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, Ronan, and Giselle.

To Me: Hehe That sounds weird. To Me. ^_^ Thank you for loving it!

To CJ*-Cj: Here's more! And about 2 days early, too. ^_^ Shark: Rwaaaar! (I'm sure sharks can make that noise if they try really hard. ^_~)

To Ainariel-Helyanwe: Thankyouthankyouthankyou! I love reviews! I love your reviews! Yay! And I'd love to read your story. What's it about?

To Cagalli: Thank you! I spent a while trying to come up with a good name, and I rather like Epsilon. ^_^ I actually decided upon it while doing physics. Epsilon is a greek letter, and, yeah, it's sad, I know. But I'm pleased with the results. Maybe physics is good for something. ^_~

To dizzy izzy: *running around campfire* I LOVE that song! ^_^ And here's the next chappie! I wrote fast, see? Two days early!

To all my reviewers: Ah! So many smilies!! Sorry bout that. I'm rather attached to them. ^_^ Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this! This might not be the most exciting chapter, but if I can get to 50 reviews, I'll make sure to post the next chappie. . .*drum roll*. . .on time! (Unless, of course, my cpu blows up or something.) ^_~ No, I'm not evil. I just like reviews. Very much. Enjoy!

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Epsilon awoke more differently than she could ever remember doing. There was no hard rope rubbing against her skin, the sun was not in her eyes, she was against something soft. . .something. . .alive. . .

Epsilon awoke with a soft yelp and would have flown off the bed had Ronan not caught her. It's alright, Epsilon. You're safe. I won't hurt you.

Trying not to hyperventilate, she asked, What am I doing here?

There was a bad storm last night. Jack brought you here.

Epsilon paused. Jack what?

He carried you in here himself. Ronan smiled softly. I told you he was a good man.

Epsilon shuddered, thinking of the captain carrying her while she was not aware of it. But then, he hadn't harmed her, as far as she could tell. She sighed and got out of bed.

It's early, Ronan stated. I'm going back to sleep.

The girl nodded and strode from the room. She managed to find her way to the deck and went to collect her book from a small alcove near her rope coil. It had, thankfully, been saved from the storm's fury. She walked off, albeit somewhat painfully, towards the bow of the Pearl. Halfway there, her legs began to sting horribly, and she decided that the middle of the ship was quite a nice place to lie down. She settled herself on her back and promptly fell asleep in the sun, book forgotten.

No one was up this early, save the pirate captain. He was up by the wheel, deciding where to journey next, when Epsilon had come above deck. He watched her gather a book in her hand and move to the center of the deck, where she promptly laid down and fell asleep.

Jack sighed. No one had cared for her wounds yet, and she had not been moving very well. He made his way toward her quietly. When he stood above her, he looked down with a slight sense of appreciation. Yes, her skin was bleeding and raw, but she was still attractive. The sun glittered on the reddish tones of her brown hair and shone on muscled skin that was almost as tan as his own. Jack stood there for a while, looking.

The door to Jack's cabin opened, and Giselle stepped outside. She noticed the pirate standing over that girl and skipped over. she crooned, wrapping her arms about his waist, what are you doing?

She's bleeding.

Oh, really? Giselle looked down with a small frown of distaste. Have her clean it up then. Before Jack could stop her, Giselle had kicked Epsilon lightly in the stomach. The young woman gave a small cry and wrapped her arms about the tender skin. You're going to bleed on the deck, the blonde scolded, as though it were Epsilon's fault that she was bleeding.

Epsilon whined softly and stood. she whispered, not looking at the captain or his doxy, then strode off to the barracks again. Jack, somewhat angered by Giselle's behavior, followed Epsilon.

I'll help ye, lass, if ye'll give me the chance. Epsilon stopped suddenly, and Jack came up behind her. Yeh've got t' let someone care for those.

She looked down at the nearly ribboned skin that had reopened and sighed. Ronan can do it.

Whatever pleases ye, but have im do it now before they get any worse.

Epsilon nodded and all but rushed down to Ronan's bed. She whispered his name softly, and he turned to look at her.

What's wrong?

Jack says someone has to take care of these, she said quietly, looking down at her midsection.

Didn't he want to? He is the ship's doctor.

Epsilon shifted uncomfortably, and Ronan slid out of bed. He won't hurt you, Epsilon. Ronan took her hand and led her away from the waking crew.

I. . .I guess so.

You've got nothing to be afraid of, Ronan continued. Now, wait here while I get something to clean you with. The pirate walked off to find supplies, leaving Epsilon standing alone.

When he did not return quickly, Epsilon assumed that he had been waylaid by someone, most likely Giselle, and went to get the book she had left behind earlier. Just as she sat down to read, a shadow fell over her, and she looked up to find an irritated Jack.

Didn't I tell ye to get yerself cleaned up? Without waiting for an answer, he bent to pick her up and started when she darted away. Jack nearly growled in frustration. What have I done that's frightened ye? I already said I'm not out to hurt ye. When Epsilon did not answer, Jack rose, turned on his heel, and began to walk away.



He paused. Captain Jack, he spat in frustration.





Epsilon drew in a shaky breath. I. . .I'm sorry.

Jack bowed his head, then continued to walk to his cabin. Once inside, he laid down on his bed and thought. He had never met a female who hadn't desired his touch, and yet this girl seemed terrified of it. Jack was fairly sure that he hadn't done anything to warrant that and wondered what was wrong. After using his brain longer than he would have liked, he wondered if her fear might have nothing to do with him at all. As far as he knew, she had never once gotten close to any other man on the ship save Ronan. That was a puzzle he would save for some other time. But what if something had happened to her before he had met her? Something on the island perhaps?

His train of thought was suddenly broken when Giselle entered and sat by him on the bed.

Not now, luv.

What? Why?

I've got too much to think about.

Giselle was struck dumb. He had never refused her before. She rose and stormed out angrily, the slamming of the door almost drowning out the cry from the deck.

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Well, that's it. Not much in the way of action, really, but I suppose it's not too bad. ^_~ And remember, more reviews = faster chappies! Thank you for reading!