Disclaimer: Don't own anything, and this is AU, obviously. Plus there's a
special guest appearance in this chapter, try and figure out who. ;)
*
"So what do we do now?" Elizabeth asked Jack as the three made their way slowly into town. Jack seemed to be lost in thought and started at her question.
"Come again?" He asked, not hearing what she asked.
"Are going anywhere in particular, or simply walking around aimlessly?" Will asked Jack, exasperated. None of them slept much at night and the thought of an unstoppable axe-wielding madman did nothing to quiet his nerves.
"But it's such a beautiful day!" Jack protested, smiling. "The Skies are chirping, the birds are blue, somewhere around this town there's a mass murderer..." At the double glares from his companions he rolled his eyes. "Alright! You're no fun in the morning, didn't get much sleep, eh?" He took a deep breath and put on his trademark grin. "I don't know about you two, but I am going to invest my gait in getting some answers."
"Well if you wanted to question the townsfolk, you should have done so when we had them all in one room." Will countered.
"Ah- but you see, the person I'm looking for was NOT at our little gathering and I doubt he's left his bed in quite some time." Jack said, quickening his stride.
Elizabeth and Will shared a confused glance and said simultaneously: "Who?"
*
"Jack?" Katrina asked confused, as she opened the door. She noticed the Turners and smiled politely. "Will and... Elizabeth, am I right?"
"Yes, Widow Van Brunt," Elizabeth smiled politely, not quite sure what they were doing here. If this was Jack trying to add another woman to his conquest list...
"Please, call me Katrina," she smiled and stayed at the door. "Is there something I can do for you?"
"No," Jack said with a shrug and a grin. "But there's something Mr. Van Brunt Senior can."
"My Father-in-law?" Katrina asked confused. "He hasn't left his bed in years and I doubt he's even capable of saying much at all."
"I beg to differ, I think he spit pearls. May we come in?" Jack asked expectantly.
"Oh yes, of course," Katrina said embarrassed and opened the door all the way, allowing them to enter. Jack looked around him and was appalled at what he saw. The place was shabby, it looked like after a shipwreck and Jack could have sworn he saw MORE rats here than in the Inn. Obviously the death of Brom Bones struck the family hard, they seemed to be living dangerously near poverty. Suddenly he remembered what Jonathan Masbath (may he rest in peace) said the old kept repeating: "Last Will and Testimony", could there be a connection?
"Isaac is upstairs with Clara, his nurse," Katrina explained nervously, noting the state of the house. "I do apologize for the state of the house..." She seemed reluctant to offer an explanation.
"Upstairs then?" Jack asked and started bounding up the stairs. They heard a door opening and the sound of heavy objects falling, followed closely by a series of courses.
"That would be the closet," Katrina couldn't help but grin. "Isaac's room is the second door to your left," Katrina called after him.
"I knew that," Jack muttered, as he reappeared. "Are you two coming, or do you wish to stay there and keep the rats company?" He asked and disappeared again.
"I'm sorry, but it seems our MASTER beckons," Elizabeth smiled ruefully. "It was a pleasure seeing you again."
"I'm not sure what you expect to get from Him," Katrina shook her head, as the two went up the stairs. "Even when he has a lucid moment or two, all he does is mutter gibberish."
"Luckily for us, Jack speaks Gibberish fluently," Will muttered as they joined Jack upstairs.
"Glad you could make it," Jack said to them, as he rubbed his sore head. He walked towards the door and opened it slowly, to reveal Clara tending to a pale Isaac.
"Oh, I didn't realize The Van Brunts have visitors," Clara said bashfully. "Are you lost?"
"Nay, just curious," Jack said, glancing carefully at the room for clues.
"What of?" Clara asked confused, as she continued her labor.
"Your patient," Jack said, looking at the sick old man intently. His skin was pale and tight, as though there was no fat or bones. "How long has he been like this?"
"Well, he started getting ill around two years ago, that's as far as I know, he may have had recurring illnesses that I'm not aware of. My mother and I started caring for him around that time and I've been his personal nurse for almost a year."
"How old are you?" Jack asked her suspiciously.
"I'm quite capable, if that's what you mean," Clara said angrily. "I've been around medicine since I was born."
"What's wrong with him?" Will asked, motioning with his head at the bed.
"Other than the fact that he's getting old and his body is shutting down?" Clara raised an eyebrow. "Every little sickness that he catches is life threatening, his body simply cannot fight back anymore."
"Can we speak with him?" Jack asked. "Alone."
"I suppose, but I don't see the point in that," Clara argued, as she gathered her belongings in order to wait outside. "Half the time it's like he's hanging by a thread, neither alive nor dead."
"It's fine," Jack said, coming closer to the man. "I've spoken to a few before, though they were not much for conversation..." Clara looked at him bemused, before leaving and closing the door.
"What are we doing here, Jack?" Will asked as he inspected the room.
"I don't know, I thought maybe we could make use him as a dummy when you make your dresses," Jack rolled his eyes. "I told you already, we're here to ask him questions! Whether or not we get any answers..." He shrugged apologetically.
"Jack-" Will said warningly.
"That stiff knows something," Jack said, pointing at the sleeping form. "Something he told Jonathan Masbath was worth killing him for. Now in my book that warrants him a source of information, Savvy?"
"How exactly are you going to get him to... Well wakeup, for one." Elizabeth asked, casting a worried look in Isaac's direction.
"Hmmm..." Jack said. "I hadn't thought about that." Elizabeth walked over and tried calling out the man's name. She touched his cold arm and tried shaking him- gently at first and then rather roughly, to no avail.
"Don't just stand there," she said to the two men. "Help me!"
"Right!" Jack said, jumping forward. He leaned closer to the man, as though to whisper. "AHOY MATEY!" He yelled in his ear. "IS ANYONE HOME?"
"Jack!" Both Will and Elizabeth hushed, looking at the door, hoping Clara isn't standing there, ready to pounce. Will moved forward nervously and opened up all the windows, thinking maybe the cold air will wake him. Jack looked around and found a pitcher of water. He smiled and lifted it, about to pour it in the sleeping man's face.
"JACK NO!" Elizabeth and Will grabbed Jack's arms and took the pitcher away.
"Have you completely gone mad?!" Elizabeth hissed angrily. "Do you want him to die of fright? Or become sicker than he already is?"
"Well, in both cases he would wake up first-" Jack started to say, when they heard mumbling from the bed. They hurried over and leaned in.
"Sir," Elizabeth said gently, grasping his arm. "Are you awake? Can you speak with us?"
"Mmmmmmmhhhhhhhhh."
"Was that a 'yes' or a 'no'?" Jack asked, raising an eyebrow. "Can you speak?"
"MMMMhhhhhhhhh."
"Alright, I' just going to assume "mmmmhh" is a yes to both questions," Jack nodded his head. "Do you no who's been doing to killings?"
"Aaaaahhhhhmmmmmmm."
"I'm sorry, was that "ahm" or "mhm"?" Jack asked seriously.
"Jaaaack," Elizabeth stressed. "We're not getting anywhere."
"Just give me a moment, will you Love?" Jack said distractedly. "I've learned to understand Mr. Cotton and his parrot, I can learn to understand the mumblings of an old man." Jack huffed and turned back to the old man. "Now where were we? Ahh, yes- do you know WHY the Horseman is killing?"
"Mmmmmmmhhhhh."
"See!" Jack said triumphantly, as he clasped his hands. "That was a definite yes."
