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. This chapter is
dedicated to the new reviewer Scarlett Burns, who reminded me it's been too
long since my last update. Plus she was very flattering, always a good
thing! In case you were wondering, stupid ff.net is giving me problems with
italic and bold, so when it's a flashback there's a ~ before hand. Plus the
names are different, just in case you lose track.
*//***//***
"What a beautiful town!" Elizabeth exclaimed joyfully, nearly bouncing. Young Masbath and his father were trailing behind, trying to drag the couple's belongings. Well, truth be told, most of the luggage was Elizabeth's, Will could not stop her from packing some very "important necessities" such as jewelry, warm dresses, light dresses, party dresses...
"It is so peaceful- it seems to have come out straight from a painting I saw when I was a child." Elizabeth mused, smiling. The town was colored in green- trees, grass, hills and the River all made for a pastoral environment. The fact that the weather here seemed much warmer and sunnier than back home only added to her observation: This place is divine.
"Do you think this town is ready for Jack Sparrow?" She smiled at her husband, who was also silently admiring his surroundings. He could imagine a very relaxed life here with a family... But he knew the call of the sea would find him even here. Sometimes he wondered whether or not Elizabeth and him had a future together at all. They did love each other, that much was certain, and they both seemed to be attracted to the idea of being Pirates- but what about children? Wouldn't it be wrong to raise children in such a dangerous surrounding, without proper education, always on the run from the law?
"I don't know," Will replied with an ironic smile. "But I dare say we are about to find out." He tried to push the dark thoughts out of his head and concentrate on what they came here to do: Find an alleged headless ghosts who cannot be killed and find a way to kill it.
Piece of cake.
*
"Here you go," Jonathan Masbath said, producing two keys. "Two rooms across from each other, one floor up."
Jack grabbed the keys from the man and grinned. "Ta," he said politely, with a half bow, before he turned to his two young friends. "Alright!" He announced dramatically. We have two rooms: One for Will and one for Elizabeth and me."
"Jack," Will and Elizabeth both said exasperatedly. They were tired and could almost hear the bed upstairs whispering their names with a promise of a restful night.
"Alright, alright!" Jack acquiesced. "Will and I will share a room- I hope you don't snore!" He warned Will, shoving a finger in his face. Elizabeth rolled her eyes and snatched a key away from Jack.
"Will and I will share a room," she said in a tone that was none negotiable. "Is that clear?"
"Yes, ma'am," Jack said in mock sadness. "But I just didn't want to be alone, that's all."
"Well, you know," Elizabeth dared, glancing for support at Will. "You don't HAVE to be alone, if you don't want to."
"I knew you'd come around!" Jack smiled pleased, clasping his hands together.
"No, what I mean is," Elizabeth fumbled. "You can have someone else with you... A... Lady friend."
Jack sobered up immediately. "No can do, Love," he said with an apologetic grin. "I've never been to this town before, wouldn't know the first place to start."
"But how can that be?" Will asked confused. "You seem to know the town fairly well- you knew about this Inn and where it's located... I just assumed you've been here before."
"No, I'VE never been here before," Jack emphasized, pointing at himself. "But a friend of mine was from around here, and he told me what I needed to know."
"Does he still live around here?" Elizabeth asked curiously. "We could use any help we can get, surely we'd find some arrangement for the fee-"
"He's dead," Jack said quickly. "And he's been dead for a very long time."
Elizabeth's mouth opened and shut, but no noise came out of it. "Oh," she finally managed. "That's... Awful."
Jack shrugged and played with the key, moving it from finger to finger, though it was harder to plat with than coins. "You should get some rest, mateys, you look horrible. Tomorrow we rise bright and early- we need to find our mysterious killer, before he strikes again." With those words, Jack walked preoccupied up the stairs and to his room. Will and Elizabeth looked after him.
"He seems so sad," Elizabeth muttered. "I really think-"
"Don't." Will sighed. "At least not tonight. We're both tired- why don't we go and get some sleep on a real bed for a change?"
Elizabeth smiled her consent, her eyes drooping shut. "That sounds brilliant." She leaned her head on Will's shoulder, and gently he guided both of them up the stairs and to their room.
*
Jack rapped on Will and Elizabeth's door, at around nine in the morning. He warned them that they would rise bright and early, and yet here they were: both Turners were fast asleep behind the locked door, and Captain Jack Sparrow was left standing in the hall like a Squiffy. He knocked once more, a bit louder this time accompanied by a "WILL!" howl. When they still would not get up, Jack bent over to inspect the lock. The key was not in the door...
He reached into his side pocket and took out the fork he stole yesterday from the bar. He stole more than one fork as a matter of fact, a whole silverware set to be exact- he needed a new set to replace the one Barbosa used. He could not bring himself to eat from tools that touched that Scurvy Dog's mouth anymore. He glanced at the fork, inspecting it closely. 'Yes, it would do just lovely', he thought, as he set to work.
Roughly ten minutes later, Jack quietly opened the door, stepped inside the room and closed the door behind him. He looked around the room admiringly- they certainly got the one with the nicer view, and he didn't just mean the sleeping Elizabeth. They had a huge window that you could see the port from. He walked over to the window, opened it and searched for his Pearl. His smile lit up his face and smoothed any worry away. There she was, her beauty and majesty standing out among those other miserable ships.
He hated leaving Her alone for so long, but he had no other choice. He knew deep down she understood, and would wait for him. The sooner they got down to business and rid this town of their poltergeist, the sooner he could sail away with the Pearl, the ocean's breeze in his hair and the taste of the salty sea invading his nostrils. For that to happen, these two landlubbers had to wake up.
Jack regretfully pushed away from the window, after promising to himself he would switch rooms with these two as soon as possible. Jack glanced curiously around the room. It was sparsely decorated (save for Elizabeth's trunks- he thought he told Will to make sure she does not bring too much...), the paint on the wall a dull pealing white and he could have sworn he just saw something crawling across the floor. Oh yes, business must be blooming. Then again, Jonathan Masbath was never good at anything he tried. Despite that, there was something almost homely about the rooms- Mrs. Masbath's influence, to be sure. From the way the rooms look now, she must have kicked the bucket.
A sudden idea formed in Jack's mind and he grinned mischievously at his unknowing victims. He looked around the room again, searching for what he needed. There it was, in the corner of the room, near the crack in the wall. Jack pounced on the object of his desire, gripped it firmly between his two hands and inched quietly over to Will Turner.
"Hmmm," Will moaned in his sleep. He turned over and draped his arm around his sleeping wife. He felt a tickling sensation, as though strands of her long hair were brushing against his nose. He smiled in his sleep, enjoying the feeling. He reached a hand out to grasp her wavy hair-
And was rewarded with a piercing pain in his finger.
"OOOOW!" Will screamed, as he jumped to a seating position. He looked at his assaulted hand and was shocked to see a mouse (or so he hoped) dangling by it's teeth from his finger. He yelled again, trying to shake the persistent mouse (rat) off his finger. Elizabeth woke up from the yelling and screaming.
