Heyla folks! I'm here to bring you the latest installment and to hand out
cookies to my faithful reviewers. (keeps dragon away from cookie plates) So
enjoy.
Lawyer: Ha! I'm free!
Me: How did you get out of the closet?
Lawyer: I used my lawyer powers. HAHAHAHA!
Me: 0.o Ooooooook then. Anyway-
Lawyer: aHEM. (taps foot)
Dragon: I'm hungry.
Lawyer 0.0 (Backs away)
Me: ANYway. Here's chapter 13. If you REALLY want to see the disclaimer,
refer to the first few chapters. Oh, another thing. Rereading the last
chapter I noticed that I made a mistake. In an earlier chapter I mentioned
that Kay was wearing sandals, but in chapter 12 I said that she was wearing
boots. For any confused persons out there that was my screw up, she's
wearing sandals. Sorry for the mix up. Now on with the story!
Chapter 13: An Act of Desperation
Kay shifted nervously from foot to foot, last minute butterflies zooming around in her stomach. She tried taking a few calming breaths, but they didn't work. She was standing on the other side of the column that Elizabeth and company were standing next to. She didn't want to be standing too close to the commodore when events went underway. Someone started reading the list of Jack's crimes.
"Piracy..."
No duh, Kay thought, rolling her eyes. He's a pirate you moron. Of course he committed piracy.
"This is wrong," she heard Elizabeth mutter fretfully. Kay smiled, glad that the girl was sticking up for Jack.
"Commodore Norington is bound by the law," she heard the Governor answer his daughter. "As are we all."
Not all of us, Kay thought glancing over at Will. Not all of us. The man continued to read Jack's list of crimes to the watching crowd.
"Impersonating an officer of the Spanish navy, Impersonating a cleric of the Church of England..."
Kay threw a sharp glance in Jack's direction, along with a giggle that bordered on hysteria. She could just see Jack doing that too.
Then something caught and held her attention. Murtuog and Mollroy, the two idiot guards Kay had seen the first day she arrived, were shaking the flag pole they were holding. Kay was ignoring them however, she way too busy staring at the bird perched on top of the pole, squawking at the two below. It was Cotton's parrot.
The sight of the bird lent hope to Kay, gave a chance of success to an operation that seemed doomed to failure before it began. Maybe they could actually pull this off.
Jack: Jack glanced around the courtyard. Elizabeth was standing at the back along with her father and fiancée. Will was wandering around, wearing a red cape and a hat with a large feather. Kay was standing on the opposite side of the column that Elizabeth was standing next to. She was shifting from foot to foot, nervously running her hand down her skirt, or crossing her arms in front of her. She was chewing her lip, glancing from him to Will, and randomly around the court. Jack wondered if he'd really done the girl any favors. He'd convinced her that it was alright to care for people and she cared for him, now he was about to get hung.
He'd sworn to keep her from getting hurt, but this could very well kill her. He watched Kay miserably, wondering if she'd forgive him. Then he saw her turn and stare off to her right. She stopped shifting and glanced over at Will, who looked at Kay, then followed her gesturing hand. Jack was about to turn to see what they were looking at, but then Kay looked directly at him and caught his eye. She mouthed "hang on" across the courtyard.
Will was speaking to Elizabeth. Whatever he said caused the other two men to look at her in shock, and Elizabeth to drop her jaw slightly in surprise.
Will stepped back then, nodded at Kay, and started to wend his way through the crowd as quickly as he could. Jack looked over at Kay, who was tying a black bandanna into her hair. That's when Jack realized that the guy had stopped speaking. Kay stepped away from the column and gave a tug at her skirt, which fell around her feet, revealing brown breeches and a sword, then gave another tug at the back of her shirt, which she also pulled off, revealing the loose pirate shirt she'd been wearing when he last saw her. She drew her sword and followed Will.
Kay: The man finished reading the list of Jack's crimes just as Will stepped up to the commodore.
"Commodore, Governor," he said with a respectful bow of his head to each of them. "Elizabeth," he said, turning to look at her. "I should have told you every day from the moment I met you. I love you." The commodore and the Governor turned in shock to stare at her while Elizabeth just stared at Will. Kay smiled.
