CHAPTER 21

An eternity could have passed for all you know as you still stand looking out of the tiny porthole. You’d been watching the landmass of Port Jacob slowly get smaller and smaller until now it is just a distant shape on the horizon you’ve just left. Lost in your thoughts you’ve been standing there, feeling the ship rock along with the waves as you steadily sail onwards to England and Jack, or so you hope at least.

Jack had not been far from your thoughts for very long probably since you’d ever met him but now he seems to remain there constantly, possibly hidden behind other things on occasions but always there. It’s strange you know for you to have fallen in love this quickly as you undoubtedly have, and although you have pondered many a night that it is blind and just an infatuation you have concluded that this is not the case. If you didn’t truly love Jack then you wouldn’t feel the way you do, you wouldn’t long for him as much. The saying goes that absence makes the heart grow fonder but they don’t mention how it makes it break too. Being away from Jack has hurt you a lot, thinking him to be dead obviously playing the most havoc and even worse to find out he’s alive but not wanting to see you. You know that Jack has his reasons though, as misinformed as they are.

Being on a ship brings him to the forefront of your mind where on occasions he’d been pushed away from. As much as you liked thinking about him it was difficult to concentrate whilst working when your mind kept wandering, giving you delicious daydreams of what you could do if only you could be together once again. Fantasies of a life with love shared between you both, where you knew one another so well that these kinds of mistakes would never happen again. When you find Jack you’re going to let him know just this and everything about you. You don’t want to risk having this debacle all over again, Jack must know exactly how much you care for him and how you could never, ever even try to replace him. How he got that into his head in the first place you cannot fathom but then again that is a trait that’s quite common when referring to the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow; he’s quite a complex man.

Over your time with him you’ve got to know him a little, you’d like to know a lot more but you’ve already seen that if he wants you to know something then he’ll tell you in his own time. If you push at him then it only seems to make him more resilient. Yes, Jack is a difficult man to comprehend; you can never be sure about anything around him it seems. Even now you’re still not 100% sure about his feelings for you and that is something your thoughts have dwelled upon for long periods of time. The words he wrote in his letter were beautiful and he did admit to loving you but… but there’s always that little doubt there. You asked yourself the same question over and over again many times; why? Why would he love you when he barely knows you, he doesn’t seem like a man to fall in love quickly and not like one who even wants to. Yet what he’s said seems to disprove that completely. Maybe he’s just infatuated though, just like you’ve wondered if you are. Maybe it’s just lust that’s grown out of control due to you not having given in to his advances straight away like so many women would, and most probably have.

It’s all so confusing but you realise that in time your questions shall be answered, once you find him. Once you’re reunited you can sort everything out, you can tell him your feelings and try to work out his, whether he really truly does love you. Thinking back to years ago when you were a young teen you smile with fondness, laughing at how you thought with such disgust what a bad lot pirates were. Being taught by the strictest Governess there was in Port Royal she had been very thorough about drilling in rules about society and how you must of course keep with people of your own status. She believed that anyone lower than her in society’s ranks was not worth looking at and pirates were the worst of the lot. For all of the years of your education with her she had attempted to ensure these thoughts were held deeply within you and that, one day you would turn into the respectable young lady your parents expected you to be.

Sighing to yourself you recall how it all changed. You had been a very polite young lady, daddy’s little girl, and a prim and proper young woman. Your parents had looked at you with pride, believing that they had done their best in raising you and that you were most definitely showing their efforts were a success. You had good manners, a good deal of knowledge about the world (though not too much, lady’s should most definitely not know as much as men, that wouldn’t be proper) and held a great love for music. You would often entertain at dinner parties with your beautiful singing voice and for many years you’d enjoyed it, seeing your father beaming with pride and telling anyone who would listen what a wonderful young woman he had for a daughter. As time moved on you knew he and your mother had started thinking about trying to pair you up with an eligible young bachelor, seeing to it that you would be married well and go on to live a respectable life.

Then Jonathan came along. Jonathan was as your parents put it not quite the young man they expected you to be with. He wasn’t poor and he wasn’t of a lower class but he still wasn’t quite up to scratch; the problem being his family. Jonathan was the son of a fairly wealthy family in Port Royal who for many years had been seen as outcasts. They didn’t act in the same prim fashion as everyone else, Jonathan’s mother was an avid collector of modern art that most thought to be despicable and his father spent many of his days alone, reading or writing. They had earned their wealth due to inheriting quite a sum of money as well as some rights to a trading company from a relative and so they’d come to live well. This degraded them greatly amongst the high society of Port Royal as most of the rich and wealthy either earnt their money through many years of work and fortunate investments, or had been born into an already wealthy family. Going from middle-class to upper-class in such a short space of time due to a relatives death just wasn’t the same as all of this, it just wasn’t seen as very respectable.

However they were still part of the upper class now and people had to act properly towards them, knowing what money they owned. They would still be invited to your family’s dinner parties but that would only be out of politeness and they rarely ever accepted. On one night Jonathan had though and from then you’d fallen in love.

The story isn’t the most romantic or even the most interesting but at the time he had set your very soul alight. Throughout the evening you had conversed with one another, he had graciously complimented you upon your singing and had been the perfect gentleman he was no doubt taught to be. Your parents had left the pair of you be for the night, your mother throwing occasional wary glances towards you both as you chatted merrily, obviously worried about what this friendship would do to your status. You’d had a very enjoyable time chatting with Jonathan and couldn’t deny that he was attractive. There was something in his blue eyes that made you wonder about the man behind them and make you long to find out more. You knew very little other than the usual gossip about him and his family so over the next few weeks you’d begun to see one another, getting to know about each other’s lives; past, present and hopes for the future.

Through this time you found yourselves to be quite alike in tastes although Jonathan was slightly livelier with his wishes than you. Yours had always been to meet the right man, get married, have a couple of children and live happily ever after. Jonathan felt the same but he also wanted to do other things, to actually live life as though it were an adventure rather than sit around and look pretty with your little family. He wanted to go to foreign lands and try new experiences and still remain a gentleman. He sparked the same interests in you and over time drew out the slightly more adventurous side, making you abandon many of your beliefs.

You started courting, meeting in secret to just be with one another. Your parents it seemed had an inkling of your habits, gossip tended to go around the whole of Port Royal quite quickly but it seemed they were content enough to leave it be, believing that it would not last. On your visits together you would spend time talking; mainly Jonathan telling you of things he wished to do. You can recall quite clearly sitting on the sandy beaches down at the docks with him as you looked out at the ocean.

Time moved on gradually and you realised that you were quite firmly falling in love with him and one day he made his feelings known to be mutual when he kissed you goodnight as he left you at your garden gate. You’d been slightly taken aback and surprised but pleased nonetheless, it made everything clear at last as you’d wondered about his intentions for some time. You’d worried that maybe you were getting too close for there to be any romantic interest and would just remain friends for the rest of your lives.

After this upon every meeting Jonathan would bring you a gift, usually a book. On the beach you would sit as he or you would read from it, telling of adventures about pirates upon the seas plundering and looting and having a whale of a time. You’d read of explorers going to far off lands, encountering horrific sea creatures along the way and being struck down by strange diseases. This yet again began to stoke the bolder side of you, the one that wished to step away from manners and being part of high-society. This gave you more eagerness to actually live life and stop being an ornament as your parents wished you to be, you weren’t just something to look at, you were a person after all.

This was what your parents had started to worry about as your meetings with Jonathan became more frequent. They started having more and more parties that would bring eligible bachelors into your house to woo you and make you forget about Jonathan. It came as a shock to them when one morning after the most tedious night of one particular young gentleman being overly charming making you wish to wretch, you announced that you would have no more of it and that you were in love with Jonathan. They had looked at you aghast, pleaded with you to realise that it was really just a little, inappropriate crush, and even when you dragged Jonathan himself into the parlour as he came to meet you again they had told you both quite firmly that they were not pleased.

You had left with Jonathan for the day, telling him finally that you loved him and he told you he felt the same. That very same day you had made love for the first time, in a way out of anger and spite towards your parents but more so because it finally felt like you could let yourself be completely free with him. Your feelings were clear and so were his and there were no boundaries left to cross but this. It had been like an adventure, to do something that was thought to be so wrong when you weren’t married. You’d not been nervous and though that first time had not been the most enjoyable experience of your life it most certainly wasn’t the worst and you didn’t regret it in the least.

Only upon returning to your home after having spent the day with Jonathan, retiring to his house which he had to himself for the afternoon had you run into trouble. Your parents had made it very clear that they were adamant that this relationship would go no further. Hence, more parties were planned and more men came to court you, your parent’s way of keeping you occupied and away from Jonathan. They couldn’t watch you every minute of the night and day though so whenever you could you would meet with him. You were in love with one another and it was the best feeling you’d ever experienced in your entire life.

Months dragged on full of parties and suitors, none of them interesting you in the slightest and only making your anger and defiance towards your parents grow. No longer would you remain sweet and proper all the time though your behaviour was never too rebellious, but you couldn’t let them believe that they were ever going to win. They knew you still met with Jonathan, on occasions when they angered you greatly you would tell them exactly so, almost revelling in their furious expressions and feeling almost joyous when you were able to scream at them as they started shouting, every time it all being stopped by you leaving with a slam of any door you could.

Then the worst thing possible hit, and it couldn’t be changed by anyone, as much as you wanted it to. Jonathan fell ill, the sickness starting off as just a mild feeling of queasiness constantly, then to a mild fever and finally a period of remaining in bed, drifting in and out of consciousness and vomiting at any given moment. He looked terrible, worse every time you saw him and it broke your heart to know how much he was in pain. It angered you even more so when your parents started allowing you to see him because you knew that this must mean they believed he would not be around for much longer. You had to be thankful for those last couple of weeks that you could see him though, for if they’d not allowed you to then you don’t know what you would have done. Through this time you were there by him for as long as possible, holding his clammy hand and whispering him wishes that he would feel better soon.

Then the final days came when he seemed to be well, having returned to a full state of consciousness. You’d shared a brief conversation during this time, telling him of all the events that had happened whilst he’d been sick and how you’d tell your family to jump off of Fort Charles if they tried to stop you from being together once he was fully healthy again. You’d laughed about it all and felt happy with one another, thinking that a long future was waiting for you. Seeing this your parents had then taken you away, claiming to Jonathan’s parents that they were starting to get worried that you may come down with the same illness although you knew they’d begun to get worried that he was recovering and that you’d continue to see him.

You’re unsure of how much time passed after then, days seemed to merge with nights as you locked yourself in your bedroom, only confiding in your loyal maid and friend Emily when she brought you food. You told her of your distress and she listened intently, offering soothing words and a shoulder to cry on, as this was all she could give. An eternity seemed to have passed by the time your parents came to you with the news, their expressions blank. Jonathan had died. For hours you screamed and cried, angry with them for stopping you from being there in his final moments and angry with yourself for not just escaping in some way.

For a long time you seemed to cease to live, you were cold towards your parents and they began to be the same to you. Your father scolded you for not being the young lady you should be, complaining that you’d changed from the lovely little girl he once knew. Your mother just acted quite plainly disgusted, you’d given up on being polite to her at all and the only times you talked to her you used clipped, short words.

Eventually you had had enough and had run away, leaving your beautiful home and fine things to live in the seedy tavern in the poorer parts of Port Royal. Those days had not been much happier than your life at home but eventually, due to that one fateful night you had been brought a ray of sunshine, in the form of the most unlikely of men.

Now standing in your little cabin thinking back to the past months from the point where Jonathan had died, to when you met Jack, and now to the present day you can’t help but smile about the adventures you’ve started. You’ve boarded a pirate ship and been accepted amongst the crew, drunk rum until you were giddy in the finest tavern in Port Jacob, sailed across the ocean blue and fallen in love yet again. My, what strange yet wonderful occurrences life can throw at you at times! You’d not change it for the world though, nothing at all. You do wonder what it would have been like if Jonathan had remained well, if he and you had had your way you would be married and going out on little adventures together, if your parents had had it their way you’d most likely have been shipped far from him and made to marry whatever man they found suitable. As it is though if that had happened you wouldn’t have met Jack and now, though Jonathan was your first true love, Jack’s everything to you and you wouldn’t want to live without him. His becoming a part of your life has got to be one of the greatest moments you have lived so far and you have no regrets.

