Disclaimer: *whimpers* But…but…please Captain Sparrow! Please!
Sparrow: *growls* I refuse to sing some squiffy's rendition of a child's shanty!
But…but…fine! I'll do a solo then! *clears her throat, and sings despite Sparrow's horrified expression* Cap'n Sparrow had a ship! Yo ho, yo ho, yo! And on this ship he had some fluff! Yo ho-
Sparrow: *claps a hand over her mouth* Shut yer trap, lass! *jerks his hand away as she kisses it* What in the…?!!
*grins* Sorry, mate, couldn't resist. *continues singing* And on this ship he had some fluff! Yo ho, yo ho, yo! With a fluff, fluff here, and a fluff, fluff there! Here a fluff, there a fluff! Everywhere a fluff fluff!
Authors Note: *giggles* Couldn't resist…me matey Kaylene thought it up one night and well…it was just begging to be put in. *grins* Awesome stuff it is, indeed. Needed the humor anyway, right? It is getting kinda dark…
Four-Sided Eyes
(a.k.a. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the fangirl)
Chapter 15: Befuddlement
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(Janette's POV…)
Clanging hammers and throbbing pains were about all that I could perceive upon first waking…but the pain subsided gradually, staying at a level still far beyond what I should have to tolerate.
And where was I? This bed was…not mine on the Black Pearl…we had gone to port. But how did I end up here? It took considerable effort to open my eyes - my it was bright out - and sit up.
The room was smaller than Captain Sparrow's cabin, but still quite nice for this kind of town. There were no decorations, besides a small chest and a mirror. After glancing at that, I decided to not look in that direction.
I look quite dreadful right about now… And there's Pierre. I think that's him. He's sitting by the door, his head nodded forward. No doubt asleep. I smiled softly at his decency towards me.
Surely he was frustrated with me. Being broken out of such roguish ways must be difficult, but he seems to be coming along beautifully.
Mother will be so proud…here I am, the prisoner of pirates, and despite the odds, one of them is learning some propriety. Sleeping next to the door to keep me safe… fending off the awful men earlier. Boarding and feeding me.
Wait…I don't remember much of the end of dinner. I had eaten most of my meal and then got tired of the water and…
I gasped, putting a hand over my mouth.
I'd actually drank some of that vile liquid. Pierre had been too busy dealing with that other girl…and I…I really don't know what had come over me. I surely hope I didn't do anything foolish.
The poor lad looked roughed up. Probably had a hard time going to sleep in a chair. Must have been up half the night trying to get comfortable. Perhaps I can lend him my blanket for a time. It is a bit cold out.
Propriety demands such decencies from me in return.
So I slipped out of bed and cringed at the cold of the wooden floor. It did not take much effort to pull the blanket off the bed, though it was more challenging than usual to keep my balance and walk quietly towards Pierre. My head still throbbed, but I suppose it was all my fault for actually touching that alcohol.
What was that on Pierre's chin? It looked to be a red color…
Is it…
It can't be…
But…
Oh my…
That's blood.
I stumbled back a step, dropped the blanket and looked closer at the boy. He was still breathing, yes, but it was slow and methodical. The slumber of someone very worn out. What had gone on the previous night?
Did he fight off brigands in my safety?
Or did he simply get into a drunken brawl?
Looking closely at the bruises and cuts scattered on Pierre, I truly began to wonder which it was.
"P-Pierre?" I asked, hoping that he would be in a good mood.
He did not respond, so I asked again, this time speaking a little louder.
Still nothing.
How odd…perhaps I'll go get something to eat or… at least I can get something to help clean up the poor boy.
I was just a few steps away from the door and Pierre sprung to action, while I gasped and stumbled back.
He almost panted, his hand on his cutlass, and his eyes wild with…something dreadful. His posture was that of a man ready to kill…
"Janette…" he muttered and let his hands drop. "Where are you headed?"
I gasped for air. The shock of his movements did little to assist my pounding headache.
"Steady, lass. I won't harm you…" he opened his hands wide and generally tried to look calming.
All of nerves screamed for me to flee…despite his words, something about him still made me think of a feral animal…out for blood… And…that swollen eye of his…the blood trailing down his chin and various other places…this all did little to comfort me.
He watched me for a moment, then winced after attempting to smile. "You don't like how I look, do you?" A momentary chortle turned into a cough, and he forced a smile. "Just a bit of blood and bruises, Janette. Nothing to be afraid of."
"How did you get so beat up, Pierre?" I was glad my voice had chosen to show itself again. "Were you defending my door?"
He glanced over at the chair and sat down again. "Aye, along with the other lass. Well, not her door, but…" Pierre sighed and gently touched his jaw. "Some drunken men were being rather unkind to her. I could not stand by and watch her be taken advantage of."
