Chapter 8: Anywhere
Evanescence

Realizing that Lajjun would be concerned about Kyra's whereabouts and my alert the authorities which could put Riddick's hidden location at risk, they had made their way back to the city. Kyra lived once more with Lajjun and spent her days helping her with the household chores and playing with young Ziza. Riddick remained outside the city limits, living in the secrecy he had maintained for the past two years.

Every night they would meet in the darkness and spend the night in each other's arms: Kyra would leave before the sun rose the next morning.

Night after night, day after day; weeks passed.

Dear my love, haven't you wanted to be with me
and dear my love, haven't you longed to be free
I can't keep pretending that I don't even know you
and at sweet night, you are my own
Take my hand

The sun was setting; bathing the planet in a soft red glow as Kyra made her way once more to Riddick. Looking up from sharpening his shiv a smile graced his lips as he saw her coming towards him. Standing he sheathed his knife and met her, placing a soft, lingering kiss on her offered lips. They walked together back to his hidden camp and sat near the small, smokeless fire Riddick had burning as they spoke of small things and laughed softly with each other.

Darkness had fallen completely and as they stared into the fire, Kyra told him of how she had been asked by Ziza about him. Out of habit and fear, she had denied knowing him. It was a simple lie since Ziza had no clear idea about their past together, but as they sat there together in the firelight the weight of her lie fell heavily on them both. The hiding, running, and lying had been such a big part of each of their lives but now they wanted so much more. They wanted to have that freedom they had always chased: To be together, to never have to hide their love, to be truly free.

Riddick examined Kyra's solemn face as she watched the flames dart and dance. Suddenly he stood and reached out his had for hers.

We're leaving here tonight
There's no need to tell anyone
They'd only hold us down
So by the morning's light
We'll be half way to anywhere
Where love is more than just your name

I have dreamt of a place for you and I
No one knows who we are there
All I want is to give my life only to you
I've dreamt so long I cannot dream anymore
Let's run away, I'll take you there

Holding her hand, Riddick led Kyra from shadow to shadow in the empty space hanger. When they reached a small ship he gently let go of her hand, broke open a small control panel by the door and began working on the wires to open the hatch. As it lowered he turned toward Kyra and saw disbelief and hope plainly written on her face. Stepping aboard he reached once more for her hand and nodded slightly. A brilliant smile lit her face and she grasped his hand, stepping aboard the ship.

We're leaving here tonight
There's no need to tell anyone
They'd only hold us down
So by the morning's light
We'll be half way to anywhere
Where no one needs a reason

Speeding out of the Helion Prime atmosphere, they outran the planetary security and quickly entered deep space. Together they chased their future.

Forget this life
Come with me
Don't look back you're safe now
Unlock your heart
Drop your guard
No one's left to stop you
Forget this life
Come with me
Don't look back you're safe now
Unlock your heart
Drop your guard
No one's left to stop you now

They stood alone on top of a cliff, staring out over the crystalline waters that seemed to meld right into the thick, green forest that surrounded them. Turning they surveyed the world around them; forest, fields, picturesque lakes and rivers stretched as far as the eye could see. A bright blue sky bent down and kissed the horizon as soft clouds scuttled across it. A small village was nestled at the foot of the cliff they stood upon and looking down they could see their own small hut set amongst all the others. The sounds of birds and children playing floated up to them. A warm, steady breeze caressed their skin as they stood hand in hand, blowing Kyra's hair around her beautiful face. Standing tall in the sun light of this small, backwater planet they had found their freedom.

At long last, they had found peace.

We're leaving here tonight
There's no need to tell anyone
They'd only hold us down
So by the morning's light
We'll be half way to anywhere
Where love is more than just your name