Ah, so many reviews. Thank you all, I'm glad you like it. Several personal
responses are at the end. This chapter's quite long but I can't promise
they'll all be that way.
The Sea Holds the Answers chap 2/?
Jack smirked at Will's shocked expression, and then, not in the mood for further explanations, he turned to the window one last time and began his descent down the house. Will finally snapped out of his state of astonishment and ran to the ledge to pull him inside once more, but found he was too late this time and the pirate was already halfway down the wall.
"Jack, get back here!" He called out desperately, "You're not making any sense."
"I'm making perfect sense, you just choose not to see it," Jack pointed out as he dropped to the ground.
"But ... but my father's dead," Will whispered in confusion, and was surprised when Jack heard him.
"You really are a little slow, aren't you? Well you'd best speed up soon, the crew won't wait long," Jack yelled out as he casually strode away from the house.
"Jack wait!" Will pleaded, but the sauntering form never slowed or turned back, "Damn."
Running back into the room Will grabbed his essentials: his hat, sword, boots and coin purse. As he gathered his belongings he called out to his closest servant, a kindly butler named Edward.
"Yes my lord," Edward enquired looking bed raddled. Though being married to a governor's daughter had its advantages, Will would never get used to being called "lord". It was only after taking in the butler's disshelved appearance that Will once more realized how late it was.
"Um, yes, sorry for the late hour. I shall need you to take care of the rest of the preparations for my return to England I'm afraid. Please send word to Elizabeth that I may be arriving a little later than planned. I've found an ..... alternate form of transportation," Will explained as he quickly grabbed his belongings, "I'm sorry to put this on you, but something extremely important has come up."
"Of course, I understand completely." Edward lied, not knowing why his employer would be leaving so swiftly.
Will rushed down the stairs, Edward not far behind, and pulled his coat off the rack as he opened the door, "Thank you, for everything. I put these matters in your hands out of trust; I know you will not let me down. Good- bye. " Will sped out the door hurriedly, slamming it hard. Edward turned to go back to bed when the door opened again and Will peaked his head in, "And uh, give yourself a raise."
Edward smiled as the door shut again and Will disappeared for the last time.
~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~
Struggling to put his coat on and keep his untied boots upon his feet, Will raced down the sidewalk desperately in search of a flourishly dressed pirate. It didn't seem like a hard task (Jack usually stuck out like a sore thumb), but Will had no idea where his friend may be now and decided to head in the direction of the docks. He rounded a corner, looked both ways and was about to race off down a dark alley when a sarcastic voice from behind stopped him.
"You know Will, I just can't say enough good things about that hat."
Will sighed and turned to find the captain leaning casually against the alley wall, seemingly without a care in the world. Knowing he would have no peace unless he remedied the situation, Will took off the cap, pulled the feather free, and then replaced it on his head.
"Much better," Jack glowed, beaming with fake pride.
"Well that's a relief. Now what did you mean about my father?" Will demanded, taking a curt step forward.
"All in good time, all in good time," Jack promised, not caring about Will's anger as he pushed past him and onto the street. Will did not move to follow this time.
"Well, come on, I told you the crew won't wait long," Still Will didn't follow, "I promise, full explanations are coming. I'm surprised you haven't figured it out yourself, but we really must be out of here before the sun rises. I've met the local noose once already, and I'm not eager to be reacquainted."
Jack began to walk away again and finally Will responded, "The dock's that way." Indicating the opposite direction Jack was going.
"Yes it most certainly is. That is very nice. But, I refuse to pay the ridiculous charges on that dock, and avoid the authorities that await there. With that in mind, the Black Pearl is in this direction," Jack explained and was rewarded with a nod from Will as he finally followed.
The two walked silently for a while, Jack humming softly and jovially as Will practically sulked but said nothing. As they neared their destination though Jack spoke;
"So, what have you been up to? Made any additions to the family tree?" Jack asked.
"Elizabeth is yet to be with child, but I have been well. Better than I've ever been in my life I think." Will replied wistfully after some time. Jack was not impressed by his tone, not being a very sentimental person.
"My god, you do need a good adventure. Couple of blows to the head might do you good." Jack mumbled.
