There is absolutely no justice in the world. None! I just got peanut butter
on my mouse. That's not why there's no justice though. But seriously, what
in the name of all things Deppian and pretty is wrong with the world?? They
have no Jack Sparrow plushies! Kat was going to buy me one for my birthday
(it's on Sunday) but there aren't any. They have Captain Hook, but no
Captain Sparrow. And I was going to be able to say, "Last night I slept
with Jack Sparrow." *Pout.* Um, yeah. I think that's all the author's
notes.
Oh, and even though he's a royal pain in the ass sometimes, I have decided that my little brother is the sweetest child on the face of the planet, despite it all. My mum's always teasing me and saying that I should write to Orlando Bloom and get him to come to my sixteenth birthday party. So the other day, he went upstairs to my mum and asked if she could write to him and get him to come. That's what he wanted to get me for my birthday. I just about fell over when Mum told me.
And if anybody's seen Once Upon a Time in Mexico, tell me!!! I need someone to whine with about Johnny Depp. But for heaven's sake, don't mention what happens to him in a review. Kat with have a fit! I've been trying not to tell her since I saw it. We're going on Saturday, so don't ruin. Oh yeah, and I saw PotC again. For the sixth time.
And now for a word from the infamous Jack Sparrow. Sorry! *Captain* Jack Sparrow.
"Oh, so it is that you've found a girl. I see. Well, if you're intending to brave all, hasten to her rescue and so win fair lady's heart you'll have to do it alone, mate. I see no profit in it for me."
Reviewers:
Toucan Crazy, Like a Sparrow: Glad you like it! We'll keep updating if you keep reviewing!
LuvlyGRLofLIFE: Yrch. Soap Operas. Let Jackie suffer... hmm, well, we sort of kind of do.
Harrypotter4ever: Glad you love it! Yeah, they're paired. Yay! December 2!
Ginny-Star: Isn't the part with Jack (Sparrow) and Jade sweet? Kat wrote it, and I had an 'Awww' attack while I was reading.
Bratprincess: Shhh, no. We have a plan.
Scarlett Red Rose: No, we can't tell you. After all, it would ruin the surprise!
Artemis Rain: Of course we have more originality than that! Actually, to be honest, we weren't sure who were mother was going to be at first. Anyway, glad you liked it! Keep reviewing!
Szhismine: Yes there is going to be more Jack/Jade stuff... eventually. And you don't have to worry about this one ending for quite some time.
LotRseer3350: But you do LIKE the cameo, right? Because we'd hate for you to not like it. Let us know if you don't though!
J. Liha: Aww, sorry!! *drowns you in Jack plushies and clones* NO wait! You have to finish reading! Come back to life!! Oh, and thanks for the arctic. Kat appreciates it.
Tipsy Pirate Lass: Development in the plot? Hmm... well, I s'pose the plot DOES develop. Unfortunately, not in the way you're thinking. At least, I don't think it's the way you're thinking. Riiiight. But hey! We'll give you your own hotline anyway!
And now for the story!
*
They settled into a routine even in the few days it took to sail back to Port Royal. It wasn't so much of a routine as Jack and Jade racing about, avoiding work. Getting fed up with the confusion between the two Jacks, Anamaria had taken to calling the boy Turner. The name had stuck and even his parents had begun to use it. The only one who didn't was Jade; she referred to her father as Dad or, when she wanted something, Daddy, and thus there was no confusion for her.
They were well into their third day of travel and were expected to reach Port Royal the next day. Jack Turner wandered around the ship, looking for Jade.
The girl was sitting cross-legged on the deck, reading. The battered copy of her book was in her left hand and she fiddled absently with her rings with her right hand.
"Hi Jack," she said instinctively, without looking up.
He stared at her in astonishment. "How did you know I was here?"
She looked up at him, grinning. "Your shadow." He looked confused. "The sun was shining on me," she explained. "But when you stood over me, it darkened."
