Disclaimer: I don't own Pirates of the Caribbean.
Chapter 7
Rescue mission
Annie and Will carefully picked their way through the brawling drunks and pirates that were rife in Tortuga. Will couldn't imagine anyone raising a child here but Annie seemed to have turned out alright. They came to a small run down house.
"Home sweet home," said Annie.
Will looked around, taking in the dirty broken windows and dead rats.
"You grew up here?"
"Lived here all my life with mum and Gramps," said Annie.
She knocked on the door. No answer. Annie banged on the door. Still no answer.
"Dammit," she said, "He's not in. Oh, well."
She climbed onto a barrel and felt around on the roof.
"Aha!" she said, "Gotcha!"
She jumped down and showed Will the key.
"Trust Gramps," said Annie.
She opened the door and they went in.
Will and Annie entered the house. Annie lit a candle.
"It stinks in here," said Will.
Annie put out her match.
"Gramps has a nasty habit of letting himself go if no one's watching him," said Annie.
A snarling voice came from outside the candles light.
"Take one more step and I'll blast ye to kingdom come."
"Gramps," said Annie.
"Annie," replied the voice.
Curt Sparrow, an ageing and retired pirate came into the light.
"Bless my soul!" he said, "If it ain't my favorite granddaughter."
"Gramps, I'm your only granddaughter," said Annie as she hugged her grandfather.
Will just stood there until Curt noticed him.
"Who are you?" asked Curt.
"William Turner," said Will.
"Turner?"
"Bootstrap's boy," said Annie, "He's a friend of dad's too."
"That waste of space who calls himself my son?" barked Curt, "I still ain't forgiven him for what he did to your mother Annie."
"I have," said Annie, quietly.
"For what?" asked Curt, "Having an affair with that floozy Scarlett or walking out on her when your brother died?"
"Both," said Annie, "But I need a word with you and Grandpa."
"Later, when the Anchors open, alright?" said Curt.
"Yes, Gramps," said Annie.
She let out a yawn.
"Go get some kip," said Gramps.
Annie nodded and left.
"Jack walked out on her mother?" said Will.
"Yes," said Curt, "Annie's mother was Susan Rose, the daughter of a pub landlord. Jack had her and Scarlett on the go at the same time. He married Susan because he got her pregnant first. Scarlett had a son, Simon, most people call him Smut. Susan had twins, Annie and a boy. They named him Curt after me. But when he was five months old, someone broke in. We don't know who it was but they killed Curt."
"Killed him?"
"Smothered him with his own blanket," said Curt, looking very solemn, "Jack left for Isla de Meurta after that. We never heard from him until Annie's tenth birthday. He just waltzed back in as if nothing had happened. Susan died that day. She had been ill for a long time."
"Poor Annie," said Will.
"Annie left her job on the Blue Horizon nearly two years ago to travel with Jack," said Curt, "But I never forgave him for walking out on Susan when she needed him."
"Jack never mentioned he had a family," said Will
"Plays things close to the vest," said Curt, "He was trying to protect Annie. Anyway, the Rusty Anchor will be open now. Annie!"
Jonathan Rose, the landlord of the Rusty Anchor, was stood by the bar, cleaning a glass. Annie came up behind him and put her hands over his eyes.
"Guess who?" she said.
"Well if it ain't my little Annie," said Jonathan.
Annie took her hand off his face. He turned to look at his granddaughter.
"Correction, my big Annie," he said, "Look how you've grown!"
"I've only been gone two weeks," said Annie, "Besides; we need to have a chat."
Annie, Curt and Jonathan were sat at a small table in a dark, damp corner of the Rusty Anchor.
"Absolutely not!" barked Jonathan.
"But Grandpa," pleaded Annie.
"No! I won't have you running off to save your father," he said, "You know what those boys are like."
"It's my choice," said Annie, "I'm nearly sixteen."
"Annie, the Pearl is listing to the scuppers," said Curt, "It'd be pointless and you'd get yourself killed."
