Hey, well here's Chapter Fourteen, unfortunately it isn't that long, it's probably going to be the shortest chapter in this. And there really isn't much Jack interaction, more like Nicolette confronts Elizabeth about something, that maybe some of you already know why.

A common question was if I was going to follow the rest of the movies and yes, I am! And there's going to be a lot of drama, excitement, and even humor (hopefully, if some material is funny like I hope it would be) I'm so excited to get started, but I always liked the first movie better than the others for some reason. And I'm happy that people think that Christopher is interesting, I wasn't sure if everyone would like him or not… Well anyway, I'm very happy with all the reviews I've received, so nice! I thank you all for them! Since they all really made my day and were so unexpected. Hope you all enjoy this!

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Chapter Fourteen: A Newfound Friendship

"But we've got to save Will!" Elizabeth shouted as she boarded the Dauntless. Nicolette rolled her eyes as she followed her. She did want to save Will, but she was getting tired of hearing it, how many times could Elizabeth repeat herself? Or better question, why did she have the need to repeat herself?

Jack was brought up by Murtogg and Mullroy, they seemed to have a tight grip on him so he wouldn't get away from then, but where was he going to go to other than the brig? They were in the middle of the Caribbean, not on land… was he going to jump overboard and maybe get marooned once again? He could swear, some Navy scoundrels took their job too seriously and then that made them look like complete idiots, if unless they were already complete idiots, like he viewed those two.

Governor Swann ignored her weak protests and walked ahead, "No, you're safe now. We will return to Port Royal immediately, not go gallivanting after pirates!"

Murtogg looked over at Nicolette who was glaring at the Governor. He knew Nicolette since she was twelve, they were acquaintances, but he knew her very well. He was very disappointed with what she had done with teaming up with Will and Jack Sparrow.

"Then we condemn him to death!" Elizabeth's protested once more, but this time everyone around her could tell that the word death had struck a nerve within her. Death. If she would say that word to describe what may happen to Will, she might as well break down into tears. She had to do something to keep him alive… she had to.

Swann felt a bit of compassion for her, remembering how close they were before this. But he didn't have a clue on what 'close' was to them. He turned slightly to face his daughter who was staring back at him with a worried look slathered onto her face. "The boy's fate is regrettable, but," There was always a 'but' in this sort of case, "then, so was his decision to engage in piracy." He also directed his gaze at Nicolette, but didn't say a word to her since she knew that maybe what they had done was a bit rash at the time.

She looked between him and Elizabeth, Elizabeth looked slightly saddened by what her father had said in response. "If it's any consolation," Nicolette intruded walking away from Murtogg and Mullroy to make her voice more audible for the Governor, "if Will and I hadn't gone after Elizabeth, she wouldn't be in front of you right now. She would be even more than injured or perhaps dead! Don't you think that we should at least pay him the respect and save him like he basically had done for your daughter?"

Governor Swann was dismayed by the forward tone in her voice. She let the question hang in the air and all the crew was starting to believe in what she was pointing out. Elizabeth added to Nicolette's attempt with a small smile that was meant for her, happy that her and Nicolette seemed to have created a small friendship in the course of time. "She's right. They did it to prevent anything from happening to me! To save me!"

Even though Nicolette and Elizabeth did in fact have good arguments toward the Governor, he was adamant on his decision. "But still, even in that perspective of the current situation, it would be far too dangerous for you two, or any of these fine gentlemen aboard the ship." Both sighed from the failure.

Jack moved away from the two guards who were holding him back and went toward the Commodore, whom he knew to be one of the many people who have had a deep hatred of pirates. "If I may be so bold to inject my professional opinion," Nicolette rolled her eyes; must he really be smart at a time like this? Jack said before attempting his go, looking at Nicolette feeling that her eyes had just rolled at him, "Love, I like it if you not roll your eyes at me for once, savvy?"

She looked at him confused, but before she could get a question in he continued looking at Norrington, "Now where was I? Oh, right, the Pearl was listing near to scuppers after the battle. It is very unlikely that she would make good time. Think about it." He let James contemplate for a moment, with a smile Jack pressed on; feeling that his persuasion was working… it never once failed him. "The Black Pearl. The last real pirate ship in the Caribbean, mate, how can you pass that up?"

James only looked at him for a moment, he did have a hatred for pirates that had ran deep within him, it would be a great view seeing the lot of an infamous pirate crew like such as the Black Pearl to be behind prison bars. But he still denied himself of that, "By remembering that I serve others, Mr. Sparrow, not only myself."

With that, he turned onto his heel and made way for the helm, but Elizabeth's voice cut in making him stop. And even he was shocked by the words that were coming out of her mouth.

