Newer version of Being a Sparrow. I'll leave that one up for a while, but I've been working on this mainly.

Chapter 1: Captain Jack

William Turner saw a familiar figure sneaking his way through a crowd of people and followed him.

"Jason."

The ten-year-old flinched and turned around slowly, stiff and cautious. His chocolate brown eyes scrutinizing him before his posture relaxed. The older boy had noticed the boy's posture and how his eyes had darted for an exit. It wasn't his usual look. The boy had never looked so anxious before.

"Oh, it's you, Will." He breathed and the fight or flight look went away. Will's concern grew at that. "Thought you were someone else." He continued and leaned against a nearby post. He appeared tired, his clothing rumpled and worn. "You look nice. Taking Norrington's new sword up to the Governor's house?"

"Yes." Will nodded and then frowned, stepping closer. "What are you doing out here this early? I thought you'd be at home sleeping in."

Jason's painfilled eyes darted away and then back again, blinking the hurt away before Will could speak.

"Josie died." He croaked. For a moment, he sounded very upset, but his face never showed it.

The blacksmith's shoulders sagged. "Oh...I'm so sorry. Last night?"

"No. Last week..." He trailed off, not offering anything more to it.

Will's brow furrowed. "What? Why didn't you say anything? Is that why I haven't seen you in a while?"

"Fred didn't want me out of the house." Jason said with a roll of his eyes and fiddling with something around his neck as he shrugged. "But he's going to the big todo for Norrie at the Fort today. So, I'm off to the docks to watch the ships. My usual day, just earlier."

Will wasn't sure what to make of that. Fredrickson had shown up one day near Josephine's house, claiming to be her friend who heard she was sick. Will hadn't thought much of that story and he barely saw Jason outside much after he moved in with them. The boy started behaving oddly after the first week and he never quite understand why.

"Jason...are things okay at home?"

The boy nodded. "Perfectly fine. I've just been busy."

"You haven't come to see me in a while."

"Busy."

"Jason-" He started to reprimand, but the boy speedily interrupted him.

"Don't you have a sword to deliver? Better hurry. It'll be time for the ceremony soon."

Will scowled as the boy darted away and then sighed heavily. He was going to get to the bottom of the oddness, one way or another. Jason had been his friend since the boy had learned to walk and talk. Josephine had been good friends with Mr. Brown before he became his rum drinking self. So, Will had taken the child under his wing, teaching him how to handle a sword, while Jason taught him all he knew about sailing, which was quite a lot for a young boy who had never stepped foot on a ship before. They had been almost like brothers...until the year the Josephine got sick.

He barely saw the spunky child anymore and even less when Fredrickson had appeared. A feeling of dread came to Will's gut every time he thought of it. There was something going on that Jason wasn't telling him, the boy's friendliness and energetic nature seemed dimmed. And judging by the conversation he had just had with the boy, things weren't good. Looking up at the mansion, he sighed and started walking again. He'd have to wait until later to talk to him.

Jason's plan was a simple one, stowaway onboard and then jump ship at the first port he arrived at wherever it may be. Then hopefully find a way to Tortuga. With Port Royal being the biggest supplier of trades in the Caribbean, ships came and went almost daily. Today was no exception with the number of ships that were moored at the harbor. Jason had examined each one to see if there was plenty of space for him to hideout for a long time if need be.

He had already decided that the cargo ships were a definite no. What many people didn't know about cargo ships was that some of them sailed to the Black Market. He had heard the cries from the poor individuals that were forced into slavery and it frightened him to think that he might accidently get on the wrong ship. Not that anyone would care...not anymore.

The Dauntless would have to do. It was a fine ship, not as fast as the Interceptor, but it was a nice ship all the same.

A shadow fell over his face in seconds.

"You...little...thieving...runt..." An out of breath voice snarled from above.

He opened an eye. The one that didn't have a sore bruise underneath it and spotted his opponent, leaning his slightly overweight self against a post as he wiped a great deal of sweat from his balding head.

"Oh, it's you." The ten-year-old said dryly and got to his feet.

"You just wait until I get my hands around that scrawny little neck."

"Good luck." He turned and ran, darting around the wheezing man.

"You little...Get back here!" He snarled and gave chase. Jason sprinted faster, knowing that he was pressing his luck for sure. If Fredrickson caught him, not only would he get another beating, but he'd probably be dead. That didn't sit well with his plans of escape.

The boy was nearly out of breath, his legs burning from the sprinting he had been doing. Looking around, he spotted a few barrels in a nearby alley and ran for them.

"You little devil, come back here! I'll teach you to steal from me!"

