Disclaimer: This story is AU, since there is at least 100 years difference
between POTC and SH, so I played with the time line a bit.
I would like to hereby dedicate this chapter to IST. Girl, you've been with this story since it was just a crazy idea in a bored writer's head and encouraged me on when I just wanted to give this and other stories up. Thank you for being a sounding board and for reviewing and reading it first and for always being able to make me smile. So thanks a bunch! I love you Sharmin!
*
Jack stood on deck and inspected their cargo. It took them a few hours, but they managed to buy (and steal) enough supplies to last the long journey. He watched, amused, as Will tried to carry a huge barrel of rum without tripping over his own feet. Elizabeth walked behind him with her head held high and the impatience clear on her face. Jack shook his head- he would have to have a word with her before they arrive at their destination. She's carrying herself too much like a lady and not enough like a pirate. He smiled as he had just the idea of ringing her in.
"You know", Will said, as he took another daring step on the plank, almost boarding the ship. "You could give us a hand." Jack clapped his hands enthusiastically. Will groaned and nearly dropped the barrel when Jack caught the other end.
"Careful now," Jack said, walking backwards onto the ship. "We wouldn't want to waste good rum now, would we?" Will sighed with a grin on his face, as they settled the barrel on deck. Elizabeth walked up behind them and said: "Finally! While you two boys were taking your time carrying that barrel onto the ship, I was dying here in the sun!"
"Well, it would have taken less time if you would have helped us," Will said gently, not wanting to enrage her. She put her hands on her hips and was about to retort, when Jack whistled. Both turned to him startled.
"Now now children, we have a long journey ahead. They'll be plenty of time to argue, in privet, because you two are giving me a headache." He rolled the barrel towards the storage room. "Now do us a favor- weigh anchor and lift the Jolly Roger, we need to leave while the wind is still on our side." With that he disappeared. Will glanced at his wife before they both began the preparations for sailing out of the port.
*
When the Pearl sailed smoothly through the sea, Will and Elizabeth joined Jack at the starboard.
"Jack," Elizabeth asked. "How long IS the journey? The food we stored could feed an army for days!"
"Or three pirates for a month," Jack answered back, resting lazily. At the incredulous look on her face he added: "That's if we're lucky. It takes ages to reach America, lass."
"You gave your crew a month off?" Will asked puzzled.
"Actually, it would be at least two months. Unless you're planning to stay there and not return." Jack corrected. Will raised an eyebrow questioningly. Jack: "Well, ye see- we've had so many quests recently, it began to wear out the crew, so I decided to give them some time off", Jack explained.
Will frowned for a moment before snorting. "You didn't have any quests to go on and got bored stiff, didn't you?"
"That too."
"So you DIDN'T give them a vacation?" Elizabeth asked confused.
Jack sighed and stroke his beard before answering. "We decided to take a break from each other, for a little while," Jack said lightly. "Several of them signed a contract with another captain, which means they'll be gone for a few months. I believe Anamaria is in the market for a new ship- but she'll come back, she always does."
"That's because you always seem to owe her a ship," Will said jokingly.
Jack looked hurt." And here I was, thinking it was my irresistible charm." Elizabeth and Will laughed, causing Jack to be even more perplexed. "I wasn't joking."
"Oh come now Jack," Will said, once he managed to catch his breath. "You have to admit your antics in courting ladies... Leaves something to be desired."
"I'll have ye know-" Jack said, pointing a finger in Will's face. "I can always get a warm bed for the night."
Elizabeth shook her head exasperated. "I have no doubt some women might find you... attractive," she tried to keep a straight face. "But what about love? True love?"
"What about it?" Jack was confused.
"Have you ever experienced it?" Elizabeth asked, knowing she might be pressing too much into a personal matter. Jack opened his mouth to answer before smiling.
"I believe, Mrs. Turner, that I am not drunk enough to answer that question," before she could respond he got to his feet and strode into the captain's cabin. He popped his head through, looked left, looked right, before resting his eyes on them. "Ah, there you are! Well, are you planning on coming for a meal with the captain, or would you landlubbers prefer to titivate the ship?"
Elizabeth and Will looked at each other.
"What does 'titivate' mean?" Elizabeth asked. Will shrugged.
"Don't ask me, but I don't want to stick around to find out." Without another word, both hurried to the cabin, for a late dinner.
*
Later that evening, after a decent meal, Will joined Jack at the helm. Jack made a few adjustments using his compass, before addressing his guest.
"Where's the Misses?" Jack asked casually, eyes always cast up front.
"Resting," Will answered smiling, making himself more comfortable. Jack smiled mischievously.
"That's a good thing, because tomorrow we'll be working her good and hard." Will gave him a sorrowful look and sighed.
"You do realize any discontentment with it and she'll take it out on the both of us?"
"Aye," Jack said, grinning and turned to his friend. "It would only serve to make it ever more amusing." Will laughed beside himself and shook his head. It sure was good to see Jack again...
"Is there something on ye mind, Lad?" Jack asked intently, his keen eyes probing Will's.
Will raked a hand through his hair, trying to form words coherent enough to explain the turmoil inside.
"Well," he started, looking up at the beautiful sky. "I've been thinking."
"A dangerous habit, for sure," Jack added playfully, waiting for him to get to the point.
"You knew my father fairly well, didn't you? You said you were one of the few who knew his real name." Jack merely nodded, shifting into a more comfortable position. He didn't like where this was heading.
"Barbosa's crew- they told me they sent him to Davy Jones's locker," Will said, swallowing hard. He averted his eyes from Jack and fiddled with his hands. "He stole from the Aztec gold- that would make him undead just like the rest of the crew, wouldn't it? Do you think-"
"Do I think he escaped before you returned the gold with your blood?" Jack finished, drawing the younger man's eyes to him. Jack pondered for a moment, knowing this was not a question to answer lightly.
"He had ten years to do so," Jack answered slowly, suddenly feeling very tired. "I think... If anyone could have escaped, it would have been your father." Will smiled, somewhat relieved, a new spark of hope in his eyes. Jack hated to blow it out, but the boy wanted honesty.
"Will- it's been ten years, don't you think he would have found a way to reach you by now?"
Will's smile diminished a bit, but the hope yet refused to vanish. "I believe there's a chance he could have escaped, perhaps he couldn't contact me." He suddenly chuckled softly. "Wouldn't it be amusing if we were searching for each other at the same time?" Jack tried not to snort and simply nodded. Let the boy have some hope left.
"I might still find him, Jack," Will said determinedly. "If he is still alive- I vow I will not rest until I do." Jack clasped him on the back and leaned back, looking at the sky.
"Of that I have no doubt," he said smiling to himself, thinking how stubborn father and son are. "Of that I have no doubt."
**
Will and Elizabeth were startled awake by the sound of loud banging at their door. Elizabeth rolled onto the floor with surprise and remained there for a few moments before forcing herself up. She did not sleep well at night. One glance at Will told her he did not sleep well either. They slept at the crew's quarters, which consisted of bunk beds upon bunk beds. None of the beds were big enough for the two of them and so they were forced to sleep on separate beds. They both decided on lower bunks facing each other, fortunately for Elizabeth's aching back.
