Aquatic Kingdom Hearts

Chapter 17: Dealing with a Pirate; Training and Tortuga

The Next Morning

Thatch Household

Eric…

Eric…

"Eric, wake up!"

Eric was lying on the couch, with a cold bag on his head, and Dax shaking him vigorously. After the pirates had left, Uncle Milo went around trying to find the kids. It was back at the museum he found his nephew lying unconscious with Dax at his side. After getting the car, he drove his nephew back and got him on the couch. And now Dax was doing his best to wake him up, which was most comical in some cases. Max was leaning on the couch, whining slightly as he looked at his master in worry. Dax whacked him with his tail finally, getting Eric to slowly wake up as Dax shouted, "Rise and shine, kiddo. Up, up, up, up, up! C'mon, we haven't got all day, you know!"

It was then that Eric groaned as he finally got up, rubbing the back of his neck. He groaned as he slowly got up, "Oh man, I felt like I was hit in the back of the head with a sludge hammer".

Dax shrugged, "Eh, it was close to it." He then sighed in relief as he stated, "More or likely, I'm glad that pirate just hit you unconscious instead of trying to kill you. Which of course, is what most pirates would have done in that sort of situation."

It was then that it came crashing back to Eric's head as he looked worried. "Pirates! From last night.", Eric said as he looked around and got off the couch, "Ariel? Ariel!", he shouted, hoping she was here, but then felt a little woozy. He nearly buckled on his knees, until he was caught by Uncle Milo, who had gotten in the room just in time. Dax ran over to his friend's side as Max went to his master's side. He then looked to his uncle, a little worried, as he asked, "Where's Ariel?"

Milo sighed at this, knowing full well that his nephew would take it hard. Milo then answered as he looked to his nephew, heartbroken at what he as gonna say, "Ariel…was kidnapped by the pirates."

Eric's face went to stunned shock as he realized that. "She…she was kidnapped?", he asked as he was helped up by his uncle. It was a little foggy at first, but then the memories suddenly started coming back. He had remembered that Ariel was taken away…by those pirates back to their ship. He then had enough strength to walk on his own, as he headed for the front door, "I'll be back…"

Dax looked to Max confused, who was equally confused as he just followed his master. Dax just shook his head as he asked, "Where are you going? If you're going after the pirates, you're gonna need a ship and an able-body crew…"

Eric turned and faced Dax as he stated, "That's why I'm going up to the fort.", and with that, he opened the door, and he and Max were off. Dax looked dumbfounded at this as he turned towards Milo, and asked, "Is the Navy really gonna go through for all that just to rescue one girl?"

Milo shook his head, "Knowing Norrington, he probably won't take in consideration to simply rescue just one person." Milo sighed as he hoped out loud, "I just hope that Norrington's in a listening and heartfelt mood right now."

Port Royal Fort

Commodore Norrington was currently looking into all the known maps of the Caribbean, along with a few other captains. They were currently looking for any locations on where the Black Pearl was going to and then seek it out and bring it and the crew to justice at Port Royal…meaning a short drop and a sudden stop for the captain and crew. However, finding them was in no way possible at this point; they had no idea as to where the Black Pearl was going to be at, considering the fog blocked any way to locate their destination, so they had to guess at this.

But then they stopped as they heard a ruckus from behind the door, as it opened, revealing Eric trying to get past Mullroy and Murtogg. However, with Max growling at the two soldiers, it made it easier for Eric to get in there as he saw who he was looking for, "Commodore Norrington! Am I glad to find you.", he then walked in as he pleaded, "You have to help me. The pirates kidnapped Ariel." The Commodore seemed a little unfazed by that, not sure who he was talking about, but Eric shook his head as he shouted, "The redheaded girl who clobbered that pirate on the head! They kidnapped her!"

Norrington then returned his gaze to the map on the wall as he ordered, without a care, "Mr. Murtogg, remove this boy." And the solider was about to do so.

That is until Uncle Milo came into the room as he looked at Norrington, and defended his nephew's claim, "You're just gonna ignore all this? We have to track down those pirates, and rescue…uh, my….my nephew's friend before its too late!"

