Chapter 2: The Demigod

"Not even a week and already someone's declaring war."

Evie shook her head, assessing Mal's vandalised artwork. It was the image of Maleficent with her back turned and arms outstretched, her long, purple sleeves draping from her arms like wings. It was one of Mal's favourite tags and this particular one marked the start of their territory on the west side of the town. Someone had spray painted it, leaving a crudely drawn skull over it.

"It has to be Uma and her crew," Dizzy muttered, placing her hands on her hips. "They like using skulls for their tags."

"True," Evie mumbled, "but I don't think so. I've never seen them use a skull like this before."

Whereas the pirates used small skulls that they decorated with bandanas, eye patches and swords in their mouths, this one was simple and elongated, made with dark grey paint. It didn't have the same level of detail Uma and her crew favoured and the art style wasn't like any of theirs.

"Then who else could it be?" Dizzy asked with a frown. "If anyone was going to start up hassle this early with the other VKs gone I was sure it'd be Uma. That girl has a major grudge against Mal."

"To be honest I'm surprised she hasn't tried anything yet," Evie sighed, running a hand through her hair. "But no, I'm not convinced this is her doing."

"Then who?" Dizzy asked.

Evie smiled at Dizzy over her shoulder. "That's what we're gonna find out."

Dizzy wasn't officially a VK but she was Evie's friend and had agreed to give the older girl a hand while doing the routine checks over the VK's territory, the least dangerous of all her tasks. Acquiring territory was difficult and even more difficult was keeping it under your control. The different factions on the Isle tended to use graffiti as a way of staking their claim on different streets, alleys and zones. When one group wanted to challenge another group for a piece of land, they made it known by attacking these markers. It was a warning shot.

What Evie needed to do now was investigate who this skull mark belonged to before whoever it was decided to bloody the waters and make an outright attack on the VKs. If she could figure out who it was then the VKs could get to them before they got to the VKs. If it was just a random kid trying to act tough then a few poisoned words should be enough to get them to back off. At a push, she could get one of the other honorary VKs to rough him up a bit. If it was a villainous faction trying to take over the VK's territory then things could get messier.

"Maybe it's a different pirate group?" Dizzy suggested as she slurped her milkshake.

The pair were sitting on the balcony terrace of Frollo's Creperie, mulling over potential intruders on the VK's territory. From up there, they had a clear view of the busy main street, Auradon visible across the glittering waters. It was their weekly tradition to stop by Frollo's, though usually they weren't burdened with official VK business.

"It could be Harriet? She was in the Curl up and Dye last week, kept going on about how she was making her own crew since her father wouldn't stop nagging her about it." Dizzy tapped her fingers against her chin. "Plus there's that whole skull island thing on Neverland. Everyone knows how much she obsesses over going there."

"There's also Captain Silver's son," Evie mentioned, scribbling down her thoughts on a notepad. "He always had a fondness for skulls. But I don't see why either of them would want to take over the west side of town. It's so far away from the water and most of the pirates prefer staying near the sea. The only reason Uma's been after the inland territory is because it's Mal's."

"That is a fair point," Dizzy agreed.

A waiter came over to their table and placed down two milkshakes. Flustered, Evie tried to tell him that they hadn't ordered anything else.

"Oh, some guy bought you it," the waiter shrugged.

"What guy?" Evie frowned.

The waiter glanced around but didn't find who he was looking for. "I'm not sure where he went. Look I have other things to do so if you don't mind."

Evie huffed in annoyance as the waiter left. Warily, she looked at the milkshake like it was poisoned. It was highly suspicious for someone to buy her a milkshake. Buying others treats wasn't the norm, it was too friendly, too nice a thing to do. Dizzy had no such reservations and was already wolfing hers down with a grin on her face.

"This is weird," Evie muttered, reluctantly taking a sip from her drink. It was vanilla with extra cream and sprinkles, her favourite.

"What the freebies? Don't knock it!"

"I'm not knocking it, I just find it odd. There have been a few... strange things happening of late."

"Like what?"

Evie hesitated before explaining, not quite certain she wasn't being a overly paranoid. "Well, the other day someone sent me a white lily and now I'm getting a free milkshake."

There had also been the two - possibly three - weirdos who had followed her in the marketplace the other day, but she had no evidence that they were connected to her elusive gift giver, other than the fact she had seen one of them at the night market after receiving the lily.

