This is a fanfic, the Harry Potter/Pitch Black characters does not belong to me. They belong to J.K Rowling and however owns the Riddick enterprise. I make no profit of this. Only borrowing the characters so I can spin my own little tail.
Chapter 18
Riddick
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Riddick takes on a relaxed position, half-covering himself in the shadows. His little Crazy is quiet as a mouse and hardly moving between his feet. A perfect situation for a hunter to spook his incoming prey.
He reeks of danger and darkness; willfully letting his large body and dark aura do the work for him. Even with the chains the women will fear him. He can sense her stopping even now, trying to muster courage she doesn't have to face him. Just beyond the entrance she is leaning against a wall, believing herself safe from his scrutiny, she is wrong.
Riddick kills the smirk creeping up his face, no need to warn the mouse of the cat. He can hear her pulse quickening as she gets ready to enter. The pilot enters with a stiff back and narrowed look, gunning for power from the start. Like she had any chance.
Fry soon speaks to him, her voice hard, but Riddick hears the hysteria that's building underneath. She knows that coming in here was a mistake, but she is too proud and too stupid to just leave. Riddick finds himself almost quivering form suppressed laughter. He ignores her to a point, but when she starts to raise her voice and for the third time demands to know where Zeke is he makes his move.
Riddick angles his face towards her, but hides his eyes. Johns hasn't returned the goggles and he is almost blinded by the light as it is. No need to be in pain for the sake of a little lamb seeking shelter in the light. Unfortunately his movement has her feeling in control. Her back stiffens even more and she becomes more confident. Which annoys him since it isn't what he was going for. He wants her on the edge.
"Tell me about the sounds Riddick. You told Johns that you heard something right before... right before the screams." Fry inquires softly, clearly hoping that her softness will lure him to speak.
The only thing missing is a subtle threat. If it comes it means that little miss self-preservation has worked with mercs'. Making her a certain kill down the road. Riddick tests her, refusing to speak and showing just an inkling of teeth. Her response is predictable and gives Riddick the answer that he seeks.
"Look Riddick, if you don't talk to me Johns will take another crack at it - at your skull that is. Frankly I've had it with the violence; but I will allow it, we need to know if it was you or something else... Come on, this is as much about your life as it is about ours."
Riddick lifts his head a fraction, letting the sun flash over his eyes as he moistens his lips. By her response he knows she's beginning to desire him, falling into his lore. Time to close the trap.
"Mean the whispers?" His words echoing in the sudden silence. Fry stepping closer unconsciously, seeking shelter from her fears in the predator installing it.
"What whispers?"
Riddick smirks, loving every minute of this charade. This bitch is so easy, she buys everything if you sell it right.
"The ones tellin' me to go for the sweet spot. The one just to the left of the spine, fourth lumbar down. It's the abdominal aorta and quit the gusher." He can see the repulsion on her face, it's beautiful. "If you carry a cup catch a little run-off. It has a metallic taste to it, human blood. Coppery some would say. But if you cut it with peppermint schnapps, that goes away."
Complete shock is being displayed on her face. Riddick loves his role as the boogey man but he can feel the little crazy's confusion, the man has no experience with wordplay it seems. Harry knows how to survive, but it's becoming clearer that it's been on a more direct level. His pack-member don't know the power of words; he will learn. Best speed it up before Crazy breaks the magic.
Fry responses to his story with anger. Backing away and becoming tense, trying to regain a sense of control. Failing miserable and it's amusing to watch.
"Why don't we try the truth now?" She demands coldly and Riddick gives her a head-shake. He then lets out the laugh he has been holding. Making the others in the room startle.
"All you people are so scared of me; hiding yourself away from the boogeyman. Most days, I'd take that as a compliment, thrive in it even…" Riddick says in a dark, dry voice. Showing his amusement at the situation by yanking in his chains softly. "But it ain't me you gotta worry about now. There something here that's even badder; that's going to fuck you up real fast if you don't adept." The last part was more for Harry then Fry, but if either get it Riddick don't know nor cares. It had been said and for him that was enough.
"Show me your eyes Riddick."
The request was expected, Riddick had even thought it would come sooner. Women love seeing his eyes, they always enchant them. He turns away, staring into the eyes of his Crazy. Luring her away from the shadows, counting on her jealousy and curiosity winning over her good sense.
Fry steps into the shadows, away from the light. Her hands shaking from the building anticipation. She wants it bad. Before she can escape he slowly lifts his head a bit, silently telling her; come closer. She does. This will hurt his eyes, but it will be worth it. Crazy is right. They will need another ally and the best shot is their second in command.
