Disclaimer: I don't own PotC

Chapter Quote: "Keep her Jack, there's always use for pretty girls among cut throats like us."

Chapter Three

A Special Visit

It had been happening to me for a few weeks now. Sleepless nights, growing doubts in my mind, but nightmares were utterly foreign. I never screamed, unless you count my war cries in battle. I was still remembering that dream as the day wore on, the way Tom's face had tilted toward mine. The way his eyes were filled with love as they gazed into mine. The memory wouldn't shirk off, and I found myself growing ever more doubtful and nervous by the time we reached Ile De Meurta two days later. The small island had become laden heavily with our profits, though I was not terribly well known in the Caribbean... Jack was. And who knew one pirate ship from another? The thing that struck fear in people's heart was the skull and cross bones. Jack had become famous after his tangle with the British Navy, they still searched endlessly for him. Poor chaps, you had to admire their determination though.

Needless to say, my crew were more then anxious to dock. My long hair was tied back in a loose braid, my scabbard resting comfortably against my thigh like it had been made attached to me. My black, knee high boots were splashing in the water as I descended in a small boat to be rowed ashore. My tricorn hat sat snugly on my head, as always, as we rowed into the cave. As we reached the small inlet shore, Natalie came running out to see me.

"He's here Jacqueline." she hissed to me.

I grinned and leaped out of the boat into the knee deep water, bounding onto the shore. "Where is he?"

She led the way, speeding through the passages and weaving around pirates until we reached a small room not far from where we kept the treasure. It was lit with candles, and a wooden table stood in it's center, surround by two chairs. Sitting in one, chewing on a green apple with his feet on the table, was Jack. He wore a large, cocky grin as always, he never seemed to change. I ran to him as he stood, leaped into his arms. He spun me around like he did on the beach on the day I had decided to leave everything I knew behind, and live his life. This was a lot of emotion for Jack, but I hadn't seen him in so long I tossed the thought aside. He set me down and grinned,

"Who's this pretty lass? Can't say I recognize her. What about you Gibbs?"

The older man stuck his head into the room and smiled when he saw me. "No idea Captain." he gave me a friendly salute as he entered and I hugged him. He winked as I looked up at him.

"What should I do with her then aye?"

"Keep her Jack, always use for a pretty girls among cut throats like us."

Jack chuckled and twirled his beard, motioning me to sit down. I did so thankfully and took a bite of the food laid out before me. It wasn't until after a few moments that I realized that he was staring at me. I gulped the food in my mouth down and looked at him. There were tears in his eyes!

"What is it?" I said worriedly.

"Nothing." he cleared his throat, then sat down on the chair opposite of me. He wiped the moisture from his eyes and sighed,"You know, till today, I thought you were dead."

I dropped the meat I had about to take a bite of. My fork clattering on the plate. "What?"

"Well, I haven't seen ya lass for at least two years. And the rumors..."

"What rumors?" I interrupted. I was supposedly dead? This was news to me.

"I didn't start them. But they said you got yourself into a bit of a tangle with the navy not too long ago."

Ah. So that was it. Well, I supposed I should have been dead. That had been a bad day.

Two Years Ago, Twenty Miles off the Caribbean Isles

"Davis!" I shouted, the wind was biting fiercely at me skin, I was in no mood for a delay. And even the sharp wind wouldn't drive this murderous fog away. Curse it! I snarled as my ship lumbered along, but inside, I was terrified. This was my first time on my own, and someone was out there. Hunting us. That's when the first volley hit. A line of cannon fire smashing through the left side of my ship. I could hear screams from within, screams of horror and pain. But no return volley came. I ran below deck, shouting at the top of my lungs, slipping in blood as I reached the gun crews below. "What's going on here? Why is there no return fire?"

Another volley, but I did receive an answer once it had past. "Master's mate's dead Captain." came a husky voice, the smoke was too thick to see clearly. I shook my head. "Swab those guns! I don't care who's dead. Get a return volley in two minutes or I shoot you all myself."

"Aye ma'am."