Dizzy's eyes lit up and she let out an excited squeal. "Oh, my glass slippers! What if you have a secret admirer?"

"The person who gave me the lily said it was from a prince. The only princes I know are Hamlet and Jack. And I'm pretty sure it couldn't be any of them."

Hamlet was the son of Hans, and although he was charming and polite, Evie wouldn't trust him as far as she could throw him. He was much like his father, secretly cold and calculating and didn't care for anyone. He wasn't someone who bothered with romance unless it could aid him in his quest for a throne. Since Evie had no throne - thanks to a certain step-sister who would not be named - there was no chance Hamlet would even entertain the notion of pursuing her romantically.

The other prince was the Queen of Heart's son. Evie got along with him well, they shared similar tastes in fashion after all, but she knew he wasn't interested in her in that sense. Besides, he was far too dramatic to go for the subtle approach to romance. He was more the type for outlandish and elaborate declarations of love than giving discreet tokens of affections.

"Slim picking then," Dizzy sniggered, fully aware of what the princes on the Isle were like.

Evie nodded, letting out a long sigh.

It wasn't the first time Evie had received anonymous, romantic gifts. At Valentine's day, her bedroom was usually crammed filled with chocolates and wilted roses from secret admirers. Yet there was something about this one that felt different. Something that put her on edge.

"Oh, come on, Evie! It's a great idea!"

"No, Zevon, it really isn't."

"If you and I combine our chemistry skills I'm sure we can recreate my mother's lama potion! With it, we can take over this Isle completely!" Zevon said, tossing his arms in the air dramatically. "Mal won't be able to deny my - I mean our - skills and potential."

Evie rolled her eyes. Sometimes she wondered why Mal had made Zevon an honourary VK. The boy was unquestionably skilled in chemistry, she would give him that, but it was the only thing he was good at. His plans were outlandish and weird and he never thought them through fully. He always ended up in more trouble than he caused.

He and Evie were on their way home late after a meeting at the VK's hideout. All the VKs had been there, discussing what they had found out about their mysterious new rival. Some had reported new skulls being spray painted over various territory marks, not only VK ones but also over Uma's and a few rival gangs tags too. Neon blue skulls were appearing everywhere on the Isle and no one was sure who it was.

"Zevon, for the last time, we are not turning everyone into lamas! That is such a stupid plan that I am embarrassed you even thought about it."

It was such a silly idea she almost considered it grounds to expel him from the VKs.

"How is it stupid?" Zevon scoffed, offended. "If everyone's lamas we can easily take them all on."

They turned the corner, entering a dimly lit alleyway. Amber fairy lights dangled above them, some hidden behind washing lines and drying clothes. There was graffiti all over the walls, not any territorial marks, just random names, catchphrases and unskillful drawings. The alley wasn't the most inviting of alleys, and the light fog trailing across the ground and the lateness of the hour was not helping its appeal.

"You would be the emperor of lamas. Why would you want that?" Evie crossed her arms, shaking her head in dismay. "Besides, think about this logically. If everyone's lamas who is going to wait on you hand and foot? Who will make the food, the clothes, do the cleaning and all that other stuff you've neglected to think about?"

Zevon rubbed his chin, a frown on his face. "Well... I suppose you have a point."

A terrifying growl from behind them stopped the two VKs dead in their tracks. Both slowly turned around, squinting to see what was behind them in the darkness and fog. Starring at them through two blood red eyes was a creature, hidden in the shadows. They could see the gleam of pearly fangs snarling at them.

Zevon took a trembling step backwards, hiding behind Evie.

"What... what the hell is that?" Zevon spluttered.

Evie tensed, ready to make a run for it when a black paw stepped into the light, followed by another. Once fully in the light, the creature snarled, snapping its jaws at them.

Zevon burst out laughing. Evie blinked, bewildered.

It was a puppy. Just a cute, black, fluffy, little puppy. It looked like a rottweiler, and besides its unusual, glowing red eyes, it was absolutely adorable and tiny with a cute, grey button nose. Evie was struck by the urge to snatch it up and cuddle it.

"Aw, man, and to think I thought that was a monster or some-" Zevon's words stuck in his throat when the creature moved further into the light.

Apparently, it's full body hadn't been in the light yet. Instead of one head, the puppy had three, each one's lips trembling as it growled.

"Evie, am I seeing things or does that dog have three heads?" Zevon murmured, rubbing his eyes in disbelief.

Evie nodded her head. "It does. That's... unusual."

