DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything POTC related or anything else for that matter except for my own original characters.

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CHAPTER 14

ISABELLE DANFORTH

As the sun set the Black Pearl set sail out of Port Royal for the destination of Port Charlotte Amalie on the island of St. Thomas. Reverend Danforth took the opportunity to inspect the ship. While he checked everything, Hope was surprised he didn't do a white glove inspection. Hope and Jack stood on the main deck and watched him.

"So. This is the thing you've been on for the past 10 years?"

"Yes. I know you don't think it's much but its become my home."

"You prefer a pirate ship over a nice, clean house?" Hope sighed.

"Don't get me wrong, father. Living in a big house was comfortable, but this ship is comfortable to me as well."

"Enlighten me."

"Living in a house felt like living in a cage to me. If you remember I was hardly ever indoors. I wanted adventure and an open area where the possibilities were endless." She looked at Jack lovingly, entwining her hand with his and placing her other hand on his arm. "I found that and I'm happy here." Danforth still looked unconvinced. Hope turned to look at the setting sun. She smiled before she walked to him. "Have you ever looked at a sunset, father?"

"Of course I have, every evening."

"No. I mean, really look at one. Have you just sat and watched it disappear?"

"I cannot say that I have."

"See. That's the difference. I never did either until I met Jack. Every evening since then I have watched the sun go down and I have never seen the same sunset twice. There were always different colors added or missing. When there are clouds a different pattern appeared. Watching them and feeling the warm, salty sea air blow against my face, I felt calm and free. I've never felt like that before. I know what you're trying do, father and I understand why. But, please understand I'm happy here. Nothing holds me down. I have everything I've ever wanted that living in Port Royal couldn't give me."

"You're reasons are admirable. But, why a pirate's life?"

"I don't know. It just turned out that way. Believe me I never thought I would ever live the life of pirate. This life isn't as bad as many claim it to be. You can travel the world, see new places, anything is just at the tip of your fingers." Danforth was silent. "I know this isn't what you had planned for me, but don't you want me to be happy?"

"Of course I do."

"This makes me happy. Katie makes me happy and…"she trailed off as she walked back to Jack and put her hand on his chest, he in turn wrapped his arm around her waist. "Jack makes me happy." Danforth starred at the two before he walked to stand in front of Jack.

"Jack Sparrow…"

"Captain. Captain Jack Sparrow or Captain Sparrow if you like." Danforth looked over at Hope who gave him a small smile.

"Very well. Captain Sparrow. Do you really love my daughter?"

"Does a pirate love rum?

"Excuse me?"

"Jack." Hope said in a warning tone.

"Aye. Even more than rum!" He said as he grinned. Danforth was shocked.

"You'll have to get used to him sometime, father." Hope said.

"Yes. Well. As much as I hate the idea of having a pirate in our family. From what I saw earlier, Hope loves you more than anything and would be willing to do anything for you. As for you Captain Sparrow, I will take your word that you feel the same about my daughter. If you hurt her I will personally talk with Governor Swann and Commodore Norrington about your hanging. Do I make myself clear?"

"Inescapably." He attempted to smile but it immediately disappeared.

"Good." Reverend Danforth said before he walked away. Jack scowled a little. Hope placed her hand on his arm and stood in front of him.

"I'm going to say the same thing to you that I said to my father. You'll have to get used to him sometime."

"And how do you expect me to do that?"

"The same way you got used to me, as well as Will and Elizabeth."

"The whelp and fair lady don't count. Will was from pirate's blood and Elizabeth doesn't count because Will was obsessed with finding her. She grew on me.

"And what about me?

"Darling, I could go on all night about you."

"Do tell."

"For one, you were off limits. Two, you were exciting. Three, you were full of surprises. And four, you were the most beautiful thing I had seen in a long time." Hope smiled.

"With time my father will accept you. As you will to him. Everything will be fine." Hope leaned up and kissed him before running after her father. As she showed him below deck Jack walked up to the wheel and took his normal spot.

SCENE CHANGE

The Black Pearl sailed into Port Charlotte Amalie about 7 days after leaving Port Royal. Jack watched the shore intently as the anchor was lowered. Hope walked up to him.

"Listen up you scabrous dogs. You all know what happened last time we were here. There are enough supplies to sail back to Port Royal so no one, unless otherwise instructed, but the good reverend, meself, Jacoby, and Hope are to go ashore, savvy?" The crew groaned.

"Hey! None of that or I will keelhaul you!" The crew sulked back to their respective areas.

