Hi! Hope you all like this new and hopefully improved story!

There are a few changes from the original story so don't expect everything to be exactly the same.

Chapter 1: Captain Jack Sparrow

The bright Caribbean sun and the slight salty spray of the sea could be felt all along the coast and the docks of Port Royal, Jamaica. However, it did little to calm the nerves of a young boy who's usual spot by the water just wasn't the same today.

"Just get aboard a ship. That's all." The ten-year-old muttered to himself, kicking his feet out above the murky depths below and being careful of how far he sat from it. He couldn't swim and the deepness of the sea water just made him more nervous. "And get a few shillings for a ride, not hard right?" The boy snorted. "Yeah this is gonna be difficult."

Jason ran a hand through his dark brown hair and mussed it up more than it usually was before tugging on his stolen coat. Most of his clothing was stolen. So stealing was no problem. The problem was what he had to steal. Stealing food and clothing was one thing, but money? That was more punishable and not as easy to get away with. Not that Jason hadn't ever stolen money before. He had for a small group of orphans who needed the money for the woman that fed them occasionally, but it had been easy, he had gotten it from a drunk man.

However, that probably wasn't his best option. Ever since the Captain, soon-to-be Commodore, James Norrington had been in the town, most of the town drunks and such had been taken care of. Of course that didn't mean that there weren't any taverns, but none that were wild like the ones Jason had heard about. Like Tortuga for instance; where bar fights happened all the time. That sounded fun to Jason.

And today was Norrington's coronation, so there would more than likely not be anyone that gullible around to snatch coins from. Jason looked over at the cargo ships and then sighed. Getting aboard one of those would be tough. What the high and mighty rich folks didn't know was that some of the ships sailed to the Black Market. He had heard the cries from the poor people that were forced into slavery and it scared him to think that he might accidently get on the wrong ship. Not that anyone would care. Jason thought bitterly. Besides Will Turner the young blacksmith.

Jason sighed. Will had been nice to him and the only adult he trusted anymore. Well, trusted enough not to hurt him. There was no one he trusted more than himself. He had made a promise to never trust anyone but himself. Promises were too easy to break.

Now where to get the money? It would have to be from someone who didn't need it Jason had already decided. Maybe another pickpocket. There weren't many of those around though. Not with Norrington doing his job. He had taken the town of Port Royal and made things better for those who lived there. Well most of them. He was a man to be admired, but Jason had a few run-ins with him and honestly the boy didn't take to him too well. There was something about the man he didn't like.

Jason sighed and looked at the town for a moment before looking away again. He would miss the place, it was where he had lived since he could walk, but… Jason...

He just wanted something else than the meager life he was living here. Decision made, Jason stood and stretched his too small clothes tightening slightly as he bent.

"Come back here you!" A voice shouted and Jason, took off running down the dock, ducking under people's arms as he went and glad for once that he was short enough to do so. The people gave cries of surprise and annoyance as he did, not at all liking that he was running wildly through them and Jason didn't care for that matter. He was running for his life after all. The boy skidded around the corner of the docks and slid around some tall barrels as the angry seller that was following him ran by. The man was always cheating people out of money so Jason had stolen from him, unfortunately the man had almost caught him.

He sat for a moment catching his breath and leaned around the barrels to watch the man turn in different directions, obviously confused about where the boy had gone. Jason patted his side to make sure the bag of shillings were still there and then wiped dried mud from his face inadvertently smearing it. Jason backed away slowly, keeping low to avoid being seen.

"You little runt!" A voice called angrily and startled Jason looked over his shoulder to see the heavyset man extremely close to him. Jason ducked the man's heavy swinging arm and darted away. Crap, I didn't even see him! Usually I'm more careful than this! Jason ran up a ramp and ran into a group of redcoats almost instantly. Once again he was unlucky in his escape and it was not the first time. Jason cursed himself inwardly for not thinking this through better. He could usually get out of situations by talking, so he tried to look as causal as possible as he came closer.

The ten-year-old cleared his throat to speak aloud to them in what he hoped was a convincing, nice tone as they turned to look at him. "Hello, gentlemen how are we today?" He gave them a large cheesy grin, they all eyed him.

"Get that little runt! He stole my money!" The seller hollered from behind him and the redcoats glared at him.

"You're going to believe him over me?" Jason thumbed at the guy behind him.

