A/N Just a note before you read, ff.net is guess is having after spasms
from earlier and when I upload this new chapter every time the quotes come
out mutilated, I've seen the same thing with other fics and as soon as it
can be fixed, it will be. Until then I feel the need to share my writing
with the world (how overly dramatic was that?) So I'll update despite the
spaz attack. If you find it too annoying, just wait until I can fix it.
Thanks.
XxXxX
Will had just finished getting dressed. He had slept late, unable to get to sleep until long into the night. He had been too worked up over the commotion that these pirates had caused. He even half expected Jack Sparrow to show up on their doorstep. That really would be a disaster, no telling how Katie would react to meeting a real pirate, she could be unpredictable like that sometimes.
Fortunately none of that happened and eventually he was able to rest. Elizabeth had been up almost as long as he had, but she tended to wake up earlier and she was tired.
As he sat on the bed to put his boots on, the door burst open and a pale looking Elizabeth stormed in.
Immediately Will stood up and walked over to her. "What's wrong?" he asked concerned. In reply she held out a paper to him. Taking it in his hand, he led her to sit on the bed before looking at it.
Will and Elizabeth-
I know that this may come as shock to you, but I beg you to not do anything drastic. By now it will be too late, anyway. I love you both dearly and if I could stay with you and go I'd do both, but I couldn't have chosen to stay here. Not while always wondering what if. I have become a pirate, I am living my dream. How many people get to do that? My life will be full of excitement and I'll be free beyond any amount I could have while staying in Port Royal. And I don't regret the decision I have made, I never will.
I doubt I will ever see either of you again. That, I do regret. My time spent with you was the happiest I can remember, and I will always remember you, and I hope that from time to time you will remember me. I guess that's all there is to say, really.
Katie
Oh, and Will, I did take some of your clothes, you may sell any possessions I have left behind to pay for them.
Will sat there and reread it. Again, and again, but each time it said the same as before. As he let the letter fall out of his grasp his wife held up a hand clasped tightly around a thick length of hair. Black hair, Katie's hair. Then it clicked, she took his clothes, cut off her hair, ran away to be a pirate.
"We have to do something!" He said in exasperation. He turned to Elizabeth, "We have to go after her!"
Elizabeth shook her head sadly. "No, Will. We don't know where they've gone, how would we find them? It would just be a waste of time."
"No!" Will said grasping her hand lightly, "They'll skin her alive! Jack only accepts the best on his crew, she's never even been on a pirate ship before. He must have been desperate to even accept her, but even so she's not likely to survive." Finally Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
"Yes, not to mention that they could be at sea for months, years even. If they don't kill her when they find she's a woman, it wouldn't be safe for her with so many. desperate men around. She's not an ugly girl, and even if she was I wouldn't trust her with them." She said firmly.
"Jack's a good man, but I doubt that would stop them, I don't know what to do. We can't just sit here doing nothing." He trailed of despair prominent in his voice.
"Well, perhaps someone knows of their whereabouts. We can go to Tortuga, Jack has many.friends there, there should be one of them willing to tell us where he had planned to sail." Elizabeth offered, sounding hopeful. "And being out on the sea again would be nice, I've been needing a vacation, hmm?"
"Yes," Will said, now much more joyous, if still a little anxious. "Yes, that sounds like a marvelous idea."
XxXxX
"No, no, no! Like this." Harkey said, demonstrating the proper way to scrub the deck to achieve the maximum amount of shin. Apparently Captain Jack Sparrow went at no expense to have his ship sparkle from top to bottom. It was only Katie's bad luck that she was the smallest and least experienced on the vessel, therefore the most tedious tasks fell to her.
She attacked the salty deck with new vigor, mimicking Harkey's circular motion. "There ye go, now ye've got it. Jus' uh, finish up 'ere then we'll figure somethin out for ye." Then he quickly scrambled bellow deck, likely hoping to get a good nap in before Katie was done.
Before she had come Harkey had been the one to run all the errands and do the work such as she was now, therefore he had to show her how to do everything and was none too kind about it. He didn't want anything to do with it, and was loath to have to spend any more time doing manual labor than was absolutely necessary. Yes, a true pirate.
The sun was warm on her back and she was tempted to take off the thick leather vest she wore as the sweat started trickling underneath it. But no, she knew she couldn't and instead rolled her sleeves up a little, revealing a small dingy bandage wrapped around her left wrist.
