Hope you all are enjoying this wonderful tale of mine, because more is coming, which means more souls to torment and defile!

"Now that was fun." Haze can be seen roaming the random halls of Ever After High, a satisfied smirk graced his lips as he exuded a look of contentment from the chaos he had recently sown.

He fanned away the few remaining mists that enveloped his form, effectively removing any evidence of his earlier misdeed. It was still in the middle of the afternoon, the halls were barren – save for his presence – as the high he experienced soon dissolved into dullness.

His mood soured as his body hunched due to the bland atmosphere. "What can a Godling do to be entertained around here!" His voice traveled across the expanse of the academy as his stomps became more prevalent as the day progressed.

The young prince's blood was starting to boil, his steps left flaming marks in his wake as his body itched for something to happen. Instead, he let his mind wander through all the events that occurred and had led up to this very moment.

He recalled being in class at the famous high school that stood atop one of the highest peaks in Olympus. Many children and descendants of Gods and Goddesses ventured both near and far for the chance to learn and discipline themselves as their predecessors before them. The school was built to prepare the students for their potential roles and callings in life. Be it succeeding where their parents once did, or establishing themselves as Deities in their own chosen domains.

That was the good life, Haze reminisced as he remembered his last moments at the academy quite vividly.

He was meant for something far greater than any of the fools he encountered could comprehend. He was supposed to inherit his father's legacy and be the next ruler of all the damned and tortured souls down below. Sure, it wasn't the most fulfilling of careers, but he quickly salivated at the taste of ultimate power in his grasp. All it took was a couple more centuries before he was eligible enough to begin his training as the next ruler of the Underworld. But no.

Those miscreants had to ruin his chances and instead punished the prince by forcing him to mingle with the pathetic mortals they were supposed to rule over. What once was a normal day at Olympus High quickly turned sour and dreadful even by his standards.

What did he do to deserve this abhorrent form of torture? He was simply playing a few pranks along with some people he bothered to call friends until the admissions office called for him. Things soon devolved from there on as the stern lecture from the principal told him that he was carefully chosen to be the representative for the exchange program both Olympus High and Ever After High were holding.

In what plane of existence was he fit for anything other than torture, chaos, or destruction? Of course, he quickly retaliated by saying that anyone else would've been a more appropriate choice, but the principal insisted. He refused bluntly when his point wasn't coming across, but the principal already instated a guide for him, Eros, he recalled with great displeasure. One of the God of love's kin would be ushering him once he arrives in the mortal world. Many thoughts swiftly crossed his mind, the most significant was the fact that the principal and the professors were all too eager to send him away into some forsaken land which he was regrettably informed was out of Olympus' jurisdiction. Which means it would just be him and that halfling in a world that was completely foreign to him. He expressed his detestation of the whole ordeal, but his cries were firmly dismissed as he was soon cast out into the bright and magical world of fairy tale wonders, he gagged when he first arrived at how sickeningly sweet everything was. He didn't even say goodbye to his friends, to his pet, his Mother and especially his Father should be worried sick for him. But he was told that they knew about this plan the higher-ups had prepared for him, which made him scorn at the revelation.

After his initial reaction to the new world around him, his disposition morphed into one of pure, unbridled rage. The clearing burnt to nothingness as his tantrum spread as far as his voice was heard. Thankfully, he was positioned a marginal distance away from any signs of life apart from the vegetation and flora that once surrounded him, now becoming cinders and ash. It all happened too fast, he once feasted on a banquet fit for gods and rested upon the finest of cloths. Now all he had with him was a suitcase the overseer prepared for him, as well as instructions on moving forward. The rest was a blur or rather pieces of memories he dared not place any significance upon. His life of leisure and eternal comfort was now replaced by hardships and a monotonous lifestyle.

Now here he was, by his lonesome, and utterly deprived of fun and enjoyment for the time being.

"Maybe another unfortunate soul might cross my path." He figured as the halls seemed to be getting longer the further he walked.

