CHAPTER 6

You motion for Jack to lead the way. Instead of going down towards the water, as you imagined, he turns around and starts heading back towards Will's house. But instead of taking the long driveway that led to their beach-side house, he cut into some woods before the road turned. You reluctantly followed into the thick clusters of palmettos and banana trees.

Before you could question him, Jack answers, "I had to hide me ship from the Navy. Couldn't 'ave her and the crew caught. I hope she's still safe."

You emerge in a clearing next to a cliff. You look up at it and notice it is a least 100 feet high. Where to now? You thought, still looking up. Jack sways to one section of the cliff. It looked jagged and stuck out at weird ends.

"I am not climbing that!" You flash Jack your there's-no-way-in-hell look.

"Ye don't have to. Look!" He pulls you forward to look a little better. There was a steep pathway winding itself up the jagged section.

"Fine," you say, still looking a little apprehensive. "But if it's the least bit dangerous..."

Jack doesn't hear the last part and starts the decent up the side. If you were looking at him from afar, it would seem as though he were floating up. The narrow path was practically invisible unless you were on it. You take the first few strides on the path, and look up at Jack. He seemed to be having no difficulties at all getting up, so you start off confidently. But about half way up, you start feeling scared. You force yourself not to look down, and you keep reminding yourself that you'll be fine.

You get to a part where the path gets so narrow, you have to press against the rock wall to prevent yourself from falling. You freeze midway through. You couldn't continue. You were terrified to move. Jack makes it to the top and notices you not moving. "Come now, luv. We don't have all day."

You don't respond. Your petrified to move a muscle. Jack rolls his eyes and makes his way back down again. He comes to the part of the path that narrows and inches next to you. "Afraid of heights, are ye?"

You slowly nod. He sighs and grabs you arm, and starts pulling you through. You start to protest, but he keeps pulling you along. About ten more feet, the path widens and get steeper.

"There," he says. "I don't 'spose ye need me the rest of the way."

He starts to climb again, and you struggle up. He's obviously been doing this for awhile. The closest you ever came to this was putting lights on the roof of your one story house.

You finally make it up the cliff. Panting, you stagger over to sit down next to Jack, who seemed to be watching with amusement. He has a smirk on his face.

"It's not funny! I'm not used to climbing things!" You say, still panting.

"Don't people in the future have hills?"

"You call this a hill? More like a mountain. Besides, we're lazy. We use chair lifts and such..."

Jack gives you a quizzical look and stands up. You follow suit and gasp. Since the first time you've made it up, you look around. It was amazing. To the south, you see Port Royal. To the north, you see more hills and forests. To the Southeast, you see a small cove with a ship anchored in it. You realize that it was next to the cove you started in. If you would've gone right instead of left when you washed ashore, you would've run into Jack's crew.

You see another ship pulling into the empty cove. You wonder why they aren't at the docks. Maybe another pirate ship?

Jack seems to be looking at them too. "Quite a view, isn't it?"

"Yes it is." You respond. You could stay up here forever. You suddenly feel really grateful you made it all the way up.

Jack walks to a path heading towards the cove. You follow him through the thick, tangled brush hiding the path from view. The path was a steady decline that led you all the way down to the cove. You stop on the beach and look at Jack's ship. It certainly was beautiful. The ebony color made her seem mysterious and almost mystical.

Jack drags out a small rowboat hidden in some bushes and you help him carry it to the water and flip it over. You both get in and before you know it, you are climbing up a ladder behind Jack to the deck of the Black Pearl.

Jack's crew were on deck, looking at you curiously as you climbed over the rail, trying your best not to let the skirt show anything that needed to be shown.

"Welcome aboard the Black Pearl. This here is me crew."

"Hello," you say kind of nervously. Jack senses this and adds, "They won't bite, luv. We might look scary, but only when we be working." He winked and a few of the crew members laughed. "Let me introduce you."

Soon enough, you were acquainted with Gibbs the first mate, Anamaria the only woman crew member, Cotton with his talking parrot, the short man named Kronk, and the rest. They seem to be really friendly, and you lighten up after meeting them. Jack gives you a quick tour around the ship. You are fascinated with everything. This is the first real ship you've ever been on, and you take everything in with excitement.

You were both getting ready to head back to Port Royal when Gibbs came up to Jack. "Did ye happen ta see that other ship Cap'n?"

"Aye. Who is it?"

"I didn't see it for long, but I think it's Giltmer, sir."

Jack made a small noise in his throat. "Just what I need right now, to run into the likes of that good-for-nothin', bilge-dwellin', piece of scum."

Jack angrily stepped over the rail and down the ladder into the boat. You wave at Gibbs and the rest of the crew. "Nice to meet you."

"You too lass. Come see us again sometime."

You crawl down the ladder while trying to hold your skirt tight. You didn't need to give Jack a view. When you are in the boat, rowing back to shore, you ask Jack, "Who's Giltmore?"

"Jest an old rival is all. Accused me of cheatin' at cards. Hasn't let it go since. I'd rather not run into 'im today. He's very disturbed from the stories I hear."

You walk back up the path that leads to the cliff. Jack peers down and sees Giltmore and a small band of pirates heading towards town. You wait until you can't see them anymore, and start the descent down. This time, you go first just in case you needed Jack. At the part where the path narrows, you go through with remarkable ease. Jack being there right behind you makes you feel better.

You make it down and Jack leads you through the bushes once again towards Port Royal. He stops and motions for you to be quiet when you are almost to the road. He crouches behind some bushes and you do the same. You can hear voices near the road. By the way they were talking and their accents, you could tell they were pirates. Jack starts inching his way to the side, obviously trying to get a view. You follow close behind him. You try to make little noise as possible, but stub your little toe on a rock. You can't silence the "Ouch!" coming from your mouth.