"Sometimes I think I'm the only one in this family with a conscience," said Annie.
"Come on Annie, you know that's not true," said Mark, one of her uncles.
"Thanks son," said Jonathan taking the drinks from Mark, "We'll get you the crew and supplies but the Pearl is staying here."
"But the Pearl's the fastest ship in the Caribbean!" said Annie, "It can give me the time I need."
"Not a chance, Annie," said Curt, "I understand you want to rescue your dad, he's all you've got but the Pearl won't give you the time you need. Take the Dauntless; it's your best shot to save Jack and the Turners."
Annie lifted her drink.
"Take what you can," she said.
Curt lifted his.
"Give nothing back," he said.
They took a gulp and slammed their drinks down, making Will jump.
"Bit of a stick, isn't he," said Jonathan.
"You have no idea," said Annie.
Annie sat on the dock, eating an apple and watching Gibbs and Anamaria load up the Dauntless. She didn't look at her grandfathers who stood nearby.
"Don't be like that," said Curt.
Annie stayed silent.
"If you took the Pearl, you'd never make it," he said.
Annie was stood at the helm, gently steering the ship while looking at the compass. Gibbs came up to her.
"We're making good time," he said.
Annie nodded, still looking at the compass.
"Rumors going round that we're going after the Horizon," said Gibbs, "And that they are headed for that temple."
"Rumors are ugly things, Gibbs," said Annie, "This one happens to be true, we are going after them. They've got my dad."
"Yeah but Jack'll get out," said Gibbs.
"That's the problem, Gibbs," said Annie, "He won't. He's useless at escaping but incredibly lucky. Besides, he'd never get the Turner's out."
"Turner's?" said Gibbs, looking at Will who was talking to Felix.
"You remember Elizabeth Swann?" asked Annie.
"Course I do," said Gibbs.
"She's Mrs. William Turner now," said Annie, "She was kidnapped with her daughter, Emma. Emma bares the Mark."
"The Mark?" said Gibbs, "She's the…"
"Yes," said Annie, "With her help, Danny's gonna bring his dad back then he's gonna take the world."
She looked ahead, squinting.
"Gibbs, take the helm," she said.
Gibbs took over. Annie ran to the front of the ship and pulled out her telescope. She looked into it and saw the Horizon not far ahead.
"You're a fool, Danny," she said, "Drop all the sails; she'll carry everything we got!"
Wyatt ran up to Daniel. Pintel and Ragetti were not far off with Jack. Daniel had said on account of good behaviour, Jack could come up on deck for a little time.
"Sir," said Wyatt, "A navy ship is following us!"
Daniel looked from Wyatt to Jack who was looking behind to the ship.
"It can't be," he said.
The Dauntless came up alongside the Horizon. Daniel watched from a safe distance. Annie was hidden in the sails; the crew and Will were below deck. Slim and Perry began muttering each other at the sight of the empty ship.
"Search it," said Daniel.
His crew jumped over to the Dauntless. As they came over, Annie slipped over to the Horizon. Jack heard the shuffle of feet. He looked over his shoulder and saw Annie. She smiled to him and he mouthed, 'Don't do anything stupid' back. She slowly found her way down to the brig. Elizabeth and Emma were sat in their cell.
"Hello, Emma," said Annie, "Mrs. Turner."
"Annie!" said Elizabeth, "How did you get out?"
"Your husbands not the most law-abiding person, is he?" said Annie.
She pulled a hair pin out of her pocket and began to pick the lock. She was so busy trying to unlock the door that she didn't notice Slim coming down the stairs until he put a hand on her shoulder. At his touch, Annie let out a small scream.
"Hello Annie," he said.
"Hello Slim," said Annie.
He took her by the scruff of the neck and dragged her back on deck.
The first thing Annie saw was Will and the crew tied to the mast. She sighed and looked at her feet.
"Well, if it isn't Annie Sparrow," said Danny.
"Daniel," said Annie, "Let my dad go!"
"Let me think," said Danny, "No!"
The crew laughed. Annie tried to fight off Slim but he was a lot stronger.