"That thing is creepy," Zevon drawled in a sing-song voice.

The three-headed dog snared, saliva dripping from its fangs. The next moment it was galloping down the alley, leaping through the air and tackling a wide-eyed Zevon to the ground. Zevon's shrill shrieks filled the air the creature tried to rip him to shreds, his body flailing wildly as he tried to get it off of him.

Evie quickly snatched the creature off him, pulling it back and keeping it trapped in her arms. The creature continued to try and lunge forward, one head snapping its jaw while the other two barked at the boy. Zevon, dishevelled and clothes torn, scrambled to his feet and pointed at the fearsome, little creature trying furiously to get out of Evie's grip.

"Why did it go for me?" Zevon shouted, stumbling backwards. "I'm outta here, man. That thing is nuts!"

"Zevon! Don't you dare leave me here with this-" One of the heads snapped around to stare at her, and Evie made the quick decision not to say anything insulting about the creature, as that seemed to have been what set it off on Zevon. "Cute... little...guy?"

"Cute little guy!" Zevon scoffed, still baking away. "Well if he's so cute and little you deal with her!"

Zevon fled the alleyway, leaving Evie with the creature still held tightly in her arms. She watched wide-eyed and mouth agape as Zevon bolted around the corner. She couldn't believe it! That little worm had left her here with this mini demon! Right after she had risked her own safety to pull it off and keep it from him! He was a dead man when she got her hands on him!

Evie swallowed, glancing down at the puppy in her arms. She felt her whole body tensing, ready for it to turn its attention to her now that Zevon was no longer there. Oh poison apples, it was going to bite her! Evie waited on tender hooks, waiting for it to lash out, to snarl and bite and claw at her.

But it didn't. With Zevon gone the puppy seemed to settle, and indeed its attention did turn to Evie, though it was with curious stares. Two of the heads titled to look at her, blinking their red eyes at her thoughtfully. The middle one was quick to make up its mind that it liked her and eagerly licked her face.

"Alright, easy there, girls," Evie laughed, feeling more at ease now that she was sure it wasn't going to bite her.

Carefully, she placed the dog down and knelt beside it, offering it her hand to sniff. The three-heads smelt her hand then it's single tail began wagging excitedly. It leapt up onto her, paws resting on her chest, and all three heads ambushed her face and neck with their tongues. Evie laughed - though she was slightly grossed out - and tried to gently push the beast away.

"Easy, girls! Easy! You're going to ruin my make-up!"

It was a little unsettling being so close to a dog with three heads, but it was so excitable and affectionate that it was easy to forget its unusual traits. It seemed friendly enough, with the exception of its dislike for Zevon - but then again, who did like that boy? If Evie had held some fondness for the boy it was long gone after he had abandoned her, even if it had worked out okay in the end.

"What are you doing out so late, huh, girls?" Evie asked softly as she ran her hands over the two of the puppy's head, much to their delight. The middle one tried to nudge the left head out the way so that Evie would pet it instead. Seeing the middle ones jealous antics made her giggle and she gave it a scratch behind the ear.

"I hope she isn't giving you any trouble."

With a smile still on her face, Evie looked up to see who had spoken. Her smile dropped, replaced with wariness. It was the boy from a few weeks ago, the one she had seen at the marketplace and later on at the fountain during the night market. He was dressed much the same, in his hoody with its spiked shoulders, black three-quarters length trousers, combat boots, and his face hidden behind his hood.

"Not at all," Evie replied. "Is she your dog?"

"Yipe. She's an old family pet," the boy said, his lips curling into a smile. "And is supposed to be a terrifying guard dog but as usual, she's being a little traitor."

"What's her name?" Evie asked, turning her attention back to the puppy. She was lying on her back now, paws in the air. Evie obliged her in a tummy rub which sent the pup into a delighted frenzy, each head letting out pleased whines.

"Cerberus."

"What, like the guardian of the Underworld, Cerberus?" Evie asked jokingly, amused at such a tiny and adorable creature being named after something as fearsome and monstrous as the guardian of the Underworld. Though she supposed it made perfect sense with the three heads and bad attitude when provoked.

"Exactly like that."

Evie was startled to find the boy suddenly kneeling next to her - when had he moved? - his hand reaching out to tickle behind one of the puppies head's ear. All three-heads opened their eyes, happiness flashing in them as they noticed who was now stroking them. The puppy rolled over and leapt up onto the boy, attempting to lick his face only to be gently batted away. The boy wagged his finger in the dog's faces, chiding them for their behaviour.