Jack gives you a glare, and the voices stop. You can hear the pirates coming towards you and Jack. The stop right next to the large palmetto you were behind. A man with a large hat with crimson feathers protruding from it pushes back the fronds, exposing Jack and yourself. A smile plays on his face and he whistles for the others to come over. "Jack Sparrow. Long time no see. Out for a stroll I suspect?"

Jack puts on a cheeky grin. "Giltmore. Ye see, its a long story really--"

He was cut off as Giltmore grabbed him by the collar and forced him up. "And we catch you eavesdropping, Sparrow." He looks in your direction. "Whose the lass? Another wench, Sparrow?"

You stand up and look him directly in the eye. "I am not a wench!"

Giltmore starts to laugh along with several of his crew, and you kick him as hard as you can in the groin. He lets go of Jack and winces, and you bolt towards the road, quickly followed by Jack. You can hear the pounding of heavy footsteps following behind you. You look back and see some of Giltmore's crew in hot pursuit.

You didn't know which way to go, but you just run down the street, hoping you'll find a safe haven. You and Jack gain some ground and rush out of sight behind a corner. "Where to?" You ask Jack, who was panting almost as much as you. Before he could answer, you look around the corner and see them coming, so you grab Jack's arm and you run. You see the docks coming into view, and you hear Jack mutter, "Bloody hell," under his breath. But you had no choice. Hopefully you could find a good hiding place.

You rush behind a load of cargo at the foot of the docks. You and Jack don't say a word. You look around the crates and notice the pirates looking around the corner shop closest to the docks. You hear one of them curse loudly, and they walk back up the street.

Jack creeps out from behind the cargo boxes and you follow him. "Nice move, luv."

"Err, thanks." You manage to pant out.

But before you manage to walk off that easily, you feel the tip of a bayonet on your back. You look over at Jack and hear him sigh. "Ye got me again gentleman. So let's make this easier on all of us and save time by letting me go now."

There was no response as a red-clad guard steps in front of you and puts you and Jack in irons.

"Why am I being arrested?" You ask, trying to sound innocent.

"Hmm, let's see," one of the guards says sarcastically. "You were found running with the most wanted pirate from Madame Bakers shop. Obviously a crime has been committed and can only explain why you were running."

You piece this together in your head and decide there was no way out now. You and Jack are led off to a jail near the fort.

When you get there, you are thrown into a cell covered with old straw at the bottom. It had a window on one side, letting sunlight stream in. The jail guard walks down into the cell block. "Ah, back again, eh Sparrow?"

Jack doesn't answer but merely looks out the window. The guard keeps talking. "At least you got some company this time, mate." He walks back up the stairs and out of sight.

"What are they going to do with us?" You ask Jack, a little worried.

"Most likely hang us, they'll probably set the date tomorrow or the next day. It'll be at dawn considering how the dear Commodore likes to see me suffer the last night." He says this lightly.

"HUNG?" You yell at him. "And this doesn't bother you?"

Jack settles into a corner. "I wouldn't think much on it. I always get out." He yawns and settles into a corner. He lazily adds, "You just have to wait for the opportune moment."

You make a frustrated noise and sit in the corner opposite him. There was nothing you could do now, so you stared out the window, watching the clouds drift by. After a while, you doze off, hoping Jack was right and you'll both be free by the end of this.

* * * *

You wake up to a small hissing noise coming from the window. It was a lot darker than it was when you drifted off. The last rays of the sun were shining in through the bars. Jack was still fast asleep. You hear the hissing again. "Psst, Jack!" You look to the window and see Will peering in.

"Will!" you say, very glad to see him.

"Shh!" he says and points towards the door. "Wake Jack up."

You make your way over to him and hear Elizabeth's voice coming through the bars. "Is he in there?"

Jack awakes fairly easily despite how deep he seemed to be sleeping. You point to Will and he stands up. You and Jack are at the window from the inside, and Will and Elizabeth are on the outside.

"I knew you'd be here." Will says, which earns him a death glare from Jack.

"They took Anabelle!" Elizabeth stated, a little hysterical.

"Who did?" You and Jack say at the same time.

"Some pirates. Anabelle went into the kitchen to get some tea, I heard a crash, and rushed in to see them drag her out the window."

"Calm down," Will soothed his wife.

"It was that damned Giltmore." Jack states. "Get me out and we'll go after her."

Elizabeth smiled at him. "You really mean it Jack?"

"Of course, luv. Can't resist a little adventure now, can we?"

Your heart skips with excitement. You were going on an adventure! You suddenly felt wide awake, and the fear of hanging was replaced with an adrenaline rush.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 7

"How are we getting out?" You ask with a new light of hope showing in your voice.

"Er, um... We haven't thought of anything yet. We have to get the guards over there distracted first," Will responds.

"That's simple," Elizabeth said and walked over to a few guards supposed to be keeping watch. She disappeared from view and you suddenly hear loud, hysteric cries.

"Leave it to Lizzie," Jack said, helping Will tie a rope around the window bars.

"That's not gonna work," you state. You should know after seeing tons of prison movies. Will pulls the rope out and starts pulling with all his might while you and Jack push.

The bars jerk out and leave you with an astonished look. "Wow. They don't go for quality around here, do they?"

"Nope."

Jack lifts you up and Will pulls you out the window. Then he helps Jack out. The three of you make your way around the corner, being careful not to cast shadows near the guards. You slink around the corner, and Elizabeth notices and stops crying at once. The two guards keeping watch both look at each other. The larger of the two offer Elizabeth his arm and begins to escort her home. This gives you, Jack, and Will time to slink off unnoticed.

The three of you beat Elizabeth home. By the time she arrives, everything you'll be needing on the journey is packed. Messy, but packed nonetheless.

You follow Jack down the street, not to the edge of the woods leading to the cliff, but towards the shops rather. Jack stops right in front of the shipwright place and bangs on the door. A very portly man answers, looking very perturbed.

