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Chapter Two: Truth of the Journey


Riddick peered to Jack as he placed her down on the bed in the room a frown playing on his face. He brushed hair away from her face, seeing the beginnings of a bruise forming by her hairline. Poor kid, she'd never make it on her own. He stood back up and peered down at Jack, arms slowly crossing over his chest. He shook his head slowly before he walked out of the small bedroom, glancing about to make sure the perimeter was still secure. Everything looked intact, besides the place had been deserted even before he found it. It was nothing much, a bedroom near one end of the hall, a door to the garage a few feet from the bedroom, an old washer and dryer in the garage, at the other end of the hall was the bathroom, and then their was the main room. The main room included the kitchen, living room, and dining room all in one. An old beige couch, a coffee table, and a chair against the wall made up the living room. A circular table with two chairs, a short countertop, stove, oven, sink, refrigerator, and a few cabinets made up the kitchen and the dining room.

It wasn't much but he had called it a "home" of sorts for a good ten months or so now. He sighed a bit and ran a hand over his scalp. What was he gonna do with her? He wasn't used to people sticking around. He was used to being alone, only looking out for himself. He was determined though that he would get to the bottom of this. He'd make her explain why the Merc's were after her and what they wanted with her. He closed his eyes and shook his head slowly. He just couldn't picture Jack in Slam. If that's where the Mercs planned to take her when they got her... he didn't think she'd last long there. Just the thought of jack ending up in a place like that upset him. He knew it was because he cared about her, and that was dangerous in itself. He growled lightly under his breath before he glanced back over his shoulder to the bedroom where Jack lay. His anger subsided a moment as he peered at her. He couldn't let her end up in the Slam... could he? She wouldn't have a chance if he didn't help her; he knew that for sure. He sighed once more and looked down to the floor, a hand running over his scalp.

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Time passed slowly as Riddick watched over Jack. Hours ticked by grudgingly, letting him drift in and out of sleep. When a day had passed though, he began to get worried. He didn't try to wake her, maybe it was best to just let her wake up on her own. Then again, thoughts of her never waking up began to invade his mind. He moved over to sit on the bed beside her, reflective eyes gazing down at her, his face holding his usual emotionless expression. No... Jack will wake up. She didn't survive that damned planet only to be taken down by a knock on the head. She'll be alright. He nodded softly at his thoughts, almost reassuring himself that she would be okay.

He leaned his back against the wall and let his eyes shut as he gave a soft sigh. What was he gonna do with her? He wasn't sure yet but he'd figure something out. The soft padding of feet brought Riddick's attention to the door of the bedroom. There stood the large black dog, peering in at Riddick and canting its head as it looked past him to Jack. Slow almost cautious steps brought the animal toward them. Riddick reached out a hand and patted the animal's head. "Guard the place, Syd."

Syd gave a soft whimper up to him before turning and padding back to the door. There Syd stopped and turned his head to peer at them before he lumbered out the room and disappeared down the hall. Riddick ran a hand over his scalp before crossing his arms over his chest and letting his eyes once more drift shut. He hadn't gotten too much sleep in the last day and a half. He was sure he looked as shitty as he felt. Long as Syd was guarding the place, it'd be fine for him to get some sleep. Thoughts began to drift off into nothingness as a dreamless sleep began to fall over him.

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Jack lay silently in the bed curled up beside him, slight shivers running over her form as she curled up in a slight ball. Her head was tucked close to his side as a few whimpers escaped her lips. He woke slowly to the sound of her whimpers and tilted his head down to see Jack lying next to him. He raised a hand and ran it over his face slowly. He sure as hell didn't feel like getting up but he saw how much she was shivering. Besides, he thought it was about time he got up anyway. He sat up slowly and moved his legs over the edge of the bed before he grabbed the blanket and draped it over her. A fist clenched the covers below her tightly, as her jaw clenched a moment in her sleep. A few more whimpers escaped before they too subsided into silence.

Riddick stood slowly, silent steps carrying him into the main room. He glanced about, had to make sure everything was still secure. It looked clear... of course, he had said that before in a situation. His mind drifting back to that damned planet for a few moments. He shook his head slowly as bare feet carried him down the hall and into the bathroom. He turned the water on as he looked up into the mirror. 