The man chasing him was his supposed guardian. Called himself, Fredrickson. The man had pretended to know Josephine and to care for him like she had, but then, Josie had died. The man had a hidden violent side and his demeanor had changed almost instantly the moment Josie had been buried. Jason suspected her death was no accident and it filled his gut with more guilt for leaving her to deal with him by herself.

Jason hadn't thought he'd chase him this long. He had hoped the man would have given up about now, but alas, here they were still going through the town.

After a long while, his "guardian" was finally going back up the street, muttering curses as he stomped away. Sighing with relief, Jason slowly went to the barrels, climbing up. Halfway up, he felt his foot slip and he groaned as he fell off the middle barrel, causing the rest of them to fall. He hit the cobblestoned ground hard enough to wind him and he coughed in air, before scrabbling up from the busted wood. Luckily for him, they were empty and not full of rum or ale which would be sticky and ran hard to run through.

Unlucky for him, was that the noise caught the retreating man's attention and now he was stuck between the chubby, red-faced man and the stone wall behind him.

"Aha! Thought you could get away did you, you little runt!?" He snarled, swaying slightly and clenching his fists. He was itching to get his hands back on him.

"I'm going to beat you black and blue! Give you another taste of the belt!"

"Who me?" Jason said, shrugging and eyeing the nearest barrel, he could tell it was full of fish and could see the top was askew. Further up was a small ledge, with a partially open window. Smiling, he turned his full attention to the man in front of him. "All right you found me. Now you gotta catch me."

In the next second, he ran to his left and grabbed the edge of the half-open barrel launching himself upward and pushing down at the same time. The barrel tilted splashing sea water as it slowly tilted forward. Jumping up, he used his feet and kicked the barrel the rest of the way over as his fingers grabbed hold of a ledge.

For a moment he dangled there, glancing down below him at the man who was slipping and sliding on slimy fish. Smirking, he swung up and climbed into the building, pushing the window further open.

To his amazement, it was full of boxed up goods, a storage room. Jason ran through the room and threw open the next window. He looked down, unsurprised to find the street busy down below. Glancing to his right, he saw a flag jutting out from a crevice in the wall. The flag of Port Royal port. He didn't waste any time and got out onto the windowsill crouching there for a moment and trying to calculate the best approach. A shout came from directly below him and he glanced down. Frederickson, now wet and fuming more than before, was jabbing at him with a thick finger, pointing him out to a guard.

"Hey, you!" The guard called out, holding out his bayonet in warning. One guard always meant more and it wouldn't be hard to pull some from Norrington's ceremony.

Grimacing, he turned and made his decision rapidly. Leaping from the window, he grabbed the edge of the flag and swung out over the street below. The flag ripped mid-swing and he dropped down into a passing cart. He grinned at his luck and waved to Frederickson and the guard as the cart, unaware of the passenger, disappeared around the next corner. He wasted no time in leaping off the cart and running up the next street, using paths that he had discovered years ago to keep off the main road.

Glancing at the sun and then at the high battlements at the top of the cliffs, he knew he better move quickly. The precession was about to begin and as soon as it was over, more people would come pouring back into town. People he'd rather avoid. Like the huffing and puffing fellow he'd left behind.

He walked toward the end of the harbor, slinging a bag over his shoulder as he did. The few coins he had stolen from his "caretaker", jingled as it hit his back and it made him smile again. Soon he'd be free of the island, free of Fredrickson and his stupid belt, and free of... The smile fell off his face. Well, not free of guilt. Part of him thought he should try to tough it out with old Fred. Half the time he didn't know why he got a beating. Even when he did nothing wrong, he got one. His back still hurt from the last time. But he had been there when Josie had died. He had taken over the house when she got sick. And Jason he recently relieved him of some coin. There was no going back now.

Jason slowed his walking and kicked absently at a rock. Josie...Why'd you have to leave me? Tears stung his eyes and he hastily wiped them away with a frown, feeling foolish. Josephine was gone and that was that, no use crying over it. There was nothing left for him here and he had to leave. Maybe it would help the guilt he felt at leaving her all alone while she was sick if he no longer had to look at the house. Hoisting the bag higher, he kept walking to where the Dauntless was docked.

The small boy turned toward the bridge that separated the docks from the town, leaping over the edge when he reached the far side and ducking down to avoid being seen. Hiding under the plants near the ramp to one of the ships furthest from the main port, he caught his breath. Hoping that no one had seen him. After a while, he stood and then panicked as a rock slid out from under his foot. With a yelp, he tumbled head over heels the rest of the way down the rocky hill, cursing as he went. Green plants and grey/brown rocks blurred in his vision as he tumbled and as he reached the very bottom, he slammed into something rather hard as he came to sudden stop.