"No more orders today. Goodnight to you!" He starts to shut the door, but Jack puts his foot in the way. "Listen, mate. We're kind of in a hurry here. I jest need me order."

"Sorry sir. We're closed!" The man tries to push Jack away. Jack pulls out a pistol and points it in the middle of the man's face.

"I wouldn't be crossin' old Jack now, savvy?"

The man slowly opens the door to let the four of you in. You walk in and he goes into the back room and pulls out a rather large box. "You can't leave without a proper shipwright to attach it! You'll never get away with this!"

Jack just smiles. "Thanks very much mate."

You, Jack, and the Turners leave the shop. Will and Jack both have to carry the box. Jack starts to head back towards the cliff, but you point an obvious problem out to him. "How are you going to haul that up? There's no way!"

Jack thought for a minute, as if weighing out several possibilities. "Hm. You're right, luv. We'll have to take the beach."

Will and Elizabeth looked at each other with frowns. You were just happy you didn't have to climb the cliff again. But Jack looks anxious. "We'll have to hurry then."

You all do an about-face and begin the descent down the street. The sun was completely gone now and all you could see was a faint glow off to your right. A few late shop owners were hurrying off to dinner at home, but other than that, the streets were empty. There were many lights in an old pub, and Jack slowed down and looked longingly at it. But Will tugged on the box, forcing Jack with it.

The four of you sneak across the bridge, a`nd hope the guards by the docks don't see you. You slink off to the beach and successfully make it to the shadows near the cliffs. The tide was high, leaving a very thin strip of beach along the cliffs. An occasional wave would wash up, soaking everyone up to their knees. Finally the beach widens as you enter the first cove. It was empty, which confirmed that it was, in fact, Giltmore who took Anabelle.

You make your way around the cove and through another thin strip of sand until you got to the next cove. The Black Pearl was floating majestically in the middle of the small cove. Jack and Will pull out the small rowboat hidden in the bushes, and they row everyone and the large box to the ship. Jack goes up first, getting the crew ready to set sail. Gibbs appears at the rail, and lowers a few pulleys to bring the box up. The rest of you climb up to the deck.

Jack is talking to Gibbs hurriedly near the helm. You catch a little of the conversation. Gibbs was going to fix the rudder chain. It was going to take about two hours before everything was ready to set sail. You rush off to tell Elizabeth. You find her new the bow. She was staring off into the horizon. Will was off getting the ship prepared.

"Elizabeth?" You ask, hoping she doesn't want to be alone. She smiles at you.

"Hello."

"Jack said we should be going in a couple of hours."

She merely nodded. You look at her, concerned. "Are you all right?"

"Yes. It's just that... well... Anabelle been my only friend in Port Royal for a long time. Most of the other women despise me ever since I married Will. It would be terrible if anything should happen to Anabelle."

"We'll find her. Don't worry. I haven't known you or Will or Jack long at all, but somehow I know this will turn out fine."

Elizabeth smiles. "I'm glad I have another girl to talk to about this. Will isn't one to handle emotions well, and it's laughable to expect that from Jack."

"Well, I'm glad I'm here," You laugh a little at the thought of Jack being emotionally intact. "So. Where do you think we're heading?"

"Tortuga, most likely."

Your eyes widen. "Tortuga? I've always wanted to go there!"

"Well, here's your chance. Not really that great. Dangerous really." Will calls for Elizabeth from somewhere near the stern. She leaves you with your thoughts.

So much has happened in the past day. You traveled through time to the 17th century, met the Turners and Jack, got a great new outfit, climbed a one hundred foot cliff, met some cool pirates, got chased by pirates, got thrown in jail, got rescued, and now you were almost on your way to Tortuga. This is all you could ever hope for. Darkness blankets the sea, and stars are dotting the sky. You are lost in thought for awhile before you notice you were moving.

The Black Pearl slices through the water like diamond on glass. Excitement pumps through your veins as the sails fill with the tropical breeze. The ship picks up speed as it heads out of the little cove. You walk towards the helm of the ship where Jack was steering. He seemed to have the same excitement in his eyes. You were both silent as you watched Port Royal shrink over the horizon. When it sunk into the ocean, you turned to face the open ocean. Miles of water lay before you. The feeling was exhilarating and haunting at the same time.

"This is amazing!" You shout.

"Aye. It tis. Nothing in the whole world compares to being out at sea, with nothing but me ship and a good wind."

You look up at a crescent moon. "Isn't the moon beautiful?"

Jack looks up for a moment before answering. "The moon is very mysterious. I make it a point not to become to fond of her. Past experiences proved to be not so pleasant."

"What do you mean?"

"Long story, luv."

"Well we have all night. And I'm wide awake. Let's hear it." You are very persistent.

Jack smiles and begins his story about his mutinous cursed crew. You listen with utmost attention. As absurd as it sounds, you can't help but believe it. The way Jack describes everything, the way he puts emotion into it makes you want to believe everything he's ever said. He finishes the story up. You have an expression of awe painted across your face. "How long ago was this?"

"'bout three years. Still haunts me, that moon does."

You look back up at the moon. It now looks more mysterious than ever. You half-expected to see a skeleton slink around the corner. You look back at Jack. The moonlight shined on his face. He was looking straight ahead, as though lost in thought.

"It must be great to sail off whenever you want. You could go just about anywhere." You say this longingly.

"Anywhere there's water."

You stare out into the distance. The wind whipped through your hair from behind. It was a little chilly, but you didn't want to leave the deck. You and Jack are both silent for a few moments before he asks, "Do you want to steer?"

You look at him incredulously. "Me? I might crash!"

Jack laughs. "What, exactly, are ye plannin' on crashin' into to? There's nothing but water all around."

You bite your lip, not sure if this is such a good idea, but you walk to the helm anyway. Jack puts your hands on the helm and says, "Jest try to keep 'er straight."

He puts his hands on your waist, you can't help but enjoy it. He is successfully blocking the wind, so you feel very warm. A few more minutes of silence go by.

