Disclaimer: Must I depress myself further by stating that I, in fact, do not own anything from Pirates of the Caribbean? My pathetic excuse for a life has been furthered by making me openly say I have no power over the one thing I desire. sigh I think I'll go and sulk now...

A/N: Well, this is my first real fic of, hopefully, many. I think this idea that I'm going for has been tried before, and if it has I apologize if you find it boring and cliché. Also, if at any time this resembles yours, or someone else's fic, just tell me because I have most of the plot thought out but I'm writing as I go along-and if this is the case I swear on pain of death that I didn't steal anything because the only Johnny Depp vampire fictions I've ever read or am currently reading are The Vampire Sands(which is really good and I suggest your reading it) and another POTC vampire one that's not even continued anymore. One more thing, the only thing I did commandeer would be the different concepts of vampires; I had several different resources which include stuff I pulled from the internet, the Cirque Du Freak series, and other notions from numerous ideas and books. So enough of my boring author's note and onto the story! Thanks for checking this out and I hope you'll enjoy.

Born to Darkness

If one small detail could change a person's life, imagine what one huge element might do. Sometimes I wonder if his existence was altered as much as mine was. It's true that he didn't go through the same that I did, but I'm sure just knowing me must have distorted him somehow. As for my change, it started many years ago.

When one thinks "vampire" I'm sure the first thing that comes to mind is fangs, garlic, bats, and Bela Lugosi. Well, there was a time that obviously didn't have him, and this is where my story begins. I remember clearly the few years that I knew him; the one who wasn't terrified of what I really was. A brave man, clever and funny; he taught me how to enjoy life no matter how hard it was.

I've managed to live years after my encounter with him; I was only 83 when I met him although I appeared to be in my late 20's or early 30's. I'm surprised I've managed to live up until our time; I suppose it does give me the chance to tell you my story. It was definitely my favorite century and I would never forget it; I'll try to tell you in as much detail as possible no matter how much it pains me to recall the memories. It's my duty to him to tell what a great man he really was even though he would probably have my head for ruining his reputation.

It all started in Japan. I was not, by any means, Japanese, but that is where I "died." Usually the Japanese would not let anyone into their country, but it was a time when the Samurai were beginning to lose control and trade started coming in. That's what I was doing there. Elsa von Rhine on business with her husband, Edward von Rhine. Strange name I know, but I don't call myself that anymore so it doesn't matter. Anyways, my oh so wonderful husband decided to take me to Japan with him; they wanted guns and other weapons and that is what we were supplying.

I thought I would hate it there, but it really was a beautiful country. Very old-fashioned, but what wasn't old-fashioned in the late 1500's? I don't recall much of what I did while I was there except my death and departure. I do remember my father of darkness; the one who made me what I am today.

It was an overcast and dreary sky; really surprising for me because it had been all sunshine and smiles before. I always preferred darker days(exactly why I loved London) so I decided to take a walk. I grabbed my thick black cloak, bid farewell to Edward for the day, and stepped out the cabin we were residing in. Edward and myself chose to stay on the ship we traveled on rather than find a place on land. It was a majestic vessel; made of dark, strong wood that was one of the largest on the seas. It wasn't created for speed but more for cargo space; there weren't many threats for crimes on the water that would soon take place in my later years, my years of knowing him.

I know now that setting foot off of that vessel, appropriately called The Dark Lady, created the biggest change in my life that could never be altered. The sun was hidden behind clouds as I took my last step off of The Dark Lady and I started my leisurely walk into town. Loud thuds echoed on the dock as the sailors ran to and fro with heavy boots. I kept my back straight and head held high regarding the proper mannerisms that always irked me yet I followed anyway. It bothered me, and still does, that people were categorized for their looks, wealth, and connections, but not for their personalities and themselves. "To generalize is to be an idiot" as the great William Blake put it; unfortunately his words would not have any effect on anyone for many years.

As I was saying, that was the day I started my great adventure that is continuing as I speak. There was a dirt path that I followed into the small town we were docked at; the name eludes me. I immediately regretted my decision the second I set foot in town after I realized that there was probably no one there that spoke English, and that I did not have a translator with me. Within moments though, that fact flew straight through my head as I viewed the quaint little settlement that seemed so nice and homely. Everyone nodded to me politely even though they knew nothing of me, and I soon found myself very comfortable.

