Disclaimer: *the two slink around on deck and start setting their plan…*

P.S. No own PotC! Just…you know, in case anyone forgot.

Authors Note: Oooo…double meaning for the chapter title. *grins* Ten points if you figure out both of them! *smirks* And…still looking for that rpg Sparrow…if anyone knows anyone or would like to help out…*sigh* (Role-Playing Game=rpg, if anyone was wondering.) But…look forward to a pretty cool chapter I whipped out in most of one sitting. Just little snippets from converted scenes. *grins* All today! Wow… now…homework…*whimper*

Four-Sided Eyes

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

Chapter 27: Confidence

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(Kendra's POV…)

It's past dusk already.

And…

I have to deal with all of my troubles, along with having to finish my bleedin' chores. Clenching my jaw, I did my best to look complacent, if not cheery. Sparrow would suspect something if I show my weakness or irritation at such chores. A captain, as I rightfully am, can only tolerate this kind of degradation for so long…a cabin lass is used to this lot in life. She doesn't expect any better. It is a privilege to be taught and given board upon a ship, any ship. Letting out a sigh, I doubted the truth behind that statement. At least when stuck in this particular standpoint.

So there goes any hope of complaining about the chores with the hope that they would be lessened. Besides the fact that this is the regular amount of chores…

I'm just not up to my usual strength. I'm still feeling the effects of that awful incident. I get winded far more easily than I should…and…my muscles ache. I'm a hardened pirate captain…I should not get sore over a few chores.

But then again…I still had bruises from the waves of that storm, I suppose.

That's it. The only reason for this bit of unnecessary suffering.

Despite my hopeful thoughts, my spirits refused to be lifted. My mind drifted, my body ached, my whole…being longed…

The situation had just been going downhill, and all my troubles seemed to be catching up with me.

How I miss the Dilettante…my crew…being captain…just the simple joy of holding the helm and knowing that all was in order. Oh, how I desired that more than anything…

With not having to swab the deck coming close in second. In fact, it almost tied with first…

If there's nothing else to be positive about - doubtful with circumstances being as they are - I have not been confined to the land. I suppose having the familiar rocking of the waves and the soothing smells, sights, and sounds has kept me sane, and calm and cheery in my outward appearance.

But how I miss the Dilettante…

"Pierre?" Wesley was now beside me, no doubt trying to woo me.

Perfect.

And I didn't hear him come up. I'm losing my touch!

"Aye?" I looked up and continued to pause in my swabbing.

"Do ye need a hand? I finished me chores already, and-" he smiled softly, being careful not to raise my ire.

Unfortunately, my nerves were already shot.

I did not reply for a moment, then gripped the mop tighter. "I'm fine. Just was taking a short break. I'll be done soon enough."

Wesley nodded. "If yer sure, Pierre…"

"I'm sure," I muttered, swabbing quickly. If I ever have to do this after I get back the Dilettante…I swear I'll kill someone or something. Or worse.

Wesley continued to stay within earshot, though he pretended to busy himself with idle tasks. Whittling away at something, whistling an irritating tune…plenty of things I wish I had the spare time to waste on.

Either the other cabin boys were busy, or Wesley was enamored. How much I wish for the first…

"I'm not yer type," I kept my eyes on my task.

Wesley paused in his whittling, and looked over in surprise. "What? What'd ye say, Pierre?"

"I told ye to stop tryin' to pursue me, Wesley. I'm not yer type."

He raised an eyebrow to this. "Not me type? And ye're a judge of good relationships? Who says I'm not up to any more than a bit o' skirt chasin'?"

"I ain't wearin' a skirt. Makes that a bit difficult."

This resulted in a hearty chuckle from the growing irritant. Luckily, I'd finished my swabbing, so my chores were done for the day. And now I'm left with Wesley's company…perhaps I'll go bother Janette for the rest of the evening. At least she can be cowed…

"Let me get that for ye," Wesley gently took the mop from my unresisting hands and picked up the bucket, smiling at me. "I'm assuming ye ain't sittin' next to anyone in particular at dinner, are ye?"

