I am back with another chapter! Alrighty then! So I was trying to think of some more little things to throw into this story and I am proud to say I had an epiphany! It will take place in this chapter so hurray! Ok well on with the story! Oh yeah, this chapter will begin with you on the night Jack leaves Tortuga so you are not confused. Its kinda like going back in time so to speak ok well here we go!
You sat on the edge of the cliff with tears in your eyes as you watched the ships disappear. Not knowing how long they would be gone you quickly made your way down the hillside and into the streets of Tortuga. With a gloomy expression on your face you walked into some random bar and ordered a drink. The barmaid brought you your rum and went off to serve more tables. There was a man sitting at a table across from you and he looked very familiar. You took in his appearance as you finished your rum. The man had dirty blond hair and deep green eyes. He was wearing black pants and a dirty white shirt and earring. You pondered who he was as his eyes met yours. He smirked at you as he saw you looking him over but the smirk left his face and he almost spat out his drink.
" Good lord, ( your name) is that you?" he asked. You looked at him and your eyes grew wide. It was Charlie. Your dear cousin Charlie.
" Charlie?" you asked. He grinned a wide showing all your teeth grin and the two of you met halfway between tables in a warm and happy hug.
" My, my shortcake, you have grown up a bit." he said with a smile. You smiled back remembering your old nickname. Your brother started calling you that and Charlie, who was always with you guys soon started calling you that as well. He was the same age as your brother so they were quite close.
" Well Charlie I see you have too. Do I detect someone trying to grow facial hair?" you joked. Charlie smiled and invited you to sit with him which you happily obliged. You sat down across from Charlie and smiled.
" So shortcake, I haven't seen ye in almost four years. How have ye been? You must tell me everything that has been happening." he said. You smiled and took a deep breath. This was going to be difficult.
" Oh gosh, where do I begin? Well after you and your parents left St. Vincent it was just me and Jason were all alone. Jason was always out pirating so I was left alone most days. Well one night almost a year ago Jason came home and everything was fine. That night he was attacked and the pirates who attacked him killed him. I was now the captain of the Ocean Star." you said. Charlie looked guilt stricken over hearing the death of your brother.
" I'm so sorry shortcake. I never heard." he said. You smiled and continued on with your story. One of Charlie's friends heard you telling your story and he was sitting listening. Soon one listener became two, then ten and then a majority of the bar. Everyone was captivated by your tragic tale. You were now at the part when you lost Michael. You paused reflecting on the day it happened. You didn't realize how long you were in thought until one of the men brought you back to reality.
" Well what happened next lass?" he asked. Everyone nodded and made a noise saying they wanted you to continue.
" I let him fall. you said softly. The crowd took a look of pity onto there faces as you continued. You spoke of tonight when you left. You told them how much you loved Jack but you had to leave before you hurt him. Some of the women were crying while men shook there heads in disbelief.
" So I snuck off the Pearl and was stopped by my good friend Thomas. He begged me not to go but I had to. " you said. You continued on until you came up to when you met Charlie in the bar. You looked at Charlie and smiled slightly. He had an expression on his face that said enough. He felt bad for you. Everyone at some point in the evening gave you a pat on the back and a wish for good luck as you and Charlie caught up on all that had been going on.
" Well shortcake, it sounds to me think you need to get off this bloody island. You know I have been lookin for a first mate ever since good ol' Matt went off on his own ship. What do ye say?" asked Charlie. You grinned and shook his hand.
" We have an accord!" you said. Charlie nodded and stood up.
" Ladies and Gentlemen of this here pub! Let it be know that on this day me dear ol' cousin, who goes by shortcake to yall is now me one and only First Mate!" Charlie yelled. The bar erupted in cheer at this point. You smiled. Charlie sat down once again and raised his mug of rum.
" Shortcake, here is to good health, great wealth, and a new life!" he said cheerfully. You grinned and slammed your mugs together and chugged you rum down. It was just about three in the morning when you and Charlie staggered out of the bar and towards the docks.
" When do we set sail Colombo?" you asked. Charlie grinned hearing his own nickname and chuckled a bit.
" I say we head out at six o'clock this morning. What say you?" he asked. You grinned and put an arm around his shoulder.
" Aye Capn!" you said. The two of you walked up to his ship which was called was called the Red Dragon and he showed you to your room. You nodded and walked in and plopped on the bed.
