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 Cagalli: Giselle. . . Well, we'll see. ^_~ I'm glad you're into it. I'm into it myself. ^_^

To Ainariel-Helyanwe: Hey! I took a look at your site, but was the story on it? If it was, I couldn't find it. Sowwy! But it sounds like it could be interesting, if you can develop it. ^_^ Just sit down and write, then look over it. I swear it works.

To missjensparrow: Epsilon is mighty! Mwah-hah! ^_~ And here's your update. (Btw, I hereby deem beautifulness a word! I like it. ^_^)

To Eccentric Banshee: No! Not Jack's rum! He'd never let me use him again! *pout* . . . *looks around* . . . Cookie? 0.0

To Me: I'm so glad you like it!

To dizzy izzy: *gasp* I remember that show! ^_^ Yay! Pinched, huh? Well. . . Here's another update because I love my reviewers! ^_~

To alexis: You make me so happy! And I guess we'll see what happens, won't we? ^_^ Not that I already know or anything. . .

To little elfling: Hey! I got your review just as I was typing this up. And here's another chapter pretty much on demand. ^_^

To all my reviewers: Awwww, I love you guys! Yay! You gave me 50 reviews, so I give you another chapter. Go on, take it! ^_^ Ah! Attack of the smilies again! Anyways, enjoy!

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Jack rushed outside and spotted a merchant ship on the distance. The eager crew was already assembling, and Jack forced himself to put Epsilon out of his mind. The captain grinned as the Pearl easily caught the other vessel, and the two were lashed together. As the crew swarmed over to the other side, Jack spotted Epsilon out of the corner of his eye.

He called out to her, and when she turned her head, Jack ordered her to stay where she was before boarding La Vela.

Epsilon growled softly, then looked for a vantage point. Raising her eyes, she smiled. Yes, that would do nicely. The wind blew hard as Epsilon ascended, but the Pearl was moving much slower than she usually did. From here, Epsilon admitted that she couldn't see much, but she waited patiently all the same. Jack, to his credit, didn't kill a soul. For all his pirate's blood, he was not an evil man. The crew of La Vela was taken to the brig, she supposed, and the goods were taken below as well. Epsilon sighed. This was not all that exciting, but then maybe that was because she was so far removed.

The girl watched calmly as the ship sank. As La Vela was slowly taken by the sea, a small animal jumped overboard. Epsilon watched it fall and struggle in the water. She felt a surge of. . .something and grabbed a rope that looked to be useful. Quickly, she tore strips of cloth from her pants and wrapped these around her hands before sliding down and swinging out over the ocean.

Responding to shouts from the crew, Jack looked up to the sails. Epsilon crouched gracefully amid the Pearl's masts and clutched one of the many ropes they possessed. With that as Jack's only warning, Epsilon then dropped down and flew over the deck. Once she was past the rail, she let go and dove gracefully into the waiting embrace of the sea. Most of the crew had not seen the dolphin girl swim before, and they watched with interest as she moved quickly through the waves to the ship.

Jack cursed loudly as Epsilon neared La Vela. There were precious few minutes left until the ship would explode, and if Epsilon were close enough, Jack doubted that she would survive.

Epsilon moved quickly, avoiding debris that had already freed itself from La Vela. When the young woman finally reached the animal, she realized two things: one, it was a small baby cat; two, she had nowhere to put it. Frantic shouts floated across the water, and Epsilon came to a quick decision. She managed to fit the animal into the cloth around her chest, as uncomfortable as it was, and the cat dug its claws lightly into her skin. Epsilon stroked towards the Pearl on her back so that the cat could breathe.

A rope dropped down, and Epsilon climbed hurriedly and clumsily. An explosion from behind frightened both her and the cat, and she gasped when the animal actually drew blood. When she arrived on deck, she was greeted by an annoyed Jack.

What the hell was that?!

Epsilon shuddered, attempting to suppress her fear. She pulled the small cat from her bosom, ignoring the red welts it left in its wake. After all, what were a few more scratches?

For once Jack was puzzled. Ye went back. . .for a kitten?

The girl cradled it close to her, stroking it softly. It was a beautiful kitten, she thought. It had spots and cute, rounded ears. But what to name it?

Epsilon looked up slowly. Can I keep it?

Jack grinned. 'Course ye can.

Thank you. She gave Jack a gentle smile before adding, then walked off with her new pet.

Anamaria drew up beside Jack. An odd one, she is. But not in a bad way.

As the crew returned to tending to the spoils and the men that had come with them, Giselle glided up to the pirate next and looked at him from lowered lashes. Jack, why does she get one and I don't?

Tell ye what, luv. The next animal ye rescue is yours t' keep. Jack kissed her forehead lightly. I've got t' sail me ship now, luv. Ye can wait for me if ye'd like, though. The captain winked at the blonde and then strode off. Giselle huffed for a moment, and then turned around and stalked off the other way. Anamaria watched the exchange with an odd sort of look in her eye. It was an unusual exchange, after all.

Ronan followed Epsilon and her kitten back to the now-familiar rope bed. The girl sank gratefully into the coil, and Ronan followed suit.

What will you name it?

Epsilon paused. I don't know. I'll have to think on it. She then noticed that the animal had around its neck a slim circle of gold embedded with bright gems. Epsilon gasped. It should go to the captain, she murmured.

Go take it to him, Ronan told her. When the girl didn't move, Ronan touched her shoulder gently. Go on. He won't hurt you. He smiled and pushed her up.

Epsilon stumbled slightly, but quickly righted herself. She stroked her kitten once more, and began to walk slowly towards the place where she knew Jack would be. She didn't want to be afraid. Not of Jack. And, well, now was as good a time as any to work on getting over her phobia. Not all at once, but. . .

Before she was mentally organized, Epsilon had reached the helm. Jack turned his head, offering what he hoped was an encouraging smile. What is it, luv?

This is for you, she nearly whispered. Her violet gaze dropped to the gold that dangled from her hand.

Jack reached out, and the jewelry fell from Epsilon's trembling fingers.

Where did this come from, luv?

It was around the kitten's neck. I just noticed it now. I would have given it to you earlier, but I- Epsilon stilled suddenly. Jack had reached out and was slowly stroking the animal in her arms. The cat purred softly, and Jack looked up.

Thank ye. Jack grinned and stood sharply, swaying. What's its name?

I don't know yet.

Well, pick soon, luv. He grinned once more, and Epsilon was moved to do the same.

Jack was not so bad, after all. In fact, were she not terrified of him, Epsilon might have been quite fond of him.

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Well, I'm not very fond of the name La Vela, so if anyone can think of a better one, I'm willing to hear it. Review please! I don't care how weird they are, they are a joy to read, I promise. ^_^ Remember, more reviews = faster chappies! Now, I must get to writing, but I have writer's block, sadly, and I am running out of extra chapters. No, wait, I'm out. . . *sigh* I need inspiration. . .

Jack: Ye're out of what, luv?

I didn't. . .Gaaah! I'm hallucinating!

Jack: No ye're not. I came to be yer. . source of inspiration. *grin*

A muse, then?

Jack: If that's what ye'd like to call me. *wink*

Oh, no. *sigh* Well, go on. Inspire me.

Jack: As ye wish, luv. *smirk*