"But how'd you know it was ME?" Jack persisted.
"Nobody else is stupid enough to attempt to sneak up on a pirate."
"Oh." Jack didn't feel like getting into another argument, so he sat down silently beside her. The ring Jade was playing with spun out of control, and he grabbed at it before I could get away. "It's a lovely stone. Such a deep green. What is it?"
"Chrysophase. That was my fourteenth birthday."
"You get a ring for every birthday?"
Jade nodded. "They're all for different types of protection or success. Like the chrysophase? It's for success in affairs. I believe my father's exact words were, 'Not those types of affairs, so get your filthy mind out of the gutter, savvy?" They both laughed.
"What about that one?" Jack asked, pointing to the dark green stone on her right pinkie, first of two rings.
"Malachite," Jade answered. "It's a guard stone, and supposedly for calming. That was right after I was born."
"Umm, that one," Jack said, picking a ring at random and settling on the first one on her left middle finger. Jade grinned.
"It's a rhondonite. It represents harmony with oneself and soul fire. He gave me that one for my seventh birthday, about a week after I first jumped ship."
"You've jumped ship?" Jack asked incredulously.
"Multiple times."
"Okay... That's an amethyst, right?" he asked, pointing to the second stone on her right ring finger.
"Yeah. It's for protection from rum."
"I'm not even going to ask. What about that one?" He touched the last ring, the second one on her left thumb.
"It's from my fifteenth birthday. It's a uvarovite. It's for love, intuition and prediction." She twisted it around her finger. "I think it's my favourite."
"Why?" Jack asked curiously.
"Because it was perfect. I messed up- just once, mind you- but it completely raped me of my confidence. I second guessed everything I did, every move I made until I finally took to simply staying on the Pearl while they pillaged and plundered and otherwise wreaked havoc to their hearts' content. When Dad gave me this, and what he said, well, it gave me my confidence back."
Jack stared at her silently, trying to imagine her NOT being, or at least appearing to be, completely confident of all her actions. He couldn't.
It wasn't until years later that Jack discovered that only her father had known the real reason for why she'd remained on the Pearl all those weeks.
*
Unseen by neither Jack nor jade, Will and Elizabeth were watching in amusement.
"It reminds me of us, at that age," Elizabeth laughed. Smiling, Will put his arm around his wife, drawing her close.
"I was so in love with you," he remembered. "But I could not bring myself to tell you."
"No, it took cursed pirates to bring you to that."
For a moment Will looked put out, but then joined in Elizabeth's laughter. They grew silent again, watching the two who remained oblivious to all else. Elizabeth rested her head on Will's shoulder.
"They really do make quite the fine couple."
"Who?" Captain Jack demanded, coming up behind them.
"Jack and Jade," Elizabeth answered easily. Immediately Jack's face turned to stone. He stood there, watching Jade, who was laughing loudly at something Jack had said. Elizabeth and Will glanced at each other nervously. They were quite fond of their son, and would hate for him to be killed by the captain.
"He'd just better keep his grabby paws off 'er," Jack announced presently.
"I don't think you have much to worry about," Elizabeth reassured him. "She's as stubborn as you, and Jack's every bit as stubborn as Will."
"I'm not stubborn," Will protested. Elizabeth raised her eyebrows to prove her point.
"I beg to differ, my lad," Jack argued, draping a hand around Will's shoulder. "If he's as stubborn as you, we have naught to worry about."
*
Jade pushed her sleeves back, arching her back to stretch it. In doing so, she revealed her Sparrow tattoo and pirate brand on her left arm. Jack winced, looking at the white scar.
"Doesn't that hurt?" he asked.
"What, the tattoo?"
"No, that." He pointed to the scar, accidentally brushing his fingers against it.
Jade shrugged. "Nope. It did at the time though."
"What happened?"
