A/N: Sorry for chapter delay…I've had this written for a while but typing it all up is a pain in the butt. I planned to get this out on Christmas Day, but things didn't really work out for me. Well, I hope you'll like this chapter…Happy New Year! ^_^
Disclaimer: I don't own Pirates of the Caribbean(though I wish I did), Jack Sparrow(wish did once again), nor any other character from this kick-ass movie. If I did, I wouldn't be writing this fic; I'd be making another movie. And hanging out with Johnny Depp. I have yet to see a pig fly over my house wearing a tutu either. So, no sueing, please?
Summary: Will is living happily with his newly wed wife, Elizabeth. But when someone from Jack's foggy past comes, sworn to have revenge on Jack Sparrow, he and Jack must stick by the truth and their friendship in order to survive.
~Tell No Lies~
~Chapter 4~
~Shadows On The Horizon~
If Will said the ride on the Pearl was an easy one, he would be lying through his teeth.
The first day of four was rather boring; the seas were calm and the sky was crystal clear. He could see his reflection in the turquoise ocean water if he looked over the side. Really the only activity he took part in was helping Ana-Maria carry Jack to his captain's cabin, who had indeed drank himself unconscious below deck.
The next day, the clouds came. So did the storm. The whole crew, including he and Elizabeth, had to help make sure the Black Pearl didn't capsize against the treacherous waves that slapped against the ship. They also had to make sure it stayed on course, while a now mildly sober Jack steered the ship along, the wind and rain whipping at his determined face.
The next two days were spend lounging around and having to listen to the whole crew sing A Pirate's Life For Me over and over again. ("Honestly, Elizabeth, why did you teach Jack that song?")
Then they finally made it to Tortuga. There was still no sign of the insane Captain Jones.
Tortuga, whether for better or for worse, was just how Will had left it. Everyone was outside, either drinking, wenching, or destroying property. Will remembered what Jack had said to him- If every town in the world were like this one, no man would ever feel unwanted.
As Will stepped forward into the mosh pit that was Tortuga, he was hit by the overwhelming smell of stale alcohol. Jack stumbled along beside him, a jeweled rod he punked off a drunk man in hand, and grinned. He leaned against it and said, practically drunk with wonder and happiness, "Ah, Tortuga. 'Ve missed this place. Even if it would drive just 'bout any normal person away. But, we're not normal, are we, mates?"
"Well, we know yer not," Ana-Maria scolded from behind, "Just remember we're here to find out 'bout Jones' whereabouts an' for gun powder. So no wenchin'."
"Wasn't even thinkin' of it, love," replied Jack stiffly, so that it was impossible to tell if he was lying or not.
Ana-Maria rolled her eyes at Jack and continued walking. The three of them had to be careful not to step on any people who were laying in the streets as they went by. Jack used his rod for support as he went by, and Will wasn't sure if he was using one as he did the last time they were in Tortuga, or if because his ankle was still bothering him.
"Where are we going, anyway?" Will questioned suddenly.
"We're goin' to see someone who'll know where Jones is," Jack replied, "Someone who've known for a long time. Ever hear of Captain Stevens?"
~*~
The trio entered an old burnt out house nearer to the heart of Tortuga. Here things were calmer, not quite as populous with drunkards as the outskirts of town, but it was still enough to disgust people like Norrington. The building was one of the few places where people actually lived in Tortuga. It was pretty big, about half the size of the governor's house, but wasn't nearly as tidy as it. Some rum mugs were scattered around, and paintings of various battles between ships were tilted slightly. Odds and ends were hanging around the rooms, the hall and living room with swords and pistols. Will noticed where the dusty silhouette of a particular sword was all that was on the mantle of a fireplace. Will raised an eyebrow, but nobody else noticed.
"Anybody home?!" Jack shouted out, echoing everywhere. "Hell-ooooo..."
Movement from behind. Will heard the sound of metal scraping and releasing. Will fiercely pulled out his sword, a second later the sound of metal clashing against each other echoed throughout the entire house.
