Title : Dark Soul
Author : J3w3ll, also/better known as Sarah Jewell
Summary : This story begins after Dark Fury, and before TCoR. Changes in setting will be marked as the story goes, but it will catch up to TCoR, and then continue into it's own little world. This is a Jack/Riddick fic.
- Riddick leaves Jack on New Mecca, and meets her again on Crematoria. But what happens after he watches her die by the hands of the Lord Marshall? Has he lost her forever?
Rating : This fanfic is rated M for Mature, and contains strong, pervasive language, intense violence and gore, sexuality and nudity. Each chapter will have a short rating overview of what it contains.
Disclaimer : Pitch Black, Dark Fury, and The Chronicles of Riddick, are © Universal Studios 2004, all rights reserved. Escape From Butcher Bay is © Starbreeze Studios 2004, all rights reserved. I do not own Riddick, or anything from the movies, games, or animations. All other characters are fictional, and © 2007 J3w3ll a.k.a. Sarah Jewell (FanFiction ID : 463727). All rights reserved. Distribution of any kind is prohibited without the written consent of Sarah Jewell.
Author's Notes : This is my first Riddick fic, and it's probably a lot of other firsts for me in writing. I really want to write to the crowd, but still keep my own personal twists on the story, and I want and need your feedback – so please, READ AND REVIEW! I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Chapter 1
Rating : Language, violence, and sexual content.
Summary : This chapter begins after Dark Fury, when Riddick decides to leave Jack behind on New Mecca.
"So, they say most of your brain shuts down in cryo-sleep, all but the primitive side; the animal side." Jack stated matter-of-factly to Captain Sean Vymazal.
"Jack!" Riddick almost roared.
She flinched, and glanced back at him slowly.
"Get back in the room." Riddick growled, and glared daggers at the captain. He watched Jack run past him, taking the shortest path back to their room.
"She's just being a kid." The Captain smiled at him, "It's alright, she doesn't mean any harm."
Riddick clenched his fists and made a strong effort to calm down, at least visibly. Vymazal was too kind. This man didn't know Jack, had no reason to humor her, So why does he? He was probably 5'10" with broad shoulders and slick black hair. His brilliant, white smile flashed when he spoke. He was well built and confident, probably in his early thirties. Riddick sensed his arrogance and gritted his teeth. Prick.
"Just get things ready for us." Riddick stared the man down, even through his goggles, and turned on his heel, walking with heavy boot steps, back to their room. My room.
Jack was sitting on the edge of the bed, as he stepped over the threshold, and he let the door close behind him before he spoke.
"Lights, fifty percent." The lights dimmed and Jack frowned, she didn't like the dark. He kept his goggles on. "What were you doing back there?" He was furious.
"Talking." She dropped her gaze to the floor.
"What did you say?"
"Talking!"
"I told you to stay in the room, I told you to stay here!" He was yelling now. "What if something happened to you and I wasn't there?!"
"I can take care of myself, Riddick! I'm not your pet! You can't just order me around all the time – I am not staying in this room for this whole goddamn trip!"
"No, you're not." His tone got much deeper, and her eyes darted up to meet his.
"W-What?"
"I'm putting you in cryo for the rest of the trip."
"N-N-No! You are not – YOU WILL NOT!" She screamed.
He walked very calmly towards her, stepping lightly, aggressively. He could smell a mixture of fear and anger flooding the room, he was almost to her when someone buzzed the door. He stormed over to the com and held down a button as he growled "What?!"
"Riddick, it's me, I need to talk to you – both of you." Iman's voice came through smoothly, and Riddick pressed another button, unlocking the door.
It slid open and Iman stepped through, and started to speak immediately,
"Riddick, maybe this isn't a good idea, going back into cryo-sleep for the remainder of the journey. The Captain is a good man, there are many people on board, and there is much we could learn – "
"No. We're not safe on this ship, it's not a ghost lane, it's headed directly to New Mecca. I promised I'd get us there safely, and I can't make sure you two are safe wandering all over the goddamn ship!" He looked at Iman, then at Jack, and lowered his voice, "It's the only way for us." For me.
