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CHAPTER 16 And little does your little heart know about what the next week will bring. A living hell? Yes. Exciting? Of course. Something for the light hearted? Most definitely not. The rest of that day goes by without much happening. Madison seems completely paranoid that we were being followed and keeps checking the spyglass in every direction every half hour or so. Daniel spends all his free time moping over the drawings of Annabelle. Elizabeth spends the rest of the afternoon tending to Will, who seems to be vomiting his guts out, so you spend the rest of the afternoon in the company of your dear Captain Jack. When he makes his rounds, checking on everyone, you are right behind him. When Jack berates someone for doing something wrong, you are making funny faces behind his back keeping the offending sailor’s spirits up. When the Captain is at the helm, you are there swapping stories and gaining more experience in navigation and sailing. “Just follow that star in a straight path. That should quickly take us north towards Spain.” Jack pointed out a particularly bright star in the fading light. “Okay,” you say. “When I go back home and buy a boat, my friends are going to wonder where I learned how to navigate, and I can always answer, ‘I learned from the dashing Captain Jack Sparrow aboard the Black Pearl.’ ” There is a long silence after this. You haven’t brought up going back to the future since you were very homesick a few days ago. Since that time, you have become closer to Jack than to anyone else. Ever. Leaving him behind will be very hard, but you needed to get back home to your friends and family. They are probably worried sick about you. Jack clears his throat, bringing you out of your train of thought. You give him a quick smile and avoid his eyes, which you have now determined can read anyone’s thoughts. “Has the crew eaten yet?” you ask, trying to lighten your mood again. “Aye. They practically feasted. But if you wanted some stew, I’m sure there’s some left,” Jack answers. “Sounds good. Let’s go. And maybe we should bring some to Will and Elizabeth.” Gibbs relieves you of steering as you and Jack head down to the galley. There is a very large pot simmering on the stove with a little bit of soup in the bottom. You scrape some out into two bowls and put them on the table. “Well, maybe there isn’t any left for Will and Elizabeth,” you say, sounding not too concerned. Jack shrugs and stuffs a hug piece of soup-soaked bread into his mouth. He somehow managed to procure a couple of bottles of rum. Jeesh, he must hide them in his sleeves or something. You both manage to eat the rest of the soup as well as most of the rum. Well, you ate most of the soup and Jack drank most of the rum. It is remarkable how that man can stay pretty collected while wasted. Jack lets out a huge yawn. “I’m exhausted. I’m off to sleep.” You caught Jack’s yawn and wordlessly follow him to his room. He crawls into the bed and starts to make room for you when he notices you struggling with something in the corner. You untangle a hammock that you told Elizabeth that you would use instead of sleeping with Jack. Of course, Jack isn’t all too pleased about this arrangement. “I don’t bite, luv.” You shrug and knot one end around a support pillar thing (a/n- No clue what those are called, but you know what I mean). “I don’t want to take up all your room. Last night I nearly pushed you off.” “We could save room if one of us was on top of the other, savvy?” You didn’t have to look at him to know he was grinning. You smile a little yourself. “As tempting as that sounds, I think this arrangement may be a tad bit more proper, savvy?” You tie the other end of the hammock to another support pillar/beam thing. Stepping back to admire your work, you notice that the hammock hangs awfully low to the floor, and when you got in it, You would probably be no more than two inches off. You throw a pillow and a coverlet into the hammock. Turning towards Jack, you tuck him in real tight like your parents use to do when you were really small. “Just like a burrito,” you reminisce. You laugh a little to yourself at the look he is giving you. It is a look between amusement and what-the-hell-are-you-doing. You reach to the table and turn the lamp down before giving Jack the best good night kiss he’s ever had. “Good night, Jack.” “G’night luv.” You squirm into your hammock and listen to Jack’s really even breathing. Wondering what he is dreaming about, you start to doze off yourself. But right when you close your eyes, Jack says, “Offer’s still up!” You mentally roll your eyes. “Good night, Jack!” * * * * You awake instantly to the sound of a cannon being blasted from somewhere over your head. Jumping up quickly, you run to the window and see the bow of another ship off to your left. Another blast is heard, but this time it sounds as if the other ship fired that one. You rush up to the main deck where some of the crew is firing the starboard cannons. You walk over to the nearest person, the little guy named Krunk, and ask, “Who’s firing at us?” “A Spanish warship,” he answers. “She’s pretty fierce, been followin’ us since before the sun came up. Just now caught up, though I reckon the Cap’n wanted her to.” Another cannon fires and a ball shoots through a nearby wall, only about ten feet from where you are standing. You look at Krunk wide eyed. “Cap’n Sparra’s not goin’ te be too pleased with that!” he states. You tell him to be careful and head up to the weather deck, where people are scurrying around, avoiding bullets and following orders. You hear a bullet whistle close to your head and feel yourself get dragged down. You sigh with relief when you realize Elizabeth pulled you down and you didn’t get shot. She shoves a gun in your hand and starts shooting one of her own. You stare at her until she turns around and asks why you weren’t shooting. “I never fired a gun in my life!” You shout to her over the clamor of the fight. “It’s easy! Just aim!” she yells back before showing you the proper way to fire the gun. You notice Will is not too far away, taking aim with his gun as well. You try to aim at