Chapter 27

Kody let out a growl and dropped to her knees. Riddick turned at the commotion, eyebrow perched high on his forehead. She glared at him, shaking her head as she lowered her eyes. Her jaws clenched together, one arm holding her side.

"You okay?" His voice was so quiet and gentle it made her jump, and then grow even more angry.

"Fine," she snapped, shifting on her knees to ease the pressure. She leaned back against the cabinet behind her and heaved a sigh, closing her eyes and counting primes until she could regain control. When her eyes opened again, he was crouched in front of her, a concerned expression rising in his eyes. "Don't look at me like that," she whispered. His eyebrows rose quizzically, and she groaned, sliding off her knees and onto her butt, letting her legs flop wherever they happened to land. "Just keep looking for the fucking nanomed syringes, okay?" she growled, eyes glinting. He held his hands up and returned to the cabinets. "Can't fucking believe this," she whispered to herself, shaking her head. Biting back a howl of pain, she shifted and reached for something to grab onto to pull herself back to her feet to resume her own rummaging.

"Got it," he said quietly, a hint of triumph making his voice lilt slightly. She sighed, collapsing back onto a nearby chair, wincing at the jolt the motion sent through her body. "You ever had nano juice before?" She nodded slowly, lifting her arm and watching his fingers close around her wrist. Her head turned, and he shifted positions, wrapping her arm around his middle so his back was to her as he buried the syringe. He stifled a chuckle as her fingers dug into his side as the tiny medically equipped machines were inserted in their slime and into her body to do their work. The syringe was discarded, and he lifted her from the chair.

"I can walk by myself," she forced through gritted teeth.

"You can't even stand on your own," he chided. "You need to rest and let the nanos do their thing." She nodded, finally giving in and letting him carry most of her weight. Damn, that side hurts, she thought with a grimace.

"Why didn't we think of this sooner?" she asked, smiling at the chuckle and shrug he gave her. There's that fucking 'we' again. Swear to god, it'll be the end of me. It was the last thing she thought before she passed out, the nanos going to work on some much needed internal repairs.

Her whole body felt tingly, like there was a colony of ants crawling under her skin or something. She whimpered and shifted under the… covers? How the hell did I get into bed? Last thing I remember is walking down the hallway… Shit. Musta passed out. With great effort, she pried her eyes open, halfway expecting to see Riddick leaning over her, that hellish look of concern flitting across his face. She was somewhat glad he wasn't in the room, since she really wasn't sure what her limbs would do after the nanos took over and, hopefully for her, expired. It never took them long to do their job, and they did it well, most times. Every now and then you'd hear of a freak accident when the nanos went crazy and made mistakes, ultimately killing their patient, but that was extremely rare. Cross your fingers, she thought with a sardonic grin. Won't know if you won't try. She gave a mental shrug and sat up, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips at the absence of pain. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and took a breath, holding it as she stood… and didn't fall. Thank god. Let's see what Riddick's up to. After a flash of a toothy grin, she darted out of the room and into the hall silently. Tiptoeing, she made her way toward the stairs, taking one and pausing, then another and pausing, then another… until she got to the bottom. Must sneak up on Riddick…She grinned again, but it was fleeting, concentration taking over. Silent feet worked their way around the great room, avoiding anywhere easily visible, as she headed toward the lower deck access, sneaking through the door and down the stairs. Naturally tinkering with something, she thought with a mental snicker. He swore as the wrench slipped and he cracked a knuckle on something. She bit back a cackle, working her way behind him after he turned to pick the wrench back up. Just as he was starting to stand up again, she let out a growl and leapt onto his back, instantly finding herself on the ground, giggling, as he pinned her under him. A look of confusion passed over him quickly, making her laugh even harder.

"Feeling better I take it?" he asked, a touch of annoyance in his voice. She only cackled, partly because she couldn't stop and partly to keep him from killing her. Relief washed over her as his laughs joined hers, somewhat timidly at first, until they were both uncontrollable.

"Whew," she breathed, wiping the tears from her cheeks. "I think maybe the nanos got to my brain or something," she continued between giggles.

"Maybe," he answered with a shrug, his own chuckles subsiding. "But I do know one thing." Her eyebrow rose.

"What's that?"

