Prologue-Pirates in our waters!
"Pirates? In our waters? Why, that's completely absurd!" The Governor exclaimed as he was told the news, "Why in all my years of governing, I never would have thought…"
"Well, yes, Governor, sir, but…" His assistant stopped abruptly as he realized he had interrupted the Governor, who simply glared and then said "Do continue." "But as I was saying your Excellency, um… pirates have been in our waters for quite some time…"
"Yes, I agree, but not off my coast and…why it's absurd I tell you!"
"Yes, Governor, but do let me explain who these pirates are."
"Well, what are you waiting for", said the Governor, "Go on!"
"Yes sir, our sources have led us to believe that these are no ordinary pirates," said the assistant.
"Well, what kind are they then?" inquired the Governor. "You did put a great deal of stress on the word ordinary, did you not?"
"Governor, this ship has been recognized as the Black Pearl."
The Governor was taken aback, "The Black Pearl? The one that was once cursed and that Captain Sparrow, along with William Turner, who is now married to my dear friend Governor Swan's daughter recaptured?" The Governor was amazed that he got all of that out in one breath.
"Aye, sir, the very one."
"Well, whatever is it doing off my coast? And Governor Swan has never known Jack Sparrow to cause any sort of trouble, on purpose that is. But, still, whatever do you suppose Captain Sparrow could want?"
"Why, I have no earthly idea, sir, but whatever it is, it is most likely pirate business. Which I don't think that any law-abiding man should be reminded of the consequences associated with pirates."
"Yes, yes, I know, a short drop and a sudden stop. But, whatever offenses could you have against a man such as Sparrow? None that I could possibly think of."
"Yes, but sir, need I remind you that he is a pirate."
"And a good man, which was once said about him and that sentence, need I remind you, travels around with him."
"But sir," his assistant protested.
"My goodness, Mr. Edwards, do you have some sort of prejudice against this man?"
"Yes, sir I do. He is a pirate. Why, you know what happens to a man, especially a man of your statue, who welcomes pirates? Why if caught, you will be hanged on the gallows as one of the awful vagabonds!"
"Yes, I appreciate your concern Mr. Edwards, and I know you are referring to Governors of our King's colonies, who associated freely with pirates such as Governor Eden of North Carolina and Governor Fletcher of New York, to name a few?"
"Yes sir, I am…"
The Governor interrupted his assistant before he could finish his sentence. "Yes, but may I remind you that these Governors actually invited the pirates in their homes and had regular business dealings with them? I do not have any sort of deals with any sort of pirates and I certainly would not invite one of them into my very own home. I was simply implying that we leave Captain Sparrow be, since he has not caused any trouble as of yet. And we simply sit back and wait for him to finish whatever business he has. Do you understand?"
" To be quite honest, Governor, no I don't and this laissez-fare attitude of yours could not only put your job in jeopardy but also your colony as well."
"Yes I appreciate your concern, but remember what I said, we leave Sparrow be. Now, as much as I'm enjoying this little chat, I really must be on my way, its time for my afternoon tea. Unfortunately, I don't think you'll care to join me, considering your opinions on some matters and that's all we would talk about at tea." And the Governor left his assistant standing in his stately house, for once completely and utterly speechless at his Governor's behavior. However, Mr. Edwards was nowhere near being through with Sparrow. Oh no, he had only just begun. He would not be satisfied until he had Sparrow and every other pirate he could lay his hands on swinging from the gallows. And then, maybe His Majesty the King, could see that Mr. Edwards deserved a much better job than Governor's Assistant. He scoffed at that very word, it should be secretary for all he cared. Yes, when he caught his pirates, the King would more then boot out the current Governor, who had said in his very presence to let Sparrow be and would make Mr. Edwards Governor of his colony. Ah, Yes, it was definitely going to be Mr. Edwards' week. That's all he needed of course to catch the worst pirate ever, right? A week and Sparrow would be in his hands…or so he hoped.
Chapter 1- Drink up to some Minor Explanations!
The wind blew strong on his face as he maneuvered his beautiful ship into the port. "Hurry up and finish what you're doing, luv, I need to talk to ye," he said to his first mate Anamaria who just glared at him. Ah, yes it was definitely looking up to be a wonderful day.
"Well, ye daft pirate, what is it that ye want?"
"Come into me cabin luv, and I'll tell ye over some rum of course."
"Of course, Jack."
"Captain, luv, Captain." He always wondered why some people had such trouble with remembering that, it wasn't a very long title, such as commodore and easy to spell, if ye had to write it of course.
