Disclaimer: *sigh* Still don't own it...and only two more chapters to go! *sobs*

Authors Note: Okay…here goes. Third to last chapter. I know I said there would be more, but things are being condensed and such. I hope it's up to standards! But! Kendra will live on, trust me. She's already in Caught by the Past, which I co-authored (the last bit) with rythmteck. And that's a sequel, (as I've said before) to Inconvenient. But, we will have more to read…don't worry. Think it'll be out about…March 1st or so. Or that's my aim. Which means this baby is coming to an end fast…*sigh* Plus…I'm re-uploading all the chapters, so hopefully all the little errors and typos are fixed. I'm doing my best, guys! (And thanks to Sarah/rythmteck for the name of Spriggit's ship, plus everything else…couldn't have done it without you!)

Four-Sided Eyes

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

Chapter 33: Gulls

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(Spriggit's POV…)

I hate cells. They're not only confining, but represent a power I resent. The Crown. His influence shouldn't be all the way out here, in the Caribbean, but yet it still stands. The redcoats capture my new ship, kill a few of my crew in their efforts, and then imprison us. To be hung in the morn…

Only one more night. Strange to think that I have no scheme to escape. No way to get out and away. And I'm not even allowed the company of my crew.

How I miss the ocean…it's not even been that long. A week tomorrow. I can't feel a breeze in here. The prison is rank and sour. The hay below me is fresh enough, but nothing can overtake the overall odor of misery.

A drunkard may have spent the night here…and never thought that a man condemned to death would sit where he had laid. Nor did I ever think this would be my fate…not after I regained a ship.

How I miss my ship… Spriggit's Lass suited me for a time, but I truly wish for something bigger, more powerful and…ultimately identical to the ship that was taken from me. By that blasted storm.

We'd been celebrating the night before, and we were all too drunk to be quick enough on our feet to save her…The Drunken Wave. Ironic, isn't it? I should have known better than to give it such a name. But…it fit too well.

Letting out a soft laugh, I stopped it short. The musty air was startled by the sound. It had been so silent…nothing more than a faint whisper of the waves. And a gull's cry every so often.

Could they be old shipmates? Many of the superstitious sort claimed that when pirates die they simply become a new gull.

Which explains why there are so many.

And why pirates avoid killing them. At all costs.

I can only wonder. Will I become a gull as well? Free to roam the sea once more? But cursed to eat nothing but fish and sea creatures. Another possible explanation for why gulls will flock to any dropped food of a man. Said to be a craving from days long past.

And what is to be the fate of that little captain I took the ship from? The lass will surely be stranded there…and much like myself. Makes perfect sense why she tried to get in my crew. Strange how I did not realize the connection until now. I can only wonder why she was with the Pearl. Perhaps to gain the necessary mobility…

She is not my concern. I need to keep my sanity. If I continue to fade like this…

No. I will think clearly. Is there a way out of this cell? Doubtful. But I can not give up hope. There was that loose brick. There is perhaps a chance if I worked on it a bit more.

Giving up hope so quickly is a fool's errand. I need to stand my ground. Be it aboard my vessel or in this cell. If the redcoats plan to take me to the gallows, they will have me struggle every bit of the way. Mind and body. I will not be defeated so easily. Never.

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(Jack's POV…)

I still can't believe it…I had her on my ship the entire time. Everything makes so much more sense… She wasn't just irritable, in her mind she no doubt felt degraded. Likely was doing the best she could with the situation…but…hated it nonetheless. I can understand one's ship being taken…but she didn't have to endure it for ten years.

And so I stood at the helm, Anamaria standing at my side. We watched the harbor, waiting and waiting. She had to come out soon. If not at dawn, I'll go send some men to retrieve her. She'll not get off so easily.

In the distance I could almost make out a gunshot. I perked up. Where there's a shot, Captain Ken will likely be. Hopefully didn't get herself killed.

Before too long the ship I assumed was the Dilettante began to slowly ease out of the harbor. Perfect…she's drifting right into my hands. The Crown's navy wouldn't have left any ammunition on board, so she likely can't attack. Not that her ship would be any match for my Pearl.