"What's wro-" her eyes widened as she saw the huge rat, and she began to squeal as well, jumping out of bed and backing up against the wall. The rat must have gotten frightened by the commotion, for he closed his jaw more firmly on Will's finger. Will jumped off the other side of the bed, and tried swooshing his finger in the air. When that didn't work, he started pounding the thing against the wall, harder and harder in time with Elizabeth's shrieks, until finally, with one last bite, the rat hit the wall and slumped down on the ground. It recovered soon and scurried away to find its hole in the wall.
Will and Elizabeth stood shocked, both of them panting, their heart beats' hammering in their ears. That must have been why it took them so long to register there was someone else in the room, laughing like, well, a madman.
"You!" Will accused with his bloodied finger. Jack sat in the chair on the other side of the room, leaning against the wall and seeming very pleased with himself.
"Aye, me!" Jack said proudly, as he moved to stand. Will strode over, anger shining in his eyes. Jack's eyes widened, as he realized what Will intended to do. In the nick of time, Jack ducked and Will's fist connected with the wall, sending him into another circle of agonizing screams.
"Will!" Elizabeth said worriedly, as she rushed over to inspect his hand. "Why," Elizabeth asked Jack slowly, her own resentment showing. "Did you do that?"
"He went to punch me, so I ducked," Jack excused himself.
"No- I mean: WHY did you put that- that THING in OUR bed?"
"Oh that!" Jack slapped his forehead in understanding. "Well, you see- it's a funny little story..." Elizabeth and Will both shot daggers at his direction, and so he was brief. "I told you we'd wake up bright and early and was knocking on your door for a good half an hour."
"Wait, how DID you get in here, we locked the doors," Will asked, as Elizabeth went to get water to wash his wounds. Jack smiled his "I'm Jack Sparrow!" smug look, and so Will muttered. "Never mind."
"Right, so I came to wake you up, and thought it'd be funny to scare you, only a little." Jack said as an apology. "I saw this adorable little rat, and thought you'd scream awake and we'd all have a laugh... Ha ha?" He offered meekly, and sidestepped when Elizabeth stormed past him. She washed the wound and Will hissed in pain. She cleaned it with a cloth and inspected it.
"The bite doesn't seem so bad," she offered her professional opinion. "And you just scraped your knuckles." The both glared at Jack, who winced.
"Sorry?" He said with a timid smile.
"We should take you to see a physician," Elizabeth said deridingly. "Just in case. Jack- do you know of any doctors in town?"
Jack shook his head. "Sorry, Love."
"Right," Elizabeth said dejectedly. "We must ask the Inn-keeper." She wrapped the bandage around Will's hand, and the two set off.
Jack made to follow, but Elizabeth stopped him, stabbing her finger in his chest. "YOU- stay as far away from my husband today."
"But I-"
"No buts!" Elizabeth said sharply, a dangerous tone in her voice. "You will stay right here and keep your nose out of trouble, do we have an accord?"
"Yes," Jack sighed and pouted. This morning was not turning out to be any fun at all.
"Good," Elizabeth said, as she ushered her husband out the door.
"Wait!" Jack exclaimed. "What about-" The door slammed and drowned out his words. "-the investigation." He finished quietly. He crossed his arms and sat on their bed. Across the room, the rat squeaked at him, his big black eyes staring straight at Jack, and his sharp bloodied teeth clenching excitedly.
"What are you looking at?" Jack asked him angrily. "This is all YOUR fault, you know?"
The rat shamefully turned around and went back to his hole.
*
"Excuse me," Elizabeth said hurriedly to Masbath. "Do you know where one could find a doctor?"
Masbath took one look at Will's hand and nodded. "We don't have a doctor yet- Dr. Thomas Lancaster was our previous doctor... He was killed by the headless horseman. We have a midwife who serves as a nurse as well, Midwife Beth Killian. She lives on the outskirts of the town..."
Elizabeth thanked him and half carried Will outside. It took them quite a while to get to Beth Killian's house. The road was tricky and entered the woods of Sleepy Hollow. The trees were tall and enveloping and blocked any sun light. There were thorny bushes, protruding branches and other obstacles on the way. Will seemed in some state of shock or another, for he was quiet the entire time and Elizabeth was forced to drag him along. It seemed like forever until they finally reached a small house in the woods, with a smoking chimney and a crimson door.
Elizabeth knocked on the door, and was greeted a few moments later by a kind looking woman. She had her long auburn hair in a messy bun, a few wrinkles in her white face and sparkling chestnut eyes. She seemed in her mid to late thirties and she smiled at them kindly.
"What may I do for you?"
"My husband," Elizabeth explained, slightly nervous from his lack of cooperation. "He was bitten by a rat and then he punched the wall."
"Stupid Jack," Will muttered under his breath.
"You named the rat Jack?" The woman raised her eyebrow.
"No- never mind. It's a long story." Elizabeth sighed wearily.
"Then you'd best come inside," the woman nodded and closed the door after them. "It's Beth Killian, by the way."
"Elizabeth Turner," Elizabeth smiled thinly. "And my husband is Will Turner."
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," Beth said graciously. "Make yourselves at home, I'll be right back."
Will sat down in one of the chairs and Elizabeth stood over him, unwrapping his bandage and checking on his wound. The house was filled with a warm glow from the candles, there was a sweet sensation of soup cooking on the fire, there were medicines and books all clattering the house and several personal possession.
"Are you feeling well?" Elizabeth asked Will quietly. He has barely spoken a word since they left the Inn.
"I was going to swing at him."
"What?"
"Jack, I was going to swing at him," Will sighed. "He is a good friend of ours, he never lied to us and always watched our back. And yet I was about to swing at him."
"He would have deserved it," Elizabeth smiled bitterly. "That little prank of his caused your injury."
"It was a little prank," Will rubbed his eyes with his healthy hand. "I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it- he can be such a child at times..."
"I'm ready," Beth said, as she walked into the room. "Let's see the hand." Will extended his arm slowly, allowing her to inspect it carefully. "It's not too swollen and nothing seems broken," she said, touching the tender skin. "You're in luck. But I will give you some herbs to help bring the swelling down- and advise you to avoid brawls with walls." She grinned at them, as she went to get her herbs.
"You're new in town, aren't you?"
"Yes," Will said nodding. Beth returned quickly with a bag of herbs and placed some on his hand.
"We're hear to investigate the murders," Elizabeth said, studying the woman's reactions. "You know- the headless horseman's murders?"
Beth shook involuntarily and nearly dropped her bag of herbs. "You'd best stay clear from that, a young couple such as yourself- the horseman leaves none alive in his wake."
"But surely he must have left SOMEONE alive- how else would you know it was he?" Will challenged and gratefully took the bag from her.
"I saw him- with my own two eyes." Beth nodded vigorously. "Most didn't believe me until the Van Brunt's servant girl saw him as well, but I tell you I saw him." Her eyes clouded over, and she sat down heavily.
"His horse was as black as night and he was wearing some uniform. He fights with both sword and axe, chopping anything that got in the way with his intended victims. I was there, tending to an ailing Van Ripper, when the wind grew chilly, I swear my teeth chattered. I went to close the window, and there he was! I saw him as clear as day- lightening struck behind him and you could see his decapitated body. It was the night he claimed Sarah Glenn and her daughter. Poor Theodore Glenn, her husband, tried to protect them. He shot at the monster and hit his mark, but he just kept coming and slashing...." Beth shook her head in memory.
