Title: "A New Day Dawns"

Rating: PG-13

Summary: Jack and Anamaria meet

Author's Note: Side story that jumps off from "Siren's Song". Katherine has continued on to Port Charles and Jack is still in Basseterre.

Feedback: any and all welcome, I'd like to know how this works. I tried to incorporate it into my other WIP but it may become its own piece.

Jack had been loath to leave but knew better than she that the repercussions would be severe if he lingered. He smiled a bit and looked at the newest addition to a strand of beads. He liked the way the silver sparkled and the delicate sound it made in his ear, reminding him of the way she moved. Under the lowered brim of his hat, he took a visual inventory of the harbor, the fresh morning light showing the array of boats at anchor and at the docks. To passers-by, he appeared asleep, save for the idle movement of one his legs as it hung over the edge of the wall. He watched The Valorous as it sailed out of the harbor but then his stomach grumbled, watching the harbor could resume after finding something to eat. Striding down the dusty street, he looked to see what storefronts were open, doing so he nearly tripped over a form lying in his path. He stopped and peered down in concern.

"My apologies Mate."

Getting no response, he crouched down for a closer look. With his index finger, he poked at the rumpled fabric. Fully intent on rummaging through the drunk's pockets he rolled the person onto their back. He was unprepared for what he saw, a dark skinned woman, covered in dirt and dried blood. Judging by the cuts on her face, most of the blood was hers. However, her knuckles showed she had given near as well as she got. He could not leave her just lying there and took a moment to look around and think. Then he hefted her over his shoulder, somewhat ingloriously, and proceeded towards the tavern. He wished Katherine were still here; she would be able to tend to the girl.

"Jack!"

He turned around but saw no one, then realized the voice came from over his head. Pearson was leaning out a window.

" What d'ya have there?"

"Don't rightly know, nearly fell over her just a ways down the street." He shifted her a bit on his shoulder and continued, "been beat something fierce."

"Bring 'er up, no use just carryin' her 'round." Pearson's head disappeared back inside.

Jack knocked at the door and was greeted by a slightly disheveled brunette. She looked none too happy to be disturbed and snapped at him, "We're closed!" She started to shut the door. Jack stuck his foot in the gap and winced as the heavy wood struck it.

"No, wait. She's hurt." Jack lowered her off his shoulder and cradled her in his arms. The woman stepped forward to take a closer look.

"Fine state she's in, I don't like this under my roof," she said shaking her head.

"Oh, I didn't…" Jack started and was interrupted by Pearson ascending down the stairs.

"Nessa, be a love and fetch us water an' cloth so we can clean 'er up." He gave her a friendly pat on the behind that made her giggle as she walked past him.

Pearson helped carry the girl upstairs and they laid her on a bed. Both men stood for a moment looking at her, unsure of what exactly to do next.

"Now what?" Pearson asked.

"Dunno, mate. I can't stay around, I have a ship to catch."

"Well this time I be comin' with ya. You can't go off after Barbossa alone. Besides the Pearl isn't the same as she was under your command. I've heard she's a killer now. You'll be needin' my help," Pearson said.

"I've tamed her once, I can do it again," Jack grinned. He was happy to be back in good company. Pearson's finding him was a stroke of good fortune; he'd be of help in getting a ship and crew together once they got to Tortuga.

Things looked even brighter when Pearson presented Jack with his compass, cutlass, pistol, and hat the night before. The two had met the last time Jack was in Tortuga. From the start, Jack had a good feeling about the man. He considered himself a pretty good judge of character, well, with one glaring exception. Dark thoughts of what he was going to do to Barbossa filled his mind. "I'm eager to return to Tortuga, there is someone I need to see, I'm afraid I have some explaining to do."

"Madame Giselle?"

"Aye, I've probably incurred her wrath after what happened the last time." Jack winced a bit at the memory.

"She was ragin' somethin' fierce 'til she realized that it hadn't been your intent to leave. She is the one that gave me your effects. Figured I'd keep them safe until you turned up again."

Jack smiled broadly, "And that you did mate, much appreciated. One question though, how did you know it wasn't my intent to leave?"

"The heels of your boots made tracks as they drug you down to the ship." Pearson said proudly

"Bloody pirates couldn't even carry me proper to their ship." Jack snorted.

Nessa soon returned with a washbasin, pitcher, and cloth. Setting them on the table next to the bed she started to leave.

"Nessa is it?" Jack asked and thrust out his hand. "Captain Jack Sparrow."

"It is," she responded warily, hesitantly taking his hand. The scowl disappeared when Jack lightly kissed her hand and winked at her. "Pleasure to meet you Captain," she purred.

"I assure you the pleasure is mine," Jack looked sideways as Pearson groaned; "Now if you please we could use your help with her."

