A/N: here's another chapter which I updated much faster than I thought I would, so I hope you enjoy it, any reviews to let me know how it is would be greatly welcomed!
Disclaimer: i dont own anyone from Pirates but i do own Jade, Smitty and anyone else not found in the movieeAs I walked down the streets of Port Reyes I found myself following my old paths and shortcuts. I smiled to myself as I realized how much I missed this place and old Smitty as well. I turned my head slightly to make sure James was still behind me, satisfied for once that he was obeying me I slowed down as I reached the blacksmith shop. I drew in a breath and pushed the door open, knowing it had been awhile since I had been to see Smitty,
The moment I entered the shop I was surrounded by hot humid air, and the smell of coals burning. Next to being on a ship, a blacksmith somehow comforted me as well but maybe it was because there were swords everywhere. As I inspected a near by sword I felt someone in front of me, "Well seems I need some glasses I think I'm seeing two Norrington's together and standing." I turned my head to see Smitty cleaning his glasses, "Well I guess my old eyes are telling the truth for once" he said as his glasses were secure on his nose again.
"Yeah well it doesn't mean I enjoy his company," I huffed while hugging him. James tilted his head to the side at my behavior, I never gave out father hugs or himself for that matter but to me Smitty was family.
"So I know that Jade here is in the market for a new sword but what bring you back here Commodore?"
James smiled back at his old friend, "I just thought id catch up before I rejoin my duties" Smitty nodded his approval before turning his attention me, "So Jade my dear, same as last time?"
I laughed at how well he could read people, "Yeah that will do." As soon as he had appeared he was gone into the back of the blacksmith to get to work. I took a seat in an empty chair.
"So James I take it ye be heading back to Port Royal?"
"Yes well I will not abandon my duties, even though you have"
I looked at him in shock, "I never had any duties to answer to, and I still don't which personally is much better than your formal orders."
"You may think you don't have duties but what is this map you are following, that seems to be a duty, or should I bring up Rackham again?" My shock slowly turned to confusion.
"What are ye getting at James?"
"Living this life isn't all freedom Jade and sooner or later you'll understand there's a price to pay for thinking it is."
"Are ye telling me ye be sending me to the gallows? Or just that I should leave this life behind" James opened his mouth to answer when I stopped him, "I'm not leaving this life James, Father even told me he didn't approve but knew I needed this freedom. And ye have been sailing with pirates and rumrunners for a short time so don't tell me its not free" I stood up and left the blacksmith shop, planning on returning for my new sword later.
Norrington sighed and fell into the same chair his sister had just left. As he rested his head in his hand he heard Smitty walking around.
"So Commodore what really brings you here?"
"I don't know what I should do about her, I know its wrong for her to be a pirate but I still don't want to find her and have to send her to the gallows"
"Ah I see, well I do remember you letting a certain Captain get away as well, wouldn't you agree sometimes aren't clear right and wrong?"
Norrington picked his head up and faced Smitty, "Yeah but I can't let that keep happening I'll lose my job, and everything I've worked for."
"Including your family" Norrington sighed knowing Smitty had a point, he got up and followed the path outside like Jade had done before.
I managed to keep away from my brother for the remainder of the afternoon and as the darkness set in upon the port I made my way back to see Smitty.
The door creaked loudly in the silence as I entered the shop, it was still light up by candles and I could see Smitty in the back room drinking.
"Jade, I don't suppose ye talked to ye brother?" I hung my head slightly knowing I should have at least talked to him again before I left.
"It won't make a difference, I'm still a pirate, and he's still a commodore. And I'm still leaving." I took the seat next to him as he passed me some of his rum.
"Ye might be leaving, and even if ye are both on opposite ends, he is ye family, let him in" I shook my head, "I've already let someone in and they are gone now, and I don't need family"
Knowing he couldn't win this conversation or the earlier one with James, Smitty handed the sword over to me. I smiled and gave the rum back to him, "Thanks Smitty, ill stop by next time I'm near by"
"Get out of here," he motioned with his hands and laughed as I left the shop.
Despite the advice I received from Smitty about talking to my brother before I left, I felt it was best to leave silently so he couldn't follow. I found everyone on board waiting to set off when I arrived at the docks.
As I took the helm I gave one last look behind me at Port Reyes before sailing off towards my treasure.
Norrington had given up finding Jade in the streets when night had fallen, but as he woke in the morning on his own ship, he found the Sea Hawk to be gone. For a moment he looked sad but then turned and proceeded to make arrangements for his own journey back to Port Royal.
A/N sorry theres isnt very much action or anything in this chapter but i promise more is to come, and more Jack as well...
