Author's Note: For whoever gets this story on author alert, it'd be great if you readers reviewed this story. Kea and I would be very grateful! Thanks!
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Chapter 9
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Jack and Ria spent a few days in Port Royal so Jack could get acquainted with Jeremy. During those days, they got closer as a family. Excited to be a dad, Jack decided to show off his precious son to the Black Pearl's crew and show Jeremy his ship.
When Jeremy saw the ship he screamed in delight and began clapping his chubby little hands together. Ria grinned at Jack, who laughed and swung the boy onto his shoulders for a piggy back ride. As a family, they went onto the ship where Jack called everyone together.
"Gents! This be Jeremy, me son. He's one of the crew now so teach 'im the ropes if ye can."
Delighted to get to spoil the Captain's son, the crew scooped him up to croon over him. Jack smiled and put an arm around Ria's shoulders.
"Luv, this is a day we'll always remember. I thank ye for making me the 'appiest pirate in the entire world!" Jack crowed with obvious delight. Both he and Jeremy were made happy easily, which made Ria happy too. It was nice to feel part of a family once more, she'd missed it.
"You're welcome, darling. But I couldn't have done it without you if you get my drift, me sexy pirate." Ria smirked and looked up at him. Jack looked down at her and then swept her into a heart melting kiss. The crew, who were passing Jeremy around, stopped to hoot and holler at the couple. It was nice to see their Captain really and truly happy again. Jack and Ria parted, leaving her breathless and he a loss for words-almost.
"We could always practice having more kiddies. Hmmmm? Shall we be naughty again, pet?" Jack questioned, his eyebrows moving up and down in question.
Ria laughed and stood on tip toe to whisper in his ear. "Perhaps I'll have to take you up on that offer, Captain. I have been deprived of your wonderful loving these past three years, after all." Jack's breath caught in his throat, suddenly totally turned on. He cast a smoldering gaze to his love's knowing visage.
"Wench, ye don't know what ye do te me," he growled, pulling her flush against his front side. The fact that he was turned on very noticeable to her now.
"Oh, I think I do, darling, I think I do," Ria purred and captured his lips once again.
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On the day before they left for Tortuga, Jack and Ria were loath to part with Jeremy while they went away. Jack suggested they take him along and after discussing it thoroughly, going over the pros and cons, they decided to take him along. After all, both Ria and Jack would be with; so they did bring him and they left the next day on the Black Pearl.
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Dylan was amazed at how big Le Clarion was. He had heard reports on how magnificent it was, but never thought he would have the honor of ever treading its boards. Now he only had to meet the famous Captain. He looked around for Kea who was standing by the wheel talking to one of the crew members. She was actually instructing them not to give any hints that she was the Captain.
"This is a very impressive ship. It must have taken a long time to build," he breathed, totally enthralled.
"Indeed it did, cost about ninety five thousand pounds. Or so the Captain mentioned," Kea stated, running a hand on the smooth rail. Dylan gave her a strange look as her crew bustled about. "You should see his cabin." Kea led the way there and opened the door to reveal a richly furnished room with the best furniture.
Dylan looked over at the four poster, king size bed. "I bet the Captain entertains a lot in here," he quipped, thinking about Kea's earlier statement.
Kea stifled a laugh. "So he does. The bed is really comfortable," she said, watching for his reaction to the comment. A look of pure jealousy flashed across his handsome face before he schooled it into an impassive mask.
Kea turned away to hide her grin. "Yes, very comfortable, the Captain spares no expense when it comes to being comfortable. I get to sleep here nearly every night."
Dylan looked at her sharply, his eyes boring holes in her head. "Have you changed so much since we last met, Kea?" He asked through clenched teeth.
"I do not know what you mean," she fibbed, idly looking at a map on the table nearby.
"Oh, come on, Kea. Of course you do." He counted on his fingers. "You admitted that you know him intimately, you enter his cabin without asking, order his crew about, and you comment about the bed as if you are romantically involved," he stopped to catch his breath, and decided to be blunt. "DO you have a romantic relationship with the Captain?" He narrowed his eyes at her.
"And if I did, why would it matter to you?" She said in a tone dripping with suggestion.
"Blast it, Kea!" Dylan swore, jealousy getting the better of him. "You know I still care for you!"