Surprisingly the man named Gibbs had helped her wrap it and had given her some sort of lotion to put on it, already the angry red was fading into a pinkish hue. After that though, none had spoken with her other than Harkey, and he made it clear that he wouldn't have if he had any say in it.
It seemed the crew members thought she was just a snobby boy who had gotten fed up with his mother bossing him around so he ran away to become a pirate. Katie had even heard them making wagers on how long she would last before she either got herself killed or abandoned ship, which would prove fatal in the pirate society.
The first night once they had gotten out of Port Royal had been lonely, and uncomfortable. The bunks were stacked three high, the higher up the less room you had. The entire place stank of sweaty men who didn't bother to air out their sheets no matter what wretched things crawled in them. Katie, of coarse, got the pleasure of the tiniest bunk there and the stench no better than the rest.
Still, she hoped that it would only be the first night that seemed to empty. She would get used to it in time, but she still did not expect even her fellow pirates to label her outcast and turn their backs upon her. She could not even find comfort in them, and for what seemed like the hundredth time that day she wondered if she had made the right decision.
But again she rebuked that thought, she had. She was a pirate, it was her destiny and she was fulfilling it. She would show all of them! She wouldn't give up, nor complain when they gave her the smallest portions of breakfast, nor whine about cramped sleeping quarters. She could be just as rough and tough as any man on this boat!
With that she lost herself in the forceful yet rhythmic strokes of the coarse brush. A little past noon she looked up to see the entire top deck was clean. Amazed she had finished so quickly she stood up, more than a little unsteady from kneeling on her knees for hours on end. Holding firmly on to the rail she made her way below deck.
There was loud laughter coming from what she thought to be the dining room. Quietly, she eased the door open and listened to what they were saying.
" 'an then 'e goes 'M-m-my name?'" The pirate speaking was one of the new recruits, Brady, with the pointed beard. He wore a mocking expression of fright with wide eyes and trembling lips. Then he stopped and joined in with a cackle.
"Wouldn't be surprised if 'es no more than fifteen, poor boy doesn't even 'ave whiskers yet, just ye watch, 'e wont be shaving ever an' keep a face as smooth as a babes." He continued, working for all the laughs he could get.
Just as Brady was about to start in on another bashing Katie swung the door full open and the laughter immediately died. All the men turned to their food coldly and eat without a sound, though none refrained from eyeing her mercilessly.
She held her head high and diverted her gaze from the cruel pirates. 'Well what did you expect?' She scolded herself, 'Pirates are not kind, gentle men, this is what they are and you have to accept it.' But she knew they weren't like this to their fellow crewmembers and was using the excuse to cover up for her own inadequacy for giving them reason to treat her otherwise.
Spotting Harkey crouching low in his chair, trying not to be seen, she hurried to him, thankful for a reason to her intrusion.
"I'm done." Was all she said. Harkey sighed defeated and stopped trying to mold into the back o his chair.
"With the entire deck?" He asked suspiciously.
"Yes," she sighed with exasperation, "with the entire deck."
He frowned in thought. Not being able to come up with anything else for her to do at the moment that would keep her very busy he waved his hand dismissively. "Just.. do whatever ye think needs doin. An boy, don' sit aroun' doin nothin, make yeself useful."
"Fine." She said blandly before turning and exiting the room. As soon as the door shut behind her laughter once again emanated from the room.
'Stupid men. I'll show them, I'll clean this tub from top to bottom. Do what needs to be done, indeed, I'll show them I'm not useless.' She set off towards the bunks first, it would be best to get those out of the way. Not wanting to sleep in such a foul smelling place another night had absolutely nothing to do with it.
XxXxX
A/N Yes, yes I know. Short chapter, but I just wanted to let yall know what was going on with Will and Elizabeth and give you an idea of what it was like with Katie onboard before getting down to the more interesting stuff. And from a few comments the were given to me, if any of you would like an email for when I update this story leave your email address and I'd be happy to comply.
REVIEWERS *Throws out assorted cookies and cake*
CrazySwimmer27- Hmm, I hadn't considered that before, but it certainly would be an interesting twist, I might just consider it. Thanks!