"How do you know he didn't come after Theodore Glenn?" Elizabeth asked, wondering.
"He went straight for the wife and daughter. Theodore stood there in the garden, in plain sight, stunned at first. The horseman had every opportunity to kill him, yet until he attacked him, he never came spared him a second thought."
"The killings are not random, then." Will said gravely. "The victims were hand picked- but why?"
Their conversation was interrupted when the door burst open, and in stepped a soaked figure. She was young, no older than sixteen, with dark hair and golden skin. She was small and underdeveloped and she glanced at the guests curiously.
"Hello," She smiled amiably, shoving her wet hair behind her ears. "I see we have company."
"Clara- I want you to meet Will and Elizabeth Turner," Beth introduced, she smiled at the couple. "This is my daughter, Clara."
"How do you do," Clara said politely, as she entered the room.
"It is nice to meet you, Clara," Elizabeth smiled fondly. She only now realized how much she missed being around people her age, and Clara seemed nice enough.
"You're soaking wet!" Beth said bemused. "And what are you doing home so early, I would have thought you'd still be at the Van Brunt's."
"Widow Katrina Van Brunt allowed me to go home early," Clara called over her shoulder, as she went to change into warmer and drier clothes. "She's having a big party in honor of her daughter's eighteenth birthday tonight."
"You work for Katrina Van Brunt?" Elizabeth asked. She looked out the window and frowned. The weather did not seem so agreeable today, and they still had to walk back to the Inn.
"I take care of her father in law," Clara said, when she reemerged. "He's an old and sick man, who needs constant care." She leaned against the wall and cocked her head. "I've never seen you two before, are you new in town? We only arrived two years ago, but I never forget a face."
"We're visiting," Will explained.
"They're here to solve the murders," Beth said sadly.
"Really?" Clara said surprised. "I thought the murders stopped weeks ago."
"That may be so," Elizabeth acknowledged. "But Widow Van Brunt offered a substantial reward for catching the killer."
"You can't catch the headless horseman," Clara said, chuckling. "How does one catch a dead man?"
"Perhaps someone else sent the horseman to do their bidding?" Will suggested, contemplating. "It seems illogical for a dead man to kill specific people- I was told he was long dead. He couldn't possibly have any connection with the deceased."
"Maybe their ancestors wronged him." Clara shrugged lightly. "Whatever his reasons are, I suggest if you see him to stay out of his path," a sly grin crossed her visage and she stole a cheeky glance at her mother before adding: "You don't want to lose your heads."
*
"Having a party here, are we?" Jack asked Masbath, as he trotted down the stairs. Tables were moved, decorations were hung up and everyone were working busily. "I love parties."
"It's in honor of my daughter," Katrina arrived from the other room, not even glancing at Jack. She seemed absorbed in getting ready for the party. "She turns eighteen tonight, and Jonathan Masbath kindly agreed to host the party in his Inn, for a small fee, of course," she smiled thinly.
"Wonderful age," Jack grinned. "Young and vivacious and full of- erm, life." He tried lamely.
Katrina shook her head with somewhat amusement. "You are a Pirate to the core." Jack smiled proudly and so she added hastily. "That was not meant as a compliment."
"Sticks and stones, love." Jack shrugged it off. "I, for one, find nothing wrong with piracy. Sailing under your own flag, taking what you want, the wind in your hair-"
"Plundering villages," Katrina offered, a smirk on her face.
"Aye, that as well." Jack nodded in agreement. "Best years of my life."
"So, tell me, Jack," Katrina asked, leaning conspiratorially forward, making sure no one was around. "Why 'Jack Sparrow'?"
"Because," he said playfully, leaning forward as well. "The moment I left this God forsaken town and its merry occupants, I was free as a bird."
"Ah." Katrina smiled ironically. "But wouldn't 'Crane' be more suitable? It IS a water bird and you ARE a Pirate." Katrina reasoned, a slight teasing in her tone. This little intermission from her hassling over her daughter's party was refreshing, to say the least. She was so weary and tired beyond simple exhaustion or fatigue, this was accumulating stress and nerves. A little verbal sparing with Jack did wonders for her mood.
"But 'Crane' would have raised questions as to its resemblance to a certain local Sleepy Hollow Crane," Jack explained. "One that I had no affiliations with. Besides, Sparrow is a singing bird," Jack grinned widely. "And I love to sing."
Katrina laughed and shook her head. At times she thought Captain Jack Sparrow was nothing like Ichabod Crane, and then there were moments when they seemed so alike...
"... There was this Pirates' song that Elizabeth taught me, when we were stranded on an Island together- I never heard it before, but it is so captivating, I taught it to all my crew, and-"
"Elizabeth?" Katrina questions, a curious smile plastered on her face. "Is she a... Crew member?"
"On this particular voyage she is," Jack said earnestly. "She might become a crew member later on, she could always share a cabin with Anamaria if she likes." He noticed the odd look on Katrina's face and nearly laughed, but instead he cleared his throat and continued. "She and her husband are staying at this Inn as well, upstairs, across the hall from me."
"Oh," Katrina said, slightly embarrassed. Was that relief she felt? It couldn't possibly be that she was jealous, she had no reason to be. She was not attracted to this Sparrow Pirate, she was a grown woman, not some love- sick little girl. She ever had a little girl who seemed to be growing up too quickly-
"I think- I think I shall return to overseeing the preparations," Katrina fumbled over the words, as she left quickly, her dress swishing noisily. Jack raised his brows as he watched her leave.
Women!
"Hold your hand still," Saunders said commandingly, as Jack held his left arm over the flame. "Being a pirate is not a sudden fancy, nor a decision made lightly. You must be willing to sacrifice everything for this life- and for the honor of being one of my crew." He glanced at Jack's unflinching hand and nodded with satisfaction. "Do you think ye have what it takes to be a proud member of the Pearl?"
"Aye, Captain!" Jack said between gritted teeth, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. The pain was intense, and yet he refused to move his hand even slightly. If he had to he would allow his hand to burn first, before being humiliated.
"Good!" Saunders smiled. Not many men he put to this initiation lasted so long, he knew he could expect great things from Jack, and great loyalty, a product hard to come by these days. "You can move your hand now, Jack."
Jack left his hand an extra moment, to prove his point, before removing it from the flame. He tried not to clutch it tightly to his chest and kept it at a distance from him. He disregarded the pain and stared Saunders straight in the eye and flashed him a toothy grin. "That's a shame, mate, I was just getting 'warmed up'."
"Here," Saunders laughed, as he handed Jack a mug full of rum. "Homemade, it'll help relieve the pain and get you in a good mood." He smiled, clinked his mug against Jack's and took a swing of it. "Ye aren't a Pirate unless you have the craving for rum."
"Well, in that case." Jack smiled, as he downed his drink. Saunders laughed and started off the ship. "I'll be back later, lads. I gotta go down shore to gather meself a crew- I imagine you won't be joining me?"
"To the lovely Tortuga?" Bill asked cynically. "No thank you, Captain. I think we'll man the ship- someone has to keep an eye on this beauty."
"Sometimes I wonder whether you're a real Pirate or not," Saunders muttered to him, before disappearing from view.
