Upon A Painted Ocean - Part 8
Author: Daisy Sparrow
Pairing: Jack/Will, Will/Elizabeth
Rating: PG-13 and rising
Summary: Jack is in pain, Will is confused, Elizabeth is clueless and Zeke really just wants to do it right for once.
Disclaim: Pirates of the Caribbean and all its characters are not mine. I am making no money off this. Don't sue the colleage kid who are already broke. Credit for the title goes to Coleridge's poem and P.Speare who wrote the most wonderful Weiss Kreuz fic. Also special thanks to Darkdancer for the betaing.
Warning: Same as always, first fic ever and English not my first language. Please R&R everyone, otherwise, there is no point in posting more. I do have the next two chapters done, ye know *wink, wink*
Thanks to all of you who reviewed the last time. *happy, happy* ^_^ I am glad you all like Zeke, I made him up from bits and pieces from the people around me, so I was worrying about the fact that he might not have much of a personality or even if he does, it would be all over the place. and I wasn't consciously trying to make him fun. But oh well, I guess it does add more chemistry.
Tweeser: Zeke's real intention? He wants Jack's soul. or at least make sure that soul goes to hell since no demon had successfully tempted Jack. But now I think he's sticking around because he doesn't like the idea of giving up, rather than because he really wants Jack's soul.
" " - speech // // - thought *** *** - flashback
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Elizabeth." There was a barely conceiled trembling in Norrington's voice. "It's so good to see you again. We must get you out of this weather. Are you cold? Here have my...." It seemed that the commodore still harbored feelings for the lass. Jack noted and deposited that knowledge to the back of his mind.
// Interesting. That's very interesting and could prove to be... useful. //
The lass appeared to be unmoved by her apparently-still-in-the-running suitor's dotting. She shrugged off the offending piece of cloth and stared stonily at the commodore. Norrington coughed slightly, obviously did not expect the open hostility.
After quickly covering his embarrassment, Norrington turned and scowled at him, "*Captain* Jack Sparrow, I must say I had hoped to never see your face again." Jack beamed at him, pleased by the inclusion of his title. "You wound me." In a dramatically fainting _expression, he put his right hand on top of his chest where the heart is, "The feeling 's mutual though, mate."
Norrington gave him a hard shove. He stumbled and were pushed back on his feet with the encouragement of several rifles jabbed at his back. There were ten armed red coats surrounded them. Two soldiers held him still, while another one removed his belt. Norrington counted the items hanged on it with disinterest.
"The compass that doesn't point north, again. A pistol with no bullets *and* no additional shots. Still the same old rusty sword, I am surprised that I can actually pull it out. You are getting worse, *captain*. Life isn't going so merry for you?"
"We all have our ups an' downs." He moved closer and tried to paw his hands back to his possessions. They were slapped away mercilessly.
"Arrest him." Norrington ordered, then turned back to Elizabeth and said in a smoothing voice, "Elizabeth, I will have a cabin prepared for you, if you will just follow..."
// Poor, poor sod, who just couldn't take a hint. // The corner of Jack's mouth quirked up slightly, // why would th' pretty little lassie want wit' a chubby teddy bear when she already has star-twinkled hazel eyes in her possession. Couldn't say much about Norrington tactics neither, but he does get points for persistence. //
Elizabeth flinched away and protested, "You can't lock him away! He has done nothing wrong."
"He is a pirate! That's more than enough reason."
"If I may," Jack intervened, his bounded hands cut between the two. "Everyone in thi' town has been or is currently still a..." They both glared at him icily, he winced and wisely zipped his mouth.
"If you are going to arrest him, you must arrest me as well!"
"Elizabeth..."
"I am a pirate also."
"Elizabeth!" This time it was a command. "That's more than enough of your childish playing. Lieutenant, escort Miss. Swann to the Dauntless. She will be staying in the guest cabin."
They particular had to dragged her away kicking and screaming. As soon as she was out of sight, Norrington grabbed the front of Jack's collar and lifted him up to his eye level. "You! What poisonous thoughts and ideas have you filled her head with!!!"
Jack blinked up at the commodore innocently. "Now, now, mate. It is not me fault th' young lass found th' high sea and me both so irresistible."
"Shut up! I will not have your presence corrupt her any longer." He shook Jack hard and dropped him with crudity. "How would you like a trip down to the local dungeon, captain Sparrow? I've heard it's infested with many other vile creatures like yourself."
"If ye say so. I am not particular interested in findin'g out meself."
"Guards! Take him away."