"Commodore, I beg of you, please do this for me…" Elizabeth cursed herself mentally for doing what she was about to do, but she knew that it had to be done. She would do anything to save the man that she truly loved. "As a wedding gift." Nicolette looked at Elizabeth in disbelief, her mouth slowly opening in shock… she meant Will right? Did they get engaged during their short reunion? Did Will express his undying love for her on the Interceptor before it had blown to pieces?

But Swann's slight shock proud tone made her hopes of that crash down, "Elizabeth… are you accepting the Commodore's proposal?" The Commodore proposed to her? When? Where? How? What? Were Nicolette's ears trying to deceive her? She wasn't expecting this, not at all. Elizabeth felt her gaze, but tried to ignore her. Maybe their new found friendship wasn't lucky enough to now survive that glare she was now giving her.

"I am." She replied. What had she done? She was beginning to regret this more and more with the passing second.

"Elizabeth…" Nicolette started, her tone still partly shocked from what she had heard from her, why was she doing this? Wasn't she in love with Will, not Commodore Norrington? She trailed off, not finding the right words to express why she was so shocked about this, but what she surely knew was that Will would be far from happy when he would hear of this. If he wasn't already dead, but maybe in his grave he wouldn't be happy to hear of this either.

Jack regained from his shocked stance and he said happily, "A wedding. I love weddings!" He threw his hands in the air, ready for everyone to celebrate, "Drinks all around!" Nicolette elbowed him in the gut annoyed and he looked at her then all around to see that not a lot of people thought of her proposal as sincere. He looked back at Norrington and extended his arms with his wrists together all ready for the irons to be placed on his wrists. "I know, clap 'im in irons, right?"

"You seem to be too accustomed to that, Jack." Nicolette commented.

Norrington walked down the stairs with his hands clasped behind his back, "Mr. Sparrow," Jack snapped to attention, James' tone was in his usual military vibrato, but it somehow hinted a bit of confusion toward Nicolette. Indicating to Murtogg and Mullroy, "you will accompany these fine men at the helm with a bearing to Isla de Muerta. You will then spend the rest of this voyage contemplating all possible meanings of the phrase 'silent as the grave.' Do I make myself clear?"

Jack pretended to give his roguish smile, "Inescapably clear." Murtogg and Mullroy grabbed both of his arms and dragged him up to the helm. Nicolette watched as they took Jack away from everyone else.

Norrington's attention was now on her, "Miss. Brown?" Nic looked over at him, she almost forgotten how his forceful his natural tone could be. "You may seclude yourself along with Elizabeth in my cabin. I'm afraid we do not have ladies' clothing aboard the vessel."

Both Elizabeth's and Nicolette's eyebrows went up, "Uh, can't you see that I'm already wearing male clothing?"

"Yes," Norrington did a look over at her attire thinking it to be entirely improper for a woman to be even wearing such things. "And it is entirely improper for a woman such as yourself to be wearing such. Now will you please—?"

"If I am not being too bold," Elizabeth intruded stepping onto the level Norrington was on, she looked him in the eye, "I'm not going to stay in your cabin and I'm sure Nicolette won't either." James looked over at his newly fiancé and didn't know what to say.

Nicolette added, "Or we suppose," adding we to the equation made Elizabeth smile lightly, okay; maybe she wasn't that mad at her like she supposed. "That it's going to be bare breasted and ankles all the way for this entire voyage." Governor Swann looked at her in disbelief, how improper for her to say those words? Did she have any sort of decency around aristocrats like him and Elizabeth? But unlike him Elizabeth stifled a giggle, but when a glare was sent from her father she immediately stopped. It almost broke James' stature as well. "Which one would you like Commodore?"

James felt slightly uneasy about her comment, but tried to hide his amusement. He cleared his throat, "Gillette, please escort Miss. Brown downstairs and help her find a suitable pair of trousers and a shirt then come back up immediately for further instruction."

"Yes, sir." Nicolette smirked triumphantly and felt Gillette roughly take her arm and drag her down below. Norrington was now alone with Elizabeth; he looked at her for a moment unsure of how he was supposed to take this request of hers… or was it a condition?

Before he could offer his arm to her, Governor Swann came up to him, "Commodore, I must question the wisdom of this."

Norrington tried not to let his eyes roll and said sternly, "With all due respect, Governor, Mr. Turner is a subject of the British crown and therefore under my protection." No matter his confusion, he knew he was right, he had taken an oath to protect the people of Port Royal. Even though he felt that it was a condition of Elizabeth's acceptance to marriage, it probably wouldn't have stopped him… or would it? James didn't think he could ever be this confused in his life. Was this what love to a fine woman was like? Confusion?

Swann reluctantly nodded and gave him and Elizabeth a subtle smile, no matter how much he was concerned about Elizabeth's sincerity. He told James, "Rightly so... take care of her." With that, he went up to the helm giving the couple a moment alone.