He marched Jack down to the stasis-chamber area; Iman followed silently. He'd spoken to Iman, even though he'd made the choice for them before hearing the Holy Man's opinion. After the skiff, a huge merc ship had picked them up, they knew who Riddick was, tried to capture them. He'd gotten them out alive, but in another skiff. A large, commercial ship picked them up and he bought their passage to New Mecca. Not long after they'd been on board, Riddick decided that they'd make the rest of the trip in cryo. He'd supplied a bullshit cover for them – fake identities that were accepted with a generous amount of credits; but other passengers asked questions, and it left him unsettled every time he had to lie about who he was. Not that he had a problem with lying, but if there were mercs out there who knew he was still alive and running, well, the more invisible they could be, the better.
"Ready?" Captain Vymazal asked, pleasantly.
"Yea." Riddick answered for all of them, "Get in."
The captain directed them politely to their cells. Iman stepped forward first and shook hands with the Captain, thanking him for their passage and leaning comfortably back into his chamber. The door closed, and an assistant entered all the settings into her computer.
Jack looked at Riddick nervously, about to speak, but he stopped her, "Trust me." She did, and settled back as her door closed.
The Captain extended his hand for Riddick, "Ready?"
"Sure." Riddick glanced down at the extended hand and back up to the Captain's eyes. Riddick took his hand slowly, and tightened his grip until he winced.
Riddick stepped into his stasis-chamber, watching the door close from behind his goggles. Listened to the assistant exchange a few words with the Captain, before he decided it was not worth hearing. His door sealed shut and he let himself take in the pretty blonde assistant. She was part of the ship's medical crew; a white jacket over her clothes, but that didn't hide her curves. What did he say her name was? Lara… that's right.
The darkness was thick, washing over him slowly, so thick he thought he could swim in it. He drank it in, lifting his goggles and opening his eyes, it filled him.
"…Not for you – I said I'd die for them, but not for you…"
He fell, over and over he fell. Pain – so much pain, tearing at his side, his leg, and then he fell, roaring as he plunged into the thick mud. Rain poured over him, soaking him to his very core, as blood mixed into the water and pooled beneath him. There was a prickling sensation on his chest, it felt like someone pushed him, but with just one hand. He slipped, and then he felt warm again, someone warm and soft pressing against him, balancing him, the heat spoke.
"Get up! Come on, Riddick, get up! I said I'd die for them, but not for you! Not for you!" He was swimming now, his muscles turned liquid from the adrenaline, then the pain, then warmth guiding him towards the light, out of the darkness, his darkness, and into the light. "Almost there – move, Riddick!"
There was a pause, and then he was cold again, she was pulled away from him so quickly, sucked back into the deep and the dark. And he fell; but he was in the light now, he couldn't swim… struggling to his feet and stumbling forward, towards the light she was guiding him to – he looked up into the black sky, "Not for me…"
"Not for me!" He whispered it as he woke, opening his eyes behind his goggles, but he couldn't move. There was a soft hiss and his door opened out into the chamber bay, the Captain's assistant stepped forward to him, looking over his vitals on her handheld. There were other passengers chatting quietly, they were releasing the cryo chambers one after another.
"We've just arrived on New Mecca. One of your party has been released," She glanced to her left, nodding towards Iman, who was praying with a few others. "We're ready to release your…" She took a long look at her handheld, looking first at him and then at Jack, "Sister."
She pressed a few buttons and released Jack, who first glared at Riddick and then ran to hug Iman. He looked back at Lara, "Thanks."
He knew she was sneaking glances at him every chance she got, he could smell her arousal, and she was his type. Bet she's a good fuck – look at that ass…
"We're here!" Jack's voice snapped him out of it, "Come on, let's go! Iman said we could stay with him – he has a home here, we have a home now!" She took his hand and tugged him towards customs.
"No, kid." He followed a few steps before taking his hand back, "You go with the Holy Man, I've got some things to do, and I can't go through customs."