"I am not here for an adventure Jack, I am coming with you for one reason and one reason only; to find my father. Now if you would be so kind as to explain to me how I am going to do that...." Will trailed off, expecting Jack to reply but the pirate's attention was drawn elsewhere.
"There she is." Jack said, his voice as wistful as Will's had been moment's earlier. Will turned and found himself looking into open sea.
"I see nothing." Will admitted as his eyes scoured the water.
"She is not called the *Black* Pearl because she is easily spotted. You must look for where the water is blackest; that is where you will find my ship."
Will looked out again and spotted a small patch of water that did appear darker than its surroundings. As they drew nearer it was clear that it was indeed the Black Pearl, perfectly camouflaged in the waters. Will frowned as he realized the terror that ship must have struck in so many hearts. Being as dark as it was it would be easy for the craft to ambush unsuspecting ships in the dead of night; it was no wonder the vessel had been thought cursed long before it actually was.
"Come then," Jack urged him, clapping him on the shoulder and leading the way down the steep hill that led to the shore. Once there they climbed into the rowboat Jack had taken to reach shore and set out for the Black Pearl. As they careened over the calm water Will got a better look at the ship and realized it looked much better than it had. The holes caused by the cannon fire had been patched and the sails, though just as dark, were full and blowing strongly. He could see the crew onboard, and several stopped to wave at them, making it already feel more alive than it had under Barbossa's command.
"I love what you've done with the place," Will commented as they rowed closer.
Jack just smiled, "Yes, the curtains were my idea."
They reached the ship, tied the boat to the side and climbed up the rat lines to the deck. Shouts could be heard from the crew as they climbed up.
"Cap'n's back!" "Tighten that mastway!" "Get everyone up here." "He's brought someone with him." "Cap'n on deck!"
When they reached the top the entire crew was assembled as if for inspection, standing upright and alert.
"Ah, very good crew, relax. Many of you know Will already, had your lives saved by him if memory serves me correctly." Jack said as Will came over the railing. Though the words sounded casual it was clear they were meant as a reminder; Will had saved their lives so they would show him respect. The crew acknowledged the words and greeted Will, who just nodded in return. "Ah Will, you know Anamaria, my first mate."
"First mate?" Will asked astonished, sure the two hated each other. But from the way Anna was smiling, things had probably changed.
"That's right, and I run a tight ship around here, so if you're coming with us to Keresto you best be pulling your own weight," Anna warned him.
"Actually, I'm here as guest, not crew, if I'm not mistaken," Will said slowly, watching Jack's reaction.
"And why can't you be both?" Jack asked simply, then addressed the crew. "No time for introductions now. Haul anchor, turn the sails, we're off to Keresto!"
The crew cheered but then rushed to the tasks Anamaria appointed them as they worked.
"Keresto? Is that where my father is?" Will asked, unable to hold in his questions any longer.
"You," he pointed at Will, "must come and have a long and most likely borrrrring, chat with me. Let's get it over with then, come on," Jack led the way to the captain's quarter's and instructed him to sit.
"Alright, I've left my home behind, grabbed the bear essentials of my life and followed you blindly, now will you tell me ..... Ah!" Will yelped in surprise as a small, furry objected suddenly jumped on his shoulder.
"I'm so sorry, I haven't quite gotten him under control yet," Jack apologized as he picked the monkey off Will's shoulder.
"You kept that thing?" Will asked astonished, recognizing Barbossa's monkey.
"Well, it's got a great name," Jack defended as he gave the animal a grape. It chittered gleefully and jumped back onto the ceiling, swinging from beam to beam. Jack watched amused.
"As I was saying," Will started but Jack wasn't listening.
"Look at that, he just swings and swings, like a little tiny acrobat. It's wonderful. Oh, there he goes again," he turned to Will who was not smiling, "Oh right, right your father." He sat down now, attempting to be serious, "So, what do you want to know?"
"What makes you think he's alive?" Will asked automatically.
Jack sat up, surprised, "What makes you think he's dead?"
"Everything! He's never come looking for me, I've never heard of him being alive, and Barbossa said he killed him himself." Will explained quickly becoming frustrated.
