Before The Dawn

Chapter XVII: Of Wit and Heroics

By FalconWing

Jack looked down past the barrel of the pistol aimed between his eyes at Clavell and said the first thing that popped into his head.

"You cheated."

By this time they had gained the attention of their respective crews and though there were still a few groups of people fighting and countless lying insensible, he could feel the eyes of many on him as he, the most feared pirate in the Spanish Main – the world, even – stood at the mercy of some oafish nobody from the back of beyond, who couldn't even sail a ship.

Clavell sneered back at him. "Pirate."

Was it just him or did this conversation sound at least vaguely reminiscent of one between himself and the whelp?

Jack shrugged casually and lowered his sword in his right hand further, letting his left flutter about as he smirked. "Not an especially good one, though are ye, mate?" He clicked his tongue and shook his head in mock disappointment. "You get sea sick. You can't sail. You can't navigate. You have no clue about sea battles. And you know next to nothing about flags…I'm afraid it's not looking good. Probably should have stuck with being a highwayman."

Clavell's reply was a furious glare but Jack's grin only widened as he heard the snickering coming from the main deck. The glare switched focus, scouring the deck and daring anyone to keep laughing. The sniggering died down, though neither of the crews looked properly repentant. Jack could see Quartetto struggling to hide his laughter behind his hand and failing miserably.

Two people whose absences stood out to Jack's eyes were that of Anamaria and Brock. He spent a few moments worrying about Anamaria before he returned his concentration to his own precarious situation.

With Clavell's momentary lack of attention, the pistol had lowered slightly but it was now pointing at his chest. That was no good; a bullet in his heart would be just as fatal as one in his head. Where the pistol had come from, he hadn't the faintest notion. It had certainly not been at the man's waist, for the first thing Jack had done upon clashing swords with him was to check for other weaponry.

But there was certainly no denying the pistol's existence and Jack cursed his own shortsightedness. He had redone his trinkets, retrieved his hat, picked up his sword belt but he had not even thought to grab one of the many pistols that were sure to be floating around in his cabin.

Clavell returned his gaze to Jack and his lip curled. "Maybe, but I'm not th' one on th' wrong side o' th' weapon, eh?"

Would Clavell ever get around to shooting him? Not that he wanted the man to, of course – quite the opposite in fact – but really, he had thought his attempts at stalling the event would have failed long since and that he would be a dead man by now. He had imagined that the aim would be taken and the trigger pulled without delay. Apparently he had been wrong and that fact could certainly be used to his advantage.

Jack placed the point of his sword in front of himself on the deck and rested his hands on the hilt, feigning cheeriness. "Aye, ye got that right." He inclined his head in acknowledgement and raised one forefinger to forestall any feelings of victory on Clavell's part. "And yet, I seem to have one big point in my favor now don't I?" Clavell looked back at him without understanding. "Come now, mate, don't tell me you've forgotten."

When Clavell still failed to comprehend what he was getting at, Jack sighed dramatically and rolled his eyes. He leaned forward to emphasize his words and gestured towards himself with his left hand.

"I'm Captain Jack Sparrow."

He knew it was risky, provoking Clavell like this, but what could he say? He couldn't help it.

– – – – –

Big Dan inched his way towards the quarterdeck where, despite the fact that Captain Clavell was obviously holding the upper hand, things appeared to be at an impasse.

After coming face to face with the lass and her overly protective fellow, he had swung over onto the Black Pearl – the Black Pearl!He still couldn't believe it! – to oversee the fight there and to lend a hand to his own crew. And he meant 'his own crew' quite literally, for it had been decided that he would be the new captain once the mutiny was over with.

And that point in time was growing ever nearer every second, as was the sneering figure of Clavell and strangely smug form of Captain Sparrow. After all, this hostage plot had seemed ill-fated from the first and had only grown steadily more complicated as time went on. Better to dispose of Clavell and Brock now, drop off the hostages wherever – though, of course, any finery they had on them would be forfeit – and try their hand at pillaging and plundering full time.

If they managed to gain the favor of the most feared pirate ship he knew of, by saving their captain's life – who just happened to be his good mate Jack Daniels, if his eyesight wasn't failing him – then so much the better.

Nearing the rear of the ship now, he moved into position so that he had a clear view of the opposing captains. Glancing around himself, he saw that everyone still standing was transfixed with the scene unfolding before them. Indeed, from the snippets of conversation he was catching, Jack was taking his life in his hands as he taunted Clavell.

Satisfied that the coast was clear he squeezed his sword, taking a firmer grip. Unfortunately, he had been forced to use his pistol's shot when some vicious little midget had tried to take him out, but he vaguely remembered a tale Jack had told everyone about a fella he used to know who could throw his sword with uncanny aim. While he had no illusions about his ability to do something he had had no practice with, he was fairly close and it could be his only chance. Anyway, distracting Clavell may just be enough to let Jack to take control of the situation.

