Trapped In Black

By: night flame miko

AN: Well here's the next chapter everyone!

This chapter was a bit annoying, you want to know why? Well, you see, I had been dead set on this whole fic being from Harry's point view. I just wanted it that way, and I know I have a habit of switching characters to get their views as well. So I thought to myself, 'Not this time, this time it will all be from one POV.'

But it seems that habit is just going to have to continue, because no matter how much I tried to view the next scenes from Harry's POV, I kept getting distracted and started thinking it through in Riddick's POV.

So here we go.

I hope I don't seriously screw up Riddick's character, but I'll try my best to keep him as IC throughout this chapter as possible.

Warning: This is going to be a slash fic. In other words, it is going to be a boyxboy story. So don't come to me if you ignore this warning, and then get annoyed that you read it and found out too late that it was going to be a slash story.

Disclaimer: I own nothing!

Also thank you to everyone for their wonderful reviews last chapter! They are much appreciated! :P

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Riddick honestly didn't know what to make of the laughing man in front of him. This self proclaimed 'Harry J. Potter-Black'.

Riddick, even in his relatively short years, had travelled a lot. He had seen all kinds of people. But never had he met someone quite as…interesting as this…'Harry'. And he could also honestly say that the guys' parents must have been on some kind of crack to name their kid 'Harry'.

Normally parents are pretty close, if not spot on with their kids' names. More often than not he could tell a lot about a person simply from their name. Like William J. Johns, that name has a fair amount of strength behind it, and is quite close to the actual persons character.

Not like Harry, and this guy in front of him is definitely not a 'Harry'.

Tilting his head to the side, Riddick listened and watched as Black laughed (he refused to underestimate people, and if that meant re-naming them so that their namesuited their character better, then so be it). Black was a fascinating person to both listen to, and definitely to watch. It was easy to see how he differed from most other people, at least in Riddick's eyes.

From the second Black had walked into his sight earlier, until now, he could see the difference like a blazing sun compared to a candle's flame. Where other people had an inner light about them (one he had always assumed to be their body heat), Black had a veritable sun trapped beneath his skin, and yet it didn't hurt to look at him. In fact it was almost soothing to see that light ripple beneath Black's skin. Not only that, but where everything Riddick saw was in shades of purple and white-ish light, Black's eyes shone the most luminous green he had seen since before his operation. Riddick had almost forgotten what green even looked like. And that wasn't all. Riddick had long since associated heat with the white he could see, and so wasn't surprised by the light that people gave off. But never before had he seen objects give off that same light, and just looking at the silver shimmering cloak, ring and cane, caused Riddick to re-evaluate everything he thought he knew about his sight.

But that was for another time, right now he was listening to Black's fascinating laughter, trying to examine exactly what he was hearing; it was almost like Black was switching between being relieved and ecstatic. Though Riddick had no fucking clue on what the guy could be relieved about. One second Black is looking into Riddick's eyes as if the answers to life's mysteries are there, the next he looks disappointed (in Riddick? Not likely), and then suddenly something changes and Black is laughing his head off.

Riddick could only wonder whether he's finally met his first honest-to-God crazy person.

Sure he's met a few insane people in his time, those who are a bit cracked in the head. Usually from being in prison too long. But he couldn't quite say he'd met a true crazy person…until now.

Leaning back Riddick took some of the stress of the chains off his arms, letting him focus his whole attention on the man in front of him. When he'd first seen Black he'd had him categorised almost immediately. Well, when he had first sensed Black, he had him categorised.

Of course he had known the man was there, watching the whole time as he had made his escape. Riddick wouldn't have gone through with it if he hadn't already begun before he sensed the man. And fuck, if that wasn't something he was kicking himself over. I mean, to allow some prissy rich kid (judging by the cloak and cane) to sneak up on him? Unacceptable.

But he had already started dislocating his arms when he first sensed the guy, and there was really nothing to do but try to get done as quickly as possible and hopefully shut the guy up before he let out a warning.

But he hadn't needed to. The guy hadn't made a sound the whole way through his escape, hadn't even moved an inch towards one of the exits. Riddick had wondered for a few seconds before re-categorising him as someone who would attempt to blackmail him with his escape, probably say he'll call in Johns if Riddick didn't do something for him. Not that Riddick would let him.

