Chapter 14 to Of Angels and Demons

Author's Note: So, I'm back with yet another update. Our loveable Get Backers are back as is their rivals, fatherly figures and a new enemy on the conflict that is the irristible Ban Midou. What is poor Ginji to do when so many people are after his Ban. More devil evilness and I'm going to start getting the links between Ban, Ginji and the angels and devils out into the air. The battle between Himiko, her demon and Ban is coming up fast now to (thankfully, I keep trying to get to that point and it seems to be taking forever. I'm so tired of it, I got to get it out of my Head!!)

Warnings: *Shrugs* Who really cares about warnings, its evident you click on the mature links for a reason and its cause you want some kinky smut and hard core sex in the fics so ... anyway, there's some language and adult themes in this chapter.

Disclaimer: Sorrowfully I do not own anything to do with the wonderful world of Get Backers or the characters, but the idea and additional characters are mine.

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14

Slipping his fingers slowly through the carpet, tracing circles as his boredom escaladed, Ban peered almost blankly at the floor between his knees before tipping his head back to the wall with a sigh. Releasing a layer of the tension from his shoulders so his weight pressed to the wall, he slowly turned his eyes to the door along his left side, a grin lifting to his lips at the distressed sounds escaping the room. Pulling his arm from his raised knee to smack it to the door, he snickered softly as there was a sudden scuffling sound beyond the door.

"Ginji?"

"You can't be serious Ban!?" He squeaked.

Just now figuring it out. Pushing his shoulders off the wall to lean into his knees, Ban stared at the door. "When am I not serious Gin?"

"Ban-chan!" He whined a bit more pathetically then Ban had heard in a while.

"Come on out Ginji," Ban sighed while reaching to pull his carton of cigarettes out. Slipping a tube between his lips to pull it from the pack, Ban tipped his head back with a heavy breath, "It's not like it's going to kill you." Turning his eyes toward the door as it jerked open, Ban's gaze drifted up the ankle-length khakis and ebony v-neck shirt to Ginji's pissed off expression. "There … that wasn't so bad."

"I will NOT wear this!"

"Don't be a child," Ban sighed while pushing to his feet to brush across the room.

"I'm not being a child, I just-"

"Ginji," Ban turned to hook the blonde with his dangerous gaze, rendering him speechless as he proceeded to continue. "Its clothes … they're only intended to cover you up so as to not embarrass yourself and me as well."

Blinking as Ban turned back around, Ginji took several long strides to catch up and grasp his partner's wrist. "I'm aware of what they're supposed to do; I mean that I cannot wear them because of what they represent!"

"And what is that?" Ban dispassionately inquired, his imprisoned hand remaining limp beside Ginji's cheek. "The Lightning Emperor?"

"Yes," Ginji whispered chokedly, his grip faltering on Ban's wrist so his hand fell back to his hip. "I didn't want to ever wear these things again, I can't Ban. I remember everything too clearly …" he shivered while dropping his wide eyes to the floor, his arms encircling himself as the trembles started.

Staring at his partner, his eyes almost emotionally disconnected, Ban exhaled a heavy breath while turning his gaze to the door hiding the staircase that'd lead down to the café. Sealing his eyes with a frustrated scowl, Ban snapped his hand up to tear his cigarette from his lips and cast it aside before turning around.

Continuing to stare at the floor to widen his eyes as Ban's arm slipped up his side to snare his shoulder, pulling him to the brunette as his chin was grasped, Ginji lifted his gaze to grunt softly as his partner's lips fell to his own. Slipping his fingers in slow mesmerizing circles against Ginji's chin, producing small mewling sounds and moans from the blonde, Ban tipped his head a fraction to exhale sharply as Ginji parted his lips. Soft hands fisted into Ban's chocolate strands, Ginji's shoulders bunching as he was pulled and drew himself closer to his partner. Ban's arms slipped tighter around Ginji's back, his fingers digging through the ebony shirt to grasp the blonde's smooth hip in near desperation.

"W-wha …" Ginji stuttered as Ban stepped back slowly.

"There," Ban whispered as his fingers ghosted along Ginji's cheek, "that's better. Isn't it?"

"But," he rasped nearly out of breath, "Why … I thought that … I thought this this-" he cleared his throat as his hands fisted against Ban's shoulders. "I thought we weren't going to, I mean-"

Slipping his fingers over Ginji's lips silencing him, Ban stepped in to draw him into a gentle embrace. "You're always trying to think too hard Ginji. Stop worrying about everything; I'm going to take care of us." His fingers slid slowly down Ginji's arm to hook in a belt loop, "this, it's not something for you to freak out over. They're clothes; we can get you new ones."

Exhaling, Ginji slipped his arms up around Ban's back as he buried his face to his partner's pearly neck. "I just don't want to remember Ban."

"Gin, unfortunately there are some things we're not able to forget. Maybe so that we won't repeat the mistakes, but it doesn't matter," he commented while grasping Ginji's wrist to turn in his arms. "Come on, the dark's made you all depressing and that's beginning to make me pissy." He smirked while pulling Ginji after him toward the stairs. "And I smell Paul's coffee."

Staring at his partner's back as he was pulled to the top of the stairs and then down the next few steps, Ginji slowly turned his gaze down to the pale yet strong hand holding his own. Closing his fingers around Ban's hand, Ginji dropped his eyes to the stairs as he grasped his aching chest.

You tell me not to worry, to forget, that you'll protect me.

Pinching his eyes closed to attempt to stop the tears rising, Ginji bit into his lip trying to hush the whimper.

But what about you!? Who's going to protect you-

He released a soft breath as an arm slipped past his side to close around his back, pulling him close before Ban's warm breath appeared on his face.

"Why are you looking like the worlds coming to an end? Are you that upset about the clothes?"

Shaking his head quickly, the tears that had gathered along the edge of his eyes escaping to the air, Ginji couldn't help the whimpers that rushed from his parting lips as Ban's hand encompassed his cheek, the pale fingers stroking lovingly, soothingly along his skin.

