Disclaimer: Don't own anything except original characters. All material (c) to respective owners. I write these for fun and make no profit. They're just random plot bunnies that live within my strange mind.

A/N: I have a few chapters that I've worked out, I'm not sure how many updates I will have for this story yet because I'm still trying to get ideas sorted and get myself out of the rut I've gotten myself into over this story. I hope to have it finished at the very least by the end of the summer if not sooner. Enjoy the updates and reviews, comments, fav's whatever are welcome. Thank you for your patience.


Chapter 52:Un-Hidden

I walked carefully toward the cabin with my thoughts returning to the book and the feelings it gave me. The book had been used for both good and evil; I could feel it every time I turned a page. These ideas didn't frighten me because I knew that magic could be used in both ways. It was wise to know how tricky magic and the realm could be before successfully diving into the craft. The worn pages had grown firmer within my grasp indicating the gems were restoring it to its former glory, the dilapidated cover and faded pentagram was starting to regain its luster and shape again. Tracing the spine I could feel the engraved text resurfacing and knew it would most likely take one more gem to reveal the name of the book or the owner.

I jumped hearing the cabin door shut behind me and turned seeing Jack casually walk over grasping a bottle of rum and situating himself on the edge of his desk. "Ye were saying about a feeling?" he inquired watching my fingers trace the delicate book within my hands and meet his deep gaze.

--Jack's POV--

She hesitated studying those dark pools before finally nodding an affirmative almost to herself. "I didn't really find anything, just felt it." He angled his head eyes squinting in a familiar probing look. "Since you found the sapphire and amethyst…" she paused trying to gather her words to make sense at what she was trying to explain. "….the book has been repairing itself. The pages aren't tattered and ragged, their reaffirming and becoming thick with the original feel again. The ink is becoming clearer and the engravings within the cover itself are becoming more pronounced. It's like within your ship and between us the book is repairing itself from some dark misuse." She made a face deciding that made absolutely no sense to herself.

Jack brushed his chin with a considering gesture, clearly she made sense to him even if she didn't herself. He tossed about her thoughts allowing himself to absorb the information carefully. If she was right in this case than just maybe the book was supposed to help them along this interesting adventure. If it got into the wrong hands it would probably change everything as they knew it and this would not work out in the end. His head felt like it would explode with each knew idea that formed. He was promptly brought out of those thoughts by two familiar hands coming to rest against his face bringing his eyes to meet hers again.

"Misuse?" he saw her hesitate again before shaking her head yes. "Ye mean that book was used for things other than pleasantries before we came across the bloody thing?" her soft 'yes' made him gently grasp the book eyeing the engravings that were slowly taking shape along the spine, gold flecks shining in the setting light of the sun within his cabin. "If yer feelings about this are right…

"Becket can do more damage with this than Davy Jones's heart." He grimaced giving her one of his agitated looks at bringing up the subject again. "What are you thinking?"

"That we better find the rest of the gems and discuss this with Anders. Tia wanted this book and I know for a fact because of how he acted…" he paused glancing into her worried stare. "…it wasn't for the use of nice purposes." He stood tucking the book back into his secret compartment with his hidden rum, watching my face pale at the idea.

--Original POV--

"Tia Dalma with this kind of power, she could become Calypso again." That was unsettling and something I didn't want to consider. "Definitely not a good concept…" I faltered seeing his knowing smirk and wondered if he had again read my expression. "How did the story really go in this world…ours didn't get the movie right." His fingers come to rest lightly lifting my chin to meet his intense eyes again.

"Will's father Captains the Dutchman now and Tia was never released." He paused watching my brow furrow still confused. "When Davy was sent to the ocean bottom Tia Dalma was part of the battle and gave William Turner Senior the position because she knew he would do the job right, that was Will's destiny and she remains bound because Barbossa failed in his attempt at reviving her to her former glory. Me father didn't like that idea in the least, even if she knew who was responsible for her imprisonment." I nodded deciding that was enough information for me to pull the pieces together.

"She wants to be free again and was hoping the book could do it." I gently toyed with the trinket I knew would be part of the pirate lords' way to release her, his fingers gently grasping my hand bringing it to his lips.

"Aye that she does…but she won't get that freedom." He knew there was one other question unanswered and a familiar smile played against his lips, which again brushed my hand. "Anders was adopted by the family that raised her in her human form…she didn't start out as an adult and was relatively a child when she was toying with the sea." Finally the question I had wanted to ask was answered. "Ye alright now love."

"For now…I need to absorb." He stood pulling me into his arms and stealing my lips into a rum induced kiss that again caused my heart to leap to the stars.

"Ye will have plenty of time to do that in Port Elfrida." From what Elizabeth had told me about this time that was a port near Ireland. "That will also hopefully be free of the British threat for the time being, unless Becket has already gotten there." He stepped around me heading back to captain the ship.

"That's near Ireland….that's why we've been on the ocean so long." He turned offering me that mischievous smirk of his before disappearing from my sight. "I hope we don't run into any Ireland legends, fairies or the like. I don't need anything more to worry about." Reluctantly I made way back from the cabin and out into the late afternoon noticing the pink tints and other darkening colors indicating night was fast approaching.

Port Elfrida

According to Jack and Elizabeth both, they would both make their way to opposite ends of the port and keep out of the noticeable eye of the unfriendly's of the town. That would mean that we would be appearing as aristocrats again, I would also have to use my French which I was glad was good enough to fool everyone.

Reluctantly I made my way back to the cabin dressing in a dark crimson dress, which was thankfully a comfort because of the cooler air. It was very cool that day and the extra warmth provided by the dark color helped me against the new climate. Jack's fingers nimbly worked up lacing my dress and his arms come to rest around my waist meeting my curious sidelong glance. There was something flickering there within the dark gaze and it seemed to make my heart beat faster.

Things were changing and not like they seemed. He had changed in the time I have known him and it made me wonder just how much more would change during this adventure. "I like ye in the dark earthy colors ye prefer love." This time I turned my head to better meet his dark orbs. "Lizzie fits the pastels like she kindly pointed out discussing such with Anna…but ye fit the dark colors. They set of yer skin and let the world know that ye aren't entirely the proper one of society. They give ye the feel of mystery…much like me ocean and pearl." One thing that I never expected out of Jack was a poetic word play with that silver tongue of his.

