"Between the Buried and Me"
Title: Between the Buried and Me
Author: Tseek_Unique
Rating: Part seven. NC-17 violence, mental illness, supernatural themes.
Summary: Jonah slips back into madness when Jack needs him the most.
Disclaimer: Property of Disney, I own nothing. They own me. *sigh*
Pairings:implied: Jack/James, Will/Jonah.
Author's Notes: A story about pirates behaving badly.
Feedback: cherished as always, my luvs.
Music: Iced Earth- The Coming Curse.
When Jack and his brother were brought up on deck, Jack noted the night sky had begun to gray. Lanterns were still lit. They stood in the midst of a circle of brigands, surround by filthy beards, yellowed eyes, and sneering mouths filled with fouled teeth. Jack heard a sharp whistle and looked around to see Bosun swirling the cat o' nine tails in preparation for his appointed task. A pair of manacles had been nailed to the mizzenmast, its cuffs left open to receive Jack’s slender wrists.
Above the catcalls, Jack could hear Jonah's heavy breathing at his side. He felt something around his waist, looked down and was surprised to see Jonah's arm.
"Keep your mind clear, Jack. I will take as much of your pain as I can," Jonah whispered against his ear.
Watching Barbossa from the corner of his eye, Jack pressed a kiss to Jonah‘s hair.
"You just worry 'bout gettin' this ship off course."
Barbossa seized Jonah's arm and jerked him from Jack’s side.
"Over 'ere, 'lil one!" sneered Barbossa. "I enjoy ye fine company so I think I‘ll be keeping‘ ye awhile, an’ ‘tis only fair the crew get 'acquainted' wi' ye exceptional charms! Gents, behold the new matelot!"
The crew cheered. Jack kept his gaze fixed on Jonah's unblinking eyes. Then Bosun's hands grasped him and he was thrown, face first, to the mizzen. His arms were pulled over his head and he grimaced as the rusty manacles bit into his wrists. When the irons were locked, Bosun stepped back, pulled the cat from his waist and looked at Barbossa. The captain nodded.
One stroke and great drops of sweat sprang out on Jack's brow as horrid pain slammed into his brain. He pulled hard on the manacles and tried to steady himself. Two more strokes and his legs shook beneath him. Blood trickled from the three bloody stripes and then they were quickly criss-crossed by two more strokes.
Jonah, steer the ship! Do not fix your mind on my pain! You must turn the ship!
Jack could see the helmsman standing just a step from the wheel, laughing at him. Another stroke of the cat sliced into his back. Jack saw a pink chunk of his own flesh fly from over his shoulder and stick to the mast. His legs gave way. He fell forward against the mast and rested his cheek against the wood, but managed to keep his eyes open. His lungs ached for breath that could not come. His heart felt as if it were bursting.
Jonah, why do you naught aid me? Is there nothing in me that is worth redeeming?
Another stroke of the whip. Jack felt his ability to reason disintegrate as rapidly as his flesh. He focused upon his brother’s mind with all his might and suddenly, his last bit of hope tickled out with his blood.
Jonah’s mind was broken. Without the lotus medicine to steady him, his ability to reason faded. He stood beside Barbossa and watched with wide, frightened eyes. He was not able to focus on anything except the horrid scene in front of him: the jeers, sound of leather striking flesh, the sickening, coppery smell of blood. Jack felt his brother slipping back into madness and wondered if he would be able to think for both of them.
Jonah!
Jack’s silent scream reached Jonah. Jack saw his chin rise slightly, listening. Then Jack's legs failed. The pain of the lash and the bite of the manacles defeated him. Everything seemed so far away: the taste of blood on his tongue, the laughter, and the pain that flared with increasing menace beneath his breastbone. Time was so short, perhaps only a few more moments.
Jonah, muster you thoughts on the wheel! You must turn this ship!
Jonah’s nostrils flared. Small, bare feet took several steps backward. Barbossa, laughing at Jack, failed to notice Jonah's movement. That's it! Muster your thoughts on the wheel!
