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A Storm, Impersonators, Letters, and Drama
Eventually, the crew realized that Jack was finished and began talking amongst themselves. Gibbs took a step over to Jack,
"Well Cap'n Jack, shouldn't we be leavin' as soon as possible?"
"I s'pose so," he paused and looked up at the sky, "Aye let's get moving, looks like a storm's brewing."
I looked up and knew Jack was right, thick clouds were forming overhead and despite the breeze, the air was heavy and clammy.
"Hoist the sails and heave anchor gents!" Jack commanded as he swaggered to the wheel, pulling me along with him.
Jack took his time and muttered to himself the whole way. I could only catch bits and pieces of what he was saying. It went something like,
"I'm gonna get 'er back this time, just you wait and see… dim, foul-smelling, repulsive, treacherous…Barbossa your days are numbered…."
Jack's voice was thick with vehemence and I gaped at him in alarm, but he just stared blankly ahead. He was so oblivious that he didn't see the midget member of the crew and ran into him.
"Whoa! Captain watch where yer goin'!" The little man piped then shoved past us.
Jack made a very comical startled face and then turned around and watched the small sailor toddle away.
"Funny lookin' fella," he said bobbing his head in the man's direction. Then he grinned, I smiled back weakly, somewhat confused by his rapid change of mood.
Jack pulled me right up to the wheel and then we stood there watching the crew bustle about their tasks. When it finally seemed that everything was ready, Jack pulled out his compass.
"Now we can be going," he said a bit irritably, turning the wheel a few times.
I looked at the compass in his hand and noticed that it didn't point north. Not promising. I didn't say anything though, still wary of his mood swings.
I didn't say anything to Jack as we made our way further and further out to sea, the clouds above us getting darker and thicker.
"Look at us," he said nearly making me jump after the long uneasy silence.
"What d'you mean?"
"I mean look at us, you and me, standing here on this ship of the Royal Navy off to save someone neither of us know."
"Though it does give you a chance to get the Pearl back."
"That's another thing, here we are, and my ship is in the hands of that Barbossa scum. That same scum that kept you captive for eight years and he killed Bootstrap and before all of that he turned my crew against me, conned the bearings away from me, and deserted us on an island."
Ok? Where is he going with this?
"Everything was just so simple and good that first day or so after I saved you."
"Aye it was." I murmured leaning into him, all the while the sky growing darker and darker.
"It seems so long ago, the drinking, dancing, swimming, and snuggling." He added grinning devilishly.
"That's because it was long ago, eight years." Big mistake. As soon as I had said that Jack's body stiffened.
"All because of him. That's why we had to endure eight years apart, years of suffering, mentally, physically. That mangy, seadog will pay. Trust me Sage, I'll get our revenge and avenge Bootstrap's untimely death." His tone was so cold and bitter I nearly shivered. This wasn't the Jack I knew; this was a man full of hostility and torment.
The ship lurched violently on the rough waves and threw me against Jack just then there was a deafening crack of thunder that made me jump.
"This is gonna be one hell of a storm," Jack said excitedly closing his arms around me, "don't worry yer pretty little head though, I gotcha." Is this really the same person who was talking to me only seconds ago?
Jack didn't hold me for long though, the storm came on full blow and all his attention was needed at the wheel. The rain was coming down in torrents and the wind was raging around the ship. I rushed to help Will and Gibbs with the sails, which was difficult considering the massive waves crashing onto the deck, the saltwater burning in my eyes and drenching me to the bone. The sails above us were whipping about fiercely.
"We should drop canvass, sir." Gibbs yelled over the noise of the storm.
"She can hold a bit longer." Jack shouted back.
"What's in yer head that put you in such a fine mood Captain?"
"We're catching up!"
"I think he's finally lost it." Will yelled in my ear.
The ship creaked loudly under our feet, it was clear that she wouldn't hold much longer.
"Sage why don't you go talk to him, he won't listen to us." Gibbs said.
"I can try." I called over my shoulder as I trudged blearily back towards Jack. "Jack, we won't make it if we don't bring the sails down now." I said once I'd reached him. At first I didn't think he heard me, "Jack!" He looked up and then around until he saw me, "You're right, start hauling them down, but you go down below it's safer there."
