The Armies of the Witch King : Secrets of the Atlantic 2
Continuing the story in Time is the Enemy. To Get Back the ability to choose the Witch King needs an army, and there is more to thier retrivals than they believe. BanCentric. I own nuts. Please r&r and enjoy the story. Pure adventure and fun. If you have any suggestions please feel free. T for violence n lang.
Time line : FOR TIME IS THE EMENY & ARMIES OF THE WITCH KING
(This time line has NOTHING to do with STRENGTH Arc and canon time lines)
Pre GB :When Ban met Raitei for the first time : Story : THE SAFE HARBOUR - RAITEI POV : Armies of the Witch King
September 8th 2008 :Janis visits the Honky Tonk releasing Ban's Magic : Story : Time is the enemy
March 6th to 8th 2009 : Ginji is kidnapped by EarthSea : Story : Get back Control of the Raitei (part 1 to 3)
March 8th & 9th 2009: Ban in hospital : Story : the limit to giving
March 15th 2009 : Ban and the Raitei at the dam. Story : A good dream
March 21st 2009 : A Chibi Interlude (or HELP!!! CHIBI"S Hi-jacked my story)
March 21 & 22 2009 : Ban and Akabane share a weekend. Story : In the Jackal's den
May 2009 : The Nagas join the witch king's army. Story : Toshiki's Journey : Armies of the Witch King
July 2009 : The GetBackers retrieve the soul of the Sliver Fist and received a vow of loyalty from them
September 2009 : The GetBackers in the Amazon Jungle
December 2009 : The GetBackers in Australia
February 2010 : The Omniyogi meet the Witch King
April 2nd- -5th 2010 : Armies of the Witch King Current Story. Secret of the Atlantic pt 1 & 2.
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Ban Midou had been in some strange places - but this was a first. The mouth of some stinking fish. He knew that the denizens of the deep were out to get him. But he never expected it to be literally. Damn the Jackal anyway.. why did they have to be right. Ban was tempted to tear his way out of the leviathan, when he had first been snapped up he had been going to do just that. But he had caught a glimpse of the beast that had taken him, it was serpentine, and he somehow knew that as vaguely serpentine as the creature was, totems of the Witch King did not eat the Witch King for lunch. Anyway they were heading straight down and Ban had a feeling that breaking out now would lead to either him drowning of being crushed by pressure. So he got comfortable.
Well as comfortable as one could get with a a huge tongue snuggly wrapped around his torso. The Leviathan had Ban in an air pocket in its mouth, its tongue wrapped around him, creating a cushion against the beasts movements. Ban tried to keep his bare skin away from the tongue. Not because it felt slimy or anything, more because he wanted to ensure the beast did not develop a taste for him and decide to start munching. The teeth that made up his 'cell' were more then intimidating, since he could have easily stood tall and not even come close to touching the top of the mouth. One tooth was bigger then he was. Damn.. (Hmmm.. If I have to fight em.. gotta remember to break a couple of teeth, we'll corner the market of Ivory.) At least he knew Ginji could feel he was alive and well.
The trip was long, Ban got bored. He reached for his cigarettes, just as he was about to light up a mental picture of Pinocchio causing Monstro to sneeze with smoke wafted through his brain. Errrr.. smoking in a month of a living beast god knows how many leagues underwater - NOT a good idea. Ban sighed. Damn..., and snuggled down to get comfortable.
The huge Leviathan swum to the depths of the trench, there was a huge opening at the bottom of the trench, and the Leviathan swam into the cave. The cave stretched a half mile further and then opened into a cave so huge that the whole of Tokyo city could have been been transported to the cave with minimal effort. In the middle of the Cavern Underneath a huge slivery dome was a small city. Smaller Leviathans, blue skinned humanoids and denizens of the deep that had long since been declared extinct by the world above, swam around in freedom. Structures of various sizes and shapes dotted the city, there was a fluidity to the positioning of the structures, there was not a single straight line or sharp corner in sight. Corals grew on the walls of the strictures, creating an alien city that burst with colors and movement.