"Jack," you say. "Thanks."

"No problem, luv."

You stand there steering for about half an hour. Once in awhile Jack grabs the helm to straighten the course. Jack tells you all about the ship, about the different parts. He was in the middle of explaining about the different sails when Elizabeth and Will came over yawning.

"Jack," Will says, "It's been a trying day. Do you mind telling us where we'll be sleeping?"

"Ah yes. Right this way. OYE! GIBBS!"

Gibbs comes up on deck and Jack hands him the helm. Jack walks to the stairwell that led to the lower decks and you followed. He led you through a narrow hall and into a small room near the stern. The four of you walk in. All that is in the room is two sets of bunk beds on either side of the room. There isn't much floor space.

"I know it's small, but it's all that's open for now." Jack looks at you and the Turners. It's all right with you. You just felt bad for Elizabeth and Will who had to endure your sleep talking, walking, snoring, and other weird stuff.

"It's perfectly fine, Jack." Elizabeth says, reassuringly.

"I call top!" You race to the nearest bed and climb to the top bunk. Elizabeth takes the bed under yours, and Will takes the bottom of the other set.

"Thanks, Jack," you say before he leaves the room.

"My pleasure. And if ye need anything, it's a ship, so I'll be here." He walks out a shuts the door behind him.

You switch your pillow to the other side of the bed so that your feet are against the wall when you lay down. You pull all the sheets and blankets up and make them into a nest-type burrow thing. Then you curl up in a ball and close your eyes. You hear Elizabeth and Will stop moving and open your eyes to see them staring at you.

"What's wrong?" You ask.

Will just shakes his head and Elizabeth smiles at you. When they are both settled into bed, Will reaches over and turns off the lamp that was sitting on the nightstand between the beds. "Night Elizabeth, night Will."

You hear them both mumble good night before you drift off into a deep sleep.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 8

You wake up to the loud squalling of seagulls and your face pressed against the wall. Your feet were sticking halfway off the bed. The blankets were thrown off to the floor and your skirt was dangerously riding up. You quickly peel your face off the wall and pull your skirt straight before climbing down to get your blanket. You pick up the woolen covers and throw them on your bed, and then gasp when you see Elizabeth in Will's bed.

"If they did what I think they did, and I slept through it, then I really am a deep, absorbed sleeper," You muse to yourself. Deciding you rather not know, you slip out of the room and walk to the deck. You are really hungry and hope they have food somewhere.

When you walked up, the warm sunlight hits your face and the salty air fills your lungs. Then you notice the ship was anchored and you were in a small harbor filled with other ships. Seagulls filled the air, scavenging for food and voices carried over the water from shore. Your eyes drift towards there and you see various buildings overlooking the ocean. The sound of footsteps come from behind you and you see Will come on deck. He walks towards you looking sleepy.

"Sleep well?" you ask, trying to hide a smile.

"Very well, and yourself?"

"Great."

There is a long awkward silence following this, considering you and Will don't have much to talk about. You both kind of just stare towards Tortuga. To your relief, Elizabeth walks over and proposes you all get something to eat.

"Great. Let's go." You hop into the nearest boat with the Turners and you row towards the town. "So. Where are we going? I'm assuming you know where to find good food."

"And what makes you so sure I know my way around here?" Elizabeth asks you.

"Oh, I dunno. You just seem to be the type of people who travel a lot, and if you are, then you've most likely been here before." You remember what Jack told you back in Port Royal. By the way, where is Jack?

"All right, so we've been a few places in the area. I know just the place for breakfast. This is probably the most respectful place on the whole island, Angela's Inn." Elizabeth points towards a building that looks like a house, separated from most of the other buildings. "There is always good food to eat there."

The boat pulls ashore and you look around as you get out. It seemed dead. Only a few people were out. "I thought Tortuga has a lot of people in it."

"It does," responded Elizabeth. "It just happens to be morning. Wait until tonight, and you'll be sure to want to leave."

You walk quietly through the deserted streets and notice that the place is in ruins. Broken windows, broken rails, there were even a few people passed out hidden behind barrels or bushes. The only people walking around had really bad hangovers and didn't seem very friendly.

Will leads the way towards the inn. He has his hand on his sword as if ready to fight any drunkard that came close.

"A bit paranoid, are we?" you ask giggling.

"You never know in Tortuga," he responds.

You walk into the building. It seems rather pleasant and comfortable. There are tables scattered around the room and a bar in the back with a sign over it reading "Check In Here". There are very few people there, but you notice the person in the corner immediately.

"Jack!" you say, walking towards him.

"Mornin'," he greets. Elizabeth and Will make their way over, and the three of you have a seat.

"I would have chosen a place a bit more to me liking, but knowing the whelp was a hopeless eunuch, I knew you'd be here sooner or later," Jack states, with Will scowling at the same time.

"And what is a place more to your liking?" you ask him.

"Anywhere but here. Though I must admit, this is the only place you can get a decent meal. Oye, Angela!"

A woman walks to the table. She looks very pleasant despite the look she was giving Jack for calling her like that. Her face was round and she was a little chubby, but she has rosy cheeks, curly brown hair, and the greenest eyes you've ever seen. "What can I get ye, mates?"

You all order and the food is at the table in no time. The table was full of sausage, eggs, bacon, fruit, and orange juice, and the smell of it made your mouth water. Minutes later, you are stuffed and feel that another sip of juice would make you explode. Jack is talking about the day's plans, but you are too distracted by watching more people walk in to pay attention. A steady flow of pirates have been walking in, more and more every minute. They sort of remind you of truckers stopping at a diner off the interstate. Same concept.

"Is that all right with you?" You stop watching the other people when Will addresses you.

"Yeah. Sure," you respond, not knowing exactly what you were agreeing to.

"Good. Then that's settled. Let's go then."

