Hey everyone, I'm almost ready to post my second ff, so look for it! I got
my ear pierced yesterday, the top part...kinda hurts still but I'll get over
it and tonight I'm streaking my hair blond! Yeah! Anyway, I hope you liked
the last one, it was one of my favorites to write and I hope you like this
one to! I hope I did jack okay. See ya!
Ch.7- Warm greetings and bloody hands
Jack climbed monkey like up the rope to the crow's nest, his shoulder burning with exertion, the bandages rubbing on his skin, trapping the sweat and blood around the wound. A high wind had whipped up, snapping the ropes and ties, the sails whining with the pull. Rain poured down on the deck, bringing with it high waves.
Jack cried out as his hands slipped on the rope, the ship tilting dangerously. Above him, Mourison yelled, "Careful Sparrow, one drop and you'll be washed into the sea or splatter on the deck and Turner won't to clean you up." Just when he finished speaking, a large wave came and engulfed them both. Jack took in a large gulp of saltwater, his shoulder screaming with pain, his hands grasping the rope with all his might as his body was sucked to the side with the water. When it was gone he noticed he had shifted down towards the deck again and climbed faster, making up for lost time.
At the top he looked out over the roaring waves and caught sight of a large cove. Lights shone dimly through the watery haze and he got his first glimpse of Tortuga. Jack smiled weakly and looked over at Mourison, smiling. The man clapped him on the back and Jack winced as his fingers brushed his wound.
"Secure that cable." Mourison yelled, his voice almost disappearing in the wind. Jack leaned over the side of the crow's nest's railing, his fingers brushing the rope as it whipped by him. Jack growled and reached his arm out further. Grasping the rope, he pulled it in and handed it to Mourison.
"How long till we reach port?" Jack asked. Mourison finished tying the rope and then turned to look at Tortuga to.
"Another four hours at least with this wind and these waves." Jack shivered and rolled his eyes. It was going to be a long night.
**
Joshua slipped and slid on the planks of the dock that held the Catherine, who pitched and rolled in the strong winds and high waves. Rain lashed down on them and the ocean lapped at their feet as it mounted the dock and licked their boots. He turned to his crew; eyes squinted against the sea spray and drops of rain hitting face so he could see them better.
"Maxius, Dontae, Prechart, Gibbs and Logan, I want you to make your way to the stores and get what you can. Try to get sales and enough to hold us for a few weeks." Lightning illuminated they're down cast faces and they nodded, staggering off and pulling their arms closer to their chests to protect them against the wind and water. Roger stopped beside Joshua and whispered to him.
"What should we do after? Bring them back or buy 'em an' wait till the storm clears?" Joshua placed a hand on his friend's cold shoulder.
"Buy them and then spend the rest of your time in Tortuga mate." He replied. Roger nodded and followed the other men. Jack crossed his arms over his chest and took a deep salty breath, the chill running through his bones. He kind of hopped he'd be allowed to stay on the ship and not have to venture into Tortuga. Some of the men were staying on board, to watch the ship. He had heard stories over the last few days; Moragg was staying on board, all the men had said it was because he was scared of the town. He'd slept with some wench and wound up the next morning missing his cloths, his eye and another few 'vital' organs. Jack shivered at the thought and shifted his weight slightly so he was further away from the town.
Joshua continued to name names and soon over half the crew was gone on different jobs. Finally he said, "Sparrow, Turner, Mourison and Dickering, you'll be with me. The rest of you can stay here and watch the ship." Roberts moaned and turned towards the Catherine angrily. "Roberts, you can quit. Your being punished remember?" Joshua motioned to them and they followed, Jack keeping close to Bill who seemed tense and expectant.
"You've never been here?" Jack asked as they walked up the path to the town, his ears filled with loud music, screams and gunshots. Bill shook his head, eyes ahead of him, darting back and fourth watching the path.
"No, Kelison told me stories though." He said hoarsely. "A man dressed as a woman seduced him, took him to a room and started getting down with him until he noticed." Jack almost gagged at the thought and looked around to.
They entered Tortuga a few minutes from the docks and Jack took comfort in the closed in streets, protecting him from the high winds by the large buildings on either side. The comfort in the shelter though was a little marred by the violence he found in the streets.
The people here either hadn't noticed there was a large tropical storm blowing around them or they just didn't care as they chased each other through the streets with knives and guns. Women and men kissed and drank next to bar doors and in allies while people hung from the balconies above, throwing down tankards of rum and assortments of clothing on those walking below while shouting out all sorts of profanity.
Jack hurried up to Joshua, stepping over a dead man on the street and almost tripping in his haste. "How long are we staying?" He asked. Joshua smiled lopsidedly at him and gave some money to a girl in a red dress.