Jack and Ana-Maria swirled around to face their attacker. Ana-Maria growled and pulled out her own sword. But Jack simply smiled crookedly. "Good to see ye, Captain Stevens."
It was then Will got a good look at his attacker. It was a man in his early fifties. Despite his age, he was dressed a bit like a pirate, with a baggy white long sleeve shirt, a red pirate's sash tied around his waist, white pants, and worn-out brown swashbuckler boots. He had a couple of scars across his cheeks and graying blonde hair. He had aged green eyes and his face was pulled into a snarl; but when he saw Jack, he frowned. "Who are ye? What do ye want?"
"Remember me? Captain Jack Sparrow?"
Captain Steven's eyes lit up. "Ah, Jack! I haven't seen ye for over 24 years! Where have ye been?"
"Oh, piratin' as always," Jack said casually. "By the way, this here is Ana- Maria and Will Turner. Will, Ana-Maria, ye can stop actin' like yer goin' to murder someone now."
Will bashfully released from parry. Ana-Maria put her cutlass away. "Pleasure to meet ye, Captain Stevens," Ana-Maria said almost politely, "Heard lots 'bout ye. Ye were Captain of The Phantom 20 years back, aye?"
"Aye. I had to retire it, though, 'cause most of me crew was wiped out in our last adventure, as Jack here should know." Captain Stevens eyed Jack.
Jack remained nonchalent, but changed the subject. "Well, we came here not just for a visit," he started, "We've got to ask ye somethin'."
"Ask away."
"Have ye heard from Captain Jones lately?"
Captain Stevens blinked. "Ye mean Tristan Jones? Why would ye want to know that? I…thought the two of ye weren't on speakin' terms."
"I have my reasons," Jack answered mysteriously, "But mostly because the whelp here got himself on Jones' hit-list."
"No intentionally," Will said bashfully.
"We need to know where Jones makes berth and his other whereabouts," Jack continued like Will didn't say anything, "So I can make sure the lad doesn't get himself killed. Savvy?"
"Aye," Captain Stevens said, eyeing Will, who was trying his hardest not to blush in embarrassment, "Well, Jack, yer in luck. I've been talkin' to him every once in a while. He an' his crew usually make berth at Port York, a little ways down south from here. He was here in Tortuga a couple o' days ago, as a matter o' fact."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "He was?" he pondered, "Did ye talk to him?"
Captain Stevens nodded. "Aye. He said he'd just raided a town, Port Royal, I think, and that he had come by for some supplies."
Will narrowed his eyes, suppressing his rage; they'd just missed him. One part of him wanted to stay as far away from Jones as possible, the other wanted revenge for what he did to his home. He hoped he could control himself enough to 'not do anything stupid' in the meantime.
"Did he, uh, say anythin' 'bout me?" Jack questioned casually.
The retired pirate captain laughed humourlessly. "Been for over 20 years. Always askin' if I knew where ye were, the loony. 'Course I like the kid, but I didn't want to see ye dead either, Jack, so I always said no. 'Sides, I didn't know where ye were to begin with."
Jack nodded curtly, his lips a thin line. "Well, thank ye for the information. I'll be seein' ye 'round, mate." Jack tipped his hat at Captain Stevens a bit politely, the retired captain nodding back.
Ana-Maria, Will, and Jack made way for the door. "Good luck to ye three," Captain Stevens called to them. "Oh, an' Jack?" Jack turned to face him in a spin. 'I know ye didn't do it. Tristan's a stubborn man, an' it's hard to change his mind once he's made it. But I hope he sees the truth sooner or later."
Jack nodded again, and they exited the retired captain's house.
As they walked their way down the streets of Tortuga (or wrestled, counting all of the drunkards they passed), Ana-Maria whispered to Will, "What did Captain Stevens mean back there?"
"You don't know either? That's surprising," Will murmured back in awe.