"Are you the King of England?" Will asked.
"Mhhhhh." Will looked at Jack pointedly and sighed. "Jack, he's not answering your questions. For all we know he's muttering out of pain."
"That "mhh" was a lot shorter this time!" Jack argued. "He knows something!" He walked over until he was in the old man's face. He picked up the man's hand and let it drop. "Can you write?"
"Mhhhh."
"Good!" Jack smiled. He glanced at Will and Elizabeth, who glanced back. "Well don't just stand there- get us some quill and parchment, would you, I don't have all day, the bugger might just croak while you stand here." Elizabeth started going through the drawers until she found sheet of paper. Will started clearing the shelves, looking for a quill and ink.
"Well?" Jack asked impatiently. "Before I croak!"
"Found a quill!" Will said excitedly, as he brought it to Jack.
"And the ink is invisible I take it?" Jack shook his head. Sometimes he wondered why he even bothered.
"I couldn't find any," Will said indignantly. "The only ink pot I found was dried up, must have been ages since it was used."
"Well what could is parchment and a quill without any ink?" Jack asked sullenly, as he sat on the bed. His eyes suddenly lit up and he turned to Isaac with a warning finger. "You'd better be able to write, Old man, Captain Jack Sparrow doesn't bleed for just anyone."
"Bleed?" Elizabeth asked worriedly. "Jack, what are you going to do?"
Jack took a sharp needle out of his inside pocket. "Never know when this might come in handy," he said, before drawing a bit of blood from his fingertip, making a face. He tipped the Quill in his blood and placed it in Isaac's hand, holding it tightly over the parchment.
"Come on, you can do it," Jack said encouragingly. The wrinkled hand was shaking, as it moved over the parchment slowly. "B...." Jack called leaning over. Will and Elizabeth drew nearer and read it out as well. "R... Is that a U or an O? M......."
"What is going on here?" Clara asked angrily, followed by Mary. She noticed the quill dipped in blood. "Witchcraft!"
"No! You don't understand!" Elizabeth said hurriedly.
"Will you all be quiet?" Jack yelled, glaring at them. "He's TRYING to write and ye all are breaking his concentration!"
"Out!" Clara screeched. "All of you!" She shoved Elizabeth and Will out of the room, giving Jack enough time to snatch the parchment and shove it in his pocket, before roughly being shoved.
"If you wanted to get better acquainted, why didn't you just say so?" Jack said cheekily, as pushed him backwards out of the room and slammed the door in his face.
"What is all the fuss about?" Katrina asked, walking up the stairs.
"These pirates were hurting grandfather!" Mary said accusingly.
"We weren't!" Will protested.
"There was blood on the parchment!" Mary said acidly.
"Aye, that would be mine," Jack said, showing them his pointing finger. "I must have cut it on something sharp, clumsy me."
"They were forcing him to write something," Mary said, crossing her arms.
"Oh? And what would that be?" Katrina asked, crossing her arms as well. Like mother like daughter....
"He wanted to write his memoirs, seemed like a matter of life or death to him. So we helped him along," Jack shrugged.
"He was writing with you blood?" Katrina asked incredulously.
"Well, no need to thank me, part of the service."
"What did he write?" Clara asked, leaving the room after making sure he was all right.
"He didn't," Elizabeth said quickly. "Clara and Mary arrived just as he was starting."
"We'll be leaving," Will said awkwardly, walking down the stairs. "Goodbye!" The Van Brunts nodded curtly at them, glaring at them all the way to the front door.
"Tell him I'll be wanting my drop blood back! You never know when you might be needing it." Jack said and Elizabeth dragged him outside by the sleeve. Once they were out of earshot she turned on him.
"That was the stupidest-"
"I've got the parchment," Jack stopped her, as he retrieved it. "B-R-U-M... Brom!" Jack said, hitting his forehead. "As in Brom Bones, his son."
"He wants his son, it's not an unusual request for a dying man," Will said frowning.
"His son is long gone," Jack said, reading the word again. "I think this is a clue."
"What does it mean?" Elizabeth asked.
"Well I don't know yet, otherwise it wouldn't be a clue, would it?" Jack said irritably. "But I can tell you think- we need to find out what Brom, the children of the town and a last Will have in common."
"So we're stumped?" Elizabeth asked. "Is there nothing we can do?"
"Oh there's plenty!" Jack said, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively at her.
"I mean to figure out the identity of the killer," Elizabeth said with a straight face and tried not to laugh.
"Well, that's not much fun," Jack sighed. "But that nurse gave me an idea... Will, you and I are going for a walk," he said, putting his arm around Will's shoulder.
"What about me?" Elizabeth asked, hurrying after them.
"You- are going to do something neither of us can do." Jack said to her conspicuously. "It is highly dangerous and you must be on your toes at all times."
"What?" Elizabeth asked, her curiosity piqued.
"You're going to go gossip with the town's women."
"WHAT?!" She nearly yelled. "If this is some kind of a joke-"
"I don't think it was a joke," Jack said, scratching his head, pretending to think. "Once a week the town's women get together at one of the houses, normally during the afternoon, to gossip and help each other. YOU are going to invite yourself over and listen intently, see if you can find out anything of value."
"Why me?" Elizabeth sighed, pouting.
"Because I don't like the way I look in a dress," Jack rolled his eyes. "It's a WOMEN'S gathering."
"How would you know you don't like the way you look in a dress, if you've never been in one?" Will asked smiling. Jack was silent, which caused Will to ask quietly: "You've never actually-"
"No, I haven't!" Jack said quickly. "Now we must be going," he started shoving Will forward.
"Wait! How do I find out where it is?" Elizabeth asked.
"That midwife is friendly with you-"
"Beth Killian?"
"Yes, so you- hang on, Killian?" Jack stopped, suddenly interested.
"Yes, do you know her?"
"No, but I've met her father once, when I was visiting here," Jack said shrugging. Farmer Killian was the man who spread the lie about him that he went off to study law... He supposed he had him to thank for his Pirate life, he silently wondered what it would have been like otherwise.
Jack quickly shook his head of these thoughts. "Go to Mrs. Killian and try to get her to invite you to it. You're conniving enough- I still haven't forgiven you for wasting all my rum!" He said longingly as he and Will trotted along.
"Are you planning on telling me where we're going?" Will asked Jack, as they walked in silence.
"But then I'd be giving you the chance to refuse to come, and what good would that be to me?" Jack asked grinning.
"So Jack..." Will smiled evilly at him. "Are you positive you've never worn a dress before? You seem to be speaking from experience."
"Well I've never been decapitated and I still think I'd hate to experience it," Jack pointed out as they entered the forest.
Will grinned. "You know I can always ask Saunders on our way back."
"By all means, ask him," Jack smiled knowingly. Saunders hadn't the faintest clue, not even Bill knew about that time.
"WHERE are we going, Jack?" Will asked with an edge of worry to his voice. "We seem to be going deeper and deeper into the woods."
"How very perceptive of you, mate." Jack said casually. "We're going to meet a witch!"
"Oh," Will gulped, smiling thinly. "Silly me, I was beginning to worry."
*
"Jack, are you sure you know what you're doing?" Will asked nervously, as Jack knocked on the old oak door. They were standing so far into the woods he could barely see any light, and it was still morning! He had a bad feeling about this and a Witch to top it all! Insane!
"You can never be sure of what you're doing, mate," Jack said logically. "Best not to be prepared at all- that way you won't be surprised."
