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 my original character.

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The sun was rising at last, come to help chase away the nightmarish darkness that had reflected the thoughts of several aboard the Pearl.

Jack stood at the helm, watching it rise, taking comfort in the fact that at least something was going as it should.

Ronan and Rain had left for shore not long ago to gather both the crew and Rain's tailoring supplies. Jack now waited patiently for their return. Or at least he appeared to be waiting patiently. He was tormented by thoughts of revenge.

Well, perhaps not tormented. He was rather enjoying himself. But he could not decide which punishment he would like to see carried out the most.

Jack was not a bloodthirsty man, but maybe this one time he could make an exception. Maybe this one time he could make an exception for the one responsible for his Sil's recent suffering.

Giselle.

Jack growled deep in his throat. Giselle had set the twins upon his Sil. His innocent Sil who no more deserved Giselle's wrath than Giselle deserved Jack's mercy.

When he at last saw the blond wench board the Pearl, it was all he could do to rein in his anger enough not to jump down and tear her heart out through her throat. Provided that she had one. The Pearl, sensing his distress, rocked soothingly beneath him, and Jack sighed. His Pearl was with him, at least.

Looking back toward the deck, he saw Ronan and Rain board, and the young blond gave a subtle nod to his captain. Everyone had returned, then.

The familiar hustle and bustle soon erupted as the Pearl was readied to make way, and Ronan came striding up to the helm, Rain trailing close behind.

Get me Anamaria, Jack growled, though Ronan knew the tone was not directed at him.

You know what you're doing, then? When he got no response, Ronan gave Jack a small nod before turning and heading back to the deck.

The Pearl had put a fair amount of distance between herself and the coast by the time Anamaria reached Jack's side.

Hold her steady, was his only command before he strode purposefully toward the wench currently defiling his Pearl with her presence.

Giselle turned when she heard footsteps behind her only to find herself with a sword pressed firmly against her throat. At its other end stood a nearly livid Jack Sparrow.

Give me a reason, he snarled, pushing Giselle closer toward the rail. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't run ye through right now.

Giselle only gulped against the blade, seemingly unable to answer.

Why? Why'd ye hurt Epsilon? Yer bone was with me. She did nothin' to ye. The end of every sentence was punctuated by another step forward, and soon Giselle was pressed against the rail, eyes wide.

By now, the pair had attracted the attentions of the entire crew, and the Pearl sat motionless in the water.

But Jack was not finished. Nothing t' say? Per'aps I should cut out yer tongue, wench, so there'll be a reason for silence.

Giselle gasped softly, along with some of the crew. It was not often that Jack was so enraged, and it was an arresting sight, to say the least.

Jack was completely still, debating which part to cut first, when a soft call came from behind him.

The captain closed his eyes briefly, though he did not lower his sword. he murmured.

What are you doing?

Jack glared at the woman in front of him, baring his teeth in a way that made him look only more feral, more dangerous. This wench has done nothing but arm ye since she came on board. I'm only doin' what should've been done sooner.

A trembling hand was placed on his sword arm, and he turned to face a frightened Epsilon. She was dressed in the outfit he had chosen for her - a dark pair of breeches and a white shirt of his own - and she stared up at him with pain and confusion.

She sent them, Sil. It was her doing.All the same, I would not see her killed, Jack. He reluctantly allowed her to lower his sword. Two wrongs do not make a right, she quoted with a sad smile.

Jack sighed, still brimming with barely suppressed rage. What would ye have me do?

Sil was silent for a moment. You can let her swim back to shore. We shall not harm her, Epsilon fixed the woman with a cold stare, but nor shall we assist her.

Jack only nodded, turning to Epsilon with a small smile on his face. Ye're more merciful than I, luv, but I'll do as ye wish. When there was no movement on deck, Jack whirled to face his crew. Ye heard the lass! Get this wench off me ship!

Several of the crew members, among whom were Ronan and Gibbs, who had actually taken a bit of a liking to the violet-eyed young woman, rushed forward to comply.

Giselle shrieked as she was unceremoniously tossed overboard, and Epsilon dropped to her knees on the deck. Jack's eyes widened, and he turned to the still-staring crew, Take er out to sea! before bending and picking up Epsilon. Let's get ye back to me cabin, luv. The captain spared a glance at Anamaria at the helm, but she only waved him on, indicating that she would see to it that the Pearl ran smoothly. Jack gave her an appreciative nod before entering his cabin and kicking the door closed.