Deeply sighing and mentally frustrated, the prince of the Underworld was not spawned to be patient and understanding. The world should be at his fingertips, a playground for him to cause mischief, and the citizens should be at his beck and call whenever he deems it. Or at least that was what he repeatedly convinced himself of.

Haze peeked out a window, noticing the ball of fire in the distance slowly descending yet still far setting. "Apollo's sure taking his sweet time today." He relented to lean against the sill as he stared at the sun until it finally sought refuge amongst the horizon. Seconds turned to minutes as he stared unblinkingly and motionless apart from the occasional breaths he took. He would've been satisfied by wasting the rest of his afternoon doing nothing but to observe, however, fate truly had it out for him.

He grumbled as he sensed a figure approaching behind him. Ignoring it to the best of his abilities, he remained unmoving from his place by the window. The person behind him cleared their throat to catch his attention, but he merely yawned in response. They were getting impatient as they tapped a foot brazenly at his back. It was starting to tick him off, his scowl deepened as he wondered when this fool would finally take the hint and leave him to ponder his dilemma. Yet the moment never came as the individual instead decided to speak up.

"Young man, may I ask what you are doing out of class?" A rough and deep voice questioned him. Haze bothered to slightly turn his head to see the figure of a wolf standing on two legs, wearing clothes as if it were human. Haze noticed the furrowed brows the animal bore as it crossed its arms, waiting for his answer.

Haze raised a brow before he gave an annoyed sigh and stood up straight to face the animal in all his majestic glory. A mere beast dare to speak up to him? He furiously thought.

"Seems like someone got off their leash today. Tell me, mutt, did you lose your owner by any chance?" His words sparked anger in the werewolf. It snarled before realizing its mistake and calming down.

"Your words will not affect me, young prince. Since you're acting like you don't know who I am–"

"Am I supposed to?" Haze retorted, sarcastically.

The werewolf pinched the bridge of his nose as he continued, "I'm one of the many professors teaching in this academy. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Mister Badwolf, and I teach General Villainy, which is where you should be at this moment, young man." Composed, Professor Badwolf's body changed into a more human-like appearance. Haze found it slightly interesting and made a mental note to inquire about it later.

Back to the topic at hand, Haze scratched his ear canal with his finger before blowing on it. "You mean those classes that are a complete waste of my time? Yeah, not happening." He walked off, much to Badwolf's chagrin.

"I'm afraid this is not up for debate, Mister Haze. The Headmaster explicitly warned that if you do not attend the minimum requirement of hours on your lectures, then he will have no choice but to report it to your superiors." His words made Haze halt in his tracks. He could feel the air of hostility forming around the young man as the temperature grew hotter.

A few flickers of flames sparked across Haze's body before he quickly extinguished them. Mister Badwolf knew he was walking on hot coals at this very moment, but his options were limited, and he was instructed to bring Haze into his class for the betterment of everyone. It took a minute or so before Haze turned back to face him.

"Lead the way." The tone he used to express himself was dire and slightly grim, but Badwolf was nevertheless successful as he gave the young lad a nod and gestured for him to follow, leading the way towards the dungeons below.

Haze begrudgingly kept his pace behind the gruff, distinguished werewolf as his face fell to an irritated demeanor. He was forcing his body to move as every inch of his being begged him to go back and laze about. Yet, the thought of possibly showing how unreliable he acted as a representative would surely put a damper on his plans of succession to the throne. He found himself heading down a set of mossy stairs of granite. The walls were decorated with torches which lit up the passage as they descended deeper into the undergrounds of the school.

A moldy and cold breeze blew past them, but the depressing winds of the Underworld were much colder and harsher in comparison. He saw a few bugs slithering and crawling around the space of the dreary pathway, a stray spider dared to pounce on the prince, but Haze responded by catching it in his mouth and proceeded to chew.

Crunchy…

A light snack for the dreadful class ahead of him, yet there was the underlying feeling that it might be just what he needed to have a bit of fun, he mused in hopeful thought as the pair eventually reached a thick and cryptic wooden door.

