Disclaimer: Don't own it, won't ever own, haven't got a notion to either!

Journey To The Past

By: J.L. Dexter
Rating: PG-13 for violence, language and sexual reference.
Summary: Jack's decided to take a break from raiding for a while, but the port he's docking in hold's more story than expected as Anamaria's past catches up with her and Jack. A letter from Port Royal arrives requesting Jack's presence and find out who is taking that long walk down the aisle.

---

Ana craned her neck and stretched out her arms as she stood up from her position against the railing. The sun was beginning to set over the horizon and she briefly watched the colors ripple in the reflection of the water.

Her mind drifted back to that afternoon, to the conversation she had had with Jack. He had finally told her the truth about himself and revealed a piece of her past she had long since forgotten. Ana suddenly didn't feel so alone in the world knowing that her family had died leaving her behind. She had the crew, the ship, and Jack to keep her company- something she had wished for, for quite some time.

She was tired of being alone.

Ana perked up when she heard a slight commotion from the docks below, the voices of numerous men rising over the sounds of the waves. Curious as to what was going on, she walked to the bow of the ship and peered down to see Gibbs with several of the crew standing around arguing.

"Jack said three days." One guy was protesting.

Gibbs scowled at him. "I know what Jack said, but this could be important."

Cotton who also stood nearby nodded his agreement. He pointed to something in Gibbs' hand then pointed to the ship behind him. "Aye ole' friend, we be tellin' 'im."

A few of the other men complained while few others agreed. Ana quirked an eyebrow at this. Wonder what's got them upset. She decided to brave the journey to the dock to find out what the argument was about. Ana couldn't have decided to head down at a better time as one of the men reached for Gibbs and tried to tear the object in the quartermaster's hands free.

Ana frowned at this as she picked up her pace, her hand drawing her sword. When she reached the small group, the men were exchanging some punches and words, but about what, she had no clue. Ana quickly stepped between them trying to break it up. The man who had started the uproar gave her a nasty look as he raised his hand and let it crash against Ana's face sending her back.

There were some murmurs and gasps from the crew at this as everyone backed away. No one had dared to hit Ana, not because she was a woman, but because she was the first mate. The man, whom Ana recognized as a new guy they had picked up along the way, sneered at her. "It seems Jack's whore has t' intervene 'round 'ere 'cause Jack ain't cap'n enough t' do anythin," he was saying as he stood over Ana, a good six inches taller.

Ana's eyes flashed with anger as he stood taunting her. She had disliked this man from the beginning and now that he was committing a small act of mutiny, she disliked him even more. When he had been hired on, Ana had discreetly gone to Jack and voiced her opinion of the man. It wasn't that he didn't do his share- he did. But every so often, Ana felt eyes upon her, eyes that didn't belong to Jack.

It unnerved her and she always made it a point to avoid him, especially when she was alone. She had forced herself to ignore it and him, but this was the last straw. Captain or no captain, Ana had had enough.

Glaring at the man before her she said in a dangerous tone, "You are dismissed of your duties, Anson." She turned to go when he stopped her, a menacing look in his eye.

"Ye ain't no cap'n, wench an' I don't be takin' no orders from ye," he refused.

Ana didn't have time to react as she saw him puff up, his fist flying towards her. Unable to react she waited the blow but felt no sting. Opening her eyes she saw Gibbs and Albert standing before her. Gibbs held her sword as Albert wrestled Anson's arms behind his back.

"What do we do wit' 'im?" Albert asked holding the struggling man. Albert, the Pearl's cook, was a big man though short and he could undoubtedly hold his own. He didn't show any signs of trouble holding the raving man in his grasp as Ana told him to take Anson to the brig and that he would be dealt with later.

Albert nodded and left as the group dispersed- either going back into town or to the decks. Gibbs handed Ana back her sword and studied her. Her head was tilted allowing her hair to cover the newly forming welt on her face.

"Ye alright?"

Ana looked up at the drunken old sailor who for once was as sober as the day was long. "I'm fine. Now can you kindly tell me what that was all about?"

Gibbs held out a piece of parchment that resembled an envelope. "This came for Jack today from Port Royal. Cotton's parrot brought it in."