"What?" Will asked, not understanding the pirate's twisted logic. He was about to call him on it when the door opened suddenly, to reveal the Western Woods Crone. She was an aging, ugly woman, with frizzy gray hair and a disheveled look. She stared at them suspiciously, before recognition seemed to spark in her dark eyes.
"The Pirates, I've been expecting you," she drawled. She opened the door wider, exposing her yellowish skin and decaying fingernails. "Please, come in."
"Thank you kindly," Jack smiled, seemingly unfazed. She turned on her heals and disappeared inside, and Jack turned to Will with a sick face. "She MAY have gained a few more blisters since I saw her last." Jack shrugged and stepped inside timidly, careful not to touch anything. Will followed him and closed the creaking door, causing dust to spread.
"Must not have had many visitors lately," Will mused with a tight smile. 'Jack, I don't know how I let you talk me into this..."
"Don't worry, there are no rats here, your hand is safe," The Crone said airily as she sat on her rocking chair.
"How did you-?"
"Perhaps I'm all knowing," She said, leaning forward conspiratorially. "Or perhaps news travel fast."
"Oh," Will said, laughing embarrassedly. He was beginning to believe in all this nonsense...
"Sit down, will you, I don't have all day," she bristled, motioning the chairs.
"We wouldn't want to say sit on you pets, accidentally of course," Jack said with a fake grin, as he forced himself to sit on the rotting chair.
"Pets? I'm almost afraid to ask." Will said darkly.
"Worms, maggots, toad heads, snake's venom, spiders," Jack listed off.
"I get it, thank you Jack," Will said, trying not to lose his... Did he even eat breakfast? He sat down carefully on the chair.
"So, what brings us here?" Jack asked the Witch, clasping his hands together.
"I thought I was supposed to ask that?" She raised her brows, a thin smile cracking her lips.
"Well, I figured since you're all knowing and such, we could ask the questions and you supply the answers." Jack smiled, as he started to lean back in his chair. He changed his mind and awkwardly sat up straight again.
"For the right price," The woman reached out a palm and waited expectantly. Jack took out a sack of coins and dropped it into her hand, not daring to touch her skin. As she bit the coins to check their authenticity, Will gave Jack a curious glance.
"Always carry a bag with me, ye never know when it might come in handy."
"Ah," Will said surprised. "Since when do you think more than one rum ahead?"
"I take offence at that," Jack said in mock hurt. "I normally think TWO rums ahead at the very least. 'Always prepared' mate, has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
"It's real all right," she said, satisfied. "What would you like to know?"
"These murders," Jack said, leaning forward. "Do you know who did them?"
"That's an easy one- the Headless Horseman."
"No, I mean," he punctuated with his hand. "WHO sent him? Why did he start killing?"
"Those are two different questions," she reasoned. "That's double the payment."
Jack eyed her wearily before taking out of his boots another sack of coins. She smiled.
"Do you know or don't you?" Will asked impatiently.
"No, I do not," she said with conviction.
"But-"
"But I can find out," she said mysteriously, as she went to collect ingredients. Half of the things she dropped into the bowl Will didn't even want to recognize, as the others made him sick to his stomach. She stirred it all and a horrible smell rose from the concoction, causing both men to hold their breaths or attempt to breathe from their mouths.
"Hmm...." She said after staring intently at the bowl.
"What?" Both men edged closer, trying to peer inside. She dipped a finger into it and tasted it.
"Needs some Sault."
Jack rolled his eyes. "Can we move this along please? We've got places to be, people to save..."
"This person that committed these atrocities, they did it out of anger..." She said squinting.
"They?" Will asked confused.
"He or she, I can't see clearly." She explained, playing in it with her finger. "The killings started out of vengeance, an attempt to get even with someone. From there it became calculated, cold blooded and efficient. The first one was Brom Bones- find out who did he hurt and you will find your killer."
"I see, very helpful, anything else?" Jack asked lightly, though he was clearly disappointed. She looked up at Will, then back down again.
"The person you are looking for has survived much, and is far away, many many seas away. You will have you chance at finding him- but you will have to make a choice. You will have to choose between your friends' lives and this quest. When the opportunity comes, you will have to make your choice."
"HIM? I thought you said you didn't know who it is?" Will asked confused. "And the killer is right here, in this town."
"I am not talking about the killer," she said seriously, looking deep into his eyes.
"Then who?" Will asked, not understanding.
"You will know soon enough, now you must leave immediately," she said, shoving them out the door and slamming it.
"Now that's the second time a woman has done that to me in the course of one day," Jack mused. "Ye think I'm losing my touch?"
"I think you never had it," Will tried to grin, as he stifled a shiver. "What did she mean?"
"With that old Crone? You never know. Best not to think of it, it will only give you a headache." Jack shrugged, as they made their way back into town.
"I can't believe you gave her two bags of coins," Will said, shaking his head. "Such a waste."
"Ah, but I didn't give her two bags of coins!" Jack smiled smugly. "She never bothered to check the second back- that one was filled with pebbles."
*
"Captain Sparrow, sir," Freddy Masbath said hesitantly, as Jack and Will entered the Inn. They were hoping for a little breakfast and perhaps a quick nap, after last night's events. Jack ignored the boy and continued to his room.
"Jack," Will said, motioning with his head to the boy. "It could be important."
"As important as me finishing off the little rum I have left?" Jack asked challengingly.
"Perhaps," Will nodded seriously, trying not to laugh.
"Oh all right!" Jack sighed and went back down stairs. "What is it?"
"Oh...Well, I-I..." Freddy stuttered nervously at the pirate's bad mood.
"Oh... Well, I-I, what?" Jack asked impatiently.
"I couldn't find anything out just yet," Freddy admitted morosely.
"Not as important as my rum," Jack muttered, turning back to the stairs.
"But I will tonight!" Freddy said determinedly. "I have a plan." Jack raised his eyebrows expectantly, waiting for an elaboration. "Oh, you see, I thought I would hold a service for my father here at the Inn. My father was a friendly man and he had many friends, if I can get them in the same room and let them drink to their heart's content, I figured they might let something spill."
"Sorry, lost you after 'drink to their heart's content'- Will there be rum?" Jack asked, suddenly very interested in the plan.
"Yes," Masbath said, smiling proudly.
"I like this plan already," Jack grinned, before turning his back again. "Good lad..."
"It seems a bit wrong to use my father's memory and licker to get information out of friends," Masbath sighed quietly. Jack apparently heard what he said, for he threw over his shoulder:
"I can imagine worse."
*~* Jack tried to clear his foggy mind and focus on his surroundings. He was still in Madras as far as he knew, though they were moving so quickly he couldn't be sure. He was being led by two Spanish officers off the ship, but to where? That was the question. He was starving, he hadn't had a bite to eat in over two days and his throat was scratchy from thirst. He tried to escape when the guards came, resulting in a rather painful blow to the head, leaving him groggy and disoriented. He was dragged through a door and it took his eyes a whole to adjust to the dark. When his eyes finally adjusted, he was surprised to find himself at a blacksmith's and not a jail cell. He was thrown unceremoniously to the ground, knocking the air out of him. His arms were quickly shackled behind his back to a pole in the center of the room.
"Leave us." A voice boomed from the shadows. Jack inwardly cringed, though he put up a brave face.
"Captain Gonzales, a pleasure to see you again, mate. Though I can't really say I'm "seeing" you right now, if you catch my drift." Jack said with a grin, as his heart beat faster in his chest. Gonzales snorted and took a step forward, allowing the little light from the window to fall on his angry features.