"I was... twelve, I think. Bout that. We were along the Coast of France, docked just off a tiny little port somewhere in the south. The crew had left me on the Pearl while they went ashore. While they were gone, some of the delightful members of the East India Trading Company happened upon the Pearl. Imagine their surprise at finding the only daughter of Captain Jack Sparrow on board. I put up a fight, of course, but in the end twelve full- grown men did gain the advantage over a twelve year old. They took me ashore and locked me up and that's when they branded me. Of course, that night my father came and rescued me without them even realizing. I don't s'pose they ever told anybody. They'd be too embarrassed." Jade gave a slightly crooked grin. "But they gave me enough trouble with that brand. It grew infected, and I ended up in bed for two weeks with a fever." She grimaced. "Worst time of my life. They wouldn't even let me out on deck, despite my assurances that it would make me better."
The two of them spent the rest of the afternoon talking about everything and nothing in particular. Neither noticed as the sun began to wan and stars took its place. It wasn't until nearly all traces of day were gone that Garren came out in search of Jade, looking pleased in his slightly too big clothes borrowed from the crew.
"Your father wishes to see you," he announced, grinning. "Somethin' abou' t'decks not bein' properly swabbed."
Jade rolled her eyes, smirking at Jack as Garren walked off. "I've barely been back two days, and he's already nattering to me about chores." She grabbed her book and scrambled off to her room, leaving Jack alone with his thoughts.
*
The ocean stretched out for miles in any direction. It was a calm, cool night. The stars glittered in the sky, reflecting on the ocean below. Somehow, out here, any problems seemed pointless, too far away to be of any real consequence. A wave of laughter drifted from the hold, though not enough to rouse Jack Turner from his thoughts.
"Do you see now why it all means so much to me?" Jade asked, startling him. He hadn't even heard her approach. "Nights like these make everything worthwhile." She leaned on the rail, staring out over the water. They were alone on the deck. "This is real freedom, Jack. The ability to lose all sense of importance. To make even things of top priority seem insignificant. This is my life." She turned to look at him then, staring up into his eyes with unreadable emotions screaming out to him. She turned back to the ocean. He wanted to say a million and one things to her at that moment. To tell her how he really felt, to share with her every moment that had ever been important at any point in his life.
He didn't say one of these things.
"They're going to kill him, you know."
Jade looked up sharply, giving him an odd look.
"What?"
"Your father. Norrington's going to hang him when we return. That's why we're going back."
"Why would he return to a place that's promised his death?"
"Because he gave his word to Norrington that if he was allowed to find you, he would return for his death."
"But I thought he only escaped because of you and your parents."
"He did, but not before he'd begged Norrington for your life. He gave his word as a father."
"No!" Jade cried, running off and leaving Jack, alone once more, to stare over the silent water.
*
Jade burst into the room where Jack was speaking with Will and Elizabeth.
"Turn around right now," she ordered.
Jack looked up at her, surprise registered on his face. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me."
"And why, exactly, should I do this?"
"Because they'll kill you when you return to Port Royal. I fact which you failed to mention."
The slightest hint of guilt slipped across Jack's face before disappearing and being replaced with his innocent puppy dog look.
"Ah yes. That. Slipped my mind, as it were."
"No doubt. D'you want to explain why you're trying to die?"
"I gave him my word. As a father." Jack's voice was abnormally subdued.
"Hang that! He didn't let you go; you escaped. It doesn't matter. There is no oath for him to hold you to!"
"I refuse to break my word as a father," Jack insisted. "Savvy?" Jade screamed in agitation and threw her arms over her head.
"Oh, that's lovely. Absolutely bloomin' wonderful. Getting your father back is so great when you know he's going to do something incredibly stupid to get himself killed two days later. And I've always wanted to be an orphan. It seems like such FUN!" Jade screamed, startling Jack out of his lounging position in the chair. Will and Elizabeth, who had been watching the exchange in silence, decided now would be the best time to leave.
"We should find Jack," Will said, rising to his feet.
"Yes," Elizabeth added. "It's, uh, past his bedtime!"
