Title: Journey To The Past
Author: Ella Enchanted
Rating: PG-13 for foul language and a bit of violence.
Distribution: Sure. Let me know where it's going!
Summary: What was Jack's home life like? Did he have a loving family or girl? Read on to find out!
Disclaimer: None of these characters, places, etc. belong to me. They belong to Disney, ya da ya da ya da. I DO however own any character(s) that did not appear in the movie. Nuff' said? On with the show!
(Read)Author's Note: Sorry this took me two days to post! All in favor of killing my boss say "Aye". It's that time of the month again……just kidding. It's that time to thank all the bitchin' reviewers who have taken the time to read and appreciate my story. I LOVE YOU ALL! (If you're not mentioned here I didn't get a chance to read your review before writing this. Sorry! But I'll be sure to mention you in the next chapter!) They are:
PineAppleLint: Thanks again for being a faithful reviewer! I'm glad I'm not the only who hates my boss! Hehehe. I know the suspense is building up and everyone's holding his or her breath. It'll be soon I promise!
Cassandra the Heart Nut: Thanks for the constructive criticism it's always appreciated. I checked into that wheelchair thing and I found some interesting info. It said that they had something similar to a wheelchair called "roulette" in that era. I'll probably change it later to roulette. I believe women were allowed to sing back then. I actually got the idea from Scarlet Pimpernel, but I'm not positive. I'm glad that you like it. Lucie being a pirate…. interesting. Thanks again for all the help, it's greatly appreciated!
Carlses: Thanks for your faith in this story! I was pretty sad about that flame, but I got over it. Yes, how many ways are there to ditch evil fiancées? Oh, the possibilities! Thanks!
Crystal Millennium: I got the inspiration for Mrs. Smith from a lot of Jane Austen's characters. I love 17th century mothers meddling in other people's affairs. (Hint- There'll be more women of her type to come in further chapters!) Thanks!
ElfPilot: You're one of my favorite reviewers! Thanks again for your faith in this story. I LOVE your story! More soon please!
Chayter (Blue Wolftin): Another one of my faithful and fav. Reviewers! Lucie and Jack's rendezvous will come sooner than everybody thinks. (Laughs evilly!) All the answers to your questions will be revealed in due time. Thanks!
Wicked-angel3: "suppose you can take the pirate from the sea, but cant stop him from being as much of a pirate as he can still!" Exactly my sentiments! I think the time has come to rebel against all evil bosses, as long as we don't get fired! I'm with you on the whole pitchfork and torches a la Beauty and the Beast style!
Constance Nightingale: Thanks! I feel like I'm killing you all with not posting lucie/jack reunion yet. Maybe I should…..nah! Keeps up the interest and suspense. (I know, I'm evil)
XM6: Another favorite and faithful reviewer. I love my medals! I think I'll hang them above my mantel for flamers to see!
Kalaratri: Again, constructive criticism is always appreciated. Thank you for being one of the few to understand the difference between con crit and flames! I was a bit worried that Jack was a little ooc. I think that I need some revamping on his part as well as Lucie's. Not a drastic change but just enough to make it different from other MS. "Does she like to sneak out at night and mud wrestle at the local inn?" There's an idea….hehehehe. I'll come up with something funny maybe, hopefully for her to do with her time. Thanks again for your help and advice!
Juicyfruitmama: First off, loving the pen name! Thanks I'll hopefully keep it going good and steady. I just hope that I don't disappoint anybody! Thanks!
Moo Straberry: This name is just as awesome jawesome as the other one! Aww, you're making me blush! "You're my new best friend, call me every five minutes!" (Can anybody name this quote from a t.v. show?) I'm too damned flattered. You have inspired me to add a little something extra to the next chapter. (Hint- Oh yeah, and maybe Lucie noticed Jack in the carriage and thought she was hallucinating because of her conversation with Eleanor? Just an idea.) But you didn't hear anything from me, savvy?
Evilspoofauthor1Sven: Thanks for the great review! Jack's parents will find out a tad bit of interesting info!
