Thin line between Good & Evil

[BLACK BART]

Marcus & Eric, the finale?

Marcus cringed. What Efa had brought to this conference was decidedly NOT good news. And yet what had he expected? After all it was his position in eternity to deal with things less than good and make the best of it he could. But if there were no longer an eternity…what then?

“Without the normal passage of time and space life as we know it ceases. Once stopped is there enough power in our Master’s combined to restart it? Or do they move on leaving us behind and calling it all a failed project?”

Words. Words of musing over what ifs…and the fear of what if not…

“This must not be allowed to continue Efa. We both know that and I’ll gladly do whatever is within my power to stop this abomination. With your help perhaps we can defeat this “hand” and I have knowledge of a place to hide it away from all of us. But what of the humans? Not just the mortal bodies we now possess but of the throngs around us? Is there a balance in life for you that allow the sacrifice of a few to save the multitudes in their future? I need to be sure that you understand what’s being suggested here so there will be no doubts in either of us when it comes time. As I need to know that the mortals we now control also understand and will not fight us at a critical moment.”

It would mean separating from their bodies…both immortals knew that, and after making themselves apparent to the mortals to be dependant on them to allow the immortals to reenter, for there was no second “freebee”…the Masters had chosen this rule in order to prevent unwanted and permanent possession by an immortal that might fancy their current host.

“Plato was called a fool by many for his ramblings Efa, his recorded dialogues between Timaeus and Critias that discussed the existence and location of Atlantis so casually landed him in dire straits. I still remember the anger my Lord felt and how he deemed it necessary to discount Plato’s words. Legions of my brethren were dispersed to discredit him and cast a shadow of doubt on his writings that would show him to be a fool spouting fairy tales. But that knowledge remains in the minds of the immortals and perhaps now is the time to put it to use?”

Marcus readied himself. For with Efa’s consent he would release his hold on Eric and be purged into the room beside them, his hold on reality and the mortal gone unless he could convince Eric of the dire consequences they all faced.

 

[Why]

Choice.

Efa listened carefully to Marcus' words. She was torn. Confused by the reaction of the body she was in to the body Marcus was in.

No confused by her reaction to the enemy She and Marcus were two sides of the same coin. A like in so many ways, yet different, yet using the same logic, the same tools to get the job done. The line blurred, yet there was a line.

What if this was all a clever trick of Marcus' to gain the upper hand?

One way.... maybe.... if he was lying, if it was a trick... one way to know. Also the matter of convincing the "human" hosts to aid them. There was also one way, but it was dangerous, damaging even deadly could she bare that cost?

And there was the matter of the cost Marcus had mentioned. Efa knew he meant a great loss of life. That was one burden she dreaded to bare. To be responsible for death, any death. Efa would lie, cheat, steal, leave a wake of material destruction in her wake, but each life that she had taken in her duty she wore like a lead weight tied on her spirit.

Efa eased the body of Susan out of Eric/Marcus' arms. She stood breathing heavily.

"Marcus, we can not spend hours debating again the same facts with these hosts. How long do we have? How do we know that if we are successful time might snap forward to the moment that suits our purpose. A brutal act, yes I see that is what you have in mind. So... when, if, we leave these hosts we leave the memories of talk, memories of us."

Eric/Marcus drew in a sharp breath his eyes narrowing, he made to speak. Efa snapped her fingers in his face, her words spurting out hard and brittle. "Yes I know that the memories could make them insane, that they could crumble here at our feet. If they do then we, by the laws of this sort of engagement between our two sides can possess another without question. But do you doubt the mental strength of your host? I do not... Let us leave them for a while to come to terms with the thoughts and memories. Time has stopped has it not?"

But she did doubt, there was always doubt, but Efa knew she had no choice, as she had no choice in the other matter of Marcus' possible deception.

"Marcus," Efa said, trying to calm her voice. "Leave Eric now, I will leave Susan. Leave Eric and step into my arms." Efa shuddered, knowing that the moment she embraced and kissed his brow she would know if he was telling the truth. If he was not she would close her arms and try to crush him, knowing he would fight back and seek to rend her.