"B-Ban, please … I do- I don't, I don't want to lose you, I don't want t-to be alone a-again," he sniffled while Ban's lips pressed gently to his sealed eyes, clearing the tears. "I can't let yo-you g-go-" he sniffled while clinging to the brunette. "I don't want to lose you!"

"I know Gin," Ban breathed while tilting Ginji's face up, "will you look at me please," smiling slightly as watery chocolates unveiled, Ban leaned in to kiss the blonde sweetly. "I won't leave you Ginji, if this is troubling, hurting you that much, then I relent, we will try it your way. Whatever you want I'll give it to you, so please stop crying. I can't stand seeing you cry like this." He breathed lightly while whipping the wetness from Ginji's cheeks, "But I need you to try to show some control Gin. Don't go groping me or spend long moments staring at me with this obnoxiously loving look on your face. Not in front of everyone, they'll know something's up."

"Don't worry Ban … as long as I can have you I'll show control," Ginji smiled through a choke, his face tipping forward to rest in the collar of Ban's sweatshirt. "I love you Ban! I love you so much."

Stroking his fingers through the soft golden spikes, Ban kissed Ginji's temple gently before turning his gaze toward the ceiling. "And I you …"

Possibly more than someone like me should be allowed.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Running his finger slowly over the rim of his coffee mug, Shido stared uninterestedly into the dark liquid as his thoughts ran in twisted circles. Furrowing his brows while he ran back through the lustrous moment his imagination had cooked up with a certain dangerous brunette; he pushed the mug forward several inches to rest his arms to the counter with a dramatic sigh.

"Long night?"

"And morning," Shido responded to the café owner's comment. He didn't lift his eyes to meet the man, but from the corner of his gaze he could see him wiping out several dishes through the reflection in the coffee.

"Is it anything you want to talk about? I'm not gonna have any customers for at least a couple hours."

"No, just couldn't sleep, nothing special." He sighed.

As if I'm gonna tell you what's on my mind old man … I don't even understand what's on my mind! Well, that's not completely true; I know I suddenly have an insatiable desire to throw Ban Midou across one of your tables Paul and ride him doggie style!!

His hand rose slowly to press a finger to his lip, his knuckle brushing in an attempt to remember the feeling that had turned his lips numb when Ban's lips had been against them.

Why is my every thought circulating around him!? Do I want to taste him that bad!? No. He shook his head while dropping his hand back to the other arm. No this is all wrong! It's just that damn mysterious aura that's constantly pulsing around him! He unnaturally draws you in, with that whole look and don't touch vibe it's not my fault I want to fuck him senseless! This is like a fucking drug addiction … He groaned while setting his hand around the coffee cup.

Slipping his hand up again to instead rest his cheek to his palm, he stared blankly off when every nerve within his body and animal instinct roared to life at the presence that just rounded the corner.

Why are you tormenting me like this … is this another of your illusions? Just a bad dream I'll never wake from?

His grey eyes stared desperately at the brunette as he completely rounded the corner hiding the stairs from the rest of the café. He carefully, slowly, inspected every inch of Ban's lithe form, wishing with all his might that he wasn't clothed. Lifting his gaze past the tight jeans and baggy sweatshirt, Shido swallowed a painful breath as he peered up Ban's pearly neck to his stimulating face. He never figured he'd be thankful that the brunette had decided to leave his hair ragged til it lay lazily around Ban's face. Breath staling as those startling sapphire eyes rose slowly to capture his staring gaze; Shido peered at Ban like a hungry animal.

Holding the Maryuudo's gaze for several moments longer, immediately understanding the predatory look in his eyes, Ban turned his gaze down as he slowly passed Shido. He in turn about leapt out of his skin as the brunette's scent struck him full force. Holding a gasp back as Ban sat; a stool between the both of them, Shido watched helplessly, mesmerized, as he then leaned forward casually, the lean yet defined muscles hidden cleverly beneath baggy cotton curling in the motion, his cheek falling into his palm as eyelids fluttered lazily over milky sapphire orbs. Shido wanted to jam a fist down his throat and scream from the torment.

"Shido … what're you still here for, is everything alright? Paul can I have a sandwich?" Ginji bubbly requested as he plopped beside his partner, leaving the space between Ban and Shido.

"Yeah sure, and you know what, order anything you want guys, my treat." Paul stated while folding his wipe cloth.

"Really!?" Ginji squeaked, not noticing the gaze exchanged between the mentor and his child, "Then can I have eggs and bacon? No no, wait pancakes! With syrup, or should I have sausage? What do you think Ban? Toast, no cereal, yeah yeah the one with marshmallows!"

"I should make up a menu," Paul sighed as sweat dribbled down his face, "Ban?"

"Just coffee," Ban exhaled while stretching his fingers agitatedly against his cheek.

"Coffee."

"Black, please," Ban glanced out of the man's gaze to frown as he caught Shido's staring eyes.

"Not hungry?" Shido almost purred, his voice nearly inaudible.

"Not nearly," Ban snapped his gaze to the counter. What the hell is everyone staring at Me for!?

"Why aren't you hungry Ban? We haven't had a good meal for a long time and Paul's actually letting us eat free, anything we want, you should have something." Ginji pondered while Paul set the coffee in front of the bristling brunette.

"Thanks," Ban sighed while attempting to ignore his partner.

"Why the sudden change?" Shido inquired as he peered Ban up and down then glanced to Ginji.

"Funny, if it was any of your business I'd tell you," Ban snapped.

"We need to talk," Shido kept his voice low as he peered at Ban's creasing brows. "About us … I nee-"

"No we don't," he grumbled while blowing across his cup to growl, "Gin, I'm not hungry, drop it!"

Pouting his lower lip while glancing at the countertop, not noticing the food Paul was setting in front of him, Ginji suddenly lit up as a thought suddenly occurred to him.

"OH!"

Blowing across the steaming liquid before sipping, nearly purring himself at the strength within the brew as it slithered its way down his dry throat, Ban sealed his eyes as Ginji leaned toward him.