"Show me, Riddick." Fry demands again.
"Then you need to come closer." He throws back, his voice rumbling in the tight space. Warning her of the animal inside, she just too stupid to heed it.
Fry takes a step closer and Riddick get ready to shock her. Just before he springs on her his Crazy gets there first. Surprising them both, but he manage to hide it faster. Fry on the other hand jumps backwards and shout in panic as Harry's legs wraps around hers, making her lose her balance and tumble forwards -right into Riddick's lap before letting go.
There's a stunned silence, but it is soon broken by Riddick's dark laughter. He is staring down at her, seeing how her blood starts flowing faster underneath the skin. She is embarrassed and frightened. No one seems to have heard her either. There is no footsteps coming their way.
As Fry scrambles to get to her feet again Riddick's continues to laugh, keeping her on the edge. Harry's not moving which means he has done the deed, now the rest is up to him. It is the perfect play even if neither of the others know it.
The instincts in his Crazy is making want grow in Riddick's belly. The boy is unknowingly playing right along his tune, something no other has ever been able to do. If he continues Riddick knows he will never let Harry go. He will rather kill him first. The word mate is slowly growing stronger inside of him and he is getting more and more ready to allow it.
Riddick refocus on Fry when the women get to her feet. He can see how she is trying to collect herself, her eyes is spitting fire and she's clearly on her last nerve. She isn't even focusing the anger on Harry, it is all for him. Convincing Riddick how stupid the tart really is, she blatantly ignores one threat in favor of others. She is just the right person to make a deal with.
Before she can speak Riddick acts. He springs forward, straining every muscle in his body and locks eyes with Fry. Mere inches away from her face. She's frozen from the suddenness. He shows her the monster, he shows her the killer and he shows her the eyes. As requested. She flinches back as he leans just a little bit closer, spooked beyond belief...
Riddick knows what she sees. He has no normal eyes, there are no irises to be seen, just huge pearl-light-shifting eyes that can see every emotion on her face. He's been told they're mesmerizing, like pearls from ancient earth that lured many divers into their deaths. He's using this knowledge against Fry now, keeping her spell-bound. For several minutes no one speaks. But eventually Fry lower her gaze and asks in a hoarse voice if he had done that to himself.
He lies to her. He always does and they always fall for it.
"It was a slam doctor. Well, we called him 'doctor'. Paid him good for that job… isn't it ironic that now they useless!? A planet with three fucking suns? Doesn't seem fair does it." Riddick answers and laughs dryly.
"Heard about it." Fry says from under the sun rays, having retreated back into the light. Her voice is small. Her confidence all but destroyed. "Just never seen it done."
Riddick just guff's and finally sinks back into his 'throne'. He must close the deal before she gets cold feet, he has pushed her far enough for now.
"Maybe I did do a few people back in the days, some for sports, some for survival. However - not this one, this one was another beast's kill. Want to know more? Go into the hole. If you have the guts."
"He's not in the hole. We looked." Fry says irritated.
"Look deeper." Is the answer Riddick gives her back. Clicking his tongue as she leaves.
The game is over and Riddick feels somewhat victorious, but from the vibes down below, Harry is far from happy by this proceedings. Most likely feeling that something else should have occurred.
"I have survived in hell my entire life Crazy, I survive by reading people. I know what I am doing so chill. Rest for a while, hell will soon keep us busy." Riddick says and leans his head backwards. Closing his eyes and resting. There will be a while before another will enter and Riddick knows they both need the break.
He can feel Harry's frustration, but surrender as he starts dozing along with him.
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Fry
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Fry has never been so scared in her life, not even when she was pummeling towards her death just hours ago. "Mecca it felt like years." She mumbles as she thinks about it.
She has to stop before entering into the desert, not wanting to face the others just yet. She is too frizzled and disappointed in herself. She let Riddick get to her. He played her like a pro and she hadn't even realized it until just now. Johns had said he was dangerous, but she had thought he meant in the muscle department, but that man back there was a true predator.
He had manage to gain control over her and she hadn't seen it coming. How could she have been that stupid…? And they had giving him an ally. Harry didn't have a chance to resist the man. They needed to get him away from Riddick before it was too late. Or as Shazza wanted, kill them both. They would be a dangerous pair and what did they need them for?
Fry push the thought of killing another far from her mind, unwilling to go down that road just yet. Better to focus on the story Riddick told her. It is most likely another mind game, but one she would call. If they went down the hole and there was nothing there; then she could rub it in his face. Most likely the man didn't think her brave enough for it and felt it was a safe bet.
