Disclaimer: I have to love Disney and I'd love them more if they gave me The Pirates Of The Caribbean, yes all of them.
NOT MY JEM
I was in a deep sleep. I felt as if I was falling into soft feathers and I was immersed with such heat. I was warm, comfortable and pain free. I couldn't remember the last time I felt no pain. I felt there was something new on the horizon for me and I was filled with the sense of trepidation yet also adventure. I opened my eyes ever so slowly hoping to find I would still be warm and comfortable and I wouldn't find meself in a dream. I was amazed to discover at least three heavy quilts lying on top of me and feather pillows everywhere. I was no longer shivering and the nausea had past. Ah yes, the last thing I remembered was the wine and the rub down. Little did Jem know she had such power over me or maybe to my detriment she did know? I have never met anybody like her. She is so infuriating yet amazingly astounding. She is a different breed from should I say AnaMaria and the fair Miss Swann. I've never met a woman quite like her. Thinking of Jem my body begin to shiver and it was not due to cold.
I could not believe I was partaking in a romantic fantasy. There most be a fever inside me and my inner voice was so foreign I could not understand it. The romantic aspiration must be dashed and thrown over board. I began to think of my prospects as I lay there and turned my head to view the room.
The cabin was illuminated by it seemed a million candles. The interior was sumptuous now. It was clean and exquisite. The candles sparkled like stars in chandeliers of crystal. The illumination flittered in prismatic fragments with all the varied colors of the rainbow and the radiance filled the entire cabin. A polished mirror of a spotless clearness hung on the wall just opposite of me and it was framed in gold. I saw a hint of motion then I saw her. Her image was reflected in the mirror, as Jem sat at the desk deep in thought looking over what it appeared to me to be maps.
She was dressed in a long white silk robe that fluttered against her skin. She was once again adorned with jewels about her neck, each finger had a ring on it and a diamond tiara sat upon her head. Obviously she was still having fun with the jewelry. Her hair was lying soft on her shoulders and the shining whiteness of the moonlight reflected on it giving it the look of warm melting chocolate. She sat ever so still then she glanced around the room. She stood up and admired herself in the mirror and curtsied as if she were asked to dance. As she rose from her position she put her hands out as if she were dancing with a male partner. She glided along like a silent bird. Her motions were flowing. This young girl was full of life and was looking for something but what? She seemed so distant. She was in a world of her own. She spun around as if her partner was twirling her and then the tiara fell to the floor. She knelt down and picked it up and then began to cry. She glanced over at Amber who was lying near the window. "Amber if only mother could have had the finer things in life. She always told me to love deeper, to speak sweeter and live each day as if it were my last. To not be afraid of anything and just live life." She wiped the tears from her eyes and once again looked upon the tiara. "Amber, I think I will do that. I will live my life now and I will enjoy every minute and you my dear, dear friend will share it with me." She went over to the dog and placed the tiara on her head. "There you go my lady." She bent down and kissed her then went back to the desk. She smoothed out her robes and tossed her hair ever so gently over her left shoulder, always covering her scar.
Another urge overcame me and all I wanted to do was drink in her warmth and taste the chocolate. She said she needed me. All I could comprehend right now is that she confused me. The question is, do I need her? No, there is no way I need her. I placed me head down on the pillow and fought off my desire to leap at her. No I don't need her. I may want her but I don't need her. It would be nice if my head and my body could agree on something but that alas was asking too much.
The large cabin windows were open and the curtains were being blown by the cool and balmy air of the night. I could hear the sound of merry voices laughing and talking and I heard song accompanied by the sound of music. Obviously Jem's crew had some talented musicians. There was a brightness and warmth of the night together with all these unusual sights and sounds. Should I dare move and break my peace? The last time I remember hearing happy sounds was the sound of my daughters laugh as she was held in the arms of Jem. I remember Jem's face and that of my daughter. Ah, my daughter, so pure, so free hopefully unaffected by the harsh world that I live in. How different is my world to Jem's? I looked through the silken curtains that hung from the bed that separated me from Jem. Yes, they were the only things that divided me from my world and hers at the moment. How similar were our lives or are they opposite? Maybe she is right. Maybe I should let my guard down and enjoy life a little. Am I too serious? I never thought I was. I pulled the covers up over me. They washed over me as a wave crashing to the shore. I was tying to suppress what lies beneath the surf and I did not wish to stir up the foamy delight of lust and romantic thoughts again. Taking pleasure in the warmth I moaned out loud forgetting where I was and took up my old bad habit of talking to myself.
