Julianne sauntered along the island's beach as though she hadn't a care in
the world. As she approached the large, iron gate that served as the
entrance to Redford's fortress, she found herself being seized by two
guards from his ship.
"What do ye think yer doin 'ere missy", one asked as he grabbed her roughly by the arm.
"Parley gentlemen", she said cockily, making it apparent that she'd been expecting to be caught.
"What?"
"Parley ye idiot. I want to see yer captain."
"I know what it means", he sneered back at her.
"Well I should hope so. Ye'd be an awful sorry excuse of a pirate if ye didn't", she commented lightly.
Both men sneered at this comment, but refrained from antagonizing her further as they dragged her inside the complex. Allowing herself to be taken without putting up a fight, Julianne thought about Jack's reaction if he could see the scene. She knew he'd would be angry beyond belief at her tactics, but pushed the thought out of her mind as she looked around, memorizing the twists and turns of the hallways she was led down.
Commodore Norrington sat in his cell on the rough wooden bench to which he was chained. Four sets of long irons bound each of his limbs, but allowed him a large enough range of motion to hold Gabrielle safely in his arms. At the moment, he stared at the baby in a daze, his lips moving in prayer that she at least, would come out of this ordeal alive.
He was promptly brought back to attention though upon hearing a loud rustling in the hallway. Waiting intently, he watched as a large pirate unlocked the cell door and stepped aside to allow another man to step inside pulling someone behind him. Norrington's eyes widened in disbelief when he realized who it was, but a harsh gaze from Julianne told him to keep his mouth shut.
"Parley huh poppet? We'll see how much ye want to see the captain after spending some time in 'ere", he taunted pulling her by the chain that bound her hands together.
"Correct me if I'm wrong 'ere shithead, but I believe I'm supposed to be taken to the captain first, and put behind bars second."
"Yer wrong", he replied smartly pushing her backwards against the wall and grabbing the chain and hooking it on a post sticking out from the wall. "Though, I'm sure I could think of a few ways I might get ye to 'im sooner", he continued, stepping up to her and running a hand down the side of her face.
Instinctively, Julianne's leg jerked upward, her knee connecting with the man's groin. Yelping in pain, he stumbled backwards clutching his goods, looking as though he was about to throw up. Bent over and moaning, he remained that way for a moment or two, then rose and limped back over to where Julianne remained motionless. Standing far enough from her reach, he raised his hand and slapped her hard across the face. Facing away from him, Julianne heard John utter a whimper in protest, and then think better of it.
"Just for that bitch, I think yer gonna be hangin there a bit longer", he seethed leaning close to her again.
Before he could get close enough to touch her again, Julianne brought her leg up and put it between the two of them.
"When the irons are on yer wrists, we'll be havin' this conversation again", she threatened.
Shooting her a foul look, the man turned abruptly and stomped out of the cell, slamming the door behind him.
Julianne watched him go, and breathed a sigh of relief when the other man followed leaving their cell unguarded.
"Are you alright", Commodore Norrington asked her with concern.
"I'm fine", she whispered back, brushing the whole thing off. 'Ow is she?"
"Who? Oh, Gabby, she's fine. What are you doing here Julianne", he asked aloud.
"Shh would ye. Not a good idea to go broadcastin the fact that ye know me when I'm tryin to get ye out o' 'ere."
"Well then I must say. While your efforts are appreciated I don't see how you'll be much of a help judging from the current state of things."
"Oh just shut yer trap. Ye think I just turned myself over to these bastards with no idea what I'm doin?"
He didn't answer at first. "Fine, then what's the plan?"
"Well I haven't worked out all the details yet. But not to worry, you will definitely be gettin off this island, most likely tonight."
"And you?"
Now it was her turn to stay silent.
"Jules no", he began to protest, but fell silent to the sound of footsteps again.
"You don't know me", she whispered at the last second before Bloodshed himself appeared at the door and unlocked the cell.
Strutting over to where Julianne stood with her back against the wall, he smiled eerily as he approached.
"Ah, my dear Captain Amaris. A pleasure as always. Though I must admit that this certainly is exceedingly more pleasing than any other circumstances we've encountered each other on. At least for me."
She did not retaliate, only smiled sardonically. "Well, ye sure didn't waste any time coming to torment me did ye?"
"So it would seem. But since I've heard you came 'ere of yer own free will, I must admit I couldn't wait to come and see what brought you 'ere?"
"Don't play daft with me Eric, modesty never was yer best quality. You know why I'm 'ere", she answered.
"I can only assume it has something to do with them", he replied pointing towards the other two prisoners.
"Well, I guess you aren't as dumb as ye look after all."
