AN: My Muse is back! I picked up the Visual Guide and the junior novelization to Dead Man's Chest. Definitely worth a read for all you diehards out there. Three more weeks!

I'm in the process of revamping this a bit. I'm only changing a few minor details, ie. How Jack and Evelyn get the Pearl, etc. to fit in better with Dead Man's Chest. I've also done some editing.

I've added some background to this chapter. I felt it gave a little more depth to Evelyn.

This story contains SPOILERS! If you don't want to be spoiled, then wait until you've seen the movie, and then read it, okay? Okay!

Every Rose Has It's Thorns

Chapter Eleven: Ten Years Later

The streets of Paris were bustling with people of every stature. An auburn haired woman made her way through the mess of people, pushing and elbowing her way through the mob. She walked with a slight stagger, displaying the fact that she had been at sea for months, though the gown she was wearing did not match her attitude and she caught the eye of many people she passed.

Evelyn was near thirty years old now. Her life had changed drastically since her adventures with Jack Sparrow. She was now an honorary Musketeer as she had defended the queen of France on several occasions. Queen Anne loved to hear of Evelyn's tales of adventure on the high seas.

She had gained herself Letters of Mark from several European countries, including her native Ireland, and one signed by the queen and king of France granting her a lifetime of clemency. However, she didn't always work for these countries.

She had also familiarized herself in Spanish, German, Latin, thanks to her 'uncle Aramis', and the Gaelic of her homeland, besides her original English and her fluent French.

Evelyn had also gotten a chance to spread her wings as a captain. She was briefly captain of a ship called The Billows when she and another female pirate who became her first mate "accidentally" mutinied. She later turned the ship over to its former captain.

She then became involved with a Spanish Pirate named Alejo Vega. She briefly captained a ship of his fleet, called The Sabre, before firing on him when she caught him with another woman.

Evelyn had also impersonated a Captain of the British Royal Navy. For better than a year she had glued facial hair to herself, wore a very tight corset under her tunic, and screamed herself hoarse to speak in a deeper voice. She then worked her way up through the ranks and made officer. She was famed to be one of, if not the youngest commanders ever. However, she actually skipped a few steps, having a friend forge a few documents, and becoming 'close' to a commanding officer. She passed herself off as a man successfully until an Admiral caught her reapplying her moustache during an inspection. She was sentenced to be hanged, but once again escaped, promising the lonely guard something she never intended nor did keep.

More recently, she served as First Mate on The Bonny Lass under the famous Anne Bonny herself. Anne had followed her to her own ship, The Dolphine.

Evelyn walked up to the flat that was her father's, grinning as she ascended the steps. She opened the door and marched into the great hall. She swaggered along, being sure to make as much noise as possible. She stood in the doorway to the parlor and leaned against the door frame. Porthos, Athos, Aramis, and D'Artagnon were seated around a table arguing. They were all shouting at the top of their lung simultaneously.

"Leave it ter ye four to throw me such a welcome home party," Evelyn said passively.

At this, Porthos leapt to his feet, "Evy!" He ran over to her and embraced her. His comrades did the same. "How far do I have to twist your arm for you to visit next time?" Porthos said, chuckling.

"It depends on where I am," she answered with a grin.

"My, has she grown," Aramis said, looking her over.

"Yeah," D'Artagnon said, looking her over. He stared a little too long for Porthos' liking and received a smack on the back of the head.

"She doesn't clean up too bad for a pirate," Athos said, smirking at her, and ruffling her hair.

Evelyn glared at the men she considered her uncles. "Ye landlubbers were always jealous o' me beauty," she teased.

"So where are you headed?" Aramis asked.

"I'm thinking' o' findin' me Pearl." Evelyn said, a mischievous look in her eyes.

Porthos looked worried. "At least tell me you have a plan and a decent sized crew," he said.

"Aye," Evelyn lied, "We have a foolproof plan that even that bloody bastard couldn't even break through."

"That's my girl," Porthos said.

"I leave for Port Royal in the morn and I figgered I'd stop in on me dear ol' dad on the way out." Evelyn said.

"Why Port Royal?" Porthos asked, furrowing his brow.