Sighing again you look around the little cabin, walking the small steps towards the desk where your diaries sit. Looking at it you see that the top lifts up so, removing the worn leather books from their place you lift it and find yourself very pleased with it’s contents. Bottles of ink, numerous quills and sheets of parchment fill the shallow compartment, quite obviously never having been used. This would prove very handy you’re sure, you’d not written a diary entry in a while now, Madam Beaveus having kept you busy with this, that and the other.

Stifling a yawn though you decide to shut the lid back down, placing the diaries back upon it and realising that your body is very much in need of a rest. Removing your shoes carefully, you gently push the hammock making it rock gently. Hammocks had never been your favourite places to sleep but upon a ship they were usually the only options and now this would be your only available place of rest. Carefully you sit down upon the fabric, your toes touching the floor to stop you from rocking too much. After a moment of getting as steady as possible you slowly swing your legs over and lie down, careful not to make so much momentum that the hammock tips leaving you sprawled on the floor. Getting comfy by shifting about slightly you let your eyes close and give in to the signals of your weary body, letting exhaustion take you over and succumbing to a peaceful sleep.

* * * *

Upon The Intrepid Captain Jack Sparrow was in one of very few places he felt thoroughly calm and relaxed; at the helm guiding the ship through the rolling waves. Here with the view of the ocean stretching before him, the horizon becoming ever closer he feels free, just as every time he’s sailed. This made Jack feel the most peaceful he had in a long time, on a ship though not his own with his crew, sailing with a plan in mind. Everything he could think of he had, mulling over the tiniest detail about what would happen when he finally came across the Unleashed Tempest and more so, Silas. He’d spent many hours thinking with a slight smirk pulling at his lips how he would enjoy seeing Silas die before him, maybe even weep and beg for his life to be spared. Silas was no pirate in Jack’s eyes for as much as society taught the opposite he felt that pirates were respectable.

All right they didn’t conform to the social rules and indeed did cause a bit of mayhem on occasions but they generally weren’t the ruthless vagabonds so many thought they were. Not in Jack’s eyes at least. The men that did follow the definition of being evil didn’t hold a title such as pirate, they were not worth it. Jack held no respect for them or anyone who acted in this way. He enjoyed getting riches and that did mean stealing but he would do his best to avoid harming anyone in the process. He wasn’t a murderer, not intentionally and would only fight when provoked. He might throw up a bit of bravado when trying to loot a ship but in his own mind he knew his threats were empty and just for show. He could act very well like a ferocious, bloodthirsty man but he’d never actually take those traits into himself. Not unless he’d been wronged first as now is the case.

With Silas he would spare nothing in making him regret what he’d done, he would make him suffer just as he had. Silas seemed to believe he had valid reasons for why he’d wanted to hurt Jack, but Jack knew better and knew the full truth of it, not what Kane or Marianne may have said about him.

It was almost amusing how well the pair had managed to lie through their teeth to save their own necks, Kane acting as though Jack had been a terrible and foolish Captain, in need of being killed to rid the world of such stupidity, and Marianne had actually made it sound as though he had forced her into his arms. He regretted that far more than killing Kane, not because of how it hurt Silas but because if you found out then he didn’t know what he would do. Many excuses had run through his mind, how he hadn’t been completely conscious due to the beatings he’d received and therefore couldn’t comprehend what he was doing, how it was his natural instinct and he didn’t think anything of it until it was too late, how it had been you he had imagined before him… none of it would be enough though he knew and he regretted it sorely. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt you intentionally he vowed that not long after he met you.

That day when Gibbs had carried you into Jack’s quarters he’d been displeased, his orders to not bring anyone on board having been disobeyed. With Gibbs’ steady reasoning ringing in his ears though he’d given in, knowing that he would have done the same if he’d been in Gibbs position. Then over the next week or so he’d managed to get to know you a little and found out what led you to be in such an awful predicament. To put yourself in that position had made Jack feel slightly in awe of you, having run away from riches and a wealthy family to become a singer in a tavern.

He could see the drive and determination within you, to not allow anyone to push you around any longer. He could see how eager you were to make something of yourself through your own work and not live well due to your family’s name. He’d admired how you’d been resilient and at times downright stubborn with how you would be treated. You obviously no longer wished for a life where servants ran after you, asking to be of any assistance. He saw how that long time having to remain in bed with Gibbs bringing you your meals, had annoyed you and how you blamed it upon yourself. You obviously rued the fact you’d allowed yourself to get into such a mess, your plans having been foiled due to your wrong choice about one man. Through time it just showed Jack your willpower to be ever growing, as you remained steadfast that you didn’t want too much help and would rather be doing things yourself.

Jack had admired and respected you due to these qualities so it didn’t surprise him so much when he felt an attraction to you. You were a pretty woman Jack couldn’t deny that, even bruised and beaten he’d seen you to be beautiful but that was not what attracted him to you. Your determination to defy everything you’d been taught about being a well-bred young lady interested him far more. It is true that you didn’t abandon all the proper traits, you were still a lady undoubtedly but you’d abandoned every idea that you could ever just be an ornament on a wealthy man’s arm.

When you’d remained pleasantly adamant that you wished to stay with him and the crew on the Pearl and sail to England his attraction for you had been invoked ever more. He had not wished to leave you behind in Port Jacob but had thought that here you’d be able to return to some kind of civilised life. It seemed that this was not what you wanted and that you’d much rather spend weeks on a pirate ship in order to get to England where you’d have even bigger but more difficult to obtain chances at being someone. He admired that you went straight for the top prize, just like he always would. He didn’t want to work from the bottom, gaining more slowly, as a pirate he wanted to have the brightest jewels straight away and the same idea’s seemed to run through you.

In Port Jacob you knew that your chances were limited but in England there was far more. He didn’t know what you wanted to do or who you wanted to become but it seemed that you weren’t so sure either. You were taking whatever life threw at you every day, abandoning the ways in which you used to look to the future and the long-term plans, carefully working out if everything you did would lead to that ultimate ending of being a prim little wife and mother. Now you had fire in you and an adventurous streak, not quite enough to match Jack’s but steadily getting there, constantly being influenced by him.

Jack smiles as he thinks about how you’d changed in just the short time since you’d met. On the first night you’d still held a lot of your manners and politeness, obviously feeling slightly uncomfortable under Jack’s care as you obviously knew very little about pirates and had no doubt only heard the worst stories. Over time though it seemed that you’d begun to realise what he and his crew were truly like and had let yourself be open with them. You’d obviously taken a firm liking to Gibbs and Anamaria and though he found it more difficult Jack knew you were growing more fond of him, despite having fallen out slightly due to the kiss you almost shared on the second day aboard.

Now as he stands with these thoughts in mind, tenderly stroking the wood of the wheel as he turns it slightly this way and that, keeping The Intrepid on the course towards England he feels a warmth within him, the warmth of knowing that once this palaver with Silas is over he shall be able to see you again. Once it is over he shall let you know how he feels, face-to-face this time as no longer does he feel the confusion he used to. There were rules that said that pirate’s don’t fall in love or even that they can’t, but when had Captain Jack Sparrow stuck to the rules before?

From the main deck Anamaria stops her chores for a moment, looking to her Captain as he stands looking as majestic as ever guiding the Intrepid. Jack was born to be a Captain she was sure, he was a natural. The way in which he ran his ship, his crew and life in general told her that his ways were not taught to him but he knew them from instinct. This is what makes Jack such an (annoyingly) perfect Captain. He knew so well what he was doing and on occasions wasted no time in letting Ana know exactly how good he was. He was proud of himself, sometimes in an overly arrogant manner that stoked Anamaria’s temper to great heights but in the end she knew he had reason to be. Despite all the troubles he’d had with Barbossa and many other adventures over the years he’d come through, always determined to do the right thing, whatever he believed it to be. He wasn’t a bad man at all, just a tad annoying at times.

Sighing to herself slightly wearily Ana decides that a break is in order, having been working for many hours flat out. Making her way towards the helm and up the stairs she stops besides Jack, looking out to the horizon with him.

“An’ to what do I owe yer pleasant company Ana?” Jack asks, his eyes never glancing away from the direction in which the ship is heading.

“I need a break, I’ve been workin’ fer ages an’ so have you.” Ana replies, removing a canteen of rum from her pocket and passing it to Jack.

“Ah, very pleasant company!” Jack replies with a grin towards Ana as he takes the canteen from her. “I didn’t realise that yer were so fond of rum, though why ye wouldn’t be I don’t know.”

“Gibbs passed it on to me to give to you when he finished his shift this morning. He said you’d probably be looking for some kind of sustenance eventually.”

“Aye, he knows me all too well.” Jack agrees with a slight smack of his lips as he drains some of the canteen. “Hang on, ye mean that Gibbs had rum with ‘im, all night?”

“I believe he found it onboard during the night.” Ana answers, smirking a little at Jack’s slightly displeased tone that he’d not been allowed the rum sooner.

“Ah… well if yer lookin’ fer more work t’ do Ana ye could go searching fer some more,” he suggests, trying to maintain an innocent expression.

“Aye I could… if I wanted more work t’ do.”

“Well I know what a hardworking woman ye are Ana so I’m sure adding to your chores could only be a good thing to you, maybe ye could go have a look now?” he hints, hoping that Ana will take it and find some more of the delicious substance he loves so well. Ana simply rolls her eyes before answering.

“I’m havin’ a break Captain if ye don’t mind, I’ve been working fer long enough today without one.”

“Aye, aye, I suppose yer right.” Jack agrees with a sigh. “So what are ye doin’ here with me, I would ‘ave thought ye would want to be down with the rest of the crew getting something to eat or havin’ a laugh. I believe Samson, Cobbett and Marlot are havin’ a game of cards in the galley.”

“I might join them in a while, I just thought I’d come see how yer doin’,” Ana admits.

“How sweet Ana, ye do have a soft spot for me after all.” Ana furrows her brow and scowls at Jack, warning him not to push her current good-natured mood too far. Jack holds his hands up in defence, smiling to Ana remorsefully.

“All right, I’ll admit I don’t completely dislike ye,” Ana says quietly.

“I knew it,” Jack states with an arrogant grin.

“Jack…” Ana answers sternly, warning him that he’s treading on thin ice. “I just thought it would be nice to find out if yer alright, ye’ve seemed a bit distant, more so than usual.” She explains. Jack sighs before answering, his cheeky grin dropping and his expression turning to one of contemplation.

“I’ve just been thinkin’, that’s all, and no snide comments Ana,” he says, warning her as he knows full well she just like him enjoys throwing little barbs about.

“I wasn’t going to say a word.” Ana replies, slightly insincerely. “So, what’s on yer mind?” Jack smiles to himself, running through all the things that have kept his mind occupied throughout the day; getting revenge on Silas and most of all getting back to you. “I don’t suppose it would be very hard to guess.” Ana adds, seeing Jack’s contented smile pulling at his lips.

“Aye, I suppose not.” Jack agrees.

“So are ye finally going to admit it then?” Ana queries.

“Admit what?”

“That ye love her, just like I said ye were.” Jack frowns for a moment, recalling the conversation he had with Ana on that very day you and he had been ripped from one another’s arms. Sighing in defeat and realisation that he can hide it from the mulatto woman no longer, especially as it seems he’d not been doing a very good job of it anyway, he nods his head in agreement before speaking.

“Yes Ana, I do love her.” Ana smiles, pleased that Jack has finally said it aloud. “Its strange fer me t’ say so but I do.” He adds.

“Why do ye say that?” Ana asks with a small frown. “Being in love isn’t all that unusual ye know.”

“It is for me,” Jack admits, his tone sounding rather despondent.

“Why? Yer a human same as everyone else…”

“Aye, but I swore that I wouldn’t love anyone, not when it leads to so much trouble.”

“How do ye know that?”

“Look at the situation we’re in now, this all happened because I fell in love with her!”

“And do ye regret that, do ye wish she’d never came along?”

“No, don’t be stupid!”

“Then ye’ve still not given me a reason to believe ye shouldn’t be in love, she’s worth this, love is worth this. You know that.”

“I know, I know. It’s just that… past experiences… they deaden your heart, they make you put up barriers against loving… to stop yourself from going through the pain again.”

“What past experiences?” Ana queries softly, placing her hand on Jack’s arm. She can hear something in Jack’s voice that scares her, a slight desperation and sadness. She knows very little about Jack’s past and can’t comprehend everything he’s been through in his life but although she and Jack had always displayed a love/hate relationship she does care for him dearly.