Disappointment flooded her face, and she thought for a long moment before looking up at him again, "You're gonna look for a ship to steal…"
"Yea."
"Promise me that you'll take me with you; Iman has a home here, but I want to come with you." She pleaded.
"We'll see – "
"NO!" She shouted at him suddenly, "Promise!"
"I promise." He smiled weakly and she threw herself against him, hugging him tightly. He was uncomfortable, but he wrapped an arm around her anyway. "It may take me a few days, and until then, you stay with him."
Iman nodded, and shook Riddick's hand before turning towards customs. "Come, child." Was all Riddick heard as they disappeared into the crowd.
He took a deep breath, and surveyed his surroundings. The docking bay was huge, ships as far as he could see, almost floating in the sea of people that flowed steadily in all directions. A planet of life and light, and everything he hated. He growled and pulled his cloak around him; began scouting for a ship to steal.
Mercs everywhere… Steal a merc ship. Pick out a small one: comfortable, built for long trips, so I can get far away from here.
Hmm… I need access to a computer, ship logs; a ship for two that no one will miss.
Wait, for two?
Why not take one now, and run?
She'll follow me, get close, get hurt, I have to protect her.
I have to protect me – I'm not a fucking babysitter. She'll slow me down, I can't have anyone slow me down.
Can't steal it tonight, I need time to think, I promised her…
Several hours later…
He left the docking bay, and slipped through customs when the guards changed shifts – so much security, but he was the best, a perfect shadow.
Checked in at the nearest hotel, and went straight up to his room. It was small, but it would do. Queen-sized bed, a desk with a computer and internet services, bathroom was nice – roomy shower and an even bigger bathtub. Business first. He went to the computer, easily bypassing the system, and let himself into New Mecca's security mainframe. He could only manage low level access, but the ship he had his eye on wouldn't be hidden anywhere. The details were vague, the crew was scheduled to leave in two days, so he had to steal it and be off this rock in one. No problem.
"Lights off."
He pulled his goggles off and set them on the desk, picking up the phone and calling the front desk, he ordered clothes, food, and asked where the nearest bar was.
"Your food will be ready and sent up in thirty minutes, Mr. Venturi," He stifled a laugh when the receptionist addressed him by "name". "And your clothing order will be up in two hours. Is there anything else you need?"
"No." He hung up and threw his clothes on the floor, stepping into the shower, and letting the hot water wash away a layer of dirt and grime. He turned the water hotter, until it scalded his skin. He stepped out, steaming, and wrapped a towel around his waist, opening the bathroom door so the steam could clear. Took a long look at himself in the mirror, his silver eyes the only reflection.
"Lights, twenty percent." They came on, dim, but it was enough. He picked up a razor and the shaving cream off the sink, and paused a moment, throwing the razor into the trash, he fetched his knife from his torn pants, and shaved himself clean. He rinsed off his head in the sink, and looked himself over in the mirror again, running a hand over his smooth head. Much better.
There was a knock at the door, and he tucked his knife into the back of his towel. "Lights on."
The room lit up just as he slid his goggles over his eyes, "It's open."
A young man pushed a cart of food through the door, and stumbled as his eyes fell upon Riddick, wearing black goggles and a towel. A smirk spread across Riddick's face and the boy took a step back. Smart kid.
"Here." Riddick tossed a generous tip at the kid, and pointed at the door. "Lights off."
The room was pitch black as the door closed, and the boy stumbled out, still in awe of the giant man who would be staying in that room. He counted his tip, and decided he'd deliver the clothes when they arrived.
Late that night…
Riddick was dressed in clean clothes, boots, and his goggles; he was showered, shaved, and fed, and it was time for a drink. He walked to the nearby club, and heard the music shaking the building before he even stepped inside.