At this, Bloodshed grabbed her roughly by the neck, putting his face close to hers.
"You think it wise woman, taunting me, considering yer current situation?"
"Go on and kill me then. No, but ye won't. Not yet anyway."
"What makes ye so sure bout that poppet?"
Her eyes narrowed at being addressed as such for the second time. "Because I know you. I know how ye think. You may kill me, prolly want to. But, ye wouldn't be satisfied with it. Yer the king of revenge Eric, and its all or nothin. Why kill just me when it's really me AND Jack ye want. Or betta yet, why kill me when there are an infinite numba of more interesting things ye could do to me?"
Bloodshed pondered this for a minute, and an demonic grin spread across his face. Stepping up close to her and grabbing her softly under the chin, he answered. "Yer right. It's not every day I find myself with a beautiful pirate captain at my disposal. Imagine the possibilities."
"Well then ye 'ave me. What further need 'ave ye of them", Julianne asked nodding in Norrington's direction.
"Who said I was content to settle with one or the other of yer ideas. Maybe I want to have my cake and eat it to. Have my way with you, while dear Sparrow gets to watch, before I kill him o' course. Don't want to be giving 'em up until I have EVERYTHING I want, now do I", he finished, the hand under her chin slowly beginning to trail its way down the length of her body.
"Don't ye think at all? If I'm 'ere, don't ye suppose Jack prolly is too? He's docked just off shore waitin for word from me. Granted he doesn't know I just handed meself right over to ye, but he sure as hell isn't comin for nothin. Send the good Commodore and young Turner out to the Pearl. Jack will know they are safe and in turn they will deliver him the message that I, on the other hand, am not. He'll come in after me, and wham, bam, thank ye ma'am, ye've got yer wish."
Bloodshed looked at her critically, trying to determine what she was up to. In the process, his hand stopped, gently resting on her hip.
"What's in yer head captain? That ye'd so willingly deliver yerself and yer precious Sparrow into the hands of death?"
"I want the Commodore and his god-daughter safely returned. Now you know as well as I that the only reason ye brought em 'ere in the first place was to get Jack and I to follow ye. And now that ye 'ave us, just let them go."
"That's where yer wrong there Julianne. I brought the baby to get ye to follow, I brought the Commodore so's I could settle a little score I 'ave with him", he answered, continuing his journey with his hands.
"Well ye can't 'ave both. It's either old Norrington 'ere and I. Or Jack and I."
He didn't answer. His fingers grazing the skin of her stomach as he reached under her loose shirt, Bloodshed was completely focused on her body. Raising his other hand, he pulled her shirt open and examined her thoroughly. Noticing just how low she wore her pants, something caught his attention on her lower torso. Tugging lightly on the waistline of her breeches, a strange look flashed across his face when he saw the Sparrow tattooed on her.
Raising his gaze to meet hers, he snapped his hand back.
"So, what'll it be Captain", Julianne asked him.
A gleam appeared in his eyes, and he promptly turned to the two pirates standing outside the cell. "Prepare a boat. The Commodore and baby are to be on their way."
Next, he turned and walked over to Norrington. "When ye reach the Pearl. You'll tell Captain Sparrow that if he eva wants to see his little pet again, he'd be wise to make his way in 'ere", he spat, then was gone.
Alone again, Norrinton tried to reason with Julianne again, but she cut him off before he could get a word out.
"John listen to me. When ye get to the Pearl, I need ye to tell Jack something for me."
"What's that? That you're absolutely mad?"
"Knock it off. Yer gettin out o' 'ere aren't you?"
"I guess", he answered. "But that still doesn't."
"Shut it will you? I've only got a few minutes and yer wastin em with this nonsense. Now, like I said, when you get to the Pearl, tell Jack two at the gate, 2 at the door, and he's on his own once he's inside. Under no circumstances are Will or Elizabeth to leave the Renegade. He is to leave minimal crew on each ship under yer command, and the rest are to follow him. Ye got all that?"
"Two at the gate, two at the door. Will and Elizabeth stay on board, along with minimal crew."
"Good. Now no more talkin, they'll be back soon. And don't worry bout me, I'll see you again before too long."
Norrinton nodded.
"Oh and John."
"Yes."
"Don't give Jack a hard time bout anything. He'll already be pissed off enough", she added with a grin.
***
The two guards from earlier returned shortly and unlocked Norrington from where he was bound. Each took him lightly by the arm so as not to disturb the baby, and led him out of the little cell. Shooting Julianne one last glance, he was soon out of sight.
The men led him all the way back out of the complex to the shoreline, where a small rowboat sat waiting for him.
"In ye go", one man said pushing him toward the boat.