Their presence, or lack thereof, was ignored.
"This is completely unfair," jade announced, pacing with her back to her father. "After everything that's happened, you're leaving me. Again. Permanently." Jack rose to his feet, attempting to comfort her.
"Jade, I realize you're upset. But I gave my word as a-"
She whirled around, her blazing eyes glassy. "You're a complete hypocrite! You're so bloody hung up about your goddamned word as father that you forget you ARE a father. You don't even care about me!"
Jack stepped back as if he had been slapped in the face, although her words stung more than any slap ever had. "Jade," he began. "You know that's not true. I-"
"Oh just stop it," she said coldly. "I hate you."
"To be loved is fortunate, but to be hated is to achieve distinction," Jack replied mechanically, advice he'd repeated to her more than once.
"Go away!" Jade screamed, walking from the room. "Leave me be!"
Jack sank back down into his seat, reaching for a bottle of rum. Jade's words stung. How could she think he didn't care about her? Leaning back, Jack though about how relieved he'd been when they'd found her, and how his heart had nearly cracked when he thought he'd lost her again. He thought about how she'd grown, from a skinny little child, always scampering about underfoot, to (as much as he hated to admit it) a beautiful young woman. Maybe she wasn't a proper lady, but the Caribbean had never seen a better pirate. Except, of course, for Captain Jack Sparrow. With a grin, Jack suddenly realized he liked it better that way. Jade Sparrow, the ruthless young pirate who still had much to learn. Still holding the rum bottle, Jack strode drunkenly onto the deck in search of Will. He found him at the far end of the Pearl, staring at the ocean.
"Will?"
Will turned around and was met with Jack's grin. "Yes?"
"We've got ourselves and escape to plan, savvy?"
The captain had returned.
*
While Jack Sparrow and Will Turner spent the night making their plans, Jade spent the night locked in her room, sitting cross-legged on her bed and staring outside. Absently she hummed her favourite tune in as soothing a tone as she could mange.
"A Pirate's life for me."
The words came slowly, cracked as she fought back tears.
"Stupid, stubborn bastard."
At some point during the night, sleep claimed her. Even her subconscious was distraught at the thought of losing her father, and her dreams were plagued with the memories of her childhood, of her father. In her sleep the tears she had not allowed fell, staining her cheeks.
She wasn't sure when, but the sky was bright and the words, "Land ho!" were the ones that woke her.
Hardening her resolution, Jade went to the deck in search of her father. She found him standing alone at the helm, his infamous grin back in place.
"Daddy?" she said, approaching him casually. He turned to her.
"Yes love?"
"I'm sorry. For what I said. I know you care about me. And I don't hate you, I swear it. It's just, I was upset, and.. I was so afraid they'd kill you before and now..." she broke off, afraid she might cry. She didn't WANT to cry. Looking at her, jack wanted to tell her the truth. But he didn't; her reaction to his 'death' was relevant for their plan to work.
"I know, love," he reassured her. "I'll miss you." Before he could say anymore, they were interrupted by the calls and orders occurring as the ship was docked. Jack turned to his daughter, smiling sadly.
"Already?" she demanded, not ready to let go. "We can't be here already."
Jack turned to leave for the dock. "I'll be seeing you," he said, leaving her alone.
Norrington was waiting for them with fifteen men. Apparently he had been expecting some sort of rebellion, but there was none. Leaving his effects on the Pearl, jack stepped ashore with his arms above his head.
"Miss me?"
"Tie his hands," Norrington ordered. His orders were followed as Will, Elizabeth an little Jack came ashore. The governor, waiting with the men, rushed to embrace Elizabeth but she pulled away, turning to the commodore imploringly.
"Is this really necessary?" she asked.
"I am afraid so, Mrs. Turner," he answered, retaining all formalities. "Take him to the prison. WE have no hold over the others, so they are free to go. Our captain here will be hung at sunset."
As they began to march off, Jade came down after them. "Wait!" she cried. "Commodore Norrington, would you really have a father?"