~~~*~~~
Gibbs tapped his left feet against the deck impatiently. They should have returned by now, he thought, all the other crews are accounted for. He did not think the captain was delayed by rum or some other jolly company, not when Miss. Elizabeth was with him. The Black Pearl was currently floating inside an triangle crack between two cliffs. She was well hidden, although her view were somewhat limited by the stone walls on both side. His tapping was triggering his own nerves and gained him several dirty looks from Anamarie.
Clouds spread through out and covered every inch of night sky. Not a single ray of moon light penetrated through. Gibbs signed softly toward the starless sky and started pacing. His back was turned and none on board the Pearl saw the small black boat in the distance, sail past the cliffs.
~~~*~~~
The door shut behind her and locked with a click. Elizabeth scanned the room quickly, nothing has changed since the last time she was here. She checked the window. It was nailed. The pillows and the bed sheet were sewed to the mattress. The blankets was too thick to be ripped apart, and there was no sharp object in sight. She threw open the draws, they were all empty. A pair of slippers and a cotton nightgown were the only things in the closet.
// Damm, they were certainly thorough. // She cursed and sat down on the bed dejectedly. She could see two tall figures stood guarding her door through the glasses. She was truly trapped.
The handle on the door turned. She was instantly alerted. She grabbed the nearest object within reach, which happened to be one of the pink slippers. Walked to the door on tiptoes, she pressed her back against the wall beside the door and raised the slipper above her head.
// I'll hit whoever came in on the head, make a break for it and go warn the Black Pearl. // It was a good plan, she concluded, a good and simple plan. // Jack had always said simple plan works the best. //
The door swing open, she brought the slipper down. A hand grabbed her forearm and twisted her around. Elizabeth was momentary stunned by the unanticipated lightening reflex. Must be all that sword practice, she decided to admit temporary defeat and dropped the slipper. Commodore Norrington sighed exasperatedly.
She snarled at his invasion of her personal space, a temperamental gleam in her eyes. He sighed again, took a step back and put a more respectful distance between them.
The rigid silence stretched.
He cleared his throat. "Elizabeth...," he began, "why are you so angry? Were we not friends the last time we met?"
"You abandoned Port Royal." She was surprised by the calmness in her own reply. Whatever pended up anger and frustration she held towards the commodore and the British navy in general had subsided a great deal since the attack on the Black Pearl. She was still struggling with the concept of sacrificing the few for the need of many. It was foreign to her and she had wanted to stay selfish.
".... I had my orders. I am sorry, Elizabeth." The commodore's voice was ladden with self-directed guilt and grieve.
She averted her gaze, "I know. I am sorry, too."
~~~*~~~
Cane looked up with mild interest as their boat passed the Dauntless unnoticed. The boy's head was perched in his lap. He stroked the alabaster cheek, a faint newly grown beard cultivated across the area below the strong chin. He let his fingers linger on the boy's chest, and drew meaningless lines on the pale skin with deliberate slowness. A small bead of blood followed the trail his nail left behind, he sighed with rapture at the sensation of the rich texture being parted by force. When he was young, he had fancied himself a sculptor and always had a eye for seeking out beauty. Although nothing he had ever encountered could match the loveliness of the boy before him.
He had wanted to keep the boy for himself. But her harsh command in his ears had lynched that intention. She had told him to leave the boy be, and explained that the youth was nothing, but a small grain of sand compare to the vast treasure and ecstasy she would deliver to him. It would not be wise and beneficial to him to displease her. He rubbed the back of his neck nonchalantly, finger tip brushed against the small mark hidden by a few loosen silver hair. It was his vow to her, a plague of royalty. The mark would burn, send him into white hot flare of agony, but only on occasions where his course of action was frowned upon by her.
// Yes, it would not do to displease her. //
She had came to him in his hours of need, when his world had been plunged into the very bottom of hopelessness, when his work and belief were belittled due to jealous and ignorance. Her soft and husky voice was sweet rhapsody to his ears. She had filled his heart with renewed hope and injected his body with new-fangled strength. She had only asked one thing in return.
*** Your faith. Give me your faith and devote yourself in my service. In return, I shall give you back the free will that was bestowed on and then taken from you, that which was your birth right, the birth right of every human being. That freedom which you had lost to the hardship of life and the scorns of society. I will bring the world down to your feet and alleviate you above its moral values and constraints. None shall touch you, and all shall fear and love your glory, your wisdom. ***
He had believed her to be an angel, an evangelical messenger who had flown down baring his reward from God. He had devoted his life to the good cause, to the protection of God's children, who's only gifts to him were disrespect and alienation. Time and time again, he was used and then disregarded. Was he not worthy of true affection and love? Does he not deserve what she promised and much more? Would happiness still elude him after all that he had sacrificed? And it was too late to turn back now, he thought wistfully.