" You need to be up around four forty-five so get some rest. You only have an hour at the most. You nodded and he shut the door and went to the Captains Cabin. You tried to get some sleep but it was no use. All you could do was think about Michael and the accident. After your mind argued with itself for an hour you got up and walked out to the deck. The Red Dragon was huge. It was almost as big as your ship. You walked about the ship noticing just how much it looked like your own. It was probably a merchant ship much like yours was. You took not to where the galley was and where most of the other rooms were. What got you the most was how many guns this ship had. Charlie had rigged the ship to hole at least fifty guns. You walked back onto the deck to see that Charlie had already informed the crew of your ranking with them. Once they saw you there was a loud cheer that rocked the entire ship.
" Come on over here shortcake! I want you to meet each of me crew member as you are now in charge of them." he said. You smiled and walked up to Charlie who was standing on a crate. Each member of the crew came up to you and introduced himself. Once again you were the only woman on board. After making sure everything was ready to set sail Charlie ordered that the anchor be raised and the sails set. You walked about the ship making sure that everything was in order. Soon the ship was moving out of the harbor and into the open ocean. Some of the men aboard did not think that you could do much to help on the ship since you were a woman but there minds were soon changed when you were up in the rigging helping set the sails. It is a hard job but you and a couple other men got it done in record time. You grabbed a rope and slid down to the deck with all the grace of an angel. You smirked and kept walking up to the helm as four men watched you in aw. This was going to be a nice change.
" Sails are set Colombo! Where are ye takin us?" you asked as you reached the helm. Charlie grinned.
" Shortcake, we are goin to Nassau Port." he said smiling. You grinned yourself and looked out to the horizon. You hadn't been to Nassau Port in ages. It was always fun to mess with the navy that was stationed there. You walked to the bow of the ship and smiled as the mist from the sea splashed up and hit your face. You breathed in and smelled the inviting smell of the sea. Yep, things were definitely going to change.
And now back to Jack!
The fleet sailed back to Tortuga double time. Jack was standing at the bow of the ship looking out to the distance. Then sun was beginning to set. He had seen a ship sailing off to somewhere in the east earlier but he didn't really pay much attention to it. He was to worried about finding you. Soon the fleet arrived back in Tortuga and Jack was the first man on the docks. He was soon joined by all four ships crews.
" Alright men, we are here for one reason and one reason only and that is to find me bonny lass. Check everyplace you can think of savvy?" he asked. He was answered with a chorus of "Aye's " and everyone set off. The first place Jack looked was your little hill. He and Will walked up to the top and didn't find you but saw that from your footprints that you were there last night. Jack sighed and turned to walk back down to town but Will stopped him.
" Jack, we will find her." he said. Jack nodded his head and they walked back down the hill and into Tortuga. Jack and Will walked into the bar that you were at last night and many people looked at him with wide eyes as they remembered your story. Not seeing you in the bar they left and went onto the next one. They would be doing this for many more night to come.
And now back to you!
Nassau Port was coming into view after two weeks of sailing. Charlie ordered that the anchor be dropped and you, he and several other men went into town. You had spent so much time away from Jack and Joe and your old crew that Michael was now at the back of your mind. Over the past two weeks you had become a favorite among the crew and very well acquainted with a man named Erick. He had short black hair and brownish green eyes. He had a pretty good build and wasn't really bad looking. In fact he was actually kind of cute. You had told him your whole story one night when you and he were on the night watch, otherwise known as Third Watch. That was your duty most days. Erick had taught you how to get over the sadness that you had felt since the accident and now the two of you were insuperable. You were becoming the best of friends.
" So shortcake, what do ye want to do when we reach the land?" asked Erick. You grinned patted his knee jokingly.
" I am goin te get me some rum." you said with a smile. Erick grinned himself and the two of you walked into a small bar at Nassau Port. You and Erick spent much of the night at the bar drinking as much rum as you could. At almost midnight you both were smashed.
" Well shortcake I say we go back to the ship. What do you think?" he asked. You nodded and the two of you walked out of the bar and staggered towards the ship. You were giggling like crazy as you made it to your cabin. The crew cabins were right next to your room so you and Erick bit each other goodnight and went your separate ways. The next day you woke up and went to see Erick. He was sitting on his bed suffering from a terrible hangover. You grinned as you saw his state of distress.
" Oh dear, looks like somebody had a little two much to drink ey?" you asked clearly amused. Erick glared at you and you shrugged innocently.
" Please, ye drank more than I did." he said. You chuckled and gave him something to eat and then pulled him to his feet.
