Aye Show Me The Horizon

by Lovely Raven Sparrow

[COMPLETE] Jack is faceing death but has much to show for it. My story is full of adventure, love, loyalty and humor. You will love it! It takes place 5 years after Jack's escape. Some parts are very sad and some are very funny. Please read, review and

28. Pure Love

Disclaimer: POTC. I'd love Jack to be mine, but wouldn't we all?

Pure Love

The wind had come up fast and furious. It was chilly and under its lash the waves rose higher than they had for days. The Pearl was pitching back and forth but I remained with Jem in my quarters asking not to be disturbed. I knew my ship was in good hands, and Gibbs would not let her sink. My concern was for Jem. Her seizers had stopped but she lay so still and her breathing was raspy. Gibbs informed me the poison should be out of her system, and we were depending on Jem's will to live. She was weak with exhaustion and she was dehydrated. The best thing I could do for her was to get water into her.

"Captain." I heard a voice calling from outside me door.

"Aye." I recognized Charlie's voice. He and Jonathan had come down to me quarters to see if Jem were still alive. They truly adore Jem and were willing to do anything I asked of them, but stay away from her.

When they came into the room they found me stretched out on the bed with Jem wrapped in a blanket. I had my back against the pillows on the bed and she was cradled between my legs. I had my arms enclosed around her and I was stroking her beautiful hair while humming the pirate song into her ear. Yes, the song Elizabeth had taught me. Not knowing what else I could do for her I continued to hum. I felt helpless and I didn't like that, I was trying to comfort her anyway I could and I wanted her to know I was there.

"Gentlemen, Jem is in a terrible state." I felt her forehead and she was burning. "I need fresh water. Take those empty bottles on me desk and go fill them and bring them to me. Her life is on tender hooks mates, and it is up to me, us, to bring her back. Savvy?"

Both men took the bottles; they returned shortly with pure water and placed it on the table by Jem's bedside.

Jem's eyes were open but they seemed empty. I was still holding her as I picked up a bottle.

"Drink Jem." I said placing the bottle to her mouth. "You need water and you need it now! Jem Luv, either you drink this immediately, or I'll force it down your throat. I don't fancy doing that, but you'll die without it, so I will force you. You know I will."

Charlie shook his head. "Captain Sparrow, I don't think she even knows you are holding her, let alone able to drink the water."

"Aye Mate, you are most likely correct, but she has to drink it. I must get the poison out of her."

I thrust the bottle into her mouth and held her mouth open as the liquid poured down her throat. She began to sputter and choke. She struggled to stop me. I found this to be an encouraging change of events. I was going to do what ever it took even as I sustained injuries. She hit me in the groin with her elbow so hard, I yelped and tears came to me eyes, but despite the excruciating pain I kept pouring the water in her.

She dug her nails into me and even bit one of my fingers as I took the large, now empty bottle from her mouth.

After a few minutes of choking, she stopped struggling and managed to regain control of her breathing. I stood up and laid her down full on the bed.

"Sorry Luv, but I had to do that, and I'll do it again if need be."

Jonathan and Charlie looked at me in wonderment. "Aren't you afraid you are going to kill her?" Jonathan asked.

"Lad." I almost laughed. "She is dying; I am trying to save her. She is not out of the deep waters yet. Her heartbeat is more regular and less accelerated but she still is not good."

I stroked her head and looked into her eyes. They looked different. I could see a slight glimmer, but then again I was looking for any sign of improvement. "What do ya think Luv? Are you ready for more liquids?"

"Captain." Charlie spoke up. "Are you not afraid if you force her to drink, it will make her vomit again?"

Jem groaned at that remark and I looked down on her with surprise. "She will know by instincts when the time is right. She is a fighter, a survivor." I ran my hand down her pale, gaunt check. "I'd be very surprised if she doesn't recover, fully recover, in time."

I went over to the basin and threw water on me face. I looked at both young sailors. "Go about your duties Lads. If there is any change I will let ya know. I want you to tell Gibbs to take us to Tortuga. He knows the headings and I know he can handle it with help. Don't let anyone knock here and don't disturb me for a few days, at least three."

As both men reluctantly left I walked back over to Jem. With a wet rag I sponged her head with the cold water as her somewhat dazed eyes stared at me.

"You need to have more water," I said gently massaging her forehead with the damp cloth.

