Milady*Sparrow: Wheee! Soo glad u like it, thankee soo much! And don't worry, I've put the ladle away lol. Thanx re.
the title and my name thing, when I was in a band I was nicknamed Psiren cuz I was the singer, so it kinda stuck, lol.
And the title was just meant to be cuz of Jack's ideas of a ship representing Freedom, and also Jade's desire to feel
free. :)
jackfan2: Oh, I dunno what happened to the formatting :S It looks readable to me, if a little all crammed in.
quiet-one145: Hopefully your qu's about Barbossa will be answered in this Chapter, or at least some of them, lol. And
as for sequels, see below for the idea I had for it. If you don't think it's a gd idea tho let me know.
Erinya: Thankee kindly, hee hee. I just kept getting random images of women throwing stuff at Jack so it seemed to make
sense to me. Oh and I know the 'S joke' at the end of the first Chapter is lame *grins nervously* I was tired and I
think a little more of me than is normal went into Jade's character at the last minute. Hope you continue to enjoy it :)
I had a bit of an idea, tell me if you think it's any gd, that I could do a sequel between Rita (the first mate, she's
doing a little more in this chapter) and Will. Jack and Jade would still be in it, but not as the main characters. Only
prob is I don't know what I'd do with poor old Elizabeth! She could go with Gibbs I suppose... *shudders*. Either way,
tell me if you think this is a gd idea or not, and tell me what u think of the chapter :D.
** = flashback
*8*
The ships travelled together at a moderately speedy pace, looking to all purposes like the most unusual expedition
recently ventured, considering crew members kept swinging from one ship to the other on ropes. As both Jack and Jade
were similarly proud, and sensibly cautious, neither had agreed to remain on the others ship permanently for the duration
of the journey to Tortuga, even if it was agreed that much further talking was necessary. It was therefore simply on
principle that almost every hour, on the hour, they would swing across from one ship to the other. If any of the crew
members had not by now become acclimatised to the strange actions of both of their Captains, then this might have been
a problem. Will and Elizabeth had decided that it would be sensible for them to oversee the actions of what happened,
if just for the safety of both of the Captains considering their last demonstration of how things were going on the
board between the ships.
"If you want to torment Barbossa and that crew for a painful eternity of endless misery, I say they're welcome to it, it's
no skin off my nose what happens to them. But I'd like to see how you're goin' to manage it luv." declared Jack as he
swung across to the Pearl. "Rita you're with me." instructed Jade, nodding to her first mate who promptly followed her
across on a rope. Jade opened her mouth to continue talking to Jack once she had landed only to hear a loud squeal.
Turning, they all encountered Elizabeth swinging from one ship to the other, clearly too petrified to let go. Jack,
Rita and Jade all shared a look of amused disbelief before Jade jumped on to the side of the ship and gripped the rope
as it flew past her, stopping Elizabeth's shriek short. "Jump down yer daft sap Liz we ain't got all day." Jade said,
grinning as a shaken Liz released the rope and fell to the floor. Will flew across after them and gave Jade a look as
he helped Elizabeth up. "She's not used to these kind of conditions." he protested. "Well she should learn mate."
pointed out Jack, before they all retired to the cabin.
"I'm glad you have that viewpoint Jack, and to answer your question, there's Rita." said Jade, flopping down into her
chair in her cabin. Her cabin being considerably smaller than Jacks, Elizabeth found herself perched rather uncertainly
on the edge of her bed next to Jack and Rita who had casually sprawled themselves across it. "Rita is from an African
tribe with rather ummmm.... spiritual persuasions." said Jade, flashing her first mate a lazy grin. "That, is how we're
bringing Barbossa back.". Whilst Will looked entirely incredulous and Elizabeth rather sickened by the prospect of
Barbossa being brought back, Jack looked mildly disbelieving but willing to overlook it. He waved a hand dismissively
"Fair enough. But what d'you think will encourage him to go to the Minotaur tunnels?" Will must have indicated his
confusion in some way because Jade's eyes flickered to him. "It's a series of tunnels in the mountains of an island
North from here. Pirates used to use it as a hiding place when they were being hunted by trading companies and rather
over-zealous commodores like your mate Norrington. They soon stopped when they realised once they got in, they had a
damn hard time finding their way out again. These tunnels, run so far back into those mountains, that its said they're
impossible to map. They're not of course, but that's what's said." Will was quite disapointed at this admission,
considering the rather dramatic hand waving that Jade had preceded it with. "Either way, gettin' him there will be
simple Jack. Bait. And of course, the normal element... Me." continued Jade, flashing a sarcastic smile. Jack narrowed
his eyes and tilted his head suspiciously "You're willing to let that bastard go near you again?"