"What has gotten into you Jack?" my voice was soft taking in the fact I could feel a blush creeping across my skin, only he seemed successful in doing so without really trying.

That secret smile of his again was there indicating that was all I was getting. "Come along love…we have a gem to find." I sighed giving him a look, before shuffling after him out into the cooler climate and sharp winds. "It appears quiet enough but that could be a dangerous assumption with half the bloody navy after yers truly." I could see Elizabeth steadying herself ready to leave the Empress with Will beside her looking much better thanks to the long journey.

"You forgot the East India Trading Company." I pointed out watching him make a face before giving me a look with those dark eyes that almost dared me to say more on the subject. "Ok so I'm too blunt." I shrugged accepting his offered arm and wondered what else was expected in the strange life of the pirate claiming my heart.

"Ye may have more in common with yer best friend than ye think." I stopped immediately stopping him from touching the dock near our feet.

He smirked knowing I greatly disliked the comparison. "Careful Allen…I may remove that reason for you being so popular with the ladies." His smile faltered giving me a curious once over.

"Ye honestly expect me to think ye would deny yerself love?" he chuckled at my red face noting how nicely it complimented the dark crimson color of my dress.

"Pirate." I growled following him across the docks to meet Elizabeth and Will.

Will did look much better, still a little stiff but his skin had returned to a pleasant shade and his dark eyes were alight with laughter again. Clearly Jacks unusual but much needed attire was again amusing him to no end. Elizabeth gave me a once over with a disapproving glance, gently fixing the pins in my hair before nodding in satisfaction. "Sometime Liz is impossible to please." I stuck out my tongue hearing her giggle shaking her head at the childish behavior.

"How is this going to work…

"Allen Cordell and wife Marie." Jack cut them off in case of spies among the port. "Ye two will be…

"Vance and Melody Walker…Jack helped." I grinned at the annoyed look I got from using Elizabeth's middle name.

"You're worse than the pirate." She grumbled crossing her arms and leaning into Will.

"True but the other part of the news is you get to see how well I learned the French you taught. That's our only saving grace apparently." Elizabeth's honey gaze widened seeing a smug grin cross Jacks face before he proceeded to lead the way across the docks and into the town.

I knew Elizabeth wanted to question me further, but the way Jack easily pulled me away indicated he liked to see her stew. I was starting to see a game of sorts between the pair, he may never forgive Elizabeth for making him Kraken bait but somewhere he had developed a certain acceptance. I had to wonder if it had something to do with the fact that he had found me in the whole mess of revenge he had once attempted, but then that would be hoping and expecting too much. For now I would just accept things as they were and deal with the puzzle forming before me at a later date, much later.

He allowed a strange noise to escape his throat bringing my attention to the group of EITC heading our direction, four of them in total. "Bugger it all." He made to flee but halted seeing that we had already been spotted. "Marie and Melody will speak French and we will play ignorant." He motioned to Will who seemed about to protest, before Elizabeth tugged him after us toward a stand offering goods to sell.

"Monsieur bonjour." ("Good morning sir.") Elizabeth couldn't hide the anxious tone in her voice which got Jack's attention immediately.

"Excuse me ladies I don't speak French." Stated the confused young man running the silk stand and glancing between Will and Jack helplessly trying to understand what she wanted.

"She said good morning." Offered Will noting Elizabeth force a smile that was far too wide for her face.

"Nous sommes intéressés par certaines de vos... soies foncées." ("We are interested in some of your...dark silks.") I hesitated briefly remembering Jacks earlier comments and finding myself going with the flow for all our sake.

Will cautious of the men heading our way waved a hand in a 'no thank you' fashion before leading Elizabeth opposite separating knowing it would probably be wisest. Jack nodded in approval before nearly cringing hearing a soft clearing of the throat.

"Good day sir." Careful to not make any sudden moves he kept his gaze locked on the ground and nodded his head; he was pretending to examine some dark ruby colored silk. "We're beseeching any information to a well known pirate…" he paused watching me tilt my head hopefully appearing confused. "…Jack Sparrow?"

"Captain." I mentally stated knowing very well the threat behind what would come from Jacks mouth. "Allen ce qui il disent?" ("Allen what did he say?") It apparently stopped the automatic retort because dark eyes immediately snapped to mine with a slow smile crossing his lips.

"Le gars chercher le capitaine infâme Jack Sparrow ... le droit dangereux j'ai entendu." ("The lad be looking for the infamous captain Jack Sparrow...right dangerous I've heard.") It never ceased to amaze me how easily he could pick up languages and how thankfully he knew not to go to quick. "She's French speaking only." The officer nodded bowing in turn before his attention returned to Jack. "I am afraid I haven't seen this famous rogue…why do you ask?" he struggled a bit but managed to keep the aristocratic tone in his voice.

"We can't discuss this sir, but please keep yourself and lovely companion from the docks…the south end." He then took his unit and scurried off.

I felt my stomach lurch and felt Jacks hand tense within mine. "Bugger." He turned back the direction we had come from nearly colliding with several people before starting to lead us quickly back to the Black Pearl. "Lizzie and the Whelp are on their own for the moment I'm afraid." Grasping my skirt in my hand I followed him as fast as I could thankful that the corsets he helped me with weren't always breath taking tight like Elizabeth preferred.

"I hope they don't find the Empress too." I added watching him stop immediately within an alley and catch my wrist.

His dark stare was looking over the docks carefully deciphering the fact that there were several hidden soldiers and the crew had yet to notice them. "Ye wait here." I gave him an incredulous look. "Don't ye argue darling…ye are to stay put." Before I attempted to protest he left his jacket in my grasp and proceeded to do what he did best.

I stood there dumbstruck. Jack had left me like some common porcelain female in distress to go rescue the crew. This was not the same man I had been running around with for over six months, this was the type that fawned and fretted over the woman at his side. "What is going on with that man?" I wondered before reaching into my skirts and pulling out the dagger I had carefully strapped to my leg. I was not going to be without a weapon this time and had a feeling that maybe it would become useful. I hesitated in the alley, he had asked me to stay put and normally I would have did so but something was off with the EITC being so far out of their waters, somewhere Becket had to be pulling the strings.

