A/N: Thank you to all my reviewers! You guys rock!

More Captain Jack action coming up....


Chapter 2: The storm

The Lamb's Heart was full to bursting but Captain Jack Sparrow was not there. He was tired of watching strangers and his crew get involved in drunken fights, he was tired of pushing away women that lurched towards him the smell of stale drink on their breath. Not that there was anything wrong with woman, he wasn't a eunuch or anything, but there was women and there were the creatures that infested the Lamb's Heart. Gibbs, who would never have said no to such a creature if it should present itself to him, must have been a little worried about him.

"Somethin' wrong Jack?" he had asked the night before.

"No," Jack had replied, "Why'd you ask?"

"Ye been a bit off lately. I ain't seen you smile since we weighed anchor."

"That's because ye ain't been lookin'," Jack had said smartly, "Now get out o' here."

"Take what you can, eh?"

"Give nothin' back."

Jack had slept aboard his ship that night. He had enjoyed his first few days here well enough but everything had fallen into the same pattern. Perhaps he missed Port Royal, not because it was particularly welcoming, but because Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann were there. They had become his unlikely friends when Elizabeth had been kidnapped by the previous crew of the Black Pearl. Jack had given chase accompanied by the love struck Will whose father had been a friend of Jack's. In the end they all got what they wanted. Elizabeth was saved by Will, Will got the girl he so desired and Jack got his beloved ship back off Barbossa. Then Will had saved Jack from the noose and he had left Port Royal aboard the Black Pearl. He had not seen Will or Elizabeth since then, it had been over a year now. Yes, perhaps he missed his friends, if that's what they were, you never could be sure. Whatever was making him feel like this he decided it would not help to drown his sorrows in rum. He walked on the sandy shore with his boots in his hand so he could feel the sand under his feet. It was another beautiful night but as Jack looked out across the ocean he knew the next night would be very different. There were no signs visible to the majority of people at the moment but Jack could sense a change in the weather was coming. But even he could not have predicted its severity.

Sylvia awoke to another wonderful morning. There was more of a breeze today which made staying out under the hot sun more bearable. The crew that were not already on shore decided to have lunch on the beach. It was a glorious affair and Sylvia thoroughly enjoyed herself. Everyone was smiling and happy, it had to be one of her fondest moments. A moment of utter relaxation. The hot sun was tiring however and by mid afternoon everyone had sought the shelter of nearby palm trees under which they lay napping. Sylvia, who had remained on the beach under the shade of a large parasol, suddenly realised no one was watching her. This was too good of an opportunity to pass up so she got to her feet and began to walk quickly along the beach. Her pace slowed once she was out of sight from most of the crew if they woke. She did not plan to be gone long, hopefully she would return before anyone even realised she was missing.

She walked up the beach feeling completely free. She span around and her dress fanned out around her. She heard something call from the cliff top. She headed towards the sound hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the birds she knew made their homes there. There was a worn path up the cliff; it didn't look too steep so she started up it. It was harder than she expected. She kept sliding awkwardly and treading on the hem of her dress. Angrily she bunched her dress skirt up and held it above her knees which made the going easier in one way but now she couldn't use her hands for balance. Finally she got to the top but was so exhausted that she had to sit down. Her corset seemed unbearably tight all of a sudden. It took several long minutes before she had recovered sufficiently to admire the view. She had got so hot on the climb that she did not notice the significant drop in air temperature. She looked out at the ocean; the view had certainly been worth the effort. Her brow furrowed slightly. Were those clouds in the distance? She watched them get closer and closer. They were moving fast, faster than any clouds Sylvia had ever seen. Suddenly the wind began to pick up and the branches of the palm trees began at first to sway but then they thrashed as clouds obscured the sun. And then the rain began.

It fell out at sea first where the wind was whipping the waves up so they broke with increasing ferocity on the shore. Sylvia saw the smaller boats rocking dramatically. She thought she better get back to the beach but at that moment the rain swept over the shore. It fell hard and fast, so thick that the palm trees offered no shelter at all. In moments Sylvia was drenched. She decided that this was no passing shower to wait out so she tried to find the path back down the cliff. The wind howled and sent branches flying. The noise of the storm was disorientating and the rain fell so hard that Sylvia could not find the path at all. Her wet dress was heavy and weighed her down. She fought against the wind to the edge of the cliff. The clouds above had darkened making it seem almost like night had fallen prematurely. With rising panic Sylvia looked once more for the path. Suddenly she saw it but then realised with a thrill of horror that the rain had turned the sandy track into a perilous landslide. There was no way she could get down there safely. The wind was becoming harder to fight and Sylvia's dress was making every movement a struggle. She tried to pick it up as she had done before but it was too heavy. She didn't realise she was standing at the very edge of the cliff because the visibility was so poor. Suddenly she felt the ground move beneath her, the soil she was standing on was collapsing under the weight of the water. Sylvia threw herself forwards desperately. Her dress did not allow her to get fully out of the harm's way. She slipped and her head collided with a sharp rock on the ground. The storm disappeared as she blacked out instantly.

