Disclaimer: *grins up at Sparrow, who she happens to be entangled with*
Sparrow: *pulls loose an arm, takes back his hat, and puts it on, then wriggles the rest of him loose, getting to his feet, only to find a pair of arms wrapped around his neck and a pair of ankles wrapped around his waist. After a momentary pause, he sighs* What is it now, lass?
Authors Note: In the spirit of replying to all of my nifty reviewers (39!! Whew!) I will let you read the story first, and then do individual thanks at the end. Hope you enjoy, sorry for the delay! Cursed writer's block…but I did start a shameless self-insertion if anyone's interested…just think of it as….fluff. *nod nod* But on with the story! Aye, avast!
Four-Sided Eyes
(a.k.a. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the fangirl)
Chapter 12: Hawk Eyes
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(Jack's POV…)
I can't believe this. Pierre tricked me. How dare he?
Really, I'm his captain. I've taken him in, and he pulls a stunt like that?
That would explain why he seemed so pleased to translate…
I laid down on my bed and let out a heavy sigh. Forcing Janette Graton into a room was much harder than it should have been. She wasn't very strong - but who could expect much strength out of a girl like her? - but much screeching and crying had gone on as I literally dragged her to a cabin.
Rubbing my temples, I was glad that most of the work for today was over with. Looting, some swashbuckling, getting my eardrums almost burst twice, getting tricked by Pierre…what more would I need?
Sighing again, I tossed my hat over to the side and pulled off my boots, preparing to take a good, long nap.
But why would Pierre do such a thing?
He couldn't seriously think that doing that to his captain will go unpunished… does he?
And the punishment…what shall it be?
Lashes are too harsh…was only a bit of fun on his part. Though I doubt Miss Graton will let me or anyone near her…and considering that Pierre is the only one who can talk to her anyway…it doesn't change things too much. But Janette doesn't seem too fond of Pierre either.
Too bad, the girl will have to tolerate Pierre. He's her only source of communication.
I really underestimated this lad's wicked streak…didn't think he really had too much more than a sharp tongue-
Well, that would be exactly what he did today. He didn't do anything but contort my words to his purposes. He obviously wasn't too thrilled by the prospect of having to translate our conversation, but decided to make the best of it. And he turned it into his own personal game.
That wit of his could get him into trouble if he's not careful.
I suppose more chores would just have to do.
But then again, if the lad was so adept at deceit that he could trick even me for that long… perhaps we could have our own little spy...we'd have to make sure he doesn't become a true scallywag.
Grinning to myself, the idea of training Pierre as my second set of ears and eyes became very appealing…I suppose his training would begin as soon as I deemed that he had served his punishment for doing what he knew best. And I will have to be careful to make sure that Pierre wants to be on my side…
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(Kendra's POV…)
Life on board the Pearl wasn't too bad, in fact I was able to keep my spirits amazingly high.
But being a cabin boy on board the Pearl…under Captain Jack Sparrow…
I now remembered why I had worked so hard as a cabin lass, and been glad when the experience was over.
The job was simply detestable.
All of the tasks that no one wanted were left to us. And unless we work like bleedin' madmen we wouldn't be done till long after the sun set. Perhaps if I proved myself early on, I thought, I could move up the ranks quickly.
And I may have been Captain for a while, and not been required to do all the menial jobs…but I'd learned to like a few minutes of rest every so often.
Either Sparrow's ship needed more upkeep, or I hadn't fully realized how much my crew did every day. Then again…my crew was bigger than Sparrow's. That fact alone may have lessened the load. But, his crew must have made much more money after each raid. Less people to split it between.
My crew hadn't complained, and they got their fill of rum…and women. I hadn't actually seen their activities after we docked, so I could only take their word for it. And considering that I'd rather not have women making advances on myself, or rather, Pierre, it all was for the best.
Then again…I suppose Sparrow could have been trying to punish me for mistranslating and turning his 'first impression' on Janette into a catastrophe. Oh well, I guess he either saw that I was only having a bit of fun or is just soft on me… A small grin came onto my face at the second possibility.
And this was all besides the fact that Janette, the bit of French fluff had decided to become my shadow… why she would was beyond me. I did my best to ignore her…but despite this, she still followed. Doesn't she have a nap to get to, or some stitching, or anything? Really, anything at all…
I couldn't be sure what the crew thought of me, but at least they believed, or pretended to believe, my Pierre façade. It was quite fun to play Pierre day in and day out. I re-honed my knots and, unfortunately, swabbing skills. Luckily I hadn't lost my calluses, so it merely was an annoyance.
Kenneth…the Dilettante, the crew…Captain 'Ken'…how I missed it.