I nearly felt my heart stop in my chest feeling a hand catch my shoulder, I whirled dagger leveled at my attacker and sighed in relief. "Liz." She put her finger gingerly to the dagger tip making it lower from her throat. "Where is Will?" she pointed towards the figure creeping along after Jack which made me breath in relief. "Good."

"Not really…Jack doesn't know Will is following and what exactly does he think he's doing?" she waved her hand in a scolding fashion before noticing the hidden soldiers. "Bloody hell."

"Yeah that's why he's down there…" I paused seeing her attention go north away from the Black Pearl. "…go check on the Empress, I will go keep our men from getting killed." I considered how often that worked. "I hope." With a meek smile she nodded slinking off down different alley's to get to her own ship.

--Jack's POV--

He paused nearly colliding with two guards and lowered quickly behind the crates that were engulfing him for the time being. Jack was still undetected but that didn't mean his luck would continue to hold out for very long. Carefully he maneuvered himself past more of the hidden men and flinched feeling a sharp object level into his back.

"I see I have a pirate." He didn't like the cocky sound of that voice, but wasn't about to move to quickly. "Up." Hissed the soldier watching Jack slowly rise and turn to face him. "Who are you?"

"He's a very good friend…Captain Jack Sparrow." Hissed Will slamming the end of his sword into the officers head knocking him unconscious. "What on earth are you doing Jack?"

Jack smirked broadly watching Will lower his sword to his side and scan the docks around them. "Warning me crew." He pulled out his sword in case more of the royal blighters had any ideas. "Nice work whelp." If looks could kill he would have been run through by Will's dark gaze.

Instead of arguing his point Will continued to follow after Jack hoping to keep himself and his pirate friend alive, otherwise he got the feeling Blair would probably run him through as well as beat Elizabeth for trying to stop her.

--Original POV--

I glanced down at the unconscious EITC man before my feet and shook my head; clearly those two were already finding trouble. Pausing considering my options I stooped collecting the sword from the man and continued to follow after pirate and black smith. "At least they won't do anything too stupid." I then thought of Will and decided that wasn't the most comforting thought quickly moving through the crates in hopes of finding them.

I found several more EITC members strewn across various areas, including some royal navy. I could hear voices ahead of me and hoped that it was who I was looking for; before I could get any further I heard a sharp tone that belonged to Will and Jack both. Each of them muttered something along the lines of 'bugger' which meant trouble.

"Two pirates?" Questioned the conceited navy officer, clearly he wasn't familiar with Will or we would all be in a mess.

Jack's dark gaze met mine before one of those know-it-all smirks crossed his face. "Aye…ye forgot one." For a moment the navy man appeared confused before feeling a blade leveled with his throat. "I told ye she be a pirate whelp." Will rolled his eyes watching as I slowly lowered my dagger kicking the man forward and watching Jacks sword handle come sharply down on the back of his neck.

"Clearly, but again Jack you're a bad influence on her." Will turned toward the Black Pearl and caught the attention of Anna-Maria who glanced around finally noticing the trouble. "Anders and Anna are warning Gibbs. We should meet up with Elizabeth on the Empress and get you two back on the Pearl." He added turning back toward the direction we had just managed to get away from.

Jack returned his coat and made himself presentable society again allowing Will to casually lead them along the docks, little suspicion on them for the moment thanks to all the officers around the docks. We went unnoticed until we were about three ships from the Empress and froze at a call. When in a pirate unfriendly port the word 'Pirates ahoy' no matter how corny it sounded was not good, contrary to belief the idiots weren't quite that stupid. We bolted immediately, especially when bullets streaked past making us pick up the pace.

It seemed no matter the port we ended up in we always found trouble. I wondered briefly if it was Jacks destiny to always be running and dodging danger, which brought back a familiar concern that I thought I demolished quit effectively. "Is this truly what I want?" I allowed the idea to shift around my head while keeping up with dodging bullets, officers and somehow managing to get close enough to see the Empress readying to leave. Jacks fingers entwined quickly with mine pulling me close to his side and picking up our pace again. "Yes." It was absurd but in truth I wanted nothing more than the man beside me, and those dark eyes I could loose myself in daily. A pirates' life was dangerous, full of adventure and mystery, but I would have him and that was what I needed most.

"Insanity." A word that would always describe me perfectly and one that my family commonly used to describe my best and worst traits. It didn't matter though because happiness is what I needed and within Jack that is what I had, the man and adventure I had craved all my life. "Why did my knight come dressed as a pirate?" I smirked at the idea of Jack in his usual pirate garb giving the armor a dark 'not happening' look and continued to focus on our safety ahead.

--Empress--

We were hauled onto the ship with effort thanks to my now soaked dress, Elizabeth refused to let me run around in my under dress due to her less than honorable men. I also had a feeling it might be because she was worried that Jack would take on her crew if they looked at me wrong. Feeling a two ton red dress was not my idea of fun, especially because it was much cooler near Ireland than back home in the Caribbean and I was about to catch a cold.

A blanket was wrapped firmly around me followed by warm arms. "Ye warm enough love?" I snuggled into his arms in response deciding I was better. "Lizzie…I be taking her over now, she's cold." Elizabeth nodded watching Jack lace his arm easily around my waist and my arms wrap around his neck.

"I trust you…but I don't like this idea." I added glancing down off the side of the Empress and groaning at the waters below.

"Ye afraid of heights love?" Will was beside us and at that chuckled.

"No she isn't…just memories of certain unpleasant landings and tangling mishaps are running through her brain." I gave will a scathing look before feeling my feet leave the ship and closing my eyes.

--Black Pearl--

Once my feet hit the familiar black deck I lowered my death grip from around his neck, feeling his arms tighten around my waist holding me close. "Gibbs, keep Lizzie in yer sights and give her the next coordinates that Anders has." He nodded watching him lift me into his arms and head straight for the cabin.

I was grateful to Jack right then, I was shivering like crazy and was seriously missing the heat of the Caribbean. My fingers felt numb and I heard my own teeth chattering, my toes and the rest of my body wasn't fairing much better. The gown I had on weighed a ton and was still dripping with seawater.

