Hey guys, there is only one chapter left after this one. Yeah, I know, heartbreaking isn't it? I still plan on doing a sequel for this story, but I have so many others planned, I just don't know when I'll have the time to start...

Oh! And before I forget, I want to thank all of my reviewers! I love you guys lots!

A while later they heard Kilala's distinctive cry coming from outside. Going to the door, they watched as she landed bearing Kagome, Sango, Miroku and Shippo. Upon closer examination, they saw that Miroku sported a swollen red hand print on his face. One look at the expression on Sango's face gave them a fairly good idea of how he got it.

Sango helped Kagome to the hut seeing as how she didn't trust the job to Miroku. Inu-yasha (who had followed them back on foot) looked around and commented,

"I guess old Kayede isn't here."

As Kagome entered, she asked in concern, "Is he any better?"

"His fever went down a bit, but not by much." Riku said encouragingly as if he was trying to convince himself of it as well. Kagome nodded, accepting the encouragement.

The day wore on into night and Sora still hadn't woken up. One by one, everyone slowly dozed off until only Riku was left awake. Finally, around midnight, Sora's fever began to go down and he stirred in his sleep. Absently, Riku poked at the remains of the fire with a stick while watching the sleeping boy. Then he stood up and snapped the stick in half, throwing the fragments into the ashes. He walked to Sora's side and kneeled down next to him.

"Listen, I don't know if you can hear me or not, but it's time to say goodbye. I don't know how long you plan on staying in this world, but I am certain that Kairi isn't here." He stood back up and walked to the doorway. Pausing, he said without turning around, "Get well soon and...bye."

Riku walked outside into the cool night air. Turning around soundlessly, he looked back for a moment before a dark cloud swallowed his form, leaving no trace of the teen behind.

Sora's dreams were turbulent. He was surrounded by darkness and indistinct voices saying things he couldn't understand. Suddenly a giant tree appeared in the middle of the blackness. Sora shaded his eyes from the light that it was emitting. Squinting, he saw someone standing underneath the tree. Compelled, Sora began to run towards the tree and the girl. As he got closer, he quickened his pace once he realized who it was.

"Kairi!" The girl turned around and waved happily, her red hair blown by an invisible wind. However, as he approached the tree Kairi suddenly vanished. "Kairi! Kairi, where are you?" He called frantically. Silence. Then, someone began talking.

'That's not Kairi's voice…' Sora thought trying to locate the source. The voice was saying,

"Listen, I don't know if you can hear me or not, but it's time to say goodbye. I don't know how long you plan on staying in this world, but I am certain that Kairi isn't here." Recognizing the voice, Sora called out, "Riku, wait!"

"Get well soon and...bye."

Sora sat up wide awake. Looking around him he saw everyone sleeping. But there was no sign of Riku. Pushing the sheets off of himself, he attempted to get up. However, his legs simply wouldn't hold his weight and he fell back down to the ground. Taking a deep breath he stood up slowly, managing to stay on his feet.

'Riku! I've gotta find Riku and stop him from leaving!' He thought as he walked towards the door, careful not to disturb anyone. Outside, it was morning but the sun hadn't risen yet. Something bumped his leg and he looked down in surprise. There was a miniature version of Kilala sitting at his feet looking up at him curiously.

"Kilala?" Sora asked somewhat unsure that this harmless little kitten could be the fierce demon cat that he was familiar with. Her only reply was a high pitched mew.

"I could really use the company, do you wanna come with me?" He asked somehow knowing that she would understand. She mewed again and he picked her up with a smile.

"Thanks." And with that, Sora began his search.

Riku stepped out of the portal and into a darkened castle hall. He looked around and was about to start walking when a voice called out to him.

"You took longer than I expected."

Turning around, he came face to face with none other than Maleficent.

"I ran into Sora."

"And?" Maleficent pressed.

"And you were right. He is obsessed with his new friends." Riku answered expressionless.

"Like I said before, you are better off without that boy." Maleficent smirked as she walked away.

Riku was silent for a moment before he nodded.

"Yeah..."

Slowly, life seemed to return to the land as the sun rose, and birds began chirping. Inu-yasha walked out of the hut, stretching. Noting the arrival of someone else, he turned and saw Sora and Kilala approaching.

"So, yer feeling better now, huh?" He asked the somber looking boy. Sora looked up, noticed the half-demon, and smiled widely,

"Yeah. How long was I out?"

"Only about four or five hours. Your friends took care of you." He paused then said, "Speaking of friends, where'd that other kid, Riku, go?" A brief shadow flitted across Sora's face and his smile faltered for a second before he replied,

"Riku left." Inu-yasha seemed to know that he'd touched upon a sensitive subject and let the matter drop. Sora walked up to the hut and sat down, leaning against the wall for support. A few minutes passed in silence and Inu-yasha asked,

"So, what are you going to do now?'

"Seal the keyhole. That's what I intended to do from the start." Sora answered with a determined light in his eyes. At that moment, Donald stormed out of the hut, followed closely by Goofy. Spotting Sora, Donald exclaimed,

"There you are!"

"Oh, hey guys." Sora said airily.

"Are ya feelin' better now?" Goofy asked in concern. However, before he could reply, Kagome, then Sango and Miroku walked outside. There were more questions asked about his health and Sora began to feel a bit overwhelmed. Finally, he shouted,

"Once and for all, I feel fine!"

Shippo came outside, rubbing his eyes and looking slightly drowsy. Seeing Sora he exclaimed,

"Hey! You're feeling better now?" Sora sighed and buried his face in his hands while everyone laughed.

Stay tuned for the final installment, coming soon to a retailer near you!