As soon as he and Anamaria were in his cabin, she posed her question.
"Now, Jack, as First Mate and someone that cares about you, why are we here of all places?"
"Ana, luv, I wish I could tell ye, but sometimes even a Cap'n has to keep things to hisself. Ye understand, don't ye luv?"
"Aye, I understand that ye don't want to tell me."
"Well, luv, that's why I'm making you this offer. If you agree to not be to offended about me not telling you the nature of my 'venture, then you shall get to come with me. Do we have a accord?"
"Aye", Anamaria said.
"Good, now while the rest of the crew is busily dropping anchor and such, let's have our rum, shall we?"
"Aye, but not too much Jack, it is morning after all."
"Aye, luv, I know what ye mean. But, for now, drink up me hearties!"
The very sight of the ship in the harbor angered him. Patience, patience, you'll get your chance, he told himself.
"Why, Mr. Edwards, how good to see you up and about! I thought you must be feeling a bit under the weather, since you didn't attend the church service this morning." Mrs. Harrison, the town gossip said. Mrs. Harrison was exactly the kind of women who felt it her duty to pry into other's lives, not giving a second thought as to her own children or husband, who at the time was away on a voyage. Nor was she the most beautiful, a little overweight and having no natural beauty, it would make someone wonder as to why a rich and handsome gentleman such as Mr. Harrison would marry her. It didn't take a person long to see why Mr. Harrison took so many sea voyages, obviously, he was as tired of his wife's nagging and prying as everyone else in the colony.
Edwards, however was so startled at her voice, all he could manage to stammer out was, "Yes, yes, um…you see…" After all he couldn't tell her the real reason behind his absence, could he?
"Why, Mr. Edwards, whatever is wrong? You look as if you've seen a ghost and jumped so when I approached you and voiced my concern."
Edwards had half a mind to tell her that she appeared so suddenly as a ghost would. And the town busybody must have some connection with the Almighty to know so much about people. But He held his tongue, despite the fact that his patience was wearing thin, and simply said, "Yes, actually I was a bit under the weather this morning, but I'm better now. And I did have some business to attend to which I did, but by that time the morning service was already over." He hoped that would be enough to satisfy her burning curiosity. Apparently, it wasn't.
"Why I'm glad you're better, but working on the Sabbath? How could you? You know how our good Lord feels about such things! I never work on the Sabbath."
This was enough, Edwards' patience was shot. "Well, let me tell you something Mrs. Harrison, you're too busy poking into other's lives to work at all! The Good Lord sees that you are working right now, prying into my private business! And as for you boasting that you don't work on the Sabbath, maybe you'll get extra heavenly points for that, huh? If I have business that needs tending to, I'll tend to it without your approval! Is that clear?"
Mrs. Harrison was confounded that any man would speak to her in such a manner, much less raise their voice at her. "Well, have it your way Mr. Edwards, but it will be you answering to the Lord one day about not keeping his day holy and skipping church." And then, she tossed her hair over her shoulder as if she was a little girl and in a rustle of skirts, she was gone.
That was interesting, thought Jack as the scene unfolded before his eyes. Perhaps, I know where to go to get information during my little stay here.
"Jack! Jack Sparrow!" He was brought back as Anamaria sharply called his name.
"Its Captain, luv." He reminded her.
"Aye, but I only use it when I feel like it. What is it that ye were staring at? Surely not that shouting match between those two high-strung people?"
"Aye, but…never mind luv, we need to find someone before I can explain why I'm here."
"All right Jack, but it better be worth it's share. The crew is trusting ye on your word that we'll be out of here in about a week and setting sail for Tortuga."
"Aye, I know. We will, trust me." And as Anamaria and Jack walked off, they didn't know that someone who was very interested in what they had to say was watching them.
Chapter 2- More twists and turns
Port Royal, JamaicaAs soon as Will walked up to his and Elizabeth's home, he knew something had come up. There sitting in front of the house was the Governor's carriage, and there was Governor Swan getting into it.
"Good day to you, Governor. What brings you here so soon? And are you not going to stay for dinner?"
"Unfortunately, I won't be able to, I have some important business to attend to. Elizabeth will explain everything. Good day Mr. Turner."
I wonder what that was about, said the young blacksmith to himself.
"Will!" Elizabeth shouted.
"Elizabeth, what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong, it's just what I've been hearing and what Father has told me. It's about Jack."
Immediately Will was very concerned what his wife had to say. "Jack? Is he in Port Royal? Is he OK? He didn't get himself arrested again did he?"