"Why Jack, ye don't like it?" He asked in mock sadness before turning to the girl, "Tell Roper to meet me in the pub, usual spot okay luv?" The woman nodded, winked at Jack and then hurried away, her dress hanging limp and wet on her slim frame. Jack watched her go, mouth hanging open. Joshua laughed and continued to walk. "Happy birthday kid, this is your present." He announced. "All the entertainment, booze and women you're little heart could want. Like it?" He stopped and held his arms open wide, taking in a deep breath of air. "I haven't been here since your mother and I were mates, before you were born o' course." He winked and crossed the road swiftly to avoid a charging horse and empty wagon. "Man, brings back memories."
Jack wasn't listening. It was his birthday? He was seventeen already. He felt a chill run down his spin at the thought and turned to Bill who was looking around with his eyebrows raised. "It'll take some getting used to." He said, pushing his way into the bar just ahead of Jack.
If the streets were bad, it was nothing to the bar they had just walked into. Men ran around like crazy, knocking over tables and other people. There was a clamor at the bar to by drinks as bar maids and men filled tankards of rum, almost throwing them to the exuberant public. Jack's eyes caught a number of women on the staircase, all around his age or a little older with painted faces and revealing dresses. They had been watching them and when he looked up, they licked their lips and motioned with tantalizing movements for him to come over to them. Remembering what the other men had said and very much wanting to keep his vital parts, Jack turned away from them and ran into someone else.
"Hello there kiddy pie, want me to tell you a bedie bye time story?" He'd run into a woman and as Jack's eyes traveled up from her chest to her face he realized it was a very big woman. She had blond hair done up in tight curls that bounced around an olive colored face. Her blue eyes sparkled and a smile curled her lips as she walked down, baring in on the scared teenager. Jack moved to turn away from her but more women were surrounding him.
The women from the stairs had joined them and hands moved over Jack's chest, pulling at his shirt and running fingers through his hair, playing with the beads that danced around his face. "You would look so much older with facial hair dear." Purred a pretty brunette in his ear. Jack turned, smiling weakly before a rough pair of hands seized his shirt and pulled him around. A redhead held him, her lips brushing his.
"Oh yes, very handsome." She said deeply. "How old are you sweetie? Have you lost your mommy?" The women giggled as a rambunctious strawberry blond pushed away the red head. She smelled strongly of rum and ran cold hands down Jack's cheeks.
"Maybe we should call over Scarlet, she's a newbie, he's a newbie. We'll get 'em together eh? What say you girls?" The other woman cheered and suddenly a little redhead was pulled forward and shoved into Jack. She looked up at his through sad eyes and suddenly it was if there was a connection. He felt what she was feeling only on a different level. She obviously didn't want to be here and neither did he. Slowly, he reached into the sash around his waist and lifted out some money, eyes never leaving hers. She he took her hand to place the coins in them she pulled it up and stuck it over her heart. Smiling slightly, he let the coins drop from his palm and into the front of her dress. The women around dispersed, branching off to different tables, leaving the two young people standing alone still, gazing at each other.
"Scarlet." She said simply. Jack could hardly hear her over the noise of the tavern; her voice was so quiet.
"Jack Sparrow." He replied. Smiling, she shakily began to lead him upstairs but he stopped her. "No, I have to stay with my captain." He said. She looked at him with relief and he motioned her to follow, slipping his hand around her's and leading them to a table in the corner where Joshua and Bill sat with a strange man.
"Where's everyone else?" He asked Bill in a whisper as the other man left the table and stood beside him, folding his arms over his chest and leaning against the wall with a tankard of rum. He eyed Scarlet closely for a moment before he answered.
"At the bar or with some girls. Never find 'em in this place. They're only keeping a look out anyhow. This place is known to attract well known pirates and with any luck, Fritz'll be walking in...or someone else who owes us money." Jack stiffened at the mention of Fritz and Scarlet, who both her arms wrapped around one of his with her head on his shoulder, looked up at him through worried eyes.
Bill clapped him on the arm. "Don't worry about it, go have fun. You never said it was your birthday." Jack shrugged and smiled. He'd forgotten all about it. Life on the Catherine was the best it could be. Time really didn't matter anymore. "They're just talking about some merchant ships who'll be coming through soon with bid loads and which shipping lanes they'll be on." He sighed and took a gulp from his tankard, "Profits and such. Oh hell, I could use some action eh?" He nudged Jack who nodded, watching the stranger.
The man had his hood up, his eyes continually darting towards Jack and Bill but more importantly Scarlet. Scarlet wasn't watching him; she was staring at Jack almost as if she were in a trance. "Oh man," Bill groaned beside him. He gave Jack a little shove towards the staircase, dislodging Scarlet's head from his shoulder and making her glare at Bill. "Go on, Jack, go." Jack sighed and walked away, toeing Scarlet behind him through the obnoxious crowd. At the stairs they stopped, the eyes of the other women watching. Bill, in his corner motioned for Jack to go and, with a sigh, he and Scarlet climbed the stairs.