Then Will stepped back and nodded to Kay. She raised her hands and tied a bandanna into her hair, then tugged off her skirt and shirt to reveal her pirate outfit, drew her sword, and took off after Will.
"Marines," she heard the commodore mutter, and she whipped around to face him. But Elizabeth took control of that part of the situation nicely.
"I can't breathe," she said, then collapsed backwards, drawing the attention of her father and fiancée. Thank you, Kay thought to the girl. She pushed through the crowd after Will. The drum-roll stopped. The executioner put his hand on the lever. Kay screamed "no!" just as she heard Will shout "move!" As the executioner pulled the lever Will threw his sword. It stuck fast in the trapdoor as it came swinging down, and Jack's feet found it before he was hanged. Will drew another sword and went tearing up the stairs to the platform to fight the executioner.
Kay reached the front of the crowd and followed Will up the steps to fight off the two soldiers who had climbed up as well. In the confusion Will lost his sword and had to duck the swing of the executioner's axe, which helpfully cut through the rope of the noose, causing Jack to drop to the ground below. Kay kicked one of the soldiers in the chest and fell off the platform, trying to grab his follow for support but instead bringing him down as well. Kay leaped off the other side, landing behind Jack, who tossed Will the other end of the noose rope he was holding and the two ran across the courtyard. Kay followed, gleefully tripping and kicking the soldiers who tried to stop her. Jack and Will tripped a few soldiers, then wrapped the next few in the rope, which they dragged around the column and jerked. Kay caught up with them, helping to parry the blows of the soldiers who ran at them. They turned and dived out into the courtyard again, Will snatching up a sword as they went. But they were finally surrounded at the column when they went near it again. Will and Jack put Kay between them, shielding her from the swords and bayonets of the soldiers. They dropped their weapons, not wanting to give the soldiers any more incentives to attack them. The Commodore pushed through the crowd, and Will moved so that he was in front of Jack and Kay. Jack slipped his arm around Kay's waist.
I thought we might have to endure some manner of ill conceived escape attempt," Norrington said scathingly to Jack. "But not from you," he addressed to Will.
Governor Swan stepped up beside the Commodore, bristling with righteous anger.
"Upon our return to Port Royal I granted you two clemency," he snapped at Will and Kay. "And this is how you repay me? By throwing in your lot with him? He's a pirate."
"And a good man," Will responded just as forcefully, while Kay raised her chin in defiance. She noticed that Elizabeth was standing just behind Norington. "If all that we have achieved today is that the hangman will earn two pairs of boots instead of one, then so be it!" Will snapped.
"Three pairs," Kay interjected, then smirked. "Though actually I'm not wearing boots, I only have sandals." Will continued as though she hadn't spoken, while the Commodore refused to look in her direction.
"At least my conscience will be clear," Will said.
"You forget your place Turner," Norrington hissed.
"It's right here," Will responded. "Between you, and Jack and Kay." Norrington did flick a glance at Kay then, and was startled by the change in her. Instead of the lost, haunted young girl she had been when he first saw her, was now a determined, fiery woman. He couldn't help but marvel at the change.
It was then that Elizabeth pushed forward to stand next to Will. "As is mine," she told him.
"Elizabeth!" exclaimed Governore Swan. "Lower your weapons," he said frantically to the soliders. "For God's sake put them down!" The soldiers reluctantly complied with the order.
"This is the path you've chosen?" Norrington asked Elizabeth hopelessly.
She nodded. "It is." Norrington swallowed, then stepped back.
"Well," Jack released Kay and stepped around Will and Elizabeth to face the Governor. Unnoticed, Kay slipped her sword back into its sheath. "I'm actually feeling rather good about all this. I think we've all arrived at a very special place spiritually, ecumenically. Grammatically." Kay laughed. Jack stepped over to face Norrington. "I was rooting for you," he told him. "Know that."
Then he darted back to where Kay was standing and addressed Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, it would never have worked between us darling. I'm sorry." Elizabeth gave him a weird look, while Kay had to hide her mouth behind her hand to suppress her helpless sniggers.
"Will," Jack said to Will, then couldn't seem to think of anything to say, so he settled for, "nice hat." Will grinned.