"Do you think that group of miscreants are still looking for a fight?" Hope said leaning closer to Jack. He laughed as did Hope.

"I see nothing funny here." Reverend Danforth piped in.

"It's a long story," Hope said.

"Let us hear it." Hope and Jack looked at each other hesitantly.

"You don't want to know, father."

"Let's say I do."

"All I will say is that there was a little rumpus last time we were here."

"What?" Hope smiled unsurely and turned her head to shore for a moment.

"Oh look! The plank is down. Come along, darling, we should be toddling off. We must not keep mother waiting. You to, uncle." Hope said before grabbing Jack and Jacoby and pulling them off the ship. Danforth looked after the two confused. When he turned his head to the side Mr. Gibbs was standing next to him.

"Mr. Gibbs? Is it?"

"Aye."

"My daughter is not always like this is she?"

"Of course not, sir. Sometimes the lass is much worse." Gibbs said before going below deck.

"Father! Are you coming?" Hope shouted from the shore. Danforth walked down the plank and met up with the three.

SCENE CHANGE

As the four walked through the town they received interesting looks from nearly everyone they passed by.

"What is everyone staring at?" Danforth asked. Hope looked around her.

"Us."

"Why forever for?" Hope stopped and turned.

"The island of St.Thomas is considered one of the three most popular pirate havens of the Caribbean. The other two are Tortuga and Nassau." Hope informed him.

"It's not a proliferous bouquet like Tortuga but it's a haven none the less." Jack said.

"What this place is was not my question. I wish to know why these people keep staring at us."

"They aren't staring at us so much as they are you."

"And why is that?" Hope gestured to his clothing.

"You're wearing the outfit of an English nobleman. This port sees very little visitors of your status. In addition, you are in the company of three pirates who are dressed on the scruffy side."

"Yes. I must talk with you about the manner you have transformed yourself into. The short hair, breaches, white shirt, and black lined eyes are not the attire of proper young woman."

"Father, please don't start. I know you are used to my long hair and dresses but you have to get used to this image. It's actually more comfortable."

"You look no different than some of these women here," Danforth said looking at two women across the street that were smiling seductively and waving at him. "Repulsive!"

"All right. If I get rid of the black lined eyes will to leave my appearance be?"

"No. But it is a start." Hope scowled.

"Fine." They continued through the town. Danforth watched the behaviors of everyone they passed by. Men were gulping pints of rum while singing sea chanties and chasing after nearly unclad women. Pistols going off, brawls, among other things. As they rounded a corner a very drunk pirate collided with Danforth. He smiled big with rotting teeth..

"Good heavens!" The man breathed on him and slapped him on the back causing him to jolt forward a little.

"How ye doin', mate!" the man said before continuing on his way.

"This is unheard of. Such behavior! They are animals, all of them!" When he turned around Hope, Jack, and Jacoby were staring at him with small smiles.

"Welcome to the Caribbean, mate!" Jack exclaimed. Danforth glared at him. Hope walked to her father.

"How can you stand this type of life?" Hope led him to Jack and Jacoby.

"It's only like this in the ports. Most of the time we are at sea and not exposed to this behavior, though there have been a few occasions." Hope said glaring at Jack. He smiled apologetically. They walked up the street a little further until Hope caught sight of the wagon she had visited last time she was there. Sure enough, the same woman was still there. Hope's entire behavior changed as she looked at the woman. Jacoby saw this and went to her.

"I'll go talk to her first," Jacoby said giving her arm a small squeeze before walking over the woman. When the woman caught sight of Jacoby she smiled and walked to him giving him hug.

"Jacoby. I was so worried. Are you okay?" the woman asked.

"I'm fine, Isabelle."

"What about Hope and her friends?"

"She's fine, given what happened after we left here."

"What do mean? What happened?"

"Captain Draco attacked the ship we were on."

"Oh my god. Was anyone hurt?"

"The prophecy came true, Isabelle."

"What?"

"Draco is dead. Hope killed him and came close to death herself. You saved her by giving her that necklace." Isabelle smiled a little. "She's here."

"She's here? Where?"

"Her husband is with her as well as Reverend Danforth." Isabelle's eyes widened.

"Charles is with her?

"Yes." Jacoby said pointing to where the others stood. After exchanging glances Jacoby gestured for them to come over.

"I should never have come. What was I thinking?" Danforth said.

"You're telling me you don't still love her like you said you did?" Hope asked. He was silent.

