A fresh chapter for you! A great many things are explained, or at least I believe so. And right after you start to understand, it gets more peculiar. Such is my story. Thank you all for your positive feedback. Enjoy!
Elizabeth awoke to steaming sunlight through the cracks in Tia Dalma's shack. Pushing herself upright in her chair, the empty bottle of rum out of her lap and hit her foot, causing her to swear quietly. Frowning, Elizabeth arose and went into the front room hesitantly, remembering the confrontations from the night prior. To her relief, the front room was void of life in the early morning.
A hand came around Elizabeth to clap over her mouth, and she screamed. She was spun around and she came face to face with Jack, his signature sway restored with the little rum he drank the evening before. Jack placed a finger to his lips, offering a lopsided smile, and taking her hand, led her out of Tia Dalma's shack and into the only rowboat left at the dock.
Sitting in the stern, Elizabeth watched as Jack threw the line off and took up the oars. With smooth, fluid motions, he sent the boat gliding down the inlet, passes mangrove trees and low hanging branches. Once the pair had sailed a good distance from Tia Dalma's shack, Jack stored the oars and pinned Elizabeth with a level stare.
"A lot has happened, eh?" he smirked.
Elizabeth didn't answer; she looked out over the water, watching the ripples move away from the boat as they slowly drifted.
"All right, how 'bout you tell ol' Jack the whole story?" Elizabeth looked back at the pirate, who's penetrating gaze was unshakable. Biting her lip, Elizabeth blinked away any tears that might threaten, and she began.
She told Jack how guilty she was about leaving him to die, and how awful it felt to betray Will. She told about meeting Barbossa and their quest to rescue their captain. She recounted their long journey to the Kraken, and even into the beast. Jack shuddered at this section, but he never let his eyes waver from Elizabeth's. She went on to describe how the locket was first introduced, how Will began to fall under its spell, and how no one else was affected. She told the pirate about her conversations with Barbossa, leaving out the parts that involved possible feelings for Jack, and everything she had learned from the mutinous captain. She finished off her tale with a description of the night prior, leading up to Jack awakening, and fell silent.
Jack didn't make a sound after her story ended; he leaned back in the boat, toying with the beads and coins that hung from his scarf and hair. His fingers beat a tattoo on the hull of the boat, and his eyes skimmed the tree canopy as if in a daze. Elizabeth was beginning to lose patience when the pirate finally broke the solitude.
"So Barbossa is back..." he chuckled. "I knew I should have shot him twice for good measure. But th' whole 'one bullet' theme was too romantic t' give up, wouldn't you agree, love?"
"You're not helping," Elizabeth pouted, crossing her arms stubbornly.
"Yes, right, right," Jack muttered. "Hmm... well, I commend Barbossa on helping you. Anyone who has a deal with Dalma quickly learns to hate her. Which is why I avoid her at all costs... up until recent resurrections, that is.
"Now, it seems that you are not too worried about what price Tia Dalma will be extracting from you for said 'help'," pointed Jack, narrowing his eyes at her, "as much as you worry about dear William."
"Well, she's bewitched him!" Elizabeth cried. "I keep trying to do something about it, but- I am making it worse."
"Not your fault, love," Jack said comfortingly. "She wants Will, for whatever reason that is. Perhaps if I mentioned the little snip-snip..."
"Will is not a eunuch!"
"Apologies. A touchy subject, I see."
"What I want to know," Elizabeth plowed on, ignoring Jack as his boot began to nudge her leg very provocatively, "is how she's using that stupid locket. How can Will be falling in love with it?"
"He's not falling in love with it," Jack said. "You said Will recognized it from the Flying Dutchman, aye?" Elizabeth nodded. "Well, the locket that Davy Jones' has is cursed to make any man listening fall desperately and lustily in love with Davy 's sweetheart. That woman wanted Jones to always suffer, so whenever Jones hears the locket play, he falls in love with her again."
"That's cruel," Elizabeth frowned. "But I still don't understand. So Will heard the original song on the Dutchman. Why wasn't he smitten then?"