Jack was aboard the Black Pearl. He could see the clouds appearing on the horizon now. The townspeople had seen them too. They were boarding up their windows the best they could and rushing to get inside. Jack liked watching storms roll in off the sea. The ones that hit this stretch of coastline came in faster than any others he knew. He would go inside when it began to rain. As the sky darkened moodily Jack looked round at the coastline. The waves were getting aggressive now. People were running towards the Conqueror, they must have been surprised by the storm. Jack found his eyes wandering over the cliffs and then he saw it, or rather he saw someone. There was someone up there! The wind would surely throw them from the cliff onto the jagged rocks below, for Jack knew how strong the winds would get. Even now the smaller boats were being tossed around with ease. He didn't even think about it, he raced over the deck of the Pearl and sprinted up the narrow gangplank and onto the jetty that only the Pearl was moored to. He raced up the beach just as the heaven's opened.

Jack knew a safe way up the cliff but by the time he got up to the top the rain was so thick it was a job to work out where anything was. He certainly couldn't see anybody. He called out but the wind drowned his voice so completely that he might as well not have spoken. Carefully Jack walked forwards making sure he wasn't too close to the edge. He felt the wind pull at him and the rain stung as it hit his face. Could he be too late? Maybe the person had already been swept from the cliff. But no! Jack dashed forwards; he had seen a hand out of the corner of his eye. He grabbed the person by the wrist and realised the person was perched precariously halfway off the cliff. He heaved them up knowing already that whoever it was they were already unconscious. With a tremendous effort he pulled the person out of the mud that was partially encasing them. 'Must have been a landslide,' thought Jack as he slung the person over his shoulder and battled against the storm to reach a place where he knew they would be safe.

Sylvia opened her eyes. A yellow light had been burning through her eyelids. It was that which had woken her and now she wanted to know what the source of it was. It was not hard to work it out. She was lying next to a fire which was burning strongly. Sylvia watched it for a while, her head felt like it was full of fog and she couldn't think properly. Gradually thoughts began to form themselves clearly. She felt oddly free as if something restrictive had been removed. She realised what was missing with a start, she wasn't wearing her corset or dress! She was only dressed in her flimsy cream under dress but she was covered in something else. She half sat up and looked at it. At first she had assumed it was a blanket but now she saw it was some kind of coat, more like an over jacket. Sylvia looked away from it to where she was. It certainly wasn't her cabin in the Conqueror; in fact she wasn't aboard any kind of ship. She was lying inside a cave. Its stone walls were lit by the glowing flames which made the shadows dance. The floor of the cave was covered in old dry leaves; it was like being inside an animal's den. Sylvia heard the sound of rain over the soft crackling of the fire. She looked over to where she knew the mouth of the cave would be and barely managed to stifle a gasp. A man stood leaning against the cave wall. He had his back to Sylvia and was looking out at the rain which was still beating down fiercely outside. His body was lit by the glow of the fire which showed Sylvia his boots, his brown trousers held up by a thick leather belt, his white shirt and his black hair. His arms seemed to be folded in front of him. Sylvia could do nothing but stare for a moment. He was blocking the only way out so the option of quietly slipping away was closed. Her heart leapt as the man turned round.

"Ah," he said, "Yer awake." It was a statement of fact which invited no comment. Sylvia knew she was staring but couldn't help herself. The man was looking back at her; maybe he was waiting for her to do something.

Sylvia sat up properly, then she realised what she was wearing, or rather what she wasn't wearing, and she clutched the coat around herself tightly. The man, who seemed utterly relaxed with the situation, said, "Ah yes, I apologise fer removing yer dress luv but ye would a' caught yer death of cold with it on." He smiled slightly. Sylvia suddenly saw her dress drying out by the fire; she wondered how she had not seen it there before.

"You got a name lass?" the man asked casually. Sylvia swallowed.

"Ryecroft," she said.

"Got a first name?" the man asked, "Or am I not to learn that?" Sylvia almost smiled then.

"Sylvia," she said. She wasn't frightened, though she thought perhaps she should be. She was just confused; she didn't know who this man was, where she was or why she was here.

