Summary: Jack's little known past catches up with him in the form of a brother. Ch. 4- Jack and company make it to England and Jack meets his parents
Disclaimer: Pirates of the Caribbean and all the characters therein do not belong to me. Believe me, if I owned Johnny Depp in eyeliner . . . . Gah. That man is hot.
A/N: Feedback is to me what rum is to Jack.
I'm very sorry I didn't update when I said I was going to, but school intervened and my Internet wasn't working for a little while. So here's the newest chapter, and I should be updating every weekend, sometimes sooner if I have time.
The Atlantic welcomed Jack into its chilly embrace, the shock of the frigid water nearly taking his breath away. He surfaced with a gasp, wiping the salty water from his eyes, his waterlogged clothes a burdensome weight that tried to pull him down. Looking around, he saw a few other sailors that had decided not to wait for the lifeboats and jumped in as well. Determining that it would be best to get away from the ship, Jack swam out with powerful strokes, trying to keep the blood flowing through his body. Coming to a halt a reasonable distance away, he tread water and waited for Will and Robert to catch up, pushing irritably at his bandana which was dripping water in his eyes.
"Stupid fools," he muttered under his breath, watching the ship smash up against the rock. "They don't deserve to have a ship."
If there was one thing that really annoyed Jack, it was people who didn't take proper care of a ship. Like Barbossa. Jack thought back with a shudder on the state of his Pearl after he had retrieved it from his mutinous first mate. Black tattered sails, leaks in the hull, grime on the windows, it was disgraceful. As soon as Jack had a chance, he had given her a good careening and swabbing. This crew was no better, though, letting the ship get off course in this fog. When you couldn't see more than a hundred feet in front of the ship, it was imperative to stay directly on course, otherwise you could run into obstacles. Like rocks.
The cold slap of a wave in his face brought Jack back from his musings, and he saw one of the lifeboats heading in his direction with Will, Robert, and a few sailors. In a few seconds they were by him and he hung on to the side with his arms, resting his chin on top.
" 'S about time you got here," Jack mumbled, teeth chattering. "I hope we're very close to land, bloody cold in here."
"We are," one of the sailors assured him. "We were only about five minutes from Liverpool port when we hit the rock."
"Y'know, Robin," Jack said, addressing his brother, "I've only gotten shipwrecked twice, this bein' the second time, and both times I was with you. Are you sure you're not cursed or somethin'?"
Robert raised an eyebrow. "Not likely. Unlike you, I don't believe in any of that superstitious nonsense."
"You would if you'd seen what I have, mate. I was even cursed meself for a bit. Bein' a skeleton was an interestin' experience, but I wouldn't want to do it again anytime soon."
Robert looked at him in disbelief, but didn't pursue the topic, knowing he wouldn't be able to change Jack's mind once his younger brother had gotten an idea into his head. Some things didn't change.
Feeling the breeze blow over his wet body, Jack shivered and sank back into the water.
"Isn't there room for just one more in any of the lifeboats?" Will asked, noticing his friend's discomfort.
The sailors looked doubtful, but one of them called over to a neighboring boat, "Oi, George, you think you could fit one more?"
"It'd be tough, but I think we can manage," George called back.
"Thanks, mate," Jack said, when they'd hauled him in. "Not too used to this cold."
George nodded at him in acknowledgement, but was eyeing the pirate curiously.
"Say, mate," he said abruptly, "I saw you runnin' up to the helm. You noticed that rock before any of us, and even though you weren't supposed t' be up in the riggin', you seemed to know what you were doin'." He eyed Jack's clothing. "You a privateer or somethin'?"
Jack wanted to protest that, but decided it would probably be safer to just play along.
"Aye, I'm a privateer captain. Do all my work in the Caribbean, though, that's why I'm not used t' this weather."
George seemed satisfied with that and didn't press the pirate any further. The rest of the trip passed in silence save for the grunts of the sailors and the splash of the oars, and Jack spent the time thinking about what his parents would say when they saw him. The thought made him grin as he considered how scandalized everyone would be. One of the Lancasters, a pirate. It was unthinkable. Robin had been a bit shocked at first, but then seemed to accept it easily enough. Jack knew that was only because his brother was expecting Jack to become a gentleman once the pirate was exposed to "civilized" society. Ha, no chance of that. But it would be fun to watch everyone's attempts. That was half the reason Jack had agreed to come.
Within fifteen minutes they had reached the port and everyone had disembarked. The ones who had to swim had clambered onto the dock with help from their comrades and the boats were securely tied.
"Where to now, Robin?" Jack asked, accepting his effects back from Will. "Wherever it is, it'd better have warmth an' food."
"The Barnyard," Robert said shortly.