"Lord Jack where are your senses don't lust after her. She is a mystery to be solved and you can't do it. She is trouble. She is a Barbossa. Aye she is a beauty and she consumes your thoughts day and night. Just stop it." I felt within me the torment, a burning wound a yearning combined with the most indescribable bliss. Then my wave was taken away.
"Well I am glad to see you have decided to join the world of the living Jack." Jem spoke to me as she pulled the blankets off me head. She stroked my hair and put her hand upon my forehead. "You my pet took a chill and you've been out of commission for three days. I'm glad to see the fever is gone, or is it?"
She wiped the perspiration from me forehead and smiled. "On a good night Luv I get six hours of sleep you have had a good twenty-four. I'd say the first forty eight you tossed and turned and said things I am sure you would not want me to repeat." She sat on the bed and poured me out a glass of water.
"Not wishing to be unappreciative but I'd rather some rum." I managed to find my voice even though my throat was dry.
"As you wish." She got up and went over to the cabinet and brought out two bottles. She then went over to the cabin door and opened it. She talked low to someone on the other side then closed it and came over to me, handing me the bottle but did not sit. "You my Pet missed the other half of the storm. The seas got rough and we took on some water and minor damage but we are doing well now. With your gentle care, talent and dare I say skill you got us through the worst of it." She knelt beside the bed and put her elbows on the mattress and held her face ever so close to mine.
"Is that why I merit such fine surroundings and treatment of a king and find myself once again in your bed?" I glanced at her but did not look at her directly knowing she had to have heard what I said.
"Sir." She said. "You are in doubt and you are vastly surprised to find yourself once again in my room. I most inform you I am now better acquainted with you and by my observations on how you handled yourself on deck I am in your debt, but not too far in my Pet. No not too far."
I now propped myself up on my elbows. Her dark eyes were now locked onto mine and her hair was sweeping over her cheeks. Her lips were as red as strawberries and I had to fight all my drive not to take her in my arms. I dropped myself back down on the pillow and letting out a slight moan remembering we have an accord. I did not want to over step my welcome. I did not want to do anything stupid.
Then she spoke and totally blew me away. "So Jack, you are lusting after a Barbossa are you? Is it anyone I know? A mystery you say?" She smiled and brushed her lips over mine. She then stood up and walked back over to her desk.
I looked at her in horror and my eyes were wide open. "Begging your pardon Captain. Was there anything else I said that was inappropriate or better yet just tell me what I have divulged about myself?
"Now Jack don't worry my Luv, your secrets are safe with me. Now are you going to get out of that bed or would you like to have some fun under the covers?"
I looked at her quizzically. Lord what did I say in the past seventy-two hours? This girl is full of surprises and I have to admit I like her playful side to some extent. The moonlight appeared across her face and her smile was way too alluring I had to look away.
Before I could give her an answer there was a knock upon the door.
"One minute." She replied. She then looked at me. "I am sure by now you must have a hearty appetite Jack Sparrow and I will satisfy it for you. I have asked for some food to be brought to you and prepared entirely in your honor. You will need your strength so I recommend you get your lovely body out of my bed and join me for some supper. I will return in ten minutes giving you your privacy to dress, not that I haven't seen it all anyway."
I guess any normal man would have blushed at that comment but I just smiled. Pirate. "So I take it ya liked what ya saw?" I mumbled.
She did not answer but I knew she heard me due to her smile. "You will find your clothes dried and mended laying on said chest. You will also find a gun and sword. I will need your skill beside me. I trust you will not use it against me and I will only give you one warning. You cross me Jack and you will wish you were dead, but don't worry Luv, I won't kill you. I will be taking you back to your Pearl as I promised."
