Disclaimer: *Amy continues to enjoy the company of her Jack clone and…worries about how pathetic her disclaimers about not owning PotC are getting…but not too much.*

Authors Note: Here you go guys! It's a long one! Hope you enjoy! I've loved being here in Cali…though I'm still sore from riding horses. Well…a particularly jerkish horse named CJ, but that's besides the point. *grumbles about how twenty buck horse rides are so not worth it* Anyhoo…got about….four or five chapters to go. They'll go faster and may be shorter…but then again I may just combine more of them. At least give me a week to get the next one out. I've had this little bit (or most of it) done for…three months? I don't even know any more…but a long time. It's great stuff! I've babbled enough…so for my finishing thoughts: read, review, and look into rythmteck's stuff! (More Kendra guys, if you don't go for anything else)

Four-Sided Eyes

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

Chapter 32: Exit Geneviève

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(Kendra's POV…)

Janette was glad to retire to the room Norrington offered us; I was nearly ecstatic. Once assured of my opportunity to escape, I would. Janette prepared herself for bed, and I sorted out my things from hers. Cutlass, boots, pistol, belts, breeches - thank the heavens for those - shirt, wrap, hat, extra shots, and my other knives. Think that's all. If not, I'll have to replace them. But at least I've got all my necessities.

Taking a quick glance at Janette, who was still doing something with her hair, I slipped into my regular attire and was glad to have the dress in hand and not on me. Arranging my knives and weaponry, I checked myself over, then walked over to Janette, holding out the dress.

I'll certainly have no need of it.

"Janette?" I asked when she still had not noticed me.

She turned abruptly, then smiled at me. "Yes, little captain?"

I narrowed my eyes. Fluff seems to be gaining a wit. Not one that I appreciate. "I think I even prefer Geneviève over that." I held out the dress again. "Here, you'll need this far more than me."

A smile played on her face. One that made me uncomfortable at the possible implications. "No, no," her smile only broadened, "it will not fit me any longer. It is a gift. You can keep it."

"But, Janette, I-"

She cut me off, pressing the dress towards me. "Pirate or not, even you know it is rude to refuse a gift."

"But…" this girl…blast.

Scowling, I folded my arms, ignoring the fact that the dress was slung over one of them. "Only if you insist. Though I still say it'll be a waste of material."

Janette set a hand on my shoulder. "And it is my choice to waste it. But, if the occasion ever arises…it will most definitely come in handy."

Snorting, I turned away. "Take my word for it, Fluff. When the day comes that I need this dress I'll have given up rum for a month." Like that will ever happen.

Her hand squeezed harder. "K-Kendra?" she stumbled through my name.

"Aye," I turned back to her. She looks…strangely anxious. "What's wrong?"

"Did I get it right?" she asked.

Get what right? Fluff has actually confused me. Amazing.

She understood my confused expression and reiterated herself. "Did I say your name right?"

Is that all? How…quaint. Nodding, I allowed a smile. "Aye. Just don't stumble over the first bit." With a curt nod, I went over to her trunks and fished out the bag I had also snuck out. Stuffing the dress in there, I pulled the cord tight and slung it over my shoulder. "Well, Fluff," I smiled at her. "I guess I'm off. Sleep well, Mademoiselle Janette Graton."

"Kendra…are…you sure you must go?" She hurried to my side, clasping her hands together. And if I'm not mistaken, she'll soon start shifting her weight from foot to foot. Not a good trait for the high society type.

"Janette," I sighed, "I'm a pirate captain. My ship is waiting at the dock. This is your…part of society. I'll never fit in here." I took a breath. Maybe if she understands my position she'll let me be. It almost pains me to see her so worried.

"Your ship? The Dilettante is at the dock?"

Nodding, I looked to the window. "Aye. The reason for most of my distraction. Let alone why I stared at that so-called 'pirate schooner' that Norrington explained to me." Glancing back at her, I was irritated to see that she was only more nervous. "Janette, really. This is how things should end. You go back to your life and I'll go back to mine."

"But…but what about Captain Sparrow?"

She's looking to distract me…possibly all night. Unless she was waiting for an ambush to be set up…

No. I've been with her all night. I was not so distracted as to miss that. Let alone how she's… Is she nervous because she'll be all alone with the English? Has she grown so dependent on me? I surely hope not…I'm not sticking around. I have a life to get to. And I surely intend to do so.

"He'll be fine. With one less cabin lad, or lass, but I'm sure he'll survive. He really was more of an irritant than anything else to me, Janette. Truly…this is the best ending. You and your father will be reunited, Sparrow will be rid of me and have his ransom, I'll be back to the Dilettante. I see nothing wrong with any of this."