" Lets go find Charlie!" you said. Erick nodded and put an arm around your shoulder as you looked around for Charlie. You walked over to the captains cabin and knocked on the door softly. Not hearing an answer Erick though that maybe Charlie was asleep so he opened the door. This turned out to bee a very bad decision. Charlie and his… well… a girl were well doing the hoky poky you could say right when the two of you walked in. You and the girl both turned a deep shade of red and you quickly ran out of the room before you had a heart attack. Erick was taking his dear sweet time walking out as he was laughing all to hard. He looked at you and you couldn't help but laugh too. It was a pretty funny sight. Erick swayed over to you still laughing uncontrollably as you fell down on the deck holding your side which was now hurting something fierce from laughing so hard.
" Well now, that was interesting." has said. You nodded and continued to laugh once more. Soon the two of you had regained your composure. That is until Charlie came outside and you two saw him. You were soon laughing again and Charlie rolled his eyes as he walked over to you. Soon you regained your composure once more and looked at Charlie.
" Well I suppose I owe yall an explanation. I also have something to tell the both of you. You and Erick waited patiently as Charlie began to explain.
" That lovely young ladies name is Amanda. She and I have been seeing one another for several months now and well, last night I asked her to marry me." he said. Your eyebrows rose and you pulled Charlie into a huge hug.
" Congratulations Charlie! Judging from what I saw she said yes." you said with a snicker. Erick laughed again and Charlie rolled his eyes shoving you playfully.
" Aye that she did. That brings me to my next order of business. I will not be leaving Nassau Port." he said softly. You and Erick looked at one another in shock and then back to Charlie.
" What?" you asked. Charlie smiled and placed a hand on your shoulder.
" Aye, I am not leavin. Amanda and I are stayin her and that is why I am making you the captain of the Red Dragon." he said smiling as he spoke to you. You gasped and looked at him in shock.
" You want me to take your ship?" you asked. Charlie smiled and nodded.
" I have already informed the crew." he said.
" Well this calls for a celebration!" shouted Erick. " I shall inform the crew that tonight there is to be an engagement party as well as a party for the new captain!" he shouted and then darted off to make preparations.
" Thank you Charlie." you said as you hugged him once again. Charlie smiled and stood up.
" Come on. There are some things I have been meaning te give ye." he said taking you hand. Charlie lead you into his cabin where you saw Amanda sitting. You smiled at her as Charlie introduced the two of you. She was really nice. You smiled as she sat back down after you shook hands. Charlie pulled out a necklace, rind and a sword. He walked over to you placed the necklace around your neck. On the necklace was a gold pendant with a dragon on it. He handed you a sword that had dragons engraved into the hilt. You didn't see the ring and it wasn't intended for you to see until tonight. You smiled and hugged Charlie again and thanked him for the things you had just received. You walked into your room and took a small nap until the party began. There was a knock at your door and Erick entered the room. He smiled as he saw you sleeping and walked over to your bed and shook you.
" Capn, your needed on deck." he said with a smile. You grinned back and walked with Erick up to the deck. No sooner had you stepped onto the deck a huge roar exploded. Everyone patted you on the back as Charlie beckoned you over to him.
" Gents, say hello to your new Captain!" he shouted. Everyone cheered loudly and you smiled. " Now, as it is custom, I present you with this ring. Only the captain of the Red Dragon has one so now its yours." he said as he slid the ring onto your right hand ring finger. The ring was pure gold. In the center there was a dragon wrapped around a ruby with diamonds in each of its eyes. You grinned as you looked at it. You were a captain and it felt damn good.
" Lets hear it for the Captain!" shouted one of your men. Another cheer flooded the ship and the party raged on. Two weeks later Charlie and Amanda were married and then you and the Red Dragon set off. For three months you and your crew sailed the Caribbean. You had collected quite a load of treasure and were quickly being brought up everywhere once again as one of the most fearsome pirates is the land. Jack had heard many tales about you over three months. Really wanted to see you but his chances were very slim. One night you pulled into the Tortuga harbor and you and you crew went into town. A couple of men stayed behind to guard the ship but that was to be expected. You walked through the streets with your crew of thirty- three men and straight into your new favorite pup. Your appearance had changed a bit. You had a much darker tan now and your hair was much longer. As you walked into the bar a cheer erupted at your presence. You and your crew sat down at your personal table and many people lined up to meet you.
" Capn welcome back!" some said. You smiled and ordered a drink for each of your crew as you relaxed in your seat.
" Look at that shortcake, your famous." said Erick. You laughed and nodded your head.
