Disclaimer: All the characters are mine except those who belong to Disney.

The Ball Of Santiago

When I woke up I could see the moon filtering into the cave opening. I looked down at the auburn hair spread across my lap. Jem had made herself comfortable and laid down on top of me. She was truly beautiful. It was quite pleasant waking up with her on my lap. I liked the way her breath tickled my leg and the way her hair slid against my flesh.

Raising my left hand, I ran my finger over her soft lashes nestled on her cheek. I looked over at Amber who was now observing me. "Yes, I know girl, I am a mad man. Women bring nothing but sorrow."

I pushed the long strands of her hair aside and began to kiss her neck.

Jem stirred on my lap. She arched her back as she stretched and then stared up into my face. "Did you enjoy that Captain Sparrow?"

Suddenly I went still, realizing what I had done. "Err, do you want me to stop?"

"No." Her reply was so soft I could scarcely hear her. She looked at me with her luminous eyes. "Have you nothing to say?"

I swallowed hard. "Luv, kissing you can only lead to one thing, and we haven't time for that right now?" I smiled at her. "Or do we?"

Startled by a sound outside the cave and Amber's low growl, I frowned at Jem. "I think I just answered me own question."

Not really wanting to get up, I gave a great sigh and carefully removed Jem from my lap and made my way to the entrance. Through the cave opening I could hear voices and some sort of activities. By the sound of them, it was more then three this time and then I realized it was William, Gibbs and other members from my crew.

"Is something wrong?" Jem asked, as she came up behind me.

I paused and stared at her. Her hair was tousled about her and she looked so appealing. I knew she had asked me something but I didn't hear her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't hear what you asked."

"I asked is everything alright?" She encircled her arms around my waist and then she looked out of the entrance.

"My god Jack, we are saved. It's Will and your crew. We can get off this island now."

I reached back over my head and cupped her head in my hand. "Aye my pet, we are saved but what about your fortune? If it is all the same to you, I do not want my crew to get near it, or know anything about it. I don't want them to suffer and I pray you don't suffer for it."

I let her go and retreated back into the cave. I sat down next to Amber and stroked her fur in order to keep her quiet. "Jem, this isn't a game. As you know, according to The Pirate's Code, everything is shared equally. If they know about your quest you will have to share it."

Jem gave me a menacing glare. "Never fear for me. I have people who will watch over me. I will be fine."

"I know, Tom." I said with a sneer on my face and a hint of laughter in my voice. Then I looked toward the entrance. "It appears they are making camp right outside. I can only assume they will be looking for us come daybreak. Once we leave here your treasure is gone and I will not be able to protect you from them."

She came back over to me and knelt down and traced the line of my jaw with the back of her fingers. She was like some enchanted spell that had captured my soul. She got up off the ground and headed for the entrance.

"Jack, we cannot hide anymore and I don't need protection from your crew."

I jumped up and grasped her arm. "Where are you going?" I said sternly.

She pulled away. "I told you Jack, I will go face them."

I whirled her around to face me. "You will do no such thing Lass. I have told you I want nothing of the treasure and I want my crew unharmed. I put my face right next to hers and I lowered my brow so our eyes were locked on each other's.

"Now you listen to me and listen well, I know I am your prisoner and I told you I would help you. But you will have to do as I say or I will refuse you. Savvy?" I could feel the anger building up in me and I knew the grasp I had on her arm was going to leave a mark.

"You are not my prisoner." She winced. "You are my friend. Now if you don't mind Captain Sparrow, you are hurting me, so let me go. I will only ask you once."

I reluctantly let her go. "You sit down here with your precious dog." I pushed her down and she fell into Amber. "I'll be back. Don't yell out and don't let yourself be seen." I went to the entrance and hid myself in the shadows. I snuck out among my crew and saw they had brought supplies with them. I spied a spade leaning on some rocks only a few feet from me. I silently grabbed it and went back to Jem.

I walked up to her, grabbed her arm roughly and pulled her up quickly. I then released her and headed for the back of the cave.

"Come Jem, there is a back entrance. It is small and it will be a tight squeeze, but I think we can make it. Let us go get the treasure now. You can do with it what you want and then we can let the crew find us. I can only assume you are ready to go." I looked at her from head to toe and extended her my hand.

She refused to take my hand and she pushed passed me. The playfulness had vanished from her face. I obviously had gone too far. I was not amenable to her plans and I was not going to accept her fate without a fight.

I watched Jem as she walked passed me. I hadn't meant to be so curt with her but she brings the worst out in me. I followed her and vowed to think no more of her or the strange feeling she evoked inside me. I looked towards Amber. "Well my pet, are you coming or are you mad at me too?"

