Planet of Tygeria: Falox Saga - Chapter 10 of 21
By "Valor"
"We have to go back Johns." Riddick eyed him as the night was starting to turn to day. "We should start out soon even if we have to carry Valor."
"Yeah I know Riddick. I don't want to see her get fried." Riddick gave Johns that look again. "You sure you're feeling okay Johns?"
"Yeah I may want the money for the two of you...I may even feel the urge to kill you both at times but I have hunted you both down for so long." Johns looks out to the horizon. "We should get moving somewhat before daylight comes. This way you can see what I can't." Riddick nodded and they took everything they would need for there walk back. Riddick picked up Valor and put her over his shoulder. Johns carried most of the things inside of a wrapped up sleeping bag. Then took another sleeping bag rolled it up and carried that too.
"So back there Johns you were about to say something." Riddick walked close to Johns. "What was it?"
"Nothing."
"Don't give me that nothing shit Johns."
"Fine you wanna know. I feel like if anything happened to the two of you that my life would be useless. I made my life hunting you both down. Not much else for me."
Johns was very serious and Riddick knew it. He gave out a smile and dropped the subject.
"So what's the plan Riddick?"
"Not sure yet give me time."
"Hey no problem we have all the time it takes to walk back to the palace." Johns laughed and they walked. As the sun started to come up Riddick put his goggles on. Valor started to wake up and they stopped so she could get her bearings.
"How you doing?" A little dazed she answered Johns. "Dizzy." Riddick looked her over and figured out why. "We need to get something for her to drink those
shocks are dehydrating her." Johns grabbed out the brandy. "What about this?"
"That will dehydrate her more but it may give her a sugar rush till we can find some water." Riddick gets the brandy from Johns and gives it to Valor. She starts drinking it fast but stops. "Ok that's enough." Johns laughs. "Too strong?" Riddick laughs too.
"No that's not it I just had enough." Valor answered.
"Do you need help walking?" Riddick asked. "I am good thanks though."
"Ok then lets continue walking."
The three started off again and by mid-day they reached a very small village. Unlike the ones they had seen earlier. This one was very small and the people in it weren't hiding. The Village looked the same as the others but the people were less afraid.
"They don't look like they get to many visitors here." Riddick looks at Johns. "Yeah you might be right."
"Can I help you three?" A tiny voice said to them. Valor spotted a young woman and walked up to her. "Do you have any water?" Valor's voice was soft and sweet Riddick hadn't heard that voice in so long it brought back old memories. Johns never heard her speak that way to anyone he was in shock.
"Right this way." The three followed the young woman and Valor was the only one that spoke to her. "What's your name?"
"Lanna and yours?"
"Valor and this is my husband Riddick and our friend Johns." Riddick and Johns said nothing but the expressions on there faces were priceless.
"A pleasure to meet you all. The water is right this way and if you need anything more please let me know."
"Some food if that is ok." Riddick said.
"Yes of course please sit I will get you water and food."
The three sat and Johns whispered to Valor. "Friend huh...why did you say that?"
"Look at these people Johns they don't care who we are as long as we aren't part of Falox's army. The last thing I want them to know is that you're a Merc."
Riddick and Johns had to agree she had thought this through. Lanna arrived with some food and water.
"Here enjoy I advise you to stay the night here though there aren't any other Villages on this route between here and the palace. That is where you three are headed isn't it?"
They all nodded.
"Well then I would wait here till late tonight then start walking before day brake so the water I give you when you leave will last you till you get back to the palace."
"Thank you Lanna we will." Riddick was about to protest till he saw Valor's face. Lanna left and went back to her family Valor, Johns, and Riddick ate and drank. They rested so they could regain there strength. It had almost been 12 hours since her last shock and as she sat looking out at the people in the Village she started to feel it coming on. She fell to the ground screaming out. "RIDDICK!" Johns and Riddick flew to her side and Lanna ran over as well.
"The Lord Falox has put black magic on her. Here put this between her teeth it will help." Lanna hands Johns a small leather strap that had been sewn into a log shaped bite guard. He put it in Valor's mouth and she bit down on it nearly breaking the leather with her sharp teeth. It was the first time either one of them noticed her fang like canines.
