AN (12/30): I have been able to use the computer today! I should have gotten started on this earlier, but I played the Pirates of the Caribbean pc game. It's given me lots of lovely ideas on future chapters.
AN2: Yeah, I know it just kind of ends. I plan to update it and make it longer, but it is 11:30 and I need to go to bed. I plan to clean my room tomorrow, so I might have to leave you all hanging until the New Year. Happy New Year (just in case)! Ps- give me ideas on a good title for this chapter.
An:(1/2) I went online yesterday and was absolutely amazed that I had seven new reviews! I would have updated yesterday, but my mom was using the computer and then the power went out. So, I put the story onto my lovely PDA. It's really slow to type on it, seeing as I don't have a keyboard, but at least this way I can work on my story during school.
AN (1/4): I guess nobody's read the whole story yet- Fanfiction didn't show that it'd been updated. Check back often to see when I updated it-I reply to all the reviews at the end of the chapter they were given for.
Chapter 3: Engagements
Jacob and Jodi were hurriedly walking to the sale down at Matheson's Dress Shop in town. Jodi was on the prowl for new dresses she would wear after her wedding in two weeks. She and Jacob had been having a conversation as they walked. Jacob was paying more attention to the conversation inside his sanctuary than to the conversation he was having with his sister. He didn't want to think about the mad rush that awaited them at the store and was preparing mentally for the bargaining onslaught.
Jodi glanced over at Jacob, noting the glazed look in his eyes. She then said, "Jacob, are you even paying attention?" When Jodi received no immediate response, she stopped walking.
Jacob noted that the sound of his sister's footfalls had stopped, so he stopped walking. He turned to face her, surprised by the look of reproach she was giving him. Jacob could usually function normally whenever he was in his sanctuary, but he had been having a rousing conversation with the memory of his mother. It'd taken him a few months to regain the ability to use his sanctuary after his mother died. He diverted some of his attention back to his sister and his eyes became a bit clearer.
"You, pay attention to something I said? That's ridiculous." She started laughing a slightly sarcastic laugh, her laughter forced and rough. "Can you please stop fantasizing and pay attention? I'm trying to pour my soul out to you!" She tossed her head in disgust, her ebony hair swaying. She moved like a graceful swan, each action she made seemed to be a part of an intricate dance.
"I am sorry. I'll pay attention, sis." Jacob's liquid eyes showed remorse.
"It's alright. I forgive you." Jodi's voice had softened up. She often found it difficult to stay mad at her twin for long. Her tone became somewhat pleading as she asked, "Do you think Nathaniel is a good choice?"
Jacob bit his lower lip, struggling with his emotions. He finally settled on placating her fears and said, "Of course 'e is, sis. 'E's a fine officer an' he'll make a fine husband. 'E's just the man ye should marry." Jacob hurried into his mind's sanctuary to stifle the uncontrollable urge he had to flinch.
"Oh, thank you Jacob. I would marry him anyway, but I'm glad to have your approval." She smiled at him and started walking again. He turned and followed suit. They made an odd pair as they walked down the street, his gait was like a drunken man and hers was like a dancer.
They soon reached Matheson's Dress Shop. Jacob was right, it was a madhouse. He gave an inward shudder. Village women were grabbing at dresses. The harried shop owner was surrounded by yelling women, each female shopper trying to haggle the reduced price down even further. Jacob took one look at the melee and glanced at his sister in alarm. She had a maniacal look in her eyes as she prepared to jump into the fray.
"Might I ask if I could go elsewhere, me beloved sis? That …" Jacob struggled for the right word "battlefield is not where I want to go." He pointed toward the melee.
Jodi glanced over at him and laughed at the fear she saw in his eyes. "Very well, my dear brother, come back in about three hours." Jodi smiled as she saw the tension leave Jacob's eyes. His eyes lost their glaze and he smiled back a genuine smile of gratitude. With that, Jodi regally walked into the store.
Jacob laughed and turned toward Mulrogg's Grog, the local tavern. He quickly reached the shoddily built establishment and opened the double doors up. The warm, pungent aroma of drinks and smelly sailors assaulted his nose. He breathed in deeply, relishing the feeling of power it gave him. He walked up to the bar and sat on the only stool still unoccupied.
