Disclaimer: Me no own! (sob) Why, cruel world? Why?
Author's Note: Lovin' the reviews! Thank you to everyone for the compliments and constructive criticism, and this chapter is for all of you. GOLD STARS FOR EVERYONE, SAVVY? (they are extra shiny, just how you like them)
p.s. Sorry it took so long to update! A lot has been going on, and I was so glad I got some time today all to me onesies so I could write. Enjoy!
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"Why do ye always seem to bloody POP OUT O' NOWHERE?" Sparrow grumbled loudly, clearly agitated. Even though he was flailing about madly, he had an alert look in his brown eyes. He knew we were in mortal danger and we had to cook up something fast.
"What is it this time, Shadows?" I said in disgust, "I thought yeh had yer share of woundin' the likes of us."
"Hardly, Miss Gallagher," Shadows said with a slow smile, "Now that ol' Jack has come to stop by, I think we are going to have some fun."
"A few waltzes? Partake in a few drinking games, hmm?" I suggested sarcastically and Shadows laughed, while Sparrow still had his arm wrapped around my waist, clutching tighter and a bit more possessively. He had his dirt clad hand resting lightly on the holster of his pistol.
"I was thinkin' more along the lines of torturin' yer man, let me crew have their way with ye as he watches, then kill both of yeh using the slowest and most painful way possible," Shadows replied, his arms crossed over his chest, examining us closely.
"I'd prefer the drinking games," I said matter-of-factly.
"Tis a fine goal to be sure, Shadows, but we best be on our merry ways. Think about it, mate. Yeh won't have to deal with little ol' us again, savvy?"
"Now Jack, that there presents a problem. See yeh and yer bonnie lass leave me without the location of the treasure, and that doesn't sit well with me."
"Perhaps ye should leave and start lookin' now, for you'll have to search all by yer onesies, Shadows," I scoffed, "For I see no profit in it for me. Ye'd sooner kill me after I even breathed the coordinates."
"Yer quick, I'll give you that," Shadows commented and winked at me, and I let out a low growl. Suddenly, Shadows picked up his head and sniffed the air tentatively. "What the hell is that burnin'?"
"That would be yer ship," Jack replied in that mocking tone of his, his hands perched on his hips and I stood there as I watched Shadows's face turn scarlet all in the time span of two seconds.
"Me ship?"
"Aye, yer ship. The 'hole lower deck should be set aflame at this very instant," Sparrow said dramatically and Shadows cried out in rage, unsheathing his sword. Jack pushed me to one side so I fell to the wooden planks roughly just as Shadows lunged and Sparrow's sword clashed with his.
I reached to my waist, my fingers searching blindly for my sword, when I realized I didn't have my effects. Shadows still had them, that bastard! My head shot up and I was stunned for a moment as I watched their swords spark and fly with unnatural speed and precision. It was judgement day for both of them, and I frantically began to try and think of what to do. This fight would be to the death, and there was no way Sparrow was going to sweet talk his way out of this one.
Jack let out a grunt and kicked Shadows with his booted foot, causing Shadows to stumble a bit. In that instant, his eyes locked with mine and a whirlpool of emotions could be seen there, but I could not detect each individual one. Then he stared back at Shadows, intercepting his sword again as he yelled, "Run to the Pearl, Gallagher!"
I stood up hastily, grimacing as pain gripped my back from straightening it too quickly. I whispered, "I don't think so, Jack."
Jack must have heard me because he let out a growl of frustration as Shadows said, "Yeh can't win this one, lad. After I kill ye, I think I will have me way with yer strumpet."
"We started this together, Captain," I shouted, "And we sure as hell will finish it together." I snuck up behind Shadows and kicked his feet out from underneath him. Smoke was billowing all around us, and I just noticed that half of the ship was now on fire. The Ghost was going straight to hell where it belonged, and if we were lucky, we would send Shadows right down with it. Shadows fell to the ground with a thud and did an intricate roll onto his feet, coming only about a yard away from Jack Sparrow, thrusting his sword in his direction.
Jack dodged the blade with skillful accuracy and they were soon at it again. "Men!" I growled with disgust, running into battle once more, but cried out when I saw Shadows slice Jack's arm, blood beginning to seep from the large gash. Shadows knocked Sparrow's sword away and kicked him to the ground.
"This'll teach ye for messin' with Sean Shadows," Shadows growled, "And ye will be sent straight to hell, exactly where you belong."
