Disclaimer: *squeals and giggles of delight are heard from behind the closed door, with the sign reading: Busy entertaining herself and guest…No! Not in that way! We're playing 'hearts', sicko's!*
Authors Note: Doomo arigato minna! (Thank you thank you thank you!) Sorry I didn't get it up earlier today…well, er…actually. Whatever, I got it up really late at night/early morning. Same difference. Hope you enjoy! Here it is, updated like! With new, correct French! Thanks Ursula!
Four-Sided Eyes
(a.k.a. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the fangirl)
Chapter 9: Overhaul
(To gain upon in a chase; to overtake.)
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(Jack's POV…)
Battle on the high seas…
The sights, the smells…
The excitement.
My grin couldn't be much wider as the Pearl rushed after our prey. A French ship, the flag said all. They likely wouldn't put up much of a fight, or have much booty, but still... It was something to look forward to. Even Pierre seemed excited. I chuckled to myself as I saw Pierre leaning off the railing as far as he could.
It was a good thing Pierre was so young. He still had time to adjust and forget the tragedies of his past. Not that he wasn't bound to have more in the future, but such experiences would only make him stronger.
Landlubbers always talk of how a pirate's life seems like it is so easy…but most wouldn't last a week as a hand aboard most pirate ships.
Pierre though…he either had been raised aboard a ship or merely adjusted well. Time would only tell how well he was at swordplay. Sure, he sparred rather well against Anamaria…but when death was an actual option…
Nodding slightly to myself, I made the mental note to either have Anamaria keep an eye on Pierre, or do it myself. There would be no need to lose such an interesting cabin boy just yet.
Though dissolving the issues surrounding Pierre…no. Captain Jack Sparrow can solve this mystery without having to search a dead body. Besides, that's just a little bit too morbid for my taste.
Grinning broadly and holding tightly to the helm, our prey came only closer…and closer.
Within ten minutes, maybe less, this ship would be ours for the taking. Unless the crew put up a fight…and then it would be around twenty minutes.
Ah, a pirate's life.
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(Janette's POV…)
What in heaven's name is going on? The room, I presumed it was my cabin, was twirling about and there were loud noises all around.
Wait…
We were being pursued by pirates…and there was little hope of our escape. And... why am I here? Wasn't I out on deck, returning to my room after the awful discovery? Narrowing my eyes - and then closing them after I discovered that such an action made the room spin even faster - I tried to recollect my last waking moment, or at least the memories corresponding to them.
Oh yes…I had remembered more about what pirates were like, and how I am the only…
I felt the color, or what little that was left of it, drain from my cheeks.
Rape. Pirates rape and ravage.
I must've fainted.
It would certainly explain the gap in my memory, and how I've ended up on my bed in my cabin.
Now that my breathing and vision had returned to normal I distinguished metal clanging amongst the clamor going on outside.
As the throbbing in my head began to match the rhythm of the clanging I started to wish they'd really stop all this nonsense and not make my headache any worse.
Really, how loud and raucous must they be?
Despite all of my perfectly reasonable wishes, the yelling got louder. And what were they saying?
Was that English? Oh dear…
If they don't speak French then…I'll have absolutely no way to demand my safety. If they find me…
Now wait a moment.
I am, as of yet, unnoticed. Who's to say that they will notice me?
But…
I sat up and crossed my arms over my chest, hoping this entire ordeal would end soon.
I'm irresistible!
How could they not notice me?
Oh dear…
I sat still and waited for a brilliant idea to come to me.
And waited.
And waited yet some more.
Maybe if I don't make any noise and my door is locked tightly they'll leave me be…
Well, I can't seem to formulate any other ideas. I guess that's my only option for survival.
How dreadful. Where's my knight in shining armor when I need him?
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(Kendra's POV…)
My cutlass was just as swift.
Just as deadly.
Well, I hadn't killed any French sailors yet, but this was only because I didn't feel the need to spill so much blood.
Not yet at least.
I noted Sparrow's precaution instantly. He had kept his battles near me, obviously to keep an eye on inexperienced little 'Pierre'. Just as well. I can keep an eye on him too.
"Jacque!" my opponent yelled, darting his gaze to a man out of my range of vision. "Jíl distrairai! Tíl attaqueras de derrière!"
My nostrils flared and I attacked with more vigor. These foolish sailors thought they had the upper hand, but I would prove them wrong.
I could feel more of Sparrow's gaze on me, but what does it matter? I can always attest to doing well under pressure. Lessons from a very young age…
Whatever it takes to keep up this façade.
