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.
---
"Men, it's now or never! Let's show those pirates what the King's Navy is made of!"
The crew cheered in agreement and soon the battle had started at the firing of a cannon.
---
There was a distant shout from above, but Jack could care less as he turned over trying to get comfortable.
Can't they bloody shut up for five minutes! He thought in annoyance as the shouting got louder. He could hear the thundering steps on the deck as- what seemed to be every man on board- bounded to the foredeck.
Pulling his hat over his eyes absently, Captain Jack Sparrow laid on the floor of the brig desperately trying to sleep. He raised a hand and massaged the bridge of his nose as he felt a headache coming on from all the pounding above him.
There was a distinct cry that Jack very well heard, but it did not register in his mind of what the person had yelled.
And thus, it was the warning in which the topside pirate had cried out, that Jack Sparrow soon found himself wishing he had heeded.
---
Will watched on in anxiety as the Old Reliable fired on the opposing ship. The first shot had been a miss- the heavy wrought iron cannonball landing feet from the Shark in the water with a massive splash.
Well, Will thought with sarcasm. So much for a surprise attack.
Even though the captain and the crew of the Shark had known of their presence long before Norrington fired, both the Commodore and Will had hoped to spring a surprise ambush which would have resulted in a quick victory.
But something or someone had spotted them. Not like it wasn't easy, Will told himself wryly. So the surprise attack had failed, but they still had managed to gain a lot of ground on the pirate vessel before they got too far ahead.
Several more shots were fired and before long, Will heard part of the crew cheer as one of the cannonballs hit it's target.
Norrington came up beside him, a grin on his face. "Nothing like the direct approach, eh Turner?"
Will rolled his eyes as the Shark- now shuddering even more violently than before- quickly became closer and closer.
As the Old Reliable closed the gap between itself and the pirate ship, one thought lingered in Will's mind. Hang on Jack, we're coming for you. Just hang on.
---
Jack didn't have much time to react as the Shark shook fiercely from under him, the action sending Jack forward headfirst.
What in the name of- Jack's thought ended there as he heard a slight dripping noise from somewhere in the brig. Looking around, he finally spotted the source.
On the far side of the brig near the door, Jack could see a thin stream of water pouring onto the floor. "Bloody 'ell, we've sprung another leak."
Thinking nothing of it, Jack moved back to his corner when he suddenly found himself on his knees. He bit back a string of curses as he landed roughly on his broken arm. A loud thump drew his gaze upward in time to see a cannonball come flying through the ship's wall, the wrought iron weapon clanging loudly against the cell bars.
Jack raised an eyebrow and snorted. "Go figure, the bloody cell is more resistant than the ship." He looked around him at the old and decaying structure of the Shark. "They don't make them like they used to," he sighed.
The pirate captain made himself comfortable against the wall as the ship pretty much fell apart around him. With the sounds of more wood splitting, Jack found himself more and more antsy. His mind was concentrating on the things around him, not things as in the ship or his captors or his escaping. But the things that held a lot of meaning to him.
For the first time since Jack had been captured, he was seriously beginning to doubt that he was going to make it out alive.
---
"Will! We're catching up!" Norrington shouted over the noise. Will nodded and turned back to help load a cannon. Gillette was manning the cannon beside him, the Lieutenant shouting out orders to his retinue.
It won't be long now, Will thought as a faint smile came to his lips.
---
Elizabeth stared out at the ocean watching the reflections of the moon waver in their wake. They were making fast progress according to Gibbs and should be in sight of the Old Reliable sometime around dawn.
She just hoped that they weren't too late.
From the corner of her eye, she saw a figure leaning precariously against a crate. Elizabeth rolled her eyes. Just as I expected! She fumed. No sooner do I turn my back, do they get up and try to walk around. The injured never learn!
"What are you doing out of bed? You know you should be resting up down below. Come on, you're just as bad as all the others." Elizabeth soothed as she led the wounded crewmember back to their cabin.
---
"James! Look!" Will yelled out above the exploding cannons.