"That's where you are wrong," I said from behind him and grabbed him by his oily, greasy black hair, pulling him away from Sparrow, "Ye will never be half the man Captain Jack Sparrow is. And it's yer ugly face that belongs in hell." He fell to the ground and slashed his sword in the air blindly, catching my side with the swipe of his blade. I let out a hiss as I felt my abdomen sting with new, interesting pain, but instantly shoved that to the back of my mind.
Jack took long running strides over to us and grabbed his sword off the ground, letting out a shout as he brought his sword down on Shadows once more, but Shadows regained his composure just in time and blocked it. Jack punched him in the face, using his fist to catch him off guard and then kicked his sword to the ground. Shadows and I made a mad dash for the sword, and we ended up on the ground, fighting like hell.
Two things happened at once: Jack Sparrow stood over Shadows, his sword pointed to his neck just as Shadows unsheathed his pistol and aimed it at me shakily.
"I'll shoot her!" he screamed, "I'll shoot her, GODDAMMIT!"
I stared at the pistol barrel pointed to my forehead with a solemn face, not saying anything. There was silence and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jack stepping back, dropping his sword, his hands raised.
"No Jack," I whispered, "You should have killed 'im when ye had the chance!"
My eyes met Shadows and I realized something was amiss. I didn't move a muscle as I saw his mouth slowly form a huge toothy smile, as if wanting to reveal a secret. I heard the click of the pistol and my eyes widened.
Everything was a blur. I saw Sparrow kick Shadows just as he pulled the trigger, and I felt a burning sensation as I heard the explosion. I blacked out for a couple moments and when my vision returned, I was lying sprawled on the deck floor, my black curly hair fanned out around my head, Shadows lying next to me with a cutlass sticking through his heart, his eyes staring back at me, wide, glazed over and unseeing. Blood was on the floor, and I realized it was a mixture of Shadows's and mine, his blacker and tainted, mine a crimson red. I leaned up just as Jack ran and dropped to my side.
"Where am I hit?" I said, forcing a smile to my face. Then the pain hit me and I let out a strangled sound, realizing a bullet had past through my arm.
Jack got out a dagger and I raised my eyebrows and said slightly teasing, "What, are ye goin' to finish the job?"
He gritted his teeth as he cut the sleeve off of my shirt and he murmured, "Went straight through." Jack stared into my eyes and asked, "Are ye all right, lass? Got a case of the dizzies? Feel like heavin' all over me?"
"Sure, I feel like heavin', and I will if ye don't stop actin' like such a pansy and don't help me up," I growled, "We need to get out o' here, or am I the only one noticin' the ship sinking and there bein' a fire surroundin' us and all?"
Jack looked around him, as if taking in his surroundings for the first time and said, "Good point." He picked me up gently and brought me to my feet, making sure to stay away from my arm. The blood slowly stained his shirt and he looked down, his mouth set in a tight line.
"I don't like that look, Captain. What is it?"
"Yer losin' blood fast," he commented, his eyes glancing at the wound once again. I jerked myself away from him, not wanting pity.
"I'll last. Now how 'bout we get out o' here, eh? I want me fancy chicken dinner," I informed him with a scowl.
"Aye, and if that's what milady be wantin'," he leaned over in a huge sweeping bow, "That's what milady shall get."
The corners of my mouth twitched. Damn him: he always made me smile at the oddest moments.
Jack caught this expression and he grinned devilishly, and he looked past my shoulder and his grin faded.
"Now what's wrong?" I said with a sigh, not bothering to turn around until Jack answered:
"We 'ave company."
I whirled around and found Shadows's crew barreling down the dock straight at us, weapons bared, screaming like banshees.
"Noisy blokes, aren't they?" I said, grimacing at the ruckus.
"I have a bit of advice, luv," Jack said slowly.
"And what is that?"
"RUN!"
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"Where the hell are we, Sparrow?" I hissed, making my way through muddy water and swamp, the back forests of Tortuga, where the bustling activity never reaches. The eerie solitude ran shivers up my spine and I could only barely see Jack's form and the suction of his boots to the slop as he led the way.
"A little further, luv," he whispered, "'Ave I ever given ye reason not to trust me?"
I let out a little snort but didn't go into detail, for if the crew heard us and were nearby, we'd be as good as dead.