"What'll ye have, young sir?" the grizzled barkeep barked. Jacob looked into the man's grey eyes, noting the various scars from barroom brawls of the past.
"I'll take some rum, me good man." Jacob smiled his characteristic half smile. The barkeep grunted. He grabbed a filthy glass and a rum bottle. He then poured the drink. Jacob grabbed the mug and the barkeep turned to take another order.
Jacob downed half of his rum, gulping in the liquid as if it were life itself. He set the mug down, careful to not spill any of the remaining contents, and observed his surroundings.
The man to Jacob's left was filthy and incredibly drunk. He sat on his stool, staring down into his empty pint. He laughed and swore an incredibly fowl chain of words in an attempt to make the glass fill itself again. When nothing happened, the filthy man put his head on the bar and began snoring.
Jacob decided to observe someone else. He diverted his attention to the young man sitting on his right. He decided the man must be around his own age and was fascinated in the way he acted.
The man noticed Jacob staring. "Wha' ye be lookin' at, lad. 'Aven' ye seen a pirate before?" The man grinned, showing a few gold teeth. "Me name's William Turner." He held out a rough, weather beaten hand.
"Pleasure t' meet ye. I be Jacob Smith. 'An you isn' the first pirate I've e're seen. I've meet plen'y of pirates." Jacob grinned his half grin, showing off nearly perfect teeth. He extended his hand and the two shook.
"Have ye e're considered becomin' a pirate, Jacob? Ye look abou' the right age to start up. 'Ow old are ye?" William looked at Jacob with amber eyes, trying to assess the teen.
"O' I jus' turned seventeen. 'An I'd love to become a pirate. Do ye know of any captain takin' on crew?" Jacob reached for his mug and took a swill of rum.
"Aye. Cap'n Calico Jack is 'avin me scout for a new crew member. Are ye really interested?" William sized Jacob up with one swift look. "Calico Jack'd be happy to 'ave ye."
Jacob hid the look of excitement and recognition that wanted to appear on his face when William mentioned Calico Jack. "Aye, I'm interested, if the pay is right." Jacob took another drink from his mug, feigning indifference in his voice.
"Oh, the pay is fine. Meet Calico Jack 'ere tomorrow a' noon. All the other recruits'll be here. Make sure ye stand out. I like ye, lad." William carefully stood, paid the barkeep, and walked out of the tavern.
Jacob mused over his new found offer. Jodi's engagement party was tomorrow at ten, but Jacob decided to sneak away tomorrow. His mother had only made him promise to stick around until Jodi was engaged, anyhow.
Jacob stifled a yawn as he watched the procession below him. It was a beautiful day for a party. The sun was shining and it was a comfortable 70 degrees outside. Richard was busy giving a speech to congratulate the happy couple on their decision to marry. The sappiness of the situation made Jacob want to throw up. He silently crept toward the house to escape the situation.
Guests for the party gave Jacob odd looks as he went inside his family's mansion. The plantation was swarming with redcoats who had come to congratulate one of their own. It made it the perfect opportunity for Jacob to meet with a bunch of pirates in town, as the soldiers were all in his home. However, it would be difficult to escape unnoticed with his gear and clothes in hand.
Jacob quickly reached his room and grabbed the personal effects he had saved for this day. He hurriedly dressed in a simple white shirt and brown cloth pants. Jacob braided a few strands of his raven hair and tied the coin he had given his mother on the end of a braid, using a hole he had drilled previously. He swung his head around, enjoying the weighted feeling of the coin. Jacob grabbed a piece of red cloth Jodi had given him. It was supposed to be worn as a sort of sash, but Jacob thought that looked ridiculous. He tied it on his head instead. His mother's three sided hat finished the look. Jacob hurriedly put on his scabbard and sword and headed out the door with nothing else to his name.
Jacob had a few close brushes with the soldiers, but seeing as he knew the lay of his own fields, he stayed inconspicuous until he reached the town. He hurriedly walked to the tavern, noting the fact that the town was relatively empty because most of the townspeople were at his home, celebrating his sister's engagement. Jacob pushed the tavern's door open and was relieved to feel the atmosphere he loved.
