Chapter XXI: A Revelation
Disclaimer: read chapter I
Melanie reread the words from the letter over and over again, making sure she was reading her name right and not mistaken it for someone else's. How did Governor Swann know about her mother, and how did he know that she was a pirate?
Her thoughts came to complete halt when she heard a door swung opened and footsteps enter the room. She froze still in fear, and her hand that was holding the letter started to quiver.
"Melanie? What on earth are you doing here?!" The surprise voice of her so-called father, Governor Swann entered the room, not realizing that he entered the room with bad timing.
She turned around to face her father emotionlessly with the letter in her head, and Jack the monkey was on her shoulder facing her father as well.
"What is this?" Melanie asked, holding up the letter to him.
Governor Swann didn't hear her question, because he noticed the monkey on Melanie's shoulder. "What in heaven's name are you doing with a monkey?!"
"Never mind Jack!" Melanie snapped firmly. She reopened the letter, "We're talking about this?! Why did you write a letter asking mercy for my life?!"
Governor Swann's mouth dropped, not entirely sure how to answer her question. Even if he did, Melanie wasn't finished talking.
"You were writing about me being pirate and my mother (the woman I never mentioned to you about). So how did you know I was a pirate? How did you know my mother?"
"I... That doesn't concern you!" Governor Swann dismissed her questions firmly, turning away from her, "Now, get out of my office! What you've read is rubbish! Nothing more."
Melanie laughed in disbelief, "Doesn't concern me? Rubbish?! What I read doesn't sound rubbish to me!"
"Melanie, child, you're not well. Please take off those ridiculous clothes and go to bed. We have a wedding to-"
"You knew..." Melanie whispered in realization.
Governor Swan turned his head to the side, still not looking at her, "Pardon?"
"You knew!" Melanie cried out, tears threatening to fall from her eyes, "You knew all along, didn't you?! The whole time I was here! You knew!"
"I know nothing!" Governor Swann insisted.
"Don't lie to me!" Melanie cried out, pointing at him accusingly, "You knew about me and my mother! This abandon letter was written a long time ago, so clearly you knew all this time! I never told you about my mother! I had no idea about my pirate blood, so how did you know? Huh?"
"Melanie, please-"
"No! What you wrote in this letter, what you said is my business! Whatever it is you know, you better tell me the truth!" Melanie huffed breath, then spoke calmly but held a firm tone, "Now let me ask you again. How did you know that I was a pirate?"
Governor Swann blinked the tears of emotion away from his eyes. He knew that Melanie wasn't going to leave, until she knew the truth. He slowly closed the door, so neighbors won't here, but refused to face his younger daughter. He was afraid to look at her cold stare. If looks could kill, he would've been dead.
"I just know," Governor Swann said quietly.
Melanie chuckled wickedly, obviously not buying that story. She shook her head, "Come on, Governor Swann! Don't be modest. There's more than that, so tell me. How did you find out?"
Governor Swann sighed, finally have the courage to face Melanie. "You're right." He began shakily, "There's more..." He went to a nearby chair to sit down. What he's about to tell would be a long story. Melanie sat down at Governor Swann's desk, staring at him with intensity.
"The aftermath of the rescue, eight years ago, I checked on the children..."
Flashback: Eight years ago, night in the HMS Dauntless...
Long, curly, brown wig, Governor Swann entered a cabin with three sleeping children inside. Elizabeth and Melanie were sharing a bed, while Will was sleeping at the hammock a few feet from the bed. He approached the sleeping girls to give his daughter a kiss on the cheek. Then, he went to the other side of the bed to look at the red head, freckled girl.
He noticed how Elizabeth reacted towards Melanie. They haven't separated after their first meeting.
It's obvious that this girl was an orphan, but what's her story? If he wanted to take her in for Elizabeth, he needed to know a bit more about her.
Governor Swann turned around to leave, but his foot accidentally knocked over something on the ground. Governor Swann held his breath and looked at the girls on the bed. Melanie groaned and shifted her body to the other side, her back facing him, then continued her snoring. He looked down and noticed Melanie's bag on the floor next to the bed.
Maybe this bag will tell him the story about her. Curiosity took hold on him as he quietly picked up the bag and exited the room. He made a mental note, saying to give this back to her before sunrise.
