Epilogue

Large hands cradled her face gently.

Soft lips tracing the column of her throat.

"Aren't you cold?"

"No."

"You sure?"

She laughed.

"Yes."

Hands brushing against her cheek.

"I wish I could stay."

"I do too." She smiled to where she felt he was. He imprinted it onto his memory.

Softly, she said, "I love you, you know."

"I'm not worth it."

"Yes. You are."

Silence.

She was alone.

She awoke with a strangled gasp, her fingers clutching the blanket to her breast. She sat in her room for a few moments, listening to her harsh breathing and swallowed. Thirst came upon her and she slid out of bed, gliding her hand along the smooth wall of Imam's home. She paused at the sound of a floorboard creaking and when the familiar scent of sandalwood hit her nostrils, opened her door.

"Jackie?" she said concerned. "What is it?"

Her sister paused and said, "Nothing."

She frowned deeply. "Let me touch you."

"No, I'm fine!" came the quick reply. "Really Amelia, I'm just going to the-"

"Jack."

A heavy sigh and she felt her sister hold out a hand. Her fingers reached out, gripping gloved fingers, tracing upwards to a thick and heavy sleeve, till she came upon her sister's face. Her frown grew into a grimace and she said lowly, "Where are you going?"

Her sister didn't reply and she repeated in Celtic, "Where the hell are you going?"

"I'm going to find him!" came the angry retort. "He belongs here with us!"

"No," she said sharply. "Absolutely not! I forbid it!"

"Well, when I leave, you can't follow me!" came the scathing reply. "You can't see me!"

"That may be," she snapped. "But I can smell you and hear you quite well. Stop this stupidity and go to bed!"

"No!"

"Damn it, Jack, don't do this," she pleaded wearily. "Please. I know you miss him-"

"I do miss him!" her sister shouted at her. "And I'm the only one who does! You won't talk about him and El Imam pretends he never existed!"

"Jack-"

"And I want him here," a foot stomping with twelve-year-old fury. "In our house, with us where he belongs!"

She inhaled air sharply and said, "Are you quite finished?" Silence and she said, "Good. Riddick left for our own safety. What would you have done if mercs came looking for him? Fought them off? Protected him? I miss him too Jack."

"Liar!"

"Shut up!" she shrieked and said, "Thank you. I do miss him Jack. I miss him so much it hurts in here-" She placed a hand over her heart. "And it's frightening to miss him that much because I knew he was leaving. I knew it but I miss him anyway." She shook her head. "But he wasn't ours Jack. No matter what we both wanted."

Silence and she said wearily, "Please, go to sleep. If you still want to search for Riddick, we will discuss it in the morning."

Her sister didn't answer and she said, "Jack?" with baited breath.

"Fine," came the sullen reply.

She held out her hand. "Give me your palm," she ordered and felt her sister oblige. She concentrated and listened to a pained gasp. "Aura binding," she said calmly. "You break it, I will be very cross. Go to sleep."

She listened to the footsteps recede and sagged against the door as El Imam came up beside her. They stood in silence and he said, "I took the liberty of locking her windows earlier today. That is why she came through the hallways."

"Thank you," she said wearily. "Truly, from the bottom of my heart El Imam."

"Do not worry," he said. "I know Jack cannot comprehend much past her hero worship of Riddick. But it is you who concerns me Amelia. You have not shown much remorse."

"I do not feel the need," she said simply. "Riddick and I said our goodbyes."

"Ah," Imam said blinking at the young woman. "I see."

She smiled, a quick flash of white against tan skin. "It is all right," she said. "I was not foolish enough to believe he would stay for me."

"He loved you," Imam offered gently. "As much as he could I think."

"I know."

"Good night Amelia."

"Good night El Imam."

She re-entered her bedroom and padded around, taking her clothing and dressing in her skirt, boots, and black top. Pausing, she lifted up the black cargo pants far too large for her and shrugged, pulling them on underneath her skirt, tying the strings tightly together. Her fingers traced the dresser as she shoved the remainder of her meager belongings in a small sack.

Next, she turned towards her bed and felt around for her blanket. Pulling the soft material to her face, she rubbed her cheek against it and murmured, "I miss you Richard..." before taking her things and leaving for Jack's room.

The next morning, El Imam and his family awoke to two empty rooms, and a note from Amelia. Written in delicate script:

Dear El Imam,

Despite my doubts, I am accompanying Jack on her quest. I hope to sustain her in some way, her headstrong manner so much like our father's and that causes fear. I do apologize for the trickery and hope you do not believe us to be ungrateful for your kindness. It is more than two orphans with nothing could ask.

I shall send word when something occurs. Perhaps we will find Riddick as Jack believes. I wish you and yours well my friend.

Always,

Amelia

End Epilogue