This was very exciting for me to do. I LOVE Disney for all those who didn't know! So Thea517 and I wrote this together, because we had to have a partner for the competition. So the beginning/ background story, we both wrote bits and pieces of. Then since there was two of us we each picked one of the villains (We were on the villain team so we have to write about a villain or villains). So anything that is in Anastasia's point of view is written by me, anything in Drizella's point of view is written by Thea, with the exception of the last one in Drizella's point of view, that I also wrote. Enjoy!

Two Sides to One Story

Once upon a time... such a classic beginning. A common start to an ordinary story. But I'll tell you now, this is no ordinary story. It starts in a small village just out of a large town. Everyone in the quaint little village was very kind hearted and considerate of others. This including a rather spirited youngling named Ella. She was a sweet, loving little darling with big doe-eyes and a shining smile that could brighten the gloomiest day. Her golden tresses curled in a natural manner framing her childish round face. Her caring father was strong and a rather wealthy salesman. He loved his beautiful child with all his being, in addition to the infinite love for his elegant wife. She had stylish amber hair with a natural ombre effect; she had the same features as her precious daughter. Ella was her parents pride and joy, with enough happiness and kindness in her little smile to share with the whole world. She grew up being loved and cared for, adored and cherished. Everything was right in the little world around her.

Sadly one night, one of the handmaidens working for the family caught a sickness when out in the town. She neglected to keep her distance from the family, causing the young girl's mother to catch the malady as well. Ella's mother suffered through immense pain as her body was unable to ward off the infectious affliction. Due to the lack of immunity caused by scarce exposure to outside illnesses, the struggle to overcome it became more challenging, being the cause of her untimely death.

But this is not Ella's story. For we know her story very well. This is the story of Charlotte, Anastasia and Drizella, Ella's step-family, and how they came to be.

Our true story begins with a beautiful young girl with brown hair. The young girl's name was Charlotte. Charlotte was very pretty she had a kind attitude towards life and would always smile. When she was younger, she always was in love with everything. But at the tender age of 15 when her family went bankrupt and the arranged marriage that her parents set for her fell out of place, she turned and relayed on herself and her beauty. When people asked her what she desired most in life, her answer would always be money but her old childish, loving self would have said happiness. When time went on, she became very lonely and she was on the brink of cold-heartedness. Until she met a boy in her neighborhood named Francis. He was charming to say the least. They spent so much time together they seemed inseparable. He saved her from the shadows and married for love. Some say she married for the love of her new husband's money, others beg to differ, saying that it was true love for each other that brought them together. They lived in a small manor near the royal palace.

They lived happily together for several joyful year and together had two blessed little angelic children. They spoiled their daughters while still teaching them good etiquette and manners. They named the girls Anastasia and Drizella. The family thrived merrily together but one day, after a trip to town getting fresh flowers, Charlotte found her husband in the study, drunk. "What happened?" Charlotte was now walking towards him carefully. He did not reply to her question, instead he started spitting out how he can't secure a arranged marriage for his girls even while they were young because they were ugly. He then started blaming Charlotte for their children having more of her 'ugly' features. This forced Charlotte to see her husbands true nature and made her miserably depressed and angry all the time. She put stress on the poor girls trying to make them suitable to marry, preferably to someone of royal heritage or higher status. Though knowing she could never succeed, she turned bitter, cold and cruel to anyone lovelier that her hideous daughters.

Finally one night her atrocious husband got wasted and died of alcohol poisoning. The now cold and cruel vision of the Lady Tremaine didn't care for the passing of her late husband who beat and abused her. But deep down inside, the young girl that once loved the man, missed him terribly. But the true, pure hearted Charlotte was long gone, lost in self-pity and shadowy sorrow. She despised life itself for being so utterly cruel to her, ripping away her wonderful childhood. She had hoped that marrying her true love would make her life perfect... but she was mistaken.

Her daughters followed their mother's misleading footsteps and focused more on their looks outside, instead of focusing on what's on the inside. Once their mother remarried for advantage, for the sake of her daughter and money, they moved into a quaint little house just outside of town in a little village.

Anastasia

As we drew closer to the village, down the bumpy cobblestone streets, I could smell the strong aroma of the farm animals. Our carriage approached a large pine green house with elegant stained-glass windows and beautiful flowery landscaping. I have to admit that it wasn't our manor, but it wasn't all too bad, I would be happy here once I adjusted. I looked over at my twin sister Drizella whose face was all scrunched up in disgust, her fair skin all wrinkled and creased making her have a pug-like face.

