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, Giselle, and Aurnen.

To shanaka: Thank you, and here's more! ^_^

To Dawnie-7: Welcome back! And so many reviews! Thank you! *sigh* I'd love to go to Hawaii. . .maybe someday. . . And as for Ronan, well, he is a he, but. . .I'm sure you'll figure it out soon. If I don't reveal that in the next few chapters. ^_~ And Giselle ie EVIL I tell you!. . .eeeviiiiil. . .grrr. I hope she goes away soon, too.

To Me: Come to think of it, I'm glad I put that gold piece in there. That means I can do something with it later! ^_^ I wasn't really planning on giving it much meaning, but after your comment I don't know. Maybe I'll change my plans.

To dizzy izzy: Don't worry. Its name isn't Toddly or anything like that. That would be really awful. ^_^ And the kitten greatly appreciates your concern. ^.^ (It's a cat. I promise.)

To AngryTolkienPurist: Why, thank you. ^_^

To Eccentric Banshee: YAY!!!! I feel loved! ^_^

To Ainariel-Helyanwe: It's an update! On time! ^_^ And I wish you the best of luck on your story. ^_^ If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

To all my reviewers: Thank you so much for your reviews! And I got so many suggestions for the kitten's name, I had to pick one that didn't fit any of them.

Jack: And just how does that make sense?

Taimat: It does. That way no one feels neglected.

Jack: What if they all feel neglected?

Taimat: 0.0 Noooo! Don't hate me! I-

Jack: Just post the chapter, luv. Maybe it'll pacify em.

Taimat: The. . .oh! The chapter. Well, this is the product of Jack's inspiration. I wasn't planning on getting to this sequence of events until a little later, but it's his fault. *points*

Jack: My fault?

Taimat: Of course. You're my muse, and therefore it's your fault. But anyway. . .may all the readers enjoy this chapter! I know it's short, but I hope the content makes up for it. ^_^

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Epsilon awoke the next morning happy that the sun was shining and that she was on the sea. Her little kitten purred beneath her neck, and Epsilon nudged it gently. She had decided last night to name it Aurnen. That was the name of one of the merpeople in her book whom she'd taken a liking to.

Few people were up this early, but Epsilon knew that Jack would be one of them. She picked Aurnen up and set off toward the helm. On her way, she passed the door to his cabin and almost missed the body lying in front of it. Epsilon stopped and turned. It was Jack! Jack was asleep outside his cabin.

Epsilon stepped closer, confirming that yes, Jack was asleep. Aurnen mewed softly, and Jack's kohl-darkened lids flickered. He groaned and rolled to his side.

Mornin', luv.

Good morning, Captain. Have you been there all night?

Been where? Oh. Here. Yes.

Epsilon sighed. She did not ask why Giselle had apparently locked him out. Why didn't you sleep with the men?

No room for me, luv. And I doubt that any of them want t' sleep with me. He winked at this, and Epsilon found herself looking into his eyes longer than she normally would have deemed safe. And Jack noticed. She was trying, wasn't she?

I wanted to tell you his name, Epsilon explained, averting her eyes to the purring fuzzball in her arms.

Ah. And what's that?



Jack stood then and gestured to her. Come walk with me, luv.

Epsilon followed her captain obediently, watching his swagger for a moment. He walked with a sort of lilt that was rather. . .pleasing to look at.

So tell me. What does it mean? The two had reached the helm by now, and Jack undid his rigging from the night before.

Sunlit water.

Suits ye, Jack said with a hint of laughter in his voice. He was trying to be as light-hearted, yet un-maniacal, as possible.

Where are we going, Captain?

To Ligera-Oscuro. We've got t' drop our cargo somewhere, and it's the closest friendly place. Besides, ye'll be finishin' yer book soon, and I imagine ye'll want another.

Epsilon blinked and smiled shyly. How very observant of you, Captain.

'Course, luv. He grinned, flashing golden teeth in the morning sun.

And suddenly, Epsilon wanted so badly not to be afraid. She was so tired of running, of fearing, of distancing herself from Jack. Jack, who had never sought to harm her in any way. He looked out for her. He cared for her. He was a good man. It was these thoughts that moved her to do what she did next.



Yes, luv?

Touch me.

~~~~~~~

Gaaaah! It's a cliffie, I know. ^_^ I'm evil. But hey, more reviews = on time chappies! And more inspiration from Jack. More inspiration from Jack = chappies actually getting written, not just thought up in bits and pieces. ^_^ Please review, and thank you for reading!