"Stay awake Valor." Johns said to her. Riddick held her as the shock passed. This time she was still awake and the bite guard fell from her mouth as she caught her breath. Johns picked up the bite guard and handed it to Lanna but not before he examined it seeing the crushed leather and the holes she left in it. Lanna left to get more water for Valor and Johns was the first to ask.
"Where the hell did those come from?" Valor a bit dazed looked at Johns in confusion. Then saw the look on Riddick's face. Lanna came back with the water and
Valor drank it down fast.
"I will get you more."
"No no more I am ok." Valor said.
"Very well I will be over here if you need more." Lanna walked away over to her home. Valor looked at both Riddick and Johns who was still waiting for an answer. She put her hand to her mouth when she tasted a copperish metallic taste on her tongue. She had nicked her lip at some point and the blood was in her mouth.
"Oh these." She pointed at her teeth. "I had them sharpened in Slam "72" there were no way of getting any weapons so I created my own."
Johns was nearly knocked off his feet by the answer. Riddick was kind of in shock too which was not like Riddick to be in shock at all.
"You mean you bit people?" Johns asked. "Correction killed people." She replied.
"Wow than I guess I am glad I am on your good side." Johns smiled. "Baby I never knew you liked the taste of blood." Riddick said as she sat up
"Well I never said I liked it just that I used them to kill people." They nodded. "Slam "72" is that were you got that 72 tattoo on the back of your neck?"
Johns looked confused. "She has Tattoos?"
"Yeah that's were it came from. I had no choice I put up a fight on the transport that took me there and they knocked me out. When I woke up I was in the slam and the tat was there."
"A way of saying you were there huh?"
"Yeah."
"She has tattoos?" Johns asked again. Riddick laughed. "Yeah two of them. One on her neck that we were just talking about and the one on her low back of the angel of death with it's wings spread."
"Angel of death? Why that?"
"It is a symbol of my race, the Talerians. My race is full of people who have different beliefs and to bind them all everyone is tattooed at age15 with this symbol."
Valor answered Johns.
"Interesting." Johns said as he and Riddick helped Valor to her feet.
"Now what?" Johns asked.
"Lets relax we have a long walk ahead." Riddick said. They all got some rest and as night fall came they awoke to Lanna giving them two big canisters of water.
"Not sure how long this will last you but here is some food as well and a bit guard for you Valor." The three thanked her and got things together as they headed off toward the palace again. Once they started walking in the darkness Riddick and Valor took off there eyewear. Johns had a small light but nothing to bright. As they walked Johns got closer to the two of them and bumped Valor playfully.
"So seeing as how we have a long walk ahead of us. Can I ask you a question?" Valor looked at Johns and placed her hand over the dim light.
"As long as you keep that light far enough away from my face. Why are you using that anyway? I can tell there is a little lighting from that moon."
"Ahh you're right there is but I like to see where I am stepping." Valor laughs and so does Riddick. Even Johns got a laugh in there.
"So what's your question Johns? But before you ask why didn't you Kill me and why are you being so nice all of a sudden? Did you hit your head or something?"
"Nahh I already told Riddick I have mad it my whole life to track you two down I am not about to loose my life's work." She laughed seeing there was more too it then just that. She thought to herself we must be growing on him. "Ok so back to your question."
Johns looked at Riddick who had his hand on the small of Valor's back. "What is the story between you two?"
Riddick stopped dead and glared at Johns. He didn't want to relive history. Johns stopped and looked at Riddick and Valor looked at the both of them.
"Ok what's going on?" Riddick didn't speak. "I am sorry Riddick I mean I don't want to cause you to get angry but I have to know." Valor went to Riddick's side and pulled his face to her then kissed him. She saw the look in his face the one that said I am sorry. Then she turned to Johns. "It's not that he hates reliving the past as do I but if you really want to know you're going to have to give me a very good reason why."
Riddick and Valor waited. Johns kneeled down and looked up at them. There glowing eyes waiting for the reason why he was so interested in there past. He thought of stupid reasons he could give but decided on the truth.
