Chapter 3

Back out on the street, Blackbird tossed the gun and its supplies to Will. "Next time," she said, "don't make me come and save you. Please say that you know how to aim a gun."

"Of course I do," Will replied indignantly. "I keep one in my shop for defense. My last encounter with Jack taught me to be prepared."

"Which is why you were so ready for those guys, right?" she asked.

"That was one time," he said defensively. "I thought it wise not to fight back, considering that they were twice my size and armed with guns, while I had just a sword. I was also outnumbered three to one, in case you didn't notice."

"I didn't seem to have a problem," Blackbird pointed out.

"Maybe because you have a reputation and a gun," Will argued. "Guns seem to make people much quicker to comply to your terms. If I'd said the same things they would have laughed and shot me."

"I guess that's true," she admitted. "You don't look near crazy enough for them to believe you. Me, on the other hand, they know would do it in a heartbeat."

"Really?" Will asked. "Thus far all I've seen are empty threats. You always say that you'll kill someone, but when the opportunity comes, you never do."

Blackbird's dark eyes blazed to life. "Are you implying that I am incapable of doing so?" she asked.

"No, I'm simply pointing out that I am yet to see evidence that you are to be taken seriously," he replied.

"That can be arranged," she said slowly, her hand drifting to the hilt of her sword.

"Is that a challenge?" Will asked.

Blackbird drew her sword. "Most definitely," she said, lunging forward.

Will quickly blocked her blow but didn't bother to counter. That was all Blackbird needed. She quickly analyzed the information and developed a strategy. He favored his right hand. His quick reflexes made him hard to take by surprise. He was also taking it easy on her. She attacked again, this time switching hands at the last second. He blocked it again, this time returning the blow. She quickly ducked and avoided his swing. So the fight began. They both took turns attacking and defending; one moment the aggressor, the next moment dodging a sequence of blows. Neither one was willing to put forth full effort, yet neither would admit defeat. Finally Blackbird had had enough and decided to make it more interesting. Using a stack of crates as steps, she leapt up onto one of the rooftops with Will close on her heels. The uneven slopes and occasional loose shingles made it difficult to navigate, which was exactly why Blackbird liked it. Her father had made sure that from an early age she could defend herself in any situation. "I'm curious," she finally said, blocking his attempt to knock her sword out of her hand. "When are you going to start trying?"

"As soon as you do," Will replied.

Blackbird grinned. "As you wish." She jumped into the air, lashing out with her left leg to knock away his sword while her right caught him square in the chest, causing him to fall back. Grabbing his sword, she caught him before he could get up and held him there with her sword to his neck. "Now, have we learned not to underestimate Blackbird Turner?" she asked.

"Yes," he muttered.

"I'm sorry, what was that? You'll have to speak a bit louder, mate."

"Yes I've learned not to underestimate you," he said with an exasperated sigh.

"Good," she said cheerfully, helping him up. "I'll have to admit, you were better than I expected."

"Thanks. You fought well, though I expected you to fight more like Jack," he said.

Blackbird shrugged. "The way a person fights says a lot about them. Jack fights more spontaneously and by-the-moment, but that's the way he is. You, on the other hand, take it way too seriously. You need to lighten up and have some fun," she said, dropping lightly to the ground.

Will followed her. "Do you always analyze your opponents like this?" he asked.

"Pretty much," she replied. "Plus Jack told me to help you loosen up."

"I see."

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They had walked about a mile when they came to nicer-looking area. There were small houses in neat little rows, and while the street was by no means perfect, it was at least a little cleaner. "Are we still in Tortuga?" Will asked, looking around.

Blackbird nodded. "This is just a slightly more 'civilized' area. Some people attempt to raise families here…What?" she asked, seeing Will's surprised expression. "I was raised here."

"That, I don't find hard to believe, but aren't people worried about the crime and violence just a few streets over from here?" Will asked.

"Not really. Most of the scum stay where the bars are. That's where they'll get the most profit, not to mention drinks. Everyone pretty much respects the boundaries here," Blackbird said.

"Then what are you doing here?" he pointed out.

Blackbird shot him a look. "One: I'm hardly considered 'scum'. Criminal, sure. Perhaps even lowlife, but not scum. Two: this is the fastest to get to the shop."

Will muttered something inaudible under his breath and followed her in silence.

Suddenly a boy in his early teens sped around the corner and nearly knocked Blackbird down. Blackbird quickly recovered and helped him up. Calmly, as if there was nothing unusual about being ran into, she asked, "What'd you do this time, Ghost?"

