Pirate

Disclaimer: Please Disney, just give me Jack Sparrow..sob

The Pearl raced through the clear waters of the Caribbean towards Port Royal. We were making good time and the landmass of Jamaica would soon appear on the horizon in a couple of days. I was looking forward to reaching Port Royal and ridding the Pearl of me cargo. I could only assume William, would not be sailing under my command at voyage's end.

I have had enough. I can withstand ghostly pirates, I can take blood stained timbers, and I can take swords to the stomach and pistols to the head. Ha! I can even take a bullet in the chest, maybe even two and survive, as I passed me hand over the scars on me chest.

But when it comes to women! Women are a curse in their own right. I have to agree with Gibbs. Women are frightful bad luck on board a ship. They just do not belong!

I knew I would have to square with Mr. Turner and Miss. Swann sooner or later. Later looked good to me. Never, looked even better. I did not wish to spend time with them, nor they with me. Or at least, William did not. Mandy was all the company I needed. She never talked back and she usually obeyed my orders.

Mandy and I spent a lot of time on the deck together. The crew really liked her and they taught her several tricks. She already knew the roll over and the play dead tricks. They taught her how to jump from barrel to barrel on the deck and she never missed a beat. They taught her how to catch things when thrown at her. She fetched very well, and when the crew threw her ropes she would catch them and hold them until someone tied them down. Her bad habits are also enjoyable. Sneaking up behind mates and knocking them down to cadge food was one of them. If she did not get anything she would just stand and bark at them. She would continue this until they threw her some salted meat or a piece of fruit. Mandy also loves to get down on her belly and crawl up to you. Her tail wags ever so slowly and her eyes remain on you at all times. If you jump at her she bounces back and starts again. If you ignore her she creeps all the way up and lies on your boots. She rolls over on her back and starts to moan. This is quite annoying, she reminds me of Giselle and Scarlet. No, not laying on the boots but moaning. They do the same thing when you ignore them. Mandy has also become very proficient at delivering bottles of rum. I of course, taught her that one. Her new antic is running between the crewmembers legs and knocking them over. It is like having a bloody horse run between your legs but she is not tall enough to sit on. Of course this is a wonderful trick after one has been drinking.

Mandy never seems to miss a meal. She always shows up in the galley when Gibbs is dulling out the grub. Of course the best thing about this mutt is that she is always there when I need her. I can count on her to watch me back. I used to think that way about young Mr. Turner.

Will has not spoken to me since that disastrous night Elizabeth had her out-cry. He takes his orders from Gibbs and AnaMaria. He eats alone and spends endless hours gazing at the open seas. I do not exist in his mind. In truth, that is probably good. The Pearl is a wonderful ship but she isn't all that big. William will come face to face with me soon. I suspect, in due time, he will challenge me and I will have to fight him. He most likely will wish to defend Miss. Swann's honor. He is a fine swordsman and he just may win. I may just have to cheat a little, only a little. Knowing he does not believe a thing I say, cheating would not bother me. I am a dishonest man and being dishonest, I can always be trusted to be so. Pirate.

William is my friend and I had no intentions of taking his woman. I guess Elizabeth was right about rum being a vile drink that turns even the most respectable men into complete scoundrels. Not saying I am respectable, but I'm not a scoundrel either, or at least I don't think so. I would explain this to Will, but he was being so bloody stubborn.

I would tell him.

"Will, my son. When Elizabeth and I were on that island together, my intentions were misguided indeed, but the company was infamously better then the last time I was there and the scenery was much improved. Elizabeth however, had other plans. All she could do was talk about you. How we had to go save you. If we did not save you we were condemning you to certain death. She continued to wail on and on about how you risked your life to save ours. She even burned me rum for you lad. Her crown and glory however, was when she agreed to marry Norrington in order for him to come save you. If that's not love mate, then I don't know what is?"

HA! Just thinking back on that day boils me blood. Why the rum? Why the rum?

Elizabeth had been asking for me for several days and I have been refusing to see her. In the back of me mind I figured if I refused, William would tend to her needs. It was I he was mad at not her.

