Jack Sparrow has finally got his band of pirates when they soon learn they are not the most feared, merely vying for the title. It is during a chance meeting with his competitors that someone catches Jack's eye.
Authors note: I am gonna try to put it in character but don't bite me if I don't. :) I'm also gonna try to be historically correct but I already have the feeling that's gonna go out the window.
Disclaimers: Don't own 'em...wish I did. Johnny would be my personal slave, bwahahaha! Ahem.
Feedback: Yes, no flames, constructive criticism welcome.
Chapter 1
Captain Jack Sparrow dozed peacefully in the afternoon sun, feeling it seep into ever bit of his exposed skin except for his face, which he had covered with his hat. He had propped himself against a pile of rope on deck and had let Gibbs try his hand at the wheel for a few hours. The cool breeze and salty spray passed over his body causing him to shiver a little despite the hot, Caribbean weather.
Jack began to dream of eyes the color of sea foam and hair the color of a moonless night. A face owned them that any god would be jealous of. Suddenly, he felt a light touch on his shoulder. Startled, he opened his eyes and looked right into the harsh face of AnaMaria. Still, her face had a way of softening when she gazed into his eyes. He raised his eyebrows.
"We're nearly to Port Royal...are you sure you want to do this? What if someone recognizes you?" AnaMaria asked with a hint of concern in her voice. She seemed to have lost her previous hatred for him after being in his company for the past 11 months.
"It's been nearly a year and besides I must see Will," Jack said dreamily, his head resting to one side as he looked up at the only woman in his crew.
"To get a sword?" she asked incredulously. Jack nodded.
"My old one's damn near rusted to nothing and I have some gold I want Will to use in the hilt. It's said to be cursed and I wouldn't want to lay that burden on anyone but him." Jack smiled. "Anyway, I want to know how their wedding went."
"But you don't know for sure if they were wed," AnaMaria said, gazing away from Jack to the horizon, though what was there, Jack couldn't see.
"Ah, see that's where you're wrong. Do you honestly think a man would receive the ultimate gem and then do nothing to claim it as his own?" Jack asked, standing up.
"I suppose not. Jack...?"
"Hm?" Jack prompted when AnaMaria paused.
"...Do you ever think of marrying?" she whispered as if ashamed. A bit taken aback, Jack started to shake his head and then stopped. Jack couldn't deny that of late his dreams had been haunted by women but not in the usual way. Instead of whores he dreamt of those who promised to always be by his side, to love him forever. Still, he felt ashamed.
"A pirate king would never love...never could, not like that, at least," he murmured suddenly. AnaMaria shook her head.
"Maybe you're afraid, afraid to trust someone that way," she suggested. Jack took a step back from her and nearly tripped over the ropes he had been leaning against only moments ago. Jack was about to speak when a voice called from the bridge.
"Jack, you're awake! Good, I think you should take her into the harbor. Even with the deep waters I'd manage to run this old brigantine into a bar," Gibbs hollered. Jack rolled his eyes.
"No confidence," he muttered. He took the wheel and steered the vessel towards the bay. For this particular excursion, the sails had been changed to white ones to, obviously, attract less attention. Jack was still a wanted man, no sense in announcing his arrival. Still, he kept the tattered, old black sails. To him, they were good luck. They had been the first he had ever sailed under as a true pirate.
The Black Pearl approached the harbor and, slowly, the ships resting there became distinct. He glanced over and saw that the skeletons that had greeted him last year had begun to weather away and where now joined by two new ones. The same warning still hung on a noose separate from the now six skeletons: PIRATES- YE BE WARNED! As was his custom, he nodded in respect to the remains of the fellow pirates and shook his head gravely at the sign.
"Can't scare me away," he grinned and turned his gaze back towards the town ahead, "I'm here for very different reasons this time." He brought the ship to anchor in an empty space and Cotton threw the mooring lines onto the dock. He got down and secured the ropes to posts. Jack nodded to AnaMaria,
"Be a dear and pay the harbormaster. Use the name Johnson." The women nodded and went down the gangplank to meet the man with their shilling. Jack turned unassumingly as the harbormaster's eyes rested upon the boat. He had a feeling the harbormaster would recognize someone like himself, he didn't exactly fit in with normal folk. He peered over his shoulder and watched the old man hobble away.