We followed the Dilettante for a time, making sure Norrington wouldn't have a chance to interfere. When we did begin to board, there was no resistance, and Ken was looking quite the captain. Must have been having her ship back and her men about her. Not too many of them…likely not her whole crew.

"Greetings, Sparrow. Welcome to my ship, the Dilettante. Likely, you know who I really am by now."

The smirk on her face was one I wanted to never see again.

"Aye, I know who you are, Captain Ken. And I'd like to have a few words with you."

She cocked back on one foot, looking smugly at her men. "What be your opinion? Should I let the kind Captain Sparrow have the pleasure of my company?"

Clearing my throat, I took a few steps closer. The brat needs to learn to respect me… especially if being my cabin lad hadn't done it already.

"It's not a request, it's an order."

Ken then threw back her head and chuckled. For the first time…she seemed quite amused. Not mischievous, not malicious, but…amused. I wasn't so sure what to make of this.

"All right, Sparrow. I'll give you this last request. I suppose you deserve a few answers. 'Specially 'cause you couldn't figure it out on your own." She nudged one of her men and he smiled at her, but I didn't bother to watch her more.

"Gibbs."

"Aye, Captain?"

"Keep an eye on them. I expect to see nothing amiss when I'm finished with my little chat."

"Aye, Captain." Gibbs smiled and nodded. "Nothings to happen with me in charge."

Nodding, I followed the little captain to what I assumed was her cabin. She held the door open for a moment, and I was surprised to see the bland state of it. There was large bed in the corner, a few maps spread here and there, but nothing else. She was a woman…wouldn't she decorate a bit more?

Ken had seated herself at the table and kicked one of the chairs out for me, filling a pair of glasses with rum. She pushed one to my end of the table and I sat, propping my feet up.

"So, what be your questions, Sparrow? I don't have all night, you know. Got supplies and the rest of my crew to pick up."

Might as well start at the beginning…

"What were you doing in Grenada? Why did you introduce yourself as Pierre?"

Ken sighed, leaning back in her chair. "I thought that would be obvious. I'm seen as a lad at first glance, why not play the part? At first, I tried to play the woman bit. I got a bit sick of having to convince everyone of what I really was, so I just took on that role on land. Captain at sea, cabin lad Pierre on land. Kenneth…" she paused, closing her eyes for a moment. "He played the captain bit when Spriggit took my ship…and was killed. I was washed ashore, and you already knew me as Pierre. It felt a bit daft to try to tell you the truth. Besides, you were a very mobile source of possible revenge." Her eyes narrowed at me. "And that was exactly what I was trying to do when you hauled me o'er your shoulder."

"So that other crew was the one that had taken your ship?"

She nodded. "Aye, one in the same. I recognized one of the crew and followed him. Easy enough to lend myself out as a handy cabin lad."

Strange…it all seemed so obvious now. Why hadn't I put the pieces together earlier?

Ken laughed for a moment. "I might as well tell you my full name. It's Kendra."

"Captain Kendra of the Dilettante? No last name?"

"Nay, like I said earlier. An orphan found floating in the ocean, raised by a crew of pirates. I didn't tell you any lies." She paused. "Well, maybe one. But mostly let you fool yourself."

I was about to take a sip of the rum, but paused when I noticed hers was untouched. Was she trying to poison me? It could be her way of getting revenge…

She noticed my gaze and cocked her head. "What?" Kendra took a gulp of her rum. "It's not the best, but I figured I should try to be even the least bit hospitable."

All right…I guess I'm just superstitious around her. Can't seem to trust her at all. We had a few moments of silence, simply enjoying the rum. Thinking back on when I had first discovered she was a girl…a grin formed at a thought that came to me.

"You owe me a debt, Kendra."

She raised an eyebrow. "A debt? What debt is this?"

"You owe me a kiss."

Her cheeks flushed. "Wh-what? Why in the blazes…" her eyes widened. "No! It was an offer of yours, not a debt!"