"If it means destroying him, certainly. I'll give him a little incentive to go to the Minotaur tunnels. So many
pirates hid there, that their hoards of treasure are undoubtedly there too. Big incentive for someone like Barbossa.
Once there, Old Syla can give us a hand. She's an ex pickpocket, one of the best. That reminds me," Jade pulled a
watch on a chain from her pocket and threw it to Will. "Keep an eye on your pockets around her mate." she said, winking
beligerently. Will checked the watch over in horror before cramming it deep back inside him pockets. "She's going to
make sure that every one of the crew has pocketed some of that gold. Then we destroy the case. If there's no case to
return the gold to, the curse can't very well be lifted now can it?" During Jade's tirade Jack had been stroking his
beard thoughtfully and progressively grinning more and more. "You've got some cheek on you darlin' I'll give you that.
But what's to stop you and your lovely ship of ladies gettin' stuck inside those tunnels with Barbossa? An undead and
mighty mad Barbossa and a little mortal you wouldn't get along too well I'm reckonin'." he questioned, standing and
planting himself on her desk atop a pile of maps, one foot propped up on the chair she was on so that he was bent down
to look her in the eye. Will grinned despite himself. She'd sure as Hell got Jack's attention now. Trust him to find
this type of lunacy appealing. Jade grinned up at Jack's focused stare "That's where Rita comes in again. Show 'em
mate."
Jack's expression turned from surprise to confusion to a manic grin as he found that Rita was stripping off her jacket, and
now her shirt. Will hopped from one foot to the other agitatedly, not sure where his eyes should be but damn sure they
shouldn't be on Rita. Elizabeth just blushed furiously as the ebony-skinned pirate flicked her shirt casually on to the
floor, holding one arm across her breasts to protect the modesty Elizabeth assumed she had somewhere beneath that bored
expression. "That's incredible." breathed Jack, to even further Elizabeth's embarassment. "It's a semi-nude woman Jack
I fail to see how that's incredible." she said in flustered tones.
"It'd help if you two looked at her mates." said Jade, her voice rife with amusement. Both Will and Elizabeth dragged
their eyes reluctantly up to encounter Rita's flesh.
An intricate, flawless tattoo covered the whole of Rita's back, up across her arms and shoulder, and creeped across the
top of her chest. Jack had moved forward, eyes narrowed in fascination, and had taken to walking round her, finally
settling his gaze on her back. His face glowed with grim delight "It's a map.". Will inched forward to try and get a
closer look, blushing as he caught Rita's gaze "Sorry, may I?" She shrugged and smirked "You can do whatever you like
mate." she replied, laughing harshly but not unkindly as his blushes increased. "You might have heard of Rita's father
lads and ladies. Gentleman by the name of Captain Rekedain." Elizabeth sat bolt upright, her eyes wide "Rekedain was a
murderous butcher that could control the winds and the tide! He routed entire villages and sent fleets to the bottom of
the ocean!".
"Aye, and a right swell dad 'e was too." said Rita sarcastically with a nasty smile. "You've been doin' your homework
Liz girl. I'm likin' you more every time you open your mouth." said Jade, clapping Elizabeth on the back and almost
sending her hurtling off the bed. "Either way, he got trapped inside the Minotaur tunnels for ne'er on four weeks.
Nearly killed him, he ended up feeding off scrapings from rocks. But when he did get out, he decided that he'd ensure
his daughter never had to suffer the same plight. Hence her rather elaborate decoration." continued Jade, pacing and
waving theatrically. She then span and focused on Jack again, smiling brightly "So y'see Jack, we can't get lost. That
there is the only map that charters the Minotaur tunnels." Jack was grinning back the same delighted grin, the prospect
of this all clearly going to his rum-swollen brain.