Sitting next to him at dinner? That's supposed to make my heart flutter? You've got to be kidding me…

"Well, Janette's been gettin' rather edgy. I think I'm supposed to eat with her tonight."

"As you wish," he repeated his mock-bow. "But what about after that?" his grin was turning lecherous.

"I'm beat Wesley, probably gonna turn in for the night."

He kept his smug grin. "Well then, would ye let me tuck ye in?"

Definitely just interested now that I'm a girl. The things I tolerate… I almost forced a small laugh, but then heard a rather loud thud.

From the direction of Janette's cabin.

I turned abruptly and waited only a moment to hurry over. Besides, it got me out of the uncomfortable reply to Wesley.

The closer I got the more worried I became. Janette should have screamed by now…or else I'll feel quite foolish about running off like that.

"Pierre! Wait up! What is it?"

I ignored him and continued, picking up my pace. Despite what I do or think, Janette is my responsibility…and I can't watch the poor girl get raped. Which is likely the purpose of that thud.

And if she simply tripped…I will be furious.

Janette is prone to occasional bouts of clumsiness.

Fighting back a pant - I really am hurting from that incident still - I rounded a turn and found one of the crew, likely drunk, pinning Janette to a wall. He had his hand over her mouth, which would explain the lack of screaming.

"Sh, easy now, lass," the man's words were remarkably clear. Perhaps he wasn't drunk…just barmy. Sparrow had made it clear that she was to be untouched. "Just a little fun, lass, I don't mean you no harm," he grinned at her.

Janette was terrified, her eyes wider than I'd ever seen them, her heart likely racing from the speed her chest rose and fell. And she was growing paler by the second.

"Unhand her," I growled, preparing myself for a fight.

Wesley stumbled behind me and gasped at the sight before him. He must have thought I was just fleeing from him.

Slowly the offending crewmember turned to look at me.

"Scamper off, this be none of your business."

Wesley took a hesitant step backwards. Coward.

"Come on, Pierre. Let's get out of here." He put a hand on my shoulder.

Shrugging it off, I took a step forward and drew my cutlass.

The pirate, one of the lower ranking ones I remember, sneered at me. "Don't push your luck, lass. I can do the same to you if you don't leave now."

"I am her charge, Captain Sparrow himself gave me that duty. And I do believe you're violating one of the Captain's rules by touching her. Now unhand her or I'll remove them myself."

Wesley, still standing behind me, was trying to make a noise, obviously not sure what to make of my swift change of demeanor. And what he likely took for a very daft cabin lass. "J- Jake, ye should do as Pierre says. The Cap'n ordered the French woman untouched."

That's right…Jake is his name. And he was now ignoring me and putting his attention on Wesley.

"Was I talking to you?" Jake snapped, pressing harder on Janette.

Janette was looking to me, and whimpered. Glancing at her captor, I whispered in French.

"Don't worry. Just don't move. Whatever happens. Wink if you understand."

Janette winked and I nodded my head, holding my cutlass tighter.

"Come on Pierre, we really should just go…" Wesley was reaching out to put his hand on my shoulder but I shoved his hand to the side, focused entirely on Jake.

"Unhand her now," I took a few more steps closer, "or taste my blade."

He laughed.

At my threat no less. He's asking for it.

"All right, Pierre. I'll let her go," he pushed open her door and shoved her inside, slamming the door closed. His grin broadened. "And now I'll have my fun with you."

This man is drunk…or definitely not right in the head.

Wesley was cowering behind me, and throwing off part of my concentration. And my arms, still sore from swabbing.

This is not good, but I have no choice. At least Janette isn't shoved against the wall any longer.

"Lock the door, Janette!" I yelled, holding my cutlass steady and my other hand gripping a knife hidden at my waist.

Jake continued to advance, pulling out his own cutlass. One in very sorry shape. Several small chips in the blade. If I hit it just right…

I blocked a blow and pulled the knife out, keeping it ready. I could not throw as well with my left, but I could in the least jab it into his gut or neck if the need arose.