Did he just say…
He did.
Pierre had not gotten in one fight last night…but two. And he had protected that girl's virtue. At his own expense…it looked to have been a heavy price.
"Oh Pierre…" I took a few wary steps towards him. "I…I cannot thank you enough."
His expression darkened. "Don't be thanking me, lass. Are ye hungry?"
"Well…" his change in mood disturbed me. How quickly he switched between laughing and scowling…it was enough to keep me unnecessarily wary around him. But he had proven himself to be a gentlemen, no matter how he tried to deny it. "We should clean you up first. My stomach can wait."
"No hang-over for ye? I would've thought ye'd be feelin' awful about this time of day."
Finally regaining my nerve, I smiled sweetly. "Oh, this pounding headache? I believe that would be what you are referring to. But I must insist that your wounds be tended first."
Pierre observed me for a moment, then pulled a key out of his pocket and got to his feet, heading towards the door. "I suppose I can let ye help me clean up. Stay here, I'll go get some water and washrags."
"Wait, Pierre," I put a hand on his shoulder, only to pull it away as he winced and looked over at me.
"What is it, lass? I can only be in one place at a time, so ye'll have to be lonely only for a little bit. Trust me, you're much safer at this time of day than last night."
"I just…you shouldn't be doing all of the work in your condition. I want to help somehow."
He scoffed. "Ye can't even speak to them, lass. Don't bother with pity on me. Not worth your time." Pierre then unlocked the door and headed out, a hollow click following the door closing.
He had locked me in again. But about that headache…
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(Jack's POV…)
I'm awake.
Why is that again?
Rubbing my head, I sat up and ignored the familiar sensation of the slight disagreement between last night's rum and me head. I stumbled out of bed and put on the last of my clothes, still not sure that I really wanted to be awake. Glancing in the general direction of the window, I decided it was late enough to sleep in. I suppose I should go check on Janette and Pierre. Don't know how late the lad was out. Beatrice may have been more fun for him than I would expect. But first: breakfast.
I collected all of my things and was surprised to see such large numbers of conversations going on in the tavern. Really…do these people never sleep, or did they all come from the side of town that went to bed early?
Either way, I might as well find out what the commotion is about. It must be something important or amazing if this many pirates would be awake and about at this time of day.
While eating my breakfast I let my ears pick up snatches of the numerous conversations.
"…Ye should'a seen 'im! The lad was skewerin' 'em right an' left! Looked like a bleedin' 'hirlwind 'e did!…"
"…A mere lad! Ne'er seen someone move so quick! 'Specially since he was so small and drunk too!…"
"Couldn't believe it! 'E took out five full grown men! Killed two of them 'fore they could strike back once he got angry 'nough…"
So, there was a particularly large bar fight, and a mere lad faced five opponents. Full grown men in fact. And he moved very quickly apparently. Small and inebriated. Killed two of the men.
Why hadn't I been there? I'm always up for a good brawl, and that one sounded particularly interesting. Especially if that particular lad needed to join a crew. Could always use a new prodigy. Pierre was my prodigy in words, and perhaps this lad could become mine in sword.
Spotting a passing wench, I alerted her to my presence. "'ey wench."
She paused and looked back. "Ye called, pirate?"
"That's Captain Sparrow, if ye please." Really, does no one recognize me? "What do ye know about this brawl last night?"
After eyeing me for a moment, she set her tray down. "Well, as ye can hear, there's lots of talk about it. From what I can tell, some mystery lad down at "The Lazy Gull" saw a group of pirates harassing a girl and told 'em to back off. Then when they refused, he went wild…took out five grown men. The people who saw it couldn't believe their own deadlights. They'd never seen anything like it. If ye want to know more, I hear that Richard was there."
"And who might Richard be?"
She pointed out a man with a particularly large crowd. "He's the man in blue, Captain Sparrow."
"Thank ye, lass." I nodded and she picked up her tray, getting back to work.
Very interesting. "The Lazy Gull" was the same inn that Pierre was at. Perhaps he had seen it too. It wouldn't have been Janette that had been assaulted, Pierre had locked her in her room. But what about Beatrice? Narrowing my eyes, the implications began to swarm in my mind.
It was all madness.
Pierre wouldn't be that strong. There was no way he could kill two men and still fend off three others. Seeing his spars with Anamaria proved that he was not capable of dealing with more than one opponent…or did it?
The lad has been rather secretive. But what would this mean? That he's quite handy with a cutlass and doesn't want the whole world to know? But why wouldn't he want this known?
Time to talk to this 'Richard' fellow, I suppose.