Jack raised both eyebrows. "Now, Robin, I'm usually not too picky 'bout where I sleep, but don't you think we can do better than that?"
"It's an inn," Robert said, smiling slightly. "Despite its name it has some of the best accommodations in this area."
Jack swept his arm out. "Lead on, then, Captain Robin. I leave our course in your capable hands."
The next morning, Jack awoke to the very odd sensation of no motion. The wrongness of this struck him immediately and he sat up abruptly, looking in around in confusion. The strange surroundings quickly reminded him that he wasn't still on the Black Pearl, which was now thousands of miles away, but at an inn in Liverpool. The cool slide of fabric on his skin brought his attention to the fact that he was naked and he remembered that he had hung his clothes by the fire last night in order to dry them out. Staggering out of bed, he pulled on his shirt, breeches, and boots and retied his bandana on his head, feeling a distinct need for some rum. Rummaging around in the small satchel of things he had brought with him from the Pearl, he emerged triumphantly with a flask. Popping off the top, he took a swig, licking his lips in satisfaction. Ah, nothing like it in the world.
"Mornin', Robin," Jack called loudly to his brother who was sleeping on the other bed in the room. "Fancy a drink?"
With a sigh, Robert rolled over to face his brother and opened sleepy eyes. "What do you want, Jack?"
"Just wonderin' if you'd like a drink, mate," Jack said cheerfully. "And by the way, what did you do with dear William? Haven't lost him have we?"
"He's in the room next to ours," Robert muttered, yawning widely as he did so. "I don't suppose I'm going to be able to get any more sleep with you up?"
"Not likely," Jack replied, stretching his arms to relieve the morning tightness.
Grumbling, Robert slowly got out of bed, running a tired hand through his loose hair and searching around for his clothing. As soon as he had gotten dressed, the brothers went downstairs to have breakfast and found Will already there waiting for them. Will informed them of his plans to leave immediately for London, but Robert wouldn't hear of it and insisted that Will come and stay with the Lancasters for a few days. Will put up a token protest but gave in after Robert made it clear he would find a refusal gravely insulting. After eating, Robert hired a coach to take them to the Lancaster estate, which was north of Liverpool, and they left the inn in the late morning. Jack found the coach to be highly amusing and asked Robert if he really rode around in one all the time.
It was evening by the time they reached the Lancaster estate, and all three were tired of the constant bumping and bouncing. Jack declared ships to be much more comfortable and reliable means of transportation and refused to ever ride in a coach again.
"I think me arse is permanently bruised," he said mournfully, as he descended stiffly from the coach.
"Mine too," Will groaned.
He clambered out after Jack, tripping on the coach step and almost falling flat on his face.
"Steady there, lad," Jack said, putting his hand on Will's chest to keep him upright. "Don't want ye gettin' broken when we've jus' gotten here."
Will gave the pirate a good-natured shove. "Don't worry, Jack. I have to stay well to keep you out of mischief."
Jack gave the young man a look of feigned innocence. "Me? I'd never do anytin' of the sort. 'Sides, I think you've gotten it backwards, whelp. I seem to recall havin' to tell you several times not to do anythin' stupid. Trouble's my job, what's your excuse?"
Unable to think up an appropriate retort, Will settled for glaring at the pirate in what he hoped was a suitably disdainful manner. The effect was ruined, though, when in the act of walking and glaring at Jack at the same time, the blacksmith ran into a gateway post, setting Jack off in a fit of laughter.
Robert came around from the other side of the coach, having just paid the coachman, and viewed the scene unamusedly. "Please, Jack, do settle down. We're not on Tortuga."
"Come on, Robin," Jack said, throwing his arm around his brother's shoulders. "Where's your sense of fun?"
"Put away until the proper place and time," Robert said, shrugging out of his brother's hold. "Come. Let us announce ourselves to Mother and Father."
When Robert's back was turned, Jack rolled his eyes and slid back to whisper in Will's ear.
"Y'know, I do believe he and the Commodore would get along famously."
"I think he's just nervous and excited about you finally being here," Will whispered back. "You know how the British don't like to show strong emotions."
Jack nodded decisively. "I'm very glad I'm not British."
Will looked at him strangely. "Jack, you are British."
"No, I'm a pirate, mate. There's a difference," Jack said as though it were obvious.
Will sighed in exasperation. "Pirate is not a nationality."
"It takes a certain kind to be a pirate, lad. We're our own breed. Nationality doesn't matter. Pirate blood flows strong in you, too, as I think you'll find out one day."
"I am not a pirate!" Will said fiercely and then stalked off after Robert before Jack could reply.
The knowing little smile that Jack wore as he caught up to the blacksmith didn't help Will's temper, and he fought the urge to wipe the smirk off the pirate's face as they stood in front of the large double doors to the estate, waiting for someone to answer their knock.
