Chapter 18
Chapter 18.
It's been two months since our wedding and the bombings have seemed to stop. I'm now four months pregnant and loving it. I'm finally starting to show, it's not much but it's there. I can no longer wear my thief outfit. I had to go and but maternity clothes. I found a cute little outfit, a long yellow long sleeve shirt and a pair of pale orange pants. It is so cute.
Anyway after the reception we stayed at Home for a few weeks just relaxing before we had to go back to the chaos of the real world, the world beyond married bliss. We basically locked ourselves in our room for those few weeks doing what newly-weds do. My mother had to depart back to the farplane only a few days after the wedding. It was sad but I realized that I was ok with that. I had come to terms with my mothers death, that and the fact that I knew that she was always around and knew what was going in my life helped. I would have loved to have had her stay forever but knew that could not be.
Anyway Gippal and I are staying at Djose. The bombings have seemed to stop. We don't know why, no one really does, maybe the person realized that nothing was being accomplished or what. We're glad but cautious; we know good things like this never last long. We won't be able to completely breathe easy until the culprit is caught.
Right now we're trying to fix up the temple and get the Machine Faction back up and running. We've roped off the entrance to Djose because we didn't want a large group of Al Bhed forming just yet, and we do not want any nosy reporters *cough Shelinda cough ,cough* sneaking in a broadcasting to the world what we were doing. But surprisingly no one seemed to notice the roped off entrance. We later found out that Baralai had released a statement that the investigation at Djose was still taking place and that no one was allowed anyway near the vicinity.
I'm glad that we're fixing up the temple but it is so frustrating considering I can't do any of the fun stuff. Stuff like fixing machina. Instead I'm stuck sweeping, dusting, and the all around cleaning. I know it's for the good of the baby that I don't work with machina, but I want to so bad.
"Are you ok Rikku?" Gippal asked noticing my far away look.
"Yea." I said dropping the rag I had been using to clean the smaller statues and the walls with back into the bucket. "I just really want to work with machina, to do something useful. I know it's for the good of the baby, but still." I said and looked around at the place. Gippal had managed to completely fix the minor mechanical problems and patched up the walls and ceilings so that you could never tell that there was never any damage. But some of the statues of the High Summoners were far beyond repair. We wanted to try to keep the integrity and the history of the temple intact so we were going to ask Baralai if there was anyway we could get new statues commissioned.
"I know you're frustrated sweetie, but in all honesty there's not much the needs fixing." He said, smoothing his hands up my arm. "Why don't we take a break and eat."
"Sure." We walked to his office that also held a mini-fridge stocked with food, usually with foods that I wanted not matter how random it was.
"You know Rikku, I think we're almost done. We could probably re-open next week." He said peeking into the refrigerator to see what we had to eat.
"That's good. This place gets too quiet sometimes." I said walking up behind him and wrapping my arms around his waist, which at this point was not hard but was starting to get a little difficult, with the noticeable bump I had going on.
All of a sudden I felt a pressure against the inside of my abdomen. I gasped lightly as I placed a hand on my stomach. "Did you feel that?" I asked surprised.
"Feel what?" He asked, worried.
"I think the baby just kicked" I said, amazed. I just felt my baby kick, the first real sign of life from my baby.
"It kicked?" He asked, amazed.
"Here give me your hand?" I took his hand and placed it on my stomach, pressing slightly.
We waited a few minutes, holding our breath.
"There did you feel it!?" I asked as it kicked again.
"That was it?" Oh sands Rikku, our baby it kicked, it actually moved. It's real. We're going to be parents. I can't believe it, I mean I can, but this just puts thing into new perspective. I've never really had a real family I could call my own and now I have you, my beautiful loving wife, a wife who's carrying our child, our son or daughter. Rikku, you've given me so much. I don't know how to thank you, I love you so much Rikku." He said as he hugged me to him and kissed me lightly.
"Your love is all I ask for in return." I said, kissing him back.
I placed my arms around his neck and deepened the kiss.
We stayed that way for a few minutes until the commsphere on the desk started beeping. Since I was leaning against the desk all I had to do was reach behind me and press the button, a little hard to do when your husband starts kissing his way down your neck.
"Gippal. . . Gippal," I gasped "It could be important," I giggled as he pulled away enough for me to turn around and grab the comm-sphere. His arms were still around my waist and he rested his head on my shoulder.
The call was From Besaid. I pressed the button that would connect me to the little island and smiled as Yuna's excited face popped onto the screen.