Finishing off my breakfast, I paid my bill and then headed over to the crowd. I pushed my way through and sat as close to Richard as possible. He was an older man, hanging onto the last remnants of youth. His blue coat was tattered and his once-white shirt was not in much better shape. He held onto a mug of something, likely rum, and looked a bit skittish.
"Tell it again, Richard!" a serving wench squealed, sitting on the lap of a man to his right.
"If you insist," he mumbled, taking a deep drink from his mug.
I wouldn't even have to say or do a thing, just listen in. I guess my timing is particularly lucky.
Richard began his tale, eyes wide in fear of the memory, or so it seemed from the timid quality his voice took on.
"I had been enjoying me normal rounds at "The Lazy Gull" when I heard a bit of a commotion near the door, and looked over to see four men feelin' up a lass. They'd quieted her by covering her mouth, and I looked away. There was nothin' to see far as I was concern'd. But then I heard the boy walk over, and he seemed a bit tipsy, though his steps were steady." His eyes narrowed in recollection.
"Small boy, doubtful he was as tall as me shoulder. He demanded that they let her go, but two of them continued to get their pleasure from her, while the other two turned to face the lad. They mocked him for a moment, and just as I was beginnin' to think the lad would just walk away, he had his cutlass out and across one of the men's wrists in the blink of an eye. He a' course fell back and was out of the fight, but sure made a lot of noise. His companion didn't like this and swung a fist at the lad. He dodged and left a scratch on the man's leg. Naturally, I turned in me chair to get a better view. It was startin' to look exciting."
He paused and considered his words. "Then the lad started to lose ground. Got a good fist to the jaw. Stumbled for a bit, then charged at the man. Left a cut on his arm too. Then the lad was outnumbered again, as just one man was holdin' onto the girl now. Things started to look grim, and the lad got hit hard in the gut. I started to think it was over, but…the tide suddenly turned. The lad seemed to become someone…or something else. He wore an awful snarl, and fought like a demon. Ran circles around them men… slashed a few guts, barely missed dis'mbow'lin' a few. The lad got hit, but they didn't seem to affect him. He just kept lashing out…like he was fighting for his life." Richard chuckled to himself. "'Course if given the chance, I'm sure the men would'a snapped him like a twig. Lad sure was scrawny. But blimey…I wouldn't want to face 'im. Ne'er in a thous'nd years. That's like askin' ta' be black spotted." Richard shook his head, taking another gulp of his mug. "Whoe'er's crew 'e's on…that sure be a lucky captain. Ye'd be sure not to lose a fight with 'im on yer side."
I had kept silent through the tale and then left with the majority of the crowd, allowing my mind to absorb the information as I headed for "The Lazy Gull" to check on my cabin boy and other passenger.
Pierre…could you be that lad?
Very doubtful…he wouldn't get that worked up over a girl. Or would he? Perhaps if he was as drunk as Richard claimed he was…but that wouldn't make sense. Pierre gets drunk easily and can hardly hold his own two feet. There was no way Pierre could wield his cutlass like that in the first place, let alone while trying to stay standing and do the fancy footwork a tale like that requires. Best I can hope for is that Pierre got to watch the brawl and he can give me more details. Pierre might have even met him…and then the hopes of finding the skilled lad were high.
The rest of my stroll was uneventful, and I found "The Lazy Gull" to be surprisingly quiet. Perhaps they were all just too scared of upsetting the lad. Either way, it was time to check on Pierre and Janette. Especially if such a brawl had gone on. Striding up to the bar, I put on my classic grin and leaned on the counter.
"I don't suppose ye could do me favor of tellin' me where a lad 'Pierre' is staying, could ye?"
The tavern keeper continued to wipe off the counter, but otherwise gave his attention to me. "What's your business with Pierre?"
My grin broadened. "I be his captain, and he's a bit late comin' back to the ship. So I thought I'd come collect him myself."
"Well, take it easy on the lad. He got wrapped up in that nasty brawl, I hear. Nursing a few wounds considering how he looked when he came down to get some dressings and things."
"Wounded?" If Pierre had been in the brawl…he would have definitely seen the mystery lad. Though it was truly doubtful he actually was the lad, but the possibility was still there.
"Aye," he nodded. "Got a nasty black eye and some other scratches. Seems like he'll survive though. Be a bit sore for a few days though."
"And his room number?"
"A' course," he looked over to his wall of keys and scanned them over, before turning back again. "Room twelve I believe. He should be awake, just got the dressings a short time ago."
"Ye have me thanks," I nodded, and headed up the stairs. Room twelve. Hopefully Pierre isn't so bruised and battered that he can't keep up his duties when the time comes.
The hallway had a small puddle of blood a short ways down from Pierre's room…and I picked up my pace. It was old, but that could still mean that my cabin boy's condition was serious. He would not be one to admit his wounds. He'd proved that the first night on the Pearl. I'd have to force the answer out of him now doubt.