Amber approached me with her tail wagging and licked my hand. I could actually see why Jem was so fond of this animal.

We had no difficulties exiting the cave. The moon was out full and the night sky was filled with high floating clouds. Now and then there was a dull flash in the westward sky and once a muttering growl of thunder, promising another storm to come.

I walked in silence. I could hear Jem's breathing and she was mumbling something to Amber. I walked her down the beach and then I caught sight of The Pearl, just lying off shore. Her sails were glimmering pallidly in the moonlight. Just ahead of us there were boats drawn up on the beach, luckily there were no men around them. I looked at Jem.

"I tell ya, The Black Pearl, she is a pretty ship. We are lucky she is here." I continued walking down the beach and lead Jem to my mother's grave.

"Jem, will you please come over here." I gazed at her as I stood over the burial spot. I removed my compass from my pocket and took out a slip of parchment I had stuffed in it.

"I have not seen this before." Jem gazed on the lush spot.

I glanced at her. "It's my private place, it's my mother's place." I sighed and brought my hands together. "All the flowers have faded, their blossoms once were beautiful but now all that lies here are faded dreams." I bent down on one knee and ran my hand over the ground. I looked about uneasily. "Why should my feelings make any difference to you?" I looked at her to see if my words had any effect on her.

She just stood in the moonlight and stared down at the grave. She looked at me and then back at the ground. I did not want her pity; I wanted her to tell me she did not want the treasure chest and what was in it.

I knelt there for a long time looking at Jem. I could tell she was not going to move or say a word. She was waiting for me to move.

I looked back down upon my mother's grave; I bent over and kissed it, then glimpsed up at Jem. "Follow me Luv, if you dare."

I stood up slowly and started walking straight across the level opening of the sand, looking intently at the piece of paper in my hand. I stopped and stood between two palm trees. The moon shone as bright as day and it was full upon my face. I looked directly at Jem, making sure she was following. I stood perfectly motionless. Jem drew back with a start. I think I was scarring her.

I gave her one of my grins. "If fortunes smiles on us, we shall find that your men have already found the treasure and you will see what it does to them. I personally, would not fret if your mate Tom has already beat us."

She came and stood beside me. "Jack Sparrow, you said yourself, nobody would ever find it. Please stop playing your games and just take me to the treasure." Jem said with annoyance in her voice.

"Aye, if that is what you really want." I looked down and then I looked into her eyes. "You see Luv, I prefer to be your prisoner."

I turned to her and bowed. "If I were your friend, I would not do for you what you ask."

I took her hand in mine. "Could I win favorer from you lovely lady if I give you what you want?" I gave her a golden grin. "I ask nothing of you, save that you should accept me as your servant. I will serve you and I will agree to whatever the reward may be."

I kissed her knuckles. "Here I am, I am all yours and yours alone. Make your orders sincere and humble. You are not after all a bear or lion, and you will not kill me, surely even if I put myself between your hands."

I could tell I took Jem by surprise. She wasn't quite sure what to make of my outlandish display. She bit her quivering lip and arced her brow. "And what should I say to all that Captain Sparrow?"

I stood close to her and drew her eyes into mine. "Look at me, and tell me you do not enjoy being with me. Tell me you hate me."

She turned away from me and refused to raise her eyes at me.

"Look at me Jem." I lifted her chin and our gaze met.

I sighed regretfully. "You know I will grant you anything Jem." My lips pressed tightly on hers.

She pushed herself away from me. "Jack, I want nothing from you but directions to the treasure."

"Very well then." I stood back. My heart was beating heavily in my throat. I turned and started counting. I had gone almost half a mile and then stopped.

"Jem, if you please, come here." I held the shovel out to her and pointed down into the sand. "There you go Luv, dig."

She ran over to me and grabbed the shovel from my hand and started to throw the sand in all directions. She looked up at me when she had unburied a stake. It was a straight piece of oak, nearly two inches thick. It had been shaped with some care and the top of it had some markings on it, not that any of them could be read.

She shook the stake and tried to move it, but it had been driven so deeply into the sand it would not budge.

I stood over her and a slow smile spread across my face. "Now Luv, you know the papers your father gave you had a whole lot of figures. As you can see the same figures are scratched onto the wood."

"Yes, a great amount of figures, without a grain of meaning in them." Jem replied as she examined the wood.

"So far as you could tell Jem, unless they are sailing directions. You see, my father set several pegs with different marks and readings. If you can read his writing you will be lead to the treasure."

