OK, just to amaze you all, here's the next chapter! And nope, its not really late! Hope you think its up to standard! Let me know.. Im working on 13 already, hopefully will be up here by next week. Just wanted to thank a few people:
Morph: Hope you appreciate the quick update. Thanks for sticking with my fic.
DarkoBender: Aww thanks, Im glad you like my story and i promise never to disappear like that again. Hopefully ill be updating every fortnight or so from now on.. She hopes..
Cptn-jacks-bonnie-lass: Thank, dont worry.. Im not gonna let Sturt get away with what he's done..
williz: yay, new reviewer! Im glad you like! Hope you review again!
Istani: Yay, you've been with my since chappie 1! Thanks for still being here and still wanting to read! Hope you like this update!
Ellennar: I know, I was gone ages! Sorry about that. Wont happen again. Enjoy this chapter!
Susan: Thanks very much, hope you review again.
And ofcourse Mika: You're a hon babes! Thanks for reviewing here and on HJD. Hope you like this chapter!
And last but def not least, thanks to Julie for betaing, encouraging, nagging etc etc! I'd be lost without her, I really would! You are the best beta in the world hon, you must be! Thanks again!
OK – onward -
Pirates of the Caribbean - Back to the Black Pearl
Chapter 12
"So far, so good," mumbled Will. He turned to Elizabeth who was standing next to Jack, already starting to inspect the pirates many injuries. With some amusement he watched as the pirate cursed his beloved attention and tried, ineffectually, to push her hands away.
"Mr. Sparrow!" Elizabeth exclaimed exasperated. "Don't be such a baby! Come now, I'm not going to hurt you."
However, more curses and insults flew from Jack's mouth. His voice was weaker than usual but Elizabeth didn't miss one word.
"Well really! That's gratitude for you!" She snapped, still attempting to dab at Jack's face with a handkerchief.
Will suddenly came to his senses. "Elizabeth, stop wasting time!" She turned and fixed him with an icy glare. "You have to move on ahead," he continued. "Jack and I will follow behind you."
In a huff, Elizabeth stood and moved to pass Will. As she drew near she hissed, "You always did take his side!"
Eyes wide with surprise, Will sputterd, "What?" Before she could move past him, he reached out and grabbed her arm and drew her in close. "Elizabeth," he began in annoyed tones. But her eyes met his and he hoped she saw the concern for her safety, the guilt he felt for having brought her and subjected her to the incredible danger. Then, softly, he said, "don't go too far." And squeezed her arm.
Gazing into his eyes, seeing nothing but concern and worry etched in the lines carving his face, she sighed and offered a half smile. Placing a hand on his arm that held her in place, she said, "I won't." She patted his hand and added, "We'll get through this, Will. Don't worry so."
Will nodded in relief that she no longer seemed upset with him, released her arm and she moved to take the lead. Turning to face Jack, Will's relief was short lived. Jack's condition was worsening by the minute. The journey, short though it was, was taking it's toll and their friend seemed to be fading fast.
No help for it, Will thought steeling his resolve, they had to get moving. So, with no further hesitation, Will moved to take Jack's arm, "Come on Jack," Will said urgently, "not that much further."
"I'm just fine, Mr. Turner," Jack replied, though he spoke, and looked faint. "Fit as a fiddle mate. Raring t' go." Shirking off the arm meant to assist him, Jack stood and moved slightly ahead of Will. "Come on, let's race," he gave Will a grin.
To Will's amazement, Jack actually managed to jog a few steps before stopping abruptly and letting out a surprised "Uh oh," he slowly began to fall to the side. Will just managed to grab him before he toppled to the ground.
"Oops," Jack muttered. "You know, Mr. Turner, I've changed me mind. You lead the way," and Jack bowed his head in resignation.
Despite everything, Will smiled as he put his arm around Jack's slim shoulders and helped him forward, hurrying as fast as he could after Elizabeth.
"No more games, Jack," Will said under his breath, "or I'm not going to get you away from here alive."
Keeping to the darker shadows of buildings, avoiding the lamps lighting the various stores they passed, Will and Jack, with Elizabeth a few paces ahead of them, made slow progress through the port. It was only by some miracle that they managed to keep out of the sight of the small groups of guards they passed along the way. Countless times, Jack nearly fell to the ground, putting all of his weight onto Will. Even though Jack was skeletal thin and very weak after his treatment in the jail, Will still found it a struggle to support the pirates dead weight.