The remaining crew below jumped to the guns, sliding in the hot blood, running past mangled bodies. I ran back up on deck, another volley, this time taking some of out sails. But one from my own erupted as my cannons finally let loose a defense. But it was too late. In the confusion, they had mounted us. And were already cutting down my men on the deck.

I drew my sword, screaming as I charged, but there were too many. Red coated troops, in precise military order, followed by sailors with knives. Before long were out numbered, and I was taken aboard the British ship, blood running from a gash on my shoulder.

I couldn't see Natalie, or anyone that were recognizable. I struggled but a sharp pain from my shoulder caused me to stop as tears clouded my eyes. The faces of the soldiers seemed blurry as they took me below to the Captain's berth. I felt guilt rise in my chest, these were my countrymen. The familiar conflict raged in my mind, the old Jacqueline, daughter of England. And the new, daughter of a notorious pirate. I didn't move as they shoved me before the Captain, who had turned, facing the window.

"Name?"

"Sparrow." I replied wearily.

The Captain turned to me with wide eyes, looking me over and snorting. "You are not Sparrow."

"I didn't say I was JACK Sparrow. We're related." I said testily. I'd had that reaction before.

"I see. Well, Sparrow. You know the penalty for piracy is death now a days. A hanging to be sure."

I didn't like this man. If he had at least been polite, I could have been civil. But... I let my tongue wander. "Go to hell you -------." I said vigorously, that made him stiffen.

"You've decided your own fate. Clap him in irons boys. We need a good strong rope for such a thick neck."

I wasn't very nice after that. I cursed and struggled. Pulling against my irons till weariness and pain forced me to stop. And I wondered if this was really to be my end. A young lieutenant entered my cell, with a plate of food and approached me cautiously. The boy looked strangely familiar, dark hair, blue eyes. He set the food before me and turned to leave as I reached for it, then he paused. Turning and peering into my face.

"I know you." he murmured, his brows furrowed as he thought. Then his eyes widened. "Jacqueline Scott. The girl aboard the Dauntless nigh on three years ago!"

Did I know him? Why would I know a lieutenant? And how did he know me from the Dauntless? Then I recalled the night with Billy, his last kiss. Benjamin. "Your Benjamin, Benjamin Murphy." He smiled, and knelt in front of me. "I'd shake your hand Mr. Murphy, but I can't exactly." I gestured to the chains.

He smiled, "There must be some mistake Miss Scott, I'll talk to the Captain, if I vouch for you I'm sure he'll understand."

I laughed, "There's no mistake. Except with what you called me. I am Miss Sparrow now Ben."

He stared, "You and the pirate are..."

"Blood relations as I told your good Captain." (Why are some people so quick to make assumptions?)

"Oh."

He studied my face again, for a young man, he wasn't bad looking. Slightly older then me. "You're to be hanged tomorrow." he said at last.

"I'm aware. Got a good strong rope?" I said, forcing humor into the conversation. I didn't know this Ben fellow well, but it was better then cursing at iron bars, they can't talk back.

I didn't sleep much, I talked with Ben most of the night till he had to go. He patched my shoulder up as best he could. He was a nice guy, again, strangely familiar. I swear I knew him from somewhere else. Anyway, true to his word, I was to be strung up first thing. And as they escorted me onto the deck, I kinds wished it hadn't ended this way. Lord, do Pirates go to hell? I didn't want to go to hell. D—. Too late to think on that now. The rope was around my neck, and as I prepared for the final push, something sharp was thrust into my hand. I couldn't see who had done it, but I knew it was a knife. Just before they were going to push me, my hand shot up, cutting the cord, and freeing my neck from it's coarse confines. I ignored the pain in my arm and in my head as I ran to the deck, running into Ben. He looked dazed, but he smiled and stepped aside.

"Good luck." he whispered.

I grinned and planted a kiss on his cheek, causing him to turn red. Then I shoved him to the ground, (so this little part he played wouldn't look suspicious.) And stood on the railing. It was all working out grand and all... until the marines started to fire as I jumped and jerked as one seared right through my side. God, I hate bullets.

