HAPPY HOLIDAYS ALL!

(Esp. Christmas and Hannukah as those are both today)

Whether ye be Jewish, Christian, Catholic, Buddhist, Muslim, etc., I hope you're having a blast!

A/N1: Well, here ya go! Very glad I haven't lost my dear reviewers. Huggles all . And, longer this time! Woot!

A/N2: Well, I've had my fun. No more flames shall be responded to from now on, nor will they be acknowledged in any way except for my wonderful dance about the blaze, and my bonfire will consequently grow bigger and bigger as I have my fun! Hope y'all enjoy this chappie!


Cursing, Leah Swann desperately gripped the ratlines to keep from falling over and colliding with the wall. This storm was horrible, and she could barely keep her balance. Squinting through the pelting rain, she looked up towards the stern of the ship, cursing the sight she was met with. Through the unrelenting downpour, she could just make out Jack standing more or less calmly at the wheel, barely lurching either way as the ship rocked to and fro, steering the ship.

The fact that she was wearing a mere whitechemise with fabric that was not entirely opaque and stuck to her did not bother her. The fact that she was on a ship full of men and only one woman besides herself, all of whom could clearly make out what was under this said attire, to a far degree at least, did not really bother her either. The fact that she was barefoot and freezing did not bother her. The fact that Jack could stand there appearing so completely unaffected by the tempest while the rest of the crew struggled to keep the ship actually afloat infuriated her.

Biting back a little growl of rage, she forced herself over to Will, pulling a rope down taut beside the one he was working on. "How can we sail to an island that nobody can find with a compass that doesn't work?" she heard him cry out to Mr. Gibbs, and froze, listening intently. How were they to get to the island? The deck bobbed to the side, and she nearly toppled, but straightened almost immediately, muttering a small profanity under her breath yet again. She had to remain quiet, though. She had to hear this.

"Aye, the compass doesn't point north, but we're not trying to find north, are we?" Wait, did that mean… Did Jack have a compass that actually pointed towards the island? Was that even possible? Probable?

Peering through the rain yet again, she tried to make out a little more of his figure. Yes, he did have something in his hand that he was referring to as he piloted the Interceptor, but she could not make out what it was.

"How is it possible that a compass could point to an island?" she questioned loudly enough to be heard.

Mr. Gibbs, who was on his way to the quarterdeck to ask the captain something, turned quickly to reply. "The same way a ship could be cursed." Leah gaped open-mouthed after Mr. Gibbs. She'd heard the tales of the Black Pearl, true, but the curse couldn't be real, could it? That was in the world of fairytales and magic, wasn't it? No, there was no way for a curse to logically exist.

But if one did, if this one did… What would happen to her sister?

There was doubt about it. This simply had to be one of the eeriest places Leah had ever seen. While the rest of the crew stood at the edge of the boat, watching the waters of the passage and seeing the wreckages of ships from days past, she stayed back near the mast, alone and deep in her own thoughts. This place… it affected her mood somehow, made her darker and grimmer than usual, and caused her mind to seek out the darkest possibilities possible for this venture "Dead men tell no tales." Yes, that parrot's ramblings certainly fit well with her thoughts.. Elizabeth dead, Leah herself stuck back at Port Royale stuck in a slow decay of time, Jack and Will dead-

Wait, why did she care if Jack died? Why did she care if that despicable crafty pirate died? She of course told herself the reason for this was that, if he died, she would not be able to escape her life, which she wasn't even sure if she wanted to do, but another part of her knew that this "reason" was only a half-truth. She was beginning to care for him and actually care about his well-being, most likely because he had actually listened to her that night in Tortuga, but that was all she was willing to admit to herself. She could see him now, watching his compass—one of the oddest trinkets she had ever seen—and then closing it as Cotton started staring for too long. Odd…

Her thoughts were interrupted when Will and Mr. Gibbs walked past her, the older set on tightening yet another rope that was a key part in the function of the Interceptor, just how, Leah wasn't sure. "How is it that Jack came by that compass?" Will asked before the man had even reached the ropes.

The two stayed about two feet away from her, even after Mr. Gibbs had finished with his task while speaking, but Leah only moved closer, only indicating that she was even listening when he was finished speaking.