someone, really hoping you don’t kill them. The railing being used as your shield is slightly in your way. You inch over. Just a little to the left… “JESUS CHRIST!” You scream as a bullet grazes your left shoulder. Ignoring the burning and numbing sensation spreading in your arm, you stand up, take aim at the nearest sailor, and shoot him. You didn’t even care if you killed him or not. That bloody hurt! Most of the crew from the Spanish warship had fallen, and now the pirates were beginning to board the vessel. When the rest of the opposing crew is subdued, you follow Jack aboard as a gangplank is provided. Elizabeth and Will are coming as well. Jack orders Cotton and Gibbs to search for anything of value on the ship. Madison, Anna Maria, and the rest of the crew are left guarding the soldiers bound to the tow masts on the ship. Jack sways over to whom you assumed to be the man in charge of the ship, if not the Captain, the Spanish equivalent to a commodore or something. He had a very fancy uniform on, complete with a very flamboyant hat. “Do you speak English?” Jack inquired. “Yes,” the man responded, rather shakily. “Anything valuable on this ship I should know about?” “Nothing,” the man responded, sounding much braver than he actually looked. At that moment, Gibbs and Cotton emerge carrying two barrels of what you only imagined to be rum. They come over towards Jack. “Two barrels of wine. ‘Twas all we found,” Gibbs states. “What about medical supplies? I daresay we’ll need some more,” Jack asks. Gibbs hurries back down below deck. You glance down at your own shoulder and notice that blood has seeped through almost the whole sleeve. You turned around quickly so Jack wouldn’t notice, but you doubt he didn’t already. “I tell you what, mate,” Jack tells the Captain/Officer. “Since I’m in such a fine mood, I’m going to let you be on your merry little way provided you can answer me some questions, savvy?” The man nodded. “How many other pirate ships have you come across in the past couple of days?” “Only two. One we apprehended, but the other got away just last night. I believe she was called the Red Storm.” The man gave a shaky little smile. Jack looked over at Madison who nodded. “Aye. That’s Giltmore.” Jack ordered everyone back to the Pearl and kept his pistol on the officer. You linger behind to watch, but you are also very much relieved when you see Gibbs carrying a box with bandages hanging out. “Thanks for your cooperation, mate. I’d advise you not to untie your crew until we are out of the way. Always ready for a fight if you decide to come after us.” Jack keeps his pistol pointed at the officer as he makes his way back on board the Black Pearl. The crew is celebrating the successful plunder by opening one of the barrels of rum. It may have been a small reward, but nothing compares to winning. You are so busy smiling and watching everyone have a good time that you don’t notice Jack come up behind you. “You all right?” he asks, pointing at your shoulder. You shrug. “It hurts a little, but I’m fine.” “You may want to get it cleaned up some. Gibbs knows a lot about that kind of stuff.” You let Jack lead you to the helm, where Gibbs is steering. "Think you can clean this up, mate?” Jack asks him, pointing to your upper arm. “‘fore ye can say infection,” you smile as he digs through the box which was unceremoniously dumped next to the helm. He pulls out some rum and bandages. “So my physician is working drunk?” you ask, giggling. “I’m afraid not, lass. ‘Tis for cleaning.” You groan and roll up your sleeve to where the wound was. Gibbs cleans it up with some of the rum, which stings, but at least you know it’s working. He finishes dressing it, and you thank him about a hundred times. Then you stand next to Jack looking valiant. He grinned and pulled you closer by the waist. “Guess what?” ”If I knew we wouldn’t be playing this silly game, now would we?” you reply using his own words against him. He rolls his eyes and grins. “We’re catching up.” * * * * * CHAPTER 17 Jack was very accurate in that statement. When the sun began to set, one of the lookouts spotted a ship way off. Jack figures they are about fifteen hours ahead. If the Black Pearl continues at this rate, you should catch them by midday tomorrow. That is of course, if the ship is the Red Storm. "Jack, I think it's about time I find Elizabeth and Will and make sure they're all right," you say, reluctantly pulling away from his grasp. "Right you are. The poor whelp probably needs a doctor," Jack calls for Anna Maria, who happily takes the helm after spending the rest of the day checking all the ropes and taking inventory of the extra lengths. You and Jack crack the door to your old cabin open and see Elizabeth sitting on one bed, keeping a watchful eye over a sleeping Will. The room smells strongly of sweat and vomit. The little skirmish with the warship took a lot of Will's energy and now he's worse than before. When Elizabeth sees you both standing there, she quickly ushers you out. "Get out! He might be contagious!" There is a panicky tone in her voice. "Maybe Gibbs can--" Jack begins to say but is cut off by Elizabeth. "He's already been by. He says it is not contagious, but I'm not taking any chances." "What's wrong with him?" you ask. "He's got a high fever and a stomach virus of some kind." "You should take a break and eat something," you suggest. "No. I'm fine," Elizabeth answers as a groan comes from the room. "I'll stay with Will. You two go on and keep up with Giltmore." Elizabeth goes into the room and swiftly shuts the door behind her. Jack looks at you, shrugs, then offers you his arm. "Dinner, M'lady?" You smile and gladly accept. When you arrive on deck, the sun is nearly completely doused by the ocean. The last blinding ray shoots across the sky before dying out. Jack is about to announce dinner when he notices some light barely visible on the eastern horizon. He reaches into his coat pocket and peers through his spyglass before yelling at Anna Maria to turn hard to starboard and to make a wide berth around the Red Storm instead of intercepting it straight on. He climbs halfway up the main mast as Anna Maria turns the ship smoothly towards