“It’s nothing Ana.” Jack says, realising how open he’d suddenly let himself be. He’d not told anybody about his past in many, many years, it was too difficult to trust people with that kind of information and it also hurt him too much to speak of it. He had a past just like everyone, with highs and lows and bits in between but there are some things he’d much rather forget about completely.

“Yer a puzzle Jack.” Ana states with a smile, knowing that she cannot push Jack into revealing what’s upset him. Its obviously something from his past and something he doesn’t want to talk about and that she has to respect for he is her Captain, and her friend. “But ye do at least admit that ye love her now.”

“Aye.”

“And ye admit ye’ve been a daft fool with all this debacle and running away from her.”

“Aye.” Jack answers after a momentary pause.

“And ye admit that I’m far wiser than ye and was right all along.”

“Don’t push it Ana,” Jack replies slightly sternly though mirth bubbles below the surface. “Now get t’ finding more of this and tell Gibbs that if he gets hold of any more he’s t’ bring it to me straight away.” He says, passing the now empty canteen to Ana. Rolling here eyes Ana takes it, smiling as she leaves Jack to his thoughts. He was a puzzle indeed but it seemed that there was one woman who had the key, and it shouldn’t be too long now before he and she are reunited once again.

* * * * *

AN: Well not all that much has happened in this chapter I suppose but I hope it wasn’t too tedious or anything, I just felt that some time of thinking and reminiscing and making everyone’s feelings clear was necessary. Also, I’m running a mailing list so if anyone would like to be added to it then please send an email to hot_like_chokolate@hotmail.com and I shall send out notifications when this and other stories are updated. If you’d only like to know about this then please specify just that. I hope everyone has enjoyed reading this and are pleased with the slightly quicker update this time. It shouldn’t be too long now before you and Jack are reunited once again! As always reviews are appreciated, ciao for now!

* * * * *

A light tapping inside your mind seems to rouse you slightly from the peaceful darkness you’d been residing in, but keeping your eyes closed you ignore it. Now is not the time to do chores for Madam, it can’t be very far into the day and you’re not getting up any time soon. If she makes you then she’s going to get an earful of insults and curses because you’re just too tired to be polite to the wretched hag. The darkness seems to start to disappear though as the tapping gets louder until finally, with one sharp bang you find yourself jerking awake and moments later slammed onto the floor.

Groaning you open your eyes, noise ringing in your ears as you try to recall your surroundings and most importantly, what you are doing on the floor and what that insistent banging is. As your senses become fully awakened you realise the gentle rocking motion of your surroundings, the smell of the ocean and the noise of the crashing waves against the hull of the ship. Ah yes, you’re aboard the Unleashed Tempest on your way to find Jack. That’s one question explained you note and looking upwards you see another answered; the hammock swinging from side to side with great momentum. They were most definitely not the most pleasant things to sleep in and even worse to awake in.

“Are you alright Miss?” asks a young male voice as someone pushes the door open tentatively and pokes his head around. Sitting up and pushing your palm against the throbbing area on your head you see a boy of about 17, looking to you with worried eyes. Muttering something incomprehensible in response and blinking a couple of times you push yourself up from the floor, feeling grateful as the lad takes a hold of your arm to steady you. You’d never felt quite this groggy before when awakening.

“Thanks.” You say as the boy lets go of your arm. “Was it you knocking?” you ask, recalling the banging that had roused you from your sleep.

“Yes Miss, sorry, the Captain asked me to come and get you as he’s requested your company at dinner.”

“Oh.” You respond, rubbing your eyes and looking to the lad with a smile. Taking in the boys slightly wavy blonde hair, green eyes, rather lanky figure and grimy skin you get the strangest feeling that you’ve seen him somewhere before, but can’t recall where. “What’s your name?” you ask, wondering why you would recognise him.

“Mason Miss, Mason Clarke.” You nod your head in acknowledgment but don’t recognise the name at all. “So… will you dine with the Captain Miss?” he asks after a moment’s silence.

“Oh… um… yes, I’ll be there in a moment.” You say having almost forgotten about it after wondering about the boy.

“I’ll just wait outside the door Miss and take you there then.” Mason says, stepping out of the door and shutting it gently. Furrowing your brow slightly again wondering about the lad you open your sack of clothes and rummage through it for a comb. Taking your hair out of the pin that had held it up neatly until you’d fallen asleep and made it come unravelled, you run the comb through your slightly tangled locks. After short moment of brushing your twist it all up again, slipping the pin in place to hold it up again and making yourself look more presentable. Putting on your shoes you stand and smooth out any creases in your dress. Opening the door you see Mason waiting patiently near it.

“To the Captains quarters then.” You state as you step out into the hall.

“Yes, I shall escort you milady.” Mason says in a slightly snobbish but joking manner. As he offers you his arm you can’t help but take an instant liking to him, he seems much nicer than the other crewmember you’ve met; Kirney. Shuddering at the thought of him and glad that some of the duties of looking after you had been delegated elsewhere you walk with Mason onwards, the smell of the ocean becoming stronger as you reach near the stairwell leading up to the main deck. “Sorry about the rude awakening, I had been knocking for quite a few minutes though.” Mason says apologetically.

“Don’t worry, I forgot where I was and more importantly that I was in a hammock; those things have never agreed with me.” You reply with a slight grimace as you recall your very first night on the Pearl and how you’d fallen to the floor in just the same manner. This time it didn’t hurt as much now that the wounds of weeks ago have very much healed over, now not much more than light scars over your skin. Whilst you’d stayed in Port Jacob at Madam Beaveus’ you’d found that they no longer needed wrapping anymore and your thighs are almost as healed as they’re going to get.

“Here we are.” Mason interrupts your thoughts, announcing your arrival at the door of the Captains quarters. Looking around you see that night is looming quite quickly and the faint light of the dwindling sun is casting an eerie glow about the ship. It seems almost like a sickly yellow, making everything look rancid. The cool breeze does nothing to quell your slight trepidation that has started since thinking about dining with the Captain; there’s something about him you just can’t quite grasp, something mysterious and not very pleasant. As Mason raps quickly on the door you hear Silas’ gravelly voice telling you to enter sending shivers up your spine.

Mason opens the door and gestures for you to go in, smiling at you reassuringly. Looking around Silas’ quarters you see that they’re not that dissimilar to Jack’s, but the same eeriness of outside does not stop within. Even now with candles strewn around the cabin it feels cold with the same edge of danger and mystery.

“Welcome,” Silas’ voice barks out quite cheerily, startling you slightly as you realise he’s standing in the far corner of the room, out of the way of much of the light and hidden by the shadows. “I trust you found yer sleepin’ arrangements adequate enough?” he asks stepping out of the dark.

“Yes, thank you.” You reply politely, upon instinct dipping into a slight curtsey. Silas’ laughter seems to come as growl out of him as he sees your polite gesture.

“I told ye earlier, there ain’t no need for formalities aroun’ ‘ere.” He says, motioning towards the table where cutlery and several covered dishes have been laid. “Mason, yer dismissed.” He barks sharply, his cold grey eyes darting to the young boy who had remained waiting in the open doorway. Smiling to the lad yourself you watch as he nods in compliance, offering a quick smile to you in return and then shuts the door softly as he leaves. “Take a seat.” Silas offers.

“Thank you.” You reply and pull out one of the few heavy chairs set around the table, taking a seat upon the velvet cushion. Sitting mutely you watch as Silas makes his way over to the table and sits opposite you, lifting away the covers from the plates to reveal various dishes. Salted beef and pork adorned with various garnishes occupy two plates and bowls of various steaming vegetable sit beside them. A plate of cheese and ship’s biscuits also sit aside and several bottles containing some kind of beverage make up the rest of the meal before you.

“Tuck in, the vegetables specifically, they’ll be rotten soon aboard the ship.” Silas states, cutting away some of the pork and placing it upon the empty plate before him. “Had them brought in ‘specially, thought that a respectable young woman such as yerself would be accustomed to them and I wanted t’ make yer feel at home.” He adds, glancing towards you as he speaks. Pausing and frowning in puzzlement you look at Silas as he continues to serve his meal. How did he know you came from a respectable family, or was it just a compliment? “I don’t know much about ye but I’ve ‘eard a little.” Silas admits in answer to your questioning expression.

“What do you know?” You ask, beginning to serve up some beef and vegetables for yourself.

“I know that a young lady aroun’ yer age ran away from her esteemed family not long ago in Port Royal.” He begins, looking for some kind of response or agreement in your expression. Receiving nothing but nonchalance as you’re trying to hide your inner angst he continues. “I also ‘eard that the said young lady found ‘erself aboard a ship, a pirate ship no less.”

“And after that?” you question; wondering just how sure Silas is that you are this young woman.

“Well the ship she boarded was the Black Pearl, and from then she was taken to be Captain Sparrow’s bed mate.” Silas says bluntly causing you to intake a breath sharply in shock. “After that I don’t know, seeing as I thought the Pearl t’ be at the bottom of Davey Jones locker an’ all. Wine?” he continues, holding up one of the bottles.

“Please,” you accept, mulling the thoughts over in your head rapidly. You weren’t aware that your antics were so well known, up to the point as to your relationship with Jack. It is true that your emotions may well lead to you becoming his lover but you believe that the bond is far stronger than that and you don’t know why anyone would have thought you to have jumped into bed with him already anyway. Taking the goblet of wine as Silas passes it to you, giving him a small smile in thanks you look to him warily as you take a sip, wondering the exact depths of his knowledge about you.

“And how do you know all of this?” you ask, your tone giving away your trepidation to your disappointment. You’d hoped to seem nonchalant but your voice has betrayed that illusion.

“Word gets around when ye stop from port to port, caused a right fuss in Port Royal with her family lookin’ fer her.”

“Do you think they know where I… she is?” you ask, mentally kicking yourself for almost slipping.

“The last I ‘eard they’d given up hope of finding ‘er, I don’t think they know about her joining the pirate ship and sleeping with Captain Sparrow, they’d probably keel over from shock off they did. Quite disgraceful I’m sure.” Silas says, his tone showing slight mirth.

“How do you know she and Captain Sparrow are lovers?” you ask, anger starting to rise within you as you think about people’s opinions of you. You are not the kind of woman to just jump into a mans bed!

“Well its just rumour as always,” Silas answers as he starts to eat. “But Captain Sparrow ‘as quite a reputation amongst the ladies, more so the whores,” he continues between mouthfuls, you leaving your food untouched as you start to bristle as your temper grows. “An’ I’ve ‘eard tell that no woman could resist his charms, least of all a prim little lady craving adventure and a way to spite her parents. Quite silly really what women’ll do at times.”

“Quite.” You agree as you grit your teeth. You realise Silas’ game, trying to put you on edge enough to make you falter and give up your charade, admitting to him that you are the woman he speaks of. You’re not ready to give that admission though, he can keep believing it but without your agreement he doesn’t know for definite and that is the way you prefer it.

“So are ye not the woman they speak of?” Silas asks bluntly. Glancing towards the untouched plate of food before you and taking another sip of wine you wait a moment before answering.

“If I were Captain Sparrow’s lover don’t you think I’d be with him right now?” you say, not answering the question at all.

“Hmmm, quite right.” Silas agrees surprisingly. You can see by the look on his face he is not satisfied though. “Well eat up before it gets cold.” He says, motioning towards your plate. Silently thanking the gods that the issue has been dropped you begin to tuck into the meal which proves to be exceptionally delicious. As you eat you can hear Silas murmuring his pleasure at the tastes, it seems he just like you have not had a meal quite this good in a long time. Whilst the food in the tavern and on the Pearl was good it wasn’t as nice as this.

“This is delicious.” You offer as a compliment, breaking the silence.

“Mmm,” Silas agrees, wiping his mouth with a napkin. It makes you laugh inwardly to see him doing so, when you thought about pirates eating this is certainly not how you imagined them to act. It was after all Silas himself telling you earlier that formalities were not needed, yet here he is dabbing at his mouth. “That young lad is definitely an improvement to me crew.” He states.

“Do you mean Mason?” you ask, thinking of the boy from earlier.

