A/N: Guys, this is almost over. *Sobs uncontrollably* *Stops* But it's not yet!!! And, I feel like I should tell y'all now, since I'm jumping for joy at the moment to tell my loyal reviewers: There WILL be a sequel! I'll give y'all a few more details in the last chappie of this here fic, and then, hope to see y'all there! But not now! Now, this is still alive and kickin'! So, please r&r! This time, free kitties for all that review! (Hey! Kitties are cute! I can imagine Jack liking kitties! Or just not caring… But these are NICE kitties! Unlike my Demon Suicide Aid Satan Reincarnate Kitty by the name of Kaldie)

A/N2: I've just watched the best trailer for PotC that I've ever seen in my life… And am very upset as I watch it over and over. They cut out THE best lines for Jack!: "You're not facing normal pirates." "Cruel demented vicious pirates to be certain. Cruel demented vicious pirates who cannot be killed…" Why did they have to cut that? WHY?!?!?! Sorry guys, I just had to rant over that…

***Special thanks to m'darling beta, Pendragon! Thanks, girl! It's amazing what one can overlook when one doesn't proofread. O.O

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She hated this. She adherently abhorred this. Standing there, locked securely in her own personal cell now that Will was gone, she was the epitome of malcontent and anxiety. What was happening to Will as she stood there, at the back of her literal cage, her head leaning against the hard wooden planks of the hull? Not much time had passed since he has been taken, of that she was sure, but it felt… it felt like an eternity. It felt like he was already dead. She had now doubt him, unlike herself, those blasted and bloody rightfully cursed pirates would kill, and would hold no qualms over it. Lord, she loathed them, but what she loathed even more was this, the absolute powerlessness, the inability to do anything. In Port Royale, she'd at least had a choice. She could choose to either act up or obey. Here, she could only do the latter. Even if she rebelled, what good would it do? She was locked up tight.

Sighing, she picked her head up off of the wall… and dropped it lightly against the hard surface once again. Was Will dead now? And what of her sister and Jack? Her sister and Captain Jack Sparrow on an island together… the scenario was strange in and of itself, and would most likely have been amusing had the circumstances been different. But, they were not. Not even two days had passed since those two had been marooned, and already things had gone into a steady downward spiral. Yet Leah Swann still would not allow herself to grieve, either for Elizabeth, Jack, or Will. She wasn't going to be the model prisoner. She wasn't going to give up without some kind of fight, though fighting against what, she wasn't sure… And, once again, it wasn't as if it would do her any good.

"Drop the anchor! Drop the anchor!" Mr. Cotton's parrot squawked, the unexpected sound shocking her out of her reverie with a jump, but after the initial shock, she began to settle back against the wall while those in the opposite cell continued to converse amongst themselves, much as they had done for the past half hour. She could have very easily entered the conversation had she wanted to-had been invited into it even-but, really, was not in the mood for anything social, even when that something social might turn out to actually be beneficial.

After only a few more minutes had passed, something truly unexpected occurred. Leah, as well as the others, heard footsteps rushing down the stairs and into the room, and she, like the others, could clearly see who tore into the hold.

After Gibbs finished quieting the others and was exclaiming, "It's Elizabeth!" Leah ran to the bars.

"Elizabeth!" she herself cried out, delight filling her heart. How…? Did it matter?

After tossing the only two remaining cursed men on the Pearl into the sea, by the ingenious means of a rowboat to the head, Leah went at a brisk pace after her sibling. She now had a vague idea as to how Elizabeth had escaped from that island-still didn't know the details-and also knew that Captain Jack Sparrow was alive and well… apparently. Unless things had gone dreadfully wrong on the Isla de Muerta. Why did that seem to relieve her so, the fact that, most likely being the capable man he was, he was most probably alive? In fact, why did she strongly doubt the fact that neither him nor Will were dead?

But, for all she knew, Will was dead… He'd tried to betray both of them, both Leah and Will, had he not? Or had he?

Best not to overly think about it at the present moment. She could do all the analyzing and second-guessing she wanted at some later time. At the moment, there were slightly more pressing matters at hand. Such as, well, getting to the Isla de Muerta.