Captain Jack Sparrow looked from one solider to the other as they approached him. One was stocky and short and the other was tall and thin. The two looked like they could be easily confused and distracted which was what Jack had been hoping for. There was no reason to draw his blade and attract too much attention to himself. All he was here for was a ship and a crew. If he could manage it. So far, his luck hadn't been so good.

"What's that noise?" One of them asked and indeed there was an odd noise behind him.

"Ow, ouch!"

Jack turned his head at the sound of some thing or someone rolling in the bushes and it slammed into his legs, causing him to take a few steps forward from the impact. Behind him, the two soldiers were staring in confusion and were leaning around him for a better look. He turned all the way around to see for himself and looked down. A young boy, with dark brown hair so dark it was almost black and stuck out every which way, was sprawled on his backside, rubbing his head. A bag next to the boy spilled and several coins landed on the dock. Hm, now what does a boy need with all that?

Jason felt dizzy and slowly rubbed the back of his head as his world stopped spinning. Patting his side, he looked wildly around before finding his bag and shoving the coins back into it as fast as he could. While he was doing so, he noticed a pair of age worn leather boots before him and slowed his efforts. He stiffened at the sight of the age worn boots and he slowly glanced up. He felt his jaw slacken briefly before he could stop it. A pair of kohl rimmed brown eyes were twinkling with bemusement at him. A pirate! A real pirate!

Said pirate had long dreadlocked dark brown hair that looked almost black in some places and had various trinkets braided into it, a tri-corner hat with a red bandana peeking out from under it and his beard was braided into two braids with beads in it like his hair. His clothing consisted of a blue waist coat with an off-white shirt beneath, brown breeches, and a colored scarf around his middle like a belt.

While Jason was examining the pirate, Jack was doing the same to the boy. He guessed the boy to be around nine or ten, though it was hard to tell because the child was short, scrawny and he looked like he had just gotten through rolling through plants. Which he had. The boy had chocolate brown eyes that were wide in excitement and a bit of fear as he looked up at Jack in awe. A small white scar that went from his left ear to the bottom of his chin and of course that was hard to see as well, but the boy had tanned skin much like most who live near the sea. However, there was something very familiar about him. So familiar that it was driving him crazy trying to think of why.

The boy had a dark red vest over a white shirt and brown breeches which were a bit large on his skinny frame, and a pair of black boots.

"Here." Jack offered a hand to the boy, expecting him to take it.

Jason frowned suspiciously when the pirate offered him a partially gloved hand (his sword hand). There weren't many adults he trusted. Those who appeared friendly often weren't, like Fredrickson and he wanted to kick himself for bumping into this pirate who probably would try to kill him. He had heard so many stories...but despite that, he wasn't afraid of pirates. Caution still needed to be had, so he didn't take the offered hand.

Jack watched the boy glare at his hand as if he had just offered him a snake instead. His dark eyes looked at him hard, distrust deeply rooted in them. Not fear, but wariness. Someone had obviously hurt this boy. He then noticed the darkened bruise under his right eye, like someone had taken a swing at him.

"Easy, lad." He said softly, trying not to frighten him, though the kid looked ready for a fight. "'m not gonna hurt ya."

Jason grew confused at the pirate's words and his face softened just a tad. Jack gave a tiny smile at the puzzled look on the boy's face.

"What are you doing out here, kid?" Murtogg asked from behind Jack and he turned to look at the uniformed men before glancing back at the stunned boy who was now standing back up. "And where'd you come from?" Jack turned too in interest.

Jason thought quickly on his feet, trying to ignore the stares from the three men in front of him. He was still in a bit of shock at seeing a pirate up close and personal and the pirate had spoken to him no less. He had to remember his mission though, to get far, far away from Frederickson and off to sea.

"Well…Lt. Gillette sent me to inspect the ship, sir. Make sure it's spick and span from top to bottom." He saluted them and then flashed a grin he hoped would work.

Jack arched an eyebrow at the boy, he could sense a little fib being told, and hid a smirk at how convincing the lad sounded. Jason caught sight of gold in the pirate's quick smile before he focused on Mullroy and Murtogg again. "Are you guys going to make me run all the way back up there?" The boy pointed up at the cliffs with big eyes and Murtogg shook his head.

"No, you can go ahead." He stated and Mullroy gave his partner a look.

"No, no he can't." Mullroy stated and Murtogg looked at him. Jason rolled his eyes. Well, there goes that plan. He'd have to think of something else.