"Yer turning blue darling." I felt his arms lower the blanket from my shoulders shivering at the soft draft I felt from the movement. "Get out of those wet things now love." His tone was ordering but at that point I didn't care to argue.

I felt the dress loosen and proceeded to strip the wet garments rapidly, before feeling a warm silky material lifted over my head and snuggling into the dry outfit. "Thank you Jack." I listened to the whispery tone of my voice, shivering again before being pushed gently toward the bed.

I didn't take the time to see what he had put over me; I immediately slid into the blankets of the bed and wrapped myself up like a caterpillar in a cocoon. I listened hearing him shift around slamming a trunk shut, before walking over and sliding under the covers with me. He lifted me into his arms and wrapped both of us deep within the blankets. Slowly I could feel the heat returning to my body and nuzzled closer feeling drowsy and content.

I wasn't sure how long I had slept, but I was aware of soft breathing beside me and listened to the rhythmic sound of Jacks heart. I loved being close to him and thanked whomever saw this fit everyday to wake beside him, to be happy. "He's awake." I glanced up seeing half lidded dark eyes watching me and smiled softly.

"Ye feel better now love?" I nodded placing my hand gently on his chest and sliding up to be eye level with him. "Ye were turning blue and it worried me." I remembered feeling really cold and noticed the questioning look in his dark gaze.

"I've never been one to deal well with cold; I've always had a bit of trouble staying healthy." I could feel the soft flush to my face, but in favor of maintaining my dignity I leaned down resting my head on his shoulder.

I heard him readying to speak and again met his dark orbs. "A while ago back in Port Vayle…" he saw my curious look and wondered why he was bringing this up now, it wasn't like it wasn't a probability. "…ye used 'with child' to throw off Mercer and…" this time he did falter not sure he wanted an answer.

"Ah…" I smiled slightly before adjusting myself sitting up further and keeping my stare steady with his. "…I can't get pregnant." His brow quirked at this clearly confused. "This is going to be tricky…" I considered my world and his and tried to hopefully decipher a good explanation. "…they made this special birth control insert in my world, it prevents me from getting pregnant until I wish to do so. It's simple enough with minor risks and that's all there is to it." I didn't want to mention that my mother and grandmother had suggested this in case I did find my true love, because they wanted me to be truly happy and settled before going further with my life in such an important direction.

"Is there more to this?" I shook my head, I had no reason to lie to Jack about this and noticed his face contort again lost in thought. "So I did exactly what I thought…the first time ye came to me cabin back when…" I could feel the blush creeping clear to my roots; I didn't want him to figure that out and had hoped I concealed it enough.

"Enough heart to heart." I squeaked seeing that telltale smirk of his and wishing I could hide back under the covers.

"Not yet darling…why did ye?" I pretended to be dumb, this was a conversation that I didn't imagine having with Captain Jack Sparrow and didn't want to have. "Blair…why did ye try to hide the fact that ye gave me yer virginity, there's one way to tell and ye can't hide that love." This time I did sink down the bed and yank the covers over my head.

"Damn it…I knew that, but I didn't expect it to come up." If I had been cold earlier I was far from it now and it wasn't due to passion. "Pirate." I barely hissed ignoring the chuckle that followed wondering exactly how I was going to explain myself out of this hole I had dug. "Because I wanted to…

"There was no way ye knew that this would happen, ye knew me far to well for that love." I surrendered to the fact that this embarrassing conversation was not going to be left alone and would have to deal with the consequences of keeping this to myself. "Ye knew that I never stay with one woman and ye knew all about various instances in me past. Ye can't tell me ye were sure that somehow I might fall for ye and…

"I didn't really care." I finally managed noting him raise a brow. "A long story short…I didn't really expect anything to come of this. I figured Elizabeth had killed all of your feeling all together after the stunt she pulled. I had a memory and that was enough, at least until you stole my heart." His amused expression softened a chuckle offered at the red still seeping into my face.

"Aye but somehow ye got mine…and ye except me faults and all. This was not suppose to happen." I shrugged knowing he was right, but again everyone has to allow someone into their heart at least once no matter how impossible it may appear. "I would be admitting to the truth if I stated I was glad it happened, but I would be lying if I said I didn't want it to happen…I guess even I can't run forever, savvy?" again he used that silver tongue, confused me and I found myself nodding stupidly in agreement.

"You're complicated." His laughter was warm and brought a smile to my lips. "What is this?" finally I glanced down seeing I was wearing a silken outfit in oriental design and shifted to get a better look at the dark sapphire material with silver dragons.

"A kimono…I liked the color and it suited ye." I fingered the material again wondering what was going on.

According to everything the world knew of Captain Jack Sparrow he was a pirate that only loved his freedom, ship, and rum. Strangely enough though I was seeing more to the enigma that was a pirate and wondered if that was entirely true. He admitted to loving me and was slowly showing signs of such a factor even if he didn't go around advertising this. No matter how this went I was glad that I had gotten through to him and managed to get a part of him to belong to me like I allowed myself to belong to him.

He lifted an emerald from his side showing it to me and smirked at my shock. "The whelp found it and managed to bargain for it easily enough. He mentioned something about Lizzie threatening the individual and him giving it to her in place of loosing a valuable reproductive organ." He placed the gem in my open palm watching as I examined the jewel carefully before plopping it back into his hand. "Which element does this stand for?"

"Earth…I'm assuming a ruby will be for fire and a diamond will reflect wind. You have water, spirit and earth now." He lifted a familiar tattered book onto his legs and sat up against his bed. "Careful."

I wasn't sure what would happen when all of the gems were added to the book, but so far it had all been good for us and seemed to be changing the book from some evil looking thing to something almost calming. Slowly the book continued to regain its former luster, becoming stronger, the binding tighter, text within the pages clearer and finally the designs getting more definition but not enough to read the binding engraved text.

"Ye think air or fire will get us our answers?" I fingered the book briefly before meeting his intense stare.