"Sometimes I wonder myself." Will said under his breath to himself, before turning brightly to Jack. "Welcome to the crew," Will grinned at him. "I would advise you to rub egg yolk on it and keep it wrapped up for a few days. You might want to try not to grab things with your left hand for a while."
Jack shook at the thought. "Dually noted, mate."Jack shook at the thought. "Dually noted, mate."
Bill laughed and pulled Jack away from the rail and to the quarters. "Any regrets?" He asked Jack seriously. "It's very hard to go back now."
"No regrets," Jack said decisively. "But I do have one problem..."
"What is it?" Bill asked curiously, as he lay down on one of the bunks.
"I need a name." Jack lay on the bunk across, his mind thoughtful.
"I thought you already had one." Bill teased, laying his head on his hands, and looking at the bunk above.
"Ichabod Crane had a name," Jack explained. "Jack the Pirate, doesn't."
"Ah, I see." Bill nodded. "What about 'Jack Ketch'?"
"A public executioner?" Jack laughed. "Now that would be tempting fate."
"How about 'Jack Tar'?"
"I might as well call myself 'Jack Smith' for all its uniqueness." Jack said. He muttered to himself, obviously going over names and combinations, until he jumped up (not a clever thing to do when you are lying under a bunk) and snapped his fingers, ignoring the pain in his head. "I've got it!" He beamed at Bill. "I have an idea- and I need your help..."
"Bill," Captain Saunders asked, the following day, while he was interviewing candidates on the dock. "Have you seen Jack? He seems to have disappeared."
"I haven't seen him," Bill lied innocently. "Should I tell him you are looking for him?"
"No," Saunders scratched his beard. "I still need to narrow down a crew and- " his eyes widened and his mouth hung open. "Shiver me timbers! I think I had one Clap of Thunder too many, I seem to be seeing things."
Bill turned to the general direction Saunders was gaping at and tried not to burst into laughter. "No, Captain." Bill said, biting his lip. "I see it as well."
All the rest of the would-be-crew turned and stared as well, some starting to howl with laughter. There, standing on the Mast, flapping his arms and crowing like a bird-
Was Jack.
Saunders took a step forward and cupped his hands over his mouth, to be heard better. "Ahoy there, Jack! What in God's name are you doing?"
Jack stopped cooing to reply: "The Parrot is sick, I took over in order to greet our new crew!" He continued flapping his wings, jumping up and down and making general "bird noises". One of the Pirates could have sworn he also "pecked his feathers".
Saunders turned to Bill, furrowing his brow, but his mood light. "That is strange, I don't recall even owning a parrot."
"Well that be it why he's sick!" Bill said seriously. "He must have been neglected." All the rest of the men were nearly rolling on the floor with laughter, and Saunders laughed as well.
"Are you a Parrot, then?" Saunders called to Jack, enjoying this little game. Jack cooed angrily and shook his head. "No? Another type of bird, perhaps? A... Crane?" 'The Bird' shook his head again and Saunders scratched his beard.
"Maybe he's a canary!" One of the pirates suggested, and was soon joined by other creative suggestions, some not even birds at all.
"What say you, Bill?" Saunders asked his knowingly. "Have you any ideas?"
"Well, I can only guess." Bill smiled back. "But I say he looks like a Sparrow." This started a whole debate over whether the bird resembled a Sparrow in build and attitude.
"Why a Sparrow?" Saunders asked, interested. Bill was about to reply, when a sweet tune was swept by the wind and brought to their attention. All eyes went up to the bird-pirate who was singing some happy and cheerful melody, with a sad undertone.
"Now I understand." Saunders said, listening to the song. "Jack Sparrow indeed."
At the recognition Jack finish his song and stood up straighter, a victorious grin on his face, as he bowed deeply.
"Ye can fly down now, Jack Sparrow." Saunders said, smirking. Jack nodded, took an extra step to the end of the mast and jumped down head first. Everyone (including Bill) gasped at the crazy act, and rushed forward. Only then did they see a rope attached to Jack's midsection, tying him to the mast. In midair he cut the rope, somersaulted in the air, caught another loose rope, swung across the ship and slid down one of the sails, landing on two feet.
The Pirates applauded and whistled, asking for more. Jack smirked, bowed down triumphantly and went back to his quarters.
"He is completely mad." Saunders whispered, shaking his head in amazement. "Either a complete genius or a madman."
"Or both," Bill offered with a shrug.
Saunders nodded in agreement. "Or both."
~ *END PART 6*
Author's note:
Sorry this took me so long to write- I had an original story bubbling in my head (which I wrote, thank you very much! 22 Word pages! 9,018 words!) and my Estel (LOTR/Hobbit) story, that I've been writing for over a year now, and want to finish it soon. Plus, you know how it is- tests, school, life.... Everything kinda gets in the way.
Future Warning: This chapter, as well as future chapters contain names from the Sleepy Hollow movie and MANY original characters. Unfortunately the book only gave like three names (Ichabod, Katrina, Brom) and so I took some names, distorted others and will have a town full of characters! I can only hope none will come out remotely "Mary Sue"-ish, so ye be warned!
emma- Like I said, I apologize for writing this so late (plus you know how long it takes to write a 5,000+ words chapter? Sheesh! I should have been studying for Maths yesterday!) and I hope you continue to enjoy this story!
Katana- This is a cliffhanger? None of the characters are falling off a cliff/suddenly fall ill/etc. But if you want me to....*evil grin* Oh I don't mind stalkers, as long as they are nice ones like you! You hold me in admiration and awe? Wow, I feel slightly unworthy, but only slightly! The vacation was only a week- not nearly long enough, but I enjoyed it. Don't bite your nails- it's not good for you! *winces* Most of the other things I wrote here are pure rubbish and were written about two years ago, when I was like 16!
Sharmin- I hope your internet problem is fixed soon, girl! It wouldn't be good for you to have "withdrawal symptoms" even though I hardly think this fic deserves it, but sure. It's so weird, do you ever get the feeling that sometimes the characters are simply speaking THROUGH you? I just love these trio so much, if it weren't for the length I think I'd write Pirates more often! Ichabod's FINAL transition? Hardly, he still has a way to go! He needs to get some actual pirating and betrayal, before he becomes the Jack Sparrow we all know and love. But he's well on his way. I'm glad you like "my" women, they're so hard to write! On the one hand, you don't want a scaredy little girl, on the other hand, you don't want a superwoman. I think you can expect to see more of Katrina and Jack/Katrina bantering/talking, though I haven't decided if I should venture into a more romantic terrain.
Cap'n Bloodshot Etta akaVienna- Your Pirate talk humbles me greatly. Then again, if I wrote like a true Pirate I Myself wouldn't understand what I'm writing... I know most straps are made out of leather, but Bill is so unique, he made his from metal. Plus, now you see where the skilled Blacksmith Will got his talent from, aye? I'm so glad you liked the chapter!
Scarlett Burns- I'm glad you stumbled upon this little story o' mine! Writing fanfiction is mostly difficult because it's hard to nail complex characters, such as our beloved Jack, and it helps to know others appreciate your attempt, so thanks! LOL, I'd hope this story is unique, otherwise someone is plagiarizing! My writing is excellent? Nah, but hopefully it will only improve, I got time, need experience. I hadn't realized it's been almost a month, I apologize, and no, I love this story too much to abandon it! Plus, reviews help to motivate me *wink wink nudge nudge*.