"Father or not, he is still a pirate, and every bit as deserving of any punishment we see fit to set him with." They walked away, leaving Jade behind with the Turners. Putting an arm around the girl, Elizabeth led her up on the path to the house.
Oh, and even though he's a royal pain in the ass sometimes, I have decided that my little brother is the sweetest child on the face of the planet, despite it all. My mum's always teasing me and saying that I should write to Orlando Bloom and get him to come to my sixteenth birthday party. So the other day, he went upstairs to my mum and asked if she could write to him and get him to come. That's what he wanted to get me for my birthday. I just about fell over when Mum told me.
And if anybody's seen Once Upon a Time in Mexico, tell me!!! I need someone to whine with about Johnny Depp. But for heaven's sake, don't mention what happens to him in a review. Kat with have a fit! I've been trying not to tell her since I saw it. We're going on Saturday, so don't ruin. Oh yeah, and I saw PotC again. For the sixth time.
And now for a word from the infamous Jack Sparrow. Sorry! *Captain* Jack Sparrow.
"Oh, so it is that you've found a girl. I see. Well, if you're intending to brave all, hasten to her rescue and so win fair lady's heart you'll have to do it alone, mate. I see no profit in it for me."
Reviewers:
Toucan Crazy, Like a Sparrow: Glad you like it! We'll keep updating if you keep reviewing!
LuvlyGRLofLIFE: Yrch. Soap Operas. Let Jackie suffer... hmm, well, we sort of kind of do.
Harrypotter4ever: Glad you love it! Yeah, they're paired. Yay! December 2!
Ginny-Star: Isn't the part with Jack (Sparrow) and Jade sweet? Kat wrote it, and I had an 'Awww' attack while I was reading.
Bratprincess: Shhh, no. We have a plan.
Scarlett Red Rose: No, we can't tell you. After all, it would ruin the surprise!
Artemis Rain: Of course we have more originality than that! Actually, to be honest, we weren't sure who were mother was going to be at first. Anyway, glad you liked it! Keep reviewing!
Szhismine: Yes there is going to be more Jack/Jade stuff... eventually. And you don't have to worry about this one ending for quite some time.
LotRseer3350: But you do LIKE the cameo, right? Because we'd hate for you to not like it. Let us know if you don't though!
J. Liha: Aww, sorry!! *drowns you in Jack plushies and clones* NO wait! You have to finish reading! Come back to life!! Oh, and thanks for the arctic. Kat appreciates it.
Tipsy Pirate Lass: Development in the plot? Hmm... well, I s'pose the plot DOES develop. Unfortunately, not in the way you're thinking. At least, I don't think it's the way you're thinking. Riiiight. But hey! We'll give you your own hotline anyway!
And now for the story!
*
They settled into a routine even in the few days it took to sail back to Port Royal. It wasn't so much of a routine as Jack and Jade racing about, avoiding work. Getting fed up with the confusion between the two Jacks, Anamaria had taken to calling the boy Turner. The name had stuck and even his parents had begun to use it. The only one who didn't was Jade; she referred to her father as Dad or, when she wanted something, Daddy, and thus there was no confusion for her.
They were well into their third day of travel and were expected to reach Port Royal the next day. Jack Turner wandered around the ship, looking for Jade.
The girl was sitting cross-legged on the deck, reading. The battered copy of her book was in her left hand and she fiddled absently with her rings with her right hand.
"Hi Jack," she said instinctively, without looking up.
He stared at her in astonishment. "How did you know I was here?"
She looked up at him, grinning. "Your shadow." He looked confused. "The sun was shining on me," she explained. "But when you stood over me, it darkened."
"But how'd you know it was ME?" Jack persisted.
"Nobody else is stupid enough to attempt to sneak up on a pirate."
"Oh." Jack didn't feel like getting into another argument, so he sat down silently beside her. The ring Jade was playing with spun out of control, and he grabbed at it before I could get away. "It's a lovely stone. Such a deep green. What is it?"