I nodded, but I wasn't going to listen to him. I knew that if I didn't help we might not get the sails down in time. Gibbs must have heard what Jack said because he was ordering the crew about. I started to help Will draw in one of the sails.
"Sage hold on!" I don't know if it was Will or Jack who yelled, but before I could react a massive wave crashed into me. The wet ropes I was gripping to slipped thru my fingers. Will caught my arm just as my lower back and legs slammed against the rail.
"Are you all right?" Will shouted as he pulled me away from the edge.
I nodded, unable to speak.
"Every sailor is to go below," Gibbs called, "that includes you Jack." Jack reluctantly left the wheel and plodded over.
I let out a grunt of pain as I tried to walk to the stairs.
"Here let me help you." Will said pulling my arm over his shoulders and putting his other arm around my waist.
"Thanks, Will." I said biting my lip trying not to cry, though I doubt anyone would have noticed since all of our eyes were red from the seawater.
"What happened?" Jack asked breathlessly. He pulled my other arm over his shoulders and put his arm around my waist above Will's.
"Wave…" was all I managed to say.
Someone had lit the lamps on their way down and the flames cast eerie shadows on the walls. We had made it down the first flight of stairs and were standing on the landing.
"Head on down and make sure the crew knows where the bunks are and then get some rest yourself." Jack ordered Gibbs.
"Aye sir,"
"Now, help me get her in here." Jack said, to Will this time.
They pushed through the door into the Captain's quarters where Jack and I had stayed the night before. Next, they gently positioned me on the bed.
"Bloody hell!" I grumbled through clenched teeth.
"Sorry!" They quickly uttered in unison.
"Maybe I'll go see if they have any rum. How does that sound?" Jack asked nervously.
"That would be wonderful." I sighed, truly grateful.
He stopped at the doorway just staring at me.
"I'll be fine Jack, it's not like I'm going anywhere, plus I've got Will to look after me."
He nodded awkwardly and left. Will knelt down next to me and took one of my hands in his.
"Good Lord Will, I'm not dead yet!" I said grinning in a Jack-ish fashion.
"I know, I know," he said loosening his grip a bit, "I was just scared for you."
"Aw, you know I've been through much worse than this."
"I guess you're right." He said quietly, "And you have me to take care of you again, just like the good ol' days."
"Good, yeah right!" I said sarcastically and even got a little chuckle out of him.
"Did…did your father ever stop beating you?" He asked hesitantly.
"Not until the moment he died." I replied grimly. Way to kill the moment Will.
"You mean he died when you left with Jack?"
"No, I went back to Tortuga with Jack a while later, where my father would have killed me, had Jack not been there and stopped him."
"And by stopped you mean…."
"Killed, without a moment to spare." I said reaching up and pulling my hair away from the scar left from that final beating on my forehead.
"I think Jack deserves more credit than I give him." He said squeezing my hand again.
Then I remembered Bootstrap's sword lying next to me and using my free hand, unfastened it from my belt. I took a deep breath and tried to remember what I had practiced over and over in my mind, but I had forgotten all of it.
"Will, I have something to give you." I said handing over the sword.
He gave me a questioning look.
"It was your father's, he wanted you to have it."
"You've had it all this time when you could have given it to me sooner?"
"I'm sorry, but I didn't know what to say. He gave it to me the night before he was murdered and I was afraid I would just fall apart when I gave it to you. I thought you might be angry with me. Please forgive me." I could feel tears behind my eyes, but I fought to hold them back.
He sat holding the sheathed sword and running his fingers over it. I could hear Jack coming up the steps.
"Will," I started, just as Jack walked in.
"Don't worry about it," Will said kissing my hand and getting up, "I just need some time to think."
"Will, you can stay across the hall, it's normally where the first mate stays, but Gibbs wants you to have it. It'll be more private that staying in a bunk like the rest of the crew and you'll be closer to Sage." Jack said as Will went out the door.
"Thanks Jack." I heard him say.
"This is all I can find at the moment, Luv." Jack said shutting the door and pulling out two previously concealed bottles of rum.