Jack was sitting at a table with Will and Joe not to far away from your when he heard the bar erupt in cheer. He saw a woman walk in followed by almost thirty men it looked like. That woman seemed really familiar to him as he watched her walk across the bar. He watched her smile at everyone and the felt like he had just been hit in the head with a hundred pound brick. That was his girl. He watched you for a long time until someone shouted, " Tell us a story!" You smiled and tried to think of one and then another person spoke up. " Tell us about your life before the Red Dragon! I love that one!" Jacks eyes as well as Wills and Joes were on you and you smiled at everyone.
"Alright, but this is the last bloody time I tell it." you shouted. Everyone gathered around your table and took a seat so they could hear your story. You cleared your throat and took a deep breath and slowly began your tale. About half way through it you paused to take a drink of your rum. You were at the part when you killed Captain Morgan. Everyone acted as though they had heard this story for the first time instead of the tenth. You continued on talking about Jack and what a great guy he was. You spoke of Joe and his big heart and how Will was a big brother to you. You smiled and continued on telling them about Michael and this time your weren't that upset. Sure you still blamed yourself but you learned to shove grief and pain away so it wouldn't hurt anymore. Erick taught you that. Will was watching Jack, trying to read his facial expression. He looked sad and yet happy at the same time. Soon you were on about how Charlie gave you the Red Dragon and then your life for the past three months.
" And that is why I am now here with you fine pirates this evening!" you proclaimed as you finished your story. You chugged your rum and sighed. Everyone cheered at the end of your story and went back to what they were doing before. Jack kept watching you. He missed you and he wanted to talk to you. He wanted to talk about why you left him with out even saying goodbye or anything. His attention was ripped from his thoughts as you stood up.
" Gents I an gonna go get meself some air. If I'm not back then I'm at the ship." you said. Your crew nodded and you waved and walked out the door. Jack stood up and grinned at Will and Joe.
" Now's my chance." he said. Will and Joe nodded as if to say good luck and Jack tipped his hat and swayed out the door. You were walking along the streets down to the beach. Jack was following you as you made your way. Soon the shore was in sight and you sighed. You walked down to the beach and were about to sit down when you heard a voice behind you.
" Care for some company?" it asked. Your blood froze as the voice replayed in your mind. ' I know that voice' you thought to yourself. You slowly turned around to see Jack standing there. Your eyes widened as you looked at him. You kept asking yourself if this was real or not. Jack walked closer to you and you backed up.
"Jack?" you asked. He smiled slightly as you looked him over. " What are ye doin here?" you asked. The smile that was on jacks face went away and was replaced with a look of sadness and hurt.
" I just want to know why. Why did ye leave with out even sayin goodbye?" he asked quietly. You shifted your weight from side to side under his gaze. This was really weird.
" Jack I ," you tried to speak but you couldn't think of anything to say. " You know what just forget it!" you snapped and turned and started to walk away. You were stopped when you felt Jack grasp your arm firmly turning you to face him.
" No luv, I looked for ye for three months! I was goin crazy not knowin where ye were. I didn't know if ye were alive or dead! Do ye have any idea what that's like?" he asked, his voice full of anger. You just blinked and started to turn and walk away when he grabbed your arm again.
" Where are ye goin? We aint finished!" he yelled.
" Says who?" you yelled back.
" Says me! Ye still havent answered my question!" he shouted.
" You really want to know why?" you asked, your voice cold and angry.
" No I just asked ye because I thought it would be a funny question." he snapped.
" Because it was my fault! It was my fault Tilly died! It was my fault Michael died. Jack I killed my best friend!" you yelled. Jacks expression changed from angry to guilty. So that's why you left. You were blaming yourself for what happened.
" Is that what you think?" he asked in a quiet voice. " Luv, what happened to Michael wasn't your fault. He fell. You tried to save him and he slipped. You didn't kill him." he said softly. He placed his hand on your arm to find that you were shaking.
" Oh come off it Jack! You know just as well as I do that it is all my fault." you screamed. Jack had his hands on your arms now and was trying to change your mind.
" Luv there was nothing ye could do! I saw it, Will saw it, Joe saw it! We all saw it. It wasn't your fault!" he said. You looked behind Jack and saw Will, Joe and Elizabeth coming. You wiggled out of Jacks arms and began to back away slowly. Jack was trying to speak to you when someone grabbed you from behind and held a knife to your throat. You gasped in surprise and tried to see who was behind you when you heard the man speak.
" Oh yes it is your fault. It is all your fault. You killed Michael." he hissed in your ear. It was Ryan. He and his whole crew were there. Ryan was pulling you with him away from Jack whispering in your ear the whole time that it was all your fault.
" Luv don't listen to him!" jack yelled.