Lips hovering against the silky chocolate strands concealing Ban's ear, Ginji smiled slightly as he whispered through his partner's hair. "You did keep swallowing last night, didn't you?"

Several things happened within the span of a few seconds. While Ban choked against the hot liquid he'd been about to swallow, his jerking accidently knocked his cup full of the same steaming beverage from his grip, Shido, whom had been staring at the brunette without blinking, had lunged forward to catch the cup before it could pour across Ban's crotch and anguishingly burn some very important body parts.

"Oh," Ginji, eyes widening, covered his mouth in an attempt to not giggle.

"Your reflexes will never cease to amaze me," Paul commented as he stared at Shido. "Nice catch Shido."

Nice … catch! Ban and Shido both seemed to be screaming within themselves as they both stared wide-eyed at one another. The hand that had been holding the cup had flown toward the counter, the other lay braced to the stool with Shido's hand closed firmly over it. He'd lurched back in response to when the Maryuudo had lunged forward, leaving Ban spread eagled on the stool. Drawing in a calmer breath than his previous coughs, his chest heaved softly as a blushing Ban held the Maryuudo's gaze.

Though technically he still sat in the stool, Shido's entire torso was arched toward Ban, nearly dropping himself in his lap. Centimeters stood between the two's faces, their lips trembling with the heated breaths leaving the both of them. Not even an inch; less than a second stood between Ban's and his lips, and crazily, Shido desired with every fiber of his being to be the fool he desperately wished himself to be and lean the remaining distance and touch the brunette. Desiring that taste once more, desiring the heat, the complete abandon.

"Monkey Boy, stop spacing and let me up before you push me over!" Ban growled, snapping Shido from his fantasy.

"Huh …" Shido sputtered while noticing the brunette's severely pissed off expression for the first time. Ooh.

Clearing his throat as he quickly pulled the cup and his itching hand away from Ban's crotch, Shido set it to the counter without breaking eye contact or easing from his position. "I want to speak to you." He stared into Ban's wide sapphires as they began to dim and shrink. Swallowing a heavy breath, Shido stroked Ban's imprisoned hand lustrously, "Ban …" he purred while leaning forward to grunt as Ban suddenly swung backwards.

"Ban careful!" Paul shouted as the brunette stumbled backwards to slam into the wall. "Ban!"

"Screw you ya fucking primate-"

"Ban just calm down, everything's alright, isn't it?" Paul frowned as Shido snickered.

"So is this the sort of thanks I get for saving your privates from being burned?" The Beast Master shook his head slowly as he continued to hold Ban with a smug, suggestive gaze. "Maybe I should've let it fall in your lap, it's not like it would've done much damage to someone of such small variety."

You fucking bastard.

"Shido-" Paul started as Ban growled and Ginji peered at Shido with an offended and rising angry look.

"Or maybe it would've been better to have let you burn … the swelling I'm sure could've helped your self-esteem with such a puny package." Shido snickered as his eyes burned, lust flashing through his eyes like lightning.

Oh really … Ban smirked as his eyes darkened to Shido's challenge. "It's funny for you to be talking so insistently about my privates Monkey Boy. Never knew you were that interested in them … it's a shame you'll never have the chance to see for yourself just what they look like."

Fuck you!

Damn snake!

"I think that's enough," Ginji ordered while jumping between the two as they stepped toward one another. Electricity sparked off his palm as he struggled to hold Ban back, his eyes darting toward his partner. "Ban!"

"Nice to see Ginji still comes to your rescue Snake Bastard."

"It's not me he's worried about," Ban calmly stated, all serious and deadly. "I would've been walking away just fine … can't say the same for you primate!"

He's on the defense again. Paul exhaled a heavy breath as Ginji still continued to stand between the two. Shido I don't think you realize just how close you were to ending up dead there.

"Well, it's good to see you're both still continuing this into the morning."

Turning from the three boys to exhale as he watched Hevn brush into the Honky Tonk, rays of sunshine bouncing off her slender figure, Paul raked his hand up through his curls. Thank God.

"Hevn, good to see you, I'm not sure if you will want to be here at the moment though," he sighed.

"Boys behave yourselves, you're all adults, isn't it about time you start acting as such?" Hevn scowled.

Adults … there are some adult things I'd love to do to you right now, Midou! Shido sneered to himself as Hevn brushed toward them.

"I've got a job for you," she grinned to glance at Ban as his gaze turned toward her. "Big pay-"

"Every job we get from you usually ends up with us severely injured or nearly dead, explain why I should want to except anything from you ya creepy crone?"

"Not ballsy enough Snake Bastard?" Shido chuckled, "didn't know you were such a girl!"

"Shido-" Ginji started to exhale heavily as Ban shouted at him.

"Balls have nothing to do with Hevn's cases; we always end up running into the Undead, the Mirokus, or worse, Akabane! So no, I don't like taking her jobs regardless of how good the pay is!"

"Hear me out Ban," Hevn defended when the bell chimed above the door. "Oh, you're here!" She smiled while brushing toward the lady walking into the café.

Turning her dark eyes slowly around the café as Hevn approached her, the lady took Hevn's hand as it was offered and peered past the blonde as she waved into the café toward the four men.

"These are the infamous Get Backers, Ban Midou and Ginji Amano. This is Shido Fuyuki, a new addition to the recovery business." Hevn merrily introduced. "And this is Paul Wan, the café's owner."

"Honored," the lady bowed, her long snowy grey hair falling past her shoulders. "I am Nuriko Yuki." She softly stated as she straightened her goddess structured figure. "Is it true you can get back anything?"

Exhaling sharply as Ginji tugged at his sleeve, Ban stepped forward to offer his hand, "What was it that was taken from you?"

Setting her small hand into Ban's, holding her breath at the velvet caress of his fingers as he closed them around hers, she stared at the brunette as he lead her through the café toward a booth. Sliding into the booth to nod to Hevn as she settled beside her to snap her gaze back to the brunette as Ginji and Shido sat beside him; Nuriko set her hands on the table.

