Thanks to:
TotallyRiddickObsessed
NightmareWeaver – Really like your story 'Blood'.
Audacia
Chapter XXIII: All Good Things Must Come To A Close
After much argument and small battles over who would sit where, Imam was driving, Riddick sat in the passenger seat and Jack and Liege sat in the back.
"Please tell me we're going to a secluded beach." Jack commented, looking out the window.
"Of course we are, little Jack. What would the public think if they saw Riddick in swimming trunks on the beach?" Imam said in all seriousness, making Jack and Liege burst out into hysterical giggles.
"Mercs would never let me live it down." Riddick added, rubbing his head. He couldn't get a sun burn, right? Trying not to think of such consequences, he looked out for anyone who might be trailing them.
Liege looked out the window and watched as the sand-stone buildings lessened and became more spread out until there was just rolling golden sand. Light blue crystal-like water lapped at the edges of small pools that led into larger lakes. While it some might think it contrasted, Liege believed that the light blue reflected nicely with the golden tan of the soft sand.
Finally, Imam pulled off the main road and before they knew it, they found themselves on a secluded lake-area, but the lake was so large, it could've easily been a bay. With the sky darkening, Riddick lifted the goggles from his face and watched as Jack, Liege and Imam set up.
He staked out the territory they would be in, checking every possible hiding spot and sniping point that a spy could use. Deciding it was safe for the time being, Riddick returned, amused at Jack fighting with the beach umbrella.
"DAMN PIECE OF SHIT!" Jack yelled, receiving a scolding, but gentle, smack from Imam on her head. Liege went to help her and ended up having to forcibly separate Jack from the harmful object.
Quickly setting up the offending accessory, Liege grinned at Jack who narrowed her eyes at her, wondering why an Irish woman of all people could use a beach umbrella.
Laughing, Liege took off her boots and lifted off her shirt, exposing her well-toned stomach and various tattoos. Hearing Imam's gasp at her body art, she turned and asked him what was wrong.
"In my culture body art is strongly advised against, that is all child, yet your body art has meaning, yes?" He asked, sitting on the blanket underneath the umbrella.
Pointing to the shield on the small of her back, Liege explained it was the crest of her family. There were three lines of an ancient language on her right shoulder blade, and she explained that to be a protection chant written in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Riddick noticed Jack eyeing the tattoos and he pulled her against his chest, liking how she shivered from the rumble of his growl that vibrated into her. Leaning down to her ear, his breath made her shudder, unsure whether she was extremely cold or very feverish.
"Jack, don't even think about it." He warned, his hands massaging her hips. Flashing back to the daydream she had in the shower, Jack blushed furiously.
"Sure thing, babe." She taunted, pulling away from him and laughing at his expression. Turning her back to face him, she purposely lifted her shirt inch by inch, lavishing in the attention of Riddick's hungry stare.
She was interrupted by wet water foliage thrown right at her face. Ripping off the rest of her shirt, she quickly undid the skirt she was wearing that covered her bottom half. Letting that fall to the ground, she ran to the water, where Liege was already armed with another plant.
"I'm going to get you!" Jack threatened, jumping into the water. She was surprised at how warm it was, but glad because she didn't want to screech like that in front of Riddick.
She turned to hear Riddick's laugh as he watched the two girls play in the water. Sitting in the light, he was glad for the evening sky, so he wouldn't have to wear his goggles. Jack preferred him that way, and he could watch her body easier, as it easily moved through the water.
Laying back, he just began to partially enjoy the heat when he felt water splashed on him. Immediately sitting up he was greeted by Jack's laugh and Liege's grin.
Liege swam over to Jack and balanced on a rock underneath the water. Enjoying the sound of Jack being overall content, she watched as Riddick debated what to do.
"This is all part of yer wicked plan to get 'im undressed, isn't it, Jack?" Liege asked, whispering in her friends ear. Jack gave her a mock look of shock.
"Of course not. Why on earth would I do that?"
Both girls laughed again and were unprepared for the sudden wave of water that drenched them. They swiped the sea water from their faces to see Riddick in the water, smirking at both of them.
"I splashed you, you big monkey. There is a noticeable difference between that and a TSUNAMI!" Jack yelled, still enjoying herself.
Liege moved out of the water, content knowing that Jack and Riddick could have time together. Drying off, she put her shirt back on and told Imam she was going for a walk.
The sounds of Jack and Riddick faded as she walked on the sand, looking for a shell or pretty stone. Suddenly hearing a shift of sand behind her, Liege cursed herself from behind so stupid.
Before she even blinked she ran in the opposite direction, away from Imam, Jack and Riddick. But she was suddenly blocked by four masked men. Knowing she was being herded back to their camp-site, Liege decided to make the best of it.
Turning to face them, she whistled out a battle cry, knowing Jack would hear it and recognize it. In a blaze of sudden fury, Liege ran headlong into the group of men, blades drawn.
Jack suddenly froze in the water, hearing the familiar signal she had learned when they had played paintball in school. Realizing what it meant, she vividly cursed as she sprinted out of the water, leaving a confused Riddick behind.
He was out of the water in seconds and grabbed Jack's arm, spinning her around.
"What the hell is wrong with you?"
"It's Liege! Someone's attacked her! Let me go, Riddick!" She yelled, anger, concern and hatred made her voice hard to listen to.
"No. I won't let you go. Imam, pack up." Riddick ordered, seeing the holy man immediately start to clean up.
"How can you just leave her!" Jack yelled, fighting against Riddick.
"Jack! Shut the fuck up and move your ass to that car. Now." Riddick snarled, feeling like he was dealing with new inmates in the slam.
Torn, Jack looked to where she had seen Liege walk off to and then turned back to Riddick, whose face was a cold mask of fury, not the man she knew, but the killer the universe knew.
Whimpering softly, she ran to help Imam pack. They were soon packed and Jack looked back to where still stood, frozen, as if listening to the battle from afar.
Imam got into the car and yelled for Jack to get in, but she stood still, looking at Riddick. Upon realizing this, he walked to Jack and tenderly smoothed her wet hair back. Kissing her forehead lightly, he whispered something to her before she turned and ran to the car.