"All of you with me. Will is in that cave, and we must save him," Elizabeth declared to those supposedly following her, marching purposefully to the rowboat, Leah right behind her. Neither of them, of course, bothered to look behind them, and simultaneously lifted a chain, one that required a great tug to get the boat into working order. Well, into the water, more precisely. "Ready? And, heave!" The two of them made, basically, no progress. They were the only two pulling. In other words, Jack's crew was doing absolutely nothing to aid them and were in fact standing in a row, watching the two sisters solemnly. Leah eyed them in disbelief, in severe exasperation. What were they doing? "Please, I need your help! Come on!" Elizabeth implored.

"Any port in the storm!" Cotton's dear tongue squawked. Leah was really beginning to detest that bird…  In a, "That parrot has to be one of the most irritating beings I have or every will see," type of way, at least. It was most likely only the circumstances that caused her to feel this way, especially after what Mr. Gibbs said next.

"Cotton's right; we've got the Pearl." Oh, she couldn't believe this!

"And what about Jack? Are you just going to leave him?" Elizabeth demanded.

"Jack owes us a ship," one of the, well, shorter pirates pronounced.

"You owe him this ship!" Leah cried, looking from one man to the other. (To the one woman as well, of course.) Oh yes, this was a loyal bunch. Jack Sparrow certainly had the best luck with crews, didn't he?

"Well there's still the Code to consider," Mr. Gibbs added.

"The Code… You're pirates! Hang the Code, and hang the rules!" Elizabeth vociferated, "They're more like guidelines anyway!"

There was dead silence as Jack's "trustworthy and loyal" crew squirmed, exchanging glances with one another.

"I can't believe you all!" Leah said at last, disgusted with the lot of them. So, it was up to just her and Elizabeth now, was it? Bloody perfect.

"Bloody pirates," Elizabeth muttered vehemently to herself, having received absolutely no help from the lot of them. Only Leah, out of all of them, had stood by her.

"Leah, take this," Elizabeth said quietly, handing her sister a fairly large and heavy brass statue, inlaid with gold. Leah nodded, watching as her sister took her own golden staff, and then the two made their way further into the cave, towards the obvious sounds of battle… and even an explosion?

No one seemed to notice them when they reached the "battle arena", so to speak, too caught up in things was absolutely everyone in the place, so deep in concentration over their dear little duels. "I'm gonna teach you the meaning of pain," one particular pirate growled, advancing upon Will-apparently defenseless on the ground-with his weapon raised.

"You like pain?" Elizabeth demanded, coming up to said pirate and thwacking him hard across the skull with her staff. "Try wearing a corset." Unable to suppress a smile of amusement at that, Leah walked up right after her, staying just far enough back, though, to give Will and Elizabeth their space.

Wait…Will was alive! This little factoid hit Leah just as Elizabeth was helping him to his feet, and the younger Swann allowed herself to relish in the happiness this caused, before the clanging of swords caused her to curiously glance over to her left… She was left her even more dumbfounded than before, utterly stunned and staring, that smile utterly gone now.

Well, she now knew three things for certain: Jack was alive (something that brought about much more happiness and relief in Leah than she cared to admit), the Pearl's current crew was definitely cursed… and so was Jack.

How had this happened? She had seen him as a perfectly healthy and living human being earlier, and in the moonlight, even. She was fairly certain he had not been an unfeeling skeleton before. So, how…?

And that was even Barbossa he was fighting! But, he was also cursed… Bloody hell!

"Whose side is Jack on?" Elizabeth asked, perfectly voicing Leah's thoughts with her words.

"At the moment?" Will shrugged. Leah had to admit… he was right. Forcing her eyes away from the dueling duo, Leah went with Will and Elizabeth.

It seemed as if one of the darling pirates had just gotten his head out of a vase… Perfect. Smiling, Leah watched as Elizabeth ruined his elation over finally being free with a little hit to the head… but she had no time to dwell over the fact, as, at the same moment that one pirate tried to charge after Elizabeth and Will, and failed miserably being blocked by that staff, the third went after her, being separated as she was from them.

