OK, what can I say! I'd be amazed if there is anyone out there still reading this and if there is, you have my eternal gratitude!

Thanks to Janine and Lisa for their patience and encouragement and most importantly to Julie who worked so hard in sorting this chapter out for me. She co-wrote this chappie really and I would never have been able to find my way again without her so thank you hon.

Chapter 12 will be following very very shortly and I'll be responding to all the reviews Ive had while Ive been awol. I have been reading them all though guys so please keep them coming!

With no more ado, lets get on!

Enjoy people and please, please review!

Pirates of the Caribbean – Back to the Black Pearl.

Chapter 11.

Will stared at Jack open-mouthed. The pirate captain continued to regard the young blacksmith with the same toothy grin. The younger man shook his head slowly, not sure whether to laugh or cry.

"Jack," he began slowly, "don't you ever do that to me again!"

Jack let out a soft chuckle.

"It's not funny, Captain!" Will snapped. "Do you know how worried I was, how far I've come?"

The pirate raised a shaky hand. "Come now Mr. Turner, don't you get on your high-horse. I was only pulling your leg, all right?"

Will gazed at Jack for a moment. Despite himself, a smile of relief broke across his face. "Well," he began as he extended his hand to his friend, "I'd say I'm glad to see you but, can we dispense with the dramatic entries into our lives for a bit?" Taking the pirate's hand, as carefully as possible, he helped his friend to his feet. The cell was filled with shadows but the sound of his friends painful breaths told Will more than enough.

"Our lives?" Jack queried.

"Yes, mine and Elizabeth's. She's been worried sick since we found out."

"Ah, and therein lies the problem. When you found out… " Jack said with a nod, then continued, "I was starting to wonder what was keeping you."

Will bristled. "What kept me?" he echoed in stunned surprise. Taking a breath, he was just prepared to launch into a tirade when he noticed what Jack was doing. In an attempt to remain upright, the pirate had reached one grimy, shaky hand out to prop himself against the nearby wall.

Suddenly, the pirate pulled a face, paled and began a slow collapse to the ground, sinking to his knees and landed with a breathless grunt. Dismayed and worried, Will knelt next to his friend and their eyes locked.

"Tell ye what, lad," Jack panted, but still managed a smirk, "we'll say no more about it, aye? I would really like to get out of here now, Mr. Turner," Jack continued, his voice hoarse. "Only trouble is, due to my most unfortunate current state, I can't actually get m'self off of the floor."

Anger surged through Will once again, only this time it was aimed at those responsible for the condition of his friend. Pirate or no, no man deserved to be treated in this way. Even when Jack was in Norrington's custody, after the Isla de Muerta, James had never allowed this kind of handling of any prisoner. Will knew it went against everything any honest naval officer was ever taught. This gave the blacksmith pause.

Jack's deteriorated condition coupled with the fact that it had been Norrington who'd notified he and Elizabeth of his incarceration, thus turning on one of his own Royal Naval officers… Brow furrowed in thought, he realized with a lace of dread, there was most definitely something wrong in the command of this post…

"To put it bluntly, Will," Jack continued, shaking Will out of his thoughts, "any chance of you giving me a bloody hand up here?"

After an apologetic nod, Will quickly moved to help his friend. More gently than before, the blacksmith took one of Jack's arms and placed it across his own shoulders and slowly stood, bringing the pirate to his feet.

Once he was reasonably still, Jack nodded his thanks. Reluctantly, but without a word Will released the pirate to his own devices, but stayed close. It didn't take long, one shaky step, one hiss of pain, a hard sway forward, and Will jumped in to steady his friend again.

"Lean on me, Jack." Will told the Captain reassuringly. Jack gave him a chagrinned smile and, after draping one arm carefully over Will's shoulder, together they began to head out of the cell.

Even with his help, Will noticed that every step was a struggle for the pirate and it made him seethe with anger. But it wasn't what Jack needed at the moment so he clenched his jaw to bite back his ire and focused on helping Jack take one step at a time.

Then, just as they approached the entrance to the tiny room outside the cell, Jack suddenly halted. Helplessly, Will watched as his friend grabbed for the bars with his free hand, doubled over, with one arm wrapped around his chest and gasped for breath, which came in small, pain-filled gulps.

"Jack?" Will said as he knelt again next to his friend.

After a few minutes, Jack slowly lifted his head and peered into the eyes of his concerned friend, "Ribs," He said gritting his teeth. "Does one really need them? Highly over-rated, I'm thinking."

"Broken?"

Jack nodded then grimaced, "I think. Mostly. Shattered, possibly. Painful, definitely."