But even when he was finally free, absolutely nothing happened.

This was when Riddick was at a bit of a quandary, should he, or should he not kill the guy before said guy did something to prevent his escape? Removing his blindfold and bit-gag he decided to test the guy one last time. And so placing his goggles over his eyes, Riddick had made for the exit, waiting for some sign from the guy that he was going to be stopped. But there was none, and finally not even Riddick could help himself.

Turning in the doorway he'd looked at the guy, wanting to see what kind of a person would let him escape.

At first Riddick hadn't been able to quite see him, but then the guy had moved to where Riddick had been chained and his eyes had immediately locked onto the movement. Walking forward slightly the man had picked up a wolf headed cane that Riddick swore hadn't been there five seconds ago, and after mumbling about looking for his cane, he had limped out. As if he couldn't even see Riddick standing there, in the doorway, watching him. Riddick blamed the goggles for not noticing how brightly the man shone before now, it was the whole reason he had them in the first place, after all.

When the guy had essentially ignored him, Riddick hadn't known whether to be insulted, amused or intrigued. In the end he went for a bit of everything. So deciding to investigate, he ran outside a short way before tossing the bit-gag in a random direction (one which had some decent hills in the distance) then he had quickly made his way back. Scaling up onto the roof of the ship, he had gone to watch the young man who had been watching him.

And watch he did. He saw as the guy limped, ever-so-slowly towards Johns before 'innocently' asking about where the prisoner was supposed to be. He had seen the guy watch Johns take off for the ship and he had seen the smirk that had crossed the young mans face when Johns had his temper tantrum inside the vessel.

Riddick hadn't known then what to make of the man, and he still had no fucking clue now.

Looking down on Black as the laughter finally started to decrease, he shook his head. When Black had first arrived he had sat down in front of Riddick, and Riddick had assumed that the guy was trying to make a point, trying to say 'See, I'm not scared of you' instead of what most others did (when Riddick was safely chained anyway). They usually stood on eye level with him, making contact as if trying to say, 'See, I am just as strong as you'.

It only took a few seconds to realise he was wrong.

Black wasn't sitting there because he was trying to make some kind of a point, either to himself or Riddick. The man had sat down in front of Riddick because it was comfortable, because he didn't feel like standing, or some similar reason. He wasn't making a point; he simply did not count Riddick as enough of a threat to need to.

Riddick knew he should feel angry about the dismissal, he wasn't a weak person at all, and he knew it. But there was just something about Black. Some kind of lazy grace and slight scent of power that he wore as easily as that silver cloak, and that was what held Riddick in check. Even now Riddicks' instincts were screaming at him to 'Beware!', and whilst he couldn't see what it was that would put them on high alert like this, he wasn't about to ignore it.

His instincts had been right every time before.

So instead he watched, and he talked. Curious about the man but willing to put aside curiosity for the sake of survival, because as much as it grated him; right now he wasn't much of a threat to anyone.

At least until he escaped again.

There were some highlights to the talk though, like at the beginning where Black had looked up and bared that delicate throat of his. Normally when someone puts himself in such a 'kill position', Riddick would either immediately take advantage of it or feel the deep urge to.

But not this time. This time when that head leaned back and Black's throat was exposed he didn't feel any kind of urge to take advantage of the position, instead every animal instinct in Riddick almost purred at the chance to see someone they consider as another 'Alpha' in a bared-throat position.

To say Riddick was confused would be the understatement of the century.

He had met other Alpha's before, and Every. Single. Time. He had had the urge to prove himself the powerful one, the dominant one.

Yet not this time.

This time he felt almost…comfortable enough to trust that the other Alpha wouldn't try anything. And Riddick didn't feel comfortable with anyone.

But that wasn't the only highlight. The other was when the child came out, and it was later revealed that Black was fascinated by him. All his senses had perked up at the statement, and he had felt an almost uncommon awareness towards the other directly afterwards. And for once that interest wasn't in how quickly he could kill the object of his attention.

And Black certainly had his attention. Even now, as he leaned back and watched Black grin with his half-hooded, bright eyes. It seemed the man was simply basking in the afterglow of his laughter and Riddick couldn't help studying him, letting his eyes take in the shredded bottoms of the black pants, the wolf-headed cane and a black stone set in a silver ring on Black's left hand, and of course the trapped sun glowing beneath everything.

