Disclaimer: Seeing as, this disclaimer thing has gotten way out of hand, I, the insane author of this 'fan'-fiction will allow you, the reader to improvise. So without further ado I present the new and improved method of crediting disclaimers. At the beep… please fill in the blank with your favorite disclaimer (so that I won't have to fill it in for ye.) BEEP (fill in the blank with your disclaimer now.)_______
The Joy of the Hunt
By: Dragon Demon
Rating: PG-13 for violence, brief language and sensuality.
Summary: Set in motion after Jack's escape from Port Royal, the crew of the Black Pearl pay a visit to Tortuga where Jack repossess a valuable trinket he left behind. In doing so, he has unleashed a chain of events that will lead him on a wild goose chase for treasure, love and survival.
---
Jack cradled his injured arm against him to keep any harsh movements from bumping it. Just from looking at it he could tell it was broken and the pain that seared through him was proof enough.
Jack wasn't sure how long he had been in the brig of Flood's ship- the Shark- or where they were. The only thing on his mind was escape. To escape, find the Pearl, search for Anamaria. Jack wasn't even sure if she had made it. Deep down logic told him that there wasn't any way she could have survived the storm, not in her condition.
But deeper yet, his heart told him that Anamaria was a strong person. And she had brains! He knew that she could have survived. She just had to have.
Jack hissed in pain as his movements disturbed his broken arm. He closed his eyes. In the back of his mind, he kept hearing Anamaria's scream as she toppled over the side of the ship. And each time he dreamed, he dreamed of her, dreamed that scene over and over again. But each time, he'd lose her- he was never quick enough to catch her. And then as always, Jack would wake up.
And as always, he was alone.
Jack knew he had to face it sooner or later. Anamaria was gone. And that was something he was going to have to square with, whether he liked it or not.
Leaning back against the wall, Jack let his mind wander again. He had refused to cooperate with Barbossa or Flood after that night. After he had lost Anamaria. Barbossa had broken the deal and therefore, it wasn't much incentive for Jack to keep up his end of the bargain.
But because he was uncooperative, Barbossa had allowed Flood and his crew to beat Jack in hopes of persuading the captain to talk. But Jack had flat out refused. He had taken out some of Flood's men as well, but in the end, Jack had lost the battle.
He had suffered several bruises and cuts. A busted lip, a black eye and numerous abrasions later, Jack found himself with a broken arm and some bruised ribs. At first he felt as if his insides were on fire every time he moved or breathed, but after what seemed like days, perhaps weeks, he found it easier and easier to move.
Now the only injury in which he suffered most from was his arm, something he was afraid to have heal improperly. He carefully shifted his spot on the floor to stare at the cell door. He could hear the faint sound of footsteps on the wooden floor coming towards his cell.
Jack sat up and watched intently as a tall and well-rounded guy opened the cell and shuffled inside. "C'mon Sparrow. Dah cap'n wants a word wit' ye." He said as he hefted Jack up.
The pirate captain allowed the man to drag him topside, all his strength having left him. Jack was tired. And he was starting to wonder if maybe he should tell Barbossa what he wanted to hear. But then, that would mean Jack was giving in. And he would eventually give up, and that was something Captain Jack Sparrow just never did.
He would never give up and he would never surrender.
Jack was roughly placed in a chair at a table inside Barbossa's quarters. Barbossa sat across from him and Flood was standing nearby, his cold eyes locked on Jack.
Jack smirked and leaned back in his chair. Turning his attention to Flood he asked, "Like what ye say, mate?"
Flood growled. "I'd like nothing more than to see you walk the plank, Sparrow."
Jack nodded. "Uh-huhn, that's good, 'cause ye know, I don't swing that way. Ye know, with other men and all."
Flood muttered something under his breath and looked away as Barbossa tried holding back a smile. "Well Jack, it seems your spirit 'as returned. Now, care to change your mind and cooperate for a start?"
Jack leaned forward careful not jolt his bad arm against the table. "Oh, I don't know Barbossa. 'Cause the thing is, I see no profit in it for me."
Barbossa drummed his fingers on the table impatiently. "Freedom, perhaps, Jack. Iffen' ye tell me what I want to know."
"And what would that be, mate?"
"The secret of Bloody Bay."
Jack paled. "Aye, Bloody Bay. But see, that's funny Barbossa, 'cause if me memory serves correct, ye were there. Ye know the secret, just as I do."
Barbossa frowned. "Actually Jack, I'm afraid I don't. See, it's like this… there be a ship that sailed into jolly old Bloody Bay, straight to that cave of treasure. But there be one problem."