With a plan forming Fry gather the bravery to face the heat and the others. Johns would be against it, he was opposed to anything in terms of Riddick - well, that didn't involve chains or jail. With her pride on the line she would have to convince him. Far better to have him go along with her plan than be opposed to it. It wouldn't help morale and she had let Riddick get to her; she wouldn't stand for it, not even for Johns sake.
Fry quickly finds the others and fills them in on the information gathered, downplaying the mind games. She makes it sound like she had been in control the entire time, only Johns didn't look so convinced. When telling them about her plan Johns is less than pleased; he tells her it's idiotic and a waste of time, but Shazza is with Fry on this. The hole needs to be examined future, Zeke might be down there and Shazza wouldn't risk leaving him behind if he by any chance was alive.
They all gather the material needed; a flashlight and a long belt-line, some bandage and booze just in case Zeke was alive. He might need medical assistance, what little they could give him. It was as they started the journey to the grave that Shazza asked the big question.
"Who's going down the hole?"
The others look at each other. Fry at Johns.
"I will." She says with a strong voice.
"It's not a smart move." Johns counters, the others agrees with him.
"It my plan and my way. I'm going down there."
An argument arise, Johns won't stand for it and the others are arguing who it should be if not the Captain.
"Riddick isn't an option, but what about Harry?" Shazza asks in a cold voice, not really caring if the other prisoner lives as long as she gets some answers. The idea has potential and Fry is inclined to agree with her. It would get the man away from Riddick, but he might also disappear and free him. Not something she wants to risk.
"No, not Harry. It is too big of a risk." She says. "We could bring him though, just to have some extra people on hand and to create some space between him and Riddick. They are becoming friends."
Her words has many of them becoming nervous, the idea to have another murderer amongst them making the lot extremely uncomfortable. Harry has so far been an unknown, but if he teamed up with Riddick they could face a serious problem down the road.
"Kill them both." Shazza says in anger.
"That is not the way of Allah." Imam counters.
"He hasn't done anything!" Jack shouts.
Another argument breaks out and for several minutes all of them stand in a half circle and shout at each other. It is Johns' that ends the argument by firing of a shot.
"THAT is enough. We aren't killing anyone right now." He shouts. Staring with his blue eyes into each and everyone's eyes. Making it a certainty none will try anything stupid. "We will head back and get Harry, take him with us to the hole and make sure he is secured. Alright!"
No one dares to argue, to ashamed of themselves for losing their cool.
Fry and Johns heads back and unlocks Harry, before forcing him to limp outside. Not saying a word to either of the prisoners as they begin to walk away. Fry is convinced she can see fear in Harry's eyes and insecurity in Riddick's, making her feel better about herself. Having to watch Harry make the painful journey to the grave isn't as satisfying.
Harry is limping badly and by the sound he makes he's in pain. He is also nursing his wounded arm and trying to shade his eyes from the sun. Fry finds she is concerned about his continued wellbeing, if he doesn't get better soon he will become an even bigger burden down the road.
She glance at Johns to see if he is worried about his prisoner, but can't read his face. He is staring ahead and looks pale, his upper lip is covered in sweat; he looks ill and Fry takes a few steps closer to him. Worried that he might faint. It must be dehydration. With the risk of one of their strongest falling ill Fry forgets about Harry and concentrates on the task at hands. As soon they are done here they need to get to the settlement. Johns needs water.
By searching the hole everyone would get answers. Meaning that they could concentrate on their continued survival. They could head towards the settlement before the next sunrise, that way they could get the water pump working properly and get access to beds. The thought of sleep making her drowsy.
Upon reaching the grave everyone goes quiet. The little shatter that has been dying as the sight of blood fills their vision. Coldness spreading inside of them as they remember Zeke's screams. It felt so unreal, that one of them had fallen after surviving the crash.
Fry drops the chain into the grave and jumps in. Imam follows her after ordering the kids back to the ship, the chrislamboys listen; Jack doesn't. Harry is placed next to the hole by Johns, who secure him to one of the beat down poles. He will be trapped and looked after by the cop, Johns makes it clear that Harry won't be helping her suit up for a suicide mission.
"It's not that bad Johns. It is just a hole."
"Tell yourself that Caroline, but me and my buddy will stay out of it. Riddick is smart. Do you really think he hasn't planned for this?"
"No, not really. He hasn't had the time. I'm just calling his bluff and finding out for sure if Zeke's down there. It's the right thing to do."