"He's fine as of now. No, he isn't in Port Royal, he's on the island of St. Vincent. Whatever he's doing there is a mystery to both Father and me. Apparently, it's about settling a score."
"A score? With whom and why?" Will asked impatiently.
" That I don't know, but Father received an urgent message from his friend, Governor Jackson of St. Vincent. Something about pirates and such, what it said I don't know; I didn't get to read the letter. But Father figured it must have something to do with " that pirate you and your husband are so fond of" and he has invited us to come along."
"Well, we better go right away, if Jack's involved with anything, we're going to hear about it soon enough. Pack your things."
"They're packed and I packed yours too. I knew you would be wanting to go as bad as I."
"Elizabeth, you are a wonderful wife." Will and Elizabeth went upstairs to gather their things, anticipating what new adventure Jack would drag them into this time. Of course, Elizabeth admitted to herself, the last adventure was the best.
St. Vincent"Jack, where are we going?" Anamaria asked.
But all she got was a look and then a "We're here." The "here" was a tavern that very much resembled The Faithful Bride in Tortuga.
"Fortunately, you know a man who knows a man who knows all the things there is know about what I need to know about."
"OK, Jack, why did we come all the way to St. Vincent and end up at a tavern? Honestly, this is something only you could do!" Jack stopped and gave her one of lopsided gold-toothed grins and said, "Can I ask you something? Will you trust me on what I have to do here?"
Anamaria looked deep into his kohl-lined eyes and said, "Jack…all right." She sighed.
"Thanks luv I knew I could count on ye."
Jack and Anamaria then walked into the tavern and straight up to the bar. The bartender immediately took notice.
"Mother's Love! Jack, of all people! What brings you to this bloody island?"
"It's captain friend and I need to ask you where to find someone I can ask to ask my question." Jack finished off his statement with one of his famous hand gestures and waited for the bartender to answer. The bartender appeared a bit confused, glanced at Anamaria, who just shrugged and then looked back at Jack.
"Well, mate, are ye going to answer me question or not?"
"Aye, I'll answer it as soon as I can figure it out. But I think I can help ye. There is a man in town who knows some people and for a pretty shilling or two, he'lll tell you everything you need to know."
"And his name…"
"Clogsworth. Not much is know about him, he used to be a privateer, but then he turned to pirating and now he's retired. But I'm sure he be able to help ye with your questions about this here island."
"Thanks mate, you've been very helpful. Me first mate and I will find this Clogsworth."
Jack and Ana found Clogsworth without a problem. He defiantly looked like an old sea salt who had been through many a battle. So, after looking Jack and Ana over, seeing they were pirates, like he used to be, he agreed to answer their questions.
"Of course mate, you need to be willing to pay a fair share for any answers. Nothing comes free in this world. Take what you can and give nothing back. You're both pirates so ye understand. Now, what do you and your bonnie lass want to know?"
Jack then pulled out some very fancy script letters and asked if he could identify the name at the bottom.
"I can't make it out at all. All I know is that this big-wig wants me to help him out with something. I can't understand why he can't hire any of his own men to carry out this job and to be honest I don't want to. But he has offered a great deal of money and you know well as I, when you're a pirate money doesn't grow on trees." While Jack was explaining, Anamaria wanted some explanations of her own. Why that bloody pirate! Jack never told me about any letter. He always tells me things. I wonder what this job is. I'll ask him tonight and see if he'll open up about it. However, Ana wasn't paying attention as to what was being said and she caught the last of the conversation.
"Thanks mate! Here's you six shillings. And I'll be sure to talk to this man sometime tomorrow."
Jack and Ana walked out of Clogsworth's house and Ana inquired as to what that was about.
"Ana, luv when we get back to the tavern and get our room for the night I'll tell ye. But get ready, because tomorrow I must go see someone of great importance."
Anamaria just sighed and decided to trust her captain's judgment. After all, if he got himself into trouble, she would be there to help him out.
Port Royal, Jamaica"Well, Mr. and Mrs. Turner, Governor Swan, if the voyage goes as planned, the Dauntless should reach St. Vincent in about three days, weather permitting." Norrington said in his military toned voiced.
"Yes, thank you Commodore. I really appreciate it, especially on such short notice."
"Governor, it's no problem at all for you." Norrington then looked with disapproval at Will and said, "But why did you have to bring the Turners along?"
"Well, Commodore, you see if this business does involve their pirate friend, Sparrow, Elizabeth and Will would have been most disappointed no to be able to come along."