Jack murmured inaudibly as she tossed and turned a bit, arm reaching out and brushing over the bed as her head rolled to the side slightly. At least she's making sound now. Means she'll be okay once she wakes up. He splashed his face with cold water. He didn't look so great; hell he didn't feel so great either. Maybe another day of taking it easy would do them both some good. He turned the water off and slowly walked into the main room again. He plopped his form down onto the beige couch, letting his head lean back against it. Jack continued to toss and turn as she whimpered lightly, her head rolling from side to side. She was lost in her dream, well more like a nightmare; she was back on the planet.

He knew he looked like shit. Maybe a shower would help. He figured this was a good time while she was asleep. He once more headed down the hall to the bathroom. He left the door just barely cracked so he would be able to listen for anything. He pulled the tank top off over his head, relaxing slightly as the cool air hit his sculpted pecs. He discarded the shirt and let it crumple to the floor before he unfastened his pants. They too were discarded on the floor in a heap, leaving him in his black boxers. He reached in the shower and turned on the hot water then the cold. He didn't bother with adjusting it. When he finally discarded all his fatigues he stepped into the shower and closed the blurred glass door behind himself. He closed his eyes as he let the water pour down over his face.

Jack was still caught in her nightmare. She was running from the creatures that threatened to rip her to shreds if she stopped. But she wasn't alone. Shazza, Zeke, and Imam were there as well. She kept hearing their voices in her head. She couldn't understand them all the time, only able to make out words every now and then. They were disappointed in her; she could see the look on their faces. They would turn away and disappear into the darkness with the creatures. Leaving Jack alone again, making her chase after them, trying to find them. She didn't want to be alone, especially in the darkness. Jack kept running it was all she could do. She had to get back to the light. She had to get back to the others. But no matter how fast or hard she ran the light was always the same distance away. I'll never make it. That's when Johns seemed to appear in front of her almost instantly, his voice was cold and cruel as it echoed in her mind. "That's right. You'll never make it. You're too weak." She could see the gleam in his eyes; she could hear the gun fire. 

Jack bolted upright in the bed with a gasp, her heart pounding in her chest. The dream had been with her for a while now. Since she had first killed the man by accident. Now she had killed again to stay alive and free. The people she had befriended, the one she didn't care for, they haunted her dreams now. She rubbed her head lightly and flinched slightly as her hand ran over the knot on her head. Riddick's outstretched arm supported his weight in the shower as the water poured down over his lowered head. He relaxed for a few more moments in the shower.

Syd lifted his head to peer over the bed with his beady black eyes, ears alert. Jack slowly focused her blue eyes on the dog until her vision cleared a bit. Syd slowly got up from his spot at the foot of the bed and padded around to the side with a soft clicking of claws. Syd whined a little and put his forepaws on the bed as he licked at her face. All she could do was smile and laugh at the gesture. She patted Syd's head softly, then scratched him behind the ears. "Hey." Syd smiled a dog type smile to Jack as his ears went back in a friendly way.

Riddick sighed and wiped the water from his eyes before washing up and rinsing off. He turned off the water and pushed the shower door open, leaning over and grabbing a towel. He wrapped the towel about his waist. He moved down the hall and into the main room to the dresser, rummaging around for some clean clothes. Jack had caught a glimpse of him as he passed by the door. Riddick found a clean pair of black boxers after rummaging a bit. Jack gently nudged Syd back down as she slowly pushed herself up, shaking a bit as she stood. Syd whined up to her again and stood steadfast at her side. Riddick let the towel fall to the floor as he slipped the boxers on. He knew he needed to get some more clothes one of these days. He grabbed the towel up and tossed it over into the hamper. She closed her eyes a moment as she balanced herself out from the woozy feeling she had. Syd remained at her side, his head tilted up to her, ears sticking upward. Riddick continued to rummage through the drawers for some pants. Not seeing any in the drawer he designated "his" he moved down the hall to the garage. He moved over towards the dryer, ahh...bingo. He smiled a bit to himself as he slipped the slate gray army pants on and fastened them. Jack smiled faintly down to Syd and patted his head lightly before she took slow, cautious steps. Riddick heard her steps as he moved out of the garage and back into the main room. He seated himself on the couch, his voice low and deep. "How you feelin'?" He finally let his gaze move over to her slowly.
"Ehhh... I'll live...," she moved over towards him slowly. She let herself plop down in the chair as she peered towards him, a few curls managing to fall in her eyes. Syd had followed her into the room and then slinked out the doggie door.