"But…" her mind was racing with something. No doubt ways to delay me. "What about the man who stole your ship? Did Commodore Norrington not say that he was due to be…hung?"

Never considered him…I'd been so set on getting my life back that…no. He's not my concern. His fate is sad, but it was choice to steal my ship. Let alone get it caught by the Brits…

I shook my head. "None of our concern, Fluff. I've got to go." Not knowing what else to do, I offered my hand to her.

She looked off edge still, but took a few steps forward and embraced me. I tensed. Only my men and I had ever hugged…but…I suppose I can indulge her this last time.

Working my arms out from between us, I returned the embrace. She stayed there for a moment longer than I preferred, and I gently pushed her back. She was smiling weakly and nearly crying. Poor Fluff.

She just looks…so defenseless. She'd never make it as a pirate. Well…not with her upbringing. Sighing, I decided to do something about it. Besides, she'd given me a gift, why not return the favor? Well…it was a dress, but the best she can offer at the moment. Slipping the knife out of my boot I held it out to her. The handle was soft and supple. Unlikely to hurt her delicate hands. And it would be an appropriate way for her to remember me.

"Take it," I flipped it around and offered the handle to her.

She looked to me with wide eyes. "But…why would I need this knife?"

"'Tis a gift, Mademoiselle. The usual custom that occurs between friends or acquaintances. Take it. The dress will help me remember you, and the knife will do the same for me. Funny…both represents us rather well I suppose."

Hesitantly she took it, examining at her leisure.

"It's sharp, so be careful." Smirking. "But it'll fend off plenty of lewd suitors. If we had time I'd give you a proper lesson. With the time we've got, I'll give you the shortened version." Walking up to her side and pointed to the tip of the blade. "This end goes into the other man." She looked to me with wide eyes. And I only grinned broader. "And keep a firm grip of the handle. Wouldn't want to have your own weapon used against you."

She softly laughed. At least she still can tell when I'm trying to make a joke.

I lightly patted her shoulder. "Well, Janette, I'm off."

"Good luck to you, Kendra. May you stay away from the noose."

"Aye, and may you snag a rich one, mademoiselle."

Janette laughed and I flashed one last smile before starting for the window. It was easy enough to open, and there was even vines for me to climb. Very fortunate.

As I slowly made my way down the vines she leaned out the window and watched me with wide eyes. I flashed a grin and forgot - very stupidly - to watch where I set my foot.

And…I fell.

I barely withheld a scream, and thank goodness Janette did the same. Cobblestone streets had never been so uncomfortable, but I got back to my feet. Think I was about three quarters of the way down. Not so far of a drop, I suppose. Grabbing my bag I waved and then hurried away from the commodore's dwelling. Not even a limp. Great!

The streets were empty, dirty, and somehow…welcoming. But before I check on the Dilettante, I think I need a drink.

Aye, just a little bit will do it.

So I entered the most suitable tavern and walked slowly towards the counter.

A single word broke through the mumbles and laughter filling the room, surprise and hope emulated within it. "Capitaine?"

I froze and scanned the room, until my own eyes were met with by a dozen or so sets of eyes.

Eyes that looked quite familiar…

Jonathon…Fredrick, Henry, Ernest, Whitney, Sam, Dalton, Eli, Peter, Eric, Gordy…and…Finnan.

"H-how…?" I gasped, staring in shock.

It couldn't be. My crew wouldn't be here in Port Royal. There's…there's no way my fortunes could flip so quickly.

Or drastically.

My plan was unraveling faster by the moment. I had found the Dilettante largely unguarded, been separated from Sparrow, had a few possible disguises with which I could elude my former 'captain' if necessary…and…now my crew is here? Well…a portion of my crew, but enough so that we could sail out tonight.

Tonight…my world could come back to its proper order this very night.

A smile formed and the shock faded into unimaginable joy.

"Me 'earties!" I cheered and hurried over.

Finnan and the portion of my crew present stood to meet me, and when I reached them I dropped my bag and latched onto my wonderful, loyal second mate. Finnan laughed a bit, but obliged me and returned the embrace.

Oh how I've missed this…allies, comrades, my crew…strong dependable men to whom I can truly be honest around. I don't have to hide anything, don't have to watch my words or deeds. Hope has returned.

"Are ye all right, Cap'n Ken?" Jonathon asked, setting a hand on my shoulder.

Pulling away from Finnan's comfort, I beamed at my men. ""Aye, Jon. Just…I've just missed ye all. Been far too long since I seen a familiar face."