 

[BLACK BART]

Marcus

Efa was concerned. That was an understatement, Marcus decided as he looked at her or more accurately looked at her eyes peering out of Susan's face.

You could see her concern over thier next few actions clearly and something more that was so rare it was the first time Marcus had actually seen it.

Fear. For if Efa made one foolish move now the future of more than one entire race was at stake. The future of everything was at stake. Mortal and immortal and all that both took so casually for granted.

"Efa, I've never told you why I've enjoyed your company so much until now"

Marcus began and almost smiled as he watched another emotion flash into Efa's eyes.

"Your eyes, just as the old saying goes they are windows to your soul, I've always enjoyed working with you because despite your contrary actions or words you might use I can always tell just how you really feel by thoses eyes."

A warning flashed in Efa's eyes and now Marcus did smile as he held up a hand to show he wasn't up to any tricks...

"You're doubting me Efa. I don't blame you. For in the past the grandness of my ruses were one of the things I enjoyed trying to fool you with for it made great conversation when I was between assignments and waiting...But not even I would have dreampt of using the "Hand" to try and control time in order to pull one over your eyes."

A shrug of Eric's shoulders as if to show he wished he could have claimed this was merely a gag and then Marcus concentrated again, pulling his identity apart from Eric's by sheer will...seperating the two as he knew he had to do in order to leave his host's body....and hearing Eric moan in pain as he reacted to the seperation of the two souls now so familiar to each other...

"See Efa? In this matter I am entirely honest and serious with you."

Marcus now stood an arms length from Eric and diverted his attention from Efa to turn his head and watched Eric's body crumple and collapse to the floor. There was no need to try and catch Eric...for in this state Marcus couldn't...his etheral image would simply pass through Eric's solid state and he would fail.

"Now it's your turn my sweet lady. Shed yourself of that mortal body and then do what we both know you feel you must."

Eric groaned from the floor and Marcus looked down, the mortal was alive but weak it was almost always this way for it tore at a mortals so much more and took time for them to recover thier strength and thier senses.

"I'm waiting dear" Marcus tried to force as much calm and composure into his voice and demeanor as he could, for both immortals knew it would take too much time for him to find another host body and Efa was at a distinct advantage.

"As you said, join me and let these mortals take some precious time to come to terms with what we've left them."

 

[Why]

Efa

Efa watched as the body of Eric slumped to the floor, rolling on its side. One arm against the deck, above his head ,the other reaching out for something or some one, fingers curling against the thick carpet in the ship's library.

"See Efa? In this matter I am entirely honest and serious with you."

Marcus now stood within an arms length of Eric. His eyes had flickered over Eric as he had fallen. Then Marcus' attention was back on her. Efa felt a chill crawl up her spine. He was taking a risk, but Marcus took risks to get the result he wanted. Efa wanted to believe her immortal opposite, her fellow traveller and companion, yes Marcus was that and more.

"Now it's your turn my sweet lady. Shed yourself of that mortal body and then do what we both know you feel you must."

Efa took in a deep breath. The Hand was not a thing for immortals or humans. The way time was out of sequence now. The way the small net weight of existence of every one on this ship, including her and Marcus no longer had a place or meaning in the world.

Each room, each group of people were like a small pocket, locked away and the Hand was the jailor and the key.

Eric groaned from the floor and Marcus looked down. Efa felt her own eyes following Marcus'. Eric was locked in the throws of trying to come to terms with the knowledge and ordeal his body had been through, and to gather strength.

"I'm waiting dear" Marcus said. Efa was at a distinct advantage she knew it. but

"As you said, join me and let these mortals take some precious time to come to terms with what we've left them."

Efa looked once more at Marcus, then at Eric and wrenched herself free of Susan's soul. The young woman gave a faint scream, mentally and physically as she fell. Efa tried to offer comfort; impart some of her mental strength to Susan as the young woman's body toppled. A small answering, thank you was the last contact Efa had with Susan's mind.