I pulled the covers back over my head and replied. "Luv I stand warned. If you're good to me I'll be good to you. Yes, you can trust me." I heard the door close and I peered once again around the room. I got out of the bed and dressed myself.
She was true to her word and came back in ten minutes followed by several crewmembers carrying in plates of food. They placed it all upon a table that had already been arranged. "Please Sparrow sit." She pointed over to the finely set table. It was covered with a snow-white cloth and embellished with silver and crystal ornaments of every description.
"Jem-Luv, I do have a first name."
She glared at me and then dismissed her men. As the door closed she returned her glance at me. "Don't you go using pet names with me in front of my men. When they are around I am called Captain. Do you understand?"
Having seated myself in a chair opposite her. I raised my hands as if I were surrendering. "My apologizes Luv, I mean Captain. I will keep all informal names to meself."
The supper was wonderful and wine further enhanced it along with cordials and the fruits after. When we had gotten to the dessert I removed myself from the chair and sat on the large plush Oriental rug that covered the hard wooden floor. Jem followed me to the floor after tossing some pillows down and deliberately hitting me with them.
We now sat on the floor in the mellow light. I was waiting for her to make a move. I did not wish to merit a slap nor loose my tongue so I remained quiet and motionless as I drank and observed my surroundings. I noted lavish paintings that hung against the paneling but my eyes kept going back to Jem. I don't know why but the only thing that held my gaze was the soft light I saw in her eyes.
The room was filled with aromas of alcohol and we were both rather drunk. I would say I had enough alcohol in me that I decided to give into me urges and I smoothed me mustache tugged on me beard and slowly approached her on the rug. When I got close enough to reach her she caught me by the arm and instantly drew me into her arms.
"Jack Sparrow, I am not a weak person nor timid in disposition. I have no warrant to be afraid of you or anyone. Indeed I know if you have a mind to escape you will try and I might inevitably have to use some drastic measures." She held me in her arms and looked down into my face. "Are you afraid?"
I looked into her dark penetrating eyes and all I really wanted to do was melt in her embrace but knowing she required an answer I obliged. "Why no Luv. Should I be? I told you I would help you and I have given you my word. That is if you are a woman of yours and you will take me back to my ship The Black Pearl."
"Tell me are you willing to assist a Barbossa a poor defenseless female in her hour of trial, Mr. Sparrow? Tell me you will not take advantage over me in any way. I am the captain of The Vengeance and I will remain the captain until the end of this voyage."
"Indeed miss you are far from any of that. I mean far from being defenseless. As for being captain aye, if that is what you want that is what you will remain. Now if you don't mind Lass either kiss the living hell out of me or release your grip."
She released me to my surprise and disappointment and got up off the floor. She went and locked the door and looked around the cabin to make sure all was secure and with an extremely wary and cunning expression and apparently having satisfied herself that we were quite alone she went to the desk and she beckoned to me to draw near. She stared into my eyes and the silence was creepy. She looked about with the suggestiveness of the most extravagant secrecy.
"Aye, my appearance must be extremely comely to your eyes. I am glad to satisfy your curiosity and exhibit to you how I want to trust you. I have a hard time with trust Jack you do have to earn it. Should you accept my trust, I will accept yours and we will both receive rewards and infinite adventures. Are you ready to take a journey with me Captain Jack Sparrow?"
She now placed the papers in me hand. "You sit and look upon these." She pointed towards the chairs we sat in earlier. "What ever you do don't mention this to the crew. This will be between you and I only. I, unlike my father feel not everything should be shared."
"Why Captain Barbossa." I looked upon the papers and then at her. "Where did you get these?" I looked at her with dark ominous eyes. "Do you not know what this is? Do you really have no idea what horror you have placed in my hands? Must you hear this from me?" I looked at her in disbelief and stood up from the chair. "You truly have no idea do you?"
"Jack I know they are papers of long ago. They are written in Portuguese and they are in your father's handwriting. They are from his old logbooks and evidently tell of captured prizes. I myself cannot read them and I have found no one who can. It appears to be in a strange script and I have a distinct feeling you can read it and by your reaction I am correct."
