Just saw Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Just had the inspiration to start the Glee/Pirates project back up again. So please do enjoy! Read and Review please and I will be eternally grateful!

Change of Plans

The scent of Rachel's hair still wafted around in Puck's nostril as he was stirring. Puck was expecting to find Rachel's body next to his, but it was the strangest thing. He had a terrible headache and there was a ringing sensation in the back of his head. And he was holding something rather cold and hard. Puck slowly opened his eyes, thinking his arms are around Rachel, but he found himself instead cradling a chamber pot. In an instant, his eyes widened as he flung the chamber pot to the floor in disgust.

"Puck, you're awake," Brittany squealed, startling Puck.

"Argh," Puck yelled, clutching his head. That headache just intensified with Brittany's piercing shrill. She immediately jumped onto the bed next to Puck.

"Are you all right? I didn't mean to hit you that hard," Brittany said, sounding concerned and her hands massaging Puck's head.

"I'm fan-fucking-tastic. And you hit me? Why?" Puck exclaimed, shifting his body off of Kurt's bed.

"I'm sorry. It's just…I saw you with that girl. And you were taking advantage of her while she was already knocked out. I didn't mean to hurt you though," Brittany replied innocently, her face frowning in sadness.

"Look, don't cry now," Puck assured, looking around the room, "Where is she now?"

"Kurt took her already to the cell."

"Damn! There goes my fun," Puck chuckled. He proceeded to wear his clothes. Luckily for him, Brittany had seen him naked before. Many times in fact, Puck thought deviously in his head. Maybe he can still have some fun…

"I miss Santana," Brittany said, shifting her head to avoid Puck's gaze. She didn't want Puck to see her frowning face.

"I know, but you know what happened. She chose to leave, remember?"

Brittany nodded and replied, "Yes, but in a way. I kind of missed having a friend that's a girl. Everybody on the ship is a guy. Well, Kurt is probably an exception. Also, Quinn."

Puck suddenly jerked. He shouted, "Quinn! Damn it! I forgot about her. How far are we from Martinique?"

Brittany widened her eyes and hesitantly replied, "Kurt said that we had to turn around. There were people waiting for our arrival there…bad people."

There was a worried look on Puck's face when he heard Brittany say this.

"This is unbelievable. How long ago was this?" Puck asked angrily.

"About ten minutes," Brittany replied, terrified. She had never seen Puck act this way before. Sure he got angry when he was drunk, but not this angry.

"Ok," Puck said, calmly, grabbing a hold of his weapons, "Tell Kurt, I am going to get Quinn. Bad people or not, she is one of the Pirate Lords and I need to get her. If I don't make it back in time, you take mine and her place at the Grand Election."

"But I can't, I don't…. Why are you going?" Brittany asked.

"Because I have to save my wife," Puck replied quickly, throwing Brittany two medallions. Puck kept both his and Quinn's medallion just in case she ever lost hers.

A medallion with the Seal of Barbarossa was given to each of the pirate lords. It was a joke, however, about Puck keeping the medallions, Puck thought. Puck was always the one losing things. Quinn tied to a bed, for example.

"Wait, Puck," Brittany called out as Puck was just about to leave the room.

"What is it?" Puck answered.

"I can't. I can't represent two people. There's only one me," Brittany stated, holding the two medallions in her hand.

Puck thought for a moment for another person Brittany could give it to. He did not trust anyone on his ship enough to be given the role of Pirate Lord.

He shook his head and told Brittany, "Give it to someone you completely trust. I trust you enough to make a good decision, Brittany." With that, he left Kurt's bedroom and walked quickly towards the rowboats.

Puck began to unravel one of the rowboats when a voice behind him asked, "So where are you going at this hour, Puck?" It was Kurt's voice, but Puck did not turn around.

"I heard about your order to turn from Martinique," Puck answered, still trying to untie the knot.

"And?" Kurt replied coolly.

"Well, damn your order. I'm going back for my wife," Puck said as he leapt onto the boat.

"It'll take you all night just to row to that island."

"The longer I'm here talking to you, the longer it will take."

"The island is currently under emergency watch. No doubt soldiers are flooding street."

"Don't care. I'm getting her," Puck said with finality.

Puck gave a salute to Kurt.

Kurt sighed to himself, "If he wishes." He replied with a nod and ordered his men to lower Puck down to the water.

"I never realized you were married, Puck," Kurt said as Puck was being lowered.

"There's a lot of things you don't know about me," Puck snapped back, "The same goes for you as well."

Kurt raised his eyebrows skeptically. It seemed to say "oh, really".