"Yes, I understand, wait, did you just say Sparrow? That was a name you didn't mention before. Why?"
"Well, Commodore, if I had told you would have been most reluctant to go."
"Of course I would. Governor Swan, with all due respect, don't tell me I readied my ship and men for a pirate!"
"No, Commodore, of course not. It's my friend Governor Jackson who is in dire need of my help concerning pirates. I think that would involve Sparrow, would it not? I certainty would not risk anything of His Majesty Royal Navy for a pirate. You may rest assured of that. That is why I'm governor."
"Well, yes, Governor, I would never doubt you. I know you dislike Sparrow as much as I. Still, despite all of that, I do believe we owe him your daughter's life. If it wasn't for him, God knows where she would be right now."
"Yes Commodore, that's the only reason I do not completely dislike Sparrow. Still, he is pirate and His Majesty doesn't condone piracy."
"I agree. Well, Governor would you like to join me in my quarters where we could perhaps discuss this subject further?"
"Of course Commodore. I would love too."
St. Vincent- Mr. Edwards EstateIt was looking up to be a very long week. Edwards had to devise a plan to capture Sparrow, time was running out on him. Most people would describe Edwards as a stately gentleman and very serious. Dressed in the latest fashions of his time—powdered wig, buckled shoes and brocaded jacket and vest—he appeared quite the handsome gentleman. Not to mention the fact he was one of the wealthiest members of the colony. As was the job of Mrs. Harrison and others in that colony, they wondered why Mr. Edwards had not settled down with anyone; he could have any girl of his choice. However, Mr. Edwards just didn't want to be tied down, he was sociable of course, but did not feel it his need to marry. Handsome as he was, he had not really an evil heart, but perhaps a vengeful one. After all, it was supposed to be him appointed to the position of Governor, not a weakling like Jackson. And there he sat in his stately mansion, contemplating this and many other things, a servant interrupted his thoughts.
"Mr. Edwards, sir, you have a visitor." His servant informed him.
Who in the world would be visiting at this hour? He could think of a few, the Governor for one, or perhaps his other contact. It proved to be the latter when he walked into his library.
"Good evening to ye, Mr. Edwards. I have your information ye requested."
"Good evening Mr. Clogsworth. I daresay you better have all the information. I do believe I told you to come to me when you had all of it, did I not?"
"Aye sir, I hate to inform ye I don't have it all, but I have a good deal. If and when I tell ye, ye better be willin' to pay up."
"Said like a true pirate. Oh, excuse me, that's right you did take his Majesty's pardon. A wise decision your part, if I say so myself. As you know, a man like myself would much rather be doing business with an ex-pirate than anyone else. You certainly know how to get a job done, though for a price. Now, tell me what you've found out so far."
"Good, enough of your fancy talk, now we can get down to business. Alright, earlier this morning, I saw 'em…"
"Both of them? Oh, I apologize, continue."
"Aye, both of them and you and that Mrs. Harrison as well." When this was said, Edwards felt a twinge of guilt that there were actually witnesses to his little shouting match earlier.
"And they were watching something, I do think they were watching ye. Anyways, they come to me, a little later, Sparrow and his pirate lass and he says to me, he says, he wants some questions answered."
"What questions? Did you answer them? Did you find out what he's doing here?"
"Aye, he pulls out these letters, with real fancy writing and he asks me to identify the name at the bottom. He already read 'em, ye see, so I don't recognize the name and I have to look at it real close like and then I sees it."
"What did you see? What does the person want him to do? The fancy script must mean it is someone of great importance…who though?" queried Edwards.
"Slow down Mr. Edwards, I'll get to that part, all in good time. So, where was I? Ah, yes, the name, well I recognize the name as…"
"Excuse me milord, sorry to interrupt but you do have another visitor." The same servant that announced Clogsworth informed Edwards of this.
"Well, who is it? Can't it wait? I'm in the middle of something important."
"It's the Governor sir, he wishes to speak with you. I don't think it can wait."
"The Governor, I see, tell him to give me a moments and I'll be with him shortly. Mr. Clogsworth, I'm afraid this will have to wait another evening, however, I will see you as soon as possible. Possibly by tomorrow morning, if that's all right?"
"Aye sir, I understand. But, considering how much I told ye already, what say you to paying up now?"