"Aye my pet you are correct but you really don't want me to read this to you. The treasure you be seeking is cursed. It is worse than the Aztec Gold. My father had his reasons for washing his hands of it and you my Luv really should just let it lie. I do not need to read this. I know where the treasure lies and I know why."
"Yes, so you admit you have heard of the treasure and you can take me to it from these papers? I guess Jeffery wasn't all wrong? He told me you could do it and he was right." She grabbed my hands and spun me around the room. She released herself and flung herself on the bed. "Yes, my fortunes have changed and it is all because of you."
I stood there in total shock at her reaction and her actions. "Aye Lass have you not been listening? It is cursed. I've heard of it, I have seen it and it be cursed. Listen to me and listen good Jem. I can translate this for you yes; it is indeed my father's hand. Most likely Barbossa took these from my father's logs and held it for many years. Hector knew of the curse and he too would have stayed away. Your brother Jeffery, being the idiot we all know some how got possession of these papers and in his own sick mind felt he could get this treasure. Luv, you don't want them. If they were going to him I would say yes, let him have at it, but no my dear you do not want to pursue this. It is cursed, it will bring you bad luck, if not death. I have known of these treasures for most of me life and I have stayed away for good reason. I have often wondered what became of these pages torn from my father's book and I came to the conclusion he burnt them. My father bless his soul was a smart man and a good pirate and captain. He would not deliberately lead his crew into doom or his family. But he did. This treasure was his downfall. It will send a man mad. It did. My father was consumed with it. He killed me mother and he lost his life. This treasure my Luv is not a treasure. It caused me to kill my father. Yes, my father got rid of the treasure he buried it and hoped it would never be found but it lingered in his blood. It called to him constantly. It possessed him and he went mad and he attempted to kill his only son. Yes, he attempted to kill me so I had to take his life. My father died way before his time and I had not had a chance to say my farewells for he was out of his mind. Because of my sword he is dead and I became Captain of The Black Pearl and your father me first mate." I went over to the bed that she had flung herself upon and sat next to her.
"As I told you before I was a fool and believed your father that I should share all information with the crew. I did as he suggested and I told him of the treasure and the curse and I can only come to the conclusion over the ten years he was captain of The Pearl he rummaged through me father's belongings and tore the pages from his journal and sent it on to you and your family." I stood up and walked over to the window and looked out onto the placid water and thinking of the past.
"Aye Captain, you are correct. It was a gift from me dad and he did say it would drive a man mad but as I am sure you have noticed, I am not a man. He sent it to me mother and me but as you know she had already passed. He claimed the treasure was for me and not for Jeffery. He gave strict instructions for me to seek it out alone for he knew Jeffery was how to put it delicately, he was different. Yes he was a born with a sick mind and was never quite right. He was slightly retarded. But my brother took charge of the papers the day my mother died. He knew my mum and I kept a secret and he found out. We had a horrendous fight. He took me down and knocked me out cold. Many told me that I should be glad to be alive. Jeffery scarred my face and he beat me bad. He beat me so bad it took months for my bones to heal. He told me if I refused to sail with him he would kill my dog and me. Yes, Amber is mine and she is the only true thing I have ever loved and trusted in besides my mum. I have a hard time trusting anyone. I told my mum I would take care of Jeffery but as you can see I have failed and don't get me wrong, I have no remorse. I can honestly say I did not kill him. You see now Jack, why I have a hard time with trust. The only one I can trust is Amber and maybe your daughter. Yes, she I can trust. She is small, innocent and untouched."
I turned to her. "Luv, I know trust is hard to come by but please trust me when I tell you this is not a gift. It is a curse! If your father truly loved your mother and you as you claim he would not have sent this to you. These papers belong in Davey Jones locker. Luv, let me toss them for you and spare you the tragedy you do not need."
"Sparrow don't you dare toss that. Come sit down and tell me what it says and where do we set our bearings to."
Reluctantly I did go to her and I handed her the papers.
