Please, pwetty please, can I own Jack? No? *sob*
Thanks again for your reviews, keep 'em coming!
Lady Skywalker, don't worry Jack will never, ever change into Burns, I love him too much for that :D
la chica mysteriosa, I've been wondering whether to address this or not, I've still to make up my mind.
Caffeine fairy(!), I'm glad you're still enjoying it.
Those who like the LOTR films, see if you can spot the in-joke. It's something I couldn't resist putting in.
Chapter 23
The Pearl sliced through the water, making her long way back to Port Royal to take Will home, her deck reverberated with the sound of a pistol being fired.
'Good luv, that was a little closer. But yer got to stop pulling, just squeeze gently like this.' Jack placed his finger over Maddys on the trigger and squeezed it back until it clicked. He was determined Maddy would learn how to defend herself, whether she liked it or not. Maddy loaded the powder and shot once more, took aim and fired, squeezing the trigger as Jack had shown and hitting her target dead centre. Maddy turned and grinned at Jack who merely told her to do it again, he wanted her to be able to hit a target without having to concentrate, to just load and fire. Maddy practised until her arm ached so much she couldn't hold the pistol up any more. But her aim had improved greatly, much to Jacks relief. Maddy sat down, leaning against the side of the ship, rubbing her sore arm. Will came and sat with her, glad to see that she was more like her old self again. He handed her a mug of ale, which she gratefully accepted.
'How are you feeling now Maddy?' Wills gentle eyes full of concern.
'I'm slowing coming to terms with it all Will.' Maddy placed a hand on Wills arm. 'Having you as a friend certainly helps, thank you.'
'How did you come to get aboard The Black Pearl Maddy? It's obvious that you weren't washed up in Montego Bay.' Will settled himself down comfortably, he and Maddy had taken to having long chats under Jacks ever watchful gaze.
Maddy told Will her story, enjoying his shock when she told him she was from the future. Will had been fascinated, wanting to know how life was different to this one, marvelling at tales of ships bigger than mansions and made from metal, and horseless carriages that travelled great distances very quickly. Maddy was pleased that Will took an interest in her other life, Jack had never asked her questions about it, not being interested in something that didn't affect him. He just lived for the here and now, making the most of each opportune moment as it arose.
'So Will, are you going to ask Elizabeth's forgiveness, or make a new life for yourself?'
'I'll beg her forgiveness. All the dark times on The Chinaman made me appreciate what I'd got. I suppose I'd got a romantic image in my head, and when she didn't live up to it, I was disappointed but I expect I was a disappointment to her as well. She'd wanted an exciting life, especially after our adventures, but I thought it best to put them behind me and be a stick in the mud, as always.' Will shook his head sadly. 'I've never been very good at problems, preferring to stick my head in the sand, unless something forces my hand and I have to make a snap decision, like when I left Jack on Isla de Muerta and got you off The Chinaman.
'You left Jack behind?' Maddy looked at Will in amazement and a little anger.
'Aye, I was only concerned with getting Elizabeth to safety, I thought Jack would be able to take care of himself and I was right.' Will noticed a strange look in Maddys eyes, and realised he might be treading on thin ice. 'I wouldn't do it now of course.' He added quickly. 'I'd never leave him behind, he means too much to me, even though he's still angry with me.' Will smiled sadly, looking at his friend who was behaving like, well, like Jack, arms flailing wildly, a big grin on his face as he was singing that blasted song that Elizabeth liked so much.
Maddy stood and walked to her husband, winding her arms around him and smiling as she felt his singing vibrate through her body. 'Y'all right Madalene?' Jack hooked a rope around the wheel spoke to hold course and turned to face Maddy. 'You an' Will were having a good talk.'
'Yes, I've been telling him about me and where I'm from. Have you forgiven Will for Port Royal yet Jack? He thinks you're still angry at him.' Maddy looked into her husbands deep eyes, marvelling at how dark and unreadable they could be.
'Aye luv, I forgave him the moment he took you off The Chinaman, but if it makes ya happy, I'll go an' tell him.' Jack walked over to Will, still sitting by the ships side and joined him squatting down. 'Lookin' forward ter gettin' home whelp?'