Her eyes opened wide and she screamed. "NO, NO I can't! Don't make me. I don't want to die." She half pleaded, half cried. She was still in a state of confusion. I took the bottle off the table. "Luv, I don't want you to die either. You need this, it'll make you feel better, I promise. Jem, I don't want to have to force you again."

She lay there thrashing her head back and forth and continued to yell. "No! No! AnaMaria stop!" Her eyes were wide with fright and I could tell she did not see me; it was AnaMaria she feared and she saw AnaMaria standing in front of her. Not me.

I was going to have to force her to drink again. In one swift movement, I began pouring the liquid down her throat, holding her mouth open as she choked and sputtered. I did get it in her this time. I was not going to let her die, that was not an option.

I felt horrible, like some kind of monster. I was trying to save her but I could tell I frightened her and I was hurting her. I had the longing to take her in my arms and hold her forever. Tell her I was sorry and that I'd never hurt her, I never wanted to hurt her.

She glared at me and I could see the disgust and rage in her eyes. After hours of her menacing stare, she fell into a calmer sleep. I pulled up a chair and dropped into it. I eventually fell asleep.

I woke myself as I almost fell out of my chair. At first I was bewildered as to why I was sleeping in a chair, but then my gaze fell upon Jem's frail figure in my bed and I immediately remembered the horrible past hours. Judging by the amount of sun pouring through the porthole window I figured I'd slept at least five hours at the most.

The time dragged on I was growing fatigued. The three days felt like an eternity and I could not tell if Jem was improving or not. She went into a drifting sleep. Occasionally she seemed to be calm and peaceful and then she would turn into a raving lunatic. Sometimes I felt she knew I was with her but at other times she looked fiercely at me and I could only hope she was seeing me as the form of AnaMaria.

On the third day after pouring more fluids into Jem and taking a long needed rest I did fall out of my chair and hit the floor hard. I cursed to meself. "If I'm going to land on the floor it should be because I'm drunk not because I'm sleeping." I stood up and stretched out my aching muscles. I went over to the basin and this time removed my shirt in order to bathe.

I heard a sound behind me and I turned to see Jem was awake and moving. She turned over and opened her large expressive eyes. I automatically knew she was better, the way her eyes instantly focused on me. She propped herself on her elbow and smiled. Her grin sent shivers up and down my spine. She was beautiful. Her color was back and her eyes were dancing again but I could tell she was weak. She looked pale and would need plenty of bed rest.

I swallowed hard as I looked into her eyes. I was filled with relief to see her smile and then I became painfully aware on how infatuated I was with her. I walked over to her and knelt down beside the bed. I leaned in close to her and then positioned my hands on her small head; I drew her lips close to mine. I gave her a long burning, fiery, zealous kiss and I did not want to let her go, nor let myself catch a lungful of air.

I pulled back and she looked into my tired, concerned black rimmed eyes. She ran her hand down my check and smiled. "Am I dreaming?"

"No Luv, I am here and you are in my arms. Where you belong, I might add." I gave her a wide golden grin. I climbed into the bed beside her and held her close to me. I had not felt this good in a long time.

"Dearest Jack." She whispered. I closed my eyes, savoring the sound of my name on her lips. Her voice resonated through me body. No one had ever made me feel the way she did. With her I felt free. If her name were not Jem, I would call her Pearl. Aye, me Pearl, she was freedom, she was love, she was wholesome, pure and honest. Yes she was pure, untainted, unadulterated LOVE."

She curled up next to my warm body and nestled into my arms laying her head on my chest. We both fell into a restful and peaceful sleep, I could have stayed there for the rest of the evening but I heard footsteps and knew my three days had come to an end.

When I woke Jem was still sleeping in my arms. As I watched the sky turn to a dull gray, I became aware of the passing of time and how precious every minute was. I climbed out of the bed and gently covered her up with the red velvet spread; I put my shirt on, pulled on my jacket and threw my hat on my head. I left the room with a lilt in my step and a song in my heart. "Yo Ho Yo Ho It's A Pirate's Life for me."

As I came on deck the sun was setting and the horizon was ablaze with beautiful, pinks, oranges and purples. Charlie and Jonathan came running towards me and from the look on my face they knew everything was alright.

"Please Captain, can we go see Jem?" Charlie asked timidly. "I promise I will not drool and we will not outstay our welcome."