Norrington looked up from his post to see the starboard side of the Shark directly in front of them. He instinctively ducked as one of the Shark's cannon's fired upon them, the cannonball being dead weight and landing in the water in front of the bow.
The moon shone overhead offering enough light to see by and Norrington could see at least thirty men standing on the starboard side, their swords ready and their teeth bared. Norrington looked at Will and nodded.
On command, Norrington's men raised their rifles and Will could see Flood's men do the same, but before he could realize what was happening, the pirates began firing. The British Navy- all save for one man- fired back.
Will stood motionless, his sword limp by his side. There was a shout and as Will looked up he saw a blur in his peripheral vision, the figure knocking him over. Looking up he saw Norrington; the Commodore crouched beside him peeking over the side of the railing.
"Better watch out where you're standing, friend." Norrington said while taking a shot across the water at the pirates. Will poked his head up and studied the opposing ship.
"How many?"
There was a shrug. "At least fifty."
"Fifty?!" Will echoed with shock. Norrington glanced at him, worry on his face- a look that said, 'Surely the poor boy doesn't think the odds are that bad!' But instead Will commented, "Is that all?"
"Yes, but I could be wrong. There is a chance that Flood is hiding some of his men below deck, like in the brig, waiting for us."
"An ambush?" Will asked amused. "How original."
"Indeed."
Will turned around and sat against the hull of the ship. "I've got to find some way to get onto that ship."
"Let's not be rash, Turner. Rushing into these things will get you killed." Norrington advised. "Plus, Elizabeth chose you over me- you fought to hard to lose her now."
Will smiled and gave a slight nod. "You're right. Waiting for the opportune moment has always been best."
"So it seems."
"I still have to find a way to get onto Flood's ship." Will scratched his chin thoughtfully. Glancing up his eyes spotted the mast and the rigging. Norrington followed his gaze, a grim look on his features.
"Turner, if you're thinking of what I think you're thinking then-" Norrington was cut off by Will.
"I know what I'm doing, Norrington! And right now, it's the only way, so don't go on telling me that what I am about to do is wrong and that you forbid it, because I don't care. I'm getting onto that ship." Will said pratingly.
Norrington cocked his head. "Actually, Will- I was going to say 'good luck.'" He nodded back at the rigging and offered Will a smile letting the blacksmith know that he would be covered.
Will didn't need to be told twice as he raced for the rigging with hopes that his plan would work.
---
Amidst all the chaos, the brig of the Shark was slowly beginning to fill with water- it's captive sitting idly on a crate watching the events play out. How ironic, Jack muttered inwardly.
First he was captured, then he was beaten, locked up in the brig, which had, miraculously sprung a leak, seeing as, half of the hull was full of holes and now- Now I'm gonna go down with the ship. But there is only one problem with that.
Jack rolled his eyes as he said out loud to no one, "It's not me ship I'm goin' down with!"
It seemed to Jack that, fate had dealt him his crappy hand and it obviously meant, game over. As determined as he was, Captain Jack Sparrow couldn't find a single reason to not surrender and just allow himself to go down with the Shark.
His Pearl was long gone by now. Secretly Jack had hoped that Gibbs would come back for him, just as they had done when Jack was sentenced to hang in Port Royal. He thought the crew had abandoned him, but he was wrong. They had come back.
Except this time, it was different. Jack frowned. His crew was minus a few people- and a first mate. Anamaria wasn't there anymore. Jack hung his head as he said, "Why'd ye do it, Ana? Why'd ye have to come after me; it wasn't worth losin' your life over."
Jack shook his head. He missed his ship, but he missed Anamaria. The Pearl's decks won't be the same without her. No, the Black Pearl just wouldn't be the same without her first mate.
Anamaria had given her life for Jack's- and Jack knew he could never repay her for her sacrifice. Ana, if only you were still here. I'd tell you- all the things you wanted to hear. I'd tell you I was sorry for sinking your boat. I'd tell you I was sorry for treating you the way I did- and I'd tell you, Ana, I'd tell you how much I care for you.
