Disclaimer: It's the same story. Jack and Will are still under contract with Disney.
Can Do and Can't Do!
The early dusk of the cloudy evening was settling fast and the sky was leaden and threatening. Will had told Elizabeth that the weather was turning bad and he thought it would be wise for her to spend the evening off The Black Pearl. She finally agreed after Will promised to come up to the house with her. As Will was walking Elizabeth to her home he realized it would be hard to say just what was on his mind. I had told him he had two days to inform Elizabeth and the opportune time had come. Will figured he could tell her we were leaving and I did not want her company, it would be too bloody dangerous for her. He also contemplated about taking the coward's way out and just leave in the middle of the night without saying a word. I warned him that would merit a mighty cold welcome home.
"Elizabeth, are you alright, are you happy to be home, here in Port Royal?" He shifted uneasily avoiding her stare.
"I am content to be where every you are Will. My father is dead and there is nothing here in Port Royal for me except you. I know it will be difficult now that my father is gone and I will have to move out of the mansion. Why do you ask, especially now, tonight?" She looked up into Will's worried face. "What is troubling you so? I know it can't be the weather even though it does look ominous." She looked up at the threatening clouds. "Do you think a hurricane is approaching?"
Will continued walking and squeezing her hand ever so gently. He sensed Elizabeth tensing up and he stopped; he pulled her to him giving her a kiss on her lips and looking into her spellbinding eyes. She was so alluring and it was proving difficult not to take advantage of this beautiful woman. Her simple little touches could manipulate him to do what ever she wanted. Luckily for him, she did not know she held such power.
"Elizabeth you do know that I love you with all my heart and with all my being."
"Yes Will, I do know that and I hope you also know I love you. I will always love you. William Turner, do you question that?" She asked laughing and then realized Will was being serious. "You seem so distant so lost tonight. What is really on your mind my love? You are scaring me. Has Jack asked you to do something for him?"
Will looked down into her questioning eyes and then looked down at the cobble-stoned street and walked on. The two figures passed slowly along the gray of the roadway in the gloom. Will's arm was now wrapped around her waist and he was whispering into her ear. He could not have chosen a more opportune time to confirm his own undoing.
They stopped upon the side of the road just beyond a grove of trees where a gentleman stood in the shadows. Neither William, nor Elizabeth noticed the man for they were deep in conversation.
"Jack has asked me to join his crew. We are going after Barbossa and your daughter."
"That is wonderful news." Elizabeth squealed and flung her arms around Will's neck. "I knew Jack would want to save her. When are we leaving?"
"We. We are not leaving." Will squeezed his eyes closed and gritted his teeth waiting for the verbal abuse he knew was coming.
"If you and"
"No, Elizabeth not I, Jack."
"OH…. If Jack Sparrow, thinks that I am going to remain in Port Royal while you and he sail off to rescue my daughter…his daughter, he is crazier than I could have ever imagined." Elizabeth was now yelling at the top of her lungs and pushing Will away from her.
"Please Luv, there is no reason to insult him."
"Will listen to yourself. You are even talking like Jack. Please reconsider." She stopped pushing him and started pleading with him. "Let me come with you. Take me back to The Pearl, to Jack I must speak with him."
Norrington stood as still and as breathless as possible. His eyes never left the two figures standing at the side of the road having an argument. One was Elizabeth Swann the other was indeed William Turner. So mister Turner decided to come home. Why am I not surprised? As they talked together in low voices, their words now and then reaching his ears. The silent, breathless listener did hear the name, Captain Jack Sparrow, and heard the mention of The Black Pearl. So Sparrow is not dead and he has come back too.
"Will please listen to me. Port Royal holds nothing for me. My life is with you and with Katheryn. My daughter is in the barbaric custody of Jeffery Barbossa and I don't know if I will ever see her again. My life and my future are in yours and Captain Sparrow's hands. This makes me feel very unsure of my destiny, to say the least. If anything should happen to you Will, I could not continue to live. Will I love you and I want to be with you. I have to be with you. Jack just doesn't understand and doesn't even know where to start looking for Katheryn. He has no idea what she looks like."
"Elizabeth you told Mr. Gibbs that Barbossa claimed, if Sparrow wants his treasure he will know where to find him, did you not?"
"Yes and I also told him that Barbossa wants The Black Pearl and you know Jack won't surrender his ship. Barbossa will not barter, those are his terms."
"Elizabeth, Jack is not a stupid man. I am sure he has something planed. You are correct in saying he would never give up The Pearl, she is his FREEDOM, and we are all clear on that point."
"Please Will, I must go back to the ship with you. I must speak to Jack."