Rainne-hope your cough gets better, lol. But yes, I'll be looking out for your fic, thank you for the review!
rain to clense me of the shame- lol, wat ezactly did that ek! Mean? You leave me wondering, lol.
Anamaria- Yes, W & E are here again, and as you can see they are not done by far. And BTW your namesake will come into play as well, all in good time. ;)
Sanely Challenged- I'm so glad that you think so, thanks!
MentallyConfused- Well, our Captain here may have more to do in this ficcy, so you may get another taste of him other than occasional appearances.
MrsPitt- Thanks, sorry it took a while to update.
Mrs.Sparrow- Thanks so much, I'm glad you're liking this!
Dust In The Wind - Thank you, sorry this took a while, I hope I'll be able to update more often but my computer time is sometimes limited *grumble* parents *grumble*
ChelseaBloom - thanks, hope you like this as well, even though it is a bit shorter.
Lady Brown- How would you know exactly? That would be interesting to hear, I'm sure. No, hot metal is never anyone's friend, well there are a few exceptions but I'll not get into that.
Quof- Yet another constant reviewer, thank you! As far as lengthy review, gotta love em. And I seriously doubt I would have her do that, I agree with you on a lot of those points, but I truly do love Jack Sparrow so you can expect lots of him in here, even if it isn't in a romantic way.
Jeanie*girl - Sorry this wasn't very eventful, or at least it doesn't seem very to me, I don't know, what do you think? Thanks for your kind review!
Draconius-2005- LOL, Thanks for the compliment, I'm flattered you consider it an awesome story, I would have never thought that so many of you would like it, thanks so much for reading.
FTCrodis- Lol, don't we all love Jack's lines? As far as getting an email I'm starting a list if any of you would like to be sent one when I update I'll be glad to email you all, just leave your email address if you'd like.
Nugristiel08LG- Hmm, I hadn't thought of that either. But it definitely could be interesting, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the idea!
Tigger-180- Thanks! You guys are so awesome!
I give it all to Mr. Black- Well now I feel ashamed, all that about longer chapters and here I pop out with an incredibly short one, sorry about that. Hope you can forgive me, I'll try to write long in the future.
Child of the Wolves - Mmm, yes Jack is definite eye candy, lol, and wouldn't you know it yours was the last review I got so I could always claim that your insitance of Now. Right Now made me finish, but you'll never really know, will you. lol, thanks so much for your rather long review (long = good for any who were wondering ;)
XxXxX
Will had just finished getting dressed. He had slept late, unable to get to sleep until long into the night. He had been too worked up over the commotion that these pirates had caused. He even half expected Jack Sparrow to show up on their doorstep. That really would be a disaster, no telling how Katie would react to meeting a real pirate, she could be unpredictable like that sometimes.
Fortunately none of that happened and eventually he was able to rest. Elizabeth had been up almost as long as he had, but she tended to wake up earlier and she was tired.
As he sat on the bed to put his boots on, the door burst open and a pale looking Elizabeth stormed in.
Immediately Will stood up and walked over to her. "What's wrong?" he asked concerned. In reply she held out a paper to him. Taking it in his hand, he led her to sit on the bed before looking at it.
Will and Elizabeth-
I know that this may come as shock to you, but I beg you to not do anything drastic. By now it will be too late, anyway. I love you both dearly and if I could stay with you and go I'd do both, but I couldn't have chosen to stay here. Not while always wondering what if. I have become a pirate, I am living my dream. How many people get to do that? My life will be full of excitement and I'll be free beyond any amount I could have while staying in Port Royal. And I don't regret the decision I have made, I never will.
I doubt I will ever see either of you again. That, I do regret. My time spent with you was the happiest I can remember, and I will always remember you, and I hope that from time to time you will remember me. I guess that's all there is to say, really.
Katie
Oh, and Will, I did take some of your clothes, you may sell any possessions I have left behind to pay for them.
Will sat there and reread it. Again, and again, but each time it said the same as before. As he let the letter fall out of his grasp his wife held up a hand clasped tightly around a thick length of hair. Black hair, Katie's hair. Then it clicked, she took his clothes, cut off her hair, ran away to be a pirate.
"We have to do something!" He said in exasperation. He turned to Elizabeth, "We have to go after her!"
Elizabeth shook her head sadly. "No, Will. We don't know where they've gone, how would we find them? It would just be a waste of time."