"Jem, I will take you to the treasure and I will also keep to secrecy but I will not touch the ball of Inez Garibaldi Santiago. It is evil and it brings out malignant passions to those who possess it. I am told you can see the future in it. Is that what you want? It appears to be of little worth yet it does have extreme value to some. You see it is nothing but a curiosity that anyone who is interested in such an item might possess this."
I grasped her with both my hands and pulled her up off the bed and held her tight. I pulled her towards me as the moonshine was coming in through the partly open curtains. We now stood in the sole patch of light that shone upon the floor. My eyes penetrated into hers and I whispered.
"I have to ask you this one thing? Will you be willing to take charge of this and guard it with the utmost care and fidelity and even lose your life if need be?"
"Captain Sparrow. I have told you what I want. You, my Luv, sound as if you are afraid of ghosts. I have told you before I can take care of myself. You hold up your end of the bargain and don't worry about me. I'll be fine."
I released my grip threw my hands up in the air. "Oh, good no worries then." I threw meself on the floor and proceeded to drink my black weasely guts out.
Jem gave me a long and curious look but said nothing. She went about the cabin and doused all the candles but one. She proceeded over to the bed gatherer up some of the blankets and tossed them at me. "I trust you can make yourself comfortable Jack." She then dropped her robe to the floor and climbed into the bed. "Tomorrow will be a new day, get some rest Luv. There is always something new on the horizon waiting for us."
"Aye Luv, you have no idea. You just don't know and you bloody won't listen."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXMorning came and sun was now dappling through the windows. I pulled the covers up around me and snuggled deeper into the pillows when Jem rudely kicked me in the side.
"Ok sleeping beauty it's time to get up. There is work to be done."
Remembering I was on the floor I turned to see her looking down at me. She was already dressed in her work clothes and stood over me while brushing her hair and pulling it back. "Aye easy Lass you wish me to sail your ship ya better treat me nicer than that."
"Well Pet, I'd best be getting myself along to the galley before breakfast is gone. You will not be sailing my ship but you will have other duties. Remember you have full run of me ship but I'll be watching ya." She tied her sash around her waist and grabbed her weapons. "Follow me and remember no pet names"
"I'm counting on that Luv, you can watch me all day." I gave her one of my charming gold grins as I got up off the floor and went over to the basin in her room. The water was already warm so I could only assume she had been up awhile and had already cleaned up. I threw some warm water on me face and cringed when I smelt the lingering of the sweet smelling soap that was in it. I turned to see her watching me.
"Wonderful now I have to watch me tongue and smell like a harlot."
"Lord Sparrow you are impossible. Come." She led the way to the galley and told me to sit down while she ordered a crewmate to fetch two bowls of oats. Not my favorite but I was hungry and I knew to keep quiet. The mate came back and he leered at me as he handed over the bowls.
I accepted it graciously. "Thank you Mr…"
"This is Howard and those two gentleman across from you are Scott and Jonathan. You will be working with them today."
I took a spoonful of the oats and pulled a face at the taste, but carried on eating. "Tell me." As I looked at the men then her. "What am I to do on board?"
Scott and Jonathan broke out in laughter. Jem gave me a wide smile. "You're to work my pet. I don't take passengers."
Now Jem had just lit my fuse and it was short. I don't take to being teased nor laughed at. I was told no pet names and now she was playing with me in front of the crew. I refused to let anyone make me look like a fool and this was not part of our bargain.
"Work? You want me to work for passage? My Luv, if you recall I got brought aboard your ship while I was unconscious and then thrown into the brig like a common criminal. I did not ask for passage. I also recall I saved your ship and I caught a fever due to your lack of hospitality and now you expect me to bloody well work for you?"
As I spoke the three men whom were sitting with Jem and I got up from the table and backed away.
Jem smiled as the men stood back. "Yes Luv, I do. Now I suggest you eat up and then Howard will find ya something ter do." She nodded towards Howard as she continued to eat.
"And if I refuse my Pet?" I looked at Jem and gave her a sly smile.
"I'll throw ya in the brig again." She said flatly. "Now hurry along we don't have all day." Jem sneered at me clearly enjoying my situation and whispered. "Watch it Sparrow, you're on thin ice."