"All of Port Royal thinks that she died giving birth to you. What are we supposed to say? Isabelle is not really dead we only said that because she committed adultery and got pregnant by a pirate?" Hope was silent.

"Father. We're going to have to face the truth sometime. You're a reverend for heaven's sake. We cannot keep lying. The truth has to come out. The whole truth. Isabelle Danforth slept with a pirate and got pregnant while married to another man and that my biological father is the pirate that has been terrorizing the Caribbean."

"It's easy for you to say that, Hope. You can board a ship and sail wherever you want and not have to face anyone. I do not have that luxury. As you said, I'm a reverend. The people of Port Royal depend on me."

"So you're just going to live a lie for the rest of your life?"

"Hope. You are jumping to conclusions. We do not even know she will want to leave this place and return." Jack stepped in front of Hope.

"I'll just be over there trying to make friends. This bein a family get together."

"Jack Sparrow. You're family now whether my father likes it or not. No matter how much he wants to deny it you're his son-in-law." Danforth just looked at her. "Come on." Hope said pulling Jack with her. Danforth followed shortly. When they were almost to the wagon Isabelle walked to Hope.

"Hello, Hope." Hope looked at her with a mix of confusion and sadness.

"Why didn't you say anything to me last time I was here?"

"I was afraid that you would be angry with me."

"You thought I'd be angry with you? Why would I be?"

"Because I just left you to grow up alone. All your life you thought I had died giving birth to you. I didn't want to leave, but under the circumstances I had too."

"I know. I probably would have done the same thing if I was in your place."

"You're not angry?"

"No. I was at first after Jacoby told me the truth. I didn't want to believe that my real father was the pirate who had killed my sister and tried to kill my best friends. Honestly, I don't know what you saw in him but, the point is… I forgive you." Isabelle smiled before she placed her hand on Hope's cheek.

"You've grown into a fine young woman, Hope." The others could tell Isabelle was tearing up. "My beautiful baby girl….oh, Hope." Isabelle cried hugging Hope tight. The tears fell freely from Isabelle as they did from Hope. When they drew apart Hope turned to Jack.

"Mother. I'd like you to meet someone. This is…"

"The infamous Jack Sparrow."

"Captain. If you please." Jack interjected.

"Very well. Captain Jack Sparrow. You've developed quite a reputation on the water."

"I do me best." Jack said grinning. Isabelle leaned closer to Hope.

"He's more handsome than I thought. You know how to choose them."

"How did you know?"

"Rumors pass quickly over the Caribbean, dear. I heard that Jack Sparrow had married an Englishwoman and when I saw you two together I knew." When Isabelle looked back over at Jack she noticed Danforth behind him.

"Hello, Charles."

"Isabelle. It is good to see you well."

"The same to you." They shared a glance. "Why did you come here, Charles?"

"I did not come of my own free will. You have your daughter to thank for that." Isabelle looked at Hope.

"When we were in Port Royal you said you still loved her."

"Hope," Danforth said.

"That was what you said. I was telling you about how I felt about how differently you treated Catherine and me. You had said that since we were on the truth that I should know something. You said you loved mother more than anything and that you still love her even to this day." Danforth was speechless, knowing she was right.

"Charles? Is this true?" Danforth sighed.

"It's all true. For years I denied that fact. But the more I tried to deny it the more it grew until it overpowered me." Isabelle was silent. "I still love you Isabelle, I never stopped."

"Even after everything I did?"

"Yes. I can't blame you for falling in love with someone other than myself, even if it was for the worst. I always criticized your brother for being a pirate. When you wanted to see him I wouldn't allow it. I blame myself for what compelled you to sleep with another man, a pirate of all people."

"You are not to blame, Charles. I made that choice even though it was the wrong one."

"You don't understand. I hated pirates in the worst way. I would do anything to rid the seas of them. And when Catherine was killed by a pirate the anger in me grew. Then years later Hope falls in love with a pirate. I shunned her for that reason. Because of me she disappeared for ten years. All those years I thought she was dead. It was painful for me. I figured that I was being punished for what I did to you Isabelle, as well as to Hope." He turned to Hope. "When you showed up magically in Port Royal I felt I was being given a second chance to at least try and make up for my mistakes. I figured that you knew the truth about your lineage. Hope, if you would permit me. Allow me to be the father you never had and I promise you I will make my wrongs right again." He looked at her sincerely.

"You really mean that?" Hope asked.

"I do."

"So you accept the life I chose?"