"But Gillette-" Murtogg began and got cut off.

Mullroy pointed at Jack and Jason. "This dock is off limits to civilians. Including smallish ones." Jason scowled at that.

"Terribly sorry, I didn't know." The pirate said, looking innocently around. "If I should see one, I shall inform you immediately." He took a step and the men faltered a moment before blocking him again. Jack looked at the boy who was trying not to laugh. "Have you seen one?" Jason shook his head, hiding a grin at the pirate.

"No, definitely not."

"Apparently, there appears to be some sort of high-toned and fancy to do eh?" Jack tried again. "Now how is it that two fine, upstanding gentlemen such as yourselves not merit an invitation?"

"Someone has to make sure this dock stays off limits to civilians." Murtogg answered.

"A fine, goal to be sure." Jack agreed. "But is seems to me that," He gestured towards the Dauntless. "A ship like that. Makes this one here a bit…Eh…What's the word? A bit super-eh, super-"

"Superfluous?" Jason provided and ducked his head when eyes landed on him, choosing to stare at his boots.

"Aye, lad." Jack smiled, wondering how such a small boy knew that word. Smart kid. "That's the one. Superfluous."

Murtogg puffed out his chest, glad to talk about the ship. "Ah, the Dauntless is a power in these waters true enough, but there's no ship that can match the Interceptor for speed." He said proudly and Jack suddenly looked thoughtful. Jason, glad to not be under scrutiny anymore, just watched the scene play out before him, wondering what this pirate was up too and whether or not he should go find a new place to hide. If the pirate wanted that same ship it may not be good to be on it with him. No matter how oddly the pirate acted.

"I've heard of one." Jack announced, holding up a finger in thought and he made sure everyone, the boy included, was looking at him. "It's supposed to be very fast. Nigh catchable. The Black Pearl." Jack watched amazement flicker across the young boy's face, and he tilted his head. So, he knows the stories, eh? Wonder how much he knows.

The Black Pearl!? Jason looked at the pirate and tilted his head. He wondered if the pirate had seen the real ship. The boy was certain that it wasn't just a story and this pirate had brought it up with an expression on his face that spoke of truth. Jason could usually tell if someone were lying.

Mullroy started laughing. "Well, there's no real ship that can match the Interceptor."

"The Black Pearl is a real ship."Murtogg said and Mullroy turned to him. Jason saw an opportunity to get on the ship before the pirate. He began edging away. Jack saw the boy move out the corner of his eye and smirked a little, wondering what the little scallywag was going to do next. The boy was certainly an interesting little fellow.

"No. No, it's not." Mullroy stated and Jack looked back at the two. They weren't paying him or the boy any attention any longer.

Jack wondered off from the two and went aboard the ship, catching sight of the boy digging in some crates. He was peering in them curiously and grabbing at what he found, shoving apples and various fruits into his bag. He only stopped occasionally to bite at a small loaf of bread in his hand, eating quickly as if he hadn't eaten in a while. He's a hungry little fellow. Jack mused. And no wonder. He's a scrawny kid.

Jason looked up from the crates to watch the pirate wondering the deck behind him. He didn't act like most pirates he had heard about. In fact, he seemed almost friendly, but it could be a ruse. All the same, he kept near the exit in case he needed to make a run for it. But a big part of him wanted desperately to go with this pirate. To offer to be the cabin boy, anything to get out to sea. He knew about sails and rigging from watching other sailors for years. Truthfully, he wanted the chance to show off.

Jack noticed the boy's gaze on him and wondered what he was thinking. The lad was now eating on an apple, this time slower. He met the boy's gaze and found curiosity and hope for something in his eyes. Was the boy looking for a ride? A chance at sea like most young ones do at some point in their lives. He was looking for a crew, but a boy that might have an angry parent or two nearby seemed like a lot of trouble. Although, the boy didn't appear to be well taken care of in his opinion. Jack ran a hand along the wheel and sighed internally. It wasn't the Pearl but it would have to do for now.

Jason couldn't stand it any longer, his curiosity was getting the better of him and he moved ever closer to the pirate.

"Are you a captain?" He asked aloud.

The pirate looked up at him. The boy was coming a bit closer to him and Jack smirked.

"Aye, that I am, lad." Jack noted the surprise on the boy's face. Understandably, he hadn't expected to get a response from him.

"...Then where's your crew?"

Jack observed the boy looking around like he expected them to appear and arched an eyebrow. "Looking for some." He responded and the boy looked a bit relaxed at that. Ah, so the boy didn't like many people around. Smart.