"Oh, I know that do I? Well, that's interesting. It certainly didn't look like it six years ago," Kea said bitterly. She turned around to face him, arms folded and a grin suddenly on her face. "No, I am not the Captain's courtesan, if that is what you mean. If you must know, you have been in the presence of Le Clarion's Captain since you first stumbled across me this afternoon. It would be impossible for me to have a romantic relationship with the Captain because I AM the Captain."
"What?!" Dylan exclaimed in disbelief, his handsome eyes widened in shock, mouth slack jawed. "YOU are the Captain? You've been playing me all along, you lying wench."
Kea's grin got wider, choosing to ignore the 'wench' comment. "Indeed. Welcome aboard the Le Clarion, Captain Sparrow. Your brother was impressed as well," she pronounced, walking past him. "Make yourselves comfortable. We still have a few days to wait till Jack and Ria get back. No doubt you must have lots to think about and Jack has something he'll want to tell you when you see him." She threw a glance over her shoulder, walking past him and leaving the room. Her laughter floated back to him through the open door.
As soon as Kea walked away from the door, her smile faded. So, she and Dylan had met up again after six years, but neither wanted to discuss the matter that had driven them apart. Maybe she was too hard on him. Maybe she should have given him the benefit of the doubt. But, then, seventeen year olds rarely knew their own minds.
She recalled the heat she had felt from where Dylan had touched her while helping her up. It had taken all her will power to remain impassive. Careful, Kea, you will become a lovesick, romantic fool like Ria, she scolded herself. She called to her first mate and told him that if anyone was asking for her that she was indisposed. She needed some time alone to think of what had just become of her life.
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Dylan sat down on the Captain or Kea's bed and sighed. Kea was nothing like he remembered. True, she was vindictive as ever but she was also a bit cynical. Well, only when it came to his feelings for her. Ever since that day, he'd cursed himself at letting Amy pursue him. But he hadn't wanted to hurt her feelings, all the while never realizing it would cause him the loss of a good friend. It had been a week later that he realized he had fallen in love with Kea, and he couldn't go back, for he was already on a ship out of England.
He closed his eyes to dislodge the image of the shuttered look that had been in Kea's eyes. It haunted him, along with his desire to kiss those luscious red lips, run his hands through her long blond hair, and feel the softness of her skin while she was next to him ever night he went to bed. But, no, it was not to happen soon. They still had to rekindle their friendship, before he hoped for something else, something more.
Sighing, he got up from the bed and went out onto the deck of the ship. Looking around he could not see any sign of Kea. Reluctantly he went back to the house where he'd brought her earlier.
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The next day Kea entered Morrows End and looked around at the patrons. They were mostly merchants, though every once in a while the inn got wealthy landowners who probably had to get repairs on their ships. She took a seat by an old man who was studying a chess board.
"Each event is preceded by prophecy, but without the hero there is no event," he said without looking up.
"Really? I'll keep that in mind," Kea responded to the old man, whose name was Maurice and happened to have known her father from when he lived in France. Every time she was in Tortuga she made a point to visit him.
"Mark me words, young lady, your time is coming," Maurice said pointedly.
"It is, is it?" He nodded and she smiled at him. "Well, until it does, how about a game of chess?"
"You'll lose." He began by moving a pawn.
"What makes you so sure?" Kea inquired, moving a knight.
The old man chuckled. "Your father said that to me before he met your mother." He moved the pawn in front of his queen.
"Um." Kea muttered, and then fell silent as they contemplated their moves. "Maurice, what was my father like?"
"Young, restless, and ready for adventure, that is, before he met your mother. He was an honorable man who cared for his tenants, fixed cottages, preserved the family fortune, and truly loved your mother." Maurice moved a rook. "Check."
Kea smiled as she moved her bishop. "And mate. But then, you let me have the game.
Maurice chuckled. "So I did." He stopped when he saw the ruby necklace. "Can I see your necklace?"
Kea reached up to unclasp it; before it could fall down the front of her shirt she caught it and handed it to him.
"Yes, I thought it was so."
"Pardon?"
Maurice handed it back to her. "Keep it hidden; time only knows what fate has in store for it." With that he got up and left. Kea stayed at the table deep in thought, still puzzled by the proclamation. She could think of nothing significant about her necklace that would cause her harm. Weird, she thought, shaking her head. Deciding she needed rest, she went to the upstairs of the tavern where she'd rented a room. Perhaps after a good nights sleep she'd remember something about the necklace.