Ivy
*//***//***
"What a beautiful town!" Elizabeth exclaimed joyfully, nearly bouncing. Young Masbath and his father were trailing behind, trying to drag the couple's belongings. Well, truth be told, most of the luggage was Elizabeth's, Will could not stop her from packing some very "important necessities" such as jewelry, warm dresses, light dresses, party dresses...
"It is so peaceful- it seems to have come out straight from a painting I saw when I was a child." Elizabeth mused, smiling. The town was colored in green- trees, grass, hills and the River all made for a pastoral environment. The fact that the weather here seemed much warmer and sunnier than back home only added to her observation: This place is divine.
"Do you think this town is ready for Jack Sparrow?" She smiled at her husband, who was also silently admiring his surroundings. He could imagine a very relaxed life here with a family... But he knew the call of the sea would find him even here. Sometimes he wondered whether or not Elizabeth and him had a future together at all. They did love each other, that much was certain, and they both seemed to be attracted to the idea of being Pirates- but what about children? Wouldn't it be wrong to raise children in such a dangerous surrounding, without proper education, always on the run from the law?
"I don't know," Will replied with an ironic smile. "But I dare say we are about to find out." He tried to push the dark thoughts out of his head and concentrate on what they came here to do: Find an alleged headless ghosts who cannot be killed and find a way to kill it.
Piece of cake.
*
"Here you go," Jonathan Masbath said, producing two keys. "Two rooms across from each other, one floor up."
Jack grabbed the keys from the man and grinned. "Ta," he said politely, with a half bow, before he turned to his two young friends. "Alright!" He announced dramatically. We have two rooms: One for Will and one for Elizabeth and me."
"Jack," Will and Elizabeth both said exasperatedly. They were tired and could almost hear the bed upstairs whispering their names with a promise of a restful night.
"Alright, alright!" Jack acquiesced. "Will and I will share a room- I hope you don't snore!" He warned Will, shoving a finger in his face. Elizabeth rolled her eyes and snatched a key away from Jack.
"Will and I will share a room," she said in a tone that was none negotiable. "Is that clear?"
"Yes, ma'am," Jack said in mock sadness. "But I just didn't want to be alone, that's all."
"Well, you know," Elizabeth dared, glancing for support at Will. "You don't HAVE to be alone, if you don't want to."
"I knew you'd come around!" Jack smiled pleased, clasping his hands together.
"No, what I mean is," Elizabeth fumbled. "You can have someone else with you... A... Lady friend."
Jack sobered up immediately. "No can do, Love," he said with an apologetic grin. "I've never been to this town before, wouldn't know the first place to start."
"But how can that be?" Will asked confused. "You seem to know the town fairly well- you knew about this Inn and where it's located... I just assumed you've been here before."
"No, I'VE never been here before," Jack emphasized, pointing at himself. "But a friend of mine was from around here, and he told me what I needed to know."
"Does he still live around here?" Elizabeth asked curiously. "We could use any help we can get, surely we'd find some arrangement for the fee-"
"He's dead," Jack said quickly. "And he's been dead for a very long time."
Elizabeth's mouth opened and shut, but no noise came out of it. "Oh," she finally managed. "That's... Awful."
Jack shrugged and played with the key, moving it from finger to finger, though it was harder to plat with than coins. "You should get some rest, mateys, you look horrible. Tomorrow we rise bright and early- we need to find our mysterious killer, before he strikes again." With those words, Jack walked preoccupied up the stairs and to his room. Will and Elizabeth looked after him.
"He seems so sad," Elizabeth muttered. "I really think-"
"Don't." Will sighed. "At least not tonight. We're both tired- why don't we go and get some sleep on a real bed for a change?"
Elizabeth smiled her consent, her eyes drooping shut. "That sounds brilliant." She leaned her head on Will's shoulder, and gently he guided both of them up the stairs and to their room.
*
Jack rapped on Will and Elizabeth's door, at around nine in the morning. He warned them that they would rise bright and early, and yet here they were: both Turners were fast asleep behind the locked door, and Captain Jack Sparrow was left standing in the hall like a Squiffy. He knocked once more, a bit louder this time accompanied by a "WILL!" howl. When they still would not get up, Jack bent over to inspect the lock. The key was not in the door...
He reached into his side pocket and took out the fork he stole yesterday from the bar. He stole more than one fork as a matter of fact, a whole silverware set to be exact- he needed a new set to replace the one Barbosa used. He could not bring himself to eat from tools that touched that Scurvy Dog's mouth anymore. He glanced at the fork, inspecting it closely. 'Yes, it would do just lovely', he thought, as he set to work.
Roughly ten minutes later, Jack quietly opened the door, stepped inside the room and closed the door behind him. He looked around the room admiringly- they certainly got the one with the nicer view, and he didn't just mean the sleeping Elizabeth. They had a huge window that you could see the port from. He walked over to the window, opened it and searched for his Pearl. His smile lit up his face and smoothed any worry away. There she was, her beauty and majesty standing out among those other miserable ships.
He hated leaving Her alone for so long, but he had no other choice. He knew deep down she understood, and would wait for him. The sooner they got down to business and rid this town of their poltergeist, the sooner he could sail away with the Pearl, the ocean's breeze in his hair and the taste of the salty sea invading his nostrils. For that to happen, these two landlubbers had to wake up.
Jack regretfully pushed away from the window, after promising to himself he would switch rooms with these two as soon as possible. Jack glanced curiously around the room. It was sparsely decorated (save for Elizabeth's trunks- he thought he told Will to make sure she does not bring too much...), the paint on the wall a dull pealing white and he could have sworn he just saw something crawling across the floor. Oh yes, business must be blooming. Then again, Jonathan Masbath was never good at anything he tried. Despite that, there was something almost homely about the rooms- Mrs. Masbath's influence, to be sure. From the way the rooms look now, she must have kicked the bucket.
A sudden idea formed in Jack's mind and he grinned mischievously at his unknowing victims. He looked around the room again, searching for what he needed. There it was, in the corner of the room, near the crack in the wall. Jack pounced on the object of his desire, gripped it firmly between his two hands and inched quietly over to Will Turner.
"Hmmm," Will moaned in his sleep. He turned over and draped his arm around his sleeping wife. He felt a tickling sensation, as though strands of her long hair were brushing against his nose. He smiled in his sleep, enjoying the feeling. He reached a hand out to grasp her wavy hair-
And was rewarded with a piercing pain in his finger.
"OOOOW!" Will screamed, as he jumped to a seating position. He looked at his assaulted hand and was shocked to see a mouse (or so he hoped) dangling by it's teeth from his finger. He yelled again, trying to shake the persistent mouse (rat) off his finger. Elizabeth woke up from the yelling and screaming.
"What's wro-" her eyes widened as she saw the huge rat, and she began to squeal as well, jumping out of bed and backing up against the wall. The rat must have gotten frightened by the commotion, for he closed his jaw more firmly on Will's finger. Will jumped off the other side of the bed, and tried swooshing his finger in the air. When that didn't work, he started pounding the thing against the wall, harder and harder in time with Elizabeth's shrieks, until finally, with one last bite, the rat hit the wall and slumped down on the ground. It recovered soon and scurried away to find its hole in the wall.