Shazza hugs her for that. Her first instigated contact since seeing the blood. It a good sign that she is gaining control of herself again. It brings hope to the group and Fry feel better for it.
"I know what happened. He killed him, hid him and now he is playing with him. With your..." Johns starts, but at Harry's smirk Fry interrupts him.
"Look, I'm doing this and I would really appreciate if you had my back okay. Come on Johns we aren't the monster here."
Johns gives a huge sigh before jumping in, upon landing on the hot sand he looks to Harry and aims the gun at him. Killing the smile in his face.
"Don't try anything sweetcakes. I will not hesitate to shoot you. "
Harry just looks bored at them before turning his back to the whole enterprise. His nonchalance irritates her, it as if they are worthless bugs he can't be bothered with. Well, she will show him.
Johns turns his stare back to her as she straps on the line, having Imam help her securing it and testing its hold. He still looks hesitant and still angry, but he is taking her side on this.
"Be safe down there, shout or pull on the rope if you need us. We have your back."
Johns words warms her heart. It feels good knowing she has someone she can count on, even if he behaves oddly in certain moments and intimidates her. He is far better ally than Riddick. She gives Harry a last glance after that thought, before going down on her knees. She takes up Zeke's fallen pick-axe and moves the sand away from the opening. The hole is small, but as she shines inside it looks to be bigger further in.
There is blood as far as she can see, but no body. She can't hear anything either, meaning that Riddick was wrong about the noises. The silence gives her courage and with a last look to her friends she starts crawling inside.
Time to put a hole in Riddick confidence.
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Harry
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Harry was faking disinterest, but the disappearance of the captain was filling him with curiosity and apprehension. If the captain was lost down there he could guess who would be sent to look for her. The thought wasn't enticing. Riddick warnings was ringing in his head and he didn't want to meet the monsters Riddick had mentioned. The above side was enough for him.
He could see Jack, Imam and Johns standing around the hole, following the captain's progress as much as they could. Paris and Shazza was more to the side, away from him. Harry was wondering if this had been Riddick's plan all along or if it was just something he had hoped for. Either way the man had as much luck as him when it came to surviving. Unfortunately it also seemed he had his bad luck when it came ending up in troubles as well. Not such a good combo.
The thought made him smile. It felt good that at least one of the beast on this planet was on his side. He had a much bigger chance at surviving with Riddick than the others, the man also declaring him pack had made Harry relax. It felt like coming home and was easing much of his inner hurts. Now he just had to hope Riddick wasn't screwing him over. The man seemed to be good at doing that, making Harry just a tad bit apprehensive about trusting him completely.
Johns was pulling on the beltline that was secured around Fry, shouting into check on her. By the reply everything seemed okay at the moment. She was even asking for some more slack in the line. It seemed that it was a cave system further in and the captain wanted to explore it a bit. A stupid plan according to Harry, the spirals all bore witness that something lived below the surface; they were entrances as well as chimneys. Why go further in when so much evidence was clear to see from the outside?
Harry remained attentive to their progress, but kept his eyes on the area. He wanted to be aware of any sudden change, if there were animals below they might try to attack them. Fry probably waking them up as they sat here.
For some time nothing interesting happened. Then Harry started hearing the hisses Riddick had spoken about. They were soft and almost too quiet. If he hadn't listen for them he wouldn't have heard them. It was like nails on a board, only several doors between it and him. The noise made him shiver in fear. It was a sign that Fry had found something or that something had found her.
Yet, Harry makes no sound to alert the others. He has no respect for the woman any longer. She had broken her word to him and he could care less if she lived or died. The only ones he still felt anything for was the children, but barely. They would have a hard time surviving in this environment and Harry couldn't be bothered to look after them. He wouldn't try to kill them, but neither would he rush to their aid in vain.
Jack was smarter than the rest, he gave the boy that. But there was a darkness in the kid that wasn't healthy. The crush on Riddick could be explain, but her fascination in his kills not so much. Speaking of Jack, the kid seems to have heard the voices to.
Both of them has their heads angle towards the spirals, listening. The scratching noises are joined with a lighter voice. Barely hearable, but it don't take a genius to figure out that Fry is screaming for help.
Imam also seems aware of something, he is pulling on the line and trying to get a feel of the captain's status. Then the line suddenly goes taut in his hands only to start being pulled forcefully into the opening. Imam gives a shout in surprise and calling for help. Harry ignores it, not much he can do with bound hands. Instead he is listening to Fry's screams. Finding himself cold for her plight.