Well…I suppose it would be wise to not show off all of my skills then, wouldn't it?
The fateful bootstep behind me was shortly cut off by a yell and I sliced my opponent's sword arm along the wrist, causing him to drop his blade and allow me to turn around quickly.
Sparrow.
Curse his protectiveness.
I could've dealt with both men.
But I hid my frustration as surprise.
My captain stood behind me, and pulled his sword out of the French sailor's back. Jacque I suppose his name was.
I stepped on the fallen sword of my enemy and held my blade to his neck, smirking to myself as he clutched his wrist and glared at me.
"Ne suppose pas que nous sommes les imbécile qui ne parlons pas français. Fais-tu attention pour ton cou," I spat out.
The sailor's eyes darkened. "Tu parle Français.."
"Oui," my smirk broadened.
"Pierre," Sparrow walked up to my side, his cutlass still in hand, but now down at his side.
"Aye, Cap'n?"
"Care to tell those of us who don't speak French what just happened?"
I spared him a glance. "The fool simply thought that he could tell his friend, which you so gracefully dealt with, to stab me in my back. I then told him that not all of us are fools without any knowledge of his language." My smirk turned a little malicious. "Warned him of losing his head. Then he said I spoke French, and I confirmed it. Nothing more, Cap'n."
Sparrow's kohl-lined eyes watched me for a moment, then he nodded. "Anamaria!"
"Aye Cap'n?" I heard her boots near us.
"Is the entire crew subdued?"
"Aye Cap'n, we've got the rest of the prisoners around the mast. Do you want us to tie them up?"
He nodded. "Pierre, bring your prisoner over as well. And then I'll be requiring your assistance."
"My French you mean?"
He grinned and clapped a hand on my shoulder. "Smart lad."
I glared at the sailor across from me and gestured with my cutlass. This time he was obedient, and all of the crew was tied to the mast. There appeared to be one passenger… a nicely dressed gentlemen. The crew was whispering softly to him, I believe his name was Monsieur Graton. Sounds likes a rich Frenchman name. Makes sense. He was definitely unnerved. He would continually glance towards a point to my right. Where I believe some cabins were located. He was worried about something…or someone.
My train of thought was broken as Sparrow put a hand on my shoulder.
Oh was his hand warm…
No! Can't get distracted.
I sheathed my cutlass. Now I would have to use my words and wit.
Splendid.
I kept my smirk to a minimum. The French crew already was tense enough. There was no need to set them off any more.
"Which one is the captain, Pierre?"
I scanned the men tied to the mast. "Qui est le capitaine?"
A middle aged man straightened and kept his tone stiff. "Je suis le capitaine."
Lifting my gaze a bit to see Sparrow better, I pointed to the man. "There he is, Cap'n."
Sparrow nodded and had me walk with him until we stopped before the man. "Now, ask the fine gentlemen what goods he'd like to give to us willingly?"
"Qu'est-ce que donnerez-vous volontiers?"
The man reminded me of a bird…a nasty, sniveling one. And his feathers were definitely ruffled by my words.
My words came out harshly. "Nous pouvons fouillons ton bateau si nécessaire. Nous n'avons pas besoin tu et ton équipage trouver quel nous manque."
Sparrow titled his head a bit.
"I only said that we can always search his ship if necessary. We don't need him or his crew to take what we need."
He nodded. "Good lad."
I concentrated my eyes on the captain and assumed a more threatening stance, putting my hand back on my cutlass' handle.
With this action, the bird-captain spoke quickly, his eyes constantly moving down to my cutlass handle, as well as Sparrow's. "Nous avons divers articles. Et un grande portion de le bagage de les passagers. C'est au dessous le pont."
"He says 'We have a variety of goods. And a good deal of the passenger's luggage. It is all below deck'." I repeated. "Cap'n? What reply should I make?"
Sparrow gained his typical cocky expression. "Thank him for his cooperation. Men!" He barked out.
His hand slid off my shoulder and for a split second I was tempted to follow his lead, if only to keep the warmth of his hand on my shoulder… But I have business to deal with.
"It's all below deck! A few will search the rest of the ship for anything else of value. And bring any other passengers to me. I'll be at the helm."
The captain and his crew looked warily between Sparrow and myself. I simply smiled demurely. "Merci pour votre coopération."
I nodded my head and started off towards the cabins. I always did like searching through people's belongings. It not only gave insight into their lives…but there were always far more interesting trinkets to be found there than in a treasure chest. Such as the mirror back in my cabin…
And there was Monsieur Graton's constant glances over in this general direction. No need to neglect such hints and clues.
