Hey, it's Alaina again. You're all going to kill me. I got back early on
Sunday- my grandmother got bored of us and dropped us off early. I feel so
loved. And then I spent the day at Kat's so I couldn't finish today either.
Sorry! Now today my brother kicked me off so he and his moronic friend
could look at pictures of Jason and Freddie. God they're annoying. And
ff.net is down. Ooh, I saw Pirates of the Caribbean again! Yaay! Fourth
time! By the way, please excuse my horrific use of nautical terms. I'm just
slightly rusty. You know, and I don't know what anything's called. I'm sure
you can all figure out what I mean though.
Oh, and a cameo to anyone who catches the reference to the third Jack!
Reviewers:
Harrypotter4ever: Or is that *you* were, if fact stealing *our* ideas? Have you ever though of it that way? Buah ha! Sorry about that, by the way. In all honestly, do you really think we stole your ideas? Because we didn't, I promise you that. We started this when I was sleeping over at Kat's and told her about a dream I had. And that was before I'd even started reading PotC fanfics, so I know it wasn't even subconsciously. We would never steal an idea off another author and pass it off as our own. I realize sometimes the stories have similarities, but taking the ideas off someone else is wrong and unfair.
LotRseer3350: Of course Jack (the pirate's) coming back. We love Jack. How could we ever get rid of him?
Oh, and hi to luvlyGRLofLIFE, Scarlett Red Rose and szhismine. Keep reviewing!!
And this line is for szhismine. I love it too! Along with all of Jack's lines.
Me? I'm dishonest, and a dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest... Honestly. It's the honest ones you want to watch out for, because you can never predict when they're going to do something incredibly...stupid.
And on with the story:
*
The days passed quickly, turning into a set (if tedious) routine. Jade would get up in the morning, put on some flouncy dress or another, arrive for breakfast, and promptly get into an argument with Jack, usually using foul words that disgraced the entire household down to the servants. After breakfast, she would proceed to her cross-stitch, or some other completely mundane activity, complaining about how she would rather be sailing. During this time, she would be drilled on her mannerisms and being polite, none of which ever seemed to stick. After said mundane activity came lunch and another argument with Jack. After lunch was her 'afternoon nap', which Jade used as an opportunity to change her, clothes and sneak out the window. She would occasionally find the chance to go for a swim, but more often than not, spent her afternoons until tea in the blacksmiths shop, talking with Will and arguing with Jack. Neither of them let on that's where she had been, and no one ever found out. She would sneak back through her window about five minutes before she was called and join them again for tea and an argument with Jack. There would be another mundane activity followed by dinner and another argument with Jack and then bed.
After a few weeks, Jade has discovered a beautiful library filled with books and a grand piano. Fortunately for her, reading and music were both considered appropriate 'women' activities, and so she settled into the tedious routine. The days quickly passed to weeks, and before anyone had realized where the time had gone, two months had passed.
"Jade, get up you slugabed." Elizabeth entered the room, drawing back the curtains to reveal another brilliant Caribbean day. "It's nearing nine o'clock, and we have to get you ready." The girl didn't answer, keeping the covers drawn over her head. "Jade, come on. I have a lovely new dress for you to wear. And we have to hurry. The christening is in two hours. Jade?" When the girl still didn't answer, Elizabeth pulled back the covers, revealing several pillows in the vague form of a body. "Bloody hell."
"Mrs. Turner!" the maids bearing the dress box gasped. Elizabeth looked at her and left the room quickly, checking everywhere in the house she thought the girl might be.
"Can I help you Mrs. Turner?" the pompous servant asked as they entered the parlor.
"Yes, Percy. I'm looking for Miss Sparrow. You haven't seen her, have you?" The servant boy preparing a fire in the corner looked up quickly.
"If you please Mrs. Turner, I saw her earlier this morning."
"Where Thomas?" she asked kindly.
"I was heading for the stables to feed the 'orses. She didn't see me, but she was heading down the 'ill. I think she was going to the smith shop."
"Thank you, Thomas," Elizabeth said wryly. "I really shouldn't be surprised," she added to herself, leaving the house.
*
"What do you think?" Will asked holding up his latest work. "It's a gift from Norrington for the newest captain." The sword was made of silver toned steel with gold filigree twisted about the hilt. It had been designed more for show, though if needed would fare as well as any other.
"It's beautiful," Jack praised, once again in awe of his father's work. He took the sword, examining it closer and balancing it on his finger. "It's perfect."
"I think the balance is just slightly off," Jade announced from the rafters.
"It's not!" Jack argued. It's perfectly balanced."
"It's close, I'll give you that. But not perfect. Throw it and see. See if it lands where it's s'posed too." Shrugging, Will did just as she suggested, aiming for the middle of the door. Just as he threw the sword, the door opened, allowing Norrington entrance. The sword, actual being just off balance, narrowly missed Norrington, veering only inches to his left.
"My apologies, Commodore," Will said quickly, picking up the sword. Norrington just looked at him.
"I've come for my order, Mr. Turner. Is this it?"
"Yes," Will answered, offering it to him. "Perfectly balanced," he added with a slightly crooked grin missed by the commodore. "But please, let us continue outside. The heat of the forge is often overwhelming." As Will and Norrington left the building, Jade laughed.