The second floor was pretty much a balcony overlooking the first floor, with doors leading off this into small rooms. Jack wasn't exactly sure what was about to happen. He felt himself shaking as he opened a door and peeked inside, looking for anyone inside. When he found the room was deserted he pushed inside, pulling Scarlet behind him.
Jack let go of her hand and walked to the bed, pressing his hand into the mattress on the pretext of checking the firmness while really stalling as he heard Scarlet shut the door softly, muffling the sounds of the bar below. Finally, Jack turned around and sat on the bed running his sweaty palms on his pants and watching Scarlet coming closer. She to looked nervous. She sat down next to him and placed a hand on his knee. Jack stiffened, his eyes screwing up in fear, body shaking.
"First time?" Scarlet asked. Jack nodded, taking in a deep breath. Scarlet smiled shakily and looked around. "Mine to." She took in a shuddering breath. "Okay, ready?" Jack shrugged and waited for Scarlet to take the initiative. She leaned over, placed her right hand on the back of his head, left hand around his waist and her lips on his. Jack took in her warmth and shaking body, letting her gently push him with her weight onto the bed.
Jack wasn't sure what had happened. One minute they were kissing, the next she hand her hands under his shirt, running a finger gently around the edges of the bandage on his shoulder. Jack hissed in pain as it ran over a sore spot but she held his lips with hers and continued as if she hadn't noticed anything.
After half an hour of just kissing, Scarlet, who was sitting on top of him, legs on either side of his waist started unbuttoning his shirt. Jack closed his eyes and tried to calm himself, wondering what this was going to be like.
As Scarlet managed to get the last button undone, however, the door burst open and a man stood in the doorway. Thinking it was just a normal mistake, Scarlet turned around angrily and snapped, "Do you mind, we're a little busy." Jack lifted his head and looked past Scarlet towards the doorway. The man was the same one Joshua had been talking to earlier, Roper.
"I do mind." He crossed the room in two strides, slamming the door behind him. Jack had barely a moment to think about what was happening when Scarlet was off him, tightly held in the man's grasp. Jack rolled over onto his stomach and flipped off the bed, drawing his sword from his side and aiming it at the man's back as he held Scarlet to the wall. "I want you." He growled in her face as she squirmed to get away. "I've wanted you all night."
Jack pressed his sword into the man's back so he knew it was there. The man stopped and turned his head to look at Jack. "Who the hell are you?" Jack asked. The man smiled, revealing rotting teeth. He lowered his hood slowly and Jack grimaced as he saw the deep scars that ran down the man's face.
"You going to kill me boy?" He asked, turning away from Jack again. "Do you have the guts?" He laughed and Jack pressed the sword into his skin as hard as he could without drawing blood. "Have you ever killed someone boy? Ever felt the blood of another person's life draining away in your hands?" Jack gulped remembering his mother suddenly. Unintentionally, he lowered his guard. The man felt the pressure on his back lessen and reached for his own sword.
Scarlet noticed the move and yelled out a warning to Jack, only to be silenced by a swift and powerful smack across the face. As she slid to the ground, blood pouring from her uncontious mouth, Jack growled and lunged.
The man blocked Jack's sword with his own and kicked out his leg. It connected with Jack's stomach sending him reeling backwards onto the bed. The man brought his sword down and Jack rolled away from the cut, hearing it slice into the mattress behind him. Swiftly, he brought his own blade around before the other could pull his from the bed and he felt it contact with something solid, the man's chest.
Suddenly, his face and upper body were covered in blood and he stepped back in surprise, his heart hammering as blood spewed from the man's body in a great shower. Scarlet had woken and began screaming as she was covered in the hot substance as well. She curled into a ball and flung her arms up to protect herself as the man's body fell to the ground by her feet.
His hands were warm. Lifting them to his face, he saw their attacker's blood, warm and red dripping from his fingers and palms. Shock and numbness hit him and he fell to the ground as his knees gave way, allowing the wall behind him to keep him upright. He'd just killed another person.
The sting of tears threatening to spill over didn't faze him, nor Scarlet's screams. He didn't notice the door opening again or even someone calling his name. His hazy vision was on the man who lay on the ground in front of him. The man who's blood he'd spilt.
**
Joshua sat at the table with Turner, finishing his drink. His friend had left and he was just wondering where his son had wandered off to when a scream from upstairs caught his attention. Screams were usual in Tortuga, especially in this tavern where the 'entertainment' was a well-known attraction but this sounded like the screams of a woman in terror.