It was dark, crowded, and loud. Perfect. Going straight to the bar, he ordered a beer and took a seat, looking over the crowd as he drained the bottle. The bartender was a cute little redhead, and brought him another beer the moment his empty one hit the counter. He grinned and took a long drink, leaning over the bar a little so she could hear him over the music, he ordered a glass of bourbon and she licked her lips looking him over as she poured. He picked up his glass and sat down in a booth, watching the dance floor. It wasn't long before his glass was empty and he set it down to watch some of the girls dancing together on the floor. The same cute, little barmaid greeted him at his table.
"Can I get you another, big guy?" She grinned at him.
"Yea, that would be great." He smiled back, cocking his head to get a better look.
When she returned, she leaned down to set his drink in front of him, giving him a magnificent view of her cleavage. "Here you go."
He pointed at the dance floor, singling out two girls that were dancing together, grinding against eachother's hips as the music throbbed through the air. "You don't know that woman by any chance, do you?"
The barmaid looked across the dance floor, letting her eyes settle on the blonde he was referring to, "That's Lara, she's a regular here." They watched the two girls sit down in a booth across the room.
"Do you know what her favorite drink is?"
"Sure."
"I'll have another bourbon, and I'll buy her drink."
"I'll let her know you've got an eye for her, sugar."
He laughed to himself as she fetched him another drink, and proceeded across the floor to her booth. Sugar? That's a new one. He grinned and took a long drink, as Lara walked towards his booth, and took a seat next to him. She wore a tight black mini-skirt and a revealing tube top, her hair was down and flowing, sweat dripped from her brow, having stepped off the dance floor only moments ago. Her clothes clung to her, and he inhaled along her neck, taking in a hint of vanilla, and sweat, and arousal.
She took a long drink and looked him over the same way, placing a hand on his chest. She'd never seen a more beautiful man in her life… if only she could see his eyes… "You're Mr. Venturi – " She remembered him.
He smiled widely, and took a sip of his drink before he spoke, "Please, call me Bryan." His voice was silk.
"Bryan… do you dance?" Normally, she wouldn't approach a stranger like this, but this man was something incredible – his presence alone was intoxicating, her night was getting so much better, so fast.
"Not in public." His voice was deep.
"I have a room, if you're interested." She hesitated until she saw him nod, and took his hand, leading him upstairs.
"You stay here?" He raised an eyebrow.
"I'm friends with the bartender." She sat down on the edge of her bed, tugging at his shirt. He pulled it off over his head, and tossed it on the floor. She tried not to gasp; he was magnificent – perfectly sculpted muscles, washboard abs… She stifled a moan as he leaned down over her; she laid back and reached for his goggles.
"No," He caught her wrist, "Turn the lights off first."
"Lights off." He let her arm go and she pulled them off; his eyes were closed. "Let me see."
He opened his eyes and this time she gasped and ran a hand over his smooth scalp, keeping her eyes open as she pulled him in for a kiss.
Riddick could feel the pulse of the music through the floor, as he pushed her up the bed until her head rested on the pillows, and reached over to set his goggles on the nightstand. Her scent washed over him, and he ran a hand from her neck, down her chest, and rested it at her hip. She was peeling off her clothes and tossing them away quickly, but he sat back a moment, taking in the view of her gorgeous naked body, and her ice blue eyes… He growled, his erection pressing painfully at his pants. She tugged them off, but he shoved her down before she could reach for his black boxers, and pulled them off quickly himself.
His hands were all over her, leaning down, burying his lips against her neck, kissing and sucking down to her breasts. Taking one in his mouth, he rolled his tongue over her nipple and sucked sharp gasps out of her, caressing her other breast with his hand. He turned them so she was straddling his waist, and he held her up, her back arched, so he could devour her breasts. Nipping her sides lightly, he ran one hand down between her legs, sliding in and out of her with one finger, teasing her clit with his thumb, until he could hear loud moans between ragged breaths.
She wrapped her arms around behind his neck, completely lost in the pleasure she felt when he slipped a second finger into her,
"Oh my God, please… please, no more waiting." She pleaded, reaching down and taking him in her hands, she found another surprise, "Jesus, you're huge!" She grinned delightfully. He pulled his hand out of her, sucking her off his fingers, and making her watch. She tried to sit down on him, but he held her waist firmly in place, before letting her take him slowly. She was tight around him, and tried to move, but he held her down. Very slowly, he moved his hips beneath her, and he felt her tighten in anticipation.
