The War Between Queens [COMPLETED]

Sisters

~Elsa~

I tried not to cough, but I nearly suffocated at the large amounts of dust in the abandoned staircase. My footsteps bounced off the hollow walls as bats and other insects scattered when I passed. Personally, I was disgusted at the earth from this point forward and had no idea how I would rule it afterwards. Mother Nature already haunted my thoughts now, who said she wouldn't afterward? Her face, etched into my memory, of soft green bark and wicked-staring eyes. Hair that moved with a mind of its own, and I half-suspected it to have some relation to Medusa. And her words, as powerful as her dreadful magic that would soon be mine.

After what seemed like an eternity, I finally heard the faint echo of voices. The closer I got, the more familiar they became. Jack's voice, a sound so rich I had never noticed, and sent tremors through me. But with this concern also settled in when I learned that his tone was harsh.

"Where is she?"

"How should I know? She's your wife!"

"And your future queen!"

The steps came to an abrupt stop, and I was speechless at another astounding sight. Flowers the shining color of pearls stretched upwards on lime stems. The gray stone floor parted for the stems, and also gave away to the center of the room. In a small suspended pool of water, a graceful lotus blossom with magenta-pinched tips and flawless petals reaching out for rays of sunlight from the open ceiling. This must've been the room Nod was talking about..how ironic. My eyes rested on Jack and Ronin in front of the flower, the two with matching scowls.

I stepped out of the shadows with hands held up defensively, replying, "I have an excuse...I went swimming."

When Jack saw me, his pupils dilated. Ronin just folded his arms in annoyance, muttering, "Wrong element, Queenie..."

"Actually, it's quite typical." Jack shook out of his daze and embraced me, reassurance and warmth coursing through my veins. His lips brushed against my ear as he whispered, "I was worried."

"So was I," I murmured, and as I pulled back, my eyes drifted to his mouth before glancing at Ronin. In his hands, the fragile crown of Tera was balanced on a pillow made of leaves.

"You weren't supposed to come alone," Ronin retorted curtly, and I straightened my dress as I positioned myself before him. "They got...distracted. It's a long story, but they'll be alright–"

"Meh, we're okay." Eugene and the others emerged from one of the many openings and fanned out on the side. Each of them looked exhausted. "Can I give coffee another try?" Eugene whined.

"Not now, Eugene."

"No fair! The cat probably gets milk or something–"

"I don't not!"

Both voices were quenched when Ronin gave them a deadly scowl, then cleared his throat and motioned for me to kneel. I did so carefully, feeling the presence of the crown just inches away from my head.

Then it all fell apart. Gnarled vines grabbed the crown from Ronin's hands and tugged, him flying backwards towards the pod and the crown the other direction. The flower in the small pond wilted away from the source. And behind me, Mother Nature straightened the helm on the top of her head, something inside me shattering.

There was no outside effect of more power as she studied her fingers and began to rub her temples. Then her golden eyes fell on me, and she smiled.

Mother Nature held out a poised hand with long nails ready to strike when Dracula and Mavis tackled her from behind. Both struggled in trying to take the crown, but Mother Nature was quicker. The two were outmatched, and ended up on the ground. The rest of the guardians appeared, and tried too. But it was hopeless: Mother Nature had already won.

Finally her lips formed words, "My throne is now mine forever! Finally I can get rid of that coward of a father, and have my own Dark Days!"

The darkness closed in all around. I shivered and stepped closer to Jack. Somehow this felt like the end, there was no way out. The only person I could think about was Anna, and how disappointed she would be. As Mother Nature neared the pod in the center of the room, I backed away, not believing my eyes.

"Oh, Mother Nature. Did you seriously have a party without me?" A voice I barely knew answered behind Mother Nature's hulking figure. And then the glimmer in her bronze eyes was gone.

She turned around, almost reluctantly, and I caught the gaze of the Fairy Godmother. Still hiding her real face, her head tilted to the side. "You're so dramatic," She continued, "it's one quality that we both share."

Mother Nature sighed, exasperated. "Well, what do y-you expect, sister–"

"Do not call me that!" My shock had turned to fear. My greatest enemy, stuttering in front of one slouching woman. The Fairy Godmother's hands rose to her long, billowing cloak and unclasped it, revealing her identity.

She was as beautiful as the tales portrayed. Her skin was flawless, with barely a bruise. Hair the color of hazel spices caressed her back. Scarlet lips that smirked no matter what the occasion were slightly revealing her clean teeth. And her long, charcoal horns curved upwards mysteriously.

The Defender of the Moors, Maleficent, had come.

Waves of green magic caressed her fingertips. "I'm changing this horrid family tree," She remarked.

At first, it was nothing but a threat. Mother Nature's shoulders trembled in anticipation, but an attack did not come from Maleficent.

It came from above.

Sunlight poured from the crack in the ceiling, bathing Mother Nature's appearance. Tendrils of charcoal smoke rolled off her shoulders and down her arms, sunlight filling every nook and cranny. She shrieked, "No! No! This can't happen to me! You will pay, Maleficent!"

Maleficent's ruby lips barely moved, "I've paid enough."

And then she was gone. The powerful ruler, the one who defied humanity, nothing but scorched dust. And on top of the mount sat the crown. I took heavy breaths. The scene had awed me, shock making my skin vibrate. Is she really gone? Is she coming back? What about the war?

Maleficent retrieved the circlet and dusted it off, looking at me. "Well well well..." She licked her lips, her eyes alight with mischief. "Welcome to the family, sister."

~~~~~~~~

A/N: I hope everyone's enjoying their summer, but I do apologize for being off the grid for a while. I checked out my high school, started earning community hours, and learned how to use an old-fart phone. I've also been thinking that on the side I might be writing a story about Iron Man (No connection to this story though) and I'll be sure to get a link out once it's up and anyone's interested. 

Sooooo...the story's almost done. There's one chapter after this, and of course I love Maleficent I had to add her. I thought it would be cool to see her in this story so I hope you like it. Be awesome, guys