"How did you sleep, sweetheart?" Will asked kindly, taking in her messy appearance and her unceremonious roll onto the floor. It was all he could do to stop himself from laughing. She was about to yell at him when the door opened and Jack waltzed in, looking as wide-awake and cheerful as always.
"Good morning mateys!" He said, taking in their appearance with a grin. "I take it you slept well?" If she had had anything sharp near her she would have thrown it at him. As it were she chose to glare at him. Suddenly a thought came to her mind.
"Jack! You can't simply walk into our quarters- what if I weren't decent?" Jack simply smiled dreamily at that before shaking his head and clearing his throat.
"I've been knocking at your door for the last few minutes! I was afraid something might have happened to you." Elizabeth blushed and murmured an apology, before taking some clothes and excusing herself to change. Jack bowed and exited the room, calling over his shoulder:
"Breakfast in five, we have a long day ahead of us!"
Elizabeth arched her shoulders in an attempt to relieve the ache. "Do you suppose we can move your bunk closer to my bunk?"
Will shook his head, while he changed his shirt and put on some pants. "I'm very doubtful we can move it- with strong torrents, high waves and a few careening, they'd collapse and perhaps crush crew members to death," he went to his bunk and tried in vain to move it, only proving his point.
Elizabeth sighed and began to change as well, trying not to think about the state of her hair. She would just have to pull it back somehow in the meantime, until she could take better care of it. "I think we should look at Anne Marie's cabin- seeing as how she has a cabin all to herself, maybe its condition are better." Will nodded his agreement and they two stepped out of their cabin to a brand new day.
*
"You know, Jack, you eat like a swine."
"Elizabeth!" Will said, shocked, glancing at Jack to make sure he was not offended. He was fully prepared to apologize.
"Thank you kindly." Jack grinned and raised his fruit at her in a solute. Elizabeth rolled her eyes, but couldn't help smile.
"Men! You should be grateful I'm on board, you could use some manners."
Jack had a malevolent grin on his lips that worried Elizabeth, when he said jovially. "Oh, I AM grateful you're onboard, Lass. Very grateful indeed."
"What do you mean?" Elizabeth asked, knowing Jack was up to no good.
Jack raised an eyebrow as to inquire if they were finished eating. Both nodded and pushed away from the table, following him outside. Elizabeth frowned. There was an extra bounce to his usual swagger, this can't be good...
*
"This isn't good," Will whispered as he was about to witness a full blowout between his wife and his friend.
"Are you mad?!" Elizabeth asked outraged, holding the offending objects in her arms, as far away from her as possible.
"Yes," Jack answered matter-of-factly. "But that fact has no bearing on your chores."
"You're asking ME- the governor's daughter- to wash all your clothes, mend whatever needs mending AND cook for you?!" Her voice rose with every assault to her dignity.
"No," Jack said slowly, as though explaining to an infant. "I am ORDERING you- a member of this crew- to do your share of the chores. We are only three and the voyage is long- we must all pull our weight, savvy?"
"No, not savvy!" Elizabeth cried. "I am not a maid! And besides, I don't have any soap or needle and thread and I've never cooked before!"
"No, you most certainly are not a maid," Jack sighed exasperated. "But you are a member of this crew- not by my choice, mind you- and you can ask Will what happens when one tries my patience." Elizabeth glanced at Will questioningly. Will nodded, remembering what happened when he pulled a sword on Jack in anger and his "time out" suspended in the air.
"Elizabeth," Jack started in a pleading voice, his hands clasped together. "Do not hang the jib, you are only doing what other crew members- Men, I'll have you know- have done before you. You wanted to be a pirate, to sail on the pearl and so you must earn your stay." He could see she was slowly resigning to her fate and so he added with a smile: "There are worse jobs to do on board, and your dear husband has them."
Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh at the look of bewilderment on Will's face and the scowl that soon replaced it. Pretty soon Will shrugged his shoulders, glad that a huge fight was averted, at the very least.
"I'll teach ye how to cook later," Jack continued, once he knew she calmed down enough to listen. "As for all the necessities- there's a special cabin with everything you need. Come," he said and led the way. Elizabeth squared her shoulders and followed him quietly, reserving the right to be mad and complain about the work, as any woman in her standard was allowed. She glanced at her delicate hands and sighed sadly, knowing they would never look the same.
*
Will groaned and wiped the sweat off his forehead with his sleeve. It was four in the afternoon, the sun was still quite hot and he was scrubbing the deck for hours.
"Ye missed a spot," Jack pointed out helpfully, sitting next to him to oversee his work.
"I've cleaned this area dozen of times," Will gritted between clenched jaws. Jack was having too much fun treating them like slaves.
"Well then, you must have done a sloppy job, seeing as how there's a spot!" Jack announced, shaking his head in disappointment. "I suppose you should go over it again, who knows how many spots you missed." Will shut his eyes and threw the cloth at Jack, which he dodged expertly.
"Tsk tsk tsk," Jack said, grabbing the cloth and dropping it into the soap water. "Someone has a temper." Will collapsed on his back, too tired to comment or throw the bucket at him, though it could probably only be an improvement. He highly doubted a blow to the head would make Jack Sparrow- nay, CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow any crazier than he already is.
"Being a pirate is more than Booty and Rum," Jack lectured good naturedly, grabbing the cloth and wringing the water out of it. He squatted down next to Will and motioned for him to sit up. Will did so and looked at Jack questioningly.
"In order to clean the deck efficiently, one must work in circular movements," Jack said. "Watch." He moved the cloth in circles on the deck. "It cleans better than your vertical or horizontal cleaning. It may take a bit longer- but it will keep the Pearl in shape longer." He demonstrated a few more times, before handing the cloth to Will. Will grabbed the cloth and began tiredly to rub the deck as shown.
"Good, good," Jack said pleased. "Not too rough! We don't want to wear her down, savvy?" Will nodded and continued to work section by section.
"JACK!"
"Her royal majesty bellows," Jack sighed, rubbing his temples. "I will be right back." He vanished into the kitchen area, where Elizabeth was working on preparing dinner. Will managed to hear his beloved Elizabeth yelling something about leaving the meat in too long and Jack answering something about vegetables. He laughed at the image he conjured up and wondered how they were all going to survive a month together, when they could barely last a day. He saw Jack running outside, ducking to avoid a flying carrot aimed at his head. He brushed himself and walked over to Will.
"Dare I ask what that was all about?" Will asked grinning.
"She wanted me to try the carrots," Jack said shrugging. "How's the deck coming along- nice a shiny?"
"I guess you'll be the judge of that," Will said a bit annoyed, gesturing with his arm to encompass the whole deck. "I am at your mercy!" Jack made a face at him and made a point of examining every portion carefully.
"Looks clean enough," Jack smiled, and sat down. "Why don't you take a break, you look tired."
Will was bemused at the sudden change of attitude, but decided to attribute it to his Captain's insanity and take the break that was given to him. He threw the cloth into the bucket and collapsed near Jack. "I honestly can't see me lasting a month," he said, slightly disappointed with his own inability.