I looked at them both. Charlie was about as handsome as Will and he was definitely kinder them me. I almost said no, but then realized he was Charlie was not a threat to me or Jem. "Mate, yes you may go check on her but if she is sleeping do not wake her. Please, keep a sharp eye on her and make sure AnaMaria stays away from her."

Jonathan turned around quickly and headed for Jem. I turned to go to the helm when Charlie grasped my arm.

"Captain Sparrow, I thought you might like to see what Jem had been doing while locked up in the brig."

He handed me a sketchbook and had a wide grin on his face. I flipped through the pages. Some of the sketches were of Kat and Amber. There were others of the crew, mending the sails, swabbing the decks. She had one of William and Elizabeth standing near the rail looking into each other's face and holding hands. She captured both of them and I felt I could reach out and touch my friends. She even had a full sketch of The Black Pearl. She seemed to bring the ship to life on paper; the picture was beautiful yet haunting at the same time. Aye, me ship, she is a beauty. I turned the page and I found she had done a sketch of me. I was standing at the helm with my hands lovingly on the wheel. The gaze in my eyes was on the horizon. My hair was flowing back and all around as if the wind was circling my head.

The last drawing was also of me. As I turned towards the drawing I noted Charlie's smile growing wider. Jem had sketched me sleeping, laying on my bed with my nude body partially entwined with my red velvet spread. It was a beautiful sketch yet rather embarrassing. My hair was free and draped becomingly about my face. She had sketched my long eyelashes lying against my cheeks. The curves of my shoulders were highlighted showing sleek, strong muscles. My face was covered with morning stubble. My legs were extended over the edge of the bed and my feet dangled precariously into thin air, making me wonder how I could sleep so peacefully in such a state. The curves of my biceps and the perfect muscles of my abdomen were well defined. She captured my lean hips and that is where the detail stopped and disappeared under a blanket.

Charlie chuckled. "What does the blanket conceal Captain?"

I looked at him startled at first and then grinned. "Too curious for you own good mate." I glanced at the sketch one more time. "She really is very talented."

"Yes Captain, she is. She is better than I ever was. You have yet to see the best."

I closed the sketch book and smiled at Charlie. "No Lad, I think I have seen enough or should I say Jem has." Turning to leave this embarrassing state of affairs with a young lad I had nothing in common with, I was surprised when he reached out and pulled me back. I turned and glared at him. I was now becoming annoyed.

"No, really Captain you have to see this." He left the deck for just a minute and when he returned he carried a large canvas. I remember him giving that to Jem and she was going to paint fruit. I was hesitant to look at the picture, for fear it may further embarrass me. Since Charlie did not have a shit eating grin on his face, I assumed the painting was respectable.

"It appears Jem has captured you with her brush." Charlie turned the canvass around and I was amazed at what I saw. The portrait had a casual yet sensual quality. I was reclining on the bed with my cheek against my fist. My hair fell away from my shoulders. She had painted me wearing a white, loose-fitting shirt which was unlaced and hanging open. It displayed my tanned chest all the way down to my waist. Across my face she had captured my warm, welcoming smile and my eyes were bright and full of wonderment and mischief at the same time.

"My god she is good. She is very good." I said as I took the picture from Charlie.

"Yes Captain she is excellent. You told her not to loose her fire and to live her dream. She is this good because she paints from her heart. She does not paint what she sees she paints what she feels and I can see she feels a lot for you."

"Aye Charlie you are correct. She does have a lot of flame and it should never be put out. As far as her painting, she does paint what she sees she just perceives it differently from some of us.

I took the portrait from and held up in the dim light of the moon. I glanced around the ship. Gibbs was still at the helm, there was a crisp breeze blowing through the sails and the moon was high in the sky dancing around the clouds.

"Charlie go see if Gibbs needs any assistance. I will take these to my quarters and go check on the fine artist.

As I approached my cabin I was amazed to find Jonathan sprawled out on the deck and he was moaning. I bent down to examine him and he had a knot on his head the size of a chicken egg. I helped him to his feet and he leaned against the rail. He looked very confused and he was unsteady on his feet.

"Captain Sparrow," Jonathan looked up at me. "Beware AnaMaria is up to no good. Jealously eats at her. She does not want Jem to recover, her intentions are to kill Jem and she won't mess it up this time. She is going to make sure Jem will never harm you again. AnaMaria is as crazy as a loon; she is a love sick, jealous monster."