the southeast. "What's wrong?!" you call up to Jack. "Come see for yourself," he answers. You hesitate, being afraid of heights and all. But you swallow your fear as Jack looks back down at you. "Still afraid, eh?" "No!" You climb up the ladder thing made of rope to the spot where Jack is, trying desperately to ignore the swaying of the ship. "What is it?" He shoves they spyglass in your hand and you squint through, searching the spot where sky meets ocean until you see a black spot. "Well? What's wrong?" But Jack doesn't have to answer because you spot a flash of light and notice a second black spot moving towards the other one. "Someone's firing at her. Probably another Spanish military ship. Best if we keep a distance. She's bound to spot us when Giltmore gets away." "How do you know he will get away?" "Luv, Giltmore's got the most armed ship I've ever known. He's goin' to shake 'er off pretty quickly," Jack states as if everyone knew that. You look into the spyglass again and notice another flash of light being exchanged between the ships. It was hard to tell who was firing at who. Jack begins to climb down, and you follow right after, making sure you stay close to him in case you fall. Most of the crew headed off to dinner. The only people left on the deck are Anna Maria, who was steering, a grumbling pirate who was swabbing the deck after losing a bet, you and Jack, and Madison, who looked very eerie as she stood watching the battle between the faraway ships. "Do you think we could trust Madison?" you ask Jack, on the way to the galley out of earshot from everyone else. "I'm not sure," he responds. You both grab a plate with the rest of the crew and eat silently, thinking over what the next few days were going to be like. When you finish, Jack goes back to the weather deck to watch the progress of the Red Storm. You decide to bring the Turners some food. You knock on the door softly while balancing a tray of food. Elizabeth wearily answers and takes the tray. You walk in and sit down on one of the top bunks. Will was awake, but he looked really pale. He looked very grateful for the food, as did Elizabeth. You tell them everything you saw up on deck. The conversation shifts to worries about Annabelle and her safety. "I hope she's alright. Daniel would go absolutely ballistic if she was hurt in any way." Elizabeth reminisces about her friend. "I'm sure she's alright. They need her to lift Giltmore's 'curse'," you say. "I'm more concerned for our own safety. Somehow I feel Madison is leading us into a trap. She's been oddly quiet since we saw the Red Storm off on the horizon. And she seems a little too eager to help us out." "I'm sure she won't betray us. Jack would not have let her come along if he suspected something," Will manages to choke out. Elizabeth chews on her nails, a habit she's picked up since Will's been sick. "I'm not so sure. Jack, well, doesn't have very good judgement. Remember the whole trusting Barbossa thing?" "And a lesson learned it was. Jack learned to use more discretion." Elizabeth sighs. "I suppose you're right. It's late, we should get to sleep." You wish the Turners a good night and head off to sleep yourself, but not before finding Jack. He is steering again, and looking weary, yet alert at the same time. "I'm going to sleep Jack. Try to get some rest, alright?" "I'm not very tired," he says, stifling a yawn. "You need sleep. We all do," you tell him. "You can go, but someone has to watch over the Red Storm and make sure we don't lose her. I'll get some rest later." You give him a quick kiss on the cheek and head off to sleep. * * * * You wake up fairly early to the squaking of gulls. You must be near land. You stretch your back. It was really sore from sleeping on the hammock. You look over at Jack's bed. It was still made. Considering the fact that he won't make it himself, you assume he hasn't slept all night. Out the window, you see small boats passing by and a slight noise from a port fills your ears. But this isn't like the last port. This is the morning silence that filled Tortuga. You skip up to the weather deck feeling elated. The Black Pearl must've caught up and you are very close to catching Giltmore. Making it up the steep steps, you slam right into Madison. "Sorry," you mutter as she grumbles something and heads down the opposite way. Right before she turns the corner, you say, "Hey, Madison! Where are we?" "Algiers. Giltmore turned in this morning. 'Spect he knows we're following him," she responds and continues on her way to wherever it was she was going. This trip was becoming more and more like your song.... You look past the harbor the Black Pearl was now anchoring in and at the city. It was very large. Buildings stretched out as far as the eye could see, but they weren't very nice. The whole place looked like a giant had scattered clay bricks around a flat, dusty plain. Algiers is full of people, but very much like Tortuga, they have all had their fun and were now reaping the consequences. "Good morning, Jack!" you yell as you make your way up to the helm. "Mornin' luv." "Are we following Giltmore through there?" "Aye we will. But first we have to take Will to a hospital. There's bound to be a decent doctor somewhere around here. Will you go tell Lizzie to be ready in half an hour?" Jack asks. "Aye, aye Captain!" you mock salute and run to the Turner's bunk room. "Good morning Elizabeth! Get ready we're going to a doctor!" you say rather excitedly. Will starts to get up but Elizabeth pushes him down and narrows her eyes. "What kind of doctor?" "One in that city over there." You point out the window. "And what city does that happen to be?" "That's Algiers." "What?! Jack expects we'll find a doctor in those slums?" "Well, if you'd rather stay on the ship...." "Fine. Tell Jack we'll be ready soon." You bow your way out of the room and head off to the galley for a quick breakfast. You grab two apples and bring one up to Jack. He grabs for it, but you pull it away. "It took me a lot of energy to walk all the way down to the galley, Captain. This apple doesn't come free." You smirk at him and hold the apple behind your back. "What does it cost then?" Jack says, putting his face real close to yours. You smile and kiss him, something you've been meaning to do for the past few days. He puts his arms around you and deepens the kiss. 