Constance Nightingale: (I'm going in order of the reviews, so you get mentioned twice!) Thanks for the comforting words. I admit when I read that review I momentarily played with the thought of removing it because I was so embarrassed by her. That thought was squashed when I remembered that practically everybody else loved it. I'd like to thank everybody for his or her undying support! I dedicate this story to y'all! Thanks for adding me to your fav. List!
Arabella: My new beta reader! A million and one thanks go out to you for all your help! You rock my sox! Yes, we shall see to it that my boss is tortured in every possible way. Hahahahaha, what's cancer of the goldfish? That's too great! (I've got A LOT of caffeine flowing through my veins. Somebody might as well hook me up to an IV that just pours soda into me!)
Shanelover1: Wow, two reviews! I love little Jack! There will be plenty of fancy clothes to come, but he won't be able to withstand them for long. Such is the case w/ any pirate! Thanks!
Dre Ship-Ship: Thanks for con crit! I'm trying my hardest to get away from Mary-Sues but I'm afraid I'm still a little confused as to what makes one. What exactly is a Mary-Sue? Thanks again!
Attenti al cane: I think you might have misunderstood my meaning. I'm always open to constructive criticism. I just don't think that flames help in any way, shape, or form. It's a lot easier to fix a problem w/ the story when somebody points out the faults instead of just sitting there telling somebody that their story is crap. I'm truly sorry if this offends you. I'm just stating my opinion on the matter.
Dawnmeister: Thanks for the support! It's greatly appreciated also! I agree with you!
Connie: Hehe, thanks! I don't about that though, there are far better fics out there. Thanks a billion!
Princess of Pain: Again I have the great misfortune of crossing paths with you. Words cannot describe how much your opinion means to me. I take back every insult that I slung your way in hopes that I too can be taught the useless lessons in weaponry. I choose to be ignorant because as I said before, I have a life and I won't waste my time trying my hardest to make a story as accurate as possible. It's just a story for fuck's sake. If this story TRULY offends, I seriously suggest you seek psychiatric help. For your information, I'm a straight A, part time college freshman studying for my degree in Registered Nursing, which is a far more significant and respected career when compared to a starving hack. However, I do have a medical internship, which is my current employment status. As for your book, I'll believe it when I see it with my own eyes. In fact, I make a pledge to you now that if in fact you do get a book published I will take down this story that has been the cause of great pain and agony for you. As for being a bitch, I'm always the first to admit that yes in fact I am a "self-absorbed bitch". I however, have the decency to admit it. I'm proud of who I am and I will not be belittled by petty, snide comments. So if you want to continue flaming me go right ahead and do so. Only I will finish this story whether or not you hate it. One more rant before I let you continue with your oh so creative insults. Why the fuck do you keep on calling me by "honey child" and "sweetling"? If you really want to insult me just call me a bitch instead of hiding behind pretentious pleasantries. Is this merely to humanize you?
On with the Show!
Journey to the Past
Chapter 5: Keeping Up Appearances…. Is Hard to do with Rum at hand!
Jack slammed down his mug on the old faded round pine table while wiping off the rum that was streaming down his chin. He felt another invigorating warmth surge through his veins and into his very core. It was a familiar, comforting feeling yet it was oddly empty and cold at the same time.
"Ah! The wonders and mysteries of alcohol." Smiling he made a nonchalant movement with his hand at the bar wench to come hither. Smiling seductively she strode towards him with her hands on her hips, which were currently swaying back and forth with exaggerated movements. She stopped a mere six inches in front of him and leaned down exposing her best assets to him.
"Another rum?" She lifted a perfectly arched eyebrow at him.
"Yes! Fill 'er up, God damn it." (A.N. - I'll give mucho kudos to anybody who can guess what movie this came from!) He thrust his mug out for her to take and lolled farther down into his seat. Smiling appreciatively at her fading form he took extra care to plan an attack. He needed female company if he was going to be in this godforsaken town for a whole bleedin' month, especially if he wanted to get through tonight. "Tonight!" He felt an internal alarm go off in his head. Bolting upright in his chair like he'd just sat down on a porcupine, he grasped his temples in silent reverie. "What was I suppose to do tonight? Pillage? No, not yet. Plunder? Again too soon. Fly? Bake a cake? Shine me boots? Track down the endangered mermaid species? Go Ostrich back riding?" He giggled to himself as his stream of thoughts turned from panic to relaxation and humor. He turned to his left as if to tell a mate something extremely funny that just happened to come to mind. Frowning he discovered he was alone and couldn't for the life of him remember where he put his boots. And why didn't his pants fit right? Shrugging these musings away he grinned his electric and metallic smile to the approaching bar maiden.
