A/N: Oh look, another chapter…

Disclaimer: I realized I forgot to put this in the first two chapters. So, I'm going to say this now and it implies throughout the entire story. I don't own anything except this little idea, which I sometimes wish wasn't even mine to own. Don't sue me 'cause you won't profit from it seeing as I'm poor.

Slayers and Curses

By: Embarr

Chapter 3: Why?

Buffy ignored Miss Even's shouts as she stormed through the halls of the mansion once more. She went directly to the servants' quarters and, after grabbing a pouch with a sufficient clink to it as she jostled it, quickly made her way back to the exit. Her expression was set and those that saw the fire blazing behind her eyes made no attempt to stop her. For this reason, she reached her destination rather quickly and with no problems except the ones brewing inside her.

The wooden door swung roughly open, courtesy of an angry slayers' strong push. It collided with whatever stood on the other side of the door with a resonating boom as Buffy entered, unfazed by the loud noise. Through the haze of Buffy's simmering mind she processed that the blacksmith's workplace was empty but she still stood there, waiting.

Someone came rushing in through the door opposite of her and Buffy moved further into the room, shutting the door to make her presence known. It was Will, sword in hand and his muscles tensed. Once he realized the source of the sound and saw Buffy standing there, he quickly relaxed and lowered his sword. Buffy looked at the blade curiously, for a brief moment distracted from her previous intentions. His clothes were loose and the stuffy suit he usually wore in public was gone, as was the smith's apron she'd first seen him in. There was a sheen of sweat across Will's brow and the way he held himself and the sword told her that he had been practicing.

"Did I come at a bad time?"

"No," Will set down the sword, brushing his sleeve across his brow. He quickly worked with the buttons of his sleeves as he moved further into the room. "Is there something you needed, Mi- Buffy?"

"Yes," Buffy took a deep breathe, remembering what she'd come there for in the first place. "I'd like to buy some weapons." It seemed ridiculous now that she'd said it out loud, but she kept a blank face. Will looked at her quizzically, but intrigue gleamed in his eyes.

"You wish to buy a weapon," he asked carefully.

"A sword and perhaps a few daggers, yes."

"Is something wrong? Are you in danger?" His voice held concern and Buffy felt touched that someone was actually worrying about her. She shook her head in answer and then looked Will directly in the eyes.

"I have money and I won't take no for an answer. I need at least a sword and a belt to attach the scabbard to."

"Why?" Will returned her intense gaze and Buffy felt a sharp pain twist through her as she told the half-lie to him in answer.

"I need to leave Port Royal as soon as possible and I'll need some protection," she quickly said. "What can you offer me?"

"Has something happened?"

"No," The answer came quickly out of Buffy's mouth and she regretted as soon as she saw the pained look on Will's face. She sighed. "Yes… it's just very complicated." She found herself looking pleadingly at Will and after a moment of staring, he finally moved to one of the racks to retrieve of sword.

"This one is rather simple but effective and light weight. I am assuming you know how to handle a sword." Buffy smiled gratefully and took the sword offered to her. She gave it a testing swing, feeling the grip and balance. She then handed it back to Will, shaking her head.

"I need something a little heavier." Will looked at her skeptically but picked out another one. The process continued throughout the selection and Will quickly learned how to select the right weapon for Buffy by the time they reached the smaller items. He handed her a dagger, the one she had noticed on her first visit and Buffy smile approvingly as she added it to her small collection of items.

"How much do I owe you for the small armory?" Will's face became very still and he looked at her blankly.

"You do not owe me anything, Buffy. It wouldn't feel right." Buffy sighed. Men and their sense of propriety were sometimes very annoying. She had to haggle with Will for what seemed like hours to raise the price to an almost reasonable price, which was quite an experience seeing as she'd never bargained in reverse before. It was as far as he was willing to budge though and so she gave in. Buffy quickly retrieved the money and pressed the coins in Will's hands before he could change his mind. She then stepped back, smiling.

"Thank you, Will. This means a lot to me."

"You are welcome."

