by Jack Crosby
“You’re only saying that to get laid, aren’t you?”
She knew I wasn’t, but it wouldn’t be my girl if she didn’t jab me. “Just me and you up here?”
“Veronica took the Nyx back to the room. She said she had a long day and would watch the princess so we could enjoy the scenery.”
I enjoyed the scenery all right. “War’s in the gym, saying he needs a good work out to relax.”
She laughed, “Work out? That man needs to get fucked and hard. Maybe on this cruise ship we can get him into bed with a cougar or two.”
The crowd was building around us; the captain had said fireworks were going to go off once we were far enough out of port. “A little cramped up here isn’t it?”
She moved in closer. “That works for me. I’m not wearing any panties just for an occasion like this.”
With everyone looking up and waiting for the show to start, the real one had just begun. First, Roxanne undid my zipper and freed my increasingly hard member. Pretending just to be dancing, she slipped it into her waiting sweet spot. It accepted me eagerly as we stood there.
In her heels she was a bit taller than me, so she squatted down a bit to take me deep. At that moment the fireworks started and over the noise we began to vigorously go at it. Even in the dress she was wearing, her boobs still bounced in my face as she worked me over. Feeling the climax coming, I grabbed her hips and thrusted hard, once, twice, three times before letting go.
It took her by surprise and as it went, she began to spasm too. The fireworks were so loud the people around us couldn’t hear her moans and cries of joy. When we finished, I quickly zipped myself back up and we disappeared into the crowd, heading back to our room.
Chapter 14 – Ain’t No Pleasure Cruise
The first three days of the cruise were completely uneventful. Between the massive amounts of sex Roxanne and I were having, nothing much else happened. I’d join War in the gym here and there, relax by the pool, or even take a turn with the cat every so often.
It was very unsettling being so calm. I was half expecting to be attacked by a pack of imps or something at any moment, but nope nothing like that. The only issue was the second night when the waters got a bit rough. The five of us were in Veronica and Roxanne’s rooming playing cards (well not the Nyx, it just sat there and licked itself), when the ship really began to rock.
War was convinced it was a water demon of some sort and was prepared to go battle it. Being the voice of reason, I told him in not so many words it was just rough waters. “Listen here you dick, you’re not leaving this poker game! I know you’ve been cheating you son of a bitch and I want my money back!”
“First, you’re a terrible poker player; even the Nyx would take all your money! Second, we are under attack by a monster! Pull your head out of your ass and join me in the fight!”
Throwing my cards to the table, “It’s just rough water you ass-clown. Shit like that does happen and it’s not always a monster!”
The girls were watching the abusive volleys like it was some intense game of tennis. Right before we came to blows, the rocking stopped and the boat leveled out. “See, just rough waters! Now sit down, shut your damn mouth, and give me back my money!”
It turned out I’m a terrible poker player. I didn’t win any of it back and I went to bed angry. The next day started off better with a morning wakeup call I wouldn’t forget. After Roxanne was finished with me, she reminded me of the captain’s lunch later in the afternoon. “I was able to procure you a nice suit for the occasion. As my date, you have to look as good as I do, not like a fucking homeless man.”
I thought I pulled off my look quite well. “You’re lucky you’re cute. And,” I put my hand up as if to say listen here woman, “I don’t look like a homeless man.”
She circled me, like a shark sizing up their prey. “Board shorts, a ratty old grey t-shirt, sneakers that might be older than I am, plus stubble that looks like you’re trying to hard; no you don’t look like the homeless at all.”
If you haven’t picked up on this yet, I can’t win. Giving up, I grabbed my towel and headed into the bathroom. “I’ll shave, but I don’t have to like it.”
“Don’t forget to use the cologne I picked up for you!” She shouted it as I slammed the door shut.
Sure, let me get right on that. Nope, instead I sat down on the closed toilet, pulled out my phone and began playing my game. I honestly hadn’t meant to play all that long, but I guess I got caught up in it. About an hour later she opened the door and lit me up one side and down the other. She ripped my phone from my hand, slammed the door shut, and locked it from the outside. “I’ll open this door again in thirty minutes. Pray that you’re up to my standard Derrick Grimm.”
Sure enough when she did, I passed inspection. There was obvious evidence she was still a little pissed at me, but I also saw a slight smile under all the venom and dirty looks. I also noticed my penguin suit lying on the bed. “Oh no, I can’t wear that…”
“You will or else.”
It was a blue suit jacket, with khaki pants, boat shoes, and a navy blue tie. “But I’ll look like one of those rich boobs who are walking around the boat.”
She started tapping her foot impatiently. “Do I ask you to do these sorts of things often?”
“No.”
“Then shut your fucking mouth and put those clothes on this instant.”
I can feel it, you’re laughing at me. Death, the big, bad, scary dude is being bossed around by a woman. Let me inform you of a secret that’s as old as time. Women are the scariest things on the planet. When you piss them off, their scorn runs deep. So yeah, I’m doing what she tells me to because I’m not dumb. I value life and everything that is has to offer.