'Ahhh, this is perfect,' you think to yourself. 'No interruptions...' But you spoke to soon. Someone clears their throat and Jack and you break apart. Daniel stands some distance off. Jack smiles at him. "Just getting' an apple mate." He holds up the apple you had. "How the hell did you get that?" you ask. "I 'ave me ways," he says and winks. You roll your eyes. "Everyone's ready to go," Daniel says. Soon enough, you, Jack, Daniel, and the Turners are piled into a boat and are heading ashore to the notorious city of Algiers. * * * * * CHAPTER 18 Jack left instructions for Madison to track Giltmore and to meet the rest of you later near the docks. She was going to report anything she happened to hear or see. Soon the five of you were in the streets, searching desperately for any signs of a doctor. You quickly get lost in the web of narrow, deserted streets that bordered rows of seedy pubs, dilapidated inns, old shops, and brothels of all kinds. But no doctors. As time passes, the streets begin to fill up, and it becomes difficult to move around. Everything about Algiers seems old and broken. A couple of hours pass and Will looks paler than ever. "Weren't we just here?" Elizabeth asks on nearly every street, ignoring the annoyed sighs from Jack. "Well then where to, Miss Map?" Jack murmured loud enough for everyone to hear. Elizabeth surprises everyone by rushing into the largest pub on the street. When she gets walks in, she climbs onto the nearest table and whistles for everyone's attention. "Excuse me gentleman, and, umm... ladies," she adds after noticing a small group of whores in the corner, "You wouldn't mind pointing me out the nearest doctor?" Laughter rings out throughout the bar. A man in the corner calls, "If ye be in need of a doctor, I'm here, sweets!" He then makes a very rude gesture which makes Will start after him, but is held back by Jack, easily, you might add. Over the laughter and catcalls, the barmaid shouts, "Oye! Shut up! Can't ye see the lass be in a hurry?" Everyone proceeds to shut up and she continues. "There be a doctor on the corner two streets south of 'ere. Can't promise you'll get in quick, there be lots in a 'mergency." "Thanks!" Elizabeth answers and hurries out the door, with everyone else at her heels. She practically drags Will down the next two blocks, winding through venders and wenches, until finally, she leads everyone to the corner, where a very rusty hanging sign reads "Dr. Cane". Your eyes take a few seconds to adjust when you walk in the door. The place is very dusty and crowded. You seem to be in a waiting room of some sort. People were crammed wall to wall with various ailments. The place was horrible. Some had gunshot wounds bleeding profusely, others had limbs sticking out at odd angles. The place seemed to crawl with disease. You started to feel sick and walked outside and leaned next to the door. A few minutes later, Jack walks out without noticing you and calls your name out. "Right here, Jack," you say casually. "Right then. I thought someone took you." "Didn't we go over this? I can walk somewhere with out getting kidnapped and raped. Besides, look at this muscle!" You pull up a sleeve and flex your arm showing a small muscle bulging. Jack quirks an eyebrow at you. "Hey, it wasn't there two months ago!" "Lizzie decided to wait for the doctor, so her and Will will be spending the next few hours in this godforsaken place while we find Madison and possibly Giltmore," Jack says. "Daniel will be out soon, he had a little run in with a mental gal who seemed to think he was the Prince of Spain...." You laugh as Daniel indeed does walk out, looking a bit embarrassed. "Ready, your highness?" you muse. Daniel flushes red and follows as Jack starts walking in the direction of the ocean. * * * * "I happen to know for a fact we came from this way," Jack points out an alley you don't recognize. "I'm sure it was this way," you respond, pointing in a completely different direction. "How can you be so sure?" Jack asks. "Call it instinct." "Fine. We'll go your way. But remember where we are in case it's the wrong way." "Don't worry, it won't be," you state in a matter-of-fact tone. You lead Daniel and the reluctant Jack down a wide road towards the ocean. The road narrows and you start to believe yourself that you are going the wrong way, but your pride is in the way of admitting that. You continue on, nervously noting how the road seems to turn west and then south again, completely opposite of the ocean. "Alright, luv. We've been goin' down this road for awhile now, and none of this rings a bell. Best head back, eh?" Jack says. You sigh and turn around and stick close to Jack. The crowd was getting thicker, and it would be easy to lose him. A fight breaks out on the outside of a foul-smelling bar. A man pushes Daniel backwards into you, and you both fall over. Jack helps you up. "Are you alright?" "Ah bith mah tonk," you answer, holding your mouth. "You what?" Jack says, quirking an eyebrow. You don't answer for a few moments. When it's easier to talk, you say more clearly, "I bit my tongue." "Oh," Jack says. After a few moments, he adds with a suggestive tone, "I can help soothe that, you know." "I bet you could," you respond, moving closer to Jack. He wraps his arm around your waist and pulls you tight against him. "Best to stick close." You walk a little ways back up the road and Daniel builds up enough courage to ask the nicest looking person on the street how to get to the docks. They were nice enough to point out a small alley between two run down inns. It wouldn't have been noticeable if someone didn't show you, but luckily enough, it led right out to the main street that led to the docks. There were very few buildings on this street and you can see the Black Pearl floating amongst a party of many other ships in the harbor. Madison is waiting there as planned. She asks sternly, "What kept you?" "We got a bit tied up," Jack answers. "I didn't find any sign of Giltmore, but the Red Storm is floating