Lifting his face, Jack stared at the rotting ceiling of the brig trying to hold back emotions that threatened to spill. He reached into his pocket and withdrew something wrapped in a velvet pouch. Jack didn't open the small bundle as he fingered the soft velvet thinking of everything he had done wrong and all the things he could have done right.
Too late to think about that now, Sparrow. He muttered.
Just as Jack was about to place the pouch back into his pocket, he heard the brig door swing open and the falls of heavy footsteps coming towards him. He quickly tucked the pouch away just as Flood stopped in front of his cell.
"Captain Flood, so nice of ye to drop in on me lil' party." Jack jested.
Flood stared at him, his eyes flashing with anger. "Sparrow." He seethed as he unlocked the cell.
Jack was viciously drug from the cell and pushed up the stairs to the deck. Flood held his blade at Jack's back- his reassurance that Jack moved willingly.
When they exited the holds of the brig, Jack stared in shock as he saw a British Navy ship, almost parallel with the Shark. He felt Flood jab the sword a bit harder in his back and he grimaced. "Easy mate."
"You did this!" Flood accused. "You alerted the Navy, Sparrow. I bet your crew was ordered to go and bring backup, is that it?"
Jack looked at Flood from over his shoulder. "I don't know what you're talkin' about Flood. I'm not exactly on Norrington's Favorite List at the moment, so why would I be bettin' on the British Navy for help?"
"Shut up Sparrow. I should have killed you when I had the chance." Flood threatened.
Jack stood stiffly, his back to Flood's blade. "So then do it. Ye have the opportune moment, perfect shot, just take it, mate."
Flood gripped the hilt of his sword tighter and Jack flinched as the blade cut into his skin. After a while, Jack grinned slyly at Flood and pointed out, "What's the matter, Flood? Can' kill a pirate in the back? Or maybe it's because ye have no guts."
Jack whirled around and stared Flood in the eye. "You're as yellow as the day is long. And you're no more fit to be a pirate than Barbossa."
Enraged, Flood cut his sword in a sweeping motion across Jack's face leaving a thin trail of blood streaking down his cheek. Jack stepped back from the sudden attack and held his good hand over the wound. "You'll pay for scaring me face, mate."
Flood smirked. "You don't even have a weapon in which to defend yourself, Sparrow. How could you possibly make me pay when ye are unarmed and in no position to be making threats."
Jack flashed him one of his trademark grins before stepping sideways as the Shark's mast came crashing down between him and Flood.
Flood growled in annoyance at the destruction of his ship and turned to look at Jack only to find himself face to face with a blade. "How about I make good on that threat now, savvy?" Jack proclaimed as he held the hilt of a sword at Flood's chest.
Flood brought his sword up and said, "When ever you're ready, Sparrow."
"It's Captain Sparrow and I will make ye remember that, if it's the last thing I do."
Scoffing, Flood paced the deck being careful not to trip on the mast separating him and Jack. He ran his eyes over Jack, a faint smile on his lips as he assessed his opponent.
Jack was, needless to say, a sight to see standing there- one arm crooked and broken, blood trickling down his cheek and his stance weary from exhaustion. But Jack was determined to hold his challenge against Flood. After all, he never was one to give up and he certainly never did so without a fight.
Flood and Jack paced back and forth, each waiting for the other to strike. Fire flashed in Jack's eyes as he lunged forward unexpectedly, his sword leaving its mark on Flood.
Flood stumbled back, his free hand covering his face. He pulled his appendage back to see his fingers covered in blood as a burning sting flared along his forehead and over the bridge of his nose.
Jack watched with a bemused expression as Flood's face changed from pain to shock to anger.
In response to Jack's hit, Flood carelessly slashed out at the man, his sword hitting air. Jack danced back barely avoiding the tip of Flood's blade.
"You're footwork is sloppy, mate." Jack spited as he stumbled back out of Flood's reach. "And your swordsman-ship could use a lot o' work."
The two continued to fight across the deck even as- Jack had noted- the British soldiers had infiltrated the Shark's helm and quarterdeck. Jack soon tripped over a rope and landed heavily on his back, his face screwing up in a flare of pain.