" Shut it Sparrow or she dies!" Ryan yelled. He pressed the knife closer to your skin, drawing blood to show he wasn't kidding. This definitely wasn't good.
You sat on the edge of the cliff with tears in your eyes as you watched the ships disappear. Not knowing how long they would be gone you quickly made your way down the hillside and into the streets of Tortuga. With a gloomy expression on your face you walked into some random bar and ordered a drink. The barmaid brought you your rum and went off to serve more tables. There was a man sitting at a table across from you and he looked very familiar. You took in his appearance as you finished your rum. The man had dirty blond hair and deep green eyes. He was wearing black pants and a dirty white shirt and earring. You pondered who he was as his eyes met yours. He smirked at you as he saw you looking him over but the smirk left his face and he almost spat out his drink.
" Good lord, ( your name) is that you?" he asked. You looked at him and your eyes grew wide. It was Charlie. Your dear cousin Charlie.
" Charlie?" you asked. He grinned a wide showing all your teeth grin and the two of you met halfway between tables in a warm and happy hug.
" My, my shortcake, you have grown up a bit." he said with a smile. You smiled back remembering your old nickname. Your brother started calling you that and Charlie, who was always with you guys soon started calling you that as well. He was the same age as your brother so they were quite close.
" Well Charlie I see you have too. Do I detect someone trying to grow facial hair?" you joked. Charlie smiled and invited you to sit with him which you happily obliged. You sat down across from Charlie and smiled.
" So shortcake, I haven't seen ye in almost four years. How have ye been? You must tell me everything that has been happening." he said. You smiled and took a deep breath. This was going to be difficult.
" Oh gosh, where do I begin? Well after you and your parents left St. Vincent it was just me and Jason were all alone. Jason was always out pirating so I was left alone most days. Well one night almost a year ago Jason came home and everything was fine. That night he was attacked and the pirates who attacked him killed him. I was now the captain of the Ocean Star." you said. Charlie looked guilt stricken over hearing the death of your brother.
" I'm so sorry shortcake. I never heard." he said. You smiled and continued on with your story. One of Charlie's friends heard you telling your story and he was sitting listening. Soon one listener became two, then ten and then a majority of the bar. Everyone was captivated by your tragic tale. You were now at the part when you lost Michael. You paused reflecting on the day it happened. You didn't realize how long you were in thought until one of the men brought you back to reality.
" Well what happened next lass?" he asked. Everyone nodded and made a noise saying they wanted you to continue.
" I let him fall. you said softly. The crowd took a look of pity onto there faces as you continued. You spoke of tonight when you left. You told them how much you loved Jack but you had to leave before you hurt him. Some of the women were crying while men shook there heads in disbelief.
" So I snuck off the Pearl and was stopped by my good friend Thomas. He begged me not to go but I had to. " you said. You continued on until you came up to when you met Charlie in the bar. You looked at Charlie and smiled slightly. He had an expression on his face that said enough. He felt bad for you. Everyone at some point in the evening gave you a pat on the back and a wish for good luck as you and Charlie caught up on all that had been going on.
" Well shortcake, it sounds to me think you need to get off this bloody island. You know I have been lookin for a first mate ever since good ol' Matt went off on his own ship. What do ye say?" asked Charlie. You grinned and shook his hand.
" We have an accord!" you said. Charlie nodded and stood up.
" Ladies and Gentlemen of this here pub! Let it be know that on this day me dear ol' cousin, who goes by shortcake to yall is now me one and only First Mate!" Charlie yelled. The bar erupted in cheer at this point. You smiled. Charlie sat down once again and raised his mug of rum.
" Shortcake, here is to good health, great wealth, and a new life!" he said cheerfully. You grinned and slammed your mugs together and chugged you rum down. It was just about three in the morning when you and Charlie staggered out of the bar and towards the docks.
" When do we set sail Colombo?" you asked. Charlie grinned hearing his own nickname and chuckled a bit.
" I say we head out at six o'clock this morning. What say you?" he asked. You grinned and put an arm around his shoulder.
" Aye Capn!" you said. The two of you walked up to his ship which was called was called the Red Dragon and he showed you to your room. You nodded and walked in and plopped on the bed.
" You need to be up around four forty-five so get some rest. You only have an hour at the most. You nodded and he shut the door and went to the Captains Cabin. You tried to get some sleep but it was no use. All you could do was think about Michael and the accident. After your mind argued with itself for an hour you got up and walked out to the deck. The Red Dragon was huge. It was almost as big as your ship. You walked about the ship noticing just how much it looked like your own. It was probably a merchant ship much like yours was. You took not to where the galley was and where most of the other rooms were. What got you the most was how many guns this ship had. Charlie had rigged the ship to hole at least fifty guns. You walked back onto the deck to see that Charlie had already informed the crew of your ranking with them. Once they saw you there was a loud cheer that rocked the entire ship.
