Disclaimer: *mired in deep bouts of brainstorming*

Okay, so if we conjure up like…a lock pick, we could use that then sneak back on deck!

*other authoress looks bored* We've been over this…neither one of us knows how to pick locks!

*bites lip and ponders* Well…if we're in the act of conjuring up stuff… then… *slaps forehead* We could write our way out! We're authoresses are we not?

*blinks* You're right! *whips out her laptop and a second breakfast appears* Yippie!

*grabs an apple but waggles a finger* Come now, we need to focus!

Authors Note: Whew…sorry that took me so long. I was um…collaborating on another story…*blushes* And it's really awesome! Kendra's in it and it's set after FSE…like, three to four years after or so. Caught by the Past by the awesome authoress rythmteck. You all should look into it…unless you don't want to spoil little bits of mine yet…*sigh* Too late for that now I suppose… but I'm trying hard not to give the funnest bits away. So look into it! I look for it online whenever I can! *mumbles to self* She really needs to update…man… But go! Read mine! Review! Then go read her's! Er…well…other than the fact that it's a sequel…and…you get the point.

Four-Sided Eyes

(a.k.a. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the fangirl)

Chapter 24: Awakening

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(Kendra's POV…)

Cold…it's so cold. And dark. Not just the uncomfortable kind of dark…the terrifying dark that chills you to the bone. It's pressing against me, pulling me under. I can't breathe. Can't…breathe…my lungs are bursting….

Air! Sweet air!

And warmth…the warmth is surrounding me. It feels like…home. Home? Zach!

There he was, my favorite pirate on the Goshawk. He's being handled roughly… but why? Zach was always laughing and playing with me…he was always so nice. I'd ride on his shoulders and he'd taught me how to sail…

What right do the men dressed in the gaudy red jackets have to do that? What did Zach do to them? He's much too kind to do anything mean, so surely they are in the wrong.

Now…there's a rope around his neck…and he's standing before an enormous crowd of landlubbers. The crew…where's the crew? Scattered amongst the crowd, disguised. And they're…what are those redcoats doing?

No! He's…someone's got to stop this! Will no one help him?

I started to run towards him, but Jim…Jim's stopping me. He picking me up and turning me away. Saying words to try and comfort me.

"Sh, lil' Ken, we told ye not to come 'ere."

"What are they doin' to Zach? We've got to stop 'em!"

"No, lass, sh." He patted my back and started out of the crowd. "The Captain won't be happy with you for disobeyin' orders. Ye were supposed to stay on the Goshawk."

"But they'd taken 'im! They'd taken Zach! We…we've got to do somethin'…"

I scrambled up a bit farther in his arms and saw my friend hanging there limply…and his eyes…they were…glazed over. He's…looking without seeing.

"Jim…why won't he move? What's wrong with Zach, Jim? Is he…did they…"

He pressed my face onto his shoulder and my senses began to swim again…

A blunt blow to the head. Pain…lots of it. All around the base of my skull. Feet running around on the deck, but…somehow they're not feet that I recognize. Harsh laughter of a man…but who?

Spriggit.

No! I can't…this can't be happening…he…I won't lose to him!

Struggling did no good, trying to scream did no good…I could do nothing else but barely stay conscious.

My first mate Kenneth…will he…I can't hear this again…never again…

I put forth all of my effort to speak and succeeded in mumbling one word. "Kenneth…"

I listened to his decapitated body hit the deck and more of the men laugh. I felt my body grow weaker and my consciousness slipped again…

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(Jack's POV…)

I was right.

All along, my suspicions had been correct.

I had been deceived by a lass. The lass that was sound asleep right across from me.

My expression soured.

I had been made a fool of.

There had been lots of opportunities previous to this where I could have found out the truth. But no, I had to keep waiting and waiting…hoping that "Pierre" would give himself - or herself - away.

I had fallen for her trap. How? How could this have happened? Why could I possibly believe such a pathetic façade for so long?

Well, whoever this lass is, she fooled myself and my crew this entire time. Even with my suspicions, she had kept me believing in her male…'self'.

The humiliation of it all…

Pierre, I guess you weren't so complicated after all.

You're just difficult.

Stubborn.

Deceptive.

Conniving.

Pausing for a moment I realized that Pierre had been everything a wise pirate is.

How did that little lass figure out how to be so tricky? If nothing else, I would have her reveal her secrets. By force if necessary. I was her captain, and I would know what secrets my crew was keeping from me. Especially when it involved deceiving me.