"Do your parents know you're going off, lad?" Jason looked up at the pirate and then away again. Jack knew what that meant. "They don't, eh?" Jason shrugged before meeting his gaze full on.

"They don't care and I don't either." He said boldly, jutting his chin out defiantly. Jack almost laughed, until he remembered the dark bruise under the boy's eye. It was easier to see now in the sunlight. Maybe the boy needed to get away after all.

"Hm. What happened to your eye?"

"Fell." He said simply, shrugging at the pirate. "Happens."

"Hey! You!" The pair of guards finally noticed their absence and came running up the gangplank. Jason came to sit on the railing as the uniformed men came by. There was no use in hiding.

"Kid, I thought I said no civilians." Mullroy reprimanded the boy who snorted.

"Thought you were talking about someone else." He said, innocently. "I only wanted to look at the ship."

"Get away from there!" Murtogg shouted aiming his bayonet at Jack. "You don't have permission to be aboard there, mate." Jack was not intimidated in the least bit, so he just patted the wheel.

"I'm sorry. It's such a pretty boat-ship." Jack corrected himself and Jason tilted his head at him.

"What's your name?" Murtogg asked, angrily. Jason sat up straight to hear and Jack saw the boy looking at him, trying to figure out who he was.

"Smith. Or Smithy, if you like." He answered and boy grinned. He obviously knew that was a lie. That made Jack's mouth twitch.

"What's your purpose in Port Royal, Mr. Smith?" Mullroy asked sarcastically.

"Yeah and no lies." Murtogg added.

"Well then, I confess." Jack began, grinning slightly. "It is my intention to commandeer one of these ships, pick up a crew in Tortuga and raid, pillage, plunder, and otherwise pilfer my weaselly black guts out."

Jason laughed at the dumbfounded looks on the guards faces' and Jack winked at him.

"I said no lies." Murtogg snapped at Jack aiming his weapon again.

"I think he's telling the truth." Mullroy said, still dumbfounded.

"If he were telling the truth, then he wouldn't have told us." Murtogg rolled his eyes.

"Unless of course he knew you wouldn't believe the truth even if he told it to you." Jack said and this seemed to confuse them, exactly what he wanted. "For instance," He began, smiling slightly. "I could tell you how I became chief of a tribe of cannibals."

"Tell us." Murtogg said instantly and glanced at his partner. "That is, if you are telling the truth."

Jack grinned.

Jason was so enthralled with the story the pirate was telling that he had gotten extremely close to the three men. Within reaching distance, which wasn't a safe spot to be in at all. He had learned that the hard way. He couldn't help it, however, as the pirate captain was very good at telling stories. And from his own experience with hearing stories, any pirate themed story was usually a good one. Especially if it was true.

"And then they made me their chief-"

Before he could say anything else, there was a loud splash in the water. The four on deck looked up at the battlements and then heard a call for the Governor's daughter.

"Did she fall?" Jason asked aloud, startled at the thought. The two guards both looked up in horror.

"Will you be saving her then?" Jack asked looking from one to the other. Jason looked anxiously down at the water. A fall from the high battlements was nothing to be unconcerned about, there were plenty of sharp rocks. Luckily, it seemed she had missed them. The boy looked over his shoulder at Jack and the two guardsmen.

Jack was eyeing at the guards with a raised eyebrow.

"I can't swim." Mullroy said and Murtogg shook his head 'no' when the pirate looked his way. Jack rolled his eyes.

"Pride of the King's Navy you are." He scoffed and then saw the anxious look on the boy's face. "Don't worry lad. It's not me intention to let the lady to drown." He spoke and Jason blinked again at being spoken too. Then Jack proceeded to take off his hat, coat and weapons and shove them into the boy's arms. Jason staggered back a bit, wondering why the pirate was trusting him with his things, but then if Jason had been in similar situation, he guessed he wouldn't have chosen a naval officer to hold his things either.

"Do not lose these." He warned and Jason nodded seriously.

"Yes, sir."

Jack grinned at him in amusement. Then without further ado, he dove into the water. Curious, Jason ran down the gangplank and went to the edge of the pier to watch with the guards running behind him. He sat down and looked at the things in his arms while he waited for the pirate to come back. In his lap lay a pistol, a compass, a hat, and a sword. Taking the hat, he put it on his own head curiously and then glanced down at the sword.

The blade was of good quality, Jason could tell, its weight felt right. Years spent sneaking and watching Will work on them had given him some knowledge on what was considered a proper sword.

