Okay, I just re-read chapter three and I am ashamed of the number of spelling/grammar errors there are! I must explain that I write and keep on writing until I finish (when possible) and I rarely finish before 1 or 2 or 3 am, not to mention that I am horrible at proof-reading just after I am finished…so I post as-is and go back and edit latter….that is one of the causes for the errors, the other is the fact that I just suck at spelling, and I can't touch type, so I watch my fingers rather that the screen, lol. Oh! And I figured out why chapter 2 was so off, with the changing POVs, part of it was my mistake, but I had put in internal dialogue and italicized it, but when I posted it, the italics disappeared and made it sound weird. Sorry about that. So I have a question for you all – would you rather that I post right away, or would you rather wait until I have that betaed version ready? It's really up to you, my wonderful and lovely readers, so leave me feedback! Regardless, I will eventually post the betaed chapters, but its up to you if I post them from the get-go. Yes, I did say betaed chapters! I have a new beta! ::points at Mel then proceeds to jump up and down.:: I'm going to have to come up with something to give her for beta-ing for me…hehehe. Okay, on with the thanking people! And then the fic (I know that's what you all want!)
I love you all!!! I have 57 reviews between aff.n, ff.n, private e-mails and 4 MLs!!! *Passes out* WOW!! Thank you all soooo much!
RavensHaelo: Slash is coming, I swear by my honor as a fanfic writer! There will be slash, and there will be lots of it! Thanks for the review! I hope you like this chapter!
Rebma: I'm glad you like the story ^^ I won't tell you what I have planned for the future (aside from the slashy-sex) so you'll have to just wait and read!
doompaw: I'm sorry I didn't get this chapter out yesterday, I wanted it to be up to standard, so I took my time. Thank you very much for all the lovely comments! They definitely fuel the creative fires! I'm not going to rush the slash (even though I fear some of my reviewers might mutiny on me if I wait too long). I want it to be natural and I really don't want to rush it. Thank you again!
canisay: Lots of people need their Jack fix, and I will deliver, I swear! Thanks for the review!
melia: thanks for stayingup late to read my fic! It makes me warm and fuzzy to read that someone has staid up/not gone to bed to finish my fic since I've done it so many times myself when reading fics ^^;; Thank you very much!
Elfstone: Thanks for the review! I intend to keep posting as soon as I can get my fic finished. I know about the spelling mistakes, and you might find a few in here, I haven't given this chapter to my beta yet, I was in a hurry to get it posted ^^;;
troublegirl: yes, here's some more!
Tenshi-no-hikari/Jenny: Thanks for the review ^^ reviewes are what light the fire under my ass akd inspire me to keep writing, hehe. The Will'n'Jack-ness is coming soon!
Kai(and Asher): I'm glad you like it! People with multiple personalities…cool! HeHeHe! And I promise to keep writing and updating, lol. I don't want to face the wrath of any mutinous reviewers who are out for blood.
Veaira Winchester: Nope, I don't want to be responsible for the death(s) of any of my reviewers, so I'll continue to update as long as people continue to review. ^^
Jadded*Secrets: Thanks for the review! Slashy goodness is coming soon! I prommiss! No, you are nto the only person who thinks Jack is hot. I'm a Will girl myself, but Jack is a DAMN close second! I can't imagine anyone think of Jack as "ew." Send them Cat's way and she'll straighten their arses out, lol. Though I must say, Jack could use a bath once in a while, hehe.
QteCuttlfish: I'm glad you like the fic ^^ I'm trying to keep Norrington IC, but you might be right, he might be a little bit meaner, but not too much I hope! Thanks!
Jane Silver: Thank you! I like some angst, but I'm not sure if I could make Jack or Will could be angsty-enough for unrequited or believed unrequited love.
Sandrine Black: hehe, thanks!! Sorry I didn't get the fic up Friday, I wanted it to be up to par ^^ More descriptions of the sword within this chapter, I think Will will present it to Jack in the next chapter!
Title: A Change of Course 4/?
Author: ElizabethGreenleaf
E-mail: chichirinoda2002@yahoo.com or elvenarcherlover@aol.com
Rating: R for now. The slashy NC-17ness is coming…erm…was that 'no pun intended'?…I'm not so sure…
Pairings: JS/WT, WT/ES (friendship, post-failed relationship)
Fandom: Pirates of the Caribbean
Summary: Post PotC, Jack/Will. Life for Will, and even Elizabeth will never be the same as for the first time they each take their lives into their own hands and Will comes to terms with who he is and who he loves.
Feedback: ::Holds up a sign that says "Feed the Starving Writer" and a big red arrow pointing to REVIEW:: R any feedback is greatly appreciated. I hope I have Jack IC, any suggestions welcome!
Archive: sure, just tell me where so I can come and visit! ff.n, aff.n, Savvy? (http://evolutionsx.net/savvy/), Debauchery (http://debauchery.deep-ice.com/), And Cat's stick-figure fan-comic will be posted on her site, http://home.graffiti.net/cocfansite/coc.htm There's a little paint picture of Stick figure Jack up there now ^^;;;
Genre: Drama/Romance/and a touch of Adventure
Disclaimer: Still not mine ::sigh::
Warnings: Spoilers, Angst, Lemony goodness, SLASH, if two pretty boys going at it in the bedroom isn't your cup o' tea, get out now me hearties, YE HAVE BEEN WARNED
"// //"-dreams
"* *" - thoughts
Chapter 4: Of Sword Fights and Travel
Will stood on the docks for a long time after Elizabeth's ship was out of sight. He smiled one last time at the open ocean before taking his time getting back to the shop. He had caught up on his work the day before and was not intending to take on any more orders. Elizabeth was gone and that meant he no longer had any ties to Port Royal. He could leave, go anywhere he wanted in fact, and no one would care one way or the other. As soon as he received payment for everything in the shop, he would have more than enough money to--
"Mr. Turner," a cool, slick voice stopped Will in his tracks. /i The Commodore was dressed in his usual uniform. Every hair in his wig was where it belonged and his clothing did not even have the slightest hint of a wrinkle. Will held his ground and his hand immediately went to the hilt of the sword -- Jack's sword -- he had taken to wearing.
"Commodore Norrington." Will nodded to the man, Elizabeth's words still fresh in his mind. "What can I help you with this morning?" Will let his voice sound tired, listless and sad, like someone who had lost someone dear to him; in reality, Will could not have been happier for Elizabeth and her freedom was his freedom as well.
"Do not play me for a fool," Norrington said in a dangerously quiet voice. "I know you were part of this!" He raised his right hand which held a letter written in Elizabeth's neat script.
"I do not know what you are talking about." Will took his time to almost melodramatically inspect the paper still clutched in Norrington's hand. "Well now, that appears to be a letter from dear Elizabeth, if I do not mistake her writing." He shrugged his shoulders in a non-committal way. "I saw a whole stack of them on her table last night."
