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 Quietly Making Noise: Plot twist! There was a reason, I promise! And actually, they get even more evil. . . *scary music playing in background*

To Dawnie-7: No, not good at all. But I fixed the link! ^_^

To shanaka: I'm so glad you like it! You make me so happy!

To gingergrass: Thank you so much for telling me! I fixed it right away.

To In the Depp End: Yay! I managed to create a followable plot! And I feel bad for Sil, too, but it'll get better. ^_^

To Rachel Sparrow: Well, Ronan's on a mission now. . .

To HeavenforaMinute: Wonderful? Really!? Thank you! And I'm glad you find it original. That's what I was going for. ^_^

To Cagalli: Behold! I actually wrote!

To CJ*-Cj: Thank you! I tried really hard, and I was so worried about whether everyone would like it or not. . . Thank you for making me feel better!

To Eccentric Banshee: Good idea! ^_^ But I think someone else might get to them before you do. . .

To dizzy izzy: I love your reviews! They always put a smile on my face. Thank you!

To Copperstring: Believe it or not, this really was as soon as I could.

To elvesmagic010: Thank you for reading! And that seems to be many people's favorite quote. It's definitely one of mine. ^_~

To missjensparrow: I don't like depressing stuff either, but I had to put that in. It'll get happier, I promise! ^_^

To all my reviewers: To make a long story short, school is doing its best to kill me, but I should have a lot of pressure thrown off by the end of next week. I'm so sorry about the delay. I wanted to post an author's note, but then, I didn't want anyone to get their hopes up for a new chappie only to find an authors note. So I churned this out as fast as I could. And. . .well, just read the note at the end, please. I won't delay this chapter any longer.

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When Jack next awoke, he found himself on the floor in a room barely lit by the light from a few candles. It took him a moment to figure out just where he was. The memory ripped through him suddenly, and he shuddered, feeling slightly sick. He raised his eyes slowly to the bed, hoping against all that he would not find what he feared he would. He stood, closing his eyes as he did so and only opening then when he was sure he could stand on his own. He felt his heart jump, and lowered himself gently to the bed. The pirate sat for a moment, struck dumb by the sight before him.

Epsilon lay spread before him, completely still, a fair amount of blood pooled beneath her. Jack reached out to touch her, hands trembling, but pulled back when she uttered a small moan. Spurred into action, he looked around somewhat frantically for his belongings. Spotting them on an old wooden dresser, he pulled out his dagger and sawed through the ropes binding Epsilon. His movements became gentler when he realized how deep they had cut into the girl's skin.

As soon as he had finished, the captain wrapped the unconscious girl in his coat and carried her from the room. He went down some nearby stairs, listening all the while for any sign of movement in the building. When Jack discovered a door, he found it to be old and decaying, just like the rest of this place he was in. After quickly kicking it down, Jack ran through the now vacant doorway and out onto a deserted street.

He realized then that he had no idea where he was. But this was not a problem for long, as the pirate caught the scent of sea air and went sprinting towards it. Jack thought of nothing but the precious burden in his arms, and he felt a great relief when he spotted the Pearl before him. Dashing onto it, he called loudly for Ronan and Anamaria.

The ship was deserted save for the blonde youth who quickly opened the door to the captain's cabin.

Get Ana, Jack gasped.

Ronan asked no questions, and he left immediately.

Jack, meanwhile, had laid Epsilon on his bed. He wanted to get water, cloth, soap, rum, anything he could that might help her, but he also refused to leave her alone. So Jack tried to content himself by stroking her face lightly with his fingers. Epsilon did not react at all.

Ronan was not long in coming, and he and Ana rushed into the cabin and over to their captain.

Ana began softly, what happened? She could see the man's hands shake as he brushed them over Epsilon's hair, and quickly scanned what little of the girl's body she could see.

It took Jack a moment to say anything. His mind was running in circles, determined to discover who had been the cause of this. The twin's voice kept echoing in his mind: Don't toy with fair maidens' hearts. Don't toy with fair maidens' hearts. Don't toy with fair maidens' hearts. . . Over and over. . .

Ana, please get. . .something.

The woman complied immediately, concerned as much for her captain's mental state as she was for Epsilon's physical.

Ronan stepped forward then, kneeling beside the bed and looking closely at the girl. he whispered. The man's eyes met his slowly. And Ronan knew what had happened. He knew. Knew exactly. He remembered. . . Who was it?

Jack did not answer straight forward, but did manage to answer nonetheless. I should've killed them a long time ago, Ronan. For ye. But I didn't. And. . .and now. . .

Jack, do you know who hired them?

The captain shook his head, his mind still foggy. Don't toy with fair maiden's hearts. . .

Ronan smiled softly. You know I'm not into them. . .that. Jack did not respond, and Ronan moved his hand on top of Epsilon's still one, his manner more serious now. I'll get them tonight, Captain. For her. . . And for me, he added more quietly. Ronan touched Jack's shoulder lightly and stood. The young man turned then and vanished into the darkness. He would avenge many ruined lives tonight.

Ana bustled back in carrying a bucket of clean water and a few clean towels. It had taken her a while to find clean items on the ship. She sat on Jack's bed next to Epsilon, and opened the coat surrounding the girl. Ana showed a small amount of shock at Epsilon's condition, but it was rather apparent what had happened, and she did not ask Jack any more questions.

While Ana worked on Epsilon, Jack was left alone with his thoughts. He was beginning to feel detached, and his mind busied itself only with the cause of Epsilon's torture. Jack knew he didn't have to worry about the twins any more. Ronan would take care of that. But who. . .? Then it dawned on him, and he growled softly.

Ana paused in her work.

But the captain only shook his head, urging her to continue. He knew who had done this. And she would be gone soon. Perhaps he should have Ronan take care of that as well. The pirate grinned virulently. Let her try to seduce her way out of that one. . .

~~~~~~~

Taimat: Well, has everyone figured out what's. . .different about Ronan?

Jack: Well, I hope so. Ye practically threw it right at em. Fifth t' last paragraph. . . First line. . .

Taimat: Hush, you. I've been dropping hints all along. I wanted to be blunt so that I could ask my question.

Jack: What question?

Taimat: For all my reviewers that have figured Ronan out, should I pair him with someone? I mean, I'd really like to, but if it will offend too many people, then I think I'll have another opportunity near the end. But I can't think of another opportunity other than this one coming up and the later one right off the bat, so I'm taking a poll now.

Jack: *blinks*

Taimat: What?

Jack: Longest question known t' man.

Taimat: *sigh* Please read and review!