Authors Note: This is the rewritten version, hopefully its better than before.. oh yes, I must also say that there are a lot of things that are still the same. Mostly I just wanted to add some things that would give Kat more of the proper character I wanted her to be… yeah…

Disclaimer: PotC is not mine, neither is Jack…. Sadly Disney got to him first. All other characters that are not familiar are mine. Rawr!

Jack: Don't worry darlin', who owns who is such a trifle matter.

Kat: Oi! I'm glad you don't own 'him, I'd hate ta share a room with that smelly pirate!

Jack: What? I do not smell!

Will: ….I don't know about that….

Me: Bloody hell Jack! Kat! Will, you lousy excuse for a pirate, pipe down or I'll write it in to that you all get stabbed!

Everyone: YES 'M!

Chapter One Bloody Kat

The sun hung low and red; sparse clouds hung about trying to give shade wherever needed. A light breeze came about, promising cooler weather soon. As the sun dripped into the horizon a sound of swords clashing met it at the shore. Two people engulfed in battle fought mercilessly by the sea, its tide slowly getting higher. They didn't notice any onlookers nor did they see the sun's glowing rays spread across the land. Intent on blocking the others next move they never looked away, taunting each other when the timing allowed.

"ARRRR! I'll send ye to Davy Jones Locker, you scallywag!" The swords met, then broke apart for another wild round, dodging and jumping all over the moist sand. Another voice spoke out, pausing for a moment swords tightly joined.

"No, wench! It is you who shall perish, I swear on pain of death, that I will keel-haul you till there aint nothin' left!" They continued to fight, the taller person, better than the other, caused the girl to slow down; soon they both stopped, exhausted. They stood in silence panting for a while, the girl looked at her opponent in anger, knowing her defeat.

Then her expression changed, she asked curiously, "Would you really keel-haul me?" A puzzled look came upon the other person's face, taken back by what was asked to him, he thought about it for a while, putting his finger up to his lips, then spoke,

"Katherine, of course I wouldn't do that! I don't even have a boat, for the love of Mary!"

Katherine looked at him for a minute in shock, then, an evil grin came upon her face,

"That's because I am Kat the bloodiest pirate in the Caribbean! You'd have no chance to keel-haul me, I'd rip off your fingernails, gouge out your eyes, tar and feather you and tie you to the figurehead and let the pelicans eat at your sticky flesh!"

As she said that the boy jolted with excitement and just as they were to begin their fight once more, two strong arms came down upon Katherine. She jumped at the grip that firmly turned her around, only to stare into the stern eyes of her father. They were hard brown eyes, piercing into her heart and mind. Kat winced as he looked at her, as if trying to hide the fact that they were playing a game that most looked down upon. But her appearance had already given her away. If not her disheveled hair and sand covered dress, her wooden sword gave away any doubts. She managed a sheepish grin and looked back at her father. His expression seamed to melt away into a happy smile and his eyes hinted at laughter as he looked at his daughter.

"Katherine, darling, your mum would kill me if she knew you were playing pirates again. You know how she feels, don't you?" After a moment she responded, eyes drooping,

"Yeah dad, I know, but… it's just so much fun! I mean, why do boys get to do all the fun stuff while us ladies have to sit and look all purdy all the time?"

Her father chuckled, "Darling, I don't know why things are like that, boys are boy and ladies are ladies. Were different for a reason. Wish I could tell you but truth is, I'm still learning myself." She pouted at him with her lips out and wide big green eyes, "But why daddy?"

"Well darling, you go on home and I'll tell you a bit later, ok?"

"ok…can I play with Taylor tomorrow? He said he would teach me how to swim!"

Her father looked over at the boy, barely past his waist, "Are you really now?"

Taylor looked up at him sheepishly and responded, "Yes sir, I'm a good swimmer and I thought it would be good for her to know… living by the coast and all. That is, as long as you don't mind…" He added in the end.