"What are you doing up there anyway?" Jack asked.
"I'm Treasure Jade Sparrow, love. Daughter of the best pirate in the world. I need no reason to do anything. Unless the reason is rum." Jack rolled his eyes.
"You know, it's funny. For all your mention of rum, I have yet to see you drink any." Above him, Jade's eyes narrowed.
"And just what do you mean by that?"
"You probably don't drink rum. You're just showing off. You're a sorry excuse for a pirate, just like your father." Jade leapt down from the rafters, nimble as a monkey.
"Excuse me?" she questioned coolly.
"He doesn't look like much of a pirate to me. What sort of a pirate dresses the way he does? And he's obviously not much of a father, judging by your character and the way he left you."
"You have no idea what kind of a father he is. You have no right to judge either of us based on your sheltered little life."
"And just what are you going to do about it?" Jack persisted. "Are you going to fight me?" He picked up two of the swords his father had made.
"No."
"Come one. Show me what a great pirate you are." His tone was heavy with sarcasm as he tossed the sword to Jade. She caught it deftly, and for the first time Jack wondered if maybe she had been speaking the truth. Still, he couldn't back down after he had pushed her so far. "Go on." Jade looked from him to the sword silently, as though contemplating something. Finally she spoke.
"Jack, there are things I can do and things I won't. I CAN beat you with a sword all by me onesies, but I WON'T, savvy? I was taught to be respectful of your parents at the very least. They like you for some reason I can't fathom, and I won't spit on that bond anytime soon." Will had entered unseen followed by Norrington and Elizabeth just in time to hear her last words. "Good morning," Jade greeted them with a flourish, tossing the sword back to Jack. For a moment, they were all silent.
'My God,' Will thought to himself. 'Two Jack Sparrows in the world, and it's still standing.'
Elizabeth was the one to finally break the silence. "Well, I've found what I was looking for. Come on Jade." Jade came without protest, although she obviously would have liked to. "It was lovely to see you again, Commodore. We'll see you at the christening. Will, see to it that you and Jack are back in time to properly prepare." They walked to the house silently. "Do I even want to know what you were doing?" Elizabeth finally asked. Jade looked at her, grinning Jack Sparrow's smile.
"Well, I can't have you turning me into a completely proper lady. I'd die from the boredom." Elizabeth laughed, shaking her head reluctantly.
"Come along. I have a lovely new dress for you."
At the house Elizabeth handed Jade the box with the dress in it. Jade lifted the dress out, staring at the corset oddly. She'd never had to wear one before, even with all the flouncy dresses they'd been foisting on her.
"What is this?" she questioned.
"Just put it on," Elizabeth urged, sitting on the bed as Jade retreated behind the screen.
"It's too tight," Jade announced, arching her back. "The other ones aren't this tight. I think I need a bigger si-" She was cut off as the maids began tightening the corset strings. "Bloody hell. Who came up with this torture?"
"You'll get used to it," Elizabeth consoled her.
"No, I won't. I'm- I'm not wearing it." Her words were interrupted by gasps as the laces were pulled tighter and tighter.
"Please," Elizabeth pleaded. "You'll look absolutely lovely."
"Fine," Jade relented, mostly because she was beginning to feel too lightheaded to argue. "I bet it was a man."
"Excuse me?"
"Who came up with these. Bloody lovely for him. He doesn't have to wear one."
It took nearly two hours for the maids to prepare Jade to their satisfaction. During that time Elizabeth had left and Will and Jack had returned home, washed up, dressed, and were waiting when Jade finally made her appearance at the top of the stairs. The dress was low cut with a large skirt. The sleeves started just off her shoulders, fitting her arms tightly. It was red, with white flowers decorating it. Her hair was fixed up, covered by a matching hat.
"See?" Elizabeth said. "Absolutely lovely."
"Wonderful. I'll keep that in mind when I stop breathing." As she walked down the stairs, Jade clutched at the railing until her knuckles turned white.
"Are you still wearing those rings?" Elizabeth asked, noticing them.
"Yes," Jade answered breathily. There were 16 of them, each a different stone, representing a different symbol and a different year of her life.
"You don't think they're a little unsuitable. Just for the ceremony."
"Not a chance, love. I'm wearing the bloody death dress from hell. Let me wear my rings." More because they were nearly late than anything, Elizabeth agreed. The carriage left for the ceremony in a hurry, and they made it just in time. While Elizabeth and Will stood in front near the dock, Jack and Jade remained in the back of the crowd, standing on a step.
The ceremony seemed to drag on, especially under the hot sun with an incredibly tight dress.
"Seems an awful lot of talking for a ship christening," Jade muttered. "All they have to do is name the bloody thing and break out the rum."
"It's not that simple," Jack hissed back. "Ship christenings are a large deal at a sea port. They have to ask protection for the ship from God, among other things."
"Well, that would explain why they never seemed so long before. Can't remember asking God for protection. We're all going straight to hell, I s'pose it doesn't much matter." Jade yawned, rolling her neck. With her energy finally spent, she sat down on the step, closing her eyes as she listened to the speaker drone on.
Her eyes snapped open with a start as Jack discreetly nudged her with his foot. Realizing the ceremony was finishing; she stood up, joining in the chorus of 'lovely ceremony' They milled about the crowd for a while, Jade looking desperately for rum.