Now that James was finally alone with Elizabeth, he offered her his arm. "Elizabeth?" She looked up and placed her dainty hand onto his arm as he led her to the railing of the Dauntless. His tone sounded a little hurt and confused of what just happened, "I'm concerned that your answer was… less than sincere." He looked over at her, how the sun shined on the delicate features of her face. She was definitely beautiful, he'd give her that, but what was under that beauty was what he was concerned about. He really wanted to dive into her mind just then to make sure that she wasn't doing it conditionally, although, she looked like she was.

Elizabeth sighed, he could see right through it. "I would not give my word lightly."

"Yes, I understand, but is it wrong that I should want it... unconditionally?" He inquired, his voice trembling with confusion.

Elizabeth swallowed up how she truly felt and she answered, "Your answer would not change mine." She looked down, she was trying to convince herself that this was the right thing to do for Will, and even herself. That conversation between her and Estrella flashed in her mind, "He's a fine man, one should any woman should dream of marrying." This was the best thing to do, she knew. "You're a... a fine man, James." Her voice was too soft for him to trace uncertainty. This is the right thing... this is the right thing to do, her mind tried to convince her, but she had a feeling that she would never be able to convince herself of that.

"Thank you." Nicolette muttered after Gillette brought her below deck, if she had any, she would throw daggers at his back if she had any, she didn't like him at all. She sighed and saw the outfit that he had pulled out for her, it wasn't like a uniform it was more of a pathetic one. She may pull on the shirt under her vest; she didn't really want to wear the overcoat or the breeches or trousers, which was the terminology the Commodore used. They seemed tattered and used before, like the swords that were aboard the Interceptor, they were the misfits.

She didn't feel like getting ready just yet, she wanted to waste time, compose her thoughts. Nicolette walked over to the mirror and saw her still wrapped arm. She sighed and tried her best unwrapping it, but since it was halved multiple times (by Jack's doing, she might not ever forget that and might use that against him in the future) it had taken her a while to get it off, untying each knot after another. It was rather annoying, but it was worth it seeing her now new scar. It seemed that it might stay; she knew that it wasn't that deep, but it was deep enough to leave it there.

Nicolette just gazed at it in disbelief, but an image of Will flashed into her mind... that was her friend... her best friend. How was she ever going to let this go down? She hoped that the worst wouldn't happen when they get there, and then she heard footsteps coming down the steps. Nicolette raised an eyebrow and peeked, "Elizabeth?" Maybe it was she, she was to come down here, too, to change. And it was, she came down the steps cautiously. "Oh, it is you."

Elizabeth nodded with a frown, she wasn't sure of what Nicolette had to say to her, but it wasn't going to be good. Nicolette replayed what just had happened above deck, did it actually happen? She didn't want it to be true. She said coldly, "Congratulations on the engagement."

"Nicolette—." She started, but Nicolette interrupted her.

She parted her mouth from her still shock, "No. You had me fooled. I really thought that you were in love with William," it was strange not calling Will, 'Will', but her mind was going in many directions to even come to think about calling him what she usually did, "he's going to be devastated if he hears of this. Has that crossed your mind at all?"

Elizabeth sighed and looked down at the wooden floor, of course that had crossed her mind! But it was the right thing to do, if didn't do it James wouldn't have risked it. She also failed to mention that they were undead. "Of course it had!" Her voice was a mere squeal and her tone turned desperate and confused, "I had to do it, the Commodore… I mean James wouldn't have risked it, if Will died because of me I would be devastated, I had to."

Nicolette just shook her head, but otherwise she understood, "I know," She tried stepping in Will's shoes, she wouldn't be too happy, she would actually be far from being happy. "But knowing Will, I know that he wouldn't be at all. Although he may seem like it, he would definitely be breaking from it." She looked over at the clothes she was supposed to wear, she wasn't in the mood to change, and she would just wear what she already was. It wouldn't make any difference.

She stated changing the subject, "I'm not going to wear that, I'm good in the clothes I'm already in. To save you the trouble in looking for them, you could wear them if you wish."

Before Elizabeth could say something like a thank you to Nicolette, she had already turned on her heel and started her way up the steps. "Wait!" Nicolette hesitantly turned around and looked at Elizabeth wearily. "Before, you said if Will would hear of this… what did you mean by that?" She asked and Nicolette looked down and felt her words crumbling together in her throat. Elizabeth hoped it didn't mean what she thought it had meant.

"Let's just say," Nicolette's voice hit a pitch that wasn't familiar to her, that was her brother (well like her brother) that had his life at risk. She was just starting to come to terms that he would die on the island… She started again after clearing her throat making her tone go back to her regular tone, "Let's just say that I'm only prepared for the worst, if it should happen I mean."

"The worst being?" Elizabeth inquired, she hated pressing on but she felt that she had to.