"NO! Elizabeth, I will not and cannot take you with me. We are doing this for you. If anything should happen to you I would never forgive Jack or myself. Please, please stay here. Remain in Port Royal where it is safe. Where you have the protection of the Royal Navy and Commodore Norrington. Your father would want you to do this." The minute those words came out of his mouth Will knew he made a mistake.
"How can you ask me to do that Mr. Turner?" Elizabeth's face was growing red with anger and the way she pronounced his name stung his ears.
"Elizabeth I am asking you to do this because it is the best for all concerned. When I return with yours and …Ja- Ja- Jack's child," Will stumbled over his words. "We can then discuss getting married."
She flung her hand and slapped Will straight across the face. "How dare you! You can't even mention my child's father's name, you try to bribe me with marriage, you use my father's memory and you don't even know IF you will be returning. You tell Jack Sparrow if I ever see his face again, I'll…I'll…I'll kill him." The next second she was gone. She was trying not to cry. Walking swiftly and silently down the road she unknowingly past Norrington and did not look back.
Will stood looking after her until she was gone; "Yes, Elizabeth." He mumbled to himself. "I will tell Jack, but it seems to me I already tried to kill him and it didn't work." He put his hand to his face where the slap was still stinging then he turned and walked back towards the dock and the rest of the crew who were on a mission of gathering supplies.
Elizabeth arrived home and she could not stop the tears from spilling down her cheeks. The thought of The Black Pearl leaving without her was unbearable. Why had Jack and Will turned against her? "For my own good, oh those bloody bastards!" She yelled as she threw a heavy ornate, silver candelabrum across the foyer. That was the first and only thing she could find to throw. She walked into the parlor and went straight to her father's large mahogany desk. He always kept a bottle of Whisky or some vile alcohol in the bottom draw. She pulled the draw open with such force it fell on the floor and splintered. She retrieved the bottle out of the shards of wood and pulled the cork out with her teeth. Spitting the cork to the floor and placing the bottle up to her lips she said. "Here's to you William Turner and Captain Jack Sparrow. Damn the both of you! I will not let either one of you tell me what I can and cannot do."
She took a long drink and managed a weak smile when she noticed James Norrington standing in the doorway.
"Elizabeth, you are looking rather upset, I would even go as far as saying you are not looking well at all. What is disturbing you my dear? Must you destroy perfectly good furniture?" Norrington asked with an alarmed look on his face as Elizabeth withdrew the bottle from her mouth.
Elizabeth eyed him suspiciously and tried to hide the bottle. "Why James, you startled me. Are you here on business or as a friend?"
"I'm here as a friend or should I say as your fiancé? I have not seen much of you since your father's death. I have arranged a servant to take care of you and the household chores until it is time for you to move out and come live with me. I will have your things sent to my house and we can set the date for our wedding."
James walked over to Elizabeth and pulled her close to him. He looked into her eyes to see if he could see any deceit in them.
"I….erm." Elizabeth looked frantically around the room and then bit her lip to prevent from screaming out loud. She pulled away from James and started to busy herself by moving things around on the desk. "James you leave me speechless, but I really do not need a servant or a companion right now. I am quite capable of taking care of myself."
"Nonsense my dear. That is why I am here, to make life easier for you. I have asked Sarah to get a nice warm bath drawn up for you. I'm sure you could do with some rest and spoiling."
Norrington approached Elizabeth again and this time he removed the bottle from her hand that she was hiding behind her back. He slammed it on the desk. It hit the wood harder then James had intended but it made both Elizabeth and him look at the alcohol for several seconds. Norrington raised an eyebrow and looked sternly at Elizabeth.
"Miss Swann, I am sure you are aware of the effects of alcohol. Also my dear, it is not healthy to be drinking alone." Norrington glanced around the room making sure they were alone. "Please my dear, Sarah is waiting for you."
He led her out of the large room and up the long curving staircase to her bedroom. Sarah was already preparing the bath for her. Elizabeth stopped James from entering her room.
"James, thank you for caring but you can leave now. I will be better in the morning. I promise you, I will enjoy my bath and get some rest."
"Yes Elizabeth, I know you will. You see I have arranged for my men to watch the house. I have been informed that there are pirates in the harbor."
Elizabeth eyes widened, wondering if pirates were really in the harbor. She went over to the window and stood on her tiptoes. Straining to see the harbor and The Black Pearl. She saw nothing, just the dark foreboding clouds and the masts of the Naval ships that were anchored there all day.
"James, who ever informed you must have been mistaken. Please take your leave, I insist and please don't fuss over me so." She said this with urgency in her voice.