"Well, of course I don't mind!" Her father said letting out a boisterous Laugh, "As long as you don't send her to see Davy Jones, I don't mind one bit. But, I do think you should be getting home now, it is getting dark. Even a stout fellow like you shouldn't be out at night." Taylor's face reddened, "Yes sir." Looking over at Kat he said, "I'll come and get you tomorrow then Kat." And he ran off towards the town in the direction of his home.

Katherine's father looked at her once more and spoke, "Darling, you best go on without me, I have some business to get to before I head home."

"Alright dad, be careful." She said happily.

"You bet yer stars I will, now, go on and tell your mother not to wait up for me" She looked up at him for a moment analyzing him and then wrapped her arms around him tightly hugging him as best she could. "I love you dad! You better not get home too late or I'll have to send ya to see Davey Jones! Mum hates it when you're out late!"

Without giving him time to respond Kat took off to her home, half excited and half in fear. She would have to fight her greatest adversary that night, no doubt about it. She never did this willingly, but seeing as her father wouldn't be home to protect her it couldn't be helped. Her mother was a force she would have to reckon with.

In the Lions Den

When Kat was fairly close to her home she paused to shake the sand from her dress. While most of it came off she could still see the stains it left. Her hair was a hopeless knot, Kat noted that it would be pointless to try and hide her appearance and continued home.

She didn't focus on the path or any of the stores, as she had always taken the same route and seen the same shops almost every day. Her mind was busy attempting to formulate a way to tell her mother that her father wouldn't be home, but as she was only six, one could state that it didn't work too well. Realizing this she stopped at a bakery that was on the way and bought a few day old rolls. Carefully concealing them into the pockets of her dress, she continued home. It was dark by then and the streetlights were being lit. Kat paid no attention to the darkness though.

Not knowing the best plan of action, she walked up to her house. She prepared herself for the next five seconds and ventured inside. Walking as calmly as she could, Kat when through the front hallway into the dinning room, noting some of the food being set out on the table. She continued to walk to the lounge and found her mother reading a book on a luxurious satin couch. Acknowledging Kats presence her mother looked up, showing a disgusted face at the sight of her only daughter.

"Yes? Where is your father?"

Kat breathed in, looked at her mother blankly and spoke, "Dadsaidhewouldn'tbehomefordinnertonightandtonotwaitupforhimandyesIwasplaying

piratesatthebeachI'msorryIknowyoudon'tlikeit."

"Well," Her mother said angrily, looking back down at her book, "Go to your room, if I even hear your door open once, I'll come and beat you myself."

As Kat started to back out of the room her mother looked at her sharply, "And don't even think of touching the food out on the table, your father needs it more than a disrespectful little whelp like you does."

"Yes ma'm." Was all Kat could do to respond.

While in her room she chided herself for not fighting back her mother.

"I AM the bloodiest pirate to ever sail the Caribbean after all… But SHE is like this evil, nasty…thing!" After settling down a bit she munched on the rolls she bought earlier, reveling in her small victory. Confidently she spoke out, "The secret of all victory lies in the organization of the non-obvious." She remembered the quote her father had told her weeks ago.

"At least this battle is over, I wonder how the next one will end?"

With that, she finished her rolls changed out of her gritty clothes and decided it was best to go to bed, excited that when she woke, she could eat breakfast with her father.

The next day

The next day the morning was dim, fog lolled about as the sun began to break it apart. Up the street, away from the docs where the ocean rolled slowly awake and, away from the busy vendors preparing their stores for the day was a lovely Victorian house. It wasn't the only house on its wide street lined with palm trees; in fact, it fit in quite nicely. It had all the necessities that all the other houses had too. The only difference on that fine morning was that there was an officer of the Kings royal navy approaching one of the houses.

He walked up to the house with a look of dread and dismay, hoping, that some how before he reached the door that something would happen to keep him from delivering his message. Why? Why? How could this have happened? Stephen… How could you? Why do I have to be the one? You should be here now! Why? He paused for a moment to compose himself, to try and hide the anguish that tormented his thoughts. I must be strong! He pulled his hand up to the door but faltered, then knowing what must be done he picked up the ring incased in the lions mouth and rapped loudly on the door.