"'Ere ye go. Can I get ye anythin' else?" She accentuated each word by closing in on him and finally placing herself in his lap. She wasted no time in trying to unbutton his vest and shirt. His attention was momentarily drawn away when he heard the booming echoing from the table behind him.
"Well, Niles should we get going to dinner then?"
He didn't bother to listen to Niles' reply while he sat up and buttoned up his vest again. Furiously fiddling with the buttons he cursed as he remembered what a pain in the ass these vests could be. Groaning he looked up at the now frowning red haired wench and asked, "What time is it anyhow?"
Rolling her eyes in disgust, she stood up to her full height and brushed off her skirt before turning with a 'humph'. He ignored her obvious disdain for him and stood up quickly in search of his boots. He crawled under his table and around the surrounding tables but it was all in vain. He couldn't find any trace of information as to the whereabouts of his missing boots. Standing up with his famous jerky movements he swayed towards a table where a couple of what seemed to be businessmen were deeply enthralled in conversation. Taking no consideration of that fact that it was extremely rude to just interrupt somebody's conversation he roughly tossed his hand on one of the man's shoulder before demanding, "What time is it? You seem somewhat familiar. Have we crossed blades before? You weren't at the battle between the Ciron and the Black Pearl were you?"
Turning with a disgusted sigh of irritation the man faced Jack and produced his pocket watch. He gazed down at the small, shiny, glass face and closed it with a tiny 'click'. "No, I'm glad to say that I've not had the misfortune to cross blades or battle any drunkards. It's just about seven. Now would you kindly remove your commoner's rum infested face away from me?" The man gazed at Jack as he too thought that this drunken character seemed familiar to him as well. He shook his head and thought, "I've probably bought my vegetables from him at market or something of the sort."
Completely ignoring the fact that he'd just been severely insulted, he grabbed his head with both hands in a dramatic way looked around for what seemed to be an answer to a question. "Seven o'clock! Oh Christ! Bleedin', but wonderful rum. Ta hell with ye! I didn't mean it, luv. I'm sorry. I be under a lotta pressure. I's just a li'l upset." He was now talking to the empty space in front of him and receiving odd looks, not only from the two gentlemen, but also from a good quarter of the bar. This, however, didn't faze him in the least. Suddenly remembering he had somewhere to be, he turned and almost tripped on his feet. Steadying himself, as much as he could, he made a dash to the door and out into the cold, sobering night's air.
"Oh, I do hate drunks, and any and all members of the lower class." The gentleman who had been accosted by Jack's shaky hand snorted as he sipped from his mug. Gazing over the rim of his mug he set his sights on the aforementioned bar wench with a lustful eye. Smiling like the cat that just ate the canary, he carefully set down his mug, never breaking his gaze from the stunning creature before him.
Turning to follow his friend's gaze he too smiled a wide grin, "John Upton, you rascal. Can't you at least give another man a chance? You have Miss Vaughn and I'm sorely lacking in the pleasurable company of females.
"Oh, you may have the strumpet when I'm finished with her."
"Wait who? Lucie or the red head?" His feeble friend, Thomas Snider, scratched his head with a look of confusion crossing his greasy, pudgy face.
"The whore, you idiot! Is Miss Vaughn a strumpet? No." He took a giant swig of his ale, winded from his outburst. He slammed the mug down a little harder than he intended to which caused most of the contents to spill on the bar's counter. He smiled wildly when he saw that the waitress had noticed his spill and had come to clean it up. Swiping her rag across the once pristine pine counter she eyed the two men wearily.
"My apologies, miss," John swept down in a bow while managing to remain seated. He smirked sideways at Tom when she responded positively to his advance. "What's a pretty little thing like you doing here?"
"A girls gotta earn a livin' somehow. This is jest a day job." He knew what she was insinuating and it was what he was hoping she'd offer.