"I'm afraid that will have to wait as well. I will pay a great deal when I get the rest of the story. Keep doing as you are, do not make Sparrow suspect that you are actually working for me. Find out exactly what his business is here and when will be the best time to arrest him. As for now, the Governor does not like to be kept waiting. Good evening, and please it will be best for His Excellency not to see you. Do make yourself scarce, if at all possible, by going out the back. My servant will escort you. Once again I thank you for your service to the King."
Clogsoworth could not get a word in edgewise and was already being escorted to the door when Mr. Edwards finished his monologue. He muttered curses at Edwards and thought it just like a man of his kind to prolong payment and make shallow promises. Still, the money was real and he was in need of it. As long as it stayed that way, the former pirate would continue to help men like Edwards. But as much as he didn't want to betray Sparrow, who in a sense was a better man then Edwards, he needed money and Edwards knew that. That made him even angrier. Yes, Sparrow, his lass, and his crew were all pirates, but they were better people than these rich gentlemen. How could he betray a man who lived the wonderful and glorious life he had once lived? –The answer—money. As these thoughts were swimming in his head, he heard Edwards say to his servant, "Go ahead and admit Governor Jackson." Clogsworth was then rudely lead out the back way and walked to long distance to his home.
"Good evening Mr. Edwards." Said the Governor.
"Good evening to you as well, Governor; what brings you here at this hour? I wasn't expecting anyone."
"Oh you weren't? I beg to differ, you see, after waiting a while I inquired of your servant what was keeping you. He told me you were seeing someone else at the moment but would be with me shortly. When I asked whom, he refused to tell me. So, I'm asking you, who was more important to see? This other person or myself? I know for a fact you don't have a lady friend, so it couldn't have been that."
Inwardly Edwards cringed but was able to pull it off with a smooth answer, an attribute that he was highly capable of.
"Governor, as I said I wasn't expecting anyone. The said person just happened to stop by much like yourself. As it were, I'm not at liberty to disclose the identity of this person, but I assure that nothing dishonest is going on."
"I see", Jackson said, not really seeing at all. He and Edwards were never on the best of terms, so he decided to let the matter rest as it was.
"Now that we have that settled, how about this Sparrow business? Have you decided what to do about it?" Surely his plan is not as good as mine, thought Edwards.
"Yes, actually as a matter of fact I have. I have employed the good services of my dear friend Governor Swan, who is on his way over here as we speak. His ship, the Dauntless should reach St. Vincent about three days hence. We will then discuss what to with Sparrow. He has had experience with this pirate before, so he will be able to discuss the means in how to deal with him. Commodore Norrington is in charge of the Dauntless and should Sparrow cause any trouble, he will gladly take him of out hands."
"Yes, Governor that sounds like a well conceived plan, but what if Sparrow should cause trouble before they arrive?"
"Then we shall have to deal with him. But I highly doubt it."
"I see, well Governor, shall we get off of the talk of pirates and on to more pleasant matters? Would you like a drink? I have some wonderful Barbados rum."
"I would love a glass or two. Now, Mr. Edwards, this discussion should I say, that you had with Mrs. Harrison is the talk of the town. Exactly how did it start?"
As the evening went on, the servants at Edwards' house could say that, as Edwards recounted his funny tale and the things he said to the town gossip, the Governor and him appeared best of friends. Or maybe it was the rum that loosened things up, whatever it was, the Governor was oblivious at this point how badly his assistant wanted his job and social status, so bad in fact he would do anything.
Chapter 3—Love's FlashbacksJack and Anamaria got their room in the tavern and Jack was trying to figure out a way to tell her everything, without making it sound more complicated than it already was.
"Jack, what is it? You can tell me, you can trust me." Trust, there was that word again. It was so simple, yet so hard. It had taken Anamaria a long time to trust anyone. She eventually found that trust, in the last person she would have suspected—Jack. He stole my boat, yet I trust him with my life. When it came it down to the boat, I didn't want it, all I wanted was Jack. Ah, yes, Jack, he could be so difficult at times, but she knew how to handle him, sometimes. Not many people knew what went on in Jack Sparrow's head, and sometimes I wonder if he really is crazy. But over the last 3 months, I found I love him. Yea, I love him.
"Yes, luv, I'll tell ye." Luv, yea, that word, the word I throw around all the time at every girl I meet. "Sticks and stones, Luv" or "Welcome to the Caribbean, luv." But Ana has shown me it's not a word you throw around, yea, I still say it, but when I say to Ana, I mean it, savvy?
"I know you want some explanations. Those letters were from a very important person in this colony. Someone who wants me to help settle a score for them and they're offering a very nice reward. But the catch is, it's not really a score. I'm not sure what it is. It's all so confusing savvy? And Luv, I'm sorry I should have told ye sooner."