Flood held his sword under Jack's chin and stared at him with an evil glint in his eyes. Jack decided to play his trump card as something from behind Flood caught his attention.
"Ye know Flood, I think your gig is up mate." Jack said loudly with a blasé tone.
Flood quirked an eyebrow. "Are ye ready to die, Sparrow?"
Jack sighed irritably. "Captain. And only if you're ready to give up that plan o' yours."
"You blather, ye fool."
"Aye, I do. But ye know what I am talkin' about, Flood. Your plan to overthrow Barbossa and take all that lovely treasure for yourself. Do ye remember that plan?" Jack questioned cautiously.
Flood stared at him with bewilderment. Jack grinned. He had Flood on the run. "Remember, mate? But what I don't get is, why ye needed Barbossa in the first place, seeing as, ye already knew where the treasure was."
"That be none of your business, Sparrow." Flood retorted.
Jack nodded with a gesture of his hand. "On the contrary, it be all of me business, see, cause, ye used me to bait Barbossa. 'Cept the old fool don't know it. You're done for, mate, so what harm would it be to tell ole' Jack what your plan was, eh?" When Jack got no response he quickly piped up with, "And it seems I'm at the end of me rope. If you're gonna kill me, then I'd be takin' the secret to the grave with me."
Flood smirked. "You're daft, Sparrow. And so is that old dimwitted loon, Barbossa. Seeing as, ye are headed to the grave, I'll tell ye. Me plan was to use ye to get to Barbossa. I knew if I had ye, then Barbossa would be more willing to comply with my request. When I heard Barbossa wasn't dead, I decided to put my plan into action. So, I sent some men to retrieve the key and map ye had." He stepped closer to Jack, his eyes trained on something just above his head.
"Then I persuaded that brainless pirate wannabe Barbossa into helping me find the treasure, even though I already knew where it was. I also told him there was a map and key, and that ye had it. When I mentioned your name, he quickly agreed to me plan, on the condition that he got to finish ye when the time came. So I consented. And then we went after ye, Sparrow. A hard fight you put up too."
Jack grinned. "Naturally. They don't refer to me as the 'Scourge of the Seven Seas' for nothing."
Flood ignored him as he spat, "Yeah, well, my plan would have worked! If it hadn't of been for the British Navy. I'd have convinced Barbossa to split up in the caves by now if it weren't for ye."
Jack scrunched up his nose. "Split up in the caves? Quite an odd way of takin' all the treasure for yourself, don't ye think?"
"It wasn't to get the treasure, ye insolent whelp!" Flood argued. "It was to do away with Barbossa! The only reason I convinced Barbossa to help me was because he is immortal! I wanted immortality, Sparrow! Not the treasure! If I had Barbossa, then I'd have his immortality. All I had to do was spill his blood- and I'd be immortal. Free and undead to raid, plunder and murder. And nothing could stop me. I'd be the most feared pirate in the whole world! But you, you had to ruin it for me!"
Jack shook his head. "No mate, ye ruined it for yourself."
Flood was about to retort back when the feeling of steel found it's way to his back as a voice asked, "A brainless pirate wannabe, am I?"
It was then that Flood had realized his mistake. Jack had pushed him into telling his plans, and all the while Barbossa had been standing behind him listening.
Curse ye, Jack Sparrow. Flood murderously thought as he shot the pirate captain a glare. Flood stood rigid and said, "Barbossa, ye old fool. Do ye honestly think I'd double cross ye?"
Barbossa walked around him, his blade still firmly pressed on Flood. "I don't know Flood, why don' ye tell me."
The captain of the Shark stood uneasily yet with an air of confidence. He knew Barbossa was immortal, or so it was said he was. Challenging a said immortal was pointless and Flood knew he wouldn't be victorious. And it was, as always, Jack Sparrow's fault.
Barbossa stood humbly before Flood, a flicker of hate passing through his eyes briefly before applying pressure to his sword- the tip of it digging deeper into Flood's chest. He took a step forward causing Flood to stumble back a bit.
"So tell me, Flood… how long did ye know about the treasure?" Barbossa questioned menacingly.