The boy's sharp blue eyes darted about. "Nothin'," he said, breathing hard. "Just runnin'. I've heard it's good for your health."

Blackbird shrugged. "Suit yourself. We'll just be on our way, then. I'd hate to interrupt your exercise routine."

Ghost stopped her. "H-hey, not so fast," he said quickly. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to hang out with you guys for a while. Where are you going?"

"Picking up an order of rum for Jack. Nothing exciting, but I could use an extra hand. In fact, we seem to be short a man on our crew. Think your father can part with you for a few weeks?" Blackbird asked.

The boy nodded. "He wouldn't even notice. I don't think he's even aware that he has a son. When do we set sail?"

"Tomorrow at dawn. I'm sure I can find the means to pay for one night's stay at the tavern for you, if you're interested. Just to make sure your father doesn't pull one of his tricks like last time."

"Works for me," he said lightly. "…Y'know," he continued with a mischievous spark to his eye, "I've heard it's customary for those who deliver the rum to test it first and make sure it's suitable. Wouldn't want to give Cap'n Jack bad rum, now would we?"

Blackbird laughed at the boy's suggestion. "I would, mate, but Jack gave me specific instructions not to. How about I just buy you one once we get to the tavern?

"Fair enough," he agreed. "Let's get going."

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Once they had picked up Jack's order and stored it on the Pearl, the three headed to the tavern that Will had visited the previous night. They had almost reached it when Blackbird stumbled -literally- across Jack. He was lying unconscious on the side of the street. She approached him casually and nudged him with her foot. No response. Seeming to give up, she turned away, only to turn back abruptly and shout, "Sparrow!" He stirred a little. Sighing, she kicked him sharply in the ribs. That worked. He sat up with a start and looked around him.

"Not a way I'd like to be woken up on a regular basis," he said, rubbing the back of his head.

Blackbird helped him up. "Well, perhaps if you hadn't been too drunk to respond to shouting and nudging, I wouldn't have had to resort to kicking. Besides, it worked, didn't it?"

"I'd say it did," Jack said, clutching his side. "And who says I'm drunk?"

"I do," Blackbird replied matter-of-factly. "I, of all people, should know the smell of rum." When Jack denied it again, she just rolled her eyes. "Then what, pray tell, had you passed out at six o'clock in the evening?" she asked.

Jack contemplated for a moment. "Well ya see...I was walkin' along, mindin' me own business, when I was jumped by ten or so men," he said, gesticulating wildly. "I 'eld me own for quite some time, but there were just too many o' them, even for Jack Sparrow. I guess one o' them caught me upside the head or somethin'. Probably just common thieves."

Blackbird nodded slowly. "And that would explain the rum bottle you're still clutching?" she said.

"I grabbed it as a weapon?" he offered. In response to her steady glare. Jack threw his hands up in surrender. "I give up, ya caught me. I got finished early and had to do somethin' to pass the time. I promise it's only been about five minutes since I passed out."

Blackbird just sighed. "C'mon," she said. "Just because you're done your fair share of drinking for the evening doesn't mean there aren't others present who would like a drink or two."

"I'd willingly attest to that," Ghost put in.

Jack looked over at the boy. "When'd you get here?" he asked, frowning in confusion.

"We ran into him on the way to pick up your order. I offered him a place on the crew, since Mr. Turner refuses to help out a few humble pirates," Blackbird explained.

Jack gave her a confused look but caught on quickly. "Well then, welcome to the Black Pearl crew, mate," he said, amiably offering his hand.

Ghost shook it. "It's an honor, sir. It's not many a lad who receives the honor of serving the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow. I give you my word that I'll be worth my wages and then some." He removed his hat and bowed slightly.

"Is 'e a friend o' yours?" Jack muttered to Blackbird.

Blackbird nodded. "An acquaintance. We've helped each other out a few times. He'll stay true to his promise. He has a little experience on other ships and he's uncannily talented at climbing up in the rigging. I figure he's as good as we can get this late of notice."

Jack shrugged. "Sounds good enough t'me. What happens if Will changes 'is mind?"

"Then we have one extra man on the crew. Worse things can happen. Are you sober enough to join us at the tavern?" she asked.

"I'm never too drunk to have another rum," Jack replied. "In fact, I'm feeling the effects lessen already. Wouldn't want that to happen, now would we?"

Blackbird smiled. "Let's go then," she said, motioning to Will and Ghost.