Jack sat back and studied Barbossa. A grin appeared on his lips as he mocked, "It wouldn't let ye in."
"No, Jack. It wouldn't let us in. Now why do ye suppose that was?"
Shrugging Jack said, "I don't know, mate. Personally, I've never been there, and wouldn't want to go anytime soon."
"Ah, see now Jack, now ye are lyin' to me." Barbossa pointed out. "I know ye were there, Jack. Ye had the key and the map. Only one reason for a man to 'ave those things. And that was iffen he had already been there once before."
Jack narrowed his eyes. "I won't take ye, and that's that."
Barbossa snapped his fingers. As if on command, Flood stepped behind Jack and grabbed him by the broken arm. Jack cried out in agony as he jumped up from his chair trying to get out of Flood's grasp.
"Now Jack, be a good boy and tell me how to get inside that cave." Barbossa instructed.
Jack, clutching his arm, glared across the room at the man. "Go to hell, Barbossa."
"Hm, slight problem with that ye see. I was there but I was spat back out. Pity really," Barbossa joked.
Jack's lips furled as he muttered, "I wonder why that was. Pity indeed."
Barbossa laughed. "It was 'cause I tried t' take over, Jack. Now sit down and tell me how to get to that cave."
Flood pushed Jack back into the seat as Barbossa waited for some kind of compliance. But Jack just sat there, his eyes filled with all the hatred he could muster. "Find it yourself, ye mutinous bastard."
Flood's hand gripped Jack's shoulder causing him to flinch. Barbossa tilted his head. "Now Jack, I really don't want t' make ye walk the plank again. Especially knowing that in some infernal way, you'll find some way to survive and like a bad smell, ye just keep comin' back."
Jack shot him a look. "Mate, not to be rude or anythin', but I think that smell is comin' from ye."
Barbossa sighed with exasperation as his face turned red with anger. "Jack, let's not be foolish here. If ye help me out, I'll help ye out, savvy?"
"Help me out, eh? Help as in what, Barbossa? Marooning me on some godforsaken island to die? 'Cause if that's your idea of helpin' me by puttin' me out of me misery, then I gladly decline." Jack spat back.
Barbossa slammed a fist into the table. "Jack. I'm getting tired of these games. One way or another, ye be goin' down. We can't both go down Jack, so jus' help me out."
Jack looked at him. "You're right, we can't both go down. That's why you'll be goin' down alone."
Barbossa curtly nodded to Flood who pulled Jack from the chair and threw into the wall. Jack sank to his knees, his arm throbbing with immense pain. Rage filled Jack and he lunged at Flood bringing him crashing down against the table.
Barbossa was quickly pulling Jack away from Flood as the two exchanged punches. Flood's fist connected with Jack knocking him back where Barbossa grabbed him and held him still.
Flood was up and holding his sword at Jack's chest as Barbossa tried once again to get Jack to cooperate. "Jack, won't ye reconsider me little offer here and I won't let Flood run ye through like a tomato."
"Let him."
Barbossa rolled his eyes. "Ye just don't give up, do ye Jack?"
Jack looked over his shoulder at the man. "After servin' under me as me first mate for nigh 6 years, did I ever once give up?"
Chuckling Barbossa said, "No. No Jack, ye didn't. Surprising, but ye never did give up."
"No, I didn't. So if your gonna run me through, ye might as well wait for the opportune moment." Jack responded slyly.
Flood pressed his blade to Jack's throat and asked, "And when would that be, Sparrow?"
"It's Captain Jack Sparrow." Jack corrected with a grin. "And it would seem to me, that the opportune moment, would only be after I get ye inside that cave, savvy?"
Barbossa raised an eyebrow. "It seems ye have a point, Jack."
"Of course! I always do."
"Ok Jack. Ye get us inside that cave, and we'll run ye through jus' like I promised." Barbossa agreed.
Jack thanked him with a nod as he said, "Wonderful! Now let me go." He added as he tapped Barbossa's hands away. Barbossa let him go and Jack moved away and faced the table. Picking something up he spread out a piece of parchment on the surface.
With a glint in his eye, Jack began to tell Barbossa exactly what he wanted to know.
---
Gibbs looked towards the horizon hoping to see something. Cotton stood nearby, his eyes intently staring at Gibbs.
From Cotton's shoulder, his parrot squawked, "Wind in the Sails. Smooth Sailing."
"Aye, not yet. We wait for the cap'n." Gibbs said plaintively.
"Blow the man down."
Gibbs glared at the parrot. "Jack's a many things, but he ain't dead. And we ain't goin' no where until he gets back."