“Aye, he only joined the crew today, said ‘e wanted to go t’ England and that ‘e’d be an ‘ard worker. Came an’ asked just moments after ye left actually. He ‘elped the cook with the meal tonight, no doubt did the brunt of the work as Patterson usually drinks the wine he cooks with and falls into some sort of stupor. The mans been reprimanded I don’t know how many times but he keeps doin’ it, I can’t kick ‘im out though.”

“Why not?” you ask. Silas seems like quite a fearsome Captain and one that wouldn’t feel any remorse over throwing out a crewmember who hadn’t worked their fair share.

“‘E’s me cousin.” Silas says with a shrug. “Me mothers, brothers son, a bit… slow as it were. I promised to keep ‘im aroun’ an out of trouble though killin’ ‘im at birth probably would ‘ave been the best thing. A promise is a promise though and I keep t’ me word.”

“I thought pirates lived upon lies and dishonesty.” You state. That may be a lie in some respect, you know Jack, Gibbs and Anamaria to be honest people though pirates, but Silas seems to be an altogether different kind.

“Whatever ye’ve ‘eard about pirates it can’t be that bad. Ye’ve joined me ship after all in order to find one so yer opinions can’t be that low.”

“This is true, but with different people you just never know and at the moment I know very little about yourself and your crew.” You reply coolly.

“Well ‘opefully with yer time aboard that may be changed.” A new male voice appears from beside you, startling you and making you drop the cutlery you’d been holding. The voice you’d recognised instantly and as you look beside you your suspicions are confirmed as Kirney stands there, leering slightly.

“Ah now Kirney, you startled the poor girl.” Silas reprimands though his voice is heavily tinged with mirth rather than anger.

“Very sorry.” Kirney apologises rather insincerely, squatting to pick the cutlery from the floor where you’d dropped it. Watching him as you do so your breath hitches as his hand brushes against your ankle as he picks up the knife and you can’t help but notice his smile at the repulsed shudder that runs through you.

“I… uh… it’s quite alright.” You manage to stammer as Kirney stands, taking a cloth from the table and wiping the cutlery off before placing it before you once again.

“Glad t’ be of assistance.” Kirney says, his voice low and husky. Your heart is racing as he locks his gaze with yours, his eyebrows raised in that familiar lecherous manner and that mischievous and altogether unpleasant smirk pulling at his lips.

“So why is it that ye’ve interrupted our meal Kirney?” Silas asks abruptly causing you to jump slightly again. Damnit this whole scenario is starting to get you very on edge.

“Sorry Sir, I just wanted to make sure that everything was going well and whether you wanted me t’ get anything.” Kirney responds quickly.

“Everything is fine, I’ll call ye if I need ye.” Silas answers authoritatively. Kirney nods his acceptance and leaves the room silently, the door doesn’t even seem to make a sound as he shuts it. “I don’t know how ‘e does it.” Silas states with a slight bemused tone.

“Excuse me?” you ask.

“Kirney, he creeps about so quietly no one knows where he is until he announces himself, like a mouse.”

“Or a rat,” you mutter quietly so that Silas doesn’t hear. You do not like Kirney one bit and now this added information about him is not making you feel any more at ease. If he is able to creep about like that he could get into your room whilst you slept and do only god knows what… that is not a nice thought.

“Have ye finished?” Silas asks, nodding towards your almost empty plate.

“Oh, yes thank you.” You reply, pushing your chair back slightly away from the table.

“These leftovers’ll keep fer another night yet so it shall be the same tomorrow to eat, after that the crew can ‘ave ‘em.” Silas says, scraping his chair back and standing. Nodding your head in acceptance you follow suit, wondering what plans Silas has for you for the rest of the evening and hoping that he’ll allow you to leave and go back to your cabin as soon as possible.

“I don’t mean to be rude but I was wondering whether you wanted me to do anything now that dinner’s finished.” You query your thoughts.

“Aye, there is a little favour I would like t’ ask of ye.” Silas responds. “Could ye sing fer me, provide a bit of evening entertainment?” Frowning slightly as you think about his request you decide that it is not unreasonable and mull over different songs in your mind.

“Well what would you like me to sing?” you ask.

“I don’t know, something lively to keep me going through the night, sailing in the dark can get quite lonely and dare I say it, dull. With a tune running through my head it might make it a bit more bearable.”

You can’t help but wonder at what kind of Captain Silas is if he actually finds guiding his ship tedious, you’re sure that Jack would never refer to it as being anything more than delightful… maybe not quite in those words. You supposed good Captain’s to be proud of their ships and eager to guide them towards the horizon, Silas does not seem to fit this category. However, thinking over all the varying tunes you’ve learnt in the tavern in Port Royal you pick one out. Standing up and smiling to Silas notifying him of your acquiescence to his request you begin singing a shanty titled Ben Backstay.

Ben Backstay was a boatswain,
A very jolly boy,
No lad than he more merrily
Could pipe all hands ahoy.
And when unto his summons
We did not well attend,
No lad than he more merrily
Could handle a rope's end.

Without his head his ghost appeared
All on the briny lake:
He piped all hands aloft and said;
"Lads, by me warning take:
By drinking grog I lost my life,
So lest my fate you meet,
Why, never mix your liquors, lads,
But always drink them neat

As the merry tune finishes you find yourself feeling rather more at ease and see that Silas has quite a grin forming on his lips. The only problem with this being the set of rather unpleasant teeth it reveals.

“Lass ye’ve a good voice no doubt about it!” Silas says heartily.

“Thank you, having a good song to sing plays a big part in it though.” You reply feeling slightly flushed at having performed yet again, though your only audience is Silas.

“Ye shall have t’ sing fer me crew one night.” Silas states merrily, causing your insides to squirm. Singing in front of Silas was bad enough but singing in front of his crew… that included Kirney… oh gods no.

“If you really want me to.” You agree quietly. You can’t be rude and flat out say no as much as you wish to.

“Only if ye want t’ yerself.” Silas says, obviously detecting your trepidation at the prospect. “How about another song fer me an’ then ye can be off t’ yer cabin, an’ I can be off t’ the helm with a lovely tune in me ‘ead?”

“Well then, it’ll have to be the best song I know.” You say with a smile, thinking of just the right one. It’s a common one across the taverns and brothels in many a port you know but it’s got to be one of the best of the lot. If ever there were to be a sea shanty remembered for a long time it would be this and so without any further ado you begin, Silas joining in as soon as the first line has left your lips.

What shall we do with the drunken sailor,
What shall we do with the drunken sailor,
What shall we do with the drunken sailor,
Early in the morning?

Put him in the guardroom till he gets sober.
Put him in the guardroom till he gets sober.
Put him in the guardroom till he gets sober.
Early in the morning

As you finish the song having even started dancing a little as you watch Silas clapping the rhythm and singing the chorus along you’re quite startled when the sound of applause comes from the doorway, and it is only now that you feel the cool breeze blowing through it. Young Mason stands in the doorway, backed by a few of Silas’ crewmen that you don’t recognise.

“Quite the entertainer ye are luv!” Silas states jovially. Smiling in thanks you look to the crewmembers who haven’t moved from the doorway, and more so to Mason who has a sincere, joyful smile pulling at his lips. “Well as I said I keep t’ me word so I shall let ye get back to yer cabin.” Silas adds. “Mason can escort ye.” Mason nods his head in compliance upon the order.

“Thank you.” You reply gratefully.

“Get back t’ work!” Silas suddenly shouts and the crew minus Mason quickly scurry away from the door to do whatever chores they’ve been assigned.

“Goodnight.” You bid as you walk towards the door, smiling to Mason who looks like he quite enjoyed your singing too.

“Night.” Silas responds before you close the door gently.

“Would you like to go back to your cabin?” Mason asks as soon as you step out onto the deck.

“No, I think some fresh air is in order if you don’t mind.” You reply pleasantly, fully welcoming the breeze that blows against you. Singing and dancing around as you have been can certainly warm you up and with the numerous candles in the room the heat had been heightened further. “You don’t have to wait with me.” You add, not wanting to keep Mason away from whatever he has to do.

“No, it’s quite alright.” He insists, starting to walk with you towards the bow of the ship.

“If you’re sure, I don’t want you getting into trouble with the Captain, he said it is your first day onboard.”

“Did he?” Mason asks with a slightly fearful edge to his voice that startles you a little.

“Yes…” you confirm.

“Did he say anything else?” he asks, an expression of slight worry passing over his features.

“No, only that you asked to join his crew so that you could sail to England. I don’t think he knows any more than that… well other than you’re a good cook.” You reply, smiling to him warmly in a way of trying to relieve whatever is worrying him.

“Oh… alright.” Mason says, breathing a small sigh of relief.

“Do you have something to hide then?” you ask playfully and inwardly scold yourself as Mason’s expression turns fearful.

“No! Why would you think that?” he answers quickly.

“It’s alright, it’s alright.” You say trying to soothe him. “I don’t know, you just seem like you might be hiding something. Don’t worry though, I think everyone is.” You add the last part quietly.

“Like you?” Mason queries.

“Maybe.” You reply with a smile. “But I promise it’s not something too awful.” You add playfully.

“Good, well you can keep your secret and I can keep mine, for now at least. And mines not that bad either.” He replies with a smile.

Reaching the bow the pair of you stop and stand with your forearms resting upon the railings, looking out to the horizon or what you can see of it in the nightime darkness. The moonlight just betrays where the sky meets the ocean as light is cast over the rippling waves. Thin wispy clouds streak across the sky in patches, twinkling stars shining brightly in every open space. Standing in silence you close your eyes and imagine the ship you are on to be the Pearl, and not far from you standing at the helm would be your Captain, looking as proud and majestic as ever. Smiling contentedly at these thoughts you stand there and just let your mind wander, thinking of what Jack is doing at this very point in time.

* * * *

Captain Jack Sparrow however is not in such a bright mood as the woman he loves, sailing towards him some while away. Unknowingly standing at the same position as her at the bow of the Intrepid he doesn’t feel content in the slightest. His mood through the day had been fine enough, Ana had done a good job in finding another canteen of rum and that had elated his spirits a lot. That was until the later effects of the substance came into play and he started feeling drowsy.

Thinking nothing of it he’d passed his duties onto Cotton, Gibbs being asleep and Ana having other chores to do. Cotton was a fair enough sailor though he knew, despite his stunted tongue his capabilities were just fine. With this in mind Jack had retired to his cabin, thinking that a couple of hours rest would do him some good. What a fatal mistake that had been.

Dreams had come to him as he’d lain sleeping, dreams of times when he was but a young boy living with his mother. He dreamt of how she tucked him into his bed, the young child with thick hair and large eyes that made every lady comment upon his cute looks. He could pull the most innocent of expressions and most likely get away with murder if he tried. In this dream the young Jack Sparrow lies with small rivulets of tears streaming down his face, quietly crying as he hears the door to the little home he shares with his parents slam. His father has left once again, not knowing when he would return.

Jack looked up to his da immensely, thinking him to be the best man in the entire world and the greatest sailor to ever cross the ocean. His only problem being that he would leave so often and for so long. Jack loved his mother dearly, she was kind and beautiful and worked hard to keep him well with enough food and the likes. She would play with him during the days when she had time, as often she would be working. She was after all the finest seamstress in the whole town and had many a job to do. Jack longed for his fathers companionship though, for he would take him upon adventures and their games would fulfil Jack’s need for excitement more than the games he and his mother would play. Whenever Jack and his father were together there could not be a happier young boy to be found.

But now yet again his father had left, off to sail on his grand ship once more. How much Jack wished to go with him on these escapades no one could fathom, it was his dream every day since he drew breath to be able to sail with his father. His mother though had not yet allowed it and his father had agreed, saying that a ship was not the right place for a young lad of three. As much as Jack claimed that he was as strong as any sailor so far his wishes had not been achieved and now as silent tears roll down his cheeks, his lower lip trembling he damns the fact that he is but a child. Men do not cry and they don’t hurt and every time his father left Jack would resolve that he would become just like that. So far though he hadn’t been able to stop the tears from falling though the shouting that he used to raise was no more. With the sound of his mother quietly crying in the living area in his ears he could not stop the aching, not yet. When he grew up just a little more he would be strong but for now, three year old Jack cried himself to sleep.

As if this weren’t enough Jack’s dreams do not relent after this and now he finds himself standing in the Golden Rose, many a patron laughing cheerily around him. As he looks around he sees a familiar face, that of you. Feeling his heart leap he grins, finally having found you he can feel no happier. As he walks onwards, pushing his way through the crowd he gets a clearer view of you, sitting in a private booth near the back… and who should be sitting beside you, his hand resting lovingly atop of yours. Graham. Every part of Jack wants to rush over there and rip the pair of you apart but as he watches you having stopped in his tracks he sees the way you’re smiling and laughing at what Graham is saying.