"It's OK Jack. I understand; I think." He held me in his arms and as he did, I absently played with some of the trinkets in his hair and thought about us. Only I could ever get Jack Sparrow to say he's sorry. This is Jack, behind that fasad he puts on for everyone else, when Jack is with me, he's different. I don't know how to explain it, I guess it's something that love can't explain, but I do know we open up to each other, when it's just me and him. I can't believe that I ever fell for him, but I did.
Anamaria's FlashbackI remember that night, we had had an argument, I think it was about taking the helm and then it escalated to my ship; when I was going to get it and then he asked me. The question was so random,(I mean I had only been on the ship for about a month since Barbossa and all that) I wasn't surprised he had noticed. I thought with the things I had said he was either going to say meaner things or walk away. But he didn't, just like he didn't bring back my ship. He stood there and let me yell and he waited for a stopping point I guess.
When the stopping point did come he asked me point blank (which was odd for a man like Jack), " Ana, how long is it going to last? You've built up a wall to keep everyone, including me-self out, I know I can see that. What is it going to accomplish? Ana, admit it, I know you're strong and I know that you don't think you need anyone, but I can see ye have feelings for me. I'm not as daft as ye make me out to be. You've been hurt Ana, and I'm sorry, but it's only going to make it worse if you keep the people who care about ye out. Aye, Luv, that's right, I care for ye and you care for me, savvy?"
"Jack…ye don't understand what I've been through. You could never understand…" But after I said that, I nearly broke down but I someone conjured up the strength to continue. "Jack, you're right, I admitted, "I have built up a wall, but only to keep me from getting hurt. But what you said is true, it is keeping the people that care about me out. My mum, what I can remember of her, said once to stay strong and let no take advantage of me. I tried to keep to that and it worked. To get by, I had to be as strong and tough as nails and I had to have a reputation of a storm." At this, I laughed a little but still continued the somberness of the story and Jack just stood there on the ship, listening. Actually listening, no one had ever treated me with so much respect. Yea Jack had his whores in Tortuga, but he knew how to treat me, because I wouldn't stand for less.
So I continued, " It worked, I did have a reputation of a storm. No one dared mess with me. When I lived in Tortuga, some men tried, but I ended up putting them into the hospital. My reputation eventually spread. I was proud, yea I know I still have a lot of pride, which is why it's taken me so long to come around to ye. I had to be proud and tough because all anyone saw was a woman and black at that. I stayed in Tortuga and to make a long story short, that's when ye came into my picture and stole the one thing I cared about—me boat." I finished off with that, but as I recall, it was harsh, a little too harsh. But Jack just stood there, searching for words, (which was another first) and I wondered what was going through his head.
But then I said something else, "Jack, you didn't see me as a women, you saw me as a pirate and a good one. When Gibbs said I shouldn't be on board, you let me come anyway. And then to the surprise of everyone you named me "First Mate of the Black Pearl" and told me it's not just because of the boat you owe me, but also because of my pirating skills. And for that, I thank ye Jack Sparrow. You've treated me not as a woman, but as a skilled pirate, I guess I could say that you've treated me with respect. You've never pressed me about my past, how I came to be a pirate. Jack, I do care about you, there I said it."
Now it was Jack's turn to speak, "I know Luv. I can tell, everything you've told me, I somehow suspected, but I didn't feel it my place to press matters. I knew eventually you would come around and when ye did I would be here. I'll always be here for ye Ana, because I care about ye too."
That was it? I thought then, I mean I just poured out my long story and he just stands there. Somehow though I liked it that way, he was being straight with me and I with him. And the way he looked at me, with those beautiful kohl-lined eyes he seemed to look straight into my soul and say everything he had just said. He understood me, more than I knew.
And then he spoke again, "Ana, I knew you were tough, and I know you still are, but even strong people have to be weak sometimes."
Just what was he getting at?
"Ana, you are the best pirate I have ever seen. Ana, you may not believe me but try, I think I've fallen for you."
"Jack, I said, "I think I have fallen for you too."
