Disclaimer: *Sparrow sits in a chair, looking over at Amy, who is bound, gagged and tied to a chair opposite him*
*mumbles mercilessly, trying to speak*
Sparrow: *smiles to himself* You won't be singing any more squiffy shanties.
*whimpers*
Authors Note: Sorry this took so long! College is…tough. Time consuming…in general, tough. I'll survive, pass, all that good stuff….but that doesn't mean I won't suffer during it. But at least I can flee to my stories if necessary. I hope to make it a weekly basis, maybe bi-weekly. During my less busy weeks…tri-weekly even. *nod nod* Finally getting past the unknown filler section. So…thanks for all of your continued support! I don't know what I'd do without you guys…*sniffles* You make me so happy!
Four-Sided Eyes
(a.k.a. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the fangirl)
Chapter 16: Sliver of Hope
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(Kendra's POV…)
I had never been so glad to leave a ship, especially one as elegant as the Pearl, as I was just a few hours ago. I had gotten Sparrow's permission - finally - to dump Fluff off and have some time to myself for once. How I had missed it. Knowing full well I would be mocked for it - and not caring one bit, I could blame it on cleaning up my wounds after all - I found an inn that had baths and took full advantage of it.
It was like I renewed my spirit, or something of that sort, coming out of the tub and drying off. All of the filth, dirt and frustrations were washed away. I felt like a new woman.
Well, until I dressed back up as Pierre and assured that I looked every bit the part. I winced more than usual as I bound my chest. I'd never had to keep myself so tightly bound for such a long period of time and it had begun to sting. Not enough for me to show it, just enough to be an annoyance.
Looking over the pay Sparrow had compensated me with, I knew it would be hard not to splurge and spend it all, but before I can have the Dilettante back under my feet I would have to be careful. But I suppose a few somber drinks wouldn't hurt…right? Besides, I can celebrate the continued success of my façade. No point in not reveling even the least bit, right?
Scanning over the inn's possible amenities was a joy. Baths, food, not a large number of scantily clad wenches. Odd how it doesn't really please me to see women gallivanting about, flaunting what I lacked. Oh well, I'd just get the same reactions from the men then.
And I'm quite sure I still would rather not have them grabbing at me or trying to fondle me. My eye twitched at the thought and that was followed by a wince.
It was all so stupid.
Why had I gotten up and had the nerve to take on those four? The girl was full of nonsense and irritation, and I had defended her. My jaw stung and I set a hand to it.
Paid dearly too.
All thanks to me sense of decency I suppose. Or it could be that I don't want karma to come back and have that particular indecency come me way…Not sure.
I'd be fine in a few days, but I was destined to look vulnerable, or at least a little battered for the good portion of a week. And if Janette tried to mother me again…
Shaking my head, I headed out. Fresh air might do me some good. And if my luck continues to be this sour, I'll need all the good I can get.
The Dilettante stolen, some of crew murdered before me, forced to hide as Pierre under Captain Sparrow. Then the whole Fluff fiasco…I gritted my teeth at this one. What am I supposed to do with her? I can't stand her, yet she thinks I'm either holding a soft spot for her or that I'm somehow…virtuous. Aye, virtuous would be the proper word, wouldn't it?
Really, who in the right mind would ever put the label virtuous on a pirate? If Fluff were to know just who I was and what I'd done…
Virtuous…
"Poppycock," the mutter slipped out.
Either way…I let out a sigh and put my hands in my pockets, strolling down the lane and enjoying the relative silence compared to the usual chaotic screaming and cheering. Along with all the squealing and laughing. Never will understand how women can become prostitutes…well, how they live such a life at least.
I've heard plenty of sad tales of their beginnings. Forced into it for a lack of money, or simply because they were tricked into it. More of the prior, but I would never become such a thing.
Besides, being mistaken for a lad the majority of life isn't a very desirable trait in a prostitute. In fact, I don't think it would be farfetched to say it was a definite downside.
Too good of a pirate anyway. No need to waste such talent.
I smirked at this and began to whistle to myself. Not any song in particular, just bits and pieces of tunes that came back to my memory. Today is going to be a much better day, that much I can guarantee. No Janette, no duties, just me onesies. And a bag of doubloons too. That's always helpful.