Carefully edging towards you but remaining out of sight Jack tries to listen to your conversation and as he gets closer it seems as though the rest of the tavern has become silent. The patrons mouths move as they seem to be talking and laughing merrily but no sound seems to come from them. The only noise coming to Jack’s ears is yours and Graham’s voices.

“My love I am so glad you have seen sense.” Graham speaks just metres away from Jack.

“I know, I was a fool.” You agree with him making Jack ponder as to why. “But some part of me always did long for a little bit of adventure, I think I was just blinded by it all.” You continue.

“You’re not a fool darling.” Graham says sweetly, reaching out and stroking your cheek. “Things just got a little out of hand, you didn’t know what you were doing.”

“I know, I know. I don’t think I was quite in the right state of mind, Jonathan’s death obviously affected me more than I knew and made me do… stupid things.”

“Grief can do that to people my love, it’s understandable.” Graham reassures.

“But thinking I was in love with Jack?!” you exclaim, your tone showing utter contempt over your actions. “I must have been the biggest idiot to walk this earth!” Jack grits his teeth at your distasteful tone, watching as you and Graham laugh about it together. “I don’t know what I was thinking, believing that I loved him. I never did I know that now, he was just… there really.”

“You just wanted to find an escape from your misery and he seemed to be it, I understand.”

“Yes, I suppose that is exactly it. Jonathan’s death and the way my family acted hurt me greatly and I suppose by making myself believe I had something with Jack just made it disappear for a while. Until you came along of course. I see sense now Graham I really do.”

“Well I’m glad my love, if you hadn’t I wouldn’t have you here now and we would not be engaged to be wed!”

“How terrible that would be!” you exclaim with a giggle.

“I think the most terrible thing is though that Jack actually seemed to believe that you loved him, now if anyone is a fool then it is him.” Graham states, his tone mocking.

“I know, I have pondered myself how he actually thought himself to be good enough. He knew of my background so he should have known I wouldn’t really fall in love with someone like him, he’s a pirate after all.”

“Indeed. Well past frivolities are over with now dearest and we can settle down into our lives together.”

“Oh yes my love, we can be happy together until the end of time.” You agree. As Jack watches his heart racing and his expression stunned you lean in and kiss Graham, a slow and meaningful kiss shared between two people in love. Everything about it makes him want to wretch and all of a sudden the whole tavern seems to swirl around him, making him dizzy. As he stumbles around trying to regain his footing all he can hear is your mocking laughter and your voice saying that he is a fool.

From then he had awoken with a cold sweat, his breathing ragged and his heart pulsating furiously. Every bit of him felt angry and scared and as irrational as it could be he’d started to have suspicions. Ever since he had seen you with Graham in the gardens a day had not passed when he’d recalled it, even after Graham claimed that you’d not accepted his advances. At idle moments Jack’s thoughts would wander and think about all the ‘what if?’s and ‘why?’s. As much as he wants to believe that you love him that doubt is always there and he can not shake it, not until you tell him yourself.

What if you don’t though? What if you’re finally reunited and you realise what a fool you’d been, just like you had in his dream? What if you realise that the life being in a relationship with Graham offers by far exceeds anything Jack could give you?

Thumping his fist against the railing of the Intrepid Jack tries to shake off these thoughts, finding that they’re only stoking his temper more and more by the second. It is not just these notions that will not leave his mind though, the earlier dream about his childhood is playing upon his mind also. Looking back to those years long passed it causes an aching within Jack’s heart. He had not had an unhappy childhood in comparison to many, but these particular moments were ones he didn’t like to remember. He hated to feel so abandoned and lost as he did whenever his father left, and he hated to know how it hurt his mother also. Thinking back to the memories Jack closes his eyes and pictures the scene from a three year olds eyes. He had crept out of bed so quietly after his father had come to say goodnight and had peeked around the door so that he may watch him leave.

For a long moment Jack’s parents were entwined in a long embrace, holding onto one another as if for life itself. He could see his mothers shoulders shaking as she cried quietly into his fathers shoulder, and could see the pained, remorseful expression upon his fathers face.

“I have to leave, you know that darling.” Jack’s father says, rubbing his wife’s back affectionately. She nods her head in response and pulls away from him slightly, looking at him with teary eyes.

“Look after yourself.” She says quietly, brushing away her tears with the back of her hand. Jack’s father smiles weakly at her and places a soft kiss upon her forehead.

“I shall, and you too, look after yourself and the lad.”

“I will. Come back soon, you know how much he misses you.”

“I know.”

“And I do too.”

“I know.” Stroking his wife’s hair gently and placing a soft kiss upon her lips he smiles at her before speaking again.

Opening his eyes and looking out to the horizon now Jack recalls the words exactly, and as he pictures his father actually singing them softly to his mother before leaving he does the same.

Oh rhythm of my heart is beating like a drum
With the words "I love you" rolling off my tongue
No never will I roam for I know my place is home
Where the ocean meets the sky
I'll be sailing

Sighing to himself Jack remains in his place, allowing himself to reminisce for once as he stares blankly out towards the horizon.

* * * * *

AN: Just a note to say that I do not own any of the lyrics used in this chapter. The first two are sea shanties I found on the net and the last is from a song called Rhythm of My Heart by Rod Stewart.

* * * * *

“Y’alright Captain?” Gibbs rough voice interrupts Jack’s reverie causing him to cease his thoughts of memories from his past. He’d not thought back to those times in many years but once he’d started he’d found himself recalling more, days and nights gone by long ago that he shared with his mum and da.

“Mhmmm.” Jack mutters in response, not feeling particularly great but not wishing to start talking about his thoughts.

“Thinkin’ about the lass?” Gibbs asks. Pausing momentarily Jack ponders the question before he answers, knowing that for once you’d not been on his mind foremost, but that you had still been there and now that Gibbs has mentioned you his thoughts do wander away from his childhood memories.

“Aye, as usual.” Jack replies, a small lopsided smile lifting the corners of his lips. “I’m no better than the whelp when it comes to acting all romantic.” He says, chuckling to himself.

“Well that’s not such a bad thing as ye know full well.” Gibbs assures.

“No, it’s not. Just a bit strange for me.”

“Aye, well things take time getting’ used to, especially something as big as falling in love.”

“Maybe…” Jack ponders.

“Won’t be long now though and ye’ll be back with ‘er.” Gibbs offers, smiling softly at the thought of it.

“That’s another thing that must have taken some getting used t’.”

“What do ye mean?”

“You not havin’ a fear of women onboard.” Jack replies, mirth bubbling in his voice. Gibbs seems to ponder the statement for a moment before nodding his head in agreement.

“Aye, but I think it’s fair to say that Anamaria has proven to be a much bigger help than a hindrance on board, without her I’m not sure what we’d do… but don’t tell ‘er I said that.” He rushes out the last part causing Jack to chuckle.

“Nah, she’s not all bad, still got a vile temper on her though.” Jack states, grimacing slightly at the thought of it.

“Well ye do egg ‘er on.”

“All in the name of fun though Gibbs and she knows it.”

“Aye, I suppose she does. She’s a very different woman t’ yer girl though.”

“In some ways, but they’re not so dissimilar.”

“Why’d ye say that?”

“Ye haven’t heard the words she mouths off when she’s in a temper!” Jack says jovially, thinking back to the diary entry he read what seems like eons ago. “Incorrigible, vile wretch I believe she called me.”

“Well I’m sure ye deserved it.”

Jack raises an eyebrow in speculation, looking at the stoutly man beside him. Sighing though he nods his head. “Aye, probably, and I don’t suppose I’m goin’ t’ escape without some kind of reprimand when we get t’ ‘er once again.”

“Well that ye’d most definitely deserve.”

“I know, I know. Whatever happens, I’ll just be glad t’ see her though.”

“Well she’s safe and sound until yer return.”

“I hope so, but ye seem awful sure of it Gibbs…” Jack responds, looking to Gibbs with an eyebrow raised in question.

“Well Rosa and Arthur aren’t ‘bout t’ let ‘er do anythin’ stupid… and I paid for a little bit of assurance that she’d be kept away from harm.” Gibbs adds with a sly grin.

“Paid who?” Jack asks, his eyebrows rising at Gibbs statement.

“Never ye mind, just know that I wasn’t about t’ let ‘er ‘ang around Port Jacob by ‘er onesies without knowing that someone was keepin’ an eye on ‘er.”

“She really has become like a daughter to you, hasn’t she.” Jack says quietly, smiling warmly to his friend.

“Aye, she ‘as.” Gibbs says without hesitation. It had been uncomfortable for him to admit in the beginning, he wasn’t the kind of man to form relationships quickly and certainly not with women, no matter whether the relationship is sexual, platonic or paternal. Now though ever since getting to know you further he’s begun to realise just how much he does care about you, after all diving off the side of a ship wasn’t the easiest of efforts to make for the portly man, especially with gunshots ringing in his ears.

“Well ye’ll see her again soon.” Jack says breaking the short silence that had come.

“Aye, just got to get over this debacle with Silas and then back to Port Jacob.” Gibbs agrees. “What’s yer plan of action?” he asks. Jack had not yet conferred with him what steps they were to be taking, all he knows is that they are on the course to England, apparently on the same course as Silas chasing after him and that once they’ve caught up with him he’d be made to suffer for all the trouble he’s caused. How this is going to happen though has not yet been discussed.

“There are two options.” Jack begins after a moment of contemplation. “Depending upon Silas’ course.”

“But I thought we knew him t’ be headin’ towards England?” Gibbs asks, frowning a little.

“He is, but there was a storm that may well have set him back in his journey. If the Unleashed Tempest got through the storm alright then they’ll continue with their voyage towards England and being as she’s fast we’ll most likely catch up with them a little while after they’ve reached port. The likeliness is though that the ship wouldn’t have managed to make it through the storm well enough, she wasn’t looking in the greatest shape as it was beforehand so it is most likely that they will have had to stop at a port to fix any damage. We weren’t far from Port Jacob when the storm hit so they’ll most likely have turned back and stopped there, then once they’re ready they’ll set out on the course to England once again, but now they’ll be behind us. Silas’ ship is fast though so rather than meeting us at port it’s more likely that she’ll be catching up with us soon enough, which we shall allow.”

“But if Silas sees our ship then he’s most likely goin’ t’ want t’ sink us, we’re on a Naval vessel after all.” Gibbs interjects, his tone worried.

“If he sees me Captaining the ship though he’s going to want to come closer, if he finds out I escaped his act of revenge before you can place yer money on him wanting to make me suffer more this time, therefore he’s going to want close contact fighting. If he is the man I believe him to be he’ll allow our ships to get close enough so that I may board the Unleashed Tempest with the idea of making negotiations as to how we are to fight, he’ll undoubtedly know that I want to make him suffer just as much and so, being the gentlemen we are,” at which point Jack’s lips curl into a smirk, “we shall come to some sort of accord. During this time of negotiations, most likely t’ be taking place in Silas’ quarters the crew are to board the Unleashed Tempest and engage in battle.”

“Ah…” Gibbs acknowledges, mulling the plan over.

“One thing though, leave five of the stronger men behind onboard the Intrepid.”

“But Captain, we’re goin’ t’ need all the hands we can get to fend of Silas’ crew!” Gibbs states, his voice rising slightly in panic.

“As it is Gibbs even if we send in all the men Silas’ crew will most probably win.”

“Then yer sendin’ us in to be slaughtered?”

“Gibbs, have faith in me man! Silas’ crew aren’t goin’ t’ kill ye, they’ll just capture ye and once I’m dead they’ll give ye the choice to join them, or die.”

“Well ye know what decision I’d come t’ in a second, an’ that goes the same for every one else aboard this ship… who aren’t in the brig.” Gibbs says sincerely.

“Aye, and ye don’t know how truly gratful I am for it. The idea is though to leave five men behind, that way once Silas’ crew think they’ve defeated ye all and have you captured they’ll not notice the five men creeping on board. Then using stealth they’ll be able to get a few men down and then free the rest of ye t’ engage in another battle which will be far easier for us to win.”

