"Master Yen Sid? I don't understand. How did I get here?"
"Come now Sora, as I have said, there is much to explain, and I fear little time in which to do so."
Yen Sid motioned to the chair opposite his own, throwing a meaningful glance. Sora knew now was not the time for questions, but for answers.
"You have come, young Keyblade wielder, to learn a truth about the Darkness. Before you were chosen to protect the Light, there were three others; the Lost Keepers. It happened many years ago that Master Xehanort, also known to you as Ansem or Xemnas, began his plan to bring absolute dark to the Realm of Light. He chose one of the three to be his initial pawn, one you have known. He hoped that by releasing the Darkness from his heart, that he would be able to form the all-powerful χ-blade."
With the mention of this person Sora felt something strange, a confused longing. He thought about Riku; he too had been a puppet used by Ansem, or Xehanort as Master Yen Sid had called him. It was this, Sora thought, which had caused the small emptiness inside his heart.
"However this young Keyblade warrior had a light too strong to be tainted by mere shadow, much like you. The two others have been lost for some time to the darkness. Although all three trained under the teachings of Master Eraqus, only these two held the skills necessary to take the Mark of Mastery, yet the two could not have been more opposed. Young Terra was a strong fighter; however he strayed from the path of the Light. He was the second pawn Xehanort manipulated for his need. While the whereabouts of Terra are not known, there is a mark upon the world bearing his presence. I have come to term this being the Lingering Will. I advise you young Keyblade warrior, if you ever find yourself facing this guardian to take great care; it has formidable strength fuelled by a burning passion for revenge against Xehanort, or any of those tainted by his mark."
Sora shuffled in his chair, a thousand questions filling his mind and threatening to spill from his lips. The smallest intake of breath caused Yen Sid to stop talking. This lapse in the conversation caused Sora to stop before one of the questions left him.
"Now Sora, there is much you do not understand about the darkness. As I said, let me explain all before you ask questions. As I mentioned, there were two Lost Keepers who were lost to the darkness. As well as Terra, Master Aqua's whereabouts remain unknown. The only one of the three to have faced Xehanort in the Keyblade Graveyard and survive, she returned here after the battle was over with the youngest charge and sought his safety. I know not what happened to her after this, but a light faded from the world soon after her departure."
Sora seemed to understand that the situation was grave. Three Keyblade wielders of considerable strength had been lost to Xehanort in the early stages of his plan, and Sora knew first hand just how powerful he was. In their last encounter it had taken the combined strength of Riku and his own to finally defeat the newest version of the man.
"Now this leads to why I needed to talk to you Sora. I have been searching the stars and it seems there is to be a return soon; not by one, but by three. It is my hope that it will be the three Lost Keepers brought back to the Realm of Light. But I have a fear. A fear that where there shall be a brighter light, there shall be darkness deeper than no other known before. Sora, it is up to you to find these three and bring peace once more to this, and all worlds."
"But Master Yen Sid, how can I rescue them if there's no way to find them? You said yourself, Terra and Aqua are lost. And I don't even know who the third one is?"
"Sora, do not lose heart. Take this with you for the journey ahead," a swift move of Yen Sid's arm over the empty table leaves behind a strange object. "It is known as a Star Shard. King Mickey has been in possession of one for a long time. It is how he is able to travel the Lanes Between without damage. Although volatile, it should lead you to where you will be needed. Master Aqua is strong, she will find her way if the Light is lining the path. Keep strong for her and there will be no doubt of her return. Young Terra may be difficult to save. His Light has been corrupted by the Darkness before, and I would not be so sure that this has left no mark. The third you seek will be a most curious search. As I have explained, you have known this young charge; however I am not so sure how the bond between you was formed. To save him will also be to save yourself."
"Who is the third?"
"His name, Sora, is V-"
The star shard activates and Sora finds himself motionless yet bouncing. He is forced in directions he cannot control, surrounded by a piercing light of brilliant yellow, like a sun burning at the height of noon.
On and on he goes, his destination? How could he know?
"Sora?" As Donald and Goofy step through the door of Yen Sid's quarters, the final flickers of light from the Star Shard fade from the room. "Where's Sora, Master Yen Sid?"
"I am sorry, but I cannot tell you. The magic of the Star Shard is still a challenging prospect to understand. But while he is alone in company, he is surrounded in spirit. He will find a way to quash the Darkness that threatens all lands. Fear not. He will not be a lone warrior in the looming battle. Another will come."