The green palms brushed my body as I made my way past them and I had to duck, for the tree branches were dangerously low. At least, Sparrow found that out the hard way and I had to stifle a laugh when I heard his skull connect with the hard bark.
"Damn tree," he muttered and I snickered softly. He turned and I could dimly see his brown eyes cutting to my grey ones, casting me a glare. I smiled sweetly and he turned around and began to walk again.
It was dark, for the clouds covered the moon, so I had to keep a hand out and slightly touch Jack's back so I didn't lose him.
"Stop fondlin' me, luv," he whispered, and I could imagine the smile he was wearing at that exact moment.
"I am not fondlin' ye, Sparrow," I whispered back harshly, "I can hardly see yeh."
"Almost there, Gallagher," Jack said, "And then ye can have that dinner and bath ye have been wantin' so much."
"Well I smell like feet," I said, "What woman in the right mind wouldn't want a bath right now?"
"Aye, that ye do," Sparrow agreed.
"You pig," I muttered, "How about yerself? Ye don't smell like daisies and roses at the moment, I assure you."
He stopped, and turned in a drunken way to look back at me. "I know, lass. I'm but a pirate, and I'm sure I smell like feet. How about when we get to the Pearl, I'll take a bath. Will that make ye happy?"
"Sure," I said, "For then I wouldn't feel like passin' out every time I got ten feet from yeh."
"What would make me happy is if we conserve water, and take one together. Savvy?"
That caused my mouth to hang open and I sputtered, "You stupid, vile....." and lunged at him, losing my footing and falling face first into the muck.
I spat out the grimy mud and I could hear Jack muffling his laughter, then helped me up, still careful of my arm, which hurt like a bitch.
"Sorry, luv. That was uncalled for, yet it was fun watching yer reaction," he said and winked, then led the way once more. The crickets chirped and the bullfrogs bellowed, and I felt dreadfully tired and pained all at once. I was covered in slop, my shirt was blood soaked, and I had enough welts on my back to last a lifetime. If they scarred, I was going to be pissed off.
The clouds passed over the moon and I watched as Sparrow was covered in moonlight, illuminating his dark brown coat and tricorne hat, his goatee braids softly swaying as he made his way clumsily through the marsh and trees. Finally, we reached the clearing and we came to some rocks that led down to the shore. I stared at the sands, the waves slowly crashing into the rocks, the moonlight gleaming off of the dark navy waters. A rowboat was settled there and seemed to beckon to me, for it meant freedom and away from this slow hell. Once on the Pearl, I would be free to forget Shadows and The Ghost, to put them to my rudder and leave it in the past. The treasure was what I was after now, and by God, I would get it. Snidely's would be mine in due time.
"Thank the heavens," I said roughly and began to make my way slowly down the slippery rocks, watching as small scuttle crabs moved away from our feet. I smiled, remembering the trick I had played on Jack what seemed like ages ago.
"Aren't those yer mates, King Jack of the Crustaceans?" I said with a mischievous glint in my eye.
Jack stared down at the small crabs and muttered, "Stupid lil' buggers. I'll get my revenge in due time, Miss Gallagher."
"Ah, and how will you do that?" I asked in amusement.
"It's a surprise, luv. Don't want to be ruinin' the surprise," he said and grabbed the oars to the boat, throwing them in.
"Get in and I'll push it into the water," Jack ordered and I climbed in, sitting down instantly, relief flooding my body.
Jack shoved the boat through the sand with incredible ease, then jumped in and sat down, rocking the boat a little so I clutched the sides, trying to steady it so we wouldn't tip.
Sparrow grabbed the oars and began to row fast yet with a steady pace. I stared up at the moon and said softly, "Do ye think Shadows's crew will be wantin' their revenge?"
"High unlikely, Gallagher," he commented, staring out at the water, "Pirates aren't trustworthy. Ye yerself should know that. Their captain dies, and they are most likely to just go off on their own and start a new life."
"Yer crew would avenge yer death for yeh, Jack," I said with a smile, correcting him.
"Well, ye wouldn't really know that unless I was dead, aye?"
"Shadows was a soulless man," I pointed out, "And evil beings such as the lot o' them on The Ghost wouldn't stick by each other as solidly as the Pearl crew does."
"Then I guess I'm a lucky man then, ey?" Jack said, his arm muscles straining with the job of rowing.
"Ye want me to row?" I asked.
"Yer hurt, ye fool! Why would I want ye to do somethin' and make it worse? Ye think me a stupid git?"
"Well...."