Nicolette turned around ready to walk away from her, but she glanced behind her to see the blurry image of Elizabeth. Will was her only family (excluding her father, he didn't seem to be family at all) she had to be prepared. There was no use to not be. Sure, the timing would be right… maybe, but it didn't calm her nerves at all. There was other things to consider about what may happen during their arrival to Isla de Muerta. He might be dead already… or maybe have the same fate as his father, she had heard the story of him being strapped to a cannon and sent down to the bottom of the ocean. It was the ending of Bootstrap Bill Turner. She didn't know how to answer that, she didn't know if she could.

"Him being dead." That was all she could come up with. She hated to admit that she needed a bottle of rum, hadn't she learned her lesson already from that morning?

Elizabeth gulped at what she was hearing, but otherwise caught her interest in the conversation. "Jack, was right on the island." Nicolette cocked a brow and turned around heading down the stairs slowly. She explained, "You have a way of being optimistic." Her tone was rather sarcastic and to the point that maybe Nicolette was being a bit dramatic over this.

"We all tend to lose it some point of our lives."

"What is the matter with you?" Elizabeth asked angrily looking at her shocked. "We are off to retrieve him now, don't you see that? Above deck it seemed that you were getting what you had wanted, and by the speed that we're going I bet we'll get there by nightfall! You heard Jack—."

Nicolette walked down the stairs and got close to Elizabeth, they were nose-to-nose, shoulder-to-shoulder. So close that Elizabeth could feel her cold breath onto her, "Like cutlery would hurt the fastest ship in the Caribbean. It didn't take that much damage, Elizabeth, let's be real about this."

Nicolette's voice came up after a period of silence, "You obviously didn't see past that bluff didn't you? He only said that to convince Norrington to go after them. You on the other hand, had the real hand in that game of bluffs didn't you?"

"You're changing it back to the original subject, aren't you?" Elizabeth's tone and eyes were indicating that she was annoyed.

"Does it seem that I am?" Nicolette countered throwing daggers to Elizabeth's eyes.

She admitted, "Like I actually really want to marry him, I'm not in love with him, I'm in love with Will. How many times do I have to say it?"

"You see, wasn't that hard, was it? If you would've said that in the first place, maybe I would believe you."

"What?" Elizabeth asked confused by Nicolette and what she was saying. She started think, was this a setup for her to admit that she was in love with Will? "You devil, was this a setup?"

"I wanted to make sure if you didn't mean to make that engagement with Norrington." Nicolette stated backing away from Elizabeth. She actually smiled for once during their argument… or rather pretend argument that Nicolette pulled the stops to do. She just wanted to make sure that Elizabeth was telling her the truth about her and Norrington. In reality, she knew that Will would be okay by the time they would get there, she might become an actress of a play in the near future, she would give herself an applause or standing ovation from the exceptional work she had done (well in her opinion it was somewhat exceptional). Partly what she said was true, she was in fact prepared for the worst… the worst meaning him dead.

Elizabeth wasn't all that amused like she was, but otherwise smiled, "That was some good play you came up with there. How did you know though? That I actually am quite fond of Will?"

Nicolette rolled her eyes and stated, "It was quite obvious that you cared for him Elizabeth. By what you did up there with making the Commodore go toward Isla de Muerta, how you were ranting on and on while on the island, and your face when you saw the Interceptor blow up in front of your eyes thinking Will was still aboard. It just seems so oblivious to him and maybe you, but now that you admit it, I might not have to press the matter further."

Elizabeth actually laughed from what she was hearing, but despite the laughter her tone still held a hint of depression. "But do you really feel that we may not make it in time?"

Nicolette looked down in response and despite what she had said earlier, she admitted, "What Jack had said above deck about the Pearl taking significant damage during your little battle was partly true. So we might and this boat seems to be moving fast so I think we may if we stay optimistic. What you did for Will, I understand entirely, and trust me that's not a lie. But what I said before, I don't think that he would understand like I do, we're two different people. This whole act may have been a lie, but there were some frank details that I had put into it."

"Nicolette, you have to be one of the most confusing people that I had ever met." Elizabeth admitted with a small chuckle. "But I hope that this doesn't change our new found friendship."

She smiled softly and extended her hand out for her to shake, "It won't, everything will be fine. Don't worry, what I said before was all lies, well somewhat. We will retrieve Will, no matter how we will. I promise." Elizabeth looked down at her hand and hesitantly took it with hers, shaking it lightly. When she let go, Nicolette looked back up above deck, "Like I said, I'm not changing in that, I'd rather stay in my tattered clothes than that atrocious outfit… no offense."

"It is atrocious, isn't it? But I have no choice but to wear it, do I? It isn't flattering at all, in my opinion."

"I agree, not at all." With that, Nicolette went to go upstairs, but she turned back to Elizabeth. "I'll see you later." Elizabeth nodded and Nicolette continued walking the stairs.

*Revised*