Norrington looked as though he was about to pop a blood vessel or he wanted to ring someone's neck. Will had never been one to back down from a fight and Will was in just the mood to egg the good Commodore on. After all, he needn't worry about being good so as not to harm Elizabeth's reputation (which undoubtedly would have been stained had it been known her best friend was a bit of a ruffian rather than the mild mannered and courteous blacksmith.)
"She gave one to me as well, Commodore."
Norrington looked as if he was about to develop a twitch in his eye. "Aye, it is Elizabeth's hand." Norrington sneered. His eyes were full of a firry hatred as he looked at Will. "Might we go inside to /i this matter?"
The gears in Will's head were working. Norrington did not want to have this conversation in public, which meant that Will /i wanted to because even if it only gave him a slight advantage, it was an advantage none the less. Pirates knew how to take even the slightest of upper-hands and use it as leverage to achieve the desired ends.
"I know of nothing we need to discuss, Commodore." Will continued to play the part of the confused, exhausted, and melancholy young man who had just lost his dearest friend and possible future wife.
"Read this, and /i tell me we have nothing to discuss." Norrington shoved the letter into Will's hand. With a sigh and much feigned disinterest, Will 'reluctantly' read the note, for while it was longer than the one dear Elizabeth had written to him, it was full of her biting sharp tongue.
i
Dear Commodore,
As you will have found out already (seeing as I was supposed to have luncheon with you, and you will have gone to my home to find it empty and a letter waiting there for you with one of my servants) that I have indeed left Port Royal and I am beginning my journey home by way of Virginia. You are, no doubt, offended that I left rather than accept your gracious proposal, or should I say demand, of marriage. You should long ago have realized that I do what I please and not what other people demand of me. To be perfectly honest, Commodore, I would rather marry a pirate than marry you.
I have a confession to make; I was not completely honest with you that day when I stood with Will in Captain Jack Sparrow's defense. Will said his place is between you and Jack, which certainly is true, but my place always has been -- and always will be -- between you and Will. Will gave me something you never did, and I wonder if you ever could. He gave me love. He loves me for who I am and not because I am the Governor's pretty young daughter. He loves me enough to trust me to follow my heart, wherever it takes me.
You are a shallow man, Commodore. You care naught for me or for the person that I am; you care only for your rank and for your country. This is a New World Commodore, and I intend to make the most of it. I know that you are probably thinking that you shall send a ship after me and try to catch up. I might have you note that I will not go willingly with you, and I promise you, I have friends who will come to my aid. You know of whom I speak; all pirates will do what you want, if you are willing to pay their price.
Good day, Commodore, I hope that our paths never meet again, for in all honesty I should very much like to run you through with my new dagger.
Never yours,
Elizabeth
/i
Will nodded solemnly and re-folded the paper and handed it back to Norrington. He did his best to keep his voice even and neutral. "What exactly is it that you want, Commodore?"
"What do I /i? Mr. Turner, I thought you to be more intelligent than that." He stepped closer to Will, invading his personal space. "I want Elizabeth."
"Well, Commodore, you seem to have a bit of a problem then. It seems to me that she does not want you." Will took a step back, knowing that his next words would provoke some action from the Commodore, especially when he made no effort to keep his voice down low in order to escape over hearing by the gossiping tongues of the locals. "If I were you, Commodore, I would not chase after someone who so obviously does not love me. A woman who would rather marry a pirate or skewer you with one of my daggers than accept your proposal does not sound like the trophy wife you seek, Commodore."
That certainly pushed the commodore into action. Had Will not been anticipating Norrington's reaction, he would have most likely lost an ear. Fortunately, Will brought Jack's blade up just in time to parry the Governor's movements and to take a step back.
"You dare to lecture me, Mr. Turner? You are out of line, sir." Norrington spat the last word out as though it was a vile thing. He advanced and lunged at Will; Will parried deftly and moved to the side, his eyes constantly watching Norrington's torso, waiting for the barest hint of muscle movement to betray what his opponent would do next.
"I lecture no one, /i, I only speak of facts. It is not my problem if you do not wish to listen to the facts." Will lunged forward, catching Norrington off guard. If Norrington wanted a fight, Will would give him one. He knew well the rules of fencing, and he had learned that you did not win a fight by defending yourself, you merely delayed the inevitable.
"How dare you!" Norrington thrust again and Will moved out of the way as the two began circling each other. The clang and swish of two well made swords filled the air. Norrington also carried one of Will's blades, one of his best actually, but it was not the spectacular piece that Will held in his own hand.
"How dare /i, Commodore? Elizabeth does not want you. She would rather take her chances in England than to marry you. That should tell you something, Commodore." Will continued. "If you were to go after her," every few sentences Will would thrust or feign a movement to keep the Commodore on his toes. "Catch up with her and bring her back," thrust, "I am not the only one," feign, lunge, parry, "Who would protest or help her to get away from you."
"Still keeping company with pirates, Mr. Turner?" thrust, "I would have thought," thrust, "you would have," a series of chopping strikes aimed at forcing Will to retreat were dodged as Will gracefully maneuvered out of Norrington's way "learned your lesson by now." A feign high as he tried to come in low at Will's exposed side. Will, however, was there, almost expecting Norrington's move.
"Pirates are better company than self absorbed Navy men who seek only power and things they have no hope of gaining." Will moved in lightning fast causing the Commodore to stumble and barely block Will's attack.
"You are out of line, Mr. Turner." Norrington was beginning to sweat. "I shall have to tell the new governor that one of his citizens keeps company with pirates when he arrives." Norrington resumed circling Will. He could not defeat the boy with the sword, so he would have to defeat him with words.
"A new governor will not arrive for a few months yet and I shall be long gone by then, Commodore." They continued to watch each other, occasionally feigning but never engaging.
"Ah yes, you shall be long gone." Norrington smiled cruelly as he lunged for Wills heart. "You shall be dead." Will parried the advance deftly. "I will see you hanged for piracy long before the new governor arrives." He moved in again to strike, but Will advanced, forcing him to defend rather than to attack. Norrington broke away, his taunts and jabs becoming harsher. "And just let your friend Sparrow try to save you. I shall have him killed as well. And you will watch him swing before you join him in Hell."
That was what pushed Will over the edge. Norrington should have learned by now that Will didn't take kindly to his friends' lives being threatened or put in danger for any reason. But the Commodore seemed to have a hard time grasping this concept and it was high time Will taught it to him.
"You have gone too far, Commodore." Will advanced on Norrington, tight, measured thrusts and lunges, forcing Norrington to retreat backwards again and again. His blocks were becoming hurried and his parries were fast becoming careless. Norrington tried once more to gain the upper hand by feigning left with a sloppy attack towards Will's shoulder and then cutting downward. Will caught Norrington's blade with Jack's and forced the blade out of Norrington's hand, pushing the off-balanced and surprised Norrington to the ground; the tip of his sword resting at Norrington's throat.