"You can and you will," Jack said passionately, not about to let Will's spirit fall. "I knew a lad once not too much older than yourself- he did the exact same job you have and for a longer time." Will didn't ask, but he assumed Jack was referring to his father. He was suddenly determined to do his job and to the best of his abilities in order to make his father proud.
"Dinner will be ready in approximately two hours," Elizabeth announced, joining them. "I think."
"Think nothing of it," Jack reassured her, giving her a pat on the back. "Every good sailor burns his first few meals."
"And then they improve?" Elizabeth asked hopefully.
"Either that or they dance with Jack Ketch," at the confused look on their face, he explained. "Some didn't live to cook another awful meal."
"Oh," Elizabeth said quietly, not sure if that was a threat or a joke. You could never be too sure with Jack.
"It is madness," Will said quietly, though apparently not quietly enough. Both looked up at him, wondering what he was talking about.
"This adventure of ours," Will explained, shifting uncomfortably.
"Madness?" Jack asked, screwing up his face in disdain. "I would hardly call it that."
"Then what would you call traveling half way across the world to rid a small town of a ghost- one that you just happened to tell us about the day before?"
"A grand adventure," Jack smiled. "Don't tell me you're worried about one little ghost?"
"One little murdering ghost!" Will said, getting excited.
"We have faced ghosts before," Elizabeth reminded him gently, even though she was having the exact same doubts herself.
"Like me-self," Jack added smugly. Both turned to him with grim faces.
"Do we even know how to get rid of it?" Will continued. "This headless horseman was merely a legend until now, no one has ever faced him and lived to tell the tale."
"There is someone who has," Elizabeth said, deep in thought. She glanced from one to the other, before stating as though it were obvious. "Ichabod Crane."
Will frowned. "I thought he was killed."
"Well, it was a tad vague," Elizabeth consented, before turning to Jack. "But in your story an old farmer claimed he was still alive, studying law somewhere." Jack remained silent, lost in thought. Elizabeth hesitated for a moment, before continuing.
"Jack, you must know the story fairly well. Is there a chance-"
"Ichabod never faced the headless horseman," Jack said quietly, briefly looking up. He turned his gaze out to the sea.
"What?" Elizabeth asked confused. "But you said-"
"It was a prank," Jack said, his voice rising slightly. His features suddenly returned to normal and he laughed. "A silly prank played by Brom Bones that went sour."
"How can you be so certain?" Will asked. "Until last night we all thought it was a story." Jack remained quiet. "Did you know that that legend was real?"
"I never knew the headless horseman existed," Jack replied. He straightened in his seat and glanced at the position of the sun. "You should go check on the food, Elizabeth," he smiled at her. She was about to argue when they all smelled the smell of burnt meat.
"Oh confound it!" Elizabeth cursed and ran in to check on the food. Jack laughed and rose from his seat, about to head to his cabin.
"Wait!" Will said, rising as well. Jack turned around exasperated.
"Whatever happened to Ichabod?" Will asked. "He was a scholar after all and had a keen interest in the supernatural, he could-"
"He's dead." Jack said dead flat, causing Will to flinch. He never heard Jack talking so coldly.
"Dead?" He repeated dumbly, wondering what was bothering his friend.
"Dead!"
*
'Am I dead?' Was the first question to come to His mind. He could hear voices rustling near him. His head throbbed to the beat of His heart. His heart... If His heart was beating and His head was aching, He assumed He was still alive.
'What happened...' Was the second question, that brought with it a sense of panic. All He could see was darkness-
'Of course you see darkness, you stupid git, your eyes are closed!' He forced them open, blinking several times, allowing the world to slowly come into focus.
"Captain Saunders!" A loud voice hurt His delicate ears.
"What?!" A rough voice answered angrily.
"Jack's waking up!"
He heard shuffling feet and soon could make out two heads hanging over Him. 'I must be lying down...'
"It's about bloody time," The rough voice- Captain Saunders- said, though he appeared relieved.
"Welcome to the land of the living, Jack," he said to Him. He tried to answer, but His throat was dry and His voice crackled.
"Blimey!" Captain Saunders said, hitting his forehead. "Will- go get the lad some water, He must be parched." The other one- Will- ran out immediately. The Captain offered his hand and helped Him up. "Easy now."
Will returned moments later with a mug of water. Will gently watered Him, sips by sips. He could feel the dizziness dim somewhat and the fog in His mind cleared a bit.
"Where..." He tried to voice, feeling drained.
"You be on the Black Pearl," Captain Saunders explained slowly. "I found you several days ago in the Hudson River- you took a nasty blow to the head."
His eyes widened in sudden memory. "The headless horseman!" He cried and tried to jump to His feet, but the dizziness returned. Saunders and Will held Him down and shared a glance.
"If you are referring to the man that threw a pumpkin at you," Will started. "He wasn't headless. He had a head- one with dark curls. He was wearing a fur cap with a fox tail hanging down from it."
"Brom!" He spat furiously. That bully played a prank on Him as well as stealing His ladylove. When He gets back, He'll-
"The Black Pearl?" He asked frightened. "That sounds like a ship!"
"A scholar indeed," Will snorted. "The Black Pearl is no ordinary ship, Jack- it is the fastest ship in the sea!"
"Why am I on a ship?" He was frightened. These men were pirates. "It's been DAYS? AND WHY DO YOU KEEP CALLING ME JACK?" He yelled, causing the headache to return. He lay on His elbows, too tired to support himself.
Captain Saunders smiled sympathetically. "It's frustrating, I'm sure. But it would not be wise to take out your anger on your rescuers."
"I'm sorry," He said quietly. "I just... I am truly sorry."
"When The Captain found you, you were unconscious," Will explained, taking the mug to refill it. "You've been out with a fever for days." He was about to leave when he smiled sheepishly.
"We did not know your name, so we simply called you Jack. I'm William Turner, but people simply call me Will. This is Captain Samuel Saunders."
"My name is Ichabod Crane, you have my thanks for taking care of me" Ichabod extended a shaking hand. Both pirates glanced worriedly at each other. Ichabod returned his hand.
"What?" Ichabod asked, confused.
"Maybe we should continue to call him Jack?" Will suggested to Captain Saunders.
"Why should you call me by a name other than my own?" Ichabod asked even more perplexed. There was something wrong...
"No reason," Captain Saunders lied, smiling reassuringly. "Your fever's gone, but you should rest some more, you look like a tired."
"I appreciate your concern," Ichabod said, sitting up straight. "But I would much rather be lying down at my bed for this evening." Will looked guiltily at his feet.
"You're not going back," Saunders said, the sympathetic look returning to his aging face. His graying beard and weary grey eyes gave him a kind, gentle look. But the hard lines crossing his face and his many scars told another story entirely.
"Why not?" Panic was beginning to take hold of him. He was being held hostage by pirates! 'Dead men tell no tales'... They are going to kill him!
"We are three days journey away from Sleepy Hollow, Jack." How Ichabod detested that name.
"It's ICHABOD," he said angrily. "Can't you turn the ship around?"
