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Tinkerbellxo


Chapter Twenty-Eight

Legends, Lore and La Vida Eterna

Ibini didn't sleep at all that night and spent the next day in Gibbs' cabin. As evening approached she sat expectantly on the bed, waiting for Jack to send for her. She was not all that surprised, however, when he did not. She had figured that after yesterday he would be finished with her. After all, he had gotten half of what he wanted. His sexual appetites must have been satisfied after the intense night before. He didn't really need her again until they reached her shore. Of course she had been glad to be left alone and not have to play along with his antics. She really didn't know what she would have done if he had sent for her. However this also signaled to her that anything personal they may have had was now no longer possible. Was she sad about that? Not even she knew. She was so confused.

She remained in the confines of the room for most of the next day as well. Elizabeth tried several times to coax her from her cloistered sanctuary, but her efforts were in vain. It wasn't that Ibini was wallowing in self-pity; the complete opposite actually. She was wondering how she had let the tables turn. She was a superior being. It wasn't her gloating, it was a fact. She was immortal, nothing could hurt her . . . nothing except a broken heart that is.

She frantically paced the small room. When had he gotten the upper hand?

More importantly she wondered, how can I regain the balance?

It was only when she saw the moonlight shining through the window above her cot the next night that she realized how much time she had let pass.

As if she had just noticed her surroundings, she heard a banjo, an out-of-tune violin and some kind of drum in the midst of an up-beat sea shanty. Her first thought was to stay away from the crowd. She was sure they were well aware of her status as the Captain's whore by now. She cringed at the thought of how they might treat her knowing he no longer wanted her. Would she be handed over to the crew as fair game? Was she just someone to "keep them entertained" until they reached her home? That was if they ever reached her home.

She knew how cruel Jack had been to her the last time they had been together, but she doubted he would do anything so despicable. Of course she had never thought him capable of using someone so ruthlessly and she had witnessed her folly in believing that first hand. After all . . .

Pirate, she thought.

Just then a knock came at her door. She approached slowly and opened it just enough so that one eye could see whoever stood outside.

"Good evening, lass," Mr. Gibbs greeted her warmly with a smile on his lips.

She let out a small sigh and opened the door a fraction wider, "Good evening to you, Mr. Gibbs."

"The men and I were wondering, Miss Ibini, if you wouldn't mind joining us and Miss Elizabeth out on deck for some festive merriment," his tone was gentle and somewhat nervous.

She smiled. They wanted her to join them in their party? It was then that she noticed over Gibbs' shoulder that all eyes were on her and Jack couldn't be seen anywhere. Realizing that, she couldn't help but accept the offer.

"How very kind of you, of course I will. I'll be right out."

He nodded and they all returned to what they had been doing. She took the brush that Elizabeth had brought aboard and combed through her hair quickly. Checking the rest of her appearance in the matching mirror, she deemed herself presentable for the festivities and left her cabin and, hopefully, her worries behind.

Once again, all eyes were on her as she made her way over to the gathering on the main deck. The band had quieted down; their interest piqued at the reclusive crew mate that now joined them. Ibini took the seat that Gibbs' offered to her, a place of dignity, right near the fire and next to Elizabeth who smiled at Ibini.

Gibbs looked around at the gawking crew.

"Ain't ye all ever seen a lady before?" he barked.

Their eyes turned every which way, as long as it wasn't towards Ibini. The music started back up and dancing resumed. Young Brown extended a hand to Elizabeth who hesitated, looking over at her friend. Ibini nodded at her and Elizabeth took it, joining the revelry. Ibini leaned over to Gibbs who had taken the seat to her right.

"So what's the occasion?"

"We arrive in Tortuga tomorrow on the evening tide," he started, "we've more than enough rum in the hold so it only made sense to celebrate."

"And what about our illustrious captain?" she said more quietly but loud enough for him to hear the bitterness in her tone.

"Jack's only been out of his cabin to give orders," he replied, eyeing her warily.

"I see," was all she responded.

"He's mighty upset Miss. I think he's regrettin' what he did to ye."

She didn't have a response for that. From what he had said she had a feeling that Gibbs knew the exact nature of her relationship with Jack, if you could call what had happened two nights ago part of a relationship. She wasn't sure how he had come across this information. Maybe he had heard her cries of pleasure and pain from within the thin cabin walls. Maybe Jack had boasted to his crew about how he had taken her right there on his desk. But it didn't matter how he had found out. The point was he knew and what he also knew was that she had allowed herself to be taken advantage of by some uncouth, uncaring scallywag. She had let herself be dirtied by a notorious womanizer. She was disappointed in herself and her situation.