"He was in love with you," Jack shrugged. "Takes a while to fall out of love."
"Well, that explains why the effects didn't start right away." Elizabeth bit her lip, still unable to fit the pieces together. "But he should still be in love with Jones' sweetheart. Why is Tia Dalma doing all this?"
"Because," Jack sighed, "Tia Dalma is Davy Jones' sweetheart."
"Wha- I'm sorry, that's impossible!" Elizabeth gaped. "Jones is immortal, and Dalma should have-"
"Jones is kept alive by th' hope that Dalma would one day love him," Jack explained. "Poor fool. And so long as Jones loves her, Dalma stays immortal with him. When he dies, that wench is mortal again."
"So... Will is falling in love with Tia Dalma... When does he realize that, well, he's in love with-"
"Don't worry, I'm sure Dalma is slowly pulling him in," Jack scowled, looking out over the bayou.
"Will is love with... Dalma." The words were harsh in Elizabeth's ears, a heavy sadness weighing down around her. "Why... this wasn't supposed to... why?..."
"Drink?" A bottle appeared beneath Elizabeth's nose. She blinked in surprise, shaking her head. Shrugging, Jack uncorked the materialized alcohol and took a long swig. "Ahh, there is nothing sweeter than stolen rum," he sighed, his muscles relaxing all along his body.
"How do you know so much about Jones and Dalma?" Elizabeth asked.
"Th' last time I needed the Pearl raised from the bottom of the ocean, I went to Dalma first," Jack mumbled, stopping to drink between words. "She gave me the locket that you wore as part of my bargaining tools. Don't ask why she has a copy of Jones' locket, she's too clever for her own good. Now, when Jones saw it, I think he may have mistaken me for his bonny lass. Man's been so saturated he can't remember wot she looks like."
"The Kraken took me for Tia Dalma, too," Elizabeth said.
"Well, you've got the right accoutrements. I, on th' other hand-" Jack shuddered, pulling faces that made Elizabeth laugh despite herself. "Luckily he realized I wasn't her before I had t' insist on no tongues."
"But you still got the Black Mark on you," Elizabeth pointed out.
"Th' man was upset that I had his woman's locket. So he cursed me and sent me on my way with my ship. Then I went back t' Dalma, gave her th' locket, and paid my fee." Jack rubbed the back of his neck emphatically as he recalled the incident. "Got th' scars t' prove it.
"However," Jack continued, "I got t' hear the merry tale of their fated romance while Dalma stitched up the gaping wound she left. Sure is cheerful after rooting round your innards. She was a poor voodoo woman, he a promising naval captain, on o' the first in the Caribbean. He gave her money, riches, everything- and in return she gave him that cursed locket and said she'd never love him back. And that is why that man is a bitter squid-thingy, lost to the waves and her spite."
"It's actually quite sad, when the pair aren't trying to kill you," Elizabeth smirked.
"Breaks my heart it does. Right terrible. Which is why, Miss Elizabeth, I am offering my services." Jack quickly moved to the stern of the boat, hooking an arm around her with a leer in his eyes. "You, a poor, beautiful young woman, crossed in love, seeking comfort and compassion."
"Mr. Sparrow-" Elizabeth protested.
"Come now, love!" Jack grinned, his other hand slipping down to her thigh. "Let's see how smartly Dalma patched me up, eh?'
"I am not doing anything with you," Elizabeth cried.
"You kissed me," Jack accused.
"And then I shackled you to your own ship to die," Elizabeth countered.
"You were in my bed last night," Jack grinned, recalling the memory.
"I was distraught and looking for Dalma," Elizabeth said.
"You were devouring me with those lovely eyes," Jack murmured.
"I was n- you think my eyes are lovely?"
"Inescapably, incomparably, intoxicatingly ravishing," smiled Jack, looked at her from beneath heavy lids.
"Really?" Elizabeth bit her lip, contemplating the offer.
"Quite!"