After a moment one of the houses servants came to the door and then, in another moment brought the lady of the house to meet him.

"Well, hello Thomas, what brings you here so early in the morning on this fine day?" Thomas looked about him, he had hardly noticed the day at all and indeed it did look like it would be a fine day, well; fine until this family had hear what he had to tell them.

"Indeed Mrs. Berlin, but I'm afraid that this nice day will be short lived. May I come in?" The Lady of the house, Mrs. Ann Berlin looked at him rather oddly, and then nodded, "Yes, please do. Let us go talk in the parlor."

As she showed the navel officer to the area of her home were guests were entertained he couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked, her blond hair was all done up, with tendrils coming off to the sides here and there, ringlets so natural that she needn't add any of the foul product that was sold in town. Her blue eyes sparkled even in the light of her home, so crystal clear, it seamed that you could drink from them. She wore a pale pink dress that complimented nicely with her tan figure. Which, was a bit larger because of the berth of her child, but still held all of its beauty. His heart saddened yet again as he mourned what he had to tell her.

As they were walking to the parlor, Katherine came running down the stairs still in her nightgown, her hair wild and messy. She ran up to Thomas and gave him a hug, "Avast ye scurby landlubber! Who be you, to come here so early this morn?" Thomas grinned, and hid the grief that lingered in his eyes, " You really don't want to get mixed up with those pirates Miss Berlin; they'd betray you as fast as they befriend you. Where'd you learn all those pirate terms by the way? I almost thought you were a pirate myself." She happily told him, matter of factly, "My dad taught me, he's the smartest gentleman in all the Caribbean!"

Anger built up in Mrs. Berlin; how dare she talk like that to my guest! Of all the inappropriate things to say to a guest, and in her nightgown no less! She breathed a little bit heaver as cat continued.

"Aye, and ye better watch out cause I'm Kat the Bloodiest pirate in all the Caribbean! I'll cut out yer tongue and make ya eat it, be sure I will!"

A wave of anger came over Mrs. Berlin just then, "Katherine Angelina Berlin! I am amazed that you would even say such a thing to our guest, let alone suggest that your father would teach you such horrendous language. Now, you will go upstairs and make yourself more presentable, when you can behave like a lady, you may join us in the parlor." Kat had a rather frustrated look on her face and then disappeared up the stairs to her room.

As they entered the parlor, Ann said wearily, " I do apologize for my daughter, she is so tomboyish, I'm afraid she'll never grow out of it sometimes." He laughed a bit and told her, "She is well on her way to becoming a wonderful lady, I promise you." They both laughed and sat down at an extremely comfy couch, with a view that stretched out towards the ocean, where blue sky met a blue sea and you could barely separate the two. But it was so far off in the distance that it made one wonder if it was there at all. More closely inspired was the gorgeous flowers that adorned the backyard of the home, a wonderful fountain of three tiers of angels dancing in the clouds, and reaching towards the heavens gave the view an even more abnormal look, saying, " Pay no attention to the waters far away; look toward me, to the beauties I bring from the heavens."

Their parlor was very stylish, and was filled with all kinds of exotic artifacts. Stephen, Ann's husband, was a merchant and always brought wonderful things home for his family. Things that had traveled all over the world; Chinese scrolls, Spanish paintings, ivory tucks from Africa; he would even bring things from the new Americas. And Ann, who loved to decorate, would always make everything fit perfectly together. This room in particular, she used to showcase his artifacts from Africa; it had a rustic feel, which one could even forget where they were. It could be believed that if you were in this room long enough, you would see great Elephants walking down gardens, or even a cheetah lounging next to you in the plush couch. The magic Ann could work with a room was inconceivable.
" So Thomas, may I inquire as to why you came here today?" She had a small look of worry in her eyes. Thomas hesitated at first, not really wanting to say what he had to say, but spoke in almost a whisper, "Its about your husband, Stephen." Ann stared at him blankly, concern growing, "Go on" she said quietly.