Jake smirked at me and I heard Wesley scamper off.

"Ye'll be sorry for getting involved, lass. I won't be gentle with you."

The nerve…to think he'll be the one winning and assaulting me. His own fault for underestimating me.

Pulling back quickly, I began to dart back and forth, issuing out sporadic attacks on Jake. He continued to mock me, but I concentrated only on his hands and especially his cutlass.

There!

I swung hard and was glad to feel the resistance as my cutlass hit where the largest chip was. And with so much power behind it…my cutlass was now imbedded in his, by a good few centimeters.

Jake looked on in shock. "What…what did you…" he stuttered.

"Caught you of guard, that's all." I grinned and pulled back hard. His grip on his cutlass was weak and I put the knife back, grabbing the handle of his blade and pulling it loose of mine.

One in each hand, I stood before my opponent and let my smug expression broaden. "If you just would have let Janette go, none of this would have happened."

Jake pulled a knife out and I prepared myself to try and block it. This would be difficult if he was fast. Blocking knives was nowhere near my specialty.

"That's enough!" Sparrow's voice broke through the tense air and Jake looked to him. I kept my eyes on his knife. He could still throw it in carelessness. Or in a rage.

"What's going on?" our brave captain snapped, stomping over and looking between Jake and I with a look of pure…enragement.

Wesley hurried behind him. "I told ye Cap'n. Pierre found Jake holdin' the French woman against the wall, and he…he threatened us."

"And you scuttled off to go tell the captain, I see." I dared a glance over in his direction and he tensed. "That's real gentlemen like."

Sparrow grabbed my arm and squeezed hard. "You've interrupted my dinner, now tell me what happened, Pierre."

I held out Jake's worthless cutlass to Sparrow, which he took, and then released my arm. I sheathed my cutlass after assuring I had gained no chips. "I heard a scuffle and came to see what was the matter. Janette was about to be assaulted and I told Jake to unhand her. He didn't comply and threatened us." I finally looked to Sparrow. "I put him in his place. Kept my charge safe, what else is there to say?"

For a moment, Sparrow looked over to Jake - now holding back his tongue and trying to look indifferent - and then met my gaze. After assuring my sincerity, I suppose, he spoke again. This time, to Jake. "I will have a word with you later, sailor."

Jake nodded and slunk off, shooting me a glare that Sparrow no doubt also saw. Sparrow opened his mouth to speak, then saw Wesley standing a step behind him and shooed him off. He was reluctant, but did as he was told.

Now it was just me and Sparrow. And Janette no doubt cowering in her room. I glanced over at her door.

"Can I tell Janette not to fret any longer? It'll only take a moment."

"Of course," Sparrow nodded and examined Jake's cutlass.

I knocked on her door. "Janette? It's Pierre. Nothing to fret about anymore, I'll see you once the captain's had his few words with me. Don't go anywhere, all right?"

"A-all right," a timid Janette replied.

I furrowed my brow for a moment. She's never been that timid…the squiffy must have really upset her. But…must deal with Sparrow first. Turning back to him, I saw the focus of his attention. The much enlarged crack in Jake's cutlass…which I so skillfully caused.

"How did you do this?" Sparrow gestured to the blade.

"Do what, Cap'n?" Best to play stupid.

He didn't appreciate it, just what I expected of him. "The crack. How did you do it?"

"A crack?" I cocked my head and looked to the cutlass he held. "Oh…that crack. Well…I don't rightly know. I defended myself and…somehow mine got stuck in that crack. Didn't mean to do it."

Lying through my teeth, ah the joys. If Sparrow suspects…I may yet be in trouble.

His eyes were wary, and then there was a crash in Janette's room. I jerked my head over and Sparrow sighed.

"Go ahead," he muttered, "I'll have a word with you later."

Nodding "Thank ye, Cap'n," I knocked on her door again. "Janette? Are you all right?"

"P-Pierre, is that you?" a tear-filled voice asked.

"Aye, tis me. Is the door unlocked?"

"The chair fell over…so yes."