Will and Elizabeth stood shocked, both of them panting, their heart beats' hammering in their ears. That must have been why it took them so long to register there was someone else in the room, laughing like, well, a madman.
"You!" Will accused with his bloodied finger. Jack sat in the chair on the other side of the room, leaning against the wall and seeming very pleased with himself.
"Aye, me!" Jack said proudly, as he moved to stand. Will strode over, anger shining in his eyes. Jack's eyes widened, as he realized what Will intended to do. In the nick of time, Jack ducked and Will's fist connected with the wall, sending him into another circle of agonizing screams.
"Will!" Elizabeth said worriedly, as she rushed over to inspect his hand. "Why," Elizabeth asked Jack slowly, her own resentment showing. "Did you do that?"
"He went to punch me, so I ducked," Jack excused himself.
"No- I mean: WHY did you put that- that THING in OUR bed?"
"Oh that!" Jack slapped his forehead in understanding. "Well, you see- it's a funny little story..." Elizabeth and Will both shot daggers at his direction, and so he was brief. "I told you we'd wake up bright and early and was knocking on your door for a good half an hour."
"Wait, how DID you get in here, we locked the doors," Will asked, as Elizabeth went to get water to wash his wounds. Jack smiled his "I'm Jack Sparrow!" smug look, and so Will muttered. "Never mind."
"Right, so I came to wake you up, and thought it'd be funny to scare you, only a little." Jack said as an apology. "I saw this adorable little rat, and thought you'd scream awake and we'd all have a laugh... Ha ha?" He offered meekly, and sidestepped when Elizabeth stormed past him. She washed the wound and Will hissed in pain. She cleaned it with a cloth and inspected it.
"The bite doesn't seem so bad," she offered her professional opinion. "And you just scraped your knuckles." The both glared at Jack, who winced.
"Sorry?" He said with a timid smile.
"We should take you to see a physician," Elizabeth said deridingly. "Just in case. Jack- do you know of any doctors in town?"
Jack shook his head. "Sorry, Love."
"Right," Elizabeth said dejectedly. "We must ask the Inn-keeper." She wrapped the bandage around Will's hand, and the two set off.
Jack made to follow, but Elizabeth stopped him, stabbing her finger in his chest. "YOU- stay as far away from my husband today."
"But I-"
"No buts!" Elizabeth said sharply, a dangerous tone in her voice. "You will stay right here and keep your nose out of trouble, do we have an accord?"
"Yes," Jack sighed and pouted. This morning was not turning out to be any fun at all.
"Good," Elizabeth said, as she ushered her husband out the door.
"Wait!" Jack exclaimed. "What about-" The door slammed and drowned out his words. "-the investigation." He finished quietly. He crossed his arms and sat on their bed. Across the room, the rat squeaked at him, his big black eyes staring straight at Jack, and his sharp bloodied teeth clenching excitedly.
"What are you looking at?" Jack asked him angrily. "This is all YOUR fault, you know?"
The rat shamefully turned around and went back to his hole.
*
"Excuse me," Elizabeth said hurriedly to Masbath. "Do you know where one could find a doctor?"
Masbath took one look at Will's hand and nodded. "We don't have a doctor yet- Dr. Thomas Lancaster was our previous doctor... He was killed by the headless horseman. We have a midwife who serves as a nurse as well, Midwife Beth Killian. She lives on the outskirts of the town..."
Elizabeth thanked him and half carried Will outside. It took them quite a while to get to Beth Killian's house. The road was tricky and entered the woods of Sleepy Hollow. The trees were tall and enveloping and blocked any sun light. There were thorny bushes, protruding branches and other obstacles on the way. Will seemed in some state of shock or another, for he was quiet the entire time and Elizabeth was forced to drag him along. It seemed like forever until they finally reached a small house in the woods, with a smoking chimney and a crimson door.
Elizabeth knocked on the door, and was greeted a few moments later by a kind looking woman. She had her long auburn hair in a messy bun, a few wrinkles in her white face and sparkling chestnut eyes. She seemed in her mid to late thirties and she smiled at them kindly.
"What may I do for you?"
"My husband," Elizabeth explained, slightly nervous from his lack of cooperation. "He was bitten by a rat and then he punched the wall."
"Stupid Jack," Will muttered under his breath.
"You named the rat Jack?" The woman raised her eyebrow.
"No- never mind. It's a long story." Elizabeth sighed wearily.
"Then you'd best come inside," the woman nodded and closed the door after them. "It's Beth Killian, by the way."
"Elizabeth Turner," Elizabeth smiled thinly. "And my husband is Will Turner."
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," Beth said graciously. "Make yourselves at home, I'll be right back."
Will sat down in one of the chairs and Elizabeth stood over him, unwrapping his bandage and checking on his wound. The house was filled with a warm glow from the candles, there was a sweet sensation of soup cooking on the fire, there were medicines and books all clattering the house and several personal possession.
"Are you feeling well?" Elizabeth asked Will quietly. He has barely spoken a word since they left the Inn.
"I was going to swing at him."
"What?"
"Jack, I was going to swing at him," Will sighed. "He is a good friend of ours, he never lied to us and always watched our back. And yet I was about to swing at him."
"He would have deserved it," Elizabeth smiled bitterly. "That little prank of his caused your injury."
"It was a little prank," Will rubbed his eyes with his healthy hand. "I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it- he can be such a child at times..."
"I'm ready," Beth said, as she walked into the room. "Let's see the hand." Will extended his arm slowly, allowing her to inspect it carefully. "It's not too swollen and nothing seems broken," she said, touching the tender skin. "You're in luck. But I will give you some herbs to help bring the swelling down- and advise you to avoid brawls with walls." She grinned at them, as she went to get her herbs.
"You're new in town, aren't you?"
"Yes," Will said nodding. Beth returned quickly with a bag of herbs and placed some on his hand.
"We're hear to investigate the murders," Elizabeth said, studying the woman's reactions. "You know- the headless horseman's murders?"
Beth shook involuntarily and nearly dropped her bag of herbs. "You'd best stay clear from that, a young couple such as yourself- the horseman leaves none alive in his wake."
"But surely he must have left SOMEONE alive- how else would you know it was he?" Will challenged and gratefully took the bag from her.
"I saw him- with my own two eyes." Beth nodded vigorously. "Most didn't believe me until the Van Brunt's servant girl saw him as well, but I tell you I saw him." Her eyes clouded over, and she sat down heavily.
"His horse was as black as night and he was wearing some uniform. He fights with both sword and axe, chopping anything that got in the way with his intended victims. I was there, tending to an ailing Van Ripper, when the wind grew chilly, I swear my teeth chattered. I went to close the window, and there he was! I saw him as clear as day- lightening struck behind him and you could see his decapitated body. It was the night he claimed Sarah Glenn and her daughter. Poor Theodore Glenn, her husband, tried to protect them. He shot at the monster and hit his mark, but he just kept coming and slashing...." Beth shook her head in memory.
"How do you know he didn't come after Theodore Glenn?" Elizabeth asked, wondering.