"Now, Commodore, you will listen to me." Will leaned down towards Norrington, the tip of his sword never leaving Norrington's neck. "I could kill you right here and now Commodore, but I am a better man then you. I have more honor than you do as well. /i do not attack a man when his back is turned." Will lowered his voice to a dangerously quiet level. "Here and now, Norrington, you are going to swear to me that you will not go after Elizabeth."
"Never," Norrington spat.
"Never is such a long time, even when you do have a sword to your throat." Will nicked the skin of Norrington's face and it began to bleed. Norrington flinched. Will smiled and spoke again. "I had thought to do this quietly, but it seems I shall have to talk loud enough for our audience to hear now. Pity." Will plainly did not believe the last. He smirked as he stood back up to his full height and began to speak loud enough so that his voice carried into the gathering crowd.
"Just think, Commodore, what it would do to your reputation to go after a girl who has plainly said she would rather kill you than marry you. Just think what people would say, 'The Commodore wen' afta d girl an' she din' wan' non' to do wit' 'im. Forced 'er t' come back, 'e did. Forced 'er t' marry 'im too. What a fool.' Is that what you want, Commodore? Don't be rash. And as for your blatant threat that I should help you to bring Elizabeth back or you would have me killed, you will do no such thing. You will never have the opportunity to hang me, for while I remain in Port Royal I shall give you no cause to have me arrested or hanged. Oh, and just so we are clear, if you ever lay a finger on either Elizabeth or Jack again, I shall cut you open from navel to nose. Just remember Commodore, I could have killed you today and I would have been in the right to do so, but I did not. I spared your worthless life today, remember that you attacked a man from behind, insulted him, threatened him, and it was you who ended up lying on the ground with a sword pointed at your throat."
Will spat on the ground, missing Norrington by mere inches, and removed the sword tip from Norrington's throat. He turned his back on Norrington, did not offer the other man a hand to get up off the ground and kicked dirt onto Norrington's lost blade.
Norrington used the nearby wall to help him stand and leaned against it for support as he called out to Will. "Where will you go now, Mr. Turner? Shall you go after your 'dearest Elizabeth' or do you intend to turn pirate and join up with Sparrow?" Will ignored Norrington's remark and cleaned the blood off the tip of Jack's sword. "I hope you do join up with that drunken, treacherous waste of a life and worthless member of society. Then I can see you both hanged, side by side. You will watch as he swings from the gallows and this time you will not be able to save him! You will be strung up next to him watching him dance from the hangman's noose. Yes, Will Turner, I /i see you-" Norrington's words were cut short as Will threw the blade that had been abandoned on the ground directly into the wooden beam next to Norrington's head, just close enough to nick his ear.
"Commodore, I thought we went over this already -- threatening my friends will get you naught but a painful death. Then again, death might be preferable to the criticism you shall have to endure after this." Will turned on his heal and began to stride away.
A livid Norrington moved to catch up to Will, grabbed him by the shoulder, spun him around and brought his hand down with a loud SMACK! Norrington's palm had made firm contact with the side of Will's face and Will was not one to stand by after having been insulted in such a manner. Will's right-hook struck Norrington's face squarely in the eye. Norrington hunched over in pain, his wig slipping from his head as he held onto his aching face. Will kicked the wig towards Norrington. "Goodbye, Commodore. I take my leave of you and your city. I shall be gone by 'morrow noon, in search of my love."
Will quickly made his way back to the shop and shut the door behind him, thankful to be alone. He sunk down into a chair and rested his head on his arms on the table. He could not believe what he had just done. He had crossed swords with Norrington and won! He had insulted the man, as the man had insulted him. Norrington's insults and threats had cut him deeply, bringing Will's fears about his and Jack's deaths to the fore-front of his mind. If his mind had not been made up before the fight, it was after it. Will needed to see Jack. He needed to reassure himself that Jack was still alive and he wasn't the rotting skeleton that haunted his dreams and nightmares. And Will needed to know if Jack loved him too. Not to mention that he needed to deliver Jack's impressive sword to him.
The sword. It had served Will well in the fight. It was truly a masterfully designed piece and it flew threw the air as though it had a mind of its own and knew its target before Will did. Will examined the sword. The folded steel blade was etched with gold at the fuller(1). The grip of the hilt was solid and it too was inlaid with crisscrossing strands of gold and silver. Though the pattern was far more ornate and complex than was necessarily popular, it would suit the pirate very well. The pommel was solid steel washed with gold inlaid at the button with a rather large ruby Will had swiped from the piles of treasure at the Isla de Muerta. The full, swept guard was of a firm, yet intricate design and pattern, complete with a handful of black pearls set into the outer guard (the loop guard, the crossguard, and the knuckle guard). Will balanced the sword on his finger. Perfectly balance.
"'Tis a fine sword." Will turned and pointed the sword in mention at the speaker. It was Mr. Brown. He was standing up, with help from one of the beams supporting the ceiling. "Will, you have far surpassed the training of an apprentice, and your skills are far beyond those of a journeyman blacksmith. You have become a master blacksmith without my knowing it." Will had not heard him sound so lucid in years. He took a leather pouch out of the inside of his vest. "Here." He held out the bag to Will, who stood and walked over to Mr. Brown and took the bag into his hands, and opened it up. Inside was a handful of pesos, silver pieces of eight and three Spanish doubloons. Will looked up, shocked. One doubloon was equal to about seven weeks pay for your average sailor(2).
"Sir, I don't understand," Will began, confused.
"It's simple, young William. Just the swords you have left here in this shop will easily amount to as much, and from what I have been hearing today, you need to leave Port Royal as soon as possible. You would not be able to sell nearly enough of what you have by tomorrow, so I am offering you a trade, the money for what you have left in the shop, minus what you intend to use personally, of course. What do you say?" Will had no choice, not that he really had any doubts about what to do.
"Agreed. Thank you Mr. Brown." Will smiled and tucked the pouch into his shirt.
"After all, if you do turn pirate, how many people will want to claim that they own a sword forged by the infamous Will Turner of the legendary damned ship the Black Pearl." Will laughed. He should have known there was some angle for Brown to make money in the situation.
"Thank you." Will put out his hand and Brown shook it firmly. "Good voyage to you lad." And with that, Brown left the shop.
Will quickly got over the shock of his good luck. He had not expected to have so much money leaving on this voyage, and he was suddenly thankful that he had a well-made trunk with a seamless, shallow, fake bottom. Will took one of the coins out of the pouch, placed it in his belt purse, and proceeded to empty his trunk. He placed the rest of the gold in the hidden compartment beneath the false bottom, repacked the trunk with all of his belongings, before adding his own personal sword (which he would use after giving Jack his sword), a dagger, a knife, and a hatchet.
Will locked the trunk and made his way from the shop to the docks, looking for a slightly disrespectful merchant ship whose captain would take him wherever he wanted, for the right price.
He spied iThe Spiteful Donkey/i, fondly known as 'the Ass' by her captain, John Southard, and her crew. The ship was in fact leaving in little over an hour when Will arrived. It did not take nearly as much monetary persuasion to convince Captain Southard to take him to Tortuga as he had expected. The two men shook on the deal and Will vowed to be back within the hour.