Gibbs left Cotton and headed for the docks of Tortuga. After Anamaria had gone after Jack, Gibbs had taken the Pearl and her crew to Tortuga. Just like he was suppose to. It had been decided when Jack had reclaimed the ship that should he ever get separated from the crew, they were to go to Tortuga and wait for him there.
It had been six days already since they docked and Gibbs was beginning to doubt that Jack would show up. Yet he still hung onto hope because Anamaria had been with him. She's a smart girl, that Anamaria. She'll know what to do and she and Jack will be back, he kept telling himself when the two missing members had yet to show up.
It had taken the Pearl nearly a week to return to Tortuga with all the damage. Along the way, Gibbs and the other counted the dead members on the decks. They finally concluded that it was somewhere around 70 and began to dump the bodies overboard. For their fellow crewmates they had stopped somewhere and gave them a proper burial. 'It was what Jack would have done', Gibbs had said to convince those who survived.
So here they were, waiting for some sign that Jack was alive, the patience of everyone growing thin. Gibbs watched the sun set and silently said a prayer hoping that somehow, somewhere, Jack was still alive and would soon return.
---
Jack stood motionless at the helm as Flood and Barbossa began to dock on a small deserted island that had been dubbed 'Devil's Island.'
Memories flooded back to Jack as they passed the small port that he had accidentally happened upon that night so long ago. Closing his eyes, he offered silent homage to those who had died there protecting their home.
A rustling beside him drew his eyes open to see Barbossa heading for the deck below. Flood gave Jack a push indicating that he wanted him to follow Barbossa and Jack complied willingly.
Jack ruefully looked at Flood and asked, "So tell me, mate, ye were the one who killed all these people, eh?"
Flood ignored him and kept walking. Jack smirked. A past thought came to his mind and he frowned. "Ye are also the one who attacked Port Maria. Ye killed everyone there searchin' for the key and map."
Jack noticed a slight twitch in Flood's face at the mention of Port Maria. "It was ye who ravaged all of them places, slaughtered all the people and burned everythin' to the ground. Killin' all them people made your search easier, did it? One less person to have what ye were lookin for. And burnin' the towns- just one less town for someone to hide in."
He spun around and stared Flood in the face. "Ye killed all them innocent people and ye killed Anamaria. For that, you'll pay mate, trust me, ye will dearly pay."
Flood's anger broke through as he landed a blow to Jack's stomach, the pirate doubling over in pain. "I don't know why Barbossa let ye live, you are nothing but scum. And I will gladly enjoy finishing you off when the time comes."
Jack brought his eyes up and gave a short grunt. "That's only if I don't kill ye first."
Flood shoved Jack backwards and unsheathed his sword. "Tell me somethin' Flood." Jack gasped as he held his arm. "Ye knew all along where Devil's Island was, didn't ye? 'Cause ye were there, fourteen years ago when ye and your crew raided Bloody Bay."
"Shut up."
"So, if ye knew the location of the said island, why use Barbossa to get to me for directions? Ye have the map and ye have the key." Jack exclaimed.
If ye know what's best for ye, you'd shut that trap of yours." Flood growled.
Jack stood up. "You're settin' a trap for ole' Barbossa and I want in on it."
Flood looked him up and down. "Why?"
"'Cause, traitorous bastard mutinied me, stole me boat and crew and he tried to kill me." Jack stated with ease. "And now I want to return the favor, savvy?"
"No." Flood finally answered as he threw Jack back into the brig. "Ye be wise to know your place, lad, and it's not on me side. What I want with Barbossa is of no concern of yours."
Jack carelessly slumped to the ground. "Suit yourself mate. Just tryin' to help is all."
Flood cast one last glance at him before turning on his heel and leaving.
---
"Gibbs!"
"Aye?" Gibbs called back as he was heading down the dock back to the Pearl.
A young man ran to the older, tired and out of breath. "Mr. Gibbs, sir. A ship- spotted on the horizon."
Gibbs wasted no time in getting to the helm where Cotton stood with a scope. Taking the scope Gibbs asked, "Any one we know?"
Cotton shook his head no. Gibbs nodded. "Friendly?"
Cotton gave him a certain look that Gibbs didn't understand. Suddenly the young man who had informed Gibbs spoke up. "British sails from the looks o' it, sir."
Gibbs swore under his breath. "Bloody British." He turned back to Cotton and instructed, "Get the sails down and bring in the riggin'. Best if they can't spot us. But 'member, that there be British colors, let's not assume they are here for a cup of tea and a chat."
The crew ran off under Gibbs' command and soon the sails were down and most of the crew was on deck cleaning, trying their best to look normal. It wasn't much longer that the British ship pulled into dock beside the now stripped Black Pearl.