Jack grabbed Kay by the arm and pulled her towards the parapet. "My friends," he said turning to address the crowd as he backed up, pulling Kay with him. "This is the day that you will always remember as the day that you almost-"
The crowd never got to hear the rest of the statement, as Jack backed into the parapet, lost his balance, and fell over taking Kay with him. Kay let out a shriek, twisting in midair so she would hit the water feet first. She surfaced before Jack did, then hit him on the shoulder when he did surface. Jack just grinned, glancing back up at the fort, and all the watching people. She picked out Will and Elizabeth and silently wished them luck. Then someone shouted, pointing out across the water.
Turning, Kay and Jack saw the Black Pearl sailing in. Kay grinned. "I'll race you there," she said to Jack.
"Is that a challenge?" he asked her.
"Sure is," she replied, then shot off through the water, Jack following closely behind.
Will: Will watched his two friends swimming through the water and wished them luck.
"Commodore!" He heard Gillette call to Norrington. "What should we do?" Norrington bit his lip.
The Governor looked at him and smiled a bit. "Sometimes when pursuing a course of piracy, piracy itself can be the right course," he suggested quietly. Norrington ducked his head and smiled a bit.
"Mr. Turner!" he called, and turned to face Will.
Elizabeth placed a worried hand on Will's arm and he turned to face her. "I will accept the consequences of my actions," he told her, the turned to face the Commodore.
Norrington was contemplating the sword in his hand. "This is a very beautiful sword." He said, then looked Will right in the eyes. "I would expect the man who made it to show the same care and devotion in every aspect of his life."
Will nodded. "Thank you." Norrington smiled then turned to walk away, paused, and turned to face Elizabeth.
"Ms. Swan. The very best of luck to you both," he said to her, then turned and walked down the steps.
"Commodore!" called Gillette. "What about Sparrow? Should I ready the Dauntless for pursuit?" The Commodore paused, still smiling.
"Oh I think that we can give him one day's head start." Then he left the plaza, leaving Gillette standing in disbelief.
As everyone else began to leave Governor Swan turned to face his daughter. "This is the path you've chosen? After all, he is a blacksmith."
"No," said Elizabeth, but she was facing Will. "He's a pirate." Will cupped her face in his hands, then leaned in and kissed her.
Kay: Kay and Jack grabbed hold of the rope that was tossed to the two of them and were swung high up into the air, then dropped to the deck, where they both fell over. Gibbs came to stand in front of them.
"I thought you were supposed to keep to the code," Jack said to him.
"Well we figured they was more of, guidelines." Jack grinned and Gibbs extended his hand and pulled Jack to his feet, then extended a hand to Kay to help her to her feet. "I kept your pack for you," he said to Kay.
"Thank you," said Kay, glad that she had some other changes of clothing, and touched that Gibbs had actually held her stuff for her.
"Captain Sparrow," everyone turned to look at Anna-Maria, who walked away from the ship's wheel, and placed Jack's hat on his head and draped his coat around his shoulders. "The Black Pearl is yours," she said and stepped away.
Jack walked over to the wheel and lovingly caressed it. Then he realized that the crew was watching him. "On deck you scabrous dogs!" he called out, barking orders that the crew scattered out to follow, grinning. Kay laughed, then started to walk off to help, but Jack grabbed her wrist and tugged her over to stand in front of him. He pulled out his compass to plot a course. "Now, bring me that horizon." He started to hum. Kay recognized the tune as the song that he and Elizabeth had sung on the island. "Drink up me hearties yo ho!" he called out. Kay laughed again, throwing her head back. Jack put his compass away, and used his arm to turn Kay around to face him. He wrapped his hand around the back of her neck, then pulled her forward and kissed her. Then he put his hand under her chin, tilting her face to look up at his.
"Thank you," he whispered.
Kay shrugged. "What else was I supposed to do? I'm not just gonna let you go now." The last she said fiercely, narrowing her eyes defiantly. Jack chuckled.
"I know. Just don't go getting yourself killed."
"I won't if you won't." Kay's words were light, but her tone was dead serious.
"Agreed. Your all right now?"
Kay thought for a minute, then slowly began to smile. "Yes. I really am alright." She said wonderingly. She turned to look out to the horizon. Whatever crossed that bright sea, whatever obstacles were thrown in her path she was now ready to face them head on. No more cowering in the dark, no more hiding from the world. She was free, finally free, and she was going to stay that way.