That's right, Ana remembered. Jack sent Cotton's parrot to Port Royal with a letter for Will.

She took the envelope from Gibbs and nodded. "I'll be sure to give it to him."

"Anamaria. Are ye sure you're alright?"

Giving the older man a soft smile she answered, "Yes. I'm okay. Thank you." Gibbs gave an approving nod and watched her disappear back to the decks of the ship.

Ana strode across the deck, the few men standing about watching her intently. Albert came up from the brig as she walked past and she gave him a nod in thanks as she vanished into the confines of Jack's cabin.

---

Jack was spread eagle on his bed, the sheet entangled around his body. His mouth was slightly drooped as he softly snored. Ana held back a chuckle as a smile twisted on her lips. She really didn't want to wake him, but he needed to be informed of the current situation. And the letter, she quickly added.

Crossing the room, she sat on the opposite side of the bed and reached over squeezing the captain's hand. "Jack," she gently shook him. "Jack, wake up."

A pair of dark brown eyes fluttered open as Jack turned toward the voice. "A-Ana?"

She nodded. "What is it?" he asked groggily as he sat up.

"Two things. One, this arrived for you from Port Royal. It's from Will."

Jack took the envelope and flipped it over in his hands. Sensing Ana's discomfort he questioned, "And two?"

"Two, we have a slight problem with one of the crew, Jack," she informed him.

Jack frowned. "Who?"

"Anson. He started some trouble with Gibbs and a few of the others."

The pirate captain swore under his breath. "All right, I'll have a talk with him."

Ana sighed. "Jack, I don't think-" she let her sentence roll as she stared at the floor.

"What?" Jack coaxed trying to get her to finish. "What is it?"

When Ana didn't look at him or answer, Jack tucked a finger under her chin and brought her head up to face him. A brief expression passed over his face causing Ana to shut her eyes tightly. She felt him rub a thumb over her bruised cheek and she winced at the touch.

"He hit you," Jack said more than asked. Ana turned her head away hiding the bruise. The rush of movement from the bed made her look up in time to see Jack storm toward the door, his sword in his hand.

"Jack, stop," Ana instructed as she stepped in front of him. "Just let it go."

The pirate captain stared at her. "No one hits ye, Ana."

"Why, because I'm a woman? Is that it? You don't think I can take care of myself?"

Jack frowned slightly. "It's not that. It's just," Jack paused clearly contemplating his next words. With an exasperated sigh and a roll of his eyes he added, "I don't want to see ye get hurt, okay."

Ana rested her hands on his shoulders. "Okay."

"Well don't get all high and migh- okay?" Jack asked stunned at her agreement.

Nodding Ana kissed him gently. "Okay. Just, wait until you get to Port Royal to deal with him."

"And where is he now?"

Ana grinned and gave a dip of her head to the door. "In the brig."

Jack laughed. "Glad to see ye still able to handle things."

"Just because the roof's blown off doesn't mean there's not a log on the fire."

The pirate captain quirked an eyebrow as Ana laughed. "Jack, really. I'm fine," she told him as she nodded at the envelope in his hand. "Now I think you have a letter waiting for you, Captain."

Ana moved aside and sat down heavily in his hair as Jack sat beside her on top of the desk. As Jack skimmed the letter, Ana busied herself clearing the clutter from the desktop.

"Well I'll be!"

Ana looked up as she dumped a stack of parchment into a drawer and closed it. "What?"

"It's an invitation," Jack exclaimed.

"For what?" Ana asked eyeing him curiously.

Jack scratched his head. "Um, I'm not really sure."

Rolling her eyes, Ana took the letter and read it herself. "Well, you are right. It is an invitation but it doesn't say for what."

"Guess I'll just have to sail over and find out."

Ana dropped the letter and grabbed Jack's hand. "Jack, I don't think that's a good idea."

"And pray tell why don't ye?"

The dark skinned woman hung her head. "What if it's a trap?"

"A trap?" Jack echoed thoughtfully. "Surely not. Will wouldn't trick me."

"But you don't know if it is from Will. It doesn't say what the invite is for Jack. It could be a trap set by Norrington. Despite the fact of what he's done for us, he still has an ego and a reputation to uphold you know," Ana pointed out.