"Well... Jack, we left Will alone with Dalma!"
"She'll realize he's a eunuch soon enough. Now, back to those lovely eyes..." Jack leaned in toward Elizabeth, but she sat up abruptly and the pirate missed entirely, shaking the boat in the process.
"You proved Tia Dalma was a cruel and wicked woman! We can't let her torment Will!" Elizabeth cried.
"Sure we can! He's a strong lad, and he doesn't need both kidneys."
"Jack!"
"Elizabeth! You, me, boat, rum, freedom, corset-"
"Mr. Sparrow," Elizabeth frowned, pushing Jack away as he made another attempt to kiss her. "You will now row us back to the dock, and you will help me rescue Will!"
Jack sat still for a moment, glaring coolly at Elizabeth even though his hand still rested well above her knee. Then, with much grumbling, he moved away from her and took up the oars again, turning the boat around to head back to Tia Dalma's. Elizabeth gave him a smile, but he didn't return the sentiment.
"I really appreciate it, Jack," she said.
"That lad doesn't know wot he's got," Jack muttered to himself, and Elizabeth felt something near her heart flutter at his words.
"Jack Sparrow, you old dog!"
As Jack tied the boat off at the dock, Gibbs ran down to meet him, catching the pirate in a bear hug. His arms pinned to his sides, Jack grimaced at the affection and muttered, "I would like to point out that I am neither as canine or nearly as old as you, mate. Now set me down, the lady's watching."
"Miss Elizabeth, are you feeling any better from last night?" Gibbs asked politely, helping her out of the boat. Jack raised his eyebrows at this statement, tilting his head to one side but Elizabeth paid him no heed.
"I am perfectly well, Mr. Gibbs, and was well the prior evening also," Elizabeth replied sharply.
"If you insist... Jack, Tia Dalma wants you in the house. She won't let the lot of us inside, so we've been waiting for you," Gibbs nodded.
"Right, then we mustn't keep Dalma from wanting me further, then." Jack looped an arm around Elizabeth and swayed up the steps, his free hand flopping limply with each step.
"She won't want to see me, Jack," Elizabeth began, but he wouldn't hear a word of it.
"I want you there, and if Dalma wants me, she'll want what I want. So truly Dalma wants you, which I think is right peculiar, as she's seducing your betrothed, but Dalma wants what I want, eh?"
Passing Ragetti, Pintel, Marty, and Cotton, all of whom sat patiently on the porch after their banishment, Jack and Elizabeth entered the shack. Tia Dalma was sitting at the table with Will, holding his hand in hers. She was tracing the lines on his palm, smiling to herself as she worked. Will was staring at her, something cloudy in his gaze, and he didn't notice as Jack and Elizabeth came in. Elizabeth, after a moment, heard Dalma humming quietly beneath her breath. Humming the locket's lullaby. Her throat closed as Will continued to watch Tia Dalma, the bewildered look slowly turning warm.
"Ah, such destiny! Such fate! Such strong hands," Tia Dalma purred, fingertips slipping over Will's lifeline and wrist. "See der, on yer hand. B'tween da sun and da heart line. Dat show Tia Dalma dat ye are an amorous lover, eh? Come, William, ye can tell Dalma. Ye're good, eh?"
"Well, this conversation is certainly getting interesting," Jack said, taking the seat beside Dalma. The woman jumped and shot a venomous glare at the pirate, who had awoken Will from his daze. "Now, I hate t' be the bearer of bad news- well, actually, I quite enjoy it- but your attentions are, sadly, in vain. You see, William is wot they call a-"
"Captain Jack Sparrow! Fancy seein' ye breathin' again. I must say, ye did a fine job o' ruinin' my ship!"
Jack jerked around, staring at the doorway to the back room where Barbossa leaned, polishing a green apple on his lapel. A twitch came across Jack's face and he rose, one hand resting on his sword hilt while the other gestured toward his nemesis.