It was then that Norrington turned around as he looked at the two, cold and hard. He then walked to the two as he berated them both, "Our fort is under repair, the port city will need repairs and medical attention is needed to most of our soldiers who were injured during the raid. And the only two ships that weren't scuttled in the fight are the Interceptor and the Dauntless; meaning we may as well chase them on a lifeboat.", he then leaned in to Eric' face as he gave him a cold hard look as he nearly shouted, "If you, in your happy little world, have some information concerning this Ariel, then please…SHARE IT!"

Everyone was quiet on that; even Eric who looked firm with a determined serious face at Norrington's face. It was true, there was no information on where the ship was going. All seemed to be hopeless for the Thatch boy, except when Mr. Murtogg spoke up, catching everyone's attention, "Jack Sparrow…he talked about the Black Pearl."

Then Mullroy cleared that up, as he stated, "Mentioned it is more like it."

It was then that a beacon of light was shined upon, as Eric turned towards Norrington, who didn't seem to care about it, "Then ask him where it is. He could lead us to it if we strike a deal."

Norrington rolled his eyes as he sighed in annoyance, "No. The pirates who invaded this fort left Sparrow in his cell.", he then turned towards the boy as he stated, "Therefore they are not his allies." He then turned back to the map on the wall, ignoring the two Thatches as he went back to the other captains, "Gillette, have the Interceptor and Dauntless make ready to set sail tonight. We will establish their most likely course."

Eric couldn't take it anymore, and before Murtogg and Mullroy could take him, he walked forward. And with all his might, he slammed his fist on the table, catching their attention. As soon as Norrington was back into the boy's attention, Eric shouted, "Are you people blind? The one person who probably knows, the only person who probably knows, where this ship is going is in the gallows! And you people are too stupid to see he might be willing to help us if we make the right deal with him, at the cost of one person's life!"

Norrington took a calm breath as he looked to Murtogg and Mullroy, signaling them to take Milo Thatch away. When they took away the struggling uncle, all who was left in the room was the captains, Norrington, and Eric, as the Commodore approached the boy. He took a deep breath as he stated, "Mr. Thatch…even though I've never liked your father, despite he married the woman I was to propose to, being your mother. I've had nothing but respect for your family's exploits and what they've done for the museum. However, when your family began to believe in such things, such as Mermaids and the continent of Atlantis, I lost all respect for any of them as they flushed their reputations, their careers, and their very lives, down the toilet." He then calmly stated, "But I will do what I must do….while being bound by the law, as are we all."

Eric looked at Norrington as he stately asked, "So the law's telling you to waste time on a wild goose chase without any clues on where they're going? That's a load of bull…"

"MR. THATCH!", Norrington stated as walked to Eric's side, "You're not a military man, nor a sailor." He then rubbed it into Eric's face as he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, "You are a high school student, surfing, beach…bum." And then shoved the boy out the door forcibly as he stated, "And this is not the moment for you to take any rash actions that will ruin your already useless life." And then pushed Eric out the door, right into this uncle, as Norrington pushed out the last sentence to pierce Eric, "I know my place in this world…it's about time you learned yours…as a boy.", and with that, Commodore Norrington went back to the meeting room, leaving Eric, slightly shocked by those words, being called a nothing, if not directed at that.

Later that Night

Thatch Household

It was nighttime and nearly dimmed lighting in Eric's room as he sat at the window's ledge, with Max whimpering in fear for Ariel as well. He was gazing out at the sea, feeling hopeless as the night sky was slightly lit up with the near as less stars. They were being outshined by the full moon that had been up and about for some time; it was still a little strange that it was out and about, considering that it could only up for about three days…it had been five days now to this count. But that wasn't what was on the boy's mind; it was Ariel's safety that was on his mind now. Last night was pretty pathetic if he had let himself get knocked out like that. On top of that, by the time Norrington had found her, she would be floating on the water…dead. He groaned to himself as he lowered his head to his knee and was in despair, "There has to be someway to help Ariel…"

And just when he was out of his train of thought, he heard his door opening and saw who it was. It was none other than Frey, along with Dax on shi shoulder as they walked into the room. He warmingly smiled, doing his best to cheer his friend up, "Hey. I heard about what you tried to do at the fort. Thought I'd drop by and cheer you up a bit."