He sat on the edge of the bed next to me, then pulled the stopper out of one of the bottles and leaned over and handed it to me. Little drops of water fell from his hair and landed on my face, it was then that I finally realized how wet we really were. My shirt was clinging to my skin and I could feel the water in my boots, but I decided to wait until I had had a few good swallows of rum before I tried to kick them off.
"To a speedy recovery." Jack said holding up the other bottle.
"I'll drink to that." I said knocking my bottle against his then hastily taking a swig.
"You must be hurtin' bad." He chuckled watching me take another large gulp.
"I've been better," I sighed heavily, starting to feel the effects of the rum.
"But ye have been worse, much worse."
"I know that," I said edgily, pulling my soaking bandanna off and tossing it on the floor. "Actually, this is practically nothin' compared to what I've suffered before." I grimaced as I slowly moved to a sitting position next to Jack. The rum had worked its wonders, but I got a twinge of sharp pain whenever I moved the lower half of my body.
"This stuff is great." I said holding out my, now empty, bottle and gingerly leaning against Jack.
"Miracle worker idn' it."
"I have to get these boots off," I said wiggling my feet around gently and hearing the water sloshing around inside.
"That sounds like an excellent idea."
Taking my boots off proved harder than I thought it would be, my back was too stiff to bend forward and pull them off and they were too wet to just kick off. I growled in aggravation.
"May I be of some assistance?" Jack said gallantly.
"Yes, that would be appreciated."
He got down on one knee and carefully tugged the first boot off, then methodically tipped it over and dumped the water out of it. I laughed quietly as he did the same to the second one.
"Thanks Jack," I sighed with relief. He didn't move though, he just sat there looking at my feet, a small grin showing on his lips.
"What?"
"Yer toes are all wrinkled and pruny!" He chuckled.
It astounds me how much he can be like a child.
"Of course they are!" I laughed.
He gave me a very childlike look and I couldn't help but laugh at him. Soon he was laughing too and it turned into one of those moments when you can't stop laughing, even if your life depended upon it. Little by little, our mirth finally died down. Jack came and sat next to me then pulled me to him.
"God I missed you…" he whispered softly against my neck.
"I missed you too," I said trying to enjoy the hug and ignore how drenched we were and the fact that his pistol was poking me in the ribs. I adjusted slightly, so the pistol wasn't a problem anymore.
He leaned back and moved a wet strand of hair away from my face, gave a small smile, and kissed me. As we kissed, he put his arms around my waist and tried to pull me closer. A wrenching ache shot up my back and down my legs. I moaned pushing away from Jack and falling back on the cot.
"I'm sorry Luv, I got a little carried away." He said sheepishly.
"It's ok, I'll be fine," I said squeezing my eyes shut against the pain.
"I'm having a thought," Jack said after a few moments of utter silence, "I'm gonna go take a look and see if I can scrounge up some more rum and when I get back we'll think of somethin' we can do to entertain ourselves, for the rest of this storm." He gave a cunning grin and I couldn't help but grin back.
"Sounds all right to me."
"Good, I'll be back in a flash." He said slipping out the door and shutting it lightly behind him.
Alone once more, I became aware of the roaring thunder, still booming overhead and I felt the ship rocking and lurching around me. I rolled over on to my stomach and closed my eyes, just listening. I couldn't bring myself to sleep, there was just too much to think about: Jack, Will, the Black Pearl, and the fact that I was terrified of trying to steal it back. The last time we tried that, it didn't turn out so well, but I guess despite all the bad memories I had associated with it, I had some good ones too, plus the Black Pearl means so much to Jack.
During a break in the thunder I heard rowdy laughter coming from down stairs. I tried to ignore it, but it was ceaseless and eventually my curiosity took over. I eased myself up off the bed, pulling at my clothes that still clung to me uncomfortably and limped to the door. I opened it, stuck my head out, and tried to see what was going on. I nearly jumped when Will opened the door across the hall from me and looked out, also trying to see what was so funny.
"What do you suppose they're laughing about?" He asked raising an eyebrow.
"I have no idea, but on this ship, you know it could be anything."
"Let's go and see for ourselves." He said offering his arm.