From what we had seen of the book each gem added a new luster to the book, which meant more than likely only the completed gem diagram within the pentagram would reveal the secrets that lye within the pages of the powerful volume. This book belonged to someone very powerful a long time ago and also very kind. The feel that radiated from the book was calming; with a gentle almost caress that indicated nothing of harm.

"Most likely all of them…" I faltered seeing the ink shifting from a dreary black to a nearly deep blue. "…this had to belong to someone kind. Blue is a calming color and also reflects meditation, love, protection among other things. It's also considered the guardian of love, in a sapphire." I smiled noting the amused curl at the corner of his mouth and seeing that familiar teasing gleam in those dark eyes.

"Ye know too much about this." He placed aside the book pulling me into his arms and caressing my lips with his, hands easing across my body reigniting a familiar fire and need.

--Next Morning--

BANG

"Oiy!" I sat up at the sharp sound hearing Jack ungracefully crash to the floor with a muttered curse. "Bugger." He scrambled to his feet rushing to the exit nearly colliding with Anders. "What happened mate?"

"Pintel failed to listen to Ragetti…but there is not a hole in the ship, just a few blasted supplies." He grimaced at the dark look Jack offered, before he went off on one of his rants and rubbed his forehead trying to stop the threatening headache. "I'll have them clean up the mess and double their chores." He nodded waving Anders back off to do his duties before sighing miserably.

The door shut sharply before he resignedly sat down on the bed. "Those two are going to drive me insane with their lack of common sense." My hands come to rest on his shoulders, slowly digging into the muscles in an attempt to get him to relax.

"One you're already there and two…they're making it worse." I smiled at the indignant grunt I received before leaning down kissing along his neck, feeling my hair cascade down across his shoulder allowing my kiss to move further tugging gently at his ear lobe.

"Yer not helping my sanity either darling." He gave my hair a light tug, before tugging me around into his lap and kissing me softly, easily allowing his tongue to trace within my mouth. "Yer also a distraction yet again." I smiled warmly at those chocolate eyes wondering what was going on behind them.

"You keep changing all the time, just like the ocean you love. It's hard keeping up with you." I wasn't surprised to find myself slightly breathless, he had a way to always do that when it suited him.

"Aye…and ye aren't going to love." He kissed me again drawing away my breath. "But I don't plan on leaving ye behind either." He gently lifted me back onto the bed and went about getting dressed for his morning duties. "Ye stay in that for the day…savvy?" I quirked my brow glancing at the long slinky kimono.

"Do I have a choice?" His answer was a familiar impish grin and a tug at my hair. "Thought not." I sighed watching him take his leave before running my hair brush through my hair. "Sometimes he's completely insufferable." I smiled heading out to greet the day thankful it was steadily growing warmer, at least when we got home I would feel a bit better.

I felt a coat wrap around my shoulders the minute I was on deck, watching Jack swagger his way to the helm. He was already giving out orders leaving me to study the bluer ocean around us, the waves caressing the sides of the dark ship in a soothing consistent sound. "Home." I smiled at the thought, home away from home. My second home had become the Black Pearl and the man to steal me away was a pirate. I just hoped the governor didn't find out and Becket was scraped from our lives.

"Morning." I smiled at the familiar voice taking the warm liquid from Elizabeth's hands seeing she had already made her morning trip to the Pearl. "You look far too happy, what did he do this…" she stopped watching as I revealed my current attire and her eyes scanned the outfit with her mouth in an 'O' of surprise. "…Ah…that's unexpected."

"I know." I glanced up toward the helm seeing Jack's hands talking for him like always and that ever present grin on his face. "What's happening Liz?" her honey gaze looked more confused than my own probably did.

--Elizabeth's POV--

She shook her head her shoulders lifting in a defeated way, Elizabeth wasn't quite sure how to explain what was happening before her eyes. She had crushed Jack Sparrow and thought him completely lost, yet her best friend miraculously seemed to get him back. In all the time she had known Blair she had never seen this coming. Her knowledge of the occult matters and magic fascinated her, somehow though she had used those ideas to help her. She brought the pirate back and shown him she was nearly as bad as he was, except she was far too nice for her own good.

--Original POV--

"You proved to be much like the sea he loves…" Elizabeth glanced over seeing Will was working when he still needed his rest. "…you proved to be a pirate at heart and challenged him all the way. Maybe that is all that was needed for him to find someone." She grasped her exit making her way back to the Empress and leaving me there to stare after her still confused.

"Riddles are all I seem to get out of this whole mess." Shrugging considering my options I started to wander the deck of the Black Pearl. My current attire was not going to help me do any sort of work; allow me to retreat to the crows nest; I was left to think and roam the ship lost in those thoughts. During most of my walk I had become conscious of fingering the coat draped around my body, and my fingers running along the silk kimono I wore.

I finally realized that I was wearing Jacks own coat and found the familiar compass present in the pocket. With care I lifted the object into my hands and allowed the arrow to spin, it finally froze in one direction and I lifted my eyes to find Jack heading toward me. "I guess the heart can't lie." Gently I replaced the compass in the pocket of his coat and settled myself at the railing. I smiled recalling my first encounter with the good captain at this railing and glanced down my eyes closing relishing the cool wind whipping at my body.

Jack allowed his stare to settle on me with a soft smile. "Ye love the ocean far too much love." I met those dark orbs a slow grin taking over my lips.

"True…but I had a good influence in that area." I offered my hand watching his fingers gently curl around pulling me to his side. "You did this on purpose." I lifted the compass to his other hand watching his gaze follow the arrow a smug look crossing his face.

"Prove it." He snapped the object closed returning it to his side and pulling me into his arms. "The next stop is Port Royal I'm afraid." I frowned seeing he was very serious. "It is because of things getting serious with Becket. Elizabeth has been keeping in touch with one of her trusted maids. He's slowly regaining his standings and things are getting a bit tricky." I grumbled snuggling into his chest wishing that man had been blown out of the water like in the third movie.

"Damn it." His laughter reminded me exactly how easily I amused him. "That means…what are you going to do while we are there?" I saw his dark gaze lower at this; he was hiding behind that familiar barrier again. "Oh."