"Don't give us none of that you!" One of the soldiers shouted and Jason winced. "We've got you this time, thief." As he spoke the others lifted their weapons, pointing them at him all at once. They all seemed to know who he was. He supposed it was from all the times he had been seen pilfering. Oh, good job Jason, you've just got a fan club.

"Who me?" Jason asked innocently and the guard raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, you! What's in the bag?"

"Oh…ha ha. You mean this thing?" He held up the bag and one of them tried to grab it from him to which Jason responded by pulling it back just as quick.

"Oi, hands off." The boy stated, frowning. "This is very good burlap, you know. Not just anyone can touch it."

"Open the bag, thief." The guard said, narrowing his eyes.

"Give me my coins, boy." The fruit seller stated and Jason frowned.

"Oh, are you still here?" The man made a grab for him and Jason jumped back out of his reach causing one of the shillings to fall out of his bag.

"Um…oops?" The boy grinned and picked it back up before beginning to back away as the men closed in on him. "Sorry gents, been a pleasure knowing you but I really must be going now." Jason finished and with that he stomped on the end of a loose board making it fly up and hit one of the guards in the chin.

As the man cried out in pain, Gillette's men were paused momentarily as the boy ran back down the ramp as quickly as he could. That was what Jason had hoped of course. He knew that as many times as he had run from the men they still didn't expect him to fight back and that was used to his advantage. Just because he was ten didn't mean that he couldn't defend himself if need be. If only they could see him with a sword.

Jason heard them shouting as he ran for the bridge that separated the docks from the town. The boy jumped over the edge when he reached the far side and rolled down the hill to the ground, ducking beneath the plants to catch his breath and hopefully loose the man chasing him. After a moment, Jason climbed out of the bushes and walked through the small stream of water and back towards the docks. Hopefully they were all now in the town searching for him. sighing with relief, Jason ran back up the dock and then a voice called out.

"There you are!"

Jason yelped and ran for it, not paying attention to where he was going.

Captain Jack Sparrow looked from one solider to the other as they approached him. One was stocky and short and the other was tall and thin. The two looked like they could be easily confused and distracted which was what Jack had been hoping for. There was no reason to draw his blade and attract too much attention to himself. All he was here for was a ship and a crew. Perhaps both at the same time if he could manage it.

"There you are!" Jack turned his head to see if someone had recognized him when he felt something slam into him and he took a step forward from the impact before turning all the way around to see what it was. He didn't see anything at first until he heard the sound of groaning. He looked down and saw a young boy with dark brown hair that stuck out every which way sprawled on his backside. A bag next to the boy spilled and several coins landed on the dock. Hm, now what does a boy need with all that?

Jason hastily gathered up the money and shoved it back down in the bag before he rubbed his head mussing up his hair even more as he tried to get rid of the pain in his head. He suddenly noticed a pair of leather boots before him. He stiffened at the sight of the weather and age worn boots he looked up the man before him and gasped as his eyes met a pair of kohl rimmed ones which were twinkling with bemusement at him. A pirate! Said pirate had long dreadlocked dark brown hair that looked almost black in some places, a tri-corner hat with a red bandana peeking out from under it and his beard was braided into two braids with beads in it like his hair. He jumped and inched backwards when the pirate offered him a bejeweled hand.

Jack watched the boy backpedal away from his hand like he had just offered him a dagger and clutching at his bag of money, like it was about to be snatched. He guessed the boy to be around nine or ten, though it was hard to tell because the child was short and scrawny and he looked like he had just gotten through rolling through plants. Jack opened his mouth to speak to the boy, but a voice called out:

"Oi, what are you doing out here, kid?" Murtogg asked from behind Jack and he turned to look at the uniformed men before glancing back at the stunned boy who was standing back up. Jack noticed now that the child was upright that he had dark brown eyes too and a small white scar that went from his left ear to the bottom of his chin of course that was hard to see as well.

"Um…Lt. Gillette sent me to inspect the ship, sir. Make sure it's spick and span. From top to bottom." Jason spoke up quickly, flashing a grin he hoped would work. He had to think quickly. The ship was big enough to hide him and hopefully those soldiers and that merchantwouldn't find him there.

Jack arched an eyebrow at the boy, he could sense a tall tale being told, and smirked a bit at how convincing the lad sounded. Jason caught sight of a gold in the pirate's smile before he focused on Mullroy and Murtogg again. "Are you guys going to make me run all the way back up there?" The boy pointed up at the cliffs with big eyes and Murtogg shook his head.