I pushed the bowl aside and stood up and looked at the three cowards standing at a distance. "Thank you Howard, Jonathan and if I could remember your name I am sure I could sleep at night. I have suddenly lost me appetite." I looked at Jem. "So you think you can capture Captain Jack Sparrow, have him help you, expect him to work for you and expect him to sleep with you?"
Jem now stood up from the table and the whole room got quiet. "Jack Sparrow I expect you to do as I say. We have an accord and you are supposedly a man of your word. As fer ya keeping my bunk warm, no I will not force myself on you. You can sleep with the crew or you can sleep with the dog, I care not." She placed her spoon into her porridge and I was getting ready to dodge the flying bowl. Lucky for me it never came.
"Scott I will be at the helm. Have Jack help you with the repairs on our rigging then we will go help the other vessels that did not fair well in the storm." She looked at me shook her head in disbelief and walked out of the galley.
I turned to Scott and tilted me head and gave him toothy grin. "Ah Scott, now I can sleep at night."
XXXXXXXXXXXXI went up to the helm with my three new best friends. I slipped a piece of paper to Jem. "Luv, this is note telling ya how sorry I am fer earlier." I winked and went about me duties. In actuality it was the new bearing for her to set sail for. I would keep my promise about secrecy and I would not let the crew know we were heading to Madagascar to where my father had buried the treasure. I doubt she knew we would have to sail half way around the world to quench her desire.
As we set sail we did pass the struggling ships and we did plunder them. The Princess Galley was a fine take. They were surprised when we pulled up beside them. She was a heavily laden merchant ship and they were unable to throw us.
Jem led the raid but she asked for me to be at her side. I had no problems with that. We swung over from The Vengeance with our pistols loaded and swords ready to brandish.
"Jem, the best way to plunder is to hit and run but there is no need to be in a rush for there are no other ships around to be of assistance when the victims call for help." I yelled at her over the gunshots and the yells of the men.
"Jack, I hear ya but lets not take all day. It seems to me you said there were other ships out there and if they are as good as this we will have a party tonight." The air was thick with gunpowder and we knew we were winning.
It took awhile to strip the ship of all her valuables. We took possession of more than fifty-four ounces of gold we seized gunpowder, pistols and guns, food, alcohol, china and silver. We removed two quarterdecks of guns. We gathered all the finery we could.
After we took the Princess we hit The Providence and then The Invictus. From those ships we got much needed food, drink, ropes and sails. We also collected lumber, pump-bolts, chandlers, candles and boxes of soap. Below in the pit of the ships we commandeered anchors, cables and carpenter tools. Of course we were delighted when we came upon the ivory, indigo and sugar. We made a major haul of tobacco, 90,000 gold moidores and a cross set with diamonds that was intend for the King of Portugal. We also came upon chains of jewels of considerable value and a cargo of silk and furs.
"Aye Captain, this is the most successful day I have ever had."
She threw a fur over her shoulders and nuzzled into it. I took great pleasure in watching her enjoy herself. As I smiled at her she draped a silk scarf over Amber.
"Jack, I love the thrill the adventure the sounds the smells! Oh and when you blew up those ships, it was such a rush. I have to say plundering ships with you is a joy. It is life. Doing anything with Jeffery was a chore he had no idea what to do. You-you are charming, you are intelligent, quick, beautiful and a wonderful fighter and-and… the crew knows they will get the bounty of this wonderful day."
She threw her arms around me neck and looked into my eyes. "Jack Sparrow I could kiss you for giving me one of the most wonderful days of my life." I could see the light and the happiness reflecting in her eyes. I was just as high as she was. It was a magnificent day.
"Well, Captain Barbossa, don't let me stop you." I said half-heartedly remembering last night and my feeling of great disappointment.
She pulled her lips up to mine and she embraced me and kissed me in a way I had never been kissed before. I then placed my left hand behind her neck and pulled her closer to me. I stroked my right hand down her check and pulled her face close so I could look into her eyes. The adrenalin was running through my veins and there was no stopping me now. I then placed my lips upon hers and the ship was spinning.
