Disclaimer: Not mine.
Summary: The end of a young Captain's innocence; the beginning of a legend. Black Pearl Sails challenge fic (theme: revenge.) 250 words, rated PG. No pairing.
One Shot
He pleaded and cajoled and tried to appease them, with the shamelessness of desperation, but they just laughed in his face; and Bo'sun cuffed him, hard, in the back of the head. "Enough o' your lip, Sparrow."
They tossed the pistol contemptuously at his feet.
"One shot," sniggered Pintel. "Cap'n's orders."
He stood silent finally, head spinning, on the beach. The boat went away slowly, avoiding the shoals. Beyond the breakers, black sails unfurled, and the Pearl turned to the open sea. In his bones he felt her move, as if he were still at the helm and she under his hands, dancing together between wind and sea...
He watched her recede from him until she was a toy ship, and then a black speck among the swells, and then lost to the horizon.
She was really gone.
He sat down heavily on the sand. Picked up the pistol, stared at it bleakly; rested the barrel against his temple, a cold kiss of metal on his skin. Closed his eyes, and saw Barbossa's face.
"One shot, lad, 'tis all you'll be needin'."
"I thought we were mates!"
"Jack. Jack..." His first mate shook his head with mock regret. "Haven't I taught ye anything? We're pirates, lad! Though you're a right sorry excuse for one." A shark's grin. "Oh, an' thank ye kindly for them bearings, Jack. Must say I never thought ye'd give 'em up so easy..."
He lowered the pistol.
"One shot," he said softly. "Aye, that'll be enough."