Wowza. I can't believe this story is done. It seems like yesterday that I started typing it. Well, I'd like to say thank you to all my reviewers, and hand out the rest of my cookies. I will write a sequel to this story as soon as the second movie comes out, I want this to follow the movies but I will write other stories and I hope you all will read those. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. I'll see you all soon!
Chapter 13: An Act of Desperation
Kay shifted nervously from foot to foot, last minute butterflies zooming around in her stomach. She tried taking a few calming breaths, but they didn't work. She was standing on the other side of the column that Elizabeth and company were standing next to. She didn't want to be standing too close to the commodore when events went underway. Someone started reading the list of Jack's crimes.
"Piracy..."
No duh, Kay thought, rolling her eyes. He's a pirate you moron. Of course he committed piracy.
"This is wrong," she heard Elizabeth mutter fretfully. Kay smiled, glad that the girl was sticking up for Jack.
"Commodore Norington is bound by the law," she heard the Governor answer his daughter. "As are we all."
Not all of us, Kay thought glancing over at Will. Not all of us. The man continued to read Jack's list of crimes to the watching crowd.
"Impersonating an officer of the Spanish navy, Impersonating a cleric of the Church of England..."
Kay threw a sharp glance in Jack's direction, along with a giggle that bordered on hysteria. She could just see Jack doing that too.
Then something caught and held her attention. Murtuog and Mollroy, the two idiot guards Kay had seen the first day she arrived, were shaking the flag pole they were holding. Kay was ignoring them however, she way too busy staring at the bird perched on top of the pole, squawking at the two below. It was Cotton's parrot.
The sight of the bird lent hope to Kay, gave a chance of success to an operation that seemed doomed to failure before it began. Maybe they could actually pull this off.
Jack: Jack glanced around the courtyard. Elizabeth was standing at the back along with her father and fiancée. Will was wandering around, wearing a red cape and a hat with a large feather. Kay was standing on the opposite side of the column that Elizabeth was standing next to. She was shifting from foot to foot, nervously running her hand down her skirt, or crossing her arms in front of her. She was chewing her lip, glancing from him to Will, and randomly around the court. Jack wondered if he'd really done the girl any favors. He'd convinced her that it was alright to care for people and she cared for him, now he was about to get hung.
He'd sworn to keep her from getting hurt, but this could very well kill her. He watched Kay miserably, wondering if she'd forgive him. Then he saw her turn and stare off to her right. She stopped shifting and glanced over at Will, who looked at Kay, then followed her gesturing hand. Jack was about to turn to see what they were looking at, but then Kay looked directly at him and caught his eye. She mouthed "hang on" across the courtyard.
Will was speaking to Elizabeth. Whatever he said caused the other two men to look at her in shock, and Elizabeth to drop her jaw slightly in surprise.
Will stepped back then, nodded at Kay, and started to wend his way through the crowd as quickly as he could. Jack looked over at Kay, who was tying a black bandanna into her hair. That's when Jack realized that the guy had stopped speaking. Kay stepped away from the column and gave a tug at her skirt, which fell around her feet, revealing brown breeches and a sword, then gave another tug at the back of her shirt, which she also pulled off, revealing the loose pirate shirt she'd been wearing when he last saw her. She drew her sword and followed Will.
Kay: The man finished reading the list of Jack's crimes just as Will stepped up to the commodore.
"Commodore, Governor," he said with a respectful bow of his head to each of them. "Elizabeth," he said, turning to look at her. "I should have told you every day from the moment I met you. I love you." The commodore and the Governor turned in shock to stare at her while Elizabeth just stared at Will. Kay smiled.
Then Will stepped back and nodded to Kay. She raised her hands and tied a bandanna into her hair, then tugged off her skirt and shirt to reveal her pirate outfit, drew her sword, and took off after Will.
"Marines," she heard the commodore mutter, and she whipped around to face him. But Elizabeth took control of that part of the situation nicely.
