Walks onto stage gasp You're supposed to UPDATE these? Funny, I always thought they updated themselves… Oh well. Sorry it too soooooo long to get this chapter up, I know I left it at a bit of a cliffy there, sorry 'bout that!
Disclaimer: looks around You think I own POTC? I wish. It all belongs to El. As in El Mouse. Except Pearl, and Jack's dad, and the 'Majestic', and the plot… Wait... is there a plot? shrugs Guess we'll have to wait and see.
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Jack awoke to a harsh voice, and an even harsher hand lifting him to his feet.
"Time to wake-up, Boy." An ugly, greasy haired, toothless man said.
"Pearl?" He asked, mind still in a haze.
"Right here." Her little voice sounded scratchy as she let out a deep cough. Jack rubbed his eyes, trying to refocus them. The man pulled roughly on Jacks hair, leading him out of the brig, with Pearl trailing along after.
When they reached the deck, both the boy and the girl had to squint to adjust their eyes to the blinding light of the mid-day sun. Jack looked over to Pearl, and noticed the black bruises on her arms. Deep anger surged through him, like none he had ever before known. He wanted to kill those bastards for laying their grubby hands on his Pearl. But before he could do anything rash, a second man came up and bound their hands. They were marched off the ship and into the crowded streets of this coastal town. Locals shopping in the markets that lined the streets turned and stared at the prisoners, some even calling them foul names while the children threw rotten food, rocks, and anything else they could get their hands on. It seemed like an eternity before they were brought into the large stone building that over looked the town, and up into an office that was adorn with great riches from around the world.
Sitting behind a majestic desk was a man who looked to be in his mid-thirties. His hair was as black as night, as were his eyes. He was a portly man but, if he was to stand-up, Jack was sure he would tower over all in the room. He had an air about him that demanded authority... Jack already greatly disliked him. When he spoke, it was a deep, rumbling that you could feel echo in your chest.
"What have we here?"
"Pirates, Sir."
"Pirates? Surely not the child? She can be no more than eight!"
"She killed one o' our men."
"Really now?" The man lent back in his chair, rubbing his chin and measuring up the small girl.
"What 'r we gonna do with 'em, Sir?"
"Seems like such a waste to hang them. The boy is fit… we could reform them." He said, glancing at Jack.
"Reform 'em, Sir? But their Pirates!"
"And young ones at that. We've done it before…" The man paused, looking between the to companions. "Brand 'em."
Pearl and Jack were taken to room just doors away from the office. The man behind the desk followed them. Jack was right he was very tall.
They were lead over to a lit fire that held several different branders in its hot flames. Jack gulped visibly. He looked over to see what Pearl's reaction was, and his heart sunk.
Pearls eyes were glazed over, and her skin was as white as a sheet. He breathing was ragged, and great coughs erupted from her chest, shaking her small frame. She was sick. Very sick. Jack reached his bound hands over and felt her forehead. She had fever. But bless her, she looked up at him and gave him a weak smile. He couldn't help but smile back.
"Oos firs'?" A man with on tooth and gray, stringy hair smiled.
"Do the girl." The tall portly man said. Pearl was shoved forward, and her bounds were cut. The portly man held her arm out in front of her and the gray haired man pulled out a brand from the fire. She didn't not struggle, not even when the brand came closer to her skin and the heat seared her flesh without even touching it. She did not have the strength left. The red-hot brand came closer to her skin, and Jack closed his eyes. He heard the sizzling of hot iron on skin, and the whimper of his beloved Pearl. It made him want to retch. A sickly aroma quickly filled the air… burning flesh. He opened his eyes again when the man let out a raspy laugh. He still held the brander to the young girl's skin. Jack made to jump at the man, but was caught by the portly man.
"That is enough, Mister Jamison." The portly man commanded.
"Yes, Sir," Jamison grumbled, pulling the brander away from pearls wrist. "Next?" He laughed. Jack walked forward, and extended his wrist, glaring at Jamison. The man grabbed another brander and seared Jack's skin. Jack winced, but like any good pirate, he didn't cry out. He stared the man in the face. Jamison smiled at him, his one tooth shining black. Jack gave him a disgusted look, and then returned his smile, mouth full of teeth. The man grumbled and took the brander from his skin. Jack's cocky smirk disappeared as he heard Pearls let out a deep cough. He turned to her, and saw her down on her knees. The coughing had shook her little frame until her knees gave out. He kneeled down next to her, and then looked up at the portly man.
"She needs a doctor!" He exclaimed, gently patting her back. The man looked down at the little girl. "Please?" Jack, for the first time in his life, begged. The man looked at Pearl, then walked over to Jack and cut his bonds.
"I'll take you to the doctor, but if you try anything, she can die in the brig." He said sternly. Jack nodded and lifted the little girl into his arms.
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Well there's that chapter done. Again, sorry it took so long to get it out. I have quite a few other stories going on. But I'll try harder. I hope you all like it! Read and Review!
E-chan- Sorry, But here's the next chapter! I'll try to get these up faster, but I make no promises!
Cap'n Phoenix- I don't know… looks Back Yup, you did say that last time. Yeah, I thought those were true Jack. This one strayed from true Jack a bit I'm afraid. But he should be back to Jack soon!
BubblyFizz03- You'll find out soon enough. Smirk I'm sorry, I didn't want to make you cry! I'm also sorry about that nasty cliffy. I didn't have a cliffy in this chapter… at least I don't think so. Actually it only took me a few hours to write that. I was in a bad mood that day, so it came easier.
Whimpers Hides under desk I'm sorry! Don't shoot!
Yeah, you promised me a new chapter by Sunday… 6 months ago! Sheesh, and you think I'm bad at updating!
Shadoesun- Thank you, thank you, thank you! I try my best to keep him in character. But he's such a hard character to write! I'm glad you think Pearl is believable. Their relationship is loosely based on my relationship with my older brother! I agree, lets keelhaul him! lol. I'm glad you liked the fight scene; I had a lot of trouble writing that one. Again, Sorry it took so long to get this out!
Vimana Feral- I'm glad I engulfed you! There is no greater praise for an author then that! Here's the next chapter!
lotrfreek- Nope. Can't, sorry. Hopefully your detention is over by now!
Captain Cheesehead- No problem, sorry for not getting this one up faster then I did. I know, I'd give 'em hot chocolate, but it doesn't fit in with the story. Here's the next chapter!
Cori Chaning- You envy her? But yeah, it was sweet. Here's the next chapter!
Silmarwen- I'm glad you love it. Sorry it took so long to update!
Dreamgirl21147- here's more!
Bladefanatic- That comes in, in later chapters! I love that line, so I hade to put it in here! Well, this is where that 'P' came from!
Oberon O'Neil- I added more! Hope this doesn't disappoint!
Original Sin No2- I'm glad you like it! I thought he would kinda be like that when he was young! I'm glad I their relationship! Here's the new chapter!
Katalia- Thanks! Here's the chapter!
Estriel- I know, I couldn't leave it, and I didn't, just put it aside for a while. Here's the update!
Please Review! If you want to be e-mailed when this is updated, leave your e-mail address in a review!