But the two saw that Eric wasn't bucking up at all as he looked at them as a gloomy guss. Then he returned his gaze back at the night sky, still brooding at what the Commodore said to him. Dax jumped on Eric's shoulder as he tried to cheer him up, "Aw come on, Kiddo. You've gotta pull yourself together." And then he started to almost sing out,

Gosh it disturbs me to see you, Eric…

Looking so down in the…

But was stopped as Eric pushed Dax away and simply said, "I should have done better to help her." He then sighed as he nearly pulled his hair out, "I should be doing something now, instead of feeling sorry for myself!"

Frey felt a little helpless, not being able to help his buddy. All he could do was place a reassured hand on his buddy's shoulder as he tried his best to comfort him, "Hey, come on now. You know you did your best to try and protect her." Seeing no reaction to him, he did some more by stating, "You should leave it to Norrington. I mean, it's not like you can bust out this Jack Sparrow, take up a ship, and set sail to her rescue with that pirate showing you the way."

Suddenly, Eric lit up at that as he looked to Frey and Dax with a smile. Even Max seemed to lighten up as he saw his master smile once more. He then shouted out with a smile, "That's it!"

Dax and Frey looked to each other in confusion as they asked in unison, "What's it?"

Eric stood up and raced to his desk where the Seablade rested at the side. He bundled it up tight as he made ready to leave as he stated, "If Norrington won't at least take my advice, I'll just have to take it up a step." The others looked at him confusedly as he simply replied, "I'll have to bust him out of the jail, and try to convince him to help me rescue Ariel."

Dax jumped off of Frey's shoulder and onto Eric's bed. And then asked Eric, who was hooking up the sword to his back with his jacket tied around his chest, "And who…might I ask…are you talking about? But who are you trying to bust out of jail?"

Eric turned to the two as he smirked in scheming, "I'm talking about the pirate, Jack Sparrow." And then he pointed to Frey as he stated, "And I need your help, Frey. Seeing as how your dad had access cards to getting inside the fort, and you know more about the…"

Then Dax stopped the two as he looked a little horrid and nearly nerve-shattered as he blabbered out, "Are you nuts? You want to bust out a fugitive…A Pirate…out of the gallows?" He then asked the boy seriously, "Do you know how much trouble you can get into just by talking about aiding and abetting a pirate?", he then acted completely went ballistic as he flailed his arms around like crazy as he shouted, "YOU CAN GET INTO EVEN MORE TROUBLE JUST BY LISTENING TO SOMEONE TALKING ABOUT AIDING AND ABETTING A PIRATE!"

Ignoring the hyperactive otter, Eric turned towards Frey to try and help him out. He pleaded with his friend as he grasped his shoulders, "You have to help me on this, Frey. C'mon, you've gotta get me into the cell." He then asked, "What about all the time's I've helped you out on?"

Frey raised an eyebrow as he stopped in thought, and then looked curtly at Eric as he replied, "Hmmm….I can't think of any."

Eric shook his head as he stated, "Okay, but think of all the times that I'm gonna help you out on."

Frey thought about it for a moment, and then out of the blue, asked Eric, "Well…remember when you told me that Ariel has six sisters…", he had remembered when Ariel could finally talk, that she had told him about her sisters. Eric, not sure if he'd like what it was all about, but then nodded. And then Frey asked, "Do ya think maybe she could introduce me to one of them?"

Eric and Dax, both a little unsure about that, looked to each other and shrugged. But Eric smiled and simply shrugged as he answered, "I think Ariel is the one that can help you out there."

Deciding on that, the two shook on it, as the buddies that they were. However, Dax wasn't liking this whole thing as he jumped on to Eric's shoulder, pleading with the boy, "Eric…what makes you think this Jack Sparrow's gonna help ya. I mean, for all we know, as soon as you set him free….he'll slash you in the back."

Eric sighed at this, and looked to both Frey and Dax, and bent down to scratch Max's head. He then finally answered them, a little uncertain about this, "I'm not sure either, you guys…but right now, he's my only chance to save Ariel."