"No!" Will said grasping her hand lightly, "They'll skin her alive! Jack only accepts the best on his crew, she's never even been on a pirate ship before. He must have been desperate to even accept her, but even so she's not likely to survive." Finally Elizabeth nodded in agreement.
"Yes, not to mention that they could be at sea for months, years even. If they don't kill her when they find she's a woman, it wouldn't be safe for her with so many. desperate men around. She's not an ugly girl, and even if she was I wouldn't trust her with them." She said firmly.
"Jack's a good man, but I doubt that would stop them, I don't know what to do. We can't just sit here doing nothing." He trailed of despair prominent in his voice.
"Well, perhaps someone knows of their whereabouts. We can go to Tortuga, Jack has many.friends there, there should be one of them willing to tell us where he had planned to sail." Elizabeth offered, sounding hopeful. "And being out on the sea again would be nice, I've been needing a vacation, hmm?"
"Yes," Will said, now much more joyous, if still a little anxious. "Yes, that sounds like a marvelous idea."
XxXxX
"No, no, no! Like this." Harkey said, demonstrating the proper way to scrub the deck to achieve the maximum amount of shin. Apparently Captain Jack Sparrow went at no expense to have his ship sparkle from top to bottom. It was only Katie's bad luck that she was the smallest and least experienced on the vessel, therefore the most tedious tasks fell to her.
She attacked the salty deck with new vigor, mimicking Harkey's circular motion. "There ye go, now ye've got it. Jus' uh, finish up 'ere then we'll figure somethin out for ye." Then he quickly scrambled bellow deck, likely hoping to get a good nap in before Katie was done.
Before she had come Harkey had been the one to run all the errands and do the work such as she was now, therefore he had to show her how to do everything and was none too kind about it. He didn't want anything to do with it, and was loath to have to spend any more time doing manual labor than was absolutely necessary. Yes, a true pirate.
The sun was warm on her back and she was tempted to take off the thick leather vest she wore as the sweat started trickling underneath it. But no, she knew she couldn't and instead rolled her sleeves up a little, revealing a small dingy bandage wrapped around her left wrist.
Surprisingly the man named Gibbs had helped her wrap it and had given her some sort of lotion to put on it, already the angry red was fading into a pinkish hue. After that though, none had spoken with her other than Harkey, and he made it clear that he wouldn't have if he had any say in it.
It seemed the crew members thought she was just a snobby boy who had gotten fed up with his mother bossing him around so he ran away to become a pirate. Katie had even heard them making wagers on how long she would last before she either got herself killed or abandoned ship, which would prove fatal in the pirate society.
The first night once they had gotten out of Port Royal had been lonely, and uncomfortable. The bunks were stacked three high, the higher up the less room you had. The entire place stank of sweaty men who didn't bother to air out their sheets no matter what wretched things crawled in them. Katie, of coarse, got the pleasure of the tiniest bunk there and the stench no better than the rest.
Still, she hoped that it would only be the first night that seemed to empty. She would get used to it in time, but she still did not expect even her fellow pirates to label her outcast and turn their backs upon her. She could not even find comfort in them, and for what seemed like the hundredth time that day she wondered if she had made the right decision.
But again she rebuked that thought, she had. She was a pirate, it was her destiny and she was fulfilling it. She would show all of them! She wouldn't give up, nor complain when they gave her the smallest portions of breakfast, nor whine about cramped sleeping quarters. She could be just as rough and tough as any man on this boat!
With that she lost herself in the forceful yet rhythmic strokes of the coarse brush. A little past noon she looked up to see the entire top deck was clean. Amazed she had finished so quickly she stood up, more than a little unsteady from kneeling on her knees for hours on end. Holding firmly on to the rail she made her way below deck.
There was loud laughter coming from what she thought to be the dining room. Quietly, she eased the door open and listened to what they were saying.
" 'an then 'e goes 'M-m-my name?'" The pirate speaking was one of the new recruits, Brady, with the pointed beard. He wore a mocking expression of fright with wide eyes and trembling lips. Then he stopped and joined in with a cackle.
"Wouldn't be surprised if 'es no more than fifteen, poor boy doesn't even 'ave whiskers yet, just ye watch, 'e wont be shaving ever an' keep a face as smooth as a babes." He continued, working for all the laughs he could get.