"And while you're there..." he said, moving towards Jade and gesticulating "...we can collect up all that lovely
treasure that's been hanging around there for years." completed Jade. "I love it when you get all vengeful if these are
the type of plans you come up with darlin'." declared Jack,grinning charmingly. He then wrapped an arm round her,
leaning close and confidentially "I hope you know you have my total support in this venture. I'd be more than willing to
help." he said in hushed tones, flashing gold teeth. Jade raised her eyebrows "Cute Jack, very cute. YES, if you help
us you'll get thirty five percent of all the plunder. For a start, my crew needs somewhere to hide while all of this is
going on before I call them in to collect up the goods..." Will shoved in between them, looking
righteously indignant
"But what happens if Barbossa and his men escape? Can you imagine what it would be like if they were free to scourge
the ocean for an eternity?" he insisted,feeling even before he said it that such rationalities were falling on deaf ears.
"They won't escape mate. This is the Minotaur tunnels we're takin' them too, and besides, I'm sure I can invent one or
two barricades to keep 'em there." said Jade slyly, a diabolical smirk threatening to take over her face.
Will shook his head and threw his arms up in frustration. There was no use appealing to Jack, he was too far gone,
involved in this plot and certainly involved in Jade. "This is a crazed plan, there are too many risks!" he yelled
before marching out of the cabin. Elizabeth went after him as Rita picked up her shirt. "Leave 'im to it. He'll come
round, he's Bootstrap's boy." said Jack. Jade nodded before slapping an arm on to Jack's shoulder. "But tonight, no
more talk of plans. We're nearly at Tortuga. Now there's a place after my own heart. I'll be reckonin' they'll have
enough rum even for you and me." she said happily before making for the door.
Jack glanced back at Rita who was buttoning up her shirt "Need any help with that at all?" he offered innocently,
running for the door when he caught the look he received.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
**Jack was awoken to the normal state he was in after a night of heavy drinking, which was normally with very little
ability to see and even less ability to think, by the sound of loud yells of encouragement and screams for blood.
Lurching upright and swaying in his bed as he waited for the world to stop spinning, he slumped to the floor and
dragged on some clothes before staggering abovedecks, ramming his hat on his head as an after thought. There had to be
standards after all.
Upon the cool sea air hitting him in the face he found a circle of his crew, seemingly one living breathing cell that
roared violence as they watched it being brought about. Shoving his way through he grabbed Barbossa's sleeve "What's
goin' on?" he slurred, blinking dazedly. "We reckoned the girly could do with some toughenin' up if she's ever goin' to
be any use aboard this ship. Asides from what she's obviously good for." leered Barbossa before turning to the spectacle
in the centre again. A sight that instantly sobered Jack met him.
They had put her in a fight against Bo. The man was huge and built like a tree trunk! Her face was already a mass of
blood as she cautiously moved in circles, limping, staggering, trying to keep away from him. When he closed in on her
again she threw some punches that didn't do much use, feeble and weak, before he brought his knee up into her stomach,
buckling her into winded silence. As she lay gagging and wheezing on the floor he gripped a handful of her hair and
dragged her across the deck before throwing her against the side. Feeling physically ill as he watched this, Jack caught
the examining look Barbossa was giving him and felt a hot rush of fury as he realised; this was about him. Barbossa was
testing his reactions to this, trying to make him give up a display of protectiveness in front of the crew. A sign of
weakness. Jack had to bite down on the urge to walk over to Barbossa and slit his throat right now, but instead he kept
his face studiously blank. But his eyes never left Jade, and with each punch she took the anger was clawing up higher
and higher inside his throat.
Jade coughed a splat of blood up onto the deck, trying to stop the flow of blood coming from her nose as she dragged
herself upright. This couldn't be happening. Not now not to her. But she couldn't feel her arm and she couldn't
breathe and there was blood everywhere so it was happening. It was real. The world wouldn't keep still. "You're makin'
a mess of the deck. You're going to have to clean that up Bitch." snarled Bo as he got a grip of her hair again.
Always the whore. Always damaged always taking it enduring it allowing it. No. No no no no no. Humiliating me beating
me it's MY blood you can't shed it you can't decide it's not yours to shed. NO.