"We've missed you, Annie," said Danny, "I think it's going to be fun having you back on board, isn't it lads?"
The crew cheered.
"Lock 'em up," said Daniel.
He turned and watched the Dauntless explode and the smoking ruin sink.
"Sorry, dad," said Annie, "I was just trying to save you."
Annie had been put in the same cell as Elizabeth and Emma with Anamaria. Jack, Will and Gibbs were in the next and the rest of the crew dotted around the brig.
"It's not your fault Annie," said Jack.
"It was a good plan," said Anamaria, "Until now."
"Thanks Ana," said Annie, "Well I suggest we get comfy. We're gonna be here a while."
Wyatt came down the stairs.
"You're not," said Wyatt.
"Wyatt?" said Annie, looking at him.
"Danny wants you to dine with him," he said.
"Tell him to go drown himself," said Annie.
"He said you'd say something like that," said Wyatt, "He also said if that be the case, you'll be dining with the crew. Naked."
Annie raised one eyebrow and looked at Wyatt.
"Fine, when does he want me?" she said.
"Now," said Wyatt.
He unlocked the cell and opened the door just enough so Annie could slip out. He led up onto the deck and into the captain's quarters. Annie looked around.
"Where's Danny?" she asked, putting her hands on her hips.
Wyatt picked something up off the table.
"You have to wear this," he said, handing her a red dress.
"This is a whore's dress," said Annie, "I know because I was the one who stole it."
"What would you prefer?" asked Wyatt, "Look like a whore for only Daniel to see or be naked in front of the entire crew? I don't think me and Smut could hold them off on our own."
"Fine," said Annie, "Tell Danny I'll be ready in ten minutes."
Wyatt left, shutting the door behind him. Annie took off her coat and boots and held the dress out in front of her. She sighed.
"How did I get myself into this?" she said to herself. She took off her hat, shirt and trousers and pulled the dress on over her head. It fitted almost perfectly. She looked at her reflection in the window.
'Not too bad,' she thought, 'Gramps would have a fit if he saw me dressed like this.'
If Annie had one problem with the dress it was the very low neckline.
"It suits you," said Danny from behind her.
"My dad would kick your arse if he saw me dressed like this," said Annie.
"Come now Annie," said Danny, "Can't two friends have dinner together?"
"With one dressed like this, no," said Annie.
"Sit down?" said Danny, indicating a chair.
Annie sat down as some of the crew brought in food. Danny sat down opposite her.
"Dig in," he said.
"Don't mind if I do," said Annie, taking some bread and taking a rather large bite out of it. They didn't speak much. Whenever Danny asked her something, Annie either shook or nodded her head or shrugged. When the questions stopped, Annie looked up at Danny. He was staring at his plate.
"Why did you bring me here" she asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" asked Danny, "I've always liked you Annie, always have."
"I think I've got something we can both benefit from," said Annie, "I've got a deal for you."
Danny looked up.
"Let's hear it," he said.
Annie stood up and took an apple out of the fruit bowl.
"I've got something you've been after since I was twelve," said Annie, "You remember when I fell over board?"
"Yes," said Danny.
"You jumped in and saved me," said Annie, "Even though it was you who pushed me over."
Danny nodded.
"Well, I owe you one," said Annie, "So here's the deal, you get what you want and you release my dad, the crew and the Turners."
"How am I supposed to benefit from that?" asked Danny.
"You get my virginity, directions to the temple and my dad's blood all rolled into one," said Annie, standing behind Danny, "And I get my dad's freedom."
"You sure about this?" said Danny
"No," said Annie, "Do we have an accord?"
She extended one hand over his shoulder. Danny thought about it for one moment.
"Deal," he said, shaking her hand.
"Funny old world isn't it?" said Annie, sitting back in her seat and putting her feet on the table, "My dad kills your dad and I bring him back."
He stood up and looked at Annie.
"I think we should get this deal started," he said.
Annie almost dropped her apple in surprise.