"We are not returning to America for some time," The Captain walked towards him, his anger rising. "We took you in, took care of you- as far as I'm concerned ye owe us for our hospitality."
"Ow- owe you?" Ichabod stuttered, wondering what these maniacs had in mind.
"Aye," Saunders smiled at Will conspiratorially, before returning his attention to the schoolmaster. "And we plan to collect."
"I have no money," Ichabod swallowed hard, trying not to remember all the horrible Pirate stories he read as a youth.
"Then ye be walking the plank," Saunders shrugged and motioned at Will. "Get him out of here."
"No!" Ichabod said, jumping up, not caring about his nausea. "Wait! I'm sure we can work something out! I can be useful!"
"We have no need for a school master," Will said, as he grabbed Ichabod's arm. Ichabod didn't notice that they somehow knew his profession. He yanked his arm away from Will and grabbed Captain Saunders' arm. Saunders merely glanced at Ichabod and he immediately retracted him arm.
"Please," Ichabod begged. "I beg of you- I'll do anything! Just please don't kill me!"
"Anything?" Saunders echoed, pretending to ponder the matter.
"Anything," Ichabod agreed, beginning to fear he made a deadly mistake.
*
"You missed a spot."
Ichabod glared at Will Turner and scrubbed harder. He just knew his hands would never be the same again.
Will stifled a sigh and raked a hand through his dark locks. What was Captain Saunders thinking...
"You're doing it all wrong, here, let me show you," Will crouched near Ichabod and took the cloth from him. "In order to clean the deck efficiently, one must work in circular movements- Watch." He moved the cloth in circles on the deck. "It cleans better than your vertical or horizontal cleaning. It may take a bit longer- but it will keep the Pearl in shape longer."
Ichabod took the cloth from him and did as instructed.
"Good," Will smiled. One thing he could say about 'Jack'- he learns quickly. Whether he learns quickly enough, they were going to find out soon enough.
"Alright, it looks clean enough." Will said, barely glancing at his work. "Follow me." Ichabod rose heavily on his legs and followed the younger man wordlessly. He wondered whatever caused this boy to become a pirate. He couldn't have been more than two years younger than himself, around 19 or 20. Sure, fame and fortune are reason enough, but piracy is such a dangerous business, one would have to be mad to take any part in it.
Will turned around and crossed his arms. "First lesson of the day-"
"Lesson?" Ichabod asked. He was tired and aching all over- was this some kind of a joke?
"Yes," Will said obviously. "If you are going on the account, you must speak like one."
"What account? Speak like what?" Ichabod had no idea what was going on.
"Captain Saunders didn't tell you?" Will asked surprised.
"Tell me what?"
"You're going to become a pirate," Will said. After a moment he grinned. "Or at the very least try to pass as one."
"Why would I want to pass as a pirate?"
"Because if you don't you'll have an appointment with Hempen Halter," Will was beginning to lose his patience. Before Ichabod could ask he quickly said: "It means, they'll kill you."
"Kill me?" Ichabod said frightened. "Who wants to kill me and why?"
"The crew we'll be picking up within a month," Will said seriously. "The only thing worse than having a make-believe pirate on board is having a woman on board. So pay attention Jack, this is for your own good."
"It's-"
"Ichabod?" Will sighed. "Believe me, we know. But you don't want the other pirates knowing. Ichabod is no name for a pirate. If you think of a better one, let me know."
'Jack' swallowed and nodded, resigned to his fate. He was not going to make it...
"As I was saying." Will cleared his throat, seeing the foul mood his crew member was in. "This is your first lesson. If you want to pass as a pirate, you must remember to use the following words: Ahoy! Avast! Belay! Blimey! And Arr!"
"Avast?" Jack laughed.
"Do you know what the word means?" Will raised an eyebrow. Jack was silent, so he translated. "Ahoy mean the same as hello, you say it to attract attention, Avast and belay both generally mean to stop and Arr is well... Arr." Will shrugged. "It means anything, use it as often as you can.
"The Prow is the "nose" of the ship." He pointed at the ship's prow up ahead and stood with his back to it. "Port is a seaport or the left side of the ship when you are facing toward her prow, like I am," he gestured to his left. "Starboard is the right side of the ship when you are facing toward her prow. Any questions?"
Jack shook his head and Will smiled. "You are a landlubber."
"Land lover?" Jack asked.
"No, landLUBBER- a sailor on your first journey, inexperienced."
"Alright," Jack frowned, trying to remember the terms that might very well help him survive.
"Now, when referring to a crew member- call him matey or bucko." Will continued.
"Matey or bucko," Jack repeated like a parrot.
"Right, and to curse someone, call him bilge rat, scurvy dog, swab or squiffy. A deceitful person is a Scallywag and untrained recruits are Sprogs."
"So I am either a landlubber or a sprong?" Jack asked, surprising Will.
"Yes, that's... You caught on fast."
Jack smiled a smug grin that would later become his trademark. "I had to teach young children to come up with techniques of remembering words, it is a piece of cake."
"Messdeck lawyer", Will nodded his head towards him. "A know-it-all. What say you, messdeck lawyer, are you ready for more?"
"Arrrrr!"
END CHAPTER 2
Author's Note: Wow, this actually came out longer than chapter one! Any other bilinguals out there who just can't translate the words you know you want to say from one language to the other? Blah. I had to pause in my writing (3 days straight!) in order to find the word "helm", otherwise I'd probably used "wheel" and be done with it! I noticed in a fic that the author took the time to answer all her reviews (including mine, heehee) and she had lots of reviews per chapter, so I decided I liked the communication channel between author and readers, so I'll adopt the gesture.
P.S- all my lovely pirate terms came from this awesome website:
P.P.S- As in last chapter, any suggestions regarding Will Turner Sr. nickname as well as what exactly IS a boot strap (I tried looking it up in a dictionary and on Word, no luck) I'd really appreciate it. I'll even give you credit! *Hint hint nudge nudge*
P.P.P.S- Titivate: To clean up or make shipshape.
SpAnIsH-EyEs2 - I love Johnny Depp (I counted and in SH he faints 4 times, heehee) and I'm so thrilled that you love this and you see potential in it! Now it's up to me to see that potential through, yikes.
Starlight8- Thanks for correcting me on Ichabod's name and I changed the setting to AU. I actually noticed the "Ichabod is Jack's brother" fic when this one was still in my head and I was afraid at first that someone stole my idea! I was so relieved that it was his brother not him, but I didn't read it. I hope you still like where I'm heading with it!
Jorja- Glad you liked, here's an update! I hope you'll continue to read!
vienna1- thanks for reviewing and trying to help me out, but I still don't know what part of the boot is the bootstrap- is it like the tongue in the sneaker? (I blame any English problems on the fact that I'm an Israeli. I blame any Hebrew problem on the fact that my parents brought me up in an English speaking environment- it's a win-win situation....)
WherestheRum- Thank you so much for your compliments, I really put everything into my fics and it means a lot to me that it's appreciated. And yes, Johnny Depp is just awesome! I kept gluing pictures of him into my school journal- especially from POTC... Mmmmmm...