Joshua sprang from his chair, Turner on his heels and managed to push his way through the crowd, all of who seemed not to have noticed a thing. The rickety staircase bounced beneath his feet as her thundered up it. At the top a woman, who had poked her head out of another room and was holding a sheet over herself, pointed down the hall in the direction of the screams, fear on her face.
Joshua stopped outside room four and leaned closer, the female voice inside the same as the one he had heard down stairs. With out bothering to knock, he pushed into the room.
The first thing he noticed was his friend on the floor dead, blood pooling around him as it rushed from his chest. The next was the woman who sat huddled in the corner, her hands over her face, screaming and shaking. Bill rushed to her and pulled her into his arms, comforting him, his eyes on the other side of the room. Joshua followed his gaze and found his son.
Jack sat covered in blood, his eyes unfocused, gazing on the man on the ground. Joshua rushed over and bent down next to him, placing a hand on his shoulder and calling his name. Jack was in shock. "Sparrow?" He called softly. Bill had managed to stifle the woman's screams and she lay in his arms sobbing hysterically. "Jack, please answer me." Jack didn't respond. Worried, Joshua lightly shook him. Still nothing. Wiping some of the blood from Jack's face, Joshua grabbed him firmly and pulled him into a hug. Jack didn't protest, he remained limp and unresponsive in his father's arms. "Jack, please answer me!" He yelled.
"I'm alright." Jack's silent voice said suddenly. Joshua smiled and squeezed him tighter. "The blood's not mine. We're alright." Joshua shook his head. Pushing Jack away, Joshua placed his hands firmly on the young man's shoulder and looked into his eyes. They were dull and expressionless.
"No you're not Jack." He said. Jack looked away towards the corner where the woman and Bill sat. "Of course you're not alright."
"How's Scarlet?" He asked. Joshua looked over at Bill and the girl.
"Fine, she'll be fine." He stood and helped Jack to his feet. Jack's eyes suddenly traveled to the man on the ground and Joshua grasped his chin, making him avert his eyes. "Don't look. You don't need that. Come on," He led Jack from the room, checking to make sure Bill and Scarlet were right behind them. "We're going back to the ship."
The time it took to get back to the Catherine seemed like no time at all. Joshua led his son down the path to the ship, shaking his head in warning as Roger opened his mouth to question about their short stay and why Jack and the girl Bill carried behind them were covered in blood. Ignoring the sharp waves and rocking deck, Joshua took Jack down the stairs to the crew quarters and instructed him to get into bed. The boy did it with no questions asked and, as Joshua turned to leave, Jack's voice called after him, "Do you have any kohl?" Confused, Joshua turned.
"What?" He asked. Jack's eyes were closed and he looked asleep. Joshua waited until his son again asked the question.
"Do you have any kohl?"
"Yes, in my cabin." Joshua answered. "Why?" Jack didn't answer. Joshua headed back up the stairs, holding the walls for support as the ship titled violently. At the top her crossed the open space and entered his cabin. Scarlet sat on the bed covered in a warm blanket, Bill beside her, holding a bottle of rum. When he looked up, Joshua said, "Jack's asleep." Bill nodded and handed Scarlet the bottle, which she gulped down hungrily. Sitting in his chair at the table, Joshua eyed her closely. It was sad really, a girl like this being caught up in Tortuga.
"You can stay here, tonight if you like." He said. Scarlet shook her head.
"No, I should go back." Joshua nodded.
"When ever you like." He said. Standing up, he went to his cabinet and took out a small bit of kohl. He handed it to Bill. "Give this to Jack." He instructed. "Tomorrow, he wants it."
**
Whoa...suspenseful enough? I hope...anyway...did you like it?
To my reviewers:
Alteng: I wanted to have Will's family have stronger ties with piracy then just his father and to tell you the truth, I forgot all about Kaaren, I really did. I may or may not have her back...I probably should tell what happens to her eh? I wanted Norrington and Jack to have enmity between them right in the beginning so when he comes back it'll make it more interesting...so...yeah. I really don't know why I threw the necklace in...I guess I am just a hopeless romantic so...oh well...Jack has to have a soft side under that whole meany fasage. I want to read this pintel and ragetti story but I just don't have time lately. I want to get the internet at my house, then I'll be able to do way more. See ya!
DragonHunter 200: I wanted to have Jack steal from the Harbor master every time he's in port royal so there's stealing the first...also it starts with the whole getting way to close for comfort hand waving thing. I haven't read a cleric story, I may look for them when I can. Is this a fast enough update?
Holliday 1081: Rum is...an...um...acquired taste and Jack hasn't acquired it quite yet. We all know he does though so I wanted to flip his life right around on him as he gets older. I want Bill and Jack to be close so to add drama in...lets say...later adventures. I'm almost ready to post my new story so...I can't wait either.