"Well, then. Hopefully you find your wife and the both of you make it back in time for the Grand Election."

"Don't worry. We will," Puck replied as he began to row the boat furiously towards the distant island.

"Alive, I hope," Kurt yelled as he walked away.

Kurt was planning to go visit Rachel to see if she would be awake by then, but one of his men rushed up to him.

"Captain," the man exclaimed frantically.

"What is it?" Kurt replied.

"We got away, but in the distance, there are two Class-1 French frigates heading our way. They are fast approaching," the man reported.

"This isn't good," Kurt thought to himself. There's no way his ship can outrun a Class-1 French ship, let alone two. And what the hell were two Class-1 French frigates doing this close to the Caribbean and especially, near English-controlled territories?

"Can we outrun them at the rate we're going?" Kurt asked quickly.

"Not under these conditions, sir. The wind is going against us," the man replied.

There was only one thing left to do.

"Everyone!" Kurt yelled, "To your stations!"

It looked like an unwinnable battle, but Kurt must try to stay alive. They would try to outrun the French frigates as much as possible, but there's no way they can escape if the wind was not in their favor. Fighting was the only escape.

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Boarding on what seems to be one of the slowest moving ships in the world, Finn couldn't help but pace around the floor in frustration. He knew that the slower they move, the farther Rachel would be. And he even doubted Santana on trusting Sue, dubbed the "greatest pirate hunter" who didn't even look like she knew what she was doing.

"I can't believe I went along with this," Finn said quietly to Santana, "She has no idea where she is going or has any plan at all. How is she going to find one of the Pirate Lords?"

"Finn," Santana started to say, "Trust her. They don't call her the best pirate hunter for no reason."

"It looks like prime condition to set sail," Sue proclaimed to the shipmates as she steered the ship.

Finn approached Sue and replied sarcastically, "It's raining."

Santana, Artie, Mike, and Mercedes all stopped what they were doing and looked at Finn and Sue, who looked like they were about to clash into a battle.

"Well, Mr. Obvious," Sue said, moving away from the wheel, "Can you tell me which direction is the wind?"

Finn knew what Sue was trying to do, but he answered, "From the southeast."

"And which direction are we traveling, genius?" Sue spat, standing in front of Finn.

"North," Finn replied back, nastily.

"So, as captain of this ship, I believe I know exactly what I'm doing. So deal with it or get the hell off of my ship," Sue snapped.

"Do you have ANY idea where we are going? Or how are we even going to find my wife? At least, answer me as much."

"Fine, I'll clue you in," Sue said, "Since you obviously don't have any patience whatsoever…I have an Irish friend who can help us. He's on one of the islands in the Antigua. We're heading there now. He has the lead to the Pirate Lords' next destination: Shipwreck Cove."

"Thank you," Finn sighed, "You could've said that earli-"

"Hold your cows. I wasn't finished. It's not so easy to get to him."

With a quizzed look on his face, Finn asked, "Well, why not?"

"That island is under patrol by the men of Carl the Damned," Sue replied as Finn sucked in a long draw of breath after she said the name.

Carl the Damned. Probably one of the most feared pirates that ever walked the face of the Earth, Finn thought, but if this Irishman was the key to get Rachel back, Finn will do whatever it takes.

"You are the famed pirate hunter and I am the son of a powerful statesman of France. I don't suppose you have a plan on how to pass by undetected?" Finn asked Sue.

Sue smirked.

"Thought you'd never asked."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

King George I was not even a British person. In fact, he had once detested the customs, the traditions, and the ways of the British people, but naturally, when one is called to be king of one of the most powerful empires on Earth, he doesn't say no.

George I's real name was George Ludwig. He was a member of the prestigious German house of Hannover. Not to mention, George was the Prince-Elector of the Holy Roman Empire. If he wanted to, the throne of the Holy Roman Emperor could belong to him due to his vastness of wealth and resources, but he knew ever since those damned Austrians and Hapsburg created chaos within the empire, the Holy Roman Empire was on the decline. He wanted to possess a lasting power. So when his dear cousin Queen Anne of Great Britain passed away and left no heir, the British people found the closest relative to her, George himself. "No" was not an option to George.

Now in the beginning years of his reign, he found himself in another set of chaos. With each passing day, the French were growing as a threat to the British Empire. As King George I sat in his chair hearing his counsels discuss plans on how to deal with such threats, he felt his hand trembling at the news of what was happening.