"You really don't listen very closely my boy. Barbossa explained that he fired your father out of a cannon by his bootstrap, after they had been cursed. Do you know what that means?" Jack asked. Will clearly had not grasped the meaning yet. "It means he's still alive. He was already cursed, which means he couldn't die. So either he swam to shore or he walked across the bottom, but somehow he reached land and lives to this day, I don't imagine he would have just sat the bottom of the ocean for these past 10 years."
"That's true," Will realized, "If he was already cursed he would be alive and now uncursed. But, why has he never tried to track me down? I would not have been hard to find, I kept my real name when I was adopted."
For once Jack looked honestly sympathetic and his words were sincere when he replied, "I don't know. Perhaps he heard of your ship being destroyed and knew of no survivors, I cannot say. But it's clear that you want to find him, and I'll help you. I knew your father, he was a good man, even for a pirate."
"I never knew he was a pirate, not until you told me. He had always told mother and I that he was a merchant, now I know everything he ever told me was a lie. I'm not sure I want to see him," Will admitted softly.
Jack's eyes went soft with sympathy, "Well, it is your choice, but you're here now and we're going to find him so you might as well take your opportunity to talk to him, you may be surprised by what you find."
"Why is it that you want to find him?"
"To offer him his old position on the Black Pearl, and all the benefits that come with it. Out of my entire crew he was the only one that wasn't against me, even with the whole ship against him. Now that's loyalty, and I intend to repay it," Jack replied, seeming proud of his reasons.
"This whole trip is about a show of gratitude?" Will asked, knowing there was more.
"Partly, yes. Keresto also happens to be a very large trading port and we have many, many things to trade, but we will have time to find your father while there," Jack explained.
"And what will you be trading? Stolen goods?" Will asked accusingly.
Jack smirked, "Yes and no. Barbossa's lot stole them from someone I'm sure, but now we've stolen them back."
"You went back to the island and recovered the treasures left there," Will realized, his lips upturning at the thought. Not knowing where the gold and jewels came from, it really was not stealing to put such items into their own possession. If they didn't the gold would simply remain there, never to be found.
"We took as much as we could anyway; the boat nearly sank. Had to sacrifice a few of my crew to make room for it all," Jack said triumphantly. Looking closely now Will could see the gold and silver objects all around the room; plates, decorations, chalices, a new gold chain about Jack's neck, all taken from Barbossa's booty.
"Then you've done quite well for yourself."
"Indeed we have, many of us are considering retirement," Jack announced.
"But not you?"
"No, I think the sea still calls to Captain Jack Sparrow. Or maybe it's those voices in my head, either way, I'm sticking around," Jack assured him. "But your father should be quite happy once we find him. Those benefits I spoke of earlier, that is one of them. By all rights a good portion of that treasure belongs to him; least that's the way I see it. I think I owe him that much. Not that he needs it. My my my, treasure and a son, I am bringing old Bill quite the present."
"What makes you think my father's even in Keresto, if he is alive?" Will asked, still grasping for information and logic to this whole experience.
"Gawd, must you ask so many questions? You're worse than Cotton's damn parrot. Can't you just accept what I tell you and be happy?" At Will's glare Jack relented the information, "There's this rumor, tale, whatever you want to call it. In Keresto there is a man, a powerful man, who does not age and cannot die. As fierce and strong a fighter as any have ever seen, he is said to have sold his soul to the devil, because at night, when the moon is full, this man walks as only bones. That's what they say anyway, sounds an awful lot like a cursed member of the Black Pearl if you ask me."
"Yes, it does," Will admitted.
"Look, it's late, you've probably had a hard day. If you want to get some rest, Anamaria will show you where you'll be staying." Jack offered and Will thanked him. Anamaria came in at Jack's call and ushered him along.
"See you in the morning," Will called out but Jack just waved him off, his full attention devoted to the monkey once more doing tricks on the ceiling.
"This way," Anamaria ordered him, her tone brooking no arguments. She led him down into the lower deck, past the galley, and into the crew quarters. He grimaced, though he had known what he would find. The crew quarters consisted of hammocks hanging from the ceiling, all in one huge room. Curtains hung as well, offering limited privacy, but Will was unsure how one could live in such a way for months on end.
