Author's Note:
Get your stones out now and prepare to fire them at Bananas51. Jack is not better, and honestly, I don't know when or if he'll be getting better at all. Things are looking bleak, very bleak to quote our favorite Commodore. So, I guess you'll just have to keep reading to find out what happens.
Anyway. I just want to take a minute to say thanks to one of my favorite fanficers Jackfan2. Awesome reviewer and awesome writer. You should check out her story "Best Intentions, Gone Wrong". It's actually been a source of ideas and inspiration for this one (although I may not have mentioned that). If you do read it though, be sure to know it's a continuation of another story called "Best Intentions", by another great author Rat, who I've "borrowed" stuff from before (with permission of course).
So with all that complication out of the way, and without further ado, here is the next chapter in our little saga.
**************************************************************************** **********
Unfortunately for the little band of travelers, the doctor's house and adjoining office was nestled safely away back in the hills of the town, and it took them quite some time to get there. For the duration of the walk not one single person spoke a word, and all that could be heard was the sound of several pairs of feet trodding along. All the way, Anamaria held tight to Julianne, practically dragging the exhausted woman forward at some points.
When they finally arrived at their destination, the doctor unlocked the door and led them all inside. He set to work immediately, instructing Dipst and Gibbs where to put Jack, and having Ana and Norrington begin lighting candles throughout the room. When everything was ready, he asked them all to leave, directing them to the closest inn. They all heard him, but everyone seemed to linger, unwilling to leave.
"Look, you may all come and check on him first thing in the morning, but if I'm to get any work done you're going to have to leave."
Everyone nodded solemnly and began to slowly shuffle out. All save Julianne, whom the doctor looked at sternly.
"Don't even waste yer breath", she snapped at him when he made motion to order her out as well. "I'm not leavin and that's final."
Convinced by her tone alone, he nodded. Grabbing a chair he slid it near where Jack lay. "You ought to at least get yourself some rest dear", he suggested.
She did not reply, but after saying goodnight to the rest of her companions, she threw herself lazily into the chair but remained alert. Dr. Tocks then set to work on Jack. Removing the sheet he was wrapped in, Julianne having pulling off all of his blood soaked clothing when he had first come aboard, the doctor examined the damage.
"Did you do this", he asked after looking over each cut and gash.
"What? Rough him up like that?" she asked growing defensive.
"No, I mean, did you clean him up?" he corrected himself.
"Oh, yeah, twas me."
Dr. Tock's huffed at this. "You did, surprisingly, well. Where did you learn all this?"
Julianne looked at him as though he was crazy. "I'm a pirate luv. Can't very well be runnin for a doctor every time ye take a hit."
"Oh", he replied, a little embarrassed, then turned back to Jack.
"Look, is he gonna be ok", Julianne spoke up again. This time her voice was much softer than before.
He did not meet her gaze right away, and sighed. "I don't know", he answered finally. "He's sustained some very serious injuries, I'll have to stitch up at least half of these. And he's lost a lot of blood, a dangerous amount I'm afraid. From the looks of things many of his wounds are already becoming infected, though you're sterilizing him has helped a great deal. Coming through the lacerations will be tough enough, but I won't lie to you. His body is in serious shock from all the damage. You can tell from the coldness of his skin and its lack of color that fever is already beginning to set in. All things considered, his chances aren't looking very good."
Julianne nodded just barely and lowered her head.
"Look dear. I'm going to be here for some time stitching him up, and there really isn't much you can do to help. You'd be best to go get yourself some rest. You can stay in our extra bedroom."
"No", she answered right away. "I want to stay with him."
There was no sense in arguing and Dr. Tocks knew it. Pulling out his set of needles, he selected the one that best suited him, and strung a fine thread through it. Watching him, Julianne tensed a little as he pierced Jack's skin causing the pirate to jerk.
The whole process took quite some time, but Julianne did not bother to keep track. She watched intently throughout the ordeal, tensing and relaxing every time Jack responded to the sensation. At some point she was unable to restrain herself when Jack went into fits, flailing around and coughing uncontrollably. She had jumped from her chair, surprisingly to the doctor's relief, who was unable to hold onto his needle and keep Jack in place.
The sun was beginning to peak over the horizon by the time Dr. Tocks snipped his last stitch. Taking a minute to go over his work one last time, he nodded approvingly and put his needle away. Pulling a bottle off of one of the shelves on the wall, he gave it a shake then poured some of it into a glass he had also picked up. Lifting Jack's head gently, he poured a little of the solution into his mouth and tilted his head so it slid down his throat.
