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Chapter 17 : You, sir, lost.

As the ship came nearer, it became more and more apparent that they were by no means sure of passing unharmed. It was a large ship, with large sails, and, unfortunately, rather large cannons. The captain, so it would seem, was a large, burly man of about 50. His eyes laughed with a mirthless humour as he surveyed the Pearl approaching in the forever slosing water. Every member of the crew - or anyone else near enough to get a good look at him - could see without hesitating that he was used to one thing, and one alone. Winning. Winning. Winning. Whether it was in duel, in battle, or in any other matter of his roguish life, he had not lost a penny. Which explained his total lack of consideration for the Pearl as she came nearer and nearer.

Now the Pearl - although not a battle ship such as this one, and, it is true, a little worse for the wear, what with teared sails, battered ribs and a weary crew - had one element in her favour, and that was her captain. And her crew's new member, but that was an advantage that could quickly turn into a disaadvantage, so we won't mention her. That very captain was now yelling orders of all types, most for the preparation of battle, although there was a moment when he yelled throw the dog into the sea and sink the bloody animal, which was rather strange because there wasn't actually any dog on board.

The two ships drew closer and closer, each sure of winning on the other and where there's a will there's a way. So we should be watching a draw. Which is definitely not the case. So one of the wills were obviouisly bigger. And it wasn't Jack's. Unfortunately for him. Or maybe fortunately, as it ended up to his advantage anyway.

The cannons started shelling out cluds of metal when they were a hundred metres away. And did they fly! Battering down wood on their way, smashing up any stray particule of boat, or of human, for that matter. Getting even closer, Jack's crew boarded. Jack first, then Fen followed in a blur of flips and tarzan tricks - more to show up Jack, who just swung over, like usual, than for any other reason. Half the crew followed suit.

That half didn't even make it over there. There was a volley of arrows - don't ask me how they got there - that shot every single one down from their . Jack and Fen landed, by miracle, only to be surrounded by the enemy crew. Jack shot a furious look over his shoulder and gaped at the sight of his men littering the waves.

Get out of here. GET! He yelled at the remaining pirates craning over the side of the Pearl, trying in vain to see what had happened to the others. Gibbs heard him and took command. They were sailing away in no time. Meanwhile, Jack and Fen had planked themselves back to back and were thrusting, advancing, backing up and more besides at every possible moment.

But two against twenty is pushing it a little two far, and, although they fought with the strength and courage of the pirates they were, after five slayings, they were forced to their knees, swords at their chests.

Next time you see a ship, Fen, be a dear and tell us before it is too late. Jack muttered through clenched teeth. Next time be a luv' and give me your long extendable thing and I'll be able to, sweetheart. Jack rose his eyesbrows. Figure of speech. He grinned mischeviously, making Fen elbow him in the ribs. He winced and made to send it back.

Ha, ha, ha. Fighting amongst yourselves, are you? They looked up, startled. You remind me of someone. Said Jack, matter of factly. He frowned. Are you realated to- A strong, muscled man to the Jack's left kicked him mercilessly in the side. Jack turned to him, disgusted. That is quite enough, stick them in the brig. Turning to the two of them, he smiled courteously, his lips curling around at the side, like a cat's. You'll have company. He whirled around, cape flying and marched off.

Jack and Fen, like promised, were thrown into the brig. Whereupon they saw-

Jack beamed, Captain Jack Sparrow. How are you doing? He walked up to the gaping prisoner, extending his hand, before hugging him joyfully. It has been a long time! What are you doing here? Errr, saving you! The expression on the man's face showed Jack what he thought of that - and it wasn't a great deal.

Fen walked up to him, placed her hands on her hips and asked, And you are? Jack turned to her, bowing deeply, Let me introduce you...

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Hope you liked it! I forgot to answer all your lovely reviews in the last chapter, so goes down on knees, PLEASE don't kill me... I put them in here, lol... And fank you with a cherry on top... (aahh, wrong thing there)

Charming Visions : Why, thank you!!

i rule u all : course it was supposed to be an insult! she whacked her in the face... quite hard. And I agree with you there, JOHNNY DEPP ROX!! lol

Daydreambeliever : thank you for your encouraging words... hopefully the updates will be coming a little more often now that sumer is here... hopefully, lol...

YueMichiruNaragisawaMiko : hope it's spelt right, lol... Yeah, he's got a daughter that just kind of popped up from nowhere... So are there more than one of you?? And it's neat that you write Gundam Wing fanfics, my friends are crazy over the whole lot of it, especially Duo... dunno if you like him? Though all their stuff is slash. Anyway, thanks for the review!

Arche De Katze : well, cool name!! And I do to know Rudolph, lol... e was one o' Farder Christmasees steeds.... lol

SexySparrow7 : Yup, that's just perfect!!! Carry on along that line and everyone'll love you!! Glad to hear you lliked it! Hope this one lives up to your expectations...

kristhegreat : YIPEE!! Glad to hear from you!! Nah, I know what you mean about not having the time and everything... Glad to hear you updated as well! And brilliant baseball...

Jackanory : hey, it isn't a bloody cliffhanger, it's a fundamental part of the story!! Thank you loads and loads for all your reviews!!

im-a-daydream-believer : err... the map's one of those lose ends that I'll have to pick up... and well, I think I did actually have an idea for it, though I'll be damned if I can remember it, lol... And you should like cliffhangers - they add spice, lol

Roz : hey, wow!! Gee am I glad you reviewed! Kris always mentions you, so well, gee am I pleased!! Glad you liked it!!

Jakanory (again, lol) : I have no more idea than you what'll happen, or maybe I do, but I ain't telling, so...

im-a-daydream-believer (2nd time...) : you have bets on it?! Well, I only hope I get it right then, aahhhhh, what if I was to not do as anyone had forseen??????????? AAAHHHHH!! I'm all STRESSED now....

i rule u all : hmmmmmm... so do I, so do I.... But furry ones I'll pass on, thanks....