"It's my ward," she began, "she was taken from me several days ago … it was my job to protect her and I failed I-"

"Look, nothing can be done about that now, feeling sorry or ashamed of yourself isn't going to get her back. Do you know who took her; has there been a ransom note?" Ban politely interrupted.

"A note, no nothing like that yet, and I'm sorry to say I don't know who took her, but I do know where she is."

"Well that's good at least," Shido sighed.

Nodding as she glanced at Shido, Nuriko cleared her throat so her voice wouldn't crack. "She's somewhere in the tall building around the center of the city."

"The Limitless Fortress!" Ginji gasped.

Peering at his partner as he bowed his head, his fingers curling into fists against his thighs, Ban turned back to Nuriko. "You're sure she's in there?"

Nodding again, Nuriko peered at each boy before pausing on Ban once again. "Yes, but I couldn't get her out myself …"

"Wouldn't expect you to," Shido stated as he rested his hand on the table. "That place is like a hell on earth. It's not a place for someone like you to try to break into. There are things there that you don't want to see Miss."

"But my ward, I have to save her, only God knows what's been done to her … no note or call from her kidnappers! It's not right; I can't let them hurt her!"

"Nothing will," Ginji stated as he lifted his gaze to Nuriko. "We'll save her … no one else is going to be lost to that place!"

"Gin!" Ban started to pause as the blonde snapped his gaze toward him.

"These are just innocent people that were pulled into that evil place Ban, I can't forgive it and with or without you, I'm going to go save her!"

"Money is not an issue; I've several multibillion corporations across seas, so I'll pay you anything you want, just please help me!" Nuriko begged while bowing her head. "I can't explain how much this means to me, I couldn't live with myself if something happened to her … she's just a child."

Maybe you should learn to keep better tabs on your child then lady. Shido exhaled to glance at Ban as he leaned back into the booth.

"If we're going to do this, we'll need to know what she looks like."

"Ban!" Ginji happily squeaked as Nuriko smiled.

"Thank you!" She bowed as tears slid down her cheeks. "You don't know what this means to me!"

"No problem at all ma'am," Ginji smiled while taking the picture being offered.

"The Get Backers are on the job!" Ban smirked.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Peering at the picture as Ban slowly pounced down the long steeple of ruins, Ginji tapped his cheek with his fingers. "She doesn't look like a Mary." Brightening his eyes as the picture was snatched from his grip, Ginji glanced up to his frowning partner. "What's wrong?"

"This whole thing really," he sighed. "There's something off …" gritting his teeth with a snarl, Ban snapped his gaze past his partner, "and I don't understand why we had to have the animal kingdom assist!"

Smirking as he brushed forward, a hawk perched on his shoulder crying as it stretched its wings; Shido paused several feet from Ban's side. "Perhaps because I'm the best bet you have of finding this girl. We don't know where she is, who took her, so with this," lifting an article of clothing, Shido glanced toward a boiling Ban. "It's a done deal, at least with my help."

"Whatever Monkey Boy, just get going, the sooner we get this done the better." Ban scowled to peer up at the Limitless Fortress as Shido whistled for several of his beasts. I hate this place. Slowly turning to peer at Ginji as he climbed to the top of a ruin, Ban exhaled a heavy breath as his partner's usually bright eyes peered dully down at the place that had been his home. For many reasons.

"There's something wrong," Ginji whispered as he peered across Lower Town. "It's too quiet."

"Let's get going," Shido smiled as several dogs appeared.

Watching Shido stoop to converse with his animals, Ban lifted his gaze to his partner as Ginji turned slowly, the wind catching his blue button up shirt as a smile lifted to his lips.

"This way," Shido's voice called as he took off after the dogs.

Grinning as Ginji landed in front of him to race after Shido, a mischievous glint in his chocolate eyes, Ban exhaled a heavy breath before following the blonde.

Elsewhere …

Standing, arms crossed tightly across his broad chest as he stared up at the hundreds of computer screens within the dark chamber, Titus slowly peered from one screen to the other as Krad chuckled hysterically behind him.

"Ya see, I told you … I knew it, and you told me I was old and decrypt, well I haven't lost my touch ya little fool!" He shouted while kicking Juubei over to his back, ignoring his soft gasp. Pouncing over Juubei to grasp his jaw, bending so he was crouched above the blind man's chest, Krad ripped the glasses away to stare into the pale blue eyes fluttering beneath him. "These two are strong …"

"You've been saying that the entire morning," Titus exhaled while blinking, every screen shifting image. "Stop playing with the mortals and make use of them or just kill them. I'm tired of hearing their thoughts."

"You know what they're thinking!?" Krad gasped while turning to stare at Titus. "How can you know what they're thinking!?"

"Simple pleasures of a possessor," Titus exhaled while peering at the screens as they changed once again, his dark lids lifting from his eyes. "Plus, it's a benefit of being one of A'Sirus' favorites."

Scoffing as he turned back to Juubei, grinning wickedly as he extended his hand toward him, Krad brightened his eyes. "You can be that bitch's favorite for all I care Titus … she's a rotten little whore that can't be trusted."

Turning his gaze as Juubei began to scream, Titus watched the blind man arch off the floor as Krad's hand closed over his eyes. "A'Sirus is more trustworthy than half His legions. She's brought us out of the darkness since His imprisonment. And she will also be the one to break Him from His prison and then we will conquer the Aingeals."

"Is that what you truly believe?" Krad grinned as he pulled his hand away, staring at Juubei's sealed bloody eyes. "What if I was to tell you what A'Sirus really is?"

"What she … is?" Titus blinked, all the computers blacking out as his concentration shifted.

"Oh yes," Krad grinned as he pushed away from Juubei to approach Kazuki. "The truth of your black goddess and where-"

"BE SILENT KRAD!"

Turning his gaze past Krad as the said demon spun around to gasp as A'Sirus' hand closed around his throat, Titus took an unsure step backwards as fire leapt up around the Seeker, his screams washing out to vibrate across the whole Limitless Fortress.