" Come on over here shortcake! I want you to meet each of me crew member as you are now in charge of them." he said. You smiled and walked up to Charlie who was standing on a crate. Each member of the crew came up to you and introduced himself. Once again you were the only woman on board. After making sure everything was ready to set sail Charlie ordered that the anchor be raised and the sails set. You walked about the ship making sure that everything was in order. Soon the ship was moving out of the harbor and into the open ocean. Some of the men aboard did not think that you could do much to help on the ship since you were a woman but there minds were soon changed when you were up in the rigging helping set the sails. It is a hard job but you and a couple other men got it done in record time. You grabbed a rope and slid down to the deck with all the grace of an angel. You smirked and kept walking up to the helm as four men watched you in aw. This was going to be a nice change.
" Sails are set Colombo! Where are ye takin us?" you asked as you reached the helm. Charlie grinned.
" Shortcake, we are goin to Nassau Port." he said smiling. You grinned yourself and looked out to the horizon. You hadn't been to Nassau Port in ages. It was always fun to mess with the navy that was stationed there. You walked to the bow of the ship and smiled as the mist from the sea splashed up and hit your face. You breathed in and smelled the inviting smell of the sea. Yep, things were definitely going to change.
And now back to Jack!
The fleet sailed back to Tortuga double time. Jack was standing at the bow of the ship looking out to the distance. Then sun was beginning to set. He had seen a ship sailing off to somewhere in the east earlier but he didn't really pay much attention to it. He was to worried about finding you. Soon the fleet arrived back in Tortuga and Jack was the first man on the docks. He was soon joined by all four ships crews.
" Alright men, we are here for one reason and one reason only and that is to find me bonny lass. Check everyplace you can think of savvy?" he asked. He was answered with a chorus of "Aye's " and everyone set off. The first place Jack looked was your little hill. He and Will walked up to the top and didn't find you but saw that from your footprints that you were there last night. Jack sighed and turned to walk back down to town but Will stopped him.
" Jack, we will find her." he said. Jack nodded his head and they walked back down the hill and into Tortuga. Jack and Will walked into the bar that you were at last night and many people looked at him with wide eyes as they remembered your story. Not seeing you in the bar they left and went onto the next one. They would be doing this for many more night to come.
And now back to you!
Nassau Port was coming into view after two weeks of sailing. Charlie ordered that the anchor be dropped and you, he and several other men went into town. You had spent so much time away from Jack and Joe and your old crew that Michael was now at the back of your mind. Over the past two weeks you had become a favorite among the crew and very well acquainted with a man named Erick. He had short black hair and brownish green eyes. He had a pretty good build and wasn't really bad looking. In fact he was actually kind of cute. You had told him your whole story one night when you and he were on the night watch, otherwise known as Third Watch. That was your duty most days. Erick had taught you how to get over the sadness that you had felt since the accident and now the two of you were insuperable. You were becoming the best of friends.
" So shortcake, what do ye want to do when we reach the land?" asked Erick. You grinned patted his knee jokingly.
" I am goin te get me some rum." you said with a smile. Erick grinned himself and the two of you walked into a small bar at Nassau Port. You and Erick spent much of the night at the bar drinking as much rum as you could. At almost midnight you both were smashed.
" Well shortcake I say we go back to the ship. What do you think?" he asked. You nodded and the two of you walked out of the bar and staggered towards the ship. You were giggling like crazy as you made it to your cabin. The crew cabins were right next to your room so you and Erick bit each other goodnight and went your separate ways. The next day you woke up and went to see Erick. He was sitting on his bed suffering from a terrible hangover. You grinned as you saw his state of distress.
" Oh dear, looks like somebody had a little two much to drink ey?" you asked clearly amused. Erick glared at you and you shrugged innocently.
" Please, ye drank more than I did." he said. You chuckled and gave him something to eat and then pulled him to his feet.