"I can't breathe," she said, then collapsed backwards, drawing the attention of her father and fiancée. Thank you, Kay thought to the girl. She pushed through the crowd after Will. The drum-roll stopped. The executioner put his hand on the lever. Kay screamed "no!" just as she heard Will shout "move!" As the executioner pulled the lever Will threw his sword. It stuck fast in the trapdoor as it came swinging down, and Jack's feet found it before he was hanged. Will drew another sword and went tearing up the stairs to the platform to fight the executioner.
Kay reached the front of the crowd and followed Will up the steps to fight off the two soldiers who had climbed up as well. In the confusion Will lost his sword and had to duck the swing of the executioner's axe, which helpfully cut through the rope of the noose, causing Jack to drop to the ground below. Kay kicked one of the soldiers in the chest and fell off the platform, trying to grab his follow for support but instead bringing him down as well. Kay leaped off the other side, landing behind Jack, who tossed Will the other end of the noose rope he was holding and the two ran across the courtyard. Kay followed, gleefully tripping and kicking the soldiers who tried to stop her. Jack and Will tripped a few soldiers, then wrapped the next few in the rope, which they dragged around the column and jerked. Kay caught up with them, helping to parry the blows of the soldiers who ran at them. They turned and dived out into the courtyard again, Will snatching up a sword as they went. But they were finally surrounded at the column when they went near it again. Will and Jack put Kay between them, shielding her from the swords and bayonets of the soldiers. They dropped their weapons, not wanting to give the soldiers any more incentives to attack them. The Commodore pushed through the crowd, and Will moved so that he was in front of Jack and Kay. Jack slipped his arm around Kay's waist.
I thought we might have to endure some manner of ill conceived escape attempt," Norrington said scathingly to Jack. "But not from you," he addressed to Will.
Governor Swan stepped up beside the Commodore, bristling with righteous anger.
"Upon our return to Port Royal I granted you two clemency," he snapped at Will and Kay. "And this is how you repay me? By throwing in your lot with him? He's a pirate."
"And a good man," Will responded just as forcefully, while Kay raised her chin in defiance. She noticed that Elizabeth was standing just behind Norington. "If all that we have achieved today is that the hangman will earn two pairs of boots instead of one, then so be it!" Will snapped.
"Three pairs," Kay interjected, then smirked. "Though actually I'm not wearing boots, I only have sandals." Will continued as though she hadn't spoken, while the Commodore refused to look in her direction.
"At least my conscience will be clear," Will said.
"You forget your place Turner," Norrington hissed.
"It's right here," Will responded. "Between you, and Jack and Kay." Norrington did flick a glance at Kay then, and was startled by the change in her. Instead of the lost, haunted young girl she had been when he first saw her, was now a determined, fiery woman. He couldn't help but marvel at the change.
It was then that Elizabeth pushed forward to stand next to Will. "As is mine," she told him.
"Elizabeth!" exclaimed Governore Swan. "Lower your weapons," he said frantically to the soliders. "For God's sake put them down!" The soldiers reluctantly complied with the order.
"This is the path you've chosen?" Norrington asked Elizabeth hopelessly.
She nodded. "It is." Norrington swallowed, then stepped back.
"Well," Jack released Kay and stepped around Will and Elizabeth to face the Governor. Unnoticed, Kay slipped her sword back into its sheath. "I'm actually feeling rather good about all this. I think we've all arrived at a very special place spiritually, ecumenically. Grammatically." Kay laughed. Jack stepped over to face Norrington. "I was rooting for you," he told him. "Know that."
Then he darted back to where Kay was standing and addressed Elizabeth. "Elizabeth, it would never have worked between us darling. I'm sorry." Elizabeth gave him a weird look, while Kay had to hide her mouth behind her hand to suppress her helpless sniggers.
"Will," Jack said to Will, then couldn't seem to think of anything to say, so he settled for, "nice hat." Will grinned.
Jack grabbed Kay by the arm and pulled her towards the parapet. "My friends," he said turning to address the crowd as he backed up, pulling Kay with him. "This is the day that you will always remember as the day that you almost-"
The crowd never got to hear the rest of the statement, as Jack backed into the parapet, lost his balance, and fell over taking Kay with him. Kay let out a shriek, twisting in midair so she would hit the water feet first. She surfaced before Jack did, then hit him on the shoulder when he did surface. Jack just grinned, glancing back up at the fort, and all the watching people. She picked out Will and Elizabeth and silently wished them luck. Then someone shouted, pointing out across the water.
