Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/11797368.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Graphic_Depictions_Of_Violence, Major_Character_Death, Underage
  Category:
      F/M, Gen, Multi, Other
  Fandom:
      Firefly, The_Chronicles_of_Riddick_(2004), Riddick_all_fandoms
  Relationship:
      River/Riddick, Riddick_-_Relationship, Richard_B._Riddick/River_Tam,
      Jack/OC
  Character:
      River_Tam, Richard_B._Riddick, Jacks_(OC), Malcolm_Reynolds, Jack_|_Kyra,
      Simon_Tam, Jayne_Cobb, Kaylee_Frye
  Additional Tags:
      Crossover, Alternate_Universe
  Stats:
      Published: 2017-08-15 Updated: 2017-08-21 Chapters: 3/? Words: 3368
****** The King & The Dancer ******
by YourBonesShallCrackBeneathMyHeel
Summary
     Behind a power without a face, faces with no names, the true
     believers have plotted and planned to create world's without sin and
     Gods to rule them. The perfection of humanity.
     River Tam was a important step to that perfection. However she was
     never meant to succeed, never meant to carry out missions as the
     Aliance had been promised.
     For they feared what they strived to create, and rightly so. If she
     was able to continue the work they had begun on her own, no power in
     the universe could stop her.
     This tiny Dancer with Goddess hidden beneath her skin is awoken by a
     King of a world only known by name.
***** Chapter None *****
Chapter Summary
     Disclaimers and setting up the story.
     Working without a beta reader, and this is my first flic, please
     review, I'm not made of glass but don't be a dick about it
I claim no rights to the Riddick or Firefly, I simply Share my day dreams
inspired by Josh, David, and Vin's work.
Other disclaimer’s: quotes and music lyrics will be sighted as I go along.
Rating is a hard R-MA, sex’in, cuss'in ( in all the colors of the rainbow in
several languages) and of course lot's of kill'in!
How... Is my story different?
I have seen a few different ways these two universe have been merged, time
travel, wormhole, that the Firefly universe is the undervers, and sometimes no
explanation. Plenty have been very good and great stories.
My explanation is group of dangerous Nebulas that is referred to as the great
divide. (I'm not saying no one has thought of this, I just haven't seen/read it
before) Very little trade or travel happens due to the high mortality rate and
costs for a ship that can make it there and back again. It is almost always a
one way ticket so very little return on an investment.
Little of this, little of that...
There are no neckromongers or elementals (at least not yet) in this story. I'm
focusing on mostly the Firefly universe, still plenty of Riddick worthy action
WARNING! There will be spoilers to both the show and movies. Also there will be
a few OC's (to which I will assign the actor I'd like to play the part and
hopefully good description) to help bridge the gap as well as new contacts due
to death of the Serenity's crew friends. I am also taking liberties with who
dose or doesn't die.
Riddick die hards, do not fear, lots more Riddicks and Jack, however if you are
a Kira fan this flic is NOT for you. Yes, you detect the scent of plot twists,
and aroma of lemon Mrangpie!
Last disclaimer I tend to get wordy, Being very visual myself, and I have
horrible garmmer and spelling
On to the fun
***** Chapter One *****
Chapter Summary
     Setting up the scene, the crew have used Rivers gifts on a few
     occasions and now see her as an asset. I may add chapters/episodes to
     catch up to this point but lack inspiration for them at this point.
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The crew of Serenity gathered around the screen that had Inara's smiling face.
Mal interrupted the unorderly chatter of everyone talking and asking questions.
Inquiring about one another's welfare.
“Seem'ns like our next pice a business S'on Persephone, if'in Fanty and Mingo
t’were’t such motherless sons of goats we’d have gotten a job from them. That
not being the case we'll be dealing with Badger once more. Rumor is he has a
job of moving live cargo.”
“Black market beagles, black market beagles, please be black market beagles…”
Mal gave Wash a pointed look then continued.
“Along with three passengers.” Kaylee almost shot out of her seat speaking on
behalf of Simon and River.
“River girl saved me if’in not all us from that bounty hunter!” She continued
in a much smaller voice. “...Said he’d do things... ought not repeat account on
them…” She visibility shivered. Inara wished she could put her arm around
Kaylee and comfort her.
“This job.” Inara spoke before the captain could continue. “Is actually because
of me. And I can assure you the passengers will not and could not identify Anne
and the Doctor.” She was careful not to use their given names over the cortex.
“The Duchesses will be sequestered to the my… ahum... the spare shuttle. The
only person who will interact with the crew is their guardian. The wife of the
notorious Captain Kane.”