"Look I never even knew you two were married to begin with and almost everyday I am learning new things about you both. I am not asking for your life story cause I have a feeling that would take forever. I just want to know is all. I have no good reason for it but I do respect you both enough not to force the issue. So I will drop it and we can keep moving."
Valor admired his honesty so did Riddick. Johns started walking away and they followed close behind. Suddenly Valor gave Riddick a look he knew what she was asking without saying anything. He nodded and gripped her hand bringing it to his lips for a small kiss. They looked at Johns who suddenly was very quiet. Valor thought now was a good time so she started.
"I am sure you know Riddick's past about being an elite company ranger." Johns nodded and Valor continued. "Well it was before he was assigned to Sigma Galaxy. He and a few of the new rangers landed on my home planet. Some of them were rude and rough and rugged. Others were very quiet and didn't make a lot of trouble. They were there on a few months pass awaiting assignment. Some of the men had wounds. It looked as though they had seen some combat but it was more from fighting with each other. Riddick was one of them that had a few wounds. They all went in search of med supplies but some didn't have any credits. So they stole what they needed. I remember the day I met Riddick Like it was yesterday. He was walking through the market place to get some medical supplies. I was at a merchant buying medical supplies and a lot of them for my clinic. When I turned my head I saw a younger Riddick standing there I smiled at him and he gave a small smile back. All the while thinking how he could get some of my supplies. Once I was done I started to walk away towards my clinic. I guess he got ahead of me because the next thing I knew he grabbed me and pulled me into a small alleyway."
"Sounds like Riddick alright." Johns laughed. "Do you wanna hear or not Johns?" Riddick said. "Please continue Valor." She continued as they walked.
"We were hidden from public view and he put his combat knife to my throat. Thinking I was going to be afraid of him. It didn't work out that way. I had dropped the bag in front of him and I could see he was looking into it That's when I noticed he was bleeding through a bandage on his side. As he bent down to pick up the bag his blade pierced my skin and cut me rather badly right above the left collar bone. I didn't wince or cry or even move. When he looked up he quickly removed the blade putting it away. Then he grabbed a piece of cloth and held it on the wound. He whispered in my ear. "Please forgive me I did..." Before he could finish I hushed him. With out a word I took him to the clinic. I sat him down and patched him up then took care of myself. He walked over putting his hand on my back then leaned down and kissed my shoulder. Then he stared at me and I got so caught up in his gaze that I didn't realize I was falling in love with him. I don't think he realized it either. I saw him everyday he wanted to marry me and the day he went to ask my mother was there. I introduced him to my mother who didn't like him. He knew this was a problem by the face that I had made and asked after my mother left expecting to get a no but when I said yes he almost hit the floor. We got married in a rush and then my mother found out a week later. She was so mad she didn't talk to me after that. I didn't care because our love was strong. Then he had a meeting with his commander and he asked if I would meet him for dinner after I closed the clinic."
Riddick started to walk ahead of them not wanting to hear the rest Johns was going to go after him but Valor motioned to him to leave Riddick be. He did as she
told him and she finished the story.
"His meeting ended earlier then he thought so he wanted to surprise me and meet me at the clinic before I left but the surprise was on the both of us. As I closed up the clinic I was approached by some of the same rangers that Riddick had gotten off the ship with. They started touching me and when I used what Riddick taught me against them they attacked me. They heard footsteps and dropped me I had some severe wounds and began to black out. The last thing I remember seeing was Riddick's boots and I know he tried to wake me. When I woke up a few days later I was inside the clinic and my partner had patched me up. That's when he told me Riddick thought I was dead and that he took the assignment to go out to Sigma 3. He also told me that the men that attacked me were dead. I not sure if Riddick killed them or if someone else did."
Johns just nodded and they headed over to where Riddick sat down. When Valor stopped in front of him he gave her a look. "You done baby?"
"Yeah Johns is up to speed on us." She sat down next to Riddick and Johns in front of us. "Well he may be up to speed but I need to know something."
"Sure baby ask me anything." She noticed Johns looking at Riddick's hand. She looked down and saw that Riddick had his shiv out and was playing with it.