"Hello, dear," an elderly lady addressed Jade kindly. "It was a lovely ceremony, wasn't it?"
"Oh yes," Jade agreed, desperately trying to find a more comfortable way of standing. "Lovely. Enchanting. Magnetizing. Positively ravishing. If it had of been food, it would have been a delicious chocolate cake and I would have eaten it all!" The lady looked at her oddly.
"Of course. I agree completely. I don't believe we've met," she said, offering out her hand. "I'm Madeleine Burton."
"My name is... Anne!" Jade announced, taking the lady's hand. "I'm staying with the Turners for a while. Old family friends."
"I see." Madeleine looked rather disdainfully at Jade's rings. "Quite the collection you have there."
"Yes. They were given to me by my dear father. God rest his soul. He's gone now. Left me here."
"Oh my! I'm so sorry."
"It's quite all right, really. I'm happy for him, in fact."
"Happy for him?" Madeleine repeated, shocked.
"Oh yes! You see, I think he was heading for, um, some place. Starts with an 's'. Sunshi.... Spider... no, um,"
"St. Peter's Gates?" Madeleine suggested helpfully.
"Yes, that's it! At least, I think it is. Something like that. No matter. I hear it's absolutely lovely there. I only wish he'd taken me. He left me here all by me onesies, savvy? But I expect he's having a wonderful time. Lots of rum."
"Yes," Madeleine agreed, looking around desperately. "I'm sure there is."
"What are you doing?" Jack demanded suddenly form beside her.
"Jack!" Jade exclaimed. "Why, I haven't seen you in forever."
"What are you talking about? You saw me less than ten minutes ago."
"Did I really?" Jade asked, looking fascinated. "It seems so much longer, Jack. Jack, Jack, Jack. Jack!"
"What?"
"You have the same name as my father."
"Fancy that," he muttered through gritted teeth. "Hello Mrs. Burton. It's lovely to see you again. You'll have to excuse my friend here. She's the daughter of an old friend of my father's. Little bit funny in the head."
"Oh," was the only answer.
"Come along now," Jack ordered, putting his arm around Jade's waist and leading her in the direction he'd last seen his parents.
"Bye Mrs., um, you," Jade called over her shoulder. "Jack, I've forgotten her name!" she added in the same volume of voice.
"I'm sure she'll forgive you," Jack reassured her, searching wildly for his parents. "What's gotten into you anyway?" he added as she almost fell.
"I'm not entirely sure, but I think it could have something to do with the fact that I don't think I've taken a breath in about ten minutes."
"Well you'd best take one soon. Mother and Father are coming and Norrington's with them."
"That old ponce?"
"Quiet! They'll hear you."
"Jack, hello," Norrington said. "I was just telling your parents what a fine man you've become. We'd be glad to have you as a part of the King's Navy any day." Behind him, Will rolled his eyes.
"Thank you, Commodore."
"And is this the fine young lady I saw this morning?"
"Yes," Jade answered. She had calmed down considerably, being no longer simply light headed, but very close to passing out as well. Clutching Jack's arm with her left hand, she extended her right to the Commodore. He stared curiously at the rings adorning it.
"Who did you say your father was?"
"Um, you know, that man." She stumbled forward, even though she hadn't been moving.
"Mother," Jack interjected quickly. "Jade hasn't been feeling well. I think perhaps we should leave."
"Of course. Commodore, it was lovely to speak with you."
"Always a pleasure," Will added with a false smile.
"Good bye! Lovely ceremony," Jade gasped as they found the governor and reached the carriage. The minute the door was closed, Jade reached in the back of her dress, pulling on the corset ties until they came loose. "Much better," she announced.
"I can't believe the things you said," Jack admonished.
"Like what?" Will questioned, looking amused.
"She told Mrs. Burton that her father was dead and having a lovely time with lots of rum." Will burst out laughing and even Elizabeth looked amused.
"Oh goodness gracious," the governor sighed. "I expect she thinks we're all mad now."
"It wasn't my fault," Jade protested. "It was the bloody corset. It made me all light headed and dizzy, and everything seemed funny. I just spoke whatever popped into my mind."
"And how is that different from any other day?" Jack asked. Before another argument could start, Elizabeth interrupted them.
"It really was a lovely ceremony though, wasn't it?"
"It was awfully long," Jack said.
"I agree," Will added. "The Commodore is a terrible windbag."
"Oh, it wasn't that bad," Jade disagreed as the carriage reached the house and they stepped out.
"Easy for you to say," Jack argued. "You slept through the whole thing."
"I didn't!"
"You did!"
"I was resting my eyes."
"That's why you began to snore, I suppose."
"I didn't snore!"
"You did."
"I don't snore."
"And when's the last time you were awake to hear yourself?"
"Never, because I can't sleep over YOUR snoring. I can hear you in my bedroom!"
"You cannot! I don't snore."
"Oh really? Tell that to my tired ears." While Jade and Jack continued their arguing, Will, Elizabeth and the governor entered the house, leaving them outside. They remained there for nearly fifteen minutes before they finally entered the house.
"You're mad!" Jack yelled.