"Well, I guess I should be going. I have to find a ship that can get me to London." Buffy averted her eyes, but she felt Will's gaze boring into her. She resisted the urge to fidget.

"You are planning to leave so soon?"

"If possible, yes."

"You'll find great difficult with that task today then. No ships are leaving port today due to preparation of Captain Norrington's promotion ceremony."

"That's tomorrow?" Will nodded and Buffy felt her hopes slightly deflate.

"There may be a few cargo ships leaving tomorrow, however," Will suggested. "I have my doubts that they will let any passengers on board though."

"I have to try at least." Will nodded in understanding. Buffy found herself sighing once more.

"I guess I'll be staying a little bit longer than I thought."

"Do you really have to leave?" The words brought a smile to Buffy's face, which quickly turned to an impish smirk.

"Why, are you going to miss me?" That rose a blush to Will's face and Buffy's smirk broadened into an amused grin.

"We are friends, Buffy." Will managed as he ducked his head in embarrassment. Buffy stared at the tall man affectionately.

"I'll miss you, Will. Thank you." Will only smiled in reply and Buffy felt a sad smile creep to her lips. Breaking the sudden dreary mood, Buffy laughed. Will looked at her questioningly.

"I just remembered that I left the mansion with a really upset Mrs. Evens on my heels. She's going to kill me when I get back." Buffy laughed again and Will smiled in amusement, the worries of the morning forgotten for the moment.

Buffy was right to assume Mrs. Evens would be angry with her. The woman gave her extra chores and lectured her before she managed to slip by her and into the servants' quarters. Buffy had taken the punishment gracefully and accepted the fact that she was going to have a busy evening. When she entered the room where her bed was though, she had to deal with an entirely different confrontation.

"Anne!" Estrella collided with her, gripping her shoulders firmly. She then began babbling worriedly, her speed rivaling that of Willow's when she was nervous. Buffy managed to gently pull Estrella's hands from her and then just as gently took the frantic handmaid by the shoulders. The jester calmed Estrella enough that she stopped. Buffy found herself speaking to her softly, as if speaking to a child after they'd woken from a nightmare.

"How about we sit down and you can tell me what this is all about in a normal speed?" Estrella promptly sat on the bed behind her and Buffy joined her. The handmaid took a moment to catch her breath and then continued, this time at a slower pace and less worry in her tone.

"I went up to Miss Swann's quarters to change the bedding and she asked after you. That's when I discovered you'd gone missing. Know one knew what happened, Anne, and Miss Swann seemed worried about you." Buffy remembered her abrupt exit from the house that morning and resisted the urge to wince.

"There was just something important I had to do, that's all."

"You had me ill with worry. What did you have to do that was so important?" Buffy considered lying for a brief moment, but the look on Estrella's face changed her mind.

"I'm leaving soon, Estrella. I probably won't come back."

"Leaving? I thought you weren't planning to leave until later."

"I know, but things have changed. I got a message from an old acquaintance and it sort of pushed up my schedule. I plan to leave tomorrow if possible."

"And you are never coming back…"

"Yes. I'm sorry." Buffy let her wince show this time as she let regret swim across her features. Estrella was calm though as she took Buffy's hand comfortingly.

"It's all right, Anne. Just promise that you will write?" Buffy smiled.

"That just might be possible."

"Good, now we should tend to our duties. Mrs. Evens was furious with you." Buffy just laughed and followed her friend out of the room.

The next morning didn't come too soon for Buffy. For the first time in a long time she'd dreamed of something other than home that night and it had her tossing and turning for most of the time. She had seen flashes of skeletons and something gleaming, but the scenes never stayed still enough for her to decipher anything. One thing was constant in the nightmare though; an incessant, rasping breath brushed across her psyche like a cold hand and it made her jump physically several times.

Estrella had looked worriedly at her when Buffy joined her at the base of the stairs that morning but Buffy assured her she was fine and continued up the stairs. Her friend followed closely behind her, but thankfully didn't say anything. Buffy was too tired to explain herself and if Estrella had asked, she'd probably have broken out with the truth.