"It will keep him asleep for a time. So he doesn't want before I can get back to check on him. I'm heading up to get some rest myself. You'd be wise to do the same", he tried to convince her yet again.
As he expected, Julianne just shook her head no. "Thank ye doctor. I shall call for you if there are any problems", she assured him before he walked out.
Walking over to Jack, she took his hand in hers and rested her other on his forehead. His hand was freezing, but his forehead was burning hot and covered in sweat. His eyelids and body twitched slightly, and his lips moved as though he was talking in his sleep. She wanted to talk to him, even though he couldn't hear, but the words choked in her throat. Instead, she leaned down and kissed him lightly on the forehead before pulling her chair over next to him and sitting down.
The next four hours passed just the same as the last four. Julianne sat beside Jack, running a hand through his hair, oblivious to the passing of time. She was beginning to resemble a zombie. Her skin color had gone pale, there were large, dark circles under her eyes, and she stared blankly at Jack's motionless form. Occasionally she was startled from her daze by Jack's fits, where he would thrash wildly and mumble indiscernible words.
By the time the morning had become bright, Julianne was awake only by the fact that her eyes remained opened. She did not even notice when a knock came on the doctor's office door. The knocking persisted, but Julianne was hardly aware until whomever it was decided to let themselves in. As it turned out, it was her companions from last night accompanied by all three Turners.
"Cap'n you alright", Dipst asked her, but she made no motion to have heard him.
"Jules", Anamaria said touching her arm.
This seemed to work, Julianne jumped at being touched. "What the? Oh", she realized, settling back into her chair.
"How is he? How's Jack? Is he alright?" several of them asked all at once.
Julianne shook her head to silence them. "The same as before", she said quietly.
"What does that mean", Elizabeth spoke up. Her boldness was not always appreciated but she was the only one willing to ask what they all wanted to know.
Julianne sighed heavily. "The doc says it's not looking too good. Not at all. His wounds are deep, many getting infected. His body's in shock and fever has already set in deep", she paused. "It's hopeless", she added in almost a whisper.
No one knew what to say. "Juli, I'm so", Elizabeth began, stepping forward and placing her hand on the older woman's shoulder.
"Save it", the captain cut her off and stood up abruptly. "Look, he's not any betta, there's nothin to see. Ye'all might as well run off and make the best of yer stay 'ere", she instructed, walking to the window and looking out over the town.
"Absolutely not", Ana spoke up, cutting off Commodore Norrington's attempt to do the same. "Look 'ere missy", she said marching over to her friend. "Ye haven't eaten or slept in a day. So yer gonna get that 'alf dead ass o' yers in bed or I'll put ye there myself."
"I quite agree", another voice chimed in.
Turning around Julianne saw it was the doctor.
"I'm only down to see how he's progressing", he continued. "And to absolutely insist that you take her advice and get to bed before you make yourself sick as well."
"There is no way in", but Julianne was cut off by two someone's seizing her by the arms.
"Yes there is", Norrington said from her left.
"You may take her up to the guest room", the doctor instructed. "Up the stairs and on the right."
"You got that Will", the Commodore asked over Julianne's head. Will nodded. "Good, now off you go."
Together, amidst her fighting all the way, Norrington and Will dragged Julianne from the room and took her upstairs. Throwing her on the bed the were surprised when she did not jump back up to fight them, but in truth, she really had no energy left and welcomed the break. Closing the door behind them, Julianne heard the click of a lock and moaned as she rolled over.
Only a minute later the latch clicked again and Anamaria stepped inside. "Ye still awake luv?"
"Mmm", Julianne grunted in response.
Walking over to the bed, Ana sat down next to her and felt her forehead. Rolling over to face her, Julianne revealed a tear stained face.
"Shh, it's alright. He'll be alright", Ana reassured. But again she did not believe her own words.
"Don't give me that crap", Juli sobbed back. "It's not alright and he's not going to be alright."
For that, Anamaria had no argument.
"Just wake me up in a couple o' hours", Juli went on. "Or if anything changes."
Ana nodded. "Alright luv. I'll wake ye at 2:00."
***
Jack was dying. Even in his unconscious state he knew it. As the minutes ticked by he could feel the life draining out of him. For awhile, he was content to let it happen. He was tired, so tired. Tired of fighting, tired of trying, and tired of living. And that's when the nightmares set in. It was time for Jack to face his demons.
