My sincerest apologies for not updating sooner. I had a horrid block, and was in Chicago this past week on a mission trip with my church. However, as soon as I got there, my block cleared. Thank the Lord I had my journal with me; I wrote most of the chapter while I was there. As well as a poem, which is becoming a rarer and rarer occurrence for me.

So many reviews! You guys rock and get rum and cookies! XD

obbits14: You are correct! That would be Norrington. Isn't he smexy? Then again, he always was...though not NEARLY as much as Jack. And Yes, in one of the sequels I have planned, Jack will go to Amy's world, but I don't think there will be any duels with Geoffrey Rush. Nor Barbossa for that matter.

Bluekrystal114: Yay, you finally read it! Hah, keep reading, mate. It gets better, I hope... yes, be a good girl and listen to the voices in your head!

RespectTheSporks: Gold, yes. Rum: even more. Here's your update. Fork 'em over.

dangerous addiction: yay, a new reviewer! Sorry, but I have a strict no-Jack-romance policy, especially not with a girl who's less than half his age. I hope I haven't disappointed you, and if I have, you have my sincerest apologies. Any affections displayed between them were more of the type between a father or uncle and daughter or niece, savvy? And aye, I agree: Jack IS TOTALLY sexy. XD

Jess is a pirate: So has the phantom stopped throwing toasters at you yet? Yes, no? I can't believe how long it's taken for me to update this!

Kei-Ookami.kara.mori: Thanks much for the review! Sorry, 'soon' and 'update' do not appear in the same sentence with me. Chronic writer's block. You know.

scarlet-rebELLE: Thanks for such the lovely review!

I'm-in-love-wit-CJS: Here's the update! Thanks for the review!

pirateobsessed: You are correct! And, innit ironic? You're the first one to get that. Ha, no ice cream on his head there. He's a penniless drunk at one point. I'm sure you'll be jumping for joy...

NEON.lights: Why thank ye for such the lovely review! Elfees'ni, eh. Yes, I DO adore my reviewers. Never thought of them as fans before...interesting...anywho, I do sincerely apologize for the long wait between updates, but my writer's block is chronic. I'm sure I'll be updating a little more frequently now that it's summer, but I fear no promises can be made.

Authoressinhiding: You only guessed right because I told you. The only reason she 'outwitted' him was because they—and that includes Amy—made a stupid mistake and forgot to lock their cabin door. That is all, savvy?

Little Miss Sparrow: You seem to have an Oddparents fetish. Glad to know someone got that though. Sadly, no that is not Jack's father. If so, he looks REALLY young for his age. ...and uber smexy, but we won't get into that.

Mates, I must admit I have kept a tidbit of truth from you all. See, this is a Spirit/PotC crossover...or as close to one as I could come. It was the first idea I had for a fic, and I stuck with it. That's why all the stuff when he's a horse is so sappy. The whole Spirit thing, savvy?

I also fear that many of the original characters are severely out of character, if not now then when the sequel comes out. My apologies, and I hope you like it just the same.

Anything you recognize does not belong to me. I don't even belong to me!

MA'LIKI-LIKI!

Chapter Thirteen: A Bit of Good Fortune

At this, many of the crew cried out in rage and fury.

"Yes, well he's damn well been here before," James fumed, massaging his jaw.

"Aye not that was when he was actually out of the Navy, not while he was back commanding it on a grant of clemency," Ana specified.

"You act like you want your captain to stay like this," James gestured toward the horse. As if on cue, Jack transformed back into a human, expression unconcerned.

"And you act like you care!" Ana spat at his feet, as did the crew to the deck. Jack cringed. Once he got his voice back, these sailors would think they were born swabbing the deckboards.

"Not about Jack's condition, no. about helping Miss Amy, I care a very good deal."

Ana narrowed her eyes, while she found the girl annoying and irritating to no end, she did not want to see her get hurt. "And why would you care so much?"