just over there." Madison nods towards the harbor. "I don't know much about this place to know what he's doing. He didn't really trust me with any information, being a woman and all." "We can only hope for the best," Jack says. Before anybody could say anything else, shouts are heard coming from the streets in the crowded city. You whirl around to see a group of people heading your way. There is one person way ahead of the rest, and when they get closer, you realize it's a girl. "ANNABELLE!" Daniel comes and runs towards the figure, who you of course realize is in fact Annabelle. Jack yells at everybody to run towards the alley and to try to find the hospital. The pirates running after you are really quick, and if you hurry, you may lose them in the city. But it would be disastrous if you get separated from Jack and the others, so you look back around for Jack. He's right behind you and yells at you to look out, but it's too late. You run straight into a produce stand and hit your head on the corner beam supporting the roof, knocking you out cold. Daniel, Annabelle, and Madison make it into the crowded city. Jack tries desperately to revive you quick enough to escape, but it's too late. The two of you are surrounded by Giltmore's crew. Jack stands up nonchalantly and says, "Hello gentlemen. You wouldn't, by any chance, happen to have a bucket of cold water?" "Oye! That's Sparra'!" One of the pirates shout. "Captain Sparrow," Jack, of course, corrects. "Well then, Captain Sparrow," a cold voice says, "Seems we caught you at a good time then, aye?" "Actually--" Jack begins, but is cut off as Giltmore snaps his fingers and two of the largest men grab him. "Take the lass as well," Giltmore commands. Another pirate half drags you towards the docks behind Jack. You are loaded into a longboat with all the pirates. Jack is at one end of the boat near Giltmore, and you are put at the other end. You are then hauled up into the ship and brought down to the brig. They throw you and Jack in different cells across from each other. Giltmore leaves the unconscious you and Jack down there alone for what seems like hours. Jack sits there and stares at you across the brig and wonders if you are going to ever wake up and whether they caught the others yet. When Giltmore finally decides to grace his prisoners with his presence, Jack was beginning to fall asleep. The loud noise of the cell door jerks him awake. Jack smirks as the perturbed-looking Giltmore walks in. "Where's the girl?" Giltmore demands. "Right over there, probably dead thanks to you." Jack glances in your direction. "Not your wench, Jack. Where's the Baker lass?" "On me ship," Jack says harshly. "Don't lie to me, Sparrow. We've been watching your ship since this morning. Only you, her, one of my deserted crew members, and two others left the ship, and no one returned. Where is she?" You begin to come to. You hear voices, and can recognize Jack's, but you can't understand what he's saying. When you open your eyes, you can't tell where you are. Black splotches seem to cover everything and the things you can see are blurry. But you can feel a spot near your temple throbbing and the hard floor of the brig on which you were laying. Hoping he was somewhere near, you say as loud as possible "Jack?" Giltmore snaps his head towards you and then back to Jack as he answers, "Right here, luv." You understood him. "Don't leave me here alone," you say, almost whispering. Your body threatens to black out again. Giltmore's face contorts into a twisted smile. "So that's how it is, eh?" He walks out of Jack's cell and into yours. "Alright Sparrow. If you don't want to give me answers, your bonny lass here suffers, aye?" Jack smiles. "Not my lass, mate. She's a whore I picked up at the last port." Fortunately you passed out again and didn't hear this, or else you would've been ticked. "So her fate's not of importance to you?" "Not one bit." Giltmore takes out his sword and presses it firmly against your shoulder. He slices up, causing a red gash running along your collarbone. You jerk awake feeling the searing pain and let out a sharp gasp and then a scream when you realize Giltmore is about to decapitate you. The sword comes dangerously close to your throat and Jack is extremely close to telling Giltmore everything just before the door opens and several pirates drag in Daniel and Annabelle. Giltmore stops abruptly and smiles deviously. Then they too are thrown into separate cells, at least one cell away from each other. "I suppose your wench lives for now," Giltmore says as he walks out of the brig. Everyone stays silent. You feel warm blood seeping through the shirt and all over. Hoping it's not deep, you put as much pressure on it all possible. You are even as bold as to take off your shirt to put over the wound. You sit in the corner of your small cell, not really in the mood to talk to anyone and occasionally letting small cries out from the pain. Jack feels really guilty about the whole situation, and couldn't even dare to look at you, let lone comfort you. That night, you can feel the ship begin to move out to sea, and even still, nobody has said a word. * * * * * CHAPTER 19 The brig in the Red Storm was a hundred times worse than the brig of the Black Pearl. Especially when you are a prisoner in complete darkness. The silence was broken only by the small noise of scurrying rats and the waves crashing against the ship. There was obviously a hole somewhere, for every time the ship swayed, a rush of water would fill the bottom of the brig a couple of inches. You are soon miserable and wish nothing more than to be back on your cozy little couch bed watching the television in the suite on the eleventh floor of the Treasure Island. It seems like you've been there for days, but after a few hours of darkness, your eyes are puffy and you couldn't cry anymore. You begin to feel ashamed. Poor Annabelle must've suffered far worse. She stayed on this ship for a couple of months all by herself. "I'm sorry," you say out loud, breaking the silence. "For what?" came Jack's emotionless voice. "I'm sorry for not paying attention and getting myself knocked out. I'm sorry for being such a