Seeing the look on Will's face Anamaria smiled, and nudged him ahead, "You're lucky the cap'n likes you. Come on." She continued to lead the way, past the crew quarters and into a small hallway. There was a door at one end that she opened to reveal a small bedroom. The room simply held a bed and a desk and for that Will breathed a sigh of relief. At least there were four walls and a mattress. There were also a few personal items on the desk, indicating that someone else had made it their home. Slightly confused, Will shot Anamaria a curious glance.
Anamaria laughed and said, "These are my quarters, you'll be staying here until you jump ship."
"No, I couldn't. I would never take your room from you ..." Will said hastily, with all his manners coming to the surface.
"It's all right, I don't use it much anyway. I spend most of my nights in the cap'n's quarters." She replied.
"I don't ...." Will began but realization dawned on him, "Oh, I see." Then he blushed and said no more.
"You have a good rest, and remember, we rise early around here." She yelled out to him as she made her way topside.
"I've already risen early," He mumbled to himself as he lay down on the small bed. It did not seem as though sleep would be with him that night as thoughts of his father and all that Jack had told him swirled through his mind. How had he managed this, he wondered, gotten mixed up in another crazy pirate adventure. Jack Sparrow has a way of rubbing off on people. With these many thoughts running through his mind, and the soft rocking of the ship relaxing him, he eventually fell asleep.
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When Will opened his eyes once more he sadly discovered that it was morning. Early morning. No more than three or four hours could have passed since he had fallen asleep and he could feel the weariness seep through him.
~|~ I'll have to get used to it I guess, this is sea life.~|~ He reminded himself. It was then he realized he could hear voices and hurried footsteps all around him. The crew was already up and hard at work it seemed. Well, since he wasn't really crew he supposed it would be all right if he were to roll over and sleep for just a few more hours, until he found his sea legs of course. The crew would not agree.
Just as his eyes closed once more the door to the small room was thrown open to reveal several crew members, smiling mischievously. Will moaned as he rolled over, hoping they'd go away, only to have a hand swiftly cover his mouth, followed by a tight gag. Becoming instantly alert, Will tried to pull away but in the confined space there was nowhere to go. Suddenly callused hands grabbed his arms and his wrists were bound in front of him by a coarse rope. Looking around, Will could recognize only one of the crew members out of the five that ambushed him and wondered where Jack had found such clearly treacherous men. Still smiling, the men strong armed him out of the room and through the lower deck, intent on taking him up top; Will fought them every step of the way to no avail, the long hours of ship work had made them much stronger than him. When they passed through the crew quarters many saw what was happening but none moved to stop them; some even cheered them on. Will wondered what strange kind of world he had fallen into.
As he struggled against the men he tried to spot someone familiar, anyone. Jack and Anamaria were both nowhere to be seen. Cotton stood watching from a corner, seemingly intrigued, but a man without a tongue couldn't really speak out for him. He seemed alone in his unexplained abduction. As he was pulled against his will up the steps to the upper deck Will could do nothing but yell against the gag in his mouth, hoping Jack would hear him, and wonder what in God's name was going to happen to him.
TBC
All for now, they'll be more soon. Thanks to all my fab reviewers, to whom I pledge to never write a Mary-Sue EVER! I don't like to read them either. I've replied to a few of you, but thanks to you all.
GothicNightenGale & ImageEmpress - Thank you, that was a rather blatant mistake wasn't it? I'm too lazy to change chap 1, but I promise not to do it again.
ImageEmpress - I think the Peter Pan line only came out because I wrote this after seeing LXG, which I personally do not recommend seeing.
Mary O'Tool - I do write slash but not a whole lot. This story is definitely not slash, but I can see me writing one eventually. I am going to see PoTC again tomorrow night so I may spot an inspirational slashy moment.
Gabriel Crow - they are sexy aren't they?
Lin - No, no Elizabeth. I didn't mind her or anything, but I really couldn't find a place for her in the story. I'm putting a lot of work into characterizing Jack right so I don't want to worry about getting a lot of characters' personalities' right.
Gambit Gurl Isis - Yes, Jack is very complex, you're right. I have to read over his dialogue a thousand times to make sure it's something he'd say.
Rayemars - I like that line too, glad you're enjoying the fic.