"Sylvia," said the man mulling the name over as if it was a fine wine, "That be a pretty name." Sylvia found herself blushing slightly.

"Am I allowed to know the name of my rescuer?" she asked, "For I'm sure that is what you must be." The man smiled properly this time and Sylvia felt her heart pounding in her chest. What kind of man possessed a smile so enchanting? Certainly not one she had ever met before.

"Captain Jack Sparrow," said Jack and he extended a hand towards Sylvia on which she saw several sliver rings. She tightened her grip on the coat with one hand and shook his hand with the other. She found that as soon as her hand touched his she didn't want him to let go but he did of course and he promptly went back to leaning against the cave wall.

"Captain?" Sylvia asked. Jack nodded.

"My father owns a boat," Sylvia continued, "The Conqueror, do you know it?"

"Aye lass," said Jack as he scrutinised the woman before him, "It be a little hard to miss." His voice was captivating. Sylvia was sure she was only asking questions so she could hear it again.

"Which boat is yours?" asked Sylvia.

"The Black Pearl be my boat," Jack replied. Sylvia made the connection so fast it hurt. If this man was the Captain of the Black Pearl then...

"You're a pirate?" Sylvia said in almost a whisper.

"Aye," said Jack mimicking Sylvia's whispered tone with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. He had expected some kind of fearful response, perhaps even some hysterics but they never came.

"I suppose I should have known," said Sylvia conversationally, "You look like a pirate." Jack spread his arms wide and looked at himself.

"Except you don't have the hat," Sylvia added.

"Left it on board," said Jack regretfully, "Along with my other effects."

"Which are?" enquired Sylvia. She couldn't quite believe she was actually conversing with a real pirate.

"My gun, my sword," said Jack watching Sylvia closely, "Typical pirate fare." To his surprise Sylvia looked amused, as of yet he had not seen the faintest trace of fear. She seemed to read his mind.

"It's not every day a pirate saves your life," she said with a coy smile. Jack smiled again and Sylvia saw the glint of a few gold capped teeth.

"Why did you rescue me?" she asked in a quiet voice and there was something close to fear in her face.

"I didn't rescue ye so I could have me wicked way wit' ye if that's what ye think," Jack said and there was a slight note of bitterness in his voice, "I did it because..." He stopped. Why had he rescued her? He hadn't known she would be so beautiful or so bewitching. He had rescued her for the same reason he had jumped in after Elizabeth Swann a year ago.

"Because it were the right thing t' do," he said at length. Sylvia said nothing for a moment. She had become distracted by the sight of the light catching on the beads in Jack's hair. They winked at her delightfully. His white shirt was open and the deep V exposed his tanned chest. The sleeves fanned out slightly and hung loosely around his arms. At the moment he was leaning on his elbows his rings on full display. Sylvia had to bite her lip to stop herself saying out loud, 'You're beautiful' because he was, everything about him was. Sylvia had never seen a man like him. His dark eyes were still studying her and Sylvia felt a little breathless.

"So, are ye gonna tell me what ye were doing out all alone on top of a cliff in the middle of a tropical storm?" Jack asked, plainly he did not think highly of such things as privacy.

"I was taking the opportunity to be free," Sylvia answered honestly, "I didn't realise there was a storm coming and I certainly didn't expect it to come in so quickly."

"They do that around here," said Jack and he moved forwards. Sylvia actually felt her breath catch in her throat. He sat down on the cave floor cross legged and leaned forwards resting his elbows on his legs.

"Taking the opportunity t' be free?" he prompted, "Care t' explain?"

"Well," said Sylvia finding it difficult to think with Jack even closer, "Yes and no. I have freedom, more than so many people. I have the Conqueror, and I have money but I am restricted by my father's protection and by that." She pointed at the dress which was a dark red satin material, it really was beautiful but then walls can be beautiful but they still hold you in.

"I want to be able to run and climb and explore," said Sylvia, "I can't do any of those things in a corset and dress. And that one could have killed me, it weighed me down so I couldn't escape the landslide." A small smile played on Jack's face; he was remembering Elizabeth's aversion to corsets. In both her and Sylvia's case their clothing had nearly killed them. Jack suddenly got to his feet and took hold of the corset which was almost dry now. He flung it without a word onto the fire. Sylvia gave a small noise which might have been protest but she did not speak.

"Vile things," said Jack as they watched it burn, "I don' believe any woman should be tortured like that." Sylvia looked at him. He was watching the cream material blacken and burn. Jack knew she was looking at him.

"Are you a typical pirate?" she asked. Jack smiled and sat back down.

"That be a hard question t' answer luv," he replied, "Are ye a typical English lady?"