He lay back slowly, letting her sit on top of him, and he ran his hand up her stomach, pinching her nipples lightly. He saw her fight back a scream, and she started to move slowly, rising high until he was barely in her, coming down on him slowly, her moans, a mix of pain and pleasure as she took all of him. He groaned and let her work a while, moving slowly until he was satisfied she was completely ready for all of him. He bucked his hips up into her and she screamed and rode him… a few more moments and he lost it, pushing her onto her back, he pulled out of her to flip her over, while her hands stroked him eagerly. He rubbed his erection over her clit, letting her grind her hips to her liking until he couldn't take it any more and growled a deep rumble that she could not only hear, but feel.
He thrust himself into her, all of him, and she screamed, her walls tightening and clamping down as she reached orgasm. His animal took over and he thrust into her again and again, pumping his hips toward his release. Her moans of pleasure drove him further, his weight collapsing on her, his arms running beneath her, gripping the top of her shoulders as he got closer. He heard another scream when her nails dug into his back, drawing blood. She tightened and reached orgasm a second time, this time he reached his own release, pumping violently into her, as hard and fast as he could, roaring as he came, and continued to thrust as he exploded inside of her. His eyes closed and his animal roared again, wanting more, the pressure of her tight walls around him, the scent of her lust and sweat filling his pores, the screams of ecstasy drowned out the music and he remained rock hard inside her, but they slowed, gasping desperately for air. He let his forehead rest against hers, his eyes closed as he rocked himself against her solely for her pleasure. He thought he felt her come again before he rolled off her, panting.
The next day…
He'd left Lara in the night, not long after she was asleep. The walk back to his hotel through the cool air felt good, he'd really needed a good fuck. He showered to get rid of her scent, and slept a little before he gathered his things and walked to Iman's home. He wore his goggles again. I can't wait to get out of here.
He knocked on the door and Jack burst from the other side of it, ecstatic simply by his presence. He didn't have to say a word, she knew what he was thinking, and her face went from smiling to serious, then back again, "I get to come with you, right?"
"Holy Man ain't gonna like that idea."
She started to speak, to protest, but he interrupted.
"Look, Jack…" His eyes were downcast and his words were slow. "You've got a good chance at a good life, and you deserve that. I could take you with me, but I could fuck everything up. It's best if you stay here."
"You promised." She glared in disbelief. Iman walked up silently, behind her.
"Jack," Iman tried to make his voice as soothing as possible, "This is best. You have a home here, with me. You can go to school - "
Her eyes hadn't left Riddick, and she screamed in tears at him, "You promised! I am coming with you!"
Riddick lit up with anger, he knew he had to do this or she'd never back down; he hated himself for it already. He tore his goggles off and looked her right in the eyes, "You're staying here, Jack – don't speak, just shut up!"
She moved to strike him and he slapped her hands away, deflecting her easily. That made her angrier and she jumped at him to strike again, but this time he caught her by the throat with one hand and held her against a wall.
"STOP!" He roared, "You're a goddamn kid, and I can't take you with me, you're just going to slow me down. You listen to me," He was growling now, "you're staying here. END OF DISCUSSION."
She was trying to break his hold, and after a long moment, he dropped her. She hit the floor with a thud, and scrambled to her feet, tears pouring down her face as she punched his stomach and chest with all she had. He waited a moment before shoving her back with one arm. She came at him and he finally knocked her back roughly.
"Fucking bitch." He growled at her and walked away.
He could hear her screaming behind him, cursing, and swearing her hatred for him. Iman was probably holding her back. He almost paused, but instinct told him to keep moving.
A/N : That is the end of chapter 1! This has been more of a "test" chapter for me to get a feel for writing again and hopefully to get some responses. If you read, please review, I need to hear your words to create – be it good or bad – just click it! Takes five minutes and it'll make my day!