" Lets go find Charlie!" you said. Erick nodded and put an arm around your shoulder as you looked around for Charlie. You walked over to the captains cabin and knocked on the door softly. Not hearing an answer Erick though that maybe Charlie was asleep so he opened the door. This turned out to bee a very bad decision. Charlie and his… well… a girl were well doing the hoky poky you could say right when the two of you walked in. You and the girl both turned a deep shade of red and you quickly ran out of the room before you had a heart attack. Erick was taking his dear sweet time walking out as he was laughing all to hard. He looked at you and you couldn't help but laugh too. It was a pretty funny sight. Erick swayed over to you still laughing uncontrollably as you fell down on the deck holding your side which was now hurting something fierce from laughing so hard.
" Well now, that was interesting." has said. You nodded and continued to laugh once more. Soon the two of you had regained your composure. That is until Charlie came outside and you two saw him. You were soon laughing again and Charlie rolled his eyes as he walked over to you. Soon you regained your composure once more and looked at Charlie.
" Well I suppose I owe yall an explanation. I also have something to tell the both of you. You and Erick waited patiently as Charlie began to explain.
" That lovely young ladies name is Amanda. She and I have been seeing one another for several months now and well, last night I asked her to marry me." he said. Your eyebrows rose and you pulled Charlie into a huge hug.
" Congratulations Charlie! Judging from what I saw she said yes." you said with a snicker. Erick laughed again and Charlie rolled his eyes shoving you playfully.
" Aye that she did. That brings me to my next order of business. I will not be leaving Nassau Port." he said softly. You and Erick looked at one another in shock and then back to Charlie.
" What?" you asked. Charlie smiled and placed a hand on your shoulder.
" Aye, I am not leavin. Amanda and I are stayin her and that is why I am making you the captain of the Red Dragon." he said smiling as he spoke to you. You gasped and looked at him in shock.
" You want me to take your ship?" you asked. Charlie smiled and nodded.
" I have already informed the crew." he said.
" Well this calls for a celebration!" shouted Erick. " I shall inform the crew that tonight there is to be an engagement party as well as a party for the new captain!" he shouted and then darted off to make preparations.
" Thank you Charlie." you said as you hugged him once again. Charlie smiled and stood up.
" Come on. There are some things I have been meaning te give ye." he said taking you hand. Charlie lead you into his cabin where you saw Amanda sitting. You smiled at her as Charlie introduced the two of you. She was really nice. You smiled as she sat back down after you shook hands. Charlie pulled out a necklace, rind and a sword. He walked over to you placed the necklace around your neck. On the necklace was a gold pendant with a dragon on it. He handed you a sword that had dragons engraved into the hilt. You didn't see the ring and it wasn't intended for you to see until tonight. You smiled and hugged Charlie again and thanked him for the things you had just received. You walked into your room and took a small nap until the party began. There was a knock at your door and Erick entered the room. He smiled as he saw you sleeping and walked over to your bed and shook you.
" Capn, your needed on deck." he said with a smile. You grinned back and walked with Erick up to the deck. No sooner had you stepped onto the deck a huge roar exploded. Everyone patted you on the back as Charlie beckoned you over to him.
" Gents, say hello to your new Captain!" he shouted. Everyone cheered loudly and you smiled. " Now, as it is custom, I present you with this ring. Only the captain of the Red Dragon has one so now its yours." he said as he slid the ring onto your right hand ring finger. The ring was pure gold. In the center there was a dragon wrapped around a ruby with diamonds in each of its eyes. You grinned as you looked at it. You were a captain and it felt damn good.
" Lets hear it for the Captain!" shouted one of your men. Another cheer flooded the ship and the party raged on. Two weeks later Charlie and Amanda were married and then you and the Red Dragon set off. For three months you and your crew sailed the Caribbean. You had collected quite a load of treasure and were quickly being brought up everywhere once again as one of the most fearsome pirates is the land. Jack had heard many tales about you over three months. Really wanted to see you but his chances were very slim. One night you pulled into the Tortuga harbor and you and you crew went into town. A couple of men stayed behind to guard the ship but that was to be expected. You walked through the streets with your crew of thirty- three men and straight into your new favorite pup. Your appearance had changed a bit. You had a much darker tan now and your hair was much longer. As you walked into the bar a cheer erupted at your presence. You and your crew sat down at your personal table and many people lined up to meet you.
" Capn welcome back!" some said. You smiled and ordered a drink for each of your crew as you relaxed in your seat.
" Look at that shortcake, your famous." said Erick. You laughed and nodded your head.
Jack was sitting at a table with Will and Joe not to far away from your when he heard the bar erupt in cheer. He saw a woman walk in followed by almost thirty men it looked like. That woman seemed really familiar to him as he watched her walk across the bar. He watched her smile at everyone and the felt like he had just been hit in the head with a hundred pound brick. That was his girl. He watched you for a long time until someone shouted, " Tell us a story!" You smiled and tried to think of one and then another person spoke up. " Tell us about your life before the Red Dragon! I love that one!" Jacks eyes as well as Wills and Joes were on you and you smiled at everyone.