"No, you can go ahead." He stated and Mullroy gave his partner a look.

"No, he can't." Mullroy stated and Murtogg looked at him. Jason huffed a bit. Well there went that plan. He'd have to think of something else.

"But Gillette-" Murtogg began and got cut off.

"I don't care what that stuffed shirt said." Jack heard the boy snicker and hid a grin. Mullroy pointed at Jack and Jason. "This dock is off limits to civilians."

"Terribly sorry, I didn't know." Jack stated. "If I should see one, I shall inform you immediately." He took a step and the men faltered a moment before blocking him again. Jack looked at the boy. "Have you seen one?" Jason shook his head, hiding a grin at the pirate.

"Apparently, there appears to be some sort of high-toned and fancy to do eh?" Jack tried again. "Now how is it that two fine, upstanding gentlemen such as yourselves not merit an invitation?"

"Someone has to make sure this dock stays off limits to civilians." Murtogg answered.

"A fine, goal to be sure." Jack agreed. "But is seems to me that," Jack gestured towards the Dauntless. "A ship like that. Makes this one here a bit…Eh…What's the word?"

"Superfluous?" Jason provided and flushed when eyes landed on him, fighting the urge to hide.

"Aye, lad." Jack smiled, wondering how the small boy knew such a word. Smart kid. "That's the one. Superfluous/"

Murtogg puffed out his chest, glad to talk about the ship. "Ah, the Dauntless is a power in these waters true enough, but there's no ship that can match the Interceptor for speed." He said proudly and Jack suddenly looked thoughtful. Jason, glad to not be under scrutiny anymore, just watched the scene play out before him, wondering what this pirate was up too and whether or not he should go find a new place to hide. If the pirate wanted that same ship it may not be good to be on it with him. No matter how oddly the pirate acted.

"I've heard of one." Jack announced, holding up a finger in thought and he made sure everyone, the boy included, was looking at him. "It's supposed to be very fast. Nigh uncatchable. The Black Pearl." Jack watched shock flicker across the young boy's face and he tilted his head. So he knows the stories, eh? Wonder how much he knows.

The Black Pearl!? That ship was one of the most infamous on the seas! Jason looked at the pirate and tilted his head. He wondered if the pirate had actually seen the ship. The boy was certain that wasn't just a story.

Mullroy started laughing. "Well, there's no real ship that can match the Interceptor."

"The Black Pearl is a real ship."Murtogg said and Mullroy turned to him. Jason saw an opportunity to get on the ship before the pirate. He began edging away. Jack saw the boy move out the corner of his eye and smirked a bit.

"No. No it's not." Mullroy stated and Jack looked back at the two. They weren't paying him or the boy any attention any longer.

"Yes, it is. I've seen it."

"You've seen it?"

Murtogg nodded. "Yes."

"You haven't seen it."

"Yes, I have."

"You've seen a ship with black sails that's crewed by the damned and captained by a man so evil that Hell itself spat him back out?"

Jack wondered off after the boy and went aboard the ship. He caught movement and watched the kid go to some crates, peering in them curiously and grabbing at what he found. He's obviously looking for food. Jack mused. And no wonder. He's a shrimpy kid.

Jason was hesitate about the pirate who was now wondering the deck behind him. It seemed like he wasn't about to harm him, but the stories he had heard about bloodthirsty pirates, made him wonder what this one pirate really wanted and whether he was really alone. So he stayed as close to an exit as he could, watching as Jack examined the helm. He didn't seem like the slave selling kind, but he wanted to be sure, so he stuffed his pockets with what he could find, ignoring the hunger pains coming from his stomach at the sight of the food. This was one of Norrington's ships so he had no problem snatching what he could.

Jack felt the boy's gaze, but didn't look at him, seeing the boy still looked a little skittish. He wondered why the lad was keeping his distance, but he supposed that he was just being cautious again. Yet again, Jack was impressed by how sharp the lad was. Jack ran a hand along the wheel and sighed internally. It wasn't the Pearl but it would have to do for now.

"Are you a captain?" Jason found himself asking without warning and swallowed when the pirate looked up and smirked. He hadn't expected to get a response.

"Aye."

"Then where's your crew?"