"Really? That's fascinating." He extended he hand out to her and led her out from behind the counter and out of the bar, but not before smiling evilly at Tom.
~~~~
Jack quietly, well as quiet as Capt'n Sparrow could, crept around the side of the house in search of something. He rubbed his beard thoughtfully while gazing up at his window in frustration. He made extra efforts to ensure he was safely and discreetly hidden in the shadow of the brush. He didn't want to be spotted by his family whom were currently seated in the dinning room, which inconveniently was placed underneath his bedroom. He stepped further back into the shadows when his father pushed back his chair and stood. He followed him around the room with his eyes. Arthur walked over to the wine cabinet and withdrew two wine goblets and a bottle of whiskey. "Oh, alcohol!" Jack almost made a dash towards the French doors that led into the dinning room, but stopped as he remembered why it was he was outside, in the cold no less.
He frowned at the thought that there was no safe way to enter the house without being caught. Spinning around in a defeated huff he was startled by one of the many grand oak trees. He quickly unsheathed his sword and swung at the tree with a murderous gleam in his eyes. He screamed out "I'll cut yer' bleedin' gizzard out, I will!" Instead of the familiar feeling of the blade meeting with a soft body, he was surprised when he was knocked backwards from the force of the blow. From his current spot on the ground he laughed in embarrassment as he realized his attacker was nothing more than a tree. Looking around to see if anybody witnessed that horrific display of foolishness he smiled when he was met with the silent night's air. Gazing back at his attacker or tree, he traveled the height of it with his eyes. He looked straight up to see that it was a mere foot from the landing in front of his window. "An easy feat." He wasted no time in pulling himself up into the crotch of the grand oak.
"What was that noise?" Anita turned to look out the window in terror.
"What noise? I didn't hear anything." Arthur followed her gaze out of the window. It was in vain though because the darkness of the night contrasted with the soft glow of the candles emitting a bright glare on the glass.
"Of course you didn't hear anything, you're losing your hearing." She sighed shaking her head while managing to toss her graying curls to and fro with the movements.
"What was that?" He put his hand up to his ear in mock despair.
"Oh, Arthur! Where could Jack be? I'm terribly frightened for him. What if something has happened to him? Something horrible!" She was now throwing herself into fits of hysterics and sat down in a peach colored dinning room chair.
"Woman, cease this incessant whaling! It'll help you none. Remain calm until we know what is going on." He came to stand behind her and squeezed her shoulders reassuringly.
"Don't worry, Anita. I'm sure he's all right. He's probably just come across some old acquaintance and is momentarily delayed." Katherine Vaughn smiled sympathetically across the table to her best friend.
"Yes, Lady Smith, I'm sure he'll drop in unannounced any moment now," Daniel added to his wife's comment. As if fate had been listening to their conversation all four of their head snapped around to the window when they heard somebody screaming something to the effect of, "Oh, Jesus Christ all mighty!" With a resounding 'thud' that was accompanied by a loud groan they burst through the double doors and out to the backyard. Eight eyes roamed the distance of the vast yard until they each fell on a figure bolting up into standing position, dusting himself off.
"Jack, is that you?" Anita inched forwards a little, still cautious of any intruder.
"Aye, it be me." Jack jumped at the sound of his mother's voice, but quickly recovered. Wracking his brain for an explanation to the inevitable question he wondered if the old 'I got lost' excuse would work. "Bloody unlikely," he grimaced when he couldn't think of a possible answer that would satisfy their curiosity.
"Jack, where have you been? I was so worried. Wait, why were you up that tree?" Anita's brow furrowed in confusion and shock at the thought of a thirty-one year old man still climbing trees, like a little boy.
"Well, ye see. I was out minding me own business, taking a stroll through town, reminiscing 'bout this an' that when I stumbled upon a little clearing. I went and lay down for a spell and I must've dozed off cause next thing I knew it was all dark. I didn't want to ruin yer dinner by makin' a ruckus so I decided to enter the house by alternate means." He said all this in what seemed to Anita like one breath. Exhaling he looked up at her with those innocent puppy dog eyes that he knew always won over any lady, especially his dear ol' mum.