"Jack Sparrow, I am VERY happy to see YOU again," Gonzales smiled placidly, something that only unnerved Jack the more. He heard stories of Gonzales' brutality, especially towards Pirates. Gonzales came closer and stooped on the floor, bringing himself to eye level with Jack. "Shall we get started?"
Before Jack could answer Gonzales grabbed Jack by his hair and pounded his head into the pole. Jack's painful cry only seemed to fuel Gonzales, as he began to pound on Jack, knocking the air out of him and covering his body with black and blue marks. After he was satisfied, Gonzales stood up to admire his handiwork. "Oh I'm going to enjoy this..."
"Not half as much as I'm going to enjoy killing you, MATE," Jack wheezed bravely. "You have my word on that."
"A pirate's word?" Javier asked laughing, unimpressed. He went to a table out of Jack's eyesight and returned moments later, holding a red-hot zigzag shaped sword.
Jack gulped and his smile wavered. "If you want a sword fight, you might want to hand me one as well."
Gonzales smiled and came closer to Jack with the sword, so close Jack could feel the heat. Gonzales roughly grabbed Jack's arm and shoved the sword against his tender skin, causing it to sizzle and burn. Jack yelped in pain and was nearly sick to his stomach from the smell of burnt flesh. HIS flesh.
"Just something for you to remember me by," Gonzales said, retrieving the sword from Jack's left arm.
"I... Don't...Plan... On... Forgetting... You... So... Soon..." Jack hissed in between gulps of air, the pain in his arm excruciating, his head throbbing. He was afraid he would pass out. He tried to think of the horrible death he would put Javier Gonzales to, the moment he managed to escape, because dying at this madman's hands was not an option.
"So brave, Sparrow." Gonzales shook his head with awe. "But that tongue of yours is getting on my nerves, I think that will be the first thing to go." He took out a sharp knife and opened Jack's mouth, trying to grab his tongue without getting bitten.
"Captain!" A nervous voice called from the entrance. The young man seemed to fear interrupting his captain, knowing full well the consequences of such an act.
"What is it?" Gonzales asked annoyed, as he turned away from Jack. Jack was grateful for the distraction and looked around the room frantically for a means to escape.
"Captain, one of our ships are being attacked, sir." The man said quickly, backing away slowly. "I think it's Pirates!"
"Damn!" Gonzales said and swore in Spanish. He looked contemptfully at Jack. "Don't go anywhere, I'll be back soon enough." He got up and walked towards the door. "Get one of the guards in here, make sure he doesn't escape."
"Yes, Sir." The man said with relief. Gonzales left the room, closing the door after him. The young man waited a moment longer, before rushing to Jack's side. "Don't say a word! Captain Saunders sent me, we have to leave NOW." The man whispered, as he took keys out of his jacket and started working on the lock.
"Who are you?" Jack asked suspiciously, refusing to believe his luck.
"Ragetti. Please, we need to be quick before Gonzales comes back." Ragetti said, looking over his shoulder nervously. He helped Jack to his feet and headed for the door.
"Is there a back way?" Jack asked.
"I don't know, haven't checked."
"Right." Jack bit his tongue, deciding that commenting on his savior's wit wouldn't be very helpful. He went around the shop until he found a door leading to an alley. "This way!" He led them both out into the alley and towards the main street. "How did you find me?"
"Saunders found out you were captured by The East India Trading Company and we followed you. When the Captain found out who's got you, he sent me to dress up as a sailor. I like this uniform, it makes me feel important."
"And where is the dear Captain docked?" Jack asked, trying not to strangle the idiot in front of him. Unless Saunders went completely out of his mind, this squiffy must have some use.
"He's docked at the other end of the port, but he's borrowed a ship to give Gonzales trouble." Ragetti grinned. Jack pushed him against the wall, as running boots pounded across the street. Jack had little doubt who they were pursuing.
"We can't get to the docks without being spotted." Jack said quietly trying to think. He suddenly heard approaching footsteps. He looked around the alley for a door that wasn't locked, until he found one and shoved his companion inside. It seemed to be someone's house and was safe for the moment, though Jack knew they would be going door to door soon. They had to leave soon, it wasn't safe.
"Look at that pretty dress!" Ragetti exclaimed, picking up a dress that was lying around, discarded. "Now why would anyone leave a dress like that lying about?"
Jack was about to snap at him when a sudden though entered his mind. A slow smile spread across his face. "Ragetti, mate, I think you'd look good in that dress."
"Really?" Ragetti asked hopefully.
"Really," Jack tightened his grin. "Do us a favor and try it on." The man skipped and started to pull the dress over, while Jack looked for another one. He found one and a scarf and quickly put it on, hiding his face with the scarf. Ragetti found a hat and an umbrella, and was playing with them happily.
"Should we do my eyes too?" Ragetti asked Jack.
"Come again?" Jack asked confused. Ragetti pointed to Jack's eyes, and Jack rubbed a finger over them, to see a black layer of coal smeared across his finger.
"I think it makes you look pretty," Ragetti said admiringly. Jack glared at him and he backed up. "And scary too- your eyes are so black!"
Jack grinned, thinking he should look at his reflection the first chance he got, perhaps black coal across is eyes had a desired effect on both men and women- intimidating other pirates and reeling in the ladies. "The moment we near the port we're dumping these clothes and this never happened." Jack warned, as he straightened his dress and walked towards the door. Ragetti nodded earnestly, following Jack out of the house. They quickly made their way across the streets, getting closer and closer to their destination.
"You there!"
Jack froze, as he turned around to face one of Gonzales' crew. "Yes?" Jack squeaked.
"Have you seen two Pirates?" The man asked them.
"No, we haven't," Jack said in his high pitched voice, relieved.
"Watch yourselves, ladies, these two are armed and dangerous." The man said, before turning away. Jack and Ragetti continued until they were at the port. They hid behind a wall and got out of their garment, before making a dash for the ship. It wasn't until Jack was safe on board the Pearl did he let go of the breath he was holding, and realized how much he missed his Pearl.
*~*
Jack was lying down in bed, enjoying a much-needed sleep, when screaming waked him up. He shot out of bed and leapt to the door, just as it flew open. Will stood at Jack's doorway, clearly startled by the same screaming.
"What's going on?" Will asked Jack, as the two headed downstairs.
"I'll be damned if I know," Jack shrugged, as they met Freddy at the entrance to the Inn.
"Come quickly!" Freddy yelled frantically, as he hurried back out of the Inn. Jack and Will followed him down a familiar path.
"Do you smell that?" Will asked Jack, as the two kept running after the fast Freddy. "It smells like-"
"-Smoke." Jack said quietly, as he saw the burning building in front of him. Men were passing buckets of water along, trying to put out the roaring flames.
"Isn't that-" will said horrified.
"-Yes." Jack nodded, his heart heavy. It was the Church.
"Why would someone do that?" Freddy Masbath asked, shocked beyond belief.
"So when the sun comes down," Jack said, glancing at the sky. "There will be no escape."
*END PART 10*
Author's note: Like I always say, sorry it takes me so long to write! But this one is over 5,000 words and it took me three days at least to write it!
Bluekrystal1- hope you like this chapter as well.
claire- I thought you might be talking about that, lol, must have found its way into my subconscious! Hope you continue to love this story!
IST- Hope it's not out of character, I've tried my best to find my "Jack voice", even though it's been ages since I saw the movie and I don't read POTC fan fictions...