Thank the Almighty it was already time to go meet the captain for lunch. Roxanne looked stunning as always and when we left my room, War and Veronica were already out in the hallway. War too looked like a putz, so I didn’t feel too bad. Veronica, unlike Roxanne who had gone for a dress, was wearing tight dress pants, high heels, and a very sophisticated blouse. Both women were equally beautiful.
The Nyx had been watching on in amusement. I’m pretty sure it was laughing at me, but with a cat, you can’t tell. Would we ever see its human form? Veronica cooed in its ear and it tried to swat her away with its paw. Roxanne took it and placed it back in her purse. With everyone accounted for, we began to head to the second to top floor to meet the captain.
As we walked, “So brother, have you picked an alias to go by during this little luncheon we were so graciously invited to?”
“Yes, you have inspired me with your choices of names, so I picked out Warner Battlefield for the occasion.”
I groaned. “Warner Battlefield? That’s seriously the best you could come up with?”
He responded with just two words. “Graham Reeper.” And with that I shut my mouth. He was officially Warner Battlefield.
The elevator dropped us off at our stop. As soon as we exited, a very dapper young man with a French accent greeted us. “The captain is awaiting his special guests. This way please.”
He led us to the far end of the hallway and opened the doors into a nice little seating area. Every other table was empty, except for the middle one with the captain and his first mate. As we approached both men stood up to greet us. The captain looked like a rather jovial early forties man, but there was something strange about the first mate.
The captain gestured for us all to sit down. “What a pleasure to have all of you hear with us. For the two men,” he looked at me and War, “I’m Captain Barth and this is my first mate Stewart.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Derrick Grimm and this is my half brother Warner Battlefield.”
Captain Barth’s eyes sparkled. “A pleasure to meet the two of you. Your friends here, Roxanne and Veronica, made quite the impression on me at the port. How could I ignore such a plight?”
Stewart smirked, “Plus the money was really
nice.”
So, that’s what happened. I figured there was a lot more to this than she let on. Not that I cared, over the years I acquired quite a small fortune. Money wasn’t that big of a deal.
Lunch was rather friendly. Captain Barth regaled us with tales of his early days in the U.S. Navy and then with some weird ones as captain of a cruise ship. Stewart was rather quiet, but chimed in every so often with a smart quip or barb at the captain. It was also quite obvious Barth was entranced with Veronica. “I say, how does a beautiful woman like you end up by yourself?”
Veronica blushed. “It is a long Story Capt. Barth and I do not wish to bore you with the details. Suffice to say, I am okay with how things turned out.”
“Bless your heart.” The captain waved a server over. The young girl looked a little apprehensive. “Could you bring something for the kitten hidden in Miss Roxanne’s purse? I’m sure it would enjoy a meal too.” He winked at Roxanne who just smiled.
They did, plus a whole lot of food for the rest of us. Over the banter, I focused on the steak, chicken, and vast variety of potatoes that were placed on the table. It didn’t take long for War and I to put a major dent in the spread. Barth and Stewart seemed shocked by the amount of food we ate.
“My word captain, these two boys are bottomless pits.”
Barth laughed but still scolded him. “Damnit Stewart, don’t say that sort of thing about our guests.”
Stewart looked down at his watch. “Captain, I must excuse myself, it is time for me to go relieve Ellis from duty.”
Barth waved him off. “Yes go before he starts to complain. I will join you on the bridge soon.”
As Stewart pardoned himself, the wait staff, led by a gorgeous redhead who winked at me, brought out the desserts for us to eat. I watched for a moment as the first mate left the room, still getting that inky feeling about the man. My thoughts were interrupted by Roxanne placing a large slice of chocolate cake in front of me.
When the desserts were gone, Barth got up and we joined him. “Again, it was a true pleasure to meet you all. I hope this isn’t the last time we get to see each other before we port in Spain.”
He went around the table, starting with the girls, kissing their hands. He shook War’s hand and finally mine. When our hands touched, I instantly received a vision. It was of the man’s death. The first mate Stewart was going to stab him in the back as soon as he entered the bridge.
Chapter 15 – Drinks for Everyone!
I rushed everyone back to the room. “Stewart’s killed Captain Barth.”
“What?”
“Why did we not stop it?”
“Fuck!”
In unison, all three of them had to say something of course. “Barth’s dead, I interfered once before and that went poorly, and maybe later.” This was getting nowhere. “Don’t say another word, but I got the impression something wasn’t right with Stewart. When I shook Barth’s hand at the end, I saw his death. Stewart stabbed him as soon as he went back to the bridge.”
“Let us storm the bridge and take over this vessel then!” I had to bite back my laughter, picturing War dressed up as a rich fool storming the bridge. “No mortals can take us.”
“Mortals aren’t my concern. Could a demon have slipped on the ship without our knowledge?”
“Shit, shit, shit! I’m really sorry guys.” Roxanne looked really sad towards me, “There’s probably an Envy demon inside Stewart. I thought I saw it looking back at me through his eyes, but I only caught it for a second. I fucked up; I thought it was my eyes messing with me.”
Envy demons have no forms, they manifest inside people bringing out the worst of them. If old Stewart was envious of Barth, it would’ve been an easy target. “An Envy demon won’t be alone. Chances are he has a buddy or two here.”