"Ah, cap'n, this here be the boy I was tellin' ye about." William seemed amused at the teen's new appearance as he pointed towards Jacob. Jacob noticed five other potential pirates. They were all older and grizzled. Jacob was slightly astonished to see the sailor he had seen yesterday, drunk and out of his mind.
"Come here, boy." A shadowy figure in the corner beckoned Jacob forward. Jacob stopped observing the other recruits and diverted his attention to the famous captain. "Bootstrap, please take t' other recruits outside. I wish t' speak t' this boy." His voice was incredibly smooth and seductive.
Jacob walked up to the shadowed figure, masking his faint apprehension with a studied nonchalance. "'Lo, Cap'n Calico Jack. 'An how are 'e on this fine day?" Jacob had a slightly pious tone to his voice. He could see only the clothes of the captain, due to the shadows, and was surprised at how fresh and clean they were. Most pirates wore filthy, stained clothes everyday. Calico Jack had odd patches of calico in unusual patterns on his shirt and pants, to be sure, but they were remarkably clean.
Calico Jack leaned forward into the light. Jacob's gaze was drawn towards Calico Jack's left cheek. A grotesque scar glistened in the light. Jacob felt slightly uncomfortable around the captain. He knew how Calico Jack had received that scar, as well as numerous others that weren't so apparent. He shifted his gaze back to the older man's cherry wood colored eyes. Jacob was surprised to see Calico's eyes gazing at his bronzed face.
"You seem somewhat familiar, me boy. 'Ave I met ye before?" Calico peered past Jacob, struggling to recollect where he'd seen the same features.
"I don' think so, sir." Jacob was anxious to keep Calico Jack from remembering Rosalyn.
"What be ye're name?" Calico Jack was trying to find something to connect Jacob to.
"I be …" Jacob faltered, making a split second decision that would change his life forever. He decided to change his name so Calico Jack would never make the connection between himself and his mother. He didn't want to be favored on account of his mother because he instinctively wanted to earn the older man's respect. Jacob went over all of this in roughly a moment and continued speaking. "…Jack Sparrow. I'd be pleased t' join ye're crew."
Calico Jack blinked, his mind vainly trying to recall ever meeting anyone with the same last name. Calico Jack couldn't come up with a name and convinced himself that this young Jack Sparrow just had one of those faces. "I'd be pleased t' have ye. Go on outside an' prove yeself. Then we'll talk again." He leaned back and took a drink from a wooden mug on the distressed table beside him.
Jacob, who would forevermore be known as Jack Sparrow, pivoted around and meandered his way out of the tavern, pausing to glance over at the famous captain before heading out to face his destiny.
Bootstrap Bill Turner watched in amusement as the teenager approached him with a very curious walk. The seventeen year old invaded his personal space and looked at him with eyes full of nonchalance.
"Cap'n Calico Jack sen' me out here to prove meself. Wha' tis it tha' ye want me to do. By the way, me name is Jack, savvy?" Jack grinned at Bootstrap.
Bootstrap slightly nodded to acknowledge Jack's change of name. It was none of his business if the boy wanted to be known as someone else. "I wan' ye to stand wi' the rest o' the hopeful crew members, Jack." Bootstrap's voice was gruff as he put on an act for the other hopefuls. "Why don' ye all get acquainted while I go get the cap'n." Bootstrap turned around and went inside the tavern as Jack went to stand next to the five prospective crew members.
Jack examined each one in turn, sizing him up. He wondered what sort of tests they'd have to go through in order to become a crewmember of the famous Calico Jack.
The man from the tavern yesterday glared at Jacob. He appeared to have a horrible hangover from the vast amounts of alcohol he'd consumed. He held his head in an attempt to placate the pounding inside his head. He swore at Jack when he noticed Jack staring at his disheveled hair and rumpled clothes. Jack quickly looked at the next man.
The next man looked incredibly surly. He had a gun to his side and looked ready to use it at any moment. His greasy hair was pulled back into a ponytail. There appeared to be a chunk missing from his nose. His gnarled hands rubbed together, anticipating the contest to come.