So we set off down the steps, Will helping me along. When we got to the bottom we found ourselves in the galley. Several of the crewmembers were doubled over in hilarity, Jack was sitting in a chair slapping his knees and tears streaming down his face as he laughed. Then we saw what was causing so much amusement. Someone had found the supplies that the Royal Navy had, including some spare wigs, which a few men were now modeling, and imitating Naval officers. It was quite funny and I was soon giggling. Will tried so hard not to, but he started shaking with laughter as well.
After awhile I walked up behind Jack and leaned on his chair, Will stayed behind.
"Aren't they hilarious, Sage?" He asked wiping tears from his eyes.
"Aye, they are."
The impersonators had stopped and were gathered around a small box and others were walking over to see what they were looking at.
"Captain, come and have a look at this." Someone called from the crowd who were all talking at once.
"Well, I better go and see what it is they've found." Jack said getting up and taking my arm and sitting me in the chair.
The discussion amongst those surrounding the box grew louder.
"Sage, do you know what this stuff is?" Jack called.
I sighed, stiffly got up out of the chair, and hobbled over to the crowd. After pushing my way to the box, I saw that it contained lots of dull grayish bars of……….soap.
"Well, what is it?" Jack asked again.
"Jack…"
"Aye?"
"That's…soap."
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
"Soap, I've never seen it before." Jack claimed, picking up one of the bars and examining it closely. I rolled my eyes.
There were multiple replies of, "me neither" uttered.
I turned to face them all, "You all should try it sometime, it would certainly…. er…help." I finished, and with that and pushed back through the waterlogged groups of crewmembers back to where Will was.
"Honestly? Soap?" He asked.
I nodded, rolling my eyes again and heading for the stairs.
"I think I've had enough excitement for the night." I said to him.
"Me too." He said taking my arm, to help me up the stairs, which I found more difficult than going down.
He didn't say anything on the way up and I didn't either. When we reached the landing he let go of me and turned to go to his door. My heart sank, thinking he was still angry with me. I turned the doorknob and pushed the door open.
"Oh and Sage,"
"Aye?" I asked turning around, perhaps a bit too fast.
"You're forgiven."
"Thanks Will." I said hugging him.
He smiled then went to his room and I did the same leisurely stepping into my room. I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders, Will wasn't upset with me, at least that was one less thing to worry about. I casually gazed around the room; I was bored and had no interest in lying back down, so I searched for something to do. The desk caught my interest.
"Let's see if Norrignton Mc'sissypants kept anything actually worth looking at." I mumbled to myself, walking to the desk, and sitting down behind it.
I pulled open the first drawer, just a bunch of boring maps. Drawer number two contained a Bible (big surprise), some letters, which were all about Royal Navy stuff (dull), and a portrait of the scariest looking old woman, I have ever seen. (Probably his mum!) The last drawer, though, that's where I found the good stuff! First there was a bag of silver and gold coins, which I quickly pocketed. Next I discovered a flask, containing some very strong smelling liquor, but the next papers I found were real jaw-droppers.
They were letters, written by Governor Swann to Norrington and it seemed that they were arranging a marriage between Elizabeth and Norrington himself! Ewww…poor Lizzie! Oh great, another thing to keep from Will. From the very back of the drawer I pulled out a few crumpled pieces of parchment. I smoothed them out and was surprised to find that they were very poor beginnings of love letters to Elizabeth. Most of them starting out with, "Dearest Elizabeth, I hope you are well," blah, blah, blah, ect. Clearly the Commodore is not one with words.
All of a sudden, I could hear stumbling footsteps outside, then something or someone slammed into the door. I hurriedly shoved the letters back into the drawer and banged it shut. Then I cautiously approached the door and threw it open, only to reveal Jack standing there soaking wet, with a look on his face similar to when I accidentally hit him with that coconut.
"It appears that the storm is not over yet." He sputtered, and then fell forward into me.
"Bloody hell!" I groaned under his weight as I staggered backwards, dragging him to the bed.
The act of actually placing him on the bed was more difficult than I thought it would be, I was using all my strength just too hold him up and he wasn't at a good angle to just let him go. I hastily came up with a sort of plan; I changed my direction so I was now walking forward with Jack's legs dragging in between my own, then I lugged him to the very end of the bed. I used the last of my dwindling strength to pull him up straighter then I let him fall onto the bed. Now I planned on letting go, but I didn't do it fast enough, so I fell with him.