Despite being twins we were nothing alike. We have similar fair skin and hazel eyes, but her hair is chocolate brown and mine is a more chestnut hue. But as for personality, she has made herself the leader of the two of us. Unfortunately my mother likes her better than me, Drizella follows my mother footsteps really close. I try to be more like my mother just to get attention from her, but she is so focused on Drizella and herself. I try my hardest to look disgusted at the elaborate estate, even though I thought it to be quite magnificent.

As we came to a stop, a dark haired man stepped out of the house through heavy dark oak doors. He reached the carriage and opened the door, helping each of us out.

"Welcome lovely ladies, to our home!" A friendly, handsome man greeted us giving my mother a kiss on the cheek and my sister and I a kiss on our hand.

"Thank you for your warm welcome dear. Who is this flawless beauty of yours? Come on young lady, come where I can see you proper." My mother acquired calmly.

At this I noticed the gorgeous young lady around my age standing slightly behind the man. She wore a simple powered-blue dress that complimented her delicate golden hair that framed her face and big blue eyes. She was rather petite but her father, my new stepfather, held her small hand gently in his own.

"This little angel is my sweet Ella that I was telling you about." He replied proudly, making Ella blush.

"I don't recall you mentioning that your daughter was so beautiful. This is my precious Drizella..." Drizella curtsyed not very gracefully, "and Anastasia." I had been practiced my curtsy, but when my mother saw that I did it better than her favored daughter, she used her walking stick to dead-leg me so I fall over.

"Let me help you!" Ella said sweetly coming over to give me a hand.

"I'm fine!" I barked at her, angry that my mother would do such a cruel thing to me. She wants us to marry into wealthy families of high status, well I mean she wants Drizella too. She doesn't think I'll ever get that far, she has very little faith in me.

Drizella

I have never felt so bored in my life. Mother has never mentioned where we would be going. She just barged into the room I share with Anastasia and told us to pack our things.

I looked over at Anastasia as we reached a manor with a beautiful garden. Anastasia was a really bad actress. I saw that inside, she liked the little manor that was insight, and so did I. I looked over at my mother who held no emotion on her face. As soon as the smell of farm animals hits, my mother scrunches up her face. I copy her too as I don't want to be a disappointment.

Anastasia was always the prettier one between the two of us but I was always mother's favorite, probably because we look alike. Anastasia looks more like our father. Father and Mother had a big fight before he died, and I guess mother is still sore from that, maybe that's why she dislikes Anastasia so much.

I was pulled out from my thoughts as I saw a man walk out the wooden door with a young blonde girl behind her. The man helped us out of the carriage and kissed my mother on the cheek. I held my grimace at the exchange. He also kissed the top of mine and Anastasia's hand. When I heard the word daughter, I clenched my teeth. The blonde was his daughter and he is our step-father.

When I came to that realization my mother said my name I immediately dipped into a curtsy, but failed to do it gracefully due to the hurry. I wasn't paying attention since my realization, but I saw Anastasia do her curtsy properly and mother stuck her leg out and tripped Anastasia. I held back my laughed and ended up snorting, I tried to disguise it as a cough as Ella helped Anastasia up. "Let me help you!" Ella cried.

After my clumsy sister's fall, we made our way inside the manor. It was not really that stylish. The house was gloomy and looked as if it was from the 16th century.

"Have you ever decided to redecorate?" I asked out of the blue.

"Drizella!" My mother reminded me of my behavior.

"Sorry, if I am overstepping." I apologized and bowed my head in shame.

"Quite alright. This will be your house as well so if you would like to do little redecorating here and there be my guest. Just ask permission first." My step-father said with a smile. I have a few ideas already in mind.

Anastasia

A few months past quickly and we settled in to life here with Ella and our new stepfather. Our stepfather is a very kind and loving man. He loves and cherishes Ella greatly, and does his best to show Drizella and I his care for us as well. He is very generous and has gotten my demanding, controlling sister and I wondrous gifts. Our room that we share is modest in size, but Drizella is pretty good at keeping to herself on her side of the room. Our room was probably the most stylish in the house thanks to my charming sister's classy senses. The best part of it was the large window looking out over the treetops behind the Garden and to the Palace which wasn't all that far away. In the morning you can hear the North tower's chime loud and clear.

Our step-father would leave very often on business and come back looking weak and tired. He just left home again yesterday leaving us with small gifts from his previous trip to remember him by until he returns again, for he is gone for extended periods of time.

"Drizella! Anastasia!" Mother called from the living room waking my snoring sister and I from our peaceful slumber. I trudged over to the redecorated living room. It still had the antique old-fashion look but more trendy and upscale.