"Ok Tell me everything that happened between the time I left you and when you found me again." She watched as he dug the shiv into the dirt. He didn't look
happy. "Um.. nothing to tell baby."
She got up and walked away. Johns knew better he knew some of her past but he wasn't about to say anything. Valor stood as if she was upset and didn't want to talk about things that happened. Riddick had gotten up so fast he didn't have time to warn Valor that he was heading towards her. Seeing the shiv Johns thought the worst about this conversation. He got up and approached Riddick who just reached Valor.
"Don't give me there is nothing to tell baby crap. Spill it." Valor looked at Johns who was shrugged off by Riddick. "Fine."
She started to tell them how after Riddick left and once she got on her feet. That she took her father's ship and went searching for Riddick. Only to find out that she couldn't get to him. Then when he was branded a criminal she went looking for him again and didn't stop. She bumped into mercs along the way getting information from them at first by telling them she was a merc. After awhile they didn't believe her anymore. She started killing off the mercs looking for Riddick and became a very fast and efficient killer. Then she told him how she had to seduce some people to get the information she wanted which got Riddick angry. She quickly calmed him by telling him she had never slept with any other man besides Riddick in her entire life and she wasn't about to start. She would get them where she wanted them and kill them. She went on to tell him about all the different slams she had been in. From the single max slams to the triple max slams. She escaped them all and was branded a criminal worse then Riddick. Those things only fueled the fire he had burning inside him. He never thought of his love as what she had become and on one hand wished she didn't and on the other was glad she did because he knew that meant she could handle herself when need be. Johns watched just making sure Riddick didn't hurt her. There was a long silence then Riddick broke it when he saw Valor's face she looked as though she was in pain. Not physical pain but pain from telling him all of the things she had gone through.
"I am sorry I wasn't there for you." He looked at Johns and asked him if he could give them a moment alone. He nodded and backed away. Riddick looked Valor right in her eyes his were a mix of anger and sadness. She could see that he looked like he was about to cry.
"It's ok baby I understand I just didn't want you to know all of this I need you with your head clear so we can get outta here together." She put her hand on his face and he closed his eyes and push his face into her hand.
"Now we should continue on because the sun will be up in a few short hours."
"You are right...Johns lets go we are moving on."
The three started to move ahead toward the palace. As they moved on they all had found a new respect for one another. Valor went through another painful shock and Riddick and Johns took care of her. They had only a day and a half left to make it to the palace before Falox would fry Valor. Once Valor recovered they moved on only taking short stops for water and food. With every shock Valor received Riddick grew more enraged. It was even starting to make Johns enraged. Valor was too busy trying to think of a plan to get off the planet to get mad. They now had a day left and more then a day's walk ahead of them. Riddick didn't want to think of that he used it as fuel to move faster. Johns started getting rid of the things they didn't need anymore and he moved faster.
Meanwhile back at the palace Falox was watching them and knew every movement they made. He even watched a few choice moments that Valor and Riddick had together when Johns was asleep. He knew they were going to be late but being the ruler he was he knew how to make them hurry. He had his warlords wait till after Valor had the next shock and told them for every hour they aren't here shock her. They nodded and did as they were told.
As the three walked on they could see they were almost 6 hours away from the palace. Riddick looked at Valor who seemed ok and Johns said.
"Hope he isn't the kind of guy that takes a time frame seriously."
The next thing they knew Valor was being shocked again. Riddick and Johns looked at each other.
"That fuck he hit her early it has only been..." Riddick finished Johns's statement. "An hour."
Once she recovered they moved faster then as soon as an hour hit she was on the ground again. This happened 2 more times before Riddick blew a fuse.
"He is going to torture her till we get there."
Johns looked at Riddick. "More like all of us Riddick seeing that we gotta watch her go through this shit."
"It is going to kill her."
Johns looked down at Valor who was now out cold. "No offence Riddick but I have a feeling that might be what he wants."
Riddick knew that Johns might be right and tears started to well up in his eyes. Johns noticed that and took Riddick by the arm.
"Don't do that not now it aint over yet. Pick her up and lets go. We will deal with Falox later over this."