Since I would not go to Elizabeth, she had to come search for me. I was not hard to find. She asked AnaMaria to help her to the deck. Elizabeth was still weak but she was mending well and needed a change of surroundings. She had borrowed some of AnaMaria's clothing and came up on the deck, unnoticed by me. She sat on the barrels enjoying the warm sun and the balmy breeze as it flowed through her hair and wafted over her pale skin.

Elizabeth sat in silence and just watched as I stood at the helm, my gaze settled on the horizon and my right hand rested on the wheel, while the left one gently pet me dog. I stood there talking to Mandy knowing I would not get any answers or augments. At least I wasn't talking to meself, as I have been known to do.

"You know AnaMaria, Jack Sparrow is very handsome looking. His face is so tanned from being in the sun. I wonder how far the tan reaches?"

Elizabeth's voice made AnaMaria jump, and then she laughed at Elizabeth's remark. Rather surprised it came from her.

"Aye he is tan and the tan goes farther than you would like to venture girl. Or would you?"

AnaMaria winked at Elizabeth and made motions of unbuttoning her trousers.

"Do you want me to tell the Captain you are hear?"

AnaMaria asked sarcastically, wanting to get back to her duties. She was uncomfortable with the way the conversation was going.

Elizabeth blushed, but then continued to speak.

"His face is weathered but not in a bad way mind you. It shows his adventures and his experiences. He is just so alluring, so captivating. And his eyes the way the kohl accents them. They show the depth and darkness of Jack's being. His hair is wild and tangled just like him. And the way he wears his hat tilted on his head. Just enough to keep the sun out of his eyes but not enough to hide his beautiful features. And then his, smile. His sly, golden, charming smile. Yes, AnaMaria he is very attractive."

AnaMaria rolled her eyes. She took a good long look at Elizabeth's object of lust.

"Aye mate, that he is, very attractive. You my dear, have it bad. Jack Sparrow is not one to settle down. His love is the sea and the Black Pearl. You best get that in your pretty little head right now or you will be sinking into the cold blue ocean fast."

I eventually saw the women. The way they were staring at me made me blood tingle. This cannot be good. I knew the time had come. I could not avoid Elizabeth anymore. I had to find out about our daughter. If indeed, Barbossa's son did take her, the child was most likely dead. It is a pirate's life and it is a rough one. I called out to Gibbs for him to take the wheel.

"Gibbs, the time has come that I must face me consequences. Remember everyman for himself or woman as the case may be."

I flinched, as I looked over towards Elizabeth. I would rather be facing a man-eating shark than this wounded woman.

"Wish me luck mate. Wish me luck!"

Gibbs took the helm and patted me on the shoulder.

"Jack my boy, I am sure you will do the right thing. You are no fool, except when it comes to matters of the heart. We would not be here with you if we did not trust you my friend. But I, like you, would not want to be walking into the lion's den. Mandy my girl, you may want to follow ye master. He may need some extra teeth."

I sauntered across the deck to where Elizabeth was sitting. Mandy followed close behind me. She could sense I was apprehensive. I was wondering how to approach said subject of our miss deed on the island and of the child.

"Alright Luv, I'm sorry, I know I took advantage of you on the island, during your time of turmoil over bloody Will. I ruined yours and Mr. Turner's future. I have put me mark on you. I made love to you lass and it was beautiful. Grant it, we were both drunk and delirious. I felt something different that night. I know you did too. The dark clouds parted and the bright sunshine flooded into me life. Yes Elizabeth we shared something special, you are my treasure. I have no regrets Lizzy and you shouldn't either Luv. You are not a tart. You are Captain Sparrow's woman."

That is what was going through me mind but no, I stood in front of her with me hands on me hips, I gave her a crooked smile and said.

"Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged out. I am assuming you want words with me missy, or you would not be sitting on me deck? So Elizabeth, Miss Swann, are you going to ask Will's forgiveness, or just make a new life for yourself Luv?"

Elizabeth looked at me is disbelief. I guess I could have chosen me words better.

"It is not I who should beg his forgiveness Captain Sparrow."

Elizabeth looked away from me. She climbed off the barrel and knelt down beside Mandy and hid her face in her fur. She looked up at me, then diverter her gaze up into the deep blue sky. My gaze followed hers and I sat next to her staring off into the horizon for what felt like an eternity.