"Yes. Afterall, Governor Swann did say, piracy can be the right course." Hope went to him and hugged him. Jack sniffled loudly causing Hope to pull away and look at him.

"Jack, are you crying?"

"No, of course not. I just got something in me eye." Hope smiled skeptically. Isabelle walked over and she and Charles hugged. "Oh a family reunion. I love family reunions." Hope laughed a little before she walked over to him, put her arms around his neck and kissed him. When she pulled back she saw Jacoby standing alone. She pulled Jack with her and went over to him.

"I never really thanked you have I?" Hope asked.

"Thanks for what?"

"For helping us out in the tavern, even though your reasons were not really to help. As such I was able to find out the truth." Jacoby smiled putting an arm around her waist and squeezing her to him. Jack looked over at the tavern they had been at and recognized the man who incited the brawl.

"Speaking of that tavern. Our old mate is back." Hope looked over and saw the man. She sighed and groaned.

"Does he go anywhere else?"

"Who?" Isabelle asked curious. Hope pointed to the man. "What did he do?"

"Started a brawl after Hope accidentally knocked him over onto a table. He spilled a man's pint of rum in the act."

"Oh, that's just Henry. He always starts trouble." Isabelle said just as the man noticed them and walked over. Jack held up his hand and wiggled his fingers. Hope hit him.

"Well, well. Look what we 'ave here. Come to finish what ye started mates?"

"What we started?" Jack asked.

"Aye. That young missy there threw me into a table."

"Henry. You're drunk again. There is no need to be like this." Isabelle said.

"For one I didn't throw you into that table. You just happened to be walking behind me as I stood up."

"No matter. After ye filthy rats ran away, that miser whose rum ye spilled attacked me."

"So you get into one fight. I'm sure you've been in several." Hope defended.

"That doesn't matter. Ye impugned me honor. So I intend to do the same to ye, lass." Henry drew his sword and as before Jack pulled his as well.

"No, Jack. He's right. He's challenged me and I accept." Hope said pulling her own.

"None of this is necessary!" Isabelle shouted.

"Let her be. She can handle herself," Jack said.

"How can you stand by and not help her. She's going to get herself killed." Danforth added.

"Believe me, mate. Hope be the last person to need help."

"Jack's right, Reverend. She's just as skilled on the sword as myself and Sparrow." Jacoby said.

"I must warn you. You've challenged the wrong woman." Hope said to Henry.

"I doubt that."

"She's right, mate. You just challenged the daughter of Captain Draco," Jacoby warned. Henry hesitated for a moment as the people within hearing distance stopped.

"Ye lie."

"I assure you it's true. As much as I would like to deny that fact," Hope said.

"Lies."

"Very well, mate. You're funeral." Jack said as Henry lunged at her. Being drunk he wasn't very accurate. Hope easily stepped to the side. He collided with the wall before turning to Hope who just stared at him with a hint of arrogance.

"Is that the best you can do?" He snarled and swung at her. She blocked, kneed him in the stomach and pushed him into a group of barrels. When he stood up, the side of his head was bleeding.

"Ye be paying for that, missy." He shot up and attacked her again. They continued like that for a few more rounds before Hope knocked his sword away and threw him to the ground. Hope stood over him with her sword to his throat.

"If I had been Captain Draco or any other pirate you would be dead right now."

"Why waste your chance. If ye don't kill me that will be yer mistake." Hope kneeled in front of him.

"We'll see about that." Hope said as she stood and walked over to her family. Before she got too far he yelled out to her.

"Ye haven't heard the last of me, wench!" Hope stopped abruptly, turned and threw her sword at him. It embedded itself into the wall directly above his head. He screamed out in terror.

"Who are ye?"

"The heart of the dragon." He looked at her confused. "Next time we meet. You won't be so lucky." Hope said before turning to her family.

"Where did you learn to do that?" Danforth asked.

"Will."

"Will Turner?"

"Yes. He is a very good teacher. That technique can be used in a few different ways. Isn't that right, Jack?"

"Aye. That little technique was how that bloody Norrington was able to catch me on my first visit to Port Royal and also saved me life on the gallows."

"Impressive." Danforth said as Hope walked over to Henry and pulled her sword from the wall.

"Get out of here." Henry scrambled up and ran off down the road. Hope watched him for a few moments before turning to her mother.

"Mother. I have a surprise for you. But, you have to come back with us to Port Royal to see it."

"Gladly." Danforth offered Isabelle his arm as they all walked back towards the Black Pearl and sailed back to Port Royal.

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Next chapter: Final Reunion