Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Pitch Black. I do not make any money from this story.
(ME) Hello Hello all ^^ back with another chapter for you all with all the changes complete. Big thanks to my patient Beta for working so hard on this. This is over 10,000 words so yeah it's taken me some time to write it up from my pad. I was going to spilt it into 2 parts but change my mind cos in the end I couldn't find where to spilt it lol.
I work my butt off to get this chapter out for you. Now I know I am being slow but sadly RL is busy so I only get an hour or 2 to work on stories but never fear I am never ever giving up on writing this or my other stories though this one will be the most worked on as the poll on my profile has spoken ^^ so I'll let you get on with the story.
'Thoughts' yes I have change it.
"Talking"
Chapter 15
Harry jogged at the back of the group while his eyes followed the shadows of the hammer-headed creatures that dared to move around the edges of the light before hissing and backing away in pain for being too close. Them being so close by put him right on edge, he still felt the fear from before when he was down that hole and had been nearly killed by them. It had been a long time since something had scared him so much and those creatures terrified him. It also didn't help that he could feel their emotions as well their hunger. If it hadn't been for Riddick feeding him, he would have drained half of the group dry because of the bloodlust.
He never wanted to feel terror like that again or be so weak against a threat.
Taking a deep calming breath, he forced his fear to the back of his mind once more and focused on something else. His magic and how it was acting strangely came to mind. It had never been so wild and unreliable before, not even when he was learning his vampire and elf powers, which he found to be a bit lacking as well. He had better control as a child than he did now and it was starting to scare him. 'I wish I had time to go to my library to research what is happening to me. If I had my magic acting normal, my mate and the others would be hell of a lot safer and already off this hellhole planet.' Harry thought as he ran his eyes over the group. His gaze fell on Fry who was walking beside Johns. 'Well not all of them are worth saving.'
Both were on borrowed time and he was looking forward to seeing them in pain for the grief they had caused him and his mate. Feeling his eyes glow and fangs wanting to burst forth, he quickly turned away from them. Now wasn't the time for his vampire side to come out in a blood rage. They would be able to play soon enough, he just had to wait.
Instead, he turned looked at the children of the group. They stuck close to the sled with the neon lights wrap tightly around them and looked around fearfully. The scent of fear was also heavy around them and every time a creature screeched their fear spiked but he was proud they weren't letting it slow them down or causing them to panic and doing something rash.
Hearing a quiet hiss from behind him, Harry was quick to turn and raised his light to ward the creature off. It screeched and darted away from the burning pain. He wished he could use his vampire sight but there was so much light around and he didn't feel like being blinded at the moment. Plus he got the feeling that he would have to use it soon enough. He could smell the fear growing as they made their way further away from the crashed ship and that meant anything could happen.
"Stay close" Fry called out to the group. She turned to look at them to make sure they did as she ordered, with tensions high she didn't want her leadership to be questioned now not when she needed to be seen as important and protected. She wasn't going to die here. Spotting movement from the back she saw Harry's head snap to the shadows on their left and knew he'd seen something she couldn't and it made her very nervous about what was waiting there.
She may hate that freak and had a very dark wish for him to drop dead but for now, he was more useful alive.
"Screech!"
They all cringed and picked up their pace. As she turned to face forward once more, she realized that the sound had come from where Harry had been looking. She rudely admitted out here in the darkness he was needed. But at some point, his usefulness wouldn't be needed anymore. She knew that things were going too well for them and sooner or later something was going to happen and the back of the group was going to be the most dangerous place to be.
Her eyes fell on Riddick's back, the small light he had on for them to follow making it easier for her to see those strong muscles move as he jogged, the tight black tank top outlining them so perfectly that her breath caught in the back of her throat at the sight. The man was pure sex on legs and no matter what Johns said or claimed about him leaving them, she knew in her heart that Riddick would get them to the safety of the skiff and off this shithole of a planet. Maybe once they were on the skiff he would want something more pleasing to take up the long hours of waiting for help to come. She shivered in pleasure at the thought.
In her delusional mind, she didn't realize or pick up on that Riddick would sooner gut her and leave her ass in the cold than touch her. She didn't think on what had been said in the crashed ship about Riddick being Harry's mate or how they were together now. If she had been in her right mind she would have been scared shitless at having hurt what was Riddick's and had tried to kill Harry once already. But again Fry was living in a dream world. She believed that Riddick wanted her. She was beautiful, smart and perfect for him. Being in a slam for so long, he must want the touch and attention of a woman by now. Plus she was the captain that will fly him off this rock, never mind that she was only the captain as the other crew members were dead. She had convinced herself that he did need her as a pilot as well truly forgetting that Johns had told her he could and had manned a skiff himself.
Her mind was breaking in the darkness, so much so she even ignored the closeness of Riddick and Harry now. Instead it was replaced by something only she could see. After all, he had been so close to her in the skiff, she remembers him smelling her hair and breathing in her scent. She regretted now not stepping back into his arms in that moment. She wished with all her dark heart she had. So many things would be different and easier for her if she had.
If anyone had been looking into Fry's eyes they would have seen the insane look that had taken over them. Her mind was truly broken under the presser of being on this planet and the guilt she still held inside over causing the deaths of her crew and passengers. The monsters that shouldn't be real bar from stories you told kids to keep them in bed and the endless darkness around them seems to have snapped the woman's mind. The group of survivors were lucky Riddick was leading them and not her or they would be already dead.
In the back, Harry caught the scent of lust mingling with fear. He easily worked out the direction it was coming.
His eyes landed on the bitch ahead of him, seeing the way her head was slightly tilted and he gritted his teeth as he knew who she was ogling. 'Not only do I have to put up with her ogling my Hunter's ass and I can't do anything about it now I have to put up with her disgusting scent.' Harry growled inside his mind both sides of him raging at being kept from killing their prey. He was so on edge already, what with the hammer-headed creatures dogging their steps he didn't need this bitch trying to push him to the boiling point right now.
The woman seemed to not get the hint or was just blind to the fact that she was never going to get with his mate.
'I wonder if this happened to Riddick every time he meets single women or men, or Fry is just blind to the males around her and that they wanted nothing to do with her.' Harry thought, looking at her.
He guessed the latter.