I would have my revenge and restore my ship to its proper owner.
Only problem was…how to get there and retake my ship. Plus, the added concern of getting my remaining crew back onto the Dilettante, nor how the two would end up in the same location.
With all the aforementioned in mind, no wonder my head hurt. For that reason alone, it was good to have some mindless scrubbing of the deck to do. My mind could wander, or ponder, all it liked. Now if only I could get rid of my lingering shadow…
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(Janette's POV…)
Life changes quickly and I'm not always so sure that I wish for it to change. Just a few days ago I was bored to death on the ship with Father and the French crew, and now?
I'm aboard a pirate ship, with only an irritable little French boy to talk to. I had thought my previous crew bad, but now I see that there are worse men aboard ships.
Oh, here comes that awful man again…I hurried into a shaded corner and hoped that the captain would pass by and not notice me. Unfortunately, he tipped his hat and grinned, but continued on.
And so now he's seen me cower from him.
Where has my image of a proper lady gone? Am I not still a respectable lady? I have only been put in these awful circumstances…it was never my choice. Let me think…what would Mother do?
I suppose she would do her best to portray the proper image of a respectable lady and do good wherever possible.
But…what good was there to do on this floating prison? Would teaching them of propriety work?
Even I was still a student…but surely I was farther along than these…filthy…no, no, I can't think of them in such a way. It is my duty to help these wayward souls and bring them back to the joys of decorum and respectability. And since Pierre speaks both French and English, he can assist me. Surely he will agree with my cause. He's a smart boy.
Smiling, I stepped away from my corner and found Pierre with ease.
"Pierre?" I asked sweetly.
"Aye, Mademoiselle? What is it now?"
Why did he sound so irritated? I haven't bothered him…have I? Surely I have just observed and found that he was the safest pirate to be near. Besides, he could translate for me at a moment's notice.
Communication was very important.
"I wanted to request your assistance in a valiant task."
To this, he lifted his face and looked to me, pausing in his mopping of the boat's wooden floor.
"Which task is this?"
Was he amused? Well…surely he was only excited to be part of a new and worthy cause. I clasped my hands together, smiling serenely.
"Well, Pierre, I wish for you to translate for me while I try to educate your fellow pirates in the ways of proprie-"
"No," he cut me off, going back to his work right away. "Not interested."
"But…Pierre!" I came a few steps closer. "Surely you can see the nobility in such a task, right?"
He merely scoffed. "If I may give you a piece of advice, Mademoiselle…have as little interaction with my fellows if you wish to keep your vision of propriety and your…" he paused, putting emphasis on the word, glancing up and smirking, "virtue in tact."
My virtue…does he mean… A blush came onto my cheeks. Oh dear…
He grinned at my new color and continued his mopping again. "Besides, m'lady, we're coming into port soon. You'll have plenty of opportunities to either stare at your cabin wall and make up lots of proposals to persuade us to propriety's cause, or you can see for yourself who ye'll have to work with."
"Port? Which port is this?" Land was sounding very appealing…being on a boat too long has really started to distort my sense of time.
Captain Sparrow rounded the corner and smiled at us both, talking to Pierre, his hands waving about and he slung his arm around the boy's shoulders, while the boy glowered and feebly argued back. Or was he agreeing, but only disappointed with the outcome? Without knowing what was being said, it was nearly impossible to tell.
Either way, Captain Sparrow - dreadful man - finished his conversation, tipped his hat at me and then sashayed away.
The least bit confused, I looked to Pierre for answers. He seemed a little miffed, and was directing most of this emotion in my general direction.
"What did Captain Sparrow say?"
Pierre looked to the sea. "That I'm to be your escort when we reach port. I'm to get you a room for the night and keep you safe." A strange, almost whimsical smile came onto his face. "I suppose you'll have plenty of time to try out your arguments for propriety on at least one pirate."
An escort? This…lad? Would I be safe? Surely the boy couldn't defend himself even…not in a world so dangerous as this one.
Pierre must have seen my worry and narrowed his eyes, the smile a distant memory. "What be your worry now? I'll make sure ye're safe and well fed. Cap'n's given me an extra ration and a half just to make sure I can get you a room that's a bit more respectable."
"That was very kind of him," I said without thinking, then breathed deeply and continued. "But are you sure that I will be safe in your company? Surely, a small boy like yourself could not-"
"Could not what?" He acted as though I had wounded his pride…what did I do wrong now? "Mademoiselle, I may be small of stature and look quite young, but do not ever underestimate a pirate. I fought my share in your capture. And I've seen my share of battles. Tis not wise to suggest that I couldn't keep a bunch of drunken curs off ye for one night. Could wound me pride." He then mopped vigorously, and kept his attention there.