"Captain," Finnan looked to me with concern, "you're…crying. You sure you're all right?"

Crying? I'm turning soft if that's the case…

When I hesitated to reply, Finnan gently ran his thumbs along my cheeks, no doubt wiping away the tears. "Probably just a bit of shock, aye, Captain?"

"Aye," I laughed, "Come of their own premonition they did."

Our reunion swiftly changed to plans for retrieval of the Dilettante and after paying for the rum we headed out. I was glad to be here, simply because my ship was so near and…so was my crew.

Seeing Finnan and part of the crew heartened me more than I could have imagined. And now, this very night, we would take back the Dilettante. All would be right in the world…life could return to normal.

There she is…I peered around the corner at my Dilettante. And the contingent of soldiers guarding it. Only three, but still, three soldiers to deal with. Finnan stood close behind me.

"Is it clear?"

"All 'cept for three," I muttered and looked back. My crew stood in the shadows, awaiting orders.

"Finnan and I'll go and deal with this. Keep a sharp eye though, as soon as we signal ye'll be expected to get onboard."

They nodded.

"Aye Cap'n,"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Aye, aye."

Finnan smiled down at me. "What ploy this time, Ken?"

I shrugged and slunk around the corner of the building, staying in the shadows. "Whate'er fate hands to us, I suppose."

He nodded and followed suit. Somehow…this felt so right. And at the same time… slightly unnerving.

It must just be that I'm having to steal back my own ship. And from the Brit's no less.

Finnan and I reached the edge of the building and I scanned the road running alongside the port. Clear. We would stand out a little, but could handle three redcoats. Easily. Finnan himself could do it blindfolded. Well…maybe not blindfolded, but all the same…

"Swift and silent? Or will it be some kind of act to get close?"

I narrowed my eyes and watched the three men milling around the dock. "Swift until we have to employ the act."

"Aye, Captain."

We watched the soldiers closely and then hurried to the next bit of shadows, concealing ourselves behind whatever we could find. Finnan used a box, I a post. It was so dark that nearly anything could provide a shadow big enough for cover. Slowly we proceeded, always keeping an eye on the redcoats, moving when their backs were turned to us. Which was disturbingly often.

Is this all that the great Commodore has to offer? At least he knows how to feed guests…

I set a hand to my stomach. The memory of that food will stick with me for some time. Not the best I've had, but better than anything I've had for some time.

Their backs were turned again and we were nearly to the dock. Nodding slightly, Finnan and I stood from our hiding places and rushed up, drawing our cutlasses.

Unfortunately, boots make noise when thudding across wooden planks. And the redcoats turned to see us rushing them.

Two froze, and the third prepared his rifle.

"Halt now or we will fire!"

So, we halted. For a moment at least. Finnan smirked, and started to walk forward again.

"Now, gentlemen, can't we simply work out some kind of agreement here?"

The soldier aimed at Finnan and I slowly switched my cutlass to my left hand. Finnan continued to advance, as did I, and just as the soldier began to lose his nerve I drew out a knife, all ready for throwing. At this distance I doubt I could kill him, but at least stun him or throw off his shot.

"Don't come no further!" a second yelled, aiming his rifle at me.

Isn't that great? If nothing else, we can let them take us prisoner, then have the crew ambush them. What a fix…unless…

"Alright," I stopped, sheathed my cutlass, and put my hands down, subtly pulling out another knife. The two redcoats were close enough that I could possibly hit both at the same time. Or at least throw them off. Though I don't want to have to replace my knives…

"Keep yours hands up, pirate!"

"Pirate?" I put up a hand, keeping my fingers folded over the knife's handle and pointed at my chest with my other. "Ye think I'm a pirate? Now what gave ye that impression?"

"Your sword," the first soldier snapped. "Let alone your attire, scamp."

"Scamp?" I put on an astonished expression. "Well 'ear this," I looked up at Finnan and continued the façade. "These 'ere gentl'men think I be a scamp. Isn't that funny?"

"Aye, that does seem a bit odd," Finnan grinned, noting my knives.

As the soldiers watched us in confusion, we took this opportunity to keep moving closer to the Dilettante.

"If you're not a 'scamp', lad, then what are you?" one of the soldiers growled. "You're certainly not a nobleman's heir."

How I love green redcoats…they make my work so much easier.

"That be true," I nodded and prepped one of my knives for throwing. "But I ne'er said I was a lad."

All three soldiers stared in shock. I flung my first knife hard and fast, hitting the second soldier in the shoulder. He stumbled backwards and lost his grip on his rifle.