I would like to hereby dedicate this chapter to IST. Girl, you've been with this story since it was just a crazy idea in a bored writer's head and encouraged me on when I just wanted to give this and other stories up. Thank you for being a sounding board and for reviewing and reading it first and for always being able to make me smile. So thanks a bunch! I love you Sharmin!
*
Jack stood on deck and inspected their cargo. It took them a few hours, but they managed to buy (and steal) enough supplies to last the long journey. He watched, amused, as Will tried to carry a huge barrel of rum without tripping over his own feet. Elizabeth walked behind him with her head held high and the impatience clear on her face. Jack shook his head- he would have to have a word with her before they arrive at their destination. She's carrying herself too much like a lady and not enough like a pirate. He smiled as he had just the idea of ringing her in.
"You know", Will said, as he took another daring step on the plank, almost boarding the ship. "You could give us a hand." Jack clapped his hands enthusiastically. Will groaned and nearly dropped the barrel when Jack caught the other end.
"Careful now," Jack said, walking backwards onto the ship. "We wouldn't want to waste good rum now, would we?" Will sighed with a grin on his face, as they settled the barrel on deck. Elizabeth walked up behind them and said: "Finally! While you two boys were taking your time carrying that barrel onto the ship, I was dying here in the sun!"
"Well, it would have taken less time if you would have helped us," Will said gently, not wanting to enrage her. She put her hands on her hips and was about to retort, when Jack whistled. Both turned to him startled.
"Now now children, we have a long journey ahead. They'll be plenty of time to argue, in privet, because you two are giving me a headache." He rolled the barrel towards the storage room. "Now do us a favor- weigh anchor and lift the Jolly Roger, we need to leave while the wind is still on our side." With that he disappeared. Will glanced at his wife before they both began the preparations for sailing out of the port.
*
When the Pearl sailed smoothly through the sea, Will and Elizabeth joined Jack at the starboard.
"Jack," Elizabeth asked. "How long IS the journey? The food we stored could feed an army for days!"
"Or three pirates for a month," Jack answered back, resting lazily. At the incredulous look on her face he added: "That's if we're lucky. It takes ages to reach America, lass."
"You gave your crew a month off?" Will asked puzzled.
"Actually, it would be at least two months. Unless you're planning to stay there and not return." Jack corrected. Will raised an eyebrow questioningly. Jack: "Well, ye see- we've had so many quests recently, it began to wear out the crew, so I decided to give them some time off", Jack explained.
Will frowned for a moment before snorting. "You didn't have any quests to go on and got bored stiff, didn't you?"
"That too."
"So you DIDN'T give them a vacation?" Elizabeth asked confused.
Jack sighed and stroke his beard before answering. "We decided to take a break from each other, for a little while," Jack said lightly. "Several of them signed a contract with another captain, which means they'll be gone for a few months. I believe Anamaria is in the market for a new ship- but she'll come back, she always does."
"That's because you always seem to owe her a ship," Will said jokingly.
Jack looked hurt." And here I was, thinking it was my irresistible charm." Elizabeth and Will laughed, causing Jack to be even more perplexed. "I wasn't joking."
"Oh come now Jack," Will said, once he managed to catch his breath. "You have to admit your antics in courting ladies... Leaves something to be desired."
"I'll have ye know-" Jack said, pointing a finger in Will's face. "I can always get a warm bed for the night."
Elizabeth shook her head exasperated. "I have no doubt some women might find you... attractive," she tried to keep a straight face. "But what about love? True love?"
"What about it?" Jack was confused.
"Have you ever experienced it?" Elizabeth asked, knowing she might be pressing too much into a personal matter. Jack opened his mouth to answer before smiling.
"I believe, Mrs. Turner, that I am not drunk enough to answer that question," before she could respond he got to his feet and strode into the captain's cabin. He popped his head through, looked left, looked right, before resting his eyes on them. "Ah, there you are! Well, are you planning on coming for a meal with the captain, or would you landlubbers prefer to titivate the ship?"
Elizabeth and Will looked at each other.
"What does 'titivate' mean?" Elizabeth asked. Will shrugged.
"Don't ask me, but I don't want to stick around to find out." Without another word, both hurried to the cabin, for a late dinner.
*
Later that evening, after a decent meal, Will joined Jack at the helm. Jack made a few adjustments using his compass, before addressing his guest.
"Where's the Misses?" Jack asked casually, eyes always cast up front.
"Resting," Will answered smiling, making himself more comfortable. Jack smiled mischievously.
"That's a good thing, because tomorrow we'll be working her good and hard." Will gave him a sorrowful look and sighed.
"You do realize any discontentment with it and she'll take it out on the both of us?"
"Aye," Jack said, grinning and turned to his friend. "It would only serve to make it ever more amusing." Will laughed beside himself and shook his head. It sure was good to see Jack again...
"Is there something on ye mind, Lad?" Jack asked intently, his keen eyes probing Will's.
Will raked a hand through his hair, trying to form words coherent enough to explain the turmoil inside.
"Well," he started, looking up at the beautiful sky. "I've been thinking."
"A dangerous habit, for sure," Jack added playfully, waiting for him to get to the point.
"You knew my father fairly well, didn't you? You said you were one of the few who knew his real name." Jack merely nodded, shifting into a more comfortable position. He didn't like where this was heading.
"Barbosa's crew- they told me they sent him to Davy Jones's locker," Will said, swallowing hard. He averted his eyes from Jack and fiddled with his hands. "He stole from the Aztec gold- that would make him undead just like the rest of the crew, wouldn't it? Do you think-"
"Do I think he escaped before you returned the gold with your blood?" Jack finished, drawing the younger man's eyes to him. Jack pondered for a moment, knowing this was not a question to answer lightly.
"He had ten years to do so," Jack answered slowly, suddenly feeling very tired. "I think... If anyone could have escaped, it would have been your father." Will smiled, somewhat relieved, a new spark of hope in his eyes. Jack hated to blow it out, but the boy wanted honesty.
"Will- it's been ten years, don't you think he would have found a way to reach you by now?"
Will's smile diminished a bit, but the hope yet refused to vanish. "I believe there's a chance he could have escaped, perhaps he couldn't contact me." He suddenly chuckled softly. "Wouldn't it be amusing if we were searching for each other at the same time?" Jack tried not to snort and simply nodded. Let the boy have some hope left.
"I might still find him, Jack," Will said determinedly. "If he is still alive- I vow I will not rest until I do." Jack clasped him on the back and leaned back, looking at the sky.
"Of that I have no doubt," he said smiling to himself, thinking how stubborn father and son are. "Of that I have no doubt."
**
Will and Elizabeth were startled awake by the sound of loud banging at their door. Elizabeth rolled onto the floor with surprise and remained there for a few moments before forcing herself up. She did not sleep well at night. One glance at Will told her he did not sleep well either. They slept at the crew's quarters, which consisted of bunk beds upon bunk beds. None of the beds were big enough for the two of them and so they were forced to sleep on separate beds. They both decided on lower bunks facing each other, fortunately for Elizabeth's aching back.