coward when I know all of you been through much worse. I'm sorry for causing you to get captured. I'm sorry for--" "It's not your fault for any of this," you hear Annabelle say. "I'm the one who got bloody captured in the first place." "And why we're all making out our confessions like it's our last day on earth, I'd like to admit something that's been on me mind to confess for a very long time," Jack says seriously. You sit up straight. What in the world would Jack confess? "I'm a pirate." He says, over dramatically. You smile and say, "Only you can make this situation seem like a vacation." "What can I say luv? I'm Cap--" "Captain Jack Sparrow. Yes, we all know that. Oh, and thanks Jack," you say. "Your welcome, I think. It all depends on what I'm being thanked for." "Thank you for not leaving me behind earlier, and thanks for cheering me up." "No problem. You just have to remember," you can tell he's making crazy hand gestures even in complete darkness, "Just always remember not to feel sorry for yourself in bad times, or you're almost certain to always die, or lose, or whatever. And there's always hope." "I can't see any hope in this situation," Daniel speaks for the first time. "There's still Lizzie and Will, and Madison, if we can trust her. And we can't forget me loyal crew." Jack answers, as if expecting the Black Pearl to appear at any moment. "But we need a backup escape plan, don't we?" you ask. "I'm not very good at plannin' things important. Besides, they never work. Best to wait for the opportune moment, savvy? You all might want to get some sleep, tomorrow won't be very pleasant." You lean down on the ground and splash water on your shoulder and chest to wash away some of the dried blood when a fresh wave washes in. You gasp when the water hits the cut. It stings like hell. "'Ere luv. You might want to take this shirt, or Giltmore will get quite a show when he comes down here in the mornin'." You hear Jack take off his coat and hang it over a bar in the cell so it doesn't get wet. He takes off his shirt and stretches it out as far as he can. You reach your arm out as far as it will go and search around for it in the dark. You grab Jack's arm and follow it down to the shirt. It is considerably dry, and you are very thankful. "Thanks Jack," you say as you pull the shirt over your head. It even smells like Jack, which comforts you greatly as you lean against a corner and eventually drift off to sleep. * * * * Back in Algiers, earlier that day Madison waited for everyone near the docks that afternoon after a day of searching around for Giltmore. No luck. She found out nothing except that Giltmore was somewhere in the city with some of his crew and he rest were still on the ship. After what seems like hours waiting, Madison sees the little party, short Will and Elizabeth, heading towards her. "What kept you?" Madison asks. "We got a bit tied up," Jack answers. "I didn't find any sign of Giltmore, but the Red Storm is floating just over there. I don't know much about this place to know what he's doing. He didn't really trust me with information, being a woman and all," Madison says. "We can only hope for the best," Jack says. Madison barely heard what Jack said, because over the distance, she spotted a band of pirates running in their direction accompanied by some shouts. She didn't even have to look twice to know that is was her ex shipmates. They were bound to execute her whenever they found her for deserting. She took off running towards the city as Daniel ran to intercept Annabelle. She heard Jack yelling at everyone to run and looked back just in time to see you crash into the fruit stand and Jack fall behind to revive you. As soon as Madison darted into the crowd, she saw Annabelle and Daniel shoot off into one direction and watched out of sight as Giltmore had you and Jack carried off to his ship and order the rest of the crew to head her way. Madison lost herself in the crowd and began to think frantically. She was a pirate. Most in her position would walk away from the whole situation. But there was this small cringe of guilt that possessed her mind every time she thought about it. She knew you didn't trust her one bit, and who could blame you? Maybe that was the reason Madison felt she had to do something. To prove you wrong from all he times you looked at her suspiciously, or on the many occasions you would talk to Jack or Elizabeth against her honor. Luckily she knew he city well enough to know that there was only one doctor, and she's been there on several occasions. Madison swallowed down the pirate in her and hurried off to Dr. Cane's. After a long walk through a maze of streets and alleyways, she comes to the shabby old building. She busted inside and searched around the cramped room for the Turners. When they weren't anywhere to be found, Madison cursed loudly and jostled her way out the door and into the street. Which way would they go? Madison went down one way, and on pure luck, she found the Turners standing in an intersection wondering which way to go. She called Elizabeth's name over the crowd. Elizabeth's head shot up and she waved Madison over. "What's wrong?" "They got them all. Giltmore got Jack and the girl," Madison said. Elizabeth's eyes grew wide and Will looked over his shoulder expecting to see Giltmore coming for them from around the corner. Madison continued, "We have to find Daniel and Annabelle quick and get to the Black Pearl quickly." "Annabelle was with you?" "Yes, she escaped. But we have to find them now! This way!" Elizabeth looked at Madison apprehensively. Madison sighed and said, "Look, Elizabeth, I swear on my honor that I'm not leading you into a trap. I'm more than willing to leave now if I didn't want to prove that so bad, so would you please trust me?" Elizabeth looked at Will, who nodded, and Elizabeth nodded at Madison, who then led them through the winding streets heading towards the docks. With any hope, Daniel would have enough sense to go back to the Black Pearl. But when they finally came near the shores, they had to hide because a group of Giltmore's crew proceeded past with none other than Daniel and Annabelle as prisoners. Madison looked at