"How much further to the Anne Elizabeth?" Will hissed.
There was no reply through the darkness from his fiancé.
Will frowned. He had told her not to go on to far ahead of them!
"Elizabeth," he whispered urgently, "where are you?"
Still no reply.
"Jack, hurry!" Will snapped. "We have to move faster, I know we're nearly at the docks." Jack managed a low moan in response.
The two men tried desperately to quicken their pace, Will all but dragging Jack beside him.
"Stop there," a harsh voice snapped from ahead of them. Will froze and Jack, all his energy spent, fell to the ground with an exhausted sigh."
"Jack," Will whispered, now despairing as he stared down at his prone friend. There was no response from the pirate. Angry, Will turned to glare at the naval officer, now impeding their exodus, and holding a pistol steadily trained on him.
As the officer stepped towards the blacksmith, out of the shadows, Will saw in horror that he was holding Elizabeth in an iron clench. Panic gripped his heart and it was all Will could do not to lunge at the man who held his life in his hands.
"Don't move," the officer ordered him. "You move and I will have to shoot you."
Will slowly raised his hands into the air, stealing another concerned glance at Jack who was still lying on the ground, unmoving.
Ben Dawson carefully eyed the young man in front of him with interest. Sparing a quick glance at Sparrow, the young captain then returned his stare to the smithy.
"Who are you?" He asked simply.
Not trusting his voice to give into the panic he felt, Will didn't answer right away. After a moments' hesitation, his eyes cold and angry, he finally whispered, "Aren't officers supposed to be gentlemen? Not very proper of you, holding onto a young lady against her will." Will's eyes narrowed. "Let her go."
Dawson eyed him silently. He released his hold on Elizabeth and, now free, she stared at him.
"Of course, you are right," Dawson replied in a quiet voice. "My apologies Miss," he said to Elizabeth and politely nodded his head to her. He kept his pistol trained on Will though.
Hesitating for a moment, Will carefully lowered his arms and then reached out for Elizabeth who gratefully took his hand.
"I understand if my actions appeared hasty to you," Dawson told Will, "but I had to ensure you and your companion were no threat." His eyes fell on Jack again. "After all, you are assisting in the escape of a dangerous criminal. A pirate. Are you not?"
They didn't reply and Dawson cocked his pistol. "I am well within my rights to shoot all three of you now and probably gain a commission for the act, do you understand?" He told them, his voice steady. "After all, the pirate is to be hung tomorrow."
Protectively and without hesitation, Will moved to stand in front of Jack, shielding him from Dawson. "Did you do this to him?" He snapped. It was Dawson's turn now to remain silent.
Will frowned then before continuing softly, "If you want to kill us sir, just go ahead and do it. If not, then let us pass." He then stared down the armed man, breathing quickly.
Dawson frowned at the boy. "I cry for help boy and you will be hopelessly outnumbered in seconds, you do realize that?"
Will swallowed but tilted his head defiantly, "Let them come," he snarled.
Dawson eyed the young man for a few moments more and then let out a low chuckle.
"You are a brave lad." He told Will, "but that won't help you if the Admiral catches up with you."
"Admiral?" Elizabeth shot across him. "Admiral Morris?"
Dawson nodded to her but didn't reply.
"My father is friends with the Admiral. I know him to be a reasonable man." Elizabeth stated.
Dawson smirked. "Is he?" He pointed to Jack, "Ask your pirate friend Mr. Sparrow there, how reasonable Admiral Morris can be."
Elizabeth turned to look at Jack quickly, confusion on her face. Somehow, Jack had managed to get to his feet unassisted and now wobbled unsteadily, his face grave. Dawson and Sparrow continued to regard each other. Then, a loud shrill noise cut through the silence, splitting the night air. All four jumped at the sound, but it was Dawson who surprised them all by lowering his gun.
"Go." Dawson said urgently, pointing north. "The docks are that way. But you'll have to run now."
"You're letting us go… Why?" Will asked, his eyes narrowing skeptically. Then, suddenly, he added, "And, how did you…?" But the sound seemed to muddle his thoughts, and after looking around, added, "My God, that noise…"
Rolling his eyes, Dawson lurched forward, took Will's arm and began walking in the direction he'd indicated and explained, "As to why, suffice it to say I don't agree with the Admiral's methods." The captain shot a sympathetic glance at Jack, who managed to keep up only with the Elizabeth' aid. "As to how, well, I didn't think you'd be swimming out of here, so the docks are a given and I hope a ship awaits you. If not, you're a bigger fool than I thought. Second, that sound, means someone has noticed Sparrow's escaped. Third, if you want to get out of here, there will be no more questions. The time for that has more than past. Just go! Leave now!"
