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, Aurnen, and Rain.

To Dawnie-7: Yeah, he's a sweetie, isn't he?

To Quietly Making Noise: Actually, they were there when I wrote the chappie, but wouldn't let me put the tildes in for some reason. So, I'm greatly spacing this chappie in case they don't show up again. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.

To missjensparrow: I loved your review! It made me really happy, and thank you for all the compliments! I hope I answer all of your questions, but if I somehow don't, please make sure to tell me.

To Ainariel-Helyanwe: I hope you've found it by now. It's been a long time, I know. . .sowwy. . .

To khuu-khuu: Thank you! I will!

To AngryTolkienPurist: Yay for therapist Jack! Hehe. And your question will be answered shortly.

To Copperstring: I most definitely agree.

To gReeNeYedeLfguRL13: Sometime soon, hopefully. And thank you so much! I'm flattered. blush

To Ellone : Hey! You're wonderful! And thank you for reading! I'll try to update faster. Please don't kill me. K?

To Lilianna: Thank you! And I will try not to, but no guarantees.

To all my reviewers: I apologize for the lateness. I was on vacation for a while and my plot bunny ran away. pout But I'm back on track and updating (a longer chappie!) quickly before I leave yet again. I apologize for any typos and things of that nature. Please tell me of any, and I will attend to them as soon as I can. I tried to get this out as quickly as possible. I hope it makes sense. Enjoy!

Damn, was it bright.

He moved his head gently, but upon discovering the pain it caused, chose instead to lie still.

Why were they always so rough with him?

He opened his eyes slowly to avoid being blinded and then blinked furiously, attempting to determine where on earth he was. He didn't usually wake up outside.

Then a face came into view. It was a young man with hair that shone brighter than any other's he had ever seen before. This man murmured something indistinguishable, then looked up to the sky and said something else. Noticing dark clouds growing on the horizon, the newly-awakened boy whispered, before succumbing to slumber once more.

Ronan watched idly as the new boy stirred slightly. He had slept through the night, courtesy of the gash on his head which Ronan had quickly bandaged, but now his eyes fluttered. The raven-haired boy's head moved one before stilling, and then Ronan was shocked by the most brilliant pair of green eyes he had ever seen. These eyes blinked rapidly, as though trying to determine where exactly he was.

I imagine it's a bit bright out, Ronan murmured, taking a glance at the sky. What's your name, anyhow?

The prone boy whispered, before falling asleep once more.

Ronan frowned. How was he supposed to get information from someone who couldn't remain conscious for more than a minute at a time? There was only a day or so left of their restocking time, and then they would be off again. But Ronan wanted to know what kind of world this newcomer would be leaving behind. He wondered if taking the boy with them would be a good idea or not. Sighing, Ronan glanced about the deck. It was usually empty, and so Ronan decided that it would be a safe place to leave. . .Rain. The young man had said that that was his name. Of course, he might have been delirious. . . Ronan shook his head and stood, making his way over to a wooden door on which he knocked.

No answer. Captain, may I come in?

When he again got no reply, Ronan tried turning the handle. The door was not locked, but nor would it open. Ronan pushed and was met with a grunt not his own.

Hold it.

Ronan ceased his movements and was soon greeted with a sleepy Jack.

What is it mate? he asked tiredly.

I came to see Epsilon.

Jack opened the door obligingly, and Ronan strode in.

Is she getting any better?

She's awake, if tha's what ye mean. Other than that, well, not really. Jack paused and watched the light-haired youth lay a hand upon Epsilon's slumbering face. If we don' do something soon, she'll shut erself up again. And then what?

She hasn't said anything to you?

Nothin' I can go off of.

Ronan ran a solitary finger across the girl's brow. Who sent them? he inquired softly.

I've got a good idea, Jack answered just as quietly.

Ronan's silver eyes flashed. Do you want me to take care of it?

Jack shook his head. I'll deal with this on me own.

With one last stroke of his fingers, Ronan turned towards the door. Tell me if there are any changes.

Same goes for ye, Jack added.