The Leviathan headed into the dome, it shimmered as the huge beats passed through. The beast swam straight to the largest structure in the city, Heading down, it went though an opening at the base of the structure, and rose into a huge grotto. The water formed a pool at one edge of the grotto, that was full of breathable air rather then water. The walls of the grotto glimmered in gold hues and huge stairs led to various crags on the walls that contained seats. The Grotto was an Audience hall that allowed fro both aquatic and air breathing creatures to discuss and meet. Blue skinned humanoids stood at the edge of the water. They greeted the Leviathan with obvious relief. It seemed to not at them and they tensed prepared for a fight as the beast opened its mouth.
They jerked back in shock. Legs crossed, arms behinds his head, the Jagan master half reclined on the huge tongue. A small snore broke the shocked silence. (HE IS SLEEPING???!!! In the mouth of a Leviathan)
A lazy blue eye opened. Ban uncurled himself and blinked innocently at his wide eyed audience. “That's a ride I would not recommend as an attraction. Its pretty boring.” Ban said flatly. His eyebrow raised questioningly. He allowed his magic to raise, his sense sweeping the room. They wanted the Witch King and Ban was irritated enough to give them what they wanted. The energy pressure he released was so immense, wind swirled in the grotto, the chairs trembled, and the Leviathan shocked by the sudden change jerked back, its mouth snapping shut with deadly force.
“NO, you'll kill him!!” The blue skinned humanoids called out. The Leviathan immediately opened its mouth. It was empty.
“What? What happened, did you swallow him?” A blue skinned woman with a shelled circuit around her head yelled in accusation. The Leviathan blinked in confusion.
“Now I would hardly die so easily would I?” a mocking voice asked from above them. On one of the higher crags, Ban Midou sat smoking a newly lit cigarette. “You obviously know who I am, so how about you introduce yourselves and tell me why you went through all the trouble to bring me here.”
The blue skinned people bowed low. “Welcome Lord Ban Midou, please forgive us for the elaborate ploy and for underestimating you.” a male with a coral coronet said. “We are the Senate of Atlantis, chosen leaders of out people. We welcome you to the Legendary Halls of Atlantis. I am Kreeal, representative of the guards class.” He gestured to the lady who had shouted earlier, “This is Mirseel, she is representative of the Mining class, Jerelewal beside her is the representative of the builders...” The introductions went on. There were 24 classes in all, each class was a distinct profession and the representatives were voted by the people to lead. “Finally the last member of the Senate you have already met (err.. sort of) Shearni'sa the Leviathan representative of the denizens of the deep.”
Ban's eyebrows rose again at that, the Leviathan's huge head turned to him, and blue eyes met multicolored faceted ones. “I would allow none other the honor of transporting the Witch King, I am glad we can finally communicate.” The words echoed in Ban's mind, eye contact allowed the Leviathan to communicate with Ban. In fact..
Ban looked around, “So you are talking in my mind and trying to hide it. Why?” Ban asked abrutly.
The leaders smiled and nodded approvingly, without moving his lips Ban heard the words clearly “Again we apologize, but it was a test we had agreed upon earlier, if indeed you have the power then you would have know our methods of communication.” Kreeal seemed to be the official spokesperson continued “Our people at one time lived on a huge island on the surface, we traded and worked with the people of other lands. Our people live half in the water and half on dry earth. Our children require some time as air breathers before they develop their underwater noses, So we lived half on land and half in the sea. We lived in peace at first with our land dwelling cousins.”
“But things changed, discrimination, envy and fear grew among surface dwellers. Slightly more the two thousand years ago our island was threatened by a volcano. We searched for a new land but none welcomed us, instead they began plans to invade us, destroy us utterly. We were without hope of salvation when a Lady came to us. According to our legends she glowed with power, flowers grew if she stepped on the grass and the clouds parted to ensure the sun shone on her. (Kreeal cleared his throat in slight embarrassment at the amused snort that emerged from Ban) Well.. errr.. our people tend to be poetic. Anyway she said she was the Witch Queen, with her was her son and heir, and he too thrummed with power, the seas parted when he walked and.. err.. never mind. The Witch Queen proposed a means to save our people. We were most agreeable. So she, her son, the elders of Atlantis and other magic users combined their powers, and created the Dome that surrounds or City. The dome regulates the pressure of the ocean so that we can maintain pockets of air and build in deep water, the pressures in the dome is equal to pressure in 10 feet of water. We have since come to know that he dome protects us from discovery as well, all technological waves are nullified by the dome. It is the greatest singular work of Magic on the planet.” Kreeal said rather proudly.
