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.

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Epsilon sighed. I will tell you then.

She paused for a moment more, wondering where to begin. You already know of my life up until the point where the rumrunners landed. I told you that when they first landed, I hid from them, but I was unexpectedly discovered by Art. He happened upon me one night when I was sleeping on the island. I had gotten sick, and I could not bear to move, even with the rocking of the sea. He was alone when he found me, and he placed his cloak over me. I obviously could not move very much, and so he found me easily only a few hours later. He brought me food and a book to read while I regained my health. I told him where I had come from and how I had been surviving. He seemed fascinated, and he came to visit me when he could to offer company.

A day or two later, he told me that he and his crew would be leaving the island, but that he would likely return again in the future. He also warned me. . . Epsilon's voice broke, and she took a deep breath to steady herself. He warned me never to approach any of his crew under any circumstances. I agreed, and for the next few years, I stayed well away from every rumrunner except for Art, who was always kind to me.

Up until this point, Epsilon had been looking at Jack as she spoke, but now she dropped her eyes, leaning against the wall by the door. One year, the rumrunners landed, and I waited on the island until nightfall, eager to see Art. But he never came. I. . .I snuck close to the camp that night, but I could not find him.

I was worried. He had never before been absent at a landing. And so I approached the camp. My concern for Art drove away his warning in my mind, and I entered their camp demanding to know where Art was. The men, they. . .

She paused once more, shuddering from her place against the wall, but Jack did not leave the bed. He would not stop her words. They needed to be said.

The men laughed, saying that Art was far beneath the sea, and. . .and I wouldn't need to worry my pretty little head about him any more. Epsilon's eyes vanished in a long blink. They reached for me then, and I remembered Art's warning much too late.

Again Epsilon tried to find words, and Jack waited, his entire body tense.

There were five of them on shore that night, and. . . Her next words were so soft that Jack had to strain in order to hear them. . . .they took turns with me.

Epsilon spared a glance at the captain then and saw only his anger and disgust. She looked away again, trembling. She had known that this would happen. I tried to run. Really, I did. But. . but they. . . Epsilon's voice left her as she gave up her attempt to lessen Jack's disgust for her.

The girl slid to the floor, crying softly. I. . .I know that I must repulse you, but if you will only let me leave, I promise that I will go far from you and will burden you with my presence no longer.

She sat unmoving, listening to the silence of the room, eyes cast down. There was a soft creak as Jack stood, and Epsilon closed her eyes as he neared her, too afraid to meet the gaze that she knew would be waiting for her. The captain stopped in front of her, and she began trembling once more as he crouched down.

came the steady voice, I'll not let ye go.

Epsilon wept openly now. If Jack would not release her, what was she to do? Why would he keep her here? Horrible images flashed before her, and she frantically pushed them all away. Jack had been so kind to her. Surely he would not harm her now. . . But now he knew the truth. He knew how tainted, how dirty, how disgusting she was. She was not worth his kindness, and she deserved anything he could do to her.

Sil, look at me.

It was with a silent resignation to her fate that Epsilon raised her head, and she was no less than shocked to notice that there was no malice or disgust in her captain's eyes.

Ye don't disgust me. Ye never did, and I suspect ye never could. I've told ye time and again that I'll not hurt ye. Epsilon was silenced by a tanned finger placed gently over her lips.

But nor will I let ye go.

Jack stared intently at her before continuing in perfect English, I will show you, Epsilon, that you are worth more than you ever deemed possible. Your torture was not your doing, and you are not to blame. I hereby promise to help you heal and to keep you safe, for as long as you'll have me.

Epsilon sat in shock for a moment, violet eyes wide. And then she burst into tears.

And Jack held her.

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A/N: Goodness, it has been a long time, hasn't it? But I think I have, at long last, found my muse again. And while I've been gone, it seems that FF has gone crazy. . . I guess I'm not supposed to do individual review responses any more, so a big thank you to all those who have reviewed this story. Reading them again really got me writing. And so, to any who might read this story again, please do review! It really makes a difference.