Desperately, she looked down at the "weapon" in her hands, and, unable to do anything else with it, bonked the approaching man in the head. He staggered backwards and to his right, colliding with the one Will had just dispatched.

"You couldn't have found me anything better than this?" she demanded of her sister, throwing the statue to the ground. Not only was it practically useless unless a) your assailant went dangerously close to you without attacking, and b) you had really very good timing, but it was heavy as well.

"There was nothing else there!" Elizabeth replied, hitting another one with the staff before tossing it to Will. Leah glared at her for the briefest of moments before being forced to duck down herself and dodge what most likely would have been a fatal blow to the head. She was then thrown the staff by Will so as to actually be able to do something, and subsequently bashed the pirate, who was coming at her for another go, with all her strength, tossing the thing back as soon as she was done.

Elizabeth and Will took the chance of having all three of their dear little enemies all lined up in a row to ram the staff through them all, impaling them and, well, pretty much making it so that they were all stuck together. Cocking an eyebrow at this-it was strange to see-Leah walked over to her sister, careful to stay far enough back so as not to get stabbed. That was when she noticed something on the ground. Something lit. Leah had an idea…

With no time to waste, Leah called Will's name, pointing to the bomb on the ground near his feet. Catching on mighty quick, he grabbed it, and, holding it in his hand as Leah and Elizabeth ran over, the former sooner than the latter, he stuck it into the body of the long-bearded skeleton, and, getting literally right into the middle of things, Leah helped Elizabeth and Will to shove the trio out of the moonlight. Obviously, they then wasted no time in running as fast as their legs could carry them, Will first and pretty far ahead from the other two, then Elizabeth, and then, Leah, who utterly abhorred having to run in skirts.

"No fair," whined the pirate with the bomb in his gut, but Leah barely heard it, so enrapt was she in her wild dash away from said explosive and to… well after Liz, really. And Liz, she was going after Will. And Will, so far ahead of the both of them, he was heading towards that thick stone treasure chest, that one raised high above most everything else. Leah realized that must be where the Aztec gold was, but before she could think it over, the explosion hit, causing her to be thrown forward, and she would have been able to retain her balance, yes… if her bloody skirts hadn't gotten in the way and caused her to fall. She didn't even notice Jack tossing Will his medallion.

Getting up as fast as she possibly could, Leah made to go after her sister-who was now a great deal further ahead of her than before-but just as she stood and ran at most three paces, she froze, her eyes fixed on the pistol Barbossa was pointing straight at Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth!" she cried out, taking another step forward, but was caught dead in her tracks as a gunshot rent through the air. No… Elizabeth!

But… why wasn't she falling? How was she able to stand up? Had Barbossa missed? What…?

A realization dawning on her, Leah drew her cloudy blue eyes away from her sibling… to Jack.

"Ten years you carry that pistol, and now you waste your shot," Barbossa taunted. Swallowing, Leah watched Jack carefully. One of the darkest expressions she had ever seen on a man's face was on his right now, as he watched Barbossa. To finally use that pistol, after ten years… Leah couldn't identify the emotion that swept up within her at this sight, but it was one that caused a lump to grow in her throat. Ignoring it, swallowing the lump away, her eyes were drawn to Will by his next words.

"He didn't waste it." And he hadn't. Dropping his medallion and what must have been Jack's before their very eyes, he lifted the curse. Leah, of course, looked right back over at Barbossa. If the curse was lifted, that meant…

His sword falling out of his hand, the "mutinous first mate" ripped open his coat and saw what must have been blood leaking out of a fatal wound. Quickly, Leah turned her eyes to Jack, before going back to Barbossa. The expression on his face as he lowered his pistol… it was near heart wrenching. Such finality, and yet, such emptiness in it… If Leah hadn't known better, she would have said it was expressionless, that Jack was in a state of shock. But no, she did know better. Leah Swann knew the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow just a little bit better than that.

"I feel… cold." And with those words, the feared captain of the cursed Black Pearl fell and died, a lone green apple rolling out from his hand. And at that moment, Leah, no matter how she had despised him, felt pity.