He winced slightly at the thought of the young blacksmith apprentice. William Turner had always been so nice to him, taking care of him when he needed him. A very good friend, that had no idea of his plans to leave and was probably suspicious from their earlier encounter. And no idea of what was really happening at home. He hadn't told Will the truth about Fredrickson, afraid that the young man would find himself in a similar situation or worse. No, it was better for him not to know about that.

He knew he should run now, hide before the naval men made it down from the fort, but he didn't want to leave just yet. That and he wanted to give the pirate his things back. Jason searched the water, careful not to get so close to the edge and frowned. How long could he hold his breath? A giant ripple coursed through the water and Jason jumped back in alarm at the unnatural sight, nearly knocking the pirate's hat into the sea.

"What was that?" He asked aloud looking up at Murtogg and Mullroy but neither knew the answer and both looked just as alarmed. The sky slowly grew dark, making them look around in shock at the sudden lack of sunlight and the wind picked up in an eerie, ill-foreboding way. It sent chills down Jason's spine and he almost wished that he had decided to snatch a coat too instead of just money. He put a hand on the hat to keep it from blowing away and glanced at the two guards again.

They were still looking at the eerily dark sky.

"Evil." He thought one had whispered, but he wasn't sure which had said it. Jack soon resurfaced with the girl in tow, swimming quickly towards the dock, and the two guards helped him get her up onto the deck. The pirate laid her down on the wood, glancing briefly up at the boy who was wearing his hat. Déjà vu punched Jack in the gut again as the boy met his eyes. Why did he look so familiar? Whose child, was he?

The young woman, Elizabeth Swann, looked dead. Her pale skin was far paler than normal, and her lips were beginning to turn blue. She looked like a corpse and it made Jason nervous. She reminded him of her, and she appeared almost like...

"She's not breathing!" Mullroy said as he examined her and Jack shoved him away irritably.

"Move!"

Jason could see her better now as he watched from Jack's other side, being careful to not get in his way, and he wondered how she was going to start breathing again.

"Is-is she-?" He asked, almost choking on his own words, and Jack heard the boy's odd tone. He glanced up and saw the boy looked like he was ready to run or spew his guts.

"She'll be all right." He said assuredly.

Jack felt the boy inch closer to him, making him smile, and taking out a knife, he cut off the corset. Immediately, Elizabeth started coughing up water, gasping for air and startling the boy, who hid behind him instantly. The pirate threw the ripped corset at Murtogg who looked embarrassed to catch it.

"I never would have thought of that." Mullroy said truthfully.

"Clearly, you've never been to Singapore." Jack answered simply. Jason breathed with relief at the young woman's gasps for air and the pirate glanced over at him momentarily. "I told you I wouldn't let her drown, lad." He looked back down at the young woman who was still getting air into her lungs and lifted a necklace to examine it better. Jack felt the boy looking over his shoulder and heard the small intake of breath.

"Aztec." The boy muttered under his breath and Jack's eyebrows rose. Who was this boy?

"Where did you get that?" Jack asked curiously and Elizabeth just looked from him to Jason with curiosity, her beautiful light brown eyes widening at the sight of them.

"Hello, Miss Swann." The boy smiled at her and she blinked at him in confusion.

Jason heard shouts from men and turned around in time to see Norrington and Governor Swann appear on the docks and he knew that this would not end well. For behind them was his "guardian", the man more sober than before and giving him glares. No, it wouldn't end well for him or the pirate and he now had no time to hide.

"On your feet." The newly appointed Commodore demanded, holding a sword under Jack's chin. The pirate stood up with his hands half-raised in surrender. Jason watched from next to Miss Swann, who still kept giving him curious glances that he wasn't sure the reason why. Then he realized he still had the pirate's hat on and quickly took it off.

"Elizabeth!" Governor Swann shouted as he came through the crowd of guards. "Are you alright?" He asked as he helped her up and hugged her. Jason moved out of their way, watching the scene before him and wondering what the pirate was going to do now. Frederickson grabbed his arm.

"There you are, you little runt." He hissed. "Just wait until I get you home."

Jason scowled. "Oh, shut up, Freddie." The man growled and gripped him tighter.

"Yes, I'm fine." Elizabeth stated with a shiver from the cold. The Governor pulled his daughter to him and wrapped her in his jacket, before glancing at Murtogg who looked flustered and tossed the corset aside, pointing at Jack.

"Shoot him." Governor Swann stated and all the muskets were suddenly aimed at the pirate. Jason's eyes widened.

"Father!" Elizabeth cried and she moved out from her father's arms and up to Norrington. "Commodore, do you really intend to kill my rescuer?" James Norrington paused and then he nodded at the men and they lowered their weapons.