"Come quick!" She demanded her voice full of fear and sorrow. Drizella and I ran to her hastily.

"What is it Mother?" I asked full of concern. My mother was always calm and collected, yet she seemed anxious and distressed.

I saw Ella at the hearth sobbing silently. She held in her petite hand a small heart locket with a picture of her mother and father inside.

"Your stepfather took ill on the road and has past on. I don't know what we are to do, other than to sell some of this antique brickerbrack and..."

"No you can't! You can't sell my fathers things, I won't let you!!!" Ella interrupted loudly.

She was cover in ashes and soot from the fireplace. I could see that in my mother's eyes she was merely a creature of dirt and toil that was just going to be in the way unless she was enslaved.

"How dare you! You filthy vermin!!!" My mother snapped. "You are nothing... Cinderella!" She spat and strutted away with Drizella in tow.

I thought that maybe I saw a glimpse of remorse on Drizella's face. But that's impossible, Drizella only cares about herself and Mother. After they were gone and out of earshot I treaded lightly over to the hearth were Cinderella lay weeping, gave my condolences and headed back to my room.

After around mid-day I decided to go for a stroll. Now I admit my other does not approve of me going for walks on my own, just wandering aimlessly. So I do it anyway! Don't you love being rebellious?! I found my way to the forest behind the garden and decided today I was actually going inside the dark woods. In the past I would walk along the border, but today I felt like the peace and quiet nature was just what I needed. I meandered along a winding dirt path when I heard a horse's cries in the distance. I ran towards the sound of the troubled animal, my feet pounding on the hard ground and heart racing compassionately. As I reached a patch of pines I found a palace horse stuck in some shrubbery, it's tack tangled in the branches and vines.

"Hold still!" A man demanded the restless horse. "AHHH!!!" He cried as the horse stomp down hard on his foot.

"No, no, stop! Your demands only frighten him more!" I warned. "You must calm him." I said more gently and whispered sweet nothing to the horse to ease his fright. "See, there there!

"Thank you, miss! I fear I am no good with animals." He praised.

"Your welcome!" I acknowledged. "What are you doing in the forest anyway? SHouldn't you be guarding the prince or something?" I asked.

"Pardon?"

"Well are you not a palace guard?" I asked simply. "Please let me know it I am being impolite. My mother would have a fit if I was rude to anyone except my stepsister."

"No! No, not at all! I am just surprised you didn't know who I am! What are you doing out here alone anyway miss?"

"I could ask you the same, and who says I'm alone? Your here aren't you?" I said playfully.

"I came to find someone I spoke to in the forest earlier this evening. She was crying against a tree. She was all dirty, it was soot or maybe she fell or something." He answered with a chuckle. "She said the same thing though. When I asked why she was alone she said 'I am not longer, your here with me'. Quite the coincidence!"

'Soot?! I wonder.....?' I thought to myself. "Who is this girl you speak of? Did she have a name?" I asked.

"Afraid she wouldn't give one?"

"Could you describe her?" I questioned further, trying to find some connections with her and a certain stepsister.

"Uh, yeah. Golden hair, kind blue eyes, charming smile, the prettiest girl I've ever laid eyes on..."

'CINDERELLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!' I immediately thought! 'He hardly knows her and he already likes her! GREAT! This was supposed to be my chance!!!!!!'

"...her?"

"Huh?" I asked. I had accidentally tuned him out.

"I just asked if you knew her? You both came from the east, so I thought maybe she lived close by or something, neighbors you know!" He asked hopefully.

"Afraid not." I lied. "I must be leaving, it's getting late! Good night!" I called back as I ran back home! I had to stop her from seeing him again! He maybe my chance to make my mother proud... all by myself!

Drizella

I must admit, after my step-father died I did feel sad for Ella. I wanted to comfort her but mother forbade it. I decided to please my mother and call her Cinderella as well. We bark orders at her and don't pay attention on how hard she works.

It has been a week since Anastasia went for a walk that mother greatly punished her for. She had not realized she met the prince. Mother told me to keep that to myself because Ella also met him. How jealous I am of my sister and step-sister that they met the prince. My bitter self died down at tea time.

There was a knock at the door and a royal courier stood with a letter in his hand. I thanked him and curtsied politely, my curtsy has been on point so far, and ran straight to mother and Anastasia, who were busy sipping their tea. "Mother, there's a letter from the king!" I screamed waving the letter. My clumsy sister spit of her tea, while mother just put her cup down with a wicked smile. Cinderella came rushing in and cleaned the mess my sister made. "Hand it over darling." Mother said with her wicked smile still plastered on her face. I handed her the letter as I sat on my seat all excited.

