Chapter 15

Sevic walked forward slowly, glancing at Riddick over her shoulder. He'd asked her to go before him, so he could have more time, and she obliged. This was his day. She paused, leaning over to peer at the girl's face for a moment. Auburn curls framed her face, defiant even in death.

"I never knew you," Sevic whispered. "But Riddick loved you, and I know what it's like to lose someone you love." Her fingers gently caressed a cold cheek. "You changed him, Kyra. You brought out the good in him. He's a good man now, Kyra, and it's all because of you. I'll never forget you for that, and neither will he." Sevic allowed herself one more long glance at the girl before turning back, resting her hand on Riddick's shoulder with a sympathetic smile before continuing past him back to the ship. She watched from the platform as Riddick stood there for a moment before approaching the casket.

"I let you down, kid," he whispered, staring down into Kyra's face. "I left you when you needed me and didn't protect you when I should have." He sighed, staring up at the orange sky for a moment, getting his tears under control before returning his gaze to her. "You know I hate failing. I've got a second chance now, I guess." He glanced over his shoulder at Sevic, waiting at the ship. "I'll never forget you, kid. You're the only person I've ever loved." He sniffed, brushing his cheek with the back of his hand quickly, thankful he was relatively alone. "This one's for you, Kyra. I'll take care of her just to make it up to you." He leaned down, kissing her cheek. A tear fell from his eye onto her forehead, and he wiped it away before fingering a curl, finally bending over again to kiss her lips quickly before turning, nodding to the only person left. The man nodded back, and Riddick retired to the ship, walking past Sevic without a word. She followed slowly, watching as the platform receded behind her.

"Do you want anything?" Sevic asked, glancing at Riddick over her shoulder quickly before returning to the menu.

"No, thanks." She nodded, ordering dinner for herself before returning to the bed. He stood next to her, staring out a small window, and she reached out, taking his hand with a small squeeze before turning back to her book. He squeezed back gently, and she smiled, letting him keep her hand while she read, waiting for her food to arrive. They stayed that way for a while, until a knock at the door. Riddick jumped, and she untangled her fingers from his, smiling as she stood to answer.

"I need to speak with the Lord Marshall." Riddick turned, and Sevic glanced over at him, waiting for his nod before allowing Lord Vaako to enter. He looked pale, as though he were still upset over the discovery of Dame Vaako's apparent cheating on him, though it was actually Sevic's doing in Dame Vaako's drunkenness. "Sir, we're approaching the planet Telvar." Riddick nodded.

"How long?"

"Ten hours, sir," Vaako answered.

"Good. Let me know when we're two hours out," he directed. Vaako nodded, then nodded again to Sevic before leaving. The food courier was coming down the hall, so she met him halfway before closing the door to their suite. Riddick was climbing under the covers as she turned.

"Turning in?" she asked quietly, sitting at a corner table to eat. He nodded, turning on his side, his eyes still on her. She hated being watched while she ate, but she didn't say anything. After brushing her teeth and changing, she crawled in next to him and called off the lights. His arm went around her, pulling her back against him, and the room fell silent. "Are you okay?" she asked after a while. He grumbled something, but she didn't ask again.

"Think two hours will be long enough for you to get your things together?" he asked, his voice muffled by her hair. She nodded. "Don't forget that knife."

"Am I going to need it?"

"Never know," he answered. "But I don't want to catch you without it." She chuckled. "I'll be back as soon as I can," he added, kissing her shoulder. She nodded, swallowing down the lump in her throat.

Riddick picked up the satchel and opened the door, watching Sevic walk through before he followed. The hallway was longer than she remembered, and they had to have added several stairs since the last time she descended them. Her fingers clutched his hand tightly, her skin cold and clammy. Riddick nodded to Vaako, who was surprisingly not wearing the usual armor and looked quite different in plain clothes. Vaako fell in line behind them, following them into town. They approached a building after a while, and Riddick glanced at Vaako, who stopped, waiting outside the building. Riddick led her through the building, down hallways, up stairs, finally stopping outside a door. He turned to her, and she smiled nervously as he pressed the comm button.

"You're in good hands here," Riddick said quietly. She nodded, taking her bag from his shoulder.

"Yeah?" the comm squawked.

"Doc. Open up."

"Who is it?"

"Rick. Open the fucking door." Sevic couldn't stop the smirk.

"Yeah, yeah." They heard footsteps, and Riddick kissed her forehead as the locks scraped and squealed. A short, round, greasy looking man pulled open the door. "Ricky, come on in." Riddick gestured for Sevic to enter, and he followed. "Who's your lady friend?"

"This is Sevic," Riddick said, going through introductions. "Listen. I need a safe place for her to stay for a while."

"What're you into now?" Doc asked.

"Long story. I'll tell you about it when I get back," Riddick said with a grin. "She needs a regen." The man's eyebrow rose. "Can you take care of her for me for a while?"

"How long?"

"No idea," Riddick sighed. "But you're the only person I trust." Doc nodded.

"Yeah, we can go out to my little cave out on Quar Three and stay out of sight for a while. You remember where that is?" Riddick nodded.

"You got the same piece of shit ship you had before?" Riddick asked. Sevic's eyebrow rose as the man nodded proudly.

"Even made some modifications, if you know what I mean," Doc said slyly.

"They might come in handy," Riddick said. Doc narrowed his eyes. "Listen to me. If you even have the slightest feeling someone's following you, cut out and make a mess of them." Doc nodded slowly.

"What'd you do now?" Riddick shook his head. "Look, if there's gonna be someone chasin' me, I want to know who."

"Necros," Sevic said quietly. Doc whistled.

"Yeah, that cave's soundin' pretty damn good," he commented. Riddick nodded.

"Leave in three days and take the long route. I'll find you when it's safe," Riddick instructed. Doc nodded, and Riddick turned back to Sevic. "I have to go now. Vaako's waiting." She forced a smile. Doc cleared his throat.

"I, uh…" he stammered, glancing around the room. "I'm gonna go take a piss," he finally said, standing and leaving the room. Riddick chuckled, and a small smile formed on Sevic's lips.

"You're safe with him, I promise," Riddick said quietly. "Just get low and stay low and I'll be back as soon as everything's taken care of."

"What are you going to do?" she asked.

"I haven't figured that out yet." He watched her lower her satchel to the floor, and fidget with her fingers. "I promise I'll be back for you," he whispered, taking her hands into his. She nodded, still staring down at the floor. His arms wrapped around her tightly, his lips placing a kiss on her forehead as her hands pressed into his back. She mumbled something, but the words were muffled into his chest and he pulled away, watching her smile up at him. "What was that?"

"I said, 'be careful'," she repeated. He nodded, bending down to kiss her quickly before disappearing behind the door.

"You got nothing to worry about, darlin'." She jumped, turning to Doc, who had reappeared in the hallway. She managed a small smile. "If anyone can make it back, it's Riddick." She nodded, turning back to the door.

"I hope you're right."