"How did you sleep, sweetheart?" Will asked kindly, taking in her messy appearance and her unceremonious roll onto the floor. It was all he could do to stop himself from laughing. She was about to yell at him when the door opened and Jack waltzed in, looking as wide-awake and cheerful as always.
"Good morning mateys!" He said, taking in their appearance with a grin. "I take it you slept well?" If she had had anything sharp near her she would have thrown it at him. As it were she chose to glare at him. Suddenly a thought came to her mind.
"Jack! You can't simply walk into our quarters- what if I weren't decent?" Jack simply smiled dreamily at that before shaking his head and clearing his throat.
"I've been knocking at your door for the last few minutes! I was afraid something might have happened to you." Elizabeth blushed and murmured an apology, before taking some clothes and excusing herself to change. Jack bowed and exited the room, calling over his shoulder:
"Breakfast in five, we have a long day ahead of us!"
Elizabeth arched her shoulders in an attempt to relieve the ache. "Do you suppose we can move your bunk closer to my bunk?"
Will shook his head, while he changed his shirt and put on some pants. "I'm very doubtful we can move it- with strong torrents, high waves and a few careening, they'd collapse and perhaps crush crew members to death," he went to his bunk and tried in vain to move it, only proving his point.
Elizabeth sighed and began to change as well, trying not to think about the state of her hair. She would just have to pull it back somehow in the meantime, until she could take better care of it. "I think we should look at Anne Marie's cabin- seeing as how she has a cabin all to herself, maybe its condition are better." Will nodded his agreement and they two stepped out of their cabin to a brand new day.
*
"You know, Jack, you eat like a swine."
"Elizabeth!" Will said, shocked, glancing at Jack to make sure he was not offended. He was fully prepared to apologize.
"Thank you kindly." Jack grinned and raised his fruit at her in a solute. Elizabeth rolled her eyes, but couldn't help smile.
"Men! You should be grateful I'm on board, you could use some manners."
Jack had a malevolent grin on his lips that worried Elizabeth, when he said jovially. "Oh, I AM grateful you're onboard, Lass. Very grateful indeed."
"What do you mean?" Elizabeth asked, knowing Jack was up to no good.
Jack raised an eyebrow as to inquire if they were finished eating. Both nodded and pushed away from the table, following him outside. Elizabeth frowned. There was an extra bounce to his usual swagger, this can't be good...
*
"This isn't good," Will whispered as he was about to witness a full blowout between his wife and his friend.
"Are you mad?!" Elizabeth asked outraged, holding the offending objects in her arms, as far away from her as possible.
"Yes," Jack answered matter-of-factly. "But that fact has no bearing on your chores."
"You're asking ME- the governor's daughter- to wash all your clothes, mend whatever needs mending AND cook for you?!" Her voice rose with every assault to her dignity.
"No," Jack said slowly, as though explaining to an infant. "I am ORDERING you- a member of this crew- to do your share of the chores. We are only three and the voyage is long- we must all pull our weight, savvy?"
"No, not savvy!" Elizabeth cried. "I am not a maid! And besides, I don't have any soap or needle and thread and I've never cooked before!"
"No, you most certainly are not a maid," Jack sighed exasperated. "But you are a member of this crew- not by my choice, mind you- and you can ask Will what happens when one tries my patience." Elizabeth glanced at Will questioningly. Will nodded, remembering what happened when he pulled a sword on Jack in anger and his "time out" suspended in the air.
"Elizabeth," Jack started in a pleading voice, his hands clasped together. "Do not hang the jib, you are only doing what other crew members- Men, I'll have you know- have done before you. You wanted to be a pirate, to sail on the pearl and so you must earn your stay." He could see she was slowly resigning to her fate and so he added with a smile: "There are worse jobs to do on board, and your dear husband has them."
Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh at the look of bewilderment on Will's face and the scowl that soon replaced it. Pretty soon Will shrugged his shoulders, glad that a huge fight was averted, at the very least.
"I'll teach ye how to cook later," Jack continued, once he knew she calmed down enough to listen. "As for all the necessities- there's a special cabin with everything you need. Come," he said and led the way. Elizabeth squared her shoulders and followed him quietly, reserving the right to be mad and complain about the work, as any woman in her standard was allowed. She glanced at her delicate hands and sighed sadly, knowing they would never look the same.
*
Will groaned and wiped the sweat off his forehead with his sleeve. It was four in the afternoon, the sun was still quite hot and he was scrubbing the deck for hours.
"Ye missed a spot," Jack pointed out helpfully, sitting next to him to oversee his work.
"I've cleaned this area dozen of times," Will gritted between clenched jaws. Jack was having too much fun treating them like slaves.
"Well then, you must have done a sloppy job, seeing as how there's a spot!" Jack announced, shaking his head in disappointment. "I suppose you should go over it again, who knows how many spots you missed." Will shut his eyes and threw the cloth at Jack, which he dodged expertly.
"Tsk tsk tsk," Jack said, grabbing the cloth and dropping it into the soap water. "Someone has a temper." Will collapsed on his back, too tired to comment or throw the bucket at him, though it could probably only be an improvement. He highly doubted a blow to the head would make Jack Sparrow- nay, CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow any crazier than he already is.
"Being a pirate is more than Booty and Rum," Jack lectured good naturedly, grabbing the cloth and wringing the water out of it. He squatted down next to Will and motioned for him to sit up. Will did so and looked at Jack questioningly.
"In order to clean the deck efficiently, one must work in circular movements," Jack said. "Watch." He moved the cloth in circles on the deck. "It cleans better than your vertical or horizontal cleaning. It may take a bit longer- but it will keep the Pearl in shape longer." He demonstrated a few more times, before handing the cloth to Will. Will grabbed the cloth and began tiredly to rub the deck as shown.
"Good, good," Jack said pleased. "Not too rough! We don't want to wear her down, savvy?" Will nodded and continued to work section by section.
"JACK!"
"Her royal majesty bellows," Jack sighed, rubbing his temples. "I will be right back." He vanished into the kitchen area, where Elizabeth was working on preparing dinner. Will managed to hear his beloved Elizabeth yelling something about leaving the meat in too long and Jack answering something about vegetables. He laughed at the image he conjured up and wondered how they were all going to survive a month together, when they could barely last a day. He saw Jack running outside, ducking to avoid a flying carrot aimed at his head. He brushed himself and walked over to Will.
"Dare I ask what that was all about?" Will asked grinning.
"She wanted me to try the carrots," Jack said shrugging. "How's the deck coming along- nice a shiny?"
"I guess you'll be the judge of that," Will said a bit annoyed, gesturing with his arm to encompass the whole deck. "I am at your mercy!" Jack made a face at him and made a point of examining every portion carefully.
"Looks clean enough," Jack smiled, and sat down. "Why don't you take a break, you look tired."
Will was bemused at the sudden change of attitude, but decided to attribute it to his Captain's insanity and take the break that was given to him. He threw the cloth into the bucket and collapsed near Jack. "I honestly can't see me lasting a month," he said, slightly disappointed with his own inability.