"His Royal Majesty, King Richard the third requests the attendance of all the maiden in the land to a royal ball in which his son, His Royal Highness Prince Louis, shall choose a bride." My mother read aloud. I couldn't contain my excitement anymore, I was jumping up and down with Anastasia.

Cinderella looked up at us with a smile, "May I attend? After all I am still part of this family and I don't even want to meet the prince. I just want to see my friend." I looked at her with disgust.

"You are not going to the ball!" My mother said with final authority. "No go and take measurements for my daughters and I. I want you to create the most amazing dresses for us."

Anastasia

I can't BELIEVE that we're invited to a ROYAL BALL!!!!!!! This is the biggest news! What should I where? What is my best color? Flashy or Elegant? What about Cinderella? She is sure to steal my glory if she gets anywhere near MY charming palace guard. I have done my very best to keep her away from him; ordering her around, giving her extra chores and such. My mother saw me doing this and though it a wonderful idea! So now she does all the housework, slaving away for us, making our meal, washing our clothes, doing dishes, tending to the gardens and farm animals. She has gotten so lonely she talks to the mice and other animals. One time I saw her sneak out and I told mother she tried to run away. So mother put her under permanent house arrest. She isn't allowed to leave the property without permission, and mother wouldn't feed her for a week if she did! I feel little bad for putting her through this, she has shown nothing but kindness towards us, but I have come too far to disappoint mother now. I must make him fall for me and marry him!

Every night I go out into the woods behind the garden to the spot where I met him. Usually he wouldn't be there, but a few nights ago he was! We talked for a few hours. He still wouldn't tell me his name, even once I told him mine. I told him I would just call him Charming then, and we shared a laugh. I could see a longing in his eyes as we walked through the forest, and I could tell he was waiting and hoping Cinderella would pop out from behind the trees. I will never verbally admit, but at the point I knew he had eyes only for her.

Back to the important stuff! Tonight is the night of the Royal ball!!! I have avoided eating anything ALL WEEK! Wit the exception of two apples a day to keep my energy up. I need to be as attractive as possible.

"Cinderella! Cinch me up!" I hollered at the exhausted girl, currently cinching my sister's corset.

"PATIENCE ANASTASIA!!!!!" Drizella bellowed, half in pain half in irritation.

"Coming!" Cinderella called as she ran daintily over to me. She cinched me up all the way and put on my hoop skirt and crinoline.

As I slid my colorful gown over my head and put on my jewelry, I realized I would never the natural beauty that Cinderella has. Even when covered in sweat and dirty, she was still a very attractive young lady, who is very determine to get through any situation. I respect her for that but I am jealous so I take it out on her. Thank goodness she's not allowed to come. We sent Cinderella out of the room while we finished gussying up.

Just as we were about to depart for the ball, I heard a soft clicking of little heels so I turned around and screamed! THIS CAN NOT BE HAPPENING!!!!!!!!!!!

"Anastasia! What in heaven's name are you screechinging about?" My Mother demanded wiping her head around swiftly and scowling when she saw Cinderella in a modest dull pink dress. She looked like she was a little overdressed for church, but nothing near fancy enough for a royal ball. She would stick out like a sore thumb, just causing a fuss and drawing attention, therefore capturing the attention of my Charming and probably the royals as well! All of which would make my night a disaster! That can't happen!!!

"Cinderella! I believe I made it very clear..." Mother started but was interrupted by a stuttering Cinderella.

"But it says every available maiden, noble or commoner!" She fought boldly.

"Neither of which include you! You are nothing but a servant! A slave!!!" Drizella cackled wickedly! I nodded gleefully, glad to finally have my chance to woe Charming with my... Beauty? Grace? Charm? Kindness? DANG IT!!!!!! I can't even describe anything positive about me, that all described Cinderella! Oh well he enjoys my presents and I will spend the evening trying to win him over. I mean he's not the prince or anything special... but he is probably wealthy and would make mother proud!

We left in the carriage, all at the edge of our comfy seats in anticipation for the festivities of the evening! It was going to be a spectacular night!

Drizella

Once we approached the Palace steps, we were helped out of the carriage by two footmen. Both were tall and muscular, one with dark espresso hair and dark mysterious brown eyes, one with light caramel hair and dazzling ice blue eyes. But the biggest difference was one looked grouchy and the other looked elated! It was quite strangle when the one with the dazzling blue eyes winked at Anastasia. The grouchy one helped my Mother and myself out and just sent us on our way up the thousands of palace steps and Anastasia joined us after receiving a kiss on the hand from the dashing footman. I can't believe that everywhere she goes she can manage to pick up men so easily. She is so pretty compared to me, but deep down I know she's clumsy and thinks of no one but herself! She doesn't even realize she is chasing after the prince!!!!! Not the brightest candle, you know?!