Harry sighed through his nose and tried to calm down. He didn't know if Fry had been always like this or if this was new, maybe caused by the crash but it was making it hard not to go into a full-on blood rage and rip her gut out. How she hadn't got a clue that none of the males in the group wanted her bloody ass he didn't know, even the drug up merc didn't want her for crying out loud.
Hopefully, he'll be able to let out his rage and pay her back soon enough, he hadn't forgotten the fear he felt down in that hole. Trapped like a lamb waiting to be taken to the slaughterhouse.
Harry took another calming breath. He could feel his eyes and fangs trying to come forth and now wasn't the time to let his anger get the better of him, his papa made sure he had more control than that.
Taking his mind off Fry as she had taken up his thoughts too much already, he looked around at the others in the group to see if they were doing okay with the faster pace. He saw Imam pulling as hard as he could with the sled alongside Johns and Harry was happy to see Suleiman was holding a light over Imam at the same time keeping his brother close to his side. It had been agreed back at the cargo-hold that Ali was to be beside someone at all times, it was too dangerous for the youngest of their group to be alone at any moment.
Shazza was on the other side of the sled by Johns bottle touch over them both. Though from the look on her face said she wanted to as far from the merc as possible. He was glad he wasn't picking up on the depression scent that had been clinging to her since losing Zeke, though her fear was high maybe more so than the kids. That didn't surprise him not after the poor woman was nearly getting caught by the hatchlings. It wouldn't surprise him if she was still slightly in shock. Harry couldn't blame her, he was still wasn't over the hole himself and being out here wasn't helping either of them. He just wished he could lessen her fear.
Turning from her, Harry looked out the corner of his eye to see how the cowardly man beside him was holding up. Not good by the look on the man's face.
He didn't like being stuck at the back of the group with Paris but both he and Riddick thought it was for the best, both of them didn't trust Paris to keep calm enough if anything where to go wrong plus Harry could cover his mates back and keep an eye on everyone at the same time.
Paris was already panting with exhaustion and Harry can't help being disappointed in the man as they had only been jogging for a short time, maybe a few miles if that. If he picked up the pace like he wanted to Paris would be behind him instead of the beside him.
Sighing, Harry checks one last time to make sure Paris was keeping up before turning back to watching the shadows.
0-0-0-0-0-0
A few hours later things started to go from bad to worse.
Paris was now panting heavily beside him and was sweating so much Harry had taken a step away from him to get away from the smell.
Imam and Johns seem to be coping better than the coward even under the weight of the cells but Harry knew that their strength couldn't keep up with this pace forever. Both men were sweating slightly and out of breath under the strain.
Worried at how tired the group was becoming, Harry looked over to Shazza to see she was still keeping pace well, though she too was panting. Not as hard as the men and Harry knew this was because she was hardworking and was used to working for hours on end without breaks so jogging few a hours wasn't a strain on her body. He notices Suleiman and Ali had moved to run beside her as her light dead off. Leaving Jack to cover Imam, Harry couldn't help worrying about the kids. They were slowing down and if it came to a point where they had to really move fast they wouldn't be able to.
He liked these people...Well, minus two of them and more pity towards the coward.
Looking forward to his mate's back his thoughts turned to 'what ifs' if the ward's around his tomb hadn't fallen, if Captain Maz along with Jas and the crew hadn't come and found him, if Fate hadn't led him to buy a ticket for the transport ship Hunter-Gratzner and into the arms of his mate. Someone he had lost all hope of ever finding.
The crash had been the best thing that had ever happened to him, if not for that he would never have crossed paths with any of these interesting people. But fate brought them all together on this hell planet, intertwining their lives and deaths.
Even though he, himself was older than any of them, Harry had come to see them all 'well some.' as part of his family. Imam a man with more wisdom and patience than the rest of them, a kindness that reminded him so much of his dad Remus. It was both a blessing and a curse to him for being reminded of his dad so much but it did fill his heart with joy that in a way his dad's spirit lived on in others.
Then there was Shazza, who reminded him of himself. So Strong and hard-working, even though she lost her lover and nearly her own life, she still pushed on. She had a fighting spirit in her that would break free sooner or later. When it did she would be a true lioness, worthy of Gryffindor.
The kids in the group pulled at something deep inside him, he had always wanted children but he had given up all hope as time had gone on and there was no sign of his mate in those years. So instead he had opened the first magical orphanage in the magical world so nothing like Tom Riddle ever happened again and he became a favourite uncle and watched many grow into fine Witches, Wizards, and magical beings. And he now had three new kids to look after and he would do everything in his power to make sure they left this planet safely.
Harry shook his head to clear it, twice now he has gotten lost in thought and with how tired everyone was becoming something was bound to happen sooner or later.
And how right he was as the shit hit the fan not an hour later as Paris' blowtorch started to stutterer and died as the fuel inside ran empty. Paris stared at it wide-eyed and panic started to climb inside his chest, his mind went blank with fear.
The torch died and placed the both of them in the shadows.
Harry nearly sneered as the scent of fear around the man skyrocketed and the noises of excitement came from the creatures grew.
They sensed the fear.
The sounds were so loud everyone pause to look at them, their eyes trying to catch sight of the monsters in the dark.
"Stay close," Imam said looking back to Harry and Paris in concern.
Though if he were honest with himself, he was talking more to Pairs as he knew Harry could look after himself. With those words, the others starting walking again and both he and Johns started pulling the slide again.
Harry's eyes shoot to Pairs as he left his side and went to the slide, he quickly bent down and grabbed a light. But in his panic, he fumbled and knocked one of the flares out, it fell to the ground and rolled away because of the uneven ground.
It finally came to a stop in the shadows barely seen in the faint light.
Pairs sew what he had done but there was no way he was going after it and risking his neck.
Jack who had seen what he had done and wasn't has put off by the danger, started taking off her neon lights and went after it. "Wait."
"Jack! NO!" Harry shouted fear, his hand out reaching for the girl. The scent of blood permeated the air as the spell he had placed on her wore off it at that moment. It no longer masked her from the monsters and they instantly focused on her.
Harry started taking off the tubing to reach her before it was too late. Sadly, he wasn't fast enough and all he could do was watch helplessly as she kneeled on the ground her back to the light and reached for the flare. What she didn't see was the hammerhead lock on to her from the air and that swooped down with great speed towards her.