Riddick picked up Valor as him and Johns ran to the palace. They ran up the palace stairs and stopped right in front of the guards that Falox sent to meet them.
"I think it is the welcoming party." Johns said.
"I think you're right Johns." Riddick said with an evil grin.
The guards took the three to Falox who was waiting for them. Falox started laughing and turned his attention to Riddick who was still carrying Valor.
"Put her down Riddick."
Riddick did as he was told and Falox ordered his warlords to wake her. They did and she woke with a start. Riddick picked her up and hugged her. He eyed
Falox from behind his goggles.
"Well you're late..."
Johns intruded "But we are here now." Falox glared at Johns for interrupting him. "You know Johns I have killed men for less. If I were you I wouldn't do that
again."
Johns stood there and kept quiet and Falox continued.
"As I was saying you're late but seeing as how you showed I will let it go."
Johns started to relax thinking that Falox wasn't such a bad guy after all. But appearances can be deceiving and that's why Valor and Riddick didn't believe that Falox was done yet. They waited they knew he had something in mind for them they could tell by the way he was eyeing them. Johns smiled and they shookthere heads letting him know that Falox wasn't finished.
"I will even give you a somewhat nicer place to stay while you are all here." Falox said smiling at the three.
"What's the catch?" Valor said.
Falox got up from his throne and walked towards them laughing.
"My dear Valor what makes you think there is a catch?"
Riddick decided he would answer. "Because there's always a catch."
Falox gave a wicked smile. "Ahhhhh... You are right there is a catch. Not just one but three."
Johns was no longer relaxed. Riddick and Valor waited.
"So what's the catch?" Johns asked.
"Well I have a test for each of you."
"What kind of tests?" Riddick asked.
"So glad you asked Richard. They are tests to find out just what you three are capable of. After all you never did beat Garrax you only escaped him."
Johns looked at Falox. "So we all are going to be put to the test together again against three different people?"
"No Johns you each will have a separate test while the other two watch."
"What happens if we fail?" Valor asked already knowing the answer.
"Then you die. It is just that simple. Pass and you shall live...Well for the moment anyway until I can decide what to do with the three of you."
They weren't at all thrilled with this new wrench thrown into there plans to get off the planet but they had to get a ship and Falox controlled the ships. They were going to have to deal with it till they could find a way to either bring Falox down or escape. Valor and Riddick knew there was no chance for escape so they would have to kill Falox but that meant finding a weakness. Everyone has a weakness it only waits to be found and when they find it they plan on using it to there advantage.
"So here is how this will work. You will go to your new quarters and I shall get this test ready for the first to go. The one that will go first will be taken out and escorted to the arena. Then the two left behind will be shackled together and sitting in front of my warlords as we watch. Now off to your new quarters I hope you like them."
Falox turned and went back to his throne. The guards grabbed the three and took them down a large hall filled with beautiful art work and statues made of gold. As they reached a big red door Valor noticed that there was a blue light coming from under the door and pointed that out to Johns and Riddick. When the door opened it was another hallway. The blue light that Valor saw was because the hall was painted blue and the floor went from gold and black marble to blue and black marble. As they walked they saw many weapons in glass cases and several doors that were guarded. Some of the doors were open and inside were the most lavish rooms. Then they saw many women they were part of Falox's concubine. They were dressed in very skimpy clothes and has gold collars and wrist guards on each with a different symbol on them. The guards pushed them along as they reached the end of the hall there was a set of big black doors. Two guards opened the doors and led them into a huge room it had two beds and a large table and a bathroom off to the side. They looked at the guards in confusion as to why such a nice room. That's when they saw there were no windows and the room had metal rods that extended from the ceiling to the floor. The entire room was a huge electroshock room.
"Guess if we get outta line they zap all of us." Johns said. "Well lets not let them." Valor added.
They made themselves comfortable in the nice room and waited to see who would be first. The doors opened and they stood up as the guards grabbed Valor first saying.
"Lord Falox always said ladies first." Riddick wanted to protest and so did Johns but they both knew they would get zapped. They took Valor to the arena and then went back for Riddick and Johns. The two were shackled and placed in front of the warlords and Falox with the woman by his side again. Riddick noted and whispered to Johns.
