I cannot say thank you enough for these reviews, guys. It's the most I've ever gotten!!
Disclaimer: Still don't own anybody that I'm writing about here.
Scene 5 - We Meet Again
On The Black Pearl, Will is in the crow's nest, gazing sadly at the crystal blue waters. He slowly looks up towards the horizon and is jolted into action by the sight of a ship bearing the King's flag. He scrambles down the mast and rushes to find Jack.
Meanwhile, Jack is in his cabin having a conversation with the resident parrot. Despite Jack's coaxing, the parrot would only say, "shiver me timbers", much to Jack's annoyance.
"Are you trying to bloody drive me insane, matey? Now, I was thinking that there might be a more effective way to express what you're tryin' to say."
"Shiver me timbers."
"Or not, I guess."
Will bursts in, causing both to turn towards him. "Jack! I just sighted a British ship on the horizon. I think..." He pauses, obviously taken aback by the sight of his Captain having a conversation with a parrot.
Jack notices Will's expression. Turning to the parrot, he says, "excuse me".
Both men walk out on the deck. Anamaria hurries towards them.
"She is approaching fast, Captain."
"What is she called?"
"The Pursuer."
Jack looks quite unhappy. Will is confused and getting more nervous by the second. "Wait, what ship is that?"
"Commodore Norrington's new ship. He has caught up to us. "By now, the rest of Jack's crew has assembled to get the instruction of their leader. "What should we do, Captain?"
Will was worried. Though it seemed selfish, he dreaded the attack for the sole reason that he was sure that word would get back to Elizabeth that he was now a heartless, bloodthirsty pirate. How could she love that? "The Commodore. You're not going to kill him, are you?""If I have to, I will. Now, Anamaria, prepare the crew. You know what to do."
"Yes, Captain Sparrow."
On The Pursuer, things are just as hectic.
"Commodore! We are fast approaching The Black Pearl!"
In his cabin, Norrington straps on his sword and checks once more to make sure that Elizabeth is fast asleep. He doesn't want her embroiled in this mess. Taking a deep breath, he locks the door to his cabin before rushing out to the main deck. Once there, he begins shouting orders at the top of his lungs. "All hands on deck! Hurry now. Prepare battle stations! Get ready to pull alongside and board!"
There is a sudden jolt as The Pursuer pushes up against The Black Pearl. With that, Elizabeth snaps awake and sits up in bed. She sinks back down, still groggy, beginning to remember the events of last night, not sure if she had done the right thing. A series of loud bangs causes her to hurriedly pull on her uniform and tie up her hair. Putting on her hat, she realizes that Norrington had locked her in. Groaning in annoyance, she climbs up on the bed and scrambles out the window onto the upper deck. She quietly slips into the foray, determined to make something of her time in the Navy.
Jack, Will, and the entire pirate crew ready themselves for battle on their decks, firing cannon rounds at the sailors preparing to jump over into their boat. Will looks pleadingly at Jack as he draws his sword.
Jack, sighing in mock annoyance, directs one last command to his crew. "Everyone, listen up! Get them back on their boat. Try not to kill anyone unless it is necessary."
At his crew's grumbling, he turns back to Will. "Happy now? You've spoiled their fun."
The fighting ensues as over twenty sailors, including "Bill Boots", board the pirate ship. All the pirates do their best to shove the sailors back as opposed to running them through. Sailor after sailor goes slamming into the water, screaming.
Norrington is horrified as he observes that his crew is being easily defeated. Shocked and angry, he realizes that he has no choice but to retreat now and come back with a much larger crew. "Retreat! Everyone, retreat!"
The sailors who had managed to remain on The Black Pearl gratefully turn and rush back onto their ship. The only one who doesn't turn is Elizabeth, who is engaged in a swordfight with Anamaria and doesn't hear Norrington's screams.
Jack happily views the newfound quiet on his ship until he hears the clash of swords. Followed by almost everyone else onboard, he strolls over to where Elizabeth and Anamaria are still dueling. Rolling his eyes at her, he comes up behind Elizabeth and holds a gun to her back.
"Forgive me if I'm spoiling your fun, boy, but I do believe that the rest of your little group there has retreated."
She turns, barely registering what Jack is saying. All she sees is the gun, which causes her to panic. "Parley!"
Jack cocks his head, amused. "Well, okay then. If you really want to be held captive."
Elizabeth nods. If the alternative is death, of course.
Jack shrugs and casually strolls over to the edge of his ship and calls out to Norrington. "So, I guess I'll be seeing you around." He walks along the ship's railing, kicking off the ropes that had been used in crossing. The Black Pearl speeds up and begins to leave The Pursuer behind. "Ta ta! Have a pleasant rest of your voyage!"
Turning to Elizabeth, he continues. "Now, you. You are a strange bird. Why did you want to be held captive? I was more than willing to let you go back, one less mouth to feed and all."
"What are you talking about? I thought you were offering me a choice between death and captivity."
"An unfortunate misunderstanding. Sorry, but it's too late to go back. Look's like you'll be traveling with us for awhile."
"Oh, Jack, please!"
"Why are you calling me by my first name? I've never seen you before, boy."Will leans forward, sensing something strangely familiar about the unlucky sailor. "Who is this, Jack?"
Elizabeth turns towards the familiar voice. Seeing Will, she faints.
This causes everyone to push forward towards the strange sailor boy. Jack immediately takes control of the situation. "Everyone, get back to your regular duties." Then, to Will, he says, "Help me carry him inside. I think the boy just went into shock. Quite an odd bird, this is."
Will comes over and helps Jack carry Elizabeth into Jack's cabin. They lay her on the bed. Will gets a wet cloth to hold on her forehead. He takes off her hat and gasps. "Elizabeth?!"
Jack's eyes widen. "That would explain a lot."
Elizabeth blinks slowly, then opens her eyes. She is still dazed, but she recognizes her love. "Will?" She reaches up and strokes his cheek.
Will grins, relieved. "Yes, Elizabeth. I'm right here."
She smiles, then closes her eyes briefly. Too soon, her eyes snap open again. Angrily, she gasps his name once more, then slaps Will across the face.
Will is surprised and annoyed. "What the hell was that for?!"
Jack looks from one annoyed face to the other. "Um, no offense, Will, but maybe you should leave now."
"Fine, I will." Will walks out, looking confused.
Jack sinks into his chair contemplatively. "Very interesting."
Within minutes, Elizabeth falls asleep again. Jack quietly walks out.
Next Chapter: Will and Elizabeth confront each other about their relationship.
Thanks again for reading. Writing action parts isn't my strong suit, but I tried to make something entertaining. Please review and tell me what you thought of the chapter.