Rearing up, Jade spat a mouthful of her blood in to Bo's face, sending him reeling backwards cursing, trying to rub his
eyes clear. Going straight after him, Jade swung punch after vicious punch at his head, teeth gritted in fury as a
ragged snarl crept out from between them. Dazed by the unrepentant, unstopping assault, Bo finally managed to get a punch
in but Jade only staggered back a few inches. "COME ON! YOU THINK I'M AFRAID OF YOU??" she screamed at him, face
contorted with anger. Ramming her knee into his stomach, she gripped his hair as he buckled in half and smashed his nose
against her knee as well. Throwing him to the floor, she kicked him in the stomach and chest, breath tearing out of her
in a high pitched pant. Surprised but nevertheless entertained by this change of events, the crew continued to cheer
loudly, laughing at how much they thought Jade would pay when Bo finally got up, and how much they were going to laugh
at Bo for taking a beating from a woman. Jack clenched his teeth against the grin that threatened to break out.
Turning, Jade picked up an oar for the row boat and snapped it in half against her leg, holding one broken end in both
hands. Barbossa looked about to object before Jack raised a languid hand "Any weapon they can get a hold of is theres."
he stated, giving Barbossa a warning look. Bo was slowly bringing himself upright, only to encounter the handle of the
oar, used like a club, lodging into his stomach. He went down again, choking. Kicking him the other end of the oar,
Jade sneered "I don't think you can beat me even if I give you a chance." Grabbing the other half of the oar, he flew at
her, only for her to spin out of his reach and club him across the back of the neck with it. He went down again,
pulling himself up faster this time, incensed by the shame of a woman making him bleed as he now was, in plentiful
amounts. They then both took to using the pieces of wood like swords, blocking and thrusting at each other with the
splintered ends. Hitting her hand with the end of his stick so that she released her hold, Bo then whipped his club out
and slammed it across the side of Jade's head, taking her down. Jack's heart jolted painfully at the noise Jade made as
she fell.
Bo laughed nastily as he stepped over her. "Ready to give up yet Jade?" he asked, every utterance speaking volumes of
disgust and superiority. Rolling onto her back, heaving for breath, Jade glowered up at him, eyes almost black with
fury. "Who said you could talk to me scum?" she hissed before giving a flailing kick upwards that impacted just where
she wanted it to: his crotch. Letting out a feeble groan he crumpled. Pulling herself up Jade span and turned on the
nearest crew member, whipping their sword from their belt before they had a chance to stop her. Spinning and letting
out a scream of anger, Jade brought the sword up over her head, to bring it down upon Bo's...
Barbossa gripped hold of her arm tightly, halting her downward cut. "That's enough now Jade. I think yeh've made yer
point." he said grimly, a slight smile on his face despite this. Shaking with rage, Jade slowly dropped the sword. The
crew remained utterly silent as they watched this all, unsure of how they were meant to react. Barbossa grinned finally,
raising Jade's arm "It looks like we've got a tough little cookin' woman lads!" he laughed, bringing the crew to life
once more as they were told how to react by this. They all laughed and went about their business, leaving Bo to crawl
down to the sleeping quarters and lick his wounds. Jack in turn went to the wheel and carried on with the work of the
ship. But for the rest of the day he had a vague smile on his face that never quite left.
That night, as Jade crept abovedecks, she heard low clapping. Peering into the darkness, she saw Jack seated on the edge
of the ship with a wide grin on his face. "Bo's face is so mashed up I don't reckon he'll be able to see out of the
swellings for a month." Jack declared as she reached him, stopping himself from slapping her on the back when he realised
how sore she must be. "Good, perhaps I can get him to walk off the plank in that month then. It's the only way I'm
going to be safe considering he got beaten by a woman." Jade murmured regretfully, stepping further to the front of the
ship. Jack leapt down off the edge and followed her "I don't think he'll try anything if Barbossa doesn't allow it, and
he doesn't want you too damaged." Jade snorted at this "Yes, I have to live up to my uses." she replied, trying
desperately to ensure Jack didn't notice she was limping. Jack shook his head and continued to grin madly, taking her
by the shoulders and turning her to face him "You don't get it luv. You showed them your metal today. Those flea-ridden
dogs reckoned you as an easy touch, a little girl. I guarantee you, they won't anymore." Jade managed a slight smile
through her swollen lip "What are you saying?" "I'm saying that you've done me proud. You're a pirate my girl! You
fight dirty! Though I've gotta say, hitting him in the nethers, that was a little too out of order." Jack added, wincing
to express the agony of it as though it had happened to him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hmmmm, hmmmmm and more hmmmmm. Definitely not sure about how well I'm doing Jack's character in this one. Ah well, I'm
trying! Lemme know what u think :).
the title and my name thing, when I was in a band I was nicknamed Psiren cuz I was the singer, so it kinda stuck, lol.
