Chapter One

The sun was just setting on the beautiful island of Barbados as the Black Pearl drifted towards the shore of Speightstown. The weary pirates aboard it were grateful at the sight of land. A loud splash on the starboard side of the ship sounded as the anchor was dropped. Three rowboats were set in the water and the ship's passengers climbed into them. The air grew cold as the three boats were rowed to the shore.

When they reached the bank, a tall man with long dark hair and tan skin stepped out of the forward most boat first. His brown leather boots splashed in the salty sea and his hair swung about his face as he leaped from the boat. The man stepped ashore and with dark eyes, he looked about the land. He pulled his coat tighter around himself an d place his hat over the red bandana on his head. Gold teeth shone brightly as he grinned and looked around. Captain Jack Sparrow had finally come back home.

The crew clambered out of the boats as Captain Sparrow signaled for them to come ashore. The boats were tied together and secured to the dock.

Captain Jack waltzed into town as if he owed the place. He was headed for only one place: Sawyer's Pub. Jack walked down the noisy street and just reached the halfway point before he heard his name being called.

"oy! Jack!"

Jack turned on his heel and saw a short man with brown hair and a full beard leaning up against the wall of a shop. The man waved for Jack to come over to him.

"oh Jack, ye've come back," the man said as Jack reluctantly marched over to him.

"Aye Charlie, I have"

"How did ya get here?"

" I've my ways of getting around"

"Aye, where you be off to?"

Charlie took a drink from his flask, making Jack's eyes widen like silver dollars. Charlie saw this and said, "ah, that's where you be headin'. Would ya care for some compn'y?".

Jack nodded, and the two of them headed off to the pub, doing some catching up on the way.

Enter Catalina...

"Please sir, I'll be worth it, please take me for your crew,"

"Absolutely not, you know the rules. Besides, it's bad luck ta have a woman aboard,"

"oh, come off it! Everyone knows that's just a myth! I'm as good as any man on that ship. Please sir, let me aboard, you'll be glad you did,"

"now lass, I've told ya, no means no. Go on and find some nice gent who'll make ya happy, and settle down. The ocean is no place for a young lady such as yerself,".

And with that, the first-mate climbed aboard the ship and signaled to the captain that all was ready. Catalina stood at the edge of the dock and watched as the ship sailed away.

Catalina turned and walked back towards town.

"bloody hell," she cursed as she passed the other ships being loaded and unloaded. "I'll never find work, and that was the last ship headed for Tortuga. I need to leave here. Sooner or later someone is bound to find the treasure. My treasure,"

The daylight was fading, and a cool breeze blew across Catalina's face as she smelled the salty air. She needed to go somewhere to think. She couldn't stay out all night again like last night. Where could she go and not get turned away? What better place than Sawyer's Pub? She grinned at the thought of a nice drink. Decided, Catalina made her way through town to Sawyer's.

Catalina went over to the counter and waved at Sawyer, who responded with a nod and got her a drink.

"Catalina, good to see you. How's everything working out? Still having trouble getting work?"

"Yes, well, it's harder for a woman I suppose. Thank you," she said as he gave her the mug. Sawyer nodded and Catalina went over to an empty table.

She sat down and stretched out in the chair, thoughts running through her mind. When would he ever come to find her?

Enter Jack...

When Jack and Charlie had reached the pub, the sun had fully set, but the night was just beginning. Jack pushed open the door to be welcomed by a noisy room full of people enjoying themselves. An orange glow was cast about the room from the many burning candles.

Jack went over to the counter to where Sawyer was wiping mugs clean.

"oh hallo there Jack. It has been quite a while. What'll you have? The usual?"

"certainly,"

Jack hopped up on a barstool while Sawyer got him his drink. Charlie came and sat next to Jack, looking at the cut on the palm of his friend's hand. Sawyer set a mug down in front of jack and returned to work. Jack sniffed his glass and peered inside to see the familiar amber color of rum.

"Finest drink in town," said Charlie as Jack took a swig of his drink.

"ya know Jack, in all the years I've known you, ya only came back here once. And I think I know what it is yer here for," said Charlie.

"Is that so?" said Jack, taking another mouthful of "the usual".

"yer here looking for her aren't ya?"

Jack lowered his eyes to the counter and swallowed his drink before answering.

"Charlie, I am here, simply to get the supplies that my crew and I need, savvy? Did you ever think that I could be doing just that?"

"aye Jack, aye," Charlie said, and moved off to sit with a few old friends.

Jack surveyed the room and someone caught his eye. A young woman leaned back in a chair with her feet on the table. Her hat was tilted to the side and her long wavy hair was as dark as her eyes. The woman noticed Jack staring at her and nodded her head toward the chair across from her. Jack picked up his mug and sauntered his way over to her.

Jack sat in the chair opposite the woman as she leaned forward and put her feet on the floor. They both looked at each other, staring into the pair of dark brown eyes opposite them. They remained silent for a while, each grinning as if they had a secret. At last the woman spoke.

"well, well, I was wondering when I would be seeing you again," said the woman, keeping her eyes on Jack.

"yes, well, here I am love," said Jack, letting his grin fade a little.

"and how is my charming big brother?" said the woman, folding her arms again.

" you know me Catalina, a pirate's life is hard, but I'm alright. I should ask you the same question," Said Jack, taking another drink from his mug.

"I'm just trying to find a way out of here," said Catalina.

"Ah, I see. Well I could help you out, but there must be profit in it for me," said Jack, smoothing his mustache.

"Alright Jack, what do you want this time?" said Catalina, leaning forward again.

"I'll take you aboard my ship, and you lead me to the location of the lovely treasure you've known about all these years, savvy?"

"that's a fine proposition, but I'm sure you intend on keeping the treasure all to yourself, hmm?" said Catalina, annoyed at Jack's greed.

"no, well, we'll share the spoils you see. 80-20,"

"50-50"

"70-30"

"60-40 Jack. You get that or nothing at all," said Catalina grinning.

Jack considered this before answering, "Alright, we have an accord,"

"very well. Although, I must tell you I did know you'd ask me this sooner or later," said Catalina.

"yes, well, better sooner than later eh?" said Jack. "you meet me tomorrow afternoon at the blacksmith's, and we'll be on our way,"

" okay Jack, I'll be there," Catalina said.

"now," said Jack, finishing his drink and standing up, "I must take my leave. It has been a pleasure this little chat. Catalina," Jack took a little bow, "until next time,".

Jack went over to Charlie who was still drinking with his mates.

"HEY! Jack, good ta seeeeeeya. How's 'bout anuther one?" said Charlie, who was clearly very drunk.

"oh, no Charlie pal, I think you've had enough for the both of us," said Jack. "I'll see you later Charlie,"

"G'bye Jack," Charlie said.

Jack gave one final wave to his sister and walked out of the pub.

Jack made his way back to the Pearl, grinning to himself. He'll finally get what he's been waiting for.