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The next day she was no closer to knowing anything new about the jewelry she owned. Catching a glimpse of Maurice she followed his figure out the door of the tavern. She wanted to ask him a few more questions. But before she could call to him he had disappeared.
As she glanced about the street a hand fell upon her shoulder so that she whipped around quickly.
"Dylan," she gasped, seeing who it was. "You've managed to find me again."
"Kea, are you alright?" He asked, noticing her pale countenance.
"Yes," she responded.
"Good," he whispered, before pulling her into his arms and kissing her firmly. It was something he'd wanted to do for a while. He smiled inwardly as he felt her stiffen and then wrap her arms around his neck. He had been looking forward to savoring the taste of her lips ever since he had met her for the first time. With one hand, he undid the bow in her hair and ran his fingers through her silky hair, pushing her against the wall of the inn.
Kea was startled at the feel of the cold brick against her back, so she leaned into Dylan for warmth. If he let her go now, she knew she wouldn't be able to stand on her own.
Dylan took that opportunity to intensify the kiss. He lowered his lips to her neck and would have gone further, but Kea stopped him.
"Dylan, let us not start something we cannot finish," she said, a trifle breathless.
"We already started something the day we met," Dylan whispered, detangling his fingers from her hair, albeit reluctantly. "Kiwi, I will never understand you. One moment you're amicable, and then the next moment you pull away. All I know is that I am in love with you, and terribly sorry for what happened. She just came upon me while I was figuring what fencing move to teach you." He was about to say more, but they were interrupted by Devon, the young boy from earlier at the house.
"Excuse me Captain, but I have a message here for Miss Kea."
"Thank you Devon," Kea said taking the paper from him. "Let us know when the Black Pearl is in port, will you?"
"Aye, Cap'n." He sprinted off as Kea opened the message. This one was worded entirely different. It was almost like the sender was enjoying his cat and mouse game, enjoying it so much that he decided to add humor to the message. It read:
Your next destination is one full of fires and traps. One fatal step and you might end up in flames. But travel to it you must, before you future vanishes into dust. So travel to The BurningIsland of Death.
Dylan read it over her shoulder and raised an eyebrow. "What do we do now?"
"Wait for Jack and Calandria to get here."
They waited back at her ship, things between them pretty well settled, for now.
"So, it was your ship that attacked Port Royal? Captain, what did happen to your ship anyway?"
Dylan ran a hand through his hair before replying. "There was a mutiny right after we reached here. Several faithful members selected to stay-" he was cut off by Kea's laugh. "What?"
"Just remembering something Jack told me. You Sparrow brothers really have a past when it comes to mutinies," Kea said reclining on her bed while Dylan sat in a chair.
"And you don't?"
"Of course not, females are always more observant than males, that they have the situations already under control before it begins," Kea said, twirling her dagger around.
"Kea, what has gotten into you?"
"Lives change, people grow up."
"Captain, the Black Pearl has been spotted entering the bay," her first mate said upon opening the cabin door. Dylan was cut off by him from responding to Kea's cynical, almost unemotional comment. Both Kea and Dylan went onto the deck and down to the dock.
They were hardly on the dock before Jeremy came running towards Kea. Dylan's eyes widened in surprise when he saw that Jeremy looked like his brother and there was also another emotion in his eyes when he saw Kea start playing with the boy. Both Jack and Ria noticed this and gave each other questioning glances.
Jack looked back to Dylan and glared at him. "Dylan, we need to talk," he said sternly.
Dylan turned to Kea. "Oh no, I think I am in trouble," he joked.
"Dylan!" Jack said, using the same stern voice he had when asking Norrington to hand him his effects.
Dylan rolled his eyes and followed his older brother. Jack led Dylan back onto the Pearl and into his cabin. "I'm very disappointed in ye Dylan."
"Jack, it was boring back home. The only good thing about it was meeting Kea."
"How did that come about anyway?" Jack asked. "And why did you tell her everything about our family's past and problems?"
"I didn't mean to. One moment we were talking about fencing, the next thing I knew was that she knew our whole family history."
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"So, that is the Dylan I have heard so much about," Ria commented, taking Jeremy back from Kea. "What have you two been doing while we've been gone? Having a bit of personal fun?"