Stumbling across the alley to grasp the grimy wall, Shido hoisted his gaze to the sky as Ban grasped Ginji's arm and pulled him away from a collapsing fire escape. "What is that!?" Shido growled while lifting his hands to cover his ears.

"Ban!" Ginji cringed into his partner. "Make it stop!"

Narrowing his eyes as he stared across the alley to the higher levels of Lower Town, Ban tightened his arms around Ginji as energy burst from his pale figure to cut through all the debris tumbling toward them.

"You worthless corpse, how you shame the honorable name of Diabhals everywhere, do you wish to patronize me you piece of filth!? What I really am!? You don't know the half of what you think you know Seeker! I'll ripe your shriveling flesh layer by layer from your skeleton til you understand that I am your superior and you are the ant beneath my boot! Are we clear!?"

Nodding quickly as skin flaked from his blistering neck, Krad rasped painfully as A'Sirus snapped her hand back, letting him crumble to the floor at her feet. Choking up blood as she stepped slowly over him, Krad curled up as she stalked toward Titus.

"Questioning what I am now?" She hissed as she stopped in front of the young possessor to grasp his neck, holding the acidic touch at bay for the moment. "Are you little man?"

"I wasn't-" he started to grimace as A'Sirus snapped her hand over his crotch to dig her nails into his groin. "A'Sirus …" he whispered as he was suddenly slammed back into a wall. "I-"

"What Titus," she growled while twisting her hand across his groin, grinning at the painful hisses entering and departing Titus' nostrils. "Is it ok for you to discuss such things with Krad when I'm not present?"

"I didn't-"

"I should punish you severely for your transgression … would you like to be reintroduced to the rack Titus?"

"No!" He rasped to groan as A'Sirus squeezed him ruthlessly.

"Pity," A'Sirus grinned as she slid closer to Titus' broad figure. "I do so love punishing you of all dear Titus," she purred while hovering her lips above Titus' panting mouth. "You are one of my favorites." She exhaled before clamping her lips over Titus'.

Crouching to peer slowly around the corner, his gaze drifting past a whimpering Krad toward an unconscious Emishi, Kazuki, and Juubei, bright blue eyes narrowed angrily to widen as long legs appeared suddenly before him.

"What've we here?"

Grunting as he was pushed back from the energy A'Sirus released to hammer into the wall, his teeth clicking painfully together as his head cracked into the plaster; Toshiki quickly darted away from the blast which would blow the entire hall from the building. Brightening his eyes as he stumbled to slip backwards into the crumbling wall, his arms flying out to steady himself while he collapsed to his knees, his blue eyes snapped up toward a grinning A'Sirus.

Shit!

Scrambling to his feet as the debris began to crumble from beneath him; Toshiki released a gasping breath as something struck the stone to blast it apart, his wide eyes catching a grinning A'Sirus before he plummeted toward the ground.

Slipping his fingers slowly through the silk cloth as his dogs nudged and sniffed it, Shido's eyes drifted slowly toward the brunette standing several feet in front of him, peering out across the valley with a distant look in his eyes. His eyes narrowed furiously as Ginji brushed up to his side, his head falling lazily to the brunette's shoulder as he to peered out into the ruins.

"It seems so different." Ginji exhaled as he drew his arms around himself. "Colder … like Makubex hasn't made all the progress he has over the past months. Ban," he turned his chocolate gaze up to find his partner's sapphire eyes trained on him. "What's going on … what's happening here?"

Exhaling as he peered down to the massive hole centering the ruins, remembering the blonde at an earlier time when they were both filled of complete rage, Ban slowly lifted his arm to encircle his partner's shoulders and pull him into his chest.

"Whatever it is, it doesn't have anything to do with you understood." He whispered against Ginji's forehead. "You cannot hold yourself responsible for every little thing that happens around here Ginji. Just focus on the job, ok; we're here to find a little girl that's not supposed to be here. She's probably scared somewhere, wondering what she did to deserve this, so let's leave everything else alone. Please. Can you do that just this once?"

Nodding slowly as he slid his hand up Ban's chest, Ginji sealed his eyes as he inhaled a deep breath of the brunette's unique scent. "As long as you're with me I think I can. I'll defiantly try."

Grinning against Ginji's soft spikes to lean back and peer at the blonde's timid expression, his uncertainty, Ban hooked his finger beneath his partner's smooth chin to hoist him into his lips. Ginji moaned softly as he parted his own lips to eagerly accept Ban's tongue to whimper as he pulled back.

"Come on," Ban purred while slipping his hand along Ginji's bangs, "all in good time. We've a little girl to focus on first."

Tightening his grip on the silk, making his beasts cower back as his rage began to pour off the Beast Master in waves, Shido stared at the Get Backers with hatred. Why you …

"So where now Shido-" Ban turned to gasp as the Beast Master lunged toward them. Swinging Ginji around to interpose himself between the two, Ban brightened his eyes as Shido's claws slid carefully past him. Jerking his gaze back around as a shriek called through the silence, Ban stared at a deformed figure before it exploded. Grunting as Shido grasped his sweatshirt to pull him forward, their faces inches apart again, Ban narrowed his eyes at the look within the Beast Master's eyes.

"Wake up and pay attention Snake Bastard. Get killed and I kill you!" Shido hissed before twisting around to hammer his clawed hand through another of the deformed figures.

Staring at Shido as he charged off into the multitudes of creatures appearing from thin air, Ban twisted around as Ginji's lightning kicked up into the suffocating air, his guardian curling around his own hand as he charged forward. "Snake bite!"

* * *

Stumbling as he twisted around the hundreds of 'things' that had been sent after him, his muscular legs pumping wildly as he drug himself quickly through Lower Town, Toshiki ducked beneath a diving man to hiss as his back was torn open, his sleeveless turtleneck now nearly detached from his torso. Narrowing his bright blue eyes as he ground his teeth angrily together, his fists clinching as energy charged against his palms to spray around his hands, he released a small growl while casting the attacks toward the several leaping creatures.