Jack gets up and stretches. You follow suite, but when you move, your stomach give a great lurch, and you let out the loudest belch you've ever did. The whole inn goes quiet and every head turns towards you. You blush crimson as Elizabeth looks appalled, and Jack and Will are battling down a laugh. You walk casually out as if nothing happened, but when you get outside, you laugh. "That was great food. Where to next?"

"There's nothin' really to do until later. Tortuga doesn't wake up for another eight hours," Jack said."Then it's great. The whole place comes alive. Pubs, brothels, the works."

You scrunch up your face while thinking about it. How was that great? You wonder if there was a better side of Tortuga. You always wanted to come here, but just for the historical stuff and just to say you've been, but the 'real' Tortuga never crossed your mind.

You fall behind to ask Elizabeth, "What exactly are we doing?"

She rolls her eyes and sighs. "I knew you weren't paying attention. Later on tonight, we are planning on trying to find clues on the whereabouts of Giltmore."

"Oh good. This should be exciting."

"Well, actually... Jack doesn't want you going."

"What?! Why not?"

"It's quite dangerous for people who've never been before. And we must be very discreet and quick when getting information."

"And I'm gonna slow you all down, is that it?" You start to get upset.

"Of course you won't. We just don't want anything happening to you, that's all." This answer doesn't satisfy you however; you march right up to Jack and demand to know why you can't come along. He gives you the same answer as Elizabeth. "We can't have you getting lost, or raped, or murdered, or--"

"Fine! I get the point!" You slow down and let Jack walk ahead of you, making faces behind his back. Elizabeth steps next to you and says, "If it makes you feel any better, I'll stay behind on the ship with you. I don't really like being in Tortuga as it is."

"Thanks." You give Elizabeth a sincere smile and really are grateful, though you still rather go with Jack and Will...

The four of you walk around for a few hours, Jack telling you the best bars and Elizabeth showing you all the places to avoid, which turns out to be almost everything. More pirates wake up around midday and already the bars are filling up. According to Jack, "All the early birds are starting to stir."

You start to feel out of place. Everywhere there are pirates with hats, swords, jackets, and just about every accessory you don't have. With the exception of Will and Elizabeth, you really stand out. You point this out to everyone, and Jack helps.

"Well then, we'll just have to fix that. First things first." He sways over towards some bushes off the street, and pushes them aside to reveal several passed out pirates. "Ye need something to hold yer hair back. Take your pick." He motioned to the pirates who each had a different color bandana thing on their head.

"You want me to just take it off their heads? That's stealing!" You protest, but Jack makes his argument. "Luv, they're pirates. Those were probably stolen from some high class shop back in Port Royal. Besides, this is Tortuga. Stealing isn't really a crime unless ye get caught."

"So these could've been on the head of a countless number of people before them?"

Jack rolls his eyes. "Do you want to look like a pirate or not?"

You sigh and choose a faded turquoise one. It seems rather easy to get it off the pirate. If he wasn't breathing, you'd say he was dead. Instead of putting in on right away, you stuff it in your pocket. Maybe you can find a way to clean it somehow. "What about a hat?" you say, eyeing Jack's.

"Hm. A hat is one of the most important parts of the whole get-up. That is what ditinguishes the best of the best."

"So where do I get one?"

"That," he looks you dead in the eye, "Is something you'll have to earn on your own, luv."

"What's that mean?"

"It means you'll have to find your own means of getting one." With that he strolled off towards the ship. You looking confused after him. Elizabeth just shrugs when you look at her. "Don't ask me. It's one of those sacred, men things."

You both exchange a smile and walk towards the docks, where some of the crew were loading cargo in several rowboats and bringing it to the Black Pearl. You and Elizabeth hop in a boat with Will and Jack While the guys rowed, you stared at Jack very thoughtfully. He really was handsome, and he actually cared for your safety. It doesn't seem like he does that very often. He catches your eye and you don't break away uncomfortably like you do in most cases. He had beautiful eyes. Dark brown, and kohl-lined to add to the effect.

You break eye contact and and reach into your pocket and pull out the bandana. You dunk it into the water and then ring it out, hoping to rid it of some filth. When you are satisfied, you wrap it around your head and tie it in the back. It successfully holds your hair back, but it feels a little tight, so you pull a few strands out and let them frame your face. You look back up at Jack, who is now smiling at you, and you can't help but to smile back.

* * * *

It is now night, and you and Elizabeth watch Jack and Will row ashore. Tortuga was now what Jack had described it. Everything is so loud, the noise seems to echo off the water and onto the ship. You can hear gunshots, yells, screams, and even cat calls find their way to your ears. It looks terribly dangerous, but exciting nonetheless. You would have gladly gone with Jack into Tortuga. You continue watching until they disappear into the crowded streets.

"You fancy him, don't you?" Elizabeth says, watching you watching them. You look at her "What makes you say that?"

"Well, it's not exactly subtle the way you look at him. Like today, for instance. You couldn't take your eyes off him in the boat."

You smile. "Me? Like Jack? He's older than I am, arrogant, conceited... cunning.... smart....... beautiful...." You trail off while sorting it out in your mind. You really did like Jack. "But I can't. I've only known him for two days!"

"Stranger things have happened. I loved Will since the first day we met."

"Oh really? And how long ago was that?"

"Oh, I don't know. Twelve years, thirteen maybe."

"Wow. You were very young then."

"Yes. We were." She pauses for a moment, obviously remembering that day long ago.

"Let's say we break into Jack's room and get a bottle of his best rum."

You give her a quizzical look. "I thought you didn't like alcohol."

"That was in my house. This is Jack's ship. Perfectly legal here as I'm concerned. Besides, certain occasions require certain allowances."

You shoot her a devious smile and follow her to Jack's door. "It's locked," you say, trying the handle.

Elizabeth pulls out a hairpin and actually picks open the lock. You gape at her as the door swings open.

She takes notice of your expression. "I used to do that a lot when I was younger. I had to get out of that godforsaken house of my father."