"And how exactly am I supposed to row a boat with a baby in my arms", the Commodore asked in irritation.
"Dunno mate, yer gonna 'ave to figure that one out on yer own", he answered cheekily before they both turned and left Norrington standing on the beach.
"Bloody pirates", he mumbled to himself as he stepped in the boat. Taking off his jacket, he placed it on the bottom of the boat and laid Gabby gently in it. Stepping back out, he pushed off from the beach, jumped in, and began his voyage for the Pearl. Thankfully, it was not a long trip and he was there in no time. Taking a moment to thank God for this, he muttered something quietly then looked up at the great ship in front of him.
"AHOY UP THERE!" he yelled hoping to catch someone's attention. After a moment, he saw a head appear over the side of the ship, and he recognized the voice of Gibbs yelling back.
"Who be down there?"
"It's me, Commodore Norrington. Throw me a rope and pull me up. I've got the young Turner with me as well."
All at once there was a great commotion on the deck of the Pearl. Pirates ran left and ran, eager to pull the Commodore up, while Anamaria jumped onto the deck of the Renegade calling for the Turners. Within minutes, Norrington was standing on the deck surrounded by onlookers who were pushed aside as Elizabeth tore through the crowd.
"Oh my darling", she cried taking Gabrielle from his arms and hugging her close. "Oh my sweet little girl. Thank God you're alright." Behind her, Will wrapped his arms around them both, then strode over to the Commodore and shook his hand in thanks. Everyone on the ship was stunned in awed silence, but that was soon broken by Jack's voice as he made his way to the center of the group.
"Where's Julianne", he demanded of Norrington.
The Commodore looked at him with pained eyes. "She's still inside. Bloodshed has got her."
At this news, all of the color drained momentarily from Jack's face.
"He wants me to tell you that you have to come in after her."
Jack looked at him as though Norrington had just told him that Julianne was dead.
"And Julianne", he continued.
"What, what about her", Jack interrupted.
"She says to tell you there are two at the gate, two at the door, but once yer inside yer on yer own. She wants you leave only the least necessary crew aboard the ships with me and take everyone else with you, excluding Will and Elizabeth."
Jack pondered this for a minute, unsure of whether he wanted to trust Norrington with his beloved ship.
"You should hurry", the Commodore urged. "He means to kill her, kill you both, but not before he's", here he began to stammer.
"Before he what?"
"Well, before he's had his way with her, as it were."
"What do ye think yer doin 'ere missy", one asked as he grabbed her roughly by the arm.
"Parley gentlemen", she said cockily, making it apparent that she'd been expecting to be caught.
"What?"
"Parley ye idiot. I want to see yer captain."
"I know what it means", he sneered back at her.
"Well I should hope so. Ye'd be an awful sorry excuse of a pirate if ye didn't", she commented lightly.
Both men sneered at this comment, but refrained from antagonizing her further as they dragged her inside the complex. Allowing herself to be taken without putting up a fight, Julianne thought about Jack's reaction if he could see the scene. She knew he'd would be angry beyond belief at her tactics, but pushed the thought out of her mind as she looked around, memorizing the twists and turns of the hallways she was led down.
Commodore Norrington sat in his cell on the rough wooden bench to which he was chained. Four sets of long irons bound each of his limbs, but allowed him a large enough range of motion to hold Gabrielle safely in his arms. At the moment, he stared at the baby in a daze, his lips moving in prayer that she at least, would come out of this ordeal alive.
He was promptly brought back to attention though upon hearing a loud rustling in the hallway. Waiting intently, he watched as a large pirate unlocked the cell door and stepped aside to allow another man to step inside pulling someone behind him. Norrington's eyes widened in disbelief when he realized who it was, but a harsh gaze from Julianne told him to keep his mouth shut.
"Parley huh poppet? We'll see how much ye want to see the captain after spending some time in 'ere", he taunted pulling her by the chain that bound her hands together.
"Correct me if I'm wrong 'ere shithead, but I believe I'm supposed to be taken to the captain first, and put behind bars second."
"Yer wrong", he replied smartly pushing her backwards against the wall and grabbing the chain and hooking it on a post sticking out from the wall. "Though, I'm sure I could think of a few ways I might get ye to 'im sooner", he continued, stepping up to her and running a hand down the side of her face.
Instinctively, Julianne's leg jerked upward, her knee connecting with the man's groin. Yelping in pain, he stumbled backwards clutching his goods, looking as though he was about to throw up. Bent over and moaning, he remained that way for a moment or two, then rose and limped back over to where Julianne remained motionless. Standing far enough from her reach, he raised his hand and slapped her hard across the face. Facing away from him, Julianne heard John utter a whimper in protest, and then think better of it.