// My royalty and faith were well received. She has not failed me, not once, and stays true to her words always. //
She had shown him the threat the Black Pearl would post, like a dark shadow lurking above the brightness of his future. She had covered his ship, the Grey Owl in her cap of illusion and allowed them the element of surprise against the pirate ship. She had encouraged him in his research and development of the potion, then revealed the missing puzzle pieces in his scheme. In his dreams, she had allowed him glimpse of the future treachery that Vann would commit against his destiny.
She had also warned him about the redhead. Beware of him, for him and his could be the undoing of all your efforts, she had said. His curiosity was stirred, there were awareness and something very keen to concern in her voice. Was he her adversary? No, it could not be. Not the frightened child who was afraid to lift his head in his presence, who looked younger and more fragile than even the Turner boy. But she had insisted, drown him, drop him into the ocean and you would be easily rid of him. He had obeyed.
// It's only a few more hours to sunrise, I am sure the boy will provide a good show for the crew. //
He laughed cruelly. The boat rocked slightly as its front connected with one of the pillars supporting the dock. Algol was giving out orders in an emotionless tone. The rest of the men busied themselves with their assigned tasks until finally Algol leaned close to him and whispered, "Sir? Where would ye like us to take th' boy?" He frowned in response to the question.
// How dare you come with in such approximation, you insect. You are all nothing but pawns, not even very good ones at that. Once I have accomplished my destiny and the world heard of my voice, I shall cleanse the Caribbean of you and your kind. //
He masked his face into one of courtesy. "Leave the boy in the first convenient place you can find. Make sure he is not restrained and can find his way to wherever in the town. Take care not damage him further. We will leave for the Grey Owl as soon as that is done."
The Black Pearl had not detected their presence when they swam into the bay of La Tortuga, but it would be unwise to take any more chances against the infamous pirate ship, now that they were aware of and prepared for the Brotherhood. Any more surprises he sent their way would serve no useful purpose, and he had no wish to engage the nearby British navy. Discretion and caution were vital since his plan has only left its infancy. As for the destruction of the Black Pearl, it would have to wait. Their paths would inevitably cross again in the days to come.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Author: Daisy Sparrow
Pairing: Jack/Will, Will/Elizabeth
Rating: PG-13 and rising
Summary: Jack is in pain, Will is confused, Elizabeth is clueless and Zeke really just wants to do it right for once.
Disclaim: Pirates of the Caribbean and all its characters are not mine. I am making no money off this. Don't sue the colleage kid who are already broke. Credit for the title goes to Coleridge's poem and P.Speare who wrote the most wonderful Weiss Kreuz fic. Also special thanks to Darkdancer for the betaing.
Warning: Same as always, first fic ever and English not my first language. Please R&R everyone, otherwise, there is no point in posting more. I do have the next two chapters done, ye know *wink, wink*
Thanks to all of you who reviewed the last time. *happy, happy* ^_^ I am glad you all like Zeke, I made him up from bits and pieces from the people around me, so I was worrying about the fact that he might not have much of a personality or even if he does, it would be all over the place. and I wasn't consciously trying to make him fun. But oh well, I guess it does add more chemistry.
Tweeser: Zeke's real intention? He wants Jack's soul. or at least make sure that soul goes to hell since no demon had successfully tempted Jack. But now I think he's sticking around because he doesn't like the idea of giving up, rather than because he really wants Jack's soul.
" " - speech // // - thought *** *** - flashback
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Elizabeth." There was a barely conceiled trembling in Norrington's voice. "It's so good to see you again. We must get you out of this weather. Are you cold? Here have my...." It seemed that the commodore still harbored feelings for the lass. Jack noted and deposited that knowledge to the back of his mind.
// Interesting. That's very interesting and could prove to be... useful. //
The lass appeared to be unmoved by her apparently-still-in-the-running suitor's dotting. She shrugged off the offending piece of cloth and stared stonily at the commodore. Norrington coughed slightly, obviously did not expect the open hostility.
After quickly covering his embarrassment, Norrington turned and scowled at him, "*Captain* Jack Sparrow, I must say I had hoped to never see your face again." Jack beamed at him, pleased by the inclusion of his title. "You wound me." In a dramatically fainting _expression, he put his right hand on top of his chest where the heart is, "The feeling 's mutual though, mate."