Evie found herself drawn to the spiked collar around the middle puppy's neck, the fairy light's having caught off the medallion dangling from it. Evie reached out and held it between her fingers. It was a grey, elongated skull. Just like the graffiti that had been appearing all over the Isle the last few weeks.

"You said that this was your dog?" Evie asked lightly, quirking an eyebrow at the boy. "And just who are you?"

"Hayden," the boy replied. Evie watched as he reached up with both hands and pulled back his hood, revealing thick, neon blue hair that partially covered one of his eyes. Evie blinked, startled by the colour of his eyes, they were a bright amber colour and almost seemed to glow in the darkness. "Son of Hades."

Evie felt her blood run cold.

This was the son of Hades? The God of the Underworld?

Evie hadn't heard much about Hayden, other than that he and his gang of villains - the Ghouls - reined terror in the Undercity. It was a place Evie had never dared venture and she had no desire to, even her mother forbid it. It was a city build inside the underground passageways and caverns below the Isle and was where the more frightening and monstrous creatures were banished. It was said to be a dark and treacherous place, the city hidden by a labyrinth of crumbling and tight tunnels, monsters lurking around every corner.

And this was Hayden, someone who made his home in such a dreadful place and still had a smile on his face despite it all.

The puppy let out a content whine as Hayden scratched her sides. Evie's eyes went back to the dog and she realized with a jolt that this dog wasn't named after Cerberus, the legendary beast that guarded the Underworld, it literally was Cerberus.

"She's a lot... smaller than I expected," Evie commented carefully as she rose to her feet, no longer comfortable to pet the creature.

"The barrier and it's magic restricting properties have diminished her," Hayden replied, sounding annoyed by the fact. "You should have seen her in her hay day. She was quite the sight to see."

Evie bet she was and for once in her life, she was happy the barrier was in place. She didn't want to see what this cute, little puppy looked like in its true form. Her mind couldn't help but wonder what Carlos would think to know that this legendary dog was living on the same island as him. The poor boy would have had a heart attack!

Hayden looked up at her, still contently scratching the dog like it really was just an average, fun-loving, playful puppy and not a terrifying monster that had once shaken the ground as it walked and devoured anything that tried to approach the Underworld unwelcome.

"You're a long way from home," Evie muttered, quickly reassessing the situation.

It was unnerving to know that the hidden foe she had been searching for was a demigod. Evie had to remind herself that Hayden may be the son of a God but here, he was just like her. Magicless. It put them on an equal footing.

Still, she was nervous, she was too clever not to be. When making enemies her mother had always advised her caution and reminded her that one day they could all be free, and making powerful enemies while on the Isle could have disastrous consquences once they were off the Isle and had their powers restored. Evie was pretty sure her mother would keel over at discovering her daughter was readying to par swords with divinity. Powerful her family may be but they were only witches. What could a witch do against a God? Evie knew she had to tread carefully.

"It gets a little boring in the Undercity," Hayden replied, shrugging his shoulders. "I like to cause a little mischief up top every now and again."

"So I noticed," Evie replied dryly. "You've ruined quite a few of the VK tags."

"Oh, did I?" Hayden blinked up at her innocently.

"I don't know how things work down below but up here that's considered a declaration of war. Is that your intention?"

"What if it is?" Hayden asked, ruffling the fur on one of Cerberus's heads.

Evie frowned, not pleased where the conversation was heading. Having a war break out was not what she wanted, even if she knew it was more than likely to happen. Who wouldn't take advantage of the VKs being down three powerful members? Evie knew it was inevitable that at least one of the other villainous factions would challenge the VKs for territory, she had just been certain that it would be Uma and her gang. The idea that it would be an Undercity dweller, a demigod at that, was what surprised and alarmed her the most.

"Don't take it personally," Hayden said after a moment, rising to his feet. "It's not just the VK territory that I'm after, it's the entire Isle."

"You're ambitious," Evie said with a little laugh. "And you think you can just crawl out the woodworks and everyone will let that happen?"

Evie didn't know how much territory Hayden held in the Undercity - if any - she wasn't even sure if that's how it operated down there. She knew for certain he held no territory up top and taking territory was hard enough without having any as a starting point. To take over the entire Isle he would need a lot of players on his team. She would need to do some snooping later, find out how many Ghouls he had, who they were and what their skills were.