Ps my friend says I update to fast and don't leave you hanging enough. Is that true?
Ch.7- Warm greetings and bloody hands
Jack climbed monkey like up the rope to the crow's nest, his shoulder burning with exertion, the bandages rubbing on his skin, trapping the sweat and blood around the wound. A high wind had whipped up, snapping the ropes and ties, the sails whining with the pull. Rain poured down on the deck, bringing with it high waves.
Jack cried out as his hands slipped on the rope, the ship tilting dangerously. Above him, Mourison yelled, "Careful Sparrow, one drop and you'll be washed into the sea or splatter on the deck and Turner won't to clean you up." Just when he finished speaking, a large wave came and engulfed them both. Jack took in a large gulp of saltwater, his shoulder screaming with pain, his hands grasping the rope with all his might as his body was sucked to the side with the water. When it was gone he noticed he had shifted down towards the deck again and climbed faster, making up for lost time.
At the top he looked out over the roaring waves and caught sight of a large cove. Lights shone dimly through the watery haze and he got his first glimpse of Tortuga. Jack smiled weakly and looked over at Mourison, smiling. The man clapped him on the back and Jack winced as his fingers brushed his wound.
"Secure that cable." Mourison yelled, his voice almost disappearing in the wind. Jack leaned over the side of the crow's nest's railing, his fingers brushing the rope as it whipped by him. Jack growled and reached his arm out further. Grasping the rope, he pulled it in and handed it to Mourison.
"How long till we reach port?" Jack asked. Mourison finished tying the rope and then turned to look at Tortuga to.
"Another four hours at least with this wind and these waves." Jack shivered and rolled his eyes. It was going to be a long night.
**
Joshua slipped and slid on the planks of the dock that held the Catherine, who pitched and rolled in the strong winds and high waves. Rain lashed down on them and the ocean lapped at their feet as it mounted the dock and licked their boots. He turned to his crew; eyes squinted against the sea spray and drops of rain hitting face so he could see them better.
"Maxius, Dontae, Prechart, Gibbs and Logan, I want you to make your way to the stores and get what you can. Try to get sales and enough to hold us for a few weeks." Lightning illuminated they're down cast faces and they nodded, staggering off and pulling their arms closer to their chests to protect them against the wind and water. Roger stopped beside Joshua and whispered to him.
"What should we do after? Bring them back or buy 'em an' wait till the storm clears?" Joshua placed a hand on his friend's cold shoulder.
"Buy them and then spend the rest of your time in Tortuga mate." He replied. Roger nodded and followed the other men. Jack crossed his arms over his chest and took a deep salty breath, the chill running through his bones. He kind of hopped he'd be allowed to stay on the ship and not have to venture into Tortuga. Some of the men were staying on board, to watch the ship. He had heard stories over the last few days; Moragg was staying on board, all the men had said it was because he was scared of the town. He'd slept with some wench and wound up the next morning missing his cloths, his eye and another few 'vital' organs. Jack shivered at the thought and shifted his weight slightly so he was further away from the town.
Joshua continued to name names and soon over half the crew was gone on different jobs. Finally he said, "Sparrow, Turner, Mourison and Dickering, you'll be with me. The rest of you can stay here and watch the ship." Roberts moaned and turned towards the Catherine angrily. "Roberts, you can quit. Your being punished remember?" Joshua motioned to them and they followed, Jack keeping close to Bill who seemed tense and expectant.
"You've never been here?" Jack asked as they walked up the path to the town, his ears filled with loud music, screams and gunshots. Bill shook his head, eyes ahead of him, darting back and fourth watching the path.
"No, Kelison told me stories though." He said hoarsely. "A man dressed as a woman seduced him, took him to a room and started getting down with him until he noticed." Jack almost gagged at the thought and looked around to.
They entered Tortuga a few minutes from the docks and Jack took comfort in the closed in streets, protecting him from the high winds by the large buildings on either side. The comfort in the shelter though was a little marred by the violence he found in the streets.
The people here either hadn't noticed there was a large tropical storm blowing around them or they just didn't care as they chased each other through the streets with knives and guns. Women and men kissed and drank next to bar doors and in allies while people hung from the balconies above, throwing down tankards of rum and assortments of clothing on those walking below while shouting out all sorts of profanity.
Jack hurried up to Joshua, stepping over a dead man on the street and almost tripping in his haste. "How long are we staying?" He asked. Joshua smiled lopsidedly at him and gave some money to a girl in a red dress.