Wyatt watched as Danny emerged from his quarters looking very smug. He knew something wasn't right. There had been some scuffling noises coming from there but Wyatt had no idea what had happened. He decided to go check on Annie.
"Annie?" he said, "Are you alright?"
He looked round the door. Annie was in a corner, still wearing the dress. But she was hugging her knees and looked as if she was going to cry.
"Annie?" he said.
Annie looked up at him with her dark eyes.
"Wyatt?" she sobbed.
Wyatt went over to her.
"Annie, what happened?" he said.
She said nothing and looked away.
Wyatt went down to her level and made her look at him.
"What happened?" he asked.
Annie took a side ways glance over at a rug not far away. Wyatt looked over at it. There was a small patch of blood on it. Wyatt put two and two together.
"You didn't?" he said
"I had to," said Annie, "I had to save my dad."
"But Annie," started Wyatt.
"You think I enjoyed it?!" snapped Annie, "I hated it. I just looked away and tried to think of something else, anything. You were the one I thought of. You've always been there, Wyatt. More than anyone."
Wyatt looked at his feet.
"Wyatt," said Annie, nervously, "Please don't tell my dad."
"I won't say a word," said Wyatt.
He pulled Annie into a quick hug and then left. Annie looked out the window feeling miserable and regretting everything she had done.
Next day, Seann, Perry, Crooks and Slim came down to the brig.
"Where's my daughter?" demanded Jack.
"Annie's fine," said Slim, "Don't worry, Mr. Sparrow."
"Captain," corrected Jack, "Captain Sparrow."
"This isn't your ship, Jack," said Perry.
"In my day, we respected our elders," spat Jack."
"Well this is my day," said Perry.
They took Jack, Will, Elizabeth and Emma up on deck. Jack's eyes widened as he recognized the island not far away. Not again! Annie was stood next to Daniel in her own clothes again. When Jack came up, she looked away. She couldn't look at him.
"Thank you for joining us," said Daniel.
He turned to Annie.
"I kept my end of the deal," said Annie, "Now you keep yours."
Daniel pulled a pistol out of his belt and checked it.
"One shot," he said.
Instead of giving it to Jack, Daniel handed it to Annie.
"You're too trusting Annie," said Daniel.
He grabbed her roughly by the arm and dragged her to the plank.
"Off you go," he said.
"You lying bastard," said Annie.
"You little whore," said Daniel playfully.
"What did you call her?" snarled Jack.
"What she is," said Daniel, "You see Jack, Annie thought she could buy your freedom with her virginity. She thought wrong."
Jack looked up at Annie who looked away.
"I thought I could save you," she said.
"Say goodbye to your little girl, Jack," said Daniel.
He stamped on the plank. It shook violently and Annie fell off with a small scream.
"Annie!" cried Jack, fighting free and running to the side of the ship.
Annie's hands slipped and she dropped the pistol. She started to swim after it but her brain was screaming from lack of oxygen. She quickly made her way to the surface. She shook her hair out of her eyes and looked up. Jack was looking down at her, relief in his eyes. Annie couldn't look him in the eye, not with him knowing what she had done. She dived down into the reef to recover her lost pistol. She was going to need it. Three weeks of a starving belly and thirst and that pistol would look real friendly. (A/n: Thanks Gibbs!) She found it lying on a piece of coral and snatched it up. She returned to the surface and swam towards the island, crawling onto the beach.
Jack watched as Annie became a black dot on the island, completely unmoving. His little girl had tried to save him yet again and now she was doomed to die lost and alone on the god forsaken spit of land that was now shrinking into the distance. His hands balled into fists and he looked at Daniel. Daniel was very pleased with himself, a smirk creeping across his face.
"You god damn son of a…" snarled Jack, launching himself at Daniel.
Daniel quickly pulled out his sword.
"I can't kill you, Jack," said Daniel, "I need you. Don't worry. I'm gonna get Annie. Once I've killed you and the Turners. Annie will have no where to go but back to me. Take them to the brig. We sail for Isla de Meurta."