Remember, reviews motivate me to write faster, lol.
Ivy
*
"So what do we do now?" Elizabeth asked Jack as the three made their way slowly into town. Jack seemed to be lost in thought and started at her question.
"Come again?" He asked, not hearing what she asked.
"Are going anywhere in particular, or simply walking around aimlessly?" Will asked Jack, exasperated. None of them slept much at night and the thought of an unstoppable axe-wielding madman did nothing to quiet his nerves.
"But it's such a beautiful day!" Jack protested, smiling. "The Skies are chirping, the birds are blue, somewhere around this town there's a mass murderer..." At the double glares from his companions he rolled his eyes. "Alright! You're no fun in the morning, didn't get much sleep, eh?" He took a deep breath and put on his trademark grin. "I don't know about you two, but I am going to invest my gait in getting some answers."
"Well if you wanted to question the townsfolk, you should have done so when we had them all in one room." Will countered.
"Ah- but you see, the person I'm looking for was NOT at our little gathering and I doubt he's left his bed in quite some time." Jack said, quickening his stride.
Elizabeth and Will shared a confused glance and said simultaneously: "Who?"
*
"Jack?" Katrina asked confused, as she opened the door. She noticed the Turners and smiled politely. "Will and... Elizabeth, am I right?"
"Yes, Widow Van Brunt," Elizabeth smiled politely, not quite sure what they were doing here. If this was Jack trying to add another woman to his conquest list...
"Please, call me Katrina," she smiled and stayed at the door. "Is there something I can do for you?"
"No," Jack said with a shrug and a grin. "But there's something Mr. Van Brunt Senior can."
"My Father-in-law?" Katrina asked confused. "He hasn't left his bed in years and I doubt he's even capable of saying much at all."
"I beg to differ, I think he spit pearls. May we come in?" Jack asked expectantly.
"Oh yes, of course," Katrina said embarrassed and opened the door all the way, allowing them to enter. Jack looked around him and was appalled at what he saw. The place was shabby, it looked like after a shipwreck and Jack could have sworn he saw MORE rats here than in the Inn. Obviously the death of Brom Bones struck the family hard, they seemed to be living dangerously near poverty. Suddenly he remembered what Jonathan Masbath (may he rest in peace) said the old kept repeating: "Last Will and Testimony", could there be a connection?
"Isaac is upstairs with Clara, his nurse," Katrina explained nervously, noting the state of the house. "I do apologize for the state of the house..." She seemed reluctant to offer an explanation.
"Upstairs then?" Jack asked and started bounding up the stairs. They heard a door opening and the sound of heavy objects falling, followed closely by a series of courses.
"That would be the closet," Katrina couldn't help but grin. "Isaac's room is the second door to your left," Katrina called after him.
"I knew that," Jack muttered, as he reappeared. "Are you two coming, or do you wish to stay there and keep the rats company?" He asked and disappeared again.
"I'm sorry, but it seems our MASTER beckons," Elizabeth smiled ruefully. "It was a pleasure seeing you again."
"I'm not sure what you expect to get from Him," Katrina shook her head, as the two went up the stairs. "Even when he has a lucid moment or two, all he does is mutter gibberish."
"Luckily for us, Jack speaks Gibberish fluently," Will muttered as they joined Jack upstairs.
"Glad you could make it," Jack said to them, as he rubbed his sore head. He walked towards the door and opened it slowly, to reveal Clara tending to a pale Isaac.
"Oh, I didn't realize The Van Brunts have visitors," Clara said bashfully. "Are you lost?"
"Nay, just curious," Jack said, glancing carefully at the room for clues.
"What of?" Clara asked confused, as she continued her labor.
"Your patient," Jack said, looking at the sick old man intently. His skin was pale and tight, as though there was no fat or bones. "How long has he been like this?"
"Well, he started getting ill around two years ago, that's as far as I know, he may have had recurring illnesses that I'm not aware of. My mother and I started caring for him around that time and I've been his personal nurse for almost a year."
"How old are you?" Jack asked her suspiciously.
"I'm quite capable, if that's what you mean," Clara said angrily. "I've been around medicine since I was born."
"What's wrong with him?" Will asked, motioning with his head at the bed.
"Other than the fact that he's getting old and his body is shutting down?" Clara raised an eyebrow. "Every little sickness that he catches is life threatening, his body simply cannot fight back anymore."
"Can we speak with him?" Jack asked. "Alone."
"I suppose, but I don't see the point in that," Clara argued, as she gathered her belongings in order to wait outside. "Half the time it's like he's hanging by a thread, neither alive nor dead."
"It's fine," Jack said, coming closer to the man. "I've spoken to a few before, though they were not much for conversation..." Clara looked at him bemused, before leaving and closing the door.
"What are we doing here, Jack?" Will asked as he inspected the room.
"I don't know, I thought maybe we could make use him as a dummy when you make your dresses," Jack rolled his eyes. "I told you already, we're here to ask him questions! Whether or not we get any answers..." He shrugged apologetically.
"Jack-" Will said warningly.
"That stiff knows something," Jack said, pointing at the sleeping form. "Something he told Jonathan Masbath was worth killing him for. Now in my book that warrants him a source of information, Savvy?"
"How exactly are you going to get him to... Well wakeup, for one." Elizabeth asked, casting a worried look in Isaac's direction.
"Hmmm..." Jack said. "I hadn't thought about that." Elizabeth walked over and tried calling out the man's name. She touched his cold arm and tried shaking him- gently at first and then rather roughly, to no avail.
"Don't just stand there," she said to the two men. "Help me!"
"Right!" Jack said, jumping forward. He leaned closer to the man, as though to whisper. "AHOY MATEY!" He yelled in his ear. "IS ANYONE HOME?"
"Jack!" Both Will and Elizabeth hushed, looking at the door, hoping Clara isn't standing there, ready to pounce. Will moved forward nervously and opened up all the windows, thinking maybe the cold air will wake him. Jack looked around and found a pitcher of water. He smiled and lifted it, about to pour it in the sleeping man's face.
"JACK NO!" Elizabeth and Will grabbed Jack's arms and took the pitcher away.
"Have you completely gone mad?!" Elizabeth hissed angrily. "Do you want him to die of fright? Or become sicker than he already is?"
"Well, in both cases he would wake up first-" Jack started to say, when they heard mumbling from the bed. They hurried over and leaned in.
"Sir," Elizabeth said gently, grasping his arm. "Are you awake? Can you speak with us?"
"Mmmmmmmhhhhhhhhh."
"Was that a 'yes' or a 'no'?" Jack asked, raising an eyebrow. "Can you speak?"
"MMMMhhhhhhhhh."
"Alright, I' just going to assume "mmmmhh" is a yes to both questions," Jack nodded his head. "Do you no who's been doing to killings?"
"Aaaaahhhhhmmmmmmm."
"I'm sorry, was that "ahm" or "mhm"?" Jack asked seriously.
"Jaaaack," Elizabeth stressed. "We're not getting anywhere."
"Just give me a moment, will you Love?" Jack said distractedly. "I've learned to understand Mr. Cotton and his parrot, I can learn to understand the mumblings of an old man." Jack huffed and turned back to the old man. "Now where were we? Ahh, yes- do you know WHY the Horseman is killing?"
"Mmmmmmmhhhhh."
"See!" Jack said triumphantly, as he clasped his hands. "That was a definite yes."
"Are you the King of England?" Will asked.