And the title was just meant to be cuz of Jack's ideas of a ship representing Freedom, and also Jade's desire to feel
free. :)
jackfan2: Oh, I dunno what happened to the formatting :S It looks readable to me, if a little all crammed in.
quiet-one145: Hopefully your qu's about Barbossa will be answered in this Chapter, or at least some of them, lol. And
as for sequels, see below for the idea I had for it. If you don't think it's a gd idea tho let me know.
Erinya: Thankee kindly, hee hee. I just kept getting random images of women throwing stuff at Jack so it seemed to make
sense to me. Oh and I know the 'S joke' at the end of the first Chapter is lame *grins nervously* I was tired and I
think a little more of me than is normal went into Jade's character at the last minute. Hope you continue to enjoy it :)
I had a bit of an idea, tell me if you think it's any gd, that I could do a sequel between Rita (the first mate, she's
doing a little more in this chapter) and Will. Jack and Jade would still be in it, but not as the main characters. Only
prob is I don't know what I'd do with poor old Elizabeth! She could go with Gibbs I suppose... *shudders*. Either way,
tell me if you think this is a gd idea or not, and tell me what u think of the chapter :D.
** = flashback
*8*
The ships travelled together at a moderately speedy pace, looking to all purposes like the most unusual expedition
recently ventured, considering crew members kept swinging from one ship to the other on ropes. As both Jack and Jade
were similarly proud, and sensibly cautious, neither had agreed to remain on the others ship permanently for the duration
of the journey to Tortuga, even if it was agreed that much further talking was necessary. It was therefore simply on
principle that almost every hour, on the hour, they would swing across from one ship to the other. If any of the crew
members had not by now become acclimatised to the strange actions of both of their Captains, then this might have been
a problem. Will and Elizabeth had decided that it would be sensible for them to oversee the actions of what happened,
if just for the safety of both of the Captains considering their last demonstration of how things were going on the
board between the ships.
"If you want to torment Barbossa and that crew for a painful eternity of endless misery, I say they're welcome to it, it's
no skin off my nose what happens to them. But I'd like to see how you're goin' to manage it luv." declared Jack as he
swung across to the Pearl. "Rita you're with me." instructed Jade, nodding to her first mate who promptly followed her
across on a rope. Jade opened her mouth to continue talking to Jack once she had landed only to hear a loud squeal.
Turning, they all encountered Elizabeth swinging from one ship to the other, clearly too petrified to let go. Jack,
Rita and Jade all shared a look of amused disbelief before Jade jumped on to the side of the ship and gripped the rope
as it flew past her, stopping Elizabeth's shriek short. "Jump down yer daft sap Liz we ain't got all day." Jade said,
grinning as a shaken Liz released the rope and fell to the floor. Will flew across after them and gave Jade a look as
he helped Elizabeth up. "She's not used to these kind of conditions." he protested. "Well she should learn mate."
pointed out Jack, before they all retired to the cabin.
"I'm glad you have that viewpoint Jack, and to answer your question, there's Rita." said Jade, flopping down into her
chair in her cabin. Her cabin being considerably smaller than Jacks, Elizabeth found herself perched rather uncertainly
on the edge of her bed next to Jack and Rita who had casually sprawled themselves across it. "Rita is from an African
tribe with rather ummmm.... spiritual persuasions." said Jade, flashing her first mate a lazy grin. "That, is how we're
bringing Barbossa back.". Whilst Will looked entirely incredulous and Elizabeth rather sickened by the prospect of
Barbossa being brought back, Jack looked mildly disbelieving but willing to overlook it. He waved a hand dismissively
"Fair enough. But what d'you think will encourage him to go to the Minotaur tunnels?" Will must have indicated his
confusion in some way because Jade's eyes flickered to him. "It's a series of tunnels in the mountains of an island
North from here. Pirates used to use it as a hiding place when they were being hunted by trading companies and rather
over-zealous commodores like your mate Norrington. They soon stopped when they realised once they got in, they had a
damn hard time finding their way out again. These tunnels, run so far back into those mountains, that its said they're
impossible to map. They're not of course, but that's what's said." Will was quite disapointed at this admission,
considering the rather dramatic hand waving that Jade had preceded it with. "Either way, gettin' him there will be
simple Jack. Bait. And of course, the normal element... Me." continued Jade, flashing a sarcastic smile. Jack narrowed
his eyes and tilted his head suspiciously "You're willing to let that bastard go near you again?"