Norrington gave him a hard shove. He stumbled and were pushed back on his feet with the encouragement of several rifles jabbed at his back. There were ten armed red coats surrounded them. Two soldiers held him still, while another one removed his belt. Norrington counted the items hanged on it with disinterest.
"The compass that doesn't point north, again. A pistol with no bullets *and* no additional shots. Still the same old rusty sword, I am surprised that I can actually pull it out. You are getting worse, *captain*. Life isn't going so merry for you?"
"We all have our ups an' downs." He moved closer and tried to paw his hands back to his possessions. They were slapped away mercilessly.
"Arrest him." Norrington ordered, then turned back to Elizabeth and said in a smoothing voice, "Elizabeth, I will have a cabin prepared for you, if you will just follow..."
// Poor, poor sod, who just couldn't take a hint. // The corner of Jack's mouth quirked up slightly, // why would th' pretty little lassie want wit' a chubby teddy bear when she already has star-twinkled hazel eyes in her possession. Couldn't say much about Norrington tactics neither, but he does get points for persistence. //
Elizabeth flinched away and protested, "You can't lock him away! He has done nothing wrong."
"He is a pirate! That's more than enough reason."
"If I may," Jack intervened, his bounded hands cut between the two. "Everyone in thi' town has been or is currently still a..." They both glared at him icily, he winced and wisely zipped his mouth.
"If you are going to arrest him, you must arrest me as well!"
"Elizabeth..."
"I am a pirate also."
"Elizabeth!" This time it was a command. "That's more than enough of your childish playing. Lieutenant, escort Miss. Swann to the Dauntless. She will be staying in the guest cabin."
They particular had to dragged her away kicking and screaming. As soon as she was out of sight, Norrington grabbed the front of Jack's collar and lifted him up to his eye level. "You! What poisonous thoughts and ideas have you filled her head with!!!"
Jack blinked up at the commodore innocently. "Now, now, mate. It is not me fault th' young lass found th' high sea and me both so irresistible."
"Shut up! I will not have your presence corrupt her any longer." He shook Jack hard and dropped him with crudity. "How would you like a trip down to the local dungeon, captain Sparrow? I've heard it's infested with many other vile creatures like yourself."
"If ye say so. I am not particular interested in findin'g out meself."
"Guards! Take him away."
~~~*~~~
Gibbs tapped his left feet against the deck impatiently. They should have returned by now, he thought, all the other crews are accounted for. He did not think the captain was delayed by rum or some other jolly company, not when Miss. Elizabeth was with him. The Black Pearl was currently floating inside an triangle crack between two cliffs. She was well hidden, although her view were somewhat limited by the stone walls on both side. His tapping was triggering his own nerves and gained him several dirty looks from Anamarie.
Clouds spread through out and covered every inch of night sky. Not a single ray of moon light penetrated through. Gibbs signed softly toward the starless sky and started pacing. His back was turned and none on board the Pearl saw the small black boat in the distance, sail past the cliffs.
~~~*~~~
The door shut behind her and locked with a click. Elizabeth scanned the room quickly, nothing has changed since the last time she was here. She checked the window. It was nailed. The pillows and the bed sheet were sewed to the mattress. The blankets was too thick to be ripped apart, and there was no sharp object in sight. She threw open the draws, they were all empty. A pair of slippers and a cotton nightgown were the only things in the closet.
// Damm, they were certainly thorough. // She cursed and sat down on the bed dejectedly. She could see two tall figures stood guarding her door through the glasses. She was truly trapped.
The handle on the door turned. She was instantly alerted. She grabbed the nearest object within reach, which happened to be one of the pink slippers. Walked to the door on tiptoes, she pressed her back against the wall beside the door and raised the slipper above her head.
// I'll hit whoever came in on the head, make a break for it and go warn the Black Pearl. // It was a good plan, she concluded, a good and simple plan. // Jack had always said simple plan works the best. //
The door swing open, she brought the slipper down. A hand grabbed her forearm and twisted her around. Elizabeth was momentary stunned by the unanticipated lightening reflex. Must be all that sword practice, she decided to admit temporary defeat and dropped the slipper. Commodore Norrington sighed exasperatedly.
She snarled at his invasion of her personal space, a temperamental gleam in her eyes. He sighed again, took a step back and put a more respectful distance between them.
The rigid silence stretched.
He cleared his throat. "Elizabeth...," he began, "why are you so angry? Were we not friends the last time we met?"
"You abandoned Port Royal." She was surprised by the calmness in her own reply. Whatever pended up anger and frustration she held towards the commodore and the British navy in general had subsided a great deal since the attack on the Black Pearl. She was still struggling with the concept of sacrificing the few for the need of many. It was foreign to her and she had wanted to stay selfish.