the Turners. "You have to go back to the Pearl and tell the crew to follow Giltmore if he leaves port. I'll go and try to find out what's happening aboard the Red Storm, alright?" "Okay. Be careful, Madison," Elizabeth says. "Aye, you too. Get better Will, and good luck." Will and Elizabeth headed to the Black Pearl and Madison stealthily followed the remainder of Giltmore's crew to the Red Storm. When they took a longboat out to the ship, Madison bribed a nearby fisherman to take her around to the other side of the ship, who luckily did so with all due speed. As soon as she managed to pull herself through cannon window on the main deck, the Red Storm began to head out to sea. There was so much commotion aboard the ship, that Madison barely needed to be stealthy. Most of the crew was to busy getting the ship out of port safely to notice she was wondering around. Fortunately, Giltmore left his cabin window open while having a conference with his officers. Madison watched as the cabin boy walked in, and hid herself in a pile of rigging under the window. "Sir, the Black Pearl is following us out of port," the young boy said. "As was expected. They'll keep their distance. Tell the helmsman to keep course," Giltmore commanded. "Aye, sir." The cabin boy walked out and Giltmore continued discussing plans. "What about Sparrow?" one of the officers asked. "I haven't decided," Giltmore said. "I'm either going to kill him, or turn the bastard in to the navy. He's got quite a price on his head. But whatever we do, we have to keep him separated from the lass he brought along. I have a feeling we could use her to our advantage." "Do ye think he knows about the curse?" "I think he does, but I'm not too sure where he could've heard about it from." "What about Lewis?" Madison jumped at the mention of her name. "She deserted just last week. Maybe she has some connections with him?" "I doubt it. It would be a slim chance that she'd help him even if they met by some odd fate," Giltmore said. Madison smirked to herself. Shows how much he knew. From then on out, the discussion turned into a bawdy conversation about the whores of Tortuga, and Madison snuck away from the window and went to see if she could nick some food. It was getting very late, and she managed to steal some bread and water from the kitchen while the cook slept in his usual chair by the stove. After she ate, Madison eventually drifted off to sleep in a dark spot that was hidden from view. Someone would find her only if they themselves hid there sometime during the day. And that's what eventually happened. * * * * Back to present time, the next morning Madison awakes to the sound of many people laughing. The sun is barely up and the warm colors of dawn paint the sky. When she opened her eyes, she saw the cabin boy climb over rigging towards her accompanied by none other than Giltmore. "There she is, sir!" the boy shouts. Giltmore's face contorts into a twisted smile. "Ah, so very nice for you to join us, Lewis. Have a nice vacation did we? Put her with the others!" Two men grab Madison as she tried to pull out her sword, which greatly amuses the rest of the crew. She kicks at them, but several others are able to subdue her. "I'll deal with you when we get to port," Giltmore told Annabelle as she was forced down towards the brig. The sound of the heavy doors makes you jump out of your sleep. At first you thought it was Giltmore coming back, but then you heard Madison shouted all sorts of obscenities. Annabelle gasps and puts her hand over her mouth as Madison is thrown into the cell between her and you. You were suddenly glad Madison was here. That meant she hadn't betrayed you, and the more people in here, the less clumsy you felt. Everyone else had to do something to get caught as well. When Madison stops her cursing of everything on God's green earth, you say rather cheerily as a wave washes in, "Welcome to Giltmore's luxury cruise, complete with swimming pool. Enjoy your stay!" * * * * * CHAPTER 20 Madison shoots you a sarcastic smirk. You look away and pretend to be interested in the many holes dotting the walls of the brig. Light shining through them makes everything seem speckled and the dust swirling around in it is abundant. You wonder how the ship stayed afloat with so many holes. "So, are we expecting to be murdered anytime soon?" Jack asks, directing the question to Madison. "It's highly likely, unless you can be helpful to Giltmore in any way at all." "Did you overhear anything important?" you ask her. "He's carrying through his plan to lift his idiotic 'curse' by burying Annabelle with a shit-load of treasure, he's planning on selling Sparrow to the Royal Navy, and he's goin' to use you as leverage of some kind." "What about Daniel?" Jack asks. "He'll most likely be killed when we anchor." "And yourself?" Annabelle asks. "I'll be hung for deserting," Madison replies simply, as if it unphases her. Everyone sits quietly in thought. After a while of pondering upcoming deaths, Annabelle began to weep. It is really making you depressed, and you try your very best not to cry. It is pretty hard considering the current circumstances. You glance at Jack, who has been since the night before, shirtless except for his coat. He smiles and winks at you when he notices you looking. You smirk back and quickly forget you are locked in a cell in the bilge of a ship. Madison notices this voiceless flirting and makes a small noise of impatience while turning her attention back to the sobbing Annabelle and consoling Daniel. Annabelle stops crying turns to dry her eyes. You glance at her. She really isn't as old as her portrait made her seem. Maybe it is because she didn't have her hair up and a tight bun or because she wasn't wearing a stuffy, over-conservative dress. She has to be your age, if not younger. "Annabelle," you say. "How old are you?" "Sixteen," she responds with a crackling voice. Wow. She was younger than you. Several years younger in fact. "How long have you've been married to Daniel?" "Not even a year." Suddenly, the door above the ladder leading into the brig opens, and a very scraggly-looking man sticks his head through. "The cap'n wanted me to tell ye