Turning, Kay and Jack saw the Black Pearl sailing in. Kay grinned. "I'll race you there," she said to Jack.
"Is that a challenge?" he asked her.
"Sure is," she replied, then shot off through the water, Jack following closely behind.
Will: Will watched his two friends swimming through the water and wished them luck.
"Commodore!" He heard Gillette call to Norrington. "What should we do?" Norrington bit his lip.
The Governor looked at him and smiled a bit. "Sometimes when pursuing a course of piracy, piracy itself can be the right course," he suggested quietly. Norrington ducked his head and smiled a bit.
"Mr. Turner!" he called, and turned to face Will.
Elizabeth placed a worried hand on Will's arm and he turned to face her. "I will accept the consequences of my actions," he told her, the turned to face the Commodore.
Norrington was contemplating the sword in his hand. "This is a very beautiful sword." He said, then looked Will right in the eyes. "I would expect the man who made it to show the same care and devotion in every aspect of his life."
Will nodded. "Thank you." Norrington smiled then turned to walk away, paused, and turned to face Elizabeth.
"Ms. Swan. The very best of luck to you both," he said to her, then turned and walked down the steps.
"Commodore!" called Gillette. "What about Sparrow? Should I ready the Dauntless for pursuit?" The Commodore paused, still smiling.
"Oh I think that we can give him one day's head start." Then he left the plaza, leaving Gillette standing in disbelief.
As everyone else began to leave Governor Swan turned to face his daughter. "This is the path you've chosen? After all, he is a blacksmith."
"No," said Elizabeth, but she was facing Will. "He's a pirate." Will cupped her face in his hands, then leaned in and kissed her.
Kay: Kay and Jack grabbed hold of the rope that was tossed to the two of them and were swung high up into the air, then dropped to the deck, where they both fell over. Gibbs came to stand in front of them.
"I thought you were supposed to keep to the code," Jack said to him.
"Well we figured they was more of, guidelines." Jack grinned and Gibbs extended his hand and pulled Jack to his feet, then extended a hand to Kay to help her to her feet. "I kept your pack for you," he said to Kay.
"Thank you," said Kay, glad that she had some other changes of clothing, and touched that Gibbs had actually held her stuff for her.
"Captain Sparrow," everyone turned to look at Anna-Maria, who walked away from the ship's wheel, and placed Jack's hat on his head and draped his coat around his shoulders. "The Black Pearl is yours," she said and stepped away.
Jack walked over to the wheel and lovingly caressed it. Then he realized that the crew was watching him. "On deck you scabrous dogs!" he called out, barking orders that the crew scattered out to follow, grinning. Kay laughed, then started to walk off to help, but Jack grabbed her wrist and tugged her over to stand in front of him. He pulled out his compass to plot a course. "Now, bring me that horizon." He started to hum. Kay recognized the tune as the song that he and Elizabeth had sung on the island. "Drink up me hearties yo ho!" he called out. Kay laughed again, throwing her head back. Jack put his compass away, and used his arm to turn Kay around to face him. He wrapped his hand around the back of her neck, then pulled her forward and kissed her. Then he put his hand under her chin, tilting her face to look up at his.
"Thank you," he whispered.
Kay shrugged. "What else was I supposed to do? I'm not just gonna let you go now." The last she said fiercely, narrowing her eyes defiantly. Jack chuckled.
"I know. Just don't go getting yourself killed."
"I won't if you won't." Kay's words were light, but her tone was dead serious.
"Agreed. Your all right now?"
Kay thought for a minute, then slowly began to smile. "Yes. I really am alright." She said wonderingly. She turned to look out to the horizon. Whatever crossed that bright sea, whatever obstacles were thrown in her path she was now ready to face them head on. No more cowering in the dark, no more hiding from the world. She was free, finally free, and she was going to stay that way.
Wowza. I can't believe this story is done. It seems like yesterday that I started typing it. Well, I'd like to say thank you to all my reviewers, and hand out the rest of my cookies. I will write a sequel to this story as soon as the second movie comes out, I want this to follow the movies but I will write other stories and I hope you all will read those. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. I'll see you all soon!