Gibbs looked out at the offending ship and had to repress a chuckle. The Old Reliable. Who in their right mind would name their ship, Old Reliable?
Gibbs was about to ask the crew when a figure came out on the deck. Norrington?
Turning abruptly, Gibbs shouted, "All hands on deck! Raise the dead!" Almost immediately, white sails went up instead of black and Gibbs went to the helm. No sooner had the sails gone up and Gibbs gone to the helm, did someone shout out his name.
Gibbs searched the crew but saw none of the faces that had called him. Again someone called out to him and Gibbs turned slightly to see Norrington staring at him, one of the Commodore's hands in the air.
"Mister Gibbs!"
"Oh Mary Mother of-" Gibbs stopped his rambling as another person came to stand beside Norrington and waved.
"Mister Gibbs!"
Gibbs looked awestruck. "Miss Elizabeth!"
Elizabeth smiled at him and yelled, "Mister Gibbs! Please, we need to talk."
Shaking his head and muttering something about women being bad luck, Gibbs finally agreed and allowed Norrington and Elizabeth onboard.
---
Jack idly kicked the brig wall humming his favorite tune. After having hummed the same verse a few times, he finished with, "And really bad… pirates." His eyes gleamed with a plan as he continued to hum.
He knew what Flood was up to and he knew Barbossa had what was coming to him. But he still had himself to consider. Somehow he had to escape and get to Tortuga. Once in Tortuga, he'd find Gibbs and the Pearl.
Provided that Gibbs kept to his word and went back to Tortuga and not sailing off with me ship, Jack thought miserably.
Flood had been considerate enough not to clap him in shackles before putting him back into his cell and thus gave him more freedom in which to use to his expense in escaping. Even with one arm, Captain Jack Sparrow, would find a way.
---
"So what brings ye to Tortuga, Miss Turner?"
Elizabeth fidgeted under Gibbs stare as she said, "We're looking for Jack."
"And it seems that that pirate is not here." Norrington claimed as he came from below decks, his search for Jack ending where it began.
Gibbs rolled his eyes. "I told ye he wasn't here, didn't I?"
"Yes, but you are a pirate, Mister Gibbs and pirates have been known to lie." Norrington pointed out rudely.
Elizabeth hushed him and stated, "Mister Gibbs. Please be reasonable. It's important that we speak with Jack right away."
"Regardin' what exactly?" Gibbs questioned as he took a swig from his flask.
Norrington took the opportunity to speak. "We found something that… Sparrow may be interested in getting back."
"Like what?"
Elizabeth nodded to Norrington and they led Gibbs aboard the Old Reliable. Gibbs wasn't able to resist anymore when he asked, "Who be namin' this ship, Miss Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth glanced at him. "It's my father's ship, Mister Gibbs."
"Aye, ye father, how be he?"
"He is well. He's down below in the cabins actually with Will."
Gibbs raised an eyebrow. "Young Will be here too?"
"That he is." Elizabeth said as she stopped in front of a cabin door.
Unsure of what to expect, Gibbs stood feet behind Elizabeth and eyed the door nervously. "What be so important inside?"
Norrington smirked. "Perhaps once you see what is behind this door, Mister Gibbs, that you will willingly tell us where Sparrow is."
Gibbs snorted. "Depends on what's inside."
Elizabeth grimly smiled as she opened the door.
---
That's it, just a little farther, Jack was repeating to himself. He had his arm strung through the bars trying to pick the lock with a small bone.
The sound of the brig door swinging open alerted Jack and he quickly dropped the bone and retreated to a corner.
Soon he was face to face with Barbossa, the older pirate smiling. "Rise an' shine, Jack. Time t' go and meet your maker."
"Oh, actually Barbossa, I kind of like it right where I am." Jack answered with a tilt of his head.
Barbossa narrowed his eyes. "Now don't be stingy, Jack. It wouldn't be right, without ye there to share in the glory of our finds."
"I don't want any part of it Barbossa, so ye can just take your treasure and shove it where the sun don't shine."
Barbossa gutturally replied and soon Jack found himself alone in the brig once again. Jack slowly returned to the cell door and picked up the dropped bone and soon again was diligently picking the lock.
---
"Crew! We're headin' out! Hoist the mainsail!" Gibbs yelled out.
Elizabeth ran to the Pearl's helm shouting, "Wait, Mister Gibbs!"
"What is it lass?"
"The Pearl can't go. Jack's life is on the line and the first thing they are going to do is fire on you. Besides, she's in no shape to go off blindly into a battle." Elizabeth countered.
Gibbs frowned. "And what do ye suppose we do then, lass?"