The female immortal watched the young woman's body roll against Eric's her head coming to rest against his chest. Eric's outstretched arm lifted and embraced her as if pulling her close.

"Well..." Efa commented and turned her attention to Marcus. She took a step closer and raised her hand, and again touched his chin, but this time no body of Eric's was between them. She leant forward and kissed his cheek. Her immortal form was awash with fear, concern and the lingering affects of Susan's sexual responses to Eric. Or was it wholly Susan's desires.

For once in her immortal life Efa needed comfort, needed something from another to give her the strength to do what needed to be done.

 

[BLACK BART]

Marcus

Deep inside Marcus knew he was breaking every rule that had guided the immortals as they served thier respective sides. And deep inside he knew the consequences if those rules were ever bent or broken...

Always oppose, never side with...and never, ever...console or comfort them...

But at this moment...?

He didn't give a dam for his immortal soul....or the risk to it

He knew the trick Efa had passed over, knew how she could have crushed him in his moment of weakness as he passed "out" of Eric's body. Knew two she risjed the same as she did so and came to him, placing her weakened immortal being not only in his reach but in his care.

"Care?"....The word was alien to him as if he had never truely considered it's full meaning and at this moment he wondered at it.

Could he truly be "caring" for another at this moment?

"Efa, together WE can do this" He spoke with more confidence then he thought possible a second ago.

Was this the result of "caring"? It made you stronger when danger faced the ones you cared for? In order to protect them?

"The Hand must belong to no one...ever. I can see that now as clearly as I can see you. Together we must and will put it in a place that can be deemed safe for it and everyone else as well."

And then he kissed her. His lips full on hers and a part of himself was amazed at the thrill it gave him.

And he kissed her again, this time taking the time to bask in the thrill and hold her close to his own form, knowing for certain the price he was going to pay in his near future would be worth it for how he felt at the moment.

Again he stopped to draw back and admire the woman who it seemed he saw for the very first time with new eyes and for a third time he kissed her, his arms wrapping around her waist and shoulders to give her comfort and warmth...

And perhaps take it as well?

 

[Why]

Efa

"Efa, together WE can do this. The Hand must belong to no one...ever. I can see that now as clearly as I can see you. Together we must and will put it in a place that can be deemed safe for it and everyone else as well."

When he had finished speaking Marcus leaned towards Efa and kissed her, full on her lips. Elfa was startled, surprised and she reacted by kissing him back. Why? Her arms floundered by her sides as if unsure as to whether to push Marcus away or embrace him.

Thoughts rushed through her mind, frothing, bubbling, and tearing at her logic. This was not allowed. They were on opposite sides and had to remain so, yet the threat was so overpowering so destructive Efa truly believed both sides and the world where they played out their game of right and wrong, faith and life would be swallowed up.

Who had made this Hand, who had placed it here was the enemy of this existence. She knew she could not do it alone, knew she had neither the strength, or the ability to do so. Together she and Marcus stood a change, a slim one. One that… would she or he survive, could this Hand end an immortal life? Life such as she had with all its responsibilities and burdens, no warmth, no care, just….

Marcus kissed her again, his lips moving on hers then he stopped and looked at her. She could see in his eyes, that he was seeing her, not the “other player”. Efa started to shake, she had forgotten what it was like to be “seen” she wondered if Marcus had forgotten too. She tried to speak to tell him that she saw him, realized he was “real” to her.

Then again the kiss, deeper this time, Marcus’s arms embracing her. She responded clinging to Marcus, allowing her body to feel to accept the need inside. Her need not Susan’s Her hand looped round Marcus’ neck, the fingers running under his hair, holding his lips locked to hers. Her breasts, stomach and thighs pressed themselves to his body, signaling the desire to share all, danger, comfort, affection….. love?

 

[BLACK BART]

What is it like when one immortal has desire for another? What happens when that desire is followed and the next natural step occurs? If it were a pair of mortals the obvious would happen and there would quickly be the writhing of two bodies against each other as the sounds of their lovemaking came to those close enough to hear them and quietly grin and wink to each other. But what was common and accepted in the mortal planes of reality was a rarity in the immortal, and one that was forbidden when those immortals were from opposites sides.