James' expression suddenly softened, stance relaxing a bit. "Because," he replied. "She is my only family. And I will do whatever it takes to help her when she needs me. And if that means going aboard a pirate ship and helping one of life's greatest annoyances—" Jack snorted indignantly "—then so be it. I made a promise to her, and it is one that I do not intend to break."

"That's m'boy," Ames whispered proudly to herself, blinking away tears at his loyalty.

Ana blinked, shocked and caught completely off-guard at such unexpected words. It was then that Jack chose to approach. Ana, please—he's only here for a very limited time, and Ames has assured me he will not know th' coordinates nor location of our safe haven.

The African regarded the captain, a thoughtful expression coming on. She made a few quick hand signs, and Jack gaped, surprised, before quickly signing back. She chuckled. "Of course I understand sign language, cap'n! Cotton and I have been learning it since his parrot makes no sense to me, as much as it might to you."

Jack signed something in response. "Dang, I knew I shoulda taken those sign language extra curricular activities back in elementary school," Ames complained with a facepalm.

Me? I'm insane; of course I understand Cotton's parrot, Jack translated with a chuckle. He then turned back to Anamaria and proceeded to explain everything. ...Well, almost. Everything about Ames, save for her rather curious relation to Norrington. And he was translating it all simultaneously. The girl's eyes widened at this, but just as she opened her mouth to say something (be it in defense or explanation no one will ever know), a hand came down on her shoulder, and she found herself suddenly facing James. She looked at him confusedly, but he only shook his head, leading her away so that they could speak without interrupting the conversation between Ana and Jack.

"I didn't quite catch what it was Jack said," he began gently, "...but I trust he knows what he is doing, at least some of the time. If he feels he can tell Anamaria whatever it was that has bothered you, then...well, don't tell him I said this, but I think his judgement should be trusted." He finished, nodding encouragingly at her, eyebrows rising slightly.

Ames blinked. Never in an eternity had she expected this. She sighed, shoulders sagging just a wee bit. "Fine," she concurred. "Bit I suuurrre hope you're right," she added wryly before her face split into a grin. "But no, I trust him that he knows what he's doing; he's Captain Jack Sparrow! And of course I trust your judgement on his judgement. Dotdotdot, then again, I can mistrust me more than I can mistrust you or him, trust me."

James blinked, then rolled his eyes as he recognized the quote. "You really enjoy talking like Jack, don't you." It was more a statement than a question.

She grinned widely. "What can I say? I was completely obsessed before I came here, and now that I know him...well, I'm not so obsessed with him personally anymore, but I kinda quote a lot of the people I know, so methinks I'll be quoting him even more now than ever, savvy?" Her grin grew cheesy. James raised an eyebrow, amused. And just seeing that expression on his face...that expression which would never have been worn by a man like him. It seemed that now, he was a completely different person than when they had first become acquainted. His composure was so much looser, so much freer—he wasn't some stuck-up snob or a prat or anything. Not such a stiff with a broom handle up his—well, you get the idea. The point it, she was finally seeing through the stark wall James has built up between himself and the world—see his true self. ...And he was finally letting it show through. Ames blinked upon realizing this, after a random meditative pause immediately following their conversation, and suddenly smirked, looking after him. By now, he had wandered some distance away to converse with Gibbs. Out of habit, she reached up with a finger to push her glasses farther up her nose, before freezing, dropping her hand away quickly, and rolling her eyes. That day at the Turners' house had been the last day she'd worn them. She had all but given up on them, they were so ruined by the dust. The good news was...that she saved a bunch of money on car insurance by switching to Geico—I mean, that her eyesight seemed to be improving since then! (Oops, too much T.V. ...)