Taking a deep breath, I continued on my stroll.
Finding a small corridor, I paused at the shadows within. The battle in the open air was over…but there could still be men hiding here. Cowards, but still men with swords capable of skewering me. And that was not something I normally looked forward to. I preceded slowly, and calmed a bit as my eyes adjusted to the shadows.
This corridor was well traveled. Someone or something was down here. Or at least someone had been. There were three doors to examine, and the first two revealed small cabins, no doubt one of them belonging to the first or second mate, and the other being the French gentlemen, Monsieur Graton.
He was definitely fretting about something, and what do men fret about besides their lives, treasure and…a grin slid onto my face as I heard a bit of shuffling behind the third door.
Children. Or his wife.
No doubt they'd keep them hidden. We are ruthless pirates after all.
So with a broadening grin I tapped on the door, seeing instantly that it was locked and blockaded.
Time to employ my French again it seems…
"Hello?" I asked, hoping the occupant didn't have any weapons on them and that my French was similar enough to the sailors aboard this vessel. But it should be rather close, I've had to listen to them jabber for long enough. "Mademoiselle Graton?"
After a short pause a hesitant high-pitched voice replied in sickeningly impeccable French. "Who is it? What is going on?"
"Just one of the sailors, Mademoiselle," I couldn't keep my grin from being malicious, but my intonation stayed genuine. "All is well now, please come out."
"I…I wish to speak to the captain. Go get him."
Demanding isn't she?
"I am very sorry Mademoiselle Graton, but the captain is indisposed. He actually requested that you meet him at the helm."
"The what?"
Her haughty tone was grating my nerves already. This was a bad sign…we'd only been talking for a mere minute or so.
"I thought all your sailors knew not to use such foolish sailor terms when speaking to me." Her agitation was nowhere near mine, but it gave me the impression that she was…scolding a child.
Maybe the crew had tired of her and locked her in here to keep her out of their way, and for the sake of their sanity.
"My sincerest apologies, Mademoiselle. The captain is waiting where the large wheel used for steering is located. Would you please do him the honor of coming to such a location?"
Gah…if I have to keep this up for much longer I'll just shoot off the lock and hit the stupid girl over the head and drag her on deck.
A small grin crept back onto my face, replacing the irked scowl that had grown as our conversation had continued.
But the best part of all was that I hadn't lied. Perhaps I wasn't so much a sailor as a pirate…but in all other ways I was completely honest. Sparrow was at the helm, and was now in charge of this vessel, and he had requested that all occupants of the ship be brought before him.
After what seemed an eternity, the woman answered and scooted what sounded like a chair out of the way, unlocking the door too. "This shouldn't take long, I still have very important things to attend to. Really, whatever could the captain need from me-" the door swung open and my pistol was aimed at her heart.
She stared for a moment, then her gaze lowered to my pistol.
"Good afternoon, Mademoiselle," I tipped my hat a bit and flashed her a grin. "The captain intends to look over all of his prisoners. If you would be so kind?" I took a step back and gestured down the corridor. "Can't keep him waiting, can you?"
"Y-you…you lied to me." Her words were no more than a breathless whisper. But she started slowly down the hall, my pistol pressed to her back.
"You're mistaken, Mademoiselle. I am a sailor, but also a pirate. And the captain does want to see you at the helm. And since your crew is subdued, things are quite calm. So, to be technical and completely honest, I didn't say one lie to you. I only allowed your assumptions to be incorrect."
She turned her head slightly and I detected a hint of…ah, that's it, disgust, revolt. Most anything along that particular tangent.
I merely broadened my grin and pushed her a bit harder with my pistol, my fingers firmly away from the trigger and the gun still uncocked.
As legend tells, Sparrow was - and still is - very fond of women. And Mademoiselle Graton was a very pretty one. Were I the jealous type, I would've considered disposing of her and taking her hair for a wig, or just taking the wig, depending on how much she irritated me at that particular moment.
No reason to agitate my dear Captain Sparrow, so I'll just turn her over to him.
How did this girl stand all the frilly layers…and how did she still look so clean after being out to sea for so long… Well, she probably had far more opportunities to bathe, and that would provide for a lot of her cleanliness.
I have better things to do with my time…like working with the rigging and everything else associated with running a ship.
Though it would be nice to have some of the men smell better…But they're not about to change their ways real soon. Oh well…