Imam did and tore off the sleds ropes and raced towards Jack, knocking them to the side and back into the light causing the creature to screech in frustration as it flew back into the darkness away from the pain of the light.
Shazza shoot forwards to Ali and Suleiman, pulling them to her side and making them crouch down. She protected the boys to the best of her ability as Johns started firing his gun aimlessly around them. If she wasn't so concerned over her safety as well as the boys she would be screaming at the idiot to stop firing so recklessly.
Johns' heart raced as he fired again and again, he knew the suckers were around them and at least one of his shots would hit its mark and down one of the bastards. He turned sharply at a screech behind him and as his finger tightens on the trigger he realized it wasn't a monster behind him but a terrified Fry staring at him wide-eyed. In those second he thought about if he could get away with letting his finger continue on its journey and ghost her right here and now. By the look in her eye, she knew it too.
But this wasn't the time or the place to deal with her so he turned away as she crouched the ground in fear and fired again into the darkness.
Harry watched all of this crouched low to the ground, He would have felt cheated if Johns had fired that shot, Fry's life belong to him, not the drugged up merc.
A screech from above brought him out of his thoughts and he turned to see one of the hammerheads swoop down and spook Paris, knocking the man to the ground before the light drove it off back into the darkness.
And it was in that moment Harry felt something he hadn't felt in years.
Death had come again.
Pulling the tubing lights off, he made sure his bag was strapped on tight before rolling into the darkness. Harry closed his eyes and willed his eyes to change into his vampire site. Opening them his blood-red gaze allowed him to see everything in darkness, while in the light he could make out nothing, it was just a blind spot.
Turning to his mate who comes to join him in the darkness, Harry ran his eyes over his form to make sure he was okay. He watched him crouch beside him with his shiv in hand and silver eyes locked on the fleeing Paris as the man began to crawl quickly away from the others. Harry stood and followed through the shadows, knowing what was about to happen.
"This can't be happening to me. This isn't real, I must be dreaming. Wake up wake up!" Paris muttered under his breath, over and over again. Panic and fear clouded his mind as he got further and further from the group, his ears deaf to the groups cries to come back.
"Paris. Get back here! Stop!" Fry screamed, not in fear for the man's life but in fear of her own. In his panic Paris had forgotten he was still wearing the neon lights around him and was slowly pulling the generator off the sled.
Paris heard none of it and kept on going till he dragged the generator right off the sled, causing it to slam into the ground, breaking it apart.
The generator stuttered and hissed before its power died making the neon light around the survivors to fade, plunging them into blackness.
Paris finally stopped crawling when he realized he was no longer in the light. His panicked mind span as he slowly looked around from his position. His eyes trying to adapt to see through the darkness.
The flapping of wings came behind him and before he could turn he felt something slashes across his back, he barely felt any pain as he had become numb, his brain overwhelmed by everything. The dead neon tubing fell from his body to the ground as he rose up onto his knees and reached around to touch his back. He felt a strange wetness and pulled his hand in front of him in the darkness his eyes made up a dark stain on his hand but couldn't see much else. Pulling his lighter out with his other shaky hand from his trousers he flicked it on and stared at his hand in disbelief. His brain not catching on to the pain as his nerves had been cut.
"I was supposed to die in France. I never even saw France." Paris whispered brokenly looking around him. "I never saw France."
Taking a drink from his flask he spat the alcohol back out over his flickering lighter, the flame burst out revealing Harry standing in front of him and around them both were hammerhead creatures growling with hunger.
Paris stared wide eyes at the young man, whose eyes were red as blood and seem to stare into his soul. His mind couldn't understand why or how the creatures weren't attacking him, why he was standing there.
His question was answered when one of the creatures clawed at Harry but was blocked by a bluish dome that simmered around the lad.
"How..." Paris coughed out, blood on his lips as the light faded around them.
"Goodnight Paris," Harry said sadly instead as he raised his arm till his palm faced Paris. "Sweet dreams. Avada Kedavra."
A green light flashed from Harry's hand and Paris knew no more. Paris was wrapped into the arms of death, his spirit carried away into the afterlife.
His dead empty eyes stared up at the starry sky as his body fell onto the sandy ground. The hungry hammerheads were quick to tear into the dead body, they tore into the cooling flash with gluttony, fighting each other to get even a small piece.
Harry didn't stay for the feeding frenzy, his light protection spell was fading fast and feeling death again had drained him mentally. He turned and walked not three steps before crashing right into Riddick's chest who had been following him. Riddick was quick to wrap an arm around him and lead his mate away.
Harry shut his eyes and let them fade back into green. Now blind in the darkness Harry had no worries as he knew Riddick would look after him.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
Shazza moved quickly to light one of the flares so they were protected by some light once more and took some bottles out and lit them, bringing more light around them.
Imam seeing what she was doing moved to grab another flare and used that to look over his sons and Jack for any injuries thankful to find none.
"Well, it's good to see you're okay."John's said sarcastically, watching Riddick walk by him alone, into the flares soft glow, his goggles back on.
Riddick just smirked at John's before looking back to where he could see some creatures fighting each other over the body and others tearing it apart.
"Do I even want to know?" Fry asked hearing the sounds of the tearing flesh. The sound was causing her stomach to turn and making it quite hard for her not to imagine what was going on in the darkness.
"Harry?" Ali asked holding Jack's hands and looking at the big man he knew Harry liked.
"Yeah, where is Harry?" Jack asked alongside little boy in worry.
"Harry!? Harry my son where are you?" Imam shouted in concern. Inside he was praying that he hasn't lost the young man he has come to see as another son in this nightmare.
Before anyone else could panic, Harry walked briskly back into the light panting slightly and with a slight sweat on his brow. He said. "Right here Imam, I'm fine. What about all of you? Are you all okay?"
Before anyone could answer Fry butted in angrily. "Where the hell did you disappear to?!"
She tried to hide the slight disappointment that she felt that seeing the Freak alive still.
"Around Fry," Harry says looking deeply into those hateful blue eyes that were
glaring at him. "Around."
Before she could yell anymore Shazza spoke up. "I'm glad you're okay Harry, we can't lose any more of us out here."
She was breathing slightly heavy but the fear she felt moments ago was fading away though the adrenalin rush wasn't and she didn't think it would anytime soon. Not with the neon lights gone and them having so far to go with only bottles lighting the way. She will most likely never understand why Paris had essentially killed himself by running away from them but she hadn't understood the coward since they met. 'Poor bastard.' Shazza thought offhandedly.