“But what about you Jack, is Silas really going to wait all this time to kill you, long enough for us to kill all his crew and then come to your aid.”

“He’s going to keep me alive as long as possible, even if it’s just barely and believe me I’m goin’ t’ put up a fight, but only when he doesn’t have any of his crew about to help him.”

“So whilst we’re hangin’ about in the brigs waitin’ to be released yer goin’ to be gettin’ beaten to a pulp?”

“Knowing Silas… aye, but there’s no gain without some pain and being victorious over him in the end and making him suffer for everything he’s done will make it all worthwhile.”

“There sounds to be a lot of chances for things t’ go wrong Jack, what if the men we leave behind are discovered, what if Silas decides to kill yer straight away?”

“It’s the only plan we’ve got Gibbs and we’ll do out best to stick with it. If things go wrong though… just use yer instincts and do what ye can. Kill as many of Silas’ crew as ye can, but ye leave Silas for me, make sure everyone knows that.” Jack says, his tone dropping low and vehement.

“Aye, his blood is yers to spill.” Gibbs agrees. It was strange for him to see Jack acting so bloodthirsty but he knows that it’s most definitely justifiable. The plan certainly doesn’t sound perfect but as Jack said it’s the only one they’ve got and by the sounds of things he knows Silas well enough to judge what actions to take. Jack wants his revenge on Silas and Gibbs knows he’s not going to go into this without the idea of victory at the end of it, namely Silas’ suffering. Gibbs quite hoped that he might be able to hurt Silas in some way himself, he’d caused him enough trouble but from looking at Jack he knows that what he’s suffered is quite insignificant in comparison. Jack was new to the concept of love he knew so to finally find it and have it ripped away had to hurt a hell of a lot. The emotional pain Jack must have felt throughout all of this is enough justify his want to make Silas suffer, and the reminders of the physical pain that still remain gently as fading bruises on Jack’s tanned skin just add to it ten-fold.

“He’s going to pay for what he’s done.” Jack mutters quietly, more to himself than Gibbs.

“Aye, he’d better.” Gibbs agrees with a nod of his head. “Well I’m goin’ t’ take my shift at the helm, ye should get some sleep Jack, ye look a bit tired.”

“Hmmm, maybe in a little while for what good it’ll do.” Jack responds, thinking back to his unpleasant dreams and not wishing to experience them again. Without any further words Gibbs pats Jack gently on the back and heads away towards the helm, humming to himself. Jack smiles at the friendly gesture and deciding that maybe the warmth of the Commodore’s quarters would be more appealing than the current breeze he heads across the deck. Striding into the cabin and shutting the door behind him he takes a seat in one of the large chairs, places his worn tricorne hat on the table and resumes his thoughts.

* * * *

“Miss…?” Mason’s voice implores quietly from beside you. “Miss…?” he queries again.

“Hmmm?” you murmur, opening your eyes and pulling yourself from the daydream you’ve allowed yourself to get lost in.

“Do you think you’d better get back to your cabin, you must be cold… we’ve been standing here for some time.” Mason tells you. Looking to him with slight astonishment you look around you quickly, finding Silas to be now standing at the helm. Your surroundings do not seem to have changed as being on the open ocean they rarely do, but there is a definite sense of time passing. Inside your daydream you’d forgotten your true surroundings and the fact that time would pass, and had been aboard the Pearl with Jack. Not a lot had even happened, the beauty of it all was the simplicity; you’d just imagined yourself to be there standing on the deck, Jack had come to you and without words understanding had been realised. Just as on that last day you’d been together he’d held you in his arms and kissed you softly, and there was no more for it was not needed. Just being with him was enough.

“Mmm, yes, sorry, I got a bit lost.” You offer in explanation as Mason continues to look at you slightly puzzled.

“Thinking about Captain Sparrow?” He asks and a sudden wave of panic seems to rush across his features. You frown slightly, wondering how he knew and you can see that he is trying to find an explanation, and most probably not a truthful one.

“How do you know about Jack?” you ask him, the mysterious way in which you recognise the boy becoming ever more prominent.

“I… uh… the Captain mentioned it, he said that… um… we’re heading out to meet with him, he mentioned that you were to be joining us because you wanted to find him yourself.” He replies quickly, stammering over his words. Looking at the lad slightly warily you decide to press the matter no further and nod your head in acceptance of his answer. So far amongst the crew Mason has proven to be the friendliest of faces and you’re not about to push him away, even if he’s most definitely hiding something.

“All right, well I think getting back to the cabin sounds like a very pleasant idea, it is a bit cold out here.” You say, hugging your arms around you as finally you notice the cold breeze.

“All right.” Mason agrees and starts walking with you towards the stairwell that leads below deck.

“So why do you want to get to England?” you ask, making conversation as you walk onwards.

“I wanted to find better things, Port Jacob isn’t the liveliest of ports and there isn’t much for me to do.” Mason replies.

“That’s understandable, I had the same ambitions myself when I was in Port Royal.” You respond.

“But Port Royal is large, far bigger than Port Jacob, surely there are a lot of things to do there?”

“There are but I had to avoid some people or I would get into trouble, it just wasn’t safe for me in many parts of the town and where I ended up wasn’t too pleasant, I certainly didn’t want to stay around there for too long.”

“What did you do?”

“I made a very big mistake that ultimately led to quite a blessing.” You reply slightly wistfully.

“You’ll have to tell me about that some time.” Mason says with a smile as you reach your cabin door, having not noticed your movements as you’d engaged in conversation. “If you don’t mind of course.” He adds quickly.

“If you’d like.” You comply, pushing the door open.

“Well I’d best get back to the galley and clear up all the mess from dinner.” Mason says, his tone strangely quite merry.

“You sound almost happy about that” you note aloud, looking at him with an amused expression.

“None of the crew are there and I can do it alone, I prefer that to being around them.”

“Ah, I see. I can’t say I like them very much either, especially Kirney.” You confide quietly.

“No, he’s a nasty piece of work. I’m keeping my eye on him for you though, don’t worry.” Mason replies sincerely.

“Thank you.” You respond with a smile, wondering just how well young Mason could stand up to Kirney if he was called to, but grateful nevertheless that he’s at least trying. He seems to have your welfare as a top priority, something that neither Kirney and probably Silas have.

“Well good night, sleep well.” Mason bids.

“Night, you too.” You reply, watching as Mason turns on his heel and heads down the corridor lit by small candles held in brackets along the walls, towards the galley. Stepping into your little cabin and shutting the door behind you, you find it to be quite dark other than the moonlight beaming in softly through the little porthole. Removing your diaries from their position atop the desk you open the lid once again and rummage through it, hoping that you might be able to find a candle. As luck would have it beneath the sheets of parchment sits a small candle, mostly burned out but still with a couple of hours life left in it.

Taking it, a bottle of ink and a quill out you set the lid down and place them atop it. Realising that you have nothing however to light the wick with you worry your lower lip slightly, pondering the situation. An idea dawns though as you recall the candles in the hallway so picking up the candle you step into the hallway and light it off of one of the flickering flames.

“Not cold are ye luv?” a cool voice calls to you from down the corridor. Masking your startled reaction as much as you can you look towards the voice and see that Kirney is standing at the bottom of the stairwell leading up to the deck.

“No, I’m quite alright thank you.” You call back, already feeling uncomfortable being near him.

“Are ye sure? I’m sure I could find something to warm ye up.” He replies, that familiar lecherous smirk pulling at his lips.

“No, no, I’m fine.” You insist, biting your lip as Kirney starts walking towards you.

“Well look at that little candle, I’m sure I could find ye something a bit more substantial.” He continues.

“No, it’s quite alright, it has a couple of hours left in it.” You say, your words coming out quicker and more panicked than you want. Thankfully as you watch Kirney head towards you, instead of walking up to you he turns and steps through the doorway into the area where the crew sleeps. Breathing a sigh of relief and hoping that he’s gone you turn back into your own little cabin, shut the door and place the candle upon the desk, glad for the light that it beams out. From the amount of rest you had this afternoon you’re certainly not tired just yet so now would be the opportunity to make the diary entry you’ve had to put off for a while.

Taking a seat in the heavy wooden chair before the desk you contemplate between which book to use as you’ve written entries in both. After a moment you open the second one that Gibbs gave you most recently and rip the couple of entries out neatly. Whilst this diary means a lot to you the original means more as it was the first gift Gibbs gave you, that and your very life. Placing the now empty diary upon the floor you slip the sheets from it into the older one, after the most recent entry. Looking at it you trace your fingers over the words, Jack’s words. He had been the last to write upon the pages and you can’t help the small pang of longing that aches inside you as you read the letter once again. He really believed that you had moved on and you find yourself chuckling lightly over his silliness.

“How sweet.” Says a husky voice from besides you making you shriek loudly in surprise.

“What the?” you yelp in shock, standing up and almost knocking the chair over in your haste.

“Calm down luv, it’s only me.” Kirney says from beside you, his eyes dancing with mischief.

“You scared me near to death!” you exclaim, thoroughly bewildered at Kirney’s sudden presence.

“My apologies, just thought I’d bring you a better candle, and some matches too.” Kirney explains, his apology rather insincere.

“Oh… um… thank you.” You manage to stammer out as Kirney places said items upon the desk.

“Quite alright, just makin’ ye feel all comfy like, ye’ll have to let me know if there’s anything more I can do.” Kirney says, his voice dropping to a low tone, his gaze flicking over your body and his expression thoroughly lecherous. “Ye sure yer warm enough?” he asks, taking a step towards you causing you to step back. In a small cabin such as this it would not take many more of these steps to have you backed against the wall you know, and this thought is making you feel incredibly uneasy.

“Quite sure.” You respond, cursing the frailty of your voice as you speak. Your heart is racing as Kirney steps towards you once again, causing you to move further back towards the wall.

“What that Jack Sparrow said was quite sweet really,” Kirney muses. You bite your cheek and try to keep your annoyance that he’d obviously read the letter over your shoulder inside, you don’t want to get into an argument with him as his temper could invoke violence and that is not something you want to think about. “I didn’t realise you two were so close, just casual acquaintances I was led to believe.” He continues.

“We know each other fairly well.” You reply quietly, attempting to gulp back the lump in your throat that has arisen due to your angst.

“Mmm, I see. You like pirates then aye?” Kirney asks, stepping towards you again which now leads you to the very uncomfortable position of having your back against the wall as you try to keep your distance.

“Jack is… is a good friend.” You reply. If you were to truly answer what is in your mind you would tell him that yes, some pirates you do not mind but others such as himself you find despicable. These are words you’re certainly going to keep within you though for the time being.

“Hummm… well I’m not so sure what ye see in him, but I can see why he’d be spouting lovely little words for you… you’re quite a pretty thing you know.” Kirney says huskily. You flinch as he reaches his hand out and hold your breath as it comes near to your face to play with an idle lock of hair that has fallen from the pin. “Do ye think I could be a ‘good friend’ to you?”

“I… I don’t really know you…” you stammer out, thoroughly taken aback by his question.

“Ah, but ye could get to know me very well, I’m sure of that.” Kirney whispers, inching his face closer to yours so that you can feel his breath puffing against your skin causing shivers to run down your spine. Your heart couldn’t be beating any faster if it tried as Kirney’s face gets closer to yours, this is not a situation you want to be in but right now your body feels too panicked to move and your want to tell him to get away is going unrecognised as your voice seems to be lost somewhere within you.

“Are you alright?” Masons voice comes suddenly from the doorway causing Kirney to quickly stand upright as he’d been leaning towards you and fix the young lad with an icy glare. The young boy looks between you and Kirney, trying to gauge the situation and the anger flashing in his eyes shows that he’s come to an unpleasant conclusion, very close to the truth. You can see that he is slightly out of breath and must have moved quite quickly to get to you.

“What are ye doing ‘ere boy, yer supposed to be cleanin’ the galley.” Kirney growls as he steps away from you, knowing that whatever plans he had are now ruined, for now at least.

“I heard you shriek.” Mason says looking to you. “I came as soon as I could but the cook got in the way and delayed me.” He says.

“It’s all right.” You manage to say quietly, your voice wavering a little.

“Ye see, she’s fine so there’s no need for ye to be stickin’ yer nose in.” Kirney says.