"There's some food in the kitchen... not a lot... but stuff for sandwiches and a couple of dinners in the freezer." He leaned forward and grabbed the small remote, flicking the small wall television on. It only got five channels anyway; not much was on so he flicked it over to the news. "I'm alright... besides, I don't feel like eating anything right now. Feel like I'd puke it up the way my head's spinning." She made a slight face as fingers brushed lightly over the edges of where the bruise near her hairline was. He nodded lightly to her, then stood up and strolled over to the freezer. He pulled out and ice pack and tossed it over to her. "Here."

She caught the ice pack and pressed it up to her head. "Thanks," she murmured as she flinched slightly holding the ice pack loosely against her head. "How are you feeling?" she raised her voice a tad as she glanced over to him. He moved back over to the couch and sat down, casting his reflective eyes to her. "Like shit. S'ok though... matches the way I look about now I guess." She grinned over to him. Her grin faded into a faint smirk, "Heh... I know that feeling." She then glanced down as she held the ice pack to her throbbing head. He knew she did...he nodded down the hall. "Bathroom's all the way to your right. You'll see where everything is in there. Help yourself to whatever you need. Then we can talk."

"Okay," she nodded to him softly as she pushed herself up from the chair. A light thudding was heard as she walked down the hall to the bathroom. Maybe a shower would do her some good. She pushed the door closed behind herself as she glanced into the mirror. She frowned lightly as she ran a hand though her hair carefully. She tossed the ice pack in the sink and listened to it clang about for a few moments. She slowly tugged her shirt free of her pants and pulled her feet out of her boots without untying them. She then stepped on the toe of one sock and pulled her foot back, leaving the sock on the floor. She removed her other sock in the same manner. She pulled her shirt over her head then discarded it on top of her boots. Gooseflesh ran over her body from the slightly chilly air. She pulled the black shiv from her pocket and set it atop the counter before undoing her pants. She hooked her thumbs inside the waist of her pants and panties, she pushed them down her slender legs then kicked them atop her shirt.

Riddick closed his eyes and rested his head back against the couch. Many
thoughts swirling about in his mind. What am I gonna do with her? He had been on his
own for so long, he didn't know what the hell to do. A sigh was given as he just sat there 
and rested, listening to the shower run. Jack tilted her face up into the flow of the water. 
She ran her hands over her face then gently though her hair. Riddick stood slowly and 
moved to the dresser again. She'd be needing some clothes. He pulled open a drawer and 
rummaged around in it. She leaned her head back into the water rinsing the suds from it. 
She wiped the water from her face again as she tilted her head down slightly, letting 
water run down her back and over her shoulders. She closed her eyes and sighed lightly, 
knowing that soon he'd know the whole truth. She decided that she'd even tell him her 
real name. Another sigh was given as she closed her eyes and tilted her head back into the 
water. Riddick had found some clothes that might fit her, well they might be a little 
baggy but they'd still fit. He slipped into the bedroom and dropped the pile down onto the 
bed. She could choose what she wanted when she got out. He moved back to the dresser 
and grabbed himself a pair of socks before heading back to the couch. He plopped down 
in his usual spot and slipped the socks on, as he began to wonder if she was okay in there. 
Oh wait... She is a woman right? They always take forever in the shower. Girl... woman... 
whatever. He smirked lightly at the thought. Jack finally twisted the knobs and turned the 
water off. The sound, or lack thereof, caught Riddick's attention, "It's good to know you 
didn't drown," his tone was joking, "I found some clothes you can wear for now... 
They're in the bedroom."