Kea actually flushed at Ria's teasing. "I gave him a tour of my ship."
"I am sure he liked the bed," Ria casually commented. "Among many other interesting places."
Kea smiled at the thought. "But of course. I had a fun time leading him on. I had him thinking I was the Captain's love interest." She laughed.
"I bet you did, being the vindictive seductress you are. I am still mad at you, by the way." Ria glared at her as she settled Jeremy on a hip. He began playing with her hair and mumbling to himself.
"Well, this is an interesting turn of events. Dylan and I are to be scolded like young kids. But, I do owe you an apology. So I'm sorry. It wasn't my place to do what I did, but the look on your face…." Kea burst out laughing at Ria's expense.
Ria glared at her playfully. "Alright, young lady, go to your room and stay there until I say you can come out."
Kea saluted her, smirking. "Aye, aye, Captain!"
They both laughed, Jeremy wondering what was going on between his mother and aunt.
"Anyway," Kea said, taking a deep breath, "I got another message. It wants us to go to some called The Burning Island of Death."
Ria raised an eyebrow at the name and put Jeremy down to run around. "I think we should talk to Jack."
"Did someone mention me name?" Jack declared, arms outstretched, being followed by Dylan. Together the two looked so much like they were twins.
"Yes, Jack, darling, remember what I was telling you about the letters? Well, Kea got another one," Ria said, hooking her arm around his waist when he approached.
"Did she now?" Jack replied, leaning down to tenderly kiss Ria's upturned lips. Just being away from her more than one minute seemed like forever to him. Parting, the two smiled lovingly at each other. A moment not missed by Kea and Dylan. Dylan wondered if he and Kea would ever be that way. Kea just turned away from the scene. True, she and Dylan could have been like Jack and Ria, but she wasn't ready yet. He still had to regain her trust. She quickly made her way back to her ship.
Suddenly a toddling Jeremy rushed over, teetering on the edge of the dock. He had wanted his auntie Kea to hold him. Dylan scooped him up before he could tumble into the bay and settled him into his arms.
"Jack? Who is this boy?" Dylan asked as he bounced Jeremy up and down in his arms.
"Tha's me and Ria's boy, Jeremy, you're nephew."
Dylan looked at Jeremy with surprise. But seeing that the boy had both his parents distinguished features, he knew what Jack said was true.
"My nephew, wow, Jack, I never figured you'd be the first to have a kid."
Jack grinned, and looked delightedly at Ria. "Neither did I, but then again I hadn't known me beauty, Calandria, yet." He kissed her cheek.
Ria pushed him a bit, jokingly. "Jack, you're becoming a softy."
Jack's face contorted in mock terror. "Ria, ye wound me!"
Ria snorted and turned to watch Dylan play with her son. He, himself, would be a great dad one day, and it would be nice if Kea was his lucky lady to have his kids. She sighed, and hoped that the two of them could work out their differences and realized they were meant to be together.
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A few hours later, back on her ship, Kea was interrupted in her cabin by the door opening while pouring over a map. Ria entered with Jack, and Dylan with Jeremy in his arms.
"So, what is the plan of action?" Jack asked, getting down to business right away. Ria had told him about the third note.
"We'll travel as before, on the Black Pearl. Whoever has been sending the letters obviously knows my ship, Le Clarion. The Pearl will not be spotted in the dark and he probably doesn't know we have teamed up with you," Kea said with all authority of the Duchess she was. Gone was the mildness and softness she usually displayed, even Ria was surprised at it. She knew Kea was a Duchess, but she never thought she would pull rank amongst friends. Dylan fidgeted in the chair he'd sat in.
"You want to say something?" Kea asked him.
"Only that whoever this is knows I'll be with you," Dylan said.
"Still, it wouldn't be good to underestimate him," Ria pointed out.
"Good point. So it might be a trap. I'll instruct my crew to follow at a distance, just in case." Kea looked to Dylan. "At some point you will be expected to betray me. You have my full permission to do so. You've done it before; no doubt you can do so again."
Everyone looked at him. "But…." He stammered.
"Any questions?"
Nobody said anything.
"Good, now let's get this into motion so we can get it over with."
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Alright all you readers, please, please, please review this story. It would make me really happy. Thanks again to all of you who have reviewed.
Ta for now!
DaydreamBeliever14 and Mystress Daedra