Just as I was to knock on his door, he called out in a rather tired voice. "State your name or prepare to be skewered."
I'd humor the lad. "Captain Jack Sparrow."
"'Tis unlocked, Cap'n."
I twisted the handle slowly and stepped inside, quickly taking in the sights. Janette was standing beside the bed, where Pierre sat, his shirt sleeve rolled up. She was dressing his wound, a small gash it looked like.
Settling my gaze on Pierre, I was a little surprised. His right eye was definitely swollen, and he had a spattering of black and blue on his cheek and chin below it. There was still the remnants of blood on his shirt, no doubt from the cut on his arm, and possibly other people too. It had to be other's as well. Unless his chest and upper torso was covered in tiny cuts.
"Prepare to be skewered? You don't look quite ready to skewer a man, Pierre."
He smiled weakly. "Just the usual threats, Cap'n. How are ye this fine day?"
"Well enough," I came closer to my cabin boy, taking in his whole appearance. "How was the brawl last night?"
"Brawl?" he blinked and then lowered his gaze. "I…I didn't mean to get involved…but…"
"Nothing to worry about lad." I clapped a hand softly on his shoulder, noting that he still fought back a wince. "What I do need from you in return is this. Could you identify this lad who can beat five grown men?"
He nodded softly. "Aye, but I doubt 'e's still around here. Hear that he got out as soon as he could. I just got caught in the crossfire."
"Did you hear what ship he was on?"
"Nay, Cap'n. But I do know for sure what his fist looks like." He gently rubbed the side of his black eye, grinning broadly.
Pierre was in a surprisingly good mood for someone as battered as himself. Janette had long since finished his bandage and he hopped of the bed, almost stumbling as his feet touched the floor. Janette took a step towards him in concern, but he mumbled something to her and held his ground.
Tough lad to the end.
"What be on the itinerary today, Cap'n? Anything ye need me assistance on?"
Janette seems calm enough. If nothing else I could take her back to the Pearl and leave her there. No need to have Pierre watch her again today. The lad looked like he could use a break. Not that he'd likely admit it.
"You are to escort Miss Graton back to the Pearl and then have a day to yourself, Pierre. Looks like you had a rough night, but if you spot that lad, see what you can find out about him."
"Aye, Cap'n. I will." He bobbed his head and then looked back at Janette, putting on what I assume was a pleasant tone and quickly saying something to her in French. She nodded and then curtsied slightly to me, to which I tipped my hat.
The two walked out of the room, and I was left to myself again. Still with no idea as to who the mysterious lad was. Pierre knew of his existence, but unless he saw him again, it was very unlikely that the boy would be found.
At least Pierre knows what he looks like.
I wonder if the rum here is any good…
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I have reviewers! Yeah! Love you all!
SilverButterfly: Thank ye! New reviewers always make me day! I aim to please. *grins* And you said it was flowy! Yippie! *blushes* I'm rather fond of me style of writing too…
Yoshiko-Rae: *winks* Don't ye worry, I be keeping the Cap'n plenty good company. *grins* Though he may not like the music…
Mad as a Dormouse: Nice name. *grins* Me like. Thanks for reviewing! And I fully intend on continuing, so here ye go! *blushes again* I'm glad people like my humor…I always worry that people only laugh in person cause I'm laughing….at my own jokes no less. *sigh* Oh well, on with more reviews!
Pretty Kitty: *now a deep red* Ah, shucks…thanks for all the compliments…and I only stopped cause I have horrendous gaps to be filled in. It takes time, and well… college calls. If it could be my way, stories would come first, and then classes next. But... well… that doesn't happen. I'll keep 'em coming as fast as I can.
KawaiiRyu: Yeah! Another continued reviewer! Ye gotta love morals…though Kendra would deny their existence to her dying breath, and even beyond. She is a very fun to write…makes me laugh way too much sometimes… But I hope this chapter answered your question. *grins* But don't worry, the intrigue will continue.
Lip Balm: Another new reader/reviewer! Woo hoo! Thanks! Always have loved me coincidences… *grins* Keep reading and reviewing, and I'll keep typing 'em out!
Olio: Oh gosh...*the blush continues* the compliments just never end…well, not that I want them to either…but still. Thanks again!
Piggypink: Sorry to be confusin' ye with the different points of view. Rather goes with the territory of the story, I suppose. Hope you get rested up soon. But thanks for the review! Always love my new reviewers!
Novembergrl: Thanks! I always worry that my action stinks…I'm glad people like it. Drunken/enraged fighting is rather hard to show, but I guess I can try, eh? Yeah! Signing in is fun! *grins* I read your chapters, but the review thingy didn't work…so I'll try again. Thanks again for the continued support!