Hopefully I can get some information from him, but I'm having a difficult time as it is trying to get him to stay awake. But he did take a pretty good knock on the head, so that may take a while.

Jack just nodded and returned to his post by the door as Ronan exited.



The young man turned toward the voice. Yes, Anamaria?

She looked down at the slumbering boy at her feet. Is this yours?

Erm. . .yes.

At this, Ana rolled her eyes and made her way to the captain's cabin. Ronan took her place and sat down gracefully, reaching out to touch the young man's bandage. Sighing, he realized that he might as well change the dressing now while the other was asleep. Decision made, he rose and retrieved his materials from last night. When he returned, he gently placed the boy's head in his lap and began untying the bandage. It was while he was washing the cut that it happened.

Where am I? It was a soft whisper, barely audible. And when Ronan drew back, he found brilliant emerald orbs gazing calmly back at him.

You're on the Black Pearl; the most feared pirate ship in the Caribbean, Ronan replied, continuing with his work.



Because I saved you. Last night.

You. . .you what? This inquiry was even softer than the ones before.

Saved you. From those men who were going to-

What happened to them? Where are they? This was almost urgent.

You won't have to worry about them, anymore. They're dead, Ronan growled.

At this, the dark-haired boy seemed to freeze, and Ronan decided to change the subject.

Do you, er, have any family here?

Not anymore, I don't. Seeing as how they are apparently dead.

Ronan ceased all movement, gazing down in bewilderment at the young man below him.

Sensing his confusion, the young man continued. Second cousins. We came over here with their father years ago, and he died soon after. Since then. . . he shrugged.

I, um, well. . . Ronan had no idea what to say in a situation such as this.

Don't be sorry, the boy grinned. I'm just disappointed that I could never do it myself. Anyhow, are you almost done up there?

Ronan forced his hands back into action as the other continued to talk animatedly.

What's your name?



Ah. I'm. . . There was a long pause. Actually, I can't remember who I am. The boy shook his newly bandaged head gently, wincing. That's odd.

Earlier you told me your name was Rain.

Really? I'm sure that's not it. After another confused pause, But I like it. Rain it is.

Ronan blinked. Alright. Well, I'm all done up here. If you can stand, we can get something to eat. The blonde decided to keep the knowledge of Rain's family to himself for a short while.

I'm up for that. Rain pushed himself to a sitting position with a little difficulty.

Would you like some help? Ronan offered as he himself stood.

No, thank you. I can get it. Rain slowly got to his feet, swaying slightly. Ronan attempted to steady the young man, but noted that Rain shied away from his touch, albeit discreetly.

The boy was much quieter as they walked to the kitchens, and Ronan wondered at this sudden change.

Jack opened his eyes at the creak of a floorboard to find Epsilon getting out of bed, the sheet wrapped around her trembling frame.

What're ye doin', luv?

Epsilon froze and turned to look at him. She had been trying to leave. Actually, she was going to jump out of the window and swim off. But now, it seemed, her plans had been ruined. But then. . .

she said quietly.

Jack frowned. And why would ye be doin' that?

She was puzzled by his question. How could he not know? She was dirty. Tainted. Ruined. She did not deserve to be in the presence of a man such as himself. How could she ever have thought otherwise?

During her musings, Jack had drawn close to her. When he placed a hand upon her cheek, he saw fear in her eyes. A fear he had hoped had been driven away days past. But now, Jack saw it. And this was the opportune moment.

If that's what ye want, luv, I'll take ye back.

Epsilon looked up at him.

On one condition.

Epsilon's violet eyes widened and then dropped. What could he want from her? Thoughts whirled through her mind, each more terrible than the last. But if she wanted to get home. . .

What would you ask of me? she managed to choke out, dreading the answer.

Tell me of yer past. All of it.

Epsilon bit her lip. She understood exactly what he wanted to know. But while telling him would only disgust him further, he would then let her leave. And, after all, the damage had already been done. He would never want her now. Epsilon chased those thoughts around for a bit, trying to find some way out. Trying to weigh every possible outcome.

And then she opened her mouth.

Taimat: That's it! Pleased read and review!

Jack: Hmm. Rushed much?