"Why Jack, ye don't like it?" He asked in mock sadness before turning to the girl, "Tell Roper to meet me in the pub, usual spot okay luv?" The woman nodded, winked at Jack and then hurried away, her dress hanging limp and wet on her slim frame. Jack watched her go, mouth hanging open. Joshua laughed and continued to walk. "Happy birthday kid, this is your present." He announced. "All the entertainment, booze and women you're little heart could want. Like it?" He stopped and held his arms open wide, taking in a deep breath of air. "I haven't been here since your mother and I were mates, before you were born o' course." He winked and crossed the road swiftly to avoid a charging horse and empty wagon. "Man, brings back memories."
Jack wasn't listening. It was his birthday? He was seventeen already. He felt a chill run down his spin at the thought and turned to Bill who was looking around with his eyebrows raised. "It'll take some getting used to." He said, pushing his way into the bar just ahead of Jack.
If the streets were bad, it was nothing to the bar they had just walked into. Men ran around like crazy, knocking over tables and other people. There was a clamor at the bar to by drinks as bar maids and men filled tankards of rum, almost throwing them to the exuberant public. Jack's eyes caught a number of women on the staircase, all around his age or a little older with painted faces and revealing dresses. They had been watching them and when he looked up, they licked their lips and motioned with tantalizing movements for him to come over to them. Remembering what the other men had said and very much wanting to keep his vital parts, Jack turned away from them and ran into someone else.
"Hello there kiddy pie, want me to tell you a bedie bye time story?" He'd run into a woman and as Jack's eyes traveled up from her chest to her face he realized it was a very big woman. She had blond hair done up in tight curls that bounced around an olive colored face. Her blue eyes sparkled and a smile curled her lips as she walked down, baring in on the scared teenager. Jack moved to turn away from her but more women were surrounding him.
The women from the stairs had joined them and hands moved over Jack's chest, pulling at his shirt and running fingers through his hair, playing with the beads that danced around his face. "You would look so much older with facial hair dear." Purred a pretty brunette in his ear. Jack turned, smiling weakly before a rough pair of hands seized his shirt and pulled him around. A redhead held him, her lips brushing his.
"Oh yes, very handsome." She said deeply. "How old are you sweetie? Have you lost your mommy?" The women giggled as a rambunctious strawberry blond pushed away the red head. She smelled strongly of rum and ran cold hands down Jack's cheeks.
"Maybe we should call over Scarlet, she's a newbie, he's a newbie. We'll get 'em together eh? What say you girls?" The other woman cheered and suddenly a little redhead was pulled forward and shoved into Jack. She looked up at his through sad eyes and suddenly it was if there was a connection. He felt what she was feeling only on a different level. She obviously didn't want to be here and neither did he. Slowly, he reached into the sash around his waist and lifted out some money, eyes never leaving hers. She he took her hand to place the coins in them she pulled it up and stuck it over her heart. Smiling slightly, he let the coins drop from his palm and into the front of her dress. The women around dispersed, branching off to different tables, leaving the two young people standing alone still, gazing at each other.
"Scarlet." She said simply. Jack could hardly hear her over the noise of the tavern; her voice was so quiet.
"Jack Sparrow." He replied. Smiling, she shakily began to lead him upstairs but he stopped her. "No, I have to stay with my captain." He said. She looked at him with relief and he motioned her to follow, slipping his hand around her's and leading them to a table in the corner where Joshua and Bill sat with a strange man.
"Where's everyone else?" He asked Bill in a whisper as the other man left the table and stood beside him, folding his arms over his chest and leaning against the wall with a tankard of rum. He eyed Scarlet closely for a moment before he answered.
"At the bar or with some girls. Never find 'em in this place. They're only keeping a look out anyhow. This place is known to attract well known pirates and with any luck, Fritz'll be walking in...or someone else who owes us money." Jack stiffened at the mention of Fritz and Scarlet, who both her arms wrapped around one of his with her head on his shoulder, looked up at him through worried eyes.
Bill clapped him on the arm. "Don't worry about it, go have fun. You never said it was your birthday." Jack shrugged and smiled. He'd forgotten all about it. Life on the Catherine was the best it could be. Time really didn't matter anymore. "They're just talking about some merchant ships who'll be coming through soon with bid loads and which shipping lanes they'll be on." He sighed and took a gulp from his tankard, "Profits and such. Oh hell, I could use some action eh?" He nudged Jack who nodded, watching the stranger.
The man had his hood up, his eyes continually darting towards Jack and Bill but more importantly Scarlet. Scarlet wasn't watching him; she was staring at Jack almost as if she were in a trance. "Oh man," Bill groaned beside him. He gave Jack a little shove towards the staircase, dislodging Scarlet's head from his shoulder and making her glare at Bill. "Go on, Jack, go." Jack sighed and walked away, toeing Scarlet behind him through the obnoxious crowd. At the stairs they stopped, the eyes of the other women watching. Bill, in his corner motioned for Jack to go and, with a sigh, he and Scarlet climbed the stairs.
