A/N: Just to let you know, I plan to keep this story no longer than ten chapters. Why? Because I'm running out of ideas. I'm hoping something big will hit me (not literally, of course) and I'll be able to come up with a new sequel, new characters, new adventures and stuff like that. It's kind of tricky for me on how to end this story since I want Jack AND Norrington to be able to have Isabel, but that won't be possible. Personally, I'd like Norrington to have her since Jack's always the ladies' man. But that wouldn't be right either, because then I'll disappoint the Jack fans. I'm trying really hard to make this even for both men, but if doesn't work out, I'll try to make it up in the sequel, ok? If there's going to be a sequel…And sorry about this absurdly long note. Read on!
Disclaimer: We interrupt you for an important announcement. This person is does not own POTC and is not related to Mickey Mouse in any way, shape or form. Though she does have big ears…
Chapter 7: The Retrieving of the Heart
"Lower the anchor! We'll stop right here."
"Cover the ship! We don't want Governor Swann and the Royal Navy to hang our heads!"
The Viking stopped on the outskirts of Port Royal. Will had given his plan some thought and called the crew.
"Ana-Maria, I need you to be the distraction. Gibbs, Pintel, and Ragetti. Make sure this boat is kept unseen from the officers. And the rest of you, sit still and get this ship going the moment I tell you. Are we clear?"
"Pardon me, but how am I going to be the distraction?" Ana-Maria did not like the sound of this.
"You'll run up to Beckett, make up a story, and have him rush out to the other side of town. I'll be sneaking in and getting the heart. Once everything's in place, this ship goes full sail!" Will looked around to make sure everyone understood.
"Aye, aye!"
Each and every one of the crew set off to do their duty, while Will and Ana-Maria got on a rowboat and paddled to town.
- - -
"Look, Is. Ye just head out there with the Commodore and I'll sneak out, savvy?"
I nodded vaguely. "Yes, but how am I involved in this? There must be a reason for that swordfight. If there wasn't then you wouldn't be here and a wedding will probably take place."
"Wedding? With ye and Norrin'ton? I won't let ye wait that long, love."
"Are you saying that you insist I join you and your crew out on open waters? Swashbuckling and what not?"
"Aye, that was what I was planning." Jack began to look a bit confused.
"But Jack…if I leave, who will take care of my mother and father? Who will take over Mother's shop? And what about Norrington? I've got him thinking that we're getting married!" My voice rose in pitch as I worried.
Jack sighed. "If ye still despise me because of that other night…"
"That's not what I meant. I'd love to sail along with you on your adventures…but I've got unfinished business to settle on land. I can't just abandon my family! I've got responsibilities. I'm not like you, Jack." I was on the verge of tears.
Jack stood quiet for a moment, not uttering a word. "I understand. If ye change your mind, me crew and I will stay out in the port for a few days. Hidden, no doubt. Aye, we'll stay for a few days. Even if we do 'ave the heart. Even if Beckett is tracking us." He smiled sympathetically and looked out the window.
- - -
At Port Royal, a plan was going underway.
"Oh, kind sir! I've been robbed of my money and of my child! Please help me!" Ana-Maria burst into Beckett's office and wailed.
"Where, where? Which way has the thief gone?" Beckett ran out the door and looked down both directions of the street,
"That way!" exclaimed Ana-Maria, pointing towards the right. She rushed out of his office as well, with Beckett behind her.
While a goose-chase was going on, Will snuck into Beckett's office. He frantically searched the drawers and chests. He put his ear to the floor.
"Ah, jackpot!" Will found the heart wrapped in black silk, thumping under the floorboards.
He heard Ana-Maria's voice approaching the office, followed by Beckett's.
Thump-thump.
"Please!"
Thump-thump. Was that Jones' heart or was it his own?
"…terribly sorry, madam. We'll put up a reward for the money and for the child."
Thump-thump.
Just as the doorknob turned, Will hastily jumped out the window and ran away to the ships as quickly as possible.
At the docks, the governor's ships were coming to a stop. A crowd had gathered, including the Windsors. They had come to greet their kidnapped daughter.
I stepped off the ship, with the Commodore right behind me, waving in a victorious manner.
"Oh, darling! We've missed you so much!" my mother pinched my cheeks and gave me a warm hug.
"Yes, it has been lonely without you." My father gave me a smile and patted my shoulder.
Norrington had walked off to meet with the governor, leaving me to return to home with my parents.
"How are you, mother? Father? Have you recovered from those blows those thieves gave you?" My face must have seem very concerned for my mother assured me.
"We're doing fine, Isabel. How about you? Being kidnapped by those scoundrels must have been quite frightening."
"I'm quite fine, mother. No need for worries." I quietly walked upstairs and shut my door.
- - -
Jack crept off the ship, unnoticed by the guards. He rowed to his own ship, trying not to alert the patrolling officers.
"Ey! Drop the ladder down, will ye? The cap'n is back."
Gibbs stuck his head out, trying to see who it was. "Is that you, Jack?"
"Aye. Now lower the ladder!"
Gibbs did as he was told and helped Jack on board.
"Miss me?" Jack held out his arms.
"Thank goodness ye back! Deck's borin' as Davy Jones' locker without ye." Ana-Maria was just glad that Jack was back, meaning Will was no longer in charge.
"Speaking of Jones', I've got splendid news." Will tapped his chest and smiled. "I've got something for you."
"The heart?" Jack looked surprised. "So soon?"
Will reached inside his vest and pulled out thumping mass of black silk. He handed it over to Jack, whose hand was trembling, unable to believe the truth.
"I appreciate you helpin' ye old mate out, Will. It means a lot."
Will gave a sheepish smile. "It was nothing, really."
"And the rest of the crew as well."
Jack held the bag and looked inside. He had plans for it.
- - -
A/N: Another update! I know I'm kind of rushing, doing two updates a day, but I wanted to get this story done before my summer vacation is over and we all head back to school again. Keep reviewing! I don't think I'll have another update until Monday, but you never know. And about the disclaimer; I don't really have big ears, ok?