that we 'ave 'bout a day 'fore we get te out lil' destination," the man said while laughing. "Any chance for food?" Madison says before he gets a chance to leave. "I'd feed meself to a sharky 'fore I gave ye any food, Lewis," he sneered back. "'Sides, the cap'n said ye could all live for a couple o' days without it. No use wastin'." For the first time since you've been captured, you notice you stomach seemed to be eating itself. Lovely. No food until tomorrow. The rest of that day passes with very little activity, as expected. Except for the few moments that Annabelle was being pessimistic and the lack of food, you have quite a chipper time. Before long, you and Jack are making up absurd stories to pass the time. "Alright, here's one," Jack begins. "Once upon a time, in the Magical Land of Eunuchs--" "You mean France?" you interrupt, laughing. "Aye, you read me mind, luv. So, in the Magical Land of Eunuchs, there live this whelp named...hmm..." "Jaques?" you offer. Jack gives you a fake scowl. "Nay, his name shall be Prince Daniel." Daniel glares at Jack while turning red. "Daniel is not a eunuch," Annabelle says, making you and Jack laugh harder. "That's not what that girl at the doctor office said," you say in between laughs. Annabelle narrows her eyes at her husband. "What girl?" Daniel looks at you with a death glare, so you say quickly, "I was just joking. There's no girl. Only a crazy lady who thought he was a prince." Annabelle still eyes everyone with suspicion, so Madison tells you and Jack to lay off the stories. Everyone is quiet for the next ten minutes. It surprises you that Jack actually took an order from somebody, but you decide not to question it. The silence was starting to get to you again. Somebody has to say something, or you'll go absolutely mad. When it seems like the agonizing thought of what awaits you when the Red Storm anchors takes over the general mood, you blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. "Jack, what's your middle name?" "What?" "I said 'what's your middle name'," you repeat. "Luv, the day I tell you that is the day you let me have my way with you," Jack responds. Annabelle gasps, apparently at the lack of discretion the conversation seemed to be heading. "So that's never then, eh?" you say with an innocent smile. Madison looks at you both incredulously. "You mean you never, er, did it?" You shake your head. "I don't believe that for one second." You and Jack look offended. She continues, "Sparrow here has quite a reputation, and from what I hear, there's no way in hell you sleep in the same room without anything happening." Annabelle pretends not to listen, Daniel quirks an eyebrow, you blush, and Jack smirks. He says, "You would know, wouldn't you?" "Go to hell, Sparrow." * * * * The next morning, you are very weak with hunger. You feel like you are wasting energy just by talking, so everyone stayed silent. Giltmore had not been down to see his prisoners since you were thrown in. It seems as though he forgot the lot of you were down there suffering. But you don't have long to wait now. A few hours after the sun rises, Giltmore himself climbs down into the flooded brig. "You two are comin' with me," he said, pointing at you and Annabelle. Daniel and Jack jump up. "Where are you taking them?" Daniel said, trying to sound intimidating, which doesn't really work. Giltmore chuckles. "Ye needn't concern yerselves with that. It'll be a grand reunion in hell, I assure you. Take them up!" A few pirates unlock the door and attempt to carry you off. While Annabelle goes without a fuss, you kick and yell with your remaining energy. But of course that doesn't last long, and you are dragged out. "Giltmore," Jack say very calmly, "How about we make a deal. The lass goes free, and I'll go along with you on your little adventure, savvy?" "Ye see Jack? You're too noble for your own good. Whether she really is a whore or not, ye won't let 'er die. So, here my deal whether ye like it or not: Try anything stupid, like escaping for instance, the wench dies. If ye manage to be cooperative, she goes free after this 'little adventure' as ye so kindly put it." "So how are we supposed to pass our time while waiting for that moment to come?" "I suggest ye make yer peace with the good Lord," Giltmore says with a smirk. He walks off feeling somewhat good about his position. Nothing is stopping him now. Besides, he is about to add another ship to his little fleet. The Black Pearl is still faithfully pursuing it's captain. When he climbed the steps to the weather deck, Giltmore took out his spyglass and watched for a minute as the approaching land grew closer. Meanwhile, you and Annabelle are dragged to the galley and are practically force fed, which honestly doesn't bother you one bit. Unfortunately, you get the hiccups from eating so fast, so it's a bit comical when Giltmore comes striding in with the biggest smile on his face. "Ah ladies! Eat up, we've got a big day ahead of us," Giltmore says in a cheerful villain sort of way. You glare at him and begin to call him a colorfully souped-up version of 'idiot scumbag'. Nothing comes out but a mixture of a hiccup and a burp, which really hurts your throat. Giltmore snaps his head in your direction and stares at you for a moment. "Ye seem familiar. Have I had the pleasure of your company recently? Tortuga perhaps?" "Excuse me?" you say rather clearly. "So yer not a wench, eh? I knew ol' Jack wouldn't of brought ye along if ye were." "What --hic-- do you mean?" "Sparrow said he picked ye up at the last port, as it were." "He said WHAT?!" "Aye. But I spose ye wouldn't be bad at it, I mean, ye got the bod--" He doesn't even have to finish before you manage to kick him as hard as possible right where it hurts. "Ah, now I remember. Yer the lass that did that back in Port Royal, aren't ye? Just as well that I have ye now. Ye were on my hit list darlin'. I suppose the deal's off with Sparrow then. I promised te keep ye livin' if he didn't escape, but now I may just kill ye anyway. But we won't tell him that just yet, will we?" He laughs and begins to walk out the door while giving more orders to the pirates guarding you. "Take them ashore!" |