Jack tapped his chin. "Ye could be right, but what if it's not a trap?"

Ana sighed. "All right. We'll sail to Port Royal. Then what?"

"Then I go ashore and find out what my good friend William is up to," Jack announced.

Nodding Ana slowly rose to her feet. "I'll inform the crew right away, captain."

"Ana," Jack grabbed her arm. "Everythin' is goin' to be alright."

"And if everything doesn't go alright?" Ana pressed the subject.

Jack's brow furrowed a bit. "It will be, darlin'. Just remember things will be okay. I'm Cap-"

"Captain Jack Sparrow, I know. But sometimes a name isn't enough to save you," Ana countered.

"Ana, it's not the fact that I'm Captain Jack Sparrow, but the fact that I'm the Captain Jack Sparrow," Jack said with a grin.

Ana smiled at him and shook her head. "Okay, Captain Jack Sparrow, so we sail to Port Royal, drop you off and just wait your orders."

"Ah, music to me ears," Jack agreed as Ana playfully punched him then left the cabin to find the crew.

---

Jack stood at the helm whistling to himself as he guided the Pearl through the calm waters toward Port Royal. His eyes scanned the decks as his crew diligently ran around looking busy. He finally stopped his scrutiny on one figure that leaned nearby against a railing their back to him.

She may have agreed to this, but Jack knew Ana still didn't like this idea very much. But she wasn't going to disobey him and thus had lied about her agreement as she round up the crew and prepared to set sail.

Ana was having an internal conflict about this. She knew that Jack would refuse to listen to reason but she also knew she couldn't go against his wishes. They may have been on the same level with their relationship, but Jack was still the captain. And Ana knew best to not forget that no matter how much he cared for her.

Lost in thought, Ana could barely make out Gibbs telling the crew to reef the sails. They were coming to Port much quicker than she had anticipated. She looked up to see the horizon coming in to view, as Port Royal loomed straight ahead.

Ana's heart sank at the sight as she turned away from the view. She still wasn't completely satisfied with Jack's plan; she still felt like it was a trap. Something just wasn't right and Ana couldn't shake the feeling.

Jack had suggested that the crew lay low and dock in a shallow cove out of view of the docks as Jack himself would take a longboat ashore and go from there. Ana had wanted to reject to his plans but held her tongue. In his absence she was in charge and Jack was counting on her to get the ship and crew to safety if he didn't return by nightfall as he had promised.

Now here they were and Ana's nerves were getting the better of her.

"Ana, we're here." A hand gripped her shoulder from behind causing her to jump. Ana lifted her head to find herself face to face with Jack.

"Ana, ye okay?"

Ana forced herself to nod although her mind was screaming, No Jack! No I'm not okay!

Jack touched her hand gently and pulled her into his arms. "Hey, look here. Everythin' will be okay, Ana, I promise. I'll be back by nightfall. Trust me alright."

"I do trust you, Jack," Ana answered, her voice laden with sorrow.

"Glad to hear it," Jack replied as he brushed his lips against hers.

He turned to go when Ana grabbed his hand, her fingers interlocking with his. "Jack, be careful."

"You too," he stated as he headed for the longboat.

---

"Now men, keep a sharp eye. If anythin' happens to me ship," Jack was instructing his crew. He briefly looked up and caught Ana's gaze. Or you, he thought as he continued with his orders. "I'll make each and everyone of ye kiss the gunner's daughter."

Gibbs chuckled. "Dun worry 'bout us none Jack," he gloated. "We's got us a right fine cap'n in yur absence. Ye just worry 'bout yeself."

Jack nodded at the quartermaster. "That I will Gibbs, that I will," he said with a bow as he turned to go.

"Wait!"

The pirate captain froze at the command. "I'm going with you."

Jack spun around. "I don't think so."

Ana glared at him, her hands on her hips. "And why not?"

"'Cause I need ye here in case anythin' happens."

The woman shifted her weight. "You told me nothing was going to happen. So what would it hurt for me to accompany you, captain? Gibbs is capable enough to handle the Pearl should you be wrong and something does go wrong."