The time passed quickly enough, almost too soon for my liking. But Pierre had finished his duties in time, and after coming into port, Pierre stayed firmly at my side, nodding at Captain Sparrow once. Pierre seemed disinterested in what I was saying to him, just making idle conversation really, but continually watched the crowd and strongly reminded me of a wary hawk guarding her brood.
We wandered amongst the small shops and I spotted a few that were to my fancy. Pierre suggested that we get a room first, and I resigned myself to his will. He was my guardian for the time. Perhaps he knew best. When I inquired as to why we should get the room first, his reply was simple, yet disturbing.
"Cap'n Sparrow made it clear that your room be a respectable one and those inn's don't hold that many lodgings. The earlier we get it, the better. Besides, I want to look the place over and make sure I can stand watch inside your room or have a wide enough hall for me keep a chair out there and guard your door."
"But really, is it necessary to do all that?"
"Aye," he nodded and kept his eyes seemingly everywhere at once. "Any drunken pirate to catch a glimpse of you all by your lonesome 'sides me will jump at the chance to barge into your room. I have proved my salts, but a drunken man will only see a child. Tis best that I take every precaution."
So we followed Pierre's wisdom, and got a rather decent room. Pierre kept the key, and I did not argue. Pierre's mood did not appear to be lightening in the least. And he continually grabbed my arm and guided me down roads that did not look so pleasant, but always ended up in an area where there were less vile pirates wandering about.
Perhaps he really could keep me safe while here…
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(Kendra's POV…)
This bit of fluff is a nuisance. How could Sparrow do this to me? I have to keep an eye on her? Do I not already do it on the Pearl?
Isn't shore time when we can be free to do what we please? I'm certainly being denied that liberty.
Really…sighing to myself, I allowed her to wander a shop, standing at the doorway and closing my eyes for a moment.
Despite all the noise and chaos about me, which was sure to triple by nightfall, I was able to calm my nerves and breath deeply. I vaguely heard a familiar swoosh of skirts, but my mind did not fully register it. The calm was too pleasant and…Janette!
Snapping my eyes open, I scanned the shop and saw that my charge was not where she was supposed to be…
No reason to worry yet. If it was near midnight, I would worry. But daylight is on my side.
Now where had she gotten to? You'd really think that a woman taller than me, and that clean, would stand out in a crowd…like that.
Sparrow will have my head if she's roughed up much more…
Letting out a soft sigh, I picked up my pace and quietly jogged over to where Janette was cornered by a group of no-doubt drunken sailors. They were getting on in the years, and seemed to be on harder times than most.
"Now, wench, just be nice and…" he laughed and grabbed a handful of her hair, sniffing it and leaning close enough in the process that Janette shuddered and went even paler. "Gents, come get a sniff a' this! Ne'er smelled somethin' so sweet."
His companions laughed and all prepared to take their own lock of hair.
I was finally within reach and pulled out my cutlass, taking out my pistol with my other hand, setting it against the back of the instigator's neck and cocking it.
"I'd advise ye scallywags to keep moving and leave the lady alone," luckily I had done lots of practice and found a way to make my voice imposing and hopefully equivalent to a man, or at least a sixteen year old boy.
More at the sound of the cocking pistol than my words, did the men stiffen. Oh well, there went the point to my practice.
"Gents?" I asked, pressing the muzzle harder against his neck.
He dropped her hair and I backed off a step, still holding both weapons in ready position. Janette looked past them and her expression lightened at the sight of me. No doubt a fully-armed Pierre was a sight she was grateful for, but still wary of.
The men turned and looked to me, a chuckle showing itself.
"A lad?" the second sailor scoffed. "Now's I seen ever'thing!"
My expression darkened. "I do not advise testing me, sir. Now move along or you'll regret it."
The man to my left advanced a step and I brought up my cutlass with a swift sweep, keeping it inches from his nose. He acted accordingly and stared at the blade, staying where he was.
I only spared him a sideways glance. "I may be small, but I know well enough how to skewer a man. Or put a ball through 'is head."
The instigator sneered. "What rights do ye have with the wench? She be fair game for the lot of us. Surely ye aren't old 'nough to have a use for 'er other than a-"
Keeping my tone harsh, I graced him with a reply. "I only be 'er steward, ye cads. Cap'n Sparrow is the one who has the uses of her. And if ye would like to have a chat with 'im about it, be my guest. Otherwise, I advise movin' along gents."
"C-Cap'n Sparrow?" the men stuttered, their different rhythms making something akin to an unpleasant melody. Surely Sparrow would have been pleased.