"No," said Sylvia without hesitation and then she asked, "How did you know I was English?"

"Accent," said Jack simply.

"Oh," said Sylvia. She tried to guess where he was from but had no idea. She opened her mouth to speak but yawned instead.

"Time ye got some sleep luv," said Jack, "We can't go out when the storm's like this. When it dies down I'll take ye back to yer pretty boat." He stood up again.

"Good night Captain Sparrow," said Sylvia.

"Jack," he said without thinking, "Call me Jack." Sylvia smiled and Jack turned to walk to the other side of the fire where he would sleep but Sylvia said, "Jack?"

"Mm?" said Jack turning back.

"Thank you."

Sylvia woke some hours later when a seagull called loudly overhead. It was light inside the cave despite the absence of fire which had burnt out. It was daylight flooding in; the rain had stopped and the wind had died down. Sylvia looked over at Jack who was still asleep. His face was half hidden by shadow. One of his hands was resting on his chest which rose and fell steadily. Sylvia stood up and stretched. Her under dress was short, Sylvia just hoped it wasn't see through. Her shoes lay next to her dress. Jack must have removed those for her as well. She looked over at him; he couldn't be a typical pirate. She stood at the mouth of the cave and looked out at the world. Everything looked so fresh, there was nothing quite like the smell of the world after rainfall. She stepped out feeling the wet grass under her feet. Raindrops glistened like jewels on the leaves of every plant and Sylvia laughed happily. This was freedom.

Jack woke with a slight start. He sat up and saw at once that Sylvia was not there. He was filled with some feeling he couldn't quite pinpoint, he hadn't thought she would run away from him but then he hadn't thought she would do a lot of things. He got to his feet feeling a lot more emotional than he had expected about Sylvia's disappearance. Then Jack saw her dress still lying on the cave floor. She left without her dress? Perhaps she had not wanted to risk waking him up, perhaps she had thought he was going to try and stop her or something. He bent down to pick up the dress but stopped when he saw her shoes. Surely she wouldn't have left without her shoes? He heard something outside, a laugh. Jack walked to the cave mouth and peered out. There she was dancing in the clear, damp sunshine. She had a smile on her face, god, she was beautiful when she smiled like that. Her dress, what there was of it, span around her thighs. Suddenly she stopped dancing; she had seen him watching her. Jack thought she would be angry, perhaps just startled if he was lucky.

"Jack!" she cried and to his surprise Sylvia ran to him looking as excited as a child, "Isn't this the most beautiful day?"

"Aye," said Jack feeling quite incapable of saying anything else. Sylvia wanted to take Jack's hand and show him how wonderful things were but what would he say? As a light breeze threw her curls she knew she had no choice. Sylvia took both of Jack's hands and led him onto the grass. Jack was captivated, he could not think of anything beyond the present moment. He had never seen someone so happy before because of something so ordinary.

"Oh Jack," said Sylvia still holding his hands in her own, "I'm only here because of you." Suddenly she shivered quite violently and Jack became aware that her hands were ice cold.

"Yer freezing luv," he said, "Come on." Sylvia allowed herself to be lead inside the cave again. Jack's hands were warm. He carefully put her dress back on her then he took both of her hands and gently rubbed them with his own to rekindle their warmth.

"Is that better?" he asked after a while.

"Don't stop," said Sylvia but then she looked shocked at her own words. Jack did not let go of her hands.

"I do feel much warmer now, thank you Jack."

"My pleasure," said Jack and only then did he release Sylvia's hands which fluttered down to her sides miserably now they were alone.

"Yer father'll be lookin' fer ye," said Jack factually, "Ye had better be getting back."

They walked along the cliff top. They walked slowly, Sylvia made the excuse that her dress meant she could not walk fast, this was not true. All she really wanted was to delay the journey as long as she could. Jack did not complain.

"I'll never make it down the cliff in one piece the way I came up," said Sylvia.

"I know a safe way," said Jack, "Ye won't be having any trouble with it lass." And she didn't. They emerged onto the beach. Sylvia could see a search party fanning out in all directions looking amongst the wreckage the storm had wrought for clue's to where she might be. Sylvia stepped out into the sunshine but Jack stayed in the shadows.

"Jack?" she said.

"I brought ye as far as I can luv," Jack said, "Ye'll be safe now. I have no will t' find meself with a noose around me neck...again."

"A noose? What are you talking about?" Sylvia asked bewildered, "You saved me; my father will want to repay you."

"No," said Jack, "Yer father'll want to see me hang just like everybody else."

"You don't know my father," argued Sylvia, "Anyone who does him a service is rewarded. They won't even notice you're a pirate." That made Jack laugh.