"Oh Rikku, guess what? Oh hi Gippal."
"Oh gee thanks Yuna. Is that all I get, an "Oh hi Gippal," as an after thought?" He said, mock offended.
Yuna laughed. "I'm sorry Gippal. How are you?"
"Apology accepted. I'm doing pretty good thank you. And yourself?"
"Actually, that's why I called. We finally set a date. I'm getting married in a week, here at Besaid." Yuna Exclaimed.
"Oh Yunie, I'm so happy for you. You're finally getting married."
"I know. Ok I'm going to tell you two a secret and you can't tell anyone. Only Tidus knows."
"We promise," I said.
She looked around her making sure no one was around. "I'm pregnant!!" she exclaimed.
"Oh Yunie! Let me guess, two months?"
"Yea. You were right. When you called me and I was'nt feeling so good, it was morning sickness. I went to the doctors the next day and he confirmed it."
"I'm so happy for you. And am I right in guessing that you don't want to tell anyone so news doesn't get around that you're pregnant out of wedlock? I still can't believe that people are making a huge deal out of it. It happens more times than they realize."
"Yup, that's it. And I know it really is becoming a common occurrence. Well anyway. I'll need to borrow you for a dress fitting. We'll pick you up in say ten minutes?"
"Sounds good Yunie. See you soon." I clicked off the comm sphere and turned back to Gippal.
He gave me a puppy dog look. "Are you gonna leave me all alone?" he asked kissing me.
"Yes, now you can clean today. I'm going to go and have a girls day out," I said as he started kissing his way down my neck and back up. Probably in an attempt to get me to stay. Which I must say was coming very close to working if this was going to be today's activity, his shirtless form was distracting enough.
I tilted my neck back to give him better access, a moan escaping my parted lips. His hands made their way to my waist, pulling me to him forcefully, but gently. His hands played with the hem of my shirt as his tongue invaded my mouth. I had my hands tangled in the hair at the base of his neck as my tongue fought with his.
Things were just starting to heat up when we heard the airship land outside. We pulled apart with chaste kisses as we let our breathing return to normal.
I straightened my shirt and smoothed out any wrinkles that my have been evident.
I kissed Gippal goodbye. "I'll be back later."
"Can't wait."
I walked outside to the familiar sight of my brother's airship. I groaned. Of course he would be the one picking us up. I walked to the door and up the access ramp only to be met by a hyper-active Yuna.
"What took you so long Rikku? I was just about to come and find you."
"I was just saying goodbye to Gippal," I responded with a smile.
"Uh-hu, ok," Yuna replied with a smirk. "Well ready to go?"
"Yup. So where are we going?"
"Luca. I already have my dress. The one I wore with Seymour. It was my mother's and it was meant for me to wear on the day I marry the person I love. So we are going to go and get dresses for everyone else," Yuna said as she led me to the bridge, to where everyone else was waiting, everyone including my brother.
"Rikku, good to see you," Brother said trying to hug me.
I stepped back. "Fryd tu oui Fyhd?" (What do you want?")
He hung his head "E's cunno vun oammehk" (I'm sorry for yelling")
"I'm not sure if sorry is good enough Brother, considering all you have put him through, when the only thing he did was love me. I appreciate the fact that you care for me but what happens between Gippal and I are our problems, not yours. He only did what he did to protect me. So I don't think sorry is good enough and I'm not the one you should be apologizing to."
"But Rikku. . ."
"No," I said cutting him off. "Look we'll talk about this later. I don't need the stress right now. It's not good for the baby."
Brother turned around dejected and set a course for Luca. We arrived at Luca not five minutes later. Like we did when we picked my dresses, we grabbed a bite to eat. We being Lulu, Paine, Yuna and myself. After we ate lunch we went to the same dress boutique where we got my dresses.
"When we were getting the dress for you wedding I found the dress I wanted to get. I already had the sales lady put the dresses aside. But of course, yours Rikku, will have to be adjusted for your baby bump," Yuna said with a smile.
Yuna walked up to the sales lady and said something to her. The sales lady disappeared and returned a few minutes later with the dresses. The dresses were gorgeous, but I had one concern. "Um Yuna? Red velvet? Won't that be a little hot?"
"Well that's what I thought at first but then I realized that we were going to be on a beach, so it should be just right."
"That makes sense." Each of us took one of the dresses and went into a changing room. The dress was a nice dark red velvet that was floor length and settle nicely at my feet, with no straps and daringly low back. It was really comfortable but definitely snug. It would need adjusting around my stomach and bust areas, but it wasn't too bad.