His stare flickered to mine seeing a sad smile offered. "Oh? Is that all ye have to offer darling?" I made a face at his mocking tone before swatting at his chest. "We will be setting off for Tortuga and back within a week to pick ye, and the Turners up again. I don't plan on getting the other gems without yer help." I leaned into his arms smiling thankful he had no intention of just running off to complete the adventure on his own.

"Good." I didn't like the idea of being without him for a week because I had went through that before, this time it was on better terms but still not pleasant. "How long before you set sail again while we're in Port Royal?"

"A day." I grimaced realizing why he would vanish so quickly, the area around there was probably crawling with EITC and Royal Navy. "I promise to leave ye some pleasant memories." Before I could comment his fingers gently laced in my hair drawing me into a deep kiss.

The long days spent on the Pearl seemed too short for my liking, but I had one consolation in the whole thing, we were still stopping in Tortuga for supplies before getting back to propriety. I could rough house all I wanted in Tortuga and spend the remaining few days with my friends and the person I really did love. Norrington would again be a thorn in my side and I would have to deal with governor Swann but things could be much worse. I got lucky and could stay with Elizabeth giving Jack a better vantage of staying with me before he had to leave.

BANG

"Home." I turned to the amused tone seeing Anna-Maria's eyes were excited watching Tortuga coming closer. "Ye thin so lass?"

"Aye." I smiled seeing her approving grin before she rushed off to find Anders. "Better than home actually." I offered my voice barely above a whisper feeling the wind picking up and already hearing the familiar sounds of the town.

--Jack's POV--

"She's melancholy Jack." Slowly dark eyes turned watching his first mate closely. "Tha girl be thinkin…I be sure it isn a good thin." He noted the strange expression Jack offered at this before nodding waving him away.

He stood there while the ship drew into the docks, watching her standing there almost lost among the town ahead of them. A slip of a smile curled at his lips before faltering into a considering frown. "Mate…she has ye doesn't she?" Anders's voice nearly made Jack fly over the railing.

"Don't do that mate." He growled ignoring the dark mirth filled eyes watching him intently. "Ye be daft Anders…no woman has me." He stated with defiance in his voice, the only problem was even he could here the falter within his own tone. "I'm Captain Jack Sparrow…

"And ye found a woman that can take ye no matter what. Ye can't stop thinking about her for some bloody reason mate. Ye know as well as I do ye won't allow any of the Tortuga wenches to warm yer bed again. She got past those blocks ye have had for years." Anders saw the first sign of panic at his words and lifted his hands already calming one of Jacks tirades.

Hissing through his teeth Jack slowly turned to face his long time friend, even though he had never trusted anyone until he let a woman get past those 'barriers' he had treasured. "Ye keep that quiet. I've not gone soft." He started to exit the upper decks ready for Tortuga.

"Ye don't have to be soft to allow someone like her into yer heart Jack. Even I think she has something special about her, otherwise Elizabeth wouldn't have brought her into her mess and you would have still let Dexter have them both. Yer a pirate…no matter what anyone says, ye just have a kinder streak than most." With finality in his voice he passed Jack readying himself for the trip into Tortuga as well.

"Why does he get to me?" Jack allowed his gaze to level on Anders before noticing Gibbs smiling with a knowing look. "Gibbs too…bloody hell." Taking a glance at a familiar compass in his hand he nearly growled, yet his face turned into a soft grin. "Perhaps this isn't a bad thing?" quickly he snapped closed the object carefully maneuvering himself behind her.

He watched her stand on tiptoe laughing at familiar antics, already clearly excited to be back in the town her best friend loathed. He tried not to focus on how happy she sounded, how he could easily curl his fingers through that golden hair and lead her into bliss with one soft kiss. She was his and he could feel it each time they touched, it unnerved him to have something so unique in his grasp and yet nothing he did would deter her away from him.

--Original POV--

"Liz…what on earth?" I watched Elizabeth easily make a graceful landing to the docks below, before falling flat on her ass glaring up at Will who had better luck. "You claim I'm graceful?" I called out teasingly watching the birdie greet me in response. "Bad Lizzie."

"Watch it!" Elizabeth called honey eyes meeting mine before a sly grin crossed her face.

"I hate that look." I whispered feeling the skin on my neck prickle, I felt strong arms wrap around my waist before grasping onto Jack feeling us swinging down from the Pearl. "Pirate."

"Always." He grinned cockily loosening his grasp long enough for me to turn narrowed eyes on him. "Ye ready for adventure?"

Elizabeth groaned giving Jack a look that clearly stated she had her fill of adventure for a while. "No adventure…drinks, fun, and relaxation." She replied firmly before lifting a scolding finger towards us both.

"In Tortuga?" Will asked with a slight amused exasperation in his voice.

"Bugger it all." Elizabeth turned tugging along Will who was gleefully grinning at her agitation.

Instead of commenting I grasped Jack's hand and followed after them nearly tugging him onto his face. His chuckle made me halt in my excitement before we both kept pace with the others walking through the dirty streets, ducking drunks, wenches, flying objects, and previous women that Jack had encountered.

CRACK

Will froze grasping his cheek in surprise. "That's for that pirate when ye find him." Stated Scarlet before prancing off her nose in the air.

"Why do I have to accept that for him?" Will turned giving me a once over before smiling. "Because it's worth it to see you turn red with jealousy." I started to chase after him feeling two arms wrap around my waist stopping me in my tracks.

Jack kept his grasp tight before watching the couple disappear. "He is right…yer just so endearing when ye get mad over yers truly." I knew I was not going anywhere and finally relaxed against him. "Ye red love?"

Instead of giving him the answer he wanted I tugged free from his grasp and started after the others. I was sure the streets were unnervingly packed with bodies that night, none of them appeared threatening but recent events in Tortuga had me edgy. I stopped wincing when a drunk fell several feet from above with a loud thud, watching him groan before rolling over into a deep snooze. I also heard a defined crack behind me turning to see Jack covering his cheek glaring after a woman disappearing in a red dress. I continued on my way used to the fact that he wouldn't be able to avoid them all and someday I would probably have to start dodging those violent smacks.

I felt a grip on my arm and tried to shake it off but it only tightened in response. "Let go J…" if my life was complicated before it had just gotten considerably worse. "J-James?" a quick scan of the area showed me that Jack was nowhere to be seen which was a relief on my part.

