A Daemon's Second Chance (Tales of Berseria x Kingdom Hearts)

Chapter 19: Meeting With The White Hooded Woman

The three were walking with Minnie down the flight of stairs until they reached the room down below. When they first entered, the first words that came to their mind when describing the place was 'ominous'. Large, dark thorny vines plaque the walls and ceiling, covering the place into darkness. The only light that came from there was a massive, bright orb of light that stood in the center of the room, which stood on a plinth.

Donald and Goofy came rushing down the stairs from behind as the Queen walked up to the ball of light. "This is the castle's cherished Cornerstone." she told the group, then she moaned, "But look..." pointing out the vines, "...the thorns. They must be the work of someone very evil. I wonder what this could mean..."

"Looks to me you need a weed-whacker here." Velvet said sarcastically, walking up to one of the vines and producing her blade. She then rushed to one of the vines and made a swing at it. But the vines were extremely enduring, and Velvet didn't even lay a scratch on it. Laphicet tried on another vine with his Artes, but it didn't work either.

"Just what are these vines made of?" Velvet questioned, turning to Laphicet, who had no idea.

"It's almost like they're made by dark energy or something." Laphicet answered and Velvet looked at him worried over his expression.

Sora was walking up to the queen's side when suddenly, dark green flames seem to manifest in front of them. Velvet, Laphicet, Donald and Goofy all rushed to them just as the flames disappeared, revealing a transparent image of a green-skinned women in a black and purple cloak, with horns on her headpiece and a long staff in her hand with a green orb. She turned the them, and they saw her eyes were, instead of white, yellow with petrifying black pupils.

"Maleficent!" Donald squawked.

"No way!" Sora gasped.

"Wait, didn't you guys say you took care of her before?" Laphicet asked them exasperatedly, seeing her examine the room, then look at them.

"Well, well, well. What have we here...?" she said calmly, "If it isn't the wretched Keyblade holder, and his pitiful lackeys!"

"What?!" shouted Donald, insulted by this, "Now you're gonna deal with me!" He raised his staff and charged at Maleficent. But instead of hitting her, he went right through her. It wasn't the real Maleficent, at least, not her real body.

She turned to look at Velvet and Laphicet, both ready on guard. "So, it seems there are more of his friends that just for show." She examined, seeing the two.

"That's right!" Velvet growled, "Now why don't you go just get your entire body over here so I can show my full strength, witch!"

"All in good time." Maleficent responded as Donald got back to his feet again, "I promise you'll be able to partake of my vengeance. But you must be patient."

"Patience isn't my best virtue." Velvet snarled, Laphicet nodding in agreement.

"Just what are you doing here, Maleficent?!" Minnie asked her strongly. "Ah, Queen Minnie. Radiant, as always" Maleficent addressed, making a mock bow to her, "I'm here on a property venture. I want this castle for my own." she then turned to the Cornerstone as she continued, "However, it's a bit to 'bright' for what I have in mind. I suppose I'll just have to fill every room with my personal touch of darkness." She touched the Cornerstone, which sparked at her touch.

Sora produced his Keyblade as Minnie warned, "You'd better stop right now if you know what's good for you!"

"Ooh, how frightening." Maleficent replied sarcastically, "Very well. I'll stop... just as soon as the castle belongs to me!" She vanished into a burst of green flames as her mad cackling rang through the room for a few seconds after she vanished.