"If ye say yes, I will not hesitate to throw ye into the water," he warned, yet the threat didn't seem all that scary with him grinning like an idiot.
I gazed at the Pearl, and we were close. How I missed its sleek beauty, its fine furnishings, its clean white sails.... and I could hear the crew startin' to yell.
"The Captain's back! Gallagher's with 'im! Men, bring in the rowboat!"
Jack led the boat up to the side and we were thrown ropes to tie the rickety old rowboat to, then we climbed up the steps and onto the top deck.
"Mates! It's good to be back," Jack said and grinned as the crew awaited their orders, grinning like madmen.
"Jack!" Will said and came barreling up to us, frowning when he saw us covered with muck and blood.
"Hard day?" one of the crew asked.
"We need to tend to those wounds, dearie," another suggested and was staring at my arm.
Elizabeth broke through the crowd and said, "Goodness! What on earth happened to you two? Come now, Terrence, we best be cleanin' you up. You two, Jack."
"What are ye all starin' at, gentlemen?" Jack called with a toothy grin, "Back to work! Hoist the sails! We best be getting out o' here alive, aye?"
"Aye aye!" they shouted and the deck began to bustle with activity as the anchor was raised and we prepared to take off.
Jack and I followed Elizabeth into Jack's quarters and she said, "I'll have Will tend to your bathwater. Gallagher goes first." She took a moment to examine the gunshot wound and said, "We best be fixing that up quickly before infection sets in."
"That would be wise," I agreed. Will came in with a huge bathing basin and set it in the middle of the room, then some crew members began to come in single file, carrying buckets of fresh water.
Jack sat on his desk, weary and tired, his eyes closed, his head perched on his knee. Soon the basin was filled and Elizabeth said, "Call me when you are done, all right, Terrence? Then I will clean it up and stitch it."
"Thank ye," I murmured and she stared at Jack for a moment, then back at me, probably wondering in bewilderment if I really was going to strip in front of the dear captain. I cast her a devilish grin. I wanted to keep Elizabeth guessing. Her eyes widened a bit and she frowned in disapproval before shutting the door behind her.
Once that bloody door closed I lost all determination and bravery, becoming unsettled by the silence as I stared at the bathwater, sighing deeply. How I longed to just plunge in and wash away the caked on dirt, to just wash away the bad memories. My skin felt disgusting.
My fingertips edged under the waistline of my breeches and I heard a low voice say behind me, "I wouldn't be doin' tha', luv."
"And why not? I want to bathe, and I suggest ye get the 'ell out," I ordered sharply.
"Those wounds need to be tended to and washed, Gallagher, and ye can't reach the ones on yer back all by yer onesies, savvy?"
"What are ye suggestin' then, Captain? That I let ye bathe me?"
He grimaced, saying, "Why do ye always make the things I say sound so perverse?"
"Because everythin' that ever comes out of yer mouth is usually meant to be taken that way, Jack," I replied with an icy glare.
"All right, fine," he said with a frown, settling back down on the desk and placing his old weathered hat over his eyes, "Let yer wounds fester and turn green and pus. I don't give a damn."
I sighed and watched as he perched his boots on the desk as well, getting comfortable.
"All right," I said finally, turning to him. He tilted his head up to look at me.
"What, luv?"
"I don't want me injuries getting worse, and yer right. I'm actin' like a child."
Jack sat up and removed the hat from his head, letting his matted dreadlocks fall to his shoulders.
"Did I just hear Gallagher admit she was actin' like a fool?"
"Perhaps," I said wearily, "Now can we just get on with this?"
Captain Jack Sparrow studied me for a moment and his eyes did a slow scan of my body. I saw him swallow slowly.
I perched my hands on my hips, waiting for an answer. He stepped up to me, his boots clunking against the floor, and his face was inches from my own. I was a tall woman, but I still had to tilt my head up a bit in order to look into his eyes. He watched as my fingers ran under the waistband of my breeches again and his callused, rough fingers settled over my hands, stopping them in mid-movement.
"Are ye sure, luv?" he said huskily, "I can always get Elizabeth to come help yeh."
"Ye know I trust ye more than Elizabeth," I said matter-of-factly, my fingers running over his own.
I felt him shiver a little and he paused before saying, "Are ye sure?"
"Yes."
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Holy cow! By a show of hands, who would want to be stuck in that situation? WOOWOO! (Does a funky dance) Please review and tell me what you think! I love hearing from you all.