"Thanks, Shazza," Harry said smiling at her. "I think we should take a breather before moving on, get our strength back."
"We don't have enough light to stop tucking now, the bottles will only last so long. Stopping now is just a waste of time." Fry scorned him like he was a child. "We have to push on!"
"Fry look around you," Harry growled waving his arm over the group to point out their tired and worn state to her. "We're tired! If we don't rest for ten fucking minutes there will be more mistakes and more fucking death! I am not letting those bastards eat anyone else just because you want to push on and be the bloody leader. We are resting before something else happens, got that!?"
Everyone was silent for a moment after Harry's outburst, only the sound of the creatures could be heard.
"But...but what about light, we don't have enough." Jack said in distress, breaking the tension between Harry and Fry.
Harry let out a frustrated sigh and raised his hand to eye level before holding said hand out in front of him, palm up.
"Lumos." He shouted and his magic answered his call. It rose up from his core and in the palm of his hand, a glowing light appeared floating just above it. The group gasped but Harry paid it little mind as he feeds magic into the light making it slowly grow in his palm. First, it was like a nightlight just giving off a soft glow that would barely light a room, but it didn't stay that way for long before growing to the size of a football and having the power of a searchlight. Happy with its size and the light it produced Harry lifted his hand into the air and let the glowing ball go. It slowly rose above them all until it came to a stop above their head surrounding them in its warm light. There were screeches of rage from the creatures as they were forced to back further away from their meal and quickly backed into the darkness as the light burned their hide.
Harry was thankful he didn't have to hold the spell-like he did as a child, it had taken years and the help of his papa but he learned wandless magic to a master's level. Though with how his magic had been acting his mastery didn't matter he was just happy it worked and he didn't need his wand out. He didn't want Fry or John's knowing about them, the items were personal to him, he still hadn't had the chance to show Riddick and tell him the story behind them yet. 'soon as we're out of this place I will tell Riddick my life story or better yet show him.' Harry thought remembering he had everything he owned in his bag including a Pensieve.
Looking away from the glowing orb, he saw the expressions on the group's faces. Some looked on in awe and shock as they haven't seen him perform any type of magic since finding out he wasn't human.
Smiling, Harry nearly laughed at Fry's dumbfounded expression. Turning from her he looks towards his mate and blushed at the heated look in those silver orbs. He was glad his magic light would never hurt his mate's sliver orbs because he would miss seeing those gorgeous eyes that sent shivers down his spine.
Giving himself a mental stake to clear his thoughts he turned back to the rest of the group and said. "Pass the bottles here, we don't want to waste the fuel till we're off."
"That is so fucking cool." Jack said in awe, eyes glued to the glowing ball. Suleiman who had moved to stand beside him nodded as he smiled, hope and peace filled him as he bathed in the warm glow. He sat on the ground and his brother and Jack followed his lead, for the first time since night had fallen they rested and got some much-needed energy back.
Imam nodded at Jack's words, smiling happily as the children settled down and calmed from the fight they had experienced. He watched as Shazza joined them on the ground and rested. Her tired body finally getting the rest it had been begging for.
Taking the bottles they had already lit, Imam walked over to where Harry was waiting. Handing them over he said. "Here my son and thank you."
Looking confused at him as he took the bottles Harry asked. "Thank me? There's no need for thanks, Imam, I didn't do anything."
"You have placed smiles on the children's faces, my son and in times like these, where we are going to face much in the darkness, there needs to be some happiness to get us through. Even if it's only for a short time." Imam said with an air of wisdom.
Harry's cheeks became flushed at Imam's kind words. All he did was bring some light over them, nothing truly special. In his heart, he wishes he could do more.
Calming down his blushing cheeks, though hard with Riddick staring intensely not far from him,he leaned forward and gently blow on the light flame. They watched as the flame extinguished before their very eyes. Shock ran through some, having no idea that he could do such a thing though with some of the things they had witnessed him do already this was very mild in comparison.
Fear raced through Fry, she knew that the freak was strange but now he was holding out on telling them his powers. If he had hidden useful ability to make light what else was he hiding. Covering the fear she felt with anger though not knowing that both Riddick and Harry could still smell it as well as hear her racing heart. She shouted. "What the hell was that shit!"
"That my dear Fry was me blowing out a candle," Harry said amused by the rage felled look on her face
"You said nothing of any of this back at the ship!" Fry yelled accusingly. "Suddenly there's a light in the sky protecting us and extinguish those torches like it's nothing it makes me think of what else you are hiding from us that could save us from this."
"Nothing Fry." Harry said smiling at her like butter wouldn't in his mouth. "Blowing out a flame is something children learn, not much use out here clearly."
Harry waves his hand towards the glowing ball. "And that is also of no use as it stays in one spot and as we are on the move what use is it?"
He said this slowly like he was talking to a child making. Fry hissed under her breath as she gritted her teeth at his patronizing tone. She was no child and to be mocked so openly filled her with such anger that took everything in her to not lash out. It didn't help that some of the group were smiling at the Freak like the sun shone out of his arse.
Before she could unleash her hate and anger at Harry, Riddick appeared, stepping out into the light with his goggles on and his arms crossed over his chest interrupting her train of thought as they all turned to him.
Johns became uneasy at how Riddick had moved through the shadows so easily and silently. He had been too distracted by Fry and Harry's argument. He wouldn't let that happen again, it wasn't good for one's health in not knowing where the Big Bad was. Especially his.
"Better rest up while you can." He said seriously his head fixed on Fry. "Don't want any more mistakes, do we?"
Harry smiled at his mate before nodding, Riddick was right to interrupt them. It wasn't the time for pissing contests when there was so little time for them to rest and gather their energy and strength before they faced the next challenge. Harry knew there was going to be more for them to face before this nightmare was over.
Fry's mouth set in a grimace as she stormed away to sit away from the others. She needed to think without them getting in the way.
She hated that everyone in this shit ass group took that monster's side in everything. He wasn't even fully human and they looked at him like he was the saviour. Even Johns had fallen for the freak's innocent looks but he wasn't fooling her. That monster was a killer, after all, every single one of them had heard the stories of vampires in the past and what was going to stop him from draining them dry?