Jonathan stared at me and continued to rub his head. "She told me Jem's beauty pales in comparison to her's and so does Miss Swann or should I say Mrs. Turner. She claims they are both homely and you need your eyes checked. Captain, AnaMaria is a loose cannon and you have to stop her. She believes you and Captain Barbossa are lovers in every sense of the word and she is going to put an end to it. She told me she was going to save you from the devil."

I looked at him oddly and then laughed. "Does she Lad? Lovers? Well that is a new one on me." I pulled on my beard wishing that AnaMaria was accurate. "Aye lad I think AnaMaria is the one who is blinded. She wouldn't know beauty if she fell over it. She is blinded by fury and her vision has narrowed. Come, you go look after your head, I will tend to Jem and find AnaMaria."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jem neither saw nor heard AnaMaria enter her room wielding a pair of sharp scissors. Nor did she feel the scissors cutting through her long hair. AnaMaria's triumph was short lived as she held up some of Jem's severed locks for a closer inspection. Jem leaped out of the bed and tossed AnaMaria to the floor.

I heard the commotion in the cabin. Damn, AnaMaria is at it again, was my first thought. I opened the door to find Jem, standing over AnaMaria. Neither one noticed me as I entered the room and placed Jem's art work in a safe spot.

Jem clasped her hand around AnaMaria's wrist, the one holding the sharp pair of scissors. She then realized what AnaMaria held in her other hand. A slight scream tore from her throat. "My Hair!" She felt the short stubby end of her shorn hair.

"Bitch!" Look what you have done." She pulled the scissors out of AnaMaria's hand and kicked her in the ribs.

AnaMaria rolled over in pain but stood up quickly. She smirked. "Without your hair Jack will find you hideous." She held up the handful of hair and waved it in her face, she turned for the door to make an escape.

Jem grabbed my sword from the desk chair where I had left it. "AnaMaria stop, you best turn around and defend yourself or I will kill you where you stand."

She slowly turned around to face Jem.

"With or without hair, my beauty is matchless. My hair will grow back. You should have plunged the scissors into my heart if your intentions are to keep me away from Captain Sparrow, because that is what it will take. I will make Captain Sparrow mine. I will take his heart and soul and anything else he wishes to give me. Hair alone does not make a woman beautiful. Now draw your sword and face your death, for my swordsmanship outshines my beauty."

"Jem, I don't think you really want to cross blades with me. You are weak and delusional. If you think you could beat me in a fair fight you are so mistaken." AnaMaria retorted nervously. I could tell she did not want to fight Jem, she knew she would lose.

"AnaMaria you are all talk." Jem drew the sword and pointed it at AnaMaria chest. "Now pick up your weapon you coward."

AnaMaria did and the clashing of the swords rang threw the room. Jem was fierce and relentless. She sliced AnaMaria several times and with each hit I could see AnaMaria wince. As hard as AnaMaria tried she could never get a hit on Jem. Jem was good, very good.

Jem backed AnaMaria into a corner and pinned her sleeve to the wall. AnaMaria cheated and threw a bottle of rum at Jem. It hit her in the face and the alcohol stung her eyes momentarily, in that split moment AnaMaria freed herself and circled around Jem.

"AnaMaria, I told you I would kill you in a fair fight. If you wish to cheat I can do the same. Your days of taking such liberties with me are over. I will kill you and then throw your body to the sharks. By the time you are missed you will have been digested."

AnaMaria looked rather surprised that Jem was so active and very much alive. "Jem ever since you have come into Captain Sparrow's life you have caused him nothing but pain. He claims he loves you but I know better. He loves nothing but the sea and his damn Black Pearl, which for him is his freedom. Jack has spent many days out in the hot sun. He knows deep down inside the only one for him is me."

Jem now tossed an oil lamp at AnaMaria and it hit her hard in the chest. "Now who is delusional? You are truly sick."

AnaMaria wiped the oil from her. "I have been there for him. He stole me ship and he knew I would not kill him for it. He adores me and no one else. He has been affected by the heat. You and that Mrs. Turner mean nothing to him. You are both toys for him. When he wants a real woman he will come to me, the two or you just arouse him and send him into a state of confusion. You are evil and you must be killed."