"Alright, but this is the last bloody time I tell it." you shouted. Everyone gathered around your table and took a seat so they could hear your story. You cleared your throat and took a deep breath and slowly began your tale. About half way through it you paused to take a drink of your rum. You were at the part when you killed Captain Morgan. Everyone acted as though they had heard this story for the first time instead of the tenth. You continued on talking about Jack and what a great guy he was. You spoke of Joe and his big heart and how Will was a big brother to you. You smiled and continued on telling them about Michael and this time your weren't that upset. Sure you still blamed yourself but you learned to shove grief and pain away so it wouldn't hurt anymore. Erick taught you that. Will was watching Jack, trying to read his facial expression. He looked sad and yet happy at the same time. Soon you were on about how Charlie gave you the Red Dragon and then your life for the past three months.
" And that is why I am now here with you fine pirates this evening!" you proclaimed as you finished your story. You chugged your rum and sighed. Everyone cheered at the end of your story and went back to what they were doing before. Jack kept watching you. He missed you and he wanted to talk to you. He wanted to talk about why you left him with out even saying goodbye or anything. His attention was ripped from his thoughts as you stood up.
" Gents I an gonna go get meself some air. If I'm not back then I'm at the ship." you said. Your crew nodded and you waved and walked out the door. Jack stood up and grinned at Will and Joe.
" Now's my chance." he said. Will and Joe nodded as if to say good luck and Jack tipped his hat and swayed out the door. You were walking along the streets down to the beach. Jack was following you as you made your way. Soon the shore was in sight and you sighed. You walked down to the beach and were about to sit down when you heard a voice behind you.
" Care for some company?" it asked. Your blood froze as the voice replayed in your mind. ' I know that voice' you thought to yourself. You slowly turned around to see Jack standing there. Your eyes widened as you looked at him. You kept asking yourself if this was real or not. Jack walked closer to you and you backed up.
"Jack?" you asked. He smiled slightly as you looked him over. " What are ye doin here?" you asked. The smile that was on jacks face went away and was replaced with a look of sadness and hurt.
" I just want to know why. Why did ye leave with out even sayin goodbye?" he asked quietly. You shifted your weight from side to side under his gaze. This was really weird.
" Jack I ," you tried to speak but you couldn't think of anything to say. " You know what just forget it!" you snapped and turned and started to walk away. You were stopped when you felt Jack grasp your arm firmly turning you to face him.
" No luv, I looked for ye for three months! I was goin crazy not knowin where ye were. I didn't know if ye were alive or dead! Do ye have any idea what that's like?" he asked, his voice full of anger. You just blinked and started to turn and walk away when he grabbed your arm again.
" Where are ye goin? We aint finished!" he yelled.
" Says who?" you yelled back.
" Says me! Ye still havent answered my question!" he shouted.
" You really want to know why?" you asked, your voice cold and angry.
" No I just asked ye because I thought it would be a funny question." he snapped.
" Because it was my fault! It was my fault Tilly died! It was my fault Michael died. Jack I killed my best friend!" you yelled. Jacks expression changed from angry to guilty. So that's why you left. You were blaming yourself for what happened.
" Is that what you think?" he asked in a quiet voice. " Luv, what happened to Michael wasn't your fault. He fell. You tried to save him and he slipped. You didn't kill him." he said softly. He placed his hand on your arm to find that you were shaking.
" Oh come off it Jack! You know just as well as I do that it is all my fault." you screamed. Jack had his hands on your arms now and was trying to change your mind.
" Luv there was nothing ye could do! I saw it, Will saw it, Joe saw it! We all saw it. It wasn't your fault!" he said. You looked behind Jack and saw Will, Joe and Elizabeth coming. You wiggled out of Jacks arms and began to back away slowly. Jack was trying to speak to you when someone grabbed you from behind and held a knife to your throat. You gasped in surprise and tried to see who was behind you when you heard the man speak.
" Oh yes it is your fault. It is all your fault. You killed Michael." he hissed in your ear. It was Ryan. He and his whole crew were there. Ryan was pulling you with him away from Jack whispering in your ear the whole time that it was all your fault.
" Luv don't listen to him!" jack yelled.
" Shut it Sparrow or she dies!" Ryan yelled. He pressed the knife closer to your skin, drawing blood to show he wasn't kidding. This definitely wasn't good.