I stepped out of the dressing room for Yuan to see.
"Wow, Rikku, you look stunning. Wait till you see Paine though," Yuna giggled, as she called over the seamstress.
Paine walked out of the dressing room as the seamstress took the necessary measurements. I nearly died trying in vain to hold back my laughter.
Paine glared at me.
"Oh come on Paine, you have to admit, this dress is so much girlier than my dresses were. You look so pretty. It matches your eyes."
Boy if looks could kill. She just sighed though. "Yuna? Are we done yet?"
I saw Yuna force down a giggle. "Yea, we're done."
Paine was the first one back into the dressing room.
We were all dressed and ready to go within a few minutes when I had the strongest urge for candy.
"Hey let's go get some candy."
"Candy?" Paine asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yea, I have this really sudden urge for candy, and lots of it."
"Well I think we passed a candy store on the way here." Lulu offered.
"Well what are we waiting for?" I practically dragged them out of the store in my haste to get my sugary treat.
Ten minutes later I walked out of the store with a pound of candy in my hands. Yuna, Paine and Lulu each got a lollipop or something small.
"Oooo I just love candy!" I said rocking on the balls of my feet.
"Great, just what we need. A pregnant Al Bhed on a sugar rush.
I just stuck my tongue out at her.
For the next hour or so we all just hung out before we decided to head back to our homes.
--
I walked off the airship when we arrived at Djose, and I noticed something was off, way off, but I could not put m finger on it. I walked back to the temple cautiously.
Opening the door I looked cautiously looked around. It was a weekend so no one was around.
"Gippal?" I called out hesitantly walking farther into the temple.
He stepped out of his office. "I'm in here."
I followed him in. he sat back at his desk and turned to the comm-sphere; Baralai's face on the other end.
Gippal nodded his head. "Alright. We'll see you in an hour." Baralai's face disappeared a few minutes later.
"Are you going to see Baralai?"
"We both are. I found another note. Here" He said handing me the small piece of paper.
"This is not over
You did not heed my warning
You all prance around Spira as if nothing's happened
My new targets will mix with my old
Be warned. No one's safe. Not even the little princess."
I took in a sharp breath. "This is the first letter directed towards anyone, isn't it?"
Gippal nodded his head slowly. "Yea and since it was directed at you there's no way you're staying here by yourself. Which is why we are both going to see Baralai."
"So how are we going to get there seeing as how your airship is still at Bikanel?"
Gippal just looked at me when suddenly it clicked.
"My brother? But do we really have to?" I whined
"Oh come on Rikku. You have to forgive him eventually."
"No I don't." I knew I was acting just like a whiny little child but I didn't care. I really wasn't in the mood to deal with my brother again.
"Rikku," he said placing his hands on my shoulders. "You know you should. He was only looking out for his little sister."
"Oh alright," I said breaking out of his embrace and grabbing the comm sphere off his desk. Brother picked up a few minutes later.
"Rikku! Listen I really am sorry. I was out of line," He babbled.
I sighed. "It's alright. Do you think you can drop Gippal and I off at Bevelle?"
"Bevelle? Sure no problem, but why do you need to go to Bevelle?"
"Gippal found another note. We are meeting Paine and Baralai to discuss the situation.
He was silent for a few minutes. "Alright, I'll be there in a few minutes."
I turned to Gippal. "Alright. He's on his way." I felt tears starting to gather at the corners of my eyes and tried in vain to hold them back.
Gippal enveloped me in a hug. "It'll be alright. I promise." He paused for a few seconds. "Rikku, one of the things Baralai and I talked about was possibly keeping you in Bevelle with them for the baby's sake and for your own. Now I know you don't like the idea, but please just hear me out. This is the first time a letter has been directed at anyone, and now it's you, and I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happens. I love you so much. You and the baby are my life. Please just consider it."
I was silent for a moment. "I understand completely how you feel Gippal, I really do, but you have to understand that you and the baby are my life. I couldn't live without you anymore than you couldn't live without me, and if something happened to you, Gippal I would be dead inside, I would raise our child and love it, but it there would always be sadness in my life even though I have the baby as a reminder of you it would never be enough. I know for a fact that I would never remarry. Gippal I need you like a machina need electricity. I don't want our child to grow up without its father Gippal."
"Yes, but if something happens to you too then the baby won't even have a future. Please just at least consider it."
I was silent for a moment. "Alright. I'll consider it."