When Flood didn't answer, Jack took the time to answer for him by saying, "Oh since fourteen years ago when he stepped foot into that treasure cave the first time."
Barbossa turned to Jack and said, "Shut up Jack" as Flood mimicked him with, "Shut up Sparrow!"
Jack rolled his eyes and stated, "That's Captain Jack Sparrow, savvy?"
Flood and Barbossa shot him murderous looks and Jack immediately shut up. Flood stepped back placing some distance between himself and Barbossa.
"How did ye survive last time anyhow, Barbossa?" Jack asked curiously without caring that the two pirates were in a stare down, the other trying to take their opponent's life.
Without turning to Jack, Barbossa cryptically answered, "A little monkey helped me."
Jack frowned as he saw a flash of metal in the moonlight as Flood used the distraction to take a free shot at Barbossa.
Barbossa staggered back, his hand covering his abdomen. Flood's sword was covered in fresh blood; blood so red it glistened even in the dark.
Jack's eyes stared at Barbossa as the pirate's shirt gradually took on a red hue, the blood flowing profusely from the wound. Flood gawked at Barbossa. "You're- not immortal?"
Barbossa cracked a smile as blood formed at the corner of his mouth. He sunk to one knee as he said, "Just because I came back from the dead, didn' mean I be immortal the second time, ye fool."
Flood was furious at Barbossa's secret. All this time he was led to believe that Barbossa was immortal when he wasn't. Barbossa leaned against a crate and looked up and whispered, "Thank ye Jack," before sliding downwards to the floor, a trail of blood following him.
Jack closed his eyes from the hideous sight of Barbossa's body rapidly being consumed by decay and soon it was nothing but bones; small flecks of flesh still clinging to the starched white skeleton.
Flood stood by, disbelief and anger on his face. He had been double-crossed and by the man he was suppose to double-cross in the first place. Flood was not happy. His plans, all of them, had been ruined and all by Jack Sparrow.
Flood turned his blade to Jack who sat silently and unceremoniously on the deck floor. "Sparrow, that little stunt cost me big time. It's time for ye to pay up."
Jack's head whipped around at the threat and he saw Flood advancing towards him, his sword raised for the kill. Flood yelled something incoherent as he brought his blade down upon Jack.
In mid-swing Flood stopped short with a hollow grunt. His eyes went wide as his arm fell to his side. His free hand instantly flew to his midsection where an odd sensation traveled upwards through his body.
Looking down he saw Jack backed against a crate for support, Barbossa's sword in his hand and the blade protruding from Flood's stomach.
He lurched backwards- pain, shock and fear in his cold eyes as Jack gave the sword he held a good twist. In the lowest whisper he told Flood, "I told ye I'd make ye pay for what ye did. For what ye did to me ship, to all those people, to me and to Anamaria. And now it's time for you to pay the piper."
Jack unsteadily withdrew the sword and let it clang to the deck, exhaustion overtaking him. Flood stood still for a moment before dropping his own sword to the floor. His lips moved passively but no words came out as he stared blankly at Jack.
Closing his eyes, Jack titled his head back against the crate, his mind telling him the worst of it was over when a scrapping noise drew his weary eyes open only to see Flood, hunched over in obvious pain, a pistol in his hands.
Jack's face paled as Flood cocked the weapon, his aim dead on at Jack. The cracking sound of the pistol going off echoed through the still morning air and Jack jerked back at the noise.
He waited the feeling of the bullet sting and when none came, he cracked an eye open to see Flood drop to his knees, his pistol on the ground. The telltale signs of blood began to appear on Flood's shirt over his heart as he dropped.
Behind Flood appeared a figure, engulfed in the early dawn fog, their arm poised with a pistol in their hand. Jack's eyes opened wide at the person who stood before him.
"W-Will!" Jack stuttered as he tried standing up.
Will rushed to Jack's side, stopping to check Flood with a kick on his way. "Jack!" Will looked over his shoulder and shouted to someone, something Jack didn't hear as he faded into unconscious.
---
Elizabeth looked into the horizon as dawn approached and saw the distinct clouds of smoke off in the distance. "Mister Gibbs! There they are!" She shouted out to the man as she made her way to the helm.
