This is my first Narnia fic. I don't own anything. Since watching Pirates of the Caribbean, I've wished we could see what it'd be like if that world was merged with the world of Narnia, in movie form of course-wishful thinking-. I think both movie series are great! Hope you enjoy this story.
At World's End is my top favorite POTC movie, and so that is which film this story will take place in. For Narnia, the children are the age of the second film Prince Caspian, but this is before they met Caspian because I couldn't find a good fit for him in my story.
Please enjoy, and reviews are welcome. This first chapter takes place before The Curse of the Black Pearl, when Jack is still trying to get his precious ship back. This turned out much longer than I wanted, but I wanted to first introduce you all to the first time the Pevensies met Jack Sparrow, then the following chapters should make more sense.
It was a warm summer day in the land of Narnia, and all the great places beyond. The four Pevensie children had gone on a picnic for lunch as it was so lovely out, then gone exploring. They'd also permitted some of the servants to go enjoy the fresh air till it was time for them to return and begin preparing the evening meal. Young Queen Lucy was just now returning to the palace, Cair Paravel where she lived with her two older brothers, Peter and Edmund, and her older sister Susan.
The other three were still aways back, trudging up the trail, arguing about who had found the most unique nature wonders that day. Lucy decided to stroll into the royal kitchen, and see if she could possibly find some of those delicious cheese rolls she liked so much. Climbing up the hill had given her an appetite!
Lucy heard someone moving about in the kitchen. She assumed it was Sage the cook. But as Lucy turned the corner and skipped in, she screeched at just what she did see! There was a man bending over one of the cupboards, rummaging through it! He did not look familiar. He was a stranger. Startled, Lucy let out a high-pitched yelp. "Aaahhh!" The man, completely stunned that someone else was in the room, that he'd been caught, also screamed and hid under the table as Lucy shrank behind the wall around the corner.
They both suspiciously, cautiously peeked around at each other and both shyly huddled further back. Finally, Lucy decided to brave it up and slowly ventured inside. The man watched her every move with wide, beady eyes. Lucy had never seen anyone like him before. He clutched something tightly to himself and slipped it into his pants pocket. Lucy began to smile as she approached him, as if she was greeting a fuzzy dog. "Hello. What are you doing?" She asked curiously.
"Doing? Doing. Why, I wasn't doing anything." The man said innocently, standing up with his hands behind his back.
"Then why are you in my kitchen?" Lucy persisted.
"Oh. Well, that..." The man bit his lip, trying to come up with something off the top of his head. "Well, I'm new to this region, you see. And I was hired to deliver the royal food. I was just accounting for every last bit. Wouldn't do to have the Kings and Queens of Narnia served only half the quantity, now would it?"
"No." Lucy said. She walked around him, inspecting. She studied him closely with curious blue eyes. He had sun-tanned skin, and dark facial hair. His attire made him look rather like a bum, but he did have a bandanna on his head, jewelry that Lucy had never seen before, and a mound of long, stranded chocolate hair! He was a great deal taller than Lucy too.
"What?" The man asked dryly as he stared down at the little girl.
"You're unlike anyone I've ever seen before. And, the man who delivers our food came by yesterday." Lucy corrected him with a grin.
"Oh." The man gulped. "Well, uh...ahem! He, uhh...wasn't sure if he'd made suffice, so he, ahem, I took it upon meself to see that he didn't lose his position over a mere oversight."
"What's your name?" Lucy asked eagerly. "I am Lucy Pevensie." She held out her small hand toward him. The man furrowed his brows at her innocent friendliness, something he wasn't accustomed to. He didn't spend much time with children.
"Captain Jack Sparrow." The man said, heartily shaking her hand. Lucy giggled.
"Jack Sparrow?" Her jaw dropped.
"Captain Jack Sparrow." Jack rolled his eyes. Why was it that no living person on earth could get it right?
"You're a pirate, aren't you?!"
"I am." Jack Sparrow nodded proudly. Lucy's eyes lit up.
"I've heard of you!" She exclaimed. "Oh my." She reached up toward his face. Jack frowned suspiciously and backed away from her till he was pinned against the cupboard.
"W-what are you doing?" He asked.