Ban in his magic sweep had felt the dome and had to agree with the assessment, but he also understood a lot more. “Hmmm Yes it is amazing, but even magic runs out, the Dome is weakening isn't it, that is why you have called for me.” Ban said simply.
“Could you see the problem in your sweep, My Lord King? Can you please help us?” Mirseel said rather urgently.
Ban was more then a little taken aback by the title, especially since their people seemed to be democratic. “Errr.. you can just call me Ban. But yes. I can see the weakening in the barrier. It is going to collapse because of a couple of weak points.” Ban saw the looks of horror and fear in the eyes of those around him, he huffed softly.. he HATED working for free, however.. “Don't worry, maintaining magic is a lot easier then creating a spell from scratch. I can reweave the barrier so that it will last another 2000 years at least, if not more - after all I'm the one making it.”
The Altantians bowed again.
Ban needed to rest and prepare the spells, he requested some time alone, and was lead to a private chamber. They brought in platters of food (No alcohol - bah Altantians did not get drunk apparently.) Ban ate the food, and his eyes closed. Ban felt his consciousness float, he could feel it, desperate worry from above. It was so rare to have people worry about Ban that it tugged at his consciousness. Almost sleeping he muttered a small spell, and entered a dream world. He found the three of them, and gave them enough information to reassure them. Then he woke refreshed.
He took out the Queen Aliara's Mirror from his jacket pocket (He always took it with him when he left Japan), and entered the past. He explained the situation to his Great Grandma, and was thought spells and preparation procedures that were required for the spell. As he came out of it he realized that he was not alone anymore.
Kireeal and Misreel stood respectfully before him. “Forgive us, but we have to ask is there going to be real danger to you in casting the spell? Would you require assistance? We will bring anyone you need”
Blue eyes snapped at the offending question. “No I don't need anyone for a reinforcing spell. Its not dangerous really, just complex and tiring. I will need you to get me back after the spell I will probably need to sleep for some time after.”
“You could sleep here and leave later.” Misreel said softly.
“No Ginji and the others are waiting, also I rest better with Akabane or Ginji around.” Ban said matter-a-factly.
“Is there anything we can do for you, in return for saving us?” Kireeal asked.
Ban sighed, “No, there is no compulsion, no debt. Care for your people and the ocean that is all.”
The two representatives smiled and bowed, “You are a kind and gentle ruler. My Lord King, we will serve you in the war ahead, the seas and the denizens aligned with us will serve the will of the Witch King, willingly.” Misreel said.
Ban squirmed the bowing and the title was a BIT much. “Look just call me Ban, and stop with the ridiculous the bowing.”
“No can do, My Lord King.” Kireeal said with an amused glint in his eyes, “Our people accepted your blood as the only bloodline that can lead by right of Birth rather then people's choice over 2,000 years ago. Though we have never come across your bloodline in as long, the bond is still strong and still binds us. Given the kind of leader you are, we see no reason to rescind the bond, in fact many are looking to have it strengthened. The people have requested that we have a coronation ceremony.”
“Waaa..” Ban's jaw hit the floor. “NO Absolutely freaking NO, and you people out of your fucking minds. Lets get the spell over with so I can leave before you try to shove more responsibilities down my throat.”
“It would only be ceremonial” Misreel said in a hurt, pouting mouth.
“What I look stupid? I know how these things work, for tough decisions that you lot could handle because you have a figure head I'll suddenly be dragged in to adjudicate, officiate and other such duties aimed at giving me hives. Absolutely not. And don't try pouting at me lady, I have developed immunity from saying no to Ginji at his best or worst.” Ban snapped.
“Hahaha, I told you he was not the kind who wanted such ceremony.” Kireel said with relief. “When can we begin”
“I will need beings of power, to lend me their magic and strength during the ceremony.” Ban said reluctantly. “Only afew will be needed.”