"Jack." Elizabeth whispered. "I do love William, with all my heart. When I discovered I was pregnant I was devastated. Jack I had never been with anyone but you. I was saving myself for my love, for Will. I let my guard down when I was with you. I made the mistake to trust you.

William asked me to marry him and I said yes. Of course when he offered he did not know I was carrying your child. Our child. When I found out I was expecting, I could not marry Will, I had to come find you. I can't believe I am here. I suppose I got a romantic image in my head when I came searching for you. I want an exciting life, full of adventure. I am usually very good at solving problems but my father's snap decision to send me away forced my hand. I had to leave Port Royal. I cannot and will not marry James Norrington."

She looked at me with her soft brown eyes. They looked as if they were about to well up with tears.

"Jack, would you ever give up the life of a pirate? Make me feel clean again Jack, make me your wife."

My eyes shot open. My chin dropped a foot. I looked at her as if she had gone nuts.

"Give up me life on the Black Pearl! Give up me life on the sea! No Elizabeth, I could not do that. I will not do that. You know what the sea means to me, Luv. You know the Black Pearl is not just a keel and a hull and a deck and sails. That missy is what me ship needs, to be a ship. No, my Pearl, she is me freedom, she is me first love.

As far as marriage, that is out of the question. I am a pirate, a scaly wag. You my dear are the Governor's daughter. If Commodore Norrington, or your said father caught us, I would be hung in the gallows. You would be without a husband and a child. Elizabeth, Luv. I am not ready to be a husband or a father and I am sure said child is not ready to have me as one."

Elizabeth closed her eyes and began to weep. She had heard these words before. She was hoping I would take her with me. We would travel the seas forgetting she was a noble lady. She now truly did understand the way I felt and she realized there was no future for us. The thought of being free with me, faded from her mind.

"Elizabeth in all honesty, do you think we could be together?" I couldn't believe I was having second thoughts.

I could see the hurt in her eyes. I brushed me hand across her cheek to wipe the tears away. She pulled away from me, grabbing my wrist tightly. She had a rather tight grasp for a girl and it began to hurt. She opened her mouth to say something but then she stopped. Releasing me she stood up and walked over to the rail, and continued to stare at the sea. Mandy stood up and followed her. She could sense the girl was distraught.

"Elizabeth, if possible tell me about our daughter Katheryn, Kat as you call her. Tell me of Barbossa's son and how he took over the Jamaican Queen. You see Luv, when me crew and I attacked the ship there were quite a few pirates left on it, but there was no other ship present. Barbossa was not there and neither was our child."

I wanted to go comfort her and I finally gave in to me urges. I stood up and walked over to the rail. She turned to me and threw herself in me arms. She started to breath in my scent of rum, salt air and the other ship smells. I knew she wanted me to get our daughter back. I just wanted her. She began to cry her heart out once again. Before I could register what I was doing I pressed me lips against hers hungry with passion and yearning. My rough hands trailed over her body, taking in every curve. Her hands found themselves running down my body. Then she gasped and pulled away.

"Elizabeth, Luv, I am sorry. I gave her a toothy, charming grin. "I do have honorable intention towards you …just they are honorable intention of a pirate and not a noble man. Savvy?

With that she slapped me across the face. Yes, I deserved that and probably a whole lot more. Before she could strike me again I heard William's voice behind me.

"Don't you dare touch Elizabeth again, Sparrow. I suppose you think only doing it once makes it all right? Was it only once? Don't answer that. For all I know you two could have been carrying on for a while."

Elizabeth looked at Will in horror. How could he think this about her?

"Well if it is not the infamous, Mr. Turner? There must be something of grave importance you require, or you would not be speaking to me. What is it Whelp? Are you going to ask me to help Elizabeth again? And then slice me down again? Aye, the third time is the charm I've been told Lad."

Will was not amused.

"You Sparrow have a sick mind. Keep your distance from me and from Elizabeth. Are you going to tell me you love Elizabeth? Elizabeth, how do you feel for him?"

I could tell by the way Will looked at Elizabeth he did not really want an answer. The fact that Will was actually talking to me seemed to be a good sign.

"Will, me son, I can't deny me attraction to the fair Miss Swann, but I know she is yours and I will leave her to you. As for her desires, she will have to convey them to you. I will leave the two of you alone to work out the details. Savvy?