"Jack's a bit secretive, even 'round me," Ana-Maria reasoned, "So I'm guessin' ye don't know then?"
"Vaguely,"
"I'm not deaf, ye know, mates," Jack called back to them, "It's rude to talk 'bout people behind their backs, ye know."
Ana-Maria and Will stopped in their tracks when Jack turned to face them. His face remained for the most part impassive, but his eyes told otherwise. "Well, we wouldn't have t' if ye told us what bloody well is goin' on!" Ana-Maria argued crossly.
Jack frowned, but then sighed, as if in deep thought. "Ana-Maria," he started, going right up to her, "I already told Will this, so I'll be fair an' tell ye. It's a very touchy subject I don't like talkin' 'bout, and I would rather it remain that way. All ye need to know, love, is that Jones wants to kill me 'cause he thinks I betrayed and tried to kill 'im, and he wants to kill Will 'cause of reasons ye already know. Ye don't need damn details. Savvy?"
Ana-Maria nodded; that was all she could do. "Good," Jack said simply, "Now that that's out of the way, shall we go get the supplies, and, say, a swig of rum?"
"No. No rum; we have 'nough on the ship."
"Aw, bloody 'ell, woman…"
As they walked on, Will couldn't help but feel like someone was watching them…
~*~
A couple of hours later, after The Black Pearl had been filled up with supplies, they left dock. Their destination- for now, anywhere but Port York.
Jack was at the helm steering the ship like any good captain would, and the crewmen were scattered below and above deck. Will approached Jack from behind, pondering to himself. Jack's ankle was still hurting him, Will could tell, not that Jack would ever admit it. He had been using his jeweled rod to help him get around, and most of the crew paid no mind to this because their captain often used something cane-like to help him balance against or lean on whenever he wanted to. Everyone who saw him knew he stumbled a lot when he walked naturally. Will would have let it pass, too, if he hadn't noticed Jack's slight limping. He could tell he was holding back a bit, because nobody but he had noticed. Will breathed out slowly. He knew someone had to get a look at his ankle before it got worse.
"Jack," Will greeted slowly.
Jack swayed to face him. "Aye, lad?" he answered.
"Jack," Will started again, "I really think we should take a look at your-- CANNONBALLS!"
Jack frowned. "Really, Will, is that appropriate?"
"No, look! Someone's firing at us!" Will yelled urgently. Cue cannon-fire zooming straight into one of the Black Pearl's sails, creating a big gapping hole.
Jack's black-framed eyes widened and he frowned deeper, looking disgusted by the whole mess, an expression only he could truly pull off. "Bloody 'ell," he exclaimed. He whipped out his telescope and looked back at where the attack had originated. Will heard the explosion of distant cannon-fire again repetitively. Jack's frown turned into something like a snarl, his partially gold teeth gritted.
Will looked over his shoulder warily. "What-" Before Will could finish his question, Jack handed the blacksmith the telescope.
"Take a gander, and tell me if ye recognize the ship."
Curious, Will did as instructed and glanced through the telescope's eyepiece. The ship, now able to be seen clearly, was painted red with brown sails, and in bold gold letters across the side it read 'The Majestic'.
"Oh my god," Will muttered in awe, "How did Jones find us?!"
"Bloody 'ell if I know," Jack grunted. He glanced around himself and saw what crew that was above deck scrambling to prepare for battle. Gibbs ran over to Jack.
"What be yer orders, Jack?" Gibbs questioned gruffly.
"Get the rest of the crew workin'," Jack replied, grabbing his telescope from Will and putting it roughly away, "We're gonna blow The Majestic out of the water."
"Jack, isn't that a little-- drastic?" Will said nervously, "I mean…shouldn't we--"
"Either them or us, mate," Jack said crossly, "Gibbs, get the cannons ready!"
"Aye, capt'n!" The ship suddenly became busier than a horde of ants at a picnic. Will could hear his heart pounding, blocking out all other sounds. If Will had known what a silent movie was, he would have compared the scene to one.