"You can and you will," Jack said passionately, not about to let Will's spirit fall. "I knew a lad once not too much older than yourself- he did the exact same job you have and for a longer time." Will didn't ask, but he assumed Jack was referring to his father. He was suddenly determined to do his job and to the best of his abilities in order to make his father proud.
"Dinner will be ready in approximately two hours," Elizabeth announced, joining them. "I think."
"Think nothing of it," Jack reassured her, giving her a pat on the back. "Every good sailor burns his first few meals."
"And then they improve?" Elizabeth asked hopefully.
"Either that or they dance with Jack Ketch," at the confused look on their face, he explained. "Some didn't live to cook another awful meal."
"Oh," Elizabeth said quietly, not sure if that was a threat or a joke. You could never be too sure with Jack.
"It is madness," Will said quietly, though apparently not quietly enough. Both looked up at him, wondering what he was talking about.
"This adventure of ours," Will explained, shifting uncomfortably.
"Madness?" Jack asked, screwing up his face in disdain. "I would hardly call it that."
"Then what would you call traveling half way across the world to rid a small town of a ghost- one that you just happened to tell us about the day before?"
"A grand adventure," Jack smiled. "Don't tell me you're worried about one little ghost?"
"One little murdering ghost!" Will said, getting excited.
"We have faced ghosts before," Elizabeth reminded him gently, even though she was having the exact same doubts herself.
"Like me-self," Jack added smugly. Both turned to him with grim faces.
"Do we even know how to get rid of it?" Will continued. "This headless horseman was merely a legend until now, no one has ever faced him and lived to tell the tale."
"There is someone who has," Elizabeth said, deep in thought. She glanced from one to the other, before stating as though it were obvious. "Ichabod Crane."
Will frowned. "I thought he was killed."
"Well, it was a tad vague," Elizabeth consented, before turning to Jack. "But in your story an old farmer claimed he was still alive, studying law somewhere." Jack remained silent, lost in thought. Elizabeth hesitated for a moment, before continuing.
"Jack, you must know the story fairly well. Is there a chance-"
"Ichabod never faced the headless horseman," Jack said quietly, briefly looking up. He turned his gaze out to the sea.
"What?" Elizabeth asked confused. "But you said-"
"It was a prank," Jack said, his voice rising slightly. His features suddenly returned to normal and he laughed. "A silly prank played by Brom Bones that went sour."
"How can you be so certain?" Will asked. "Until last night we all thought it was a story." Jack remained quiet. "Did you know that that legend was real?"
"I never knew the headless horseman existed," Jack replied. He straightened in his seat and glanced at the position of the sun. "You should go check on the food, Elizabeth," he smiled at her. She was about to argue when they all smelled the smell of burnt meat.
"Oh confound it!" Elizabeth cursed and ran in to check on the food. Jack laughed and rose from his seat, about to head to his cabin.
"Wait!" Will said, rising as well. Jack turned around exasperated.
"Whatever happened to Ichabod?" Will asked. "He was a scholar after all and had a keen interest in the supernatural, he could-"
"He's dead." Jack said dead flat, causing Will to flinch. He never heard Jack talking so coldly.
"Dead?" He repeated dumbly, wondering what was bothering his friend.
"Dead!"
*
'Am I dead?' Was the first question to come to His mind. He could hear voices rustling near him. His head throbbed to the beat of His heart. His heart... If His heart was beating and His head was aching, He assumed He was still alive.
'What happened...' Was the second question, that brought with it a sense of panic. All He could see was darkness-
'Of course you see darkness, you stupid git, your eyes are closed!' He forced them open, blinking several times, allowing the world to slowly come into focus.
"Captain Saunders!" A loud voice hurt His delicate ears.
"What?!" A rough voice answered angrily.
"Jack's waking up!"
He heard shuffling feet and soon could make out two heads hanging over Him. 'I must be lying down...'
"It's about bloody time," The rough voice- Captain Saunders- said, though he appeared relieved.
"Welcome to the land of the living, Jack," he said to Him. He tried to answer, but His throat was dry and His voice crackled.
"Blimey!" Captain Saunders said, hitting his forehead. "Will- go get the lad some water, He must be parched." The other one- Will- ran out immediately. The Captain offered his hand and helped Him up. "Easy now."
Will returned moments later with a mug of water. Will gently watered Him, sips by sips. He could feel the dizziness dim somewhat and the fog in His mind cleared a bit.
"Where..." He tried to voice, feeling drained.
"You be on the Black Pearl," Captain Saunders explained slowly. "I found you several days ago in the Hudson River- you took a nasty blow to the head."
His eyes widened in sudden memory. "The headless horseman!" He cried and tried to jump to His feet, but the dizziness returned. Saunders and Will held Him down and shared a glance.
"If you are referring to the man that threw a pumpkin at you," Will started. "He wasn't headless. He had a head- one with dark curls. He was wearing a fur cap with a fox tail hanging down from it."
"Brom!" He spat furiously. That bully played a prank on Him as well as stealing His ladylove. When He gets back, He'll-
"The Black Pearl?" He asked frightened. "That sounds like a ship!"
"A scholar indeed," Will snorted. "The Black Pearl is no ordinary ship, Jack- it is the fastest ship in the sea!"
"Why am I on a ship?" He was frightened. These men were pirates. "It's been DAYS? AND WHY DO YOU KEEP CALLING ME JACK?" He yelled, causing the headache to return. He lay on His elbows, too tired to support himself.
Captain Saunders smiled sympathetically. "It's frustrating, I'm sure. But it would not be wise to take out your anger on your rescuers."
"I'm sorry," He said quietly. "I just... I am truly sorry."
"When The Captain found you, you were unconscious," Will explained, taking the mug to refill it. "You've been out with a fever for days." He was about to leave when he smiled sheepishly.
"We did not know your name, so we simply called you Jack. I'm William Turner, but people simply call me Will. This is Captain Samuel Saunders."
"My name is Ichabod Crane, you have my thanks for taking care of me" Ichabod extended a shaking hand. Both pirates glanced worriedly at each other. Ichabod returned his hand.
"What?" Ichabod asked, confused.
"Maybe we should continue to call him Jack?" Will suggested to Captain Saunders.
"Why should you call me by a name other than my own?" Ichabod asked even more perplexed. There was something wrong...
"No reason," Captain Saunders lied, smiling reassuringly. "Your fever's gone, but you should rest some more, you look like a tired."
"I appreciate your concern," Ichabod said, sitting up straight. "But I would much rather be lying down at my bed for this evening." Will looked guiltily at his feet.
"You're not going back," Saunders said, the sympathetic look returning to his aging face. His graying beard and weary grey eyes gave him a kind, gentle look. But the hard lines crossing his face and his many scars told another story entirely.
"Why not?" Panic was beginning to take hold of him. He was being held hostage by pirates! 'Dead men tell no tales'... They are going to kill him!
"We are three days journey away from Sleepy Hollow, Jack." How Ichabod detested that name.
"It's ICHABOD," he said angrily. "Can't you turn the ship around?"