"Mhhhhh." Will looked at Jack pointedly and sighed. "Jack, he's not answering your questions. For all we know he's muttering out of pain."
"That "mhh" was a lot shorter this time!" Jack argued. "He knows something!" He walked over until he was in the old man's face. He picked up the man's hand and let it drop. "Can you write?"
"Mhhhh."
"Good!" Jack smiled. He glanced at Will and Elizabeth, who glanced back. "Well don't just stand there- get us some quill and parchment, would you, I don't have all day, the bugger might just croak while you stand here." Elizabeth started going through the drawers until she found sheet of paper. Will started clearing the shelves, looking for a quill and ink.
"Well?" Jack asked impatiently. "Before I croak!"
"Found a quill!" Will said excitedly, as he brought it to Jack.
"And the ink is invisible I take it?" Jack shook his head. Sometimes he wondered why he even bothered.
"I couldn't find any," Will said indignantly. "The only ink pot I found was dried up, must have been ages since it was used."
"Well what could is parchment and a quill without any ink?" Jack asked sullenly, as he sat on the bed. His eyes suddenly lit up and he turned to Isaac with a warning finger. "You'd better be able to write, Old man, Captain Jack Sparrow doesn't bleed for just anyone."
"Bleed?" Elizabeth asked worriedly. "Jack, what are you going to do?"
Jack took a sharp needle out of his inside pocket. "Never know when this might come in handy," he said, before drawing a bit of blood from his fingertip, making a face. He tipped the Quill in his blood and placed it in Isaac's hand, holding it tightly over the parchment.
"Come on, you can do it," Jack said encouragingly. The wrinkled hand was shaking, as it moved over the parchment slowly. "B...." Jack called leaning over. Will and Elizabeth drew nearer and read it out as well. "R... Is that a U or an O? M......."
"What is going on here?" Clara asked angrily, followed by Mary. She noticed the quill dipped in blood. "Witchcraft!"
"No! You don't understand!" Elizabeth said hurriedly.
"Will you all be quiet?" Jack yelled, glaring at them. "He's TRYING to write and ye all are breaking his concentration!"
"Out!" Clara screeched. "All of you!" She shoved Elizabeth and Will out of the room, giving Jack enough time to snatch the parchment and shove it in his pocket, before roughly being shoved.
"If you wanted to get better acquainted, why didn't you just say so?" Jack said cheekily, as pushed him backwards out of the room and slammed the door in his face.
"What is all the fuss about?" Katrina asked, walking up the stairs.
"These pirates were hurting grandfather!" Mary said accusingly.
"We weren't!" Will protested.
"There was blood on the parchment!" Mary said acidly.
"Aye, that would be mine," Jack said, showing them his pointing finger. "I must have cut it on something sharp, clumsy me."
"They were forcing him to write something," Mary said, crossing her arms.
"Oh? And what would that be?" Katrina asked, crossing her arms as well. Like mother like daughter....
"He wanted to write his memoirs, seemed like a matter of life or death to him. So we helped him along," Jack shrugged.
"He was writing with you blood?" Katrina asked incredulously.
"Well, no need to thank me, part of the service."
"What did he write?" Clara asked, leaving the room after making sure he was all right.
"He didn't," Elizabeth said quickly. "Clara and Mary arrived just as he was starting."
"We'll be leaving," Will said awkwardly, walking down the stairs. "Goodbye!" The Van Brunts nodded curtly at them, glaring at them all the way to the front door.
"Tell him I'll be wanting my drop blood back! You never know when you might be needing it." Jack said and Elizabeth dragged him outside by the sleeve. Once they were out of earshot she turned on him.
"That was the stupidest-"
"I've got the parchment," Jack stopped her, as he retrieved it. "B-R-U-M... Brom!" Jack said, hitting his forehead. "As in Brom Bones, his son."
"He wants his son, it's not an unusual request for a dying man," Will said frowning.
"His son is long gone," Jack said, reading the word again. "I think this is a clue."
"What does it mean?" Elizabeth asked.
"Well I don't know yet, otherwise it wouldn't be a clue, would it?" Jack said irritably. "But I can tell you think- we need to find out what Brom, the children of the town and a last Will have in common."
"So we're stumped?" Elizabeth asked. "Is there nothing we can do?"
"Oh there's plenty!" Jack said, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively at her.
"I mean to figure out the identity of the killer," Elizabeth said with a straight face and tried not to laugh.
"Well, that's not much fun," Jack sighed. "But that nurse gave me an idea... Will, you and I are going for a walk," he said, putting his arm around Will's shoulder.
"What about me?" Elizabeth asked, hurrying after them.
"You- are going to do something neither of us can do." Jack said to her conspicuously. "It is highly dangerous and you must be on your toes at all times."
"What?" Elizabeth asked, her curiosity piqued.
"You're going to go gossip with the town's women."
"WHAT?!" She nearly yelled. "If this is some kind of a joke-"
"I don't think it was a joke," Jack said, scratching his head, pretending to think. "Once a week the town's women get together at one of the houses, normally during the afternoon, to gossip and help each other. YOU are going to invite yourself over and listen intently, see if you can find out anything of value."
"Why me?" Elizabeth sighed, pouting.
"Because I don't like the way I look in a dress," Jack rolled his eyes. "It's a WOMEN'S gathering."
"How would you know you don't like the way you look in a dress, if you've never been in one?" Will asked smiling. Jack was silent, which caused Will to ask quietly: "You've never actually-"
"No, I haven't!" Jack said quickly. "Now we must be going," he started shoving Will forward.
"Wait! How do I find out where it is?" Elizabeth asked.
"That midwife is friendly with you-"
"Beth Killian?"
"Yes, so you- hang on, Killian?" Jack stopped, suddenly interested.
"Yes, do you know her?"
"No, but I've met her father once, when I was visiting here," Jack said shrugging. Farmer Killian was the man who spread the lie about him that he went off to study law... He supposed he had him to thank for his Pirate life, he silently wondered what it would have been like otherwise.
Jack quickly shook his head of these thoughts. "Go to Mrs. Killian and try to get her to invite you to it. You're conniving enough- I still haven't forgiven you for wasting all my rum!" He said longingly as he and Will trotted along.
"Are you planning on telling me where we're going?" Will asked Jack, as they walked in silence.
"But then I'd be giving you the chance to refuse to come, and what good would that be to me?" Jack asked grinning.
"So Jack..." Will smiled evilly at him. "Are you positive you've never worn a dress before? You seem to be speaking from experience."
"Well I've never been decapitated and I still think I'd hate to experience it," Jack pointed out as they entered the forest.
Will grinned. "You know I can always ask Saunders on our way back."
"By all means, ask him," Jack smiled knowingly. Saunders hadn't the faintest clue, not even Bill knew about that time.
"WHERE are we going, Jack?" Will asked with an edge of worry to his voice. "We seem to be going deeper and deeper into the woods."
"How very perceptive of you, mate." Jack said casually. "We're going to meet a witch!"
"Oh," Will gulped, smiling thinly. "Silly me, I was beginning to worry."
*
"Jack, are you sure you know what you're doing?" Will asked nervously, as Jack knocked on the old oak door. They were standing so far into the woods he could barely see any light, and it was still morning! He had a bad feeling about this and a Witch to top it all! Insane!
"You can never be sure of what you're doing, mate," Jack said logically. "Best not to be prepared at all- that way you won't be surprised."