The line is suddenly being dragged out of Imam's grip, his hand becoming singed by the force. Johns tries to grab hold of it, but he misses. The line is long, but in second it has been pulled inside and now everyone can hear the sounds coming from the inside. It has gone from scratching noises, to clipping echoes. Like a loud pen being click repeatedly.
Harry can see how Johns takes several steps back in fear, aiming his big gun at the hole. Imam are standing frozen, screaming for Fry. The captain can't hear them and Harry can hardly hear her shouts anymore. He knows that she will be dead soon.
A third sound joins the others. It's the sound of chains. Riddick. He must be making some sort of sound back at the camp to make sure everyone knows he can hear them. The thought almost makes Harry smirk. So that's how he wants to do it.
"You hear that." He says calmly.
The others looking at him.
"What." Imam asks.
"I thought I hear some clipping noises." Jack says. Getting up and moving closer to the spirals. Trying to hear better. Harry shakes his head.
"Riddick. He is making noises to match the ones from the inside. Something is hunting our dear captain." Harry tells them.
Imam goes pale while Johns look beyond pissed, but they both listen. They hear her at the same time that Jack shout and takes off. They hurry out of the hole before following the boy. Screaming for Jack to wait.
Harry gives a soft chuckle at their disappearing backs. He doesn't try to escape, finally starting to grasp Riddick's plan. It's a good one of it works, so he better not screw it up. Johns would be back for him eventually. He just had to be patient.
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Fry
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Fry can't believe how stupid she had been. Why had she gone down that hole? She should have headed back the moment the cave appeared, but she had stupidly enough carried on. She still remember the revolting sight of Zeke's foot. The mere thought of it made her feel sick again.
Now it is her turn to die. The others to far way to help her.
She screams as something collides with her feet's. She has climb a big bolder leading up to one of the hollowed spirals. Her only way of escaping. Hopefully she can make it before they kill her. The touch spurring her own to climb. She doesn't even stop to check if she is bleeding.
Too much adrenaline and panic flowing inside of her to make her aware of any injuries. Something that she is thankful for, it is hard enough to climb without adding more pain on top of it. She is clinging to the cliffs, the soft dirt breaking around her hands and feet, forcing her to make risky movements. The light is shining down on her and she is desperately trying to climb to the surface, but the line is holding her back. Something is pulling on it.
She screams in fear. Hoping for help that won't come.
She had hardly seen them. The monsters. They had moved so fast that all she had seen was a huge dark shadows. It had been enough. The monsters Riddick had been talking about was real and she was on their turf. They had even cut of her retreat.
Fry keeps on screaming. She won't stop until she is dead.
Hope fills her when she feels Imam pulling on the line only to die as she feels something else grab on to the belt and pull her down a few inches. The idea of the creatures being intelligent is too much for her and Fry goes into a paralyzed state of mind. She can't even scream anymore, only weak sobs are breaking out.
Then the lines grows taut before slacking. Fry comes alive again as she feels the freedom and before she knows it she has climbed several inches closer to the opening. She gives out a terrified scream when the line go taut again before being pulled down. This time she closes her eyes as she await the end, she is losing altitude fast. She can feel how weak her grip is becoming; one more pull and she will be devoured by the darkness.
Just as she's about to give up the dirt above her explodes inwards, the suddenness almost makes her lose her precious grip. First the light blinds her before a dark figures blocks it out. It is Johns. The emotion that fills Fry as she sees him is beyond words. At best the old saying *Knight in shining armor* fits the bill. She gratefully take his outreached hand and let him and Imam drag her to safety.
"Johns." She gasps.
He hold her up as she tries to breath.
"We got you. We got you." He tells her, trying to ease her panic. She clings to him.
Jack is rushing around them, demanding to be heard as he was the one to find her. All of them ignores him. Fry for she can't be bothered and the other for the need of hearing her story.
Shazza is the first one to break down and demand to know if she found Zeke. Fry looks into her eyes and see the madness behind it. The women can't handle the raw truth and Fry looks away, unable to tell her how her husband died.
Fry manages to stand on her own two feet, resting her hand on her thighs, bending over to dry heave. Between breaths she tries to answer Johns questions.
"Wasn't Riddick… something else… Monster." She manage to get out. "It was… Hunting… It nearly got me-eeeeee!" She screams as the line she's still attached to get pulled back, taking her with it.
She almost disappears down the spiral because of the suddenness. It is only thanks to Imams quick reflexes that she isn't killed. He grabs a hold of her leg and stops her descent. It hurt beyond words, but she is more thankful for the pain than the darkness looming below her. She cries for them to cut the line and after a lot of pulling Johns finally managing it. She lands in a heap on the ground, sobbing and terrified.