"Well, staying here isn't getting them any better." Will replied. Putting his arm around the pirate's upper body and once again draping the pirate's other across his shoulders, they stood. "We've got to get out of here, fast." Apologetically, Will finished, "The pain can't be helped for now, think you can make it?"

Jack released the bars to wave off that comment unsteadily, "'S alright. Should be used to it by now."

Will nodded reluctantly. As much as he hated to cause Jack more pain than the pirate had already suffered, they had to get out as quickly as possible, so he moved to continue their exodus.

"Will?" The somber, serious sound of Jack's voice brought the blacksmith to a sudden stop and he looked at his friend. "…I…you… well…"

Gratitude combined with the fatigue and pain in the pirates' eyes, and Will knew what he was trying to say. "Don't mention it, Jack," he interjected. "Now, lets get you out of here before you pass out completely." With a grin he added, "I don't fancy the idea of carrying your sorry arse all over port."

The pirate chuckled and put all of his weight heavily on Will's shoulders. With his friend leaning heavily on him, Will could feel under the tattered, threadbare fabric of the pirate's now useless shirt, his friends' emaciated form. Swallowing hard at his own emotions, his own relief at finding Jack alive now gave way to worry and anger at his current condition.

Hard though it was to see him in this state, Will knew what needed to be done and so he turned and met Jack's eyes and offered an encouraging nod and said, "To freedom, Captain Sparrow?"

"Aye!" Jack answered, "Oh, and rum, and plenty of it!"

During their exodus, Will tried not to focus on the sounds of Jack's painful gasps at every step, the muscles that he could feel tensing at each agonizing movement and the dried blood; Jack seemed a mere shadow of the man Will had known all these years.

All these things threatened to undo Will's resolve. Difficult as it was, he had to remind himself over and over that the first priority was to get Jack to safety. It was then that they could see to his injuries, and maybe later they could see about a little retribution.

Once they passed through the last doorway, Will heard Jack let out a small sigh and the blacksmith understood the sound of utter relief. Jack couldn't believe he was free. Will actually found it hard to contain his own emotions as tears threatened. As the pirates' knees buckled, Will slowly lowered him to the ground and propped him against the wall. It was all he could do to keep his sympathies at bay, so he turned them inward. Anger now spilled at those who'd dared to harm his friend.

Will looked away from his friend, the state Jack was in was too painful for him to watch. He glanced towards the wall – and saw Jack's old coat hanging there. He quickly crossed the room and picked the battered old clothing up. He rushed back to his friend and draped the coat over the pirate's shoulders as gently as he could. Jack flinched from Will's touch, which just angered the young blacksmith all the more.

"Who did this to you?" Will snarled.

Unresponsive, Jack merely closed his eyes, utterly fatigued. Will was certain he'd get no answer now, but he'd damn sure find out later. Then he'd-

Abruptly, Jack's eyes snapped open and he sat bolt upright.

"Mr. Turner," he began, "my..."

"It's alright, Jack," Will attempted to sooth. "don't worry. I got your effects, your sword and pistol," Will then smiled, "even your ratty ol' hat, they're safe."

"'S'not ratty." Jack said looking offended. "It's… broken in." But relief replaced his momentary panic. "Well, Mr. Turner, what say we get out of here, aye? That rum is sounding better and better."

Now, this was the Jack, even for an instant, that Will knew. Smiling now, he took his friend's hand and helped him to his feet as fast as he dared. This time, Jack stuck close to his friend, and they both knew why, and the two continued onward.

Within moments the steps exiting the jail came in to view. For the first time since starting this journey, Will had a sense that they just might make it out of here after all.

"I don't know what you two think you are doing," hissed an annoyed voice from the shadows, "but may I suggest possibly moving slightly faster?"

"Elizabeth!" Will snapped. Just then, Jack's knees gave out and Will barely managed to catch him before he collapsed. "Come here and help me with him." Will had been so preoccupied he'd almost forgotten Elizabeth was there too!

Relieved that she was unharmed, he watched as his fiancé sprung forward and placed Jack's other arm over her shoulders. With Will on his right and Elizabeth on the left, the three then began the arduous task of climbing the long flight of stone steps with a half conscious pirate leaning heavily between them.

"How hard did you hit that guard Will?" Elizabeth huffed in exertion as they climbed.

Will swallowed. "Let's just get out of here," he replied. A pause, and then, "before the whole of this bloody Port wakes up."

"Miss Swann," Jack said painfully. "You're looking very fine missy." He actually gave her a slight wink.

Elizabeth regarded him for a moment before answering with a curt, "Thank you, Jack. And, may I say, you are looking…" she paused, looked across at the pirate, and added with a grin, "handsome as ever."

Jack actually laughed, then gasped as the laugh turned into a nasty cough.