Jem looked at the peg. "Are you telling me the treasure chest is under this stake?" Before I could reply she started digging frantically.

I knew I was a fool to let myself fall in love with her. I mean can it really be true. Could she love me? I am a pirate, a man without a conscience, without a heart, a man with no soul, but in all honesty, she was a pirate too.

"Jem, this treasure tis indeed a wicked bloody treasure, and fit to bring a curse upon anybody who finds it. Tis more like it bought a curse upon the souls who buried it too." I reached down and grabbed the spade.

"Jem please stop the digging." I pulled the shovel from her hands.

"Why should I, you said it was here." Jem replied, she took the spade back and continued digging.

"I did not." I rolled my eyes at her. I began to laugh; I was rather amused at the way she was digging.

"The chest lies six feet to the West of the peg." I held up my compass and I pointed westward.

She stood up and threw her arms around my neck. "Jack! Jack! I have my fortune. With this treasure I can buy myself a ship."

I stared into Jem's excited face. "Aye Luv, of course if you would rather I could commandeer one for ya and forget all this nonsense."

She pulled away from me and gave me a playful slap on the shoulder. "Jack Sparrow, you show me where to start digging and stop all this worrying. I won't ask you to help me, just show me and I will take care of the rest."

I measured off six feet due west of the peg and Jem started to dig. An hour or so had past and I could tell she was getting tired. I knew it was wrong of me but I would not help. I sat on the sand, admiring her beauty and her stubbornness.

"Jem, perhaps someone else has found it and you should give up." I lay in the sand and closed my eyes when I heard her spade strike upon something hard. It was the treasure box and it was, The Ball of Santiago.

I leaped up off the sand and jumped down into the whole with Jem. I began scraping away the sand with my hands as though I had gone crazy. At last with some difficulty, we both tugged and hauled the chest up out of the sand to the surface, where it lay covered with grit that clung to it.

It was securely locked and fastened with a pad lock; it took a good many blows with the blade of the spade to burst the bolt but I did it.

Jem lifted the lid. "Oh my god, it's beautiful!"

I leaned forward and gazed down into the box. It was filled with jewels, diamonds, rubies and an emerald necklace.

The necklace caught Jem's eye. She reached in the chest and held it up to the moonlight. "Look at the purity of these stones." She said breathlessly as she gazed on them.

I snatched them from her hands and replaced them back into the chest. "Yes Jem, they are flawless and they are beautiful." I paused for a second and then ran my hand down her check to avert her mind from my abrupt action. "They are almost as beautiful as you." As I spoke I thought I heard something and looked around cautiously. "Remember Jem, we cannot linger to long, we must get the treasure and get off the beach."

She pulled her head away from me and continued to look into the chest. "Yes Jack, I realize we must watch our backs but you must calm down. You are seeing and hearing ghosts of the past. Can you not find yourself a bottle of rum?" She also looked up and down the beach. "As you can see Luv, we are quite alone, now please stop hovering. If you insist on driving yourself mad, take a walk and let me be."

I pulled back from her. "Alright my pet, I will relinquish any urges to drag you away. Enjoy your spoils." I rolled my eyes and admittedly, I began to pout.

We once again looked into the chest and there were canvas bags tied safely and securely with cords of string. I lifted out one of the bags; it jingled as I did so. It was full of money. I cut the string and with trembling, shaking hands, handed the bag to Jem, who in an ecstasy of wonder and dizzy with delight poured the shining silver money out. It rang and jingled as it fell in a shining heap.

Jem threw both hands up in the air. "This seems like a dream. Am I really awake? Jack look, there are over twenty two bags in this chest."

"Aye Jem, ten are full of silver money, eight of them of gold money, three are full of gold dust and one. The small bag has jewels and---"

Jem grabbed the small bag. "The Ball of Santiago!" She stood up and approached me.

I stepped back fast and glared at her hands. "Jem please stop, don't come close to me."

"Jack tis enough here to make us both rich as long as we live." She leaped at me and I moved, watching her tumble onto the sand.

"Jem I want nothing to do with it. This may be the greatest treasure to you, but not to me. The fortune you bequeathed is in your hands, you hold a priceless gem known as the Ruby of Hope, which is encased in that ball made from mother of pearl. Do not look upon the gem; it will be your final down fall."

Jem not listening to me rolled over in the sand and opened the bag pulling the ball out. It was wrapped in a piece of red silk in which she carefully unwrapped and stared on its beauty.