How could they pick him over her? She was the captain, she was in charge and that freaky little boy wasn't going to undermine her authority again. She needed a plan because that freak wasn't leaving this planet alive.
Unaware of the dark thoughts of his demise swimming through Fry's mind Harry carried on blowing the other bottles out, the flare he left alone as it was nearly run out anyways.
'Fry and her constant need to be in charge wasted ten minutes of light we might need.' Harry thought pissed that she wasted fuel they desperately needed to keep them alive by that foolish argument with him.
That done, he set them by the sled before walking to the lights very edge and sitting down on the hard ground. He leans back on his hands with his eyes falling shut and taking in a deep breath of the night air. Relaxing as much as he could with the tension in the group and monster trying to eat them. Opening his eyes he looked into the starless sky and let his thoughts wander.
He noticed since the suns had set everyone breathing had become easier. They even left their O2 tanks behind as they weren't so breathless anymore and they couldn't carry any more weight.
'We've must have been here so long that they have adapted to the low oxygen.' Harry thought. This was a good thing as they still had a long way to go before getting to the safety of the skiff.
Hearing footsteps heading towards him, he opened his eyes that fall in the shut again to see who it was. Silently praying it wasn't Fry back for round two. Turning his head slightly he spotted the second person he didn't want around him coming towards him. 'Now what does he want?' Harry thought as he watched the blue-eyed devil stop the beside him
"Something I can do for you Johns," Harry asked as said man crouch down beside him with a look on his face that set Harry on edge. He made sure none of his unease showed, he had learned quickly that you didn't want this man knowing how unnerved you were.
"I get the feeling you have a lot more tricks up your sleeve than you're letting on Harry." Johns said unconcernedly as he smirked at him. Johns had plans forming in his mind and all of them involved this bewitching being.
"And why do you say that Johns? After all I'm open book." Harry teased a half smile on his lips. Inside he was feeling a slight panic that rose up, he knew Johns didn't know his secret of being a wizard but that didn't stop his insides twisting up.
Harry could see that Johns had slowly been losing it since the darkness had enclosed around them, the man was becoming more and more dangerous as time passed. If he ever got a hint of what he was hiding, he would want him even more and that would place the others in danger. Men like him would do anything to have power. Everything would go to hell in a heartbeat and Harry couldn't let this man know any more about him.
"Instinct," Johns smirked at the beauty, his mind conjuring up images of what he wanted to really do to the raven haired man. "I didn't catch Big Bad over there without them and my guts screaming at me that you're a lot stronger then you let others see. Under those pretty looks lies some deep dark secrets."
"Well, I am a vampire/elf hybrid, Johns. I have to be stronger to still be standing here, don't you think? And everyone one has secrets I just have a few more than others." Harry said cheekily. Inside though he was fearing where Johns was going with this the conversation. Out the corner of his eye, he saw Riddick watching them intensely, he could feel these silver orbs that were hidden under those goggles burning into their flesh. He was surprised Johns hadn't notice. 'Some Bounty Hunter.'
"When we get off this planet I want you to work with me, Harry," Johns said out of the blue. "More like partners, you'll be famous in no time and roll in the creds."
"What!?" Harry was shocked, eyes wide. Just barely managing to keep his voice down.
"Just think about it, Harry. If you're with Big Bad over there once we leave you'll be running for the rest of your life, never stopping, never resting and never safe. When he lands himself back in the slam and we both know he will, I would hate for such a fate to fall on someone like you, after all you are a beautiful guy, Harry. A lot could happen in there and Riddick won't be able to protect you from it." Johns said with a touch of concern in his voice, utterly bullshit of course. He just wanted Harry to stop following Big Bad around thinking the man was going to look after him. All that power was going to be his. He watched Harry's wide emerald eyes throughout his little speech.
Harry was horrified to the core. He never thought Johns would have the balls to approach him like this, it was like the man was living in a fantasy world. One fucked up world where he thought he would leave Riddick for his ass and become a bounty hunter.
He was no fool. Harry knew what sick game Johns was playing, the man thought he had it all planned out where he would become his lover/weapon and they lived happily ever after with him being the slave.
The strong scent of lust in the air was making Harry nauseous and he was already feeling sick from Johns speech. Opening his mouth to give the bastard hell, Harry was interrupted when Johns held up his hand.
"Think about it, you and I could be the greatest bounty hunters in the universe. Plus you would have an endless supply of blood at your fingertips." Johns said smirking. "Give me your answer later once we're off this rock."
With those parting words, Johns patted him on the knee before getting up and moving away.
That one touch made Harry fell so dirty and in need of a long hot shower. It was like the man had gone and left an oil stain on his trousers that would never wash out. `I'm going to have to burn these now. I thankfully have a lot of pairs in my bag and these weren't my favourite.' Harry thought. He just had to find the time to go through his bag. 'At least Draco made sure I developed a fashion scene.'
Harry was brought out of his thoughts by a movement to the side of him once again, this time it was his most favourite person.
Riddick's legs ate up the distance between them in a matter of moments and Harry could practically see the rage rolling off his mate as he crouched down next to him. Harry knew who that rage was directed at and from the level of it he was surprised the fucker wasn't' six feet under already. Riddick had more self-control then he did.
Riddick placed his hand on the spot Johns had touch. The sign of possessiveness was clear to anyone who looked at that moment and it made Harry feel safe and cared for. He hadn't needed to worry about Johns plans for him. Not with his Hunter around.
"I take you heard all that nonsense my Hunter," Harry asked voice low to not carry the others nearby.
"The fucker was already on thin ice before. Now he's pushed things over the edge." Riddick growl out, rage clearly heard in his voice. The image of Johns standing on a sheet of ice over an abyss and it was cracking in a spider web under his feet flared up in the male's mind. 'I just have to put a little more pressure on it.' The animal inside purred at the thought ghosting the fucker.
"Too true, Riddick. It seems Johns has finally gone off the deep-end, I mean thinking I would ever walk away from you when I had just found you after all this time." Harry huffed annoyed. "It's like he didn't hear anything I said about us being mates back at the ship. Though the same could be said about another of our little group."
"He's right in one thing," Riddick said though he thought he would be sick for just saying that out loud.
"Johns being bloody right? Riddick wash your mouth out for even thinking such a terrible things, let alone saying it." Harry said looking at his mate like he had gone mad.
