Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize, including, but not limited to, PotC, Johnny Depp, Jack, Elizabeth, the Black Pearl, the island, the sea, yadda yadda. . . I do, however, own my original character.

Happy late Chocolate Day! (Also known as Valentine's Day.) I know this chapter's out late. I've spent my weekend at Lowe's, shopping for my stupid physics project. . . I apologize for the amount of PotC plot that's in here, but I just couldn't get around it. But, I think this is the last chapter that has movie plot in it, so I'm hoping the rest will be easier to write. Thanks to Nevoreiel's script at I'm so glad I didn't have to watch the end of PotC in subtitles. (Like I did for the other chapter.)

*sigh* Maybe I need a muse. . . Whaddaya think?

To Dawnie-7: I certainly tried. I'm so glad I did a good job!

To Ainariel-Helyanwe: Look! An update! ^_^

To shanaka: Oh, yes. There is much plot. Lots in this chapter, too, but then it's over and I get to do what I wish. Mwa ha ha. ^_~ Yeah, it's a pitiful evil laugh, huh?

To Shadows-Of-Blue: I'm glad you like it!

To all my reviewers: Thank you so much for your support and for liking my story. I'll try to make it good. ^_^

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Days later, Epsilon found herself in yet another new place, but at least it was near the sea. Since that night on the island, Elizabeth had finally told Epsilon what had been happening over the course of the adventure. It really was an interesting story, but Epsilon had not had time to mull it over. She stood next to Elizabeth, and both had been made to wear what Epsilon considered to be the most uncomfortable article of clothing she had ever encountered. They were flanked by the Commodore and Elizabeth's father, and Jack stood before them, waiting with a rope around his neck.

Epsilon stood uneasily as she focused her attention once again on the scene in front of her.

for your willful commission of crimes against the crown. Said crimes being numerous in quantity and sinister in nature, the most egregious of these to be cited herewith – piracy, smuggling

This is wrong, Elizabeth whispered to her father.

Commodore Norrington is bound by the law. As are we all, he responded.

impersonating an officer of the Spanish Royal Navy, impersonating a cleric of the Church of England, sailing under false colors, arson, kidnapping, looting, poaching, brigandage, pilfering, depravity, depredation, and general lawlessness. And for these crimes you have been sentenced to be, on this day, hung by the neck until dead. May God have mercy on your soul.

Epsilon shuddered. She may have feared him, but she didn't want Jack dead. She started when she heard Will speak. She had not even noticed him approach.

Governor Swann. Commodore. Elizabeth. I should have told you every day from the moment I met you. I love you.

Will then rushed off into the crowd. At that moment, Elizabeth fell backward. Then the entire world moved at once.

Jack fell through a door in the floor, but landed on Will's sword which had flown from the latter's hand. Epsilon realized that she could not see any longer, as a crowd began to form around the pair. She rushed down towards them, holding the skirts of the awful dress in her hands so as not to trip. She followed as Jack and Will rushed about, leaving a string of unconscious soldiers in their wake. The young woman couldn't see what was going on, but the crowd stopped suddenly. When she had managed to fight through it, Epsilon saw Jack and Will surrounded by an army of bayonets. She saw Norrington speaking to Will in angry tones, and drew closer so that she could hear.

I thought we might have to endure some manner of ill-conceived escape attempt, but not from you.

Then the Governor spoke up. On our return to Port Royal, I granted you clemency. And this is how you thank me? By throwing in your lot with him? He's a pirate!

And a good man. If all I have achieved here is that the hangman will earn two pairs of boots instead of one, so be it. At least my conscience will be clear. Will stood proudly among the glistening metal points that were just waiting. Waiting for him to make one wrong move. One false step. . .and then. . .

You forget your place, Turner, the Commodore challenged.

It's right here. . .between you and Jack.

Then Elizabeth rushed in between the pirate and Norrington as well, standing as proudly as Will ever could. As is mine.

the Governor cried in fear. Lower your weapons, he commanded of the soldiers. For goodness' sake put them down!

So this is where your heart truly lies, then? Norrington asked, hurt by her actions.

It is.

Jack seemed to shake out of his lethargy. Epsilon wondered why he had not done so sooner. She had not heard him be this quiet before. Well! I'm actually feeling rather good about this. He strode closer to the Governor than the latter seemed to desire, as he turned his face away in disgust. I think we've all arrived at a very special place, eh? Spiritually. . .ecumenically. . .grammatically? And then to Norrington, I want ye to know that I was rootin' for ye, mate. Know that. Elizabeth. . .it would never ave worked between us, darling. I'm sorry. Will. . .nice hat. He began to saunter backwards towards the battlement behind him. Friends! This is the day that ye will always remember as the day that. . .

Epsilon watched Jack tumble over the short stone wall. It was at that moment that she realized she had control over her life's direction. She could stay here with her new friends Elizabeth and Will. She could live a pleasant and elegant life and never have to fear for her existence. It sounded. . .safe. Safe. . .

On the other hand, she could follow Jack. If he would have her. His life seemed far more interesting than the former, but far more dangerous as well. But the sea. . . She would be with the sea. That thought made up her mind quickly. Maybe she could live with a frightening pirate as long as she was on the sea. And maybe. . .maybe Jack was not so horrible after all.

Mind made up, Epsilon ran quickly to Elizabeth to give her a hug and to give her thanks to those standing there. Elizabeth looked confused, and reached out to her, but Epsilon darted away from both her and Will. Rushing to the wall, she dove over much more gracefully than the last person to tumble to the sea.

Epsilon's body hit the water, narrowly missing the rocks, then quickly bobbed to the surface. Hearing the splash, Jack turned, waiting almost expectantly.

Are ye coming, lass?

Epsilon would have responded, but she was busy struggling with the monstrosity called a dress. She clawed at it desperately, trying to free herself from the weight, and eventually she swam free of the yards of fabric. But she still could not breathe, and was therefore unable to dodge Jack's grasp. The pirate ripped off the shell that caged her lungs with one tug.

Come on then, he commanded, turning back to the open sea.

Epsilon, now clad only in one layer, moved more freely. Even with the hindrance of clothing it was no trouble to keep up with Jack, for she was still faster than he.

As the two swam, Jack glanced occasionally at Epsilon, entranced by her movements. She did not swim like he did, but instead kicked both of her legs as one. Jack supposed her behaviour was not that unusual considering her upbringing, but he did note that she stayed underwater for longer than what would seem possible. She behaved like the dolphins themselves, breaching occasionally in order to breathe and diving back in with an ease that Jack had never noticed in another human being.

During the course of his observations, Epsilon kept her focus on the ship that Jack seemed to be heading towards. Even from far away she could see the black sails fluttering slightly in the wind. Just before she and Jack reached what must have been the Black Pearl, Epsilon saw a rope drop into the sea and heard cheers from above. The girl hissed when Jack tightened an arm about her waist, and then she was flying through the air. The pair landed with a hard thud onto the wooden deck, and Epsilon gasped softly when she saw how many men were crowding around her.

She heard Jack's voice boom over her. On deck, you scabrous dogs! Man the braces! Let down and haul to run free. And so quietly she could barely hear him, Now. . .bring me that horizon. And then Jack began to sing. And really bad eggs. . .drink up, me 'earties, yo ho!

What had she gotten herself into?

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Please review, everyone! I appreciate all comments, input, and everything else. I promise, whatever you wanna write in that little box, I'll read. ^_^ It helps me get these chapters out. Thank you!

P.S. - How am I doing on my summary? I know that I keep changing it every so often, but I'm trying to get a really good one. If anyone has any comments or ideas, I'm ready to listen.