~
He stood in the hall of a large house, an enormous staircase spiraling up in front of him. The sound of a piano playing filled the hall, and the light clanking of swords clashing. He knew this place. He knew it all too well. It was his father's house. Ignoring the piano, he walked in the direction of the latter sound. Through the familiar halls and rooms until he came to a stop in front of a set of double doors. Pushing the door open slowly, he peered inside with disbelieving eyes.
"Very good Alan", the instructor called to the boys practicing against each other. "Come on Jackie", he chastised the other one. "Where's your focus? You can do better than that?"
The smaller of the two boys grimaced at the man's admonishment, and gritted his teeth in concentration. The taller boy swung, Jackie parried. The taller boy swung and swung again. Jackie struggled to block his repeated attacks.
"Jackie! You need to get on the offensive here", the man barked at him.
But in his frustration, he could not get himself together to do it. He was being backed into the wall. It was only a matter of seconds until Alan had him pinned to the wall. It was an embarrassment he did not wish to suffer, especially at the hands of his intolerable older half-brother, who would undoubtedly rub it in, reminding Jackie how much of a bastard he really was.
From the door, grown Jack's heart went out to his younger self. He remembered this day vividly. Along with all of the torment that had followed. *To bad you don't have a daddy to teach you to fight properly*, were the words he had been stung with for weeks after from his opponent.
There was only a foot left now between Jackie and the wall of the room. Alan was getting closer, his swings dangerously near to breaking the younger boy's skin. Just as Jackie's foot hit the wall, Jack could take no more. Rushing into the room, he ran to the boy's aid, grabbing the sword from his hands and stepping between him and Alan. In a fury, he blocked all of the oncoming blows, quick enough to catch the boy off guard. Now, they were moving in the other direction. Alan fighting furiously to regain the advantage.
The opportunity never came, and before he knew it, Alan was standing with his sword down at his side and Jackie's held at his neck.
"Wonderful Jackie. Absolutely wonderful", the instructor exclaimed as he clapped a few times.
Jack suddenly found himself back at the door. And the sword at Alan's neck was once again held by his younger self.
"I daresay boy. You'll make a hell of a swordsmen some day", the instructor praised. "As for you Alan. I suggest you get that ego of yours in check before our meeting on Wednesday."
Alan scowled, threw down his sword and stormed out of the room. Jackie, still amazed at himself, bowed politely to the instructor and ran happily on his way.
Jack smiled at the scene, but not for long. Before he knew it, he was no longer in the beautiful house, but rather on the deck of a large ship rocking gently in the water.
~
He took a moment to look around. He was on the Pearl. Judging from her condition it was a very long time ago. His eyes settling on the scene in front of him, he noticed a large group of crewmen circled around some activity taking place in the center. Walking over, he edged his way through the crowd to see what was going on.
There in the center he saw it. A young man sitting on a box, his naked arm outstretched, a piece of cloth between his teeth. Oh god how he remembered this day. The day he got branded and tattooed all at once. They hadn't allowed him to get drunk from it, and the intense pain to his arm all at once had been enough to send Jackie crashing to the ground, fainting from the pain. They had picked on him relentlessly after that. It was all in good fun, but it had wounded his pride just the same, and taken him weeks to live down.
Moving closer, Jack saw that the tattoo had already been done. It was now time for the brand. As the beefy man next to Jackie turned around to face him, he held a long iron rod, with a 'P' molded onto the end.
Jackie's eyes grew wide looking at the orange glowing from the heat. As the man moved closer, older Jack hurried over and sat down on the box next to the boy.
"It'll be alright", he reassured him, even though he was sure Jackie could not hear.
But when Jack looked back at the man, it was not Jackie's arm being held out and ready to be burned, but his own. Clamping his tongue between his teeth at the last minute, he stifled a scream as the hot metal was pushed onto his skin. He closed his eyes in pain as the metal was removed, and opened one just a crack to the bubbling skin that remained. Letting out a huge breath he wiped his brow. It was over, and he was still conscious.
He got up and looked around. All of the men were staring at the box where he had been sitting in disbelief. Jackie still sat there, examining his arm as though nothing had happened at all. At once, they all rushed forward, picked him up, and threw him onto their shoulders. He was taken to the captain.
"Welcome aboard the Black Pearl lad. Yer one o' us now", Captain Kanter said with a proud smile.