Jem began to laugh. "My god you really believe that garbage don't you? AnaMaria you are right, Jack does love the sea and The Pearl and dare I say, me. He loves all of me and that is what is driving you crazy. Well my dear I know you don't want to hear this but I love Captain Jack Sparr……."

AnaMaria lunged at Jem and cut off her words. Jem fought back, the swords clashed and more of AnaMaria's blood went flying. I knew one would win and one would go down hard. I had no doubt that Jem was going to be the victorious swordsmen for AnaMaria was not all that good.

Jem yelled triumphantly. "We will cross blades you bitch, and then I will take you down. You know how The Captain feels and he has told you over and over again to stay out of his business." She swung her sword through the air and cut AnaMaria's arm. "Well you best be staying out of mine too. You have chosen your own fate so be prepared to die."

AnaMaria charged at Jem. "Jem you will never beat me, and I have already informed the Captain that his business is mine. He claims he loves you, HA! I know better. He once claimed he loved Elizabeth Swann. Jack Sparrow is incapable of loving any woman; he loves the sea and The Black Pearl."

AnaMaria cut her sword threw the air and this time to my surprise did strike Jem across the shoulder.

"I will kill you for that. You are a lunatic." Jem exhaled, she was having a good time. "You know what Captain Sparrow wants and it is not you. Oh my, we are jealous?" Jem swung her sword with ease and slashed AnaMaria across the face.

I could see that AnaMaria was getting tired and Jem was just beginning to start her game. Jem was taunting AnaMaria and the poor Lass was falling into her trap. That is a talent Jem has and she does it very well.

AnaMaria put her hand to her bloody cheek. "Miss Barbossa, you are no match for me." She brought her sword down hard onto Jem's only to have Jem hit it back with such force that her sword flew out of her hands and fell at my feet.

Both women looked at the sword and then at me. They finally realized they were not alone. I smiled at them both, not knowing anything better to do I said "Ello Luv did somebody loose a weapon?" I picked up the sword and slashed it threw the air. "Can I be of any assistance?"

Jem looked at AnaMaria. "Well my dear." She smiled at her wickedly. "You no longer have a weapon. It appears Jack has it now. Tell me why I shouldn't run you through?" She raised the sword and hesitated when she saw the look of horror in my eyes. She lowered it, glared at AnaMaria and then asked. "Do you surrender?"

"Never," AnaMaria yelled and leaped at Jem. I swung the sword and smacked AnaMaria across the back with it. "You do forfeit for if you don't you will be in the brig and then fed to the sharks. I pulled the hank of hair she held in her hand away from her. That Luv was not very nice, and it's not your color."

She immediately turned around to face me but when she saw the anger in my eyes she cowed back.

Jem's face broke into a wide grin. "AnaMaria are you going to fight the infamous Captain Sparrow now?" You better watch her Jack, I mean Captain, that woman has a fetish for ones hair. She may deicide you need a trim next."

Jem pushed AnaMaria up against the wall, out of her way and sauntered over to me. "Jack I know you would do anything for me and I believe you would kill AnaMaria for me, but I can't let you do that. I realize the both of you have a history and she is part of your crew. You would regret it later and so would I. I wish to be the one to kill her, because Luv, I will not let her kill me and I know she wants too. You ask if you can be of assistance, well yes you can. Step aside and let me finish my fight."

Jem removed the sword from my hand and tossed it back to AnaMaria who immediately grabbed it and pointed it at Jem's chest. Jem turned and with a swift flick of her wrist and weapon she knocked the sword to the floor again. "You are pathetic, get out of here and we will finish this later. Consider yourself lucky for today is not the day you will die. You can thank your captain."

I stood in utter amazement. Jem's motions were smooth and flawless. AnaMaria would not stand a chance fighting with Jem.

Jem glared at AnaMaria then threw her arms around my neck and hugged me. Startled, I couldn't move. It was an easy friendly hug, the kind that denoted pure affection. I had never before had one like this from her.

"I know exactly what I need." Jem started pulling me towards the bed. "AnaMaria we are finished."

I cocked my eye brow.

"Come Jack, I want you and I want you on the bed."

I smiled at Jem and placed my hat on her head. She looked adorable even with a hank of hair missing. "Jem I could say the same about you Luv but we have to face this state of affairs now."