As the Black Pearl cut through the smooth ocean in the morning sun's rays, Elizabeth and Gibbs could see two ships- one was destroyed and burning. The other had taken a slight beating but was in good shape.
Elizabeth was overcome with joy as she recognized her father's ship- The Old Reliable- sitting off to the side in one piece that she threw her arms around Gibbs and planted a kiss on his cheek.
Gibbs blushed deeply at the affectionate gesture and mumbled something about women being bad luck, especially the married ones.
Elizabeth paid him no mind as she impatiently waited their arrival as the Pearl made it's way to the victorious ship.
---
"Sir! It's the Black Pearl!" Gillette yelled out to Norrington.
Norrington looked in the direction his Lieutenant was pointing to see the fast approaching black ship, its mended sails fluttering in the breeze. A slight smile tugged at his lips as he said, "I never thought I'd see the day that I would be happy to see that ship. It seems that Elizabeth has some pirate in her after all." He laughed as he went below deck to inform Will.
Some time later, the Black Pearl had stationed itself beside the Old Reliable and Elizabeth rushed to greet her husband and the Commodore. Will embraced his wife tightly as he said, "I can't believe you came after us!"
"Well what did you expect me to do? Sit around and wait for you to return like a good wife?"
Will smiled before kissing her. "No. I should have known better."
Elizabeth pushed Will back and asked, "Jack? Where is he? Did you find him? Is he okay?"
Norrington let out a chuckle as he informed Elizabeth, "Mr. Sparrow is resting comfortably in my quarters, Mrs. Turner. He's banged up but he'll pull through."
Elizabeth let out an elicited shout of joy as she hugged Will again and then Norrington. She gazed at the Black Pearl and sighed.
Everything is okay now… Jack Sparrow, you are one lucky pirate.
---
The first thing Will noticed was the difference in Jack's walk. There was almost an air of sadness around the pirate instead of his usual swagger. If Will didn't know any better, he'd say that Jack looked as if he had lost something or someone.
It had taken some time for the pirate captain to come to below deck, but when he did, he was adamant about getting back to his ship. His wounds had been treated and his arm had been set correctly and placed in a proper sling. Though still exhausted, Jack was able to walk on his own from the captain's quarters to the deck where his beloved Pearl waited.
A sad smile played on Jack's face at the sight of his majestic ship. Will and Norrington stood close by, both watching Jack intently.
Will stepped forward and shook Jack's hand as he said, "Jack, I'm glad to see you well on the road to recovery."
Jack cocked a grin as he stated, "Its more like the sea to recovery, mate."
"Yes, I guess it would be." Will smirked. "Jack, I have something for you. Norrington found it and we thought you might like to have it back."
Jack raised an eyebrow in curiosity of what the lad and the Commodore could possibly have for him. Will stepped aside and Jack smiled as Cotton came forth, something hiding behind his back. He handed a cloth-covered object to Will who presented it to Jack.
Carefully, Jack took the gift and uncovered it, a huge grin appearing on his face. "Me hat! Thank you." He gently placed it on his head and titled it forward. "I owe ye one, mate." He commented while nodding at the Commodore in thanks.
"No problem, Mr. Sparrow."
"So let me guess, you're here to arrest me for me crimes, eh?"
Norrington glanced at Will who shrugged. "Actually, Jack-
"Captain Jack." Jack interrupted mannerly.
"Actually, Captain Jack Sparrow, I'm not here to arrest you. I was here as a Commodore doing his duty in putting a stop to a murderer."
Jack, perplexed, finally nodded and looked at Norrington and asked, "How did ye find me, Commodore?"
Norrington's face leveled out as he took a deep breath. "A little Sparrow told us. And with a little help from your crew here, of course."
"Uh-huhn, I see." Jack answered at last. He looked out at his ship, a hint of sadness in his eyes.
Will touched his arm and said, "Jack? Are you all right?"
"I'm fine lad. Just tired and ready to get off this bloody island."