My aim isn't too bad. Especially since I've been lacking practice.

A shot rang out and I was glad the man was no marksman. I darted to the side and threw the other knife. I hit the soldier who had fired the shot in the arm, effectively disabling him.

Finnan had now reached the soldier trying to remove my knife from his shoulder and promptly gave him a punch to the jaw. The third soldier, who had been apparently too terrified to do much else but stare, now saw how imminent the threat was to him and fumbled with his rifle.

I was about to draw my cutlass, but the second soldier had taken initiative and was nearly upon me. I jerked up my arms and gritted my teeth as his rifle collided with my arms. I stumbled backwards, darting back and forth as he jabbed at me with his bayonet.

And he was doing this so often that I didn't have time to draw my cutlass, curse him…

He swung his rifle wide, and I saw my opening. Charging, I knocked him onto his back and began to pummel him. And, since I was sitting on his arms, he was unable to do much in return.

Finnan gave a yell and tried to dodge the remaining two soldiers, the first looking quite battered.

Need to finish off this bloke quickly. He continued to struggle, despite his soon-to-be black eyes, bleeding lip, and bruising cheeks.

"G'night, porker," I grabbed his head and then slammed it hard onto the planks. He gave a groan and then closed his eyes. Finally unconscious…

Finnan.

I hurried off the Brit and growled as I saw that Finnan had been cut by a bayonet, and was now being cornered. Fluidly, I drew my cutlass and ran towards the more confident of the two soldiers. Best to eliminate him first.

He never saw me coming.

And gave a gasp of surprise as my cutlass protruded from his gut. I glared at his back and twisted it to the side, receiving a gargled sound. I pulled my cutlass out and looked to the remaining redcoat. He stared in horror.

I held my blade steady and narrowed my eyes at him. "Choose your end."

"I…I…"

Seeing a post behind him, I advanced. He stepped back. When he backed into the post, he gasped and began to stutter again. "P-please, just…just spare me."

"Spare you, hm?" I took two steps closer and was no less than a foot from him. "How'll this do?" I handed my cutlass to Finnan, who stood behind me, and grabbed his rifle. I pulled it onto its side, then slammed the butt of it into his neck.

The poor fool gasped and…didn't pass out yet. Unfortunately, his neck was a bit tougher than most. He blinked rapidly and coughed, trying to regain his senses. He still held onto the rifle though. I jerked the gun hard into his neck again, but he persisted.

"Pass out," I growled, and jammed the rifle butt against his throat harder, holding it tight.

Seeing that this wasn't working, and finally noting that the angle was all wrong, I loosened the rifle's bite against his throat, and punched him hard in the gut. He doubled over. I waited a moment longer for his head to come into easy reach and I jerked the rifle out of his hands, giving the back of his head a nasty bruise.

Looking down at the slumped form at my feet I had to give the recruit some recognition. He had subdued me for a time, and even taken quite a few jabs to the throat.

"Ready to go, Captain?"

"Aye," I murmured, "I've been waiting for this for too long." I let the rifle fall from my hands and retrieved my knives, wiping them on the soldier's uniforms before restoring them to the usual locations. My crew had been watching and now hurried over.

I looked to Finnan and he handed over my cutlass. Covered in gore. Sighing, I crouched next the final soldier. "Poor porker," I breathed, wiping my blade on his jacket, glad when the blade looked reasonable. I'd have to clean it, but that could wait.

"Let's return to the Dilettante, men."

My men boarded quickly, and set to work. I stood by Finnan for a moment and smiled. "Will you be all right?"

"Now that we have the Dilettante back, aye," he set a hand on my shoulder. "It's good to see you again, Captain."

"As it is to see you," I put my hand on his. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For…" I squeezed his hand, "believing in me all this time. Without you and the crew here, I don't know if I could have the Dilettante back already. I…I owe you all so much."

He laughed. "Come on, we have a ship to clean up. And that wound of mine to tend."

"Aye," I nodded and we boarded the ship.

I assured that the men were checking the Dilettante's condition, and bandaged Finnan's arm, leaving a few men to keep watch while the rest worked at ridding my ship of the damage Spriggit had done.

Thank goodness my Dilettante was still in one piece. In the hands of such a hapless captain for so long…she really was something to be in such good shape still. Finnan at my side, I ran my hands along the helm, then slipped below deck to check on things there. It had never been so rank…

Cringing, I walked along the hold walls and ran my hand along it. Just witnessing such a degradation made me want to pummel the man even more. My crew was hard at work, haphazardly filling holes, looking irritated and disgusted alongside me.