Riddick's mouth twitched in amusement at the expression on his vixen's face, he would never tire of watching the different expression his Harry had. He may fool the others but Riddick could read him like a book. His face became serious once more, he needed to know that Harry understood what he was getting into being with him.
"If you're with me once we leave here, you will never stop running. There will always be someone after the huge payload on my head. They'll be dogging our steps giving us no peace." Riddick said seriously. His face set in a stony expression as he hid the emotions racing through him as he waits for his answer.
"Riddick I have been running longer then I care to think about, be it from Voldemort wanting to kill me or the Wizard World wanting me for something from saving from the latest Dark Lord to wanting my backing on another half-baked idea. Just know no matter what happens I will never run from you. Only to you." Harry whispered sincerely his emerald eyes shining with intense love for his Hunter.
Riddick never felt so many emotions in his entire life. He had felt rage and lust but never care or even love for anyone before meeting his little vixen who brought those emotions out of him.
"You with me Harry?" Riddick asked the same question he asked back at the crash site.
"Yes," Harry said passionately. In his heart, his answer would always be the same. "Now and eternally. Riddick."
"Then it's time to get this show on the road." Riddick rumbled with a smirk. They stood from the ground together and as they did so Riddick runs his hand up Harry's back until he reached the back of his neck. Giving it a gentle squeeze, he rubbed his thumb over Harry's pulse feeling his mates lifeblood rushing through his veins, bending low he ran his nose along his neck and took in their mixed scent. It was heavenly and brought images of how their scents mixed in the first place to the front of his mind. Giving the neck a little nip he pulled back and smirked as Harry shuddered.
"Get them moving Vixen. It's time to get off this fucking rock for good." Riddick said lettings go of him and moving away before he did anything to delay them anymore. His vixen was too tempting for his own good sometimes but he wouldn't have him any other way.
Harry lets out a quiet moan of frustration as Riddick walked away instead of finishing what he started. He tried to beat his lust back as he growled out with a pout. "I will pay you back for making me horny like this Riddick especially as we're about to start running. How could you be so cruel?"
"Just imagine Fry lusting after you. That should calm you down." Riddick smirked in amusement, looking over his shoulder at his flushed mate.
He burst out laughing drawing the attention of the others and their confusion, but he paid them no mind as he did what Riddick suggested. His hard flesh withered away so fast at the image in his mind that he was surprised he didn't get whiplash.
"You better hope that hasn't killed it forever Riddick." Harry called out, confusing the others ever more when Riddick roared out laughing.
What a way to kill an erection.
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They were soon off again, with his spell re-cast over Jack when no was looking and the torches lit they headed off into the darkness. Fear was potent around them all though many dealt with it better than others, only two had no fear of the creatures and nor for the safety of each other.
Harry paid a lot of attention to what had just happened from his place at the back of the pack. He knew he shouldn't have used his magic to end Paris' life but even the coward didn't deserve to die like that. Being torn to pieces and feeling everything to the last second. Fry yes, Paris? No. But he was now limited to what he could do for the group, the spell on Jack he could only do once more and it wouldn't last or cover her totally but it would have to do. 'Let's hope I don't have to use my magic for anything else or we're fucked.' Harry thought. He did have some healing potions but they couldn't stop long enough for him to get them out of the trunk. And if they being attacked there wouldn't be any time to.
Taking his mind off his mounting problems he looked to the others walking in front of him.
Suleiman, the preteen was beside the sled holding the light over his father, his face was slightly panicked as his eyes darted around them in slight alarm. Their surroundings echoing with the creatures cries getting to the lad.
Imam and Johns pulled the sled together and kept pace with earth other but Harry could see that they were starting to struggle.
"Are we getting close." Jack asked moving beside Fry, holding a nervous Ali's hand. The little boy was now made to hold onto someone hand at all times so he didn't fall behind though that insurance didn't stop the worry showing on the poor boy's face.
"It shouldn't be far now. We've been going for what feels like hours now." Shazza said moving to walk beside them. "It didn't take this long when we walked there earlier."
Harry thought about what she said and realized Shazza was right, even with the attack and break they should of at least reached the boneyard and the start of the canyon by now.
Fry gritted her teeth and ignored Shazza's questions, instead she called to Johns, Imam, and Riddick. "Can we pick up the pace."
Johns rolled his eyes at her bossiness, he was getting sick and tired of her shit. At a hard pull of the sled, his eyes fell to the ground. He stopped making the others as well. He could see tracks in the sand and at first, it didn't click on where they were. He thought he was seeing the sandcats tracks but there was only one set. Not four wheels. It took his slow brain a moment to realize that they were sled marks.
They had crossed their own tracks.
"What's happening? Why we stop?" Shazza asked.
Chucking off the harness, Johns was pissed. Imam and Suleiman stopped beside him and looked down to see what angered the man so much.
Harry stepped forward also and saw what they were looking at. Seeing the marks he realized they had been following their own tracks.
"What? " Harry was confused he didn't understand why Riddick had led them around in a circle But he must have had a good reason for his mate wouldn't mislead them now.
Why the others were panicking over the tracks Riddick had crouched down with his eyes glued ahead seeing something the others couldn't.
Johns stormed over to him his hand hovering over his gun and said sternly. "You want to tell me what the hell going on."
"We crossed our own tracks," Fry explained to the group. She was angry, they didn't have time for this their light wasn't going to last forever and she wanted to be on the Skiff and out of here before anything else happened.
"Why have we circled. Are we lost?" Imam asked Riddick having followed Johns after taking his harness off. The Holy man wanted to know just like the others what was going on.
"Listen." Riddick said, but the others didn't hear him only Harry who used his elves easy to hear what ahead.
When he did so he heard what his mate had and felt despair rush through him. He had forgotten what they have to pass through to get to the Skiff.
"Do you even know where we are?" Imam demanded the fear for his sons and the others was causing him to become angry. It was getting the better of him as the echoes grew around them.
"Listen!" Riddick roared startling everyone causing them to pause and stare wide-eyed at him. Finally, they did as he ordered and listened to what he had heard. A few of them wish they hadn't. It sounded like there were millions of the hammerheads ahead of them waiting, their echoes and screeches in the distance set the group on edge.
"We're in deep shit." Harry said lowly, his eyes glued to where the sounds were coming from.