Swallowing as she averted her eyes from the strangely entrancing sight of death before her, the crimson stain on the cloth of Barbossa's clothing clearly visible, and back over at Jack. His gaze was still fixed on Barbossa, the lifeless corpse on the ground. Leah noticed nothing, not what Will or her sister were doing, but only him. Almost, just almost, she made to turn away, but, gathering her courage, she made to speak, and speak so softly that she was surprised that anyone even heard her.

"Jack…" she said, taking a hesitant step forward before stopping.

As if snapping out of a dream, he looked up… directly at her. She had to literally force herself to meet his gaze, but meet it she did.

"Luv, come here," he ordered, though the tone he used was not blatantly commanding. Nonetheless, Leah had no choice but to comply, and comply she did.

Within moments, his right arm was around her, and Leah was leaning into his comforting embrace, her eyes closed, his raven hair lightly brushing her head. This brief little moment gave her some time to think. Twice in the past 24 hours she had thought him dead… only to be proved wrong. That conversation they had had in Tortuga seemed to have taken place a lifetime ago, but no, it was barely a few days… A few days in which so bloody much had happened. Would he still take her with him, still take her away from Port Royale? Even after seeing the dangers she would be faced with as a pirate, she was absolutely certain she would rather become an outlaw than stay in Port Royale as the governor's daughter. But, why? Was it because life at Port Royale was so miserable for her… or was it the fact that it was Jack Sparrow who was willing to take her away from all of that? What was it about him? He was as bloody insane and eccentric as they came-though she had to admit strangely attractive-certainly slept around, and she had heard tales of him for years upon years… Yet, there was something about him…

"Are you all right, darling?" he asked her, with what seemed to be genuine concern. What, did he think she'd be affected by death that badly?

"Yes… yes, I'm fine. Thank you for the concern, Jack."

Would he still take her with him? Or, now that he had the Pearl back, would he go off and abandon her to her fate? Why should he care about her?

Not that she noticed it, but after having held her that comforting way for a while, Jack had lifted his head from how it had been slightly leaning towards hers… and looked around. It was as if he'd just realized they were in a cave full of treasure… a completely safe, enemy-free, cave… full of treasure. Silver and gold and yada, yada, yada-all that really good stuff. Treasure. And then, he'd looked down and truly seen her again, and asked the question. Next, came his newest little comment.

"Well then," he said, and Leah turned her face up and stepped back a bit to face him, "Darling, we're in a roomful of treasure, fresh for the picking. Savvy?"

Being who she was, it did not take Leah and overly long time to comprehend any and all possible meanings of his words.

Within moments, the two of them were digging through the piles and piles of treasure. Leah, of course, didn't really know what to look for, but she used her best judgment, and checked everything with Jack, who was, of course, treating all these riches as if they were everyday things. For example, at one point, he picked up a statue, examined it, and tossed it over his shoulder carelessly, looking back at the treasure before him. Same thing with a goblet, and who knew what else?

Leah was almost bloody giddy as she went through the gold and silver and jewelry, etc., with Jack (mostly gold, though). She barely even noticed the movements of her sister and Will, so deep in her own reverie was she. This was really happening… She was really going to go away with him, with Jack. She couldn't believe it!

At one point, she spotted a jeweled crown and lifted it appraisingly, handing it to Jack. He examined it closely, and then, satisfied, placed it upon his head. Leah couldn't help but laugh, and then simply look at him strangely. This was the most bloody eccentric, oddest, slyest being she had ever come across… And to think, she had heard of him for a good portion of her life, and the extent of her feelings towards him had been "Oh, will they bloody capture him, already? All this talk of the same man, and a pirate, no less, gets horribly dull."

"Jack, how much more of that are you going to pile onto yourself?" she asked him, watching him with a small smile on her lips and a raised eyebrow. He was wearing a crown, pearl necklaces, gold necklaces, and had just now lifted a golden goblet along with that rather hideous statue.

"Actually, I think we're done for now, unless you want to take something now for yourself, lass."

"No, I'm fine, thank you." Giving her a bit of a nod, he motioned for her to follow, and began swaggering towards the exit, over to where Will and Elizabeth were. Walking after him, Leah could just hear the conversation the two of them were having.