Rolling my eyes, I eased open the door and slipped in. Janette was a sobbing mess curled up on her bed, shaking and overall looking…quite pathetic. I sighed and set the fallen chair upright. One of the legs was loose, no wonder it fell over. I securely closed the door behind me and walked over to her bed, crouching down.

"What's the matter, Janette? Not still worked up over that git, are you?"

Her lip trembled. "He…he…just came out of nowhere and grabbed me…then his hand was over my mouth and I…I couldn't get away…I was so…so…"

"Sh, lass," I didn't want her any more worked up and took her hand in mine. "I'm here. Captain Sparrow saw the end result, and he will likely punish him. And even if he didn't, I'd keep you safe. You know that, don't you?"

Janette managed a small nod. "I just…it was…s-so awful…much worse than those other three pirates back at the p-port…and…I didn't know if anyone would help me and…"

I forced a smile. "Don't worry yourself, Janette. I'm…I'm sorry I didn't come earlier. I'm doing my best to keep you safe."

Her eyes were filled with such fear…such…trust. And I almost wanted to pull away and desert her. What am I saying? Practically pledging myself to be her guardian… she's already my charge. There's no need to do more.

"How do you do it?" she asked. "How are you…so confident?"

I stared for a moment. So confident? What does she mean…or… Could it be that despite how good my façade is, the fact that I am a captain and know that I have proven my worth makes me…seem cocky for a cabin lass? Janette wouldn't know what to expect of a cabin lass…but…

She would know what to expect of a young girl.

Especially after my true sex has been shown. She knows of a few of the threats to my safety…and doesn't know that I could do much more damage than she realizes.

Might as well dance around the subject.

"Well, Janette…I'm confident in my ability to defend myself. I've lived the entirety of my life aboard pirate ships. I know how to live, how to fight, how to keep lustful men off me." A small laugh escaped. "Not that I've ever dealt with that situation… except with drunkards. I suppose I'm not attractive enough for the men to get worked up. You on the other hand…" She looked so pathetic, her eyes puffy from crying, her lips trembling. Indeed, she portrayed a simpering maid. "You, Janette, are something these men greatly enjoy having to look at. Even if they can't touch you…wherein lies the problem." I stood and sat on the bed, my hand still clutched tightly in hers.

She was so brittle…so soft and…naïve.

"I am a temptation to them?" she whispered.

"Aye," I nodded and felt my tongue gradually loosening as the tension disappated. "A sore temptation. To no fault of your own really…though if my crew dared to even think of trying such a thing, I'd have quite a few stern words, let alone fists."

"Your crew?" she asked, the confusion obvious in her inflection. "But…if you had a crew then…" Her eyes widened and she looked up at me warily.

How had I slipped up like that? Really…I've never done that before…curse this woman for breaking down my wall too well!

Once again, thank goodness Janette only speaks French.

"Well…you're probably correct in your thoughts, lass. I'm not at all what I appear to be. Boyish features would indicate that I was of the male inclination but nay, I'm indeed female. And my face, plenty young. My figure would indeed lead people to believe me no older than fourteen. But again, they're wrong." Taking a breath, I smiled. "I am nearly twenty-three, and captain of the Dilettante."

Janette did not move, she even seemed to stop breathing.

"Don't stop breathing on my account, Janette. Looking as I do, I've been playing these games for years. Ever since it was obvious I was not going to look my part. So I worked with what I had. I swindle, lie, cheat, and survive." I squeezed her hand. "But I've got a soft spot for you, or so it seems." I'm starting to babble…need to end this soon.

She nodded slowly. "So…you're my senior, but look to be like a younger sister."

"Aye."

"Is…is your real name Pierre?"

"Well…I'll tell you my real name, but only under the condition that you never say it to me in Sparrow's presence."

She nodded. "You have my word."

I swallowed. "It's Kendra."

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Reviewer section! Yeah! Did that baby all in one day…whew…a few hours of just sitting and writing. *grins* Hope you liked it…and get the double meaning of the chapter title. 11 reviews! Whew!