Both Frey and Dax looked to each other, and Dax just took in a heavy sigh as his shoulders slumped in defeat, "Oh, boy…"

After a few minutes of preparation, Eric had made one final note for his uncle. As soon as Milo was asleep, Eric placed the note on his dresser, and made his silent goodbyes. He quietly made his way downstairs, and was almost out of there, meeting up with Frey and Dax at the Fort, when all of a sudden, something stopped him. He felt a tugging on his pant leg as he looked own, and saw Max, trying to keep him from going. Max whimpered as his teeth stayed clenched to Eric's pants. Eric stopped, letting Max let go as he kneeled down and petted him on the head, saying, "I'm sorry, Max. But I can't just sit down and do nothing." He then brought Max close to him as he hugged his dog, "I'm sorry I can't bring you on this one." And then he stood up and went to the door, as Max sat down and whimpered. Then Eric turned back to Max as he whispered, "Goodbye.", and then went out the door and closed it, leaving Max to lay on the floor, looking up at the closed door sadly.

Port Royal Fort

Gallows

In his cell, Jack Sparrow was trying his best to get out of where he was now. Considering he had missed his chance of escape with the dog running off with the keys, he was left with only one option: pick the lock with the bone that was left behind. He had been trying feverously, but so far it had resulted to a huge amount of zip on his part. Suddenly, he heard the doors opening from up the stairwell as he stopped what he was doing, and went back to the bench. He lay flat on his back as he heard the feet coming closer, and waited for whoever was coming down. However, he didn't expect a familiar voice to speak up, "Sparrow!"

He looked up from his spot, but then shot up as he saw who it was. It was none other than that boy who had caught him, along with some blonde and orange-brown oversized rat with him. He groaned as he fell flat on his back as he moaned, "Oh, it's you. You really need to find yourself a girl, mate. And are you not aware that visiting hours are over at this time?"

Frey looked around him and made sure that no one was around. He then turned to Eric as he stated, "Come on, we've gotta hurry. I don't know how long we have. My dad's clearance'll be noticed soon."

Agreeing with his friend, Eric pressed to business as he looked to Sparrow and asked, "The guards said you're familiar with the ship that attacked last night. The Black Pearl, right?"

Jack was then slightly surprised by that, but didn't show it to the boy. He leaned back as he quickly and simply replied, "I may have heard of it."

Eric smiled at this comfort, but returned to his serious face as he asked, "Well, did you hear where it makes berth?"

Jack sat up as he looked to the boy and asked, "Where does it make berth? Dear boy, have you not heard the stories?" The two boys shook their heads, stating they didn't know anything about it. Jack sighed at this as he simply sighed and answered, with the first two words spoke in revulsion, "Capt. Barbossa…and his crew of miscreants…sail from the dreaded island known as Isla de Muerta."

Frey raised an eyebrow as he replied, "I've never heard of such an island…."

"That's because, my blonde friend…", Jack stated, as he interrupted the boy, "…it is an island that cannot be found. Except…by those who already know where it is."

Eric sighed at that as he replied, "Well, the ship's real enough, considering what happened last night was living proof." But then he got right to the point, "So the place of anchorage is real too. Now we just need your help on finding it."

Then Jack returned on lying on his back as he looked like he didn't care. He then looked at his fingernails as he asked uncaringly, "Why ask me then?"

Eric sighed, not liking to tell his life story, but he replied anyway, "Because…you're a pirate like those guys."

Then Jack asked indifferently, "And let me guess…like all young, adventure-hearty fellows, you want to turn pirates yourselves, is that it?"

The two looked to each other, and quickly replied back, rather quickly in unison, "No, no, no/no way, I'm already in enough trouble helping this guy." Then Jack turned away, completely uninterested in the inane babble that these two were spewing out now. Eric, on the other hand, took a big gulp and swallowed his pride as he answered finally, while shying his face away, "They took Ariel." Jack turned to give the boy a slight confused look on his face. Eric sighed as he explained, "The redhead you saved and held hostage, then bashed you on the head with a bottle."