“All our people are willing to give you what ever you need, you need not ask. However the Leviathans and members of the Senate are the most powerful magic users. We will all supply you.” Kireel said.
“No” the Witch King said definitely, “I will only need the support of 8, and two Leviathans. The rest must refrain from lending strength, your city needs to have some of its leaders on their feet. I must make preparations, we will conduct the ceremony in the hall earlier. Get everything on this list, and tell the 8 to meet me here in 4 hours, instructions will be sent to the Leviathans. The ceremony will begin an hour later. Tell the 8 that you choose to be well rested and to wear nothing metal on themselves. The ceremony itself will take longer then 30 hours.” Ban's voice took on a more distant and sharp tone, his mind focusing on the task at hand.
5 hours later, 8 members of the Senate, escorted the Witch King into the chamber. Except for a wide area in the middle, the room was filled to the brim, and the audience caught their breath. Gone was the arrogant youth from earlier, instead the King stood before them wrapped in charms and spells, his blue eyes glittered bright without the trademark glasses of the GetBackers. Magic and power swirled around him, there was no arrogance, only iron control, quiet competence and the sense of unconquerable strength. His presence was equally comforting and intimidating.
The Witch King ignored everyone. He stood at the middle of the chamber. And began chanting. The Eight and the 2 Leviathan took positions around the Jagan Master. Ban spread his arms, to the shock of the audience, each magic user drew a sword, walked up to the witch king and sliced his arms. 8 clean cuts, allowing 8 thins streams of bright red blood to flow from the Witch King. The sword was used to draw a shallow furrow in the ground, and blood ran in 8 directions, from the center. Shearni'sa the Leviathan and a smaller companion, stretched out the long neck, just the tips of the huge fangs, grazed each shoulder of the Jagan Master. Their tongues in unison collected the blood, and painted a line on the ground to the very edge of the water where they rested. Each of them then drew the sword across their palms, mingling blood with the Witch King's, and allowed their blood to flow to form an outer circle. The Leviathans drew blood from each other , and the blood did not sink. The circle of blood began to glow, then it seemed to catch fire. Blue-white flames encircled the 10 and shot inward, with the Witch King at the heart.
The ceremony lasted for 30 hours. Ban cast the spells and drained each of the 8 to unconsciousness, one by one, they would need at least a week to recover. Only the Leviathans were not drained to exhaustion. They and a handful of people watched the 30 hours as the Witch King untiring and unflinching cast spells that had not been heard in over 2,000 years. Painstakingly, never budging from the center of the circle, with no break, no rest and no food; the Witch King weaved his magics through the dome, repairing old layers and creating new layers to ensure that the dome would stand for another 2 thousand years.
There was no fan fair, no blasts, no fireworks. The dome's glow strengthened, rainbow colors shimmered through it, and the 30 hours of work was done. The dome would now probably survive a nuclear strike.
The magic of the Witch King slowly faded, and Ban Midou stood gaunt and exhausted in the chamber.
Shearni'sa was fast enough to catch him as he swayed. “Thanks for the business, Shearni'sa you have to transport me back, fast okay” Ban said cheekily and then his eyes rolled back as he gave in to exhaustion.
The time limit was almost up. Toshiki was getting increasingly nervous, being on a small boat with an angsty Akabane on one side, and Raitei//Ginji on the other was more then a little unnerving. Both were verging on the edge of their patience and control. Ginji and the Raitei seemed to be sharing space more and more, while Toshiki was glad they were harmonizing, a part of him really wanted to be somewhere else. The two crew men had done just that, they had called in another ship and left 3 days ago. Only the captain stayed, and now he had a constant look of worry on his big jowled face.
No body in their right mind would want to be around those two if the time ran out. Toshiki placed himself between the two and the Captain, just in case.
Raitei/Ginji suddenly snapped up, “Something comes, a great many somethings”. The Captain scurried back to the cockpit as the other three stood tensed. The huge Leviathan broke the surface, followed by another and another. Standing on the necks of the creatures were at least 3 dozen blue humanoids.