Reaching the more populated part of town - at least the more consistently populated part - I decided to have a bit of fun and see if I would need to hone my Pierre act. Always fun to wander crowds and pick up bits of people's conversations. Does make for humorous ruminations on occasion.
This crowd was mostly made up of men and women out doing little errands. Poor landlubbers, life must be so dull for them. I enjoy the simplicity for a short time, but I need the excitement, the…risk. I need it to feel alive. Perhaps they just assume this is living, and never know any better. I can't help but pity them.
At least it's not my loss.
One man in particular kept keeping my eye, looked to be a pirate. Not that I can't see plenty of them about. But something about him…
Narrowing my eyes and following him a bit more, I still couldn't place why he seemed familiar - perhaps I'd looted his ship before - but the unnatural urge to follow him persisted. Me instinct hasn't led me astray yet, it was what led me to talk to Sparrow in Grenada. Perhaps it would assist me now.
The pirate's dress seemed quite plain, but not all of us chose to be as flashy as Sparrow. To each his own. His gaze was strangely…calm. Nervousness is not a trait very common in pirates, but the confident manner in which he strolled through the crowd refused to let me leave him be. He stopped at a shop and began bartering for some supplies. I didn't listen close enough to hear his exact words. But his voice…
I froze.
Where have I heard it before?
The pirate laughed and I gasped.
The Dilettante. He…had been one of the pirates who had killed Kenneth, James, and Lawrence. I had found them… And that means the Dilettante is here! Forget Sparrow, forget Fluff…I'd found my ship! My life…my love…everything to me.
The Dilettante…
Her glorious sails flapping their greeting…the rigging waiting to be climbed…the helm begging to held…I can almost feel the smooth wood under my hands and the rocking of the sea…
Breaking out of my daze, I warily advanced on the pirate, gauging the situation quickly. By the number of coins he was handing over, he either was buying some expensive supplies, or getting a very large amount. My instincts told me the latter. A grin slowly formed as did my plan.
Lots of supplies would mean he would need help hauling the supplies to the ship…and I can either hire myself out to the pirates, or the sutler. Perfect. Now…to implement the plan.
I watched a bit longer and was glad to see the pirate looking over his pile of supplies, deciding how to carry it all. Between the two of us, it would only require one, possibly two trips if the bags were very heavy. I strode forward, putting on my younger mannerisms again.
"'ello, sir! Need a 'and?"
He looked over and scanned me quickly. "Are you hiring yourself out, then?"
"Aye," I nodded. "To anyone'll take me."
The pirate scanned over the supplies again. "And your price?"
"Not much, sir. Beggars can't be choosers, can we?"
With a nod from the man, I shouldered my share of the bags, likely some kind of food, and followed him through the crowd. We neared a set of docks I had not noticed on the way in. Then again, I was prepping Fluff for the venture onto land, so I wouldn't have had a chance. Curse her. She kept me from knowing about it last night too. I could have slept with the knowledge that my beloved ship was at this very port.
Not that I would have slept much…
The man glanced over his shoulder at me, and I kept my smile broad.
"Much furth'r sir?"
"Nay, come along."
I nodded and put a little more spring to my step. The bags weren't all that heavy, but they were quite large, so they fell well past my knees, where they hardly reached my pseudo-employer's thighs.
There she is…
I couldn't help but stare, barely stopping myself before I walked into the man's back. He had paused before my ship, and noted my awe.
"A beauty, isn't she?"
I nodded. "Aye, I have not seen her equal…"
And I hadn't.
"This be Spriggit's Lass, and if you're not afraid of water we can get these supplies onboard."
"Aye," I nodded and followed him once more. Spriggit's Lass? Spriggit's Lass? If you're going to rename my ship - stolen as it is - at least give her a name befitting her! I kept down my rage at such an injustice and forced my cheery grin mixed with awe to stay prevalent. No need to set them off just yet.
The man was a bit surprised when I followed him down the steps below deck, not faltering a bit. Perhaps I need to be careful not to show too much familiarity with the Dilettante. They did have enough intelligence to sneak up on my crewman.
After setting the supplies with the rest, it saddened me to see the state my ship was sinking into already. Bottles of cheap rum were strewn about, careless evidence of a celebration earlier. Much earlier…most likely after they stole my ship.