Author's Note: Lovin' the reviews! Thank you to everyone for the compliments and constructive criticism, and this chapter is for all of you. GOLD STARS FOR EVERYONE, SAVVY? (they are extra shiny, just how you like them)
p.s. Sorry it took so long to update! A lot has been going on, and I was so glad I got some time today all to me onesies so I could write. Enjoy!
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"Why do ye always seem to bloody POP OUT O' NOWHERE?" Sparrow grumbled loudly, clearly agitated. Even though he was flailing about madly, he had an alert look in his brown eyes. He knew we were in mortal danger and we had to cook up something fast.
"What is it this time, Shadows?" I said in disgust, "I thought yeh had yer share of woundin' the likes of us."
"Hardly, Miss Gallagher," Shadows said with a slow smile, "Now that ol' Jack has come to stop by, I think we are going to have some fun."
"A few waltzes? Partake in a few drinking games, hmm?" I suggested sarcastically and Shadows laughed, while Sparrow still had his arm wrapped around my waist, clutching tighter and a bit more possessively. He had his dirt clad hand resting lightly on the holster of his pistol.
"I was thinkin' more along the lines of torturin' yer man, let me crew have their way with ye as he watches, then kill both of yeh using the slowest and most painful way possible," Shadows replied, his arms crossed over his chest, examining us closely.
"I'd prefer the drinking games," I said matter-of-factly.
"Tis a fine goal to be sure, Shadows, but we best be on our merry ways. Think about it, mate. Yeh won't have to deal with little ol' us again, savvy?"
"Now Jack, that there presents a problem. See yeh and yer bonnie lass leave me without the location of the treasure, and that doesn't sit well with me."
"Perhaps ye should leave and start lookin' now, for you'll have to search all by yer onesies, Shadows," I scoffed, "For I see no profit in it for me. Ye'd sooner kill me after I even breathed the coordinates."
"Yer quick, I'll give you that," Shadows commented and winked at me, and I let out a low growl. Suddenly, Shadows picked up his head and sniffed the air tentatively. "What the hell is that burnin'?"
"That would be yer ship," Jack replied in that mocking tone of his, his hands perched on his hips and I stood there as I watched Shadows's face turn scarlet all in the time span of two seconds.
"Me ship?"
"Aye, yer ship. The 'hole lower deck should be set aflame at this very instant," Sparrow said dramatically and Shadows cried out in rage, unsheathing his sword. Jack pushed me to one side so I fell to the wooden planks roughly just as Shadows lunged and Sparrow's sword clashed with his.
I reached to my waist, my fingers searching blindly for my sword, when I realized I didn't have my effects. Shadows still had them, that bastard! My head shot up and I was stunned for a moment as I watched their swords spark and fly with unnatural speed and precision. It was judgement day for both of them, and I frantically began to try and think of what to do. This fight would be to the death, and there was no way Sparrow was going to sweet talk his way out of this one.
Jack let out a grunt and kicked Shadows with his booted foot, causing Shadows to stumble a bit. In that instant, his eyes locked with mine and a whirlpool of emotions could be seen there, but I could not detect each individual one. Then he stared back at Shadows, intercepting his sword again as he yelled, "Run to the Pearl, Gallagher!"
I stood up hastily, grimacing as pain gripped my back from straightening it too quickly. I whispered, "I don't think so, Jack."
Jack must have heard me because he let out a growl of frustration as Shadows said, "Yeh can't win this one, lad. After I kill ye, I think I will have me way with yer strumpet."
"We started this together, Captain," I shouted, "And we sure as hell will finish it together." I snuck up behind Shadows and kicked his feet out from underneath him. Smoke was billowing all around us, and I just noticed that half of the ship was now on fire. The Ghost was going straight to hell where it belonged, and if we were lucky, we would send Shadows right down with it. Shadows fell to the ground with a thud and did an intricate roll onto his feet, coming only about a yard away from Jack Sparrow, thrusting his sword in his direction.
Jack dodged the blade with skillful accuracy and they were soon at it again. "Men!" I growled with disgust, running into battle once more, but cried out when I saw Shadows slice Jack's arm, blood beginning to seep from the large gash. Shadows knocked Sparrow's sword away and kicked him to the ground.
"This'll teach ye for messin' with Sean Shadows," Shadows growled, "And ye will be sent straight to hell, exactly where you belong."
