone from afar by a simple doll or something else... Of course, it was was what she needed, but she had always been quite fascinated about it. It was a lot easier to control people in that way. Of course, her own magic and jafar's magic helped her do the same thing, but the question was how much she could do with the shadow man's help. The floor creaked softly as the tree walked around the place.

"Layla..." Charlotte slowly said. "I... I don't thin... Perhaps we should go. This shop doesn't have anything we are looking for, right?"

Layla could hold back a smile, enjoying the discomfort in her voice. It didn't matter anymore now anyway. Charlotte was exactly where she was supposed to be.

"Oh but you just got here..."

A familiar voice cut through before she could say anything. Facilier stood behind the counter with a sinister grin on his face, acting like a simple salesman trying to run his shop. He made a gesture around the shop, his eyes fixated on Charlotte.

"Won't you have a look around, my dear?" he asked. "Perhaps there is something that can catch your interest?"

Charlotte looked at Facilier, anxiously taking a step back.

"Well... I don't know," she softly said, glancing around as though she was looking for an escape. "I... You'll have to excuse me sir. I don't think this is my kind of shop. I am sure you have some lovely items here, but they are not meant for me. Layla, Philip, let's go somewhere else."

Layla didn't move a muscle and leaned against the displays. Charlotte quickly walked towards the door and Layla only smiled. With a wave of her hand she locked the door, stopping Charlotte from escaping. Charlotte grabbed the doorknob and rattled on it, but of course, it wouldn't open. She then slowly turned around. Layla kept her gaze on her, and her eyes darkened.

"Sorry Charlotte," she said, finally dropping her facade completely. "I don't believe you will be leaving this shop."

Charlotte's eyes widened and she stared at Layla confused.

"What?" she asked glancing at Philip, who quickly looked away. "What are you talking about?"

Facilier chuckled darkly and waved his hand. Before Charlotte knew what was happening, Shadows started to fly over the walls, floor and ceiling, gliding towards her. She gasped as the shadows grabbed her own, and some wrapped around her, making her unable to move.

"What are you doing?" she demanded to know. "Let me go! What's happening?"

Layla crossed her arm, a cruel smile crawling onto her lips as she watched the spoiled brat struggle with no avail.

"It was almost too easy to get her for you," she said with a soft chuckle, shaking her head as her eyes shifted towards Facilier.

Charlotte started breathing heavily, still not giving up her struggle against the shadows that had secured her tightly.

"Layla..." she softly said. "I thought you..."

"What?" Layla asked, turning back to Charlotte again. "You thought I was your friend after one single day? You thought I actually liked you?" she scoffed, stepping forward and closing the distance between her and Charlotte. "Please... You are nothing more than a pathetic spoiled little brat. If you wouldn't have been so naive, you wouldn't have gotten yourself in this situation."

From the corner of her eyes, she saw Philip moving towards the door, clearly wanting nothing to do with it.

"Stay!" she commanded. "If you walk out of here alone, people who've seen us together will be suspicious"

"Layla..." Charlotte brought out, still unable to believe she had been betrayed. "Why are you doing this?"

"Simply a matter of business," Facilier answered before Layla could say anything.

He came from behind the counter, walking slowly towards Charlotte. Layla stepped aside, watching the show with an emotionless expression. Charlotte looked at Facilier with wide eyes, visibly trembling as he started to circle around her.

"Who are you?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear. "Why am I here?"

"Oh don't worry," Facilier softly said as he circled her. His fingers slipped through her hair as he walked behind her. "I'm not going to hurt you. At least not much... You and your dear old daddy are just the key to my plan." His cane slid under her chin forcing her to look at him. "Things would have been a lot easier if you'd have gone through with the marriage, but I suppose we can do this the hard way. I'm sure your father doesn't want his precious little girl to get hurt, does he now?"

Charlotte stared at him terrified, and then started to glance around at the shadows restraining her. She gasped, looking back at facilier.

"You!" she brought out. "You're the Shadow Man. You're the one that turned Naveen and Tiana into frogs!"

"Ah yes," Facilier said, his eyes darkening. "Your little friend made quite the mess of my plans before. I'll have to make sure she won't do that again."

Charlotte's hands balled into fists and she glared at him.

"Whatever it is you want from me, leave my friend out of this," she demanded.

Facilier chuckled darkly, stepping closer to her and invading her personal space.