He nodded solemnly. "Thank you."
The airship landed not minutes later. Brother met us at the landing. "I'm sorry Rikku," He said, hugging me. It was at that time my baby decided to kick.
"Rikku. . . Was that. . . ?" He stammered
I just nodded.
Brother just stood there awestruck. "Oh. OH! Well. Wow. Well, let's get you to Bevelle then." He paused, his eyes showing genuine concern for me and my baby. "Rikku, please be careful.
"I will," I said, putting my hand on his shoulder as I walked onto the airship.
--
We landed at Bevelle fifteen minutes later. Approaching the High Road we noticed two guards guarding the entrance.
"Halt! No one is allowed to enter without the proper clearance," The first guard said.
"Especially not a pair of Al Bhed," The second guard sneered.
Both of the guards were of muscular build and very tall; at least four inches taller than Gippal and a good seven inches taller than me. When you looked at these men there was no doubt in how skilled they were and that would be intimidating to anyone and in normal circumstances the odds would be against anyone in our position. But Gippal and I were far from normal people. We were Spira's saviors' whether they knew it or not, and my small stature is very misleading to most. I could have defeated them by myself in normal circumstances but since I was pregnant the odds were sadly against me. Thanks to my training in combat and my past experiences I knew that there was a fight coming so I tried to placate them.
"Please, we mean no harm. We're good friends of Baralai. He's expecting us."
The guard slapped me hard across the face and my head snapped to the side. I lost my footing but Gippal caught me before I fell.
"How dare you talk about Preator Baralai that way. He would never befriend you Al Bhed scum."
I felt Gippal stiffen in anger behind me. "How dare you!" He snarled. "Don't even know who she is?"
"Gippal, Don't" I said wiping the small trickle of blood from the corner of my mouth.
The guards howled with laughter. "Oh no, please, enlighten us. Who is you little wife?"
I don't really know what was going on. One minute I was trying to keep the peace and the next I was simply furious. I blamed it on the hormones. "That's it! I've had it with you people. What must we Al Bhed do to gain favor in Spira again? And for your information, his 'little wife'" I growled "happens to be one of Spira's saviors. I was Lady Yuna's Guardian, and apart of the team that defeated Vegnangun. I fought alongside Preator Baralai and Meyven Nooj as well as Lady Paine and Gippal fought with us. Gippal is the leader of the Machine Faction. He deserves just as much respect as anyone else," I said fuming
The guards smirked as if finding my little speech quite amusing. "Oh yea, now I see it, but it still doesn't make a difference you're still Al Bhed and you're not getting through."
"Unless," the other one smirked. "If you're really who you say you are then you won't have a problem fighting us. If you both win, you may pass."
"And if we lose? "
The guards smirked. "Let's just say you better not loose."
I saw a look of indecision pass across Gippal's face. "Fine, but she stays out of it."
"Oh no she fight's too or there is no deal and then I can't guarantee what we'll do to either of you."
"Now not that I don't doubt that she couldn't kick both of your asses blind folded, hell she can even kick my ass blind folded, but she stays out of this. She's in no shape to fight," Gippal said, trying to reason with them.
"Not our problem, with any luck there will be one less Al Bhed to deal with. Now enough stalling are we fighting or what?
"Absolutely not!" He growled
"Gippal, it's fine." I said, giving him a look that said 'I have a plan'. I played with the collar of my scarf hoping said plan would work.
"He nodded his head, indecision written all over his face.
I squared my shoulders getting into my fighting stance, my knives poised and ready. "Let's go."
Twin smirks graced their faces as they too fell into their fighting stances, which from what I could tell were sorely flawed, a fact I would have loved to show them if I wasn't pregnant.
Gippal took his stance too. When it came to wielding guns Gippal far surpassed me, I had never really been a fan of either of the gunner dress spheres. Yet when it came to martial arts and using sharp pointy objects, Gippal almost matched me, almost and he had the scars to prove it.
The guards initiated the fight, with the smaller of the two lunging at me. I quickly sidestepped him. He stumbled; surprised by how easily I dodged his attack. I quickly kicked the back of his knees, causing him to fall flat on his face. I straightened out of my crouch to prepare for the next round, when my head and my vision swan. 'Oh no, not now,' I thought stumbling. This pregnancy was making m very tired and very dizzy. I shook my head trying to clear it in time for the guards' next attack. He must have hit his head pretty hard he still did not get up yet. I chanced a glance at Gippal. He was holding his own but was very close to the edge of the bridge.