In his cabin, Governor Swann emptied Melanie's bag on the bed. Inside were Melanie's large, red apples from her mother's tree; a map; extra clothes, nothing seemed to help him learn about the girl. When he was about to give up, the last object fell out of the bag, revealing an old, leather book.
Governor Swann furrowed his brows at it questionably. He flipped through the pages, realizing that this must be a diary. He knew that he shouldn't, it was improper to read someone else's privacy. However, he couldn't help but read it. As he was about to flip to the beginning of the book, his fingers slipped, dropping the book in the process.
He sighed, hating his clumsiness. He leaned forward to pick up the book, only to find a piece of paper sticking out. Was it a bookmark? Governor Swann turned to the page where the paper was in, realizing that it wasn't just a piece of paper. It turned out to be a letter.
He unfolded the paper to read the letter:
Hector,
I know we haven't spoken since our last meeting. I've been planning to talk to you if I could, but I just couldn't find the words, so I decided to write this letter instead. I doubt you'll get this letter, but I thought I should write it anyway. You deserve the truth. I haven't been completely honest with you, during our little escapade.
Now, don't get upset with me yet. I didn't lie about how amazing our night stands are or how much fun I have looking for treasure. I felt at home in your ship to be honest with you, and wished to stay longer. My reasons for leaving were lies. The reason I didn't tell you the truth is because I was scared. Scared about how you were going to react if I told you, but now I'm telling you the truth so let me end the suspense For you.
The reason I left wasn't because I hate being a pirate or couldn't stand to be in this ship. I have to admit that was the hardest thing I had to do. If I at any way hurt your, or made you feel that I hate you, I apologize. Leaving you was like leaving a pot of gold behind. Speaking of gold, I have another confession to make. Before I left, I stole two apples, a bottle rum, and a pouch of shillings. I'm not going to apologize. You said before that a pirate has to make a living.
Anyway, back to the real reason why I'm writing this. I know I should tell you this in person, but I was thinking that I would never see you again or afraid of how bad you're going to react if I did tell you in person. The truth is that the real reason why I left was because...
We have a daughter. I named her Melanie. She is just like you in so many ways. Independent, head strong, mostly stubborn, and more importantly your appearance. She has your hair, your freckles, your crooked smile, and best of all, your ocean-blue eyes. Every time I look at them, I think of you. She was a reminder of you.
Right about now, you probably hate me, and I don't blame you, but I have reasons for not telling you about Melanie. I was so afraid that you'll get angry and say that you want nothing to do with her. You said that you never want any children, and that you wanted to live a life as a pirate, only you and your treasure. I wanted that for myself, but not anymore. I grew up and learned a lot when I became a parent. I believed and still believe that it was best not to tell you about Melanie, same with her about you. I don't want my daughter to grow up making the same mistakes I made. I want her to grow healthy, safe, happy, strong, educated, loved, and alive.
Recently, Melanie asked about you, about who you are, and what you're doing. I could've told her that you were dead, but I could never lie to my child. My heart isn't made out of stone.
Now that you know that you have a child, you have the power to decide what to do about it. You can choose to go back for your daughter (I doubt that you want to do that), or walk away. If you walk away, I respect that. I'm not writing this to convince you to give up your life as a pirate to be a parent. I'm writing this because I want you to understand why I did what I did. I've made a lot of mistakes and regrets, but you and Melanie aren't one of them.
I had an incredible time with you in Tortuga, in the Cobra, mostly in bed - all the places we went, it was incredible. I miss you, Hector, and the biggest regret I ever made was not telling you how much I love you. Yes, I said it, I love you. I know you probably won't feel anything for me except for annoyed and lust. I felt that way for you too, but somehow I fell for you.
Anyway, I hope our paths will cross again. If not, take this letter as a proper goodbye. I'm sorry and thank you for giving me the most precious gift, richer than diamonds and rubies. Keep dreaming and good luck finding the gold. God knows, you're going to need it.
All my love,
Sarah Parker
Governor Swann gasped at this revelation. He couldn't believe what he just read.
"Oh, Good Lord?!" He whispered in horror, "The girl is a..."
He never had the voice to say that vile word. He just realized that the owner of this letter associated with a pirate, that meant her daughter had blood of a pirate. Why did Elizabeth choose to like a pirate girl like Melanie? He chose not to answer that. He made up his mind. The children could never know about this. No one can know. He decided to honor the mother's request and keep her secret. He's not going to let Elizabeth's hope for better company escape through his grasp.