"Chrysophase. That was my fourteenth birthday."
"You get a ring for every birthday?"
Jade nodded. "They're all for different types of protection or success. Like the chrysophase? It's for success in affairs. I believe my father's exact words were, 'Not those types of affairs, so get your filthy mind out of the gutter, savvy?" They both laughed.
"What about that one?" Jack asked, pointing to the dark green stone on her right pinkie, first of two rings.
"Malachite," Jade answered. "It's a guard stone, and supposedly for calming. That was right after I was born."
"Umm, that one," Jack said, picking a ring at random and settling on the first one on her left middle finger. Jade grinned.
"It's a rhondonite. It represents harmony with oneself and soul fire. He gave me that one for my seventh birthday, about a week after I first jumped ship."
"You've jumped ship?" Jack asked incredulously.
"Multiple times."
"Okay... That's an amethyst, right?" he asked, pointing to the second stone on her right ring finger.
"Yeah. It's for protection from rum."
"I'm not even going to ask. What about that one?" He touched the last ring, the second one on her left thumb.
"It's from my fifteenth birthday. It's a uvarovite. It's for love, intuition and prediction." She twisted it around her finger. "I think it's my favourite."
"Why?" Jack asked curiously.
"Because it was perfect. I messed up- just once, mind you- but it completely raped me of my confidence. I second guessed everything I did, every move I made until I finally took to simply staying on the Pearl while they pillaged and plundered and otherwise wreaked havoc to their hearts' content. When Dad gave me this, and what he said, well, it gave me my confidence back."
Jack stared at her silently, trying to imagine her NOT being, or at least appearing to be, completely confident of all her actions. He couldn't.
It wasn't until years later that Jack discovered that only her father had known the real reason for why she'd remained on the Pearl all those weeks.
*
Unseen by neither Jack nor jade, Will and Elizabeth were watching in amusement.
"It reminds me of us, at that age," Elizabeth laughed. Smiling, Will put his arm around his wife, drawing her close.
"I was so in love with you," he remembered. "But I could not bring myself to tell you."
"No, it took cursed pirates to bring you to that."
For a moment Will looked put out, but then joined in Elizabeth's laughter. They grew silent again, watching the two who remained oblivious to all else. Elizabeth rested her head on Will's shoulder.
"They really do make quite the fine couple."
"Who?" Captain Jack demanded, coming up behind them.
"Jack and Jade," Elizabeth answered easily. Immediately Jack's face turned to stone. He stood there, watching Jade, who was laughing loudly at something Jack had said. Elizabeth and Will glanced at each other nervously. They were quite fond of their son, and would hate for him to be killed by the captain.
"He'd just better keep his grabby paws off 'er," Jack announced presently.
"I don't think you have much to worry about," Elizabeth reassured him. "She's as stubborn as you, and Jack's every bit as stubborn as Will."
"I'm not stubborn," Will protested. Elizabeth raised her eyebrows to prove her point.
"I beg to differ, my lad," Jack argued, draping a hand around Will's shoulder. "If he's as stubborn as you, we have naught to worry about."
*
Jade pushed her sleeves back, arching her back to stretch it. In doing so, she revealed her Sparrow tattoo and pirate brand on her left arm. Jack winced, looking at the white scar.
"Doesn't that hurt?" he asked.
"What, the tattoo?"
"No, that." He pointed to the scar, accidentally brushing his fingers against it.
Jade shrugged. "Nope. It did at the time though."
"What happened?"
