The celebration lasted somewhat less than a half hour. Mostly, it consisted of everyone taking turns in the most popular party game of 'who can get Ayaka to say something.' The cake made up for it though, even if Ayaka didn't partake. But, out of courtesy, Ayaka's mother insisted that Ayaka would have some later that evening.

"I want to thank you again for coming to see her. She hasn't been getting as many guests," Ayaka's mother said as she closed the door to Ayaka's room behind her.

"Always," Kairi bowed her head slightly in response. "Ayaka used to be such a bright, fun loving girl. I'm sorry to see her in this state."

Ayaka's mother smiled politely and took a slight step towards the two of them. "Whatever it is, I don't believe it is contagious, but you two be careful," she whispers, her eyes shifting from Kairi to Sora. "More and more people have been coming to the emergency room for the same symptoms. No one knows what's causing it, but it is becoming a huge issue."

Kairi and Sora looked at each other, exchanging worried expressions. "Thank you, Mrs. Kobayashi. We will be sure to take good care of ourselves," Kairi nodded at her as her expression slowly settled.

"Let us know if we can help at all with Ayaka," Sora cut in, feeling the exchange coming to an end.

Mrs. Kobayashi smiled politely back at them. "Thank you, both of you."

"People are in the hospital because of a mass lack of sleep?" Riku rephrased what he understood from what the two had told them.

"More like fatigue and insomnia," Kairi lightly corrected. "There is apparently a significant rise in patients who have lost all their energy because of the inability to sleep."

Riku's eyebrows scrunched together as he processed this information silently. "It was so strange, Riku. Ayaka couldn't even speak to us," Sora added in on the conversation. "It was as if she could barely even acknowledge us."

Riku crossed his arms across his chest. "You don't think this has anything to do with what happened with Xehanort, do you?"

"I don't think so," Sora pseudo-answered. "I don't really see how it could correlate."

"What if it does, though? I don't know that we can really be sure. Maybe we should send a message to King Mickey or Yen Sid?" Kairi suggested.

"I agree," Riku nodded. "But, I don't know how to reach them. The worlds aren't connected anymore, so it's not as if we can easily get a message to them."

"Maybe we could get some of the patients to talk to us while we try to figure out how to contact them. Some of the patients might still have enough energy to talk, we could try to figure out what is causing this," Sora suggested. "It might be something we could help with."

Riku looks to Sora and nods. "I think that's a good plan."

"Maybe we could try talking to Ayaka again tomorrow afternoon. At least it's somewhere to start," Kairi proposed. She looked between the two boys and they all seemed to agree with that plan.

"Tomorrow, then," Riku decidedly announced.

"Right," Sora agreed. "See you guys then!"

Kairi silently nodded. "See you!"

The three then parted ways, each heading in their own directions back to their homes.

The evening hung low in the sky, the sun just barely reaching over the horizon. The chill of the sunset prickled Sora's skin as he walked. It was as if the breeze on the back of his neck had just been breathed out by a new born wind. There was something so alive about the earth this night; something so lithely, it felt as if he could feel whispers on his skin.

He had to stop walking and close his eyes for a moment. This feeling to him was like flying over the expanse of Neverland. He wanted to let his entire body relax; to let this feeling soak into his bones. It was relaxing but yet also energizing. There was a tug at his heart, like all his wishes were about to be granted. Sora relaxed his shoulders and sighed. This was nice.

He thought about the adventures he had, with Donald and Goofy. He thought about how badly he had wanted to see Riku and Kairi both safe and all three of them together. He thought about the great trials had to overcome to find his way back home here on the Islands. Now, all those things seem like dreams.

Run!

Sora's eyes flew open. He felt himself falling backwards, but caught himself with his leg before he could fall. It was as if he were about to faint, but someone had screamed at him not to.

Then, immediately after the feeling of dread washed over him. It was like he was being watched, even though no one was there. The feeling that had before been pleasant stung his skin like a warning. He head felt heavy and his legs locked like he couldn't walk if he want to. Fear crashed down on him like a wave, paralyzing his muscles.

Go!

Sora couldn't be sure if he actually heard someone say that or if it was just his instinct, but he followed it. He ran as fast as he could, flying down the streets, rounding corners with agility. He felt as if something was following, trying to catch him. He had to get away. That's all he knew, not matter what, he had to get away.

Finally, Sora reached his home and he didn't dare to hesitate. He ran straight to the front door, opened it, and slammed it shut behind him. His hands shook. Hastily, he locked the door in all the ways he could fathom.

Once he was done he looked out of the windows that lined the sides of the door. It felt as if on the other side there was something large, with huge eyes staring at him through the window pane. The feeling like he was staring into something uncanny made a strong ice-cold shiver go up his spine.

Even still, there was nothing there.

What a silly boy.