I was lucky, I swam (you know my excellent skills in this area of course) and I was picked up by my ship who had wandered close to the British ship for a few days. The wound wasn't terribly serious, but painful. Through a report from Natalie, I guessed most of the Fleet thought I was dead.

"Well... that was a bit of a mistake. Sorry for your worry."

He grinned, I wasn't worried."

"Ah."

"And uh, there was another bit of business. A certain someone... who wishes to remain... shall we say.. Anonymous? Said that another certain someone has been having a bit of trouble?"

I'd kill her. That was the last straw. I'm gonna get you Natalie. I cleared my throat, "Wonder why they would think that?"

Jack slammed the table with his fist, "Come off it Jacqueline. You know what I'm bloody talking about! I may not be the best father, but give me some credit."

I snorted, "There's nothing wrong with me." I stared at him stubbornly, my chin jutting out in defiance. About five minutes passed before he sighed, pulling a piece of paper from his pocket.

"Got this a while back. Thought you might like it."

I quickly scanned the words on the page, brief. Very brief. I miss you. Come back soon. Love, Mama. Mama. I tried to hide my feelings behind my little wall. There was no time for this. But could he see the regret and pain in my eyes? The wishes? The hopes? How much I missed them... all of them. I folded it up and stuck it within the folds of my cloak. Jack watched me for a moment, then looked away.

"You know luv... it's been a bit since you've seen that lot. I mean... you could... if you wanted to...you know... see them... if you like." He was having trouble with the caring father bit of his job. I didn't mind, he did good enough by me. At least, I think he did. I can't say he's been exactly the best parent... I mean... look at me now? Nevertheless, my eyes widened a bit,

"You mean... go to Port Royal?"

"Yes, I mean go to Port Royal." (He was giving me that stupid look.)

"But what if there looking for me?"

"Luv, it's only been five years. (Two of which the rest of the world thought you dead.) They'll probably not even remember you."

I smiled, "Your right, I'll unload my cargo and leave." I was trying to sound optimistic, but if the Navy forgot about me... what if those whom I missed so dearly had as well? There's nothing more terrible in the world to feel like your not missed or wanted.

He smiled, he didn't see through my mask, my worries. "You're a good lass."

"This means so much coming from you Jack." I replied, my voice thick with dry humor.

I couldn't believe what Jack had told me to do. He had always been a tad bit hesitant ever since I had joined him. I glanced at Natalie who sat across the room from me, sharpening her sword. Had she noticed my doubts so much? If so... did she even realize how deep they really ran?

"So." she said without looking up. "We're going to Port Royal?"

"No. I'm going to Port Royal. There's no we." I said firmly, leaving on the wall and looking out my cabin window. "Lot of good it'll do us if we're all caught and hanged."

She chuckled and glanced up at me, holding her sword up and viewing her reflection. "You worry to much."

"No, I worry exactly the right amount. You can never worry too much."

She chuckled again, breathing on the blunt end of her blade and polishing it.

"You'll give me a day. I'll meet you on the other end of the island. And if I'm not there by nightfall, you go on without me."

"Aren't we feeling so excited about our trip home?"

"Ha ha, I'm just taking precautions, that's all."

"Yeah. Right."

"Well that's the plan." I could hear the crew above scrambling on the deck into the rigging. "And you'll follow it."

"Yup."

I turned to her now, folding my arms across my chest. "I'm serious Natalie."

She raised her hands in submission. "All right. Keep your shirt on. I was listening. But you wouldn't mid picking up something for me while your there?"

"Like what?"

"Anything, just anything but rum. Sherry would be nice."

"Now, while I'm gone you are in the command of Lieutenant Davis. No fooling with her. First man that disobeys my orders, the good lieutenant here has orders to shoot." my crew were silent and solemn as I gave this speech. Then I cleared my throat after I let my words sink in. "Dismissed. Cook should be ringing for supper shortly."