"Aye, but you know it's rude to refuse a gift."

"Bloody pirate…" she growled under her breath. "I refuse. I've never cared if I was rude or not. Now get your questions over with. I'm gettin' tired of your face."

I let out a chuckle. "All right. How old are you?"

"Almost twenty-three. The day that I've adapted as my birthday is the new year."

Looking at her for a moment, I suppose it works. She's just been using her youthful appearance to her advantage. Can't really blame her for it. It's not like she can do much else with her looks. "How did you manage to get out of Port Royal? With your ship intact and with a portion of your crew?"

To this, she grinned. "I slipped out of Norrington's house and stopped at a tavern. Just happens my crew was there. They'd been following the Dilettante. Were hoping to at least retrieve that, so we could meet up sooner." Her grin broadened. "When I was playing drunk, I bumped into my second mate, Finnan, and slipped him a note I'd written while you were so distracted with your thoughts."

What? She'd been playing a drunk, and even written a note that she later slipped to her second mate? And I hadn't noticed any of this? This girl is good… I need to get my mind off that.

"And how did you get out of Port Royal? I'm sure the commodore had your ship guarded."

"By three greens. It wasn't too difficult to take them out. Only one shot, and a small wound to Finnan. A bit of effort, but not too much. We made some quick repairs, and then slipped out. Here we are, Sparrow. About done with your interrogation?"

"I still think you owe me for getting you here and putting up with you for so long."

She scoffed. "I acted as your cabin lad. I earned my way. But, I suppose…if it'll shut you up."

"And how will you pay this debt?" I could only grin. "Perhaps I should demand this debt later…"

"Nay, if you don't let me pay it now, I'll have to kill you." She smirked and I allowed a laugh. Sadistic humor…interesting. Kendra stood and put her hands on her hips. "Hurry up and get up, Sparrow. I don't want this to take til' dawn."

I obliged her, taking another swig of the rum. It's so good…and keeps improving in flavor with every drop. Interesting. But I have to focus on the little pirate standing just a handful of steps in front of me.

"Lean down, Sparrow."

She wants me to…aha! Perhaps I'll get a kiss anyway… So, I grinned and leaned down.

She took a deep breath and leaned forward. Obviously…she'd never done this before. Or never had any proper instruction. She squeezed her eyes shut and then gave me a quick peck. Nothing more. Jerking back, she opened her eyes and seemed to be fighting a hopeless battle to keep her cheeks anything other than bright red.

"Is that all?"

Kendra visibly tensed. "W-wha…Sparrow! That was my bleedin' first kiss!"

So it was her first. Quite obvious. Standing straight, I could only stroke my beard and put on a smug expression. "Many women have given their first kiss to me."

She was about to speak, but lowered her face and seemed to lose all of her tension. Kendra rubbed her elbow mindlessly. "Well…was…was I that bad?"

"Well, you could definitely use some work." Was hardly a kiss at all…

"I…would you…I mean…"

"You want instruction, lass?" My classic grin returned. Nothing better. Sure, she was a bit young, but just having this bit of leverage on her would be quite helpful in the future. Wouldn't mean anything more than a bit of instruction anyway.

Kendra gave the slightest nod and kept her face down. So, I leaned down again.

"Well, first lass, you'll need to-"

In the blink of an eye she'd become her usual sea demon self. Shouldn't have expected less…but ouch! She had a hold of the bone in my hair and was twisting it hard to the side. I attempted to move my head out of her reach, but she pulled down even harder.

"Now, Sparrow," her tone was dangerously low, "are you going to speak of this to anyone, at anytime?"

"Well, I-"

Another hard twist. "Sparrow?"

"No, lass, of course not."

"Good. If you dare to break your word," she stuck out a hand, "I'll wring your neck, you know that right?"

"Aye, lass, I know." She grabbed my hand when I didn't offer it, squeezing tight and shaking.

"An accord," Kendra released the bone and crossed her arms. "Now, would you like some more rum, Sparrow?"