Elizabeth: "…the Dauntless."

Will: "You fiancé will be wanting to know you're safe."

Leah felt horrible for overhearing this, what was obviously a private conversation between the two of them, but… Elizabeth was marrying Commodore James Norrington? She had not told her this…

Leah, of course, wanted to give these two their distance, but Jack barged right in, not that it would have mattered. Elizabeth had turned away and begun her walk back to their rowboat already. "If you were waiting for the opportune moment… that was it." Leah could have bloody smacked him, so utterly callous was that comment. "Now if you'll be so kind, I'd be much obliged if you'd drop me and the lovely Miss Leah here off my ship."

Will glanced over at her, as did Elizabeth from further on ahead, at this, but Leah, Leah barely noticed it. That was when she realized something. The Pearl… The crew had taken the Pearl, leaving Jack there. In her excitement, in her absorption inside the midst of recent events, she'd completely forgotten. Maybe they'd remained? Maybe, out of some remaining shreds of decency, they had stayed and were now awaiting Jack's return? But, somehow, Leah doubted it… and this doubt was only affirmed once they had left the caves of the Isla de Muerta.

"I'm sorry, Jack," Elizabeth said, sitting at the back of the boat, Leah right in front of her, as Will rowed.

"They done what's right by them. Can't expect more than that," he replied, his voice, for all points and purposes, devoid of emotion.

"Yes," Leah said softly, a tremor clearly audible in her tone as she spoke, "Yes you can."

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TriGem: lol Gee, thanks for the consideration over my pain! But, hey, since you seem to have read my rant: *Hands over the Jack cardboard standup* Enjoy! Anywayz, lol, yeah, Leah's bipolar… No, not really. I suppose one can think of it like this: She still is feeling the hatred and stuff towards the pirates, and is still upset, but she appears for all points and purposes cold and uncaring, though glaring at the pirates, and giving random kinder glances to Will. It's like, you still hurt inside, but you push it away. Savvy? Maybe I should've been clearer… Should I edit, ya think? And as for thy question… curious reviewer! Very curious! *Scolds* lol ;-) No, to answer thy question, I promise more Leah/Jack action in the next chappie. And even more in the next. And then some more in the next. Lol Not sure if ye'll enjoy alla it, as I'm the queen of angst (nope, not elaborating! MUAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! *Loves being cruel and evil*), but ye'll probably like the outcome. And most likely it itself… Ah, ye'll see! As for the two in a room for a month, you'd have to leave them food for a month in there. I would NOT volunteer to walk in there and feed them otherwise…

TaraRose: Good to know 'tis flowing. :D :P And I knew what ye meant. Just chapter lengths obsess me, though they're starting to worry me less and less… And, hey, at least last year was only a month ago, right? :P

Vagrant: LOL!!!! I'm guessing ye read me rant since you mentioned the standup, so here ya go! *Hands* And thankees on the nicknames. Guessing you mean for Pintel and Ragetti. Just figured Leah wouldn't know their names, so gonna refer to them as something else. And, hey, it's not as if she likes them at ALL. :P

Lady Skywalker: lol Hmmm…. I wonder if this is a reverse sorta flame? Not complaining that Jack would never get together with her, but complaining that there's not enough love between the two… Ah, since you approached moi in a more or less friendly form, I'll answer ye! :D Yes, she does. Reread my Tortuga chappie. Reread the battle 'tween the Interceptor and Pearl, including the chappie "Alone". Reread the fic through. Then, perhaps, ye'll be able to figure it out on your own, darling. Love isn't always known at first sight, and acknowledged, and isn't always acted on instantaneously, at least not when those like Leah and Jack are concerned.