The whole ensemble was a contradiction. He wore expensive clothes (the black material was obviously fine, even with the bright inner light and shredded as they were Riddick could see that) and had valuable jewellery, as well as a silver wolf-headed cane that somehow shone despite being inanimate and not having any heat of its own. And yet Black sat on the silver cloak as if he didn't care that he might possibly rip or damage the material, the pants had been taken apart with little care and the cane had been dropped next to him with nary a glance.

And even without the walking contradiction, there was just something about Black. The way he held himself and that slightly quirky smile as if he was in on a private joke. As if he were…laughing at the world?…except that was the wrong way to term it. More like, he was…proud of the world, proud of what it had become. In the same way a parent would take pride in a child and its accomplishments.

Riddick let himself think about this awhile before both men were pulled out of their thoughts as Johns strode into the room, looking quite ruffled and determined to put up an uncaring face before Riddick. He just smirked at the man before speaking,

"Finally figured out there's somethin' worse than me out there?"

Black snorted, pulling Johns attention from where it had fixed itself on Riddick. In all honesty, Riddick would admit that Johns had learnt well. When you were 'alone' (as Johns had thought until Black snorted) with Riddick, your attention must never drift from said convict, because otherwise bad things tended to happen. Usually very bad things.

"What are you doing here?"

Johns asked Black, looking slightly angry that someone would be alone with Riddick for any extended period of time. "Do you know how dangerous this guy is? You shouldn't be anywhere near him, even when he is in chains."

Black tilted his head, seeming to ponder Johns words before shrugging slightly, causing the silver fabric of his cloak to shift and pool around him further, like water made of shimmering light.

"Of course he's dangerous. But why would he try to harm me? It's not like in my poor, damaged state I would be much opposition for him if he tried to escape. It's not like I would try to be opposition for him if he tried to escape, considering my poor, damaged, state."

This time it was Riddick who snorted lightly at Black's tone. He could tell all too easily just how Black was being treated for his injury. Being the only one out of all the survivors to have a wound, as well as a potentially permanent one, would have caused a pack mentality within the group. Something along the lines of 'surround and protect the weakest link'. For a strong character like Black, who seemed to have a quiet but powerful pride about him, being treated as if he were an invalid would probably cause quite a bit of anger if not resentment.

All that was holding these people together was their united goal of getting off this planet, but throw in some danger and the possibility of death and this whole twisted little family of theirs was going to fall apart at the seams.

The sound, though, redirected Johns attention towards Riddick and the man started tapping his gun against his thigh distractedly before seemingly coming to a decision,

"You know about the things under the anthills. That killed Zeke."

He paused but Riddick didn't reply, he simply stared at Johns, that knowing half-smirk resting across his lips. Johns glared and gripped his gun, refusing any more anxious movement. "I have enough trouble keeping track of one killer; I don't need to be adding monsters to the mix. So here's the deal Riddick, no killing anyone, no hurting anyone and no weapons, especially no shivs. If I let you loose I want you to help us get off this god-forsaken rock of a planet."

Riddick cocked a brow, looking vaguely curious.

"Oh? And you think I'm gonna help you, outta the goodness of my heart? Not likely. What are you gonna give me for helping you out, Johns?"

Johns lips twisted into a sneer before his expression hardened,

"I think it'll be safe to say that Riddick died in the crash." He refused to elaborate, but Riddick was all too willing to spell it out for their unanticipated audience (not as though Black didn't understand).

"Are you saying you'll let me go Johns? Even with the…rather large price on my head? It would probably be better for you to Ghost me Johns, 'cause I'm not believing a thing your saying."

Johns grit his teeth before exhaling deeply. Riddick wasn't stupid, he realised that Johns was going to try to double cross him at some point, but he also knew that Johns couldn't afford to kill him. Not because Riddick would be more useful alive, but because the other survivors would view it as the cold-blooded murder it truly was, rather than in self-defence; which Johns could claim later if he just let Riddick loose now.