"Think again Miss Swann." Norrington could sense she wanted him to leave. "We will be married soon and I will make sure my bride-to-be is treated well."
"Gillette." Norrington called as he turned from the open door and faced the staircase. "Please post a guard at the front door for Miss Swann. I wish her to get the rest she so deservingly needs." He turned back toward Elizabeth with an evil smirk on his face. "Sleep well my dear, I will be here before the sun rises tomorrow and we can pack your belongings." He gave her a tender kiss on her lips and caressed her soft shoulders. As his hands lie on her shoulders he started to grasp her tightly and Elizabeth winced away.
"James please you are hurting me."
He truly had deep feeling for this woman and the thought of Jack Sparrow handling her made him enraged. "I'm sorry, please accept my apology. Until tomorrow." James kissed her once more on the forehead and swiftly left the room, closing the door behind him.
Elizabeth felt a rush of relief come over her as she watched the door shut. "Sarah, thank you for preparing the bath but I will not need your services any more for this evening. The Commodore is right I must get some rest."
Forgetting her manors she hurried Sarah out of the room. She closed the door and placed her back up against it. She slid down the door and sat on the floor with her head in her hands. As she sat in her silence, she heard the tumble of the lock turn. Someone had locked her in the room. Then she heard Norrington's harsh voice.
"Gillette, keep a close watch on Miss Swann. I want to know where she goes and whom she talks to. Do I make myself perfectly clear? I will return shortly. Carry on." All went silent and Elizabeth's vision blurred with fury.
"I will be damned if I let Norrington or any man lock me up. She stripped off her long gown and all her undergarments and replaced them with the oversized shirt and brown breeches she had received from AnaMaria. She found comfortable shoes in her trunk and pulled her long flowing hair up into an old droopy hat her father had given her years ago to keep the sun off her face. With saddened eyes she looked around the room for one last time. This would be the final time she would ever step foot in this house or this room. Throwing open the large French doors leading out to the balcony she climbed down as quickly as possible and disappeared into the darkness.
The docks and the harbor would be bustling with The Royal Navy and the towns people in general. She made her way to the high cliffs in hopes to find an escape. It wasn't long before she spotted The Black Pearl out in the cove. Now her problem was how to get to it. The cliffs were high and whichever way she looked, there didn't seem any way down to the sea. She peered over the cliff's edge at the sheer drop of 200 feet. She felt faint, and diverted her eyes back to the cove and The Black Pearl. Panic went through her body when she saw The Pearl was moving.
I can't believe I am seriously thinking of jumping. It's suicide I know, but there is no other way down. I have to jump. I have to save my baby. As Jack once said the only rules that really matter are what a man can do and what a man can't do and I know I can do this. Even though I am a woman!
Elizabeth looked out at the ship for a long time, wishing the cliff would suddenly drop to sea level. With a last look behind her and knowing what she was leaving, she held her breath and took a running jump off the edge of the cliff, trying not to scream as she plummeted. The shock of hitting the water forced the air from her lungs and she flailed wildly before calming down enough to start kicking upwards. She emerged spluttering and choking looking around for The Pearl. She spotted the ship and it was heading right towards her.
XXXXXXXXX
I was striding about the deck, ordering the men to maintain and load the ship. I made my way from the foredeck and stood with Gibbs. My eyes were scanning the bay and the shoreline. I was getting an uneasy feeling that something terribly wrong was going to occur.
"Did everyone make it back from town Gibbs? I cannot afford to lose any crew. Savvy?"
"Aye Cap'n and we stocked up as much as we could." Gibbs answered cheerfully as he took a swig from his flask. He was glad to be heading out to sea.
"How about Mr. Turner, is he on board?" I looked about the deck to see if I could spy him.
"Aye Captain, and he is alone."
"Good, then we will set sail."
I went to the helm and started yelling out orders.
"On deck, you scabrous dogs! Weigh anchor! Hoist the sails! Hands to braces! Let down the haul to run free." I opened up my compass and looked out at the sea. "Now, bring me that horizon."
As I said this Gibbs frowned and looked at me as if I had told him to kick me in the groin. I was about to question him when he spoke up and directed my attention towards the harbor.
"Captain. The Dauntless is sailing towards us sir and she has her cannons ready."
I stood on the ship's bow, and looked through my spyglass. "Haul on the main brace! Make ready the guns! Raise our colors and blast those men to carcasses." I shouted at the top of my voice.
The Dauntless fired on us first and we returned the fire. "Keep us steady and Fire All! We have to make a stand and we will win this fight or I am not Captain Jack Sparrow!"
"FIRE!!"