Jack was about to examine the next man when Bootstrap Bill and Calico Jack walked out of the tavern. Jack diverted his attention to the captain.
"I be pleased to see so many fine men wantin' t' be aboard me ship. Ho'e're, I only need one new deckhand today. All o' ye tha' don't get chosen today are welcome to try again the next time we're in town." Calico Jack smiled, showing off several gold teeth and a serious tooth decay problem. "Are ye ready? This here be the task." The anticipation of the men was almost palpable. Calico Jack paused until the tension reached a fervor. "Ye need to beat Bootstrap in a sword duel an' af'erwards, ye must prove to me ye know somefink abou' piracy an' sailin'."
Several of the men groaned, but Jack grinned, eager to start to prove himself.
"Bundleham, ye'll be first." The drunkard with a hangover stepped up to Bootstrap. They both took out swords from scabbards. Bootstrap's cutlass was shiny and well-kept, the drunkard's a bit rusty. It made Jack glad he'd cleaned his cutlass yesterday. A very brief sparring took place. The drunkard was defeated in five swift moves.
The other men were surprised at how quickly the fight was finished. They all looked toward Bootstrap with more respect and apprehension. He smiled at them and beckoned the surly man up next.
The surly man, who happened to be James Matheson's rebellious younger brother, Peter, whom Jack saw yesterday at the counter in the dress shop, stepped forward with a menacing grin. Peter drew his sword and soon Bootstrap and Peter were parrying blows. Peter lasted for roughly ten minutes before he lost. After he threw his sword down in defeat, he spit on the ground and entered the bar, hatred filling his hazel eyes. The defeated drunkard followed suit. Two of the others decided they didn't have the skill to defeat such a talented opponent and just left the fray, not muttering a single word of explanation.
Jack found himself standing next to a huge man. The man was at least seven feet tall. Jack felt incredibly short next to the giant. He looked up into the large man's grey eyes. They were full of bloodlust. Jack felt incredibly sorry for Bootstrap as the giant walked towards him and drew his sword. He was stunned when Bootstrap defeated the giant with a cunning strike. Bootstrap nearly killed the giant with the force he used to stab him. Calico Jack motioned with two hands and two of the crew members took the unconscious giant away.
Jack was feeling a curious sense of trepidation and excitement. He quipped, "I guess it's my turn, eh?"
"Well, boy, I suppose ye win by default. Ho'e'er, I wan' to see how ye fight. Come af'er Bootstrap, Mister Sparrow." Calico Jack smiled, pleased that the teen hadn't lost hope and was still willing to fight his best swordsman after seeing a giant be toppled.
Jack stepped forward and faced Bootstrap. Jack drew his sword and the scuffle began. Jack was amazed at the speed and strength in which Bootstrap Bill could lunge at him. Jack was able to parry each blow, but was always on the defensive. The two young men were concentrating so hard on the duel that neither had the time to exchange witty remarks. An hour passed as if it were only a moment. They would have continued the duel longer, but Calico Jack finally tired of watching them.
"Al'right, lads. That'll do. Jack obviously has enough tal'nt to be employed. I won' e'en question 'im on basic piracy, for I'm sure he knows it already." Calico Jack smiled at the sweaty youth.
Bootstrap and Jack lowered their swords and sheathed them. They shook hands, each respectful of the other's talents. This was the start of a lasting friendship.
ChaosLightning13- Thanks a bunch again! I love your reviews as they give me tidbits to make my story better. Luck is a very unpredictable lady.
Sida- Thanks for the review. It helps me write better, knowing that people actually read my story. Is pirate!Jack your e-mail address? I'm slightly confused.
nobodyinparticular- In an earlier version, I did. I forgot to type it up for this draft. Shame on me!
Jack Sparrows Bonnie Lass- The story came from Jack, himself. Just kidding. I analyzed Johnny Depp's brilliant performance and asked myself how he got the motivation. I know a bit about acting and character development and wanted to create a story that was believably him. I also got some ideas from EstelWolfe. He has lovely stories.
FairyObsession- Once again I am immensely flattered that you like my story so much!