Jack shot up as he smiled at the boy's small accomplishment while sitting up, "Oh, so it is that you've found yourself a girl, eh? Bravo." But then he frowned as now he didn't give a care, "I see. Well, if you're intending to brave all, hasten to her rescue, and so win fair lady's heart…you'll have to do it by yourselves, mate. I see no profit in it for me."

Eric shook his head and pointed out, "First: I've already won her heart when she gave me hers. And second: we can bust you out of here."

Jack still looked unamused by this, and then pointed out, "How's that? The key's run off."

Eric smirked at that as he pointed out, "These cells weren't kept up to date since the day this place was first settled in. So the doors are half-pin barrel hinges." Both Eric and Frey walked over and picked something up. It was a piece of driftwood that was gonna act as a lever for them. They wedged it into the door as Eric explained, "If you've got the proper leverage, and the right application of strength, you can lift the door open."

It was then that Frey pointed out, "So unless you're at peace with yourself, and have resigned to the gallows. I suggest you take this chance; because you've got no other options."

Jack sat up, and then looked at the black-haired boy. It was in some strange coincidence that this boy seemed to look almost familiar. It was then that he decided to get this cleared up as he asked him, "You, boy…", Eric turned to look at him quite puzzled, but then Jack asked, "What's your name?"

Eric simply answered with no care of the question, "Eric. Eric Thatch.", he then pointed to Frey and Dax, "And these are my friends; Frey Asapin and Dax."

It was then that Jack raised an eyebrow at that, but then let out a small surprised smile. He then stood up as he walked towards his cell door as he said, "I'm probably guessin' that Thatch was your mother's name. I imagine." He then smirked as he stated, "It's a good strong name. No doubt your brother was the one who thought up your name for your parents. Eh?"

After raising a slightly confused eyebrow at that, Eric hesitantly answered, "Yeah."

It was then that Jack was at the door, and simply said to them both, "Well, Mr. Thatch and Mr. Asapin, I've changed my mind." He then stuck his hand out of the door as he held it out like he was getting ready for a handshake, and stated, "If you spring me from this cell, I swear on pain of death, I shall take you to the Black Pearl…and your bonny lass. So do we have an accord?

Hesitating for only a few seconds, Eric took Jack's hand and shook it, "We have a deal."

Jack smirked as he stated, "Deal. Now…get me outta here.", and the boys did that, but with little strain to it. All it took was one lift, and the door was unhinged. They pushed it aside to allow Jack to step out; both were half expecting him to backstab him. But that didn't come to pass as Jack just walked over to the guard's table to grab something.

Eric looked up the stairwell as he hurried Jack along, "You might want to hurry, Sparrow. Someone might have heard that."

Jack got his holster belt on as he said, "First, you can call me either Capt. Jack or just Jack. Preferably I prefer Capt. Jack. And second of all, not without my affects.", he then put back his cutlass on his belt, his jacket, and then finally his hat.

It was then that Frey said out loud, "Eric told me once you've got only one bullet. What good does that do ya? If you weren't gonna shoot him before, why bother?"

Jack then suddenly turned around, pulled his gun out, and aimed at either one of the two boys, "Are you sayin' it's too big of a mistake?", getting the boy's attention, he then holstered the gun back into the belt as he stated as before, "When you've only got one bullet, it's best to wait for the opportune moment, lads. Remember that very well; that lil' bit of advice could save your life one day. Like I said: this bullet is not meant for anyone else….save the one I intend to use it on.", and with that, he walked out towards the back exit.

Dax just hopped on Eric's shoulder as they moved it along, and the little otter whispered, "Sounds like he needs to find himself a girl, mate."

As they continued out of there, they were slightly surprised when Jack shouted, "I heard that!"

Outside the Fort

Near the Docks

The three had snuck out of the prison, and were keeping sure that they stayed hidden away from the rest of the Fort. They had made their way across to the Navy docks, where their ship would be waiting for them. They currently hid under the main dock bridge, keeping out of sight, as they eyed out their vessel; along the search they spotted a few Navy officers busy at work. So far they didn't know that Jack escaped and were busy making preparations to make way. They were currently eyeing the Interceptor, as Eric asked, "So which ship are we stealing?" He looked to Jack for an answer, but saw that he was looking elsewhere. Eric, Frey, and Dax turned to see where he was looking at, and saw that his eyes were on the Dauntless. Eric raised an eyebrow as he asked, "That ship?"