Jack heard the creak of the jib as it slowly changed position.
Water! I hear water... and thunder!
Barbossa turned on Jonah with a sudden snarl of realization. He seized a willowy arm and cast Jonah to the deck. Jack heard the sing of Barbossa’s sword and saw the flash of its blade as it arced it over Jonah’s slender form. A downward stroke would cleave him in twain.
Jack saw a flash of white in the corner of his eye as the sword swooshed down. Jonah rolled to the side and sprang away like a cat. Barbossa's sword sank into wood with a solid chunk! The crew quickly encircled Jonah as lightning crackled overhead.
“Call upon ‘em, Jonah! Call--” Jack gasped.
Jonah raised his hands to the storm and the wind began to scream around him. Grey, misty clouds converged upon Jonah like icy fingers and swirled about him like a maelstrom.
"Let the two doors of the sky be opened to me!" cried Jonah.
A great streak of jagged lightning bolted from the clouds and struck the golden crown with a deafening crack. All the crew, save Barbossa, fell to the deck as a blue light washed over the ship.
Barbossa snorted in fury and brandished his sword. “No witches’ tricks will avail ye, Jonah Sparrow!”
“O ye doorkeepers, I have made my way [unto you]. I am like unto you. I have come forth by day. I have walked with my legs, and I have gotten the power of the footstep wherewith do walk the shining ones of light. I, even I, know the hidden ways to the doors of the Field of Aaru; and though my body be buried, yet let me rise up; and may I come forth and overthrow all my foes upon earth."
Barbossa lurched to one side suddenly as the ship leaned hard. Jack heard wails of sea creatures and the splash of tails on the water. Snorts and geysers of water erupted around the ship. Jack realized whales surrounded them! They’re nudging the ship!
I am thy kinsman Horus, I have fought on thy behalf, I have come to thee for thy name's sake. He to whom the Urrt Crown hath been given …he was bidden to rule among the gods on the day of the union of earth [with earth] in the presence of Nebertcher,” said Jonah.
Then came the sound of marching from the sky. Solid footsteps in cadence somewhere up above the clouds.
“What ‘tis it?” Twigg shouted.
“How can we tell?” yelled Pintel.
Barbossa squinted, sword in hand. “Stand up an’ grab ye pistols an’ cutlasses, ye cowards!”
Jack opened his eyes-- and wondered if he were mad himself. The Egyptian dead marched by the thousands from the skies, each skeletal form adorned in a white loincloth and holding wooden shields and spears gripped in their bony fingers. They marched in ranks a hundred men across and a thousand deep, their strides measured and perfect. As they stepped down onto the deck of Barbossa’s ship, the crew began to shout in fear.
The army clamored to a halt, some standing on the ship around Jonah, some standing in the air. Eyes gleamed from beneath braided wigs. As one, Jonah and the skeletal army flung back their heads and shrieked. Then, by the tens of thousands, the army smote their spears upon their shields and shouted. Even Barbossa covered his ears and fell to the deck. The whales continued to batter the ship.
Jonah and a dozen soldiers fell upon Barbossa and hacked at him with swords and spears. Pieces of him flew overboard to be devoured by circling leviathans. Shrieks of crew and foot soldier mingled in the foggy air as pirate heads, torsos and extremities flew overboard into the jaws of waiting whales. Jack heard the crack of a mast. The whales were renting the ship asunder.
Then Jack heard a cry from the fog.
“Sails ho!”
There was a sickening crunch of wood on wood that heaved the ship hard to port.
“Strike your colors!” shouted a familiar voice.
Jamie? Jack dangled by his wrists against the mast. His cheek was scraped and bloody, but he had no strength left to stand. His heart kicked in his chest like a dying animal. There would be no chance to say goodbye to Jamie. He had gambled, and he had lost.
Jack felt the faint touch of lips to his and Jonah’s command.