Lucy ran her fingers over his deadlock braids, with large awestruck eyes. She gazed studiously at his buckeyes and beads. "Are you really the Jack Sparrow, the pirate?"
"Captain Jack Sparrow, if you please." Jack shook his head in exasperation. "The one and only, love." He spread his arms out like a performer giving his last bow. "The most fearsome pirate in all the Caribbean, the Seven Seas, and beyond!"
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Sparrow." Lucy smiled broadly. Jack's shoulders slumped as she still had not addressed him properly. "I've never met a real pirate before!" She attacked his pants pockets.
"Oh, oh, uhh," Jack stammered. Lucy narrowed her eyes at him when she held out two shiny apples. Jack cleared his throat guiltily.
"You're stealing!" Lucy confronted him.
"Pirate, darling. That's what I do." Jack shrugged nonchalantly.
"But stealing is wrong." Lucy said, with disappointment.
Jack nodded. "But you see, I was just so hungry!" He declared dramatically, looking at her with pitiful puppy dog eyes. "I haven't eaten in days. And me poor belly is just a'witherin' away to notin' but skin 'n' bones. Why, I am afraid I shall go delirious from hunger! Maybe I am already." He said 'sadly'.
"Why didn't you just tell us you were hungry?" Lucy asked sympathetically. "It would've been the better thing to do than stealing."
"Quite right, love." Jack shrugged with a grin. "But, oh, I'm afraid me poor brain is not working properly due to the after effects of starvation."
"That's terrible." Lucy shook her head. "But it is still wrong to steal." She reminded him firmly. Then her face softened. She placed one of the red apples into his hand. "Here, take it." She smiled.
Jack was unsure of what to do. "Is this atonement?" He asked hopefully, hoping she wouldn't have him arrested for stealing.
"No. It's a gift, from me to you. Pirate, thief, or not, you shouldn't starve." Lucy said. Jack got an unusual feeling of warmth in his chest. And his cheeks glowed without him realizing it.
Good grief! What is this lass doing to me?! He thought. He was accustomed to being outwardly polite, but this was a new feeling!
"Go ahead. Take it." Lucy urged him. "We have plenty more."
"I am grateful, love." Jack nodded. For once, he meant it.
"So, Mr.-err! Captain Sparrow, do you have a ship?" Lucy asked, taking a bite of her apple.
"Aye! That I do, love." Jack said proudly. "She's a mighty beauty! If you care to come with me, I'll tell you all about her...and maybe about one of my adventures."
"You will?" Lucy gasped. "Oh, I would love to hear about one of your adventures out at sea!" She followed him outside, showed him around a bit, then the two of them made their way down toward the beach. Jack wasn't quite sure which of his excursions would be fitting to repeat to a child! But Jack was a good storyteller, so he was sure he could come up with one where he could embellish himself out as the hero rather than just a scurvy pirate.
Edmund, Susan, and Peter returned to the castle. Edmund wanted to play Chess, so Peter agreed while Susan went to redo her messy hair. A short while later, she walked in on the boys' game. "Have either of you seen Lucy?" She asked. "She's not in our suite."
"No." Peter shook his head.
"I haven't." Edmund replied. "Check, and check mate!" He announced grandly. Peter gaped in disbelief.
"How can it be check mate? That's only my seventh move!" He puffed.
"Strategy, Pete." Edmund smirked. Peter scowled.
"I'm going to see if I can find out what Lucy is up to." He sighed.
Down on the beach, Jack and Lucy were walking along the sand. Lucy had kicked off her shoes and socks and was completely barefoot. "So, where is your ship?" She inquired. "I don't see it."
"Aye." Jack grumbled. "She is currently under the command of another."
"So, you let someone else borrow her?"
"Never!" Jack argued. "Nay, love. The Black Pearl is rightfully mine. But some scalawag who calls himself a captain threw me overboard and declared it as his own."
"I'm sorry." Lucy sighed. "Pirates stealing from pirates, what is the world coming to? Maybe, maybe you can get your ship back!"
"That is my plan, love." Jack grinned. "But you should see her, The Black Pearl. My vessel is magnificent, and fierce, and huge-ish." He waved his hands dramatically. Lucy stepped into the sea water and suddenly splashed water up in his face. "What was that for?" He sputtered.