The next thing I knew my head cracked to the side and I was falling fast to the ground. I wrapped my arms around my middle and twisted at the last second, landing on my back, knocking the wind completely from my lungs. I heard a sickening crack as my head smacked against the ground. They guard was hovering over me landing swift kicks to my ribs. He was wearing steel toed boots as I heard a crack. I screamed out in pain as his kicks fractured my ribs. I blindly searched for my knives, having dropped them in my haste to protect my baby.
Spira I was in so much pain. I rolled over onto my hands and knees wincing all the while, coughing and throwing up blood.
"Rikku!" Gippal shouted as I tried to stand. I quickly doubled over in pain, more blood was spilt on the pristine carpets of Bevelle's High Road. I dimly noted the fact that there was too much blood leaving my system, as vision wavering, I fought to keep consciousness.
"Enough!" Paine's commanding voice rang out.
I managed to look up to see Paine running towards us, her blade drawn, with Baralai right behind her.
The guards stood at attention. "Preator Baralai, Lady Paine, there is no need for alarm, we were just taking care of these rough Al Bhed, there is no need to fret, you are in no harm."
Faster than I thought was possible Paine's sword was at my attackers throat. "Who told you to attack these people?" She growled, her red eyes flashing dangerously.
I was on my hands and knees still coughing up small amounts of blood, a sure sign of some kind of internal bleeding, and yet my only concern was for my baby. I could not lose my child, I refused to. The pain in my head and my throbbing ribs was getting worse, as I struggled against the blackness growing at the edge of my vision.
Gippal was still at my side, he had been there since I collapsed. "Rikku, Rikku, honey, look at me, try not to close your eyes. Paine she needs help now."
I'm not really sure what happened next as my strength left me and I succumbed to the welcoming blackness.
---
I woke up to the sounds of a very annoying beeping something. I dimly registered the low voices somewhere in the background.
"Ugh," I groaned, shifting a little. Wrong move, pain shot up my sides and my head started throbbing.
"Rikku!? Oh sands Rikku, you're awake. You scared me to death. What the hell were you thinking, fighting them? What the hell was I thinking, letting you fight them? What was you supposed plan, huh." I knew he was angry, but it was based mostly on his of losing me and the baby.
"I'm sorry Gippal, I thought I could at least get away with tripping him up for a while, at least until Paine arrived but I overestimated myself, I'm not as agile as I thought I still was.
"Before the Gullwings broke up we made a pact that we would keep our communicators on in case we ended up by ourselves and in trouble, or if we were in a situation that we couldn't get out of. As soon as I saw the guards I figured a fight would occur and so I switched on my communicator hoping that Paine had her communicator on. I didn't have time to tell you my plan because it would have looked suspicious. I thought we could hold them off until Paine got here, and if Yuna has hers on than she is either already here or she is on her way. I'm sorry Gippal." I paused for a second. "So any word on how that baby's doing?" I was afraid to hear the answer.
The doctors haven't really said anything yet. You've been out for about three hours. The doctors are still doing tests and are waiting for the results.
"Ow…" I moaned as my baby decided to kick my damaged ribs.
"What's wrong? What hurts? Gippal asked, trying to find someway to comfort me.
"My ribs. Our child decided to kick them. Payback I guess. At least we know it's ok. Spira, I hope Yuna gets here soon.
As if on cue Yuna burst through the door.
"Oh Fayth Rikku are you ok?" Yuna asked as she leaned in to hug me.
"Don't. No hugs right now please. I have a couple of fractured ribs. Sorry hugs are off limits until I'm all better.
She giggled slightly. Changing into a white mage she asked, "Would you like me to heal you?"
"Yes please."
Within in a few minutes I felt the cool relief of a Curaga wash over me.
"There you go all better Now can I hug you?"
I laughed at the slight pout that graced her features. "Yes Yuna now you can hug me.
The flood of questions came after the hug. "Are you ok? What happened? Is the baby ok? I heard your transmission. What were you thinking?"
"Whoa Yuna slow down, I'll explain everything just please calm down." Taking a deep breath, which I happily noticed did not hurt, I began. "As far as we know the baby is fine. It decided to kick my damaged ribs earlier. As for what happened, long story short the guards attacked us as we tried to enter Bevelle. I though I could evade them long enough until Paine arrived. I was wrong. I let my guard down and got sucker punched, and from then on, well you can imagine the rest." I closed my eyes still tired form the days exertion.
"Are you ok Rikku,?" Gippal asked.