Normally Will would want to get rid of Jones and avenge Port Royal. Normally he would be relieved to have Elizabeth and Jack finally be safe. But he had a terrible, sinking feeling that no matter the outcome of this battle, the consequences would be far worse. If anything had to his wife or friend…
Sound became his fifth sense again when he heard Jack shout out, "Steady…an' fire!"
Explosions of cannonballs taking to air filled the atmosphere like fireworks. While Will had been spacing out, they had gotten closer to The Majestic, just in range to do some damage. Of course, that also meant that Jones and his crew could do the same to The Black Pearl.
Cannon-fire from both ships clashed like titans. Some landed on target, some missed by a mile, and other crashed into an enemy cannonball, creating a supernova. The battle between two ships raged and lit the evening sky up in shimmers and glitters of smoke of shattering weaponry. Will dashed beside Jack, and could only watch in awe at this display of power and will from the middle of it all, and was barely involved; he and Jack were just the prizes to win in this horrible game.
Suddenly, the cannon-fire ceased from the other side. "Hold yer fire!" Jack yelled out, not wanting to waste any ammo.
Soon the sea was still again; calm. Neither Will nor Jack liked it. Jack whipped out his telescope and peered into it. His eyes widened. He ran towards the helm as fast as his injured ankle allowed, which Will could see was hard on the pirate captain. "Jack, what-?" Will was not able to finish his query, because he and the entire crew were knocked off balance as the entire ship shook and rattled. Will had to hold onto the side of The Black Pearl to keep from falling on his head.
Jack fell onto the helm, losing what little balance he had, and grabbed onto the pikes, trying to steady the wheel that was spinning out of control, and gritted his teeth. That was when Will realized that Jones was having The Majestic ram into them.
"What does he think he's doing?!" Will sputtered, when The Majestic crashed into them again. "He'll destroy his own ship just to kill us?!" It didn't make sense to him; usually a captain's pride and joy was their ship, or at least in Jack's case. He'd go that far just to have revenge?
"Told ye the man was a nutter!" hissed Jack. He grabbed onto the helm for dear life, trying to steer it away from The Majestic. He was trying to hold his ground, but his ankle made it difficult. Jack swore to himself. "Wind the sails, men! Don't let 'em hit us--!"
CRASH!
"Bloody 'ell, what did I just say?!"
"This isn't working, Jack!" shouted Will, who took the opportunity to help the rest of the crew 'wind the sails', "We've got to try something else, or we'll sink!"
"We're not gonna sink," Jack said confidently through his teeth, "If Jones wants to destroy himself, we'll help 'im. Gibbs, get the men below to load the long nines! Aim 'em just below their ship!"
"What?! We'll just miss 'em and waste our ammo!" argued Gibbs.
Jack smirked his trademark smirk. "Not if we're aimin' right. Come on, Gibbs! And remember, just below the ship."
Gibbs, puzzled, ran below deck to carry out his orders. Within moments, Will saw the long nines go into position. Meanwhile, Jack was trying his hardest to steer The Black Pearl out of The Majestic's path and away from immediate danger. The sails were now in place, so Will rushed back up to Jack's side.
"What are you planning, Jack?" Will asked curiously.
"They can't sink us if we're sinkin' 'em, right?" Jack answered smugly.
"Shouldn't we aim higher then?"
"Only if we wanted 'em to know they were sinkin'." Jack barely steered the ship away from being crashing into again.
That was when Will put two and two together. Not only did he figure out Jack's plan, but he realized how Jones had found them. Jack was hoping the wood panels under The Majestic would break off when they grazed them; the crew and Jones would not know they were sinking until they saw seawater gathering on deck.
And then Will knew how Jones had found them. Captain Stevens had told them The Majestic's captain was around a few days earlier, so they had probably just left port. Until he saw The Black Pearl. He probably sent one of his crewmen to spy on them, which also explained the feeling Will had of being watched earlier.
