Author's Note: How's everyone doing? Good? Awesome sauce. Well, here's another chapter for you to enjoy. It's a little short, but there's good reason. You'll know when you get there.
Thanks to those who have read/favorited/subscribed to the story. I certainly appreciate it. Thank you my wonderful reviewers Guest, linalove, Pizzapig, Upisdowngirl, Guest, dionne dance, AmyPond211, and Friedrich Nietzsche. You're all awesome! Over 50 reviews! *jumps for joy*
(1) Guest: Wasn't it?
(2) Guest: Thank you. Glad you're enjoying them :3
AmyPond211: That was interesting...and random. But I do love Merida, and random stuff, so I'm good XD
Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean. If I did, I'd slap the scraggly beard off of Barbossa's face and then mess with Beckett big time *evil laugh* But sadly, I do not, so no adventures with Captain Jack Sparrow either :(
On with the chapter!
Chapter Nine: To the Pirates' Cave!
Night had fallen by the time the Dauntless had reached Isla de Muerta. Evangeline had left her cabin hours ago to get some fresh air, and was walking toward the port side railing when she caught sight of Elizabeth. She was about to go join her when she was greeted by Governor Swann.
"Ah," he said with a smile. "I see you are walking about. Are you feeling any better?"
Evangeline reciprocated the smile. "Much better. Thank you, Governor."
"That's good to hear, especially after all that you have been through."
Her smile wavered, but only slightly. "Yes, especially after that."
"It's a shame about Sean," Swann said. "I found his company rather enjoyable when he was here in the Caribbean. But knowing what I know now…"
"It's fine, Governor," Evangeline interrupted. "In the end, he got what he deserved."
The Governor gave her a sad smile. "Well, once we arrive back in Port Royal, I shall take it upon myself to write an official pardon on your behalf, Miss Turner. And I ask that you stay in the mansion."
Evangeline gave the Governor a confused look. "What?"
"Well, I thought that Elizabeth might want a companion. She's never really gotten along with any of the other girls. And you'll need somewhere to stay, of course," Governor Swann explained.
To say that she was shocked at the Governor's kindness would be an understatement. Evangeline hadn't actually planned on staying in Port Royal, but hoped that, once he retrieved the Black Pearl, Jack would allow her to stick around. Not wanting to be rude though, she said, "Thank you, Governor."
"You're most welcome," he replied, walking away. Evangeline could have sworn that she heard him mutter about he liked her and that she seemed to have some sense of propriety, but she wasn't holding much hope.
Evangeline watched as he left before she turned to join Elizabeth. That is, until she noticed her talking to Jack. She couldn't hear what they were saying, so she walked a bit closer so that she could. She felt bad about eavesdropping, but she couldn't hold in her curiosity. She only caught on to part of their conversation.
"You're a smart man, Jack," Elizabeth said. "I just don't entirely trust you."
Jack moved closer to her, and, gesturing between the two of them, he said, "Peas in a pod, darlin'."
Evangeline wasn't sure what to make of the conversation, but knew she couldn't make any judgments since she had only heard part of it.
It wouldn't really be fair to them, she thought. She was about to make her presence known when Commodore Norrington walked up to Jack with a look of disgust.
Throwing him his compass, he said, "With me, Sparrow."
Captain Sparrow, she thought as she got up from her spot. Knowing what was going on, Evangeline said," Let me go with you."
Jack was the first to object. "It's best you stay here, love," he said.
"For once, I agree with Sparrow," Norrington admitted, much to his chagrin.
"But I want to help!" Evangeline exclaimed. "He's my brother."
"I understand, Miss Turner," the Commodore said. "But you would be helping him more if you stay aboard."
"But—"
Jack sauntered over to her and put an arm around her shoulder. "Besides, you wouldn't want to worry your dear brother Will, now would you, eh darlin'?"
Evangeline looked up at him, looking a little defeated. "No, I wouldn't."
He smiled. "So then it would do you some good to stay behind and wait for our return. Maybe sit next to a window and enjoy the breeze, keep a look out." All the while he was talking, Jack was leading Evangeline towards the captain's cabin and looking at her.
Jack opened the doors and Evangeline walked inside, albeit a bit reluctantly. She turned towards her captain, hoping that maybe he would change his mind.