"I do believe a thanks are in order." He held out his hand with a strange expression. Jason shook his head rapidly at Jack, silently trying to warn him. But Jack, didn't see it and held out his hand. Norrington gripped it firmly and once he got a good grip, he shoved the pirate's sleeve up, revealing the pirate brand.

"Had a brush with the East India Trading Company, did we, pirate?" Jack flinched, but he did notice how Jason was looking at him. The boy's expression was fascinated, and it made Jack proud for some unknown reason.

"Hang him." Gov. Swann said and both Jason and Elizabeth gaped. Jack only sighed internally. Delays, delays. Now it seemed he would never get his ship back. Jack's eyes wondered back to the boy who appeared very concerned for him. He noticed then, the man next to the boy had a grip on the lad's arm. A very tight and controlling grip. Was this the man who had hurt him? He didn't look like the boy at all, so perhaps not an angry father.

"Keep your guns on him men!" Norrington shouted. "Gillette, fetch some irons." Then he pushed the sleeve up further. "Well, well. Jack Sparrow, isn't it?"

"Are you really?!" The boy said aloud, startling everyone and swallowed at having eyes on him. "Heh, sorry." He stated sheepishly. Jack winked at him with a wide smile, flashing his gold teeth.

"Captain Jack Sparrow, if you please sir." Jack corrected and James sneered, pretending to glance around the harbor for a ship.

"Well, I don't see your ship…Captain." He taunted and Jack grimaced. Why do people point that out?

"I'm in the market, as it were." He said, smirking.

"He said he'd come to commandeer one." Murtogg announced.

"Told you he was telling the truth." Mullroy said to Murtogg who gave him an annoyed look. "Those are his, sir." He nodded at the things in Jason's arms and all eyes were on Jason. He shifted under all the gazes, most of them unfriendly. He wanted to run for it, not liking all the eyes on him, but Frederickson was holding him too tightly.

"Your cabin boy I presume, Sparrow?" Norrington asked with an amused smile. Jason looked at Jack to see what he'd say but the pirate didn't look like he was about to correct him.

Loud laughter came from his captor and Jason scowled. "This little brat, a cabin boy? Begging your pardon Commodore, but this is my charge. He's nothing but an orphaned brat who runs about stealing property."

"I only stole from you. And it wasn't your money anyway!"

Caught in the argument, Jason suddenly scuttled back when Norrington reached for him, fingers barely brushing him. A flash of fear went across his face and everyone saw it before the boy pushed it back, frowning at the Commodore for being so close. James was unsure of what to make of that. It was obvious the boy didn't trust him and the child had flinched he had seen that.

"Let him go, Mr. Frederickson."

"But he'll run off!"

He held up a hand, not wanting to hear any more. "I said release him."

"Yes, Commodore." The man grumbled and let him go, shoving him forward roughly.

Jason gave the man behind him an ugly look and then turned to Norrington who held still and waited for the boy to move.

Reluctantly, he held out the pirate's things for Norrington to examine. James took out Captain Sparrow's pistol, eyeing it.

"No additional shots nor powder." He took out Sparrow's compass, eyeing that too. "A compass that doesn't point north." Then the Commodore pulled out the pirate's sword out next. "And I half expected it to be made of wood." He remarked dryly, shoving it back into the sheath. Jack grimaced at him. "You are without doubt the worst pirate I've ever heard of."

"Ah, but you have heard of me." Sparrow countered and Jason snickered. Jack heard him and beamed. Norrington snatched the pirate's arm and marched him towards where Gillette had the irons ready.

"Commodore, I really must protest." Elizabeth said following after Norrington. "Pirate or not this man saved my life."

"One good deed is not enough to redeem a man of a lifetime of wickedness." Commodore stated.

"Though it seems to condemn him." Sparrow added.

"Indeed." James said dryly. Jason followed them at a slower pace. This would be the best time to run. He'd try again tomorrow at the docks or when it got dark out. He could outrun, Fredrickson again. The man was behind a few of the guards anyhow. He couldn't reach him. However, Jason was curious to see what would happen to the pirate now. Could the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow get away?

"Finally." Sparrow said and then he threw the chain over Miss Swann's neck and pulled her towards him as her eyes widened. Jason's eyes widened too.

"No. No! Don't shoot!" Governor Swann shouted as the men lifted the bayonets towards the pirate who was using the lady as a shield.