"Oh, shut up, you slimy git!" Jade retorted, stomping up the stairs.
"You're a sorry excuse for a pirate!"
"At least I am one, and I don't live some boring life in a big fancy house on top of a hill."
"You do now!"
"Shut up!" Jade's door slammed shut, echoing down the staircase. Jack wandered to the kitchen, muttering to himself irritably.
*
Later that night, Jade drifted awake. Having been unable to get used to sleeping in a skirt, she was wearing loose black pants made of a satiny material along with a loose white top. Without realizing it, she was clutching her father's hat in her arms, her only souvenir of him. She rolled over, dully noticing the presence of about three maids.
'I really don't know why the feel the need to assign five maids to take care of my fire,' she thought, rolling over again. Moments later a gag was pulled over her mouth and she was hauled out of the bed and to her feet. She struggled desperately against her invisible captors, but they were strong and quickly had her arms tied behind her back, still holding her father's hat.
"'Ello luv," an obnoxious voice greeted her. A man moved in front of her. He was short and stubby looking. What was left of his balding hair was grey and stringy. His teeth were yellow and black and his nose was hooked. Jade glared at him, wanting to shout but unable to. "I 'ope you don't mind. You'll be stayin' with us for awhile." Glaring furiously, Jade gave a muffled yell. "Now, now, luv. None of that. We can't have you being discovered. Come 'long now." As the other two pirates behind her dragged her away, Jade struggled violently. Striking out with her feet at whatever came close, she succeeded in knocking over the small table beside her bed, sending a book and unlit lamp crashing to the floor.
*
In his room, Jack awoke with a start. Something had jolted him from his sleep, although he wasn't sure what. Knowing instinctively that something was wrong, he crept from his bed and reached for the sword he kept under his bed. Another crash proved him right. It came from Jade's room. Quietly, he edged for his door, keeping the sword raised.
*
Jade had managed to knock more things to the floor, causing the pirates to anger. The one who had spoken to her before slapped her face, stunning her for an instant. That gave them an opportunity to drag her out the door. They dragged her down the hall as silently as they could, which is rather difficult when you're taking a 15 year old girl who's stubborn as hell by force. As they pulled her down the stairs, Jack opened his door at the far end of the hall. The hallway seemed peaceful enough, but something still seemed wrong. He inched to Jade's room. The door was wide open, and the objects from her desk and bedside table had been cast to the floor. The dull thud of the door came from downstairs. He raced into her room, looking out the window. He could see the pirates, dragging a struggling Jade down the hill. He dashed to his parents' room, throwing the door open.
"They've taken her!" he yelled. Will and Elizabeth woke up quickly, confused looks on their faces.
"Who?" Will asked, blinking sleepily.
"Jade! We must save her!"
"Jack, calm down," Elizabeth soothed him. "What's happened?"
"Something woke me up, although I wasn't sure what. Then I heard a crash from Jade's room. By the time I got to the hall, they were gone."
"Who?"
"The pirates! Jade's room was ransacked, but I looked out her window and saw them dragging her away. We have to hurry!" Will and Elizabeth jumped out of bed.
"We must alert the Commodore!" Elizabeth announced.
"And I'm sure he'll be an exceptional help," Will muttered.
"Will!"
"It's true. He's already suspicious of her."
"Well we should probably do something soon!" Jack yelled.
"Look, we'll just go alert the Commodore. Now. Before they get too far," Elizabeth decided.
"Jack's going to kill me," Will muttered as they left the room.
*
Jade was thrown forcibly to the deck of the boat as the crew prepared to set sail. With her hands still tied, it was impossible for her to keep her balance and she fell, landing uncomfortably on her arms. She struggled to sit up, still maintaining a grip on her father's hat. No sooner had she done that when another pirate came along, hauling her roughly to her feet.
"The cap'n wishes to see you," he jeered, laughing maniacally. He pushed her in front of him, up the stairs to the front of the deck.
"Well, hello m'dear," the captain greeted her. He was tall with greasy black hair and olive coloured skin. He spoke with a thick Italian accent. "Surely all this precaution is unnecessary. Gilmore, remove the gag."
"Sir?" the pirate who had dragged Jade over questioned.
"Go ahead. Nobody will hear her now anyway." The instant the gag was removed, Jade began screaming at the top of her lungs, ignoring the dry cottony feeling the gag had left in her mouth.
"You filthy bastard, let me go!" she ordered, struggling to be free of Gilmore, who was holding her in place. "They already know I'm gone, and they'll be after me. You don't stand a chance."
"Are you so sure of that?" Jade quieted for a moment. He was right. She had no way of knowing if they had heard her leave or not. For all she knew, they had slept soundly and her presence would not be missed until sometime in the late morning. "Yes, that's what I thought."
"I hope you rot in hell. They'll find me. And when my father finds out, he'll come and he'll kill you, you ugly slime."
"Yes, that's what I'm expecting."
"What?"
"Let me explain, darling. I'm Captain Nathan Mara. Your father and I go very, VERY far back. In fact, he owes me his life. And I intend to take it. You mean nothing to me, tesoro. All I want is the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow. And my best way of getting him is you."
"How will he know where to find you?"
"Oh, he'll know." Lazily, he motioned for Gilmore to take her away. He dragged her back to the stairs.