He did wish he had had a chance to warn Daniels…Sparrow…about Clavell's pistols. The man had one just about everywhere. The one he was holding now had probably come from his left boot and Dan knew for a fact that there was one in his right boot and hidden down the insides of his trouser waistband. About the only place he didn't keep one was at his belt.

Clavell steeped back again. By now he was standing about four paces from Jack and Dan suddenly realized he had a clear shot.

He pulled back his sword, ready to release when a shout was heard. All eyes turned to the stairs leading down into the depths of the ship. They waited. And waited. Just when everyone was getting ready to turn back to the current occurrence, Brock came hurtling out onto the deck, followed closely by a mulatto woman who was snarling and waving her sword around threateningly.

Upon gaining equal footing, both abruptly noticed that no one else was fighting. Taking in everything that was happening – though likely not understanding any of it – the woman was left standing with a worried expression etched in her features as she looked around while Brock completely disregarded her as he rushed up to the quarterdeck to join in victory.

"Damn!" Dan swore under his breath. He really didn't want the two of them up there. Clavell broke this line of thought by turning to Brock.

"Ye. Grab me sword from o'er there." Here he turned to sneer at Jack. "It doesn' soun' so great sayin' ye shot Jack Sparrow, does it? I thin' I'll run 'im through meself."

Dan's blood turned cold. He needed to do something now or it would be too late.

But at that precise moment, the perfect opportunity came. Brock had retrieved the sword and had walked back over to hand it to Clavell, standing between Big Dan and his captain and Dan knew that if this worked then everything would be fine; Clavell and Brock would be dead, he would be captain of the Jolly Roger and the Black Pearl would be their allies.

He didn't hesitate. He drew back his sword, muttered a prayer to whoever was listening, took a gamble and let fly.

– – – – –

Jack was just thinking that in spite of all his attempts at stalling, he was a goner, when a sword came hurtling out of nowhere and struck Brock to the right of his heart.

He was impelled forwards by the force of the blow and Clavell had just enough time for a startled exclamation before Brock blundered into him. Quick footwork on Clavell's part allowed him to untangled himself from the other man and stay on his feet, while Brock was not so lucky, falling to the deck, struggling to breathe through a punctured lung and quickly gathering a pool of red around where he was lying.

But Jack didn't take note of any of that.

He was too busy scrambling around the deck on hands and knees, searching for the pistol that had gone flying when Brock had so fortuitously collided with Clavell. A small part of his mind registered that Clavell was struggling with his right boot and told him that the man likely had another pistol there.

There! The pistol was lying in the puddle of blood coalescing around Brock's still body.

Jack dived, throwing himself head first towards the now-red weapon. He grabbled for purchase on the slippery metal and swung back towards Clavell, barely taking the time to aim as he reached for the trigger, seeing Clavell do the same, only a split-second behind.

-BANG-

The report rang out into the shocked silence, followed by the distinctive sound of a body falling, as Clavell slumped to the deck, the pistol in his hand clattering next to him.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

I know, I know, it was a short one, but I'm sure you'll live. Not to mention the fact that it took me ages to post…again! Sorry.

I also apologize for having the "you cheated" "pirate" part in there. I don't like to use the same lines as from the movie even if they are swapped around because the characters are witty enough to think up new things to say. However…I'm not. To be frank, I had no idea what to make Jack say so I nicked it. Hope you don't mind too much (it is the first time I've done that so please forgive me).

I'm also back at school and that means no more all-day outings so hopefully – that's hopefully – I'll be quicker next time. Though I always say that, don't I? Lol.

Anyone who doesn't normally review or hasn't for a while…please do. Obviously that goes for everyone who always does. Thanks a bunch guys.

Big thanks too, to Beregond'sGirl for beta-reading this for me.

Reviewer's Thanks

Ellenar: Thanks for the review. I hope the end bit wasn't too quick. I wanted it to be sudden but here's to hoping I didn't go over the top.

Oneiriad: Do I really have a thing for cliffhangers? I can't think of many. Maybe the one in chapter two as well as this one, but that's about it isn't it? I think. And Elizabeth does seem to have a penchant for getting herself out of safe situations and into the middle of a fight, doesn't she?

Heldin: Ahhh! No!! I wouldn't even think of killing Jack! Yikes! I certainly wouldn't let him get shot now and then die months later. shudder I guess I just love him too much, eh? I also don't think Norry is getting out just yet. You'll have to wait and see. And no, I'm afraid I don't do fencing although I wouldn't mind doing something like that. If it seems at all authentic then that's just because I've read far too many books and fanfics with sword fighting in them, not to mention movies.

