Disclaimer: Nope, still don't own it. If only…if only…

Authors Note: Heya guys! Only one more after this! Wow…to think it's all going to end soon. *sniffle* I'm gonna miss it! But…on to newer and bigger things, huh? Make sure to read Rythmteck's Inconvenient, Caught by the Past and our current project Twisting Fate. It's gonna be a blast! Thanks for the support, the laughs, all that and more. Really makes my day…and even if you read this after it's done, I'll still love ya forever for reviewing! Thanks guys! *waves and gets all teary eyed*

Four-Sided Eyes

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

Chapter 34: Sunrise & Sunset

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(Janette's POV)

How long can a day drag on? Truly. Even aboard the pirate ship the days were exciting if they lasted near this long. But here, in my new home with my parents and suitors arriving almost daily? They dragged on inevitably.

After letting out a quiet sigh, I instantly straightened my posture and smiled brightly. Mother was watching me. I mustn't disappoint her. The man - far older than I wanted to consider even letting him dance with me - continued to go on and on about something. Politics? War? Military? Romance? If it was the last, then he surely wasn't any romantic I wanted to associate with.

"…the reign of such scoundrels will end soon, let me assure you. No doubt you were terrified by the experience Mademoiselle Graton?"

Oh! He had asked me a question. "It did indeed have its scary moments."

"I am grateful to see that you were not detrimentally harmed by such vermin of the sea. What saved you from all of the evils? Fate? Your faith and diligence? Divine intervention?"

"Contrary to belief," I began without thinking, "the majority of the pirates were very kind. Most ignored me, but Pierre kept a close eye out for me. Even defended my virtue on one occasion."

This brought about a gasp from all three.

"My daughter! Why did you never tell us of this?"

I lowered my head, feeling a blush coming on. I had slipped up…"Well Father, you had directly told me to not speak a word of my experience. I simply complied with your request."

"Janette…" my mother sighed, "you should have told us this previously. It is our duty to give these ruffians the proper retribution."

They would never understand. I suppose no one but those who experience such kindness could ever do so. I put on my passive stance and submitted myself to the rest of the conversation.

I suppose Kendra would see this as a complex dance…or fencing routine. Every movement and word must be watched. Slight inflections and physical signals can even make or break a person's respectability. And with her earlier experience in proper society I doubt she would have enjoyed it much. Though, she had been distracted. The Dilettante, her ship, was in the harbor. No doubt it was difficult to take her attention away from it.

Finally the suitor of the day left and I politely excused myself to my room. If my mind is going to wander, it would be best to not have it do so while in the company of others.

Kendra…what was she to me even? At first I took her as my enemy. She had been the one to trick me out of my cabin and force me onto the pirate ship. Her first impressions were so terrifying and crafty. But after knowing her for a time she became more caring and thoughtful. When she discovered I detested a certain dish, she would find me something else to eat. And I…hardly ever thanked you. How very ungrateful of me.

I suppose I was very selfish then. And more than likely still am. My room is the best of everything, plush and comfortable. Living aboard the ship had been tortuous to me at first. And Kendra had always seemed so calm and casual. At times even playful.

What kind of childhood could she have had? Learning to survive aboard the sea. Schooled in sailing, fighting and navigating. No doubt there was not much time for play. What had that crew done when they were to raid a ship? Lock her up in a cabin? Surely they could not have kept her away for long. Kendra is very resourceful, though not all of her ploys work. At times I believe she is smarter than me. Though my life has not challenged me quite so much as hers has, I doubt I would have done so well under such circumstances.

No matter the ease, I am prone to complaining. And Kendra, a pirate captain herself, submitted herself to take up the role of a lowly cabin boy. Did the filthiest jobs, worked the longest, tolerated insults and jest alike. How did she stand it?

Was it her ability to act? Her patience and faith that this would lead her back to her ship?

At least she did get it back. I laughed softly. Commodore Norrington had been quite surprised to find that the pirate ship he had captured was gone. As was little 'Geneviève'. For once in a long time, I lied. Claimed that she and I had both gone to sleep and the next day she was gone. I feigned the worried woman, all for Kendra's sake.