Once everyone was announced and mingling or dancing, I stood by Mother who was searching for either the king, the prince, or someone to try to thrust me into and force us together! I looked behind me and found Anastasia was gone! Probably in search for her Charming prince! She doesn't know that I go through the journal she keeps hidden up under the boards under her bed. She thinks I don't know about her 'Charming' and that she has a shot with him, when in reality after I read the journal I followed her into the woods and saw Louis, who had come to our house when Anastasia and Cinderella where at the open market, looking for Cinderella.

About a half hour later, as the Prince was about to choose Anastasia to be his partner for the first dance, the large doors at the top of the entrance staircase opened and through them step a drop dead gorgeous young maiden, who wore a flowing violet gown that shimmered as she walked. The room was silent with the exception of a delicate soft tapping as she walked gracefully down the marble staircase. Her amber hair was twisted in flouncing curls framing her face perfectly. It was Cinderella and she was quite the looker, even in this flashy, fancy group of people! She walked straight over to the prince and that's when it clicked in her mind that he was the prince and not an ordinary palace guard.

"Charming!" Anastasia whispered desperately in his ear, trying to pull his attention back to her.

"Hmm?" Prince Louis said snapping out of his trance. Looking Anastasia directly in the eye and then back at Cinderella and then to his father. "I'm sorry! I truly am Ana!" He I saw him whisper softly in her ear, stroking her hair.

On the verge of tears, Anastasia shoved her way through the crowd and burst through the doors leading out back to the carriages. I felt slightly bad for her, but that's when I noticed someone, a young man a wee bit older that myself, staring at me.

Anastasia

I burst into tears just as I reached the steps, so I fell to my knees and sobbed silently. I was so close we spent the first half hour talking and having fun, sharing stories. He then told me he had a surprise for me and escorted me to the dance floor as the Prince was about to choose the first dance. All eyes turned to Charming and me as he held me by the hand. That's when she burst in and RUINED EVERYTHING!!!!! I was starting to forget about everything I was originally planning; impressing my mother and making her proud, money, status... everything faded as I realized I was truly in Love with the prince. But as he apologized and left me for HER, I realized he loved her more!

"You mustn't take it to heart. He doesn't know what he's missing out on!" I looked up at the sound of another's voice. It was a males voice, one that I had never heard before. I was shocked at what I saw. It was one of the footmen! I looked up slowly examining him from the feet up. His strong legs, firm abs, broad shoulder, shining smile, and dark eyes...WAIT! DARK EYES?! "Here!" He offered me his strong hand to help me up.

"I...I don't...I don't understand!" I stuttered utterly confused.

"I made a bet with Paul that he couldn't be cheerful and flirtatious with the party guests the way I usually am, and he thought I couldn't look stern and disciplined. So we made a bet. I lost because he charmed three girls, but I looked grumpy instead of straight faced. I didn't think he could do it, but he just needs to loosen up and have fun every once in a while, instead of focusing so hard on making no mistakes. I am terribly sorry, I am chattering too much aren't I?!" He continued as I fell into a trance by his mesmerizing voice.

"Ana?!" I suddenly heard the familiar sound of Charming's voice. He turned and spotted me, and at this point Peter, the Dark haired, dark eyed footmen had fallen into attention and had on his grumpy face again. "Ana, there you are!"

"What do you want?" I asked harshly, trying to hold back a strong flow of tears.

"I just wanted to say that you are exactly what I said in the courtyard earlier. Never forget ok? No matter what anyone tells you, you just keep believing it. And Peter!"

"Yes Your majesty!" Peter responded roughly still straight faced, facing the horizon.

"Take good care of her. She hasn't had a whole lot of real affection and care for a really long time!"

"Yes Your majesty." said more gently cracking a smile.

The announcement of the engagement of Cinderella (She changed it to her official title) and Prince Charming, (We are still friends so I still call him that) was announced only a month before that of the one of my own engagement to Peter, who despite being a palace guard was Charming's younger stepbrother. Paul and Peter are fraternal twins, and decided that since they weren't inline for the throne, wanted to work as footman together! We all became really good friends, with the exception of Drizella who decided she wanted to remain single out of jealousy of Cinderella and myself. But in the end we all lived happily ever after.