They were assisting Miss Swann this morning, once again. Governor Swann met them at the young woman's door and he distractedly handed a box to Buffy while he knocked on the door. Buffy dutifully brought the box into the room as Estrella went to open the curtain. Elizabeth's gaze fell on Buffy for a moment (a moment Buffy tried to avoid looking directly at her) and then she turned to look at her father.

"It's a beautiful day. I have a gift for you." Buffy opened the box to reveal a fine gown.

"Oh, it's beautiful."

"Isn't it?"

"May I inquire as to the occasion?" Elizabeth looked pointedly at her father, who smiled almost mischievously at his daughter.

"Does a father need an occasion to dote upon his daughter?" This brought a smile to Elizabeth's face as she took the dress. Buffy and Estrella moved to help her and Governor Swann continued.

"I had hoped you might wear it for the ceremony today."

"What ceremony?"

"Captain Norrington's promotion ceremony."

"I knew it." Elizabeth popped her head around the divider, staring accusingly at her father. When she pulled back, they continued helping dress her. Buffy held her steady while Estrella pulled the laces tighter on the bodice, provoking a gasp from Elizabeth and a sympathetic wince from both handmaids.

"How's it coming?"

"It's difficult to say," Elizabeth managed to rasp out with what lung power she had left. Buffy found herself feeling glad that in her time the bra was invented. She said nothing though, not wanting to say anything wrong in front of Governor Swann. When he was called out of the room after a moment though, Buffy suddenly found herself worrying about the look Elizabeth was giving her.

"Are you all right, Anne?" Buffy put on a fake smile and helped the girl into the rest of her gown.

"Peachy," she said. "I'm more worried about you though. Is the bodice too tight?" Elizabeth quickly shook her head, but Buffy didn't believe her. The girl was stubborn, she'd give her credit for that.

"Perhaps we should loosen it a little," Estrella suggested.

"No, I'll be fine. Really." And so they finished up in silence, both Buffy and Elizabeth feeling a little guilty for lying to each other. Estrella and Buffy followed Elizabeth out of the room and watched her descend the stairs carefully. Buffy caught a glimpse of Will in the foyer and smiled. He didn't notice her though, as he was currently distracted by the vision that was coming down the stairs. Will was polite, but he said the wrong words to Elizabeth since her smile soon disappeared and she left with a curt farewell. Buffy watched as Will followed the Swann's out the front door and then turned to Estrella.

"I'm going to head to the docks now to find a ship that will take me."

"I'll cover for you if Mrs. Evens asks for you. Good luck." Buffy thanked Estrella and then quickly headed towards the front door so she could catch Will before he left. She didn't have to go far though, seeing as he still stood in front of the house looking at where Buffy knew Elizabeth had disappeared.

"You know, you're never going to get anywhere if you don't make a move." Will turned and smiled at her as she came down the stairs.

"I have plenty of time. I'm not expected back in the forge for hours." Buffy laughed.

"I was talking about Elizabeth." Will blushed slightly and his smile almost faltered. Buffy decided to take pity on him. "Come on, I'm going to the docks. You can walk with me."

Will stepped into pace with her and they walked quietly towards the edge of town towards the docks. They watched as the morning crowd bustled around hurriedly for a few moments before William spoke.

"So, you are really going through with this?"

"Yes." It was a simple answer but seemed to speak volumes between them.

"Will you be coming back?"

"No." After a moment, Buffy felt Will slip away from her side and she knew he was gone. Apparently he liked goodbyes just as much as she did. She didn't blame him. Buffy inhaled the salty air about her for a moment, building up her nerves once more. She had a job to do and there was no point acting emotional. The first step she took towards the docks was unsure but she forced her next step to be confident and she eventually fell into an easy lope. She came up to a man who seemed to be directing the mayhem that was on the docks and gave him a charming smile. This would be easy, she thought. Who could resist the Summers' charm?