In the tiny confines of the rooms below Marcus kissed Efa tenderly and held her close to him, outside the double-hulled vessel clouds darkened and closed out the sun.

Again a kiss was exchanged and as the immortals within the ship sighed the dark clouds rumbled and breathed an angry wind…

Below hands began to move unsteadily, the age-old routine of two lovers undressing each other not quite forgotten but the movements lacking the practiced ease, as eons had passed since they were used. And above decks others scrambled for the safety of their quarters while the crew moved in haste to secure hatches lest the torrent of rain and sea follow them in.

Two bodies moved to the plush carpet, moans of endearment and wanton lust wrapping themselves around the bodies that spoke them, as the male form gently hovered over the woman’s before joining with her.

Ohhhhh? Efa’s cry floated out over the cabin as a wave crashed over the deck and rocked the immense ship…

“Is it…painful?” Marcus worried and held himself at the entrance to her sex, his own need almost forgotten for concern of the other immortal with him.

“No my silly…it has been too long and I’d almost forgotten how…pleasure?? Felt?” Efa chided and confessed in the same breath, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment and lust as she pressed her own hips upward in assurance of her words.

Marcus laughed. Not the refined laugh of a polished gentleman he imitated, but the laugh of pure bliss while sharing joy with another…and the sound rang off the interior walls while thunder rolled off the waves that now easily passed over the highest deck.

The Captain ordered the ships engines to full and the deck reverberated again, then began to vibrate with a life all it’s own as somehow the massive pistons below began to draw energy from the coupling of the two immortals above…and as the vessel turned into the waves to face the danger the crew above stood in awe of what the instruments claimed.

“23 knots and still increasing Captain” The mate cried out and gripped the anchored surface in front of him with white knuckled hands. “24…and a half…25”

Oblivious to the turmoil the two immortals were causing outside the cabin they moved in and around each other, as with each loving motion of a hand, lip or thighs they fell deeper and deeper into their passion and each other. And the world outside roiled in the confusion of it.

Energy flowed from them and between them, the leakage of it escaping thru vents and under doors, the mortals around feeling that energy and turning to each other…

“Efa, what have we done?” Marcus moaned and lowered his lips to pleasure her already swollen nipple, his hips moving in a frenzied pace, his awareness shrinking to the carpet he lay on and the woman with him…

“What must be done dear Marcus…what comes natural to us despite all the laws we’ve placed on each other…

How wise the words of this woman, the insight not only referring to the pleasuring at hand but the ramifications of it in the near future…if there were a future…

And with that her first wave of bliss shuddered through and over her and she cried out, Marcus gritting his teeth and watching in open eyed wonder as she cried and smiled at the same time.

“30….31….32….Captain???

The first mate and two ensigns now held the wheel terrified…Not because of the storm they faced but more so the speed the great ship propelled them through it with…and the Captain demonstrated just why he had rose to the rank he had so quickly.

“We are outrunning the devil himself boys so pray to the gods you trust “

Had he known then how close to the truth his words were would he put on such a brave face for his loyal crew???

As below deck Efa once again began to heave underneath the immortal, a second wave of passion coursing through her and triggering his own…

“Efffffff…fffaaaaaaa!!!” Marcus cried and his own malevolent energies joined with hers, the results of each nullifying both and in a split second creating…

Peace.

Above deck the typhoon had suddenly disappeared. No signs save the sea water sliding off the lower decks, the crew above standing still and in utter as their minds tried to adjust to the too sudden change they had just lived through…

"Return to our original course and speed, boys." The Captain coughed and moved first, turning and ducking as he slid out the now open deck hatch and into the calm, fresh air.

Had it really happened? It would a question for debate in later years as the original crew met…and one they were never quite able to answer…

If only they had though to ask one couple below decks… One pair that at that first moment lay wrapped in each other’s arms, still oblivious to the chaos they had created… and only aware of the peaceful bliss they floated in.