"I wasn't planning on giving any of you an option," Hayden said with a sinister smirk.

Evie smiled, fluttering her lashes at him. She took a step closer to him and looked up at him, her eyes challenging. "If it's war you want then it's war you'll get."

"Question is, what side will you be on?" Hayden smiled, and it annoyed Evie how charming it was, dimples and all.

Evie gave him a funny look. "Obviously, I'll be on the VK's side. What other side would I be on?"

"You could always be on my side," Hayden suggested with a shrug.

"Oh, really?" Evie chuckled, slightly taken aback by the preposterous proposal. "That would certainly make life easier for you now wouldn't it? One less enemy to deal with."

"It would," Hayden conceded. "But you know who it would really make life easier for? You. After all, how much longer do you think the VKs will be able to hold their power here while three of their main four are away gallivanting in the land of sunshine and rainbows?"

"I'm still here and so are the rest of the VKs," Evie pointed out.

Even without Mal, Jay and Carlos the VKs were a large and strong group on the Isle. They would be able to keep hold of their territory, with or without the others.

"I guess we'll have to wait and find out, won't we?"

Evie took a step closer, bringing them close enough that their chests almost touched. Hayden glanced down at her, his eyes fleetingly falling to her lips before meeting her eyes again. He tilted his head, quirking an eyebrow in question.

"Listen here, and listen well," Evie whispered, "stay out of the VK's territory. You're more than welcome to pass through but that's our zone for mischief. Got it?"

"And if I don't?" Hayden challenged with a roughish smile.

"Try it and find out," Evie's voice was as sweet as it was poisonous. "Have a nice night, Hayden."

"You too, Evie. Pleasant dreams."

Two years ago...

Hayden lounged on his dark throne, idly playing with a chess piece. It was designed to look like Lythos, a massive monster made of rock with two heads and blazing, red eyes - his father's favourite Titan.

With a sigh, Haydn pocketed the piece and glanced around his gloomy home. It was a grim cavern, hidden far under the ground of the Isle of the Lost. In the centre of the room was a circular, stone table with a flat map of the world etched onto it. He had styled this room to look like his father's office back in the Underworld, though it was nothing as grand as the real deal.

Irritably, his eyes fell to the clock nailed to the wall. His guests would be arriving soon. Hayden swung his legs to the floor and stood up, dusting off his clothes and running a hand through his hair.

Right on time, a chilling gust of wind blew through the cavern. Hayden crossed his arms, watching with barely contained envy as the Fates - Lachesis (Fate of the Past), Clotho (Fate of the Present), and Atropos (Fate of the Future) - appeared before him in a wisp of smokey magic.

Lachesis was the taller of the three, with a pointed nose and light blue skin. Clotho had mint green skin and a very long chin, with ragged strands of blonde hair peeking out from her hood. The last Fate, Atropos, was the shortest and had purple hair and only one eye socket which currently held the red eye that the three sister's shared. All three of them were dressed in dark robes, their hoods pulled over their heads.

At that very moment, the Fates were the only creatures with magic on the Isle, the only ones who could come and go as they pleased. It was their neutral nature that gave them such a privilege. They weren't good but they also weren't bad.

Hayden had requested a visit for them, and after months of waiting, finally, they had come.

"Hello, ladies," Hayden said, flashing them a charming smile. "It's been a long time since I've seen you. Thank you for coming on such short notice."

He couldn't help the little dig, irked that he was so low on their priority list. It couldn't truly be helped, son of a God he may be, but he still only a demigod who had yet to reach his full potential - something that would garner him all the power and respect he deserved. Until then, he was second to the Gods.

But not for long.

"I want your counsel," be began to say, striding towards the decorative map and placing his hands flat on top of it. "You see, I want to-"

"Become a full-fledged God like your father. We know," the three Fates said in sync.

Hayden had to take in a deep breath to calm his rising anger. He hated being interrupted but losing his temper and snapping at the three crones would get him nowhere. He needed to stay on their good side. There were no laws that said they had to tell him what he wanted. If he wanted intel he would have to draw it out of them, much like his father had many aeons ago, through charm and finesse.

"Correct and-"

"You need to know how. We know!" all three Fates cut in again.

"I know you know," Hayden gritted out sharply, his hands tightening into fists. Gods, he had forgotten how frustrating these all-knowing immortals could be. "It still has to be said. So, can you help me?"