Jack corrected the boy as he said, "Commandeer.", and then pointed at the Interceptor, "We're gonna commandeer that ship. Nautical term." But then he turned around and looked at Eric square in the eye, and asked very seriously, "One question about your business, boy. There's no use goin'. This girl…how far are you willin' to go to save her?"

"I'd die for her…if it comes to that.", Eric quickly stated, leaving his two buddies in awe at this.

Jack then looked over to the two and asked, "And what say you, boys?"

Frey just shrugged, "I'm already hip-deep in this already. There's no turning back now."

Then absentmindedly, Dax spoke up as he pointed to Eric, "Hey, I'm this kid's guardian. Wherever he goes…I go."

Ignoring the talking otter, Jack smiled and turned his attention back to the Interceptor, "Oh good. No worries, then."

A little while later, as a couple of guards were passing by a small lifeboat flipped over, they didn't notice the otter on top. As soon as they were gone, Dax knocked on the top and whispered, "The coast is clear. It's time to move it." And when that was said, the boat lifted up, showing the trio's legs scuttling to the ocean, like a horseshoe crab. Under the water, the boat was carefully navigating on the bottom, making its way, with Dax swimming in front, leading the way for them.

In the small air pocket that was the boat, Frey had to let out one small tidbit of information. This was both crazy and stupid as he stated, "This idea is either madness…or brilliance."

Then Jack smirked as he stated, "It's remarkable how often those two traits coincide."

The Dauntless

After a quick, or rather slow, walk along the bottom, the gang had made their way to the Dauntless. They traversed the side of it as they reached the top of the Captain's cabin. They got a good look around, and saw that only six men were on board, one of them being the arrogant lieutenant, Gillette. As they were about to formulate a plan, they saw Jack, calmly and carelessly, walk down the steps, with his gun out, and shout out to them, getting their attention, "Everyone, stay calm! We are taking over the ship."

The two boys didn't know what to do at this point. But then they decide to wing it as Frey grabbed one of the paddles as a club, and Eric brought out the Seablade. The two ran downstairs and stood at Jack's side for backup. And then Eric absentmindedly shouted out, "AYE! AVAST, YA SCURVY DOGS!" All that earned him was Gillette and the men laughing at them, and Frey, Dax, and Jack looking at him, thinking, 'What the…' Eric shrugged, "Sorry. It just came out of nowhere."

After the crewmen stopped laughing, Gillette walked up to the trio, smugly, and arrogantly stated, "This ship cannot be crewed by one man and two kids. You'll never make it out of the bay."

Jack snorted as he stated, "First of all, mate. These two became men when they stepped aboard this ship with me…", he then cocked his gun, "And second of all, son…", he then pointed his gun at Gillette's head as he finished with a smile, "…I'm Captain Jack Sparrow….Savvy?"

Back on board the Interceptor

The ship was being loaded for the final preparations; to which Norrington was overlooking the final stages of it. The final crates were being loaded in, and now they were preparing to sail along with the Dauntless as they boarded. Everything was going smoothly…that is until one Lieutenant Anderson spotted something. He turned to the Commodore as he pointed, "Sir, over there. At the Dauntless." Norrington pulled out his binoculars as he looked over; he saw none other than Gillette and the men on a lifeboat. He was shouting something out as he pointed to the Dauntless, where Norrington spotted the pirate Jack Sparrow, shouting to two individuals, whom he couldn't make out.

Norrington shook his head, seeing that it was impossible for three men to get that ship out of port. He muttered to himself, "Rash, Sparrow…too rash even for you." He then put down the binoculars as he stated with a half-smirk, "That has got to be the worst pirate I've ever seen." He then ordered, "Set course for the Dauntless, and ready your weapons!", and the crew worked feverishly as Norrington and Anderson made their way to the steering cabin.