Looking into his eyes, she noticed a hint of mischief, but nothing hinting that he would change his mind about her staying behind.
"Jack, please," she begged with tear rimmed eyes.
He said nothing to that. Jack grabbed her hand and pulled her in close, his mouth just centimeters away from her ear. He rubbed his nose against it, causing her to shudder. As if that wasn't enough, she could feel his warm breath against hers as he whispered, "Keep a weather eye out, savvy?" With that, he pulled away.
The butterflies in her stomach quickly melted away as she looked up at him angrily.
Jack shrugged. "Pirate," he said as he walked out and closed the cabin doors.
She felt her anger rise.
How dare he! she thought. He knows that I'm damn well cable of handling myself. So why won't he let me go with him?
Evangeline curled her hands into tight fists in frustration. That's when she felt the crumpled piece of folded parchment in her hand. The hand that Jack had taken a hold of.
She looked down and, taking it in both hands, unfolded the piece of parchment. In the dim candlelight of the cabin, she was able to make out Jack's elegant script. Sometime, she imagined probably as Isla de Muerta had entered their line of vision, he had managed to scribble out:
Wait fifteen minutes. When you see me get into a different boat, climb out the cabin window and swim for the cave entrance. I'll meet you there.
~CJS
Evangeline smiled, smiled at the fact that he was only ensuring her escape from the confines of the cabin. He had known that she'd want to save Will and wasn't about to be the one to stop her. Either that, or he knew that he wouldn't be able to stop her.
Keeping that smile plastered to her face, Evangeline sat at the window facing towards the cave and, as Jack instructed, kept a weather eye out.
xxx
It took them a good ten minutes to row towards Isla de Muerta to the position they were in now. Another two minutes had passed before the Commodore said anything.
"I don't care for the situation," Norrington said. "Any attempt to storm the cave could turn into an ambush."
"Not if you're the one doing the ambushin'," Jack interjected. He put his arm on his shoulder and continued. "I go in, I convince Barbossa to send his men out in their little boats. You and your mates return to the Dauntless and blast the bejesus out of them with your little cannons, eh. What do you have to lose?"
Norrington, using his spyglass, rid his shoulder of Jack's arm. "Nothing I'd lament being rid of."
Jack was unfazed by this. "Now, to be quite honest with you, there's still a slight risk to those aboard the Dauntless, which includes the future Mrs. Commodore."
Much to the Commodore's chagrin, he knew that the pirate was right. Turning to Gillette, he said, "Row back to the ship, taking some men with you. Make sure Miss Swann is safe. Lock her in the captain's cabin with Miss Turner if you have to, but make sure she's safe."
"Yes sir."
Gillette called for one of the other boats to row closer so that he could climb aboard. On Norrington's orders, another boat was emptied, its men dividing up and climbing into other longboats, and given to Jack.
Smirking and feigning thanks, Jack made sure that was standing up before climbing into the abandoned longboat. He sat down and began rowing to the cave entrance. When he was sure he was out of sight, he stopped rowing, allowing to boat to float, and began counting. That entire endeavor took up the remaining three minutes he needed.
No one besides Jack noticed movement in the water off in the distance.
xxx
Evangeline struggled to swim without making much noise. But she managed it somehow, and was able to make her rendezvous with Jack. She made it to the longboat and climbed aboard, with the assistance of Jack.
"Bravo, love," he said smirking. "I must say I'm impressed. You managed to slip past them, right under their noses."
"Well," Evangeline began as she was wringing out her hair. "If there's one thing I learned in that bloody asylum, it was how to hold my breath long enough. None of the orderlies seemed to know how to bathe."
Jack grimaced at the image, but couldn't hold back a chuckle. "I'd imagine so."
He began rowing at a steady pace, watching a soaked Evangeline taking in her surroundings. As she looked up, he watched as the water glistening from her chin slowly dripped down her neck and collarbone. Thinking about where that particular drip was headed caused him to lick his lips and made his head spin with desire.
Whoa mate, his inner voice warned. Need to take it nice and slow with her. She's special that one is.
Jack shook his head and looked at the girl, who was looking at him now with her azure eyes. He nearly lost himself in them, as he found he was prone to do.
That she is, he thought.
