A/N: After much deliberation, I have decided to proceed with this story, rather than postpone writing it until Spring (I was going insane without anything to write). So, I'm not really sure how fast the updating will go, but it shouldn't be rediculously long between chapters. NOTE TO ANY NEW READERS: Do not read this without reading my first two fanfics! You will be massively confused! If this applies to you, go read the others first, 'kay? Anyway, enjoy. I know this prologue doesn't seem to apply at the moment, but you just have to trust my logic (or lack thereof).

pirateoftherings

Prologue

3 months after the encounter with Barbossa…

"Another round of drinks, on me!" Jack shouted to one of the barmaids. The men gave a raucous cheer. Everyone was in high spirits after the successful raid. Everyone, that is, except Anamaria. "You're being unnaturally quiet tonight, Ana," Jack said over the noise, leaning across the table. "Something the matter?"

"Nothing," she lied, looking away.

"Come on, luv," he persisted. "Nothin' you can't tell ol' Jack, right?"

Anamaria hesitated. "Fine. But not here." Jack nodded and stood up, motioning to Blackbird that he was leaving.

-

"Now, what's this all about?" Jack asked once they were alone outside. "You seemed awfully upset in there."

"It's just…I-I won't be able to stay with the crew anymore, Jack…some things have come up…"

Jack frowned in concern and leaned against a stack of crates. "What kind of things, love?" He couldn't imagine anything that would keep Ana away from the Black Pearl. She loved it almost as much as he did.

"Just…things," she said, turning away again. After a few minutes, she took a deep breath and tried again. "Jack…" she whispered. "I'm pregnant."

"Pregnant?" he repeated in surprise.

Ana nodded. "There's more," she added hesitantly. "…You're going to be a father, Jack."

Jack stumbled back as though a physical blow had been dealt to his chest. He felt himself struggling for breath as he gasped, "Father?"

"I-I meant to tell you sooner," she stammered, "I really did. But I was afraid to say anything, and the right time never presented itself." Jack's head spun as he absorbed the news. He'd always known there were consequences to his actions, but he'd never expected to actually have to face any of them. In a moment of panic, he did something for the first time in his life. He ran.

---

Brushing roughly past a group of men, Jack hurried up the steps to the room he'd rented. He locked the door behind him and sat wearily on the bed. A father... he kept repeating to himself. A father…Could he be a father? That word meant nothing to him except a painful childhood he'd long left behind. After much consideration, he concluded that he could, despite his lack of a decent role model. But could he give up piracy for it? Everything good that had ever happened to him had happened on the open sea. It was as much a part of him as breathing. But I could if I needed to, he told himself firmly. Ana's worth it. He would tell her first thing in the morning, he resolved. Just as soon as he got a few hours of sleep…

----------

"Anamaria?" the tavern owner repeated when Jack inquired about her. "I dunno…should still be in 'er room. She'd rented it for several nights more. Said her ship wasn't leavin' for-"

"I know," Jack said impatiently. "I'm her Captain. She wasn't in her room, and I need to know where she is." He slid a couple of coins across the counter to help the owner's memory.

"Oh! That Anamaria!" the man said suddenly, hastily pocketing the money. "Left last night, bags an' all. She said I could keep the rest o' the rent If I kept it quiet, so I did what I could."

Jack groaned in exasperation. "Your integrity is greatly appreciated. Did she say where she was going?" he asked, trying not to seem too anxious.

The owner just shrugged. "I 'eard her talkin' to the cap'n of some ship…think 'is name was Palacios or somethin'…Why d'ye want to find-" Jack as gone before he could finish the question.

---

"You! Boy!" Jack shouted to a young man who seemed like he would notice parting ships. "Do ye know of a Captain Palacios that's been 'ere recently?"

The young man nodded. "Who hasn't? His ship's the Dawn Maiden, one of the most beautiful-"

"Was there a woman with them?"

The boy shrugged. "Didn't really pay attention," he said casually. "None that I saw, and I don't know why there would be. Women are bad luck y'know."

"Have they departed yet?" Jack interrupted brusquely.

"Yeah, a few hours ago."

Jack banged his fist angrily on a wooden crate. She was gone…and it was all his fault.