"You seem to misunderstand, dear," he softly said. "It's not specifically you I want. You are just the key for me to rule New Orleans. You and your daddy won't be the only ones to suffer."

"Sorry to interrupt this rather entertaining display," Layla said casually, still leaning against the display and her eyes glued to the two of them. "But I would like to collect your end of the deal now."

Facilier straightened, turning to her. His grin never left his face.

"Right..." he said. "About that..."

He made a small gesture with his hand and summoned a small shard in it. Layla stepped towards him, ready to take her payment. But Facilier just smiled and stepped back, keeping it out of her reach.

"You didn't think this was the end of your part, did you?" He asked.

Layla froze, staring at him. What the hell? She didn't have time for jokes.

"I gave you what you needed," she told him, holding up her hand. "Now give me what you owe me."

Facilier chuckled softly and made another wave with his hand. Layla gasped as she felt something invisible grabbing her from behind. She was pulled back, and pinned against the wall before she could realize what was happening.

"I said 'to start with'," Facilier told her. "We never agreed this was the only thing you'd have to do."

Layla struggled against the shadows that were now restraining her just like Charlotte. Jafar had warned her about making deals... Philip had warned her as well... And she had managed to fall right into his trap.

"Let her go!" Philip shouted, instantly going for his sword.

"No need for that, I won't hurt your little girlfriend," Facilier told him without even looking at him.

Shadows rushed towards him now, quickly taking the sword in case he would try to do something to help her.

"What the hell do you want?" Layla grunted frustrated.

How could she have been so blind... She should have known that it wouldn't be that easy and she had fallen for it.

"Your magic," Facilier told her, as if it had been a stupid question. "our magic is very strong. Strong enough to help me take over New Orleans or even the whole world. Strong enough to deal with enemies. Now you can either help me if I need you too... Or you won't get what you asked for and I will make you help me."

She blinked and stopped struggling as he spoke. She stared at him, waiting for him to tell her it was a joke, but he seemed to be very serious. She let out a scoff as she stared at him, then burst into laughter.

"Let me get this straight," she said, still laughing as she shook her head. "You need me to help you take over the world and deal with enemies. That's what you need me to do?" She let out a sigh in disappointment. "And here I thought you were powerful and knew what you were doing... But you need help to get what you want as well..."

"Perhaps I don't," Facilier said, his smile falling as she mocked him. "It's just a repercussion in case I need it. I just won't let anyone ruin my plans again."

Layla smiled, amused by his words. He really did need her to do his dirty work, and not simply kidnapping a naive little girl.

"Fine," she said her smile still not fading. "I suppose you need someone powerful to do your dirty work. Just give me what I asked for.

Facilier's smile returned, giving another wave of his hand. Layla gasped as she fell to the floor. When she got up, Facilier held out the shard to her.

"This will work?" she asked him.

"It should be able to connect to her mind," he answered casually, as if they were simply doing some business. "You'll reach her through thoughts. If she lets you, you can control her mind and eventually take over completely."

"Good," Layla said with a short nod. "That's what I needed."

She dusted herself off, putting the shard into her satchel. She made her way to the door but stopped in front of Charlotte. She smiled cruelly and Charlotte looked back at her with anger and disgust.

"Thanks for today Lottie, it was marvelous!" she said in a mocking voice before she turned back to Facilier. "Have fun with your new toy... As long as she'll last... Come find me you need me to do your dirty work then."

Facilier laughed darkly.

"Oh I intend to," he softly said, making his way back to Charlotte.

Layla walked out, smiling as she heard Facilier's laughter and Charlotte's whimpering. She wouldn't last a day with any villain...

Author's Note:

As promised, a new chapter from Layla's POV and the longest I have written yet. Our girl got out smarted by the Shadow Man and is now bound to him. She still got what she needed though. Did you guys expect Facilier to pull something on her? I felt so bad for Charlotte writing this, but I had a lot of fun. Who knows, perhaps we will see them all again (I don't know, haven't planned everything out yet XD)

I'd love to know what you think of this chapter. Let me know if you have any speculations of the story and where it will lead. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, and till next time.

DISCLAIMER: I am NOT interested in commission art. I am sure your art is great, and I am flattered that you want to use my story to create commissions, but this is something fun I am doing for free. I don't need anything professional for this. I get a lot of dm's from people asking me if they can do art commission for me, that's why I am saying this right now. I'm not interested in commission art, and I won't be replying to any dms about it.