Timber!
I landed on top of him, my chin thudding against his chest, which resulted in him coughing up a mouth full of seawater in my face.
"Thanks." Jack coughed.
"No, thank you." I said grimly wiping my face off with my sleeve.
"Well, it seems that you have managed to save me this time." He said grinning roguishly, his hands roving up and down my body finally settling on my butt.
"It does look that way doesn't it?" I smirked.
"I was thinking, that I should repay you…"
"I see." I said inching up closer to his face, "And how were you planning on doing that." I held my face over his, my long hair cascading over his shoulders.
"Oh, I had somethin' in mind." He purred before grabbing my face and kissing me.
How can this possibly be the same man who had been talking to me only hours earlier about murder and revenge?
I giggled with pleasure as Jack's wet mustache tickled my lips and suppressed a squeal when he wrapped his arms around me and rolled over. A dull pain flared up my back, but it quickly subsided. Water dripped from his hair and the tip of his nose onto my face and he gently brushed it away with his thumb. Unexpectedly, there were rapid footfalls coming up the steps and the door stood wide open!
"Jack, Jack!" I whispered urgently pushing his face from my neck.
"Wha'…what?"
"The door! Someone's coming!"
He looked over at the wide open door then back down at me, his dreadlocks flicking water in my face. He promptly got off of me and scrambled to the door, nearly falling on his face. Not a second later Mr. Gibbs appeared at the top of the stairs.
"Gibbs! What brings you here?" Jack said coolly, but a bit too enthusiastically, leaning against the doorframe.
"I…. uh…was comin' to see what you thought about the conditions up above and to see how Miss Sage was feeling." Gibbs said a bit bewildered, no doubt at Jack's odd behavior.
"As you can see," Jack said gesturing at his soaked clothes, "the storm's not improvin', so I'm thinkin' we all just stay below for the night. As for Sage," he said this time motioning at me, "she is recuperating splendidly!"
Gibbs looked in at me uncertainly.
"Not to worry Mr. Gibbs, I'm feeling much better, thank you." I said trying not to sound as guilty as Jack.
"That'll about do it then," he said peering at Jack and me like we were mad, "you two have a good night."
As soon as Gibbs was out of sight, Jack slammed the door, leaning back against it. He let out a long sigh of relief.
"That…. was a close call."
"I don't think that I have ever seen you move that fast before, Sparrow."
He chuckled softly and came back over to sit by me.
"So the question is, what do we do now?"
"I think I have an idea," I winced as I sat up and reached out for him.
"No, I don't think that's a good idea," he said pushing my hands down, "I don't want ye to injure yerself further."
"Excuse me, but weren't you the one, who only minutes ago told Mr. Gibbs that I was, 'recuperating splendidly'?"
"I was lying thru my teeth and you know it!"
I fell back on the bed and sighed loudly, I hate it when he's right! The coins I had 'found' clinked together and the sound immediately caught Jack's attention.
"Am I mistaken, or was that the sweet sound of some loot?" He said holding a hand up to his ear.
I reluctantly pulled out the coins and showed them to him.
"Ah, and where did you come across those luv?"
"In the desk, they were Norrington's."
He grinned, "I believe I have been a bad influence on ye. Did he have anything else that was interesting?"
"Maybe a few things…"
"I wanna see!" He quickly got to his feet and scooped me up in his arms and rushed to the desk, sitting down behind it and setting me in his lap.
He pulled open the first drawer and dug through all of the maps checking for anything that might be hidden. In the second drawer, he immediately grabbed the flask, opened it and took a whiff. He instantly made a face of disgust and shut it tight, thrusting it back in the drawer.
"Never thought I'd see the day when I wouldn't want to drink down the contents of a flask."
"Nor did I." I smiled.
Next Jack pulled out the portrait of the old woman (Norrington's mum).
"Whoa! Who is this frightening old crone?"
"I'm guessin' it's ol' Norry's mum," I said cheerfully.
"Now that ye mention it," he laughed, "I do see a resemblance…did you look through that trunk over there?"