"Wait!" she yelled suddenly.
"Yes, mio amore?"
"What if he doesn't come?"
"Let's hope for your sake, he does. Or your father won't be a father any longer."
"No!" Jade yelled as Gilmore dragged her down the stairs and threw her in the room, locking the door behind her.
Oh, and a cameo to anyone who catches the reference to the third Jack!
Reviewers:
Harrypotter4ever: Or is that *you* were, if fact stealing *our* ideas? Have you ever though of it that way? Buah ha! Sorry about that, by the way. In all honestly, do you really think we stole your ideas? Because we didn't, I promise you that. We started this when I was sleeping over at Kat's and told her about a dream I had. And that was before I'd even started reading PotC fanfics, so I know it wasn't even subconsciously. We would never steal an idea off another author and pass it off as our own. I realize sometimes the stories have similarities, but taking the ideas off someone else is wrong and unfair.
LotRseer3350: Of course Jack (the pirate's) coming back. We love Jack. How could we ever get rid of him?
Oh, and hi to luvlyGRLofLIFE, Scarlett Red Rose and szhismine. Keep reviewing!!
And this line is for szhismine. I love it too! Along with all of Jack's lines.
Me? I'm dishonest, and a dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest... Honestly. It's the honest ones you want to watch out for, because you can never predict when they're going to do something incredibly...stupid.
And on with the story:
*
The days passed quickly, turning into a set (if tedious) routine. Jade would get up in the morning, put on some flouncy dress or another, arrive for breakfast, and promptly get into an argument with Jack, usually using foul words that disgraced the entire household down to the servants. After breakfast, she would proceed to her cross-stitch, or some other completely mundane activity, complaining about how she would rather be sailing. During this time, she would be drilled on her mannerisms and being polite, none of which ever seemed to stick. After said mundane activity came lunch and another argument with Jack. After lunch was her 'afternoon nap', which Jade used as an opportunity to change her, clothes and sneak out the window. She would occasionally find the chance to go for a swim, but more often than not, spent her afternoons until tea in the blacksmiths shop, talking with Will and arguing with Jack. Neither of them let on that's where she had been, and no one ever found out. She would sneak back through her window about five minutes before she was called and join them again for tea and an argument with Jack. There would be another mundane activity followed by dinner and another argument with Jack and then bed.
After a few weeks, Jade has discovered a beautiful library filled with books and a grand piano. Fortunately for her, reading and music were both considered appropriate 'women' activities, and so she settled into the tedious routine. The days quickly passed to weeks, and before anyone had realized where the time had gone, two months had passed.
"Jade, get up you slugabed." Elizabeth entered the room, drawing back the curtains to reveal another brilliant Caribbean day. "It's nearing nine o'clock, and we have to get you ready." The girl didn't answer, keeping the covers drawn over her head. "Jade, come on. I have a lovely new dress for you to wear. And we have to hurry. The christening is in two hours. Jade?" When the girl still didn't answer, Elizabeth pulled back the covers, revealing several pillows in the vague form of a body. "Bloody hell."
"Mrs. Turner!" the maids bearing the dress box gasped. Elizabeth looked at her and left the room quickly, checking everywhere in the house she thought the girl might be.
"Can I help you Mrs. Turner?" the pompous servant asked as they entered the parlor.
"Yes, Percy. I'm looking for Miss Sparrow. You haven't seen her, have you?" The servant boy preparing a fire in the corner looked up quickly.
"If you please Mrs. Turner, I saw her earlier this morning."
"Where Thomas?" she asked kindly.
"I was heading for the stables to feed the 'orses. She didn't see me, but she was heading down the 'ill. I think she was going to the smith shop."
"Thank you, Thomas," Elizabeth said wryly. "I really shouldn't be surprised," she added to herself, leaving the house.
*
"What do you think?" Will asked holding up his latest work. "It's a gift from Norrington for the newest captain." The sword was made of silver toned steel with gold filigree twisted about the hilt. It had been designed more for show, though if needed would fare as well as any other.
"It's beautiful," Jack praised, once again in awe of his father's work. He took the sword, examining it closer and balancing it on his finger. "It's perfect."
"I think the balance is just slightly off," Jade announced from the rafters.
"It's not!" Jack argued. It's perfectly balanced."
"It's close, I'll give you that. But not perfect. Throw it and see. See if it lands where it's s'posed too." Shrugging, Will did just as she suggested, aiming for the middle of the door. Just as he threw the sword, the door opened, allowing Norrington entrance. The sword, actual being just off balance, narrowly missed Norrington, veering only inches to his left.
"My apologies, Commodore," Will said quickly, picking up the sword. Norrington just looked at him.
"I've come for my order, Mr. Turner. Is this it?"
"Yes," Will answered, offering it to him. "Perfectly balanced," he added with a slightly crooked grin missed by the commodore. "But please, let us continue outside. The heat of the forge is often overwhelming." As Will and Norrington left the building, Jade laughed.
"What are you doing up there anyway?" Jack asked.
"I'm Treasure Jade Sparrow, love. Daughter of the best pirate in the world. I need no reason to do anything. Unless the reason is rum." Jack rolled his eyes.