She no longer wanted to see the look that Gibbs was giving her now. She wanted to get away from him, away from his look of pity. She didn't want pity, she wanted respect and most of all she wanted her dignity back. As if Cotton had heard her thoughts he stepped in front of her at that moment.

"Wind in your sails!" his parrot cried from his perch above her shoulder.

She knew this was his way of her asking her to dance and without a thought she took his hand and allowed him to whisk her away. For an older man, Cotton was surprisingly light on his feet and she swore that it was the first time she had seen him smile. She returned the gesture and they danced wildly in the circle with the others. Her long dark hair swung out behind her. The sun-kissed streaks of red shone brightly, like flaming ribbons, in the light of the fire. They danced for a few short tunes until she heard the air around her grow still.

"Quiet down, it's the captain," she heard one man scold another. She silently wished Cotton would continue dancing but he didn't. She couldn't blame him, he was a member of the crew and was required to show respect to his commanding superior. Though he dropped his arms from her she remained with her back to where she knew Jack was approaching.

She felt a rough tap on her shoulder and she was aware that she had to turn around if she wanted to keep the good relationship with the crew that had obviously developed. Slowly she rotated and saw Jack standing in front of her, his face unreadable. It took her a moment to realize that his hand was extended towards her. Was he actually asking her to dance? She wasn't sure.

He snapped his fingers and the band resumed, this time a slower melody rung out over the group. Without waiting for her to answer, he stepped closer and let his arm snake behind her back and around her waist. Knowing there was no way out of this, she rested her left hand on his shoulder and her right hand held his. When they started to move with the music, so did the rest of the crew, although it was awkward since it was mostly men. With the fast tunes they could jump up and down and get drunk to the beat. Now the sad sound of the violin reminded them of loves lost and of pleasant times gone by. There was no more carousing, it was almost reverent.

Ibini wasn't aware of the change around her, she was only aware of the man that held her. They knew each other in the most intimate ways possible, through their exchange of blood to save his life as well as sexually, and yet she found herself trembling from nerves. Then as soon as it came, the nervousness was gone and the anger she had felt towards him returned. He felt her stiffen in his arms and he pulled away slightly to take a look at her face. Her eyes were narrowed, looking somewhere far off in the distance, anywhere but at him. Her mouth sat in a straight line. They continued like this until the band struck the last note. Immediately Ibini stepped out of the awkward embrace and curtsied to him, her eyes never meeting his. She then took her seat next to Gibbs who was looking particularly uncomfortable with the whole situation. Where she sat was usually Jack's seat, with his first mate to his right.

But Jack didn't look upset to Gibbs, more amused, and to Ibini's annoyance he did not leave. He took a seat on an empty rum barrel straight across from her. As the festivities wound down and the men grew tired, that's when the stories began. Gibbs went first with a terrifying tale about a large sea monster with tentacles so long it could crush a full ship and suction cups that could rip the face off a grown man. Most seemed to know of the tale but for the newer crew members, Ibini could see them shaking in their boots. Cotton was bypassed for obvious reasons. Marty spoke of the legendary Captain Bartholomew or Black Bart who had captured more than 400 ships, plundered almost 50 million pounds of loot and laid down the sacred Pirate Code with Captain Henry Morgan. Strangely enough, Black Bart never drank alcohol, only tea. Ibini couldn't help but smile as she spotted embarrassed and disgusted looks from the men around the circle.

Someone handed her a flask, Gibbs actually, and she took it gratefully. She needed something to give her courage with Jack's eyes on her constantly. Next thing she knew it, the flask was empty and she was feeling oh-so-very-happy.

Finally it came time for her to impart some sort of lore or legend. She protested, her cheeks red with embarrassment as the men tried to goad her on. Jack was amazed and somewhat jealous of how the crew was treating her. Hadn't they wanted to throw her overboard just a few short weeks ago? And here they were, dancing with her, laughing with her, drinking with her . . . flirting with her. He felt his ears grow hot with anger but quickly squelched it. He knew that any time she wanted Ibini would be able to read whatever thoughts he was having and the last thing he wanted her to know was how he wanted to be the one to flirt with her . . . even after she had betrayed him.

The men continued to beg her for a story and she had no choice but to give in to their wishes. Now she just had to pick which one. She had lived several lifetimes, seen things that would make most of these men cringe in fear, but the only story she could think of was the one they would probably want to hear the most. Of course it was also the story that would cause her the most pain. But that was numbed now by the rum that had once filled Gibbs' flask. She threw inhibition to the wind. They wanted a story, she would give them a story.