"That's where you are wrong," I said from behind him and grabbed him by his oily, greasy black hair, pulling him away from Sparrow, "Ye will never be half the man Captain Jack Sparrow is. And it's yer ugly face that belongs in hell." He fell to the ground and slashed his sword in the air blindly, catching my side with the swipe of his blade. I let out a hiss as I felt my abdomen sting with new, interesting pain, but instantly shoved that to the back of my mind.
Jack took long running strides over to us and grabbed his sword off the ground, letting out a shout as he brought his sword down on Shadows once more, but Shadows regained his composure just in time and blocked it. Jack punched him in the face, using his fist to catch him off guard and then kicked his sword to the ground. Shadows and I made a mad dash for the sword, and we ended up on the ground, fighting like hell.
Two things happened at once: Jack Sparrow stood over Shadows, his sword pointed to his neck just as Shadows unsheathed his pistol and aimed it at me shakily.
"I'll shoot her!" he screamed, "I'll shoot her, GODDAMMIT!"
I stared at the pistol barrel pointed to my forehead with a solemn face, not saying anything. There was silence and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jack stepping back, dropping his sword, his hands raised.
"No Jack," I whispered, "You should have killed 'im when ye had the chance!"
My eyes met Shadows and I realized something was amiss. I didn't move a muscle as I saw his mouth slowly form a huge toothy smile, as if wanting to reveal a secret. I heard the click of the pistol and my eyes widened.
Everything was a blur. I saw Sparrow kick Shadows just as he pulled the trigger, and I felt a burning sensation as I heard the explosion. I blacked out for a couple moments and when my vision returned, I was lying sprawled on the deck floor, my black curly hair fanned out around my head, Shadows lying next to me with a cutlass sticking through his heart, his eyes staring back at me, wide, glazed over and unseeing. Blood was on the floor, and I realized it was a mixture of Shadows's and mine, his blacker and tainted, mine a crimson red. I leaned up just as Jack ran and dropped to my side.
"Where am I hit?" I said, forcing a smile to my face. Then the pain hit me and I let out a strangled sound, realizing a bullet had past through my arm.
Jack got out a dagger and I raised my eyebrows and said slightly teasing, "What, are ye goin' to finish the job?"
He gritted his teeth as he cut the sleeve off of my shirt and he murmured, "Went straight through." Jack stared into my eyes and asked, "Are ye all right, lass? Got a case of the dizzies? Feel like heavin' all over me?"
"Sure, I feel like heavin', and I will if ye don't stop actin' like such a pansy and don't help me up," I growled, "We need to get out o' here, or am I the only one noticin' the ship sinking and there bein' a fire surroundin' us and all?"
Jack looked around him, as if taking in his surroundings for the first time and said, "Good point." He picked me up gently and brought me to my feet, making sure to stay away from my arm. The blood slowly stained his shirt and he looked down, his mouth set in a tight line.
"I don't like that look, Captain. What is it?"
"Yer losin' blood fast," he commented, his eyes glancing at the wound once again. I jerked myself away from him, not wanting pity.
"I'll last. Now how 'bout we get out o' here, eh? I want me fancy chicken dinner," I informed him with a scowl.
"Aye, and if that's what milady be wantin'," he leaned over in a huge sweeping bow, "That's what milady shall get."
The corners of my mouth twitched. Damn him: he always made me smile at the oddest moments.
Jack caught this expression and he grinned devilishly, and he looked past my shoulder and his grin faded.
"Now what's wrong?" I said with a sigh, not bothering to turn around until Jack answered:
"We 'ave company."
I whirled around and found Shadows's crew barreling down the dock straight at us, weapons bared, screaming like banshees.
"Noisy blokes, aren't they?" I said, grimacing at the ruckus.
"I have a bit of advice, luv," Jack said slowly.
"And what is that?"
"RUN!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Where the hell are we, Sparrow?" I hissed, making my way through muddy water and swamp, the back forests of Tortuga, where the bustling activity never reaches. The eerie solitude ran shivers up my spine and I could only barely see Jack's form and the suction of his boots to the slop as he led the way.
"A little further, luv," he whispered, "'Ave I ever given ye reason not to trust me?"
I let out a little snort but didn't go into detail, for if the crew heard us and were nearby, we'd be as good as dead.
The green palms brushed my body as I made my way past them and I had to duck, for the tree branches were dangerously low. At least, Sparrow found that out the hard way and I had to stifle a laugh when I heard his skull connect with the hard bark.