"You see my dear, the ruby is inside the ball you hold in your hand. It is a red stone of about the bigness of a plover's egg, and it glows like a flame with exquisite brilliancy. Long, long ago, even before my father took possession of it, Captain Spenlow, the captain of The Bloody Hand, stole it from the great ship, The Sun Of The East. On this ship was a young princess with her attendants, sailing towards her new husband to be. Needless to say, she was very wealthy and adorned with gold and jewels. Among the precious stones was this splendid Ruby. The jewel had been bestowed upon the princess at the beginning of her courtship, given to her by the prince. She wore it as the centerpiece in her crown, which encircled her forehead and brow."

I sat down in the sand next to Jem. I reached my hand out towards the ball and then drew back.

"The pirates who stole the gem had no idea the worth and value of said Ruby. After they captured this incredible prize they ravaged the ship and the women. The captain was not a nice man and he was wicked to women. Spenlow was ruthless and left the ship to sink with all on board, except the princess of course. He had put his mark on her and he was going to keep her. He desired to take her on as his, personal conquest. Which was his big mistake."

Jem sat staring at the ball then looked into my deep brown eyes. "Taking on any woman as a conquest is a mistake Jack."

I gave her a stern look and continued.

"Now, was it at that moment, or the moment he placed his dirty hands upon her untouched flesh, that she put a curse on the stone. That is unknown. What is known, however, is any man to take possession of the stone lingers in a world of delirious wandering. His brain expands, his blood surges, and his vision swims. Yes, his mind is thrown into a state of confusion and the only way to spare him is to kill him. The princess placed this curse on the gem, and set it inside this oval ball, made from mother of pearl. So you see my dear, the gem lies within the ball."

Jem rolled the ball in her hands and she found a small latch. I put my hand on her arm to stop her from opening it.

"Of course Jem, I told you the captain left no survivors but then where did this story come from you may wonder? Well, one of the princess's servants managed to escape and found herself on The Bloody Hand. She had stowed away and stayed with the princess while she was being held captive and tortured. When the princess realized she was never going to see her prince again and forever be the personal servant to Captain Spenlow, she took her life.

Spenlow handled the poor young lass once too often and she could not take it anymore. She pulled his dagger and stabbed herself. It has been said she lingered for three or four days. He did not lift a hand to help her, and the servant girl tried all she could do, without letting on she was there. The princess went through phases of unconsciousness and in many states of confusion. The servant claimed her last dying words were this."

I placed my head down into my hands. "Let me think I wish to get this correct. Aye yes." I raised my head and looked at the ball.

"Now and then you will appear calm.

Sober, self-contained in you lover's arms.

At other times you will be,

A wild beast, furious and gnashing, you'll see.

Choose to be peaceful or live in rage,

Your life is put upon a stage.

You will struggle, I tell no lies,

You my friend will surely die."

I took my hand and ran it down Jem's silky hair. "At last the poor princess died." I continued to sit there and put my head back into my hands.

Jem slowly stood up and walked a few paces away from me. I looked up and saw her standing in the moonlight. Her hair was down around her shoulder and shimmered like jewels. She looked like a princess.

I stood up and approached her. I wrapped my arms around her shoulders. "Please Jem, keep the treasure but throw the ball into the ocean. Let the fish have it."

"I think not." Jem said softly.

I lowered my hand to where I could feel the beating of her heart against my fingertips.

"There I said quietly. Your heart beats fast, you are afraid. Toss it out. I can sense you fear the ball just as I do." I turned her around to face me.

"Yes Jack, I fear it, but not for myself, for you."

"A little fear." I laughed at her honesty.

"I don't want you to be afraid for me or of me Jem. I want you to know that no one on board my ship will harm you. Most especially, not me."

"Jack, what do you want from me?" She asked.

Still holding her I pushed her back slightly and lowered my gaze on her. "I want you to destroy that damn ball and then I want you to kiss me."

Jem pulled out of my now tight grasp and took a step back.

"What are you afraid of Jem? That you might like it to well? That you will remember my hands, and my mouth?"

"No Jack, I am not afraid of anything and certainly not you, but I would say in a few minutes we will have company." She gazed down the beach and I turned around to see that she was speaking the truth.

"Jem we must cover up the treasure, follow my lead."

She looked in the direction of the men and then she slipped The Ball of Santiago into her pocket. "Let them come, I have no problems sharing the treasure, but I will not share the Ruby."

I went back to the chest. I had a problem sharing the treasure. I threw everything back in, but I placed the emerald necklace into my pocket, I then pushed the chest back into the whole, covering it with sand but not completely burying it. I then returned to Jem's side.

"Come on." I draped my arm over her shoulder. "Let's see who is coming to great us." I guided her down the beach and we walked towards the intruders.