Jack watched the boy look around like he expected them to appear and arched an eyebrow. "Looking for some." He responded and the boy looked a bit relaxed at that. "Stealing food are we? Can't you afford to buy any with that money pouch of yours?"

Jason frowned. "It's not for that." He said quickly and Jack watched the boy shift a bit.

"Ah." Jack said and then saw the boy's bag that was attached to his back. "Do your parents know you're going off, lad?" Jason looked up at the pirate and then away again before scowling. Jack knew what that meant. "They don't, eh?" Jason shrugged. The pirate was obviously getting back at him for asking questions.

"Hey! You!" The pair of guards finally noticed their absence and came running up the gangplank. Jason came to sit on the railing as the uniformed men came by. There was no use in hiding.

"Kid, I thought I said no civilians." Mullroy reprimanded the boy who scowled.

"Get away from there!" Murtogg shouted aiming his baronet at Jack. "You don't have permission to be aboard there, mate." Jack was not intimidated in the least bit, so he just patted the wheel.

"I'm sorry. It's such a pretty boat-ship." Jack corrected himself and Jason tilted his head at him.

"What's your name?" Murtogg asked, angrily. Jason sat up straight to hear and Jack saw the boy looking at him, trying to figure out who he was.

"Smith. Or Smithy, if you like." He answered and boy frowned a bit. He obviously knew that was a lie. That made Jack's mouth twitch.

Jason racked his brain trying to remember something that he was told. Most pirates weren't well known, but some were infamous and had several ways of recognizing them. He looked the pirate up and down again and it suddenly clicked. Captain Jack Sparrow. The pirate who single-handedly sacked a port without firing a single shot. Jason swallowed. That pirate really was a captain, but he didn't look as Jason had imagined him to be. A little excentric, but perhaps that was the illusion.

"What's your purpose in Port Royal, Mr. Smith?" Mullroy asked sarcastically.

"Yeah and no lies." Murtogg added.

"Well then, I confess." Jack began, grinning slightly. "It is my intention to commandeer one of these ships, pick up a crew in Tortuga and raid, pillage, plunder, and otherwise pilfer my weaselly black guts out."

"You're going to Tortuga?" Jason asked before he could stop himself and Jack arched an eyebrow. Was that why the lad was hanging around the ship? He was looking for a ride? Jason scowled at himself for asking that aloud. Who cares if that pirate was going? It wasn't a good idea to be heading to the same place as the pirate…right?

"Oi, we're talking!" Mullroy shouted.

"I was just asking, geez." Jason muttered and held his hands up. "Excuse me."

"I said no lies." Murtogg snapped at Jack aiming his weapon again.

"I think he's telling the truth." Mullroy said, dumbfounded.

"If he were telling the truth, then he wouldn't have told us." Murtogg rolled his eyes.

"Unless of course he knew you wouldn't believe the truth even if he told it to you." Jack said and this seemed to confuse them, exactly what he wanted. Then they looked at Jason who looked like he understood what the pirate had said. Well, he didn't mention killing anyone…Jason mused, but that didn't mean anything. Pirates lie as do most people.

"And what are you doing out here? The truth." Mullroy asked, giving him a suspicious look and regaining the boy's attention. Jason eyed his nails for a moment and Jack felt a sense of déjà vu hit him. Who was this lad with dark hair and dark eyes? He seemed so familiar that it made Jack more curious about the boy in front of him than of anyone he had met before and Captain Jack had met quite a few interesting people.

"Hiding." The boy said simply with a shrug, looking back up from his nails. Act nonchalant and maybe they'll stop asking questions. "I'm on the run."

"From who?" Murtogg asked curiously and lowered his weapon.

"Oh, just some angry, angry people."

"Wait a second, you're the little thief that everyone was chasing earlier aren't you?" Mullroy accused and the boy shrugged. "You stole money from that fruit seller."

"So…you're the thief?" Murtogg asked and Jason rolled his eyes.

"Yes! There are ya happy?" The boy folded his arms across his chest in anger. Was I too small to be a thief? "He didn't need it! He's a swindler!" Jason saw the pirate grinning at him. He hadn't expected the pirate to even acknowledge that he was there much less find him amusing.

Before they could say anything, there was a splash in the water. All on deck looked up at the battlements and then heard them call the Governor's daughter's name.