"You know, it's funny. For all your mention of rum, I have yet to see you drink any." Above him, Jade's eyes narrowed.
"And just what do you mean by that?"
"You probably don't drink rum. You're just showing off. You're a sorry excuse for a pirate, just like your father." Jade leapt down from the rafters, nimble as a monkey.
"Excuse me?" she questioned coolly.
"He doesn't look like much of a pirate to me. What sort of a pirate dresses the way he does? And he's obviously not much of a father, judging by your character and the way he left you."
"You have no idea what kind of a father he is. You have no right to judge either of us based on your sheltered little life."
"And just what are you going to do about it?" Jack persisted. "Are you going to fight me?" He picked up two of the swords his father had made.
"No."
"Come one. Show me what a great pirate you are." His tone was heavy with sarcasm as he tossed the sword to Jade. She caught it deftly, and for the first time Jack wondered if maybe she had been speaking the truth. Still, he couldn't back down after he had pushed her so far. "Go on." Jade looked from him to the sword silently, as though contemplating something. Finally she spoke.
"Jack, there are things I can do and things I won't. I CAN beat you with a sword all by me onesies, but I WON'T, savvy? I was taught to be respectful of your parents at the very least. They like you for some reason I can't fathom, and I won't spit on that bond anytime soon." Will had entered unseen followed by Norrington and Elizabeth just in time to hear her last words. "Good morning," Jade greeted them with a flourish, tossing the sword back to Jack. For a moment, they were all silent.
'My God,' Will thought to himself. 'Two Jack Sparrows in the world, and it's still standing.'
Elizabeth was the one to finally break the silence. "Well, I've found what I was looking for. Come on Jade." Jade came without protest, although she obviously would have liked to. "It was lovely to see you again, Commodore. We'll see you at the christening. Will, see to it that you and Jack are back in time to properly prepare." They walked to the house silently. "Do I even want to know what you were doing?" Elizabeth finally asked. Jade looked at her, grinning Jack Sparrow's smile.
"Well, I can't have you turning me into a completely proper lady. I'd die from the boredom." Elizabeth laughed, shaking her head reluctantly.
"Come along. I have a lovely new dress for you."
At the house Elizabeth handed Jade the box with the dress in it. Jade lifted the dress out, staring at the corset oddly. She'd never had to wear one before, even with all the flouncy dresses they'd been foisting on her.
"What is this?" she questioned.
"Just put it on," Elizabeth urged, sitting on the bed as Jade retreated behind the screen.
"It's too tight," Jade announced, arching her back. "The other ones aren't this tight. I think I need a bigger si-" She was cut off as the maids began tightening the corset strings. "Bloody hell. Who came up with this torture?"
"You'll get used to it," Elizabeth consoled her.
"No, I won't. I'm- I'm not wearing it." Her words were interrupted by gasps as the laces were pulled tighter and tighter.
"Please," Elizabeth pleaded. "You'll look absolutely lovely."
"Fine," Jade relented, mostly because she was beginning to feel too lightheaded to argue. "I bet it was a man."
"Excuse me?"
"Who came up with these. Bloody lovely for him. He doesn't have to wear one."
It took nearly two hours for the maids to prepare Jade to their satisfaction. During that time Elizabeth had left and Will and Jack had returned home, washed up, dressed, and were waiting when Jade finally made her appearance at the top of the stairs. The dress was low cut with a large skirt. The sleeves started just off her shoulders, fitting her arms tightly. It was red, with white flowers decorating it. Her hair was fixed up, covered by a matching hat.
"See?" Elizabeth said. "Absolutely lovely."
"Wonderful. I'll keep that in mind when I stop breathing." As she walked down the stairs, Jade clutched at the railing until her knuckles turned white.
"Are you still wearing those rings?" Elizabeth asked, noticing them.
"Yes," Jade answered breathily. There were 16 of them, each a different stone, representing a different symbol and a different year of her life.
"You don't think they're a little unsuitable. Just for the ceremony."
"Not a chance, love. I'm wearing the bloody death dress from hell. Let me wear my rings." More because they were nearly late than anything, Elizabeth agreed. The carriage left for the ceremony in a hurry, and they made it just in time. While Elizabeth and Will stood in front near the dock, Jack and Jade remained in the back of the crowd, standing on a step.
The ceremony seemed to drag on, especially under the hot sun with an incredibly tight dress.
"Seems an awful lot of talking for a ship christening," Jade muttered. "All they have to do is name the bloody thing and break out the rum."
"It's not that simple," Jack hissed back. "Ship christenings are a large deal at a sea port. They have to ask protection for the ship from God, among other things."
"Well, that would explain why they never seemed so long before. Can't remember asking God for protection. We're all going straight to hell, I s'pose it doesn't much matter." Jade yawned, rolling her neck. With her energy finally spent, she sat down on the step, closing her eyes as she listened to the speaker drone on.
Her eyes snapped open with a start as Jack discreetly nudged her with his foot. Realizing the ceremony was finishing; she stood up, joining in the chorus of 'lovely ceremony' They milled about the crowd for a while, Jade looking desperately for rum.
"Hello, dear," an elderly lady addressed Jade kindly. "It was a lovely ceremony, wasn't it?"
