Sora and Phoenix walked together down the streets and through the districts, watching as people lived their lives.
"And this is the Third District," Sora announced as they walked through another set of large wooden doors. He watched as Phoenix looked around. He noticed a sad smile she quickly brushed away. "This place is prime Heartless territory at night. There's only a few lights, and they're pretty dim at that". Phoenix nodded.
"Sora, we need to get moving. Our journey can't wait. The sooner we leave, the better," she said. Sora ran a hand through his hair. 'I'm actually disappointed that she can't spend personal time with me' he thought. 'What the hell is up with that'?! Phoenix broke his thoughts. "Sora? Are you listening to me"?
"Yeah. Uh, we'll have to find someone with access o a gummi ship of some kind".
"That's right. After we find a gummi ship, we need to stock on potions and magic. It's gonna be a long ride," Phoenix added. Sora shoved his hands into the pockets of his baggy gray wind pants. He racked his brain for something, anything that might get them what they needed.
"You know," he said, "An old friend of mine named Sid knew this guy who designed gummi's in his spare time. I don't know if he's still here or not, but that would be a good place to start". A smile of approval came to Phoenix's face.
"That sounds great. Do you remember where he lives"?
"Sort of. He was kind of a recluse. I think I can find out," Sora replied.
"Okay then," Phoenix said happily, "Let's get going. We have to save the world"!

"Professor Yesterday!" Sora called as he knocked on the old wooden door. "It's Sora. You in there"? He knocked again, this time harder.
"Maybe he left after all," Phoenix said quietly. Sora shook his head.
"I know the professor. He'd never leave without Pickles". Sora pointed to a dumb looking black cat sprawled lazily on a porch chair. "Come on professor, I know you're in there! It's an emergency"! At that, a small shuffling sound came from behind the door. A latch was lifted and the door opened a crack.
"Sora? Is that really you?" came the gruff voice from behind the door.
"Professor? Man am I glad to see you!" Sora replied with enthusiasm. The professor threw open the door and grabbed Sora in a bear hug. Phoenix looked on in amusement. The man was mid fifties or so. His hair was a shock of white with strokes of gray. His face was round and careworn and he wore small spectacles at the tip of his pointy nose. He was wearing a gray pinstripe pantsuit with a baggy cardigan. In one hand he held a well-used pipe, in the other held a box of raisins.
"Sora my dear boy, I am delighted to know your still here!" the professor exclaimed.
"Likewise," Sora replied with a chuckle. He caught a glimpse of Phoenix and pulled away from the professor's embrace. "I'm sorry, let me introduce you. Professor, this is Phoenix. She's a friend of mine". The professor bowed slightly and smiled.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Phoenix"!
"Phoenix, this is Professor Alexander Yesterday, the greatest scientific mind on any world," Sora continued.
"It's very nice to meet you too professor. Sora's told me a lot about you," Phoenix replied.
"Well come in, come in! Don't want you standing out in the street all day!" the professor beckoned. Once inside, he closed the door behind them. Sora noticed immediately that the familiar scent of tobacco and coffee still lingered in the professor's home. The professor led them to a richly furnished sitting room where a small woman with soft gray hair was running a feather duster across an ornate marble fireplace.
"Sylvia, won't you fetch us some tea and cakes?" the professor asked.
"Of course sir," the housekeeper replied cheerfully. As she retreated to the kitchen, the professor motioned to two overstuffed chairs by the fire. Sora sat nearest the professor while Phoenix chose a chair by a row of bookshelves.
"Sylvia will bring us some tea momentarily. 'Till then, how about telling me why you're here? It's not everyday you come to see me," the professor said, looking at Sora. "Thus, I must assume this has something to do with the increase in Heartless activity". Phoenix and Sora both stared at the professor with eager eyes.
"How do you know about the Heartless?" Phoenix asked.
"The professor was my prime source for information about the heartless once the world borders were replaced. He's been following the Heartless' activities for many years," Sora replied. The professor nodded in agreement.
"It's true. I am very old my dear. I have seen many a Heartless invasion in my time. I do not understand them fully, but I know enough to keep people safe".
"That's why we're here professor. The Heartless aren't dropping in for a friendly spat with the human race. They're here on direct orders from the Master of Darkness," Phoenix explained. The professor looked up from his pipe. He slowly drew in a breath.
"Then it has begun," he replied.