Reality...
"And that's how I found out Hector Barbossa was really your father."
Melanie and Governor Swann were sitting there and were staring at each other intently, after Governor Swann finished the story. Jack the monkey was pocketing items in his vest without them looking.
Melanie had no idea what to say to him. She couldn't believe that her father kept this from her for all these years. He went behind her back and went through things that weren't his; but a part of her was thankful that he didn't turn her in when he had a chance.
"Melanie, child, say something," Governor Swann commanded, hating the awkward silence.
Melanie cleared her throat, thinking about how to respond. Only a question came to mind.
"Why?" she asked in a hoarse whisper. Governor Swann didn't miss the tears of hurt and betrayal that threatened to fall. Governor Swann opened his mouth, then closed it, not entirely sure what she's asking from him.
"You have full hatred for pirates. You scolded me and Elizabeth for mentioning that word! Why did you take a pirate into your home and raise her as your own?!"
"You were an innocent child. It wasn't your fault that you have blood of a pirate. You've done nothing wrong. I've seen no harm from you." Governor Swann replied softly.
Melanie stared into his eyes, as if she was looking into his soul, to see if he was lying or telling the truth. After a few moments of analyzing, she shook her head in denial.
"No. I don't believe that! If that were true, you could've adopted Will too instead of letting him work for a blacksmith, who is a DRUNK I might add. Most fathers wanted a son! You took me for a reason! So tell me. What was it?" When Governor Swann didn't answer, probably thinking about lying, Melanie snapped. "ANSWER ME! DAMN IT!"
Governor Swann jumped at Melanie's sudden harsh demand. "Don't talk to me like that. I'm your father-"
"Alright! Father," she said with disgust but she didn't yell this time, "Would you please tell me why you keep this big secret from all these years? Does that sound better, Father?"
Governor Swann didn't respond to her.
Melanie sighed in defeat, and spoke softer and more sincere than the last one, "Please. I need to know."
"Elizabeth," he whispered.
Melanie furrowed her brows in confusion, "What does she have to do with all this?"
"Elizabeth is motherless. She needed someone close to her again. A mother figure. A best friend. Her mother was both those things before she died. I planned to marry again for her... But then you came along. The plans have changed. I thought that you would be perfect for Elizabeth to have. For company. A best friend. A sister, she can count on."
Now tears started to fall. Melanie felt a lot of emotions: hurt, sad, infuriated, used, and worst of all betrayed. How could he do this to her? She thought he did those things, because he loved her as if she was his own. She thought he loved her as an equal. No. She cursed herself for her own naivety. Her father didn't love her, he only cared about himself and his only daughter. She didn't felt the need to call him father. After what she discovered, he didn't deserve it.
"So you're telling me that I'm not only your legal daughter, but a servant?! The only reason I became a Swann was just to be your daughter's company?! Is that what I am to you?!"
"No!" Governor Swann said right away, shaking his head as more tears fell from his own eyes, "No. That's not true! You're twisting my words!"
"But you did feel that way at some point, didn't you?!"
"Melanie, child-"
"Didn't you?!" Melanie accused him, pointing an angry finger at her.
"N-No, n-not at first," Governor Swann admitted with stammer.
Melanie gasped in horror, turning away from the governor, covering her mouth, and hiding the silent tears.
"Melanie!" Governor Swann stood from his chair, planning to hold her for comfort, to tell her that he loved her as his own. "It's not what you think! Yes, it had been that way at first, b-but it's not true anymore! A-As you and Elizabeth grew older, it made it harder for me to let you both go. I-I-I did what I did, because I care. I wanted to protect you! Everything I said in that letter is the truth! You were an innocent child that needed to be loved! To have a chance of society! You're my daughter, I raised you, and I love you-"
"NO!" Melanie turned around with angry tears falling, staining her cheeks. Her eyes filled with rage, and both her fists clenched, threatening to hit him. Seeing her in this state made Governor Swann terrified.
"Don't!" Melanie commanded harshly, "Don't you ever use that word to me! Don't tell me that I'm your daughter, and that you care about me, and that you love me! You don't care about me! You used me for your daughter's satisfaction! You always spoil her with riches and people! Whatever that princess wants, she gets, and you have to lie and go behind people's backs to do it!"
