Disclaimer: Ok ok, I don't own PoTC, Sorry Jack, but you can't come home with me, it just wouldn't work. The other Chars, such as Kat and Taylor and people you don't recognize, live in my closest.

Jack: Luv, we could work something out you know…

Me: Sorry hon, if I'm sued, there won't be a story.

Kat: Besides Jack, her closet is very small, yer likes wouldn't even fit.

Jack: Kat, luv, your forgetting one thing, I'm captain Jack Sparrow.

Me: oi! On with chapter two!

Jack: hey! I'm in this one, ain't I luv?

Me: Only if you stop calling me luv!

Finding Happiness Chapter Two

Beams of light spread into the chamber, giving it warm feeling. The midsummer's rays begged for walks on the beach and bare feet on the sand. But from this room there would be none who could do just that. The people passing by the luxurious house could hear a sad melody; it seamed as though light and joy would never penetrate the tune that played. From her room, Kat had a glorious view of the ocean, but that would only lead her to tears. Then frustration. The view, the ocean, the port, she so longed to go there. To be away from her tedious life, but her only condolence was her piano. Her entire life seamed like an endless battle, and her piano was a way to relax, to let out all her pent up emotion. The only way she could escape her enemy, her mother.

At the age of only eight, her mother condemned her to their household, swearing that if she should leave, the punishment would be extremely severe. To keep her busy, all kinds of teachers were brought to their home to 'give her the world, and make her a proper lady' as her mother would say, but in reality it was only to mold her into the image her mother had wanted. True, she was a Victorian beauty, her skin was pale but not unhealthy, and her hair had darkened from the lack of sun to almost black. Her eyes remained green as the palm leaves, but a certain glow in them seamed to escape over the years. The frame of her body was gorgeous, to say the least. People who saw her would think that she was a doll come to life out of a child's play room.

Physically, she was everything her mother wanted her to be, and because of this, her mother doted upon her constantly, showering her with gifts and dresses and all the latest fashions. Honestly, it was all in vain.

Even though her mother was primarily in control of her life, Kat loved her ability in subtle revenge. Every now and again, Kat would steal some money from her room, and save it in a hidden place in her room she liked to call her "escape money". Her own theory was that when she had enough to get passage on a boat and enough for food for a while she would run away. The irony would be that her mother helped her to escape, even though the one that Kat would be fleeing from was indeed her mother. She had become less boisterous with her mother and learned how to make her believe what she needed to. Yes, Kat was a lady, with all the skills of a lady, but on the inside was a beast, trapped, waiting to be released along with her childhood nickname, 'Kat the bloody'.

She understood that her mother simply didn't like her. It was a fact and over the years Kat became used to it. She learned that it was ok for her mother to dislike her, and that she could hate her mother in return. In a small part of her heart, it did sadden her, but she reasoned it was safer not to get too attached. That would only lead to true sadness.

She had learned that when her father died.

Kat stopped playing as she heard a knock on her door.

"Yes?" she said annoyed.

"Miss, ya mother wants to speak wit you, she says ta go to her room." The maid replied. Kat looked up from her keys, she didn't want to talk to her mother. She wanted to rip her throat out. Their conversations only let to petty arguments and for Kat, a lost battle. Sighing, she got up and walked slowly to the door.

Opening it she said, " Thank you Sara, you can go now." The maid curtsied and walked off quickly, obviously not wanting to be around when they spoke.

Kat walked over to her mother's door, composed herself and then knocked on it carefully. She breathed deep to calm herself.

"Come in." Ann Stated happily. Kat could only think that she would have another dress for her to try on, only to find out that it was very small and Kat would not wear it, or something like that.

"You wanted to speak to me, mother?" Kat asked in a very plain voice. Attempting to mock all the ladies she had seen. Her mother, Ann looked at her. Kat's composer was almost perfect, her chin held high, hands cupped in her front. She looked like a wonderful lady. But Ann knew her daughter as well as her daughter knew her.

"Yes," She started out slowly. " Over the years I've taught you how to be a real lady, despite the struggles I had purifying you of you lesser qualities, I must say, the outcome is… satisfying. You've shown me that you are very capable of acting like a lady should and that you are as conniving as a knave. One quality that is in all actually very good for the world we live in." Her mother went on about how she was a wonderful mother and how she overcame many obstacles and whatnot. Kat could only think, get on with it woman! I don't want to stand around and hear you praise yourself all day! So, with a relatively large sigh, Kat interrupted.

"Mother, I don't want to be rude, but was there something important you wanted to tell me?"

Ann looked at her daughter with cold eyes. Then seemed to brush them away and started to speak again.

"Well yes, I was just getting there before you interrupted me. In fact, I was going to tell you that I would give you permission to start walking around the port again, unaccompanied. But, if you'd rather not, I understand."

Kat had a shocked look in her face. What is going on? Has she gone mad? Should I humor her? Anything is better than being around tutors and 'high class' people all day! … Lets humor her…

"I'm so sorry mother! I didn't realize that you were going to tell me something so wonderful! Of course I would love to walk around town again! Please, forgive me."