“Captain Kane? Father of Murder? King of the space pirates? Reaver hunter?
That's space tale's is all.” Jayne snorted.
“People say that about Reavers.” Zoe pointed out, quieting Jayne.
“I believe the term is privateer.” Inara went on. “I can assure you that he is
not a fictional character. However his relationship with the Alliance is
tenuous at best. And the Duchesses are only three months old. They won't even
remember being on board.”
“See, it's honest smuggle. Might sound more like slave’n, sell’in off babes
barely out ther mother's wombs to some rich and fancified lord, no doubt old
as…”Inara interrupted Mal, answering his poorly veiled accusations. “Their
husbands are no older than one and two years of age. Moving them to their
betrothed' home world is for their safety. They are very important to a lot of
people. Many would barter and sell them to the highest bidder. Which is why I
recommend Serenity.” Inara smiled at the crew.
“Rights! Now, I'm the captain and I can handle things from here on…”
Take my love, take my land
Take me where I cannot stand
I don't care, I'm still free
You can't take the sky from me
Take me out to the black
Tell them I ain't coming back
Burn the land and boil the sea
You can't take the sky from me
There's no place I can be
Since I've found Serenity
But you can't take the sky from me
“This isn't Badger's typical whole in the ground...” Mal thought a loud. Their
meeting place was a lounge that Inara had described as a dive for the upper
class. She had suggested that the crew go along and enjoy themselves, the
musical entertainment was supposed to be quite good. And assured them no one
would risk making a scene. After a few minutes of ‘discussion’ or really
arguing over who would come, it was decided that Jayne, Simon, and River would
stay on broad and the rest would go.
River had been quite admitted that all was shiny, the captain had a low
probability of being shot at or injured in away. Unless (she added dryly) he
became too intoxicated to walk properly, Wash, Kaylee and Zoe would be
unsympathetic to his plight. She then enthusiastically explained the need to
set up a tea party for when her bother arrived.
“But I'm already here…”
“Of course you are Simon” River answered with a smile.
“And I'm your only Brother…” River looked at him as if he'd grown a thrid ear
in the middle of his forehead.
“Simon is being a boob again!” Then continued fluttering about making
“preparations” for the tea party.
When they arrived Captain Reynolds gave his name at the door and without any
questions he and most of the crew were ushered in with a smile. For a ‘dive
bar’ some of the crew (Kaylee and Wash ) felt underdressed, those wearing
similar clothes were dress like Mal and Zoe. They were obviously members of the
staff, their clothes looked brand new but had been worn and ripped in strategic
places. It took a few minutes of scanning the crowd to finally spot Badger
sitting at a table near the stage. Gone was his bowler, ratty suit coat and
tie. His was sporting well made expensive looking three piece suit and silk
tie. He stood and saluted them with his drink. They reached him the same time a
beautiful young lady who appeared to be a waitress but could easily be mistaken
for a doxy whispered something in his ear.
“Thank you love, I'll just be a moment... Ah! Captain Reynolds, welcome to
Shambala. Please be seated...” He motioned for another waitress to come to take
their drink orders. “The drinks are on me.” He said as he nodded to the
waitress. “I am so sorry but I must excuse myself for a moment. Don't give me
that look Mal I'll be in right over there...” He waved his glass towards the
stage. “I'm the next act.” He said with a wink before finishing his liquor, he
set his empty glass down on the Waitresses tray and walked away.
“Sweet Budda he means to torture us... To think I survived Niska for it to end
like this.” Wash looked terrified, but they all knew better. They ignored him,
the group's attention had turned to the stage, and the elderly gentleman who
was singing and playing guitar.
'...Now if you load your rifle right, and if you fix your bayonet so,
and if you kill that man my friend, the one we call the foe,
and if you do it often lad, and if you do it right,
you'll be a hero over night, you'll save your planet from this plight
remember God is always right
if you survive to see the sight of friend now greeting foe.
No you won't believe in if anymore, it's an illusion
If is for children, building day dreams...’
The Captain seemed hypnotized, staring without blinking, the only muscle that
seemed capable of moving was his strained neck muscle that was twitching.