Of her sex no less…and her name.

Still don't know her name.

Unless she really is the illusive Captain Ken. Could be short for something…

Wait?

I'm actually thinking enigma Pierre could be Captain Ken?

What am I thinking? Pierre couldn't be old enough to be captain…could she? Squinting for a moment, I shook my head to myself.

Very unlikely.

Now…the name…

After thinking for a moment, no names came to mind. Well, I'll just have to wait for the irritating little wench to wake up…then I'll know all I demand. This lass won't hide anything else from me.

Just then, the aforementioned lass began to twitch and moan a little. But nothing else. Might just be a nightmare. I suppose I should keep a sharp eye to see if she'll give anything away in her sleep.

And…so things continued for at least an hour. I sat there and listened to my Pearl creak and groan as she traveled along the waves. Sounds like Pierre's mumbling…but not in any language I know.

"Kenneth…"

Well, that's one word. Babbling someone's name. I'm not foolish enough to make any assumptions about her anymore. Have to ask her when she wakes up about dear ol' Kenneth.

Still nothing important out of her.

It was tempting to leave and get some fresh air, but Janette had just gone to sleep a few hours ago, and she'd kept watch over our little French impersonator all of the previous day. I had been cooped up for so long the day before that, and had entirely forgotten about Pierre and left Janette to the duty. Pierre's condition had been improving very quickly, but her mumbles now were the most movement we'd observed. She was definitely having nightmares, or some kind of unpleasant thoughts. Pierre persisted in her sleep-filled mumbles and almost cried on one occasion. But she refused to come back to full consciousness.

I could do little more than let both women sleep.

Leaning back in my chair, reflection seemed a good thing to occupy my mind, seeing as though listening to Pierre babble was not all that exhilarating anymore.

Thinking about it, this was an interesting situation. Here I was, keeping an eye on a scrawny little wench…she'd been impersonating a cabin boy and fooled me. And now I actually don't mind watching over her? Her face was so tense…filled with fear and pain.

She wasn't sick was she? I'd been assured that she was only exhausted. And nightmares were generally common with fevers…not exhaustion. Her condition isn't worsening, is it?

Was I going soft?

That brought about a shudder.

This brings about a new line of thought…how else has she been fooling me?

Finding her on the beach? Well…she'd never said that she was a boy…that had been my assumption.

Crying that first night? Hadn't said her sex then either…

And when I fed her the first meal? Well…she did have a deep scar running between her breasts…perhaps she hadn't been lying to me when she was drunk. But could she have been drunk? Or just playing the drunkard well enough for me to fall for it…?

All of Pierre's tense interactions with Janette…was it jealousy towards her? Now that I know Pierre is not just a wiry cabin boy…that does have more implications. Women seem to have tiffs easier than men.

And all of those mixed signals…the sudden words and actions that confused me. Were they all little slip-ups of Pierre's?

Could I have neglected to notice other little hints of Pierre's?

Or was I so busy trying to analyze her that I fell for her front?

Well, I had fallen for every other act she put up.

And that fact did little to improve my mood.

How much longer could the girl sleep? Really, isn't three days long enough? Sure, my men had fallen ill for longer time periods…but they were full grown men, not twiggy young girls who like to be difficult and hide the truth.

I still don't even know how old she is.

Pierre was likely between the ages of thirteen and fifteen, anything older was very improbable. Not impossible, but just improbable.

Three days…and at this rate, she would wake up soon. Unless something was terribly wrong with her. Well…she was having the nightmares.

I don't know how much longer I can sit idly by and have my questions still unanswered.

Ten more minutes of silent torment passed and I seriously began to consider having Anamaria take my place. At least for an hour, maybe two or three.

Putting my hat down over my eyes I decided to take a quick nap. What really was demanding my attention?

A soft rustling caught my attention, and I tipped my hat back up. The irritating patient had moved, and her eyes were slightly open. She had just woken up. But she may not be strong enough to stay conscious for long by the weary look on her face.

I'll take it easy on her until she looked a little better.

Wouldn't do much for my reputation to pick on recovering cabin lasses.

Her gaze drifted to me and a flash of surprise went across her heavy-lidded eyes.

It wouldn't have taken her that long to register my presence, would it? What else would startle her?

"How do you feel?" I asked.

No need to forget the niceties of conversation. For a short time at least.

"Tired," she mumbled, starting to attempt to sit up.