'I don't know Jack. I doubt I'll receive a warm welcome.' Will sighed, regretting his mad impulse all those months before.
'Let me talk to her first, savvy? She'll listen to me, an' if she doesn't, she might not hit me as hard as she'll hit you!' Jack grinned at Will, who returned the grin after a moment.
'Thanks. Look, Jack.......'
'Nah mate, it's all over now, savvy?' Jack held out his hand to his friend who shook it, smiling, looking more like his father than Jack had ever seen him. The two friends chatted for a while about old times until Mr Gibbs announced they'd arrived in Tortuga. Jack sprang to his feet and made for the helm, wanting to steer his ship into the sheltered cove. It wasn't that everyone else was incapable; he just had a thing about being in charge of his ship as she came into port, any port.
Maddy went below to change, feeling a lump rise in her throat, as she thought back to what had happened since they were last there. 'No,' Maddy shook herself mentally, 'I will not give in to it.' She shivered, trying to block out the memories that haunted her. Maddy struggled with the laces of her corset, sighing with relief when Jack entered the cabin and took over from her, pulling them tight.
Jack sensed Maddys tension and pulled her to him. 'We won't stay long luv, an' I promise I won't get drunk, savvy?' He sat Maddy down, and started brushing her long hair, something he knew she loved.
'Mmmmm, that's wonderful,' Maddy purred, closing her eyes with pleasure. 'Jack, I want you to get as drunk as you want, I want everything to go back to normal. The more people fuss over me, the more it keeps everything fresh in my mind. I just want to feel, I don't know......I want to feel like *me* again. Does that make sense?'
'Aye luv, perfect sense,' Jack swept Maddys hair up and nuzzled the back of her neck, his free hand moving down to stroke the top of her breasts. 'Good job yer all laced up darlin,' he grinned. Maddy pushed his hand away and stood, facing him.
'I can always be laced up again you know.' Maddys hands worked at Jacks buttons, relieving him of his shirt then worked on the rest of his clothes before shedding her own and leading him to the bunk.
***************
Jack and Maddy were the last the leave the ship, rowing themselves to shore. Maddy took a deep breath (as much as was possible in a corset), and plunged into Tortuga society. They found a tavern that was already full of Pearl men who cheered as they entered the bar. Maddy found a reasonably quiet corner and sat, waiting for Jack to bring their drinks over, she noticed Will in amongst the men, seemly enjoying himself, which surprised Maddy. 'I wonder what Elizabeth will make of Will when he gets home?' Maddy pondered. 'He's certainly a different person now.' Maddys train of thought was interrupted by Jack returning with a pitcher of ale, a large bottle of rum and two mugs. 'You expect me to get through *that* Jack Sparrow? Do you intend getting me drunk?' Maddy took a large gulp of the ale, enjoying its fresh taste after the stale stuff on board ship.
'Do I need ter get ya drunk luv?' Jack winked at his wife, settling down beside her and proceeding to get as drunk as he possibly could. They were joined throughout the night by various members of the crew, who drifted off as they met up with mates or whores, leaving Jack and Maddy leaning against each other. 'Madalel....Madla....Mad.....Maddy luv, I want ter take ya upstairs an' ravish ya.' Jack slurred, thrusting his tongue in Maddys ear. Maddy sniggered, spilling ale over her dress.
'Oh Jack Sparrow, look what you've made me do now.' Maddy aimed a clout at Jacks head, missing by a large margin and collapsed in giggles. She batted Jacks hand off her breast. 'You be'ave yerself or I'll have me husband on ya.'
'Ah luv, I'm *always* good, didn't ya know that?' Jack leered down Maddys cleavage until her hand pressed against his forehead, pushing his head back up.
'Good or not, you're far too drunk to stand to attention tonight.' Maddy laughed hysterically at her description and then at Jacks face as he glared at her. She stood up, swaying violently, arms flailing trying to regain her balance. 'Oooh er, Jack help me, the room's spinning.' Jack stood, weaving as much as Maddy and they both overbalanced and fell back onto the bench, laughing. After several attempts, they managed to stand up and slowly made their way across the room to the stairs. Jack went first, carefully climbing one stair and pulling Maddy up until they finally reached the top. He opened the first door, only to see a couple of men having fun with one of the whores.