"I was... twelve, I think. Bout that. We were along the Coast of France, docked just off a tiny little port somewhere in the south. The crew had left me on the Pearl while they went ashore. While they were gone, some of the delightful members of the East India Trading Company happened upon the Pearl. Imagine their surprise at finding the only daughter of Captain Jack Sparrow on board. I put up a fight, of course, but in the end twelve full- grown men did gain the advantage over a twelve year old. They took me ashore and locked me up and that's when they branded me. Of course, that night my father came and rescued me without them even realizing. I don't s'pose they ever told anybody. They'd be too embarrassed." Jade gave a slightly crooked grin. "But they gave me enough trouble with that brand. It grew infected, and I ended up in bed for two weeks with a fever." She grimaced. "Worst time of my life. They wouldn't even let me out on deck, despite my assurances that it would make me better."
The two of them spent the rest of the afternoon talking about everything and nothing in particular. Neither noticed as the sun began to wan and stars took its place. It wasn't until nearly all traces of day were gone that Garren came out in search of Jade, looking pleased in his slightly too big clothes borrowed from the crew.
"Your father wishes to see you," he announced, grinning. "Somethin' abou' t'decks not bein' properly swabbed."
Jade rolled her eyes, smirking at Jack as Garren walked off. "I've barely been back two days, and he's already nattering to me about chores." She grabbed her book and scrambled off to her room, leaving Jack alone with his thoughts.
*
The ocean stretched out for miles in any direction. It was a calm, cool night. The stars glittered in the sky, reflecting on the ocean below. Somehow, out here, any problems seemed pointless, too far away to be of any real consequence. A wave of laughter drifted from the hold, though not enough to rouse Jack Turner from his thoughts.
"Do you see now why it all means so much to me?" Jade asked, startling him. He hadn't even heard her approach. "Nights like these make everything worthwhile." She leaned on the rail, staring out over the water. They were alone on the deck. "This is real freedom, Jack. The ability to lose all sense of importance. To make even things of top priority seem insignificant. This is my life." She turned to look at him then, staring up into his eyes with unreadable emotions screaming out to him. She turned back to the ocean. He wanted to say a million and one things to her at that moment. To tell her how he really felt, to share with her every moment that had ever been important at any point in his life.
He didn't say one of these things.
"They're going to kill him, you know."
Jade looked up sharply, giving him an odd look.
"What?"
"Your father. Norrington's going to hang him when we return. That's why we're going back."
"Why would he return to a place that's promised his death?"
"Because he gave his word to Norrington that if he was allowed to find you, he would return for his death."
"But I thought he only escaped because of you and your parents."
"He did, but not before he'd begged Norrington for your life. He gave his word as a father."
"No!" Jade cried, running off and leaving Jack, alone once more, to stare over the silent water.
*
Jade burst into the room where Jack was speaking with Will and Elizabeth.
"Turn around right now," she ordered.
Jack looked up at her, surprise registered on his face. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me."
"And why, exactly, should I do this?"
"Because they'll kill you when you return to Port Royal. I fact which you failed to mention."
The slightest hint of guilt slipped across Jack's face before disappearing and being replaced with his innocent puppy dog look.
"Ah yes. That. Slipped my mind, as it were."
"No doubt. D'you want to explain why you're trying to die?"
"I gave him my word. As a father." Jack's voice was abnormally subdued.
"Hang that! He didn't let you go; you escaped. It doesn't matter. There is no oath for him to hold you to!"
"I refuse to break my word as a father," Jack insisted. "Savvy?" Jade screamed in agitation and threw her arms over her head.
"Oh, that's lovely. Absolutely bloomin' wonderful. Getting your father back is so great when you know he's going to do something incredibly stupid to get himself killed two days later. And I've always wanted to be an orphan. It seems like such FUN!" Jade screamed, startling Jack out of his lounging position in the chair. Will and Elizabeth, who had been watching the exchange in silence, decided now would be the best time to leave.
"We should find Jack," Will said, rising to his feet.
"Yes," Elizabeth added. "It's, uh, past his bedtime!"
Their presence, or lack thereof, was ignored.
"This is completely unfair," jade announced, pacing with her back to her father. "After everything that's happened, you're leaving me. Again. Permanently." Jack rose to his feet, attempting to comfort her.
