Disclaimer: Same as all the other chapters, please don't make me write it all out!

This chapter is dedicated to all those in New Orleans and Louisiana that have lost everything, including family, in the recent storm.

NOTE: If anyone wants to know a site for the script; e-mail me as I have one bookmarked now.

Calliann: I was hoping I hadn't given too much with the title as I wanted the shock value of what he did, but didn't know what else to call it! LOL It becomes a little more relevant what her father meant in this chapter as she explains it all to Jack. Warning: You might need tissues for this chapter, mainly the bit with Jack at the end. It choked me up, so might do the same for you. Ah yes, hitting little bit…..well, again that all becomes clear this chapter, as to how old Jess was shows he cares nothing for age or even the fact that it's his flesh and blood. Well, as to W&E read on…..would I leave them behind! Norrington is still boring, but he's a good bloke really….I think I might bring the doc in again at some point as I liked him too. Actually the pirate's did feel it to a point – but there's the risk they'd get away and then they're immortal….NOT good! So decided on a reasonable alternative.. I think you'll adore Annie this chapter! ;O) Anyway, this was a hard one to write (hence the delay in posting) as I wanted the fluff but also wanted to keep Jack in character which was bloody difficult! Hope I succeeded and made it worth reading at least sis….and remember the warning, though it's not that bad so you're probably alright.

immortalwizardpirateelf-fan: Sorry I missed your review for chapter 5, irony was I'd literally just posted it! I figured they felt that way about Jack by the end of the film from the exchange between Swann and Norrington and then the commodore saying he'd give Jack a day's head start. I don't think Norrington did, but I think he at least was hopeful and Jack was worried – I think the only one who knew for sure was Jess! LOL I don't think she'd bear a grudge over what he did, but I agree that he probably never stood a real chance with her – despite what she says this chapter. Her parents never really kidnapped Little Bit, though the attempt was made – but yes they are complete bastards with no redeeming features, but they do get their come-uppance in the end. Hope you like this chapter.

JediPirateElfyDude: Aha! So you accept – thank you, my old brain ain't what it was so need all the help I can get! Yes he is a total bastard, and he and her mother get theirs by the end! So rest assured they will not go unpunished. :O) In a very poetic way! Must remember that line for future use 'hit you so hard your ancestors will feel it!' LOL Hope you like this chapter.

DCoD: Oh yeah, sadly they are, albeit loosely, based on the mother of a girl I knew in school. Which I think makes them worse really; but they get their payback before the end. Hope you like this chapter..

CaptainTish: Funnily enough I had the language spot on on the first draft of the original chapter, but someone told me they couldn't understand it so I deleted it and reposted it after changing it all! LOL I'm glad you like it and apologise for the slips, have tried a bit harder this chapter so hope it's better:O Wow, thanks so much for the praise, not sure I'm that good but really appreciate the kind words! Yeah I had wondered about a prequel too, so maybe I will! If I do, I hope you read it… LOL Not many have it on their alert, so again thanks:O That is probably Ragetti's best line – though I thought the bit about the splinters was funny too; and for some reason when he mutters "Bootstraps bootstraps" makes me chuckle as well. I actually liked him a lot and thought I must include him but in a nicer way. I'd love to take the credit for making him lovable, but he already was – I only tried to makehis character more sympathetic at best. I like humour I have to say, maybe I should stick to it alone as I find it easier to write (that and fluff anyway! LOL) and glad you like it. Yes Annie, is Anamaria (just too lazy to keep writing it out – I've done the same with Elizabeth!) I loved her a lot and thought she deserved a bit more of a nod too. Well, not to worry as it's good of you to review at all just so long as people read it and enjoy it is all I really ask; I hope Lost was good as it seems to have taken a bit of a pasting in the ratings here in the UK (hasn't it got one of the hobbits in it? Merry I think, or Pippin?) Hope you like this chapter….

WARNING: BAD LANGUAGE AND VIOLENCE, SO READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL.

All reviews, and constructive criticism, gratefully received – but no flaming please; and I will try to update regularly.

'—' signifies thoughts.

"—" signifies speech.

So here's Chapter Seven!