"You need a shower," he said with an evil smirk. Her smile fell, replaced with a glower, and she shoved him away from her, ignoring the pain in her heels as she stomped up the metal stairs, slamming the door on his chuckle. She let the smile broke one the door was closed and ripped her clothes off, tossing a piece here and there as she headed to the bathroom.

"Oh, that's priceless," she murmured, stepping under the water. She leaned forward and pressed her hands to the wall under the showerhead, dropping her head under the spray between her shoulders, just letting the water beat on the back of her head and run through her hair. She heard his clothes hit the floor but made no indication, instead closing her eyes and losing herself in the feel of the water cascading over her. A hand settled on her hip, then another hand on the other hip, and she stood, leaning back against his chest with a contented sigh. His arms slid around her waist as she lifted her arms to brush wet locks of curls from her face, his hands curling around her back with plenty of room to spare. She'd always been slight in build, and had put back on some of the weight she'd lost during her lockup, and she felt tiny to him now. "Hot water," she whispered, a small smile playing on her lips as she tilted her head back to rest on his shoulder, turning to press her forehead into his cheek. His throat vibrated with his chuckle, and her smile grew. His lips pressed against her temple and her arms lifted over her head to encircle his neck behind her. They stood that way for a while, just holding each other, until she sighed and opened her eyes.

"What?" he asked quietly. Her back vibrated as his voice rumbled in his chest. She just shook her head, dropping her arms to her sides. His hands retracted as well, and she returned to the water, turning to face him as the spray enveloped her. She reached out, hooking her littlest finger around his thumb, and pulled him toward her, rising up onto her toes as she settled her arms around his shoulder, their bodies pressed together under the water. After a moment, his arms encircled her again, one hand settling on a shoulder and the other returning around her waist.

"You're beautiful," she whispered, resting her nose against his throat, just under his chin. From the corner of her eye, she saw his cheeks twitch into a smile before a droplet of water invaded her vision, making her blink them closed again. She planted a kiss on the closest patch of skin without moving her head and tightened her arms around his shoulders in a gentle squeeze before lifting her head to look up at him. His eyes held the only remnant of his smile as she strained on her toes to capture his lips. Every time he'd try to deepen the display she'd retreat, resorting to just barely touching his lips with hers before returning to the shallow kissing, knowing it would grate on him. She gave in to his demand only when a hand claimed the back of her neck to prevent her from escaping him again, the possessiveness in his touch sending her reeling. She arched her back into him, as he turned them both, pressing against her until she felt her back press against the wall. His lips broke from hers, and her moan of protest was lost as his lips trailed down the side of her neck. She let her hands slide over his shoulders and down his sides, feeling the muscles jump under her touch. With their bodies still pressed together, she didn't have any access to him, so she settled for digging her fingers into his sides and arching into him even more, trying to push him away to let her hand slide between them, but he was having none of it, just pushing back against her as his lips worked tortuously slowly on her skin. He stole a quick glance at her face, the expression there prompting a growl of satisfaction. Eyes squeezed shut, bottom lip caught between her teeth.

He'd had enough. A startled gasp escaped her as he lifted her off the floor and slammed her against the wall, his knee nudging between her thighs. Her hands gripped his shoulders to support herself as he guided himself into her, her back arching away from the wall. His hands settled on her hips as a slow rhythm started, his hands digging into her skin as her small mewling sounds echoed off the walls. Her arms shook as his pace increased, and finally he stopped, sliding an arm behind her back to hold her against him with a small chuckle.

"You okay?" he asked quietly. She nodded slightly, letting him support her weight as she moved a hand from his shoulder to his head, pulling him against her belly. He planted a small kiss above her navel before pressing his cheek to her skin, reaching for the handle to shut the water off. He carried her out of the bathroom and into his room, leaving a trail of water behind them. Lowering himself with her, he deposited her on her back onto his bed, still sopping wet, the blanket soaking up the water. Oh well. The dance resumed, and she met his thrusts halfway, fingernails digging into his back. His lips sought hers, and a growl escaped him as she clamped down on his lower lip, sinking teeth into the flesh gently but insistently. Her face twisted, whimpers halting as she neared the edge, a shaky groan released as she fell. His pace slowed as the tremors overtook her, and he waited until she stilled before continuing. The kiss was broken as her lips explored his shoulders, neck, chest – anywhere she could reach. Their eyes met, and they just stared into the silver pools, the brink approaching at the same moment this time. Her eyebrow twitched downward, a whimper breaking free, and their lips slammed together again as they both got there, rhythm unbroken until neither could move any more. He let his head settle on her shoulder as she clung to him, still trembling under him. And slumber took over.