"He went straight for the wife and daughter. Theodore stood there in the garden, in plain sight, stunned at first. The horseman had every opportunity to kill him, yet until he attacked him, he never came spared him a second thought."
"The killings are not random, then." Will said gravely. "The victims were hand picked- but why?"
Their conversation was interrupted when the door burst open, and in stepped a soaked figure. She was young, no older than sixteen, with dark hair and golden skin. She was small and underdeveloped and she glanced at the guests curiously.
"Hello," She smiled amiably, shoving her wet hair behind her ears. "I see we have company."
"Clara- I want you to meet Will and Elizabeth Turner," Beth introduced, she smiled at the couple. "This is my daughter, Clara."
"How do you do," Clara said politely, as she entered the room.
"It is nice to meet you, Clara," Elizabeth smiled fondly. She only now realized how much she missed being around people her age, and Clara seemed nice enough.
"You're soaking wet!" Beth said bemused. "And what are you doing home so early, I would have thought you'd still be at the Van Brunt's."
"Widow Katrina Van Brunt allowed me to go home early," Clara called over her shoulder, as she went to change into warmer and drier clothes. "She's having a big party in honor of her daughter's eighteenth birthday tonight."
"You work for Katrina Van Brunt?" Elizabeth asked. She looked out the window and frowned. The weather did not seem so agreeable today, and they still had to walk back to the Inn.
"I take care of her father in law," Clara said, when she reemerged. "He's an old and sick man, who needs constant care." She leaned against the wall and cocked her head. "I've never seen you two before, are you new in town? We only arrived two years ago, but I never forget a face."
"We're visiting," Will explained.
"They're here to solve the murders," Beth said sadly.
"Really?" Clara said surprised. "I thought the murders stopped weeks ago."
"That may be so," Elizabeth acknowledged. "But Widow Van Brunt offered a substantial reward for catching the killer."
"You can't catch the headless horseman," Clara said, chuckling. "How does one catch a dead man?"
"Perhaps someone else sent the horseman to do their bidding?" Will suggested, contemplating. "It seems illogical for a dead man to kill specific people- I was told he was long dead. He couldn't possibly have any connection with the deceased."
"Maybe their ancestors wronged him." Clara shrugged lightly. "Whatever his reasons are, I suggest if you see him to stay out of his path," a sly grin crossed her visage and she stole a cheeky glance at her mother before adding: "You don't want to lose your heads."
*
"Having a party here, are we?" Jack asked Masbath, as he trotted down the stairs. Tables were moved, decorations were hung up and everyone were working busily. "I love parties."
"It's in honor of my daughter," Katrina arrived from the other room, not even glancing at Jack. She seemed absorbed in getting ready for the party. "She turns eighteen tonight, and Jonathan Masbath kindly agreed to host the party in his Inn, for a small fee, of course," she smiled thinly.
"Wonderful age," Jack grinned. "Young and vivacious and full of- erm, life." He tried lamely.
Katrina shook her head with somewhat amusement. "You are a Pirate to the core." Jack smiled proudly and so she added hastily. "That was not meant as a compliment."
"Sticks and stones, love." Jack shrugged it off. "I, for one, find nothing wrong with piracy. Sailing under your own flag, taking what you want, the wind in your hair-"
"Plundering villages," Katrina offered, a smirk on her face.
"Aye, that as well." Jack nodded in agreement. "Best years of my life."
"So, tell me, Jack," Katrina asked, leaning conspiratorially forward, making sure no one was around. "Why 'Jack Sparrow'?"
"Because," he said playfully, leaning forward as well. "The moment I left this God forsaken town and its merry occupants, I was free as a bird."
"Ah." Katrina smiled ironically. "But wouldn't 'Crane' be more suitable? It IS a water bird and you ARE a Pirate." Katrina reasoned, a slight teasing in her tone. This little intermission from her hassling over her daughter's party was refreshing, to say the least. She was so weary and tired beyond simple exhaustion or fatigue, this was accumulating stress and nerves. A little verbal sparing with Jack did wonders for her mood.
"But 'Crane' would have raised questions as to its resemblance to a certain local Sleepy Hollow Crane," Jack explained. "One that I had no affiliations with. Besides, Sparrow is a singing bird," Jack grinned widely. "And I love to sing."
Katrina laughed and shook her head. At times she thought Captain Jack Sparrow was nothing like Ichabod Crane, and then there were moments when they seemed so alike...
"... There was this Pirates' song that Elizabeth taught me, when we were stranded on an Island together- I never heard it before, but it is so captivating, I taught it to all my crew, and-"
"Elizabeth?" Katrina questions, a curious smile plastered on her face. "Is she a... Crew member?"
"On this particular voyage she is," Jack said earnestly. "She might become a crew member later on, she could always share a cabin with Anamaria if she likes." He noticed the odd look on Katrina's face and nearly laughed, but instead he cleared his throat and continued. "She and her husband are staying at this Inn as well, upstairs, across the hall from me."
"Oh," Katrina said, slightly embarrassed. Was that relief she felt? It couldn't possibly be that she was jealous, she had no reason to be. She was not attracted to this Sparrow Pirate, she was a grown woman, not some love- sick little girl. She ever had a little girl who seemed to be growing up too quickly-
"I think- I think I shall return to overseeing the preparations," Katrina fumbled over the words, as she left quickly, her dress swishing noisily. Jack raised his brows as he watched her leave.
Women!
"Hold your hand still," Saunders said commandingly, as Jack held his left arm over the flame. "Being a pirate is not a sudden fancy, nor a decision made lightly. You must be willing to sacrifice everything for this life- and for the honor of being one of my crew." He glanced at Jack's unflinching hand and nodded with satisfaction. "Do you think ye have what it takes to be a proud member of the Pearl?"
"Aye, Captain!" Jack said between gritted teeth, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. The pain was intense, and yet he refused to move his hand even slightly. If he had to he would allow his hand to burn first, before being humiliated.
"Good!" Saunders smiled. Not many men he put to this initiation lasted so long, he knew he could expect great things from Jack, and great loyalty, a product hard to come by these days. "You can move your hand now, Jack."
Jack left his hand an extra moment, to prove his point, before removing it from the flame. He tried not to clutch it tightly to his chest and kept it at a distance from him. He disregarded the pain and stared Saunders straight in the eye and flashed him a toothy grin. "That's a shame, mate, I was just getting 'warmed up'."
"Here," Saunders laughed, as he handed Jack a mug full of rum. "Homemade, it'll help relieve the pain and get you in a good mood." He smiled, clinked his mug against Jack's and took a swing of it. "Ye aren't a Pirate unless you have the craving for rum."
"Well, in that case." Jack smiled, as he downed his drink. Saunders laughed and started off the ship. "I'll be back later, lads. I gotta go down shore to gather meself a crew- I imagine you won't be joining me?"
"To the lovely Tortuga?" Bill asked cynically. "No thank you, Captain. I think we'll man the ship- someone has to keep an eye on this beauty."
"Sometimes I wonder whether you're a real Pirate or not," Saunders muttered to him, before disappearing from view.
"Sometimes I wonder myself." Will said under his breath to himself, before turning brightly to Jack. "Welcome to the crew," Will grinned at him. "I would advise you to rub egg yolk on it and keep it wrapped up for a few days. You might want to try not to grab things with your left hand for a while."