"I do love you," Governor Swann whispered as if he meant it. Melanie didn't see any love from him, all she saw was fake, just like the rest of high society.
"No, you don't! If you love me, you could've told me the truth from the beginning. You could've..." Melanie paused, another realization hit her. The diary and the letter. She remembered that both those things weren't in her bag. She thought she lost them at sea, when The Princess was under attacked. If he had read them, where did they go? Did Governor Swann have something to do with it?
"Where is it?" She demanded.
Governor Swann furrowed his brows questionably, "Where's what?"
"The diary. That came with the letter. You said that you put the bag back where you found it, but when I look through it, I never saw a letter or my mother's diary. I assumed they were ruined in the ocean, but I don't believe that anymore. You said you read both word-for-word, so where did you put it?"
"I..." Governor Swann knew better than to lie, so decided to stick to the truth with a little hesitation, "I burnt it."
Melanie's face lost color. She expected that he hid it in a secret drawer or something, but that's the answer she didn't want to hear.
"You did what?!" Melanie cried in disbelief.
"I burned the truth in order to protect you. Now there's no evidence to prove that you're guilty of piracy."
Melanie's blood pressure rise, and this red head girl acted in haste. She picked up the chair and threw it across the room like an animal, almost breaking the window. Governor Swann yelped in fear, as he cowered back into his chair. He watched Melanie marched towards him with an murdering look on her face.
"You have NO right do THAT!" Melanie screamed out, "You can't just burn other people's things! That was my mother's diary, all I had left from her! HOW COULD YOU?!"
"I-I-I..." The governor quivered, leaning back away from Melanie about to fall back in his chair.
"Did it ever occur to you that have yet to read Mom's diary?!"
Governor Swann widen his eyes in shock, "N-No, I did not kn-"
"Well, I didn't! And because of that, I never found out the truth sooner! Thanks to you, I was clueless and was hiding myself, covering myself in fancy gowns and stockings! Thanks to you, I have finally understand why pirates have hatred with high society snobs..." Melanie stared at his scared expression with disgust, then whispered, "I'm starting to."
"M-Melanie... I-I'm so sorry."
He expected an unforgiven reply from her or a slap, but what she'd done next was unexpected. She laughed. Not a normal one, but the kind that's from a wicked being. She backed away from him, still laughing with an evil grin.
"I'm not the one you should apologize, Governor. Apologize to the owner of the diary, her grave is in England. You know what? You don't have to explain yourself anymore, I shouldn't be yelling at you. In fact, I should be thanking you. For the first time in years, I never felt so alive. I finally figured out my true destiny. I don't feel the need to hide my true self anymore. All thanks to you."
"Daughter-"
"Oh, I'm not your daughter, Governor!" She stated proudly, "I never was a Swann. My name is Melanie Parker, daughter of Captain Hector Barbossa, daughter of a pirate!"
"N-No!" Governor Swann denied, shook his head, still remained seated in his chair.
"Oh, don't worry, Governor. You don't have to keep this burden any longer." She gestured herself, turning away from him, heading for the back door outside.
"What?" he asked with confusion.
She halted and turned to face him with a cold stare.
"Do you need a hint?!" She asked angrily, "I'm leaving Port Royal! Getting the hell out of here! You don't have to claim you love me, you must be exhausted by doing that. Deep down, you could never have a pirate as a daughter!"
"Melanie, you can't be serious?! Have you gone mad?! You're talking nonsense!"
Melanie reached her arm out, letting Jack the monkey climb back on her shoulder. "I don't think so! Now I have a chance to live what I was destined to do. Do the occupation my father has been doing his whole life, pillage and plunder, be a pirate! That's exactly what I'm going to do! Good night, Governor Swann."
She turned to leave, but the governor's voice stopped her once more.
"What about Elizabeth?!" He asked, sounding more confident than he was now.
Elizabeth? Melanie almost forgotten about her. She almost left town without doing one thing she needed to do. She pulled out a letter from her pocket, she looked at Elizabeth's name on the sealed envelope, letting a teardrop stain it. She tossed the letter over her shoulder in the governor's direction. He gathered the courage to stand up and picked it up with curiosity.
"That's for her," Melanie explained. "If it's too much to ask, could you give it to her? Unless of course, she doesn't get it. You'll probably read it then burn it."