As if on cue, the bell began to toll and the men, in shifts, disappeared below the deck for their meals. I on the other hand, retreated to my cabin and slipped into something which I hadn't worn in a number of years. A dress. I tossed the corset aside and laced up my under garments, finally slipping the dress on. (Tunics and trousers were so much easier.) It was a plain yellow dress with a flower pattern woven into it. The sleeve ended at my elbows and hung loosely there. My bodice was modestly low (compared to what I've seen I looked like a nun) and then I scrubbed my face and body till I was sure that most of the stench of my pirate life had been washed from my skin.

My long hair was braided into a single braid running down the small of my back. My skin was darkly tanned from sea life, but there was nothing I could do about that. I figured if I was to go into the fort unnoticed, I had to look the part. Some last minute touches and I was ready to go. I draped a heavy cloak over my shoulders which concealed most of my figure from unwanted eyes, and which would also hide my face. I smiled faintly at my reflection in my mirror and wondered if anyone would recognize me. I mean, it didn't help that the Fleet thought me dead. I would be lucky if I didn't get a few faints. (Hopefully not.) Besides that, I had changed. My 16 year old body had vanished without a trace and now I saw only my 21 body now. I guess this confirmed me as a true woman. I wasn't a young girl anymore. From the past, the only thing I now carried was the scars on my back and chest from my 'reunion' with Hammer.

I shook my head as I left the room, I hadn't been in control. I hadn't been careful. It was truly amazing that I wasn't dead or cut up into tiny pieces at the bottom of the ocean. Since then I had treated myself rather well... .unless you count my little near death experience with the Fleet. Becoming wounded was a rarity now.

Natalie was already in the boat as two of my men lowered it down. "Don't you clean up nice?" said one with a chuckle.

"Keep your eyes on the ropes Joe. I sure as hell don't need them on me." I said stiffly.

I heard him silence with a crisp, "Yes ma'am." and then offered me an arm as I swung my legs over the rail and started to climb down. "Captain?"

"Yes Joe?" I paused and looked up at him. He cleared his throat and gave me a helpless smile. "Keep your wits about ye. Too fair a prize to be lost to the lobsterback."

I grinned, "Watch the ship till Lieutenant Davis gets back Joe. Prize indeed." The last bit I muttered under my breath. Though he was a pain, Joe did have a good heart. I slid into the boat and grabbed an oar as me and Natalie started to row away. She whistled,

"You do clean up nice don't you Jack?" she whispered.

"Ha." I said, I knew by the tone in her voice that she was teasing me. We rowed for about an hour or two until we reached the edge of the docks. The moon was hidden by the clouds which I was grateful of. As my body stepped out onto the shore it was concealed in a layer of darkness.

"Jack." she called softly and I turned back to her. Only the faintest light reflected from the water to show her face. "Be careful."

"Don't worry about a thing. Just remember where I'll be waiting for you."

"Yep, see you tonight."

It was only a few hours, till dawn. It had taken longer to get here then I thought. I grinned, "Bye Natalie." And with that she rowed away from the docks and I disappeared into the woods. The streets were only just beginning to show signs of life, but it would be a long time until the rest of Port Royal woke up. Already boys running errands for their masters and soldiers had started to appear followed by laborers and harbor masters. But in the dark no one took notice of a young lady walked quietly on the cobblestone. My mother's house was clear across town, so instead I started towards my second home, the Turners.

"Away with ya! It's five o'clock in the morning!" Came a gruff voice from within as I pounded on the door.

"Joseph!" I hissed, "Open up!"

Why he did indeed open the door, I don't know. But in the end it swung open and his large frame glowered down at me in the early light. "What business do you have here woman?"

I lowered the hood to reveal my face. "Joseph, it's me. Jacqueline."

He stared for a moment longer, then his eyes widened and his mouth dropped. After a moment or two his brows shot up in surprise. "Miss Jacqueline?" He whispered in astonishment. I nodded and he enveloped me into a massive bear-like hug. After he had released me he was about to say something rather loud so I slapped a hand over his mouth and with an apologetic smile asked, "Can I come inside Joseph?" He led me into the foyer and there continued his conversation.