And he held me, it was wonderful, and then he looked at me and he bent in closer. My heart started beating faster and faster and then his lips met mine. Wait, I was letting him kiss me? No way, I promised myself that I wouldn't give in, especially to a ladies man like Jack Sparrow! But all the passion I felt was poured into that kiss, my legs were weak and if wasn't for him holding me I would have fallen to the deck. The wind was blowing strong, I could hear the sea, smell the salty air, life never felt so alive in that moment. Still, I wonder how he felt about it, I mean, was it just another women to kiss, another women to add to his list that has fallen for him. Would id be different in the morning, would a man like Jack Sparrow even remember me? I'm sure he never remembered any of his whores…but somehow, I think he felt differently about me. All my doubts were erased when we broke apart. I think we were both amazed that we could still breathe.
"Jack, I love you." Wait, I said that. His replay took away my breath, I thought the kiss did that but I was wrong.
"Aye, Ana, I love ye too." There he had said it too. Still I had my doubts. Love, what does he know about that word?
"Jack, how can you love me? I bet that's a line you give every whore in Tortuga? Well, am I right? If you really love me, then you'll prove it. You'll be mine and I'll be yours, no one else? Can you do that or are you just going to forget me in the morning?"
"Ana, I'll never forget you. Aye, I can do that because I do love you. I'll be yours, like you say and I'll have no other women, savvy? I swear on pain of death, that I won't do anything to hurt ye, trust me."
"So, I said, "Do we have an accord?"
"Aye." But instead of shaking on it, he kissed me again.
"Ana…" he whispered my name. Ah, how I always wanted him to whisper it. Ana—I only allowed a few people to call me that. Lots have tried, but few have succeeded, Jack tried before and I tried to stop him, but he kept on. So, I let him, figuring it was another one of quirky things he did, just to irritate me. I was wrong, he did it because he loved me. And I let him because I loved him back, it just took a while for us to see through our stubbornness and pride, I'm glad we did.
After that, I moved my things into Jack's cabin and I became in a sense "his bonnie lass"; and he has kept his promise to me. He's mine and no one else's. I also agreed not to do anything to hurt him. I guess you could say we were married, in a sense, save for the official ceremony or what have you. Pirates don't just walk up to a preacher and say, "marry us." It just doesn't work that way, besides that night Jack and I exchanged our own type of vows. So, it doesn't really matter. The crew knew somehow, I guess their brains aren't so fried from being out in the sun. I was the Captain's Lass". Oh, yea our relationship changed but not too much. I still get mad at Jack and still slapped just like old times, but not as much. I remember one time, we had just woken up and he said something I raised my hand to slap him, but he caught it and said, "Getting slow on me, Luv." And he smiled the smile that made me grow weak in my knees. He was the only man who could do that, and since I'm not a girlie-girl, I hardly let him know, but he does.
But back to the moment at hand, I loved it when Jack held me. I wondered what he was thinking at the moment. I can't really say, only Jack can, but I'm happy to say I'm glad we're together. I never knew I could love someone that way. When I saw Will and Elizabeth together, I wanted someone who would look at me that way. I have someone now.
Love isn't just about mush, let me make that clear, it's about caring so much for a person that you would do anything. I don't think anyone has any real idea of love, but I think I have a good concept. Jack has let me be myself, I didn't have to change for him, he wouldn't change for anyone so it doesn't matter. I never knew he could love someone as much as he loves me. I thought all he cared about was his precious ship, I know how that feels. Especially when someone takes that ship from you. I guess you could say we were in the same boat there, no pun intended. I'm always going to be there for Jack, no matter what happens, I'll be there to get him out of messes and the same goes for him. I trust him with my life that will never change.
"Ana, he whispered as I drifted off to sleep, " I love you."
We never said it that much, afraid of wearing it out, I guess, but we showed it all the time, through everything we did, even our arguments.
"Aye," I said never growing tired of hearing it, "I love you too, Captain."
And I meant that, with all my heart.
Jack's thoughts
"Captain, luv."
"Aye, but I only use it when I feel like it."
That's the truth, but she uses it in moments like this. I must be the luckiest pirate in the world. I have best pirate lass as me girl and my beautiful ship I waited for so long. I never knew life could be so great, I guess I have Ana to thank for that. I just hope all this will work out and things can get back to normal and I can be back on me ship. I'm going to the crew to sail for Tortuga and meet me and Ana there. Somehow I have a feeling that I get to Tortuga some other way.
And with these thoughts out of his head, Jack fell asleep beside his first mate, who was nestled in his arms.
On the Dauntless
Elizabeth sighed. Leaning over the rail and looking at the water, she was reminded of a scene that happened and she sometimes dreamed about.
A parasol floating in the water; a boy; a medallion, a pirate ship and a curse.
Then she remembered, Will at her house, her Father's disapproval of her behavior and the promotion ceremony; Norrington's proposal, falling, being able to breathe again, a pirate rescuing her, and still that medallion.
