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 Dawnie-7: Well, hopefully I'll find a good time to reveal his ^_^ Then you won't have to guess anymore. Though, as I think I said before, you were quite close.

To Me: ^_^ This is her reaction. . .

To CJ*-Cj: Gaah! I'm so sorry! I really hope the suspense didn't really kill you. . .

To Eccentric Banshee: You have the most entertaining reviews! And I don't think you're strange. . . ^_~

To shanaka: Ohhh. . .if you hated that ending. . .please don't kill me for this one.

To Quietly Making Noise: Wow! I'm so flattered! ^_^ The next time I have some time, I'd love to try reading my whole story with the soundtrack. You've made me so curious.

To AngryTolkienPurist: I think if I threw Giselle to the reviewers. . .I wouldn't have to write about her anymore, that's for sure. ^_^

To dizzy izzy: So much chanting. I am overwhelmed. . . 0.0

To Ainariel-Helyanwe: I know, I know. It wasn't fair, was it? Sorry bout that. ^_~

To missjensparrow: I'm glad you like the name. And I think I'll add throwing her off the Pearl to my list of Ways to Kill Giselle. ^_^

To Cagalli: I love cats too! I'm a kitty person. And I hope I made this chapter a little longer.

To l297: I'm so glad I got his character right! That's one of the things I'm always afraid of: someone saying that I got him completely wrong and flaming me. And I'm glad you like Epsilon too! I'm quite fond of her myself.

To all my reviewers: I'M SO SORRY!!!!! My life's been crazy for the past two weeks, and I've had no time to write. But I've got part of the next chapter already typed up, and I will do my best to never take that long of a hiatus again. As for the way that last chapter ended, I actually wasn't even thinking of how dirty it sounded. Maybe because I knew where I was going from there. But I'm sorry about that too. I promise there's none of that in this chapter. Of course, I dunno. Maybe there should be. . . Anyway, I'm starting to ramble, and I've kept you guys waiting far too long. And so. . .

~~~~~~~

Jack's eyes grew large, which wasn't all that unusual. What was unusual was the fact that he was surprised, not drunk and excited.

Epsilon dropped her eyes. Maybe this was not a good idea. I'm tired of running. I don't want to be afraid of you anymore.

A long pause stretched forever between them, or so it seemed, and Epsilon took a step backwards. She was stopped in her tracks by a touch gentler than she had expected. Jack had slipped a finger under her chin, and raised her head slowly.

he murmured. Look at me, luv.

The young woman trembled slightly. He was so close. So close. . . Her eyes flew open when a finger from Jack's left hand ran lightly over her cheek. His right kept her head where it was. His hands were rough, but not unpleasant.

I told ye before, but I'll say it again. I won't hurt ye, luv. Don't be afraid. Epsilon's eyes fluttered closed, and Jack's fingers ghosted over these as well. Have I frightened ye?

No, Captain. She realized then that Jack meant it. Epsilon forced her body to still, and Jack grinned, bringing a hand up to stroke her hair lightly. Epsilon sighed. She did not mind his touch now. Violet eyes opened once more, and found themselves prisoner to kohl-lined depths.

That's better. Jack did not still his hands' path over that beautiful face.

Epsilon positively glowed with happiness. It had been so long since she had felt another's gentle touch, and she trembled again, but not from fear.

Jack whispered. Don't be afraid.

I'm not. Epsilon stepped forward and raised her own hand to Jack's, which rested on her cheek. But if you can call me Sil, then I can call you Jack, savvy?

Jack winked. Savvy, luv. Ye should get t' breakfast. The crew must be up by now.

Epsilon nodded. Thank you, Jack.

Anytime, luv.

As Epsilon neared the door leading below deck, Ronan stepped out, heading in the opposite direction. He noted that she possessed a new happiness. One that he had not seen since he knew her.

Epsilon! I was coming to get you. Breakfast is ready.

Epsilon grinned and darted down the steps. Ronan remained outside for a moment, watching the captain carefully. Then, having apparently discovered what he was looking for, smiled softly and vanished below deck.

~~~~~~~

Epsilon stepped onto the shore, followed closely by Ronan. They had finally reached Ligera-Oscuro. The town did look a tad better than Tortuga. There weren't quite as many drunken scoundrels and harlots lounging about in the streets. But then, it wasn't dark yet. As before, Jack took the crew to one of the many taverns, and Ronan escorted Epsilon around the town.

As Ronan walked, Epsilon trailed slightly behind, noting once again how tall and graceful the beautiful blonde was. Then said blonde turned, silver eyes shining.

See something you like? At Epsilon's flustered silence, he laughed and grabbed her hand, pulling her into a shop.

Epsilon looked around, amazed by what the room contained. Everything in it was beautiful. Colorful. Glistening. Gold, sliver, and gemstones hung from the walls and sat in glass cases dispersed through the room.

See something you like now? Ronan whispered. Epsilon nodded silently and wandered through the room, glancing over everything with wonder in her eyes. She couldn't remember ever seeing trinkets like these. Her eyes rested upon a golden ring bearing a small red gem securely bordered by more gold. Epsilon drew closer, resting her fingers against the glass.

Is that the one you want?

Epsilon turned her head towards Ronan. The. . the one I want?

Ronan nodded. Jack gave me some. . spending money. He wanted you to get something nice.



I don't know. Sometimes he just does things like that.

Epsilon glanced back at the jewelry in the case. It was beautiful. . .

~~~~~~~

The young woman walked the streets of Ligera-Oscuro, one arm locked firmly with that of the young man beside her, eagerly reading a new novel she had purchased not long ago. The pair entered a nearby tavern and sat down at a table with a rowdy group of pirates with whom they eagerly began talking.

What did ye get, luv?

Epsilon shyly held her hand out, flushing slightly when it was taken by the captain.

'Tis lovely. Jack grinned his approval. Good choice.

As the night progressed and the room began to fill with an even greater stench of alcohol, Epsilon began to feel a little light-headed and so rose from the table to get some fresh air. When she was free of the toxic cloud, she realized that the captain had followed her. She leaned comfortably against the wall of the tavern, looking up at the moon.

What are ye thinking?

Epsilon sighed. I'm thinking. . .of the sea. And the dolphins. And the sun. She closed her eyes, imagining the island, the foamy spray, the gentle breeze. She then felt Jack move away from the building and opened her eyes to find him in the middle of the street, eyes riveted on the nearby sea. Epsilon pushed away from the wall as well, walking towards him.

Would ye like to go back, luv?

I don't know. Not forever, I don't think, but maybe just to visit. I kind of like it on land.

On land!?

Well, on more land than I'm used to, Epsilon said grinning.

Jack would have responded then, had he and Epsilon not been knocked out cold.

~~~~~~~

Please read and review! Please?

Jack: *shakes his head* Really, ye're just pathetic.

Taimat: Yeah, well so are you! How could you have let me stop writing for that long?

Jack: Well, ye're not much use all exhausted and sleeping.

Taimat: You. . .you. . .

Jack: *sighs* Please review and get er off my back.