Just as Brady was about to start in on another bashing Katie swung the door full open and the laughter immediately died. All the men turned to their food coldly and eat without a sound, though none refrained from eyeing her mercilessly.
She held her head high and diverted her gaze from the cruel pirates. 'Well what did you expect?' She scolded herself, 'Pirates are not kind, gentle men, this is what they are and you have to accept it.' But she knew they weren't like this to their fellow crewmembers and was using the excuse to cover up for her own inadequacy for giving them reason to treat her otherwise.
Spotting Harkey crouching low in his chair, trying not to be seen, she hurried to him, thankful for a reason to her intrusion.
"I'm done." Was all she said. Harkey sighed defeated and stopped trying to mold into the back o his chair.
"With the entire deck?" He asked suspiciously.
"Yes," she sighed with exasperation, "with the entire deck."
He frowned in thought. Not being able to come up with anything else for her to do at the moment that would keep her very busy he waved his hand dismissively. "Just.. do whatever ye think needs doin. An boy, don' sit aroun' doin nothin, make yeself useful."
"Fine." She said blandly before turning and exiting the room. As soon as the door shut behind her laughter once again emanated from the room.
'Stupid men. I'll show them, I'll clean this tub from top to bottom. Do what needs to be done, indeed, I'll show them I'm not useless.' She set off towards the bunks first, it would be best to get those out of the way. Not wanting to sleep in such a foul smelling place another night had absolutely nothing to do with it.
XxXxX
A/N Yes, yes I know. Short chapter, but I just wanted to let yall know what was going on with Will and Elizabeth and give you an idea of what it was like with Katie onboard before getting down to the more interesting stuff. And from a few comments the were given to me, if any of you would like an email for when I update this story leave your email address and I'd be happy to comply.
REVIEWERS *Throws out assorted cookies and cake*
CrazySwimmer27- Hmm, I hadn't considered that before, but it certainly would be an interesting twist, I might just consider it. Thanks!
Rainne-hope your cough gets better, lol. But yes, I'll be looking out for your fic, thank you for the review!
rain to clense me of the shame- lol, wat ezactly did that ek! Mean? You leave me wondering, lol.
Anamaria- Yes, W & E are here again, and as you can see they are not done by far. And BTW your namesake will come into play as well, all in good time. ;)
Sanely Challenged- I'm so glad that you think so, thanks!
MentallyConfused- Well, our Captain here may have more to do in this ficcy, so you may get another taste of him other than occasional appearances.
MrsPitt- Thanks, sorry it took a while to update.
Mrs.Sparrow- Thanks so much, I'm glad you're liking this!
Dust In The Wind - Thank you, sorry this took a while, I hope I'll be able to update more often but my computer time is sometimes limited *grumble* parents *grumble*
ChelseaBloom - thanks, hope you like this as well, even though it is a bit shorter.
Lady Brown- How would you know exactly? That would be interesting to hear, I'm sure. No, hot metal is never anyone's friend, well there are a few exceptions but I'll not get into that.
Quof- Yet another constant reviewer, thank you! As far as lengthy review, gotta love em. And I seriously doubt I would have her do that, I agree with you on a lot of those points, but I truly do love Jack Sparrow so you can expect lots of him in here, even if it isn't in a romantic way.
Jeanie*girl - Sorry this wasn't very eventful, or at least it doesn't seem very to me, I don't know, what do you think? Thanks for your kind review!
Draconius-2005- LOL, Thanks for the compliment, I'm flattered you consider it an awesome story, I would have never thought that so many of you would like it, thanks so much for reading.
FTCrodis- Lol, don't we all love Jack's lines? As far as getting an email I'm starting a list if any of you would like to be sent one when I update I'll be glad to email you all, just leave your email address if you'd like.
Nugristiel08LG- Hmm, I hadn't thought of that either. But it definitely could be interesting, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the idea!
Tigger-180- Thanks! You guys are so awesome!
I give it all to Mr. Black- Well now I feel ashamed, all that about longer chapters and here I pop out with an incredibly short one, sorry about that. Hope you can forgive me, I'll try to write long in the future.
Child of the Wolves - Mmm, yes Jack is definite eye candy, lol, and wouldn't you know it yours was the last review I got so I could always claim that your insitance of Now. Right Now made me finish, but you'll never really know, will you. lol, thanks so much for your rather long review (long = good for any who were wondering ;)