Together, Will and Elizabeth all but dragged Jack up the steps and through the door, making their way away from the cells. Jack didn't look back.

After what seemed like an eternity, Will and Elizabeth finally succeeded in getting a very weak Jack Sparrow through the small jail building, eventually ending up back in the guard's room, where an unconscious Sturt still lay on the floor.

Jack's eyes fixed on the prone man as soon as they entered the room. Will noticed a strange look flash across his friend's face. The three of them made slow progress across the open space, attempting to be as silent as possible. Will knew that they would be finished if Sturt awoke and raised the alarm; there was no way they could outrun even a single soldier with the state Jack was in.

As they crossed the room, Elizabeth glared down at Sturt's body and made a disapproving noise. Will turned to see the disgusted look on her face. Reaching out, Will took his beloved's hand and gave her a reassuring smile. Elizabeth smiled back gratefully, moving her eyes from the horrible form of the unconscious guard.

Suddenly, to the utter surprise of Will and Elizabeth, Jack broke free of their support, snatched Will's cutlass and was now crouched over Sturt, his sword raised. Staring in amazement, Elizabeth and Will were under no illusion as to what the pirate captain intended to do.

The wild look in Jack's eye gave Elizabeth pause, but her faith in their friendship gave her assurance that she would be in no danger, so Elizabeth slowly approached Jack. Gently, almost hesitantly, she lay a hand on his arm. The pirate flinched in response, but she did not withdraw so he eyed her coolly.

"You can't do it Jack." She spoke softly, "He's helpless. It would be murder."

Jack smirked. Elizabeth frowned. It was a look she'd not seen from Jack before, not even when he had been threatening her back on Port Mary. This was an evil look, a pirate's look. She saw fire in Jack's eyes as he eyed Sturt again and she shivered.

"Not murder lass." Jack looked back down at the unconscious guard. "This would be justice. Simple as that."

Elizabeth moved even closer to the pirate. After a quick glance at the guard, she briefly wondered what he'd done to merit Jack's wrath, but at the same time, something told her she preferred not knowing. Whatever it was, she was also very certain that the unconscious man deserved to die, and to die at Jack's hand. But she knew the pirate captain was a good man. She was sure he was no murderer.

"Taking another man's life when he can't defend himself is never justice, Captain Sparrow," she whispered, "its cowardice." Jack's eyes snapped back to hers and she started. "You are not a coward," she urged him, "leave him."

Jack's eyes returned to his former tormenter, his sword hand now shaking. Will, who had been watching the exchange between Elizabeth and Jack silently, saw his friend was trembling and felt a lump in his throat.

"You know she's right," Will intervened. To his opposite side, Will stepped forward and placed a steadying hand on the pirate's other shoulder. "Now's not the time for revenge, Jack. We have to get out of here now. You kill him, and we'll all probably die with him. This isn't the way."

Jack turned his head to eye the young blacksmith, the same young man who had risked everything to save him, twice. The pirate then spoke in tones more dejected and sad than Will would have thought possible of the usually hyper-active pirate.

"The way," Jack laughed but it was a bitter, broken sound, "Mr. Turner there is no justice for the likes of me. You and your respectable wife, you think His Royal bloody-damned Navy will fetter out punishment for the mistreatment of one prisoner." Jack swayed slightly before continuing, "and a pirate no less! Your 'way' is to demand vengeance against this entire Port. Not going to happen, lad, not for a bloody pirate. Not this side of hell, so, I'm going to make sure this one finds justice by sending him there. For me, this is the only way."

"Jack, no." Will argued. Then, he squeezed his friend's arm in added silent plea, and firm command.

Jack looked from the hand holding him back and slowly trailed his eyes to meet Will's. His voice trembling now, he spoke urgently, almost desperately. "Let go, boy. This bastard must pay, Will… for what he's done." Trembling violently, Jack's voice cracked as he added, "…you don't know…"

"Will," Elizabeth interrupted. "There's no more time! We have to leave this place now!"

"Come on, Jack," Will snapped and then snatched Jack's sword from his grasp. Taking the pirate's' wrist he then began to literally drag the pirate towards the door. Jack however had other ideas.

Losing his senses completely, he pulled free of Will's grip with a snarl; swung back round to Sturt and then began to kick the unconscious man mercilessly. Each blow earned Jack a low moan from his enemy, which gave the pirate great satisfaction.

Will and Elizabeth watched their friend in horror. For the first time, they saw what they feared was Jack's true nature surfacing in all his wrath. A decent man Jack Sparrow may be, but mixed in with that was a very dangerous man. A man who'd seen much and survived even more, and quite possibly at the cost some of his senses.