I looked over at AnaMaria. "Pick up your sword and meet me in the galley. You know this cannot go unpunished."

I saw the anger seething in her eyes. "I did not surrender to you Jem, you are not the captain and you cannot, you will not dismiss me."

She dived for the fallen sword and swiftly thrust it in my direction. I couldn't believe it AnaMaria was attacking me and I had no weapon. I gasped and staggered backwards as I saw a small trickle of blood form on my shirt and felt the pain in my side.

"Bloody Hell, woman you stabbed me. Your captain, me, Jack Sparrow, you attacked me." My eyes were wide open with pain and shock.

Jem rolled her eyes. "Don't think about it Annie witch." Jem pushed me aside. "Jack don't be so dramatic, Luv."

She nailed AnaMaria to the wall with her sword. AnaMaria yelled as the weapon pierced through her shoulder. "You take another move on Jack and I will have you on the floor. I won't mop up the blood, I will let Amber, Tommy and all the rats on this ship take care of that mess. Of course that would probably make them sick."

Jem pulled the sword out of AnaMaria and held it to her throat. "You best watch your back. I will kill you before the next full moon."

Jem came over to me to see how bad I had been stabbed. It was a small wound and I was more in shock over the fact AnaMaria assaulted me.

Jem stood behind me and started pulling on my hair. She began fanning it around my shoulders. I sucked my breath in sharply. I knew Jem was doing this to get at AnaMaria but it was moving me more. She was using me as the bait to have AnaMaria attack. I should do something, but the feel of her hands in my hair just sent a burning sensation through my whole body and I didn't want to move, so I didn't.

I had an longing to pull Jem towards me and toss her on the bed but I knew it would cost me dearly. Jem would get what she wanted and AnaMaria would be defeated. I paused wondering if I should play Jem's game. I came to the conclusion there was a hundred percent profit for me so I would play.

Before I could make my move Jem spoke. She could see I was in the middle of my own mental turmoil. "What, will you not go to bed with me, Captain Jack Sparrow?" She smiled at me and I almost melted.

"What?" I asked, while wondering if for a moment I might have spoken my thoughts aloud.

"Jack," Jem spoke. "You are looking a little pale. You've got a strange look on your face?"

I forced a smile and I looked at AnaMaria then back at Jem. "I was but thinking of you my Pet."

Jem laughed at me. "Aye you know what I think?"

I smirked and put my arm around her shoulder. "I think you're so use to charming men that you do it without thought."

She moved away and put her hand on her hips. "Is that a fact Captain Sparrow, I mean JACK?"

I nodded. "Everything you do profits you. Lass I can't blame ya for that. You are a woman who will get what she wants."

She smiled at me and I knew instantly that we were on the same page. She walked around me and ran her fingers over my shoulders. "Captain Sparrow what is it you want?"

"Luv, why do you ask at the most inopportune moments?" I pulled away from Jem and grabbed AnaMaria as she was pulling out her dagger. "I have told ya once and I will NOT tell ya again. I can take care of meself and I do not need you to handle my property." I looked toward Jem to see how she reacted to me words. "Sorry Luv, my affairs. Savvy?"

Jem smiled at me and whispered. "Jack I will be what ever you want me to be."

I jerked AnaMaria across the room towards the cabin door. I yanked it open to call for Charlie and Jonathan. As I opened the door they both fell and landed on the floor. I shook my head at their clumsiness but was impressed at their loyalty.

"Take AnaMaria, to the brig mates." I lowered my eyes at AnaMaria. "You go with them and don't cause a fight. I will be there shortly with Mr. Gibbs. Yes, I will bring Gibbs with me so I don't kill ya."

She looked at me, surprised I was throwing her down with the rats. She glowered at Jem. "You may have won this round Barbossa, but this is not over."

I grabbed AnaMaria and looked deep into her eyes. "AnaMaria, it is over. There will be no more attacks."

She pulled away. "Aye Captain, I promise there will be no more attacks on your ship." She turned and as she walked out with Charlie and Jonathan, I heard her say. "I will meet you Jem, in Tortuga but I don't think you will want to meet me. Captain Sparrow most likely won't see me since he will be in the arms of The Devil."

I went back to Jem. "As for you? You ask me, what it is I want. If I had a decent bone in me body I would leave this room now. Unfortunately, I lack any decent bones."