"Mister Underworld, if you would." Shrugging, Haze went closer to the door, using just a fraction of his power, he violently kicked it open which tore it off its hinges and sent it flying. "Oops." He plainly said in an uncaring fashion before entering the hole in the wall. Badwolf grumbled, shaking his head for the troubles that would surely follow now that Haze was under his tutelage.

Haze entered with an aura befitting of a ruler, as the other students sequestered within the room gawked at his sudden appearance. Many complained, while others quivered and quaked at his presence. A cacophony of noises erupted before Professor Badwolf silenced the chaotic throngs of students.

"Be quiet, all of you!" His voice sent a small shockwave that silenced the agitated bunch. "As you can see, a new student will be joining us, many of you might already know him, but for those who do not, this is–"

"I'll take it from here, Professor Canine," Badwolf growled but allowed the prince to interrupt him.

"Greetings, mortals! Standing before you is none other than the prince of darkness, the monarch of the damned, the future ruler of thine pitiful souls, Haze Underworld!" He conjured a chorus of skeletons that applauded his introduction, his arrogance leaked out like a never-ending flood. The collective clapping slowly ceased as Professor Badwolf decided to speak up, noticing how nervous many of the students were becoming.

"Ahem, that is correct. This is Haze, he will be your classmate for the remainder of the semester and quite possibly the one after that." Most of the class groaned and whined at the prospect. "Settle down! Why don't you find yourself an open seat while I get things ready, your highness."

Haze trudged forth as he blasted a random student from their seat with a small flame. "Mister Underworld!"

"What?" He asked, finding nothing wrong with what he did. The student grunted as he picked himself up and went to another free seat at the back. Haze summoned himself a chair fitting for a royal such as himself. It was more of a throne than anything else really, it was forged from black iron, crafted with the finest marbling, and decorated with the most precious of materials. It was designed with skulls at each hand and the head, where the structure appeared both dignified and intimidating to mortal eyes. He smirked at the shocked expressions of the surrounding plebeians. Throwing himself upon the throne, he leaned back, made himself comfortable, and waited for the lecture to be done and over with.

Whispers rose around him as he quickly took notice of the divided looks that were sent his way. One half held resentment, while the other observed in fear. He was both equally impressed and amused at the result of his actions as a heartless and savage ruler. He summoned a cocktail in his hands as he slurped on the worm he topped on the drink which made the other inhabitants of the room gag at the sight.

"Now then, for the late newcomer's sake, I will give a brief explanation of this subject you students will be taking. Welcome to General Villainy, this class is meant to help teach you how to act and behave as the malicious and evil villains in the stories you belong to. Whether you are destined to bake a hungry pair of siblings into an oven or to poison the fairest in all the land." Many listened with keen interest, while some looked crestfallen at being in this class, Haze was Haze. He already started dozing off the second the professor started his explanation. His head bobbed up and down as his eyelids felt heavy, he yawned just as Professor Badwolf finished.

"To start us off, why don't we do a little exercise to get you all in an evil mood." Professor Badwolf procured a small, miniaturized replica of three very distinct houses.

"I'm sure all of you are aware of this story since I happen to also star in it." He proudly remarked before wiping the grin off his lips. "In this exercise, you will play the role of the villain in this scenario. Meaning, all of you must concoct a plan to get to the three little pigs hidden in each house. I wanted to bring in the actual pigs, but they politely refused. Now then, who'd like to start us off?" He waited for any student to volunteer, but none dared to raise their hand. Big Badwolf was frustratingly disappointed at their lack of resolve. "Fine, since no one wants to step up, then I will decide who gets to go first." They groaned in protest.

"Silence! Now then," He scanned the students before his sights landed on a particularly stubborn newcomer. "Ah, Haze, perfect. Why don't you show the class just how evil the future prince of the Underworld can be?"

The boy in question snapped out of his drowsy state before asking, "What's that now?" He rubbed his eyes before noticing the small display in front of him.