"If it means destroying him, certainly. I'll give him a little incentive to go to the Minotaur tunnels. So many
pirates hid there, that their hoards of treasure are undoubtedly there too. Big incentive for someone like Barbossa.
Once there, Old Syla can give us a hand. She's an ex pickpocket, one of the best. That reminds me," Jade pulled a
watch on a chain from her pocket and threw it to Will. "Keep an eye on your pockets around her mate." she said, winking
beligerently. Will checked the watch over in horror before cramming it deep back inside him pockets. "She's going to
make sure that every one of the crew has pocketed some of that gold. Then we destroy the case. If there's no case to
return the gold to, the curse can't very well be lifted now can it?" During Jade's tirade Jack had been stroking his
beard thoughtfully and progressively grinning more and more. "You've got some cheek on you darlin' I'll give you that.
But what's to stop you and your lovely ship of ladies gettin' stuck inside those tunnels with Barbossa? An undead and
mighty mad Barbossa and a little mortal you wouldn't get along too well I'm reckonin'." he questioned, standing and
planting himself on her desk atop a pile of maps, one foot propped up on the chair she was on so that he was bent down
to look her in the eye. Will grinned despite himself. She'd sure as Hell got Jack's attention now. Trust him to find
this type of lunacy appealing. Jade grinned up at Jack's focused stare "That's where Rita comes in again. Show 'em
mate."
Jack's expression turned from surprise to confusion to a manic grin as he found that Rita was stripping off her jacket, and
now her shirt. Will hopped from one foot to the other agitatedly, not sure where his eyes should be but damn sure they
shouldn't be on Rita. Elizabeth just blushed furiously as the ebony-skinned pirate flicked her shirt casually on to the
floor, holding one arm across her breasts to protect the modesty Elizabeth assumed she had somewhere beneath that bored
expression. "That's incredible." breathed Jack, to even further Elizabeth's embarassment. "It's a semi-nude woman Jack
I fail to see how that's incredible." she said in flustered tones.
"It'd help if you two looked at her mates." said Jade, her voice rife with amusement. Both Will and Elizabeth dragged
their eyes reluctantly up to encounter Rita's flesh.
An intricate, flawless tattoo covered the whole of Rita's back, up across her arms and shoulder, and creeped across the
top of her chest. Jack had moved forward, eyes narrowed in fascination, and had taken to walking round her, finally
settling his gaze on her back. His face glowed with grim delight "It's a map.". Will inched forward to try and get a
closer look, blushing as he caught Rita's gaze "Sorry, may I?" She shrugged and smirked "You can do whatever you like
mate." she replied, laughing harshly but not unkindly as his blushes increased. "You might have heard of Rita's father
lads and ladies. Gentleman by the name of Captain Rekedain." Elizabeth sat bolt upright, her eyes wide "Rekedain was a
murderous butcher that could control the winds and the tide! He routed entire villages and sent fleets to the bottom of
the ocean!".
"Aye, and a right swell dad 'e was too." said Rita sarcastically with a nasty smile. "You've been doin' your homework
Liz girl. I'm likin' you more every time you open your mouth." said Jade, clapping Elizabeth on the back and almost
sending her hurtling off the bed. "Either way, he got trapped inside the Minotaur tunnels for ne'er on four weeks.
Nearly killed him, he ended up feeding off scrapings from rocks. But when he did get out, he decided that he'd ensure
his daughter never had to suffer the same plight. Hence her rather elaborate decoration." continued Jade, pacing and
waving theatrically. She then span and focused on Jack again, smiling brightly "So y'see Jack, we can't get lost. That
there is the only map that charters the Minotaur tunnels." Jack was grinning back the same delighted grin, the prospect
of this all clearly going to his rum-swollen brain.