Get your stones out now and prepare to fire them at Bananas51. Jack is not better, and honestly, I don't know when or if he'll be getting better at all. Things are looking bleak, very bleak to quote our favorite Commodore. So, I guess you'll just have to keep reading to find out what happens.
Anyway. I just want to take a minute to say thanks to one of my favorite fanficers Jackfan2. Awesome reviewer and awesome writer. You should check out her story "Best Intentions, Gone Wrong". It's actually been a source of ideas and inspiration for this one (although I may not have mentioned that). If you do read it though, be sure to know it's a continuation of another story called "Best Intentions", by another great author Rat, who I've "borrowed" stuff from before (with permission of course).
So with all that complication out of the way, and without further ado, here is the next chapter in our little saga.
**************************************************************************** **********
Unfortunately for the little band of travelers, the doctor's house and adjoining office was nestled safely away back in the hills of the town, and it took them quite some time to get there. For the duration of the walk not one single person spoke a word, and all that could be heard was the sound of several pairs of feet trodding along. All the way, Anamaria held tight to Julianne, practically dragging the exhausted woman forward at some points.
When they finally arrived at their destination, the doctor unlocked the door and led them all inside. He set to work immediately, instructing Dipst and Gibbs where to put Jack, and having Ana and Norrington begin lighting candles throughout the room. When everything was ready, he asked them all to leave, directing them to the closest inn. They all heard him, but everyone seemed to linger, unwilling to leave.
"Look, you may all come and check on him first thing in the morning, but if I'm to get any work done you're going to have to leave."
Everyone nodded solemnly and began to slowly shuffle out. All save Julianne, whom the doctor looked at sternly.
"Don't even waste yer breath", she snapped at him when he made motion to order her out as well. "I'm not leavin and that's final."
Convinced by her tone alone, he nodded. Grabbing a chair he slid it near where Jack lay. "You ought to at least get yourself some rest dear", he suggested.
She did not reply, but after saying goodnight to the rest of her companions, she threw herself lazily into the chair but remained alert. Dr. Tocks then set to work on Jack. Removing the sheet he was wrapped in, Julianne having pulling off all of his blood soaked clothing when he had first come aboard, the doctor examined the damage.
"Did you do this", he asked after looking over each cut and gash.
"What? Rough him up like that?" she asked growing defensive.
"No, I mean, did you clean him up?" he corrected himself.
"Oh, yeah, twas me."
Dr. Tock's huffed at this. "You did, surprisingly, well. Where did you learn all this?"
Julianne looked at him as though he was crazy. "I'm a pirate luv. Can't very well be runnin for a doctor every time ye take a hit."
"Oh", he replied, a little embarrassed, then turned back to Jack.
"Look, is he gonna be ok", Julianne spoke up again. This time her voice was much softer than before.
He did not meet her gaze right away, and sighed. "I don't know", he answered finally. "He's sustained some very serious injuries, I'll have to stitch up at least half of these. And he's lost a lot of blood, a dangerous amount I'm afraid. From the looks of things many of his wounds are already becoming infected, though you're sterilizing him has helped a great deal. Coming through the lacerations will be tough enough, but I won't lie to you. His body is in serious shock from all the damage. You can tell from the coldness of his skin and its lack of color that fever is already beginning to set in. All things considered, his chances aren't looking very good."
Julianne nodded just barely and lowered her head.
"Look dear. I'm going to be here for some time stitching him up, and there really isn't much you can do to help. You'd be best to go get yourself some rest. You can stay in our extra bedroom."
"No", she answered right away. "I want to stay with him."
There was no sense in arguing and Dr. Tocks knew it. Pulling out his set of needles, he selected the one that best suited him, and strung a fine thread through it. Watching him, Julianne tensed a little as he pierced Jack's skin causing the pirate to jerk.
The whole process took quite some time, but Julianne did not bother to keep track. She watched intently throughout the ordeal, tensing and relaxing every time Jack responded to the sensation. At some point she was unable to restrain herself when Jack went into fits, flailing around and coughing uncontrollably. She had jumped from her chair, surprisingly to the doctor's relief, who was unable to hold onto his needle and keep Jack in place.
The sun was beginning to peak over the horizon by the time Dr. Tocks snipped his last stitch. Taking a minute to go over his work one last time, he nodded approvingly and put his needle away. Pulling a bottle off of one of the shelves on the wall, he gave it a shake then poured some of it into a glass he had also picked up. Lifting Jack's head gently, he poured a little of the solution into his mouth and tilted his head so it slid down his throat.