“Jack, draw your strength from me.”
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Author: Tseek_Unique
Rating: Part seven. NC-17 violence, mental illness, supernatural themes.
Summary: Jonah slips back into madness when Jack needs him the most.
Disclaimer: Property of Disney, I own nothing. They own me. *sigh*
Pairings:implied: Jack/James, Will/Jonah.
Author's Notes: A story about pirates behaving badly.
Feedback: cherished as always, my luvs.
Music: Iced Earth- The Coming Curse.
When Jack and his brother were brought up on deck, Jack noted the night sky had begun to gray. Lanterns were still lit. They stood in the midst of a circle of brigands, surround by filthy beards, yellowed eyes, and sneering mouths filled with fouled teeth. Jack heard a sharp whistle and looked around to see Bosun swirling the cat o' nine tails in preparation for his appointed task. A pair of manacles had been nailed to the mizzenmast, its cuffs left open to receive Jack’s slender wrists.
Above the catcalls, Jack could hear Jonah's heavy breathing at his side. He felt something around his waist, looked down and was surprised to see Jonah's arm.
"Keep your mind clear, Jack. I will take as much of your pain as I can," Jonah whispered against his ear.
Watching Barbossa from the corner of his eye, Jack pressed a kiss to Jonah‘s hair.
"You just worry 'bout gettin' this ship off course."
Barbossa seized Jonah's arm and jerked him from Jack’s side.
"Over 'ere, 'lil one!" sneered Barbossa. "I enjoy ye fine company so I think I‘ll be keeping‘ ye awhile, an’ ‘tis only fair the crew get 'acquainted' wi' ye exceptional charms! Gents, behold the new matelot!"
The crew cheered. Jack kept his gaze fixed on Jonah's unblinking eyes. Then Bosun's hands grasped him and he was thrown, face first, to the mizzen. His arms were pulled over his head and he grimaced as the rusty manacles bit into his wrists. When the irons were locked, Bosun stepped back, pulled the cat from his waist and looked at Barbossa. The captain nodded.
One stroke and great drops of sweat sprang out on Jack's brow as horrid pain slammed into his brain. He pulled hard on the manacles and tried to steady himself. Two more strokes and his legs shook beneath him. Blood trickled from the three bloody stripes and then they were quickly criss-crossed by two more strokes.
Jonah, steer the ship! Do not fix your mind on my pain! You must turn the ship!
Jack could see the helmsman standing just a step from the wheel, laughing at him. Another stroke of the cat sliced into his back. Jack saw a pink chunk of his own flesh fly from over his shoulder and stick to the mast. His legs gave way. He fell forward against the mast and rested his cheek against the wood, but managed to keep his eyes open. His lungs ached for breath that could not come. His heart felt as if it were bursting.
Jonah, why do you naught aid me? Is there nothing in me that is worth redeeming?
Another stroke of the whip. Jack felt his ability to reason disintegrate as rapidly as his flesh. He focused upon his brother’s mind with all his might and suddenly, his last bit of hope tickled out with his blood.
Jonah’s mind was broken. Without the lotus medicine to steady him, his ability to reason faded. He stood beside Barbossa and watched with wide, frightened eyes. He was not able to focus on anything except the horrid scene in front of him: the jeers, sound of leather striking flesh, the sickening, coppery smell of blood. Jack felt his brother slipping back into madness and wondered if he would be able to think for both of them.
Jonah!
Jack’s silent scream reached Jonah. Jack saw his chin rise slightly, listening. Then Jack's legs failed. The pain of the lash and the bite of the manacles defeated him. Everything seemed so far away: the taste of blood on his tongue, the laughter, and the pain that flared with increasing menace beneath his breastbone. Time was so short, perhaps only a few more moments.
Jonah, muster you thoughts on the wheel! You must turn this ship!
Jonah’s nostrils flared. Small, bare feet took several steps backward. Barbossa, laughing at Jack, failed to notice Jonah's movement. That's it! Muster your thoughts on the wheel!
