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 Epsilon and Ronan.

To Captain Jinx Rummy: Thank you for your good deed! ^_~

To CJ*-Cj: Thank you for adding me to your favourites! I'm so happy! ^_^ And I'm glad you like my characters. I've tried very hard to make them different and interesting. Thank you so much for your compliments!

To Alandre del Fonsiur de Ronair of the Clan Silimaurë Pala Faelis: You have such an awesome name! I'm glad that you like Epsilon. I do too. ^_^ I tried to get this chapter out fast. Enjoy!

To shanaka: Well, about those last two paragraphs. . .we'll just have to see. ^_~ I'm glad that Ronan's cool. Again, he just wrote himself in there. It's a good thing that turned out well.

To Dead-Girls-Watch: Thank you!

To Surrideo: Well, I got this out as fast as I could!

To Ainariel-Helyanwe: I love the soundtrack! I listen to it a lot in my car. ^_^ It's very fun to drive to. And very addicting.

To all my reviewers: Thank you so much for your reviews and support. This week is full of midterms for me, so I barely got this chapter out. Therefore, I'm sure it's not perfect, but at least it's here, right? ^_~ Tell me if you see any errors. Enjoy!

~~~~~~~

The next morning, Epsilon ate breakfast near Anamaria and Ronan. As she watched her new friend eat, she noted that he seemed. . .too delicate to be a pirate. He was polite and soft-spoken, not brash, loud, and crude like the rest of them. Well, maybe not Jack. But that wasn't the point. Epsilon wondered how Ronan had come to be a pirate.

As she was pondering, Jack entered with whom Epsilon supposed was a lady friend of his. She was quite pretty with her long blonde hair and slim petite figure.

Nothing like mine,' Epsilon thought. Her thoughts then turned to the captain. When Jack suddenly met her gaze, Epsilon stiffened and looked hurriedly away.

In an attempt to distract her pounding heart, Epsilon asked Ronan a question. Who is that woman with Jack?

Her name's Giselle. He found her in that tavern last night. I give it a week, he added sardonically.

As Ronan spoke, Jack had made his way to the pair. May I speak with ye, lass?

Epsilon followed reluctantly, realizing that she couldn't recall Jack ever calling her by her name. When they were safely out of the dining room and onto the deck, Jack whirled in a circle. Where d'ye want to go, luv?

Excuse me?

I can't decide. Maybe we should go treasure-hunting. That always appealed to me.

Epsilon could not figure out why on earth he was asking her this. I. . .I guess so. I mean, I've never travelled, so I wouldn't know where to go. . .

Then I'll take ye everywhere! Jack announced, quite giddy by this time. Tha's what we'll do. Mind made up, Jack sauntered over to Epsilon who backed away immediately. What's wrong, luv? A small frown appeared on the tan face.

Epsilon opened her mouth, but no sound came out. As Jack neared her once again, she managed to gasp out,

Captain Jack.

Captain, then. I. . . she trailed off as he began moving again, then gasped and ran off, not really sure of the reason why herself.

~~~~~~~

Later that afternoon, Epsilon lay in her rope, mulling over her reaction. Why was she so terrified of Jack? On one side, she had been afraid of men in general since. . . Epsilon shuddered. But then why did she enjoy Ronan's company? Epsilon sighed and closed her eyes. It was difficult when not even you could understand yourself.

It did not take long for Ronan to find her.

What are you doing? he questioned in that soft, melodic voice of his.

Thinking. . .I think.

Ronan smiled and fell gracefully beside her. What about? When she did not answer him, Ronan turned. Suddenly she burst into silent tears. Ronan had no idea what was going on or what he should do. Epsilon, what's wrong? He did not try to touch her.

Epsilon shuddered violently, then stilled. I. . .

Giselle chose that moment to walk by. She smiled prettily at Ronan, then looked down her nose at Epsilon and waltzed off. Epsilon blinked, somewhat confused by the exchange.

Pay her no mind, Epsilon, Ronan said softly. She's not worth it.

Epsilon, eager to talk about something besides the earlier topic, grabbed at this chance. Why does she look at me like that?

Ronan shook his head, a small frown of distaste appearing on his attractive mouth. She's probably just jealous that you were here before she was.

Why do you dislike her so much?

His answer was surprisingly stinging. She thinks she's better than you, and she thinks she's worthy of Jack. But Ronan smiled then, attempting to lighten the mood. He may be pirate scum, but he's the best pirate scum I know.

Epsilon nodded. If Ronan liked Jack, then the captain couldn't be all that bad, could he? How did you become a pirate, Ronan?

The young man laughed. Because of Jack. Like I said, he's the best pirate scum I know. He's a good man, and I'll say no more on the subject.

~~~~~~~

That evening, Epsilon had a lot to think about. There were too many questions that had remained unanswered. As the sun fell low in the sky, the girl walked to a familiar spot on the rail to think and to watch the water. Most of the crew was below deck eating supper, and so she was alone. She sighed at the beauty of the waves, and decided to sit on the rail instead. Epsilon balanced herself carefully, and then perched steadily upon the beam. But when her grip failed against some force from behind, she plunged headfirst into the water - her surprised cry lost to the sea.

~~~~~~~

As always, please read and review! I'm going to need them after this week. ^_^ Btw, I really do check my e-mail every morning for reviews. They really brighten my day. ^_^ Thank you for making such a difference.