He turned back to the town and heaved a great breath, taking in all the perfumes it had to offer mixed with the fragrance of the sea. He cast his eyes towards Fort Charles perched high atop a precipice and then followed the jagged edge of the sea cliff where he had first seen Elizabeth. She had been falling, but had still looked so damn graceful. He wondered how every woman seemed to share that gift of grace. He saw AnaMaria out of the corner of his eye and shook his head. Well, almost every woman.
***
Jack walked quietly into the town's blacksmith shop, which felt warmer than the street outside. He peered through the haze and noticed a mass in the corner by the fire. It was Mr. Brown drunk, as the case usually seemed to be when Jack showed up. He walked past him and noticed Will, bent over a workbench in the back of the shop. Apparently, he hadn't heard Jack enter and Jack, realizing it, took advantage of the situation.
He pulled his dagger from his belt and crept slowly up behind Will. He quickly brought the blade around to Will's neck and grabbed one of Will's free hands. Wasting no time Will bit Jack on the hand. Jack released him and the dagger, letting out a howl of pain and backing into the shadows. Grabbing Jack's knife, Will turned to face Jack, a determined look in his eyes.
"You damn rotter! You nearly bit off my bloody hand!" Jack cursed holding his injured hand. Will lowered the dagger a bit as he recognized a voice he never thought he'd hear again. Furrowing his brow, he strained his eyes to see the figure in the darkness.
Jack stepped into what little light the shop offered. Will looked utterly astonished and then, to Jack's surprise, very apprehensive.
"What are you doing here?" Will asked, pushing Jack into the shadows again. He glanced nervously at his boss to make sure he remained dead drunk by the fire. The man merely snored, his rising chest the only movement he showed.
"You shouldn't be here. You're still wanted!" Will scolded.
"Deep breaths, come on," Jack instructed, "Look, I barely got a fleeting glance when I came in. Even if I was recognized, I'd just have to swim into the bay and the Navy wouldn't know what the hell to do."
"Alright, why are you here?" Will asked sighing.
"Why don't we talk about that over some grog?" Jack asked hopefully.
"Right, that's my Jack," Will said grinning. Jack clapped him on the back with his good hand and they left the stuffy building.
***
Will led Jack to a small pub near Fort Charles called The Rusty Anchor. It was crowded and warm, but the noisy atmosphere was the perfect place for them to talk without being overheard. They took a seat in a dark corner where Jack had the least chance of being recognized. Jack took a cloth napkin and tore it. Taking one half, he wrapped his injured, right hand. It had begun to bleed in a few spots, but other than that, Jack was just looking at a massive bruise. Will watched him with a look of remorse on his face. Jack glanced up and took notice.
"Don't worry, mate," Jack said grinning, "I've had worse...mostly from women." Will and Jack ordered their rum and began to talk.
"So, why are you here?" Will asked sipping from his tankard.
"I found some gold bars and I would like you to make me a new sword using the gold in the hilt," Jack explained, drinking his rum much faster than Will, "Said to be cursed, you know, and I figured you'd be the only person who wasn't afraid to work with it. Most seem to be too superstitious."
"That's the only reason you came?" Will asked looking over the rim of his mug.
"Well, yes...no," Jack admitted, shaking his head. Will leaned closer and motioned with his hand for Jack to continue. Jack was draining his tankard when he realized this.
"Right," he said, bringing his empty mug down, "I wanted you and Elizabeth to join to me on the Pearl." Jack motioned for another drink and turned to Will for his answer.
"Are you crazy?" Will hissed.
"Maybe...Thanks, love," he said to the serving wench whom had just brought him more rum.
"I have fashioned myself a good life, I don't want to taint it with piracy."
"No one would know," Jack assured him.
"Why do you want us to go with you?" Will asked.
"We could use a blacksmith and it would be nice to have a few friends aboard."
"You have your entire crew."
"Yes, but you're the only one who actually acts like a mate. The others would gladly leave me behind."
"Have they thought of mutiny?"
"Well, no. But Will, it would be wonderful to have an onboard blacksmith as well as two more members."
"I'll talk to Elizabeth," Will sighed.
"Right then," Jack smiled. He drained his third glass of rum and looked over at Will who still had his first.
"How was the wedding?" Jack asked, receiving another full mug.
"It was wonderful, but how did you know we where wed?" Will asked.
"Pirate..." Jack thought for a minute, "uh...instinct."
