Rayen: First off! I would love to thank everyone for their support of the story thus far! I honestly did not expect this good a response, and I hope it continues to entertain you. As requested from last chapter being so short, for you all, I am posting chapter 11 early. So please! enjoy!
Chapter 11: PrincessShe was staring at my chest as I spoke. The reason I gave her was only part of it. She was different… hadn't shown much fear towards me… for me, yes. She cared more than anyone could ever care for a monster like me. Everyone else—except that holy man—didn't care if I dropped from lack of O2 or water. Not even that fucking blue eyed merc who wanted the bounty on me. You'd think he'd care more considering I'm his pay check.
Princess coughed, and grabbed her water and took a very small sip, and I frowned as I watched her. She was sharing that water with everyone. If that water recovery unit didn't work, her water was going to go quick. She wouldn't be able to pick and choose who go her water. I had a few guesses who would get it. The kid, the priest and his boys, that free settle woman, and that pilot maybe. Oh and me.
Her wrestling with her breather drew me out of my thoughts. "Damn, Fry. She forgot to tell me how to switch the tank…" her voice was a soft growl.
I chuckled, "Let me see." She stopped as I knelt down and messed with it. I yanked the tube off on tank, then forced it onto the other one.
"Big Evil!" stupid merc was calling. "Leave her O2 alone!"
Before I could reply, Princess answered. "I asked him to switch the tanks for me. Since I couldn't see what Fry did."
I smirked as Johns growled. Princess had quite the razor for a tongue. Johns continued on, and I finished switching her O2. "You're switched."
"Thanks," she took a hit, then held it to me as I stood. "A reward as Johns would put it."
I laughed, and took a hit. "You could walk with me and 'keep an ear on me' if you would like."
She chuckled. "Sure, 'Big Evil.'"
I growled playfully at her. "Only Johns calls me that."
"Well, if I'm 'Princess' how about I call you 'Sir Shiv-A-Lot'?" she asked with a teasing tone.
I laughed again. I hadn't heard that nickname since—I squashed the thoughts about that. "Sure." I didn't need her worrying about me and my issues right now. Right now I had to make sure she could focus on surviving.
"Alright, Sir Shiv-A-Lot, let's go," she smiled and began to use her cane to guide herself after I handed it back.
I wasn't gonna have that. I caught up to her and laced my arm around hers. I smiled as she looked towards me. "I'll escort you properly, Princess."
She laughed, and we walked through the settlement like that.
As I said before I've met those twerps from the aristocratic planets. Even killed a few men that tried to be tough… She acted totally different; she somehow knew she didn't own the universe. She knew how unimportant she was in comparison to everyone else. If anything, she made herself smaller in importance. Even I, a criminal and murderer, was before her on her list of priorities.
I had to respect her for that… Of course, it's possible she was playing an angle so I can keep her and the kid alive. In which case, I can't blame her. Because she was playing it smart. I glanced down at her as we walked. However, she was totally relaxed around me. So I doubt she was playing an angle. So, I guess that means she is the genuine article.
"We have shadows," she whispered softly, tilting her head as I saw the youngest pilgrim to dart behind a container.
I chuckled. "Let 'em." A small smile managed to grace her lips. In the back of my mind, I wished to see more of it. I don't know why I wanted to see it… I actually wanted to just know all about her...where she was coming from.
Rayen: Thanks reading. I know this was not a very long chapter either, but trust me, after this point, it will pick up and get a bit more... active. The eclipse is approaching... How will Alou's presence affect the road to the outcome? Will SHE survive-
Riddick: She better or your dead-
Rayen: Dude I'm just building suspense! Get the shiv out of my kidney! *growls then sighs.* Anyway, stay tuned til your next regularly scheduled chapter update.