A whinny sounded back up on the bridge, and she twisted around, tucking a loose strand of ever-growing-lighter brown hair behind her ear to see Jack standing at the helm, eyes gazing out to the horizon. Ames made her way up the steps and came to stand beside him. "Ya need me, mon Capitaine?" she asked gently. He didn't answer. Only continued to stare out over the horizon, as if entranced by it. She knew better than to press him—he would (hopefully) come out of it eventually, and he (almost) always heard what it was that had been said.

After a looong, very long yet not uncomfortable silence, Jack finally answered.; Luv, it's time you got to know the Pearl.

"Mate, I've gotten to know her," Ames replied with a grin. "She's the absolute best."

Aye, she is, but that is not the way I meant in knowing her. Here. He stepped away from the helm and gestured for her to take it. She only looked back and forth from him to the wheel and back several times, comfuzzled. It's all right, luv, she won't bite. Sure, she's a bit picky about who captains her, but she seems to have taken a bit of a shine to you, Jack whickered. Go on, take it. I'll be right here the whole time.

Ames blinked in surprise, then smiled, and stepped over to the helm. However, as soon as her back was to him, her expression dropped and became nervous. Oki, thought she, something new. Uhh...knock on wood, let's do this...? She placed her hands gently on the spokes, and noted how well certain places fit her grip. However, she was sure they fit Jack's hands perfectly.

Not so tightly, luv, Jack put in. She doesn't take kindly to rough handling—note the way Barbossa and his poor excuse for a crew treated her. Now, did you not tell me that one of the lines in this play of yours was 'We're catching up'?

"Yeah, the Interceptor was catching up to the Pearl on the chase to Isla de Muerta."

No need to tell me, darling, I was there. Now, loosen your grip a bit. Like as to shake a mate's hand, savvy? He watched as her grip relaxed to a much more tolerable state. But the rest of her remained tense. Luv, you need to relax.

"How can I? I'm not even driving yet! The only things I know how to drive are horses and bicycles."

Whats?

"Bicycles. Nevermind. The point it, I don't want anything to happen—and knowing my luck, I'm bound to mess something up, and that would just be so—"

Close your eyes, Jack interrupted.

"Wha?"

You heard me. Just close your eyes, Amy. After a moment's hesitation, she did so. Good. Now, deep breath in— she inhaled —and out. She obeyed. Now listen.

"To what?"

Just listen, the captain repeated softly.

Ames sighed, eyes still closed, and opened her ears and mind. At first, she heard almost silence. She thought she heard near nothing. Then a strong sea breeze blew against her, sending her hair flying. And with that came the sound or rushing water; the sound of waves caressing the Pearls hull. And there was the rustling of sails and the creaking of ropes and lines, and the groaning of boards and timbers. There were the cries of the wandering albatross and the calls of other sea birds out over the open water. She heard the grunts and voices of the sailors hard at work. Heard the squeaks and whistles of companionable dolphins; the soft splashes they made as they dove in and out of the water and the Pearl's wake. She strained her ears just so, and could have sworn she heard the far-off song of a whale. She smiled to herself.

She inhaled deeply the salty tang of the breeze which tickled the back of her throat. There was the smell of the sweat and the tar and the sea. She smelt a slight fishy smell, and a warm scent mingling strongly with it, which she assumed to be that of the dolphins. There was a very faint tang of blood, and Amy knew Jack was standing near—what with that open wound on his jaw. And with that she discerned his scent: a smell of rum and spice and the sea...and now, of horse. The last of which a scent which she had learned long ago and now knew very well. For a Philadelphia suburban, she took pride in that she could smell the difference between horse and cow. And she could smell the far off smell of rain from the storm.

She exhaled, and felt her body begin to relax. She could feel the Pearl's gentle pitch and slight roll. Felt the timbers solidly beneath her boots, felt the smooth wood of the helm beneath her fingers. There was the pain in her foot, as sharp as ever, but it seemed nearly nonexistent when there was so much else here to focus on.