'Oops, sorry mate, wrong room.' Jack clasped his hands together, bowing slightly as he backed out of the room. 'Now what room are we in?' Jack walked to another door and pressed his ear against it, eyebrows shooting up at the sound from inside. 'Nah, I don't think it's that one somehow.' They worked their way down the corridor until they found a room that was silent. Jack gingerly opened it, peering in to the darkness and smiling when he found it empty. 'C'mon Mrs Sparrow, I want ter have me wicked way with ya.' Jack attempted to pick Maddy up, but thought better of it when the room suddenly pitched, settling instead for leading her across to the bed, where he lay down and fell instantly asleep.
Maddy woke at her usual early hour, frowning at her snoring husband. She carefully swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood, brushing her dress trying to get rid of the creases, rather unsuccessfully. Maddy glared at Jack, and then leaned over shaking him roughly and yelling down his ear.
Jack muttered something unintelligible at his wife and tried to turn over. Maddy pulled the bedcovers off him and started tickling his feet, causing Jack to writhe and groan, cursing her, then he shot up and grabbed Maddys wrists, pulling her onto the bed. Jack sat astride Maddy and tickled her ribs until she was breathless, then hitched her dress up and knickers down as Maddy undid the laces of Jacks breeches and wound her legs around his waist, moaning as Jack took her roughly. 'That'll teach ya to wake a man before he's ready.' Jack whispered hoarsely, nipping Maddys earlobe sharply.
'Remind me to do it more often.' Maddy laughed clinging to her husband, digging her nails into his soft, tanned flesh as their passion grew.
****************
'Wha' was that?' Jack shot up, looking around wildly.
'What Jack?' Maddy rubbed a bleary eye, and then pricked her ears up at a commotion downstairs. They both jumped out of bed, pulling on what clothes had been shed and crept out of the room, casing the corridor for anything unusual. Maddy crept down stairs first, Jack covering her with his pistols, she peered into the bar, and then motioned for Jack to get back. 'They've killed the bar-keep,' Maddy whispered, her eyes growing wide.
'How many of 'em?' Jack wondered if he'd be able to take them on.
'Four or five, I can't see properly.' Maddy looked at the pistol Jack pressed into her hand, 'Jack, what are you doing?'
'We're gettin' out of here luv, c'mon.' Jack grabbed Maddys wrist and pulled her quietly away, towards the door.
'Hold on!' A shot whistled past Jacks cheek and imbedded itself into the wall beyond. Jack placed himself in front of Maddy, pushing her slowly towards the open door. Out of the corner of his eye, Jack could see other members of The Pearl at the top of the stairs and smiled inwardly. 'Gotcha, ya bastards,' he thought.
Maddy glanced up, seeing Eb and Mr Gibbs for the first time. Their assailant noticed her glance and spun around just as a shot from Gibbs' pistol, barrelled into his chest, sending him flying towards Jack and Maddy. Jack fired at a man running from the bar, catching him clean in the head, just above his ear, he pushed Maddy out of the door, drawing his sword and cutting down another attacker. Maddy started to run down the street towards the docks, Jacks pistol still in her hand. She turned to see where the other crew were and froze in horror as she saw Jack face to face with a man, who had a pistol pointed straight at his head. Maddy crept up behind the man and took aim, her heartbeat pounding in her ears. She gently squeezed the trigger as Jack had shown her over and over, then fell back as the recoil kicked in, staring in horror as the blood gushed from the stricken man. Jack hauled her to her feet and ran clinging onto her arm as various shouts followed them down the street. They reached the docks to find a pitched battle going on between members of various ships, including The Pearl, Jack swore, then spotted Will duelling with a huge man. Jack dragged Maddy over to where Will was, running his sword through the back of the man. Will glared at Jack, anger flashing in his eyes. 'That one counts as mine!'