"Aye, of the Black Pearl. Now if ye'll excuse me and my charge…"
They nodded and stepped aside. Uncocking my pistol I put it away, but kept my cutlass out, lowering it slowly from the third man's face. I walked through the men and stopped a few steps before cowering, whimpering Janette.
I put on a soft smile, using my best French once more. "Mademoiselle Graton, it is time that we continued to the inn. Wouldn't you agree?"
She nodded softly, standing up a bit straighter.
Just for good measure, I put out my arm in a gentlemanly fashion, as if to escort her. "Shall we?"
A smile came onto her face and she nodded again, "Yes, we shall."
Surprisingly, there was no hesitation from her as she slipped her arm into my own and we continued down the alley.
Talk about a close call…glancing over at Janette she for once seemed to be looking the least bit secure. I guess she took my daring 'rescue' to mean that I would be looking out for her. And that perhaps my intentions were more heartfelt than in reality they were. Oh well, if she believes me to actually care for her welfare, then perhaps she will be less trouble to persuade.
All the better for me. The easier my charge is to handle, the less I have to worry about punishments from Sparrow.
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Reviewer Section: Whew! Thank you all so much! Wow…7 new reviewers! Seven!! And I'm up to 39 reviews! Now if we can keep my ratio of reviews to chapter at about 4 to 1...I would be most happy. *grins* That would mean…58! *waves hand* We can do it easy guys! Whew! Keep 'em coming and I'll keep whipping out chapters! Just… they may be sporadic with college and all…
Elsinore: New reviewer #1! *blinks and nearly faints* Wow! You catch up fast…thank you thank you thank you!! I'm glad you enjoy it all, and the constructive comments were helpful. *narrows eyes* But I don't know how Kenneth will take the news…let alone Kendra… Hmm…We'll just have to wait and see, eh? But no, really, who is Sabine? Dark hair? Medium height? *giggles* Sorry, don't know her!
Olio: Thanks new reviewer #2! Yeah! I'm glad you like Kendra…and…she's glad you like her too. *nod nod* I'm doin' me best, lads and lasses! Here be another update for ye!
Yoshiko-Rae: Thanks again, mate! *blushes* And ye called me 'Cap'n' again… oh dear, oh dear…*slaps self* No! I refuse to revert to Janette mode! No! But I'm glad you find Janette funny. I did intend for her to be a humor factor…and a sore spot for Kendra. Poor girl…er…lad…er…whatever she is. And I be doin' me best! 'Ere's another chappie for ye all!
Fatfatfeet: New reviewer #3! What size shoe? *sniggers* Sorry…too tempting to ask. I'm glad you're reading my fic, and enjoying it too! Thanks a ton for the sites! *glomps* I bookmarked them, but haven't had time to use them too much yet…but don't worry, it will definitely come in handy…even got a dumb joke for my latest story from one of the sites…*whistles to self* Anyhoo…Keep up the reading and I'll keep up the writing! And I'm glad you enjoy all the original characters…By the way…what does everyone think of Spriggit? Just me random curiosity…
Ariandir: New reviewer #4! Hope that cold's better. And thank ye for all the compliments! *blushes a bit* I'm glad the repeating of scenes went well…I was afraid it would get repetitive… but I plan on using it whenever the story calls for it. Especially to clarify actions and just to have the humor come from when people think they've got the other figured out…but really are way off. Makes for some good ironies and twists… *grins* And yes, rock on Inconvenient! *sniffs* Just so sad that it's ended…but more will come…hopefully. *puppy dog eyes*
Princess Razu: New reviewer #5! Sorry I didn't have more done…just this cursed gap in the tale, but I'm trudging through it. Tis tough, but definitely worth it! Keep comin' back, there's lots to happen yet!
Savvy-Z: New reviewer #6! Hope you enjoyed my review of your story, and I'm glad you're enjoying mine. Now, just keep in mind that Janette comes from a very different world than the rest of us…France. Well, her France. I really have nothing against the French, but well…my version of their propriety really is starting to drive me nuts…either that or I'm falling into talking about it incessantly way too easily… *cringes*
Mooranda: New reviewer #7! Wow! Brilliant? *grins and blushes, then pauses* How can I blush anymore? I'm already bright red! Oh well…*shrugs* But…thanks for all the compliments! I'm glad you're getting the same visuals as me…or are at least enjoying them. My friend Ellen drew a rendition of Kendra and Jack. Not too shabby I'd say…if anyone knows how to post a pic…without money of course, well…I'd show it to you. She just did the sketch last night, so it'll be a bit before it's colored.
Ja ne, minna! *slaps forehead* Every time…gah… Ar, mateys! Best of luck to ye! And come back soon for more swashbuckling and…ramblings from me!