Of course then, the pirates came, barged into her house and took her after she had invoked the right of parley. She was taken to the ship full of ugly cursed pirates and an evil captain.
The chest full of the medallions, the pirates staring, chanting and Barbossa holding the knife. Then the cut, she looked down at her hand, the scar was still there.
The slap, Will coming to her rescue, more pirates on the Interceptor and the talk between Will.
The battle, oh God, that was one of the worst parts, the guns, Jack asking her about the medallion and Will, trapped below decks, the pirates pulling her off and Barbossa standing there, as if counting.
Then in a flash, the ship was tiny little pieces and Will was on there. She had seen Jack's face when it happened, it mostly said "NO!" but she smiled thinking of her reaction.
"NO! You've got to stop it, stop it!" She had screamed above Barbossa's laughter.
"Welcome back miss! You took advantage of our hospitality last time; it holds fair now you the favor." He tossed her back into the crowd of pirates when she heard him.
"Barbossa!" He had shouted. "She goes free!"
"What's in your head boy?""She goes free."
Yea, Barbossa let her and Jack go free, on a deserted island. That was when she saw the infamous Jack Sparrow nearly give up. She had a plan though and smiled as she thought of how she got her and Jack off the island. He may have saved her life before, but now they were even. She burned the rum. It was hilarious to see Jack's face and to hear all he cared about was the rum.
"But why is the rum gone?"'
But the signal did get them off and then her Father didn't want to save Will. After all he had done for her, he didn't want to save him. She could understand Norrington's reluctance, after all Will was his rival for her love, but not her Father's. Still, they went after him, but somehow Jack convinced Norrington that Elizabeth would be safer in a cabin on the ship. Yea right, she wanted to save Will.
She did eventually and when she rescued the crew, they wouldn't go back, saying they needed to stick to the code.
"Hang the code…" She had said, but they didn't listen and sent her off in a rowboat on her own.
"Bloody pirates!" She muttered knowing Jack would be heartbroken without his ship that he had waited 10 years for.
When she got in the cave, Jack and Barbossa were fighting, and they were both cursed. She and Will didn't know whose side Jack was on at the moment, but that didn't matter. What mattered was getting rid of the cursed pirates. Together with Will, they did.
Then, the scariest part, Will knew the only way for Barbossa to die was to lift the curse, it all happened so fast, he ran, cut his hand, Jack was fighting but stopped in time to cut his hand and throw the medallion to Will. I was running to help him, but Barbossa drew his pistol, at that moment Jack drew his and there was the shot, loud, cold and hard. I stopped dead in my tracks, a thousand thoughts running through my head, I was wondering why I hadn't felt the pain. But it wasn't Barbossa's pistol that was fired, he never got the chance, it was Jack's. I never felt a greater sense of relief than at that moment. I realized I then owed Jack my life, again. I looked at Jack's eyes and saw everything, they basically said, "that's for everything, the mutiny, stealing me ship everything savvy?"
"Ten years you carry that pistol and now you waste your shot." Barbossa said with all the confidence of a cursed human who could never die.
Once again Will told him, in that same defiant voice he had used when he tried rescuing me after the battle.
"He didn't waste it." Barbossa turned and saw him drop both medallions into the chest. Barbossa said something to Jack and fell.
When we returned to the Dauntless, I could tell Jack was upset after learning his crew had sailed off, but he didn't say much. I guess he was pondering his fate when he returned to Port Royal. His hanging had been put off for too long according to Norrington.
Will pulled through again, after professing his love for me he rescued Jack from the gallows. I don't remember much, but it went something like this:
"I thought we might have to endure some manner of ill-conceived escape attempt but not from you!"
"On our return to Port Royal, I granted you clemency, and this is how you thank me, by throwing in your lot with him! He's a pirate!" My Father said.
"And a good man! If all that is accomplished here today is that the hangmen wears two pairs of boots instead of one, so be it, at least my conscience will be clear." Will said and I was so proud of him.
"You forget your place Turner!" Norrington said with his sword pointed to Will's face.
"It's right here, between you and Jack."
"As is mine", I said making it clear that I felt as strongly about Jack as Will.
To make a long story short, Jack got away and Will and I were together. I had fallen in love with a pirate.
"Elizabeth, what are you thinking about?" It was Will.
"Just our last adventure with Jack."
"Ah," said Will, "How about you think about it in the morning? It's late, lets go to bed." I agreed with my husband and walked off to bed.