'Will get the boat and take Maddy.' Jack shoved Maddy unceremoniously towards his friend, then turned, yelling for his crew to get back to their ship. Maddy clambered into the boat, untying the mooring rope, calling for the crew to get aboard. She watched as Jack clashed swords with two men at once, part of her marvelling at his skill, while the other part was screaming at him to not do anything stupid. Jack turned and jumped over some dead bodies, hurrying to the boat.
'Go, go now Madalene.' Maddy pushed off as Jack flew threw the air and landed in the middle of the boat, nearly capsizing it. She looked around, pleased to see a good proportion of their crew on board. Suddenly Maddy jumped up and started yelling, pointing towards the quay.
'Mr Gibbs. Mr Gibbs hurry!' The crew watched as Gibbs fought off a couple of attackers, shouting their encouragement. They started to row back towards the shore, when Joshamee Gibbs' legs buckled from under him, a dark red stain appearing on his shirt. 'NO!' Maddy leapt the few feet to the dock and ran towards her fallen crewmate, oblivious to everything around her. 'Mr Gibbs?' She cradled the older mans head in her lap. 'Come on Mr Gibbs, we have to get back to The Pearl.'
'No pet, I'll stay here a while an' recover my strength. You go on, it's too dangerous fer you to be here.' Joshamee managed a weak smile at Maddy. 'I suppose there's nowt so wrong wi' women on board after all.'
'Come on Joshamee, you must try, I can't leave you here.' Maddy watched as a tear landed on his face. 'Mr Gibbs? NO!' Maddys voice wailed above the din of the battle, as the life went out of Gibbs' eyes. Maddy looked around wildly, realising that Pearl men, defending them, surrounded her and Gibbs. Jack knelt beside her, removing his hat as he looked at his dead friend.
'C'mon luv, we gotta go.'
'No Jack. We can't just leave him here.'
Jack let out a long, deep breath, not wanting to leave Gibbs there either. 'Alright luv. Eb, Tom, give us a hand.' The four of them picked Gibbs up and, with the rest of the crew fighting around them, carried him to the boat, laying him in it and clambering aboard. Will and the others commandeered another boat and they all made their way once more to the ship with heavy hearts.
Thanks again for your reviews, keep 'em coming!
Lady Skywalker, don't worry Jack will never, ever change into Burns, I love him too much for that :D
la chica mysteriosa, I've been wondering whether to address this or not, I've still to make up my mind.
Caffeine fairy(!), I'm glad you're still enjoying it.
Those who like the LOTR films, see if you can spot the in-joke. It's something I couldn't resist putting in.
Chapter 23
The Pearl sliced through the water, making her long way back to Port Royal to take Will home, her deck reverberated with the sound of a pistol being fired.
'Good luv, that was a little closer. But yer got to stop pulling, just squeeze gently like this.' Jack placed his finger over Maddys on the trigger and squeezed it back until it clicked. He was determined Maddy would learn how to defend herself, whether she liked it or not. Maddy loaded the powder and shot once more, took aim and fired, squeezing the trigger as Jack had shown and hitting her target dead centre. Maddy turned and grinned at Jack who merely told her to do it again, he wanted her to be able to hit a target without having to concentrate, to just load and fire. Maddy practised until her arm ached so much she couldn't hold the pistol up any more. But her aim had improved greatly, much to Jacks relief. Maddy sat down, leaning against the side of the ship, rubbing her sore arm. Will came and sat with her, glad to see that she was more like her old self again. He handed her a mug of ale, which she gratefully accepted.
'How are you feeling now Maddy?' Wills gentle eyes full of concern.
'I'm slowing coming to terms with it all Will.' Maddy placed a hand on Wills arm. 'Having you as a friend certainly helps, thank you.'
'How did you come to get aboard The Black Pearl Maddy? It's obvious that you weren't washed up in Montego Bay.' Will settled himself down comfortably, he and Maddy had taken to having long chats under Jacks ever watchful gaze.
Maddy told Will her story, enjoying his shock when she told him she was from the future. Will had been fascinated, wanting to know how life was different to this one, marvelling at tales of ships bigger than mansions and made from metal, and horseless carriages that travelled great distances very quickly. Maddy was pleased that Will took an interest in her other life, Jack had never asked her questions about it, not being interested in something that didn't affect him. He just lived for the here and now, making the most of each opportune moment as it arose.