"Yes, well it was very nice, quite small, but still...it was perfect."
"Great, mate, great," Jack grinned, tilting slightly to one side, "How's your life been, since?"
'The first month was a bit chaotic, but once we got settled in, it was very peaceful."
"How long ya been married now?"
"Six months."
"Ya know, if Elizabeth came aboard the Pearl, she and I could teach the others that song," said Jack, starting to get a little tipsy and going completely off subject, "She said she would."
"Song?"
"Yeah, you know it...how...how does it go? Oh, yes,
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me... Come on Will, I know you know the song." Jack began to sing louder,
"Yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me!..."
"Jack..."
"We pillage, we plunder, we rifle, we loot,
Drink up, me hearties, yo..."
"Would you desist? People are starting to notice!" Will growled, grabbing Jack's shoulder. Indeed, a few parties where casting sidelong glances at Jack and were starting to whisper.
"Let's go," Will insisted, standing.
"Wait! I've only had four bottles o' rum!" Jack protested.
"And clearly that's enough." Will grabbed Jack's collar and half drug him from the pub, leaving a few coins on the table.
Night had fallen since the two had entered the tavern. The streets were dark, for the most part, which kept a now drunken Jack from the public's prying eye. They passed the post office and Jack noticed something in the window.
It was a pirate wanted poster offering a reward for the capture of the criminal, dead or alive. A picture of a man around his 30's with chin-length, black hair was titled "Captain Thomas Read, a.k.a.- Captain BlackHeart." The man had a round face that seemed to be weathered by one-too-many storms, jaded. He had a goatee and small eyes. All in all, very unique.
Jack squinted his eyes and lifted the corner of the poster to reveal another, yellowing poster...his own.
"What th' bloody hell are they doin' coverin' my poster? Aren' I the most feared pirate?" Jack bellowed, his speech slurred.
"Jack, do you know what this means?"
"It means I..." Jack paused, "...no."
"It means, people have forgotten about you, not entirely of course, but enough to give you a safer way of life," Will explained. Jack stared at him and wrinkled his nose, as if trying to comprehend a philosophical idea. Then, without warning, Jack passed out and fell forward into Will's arms.
Hope you like the first chapter. I'll start writing the next chapter right away. Please, do review. I enjoy reading your comments.
Authors note: I am gonna try to put it in character but don't bite me if I don't. :) I'm also gonna try to be historically correct but I already have the feeling that's gonna go out the window.
Disclaimers: Don't own 'em...wish I did. Johnny would be my personal slave, bwahahaha! Ahem.
Feedback: Yes, no flames, constructive criticism welcome.
Chapter 1
Captain Jack Sparrow dozed peacefully in the afternoon sun, feeling it seep into ever bit of his exposed skin except for his face, which he had covered with his hat. He had propped himself against a pile of rope on deck and had let Gibbs try his hand at the wheel for a few hours. The cool breeze and salty spray passed over his body causing him to shiver a little despite the hot, Caribbean weather.
Jack began to dream of eyes the color of sea foam and hair the color of a moonless night. A face owned them that any god would be jealous of. Suddenly, he felt a light touch on his shoulder. Startled, he opened his eyes and looked right into the harsh face of AnaMaria. Still, her face had a way of softening when she gazed into his eyes. He raised his eyebrows.
"We're nearly to Port Royal...are you sure you want to do this? What if someone recognizes you?" AnaMaria asked with a hint of concern in her voice. She seemed to have lost her previous hatred for him after being in his company for the past 11 months.
"It's been nearly a year and besides I must see Will," Jack said dreamily, his head resting to one side as he looked up at the only woman in his crew.
"To get a sword?" she asked incredulously. Jack nodded.
"My old one's damn near rusted to nothing and I have some gold I want Will to use in the hilt. It's said to be cursed and I wouldn't want to lay that burden on anyone but him." Jack smiled. "Anyway, I want to know how their wedding went."
"But you don't know for sure if they were wed," AnaMaria said, gazing away from Jack to the horizon, though what was there, Jack couldn't see.
"Ah, see that's where you're wrong. Do you honestly think a man would receive the ultimate gem and then do nothing to claim it as his own?" Jack asked, standing up.
"I suppose not. Jack...?"
"Hm?" Jack prompted when AnaMaria paused.