".... I had my orders. I am sorry, Elizabeth." The commodore's voice was ladden with self-directed guilt and grieve.
She averted her gaze, "I know. I am sorry, too."
~~~*~~~
Cane looked up with mild interest as their boat passed the Dauntless unnoticed. The boy's head was perched in his lap. He stroked the alabaster cheek, a faint newly grown beard cultivated across the area below the strong chin. He let his fingers linger on the boy's chest, and drew meaningless lines on the pale skin with deliberate slowness. A small bead of blood followed the trail his nail left behind, he sighed with rapture at the sensation of the rich texture being parted by force. When he was young, he had fancied himself a sculptor and always had a eye for seeking out beauty. Although nothing he had ever encountered could match the loveliness of the boy before him.
He had wanted to keep the boy for himself. But her harsh command in his ears had lynched that intention. She had told him to leave the boy be, and explained that the youth was nothing, but a small grain of sand compare to the vast treasure and ecstasy she would deliver to him. It would not be wise and beneficial to him to displease her. He rubbed the back of his neck nonchalantly, finger tip brushed against the small mark hidden by a few loosen silver hair. It was his vow to her, a plague of royalty. The mark would burn, send him into white hot flare of agony, but only on occasions where his course of action was frowned upon by her.
// Yes, it would not do to displease her. //
She had came to him in his hours of need, when his world had been plunged into the very bottom of hopelessness, when his work and belief were belittled due to jealous and ignorance. Her soft and husky voice was sweet rhapsody to his ears. She had filled his heart with renewed hope and injected his body with new-fangled strength. She had only asked one thing in return.
*** Your faith. Give me your faith and devote yourself in my service. In return, I shall give you back the free will that was bestowed on and then taken from you, that which was your birth right, the birth right of every human being. That freedom which you had lost to the hardship of life and the scorns of society. I will bring the world down to your feet and alleviate you above its moral values and constraints. None shall touch you, and all shall fear and love your glory, your wisdom. ***
He had believed her to be an angel, an evangelical messenger who had flown down baring his reward from God. He had devoted his life to the good cause, to the protection of God's children, who's only gifts to him were disrespect and alienation. Time and time again, he was used and then disregarded. Was he not worthy of true affection and love? Does he not deserve what she promised and much more? Would happiness still elude him after all that he had sacrificed? And it was too late to turn back now, he thought wistfully.
// My royalty and faith were well received. She has not failed me, not once, and stays true to her words always. //
She had shown him the threat the Black Pearl would post, like a dark shadow lurking above the brightness of his future. She had covered his ship, the Grey Owl in her cap of illusion and allowed them the element of surprise against the pirate ship. She had encouraged him in his research and development of the potion, then revealed the missing puzzle pieces in his scheme. In his dreams, she had allowed him glimpse of the future treachery that Vann would commit against his destiny.
She had also warned him about the redhead. Beware of him, for him and his could be the undoing of all your efforts, she had said. His curiosity was stirred, there were awareness and something very keen to concern in her voice. Was he her adversary? No, it could not be. Not the frightened child who was afraid to lift his head in his presence, who looked younger and more fragile than even the Turner boy. But she had insisted, drown him, drop him into the ocean and you would be easily rid of him. He had obeyed.
// It's only a few more hours to sunrise, I am sure the boy will provide a good show for the crew. //
He laughed cruelly. The boat rocked slightly as its front connected with one of the pillars supporting the dock. Algol was giving out orders in an emotionless tone. The rest of the men busied themselves with their assigned tasks until finally Algol leaned close to him and whispered, "Sir? Where would ye like us to take th' boy?" He frowned in response to the question.
// How dare you come with in such approximation, you insect. You are all nothing but pawns, not even very good ones at that. Once I have accomplished my destiny and the world heard of my voice, I shall cleanse the Caribbean of you and your kind. //
He masked his face into one of courtesy. "Leave the boy in the first convenient place you can find. Make sure he is not restrained and can find his way to wherever in the town. Take care not damage him further. We will leave for the Grey Owl as soon as that is done."
The Black Pearl had not detected their presence when they swam into the bay of La Tortuga, but it would be unwise to take any more chances against the infamous pirate ship, now that they were aware of and prepared for the Brotherhood. Any more surprises he sent their way would serve no useful purpose, and he had no wish to engage the nearby British navy. Discretion and caution were vital since his plan has only left its infancy. As for the destruction of the Black Pearl, it would have to wait. Their paths would inevitably cross again in the days to come.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~