'So Will, are you going to ask Elizabeth's forgiveness, or make a new life for yourself?'
'I'll beg her forgiveness. All the dark times on The Chinaman made me appreciate what I'd got. I suppose I'd got a romantic image in my head, and when she didn't live up to it, I was disappointed but I expect I was a disappointment to her as well. She'd wanted an exciting life, especially after our adventures, but I thought it best to put them behind me and be a stick in the mud, as always.' Will shook his head sadly. 'I've never been very good at problems, preferring to stick my head in the sand, unless something forces my hand and I have to make a snap decision, like when I left Jack on Isla de Muerta and got you off The Chinaman.
'You left Jack behind?' Maddy looked at Will in amazement and a little anger.
'Aye, I was only concerned with getting Elizabeth to safety, I thought Jack would be able to take care of himself and I was right.' Will noticed a strange look in Maddys eyes, and realised he might be treading on thin ice. 'I wouldn't do it now of course.' He added quickly. 'I'd never leave him behind, he means too much to me, even though he's still angry with me.' Will smiled sadly, looking at his friend who was behaving like, well, like Jack, arms flailing wildly, a big grin on his face as he was singing that blasted song that Elizabeth liked so much.
Maddy stood and walked to her husband, winding her arms around him and smiling as she felt his singing vibrate through her body. 'Y'all right Madalene?' Jack hooked a rope around the wheel spoke to hold course and turned to face Maddy. 'You an' Will were having a good talk.'
'Yes, I've been telling him about me and where I'm from. Have you forgiven Will for Port Royal yet Jack? He thinks you're still angry at him.' Maddy looked into her husbands deep eyes, marvelling at how dark and unreadable they could be.
'Aye luv, I forgave him the moment he took you off The Chinaman, but if it makes ya happy, I'll go an' tell him.' Jack walked over to Will, still sitting by the ships side and joined him squatting down. 'Lookin' forward ter gettin' home whelp?'
'I don't know Jack. I doubt I'll receive a warm welcome.' Will sighed, regretting his mad impulse all those months before.
'Let me talk to her first, savvy? She'll listen to me, an' if she doesn't, she might not hit me as hard as she'll hit you!' Jack grinned at Will, who returned the grin after a moment.
'Thanks. Look, Jack.......'
'Nah mate, it's all over now, savvy?' Jack held out his hand to his friend who shook it, smiling, looking more like his father than Jack had ever seen him. The two friends chatted for a while about old times until Mr Gibbs announced they'd arrived in Tortuga. Jack sprang to his feet and made for the helm, wanting to steer his ship into the sheltered cove. It wasn't that everyone else was incapable; he just had a thing about being in charge of his ship as she came into port, any port.
Maddy went below to change, feeling a lump rise in her throat, as she thought back to what had happened since they were last there. 'No,' Maddy shook herself mentally, 'I will not give in to it.' She shivered, trying to block out the memories that haunted her. Maddy struggled with the laces of her corset, sighing with relief when Jack entered the cabin and took over from her, pulling them tight.
Jack sensed Maddys tension and pulled her to him. 'We won't stay long luv, an' I promise I won't get drunk, savvy?' He sat Maddy down, and started brushing her long hair, something he knew she loved.
'Mmmmm, that's wonderful,' Maddy purred, closing her eyes with pleasure. 'Jack, I want you to get as drunk as you want, I want everything to go back to normal. The more people fuss over me, the more it keeps everything fresh in my mind. I just want to feel, I don't know......I want to feel like *me* again. Does that make sense?'
'Aye luv, perfect sense,' Jack swept Maddys hair up and nuzzled the back of her neck, his free hand moving down to stroke the top of her breasts. 'Good job yer all laced up darlin,' he grinned. Maddy pushed his hand away and stood, facing him.
'I can always be laced up again you know.' Maddys hands worked at Jacks buttons, relieving him of his shirt then worked on the rest of his clothes before shedding her own and leading him to the bunk.