Will hurried to the baker's shop and found Christopher closing up shop. "Chris!" Will called to him.
"'Ello, Will." The slightly younger man with flaming red hair and a good dusting of freckles called back. "Wha' can I do fer ye?"
"Might you be able to give me an' my trunk a lift to the docks?" Will tried not to sound too hopeful.
"Surely. I'll be by as soon as possible. Dominic should be back with the wagon any time now." Chris smiled at Will. 'This would na 'ave any t'in ter do wit' yer fight wit' d' Commodore, wou' it?" Will just smiled at Chris mischievously.
"Just bring that cart by as quick as you can." Will disappeared down an ally and walked into the blacksmith's shop for the last time. He would miss the place, but not as much as he would miss Jack if he were to stay.
Chris came by a few minutes later and the two hoisted Will's trunk into the back of the wagon for the short trip to the docks. Chris talked about his upcoming wedding to one of the local seamstresses and in no time at all, they were at the dock where 'the Ass' was docked. Chris helped him get his trunk on board and two crewmembers showed them down below decks to the hammock that Will would use for the next two days. They returned topside and Will quickly said goodbye to his friend.
The ship set sail for Tortuga, much to some of the crew's dismay. Will dined with captain Southard in his cabin that night. "What business brings a blacksmith to Tortuga?" The captain asked will in what he hoped was a conversational manner.
"I'm looking for someone," Will said evasively.
"And, if ye don't mind me askin', who might this someone be?"
"A pirate."
"A pirate, eh? There are an awful lot of those down in Tortuga. One pirate in particular, or will any one do?"
"Oh, a specific one," Will said in a tone that ended the conversation neatly.
The ship sailed on fairly calm seas for just over two days. They reached Tortuga near sunset. They docked long enough for Will and his trunk to be let off and then they were gone again.
Will bribed a young man to help him carry his trunk to one of the 'nicer' inns. Will rented a room for the next two days, and retreated to his room to sleep for a few hours.
Around midnight, Will woke up ravenously hungry and in need of a drink. It had been a long week and rum, Jack's poison of choice, was beginning to sound awfully tempting. Will took a seat towards the back where he could see everyone without everyone taking notice of him. He gave his order to the serving wench and she returned moments latter with a turkey leg and some rum. Will listened to the conversations going on around him for news of the Pearl. Several prostitutes propositioned the 'Pretty lad,' but he brushed them off.
It wasn't until nearly dawn, when Will's eye lids were beginning to sag from lack of sleep and too much alcohol that word of the Pearl reached his ears.
"Aye! I swear Is seen i'! Not a week back! 'Twer headed back 'ere, mes thought. But 'twer caught in dat storm de other day. Ain't been no word 'bout 'er since."
This news made Will ill and he stumbled to his feet, anxious to get to his rented bed, to go to sleep and hope that the conversation was naught but a figment of his alcohol-clouded mind. Will stumbled into the room and onto the bed that Will did not want to even attempt to identify the smells and stains on the bed. Will fell almost instantly asleep.
i
//The Black Pearl blends in with the inky darkness of the storm. Sea swells splash over the sides of the ship. Jack stands at the wheel, trying to steer the ship threw the maze of endless, impossibly large waves. Will calls out to him but he can not even hear his own voice over the rain and wind. Lightning flashes in the distance and is followed almost instantly by thunder. The storm is coming closer; ever closer. Will races to Jack, but is swept off the stairs by a wave.
CRACK!
Lightning strikes the highest mast and sets the black sails aflame. Will calls out to Jack, to tell him, but Jack seems oblivious to it all. Fire creeps ever closer to Jack, and still he seems not to notice.
BAMM!
Will feels himself flying through the air before crashing painfully into the inky-water. Will fights to get to the surface, his lungs burning for air. He almost wishes he hadn't made it to the surface when he sees what awaits him. The Pearl is naught but flaming debris.
Will screams out into the night.
It is day and Will seems to hover above the water. There is sea, endless sea surrounding him. Jack! Jack lays almost motionless on a piece of wreckage. His clothes are a wreck and his skin is covered by burns. His breath comes in jagged gasps. Will tries to touch Jack, but his hand passed right through him. Will sits there and watches as Jack fries in the sun, alone and with no help in sight. Will feels so helpless.//
/i
Will awoke some time in the afternoon with a slight hangover, which could have been much worse. He raised his hand to rub sleep from his eyes and was surprised to find that his cheeks were wet with tears. His dreams and nightmares had always made real his deepest fears, and if his dreams of late were any indication, Will's greatest fears involved losing Jack. Slowly, Will opened his eyes, squinting to keep out the damnable sunlight.
Will made to sit up, but found himself hindered. His hand was grasping the hilt of Jack's sword so tightly it hurt. It was an effort to command his fingers to release the hilt. Painfully Will stretched his cramped digits and sat up, taking a look around the room. His head was spinning a little and he most definitely had a headache. Will slowly swung his feet to the floor and tested them before standing on them. With a groan and the assistance of the bed post, Will stood up. "Mornin, luv." And fell over.
i*That voice. It sounded like…No, it can't be…* /i"Jack?" Will's voice came out a croak as he tried to make his muscles work in the proper fashion and stand up.
He was abruptly pulled to his feet and came face to face with the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. For a moment, he was sure he was going to faint with happiness. Jack Sparrow held him upright with a hand on each of his arms. Jack's gold and ivory smile shined and his eyes sparkled with mischief. His hair was held back with its customary red bandana, though the hat was missing. And Will could smell the distinct aroma of rum, salt, and unwashed pirate. "Aye, 'tis me, Captain Jack Sparrow."
"Jack!" Will threw his arms around his friend, his love. Jack was warm and solid. He laughed and hugged Will back. "You need a bath." Will mumbled into Jack's shoulder.
"Nice to see you too, whelp." He released Will and draped his arm around Will's shoulder, causing Will to stumble again until Jack steadied him. "So did you miss ol' Jack?" he asked with a toothy grin.
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(1) Here the sites I got my sword information from: http://www.deathstar.org/groups/ros/reference/rapieranatomy.gif and http://www.myarmoury.com/feature_anatomy.html if you're interested.
(2) Its sad but true, Cat and I spent over an hour in the bookstore pouring over the Dorling Kindersley "Eyewitness Books: PIRATE" by Richard Platt. I took something like three pages of notes because I could not afford to buy this book. And just FYI, its really helpful and has LOTS of pictures. I will continue to quote from it, and from two other pirate books at future dates. Another book you might be interested in, its from the same series, its called "Eyewitness Books: ARMS & ARMOR" by Michele Byam. It has a whole section on dueling swords (i.e. rapiers)
TBC…
AN: Cat is over while I finish this and she is about to commandeer the laptop from me, so I might as well let her say what she wants…
"Norrington is mine. I have taken him hostage and I hold him captive in my Mary Sue world! Gwah ha ha! Not that any of you miss the poor louse. I love the story so far and it only gets better!