Once inside, Jack sat the girl gently upon his bed and moved to sit at her feet, trying to meet Epsilon's gaze. She was completely still, and Jack laid one hand on her knee.

Sil? Look at me, luv.

When she did, Jack could see only the pain in her eyes. Why, Jack?

The captain blinked. Why what, luv?Why would. . .why would she. . .do such a thing?

Jack sighed. She's jealous, luv.Jealous? Of what?Do ye want the truth?

Epsilon stared back at him, full of confusion. Of course I do.She's jealous of you, Sil. She saw that I was spendin' more time with you than with er. I guess she was trying to make ye think ye weren't worth me time. Jack laid his other hand upon Epsilon's knee as well. And I do hope she hasn't succeeded.

Epsilon had begun trembling once again, and Jack sighed. He only hoped that his Sil had not been broken too badly.

What is it, luv?I was ruined before you ever knew me, Jack! Epsilon exclaimed suddenly. She had to make him understand. She had to make him see that she would never be good enough for him. For anyone. . .

Jack stood then and sat next to her. Epsilon didn't quite know what to expect, but she most certainly did not expect to be pulled gently into the pirate captain's lap. It was only after his arms had already wound about her, pulling her close, that she fully realized what was happening.

No! You cannot touch me! You cannot possibly want to touch me!Sil, listen to me. Jack's voice was soft, though his hold was as tight as ever. I can, and I do. Though, if ye'd stop fighting me, this would be a lot easier.

Epsilon did stop struggling, but she remained tense in Jack's grip.

Sil, I won't hurt ye. How can I make ye believe that?I. . .I do believe you, Captain. It's just. . .so very difficult. Epsilon ended her sentence with a soft sigh.

One of Jack's hands had begun idly stroking its way through her hair, and Epsilon wanted so badly to relax into his touch. But she could not. She was not worthy to be touched by him.

Sil, I'm going to ask ye a very important question now, and ye must answer me truthfully.

Epsilon only tensed further at this, and she closed her eyes, unable to look at her captain, yet unable to look anywhere else.

Did you, at any time, ever wish to be raped?

Epsilon's head jerked up, mouth gaping. She stared into Jack's eyes, trying to determine if he was really serious.

Of course not!And ye fought em every time, right, luv? With all ye had?Of course I did!Ye did all ye could to prevent being taken against yer will - somethin' ye never wanted in the first place.Yes, Captain, Epsilon pleaded. I tried. Really I did. But I couldn't. . .they-

She was silenced once again by Jack's finger against her lips.

Then I fail t' see how any of this is yer fault, Sil.Because it's not my fault!

Jack smiled softly, as Epsilon seemed to have effectively shocked herself into silence.

And ye can hardly be blamed for what's not yer fault, aye?

Epsilon could not move her widened gaze from Jack's. She merely whispered, It's not my fault.

Somehow, Jack had broken through Epsilon's shield of guilt and self-hatred. And Epsilon could not help but be broken by him.

Jack sighed then and gently pulled Epsilon closer to press against him, hoping she could feel the warmth of his body, feel the beating of his heart. Her arms were trapped between them, but both of her hands clutched tightly at his shirt, holding on as a cornerstone of her world was abruptly pulled from her, leaving the rest of her self-perception tottering dangerously.

It's not my fault, Epsilon murmured yet again.

No, Sil. It isn't. And it never was. Epsilon let her head rest against Jack's shoulder as she lay in his embrace, and Jack's hand begain lazily stroking her hair once again.

After a while, Jack decided to get Epsilon into bed and asleep, as she was decidedly more calm now, but when he moved, she did not relinquish her hold upon him. Epsilon's world had just been turned upside-down, but Jack. . .Jack was constant. He was warm and solid against her, and she would not let go for fear of losing herself completely.

Carefully, somewhat nervous to see her reaction, Jack lay them both down, one arm still wrapped about Epsilon's waist. She blinked tiredly up at him, as though surprised to find him still there.

You. . .you'll not leave me?Ye know I won't. Jack drew the blanket up over them both, and Epsilon only gave a small sigh. Sleep now, Sil. I'll be here when ye wake.

Apparently satisfied, Epsilon closed her eyes and, finally, relaxed. Jack stayed awake for some time, just watching her, but the two of them had been tried enormously by recent events, and he soon followed her in sleep.

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A/N: Alright. One more chapter done, and it's so much longer than my other ones! Please tell me what you all think. I thrive on reviews!