France had taken the first step to ensuring the domination on the Atlantic front. Word has reached King George I that the French had allied themselves with the Iroquois League and the Mississippian and Ohioan Valley Indians in the American colonies. So much had been invested on those colonies and those colonies were sitting like lame ducks, thousands of miles away from the watchful gaze of the Empire and surrounded by vengeful Native Americans. The French had also signed treaties with the Spaniards and the Hapsburgs. Even though George had once been a part of the Holy Roman Empire and the German house of Hannover, they seem to already be cutting the ties with him and joining what they perceive to be the winning side, the growing French empire.

It seemed all-out war was going to be inevitable, George thought, between the British and the French.

"George, are you all right?" the man sitting next to George I whispered.

George turned to face the man and smiled. Even though he did not like the British, he enjoyed the presence of one man, his closest friend and advisor Hiram Berry. Hiram was once been the Baron of Gloucester, serving under Queen Anne faithfully. When Hiram was sent to seek an alliance with the Holy Roman Empire, George was the one to greet and act as host to Hiram. As the days went on, he found a friend in Hiram and felt as if he can trust Hiram completely during his stay in Germany. So when George took the throne, he made Hiram into the Duke of Wessex, second in power only to him. Even so, Hiram found being a duke hard to accept. He had preferred his position as the Baron because of its minority voice in politics and foreign affairs, but majority voice for its people's rights. That's why people would often refer him to as Baron Hiram. As the Duke of Wessex now, Hiram was close to the king and advised him on the things that he had once been afraid of meddling in. And George saw this potential in Hiram. This was a man who put his people's and his king's needs first and his own needs second. There was no corruptness to be found in this man.

"Hiram, I am fine," George responded to his friend, smiling gently.

"That's good to hear. I was concerned since your hands were starting to shake," Hiram whispered again while the other counsels were talking.

"Must be the darn cold," George laughed, "But let's not discuss this anymore. How is your daughter doing?"

"I'm sure she is doing fine," Hiram replied. He then paused and thought for a moment, showing a concerned expression on his face.

"Is something the matter?" George asked.

"It's just…I thought I would hear from her by now. I probably shouldn't worry. I mean, Cardinal Coligny did provide his best ships to protect-"

"That damned Coligny!" George exclaimed so loud that the others stopped talking, "I don't believe any word that comes out of the mouth of that snake."

"I don't trust Coligny either, but I trust his son Finn with my daughter."
"Well, I don't," George said clearly, "For all I know, this Finn character could be part of Coligny's malevolent plan. Rachel could've married my son. You and your family would've been a part of the royal house, Hiram, and their children would inherit this throne."

Hiram laughed and replied, "But I don't care for me or my family to inherit the throne. Too much power tends to corrupt a man's being. I just want happiness for my only daughter and I know for a fact that she, with all her heart, loves Finn completely. And I am sure Finn is the same."

George fell back to his chair and sighed, defeated by what Hiram said.

"I'm sorry for that outburst, Hiram. Please, forgive me, my friend," George apologized.

"Your Majesty, I should apologize. I should not worry you so much about my family affairs."

"Don't worry, Hiram. You are a good friend. And I care for my closest friends no matter what."

Hiram smiled and said, "Thank you. Now let's discuss about what's been going on in the Atlantic."

Almost instantaneously, the door to the throne room crashed open and one of the Royal Guard came running through.

"Report, your Majesty," the man said, kneeling down in front of George.

"Speak," George replied, standing up in the process.

"There have been news from the British station that the HMS Gemini has been sunk. There were no survivors found, your Majesty," the man said frantically.

The sound of a horrific and terrified voice yelled out, "No!" as George saw the blood from his best friend's face drain. Hiram collapsed to the floor, sobbing hysterically. George could not help but feel great sorrow for the news. He gripped his friend's shoulders tightly.

Keeping his composure, yet still holding onto his friend, George asked hesitantly, "What is the cause of the HMS Gemini sinking?"

"The reports suggest that most likely a pirate ship sunk it, sir."

There was no way, George thought. The two French ships were protecting it, unless…Those French ships. France. They lied since the beginning, but that's another story. Pirates were the main problem in the Caribbean. Those pirate ships were beginning to get on George's last nerve.

With the thunderous voice from the throne of England, King George I commanded, "Bring me Admiral Anderson at once!"

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

"It's no use, sir. Their cannons are far superior than ours," one of the men screamed. The men were beginning to lose control and all ran around the ship, trying to help, but it was of no avail. The French ships were fast approaching and firing warning shots at them.

Kurt felt himself losing all control. He gripped onto the railings, so that he would not fall. As the chaotic sounds of cannons and guns blasted around him, Kurt felt his world slipping away. The French ships were gaining speed and were about to approach Kurt's ship.