***************
Jack and Maddy were the last the leave the ship, rowing themselves to shore. Maddy took a deep breath (as much as was possible in a corset), and plunged into Tortuga society. They found a tavern that was already full of Pearl men who cheered as they entered the bar. Maddy found a reasonably quiet corner and sat, waiting for Jack to bring their drinks over, she noticed Will in amongst the men, seemly enjoying himself, which surprised Maddy. 'I wonder what Elizabeth will make of Will when he gets home?' Maddy pondered. 'He's certainly a different person now.' Maddys train of thought was interrupted by Jack returning with a pitcher of ale, a large bottle of rum and two mugs. 'You expect me to get through *that* Jack Sparrow? Do you intend getting me drunk?' Maddy took a large gulp of the ale, enjoying its fresh taste after the stale stuff on board ship.
'Do I need ter get ya drunk luv?' Jack winked at his wife, settling down beside her and proceeding to get as drunk as he possibly could. They were joined throughout the night by various members of the crew, who drifted off as they met up with mates or whores, leaving Jack and Maddy leaning against each other. 'Madalel....Madla....Mad.....Maddy luv, I want ter take ya upstairs an' ravish ya.' Jack slurred, thrusting his tongue in Maddys ear. Maddy sniggered, spilling ale over her dress.
'Oh Jack Sparrow, look what you've made me do now.' Maddy aimed a clout at Jacks head, missing by a large margin and collapsed in giggles. She batted Jacks hand off her breast. 'You be'ave yerself or I'll have me husband on ya.'
'Ah luv, I'm *always* good, didn't ya know that?' Jack leered down Maddys cleavage until her hand pressed against his forehead, pushing his head back up.
'Good or not, you're far too drunk to stand to attention tonight.' Maddy laughed hysterically at her description and then at Jacks face as he glared at her. She stood up, swaying violently, arms flailing trying to regain her balance. 'Oooh er, Jack help me, the room's spinning.' Jack stood, weaving as much as Maddy and they both overbalanced and fell back onto the bench, laughing. After several attempts, they managed to stand up and slowly made their way across the room to the stairs. Jack went first, carefully climbing one stair and pulling Maddy up until they finally reached the top. He opened the first door, only to see a couple of men having fun with one of the whores.
'Oops, sorry mate, wrong room.' Jack clasped his hands together, bowing slightly as he backed out of the room. 'Now what room are we in?' Jack walked to another door and pressed his ear against it, eyebrows shooting up at the sound from inside. 'Nah, I don't think it's that one somehow.' They worked their way down the corridor until they found a room that was silent. Jack gingerly opened it, peering in to the darkness and smiling when he found it empty. 'C'mon Mrs Sparrow, I want ter have me wicked way with ya.' Jack attempted to pick Maddy up, but thought better of it when the room suddenly pitched, settling instead for leading her across to the bed, where he lay down and fell instantly asleep.
Maddy woke at her usual early hour, frowning at her snoring husband. She carefully swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood, brushing her dress trying to get rid of the creases, rather unsuccessfully. Maddy glared at Jack, and then leaned over shaking him roughly and yelling down his ear.
Jack muttered something unintelligible at his wife and tried to turn over. Maddy pulled the bedcovers off him and started tickling his feet, causing Jack to writhe and groan, cursing her, then he shot up and grabbed Maddys wrists, pulling her onto the bed. Jack sat astride Maddy and tickled her ribs until she was breathless, then hitched her dress up and knickers down as Maddy undid the laces of Jacks breeches and wound her legs around his waist, moaning as Jack took her roughly. 'That'll teach ya to wake a man before he's ready.' Jack whispered hoarsely, nipping Maddys earlobe sharply.
'Remind me to do it more often.' Maddy laughed clinging to her husband, digging her nails into his soft, tanned flesh as their passion grew.
****************
'Wha' was that?' Jack shot up, looking around wildly.
'What Jack?' Maddy rubbed a bleary eye, and then pricked her ears up at a commotion downstairs. They both jumped out of bed, pulling on what clothes had been shed and crept out of the room, casing the corridor for anything unusual. Maddy crept down stairs first, Jack covering her with his pistols, she peered into the bar, and then motioned for Jack to get back. 'They've killed the bar-keep,' Maddy whispered, her eyes growing wide.