"Shameful to see her beaten so," Nessa said softly.

"That it is, most unfortunate. I dislike seeing a woman hurt like this."

"You don't know how this happened?" Nessa turned towards Jack.

"I was minding my own thoughts when I stumbled on her. Thought she was a man at first."

"The girls get beat often 'round here, with me tendin' to the mess," Nessa frowned a bit and then looked back as the girl started to stir.

She opened her eyes, squinting as she tried to focus. Reaching out towards Nessa with one hand she whispered, "Qui est là? Who's there?"

"Restes calme, ma chere Stay calm my dear" Nessa touched her arm. "Nous te ferons aucun mal. We won't hurt you."

Jack crouched down to the level of the bed, "Je m'appelle Jack; elle, c'est Nessa. LÃ -bas, c'est Pearson. My name is Jack, this is Nessa, and over there is Pearson". He could see her relax as she realized she was not with her attackers. "Quel est votre nom? What is your name?"

"AnaMaria," she answered. She could see better now and glared a bit at Jack as she ran a hand over her head. She hid most of her pain well, although Jack caught a glimpse of a wince as she found the knot on her cheek. He noticed her hands looked much like his own, stained and calloused from hard work. She saw him looking at her and put her hand down, raised her chin and looked at him squarely. "Where is he? That, that Salaud, he did this to me."

Jack rocked back on his heels to give her a little room. The look she had in her eyes was one he'd seen before, usually before a woman lashed out. "Afraid I don't know lass, I found you out lyin' in the street."

She muttered something inaudible and her shoulders sagged a bit, "I'll never sail for that son of a whore again."

"You sail?" Jack leaned forward again trying not to appear to eager.

"Aye, since I was a child," AnaMaria said.

"You still look a child, luv," Jack laughed.

AnaMaria gave him a look that made his laughter fade quickly. "I'll have you know I sail better than most men." Her chin lifted back up again, he could see she was not one to be trifled with.

With that remark Pearson chuckled, "Put 'er on your crew Jack, you need another as hard headed as you. Although we need a ship first."

Jack waved his hand absently, "Small detail really."

"I can help you get a ship," Nessa said. "Captains rarely miss my parties and never leave early."

"Wonderful idea, now I need to see about some nourishment. Rest up lass, I need you fit for duty." Jack stood and hesitated for a moment, like he was waiting for the floor to stop moving. settling his hat back on his head and strode out the door.

"You, Pearson," Anamaria said. "He a fit captain? Appears a bit off his bearings."

"Aye, 'tis just Captain Sparrow's way, forgets land doesn't move like a ship."

"Ah, so that be the good Captain," she mused. Jack's reputation preceded him, both as a captain and how he was with the ladies. Fair almost to a fault, being part of his crew would definitely improve her situation.

With the little coin he had from his winnings the night before Jack procured some rum and a bit of bread and cheese. Quickly finishing off both he decided to have a closer look at the ships in the harbor. As he approached his step took on more of a sway and stumble, his humming turned to singing. He headed towards a sloop he'd taken note of earlier in the day. A few crewmen milled about moving cargo around. Swaggering down the dock he came to rest on an upturned barrel.

"Your boat, I mean ship?" he slurred badly and looked toward a crewman securing a line to the dock.

"She's one of Cap'n Kennit's. He's stayin' at the closest inn if you want to inquire about signing on." The crewman turned toward Jack and revealed he was fairly young, Jack guessed around 12 years old.

"Many thanks lad," Jack gestured knocking his hat off. Turning abruptly he started to make his way back up the dock.

"Your hat," the boy called out, trotting after him with it. Jack was pleased that the boy had responded so quickly. Settling the hat back on his head he clasped his hands together, "my thanks."

The boy shrugged a bit and turned to get back to work. Jack called after him," Your Captain, how's his temperament?" Rather than respond right away the boy chewed his lip a bit. "To be quite honest, he's an arse. Last night he beat a girl after exposing her as part of our crew."

While that alone was not something to judge a captain by, he could tell that it was something that troubled the boy. Women sailors were uncommon; he'd known a couple that had taken on the disguise of a man. Sometimes the ruse worked, apparently in Anamaria's case it hadn't. She was lucky Kennit hadn't killed her.

"That's interesting" Jack murmured, and then caught the boy by the shoulder. Sizing him up a bit he asked, " What's your name boy?"

"Michael, why?" the boy eyed him suspiciously.

Jack pressed a coin into the boy's palm and winked. "Just be here tonight. I can use a smart one such as yourself." With that Jack turned and sauntered back up the dock. It was time to head back and have a talk with Nessa to see if she'd hold true to her word.

TBC