"I really think they will lass," he said but Sylvia was not taking no for an answer.

"Please Jack," said Sylvia and she looked into his eyes.

And so that was how Jack Sparrow found himself walking straight past the Black Pearl and straight up to the Conqueror ready, he was sure, to receive a very nasty welcome. Sure enough the crew recognised Sylvia as safe and the man she was with a pirate at once. Jack was surrounded before Sylvia could do anything to stop it. At least ten swords were at Jack's throat.

"Clap him in irons," commanded George, the Conqueror's first mate, and the order was carried out at once. Jack's hands were held behind his back and chained there.

"Move and you're dead pirate," one man snarled. Jack couldn't help thinking that this might have been a bad idea. George turned his attention to Sylvia.

"We've been so worried about you Miss Ryecroft," said George as he attempted to lead her away, "How ever did this piece of vermin get to be with you? (he gestured towards Jack) Did he hurt you? Are you...?"

"Quiet!" cried Sylvia so loudly that silence fell immediately, "Release that man at once." No one moved.

"Miss Ryecroft, I..." began George.

"Release him," repeated Sylvia, "He's a hero." Jack gave a very small smile but the men around him did not seem to like this very much, a few of them snarled.

"He's a pirate," said George looking at Jack as though he was something unpleasant that he'd just scraped off his boot.

"Don't argue with me or..." Sylvia was cut off by a rather strangled cry.

"Sylvia!" Her father flew into sight. He looked very tired and strained. He hugged his daughter tightly and Sylvia thought he might never let go. When she eventually forced him to release his grip she said, "Tell them to let Jack go."

"Jack? Who's Jack?" But Lord Ryecroft did not need Sylvia to explain, he had just turned round.

"Sylvia?" he asked turning back to his daughter, "What happened?" Everyone listened, including Jack who knew his fate would be determined by Sylvia's telling of events.

"He saved my life," said Sylvia to finish, "He deserves reward not death." Lord Ryecroft did not hesitate.

"Release him at once."

"But sir," began George.

"At once!" said Lord Ryecroft firmly and Jack was freed. The soldiers lowered their weapons. Jack looked around at them all with a satisfied expression on his face.

"Captain Sparrow," said Lord Ryecroft solemnly. Jack looked at him not sure what to make of the man. The man looked ill; clearly he had been worried sick about his daughter's safety.

"I cannot ever hope to thank you for what you have done," Lord Ryecroft said, "But please accept my invitation to dine with us tonight." He should have said no, he should have left and returned to the Pearl but Jack Sparrow was never one to do what he should.

"Certainly mate," said Jack with a sideways glance at Sylvia. He saw that she was smiling.

"Come aboard Captain Sparrow," said Lord Ryecroft, "And perhaps we can come to some sort of arrangement." Sylvia walked between her father and Jack onto the Conqueror. Jack's keen eyes missed nothing. The ship was impressive, no doubt about that. But it wasn't just the ship he took notice of. He saw crew members whispering hurried messages to each other, a pirate being on board the ship was not a popular move.

"Sylvia darling," said Lord Ryecroft, "If you could excuse Captain Sparrow and I for a moment. Right this way." He led Jack into his cabin. Sylvia was whisked away by Betty, Milly and Lotte.

"Have a seat," said Lord Ryecroft as he sat behind a great wooden desk. Jack sat and then promptly put his boots up on the table and crossed his legs. If Lord Ryecroft found this behaviour in any way offensive he did not show it.

"I am a wealthy man Captain Sparrow but I know no money could ever replace Sylvia or equal what she means to me," he said, "Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Would a cash settlement be just reward for you?"

"I'm rich enough already mate," said Jack looking at the nails on one of his hands carefully.

"Then perhaps something rare and unusual would take your fancy," said Lord Ryecroft, "I have a great collection of..."

"Beggin' yer pardon mate," interrupted Jack, "But I feel ye need reminding that I am a pirate. In most cases if I be wanting something I have every means t' get it meself, savvy?" A flush rose in Lord Ryecorft's cheeks.

"Ah," he said, "Right then. Well...is there some other way I could repay you then? Anything at all."

"I didn't save yer pretty daughter fer a reward," said Jack and he met Lord Ryecroft's eyes almost dangerously.

"Well, perhaps I'll be able to think of something during the course of the day," said Lord Ryecroft who also did not seem to be able to take no for an answer, "Shall we rejoin Sylvia?"

"Best idea you've had so far mate," said Jack as he swung his legs off the table and stood up.


A/N: Nice long chapter for ye, hope you liked it, I'm exhausted now :)

....let me know what you think.