"Canyon ahead. I circled once to buy some time to think." Riddick explained, silently agreeing with his Vixen. They were in deep shit. His mind was moving a mile a minute, going over plan after plan to get them through.
"I think we should go now." Imam said looking out into the darkness before turning back to Riddick. He knew they couldn't wait much longer, not with their limited light.
"I don't know about that." Riddick said his head nodding towards the canyon. "That's death row up there."
Riddick knew he was about to light a match off in a room full of gunpowder but there was no avoiding it anymore. He wouldn't let his mate hurt himself by using so much magic to hide the truth from this bunch. Standing up he turned to the others.
"Especially with the girl bleeding." Riddick finally explained, causing confusion through everyone bar Jack whose heart stopped.
"What?" Imam asked looking to Riddick for an explanation.
"What the fuck are you talkin' about? They're not cut." Johns said looking at Fry and Shazza, neither had wounds and hadn't been hurt in the attack.
"Not them," Riddick said calmly before turning to stare at Jack who was standing nervously beside Harry. She'd moved to his side when Riddick had started speaking.
Harry jolted and quickly took a deep breath through his nose and smell the air, he instantly caught her scent. His spell had worn off again and at the worst time possible to do so. He despaired, each time he placed the spell on her the quicker it faded. It has only meant to be used on a person with magic as they charged it was their magic. Jack was pure muggle, the spell had no way to charge and he didn't have enough control to keep it going.
Harry rubbed his head to ward off a headache, he had one more chance respelling her and he was going to have to add more energy to it to make it last longer. And this time he'd have to wait until the very last minute with the canyon ahead, just before they entered it.
'I'm going to have to be more visual till we reach the canyon. There are so many creatures ahead we need all the help we can get.' Harry thought. He had a plan and he just hoped it worked.
Looking at his mate he didn't blame Riddick for telling them about Jack, she needed more help than he could give. And with the others knowing they could keep her safer through tougher times that were coming. Though he wasn't including Johns or Fry, those too were starting to crack under the pressure.
"You gotta be fucking kiddin' me." Johns said in disbelief staring at the boy now girl, he couldn't believe what he was hearing.
His tone drew Harry out of his thoughts and back to watching the group.
"I...I thought it'd be better if people took me for a guy. I thought they might leave me alone instead of always messing with me." Jack sobbed, crouching to the ground and rocked back and forth in fear. She made herself as small as possible while hugging herself in comfort.
Harry had an image of smaller boy locked in a small cupboard in the exact same position, the image was gone just as quick as it came and he quickly shook if off, there was no time for the past right now.
He couldn't stand the shame and fear coming from the girl, it was turning his stomach. Though that could be the images trying to pass his Occlumency shield.
Crouching down beside the child he pulled her into his arms. Rubbing her back he rocked them both trying to calm her down.
"I'm sorry." Jack whispered out in Harry's chest.
"Are you really bleeding luv?" Shazza asked gently as she crouched beside the two. Her hand joining Harry's in rubbing the poor girls back. She couldn't imagine what the poor child had been through to hide her gender and then to become an adult in a place like this.
"You could've left me at the ship. That's why I didn't say something sooner." Jack explained burying her head further into the safety of Harry's embrace.
"Oh, hunny," Shazza said with sympathy.
"They've been nose-open for her since we left." Riddick told them. "In case you haven't noticed, they get off on blood."
He left out about Harry's little spell work, he knew his mate was too weak in his wizardry magic to save them with it. And it would only cause trouble with dumb and dumber knowing.
"Look. This is not gonna work." Fry said suddenly looking away from Jack to the others, her fear finally getting the better of her. She said no hope of them ever getting there not with so many of them. She didn't want to die out here. There had got to be another way to get out of this. "We're gonna have to go back."
Harry nearly sneered out loud at that. It looked like Fry's cowardly side was coming to the fore front again. What did she think they were going to do back at the ship, have a tea party until the lights went out.
Hearing a low growl that only he and Riddick picked up on Harry turned to see the enraged look in John's eyes. The guy was about to blow and massively.
"What did you say?" Johns asked, wanting to know he heard the bitch right. Here they were out in the middle of a fuckin' dead valley cause of her plan. She dragged them out of the safety of the cargo hold into darkness with creatures wanting to eat them in the first fucking place and now she was backing out.
He let his rage loose. "You're the one who got us out here in the first place and turned us into fuckin sled dogs!"
"I was wrong. I admit it. Okay, can we please...can we just get back to the ship?" Fry nearly begged, hiding the flinch at Johns rage. She couldn't put up with this right now.
"I don't know Carolyn. Nice breeze. Wide-open spaces. I'm startin' to enjoy my fuckin' self out here." Johns drawled sarcastically
Harry could tell things were heating up and fast. So passing Jack into Shazza's arms he made his way slowly towards Riddick. He didn't want to get between those two fighting for top dog.
Riddick put his arm around Harry's waist and pulled him tight against his side. Riddick knew the pack's order was about to change and he didn't like that one bit. 'Though maybe I could work it into my favour.' He thought, watching the two. 'Johns is bound to do something stupid especially with him going through withdrawal soon.' Riddick attention turned back to the drama in front of him.
"Are you high again!? Just listen to yourself Johns!" Fry shouted her face gaining an anger flush. The bastard was making her look a fool in front of the others and it didn't help Harry was now standing in Riddick's arms out the corner of her eye. The jealousy fuelled her rage and she used that to her advanced to get over her fear or a least pushed it back to fight back Johns. There was no way she was going to lose her spot as the leader, not this close to the end.
"No, you're right. What's there to be afraid of?!" Johns stepped closer to her his eyes shooting daggers at her. "My life's just a steaming pile of meaningless shit anyhow so I say 'mush on'."
Everyone was watching the scene in shock at everything that was coming out of Johns month and he wasn't done yet.
"The canyon's only a couple 100 meters and after that its Skiff city. So why don't you butch up, stuff a cork in this fuckin kid and let's go." Johns demanded, pointing once at Jack causing Shazza to glare back at him and hold the girl tighter against her.
"She is the captain we should listen to her." Imam said trying to reason with him and get order back to the group.
"Listen to her?!" John said slowly, a plan instantly forming inside his head. Looking at Imam and the others who were watching him he now had the perfect way to make himself be in control. It was time for Fry to be dismounted from her high horse, she had pushed him to far this time, outing his little habit in front of the group and specially Harry. It was time to expose her for the coward she was.