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

THE LADY PIRATE

Chapter Seven – Glory

"What do ye plan on doing to them?" Annie asked "Because honestly? I think death is a good choice, so long as it's slow and painful; and we've come up with some rather good ways of doing it."

Jess moved her head slowly and painfully to her "Annie, I want it slow and painful too, but on the mind – not the body. The body breaks faster than the mind, look at me. Me body is liked chopped meat, but me mind is only a bit bruised."

"But the plan?" Annie was desperate to know; if it wasn't good enough they would take their own revenge on them, and just accept the punches that Jess dealt out after.

"Oh it's simple really – I'll give them what they want." Her voice sounded better but they could see it hurt her to talk; still it wasn't stopping her, nothing was – she was using this need for revenge as her drive to get well faster.

"What they want? They want ye dead!" Annie exclaimed.

"They wants money and power…" Ragetti spoke up, realising what Jess getting at "that's why they wanted her to wed that old bloke after all; ain't it Jess?"

Jess reached out and patted…he quickly moved his arm under her hand; Jack frowned, it would've been better for her to have found his arm herself.

"That's right Rags; and I'll give it to them, all they want…."

"Yer gonna stuff their pockets with gold and then let it sink them to Davey Jones?" Annie grinned hopefully.

"No, too quick – they'll just drown. No….I need James to apprehend them first and put them on another conveniently located carrier allegedly back to Port Royal, to stand trial for the death of their daughter Savannah Fitzwilliam. From there on, I have my own revenge in mind…" Will definitely didn't like the look on her face, it was bordering on malicious.

Annie sighed in exasperation "will they end up dead eventually, and can we watch?"

"Yes they will, and no we can't……it won't work if we're there, or anywhere in sight. But we can go back after a few months if you insist."

"I do, coz I wanna make sure they're dead!"

Jack came and squeezed her hand, having guessed a good bit of what she had planned; her mind worked the same as his it would seem….she was right, the punishment would fit.

"What carrier they on?" Jess asked, now eager to put her plan into action.

"The Swan Royale…" Norrington put in, ignoring the looks he got from the crew in the door. They could not blame him for this any more than he blamed himself. Jess however seemed unbothered by his presence.

"That old girl is so slow a rowboat could catch her!" Jess smirked "So we weigh anchor and gets after 'em t'morrow, if not before. For we need some white sails and a flag of the realm before then."

"Why?" Gibbs asked.

"Coz we're gonna be the other carrier…." Jack put in.

Jess tried to grin "Aye, he's got it…."

The others grinned, and set about sorting it all out so they could set sail as soon as possible.

At midnight they were ready, the Interceptor had already set sail an hour before them, and Jess knew deep down she'd have her own back on her tormentors yet.

With what she planned she could no longer call them blood – they had relinquished that right long ago anyway. Her family, her blood, now resided aboard this ship.

0-0-0-0-0

Jess was back, but back as Glory O'Reilly; at least where her parents were concerned, the crew realised this over the next few days as Jess struggled to come to terms with her blindness. Her eyes were healing; but her sight was still incredibly blurry and she found it easier, for now at least, to keep them closed even as the swelling began to subside and she could open them a little. She was getting better at an incredible rate, and the others realised this was another reason behind the stories about her….

Jack looked at Will and Elizabeth "Thanks for comin'…..how did yer dad take dealin' with Adam? Can't see him playin' nursey?"

Elizabeth laughed "No, he was happy to help - he wishes Jess to get her revenge as much as the rest of us…though I think he was relieved that I agreed to a nurse to help him whilst we are away."

Annie helped Jess onto the deck, suddenly all the crew were rushing to get out of her way and/or help her. Jack was getting concerned they were moddy-coddling her too much – he could see she was relying on them now.

Instead of trying to get her bearings as she did when she got up yesterday, she was already relying on them moving out of her way. He decided enough was enough….

"Gibbs! Stay yer hand yer scurvy dog! Ye needs to swab the deck, so do it!" he barked.

"But Jess is….." Gibbs butted in.

"I know what she's about, and she'll have to manage! I'll not have the Pearl turned upside down because of the damn wench!" what wasn't helping Jack was that he had not been able to tell Jess how he felt, and his frustration was beginning to show.