'How many of 'em?' Jack wondered if he'd be able to take them on.
'Four or five, I can't see properly.' Maddy looked at the pistol Jack pressed into her hand, 'Jack, what are you doing?'
'We're gettin' out of here luv, c'mon.' Jack grabbed Maddys wrist and pulled her quietly away, towards the door.
'Hold on!' A shot whistled past Jacks cheek and imbedded itself into the wall beyond. Jack placed himself in front of Maddy, pushing her slowly towards the open door. Out of the corner of his eye, Jack could see other members of The Pearl at the top of the stairs and smiled inwardly. 'Gotcha, ya bastards,' he thought.
Maddy glanced up, seeing Eb and Mr Gibbs for the first time. Their assailant noticed her glance and spun around just as a shot from Gibbs' pistol, barrelled into his chest, sending him flying towards Jack and Maddy. Jack fired at a man running from the bar, catching him clean in the head, just above his ear, he pushed Maddy out of the door, drawing his sword and cutting down another attacker. Maddy started to run down the street towards the docks, Jacks pistol still in her hand. She turned to see where the other crew were and froze in horror as she saw Jack face to face with a man, who had a pistol pointed straight at his head. Maddy crept up behind the man and took aim, her heartbeat pounding in her ears. She gently squeezed the trigger as Jack had shown her over and over, then fell back as the recoil kicked in, staring in horror as the blood gushed from the stricken man. Jack hauled her to her feet and ran clinging onto her arm as various shouts followed them down the street. They reached the docks to find a pitched battle going on between members of various ships, including The Pearl, Jack swore, then spotted Will duelling with a huge man. Jack dragged Maddy over to where Will was, running his sword through the back of the man. Will glared at Jack, anger flashing in his eyes. 'That one counts as mine!'
'Will get the boat and take Maddy.' Jack shoved Maddy unceremoniously towards his friend, then turned, yelling for his crew to get back to their ship. Maddy clambered into the boat, untying the mooring rope, calling for the crew to get aboard. She watched as Jack clashed swords with two men at once, part of her marvelling at his skill, while the other part was screaming at him to not do anything stupid. Jack turned and jumped over some dead bodies, hurrying to the boat.
'Go, go now Madalene.' Maddy pushed off as Jack flew threw the air and landed in the middle of the boat, nearly capsizing it. She looked around, pleased to see a good proportion of their crew on board. Suddenly Maddy jumped up and started yelling, pointing towards the quay.
'Mr Gibbs. Mr Gibbs hurry!' The crew watched as Gibbs fought off a couple of attackers, shouting their encouragement. They started to row back towards the shore, when Joshamee Gibbs' legs buckled from under him, a dark red stain appearing on his shirt. 'NO!' Maddy leapt the few feet to the dock and ran towards her fallen crewmate, oblivious to everything around her. 'Mr Gibbs?' She cradled the older mans head in her lap. 'Come on Mr Gibbs, we have to get back to The Pearl.'
'No pet, I'll stay here a while an' recover my strength. You go on, it's too dangerous fer you to be here.' Joshamee managed a weak smile at Maddy. 'I suppose there's nowt so wrong wi' women on board after all.'
'Come on Joshamee, you must try, I can't leave you here.' Maddy watched as a tear landed on his face. 'Mr Gibbs? NO!' Maddys voice wailed above the din of the battle, as the life went out of Gibbs' eyes. Maddy looked around wildly, realising that Pearl men, defending them, surrounded her and Gibbs. Jack knelt beside her, removing his hat as he looked at his dead friend.
'C'mon luv, we gotta go.'
'No Jack. We can't just leave him here.'
Jack let out a long, deep breath, not wanting to leave Gibbs there either. 'Alright luv. Eb, Tom, give us a hand.' The four of them picked Gibbs up and, with the rest of the crew fighting around them, carried him to the boat, laying him in it and clambering aboard. Will and the others commandeered another boat and they all made their way once more to the ship with heavy hearts.