"Let us go. We're better equipped, in crew and weapons. We may not be as fast as the Pearl, but in this ship's present condition, I don't think our top speed will be a problem."
Will- who was standing by his wife quietly- agreed. "She's right, Gibbs. The Pearl can't make that trip again. You even said so yourself that it took you a week just to return to Tortuga. Let us go instead. Give us the bearings and we'll go find Jack."
Gibbs scratched his chin. As much as he hated to admit it, the Turner's were right. The Pearl was in no condition to make that trip and she certainly couldn't take another beating like she had- she'd be sunk. And that wouldn't sit well wit' Jack at all. Gibbs thought.
After some time he finally nodded in agreement and gave Norrington the bearings they had recorded on the way in to Tortuga.
Before Norrington boarded the Old Reliable, he turned to Gibbs and asked, "The charge? Stays or goes?"
"Stays." Gibbs quickly answered. "Jack'd have me hide if he found out what was on that ship o' yours."
Norrington nodded and soon Gibbs watched the British ship sail off on the horizon.
---
Author's Corner- Ok, I hope that wasn't much of a cliffhanger for you all. I'm guessing, oh about 2-3 more chapters to this installment, and I already have plans for a sequel(s).
I'm sure you are all wondering what Flood has planned for Barbossa or why he even needed Jack in the first place. Heh, well, if you are wondering, then that makes you and me both. For the most part, I know where the story is going and I have it mapped out, but then again, there are parts that I allow to play themselves out, and this seems to be one of them. But rest assured, I think I know of a direction in which to send this chapter. (Yay!)
All right, as promised, here is the information on Captain Flood. Born James Flood in Jamaica, he was one of the most notorious and most bloodthirsty of pirates. I know it says that his ship appeared in the early 18th century, but seeing as this story takes place in 1680, it was very likely that he was around in the Caribbean at this time, but possibly inactive to the eyes of the public. I do not know.
If you'd like to know more about Captain James Flood, please email me and I will send you the link, seeing as, fanfiction.net won't let the tag pass through the uploading process.
As for Devil's Island, yes! Yes! I stole the name! (mwuhaha) The place does exist though, but whether or not it was in existence in the 17th century, I have no clue. Located in the Caribbean (giving me perfect access to it) Devil's Island was a French penal colony after the 1850's, which was mainly used for political prisoners.
I won't reveal just yet why Norrington, Will and Elizabeth are there, but I can assure you that it has nothing to do with the charges against Jack. I previously mentioned that Norrington had something that Jack would like to have back, and that's simply why he is there. But after having conversed with Gibbs, I'm sure you can see that he has decided to go after Jack himself- of course with the persuasion from Elizabeth.
And as for the name of Governor Swann's ship, well, let's just say, it fits the old geezer if you ask me. The Governor's very own ship, treated, respected and named after him. (makes face)
I would also like to point out that, Cotton's parrot is a brilliant animal with a mind of his own, but just in case any of his phrases were… um, unjustified, here is a short guide to help you understand how I used the phrases.
Wind in the Sails- Of course, this phrase was used in the movie and should be self-explanatory, if not, it basically means, to sail.
Smooth Sailing- Do I even need a translation up for this?
Blow the Man Down- Here I used this phrase to indicate Cotton/Cotton's Parrot in assumption that Jack had not survived. It kind of gives the impression of death anyhow if you ask me.
And of course, Gibb' phrase. Raise the Dead- If you noticed, when commanded to raise the dead, the crew raised white sails instead of black, assuming that the white sails were old sails. Old and retired, unless of course in a case of emergency.
(Hehe) Ok… that's all for this A/N and until next time, I bid you all a goodnight.
Review Thanks-
Sillyfangirlwith2muchfreetime- (In response to a review on Chapter 10) I thank you for your review as it is greatly appreciated. And yes, I did some research, but not much. Trying to make a story as accurate as possible is a pet peeve for me so I try to adhere by it as best I can.
Jackfan2- (laughs) I'm not sure I can stop the 'cliffers' that's really up to them, but I will ask for you, ok? I hope that this chapter was a small break from the cliffhangers from the past 2 chapters even if the break was short lived.
As for Anamaria's fate, her character is on it's own. (Yes yes! I do quite admire her, really!) All I can say is, have a little faith. Who knows, maybe she'll have an aforementioned scene.
Trapped and Annoyed- First off let me say, I really like your pen name. And thank you for the review. Just a single word, but it speaks very loudly.
Jadyn- Hehe, the mother of 'all' cliffhangers, you say? Is that possible? Either way, I'm glad you liked it, albeit a cliffhanger as it was. I'll try to update just as fast as my fingers can type, savvy?
-J