"Damn tree," he muttered and I snickered softly. He turned and I could dimly see his brown eyes cutting to my grey ones, casting me a glare. I smiled sweetly and he turned around and began to walk again.
It was dark, for the clouds covered the moon, so I had to keep a hand out and slightly touch Jack's back so I didn't lose him.
"Stop fondlin' me, luv," he whispered, and I could imagine the smile he was wearing at that exact moment.
"I am not fondlin' ye, Sparrow," I whispered back harshly, "I can hardly see yeh."
"Almost there, Gallagher," Jack said, "And then ye can have that dinner and bath ye have been wantin' so much."
"Well I smell like feet," I said, "What woman in the right mind wouldn't want a bath right now?"
"Aye, that ye do," Sparrow agreed.
"You pig," I muttered, "How about yerself? Ye don't smell like daisies and roses at the moment, I assure you."
He stopped, and turned in a drunken way to look back at me. "I know, lass. I'm but a pirate, and I'm sure I smell like feet. How about when we get to the Pearl, I'll take a bath. Will that make ye happy?"
"Sure," I said, "For then I wouldn't feel like passin' out every time I got ten feet from yeh."
"What would make me happy is if we conserve water, and take one together. Savvy?"
That caused my mouth to hang open and I sputtered, "You stupid, vile....." and lunged at him, losing my footing and falling face first into the muck.
I spat out the grimy mud and I could hear Jack muffling his laughter, then helped me up, still careful of my arm, which hurt like a bitch.
"Sorry, luv. That was uncalled for, yet it was fun watching yer reaction," he said and winked, then led the way once more. The crickets chirped and the bullfrogs bellowed, and I felt dreadfully tired and pained all at once. I was covered in slop, my shirt was blood soaked, and I had enough welts on my back to last a lifetime. If they scarred, I was going to be pissed off.
The clouds passed over the moon and I watched as Sparrow was covered in moonlight, illuminating his dark brown coat and tricorne hat, his goatee braids softly swaying as he made his way clumsily through the marsh and trees. Finally, we reached the clearing and we came to some rocks that led down to the shore. I stared at the sands, the waves slowly crashing into the rocks, the moonlight gleaming off of the dark navy waters. A rowboat was settled there and seemed to beckon to me, for it meant freedom and away from this slow hell. Once on the Pearl, I would be free to forget Shadows and The Ghost, to put them to my rudder and leave it in the past. The treasure was what I was after now, and by God, I would get it. Snidely's would be mine in due time.
"Thank the heavens," I said roughly and began to make my way slowly down the slippery rocks, watching as small scuttle crabs moved away from our feet. I smiled, remembering the trick I had played on Jack what seemed like ages ago.
"Aren't those yer mates, King Jack of the Crustaceans?" I said with a mischievous glint in my eye.
Jack stared down at the small crabs and muttered, "Stupid lil' buggers. I'll get my revenge in due time, Miss Gallagher."
"Ah, and how will you do that?" I asked in amusement.
"It's a surprise, luv. Don't want to be ruinin' the surprise," he said and grabbed the oars to the boat, throwing them in.
"Get in and I'll push it into the water," Jack ordered and I climbed in, sitting down instantly, relief flooding my body.
Jack shoved the boat through the sand with incredible ease, then jumped in and sat down, rocking the boat a little so I clutched the sides, trying to steady it so we wouldn't tip.
Sparrow grabbed the oars and began to row fast yet with a steady pace. I stared up at the moon and said softly, "Do ye think Shadows's crew will be wantin' their revenge?"
"High unlikely, Gallagher," he commented, staring out at the water, "Pirates aren't trustworthy. Ye yerself should know that. Their captain dies, and they are most likely to just go off on their own and start a new life."
"Yer crew would avenge yer death for yeh, Jack," I said with a smile, correcting him.
"Well, ye wouldn't really know that unless I was dead, aye?"
"Shadows was a soulless man," I pointed out, "And evil beings such as the lot o' them on The Ghost wouldn't stick by each other as solidly as the Pearl crew does."
"Then I guess I'm a lucky man then, ey?" Jack said, his arm muscles straining with the job of rowing.
"Ye want me to row?" I asked.
"Yer hurt, ye fool! Why would I want ye to do somethin' and make it worse? Ye think me a stupid git?"
"Well...."