"It's fun." Lucy grinned cheekily. "Don't tell me the great Captain Jack Sparrow is afraid of a little water!" She challenged. Jack narrowed his eyes playfully.
"Ohh! I see. So you want to play games, is it?" He pretended to be stern. Lucy giggled sheepishly. He doused her with a fierce wave of water. She screeched happily. They chased each other around, splashing sprays of white water foam in the other's face.
"Lucy!" Peter hollered in alarm as he appeared, frantically running toward them. Jack and Lucy stopped their water game.
"Peter!" Lucy beamed.
"Who is that?" Jack asked dryly, scowling.
"He's my brother." Lucy chuckled, as if it was supposed to be obvious.
Peter glowered at the pirate. How dare he, a stranger, mingle and rendezvous around with his little sister! For all Peter knew, this stranger might be planning to kidnap her! Peter placed his hand on his sword handle, preparing to draw. Jack did the same. "Lucy, get away from him!" Peter barked.
"No, no, Peter." Lucy protested. "It's all right. Don't be mad at him, Peter. He's my friend." Jack smirked, shrugging his shoulders. Peter's stormy countenance did not relent.
"He's a stranger, Lu." Peter said accusingly.
"He was hungry, Peter. I only wanted to help." Lucy said. Peter sized the pirate up from head to toe. He appeared too well built, and in too good of health to be starving to death.
"My fault, sir." Jack spoke up. "I should've known better than to coerce the lass to take a stroll with me, a perfect stranger. Captain Jack Sparrow, at your service." He gave a winning smile and a dramatic bow. Peter stared him down.
"Captain Jack Sparrow?" Peter sputtered, stunned.
"Ahh! So you've heard of me?" Jack smirked.
"Lucy, get away from him! He's dangerous." Peter ordered. Jack rolled his eyes.
"Pete, what's going on?" Edmund asked as he appeared with a disgruntled Susan.
"Did you find her?" Susan asked.
"Who are you?" Edmund asked Jack briskly.
"Son, I am Captain Jack Sparrow. Savvy?" Jack shrugged.
"Don't just stand there daft, Peter. Do something!" Susan huffed at her brother.
Lots of fire, that one, Jack thought with admiration. "And just who might you be?" He retorted cockily to the older three Pevensie siblings.
"These are my brothers and sister, Jack." Lucy announced. "This is Susan, Edmund, and of course, you've met Peter."
"Yes, we've...met." Jack sighed.
"You're a pirate. You should be thrown in the dungeon." Susan said, eyeing him warily.
"But, Susan, he hasn't committed any crimes here. Well, not really." Lucy said sheepishly.
"Susan, is it?" Jack grinned. "A gentle name. Listen, Susie..."
"It's Susan!" Susan hissed. Peter drew his sword and so did Edmund.
"Queen Susan...the Gentle." Edmund rolled his eyes. Jack just laughed. Susan certainly did not appear anywhere close to that description gentle right now!
"Ohh! Queen now is it?" He spoke with mockery.
"Shut up!" Edmund growled as he and Peter shuffled closer.
"That's just rich, lad." Jack chuckled. Lucy tugged on his sleeve.
"Uhh...he's not joking." She warned him. Jack stiffened, and his smile slowly drooped. His eyes darted back and forth suspense-fully. He glanced at Lucy for help. She bit her lip and just stared at him. Jack felt a cold chill run down his back as the reality of his currently unpleasant position dawned on him. He stepped closer to the three older Pevensies, Lucy at his heels. He squinted at them, studying them closely.
"No. Oh, no! You couldn't be." He laughed nervously.
"Like it or not, we are." Susan glared. The death glowers he was receiving from her two obviously very protective brothers was sure indication that this was no sham. Then he saw it! His eyes fell on Peter's sword, and he read the letters of the Narnian mantra:
"Wrong will be put right, when Aslan comes in sight. When Aslan bares His teeth, winter meets its death; when He shakes His mane, we shall have spring again."
Jack's jaw dropped, and he stared blankly as if he'd just met someone with two heads. "High King Peter...I presume?" He finally found his voice.
"High King Peter, the Magnificent!" Peter declared emphatically. He rose his sword higher.