Before he could reply, he looked up to see that his daughter was gone. He will never see her again. He realized what he had done. He created a monster.
~000~
Melanie ran down the stairs outside the governor's office. Jack the monkey had stolen jewelry and money, but they needed food, water, and a boat to survive the trip. How could they find a boat at this hour?
"Miss Swann?"
Melanie gasped as she whirled around, while Jack let out a screech. They both not expected to see the commodore behind them.
"James," Melanie cleared her throat, "W-What are you doing here?"
"Taking a stroll," Norrington replied nonchalantly, with his hands folded behind his back in a professional matter.
Melanie nodded, looking down at herself, realizing that she had a lot of explaining to do, like tell him why she's dressed manly, why there's a monkey on her shoulder, why there stained-tears on her cheeks.
"You're probably wondering-"
"You don't have to explain yourself, Melanie," Norrington interrupted.
Melanie widen her eyes in shock, "I don't?"
"I heard," he admitted quietly.
Melanie's jaw dropped. Jack the monkey looked at Melanie's facial expression and copied her.
She looked at the stairs to Governor Swann's office frantically, "J-Just now?!"
"I heard enough."
"How much did you hear?"
"Enough," Norrington stated, "To know what you really are. I always knew there was something off about you."
Melanie sniffled, feeling tears threatened to fall some more. Knowing Norrington, he wouldn't hesitate to drag her to the noose and hang her himself. His main goal was to kill a man or woman with a pirate brand.
"So you're going to arrest me," she stated sadly. "You going to kill me. Arrest me. Hang me at dawn."
Norrington pressed his lips together in a thin line, "Better." He drew his sword out and pointed at her.
Melanie felt a lump at her throat, seeing the sword was dangerously close to her body, "Good idea. It's better if you plunge your sword through me and dump my body in the ocean." She placed a hand on the handle of her sword, planning to withdrew it at the right moment.
Norrington shook his head, "Nothing that drastic."
Melanie furrowed her brows in confusion, but still kept his sword pointing straight at her.
"Then what do you plan on doing to me?" she asked.
"To have exile."
Melanie raised a brow at him, "What?"
"I, Commodore James Norrington, here by banish you out of Port Royal, and never return."
"You're not going to kill me?"
"No."
"Then why do you have your sword out?"
"Because I see you with a weapon, Melanie," Norrington tapped his sword on her hand that was holding the handle to her own sword.
Melanie pulled her arm away, when she felt the cold medal on her skin.
"I'll arrange a boat to take you out of Port Royal."
"To?"
"Out of Port Royal," he repeated.
Melanie widen her eyes, realizing what he planned on doing. He's helping her escape? Why?
"Are you going to let me die in a boat without food and water?" she asked.
"I'll have that taken care of. I need you to go to my home and wait, until your transportation arrives."
Melanie stood there, couldn't believe what she's hearing.
Norrington narrowed his eyes at her, "That's an order, Parker."
That's the first time he called her by her real last name, she thought. She turned around and head for that direction, but quickly turn back to face Norrington, couldn't help herself but ask her obvious question.
"Why are you doing this for me? I thought you hated me."
Norrington was silent, until he stepped closer to Melanie, then said quietly, "For the last time, I said we have our differences, but I could never hate you. I don't want to watch you die. That would be a tragic day for all of us."
"Y-You like me?"
"I didn't say that!" Norrington pointed out firmly. "I said I don't want you to die. I cannot stand you, but I cannot stand you dead."
"You're doing it for her, aren't you?" Melanie realized his true intensions for helping a pirate escape.
"I believe my future wife would never forgive me, if I stand aside and let the noose around your neck. Now do as I said, before I realize what I'm doing. Now!"
"Alright!" Melanie raised her hands up defensively, "I'm going!" She turned away, heading to his home and wait impatiently. She was about to be banished out of Port Royal, and that's fine with her.
~000~
When Norrington managed to get a long boat and supplies for Melanie, they meet up at the docks. Melanie was provided with a cloak and a hat. She wrapped the cloak around her and Jack the monkey tightly as if it were a blanket. It's always cold at night.
"I have everything you need for your exile," Norrington said nonchalantly. "Are you sure you don't need a guide to-"
Melanie cut him off, "I told you I'm fine. You've done enough. I still don't get why you're willing to risk your reputation for me."