"Jem. Jem!" A male voice shouted.

"Tom." Jem yelled back. She attempted to pull away from me and run towards him, but I held her back.

Tom came running up. "I can't believe it! We thought you were dead. I thought you went down with the ship."

Jem glared at me, irritated I held her back and then looked at Tom. "Well--"

I smiled at Tom and I slowly removed my arm from around Jem and interrupted her. "We did go down with the ship and we were washed ashore. What would you expect mate, after all, I am, Captain Jack Sparrow." I smirked at him and squinted my eyes. "You see we know how to swim and, oh yes, SURVIVE."

Totally ignoring me, Tom went to Jem. "Jem I am so glad to see you." He threw his arms around her and pulled her into a passionate hug. She squirmed just a little and then fell into the embrace.

"I knew I would find you Jem. We are destined to be, I love you." Tom looked at me over her shoulder and a smile spread across his face as he scooped her in his arms and swung her around. "I find you irresistible and I need you. I swear Jem, I will never loose you again."

"How now, my hearty!" A voice came booming down the beach. "How now my hearty and what's to do here?" I diverted my eyes from Tom's disgusting display and looked up to see Gibbs running down the beach. "By the blood!" He cried. "It be Jack. My first love, Jack Sparrow. We thought you were dead. Mr. Turner will be happy to see you."

Then I heard someone else calling my name. "Jack! Jack!" I saw Kat running beside Gibbs and she was running towards me. Without thinking, I knelt down and she threw her arms around me and knocked me off my feet as her full body weight hit me square in the chest. I hugged her close for only a minute before I got up off the ground and pulled her away.

"Aye my wee one, you are a sight." I threw her on top of my shoulders and I carried her over to Jem. I swooped her down in one swift motion and looked into Kat's deep brown eyes and I smiled.

"Lass it is I, Jack, and your favorite mate. Jem."

Kat began to squirm and stretched her tiny arms out to Jem. Releasing Tom, Jem turned to Kat and me.

"Jem. Jem. I love you." Kat squealed with delight.

Jem took Kat from my arms and held her tight; Tom just stood there and glared at me.

We eventually made our way down the beach. Jem continued to glance behind her, hoping the treasure was safe. Tom kept trying to get close to her, but with Kat hanging on her and myself placing my arm over her shoulder, we both made it difficult for him. By the time we met up with the rest of the crew, Tom was raging with anger and I could see the hate for me in his eyes.

Will and AnaMaria saw us coming. They stood up from the fire that they had built on the beach and came running over to us.

"Jack, we had thought we had lost you." AnaMaria cried, giving me a charming smile that I could tell Jem was not happy to see. AnaMaria then gave me a large hug. "My sweet Captain, you look dreadful." She cupped my chin in her hands and focused her gaze hungrily on me.

I removed her hand from my face. "Thank you AnaMaria. I appreciate that. What can I say? I have had a rough couple of days." I looked over at Jem and smiled.

Jem stepped toward AnaMaria and then I took Jem's arm. I gave her a warning squeeze. AnaMaria looked at Jem and her smile instantly vanished and was replaced with a glare.

"Come and sit next to the fire." AnaMaria wrapped her arm around my waist and lead me toward the flames. " I am sure you would like something to eat and we have plenty of rum."

The stars were out full and the fire was dying down to embers. I sat with Will, Elizabeth, AnaMaria and Gibbs. Elizabeth sat in-between Will's legs and leaned back on his chest. He sat talking to me and tracing his finger over her fine features. I could tell the Lad truly loved her. They both looked happy.

Kat was curled up in a small ball lying on Amber. They were both sound asleep and the dog was even snoring. Kat looked like a perfect angel.

AnaMaria sat close to me, making sure I had plenty of rum and watching my every move. She was making me a little nervous. She kept on touching me and making advances. I would nudge her away my attention was drawn on the opposite side of the fire. Jem sat with what appeared to be, the only men left from her crew, Tom, Mathew, Jonathan, Scott and Howard.

As I kept my eye on Jem, I told my close friends of the explosion, the raft and how we came upon the island. They asked me many questions but I was distracted and I only heard half of what they asked me. As I watched Jem and Tom, I could tell there was something wrong but I was not going to interrupt.

Tom came to his feet and then Jem also jumped up. His face flushed with rage, he stiffly grabbed Jem and pulled her towards him. She immediately shoved him to the ground.

"No man will ever be my master!" Jem yelled at him. "Now go away, you are drunk!"

"Drunk on your beauty. You are mine Jem. You always will be." He stood up and he pulled her close to him. I could see the anger in his eyes and pain in hers.