Norrington's grip faltered recognizing the woman before him with surprise and a slow puzzled look. "Blair?" I felt like running screaming in hopes to pretend it wasn't me he was holding in place. "What…" he faltered scanning the area around them withdrawing into the shadows of a building noticing some of his less than pleasant allies in his search for the Pirate Captain. "…what are you doing here and where are the Turners?"

"This is part of our stops." I offered feeling like my world had just come to an abrupt halt.

Norrington's grip slowly relented, before his eyes turned cold and the grip reaffirmed. "You were calling off that miserable pirate." His voice was like frost on a winter's night and I felt worse by the second. "You've been parading around on a ship with the Turner's and that…that scum." I removed his arm rather forcefully before reflex took over.

CRACK

"He isn't scum." I rasped harshly noticing his eyes widen considerably at my actions. "He's more tolerable company than some you associate with." I firmly turned away starting toward the tavern where I hoped I might run into Jack so we could clear out fast.

"You would defend a pirate." He stated the sentence with such disdain I turned narrowing my gaze hatefully at him.

"To hell and back." I retorted easily loosing him in the many alleys hoping that Jack was still safe.

I was yanked into an alley feeling a hand firmly cupping my mouth, I felt my heart drop already getting unpleasant images floating in my mind and the danger I was in. Norrington passed just within earshot but I had no way of calling out for his help and felt the grip on me tighten almost in warning.

Once Norrington was clear I heard a muffled sigh of relief into my neck and shivered. "That was bloody close." I allowed my iron rod body to relax recognizing the voice belonging to Jack. "Ye told him off good…ye better hope he doesn't tell anyone I'm here though." I turned seeing a mix of relief, amusement, and concern in his expression.

"He won't…I don't think he liked me comparing him to Becket." His finger gently caressed my cheek before he nodded seeing there wasn't much else to do but clear out fast.

I followed him quickly through the alleys of Tortuga growing more troubled with the appearance of Norrington. It meant that things were also getting worse in Port Royal if he was so cautious of the EITC that assisted him. I hoped that Governor Swan was doing alright and knew as much as I hated the idea; we had no choice but to go there for a while. "James is going to kill Jack if he finds him." I knew that for a fact because in those cold eyes something seemed to click and it made my skin crawl to think of his assumptions.

Jack hauled us both into a darkened corner near the back entrance of the "Faithful Bride" keeping his grasp with mine before dodging around in the shadows. Elizabeth and the others were talking; laughing acting like the world was alright. I got a sinking feeling that the world wouldn't be alright at all now that Norrington knew we were among the pirate town and Jack was somehow involved. I allowed my thoughts to dwindle deeper into dark images feeling all my excitement fade into the caverns of despair licking at my heels.

Fingers gently lifted my chin to meet dark eyes. "Ye knew this would be hard love…" he ignored the sinking feeling he had watching her eyes soften watching him closely. "…do ye want me to leave and stay gone?"

"Not if you value your personal well being Jack. We will deal with one problem at a time, if we let them all pile up both of us are going to go off the edge." His mischievous smirk made me again smile, sometimes he was just too amusing for his own good. "Let's find them and get the hell out of…oh crap." Norrington had already made himself part of the tavern, eyes scanning for Elizabeth and Will both.

I grabbed a wench on her way past, while Jack persuaded her to assist us which even in the current situation got me just a little hot under the collar. A few minutes later Elizabeth and Will both were ducking into the shadows leaving the rest of the crew with them to bolt back to the Black Pearl, this was not going to be a good night. She stopped spotting us hiding in the shadows and yanked Will after her, ignoring his startled sound before both of them stumbled into the beam beside us.

"Pleas tell me that was a bloody sick joke." Elizabeth snapped her honey eyes hardening in fear, and anxiety.

I shook my head pointing directly to Commodore Norrington carefully searching the tavern, eyes fixated on every person that passed him. "Nope…" I explained my encounter which only seemed to make Elizabeth fret more, brushing at her clothes and meeting Wills sick looking expression. "…we need to get out of here."

Will wasn't arguing with either of us and followed after Jack who was tugging me along with him. We made several turns, dodging various red coats, and EITC members. Luck seemed to be on our side just barely missing Mercer and his current lackeys, I could feel Elizabeth's breath behind me wanting to calm her but knowing better than to stop. Finally the Black Pearl was in sight and thankfully nearly ready to leave, no navy or EITC in sight just yet. The four of us hauled tail to the docks and up onto the ship, Jack immediately ordering our departure keeping those dark orbs heavily on Tortuga for signs of trouble and any of the ships after us.

--In Jacks Cabin--

I watched Elizabeth pace while ranting away to her hearts content; watching Will keep his eyes on the Empress who was still following close by awaiting the captain still pacing before us both. I didn't ever remember Elizabeth being quite this worried, which was probably the understatement of a lifetime in knowing her. She was fretting over her father and on how we were getting back into Port Royal without both ships being caught. Jack was still outside keeping a sharp eye out for trouble, I could still hear him calling out orders hoping that nothing was going to attack the ships at this time.

Finally Will spoke up among the silence smothering us. "James will surely tell Becket of his discovery." Elizabeth let out a despairing sound at that flopping to the floor in defeat. "This will surely get us all in trouble and Jack hung." At that I winced meeting his dark eyes with boldness.

"Like hell he will." Will started to protest my outburst but froze. "Norrington was furious when I compared him to Becket…he has his own agenda and it doesn't coincide with that heartless bastard." I considered the coldness I had been greeted with when standing up for Jack. "He does hate Jack though…probably loathes me for defending him as well." I flicked the invisible lint from my clothing, brushing the soft texture of the tan pants and blue tunic I wore, I missed the Kimono safely tucked away.

"Does he know you're in love with Jack?" Elizabeth lifted herself to her feet taking a few steps toward me, her honey eyes begging me to tell her the truth this time for both our sake.

"No." I thought over what happened during our confrontation. "Not yet he doesn't…but he may piece it together eventually." All of us turned seeing Jack wearily sulk into the cabin making himself comfortable at his desk and grabbing a bottle of rum. "No sign of the other ships?"