Two more shocks dawned on Will as he stood staring in wondering awe at Jack; the pirate's' strength to remain upright after all he'd so obviously suffered, and the savagery with which he administered his own brand of justice to the helpless man. Will knew then and there without a doubt that crossing Jack Sparrow, strange as the man may be, his ire was nothing to take lightly.

But… the Jack he'd known, the Jack that had saved his life and Elizabeth's was not this man. No. The Jack he knew was a good man. It was with this thought the Will came to his senses. With a shake of his head, Will realized what he must do. So, dropping one shoulder, he shifted sideways with all his might and shoved Jack away from the guard.

The impact, to Will's dismay, brought out an irate cry of pain and fury, as the two landed on the ground with a hard thud. Will scrambled to get off the injured pirate and once Jack sat up, Will saw anger and resentment in his brown eyes.

"Let me kill him, Will," Jack pleaded clutching his ribs. "He's scum. He isn't worth saving." The pirate suddenly looked tired and defeated again. Will couldn't understand it.

"No, Jack," Will said, "You can't do this. Whatever he did to you, I'm sure it was terrible-"

"You're sure?" Jack interrupted. "You've no idea what he did…what… I've got to kill 'im."

For the first time, Will saw a new kind of pain, an emotional ache simmering in his friend's' eyes. Will gazed momentarily at the guard. "If you do, Jack, that'll make you no better than him." He looked back at Jack, "and I know…" he looked at Elizabeth who was now kneeling close by, "we know you're a good man."

Silence. Jack squeezed his eyes shut, the turmoil obvious.

"What do you know?" Jack said flatly.

"I know that my father was your best friend. I know that my father was a good man, as you've told me. And, I know that Bill Turner would not have become the best friend to someone who wasn't equally as good. That is what I know, without a doubt."

Slowly, Jack's eyes opened and gazed from Will to Elizabeth. "No one would begrudge me killing him."

"No. But you'd live to regret it. Maybe not now, but definitely later. That I also know."

Jack looked again at Sturt for a minute then scuffed, "Maybe." Looking at Will again he added with a mock pleading look, "But it'd sure feel good right now."

The relaxed look on Jack's face, told Will he'd gotten through and he tossed Elizabeth a sigh before saying, "Maybe." Will echoed as he placed a hand gently under one of the pirate's arms, "But at present, we're leaving this Godforsaken hole, Captain, and I mean right now. We need to get you some medical help."

"I don't need help, Will," Jack replied making Will and Elizabeth pause, "I just need the Pearl,mate. She's all I need. She's waiting for me."

Will grinned then and nodded at Elizabeth. On his silent signal, the two lifted Jack to his feet. "Well, then," the blacksmith added, "let's not keep the lady waiting any longer, shall we? Let's go find her."

Once Jack was on his feet, Will draped the pirate's arm over his shoulders and with Elizabeth leading the way, the trio moved on to freedom.

The first door they came to, Elizabeth ever so cautiously opened the door just a crack and peeked out. Sighing in relief that there was as of yet no sign of life, she turned back and signaled for the Jack and Will to follower her.

"It's clear, Jack," Will whispered. "That's odd to me though, why have only one guard on duty?"

Jack let out a low chuckle. "The powers here don't expect too much trouble. After all, there was only one prisoner worth worrying about." He glanced back at the prone guard, now lying in a pool of his own blood, "And of course, they had Sturt."

Will watched Jack closely. "What so special about that guard, Jack?"

Jack smiled. "Special? Well, let's just say mate, he was more than willing to attend to all the duties required, savvy?"

Will's face darkened as he wondered exactly what all of Sturt's duties had been. However, for the moment, he banished the thought from his mind, realizing he would rather not know. Instead, he stayed to the course they moved on as quietly as possible.

Just before leaving the hell that had been his home for weeks, Jack stopped. Swaying heavily, although Will stayed close, he turned and looked back into the jail, pausing briefly.

Will studied his friend's' face, unable to read all the emotions there. Then the moment was gone and Jack nearly toppled over, saved only by Will's cautious distance. Upon reaching the final door, the cool outside air, laced with the salt breezes of the sea, rushed at them with a gust of wind.

Once again, Jack stopped. This time he lifted his head and breathed deeply the freedom he'd been denied so long.

Yet again, Will watched Jack's face as the pirate closed his eyes and swayed, but still held tight to support.

"Jack?" Will asked guardedly.

One side of the pirate's mouth tilted in a grin and his eyes opened slowly. Right away Will and Elizabeth noticed a something familiar in the twinkle in his eyes. For the first time since they'd found him, Jack gave his friends a proper smile.

Will found himself returning the grin, relief at last flooding through him.

TBC