The whole room is searched, and not a drop of rum is found. Elizabeth throws up her arms. "I can't believe this! It must be here somewhere, that man is perpetually drunk!"

You sigh and lean against the wall, only surprising yourself by falling an extra couple of inches. "What the hell?"

You push on the wall again, and notice it falls back and reveals the tiniest latch from the inside. You push it up to open a section of the wall much like a cupboard. And of course, you find, "RUM!"

There were a dozen bottles at the very least. None seemed to be open. Elizabeth comes over and looks at it in disbelief. You shake your head and mutter, "Has to hide his rum...." You each grab a bottle and close everything up, making Jack's room look at though it wasn't touched. Then you both speed off to your room, feeling very much like pirates yourselves.

You flop on one bed and Elizabeth sits on the opposite side. She pops open her bottle and takes a sip, it went down pretty naturally for someone of her stature. You do the same, as the familiar golden liquid runs down your throat. So you've had some rum before, who cares? That's a whole new story...

* * * *

After a couple of hours, and a couple more stolen bottles, you and Elizabeth are thoroughly drunk. You've been telling stories and singing as loud as your lungs allowed.

"DRINK UP ME HEARTIES YO HO!" You both finish, trying to be synchronized, but really seconds apart. You fall back on your bed, giggling madly. You are about to start up the song again when you hear the door creak open, and Will is standing there, staring wide-eyed at his wife. Elizabeth welcomes him warmly. "William darling! So very... g-g-g-gla-glad GLAD you're here!"

He looks at her, slurring her words, and then at you, still giggling, and says, "I'll be right back."

"Do hurry back, dear. We're having a grrrrrrrandd time..."

A few minutes later, Will is standing outside the door with Jack. They both hear another rousing song of 'A Pirates Life For Me'. Will opens the door at looks to Jack for help. "What do we do?"

"What d'ya mean, 'what do we do'? I see nothing wrong with this situation, mate."

"It's obviously your rum, so you're going to help me get them settled." Will dodges as a pillow is thrown is his direction.

"It couldn't've been my rum, that's all locked up."

You look up as he says this. "Of course it's not YOUR rumm, Cap'n. It's the ship's rum. And does anyone really own the rum?" With that, you collapse on the bed. The alcohol finally put you to sleep.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 9

You wake up in the middle of the night to Elizabeth's vociferous snores. That rum really did a number on her. It's dark outside and the faintest light comes through the window from moonbeams reflecting off the water. You sit up and see that Will is sleeping on the floor next to Elizabeth, clutching her hand as they slept. "How cute," you think, before a throbbing pain shoots through your head. You settle back in the pillows and try your best to sleep, but the sandman wouldn't grace you with his presence this time.

After about thirty minutes of sitting there without a wink of sleep, listening to Elizabeth's snores, you decide you needed some air. You manage to get out of bed without making a sound, and out the door. The hallway is dark, and you nearly trip over the steps when you come to them. When you finally scramble out the door, a cool, refreshing breeze hits your face like ice on a burn. It was not the middle of the night as you thought. Far in the east, you see the faintest glow brimming the horizon. The noise in Tortuga dies down some, but you could still hear noise and the occasional gunshot. It all seems to die away as the first rays of sunshine glance across the sea and over the town, making everything warm and bright. You sit and watch the sun come up, completely ignoring your hangover. The sight is beautiful. You've never in your life seen a sunrise that looked so vibrant and colorful. Hues of pink, orange, and gold shine on the ship making it look majestic.

A few crew members stagger on deck, and you snap out of your trance and think for the first time since you've walked out about the night before. You got drunk, REALLY drunk from the signs of your headache. While you and Elizabeth were having a rum fest, what had Jack and Will found out? You hope they have leads to Giltmore and Anabelle. If you weren't allowed to go into Tortuga, you rather leave and go someplace where you weren't treated like a six year old.

The sky turns a milky blue and the morning is warm and beautiful. All of the crew are out now, preparing to set sail, including Jack. He looks busy, so you decide to ask him about last night once you got moving. You figure that Will is still downstairs, tending to a distraught Elizabeth. Soon, the sails are lowered and they fill with a nice breeze. The anchor is lifted, and the familiar excitement takes over you again. You were on your way. Where to, you didn't know, but at least you were going somewhere. You rushed to the helm, stubbing your bare toe a total of three times with three loud curses. When you finally get there, Jack is at the helm, with a smile on his face. You give him a smile and ask, "So, Captain, where are we headed?"

His smile grew bigger. "Egypt."

"Egypt? Isn't that in--"

"Africa."

You give him the funniest look ever. "Egypt?" you ask once again.

"Aye. Egypt it is." He is amused by the look on your face.

"Have you ever even been across the ocean?"

" 'Course I have. A few times. Or maybe just once..."

"Do we even have enough supplies to last us?"

"One can only hope."

You make a noise in the back of your throat that suggests you are totally annoyed. You storm off and go back to your room to tell Elizabeth. You pass Will in the narrow hall, but you say nothing as you squeeze by. When you enter the room, you find Elizabeth with a pillow over her head and all the blankets were thrown to the side. You know she's awake because you hear her mumbling to herself. You nudge her and she looks at you with eyes glazed over.

"We're going to Egypt," you state rather flatly.

"I know. Isn't it going to be exciting? Why do you seem so mad about it?"

You think for a minute. Come to think of it, why were you so mad? You wanted to get out and travel the world someday. Why not now? Then you thought of sailing away from the Caribbean and answered, "I guess I thought if we stayed in the Caribbean, I'd find a way to go home. But now we are moving away from Florida, and as much as I love it here with you and Will and Jack, and on the Black Pearl, I really miss my family and friends."

Elizabeth looks at you with a smile and pulls you into a hug. "We'll find a way to get you home, I promise. But please come on this last adventure with us. I should hate to lose such a good friend so soon."