What the hell is going on!?

Gasping as something hammered into him, burning his already lacerated back, forcing pained tears from his eyes, Toshiki stumbled to lurch forward into the rising concrete. Cringing as several hands cut across him to snap his hands up and discharge several swarms of energy, distancing himself for only a moment, Toshiki kicked out as his entire body was seized.

"Get Off!"

Snapping his eyes closed as blinding light cut across the alley, burning the multitudes of creatures pinning him down, their shrieking voices bellowing throughout the otherwise silent neighborhood, Toshiki blinked against the wetness collecting on his eyelashes as something bulldozed through his attackers. Flipping over to his stomach to cover his head, his eyes pinching shut as the shrieks heightened within the sound of ripping flesh and shattering bones, a shaky breath slowly eased through his lips as he hoisted his eyes to peer at the figure rising over the ruins.

"Toshiki!"

Parting his lips as he squinted into the light pouring around the man before him, his bright blue eyes widening as the figure stooped, the darkness creeping around him making each beautiful feature heavenly apparent, Toshiki stared speechlessly at Ban as he offered his hand.

"You can stay there if you'd rather, but I don't know how many got away. They'll be back. Count on it."

Lifting his excessively heavy arm to extend his hand toward Ban, his breath catching as he was pulled to his feet as though he were a feather, Toshiki continued to stare at Ban when he was suddenly embraced by a bubbly blonde.

"We saw those things coming after you and I thought you were a goner!" Ginji whimpered while stepping back to inspect Toshiki, who still stared at Ban. "I'm just glad Ban's so fast … I don't want to think of what could've happened!"

"Yea …" he stuttered to blink from his stupor as Ban turned his eyes away, releasing him from the trance. "I uh, thanks …"

"Whatcha do to piss em off?" Ban exhaled while pulling a cigarette out.

"I," Toshiki started to step toward Ban, expression serious, "I've done nothing, this is daily attacks on the Limitless Fortress these days. Even the Beltline monsters and Brain Trust bastards are being harassed by creatures like these." He growled while turning his eyes to the dead bodies around them. "We don't know where they came from or why they're here, Makubex was trying to figure it out and he was attacked."

"Makubex!" Ginji panicked, "is he ok!?"

"I don't know, I couldn't get through that bitch!" Toshiki snarled, "Kazuki and Juubei were there as well. I think I saw Emishi and Sakura to. You have to help me!" He pleaded while turning to Ban and Ginji. "I can't fight this woman, she's, I, I don't know what she is but its pure evil!"

"We aren't here to help you reclaim the Limitless Fortress." Ban stated while popping his lighter open. "Get your own shit together, Palm Boy … there's a little girl somewhere out here that needs our help."

"One little girl!" Toshiki snarled while grasping Ban's shirt, "we've been burying entire families, children young as four or five. Don't be such a pretentious bastard and help us, we're under more than attack, we're being whipped out you fucking-" grunting as he was struck hard across his jaw, his hands slipping from Ban's shirt as he stumbled backwards to collapse, Ginji stepping forward to protest, Toshiki lifted his hand with a shake of his head.

"You and Samurai Boy sure have big mouths." Ban snarled. "Just because you're not strong enough to defend your home, you'll take it out on the first person that happens along. Well screw you ya little fucker. Grow up and get a pair why don't you … you can't count on me or even your Emperor to come back and bail you out every time something hard comes along!" Ban stated while brushing up to gently grasp Toshiki's arm, being sure to not jostle his injured back.

"Do you think we don't try!?" Toshiki growled while pushing Ban away, "we do try; I do try to defend everyone while you are off simply trying to save one person! You tell me to grow up, to grow a pair, quit preaching when you're no better off than I!"

Snarling his nose as Toshiki held his boring gaze, Ban scoffed softly as a grin lifted to his lips. "Stubborn little bastard aren't you."

Shaking his head while Ginji chuckled at Toshiki's stunned expression; Shido slowly turned his eyes as several birds suddenly burst away from the alley, their cries brightening his eyes as he snapped his gaze toward the three.

"Get out of the alley!" He shouted while grasping Ginji's wrist pulling him back as a black lightning volt descended to shatter through the ground.

Grunting as he fell into Ban's chest, his wrist imprisoned within his strong grip, Toshiki lifted his gaze to the brunette's narrowed sapphires when the ground began to crumble from beneath them. Not again!

Snapping his eyes down to gasp as he noticed the expanding hole, Ban spun around to throw Toshiki as the ground gave out.

"Ban!" Ginji shrieked.

Blasting energy from his palms to throw himself back toward Ban, Toshiki snapped his hand forward to catch the Jagan Master's wrist as he fell through the hole. "I got you, I-" brightening his eyes as the concrete broke beneath his torso, Toshiki gagged as he followed Ban into the dark earth.

"BAN!" Ginji screamed while Shido pulled him away from the concaving alley.

"Don't be an idiot Ginji … wait!"

"But Ban!" he protested to grunt as portions of the surrounding buildings began to drop toward them.

"Forget the Snake Bastard and concentrate on not letting us get crushed!" Shido growled while pulling Ginji after him. "We'll be no use dead!"

Standing above the alley, her dark hair blowing in curls against her bare back, Salarius stretched her arms above her head before lowering them back over her head with a wicked grin. "So much for the loose end. Now … where did the other two go?" She snickered while scanning the streets for Shido and Ginji. "Come out come out wherever you are!"

