Timeless Legacy

Rotten to the Core

Once upon a time, long, long ago... well, more like 20 years ago... Belle married her Beast in front of 6,000 of their closest personal friends. Big cake. Instead of a honeymoon, Beast united all the kingdoms and got himself elected king of the United States of Auradon. He rounded up all the villains and sidekicks—basically all the really interesting people—and banished them to the Isle of the Lost with a magical barrier to keep them there. This is my hood. No magic. No Wi-Fi. No way out. Or so I thought. Hang on, you're about to meet us. But first, this happened.

A young boy stood in front of a tailor, who measured him while he gazed out the window at the Isle of the Lost. "Sleeve. Head," the tailor said, measuring as the boy, Prince Ben, continued to look outside thoughtfully.

Just then, the Beast entered the room, Belle by his side, both smiling at their son. "How is it possible that you're gonna be crowned king next month? You're just a baby!" Beast teased.

Belle shook her head, smiling. "He's turning 16, dear."

Ben smiled back at his parents. "Hey, Pops."

The Beast removed his glasses, pretending to be serious. "Sixteen? That's far too young to be crowned king. I didn't make a good decision until I was at least 42."

Belle looked at him, pretending to be shocked. "Uh, you decided to marry me at 28."

The Beast grinned. "Ah, it was either you or a teapot." Ben laughed at his parents' teasing. "Kidding."

Ben's expression grew more serious as he took a step toward them. "Mom, Dad..." He paused when the tailor hushed him, but then continued, determined. "I've chosen my first official proclamation. I've decided that the children on the Isle of the Lost be given a chance... to live here in Auradon."

His parents looked shocked. Belle dropped the jacket she was holding, but Ben pressed on, pointing out the window. "Every time I look out to the island, I feel like they've been abandoned."

"The children of our sworn enemies, living among us?" King Adam asked in disbelief, hoping his son was joking.

"We start with just a few at first, only the ones who need our help the most. I've already chosen them," Ben explained, trying to calm his parents.

Adam looked at him skeptically. "Have you?"

Belle, sensing Ben's sincerity, held her husband back and listened intently. "I gave you a second chance. Who are their parents?"

Ben hesitated, then answered, "Cruella De Vil, Jafar, Evil Queen... Maleficent and Blanc."

The tailor yelped in shock. Adam's anger flared. "Maleficent and Blanc! They are the worst villains in the land! The mischievous best friends out of hell."

"Dad, just hear me out!" Ben pleaded, desperate to make his point.

Adam shook his head, still angry. "I won't hear of it. They are guilty of unspeakable crimes."

Ben interrupted, his voice firm. "Dad, their children are innocent. Don't you think they deserve a shot at a normal life? Dad?"

Adam looked to Belle for a moment, then down, reluctantly conceding. "I suppose their children are innocent."

Belle smiled proudly at her son. "Well, well done." She turned to leave with her husband. "Shall we?"

Ben stayed behind, gazing out the window again, his thoughts on the Isle and its inhabitants.

The Isle of the Lost: a grim domain where the most feared villains were imprisoned, left to stew in their dark and crumbling surroundings. Among these villains were five whose notoriety was unrivaled, and their legacy continued through their children. These offspring, growing up amidst chaos and villainy, were becoming as formidable as their parents.