Episode 18: Maleficent

Synopsis
Sora calls out for Riku, asking where he went. Donald goes to comfort Sora, only to find Sora happy that he is okay. Sora remains hopeful, saying perhaps they will run into Kairi, too. Yuffie appears, telling the group to follow her if they are done with the errand.

Yuffie leads the trio to the group's secret hideout for a strategy meeting. Upon arrival, they find a gloomy Leon, Cid, and Aerith. Leon asks if they know of a Maleficent, hearing that she is in town. This surprises Yuffie, who quickly explains that the lady is a witch who has been using the Heartless for many years. This Maleficent, according to Yuffie, is the reason they lost their world nine years ago. Cid adds that was when he took the younger Yuffie, Aerith, and Leon away to Traverse Town. Aerith suggests that Maleficent is looking for Ansem's research. She finishes, saying it would tell Sora how to get rid of the Heartless. However, after their world's destruction, the numerous pages of the research were lost- scattered amongst the various worlds. Sora speaks up, saying he will find the missing pages and stop Maleficent.

Back in the Gummi Ship, Cid tells the group he finished installing the new navigation gummi. The group sets off for a new world.

Meanwhile, in Agrabah, a disguised Jasmine flees from groups of Heartless, eventually hiding behind a merchant stand. Jafar appears, ordering the Heartless to capture the Princess.

Covers (2)

 * Front cover: Sora, Donald, and Goofy standing in Traverse Town, wondering where Riku went.
 * Back cover: A page from Ansem's research.

Continuity errors

 * Despite the chapter being named after her, Maleficent never appears.

Artistic errors

 * None yet identified.

Miscellaneous trivia

 * Ironically, despite having a chapter named after her, Maleficent never actually appears in this episode. She is instead referenced to by Leon, Yuffie, and Aerith.

Collections

 * 2006 - Kingdom Hearts Volume 2
 * 2013 - ''Kingdom Hearts Final Mix Volume 1
 * "Episode 18: Maleficent" is only available within the manga collection.