Jack blinked a bit upon hearing him and she couldn't help but grin at his first remark. She
stifled a laugh. "Okay. Thanks," she grabbed the last towel from the counter and wrapped it about her form tightly. Then she tucked it in on itself to keep it in place as she scooped up her clothes and boots in her arms. She twisted the door knob and nudged it open with her foot. Riddick heard the soft sound of her feet as she moved down the hall, as well as, the door to the bedroom shutting. Jack dropped her clothes on the floor once more as she inspected the ones he left for her. All she could do was smirk. Boy clothes. It brought back memories of when she boarded the Hunter-Gratzner. She closed her eyes and shook her head. That's over Jack, you couldn't have done anything to save anyone then. She sighed a bit and grabbed up a pair of olive green pants, the darkest ones available anyway. She spotted a pair of briefs and just shook her head with a smirk. She grabbed them and slipped them on, then the olive green pants. She shivered slightly, gooseflesh spreading over her arms and shoulders. She quickly picked up a shirt, it appeared to be a boy's undershirt, and pulled it over her head. She sighed as she glanced down at her attire. Baggy wasn't the right word for it. More like nearly falling off. But the shirt was comfortable enough, it was loose. Then again the shirt also went down to mid thigh on her.

She opened the door slowly and slipped into the main room. Riddick glanced over to her as she emerged from the room, each brow raising just a tiny bit. He caught the slightly sad look on her face, "Feel better?" She nodded lightly to him as she slipped to the couch and plopped herself down on it. She sat at the end of it facing him. She let one arm reach up and drape over the back of the couch, a leg propped upon the edge of the cushion, her other elbow rested atop that knee, "Yeah..." she managed a faint smile to him. His face remained unchanging as he peered at her silently for a few moments. "Well. Going to tell me why the Mercs are after you?" He always was one to get straight to the point. 

She let her eyes close for a moment, leaning her head against the back of the couch. She didn't look up at him, she couldn't make herself do it. "I... I killed someone." A deep frown formed on his face. He didn't want to see her end up like him. Always on the run, having to kill so much just to stay alive. Possibly getting thrown into a Slam. His tone became almost rough as he crossed his arms over his chest, "Why?" She looked up to him finally, tears stinging her eyes but she held them back. She swallowed a lump in her throat, "I never meant to. But he... he tried to rape me." She looked down again, damp curls falling in her face.

Her words caused him to blink a bit in shock. Part of him feeling bad for assuming the worst. That she killed just to kill. His old self might have thought she had potential. But that part of him was dead. He killed now to survive, to have a life. He knew Jack wouldn't be able to handle that kind of life. He sighed a bit, "I'm sorry Jack." She just nodded lightly to him, reaching a hand up and tucking some hair behind her ear. "There's some other stuff I need to tell you too..." she glanced back up to him. He raised a brow at her, putting an arm on the back of the couch. She bit her lip a moment before she continued, "My name's not Jack. It's Jacklyn... Jacklyn Reed." Riddick thought for a moment. Reed... now why is that name so familiar?

"I, ummm... guess I should tell you how I got here," her voice softened slightly, "even though I don't want to." She looked down frowning a bit to herself. He thought if it was more bad news he'd need a drink. He pushed himself up from the couch and walked over to the cabinets. Jacklyn glanced up and watched him walk away before looking back down at the couch. He opened the cabinet and grabbed a bottle of whiskey before heading back to the couch. "Do tell Jack." His large frame sank back down into the couch as he opened the bottle.

He took a swig of the whiskey, feeling it burn it's way down his throat and into his stomach. That hit the spot. He looked over to her with a questioning gaze. She looked down when his eyes fell on her. Shit, he could already tell it was bad news. "The day after it happened. I went to get a ticket to Ryson Three. They had been sold out but the ticket master sent me to see the pilot after I told him a sob story." Riddick listened silently as he took another swig of whiskey. She continued, "I told the pilot the same story. I offered him 273 credits if he took me with him. He... he wouldn't take me unless," she paused a moment, "unless I gave him something else." Riddick's eyes narrowed slightly at her. His brows knitted together a moment, he was visibly upset at this news. "Tell me you didn't Jack."