"Is it really you? Miss Jacqueline, it was said you died two years ago by execution on one of our ships."

"Well, since when is everything the Fleet says true?"

He smiled, he was in a pair of tan trousers with his nightdress hurriedly tucked into them. I looked around the room at the familiar paintings, stairways, and rooms with regret and envy, "It hasn't changed much here has it Joseph?"

He shook his head, "No, but you've changed."

I glanced back at him and sighed with a sheepish smile, "I know."

"The Turners will be up soon. Would you like something to eat?"

"You know Joseph? I think I would like that very much. To the kitchen?"

Joseph whipped up a hot cup of tea... I wasn't that hungry... in a matters of seconds. I was content with a slice of bread and butter as I sipped the steaming liquid. I would eat after I had seen my friends. Less then an hour later, I heard footsteps and the stairs. I threw off my cloak ran to the kitchen door. I stood just beside it, opening it a crack so I could hear who it was.

"Morning Joseph."

I froze, who was that?

"Your up early Master John."

John... an image formed in my head of the little boy who had become such a good friend. Who I had left behind all those years ago. How old was he now? Ten? Maybe twelve? I couldn't help it, I opened the door slightly wider and looked outside. The boy who stood at the foot of the stairs was tall for his age. His brown locks identical to that of his fathers, the familiar blue eyes of his mother's. The delicate lashes and defined chin, two more qualities of my beloved friends. He had a toothy grin as he talked idly with Joseph and I hurriedly wiped the tears that had formed in my eyes. What was wrong with me? I stepped out of the kitchen and he turned, looking in my direction.

There was a look of confusion on his face and he looked questioningly up at Joseph. "Friend of yours Joseph?"

I stopped a few feet away from him and managed a shaky smile. He frowned, staring intently at my face, digging deep into the memories in the back of his mind. "Hello John." I said softly. He still stared, his mouth forming a tight line. "Your not a little boy anymore." My voice cracked. "You've grown up."

His eyes widened slightly and he peered closely at me. Then he shook his head. "It can't be true."

"What can't be true?"

"Your dead." he stated flatly.

I knelt and looked up at him, smiling again. "Am I John?"

At my touch he froze and his mouth dropped in shock. "Jack?"

I smiled and nodded, for that was all he needed. In a split second he was in my arms, hugging me tightly and laughing. "JACK! I can't believe it's you!"

I stood after he let go, "Have I changed so much John?" I asked, my face set in amusement.

"Naw. But... you were dead. It was in the newspapers... What happened? It's been so long since I saw you."

"Aye, it has been a while. A long while at that. But as for my resurrection, that is a tale for later."

"I can't believe it. I'm 12 now Jack."

"By God, your ancient! Look how you've grown! What have your parents been feeding you?"

"Joseph?" came a voice from the stairs. "What's all the ruckus down there?" I turned to the stairs, hearing the long waited for voices of my greatest friends. Elizabeth descended the staircase, in a billowing cream colored dress. And I noticed a detectable bulge about her middle. She froze when she saw me and I flashed her a wide smile.

"You've been busy aye Elizabeth?"

She blinked once, and I swear to God I have never seen a pregnant woman run so fast down a flight of stairs. I swore it felt like she was going to squeeze the life out of me when she finally reached me and hugged me. Tears pouring down her cheeks. "Jacqueline! I can't believe it. I can't believe it." She said through sobs, then breaking away and holding my face in her two slender hands. "It is you! But I thought..."

I cut her off with a laugh, "You thought wrong."

Will was the last to emerge, having been up for a while already he came from the stables. He smiled when he saw me through a face of confusion, shock, and a few other things that I couldn't read. But there was something in his eyes... was it pity? Fear? Resentment? Or just amazement? He gave me a quick hug before ushering me into another room for breakfast. I pushed all my worries aside as I ate. Laughing and chatting with those whom I had missed so much.

I was back. Finally back.

TO BE CONTINUED...