"Once you and your friends defeated Ansem ten years ago, the door to Kingdom Hearts was sealed forever. And, you thought, so was the Darkness. But it wasn't. Ansem was only a puppet, like so many others. The true Master of Darkness is in hiding, far away. Have you ever heard of the Final Gate"? Sora shook his head.
"Nope".
"The Final Gate is the doorway to souls," Phoenix explained.
"Souls?" Sora questioned.
"Yes. The Final Gate is the doorway to souls. It's where the Master of Darkness has captured peoples' souls, or in other words, their ability to fight the Darkness. You see, inside everyone is the ability to protect their hearts from Darkness. That ability is called their soul. As long as their soul is strong, the Darkness cannot harm them. But if their soul is taken, the Darkness can get to their heart. A long time ago, the Master of Darkness sealed everyone's souls behind the Final Gate. He then created the Heartless, and released them into all worlds to prey upon the defenseless hearts of the people. He hoped in doing this, he would eventually extinguish all the light in the world, and rule the people with an iron hand. But his plan backfired. Ansem sealed the Master of Darkness in an unknown world, taking all his power for himself. But of course, the Darkness destroyed Ansem. Now that he's gone, the Master of Darkness has regained control of his powers. He still remains sealed in the unknown world, but he still has found ways to create mayhem. He has reengineered the Heartless, and created some new ones".
"Like the SoulStealer?" Sora asked. Phoenix nodded.
"Everyday, the Master of Darkness grows stronger. To keep him from completely taking over the worlds, I have to get to the Final Gate. and release the souls". Sora arched a brow.
"And. just how are you planning to do that? Gummi travel is virtually impossible nowadays. And even if you did manage to find a gummi ship, where would you even start looking for this Final Gate"? Phoenix sipped at her juice.
"There's no way to know for sure. To find the Final Gate, I have to find the location of the unknown world. There have been rumors and legends throughout the years, but nothing substantial. I guess I'll just have to wing it". Sora nodded, still perplexed.
"So, let's say you happen to find the location of this unknown world. Then what"?
"I have to destroy the Master of Darkness before he becomes to powerful to stop," Phoenix replied.
"Why you?" Sora asked.
"Because. I hold the Key".
"What the hell is the Key"?
"I. I can't tell you. I can tell you that it is the only thing that can destroy the Master of Darkness," Phoenix replied.
"Is that why the Heartless were after you," Sora questioned. But he already knew the answer.
"Yes. The Master of Darkness knows that I hold the Key. He also knows that if I happen to discover his whereabouts, he is defenseless against the Key's power. That's why the air soldiers were so strong. That's also why the SoulStealer showed up outside your apartment. He can feel the Key, thus, he always knows where I am. I am always moving, desperately trying to keep one step ahead of him". Sora chewed on all that he had been told. This woman was a warrior of the Light, just like him. Most of what she had said made no sense at all, but he could roll with it.
"So, where do I come into all of this?" he asked.
"I need your help. I need you to come with me on my search for the Master of Darkness. You're the only one who knows enough about the Heartless to keep me safe. The Key must be protected, therefore I must be protected". Sora almost choked on his salmon.
"Wait just a damn minute! I can't just up and leave! There are innocent people here that would be in big trouble if I left," he protested. He pointed to a crowd of people on the street. "I'm the only thing separating these people from a nasty demise at the hands. or rather claws. of the Heartless"!
"I know how you feel. But just listen to me. If I leave Traverse Town, so do the Heartless," Phoenix assured. "The Master of Darkness is only interested in destroying the Key. Once I'm gone, these people will have nothing to worry about". Sora gazed at her, weighing her story.
"Even so, why should I help you"? Phoenix frowned. He was making this difficult.
Because, I need you. I need your strength. The only way I can hope to make it to the unknown world alive is with you by my side"! Sora leaned back. She had just screamed at him. In front of everyone. 'So she's serious' he thought. "Sora, I need you. Not just me, but the every living thing on every world. If I don't destroy the Master of Darkness and free the souls, all worlds will be destroyed. The hearts of the worlds will not be able to fight the never-ending hoards of Heartless. They will all be devoured. forever," Phoenix almost whispered. Sora could feel the pain and frustration in her voice. With one look at the sincerity in her eyes, he made his decision.
"Okay. I'll help you". Phoenix sighed in relief.
"You will?" she asked hesitantly.
"Yeah. I will. On one condition". Phoenix nodded. "You have to trust me. No matter what". Phoenix looked confused. "No matter how doubtful the situation, you trust me".
"Agreed," she replied. Sora held out a hand. Phoenix looked at it, and then offered hers. As they shook hands, Sora felt a jolt of energy fly through his arm. 'What the hell was that?' he thought. Phoenix pulled away, obviously aware of the energy serge. Sora decided to lighten the conversation.
"So, uh. do your keyblades have names?" he asked casually.
"Yeah. Starlight and Crescent Moon," Phoenix replied with a smile.