"Oh yes," Jade agreed, desperately trying to find a more comfortable way of standing. "Lovely. Enchanting. Magnetizing. Positively ravishing. If it had of been food, it would have been a delicious chocolate cake and I would have eaten it all!" The lady looked at her oddly.
"Of course. I agree completely. I don't believe we've met," she said, offering out her hand. "I'm Madeleine Burton."
"My name is... Anne!" Jade announced, taking the lady's hand. "I'm staying with the Turners for a while. Old family friends."
"I see." Madeleine looked rather disdainfully at Jade's rings. "Quite the collection you have there."
"Yes. They were given to me by my dear father. God rest his soul. He's gone now. Left me here."
"Oh my! I'm so sorry."
"It's quite all right, really. I'm happy for him, in fact."
"Happy for him?" Madeleine repeated, shocked.
"Oh yes! You see, I think he was heading for, um, some place. Starts with an 's'. Sunshi.... Spider... no, um,"
"St. Peter's Gates?" Madeleine suggested helpfully.
"Yes, that's it! At least, I think it is. Something like that. No matter. I hear it's absolutely lovely there. I only wish he'd taken me. He left me here all by me onesies, savvy? But I expect he's having a wonderful time. Lots of rum."
"Yes," Madeleine agreed, looking around desperately. "I'm sure there is."
"What are you doing?" Jack demanded suddenly form beside her.
"Jack!" Jade exclaimed. "Why, I haven't seen you in forever."
"What are you talking about? You saw me less than ten minutes ago."
"Did I really?" Jade asked, looking fascinated. "It seems so much longer, Jack. Jack, Jack, Jack. Jack!"
"What?"
"You have the same name as my father."
"Fancy that," he muttered through gritted teeth. "Hello Mrs. Burton. It's lovely to see you again. You'll have to excuse my friend here. She's the daughter of an old friend of my father's. Little bit funny in the head."
"Oh," was the only answer.
"Come along now," Jack ordered, putting his arm around Jade's waist and leading her in the direction he'd last seen his parents.
"Bye Mrs., um, you," Jade called over her shoulder. "Jack, I've forgotten her name!" she added in the same volume of voice.
"I'm sure she'll forgive you," Jack reassured her, searching wildly for his parents. "What's gotten into you anyway?" he added as she almost fell.
"I'm not entirely sure, but I think it could have something to do with the fact that I don't think I've taken a breath in about ten minutes."
"Well you'd best take one soon. Mother and Father are coming and Norrington's with them."
"That old ponce?"
"Quiet! They'll hear you."
"Jack, hello," Norrington said. "I was just telling your parents what a fine man you've become. We'd be glad to have you as a part of the King's Navy any day." Behind him, Will rolled his eyes.
"Thank you, Commodore."
"And is this the fine young lady I saw this morning?"
"Yes," Jade answered. She had calmed down considerably, being no longer simply light headed, but very close to passing out as well. Clutching Jack's arm with her left hand, she extended her right to the Commodore. He stared curiously at the rings adorning it.
"Who did you say your father was?"
"Um, you know, that man." She stumbled forward, even though she hadn't been moving.
"Mother," Jack interjected quickly. "Jade hasn't been feeling well. I think perhaps we should leave."
"Of course. Commodore, it was lovely to speak with you."
"Always a pleasure," Will added with a false smile.
"Good bye! Lovely ceremony," Jade gasped as they found the governor and reached the carriage. The minute the door was closed, Jade reached in the back of her dress, pulling on the corset ties until they came loose. "Much better," she announced.
"I can't believe the things you said," Jack admonished.
"Like what?" Will questioned, looking amused.
"She told Mrs. Burton that her father was dead and having a lovely time with lots of rum." Will burst out laughing and even Elizabeth looked amused.
"Oh goodness gracious," the governor sighed. "I expect she thinks we're all mad now."
"It wasn't my fault," Jade protested. "It was the bloody corset. It made me all light headed and dizzy, and everything seemed funny. I just spoke whatever popped into my mind."
"And how is that different from any other day?" Jack asked. Before another argument could start, Elizabeth interrupted them.
"It really was a lovely ceremony though, wasn't it?"
"It was awfully long," Jack said.
"I agree," Will added. "The Commodore is a terrible windbag."
"Oh, it wasn't that bad," Jade disagreed as the carriage reached the house and they stepped out.
"Easy for you to say," Jack argued. "You slept through the whole thing."
"I didn't!"
"You did!"
"I was resting my eyes."
"That's why you began to snore, I suppose."
"I didn't snore!"
"You did."
"I don't snore."
"And when's the last time you were awake to hear yourself?"
"Never, because I can't sleep over YOUR snoring. I can hear you in my bedroom!"
"You cannot! I don't snore."
"Oh really? Tell that to my tired ears." While Jade and Jack continued their arguing, Will, Elizabeth and the governor entered the house, leaving them outside. They remained there for nearly fifteen minutes before they finally entered the house.
"You're mad!" Jack yelled.
"Oh, shut up, you slimy git!" Jade retorted, stomping up the stairs.
"You're a sorry excuse for a pirate!"
"At least I am one, and I don't live some boring life in a big fancy house on top of a hill."
"You do now!"
"Shut up!" Jade's door slammed shut, echoing down the staircase. Jack wandered to the kitchen, muttering to himself irritably.