"And while you're there..." he said, moving towards Jade and gesticulating "...we can collect up all that lovely
treasure that's been hanging around there for years." completed Jade. "I love it when you get all vengeful if these are
the type of plans you come up with darlin'." declared Jack,grinning charmingly. He then wrapped an arm round her,
leaning close and confidentially "I hope you know you have my total support in this venture. I'd be more than willing to
help." he said in hushed tones, flashing gold teeth. Jade raised her eyebrows "Cute Jack, very cute. YES, if you help
us you'll get thirty five percent of all the plunder. For a start, my crew needs somewhere to hide while all of this is
going on before I call them in to collect up the goods..." Will shoved in between them, looking
righteously indignant
"But what happens if Barbossa and his men escape? Can you imagine what it would be like if they were free to scourge
the ocean for an eternity?" he insisted,feeling even before he said it that such rationalities were falling on deaf ears.
"They won't escape mate. This is the Minotaur tunnels we're takin' them too, and besides, I'm sure I can invent one or
two barricades to keep 'em there." said Jade slyly, a diabolical smirk threatening to take over her face.
Will shook his head and threw his arms up in frustration. There was no use appealing to Jack, he was too far gone,
involved in this plot and certainly involved in Jade. "This is a crazed plan, there are too many risks!" he yelled
before marching out of the cabin. Elizabeth went after him as Rita picked up her shirt. "Leave 'im to it. He'll come
round, he's Bootstrap's boy." said Jack. Jade nodded before slapping an arm on to Jack's shoulder. "But tonight, no
more talk of plans. We're nearly at Tortuga. Now there's a place after my own heart. I'll be reckonin' they'll have
enough rum even for you and me." she said happily before making for the door.
Jack glanced back at Rita who was buttoning up her shirt "Need any help with that at all?" he offered innocently,
running for the door when he caught the look he received.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
**Jack was awoken to the normal state he was in after a night of heavy drinking, which was normally with very little
ability to see and even less ability to think, by the sound of loud yells of encouragement and screams for blood.
Lurching upright and swaying in his bed as he waited for the world to stop spinning, he slumped to the floor and
dragged on some clothes before staggering abovedecks, ramming his hat on his head as an after thought. There had to be
standards after all.
Upon the cool sea air hitting him in the face he found a circle of his crew, seemingly one living breathing cell that
roared violence as they watched it being brought about. Shoving his way through he grabbed Barbossa's sleeve "What's
goin' on?" he slurred, blinking dazedly. "We reckoned the girly could do with some toughenin' up if she's ever goin' to
be any use aboard this ship. Asides from what she's obviously good for." leered Barbossa before turning to the spectacle
in the centre again. A sight that instantly sobered Jack met him.
They had put her in a fight against Bo. The man was huge and built like a tree trunk! Her face was already a mass of
blood as she cautiously moved in circles, limping, staggering, trying to keep away from him. When he closed in on her
again she threw some punches that didn't do much use, feeble and weak, before he brought his knee up into her stomach,
buckling her into winded silence. As she lay gagging and wheezing on the floor he gripped a handful of her hair and
dragged her across the deck before throwing her against the side. Feeling physically ill as he watched this, Jack caught
the examining look Barbossa was giving him and felt a hot rush of fury as he realised; this was about him. Barbossa was
testing his reactions to this, trying to make him give up a display of protectiveness in front of the crew. A sign of
weakness. Jack had to bite down on the urge to walk over to Barbossa and slit his throat right now, but instead he kept
his face studiously blank. But his eyes never left Jade, and with each punch she took the anger was clawing up higher
and higher inside his throat.
Jade coughed a splat of blood up onto the deck, trying to stop the flow of blood coming from her nose as she dragged
herself upright. This couldn't be happening. Not now not to her. But she couldn't feel her arm and she couldn't
breathe and there was blood everywhere so it was happening. It was real. The world wouldn't keep still. "You're makin'
a mess of the deck. You're going to have to clean that up Bitch." snarled Bo as he got a grip of her hair again.
Always the whore. Always damaged always taking it enduring it allowing it. No. No no no no no. Humiliating me beating
me it's MY blood you can't shed it you can't decide it's not yours to shed. NO.