Stick Figure Jack: I need some Turner action soon, Lassie!
Listen to the cute little stick Jack and give him booty. You know what kind I mean. 3 You rock. Keep up!"
Thanks Cat ^^ she really did draw an adorable little stick figure Jack! Little word bubbles and all, lol. She's going to scan him into her computer and I'll post a link when she puts it on her web page. She wants to turn the entire fic into a stick-figure comic ^^()()
Oh, and I'm sorry it took so long to get this chapter out, life just keeps catching up to me, lol.
I love you all!!! I have 57 reviews between aff.n, ff.n, private e-mails and 4 MLs!!! *Passes out* WOW!! Thank you all soooo much!
RavensHaelo: Slash is coming, I swear by my honor as a fanfic writer! There will be slash, and there will be lots of it! Thanks for the review! I hope you like this chapter!
Rebma: I'm glad you like the story ^^ I won't tell you what I have planned for the future (aside from the slashy-sex) so you'll have to just wait and read!
doompaw: I'm sorry I didn't get this chapter out yesterday, I wanted it to be up to standard, so I took my time. Thank you very much for all the lovely comments! They definitely fuel the creative fires! I'm not going to rush the slash (even though I fear some of my reviewers might mutiny on me if I wait too long). I want it to be natural and I really don't want to rush it. Thank you again!
canisay: Lots of people need their Jack fix, and I will deliver, I swear! Thanks for the review!
melia: thanks for stayingup late to read my fic! It makes me warm and fuzzy to read that someone has staid up/not gone to bed to finish my fic since I've done it so many times myself when reading fics ^^;; Thank you very much!
Elfstone: Thanks for the review! I intend to keep posting as soon as I can get my fic finished. I know about the spelling mistakes, and you might find a few in here, I haven't given this chapter to my beta yet, I was in a hurry to get it posted ^^;;
troublegirl: yes, here's some more!
Tenshi-no-hikari/Jenny: Thanks for the review ^^ reviewes are what light the fire under my ass akd inspire me to keep writing, hehe. The Will'n'Jack-ness is coming soon!
Kai(and Asher): I'm glad you like it! People with multiple personalities…cool! HeHeHe! And I promise to keep writing and updating, lol. I don't want to face the wrath of any mutinous reviewers who are out for blood.
Veaira Winchester: Nope, I don't want to be responsible for the death(s) of any of my reviewers, so I'll continue to update as long as people continue to review. ^^
Jadded*Secrets: Thanks for the review! Slashy goodness is coming soon! I prommiss! No, you are nto the only person who thinks Jack is hot. I'm a Will girl myself, but Jack is a DAMN close second! I can't imagine anyone think of Jack as "ew." Send them Cat's way and she'll straighten their arses out, lol. Though I must say, Jack could use a bath once in a while, hehe.
QteCuttlfish: I'm glad you like the fic ^^ I'm trying to keep Norrington IC, but you might be right, he might be a little bit meaner, but not too much I hope! Thanks!
Jane Silver: Thank you! I like some angst, but I'm not sure if I could make Jack or Will could be angsty-enough for unrequited or believed unrequited love.
Sandrine Black: hehe, thanks!! Sorry I didn't get the fic up Friday, I wanted it to be up to par ^^ More descriptions of the sword within this chapter, I think Will will present it to Jack in the next chapter!
Title: A Change of Course 4/?
Author: ElizabethGreenleaf
E-mail: chichirinoda2002@yahoo.com or elvenarcherlover@aol.com
Rating: R for now. The slashy NC-17ness is coming…erm…was that 'no pun intended'?…I'm not so sure…
Pairings: JS/WT, WT/ES (friendship, post-failed relationship)
Fandom: Pirates of the Caribbean
Summary: Post PotC, Jack/Will. Life for Will, and even Elizabeth will never be the same as for the first time they each take their lives into their own hands and Will comes to terms with who he is and who he loves.
Feedback: ::Holds up a sign that says "Feed the Starving Writer" and a big red arrow pointing to REVIEW:: R any feedback is greatly appreciated. I hope I have Jack IC, any suggestions welcome!
Archive: sure, just tell me where so I can come and visit! ff.n, aff.n, Savvy? (http://evolutionsx.net/savvy/), Debauchery (http://debauchery.deep-ice.com/), And Cat's stick-figure fan-comic will be posted on her site, http://home.graffiti.net/cocfansite/coc.htm There's a little paint picture of Stick figure Jack up there now ^^;;;
Genre: Drama/Romance/and a touch of Adventure
Disclaimer: Still not mine ::sigh::
Warnings: Spoilers, Angst, Lemony goodness, SLASH, if two pretty boys going at it in the bedroom isn't your cup o' tea, get out now me hearties, YE HAVE BEEN WARNED
"// //"-dreams
"* *" - thoughts
Chapter 4: Of Sword Fights and Travel
Will stood on the docks for a long time after Elizabeth's ship was out of sight. He smiled one last time at the open ocean before taking his time getting back to the shop. He had caught up on his work the day before and was not intending to take on any more orders. Elizabeth was gone and that meant he no longer had any ties to Port Royal. He could leave, go anywhere he wanted in fact, and no one would care one way or the other. As soon as he received payment for everything in the shop, he would have more than enough money to--
"Mr. Turner," a cool, slick voice stopped Will in his tracks. /i The Commodore was dressed in his usual uniform. Every hair in his wig was where it belonged and his clothing did not even have the slightest hint of a wrinkle. Will held his ground and his hand immediately went to the hilt of the sword -- Jack's sword -- he had taken to wearing.
"Commodore Norrington." Will nodded to the man, Elizabeth's words still fresh in his mind. "What can I help you with this morning?" Will let his voice sound tired, listless and sad, like someone who had lost someone dear to him; in reality, Will could not have been happier for Elizabeth and her freedom was his freedom as well.
"Do not play me for a fool," Norrington said in a dangerously quiet voice. "I know you were part of this!" He raised his right hand which held a letter written in Elizabeth's neat script.
"I do not know what you are talking about." Will took his time to almost melodramatically inspect the paper still clutched in Norrington's hand. "Well now, that appears to be a letter from dear Elizabeth, if I do not mistake her writing." He shrugged his shoulders in a non-committal way. "I saw a whole stack of them on her table last night."
Norrington looked as though he was about to pop a blood vessel or he wanted to ring someone's neck. Will had never been one to back down from a fight and Will was in just the mood to egg the good Commodore on. After all, he needn't worry about being good so as not to harm Elizabeth's reputation (which undoubtedly would have been stained had it been known her best friend was a bit of a ruffian rather than the mild mannered and courteous blacksmith.)
"She gave one to me as well, Commodore."
Norrington looked as if he was about to develop a twitch in his eye. "Aye, it is Elizabeth's hand." Norrington sneered. His eyes were full of a firry hatred as he looked at Will. "Might we go inside to /i this matter?"