"Well, he was conducting business last night at the pub, concerning accounting and who to trade with and all, when out of nowhere a drunken man came up to him. The man grabbed Stephen and I tried to get to him, but it was no use. The drunk pulled a pistol and shot at me, thankfully because of the state he was in he missed. But he had thrown Stephen to the ground and before anyone could stop him he… he shot him… in the chest. I suppose that after realizing what he did, the drunk shot himself." He paused, holding back his tears; I will be strong for her! Allowing everything to sink in with Ann. Then continued, " Stephen… he didn't die right away, said he wanted me to personally tell you this, and to come in the morning so you'd have a nights rest first. He says that he loves you and, that you and Katherine will be taken care of. He thought only of you until his last breath…"

He began to rummage through his coat pocket and handed Ann a document, "Here is his will; I wrote it out for him as well as I could; and this note here, I helped him to write it for you."

Ann sat there; stunned by all she heard, it seamed as though it couldn't really be processed into her brain. She looked down at the letter and began to read.

My Dearest Ann,

please forgive me for leaving you…

It troubles my heart to see what will become of my family

you can blame me for any strife that may come your way..

I love you so much, my amazing beauty… Please,

in my passing, look towards our daughter, the best

treasure I could have ever given you…

Do not mourn me forever, my love

For we shall meet again…

I will patiently wait for you,

My only love…

Eternally yours,

Stephen

It all came, the tears and the understanding that he was gone. The tears came pouring out her eyes, she grabbed onto Thomas and sobbed into his shoulder. The man she loved, would do anything for, was gone. It seemed that all was lost. How would her family survive? How will I survive? Why, Stephen? Why? She thought to herself. The sobs didn't stop, and Thomas tried to comfort her the best he could.

Just then, Kat entered the room; she was dressed in a simple blue gown, her hair pulled back into a quick braid. She looked at her mother and then she looked at Thomas.

"Mommy, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

She walked over to her mother, and lightly rubbed her back. Ann stopped and looked up at her, hatred filled her eyes. This? This is the greatest treasure? Stephen… oh Stephen! "Katherine, your father is dead." Ann said bitterly. Getting up she stated, "Thomas, thank you very much for bearing the pain of telling me this, but I would like some time to be alone now, If you wouldn't mind showing yourself the way out, I'd be very thankful. I do apologize…" She wiped her face and then left, going to her room to cry some more.

Kat stood there stunned, she didn't know whether to cry or not. She just stood there. Feeling a light touch on her shoulder she looked up at Thomas, not knowing what to say to her he gave her a small hug, "I'm so sorry, I wish I could've done more..." and with that he made his leave. After about twenty minutes or so Kat started to cry, all she new was that her father had died, she cried aloud and asked why so many times, but there was no answer.

After what seemed like hours she stood up, she new that her dad wouldn't want her to cry and be sad, he would want her to be strong and help her mother. So, with a stifled cry she walked up the stairs and down the lonely hall to her mothers room, trying to have some composure knocked on the door. After not hearing anything she entered, and there laid her mother on the bed. Kat went over to her mother and sat next to her on the bed trying not to cry, "Mommy, it will be alright. I love you very much." Her mother looked at her, taken aback by what she had said.

"You love me? How can you say such a thing when you won't even listen to me, you always favored your father more than I. You never cared to give a second thought about me, always caught up in your own little tomboy fantasies." Kat tried to talk, "I know and I'm sorr-"

"Well, I hate you! Until you become a real lady, don't even bother to tell me that you love me!"

Kat looked at her mother, astonished to say the least, "But…"

"No! Get out of here right now!" Her mother screamed and then threw herself back into her relentless sobs.

Slowly, Kat left her mother's room, panting small cries as she closed the door. She looked up, not really seeing anything and just ran. Daddy, you're not supposed to leave! You're supposed to protect us! Mommy has never liked me and we always fight! Daddy! Daddy she doesn't understand me the way you do! Daddy… I'll miss you too much! I miss you now! She went down the stairs and headed for her front door. Tears streaming down her face at the realization of what happened. She had lost her whole family in one day. Bursting through her front door she stopped. Taylor was walking up the path leading to her house; he saw her tears and ran over to her.