"Will you be saving her then?" Jack asked looking from one to the other. Jason looked worriedly at the water. Was she okay? Sure he didn't know her or anything, but a fall like that could kill someone. It looked like she had missed the rocks though. Jason looked back at Jack and the two guardsmen.

Jack looked at the guards with a raised eyebrow.

"I can't swim." Mullroy said and Murtogg shook his head 'no' when the pirate looked his way. Jack rolled his eyes.

"Pride of the King's Navy you are." He scoffed and he saw the look on the boy's face. "Don't worry lad. It's not me intention for the lady to drown." He spoke and Jason blinked at being spoken too. Then Jack proceeded to take off his hat, coat and weapons and shove them into the boy's arms. Jason staggered back a bit, wondering why the pirate was trusting him with his things, but then if Jason had been in similar situation he guessed he wouldn't have choose a naval officer to hold his things either.

"Do not lose these." He said and then without further ado, he dove into the water. Curious, Jason ran down the gangplank and went to the edge of the pier to watch, with the two non-swimming men behind him. He sat down and looked at the things in his arms. A pistol, a compass, a hat, and a sword. The sword was of good quality, Jason could tell, its weight felt right. Years spent watching Will work on them had given him some knowledge on what was considered good.

He knew he should run now, hide before the naval men made it down from the fort, but he wanted to know what was going on. That and he wanted to give the pirate his things back. Jason searched the water, careful not to get so close to the edge and frowned. How long could he hold his breath? A giant ripple coursed through the water and Jason jumped back in alarm at the unnatural sight.

"What was that?" He asked aloud looking up at Murtogg and Mullroy but neither knew the answer, but both looked just as spooked. The sky slowly grew dark, making them look around in shock at the sudden lack of sunlight and the wind picked up in an eerie, ill-foreboding way. It sent chills down Jason's spine and he almost wished that he hadn't decided to snatch a new coat. Jack soon resurfaced with the girl in tow and the two guards helped him get her up onto the deck.

The young woman looked dead. Her pale skin, paler than usual and her lips beginning to turn blue. She looked like a corpse and it made Jason nervous.

"Is she-?" He asked and Jack heard the boy's odd tone. He looked up and saw the boy looked like he was ready to run or spew his guts.

"She's not breathing!" Mullroy said as he examined her and Jack shoved him away irritably.

"Move!" He shouted at the guard.

Jason could see her better now as he watched from Jack's other side, being careful to not get in his way, and he wondered how she was going to start breathing again. Jack felt the boy inch closer to him and taking out a knife, he cut off the corset. Immediately, Elizabeth started coughing up water, gasping for air and startling the boy. The pirate threw the ripped corset at Murtogg who looked embarrassed to catch it.

"I never would have thought of that." Mullroy said truthfully.

"Clearly, you've never been to Singapore." Jack answered. Jason breathed with relief at the young woman's gasps for air and the pirate glanced over at him momentarily. "I told you I wouldn't let her drown, lad." He looked back down at the young woman who was still getting air into her lungs and lifted a necklace to examine it better. Jack felt the boy looking over his shoulder and heard the small intake of breath.

"Aztec." The boy muttered under his breath and Jack's eyebrows rose. Who was this boy?

"Where did you get that?" Jack asked curiously and Elizabeth just looked from him to Jason with curiosity.

Jason heard shouts from Norrington's men and turned around in time to see Norrington and Governor Swann appear on the docks and he knew that this would not end well and he now had no time to hide.

"On your feet." The Commodore demanded holding a sword under Jack's chin and Jack looked up. The pirate stood up with his hands half raised. Jason watched from next to Miss Swann.

"Elizabeth!" Governor Swann shouted as he came through the crowd of guards. "Are you alright?" He asked as he helped her up and hugged her. Jason moved out of the way and caught the attention of the merchant he had stolen from. The man quickly snatched the boy's arm rather tightly. Jason winced at the grip on his arm and tried not to say anything about the circulation not working in his arm.

"Yes, I'm fine." She stated with a shiver from the cold. The Governor pulled his daughter to him and wrapped her in his jacket, before glancing at Murtogg who looked flustered and tossed the corset aside, pointing at Jack. The pirate was glaring at merchant. The man seemed unaware of his hold on the young lad who was wincing from the hold on his arm.

"Shoot him." Governor Swann stated and all the muskets were suddenly aimed at the pirate. Jason's eyes widened.