The gears in Will's head were working. Norrington did not want to have this conversation in public, which meant that Will /i wanted to because even if it only gave him a slight advantage, it was an advantage none the less. Pirates knew how to take even the slightest of upper-hands and use it as leverage to achieve the desired ends.
"I know of nothing we need to discuss, Commodore." Will continued to play the part of the confused, exhausted, and melancholy young man who had just lost his dearest friend and possible future wife.
"Read this, and /i tell me we have nothing to discuss." Norrington shoved the letter into Will's hand. With a sigh and much feigned disinterest, Will 'reluctantly' read the note, for while it was longer than the one dear Elizabeth had written to him, it was full of her biting sharp tongue.
i
Dear Commodore,
As you will have found out already (seeing as I was supposed to have luncheon with you, and you will have gone to my home to find it empty and a letter waiting there for you with one of my servants) that I have indeed left Port Royal and I am beginning my journey home by way of Virginia. You are, no doubt, offended that I left rather than accept your gracious proposal, or should I say demand, of marriage. You should long ago have realized that I do what I please and not what other people demand of me. To be perfectly honest, Commodore, I would rather marry a pirate than marry you.
I have a confession to make; I was not completely honest with you that day when I stood with Will in Captain Jack Sparrow's defense. Will said his place is between you and Jack, which certainly is true, but my place always has been -- and always will be -- between you and Will. Will gave me something you never did, and I wonder if you ever could. He gave me love. He loves me for who I am and not because I am the Governor's pretty young daughter. He loves me enough to trust me to follow my heart, wherever it takes me.
You are a shallow man, Commodore. You care naught for me or for the person that I am; you care only for your rank and for your country. This is a New World Commodore, and I intend to make the most of it. I know that you are probably thinking that you shall send a ship after me and try to catch up. I might have you note that I will not go willingly with you, and I promise you, I have friends who will come to my aid. You know of whom I speak; all pirates will do what you want, if you are willing to pay their price.
Good day, Commodore, I hope that our paths never meet again, for in all honesty I should very much like to run you through with my new dagger.
Never yours,
Elizabeth
/i
Will nodded solemnly and re-folded the paper and handed it back to Norrington. He did his best to keep his voice even and neutral. "What exactly is it that you want, Commodore?"
"What do I /i? Mr. Turner, I thought you to be more intelligent than that." He stepped closer to Will, invading his personal space. "I want Elizabeth."
"Well, Commodore, you seem to have a bit of a problem then. It seems to me that she does not want you." Will took a step back, knowing that his next words would provoke some action from the Commodore, especially when he made no effort to keep his voice down low in order to escape over hearing by the gossiping tongues of the locals. "If I were you, Commodore, I would not chase after someone who so obviously does not love me. A woman who would rather marry a pirate or skewer you with one of my daggers than accept your proposal does not sound like the trophy wife you seek, Commodore."
That certainly pushed the commodore into action. Had Will not been anticipating Norrington's reaction, he would have most likely lost an ear. Fortunately, Will brought Jack's blade up just in time to parry the Governor's movements and to take a step back.
"You dare to lecture me, Mr. Turner? You are out of line, sir." Norrington spat the last word out as though it was a vile thing. He advanced and lunged at Will; Will parried deftly and moved to the side, his eyes constantly watching Norrington's torso, waiting for the barest hint of muscle movement to betray what his opponent would do next.
"I lecture no one, /i, I only speak of facts. It is not my problem if you do not wish to listen to the facts." Will lunged forward, catching Norrington off guard. If Norrington wanted a fight, Will would give him one. He knew well the rules of fencing, and he had learned that you did not win a fight by defending yourself, you merely delayed the inevitable.
"How dare you!" Norrington thrust again and Will moved out of the way as the two began circling each other. The clang and swish of two well made swords filled the air. Norrington also carried one of Will's blades, one of his best actually, but it was not the spectacular piece that Will held in his own hand.
"How dare /i, Commodore? Elizabeth does not want you. She would rather take her chances in England than to marry you. That should tell you something, Commodore." Will continued. "If you were to go after her," every few sentences Will would thrust or feign a movement to keep the Commodore on his toes. "Catch up with her and bring her back," thrust, "I am not the only one," feign, lunge, parry, "Who would protest or help her to get away from you."
"Still keeping company with pirates, Mr. Turner?" thrust, "I would have thought," thrust, "you would have," a series of chopping strikes aimed at forcing Will to retreat were dodged as Will gracefully maneuvered out of Norrington's way "learned your lesson by now." A feign high as he tried to come in low at Will's exposed side. Will, however, was there, almost expecting Norrington's move.
"Pirates are better company than self absorbed Navy men who seek only power and things they have no hope of gaining." Will moved in lightning fast causing the Commodore to stumble and barely block Will's attack.
"You are out of line, Mr. Turner." Norrington was beginning to sweat. "I shall have to tell the new governor that one of his citizens keeps company with pirates when he arrives." Norrington resumed circling Will. He could not defeat the boy with the sword, so he would have to defeat him with words.
"A new governor will not arrive for a few months yet and I shall be long gone by then, Commodore." They continued to watch each other, occasionally feigning but never engaging.
"Ah yes, you shall be long gone." Norrington smiled cruelly as he lunged for Wills heart. "You shall be dead." Will parried the advance deftly. "I will see you hanged for piracy long before the new governor arrives." He moved in again to strike, but Will advanced, forcing him to defend rather than to attack. Norrington broke away, his taunts and jabs becoming harsher. "And just let your friend Sparrow try to save you. I shall have him killed as well. And you will watch him swing before you join him in Hell."
That was what pushed Will over the edge. Norrington should have learned by now that Will didn't take kindly to his friends' lives being threatened or put in danger for any reason. But the Commodore seemed to have a hard time grasping this concept and it was high time Will taught it to him.
"You have gone too far, Commodore." Will advanced on Norrington, tight, measured thrusts and lunges, forcing Norrington to retreat backwards again and again. His blocks were becoming hurried and his parries were fast becoming careless. Norrington tried once more to gain the upper hand by feigning left with a sloppy attack towards Will's shoulder and then cutting downward. Will caught Norrington's blade with Jack's and forced the blade out of Norrington's hand, pushing the off-balanced and surprised Norrington to the ground; the tip of his sword resting at Norrington's throat.
"Now, Commodore, you will listen to me." Will leaned down towards Norrington, the tip of his sword never leaving Norrington's neck. "I could kill you right here and now Commodore, but I am a better man then you. I have more honor than you do as well. /i do not attack a man when his back is turned." Will lowered his voice to a dangerously quiet level. "Here and now, Norrington, you are going to swear to me that you will not go after Elizabeth."
"Never," Norrington spat.
"Never is such a long time, even when you do have a sword to your throat." Will nicked the skin of Norrington's face and it began to bleed. Norrington flinched. Will smiled and spoke again. "I had thought to do this quietly, but it seems I shall have to talk loud enough for our audience to hear now. Pity." Will plainly did not believe the last. He smirked as he stood back up to his full height and began to speak loud enough so that his voice carried into the gathering crowd.
