~~Rikku's pov~~
We've been traveling for 10 days underground, I've been riding Fang the entire time. I hate to admit it but his fur is amazingly soft.
The whole way here I've been thinking, I haven't said much since we escaped. Although it saddens me knowing everyone is gone.
Deep inside me I know it is my fault that everyone is gone, I only hope no one hates me. I loved them all, I was going to protect them but I've failed. I haven't shown any sadness or guilt on the outside, but on the inside these are the only things I feel.
I haven't been willing to sleep, I haven't slept for 10 days now. I'm going to hit that point soon, when I will suddenly feel exhausted. I have been relying on food pills, I take another one every few hours. It's unhealthy, but I don't want to be such a burden.
"We'll be exiting this tunnel soon." Fang said.
Masuru took that moment to talk to me.
"Rikku, I wanted to ask you. So who are you going to restore your clan with?" Masuru teased.
The pack did a foxy laugh in unison.
My eyes widened, I responded with a, "I'm not old enough for you to be asking."
After I realized what I just said a tint of pink appeared on my cheeks.
"Rikku, once we arrive I want you to eat and sleep. You haven't ate or slept since we left." Masuru said in a soft yet deep manly voice.
"I don't want to be a burden." I started.
"We're here to protect you, why don't you take a quick nap..." Fang chuckled a little.
"It's alright Rikku, we'll wake you up when we're near." I smiled a bit then gently wrapped my arms around his neck and made myself confortable. I closed my eyes, cleared my thoughts, and slowed down my breathing. I soon fell into a deep sleep.
*Dream*
I found myself in a room with a candle being the only source of light.
"Hello?" My voice quietly echoed throughout the room.
"Hello Rikku." A voice answered.
That voice; it sounds like... Mom.
"Rikku, listen to me. I'm only delivering a message. When you arrive, please don't be mad at me. When you find out, it was only to protect him and you, okay? I love you my little girl. My time is running out, I need you to stay strong for us, all of us. We're going to watch you, protect you. We'll always be here, no one blames you. We all knew this was bound to happen. Don't live in the dark baby girl, keep moving. Restore what was lost."
Mom said as we stand there, she reaches out to touch my face. Yet her hand went through, then she slowly began to fade. She leaned down to reach my height,
"I love you baby girl."
I felt tears freely falling down, I closed my eyes and slightly shook my head side to side.
"I love you too." I whispered.
~~
I felt something slightly pushing me.
"Rikku, get up, We've arrived." Fang says nudging me with his head.
I sat up, and opened my eyes. I blink a few times noticing the huge gates in front of me.
"I see..." I said before jumping off of Fang's back and gracefully landing on my feet.
I walked towards the gates, they all walked closely behind me, Masuru on my right, Fang in my left. The others are either beside Fang and Masuru or a little further behind me.