"All right, my dear. Next time just come through the front door." She turned and saw the mirth filled eyes of Lord and Lady Vaughn.
Jack, who had failed to notice their presence until now jumped back a little when Daniel Vaughn came and patted his back jovially, "Jack, how've you been, my boy?"
"Splendid." He could feel the rum was doing most of the task of talking at that moment and felt helpless because he had no control whatsoever. "How've you been, Danny? Kathy?"
Lord Vaughn laughed heartily at his nicknames and wiped away a tear from his eye. "We've been splendid as well. Tell me, is it a custom in France to use such improper names?" He crossed his arms in mock scolding.
"Aye! I be Jacky. You be Danny and she be Kathy," he pointed a wiggling finger at the laughing Lady Vaugh. Then he turned to his parents and continued his explanation, "That be Daddy, and that be Mommy, and yer daughter be Lucie. Except that doesn't make a bit o' difference, now does it?"
"Jack, it'll be good to have you back in these parts. I'd forgotten how humorous you always were. This town is in need of some laughter. Tell me, how long will you be staying?"
"A month. No more, no less," he said this dramatically while waving his arms madly about.
"I'm very sorry to hear it," Lady Vaughn cut in and gave Jack a genuine smile. He knew he always liked her. "We're on the same wavelength. You and I." Jack hadn't realized he hadn't vocalized that sentence and looked rather foolish for laughing at his own joke.
"Oh, sorry. Yes, tis' a shame that I can stay no longer than a month." He tried his best to sound disheartened. He realized that he must reek of alcohol, but everyone present was too nice or proper to say anything.
It was probably the latter of the two.
"Well, I'm sorry we could not stay longer and get reacquainted, but we'd better return home before it gets much darker. It was nice seeing you again, Jack." Katherine Vaughn smiled before turning and linking arms with Anita. The two headed out towards the front of the house to the awaiting carriage, deeply caught up in conversation.
"Well as always it was a fine dinner. Give my compliments to your chef. I'll see you Saturday then?" Dan shook Arthur's hand vigorously.
"Yes, we shall be attending."
"Attending what?" Jack's curiosity got the better of him. He realized it must of looked like he was eavesdropping, but he was too drunk take notice or care.
"Oh, I didn't see you following us, Jack! This Saturday we're hosting a party on behalf of the Uptons in honor of the recent engagement between their son and our Lucie. Will we have the pleasure of your company?" They had reached the carriage now and were all huddled around it in an attempt to keep warm.
"I's always up for a good party, 'specially if there's a lil rum to be had, if you catch me drift? I'd be delighted."
"Splendid. Good night, Anita, Arthur, Jack!" Katherine climbed into the carriage and wrapped the heavy blanket around her waiting for her husband's company.
"Good night all. Oh, may I have a moment alone with Jack?"
Jack was more or less surprised than his parents at the odd request but he was willing to ablige. "Certainly." Jack swaggered off behind Lord Vaughn a couple of feet away from the group. He stopped when Daniel turned around and pulled him closer.
"Jack, my boy. There are two rules when getting completely drunk. Don't look so surprised. I'm sure the queen herself can smell the rum from her castle. Rule number one: never drink alone. If you plan on getting home in one piece and on time you'd better plan on reinforcements. Rule number two: don't get drunk." He once again patted Jack's shoulder before turning to leave.
"Right. How do ye know so much 'bout rum?" Jack turned and started out after him.
"Please, I've been married for thirty-seven years. Don't you think every man has his own little escape?"
"Right. I'll take an expert's advice. Good night." Jack grinned mischievously and headed up to the front door after his parents. He turned and waved at the retreating carriage as it took off down the dirt road. Maybe it was the alcohol or the fall from a fifteen-foot tree, but Jack was feeling pretty good. Then he suddenly was aware of just how tired he was. After a long day of traveling, drinking, and thinking of lies, a man could certainly get very tired.
"Jack, a word if you, please before you retire to your chambers?" Jack turned quick on his heel and headed straight into the drawing room where his mother sat on the couch with a solemn look on her face. His father's face seemed to match hers. 'Christ, here comes the long lecture. Why do I suddenly feel like a child again?'