"Just think, Commodore, what it would do to your reputation to go after a girl who has plainly said she would rather kill you than marry you. Just think what people would say, 'The Commodore wen' afta d girl an' she din' wan' non' to do wit' 'im. Forced 'er t' come back, 'e did. Forced 'er t' marry 'im too. What a fool.' Is that what you want, Commodore? Don't be rash. And as for your blatant threat that I should help you to bring Elizabeth back or you would have me killed, you will do no such thing. You will never have the opportunity to hang me, for while I remain in Port Royal I shall give you no cause to have me arrested or hanged. Oh, and just so we are clear, if you ever lay a finger on either Elizabeth or Jack again, I shall cut you open from navel to nose. Just remember Commodore, I could have killed you today and I would have been in the right to do so, but I did not. I spared your worthless life today, remember that you attacked a man from behind, insulted him, threatened him, and it was you who ended up lying on the ground with a sword pointed at your throat."
Will spat on the ground, missing Norrington by mere inches, and removed the sword tip from Norrington's throat. He turned his back on Norrington, did not offer the other man a hand to get up off the ground and kicked dirt onto Norrington's lost blade.
Norrington used the nearby wall to help him stand and leaned against it for support as he called out to Will. "Where will you go now, Mr. Turner? Shall you go after your 'dearest Elizabeth' or do you intend to turn pirate and join up with Sparrow?" Will ignored Norrington's remark and cleaned the blood off the tip of Jack's sword. "I hope you do join up with that drunken, treacherous waste of a life and worthless member of society. Then I can see you both hanged, side by side. You will watch as he swings from the gallows and this time you will not be able to save him! You will be strung up next to him watching him dance from the hangman's noose. Yes, Will Turner, I /i see you-" Norrington's words were cut short as Will threw the blade that had been abandoned on the ground directly into the wooden beam next to Norrington's head, just close enough to nick his ear.
"Commodore, I thought we went over this already -- threatening my friends will get you naught but a painful death. Then again, death might be preferable to the criticism you shall have to endure after this." Will turned on his heal and began to stride away.
A livid Norrington moved to catch up to Will, grabbed him by the shoulder, spun him around and brought his hand down with a loud SMACK! Norrington's palm had made firm contact with the side of Will's face and Will was not one to stand by after having been insulted in such a manner. Will's right-hook struck Norrington's face squarely in the eye. Norrington hunched over in pain, his wig slipping from his head as he held onto his aching face. Will kicked the wig towards Norrington. "Goodbye, Commodore. I take my leave of you and your city. I shall be gone by 'morrow noon, in search of my love."
Will quickly made his way back to the shop and shut the door behind him, thankful to be alone. He sunk down into a chair and rested his head on his arms on the table. He could not believe what he had just done. He had crossed swords with Norrington and won! He had insulted the man, as the man had insulted him. Norrington's insults and threats had cut him deeply, bringing Will's fears about his and Jack's deaths to the fore-front of his mind. If his mind had not been made up before the fight, it was after it. Will needed to see Jack. He needed to reassure himself that Jack was still alive and he wasn't the rotting skeleton that haunted his dreams and nightmares. And Will needed to know if Jack loved him too. Not to mention that he needed to deliver Jack's impressive sword to him.
The sword. It had served Will well in the fight. It was truly a masterfully designed piece and it flew threw the air as though it had a mind of its own and knew its target before Will did. Will examined the sword. The folded steel blade was etched with gold at the fuller(1). The grip of the hilt was solid and it too was inlaid with crisscrossing strands of gold and silver. Though the pattern was far more ornate and complex than was necessarily popular, it would suit the pirate very well. The pommel was solid steel washed with gold inlaid at the button with a rather large ruby Will had swiped from the piles of treasure at the Isla de Muerta. The full, swept guard was of a firm, yet intricate design and pattern, complete with a handful of black pearls set into the outer guard (the loop guard, the crossguard, and the knuckle guard). Will balanced the sword on his finger. Perfectly balance.
"'Tis a fine sword." Will turned and pointed the sword in mention at the speaker. It was Mr. Brown. He was standing up, with help from one of the beams supporting the ceiling. "Will, you have far surpassed the training of an apprentice, and your skills are far beyond those of a journeyman blacksmith. You have become a master blacksmith without my knowing it." Will had not heard him sound so lucid in years. He took a leather pouch out of the inside of his vest. "Here." He held out the bag to Will, who stood and walked over to Mr. Brown and took the bag into his hands, and opened it up. Inside was a handful of pesos, silver pieces of eight and three Spanish doubloons. Will looked up, shocked. One doubloon was equal to about seven weeks pay for your average sailor(2).
"Sir, I don't understand," Will began, confused.
"It's simple, young William. Just the swords you have left here in this shop will easily amount to as much, and from what I have been hearing today, you need to leave Port Royal as soon as possible. You would not be able to sell nearly enough of what you have by tomorrow, so I am offering you a trade, the money for what you have left in the shop, minus what you intend to use personally, of course. What do you say?" Will had no choice, not that he really had any doubts about what to do.
"Agreed. Thank you Mr. Brown." Will smiled and tucked the pouch into his shirt.
"After all, if you do turn pirate, how many people will want to claim that they own a sword forged by the infamous Will Turner of the legendary damned ship the Black Pearl." Will laughed. He should have known there was some angle for Brown to make money in the situation.
"Thank you." Will put out his hand and Brown shook it firmly. "Good voyage to you lad." And with that, Brown left the shop.
Will quickly got over the shock of his good luck. He had not expected to have so much money leaving on this voyage, and he was suddenly thankful that he had a well-made trunk with a seamless, shallow, fake bottom. Will took one of the coins out of the pouch, placed it in his belt purse, and proceeded to empty his trunk. He placed the rest of the gold in the hidden compartment beneath the false bottom, repacked the trunk with all of his belongings, before adding his own personal sword (which he would use after giving Jack his sword), a dagger, a knife, and a hatchet.
Will locked the trunk and made his way from the shop to the docks, looking for a slightly disrespectful merchant ship whose captain would take him wherever he wanted, for the right price.
He spied iThe Spiteful Donkey/i, fondly known as 'the Ass' by her captain, John Southard, and her crew. The ship was in fact leaving in little over an hour when Will arrived. It did not take nearly as much monetary persuasion to convince Captain Southard to take him to Tortuga as he had expected. The two men shook on the deal and Will vowed to be back within the hour.
Will hurried to the baker's shop and found Christopher closing up shop. "Chris!" Will called to him.
"'Ello, Will." The slightly younger man with flaming red hair and a good dusting of freckles called back. "Wha' can I do fer ye?"
"Might you be able to give me an' my trunk a lift to the docks?" Will tried not to sound too hopeful.
"Surely. I'll be by as soon as possible. Dominic should be back with the wagon any time now." Chris smiled at Will. 'This would na 'ave any t'in ter do wit' yer fight wit' d' Commodore, wou' it?" Will just smiled at Chris mischievously.