Her eyes narrowed and before she could blink, I pulled her towards me and we both fell on the bed.

"Jem, I know I want you and I can only assume you want me." I was accurate in my assumption. Jem and I spent several un-interrupted hours together. My thoughts were on her and her's were on me. AnaMaria was the furthest thing from me mind which in the future would prove to be a disaster. Jem and I were together now and there was no way anybody would separate us. Life is short, live it while you can.

"Jem you are alive and vibrant and I want you. Damn it girl I love you and I know you love me." That night we sailed together, we enjoyed life, we enjoyed pure love.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Morning came and way too soon. "Come my beauty; let us go up on deck before the rains come."

Jem just lay in my arms and nuzzled closer. She looked at the beautiful sunrise. "Why do you say the rains are coming?"

From the window I saw the ribbons of pink lacing the dark blue and orange horizon.

"Í can feel it in me bones Luv. I can tell by looking at the horizon, the weather is going to get rough."

A soft breeze blew is threw the window and the sounds of the waves enveloped me with a sense of false peace.

"Jem my Luv." I traced my finger down her smooth back, then tugged on the pieces of hair AnaMaria had cut. "I must go attend to AnaMaria and the rest of me crew. Please don't be looking for any fights."

Jem glanced at me when I used the word don't. She propped herself up on her hands and surprised me with a kiss. "Jack, like AnaMaria, I will promise you that I won't attack her on your ship but when we anchor in Tortuga I will kill her. The moon will be full in four days. I have to do it. Not for you but for me."

"Jem my dear, I know she attempted to kill you. Yes, more then once. You have to do what is right by you, but don't do anything stupid. We will be pulling into Tortuga soon and I wish ya to join me for dinner, drinks and…" I winked at her and gave her a smile. "Savvy?"

"It would be my pleasure Captain Sparrow." Jem rolled out of the bed and started to dress.

I reluctantly pulled myself out of the covers and embraced her. I held my hand up to my lip and then placed it on hers. "No need to be formal Luv. Jack rolling off of your lips will suffice; if you leave off the Captain Sparrow I will not correct you. You are a Lass of many talents and I would have to say your passion is not merely limited to your ability to paint. You are good. You are very good!"

"Jack my darling, you are also skillful," Jem smiled as she placed her sword into her belt, "and for you I will give you a gift. I will give you Amber. As you know Amber means the world to me, she is my heart and I give her to you."

I looked into her dark eyes and pulled her close to me. "Jem, I thank ya for your most valuable possession but she is not what I desire."

"Jack, Amber is my dog, she displays pure unconditional love. That is what I want and that is what I want to give you. Let us never doubt each other again. What ever I do, I do for us. I love you Captain Jack Sparrow."

She threw her arms around my neck and I felt she was going to strangle me. Her enthusiastic embrace almost knocked me over. "Damn my father, my brother and The Ball of Santiago. I give you my dog and I give you my heart. I love you Jack, it's true, it's pure and I have never been happier in my life.

I removed her arms from around my neck and held her close to me. I could feel her heart racing and it was grand.

"Jem, love is a strong word and the emotion can do strange things. Pure, unadulterated love is the best, it is what a mother and child have and no matter what occurs in life you cannot kill it. It will always survive."

I looked into her beautiful eyes. "Jem I love you and yes, The Black Pearl is me freedom and my life. That is no secret, and I want you in my life."

Jem yanked on my beaded beard and pulled away. "Jack, I know what you want. I know what your boat….I mean ship means to you. Now finish getting dressed and go tend to her."

We both greeted the sun together, as we left the cabin and went on deck. I was singing as I approached Gibbs and took over the helm.

"Yo Ho Yo Ho It's A Pirate's Life for Me."

I was amazed and very happy to hear Jem singing the same song as she climbed up into the crows nest. Love what a wonderful thing, it makes you feel great. As I told AnaMaria, she could take Jem out of my life but not from my heart. Ah, Pure Love.

I remained at the helm and watched my beauty as she stood in the Crow's Nest with the wind blowing in her auburn hair and a wide grin on her beautiful face.

Then I heard her yell. "Land Ho!" We had arrived at Tortuga.

A/N As you can see I have not forgotten my readers. Sorry for the delay but my mother was ill and she needed me. Of course I need her too. Mom this chapter is for you, PURE LOVE. R/R.