They don't get another word out of her.
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Harry
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Harry get picked up on the way back. He don't say a word which saves him from Johns frazzled nerves. The man is agitated and Fry looks exhausted. Harry hopes that this also is a part of Riddick's plan, the leaders' authority has become weak and both of them are counting on Fry and Johns for their survival. Worry starts gnawing on him, but he remains stubbornly closed off.
The rest of the group don't pay him any attention, they are all bombarding Fry with question and Harry can't wait to hear her reply. Riddick's chains had gone silent when they'd saved the captain and Harry was anticipating his standoff with the leaders. Hopefully he would be present to gloat at their stupidity.
The moment they are back Harry is pulled down to sit next to Johns' feet while Fry drinks a large gulp of the booze. When the liquor has made her braver she tells her tale. Harry is annoyed that she didn't get a look at the monsters, but find it interesting that they didn't attack her in the spirals. It lead him to believe they had a fear of light. Would explain why Zeke was dead and not them.
The idea of the monsters being night creature was comforting, it meant that for now they were safe. Hopefully they could stay that way. Fry seemed to be of similar mind. She wanted to get back to the skiff and try the power cell, to get away from here before something else happened.
Johns was all for it as Fry explained about Zeke's severed limb. Shazza had started crying at the revelation of her husband, but the others were more sober. They all realized that their best chance was the settlement and all wanted to head for it. NOW.
Once again the question came up on how to deal with the prisoners. Harry was surprised that they were willing to discuss it in front of him, but remained seated and looked each one in the eyes as they glanced his way. Oh yeah, more than one of them had thought to kill them. It was plain to see in their guilty eyes, even the holy man had linger on the idea.
"We can still use them." Johns declare at the end, stopping the arguments.
"He is right." Fry says. "Riddick can hear the bastards and he's strong. He can help carry the equipment. "
"So you are just going to turn them loose." Paris cries out in fear.
"No, they will remained cuffed. Johns will guard them."
At Fry's words Johns back stiffens. Raising to the occasion he grabs Harry and starts dragging him towards Riddick. Thus ending the debate by taking action. Harry sees Fry ordering the others to start collecting what is needed; ropes, booze and tools. Most likely hoping to keep them occupied while Johns deals with Riddick. Harry would laugh himself sick if he dared. The Badass had manage to secure them a free pass. They would live.
Upon entering the room that holds Riddick, Johns strapped Harry to the pole next to the door. It means he will only hear part of what they will be saying. Hesitation set in as the cop moves away, fear for Riddick's growing; he's in a blind spot and cuffed. He is about to make a protest when a powerful cling echoes in the room.
Johns smirks, he believes it's a standoff but Harry takes it as a warning; not to interfere, just as he promised so he closes his mouth and waits.
Harry only hear small pieces of the ongoing conversation, most of what he hears sound like a raw deal, but it won't kill them. Johns want Riddick and him to play nice and obey, in exchange they will have some freedom. He hopes Riddick doesn't screw up and decline, he really doesn't want to be killed.
Suddenly a surprised yelp is heard before the room echoes with a shut. Harry screams for Riddick without thinking. Fearful for his life.
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Riddick
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For Riddick it had all gone according to plan.
The pilot had acted as he had intended and Johns had followed the bait he had sent out, leaving him time to rest and prepare. He knew that Johns would keep him alive for as long as possible, but to force the merc to release him? To keep Harry alive? That had taken a lot of planning and chances. Luckily the woman had been an easy target. So gullible. Now here the merc was, because of the mouse Riddick had used, looking for a big bad to protect him from monsters.
"Finally found somethin' worse than me." Riddick drawls, making his voice hypnotic, luring his prey closer. Riddick almost snorts as Johns pretends to holster his gun, trying to appear *friendly* as he steps closer.
"Well, there was something for sure. If it's worse? Can't really say." Johns reply, trying for a cocky approach, still keeping his and close to the gun. "They are talking about losing you, you're too much weight."
"So you're finally ghosting me? Huh Johns."
"We're heading for the settlement, could use a pair of extra hands... If they worth the trouble. "
Riddick looks at the man. Johns is leaning against one of the walls, half in the shadows. He copies him and leans back, allowing the darkness to hide his face. Letting the man decide the direction of the conversation. When the silence goes on Johns stands straight and step in front of him.
"I'm your best card down here Riddick, you know this so will you play nice or are you going to be trouble?"
"I was nice before you hunted me down."
"Better me than others, they would have killed you clean off." Johns tells him. Riddick gives him a nod, conceding.