We both realized we had eyes upon us and she slowly pulled away. I myself was feeling dizzy due to lack of air, she seemed to be just fine as she flew up to the quarterdeck and yelled at the top of her lungs.
"All hands listen up, we will have a party tonight, there will be food, drink music and dance. I don't expect to have a single sober sailor on board."
The crew yelled in unison. "AYE AYE Captain."
I looked at her as the wind blew her hair back and she stood in the glow of her victorious day. Several of the crewmembers surrounded her and started toasting and drinking early. I could tell her crew did honor her and she was good and fair to them. Her attentions went to them and she never looked backed at me. Amber approached her side stood next to her. As Jem conversed with the men her hand went down and touched the dogs head gently. Ah, to be her dog. I shook me head and took my leave. I went to the bow of the boat. I had some thinking to do and I couldn't think standing so close to her yet not being with her.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXNight was just falling and I was gazing at the colorful sunset. I stared at the calm waters and the tranquil weather. I couldn't believe I had gotten myself kicked out of Jem's cabin and now I had to find a place below. I really did not want to bed down with the crew and the rats. I watched the sun setting slowly and I drained the bottle of rum in my hand. I nodded to myself as I raised the rum bottle up to my lips and scowled when I realized that it was empty. How could I sleep below without a good night drink? I quickly made my way up to the galley when I heard the music and the dancing. I was about to turn around and head below when Jem grabbed my arm.
"Oh, not so fast Mr. Sparrow. This is a party for everyone including you. I have been looking for you and I desire a dance."
I glanced down on the pretty Lass. "My dear." Then I let out a heavy sigh. "I mean Captain. I myself do not partake in the merriment. I am glad to see the men have fun and I do enjoy the music but my immediate quest is to find a bottle and a nice place to hold up for the night. I am sure you can find a suitable mate to spin you around the deck."
"Aye I can and you are it." She pulled me out into the mass of drunken men whom were having an entirely wonderful time. The alcohol was everywhere along with the tobacco and hemp. The music was fast and lively. She pulled a bottle out of a crewmembers hand and gave it to me. "Now drink up Luv and I will teach you some moves you will never forget."
Jem did get me to dance and I did enjoy every minute. I decided to let me guard down and enjoy life. Yes, I would enjoy the rewards of the plunder. I would enjoy soaking up this vibrant woman. I would inhale her I would taste her. I stayed by her side and drank in her essence and danced until I felt I was going to drop but I kept on going.
The music was dying down and most of the drunken men were now lying around snoring. Jem took my hand and led me to the top deck away from the drunken crew.
"Jem, my Pet. I want to thank you. The evening was nice and you do know how to throw a high toned and fancy to do." I traced my fingers along her face and she unbuttoned my shirt. I wound my arms around her back and pulled her down to the deck, kissing her passionately. "Y'alright Luv?" I gave her a golden smile.
"I'll show you how alright I am Jack." Jem straddled me and a wicked smile came across her face.
The moon was out full and the cool air off the ocean blew against us as we lay in each other's arms afterwards, talking, kissing and just holding one another when we heard Howard yell.
"Ship Ho! Captain! Captain, you have got to see this!"
We both sprang to our feet and dressed hurriedly. Jem ran to the helm and I was right behind her. We could see two ships and we were coming upon them fast. They were both firing on each other.
"Lord, I know those guns" I pulled the spyglass from Howard. "It's The Pearl! It's The Black Pearl and she is under attack. Those damn villains, they are blowing up me ship!"
I looked at Jem and she immediately went into action. "Make ready the guns. When we get into range we will broad side them with our guns. Don't shoot until I give the order."
"Bloody Hell they are going to sink The Pearl."
I cringed as I saw me boat shake. "Jem do you trust me? Will you please help me?"
"Yes, Jack I do trust you and yes I'll help you." She stood back and gave me the helm.
I then grabbed the helm from Jem and spun the wheel as far as I could to bring us around. I leveled The Vengeance to the attacking ship, which appeared to be The Legacy; yes she was a ship of The Royal Navy. I saw several men in their uniforms and they were narrowing in on The Pearl. I looked over at Jem and winced.