In the silence that took place between them, they made it to the rocky slope where other boats were moored. Jack hopped out first in order to help Evangeline out. When they were steadily standing on the rocky shore, he took her hand and led her to the treasure room. Along the way, she slipped on a bit of rock, nearly causing the both of them to topple over. Luckily, Jack caught hold of her, bringing her closer to him, their faces only a breath away.
"You alright there, darlin'?" he asked, his breath fanning over her lips.
Evangeline shuddered slightly. "Y-yeah. I'm fine," she stammered, trying not to take a breath.
But she did. The aroma she felt so compelling and irresistible assaulted her senses, the familiar sent of rum and seawater filling her nostrils. It felt as though her legs would give out in a matter of seconds. She shook off the desire kiss him, to have him closer, and managed to say, "W-we should…uh…we should keep going."
Jack sighed. "You're right, love." He stepped away from her and gestured ahead of them. "Shall we?"
Evangeline nodded and followed Jack further into the cave, her thoughts far away from her wish to help save her brother. She couldn't help but question herself, especially when she felt the heat rise to her cheeks.
What's the matter with me? she wondered. I always seemed to get like this every time he looks me in the eye. Why do I feel this way?
Face it, girly,her inner voice said. You're falling in love with him.
But why? I hardly know him, not to mention he has a woman in just about every port.
Yes, but he's also the only one who truly understands what you're going through. He could have easily told Gibbs that you couldn't come, whether he knew about you or not. He may have his short comings, but he's not like any of the men you've met.
Evangeline looked at Jack, knowing it to be true. In the few days she been with him, she's noticed how he treats his crew with respect, especially Ana Maria, and how he had kindly taken her onboard without a qualm. He had treated her with more respect and humility than anyone she had ever met. The knowledge of her being committed to an asylum didn't seem to faze him one bit either.
True, she thought. But…
If that's not enough proof for you, think about the dream, her inner voice argued. And the kiss.
At the memory of the kiss, she felt her cheeks flush even more, if that was possible. It may have been small, but it was filled with enough passion, enough love that she was convinced that maybe she perhaps wasn't the only one who felt this way.
Evangeline was so caught up in her own little world that she hardly noticed when Jack had stopped and pulled her off to a little alcove.
"Evangeline?" Jack asked, noticing her far off look.
"Yes?" she said, shaking her head. "You say something?"
"Stay here for the time being. You can get a good look inside from here, through this opening." Jack gestured to an opening along the wall. Peeking through, they could see right into the treasure room. She could see Barbossa standing on a pile of treasure next to a large stone chest, Will and a group of pirates right next to him.
"Okay," she answered apprehensively.
"I need you to stay out of sight until you see Barbossa's men leave, savvy? Then it will be safe to come out."
Evangeline nodded. "Aye, Captain," she said.
Jack looked her in the eye, seeing the fear she undoubtedly felt for her brother. He could see another underlying emotion, but seeing as they didn't have much time, didn't ponder it for long. Putting his hands on her shoulders, he said, "Keep an eye out," and ran off to find a way into the room.
Evangeline watched him leave, and then turned towards the commotion behind her. She situated herself along the slope next to the opening so that she wouldn't be discovered when Barbossa's men left the cave. She watched and listened as they cheered at Barbossa's words, hoping and praying that Jack would be able to stop him in time.
"Hurry, Jack," she whispered.
No sooner had she voiced that wish that the noise in the room died down, causing the traitorous pirate to freeze in the middle of his speech.
Jack had arrived just in time.
A/N: And...we've arrived at the Battle of the Isla de Muerta. Reason why I didn't include it in this chapter? The chapter would have been too long. WAY too long. Can't have that, now can I?
Before someone mentions it, I understand that Evangeline is doubtful of her feelings for Jack. But think about it...wouldn't you if you were in her position. Let me rephrase that, her situation? I sure would. That being said, it's a Jack/OC fic, so of course they'll end up together. i just don't want to rush it, savvy? I already feel that maybe they're being a bit rushed. No one has asked queestions about it, but I thought I'd put it out there just in case. I feel as though there will be questions.
ANYWAY...I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Please don't be afraid to leave me some feedback. I love knowing what you guys think, and it helps me a lot. No flames, though. I'm a bit of a pyromaniac (just a tad smidgen), so I laugh at them anyway. Reviews make me happy!
Don't forget to join me on Facebook! Link's on my profile.
~Xanthe :3