"Yea, I'm just a little tired."
Just then Paine, Baralai and the doctor walked into the room.
"Hey Rikku, how are you feeling?" Asked Paine.
"Better thanks to Yuna. She used a Curaga on me. It's defiantly easier to breath now."
"Well that's good news. I was going to call in a White Mage for you if you wanted," The doctor told me, checking my charts.
"Thank you, but I'm more worried about the well being of the baby."
"Well then I'm glad to tell you the baby seems to be perfectly fine. But we won't be completely sure until it's born."
I breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you."
"I want to keep you overnight though, just to make sure you don't have any other injuries. You did hit your head pretty hard. Ok?"
"Sure, no problem. Thank you."
Checking my vitals one last time he made a move to leave but stopped at the door. "Lady Paine, may I speak to you for a minute?"
She nodded her head and followed him out of the door.
"So Yunie where's Tidus?"
"Oh well you see when I got your transmission Tidus and I were working out the wedding plans with the priest so I kind of Left him there finish up while I had Brother take me here."
I giggled. "Well maybe you should cal him or something and let him know that everything's ok since you jus left in such a hurry." I paused. "You know if you want you can go back and then come back tomorrow or something. Nothing is going to happen tonight. I appreciate all of the help and all, but you need to get crackin' on those plans missy. Plus I'm sure Tidus is probably having a panic attack trying to plan a wedding all on his own," I said.
"Yea I suppose so."
That's when Paine walked back in with an odd glint in here eyes.
"Everything ok Paine?" Baralai asked.
"Huh? Oh yea, everything's fine." She said clearly distracted by something.
"Well what did the doctor want to talk to you about?"
"Well it was more like he had to tell me something." She paused, and as a complete shock to me, blushed as if she was embarrassed. "Baralai, we're going to have a baby."
Baralai just started at her dumfounded.
" 'Lai, did you hear me?"
He nodded his head and then seemed to snap out of it. "Oh Paine," He said enveloping her in a warm embrace.
--
After an hour of talking and such everyone had to leave to go get some rest and take care of their respective affairs.
Gippal stood up and stretched. "I'm gonna go use the restroom. Get some sleep and I'll be back soon."
As Gippal walked out one of the nurses walked in. He smiled at me. "Hello Lady Rikku. How are you feeling? Are you in any pain?"
"I'm just a little sore."
"Well let's see if we can fix that," he said as he slipped a needle into my I.V.
"What's that for,?" I asked as I felt my eyelids drooping.
"Just a little something to take the edge off."
And before I knew it I had passed out.
- -Gippal's POV- -
I slowly washed my hands, thinking about what just transpired. Leaning against the sink I looked at my reflection in the mirror, noticing the dark circles that had taken up residence under my eyes. 'Why was this happening? Why can't we just live in peace. Rikku should not be lying in that bed with all of those tubes attached to her. We should not have to have that small seed of doubt in the back of our minds that maybe something did happen to our baby. Something has to be done. I'll have to have chat with Paine and Baralai later.'
I left the bathroom and returned to Rikku's room. Opening the door I discovered that she wasn't there. None of the machines were making any noise, except of course for the heart monitor which was flat-lining.
"Rikku!? I yelled.
I ran out to the nurse's station. "Where is she!" I demanded.
"Where is who sir?" the woman asked confused.
"My wife, the Lady Rikku, where the hell is she!?"
I knew I was being unfair yelling at her like that and I could see that she was getting upset, but at that point I didn't care. M wife and unborn child were missing.
"Wha. . . What do you mean sir? She's not in her room?"
I took a deep breath to try to calm myself.
"No. I went to the bathroom ad when I came back she was gone. Look just call Preator Baralai and Lady Paine. Have them come down here at once."
I turned away and headed back to Rikku's room. I just stared at Rikku's empty bed with a heavy heart. That was when I noticed the note left lying right there on her pillow in plain sight.
Darkness
All an Al Bhed has known
Some seek redemption
Others seek a piece of mind
If you ever wish to see her again
Then you must travel to the darkest place in Spira
Darker than even the most darkest pit in Bevellle
The place where one of the greatest monsters once dwelled.
A/N: I am so sorry for the long wait but I hope it was worth it. I have chapter 19 all ready to go with just one problem. My laptops mouse isn't working and seeing asi have Vista on my laptop and no where else I couldn't transfer it any where, But don't worry I hope to have it up soon. As always please review. I tried my hardest to make this chapter my best on yet.