Black Lotus Returns

By AngelicTiger

Introduction

Rating: PG-13

Copyright: Chronicles of Riddick: Pitch Black/Riddick and its characters are not my property however, the other characters and story are my property. Respect the copyrights of others. No income is derived from this fan fiction - please don't sue - thanx :-)

Note to Reviewers: Please read and review or leave a kind note if you don't want to review just so that I know someone's read this story. Reviews are welcomed and very much appreciated. They really do help us writers improve and inspire us to write. BUT Reviews can also break a writers spirit so be kind. Be helpful in a nice way if you can.

For those who have read the first part of this story, The Black Lotus, here is a recap:

The Black Lotus Summary: While in hiding, Riddick rescues a woman from a gang rape. She was injured so he took care of her and hoped she would leave in the morning but she didn't. There was something more wrong with her and he couldn't just leave her to fend for herself knowing she couldn't. So he takes her back to his hideout and she asks for his help to find a doctor. Her name is Lina and she had surgery recently but can't remember having it or anything prior to a few days ago. Against his better judgment, he helps her and finds a Doc. After the Doc informs Riddick that she has an inhibitor chip implant, several men appear and try to take Lina, not interested in Riddick. They obviously didn't know who he was. He manages to escape with Lina. That night her chip dislodges itself and Lina regains her memory. He finds her on the roof and she thanks him for everything but has to leave. He tries to stop her but she hurls him back with some unseen force (a telekinetic force), and disappears. He tracks her down to a hanger while busy stealing a ship only she was trying to get a pilot. Riddick saves her life and they fly off together. They land on a humid world and Lina suddenly remembers more – a daughter. She goes frantic and insists Riddick helps her get her daughter. Intrigued by this woman and her ability, he aids her. They commandeer another small vessel and fly to Ta'gara. There they find Sam, Lina's five year old daughter. After an impressive display of their ability used together, they leave Ta'gara and head for Lina's secret home on Quazar 9. Riddick leaves that night deciding not to say and put them in anymore danger. After all, he's a wanted man as well.


Chapter 1 – And So It Begins

It's been two long years and several failed assassination attempts – but I'm still here. Why, I can't say I really know. Maybe it's because I actually belong somewhere now. Okay, so it's not quite what I had in mind but who am I to judge.

To each their own.

I finally got the converting to stop and have made my home the vast escape called space. Tried to undo the brainwashing but many refused to participate. So now, there are a few small factions – renegade believers of Underverse - who continue on in the old Lord Marshal's image. And guess who leads them, Dame Vaako.

Her husband on the other hand de-converted just fine and is now my first lieutenant and advisor. What do I know about leading anyway? It's not like the elemental stuck around. Don't know where she came from or where she's gone.

As yet the renegades are too few in number to do any serious damage so I let them be. Keep track of them though, just in case.

Changed a few things, the décor just wasn't me. Added a statue in the main hall in honour of Kyra. Only one who actually looked up to me – never had that before. I miss her, never really got to know her.

Slowly but surely, a few other surviving Furyans came out of the woodwork and made their presence known. So I helped them rebuild - gave them what I never had. Located Furia and started making things right.

And as much as I'd love to hand over this pathetic title, I'd rather not see it in the hands of some self-proclaimed lord. Normally wouldn't care but those words Kyra said on Crematoria 'There was no-one else'. Those words made me think – if not me, who else. This is for her.

So I've stuck around – let Lord Vaako take care of things, trying to stay out of the limelight. The great thing about being Lord Marshal is that there's no more bounty on my head, only wanna-be Lord Marshals at my throat. Nothing I can't handle.

Then I get news that a small group of freedom fighters took on Dame Vaako and to my surprise, they won. The remaining Underverse followers have gone into hiding and if they know what's good for them, they'll stay there.

So I invite the leader of this freedom fighting group over to congratulate them but my offer is refused. Weeks later I am told I have a visitor. Someone representing the freedom fighting group. I find this unusual yet interesting.

What makes it more interesting is the fact that this guest is a mere kid, who came alone. Practical joke or something else? I humour my curiosity and decide to meet with this kid. At best he just wants to see if the rumours about my Lordship are true, like so many others who have heard of me, the infamous Richard B. Riddick. At worst, he wants to challenge me – a kid. Not a smart kid then.

That's one thing I'm having difficulty changing. Their stupid code ' you keep what you kill'. Was able to modify it somewhat but the basis remains.

So, now it's time to play.

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Riddick nods at Vaako who in turn nods towards the entrance. The doorman opens the large door and indicates for the guest to enter and meet with the Lord Marshal. A small frail hooded figure walks up to the seated Lord Marshal. Riddick stands to greet his visitor.

Okay, for a kid he sure is scrawny. Then again, I've seen things in my lifetime to know better and be aware. Things aren't always as they seem.

"You can remove your hood." Vaako instructs. "This is a private audience with the Lord Marshal.

Still no response so Riddick approaches. "Remove your hood." He demands. Two hands slide out of the robe and reach for the hood. They pull the hood back slowly. Vaako looks surprised and looks to Riddick with an odd expression on his face. The hooded guest is nothing more than a girl. A young barely thirteen-year-old girl.

Riddick laughs. "Ha! So this is some kind of a joke." The girl looks up into Riddicks eyes and a glimpse of recognition overcomes him. "Do I know you?" He asks while studying her.

Those eyes, so familiar. That hair – I know that hair. And that smell, smells like someone I once knew.

The girl smiles and finally speaks in a confident tone. "No, you don't really know me. But we have met before." Suddenly it dawns on him. He steps back and seats himself on his throne-like chair.

"Leave us." He orders Vaako who acknowledges and leaves the small hall together with the other guards feeling no need to question the Lord Marshal. The girl is obviously no threat. Riddick waits for the room to clear leaving just him and the girl.

"Does your mother know what you're up to…" he pauses before stating a name, "Sam?"

"If you mean does she know I'm here, " she replies, "no."

Riddick leans forward in his chair. "So why are you here?"

The girl continues her gaze certain of her words. "I wanted to see for myself if it was really you."

Riddick smiles and stands up. "Well," he begins, "satisfied?"

Sam nods and turns to leave. She walks gracefully towards the doors and just before disappearing behind them, she comments, "She still thinks of you." The doors shut close and Riddick stands there at a loss. The girl reminds him of young Jack on some strange level – young and full of it.

And then there's Sam's mother, Lina.

Still think of her too.