But of course, that's not what Johns could say, so he sucked in his pride and instead started weaving the lie that no-one in that room believed,

"Look Riddick. The truth is I don't feel like chasing you down anymore. I've hunted you across the universe and can honestly say I'm getting tired of it. Also I don't know what those things are, but I know we're going to need every available man to fight them if they decide to come up above their little hidey-holes. So I figure, rather have you on our side then against it or dead. If that means that I have to say you died somewhere on this planet rather than collecting the money on your head, then so be it."

Riddick grinned, baring his teeth in the movement. "There you go Johns, was that so hard?" Unfortunately this seemed to be the wrong thing to say as Johns eyebrows snapped down and he pointed the gun at Riddick and fired.

Black, who had been watching everything with a kind of vague interest, blinked as he looked at Riddick who had slumped forward with the shot. Not because Johns had shot him, but rather he had shot the long chain which had run behind Riddick, connecting his hands together but also wrapped around some metal, forcing them apart.

Slowly Riddick stood and Johns held his goggles in one hand and his gun to Riddick's chest with the other. Johns pushed lightly on the gun whilst he looked deep into Riddicks eyes,

"I want you to remember this moment Riddick, and how it could've gone. Don't go thinking you can just-"

For the first time, something like anger had flashed in Riddick's eyes and in a series of fast movements the tables were quickly turned, with Riddick standing with the gun pointed between Johns eyes and his finger a hairsbreadth from the trigger. For an eternity it seemed like Riddick was going to shoot before he finally stated in a soft but no less deadly voice,

"I want you to remember this moment."

Lowering the gun he reached out and yanked the goggles from Johns hand before tossing the gun at its owner. Johns caught it reflexively and they both seemed to be once again having a war of dominance.

So of course that was the moment Black chose to pipe up,

"Hey Johns, would you mind helping me up? Being my poor and damaged self, I'm struggling a bit."

Both sets of eyes snapped to Black who was holding out a hand and grinning shamelessly, seeming uncaring of the situation he had stepped into. Johns simply snorted before turning and walking away, saying over his shoulder,

"You've survived this long, I'm sure if you work hard enough you could find the will to stand up by yourself."

Black simply snorted, beginning to lower his hand when Riddick reached out and gripped it causing Black's glowing green eyes to snap up to his. Though, Riddick noted, it wasn't the wide-eyed look he had expected, but rather one of curiosity. Riddick smirked and decided to enlighten him,

"Being as poor and damaged as you are, you might hurt yourself on the way up."

The grin Riddick let loose was all teeth and Black smiled that quirky smile, the one that seemed a mix between amusement and exasperation.

"You young people today. No respect for your injured."

Pulling Black up easily (Riddick couldn't help noticing how slight the man was compared to him, where Riddick was all muscle and brawn, Black was more lithe and agile) the young man stood before letting go of his hand and replacing it with the shining cane. Riddick watched as Black set himself before beginning to walk away, Riddick keeping pace with the over-exaggerated limping easily.

"Me? Young? What about you, you could only be in your late 20's, early 30's." Riddick stated.

Black grinned slightly but the expression didn't reach his eyes.

"Actually you're right, I'm 28, but mentally I feel like I'm well into my thousands."

There was something behind that statement that caught Riddick's attention, but he couldn't pin point what, exactly, it was. Deciding to think on it later, he allowed himself to shrug,

"I know what you mean. Sometimes I feel too fucking old for my body."

Black's green-eyed gaze swept over Riddick and something primal rose its head as the once over travelled leisurely from head to toe, a heat forming in Riddick that hadn't shown itself in a long time. Black didn't seem to notice the reaction, simply looking forward as that quirky smile appeared once more on his lips,

"Hmm. I'm not too sure. Your body looks just the right age to me."

Raising an eyebrow Riddick smirked slightly as they exited the ship.

If that's the way Black wanted to play, then so be it. Riddick was always up for a challenge.

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An:

Hey everyone.

Sorry I took a bit longer getting this one up, I'm actually a little annoyed. I've had this done since a day after the last chapter was updated, but I had forgotten that Riddick see's everything in purples and whites. So I had to go through the chapter and edit it so that this would make sense when I start tying stuff in later.

But in any case, here is the next chapter, I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did writing it.

And please, tell me what you think. Reviews are an Authors oxygen, we couldn't survive without the stuff :P

-night flame miko

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