OpraNoodlemantra: Never fear, there is no reason to worry. I could never leave this story too long. The guilt gets to me, you see. And I agree that it is very frustrating when your comp chooses just the wrong moment to crap out. A Jack Hat?! That's so cool. Such a shame you you missed it.

Crazydominodragongirl: No I don't really think she does serve a purpose. Mostly I figured that Norry wouldn't be in there by himself and I didn't want a really overbearing cellmate so I went to the other extreme. Lol. And while I'm not that happy about it, you probably will – school's started again and as we worked out that means more writing time. I hope. And as this chapter told you, the buy dude was Big Dan, who really isn't as dumb as he looks.

Pendragginink: Thanks so much for the review! We'll find out later where Liz learned how to swordfight as well as she is and I have to admit, I didn't really think about what would happen if each took the other's ship. I guess they'd be at a bit of an impasse unless the Jolly's crew decided that the Pearl was better than the Jolly and made off with her. Lol. And I got him out. It took a while, but I managed to get it down. It's harder than I thought trying to write heaps of things happening at once.

Ivy Crane: He does kick ass doesn't he? At least when he doesn't have a pistol in his face.

Shie1dmaidenofrohan: I don't yet know what's going to happen with that woman. She's a mystery even to me.

Gaze: "Hopefully, one of Jack's friend or crew member is conveniently placed right behind Clavell with a rather large hammer, saving Jack!..." Oooooh, you were close. I read that review and I was like 'how the hell did she know?' You sure you weren't reading my mind? And apparently Anamaria ended up below decks as well. Hehe.

Williz: I'm glad you like my story and my fight scenes. I'm trying to make them as really as possible, but sometimes it just isn't possible or feasible.

Alaawya: That's okay, just so long as review now.

Savvyness: No Jack doesn't die. Never fear. I feel rather sorry for Norry myself and I'm the one who put him there. Sorry 'bout the cliffhanger but it was necessary.

Angel Gurl From Hell: Aawww. Thanks for all those reviews. It is really appreciated. Not being able to bring yourself out enough to review, is a good thing! I like to respond to my reviewers. I like getting responses to my reviews so I make them myself. I'm glad the exams are over too and yes, that should mean more time to write.

Pirate Shy: Thanks for pointing those typos and such out. Beregond'sGirl wasn't able to beta-read for me sob I actually found the 'his' and 'a' one just after I updated it but mum and dad made me go to bed and I've never gotten around to it (must somehow make time).

Queen of the Caribbean: If your computer is down then I certainly forgive you. I can't begin to imagine writing on paper. I end up with scribbles all over the page 'cause I'm constantly rubbing out and rewriting things. I couldn't survive without the instant no-mess 'delete' you get with a computer.

Coffee-bender: I'm honored that you reviewed and no reviews are lame to a writer. I am afraid that it probable will be over soon – only bout two, possibly three, chapters left. Most likely two. I am thinking about a sequel but nothing is definite yet. What do you think?

Beregond'sGirl: OMG!! Gone-a? Where the hell did I get that from, eh? I'd say it was me who was having the major blond day. Bloody hell! All I needed to do was add a 'r'. snort I'm not absolutely sure who Quartetto is so feel free to imagine whoever you think it is, lol. With the pistols I got rid of the sleeves which was rather stupid on reflection but the only shot and powder he has on him is the stuff in the pistols 'cause most pirates only carried enough for one shot anyway when they were raiding other ships. And I'd say that Clavell has very bulky boots, because they were rather big back then. The pistol doesn't eveen have to be completely hidden – who's going to check your feet for weapons in the middle of a fight? And Will didn't teach her. So I wonder who did, eh? Hehe. '"I don't suppose you have the chapter with you...?"' LOL!!! Really? You aren't pulling my leg are you? That's just too sweet. Awww. I'm glad to know that the people who review aren't the only people who read. Though, it would be better if they did review… Oh well. Wow! Now is that a long response or is that a long response?

CaptainTish: Thanks. Jack Daniels the drink wasn't actually around back then – didn't come out for another hundred years – but never mind.

MiRoRmInX: Lol. A double review. Bailes: I know what you mean about the too many of certain words. I got stuck and I'm like ;what word do I bloody use? So I basically ended up repeating myself as you noticed. Chrissy: Yeah. It's weird 'cause I kinda had to do the fight from a few different POV's and that's when it starts to get a bit much, I think, but then some of it was crucial and stuff. Ya know? Both: Anyway guys, thanks for being honest.

Raiden-sama: Yes that was my action chapter. There was a little bit in this one but not really enough to be called 'action'. Just a little scrambling really, lol.

Thanks everyone for your reviews!

Love y'all…

FalconWing.