"She must be the old king's queen."
"Yeah she has a collar on too." Johns added.
Falox waited as Valor was led into the ring of the arena she was given only one weapons a combat knife. She looked up seeing Johns, Riddick, The warlords and Falox with the woman.
"Ok my dear Valor for you I have three special parts of my test. First part of my test you will have to fight them."
The gates opened and out came these two large creatures. A type of alien that had no long fang like teeth and claws as sharp as razors. they had a long tail that had a sharp point at the end and they whipped that around fast. They were 7 feet tall and about 4 feet wide. Johns eyes got wide when he saw the creatures. Riddick was on the edge of his seat.
"Let the test begin."
Once Falox said that the creatures lunged for Valor. She dodged them and was working on finding a weak spot. Once she found it she took a hit in the arm from one of there tails. Riddick almost jumped up.
"She is fine Richard just let her continue." Falox said laughing.
Valor heard Falox and the laugh got the creatures attention and that's when Valor struck. She took the knife and shoved it into the first creatures neck then with the knife still in its neck she slid herself around its back and dragged the knife through. The creature made a loud hissing screech. The other one turned and went to whip Valor but she ducked and it took out the head of the creature she was on. Now with one down and the second to go she wasted no time and sliced off thetail of the one she killed and whacked the other one in the neck with the sharp point then got behind it and snapped its neck. Once they were both dead she lookedat Falox. Johns was impressed and so was Falox. Riddick knew what she could do so it just made him happy to see her only receive a scratch.
"What's next Falox?" She said as the guards hauled off the dead bodies. Falox smiled.
"Them." He said as he pointed to the next gate. The guards quickly got out of the way as the animals were let loose. They were some kind of cat creature with sharp teeth and they had similar eyes like Valor and Riddick. As the animals snarled she kneeled down. She put the combat knife away and put her hand out.
"Is she nuts?" Johns asked Riddick.
"No you'll see." Riddick answered. Meanwhile Falox was on the edge of his seat waiting. The animals approached her there were 3 of them and they surrounded her. Sniffing and snarling then she touched one of them. The other two laid down next to her and began to purr as the one she was petting started to purr as well. She looked up at Falox who was amazed he never saw anyone handle those vicious animals like that.
"It's an animal thing." She said. Johns nearly fell off his seat. "Well I'll be damned... She can tame even the wildest beasts. Hmmmm that would explain why you married her." He said jokingly to Riddick who laughed. "Yup."
Falox got up and sent the last test in 20 guards but the beasts were still in there with her. She used that to her advantage. The beasts protected her and went after the guards until the warlords choked them sending them to the ground wincing in pain. Valor saw the animals in pain and got angry still 15 guards. Riddick bent down to Johns.
"Watch this." Johns watched. She started picking off guards and shooting them with there own weapons. Cutting their throats and snapping necks. Now there were 3 guards left. The last three guards were the biggest of the bunch. They went for Valor the first she fought with got her good he punched her hard in the stomach but she shrugged it off and grabbed his weapon turning it on him by placing it under his chin and pulling the trigger. The next guard she somersaulted over to, ducking under his shots. She took the combat knife and buried it to the hilt up under his chin, the blade visible from his open mouth. Now without any weapons it was down to her and the last guard. He got some good punches in and she got him real good in the face and knees. He was tough and she only had one option for a weapon. She attacked him and when he fell back some she jumped on his back and tried to break his neck it wasn't working though so she did the only thing she could she tilted his neck to the side and bit his neck tearing a chunk of his neck out. He bled to death almost instantly. When she got up she was looking down. Her arm covered in blood from where the creature got her and bruises starting to form. The surprising thing was when she looked up. There was no blood on her face or anything. Falox was so amazed he loved what he saw her do. Riddick and Johns having seen it first hand now knew why she was worth more then Riddick.
"Damn she is worse then you." Johns said. Riddick didn't say anything he was concerned more with her wounds. Falox stood up and was clapping.
"Bravo Valor bravo. Take her back to the room along with these two and clean the place up. Our next test will begin in two hours." He walked away and the lady left with him. The guards took Riddick and Johns away before they got Valor out of the arena.