And thanks to everyone else who reviewed. More real soon, promise. Goody ^_^
The Sea Holds the Answers chap 2/?
Jack smirked at Will's shocked expression, and then, not in the mood for further explanations, he turned to the window one last time and began his descent down the house. Will finally snapped out of his state of astonishment and ran to the ledge to pull him inside once more, but found he was too late this time and the pirate was already halfway down the wall.
"Jack, get back here!" He called out desperately, "You're not making any sense."
"I'm making perfect sense, you just choose not to see it," Jack pointed out as he dropped to the ground.
"But ... but my father's dead," Will whispered in confusion, and was surprised when Jack heard him.
"You really are a little slow, aren't you? Well you'd best speed up soon, the crew won't wait long," Jack yelled out as he casually strode away from the house.
"Jack wait!" Will pleaded, but the sauntering form never slowed or turned back, "Damn."
Running back into the room Will grabbed his essentials: his hat, sword, boots and coin purse. As he gathered his belongings he called out to his closest servant, a kindly butler named Edward.
"Yes my lord," Edward enquired looking bed raddled. Though being married to a governor's daughter had its advantages, Will would never get used to being called "lord". It was only after taking in the butler's disshelved appearance that Will once more realized how late it was.
"Um, yes, sorry for the late hour. I shall need you to take care of the rest of the preparations for my return to England I'm afraid. Please send word to Elizabeth that I may be arriving a little later than planned. I've found an ..... alternate form of transportation," Will explained as he quickly grabbed his belongings, "I'm sorry to put this on you, but something extremely important has come up."
"Of course, I understand completely." Edward lied, not knowing why his employer would be leaving so swiftly.
Will rushed down the stairs, Edward not far behind, and pulled his coat off the rack as he opened the door, "Thank you, for everything. I put these matters in your hands out of trust; I know you will not let me down. Good- bye. " Will sped out the door hurriedly, slamming it hard. Edward turned to go back to bed when the door opened again and Will peaked his head in, "And uh, give yourself a raise."
Edward smiled as the door shut again and Will disappeared for the last time.
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Struggling to put his coat on and keep his untied boots upon his feet, Will raced down the sidewalk desperately in search of a flourishly dressed pirate. It didn't seem like a hard task (Jack usually stuck out like a sore thumb), but Will had no idea where his friend may be now and decided to head in the direction of the docks. He rounded a corner, looked both ways and was about to race off down a dark alley when a sarcastic voice from behind stopped him.
"You know Will, I just can't say enough good things about that hat."
Will sighed and turned to find the captain leaning casually against the alley wall, seemingly without a care in the world. Knowing he would have no peace unless he remedied the situation, Will took off the cap, pulled the feather free, and then replaced it on his head.
"Much better," Jack glowed, beaming with fake pride.
"Well that's a relief. Now what did you mean about my father?" Will demanded, taking a curt step forward.
"All in good time, all in good time," Jack promised, not caring about Will's anger as he pushed past him and onto the street. Will did not move to follow this time.
"Well, come on, I told you the crew won't wait long," Still Will didn't follow, "I promise, full explanations are coming. I'm surprised you haven't figured it out yourself, but we really must be out of here before the sun rises. I've met the local noose once already, and I'm not eager to be reacquainted."
Jack began to walk away again and finally Will responded, "The dock's that way." Indicating the opposite direction Jack was going.
"Yes it most certainly is. That is very nice. But, I refuse to pay the ridiculous charges on that dock, and avoid the authorities that await there. With that in mind, the Black Pearl is in this direction," Jack explained and was rewarded with a nod from Will as he finally followed.
The two walked silently for a while, Jack humming softly and jovially as Will practically sulked but said nothing. As they neared their destination though Jack spoke;
"So, what have you been up to? Made any additions to the family tree?" Jack asked.
"Elizabeth is yet to be with child, but I have been well. Better than I've ever been in my life I think." Will replied wistfully after some time. Jack was not impressed by his tone, not being a very sentimental person.
"My god, you do need a good adventure. Couple of blows to the head might do you good." Jack mumbled.