"We can't interfere," Lachesis muttered.

"Well, not always," Clotho smiled cheekily.

"But we can most certainly advice," Atropos added.

"So tell me, how do I become immortal?" Hayden asked, eyes lighting up at the prospect.

"As all demigods do, you must earn it," Lachesis replied with a sniff. "All demigods have the potential to become Gods, that divine power is stored away within them. To unleash it you much prove yourself worthy of it."

Hayden had suspected it was something along those lines yet it was still too vague an answer for his liking. He wanted details. He wanted absolute certainty.

"Like Hercules did?" Hayden asked warily, displeased by the notion of following in his father's enemies footsteps. Hercules had earned the right to his stolen Godhood by proving himself to be a true hero. Someone who was pure, good and filled with honour, a man willing to sacrifice himself for others. None of that was anything Hayden strived to be.

"Something like that," Atropos said off-handedly.

"I will not become a hero," Hayden spat, disgusted. "There has to be another way."

"We never said you had to be a hero to become a God," Lachesis replied, gruesomely snatching the eyeball from Atropos eyesocket and shoving it into her left one. "We said you have to prove yourself worthy. Demigods in the past have done so either be feats of great good... or... great evil. Which one it is, is your decision."

"Though don't expect the muses to be singing your praises if you choose the path of villainy," Atropos remarked with a snort.

"I'll never get the chance to prove myself while locked away on this wretched Isle," Hayden spat, crossing his arms.

There was only so much trouble he could cause on the Isle and really what point was there? It would achieve nothing but making him King of the lost and unwanted on a speck of unworthy land. It would be nothing to crow about. What he wanted was the world. That, surely, would earn him his true divinity. Then nothing could stop him.

"Is there any way to break free of the barrier?"

Clotho plucked the eyeball from Lachesis and shoved it into her right eye socket. "Well, there might be. Just not yet."

Astopos and Lachesis, sensing where the conversation was going, scowled at their sister and hushed her. Clotho was well known for being a little too generous with information when it came to matters of the future. She was far too excitable, eager to share the gossip she was privy too. Her sister's scolded her for it often, though they too were just as guilty, Clotho having them wrapped around her little finger, the two older Fates unable to deny their younger sister much.

"Oh," Hayden's eyes lit up, a pleasant smile on his face. "What do you mean?"

"We're not supposed to reveal the future!" Lanchesis snapped, sticking her nose up. A spider slid down from inside her nostril and with a large sniff, the Fate sucked it back up her nose.

"It's only fair, we did help his father," Clotho pointed out.

"And look how that turned out," Lachesis retorted.

"It'll be different this time," Clotho replied. "Besides, the poor boy's been trapped here all his life. A little hope could do him wonders."

"Soft-hearted, old fool!"

"Lachesis be nice to Clotho," Astopos scolded. She leaned over to Lachesis, covering her mouth from Clotho's view so she could not lip read what she was whispering. "You don't need divination powers to know she'll snitch you to mother again if you don't."

Lachesis scoffed but nodded in agreement.

"Alright, fine! But I'm not taking the blame this time if it doesn't go as planned!"

Clotho grinned excitedly, carefully removing the eye and holding it into the air. It levitated a few inches from the palm of her hand before glowing brightly and widening to the size of a large disk. The pupil and iris faded and an image formed inside it.

In the floating disk, Hayden saw four teenagers, two boys and two girls. From their clothes, he could tell they were residents of the Isle. They were running around the town up top, causing all sorts of mayhem and playing nasty tricks on people, tripping them up, stealing from them and laughing evilly the whole time.

The image shifted again, this time showing him a young boy in a pristine, blue suit, a golden crown upon his head. He looked like a prince, standing tall and proud while he spoke, though no words could be heard leaving his lips.

"Two year from now a prince shall send a letter, and many villains will find themselves embittered," Clotho sang softly, seemingly entranced by the images playing out on the disk.

Oh, great, you're speaking in verse, Hayden thought with a sigh, looking heavenward. He should have remembered the Fates fondness of rhythms and riddles.

"Freedom for four villain's children shall be the news-"

Hayden frowned, watching the image change. He saw Maleficent in her mighty dragon form, four teenagers dressed in beautiful gowns and suits standing before her. It was the same villain children from the first image the disk had shown. He wasn't sure where they were, but it clearly wasn't anywhere on the Isle, considering the lavish and expensive decor.

"-and with their power evil shall lose."