Within a few seconds, the doors grated ponderously open and an elderly man peered out.
"Master Robert!" he gasped in surprise. "Where have you been? Your ship was due days ago!"
Robert smiled fondly at the old man. "I was delayed, Brett. Are Mother and Father in?"
"Yes," Brett said, opening the door wider and standing to the side to allow the men in. "They are hosting a party tonight in honor of the birthday of Mrs. Lancaster's sister . . ."
Brett suddenly trailed off as he caught sight of Jack who had been standing unseen behind Will and Robert. The old man's nostrils flared as if he had gotten a whiff of something particularly vile and his lips pinched into a thin line of disdain and disapproval.
"Does the master wish to be announced immediately to his parents or would you and, ah, your companions like to freshen up first?" Brett asked, making it clear he thought it would take a lot more than that to fix Jack.
"Hello, old son," Jack said, leaning close to the old man and smirking. "Been a long time since I've seen you."
Brett tried subtly to edge away from the pirate. "I'm afraid I have not had the pleasure of meeting you before, Mr. . .?"
"Sparrow," Jack said, sticking out a hand which Brett ignored.
"Well, hem, Mr. Sparrow, I'm sure I would remember if I had ever met you," Brett said, his tone indicating that the remark was not to be taken as a compliment.
"Let's jus' say I've changed a bit since you last saw me, mate," Jack said, his right hand making a negligent little motion as he spoke.
"Hmph," Brett sniffed in disbelief.
Anxious and impatient, Robert cut in on their exchange. "Brett, will you announce us in the ballroom please?"
"Certainly," Brett said, motioning to the men. "Follow me."
The three of them walked down the short hallway, their footsteps echoing on the polished stone floor, and Jack watched in amusement as Will stared in awe at the lavish decorations and gilded portraits hanging on the walls.
"It reminds me a bit of the Swann mansion in Port Royal, but larger and wealthier," Will said in an undertone.
"Yes I suppose so," Jack said, though he'd never seen the Swann mansion before.
"I can't believe you used to live here," Will said, clearly unable to imagine the pirate in such surroundings.
Jack shrugged. "Just when I was younger. We moved to the Caribbean when I was about eight. Don't remember a whole lot 'bout this place."
They had reached the open doors to the ballroom, and Robert turned around to look at Jack, a mischievous smile playing about his mouth.
"Jack, would you rather go upstairs and change first or shall I have Brett announce us now?"
Jack grinned back. Robert still didn't mind stirring things up now and then it seemed.
"It's good to see they haven't completely knocked the fun out of you, mate. Announce us now."
"You heard, Mr. Sparrow, Brett," Robert said, composing his face back to solemnity although a gleam still lurked in his eyes.
"Very good, sir," Brett said, still looking at Jack as if he were a nasty cockroach that had scuttled into the dining room. "I will need the full names of your two companions."
Smiling slightly at the antics of the two brothers, Will gave his name. "William Turner II."
Smoothing a hand over his goatee and its braids, Jack said, "Announce me as Captain Jack Sparrow, also known as Jack Lancaster."
Brett looked horrified and turned to Robert to protest this cruel practical joke, but Robert held up a hand, forestalling him.
"Do as he says, Brett."
Brett looked as though he would gladly have wrung Jack's neck with his bare hands, but Jack had had much more fearsome individuals give him that same look and he paid it no heed.
Brett went to stand in the open doorway and cleared his throat loudly. The orchestra stopped and the chatter in the ballroom hushed, people curious as to who these late arrivals could be.
"May I present, Master Robert Lancaster?"
Robert stepped into the ballroom, smiling, and the noise swelled as people crowded around him, all asking where he had been. Brett cleared his throat again to indicate he wasn't done and the people quieted again.
"Master William Turner II."
Will walked in and issued his most formal bow to the assembled crowd, his face solemn. A few of the young ladies giggled when they saw him and whispered to each other behind their fans.
"A friend I met in my travels," Robert added by way of explanation, "and there is one other person to be introduced."
His face wearing a pained look, Brett announced, "Captain Jack Sparrow, also known as Jack Lancaster."
The entire room went still at the name. Most everyone there knew the story of how the youngest Lancaster had perished on the crossing to England from the Caribbean. It was tragic affair and no one discussed it within hearing of the parents. Now it seemed someone was playing a horrible joke on the Lancasters. Everyone leaned forward to see this unimaginably ill-mannered person . . . and then Jack swaggered into the room and dead silence fell.
Jack grinned roguishly exposing his gold teeth and tipped a wink. "Hello, mates."
At this, a hubbub filled the room, the word "pirate" being heard several times and a few of the ladies fainted gracefully, to be helped to couches by their husbands.