In the commotion, the Nyx started to freak out and scratch the hell out of everyone. Veronica was trying to keep it calm. “It will be okay young one.”
“War,” he snapped his eyes to me, “we’re going to go have a chat with the Envy demon. Roxanne, Veronica, we need to protect the princess at all costs.”
Roxanne stormed into her room and came back with the Grasscutter in her hand. “If anyone attempts to take the Nyx, they will meet a gruesome end.”
Veronica’s sword appeared as well. “You can count on us to protect the princess. You two must do something to protect the people of this ship.”
“Good. Come brother, we have a first mate to deal with.”
****
When we reached the bridge, both of us had dropped the human facades and manifested our ethereal, horsemen appearances. I was back in my familiar black cloak with Leviathan in my hands. War was dressed in red armor with his large sword, Ravager, ready. Again, I looked pretty pathetic and he looked like Superman.
I grabbed the handle to the door, and as expected it was locked. It was pretty tick and made out of steel, so we’d need to get someone inside to open it up for us.
“Do we knock?”
He grinned and slammed a fist into the door. It fell off its hinges, clattering to the ground. “What? I knocked.”
Barth’s dead body was lying in the middle of the room, as well as the rest of the ship’s crew. Stewart was at the bridge, laughing like an insane villain. “They said I wasn’t good enough. Now who’s not good enough! You aren’t, all you dead cocksuckers!”
He’d snapped. “Stewart, you will have to pay for these crimes.”
He turned and saw us standing there. “He said you’d come. As soon as we saw you, he warned me that you were the Horsemen, sent to protect the precious cargo. Little do you know, he’s given me power to defeat you.”
War stormed forward and grabbed him by his neck. “Who is he and is he going to protect you now?”
Stewart didn’t respond. “Oh I doubt that very much.” The voice was deep, like base line in barbershop quartet deep. Have I mentioned how much I enjoy a good old fashioned barbershop quartet? They are so refreshing…oh wait, I’m getting sidetracked. “My name is Fultzam, one of the generals of the mighty Astaroth. You fools have no idea what is coming for you.”
War’s grip tightened around the Envy demon’s host. “Only a painful death is coming for you spawn!”
“I think not.” He backhanded War away and my younger brother landed by my feet. The demon winked at us one more time before abandoning the body of the first mate through his mouth. A feint smell of brimstone filled the air as the faint outline of the demon went up.
When Stewart was back in control, the horror of what he did hit him. “No, no, Barth I’m so sorry!” The man dropped to his knees. “Father above, please forgive me.”
Before we could react, he pulled the knife out he used to kill the others and plunged it into his heart. Blood immediately started flowing and even more so when he pulled it out. That was the man’s last act and he joined the other cruise staff in the afterlife.
This was a problem. “We got an Envy demon running around with the Almighty knows what and no one to pilot the ship!”
“The ship I can handle. You will have to take on the demons alone.”
War blinked out of his armor and back into more modern day clothing. I followed suit. “What do you mean you can handle the boat?”
He pushed me aside and went to the controls. “I spent several years on Navy battleships. I can figure this out. Now go and stop these demons from ruining everything.”
I gave a last look of disbelief before I bolted the room. As I was ready to close the door, “Lock yourself in. I’ll use the Babylon signal only after I’m successful.”
He heard and barely acknowledged. I lifted the door back on its hinges and used Leviathan to break the lock. The only way to open the door now was from the inside. I was half temped to go back to the girls, but I decided against it. The Envy demon could be anywhere and the faster I could find it and kill it, the better.
I knew they couldn’t take their own forms, but I also knew they generally went for the
weak and pathetic. Knowing what I was looking for would make this a lot easier. I went up to the top deck and out into the crowds. The other thing I had going for me is the Envy demon couldn’t really do what it wanted until its host has completed its mission.
There were so many people. This damn thing could be anywhere or in anyone. I also had to keep my nose open for brimstone, as I knew War’s instincts were right; this thing wouldn’t be alone.
Ah ha! Just in my sight line was a man, maybe late thirties acting really weird. Fully dressed, he jumped into the pool and swam like a fiend towards another man, a much better looking one. I didn’t know if I had time to save this man, so acting the fool and pretending I was drunk, I too jumped into the pool.
“Hey everybody! Drinks are on room 4-315!”
The crowd around the pool cheered and immediately started running over to the bar. The fully dressed man missed his target by seconds. The good looking guy was one of the people stampeding the bar.
The demon popped his head out from the water’s surface. No longer using his mortal body as an illusion, “You are a fool Horseman.”
He brushed up against me. In his mortal form, I had access to certain information. “That I may be Fultzam, but you too are in a bad spot douche.”
He cocked his head to the side. “Fuck you! You have no power over me.”
“Or do I? Pick your hosts a little better next time.” I grabbed the man’s head and shoved in under water. The man was an asthmatic and could barely breathe on the best days.
Looking around, everyone was so busy getting their booze; they never saw the little man struggle for a few moments before he passed on. As his life force left, the demon was stuck in a shell, its red eyes flashing before it too went back to The Pit where it belonged. Without a way to escape, the demon died with its host, just as I had foreseen.