The second floor was pretty much a balcony overlooking the first floor, with doors leading off this into small rooms. Jack wasn't exactly sure what was about to happen. He felt himself shaking as he opened a door and peeked inside, looking for anyone inside. When he found the room was deserted he pushed inside, pulling Scarlet behind him.
Jack let go of her hand and walked to the bed, pressing his hand into the mattress on the pretext of checking the firmness while really stalling as he heard Scarlet shut the door softly, muffling the sounds of the bar below. Finally, Jack turned around and sat on the bed running his sweaty palms on his pants and watching Scarlet coming closer. She to looked nervous. She sat down next to him and placed a hand on his knee. Jack stiffened, his eyes screwing up in fear, body shaking.
"First time?" Scarlet asked. Jack nodded, taking in a deep breath. Scarlet smiled shakily and looked around. "Mine to." She took in a shuddering breath. "Okay, ready?" Jack shrugged and waited for Scarlet to take the initiative. She leaned over, placed her right hand on the back of his head, left hand around his waist and her lips on his. Jack took in her warmth and shaking body, letting her gently push him with her weight onto the bed.
Jack wasn't sure what had happened. One minute they were kissing, the next she hand her hands under his shirt, running a finger gently around the edges of the bandage on his shoulder. Jack hissed in pain as it ran over a sore spot but she held his lips with hers and continued as if she hadn't noticed anything.
After half an hour of just kissing, Scarlet, who was sitting on top of him, legs on either side of his waist started unbuttoning his shirt. Jack closed his eyes and tried to calm himself, wondering what this was going to be like.
As Scarlet managed to get the last button undone, however, the door burst open and a man stood in the doorway. Thinking it was just a normal mistake, Scarlet turned around angrily and snapped, "Do you mind, we're a little busy." Jack lifted his head and looked past Scarlet towards the doorway. The man was the same one Joshua had been talking to earlier, Roper.
"I do mind." He crossed the room in two strides, slamming the door behind him. Jack had barely a moment to think about what was happening when Scarlet was off him, tightly held in the man's grasp. Jack rolled over onto his stomach and flipped off the bed, drawing his sword from his side and aiming it at the man's back as he held Scarlet to the wall. "I want you." He growled in her face as she squirmed to get away. "I've wanted you all night."
Jack pressed his sword into the man's back so he knew it was there. The man stopped and turned his head to look at Jack. "Who the hell are you?" Jack asked. The man smiled, revealing rotting teeth. He lowered his hood slowly and Jack grimaced as he saw the deep scars that ran down the man's face.
"You going to kill me boy?" He asked, turning away from Jack again. "Do you have the guts?" He laughed and Jack pressed the sword into his skin as hard as he could without drawing blood. "Have you ever killed someone boy? Ever felt the blood of another person's life draining away in your hands?" Jack gulped remembering his mother suddenly. Unintentionally, he lowered his guard. The man felt the pressure on his back lessen and reached for his own sword.
Scarlet noticed the move and yelled out a warning to Jack, only to be silenced by a swift and powerful smack across the face. As she slid to the ground, blood pouring from her uncontious mouth, Jack growled and lunged.
The man blocked Jack's sword with his own and kicked out his leg. It connected with Jack's stomach sending him reeling backwards onto the bed. The man brought his sword down and Jack rolled away from the cut, hearing it slice into the mattress behind him. Swiftly, he brought his own blade around before the other could pull his from the bed and he felt it contact with something solid, the man's chest.
Suddenly, his face and upper body were covered in blood and he stepped back in surprise, his heart hammering as blood spewed from the man's body in a great shower. Scarlet had woken and began screaming as she was covered in the hot substance as well. She curled into a ball and flung her arms up to protect herself as the man's body fell to the ground by her feet.
His hands were warm. Lifting them to his face, he saw their attacker's blood, warm and red dripping from his fingers and palms. Shock and numbness hit him and he fell to the ground as his knees gave way, allowing the wall behind him to keep him upright. He'd just killed another person.
The sting of tears threatening to spill over didn't faze him, nor Scarlet's screams. He didn't notice the door opening again or even someone calling his name. His hazy vision was on the man who lay on the ground in front of him. The man who's blood he'd spilt.
**
Joshua sat at the table with Turner, finishing his drink. His friend had left and he was just wondering where his son had wandered off to when a scream from upstairs caught his attention. Screams were usual in Tortuga, especially in this tavern where the 'entertainment' was a well-known attraction but this sounded like the screams of a woman in terror.