Slipping her hand from her ear as Salarius finished her report, A'Sirus glanced down at Titus' panting form, his powerful thighs curling beneath her ass as she slid her hand slowly back up his bare torso, tracing the definition of his abdominal muscles in slow teasing circles. Flipping her long hair from her vision to grin as it cascaded down around his enflamed groin, she rubbed his nipples roughly as he grasped her hips, inhaling deeply as she descended on him. Exhaling a sharp breath as Titus arched beneath her, her entire body tingling with the lovely discomfort of Titus' girth buried deep inside her, A'Sirus tipped her head to the side as she slowly rocked her hips against her possessor.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Kicking debris clear as he pulled himself over chunks of a fire escape and window frames, his hands slowly picking their way through the darkness so not to damage them, Toshiki squinted as dust fluttered through the dim light cascading through the mile deep hole. Releasing a wheezing cough as he searched across the 4x4 area encased in light to grimace as he slipped forward to slip beneath a wall of water, he sprang back up knocking the wetness from his face while choking on his lungs.

"Midou … Ban Midou!" He choked out while pulling himself slowly back over the mountains of debris and trash. Must be in the sewers … He grimaced as the mucky water slithered down his lacerated back. "Ban Midou …" he shouted to slide down to level ground. "Ba-" widening his eyes as he spotted the brunette trapped beneath several layers of fire escape steel, Toshiki gasped while diving forward. "MIDOU!"

Needles were stabbing through his body, small punctures across every inch creating as much damage and pain as possible as something repeatedly hammered painfully into his heavy head, threatening to crush his skull. The weight on his wrist suddenly lifted as did the rest on his limp body when someone's cool hands slipped across his burning skin moments before he'd come regretfully back to consciousness.

Pulling Ban from his side to settle him into his lap, his fingers slipping slowly across his pale cheeks, smearing the blood dribbling from his right temple when the brunette moaned painfully, stirring beneath Toshiki's widening eyes, he lifted Ban closer to his heat.

"Midou!?"

"Ooh," he moaned while twisting his head away, "Not so loud … oh God, my head is swimming," he softly growled while lifting weak lids to peer up at Toshiki. "Where … Ginji …"

Shaking his head as he pushed Ban's wet bangs from his eyes, careful of his forehead wound, Toshiki rested his hand to the brunette's neck. "They didn't come down after us … Shido and Ginji Amano are still above us. They're safe-" grunting as Ban suddenly lurched forward, stumbling in his deliriousness, Toshiki sprang up after him to slip an arm around his waist before the brunette collapsed. "Midou!"

"They aren't safe up there …" Ban rasped as his dark eyes scanned the area, "where are we?"

"I think the sewers, what do you mean they aren't safe?" Toshiki inquired while shaking his head. "Midou …"

"Sewers," he trembled while lowering his head to his hand, "then there's a way out of here."

"Midou why aren't Shido and Ginji Amano safe?" Toshiki demanded to fall quiet as Ban peered at him, his sapphire eyes glistening ebony in the dark. "What're you talking about, I don't understand."

"Then try to understand this," Ban wheezed, "on the way down I was hit by a second of those black volts … I'm about drained, Palm Boy …" he coughed to grasp hold of the arm bracing his chest. "Ginji … and even Shido, they won't know how to deal with whatever's going on. I have this nasty feeling that it'll kill them instantly. We have to get back up there …"

"Ok," Toshiki nodded while slipping Ban's arm over his shoulders, "I get it."

"Please hurry," Ban exhaled as he leaned his head to Toshiki's neck, unaware of the fluttering of the other man's heart.

"Midou …"

"Hmmm," he hummed while lifting his eyes again.

"Will you be alright?"

"I'm the least of your concerns," Ban scowled to suck in a breath as his feet were suddenly pulled out from beneath him, leaving him limp in Toshiki's arms. "I don't need to be carried, I'm not a woman!"

"You're drifting in and out of consciousness; it'll be faster for me to just carry you. It's not like your heavy or anything," he mused more to himself, "don't you want to reach Ginji Amano as soon as possible?"

Falling silent at the mention of his partner, just imagining the panic that was likely gripping the blonde was enough to keep Ban silent for however long it took the blonde holding him to make his way out of the sewers.

"Fine, but this doesn't mean I'm going to like it!" Ban snarled.

"I understand you have an image to uphold, but it never hurts to accept help when you need it Midou. You should learn your own boundaries as well," Toshiki frowned at the brunette's arrogance. "You aren't invincible."

"Depends on who you ask." Ban exhaled while settling his head to Toshiki's chest, his eyes falling heavily as the blonde started through the sewers.

You remind me of myself … before Kazuki and Juubei saved me. So full of doubt and unable to trust anyone but yourself. But you have so much more to lose that way Midou. Toshiki exhaled as he leapt over the mounds of trash to land on a small walkway stretching along the wall of the sewers. Who will be the one to save you from yourself Ban Midou? Will it be Ginji Amano … or someone else?

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Slamming his feet through the puddles stretching across Lower Town as thunder roared angrily overhead, forcing human and animal alike to seek refuge before the onslaught of the storm broke open, Ginji raced through the neighborhoods, ignoring the gasps and praises as the inhabitants recognized him. Sparks of light were dancing around his figure, strongly through his enraged eyes as he failed to find even sense his partner anywhere.

"Ginji you need to stop!" Shido shouted as he lunged forward to catch the blonde's arm, ignoring the angry hiss of the electricity that rose to bite at him. "We aren't going to find Toshiki or Midou like this. It's a blind game right now; we haven't a clue where they fell or where they could be right at this moment. I've some of my friends searching the underground as I speak and we'll find Midou that way, but you need to remember why we are here. I guarantee that Midou is looking for a way out and hoping that we'll run into each other when we find the girl."

"What do you know about it!?" Ginji shouted while ripping his arm free to glare at Shido. "All you ever do is fight and harass him any chance you get, why the sudden confidence in his safety, Shido!?"

"Cause its hard as hell to kill that bastard!" Shido snapped back. "I've tried before remember, so did you … and he'd never let himself go without seeing you first moron! So come on, stop running around uselessly, and drawing all this attention I might add and let's find that damn kid!"

Peering helplessly at Shido before turning his gaze behind him, Ginji exhaled a heavy breath before walking past Shido. "I hope you're right about this."

"Someone help!"