His reflective eyes watched her closely. She frowned to herself and kept her eyes from meeting his gaze. "Damnit Jack. How could you be so stupid." his tone was harsh. Tears stung her blue eyes again as she clenched her jaw to keep from crying. She looked up at him slowly before she stood up. "Do you think I wanted him to touch me? To hurt me like he did?!" her voice was raising and the pain in it made her voice shake slightly. She just shook her head at him before she reached over and grabbed the whiskey bottle from him. He blinked a bit not having expected that, an unpleasant and angry look on his face. She lifted the bottle to take a drink from it. He stood quickly and yanked the bottle away from her. "Think you'll just drink your problems away? Drink until you puke your guts up?! You want to drink, fine, but not here. Go out and drink! You want to whore yourself around? I don't care. Go have a blast!" All his anger and frustration were poured out into those words.

Jacklyn peered at him with a look of disbelief and hurt of her face. Those tears that had been held back slowly streaked down her pale cheeks. "You... asshole. You fucking asshole." She put a hand up to her head a moment. "You really think I asked for it? I didn't fucking ask for this!" she lifted her shirt on the side slightly. He let his glance down to her exposed flesh. It was nearly flawless save for a 'P' shaped scar. A brow raised slowly as he glanced back up to her. She just shook her head slowly, letting the shirt fall back into place, taking a few steps away from him.

She didn't understand how someone she cared so much for could hurt her so bad. Riddick now regretted every word he had said. He was angry from the news, especially about what she had given up just to find him. She peered at him a few more moments before turning and walking into the bedroom, letting the door slam behind her. He sighed and ran a hand over his scalp. Jack I'm sorry. ....I'm sorry..... forgive me....



Chapter Three: The Hunt Begins

The young looking man walked down the halls of the precinct. Taking a left into the conference room the chief had allowed them to use as their operation base. His dark blue uniform had hardly a wrinkle in it. After all, presentation was everything. His hair was short and blond and cut in more a military fashion than anything else. He was tall, standing at an even six foot. He also had those eyes, blue eyes just a shade darker than plain ol' blue. A name tag sewn onto the uniform just below the left shoulder. Johns.

"Any sign of them yet?" his voice was loud. He had learned if you want to be heard to speak up. It worked in every situation of life. "Not yet Phil," spoke the man sitting behind a panel, monitoring the surveillance films, "only bums and animals have been about for the last two days." Phillip Johns nodded slowly to him. This had first started as a pursuit after a murderer. But now... it had gotten interesting. Very interesting. "Very well. Keep your eyes peeled, Brown." he patted the man on the shoulder, "I'm going to go rest for a while. Notify me if anything goes down." Brown nodded to him, "Will do, Sir."

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He glanced about the small apartment near the police station he was allowed to stay at free of charge. He put a fist inside his palm and applied pressure, popping heard as he popped his knuckles. He repeated the same thing with his other hand. So funny how things turnout. He grinned a bit, realizing that soon he'd have the truth. All thanks to that girl, or should he say 'Jack B. Badd.' He chuckled a bit as he strolled the short distance to the bedroom. Yes, she would be quite helpful. He'd make her tell him the truth. He knew if Mr. Riddick survived that his brother William was dead. That fucking murderer no doubt killed him. He frowned slightly as he sat down on the bed and kicked his boots off. He laid back in the bed slowly, putting his hands behind his head. His thoughts drifted but always fell back to the girl.

Hmmm... the girl, 'Jack.' A grin twisted his lips as he closed his eyes. He could picture her form, dainty yet womanly. Curly hair and light skin, he imagined she smelled sweet too, like a flower. She was a succulent beauty he wouldn't mind bedding more than once. A faint laugh escaped his lips as he pictured her flesh. It was almost so real he could feel the softness of her lips on his own.