"It will keep him asleep for a time. So he doesn't want before I can get back to check on him. I'm heading up to get some rest myself. You'd be wise to do the same", he tried to convince her yet again.
As he expected, Julianne just shook her head no. "Thank ye doctor. I shall call for you if there are any problems", she assured him before he walked out.
Walking over to Jack, she took his hand in hers and rested her other on his forehead. His hand was freezing, but his forehead was burning hot and covered in sweat. His eyelids and body twitched slightly, and his lips moved as though he was talking in his sleep. She wanted to talk to him, even though he couldn't hear, but the words choked in her throat. Instead, she leaned down and kissed him lightly on the forehead before pulling her chair over next to him and sitting down.
The next four hours passed just the same as the last four. Julianne sat beside Jack, running a hand through his hair, oblivious to the passing of time. She was beginning to resemble a zombie. Her skin color had gone pale, there were large, dark circles under her eyes, and she stared blankly at Jack's motionless form. Occasionally she was startled from her daze by Jack's fits, where he would thrash wildly and mumble indiscernible words.
By the time the morning had become bright, Julianne was awake only by the fact that her eyes remained opened. She did not even notice when a knock came on the doctor's office door. The knocking persisted, but Julianne was hardly aware until whomever it was decided to let themselves in. As it turned out, it was her companions from last night accompanied by all three Turners.
"Cap'n you alright", Dipst asked her, but she made no motion to have heard him.
"Jules", Anamaria said touching her arm.
This seemed to work, Julianne jumped at being touched. "What the? Oh", she realized, settling back into her chair.
"How is he? How's Jack? Is he alright?" several of them asked all at once.
Julianne shook her head to silence them. "The same as before", she said quietly.
"What does that mean", Elizabeth spoke up. Her boldness was not always appreciated but she was the only one willing to ask what they all wanted to know.
Julianne sighed heavily. "The doc says it's not looking too good. Not at all. His wounds are deep, many getting infected. His body's in shock and fever has already set in deep", she paused. "It's hopeless", she added in almost a whisper.
No one knew what to say. "Juli, I'm so", Elizabeth began, stepping forward and placing her hand on the older woman's shoulder.
"Save it", the captain cut her off and stood up abruptly. "Look, he's not any betta, there's nothin to see. Ye'all might as well run off and make the best of yer stay 'ere", she instructed, walking to the window and looking out over the town.
"Absolutely not", Ana spoke up, cutting off Commodore Norrington's attempt to do the same. "Look 'ere missy", she said marching over to her friend. "Ye haven't eaten or slept in a day. So yer gonna get that 'alf dead ass o' yers in bed or I'll put ye there myself."
"I quite agree", another voice chimed in.
Turning around Julianne saw it was the doctor.
"I'm only down to see how he's progressing", he continued. "And to absolutely insist that you take her advice and get to bed before you make yourself sick as well."
"There is no way in", but Julianne was cut off by two someone's seizing her by the arms.
"Yes there is", Norrington said from her left.
"You may take her up to the guest room", the doctor instructed. "Up the stairs and on the right."
"You got that Will", the Commodore asked over Julianne's head. Will nodded. "Good, now off you go."
Together, amidst her fighting all the way, Norrington and Will dragged Julianne from the room and took her upstairs. Throwing her on the bed the were surprised when she did not jump back up to fight them, but in truth, she really had no energy left and welcomed the break. Closing the door behind them, Julianne heard the click of a lock and moaned as she rolled over.
Only a minute later the latch clicked again and Anamaria stepped inside. "Ye still awake luv?"
"Mmm", Julianne grunted in response.
Walking over to the bed, Ana sat down next to her and felt her forehead. Rolling over to face her, Julianne revealed a tear stained face.
"Shh, it's alright. He'll be alright", Ana reassured. But again she did not believe her own words.
"Don't give me that crap", Juli sobbed back. "It's not alright and he's not going to be alright."
For that, Anamaria had no argument.
"Just wake me up in a couple o' hours", Juli went on. "Or if anything changes."
Ana nodded. "Alright luv. I'll wake ye at 2:00."
***
Jack was dying. Even in his unconscious state he knew it. As the minutes ticked by he could feel the life draining out of him. For awhile, he was content to let it happen. He was tired, so tired. Tired of fighting, tired of trying, and tired of living. And that's when the nightmares set in. It was time for Jack to face his demons.