"Jade, I realize you're upset. But I gave my word as a-"
She whirled around, her blazing eyes glassy. "You're a complete hypocrite! You're so bloody hung up about your goddamned word as father that you forget you ARE a father. You don't even care about me!"
Jack stepped back as if he had been slapped in the face, although her words stung more than any slap ever had. "Jade," he began. "You know that's not true. I-"
"Oh just stop it," she said coldly. "I hate you."
"To be loved is fortunate, but to be hated is to achieve distinction," Jack replied mechanically, advice he'd repeated to her more than once.
"Go away!" Jade screamed, walking from the room. "Leave me be!"
Jack sank back down into his seat, reaching for a bottle of rum. Jade's words stung. How could she think he didn't care about her? Leaning back, Jack though about how relieved he'd been when they'd found her, and how his heart had nearly cracked when he thought he'd lost her again. He thought about how she'd grown, from a skinny little child, always scampering about underfoot, to (as much as he hated to admit it) a beautiful young woman. Maybe she wasn't a proper lady, but the Caribbean had never seen a better pirate. Except, of course, for Captain Jack Sparrow. With a grin, Jack suddenly realized he liked it better that way. Jade Sparrow, the ruthless young pirate who still had much to learn. Still holding the rum bottle, Jack strode drunkenly onto the deck in search of Will. He found him at the far end of the Pearl, staring at the ocean.
"Will?"
Will turned around and was met with Jack's grin. "Yes?"
"We've got ourselves and escape to plan, savvy?"
The captain had returned.
*
While Jack Sparrow and Will Turner spent the night making their plans, Jade spent the night locked in her room, sitting cross-legged on her bed and staring outside. Absently she hummed her favourite tune in as soothing a tone as she could mange.
"A Pirate's life for me."
The words came slowly, cracked as she fought back tears.
"Stupid, stubborn bastard."
At some point during the night, sleep claimed her. Even her subconscious was distraught at the thought of losing her father, and her dreams were plagued with the memories of her childhood, of her father. In her sleep the tears she had not allowed fell, staining her cheeks.
She wasn't sure when, but the sky was bright and the words, "Land ho!" were the ones that woke her.
Hardening her resolution, Jade went to the deck in search of her father. She found him standing alone at the helm, his infamous grin back in place.
"Daddy?" she said, approaching him casually. He turned to her.
"Yes love?"
"I'm sorry. For what I said. I know you care about me. And I don't hate you, I swear it. It's just, I was upset, and.. I was so afraid they'd kill you before and now..." she broke off, afraid she might cry. She didn't WANT to cry. Looking at her, jack wanted to tell her the truth. But he didn't; her reaction to his 'death' was relevant for their plan to work.
"I know, love," he reassured her. "I'll miss you." Before he could say anymore, they were interrupted by the calls and orders occurring as the ship was docked. Jack turned to his daughter, smiling sadly.
"Already?" she demanded, not ready to let go. "We can't be here already."
Jack turned to leave for the dock. "I'll be seeing you," he said, leaving her alone.
Norrington was waiting for them with fifteen men. Apparently he had been expecting some sort of rebellion, but there was none. Leaving his effects on the Pearl, jack stepped ashore with his arms above his head.
"Miss me?"
"Tie his hands," Norrington ordered. His orders were followed as Will, Elizabeth an little Jack came ashore. The governor, waiting with the men, rushed to embrace Elizabeth but she pulled away, turning to the commodore imploringly.
"Is this really necessary?" she asked.
"I am afraid so, Mrs. Turner," he answered, retaining all formalities. "Take him to the prison. WE have no hold over the others, so they are free to go. Our captain here will be hung at sunset."
As they began to march off, Jade came down after them. "Wait!" she cried. "Commodore Norrington, would you really have a father?"
"Father or not, he is still a pirate, and every bit as deserving of any punishment we see fit to set him with." They walked away, leaving Jade behind with the Turners. Putting an arm around the girl, Elizabeth led her up on the path to the house.