The contented feeling I was experienced soon disappeared as I realized that watchful eyes followed my every move. I couldn't see my follower, but I knew they were there; it was the most unsettling sensation. I passed by an alleyway and caught a dark shadow that soon slipped from my sight. I quickened my pace and searched for a sanctuary, such as the small store my gaze fell upon ahead. My spirits were heightened as I reached the door of my safe escape, but came crashing back down as I pulled on the handle to find it locked. I frantically searched for another store, or even a large crowd I could lose myself in but this humble town didn't house many residents and all of the doors seemed to be closed and locked.

I walked past another alleyway except this one was decidedly darker, and as you've probably guessed, a hand shot from the gloom and clamped itself over my mouth. I was pulled into the alleyway and the last thing I registered was being spun around and warm breath on my face. I could only presume that it was several hours later that I awoke, but not as I expected. I thought surely I was to be raped and left for the dead, but this was not the case. As far as I could tell, my clothes were still securely planted onto my body and I was in a warm bed surrounded by a dark curtain.

My head ached terribly but I pushed the pain away and sat up. A noise coming from the other side of the curtain caught my attention and I noticed a dark form appear and move about. The curtains were pulled gently away and the light I was expecting to blind me never came; instead, soft candlelight bathed a form before in a soft glow. The man standing before me let a small smile curl on his lips as he let me study him. He was of average height, and paler than most around these parts, and I realized that he wasn't Japanese. He stood tall and straight; obviously a very proud man, of what I wasn't sure. His eyes glowed an unearthly color and were sunken in slightly; although he looked fairly young, his eyes betrayed his true age. His slight body was clothed in silky black trousers, a crisp white shirt that was in turn covered in a black vest, and over the whole ensemble was a thick black cloak that had a silk, blood-red lining. His dark locks fell straight down to below his ears and was slicked back rather strangely. All in all, the man was rather frightening at first sight.

The moment he spoke though, I knew he was not a cruel monster; his voice was melodic and gentle as he addressed me. "Lady Elsa, allow me to apologize for my rash actions in the alley, and to introduce myself. I am Benjamin Williams at your service," he paused there for a moment before continuing, "or rather you at my service." That last comment startled me a bit and, as if he sensed it, he smirked in triumph.

I was on the verge of replying before I realized my throat my dry, so I took a moment to clear it before speaking. "Pardon my manners, but to what service will you be requiring of me and why did you bring me here?" I voiced my thoughts confidently and his smirk turned to a grin as he regarded me.

"Lady, I was only going to ask if you would join me, and if you refused then I would take it upon myself to make it clear that it would do you no good." Join him? Join him in what? My mind was racing with thoughts and gruesome expectations so I did the most logical thing and asked him of what I would be joining. His answer was not what I expected. "The creatures of darkness of course!" he exclaimed enthusiastically.

"Creatures of darkness? Mr. Williams, I'm afraid I don't understand."

"It's simple, my lady, I will give you some of my blood, kill you, and dig you from your very grave. The moment I saw you, I decided you were the one I was to turn to vampirism." By now I was utterly confused and when he said "kill you" I feared for my life so I immediately agreed to whatever he was scheming. "Excellent!" He had cried and pulled me from the comfortable bed. I learned later that he had wanted to waste no time in the chance that I could change my mind. Mr. Williams grasped my wrists and turned my hands palm up before removing them and lowering to his now obvious sharp nails. His claws pierced the skin of my ten fingertips and he removed his nails and did the same to himself as I hissed in pain. Again, he grabbed my wrists except this time he made a small gash on my forearm and sucked the blood that flowed from it. He smiled in satisfaction and placed his fingers to mine and seemed to concentrate rather hard. I felt a bizarre sensation overcome me, and the room started to spin. I was lost to darkness again, except this time I didn't wake up in a bed.

If you've ever been enclosed in an extremely small place in utter darkness, you might understand how I felt after my second awakening. When I opened my eyes it didn't help much, as I was encased in blackness anyway. I knew I was in a tightly cramped space and was lying on a fairly pillowy material. I also noticed that an eerie silence surrounded me except for an occasional faint scraping I heard from above me. Above me? Didn't that Mr. Williams say he was going to kill me and dif me from my grave? My first coherent thoughts were not pleasant. I had found myself in a coffin, and the scraping I heard must have been Mr. Williams digging me up. It seemed like hours later before the lid to my encasement was lifted and I was freed.

That night I died to light and was born to darkness.

Yes, I know it's not very long but there will be much more as I really start my writing. If you guys liked this and want me to keep posting it up here tell me how long you like chapters so I can plot it out. Don't worry, Jack will come into the equation soon enough! I just had to set up my character first, and yes I haven't revealed her name either but that comes into play soon enough, too.

And I like reviews too! hint hint I don't care if its good or bad (although I'm not a fan of flames) I love to know what people think of my writing. It keeps me going!