All saw the look on Jess' face and decided to keep out of it; Will clapped a hand over Elizabeth's mouth "he's right, she needs to be able to stand on her own two feet – what would she do if she was alone, eh?" she had to admit he was right; but still to hear Jack talk so to her friend hurt; especially knowing how he really felt about her.

She could see Annie about to throw a boot at him from the crow's nest, but stayed her with a wave of her hand – the two pirates would have to sort this out themselves….

"I'm sorry if my presence offends you so Captain Sparrow! I thought as a friend, ye'd aid me in what I wish to do – if it is too much effort for you then by all means turn the ship around, and I'll gain berth somewhere else to catch the Interceptor. I'm sure the Commodore will not find my company so irksome!" she bridled, unconsciously knowing exactly what buttons to push to goad him.

"Oh aye, I'm sure he'd love to turn ye into some invalided lady – so ye'd never have to put to sea again, never be brought that horizon!" Jack ridiculed.

Jess slapped him, hard "I'll let that go coz yer upset, but don't do it again." He muttered "I didn't deserve that!"

She went to, but he caught her hand as she desperately cried "I can't bloody see the sea Jack, nor can I see that horizon and it's killing me! It's been less than a week and it's killing me!"

"so ye think being stuck on dry land will help eh? N'I thought women were the clever ones! That'd kill ye even faster Jess; I know it, coz I knows you!"

"Do ye now? How do you know me so bloody well? What makes you think ye know everything? Coz I'm here to tell ye Jack Sparrow, ye don't! I am up to here" She waved her hand over her head "with Captain Jack sparrow this and Captain Jack sparrow that, savvy! I am Glory bloody O'Reilly and you don't hear me goin' on about it! You are the most infuriating, stubborn….!"

Jack had had enough; he grabbed her and dragged her back to the cabin, expertly weaving her around buckets and crew; slamming the door behind them.

Raised voices could still be heard, and then they heard Jack yell "BECAUSE I BLOODY LOVE YE!"

Then Jess "WHAT!"

All went quiet; on deck money started changing hands…..Annie and Lizzie were doing a happy dance round the deck with Ragetti and Gibbs.

Elsewhere a little girl looked on with mutiny in mind - Jack had yelled at her ma and upset her, which had to be punished…….

0-0-0-0-0-0

Jack had dragged Jess back to the cabin "Get off me ye git! Just coz I can't see ye doesn't mean I won't take a swing at ye!" she cried "Ye are nothing like Norrington – he might be borin' but he wouldn't treat me like this!"

"He doesn't bloody know ye like this though, do he wench!" Jack growled "he sees the sweet little Jess side – 'E's never the seen 'Gory Glory' as he?"

"THAT was just bloody hearsay! Trust me, I could never do that to a man, even by stretching it – I proved the fact that the phrase 'go fuck yourself' cannot be done! Cutting it off and shoving it up……well, it doesn't count; it was just bloody made up anyway!" she eyed him "But yer missing the point we's arguing about - I'm blind now! So maybe I would be better off somewhere else! Maybe Norrington would be…."

"No! No, he bloody wouldn't! I mean it Jess ye'd go mad on land, ye would – Glory is what ye are, the pirate in ye; I know, I see it all the time! He may as well bury ye alive; I wouldn't give it a month before ye were pining away for the sea!"

"I can't fucking see it though, can I? Or the fucking horizon – the two things that make me ME! So what's the point Jack? How can ye be so bloody sure ye know me, eh? EH! Maybe he's right, that night in the drawing room he said I could be a lady if I wanted; how can ye be so sure you're right and he's wrong – that you know me better!"

Jack had finally lost his patience "BECAUSE I BLOODY LOVE YE!"

Jess was still ranting and it took a minute for his words to sink in "WHAT!"

Jack hauled her against him not caring he made her flinch with her ribs "because I love ye…I love ye wench! He doesn't! He might think he does – but he don't! No one'lllove ye like I do Jess…." He finished the final words on a whisper as his lips tentatively touched hers. If she was expecting him to kiss her hard she was surprised when he didn't; the kiss was gentle and sweet, and nothing like the Captain Jack Sparrow that most would expect.

She met him head on and, regardless of the pain, she hugged him tightly to her; kissing him back as passionately as she could. He responded in kind, and before long they were both breathless "So…..how long have ye been lustin' after me body?" Jack smirked.

