A/N: Sorry this chapter took so long to get up, my sister's moving, and I've had to help with that. I own nothing, Disney gets all that, though I'd love a Norrie of my very own. And I'm sorry he's so dark in these chapters...he'll lighten up soon, I promise. lol. Read and review please!
James tossed and turned in the sheets. Perhaps it was the rolling of the sea, but his mind would not allow for sleep this night. He stood, parched, and pulled a candle from a drawer upon his bedside table, lighting it on a torch in the far corner of his bedchamber. Norrington exited the heavy room and made his way across the ship to where he could perhaps find a drink.
While rummaging about, he heard footsteps, and turned quickly on his heal, wax spilling down his hand. He found himself face to face with another candle, held by Miss Shields.
"Oh…hello Captain," she scowled.
"Hello Miss Shields. Fancy a nightcap?" he asked, half teasing.
"Well, now you offer, why yes, I would," she smirked. After searching a bit, the only cups he could find were two mugs, which he filled well with a soft wine. Ginny drank slowly, while Norrington drank with a swig, as though praying it would turn to rum. After a few glasses drained in this manner, the captain sighed.
"Miss Shields, do you hate the Navy for the same reasons as I?"
"Beg pardon?" she asked incredulously.
"The boy told me you hate the Navy. Did they strip away your life as they stripped away mine?" James swallowed, though he found it difficult. Frowning, Ginny changed the subject.
"Sir, I think you're drunk," she scowled.
"And if I am? This Navy has been the cause and reason for all my troubles, not Jack. It's taken me the force of living with the scum of the earth to realize that," James heaved a sig. Ginny shook her head.
"Captain, hush, you'll awaken the entire ship." James looked in her eyes.
"I apologize miss. But yes, why is it you have offense for the Navy?" he questioned. Ginny bit her lip.
"Have you ever done something you told yourself your entire life that you wouldn't do?" she looked him up and down, and he merely laughed.
"Miss Shields, I just spent some of my life living as a common pirate, the very things I swore on pain of death to rid the world of, and yet, here I am. I'm no sailor, Miss Shields, no honorable captain. I am the shell of what is left of a former commodore of the King's Navy, but now, I have become one of them. I am a scallywag," he shook his head. Ginny laughed.
"Come now captain, you're no pirate. You're sailing his colors after all," she attempted. James shook his head.
"I believe nothing the Navy believes in anymore. They are no longer how I wish to be honored, to be remembered. Miss Shields, you are the first person to be told this, but you are now sailing aboard a pirate vessel," James smirked at the look of shock about her face. "Now, don't pretend you're not pleased, you no longer have to worry about the Navy, save for Avery, but I have a suspicion he will serve his purpose eventually," James sighed. "I know not when, or if, I plan to tell the crew who they sail for now, but soon…soon my shackles will be dropped into the sea," he made to drink, but Ginny kindly took the mug from his hands.
"Captain, you should be getting yourself to sleep," she helped him up and they made their way back to James' quarters. "Sleep well captain," she said, walking slowly away. After a long night, Norrington fumbled about after the morning bells. He walked on deck, the day not much brighter than his prospects for the voyage. Avery approached him.
"Captain, Lott fears a storm could be in our future," Avery sighed. Norrington didn't miss a beat.
"Avoid it at all costs, even if that means diverting courses. I want no men injured, you hear me? Do whatever you must," James walked across the deck, surveying his sailors. He rubbed his forehead wearily. Could wine really do this much to a man? he wondered. He leaned forward over the railing, his face in his hands.
"I should have stopped you at three," said a voice from beside him. He looked up to find Ginny, smiling at him. He shook his head.
"I'm fine, really."
"You don't look it," she stated bluntly. James laughed.
"Well, glad to know you care. Now, where is the boy? I'm to begin his training today." Norrington tried to walk away, but Ginny caught his arm.
"Captain, did you mean what you said last night? About the pirates?" she bit her lip in expectance. James frowned. What all had he told her?
"If you're referring to the commander of this vessel," he hissed, "yes, all in due time," he walked away to find Simon, who was helping Camron Sharpe to tie some knots.
"Oh, hello captain," said Simon, abandoning his duties. "Look, I know how to tie knots now."
"Fantastic," said Norrington, smirking. He knelt down, "An important aspect of sailing, tying the correct knots." He could barely remember the days of apprenticing with fellow sailors, preparing to join the Navy, preparing to become something grand, honorable even. He shoved the thought from his mind. "Simon," he said, "has anyone ever taught you to handle a sword before?"
"No sir," said Simon, nervous that this would not be a sufficient answer for his captain. Norrington smirked.
"Very well, Mister Sharpe, are you doing anything at the moment?"
"No sir?"
"Good. Run down to the cellar and fetch me the two bluntest swords you can find."
"Ay—yes sir," Sharpe said, blushing at his use of common language, and scurrying off. James turned to Simon.
"That's a fine sailor, if I might say. He's one you can easily look up to, Simon." The boy nodded. James looked out over the railing.
"Sir?" the boy spoke, "you seem unhappy."
"Unhappy indeed. I'm going to admit, it would be nice to be back on solid ground again as opposed to this wild goose chase that I've been assigned to. Damned if I know where Will and Elizabeth are, hell, if they're even still alive! I banished them from my life the very moment I handed Beckett the heart, but no, the blasted fool just won't let me get away from them." Face in his hands, he sighed.
"The heart, si--" Simon began, but was interrupted by quick, running footsteps.
"Captain! Sir!" Sharpe was behind him, and he handed Norrington two blunt swords. "Whilst fulfilling my duties, I overheard Avery and some of the crew. They're planning mutiny, sir!" Sharpe seemed exhausted, while Simon's eyes were wide.
"Mutiny? Sir, what do we do?" he questioned worriedly. James just eyed the deep waters silently.
"We do nothing," he finally stated.
"Nothing sir?" questioned Sharpe. Norrington nodded.
"We will remain calm until the time comes. Go about our lives as though we know nothing," James heaved a sigh. This is what it came to then. His only allies, a boy and a sailor.