Back on board the Dauntless, Dax was the first to spot out the Interceptor heading right for them. He nervously gulped at this as he jumped off the railing and ran over to Eric. He gulped, "Uh, Eric…they're heading this way." After hearing that, he scooped up the little otter and placed him on his shoulder and ran to the captain's steering cabin.

He opened the door, and alerted Jack, "Here they come." Jack stopped what he was doing with the wiring at the control consoles, and walked out to see what all the fuss was about. He, Eric, Frey, and Dax looked out over the side and saw the small dingy heading right back to them…and saw the Interceptor heading for them as well. Jack smirked at this as he knew the whole plan was coming together.

A few minutes later, the Dauntless was boarded upon, as the men latched ropes onto the railing. Norrington, Anderson, and the rest of the crew boarded the ship, looking around for the three pirates. Commodore Norrington ordered the men, "Search every cabin, every hull, compartment, down from the crow's nest to the bilges. Find those pirates and lay them all in irons."

However, what no one suspected, that while they boarded, the trio and otter had jumped ship and were climbing the side of the Interceptor, and boarded her. With no time being wasted, Eric used the Seablade to chop at the ropes, severing the ties. And Jack ran to the steering wheel cabin, starting up the motors and the Interceptor was on its way.

It was the sudden stirring in the waters that caught Norrington's attention. He turned around and spotted the Interceptor leaving, and realized then and there that this was a whole switcheroo trap; they had wanted the Interceptor and tricked him into giving it to them. He then ordered hastily before it left the Dauntless's side, "Sailors! Back to the Interceptor! Now!" the men were about to, but then saw that the ship was gaining too much speed and pulling away from them. It was then that Norrington spotted who it was that helped Jack Sparrow as they raced up to the Captain's steering cabin. He then spoke in a whisper, like he had known they would help the pirate, "Thatch…"

Then Jack came out and tipped his hat to the Commodore in mocking sense with a smile, "Thank you, Commodore! For getting us ready to make way. We would've had a hard time of it by ourselves."

Norrington growled as he made his way back to the steering cabin. With Anderson following behind, Norrington ordered, "Set the main engine propellers and clear up this mess."

Anderson raised an eyebrow as he asked, "But with the speed knots they're at, we won't be able to catch them."

Norrington stopped at the cabin as he explained, "We don't need to catch them. Just get them in range of the torpedo and missile launchers." With that said, Anderson ordered the men to ready the torpedo launchers as well as the missiles. The wheelman was preparing to steer the guns in the right direction at this time.

But then Anderson asked, "Are we to fire on our own ship, sir?"

Norrington sighed a little, and replied with little emotion in his voice, "I'd rather see it at the bottom of the ocean, than in the hands of a pirate."

"Sir!", the wheelman shouted as he came out of the steering cabin, catching the two officers' attention, "They've disabled the controls, sir. All we can do is sail forward."

As Gillette and his men were catching up to the Dauntless, they saw in terrified shock that it was heading right for them. Gillette, in a moment of panic as it got closer to them, screamed out like a little girl, "Abandon ship!", and they all did so, just as the Dauntless slammed into the lifeboat, smashing it and sending it sinking to the bottom of the shore.

Norrington lowered his head in defeat as the Interceptor got away in the moonlit sky ocean. Anderson just looked at the disappearing ship with a half grin as he commented, "That has got to be the best pirate I've ever seen."

Norrington groaned and spoke through his teeth, in both anger and annoyance, "So it would seem."

The Next Day

Afternoon

The Interceptor was sailing along the calm and inviting sea, heading to who knows where its new captain took it. Jack was as usual steering at the wheel, while Frey, was overlooking at the map on the navigation table inside the cabin. Seeing that his dad was a Naval Officer, he had learned how to navigate on his own. So to that, Jack had made him Chartman for now. It was still bugging him on something; why did Jack so quickly decide to help them now?

But then Dax jumped on to the captain's control console and sat down, looking at the pirate. He then said, to a not-so-surprised Jack, "I'm actually amazed that you weren't freaked out like that kid over there. On the fact that I'm actually talkin': a small meerkat sized otter, here."