*
Later that night, Jade drifted awake. Having been unable to get used to sleeping in a skirt, she was wearing loose black pants made of a satiny material along with a loose white top. Without realizing it, she was clutching her father's hat in her arms, her only souvenir of him. She rolled over, dully noticing the presence of about three maids.
'I really don't know why the feel the need to assign five maids to take care of my fire,' she thought, rolling over again. Moments later a gag was pulled over her mouth and she was hauled out of the bed and to her feet. She struggled desperately against her invisible captors, but they were strong and quickly had her arms tied behind her back, still holding her father's hat.
"'Ello luv," an obnoxious voice greeted her. A man moved in front of her. He was short and stubby looking. What was left of his balding hair was grey and stringy. His teeth were yellow and black and his nose was hooked. Jade glared at him, wanting to shout but unable to. "I 'ope you don't mind. You'll be stayin' with us for awhile." Glaring furiously, Jade gave a muffled yell. "Now, now, luv. None of that. We can't have you being discovered. Come 'long now." As the other two pirates behind her dragged her away, Jade struggled violently. Striking out with her feet at whatever came close, she succeeded in knocking over the small table beside her bed, sending a book and unlit lamp crashing to the floor.
*
In his room, Jack awoke with a start. Something had jolted him from his sleep, although he wasn't sure what. Knowing instinctively that something was wrong, he crept from his bed and reached for the sword he kept under his bed. Another crash proved him right. It came from Jade's room. Quietly, he edged for his door, keeping the sword raised.
*
Jade had managed to knock more things to the floor, causing the pirates to anger. The one who had spoken to her before slapped her face, stunning her for an instant. That gave them an opportunity to drag her out the door. They dragged her down the hall as silently as they could, which is rather difficult when you're taking a 15 year old girl who's stubborn as hell by force. As they pulled her down the stairs, Jack opened his door at the far end of the hall. The hallway seemed peaceful enough, but something still seemed wrong. He inched to Jade's room. The door was wide open, and the objects from her desk and bedside table had been cast to the floor. The dull thud of the door came from downstairs. He raced into her room, looking out the window. He could see the pirates, dragging a struggling Jade down the hill. He dashed to his parents' room, throwing the door open.
"They've taken her!" he yelled. Will and Elizabeth woke up quickly, confused looks on their faces.
"Who?" Will asked, blinking sleepily.
"Jade! We must save her!"
"Jack, calm down," Elizabeth soothed him. "What's happened?"
"Something woke me up, although I wasn't sure what. Then I heard a crash from Jade's room. By the time I got to the hall, they were gone."
"Who?"
"The pirates! Jade's room was ransacked, but I looked out her window and saw them dragging her away. We have to hurry!" Will and Elizabeth jumped out of bed.
"We must alert the Commodore!" Elizabeth announced.
"And I'm sure he'll be an exceptional help," Will muttered.
"Will!"
"It's true. He's already suspicious of her."
"Well we should probably do something soon!" Jack yelled.
"Look, we'll just go alert the Commodore. Now. Before they get too far," Elizabeth decided.
"Jack's going to kill me," Will muttered as they left the room.
*
Jade was thrown forcibly to the deck of the boat as the crew prepared to set sail. With her hands still tied, it was impossible for her to keep her balance and she fell, landing uncomfortably on her arms. She struggled to sit up, still maintaining a grip on her father's hat. No sooner had she done that when another pirate came along, hauling her roughly to her feet.
"The cap'n wishes to see you," he jeered, laughing maniacally. He pushed her in front of him, up the stairs to the front of the deck.
"Well, hello m'dear," the captain greeted her. He was tall with greasy black hair and olive coloured skin. He spoke with a thick Italian accent. "Surely all this precaution is unnecessary. Gilmore, remove the gag."
"Sir?" the pirate who had dragged Jade over questioned.
"Go ahead. Nobody will hear her now anyway." The instant the gag was removed, Jade began screaming at the top of her lungs, ignoring the dry cottony feeling the gag had left in her mouth.
"You filthy bastard, let me go!" she ordered, struggling to be free of Gilmore, who was holding her in place. "They already know I'm gone, and they'll be after me. You don't stand a chance."
"Are you so sure of that?" Jade quieted for a moment. He was right. She had no way of knowing if they had heard her leave or not. For all she knew, they had slept soundly and her presence would not be missed until sometime in the late morning. "Yes, that's what I thought."
"I hope you rot in hell. They'll find me. And when my father finds out, he'll come and he'll kill you, you ugly slime."
"Yes, that's what I'm expecting."
"What?"
"Let me explain, darling. I'm Captain Nathan Mara. Your father and I go very, VERY far back. In fact, he owes me his life. And I intend to take it. You mean nothing to me, tesoro. All I want is the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow. And my best way of getting him is you."
"How will he know where to find you?"
"Oh, he'll know." Lazily, he motioned for Gilmore to take her away. He dragged her back to the stairs.
"Wait!" she yelled suddenly.
"Yes, mio amore?"
"What if he doesn't come?"
"Let's hope for your sake, he does. Or your father won't be a father any longer."
"No!" Jade yelled as Gilmore dragged her down the stairs and threw her in the room, locking the door behind her.