This chapter has been slow going as has everything else going on in my life. I certainly hope that people do enjoy reading this story still. DISCLAIMER: I don't own James, his crew, or Tia Dalma.
...
James rested against the railing as he watched the wake that his ship left. It had been just a couple of months since that night he spent talking with Demeter, and she had seemed to have disappeared afterward. A lot had changed since then. He had acquired a bountiful sum from the spoils of pillaging, he had grown as a man and was sporting a handsome mustache, and on top of that, he was starting to make a name for himself. The only thing that bothered him was that he couldn't think of where to hide his treasure. He pondered on this as he wondered where Dem was hiding hers. As he pondered on it, he figured that she wasn't in the area. It made him think of where he could hide his treasure. Only one perfect place came to mind, but the problem was getting there.
He pushed himself off of the railing as he made his way to his cabin. He pulled out some maps that he had rolled up. After laying them on the table, he opened up a drawer. He grinned when he saw one tiny spec of blue pixie dust. "Right where I left you."
"Captain, just what are we looking for?" one of his crew groaned.
"Not what, who?" James corrected as he stood at the bow of the little boat.
"You're not looking for the devil woman, are you?" another asked nervously.
"I am," James replied. "If you don't wish to be hexed by her, I would delay on the 'devil woman' talk."
"But why?" yet another asked. "Anyone who has dealt with her has known sore luck."
"That's because they didn't treat her with due respect," he groaned, tired of their simpering. "Besides, we are here."
"To what do I owe the honor of young James comin' to my home?" the sea witch Tia Dalma asked, knowing the answer already.
James smirked in return. "My dear, you can't fool me. You already know why I am here."
"I know why you here," she confirmed, "You want to get back to the stars."
"One in particular."
James leaned against the railing as he eyed the island before him. It had been so long since he had last been here. Some small part of him wondered if it had changed any since he had last been there. His crew lowered the ship into the waiting lagoon as Smee stood next to their treasure while barking out the orders that James had given to him. James turned and made his way to Smee, who beamed up at him.
"Everything is ready, Captain," he exclaimed with a hearty salute.
"Good Mr. Smee," he sighed, after breathing in a breath of fresh air, "You have no idea how much that pleases me."
He followed Smee and climbed into the boat, taking his place at the bow. He kept his gaze on the island as the dinghy was lowered into the lagoon. He kept an eye out for anything that might attack their boat. So far, there was nothing but smooth waters. He knew that if the fairies were scouting the beaches, they would see him and send word back to the Hollow. He hoped to be able to find the Hollow someday, and he knew that it wouldn't be easy. He remembered what Zarina had said about the precautions that were taken, even then she admitted that the ones she told him of weren't the only ones in place. However, that would be for another day.
He warned his men to keep their heads about them as they passed the Mermaids' Lagoon. Their destination would not be far now as the fog started coming in. He could make out the outline of Skull Rock.
"Careful now men," James reminded, "These waters can be dangerous."
He was the first off when they hit solid ground. He scouted around for the best place to put his treasure as his men followed after him with the treasure in tow. He moved aside for them to put it upon the earth when he found the perfect spot. He laughed a bit when he saw some of his men drinking to celebrate the genius of their captain. He looked over a small journal that he had brought with him to work on a project that he had in mind. If all went well, then he would be able to smoke two cigars at the same time. He glanced at Smee as Smee tried to peak into his journal.
"What is that, Captain?" Smee inquired.
"A little project of mine," James admitted.
"A bold venture, Captain," Smee commended, "No man before has ever smoked two cigars with one breath."
"That is the goal," James chuckled. He took a quill and scratched down a few notes. If something didn't add up, he scribbled over them and made readjustments, but he paused and glanced up when he thought that he heard something. "Smee, did you hear that?"
"Hear what, Captain?" Smee asked.
"I thought that I heard a child," he whispered, gripping his gun.
"A child, sir, but," Smee chuckled.
"Shh!" James hushed him and listened.
"Who are you?" A boy with fiery red hair asked, floating in midair.
...
MsN: Bum, bum, BUM!
Alucard: Someone is having fun.
Chase: More like she is wasting time when she could be working on our story.
Snape: Or mine.
MsN: *glances between the three confused* Hey now, don't tag team me!