She raised her hand to strike him but he grasped her wrist, holding it captive above her head, he then pushed his body against hers.

It took all the control I possessed not to break eye contact with my fellow mates and to look at Jem. Taking a deep breath I finally had to take a quick look and I saw Tom's peeved expression, as he advanced on Jem and took her to the ground.

I growled low in my throat. I remembered what Jem told me, but I could not and would not listen. I had to intervene. He was attaching my girl. Whether he or she knew it, he was infringing on Jack Sparrow's territory. I got up from my comfortable position by the fire and sauntered over to them. I gave him one of my famous smiles as I looked down at him.

"Mate, I think the woman does not wish your company and if you were wise you would leave now."

Jem looked up and nodded, Tom glared. "Sparrow this does not concern…."

I ignored his words and slammed my fist straight into his jaw.

I leaned over and pulled Jem off the ground. "Jack, Tom touched the ball. What are we going to do?" Jem asked me with concern in her eyes.

I glared at her. "You shouldn't have let him get so close to you, to touch it." I shook my head. "Does he know what it is or was he just getting familiar with you?"

Jem pulled away and gave me a look that would kill. "Jack, I really don't appreciate that." She gave me a hurt look and then smiled. "I can't believe it. You're jealous. Captain Jack Sparrow is jealous of Tom Vickers."

"Yes, I am." I cupped her face in my hands and stroked her cheeks with my thumbs.

"Jack, please not now. This is not the time or place. What do we do about Tom?"

I rolled my eyes and glanced over at Will and Elizabeth. "I want you to walk over to Will and ask him to take a walk with you down the beach. Act as if there is nothing wrong. No one, other than our unconscious lump on the ground has to know what just happened." I glanced at Tom.

"What about you?" Jem asked me, as she also observed Tom.

"Don't worry about me. Now go get the treasure and take it to The Pearl. You may put it in my quarters." I placed my hand on her shoulder. "Jem, what ever you do, don't let William touch the ball."

While I was talking to Jem, Tom had found his strength and stood up. I turned around and sent him to the ground again. Jem arched a curios brow as Tom slid to the ground.

Mathew looked at Jem and then at me. "What did he do?"

I looked at Mathew and waved my hand as if I were swatting a fly. "He was wearing the wrong color, or is it his smile I found offensive. I really don't know."

Mathew looked at Jem. She shrugged her shoulders at him and reluctantly went to get Will to help her.

Once again, Tom got up and stepped behind his friends, Mathew and Scott. Casting a quick, superior glance towards me, he spoke to Jem.

"Forgive me Jem, I'm sorry to disturb you and your Captain's romantic moment, but could you please tell us what you and he were digging for in the middle of the night?"

Jem turned and smiled at him. She glanced at me and then back at him. "Aye Tom, I am having him help me. You have your men." She looked at Mathew and Scott. "I have mine. The question is can you trust yours?"

Tom's eyes widened and he fumbled for his sword. "Jem, we go together and I am your man." He looked at me. "I am going to kill you Sparrow, and then I will share the wealth with my girl."

Laughing at Tom's ineptitude, I reacted in an instant. I unsheathed my sword and held it up towards Tom. With only a handful of moves, I disarmed him. His sword fell to the ground. I picked it up and handed it to Jem. "He is part of your crew, I will let you take care of him."

Mathew, Scott, Jonathan and Howard came up behind him and unsheathed their swords.

"This is rich Jem, your men are attacking me and I am trying to help you." I smirked and addressed the men. "Do you gentlemen honestly think that you must protect Jem from me? You should know if I really wanted to hurt her you could not stop me. If I wish to hurt you, you will find yourselves either dead or missing a vital body part. Savvy?"

Jem looked at her crew. "Men put the weapons away. We do not need any blood shed."

They refused to listen and they lunged at me. Jem pulled the sword I had given her and Will also drew his, pushing Elizabeth aside so she would not get hurt.

Our weapons clashed in the firelight and the sound rang down the beach. As I raised my sword to strike Scott I saw Tom pull his gun and aim it at Jem. "If I can't have you nobody will." He yelled.

Just as Jem's sword crossed with Mathew's the shot ranted out. I threw myself in the way of the bullet; I felt a sharp pain across my right shoulder blade. Glancing behind me I saw Tom's smoking flintlock.

His jaw locked in anger; I sidestepped my foes and leapt at him. Blood seeped from the wound but the bullet appeared to have been deflected by a bone. Though painful, it wasn't enough to kill me. It was just enough to make me mad. I dragged him to the ground and I held my dagger to his neck.