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His eyes remained closed as a hand ran slowly up the soft skin of the woman's bare back. Her lips brushed over his needingly. God she felt so soft...so warm. He rolled her with him so that she was now under him. He straddled her body and looked down over the pale flesh. He pushed the brown curls from her face and leaned down to kiss her lips. His voice slightly husky, "Open your eyes for me." Slowly her lids lifted to reveal blue eyes. He smiled down to her as he watched her hands reach up to his shirt and start to unbutton it. Her cool fingers brushed his shirt back over his shoulders, eyes roaming down over his chest and stomach. Tanned flesh and defined muscles, she let her hands slip slowly down his chest and stomach. He smiled to her as a shiver ran down his spine. "Mmm... don't tease me, Jack."

Jack smiled up to him as her arms reached up slowly to encircle about his neck. "Then kiss me." Phillip grinned and leaned down towards her. Placing a hungry kiss against her lips, his hands trailing over her sides. A muffled moan was given up to him through the kiss as she ran her hands down his back. He moved his head slightly, kissing along her jawbone down to her neck. He heard her take in a slight breath and smiled against her flesh. He took the pale flesh between his teeth, nibbling on it softly. She let her eyes close while her nails ran up his back softly.

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A beeping pulled him slowly from his dream. Mmm...just when it was getting good too. Figures. He sat up on the edge of the bed, reaching over and pressing the button on the small console by the bed. The screen on the far wall flickered on and Brown looked through it to Phillip. "We just received some news, Sir."

Phillip raised a brow as he stood up from the bed and walked closer to the screen. "And what news would that be?" Brown smiled slightly to him, "I think you'll like it Sir. We ran another scan on the name you gave us through the police database. Seems almost two years ago a Ms. Sarah Carter, of New California, filed a missing person repot on her daughter." Phillip sighed a bit, "Get to the point, Brown." his tone was slightly annoyed.

"Well, Sir. In the report Ms. Carter states that she found a letter her daughter received from her father telling her that a ticket would be found at the International Space Terminal under the name Jack B. Badd." That caught Phil's attention as the corners of his mouth turned up slowly in a smile. "Good job, Brown. Now do we have any clue to what the girls real name is?" Brown just grinned at him and nodded. "The mother was in the process of having her daughters name changed to Carter."

Phil raised a slight brow at this news, a slightly puzzled look on his face. "What was her given birth name?" Brown chuckled a bit, "Jacklyn Celeste Reed. Seems our girl is none other than the daughter of Mr. Jason Reed." Phil's eyes widened a tad at that news. Jason Reed, the man credited with boosting database uplinks through space. The man who helped revolutionize space communications. The man who went AWOL during the war of 2023 and left with the communication vessel and it's crew. The war was nearly lost because of him. He figured Mr. Reed's wife must have filed for divorce upon that news. He knew it took years and lots of red tape to get names changed. She must have been trying to protect her daughter. He blinked a bit and looked back up to the screen, "I don't fucking believe it. Do you know how long they've been looking for Jason Reed?"

"Of course I do. Who doesn't? He's been at large for eight, nine years now." Brown leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. Phil just nodded softly back at him. "That's right. And if we can get the girl then we can get Reed." Brown grinned widely and nodded, thinking about how he'd be set for life with half the money Reed was worth.

"I want you to send notification to Ms. Carter and tell her we'll be sending a ship for her. We'll need her cooperation. She probably won't arrive for a week or so. In the meantime we need to get busy on getting the okay to air the broadcast."

"You think that's a good idea, Phil? I mean it might make people panic." Brown leaned back forward in his chair and started to tap keys on his console. "Look. The more aware people are, the more cautious they'll be. If they see any suspicious people they'll call in and let us know. It'll be more helpful than a nuisance.," Phil peered at him a moment before he continued, "Now get a move on and get the okay on it." Phil reached out and clicked the screen off. He rubbed his chin lightly as he grinned to himself. Jacklyn Reed. This must be my lucky streak. He laughed softly to himself. Don't worry Jacklyn. I'll find you soon enough.

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Riddick had laid on the couch all night hardly sleeping. His thoughts and the sound of Jack crying kept him up. He regretted what he had said because he cared about her. Jack and Imam had sorta become like the family he never had. Well Jack more so than Imam. She looked up to him and respected him, as well as feared him. Even before the whole ordeal changed him, he halfway admired her. He sighed and closed his eyes, at least she had stopped crying now. He supposed she had just cried herself to sleep. He laid there silently as he finally drifted off to sleep.