"Just for that bitch, I think yer gonna be hangin there a bit longer", he seethed leaning close to her again.
Before he could get close enough to touch her again, Julianne brought her leg up and put it between the two of them.
"When the irons are on yer wrists, we'll be havin' this conversation again", she threatened.
Shooting her a foul look, the man turned abruptly and stomped out of the cell, slamming the door behind him.
Julianne watched him go, and breathed a sigh of relief when the other man followed leaving their cell unguarded.
"Are you alright", Commodore Norrington asked her with concern.
"I'm fine", she whispered back, brushing the whole thing off. 'Ow is she?"
"Who? Oh, Gabby, she's fine. What are you doing here Julianne", he asked aloud.
"Shh would ye. Not a good idea to go broadcastin the fact that ye know me when I'm tryin to get ye out o' 'ere."
"Well then I must say. While your efforts are appreciated I don't see how you'll be much of a help judging from the current state of things."
"Oh just shut yer trap. Ye think I just turned myself over to these bastards with no idea what I'm doin?"
He didn't answer at first. "Fine, then what's the plan?"
"Well I haven't worked out all the details yet. But not to worry, you will definitely be gettin off this island, most likely tonight."
"And you?"
Now it was her turn to stay silent.
"Jules no", he began to protest, but fell silent to the sound of footsteps again.
"You don't know me", she whispered at the last second before Bloodshed himself appeared at the door and unlocked the cell.
Strutting over to where Julianne stood with her back against the wall, he smiled eerily as he approached.
"Ah, my dear Captain Amaris. A pleasure as always. Though I must admit that this certainly is exceedingly more pleasing than any other circumstances we've encountered each other on. At least for me."
She did not retaliate, only smiled sardonically. "Well, ye sure didn't waste any time coming to torment me did ye?"
"So it would seem. But since I've heard you came 'ere of yer own free will, I must admit I couldn't wait to come and see what brought you 'ere?"
"Don't play daft with me Eric, modesty never was yer best quality. You know why I'm 'ere", she answered.
"I can only assume it has something to do with them", he replied pointing towards the other two prisoners.
"Well, I guess you aren't as dumb as ye look after all."
At this, Bloodshed grabbed her roughly by the neck, putting his face close to hers.
"You think it wise woman, taunting me, considering yer current situation?"
"Go on and kill me then. No, but ye won't. Not yet anyway."
"What makes ye so sure bout that poppet?"
Her eyes narrowed at being addressed as such for the second time. "Because I know you. I know how ye think. You may kill me, prolly want to. But, ye wouldn't be satisfied with it. Yer the king of revenge Eric, and its all or nothin. Why kill just me when it's really me AND Jack ye want. Or betta yet, why kill me when there are an infinite numba of more interesting things ye could do to me?"
Bloodshed pondered this for a minute, and an demonic grin spread across his face. Stepping up close to her and grabbing her softly under the chin, he answered. "Yer right. It's not every day I find myself with a beautiful pirate captain at my disposal. Imagine the possibilities."
"Well then ye 'ave me. What further need 'ave ye of them", Julianne asked nodding in Norrington's direction.
"Who said I was content to settle with one or the other of yer ideas. Maybe I want to have my cake and eat it to. Have my way with you, while dear Sparrow gets to watch, before I kill him o' course. Don't want to be giving 'em up until I have EVERYTHING I want, now do I", he finished, the hand under her chin slowly beginning to trail its way down the length of her body.
"Don't ye think at all? If I'm 'ere, don't ye suppose Jack prolly is too? He's docked just off shore waitin for word from me. Granted he doesn't know I just handed meself right over to ye, but he sure as hell isn't comin for nothin. Send the good Commodore and young Turner out to the Pearl. Jack will know they are safe and in turn they will deliver him the message that I, on the other hand, am not. He'll come in after me, and wham, bam, thank ye ma'am, ye've got yer wish."
Bloodshed looked at her critically, trying to determine what she was up to. In the process, his hand stopped, gently resting on her hip.
"What's in yer head captain? That ye'd so willingly deliver yerself and yer precious Sparrow into the hands of death?"
"I want the Commodore and his god-daughter safely returned. Now you know as well as I that the only reason ye brought em 'ere in the first place was to get Jack and I to follow ye. And now that ye 'ave us, just let them go."
"That's where yer wrong there Julianne. I brought the baby to get ye to follow, I brought the Commodore so's I could settle a little score I 'ave with him", he answered, continuing his journey with his hands.
"Well ye can't 'ave both. It's either old Norrington 'ere and I. Or Jack and I."