Rearing up, Jade spat a mouthful of her blood in to Bo's face, sending him reeling backwards cursing, trying to rub his
eyes clear. Going straight after him, Jade swung punch after vicious punch at his head, teeth gritted in fury as a
ragged snarl crept out from between them. Dazed by the unrepentant, unstopping assault, Bo finally managed to get a punch
in but Jade only staggered back a few inches. "COME ON! YOU THINK I'M AFRAID OF YOU??" she screamed at him, face
contorted with anger. Ramming her knee into his stomach, she gripped his hair as he buckled in half and smashed his nose
against her knee as well. Throwing him to the floor, she kicked him in the stomach and chest, breath tearing out of her
in a high pitched pant. Surprised but nevertheless entertained by this change of events, the crew continued to cheer
loudly, laughing at how much they thought Jade would pay when Bo finally got up, and how much they were going to laugh
at Bo for taking a beating from a woman. Jack clenched his teeth against the grin that threatened to break out.
Turning, Jade picked up an oar for the row boat and snapped it in half against her leg, holding one broken end in both
hands. Barbossa looked about to object before Jack raised a languid hand "Any weapon they can get a hold of is theres."
he stated, giving Barbossa a warning look. Bo was slowly bringing himself upright, only to encounter the handle of the
oar, used like a club, lodging into his stomach. He went down again, choking. Kicking him the other end of the oar,
Jade sneered "I don't think you can beat me even if I give you a chance." Grabbing the other half of the oar, he flew at
her, only for her to spin out of his reach and club him across the back of the neck with it. He went down again,
pulling himself up faster this time, incensed by the shame of a woman making him bleed as he now was, in plentiful
amounts. They then both took to using the pieces of wood like swords, blocking and thrusting at each other with the
splintered ends. Hitting her hand with the end of his stick so that she released her hold, Bo then whipped his club out
and slammed it across the side of Jade's head, taking her down. Jack's heart jolted painfully at the noise Jade made as
she fell.
Bo laughed nastily as he stepped over her. "Ready to give up yet Jade?" he asked, every utterance speaking volumes of
disgust and superiority. Rolling onto her back, heaving for breath, Jade glowered up at him, eyes almost black with
fury. "Who said you could talk to me scum?" she hissed before giving a flailing kick upwards that impacted just where
she wanted it to: his crotch. Letting out a feeble groan he crumpled. Pulling herself up Jade span and turned on the
nearest crew member, whipping their sword from their belt before they had a chance to stop her. Spinning and letting
out a scream of anger, Jade brought the sword up over her head, to bring it down upon Bo's...
Barbossa gripped hold of her arm tightly, halting her downward cut. "That's enough now Jade. I think yeh've made yer
point." he said grimly, a slight smile on his face despite this. Shaking with rage, Jade slowly dropped the sword. The
crew remained utterly silent as they watched this all, unsure of how they were meant to react. Barbossa grinned finally,
raising Jade's arm "It looks like we've got a tough little cookin' woman lads!" he laughed, bringing the crew to life
once more as they were told how to react by this. They all laughed and went about their business, leaving Bo to crawl
down to the sleeping quarters and lick his wounds. Jack in turn went to the wheel and carried on with the work of the
ship. But for the rest of the day he had a vague smile on his face that never quite left.
That night, as Jade crept abovedecks, she heard low clapping. Peering into the darkness, she saw Jack seated on the edge
of the ship with a wide grin on his face. "Bo's face is so mashed up I don't reckon he'll be able to see out of the
swellings for a month." Jack declared as she reached him, stopping himself from slapping her on the back when he realised
how sore she must be. "Good, perhaps I can get him to walk off the plank in that month then. It's the only way I'm
going to be safe considering he got beaten by a woman." Jade murmured regretfully, stepping further to the front of the
ship. Jack leapt down off the edge and followed her "I don't think he'll try anything if Barbossa doesn't allow it, and
he doesn't want you too damaged." Jade snorted at this "Yes, I have to live up to my uses." she replied, trying
desperately to ensure Jack didn't notice she was limping. Jack shook his head and continued to grin madly, taking her
by the shoulders and turning her to face him "You don't get it luv. You showed them your metal today. Those flea-ridden
dogs reckoned you as an easy touch, a little girl. I guarantee you, they won't anymore." Jade managed a slight smile
through her swollen lip "What are you saying?" "I'm saying that you've done me proud. You're a pirate my girl! You
fight dirty! Though I've gotta say, hitting him in the nethers, that was a little too out of order." Jack added, wincing
to express the agony of it as though it had happened to him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hmmmm, hmmmmm and more hmmmmm. Definitely not sure about how well I'm doing Jack's character in this one. Ah well, I'm
trying! Lemme know what u think :).