"Want me to be a dog? Leading me around in chains, obeying"
At his words anger flash over Johns face. Riddick knew the comment would get to him. Johns hasn't always been a merc after all. Once upon a time he had been a loyal dog for his master, the police force. That was until a pair of legs had led him astray, throwing him in Riddick's path and on his knife.
To antagonize him even more Riddick bends his head to the side and;
"Woof, woof" makes fake hound calls.
Before he can see Johns has his gun out and has fired his weapon. For a second he actually believed the bastard had killed him, but then he hears Harry's panicked shouts. Johns stands before him, his gun smoking and aimed right at him. The chains holding his arms to the side has been shot, slowly he drops his arms, the chains making a rattling sound as they fall.
"Want you to remember this moment, Riddick´-The way it coulda gone and didn't." Riddick wants to sneer, the merc must have snorted more drugs than his brain could handle if he believed Riddick would feel loyalty.
"You will just put them on later, when I'm useless again. This proves nothing."
Johns sighs, as if he is trying to be patient with him.
"The deal is that you work without chains - without shives- obey my words and when we get off this rock..."
"You will try to chain me again and drag me off to another bottomless cell, filled with assholes!" Riddick interrupts. Sick with the play and the words. The mere thought that he would fall for something that easy being insulting.
"The truth Riddick? I've been chasing you for months now, even a year I guess. I'm getting tired of it. We survive this I go my way and you go yours."
They stare into each others eyes. Challenge the other to believe. Riddick blinks first, giving Johns the upper hand.
"You cut me loose? After hunting me for so long?" He asks the merc. The future rearranging in Riddick's head.
"If I survive. The others won't make such a deal, but I can make them honor one." The deal is alluring, any other might have fallen for it, but Johns is a viper and Riddick has felt his poison before. He stares at the hand Johns offers him, weighing his choices.
"If you were smart you would ghost me here and now. Too much bad blood between us for this to end well." There, he has warned the man. "I might get shiv-happy on you again… or skullfuck the pretty girls of yours." *That might have been a bit much.*
Johns shakes his head, as if talking to a child and finding the conversation lacking, Riddick has to grind his teeth prevent snapping his neck.
"I'm not buying it Riddick. Now; do you want to be at the grown-up-table or in a dirt hole?"
The conversation has come to its end and Riddick is left staring at the pale hand offered to him. Slowly he reaches out, as if to grab it. A blur of movement in the next second and it is Johns that is left staring into his own shotgun, Riddick standing behind it, ready to pull the trigger.
"I want you to remember this moment." Riddick says slowly before moving his finger away from the pull, pumping the blue shells out of the shotgun before dropping it at Johns feet. The man is pale and sweaty, shaking from the shock.
Riddick walk away. Stopping as he enters into the corridor and sees Harry, he gives his Crazy a wicked smile before moving over.
"Hello there. Missed me." He drawls.
Harry looks relieved and are holding out his arms, silently requesting to be released. Riddick shakes his head and moves into his personal space, pressing him against the wall and rubble. Getting a surprised squeak from the man.
"You look good enough to eat." He whispers into his ear before smelling him, silently checking him for any new injuries.
Seconds after Johns join them and Riddick steps away, looking towards the merc expectantly. The merc rolls his eyes in disgust before releasing Harry from the chains. Riddick moves in front of the short man as soon as he is free, giving signals for Johns to get lost. He check on the man's wrists, finding them bruised and bloodied. Riddick slowly lifts them up and start licking them clean, letting his cool tongue sooth the ache.
He can see the disgust on both Johns and Harry, but he can feel the surprise growing in his Crazy as the bruises disappears and the hurt eases. Soon he has done what he can and releases his hold before holding out his hand to the merc.
"Googles." He demands and Johns gives it to him without protest.
The trio moves to the opening. Getting ready to face the others Riddick makes sure to go first, wanting to see their shocked and horrified faces. Just before the opening Johns swerves off to the right, most likely in search for his drugs or to avoid Fry's pending eruption. Riddick ignores him, happy to let the man drug himself and leaving him to play with the little lambs.
As they move onto the sand Riddick's eyes lock with those of the pilot.
Fry and Imam are pulling a power cell over to the sled place not far from the makeshift entrance. She drops her hold as she sees him, making Imam tumble over from the sudden weight. She give a high pitch noise of protest before going quiet. She seems beyond pissed that he isn't in his chains and Riddick takes great joy in seeing her lost and confused.