You smile. "Thanks Elizabeth. I'm glad I met you. You are my best friend in the seventeenth century."

You both laugh and Elizabeth stands up and tries to hide the pains in her head. She leads you up on deck where the sun was shining, and everyone seemed happy. You walk to the helm and see Jack standing tall steering with a grin on his face. He looks like a king, and may as well be. You walk up to him and say, "I'm sorry I was being rude earlier. I'm glad we are going to Egypt. It will be great."

He looks at you, still grinning. "Well that's good. You were going whether you liked it or not."

You smile back and to his surprise as well as your own, you hug him and he hugs you back. You just stand there for a minute, with his hands draped over your shoulders. Then he says, "If you get bored, there are some books in my room, I highly doubt you don't know how to get in there."

You look at him apologetically, and then rush down to his room, which was luckily unlocked. From tearing the room apart the previous night, you already knew that Jack keeps the books in a small chest near the door. You open it and find a few such as The Odyssey, and various Shakespeare plays. You pick up The Odyssey and open the book, only to find in the inside cover that Jack had written a note.

"I knew you'd choose this one. You're quite the adventurous type even if you don't show it all the time. Only someone like you or Lizzie would be able to find me rum. I hope you enjoy it."

You pick up the leather bound book and head on deck to find a nice place to read. You search around the whole ship and find a small place hidden among ropes and other rigging near the bow. You get settled and begin to read: "Speak to me, Muse, of the adventurous man who wandered long after he sacked the sacred citadel of Troy...."

* * * *

Weeks go by on the ship, and by now you have finished reading The Odyssey and several of the Shakespeare books. Every day on the ship, you'd read in the morning, eat lunch with Will and Elizabeth, and spend the afternoons chatting with Jack as he steered the ship. You talk about anything in the world. You always feel happy when talking to Jack. He makes you laugh and you make him laugh. All the conversations are nice and cheerful.

It was one particular day you were feeling especially gloomy. Supplies on the ship were running low, and nobody knew how much longer the Black Pearl would be at sea. The weather was wet and it seemed like days since the last time you've seen the sun. The moral of the crew was dropping, and you couldn't help but get homesick in all the gloom.

You walk up to the helm after lunch like always, but this time you don't talk, but just stand there looking into the gray horizon. Jack senses your depression and motions for you to come over. He gives you the helm. "What's wrong luv? You're usually the most cheerful person here."

"I miss my family and friends. And I'm worried about this journey. The food isn't gonna last long and this weather is putting everyone down. But most of all I'm homesick. I'd do anything just to see my best friend right now."

"Don't worry about it. As soon as we're done with rescuing Lizzie's friend, we'll find out how to get you home. About the food situation, can't really see how to get through that unless we ration it out. Everything will be just fine."

You feel Jack smiling behind you and you smile too. He was right. It's best to be optimistic and keep spirits high. It suddenly seems as though the clouds thin and for that minute, you feel the warmth of the sun spread throughout you.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 10

A couple more weeks came and went, and as optimistic you are, it isn't enough to ignore the growing problem of the food shortage. Jack ordered rations throughout the ship, and even his precious rum had to dumped out to collect freshwater from whenever it rained, which was about twice a week now. The crew starts to look weak and you notice a change in you too. Your hair thinned out from lack of vitamins and you were losing more weight than was healthy. You tie a rope around your waist to keep your skirt up. You and Elizabeth begin helping the crew keep the Black Pearl afloat and then you help Elizabeth cook using a less food as possible.

One day when you are both in the kitchen, Elizabeth takes inventory of the food that's left. "Three sacks of potatoes, three rotten apples, a dozen oranges, and some salted beef," she says sadly.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm afraid so."

"But that will barely last a week!"

"A week if we're lucky."

You sit down, nearly in tears. You'd give anything to have a whole orange to yourself about now. Elizabeth looked about the same. Your stomach feels sick with hunger, like you have to vomit but there's nothing there. You leave Elizabeth to cook and say, "I'm gonna go ask Jack how long until we get there."

When you get to the helm, you are almost shocked when you see Jack. He was very pale and there were dark circles under his eyes. He was no longer smiling like he was only a few days ago and he looked almost dead. When he saw you, he made a feeble attempt to smile, but it was more of a twitch of one side of his mouth. Seeing someone as strong as Jack look this way almost brings you to tears and you decide not to ask how much longer in fear of the answer. Instead you smile back and return slowly down to the galley.

* * * *

Three more days go by, and the inventory is down to one sack of potatoes, no apples, two oranges, and no meat. You tried everything for food. You even used bits of the rotten apples as fish bait, but everything you tried was in vain. The Black Pearl needed to find land quick or everyone was bound to starve to death. Hardly anybody can work properly with lack of strength, which also results in the Pearl making really bad speed. Some sailors just leaned against the rail, hoping against all odds that the horizon before them would bring good fortunes.

Anna Maria nearly falls out of the crow's nest after passing out. Poor Jack who slumped at the helm all day climbs up and brings her down. When she's on solid deck, you give her some water and some bits of orange and she revives. Jack ordered her to rest and you and Elizabeth take care of her when not cooking and helping out with other duties.

Will was perhaps the strongest person on the ship at the moment, and he struggles to make sure things were kept in order. But it also seems as though the sudden stress has got to him. You accidentally overhear him and Elizabeth get in a huge argument over something as little as keeping the small cabin window open.

* * * *

The very next day, everything seems absolutely hopeless. You gave up on trying to stay optimistic, and the homesickness sets in again. You have constant dreams about being back in the Treasure Island Hotel eating at the restaurant on the pool deck. These dreams wouldn't bother you, but you have them even when you weren't asleep. You stand there and your whole mind goes blank and you can practically smell the grilled burgers and fresh salty air with a slight fragrance of flowers. You bring a frosted glass of iced lemonade to your lips and can feel the cool glass on them before--

You latest daydream is interrupted by hysterical laughter. You try to let your eyes refocus and suddenly your hands are grabbed and Elizabeth's voice rings in your ear, "A ship! There's another ship!"