Kaylee had assumed it had to do with the war song. She was suddenly very
nervous, knowing what happened on Unification day, now there was a ex solider
(no doubt a purple belly) singing about what Mal hated talking about, all the
killing and the wrongness of the war. Then little Kaylee saw it, the the tattoo
on the back of the man's right hand . It was more of a brand really, it meant
he once was a doctor and prisoner of war. But perhaps most importantly, he'd
been labeled as a turn coat against the Alliance. It made her think on her
Simon. Perhaps he too been core bred and gone to fancy schools, then left
it'all ta join up with the independents
 
If I knew then what I know now
(I thought I did you know somehow)
If I could have the time again
I'd take the sunshine leave the rain
If only time would trickle slow
Like rain that melts the fallen snow
If only Lord if only
If only Lord if only
No you won't believe in If anymore
It's an illusion
It's an illusion
No you won't believe in If anymore
If is for children
If is for children
Building daydreams
No you won't believe in If anymore
It's an illusion
It's an illusion
No you won't believe in If anymore
If is for children
If is for children
Building daydreams
The applause was loud, Zoe and the captain shot up as if they'd been told to
stand at attention. Clapping as loud as any of the other patrins, chanting the
indpence rallying cry “Oww Rah” under their breaths, Wash join them
Finally it all connected, the costumes and decor were all nods to the color's
of the indpence and their uniforms. They were in a Independence friendly bar in
the middle of Aliance occupied Persphone. Kaylee thought to herself, now I've
seen everything.
The clapping died down and the captain had slipped his mask of indifference
back on, but there was a slightest of twinkles in his eyes. As the two soliders
sat back down giant pineapples decorated with many flowers, unbrellas, and
other smaller pieces of fuit were placed before them.
“What in the sfinkter of hell are these Wash?” Kaylee snatched hers, holding it
close and began working her way through the fruit. Just in case Mal tried to
send them back.
“They were the most expensive drink, Bager did say it was on his tab.” Mal
smiled.
“Well then Mis, make mine a double! Oh and a bottle of your best whiskey… for
the table.” He quickly added, in response to his crew collectively raised
eyebrows. River’s warning fresh in their memory.
Chapter End Notes
     I won't believe (in if) anymore by Roger Wittaker
***** The big bad *****
I was waiting on Tooms. Just finished up business in the backroom of a shitty
bar on the docks. Holyman’s family now has a ride across the divide. Last place
the Company would look for them is on their own cargo transport. They'll be
free n’clear if they get there in one piece. Guy that supplies fresh
maintenance workers to the Large transport hullers sneaks in nine or ten people
that are less than qualified for the job. For a price for course. Three weeks
in, three weeks out of ciro is how the crew is supposed to run. Most of the
cargo is live, costs effective to run bare bones crew most of the time. And it
shortens the trip when you spend two thirds of it asleep.
Thought I'd settle up with Jacks... then maybe head across the nebula myself.
Didn’t owe Jacks shit! Told her coming with me, or coming after me would get
her killed. Hadn't saved her ass so she could throw it all away. Gotten stupid
with that fucked up hero worship, get stupid, you get ghosted, or wrose...
Flash back
“Feet planted, knees bent, chin tucked, hands up...”
“And a strong spine.” Riddick finished for her. The convit couldn't help
laughing at the instancy of her face and eyes. He circled her then applied his
size 12 boot to her ass (litterally). She rolled forward with the momentum of
the kick and spun to face him as she jumped to her feet. She was getting
quicker but He was still faster. His hand is around her neck, his foot sweeping
her feet out from beneath her before she has even stood up completely. Again
she doesn't fight the attack, she moves with it. Legs wrapped around Riddick’s
neck and arm as soon as they hit the ground. Trying to get him in an arm bar.
“Remember kid, takes less then thirty pounds of pressure to break a man's
neck...” She redoubles her efforts to brake his tightening hold. She's light
enough He lifts her easy, then bang her back down knocking the air out of her
and she crumples.
“What was your first mistake?”
“Ta..t... Turn ba, back, gave you ma, my back.”
“Close, that was your second... Your frist misstake was stepping to me. Never
fight outside your own weight class... or your class class.” A grin of smug
satisfaction reveiled his sharp white teeth. “Unless you have to. When you do,
fight dirty, fight deadly.” He gains no satisfaction by roughing little Jake's
up. It's the progress she making that thrills him.
“Like this...” she throws sand in the murder's face, pulling a growl from his
chest and earning a raised eyebrow. She realises why, he’s wearing googals and
moans in defeat, collapsing back down in the dirt. Riddicks response is a
barking laugh. “I'm not getting any better, am I?”
“Nah you ain't that bad kid... I'm just the best.” She snorts then let's out a
heave sigh. “Hey earlier you woulda had the drop on me if it wasn't for your
battle cry.”
“Really?” She perks up, now resting on her elbows.
“No.” He answered truthfully causing her to flop down once more ignoring his
next bout of laughter. “But if...”