Twisting around to brighten his eyes as a young woman slipped around the corner, her petite form collapsing to the ground as several of the same deformed creatures sailed over her, Shido sprang forward as Ginji released several volts. Slapping her hands over her head as she heard the shrilling scream of the creatures as they came down upon her, the girl cringed as electricity suddenly cut over her to throw the men backwards. Hoisting her sapphire gaze to watch Shido slide across the ground to end along her side, his strong hands grasping her sides as he pushed back to his feet, lifting her to his chest as he raced toward the glowing blonde, the girl released a soft gasp as her long hair lifted from her bare back.

"No! The other way!" She shouted while twisting to throw all her weight against Shido's chest, setting him off balance to fall backwards.

"Hey!" He shouted to gasp as the same black light struck the path he would've been racing through. "My God!"

"Shido, we need to get out of here!" Ginji shouted while striking down several of the wobbling men charging him. "Now would be a great time!" He screamed.

"You're going nowhere!" Salarius stated as she dropped in front of Shido and the girl. "You've put up quite a fight, but it ends here!"

"Stay away!" The girl shouted while slipping from Shido's arms to shriek as several of the gangly men dropped in front of her.

"Ravenous Wolf Form!" Shido hissed out while springing toward the girl to cut down the charging men. "Ginji!"

Growling softly as he summoned the electricity from across Lower Town, Ginji discharged several volts to the more impatient of the beasts, frying them to ash as he cast the main source of the electricity across the neighborhood.

That boy! Salarius brightened her eyes as she watched the light spraying around Ginji fail to cease. It's THAT boy! She grit while swarms of energy began to spiral around her. It's because of him that Titus was hurt … it's unforgivable! "I'll destroy you myself Blondie!"

Turning his gaze toward Salarius to gasp as something struck his chest, the black volt spearing through his back to shatter against a building pulling it to the ground, Ginji stared wide-eyed at the floor as the girl screamed out from Shido's arms.

"No, don't hurt him!"

Ban …

Gritting his teeth as his soft blonde locks arched up into the characteristic spikes of his other persona, lightning arching in waves from his trembling body, Ginji released a throat cracking scream as he clinched his fists. Electricity arched off Ginji as he snapped his golden gaze toward Salarius, her dark eyes narrowing as she released another volt of black energy toward him. Charging forward, his arms springing up to shield his face as the black light struck him, Ginji snarled his nose as he threw his arm out to blast a blinding ray toward the demon.

"Die!"

"Ginji don't lose control!" Shido barked to grunt as the entire area lit up.

"You prey on the innocent and derange excitement by shedding unnecessary blood!" Ginji shouted as electricity arched off to strike Salarius chest. "I won't let it continue!"

Brightening her eyes as she watched light begin to encompass Ginji's slender form, his blue shirt whipping up around his waist as he extended an arm toward the demon possessor, tears began to streak down the girl's cheeks as she envisioned a tall woman making her last stand against the demon Seeker Krad.

Orlera … is this the one you saved … before your end!?

Slipping from Shido's grasp to push to her feet to sprint in slow motion toward Ginji, her tears blinking from her eyes as she shouted to the blonde, a murky light lifting from her dark hair to explode across the neighborhood as she touched Ginji's glowing shoulder, the girl wrapped herself around him as her dark sapphires narrowed at Salarius' stunned expression.

"Tremble before His champion demon!" She growled as her hand flew toward Ginji's chest. "God's will be done!"

"Ginji!" Shido shouted as light as blinding and searing as the sun sprayed out to flood the Limitless Fortress as the roar of thunder screamed out through Lower Town.

TBC . . .

***************************************

Author's Note: Tada!! :) PLEASE REVIEW!! Don't have much to say, other than I've got a pretty good start on the next chapter already. About four pages, word format. I wasn't going to post this one until I had more of that chapter complete because they're linked with the recovery mission and the issues Toshiki Uryuu's presenting to the Get Backers. But I decided to be nice. I'm so enjoying this rising struggle for Ban, not only is Shido beginning to lust (crazily) for the brunette beauty, but I've got others coming in that are going to present to be a problem for the Get Backers. Not to mention, A'Sirus' infatuation with Ban, and Salarius' grudge against Ginji for what happened to Titus. So the chapters to come are going to be dynamite. Or so I hope you'll agree. I've already got this next chapter starting out pretty breath spasming and stomach knotting. Hehehehe ... I'm not saying anymore!! Again, special thanks to "ajj7sunhawk" for all your support and suggestions. :). Thanks to all my readers! Please keep reviewing and give me suggestions that you'd like to see.

Little note to keep the Aingeals(Angels) and Diabhals(Devils) in check.

AINGEALS:
Gabriel - main angel, left hand of God
Ezekiel - general of Aingeals underneath Gabriel, taking it upon himself to stop A'Sirus' plots of raising Lucifer from his imprisonment
Hannah - she's a healer and advisor, majorly helps keep Gab and Ezekiel undercontrol (likely not going to have many more appearances)

DIABHALS:
Lucifer - I think you can figure it out yourself, :P
A'Sirus - Lucifer's mistress, also the one he left in charge of his armies while he's locked away in the pits, MAIN Badguy (at least til Lucifer's released)
Salarius - Top Legionaire, with the seven deadly sins she represents the sin of gluttony, forcing men to desire and crave for her with a simple glance or inhale of her scent.
Titus - Top Legionaire, though he falls in beneath Salarius in rank (havent decided his sin yet)
Ophithus - He's the demon historian possessing the power to see everything since the creation of the universe past, present, and glimpses of the most likely future (seeing as how it can never be absolute with freewill)
Krad - Seeker, he was the one that attacked younger Ginji back in Ch.2 I think it was (There was some misunderstanding between both Krad and Titus, so to clear it up. Krad attacked Ginji when he was younger, the one that ended up assisting with the death of the final Light Angel. Titus was the one that attacked elder Ginji, pissed Ban off, and got beaten to oblivion)
Korlera - Seer, she attacked younger Ban in Ch.3 (She's also the one that's possessing Himiko so that she can claim Ban)

I hope this helps, if you have any questions feel free to ask, or requests.