~
He stood in the hall of a large house, an enormous staircase spiraling up in front of him. The sound of a piano playing filled the hall, and the light clanking of swords clashing. He knew this place. He knew it all too well. It was his father's house. Ignoring the piano, he walked in the direction of the latter sound. Through the familiar halls and rooms until he came to a stop in front of a set of double doors. Pushing the door open slowly, he peered inside with disbelieving eyes.
"Very good Alan", the instructor called to the boys practicing against each other. "Come on Jackie", he chastised the other one. "Where's your focus? You can do better than that?"
The smaller of the two boys grimaced at the man's admonishment, and gritted his teeth in concentration. The taller boy swung, Jackie parried. The taller boy swung and swung again. Jackie struggled to block his repeated attacks.
"Jackie! You need to get on the offensive here", the man barked at him.
But in his frustration, he could not get himself together to do it. He was being backed into the wall. It was only a matter of seconds until Alan had him pinned to the wall. It was an embarrassment he did not wish to suffer, especially at the hands of his intolerable older half-brother, who would undoubtedly rub it in, reminding Jackie how much of a bastard he really was.
From the door, grown Jack's heart went out to his younger self. He remembered this day vividly. Along with all of the torment that had followed. *To bad you don't have a daddy to teach you to fight properly*, were the words he had been stung with for weeks after from his opponent.
There was only a foot left now between Jackie and the wall of the room. Alan was getting closer, his swings dangerously near to breaking the younger boy's skin. Just as Jackie's foot hit the wall, Jack could take no more. Rushing into the room, he ran to the boy's aid, grabbing the sword from his hands and stepping between him and Alan. In a fury, he blocked all of the oncoming blows, quick enough to catch the boy off guard. Now, they were moving in the other direction. Alan fighting furiously to regain the advantage.
The opportunity never came, and before he knew it, Alan was standing with his sword down at his side and Jackie's held at his neck.
"Wonderful Jackie. Absolutely wonderful", the instructor exclaimed as he clapped a few times.
Jack suddenly found himself back at the door. And the sword at Alan's neck was once again held by his younger self.
"I daresay boy. You'll make a hell of a swordsmen some day", the instructor praised. "As for you Alan. I suggest you get that ego of yours in check before our meeting on Wednesday."
Alan scowled, threw down his sword and stormed out of the room. Jackie, still amazed at himself, bowed politely to the instructor and ran happily on his way.
Jack smiled at the scene, but not for long. Before he knew it, he was no longer in the beautiful house, but rather on the deck of a large ship rocking gently in the water.
~
He took a moment to look around. He was on the Pearl. Judging from her condition it was a very long time ago. His eyes settling on the scene in front of him, he noticed a large group of crewmen circled around some activity taking place in the center. Walking over, he edged his way through the crowd to see what was going on.
There in the center he saw it. A young man sitting on a box, his naked arm outstretched, a piece of cloth between his teeth. Oh god how he remembered this day. The day he got branded and tattooed all at once. They hadn't allowed him to get drunk from it, and the intense pain to his arm all at once had been enough to send Jackie crashing to the ground, fainting from the pain. They had picked on him relentlessly after that. It was all in good fun, but it had wounded his pride just the same, and taken him weeks to live down.
Moving closer, Jack saw that the tattoo had already been done. It was now time for the brand. As the beefy man next to Jackie turned around to face him, he held a long iron rod, with a 'P' molded onto the end.
Jackie's eyes grew wide looking at the orange glowing from the heat. As the man moved closer, older Jack hurried over and sat down on the box next to the boy.
"It'll be alright", he reassured him, even though he was sure Jackie could not hear.
But when Jack looked back at the man, it was not Jackie's arm being held out and ready to be burned, but his own. Clamping his tongue between his teeth at the last minute, he stifled a scream as the hot metal was pushed onto his skin. He closed his eyes in pain as the metal was removed, and opened one just a crack to the bubbling skin that remained. Letting out a huge breath he wiped his brow. It was over, and he was still conscious.
He got up and looked around. All of the men were staring at the box where he had been sitting in disbelief. Jackie still sat there, examining his arm as though nothing had happened at all. At once, they all rushed forward, picked him up, and threw him onto their shoulders. He was taken to the captain.
"Welcome aboard the Black Pearl lad. Yer one o' us now", Captain Kanter said with a proud smile.