Professor Badwolf grumbled, "As I was saying, I want you to prove whether the royals of the Underworld are as benevolent or malicious as the tales that precede them."

The other students watched as his expression turned bitter at the mention of his family's competency to rule. Gritting his teeth, he jumped out of his chair with a resentful look before it morphed into a hexing grin.

"Very well, what must I do, Professor?" He said, slyly. His words had an underlying trace of venom smeared across every breath, as a swirling inferno rampaged in his eyes.

Big Badwolf put up a strong front as he engaged the young and unruly prince. "You, Haze Underworld, must think of a way to get to the three little pigs inhabiting each house upon my desk. Not in a literal sense, of course. You only need to provide a brief explanation of how a villain – such as yourself – would persevere through this challenge. Just as I once did." After his explanation, Haze directed his ire at the mediocre prop situated atop Badwolf's desk. A few seconds passed before his grin became even wider and more sinister, the change brought about a reaction out of the rest of his classmates who scooted their chairs and desks further from him.

"Do I have to destroy the houses to get to the swine?"

"Not necessarily, all you need to do is come up with a way to either capture or subdue them." Badwolf eyed him suspiciously, wondering what the young prince had going on in that thick head of his.

"Why bother capturing them? With a snap of my fingers, I could light their pathetic houses with them inside." His answer shocked everyone as he continued. "For the first pig, I shall pour a barrel of cooking oil over the straw structure, setting the sorry excuse of a house on fire, I could fry the pig in its abode. The oil will guarantee a nice and crispy finish as I feast upon its corpse." He began salivating at the thought before proceeding.

"For the one hiding in the house of sticks and barely held together logs. I shall waste no time and ignite its home with the flames of the Underworld! But I'm not so barbaric as to let the fire rage haphazardly, I would take my time and roast the swine slowly at first. Letting its juices seep out of its pores as the fire singes its body bit by bit. Just imagine the aromatic stench of pork wafting through the forest, coupled with its muffled cries. Though the fire would eventually burn out, I do sometimes prefer my meat a little rarer than usual. Having its blood dripping from the meat and down my arms would make the experience all the more enjoyable." The drool dripped to the floor as the students hugged and cradled each other in search of comfort from the grotesque and detailed description.

"Then moving on to the last pig, I would block off the house entirely, preventing even a peep from the hopeless swine as it watched its brothers being burned and feasted upon. Its salty tears would surely provide extra flavoring for what I'm about to do next." With a fiendish glint in his eyes, he began rubbing his hands in anticipation. "The sturdy structure of the house would ensure that I will no doubt take my sweet time with this one. I shall let it mourn the loss of its siblings for a time before continuing my spree of killing. With my most elaborate scheme yet, I shall pile any remaining straw and sticks from the two previous houses and cover the third with it. Evidence of its brothers' futile attempt of sheltering themselves from me." Haze housed a wicked gleam in his eye as his smirk revealed the sharp rows of teeth, a glint sparked fear in his listeners as he continued. "Then, just as the horror and dread etch itself across the pig's face, I will release a torrent of fire down onto its home that feels like a prison. I can imagine myself laughing as it squeals and bangs on every surface of the house, praying for something or someone to come to its aid, yet no one will, as the price for freedom has been long overdue. Soon, it will find its skin burning, the blood in its veins shall boil, and its insides will feel like it's on fire. Seconds turn into minutes, and minutes become hours as I enjoy the sight of the swine slowly cooking from the inside. The house he once cherished becomes its oven while I slowly bake it to perfection. The pig becomes covered in its juices as the aroma of caramelized meat escapes from the chimney and fills the air. Once the fire dies out, I will retrieve the perfectly baked pig from inside and enjoy every succulent bite of its tender and juicy flesh." A frenzied look appeared in his eyes as he fervently hungered for pork at this very second. He shook away the uncivilized expression he was exhibiting before composing himself and addressed his professor in a manner that befitted a proper student.

