Hey Everyone!

I'm sorry for taking so long, but I was really busy with gifts and stuff and cleaning and schoolwork and. . . .

You get the picture.

Anywho, Partouf and I want to give you all a very special Christmas/Yule/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa present!

GROUP HUG! *Marie the Black Rose grabs all of her loyal reviewers (and Partouf!) and gives them all a great big hug!!!* And here's something for everyone, as well!

*Partouf passes out Jack Sparrow clones to all of those who are inclined to take one* And, I apologize again to everyone!

Now, let's get on with the chapter!

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I felt a tug at my side, and a sharp pain shot through my body, causing me to let out the breath of pain that I had been holding. My eyes opened slightly, and I saw a blurred head above me, and the words coming from its mouth were slow in getting to my brain.

'Will th' lass be alright?

'Yes, she will be fine, now that I've got the pellet out.'

'Aye. What' d'ye think she'll be needin' after she wakes up?'

'Just some rest and food will be fine. But, she'll not be able to get around by herself for a few days, Captain.'

'Aye'.

And then I shut my eyes, listening to the 'clink' of metal on metal and heavy footsteps leaving from the room, and I fell back into slumber.

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I awoke to the sound of muffled yells from out on deck, and my eyes snapped open. I turned my head to the right side, and noticed that Jack had chosen his high-backed wooden chair to kip in for the night. I tried to push myself up from the bed, and felt a sharp pain in my side, and I couldn't help but cry out as I fell back to rest on top of the sheets.

This roused Jack, and he sat up abruptly, looking very foolish with his hat still over his eyes. He removed his hat, and looked over to me, and I grimaced at him. ~The pain is nothing, Marie! Do not cry, do not cry! You're a pirate now, and pirates don't cry! ~ I thought as the pain rang in my hip. I looked down to notice a large white cloth wrapped around me, keeping the wound from bleeding all over the floor.

I heard Jack get up, and walk over, saying 'Marie, ye're not t' get up without me 'elpin' ye, savvy?' I nodded, and he let me lean on his forearm as I swung my legs carefully over the side of the bed, and stood up. I tenderly put a small amount of weight on my left leg, and I winced at the pain. So, with Jack's help, I managed to actually stand up with Jack to support me. I had to clutch onto his arm for support, and he seemed to be enjoying it quite a bit, as I suppose he loved having women cling to him.

'Now, where're Jon and George?' I asked as soon as I had gotten my balance back, and Jack smiled at me, replying 'They're out on deck, luv. Ye'll see 'em when ye're better, o' course.' I sighed heavily, and pulled Jack down to sit on the bed beside me, asking him without meeting his eyes 'Ja- sorry, Captain Jack, why'd you come after me? It's not like I'm of any importance to you, or anything.' He opened his mouth to say something, and then shut it again, thinking *A/N-Partouf: Wow. I thought I smelled wood burning! MtBR: Partouf! RUN! (Shoves Partouf out of the way as an angry mob of Jack Sparrow fan girls mow over MtBR)* of what to say.

Finally, he came out with 'Well, it's just tha'. . . .Ye've got me shirt, is all! An' it's such a nice shirt tha' I'd hate t' lose it. So, I followed ye t' get it back, luv!' I rolled my eyes at his feeble attempt, because I could tell he was lying, and sighed again as Jack stood and left with a small wave. I sat there, and looked at my hands, which were now folded in my lap. ~He'd rescued me, but . . . why? He didn't have to; he wasn't the one in trouble. . . I wonder . . . ~ I thought, and sighed again as I looked up and out of the glass windows.

The water was clear and blue, and I guessed it to be around midday, as the sky was bright and sunny. A good day, almost one to be happy about, until I remembered Tom . . . ~Damn you, Norrington! Filthy scum of the sea. ~ I thought bitterly, hugging myself as I suddenly felt cold. . . I couldn't save him. I had let Jon down. . . . My head was bent over, and if anyone had walked in at the moment, they'd have thought I was about to be sick.

I clenched my fists, and sat up straight. ~ To Hell with Norrington, and I hope he knows that I'll be the one to send him there! ~ I thought, and shuffled over to the bed post, leaning against it as I pulled myself up off of the bed. Muscles screaming in protest, I gritted my teeth and hobbled over to the chair, leaning against it as I headed for the door after resting for a minute or so.

I hop-shuffled over slowly, and grasped the doorknob, the metal feeling cool in my sweaty palm. I turned the handle, and pulled open the door, and promptly bumped into someone.

It was Jon.

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And, I'll just leave it at that!

Sorry t' keeps ya hanging, but that's why I handed out Jack Sparrow clones! I might be able to fill in requests for Elizabeth Swann and William Turner if you ask nicely. . .

So! See the button down there, the one next to the Send Review thingy? CLICK IT! PLEASE REVIEW! PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE!!!!!

Partouf: Oh, stop it, MtBR. You just sound pathetic, and I'm supposed to be the melodramatic one! Geez! *crosses arms and looks peeved*

Anywho THANKS SO MUCH TO YOU GUYS! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Partouf: GROUP HUG!

*everyone ducks and covers, hiding behind chairs, tables, and the occasional flamingo*

Heh heh heh . . . time for me to go!

Take what ye can, give nothin' back!

~8@Marie the Black Rose@8~

P.s. -- I know this is of late, but . . . hasn't anyone else noticed Marie's love for the word 'bastard', especially when referring to Norrington?

Just thought I'd point that out, unless you HAVE noticed that. . .