"...Do you ever think of marrying?" she whispered as if ashamed. A bit taken aback, Jack started to shake his head and then stopped. Jack couldn't deny that of late his dreams had been haunted by women but not in the usual way. Instead of whores he dreamt of those who promised to always be by his side, to love him forever. Still, he felt ashamed.
"A pirate king would never love...never could, not like that, at least," he murmured suddenly. AnaMaria shook her head.
"Maybe you're afraid, afraid to trust someone that way," she suggested. Jack took a step back from her and nearly tripped over the ropes he had been leaning against only moments ago. Jack was about to speak when a voice called from the bridge.
"Jack, you're awake! Good, I think you should take her into the harbor. Even with the deep waters I'd manage to run this old brigantine into a bar," Gibbs hollered. Jack rolled his eyes.
"No confidence," he muttered. He took the wheel and steered the vessel towards the bay. For this particular excursion, the sails had been changed to white ones to, obviously, attract less attention. Jack was still a wanted man, no sense in announcing his arrival. Still, he kept the tattered, old black sails. To him, they were good luck. They had been the first he had ever sailed under as a true pirate.
The Black Pearl approached the harbor and, slowly, the ships resting there became distinct. He glanced over and saw that the skeletons that had greeted him last year had begun to weather away and where now joined by two new ones. The same warning still hung on a noose separate from the now six skeletons: PIRATES- YE BE WARNED! As was his custom, he nodded in respect to the remains of the fellow pirates and shook his head gravely at the sign.
"Can't scare me away," he grinned and turned his gaze back towards the town ahead, "I'm here for very different reasons this time." He brought the ship to anchor in an empty space and Cotton threw the mooring lines onto the dock. He got down and secured the ropes to posts. Jack nodded to AnaMaria,
"Be a dear and pay the harbormaster. Use the name Johnson." The women nodded and went down the gangplank to meet the man with their shilling. Jack turned unassumingly as the harbormaster's eyes rested upon the boat. He had a feeling the harbormaster would recognize someone like himself, he didn't exactly fit in with normal folk. He peered over his shoulder and watched the old man hobble away.
He turned back to the town and heaved a great breath, taking in all the perfumes it had to offer mixed with the fragrance of the sea. He cast his eyes towards Fort Charles perched high atop a precipice and then followed the jagged edge of the sea cliff where he had first seen Elizabeth. She had been falling, but had still looked so damn graceful. He wondered how every woman seemed to share that gift of grace. He saw AnaMaria out of the corner of his eye and shook his head. Well, almost every woman.
***
Jack walked quietly into the town's blacksmith shop, which felt warmer than the street outside. He peered through the haze and noticed a mass in the corner by the fire. It was Mr. Brown drunk, as the case usually seemed to be when Jack showed up. He walked past him and noticed Will, bent over a workbench in the back of the shop. Apparently, he hadn't heard Jack enter and Jack, realizing it, took advantage of the situation.
He pulled his dagger from his belt and crept slowly up behind Will. He quickly brought the blade around to Will's neck and grabbed one of Will's free hands. Wasting no time Will bit Jack on the hand. Jack released him and the dagger, letting out a howl of pain and backing into the shadows. Grabbing Jack's knife, Will turned to face Jack, a determined look in his eyes.
"You damn rotter! You nearly bit off my bloody hand!" Jack cursed holding his injured hand. Will lowered the dagger a bit as he recognized a voice he never thought he'd hear again. Furrowing his brow, he strained his eyes to see the figure in the darkness.
Jack stepped into what little light the shop offered. Will looked utterly astonished and then, to Jack's surprise, very apprehensive.
"What are you doing here?" Will asked, pushing Jack into the shadows again. He glanced nervously at his boss to make sure he remained dead drunk by the fire. The man merely snored, his rising chest the only movement he showed.
"You shouldn't be here. You're still wanted!" Will scolded.
"Deep breaths, come on," Jack instructed, "Look, I barely got a fleeting glance when I came in. Even if I was recognized, I'd just have to swim into the bay and the Navy wouldn't know what the hell to do."
"Alright, why are you here?" Will asked sighing.
"Why don't we talk about that over some grog?" Jack asked hopefully.
"Right, that's my Jack," Will said grinning. Jack clapped him on the back with his good hand and they left the stuffy building.