"What do you mean I'd be bad luck! I'll tell you buster, I'm much luckier than any of those dirty, sweaty men that you call a crew and more able-bodied than them too. Don't give me that look, 'cause I'm not offering you pervert!" Apparently not everyone was susceptible to the Summers' charm. This was the third captain she'd spoken too and Buffy was running very low on charm. The only thing holding her back from grabbing the man by the collar and raising him to his toes as she yelled at him was the crowd around them. Many of them were already glancing that way due to her sudden outburst. A girl picking up a man twice her size would draw even more attention.

Buffy growled slightly at the man and stomped back down the docks. In her fury, her shoulder collided roughly with another person and both of them spun with the shock. Buffy instinctively reached out to steady herself and found her hand grasping the other person's shirt front. She grabbed a little too tightly though and it brought the surprised figure closer to her.

"Pardon me, love, but do you mind easing off the shirt?" After a moment, Buffy's brain finally processed what he'd said and she promptly disentangled her fingers from his front. When he didn't step away from her though, she scowled and roughly pushed him away. It caught him off guard and he made an ungraceful collision with the planks of wood beneath him. He grunted in surprise and looked up at her. His kohl-rimmed eyes studied her for a moment and he gave her an impish smirk.

"Now is that the way to treat the man who you ran into." He slowly got up from the ground, picking his hat up in the process and placing it securely on his head.

"No, it's the way I treat the dirty pirate that doesn't respect my personal space." Her mood was still cloudy from her failed attempts at finding passage earlier and she wouldn't spare any politeness on this man in front of her. He swaggered up to her again though, despite the smoldering glare she was giving him and his smirk broadened.

"What makes you think I'm a pirate?" Buffy looked the man over before answering him.

"You look like you've been at sea for a long time," after a moments' pause she crinkled her nose and added, "and you smell like it too." With that she slipped around the man and towards town. He looked at her disbelieving for a moment before catching up to her.

"Someone's obviously put a bee in your bonnet, love. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"You can leave me alone for starts." The man laughed.

"That's a fiery temper you got there, Miss…"

"Summers." It slipped out of her mouth before she could stop it. She stopped walking in her shock and the man took it as sign she was willing to listen to him.

"Well Miss Summers, are you certain there isn't anything I can do for you?" Buffy narrowed her eyes at him, examining him for a moment. He was tall and dressed extravagantly, a colorful scarf around his waist and one on his head to hold down his long black hair. He wore a sword at his waist and a few other items hung from the belt.

"What's your name?" He smiled, revealing a few gold teeth.

"Jack Sparrow, Captain Jack Sparrow actually."

"You have a ship?" Buffy's eyes lit up with hope which was soon extinguished with Jack's next words. He glanced over at the port they'd just left with a raised eyebrow and smiled nervously.

"I'm actually in the market."

"Which means…"

"No ship. Sorry, love." Buffy let out a cry of frustration and quickly turned to leave. Jack grabbed her arm though and after deciding flipping him would be a little too extreme she turned to see what he wanted. He stared at her, curiosity in his eyes.

"What's a pretty lass like you wanting to know if a possibly dangerous pirate has a ship for?"

"Dangerous? I could handle you."

"By all means." If possible, his gaze was slyer than before as he leered at her suggestively. Buffy looked at him in disgust.

"Goodbye," she said tersely and then left before he could grab hold of her again. Once she was sure he hadn't followed her, Buffy stopped to lean in the shadows of an archway to think. She had no way of getting out of this place, she wasn't thinking straight. She'd been so desperate to leave that she'd even considered taking passage on a pirate ship. Now that she was thinking a little better though, the idea was crazy. She knew it was even more insane that she'd thought about flirting with him if he'd said he did have a ship. Buffy shuddered. She hoped she never had to see Jack Sparrow again.

A/N: There ya go. Another chapter after I said I'd probably take a month in between each one. If anyone wants to catch any hints about this story, I occasionally talk about my writing on my new blog. I talk a little about the reviews I get too and the more interesting the review, the more interesting the comment. You can find the link in my profile and if what I say on there doesn't totally bore you check in as much as you like. Cheers!