"Could ask ye the same question Cap'n Sparrow?" Jess grinned before realising he had manoeuvred them onto the bed without her realising it, shrugging off his coat, shirt and hat in the process "yer good, I'll give ye that! But then I'm sure ye've had plenty of practice….."

He kissed her forehead in thanks at the cheeky compliment "I liked ye from the moment ye told me ye were going to swim the ocean, even though ye could barely get off the bunk. I loved ye when ye told Ragetti and Pintel what ye'd do to 'em if they ever hurt or betrayed any of us. What about you; when did ye finally fall for me fatal charms?"

"I liked ye when ye told me off for being mean to ye when I called ye a scurvy dog. But I loved ye when I saw ye sitting with Little Bit one night on deck….ye were on watch and she was chatting to ye about the stars and which ones were her Grand-da and Da. Ye really paid attention Jack, seemed to really care – ye told her daft stories about other pirates and things ye'd done and she sat there still as ye like, not Little Bit's way; and I stood and watched ye both for ages and I thought then 'I love him….God 'elp me, but I do.'

"Ye never said….I mean, I know it must be difficult for ye, in love with the great Captain Jack Sparrow, but you could have plucked up the courage to come to me and say…." He noticed Jess was pretending to look around, her eyes open for a change "What? Ye want an audience do ye?"

"No, I'm makin' sure we don't 'ave one….." he raised an eyebrow at her, which she could just make out being nose to nose with him; but it made her sad she couldn't see his face properly, right now she would've given anything to see him clearly "I don't buy all this…" she waved a hand at him making weaving motions with it and talking like she was drunk "the 'well I'm cap'n Jack Sparrow, savvy?' – I seen the looks ye give when you think no one's watchin', and I seen how detailed yer plans are. If ye were a drunken idiot ye wouldn't be like that."

She smiled and put a finger to his lips to shut him up as he began to protest "Will told me that he and Elizabeth were never sure whose side ye were on in their 'little adventure' – yet I knew; it was theirs all along, ye never wavered once. I pointed it out to them, ye just adapted it with the changes that happened - and the profit for you from the start was getting the Pearl back. But ye never betrayed them." She tapped his head "it may be pickled in rum – but in there's a mind Nelson himself would be proud of."

Jack grinned "Ah but me weavin', Will said Gibbs believes me reason went bein' stuck on the island for 3 week in the maddenin' heat…."

She tapped his head lightly again "1. ye weren't there for 3 week though were ye? 2. I'm the same on land – you an' me spend so much time at sea it's only natural when we gets on land we's a bit wobbly like. Ye don't do it all the time at sea; not like ye do on land, then it's only when yer talkin' to someone.

I gets it though – the best defence is to get everyone to think yer an idiot, and always drunk; they let their guard down, and you're in for the kill. S'why I never said aught before; but that's what ye did with Norrington over the Interceptor, wasn't it?"

He put her hand on his head so she could feel him nod "ain't no flies on ye wench is there?" he smirked.

"Don't stand still long enough to let 'em settle!" she smiled then sighed "yer right too, about today I mean – I needs to put me best foot forward, it'll not be first time I fell on me arse and I doubt it'll be the last."

"I'll not let aught happen to ye luv….when ye fall I'll be there to catch ye. I was the night of the ball, weren't I?" She traced his face with her hands, he closed his eyes at her gentle touch and pressed a kiss into the palm of each.

"I could do that all day…" she smiled, rubbing her thumb over his bottom lip "If I never see again, I'll not forget yer face Jack, or Little Bit's. The two of ye are with me for life. I can always 'see' ye by touching ye face."

"Ye'll see again Jess…I know it…"

She ignored him and pulled his beard "I'd know ye by yer beads and bits in yer hair; even if ye never spoke a word I know it were you …." She tapped her chest "ye stole off me Cap'n Jack Sparrow, ye did…."

"what did I steal off ye, tell me?" he asked, gently nuzzling her cheek.

"me heart and soul…"

He pulled her to him, his voice showing the same emotion as the face she could only barely see "nah, I just borrowed 'em – I don't steal, me. Gentleman pirate I am, and I did give ye something in their stead…"

"What?" she was nipping gently at his bottom lip, making him groan low in his throat.