Joshua sprang from his chair, Turner on his heels and managed to push his way through the crowd, all of who seemed not to have noticed a thing. The rickety staircase bounced beneath his feet as her thundered up it. At the top a woman, who had poked her head out of another room and was holding a sheet over herself, pointed down the hall in the direction of the screams, fear on her face.
Joshua stopped outside room four and leaned closer, the female voice inside the same as the one he had heard down stairs. With out bothering to knock, he pushed into the room.
The first thing he noticed was his friend on the floor dead, blood pooling around him as it rushed from his chest. The next was the woman who sat huddled in the corner, her hands over her face, screaming and shaking. Bill rushed to her and pulled her into his arms, comforting him, his eyes on the other side of the room. Joshua followed his gaze and found his son.
Jack sat covered in blood, his eyes unfocused, gazing on the man on the ground. Joshua rushed over and bent down next to him, placing a hand on his shoulder and calling his name. Jack was in shock. "Sparrow?" He called softly. Bill had managed to stifle the woman's screams and she lay in his arms sobbing hysterically. "Jack, please answer me." Jack didn't respond. Worried, Joshua lightly shook him. Still nothing. Wiping some of the blood from Jack's face, Joshua grabbed him firmly and pulled him into a hug. Jack didn't protest, he remained limp and unresponsive in his father's arms. "Jack, please answer me!" He yelled.
"I'm alright." Jack's silent voice said suddenly. Joshua smiled and squeezed him tighter. "The blood's not mine. We're alright." Joshua shook his head. Pushing Jack away, Joshua placed his hands firmly on the young man's shoulder and looked into his eyes. They were dull and expressionless.
"No you're not Jack." He said. Jack looked away towards the corner where the woman and Bill sat. "Of course you're not alright."
"How's Scarlet?" He asked. Joshua looked over at Bill and the girl.
"Fine, she'll be fine." He stood and helped Jack to his feet. Jack's eyes suddenly traveled to the man on the ground and Joshua grasped his chin, making him avert his eyes. "Don't look. You don't need that. Come on," He led Jack from the room, checking to make sure Bill and Scarlet were right behind them. "We're going back to the ship."
The time it took to get back to the Catherine seemed like no time at all. Joshua led his son down the path to the ship, shaking his head in warning as Roger opened his mouth to question about their short stay and why Jack and the girl Bill carried behind them were covered in blood. Ignoring the sharp waves and rocking deck, Joshua took Jack down the stairs to the crew quarters and instructed him to get into bed. The boy did it with no questions asked and, as Joshua turned to leave, Jack's voice called after him, "Do you have any kohl?" Confused, Joshua turned.
"What?" He asked. Jack's eyes were closed and he looked asleep. Joshua waited until his son again asked the question.
"Do you have any kohl?"
"Yes, in my cabin." Joshua answered. "Why?" Jack didn't answer. Joshua headed back up the stairs, holding the walls for support as the ship titled violently. At the top her crossed the open space and entered his cabin. Scarlet sat on the bed covered in a warm blanket, Bill beside her, holding a bottle of rum. When he looked up, Joshua said, "Jack's asleep." Bill nodded and handed Scarlet the bottle, which she gulped down hungrily. Sitting in his chair at the table, Joshua eyed her closely. It was sad really, a girl like this being caught up in Tortuga.
"You can stay here, tonight if you like." He said. Scarlet shook her head.
"No, I should go back." Joshua nodded.
"When ever you like." He said. Standing up, he went to his cabinet and took out a small bit of kohl. He handed it to Bill. "Give this to Jack." He instructed. "Tomorrow, he wants it."
**
Whoa...suspenseful enough? I hope...anyway...did you like it?
To my reviewers:
Alteng: I wanted to have Will's family have stronger ties with piracy then just his father and to tell you the truth, I forgot all about Kaaren, I really did. I may or may not have her back...I probably should tell what happens to her eh? I wanted Norrington and Jack to have enmity between them right in the beginning so when he comes back it'll make it more interesting...so...yeah. I really don't know why I threw the necklace in...I guess I am just a hopeless romantic so...oh well...Jack has to have a soft side under that whole meany fasage. I want to read this pintel and ragetti story but I just don't have time lately. I want to get the internet at my house, then I'll be able to do way more. See ya!
DragonHunter 200: I wanted to have Jack steal from the Harbor master every time he's in port royal so there's stealing the first...also it starts with the whole getting way to close for comfort hand waving thing. I haven't read a cleric story, I may look for them when I can. Is this a fast enough update?
Holliday 1081: Rum is...an...um...acquired taste and Jack hasn't acquired it quite yet. We all know he does though so I wanted to flip his life right around on him as he gets older. I want Bill and Jack to be close so to add drama in...lets say...later adventures. I'm almost ready to post my new story so...I can't wait either.
Ps my friend says I update to fast and don't leave you hanging enough. Is that true?