"Don't move too much," I warned, "Don't want to wear yourself out."

"Wear myself out?" she whispered, her voice getting energized - with anger no doubt - and the brown in her eyes was quickly becoming livid.

"Aye. You've been dead to the world for three days and need to rest a bit more before you can-"

She cut me off, "All the more reason to move!"

"You will follow my orders, Pierre," a small scowl came onto my face without command. "I'll not have you hurting yourself anymore."

"I never meant to hurt myself!" She bared her teeth for a moment, and a growl was all that was needed to give her a more complete feral look. "It was Janette that's the-"

"Enough," I snapped.

She started and glared at me.

"You are a member of my crew and will obey the orders of your captain."

"I refuse."

"You can't."

"I just did, Cap'n," a nasty little sneer graced her face.

I walked over to the side of the bed and crossed my arms, assuming my most intimidating pose. "I am your captain and you will stay in that bed, whether I have to hold you down or not."

A scoff came out of her snippy mouth and she twisted in the bed, her feet about to touch the ground.

I reacted instantly, and scooped up her legs, throwing off her balance and while she was still off guard I spun her around and effectively put her back into her previous laying position. The shock wore off too soon for my liking, and I jerked up, dodging her dangerously close kicking feet.

"Let me go!" she screamed, only to cut herself off and breathe heavily as she glared at me.

Wore herself out. I'd warned her.

I took her pause and pinned down her ankles with one hand, the other pointing at her angry face.

"Now there are two options here. You can stay laying down and go back to sleep like a good girl and I'll leave ye alone, or you can keep fighting against me and you will continue to be graced with my presence."

The sneer returned. "I refuse both. Now let me go or you'll sorely regret it." She clenched a fist and pulled back her arm a bit.

First of all, she had no leverage.

Second of all, she had no strength.

Third, she hadn't eaten for three days.

And fourth…she must have lousy aim when she's very tired.

Her punch started towards me, but stopped short, the fist going sideways and even wobbling a bit; her entire body was exhausted and unbalanced. She looked very embarrassed and perhaps even flustered.

That was a new expression…Pierre had seemed to reach the point where her own stubborn notions of ignoring my orders had been proven wrong and her body had betrayed her…too exhausted to do more than sleep or perhaps eat.

"If you lay down and go to sleep I'll give you a chance later on to try again, and I won't even dodge, as long as you don't hit my face or my goods."

Her expression turned sour. An irked Pierre was oh-so-much fun…

"I don't want your pity."

"It wasn't pity, love. I was just giving you the only chance you'll ever have of hitting me."

"Impudent man," she muttered.

A small smirk slid onto my face. "Aye?"

"Release me at once."

I loosened my grip on her ankles a bit. "And what do I get in return?"

"A grateful crewmember."

I put my free hand to my chin and played with my braids a bit. "Nah," the thoughtful expression gave way to a smirk and I tightened my grip. "Not enough in my interest."

Her eyes flashed angrily and she balled up her fists again. At least she had learned her lesson and did little else. "Where's Janette?"

"Sleeping." Satisfied that she wasn't going anywhere very soon, I let go and walked back towards my chair. "She's been getting so little sleep lately and I can't stand to see an exhausted woman on my deck-"

"But in your bedroom it's all right?"

I paused in my short stroll and glanced back. "What is it to you, Pierre?"

Her eyes darkened. "You put me in your cabin. Why?"

"The best place to keep an eye on an afflicted soul such as yourself. Besides, you should enjoy the luxury while you still can. As soon as you're up and about I am fully looking forward to my bed again."

"Why is Janette allowed the luxury of freedom aboard the Pearl while I am confined to this bed? Your bed I might add."

"Because I'm captain and you'll follow my orders."

She didn't reply for a moment and then got riled up…it was a pleasure to watch it build up. Her eyes narrowed and the fluid bronzes inside the interesting orbs promised an awful wrath. I could easily imagine flames flickering with her pupils, witnesses to the fiery temper emerging. Her jaw clenched for a moment, and her neck stiffened. Her arms showed the well-defined muscles lying beneath the tanned skin, no doubt results from living aboard a pirate ship most of her life.

"Really Cap'n, I need to get her back!" she snarled, her volume rising. She sat up and I clomped back over.

I set my hands on her shoulders and pushed her back down. "Ye're not well, now stay put. Janette is fine, and doesn't need a scolding from you-"

"You saw what she made me do! She needs to learn that her actions have consequences!" she snapped.