"I'm sure they are coming after me for damaging The Dauntless. They are probably even coming after me knowing I have Elizabeth and she was or is betrothed to Commodore Norrington."
I yelled at the top of my lungs. "Fire. Fire all before they know we are here and they fire on us. Raise our colors and blow them out of the water."
I saw another cannon ball hit The Pearl and the main mast went down. "Oh, bloody hell, not again." I yelled. "Stop blowing holes in my ship! Gibbs! Turner! Fire back!" I knew they couldn't hear me but it made me feel better.
"I'm going to pull us close and I'm going to board The Legacy. I must stop them from attacking The Pearl. Jem please take the helm. Here ya go Lass keep her steady I'm going over. You stay here and save the last dance for me." I held on to her hand as I handed over the helm. "Give me a kiss for luck Luv, I mean Captain. We will celebrate after I blow these bastards out of the water." I surprised her and kissed her on the lips. "Thank you for trusting me." I grabbed a rigging line and swung from the Vengeance to the Legacy. Unbeknownst to me, Jem ordered several men to follow and she herself followed suit. As she swung over she told her crew to keep firing on The Legacy until the ship surrendered or was sinking down to oblivion.
I succeeded in killing the man at the helm of The Legacy, which resulted in the ship swinging into the wind with her sails aback. Every man who tried to take over the helm from me was killed and then I shot away the main sheet and brace.
I made my way from the helm dodging the bullets that were flying everywhere and then swung myself over to The Pearl. Hearing a sharp outcry I turned to see Will with his sword out and ready to attack.
"Hold it lad, I'm on your side." I reflected his blow with my blade.
"Jack, welcome back. I'm sure The Pearl is glad to have ya." Then we both turned and continued to fight.
I ran to the helm and started shouting orders I attempted to bring up the bow of The Pearl. "Shoot all the cannons shoot all the guns. Sink her and do it now or we will be at the bottom of the ocean."
I cast my eyes over the deck and despair struck me. My ears were humming and my brain swam as light as a feather. There was death everywhere. I saw James, Gibbs, Rogers and AnaMaria. They were all lying on the deck. I had no idea if they were breathing or not.
Then I saw Elizabeth and Kat, they were standing in the smoke near the hatch. "Get down you bloody fool, get down." I yelled at Elizabeth. I could feel the anger building up in me. Why would she bring the child up on deck?
I then turned my attention back to the battle. "Fire the cannons, one last time. We only have one last chance." I pulled the Pearl around as far as I could without the main mast. The cannons went off and The Legacy went up into shards. There was a violent jolt and within a couple of seconds there was a horrible crackling of wood commingling with iron, rope, sails and bodies. I could hear the yelling of men's voices. There was nothing left of our enemy but a sinking wreck, the water was dotted all over with bobbing heads and waving hands in the moonlight.
I stood at the helm looking at the carnage when out of the smoke and destruction Jem came over to me. "Jack that was great. You are amazing. The way that ship flew up into the air was spectacular. I think you are a hero, Jack Sparrow. You saved your ship and crew."
I beckoned for her to come to me. She smiled and headed toward my open arms then she fell into me. "Aye Lass now who is throwing themselves at who. I told you to stay on your ship but I'd be lying if I said I'm not glad to see you. So have you saved the last dance for me?" I bent down to kiss her.
Behind her stood Elizabeth holding the smoking gun.
Kat came out from behind her skirt and screamed.
"NO! NO! Not my Jem. Not Jem!!!"
Jem was lying in my arms and the blood seeped from her back through me fingers. She looked up at me. I saw the pain in her eyes. "I trusted you Jack. I trusted you." She went limp in my arms.
The same words were running through my head. "NO NOT MY JEM! NOT MY JEM!"
A/N As you can see Jack is going through many different changes. Has he found something besides his Pearl to love? Has he lost Jem's trust? Has he lost Jem? What of his crew and his daughter? I am trying to show the inner Jack Sparrow and hopefully you all can see it. R/R and enjoy.