Jack whimpered lightly as she tossed and turned in the bed. She murmured nearly inaudible pleas and cries as she remained tangled in her recurring nightmare. "No...," a few whimpers escaped as well as a few tears, "... no!" Riddick's eyes popped open hearing Jack's voice raise. He moved to his feet quickly and strolled over to the bedroom door. He pushed it open, his hand by his shiv. He saw no one but Jack, who was now sitting in the middle of the bed. She had pulled her knees to her chest and she was crying again. He sighed a bit and slowly walked into the room. His voice was soft like it could be at times. "Jack... you alright?"

"I'm fine.," she tried to make her voice sound strong but it wavered, "why would y-you care anyway?" Riddick frowned deeply at her and moved to her rather quickly. He took hold of her shoulders and turned her to face him abruptly. His reflective eyes burned down into her own. "I care Jacklyn. Don't think I don't." They both blinked at each other through the silence now. He had used her real name, which shocked them both. He let his hands drop back down to his sides. He was sure he had got his point across that he cared what happened to her. Jack leaned forward slowly and wrapped her arms about him in a hug. Riddick raised each brow a tad, hesitantly and slowly responding with a faint hug in return. A smile slowly formed as she rested a cheek against his chest, her eyes drifting shut slowly. If only she could tell him... but she knew she couldn't. Not yet anyway. Riddick tilted his head down at her feeling a little awkward. He wasn't used to these damn emotions. He thought he never would get used to them.

She tilted her head up to him slowly, blue eyes peering up into his reflective ones. She smiled warmly up to him, a few curls falling in her face. Wanting to tell him but she kept her secret for now. He raised a brow slightly at her. He could sense a hesitation from her but he figured it might not be best to pry right now. He released her from the hug slowly, still looking down at her. "Get some rest. I'll grab some more supplies for us tomorrow, then we'll lay low for a couple of days."

She nodded softly to him, tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear. Her voice was soft again and held a slightly happy tone. "Okay. Goodnight." He nodded to her slowly as he turned and walked to the door. The soft clicking of claws brought Syd into the bedroom. Jack smiled to the large black dog. "Hey boy." Syd canted his head towards her, as his tail began to wag happily. Riddick smirked a bit as he looked to the dog. "His name's Syd. I'll tell you some more about him tomorrow. Right now get some sleep."

Jack laughed softly and nodded to him. "Alright, alright. I'm going to sleep." She couldn't help but smirk to Riddick as she flopped back on the bed. Syd padded to the bed and lay down at the foot of it, resting his head lightly on his paws. A slight snort was given before he settled down completely. Riddick chuckled softly to himself, shaking his head lightly as he left the bedroom and laid back on the couch. He closed his eyes and yawned before he let himself slip off into slumber.

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Jack was once more lost in that recurring dream. The shrieks and clicks of the creatures were all about her. Her heart raced as she ran from them. She came to a stop though when she saw Shazza, Zeke, and Imam. They spoke to her but as always she could only halfway make out their words. Disgrace... murderer... scumbag. Each word cut to the bone. It made her think she could actually feel her heart breaking inside her chest. Then the group turned and disappeared into the darkness. No! Shazza, Zeke! ... Imam, don't leave me alone. She made herself run after them in the darkness. I'm sorry! Just don't leave me alone! Please... She looked about helplessly, the light was moving farther away.

No... She went to take a step but she was yanked back. She thought a creature had got hold of her, but when she looked up she saw his face. Riddick. His voice was soft yet stern in her mind. "You don't want to go that way, Jack. You know where it leads. Let me help you." He had released her arm now and held a hand out to her. She peered at him and slowly placed her hand in his. The darkness slowly faded away from about them and for once in nearly three and a half months she felt safe. Jack smiled in her sleep as she curled up slightly on the bed. She had found her light of hope... the dark angel that had saved her more than once.



Chapter 4

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