In distant and dark lands, Chernobog was forming a plan to expand his influence. He wasn't satisfied with ruling over the nigh infinite forces of evil, darkness, and other such terrors.

His attention was on The Isle of the Lost, long used as a penal colony that was full of descendants of the worst characters in history. Chernobog needed some of a presence in the material realm after the death of the Horned King so long ago, and these looked to be worthy candidates.They were angry at the world, were used to doing bad things to survive, and wanted to get back at those who kept them in their prison.

It was perfect. Expect for one thing.

Dinah, the current Fairy Godmother, the one who used her magic to keep those imprisoned on The Isle of The Lost. She was what stood in his way of gaining new minions to serve his cause.

Unless he could get her wand...

Chernobog went to find his eldest son, Ludovit* and use him to carry out his plan.

Chernobog always said that Ludovit took after his mother, with his slim build and red, glowing eyes. But Chernobog had many wives, so it didn't exactly narrow it down.

Ludovit was busy studying tomes of arcane knowledge when Chernobog appeared.

"I have a mission for you. Go to The Isle of the Lost and see if there is a way to remove the magical barrier that cuts it off from the rest of the world. I trust in your ability to formulate a good plan."

Ludovit averted his eyes, knowing it was impolite to look his father in the eyes. "Yes, father."

"Do not fail me, Ludovit. You know the price for failure."

"I do. I promise that I will carry out your mission. Do you have a deadline? "

" I'd like to get it done sooner than later, but take your time if you must. It's not as if The Isle of The Lost will be freed anytime soon."

Ludovit nodded.

Around this time, in the kingdom of Auradon, the young prince was discussing his plans for new policies** with his parents, King Adam and Queen Belle. His name was Benjamin, and he had inherited his mother's dark brown hair and good looks.

"And that's my plan to switch over to Solar and Wind energy by 2021."

The King and Queen were impressed. Adam spoke first. "You've some great ideas for economic prosperity and reform. Anything political? Like foriegn policy?"

"Well, I have had an idea to bring the barrier around The Isle of the Lost down."

Adam stiffened at the mention of it. "Are you sure that's a good idea, Benjamin?"

Belle was a bit more relaxed, but still stunned. "The Isle of The Lost has been cut off from the world for generations. Ignoring who lives there, how are you going to naturalize them?"

After a moment of thought Ben snapped his fingers. "Hear me out-We allow those teenagers from The Isle to attend Auradon Prep."

"You're allowing rowdy, law-breaking, no good, rotten to the core, teenage denizens of a penal colony to attend not only a prestigious prep school, but the one you go to." Belle shot Adam a look that told him to shut up.

"You taught me to be selfless and brave, didn't you?"

Belle was still a little concerned about this plan of her son's. "How many do you think will attend? And what if the program fails?"

"I was thinking about ten kids at first-"

Adam jumped at the thought. "No, no, too many!"

"How's five?"

"One. Start with one."

Belle was getting tired of her husband and son's bickering. "They say that good things come in threes, so why don't we try that out?"

An agreement was made.

*

Ludovit is pronounced "Li-oo-doh-veet

**

Most kingdoms are constitutional monarchies in this world. In the rest, they're just figure-heads.