The mouth of the largest Leviathan opened. Revealing two creatures a male and a female. The male was carrying the sleeping Witch King. All of them bowed low to the three standing on the deck. “We thank you for your patience,” the male said “Lord King Ban Midou, did a great casting these last three days. We return him exhausted but unharmed.” The male spoke with a heavy but clears accent.
“We would have like to have him rest in our city, but he insisted that he rested better with his partners.” The lady said, her smile suddenly became sly, “Also the leviathans petrolling were getting nervous at the growing killing auras they sensed on the boat.” She nodded respectfully, “You are all indeed amazing warriors.”
The Leviathan's great head lowered, and Raitei/Ginji stepped forward, he reached out and took sleeping Ban, who recognizing his partner surfaced for a second from sleep, to sling an arm around Ginji's neck, cuddle and relax even deeper.
Akabane scalpels still at ready said in his soft voice, “I trust that when the time comes, your people will heed and support the Witch King?”
“I am Kireeal, and as speaker for our people, you may be witness as I pledge our support and loyalty to the Witch King. We will come at his call, hmmm (he glanced at Ban) but seeing the stubbornness and kindness of our King we also pledge to come if you summon on his behalf, Blood Warrior of The Witch King.” Akabane's eyebrow rose at this. “Why are you surprised? Your oath gives you the privilege of calling to battle and commanding those who swear loyalty to the Witch King, did you not know? We and any other creature of power can sense it, he has blood bonds with the three of you and we can sense these bonds.” Kireeal took out a pearl white conch, he passed it to Akabane, “Blow this near the ocean, and the denizens of the sea will come to you.” He then took a piece of clear paper and passed it to the transporter.
“A business card?” Akabane's lips curved in amusement.
Kireeal went a shade of purple. “Errr... yes, well we live in this world too. We have agents and businesses, they are the ones who acted to hire you. Not all of us are blue, we have mixed blood among us and they can choose where to live. If they live on land they can choose to work in companies owned by our people, for generations. So please tell Lord King Ban that he is not to worry, he got back what we needed and the fee had been deposited into his account.”
Finally Kireeal took out a small box, it sat on his palm. “This is a small treasure for the Captain, for his bravery and patience. Else he would seek to request extra compensation from the GetBackers and Lord King needs no further stress.” Misreel said with a rueful smile.
“You seem to know us rather well.” Ginji said with a smile, the Raitei had gone to sleep as soon Ban had cuddled in his arms.
“The denizens of the deep knew he was our King long before he even did. His blood line is precious to us, he misunderstood the affection shown by our kind as threat the only other time he was in the ocean.” Misreel said, “Now please excuse us, secrecy as much as the barrier protects us. Please ensure the captain and no other opens the small box.”
The sea churned again and then all was silent as the entourage left.
“Captain get us out of here.” Akabane called out.
The ship began moving, and the Captain cast nervous glances around him. He had never before feared the sea as he did now. Akabane approached the man with the small box. “Its a gift” was all the Dr. said.
The Captain took it with a shaking arm, He opened the box, a jet of smoke blew out. And the Captain fainted. Toshiki caught him before he hit the steering wheel. He looked at Akabane.
“It smells like Oblivion perfume, that Himiko uses, but different. I believe the good Captain will be non the wiser over what happened. Lets just say we stopped to look for some sunken treasure and his part are these perfect black pearls. He did not seem the kind to question his good luck.”
“We didn't do much at all Akabane. Everything seems to have been taken care of.” Toshiki said slightly regretfully. “This time Ban-domo didn't even get hurt.”
“You are right, this was a rather disappointing adventure for me. No one to test my skills against. I was looking forward to fighting a Leviathan, but if they are Ban-kun's allies.. ah well, I'll have to live with the loss.” Akabane said with a sad shake of his head.
Ginji over heard this and shuddered. He wished either Ban or the Raitei were awake, he HATED being alone with the Jackal.
--- the end-- for now..
This was a bit different, did not plan he story this way but some how it seemed to work I think. DO tell how you feel about it. And if there are any groups that you can suggest to add to the army please do suggest away. Please Review and suggest - and thanks.