She felt him shift on the bed next to her and opened her eyes slowly, smiling at how peaceful he looked in his sleep. He cradled her against his chest, both arms wrapped around her protectively. Her lips placed a kiss on his chin, and his eyes fluttered open slowly, a small smile forming on his lips as he let them close again. Her smile fell slowly.

"We need to get to work," she said quietly.

"On what?"

"Planning." His eyes opened again, and searched hers. Oh yeah, he thought, Anders. He nodded, kissing her forehead. "Got any ideas yet?"

"Some," he said with a shrug, pulling her onto his chest as he rolled onto his back.

"How many do we need?" she pressed.

"I don't know yet." Her eyebrow rose, but he didn't see. He'd trapped her under his arms and closed his eyes again. "Haven't gotten the floor plans yet."

"From who?"

"Contact," he said. She sighed. "I know, I know," he mumbled. "We'll get to work as soon as I get them. Got a friend digging them out for me."

"I get Anders," she said flatly. His eyes opened.

"I figured," he replied. She nodded as if to convince him. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Her eyebrow rose again, as if it were a dumb question. "I mean, once the planning starts, there's no going back."

"Why would I want to?"

"He got the better of you once," Riddick commented gently.

"He deserves it," she insisted.

"I know," Riddick said with a nod. "But there's nothing wrong with letting someone else handle it."

"You're not getting him for me, Riddick," she pressed. "I need this."

"You need this or you want this?" She thought for a moment.

"Both." He nodded.

"Then we'll start putting something together when I get the floorplans."

"I mean it, Riddick. He's my kill."

"Fine," Riddick conceded with a shrug. "Then you kill him." She nodded in satisfaction.

The plan was simple. After Kody's last attempt at sending Anders to his end, he'd opted out of active duty, choosing instead to draw disability until he was fully recovered. Riddick knew his death would immediately be pinned on Kody, given the history between her and the Warden, but it was a chance she was willing to take and he was willing to help her with. It'll be cathartic, he convinced himself. Tim dropped them planetside just outside the city, and they stole into the limits just after sun down, traveling through the shadows. Riddick pointed out the building, and they split up, taking their own ways in. Kody worked a ventilation grate loose and slid inside the tunneling, slowly working her way toward Anders' living quarters. Riddick opted for the window, freeclimbing the brick wall until he could reach the fire escape ladder. He used an electronics scanner to search for any security systems on the window, and, thankfully, found none. After silently cutting away the glass blocking the locking mechanism, he let himself in through the kitchen, glancing up at the vent to see Kody working on the screws from the inside. She nodded at him, and he continued into the bedroom, leaning against the doorframe. After a quick glance over his shoulder to see her lower herself from the vent, he took a breath.

"Nice to see you, Warden." Anders jolted out of sleep, instantly sitting upright. He shook visibly, staring at Riddick with wide eyes as his hands searched the bedside table for his glasses. "Little to the left," Riddick directed, then clicked his tongue. "Your other left." Anders' fingers closed on his glasses and shakily perched them on his nose. A stain grew on the comforter as Riddick's massive form came into focus. Anders stammered, but couldn't form coherent words. He felt Kody's hand on his back. "You know," he continued. "I can appreciate a good crime, you know that, Anders. But what I don't get is why you had to fuck with a certain friend of mine." He paused, but Anders didn't say anything. "And man, when you fuck with someone, you really fuck with someone, don't you?" Riddick grinned, watching out of the corner of his eye as Kody came around his side. Anders backed up against the wall, his limbs refusing to help him get anywhere, and the glint off the blade in Kody's hand reflected in his eyes.

"How ya doin', Uncle Anders?" she asked quietly, her voice low.