"I knew you'd warm up to me." Jack told Elizabeth, who frowned in disgust and then he looked up at James Norrington. "Commodore Norrington, send the lad over with me effects please. And my hat." Norrington looked hesitant. "Commodore!" Jack prompted and, reluctantly, James nodded at Jason. The boy walked over and studied the pirate who didn't actually look like he wanted to hurt her, but then again…

"Elizabeth. It is Elizabeth isn't it?" Sparrow spoke to her as she picked up the things from Jason's hands.

"It's Miss Swann." She said icily and even gave Jason a small frown to which he was taken aback. What was she angry at me for?

"Miss Swann, if you would be so kind. Come, come dear we don't have all day." The pirate said, half-impatient.

She turned to him angrily with his effects that Jason had given her.

"Now if you'll be very kind." She glared at him and began to put his effects back on him. Jack was slightly glad that the lady was so close. Miss Swann was no ordinary girl he could tell and it was not just because of the necklace she had. Jack had a feeling that she was more than what she appeared as was the boy who was watching him with a mixture of emotions.

"Easy on the goods, darling." He murmured as she attached his sword belt around his waist.

"You're despicable." She said after she was done and Jack smiled.

"Sticks and stones, love. I saved your life. You saved mine. We're square." He answered and then he turned her back around. "Gentlemen, Milady, lad," The pirate addressed them all as he began walking backwards. "You will always remember this day as the day that you almost caught…Captain Jack Sparrow." He then shoved the girl forward, turning to run off.

Jason instinctively tried to help steady her and she looked up at him with curious light brown eyes.

"You're not a pirate, are you?" She asked softly, almost apologetically for how she had looked at him earlier. She noticed the bruise under his eye and frowned. "Did he hurt you?" Her eyes flickered to where Frederickson was standing.

"No, Miss Swann." He shook his head, but that was all he said.

"Now will you shoot him?" Governor Swann asked dryly, putting his coat back around his daughter and nodding at the young boy in thanks for his help. The naval officers fired shots at Jack Sparrow as he ran down the docks, wrists still shackled. Kicking at a pulley nearby, he grabbed a rope and went flying up into the air swinging about overhead on a crane. The boy watched him with wide eyes.

"Brilliant." Jason breathed aloud, causing Elizabeth and the Governor look from the flying pirate to the young boy.

"What on earth were you doing down here?" The older man asked, looking at him in concern.

Jason sighed dramatically. "Wrong place, wrong time, sir."

Elizabeth tried not to giggle.

"Come, runt." Frederickson, jerked on the back of his collar, pulling him roughly from Elizabeth and her father.

"Stop." She said, frowning.

"Gillette, Mr. Sparrow had a dawn appointment with the gallows. I'd hate for him to miss it." James said as he came back toward the group at the docks. He noticed what was happening and narrowed his eyes.

"Mr. Frederickson, how do you know this boy?"

"I've been letting him live in my house out of the goodness of my heart and how does the little beast thank me? By taking my money!" He shook his roughly and Jason's vision blurred for a moment.

"That's a lie!" The boy snarled, fighting to get away, but the man still had his shirt collar.

"You took that money from Josie and I know you killed her! It was our house first!"

"Ms. Josephine Teller?" Spoke up Mullroy.

Jason nodded.

"She died?" Murtogg added, looking sad.

Again, the boy nodded, but this time there was a shine in his chocolate brown eyes he couldn't hide. James arched an eyebrow and Jason glared at the ground before looking back up.

"She died of an illness. The poor lad is confused." Fredrickson said slyly.

"You're a liar!" Jason snapped with anger.

"I see." James mused and then held his hand out. "Well, let's have it then, little thief. We won't hurt you. And let the boy go." The man loosened his grip on the boy's arm slightly at a stern look from the Commodore. Jason swallowed, staring at the hand before him and then slapped the money into the awaiting palm. The jig was up now. He'd have to get aboard a ship a different way.

"What are you going to do with me?" He asked quietly.

"That remains to be seen." Norrington answered. "What is your name?"

"Jason...I don't know my last name."

The man nodded. "And is this man your father or a relative?"

"No, ick!" he gagged and Elizabeth bit her lip to stop her laughter at his disgusted and offended look.

James coughed to cover his own laugh and that made her smile.

"You have someone to stay with?" He inquired.

Will Turner flashed through his mind and he nodded.

James smiled. "Good. Then off you go."

Jason gave him a nod of thanks, a bow to Elizabeth and the Governor who both tried not to laugh, and a nasty mocking smile to Fredrickson before departing. Walking at first and then running for the town in a fast sprint in case someone changed their mind. He knew the smithy would be the safest place to be until he could secure a place on a ship. Frederickson didn't know he was friends with Will and wouldn't look for him there.

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