I looked down on him with hard eyes. "You better listen to me. I make my meals off of little rats like you." I turned the blade aside and sliced the air with it. "If you ever lay your hands on what's mine again, as God is my witness, I'll lay you down dead."

He yelled out. "Jem, please help me. Don't let him kill me. I am your friend. I am your lover!"

Jem turned and stared at Tom and I. Her face frozen in a state of shock.

Will came over and pulled me off of Tom. He tossed Tom over on his stomach, placed his face in the sand and bound his arms behind him. Will then came over to me and put his hands on my shoulders. "I'll see to this one Jack. Would you have really killed him?"

My eyes had a cold, deadly gleam in them. "Absolutely." I looked at William. "I don't want any other man to ever touch her."

AnaMaria came to me and she caught sight of the dark stain spreading on my shirt. Frowning, she touched it and then drew her hand back to see it covered in red. "Jack your bleeding."

I pulled away from her and glared at Tom. "I'll see that your back is lashed with a whip. Will, take him to The Pearl and throw him in the Brig."

Jem had now come up behind me and also seeing the bloodstain seeping across my shirt she ripped it to expose the wound. "Jack, this is an ugly injury. Let us go back to The Pearl so I can take care of you." She then paused. "My God Jack, you took this bullet for me. I heard Tom say if I can't have her nobody will, and then the sound of the gun firing. Lord Jack, you did this for me?" She placed her hand gently on my shoulder.

"Yes, Luv I did." I winced and pulled away from her. "Please have Gibbs take care of Tom, you must go attend to other business with Will. I am sure AnaMaria and Elizabeth can care for me. Now go, don't worry about me."

She walked over to Will and after a brief conversation he handed Tom over to Gibbs. Will glanced at me and gave me a wide smile then he looked at Jem.

"You know Jem, love is when someone loves you more than they love themselves. It appears to me Jack feels your life is more important to him than his own."

She also looked at me. "Will I know, nobody has ever done that for me before. I really thought Jack was going to kill him." She looked into Will's eyes. "Thank you for breaking them up." She hugged him and then looked back at me and I could read her lips as she silently voiced, Thank You.

XXXXXXXX

It did not take long for us all to get back onto the ship.

I was lying on my bed almost falling asleep when I looked up and saw Jem smiling at me.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? My gaze swept over her.

"I merely came to thank you Jack." She came over to the bed. "Also I was worried about you." She knelt down beside me.

"I must be getting old." I muttered. She stroked my forehead. "Go to sleep my Luv, You have earned your rest." Her voice caught on a sob, when she saw the blood seeping from my shoulder.

"Forgive me, my love, please forgive me." Jem said in a whisper.

My eyes opened with a little difficulty. "What have you done?"

She got up off the floor and climbed onto the bed. Placing me in her arms. I lay limp in her arms and my eyes were shut, my chest was heaving. My words were slurred and eyes hazy as I spoke.

"There is no need for that. I am for ever your servant my lady and you may have me any place you choose." I smiled up at her. Her eyelids fluttered as she returned my smile.

She looked straight into my eyes as if she were looking into my soul. "Jack, do you want to die?" She asked.

"No more so than any other I suppose. But sooner or later we all meet that end. I'm a pirate and if death by a hangman be my fate or by a bullet, I'll abide my sentence."

"Jack, never before has a man taken an injury for me. There was no fear or spinelessness in you, as you placed yourself in front of that bullet. That bullet that was meant for me."

"Jem please." I raised my hand and stroked her face. "You don't know me. William Turner can tell you, I always have a reason for what I do and if I do not profit from it, I won't do it."

She gently lifted me off her lap and settled me on some pillows. She then moved over to the windows of the cabin and looked out at the swirling waters.

"Forgive me." She repeated, as she continued to stare out the windows.

She did not hear me get off the bed and come up behind her. She gasped when she felt something cool circling her neck and she looked down. She spun around, her hand clasping the emerald necklace that I had place around her throat.

"You—you kept the emeralds. I could not find them when I brought the rest of the treasure on board."

"Aye, they were my mother's and now they are for you. You do like them, do you not?"

"Jack, you know I do. They are magnificent. But—"

"Hush sweet Jem, if you do not know by now, I would give you all that you desire."

Tears came to her eyes as she fingered the emeralds. Then she undid the clasp and put them in my hands.

"I am sorry Jack, I cannot accept them. I cannot have anything that will remind me of you. I love you and that is why I must leave. You must take me to Toratuga so I can get myself a ship. I must go my own way and you must go yours. It would never work out between us."