"me own heart and soul…fair exchange is no robbery so they say…" and with that he kissed her deeply.

They broke apart a few minutes later; Jack was having great trouble reining in his growing desire for Jess – God's teeth he'd lain awake nights dreaming about kissing her like this…because they wanted to, not because of her bloody parents – though those bastards had proved immensely useful on that mark at least; he'd been able to kiss her whenever he wanted, on the pretext of annoying them.

Nights on the floor laying awake until he thought he could get into bed with her -which, unbeknownst to her, had been getting earlier and earlier. Finding that that in itself was both a blessing and a curse; a blessing to be able to hold her close, a curse to not be able to make love to her….

But she was still injured and he didn't want to hurt her "we wait." He ground out as she tried to pull his head down once more.

"What for – Christmas?"

"No, for ye to get better….I don't want to hurt ye Jess." He smirked "Not sure ye could cope with Captain Jack Sparrow in yer present condition."

"I can cope with a lot of things Jack, and yer one of them…." She looked at him and smiled "so kiss me and we'll see what happens; I'm the infamous Glory O'Reilly remember!"

He shook his head and marvelled at his own self control "Ye've broken ribs luv, a fractured cheekbone and a broken nose…..I'm not even sure I should be kissin' ye, let alone anything else – I promised meself that if ye woke up I'd tell ye how I felt and I have….I'm only glad ye feel the same. We can cuddle, we can kiss…..but naught else till you're a bit better."

Jess sighed, she could tell from his tone there'd be no arguing with him. "Ye'll let me stay though? Here, every night?" her eyes pleaded.

"Aye, I will when I'm not on watch – though ye'd better explain to Little Bit why ye ain't stopping with her no more…" he sighed and pulled her against him "now c'mere…" he hugged her to him and let sleep claim him, if only to ignore the desire in him for her – but he felt safe…safe in the knowledge she loved him as much as he did her. That was enough for him…for now.

Jess cuddled up to him….he loved her, and she was content to curl up with him and sleep.

0-0-0-0-0-0

He woke in the early hours to find his arms empty and her missing; he was up and outside immediately. He found her sitting on the steps to the upper deck looking out over the sea – Gibbs was on watch and made a discreet distance between the two. He motioned to Jack "She's bin cryin' Cap'n…she misses it. She can smell it, she can 'ear it, but she can't see it…" he whispered "S'ard on a body when ye got salt water in yer veins instead o' blood…"

Jack patted his shoulder "Just have t'work me magic then mate, won't I?" he grinned and weaved up to her.

'Never be one like him again' Gibbs thought 'a real rum soaked fool, with a mind like a steel trap!'

"What is it pet?" he asked, still a little groggy with sleep and the rum he'd swigged before coming on deck, he sat next to her.

She didn't look at him, merely kept her open eyes out to sea "I can't see the horizon Jack - nor the sea. I don't feel the space about me, the freedom, like I used to. Me grand-da drummed it into me that was what I needed to escape me past."

"What do ye mean?" he frowned, he could see she was trembling.

"Me da….this…" she gestured to her face "this wasn't the first time. The scars on me back? Not all from the Esmeralda – he took a horsewhip t'me when I were 10; that's when Grand-da, God rest him, put his foot down and said I must live with him or he'd tell all their fancy friends who he really were and where their money come from."

She sighed "I were laid up for two weeks; grand-da were so angry I thought he'd kill him. He'd keep sayin' "me own son! How could he? Me own son!" I'd hear him cryin' at night when I got sick with a fever from it all, for he'd beaten me too with his fists - and it weren't the first time for that either, though grand-da didn't know; but there were many a split lip and black eye I laughed off with 'im and before I were old enough to tell me ma would say I was clumsy and'd fallen – he loved me something fierce me grand-da; he taught me to fight back, to be a pirate, to be me….not what other's wanted me to be….just me.

He taught me about the sea; made me realise how much I loved it, told me I 'ad salt water in me veins!" she smiled fondly at the memory "Made me realise how it freed me….I used to shout "bring me that horizon!" and he would.