Robert felt a strong hand clamp onto his arm and turned to see his father standing behind him.
"Robert what is the meaning of this!?" the silver-haired man hissed angrily.
"Just what it seems, Father," Robert said calmly. "I went to the Caribbean and found my brother, just as I told you I would."
"Are you trying to tell me that is our Jack?" the father asked incredulously.
"It is," Robert said firmly. "You may question him as much as you like and you will see I am telling the truth."
"Well could you not at least have conducted this in a more private setting?" his father demanded agitatedly.
"I apologize," Robert said, feeling a little ashamed of what he had done.
Delighted with the chaos he had caused, Jack stood for a moment to admire it. He heard snatches of people's conversations, most of them focused on his appearance. "That hair!" was heard as well as "Those clothes!" and "Barbaric tattoos!" Preening slightly, Jack swaggered toward his father and brother, people parting before him as if he had the plague.
"Hello Da," Jack said when he'd reached them. "Bet you don't recognize me too well, eh?"
Taking in the beaded hair, the braided goatee, the kohl-lined eyes, and the ringed fingers, Mr. Lancaster replied faintly. "No, I'm afraid I do not."
"Why don't we go to your study, Father?" Robert suggested. "We can discuss this there. Mother should come too."
"A good idea," Mr. Lancaster agreed.
"Will can hear this too," Jack said, eyeing the lad who was standing uncomfortably by the door, not sure what to do with himself.
"That's fine," their father said, impatient to get everyone, especially Jack, out of the room.
Robert went over to a settee where his mother was sitting and gently offered his arm to escort her to the study. Ignoring the giggling ladies, Jack snagged the blacksmith by the arm and pulled him towards the door. When they were all in the study, Mr. Lancaster firmly shut the doors behind him and turned to go sit at his deck, avoiding the pirate who was nonchalantly leaning against the wall and toying with the handle of his blade.
"Now," Jack's father said, sitting behind his desk and addressing Jack. "Sir, you will tell me what you are doing in my house and then I am going to hand you over to the authorities. I'm sure they will be most happy to get their hands on a pirate."
"I imagine so," Jack said in a bored tone, examining his nails, "but they wouldn't keep me for long."
"And why is that?" Mr. Lancaster asked icily, remarkably calm for one who had an armed pirate standing in his study.
One corner of Jack's mouth tilted up in a smile. " Because I'm Captain Jack Sparrow."
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Will sarcastically mouthing the words along with him and winked briefly at the lad who responded by rolling his eyes. He seemed to be doing a lot of that lately. Jack wondered if the boy perhaps suffered from some kind of ailment.
"Anyway," Jack continued, "I doubt you would want to throw your long lost son to the dogs."
"Nothing you can say could possibly convince me that you are my son," Mr. Lancaster informed him.
Sighing dramatically at having to go into this again, Jack recounted specific memorable events in his childhood, revealing things that only Jack Lancaster could know. At the end of the narrative, Jack's mother stood up unsteadily, and walking over to her son, threw her arms around him, sobbing.
"There, there, mum," Jack said, awkwardly patting his mother on the back.
Help! he mouthed to Robert, not sure what to do with a sobbing woman.
"It's all right, Mother," Robert said, gently disengaging her from Jack and holding her.
"I can't believe it's you, Jack," his father said in a low, stunned voice. "The sailors said they saw you washed overboard that day of the storm. It was impossible for you to survive they said."
"Improbable," Jack corrected.
"Impossible is not generally a word that can be applied to Jack," Will added.
Running a hand through his curly hair, he smirked at Jack. "You know, Jack, those stories of your childhood were very entertaining. I can't wait to tell Annamaria."
Jack's eyes widened. "No!" he said forcefully. "You tell her and I swear I'll string you up on the mizzenmast, whelp."
"Is Annamaria your wife?" Mr. Lancaster asked curiously.
Jack's horrified expression set Will off in a fit of mirth and he tried to explain it to Mr. Lancaster between bouts of laughter
"No, sir, Annamaria is part of Jack's crew on the Black Pearl."
"That's right," Mr. Lancaster said as if he had forgotten. "Robert was telling me some of the exploits of the pirate captain Jack Sparrow and the Black Pearl. I never read those stories myself."
"I've got to get a look at those," Jack said, face lighting up. "Have to see what they're sayin' 'bout me. Have quite a reputation do I?"
"You do and you know it," Will said reproachfully.
Jack grinned. " 'Course, mate, but it never hurts to see it reinforced."
"Since you obviously survived the storm and made it to land," Mr. Lancaster interrupted, still trying to figure Jack out, "how did you become a pirate? You could have gone to one of our family friends and stayed with them until we could come get you."
"Well," Jack said, his eyes getting a faraway look, "it happened like this . . ."