"What?" Will asked, not understanding the pirate's twisted logic. He was about to call him on it when the door opened suddenly, to reveal the Western Woods Crone. She was an aging, ugly woman, with frizzy gray hair and a disheveled look. She stared at them suspiciously, before recognition seemed to spark in her dark eyes.
"The Pirates, I've been expecting you," she drawled. She opened the door wider, exposing her yellowish skin and decaying fingernails. "Please, come in."
"Thank you kindly," Jack smiled, seemingly unfazed. She turned on her heals and disappeared inside, and Jack turned to Will with a sick face. "She MAY have gained a few more blisters since I saw her last." Jack shrugged and stepped inside timidly, careful not to touch anything. Will followed him and closed the creaking door, causing dust to spread.
"Must not have had many visitors lately," Will mused with a tight smile. 'Jack, I don't know how I let you talk me into this..."
"Don't worry, there are no rats here, your hand is safe," The Crone said airily as she sat on her rocking chair.
"How did you-?"
"Perhaps I'm all knowing," She said, leaning forward conspiratorially. "Or perhaps news travel fast."
"Oh," Will said, laughing embarrassedly. He was beginning to believe in all this nonsense...
"Sit down, will you, I don't have all day," she bristled, motioning the chairs.
"We wouldn't want to say sit on you pets, accidentally of course," Jack said with a fake grin, as he forced himself to sit on the rotting chair.
"Pets? I'm almost afraid to ask." Will said darkly.
"Worms, maggots, toad heads, snake's venom, spiders," Jack listed off.
"I get it, thank you Jack," Will said, trying not to lose his... Did he even eat breakfast? He sat down carefully on the chair.
"So, what brings us here?" Jack asked the Witch, clasping his hands together.
"I thought I was supposed to ask that?" She raised her brows, a thin smile cracking her lips.
"Well, I figured since you're all knowing and such, we could ask the questions and you supply the answers." Jack smiled, as he started to lean back in his chair. He changed his mind and awkwardly sat up straight again.
"For the right price," The woman reached out a palm and waited expectantly. Jack took out a sack of coins and dropped it into her hand, not daring to touch her skin. As she bit the coins to check their authenticity, Will gave Jack a curious glance.
"Always carry a bag with me, ye never know when it might come in handy."
"Ah," Will said surprised. "Since when do you think more than one rum ahead?"
"I take offence at that," Jack said in mock hurt. "I normally think TWO rums ahead at the very least. 'Always prepared' mate, has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
"It's real all right," she said, satisfied. "What would you like to know?"
"These murders," Jack said, leaning forward. "Do you know who did them?"
"That's an easy one- the Headless Horseman."
"No, I mean," he punctuated with his hand. "WHO sent him? Why did he start killing?"
"Those are two different questions," she reasoned. "That's double the payment."
Jack eyed her wearily before taking out of his boots another sack of coins. She smiled.
"Do you know or don't you?" Will asked impatiently.
"No, I do not," she said with conviction.
"But-"
"But I can find out," she said mysteriously, as she went to collect ingredients. Half of the things she dropped into the bowl Will didn't even want to recognize, as the others made him sick to his stomach. She stirred it all and a horrible smell rose from the concoction, causing both men to hold their breaths or attempt to breathe from their mouths.
"Hmm...." She said after staring intently at the bowl.
"What?" Both men edged closer, trying to peer inside. She dipped a finger into it and tasted it.
"Needs some Sault."
Jack rolled his eyes. "Can we move this along please? We've got places to be, people to save..."
"This person that committed these atrocities, they did it out of anger..." She said squinting.
"They?" Will asked confused.
"He or she, I can't see clearly." She explained, playing in it with her finger. "The killings started out of vengeance, an attempt to get even with someone. From there it became calculated, cold blooded and efficient. The first one was Brom Bones- find out who did he hurt and you will find your killer."
"I see, very helpful, anything else?" Jack asked lightly, though he was clearly disappointed. She looked up at Will, then back down again.
"The person you are looking for has survived much, and is far away, many many seas away. You will have you chance at finding him- but you will have to make a choice. You will have to choose between your friends' lives and this quest. When the opportunity comes, you will have to make your choice."
"HIM? I thought you said you didn't know who it is?" Will asked confused. "And the killer is right here, in this town."
"I am not talking about the killer," she said seriously, looking deep into his eyes.
"Then who?" Will asked, not understanding.
"You will know soon enough, now you must leave immediately," she said, shoving them out the door and slamming it.
"Now that's the second time a woman has done that to me in the course of one day," Jack mused. "Ye think I'm losing my touch?"
"I think you never had it," Will tried to grin, as he stifled a shiver. "What did she mean?"
"With that old Crone? You never know. Best not to think of it, it will only give you a headache." Jack shrugged, as they made their way back into town.
"I can't believe you gave her two bags of coins," Will said, shaking his head. "Such a waste."
"Ah, but I didn't give her two bags of coins!" Jack smiled smugly. "She never bothered to check the second back- that one was filled with pebbles."
*
"Captain Sparrow, sir," Freddy Masbath said hesitantly, as Jack and Will entered the Inn. They were hoping for a little breakfast and perhaps a quick nap, after last night's events. Jack ignored the boy and continued to his room.
"Jack," Will said, motioning with his head to the boy. "It could be important."
"As important as me finishing off the little rum I have left?" Jack asked challengingly.
"Perhaps," Will nodded seriously, trying not to laugh.
"Oh all right!" Jack sighed and went back down stairs. "What is it?"
"Oh...Well, I-I..." Freddy stuttered nervously at the pirate's bad mood.
"Oh... Well, I-I, what?" Jack asked impatiently.
"I couldn't find anything out just yet," Freddy admitted morosely.
"Not as important as my rum," Jack muttered, turning back to the stairs.
"But I will tonight!" Freddy said determinedly. "I have a plan." Jack raised his eyebrows expectantly, waiting for an elaboration. "Oh, you see, I thought I would hold a service for my father here at the Inn. My father was a friendly man and he had many friends, if I can get them in the same room and let them drink to their heart's content, I figured they might let something spill."
"Sorry, lost you after 'drink to their heart's content'- Will there be rum?" Jack asked, suddenly very interested in the plan.
"Yes," Masbath said, smiling proudly.
"I like this plan already," Jack grinned, before turning his back again. "Good lad..."
"It seems a bit wrong to use my father's memory and licker to get information out of friends," Masbath sighed quietly. Jack apparently heard what he said, for he threw over his shoulder:
"I can imagine worse."
*~* Jack tried to clear his foggy mind and focus on his surroundings. He was still in Madras as far as he knew, though they were moving so quickly he couldn't be sure. He was being led by two Spanish officers off the ship, but to where? That was the question. He was starving, he hadn't had a bite to eat in over two days and his throat was scratchy from thirst. He tried to escape when the guards came, resulting in a rather painful blow to the head, leaving him groggy and disoriented. He was dragged through a door and it took his eyes a whole to adjust to the dark. When his eyes finally adjusted, he was surprised to find himself at a blacksmith's and not a jail cell. He was thrown unceremoniously to the ground, knocking the air out of him. His arms were quickly shackled behind his back to a pole in the center of the room.
"Leave us." A voice boomed from the shadows. Jack inwardly cringed, though he put up a brave face.
"Captain Gonzales, a pleasure to see you again, mate. Though I can't really say I'm "seeing" you right now, if you catch my drift." Jack said with a grin, as his heart beat faster in his chest. Gonzales snorted and took a step forward, allowing the little light from the window to fall on his angry features.