TheSiriusSparrow: *examines the rum* Good bait for a certain Sparrow…thanks! *grins* But yes…the Kendra/Wesley thing is amusing…to us. Kendra just um…gets irritated at me for it.

PED-sarah: How?! You don't have to pay…? *looks confuzzled* But…yeah, Wesley's motives are a bit more pronounced now…but…*shrugs* He was a late addition. Kinda fun to write him.

AAR Rocks My Socks: Well…hope this helps you survive another week. Or two…*cringes* I have the rest of the plot figured out, I just have homework and stuff piling up…so that makes actually writing it far more difficult… But yeah, Janette is human, and I am proving this. *nods and grins* And now one of the people on board knows her real identity…but unfortunately…she can't really tell anyone, can she? *grins*

KawaiiRyu: And here ye go! Yep…good ol' Fluff got the news before Jack! Think about how that would tick him off…hehe. Well…yeah, Wesley's not meant entirely to be a Princess Bride rip-off…but he's turning out that way. *shrug*

HealerAriel: *takes Jack back* Thanks! *grins at Jack…then decides to finish her reply* Yeah. I truly feel pity for Janette. She is definitely naïve, and that's what the world wanted her to be. But, gradually she's breaking out of that shell. Hard road though.

Buritsutsunei: Yes…creepy, creepy Wesley. *grins* But Kendra could take him. Any day, any time, any place.

Dark Cobweb: An rpg Jack, if you didn't see above, is a Role Playing Game Jack. I'm in a yahoo group…and we basically write a story by e-mail and this website. It's my first one, but very fun. Besides some sort-of annoying people…but that's another subject for another day. But…pinning down Jack's character? Tis hard indeed…I read over your story and…*cringes* don't take any offense please… I've read a lot of different takes on Jack, and yours is pretty good compared to a lot of other authors. *coughs* But…I don't think Jack is quite so obsessed with rum… He was thinking he'd die on that island, so why not take part of the best thing available? *shrugs* I'm not the best person to say…I'm always asking if I have him right or not. Did that help or hurt? It was supposed to help…

novembergrl: I'm a tryin'! Yep…poor developing Janette coming out of her bubble. Tough stuff…but she's coming along. And Kendra…she's learning to deal with stuff too. So, it really is a big growing experience. Me included.

MiseryLovesCompany: Wowzers! New reviewer! Thanks! *blushes* And I'm glad my movie has new fans. (PotC is now dubbed to the people back home as "Amy's movie"…all due to my get-up for Halloween that's posted on the fridge I suppose.)

Anaknusan: *holds out an ice-pack* Watch out for the walls…deadly stuff. But…thanks for being a new reviewer! Yeah! My following grows! *evil grin* You asked about Kendra being associated with Buffy the Vampire Slayer? *blink* I didn't even know there was someone with that name in there… I actually have a cousin named Kendra, but…my real inspiration for her name was…*deep breath* I had planned her character differently originally. "Kendra" the name has something to do with the ocean, and I wanted her past to fit that. It does…she was found at sea. *shrug* Go figure. Plus…I wanted a semi-feminine name that could easily be male. And have a male counterpart. So…thus Kenneth and Kendra. Though…Kendra would be the type to go slay vampires if the need arose…*shrugs*

Thing that goes bump: Thanks! I hope those tips work out for you…about all I can do until I see your actual work. And I'm glad my stuff makes sense. *grins* Don't want to lose you guys on the way of spinnin' this tale. And wow…a fan of the "non-action" chapters…cool deal! Here's…kind a mix of the two. But, you asked about me reading a fic? Sure! Just post it, and tell me you've got it up…or I might chance upon it when I get bored and peruse your guy's profiles. *shrugs* I've read a few of my reviewer's works, but…I don't have tons of spare time. But I'd love to read it. Just let me know when you get it up.

Thanks for all the support guys! You rock! And…just to give you the heads up…we're starting towards the beginning…*dramatic music* The beginning of the end! *screams of horror* But! Never fear…Kendra's story line will continue…*grins* But it'll be coauthored…so…more info next time. *grins* Now go click that little button and review, savvy?