"It's not for you," Norrington explained, "It's for Elizabeth. I'll do anything for her."
"So I noticed." Melanie smirked, and Norrington returned the gestured. Melanie sighed sadly, then said, "If Elizabeth didn't return the affection, would you still help me?"
Norrington narrowed his eyes at her suspiciously, "Beg your pardon?"
Melanie groaned, hating to repeat herself, "I said if Elizabeth doesn't love you or refused to marry you, would you have helped me?"
Norrington fell silent, thinking hard about that answer. Melanie thought his silence was sign that he wouldn't. She knew it. He was a negotiating type of guy. He would be willing to help as long as he had something in return, Elizabeth was payment.
"Yes," Norrington said, "I would be willing to help you leave Port Royal, even if she didn't love me."
"You hesitated."
"Enough, Melanie!" Norrington commanded sternly, obviously trying to hold back the temper, "Are you trying to talk me out of helping you?"
"Of course not, I'm just curious."
"Then, end the conversation, please."
Melanie nodded, "Fine. Listen, I would really appreciate it if you don't tell her about this."
"Why? Elizabeth deserves to know."
"I know, but I wanted to be the first to tell her."
"How could you do that, if you're leaving her without saying goodbye in person?" Norrington said curiously. "Would you like to go back to the mansion-"
"No!" Melanie shook her head, "I gave her a note that explains everything. I think it would be best if you don't mentioned this." Melanie gestured between her and Norrington, "The last thing Elizabeth needs is her commodore husband in prison for helping a fugitive pirate escape."
Norrington nodded in agreement, "You're right. This stays between us. As long you won't say a word."
"I won't. Elizabeth deserves better, after everything that happened."
"Since your father terrorized Port Royal."
Melanie frowned, but nodded in agreement, "Yes."
"Melanie, for everyone's sake, don't come back here," Norrington said sternly, "This isn't a place for you. If you do come back, I have no choice but to let my men arrest you."
"Wasn't planning on it coming back here, James. But as long as I'm not exposed and don't get caught, I'm a free woman."
"Indeed."
Melanie paused, hesitating what she's about to say next, until it escaped her lips, "I was wrong about you, James."
Norrington furrowed his brows with confusion, "Whatever do you mean, Miss Parker?" He asked carefully, using her real name instead of her adopted one.
"I thought you're the type of man who is willing to kill and arrest people for the law, but now I see you're willing to bend the rules a bit for selfish reasons."
"Well, like you said before, Miss Parker, as long as I don't get caught."
For the first time ever, Melanie and Norrington had a happy moment, before it didn't last long.
"You're alright, James," Melanie admitted with a smile, "Just to be clear, I don't approve you and Elizabeth, but if Elizabeth wants to marry you then... I'm okay with it."
"You are?"
Melanie nodded, "I am. You can say that you have my blessing. Take good care of her and make sure she stays out of trouble."
"I will." Norrington held his hand out for her, "I bid you farewell, Miss Parker."
Melanie stared at his hand for a moment, before she shook it with her own, "Goodbye, James."
Norrington turned to leave. He was a few feet away from Melanie, but her voice made him halt.
"You know I never said thank you!" She called out to him.
Norrington looked over his shoulder, but not at Melanie, then said, "I never expected it."
Melanie watched Norrington leave, until he disappeared. She looked at the ocean for a long minute, until she felt Jack the monkey tapping her cheek for her attention. Jack the monkey mumbled sounds, pointed at the boat before them.
She chuckled with amusement, shaking her head, "No, Jack. There's no way in hell, I'm going to row that boat across the ocean. I have anxiety about being too close to the water." Her eyes moved to the left, when she noticed a large ship in view, HMS Dauntless. Her lips curled into a wicked smirk, the kind her father used to smirk. She knew that in order to get that ship, she needed some help.
"We need to pick something up, Jack." She walked out of the docks, leaving the boat and supplies behind.
~000~
"Come here, boy! Give us the key!" The rest of Barbossa's crew, that surrendered, were whistling and were calling out to the dog with the key. Before they head to the noose, they needed the key to escape. However, the dog sat there in a small corner staring at the crew with the key stuck in his mouth. No matter how sweet their calls were, no matter how great their whistles were, the dog was too smart not to move.
Feeling frustrated, Bo'sun growled and punched the bars of the cell in frustration without pain.