AngelQueen: Yes, Bootstrap must've been a cool person… I mean, according to Jack, he was a good man. That's good. :D And ye were correct! Elizabeth did rescue her dear sis! :P What'd ye think, btb? :P

Pendragon: 'Course I know that, mate! I rock! ;-) lol *Gives extra extra cookies* I luvvle my beta. :D lol And yes, Ragetti was sorta cool, but at times, he annoyed me, I must admit. Though he was still tres amusant. :P My FAV cursed pirate was Jack, though. And he forever shall be. :D (And he WAS cursed for a part of the movie! This part! ;-) )

Riley: Yayness! I'm fitting her into the story well! See, Leah was originally there. They just cut her from the movie. It's true!!!!!! *shifty eyes* Um, yeah, so anywayz… How'd she fit in here, mate? Did I do good? And maybe I shouldn't 've had Liz save Leah…. LEAH CAN FLY! WOOT!!! Lol I wish, right? And I tried to update faster, really I did! :P And don't be sad! Sequel sequel!!!!! :P (Yes, shameless advertising here. :D)  And woot for long reviews!

Jinxd: Yikes! BROKEN ankle? Youch! *Hands over cookies, and the cardboard standup as it's obvious she read Sal's little rant* :P And I'm honored ye liked (or loved ;-) ) it so much! I'm hoping this one was also as good, and perhaps a bit better, eh? Longer, certainly. ;P

Ipzy: Fun fun vacation. And yes, it did make sense… in a way… ;-) lol No, really, I understood. And updating as fast as I can, mate! Or at least trying to. :P School must go away.

Kirie: Woot! You being smart sometimes! Wow!!!! ;-) No, j/k darlin'. *Gobbles the sandwich* Ooooh… inspiration.

Shane: Yes, that scene was awesome in the movie. As were all the other scenes. Those with Jack esp. :D

Suzzie: *Hands over the standup* Enjoy! And yes, me ankle is better. Thank ye for the concern, mate! *Hug and cookies* It's just my wrist that's being a pain now as a direct result of the crutches (pretty sure it's sprained now, sadly enough… o.O)  And my deepest sympathies, girl! *More hugs and cookies, and even some Jack closet time!!!*  I'm shocked ye are taking the time to read me fic! *More cookies* (No, I'm NOT trying to bribe ye with cookies! I'm not! lol) And here's hoping this latest chappie was up to thy expectations!

Gwyn: Hehehe… sugar fun… Parties fun… Woot! Happy belated bday, btb! And I'm betting you can't wait till your 16 for not just the car, but for the tattoos too. ;-) And it's nice having your own pirate, eh? Woot! Oh, before I forget… *Hands over the Jack standup* What'd ye think of this latest chappie, btb? :P And yes, I do officially hate you know, but see, it's not my fault: I'd never worn heels that high before in my life! Me mum is paranoid…

Leah: Yikes, don't die! I need my reviewer! Lol And don't worry, quick reviews are very very good. You reviewed. I luvvle ye for it! Here's hopin' you liketh me latest chap!

Rebel: It's all right. I understand being busy or not getting a chance. Trust me… *Glares daggers at high school* I should rally be doing my hw too…. Ah well… Anywayz, yes, I figure for this to make any sort of sense, she needs a past. She really would be an uber Mary Sue if, for no apparent reason, she just wanted to run off with Jack and, for no apparent reason, he let her… Savvy? And, yes, as you can tell, Leah is very discontent while Will is almost killed…  *Shrug* Oh, she's just restless and paranoid. *Scolds Leah* ;-) And updated (as if ye haven't noticed)! Yay!

Spaci: Wowzers! The whole thing? I'm glad you enjoy it so much, mate! I'm honored!

aquastar: Ah, young grasshopper, you are so amusing, at times. ;-) And YIKES DON'T DIE!!! Don't! There was some romance in here, eh? And if this isn't enough (since it wasn't an overdose of it, I'll admit), hold your horses till the next chappie! (*hint hint hint hint*)  And dontcha worry, this one WAS longer, and I THINK the next one shall be as well…

Sarra: *Gives Jack standup* Enjoy mate! And thank ye for listening to me rant! And my deepest sympathies on your leg!!! YOUCH! I don't think I've ever had it quite that bad. And we had Jack! We had Jack! Woot!

ChaosLightning: Nice to see ye again, mate! And thankees for pointing out the gun thing. Edited!!! :D And I think you're mistaken, mate. Jack's in MY closet, remember? ;-) :P As for the storyline, I try… You would be shocked at how many times it is necessary to watch the scene at the end of the movie just to figure out where that bloody golden staff goes…