Pirates Of The Caribbean: Not all treasure is gold and silver
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the rights to The Pirates of the Caribbean however any characters I do create are my own so no stealing!
Rated: R!! (Due to scenes of a sexual nature, violence and language)
Thanks to everyone who reviewed! Sorry this took so long to come out but I hope you enjoy it! Thanks and please review!
Chapter 22:
Three days had passed and there had been a sighting of the British Naval ship on the horizon. The plan, which Jack had already told Gibbs and Anamaria, was to wait for the opportune moment before catching up with the British ship and 'attacking' in the broadest terms possible. Neither had asked why they didn't just catch them now because knowing Jack he had some plan up one of his sleeves.
Jack had taken to shutting himself away in his quarters for the last two evenings with a few bottles of rum and his own company, but that wasn't what worried Gibbs and Anamaria, it was the fact that he had locked his door on both occasions. Both knew that Jack could be a rather irrational man at times and seeing as he had his gun with him at all times they hoped he wouldn't do anything too foolish.
He had hardly spoken about Alexandra and when he had briefly mentioned her name he seemed to change the topic of the conversation very quickly. Jack had even asked for one of the smaller rooms adjoining to Anamaria's room to be cleaned and have the minimum of furniture in there. Now of course Anamaria had cottoned on to what the room would possible be used for…she didn't mind in the slightest.
It was late afternoon when Jack took over the helm of the Black Pearl. Running his hands over the dark and weathered wood he felt the Pearl talk to him. The way she almost moved faster when he was in control and the winds picked up was a sign that the Peal and Jack shared some sort of connection.
The history of Jack and the Black Pearl had never been exactly clear to anyone…it was as if the pair of them held tightly onto this secret. The way Jack could close his eyes and never falter from his course, how the Black Pearl was responsive to his every subtle move. Now what people did know of the history of the pair (and little it was) seemed so much like a fairytale or story that most dismissed it. But there was some truth behind the fables.
~*~
His father had been, Benjamin Jack Sparrow, a carpenter for the town where he had lived but he loved to put his hands to work at building ships, that is how he had met Jacks mother.
Her name was Pérola and she had been the daughter of a Portuguese merchant visiting the town for a few months. It had been love at first sight and they had spent every waking hour together, but then her father had discovered them together and had Benjamin banished from the town forever.
Pérola had fallen pregnant during that time and losing Benjamin broke her heart, so she spent 6 years of her life bringing up the little boy named Jack, in memory of his father. She spent every night telling her son all about his wonderful father who now sailed the seas and would one day come and rescue them to take them on an adventure.
And in some ways she was right, one night there was a midnight raid by a pirate ship and Pérola was killed protecting her son. But before she had died she had begged with one of the men to take her son and a silver ring given to her by her Ben and find Ben Sparrow to tell him what had become of her.
Unknown to Pérola her beloved had been the Captain of the ship which had attacked the town. When the men returned with the young boy who was clutching the ring tightly and spoke of the mother who begged for this child to be taken to him and the ring to be shown to him…he knew it could only be his Pérola.
Ever since that day his father, who taught him the tricks of the pirate trade, had brought up Jack and when he turned 17 had allowed Jack to take control of his own ship…the Black Pearl.
~*~
Will raised the telescope to his eye again and sighed, leaning back in the crow's nest and scanning the horizon he waited to see some sign of a ship, land or anything to break the monotony of the job at hand. He didn't mind working away and helping the crew, it gave him a break from fretting over Elizabeth and Alexandra as well as time to think about whatever he wished.
The doctor on board had said that Elizabeth was showing positive signs; she was responding to his little tests that he carried out daily. Will just hoped that the child was alright, as far as the doctor could tell the un born babe was well, as it was still kicking and moving healthy as far as he could tell. But as had been explained by the doctor the only one able to tell if there is something wrong with their child is the mother. She is the one who becomes accustom to regularities in the child as it grows.
Will felt guilty that Elizabeth was unable to be awake for everything that was going on and so had taken on the task with Alexandra's help to record every day in a journal of what had gone on with the baby's actions.
Will looked towards the horizon as the sun began to steadily creep towards it marking the light gently dimmer and casting shadows across the deck.
Raising the telescope for a final time Will scanned the horizon, as he looked back along the course they had just come he could see a slight black speck on the horizon. Lowering the telescope Will gazed in that direction as he rubbed the telescope lens cleaning it. Without the telescope the horizon seemed bare so raising the telescope once more he watched the area intently. Yet there was no black speck…just water.
Rubbing his eyes Will peered over the edge of the crows next to see one of the crew climbing his way up. Picking up his shirt and bottle of rum Will waited for the crew member to climb in and nodded to him before climbing his way back down onto the deck.
It had been an interesting few days; Alexandra was now in her sixth week of her pregnancy. Having suffered morning sickness, mood swings and an insatiable hunger, Will had eventually given in and resigned himself to being the chief carer for pregnant women. Perhaps it was his punishment for lying to Jack about Alexandra to have to suffer her temper tantrums and peculiar cravings.