Ignoring her for the moment Riddick takes it all in. The blue sun is setting and the yellow and red sun is rising, the temperature is smoldering hot, but he can feel it cooling just a tad bit. Meaning that the two other suns aren't as close as the blue one.
The children are playing in the shadows, guarded by Shazza and Paris.
Fry's stride is rapid as she is walking his way and he can feel Harry joining him, covering his flank.
"Why aren't you in chains?" She demands when she is close enough, Johns smaller gun gripped in her hands, pointed at him. He gives her a predatory look over before getting ready to answer.
"I set him free." Johns voice tells her, coming from behind them. Harry spins around, but Riddick remains focused on the pilot. "We made a deal."
Before Fry can ask what sort of deal Johns calls him over and tells him to help with the sled. It is clear what his first duty will be; be the sled dog. Without a word in argument Riddick and Harry take the reins of the sled and prepare for the long journey ahead. Most of the luggage is useless, but Riddick can see one or two things he would like to get his hands on.
After Johns spends a long time comforting the others and informing them of their deal they finally set out. Riddick and Harry walking far behind the others, in an even but slow pace. He can still hear every word they are saying so doesn't feel it necessary being too close.
He is very amused when the cowardly rat-like man, Paris, ask Johns if he is now housetrained.
"Not even close." He hear Johns tell the man, making the already nervous man even more nervous.
"Then why ever did you set him free." Paris cries out in confusion as he tries to calm himself.
"Because now I can trust him to stay put, not to disappear at the most inconvenient time and kill us all. Besides, we might need him later and this way he is more ready to help."
None of the grownups listening seems to buy this, but they stop asking the merc more questions. Riddick finds it humorous how they all expect Johns to be the all-knowing-guy, none of them seems to be doing any kind of independent thinking. Just accepting what Johns is telling them; well, with one or two complaints.
It always amazes him how stupid people can be, they will just accept anything you tell or do to them as long as you have a uniform and tell them: because! When he passes this on to Harry the man snorts in amusement and informs him that it is a universal law amongst humans, stupidity through power. Something his little Crazy seems very acquainted with, but not willing to share at the moment.
"Hey, they on our side now: does that mean I can finally talk to them." They both look at each other though on various stages of shock when they hear the kid, Jack's, loud exclamation.
´"Did I just hear that kid right." Harry mumbles in horror.
"If you heard it then so did I. There must be a screw loose in that one." Riddick answer. "Could be fun..."
"It's not nice to play with the younglings." Harry tells him.
"But Harry; He wants to play. How about just a tad bit of cat and mouse." Riddick pleads back, making the man just stare deadpan at him.
"Wouldn't it be more along the line of: mouse vs. what-the-hell-kind-of-monster-is-that?" Riddick gives a dark laughter at his Crazy's words. Finding pleasure in the company and entertainment.
"That is the best kind. Here, let me show you."
Riddick walks faster, almost forcing Harry to jog. Only moments before Paris had dropped a bottle of wine and Riddick wanted it. He bent down and grabbed it, seconds before the cowardly man had a chance to. The fear appearing in the man's eyes as he saw who stolen his bottle almost made Riddick laugh again, but instead he just unscrew the cork and lift the bottle to his lips. Staring at the man kneeling at his feet
As if Paris suddenly realized how vulnerable he was he quickly gut stood up and started blabbing. Trying to mask his fear behind words.
"Paris P. Ogilvie. Antiquities dealer, entrepreneur." He tells the man, holding out his hand without thinking. Riddick grasp it and squeezes hard.
"Richard B. Riddick. Escaped convict, murderer." He replies before taking a big gulp from the bottle and handing it over to Harry, who makes a face in disgust.
"Harry J. Potter. Lost. Tired. Pissed. Judged and the last one..." Harry tells them, reintroducing himself before taking a small sip, handing the bottle back to Riddick.
Riddick gulps what is left from the bottle, listening to Paris telling him what a fine wine it is while displaying a tragic look as he drains it. Grasping the empty bottle in his arms the Antiquities dealer runs back to the others, leaving Riddick alone with Harry. He turn to him and smirks.
"Now! Wasn't that fun."
Harry just rolls his eyes at him and mumbles nonsense.
"Come on. I just want to get to the settlement." He tells him and holds out the rains to the sled. Riddick chuckles and take them, going back to the pulling and listening to the other survivors. Smirking even more when he hears Paris exclaims to Johns;
"If I owned Hell… I'd lease this place and live there."
Truer words has never been spoken by a coward.
…..
I kept my promise and wrote another chapter. I still have a few problems with the plotline, but I am working on it, however it can mean that it will take me some time before chapter 19.