"I have it on good word she was spotted there mere months ago." Evelyn answered. "Why Barbossa would be there is a good question."

"Well then," Porthos said, "I think we should have a few drinks then!"

"Yes," Aramis said, "All would not be right in the world if you didn't have to have a few drinks."

Athos glared at him. "Quit complaining or were leaving you here," He said.

A great black ship traveled at full sail on the crystal waters of the Caribbean Sea, cutting through the somewhat-choppy water like a hot knife through butter. She was fast, and unlike most ships that sailed these waters, she was black. At her helm was no other than Captain Jack Sparrow. This was the famed Black Pearl. The ship that set fear into the hearts of many a sailor, and quite possibly the fastest ship in all the world.

Her Captain stood at a jaunty angle as he steered the helm, carefully lining up his path through the sea. He would fidget with the wheel ever so often, even if it was the smallest of movements. He stared off into the distance and was lost in the horizon. This was it. This was the freedom Jack had been seeking.

Three months had passed since he had gotten his ship back. He couldn't be happier. He'd had a few run-ins with the Commodore but he figured the farther he stayed away from Port Royal, he'd be safe. For this he was thankful, but he would never admit that to anyone.

Jack the monkey skittered past behind him. He rolled his eyes. Why won't that damned thing leave?

A seagull landed on the railing to his left. Jack turned his head quickly to the bird, assuming the movement he saw was one of his crewmates coming to him for a chat. He turned back to the horizon, not letting the bird register in his mind. He jerked back, realizing the seagull was on board.

"Ah!" he shouted, taking a step back from the sea mongrel, never letting his eyes leave the bird's.

"Stay away from me ye little bastard!" Jack shouted. His outburst had alerted some of his crewmates.

Anamaria, Jack's current First Mate, now aware of her captain's dilemma, strode up to his side.

"That was what all th' commotion was about?" She asked.

"I 'ate seagulls. Bloody little scavengers 'ave always caused me trouble," Jack answered, a trace of fear in his voice.

Anamaria chuckled, "Well, I have to admit, this doesn't surprise me." She looked at Jack, grinning.

"What's so funny, luv?" Jack asked, "Ye think this is amusin'?" He made small hand gestures at the bird, attempting to get it to flee.

"No," she replied simply. "I think it's hilarious ye're afraid of seagulls."

Jack glared at her threateningly. He turned and walked away from the situation. Anamaria shooed the seagull away and took the helm.

Jack went to Gibbs, who was currently his Bo'son. Gibbs stood in front of the crew, looking over their actions, making sure each crewmember was doing their job and doing it right.

"Ev'ry thing in order?" Jack asked his friend.

"Yep," Gibbs replied. "What was goin' on up there?"

"Seagull again. Nothin' ter worry 'bout. I took care o' it." Jack said, partially lying. He looked about himself nervously.

"Ah," Gibbs sighed.

A black raven flew over the mizzen mast and landed in the crows nest. Jack spotted it and began to think about a woman from his past.

"What is it with all these birds taday?" Gibbs said, noticing the large black bird. "Want me ter go up and scare it away, sir?" Gibbs asked.

"No," Jack answered quickly. It struck him as funny that a raven was in the waters of the Caribbean. They weren't sea birds and weren't native to the area. He hadn't seen a raven in years but could easily recognize it as one from its size and deep grating call. She wanted one of those once, he thought, recalling Evelyn. Why wasn't she here with Barbossa? Did she escape? Did he... Jack snapped himself out of his thoughts. He didn't want to think of her anymore. It hurt to much and Jack hated to show pain.

"Ye alright, Captain?" Gibbs asked, noticing the far-off look Jack wore on his face as he pondered. "Ye look a little worn out."

"I'm fine." Jack answered quickly. Another idea sprung into his mind. Now that he had gotten to thinking about one person, he thought about another. Will. "Gibbs? What do ye think about us payin' Bootstrap Jr. a visit?"

"Seems foolish," Gibbs answered, "But if we take caution, I think we'd be fine."

"Good, then," Jack stated. "Ana?"

"Yes, Captain?" Anamaria called from her place at the helm.