Releasing Will's arm, Dawson spun the boy to face him. The pistol was in Dawson's hands, handle extended toward the smith. "Take this and run." Will shook his head, not comprehending. "It has to look like you over powered me and took my gun! And besides, you will need a pistol incase you meet any of my men."
Will nodded, took the gun and backed away. Suddenly, Dawson grabbed his arm. "Please, shoot to wound, not kill."
"I'm more inclined to a blade, than one of these things," Will indicated to the gun, "but I'll certainly try."
Pulling Elizabeth aside, Will started to instruct her to move ahead with Jack and that he'd follow close behind. However, his words died as he realized she was not looking at him. Following the trail of her gaze, he then noticed it too. Only he and Elizabeth had moved off. Jack stood stock still a few feet from Dawson. Staring.
"Jack?" Elizabeth called softly.
Studying the two men quietly, Will knew there was something that needed saying between them. It was then that he decided to use this time to get Elizabeth away quickly and closer to their ship, closer to safety. Squeezing her arm, she turned to him and he nodded in the direction of the dock. She hesitated only momentarily but knew Will would return for Jack if he took too long, so she moved ahead.
Will gave the men one last look and noticed how Jack had ignored Elizabeth's call. Dawson, an officer under Morris' command, was helping them escape. The pirate had to make his peace with that. And with that last thought, Will turned and followed after Elizabeth…but he wouldn't go too far, should Jack need him sooner.
"If he finds out…" Jack said to Dawson, his voice trailing off. He didn't have to finish, both men understood. "He will kill you, you know."
Dawson grinned. It was a smile of relief, assuaging a conscience long tortured by events he could not control. Control now returned, and a burden now lifted, "Let me worry about that, Captain Sparrow. This is the least I can do after everything you've been put through. Now please, go."
"Thank you, Captain Dawson," Jack replied.
They nodded to each other, then Jack turned and began a slow, silent retreat. Dawson staring intently.
The sounds of approaching footsteps reached Dawson.
"Jack!" Dawson hissed at the pirate, "Someone's coming, get out of sight. Quick!"
Jack threw himself into the shadows and gave a gasp of pain. The pirate watched as none other than Sturt approached Dawson and saluted him.
"Sir, there has been an escape at the jail. It's that pirate, Jack Sparrow, he's gotten lose. Have you seen anything?"
"No I have not!" Dawson glared at Sturt. "How did this happen? Has the Admiral been informed?"
Sturt nodded. "I sent a man to let him know, sir."
Dawson moved towards Sturt. "I must go and meet him then. You put the men on alert. Advise them to hold their positions and use their weapons only if necessary. These people must be stopped."
Jack, lying out of sight in the darkness, closed his eyes.
Sturt stopped and turned to look at Dawson. "People sir?" he enquired. Dawson looked back at him.
"What?" he asked with annoyance. "You hard of hearing, man?"
"No sir," Sturt continued, eyes narrowed in suspicion, "It's just that you said, 'people'. I merely told you Sparrow had escaped, sir. How did you know this involved more than one person?"
"It doesn't take a genius, Sturt!" Dawson snapped, "Given the pirate's condition, Sparrow must've been helped, therefore, we are looking for more than one man."
"But, sir," Sturt protested.
Dawson sprung around and grabbed the man by his shirt, "Damn it, Sturt, I gave you an order man," the Captain whispered dangerously.
"Aye, sir," Sturt said softly.
"On your way." Dawson finished, releasing him.
Sturt saluted his commanding officer and with one last glance towards the shadows where Jack lay, he marched off, back towards the port.
Dawson made sure Sturt was out of earshot and then rushed over to where Jack lay and helped him up.
"Now go." The naval man whispered, "while you still can."
Jack glanced at Dawson one more time and then limped off as quickly as he could. "Turner, Elizabeth!" he whispered.
"Here Jack," Will called softly back. Jack painfully picked his way towards Will who then helped him back towards to the docks, where Elizabeth was busy preparing the Anne for their voyage.
"What happened back there?" Will asked the pirate.
"Time just ran out," came Jack's quiet reply.
TBC