The cannons from The Pearl echoed over the dark, rough waters and they tore through the Dauntless as if she was made of paper. There was a terrific crack as if thunder had fallen upon us. Wood was flying and then there was a brilliant globe of light floating in the sky above our heads. The cannons must have hit the master powder kegs boarded on the Dauntless and there must have been a tremendous amount on her. The Dauntless had been hit and she was going down.
I looked at Gibbs and the rest of the crew; my eyes were wide with excitement and disbelief at what a wonderful shot we had gotten off. "We have no need to plunder that ship and we do not want to burden ourselves with prisoners. We will let them pick themselves out of the sea. I am sure they would do us the same favor. Bring her around."
I looked across the murky waters and I spotted Norrington. He was in a rage. He was yelling and swearing and throwing his hands up it the air.
I took my hat off and waved it in the air. "Thank you Commodore for coming out to see us and making sure we were ready to make way. We'd have had an easier time of it by ourselves. If I had known you wanted to see me I would ave stayed longer mate. As ye can see, me funeral was short lived. Just to inform you, I intend to see anyman who sails under the British Flag and wears a red or blue coat gets what he deserves." I tossed by black hair back, squinted into the glorious blaze and smiled a wide golden grin.
"Commodore, this is the day you will always remember as the day Captain Jack Sparrow blew up the Dauntless!"
Looking back at the crew and placing me hat back on me head I laughed.
"Aye Gibbs we have had a victory today. Now we will set our bearings to Isla de Muerta."
Gibbs once again stopped in his tracks, frozen like an iceberg. "Captain did you say Isla de Muerta?"
"Yes Gibbs, don't question me. I know the cursed treasure of Cortez is still there and that is where our beloved friend Hector Barbossa died." I said with a sneer and the rolling of my eyes. "But mate it is also a bloody good place ter store treasure and that is where I will find mine. Savvy?"
XXXXXXXXX
When Elizabeth reached The Pearl she climbed the side and hoisted herself over the rail and onto the deck. She was aware of a lot of activity and she hid herself behind barrels of supplies that had not yet been stored. When the coast was clear she quickly made her way down to the brig cursing under her breath.
She lay blissfully on the cold damp wood, grateful that she had survived the jump and the swim. Exhaustion overcame her and she curled up in one of the empty cells, knowing nobody would be coming down and finding her. She slept for more than an hour.
The Black Pearl rocked and pitched the farther we went out into the open ocean. I was struggling to keep hold of the wheel and stay on course. The waves started climbing higher and higher until they reached the upper gun deck and poured through the ports that had been forced open by the sea until the crew fastened it shut again and turned their attention to the next open port. I knew we were heading into bad weather and we should have left sooner.
Elizabeth was awakened with cold salt water splashing her in the face. She started watching the waves through a small hole in the outer wall of the cell with a certain amount of fascination and a slight queasiness in her stomach. She wasn't sure if it was the sea upsetting her stomach or the fact that she was starving. She clung on to the bars of the cell as the ship pitched violently and it seemed to carry on down for an age, before righting herself again. She began to worry that the ship was going to tip over and the men on deck especially Will, might be taken overboard. She had to fight the urge to go up and check. If anybody saw her she would have a lot of explaining to do and she just was not ready for that confrontation yet, especially with me.
Elizabeth's stomach got the better of her and she made her way to the galley where she saw Rogers trying to re-light the galley stove. She stood hesitantly in the doorway, not knowing whether to stay or go.
She made up her mind to leave when Rogers cursed under his breath and yelled, "AnaMaria, just don't stand there, ya can get this fire breathing dragon going. The Captain will be bloody angry if he knows it went out."
"Aye I'm coming."
Elizabeth pulled her hat down over her forehead and went to tend to the stove. Luckily with little effort on her part the wood finally caught light and a smile came across her face. Ah success. There was a sound behind her and it caused her to panic and she threw herself beneath a large table situated in a dark corner of the galley.
Rogers looked around and noted that the girl was gone but William and Mandy were standing in the doorway.
Will looked at Roger's and then at the blazing fire. "Well now, that's a sight fer sore eyes. He walked slowly toward the flame peeling off his wet vest and shirt and dropping them near the heat. "I never knew the waters of the Caribbean could be so cold."
Will went over to the stove to get a cup of hot coffee and to his disappointment there wasn't any. Mandy wandered over to the table, which Elizabeth was hiding under. Elizabeth pulled herself back as far as possible and tried to shoo the dog away. Mandy just stared at her and then went under the table. Her warm tongue licked her cheek and she huddled close to her. As the dog curled up in her lap Elizabeth could sense the dog did not like the rough seas and she was looking for some refuge. She decided to let the dog stay with her, pleased to have a friend.