She looked up into my face and the tears were now rolling down her cheeks. I reached to wipe them but she pulled away. Despite her sense of doing the right thing, I think she was having second thoughts.

Suddenly Gibbs's voice broke the silence. "Captain there is a ship approaching."

I could hear the shuffle-taking place on board as my crew scurried to take their places. "Jem stay here, I will be back soon. Please don't leave me. What ever you do don't leave me." I turned to go on deck, and then I tuned to face her and placed the emeralds into her hand. "If you choose not to wait, these still belong to you." I turned and made my way to the deck.

"Aye it is a ship all right Captain." Charlie yelled down from the crow's nest.

"Is she navy or pirate?" I called up to Charlie.

There was an eerie silence before he shouted again.

"Captain a new ship to port aft." Charlie bellowed.

"Two ships?"

Jem came up on the deck beside me and pulled the cursed ball out of her pocket.

"Jack I have to tell you, you must run. Run from those ships and don't look back. The Ball of Santiago does not drive me mad. It-it, shows me the future. I know what will happen today, if you take on both ships. I can tell you both ships are Navy. Norrington has refused your request; he knows you would never harm Elizabeth. He is coming to get you and, William."

"Captain." Charlie yelled down. "They are Navy Ships."

I looked at Jem, truly wondering if she spoke the truth.

"Jack, I also know you want young William and me to stay on The Black Pearl with you, but that cannot happen. If William remains with you he will die, he is a good friend and a sword blade that is meant for you will take his life. You once told Miss Swann you did not want William to die because of her. Well Jack, he won't. He will die because of you and you will die because of me. That is why Luv, I must leave you."

The Navy's cannons roared and The Pearl shook. Will gazed at Jem and I. "Jack, that'll be the warning shots. What are your orders? Shall we shoot back?"

Jem grabbed me and pulled me close. "Please don't Jack, if you fire back they will know you are serious about battle."

"I am serious Jem, if I run I will not be able to hold my head up high."

"Yes, but you will be alive and you will still have a head to hold up. Please Jack, listen to me." She started beating her fists on my chest.

I seized her hands and looked at Will. His eyes were bright and he was eager to go into battle. "Jack, what the devil have you done now?"

My glance at him could have forged steel. "You're not helping Mr. Turner."

I then looked at Jem and released her hands. "And I haven't any more time to deal with you either."

Jem closed her eyes as if in defeat, she looked up at Will and then back at me.

"This is suicide, Jack Sparrow. You told me you would give me anything I desire. ANYTHING! Don't fight!"

"Jack, are we going to shoot back? The men are waiting. The Navy Ships are closing in." Will said impatiently.

I felt a tick begin in my jaw as I thought about The Ball Of Santiago. I glared at her for several seconds before I spoke.

"Yes Will, tell the men to shoot back." I paused, as I felt a chill run through my body.

"Aye, Captain." Will jumped at my command.

Clenching her teeth, Jem smacked her hand on my wounded shoulder and she could sense the shiver of pain that went through me. "I prey I don't suffer for this." She raised her brow. "Jack, listen to your soul. What does it say?"

I rubbed my aching shoulder. I needed to tend to the wound. The last thing I wanted was to bleed to death because of Tom. I glared at her, astonished at her action.

"It says I should have stayed in bed tonight and never, ever left my room." I turned away from her but something made me face her again.

"Jem, you play an evil, wicked game and for that I admire you." I placed a kiss on her lips. "I do this for you."

I turned to Will who was now giving orders to fire. "Will, hold the fire! Tell the men to set sail. With our black sails it will be harder for them to see us. We will let them chase us and we will loose them. There is no ship that can match The Black Pearl, she is fast and uncatchable."

"Captain?" I could tell my last order confused him.

"Just do it! Haul on the mainsails and let her go. With the wind at her stern, she'll carry every sail we've got. I want to see every inch of canvas."

"Jem I am very serious. I will show you, you and Mister Turner will be just fine. You will remember this as the day Captain Jack Sparrow did not sink two naval ships."

She moved before me and gently tilted my chin until I met her gaze. "Our escape will be exhilarating and I've seen enough of your spirit to know you know we did the right thing." She traced a line down my jaw with her finger. "Now come let me tend to your shoulder. After all, you are Captain Jack Sparrow, and we cannot have you damaged treasure."

"Whatever you wish, my pet. Whatever you wish."

A/N Thank you for all your wonderful reviews. Knowing there are people out there reading and enjoying my story makes me come back every week to update. Now that the holidays are upon us I fear it may be two weeks before you find out what happens to Jack, Will and Jem. Have no fear I will be updating as soon as I can.