 

[Why]

Efa

A kiss. Wanted. Tender. Yet hesitant; unsure as to the affect of the pressure of lips against lips. Hands fumbling. The simple act of removing clothes now a thing so strange. The brush of fingers on flesh, the realisation that the need, long put aside is still there. Not forbidden, discouraged, because the touch of a hand on the skin of another brings understanding.

Understanding of what has been left behind. Understanding of what it is to be human to desire, to love, to need.

THAT IS NOT PART OF THE PLAN.

Their plan; the masters of good and evil. Those that uphold each must remain separate.

Yet Efa needed, no, wanted this union. Selfish yes, but through it she believed it would give them the power, the ability to stand against the Hand of Glory.

As Marcus’ body entered hers, slipping within her sheath, she groaned in remembrance.

He asked concerned. “Is it…painful?” his voice echoed his surprise at his emotions.

“No my silly…it has been too long and I’d almost forgotten how…pleasure?? Felt?” Efa answered, aware now that their act of union was vibrating through the steel of the ship. The very air was alive with their feelings and needs and it was seen by others. Nature itself cried out; the elements unleashed a storm. Forces clashed and wove together, a tapestry of what ifs, maybes, possibles and consequences formed and reformed; plunged from sky to sea.

A giant hand cupped the ship, tearing it through the gathering storm, faster, harder, each wave the ship powered through was a reflection of immortal flesh plunging deeper each time into another.

“Efa, what have we done?” Marcus moaned as his lips closed on Efa’s swollen nipple. Each thrust of his hips she met, allowing the torrent of her need topple her off a cliff, deep into the raging sea of his gathering passion.

Efa gasped and tried to put into words what they were doing.” What must be done dear Marcus…what comes natural to us despite all the laws we’ve placed on each other…

Her eyes wide and dark with fulfilment saw the wonder in his as she cried with joy. Yet as Efa gathered herself to give such joy to her lover, she became aware of a darker nature in the storm around the ship. The call of the captain naming the devil was true, but another also raged at the action of one of its own.

Efa shuddered, then clung to Marcus; her fingers bit into the flesh of his back. She raised herself allowing him deeper access to her core. She called his name and was rewarded by following Marcus' jolting release with again plunging into the torrent of desire. His cry of her name was mixed with her whispering of his.

As they lay there, limbs entwined, hearts thudding, the storm eased. They were calm, enmeshed, one. The trickling effect of their outpourings crept like a balm, touching all on board.

For one slow heart beat all knew peace before the hell that was to come.


Down in the bowels of the ship the two guardians of the Hand of Glory sniffed the air. Something had happened. It impinged on their dulled senses. Their master, he that now owned the hand woke suddenly in his cabin. His eyes narrowed. And he spoke “Find them, bind them to the hand or destroy them”. The two once immortals grunted and began to follow the sweet scent of union that filled the air.

 

[BLACK BART]

"It's begun, then"

Marcus stated, knowing his lover and former opponent knew as well as he the exact moment the two below had awoken.

"Efa, two as one are stronger than any two one by one."

The words were an ancient part of a prophecy. Words spoken and mulled over repeatedly through the ages, and now suddenly gaining meaning for the two immortals who had shared so much more than simple pleasure.

"The fate of this vessel was determined long before we boarded it and the minute it returns to its own normal time and space it will suffer that fate, what happens now is but a different path that will not be remembered unless we fail."

And with that failure they would all be locked in a never ending, always repeating cycle of death and angony....

"Then we must not fail Marcus, despite what it costs us all must be sacrificed if necessary....correct, my love?"

Why should such simple words at the end of such an ominous statement thrill an immortal?

Why did they place an understanding smile and a warm feeling in veins used to ice water flowing in them?

Why indeed.... if it were a different time the two immortals would never consider such actions...such....emotions.

But this was far from normal...even for a pair such as Efa and Marcus who travelled back and forth thru time and space...

"Correct my love...we will not fail, and since the rules of this game have been changed let me share with you several ancient secrets that will insure our victory"