"We are not returning to America for some time," The Captain walked towards him, his anger rising. "We took you in, took care of you- as far as I'm concerned ye owe us for our hospitality."
"Ow- owe you?" Ichabod stuttered, wondering what these maniacs had in mind.
"Aye," Saunders smiled at Will conspiratorially, before returning his attention to the schoolmaster. "And we plan to collect."
"I have no money," Ichabod swallowed hard, trying not to remember all the horrible Pirate stories he read as a youth.
"Then ye be walking the plank," Saunders shrugged and motioned at Will. "Get him out of here."
"No!" Ichabod said, jumping up, not caring about his nausea. "Wait! I'm sure we can work something out! I can be useful!"
"We have no need for a school master," Will said, as he grabbed Ichabod's arm. Ichabod didn't notice that they somehow knew his profession. He yanked his arm away from Will and grabbed Captain Saunders' arm. Saunders merely glanced at Ichabod and he immediately retracted him arm.
"Please," Ichabod begged. "I beg of you- I'll do anything! Just please don't kill me!"
"Anything?" Saunders echoed, pretending to ponder the matter.
"Anything," Ichabod agreed, beginning to fear he made a deadly mistake.
*
"You missed a spot."
Ichabod glared at Will Turner and scrubbed harder. He just knew his hands would never be the same again.
Will stifled a sigh and raked a hand through his dark locks. What was Captain Saunders thinking...
"You're doing it all wrong, here, let me show you," Will crouched near Ichabod and took the cloth from him. "In order to clean the deck efficiently, one must work in circular movements- Watch." He moved the cloth in circles on the deck. "It cleans better than your vertical or horizontal cleaning. It may take a bit longer- but it will keep the Pearl in shape longer."
Ichabod took the cloth from him and did as instructed.
"Good," Will smiled. One thing he could say about 'Jack'- he learns quickly. Whether he learns quickly enough, they were going to find out soon enough.
"Alright, it looks clean enough." Will said, barely glancing at his work. "Follow me." Ichabod rose heavily on his legs and followed the younger man wordlessly. He wondered whatever caused this boy to become a pirate. He couldn't have been more than two years younger than himself, around 19 or 20. Sure, fame and fortune are reason enough, but piracy is such a dangerous business, one would have to be mad to take any part in it.
Will turned around and crossed his arms. "First lesson of the day-"
"Lesson?" Ichabod asked. He was tired and aching all over- was this some kind of a joke?
"Yes," Will said obviously. "If you are going on the account, you must speak like one."
"What account? Speak like what?" Ichabod had no idea what was going on.
"Captain Saunders didn't tell you?" Will asked surprised.
"Tell me what?"
"You're going to become a pirate," Will said. After a moment he grinned. "Or at the very least try to pass as one."
"Why would I want to pass as a pirate?"
"Because if you don't you'll have an appointment with Hempen Halter," Will was beginning to lose his patience. Before Ichabod could ask he quickly said: "It means, they'll kill you."
"Kill me?" Ichabod said frightened. "Who wants to kill me and why?"
"The crew we'll be picking up within a month," Will said seriously. "The only thing worse than having a make-believe pirate on board is having a woman on board. So pay attention Jack, this is for your own good."
"It's-"
"Ichabod?" Will sighed. "Believe me, we know. But you don't want the other pirates knowing. Ichabod is no name for a pirate. If you think of a better one, let me know."
'Jack' swallowed and nodded, resigned to his fate. He was not going to make it...
"As I was saying." Will cleared his throat, seeing the foul mood his crew member was in. "This is your first lesson. If you want to pass as a pirate, you must remember to use the following words: Ahoy! Avast! Belay! Blimey! And Arr!"
"Avast?" Jack laughed.
"Do you know what the word means?" Will raised an eyebrow. Jack was silent, so he translated. "Ahoy mean the same as hello, you say it to attract attention, Avast and belay both generally mean to stop and Arr is well... Arr." Will shrugged. "It means anything, use it as often as you can.
"The Prow is the "nose" of the ship." He pointed at the ship's prow up ahead and stood with his back to it. "Port is a seaport or the left side of the ship when you are facing toward her prow, like I am," he gestured to his left. "Starboard is the right side of the ship when you are facing toward her prow. Any questions?"
Jack shook his head and Will smiled. "You are a landlubber."
"Land lover?" Jack asked.
"No, landLUBBER- a sailor on your first journey, inexperienced."
"Alright," Jack frowned, trying to remember the terms that might very well help him survive.
"Now, when referring to a crew member- call him matey or bucko." Will continued.
"Matey or bucko," Jack repeated like a parrot.
"Right, and to curse someone, call him bilge rat, scurvy dog, swab or squiffy. A deceitful person is a Scallywag and untrained recruits are Sprogs."
"So I am either a landlubber or a sprong?" Jack asked, surprising Will.
"Yes, that's... You caught on fast."
Jack smiled a smug grin that would later become his trademark. "I had to teach young children to come up with techniques of remembering words, it is a piece of cake."
"Messdeck lawyer", Will nodded his head towards him. "A know-it-all. What say you, messdeck lawyer, are you ready for more?"
"Arrrrr!"
END CHAPTER 2
Author's Note: Wow, this actually came out longer than chapter one! Any other bilinguals out there who just can't translate the words you know you want to say from one language to the other? Blah. I had to pause in my writing (3 days straight!) in order to find the word "helm", otherwise I'd probably used "wheel" and be done with it! I noticed in a fic that the author took the time to answer all her reviews (including mine, heehee) and she had lots of reviews per chapter, so I decided I liked the communication channel between author and readers, so I'll adopt the gesture.
P.S- all my lovely pirate terms came from this awesome website:
P.P.S- As in last chapter, any suggestions regarding Will Turner Sr. nickname as well as what exactly IS a boot strap (I tried looking it up in a dictionary and on Word, no luck) I'd really appreciate it. I'll even give you credit! *Hint hint nudge nudge*
P.P.P.S- Titivate: To clean up or make shipshape.
SpAnIsH-EyEs2 - I love Johnny Depp (I counted and in SH he faints 4 times, heehee) and I'm so thrilled that you love this and you see potential in it! Now it's up to me to see that potential through, yikes.
Starlight8- Thanks for correcting me on Ichabod's name and I changed the setting to AU. I actually noticed the "Ichabod is Jack's brother" fic when this one was still in my head and I was afraid at first that someone stole my idea! I was so relieved that it was his brother not him, but I didn't read it. I hope you still like where I'm heading with it!
Jorja- Glad you liked, here's an update! I hope you'll continue to read!
vienna1- thanks for reviewing and trying to help me out, but I still don't know what part of the boot is the bootstrap- is it like the tongue in the sneaker? (I blame any English problems on the fact that I'm an Israeli. I blame any Hebrew problem on the fact that my parents brought me up in an English speaking environment- it's a win-win situation....)
WherestheRum- Thank you so much for your compliments, I really put everything into my fics and it means a lot to me that it's appreciated. And yes, Johnny Depp is just awesome! I kept gluing pictures of him into my school journal- especially from POTC... Mmmmmm...