"Barbossa, you look... alive," Jack said contemptuously, looking the other pirate over. "The grave not pleasant enough for you? Because I can arrange for a much more comfortable demise. Slit throat? Poison? Death by monkey? Take your pick."
"Ye'd be more grateful t'ward me, Jack, being as I'm th' reason ye're breathin' this fine day," Barbossa sneered, biting into the apple to release a spray of juice.
"No, I have Tia Dalma to thank, as I'm sure you aren't practicing necromancy now, are you? Thought not."
"Wot be ye doin' here?" Tia Dalma scowled at Elizabeth, who was still standing patiently at the door. "I only asked fo' Jack!"
"And I asked for her, and as you are presently seducing her fiancé," Will's cheeks colored and he edged his chair away from Dalma, "she should be aware of any type of propositions set before him. Temptation's an awful thing, ain't it, mate?" Jack asked the blacksmith, who's mouth worked soundlessly for some sort of answer. "Now, wot needs discussing, Tia my darling Dalma?"
"Ye must be now goin' after da heart o' Davy Jones," Dalma said, somewhat coldly as Barbossa and Elizabeth both took seats, Jack choosing to roam the room instead. "Da man Beck-at 'as it, an' he be sailin' t' meet Jones on da open sea. Ye must beat 'im t' it, an' steal back da heart b'fore Jones arrives."
"And you, of course, know exactly where Becket will be meeting Jones?" Elizabeth met Dalma's eyes with a malicious glare.
"O' course!" Dalma spat.
"Well, isn't that surprising," Elizabeth sneered.
"Wot the pretty Elizabeth is trying t' say is, how the Devil do you suggest we get the heart back from the East Indian Trading Company, all the while keeping ol' Jones-y from trying anything funny, hmm?" Jack asked, trailing a finger down Elizabeth's neck as he passed behind her chair. Elizabeth watched as Will's eyes followed the path of Jack's hand with jealousy glinting in his eyes, and she felt oddly comforted.
"Dat will be discussed when it comes," Tia Dalma frowned.
"Well, wot about figuring in that Jones has no qualms about calling on that beastie of his? Once he sees us fighting Lord Becket, won't he be keen t' join the fray with the Kraken if only to buy him more time in stealing back his heart?" Jack leaned over the table, raising an eyebrow in question to Dalma opposite him.
"Ye seem intent on a plan, Jack," Barbossa pointed out, stroking his beard as he watched Jack work.
"It is my impression," Jack went on, strolling around the table to stand behind the voodoo woman, "that we have no plan of attack. And with no plan, our chances of victory have dwindled. And if we are losing chances, we might as well quit b'fore we start, eh?"
"Wot be ye suggestin', Jack Spar-row?" Tia Dalma inquired hesitantly.
"I suggest that we do not meet Becket on open water," Jack said, continuing his circling of the room. "He'd see us well before we could attack, calling Jones to his aid if necessary. The course we must be taking is to catch him before his ship ever leaves port. Jones can't touch land, so we would only have to contend with the East Indian Trading Company."
"They are not to be underestimated, Jack," Will said sharply, speaking for the first time since attacking the pirate the evening prior. "By now, they must own all of Port Royal."
"Ah, but it seems your Lord Becket has a fetish for the strange," Jack went on. "And, while it is hard to top the beating heart of Davy Jones, we still have enough peculiarities in our midst. For example, you have two previously dead pirates, one woman who can soothe the raging Kraken, and a witch doctor who could give immortality-" Jack froze mid-stride, mouth open. Tilting his head to one side, he rounded on Tia Dalma, who frowned.
"Immortality," Jack grinned, spreading his arms wide. "That, mates, is the downfall of every power hungry Englishman. Think, now! Why control the seas for a short time when said Lord Becket will eventually be placed into the cold, unforgiving grave? He could control the seas forever if he were immortal."
"But we don't want Becket immortal," Will frowned.
"We do when he's on the crew of the Flying Dutchman," Jack smiled.