Kat's mother noted her expression and knew that her plan was already working.

"Good. I didn't want you to spend your entire life in this house. But, there are some rules I want you to follow. You are still my daughter and if anything happens, trust me, I will know about it. You wont be making a mockery of this family.

By this family, mother, you mean yourself. Kat thought confused, but overjoyed all at once.

Meanwhile

" Capin' yer crazy! I know you've 'ad some crazy plans afore, but this one takes them all!" The stout sailor said in response to his Captains plan.

"Aye, but your forgettin' Nasau Port, Gibbs." Another sailor said in response.

The captain looked at them, brought his hands up to his face and used them to exaggerate his words. His kohl rimmed eyes sparkled with delight.

"Yes and your forgetting one thing mate, I'm Captain Jack Sparrow." Jack said as he lightly swayed back with his ship.

"Aye, that you are Capin', and I'll be damned to Jones locker by the time were through!" Gibbs retorted. He paused for a moment, and then stated, " But if that'd be the case I'm all for it!"

Jack walked over to the door of his chamber, opened it and spoke, " Well then, now that were all squared away with our plans of our next loot, go tell the men Gibbs. It's always a pleasure working with you. Paul, I still need to 'ave a word with you." After Gibbs left the room, Jack closed the door and locked it once more, to provide for better privacy. Paul, sitting on a chest, looked up at Jack, "What did you want Jack?"

Jack walked over to him lightly swaying with the movement of his ship.

"Just wanted to give you some more orders of course." He smiled revealing his golden teeth. He started to fiddle around with one of the braids that made up his scraggly beard.

"Lad, I'm gonna 'ave Gibbs go to shor' and get some Rum for the men, not much though, as they need to be ready for tomorrow. But I want you to go 'ashore and 'ave a look around the port. Count out the coats and guns for us. I'll be goin' 'ashor too, to do the same, and I 'ave some… affairs to work out on my own..."

"Aye Jack, I can only imagine what you 'ave to do." Paul got up as Jack walked back over to the door.

"Lad, there's something else, a certain… woman you may need to watch out for. There will be good ransom in her, a daughter of an old friend. Berlin, eye here he had a daughter. Should be 'round your age too mate. See to where she lives should you find opportunity."

Paul walked to the door and as her was leaving Jack finished.

"And remember lad, your not a eunuch, have a little bit o' fun."

"Aye Capin'." Paul laughed as he walked off.

In the sun

Kat looked up at the sky, it was clear and blue, with the sun mercilessly beating down on her sweating form. As she walked down the streets of her town she could only wonder at why her mother had allowed her to walk alone, even considering the fact that she had to dress in some of her best clothes and have her hair done up completely so that she would be aloud to do it at all amazed her. Maybe after ten years her mother had finally gone insane? I wonder if she is going to have a nervous breakdown and get all emotional. Kat wondered what could have triggered this sudden change of heart. "Still don't like her, even if she is my mother." Kat muttered to herself as she walked along. And damn her! I don't care about her bloody spies!! Her composer loosed a bit, as she silently cursed her mother.

"Oh well, not today, I have no family today." She said as happy as possible and started for the beach. Damn that woman to hell if I get reprimanded for putting my bare feet in the sand!

As she was walking she considered going to see her childhood friend, Taylor. They had been best friends all those years ago, but she wondered if he would even remember her now. Will he even recognize me? After battling her mind for several minutes she decided it would be best not to go to his home. He probably moved on with his life and she had to understand that she could not be apart of it.

Stepping on the beach was like walking into heaven. She removed her shoes and let her feet sink into the warm sand. A feeling of great joy came over her, one of victory and remembrance. Kat stood there for a moment, just seeping the warmth, the texture of the sand. She felt the grit between her toes and relished her moment of pure peace. The world came back into view and she began to notice a few kids playing here and there, splashing in the water, some parents talking on the street about whatnot and weather. Other people walked about, looking like they were running errands. She saw one lad fishing off some rocks in the distance with nothing but a stick and some string. He could have been no older than 11.

Kat sat on the beach and just watched the kids play for a while, as she looked at their games she could tell that they were playing pirates. Some fighting with sticks, others pretending to walk the plank. Almost all little kids would play that one time or another, waiting to see how long it took for them to get into trouble by their parents.

At that moment strong arms wrapped themselves around Kats waist and caused her to jump into the air from fright, right into the person the arms belonged to, no less.

"Ain't it Kat tha Bloody? Back from the grave and ready to fight once more?"

She felt as though she had died and has been resurrected from the dead, wonderfully shocked as she turned around.

"Taylor!!"

She screamed with excitement and wrapped her arms around him in a hug filled with joy.

"I Thought I'd never see you again, or that you would've forgotten me or maybe you were dead and lost at sea!"