~*~
Jack stood at the helm one hand resting on the wheel running his fingers lazily over the weathered wood, his other hand was tucked into his pocket grasping the box that held the ring that he had shown Elizabeth and Will what seemed an eternity ago. He had planned to surprise Alexandra with it a few days before their 're-marriage' but with everything that had gone on it seemed to have been forgotten.
Anamaria stood watching Jack as she tied the ropes attempting to make it appear that she wasn't really working but Gibbs had noticed, both knew that there was more to the story then Jack was letting on. All that they had been told was that Alexandra had been having an affair with the darling Commodore and had run away in fear of having to face Jack if he found out.
It had been last night that Anamaria had begun to make the connections in her head. She remembered that Gibbs had come back to the Black Pearl one evening drunk as an ass, and had announced that Jack was having a baby with Alexandra. Now originally Anamaria had thought that Gibbs meant Will and Elizabeth, especially as they were hoping to have a child, but now she had begun to think otherwise.
That was why Alexandra was running away to England, not only because of her affair with Commodore Norrington but also because she had discovered herself pregnant and was unsure who the father was.
Now as much as Anamaria cared for Jack as her Captain and partially as her good friend she could understand why Alexandra would run. When Jack lost his temper he could be rather…intimidating, but then perhaps running hadn't been the best answer; Jack could also be a very kind and gentle man.
Turning to look over a Gibbs she nodded and placed the rope down onto the pile. Making a subtle gesture towards Jack she began to make her way over to him as if there was nothing particular going on in her mind. Jack who was off in his own little dream world at the time was oblivious to Anamaria until she was barely three paces away.
Jumping slightly Jack grinned falsely and stretched leaning against the wheel. Anamaria smiled all to knowingly but let her opportune moment to make an comment pass by.
"Cap'ain Jack…what be ye plans for catching up with the British?"
Jack raised an eyebrow and then gazed towards the horizon where the British ship was.
"Well love, I be planning that we be making our move tonight savvy? See we be going to catch 'em when it dark so that Pearl here wont be noticed."
Anamaria smiled knowing what kind of manoeuvre Jack had planned, he had managed to pull it off only once before on a similar moon less night. Just hopefully this time there would be less bloodshed and more of a positive result.
"I see Cap'ain. And what will ye be wantin' done 'bout Will, Elizabeth and Alexandra?"
Anamaria could see the hurt in Jack's eyes at the mention of Anamaria but as fleeting as the emotion had been it was soon replaced with that typical glazed look of rum and control.
"Well Will and Elizabeth maybe left alone, we don't want to be delayin' dear Lizzie from England. But if…Alexandra don't come nicely we be takin' her by force. I want you and Gibbs to get 'er, I can deal with Will."
"Aye Captain."
Anamaria smiled but before she went to leave him Jack reached out and grasped her shoulder tugging her slightly closer.
"I be needin' to ask ye a favour Anamaria." As he pulled his hand out of his pocket and placed a small box into her hand, Jack held her gaze. "Put this somewhere safe…mind ye somewhere I cant get to it…savvy?"
"Yes Cap'ain…savvy."
Leaving Jack to his own devices Anamaria made her way below deck towards her cabin still grasping the little box tightly. Waiting until she had closed the door Anamaria opened her palm and gazed at the box. Jack hadn't mentioned anything about her not being able to look in the box and she had a fairly good idea what it was in there. But the typical feminine curiosity had got the better of her for once and bean to open the little box carefully.
Anamaria held her breath as she stared at the delicate gold band and the opals that surrounded the black pearl. Jack had certainly out done himself this time…it was beautiful and had probably cost him a fortune. But he had obviously bought it without a care for that money…and that was certainly unlike Jack in many ways. But it seemed such a pity that now the ring seemed to symbolise how he must be feeling, like the little opals everything else about him seemed fairly typically Jack, the same swagger, the toothy glinting grin and the occasionally lewd comments. But at the hearty of him Jack must have felt as dark and alone as that black pearl.
Quickly closing the box Anamaria took a deep breath and looked around the room for somewhere to hide it. Then she remembered that there was a little hidden cubbyhole in one of the panels, which Jack had made when Anamaria had stayed on with the crew. It was originally intended for her to hide her monthly needs from the crew but over time they had come accustom to her mood changes once a month and learnt to accept it.
Tapping the wooden panels along by her hammock she listened for the hollow sound, once she had found it Anamaria pulled the wooden front off and placed the box inside. Taking one last lingering look at the box Anamaria replaced the panel and dusted her hands off, thinking of what various tasks needed to be done before tonight.
~*~
Alexandra rubbed her stomach in soothing circles, it seemed to help settle her stomach whenever she began to feel unwell and all because of Morning Sickness…it was a stupid name to give it anyway as it came at any point during the day.
Muttering curses at men, bodies and nature in general Alexandra began to lay the table in her sister's room, it was dusk and Will was due back from his watch any minute. It was a peculiar relationship she had developed with her brother in law over the last month or so. With them both now having to care for Elizabeth they had developed a closer bond and now she owed him everything.