“He just made me jump, that’s all.” You explain. As uneasy as Kirney had made you feel he hadn’t done anything exceptionally wrong and you can’t kick up a fuss about it. If not by Mason you’d be laughed at by the rest of the crew, Kirney was one of them after all. You’re also sure that Silas would do nothing about it and as nice as Mason is he doesn’t seem strong enough to stand up to Kirney.

“Well ye have those bits now, just call me if ye need anythin’ else.” Kirney says, heading towards the door with a rather disgruntled expression on his face. “An I’d get back to work lad before I tell the Captain yer skippin’ yer chores already.” He adds as he stops in front of Mason. Mason nods his head in compliance but remains standing, waiting for Kirney to leave so he may speak to you again. You can’t mask your sigh of relief as with one last leering glance back to you Kirney saunters out of the door and away.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Mason asks as soon as Kirney is far enough away, his eyes filled with concern.

“Yes, he just startled me.” You confirm.

“Like I said he’s a nasty piece of work and takes it upon himself to be as intimidating as possible, I don’t like him being around you.”

“Believe me neither do I.” You agree. “But I’m not going to kick up a fuss over a few little innuendo’s, if he touches me then I shall though what good it will do on this ship I don’t know.”

“You’d have me to fend for you.” Mason offers.

“Thank you.” You reply sincerely. “But two against the rest of the crew wouldn’t do a lot of good really. I just want to get to England and get to Jack, if I can just keep Kirney and his insinuations at bay until then it will be fine.”

“Well I’m looking out for you, I promise, I won’t let him try anything.”

“And for that I am truly grateful.” You reply. You don’t know what would have happened if Mason hadn’t come along when he did but you know it certainly wouldn’t have been pleasant. “Now you’d better get back to work, I don’t think Kirney will waste any time in informing the Captain that you’ve left your chores, even if it was to come to my aid.”

“Especially as.” Mason mutters. “All right, after just now I don’t think he’ll be returning again for a while but I’ll be in the galley if you need me, just scream and I’ll be here.” He adds with a smile.

“I shall.” You agree. “Night Mason.”

“Night.” And with that he shuts the door behind him. Listening you hear his footsteps treading softly on the floorboards down the corridor, and you seriously wonder how it is you’d not noticed Kirney’s footsteps doing the same. He needs a bell around his neck you think wryly. Sighing in exasperation at your predicament you move across the room and flop down into the chair once again. With every moment that passes you wonder how well this plan of yours is going to work and whether you’re even going to reach England and Jack before you meet trouble, namely with Kirney. It is only your first night on board and this has happened and it could take weeks to reach England, you’re not sure if you’ll last that long despite Mason’s efforts to help you.

Sighing you open the bottle of ink that still rests on the table and dip the quill into it. Poising it over the new blank page of the diary you smile at the small familiarity of writing in it once again.

“Dear Emily,

There is something awry with Mason too but that I’m not worried about. He seems like a nice enough lad but he has a secret, that I am sure of. The strangest thing though is that I know I have seen him somewhere before, he’s very familiar to me but I can’t place why. Then again if he’s been living in Port Jacob as he says then it could just be that I have seen him around when I’ve been in the town, it’s a possibility.”

Sighing as you sit with your pen poised above the paper you mull over your words in your mind. Thinking of Jack you begin to write once again, telling Emily of your daydream and your wish to get to him as soon as possible.

* * * *

Making his way across the deck Kirney looks to his Captain, standing behind the wheel with a thoroughly bored expression written upon his face. Silas did not enjoy sailing very much anymore he knew, the one thing he enjoyed very well aboard the ship was Marianne and now that she’d left he’d been thrown into a permanent bad mood. Kirney’s mood has also dropped due to the whore’s departure, she’d shown him many a pleasurable time too. Kirney smirks at the thought of it, how often Marianne would come to him and how they’d cause the rats to run away in fright as they’d sneak down to the hold. The most amusing thing was that Silas had never even thought about what the pair were upto when they both disappeared, he seemed to trust the wench despite how obvious it was that she did not care for him, and Kirney knew that Silas trusted him even more. Stupid old fool.

Kirney had been part of Silas’ crew since the very beginning, working his way up through the ranks to become the trusted first mate. It had not taken long for him to take her after Marianne had come aboard, a week at most if he recalls correctly. He could see the greed inside her, the only reason that she was here but he could also see the longing for a man to show her pleasure, rather than her giving it all the time. Silas was old and past his time, especially as a lover, Kirney however set about himself the task to fill the old Captains shoes for the whore.

It had been a mutual agreement when they first got together, to keep it a secret. They held no love and saw one another as vents for their sexual frustrations. The great thing about Marianne was that her libido was just as verile as Kirney’s despite being a woman, so both would meet up quite often. Since she was abandoned Kirney’s wants had gone unsatisfied though, proving to make him more irritable and uncomfortable than usual. But now he had you, as obvious as it is that you have no wish to be with him he’s sure that he’ll get his way somehow. As for Marianne, she was just a passing fancy and his antics with her would remain a secret forever. If Silas found out he didn’t know what he would do, whilst the man was older he did not lack strength and his crew did respect him. It wouldn’t take long for Kirney to be slung to the sharks if Silas ever knew of his antics, he would keep that secret until his death.

“Captain.” Kirney acknowledges as he reaches the helm.

“Kirney.” Silas replies. “Take the wheel, I need a rest.” He adds, letting go of the wheel as Kirney complies with the order and takes it.

“Quite in love it seems Sparrow is with the girl.” Kirney says as Silas rests against the railings surrounding the poop deck.

“Aye, it seems that way, what makes ye mention it though?”

“He wrote her a lovely little letter, I read it in her diary.”

“With her permission?” Silas asks, rather stunned.

“Not exactly…”

“Did she catch you?”

“She was there.”

“Stop beating about the bush Kirney and confusing me, am I t’ expect a big old fuss from ‘er anytime in the near future?”

“No, I shouldn’t think so. I read it over her shoulder, she didn’t realise I was there until I spoke.” Silas rolls his eyes in response, pondering yet again over Kirney’s ability to move around so stealthily.

“An’ what did she do then?”

“I may ‘ave made ‘er jump a little.” Kirney admits quietly, not wanting to let Silas know just how much he’d distressed you as he knows he shall be reprimanded for it.

“Don’t upset her, we need to keep her happy enough until we reach Sparrow, then we can rile her a bit. She’s not going t’ be any good to us hiding away in her cabin because she’s scared of ye.”

“I know, I was just messing with her, no harm came from it, that stupid boy came along.”

“What boy?”

“Mason, he abandoned his chores coz ‘e ‘eard ‘er scream when I startled ‘er.”

“E’s a good lad.”

“E’s a prying little brat!” Kirney says, his voice rising. “Sorry sir.” He adds more quietly after receiving a stern glare.

“He’s a fine enough worker and provided a damn good meal, e’s lookin’ after the girl far better than ye are, he’ll make ‘er trust us more.” Kirney nods his head gently in displeased compliance. “An’ if she trusts us then it’ll be more of a shock to ‘er when Sparrow comes along and we get to mess about with ‘er a bit, the more she’s distressed as she will be if she finds her trust to be misplaced the more it’ll hurt him, and that is our aim. We’re makin’ ‘im suffer Kirney, more than he could ever imagine.”

“I know.” Kirney agrees. The two men stand in silence for a while, each mulling over their own thoughts.

“Well as ye look so ‘appy standing there and by way of punishment for scaring the girl ye can take the night shift and steer, I’m going to me cabin for some rest.” Silas announces, starting to walk down the stairs without waiting for Kirney’s response. “Ye can do what ye like with ‘er later, the worse the better but just wait until Sparrow can see it going on.” He calls.

Kirney nods his head though he knows Silas can’t see him and listens as the door to the Captains quarters is opened and shut again. Sighing to himself and damning Silas for giving him the duty of steering for the night, especially as he’s been up since the morning, Kirney thinks about Silas’ words. As much as he wants to play with you now he realises that what Silas says is true, that it will be far better to mess with you in front of Sparrow’s eyes. He had planned to do that as well as rough you up now, but the fact that it would probably make you too scared to come near him or even out of your cabin remains. So far as he’d been told the plan is to come across Sparrow and his ship during the voyage. Jack would undoubtedly try to board the Unleashed Tempest because he obviously wants to extract his revenge over Silas and at first they shall do nothing to stop him. Once he’s onboard though they’ll get a hold of him, Silas’ crew is strong and can most likely take down Jack’s if they put up a fight. From then Jack would be captured and led somwhere private, most likely Silas’ quarters. After a bit of taunting and fun with just him alone you would be sent for and then the real fun would begin.

A gleeful smirk pulls at Kirney’s lips as he thinks of just the fun that is to be had, he’s just got to wait for a little while. From the sounds of things Jack didn’t leave Port Jacob very long before Silas and with the speed of the Unleashed Tempest on their side it wouldn’t take them too long to catch up. For now though you needed to feel as safe as possible so that you wouldn’t put up a fuss when asked to come to the Captains quarters. You’d also have to be kept out of the way until Jack has been captured and that requires your co-operation, something you most definitely wouldn’t give if you were scared already.

Grinning to himself Kirney stands behind the wheel, guiding the ship onwards. It wouldn’t be long now, quite possibly not even a full day, then he would get what he desired out of you, and Silas would get his revenge on Sparrow. Oh what a party it shall be!

AN: This has got to be the longest time it’s taken me to write a chapter from start to finish. It was started at the beginning of July and now it’s September. Wow. Ah well, sorry for the long delay since chapter 23, and I hope y’all enjoy this chappie:

* * * * *

CHAPTER 24

The air was crisp out on deck as the sun made her way rising into the sky from the oceans depths, the orange glow spreading outwards pushing the blue of the night away until the sun returned to the depths once more. There wasn’t a sound carried on the breeze as Captain Jack Sparrow stood at the helm, his fingers curled tightly around the wood of the wheel, his eyes slitted as he stared out to the rising sun, his mind in deep concentration.

Today was to be the day he knew. Today the battle would begin between he and Silas, and if he had his way, today it would also end. As much as the idea of drawing out Silas’ death into something torturously painful seemed like it would bring great satisfaction, he wanted to prolong his time out at sea and away from Port Jacob for as little a time as possible. The pirate who loved the swell and roll of the oceans waves was, for the first time in his life, truly yearning for the sight of land on the horizon, and maybe a beautiful young woman to be standing there waiting for him too.

The blank coldness of his features erupted into a small smile as he thought to the end of the day. By nightfall he hoped it would all be over and he could turn back, and return to Port Jacob. With Silas and his crew out of the picture the weight of grievance that every pirate possesses would be lightened, for no longer would he have that small worry in the back of his mind, wondering when his past deeds were to be catching up with him. Jack Sparrows life was full of debts he owed and grievances he caused, but he was not one to lose too much sleep over it. He did it all for the right reasons, no matter how wrong these deeds were, and in his mind that was enough to allow him to sleep peacefully. Still, getting this one grievance out of the way would be a plus, and getting back to Port Jacob at this time seemed like a voyage to Eden.

His plan of attack he knew was not foolproof, nor even near to being so, but it was the only plan he had and he knew that his men were prepared to go out on every limb to fulfil his orders and achieve their ultimate goal. A lot he knew relied upon Silas being fairly amiable and prepared to negotiate rather than charge in with guns blazing. If Jack knew Silas as well as he believed he did though, this would not be a problem. Silas had his motives for killing Jack and motives that he believed to be very reasonable, and the biggest notion Jack had to work on was that Silas would like to prolong the battle as much as possible. Silas had nothing to return to, he wandered across the seas and the one possession he truly cared for was now locked in the brig of the Intrepid. Silas was vicious, but in a manipulative manner that would keep him toying around with Jack and his crew rather than killing them all outright.

Captain Sparrow was not certain by any means that his plan would work, but he held out good hope for it, and under his breath muttered small pleas to the wind that things would work out all right.

* * * * *

The sloshing sound of the waves against the hull of the ship greets your ears as you awake and open your eyes slowly, squinting as your vision is flooded with the light streaming through the porthole. Closing your eyes again you listen to the sounds of being out at sea; the footsteps of the crew scurrying around on deck fulfilling their duties, the screeching of an occasional lone gull searching the oceans depths for its breakfast, the shout of the Captain giving orders. It was not the voice you wanted to hear though, Silas was certainly not the Captain you wanted to be under the command of.

