A/N: Hi everyone! Yes, off school once again, lol. I just wanted to say I REALLY appreciate those of you who have been reviewing. This fic has been really well-received, I never dreamed I'd get this much encouragement. So, this fic is thanks to you all! So thanks! I really hope you enjoy!
Chapter 9
My eyes fluttered open. The last I could remember, I had lost one of the oars to the small row boat, all hope lost. "'Ello, poppet," a cruel voice snarled. I sat bolt upright.
"Who are you?" I demanded. The man smelled strongly of rum and sea water.
"Welcome aboard The Avenger, lass. I'm Captain Nathaniel," Finally, I noticed another pirate standing next to the cot I currently occupied, a sword pointed at my throat. My eyes widened in terror. "Don't be afraid, lass. If ye cooperate with us, you shall go unharmed." he cackled.
"What do you mean 'cooperate'? What do you want from me?"
"We want you to guide us to Isla de Muerta," I stiffened.
"What makes you think I know where it is?" I swallowed heavily.
"Because we 'ave reason to believe you are or were in some way associated with Captain Jack Sparrow," he said matter-of-factly.
"Captain Jack Sparrow? Captain of The Black Pearl? Where did you get this nonsense?" I lied. The pirates laughed, then pointed at my shirt. I gasped, looking down at the symbol on Jack's shirt which I adorned. I was trapped.
"Now that we got that sorted out, you shall show us the way to Isla de Muerta,"
"And if I refuse?"
"Must you ask?" he sneered, pushing his sword against my throat. My pulse quickened as I willed myself to stay strong. "We know Sparrow's plunder is in that island, but it's jus' a matter o' finding the island, now. Tha's where you come in."
"You bastards will never force me to betray Jack!" I shouted. Captain Nathaniel then proceeded to smack me across the face, causing me to tumble off the cot amid the laughter of the pirates. "You are to report on deck in ten minutes, or suffer the consequences," I was trapped. I had no choice if I ever wanted to see Jack again. It felt so wrong though. Even by keeping myself alive, seeing Jack again was not a guarantee. I washed up a bit, drinking furiously from a glass of water the pirates had left with me. I realized that I had only ever encountered pirates who were good men. I suppose I forgot they weren't all like Jack Sparrow and his crew. A single tear rolled down my cheek.
"I'm so sorry, Jack," I whispered miserably, as I stepped out of my cabin and into the sea air.
~*~*~
"Should be a few days' time before we reach Isla de Muerta, Captain," Gibbs told Jack.
"Is there anyway we can hurry it up?" he asked, pacing impatiently.
"You know as well as I there ain't no shortcut to Isla de Muerta, mate," Jack nodded.
"I don't know what I'll do if something's 'appened to 'er, Gibbs," Jack said miserably.
"Ye mustn't think like that, Captain. You're Captain Jack Sparrow." Jack smiled.
"Aye, that I am." Gibbs still hadn't fully adjusted to Jack's change since falling in love. He had never revealed his feelings in a any way, shape or form. Now he freely talked almost non-stop about how in love he was.
Jack took the wheel again, pleading with the horizon to display Isla de Muerta. He knew it would be a few days, though.
"Captain Sparrow…" he heard Ana Maria's timid voice behind him. He stiffened, then turned around, looking into her anguished eyes.
"Aye," he muttered bitterly. Her gaze was downcast.
"I was hoping you'd let me explain now, since you're not so angry anymore," she requested. Jack was silent, so she continued.
"Since the moment Hallie came on board, I could tell you would end up loving her. I don't really know how, but you had some strange power over each other. I hated her for it, because I wanted you to look at me that way you looked at her. I love you, Jack. I always have. I was so blinded by jealousy that I committed the worst crime a pirate can commit against another pirate. And I hurt you in the process. That shall eat away at me for the rest of my days. What I'm trying to say is I'm sorry. God, I'm so sorry." She was sobbing by the end of her apology.
"Had you come to me sooner, we wouldn't be in the situation," She looked into his eyes.
"I can't ask for you forgiveness, that'd be far too much after what I've done. But I just wanted you to let me give you an explanation. I'll let you be now, Captain," and she disappeared. Jack sighed heavily, taking the wheel once more.
"Please let her be alive. Please."
A/N: Sorry! Lol. I don't have much to say in this note, so I just hope you all enjoyed, please review! 3 more chapters after this!