"I am not here for an adventure Jack, I am coming with you for one reason and one reason only; to find my father. Now if you would be so kind as to explain to me how I am going to do that...." Will trailed off, expecting Jack to reply but the pirate's attention was drawn elsewhere.
"There she is." Jack said, his voice as wistful as Will's had been moment's earlier. Will turned and found himself looking into open sea.
"I see nothing." Will admitted as his eyes scoured the water.
"She is not called the *Black* Pearl because she is easily spotted. You must look for where the water is blackest; that is where you will find my ship."
Will looked out again and spotted a small patch of water that did appear darker than its surroundings. As they drew nearer it was clear that it was indeed the Black Pearl, perfectly camouflaged in the waters. Will frowned as he realized the terror that ship must have struck in so many hearts. Being as dark as it was it would be easy for the craft to ambush unsuspecting ships in the dead of night; it was no wonder the vessel had been thought cursed long before it actually was.
"Come then," Jack urged him, clapping him on the shoulder and leading the way down the steep hill that led to the shore. Once there they climbed into the rowboat Jack had taken to reach shore and set out for the Black Pearl. As they careened over the calm water Will got a better look at the ship and realized it looked much better than it had. The holes caused by the cannon fire had been patched and the sails, though just as dark, were full and blowing strongly. He could see the crew onboard, and several stopped to wave at them, making it already feel more alive than it had under Barbossa's command.
"I love what you've done with the place," Will commented as they rowed closer.
Jack just smiled, "Yes, the curtains were my idea."
They reached the ship, tied the boat to the side and climbed up the rat lines to the deck. Shouts could be heard from the crew as they climbed up.
"Cap'n's back!" "Tighten that mastway!" "Get everyone up here." "He's brought someone with him." "Cap'n on deck!"
When they reached the top the entire crew was assembled as if for inspection, standing upright and alert.
"Ah, very good crew, relax. Many of you know Will already, had your lives saved by him if memory serves me correctly." Jack said as Will came over the railing. Though the words sounded casual it was clear they were meant as a reminder; Will had saved their lives so they would show him respect. The crew acknowledged the words and greeted Will, who just nodded in return. "Ah Will, you know Anamaria, my first mate."
"First mate?" Will asked astonished, sure the two hated each other. But from the way Anna was smiling, things had probably changed.
"That's right, and I run a tight ship around here, so if you're coming with us to Keresto you best be pulling your own weight," Anna warned him.
"Actually, I'm here as guest, not crew, if I'm not mistaken," Will said slowly, watching Jack's reaction.
"And why can't you be both?" Jack asked simply, then addressed the crew. "No time for introductions now. Haul anchor, turn the sails, we're off to Keresto!"
The crew cheered but then rushed to the tasks Anamaria appointed them as they worked.
"Keresto? Is that where my father is?" Will asked, unable to hold in his questions any longer.
"You," he pointed at Will, "must come and have a long and most likely borrrrring, chat with me. Let's get it over with then, come on," Jack led the way to the captain's quarter's and instructed him to sit.
"Alright, I've left my home behind, grabbed the bear essentials of my life and followed you blindly, now will you tell me ..... Ah!" Will yelped in surprise as a small, furry objected suddenly jumped on his shoulder.
"I'm so sorry, I haven't quite gotten him under control yet," Jack apologized as he picked the monkey off Will's shoulder.
"You kept that thing?" Will asked astonished, recognizing Barbossa's monkey.
"Well, it's got a great name," Jack defended as he gave the animal a grape. It chittered gleefully and jumped back onto the ceiling, swinging from beam to beam. Jack watched amused.
"As I was saying," Will started but Jack wasn't listening.
"Look at that, he just swings and swings, like a little tiny acrobat. It's wonderful. Oh, there he goes again," he turned to Will who was not smiling, "Oh right, right your father." He sat down now, attempting to be serious, "So, what do you want to know?"
"What makes you think he's alive?" Will asked automatically.
Jack sat up, surprised, "What makes you think he's dead?"
"Everything! He's never come looking for me, I've never heard of him being alive, and Barbossa said he killed him himself." Will explained quickly becoming frustrated.