"Jack, this is a temperance household. When you live under this roof your mother and I expect you to abide by the rules." His voice wasn't angry or sad, but rather calm and steady.
"Temperance? Ye got a whole stash of rum in that cabinet over there." He nodded his head across the room to the mahogany cabinet that stood there looking innocent as any inanimate object could.
"Yes, Jack, but I drink it in moderation. Not in big amounts at a time. Do we have an accord?" He extended his hand cordially like addressing a fellow colleague.
"Yer sayin' ye want me to give up the rum completely?" He asked taken aback by such a vile and nasty thought.
"No, not completely. We don't want you going to the 'Singing Parrot' and wasting your hard earned money on booze." This caught Jack's attention and he momentarily felt guilty that his money was not hard earned. Dropping that thought aside like a bad habit he darkly thought, 'I worked hard for this money. I had to fight many a man, and kill a few to get me where I am today!' He beamed with pride at his own bravery and talents.
"I'll take that silent smile as a 'yes?'" His hand was still extended waiting for Jack to accept and extend the courtesy.
"Why the Hell not?" He stuck out his hand and shook it with his father's. 'Not bloody likely in this life dad.' He didn't really have to give up rum. He would just agree to the promise in order to please his parents.
"Jack, I really can't abide these dreadful words. Has France had that big of an affect on you, dear?"
"Aye, it has! Sorry, mum. Now if that's all I think I'll carry me tired body off to bed. Good night." He dashed out of the room before either of them could stop him and was already half way up the stairs when he heard them reply 'Good night' to him.
Entering his room after fifteen years had a strange impact on Jack. Nothing had changed a bit. His tin soldiers, blocks, books, and his dearly treasured globe remained in the exact spot. It was as if he'd only stepped out of his room for five minutes instead of fifteen years. He swept a quick gaze across other items and dear possessions. He jumped back for what seemed like the millionth time that day when he caught sight of a very familiar box. Sauntering over to it he ran his fingers across the dusty top of the cedar hope chest. With a twinge of excitement he heaved open the lid and coughed as dust was kicked up from his the action. Coughing roughly he swatted away the dust with both of his hands and gazed down into the box.
Inside he found his old play clothes. They had faded and the moths had gotten to them over the years, but they were still recognizable. He silently cursed his mother for not placing mothballs in there. He dug around a little and found mostly pirate's clothing, and a couple of red coats. What had he been thinking when he wanted to be a soldier? He pushed these clothes aside when he felt something smooth and lacey. He quickly withdrew a small, pink princess hat. He instantly recognized it as the crown of Princess Penelope or Princess Jack. The same crown he'd worn when playing Princess and Pirates with Lucie. He glared down at it and almost wretched at the thought of him being so girly and pansy like when he was small. Sighing with contempt he tossed it back into the chest and tightly closed the lid. 'Well best get some shut eye.'
He didn't even bother changing his clothes before crawling under the enormous blankets. He forgot how good it felt to sleep in a warm bed again. Sure his bed was comfortable but not nearly as the one he was currently laying in. 'Damn, this feels good. If this is heaven, God have mercy for wrong doings. They were honorable intentions.' With that last thought he passed out right away due mostly towards the amount of liquor he'd consumed that night. A soft smile played upon his pink lips as he slowly drifted off into La La Land. (The state in which you are in before sleep but not quite awake. Sorry that's what I call it!) He was dreaming that he was the only pirate on the high seas and that he reaped all the benefits and rewards. Including but not limited to fine clothes, women, gold, and most importantly rum. Sweet rum. He dreamed of sailing over oceans of rum with the Black Pearl safely beneath his feet. Yes, sweet rum was his one and true love, with the exception of the Pearl and the ocean. Secretly he knew it would always be the rum.
~~~~~~
A.N.- Sorry it's so long! You don't mind though, right? R/R if you want more! Constructive Criticism is most welcome whereas flames are not. On a sadder note, this and the next chapter will be all I can post till next Friday. I sadly have obligations which call me away to a greater obsession: color guard. Not to say that I love that more than FF, but it's a close tie. Anywho, R/R. Thanks! L8tr!