"This is useless!" Bo'sun cried out angrily.
"That dog just won't move," Twigg said sadly.
"Well, we can't give up!" Pintel said, giving the crew some encouragement, "We're sentenced to hang in two days. We don't have much time!"
"I know what to do!" Ragetti said, raising his hand, "One night at the Pearl, I overheard Melanie speaking to somebody called God in her cabin."
The crew glared at Ragetti as if he was insane.
"You can't be serious, Ragetti!" a dreadlock, dark-skinned pirate said with annoyance.
"Why not?" Ragetti asked, getting on his knees and folded his hands.
"Why are you sitting like that?" Twigg demanded.
"Get up and help us get the dog," Pintel ordered.
"I watched Melanie talk to God, sitting like this. Am I sitting right, guys?"
"We're about to die for real!" Bo'sun pointed out, "We don't have time to talk to some invisible God!" He growled, sitting in a corner of the cell.
"We can at least try," Ragetti said, "The Lord is our only hope." He closed his eyes and began saying his prayer out loud.
Pintel rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the dog. "Come on, men, lets keep trying with the dog."
Before they resumed their calls for the pet, the men heard the guards' voices down the hall of the dungeon.
"Hold it right there!" A guard named Murtogg cried out. "What are you-" His voice was cut off, with a sound of broken glass.
"HEY!" Another guard named Mullroy cried, before he spoke any further, the crew heard strangled noises from him. The crew listened to the guard's noises as if it were music. It eventually died down. The crew was silent, staring at each other silently asking a question.
"What the hell was that?" Twigg demanded in a whisper.
"Silence!" Bo'sun ordered with a growl, "Listen." The crew was silent, now hearing faint footsteps that grew louder and louder. The crew widen their eyes when they saw a figure in a black cloak.
"It's a ghost!" Ragetti cried fearfully, "Coming to haunt us!"
They noticed that a monkey was the figure's shoulder, not just a monkey. It was Jack, Hector's pet.
"Jack!" The crew except for Bo'sun cried out.
The figure ignored them, but Jack didn't. He jumped out of the figure's shoulder and climbed onto the bars of the cell.
"Whatcha doing here, Jackie?" a pirate asked sweetly, the tone a parent used for a baby.
The figure approach to the dog, holding out a piece of chicken with a bone. The dog perked up when the smell of meat entered his nostrils. He dropped the key and rushed toward the figure to get it. The crew smiled happily, knowing a miracle had happened. Now Jack the monkey can get the key and set them free.
"Get the key, Jack!" the crew ordered, pointing at the key for him. "Go, get it Jack!"
Jack the monkey hopped off the bars and picked up the key, then turned back to the crew, standing there with a grin.
"Come here, Jack! Come here! Open the door! Set us free!" the crew ordered, but just like the dog, the monkey wasn't moving from his spot. Once the figure handed the dog a chicken bone, replacing the key, it walked toward Jack and the crew's cell. The crew couldn't help but stare at the figure anxiously, not sure what he's planning.
"The key, Jack," the voice of the figure said to the monkey, who didn't hesitate to climb on her shoulders and handed the key to her.
The crew widen their eyes, realizing that this figure wasn't a ghost or a male, but a female.
"Uh... Guys," Pintel began.
"Huh?" the rest of the crew asked, not taking their eyes off the woman.
"Is it just me or this person's voice sound familiar?"
"You're right, Pintel," the woman said, "My voice is familiar."
The crew's jaws dropped, when the woman revealed herself by pulling the hood off her head.
"YOU!" The crew pointed at her accusingly.
Melanie smirked as she spun the key around with her fingers, "Hello boys."
The crew looked at each other, couldn't believe that the governor's daughter came here to free them.
Ragetti looked up the ceiling, folded his hands, then said, "Thank you, God, for sending this angel to save us."
A/N: I'm pretty sure that the next chapter will be the last one. I can't believe it took me more than a year to finish this story, I didn't think I could finish it, until I overcame a couple of writer's block. Thank you, readers, for your patience and sticking around to read this story even though some chapters took a while to update.
Thank you: Christineoftheopera, GuestC, BookLovingPersonR.B.L for reviewing. I also want to thank the readers who favorite or followed this story.
Your support for this story means a lot. Hopefully, I'll be able to finish the next chapter soon. Until then...