Jack's lips were a thin line as he stared at his first mate, intent on winning this time around. Ana moved closer, her eyes narrow slits as she gazed at him. "Well? Are you going to let me come or not? Someone has to make sure you stay out of trouble."

The pirate captain turned away from her. "No."

Ana blinked at his answer. You can't disobey the captain Ana. You know that. "Well I hate to be the one to burst your little ego bubble, captain, but I'm going whether you like it or not."

Before Jack had time to answer, Ana was over the side of the boat and lowering herself to the water. "Bloody woman," Jack muttered as he went after her.

There was a loud splash as Jack's footing slipped and he fell into the water below, the crew above him laughing. Ana hid her own chuckles as she fished Jack out of the water, his clothes dripping wet.

Ana started to row toward shore and when they were a safe distance from the ship, Jack launched a verbal assault at her.

"I am the Captain and what I say goes. Ye made me look like a fool in front of me entire crew!" Jack was saying as Ana continued to row, her eyes staring at the horizon.

"Are ye even listenin' to me?"

Ana looked over at him. "No."

Jack's face flushed with anger as Ana stopped rowing. "Don't give me that look, Jack Sparrow. I can't believe you were going to just leave me behind!"

The pirate captain huffed in return as he plopped back against the side of the boat, his arms crossed over his chest. He adverted his gaze and studied the docks that were slowly coming into view.

"Look, I'm sorry if I made you look like a fool," Ana started as a grin twitched on her face. "But you know, half the time you don't need my help."

Jack's jaw dropped as he stared at her. Instead of answering her, he ignored her as he picked at his nails. Ana sighed with frustration and brought the oars in to keep them from floating off as she kneeled in front of Jack.

Placing a hand on the side of his face she said, "Look at me Jack."

He reluctantly did so. "I know you didn't want me to come along, but you can't do everything by yourself. What if something happens to you, what would you do? You tell us to stick by the code. We try but we aren't perfect. You are our captain, and we need you despite what you think. And as much as you wish it, unless it's dire, we aren't leaving without you, so you might as well stop pouting like a spoiled child and allow us to help you, like a good crew would do," Ana implied as she stroked his cheek.

Jack uncrossed his arms and encircled her waist. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I oughta start acceptin' the help me crew offers instead of refusin' it."

Ana nodded as she picked the oars up and finished rowing to shore, both captain and first mate unsure of what awaited them in Port Royal.

---

A/N: Whew, a long, long chapter. Hopefully that'll keep my few reviewers happy until I can get the next chapter posted, which might not be long. I hope. Ok, in with tradition, this time around I'm going to answer the reviewers as I normally did. There are a few questions in there I'd like to answer.

Review Thanks-

Cpt-Jack-Sparrow- Hey, thanks a lot! And I agree, not enough Jack/Ana stories! In my opinion, all the J/A fans should ban together and make a stand!

jackfan2- You still reviewing? Thought you'd get bored after a while! I have no idea if Zoë signed on for the sequel. I hope she does too- and I have a theory abut why she was in the first. It would have been just as easy for Bruckheimer to make Jack Sparrow steal a guy's ship instead of Ana's. But alas, it was Ana who filled the position. Surely it was a woman for a good reason and not just to give Gibbs something to complain about.

Cal- Glad to see you again. Sadly no, the journal, was a one-time use journal. (Sold individually, not for resale.) Yes, you can say Jack and Ana had a connection from day one- and Jack's feelings slowly developed over the time that Ana became his first mate, not before. And no- no engagement ring. I was always told to trust my gut feeling, and in Derrick's case, that's all Jack did. And again, no, Ana's father did not tell Jack to leave Ana alone. Her father wouldn't know of Jack's feelings, even if there had been any.

Karakin- Thank you for the review! The end isn't much farther away, hope you enjoy the rest of the story.

Maxine Sparrow- I'm glad you think it's original and inventive. I hoped for a plot that hadn't been done before, and I think I found it. Thanks!

kingleby- Aww, unfortunately, no we don't ever meet Jack's parents. Not much is known about him but because he is a vital character, I'm not going to try and delve into his past. I'd assume there are too many tangles and knots in that web to even deal with. But hey, there will be more romance, of that I can promise!

-J