But when Father and Mother had come, my wall that had slowly grown under Kendra's care temporarily crumbled. It had been so long since I had seen them.

Father.

Mother.

Would they ever understand me? Perhaps Mother had understood the person I was before having the run-in with the pirates, but now? She was appalled at my manners at meals, some of the bluntness of my speech, and even that I would sometimes not bother to style my hair in the morning. I did tie it back, but have by now grown tired of the meticulous task.

I sat at my vanity and sighed. I would never have thought that I would tire of this life. Every girl dreams of this. Well, perhaps not Kendra, but the majority of women would love to be pampered and cared for.

I, for one, want to become something more. Not simply a wife. A possession. If, perhaps, my husband were to be a friend and confidant, I could be satisfied with that possibility. But if I am to become only a man's possession, and symbol of his status, I would rather have stayed on the ship. Even though my virtue and safety was threatened at least I had a friend. Little Captain Kendra.

How I will miss her…

Staring down at the knife - more like a dagger I think - she had given me brought me to smile again. She did care about me. If not like a younger sister, then at least as someone who she could smile and laugh with.

I found myself dozing - having had little else to do that day other than tolerate drawn out, boring speeches - and was jerked back to life as something hit my window. I grabbed the dagger instantly, going over to the window and peeking out of it, imitating some of Kendra's movements in the slightest.

Another tap. Rocks. Someone was throwing rocks at my window. Irritated, I pulled open the window and set my hands on the sill, looking down to see who was pestering me.

"Mademoiselle!" an almost recognizable voice called. "I have come for you! Quickly, we can run away together!"

"Who are you?" I called down. Surely this amusing person deserved to have a name. Take me away? Run away together? And out of a window no less?

"I am a man of mystery! Come, come, the night is waxing on!"

Squinting, I could tell he was mounted on a darker colored steed and wore a long black cloak. His face was partially hidden by a gaudy hat, complete with feathers.

What to do? Go to uncertainty with this mysterious man? Or stay here where I am sure to be wed to some boring magistrate and live out my days bearing his children and holding parties. Most of which don't even deserve the title.

His voice only got more anxious. "Mademoiselle, you must hurry! I am in haste!"

It's only the first story window. Why not?

My smile broadened as I shouted down for him to wait a moment longer, grabbing my winter cloak and putting it on hurriedly.

Mother and Father can track me down again. Besides, I'll have the dagger with me.

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(Spriggit's POV)

Death. Is it an end? Or merely another beginning?

I suppose I will find out one way or another soon.

Nooses have never been comfortable. And neither have bullets either, but they never have been before.

Will this be the last thing I feel? Will it be the last time I feel the coarse rope around my neck?

The guards come in and I struggle. Horribly outnumbered, I continue to struggle. I won't make it easy for them if I can help it.

Walking to the gallows I found the warmth of the sun rather ironic. Usually such a sensation warmed me and brought hope to my soul. But that was not so on this occasion.

Looking about me as I entered the courtyard my heart sank. A few of my crew had already been hung. Four loyal souls…dead because of my foolishness.

If I had but been more attentive…

No. I can not change the past, but I can make vows for the future. If I am to survive this ordeal.

The fight with the Brits is still a blur to me. Several men had fallen, and there was no way I could have kept track of them all. If one had perhaps slipped out…there could be a chance. Commodore Norrington had assured all of us searched thoroughly. Not a dagger left on any of us. A pity. I could use even that right about now.

Most pirates would rather die in battle than be hung. I happen to be one of them.

I do my best to delay the inevitable, leaning back and digging my heels into the dirt. All with little success.

More curses and rough shoves from the redcoats. At least I can make this job unbearable for them.

The wood beneath my feet should comfort me, but it does not. It isn't even the same tone as my ship…either ship I have captained.

The rope is put over my neck and tightened. Nice and snug. Though perhaps both words are not the best description for such an object.

A noose.

Not the first I've been in. But will it be my last?

The executioner rambles on, the people look anxious for another hanging, and I look farther into the crowd for something familiar. Something to cheer my spirits.