At that moment I came into the galley. "Aye, Sir William the waves are not as high now and The Pearl, she is not rolling so violently but I still need your help on deck." I glanced around the galley and noted Will had made himself comfortable in front of the fire.
"Well, I guess we can both warm ourselves and dry out just a little. Being Captain should ave some privileges aye?"
I slapped Will on the back and also removed my wet hat, coat and shirt. Then I shook my tangled mane like a dog and sat down next to Will putting me feet up on the table.
"Jack you really don't hold any manners." Will groaned as he attempted to avoid the water I was spewing from my hair.
I overlooked his sarcastic comment and looked about the room. "What did ya do with that mangy cowardly dog of mine? Poor wretch she seemed ready to take off and bolt."
When Mandy heard my voice she began to whimper. Elizabeth's eyes filled with horror and stroked Mandy's head to silence her.
Will looked around not noting where the dog had gone and was about to get up and look when I placed me hand on his arm.
"Stay put Whelp, we must talk. Rogers, fetch Mr. Turner and meself a bottle of rum and two mugs if ya please." I could tell Rogers was not at all pleased.
With an approach of annoyance Rogers did as he was ordered. When he opened the cupboard, which housed the rum a large wharf rat jumped out and ran around the galley and then ran straight towards Will.
Before Will could move a very fat but quick, black and white animal leaped out from under the warm stove.
"Aye Tommy me boy." Roger's yelled. "Get that varmint or we'll be eating you fer dinner. Do you hear me?"
Will was so shocked he fell over backwards and hit his head hard on the planked floor. The rat ran across his chest followed by the giant cat.
I myself almost fell out of my chair and I was also amazed at what was taking place. I could not hold in my laughter. I looked at Roger's and then down at Will. He was still on the floor rubbing the back of his head and keeping a sharp eye on the cat.
"Aye mate, I thought old Tommy had gone to see Old Hob's. I can't believe you still have that old blind thing. I have to say I'm glad his still with us."
The rat and the cat ran under the table where Elizabeth and Mandy were hidden. Elizabeth gasped, Mandy growled and then the rat squealed as Tommy pounced it. Tommy stood two feet away from Elizabeth with the rat in his mouth. He looked at Elizabeth and Mandy and moved his mouth slightly. Elizabeth could see the rat squirming trying to escape certain death. The tail of the rat was hanging out and there was blood dripping from the cat's old yellow teeth. He almost dropped it and she was about to scream. Tommy gave a look as if she was stupid and he was insulted. He turned around and took the rat to his master.
Mandy was curious to see where the cat went and she attempted to get up. Elizabeth looked warningly at the dog and held a finger to her tight-shut lips. Mandy licked her hand, as if she understood and she laid back down and remained silent.
By this time Rogers had delivered a bottle and two mugs to me. William had picked himself up off the floor but continued to stare at Tommy.
"Lad, take it easy that bloody old tom cat has been on The Black Pearl almost as long as I have. Savvy?"
I poured the rum into the mugs and handed one to Will. I was taken back when I saw his hand was shaking and he was looking pale.
Will seized the mug and emptied it in one swig. "Jack, I hate rats! I truly despise and loathe rats!" He took the bottle from me and proceeded to fill his mug again. Downing the second faster than the first.
I could tell Will was not going to be doing me any good up on deck. Thanks to the bloody rat. I took the bottle from him and thought better of it and handed it back.
I sat back to drink my rations, I was feeling a warm glow come over me and I was settling right in. "You know mate our breeches are wet too, we may as well just get ourselves completely dry. It's just you, me Rogers and Old Tommy."
"No Sir, it is not just Mr. Turner, Rogers, you and Old Tommy." AnaMaria spoke up as she entered the galley with a look of disapproval and disbelief.
"Sorry to interrupt your good times gentlemen." AnaMaria said in a huff as she pushed my feet off the table. "But there's a fair bit o'water in the bilges. I've got a team pumping it out but thought you would like to know Captain."
"Aye Las, I'm coming." I rolled my eyes at William and gathered up me belongings off the floor. "I guess I'll be drying my breeches elsewhere." I said with a toothy grin and a sly glance at AnaMaria. "Get back to your duties son, when you think you are ready. Aye, and when ya find the mangy hound just put her in me quarters. Savvy?"
I then put on my damp garments and followed AnaMaria down the corridor.
A/N Anyone who has a cat should appreciate them. Tommy is for real. He is a big beautiful cat and when he lays on you, you bloody well know it.