Thank you for the wonderful response, YAY makes me happy. Hope you enjoy this chapter. BTW I only just read about the 10-year thing with Will and Elizabeth, but it doesn't fit with my story line so I will do something different to incorporate something like that.

Enjoy x

Chapter Two – Unexpected visitors

"Jack, come out come out wherever you are!" Hector Barbossa called prowling around the dark, dank alleys of harbour side Port Royal. It was dangerous for sure a pirate wandering about the port where the most pirates had been prosecuted, the place of mass hangings. However, that didn't seem to stop those pirates closely linked to the Black Pearl, in particular her two ever-feuding captains.

Jack Sparrow peered out from his hiding space to get a look at his rival, creeping around in the darkness cutlass in one hand and loaded pistol in the other. He was close, very close, too close for comfort. It had been like this for nearly twenty years, it was amazing the two men could keep up with it in fact. They were both after the same thing, and every time one person got a little bit a head the other quickly caught up. It had been a race across the Caribbean trying to steel each other's tools, those tools that would help in the retrieval of the waters from the Fountain of Youth.

"Come on Jack, we are grown men! We can come to some sort of agreement can't we? If you give me that little piece of parchment, I will give you your compass back," Barbossa proposed. Jack thought very hard about it, what was more valuable the compass or his new treasure? Taking it out a pouch hanging from his belt he quietly unravelled the faded parchment. Characters strange to him flittered across the page dancing in a formation that would ultimately give up co-ordinates. He needed this, and if he was going to barter it he wanted more in return.

"Your offer is enticing for sure Barbossa, but you will have to do better than that!" He yelled then quickly scuttled from his hiding spot to another, behind a few barrels of rum – what a coincidence.

"Now Jack, what else have I got of yours that you could possible want back?" he said laughing to himself, "Or what of mine do you want?" Jack rolled is eyes the answer to that questions was simple.

"The Pearl, I want her back – she is mine after all," Jack said in a matter-of-fact tone. Barbossa laughed at this remark. The Black Pearl had been like a wanted whore passed from man to man over the past eighteen years. One moment Jack had control the next Barbossa; both craved the control of the most infamous ship in the Caribbean. Presently Barbossa held the largest bargaining chip.

"What's got into your mind boy? Why on earth would I give my ship to you?" he snarled moving closer and closer to Jack's hiding place. He was in serious trouble and needed to get out now. Thinking fast he stuffed the parchment back into his pouch and yelled at Barbossa.

"They are my terms Barbossa, the Pearl and my compass. Ponder it, mule it over. But for now I must say so long farewell, but don't worry I will be back to get my belongings." He called jumping from behind the barrels of rum knocking them over so they flew at Barbossa causing him to fall giving him just enough time to escape without being followed. The whole town was in a serious state of havoc Jack realised as he emerged onto the main street. Blazes of fire erupted from house wrecked by explosives; smoke made the air thick to breathe, screams pierced Jack's ears. It was the night that the Pearl first came to Port Royal nearly twenty-five years ago all over again. Barbossa was using it as a decoy so he could corner Jack without too much interruption. Pity the navy was beginning to pull their act together and defend the town. Picking up a half-full bottle of rum Jack downed the contents and headed into the thick of the chaos.

He had only one reason for being in Port Royal and after he had completed his task he intended to hop ship and sail away. It was such a misfortune however, that Barbossa had to interrupt his plans. At least he was still a step ahead of his enemy. Heading up the main road, women, men and children running at him in every direction shrieking when the registered his appearance, he continued to proceed up the hill until a sharp turn changed his direction.

Waiting patently on the front porch of her four-bedroom home was Lydia fuming with anger. She had realised that the only pirates who would ever infiltrate and disturb her home was those her family were closely associated with. She waited for Jack to run up the hill, out of breath and looking behind him with every step. It was always the same. Luckily not many people knew where her house was it was relatively secluded, hidden around the bay. As she predicted Jack emerged through the tropical ferns panting and looking behind him making sure no one followed.

Jumping from her seat with frustration Lydia raised the sword by her side so that when Jack turned to face her the sharp tip of the cutlass was pointing directly at his face. Jumping back in fright he was more afraid of the look on the girls face than the metal ready to slice him.

"Hello luv, how's your mum?" He asked stepping cautiously away from the girl.

"Not here, so get out," she growled pushing him further down the hill. Holding his hands up in truce Jack slowly stepped backwards.

"Now luv I can make it worth your while," he offered winking. Lydia just rolled her eyes and jutted the sword so Jack fell back in shock. Brushing the dirt and sand off his clothing as he pushed him self up and quickly drew his own sword then parried with Lydia for a few seconds. He knew it was pointless; Lydia was too light on her feet and quick of hand. However, he wasn't trying to beat her down.

"Jack you know you never win when you cross blades with me. You are far too old these days," Lydia said enraging him, as their blades furiously clinked and clanked. Before she knew it Jack was standing triumphantly in the doorway to her house.

"Who said I wanted to win in a sword fight against you luv," he said slamming the door on her face. Utter disbelief rose in Lydia's cheeks as she began to bang on the door loudly yelling inappropriate things at Jack who just stood smirking on the opposite side of the door. "And I am not old!"

"Jack! Let me in, this is trespassing I could have you arrested!" she yelled at him stamping her feet. It was no use he had the upper hand and she was at his demand.

"Only if you will help me," he called to her picking dirt out from under his nails. He could hear her pondering this thought. Well, he assumed so as she didn't say a word. In actuality she was wide eyed and terrified as she noticed a handful of dirty pirates led by Barbossa begin to materialize out of the forest.

"Jack let me in," she said breathing quickly; the men hadn't noticed her standing in her nightgown terrified on the porch. Jiggling the doorknob she repeated herself, "Jack please let me in,"

"Only if you will do as I ask savvy?" he said not noticing the terror in her voice.

"Hurry up Jack they are coming!" she said terrified of the men, "I will do anything!" she added and with that the door swung open.