My eyes darkened and as she struggled to get up again I finally got sick of the battling and grabbed her wrists - they were tiny… - and pushed even harder, effectively keeping the lass pinned down.

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(Kendra's POV…)

Now how had this happened? One minute I'm struggling to breathe in the raging sea, the next I'm fighting for my sanity and practically hallucinating, and now…

I'm uselessly resisting Sparrow's commands - vocal and physical - to stay put. I know I need to stay in bed, but if I'm confined to the bed then Sparrow can come and pester me as he pleases. As can Janette…

Great

"Don't be so hasty," Sparrow began, his eyes boring into mine again.

How I loathe and yet crave this…

"The lady has been looking quite sorry for her actions. Been watching over you whenever I can't."

How much had he been watching me? Why was he? Doesn't he have a ship to run?

"Why did you neglect your beloved Pearl? Let alone for a raggedy cabin boy like me?"

A throaty chuckle came out of Sparrow and it was hard not to grin at the sound.

And the sight.

Wait…

Was he leaning closer?

Sparrow was already disturbingly close. Though my body refused to agree.

No, no, I get the edgy-exhilarated-heart-racing type of feeling. Just what I need…

"Cabin boy, hm?"

I gulped unconsciously.

His smirk was impossible to ignore.

Why was I staring at his lips again?

Oh yes, he's smirking. Must pay attention to that. If I stare at his eyes I'll lose track of where I am and what's going on.

He has to know my secret…the lack of wrap, different outfit, calling me 'love', and the knowing tone in his last comment…he must know. Plus he'd said 'be a good girl'…he obviously doesn't realize my age. If nothing else, I'll keep that fact secret.

"Why do you find my mouth so much more interesting than my eyes?" Sparrow's mesmerizing lips said.

Mesmerizing?

Oh dear…

"Did you want a kiss, love?"

At this, I subconsciously sucked in a breath.

Was that what I wanted? It couldn't possibly be…right? I'm only desperately missing the Dilettante. I can't have fallen for this pirate. But I had been staring at them…

It was only to keep my gaze off his eyes…right?

He laughed softly again. "I'll take that as a yes. Well, love, go ahead if you want. I'll not refuse a kiss."

My eyes darted up to his and I saw that he wasn't kidding.

Oh no…

This could not lead to good things.

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Reviewer time! Yeah!

PED-sarah: And…here's another cliffy for you! *grins* But she's awake now!

Dark Cobweb: Really…where is this bit about her fallin' in love with Sparrow? *sighs* She's just physically attracted to him! Come now! She's only missin' the Dilettante! *grumbles about slander*

KawaiiRyu: Of course Fluff has some humanity to her! You just had to dig a bit to get past all the petticoats and such. But yeah…the interrogation is on!

kittykatt: You're welcome and keep reviewin'!

HealerAriel: *blinks* A Janette/Kendra thing? *shudders* Where are all these blasted rumors comin' from?!

TheSiriusSparrow: Yep…the secret's out. *grins* And Jack is none too pleased with his new cabin lass. *enjoys the cookie*

novembergrl: We'll just have to see how things develop, won't we? *evil grin* But don't none of ye be thinking' there's some hidden romance scheme goin' on! Really…rumors galore here…

Cat Eyes1: Yeah! New reviewer! Glad ye like it…and I'm glad the length makes you happy. I didn't expect it to go so far…but I'm still cruisin' along…or puttin' on occasions…but yeah…

AAR Rocks My Socks: Another update for ye! Sorry it took me so long…but ye'll just have to wait and see like everyone else…but I can guarantee it'll be interesting.

Buritsutsunei: Kendra sure isn't happy…just like you guessed. And things just keep goin' and goin' on…it's a surprise Kendra isn't going crazy yet…

AtLus: Sorry friend, review spot 121...but thanks a ton for reviewing! Wow…you think I'm really that good? *blushes* Oh gosh…well…here's the update, so uh…*puts out hands expectantly* Onegai?

Clover the Sea-Beast: *peers around a corner* Well um…here's the update and more should come soon…so um…no blackspot please…Wouldn't want to displease ye fellow buccaneers…*offers her finest seaweed in a peace offering* But many, many thanks for coming and reading my dabblings…I'm impressed that you like mine…compared to rythmteck's and all…*looks down at feet*

Keep those reviews comin' me hearties, yo ho!