Destiny's Marked: Chosen (Book 1)

The Sky: Reluctant Informant

     Aria immediately jumped off of her glider as soon as she exited the portal to find a peaceful lake. The forest flourished around her but it was silent, the grass burnt in some areas and the dirt seen seemed to be fresh. Bending down to get a better look, she dismissed her keyblade and armor and studied the ground for any tracks. A branch breaking behind her caused the blonde to freeze and narrow her eyes at the ground. Aria sensed whoever was there near her at a fast rate and was quick to turn with her blade in hand as the Unversed attacked her, swatting him away.

     She jumped up and prepared herself for battle, a list of spells she had learned running through her head. A group of roughly ten jittery blue Unversed stood before her, their heads twitching from one side to the other. She didn't give them a chance to attack, casting thundara and bursting forward to get them in range of her Heaven's Wing, slashing them into non-existence.

     The teen gave a sigh at the shortness of the battle but went back to tracking the three that had only gotten closer to her heart. She walked the edge of the lake to see a majestic stone castle in the distance across the glistening lake with a long wooden bridge that had two figures standing near the middle of it. Heaving a sigh once more, she spoke out loud, "Enchanted Dominion. Sleeping Beauty and the first time we meet Maleficent." The blonde made her way towards the bridge faster to hear the discussion but stayed out of sight.

     "Who are you?" She heard Terra question. Maleficent in all her glory replied in her slick voice, "Why, I am Maleficent... as all who dwell in this kingdom would know." Her voice hardened the slightest but was still calm, "Now you must reciprocate the introduction. Who are you?" The brunette innocently enough to be foolish replied back but quickly changed the topic of the discussion, "I'm Terra. What do you know about these monsters-- the ones who attacked me?"

     Instead of the answer Aria was expecting, Maleficent shrewdly replied, "Perhaps I have information." Aria held her breath at this as she sensed something very wrong in the atmosphere, something tipping a balance.

     "But those creatures are so base. I hardly pay attention to creatures so... inconsequential." the witch continued, Aria letting go of her breath in relief.

     "They are base, that's for sure." Terra huffed, "Anyway, I'm looking for someone. Ever heard of a man named Xehanort?"

     Maleficent thought for a moment before replying, "That name is not familiar to me. Is he an outsider like yourself?" Terra's expression dropped and nodded at the question but it became hopeful as she reconsidered, "Oh, but wait... I do remember someone leaving the castle." He demanded, "Tell me-- what was he doing there?"

     Maleficent shook her head with a tone of slight bitterness, "I couldn't say... He avoided everyone of my questions. However, I am certain he was not from this kingdom. The entrance is just past this bridge if you are really curious." Terra nodded and said before making his way where she directed, "Thanks." Aria, curious on what happened between Xehanort and Maleficent, summoned her armor once again as Terra nearly escaped from view with Maleficent staring after him in thought. The blonde made her way silently to the railing behind the witch with arms crossed, startling the caped woman when she turned around.

     Maleficent narrowed her eyes at the aloof girl and questioned with a tone of steel, "And who are you?" Aria shrugged off her question, "That is not something you need to know, witch. What did Xehanort tell you?" Maleficent scoffed at the armor-clad teen dodging the question of her identity, "How rude." Aria spoke in an indifferent voice, "I know who you are, Maleficent, I know your abilities. The one thing I need is what I don't know and that is your conversation with that man." She straightened herself and took three steps forward, "Now are you going to tell me?"