Jack shook at the thought. "Dually noted, mate."Jack shook at the thought. "Dually noted, mate."
Bill laughed and pulled Jack away from the rail and to the quarters. "Any regrets?" He asked Jack seriously. "It's very hard to go back now."
"No regrets," Jack said decisively. "But I do have one problem..."
"What is it?" Bill asked curiously, as he lay down on one of the bunks.
"I need a name." Jack lay on the bunk across, his mind thoughtful.
"I thought you already had one." Bill teased, laying his head on his hands, and looking at the bunk above.
"Ichabod Crane had a name," Jack explained. "Jack the Pirate, doesn't."
"Ah, I see." Bill nodded. "What about 'Jack Ketch'?"
"A public executioner?" Jack laughed. "Now that would be tempting fate."
"How about 'Jack Tar'?"
"I might as well call myself 'Jack Smith' for all its uniqueness." Jack said. He muttered to himself, obviously going over names and combinations, until he jumped up (not a clever thing to do when you are lying under a bunk) and snapped his fingers, ignoring the pain in his head. "I've got it!" He beamed at Bill. "I have an idea- and I need your help..."
"Bill," Captain Saunders asked, the following day, while he was interviewing candidates on the dock. "Have you seen Jack? He seems to have disappeared."
"I haven't seen him," Bill lied innocently. "Should I tell him you are looking for him?"
"No," Saunders scratched his beard. "I still need to narrow down a crew and- " his eyes widened and his mouth hung open. "Shiver me timbers! I think I had one Clap of Thunder too many, I seem to be seeing things."
Bill turned to the general direction Saunders was gaping at and tried not to burst into laughter. "No, Captain." Bill said, biting his lip. "I see it as well."
All the rest of the would-be-crew turned and stared as well, some starting to howl with laughter. There, standing on the Mast, flapping his arms and crowing like a bird-
Was Jack.
Saunders took a step forward and cupped his hands over his mouth, to be heard better. "Ahoy there, Jack! What in God's name are you doing?"
Jack stopped cooing to reply: "The Parrot is sick, I took over in order to greet our new crew!" He continued flapping his wings, jumping up and down and making general "bird noises". One of the Pirates could have sworn he also "pecked his feathers".
Saunders turned to Bill, furrowing his brow, but his mood light. "That is strange, I don't recall even owning a parrot."
"Well that be it why he's sick!" Bill said seriously. "He must have been neglected." All the rest of the men were nearly rolling on the floor with laughter, and Saunders laughed as well.
"Are you a Parrot, then?" Saunders called to Jack, enjoying this little game. Jack cooed angrily and shook his head. "No? Another type of bird, perhaps? A... Crane?" 'The Bird' shook his head again and Saunders scratched his beard.
"Maybe he's a canary!" One of the pirates suggested, and was soon joined by other creative suggestions, some not even birds at all.
"What say you, Bill?" Saunders asked his knowingly. "Have you any ideas?"
"Well, I can only guess." Bill smiled back. "But I say he looks like a Sparrow." This started a whole debate over whether the bird resembled a Sparrow in build and attitude.
"Why a Sparrow?" Saunders asked, interested. Bill was about to reply, when a sweet tune was swept by the wind and brought to their attention. All eyes went up to the bird-pirate who was singing some happy and cheerful melody, with a sad undertone.
"Now I understand." Saunders said, listening to the song. "Jack Sparrow indeed."
At the recognition Jack finish his song and stood up straighter, a victorious grin on his face, as he bowed deeply.
"Ye can fly down now, Jack Sparrow." Saunders said, smirking. Jack nodded, took an extra step to the end of the mast and jumped down head first. Everyone (including Bill) gasped at the crazy act, and rushed forward. Only then did they see a rope attached to Jack's midsection, tying him to the mast. In midair he cut the rope, somersaulted in the air, caught another loose rope, swung across the ship and slid down one of the sails, landing on two feet.
The Pirates applauded and whistled, asking for more. Jack smirked, bowed down triumphantly and went back to his quarters.
"He is completely mad." Saunders whispered, shaking his head in amazement. "Either a complete genius or a madman."
"Or both," Bill offered with a shrug.
Saunders nodded in agreement. "Or both."
~ *END PART 6*
Author's note:
Sorry this took me so long to write- I had an original story bubbling in my head (which I wrote, thank you very much! 22 Word pages! 9,018 words!) and my Estel (LOTR/Hobbit) story, that I've been writing for over a year now, and want to finish it soon. Plus, you know how it is- tests, school, life.... Everything kinda gets in the way.
Future Warning: This chapter, as well as future chapters contain names from the Sleepy Hollow movie and MANY original characters. Unfortunately the book only gave like three names (Ichabod, Katrina, Brom) and so I took some names, distorted others and will have a town full of characters! I can only hope none will come out remotely "Mary Sue"-ish, so ye be warned!
emma- Like I said, I apologize for writing this so late (plus you know how long it takes to write a 5,000+ words chapter? Sheesh! I should have been studying for Maths yesterday!) and I hope you continue to enjoy this story!
Katana- This is a cliffhanger? None of the characters are falling off a cliff/suddenly fall ill/etc. But if you want me to....*evil grin* Oh I don't mind stalkers, as long as they are nice ones like you! You hold me in admiration and awe? Wow, I feel slightly unworthy, but only slightly! The vacation was only a week- not nearly long enough, but I enjoyed it. Don't bite your nails- it's not good for you! *winces* Most of the other things I wrote here are pure rubbish and were written about two years ago, when I was like 16!
Sharmin- I hope your internet problem is fixed soon, girl! It wouldn't be good for you to have "withdrawal symptoms" even though I hardly think this fic deserves it, but sure. It's so weird, do you ever get the feeling that sometimes the characters are simply speaking THROUGH you? I just love these trio so much, if it weren't for the length I think I'd write Pirates more often! Ichabod's FINAL transition? Hardly, he still has a way to go! He needs to get some actual pirating and betrayal, before he becomes the Jack Sparrow we all know and love. But he's well on his way. I'm glad you like "my" women, they're so hard to write! On the one hand, you don't want a scaredy little girl, on the other hand, you don't want a superwoman. I think you can expect to see more of Katrina and Jack/Katrina bantering/talking, though I haven't decided if I should venture into a more romantic terrain.
Cap'n Bloodshot Etta akaVienna- Your Pirate talk humbles me greatly. Then again, if I wrote like a true Pirate I Myself wouldn't understand what I'm writing... I know most straps are made out of leather, but Bill is so unique, he made his from metal. Plus, now you see where the skilled Blacksmith Will got his talent from, aye? I'm so glad you liked the chapter!
Scarlett Burns- I'm glad you stumbled upon this little story o' mine! Writing fanfiction is mostly difficult because it's hard to nail complex characters, such as our beloved Jack, and it helps to know others appreciate your attempt, so thanks! LOL, I'd hope this story is unique, otherwise someone is plagiarizing! My writing is excellent? Nah, but hopefully it will only improve, I got time, need experience. I hadn't realized it's been almost a month, I apologize, and no, I love this story too much to abandon it! Plus, reviews help to motivate me *wink wink nudge nudge*.
Ivy