"Come along, lad," the pirate clapped me on the shoulder and I nodded.
"Aye sir."
Walking back on deck almost made me start to reminisce of the days I longed to go back to…but I resisted. These pirates were not friendly to me, if they were to know who I truly was.
Then I saw the man…Captain Spriggit, I presume.
The pirate was directing me towards the vile creature, and I had to put forth all of my will not to show my disgust and hatred for him. He was tall, possibly taller than Sparrow. He appeared to be a weathered man of the sea, and likely had held his own in battle for some time.
He sure proved himself against three men and myself. A hard task for a full crew.
Kenneth…this man had killed him. My Kenneth.
"Captain Spriggit, this lad be looking for work. Have we need of a cabin boy?"
This man…Captain Spriggit…if nothing else, I will see him suffer. But for now, I'll smile pleasantly.
The captain - my rightful role I might add - looked to me in appraisal. It really is starting to get annoying. But…can't show that. I'm supposed to be glad of this opportunity.
"I suppose we could consider another set of hands. Though small as his are."
His voice would never be forgotten…it will likely haunt my nightmares.
"I won't let ye down, Captain." I nodded.
"Your name, lad?"
"Pierre, Captain."
He nodded. This man was not the type to appreciate his cabin boys calling him by 'cap'n', and I wish to stay on his good side. Until I jab a knife into his back that is. And the sooner he falls limply to the ground by my hands, the better.
Luckily my patience was not tested further as I was sent out with the rest of the men to retrieve the remaining supplies. They were going to ship out the next day. I had almost missed them. Thank Sparrow for letting me have this day to myself so I could have this last bit of hope.
Cabin boys must either have a high tolerance for insults, or either be so enthralled by the joy of becoming a cabin boy that they don't notice them. But captains…I don't know how I'm not going insane tolerating this.
At least I've found the Dilettante and now I can take back her back. It will require a mutiny…or me killing them all off late at night. It would be difficult, but if necessary, I will. Then again…I could send out letters to my 'family' back at home…write in French and get a hold of Finnan and get the crew to all be at one location where Spriggit will be docking.
Ah, the implications…
A malicious smirk came onto my lips for a moment, and I was glad that no one was watching me.
I will have my revenge…this man Spriggit will find that the knife he put in my back will turn on him. And stings greatly.
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Ooo! Dark ending! *grins* I love writing malicious Kendra…so much fun!
SilverButterfly: Not telling all of her secrets at once? Come, come now…Pierre values her privacy…and wishes not to let anyone, even our lovely Sparrow in on it. *grins*
KawaiiRyu: Nope, no one recognizes Pierre…Or isn't daring enough to admit it…"Bring attention to the helpless looking lad that slaughtered four men by himself last night? Oh no, I think I'll not do that…" I guess maybe being a little tipsy at the time of watching it and Pierre moving just a wee bit fast er…does help with her staying secret.
Buritsutsunei: Nifty name…I must say. Did I say that before…? If so, there it is again. Aye, aye, tis inevitable that Sparrow will discover Pierre's little secrets. But, Pierre isn't the type to do such a thing without a fight…and it be coming up. Just be patient. Got a plot to build and weave ye know?
Piggypink: Wow…everybody wants to know when Pierre's secret is out. Now, if I were to say: "Expect it in three chapter's time…" Well, then that chapter wouldn't be very fun, and I'd only get reviews full of "hurry it up!"…and well…I prefer encouraging reviews, not rushing reviews. I be putting them out as fast as me fingers and brain can function together…(not to mention my schedule) But it will come in due time…don't ye worry. (I will try to work in the time to read yours…Thanksgiving at latest. Bound not to be too bogged by homework…right? *looks hopeful*)
FFE Rocks My Socks: *sighs* Reason one: Don't want to rush this too much. Reason two: I was starting to write crud so I had to take a short break. Reason three: College. Reason four: I need to sleep! Really…living off six hours a day wears you down fast… Reason five: College. Reason six: The cursed writer's block came for a bit…and left. Hopefully for good. *looks around warily* Reason seven: Um…college! *grins* But keep up the reviews!
Thanks all!