"It's to the death now, men," Kurt exclaimed, unsheathing his sword. Kurt knew there wasn't going to be hope for victory, but he won't give those damned Frenchies their satisfaction. Blaine will still be avenged, even if it cost Kurt his life.

As the French ship HMS Victory, the closest one to Kurt's ship, came from the starboard side, Kurt rallied his men there. There were already men onboard the French ship ready to jump onto Kurt's ship as soon as they made contact, but even Kurt could not guess what would happen next.

KABOOM

In what appears to be a destructive bomb, the French ship traveling next to Kurt's ship blew into pieces, the shockwaves pushing Kurt's unscathed ship to the side. Kurt and his men watched in amazement as the wooden ship was reduced into ashes. It was so sudden that the other French ship that was pursuing Kurt's ship, the HMS Sirius, paused for a moment in their pursuit to assess the situation. Kurt peered closer into the water for survivors and he saw a man swimming away. It wasn't one of the French uniform-wearing men though; it was a pirate clothing.

"Who could it be?" Kurt wondered.

"Sir, in front of us, there's a ship approaching," one of Kurt's men reported.

Too preoccupied with outrunning the ships behind them, Kurt and his men did not pay attention to the front of them. Kurt spun around to find himself face to face with the indomitable and unconquerable pirate ship, the Journey.

"William Schuester," Kurt exclaimed with glee, running to greet the approaching ship. The pirate who was swimming away from the exploded ship climbed aboard onto the Journey. Kurt then noticed Will Schuester approaching the railings of his ship.

"Kurt, I've come to help you," Will said.

"Thank Neptune you're here. What was that? How did you blow up that ship?" Kurt asked in rapid fire succession.

"Gunpowder," said the wet pirate behind Will, who was the one that swam away from the wreckage, "Lots of them. Name's Jesse St. James, first mate. And you're welcome by the way."

"Well, thank you for your assistance. Now if you can help us with the other ship, I would be eternally grateful," Kurt said, feeling extremely relieved.

"There's one thing I need you to do for me before I will assist you. And you have to promise me you will keep it," Will said.

"Name it. If you help us, I will give you anything," Kurt replied frantically.

"Ok, so it is agreed," Will said, turning his back to Kurt to command his men, "Ready the Dragon Breath Cannons."

Kurt watched in amazement as three strange-looking cannons in the shape of a dragon aimed at the other French ship, which sat like a duck in the middle of the sea.

"There's no way," Kurt said to Jesse, who was still standing there, observing the men, "That ship must be at least a kilometer or two out. No cannonballs can reach that distance. And it's in the bloody nighttime! How can you even aim correctly?"

"Watch and learn," Jesse replied with a smirk.

What came next was an earth-shattering reverberation that came from three of the cannons. Kurt felt his ship shaking in the process as those three cannonballs flew extremely swift and collided into the French ship in less than three seconds. It was like fireworks as all three cannonballs directly smashed into the HMS Sirius, exploded, and sunk into the bottom of the ocean.

Kurt felt his jaw dropped immediately onto the floor of his ship. That was a destructive weapon, Kurt thought.

"How is that humanly possible?" Kurt asked Will as he came back to the railings.

"Dragon Breath Cannons. I used to be in English Navy," Will started to say, "In my early days, when I wasn't helping updeck, I was manning the cannons. Every detail, every dimension, and every speck had to be perfect for the cannons to fire correctly. So, naturally I utilized the design of the English cannons since they had an extremely far trajectory, but for the explosive cannonballs itself and its accurate aim, I had to modify it for myself. For the cannonballs, I picked up an ancient Chinese recipe for an explosive even more volatile than normal cannonballs. Hence, the nickname "Dragon Breath". As for the design of the dragon, it is meant to help with the aim. Where the head of the dragon is pointed, that is exactly where the cannonball will land possibly 90% of the time."

"Amazing!" Kurt beamed, "Well, thank you for your assistance Will. We will be on our way now."

"Not so fast, Kurt. You promised me that you will do whatever if I assist you. Don't go back on your word now," Will said.

"Of course," Kurt answered, "I forget due the situation we were just in. What is it then that you desire, Will?"

"There is a prisoner on your ship," Will said.

"Brittany?" Kurt replied, "Do you want her? You can have her now since Puck is gone."

"No. I do not require Brittany, but be sure to keep her safe until we meet at Shipwreck cove."

"What?" Kurt asked, confusingly, "If it's not Brittany that you want, who is it?"

Will stated firmly, "I want the girl you kidnapped…I want Rachel Berry."

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