"You really don't listen very closely my boy. Barbossa explained that he fired your father out of a cannon by his bootstrap, after they had been cursed. Do you know what that means?" Jack asked. Will clearly had not grasped the meaning yet. "It means he's still alive. He was already cursed, which means he couldn't die. So either he swam to shore or he walked across the bottom, but somehow he reached land and lives to this day, I don't imagine he would have just sat the bottom of the ocean for these past 10 years."
"That's true," Will realized, "If he was already cursed he would be alive and now uncursed. But, why has he never tried to track me down? I would not have been hard to find, I kept my real name when I was adopted."
For once Jack looked honestly sympathetic and his words were sincere when he replied, "I don't know. Perhaps he heard of your ship being destroyed and knew of no survivors, I cannot say. But it's clear that you want to find him, and I'll help you. I knew your father, he was a good man, even for a pirate."
"I never knew he was a pirate, not until you told me. He had always told mother and I that he was a merchant, now I know everything he ever told me was a lie. I'm not sure I want to see him," Will admitted softly.
Jack's eyes went soft with sympathy, "Well, it is your choice, but you're here now and we're going to find him so you might as well take your opportunity to talk to him, you may be surprised by what you find."
"Why is it that you want to find him?"
"To offer him his old position on the Black Pearl, and all the benefits that come with it. Out of my entire crew he was the only one that wasn't against me, even with the whole ship against him. Now that's loyalty, and I intend to repay it," Jack replied, seeming proud of his reasons.
"This whole trip is about a show of gratitude?" Will asked, knowing there was more.
"Partly, yes. Keresto also happens to be a very large trading port and we have many, many things to trade, but we will have time to find your father while there," Jack explained.
"And what will you be trading? Stolen goods?" Will asked accusingly.
Jack smirked, "Yes and no. Barbossa's lot stole them from someone I'm sure, but now we've stolen them back."
"You went back to the island and recovered the treasures left there," Will realized, his lips upturning at the thought. Not knowing where the gold and jewels came from, it really was not stealing to put such items into their own possession. If they didn't the gold would simply remain there, never to be found.
"We took as much as we could anyway; the boat nearly sank. Had to sacrifice a few of my crew to make room for it all," Jack said triumphantly. Looking closely now Will could see the gold and silver objects all around the room; plates, decorations, chalices, a new gold chain about Jack's neck, all taken from Barbossa's booty.
"Then you've done quite well for yourself."
"Indeed we have, many of us are considering retirement," Jack announced.
"But not you?"
"No, I think the sea still calls to Captain Jack Sparrow. Or maybe it's those voices in my head, either way, I'm sticking around," Jack assured him. "But your father should be quite happy once we find him. Those benefits I spoke of earlier, that is one of them. By all rights a good portion of that treasure belongs to him; least that's the way I see it. I think I owe him that much. Not that he needs it. My my my, treasure and a son, I am bringing old Bill quite the present."
"What makes you think my father's even in Keresto, if he is alive?" Will asked, still grasping for information and logic to this whole experience.
"Gawd, must you ask so many questions? You're worse than Cotton's damn parrot. Can't you just accept what I tell you and be happy?" At Will's glare Jack relented the information, "There's this rumor, tale, whatever you want to call it. In Keresto there is a man, a powerful man, who does not age and cannot die. As fierce and strong a fighter as any have ever seen, he is said to have sold his soul to the devil, because at night, when the moon is full, this man walks as only bones. That's what they say anyway, sounds an awful lot like a cursed member of the Black Pearl if you ask me."
"Yes, it does," Will admitted.
"Look, it's late, you've probably had a hard day. If you want to get some rest, Anamaria will show you where you'll be staying." Jack offered and Will thanked him. Anamaria came in at Jack's call and ushered him along.
"See you in the morning," Will called out but Jack just waved him off, his full attention devoted to the monkey once more doing tricks on the ceiling.
"This way," Anamaria ordered him, her tone brooking no arguments. She led him down into the lower deck, past the galley, and into the crew quarters. He grimaced, though he had known what he would find. The crew quarters consisted of hammocks hanging from the ceiling, all in one huge room. Curtains hung as well, offering limited privacy, but Will was unsure how one could live in such a way for months on end.