"If ye say yes, I will not hesitate to throw ye into the water," he warned, yet the threat didn't seem all that scary with him grinning like an idiot.
I gazed at the Pearl, and we were close. How I missed its sleek beauty, its fine furnishings, its clean white sails.... and I could hear the crew startin' to yell.
"The Captain's back! Gallagher's with 'im! Men, bring in the rowboat!"
Jack led the boat up to the side and we were thrown ropes to tie the rickety old rowboat to, then we climbed up the steps and onto the top deck.
"Mates! It's good to be back," Jack said and grinned as the crew awaited their orders, grinning like madmen.
"Jack!" Will said and came barreling up to us, frowning when he saw us covered with muck and blood.
"Hard day?" one of the crew asked.
"We need to tend to those wounds, dearie," another suggested and was staring at my arm.
Elizabeth broke through the crowd and said, "Goodness! What on earth happened to you two? Come now, Terrence, we best be cleanin' you up. You two, Jack."
"What are ye all starin' at, gentlemen?" Jack called with a toothy grin, "Back to work! Hoist the sails! We best be getting out o' here alive, aye?"
"Aye aye!" they shouted and the deck began to bustle with activity as the anchor was raised and we prepared to take off.
Jack and I followed Elizabeth into Jack's quarters and she said, "I'll have Will tend to your bathwater. Gallagher goes first." She took a moment to examine the gunshot wound and said, "We best be fixing that up quickly before infection sets in."
"That would be wise," I agreed. Will came in with a huge bathing basin and set it in the middle of the room, then some crew members began to come in single file, carrying buckets of fresh water.
Jack sat on his desk, weary and tired, his eyes closed, his head perched on his knee. Soon the basin was filled and Elizabeth said, "Call me when you are done, all right, Terrence? Then I will clean it up and stitch it."
"Thank ye," I murmured and she stared at Jack for a moment, then back at me, probably wondering in bewilderment if I really was going to strip in front of the dear captain. I cast her a devilish grin. I wanted to keep Elizabeth guessing. Her eyes widened a bit and she frowned in disapproval before shutting the door behind her.
Once that bloody door closed I lost all determination and bravery, becoming unsettled by the silence as I stared at the bathwater, sighing deeply. How I longed to just plunge in and wash away the caked on dirt, to just wash away the bad memories. My skin felt disgusting.
My fingertips edged under the waistline of my breeches and I heard a low voice say behind me, "I wouldn't be doin' tha', luv."
"And why not? I want to bathe, and I suggest ye get the 'ell out," I ordered sharply.
"Those wounds need to be tended to and washed, Gallagher, and ye can't reach the ones on yer back all by yer onesies, savvy?"
"What are ye suggestin' then, Captain? That I let ye bathe me?"
He grimaced, saying, "Why do ye always make the things I say sound so perverse?"
"Because everythin' that ever comes out of yer mouth is usually meant to be taken that way, Jack," I replied with an icy glare.
"All right, fine," he said with a frown, settling back down on the desk and placing his old weathered hat over his eyes, "Let yer wounds fester and turn green and pus. I don't give a damn."
I sighed and watched as he perched his boots on the desk as well, getting comfortable.
"All right," I said finally, turning to him. He tilted his head up to look at me.
"What, luv?"
"I don't want me injuries getting worse, and yer right. I'm actin' like a child."
Jack sat up and removed the hat from his head, letting his matted dreadlocks fall to his shoulders.
"Did I just hear Gallagher admit she was actin' like a fool?"
"Perhaps," I said wearily, "Now can we just get on with this?"
Captain Jack Sparrow studied me for a moment and his eyes did a slow scan of my body. I saw him swallow slowly.
I perched my hands on my hips, waiting for an answer. He stepped up to me, his boots clunking against the floor, and his face was inches from my own. I was a tall woman, but I still had to tilt my head up a bit in order to look into his eyes. He watched as my fingers ran under the waistband of my breeches again and his callused, rough fingers settled over my hands, stopping them in mid-movement.
"Are ye sure, luv?" he said huskily, "I can always get Elizabeth to come help yeh."
"Ye know I trust ye more than Elizabeth," I said matter-of-factly, my fingers running over his own.
I felt him shiver a little and he paused before saying, "Are ye sure?"
"Yes."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Holy cow! By a show of hands, who would want to be stuck in that situation? WOOWOO! (Does a funky dance) Please review and tell me what you think! I love hearing from you all.