They were in the room for about ten minutes when the guards threw Valor in.
"You guys have a way with women don't ya. I pity your wife's." Right after Valor said that a guard slipped her in the face. She didn't flinch but she lunged for him and he tapped his finger on the button on his wrist it was the button to set off the electric current in the room. She backed away but growled. The guards left and Riddick came over to her looking at the wound that had been cleaned up.
"Guess I hit a nerve huh?" She laughed. "Yeah baby guess you did...You ok? That wound looked bad."
"I will be fine."
Johns walked over to them both. "Who do you think is going next?"
"Well it can only be you and me Johns I am betting you."
Johns looked shocked. "Why me?"
"Because he doesn't really care if you survive the test." Valor said to them both.
"Why do you think he would care if either one of you did?"
"Because I have a feeling he has other plans in mind for us."
Riddick knew what she meant he had a funny feeling about that too. Johns just walked over to the bed and plopped down.
"Well then I guess I should get some rest before they come and pull me out to that death ring."
Johns laid on the bed and passed out about 5 minutes later. Valor was sitting on the other bed and Riddick approached her.
"I hate seeing marks on you baby."
"I know I feel the same way about you but what's done is done baby and we can't stop it from happening." Valor said with her head down as she laid back on the bed with her feet still touching the floor.
"True but I don't want to talk about that now." He slid next to her on the bed kissing her gently. "I have to ask this once..."
"Sure baby what is it?" Valor asked.
"Have you ever given any thought to having a baby?" Riddick was very serious. Valor's eyes snapped open and she could see he was being serious.
"Why do you ask that?"
"Was wondering when we get outta here if we could start trying I would love to have a daughter like you."
Valor laughed. "Or a son like you..."
"Is that a yes?"
"Yeah I have thought about it baby many times. But why do we have to wait to start trying who says we can't start now?"
Riddick got all excited and kissed Valor. "Yes lets." Valor still had one small secret that she hadn't yet told Riddick and she had no idea how to tell him. As they made love while Johns was asleep she put it out of her mind. Then once they had gotten dressed and they sat cuddled together she started thinking about it again. She was just about to tell Riddick and the guards came in and took Johns. A few minutes passed and they got Riddick and Valor. She debated a long time and figured after Riddick was finished with his test she would tell him. Johns went through his test next and passed but he was badly wounded and they patched him up and threw him in with Riddick and Valor who helped him to the bed.
"Damn Johns those are bad." Riddick said.
"That fuck knew I couldn't kill those things with a combat knife. I have to thank you for the tip though Valor if it wasn't for you I would be dead."
"Hey Johns you saved my life I saved yours we are even."
He nodded and they relaxed. In a few hours Riddick would be up and Valor wanted to tell him. She almost did several times but something always stopped her. A few hours later they all were back at the arena only this time Riddick was the one in the ring. Valor watched as he passed the first test no problem. The second was as easy as when she had been down there but when it came to the third test Falox stopped the guards and said.
"I want you to bring it." Everyone seemed to know what it was except the three of them. They waited to see and Valor got to the edge of her seat she started mumbling and Johns looked at her.
"What's the matter Valor?" She looked at him with a slight bit of worry on her face the same kind they had shown for her when she was being shocked. Then she looked away and started mumbling again this time Johns could make out what she was saying.
"I knew I should have told him... I knew it."
"Should have told him what Valor?"
She looked at Johns and then to the ground. Then she whispered. "That he has a son."
"What? When?"
"Back when I was almost killed I had a baby boy not to long after."
Johns knew she had only been with Riddick so he knew it was definitely his. "Where is he now?"
"Safe back on my home planet with my cousin."
"What's his name?"
"Viktor"
"You need to tell him Valor."
"I will once he gets out of that ring."
"So you really wanna have another kid then?"
She laughed at him. "I thought you were sleeping."
"Yeah right who can sleep."
"True... of course I do but only if it is with Riddick."
"You truly love him don't you?" He was very sincere.
"Yes I do Johns."
They smiled at one another and Falox had heard it all. What would he do with this information? And what is this it that Riddick is waiting to fight?