However if you just keep your eyes closed and block out his gruff tone you can almost imagine yourself to be elsewhere, on a completely different and incredibly more inviting ship than the Unleashed Tempest. You could imagine the hammock you’re in now to be the one swinging gently to and fro but a metre away from Ana’s, you could imagine the sound of the footsteps being those of the Pearls crew, and most importantly you could imagine getting out of bed now and going up to the helm and before you would stand Jack, his eyes fixed upon the horizon before him, his pose confident and majestic, his jaw set in deep concentration but his expression seemingly one of contentment. He probably wouldn’t even notice your presence for a short while, or at least he wouldn’t let on that he knew, when he did though…

You sigh dreamily to yourself as you picture him turning to you, drawling something about pleasant company or something along those lines before offering one of his perfected smirks. Then if you let your imagination sink into daydreams gone by you could imagine walking to him as he outstretched an arm for you, pulling you into him so that you stand against him, your back against his chest as his hands go back to grasp the wheel, your body now being captivated by his arms. You shiver as you let all your senses be captivated by the vision within your mind, so much so that you can almost feel the breeze softly blowing around, the warmth of Jack’s body radiating against you, the sound of him whispering in your ear something that your fogged up mind cannot comprehend. In this stance you know that you would feel safe, warm, peaceful and at home.

Opening your eyes these images vanish, as does the sense of wellbeing that had captivated you for short moments. Instead you look around at your surroundings, the small cabin space that is currently yours without fee, though whether you may end up having to pay for it in something not of monetary value you can only wonder. From the impression you’ve taken of Silas you do not see him as a man to refuse payment, unless it was all part of some higher plan. Initially when he’d assured you that you need not worry about payment you had been pleased, seeing this gift as a welcome godsend. Now after spending time aboard the ship, in Silas’ company and also after meeting Kirney, you begin to wonder if you were just some kind of pawn in Silas’ grand scheme though what that was you couldn’t even begin to fathom.

Whatever is going on for you’re sure that there are things that you’re yet to learn of, it is making you feel ever more uncomfortable as the minutes pass. Admittedly you haven’t been treated very badly other than Kirney’s lewd insinuations and the small confrontation of the previous night, but there was definitely something not right about it all. There were things being hidden from you, things that may involve you, and things that you’re unsure you really want to be a part of.

There is nothing you can do now though, you’re stuck here basically. There is no escape for even if you jumped from the ship you would be escaping the possibility of something bad, into a definite hell. Swimming against the current would be impossible for your body would get cramped easily and you would drown, and if you went with it who knows where you would end up, how long it would take and the possibilities of troubles that could get in your way.

Despite your discomfort the only thing you can do is ride it out and wait. You shall just have to grit your teeth and get on with the days to come as normally as possible, taking every moment as it meets you, reacting upon instinct and keeping a sharp eye out for trouble.

You smirk a little to yourself after drawing this conclusion, for it seems that maybe some of the pirate nature has embedded itself within you. Months ago if you were in a situation like this you most probably would have panicked, and in your distress you would have ended up doing something that could quite easily make your situation even worse. Now though you know to keep your head clear, to think through everything that’s going on but not to worry about it. Just take it as it comes, and try and make the best of it all. If you survive the next couple of weeks that it shall take to reach England you will be on your way to find Jack, and on your way to what you hope to be a very promising future by his side.

A sharp rapping at the door to your small cabin jerks you abruptly from drifting back into a reverie of being aboard the Pearl, so quickly you scurry from your hammock to find your footing on the floor. Calling for the person to come in as you smooth down your skirts you brace yourself as your mind suddenly rushes to thoughts of it possibly being Kirney, but brush them aside as you realise he would never be so courteous as to wait for you to allow him to enter.

The door opens slowly and you find yourself smiling as you spot the mass of wavy blonde hair belonging to Mason as he steps slowly through the doorway, his head bowed downwards as he stares intently at a tray of food he is carrying.

“I brought your breakfast Miss.” He says as he shuffles carefully across the floor space before gently setting the tray down on top of the writing desk, his movements so careful that the cutlery doesn’t even move an inch.

“Thank you.” You respond, licking your lips as you look over the plate of steaming eggs and salted pork. “What time is it?” you query as you glance out the window, trying to judge from the suns position in the sky.

“Tis mid-morning, roundabouts ten o’clock.” Mason replies cheerily. “Was a beautiful sunrise this morning, I was of a mind to wake you so you could watch it but thought it best to let you rest.”

“How long have you been awake for?” you query.

“Since ‘bout an hour before dawn.” He answers.

“You can’t have had much sleep then, we didn’t part ways until quite late and you said you had things to do in the kitchen after that.” You respond, looking the young boy over and realising how pale and tired he looks.

“Aye, well the cooks no good and so I’ve got to do the brunt of the work. I don’t mind though, I’m just glad that I managed to get on the ship.”

“You really ought to have more of a rest though, it’s not good for you to be up and working all these hours, I’m sure Silas doesn’t give you many breaks.”

“He’s alright really, he lets me do as I please most of the time all the while I do the chores I’m assigned.”

“Well maybe you’re being assigned too many.”

“Well as it happens I’ve been given quite a pleasant task for today.” Mason speaks up after a moment of silence where you continued to worry over the boys health.

“Oh?” you query, looking to him quizzically.

“Aye. I’ve been assigned the honour of entertaining our esteemed guest.” He says with a devilish grin.

“Esteemed guest? Is there royalty on board?” you answer jovially, though knowing already who he must be referring to.

“A queen of one mans heart at least.” Mason answers, smiling before a light blush begins to creep across his cheeks.

“And what man would that be?” you answer, frowning in confusion. Mason couldn’t be referring to himself surely, you barely knew the lad, but who else would he know that he believed to care for you?

Mason’s eyes widen in what appears to be fright and possibly slight guilt as he tries to think of an answer. It’s apparent that he’s unsure whether to speak the truth or not, and it’s making you a little uneasy as it seems you’re learning further the depths of the secrets he holds. Eventually after seemingly warring over quite a struggle in his mind, Mason answers.

“An old man back at Port Jacob, I talked to ‘im once on the beach, was talkin’ ‘bout ye.” He admits. “I knew it was ye coz he pointed ye out, sitting in the sand like, and he said some things. Seemed to care for ye a lot.”

You wrack your mind for a moment trying to piece together the words and wonder at who the old man might have been, but then a fond smile breaks across your lips as you realise who Mason speaks of. “That old man wouldn’t happen to be a Mr Gibbs now would it?” you query, thinking to the old pirate who had saved your life and had cared for you as if you were his own daughter.

“Aye, I think that were his name.” Mason says, smiling brightly and nodding his head.

“He’s a good man, I look forward to seeing him again.” You say a little wistfully. As much as Jack had occupied your thoughts and was probably the main person you wanted to see, Gibbs is still high up on the list of people you want to be reunited with, and following him would be Ana. You missed them a lot, and although you’d known them for only a short while in the scheme of things, they’re already like family to you, and a family that you miss far more than your biological one. These people who you could gladly say were like your father and sister, cared for you far more than your own relations and didn’t always insist on changing you and moulding you into the perfect young lady as your parents did. These people accepted you for you, and that is a quality you’d before never found in the people you knew.

“So am I to take it that you’re going to be with me for the day?” you ask, though already really knowing the answer.

“Yes Miss.” Mason answers, a pleasant smile gracing his features.

“Good.” You answer, mirroring his expression. “But I must ask you one favour if you’re going to be in my company.”

“And that would be?” he asks, his brow furrowing marginally.

“To stop calling me Miss.” You request. Mason’s small frown vanishes and the pleasant smile returns once again.

“Of course M-“ he answers, cutting himself off. You laugh amusedly, the boy is obviously used to being inferior to those around him and so it seems to be etched into him that he must call people by their formal titles. You wonder a little over how this came to be, after all if he lived in Port Jacob all his life he wouldn’t have seen that many gents and ladies of high esteem. Then again he seemed to simply be well mannered and polite, so maybe he used titles when referring to someone whether they were a peasant or a prince. Whatever it is you’re looking forward to your day ahead with Mason, he’s pleasant company and it will give you a chance to try and get to know him better, and possibly unearth some of those secrets he is hiding.

“Have you had breakfast?” you ask as you go to sit down before your own meal atop the writing desk.

“Yes, an hour or so ago.” Mason answers.

“Do you have any chores to do now?”

“I have to clear up the galley from the crews breakfast but after that I shall return to you until lunchtime.”

“Alright, thank you.” You answer. Mason smiles before turning and slipping quietly out the door. You smile to yourself at thoughts of the day to come, it shall certainly be more pleasant than how you had thought it would pan out as you had wondered over what you could do all day. With Mason for company though you’re sure it shall be interesting, and so with a happy outlook on the day you start eating your meal.

* * * * *

“How long do you think it will take Captain?” Kirney asks, looking out in the same direction as Silas towards the horizon.

“A few hours yet.” Silas responds, his eye fixed upon the black speck that sits atop the waves in the distance as he looks through the spyglass.

“And you’re sure it’s him?” Kirney queries further, his slight apprehension over the days coming events showing a little in his tone.

“Not yet, but soon enough we’ll know.” Silas answers, his tone the usual gruff, unemotional growl as he snaps the spyglass shut and paces across the deck towards the helm. It takes but a second for him to hear Kirneys footsteps close behind him. “Where’s the girl?” he asks as he heads into his quarters.

“Below deck in her cabin, Mason’s looking after her and making sure she doesn’t come up on deck.”

“Good. Once I’ve ‘ad a bit of a chat with Sparrow I’ll send for ‘er, I don’t want to see ‘er up ‘ere until then and she must not know what’s ‘appening.”

“And if she asks why she’s being kept below deck…?”

“Tell ‘er another pirate ship ‘as been spotted and we’re trying to keep our distance to avoid confrontation, but, it seems inevitable and it would be best for ‘er to remain below.”

“Yes Sir.” Kirney agrees.

“An’ yer not t’ go near ‘er either, I mean it.” Silas adds sharply, turning as he takes a seat in a heavy chair to look at Kirney, fixing a steely gaze upon him.

“Yes Sir.” He responds, nodding his head dutifully.

“You can ‘ave yer fun later, just like we said, no scaring ‘er beforehand.” He continues, his tone softening as he smiles and notices Kirney's expression brighten as well.

“You can trust me, you know that I keep my word.”

“I know. Now, I believe there are things that ye must be getting to…”

“Aye sir.”

“Keep an eye on the ship and notify me when they drop anchor. If it’s Sparrow ‘e’ll wait for us to catch up once ‘e sees us, ‘e’s itching for this battle as much as I am, I’m sure.”

“Bit of a surprise he’ll get when we do catch up though.” Kirney smirks.

“Aye, I daresay the lass bein’ ‘ere might shock ‘im a bit.” Silas laughs. “Now get t’ work, there’s a lot t’ be done before this afternoon so get to it and see that the men aren’t slacking. I don’t want any time wasted, this has to go my way, I can’t afford any mistakes t’ be made, Sparrow will not get the upper hand this time.”

Kirney nods his head in acquiescence before turning out the door as he’d been standing within it. Shutting it softly behind him he heads towards the helm and takes his own spyglass from his pocket, looking out to the black speck just as Silas had done before. He smirks to himself, excitement already rushing through him. He had a taste for blood, for battle, and he was greatly anticipating the fun that would be had. He could also quite honestly say he’d taken quite a fancy to you, or your body at least, and the thoughts of the hours slipping by before he can finally do as he pleases – to the distress of Captain Sparrow – makes him shiver. He feels like a child at Christmas, and he already knows where his pretty present is hidden. He just has to wait a little longer…

* * * * *

The rest of the morning passes pleasantly as Mason returns to you an hour after bringing you your breakfast. After quickly taking your plate and cutlery away he comes back to your cabin and you spend a long while together just talking. For much of the time you talk of every day things, not going into any depth about Mason’s life as you’d hoped to. You certainly want to find out more about him but have yet to find an opportune time when it seemed to slip easily into the conversation.

You’ve talked of the sea and sailing, for the crown as a naval officer and against the crown as a pirate. You’ve both come to the conclusion that the latter experience was far more interesting and exciting, and agree that if you had the choice you would live your life out on a pirate ship, as long as it was the right one. You told Mason of your time aboard the Intrepid recalling how different it was to being part of the Pearl. The crew were respectful of the Commodore and obeyed his commands, but the air around it always seemed to be quite forced. There were few friendships, and very little sense of f