"King Edmund, the Just." Edmund added. Jack cleared his throat. Then he gaped wildly and returned his gaze to Lucy. If she was their sibling...but how? Just how had he happened to find himself in the company of the great kings and queens of Narnia itself?
"If they..." Jack fumbled over his words, "and you're on of them...then who...who are you?" Jack asked Lucy.
Lucy giggled at Jack's petrified look. "I am Queen Lucy, the Valiant." She said in a friendly voice. Her tone was reassuring. The others looked ready to kill him.
"But how could...you?" Jack shook his head, trying to wrap his mind around this new information.
"What's wrong with that?" Lucy teased.
"I...I...pardon me, Your Majesties, my lady," He nodded to Susan, "but, I was expecting somebody...well, no offense intended, but...a little taller, and a great deal older, and more experienced!"
"Is that a challenge, Captain Sparrow?" Peter asked, pointing his sword directly at Jack. Jack slowly shoved the blade down, away from his nose.
"No need for that, son." Jack said casually. "Just, you're not what I expected."
"Neither are you!" Edmund spoke quickly. "The infamous, fearsome Jack Sparrow, afraid of a little sword fight."
"I didn't say I was afraid." Jack corrected him. "Just that wouldn't want it on me conscience should your brother end up mortally wounded from my trusty sword, which I can assure never misses its mark."
"So, you're conscientiously refusing, to fight a swordsman half your age?" Edmund asked sarcastically. Jack narrowed his eyes at the skinny, dark-haired kid.
"You have a quick and witty tongue, lad." He said. "Like meself."
"I've been trying for years to get him to curve it." Peter said. Edmund scowled.
"This is not the time!" Susan scolded.
"What do you say, Captain?" Peter edged him on.
"Oh, you don't want to do that, boy." Jack said wryly. He glanced at Lucy who just smiled. "Very well then." Jack agreed. "Let's see just how much spitfire runs in your veins, lad." Jack unsheathed and aimed his sword. For once, Peter let Edmund take the center stage. Jack sprung first, but Edmund skillfully countered him. They dueled back and forth with excellent aim and astounding timing. Jack was secretly impressed by Edmund's marksmanship, but he had a reputation to keep up. At one point, Jack had Edmund on the ground. "Too much yet, lad?" Jack asked smugly.
"You haven't even begun to make me break a sweat." Edmund retorted proudly. He swiftly got back to his feet and before Jack realized what was happening, Edmund swiped his sword from his hands. Susan and Lucy applauded. Jack froze like a statue, his beady eyes as wide as saucers.
"You're fast on your feet, I will grant you that much." Jack sighed.
"Are you admitting defeat then, Captain Sparrow?" Edmund smiled.
"Nay. Merely, a conservation of stamina. No sense in wasting all my bristle on you when I truly don't need the half of it to rise up as the victor."
"Sore loser." Peter whispered to Susan and Lucy.
"I heard that!" Jack warned him. "I can assure your majesties, that Captain Jack Sparrow is not one to run from danger." Jack said theatrically. "On the contrary. I laugh at danger. I live for the thrill of throwing myself into the unknown without a moment's hesitation, with no fear of pain or death or the evil that may stalk me on the foreboding ocean!" He boasted.
"But you would run away from a sword fight with a teenager, afraid someone might find out and broadcast it that you lost." Susan gloated. Peter and Edmund snorted. Jack put on his best stern face which only made Lucy laugh. Apparently, Queen Susan the not so gentle in this case, had hit a nerve with the 'fearless' Captain Jack Sparrow. For once, Peter was proud of his sister's typical tactless tongue.
"Would you like to stay, and have tea with us, Jack?" Lucy offered.
"Lucy!" Susan laughed in disbelief.
"Why not?" Lucy replied. "I don't believe he means us harm. Besides, I don't think he'll try to steal from our kitchen again. It is rather hazardous to his plans." Peter found himself agreeing. This great Captain Jack Sparrow appeared to be more and more of a dork than psycho, and for the most part, he seemed harmless.
"That's awfully kind of you, dearie." Jack clapped his hands together. "But I'm afraid I haven't the time. Must be getting back to me ship."