It is all sneers and jests that reach my eyes though. If only just one face looked kind…

All at once I recognize the face of my smirking boatswain. The executioner gives the final words, and I smile.

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Reviewer section! Only one more chapter…wow. I should have it done by the time the second chapter of Twisting Fate is ready. *sigh* I so thought FSE would be done by tomorrow…oh well. It's close, right guys? I love you all!

TheCap'nOfTheBlackPearl: Yeah…that's what I heard about Treasure Island. And they're gonna call it TI. Ooo. Nice and imposing, hm? Oh well…I can't change their minds… I'm glad you got to have fun at it though! Treasure those memories for me! And all those unable to see it! Though…I am eighteen…in reality I could go see it. *shudders* Ewww.

MoonlitEclipse: Sorry…she'll be next chapter. But have no doubt…trouble isn't done yet. *grins* Kendra's always got something up her sleeve…

Curiosity Inc: Tis okay. Overanalyzing makes me see the mistakes I miss. Well… Kendra may want to be rid of the man, but she just has to get him back for drugging her. Not a very nice thing…plus she wants to leave with the upper hand. And she doesn't have to re-recruit…just has to go pick up her men in Tortuga and anywhere else they could be. And she can get her repairs done once they get there to pick up the rest of her crew. She always has time for one last trick on Sparrow.

TheSiriusSparrow: I read it! Great stuff. Raging fangirls…wow. I think Jack would take passive me over them anyday. At least Jack's girls weren't quite so savage as Will's…*whistles* Anyhoo… Tsk, gambling at your age. *shakes her head* Here's the next chapter. All for you guys of course! Well…I like doing them too…but yeah.

dagzer: Well…we'll see what happens with our favorite two pirates next time. And final time. *sniffle*

PED-sarah: Yep. Poor Sparrow. Said it himself: "She can't be trusted"…but yet he trusts. This'll be a first. Only one more chapter…*gasp*

MiseryLovesCompany: I did find that line quite amusing. Felt really witty. I did come up with gull bit myself…could'a sworn I'd heard it somewhere else though. Can't remember where though. So it was semi-inspired, even if my head make it up. And she only drugged him to get him back.

Clover the Sea-Beast: You people! Honestly! *meanwhile, Kendra blanches* She'd never do that…well. I know she's kicked there, but I don't know about grabbing… I changed it to make it more obvious. So it'll be updated and "corrected" per say.

black rose in winter: Umm…Kendra gain? How did you get out? And since when did you start calling yourself "dread"?

Kendra: *strolls in* Get out of what? Dread? What about it?

*glances between review and Kendra* I'm so confuzzled…

HealerAriel: Er…Kendra says "no" to the 'real kiss' bit and your pirate's still in the picking process. Have to consult the captain about who can be given up. She's rather… possessive at this point in time. Understandable though.

sapphireskies: Kendra says: "Thank ye! Glad to hear it…that is…wasn't 'cool' a complient?" And…yeah. Writing Jack was a blast. Especially when he realizes he's been tricked.

AAR Rocks My Socks: Philosophical? Me? Wow…and humorous. *grins* Glad to hear it! Well…Kendra's not planning anything that most of you "romance-interested" reviewers would think…she's just in the revenge business currently.

Dark Cobweb: Oh yeah. Thanks. *struts* And Kendra thoroughly enjoyed her revenge. But is that all of it? I wonder…

Anaknusan: No prob! Anytime I don't explain…please ask me to explain. Either I will want it to be a mystery (as with this chapter) or have not realized I left it so confusing. And I hope you enjoy Inconvenient! You should…and then Caught by the Past. And then you'll be caught up to Twisting Fate. *grins*

Dawnie-7: Yeah! Thanks for taking the time to read about Kendra's past! Hey, no prob about taking so long. I'm just glad to have the support. You guys all rock! And golly…*blush* All the compliments…I…well. I think I could always do my emotions better, but it's awesome to know that they're enjoyed and such. At this rate I can only hope to be published…*blissful sigh* Thanks for joining us!

Kristin: Thanks! Well…you'll just have to decide for yourself why Spriggit smiled. *evil grin* And Kendra's really proud of her accomplishment. Revenge does make her day.