"None." Jack took a long drink eyes focusing on the three almost frightened people before him. "What ye three been discussing?" Will went into the rather long explanation leaving Elizabeth and I to study each other lost in our own dark thoughts. "That could be considered a complication as it were." I saw those dark eyes lower in thought wondering what was going through his mind.

"James loves her." I grimaced turning to give Elizabeth the darkest glare possible. "Before leveling that look on me, let me try and explain…" Jack seemed interested but I wasn't thrilled with her tone. "…He wanted you to marry him, if he knew how much you cared for Jack it could convince him to help us remove Becket from power again." Both Jack and I shared a skeptical look, before scoffing at her plan.

"Or he will do more than hang him. Liz…I saw James's eyes, he hates, and I mean truly hates Jack…" I watched her eyes narrow coming to her own conclusions before interrupting her thoughts. "…if he knew how much I cared it wouldn't take him much to attempt to skin Jack alive or worse." Jack took an excessively long drink of his rum, flinching at the imagery I had just provided.

"Yer great with words darling." Will cringed at the sarcasm in his voice; clearly Jack was in agreement with me. "Ye didn't need to be so graphic." He added sipping more of his rum.

Elizabeth glanced between the three in the room with her and sighed. "I hate when she's right too Jack, especially now." I started to mull over other options, while she fidgeted biting her lip.

"James isn't stupid…he wants to get rid of Becket. We just have to keep Jack under wraps for now. Any suggestions?" Will and Elizabeth both contemplated plans and each in turn got a familiar evil grin. "Guys…what are you two thinking?" Jack didn't like those looks either and watched me quickly walk around behind him letting my hands rest on his shoulders.

"Your world." Elizabeth murmured in excitement before yanking Will with her toward the door. "Wait here I have an idea and we need to give orders to the Empress." Before I could question further or Jack they were gone with a slam.

"Yer world?" I glanced down seeing his eyes were locked with mine worriedly.

"I hope they aren't thinking what I think they're thinking…if I think they're thinking right?" I confused myself unsure of what they were up to, but knew Elizabeth and Will with those looks. Those looks meant anything could happen.

We both studied the cabin door quietly; he continued to drink his rum occasionally watching me swipe one in between his. The tension was thick and growing to irritate me. Elizabeth and Will were gone for nearly three hours before both of us considered going to find them and both jumped when the door burst open.

"We have it!" Elizabeth cried excitedly watching both of us relax.

"You'll get it." I warned sitting down on the edge of Jacks desk watching his expression darken in agreement with my comment.

"Elizabeth has the perfect plan." I snorted at the idea of perfect plan, that was never one of Elizabeth's strongest points and Will had usually come up with the brilliant ideas.

Elizabeth made a face at my lack of confidence. "Great friend you are." She quipped watching Will smirk before she proceeded to go over an elaborate plan on how Jack was someone from my world and I had fallen in love with him, failing to mention this from my times back in her world.

"How do ye plan to make this work?" I shook my head already worrying over the gleeful look in her expression.

"Cleaning you up…like the person who played your part in her world!" I winced already disliking the plan, I wanted Jack to stay as he was and no one would buy his façade in my world, there were several flaws already.

"Bad idea." Elizabeth gave me a look but slowly I listed of my reasoning watching her face fall, before she huffed muttering about spoiling her brilliant ideas. "Don't be so grouchy…I didn't say it was a horrible plan, just wouldn't work." She nodded in agreement knowing I was right.

"But if we used your world techniques…we could fool them. Where's that obsessive makeup stash you never use?" I could have killed Will for pointing out my lack of use of feminine beauty products. "What…you know just as well as he does you don't use them." I glanced down seeing Jack was confused again.

"The things that the whores use in our world is actually ok in hers and she has a lot of the stuff….never touches it though." Elizabeth explained watching Jacks brows raise turning to eye me again.

"That be a good thing…I would have tossed her overboard to get rid of it." I gave him a dark warning look knowing he was not joking, but the idea of his threat brought a sort of warm feeling. He seemed to gather where this was going and his eyes widened like saucers. "No yer not putting that woman's powder and stuff on me Lizzie." He stood already making his way to the exit, startled when Anders blocked his exit.

"If ye want to have yer way with this mess…ye will do it…" Anders was level with Jack his voice completely lowered so only Jack could here. "…ye will do it to keep her and be able to stay with her during this stop off…aye?" with the evilest look Jack had ever managed he nodded conceding to Anders amusement for the time being.

"You want to turn him into one of those white wigged, lack of humor, pompous, ignorant, jerk-offs?" Jack burst out laughing watching Elizabeth's mouth gape in surprise at my lack of conviction to the idea. "Yuck."

"What choice do we have…unless you would prefer to have James constantly convincing you to marry him?" Will made too good of a point.

Jack cleared his throat apparently coming up with his own argument. "Ye be forgetting Becket…as much as I would like to state the opposite, that man isn't that stupid." I could see that dark look, the anger hidden there and knew Jack was forcing himself to be as polite as possible for the moment.

"Aye…true." Anders agreed with Jack knowing the truth of the matter.

Both Will and Elizabeth looked totally crushed at this obvious fact, it wasn't fair for all their great ideas to blow up so easily. "Blair?" I watched Elizabeth curiously. "What did that character you liked so much in that army show basically define for you with his makeup and antics?"

I knew who she was referring too but winced not wanting to admit it. "This is different Liz." Will also joined in with his own risen brow. "He used the makeup to hide under his enemy's nose, but that was TV this is very different and….

"Isn't that half the fun?" Will cut me off watching me closely. "You spent far too much time not to know some tricks of that trade; you and Elizabeth both did that acting student study for the last six summers. I'm sure you are both capable of fooling Becket working together on Jack." Elizabeth grinned already rifling through the bag she had packed of mine; she obviously liked my unused collection of makeup far too much.

"Jack is not going to cooperate or…

"Ye know love…this might be interesting." Instead of conceding that Anders had won, he carefully used his own skills to claim the idea all his own. "If things go wrong…we'll have an escape proof plan, savvy?" I could have punched him for cooperating with something so stupid.

"I'm out voted." I surrendered helping Elizabeth collect the makeup and hoped that this stupid idea would work out somehow.