"Set course fer Port Royal!" Jack yelled.

"Aye, sir," She answered.

Jack grinned and turned to look in the direction Port Royal would be appearing in the horizon shortly. "Something tells me this'll come as a surprise t' the aspiring pirates."

"Knowing you Jack, they've probably been expecting ye t' show up unannounced fer months." Gibbs stated.

Blacksmith extraordinaire Will Turner stood over a long, curved piece of red hot steel pounding it flat. He stopped, held the piece up for a moment, examining it's craft. He then stuck it in a large barrel of water, and placed it on a table. It a magnificent looking cutlass saber even before polishing. The blade and hilt were crafted perfectly. It was thin, lightweight and durable against any form of sword. All that was left was the finishing touches.

A quiet knock on the smithy's door interrupted Will from the task at hand. He rose from his position examining the blade and went to the door. Elizabeth Swann, his fiancée of three months stood on the other side of the door grinning.

"Hi," Will said, gesturing for her to come in.

"Hello," she answered, giving Will a quick kiss on the cheek as she entered. "I'm not interrupting anything am I?"

"No," Will answered politely, "I was just working on that sword for Jack. I'm not in a hurry to finish it. I could use a break, actually."

"Good," she stated.

They sat down on a bench and looked at each other. An awkward moment of silence passed between the pair.

"Is something wrong?" Elizabeth asked, seeing the blank expression on Will's face.

"No, I was just-" Will started. He was cut off by yet another knock at the door. This knock was a little more forceful than that of Elizabeth, and seemed to have a rhythm to it. "I'll get that. Excuse me," Will stated, rising to get the door. Much to his surprise, when Will opened the door, Jack stood there grinning.

"Jack!" Will shouted, giving his friend a quick hug. At this, Elizabeth stood and ran to the door.

"'Ello..." Jack said, surprised at Will's display. He gave Elizabeth who was standing behind Will, a crooked grin. She smiled back at him politely, approached him and gave him a hug as well.

"'Ello, luv," Jack said, smirking at Will. Will only shook his head and smiled.

"What brings you here?" Will asked as Jack took it upon himself to wonder the shop.

"Just thought we'd pay you two lovebirds a visit." He picked up the sword Will had been working on and swung it around a bit. "This is a thin' o' beauty, Will," Jack said inspecting the cutlass. "An' it's not even finished. I envy the bastard who gets this thing." Will grinned knowingly at Elizabeth. Jack placed the sword back on the table and turned back to Will. "So, how's about a sail with me 'n' the crew?"

"Well," Elizabeth piped up, "We have wedding preparations to deal with."

"Ah! Yes!" Jack said. "When is the blessed event?"

"Um... We'll be sure to let you know," Will answered.

"I see..." Jack tugged at his braided beard and stared at the two. "So can I assume I'm invited?" He grinned, in askance.

"Uh," Will started, "We would really like you to be there but we're afraid the Navy wouldn't approve."

"Ah..." Jack sighed. "Good ol' Commodore still giving you troubles?"

"How did you guess?" Elizabeth asked.

Jack shrugged in reply. "I believe the man is that bane of everyone's existence." He paused. "Well, I'll give ye a deal. Ye both come with me for a bit, and I won't take any offence in not receiving an invitation." Jack grinned. "Otherwise, I'll come anyway, and I doubt either of you want that..."

"I don't know, Jack," Will said. "There's so much to do..."

"Come on, mate," Jack begged, "I promise I'll have you back in plenty of time to plan for the wedding." He put his arm around the couple.

Will looked at Elizabeth. It was obvious he wanted to go, but was torn between his duties in Port Royal, and his adventurousness.

"Oh, alright," Elizabeth answered, "But only for a few days."

"Great!" Jack shouted. He put his hands together and bowed at them in thanks.

"One question, Jack," Will said. "How do you plan on getting out of Port Royal without the Navy seeing you?"

"The same way I got 'ere." Jack replied. "Anamaria and Gibbs have a dingy waiting at the docks fer us." Will shook his head in acknowledgment. Jack motioned for Will and Elizabeth to follow.

AN: Please tell me what you think whether you're a first time reader, or just rereading for the changes!