"Jack Sparrow, I am VERY happy to see YOU again," Gonzales smiled placidly, something that only unnerved Jack the more. He heard stories of Gonzales' brutality, especially towards Pirates. Gonzales came closer and stooped on the floor, bringing himself to eye level with Jack. "Shall we get started?"
Before Jack could answer Gonzales grabbed Jack by his hair and pounded his head into the pole. Jack's painful cry only seemed to fuel Gonzales, as he began to pound on Jack, knocking the air out of him and covering his body with black and blue marks. After he was satisfied, Gonzales stood up to admire his handiwork. "Oh I'm going to enjoy this..."
"Not half as much as I'm going to enjoy killing you, MATE," Jack wheezed bravely. "You have my word on that."
"A pirate's word?" Javier asked laughing, unimpressed. He went to a table out of Jack's eyesight and returned moments later, holding a red-hot zigzag shaped sword.
Jack gulped and his smile wavered. "If you want a sword fight, you might want to hand me one as well."
Gonzales smiled and came closer to Jack with the sword, so close Jack could feel the heat. Gonzales roughly grabbed Jack's arm and shoved the sword against his tender skin, causing it to sizzle and burn. Jack yelped in pain and was nearly sick to his stomach from the smell of burnt flesh. HIS flesh.
"Just something for you to remember me by," Gonzales said, retrieving the sword from Jack's left arm.
"I... Don't...Plan... On... Forgetting... You... So... Soon..." Jack hissed in between gulps of air, the pain in his arm excruciating, his head throbbing. He was afraid he would pass out. He tried to think of the horrible death he would put Javier Gonzales to, the moment he managed to escape, because dying at this madman's hands was not an option.
"So brave, Sparrow." Gonzales shook his head with awe. "But that tongue of yours is getting on my nerves, I think that will be the first thing to go." He took out a sharp knife and opened Jack's mouth, trying to grab his tongue without getting bitten.
"Captain!" A nervous voice called from the entrance. The young man seemed to fear interrupting his captain, knowing full well the consequences of such an act.
"What is it?" Gonzales asked annoyed, as he turned away from Jack. Jack was grateful for the distraction and looked around the room frantically for a means to escape.
"Captain, one of our ships are being attacked, sir." The man said quickly, backing away slowly. "I think it's Pirates!"
"Damn!" Gonzales said and swore in Spanish. He looked contemptfully at Jack. "Don't go anywhere, I'll be back soon enough." He got up and walked towards the door. "Get one of the guards in here, make sure he doesn't escape."
"Yes, Sir." The man said with relief. Gonzales left the room, closing the door after him. The young man waited a moment longer, before rushing to Jack's side. "Don't say a word! Captain Saunders sent me, we have to leave NOW." The man whispered, as he took keys out of his jacket and started working on the lock.
"Who are you?" Jack asked suspiciously, refusing to believe his luck.
"Ragetti. Please, we need to be quick before Gonzales comes back." Ragetti said, looking over his shoulder nervously. He helped Jack to his feet and headed for the door.
"Is there a back way?" Jack asked.
"I don't know, haven't checked."
"Right." Jack bit his tongue, deciding that commenting on his savior's wit wouldn't be very helpful. He went around the shop until he found a door leading to an alley. "This way!" He led them both out into the alley and towards the main street. "How did you find me?"
"Saunders found out you were captured by The East India Trading Company and we followed you. When the Captain found out who's got you, he sent me to dress up as a sailor. I like this uniform, it makes me feel important."
"And where is the dear Captain docked?" Jack asked, trying not to strangle the idiot in front of him. Unless Saunders went completely out of his mind, this squiffy must have some use.
"He's docked at the other end of the port, but he's borrowed a ship to give Gonzales trouble." Ragetti grinned. Jack pushed him against the wall, as running boots pounded across the street. Jack had little doubt who they were pursuing.
"We can't get to the docks without being spotted." Jack said quietly trying to think. He suddenly heard approaching footsteps. He looked around the alley for a door that wasn't locked, until he found one and shoved his companion inside. It seemed to be someone's house and was safe for the moment, though Jack knew they would be going door to door soon. They had to leave soon, it wasn't safe.
"Look at that pretty dress!" Ragetti exclaimed, picking up a dress that was lying around, discarded. "Now why would anyone leave a dress like that lying about?"
Jack was about to snap at him when a sudden though entered his mind. A slow smile spread across his face. "Ragetti, mate, I think you'd look good in that dress."
"Really?" Ragetti asked hopefully.
"Really," Jack tightened his grin. "Do us a favor and try it on." The man skipped and started to pull the dress over, while Jack looked for another one. He found one and a scarf and quickly put it on, hiding his face with the scarf. Ragetti found a hat and an umbrella, and was playing with them happily.
"Should we do my eyes too?" Ragetti asked Jack.
"Come again?" Jack asked confused. Ragetti pointed to Jack's eyes, and Jack rubbed a finger over them, to see a black layer of coal smeared across his finger.
"I think it makes you look pretty," Ragetti said admiringly. Jack glared at him and he backed up. "And scary too- your eyes are so black!"
Jack grinned, thinking he should look at his reflection the first chance he got, perhaps black coal across is eyes had a desired effect on both men and women- intimidating other pirates and reeling in the ladies. "The moment we near the port we're dumping these clothes and this never happened." Jack warned, as he straightened his dress and walked towards the door. Ragetti nodded earnestly, following Jack out of the house. They quickly made their way across the streets, getting closer and closer to their destination.
"You there!"
Jack froze, as he turned around to face one of Gonzales' crew. "Yes?" Jack squeaked.
"Have you seen two Pirates?" The man asked them.
"No, we haven't," Jack said in his high pitched voice, relieved.
"Watch yourselves, ladies, these two are armed and dangerous." The man said, before turning away. Jack and Ragetti continued until they were at the port. They hid behind a wall and got out of their garment, before making a dash for the ship. It wasn't until Jack was safe on board the Pearl did he let go of the breath he was holding, and realized how much he missed his Pearl.
*~*
Jack was lying down in bed, enjoying a much-needed sleep, when screaming waked him up. He shot out of bed and leapt to the door, just as it flew open. Will stood at Jack's doorway, clearly startled by the same screaming.
"What's going on?" Will asked Jack, as the two headed downstairs.
"I'll be damned if I know," Jack shrugged, as they met Freddy at the entrance to the Inn.
"Come quickly!" Freddy yelled frantically, as he hurried back out of the Inn. Jack and Will followed him down a familiar path.
"Do you smell that?" Will asked Jack, as the two kept running after the fast Freddy. "It smells like-"
"-Smoke." Jack said quietly, as he saw the burning building in front of him. Men were passing buckets of water along, trying to put out the roaring flames.
"Isn't that-" will said horrified.
"-Yes." Jack nodded, his heart heavy. It was the Church.
"Why would someone do that?" Freddy Masbath asked, shocked beyond belief.
"So when the sun comes down," Jack said, glancing at the sky. "There will be no escape."
*END PART 10*
Author's note: Like I always say, sorry it takes me so long to write! But this one is over 5,000 words and it took me three days at least to write it!
Bluekrystal1- hope you like this chapter as well.
claire- I thought you might be talking about that, lol, must have found its way into my subconscious! Hope you continue to love this story!
IST- Hope it's not out of character, I've tried my best to find my "Jack voice", even though it's been ages since I saw the movie and I don't read POTC fan fictions...
Remember, reviews motivate me to write faster, lol.
Ivy