"What ship?" Edmund furrowed his brows. "I don't see any ship. There isn't one for miles!" Jack swallowed pitifully. He'd only come to this island in a small sailboat, for a quick pick-me-up, at least three days' worth of food to sustain him till he found a new place to land, and be on his way. Now he was beginning to feel a bit stuck.
"I can explain..." Jack tried to lie.
"I believe the brilliant captain has beached himself." Peter snickered, pointing out the tip of the mast from Jack's small boat, which was peaking it's pointed head out of the water. Hoping to get out of here, he pulled out his compass. It pointed toward the palace, Cair Paravel. Jack sulked. He was itching to get going.
"Looks like the odds are stacked against me." He muttered.
"Don't worry, Captain." Peter finally smiled. "We have plenty of food. And we can commission you a new boat when you're ready to be on your way."
"That is...unwittingly generous." Jack said, taken aback.
"As long as you don't call Susan Susie, again!" Edmund declared sharply.
"Yes!" Peter and Susan added in unison. Lucy laughed. Jack threw his quivering hands up in surrender.
"I shall be the soul of discretion." He bowed his head. "Wait. What am I saying?" Lucy took his hand.
"Come on." She smiled sweetly. "We can have lots of fun together." Jack didn't have many options in the way of persuasive argument. And he could not fight smiling back at that warm little girl whose endless optimism and friendliness impressed him more and more.
Queen or not, the lass is such a rare blossom of sweet innocence, and kindness, and generosity. Jack thought to himself. He'd met very few people like that in his entire life. There was just something about Lucy's childlike faith and belief in the good side of people that stirred Jack up in ways he'd never thought possible. How could anyone ever want to harm a cute, kind little flower like her? Jack wasn't one to grow easily attached to people, but little Lucy was different. She treated him like a person. A normal person. Jack hated to admit it, but he found that he rather liked it. Well, as long as I am stuck with this little band of merry whelps, no harm will come to Lucy as long as Captain Jack Sparrow is around! He told himself. The mere thought that any of the ugly, and indecent pirates he'd come to know through the years would even consider harming little Lucy made him protectively furious. If I didn't know better, I'd say I've made a new friend! Jack thought. I best get out of this place the first chance I get, and the sooner the better!
"So tell me," Jack spoke up as he climbed the hill with the Pevensie children back up to the palace, "how is that four whelps like you came to be the high kings and queens of Narnia, eh?"
"It's a long story." Susan chuckled.
Jack did no more stealing while he visited with the Pevensies for three days. He kept them entertained with his tricks, and wild tales of his adventures at sea. He played Chess with the boys, and explored and played Hide-and-Seek with the girls. They explained to him how they'd first come to Narnia, found the Great Lion Aslan, about Aslan's great sacrifice for Edmund, how they'd fought in His battle of Beruna, and after that had been crowned as the kings and queens. Jack didn't know the half of these stories as he was most often at sea. He'd only heard snippets through his travels. Personally, they sounded like a bunch of fairy tales to him, but after consideration, it did make sense and nothing was strange to him anymore after some of the things he'd experienced as a pirate.
At the end of three days, Jack was granted a small new longboat and the Pevensies supplied him with food and some extra bullets for his pistol, should he need them. Even Peter and Edmund were sorry to see him go. Lucy gave him a goodbye hug before he got into the boat. "Will we see you again?" She asked hopefully.
"I shouldn't be surprised, love." Jack smiled. "Here." He removed one of the small silver jangles from his braid and placed it in her small hand. "Keep it, darling, so that you won't ever forget Captain Jack Sparrow."
"Oh, I could never forget you!" Lucy smiled.
"I don't suppose I can you either, dear little friend." Jack patted her head.
"Thank you, Jack." Lucy sighed, clutching the jewelry.
"Well, I best be going." Jack shoved his boat into the ocean water then hopped into his rig. "Keep a weather eye on the horizon." He called. "Always keep an eye out for Captain Jack Sparrow!" He waved. Lucy and her siblings waved goodbye.
Lucy lingered and watched him sail farther and farther away even after the others shifted up the hill. She gazed with awe at the gift he'd given her, still astounded that she'd been given such a beautiful piece from a real pirate! She hoped to see him again someday!
That had been three years ago...