Ames had always thought of doing something like this, but never had she tried. And now she knew she would do it again many times in the future; it had such a calming effect on her. So calm was she that she was unsurprised when Jack wrapped an arm round her shoulders, setting a hand on the helm. She opened her eyes a crack and glanced up. Sure enough, his eyes were closed, too. She smiled and closed her eyes again.

Not long after, she felt Jack stir not physically, but mentally. All right, luv, part one complete, he thought to her. You can open your eyes now.

—————

James looked up from his work of knot tying to see the lass standing silently at the helm, Sparrow standing not far off. And there was a silence up on the bridge.

Seemingly acting of her own expertise, the girl deftly adjusted her grip on the helm, and began to steer the ship. He finished his knots and retreated below deck.

—————

She felt Jack in her mind, and at the same time she did not. Through his gentle guidance she steered the Pearl. She exhaled deeply and relaxed further. Under her hands, she could feel every movement—every wave, every breeze, every footstep, right down to the keel.

It seemed almost as soon as she acknowledged this that Jack spoke up. All right, luv, that's enough for today, he nickered softly, though she could detect a hint of jealousy under his voice.

"Aw, Debbie, I'm sorry. I've just been taking my good ol' time here between you and your Pearl, haven't I?"

Aye, but it's...all right. I just want to get back to her before I 'need' to become a horse again. Savvy?

"Ah," Ames bobbed her head, looking back out to the horizon. "Well! Then let's not dilly, or dally." —Jack gave her an odd look.— "Besides, I'm sure she prefers you over me." She stepped aside, and he gratefully took the wheel. "All right, you two have fun, now. I'm 'onna go check up on Ellie," she said with a wink and a mischievous grin. Jack rolled his eyes and tried not to laugh. "Bye-bye." She strode away. Well, rather more like hobbled, as she had 'misplaced' her crutch...

Norrington, meanwhile, was busy pouring over his mother's diary. Ames burst in, humming Jack's Irish-sounding theme from the movie. He looked up, listening a moment to the playful tune before she stopped herself. "Someone's in high spirits," he commented.

"Well I just bonded with a ship. Wouldn't that put anybody in such spirits, Ellie?"

"Ellie?" Norrington asked, bemused, brows knitting together.

"Yes. Ellie."

He looked skyward—or rather ceiling-ward, as they were below deck, and groaned. "Please, leave me out of this one."

"Not a chance, boy-o. Debbie thinks it fits you rather well."

Norrington massaged one temple in mock annoyance. "Lord have mercy on my soul," he murmured in good humor. He gently flipped a page in his mother's diary.

"Anything yet?" she asked, gesturing with her eyes to the book.

He shook his head with a sigh. "Nothing new, only that same old riddle: 'The secret lies in the heart.' There must be something. There has to be."

She came over and hugged him. "Don't worry, I'm sure we'll find the way. Thank you for everything you're doing, James. I really do appreciate it."

He laid a gentle family kiss on the top of her head. "I'll find it. I promise."

She smiled at him, then returned topside. Up the main mast went she, as she was beginning to overcome her slight acrophobia. Music from the Pirates2 soundtrack (which she had listened to constantly on the internet as she awaited the movie) blaring in her head, she found herself moving to the beat and mood. Up up up, swing, jauntily moving, then intense, then playful. Before she knew it, she had made it up to the crow's nest. She conducted her music for a moment, picking up the spyglass to use as a baton before opening it and taking a look. Through the music, she could barely hear the cries of seagulls. Land was close. And as the music reached its climax, she let out a whoop for joyof discovery, and cried: "LAND HO!"

They had made it.

Oki, there's your chappie. REVIEW! Please.

Oh, and if'n yer all wondering aboot the new soundtrack online...well, they're really just clips, but here's the link...

soundtrackDOTnetSLASHfeaturesSLASHarticleSLASH?idEQUALS198

the 'equals' is the equal sign. I don't know if ffnet would let me show it. The album comes out on the fourth of july. SQUEE!

MA'LIKI-LIKI!

MeraSparrow