Spriggit had stolen my joy…my life. Killed part of my crew…all because he had been so foolish as to lose his own. Surely not all of the world believes in returning the hurts that are brought to yourself to others.

At least his foolishness had stuck and he'd lost the Dilettante to Commodore Norrington. I'm not sure if I should thank the man, or yell at him for damaging my ship.

In the least, I can do no harm to the navy in this port. And I see no reason to. My crew is here, the rest is in Tortuga, and we'll be on our way in less than an hour.

I can just hope that the shot from before is not given much thought.

Watching my men haul load after load of rank and rotting supplies, along with other filth, I did my best to keep my stomach settled. Though, it was relieving to see more of Spriggit's traces leave my ship.

If he cannot care for a ship properly…he does not deserve to be a captain at all. Captain…I'm finally Captain Ken once again.

The possibility of having my old life back…

Amazing…it had been so very long since such hope had been there…

"Captain Ken?" Finnan put a hand on my shoulder, startling me out of my thoughts.

I looked over. "Aye?"

"We're ready to set sail."

"Good," I smiled. "Let's get out of here."

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Reviewer section! Yippie! 17 reviewers! I love you guys!

dagzer: Well…here's your answer! Hope you enjoyed!

TheSiriusSparrow: Ding, ding! You were correct! And my clone…ah…he's so… perfect! *hugs her Jackie clone* Thank you a million times and a million times over!

MoonlitEclipse: Here you go! And there's more coming! But yep, Jack finally proved himself again…poor guy.

Curiousity Inc.: Hey, hey, there's still a handful to come. I was sorry it was so short too, but just really wanted to get something up for you guys. You are so patient.. And there will (hopefully) be closure to all four of them. Don't you worry. Er…and the Anamaria bit… well...she's a woman. And er…well. Yeah. She also didn't have lil' Pierre throwing her off at every turn. Kendra didn't worry about if Anamaria was watching closely. I'll er…get to that. Thanks for telling me. One of those things I overlooked, unfortunately.

Dark Cobweb: Hey, even repeating yourself over and over again is just fine by me. Hey, I keep doing some of the same phrases. I'm not a walking dictionary. Though… I am a walking authoress, but I guess there lots of them. Nevermind, don't know where that was going. And Sabre fencing? I'll look into it! And Spriggit will come…maybe two chapters? One if I can find the right words for him.

Anaknusan: Wool would be correct. Hope you're still enjoying NY…I've never been there. Just Florida, states around Arizona, Cali, and…Washington (my home state!) and currently residing in Utah…so I'll be returning to snow. *sigh* I tried to get some rays, but mostly got tired muscles from stubborn horses and tired from not being used to so much heat.

BeBe: Sorry…I er…had a bad experience that balanced it somewhat. And…I got in free. Gomen. But yeah! Definitely! I soooo want to do a roadtrip! And…sorry about complaining. I guess I get too used to having a whole ton of praise. Gettin' greedy, I am. Can't wait to see you, da na! Ja!

HealerAriel: Don't worry…he knows what to do. *grins* Just gotta get to it. Waitin' for the opportune moment. And it will come.

MsBrooklyn: Heya there! Are you new? Or is my memory terrible? And I'm glad to hear my recommendations are heeded! It's great to hear you enjoyed it. Hey, there's more to come, don't you worry.

KawaiiRyu: Poor Jack…just remember that he had Pierre messin' with him the whole time. Glad to have your support!

Cat Eyes1: Yep, sorry it was so short…and you won't have to wait too long to find out. (Though I do have to write it still…nerg.)

sapphireskies: Yep! Went on it twice, though getting there second time was an ordeal…but that's besides the point. No prob! You guys read and review, I can at least try to update! Poor, off-kilter Jack. Got a load on his mind, he does.

garnetfirefly: I know you! Thanks for joinin' me reviewers! In word and on internet! Oh don't worry, I did! Oh, you'll see…don't think it'll take more than a few weeks if I can keep a good pace.

Siremaik: Sweetness! No worries, mate! School's important, it is. Review as you can. Sorry friend…it won't happen. Just like Will and Liz won't show up…but she doesn't run into them later. Think I'll have to have her duel Will…yep, tis inevitable.

AAR Rocks My Socks: Glad for the continued support!

MiseryLovesCompany: Oh yeah, you bet'cha she did! Sweet! I'm looking forward to your update! And here's mine!

olio: Heya friend! I'm glad to give you a peak into ol' Jack's head. I do have a clone after all…plus I've been attempting it for quite a time now. Aww…thanks for the hugs! Much appreciated!