"Not a lot's known about Jack Sparrow before he showed up in Tortuga with a mind to go after the treasure of the Isla de Muerta . That was before I met him. Back when he was Captain of the Black Pearl." At this, Leah could not stay still, but whirled about, facing the pair dead-on.

"What?" Will asked in disbelief. Apparently, from the reaction of Mr. Gibbs to his own words, he had not meant for that to "slip out", as it were. "He failed to mention that."

"Yes," the younger of the two sister Swanns commented, moving closer to the pair, "he did." A quick glance up to the quarterdeck, and she could see him standing there steering, same as ever. How many secrets did that man have?

Both of the men gave Leah a look, but did not halt in their conversation. Mr. Gibbs didn't seem as eager to continue, but continue he did. "Well, he plays things closer to the vest now. And a hard learned lesson it was. See three days out on the venture the first mate comes to him and says everything's an equal share as should be the location of the treasure, too. So, Jack gives up the bearings. That night there was a mutiny. They marooned Jack on an island and left him to die but not before he'd gone mad with the heat." So that… was what had happened, was it? Leah already couldn't believe that she had whined to Jack about her own life, which seemed like a literal piece of cake with extra frosting compared to his now. Why had he even listened to her that night? But apparently the account of Jack's "adventure" wasn't complete.

"Ah. So that's the reason for all the…" Will began, and then started to, well, behave like Jack, to a certain degree at least. Leah had to admit, it was moderately accurate… But the pirate swaggered more, and didn't seem quite that off-balance. Nonetheless, it was an interesting theory…

"Reason's got nothing to do with it," Mr. Gibbs responded, and got down on his haunches, her and Will following suit soon after. "Now Will, Miss Swann, when a pirate's marooned, he's given a pistol with a single shot, one shot. Well that won't do much good hunting nor to be rescued. But after three weeks of a starvin' belly and thirst, that pistol start to look real friendly. But Jack, he escaped the island, and he still has that single shot. Oh, he won't use it though, save on one man. His mutinous first mate."

"Barbosa," Leah and Will said at the same time, having heard the stories just as everyone else had. The two looked at each other, but then turned back to the one telling them the true story of what had transpired.

"Aye," Mr. Gibbs replied.

Suddenly, a thought seemed to strike the young blacksmith. "How did Jack get off the island?" That was a good question… Unless he was a strangely corporeal ghost, Captain Jack Sparrow had to have escaped somehow.

"Well, I'll tell ye. He waded out into the shallows, and he waited there three days and three nights till all manner of sea creatures came acclimated to his presence. Then on the fourth morning, he roped himself a couple of sea turtles, lashed them together, and made a raft."

Leah Swann blinked. "He…"

"He roped a couple of sea turtles?" William finished for her.

"Aye, sea turtles." Was this man serious? Mr. Gibbs had to see the failed logic in that, didn't he? That story was one of the worst fabrications Leah had ever heard!

"What did he use for rope?" Will asked, pointing out an obvious flaw. In her dismay, Leah had been unable to think of such a point, but inwardly, she thanked him. He'd roped together sea turtles? She didn't even notice that Will and Mr. Gibbs had turned to face away from each other but to an approaching figure. There would be no rope on an island-

"Human hair. From my back." Surprised to hear the familiar voice, Leah gasped and looked up at Jack, who had walked over and apparently overheard just what they had been discussing. For just how long had he been standing there? "Let go of the anchor!" he commanded his crew, his eyes still more or less on the three of them. The crew yelled back something confirming the fact that they were carrying out their captain's orders and got to work. "Young Mr. Turner and I are to go ashore."

As Jack began walking away, Leah dove up after him. "What do you mean "young Mr. Turner" and you are to go ashore?" she demanded, catching up to him. Before he could reply, Mr. Gibbs addressed the captain himself.

"Captain, what if the worst should happen?"

"The worst…?" Leah muttered to herself.

"Keep to the code," he ordered, and then continued walking. Leah sprang to attention and caught up to him once again.

"You are not leaving without me," she said, eyes blazing. After coming all this way, she was not going to be left on the ship while him and Will went off to rescue her sister. He truly was bloody mad if the thought she would allow such to happen.

"And why won't I be doing that?" he asked, stopping suddenly and turning to face her.