"Make it fast," Riddick warned. She nodded her head slowly, her eyes reflecting the heat of Anders' body. She leapt onto the foot of the bed, watching Anders jump and cower below her, finally taking a knee next to him. A shot rang out as her arm rose, and Riddick started, the impact to Kody's body propelling her forward, the knife sinking home, deep into Anders chest as she fell forward. Riddick turned, eyes narrowing at Chris, whose arm was still poised in the air after pulling the trigger. Riddick leapt at the former guard, feeling heat spread through his chest before the room spun. He saw the ground flying toward him – no, he was falling. Another shot, and Riddick waited for the second impact, watching Chris fall instead. The world went into slow motion as Riddick looked up, Tim standing in the doorway, now lowering his own gun. Riddick turned back to the bedroom, tunnel vision closing in. Kody was still draped over Anders, their blood now dripping off the sheet and onto the floor into a puddle.

"Riddick?" Tim's voice seemed distant.

"Get her out of here," he gasped, voice gurgling slightly. Tim's boots thudded on the floor as he ran to Kody's side. Her voice was muffled, Riddick's ears now ringing, but he watched Tim pluck her off the bed and support her weight.

"I'm fine," she whispered, trying to push Tim away. "Get Riddick first." She fell to her knees at Riddick's side. "Riddick?" Her hands were covered in blood, but she cupped his cheeks anyway. "Stay with me, Riddick." Her voice grew further and further away, and he stared up at her, watching her lips move even after there was no more sound. "Riddick?" Tim cringed. That was panic in her voice.

"Kody, we have to go," Tim insisted quietly, reaching down at her, but she batted him away feebly.

"Riddick?" Riddick blinked, forcing his arm off the ground to settle on her cheek. Her face was pale, eyes franticly running over his face. Finally, she leaned down and pressed her lips to his, taking his hand in hers. "You're gonna be okay, just hang on," she continued. "Tim, we gotta get him up and back to the ship."

"I can't carry both of you."

"Well, fucking TRY!" she bellowed, the coughed, a wet gurgling sound, before glancing up at Tim. Riddick's hand tightened on hers, and then went limp, and she turned back, shock taking over her expression.

"Riddick?" Her free hand went to his face, the other clamping around his hand tightly. "Riddick?" She squeezed her eyes shut, allowing the tears to flow as she leaned her head on his chest, clutching him fiercely before letting a sob loose. She felt Tim's arms go around her, and she fought weakly, finally breaking out of his grasp to fall back onto Riddick's now lifeless body to kiss him one last time. Her fingers drew his lids down over silvered eyes, and Tim lifted her off the ground, nearly running back to the ship.

He lowered her to her feet to close the hatch behind them, jumping forward but not quickly enough to catch her before she fell, coughing violently, blood dripping from the corner of her mouth. She heard the door airlock, and felt Tim lift her off the ground again, carrying her back to the sick bay and placing her gently on the cot there. She coughed again, then stared at the red spot left on the pillow, groaning as Tim struggled with her clothing to get to the wound. She drew in a rattled breath, twining her hands in the sheets beneath her.

"Tim?"

"Hang on, doll, I'm working on it," came his hurried reply. She closed her eyes, calling up her mental photo album of her now deceased lover. "Kody?" Another wet cough. "Hang on, babe." His voice sounded like he was in a small, metal box, and she opened her eyes, blinking a few times before deciding it took too much effort to keep them open. It was uncomfortable lying on her side, and she reached behind her, flailing her arm until she felt his hand, his skin slippery with her blood.

"Tim," she commanded weakly. "Let me go."

"You're going to be fine," he insisted, twisting his hand from hers to continue working.

"Tim," she whispered, feeling him pause behind her. She held out her hand again, smiling as she felt his close around hers. "I never told him I loved him," she admitted, her smile falling as the tears returned. She heard Tim swallow thickly, and squeezed his hand as she forced her eyes open. "C'mere." His hand remained in hers as he walked around the small cot to her other side, leaning over her. "You know I love you, right?" His brows were furrowed, his own tears threatening to break as he nodded slowly. "Good," she whispered, a small smile returning as her eyes closed. Tim watched as she took in a shaky breath, rattling with blood. Her hand squeezed his, trembling slightly, and a single tear slipped over her cheek as her hand relaxed in his. He finally let his tears fall, reaching out to brush blood-matted hair from her face and leaned down to kiss her forehead. He sat there for a while, still holding her hand, stroking her cheek, until the sirens drew closer and tires screeched. He closed his eyes and stood, drawing the sheet over her before heading out to greet his fate.