She waited for her audience to settle down after Ragetti's scandalous anecdote of the woman who gave her virtue to the evil pirate captain to save her village. Then, she began.

"History never quite gets the tale right," she started cryptically. "My people had witnessed the white man come to our shore over a thousand years ago. And we had lived in peace with any and all who visited. Until 200 years ago. A story had spread throughout Europe and the European colonies in Hispaniola. The New World was not just a chance for a new life; it was a chance for eternal life."

"Well, is it?" Pintel interrupted.

She looked over at him, her eyes were dark and the flames from the fire danced within them.

"In a way," she smiled, "to explain the entire myth from the beginning would take a lifetime, and even I don't have the whole story."

That was a lie, and she paused to look at Jack who still had his eyes trained on her. Was he reading her mind right now? When she didn't feel the buzzing sensation she figured she was safe and resumed.

"The legend reached the ears of a rather eager Spaniard who was the first governor of Puerto Rico."

"Ponce de León," she heard someone whisper and she nodded in response.

"More than anything he wanted La Vida Eterna," she paused, "eternal life, but he also wanted to profit from this life source.

"Now what history says is that the Spanish crown had heard of undiscovered islands in Hispaniola, and of course the desire to claim land was great for the empire. It was said that de León had been asked by King Ferdinand to sail to the area and find these islands for Spain. But in reality, it was de León who approached the Royal Court with the false story of new land to be found. He asked for a crew and a fleet to bring Spain glory. Of course the crown agreed and he was given three of their finest ships and a large selection of Spain's best seamen."

As she told her story Jack's eyes never left her small figure. Part of her looked like a meek child huddled next to the fire to keep warm, flames dancing across her exotic features. But he knew better. This was just a façade. She was a seductress, luring them all in with her melodic voice, just like the sirens she had saved them from.

"They set off on their journey in February of 1512 in search of 'the Islands of Benimy'. In April, they finally spotted land and de León named it La Florida because of its lush landscape and in respect of the Easter season or Pascua Florida, the Festival of Flowers to the Spanish. The next day they came ashore and discovered a native people. They stayed with the natives under the guise of being lost travelers. The villagers took them in, fed them, clothed them and even cared for the injured and sick. Ponce de León and his men were treated like kings."

Jack could just imagine Ibini treating him as her King: bathing him, feeding him succulent fruit, massaging his aching back after a long day of pirating, and satisfying his carnal appetite. He felt a bulge appear in his breeches.

Focus, Jack thought to himself.

"At night, de León would ply the village people with liquor stronger than they were used to. He would try to find out where the Fountain of Youth was located. After unsuccessfully trying this approach for a week, he decided to change tactics. He set his sights on the chief's daughter and used his charms to win her over. With her in his pocket, he knew that the Fountain of Youth was in his grasp."

Jack could feel Ibini's soft skin within his grasp. How supple and smooth . . . how arousing.

"That was, until he found out the real truth of the legend accidently from her. It was more incredible than he ever thought possible. The next day the crew boarded the ships along with de León and cast off, leaving the little village behind. However, he had betrayed the natives and brought dishonor to the chief's family. It wasn't until they were far off to sea, that it was discovered that the chief's daughter was missing. She had run off with de León."

"What did he do? The chief I mean," said Ragetti anxiously.

"There was nothing he could do," she replied sadly.

"What happened to de León after that?" someone in the crowd asked.

"No one knows. All three ships and the entire crew seemed to disappear. They never returned to Spain."

"And what happened to the chief's daughter? And what did she tell him about the Fountain of Youth?" Gibbs asked with bated breath. This was the question they all wanted to ask, but hadn't dared.

She looked around the circle, all eyes on her and the men at the edge of their seats. The only one who looked relaxed was Jack and his face was still unreadable. She felt tired, the rum had taken hold of her and she knew if she went on, she would regret it in the morning.

"That, gents, is a tale for another night," she smiled slyly.

"Awwws" and "Nooos" could be heard all around her as she stood up. When they realized she would indulge them no further they gave her a scattered applause.

She made her way out of the circle as she heard Gibbs' give the order to turn in and then assigned first watch.

Lizzie walked over to her and put her hand around her shoulder, "great story Ibini. I hope the chief's daughter is happy now, wherever she is."

She gave Ibini a sad knowing smile, "you coming to bed?"

"In a minute," Ibini replied, "I think I need some air, clear the fuzziness from my head."

Lizzie just nodded in response and then went to their cabin.