"Father!" Elizabeth cried and she moved out from her father's arms and up to Norrington. "Commodore, do you really intend to kill my rescuer?" James paused and then he nodded at the men and they lowered their weapons.

"I do believe a thanks are in order." He held out his hand with a strange expression. Jason shook his head rapidly at Jack, silently trying to warn him. But Jack, didn't see it and held out his hand. Norrington gripped it firmly and once he got a good grip, he shoved the pirate's sleeve up, revealing the pirate brand.

"Had a brush with the East India Trading Company, did we, pirate?" Jack flinched, but he did notice how Jason was looking at him. The boy's expression was fascinated and it made Jack proud for some unknown reason.

"Hang him." Gov. Swann said and both Jason and Elizabeth gaped. Jack only sighed internally. Delays, delays. Now it seemed he would never get his ship back. Jack's eyes wondered back to the boy who actually looked worried for him.

"Keep your guns on him men!" Norrington shouted. "Gillette, fetch some irons." Then he pushed the sleeve up further. "Well, well. Jack Sparrow, isn't it?"

"I knew it!" Jason said aloud, startling everyone and swallowed at having eyes on him. "Heh, sorry." He stated sheepishly. Jack winked at him with a wide smile, flashing his gold teeth.

"Captain Jack Sparrow, if you please sir." Jack corrected and James sneered, pretending to glance around the harbor for a ship.

"Well, I don't see your ship…Captain." He taunted and Jack grimaced. Why do people point that out?

"I'm in the market, as it were." He said, smirking.

"He said he'd come to commandeer one." Murtogg announced.

"And that one said he was hiding." Mullroy added, pointing at Jason. The boy scowled when eyes landed on him.

"Tattletales." Jason muttered loudly and rolled his eyes.

"Told you he was telling the truth." Mullroy said to Murtogg who gave him an annoyed look. "Those are his, sir." He nodded at the things in Jason's arms and Norrington eyed the boy.

"Your cabin boy I presume, Sparrow?" He asked. Jason looked at Jack to see what he'd say but the pirate didn't look like he was about to correct him. Caught in what the pirate was doing, Jason suddenly scuttled back when Norrington reached for him. The merchant had a grip on him still causing him to hop a little and wince, but it did get the desired affect and James paused. Jason ignored the people staring at him and thrust his arms out when he was sure that the Commodore wasn't trying to attack him. James was unsure of what to make of that little dance. It was obvious the boy didn't trust him and the child had winced he had seen that. Norrington waved at the man to let the boy go and the ten-year-old stumbled a bit before righting himself, glaring at the merchant over his shoulder who was mumbling under his breath.

Reluctantly, he held out the pirate's things for Norrington to examine. James took out Captain Sparrow's pistol, eyeing it.

"No additional shots nor powder." He took out Sparrow's compass, eyeing that too. "A compass that doesn't point north." Then the Commodore pulled out the pirate's sword out next. "And I half expected it to be made of wood." He remarked dryly, shoving it back into the sheath. Jack grimaced at him. "You are without doubt the worst pirate I've ever heard of."

"Ah, but you have heard of me." Sparrow countered and Jason snickered. Jack heard him and beamed. Norrington snatched the pirate's arm and marched him towards where Gillette had the irons ready.

"Commodore, I really must protest." Elizabeth said following after Norrington. "Pirate or not this man saved my life."

"One good deed is not enough to redeem a man of a lifetime of wickedness." Commodore stated.

"Though it seems to condemn him." Sparrow added.

"Indeed." The Commodore said dryly. Jason followed them, wincing as the feeling came back into his arm, knowing full well a bruise was going there.

"Finally." Sparrow said and then he threw the chain over Miss Swann's neck and pulled her towards him as her eyes widened. Jason's eyes widened too.

"No. No! Don't shoot!" Governor Swann shouted as the men lifted the baronets towards the pirate who was using the lady as a shield.

"I knew you'd warm up to me." Jack told Elizabeth, who frowned in disgust and then he looked up at James Norrington. "Commodore Norrington, send the lad over with me effects please. And my hat." Norrington looked hesitant. "Commodore!" Jack prompted and, reluctantly, James nodded at Jason. The boy walked over and studied the pirate who didn't actually look like he wanted to hurt her, but then again…

"Elizabeth. It is Elizabeth isn't it?" Sparrow spoke to her as she picked up the things from Jason's hands.