Seeing the look on Will's face Anamaria smiled, and nudged him ahead, "You're lucky the cap'n likes you. Come on." She continued to lead the way, past the crew quarters and into a small hallway. There was a door at one end that she opened to reveal a small bedroom. The room simply held a bed and a desk and for that Will breathed a sigh of relief. At least there were four walls and a mattress. There were also a few personal items on the desk, indicating that someone else had made it their home. Slightly confused, Will shot Anamaria a curious glance.
Anamaria laughed and said, "These are my quarters, you'll be staying here until you jump ship."
"No, I couldn't. I would never take your room from you ..." Will said hastily, with all his manners coming to the surface.
"It's all right, I don't use it much anyway. I spend most of my nights in the cap'n's quarters." She replied.
"I don't ...." Will began but realization dawned on him, "Oh, I see." Then he blushed and said no more.
"You have a good rest, and remember, we rise early around here." She yelled out to him as she made her way topside.
"I've already risen early," He mumbled to himself as he lay down on the small bed. It did not seem as though sleep would be with him that night as thoughts of his father and all that Jack had told him swirled through his mind. How had he managed this, he wondered, gotten mixed up in another crazy pirate adventure. Jack Sparrow has a way of rubbing off on people. With these many thoughts running through his mind, and the soft rocking of the ship relaxing him, he eventually fell asleep.
~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|
When Will opened his eyes once more he sadly discovered that it was morning. Early morning. No more than three or four hours could have passed since he had fallen asleep and he could feel the weariness seep through him.
~|~ I'll have to get used to it I guess, this is sea life.~|~ He reminded himself. It was then he realized he could hear voices and hurried footsteps all around him. The crew was already up and hard at work it seemed. Well, since he wasn't really crew he supposed it would be all right if he were to roll over and sleep for just a few more hours, until he found his sea legs of course. The crew would not agree.
Just as his eyes closed once more the door to the small room was thrown open to reveal several crew members, smiling mischievously. Will moaned as he rolled over, hoping they'd go away, only to have a hand swiftly cover his mouth, followed by a tight gag. Becoming instantly alert, Will tried to pull away but in the confined space there was nowhere to go. Suddenly callused hands grabbed his arms and his wrists were bound in front of him by a coarse rope. Looking around, Will could recognize only one of the crew members out of the five that ambushed him and wondered where Jack had found such clearly treacherous men. Still smiling, the men strong armed him out of the room and through the lower deck, intent on taking him up top; Will fought them every step of the way to no avail, the long hours of ship work had made them much stronger than him. When they passed through the crew quarters many saw what was happening but none moved to stop them; some even cheered them on. Will wondered what strange kind of world he had fallen into.
As he struggled against the men he tried to spot someone familiar, anyone. Jack and Anamaria were both nowhere to be seen. Cotton stood watching from a corner, seemingly intrigued, but a man without a tongue couldn't really speak out for him. He seemed alone in his unexplained abduction. As he was pulled against his will up the steps to the upper deck Will could do nothing but yell against the gag in his mouth, hoping Jack would hear him, and wonder what in God's name was going to happen to him.
TBC
All for now, they'll be more soon. Thanks to all my fab reviewers, to whom I pledge to never write a Mary-Sue EVER! I don't like to read them either. I've replied to a few of you, but thanks to you all.
GothicNightenGale & ImageEmpress - Thank you, that was a rather blatant mistake wasn't it? I'm too lazy to change chap 1, but I promise not to do it again.
ImageEmpress - I think the Peter Pan line only came out because I wrote this after seeing LXG, which I personally do not recommend seeing.
Mary O'Tool - I do write slash but not a whole lot. This story is definitely not slash, but I can see me writing one eventually. I am going to see PoTC again tomorrow night so I may spot an inspirational slashy moment.
Gabriel Crow - they are sexy aren't they?
Lin - No, no Elizabeth. I didn't mind her or anything, but I really couldn't find a place for her in the story. I'm putting a lot of work into characterizing Jack right so I don't want to worry about getting a lot of characters' personalities' right.
Gambit Gurl Isis - Yes, Jack is very complex, you're right. I have to read over his dialogue a thousand times to make sure it's something he'd say.
Rayemars - I like that line too, glad you're enjoying the fic.
And thanks to everyone else who reviewed. More real soon, promise. Goody ^_^