"Ye intend t' steal th' heart o' Davy Jones from this Lord Becket, all the while tricking him into an eternity of servitude aboard th' Flyin' Dutchman, leavin' ye with th' heart an' no oe to hang crimes over yer head?" Barbossa asked, somewhat incredulously.
Jack considered it for a moment before replying, "Yes, that's about it."
"Mad, but brilliant," Barbossa grinned. "I'm in."
"But we're going to kill Davy Jones, so what's the point of putting him on Jones' ship?" Will inquired.
"First and foremost, young Turner, it is to rid ourselves of one meddlesome mortal with a fixation involving killing anything resembling a pirate," Jack said. "Secondly, we shan't be killing Jones forthwith. I would greatly like my ship returned to me and can only do that through the hocus pocus of Jones-y himself. And thirdly... there is no thirdly, so refer back to the first and second to answer your question."
"Who be da one runnin' dis, eh?" Tia Dalma demanded, getting to her feet. "We go by me plan, Spar-row!"
"Last I checked, I was the one who was coming up with the plans that save all and bring heaps of treasure," Jack replied, swaying over to lean into Tia Dalma's face, a smile to his lips, "so I believe it is my word we'll be following. Savvy?"
Tia Dalma's lip curled disdainfully, her eyes skimming over Jack's person with an air of ownership. Elizabeth watched as Tia Dalma fought to keep dominance over him, but she couldn't beat Jack when it came to planning. She could intimidate him, but Dalma knew Jack's plot was the superior.
"Den, Jack, let me take me payment from ye now," she hissed, bringing a hand up to toy with one of the pirate's braids.
"Wot about the others' payments?" Jack frowned.
"Barbossa almost done wit' his, sweet William pay soon, an' 'Lizabet'..." Tia Dalma looked over and grinned blackened teeth at the woman in question, causing Elizabeth to recoil somewhat.
"Then wot, dear Dalma, is my payment?" Jack asked, attempting to be cheerful even while dread began to seep into his voice. "I'm rather attached to all vital organs, so-"
"I want ye t' perform a marriage," Tia Dalma smiled.
The room was a bit astounded by this request, Barbossa even grinding his teeth audibly at the injustice. Jack seemed even more taken aback by Dalma's payment. After a pause, he ventured, "A marriage?"
"Fo' Miz 'Lizabet'," Dalma nodded.
"You must not have corrected my ears, Dalma, because I thought I heard you say you want me to perform Elizabeth's marriage," Jack frowned.
"Ye heard correct," Tia Dalma nodded. "I been so... unkind t' poor Miz 'Lizabet', I should a' least ensure dat she marries. Not now, o' course, but soon." Dalma looked past Jack to where Elizabeth sat and smirked, "Wot say ye, eh? 'Ave Jack perform yer marriage?"
"Tha- that is... fine?" Elizabeth stammered. She looked across the table to Will, who looked just as taken aback by this offer. Will, seeming to forget his ill toward her, nodded his contentment with the offer, and Elizabeth replied stronger, "Yes, that would be pleasant. Thank you, Tia Dalma."
"No, t'ank ye, child," Tia Dalma grinned. "I know ye'd be very happy married."
"Am I missing something here?" Jack frowned.
"Don' ye worry, Jack," Tia Dalma said. "Git yer crew t'get'er. We sail a' dawn."
Tia Dalma moved away, shooting a glance at Elizabeth that could not have been friendly, and turned to the back room. Barbossa rose, about to voice the unfair nature in which she was treating him and Jack, when he was cut off by Sparrow. Jack jumped in front of Tia Dalma, his brows knitted and looking the picture of bewilderment.
"I'm sorry, but Dalma, did you say 'we' are sailing at dawn? As in including you? As in you will leave this shack and sail with us to face danger and almost sudden death?"
"O' course, Jack," Tia Dalma smiled, reaching a hand up to stroke Jack's cheek. The pirate pulled away, grimacing at her touch. Dalma looked back at Elizabeth, narrowing her eyes at the other woman, before responding, "I 'ave t' look out fo' my... investments."