"Katherine, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

Without saying anything she hugged him. He felt odd, but didn't refuse her hug knowing that something was terribly wrong. He tried to calm her down the best he could, and after a bit she told him the whole story, or at least what she knew… fighting back tears the whole time. Taylor sat there quietly, promising to himself that he would try to be her best friend forever. He hoped, that Kat would one day be happy…

Becoming a lady

Nearly a year had past since her fathers' death; her mother had been busy constantly trying to get things on order while, mysteriously an account arose in her name having enough to supply for her needs for the rest of her life. She daily thanked Stephen for that, knowing that it was from him. Katherine was now eight and wild as ever. She and her best friend Taylor often went down to the beach to search through the caves, or find shells and crabs in the sand. Many they would name after their favorite stories or pirates.

One day in particular as they were walking away from one of the caverns they called Sanctuary Taylor brought up an old argument.

"Are you sure you just can't do it? I mean it's not that hard."

"Yeah I'm sure, for the millionth time! I will never learn how to swim!" As if it were by some curse laid upon her after the death of her father, learning how to swim scared the living daylights out of her. Kat wouldn't even go knee deep in the water. Everything about that day still lingered in her thoughts, day and night.

Taylor looked at her with confusion, her brown hair fell out of its messy braids and her green eyes flashed him an angry look. "What?" she asked him.

He looked up at her and suddenly grinned wildly, "What ye be askin' me ye wench! I be wondering if Kat the bloody can come out an fight!" his mock pirate tone was met with hers. "Aye, she will come out, but are ye sure ye want to face 'er wrath after all yer annoyances?"

Before he could answer her she pounced on him and started to hit him. They wrestled for what seamed like a long time before an ear-piercing scream came about.

"Katherine! What do you think you are doing?" Kat stopped suddenly, looked up to see her mother, red in the face and still as elegant as ever. What does she want? To yell at me again…? Evil sea witch; a soft answer turns away wrath! Standing up slowly she walked over to her mother, looking at her in the eyes, boldly but polite, "Ma'am, we were just playing is all…" she stopped short by the feel of a hand smacking her cheek. Pulling her hands up to her face she felt the tears coming to her eyes. In an instant she hid them and attempted to let the pain fade away.

Taylor got up quickly and ran over to Kat, "Mrs. Berlin, it was my fault, I started it, please don't be angry at her."

Ann examined her daughter, her blue dress was dirty and her feet were bare, her hair had also almost come completely undone by their crazy games. She then looked over at Taylor, noting that he himself looked worse than she did. Of all the children you could have befriended, it had this boy? She must do it in spite of me!

"That wont be necessary, now go on home. I don't want you and my daughter to ever play again, if I catch you two together, I'll have you flogged." She said turning to Katherine. "Is that clear?"

"But Mother-"

Ann looked at her daughter sternly, "Is that clear?"

Still holding her face where she had been hit Kat nodded very reluctantly. She then looked at her best friend, and with out words they told one another goodbye.

"Now, come Katherine, it is time for you to become a lady. I have hired the best tutors for you and you don't have the time to dawdle around these kind of people any more."

As she walked away from the beach she looked back one last time, only to see her best friend pounding the sand with his fists. The look of defeat imbedded itself into her heart. She promised, for her best friend to never give in, to never be defeted.

Note:

Ok, ok, its really close to being the same as the first time I did it, but I like how it turned out a lot better. As you all know this is a PoTC fic. I loooooove Pirates! But not will, or Elizabeth. Will… he's a pansy. And Well, Elizabeth… I just don't like her… Anywho! R&R and tell we what you think of the new chapter one! Umm obviously, it might coincide with the next few chapters, but I'm really busy and don't have much time to work on this! See ya!

Finding Happiness