Jones didn't want them to know what was happening. It had been a sneak attack, just like Jack's plan.
Will remained silent for a few moments. In that time, all cannons above and below deck, were set in place, pointed just under the enemy ship. The two ships had stopped in mid-sail, the final showdown.
"Fire, ye scurvy dogs!!" bellowed Jack.
Cannonballs shot through the air once more towards The Majestic. The enemy ship even attacked with their own in turn, who obviously had some ammo in reserve. The odd cannonball hit The Black Pearl, but none hit The Majestic…or so it seemed. The more they attacked each other, the more it became apparent that The Majestic was sinking to Davey Jones' Locker.
Pretty soon the attacks ceased, and Will could see people panicking aboard The Majestic. He almost felt sorry for the crewmen on the enemy ship. Then something happened that made everyone onboard gasp in shock; the ship caught fire.
"How…?" Ana-Maria murmured in awe, gazing at the blazing orange flame that was The Majestic.
"Jones might've tried to light some bombs as a last ditch effort to kill us," Jack said grimly, "But the fire made contact with gun powder. Ye can fill in the blanks from 'ere."
It was pretty farfetched that Jack could have such an accurate guess, but it made sense; Will could picture the scene clearly in his mind's eye. "So then…he's dead, right?" Will asked slowly, "You can take me and Elizabeth home now?"
"Looks like it," Jack sighed, his expression grim, saying 'I didn't really want to hurt him, but I had to', "But do ye really want to go back to Port Royal so soon, mate? After our little…show?" The corner of Jack's mouth quirked up slightly.
"Oh…I forgot about that for a while," said Will guiltily, blushing furiously, "Then…we'll…"
"Ye can stay onboard the Pearl for a while, if ye want," Ana-Maria suggested. Jack inclined his head in agreement.
"Well…thank you," Will said softly.
"No trouble," Jack replied, waving his hand a bit, "That bein' the case…" Jack took a step forward, only to have his ankle buckle and nearly do a face-plant. Will and Ana-Maria held him to keep him from falling. Jack cursed under his breath.
"Easy there, Jack," Ana-Maria comforted softly, "That ankle's been a problem for a while, ye daft fool; ye shouldn't be walkin' on it."
"I'm fine," Jack said gruffly.
"No, you're not," Will argued, "For all you know, your ankle's broken from that fall. You have to at least stay off it for a while."
'This is insane," Jack muttered darkly.
"And yer more insane if ye don't," Ana-Maria growled, "Jack, ye've done lots already, don't over do it. Ye don't want t' walk 'round with a limp forever, do ye?"
Jack simply grunted in reply; Will took that as a no. "Now, come on," Will said calmly, "I'll help you to your cabin."
"No, ye won't," Jack snarled, wrestling himself free from their gripes, "Captain Jack Sparrow can take care of himself. Savvy?"
"Stop being stubborn," Will ordered, a bit annoyed, "Nobody's going to care if you need a bit of help getting around a little because of a battle wound. Everyone here respects you."
"And I'd like to keep it, thanks," Jack countered, "I don't want any pity. I don't need it or want it. I'm proud of who I am and what I've done, and I'll face the consequences meself, whelp."
Will stiffened a little. "Fine. If that's the way you feel…"
"But if I see ye out of bed before dawn, I'll just cut yer foot off and get it over with," Ana-Maria threatened.
Jack put his fingertips together and bowed slightly. "We have an accord, love,"
Jack stumbled back to his captain's cabin, leaving a disgruntled Will and Ana-Maria behind. And even though he did not notice, and probably never would, left behind a trail of sloshy wet footprints leading his way, coming from the sunset. Of course, since he was not wet, they could not have possible been his footprints…
~To Be Continued...~
Next Chapter: Always remember- what's dead isn't really dead unless you see them kick the bucket right in your face. Also, no one's thoughts are safe anymore…
Reviews are appreciated, accompanied by constructive criticism. ^_^