Jack heard the creak of the jib as it slowly changed position.
Water! I hear water... and thunder!
Barbossa turned on Jonah with a sudden snarl of realization. He seized a willowy arm and cast Jonah to the deck. Jack heard the sing of Barbossa’s sword and saw the flash of its blade as it arced it over Jonah’s slender form. A downward stroke would cleave him in twain.
Jack saw a flash of white in the corner of his eye as the sword swooshed down. Jonah rolled to the side and sprang away like a cat. Barbossa's sword sank into wood with a solid chunk! The crew quickly encircled Jonah as lightning crackled overhead.
“Call upon ‘em, Jonah! Call--” Jack gasped.
Jonah raised his hands to the storm and the wind began to scream around him. Grey, misty clouds converged upon Jonah like icy fingers and swirled about him like a maelstrom.
"Let the two doors of the sky be opened to me!" cried Jonah.
A great streak of jagged lightning bolted from the clouds and struck the golden crown with a deafening crack. All the crew, save Barbossa, fell to the deck as a blue light washed over the ship.
Barbossa snorted in fury and brandished his sword. “No witches’ tricks will avail ye, Jonah Sparrow!”
“O ye doorkeepers, I have made my way [unto you]. I am like unto you. I have come forth by day. I have walked with my legs, and I have gotten the power of the footstep wherewith do walk the shining ones of light. I, even I, know the hidden ways to the doors of the Field of Aaru; and though my body be buried, yet let me rise up; and may I come forth and overthrow all my foes upon earth."
Barbossa lurched to one side suddenly as the ship leaned hard. Jack heard wails of sea creatures and the splash of tails on the water. Snorts and geysers of water erupted around the ship. Jack realized whales surrounded them! They’re nudging the ship!
I am thy kinsman Horus, I have fought on thy behalf, I have come to thee for thy name's sake. He to whom the Urrt Crown hath been given …he was bidden to rule among the gods on the day of the union of earth [with earth] in the presence of Nebertcher,” said Jonah.
Then came the sound of marching from the sky. Solid footsteps in cadence somewhere up above the clouds.
“What ‘tis it?” Twigg shouted.
“How can we tell?” yelled Pintel.
Barbossa squinted, sword in hand. “Stand up an’ grab ye pistols an’ cutlasses, ye cowards!”
Jack opened his eyes-- and wondered if he were mad himself. The Egyptian dead marched by the thousands from the skies, each skeletal form adorned in a white loincloth and holding wooden shields and spears gripped in their bony fingers. They marched in ranks a hundred men across and a thousand deep, their strides measured and perfect. As they stepped down onto the deck of Barbossa’s ship, the crew began to shout in fear.
The army clamored to a halt, some standing on the ship around Jonah, some standing in the air. Eyes gleamed from beneath braided wigs. As one, Jonah and the skeletal army flung back their heads and shrieked. Then, by the tens of thousands, the army smote their spears upon their shields and shouted. Even Barbossa covered his ears and fell to the deck. The whales continued to batter the ship.
Jonah and a dozen soldiers fell upon Barbossa and hacked at him with swords and spears. Pieces of him flew overboard to be devoured by circling leviathans. Shrieks of crew and foot soldier mingled in the foggy air as pirate heads, torsos and extremities flew overboard into the jaws of waiting whales. Jack heard the crack of a mast. The whales were renting the ship asunder.
Then Jack heard a cry from the fog.
“Sails ho!”
There was a sickening crunch of wood on wood that heaved the ship hard to port.
“Strike your colors!” shouted a familiar voice.
Jamie? Jack dangled by his wrists against the mast. His cheek was scraped and bloody, but he had no strength left to stand. His heart kicked in his chest like a dying animal. There would be no chance to say goodbye to Jamie. He had gambled, and he had lost.
Jack felt the faint touch of lips to his and Jonah’s command.
“Jack, draw your strength from me.”
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