Thank you guys for the nice reviews! We were getting afraid that no one liked our story! And since you're being so nice we're updating early and with an EXTRA LONG chapter this time! Wheeeee!

American drama wanted to know how old people were; Doll and Delila (she just had her birthday!) are both 18, and Will is 39. So there you all know-

Fight fight fight
Just push it away
Fight fight fight
Just push until it breaks
Fight fight fight
Don't cry at the pain
Fight fight fight
Or watch yourself burn again
Fight fight fight
Don't howl like a dog
Fight fight
Just fill up the sky
Fight fight fight
Fight til you drop
Fight fight fight
And never never
Never stop

- The Cure

When Dalila reached the end of the alley a terrible sight awaited her. In one corner she could see Doll huddling, weeping like a child who had lost the very light of her life. Further down she could see a gang of pirates moving in on the frightened girl, they seemed to be thirsty for blood. Among other things… She felt her stomach churn; the scallywags were going to hurt her angel!

She moved quietly and gracefully like a panther on the prowl, and in one quick move she had placed herself between the shaking girl and the advancing pirates, her dagger raised. "Touch her and I'll kill you!"

Doll looked up, and gasped. "Lijah" The girl didn't answer, as she was busy glaring menacingly at the men. Doll was in awe - the men were hesitating! She was just a skinny, but curvy girl, and they were five big, strong sailors, but still they were hesitating.

She looked so strong... so bold. Doll suddenly became furious with herself for snapping back in the house. Here she had assumed the worse and thrown horrible insults at this wonderful girl who was now saving her life and - God knows what else.

Suddenly she heard one of the men say"What're we waiting for? Girl might have a reputation, but she can't take all of us"

Doll gasped. Oh no... this couldn't possibly go well.

Dalila readied herself. In the corner of her eye she could see Doll; her eyes were big as saucers and filled with unshed tears of terror. No time for hesitation, she just had to show these big oafs who they were dealing with. She was NOT going down without a fight! As the first pirate closed in on her and grabbed for her arm she swung around and planted her dagger in his thigh. He went down with a great bellow, clutching his leg. Blood was now flowing freely, and there would be more before it was over.

Dalila was getting desperate. No matter how many she took down they just seemed to keep coming. She wasn't sure how much longer she could hold on. All of a sudden she felt two strong arms encircle her, and she found herself in a vicelike grip, unable to escape. Her only thought was to get Doll away. "Run away! Run away as fast as you can!" she screamed at the girl, but she seemed nearly catatonic. She didn't even seem to recognize her. Dalila closed her eyes and prayed the end would come quick. But she had her doubts. Her heart went out to the man who would loose his daughter, the man who might have become her friend… She felt tears behind her eyelids but forced them back. She was not going to be weak, not now!

Suddenly she felt the pirate holding her go limp, and she was free again! The rest of the gang started to run screaming for the dock. She turned quickly around, and found herself facing a man with a gun. She looked up at him. "FATHER!" she exclaimed, and jumped into his awaiting arms.

The sudden silence yanked Doll from her trance and she looked around. The men were lying around here, and there was so much blood. She hiccupped, but managed to get a hold of herself - barely. She looked up and saw Lijah in the arms of - her heart skipped a beat - a man with a triangular hat, like those the pirate captains wore in her book.

Lijah was a real pirate!

The man let go of Lijah and suddenly turned towards Doll. "And who's yer friend, luv"

Doll's eyes widened as he reached out a hand to help her up. The light from the end of the alley fell on his face, and she swallowed as all the blood in her body rushed to her head. Those dark, glittering eyes and the crooked grin... there was no mistaking it. She knew exactly who he was!

"I won't bite, girl. C'mon, get up."

Doll took his hand and got up on shaky legs. She couldn't help staring. His picture in the book hadn't served him justice. It hadn't captured his burning eyes or the lips to die for.

"We'd better get ye home. Can ye tell me where ye live"

"Wuh... meh... the... the T-Turner Mansion, s-sir."

He laughed, and the sound sent ripples through Doll's body. "Never been a sir b'fore! Wait... did you say Turner Mansion? Well well... sounds like the whelp has made a livin' here."

"You know Will, da?"

Dalila looked at her father, eyes squinted slightly, like she was accusing him of some terrible deed. Paradise had been here right under her nose the entire time, but it had been denied her! She could feel her blood boiling in her veins.

"Aye, I do luv. Good lad. A bit weak, but his heart is in the right place. Couldn't hold his rum tho."

He returned the gaze, one eyebrow cocked.

"I should be asking ye the same question. Here I though the sharks had eaten ye lass, and it turns out you've been playing hide 'n seek with this lovely young lady."

Dalila looked down, cheeks aflame with shame. The fire which had previously been burning in her blood had cooled down. She had forgotten that her father was a wanted man; he was probably in grave danger, all because of her. She clenched her hands, nails digging into her palms. Why did she always have to be so selfish?

"I'm sorry…"she whispered softly, but her father didn't seem to notice. He was busy taking a closer look at Doll.

"My goodness, ye look like the spitting image of Elisabeth! Such a fine woman, talk about fiery spirit! How is she doing? I take it she's still making Will crazy?"

The question made Doll forget her fear - though it was an exciting kind of fear - immediately . Tears welled up in her eyes at the memory of her mother's last days in her sickbed. No one had ever told her what kind of illness it was, all she remembered was being so, so angry at seeing her parents trying to fight the one thing they could never win over: Death.

"M-my mother is dh-dead, sir" she choked out. Her blood roared in her ears, it was all too much for her. She heard the pirate's shocked voice, but couldn't make out any words. It was all too much, the attack, the realisation that beautiful Lijah was a pirate, the memory of her mother's death... and the pirate next to her, catching her in strong arms as her legs gave under her. She felt herself being lifted up and held against a warm body, and then everything went dark.

Jack was surprised at the reaction his question caused in the girl. Instantly she seemed to freeze, her throat making a chocking sound. The words she spoke barely registered in his brain. Elizabeth dead? He didn't have time to think it over before Doll started to sway. As her eyes rolled back in her head and gravity claimed its possession of her he lifted her up in his strong, tanned arms. She was light as a feather. Up close he could see the beauty of her porcelain skin, and noticed how soft her hair felt against his cheek. She was like an angel, untouched by the evil of humans.

"We better get her home." Jack started to walk quickly towards the town centre.

"Father?" Dalila whispered. No response. "FATHER?" she was screaming now. He didn't stop or look at her at all, he just kept walking. She rubbed her eyes, wiping away the moisture that had gathered there and threatened to spill before she ran after him. "You don't even know the way…"

Oooh, the plot thickens! So, what will happen when they all show up at Will's doorstep? Find out in the next chapter!