Part 4
-Besaid Beach-

Yuna sat beside Tidus in the sand, watching as the sun set on the small island they called home. She sighed and leaned into his side, soaking up the last warms rays of the sun.

"It's so beautiful here."

"Yeah," he whispered, trying not to break the mood. He put his arm about her, hugging her close. Tidus knew he would love nothing more than to spend his life here, with Yuna. Heck, he could be living in the smallest cave on the Thunder Plains and still be happy, as long as he had her in his life.

The sun stretched and finally disappeared beyond the horizon. Tidus stood and helped Yuna up, suddenly pulling her to him and swinging her around. She laughed, feeling his care-free spirit seep into her. They slowed their spinning, and were dancing lazily on the wet sand as waves washed over their feet.

"Yuna...Tidus!" A yell from the path interupted the moment, and they looked to see Wakka leaning over, catching his breath.

"What is it?" Tidus asked, slightly annoyed at the intrusion.

"It's...Rikku...She's in pain...Early labor...Lulu sent me...to find you guys!"

"Oh no..." Yuna whimpered, rushing past Tidus and Wakka, towards the village.

The two men exchanged looks and took off for the path, following a now distant Yuna.

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Upon reaching the hut, Yuna could hear screams. She hurried inside, but saw no one. Another scream erupted from the bedroom, and Yuna cringed.

"It's alright dear. Just try to relax. You need to keep breathing...Yes, I know it hurts dear, but it'll all be over soon..." came the muffled voice of the healer.

Yuna ran for the bedroom door, but crashed into Lulu as she was exiting.

"Lulu! What's going on? Is Rikku ok?"

"Yuna, just calm down. She's gone into early labor. The healer said it was sometimes normal for twins to come early."

"But she's only seven months along! Will the babies be ok?"

Lulu looked worried as she glanced back at the curtained door. "I...I don't know. I've helped in birthing's before, but I've never dealt with twins. We'll just have to trust that the healer can help her through this..."

Another deafening scream was heard and Lulu flinched. Yuna had never seen the mage so nervous. Or so pale.

"Oh Gods, it hurts!" Rikku screamed, biting down on her lip, nearly drawing blood.

"Breathe Rikku...breathe!"

"I can't! I...just...can't! I'm so tired..."

"I know, I know...but you have to try!"

The door flap was pulled back and Yuna and Lulu stepped inside, trying to make themselves as small as possible in the cramped room. Yuna wordlessly reached for Lulu's hand, squeezing it tightly.

They watched helplessly as their friend screamed in agonizing pain. Yuna wished she could do something for her, wished she could take the pain away and make it all better. But she only stood there, knowing it was hopeless.

It was almost like a dream, she recalled later. The way Rikku looked ragged and pale; the healer sweating and looking panicked. And there was so much blood...

It all seemed so unreal. Time stood still in places, and then couldn't seem to slow down in others. It was all a jumble.

"...loosing too much blood..."

"...it hurts..."

"...not going to make it..."

"...no!..."

"...why?..."

Yuna's world spun. She grabbed her head and shook it, trying to rid herself of all that she had seen and heard. Tried to rid her mind of the images of the blood, and the screaming, and the lifeless look in Rikku's eyes. Tried to rid herself of the fact that she was gone, and that there would be no children with Rikku's golden hair or emerald eyes.

Yuna screamed, the images haunting her. Lulu yelled into her ear, but she heard nothing. Everything was wrong. This was wrong. It wasn't supposed to end like this...

And then she passed out.

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Darkness. All around. She could still hear voices. They seemed so familiar. But they were fading away fast, and suddenly, everything was silent.

Rikku felt alone and scared in this plane of nothingness. And it was bitterly cold. Standing, she wrapped her arms around her, trying to control her shivering.

"Hello..." she called out, her voice echoing. No one answered. Panicked, she began to run. After what seemed like an eternity, she slowed down, her body tired and her breath, ragged.

But just ahead, she saw a light. It was only the size of a pinprick, but it was light, nonetheless. Feeling her strength renewed, she ran towards it, reaching out.

The light barely grew in size before it slammed into her, blinding her, but at the same time, warming her body. A shadow passed by the light, and she shielded her eyes, trying to make out what the object was...

"Rikku..." it said, coming closer.

"W-who's there?"

It moved within inches of her, and the light dimmed, revealing a large field. She blinked and rubbed her eyes, adjusting to her new surrounding. And gasped.

"I-it's you." she whispered, tears falling down her face.

"Yes...I"ve been waiting."

End Part 4

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Epilogue
-one month later-

She traveled up the steps slowly, her footfalls barely making a sound. Near the entrance she hesitated, torn between wanting to go in...and wanting to run away, screaming.

It was now or never. Holding her breath, she entered, bi-colored eyes taking in the beautiful clouds. She'd been here several times, visiting her parents, but today she had someone else in mind. Stepping near the edge, she recalled the memory of her cousin.

Rikku's image appeared immediately, but Yuna gasped as another image appeared beside her. It was the legendary guardian himself, Sir Auron. They each held a bundle. Realization dawned on her. Auron was the father of Rikku's children...Their children.

Tears began to flow freely from her eyes, and she bowed to the couple, smiling. It was a beautiful sight, seeing them happy and together, as they once were. As they would be forever.

Satisfied, Yuna nodded her respects before turning to leave. Auron put his arm around Rikku and they smiled at one another, their images fading into eternity.

The End