Oh, I loved him….I loved him so much; not a word would I hear agin him, still won't. He was my hero, everything I ever wanted to be - and I still miss him every day." She swallowed hard "He decided on me name. O'Reilly was our real surname anyway, but the Glory was 'im – he said I was his morning glory, because when he woke and thought of his grand-daughter he felt glorious; and it was a glory to him every day that God had blessed him so with me.

He'd hug me, and kiss me and tell me tall stories…" she swallowed again "then Barbossa came….I was away. I was 18; ma and da were making noises agin and he was getting frailer, so I went back for a bit to shut 'em up – I were only gone 3 days; when I got back he was wounded, badly. Barbossa had deliberately wounded him because he wanted the Esmeralda and Grand-da's gold; but Franklin, grand-da's 2nd, had put to sea as soon as he'd seen the black sails and grand-da wouldn't send the signal to call her back….

I wanted to get help, but he wouldn't let me go – said it were too late for him. He'd rather just die with me aside him, I begged 'im not to leave me….and I don't beg Jack…but I did. He reached up and patted me cheek "yer gran and yer uncle's are callin' me girl, it's me time t'go. Don't ye be cryin' none for me, don't….I've done me stint and I'm 'appy to go, but sad t'leave me glory." He never did call me anything but that.

And I didn't cry Jack; though it felt as if God himself was ripping me 'eart out with his bare hands, I didn't shed a tear and he said "there's me brave little pirate, me brave girl. Ye remember this Glory: No matter that I'm dead soon, I'll always be with ye. A breeze that ruffles yer hair, a leaf that falls at yer feet, or a drop o' rain against yer face - I'll find some way t'let ye know I'm with ye lass…."

She sighed "but a breeze ain't the same as a hug, a leaf ain't the same as a kiss and a drop o' rain ain't the same as a story…." A tear trickled down her cheek, Jack silent as the grave beside her, wiped it away with his thumb – no more fell; she would keep her promise and not cry "I wish he were here, he could tell me if I'm right wantin' revenge so….."

She took a deep breath "anyways, I buried him on the hill next to me gran and me two uncles, lookin' out over the sea….I sent the signal to fetch back his ship and became captain Glory O'Reilly. That was why I punched ye for killing that bastard afore I had me chance…he took me hero from me, he took me heart.

Until I met you I never thought I could love so much again…I'd kept Mac at a distance, fearful if he died on me I'd not cope. He accepted it, didn't know why mind; for I never told him as I've told you – then o'course he dies on me at Barbossa's hand anyway and I ended up grieving for him all the same.

But you, ye crept up on me….I liked ye; and then afore I realised I'd let me guard down, I loved ye so much it hurt. But I could hold me tongue and not say, because of this.." She looked out over the ocean "no matter 'ow bad things got f'me I 'ad the sea…..I could look at that and find peace in meself. I could look at the horizon and feel free……now I can't do either…I can't see them."

Jack swallowed hard a few times and pulled her against him "it's dead dark, but the moon's out and shining over the ocean; it looks like ink – waves are a bit choppy and there's spray in the air…..ye can't see the horizon, but it's there – that one little point where the sky truly meets the sea and they join, just like the two o' us, for eternity in that one moment.

The Pearl follows that horizon, her sails are out and billowing – white cotton this time instead of the black….Gibbs is at the wheel holding her course steady, as he always does; some crew are making repairs and keeping watch, others are asleep or playing rummy or poker below decks.

The Pearl breaths on the water and she rocks us to let us know we're safe with 'er……" he got no further as Jess, tears on her cheeks, kissed him deeply; and he pulled her to him wrapping his arms tight around her, both ignoring the pain from her injuries.

Gibbs kept his eyes fixed forward, he'd heard every word; but no one saw the tears streaming down his cheeks……nor Ragetti's, as he sat under the steps the couple were sat on; in his nightly place outside the women's cabin, in case Little Bit needed him. Neither knew both men made a solemn vow to God that the couple would pay…and dearly.

0-0-0-0-0

An hour before dawn, Little Bit crept in to Jack's cabin where he and her ma were now sleeping - she was brandishing her little dagger; she hesitated as she saw the smile on her ma's battered face as she snuggled closer to Jack, she saw Jack's embrace tighten around her.

She took a steadying breath - the fact remained he'd upset her ma and must pay, a debt was a debt after all - and leant over Jack, raising the blade……