Standing up straight made me a bit dizzy…don't know why. Her kiss surely wouldn't have had that effect…but…

Squinting at the grinning Kendra made me wonder. Was she up to something? Surely…she can't be trusted.

"Have a seat, Sparrow." She persuaded me back into my chair. "Take another drink. A nice and deep one."

Wait…a drink….did she…I hadn't been watching her prior to pouring the rum. Could she have…

Kendra sat across from me and raised her glass. "Cheers, Sparrow. To a fair turnabout of the laudanum."

She…did…

Bloody pirate…

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Reviewer time! Yeah! 15 this time! Great job guys! Though it's sad that I've got it condensed to like…two more chapters after this…(but that isn't permanent till I write it)

dagzer: Thanks! How do you always manage to get like first review…it's nuts. But hey, I like it!

MoonlitEclipse: How's this for fast? I did my best…thanks for the support!

Curiosity Inc.: Er…sorry about that. I didn't mean to spotlight Kendra so much. But…you'll get Janette's spin on lots of things next time. I just would much rather get that huge chunk all done at once. But Kendra will only have one more pov, and it won't be that large. I don't think…

Anaknusan: Here's your explanation about how the crew got there. Thanks for letting me know I forgot to put it in…I could've sworn I did. But I guess not. And yep, I've been to Florida. (Did I forget to say that?) Warm rain…the most bizarre thing I've seen yet. (I think…)

KawaiiRyu: Yep! Cheers back to you! (or so says Kendra)

HealerAriel: Yep…I sure thought that Janette/Kendra scene was cute…and that was all mostly on the spot. Hm, but about lending out part of her crew…I'm not sure about it. Give me some recommendations about why I should lend him out…(whoever he turns out to be) and I'll consider it. *grins*

sapphireskies: Yep, Kendra and Janette, quirky but cute. I guess they came to an "understanding" or sorts. *shrugs* Or Kendra just knew she wouldn't have to see Janette again…so felt like being nice. I'm not sure…

AAR Rocks My Socks: Um…California. Of the USA. On a side note, er…they'd loot each other sooner than they'd work together. Or kill each other for not giving "fair shares" out…*sigh* That Kendra… But hey! I can walk normally now! Yeah! Like... almost no pain! I took lessons back in 6-7th grade…but that's uh…been a while.

TheSiriusSparrow: Good job! You guessed correctly! I'm glad it came out in implications…but now it's blatant. Hey, as long as everyone is informed, right? And poor Jack… finding out the world doesn't revolve around him. But my Jackie clone is doing great! Even…well…his relationship is…er…all right with Kendra. She tolerates him and he doesn't know quite why she doesn't smile at him so much. Oh well…I give him lots of snuggling time! *grins* But hey! I probably drove by you! Or…sat in the car and looked at the strip. Man…did you hear about Treasure Island? It's gonna go adult and crud! *grumbles at not being able to see it when it was normal*

TheCap'nOfTheBlackPearl: No worries friend, but yep, Kendra's back in action and loving it!

Clover the Sea-Beast: Jack's scene was really fun to write. Glad you enjoyed it! And we'll see Janette in the next chapter. She's developed a bit…picked up some traits from Kendra I assume…poor suitor…*sigh* Er…whoops...I er…didn't say anything!

black rose in winter: Here's part of Spriggit's pov…but er…*blink blink* Kendra? You in there? *squints*

PED-sarah: I know…I hate to see it come to an end. But I'm also looking forward to a very completed good story. It'll be my first. Amazing but true… Got so much unfinished stuff. I'm a'working to finish stuff off. Let me know if there are any loose ends…I'll be doing my best!

olio: Hope the drawings went well…I wish I could do that. *sigh* Just paint with words I do… But yep, I was aiming for cuteness between them. Funny how hate turns to toleration, to perhaps even respect and friendship…seems to be a trend with Kendra and lots of my characters. But I hurried!

SuzzieQue: Hey! More than glad to have you! Thanks! *blushes* All this flattery is so going to stain my cheeks red…