"It's Miss Swann." She said icily.

"Miss Swann, if you would be so kind. Come, come dear we don't have all day." She turned to him angrily with his effects that Jason had given her. "Now if you'll be very kind." She glared at him and began to put his effects back on him. Jack was slightly glad that the lady was so close. Miss Swann was no ordinary girl, he could tell and it was not just because of the necklace she had. Jack had a feeling that she was more than what she appeared as was the boy who was watching him with a mixture of emotions.

"Easy on the goods, darling." He murmured as she attached his sword belt around his waist.

"You're despicable." She said after she was done and Jack smiled.

"Sticks and stones, love. I saved your life. You saved mine. We're square." He answered and then he turned her back around. "Gentlemen, Milady, lad," The pirate addressed them all as he began walking backwards. "You will always remember this day as the day that you almost caught…Captain Jack Sparrow." He then shoved the girl forwards and took off running.

"Now will you shoot him?" Governor Swann asked dryly. They fired shots at him as he ran down the docks, wrists still shackled. Somehow he got up on a crane swinging about and Jason noticed that no one was watching him any longer. They were too busy firing at the pirate.

He turned around and bumped into Elizabeth and the Governor who looked from the flying pirate to the young boy. "Excuse me." He said politely and darted around them.

"Wait!" Elizabeth stated and caught his arm. Jason looked back at her with wide eyes. "Who are you? Do you really work for that pirate?"

"No. Now please let me go." Jason said and he winced at the pressure on his arm. She wasn't holding him tightly, but it was still tight enough to keep him from pulling away so easily.

"Why are you running then?"

"There's a pirate loose. Wouldn't you run too?" Jason asked Gov. Swann who almost chuckled.

"Well, I-" He was cut off when Sparrow started running across the stone bridge that led into town and the redcoats were turned around.

"Gillette, Mr. Sparrow had a dawn appointment with the gallows. I'd hate for him to miss it." James spoke lowly and then Jason was jerked away from Elizabeth's hold. The merchant shoved Jason forward, causing him to stumble.

"Commodore?" called and Jason glared at him over his shoulder before turning back around to face Norrington. James arched an eyebrow and Jason glared at the ground before looking back up.

"And what do we have here?"

"This boy is a little thief." He announced, squeezing Jason's arm harder than he should and the boy winced again.

"What did he steal?"

"My money! The little rat took all my shillings." Merchant snapped and Jason scowled.

"Well, you're a crook! You swindle good people out of their money for an extra coin. The only people who can actually afford your fruit are those that don't have to worry about where they sleep next!" Jason snapped, flushed from anger.

"I see." James mused and then held his hand out. "Well, let's have it then, little thief. We won't hurt you. And let the boy go." The merchant loosened his grip on the boy's arm slightly at a stern look from the Commodore. Jason swallowed, staring at the hand before him and then slapped the money into the palm of his hand. The jig was up now. He'd have to get aboard a ship a different way.

"What are you going to do with me?"

"That remains to be seen." Norrington answered. "This isn't you're first offense, is it?"

"No, sir." Jason answered.

"Perhaps a word with the boy's parents?" Gov. Swann suggested. Jason didn't like where this conversation was going. Elizabeth noticed the look on the ten-year-old boy's face. He looked extremely uncomfortable.

"Maybe he just lives with someone." She suggested, but that didn't seem any better the boy looked more uncomfortable.

"That seems reasonable enough." James murmured and then looked back at Jason. "Now where do you-"

"That boy stole from me and I want my compensation!"

"Here is your money. That should be enough."

"You should send him to the slavers is what you should do! I know a few who would-"

"NO!" Jason yelled. He stomped the merchant's foot and the man let go with a curse. Jason whirled around and socked him in the stomach. The man swore as he gasped for air. He then barreled his way through the stunned men standing there and gave Elizabeth and her father a wide berth so they couldn't reach him. There was no way he was sticking around if they were going to keep asking questions and trying to ship him off with the slavers.

"Don't just stand there! Get that boy!" The merchant wheezed.

"I think you've terrified him enough." Elizabeth snapped and the man shifted.

"My apologies, Miss Swann."

"Find the pirate." Norrington sighed irritably. "Leave the boy be for now." The guards took off and James frowned. There was something about that boy that seemed familiar, but he just couldn't place it.