Chuckling Will and Norrington agreed wholeheartedly. Will moved aside and gestured with a mock bow for Jack to pass by to his ship.
And Jack did just that.
---
A figure stood at the helm, their face placid and drained with exhaustion. Their eyes trained in on the captain who made his way through his crew, stopping and greeting each one.
Jack, the person thought as they left the helm and pushed their way to the Captain.
---
The first person who greeted him was Gibbs. The old sailor was anything short of ecstatic to see his captain alive and well and back on the Pearl.
Jack greeted those of his crew who stood on the decks as he walked by, each offering a handshake or a pat on the back. As Jack made his way to the helm of his ship, he heard a voice call out his name.
"Jack!"
Jack's head came up at the sound of the call. "Wait a minute," he whispered to himself. "I know that voice." He turned around as the crew parted and someone ran to him.
Jack faltered. "Elizabeth! What are ye doing here?"
Elizabeth hugged Jack being mindful of his broken arm. Stepping back she said, "I was left in charge of your crew, Jack Sparrow! And I'll tell you what, they really are good for nothing, especially when they are drunk!"
Jack laughed. "That's me crew."
He was about to tell Elizabeth that there wasn't anything wrong with being drunk and sailing at the same time but never got a chance to as he heard someone shout out to him.
"Jack!"
Looking up, Jack paled at the person running through the crowded deck to get to him.
"Jack!"
It can't be, he thought. Moving forward, he dropped his jacket and made his way to the person.
"Anamaria!"
Anamaria flung her arms around Jack's neck as he embraced her tightly. Pulling her close, Jack reassured himself that it wasn't a dream- that she was back and in his arms once again.
He felt her body shudder against his and pulled back, tilting his head to gaze her. Her face was drawn together in a sad smile; her dark eyes were wide and showed her fatigue. Her once long and dark hair had been cut to rest right below her shoulders and it was slightly tangled. She had lost weight too he noted when he held her.
She stood rigidly yet Jack could see her body slump in exhaustion. Her breathing was short and shallow and if he wasn't going insane, a light wheeze accompanied her breaths. She wore a long white cotton nightgown- an item that Jack assumed belonged to Elizabeth- that was wrinkled and damp from sweat.
Jack's eyes showed his concern but when Anamaria smiled at him, his worry melted away. Elizabeth came up behind him and said, "Jack, you remember Anamaria don't you?"
Anamaria rolled her eyes as Jack chuckled. He ran a thumb over her cheek as he said, "O' course I do."
Elizabeth sighed as she took Anamaria's arm. "Jack, I hate to break up your little reunion, but there is something Anamaria and I need to do. You can see her later, okay. I promise." With that, Elizabeth gently lead Anamaria back to her cabin leaving behind a confused and heartbroken Jack.
Shaking his head, Jack made the rest of the trip towards his helm where he tenderly took the wheel in his hand, the smooth wood caressing his callused skin.
He watched the sun slowly rise in the afternoon sky as he ordered his crew to set sail. A look of peace came over him as he felt the soothing motion of the ship as she sped forwards to the horizon.
Jack glanced around his ship, his crew- what was left of it- running the decks under Gibbs command as they made their journey back to Tortuga.
Taking a deep breath Jack commented silently, Today is going to be a beautiful day.
Gibbs took up a spot beside him at the helm and gazed at his captain intently. A smile spread over the older sailor's face.
Jack was a happy man. He had his ship back, his crew and most importantly, Anamaria. She had survived after all and Jack found himself overwhelmed with joy and relief.
He stared at the horizon as he sailed into the afternoon sun.
Yes, today was going to be a beautiful day indeed.
---
Author's Corner- Yay! Chapter 15- The End! Whoohoo! A fight, a rescue and a happy ending all rolled into one.
I know this chapter pretty much jumped the gun with it having all those traits together, but hey- it was just meant to be!
So Jack was rescued, his crew came back for him and… Anamaria lived. Wow, talk about miracles. Actually, Anamaria was alive the whole time- her disappearance was just for climatic suspense. How she survived, remains a mystery and in fact, that's a side story I will be working on A.S.A.P. A story that makes up for her 14 days of absence; it'll tell how she was found, by whom she was found, etc.