“Yeah, yeah, if it had been someone Else I might have had a shot.” She’s up and
dusting herself off. “I couldn't help it, running at you'd like run at one of
the raptors, or jumping off a cliff... Gotta pump myself up... So...” She
shrugs “...Battle cry.”
“Stop the sweet talk kid, you'll make me blush.”
End flash back.
Slip of a girl walks in followed by two men, work’n types. They definitely came
from across the divide. The shorter of the two X-soilder, nerve damage in his
lower back, probably injured in the war heard rumors of while working as a
Company Ranger. Could tell by how he carried himself, or rather how he didn't.
Knew not to show any weakness. Other was muscle, gun for hire.
The girl stuck out the way I'd stick out in church. Couldn't tell the colors on
her dress but the abstract pattern looked like flowers. Her eyes flash around
the room taking in everything, her nose flares and ears twitch as she closes
her eyes. Can see them dance behind her eyelids as she continues to listen. The
eyes of both men continually flick back to the girl until she nods. Now their
postrue has relaxed, interesting...
She's their ringer.
The men head to the back, she doesn't move. As if her combat boots were nailed
to the floor, just staring at the stage. There's a belly dancer kock off,
better than most. She did her job well, distracting itcy trigger fingers. Smelt
lust but no sex, so she was just a dancer. Could tell she wanted to be
elsewhere, too many of the wrong type interested in her. She preferred a lady's
touch. If you went by the way the ringer’ staring she did too. But the nose
knows. A minute passes and she's walking up to the stage.
Now she's dancing in perfect harmony with the other girl. The swivel of her
hips and the rolling of her body makes everyone aware she isn't as young and
incent as she appears. Her hands move across her body, making a path a man's
hands would beg to follow.
Everyone is enjoying the view barely noticing the eight big JaMokes entering
the place, figured it was Tooms finally showing up. But surprise, surprise,
they came for her.
Seen my fare share... in and out of different slams... running and hiding
across the verse. Maybe not of it all, but the story of life repeats itself
like a bad joke.
Watching her move made me understand that crazy bitch, thinking I was a peace
of art...
...I don't got the words to say, don't know how to paint a picture, unless it's
in blood. My stock in trade is violence and she made me look like a damn
amateur.
Less than twelve seconds, twenty seven of her heart beats and they were all
down.
Fast enough that anyone who wasn't already looking missed it.
The music didn't stop till five seconds after the fun was done.
None of them were bleeding but only three of the eight hearts were still
beating when the last body hit the floor. Bystanders were down for the count as
well.
That was from the nonlethal rounds they tried to use on her.
Their first mistake... Second, thinking they could overwhelm her.
She used the ribbons in her hair like whips to redirect their aim.
Should have staggered the attack, fire from a distance while she was busy
engaged up close. Not that it would matter...
“Forgive them Father, they do not know with whom they were fucking.” Her voice
was low and sweet. Quiet enough no one else would have heard it.
She sirvays her work while whispering a prayer she thinks only that sorry
mother fucker can hear...
Doesn't know where I've taken cover...
That's what I thought...
Until she winked at me...
Flash back
“A lot of predtors, human's inclued respon to movement. Learning to stay still
and stay quiet can seirouly lengthen your life expectancy.” Riddicks explains
as he sets a box of matches, a bowl of ice, and a tin with pins and needles
inside. “So, anybody not ready for this?” He tants, when she doesn't back down
he fills her hands with ice. Giving her the goal of holding it until it has
completely melted. He tells her the matches are something she can also do on
her own. Practice letting them burn down to her fingertips until she can let it
burn itself out.
“Don't do it so much you lose sensation in you fingers, just enough to develop
dissaplin and callus. Enough to keep your edge sharp...” The pins and needles
were like a knife game, only your goal was to get suck while staying still, and
not flinching. Soon both their hands look like pincustions.
If she had thought he was training her to take with him she was delusional and
he told her so. The more he warned her he was leaving and wouldn't be taking
her with, the more she acted like he was. He spent two maybe three weeks in new
Mecca. Felt like six months for the convit... He past on some bits of
knowledge, most of which involved Jack getting her ass handed to her. It was
what he called being realistic, Inmars family called it cruelty 'Exsactly,
THAT'S reality’... He would answer.
End flash back.
So the little minx knew where I was, wondered if her comment was meant for me?
If we were to play would we play for blood? As if she heard my thoughts she
answered, the answer made the animal go wild inside.
“If the Big Bad wins, he gets to fuck the girl…. If the girl wins she gets to
fuck him…”
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