"So you see, Professor. That is how I will tackle this particular endeavor. Any questions or clarifications you'd wish to ask me before I return to my chair?" He bowed slightly as he turned to where Mister Badwolf was before realizing he wasn't beside his desk anymore. He found the professor huddled with the rest of his classmates in a dark corner as they shook in fear from the hypothetical plan he devised. Furthermore, he grinned as he slowly approached the group, causing them to sequester themselves deeper into the corner.

"Oh, what's the matter, my fellow peers and lovely professor." He asked, innocently enough, before his face turned monstrous. "Can't handle a little joke?"

He reverted just as quickly from the nightmarish appearance, becoming his egotistical and haughty self, as his small smile seemed to taunt the others before Professor Badwolf finally found the courage and spoke up.

"Haze Underworld… well done, A plus." He clapped a few times, impressed even after the horrific show the youngster displayed. "Class is over, you are dismissed." He said, plain and true, before the other students bolted to the door, leaving a frustrated professor, and a cackling psychopath behind.

"Hey, Cupid, are you doing alright?" The familiar voice of Apple asked the despondent teen who sat at a bench by her lonesome. "Oh, uh, never after better, Apple. Why do you ask?" She tried to smile but found herself too weak to do so.

"It's just that you've been looking a lot paler and unkempt ever since Haze arrived." Apple gasped, "Is he abusing you by any chance? Don't worry, just say the word, and I'll have my kingdom's best knights lock him behind bars!" This was so out of character for someone deemed to be fair and just to everyone she meets.

"I think I should be asking you that, Apple. Aren't you supposed to be the fairest in all the land? Where's all this negativity coming from?" Cupid asked before realizing that it was the Haze they were talking about, the same Haze that's been a bane to her existence ever since they first met all those years ago.

"Oh, you're right. A princess doesn't act out of conduct nor abuse her title for her own selfish needs." She corrected herself before attempting to restart the conversation.

"I'm only saying that it's starting to look like you're just letting him use you, Cupid. Your friends are worried sick for you, and Godmother knows you need all the help you can get with Haze around." Apple placed a gentle hand over Cupid's own as she tried to console the morose-looking girl.

Cupid sighed, she didn't want to keep tricking the people she cared about. But she had no other choice if she wanted to keep all of Haze's fury directed at her and her alone. A price she must pay, but one she is willing to bear for the sake of her friends. "I know you mean well, Apple, and I truly appreciate what you and the others are trying to do for me, but please, I'm begging you all to not get involved with Haze any further. This is my decision and I will stick by it. I don't want Haze to go and hurt anyone else than he already did. I would gladly shelter all the pain and suffering he sent my way as long as everyone else is spared from his wrath." Tears threatened to fall as she desperately tried to hold them back, but when Apple went in and provided comfort by hugging her, the dam broke, releasing a flood of salty droplets that stained her once rosy cheeks now a pale and distasteful color.

The two girls stayed in that position for a while until Cupid willed herself to finally stop crying as Apple procured a handkerchief and wiped her tears away. The two fell into a consolable silence before another person joined them.

"Hey girls, what's the hatter?" Maddie interjected, causing the two to break out of their daze and stare at the future Mad Hatter in surprise.

"Maddie? Where did you come from?"

"Oh, you know, a little over here, a bit over there, and mostly way up there!" Her hand pointed in different directions with Apple and Cupid giving up on understanding what exactly goes on in that cute little head of hers as she ended with a giggle.

"So, anyway, what's cracking your peas?" Her question was sudden as the two had a hard time explaining.

"W-well, you see, we uh…"

"We were just talking about this party we're planning soon," Apple said what came first to mind.

"Ohhh~ a party? Do tell." A look of interest was plastered all over Maddie's face as her eyes twinkled in anticipation.

"Um, you know, the party that we–"

"We've been planning since last Chapterday, it's gonna be big!" Cupid finishes as she realizes her mistake. There wasn't a party, why did she even say that? Why did Apple say that? Oh, she was just trying to remain inconspicuous, but now she ruined it like she did years past. She scolded herself as a look of wonder and astonishment etched across Maddie's features.