Ibini completed her nightly ritual and that night no one bothered her. Now that they knew she only meant to protect them, they let her do as she pleased. Once it was completed she was left alone with her thoughts. Ibini slowly paced back and forth along the rail, her eyes scanning the night sky for something to hold her interest. Truthfully she wasn't sure why she didn't just go to bed. The deck was becoming more and more deserted and she was very aware of the two eyes that remained on her as she paced. She willed herself to retire for the night, but her body refused to obey. When only the watch was left and everyone else had gone to bed, she finally felt her feet walk her over near her cabin.

A hand shot out of the darkness, blocking her way. She felt the familiar sensation of an arm wrapping around her middle and a tall figure pressing into her back.

"What happened to the chief's daughter, Ibini?" Jack asked darkly in her ear and she had to control a shudder.

She didn't answer him and he whipped her around to face him. His eyes were so intense Ibini felt like they could see into her very soul. There was no lying to him now. She decided she'd rather give him the information he wanted willingly than have him take her from her by force.

"It's the eternal story," she smiled bitterly, "dark handsome stranger meets the naïve, native girl and sweeps her off her feet."

He nodded, probing her to explain further and she did.

"I may not have been young but I was very foolish then. He was charming and had had countless adventures, something I had no experience in," her voice turned wistful, "and I fell for him. He asked me to come away with him."

"And you did."

"Yes, I did."

"And that's how you ended up in Cuba?"

"Eventually I ended up in Cuba. He promised me freedom and a life full of exciting journeys. But things didn't last and we parted ways before he even set sail for his return to Spain."

"You said de Leon and the three ships disappeared. And legend tells us he died during the expedition," he interrupted.

"He is as good as dead as far as I'm concerned," she said, her voice laced with pain.

"As good as dead?"

Her eyes darted away from his.

"I mean, he is dead . . . maybe. Who cares? It's all the same," she tried to save herself.

"I care. Is dead means he is dead," he knew what he said sounded so simple, almost dumb, but he had no other way to put it, "As good as dead means he's still alive. Which is it?"

She didn't answer.

"Which is it Ibini?" he shook her, his grip growing tighter around her waist, "should we be expecting a 200 year old conquistador to be joining us anytime soon? Be honest with me . . . for once."

Her eyes snapped up at his accusation. She had been anything but dishonest with him. It wasn't like it would work to lie anyway.

"I will put it this way," a violent strength sprung up from inside of her and she wrenched herself from his grasp. He fell back in shock at her forcefulness.

"He wishes he was dead," she spat.

She walked away from him and a deafening "crack!" could be heard for miles over the open ocean as she slammed the cabin door closed behind her.


A/N: History lesson! Yes, Black Bart did all those things I mentioned including drink tea. What a pathetic excuse for a pirate – though I do love tea. Also, the following are amendments to the history that Ibini presented in her story. The reason I did that is because she wouldn't have known all the details of the business arrangement between Spain and Ponce de Leon.

Ponce de León was not given three ships for the royal family of Spain nor was he given men. He financed the expedition himself. The three ships were called the Santiago, the San Cristobal and the Santa Maria de la Consolacion. They left from Puerto Rico and sailed northwest along the Bahama Islands, known as Lucayos at the time.

King Ferdinand of Spain actually approached de León, not the other way around. He wanted to reward him for his services as Governor of Puerto Rico and decided sending him to search for the new land outside of Colón was fit reward.

They actually went looking for the rumored "Islands of Benimy." The Fountain of Youth was sometimes known as the water of Benimy.

The King and de León drew of a contract that included the conquistadors exclusive rights to the discovery of Benimy and neighboring islands for the next three years. He would be named governor for life of any lands he discovered. There was no mention in this contract of a fountain with rejuvenating powers.

It is well known that Ponce de León may not have been the first European to reach the peninsula. Spanish slave expeditions had been regularly raiding the Bahamas since the 1490s and there is evidence that they made it as far as the shores of Florida.

The three ships and their crews never returned to Spain and there is an account of what may have happened. However, for my story's purposes, just accept the idea that they mysteriously disappeared . . . for now ;-)

Thanks to all my reviewers: Howlongmustiwait (please see below!), Kit-cat99, Annaxsuperman, linalove, Sara the Siren, PassageWanderer02, Old Gregg93 and Storylover456. Thanks all!

Howlongmustiwait – I know that things didn't get much better in this chapter but things only get darkest before the dawn. I promise that in the next few chapters things will resolve somewhat between Jack and Ibini. (But you didn't hear it from me! ;-))

We're at 89 reviews – think we can get to 100 for this chapter? Pretty please?

Tinkerbellxo