***
Will led Jack to a small pub near Fort Charles called The Rusty Anchor. It was crowded and warm, but the noisy atmosphere was the perfect place for them to talk without being overheard. They took a seat in a dark corner where Jack had the least chance of being recognized. Jack took a cloth napkin and tore it. Taking one half, he wrapped his injured, right hand. It had begun to bleed in a few spots, but other than that, Jack was just looking at a massive bruise. Will watched him with a look of remorse on his face. Jack glanced up and took notice.
"Don't worry, mate," Jack said grinning, "I've had worse...mostly from women." Will and Jack ordered their rum and began to talk.
"So, why are you here?" Will asked sipping from his tankard.
"I found some gold bars and I would like you to make me a new sword using the gold in the hilt," Jack explained, drinking his rum much faster than Will, "Said to be cursed, you know, and I figured you'd be the only person who wasn't afraid to work with it. Most seem to be too superstitious."
"That's the only reason you came?" Will asked looking over the rim of his mug.
"Well, yes...no," Jack admitted, shaking his head. Will leaned closer and motioned with his hand for Jack to continue. Jack was draining his tankard when he realized this.
"Right," he said, bringing his empty mug down, "I wanted you and Elizabeth to join to me on the Pearl." Jack motioned for another drink and turned to Will for his answer.
"Are you crazy?" Will hissed.
"Maybe...Thanks, love," he said to the serving wench whom had just brought him more rum.
"I have fashioned myself a good life, I don't want to taint it with piracy."
"No one would know," Jack assured him.
"Why do you want us to go with you?" Will asked.
"We could use a blacksmith and it would be nice to have a few friends aboard."
"You have your entire crew."
"Yes, but you're the only one who actually acts like a mate. The others would gladly leave me behind."
"Have they thought of mutiny?"
"Well, no. But Will, it would be wonderful to have an onboard blacksmith as well as two more members."
"I'll talk to Elizabeth," Will sighed.
"Right then," Jack smiled. He drained his third glass of rum and looked over at Will who still had his first.
"How was the wedding?" Jack asked, receiving another full mug.
"It was wonderful, but how did you know we where wed?" Will asked.
"Pirate..." Jack thought for a minute, "uh...instinct."
"Yes, well it was very nice, quite small, but still...it was perfect."
"Great, mate, great," Jack grinned, tilting slightly to one side, "How's your life been, since?"
'The first month was a bit chaotic, but once we got settled in, it was very peaceful."
"How long ya been married now?"
"Six months."
"Ya know, if Elizabeth came aboard the Pearl, she and I could teach the others that song," said Jack, starting to get a little tipsy and going completely off subject, "She said she would."
"Song?"
"Yeah, you know it...how...how does it go? Oh, yes,
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me... Come on Will, I know you know the song." Jack began to sing louder,
"Yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me!..."
"Jack..."
"We pillage, we plunder, we rifle, we loot,
Drink up, me hearties, yo..."
"Would you desist? People are starting to notice!" Will growled, grabbing Jack's shoulder. Indeed, a few parties where casting sidelong glances at Jack and were starting to whisper.
"Let's go," Will insisted, standing.
"Wait! I've only had four bottles o' rum!" Jack protested.
"And clearly that's enough." Will grabbed Jack's collar and half drug him from the pub, leaving a few coins on the table.
Night had fallen since the two had entered the tavern. The streets were dark, for the most part, which kept a now drunken Jack from the public's prying eye. They passed the post office and Jack noticed something in the window.
It was a pirate wanted poster offering a reward for the capture of the criminal, dead or alive. A picture of a man around his 30's with chin-length, black hair was titled "Captain Thomas Read, a.k.a.- Captain BlackHeart." The man had a round face that seemed to be weathered by one-too-many storms, jaded. He had a goatee and small eyes. All in all, very unique.
Jack squinted his eyes and lifted the corner of the poster to reveal another, yellowing poster...his own.
"What th' bloody hell are they doin' coverin' my poster? Aren' I the most feared pirate?" Jack bellowed, his speech slurred.
"Jack, do you know what this means?"
"It means I..." Jack paused, "...no."
"It means, people have forgotten about you, not entirely of course, but enough to give you a safer way of life," Will explained. Jack stared at him and wrinkled his nose, as if trying to comprehend a philosophical idea. Then, without warning, Jack passed out and fell forward into Will's arms.
Hope you like the first chapter. I'll start writing the next chapter right away. Please, do review. I enjoy reading your comments.