Maleficent's screeched silently in the disk, flames engulfing her as she fell to the floor. The image changed to the four teenagers standing arm in arm, smiling and laughing, everyone around them cheering and clapping at their bravery.

"The strength of evil is as good as none when stands before four hearts as one," Clotho finished. "Villain after villain they will defeat, evil shall find no retreat."

"A word of caution to this tale," Astopos added, lifting a finger. "If you choose to fight against them as they are, you too shall fall."

Hayden circled the image of the four villain children, hatred twisting his face into a vicious growl. These pathetic mortals were going to be strong enough to defeat evil, again and again? Even him? That would not do, it would not do at all. They had to be dealt with. Already his mind set to work, spinning intricate plans and plots. He would not be defeated, especially not by four back-stabbing, little traitors!

"Who are they exactly?" Hayden asked darkly, glowering. He couldn't wait to wipe the smiles off their faces.

Clotho pointed to each descendant as she named them, her long finger curling around their frozen image. "Mal, daughter of Maleficent and the leader of the VKs. Jay, her right-hand man and son of Jafar. Carlos, the son of Cruella De Vil." The Fate glanced at the demigod before pointing to the last person. "And last but not least, Evie, the daughter of the Evil Queen."

Hayden frowned, taking a step closer to look at the last girl. She was a pretty little thing, with hair as dark as pitch half pinned up and the rest cascading around her in lovely waves. She was dressed in his favourite colour blue - albeit a much darker shade - wearing a gorgeous gown fit for a princess, a tiara on her head and a heart necklace around her neck. And there was something about the girl, something vaguely familiar.

"I know her," Hayden muttered, more so to himself. "How do I know her?"

"Don't you remember, Little One?" Lachesis asked.

"Give it time and I'm sure you shall," Clotho said reassuringly with a smile. "Much will become clear when you do."

"Can't you just tell me?" Hayden asked, quirking an eyebrow.

Astopos smacked him lightly on the arm and wagged her finger at him. "We can't do all the work for you. Besides, some things are better to find out on your own. Why spoil the surprise?"

"I don't like surprises," Hayden glared at the little Fate.

"You'll like this one, trust me," Astopos said and would have winked had she been able to. "Until we meet again, Hayden. Take care and good luck."

"You'll need it," Lachesis added snidely.

The three Fates began laughing as their bodies vanished into thin air. Hayden scowled at the empty room, listening to the fading laughter of the Fates.

It had certainly been an enlightening experience, if annoyingly vague. At least he had some answers now.

To become a God he had to prove himself worthy. What better way was there to achieve that than ripping down the barrier and taking over the world that had dared imprison him and his father? It would go down in history, there was no way he could be denied the status of a God by accomplishing such a feat. Although the Fates hadn't outright told him how to bring down the barrier, by mentioning the four VKs and their ticket to freedom, they had hinted that the key to his success lied on how he dealt with them.

The strength of evil stands as none when stands before four hearts as one? What if he took away one of those hearts? Would they still stand as strong against evil? Perhaps they could but for how long? That one little change could be all he needed to tilt the scales in his favour, to change the fate that had been laid before him. No one had ever told him if destiny was set in stone or if it could be altered. He was going to have to find out on his own.

And he knew exactly what he would do and who he would use to make it happen.

He wasn't sure what her connection to him was, but he knew there was something that existed between him and the daughter of the Evil Queen, Evie. There was something nagging him about her, something that evaporated into smoke each time he reached for it. The Fates had outright admitted that he knew her, he just had to remember. Remember what though? What was he forgetting? He was certain he had never met her before yet the Fates had made it clear that he had.

Whatever it was he would find out. Unfortunately for Evie, that enigma made her his target, the key cog in his master plan.

(A/N) Thank you for all the reviews, favs and alerts! Let me know what you think of this chapter, would love to hear your thoughts, opinions and theories! Sorry for any mistakes, I was working on this quite late and my long chapters means mistakes slip through my checks.

Reviews:

Thunderfiredragon: Thank you so much for the review! I'm really glad you notice the Persephone reference with the pomegranates! Glad you liked the chapter!

Ally: Thank you! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Guest: Thank you for the lovely review! Why Ben didn't invite Evie will be explained in a future chapter, hopefully, it'll be an interesting twist :3 Maaaaaybe, we'll have to wait and see if he does have dream manipulation powers ;) Hope you enjoyed this chapter!