He didn't answer. His fingers grazing the skin of her stomach as he reached under her loose shirt, Bloodshed was completely focused on her body. Raising his other hand, he pulled her shirt open and examined her thoroughly. Noticing just how low she wore her pants, something caught his attention on her lower torso. Tugging lightly on the waistline of her breeches, a strange look flashed across his face when he saw the Sparrow tattooed on her.
Raising his gaze to meet hers, he snapped his hand back.
"So, what'll it be Captain", Julianne asked him.
A gleam appeared in his eyes, and he promptly turned to the two pirates standing outside the cell. "Prepare a boat. The Commodore and baby are to be on their way."
Next, he turned and walked over to Norrington. "When ye reach the Pearl. You'll tell Captain Sparrow that if he eva wants to see his little pet again, he'd be wise to make his way in 'ere", he spat, then was gone.
Alone again, Norrinton tried to reason with Julianne again, but she cut him off before he could get a word out.
"John listen to me. When ye get to the Pearl, I need ye to tell Jack something for me."
"What's that? That you're absolutely mad?"
"Knock it off. Yer gettin out o' 'ere aren't you?"
"I guess", he answered. "But that still doesn't."
"Shut it will you? I've only got a few minutes and yer wastin em with this nonsense. Now, like I said, when you get to the Pearl, tell Jack two at the gate, 2 at the door, and he's on his own once he's inside. Under no circumstances are Will or Elizabeth to leave the Renegade. He is to leave minimal crew on each ship under yer command, and the rest are to follow him. Ye got all that?"
"Two at the gate, two at the door. Will and Elizabeth stay on board, along with minimal crew."
"Good. Now no more talkin, they'll be back soon. And don't worry bout me, I'll see you again before too long."
Norrinton nodded.
"Oh and John."
"Yes."
"Don't give Jack a hard time bout anything. He'll already be pissed off enough", she added with a grin.
***
The two guards from earlier returned shortly and unlocked Norrington from where he was bound. Each took him lightly by the arm so as not to disturb the baby, and led him out of the little cell. Shooting Julianne one last glance, he was soon out of sight.
The men led him all the way back out of the complex to the shoreline, where a small rowboat sat waiting for him.
"In ye go", one man said pushing him toward the boat.
"And how exactly am I supposed to row a boat with a baby in my arms", the Commodore asked in irritation.
"Dunno mate, yer gonna 'ave to figure that one out on yer own", he answered cheekily before they both turned and left Norrington standing on the beach.
"Bloody pirates", he mumbled to himself as he stepped in the boat. Taking off his jacket, he placed it on the bottom of the boat and laid Gabby gently in it. Stepping back out, he pushed off from the beach, jumped in, and began his voyage for the Pearl. Thankfully, it was not a long trip and he was there in no time. Taking a moment to thank God for this, he muttered something quietly then looked up at the great ship in front of him.
"AHOY UP THERE!" he yelled hoping to catch someone's attention. After a moment, he saw a head appear over the side of the ship, and he recognized the voice of Gibbs yelling back.
"Who be down there?"
"It's me, Commodore Norrington. Throw me a rope and pull me up. I've got the young Turner with me as well."
All at once there was a great commotion on the deck of the Pearl. Pirates ran left and ran, eager to pull the Commodore up, while Anamaria jumped onto the deck of the Renegade calling for the Turners. Within minutes, Norrington was standing on the deck surrounded by onlookers who were pushed aside as Elizabeth tore through the crowd.
"Oh my darling", she cried taking Gabrielle from his arms and hugging her close. "Oh my sweet little girl. Thank God you're alright." Behind her, Will wrapped his arms around them both, then strode over to the Commodore and shook his hand in thanks. Everyone on the ship was stunned in awed silence, but that was soon broken by Jack's voice as he made his way to the center of the group.
"Where's Julianne", he demanded of Norrington.
The Commodore looked at him with pained eyes. "She's still inside. Bloodshed has got her."
At this news, all of the color drained momentarily from Jack's face.
"He wants me to tell you that you have to come in after her."
Jack looked at him as though Norrington had just told him that Julianne was dead.
"And Julianne", he continued.
"What, what about her", Jack interrupted.
"She says to tell you there are two at the gate, two at the door, but once yer inside yer on yer own. She wants you leave only the least necessary crew aboard the ships with me and take everyone else with you, excluding Will and Elizabeth."
Jack pondered this for a minute, unsure of whether he wanted to trust Norrington with his beloved ship.
"You should hurry", the Commodore urged. "He means to kill her, kill you both, but not before he's", here he began to stammer.
"Before he what?"
"Well, before he's had his way with her, as it were."