"Jack don't call me your son, and don't call me your friend."

"Or what Mr. Turner? Do you plan to drive your sword though me now? Let us drop the small talk and the politeness. Let's just have it out on the deck for everyone to witness."

I stroked me rough hand over Elizabeth's check again and laughed. "Missy, maybe you should tell him what you asked of me."

Will suddenly flipped his sword from his belt and leveled it at my chest.

"Damn it Will, you really don't want to fight me. Put it away!"

"I told you not to touch her." Will looked me over from head to toe. "You have asked for a fight you will always remember, Captain."

Elizabeth jumped in between us and begged us not to fight. Will pulled her aside and kissed her on the cheek.

"Elizabeth, I love you and I would never hurt you. I can't live without you, so what am I suppose to do? I am doing this for you, for us!"

Will raised his sword in order to attack.

I tossed me hat and coat to AnaMaria. "Watch me effects Luv. I'll be gathering them after I wipe the decks with the Whelp."

I grabbed my sword and dodged Will as he lunged at me. The two of us squared off as we parried back and forth. The sound of the clashing metal echoed over the deck. We fought furiously. We did draw the attention of the rest of the crew. We thrust and cut at each other with lightning speed. Will was keeping up with every move I made. I circled Will, and then he circled me. He backed me into the railing. I threw me sword towards him and it flew into his thigh. Will winced but he did not stand down. He pulled the sword out of his leg and threw it off the ship. Dark rich blood gushed down his leg but this did not stop him.

"Now Jack, you have no weapon." Will was getting cocky.

Will thought he had trapped me but I had a plan. I precariously jumped up on the railing and flipped meself over him, and then I grabbed some of the loose rigging and twisted it around his sword. I yanked the sword from his hands and it fell to the deck.

"You see boy, you can't beat me, I'm Captain Jack Sparrow." I said as I threw my arms open, squinted me eyes and grinned.

Will froze, he looked at me and then he looked down at the sword.

"So what now Jack Sparrow, are you going to surrender?"

"Me? Now why should I lad? We are both unarmed. Let us call it a truce. Let us put this all behind us."

"Yes, but you cheated."

"Ay lad I did. What do you expect from a pirate?"

And with that last statement, Will dived for the sword, he grabbed it and stood up swiftly. He then drove the sword into me chest.

"Ay Captain Jack Sparrow, I am a pirate too. What do you expect? I guess the third time is the charm. May you go straight to hell."

I gasped and staggered backwards. I saw the blood pouring from me wound. Blood ran like a stream down me shirt and trousers. Blood started to cover the deck. Oh lord it was my blood. I looked at Will and stared at him in shock and disbelief.

"This is wrong! This is oh so wrong!" Elizabeth screamed.

The crew all stood in silence. AnaMaria dropped me effects and came running to me side. She wrapped her arms around me to give me support.

"Jack? Jack Can you hear me?" She lowered me gently to the deck.

"Captain, you'll be okay." AnaMaria held me in her arms. She pushed me hair out of me eyes. Her voice was soft and she had tears running down her face.

"Gibbs! Cotton! Someone! Jack needs help."

Mandy came to me side. She nuzzled me hair with its odd assortments of beads. They tapped against each other like wind chimes. I gave a small groan and she licked me face. She had to make sure I was still alive. She turned away from me and glared up at Will. She bared her teeth and then attacked him.

Will was not expecting the dog to take revenge. Will was standing in shock also at what he had done. He could not believe the amount of blood either.

"How could this have happened? How did we get to this point? Jack please…"

Mandy rushed at Will and hit him so hard he was knocked off balance and they both went over the railing and flying into the sea.

"Gibbs." I said while I was gasping for air. "Promise me….promise me, you will pull the dog out….let the boy drown…." My breathing was getting shallow and that was the last order I gave before numbness spread throughout my body and everything went black.

A/N Have you ever had one of those days where things start out right and then you wonder why you ever got out of bed? I'm sure Jack is wondering now. I know I have. Will seems out of control in this chapter, but he has always been rash. He has been looking to pick a fight with Jack for some time now. Mr. Turner will always defend Miss. Swann's honor. That is just the way he is. (R/R)