"No, I forgot all about it."
"Why don't you start looking for anything in there while I finish here."
"All right." I moved to get up, but he pulled me back for a second.
"You know, I think we make a pretty good team."
"You know what? I think yer right." I kissed him, and then went on to the trunk.
I knelt down before the enormous trunk and heaved the lid open. Most of its contents appeared to be clothes, but I started to rummage through them anyway. Near the bottom of the trunk I could feel something small and square, but just as I was about to pull it out, but Jack let out a loud gasp and I knew he had found the letters.
"Did you see these!"
"Jack don't!" I exclaimed rushing over to the desk.
"Does Will know that his bonny lass is to be married?" Jack asked at the top of his voice.
"Jack! Shut up!" I put my hand over his mouth, "I'm sure he doesn't know and we're not going to tell him. It'll just upset him more so than he already is."
He nodded halfheartedly and I removed my hand.
"Are you so sure that it would distress him? Maybe I should just dash over there and fill him in…"
"You even try it and I'll sleep in a bunk down with the rest of the crew for the entire voyage." I threatened.
He was clearly startled, "Don't be silly, I was only kiddin' around, honestly, I was. I wouldn't do that." He laughed nervously.
I smiled inwardly; it's almost too easy. I turned away from him and made to go for the trunk.
"Wait," he pleaded, grabbing my arm, "you won't stay with the crew will you?"
I smirked, "No, I guess I won't…as long as you keep to your word."
"I will, I will!"
Once he had released me I went back to fumbling through the trunk. I found the object I had been about to uncover when Jack had his outburst. It was my turn to gasp. It was a miniature portrait of Elizabeth. Now that was just creepy! Obviously Norrington is a little on the obsessed side. I was going to show Jack, but he was too busy trying to muffle his laughing and snorting at the attempted love letters.
I'd pulled everything out of the trunk and this is what I found; several white shirts, a pair of shoes, some white breeches, a few dreary books, a spare wig, another pouch of coins (which I set off to the side), and finally what appeared to be 'scented' wig powder. Manly! I began putting everything back and by 'putting' I mean tossing things randomly. I was about to shove the last shirt in when I noticed that it was the same style as my own and it was pretty small. Now, the idea of putting on some strange man's shirt did freak me out a little, but I looked down at my own ragged and freshly wet (thanks to Jack) shirt. There was no doubt about it; I needed something new, at least until I got to Alexander's again.
I glanced over my shoulder; Jack was still looting through the desk. I took that opportunity to pull off my old green shirt over my head and slip on the new, white, dry one. Afterwards, I shut the trunk and latched it and then perched on top of it.
"Find anything?" Jack asked finally looking up.
I threw the money pouch to him. He looked at it gleefully then held it up to his ear and shook it, listening to the jangle of the coins. I strolled over to the desk and stood in front of it.
He looked up at me, studying, then it finally clicked, "When did you change yer shirt?"
"About a minute ago,"
"And I missed it! You must warn me next time!"
"Aye Captain, I won't forget next time!" I saluted sarcastically as I backed up to sit on the edge of the cot.
He grinned and crossed the room to come sit next to me. He removed his boots and pistol; he had discarded his coat earlier. Then he leaned back against the wall and sighed.
"So," he said looking up at me, "what should we do now?"
"I don't know. You got any ideas?" I said leaning back beside him.
"Well…. now that ye mention it." He took out a deck of playing cards, "Feel like playing strip poker?"
"How about we play the regular version and use Norrington's money?"
"Oh…ok, that'll be fun too…. I guess."
He started to deal the cards.
"Wait a sec," he reached under the bed and pulled out a bottle of what looked like wine, "I couldn't find any more rum, so I thought this would do."
"That'll work just fine." I said.
So we played cards late into the night, passing the bottle back in forth between us.
That was a LONG one! I hope you liked it! I can't wait for the reviews! Hey, I don't know if you guys heard about Orli's new movie, Kingdom of Heaven, but anyway I got to see it and it's really good! Just thought I'd let you know. Oh yeah, I can't wait for the new Willy Wonka with Johnny Depp! Ok now that that's out of my system,
Arr, swash, swash, buckle, buckle!