Taylor laughed, and she took a step back to take a look at him, fully grown, but still the same as ever. It was then that she noticed another person with him, a lady in fact. She was only a few inches shorter than Kat, and had crazy red hair pulled back into a messy bun. Her eyes were a deeper green than Kats own eyes were and they sparkled in the light.

"Taylor, is this tha girl you tell me about all tha time? Can't imagine it could be anyone else, right? I mean you ain't cheatin' on me are ya?" She replied with a small laugh. She was all smiles.

Taylor's face reddened, "No of course not, this is Kat my best friend from when we were little." He paused and turned to Kat, still red in the face. "Kat, I'd like you to meet some one very special to me, this is Crystal, my fiancé'."

Kat was a little taken aback at the statement, but happy at the same time for Taylor. She extended her arm to give Crystal a hug.

"That's wonderful! I'm so happy for the both of you! So much has happened in these past years I feel like I don't even know you any more." She said turning to Taylor.

He could only smile in response, not really knowing what to say, Crystal jumped in and stated, "Miss, I've known this man for the past 6 years an' he is still tha same as when I first laid eyes on him. Still playin' pirates and everything!" Kat couldn't help but laugh, she was so happy that he hadn't changed! And she absolutely adored Crystal!

The three of them sat in the sand at the beach and talked for what felt like hours on life in the past ten years. Kat explained how she was liberated that very morning, enabled to walk around town by herself, and how before this day she was only allowed to walk around in public with her mother. She also told them how she was a master at the piano and loved to write songs. Taylor had been very busy; he had joined the navy at only age 16 and had gone on a very long voyage to Africa and Europe and back, now he was on leave for a few years. He and Crystal were to marry next spring. Kat said that she hoped she would die before her mother married her off, which led to a small argument between her and Taylor. He ultimately gave in and said that he would be happy to do the honors for her, as payment for Kat the Bloody being gone for so long.

Rising to her feet Kat stated, "You want a fight wit' Kat the Bloody? Then a fight she'll give ye!" She grabbed a nearby stick thick enough to be her cutlass and swung it at his head. "Do I 'ave to hurt ye to get ya to yer feet boy?" She said in a mock-pirate voice. Her eyes began to sparkle like they hadn't in a while.

Smirking up at her, Taylor laughed, "Nay wench! But are ye sure ye want to be fightin' wit' a naval officer? Should ye lose I'll be forced to hang ye, as a warning for all yer other kind to see!" Jumping up, he dodged her first strike with ease and picked up his own makeshift cutlass and their battle began.

Crystal watched eagerly to see the outcome and who would win. She cheered for both of them, "Go Kat get 'im!! Ohh look out Taylor dear! …That one is going to hurt tomorrow…"

They stopped for a moment, resting blades on the other, rethinking their strategies. "Navel Officer are ye? Well, ye not be the only one handy with a sword then, behind me mums' back you see, I took fighting lessons from a very unfortunate soul. Beware, ta me ye are still a boy!"

They continued to fight, he swung and she knew where to block and she could strike and he would dodge. "Aye, Kat the Bloody, ye truly 'ave a talent for swordplay, but are ye ready for this?" He said as he suddenly lunged at her, forcing her to the sand hold the cutlass only inches from her neck. Beads of sweat dripped from his brow. He came inches from her face and gave her a look of triumph.

She looked at him, and smirked, "Apparently I am." And Taylor could hear the click of a pistol right next to his head; she had lifted it from him when they fell!

"You cheated!" He replied sourly, looking a little angry at his loss.

"Pirate." She told him bluntly as he helped her to her feet. She gave him his gun back, still a little angry at his loss he threw the stick far away from himself. Kat laughed, "Oh common Taylor, you can't be angry, this is the first time I've ever gotten close to beating you!"

Crystal looked at him and laughed, "Such a sore loser, aren't ye?"

"Ah not you too, it's not my fault she took lessons!" He retorted, but then looked at her, his face red again. "How did you get that good Kat? And without your mum knowing?"

Kat looked at them suspiciously, and then confessed, "Thomas taught me, I think he felt bad for me because of what my mother did. He fancies her quite a bit though, so he asked me not to say anything. Honestly, would I tell that woman anything? I'm glad to know now though that his lesson paid off." Taylor looked at her again, as if he wanted to rip her hair out piece by piece. Cocking her eye brow she looked back at him, "What?"

They all started to laugh and began to walk along the street, talking idly about nothing in particular.

None of them noticed the two men watching from the alleyway.

Note: So I was like, My CPU crashed and all my saved stories went with it. Cries but now Im over it, and I wanted to write so I thought I'd go through and revise some more stuff. It's a lot easier than coming up with more story. And as I said before, I really want to go through and fix up my previous chapters before I continue. I apologize the numerious errors that are still visible, I don't want the risk of losing information because of my crashing cpu again. And uhh in light of PoTC:2, this is in it's own world, while I loved that movie more than my own two feet, I can't write a decent spin-off to that. .

Jack is still smexy!

Finding Happiness