There is also an Epilogue to this that will explain some things but not all. Anything not explain in the Epilogue, will be explained in the side story.
Also, the Epilogue, just for warning, is going to focus on just Jack and Anamaria. It will have tender moments, not exactly fluffy, and it'll be a slight angst. So you have been warned.
As for Captain Flood and Barbossa- well Flood met his demise and he paid the piper. Barbossa, he was just a trinket to play around with actually. No he wasn't immortal. Truth be told he wasn't exactly immortal in the movie either- only when the curse was abound. But let's just say, he didn't take the gold from the chest the second time, ok. But let's assume his pet monkey took it (as it shows after the movie credits) and gave it to him bringing him back to life. So he is back, but not immortal because he didn't take the gold coin. See, not so hard, now is it?
Um, what else- oh yes! I'd better explain this now too so there won't be any confusion later on. Early on in the story, Jack told Anamaria the tale of Bloody Bay- about a spirit that protected the island in exchange for protection of the treasure. Jack's tale was a lie, by the way, made up by Jack himself. If you remember, later he says that the villager's took the treasure and placed it back in the cave. The villager's were the protector's of the cave, but the whole spirit myth was made up to ward people off.
And the whole thing about the key and map, those were abound in the story, but they were useless except for certain aspects of the cave, such as, Flood using the key to gain access to the treasure trove.
I hope I didn't miss anything- if I did, please feel free to ask and I shall explain.
Review Thanks-
Amarantha- HI and thanks! I enjoyed your review very much so, it brought a smile to my face. I agree, there aren't many Jack/Ana stories out there- so I decided to write one of my own, though I enjoy reading them too! And I hope this chapter answers your 'Temporary Displacement of Anamaria' which, by the way, would make a great name for a story. The T.D. of A. (laughs)
Jackfan2- Here is Jack's rescue- Anamaria's will be another story, of course. Spanning the 14 days she was absent. And Flood's mutiny didn't last very long, eh?
Jorja- Would ye have whiskey instead? Or perhaps some Peach Pucker and Sprite, that's the best! Good luck on your coursework and again, thank you!
Cal- I'm glad you liked the paced/interchanging scenes. I try to mix it up, so you get the best of all the plots, not just one as a whole. I do so enjoy teasing people, it keeps them on the edge of their seats but it also keeps them coming back for more! And cyber rose petals would be wonderful with my collection of dried roses. Rum, cookies and hugs for you!
Kingleby- Hey! Thank you for the review! The movie was awesome, in my opinion and I can't wait for the sequel. I have a theory though, about Jack/Ana being in the second one. My theory is this- Anamaria had such a small role, and all Jack apparently did was steal her boat. The producers really had no need for Anamaria at all if you ask me (but I'm glad she was there) but I see it that, since her role was so small and over just a boat and she si Jack's first mate (it's stated in the Pirates novel as well) I think there is more to it and going to be more in the sequel.
Yoshi-fan2003- Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the movie too as well as this story, and I hope you enjoy the other stories out there as well.
Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Earth- Hello and thank you for your time! The story is long and I don't expect for someone to sit through it all, so please, don't rush and take your time. Things are so much easier to enjoy that way!
Mental and Knowing It- No! Don't lose your words! Bad, bad! I updated! See, I did! Tell your words that they'd better get back if they know what's good for them, cause see, I updated! (points at updated chapter)
Marie Allen- Hi and thanks for such a long review! (laughs) And no problem, it's awesome that you enjoyed this story as much as you did. In all my stories, I have some type of truth or another, and it's mostly in location or health. I also provided the links so that the information I didn't post in my A/N, the reader could scope out for themselves. It's only fait that they get the whole truth. And yes, I do go back and re-read my work, sometimes 2-3 times. I guess I could always use a beta-reader and my roommate does a pretty good job of it when she's not sleeping her life away. I thank you for the kind compliments! Enjoy!
Roux- Grr, yes! I want to know what happens too! So when you find out, will you let me know? Here's you update to btw. I hope you enjoy it!
-J