Disclaimer: Sparrow: *stand proudly at the Pearl's helm, not noticing the small form sneaking up behind him* …and really bad eggs… *jumps as something jumps him* What in the- *finds his mouth covered by a strangely familiar hand*
Gotcha! *grins and clings tighter* You couldn't get far from me, Jack Sparrow!
Sparrow: *sighs heavily and looks desperately annoyed*
Authors Note: Alternate title for this chapter: "Confusion takes a dive off the deep end and sinks to the bottom." A bit long, huh? I thought so…but describes it well. Sorry it took so long…hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I certainly enjoyed the real home cooked food…*grins* And I love turkey! *starts imitating a turkey's gobble*
Four-Sided Eyes
(a.k.a. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the fangirl)
Chapter 20: Repercussions
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(Janette's POV…)
This has been quite a trying day. Pierre was a poor, battered wreck this morning, and I guess he was being quite nice taking me back to my floating prison the way he did. He had been all smiles, and for but a moment, that felt wrong.
Pierre had seemed to be generally a happy boy, but…perhaps he had been in desperate need of time alone.
But that was the least of it.
I examined my cabin and was glad for the security of it. For the first time, actually. The boy had lost it…surely he had. I had been pleased to hear the men on board mentioning something about 'captain' and 'Pierre'. I had assumed I could talk to the boy again. It really is troublesome to be all alone and have no one to talk to.
That look in his eye…I shuddered. Pierre had definitely not been himself when he was hauled most unkindly back onto the ship. His hands were tied and it took two full grown men to move him most anywhere. The words that came out of his mouth too…I do not believe I have ever heard such filthy words. Let alone such frustration and…rage. He had almost emanated the emotions…
I would not have been surprised to see Pierre break free and turn into some sort of monster. Truly, I had never before witnessed such a thing.
Seeing the boy as he was, I had little reason to go near him. He was locked in the crew's cabin, and as I walked by I could still hear his screams.
I'm quite sure he's gone mad.
Something is the matter with him, that much I know. From the loud cursing I could make out a little bit of his madness. Something had been taken from him…he was infinitely frustrated. And…oh my. Captain Sparrow's mother was getting quite a repertoire. Some man had taken something of Pierre's…a Captain Spriggit I believe.
Who is he? I'd never heard his name before. I suppose he's not being given the kindly introduction that people deserve…but Pierre hardly seems to be in the right state of mind to talk of anyone kindly.
This kind of talk went on for some time. Really, how many insults can the boy think up?
Quite a few since I do not believe I've heard many of them repeated yet… What would Mother say to this? I do not believe she would approve of me listening to the angry words of a pirate. Nor would she approve of my association with such a boy at all.
Pierre still had time to reform. He was young, and could move to a new area. There was still hope for him. I doubt irritating Captain Sparrow could do such a thing. The way he spoke of himself…you'd think he was a wanted criminal. And being a pirate captain as he is…that is very likely.
Pierre was silent for a time, and then…a short time after one of the pirates had brought him something to eat, there was a loud collision of some sort. Something had rammed into the door. Surely Pierre hadn't started throwing himself at it, had he?
I withheld a scream, but still jumped as I recognized the sound of gunfire. And then Pierre was running like a madman - just as I had expected - towards the port.
What in the world is going on?
Pierre's legs started to give out, and he was restrained, but did he ever struggle…finally he went limp and the pirates who had restrained him took him back to the cabin, managing to find a way to lock the door again.
Looking around hesitantly, I decided it best to go back to my cabin and stay quiet. Pierre's condition was unexplainable, and I really didn't want to suffer the same fate. Perhaps if I stay out of sight and out of mind… withholding a shudder I did as planned and laid down quietly on my bed.
Hopefully Sparrow and his vindictive crew don't think of me as their next victim… or… oh, what is going on?
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(Jack's POV…)
What had come over the lad, I still don't know. Something about that crew…no doubt joining them held something of indefinite value to him. Perhaps they had information about the pirates who had taken his previous captain's ship. Or…he heard they were chasing a particularly hefty treasure. But if such a treasure were in existence…I would know and be after it myself.
"Captain Sparrow, the lad's conscious. Shall I bring him in?"
I considered Anamaria's words for a moment. "Will he need to be restrained again?"
"I don't believe so. I think the laundanum you gave you him was especially potent. Boy's still quite passive."
"Ah," was all I said, nodding to signal my consent.
With that, she left and I was allowed to reflect on the events two days past. Still can't understand the lad…he truly is an enigma.
It wasn't too much longer before Anamaria returned with a lad who looked quite changed since I'd last seen him. Shuffling feet, head lowered, Pierre seemed weary and almost…defeated. The intensity of his rage was now matched by the melancholy of his silence.