"Because we have an accord! We have an accord that-"

"That I will help to save your darling sister, not that you will be coming along and most likely getting yourself killed and slowing myself and our dear friend Will here."

Not quite sure how to reply to that, Leah could do nothing but gape, her mouth slightly ajar. "Y-you cannot be serious," she finished at last, fists clenched at her sides. "You expect me to wait here while you two go out and do Lord knows what and bloody pray that you all make it back alive? Is this what would happen if I did become a pirate: I stay below deck while the men fight above?"

"This has nothing to do with your social status nor your gender, luv. This has to do with the fact that you're untrained, are wearing naught but a chemise, and do not know how to handle a sword. One day, the circumstances will be different, but at this moment, they are not, savvy?"

She could not keep her eyes on him. Leah Swann was forced to turn away, tears of rage stinging her eyes, but she furiously blinked them away. He was right. As much as she hated to admit it, he was right. She would only slow them down. "All right," she said at last, turning to face him again. "Fine. But if you do not come back with my sister, Jack, I swear to you, I will…"

"You will do what, luv?"

"Use your imagination, Jack," she said, smiling grimly. And remember your promise. Remember to come back and save me as well.


Shawn: Don't say I didn't warn you!!!!! Lol No, really, I'm very honored you found the time to read through 11 chapters and review. Hoping you're enjoying it, despite the Jack/OC.

M'Dear Flamer: laughs hysterically Well, just a few comments before I commence my dance about the fire… You've read one chapter, darling. So, really, how can you possibly tell whether my fic is boring. Ah yes… One more thing. How is it possible for me to have messed up personalities when there are absolutely none within my first chapter besides Leah? Now I'm frightened… Do you KNOW Leah personally, and I've twisted her psyche? Wow! What's she like? Can I have her autograph? Really, at least make a thought out flame next time, showing that you have at least read the fic, though I doubt I shall respond either way. This particularly review is barely causing sparks within my wonderful bonfire! Prances about said fire singing the pirate song at the top of her lungs, rum in hand, Jack and Leah beside her Drink up me hearties, yo ho!

Suzzie: Yes, I was wondering about that, as that is what the script I have says, but then after watching the scene, I heard "man". I don't know…. Until further notice I shall keep it as is. And thank you! Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy New Year, and overall happy holidays to ye too!

Zubachick: Wow! Blushes a deep crimson I'm very honored that you feel that way about my fic! Gives all of the mentioned as Christmas presents ENJOY!!! :D

TriGemini: Yes, well in my last chapter, still here, actually, though not as much, she's just starting to figure out that if she becomes a pirate, she can't go back. She's stuck, and she doesn't like being stuck. The reason she's so confusing is because she herself is completely and utterly confused, and not just about what she should do! Dontcha worry, more little snippets on herself and her sister and their past, etc. are coming up, but in a chapter or two. Have patience, young grasshopper, and you shall receive!

Shane: Yes, 'tis. Hoping you don't mind the abbreviation! And HUZZAH!!!!

Vagrant: Yes, and I apologize for the abruptness of it. It was simply the only way I could work it unless I wanted to wait a day to update… Next few SHOULD be longer, though I can't promise anything concerning my imagination and mind. See, that's why I'm OUT of my mind. It's dark and scary in there!

Leah: Yes…. One has to remember that she was raised upper class all her life (which I strongly believe happened to Jack, and that he went pirate after being born a nobleman!!!) and is only now out of the world, even if she does detest said world wholeheartedly. Thus… hello obnoxiousness! :D Very glad ye are enjoying, mate!

Ourania: Gives poor fingers some ice and Ourania some cookies It's all right, it's all right! Typos happen to all! Trust me, I know… -- I'm just very happy that ye are reading and remembered the "-ah" at the end of her name! ;) :P This one was a bit longer and I hope pretty decent. Hope ye enjoy!

4th Gullwing: lol Calm down, girl! You ARE an uber-good writer, so don't sell yourself short! And very glad you liked both of my chappies! As for my dearest flamer… Don't worry about them either… Evil laugh

Ipzy: Oh, I am! Mesa Jewish, so I've had time to update! :D Lol And I hope thee have had an AWESOME holiday as well and have received countless upon countless presents!!! I also hope you enjoy this chappie. ;)