Most men would have laughed at her and uncovered the truth of her activities to everyone around her, but Will was different…he was a gentleman through and through. Sighing to herself Alexandra thought back to her old social circles of London. No one had written to her and even those she had written to had not replied.
But that's what the socialites of London were like, if you weren't up to date with the latest fashions or gossip you were an outcast and the only reason Alexandra was so popular was because of her mother. She was pushy and controlling always attending the parties and hardly spending any time at home at all.
It had never really bothered Alexandra that she didn't see her mother much but now she was able to realise that her mother neglected her. The only time that she ever paid attention was when there was a slight possibility that Alexandra's hand could be taken in marriage. But as soon as the moment passed her attention for Alexandra wavered and her fascination with parties and gossip resumed.
The day that her mother died she had gone to see her as a doting daughter was expected to do. Her mother hardly spoke at all to Alexandra and spent most of her time dictating letters and reading the newspapers, but that day had been different. Her mother had pulled Alexandra close and spoken to her directly for the first time in a long while, yet what she had to say was not what Alexandra had expected:
"Alexandra…my little burden…I have spent the best years of my life bringing you up and yet still you have not married. You are beautiful…young…intelligent yet far too stubborn. This is why I have written to your father explaining that you are to be sent to him for the discussion of possible prospecting husbands. I hope…unlike your sister Elizabeth that you do not marry below your class…it would be utterly dishonourable. I hope you honour my wishes Alexandra and find yourself a rich man."
Later that day she had died leaving Alexandra what was left of her small fortune, which had been dwindled, away on clothes, men and frivolities. Alexandra had been hurt that her mother had not spoken one good word and though the idea of seeing her father and sister was exciting the fact that she would have to spend her time considering future husbands was a downside.
But now Alexandra was here…heading on her own path to motherhood where she planned to be a better mother than hers ever was. She didn't care if she was an outcast to the Socialites because she knew deep down that they would never experience the adventures she had been through, never have know the people she had met and never feel the love and care she had felt…with Jack.
Looking at the table making sure everything was set she sighed covering her face and sighing deeply. Pregnancy and men were two of the keys things which Alexandra were deeming the worst things to be ever created!
~*~
Anamaria placed the last folded sheet onto the makeshift bed where Alexandra was soon to sleep. The room seemed a little more cosy now that she had cleaned it and removed some of the clutter which had collected in there. The sun was nearly beneath the horizon, the men were preparing themselves for the evening having been re-briefed with the plan, Jack had resigned himself to his quarters and Gibbs was at the helm.
It was going to be an interesting night, as Anamaria could feel the blood and adrenaline pumping through her veins. She wasn't sure why but she was looking forward to having a little action, seeing as it had been rather quiet for the crew of the Black Pearl. Making her way up deck she checked for her pistol and cutlass once again.
Jack had already explained there was to be no bloodshed without a valid reason; their weapons could only be used in defence and any loss of life would have to be explained to Jack personally with the possibility of punishment if not a worthy cause. Gibbs and Anamaria were to find and bring Alexandra to the Black Pearl and Jack was going to deal with Will and anyone of importance who faced them.
All of the lights aboard the Black Pearl were to be put out when the last of the sun had dipped beneath the horizon and it was dark enough to move without being seen as easily. The Black Pearl was to sneak up on the British ship and board, by then they would have been probably sighted but Jack had enough faith that seeing as Elizabeth was aboard there would be little resistance so not to endanger the Governors daughter.
Standing beside Gibbs, Anamaria waited for Jack to come up on deck and signal to them that the plan as to go into motion. The entire ship was tense with excitement and emotion yet there was an underlying feel of caution…that perhaps there was something more to it all.
The Pearl fell silent as the crew watched the sun disappear beneath the horizon as if sinking into the sea, the stars above became slightly clearer as they shone and glinted like diamonds watching intently and waiting for Jack to appear on deck.
The sound of a latch being turned and a door beginning to slowly swing open broke the revered silence of the Pearl. All those on the deck turned to watch the Captain's quarters as the door began to open and a figure step out.
~*~
Jack stepped out onto the deck and gazed around at the crew, his face held no emotion as he made his way up to the helm and nodded at Gibbs and Anamaria before turning to face the rest of the crew.
"To your stations you scurvy sea-dawgs we have a plan in motion now, savvy?!"
~*~
Pérola: is the Portuguese translation of pearl
As most of you can already probably guess I have 'borrowed' the plan of Jack's from 'Master and Commander' who have full rights to their movie and I am only borrowing their idea!!!! (SO NO COURT CASES I BEG OF YOU!)
Sorry if you found this chapter a little too detailed in history and things but I firstly wanted to make sure everything was clear for all (and myself) and secondly to build up the suspense for the up coming chapters. Because even I am excited as the plan for Chapter 23 and 24 and still bubbling away in my mind!
Thanks to all of those who have been reviewing…hopefully more of you will review again…please!
Take care and until the next chapter…enjoy!
~*~