I had him sit across the table from me and once Anamaria left the quiet disturbed me.
"Sleep well, Pierre?"
He lifted his head only to show me a glimpse of his vacant eyes. "My dreams were unpleasant."
He had unpleasant dreams…so? All right, I'll have to probe a bit more.
"Hungry, lad?" I gestured to a plate of still steaming food.
For a moment he let his attention settle on it, but then his unreadable eyes drifted back to me. "I thank you for the offer, but I do believe I will pass."
Sharp memory…and still wary of me. Smart lad. We stat in silence and he did not even wince as his stomach let out an unmistakable grumble. Strong will to him. He's definitely hungry, and seeing how he ate previously…it's a wonder he can resist. Still would make a good set of ears amongst the crew. Just have to regain his trust…
"Why the sad face, lad? Ye should be proud to part of my crew, aboard the legendary Black Pearl! Numberless boys would be itching to take yer place!
Pierre did not seem very impressed. His languid expression did not change and he let out a breath, glancing around the room before settling his eyes on me once more. "Is that all Cap'n? I have duties to tend to."
All right Pierre, you want to skip past my occasional charming formalities, so be it. We'll get right to the brunt of it then.
"Why did you join that crew?"
Not a flinch, he didn't even blink.
"It was advantageous of me to do so. I take what opportunities that are given to me."
Cryptic reply. I had chosen well.
"What does that crew provide that I do not? Do they give cabin boys better wages? Fewer chores?"
Normally, I would have expected a smile, or at least a scoff from the lad. But still he showed no emotion. And this worried me. In the short time I had become familiar with Pierre, he always had some variety of witty retort. Even when irritated. Well, he was especially sharp when agitated. But being unresponsive…so passive… I was starting to wonder if drugging the boy had been a wise choice…
If his performance was permanently affected, the action was most foolish…but if he was only out of commission for a few more hours, perhaps it had been wise. Time will only tell.
Janette had made herself scarce, and was nearly forgotten. Luckily one of my crew or myself remembered around mealtimes to give her something.
"It is simply advantageous to myself and my situation, Cap'n."
His soft reply snapped me out of the stupor I had begun to drift into. He'd been so quiet I'd forgotten that he was there. His small size and plain appearance had assisted him in blending into the background of my cabin, but this was not a becoming occurrence.
Pierre, whether he had training or not, was a little too skilled at blending in and staying unnoticed for my liking. And his eyes had lost the distant blurred quality. This was replaced by sharp, attentive, bronze orbs. Then it suddenly faded to a more natural level of attentiveness. But for that moment…
The languidness had either been an effective act, or the symptoms had faded without my notice.
Pierre knew how to fool many a man. And not just simple men…even myself.
How had I been so blind as not to see his subtle words and glances? He was either a natural, or had been taught from a young age to use his unassuming looks to his advantage.
The young, innocent cabin boy is never suspected…
"Something on your mind, Cap'n? I have little else to do but listen…unless you'd rather I tend to my duties."
He must be dealt with…but not yet. I'll need more time to understand this lad.
"Nay lad, you're free to leave. No hard feelings about the laundanum and force?"
His smile was back to normal…should this alarm me?
"'Course not Cap'n. Perhaps I didn' 'ppreciate bein' slung o'er yer shoulder, but I…I was in a sore foul mood. No hard feelings 'bout me bein' a pain in yer neck?"
"'Course not, Pierre. Now off with ye! I've already belayed ye enough."
"Aye, Cap'n."
I could've sworn his gaze momentarily flashed to it's heightened alertness…but my eyes could have been deceived.
Watching the lad leave, I narrowed my eyes in contemplation. The mystery deepens, my little enigma.
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Love my reviewers! Little candy turkeys to you all! (Though they're a bit late… whoopsie.)
KawaiiRyu: More Jack, comin' right up! And sorry for leavin' you hanging like that…I got more stuff ready from here on. Well…up to a point. *grins maniacally*
Olio: *grins* It will come, do not fear…Perhaps even in rythmteck's story…*muses to herself about the possibilities* And yes, longer chapters better…but sometimes very difficult to produce.
PED-sarah: Yes. It was a drugged induced dream state. Kendra even mentions it part way through…the fog part lose you? I'd hope that would make it more clear…*scratches her head* Get it now?
SilverButterfly: *grins* Ever heard of Passive-Aggressive…ah, the joys of drug affected ticked off Kendra's…*smug smirk*
Buritsutsunei: Revenge or Truth? Hmm…perhaps a bit of both? Or perhaps…just more confusion for poor Jack…
Fatfatfeet: *blinks and scratches her head* Why couldn't little cabin boys want to be pirates? In the navy you get lashes for dumb things and they ration your rum…*shrug* Pirates will take on who they please. Sorry…but I don't see your rationale behind it being confusing…