'Time for payback bitch.' Johns smirked, she should really watch who she tells her secrets too. It was about to come and bite her in the ass.
Johns looked straight at Fry, pleased at the uneasy look that appeared on her face. He said calmly at first. "When she was willing to sacrifice us all."
Fry suddenly realised what he was doing and how much trouble she was in.
"What're ya talking about?" Shazza asked confused, looking back and forth between the pair. She didn't like where this conversation was going. Keeping a good hold of Jack, she moved closer to Ali and Suliman. She was prepared for the worst and would keep the kids safe.
Fry knew what Johns was planning and was consumed with fear, she knew the group would no longer trust or follower her, maybe turn her in once they were off this planet if they find out she tried to save her own skin over theirs. Fry tried to get him to stop baying. "This is not helping Johns."
"The crash, she tried to blow the passenger cabin, kill us in our sleep!" Johns shouted out, ignoring Fry altogether now that he had the others listening to him. It was time to do the killing blow. Johns conducted to ruin her. "We're fuckin disposable, we're just walking ghosts to you!"
Fry reaches her boiling point, her secret was out. Rushing at him she screamed. "Shut your fucking blowhole!"
Johns was faster, he grabbed her tightly by the shoulders and shoving her to the ground harshly.
"Fine! Fine!" Imam yelled grabbing Johns shoulder to stop him doing anything else to the downed woman. "You made your point, we should all be scared!"
Johns shoved off the hand with a glare. He made no effect to keep the sarcastic tone out his voice as he said to the downed woman. "So Carolyn, how much do you weigh now?"
With a last withering look at her, he grabbed a flare from his waist and lit it as he addressed Imam and the others. "The verdicts in. The light moves forward."
The pack's hierarchy had shifted, making Johns their new leader. Everyone was in shock over everything that had happened in such a short amount of time and had no clue on what to do but follow this guy's orders.
Harry, though was happy to see Fry taken down a few pegs, just wished it hadn't been Johns' doing.
He didn't like having to follow the drugged up merc, the man had no loyalty to anyone but himself, he would sooner use them as cannon fodder to save his own skin just like Fry nearly did. 'I don't know which is worst evil here.' Harry thought.
"Stay close to the others, Vixen," Riddick whispered into Harry's ear as his eyes locked onto Johns as the man stormed ahead. "Keep to them like glue, I'll find you after the shits gone down."
"After what Riddick? What do you have planned?" Harry asked, not liking where this was going.
"Johns just outlived his usefulness," Riddick growled lowly. There was no way he was letting the bastard be the leader for long. The bastard had also gotten on his bad side, even more since his little chat with his MATE.
Harry sighed, knowing he will follow his mate's orders in this. Johns was Riddick's kill and had been for a long time. "Very well my Hunter. I'll do as you say this time but please be careful. Death is close once more."
He begged at the end. He couldn't lose his mate to some drugged up fake cop, not after finally finding him.
Riddick pulled Harry into a passionate heated kiss and growled at the taste. It was a flavour that was purely Harry. He couldn't get enough, running his tongue over his mates lips one more time before letting Harry reluctantly go. He felt smug at the flushed look on Harry's face and his bruised glittering lips.
Releasing Harry's waist, he leaned down to whispered into his dazed mate's ear one last time. "Oh I will be careful Vixen, there no way I'm done with you, not by a long shot."
Harry blushed before nodding. Riddick walked away to the front of the group with Johns being quick to follow not far behind him. Most likely waiting for his hunter to be alone. Knowing something was going to happen very soon Harry prepared himself for what's ahead. Taking one last calming breath to cool his heated blood he made his way over to the others.
As soon as he was close Ali latched onto his hand as he looked into Jack's and Suleiman's scared eyes. It wasn't surprising they were fearful, not with what just happened. Hearing the harsh truth of Fry's and seeing her pushed so violently to the floor and now laying there with a shameful and pathetic look on her face had knocked the kid's confidences right down.
He had to stop himself from grinning at her though, the bitch had it coming with all her lies and deceit to them all. Harry thought. 'She should be shameful with misleading everyone and nearly killing them to save her own hide.'
Turning from her he saw Suleiman picking up the harness Johns dropped. The lad was going to help his faster pull the sled as Johns was no longer going to help. Harry wanted to help but he wouldn't have time to take off the harness if something else happens and with Riddick's last word there was bound for something to happen soon. Instead, he moved to their side with Ali and cover their side with a touch. On the other side, Shazza had done the same with Jack, holding a touch up high over from that side. Fry had finally gotten up and followed the other woman like a broken doll as everyone ignored her.
Harry nodded towards Shazza and Suleiman. "Jack help Shazza, stay close to her alright."
As she moved away Harry lead Ali to his brothers side. The teen gave him a small smile before speaking lowly to his brother handing the young boy the touch and positioning himself by Suleiman's side.
Harry, seeing everything sorted moved to the front. He needed his hands free when something went wrong so he would lead them and still keep watch on was happening in front with Riddick.
He didn't have to wait long as Johns fell in line with Riddick as they walked through the bones
They walked on, slowly now so they could build their energy for the canyon run. Harry suspected they would need all the energy they could get for them to make it through as fast as possible without dying.
Turning to look back he saw Shazza had moved to walk beside Imam, Jack right at their side. Poor girl was clenching her light and was tenses as a bow string. When they got to the start of the canyon he would spell her one last time even if it would only last a short while. Thought at this point he didn't know how much help it would be as the creatures were following their every step now. They had gotten the taste of their blood and it was driving them mad with hunger. It took all the mind art skills he knew to block it out. he heeded his head in the game for what was going to happen soon.
Harry used his elven hearing to pick up on what was being said up front. Listening closely to Johns speaking to Riddick he couldn't help but think things were going to get a lot worse before they got better.
And how right he was.
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(ME) yes its done and I can't tell you how hard it was doing this chapter when so much was happening over the holidays and RL but it's done now and I am happy with it. I hope you are too and you have enjoyed. If so please review and let me know what you think of the changes. I don't know when the next chapter will be and on what will be update next as I have many chapters done on all three stories (plus a few more I had been working on) but their all on paper so its a wait a see what comes next ^^ Until next time…bye bye.