"That is a spelltacular idea!"

"... It is?" "It is?" It is? Everyone else said in unison.

"Why yes! A party's just what everyone needs to loosen up and forget about that mean old Hazelnut, it'll be like the incident at the Castleteria never happened! Oh, I'll go tell all my friends! Everyone's going to be spellbound at this hexciting news!" And she ran off. Before Apple and Cupid could say anything, they palmed their faces, exasperated and confused about the events that unfolded.

Now they had to think of a party and a theme before the professors, especially Headmaster Grimm, caught wind of the rumors about a party happening at Ever After High.

Cupid groaned at the absurdity, "Oh Gods…"

In another part of the school, one lone student can be seen joyfully whistling with a positive disposition.

"If classes were like that all the time, then I would've attended them ages ago." Haze mused with himself. The class earlier was more fulfilling and satisfactory than what he initially appealed it as. Guess he had to give these mortals some credit for actually proving to be more entertaining than he let on.

The day was setting as the last remnants of the glorious sun descended beyond the horizon, washing the world of Ever After in its heavenly glow.

Took him long enough, Haze thought, before the brightness diminished into nothingness. He passed an open balcony before it caught his eye. The opening gave way to a view of the whole school and parts of the bustling town nearby. Stars dotted the expanse of the sky which provided enough light for the many students and citizens of the village to frolic for any nightly activities. Haze could see kids running up and down a street, their playful screams and joyous yelps were contagious as they pranced around as much as their little bodies could last. His attention was caught by a pair of teenagers, probably students he guessed, they were walking together hand-in-hand near the glistening pond. They gazed at each other lovingly before connecting their lips as if the only thing that mattered to them was each other. Haze turned sick at the sight before looking at something else that was more visually appealing.

He then heard a distant laugh, not one of malicious intent nor sinister origins, but one that was sincere. His ears perked before his eyes landed on a family who were on a picnic at the park. With his heightened senses, Haze focused on the lively bunch as a look of longing spread across his face. The father picked up his son as they ran around laughing, all the while, the mother busily prepared an arrangement of snacks and minor delicacies to fill up the little one with a girth smile on her lips.

Happiness… That's what it must be. To be a family. To be loved as a son by his parents.

Something within him stirred, he didn't like the strange sensation. It was different from the pain that was inflicted upon his body, nor the ones he did unto others. He wasn't hungry nor needed to relieve himself, it was something more than that. Something that neither food nor material goods could ever fill. An emotion that once filled the void within him, is now lost as time marches on. He recognized the feeling, he remembered it quite well yet nearly forgot it as he matured.

No. He convinced himself. This was not how Haze Underworld would act. This is not how I'm supposed to feel. He seethed as his head throbbed violently, forcing him to grip himself tightly and securely.

Attachments are for the weak. Emotions are merely thoughts that last for but a moment. Your role as the future ruler of the Underworld is eternal, so act like one!

He gasped, and the throbbing subsided as his breathing pattern returned to normal. He could feel the beads of sweat rolling down his face as they met the stone-cold floor. The distant noises plagued him as if their happiness was taunting him. His fist clenched before he struck the ground with all his fury. Cracks formed on impact as a crater the size of his hand appeared. He couldn't bear it anymore, he needed to seek refuge from the sights before him. With a defeated sigh, Haze picked himself up and walked away, never looking back as the townspeople continued with their vibrant celebrations and merry atmosphere. For now, he must return to his chambers and recuperate, his powers waning as it took every ounce of his strength to proceed with caution.

No, he must remain strong. Those lapses of joy shall not distract him from his goal. He knew he was sent here for a reason, instead of a simple program concocted by the Gods above. Yes, he has a mission to fulfill, and he will do whatever it takes to make it a reality.

The only question is, what could it be?

A slight reprieve comes your way, in the entire roster of Ever After, choose a fair maiden to bring into the light. To be a part of something better or worse, let fate decide.