"Just bring that cart by as quick as you can." Will disappeared down an ally and walked into the blacksmith's shop for the last time. He would miss the place, but not as much as he would miss Jack if he were to stay.
Chris came by a few minutes later and the two hoisted Will's trunk into the back of the wagon for the short trip to the docks. Chris talked about his upcoming wedding to one of the local seamstresses and in no time at all, they were at the dock where 'the Ass' was docked. Chris helped him get his trunk on board and two crewmembers showed them down below decks to the hammock that Will would use for the next two days. They returned topside and Will quickly said goodbye to his friend.
The ship set sail for Tortuga, much to some of the crew's dismay. Will dined with captain Southard in his cabin that night. "What business brings a blacksmith to Tortuga?" The captain asked will in what he hoped was a conversational manner.
"I'm looking for someone," Will said evasively.
"And, if ye don't mind me askin', who might this someone be?"
"A pirate."
"A pirate, eh? There are an awful lot of those down in Tortuga. One pirate in particular, or will any one do?"
"Oh, a specific one," Will said in a tone that ended the conversation neatly.
The ship sailed on fairly calm seas for just over two days. They reached Tortuga near sunset. They docked long enough for Will and his trunk to be let off and then they were gone again.
Will bribed a young man to help him carry his trunk to one of the 'nicer' inns. Will rented a room for the next two days, and retreated to his room to sleep for a few hours.
Around midnight, Will woke up ravenously hungry and in need of a drink. It had been a long week and rum, Jack's poison of choice, was beginning to sound awfully tempting. Will took a seat towards the back where he could see everyone without everyone taking notice of him. He gave his order to the serving wench and she returned moments latter with a turkey leg and some rum. Will listened to the conversations going on around him for news of the Pearl. Several prostitutes propositioned the 'Pretty lad,' but he brushed them off.
It wasn't until nearly dawn, when Will's eye lids were beginning to sag from lack of sleep and too much alcohol that word of the Pearl reached his ears.
"Aye! I swear Is seen i'! Not a week back! 'Twer headed back 'ere, mes thought. But 'twer caught in dat storm de other day. Ain't been no word 'bout 'er since."
This news made Will ill and he stumbled to his feet, anxious to get to his rented bed, to go to sleep and hope that the conversation was naught but a figment of his alcohol-clouded mind. Will stumbled into the room and onto the bed that Will did not want to even attempt to identify the smells and stains on the bed. Will fell almost instantly asleep.
i
//The Black Pearl blends in with the inky darkness of the storm. Sea swells splash over the sides of the ship. Jack stands at the wheel, trying to steer the ship threw the maze of endless, impossibly large waves. Will calls out to him but he can not even hear his own voice over the rain and wind. Lightning flashes in the distance and is followed almost instantly by thunder. The storm is coming closer; ever closer. Will races to Jack, but is swept off the stairs by a wave.
CRACK!
Lightning strikes the highest mast and sets the black sails aflame. Will calls out to Jack, to tell him, but Jack seems oblivious to it all. Fire creeps ever closer to Jack, and still he seems not to notice.
BAMM!
Will feels himself flying through the air before crashing painfully into the inky-water. Will fights to get to the surface, his lungs burning for air. He almost wishes he hadn't made it to the surface when he sees what awaits him. The Pearl is naught but flaming debris.
Will screams out into the night.
It is day and Will seems to hover above the water. There is sea, endless sea surrounding him. Jack! Jack lays almost motionless on a piece of wreckage. His clothes are a wreck and his skin is covered by burns. His breath comes in jagged gasps. Will tries to touch Jack, but his hand passed right through him. Will sits there and watches as Jack fries in the sun, alone and with no help in sight. Will feels so helpless.//
/i
Will awoke some time in the afternoon with a slight hangover, which could have been much worse. He raised his hand to rub sleep from his eyes and was surprised to find that his cheeks were wet with tears. His dreams and nightmares had always made real his deepest fears, and if his dreams of late were any indication, Will's greatest fears involved losing Jack. Slowly, Will opened his eyes, squinting to keep out the damnable sunlight.
Will made to sit up, but found himself hindered. His hand was grasping the hilt of Jack's sword so tightly it hurt. It was an effort to command his fingers to release the hilt. Painfully Will stretched his cramped digits and sat up, taking a look around the room. His head was spinning a little and he most definitely had a headache. Will slowly swung his feet to the floor and tested them before standing on them. With a groan and the assistance of the bed post, Will stood up. "Mornin, luv." And fell over.
i*That voice. It sounded like…No, it can't be…* /i"Jack?" Will's voice came out a croak as he tried to make his muscles work in the proper fashion and stand up.
He was abruptly pulled to his feet and came face to face with the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. For a moment, he was sure he was going to faint with happiness. Jack Sparrow held him upright with a hand on each of his arms. Jack's gold and ivory smile shined and his eyes sparkled with mischief. His hair was held back with its customary red bandana, though the hat was missing. And Will could smell the distinct aroma of rum, salt, and unwashed pirate. "Aye, 'tis me, Captain Jack Sparrow."
"Jack!" Will threw his arms around his friend, his love. Jack was warm and solid. He laughed and hugged Will back. "You need a bath." Will mumbled into Jack's shoulder.
"Nice to see you too, whelp." He released Will and draped his arm around Will's shoulder, causing Will to stumble again until Jack steadied him. "So did you miss ol' Jack?" he asked with a toothy grin.
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(1) Here the sites I got my sword information from: http://www.deathstar.org/groups/ros/reference/rapieranatomy.gif and http://www.myarmoury.com/feature_anatomy.html if you're interested.
(2) Its sad but true, Cat and I spent over an hour in the bookstore pouring over the Dorling Kindersley "Eyewitness Books: PIRATE" by Richard Platt. I took something like three pages of notes because I could not afford to buy this book. And just FYI, its really helpful and has LOTS of pictures. I will continue to quote from it, and from two other pirate books at future dates. Another book you might be interested in, its from the same series, its called "Eyewitness Books: ARMS & ARMOR" by Michele Byam. It has a whole section on dueling swords (i.e. rapiers)
TBC…
AN: Cat is over while I finish this and she is about to commandeer the laptop from me, so I might as well let her say what she wants…
"Norrington is mine. I have taken him hostage and I hold him captive in my Mary Sue world! Gwah ha ha! Not that any of you miss the poor louse. I love the story so far and it only gets better!
Stick Figure Jack: I need some Turner action soon, Lassie!
Listen to the cute little stick Jack and give him booty. You know what kind I mean. 3 You rock. Keep up!"
Thanks Cat ^^ she really did draw an adorable little stick figure Jack! Little word bubbles and all, lol. She's going to scan him into her computer and I'll post a link when she puts it on her web page. She wants to turn the entire fic into a stick-figure comic ^^()()
Oh, and I'm sorry it took so long to get this chapter out, life just keeps catching up to me, lol.