She drags you to the rail and sure enough, there's a nice, three mast ship heading your way. The flag of peace was raised as it was on the Black Pearl. Jack has a smile on his face and he orders the anchor to be lowered, which you and Elizabeth help do immediately. Will is already there, along with several of the crew. He gives Elizabeth a warm smile and you're glad that they aren't upset with each other as she returns it.

When the anchor's dropped, you and the Turners walk over to Jack and watch as the other ship approaches. You could see some people on the other ship and they didn't seem to be pirates. You seem to forget your hunger as excitement builds up concerning these strangers. You squint to see the ship's name, and you manage to read it out loud. "The Annabelle. Isn't that ironic?"

Will and Elizabeth both look at you stunned, and then they read the name for themselves. Elizabeth's eyes widen. "It's Daniel! Look Will!"

The Annabelle pulls up next to the Black Pearl and Will yells over, "Oi! Daniel Baker! You wouldn't by any chance have any food lying around would you?"

A man who you believe to be the captain gives a few orders, and then goes to the railing of his ship. "Ah. The Turners are you? I wondered when I'd run into you out here. Food you need is it? I just might be able to help you out there."

"This is Daniel Baker." He bends down and kisses your hand. Elizabeth says a bit strained, "He's Annabelle's husband."

You give her and Will a nervous look. Jack is also formally introduced to Daniel while you wonder when this happy little meeting is going to burst when the bad news is brought up. But for now, you keep on smiling and hope you could eat a decent meal soon.

As if answering your prayers, Daniel invites you, Jack, and the Turners to eat on his ship. Then he orders his crew to bring food over to the Black pearl to feed the crew and enough to last you the next few days until you reached the most western shores of the great African continent.

You suddenly remember Anna Maria below deck, starving. "Um, Daniel, er... Mr. Baker, there is a crew member below deck that's in dire need of food. I think I should stay and make sure she gets enough food and drink if you don't mind."

"As you wish, miss. I do hope he gets better."

Jack cuts in. "She, actually. I'll stay here with the lass and take care of Anna Maria as well." He shoots Elizabeth a smirk. She knows all too well that you nor Jack want to be there when they break the news.

"Very well. I'll make sure something special is brought over in that case." Daniel bows and motions for Will and Elizabeth to follow. Will looks back at Jack with a pleading expression, but gets no help as they cross the gangplank onto the Annabelle.

"You know," you say as you and Jack walk down to the bunks where Anna Maria was, "It's really wrong of us to have done that. I mean, it's awful news, and we're just being cowards for running from it. It can't be that bad."

"Cowards? I just wanted to help a friend in need. I don't know what you're playing at, luv, but it doesn't seem very nice."

You glare at him, and he admits it. "Oh alright. I really didn't want to be there. But just the same, we have a wonderful excuse."

"Captain Sparrow, I do believe it was my idea."

"Your idea or not, it worked."

You both walk into Anna Maria's room only to find she wasn't there. Jack had a confused expression on his face as he looked in the most absurd places: under the bed, behind a trunk, in a small wardrobe. You laugh at him. "Now why would she be hiding?"

Jack ignored the question and walked out the door back up on deck. You both search around for her until you spot her tightening the knots on the sails. You point her out to Jack, and you both walk silently behind her.

"Good-for-nothin' men, can't even tie a decent knot..." She was muttering random curses about the shotty work. "Starving or not, even Jack could do this--"

"And so CAPTAIN Jack tried," he surprised Anna Maria and she turned around. He looked at her and said, "You're supposed to be restin'. Got any excuse?"

"Aye. This!" She pointed to the ropes. You giggle and Jack shoots you a warning glare. He turns back to Anna Maria and tells her to go get some food and then she was more than welcome to do all the work she wished. She stalked off and you and Jack go get some food of your own and found that one of the crew brought over something directly from Daniel. "This is for the Cap'n and the young lass and the sick woman."

You and Jack took the food gladly and headed back towards the galley to eat. Daniel managed to give you a tray-ful of fruit, pork, bread, and some other food you didn't recognize. To top it all off was a large bottle of rum which Jack looks at lovingly. You sit down and pick up a nice, ripe orange and barely start peeling it before you are trying to suck all the juice out. Jack starts on the bread and rum. When he takes several long gulps, he passes the bottle to you, and you gratefully take a few yourself. It doesn't take much to get you full, and soon, you and Jack are leaning back in your chairs fully satiated.

Jack looks at you for a minute, and then asks, "You've honestly never heard of me in the future?"

"Honestly, no. If you really wanted to be known, you should keep records of all your adventures. Keep them nice and detailed, and very safe, so hopefully they may last three hundred years and tons of people would know about you."

"So the legend of the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow couldn't be passed through the generations?"

"We hear lots of legends, but hardly anyone believes them because there is no proof. Most historians are quick to dismiss any story without proper evidence." You immediately think of an old history teacher who hated discussing legends.

You are both lost in thought for a few minutes before you hear some shouts from the other ship.

"ANNABELLE?! KIDNAPPED!"

Jack glances at you and you both silently walk back up to deck and board the Annabelle. It wasn't very difficult to find where they were because you could hear the hysteric shouts of Daniel and Will and Elizabeth trying to calm him down, rather loudly I might add. When you walk in the room, Daniel is sitting in a corner with a look of shock and fear on his face. Elizabeth was crying, and Will was staring at the ground.

Jack broke the silence. "Well mate, you're coming with us I imagine, so pack what you need. The faster we are the closer we get."

Daniel looked up at Jack. "Yes. Of course," he said solemnly. Give me an hour to inform the crew and get ready.

By nightfall, Daniel has given orders to his first mate to continue back to the Caribbean, and he was now on board the Black Pearl ready to go.

CHAPTERS 11-15

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