Jack merely shrugged as he set the engines to slow down a little, "When you've been out to sea as long as I have…nothing surprises you…not even talking sea critters…", Dax shrugged at that, but then Jack shot out, "…nor the fact that your lad, Eric over there…", he pointed out from the cabin's windshield to see Eric looking out to the sea, with the Seablade at the side, "…would have a mermaid for his bonny lass, eh?"

Dax nodded at that, a little absentmindedly, but then shot back, "Eh, Wha….?"

"That shell necklace around her neck.", Jack stated as he continued to steer, "It had the symbol of the Trident on it. only royal Merpeople can have that trinket." Dax just looked dumbfounded as Jack shrugged, "I'm a pirate, remember? Nothing surprises me any more.", he then shuddered, "Except the deficit of rum." He then left the wheel on auto-pilot as he walked out, "Speaking of which…I'll be checking the galley for some.", leaving the two to look at each other in worry at this.

Then Dax gulped, "I'm startin' to worry about this rescue."

Outside

Eric looked over at the seas, in thought, ignoring Jack as he walked by. Sensing Jack near him, he decided to speak his mind, "You know, when I was still a child, living in Ireland…", he looked to Jack stating, "….my brother left home in search of his own little exploring goals." But then he sighed, "But when I turned six and I got one final letter containing a gold coin medallion, which was the last I ever heard of him." He then looked back at the seas as he stated, "That's why I kept praying that one day, when I was old enough…and crazy enough…I'd go out on a boat to find out what happened."

Jack stopped, dreading that he knew where this was going as he grimaced, "Is that so?", and then proceeded to walk away.

But Eric wasn't gonna stop there, as he followed behind, but not before he grabbed the Seablade. He then started talking again, "My brother…Will Thatch…it was only after you learned my name that you agreed to help us." He then ran ahead of Jack before he reached to the Galley's door, "Since that's what I wanted, I didn't press the matter.", and then got in front of Jack, as Frey and Dax leaned in to listen, "I maybe a sixteen-year-old beach bum, but I'm not an idiot. You knew my brother, didn't you?"

Jack sighed at this, knowing that this wouldn't go down well. He then looked to the boy, with honestly clear in his eyes as he answered, "I knew him. Probably one of the few pirates who knew him as William Thatch.", he then stated, "Everyone else called him Honest or Honest Will.", and then walked away to take a look at something at the Copter Landing deck.

A little confused by this, Eric followed him as they reached it, with Frey and Dax following behind. Then Eric asked, "Honest?"

Jack stopped as he looked around, finishing, "Good man, one heck of a Swordsman. Great pirate.", he then turned around to a stunned Eric as he commented, "I swear, if you let your hair grow out, and have a neat mustache and beard to go along with it, you'd look just like him."

After taking that little bit of information sink in, he shook his head as he stated, "No…no, that's not true. My dad said he was a merchant sailor."

"And what'd your mum say?", Jack asked, catching the boy surprised.

"She said he was….", and then in realization at it, answered, "…she said he was a navigator on a fishing ship." In truth, whenever he asked his parents what Will did, they would skip the subject. But when he asked them alone, either one of them came up with a different occupation. He had only assumed that he took on two jobs; he didn't know that his parents were trying to keep it a secret.

"Truth hurts, don't it.", he then walked into the copter circle as he looked back at the still thought-processing Eric and the now present Frey and Dax. He then stated as he got Eric's attention, "Now as long as you're just standing there in thought, pay attention. The only rules that really matter to a pirate, aside from the Code, are these: what a man can do, and what a man can't do.", he then drew his sword out as he took off his hat and coat, and set them aside, "for instance, you can accept the fact that your brother was a pirate; a scallywag, and a good man all in one…or you can't.", but then he pointed out, "But just like him, pirate is in your blood, so you'll have to square with that someday." And then stated as he walked over to Eric, "And me for example, right now, I could kill you and your friends…", but then stopped as he stated, "But I can't bring this ship in to Tortuga all me onesy, Savvy? Nor could I live with the fact that I probably murdered my best Swordsman's only family." But then he extended his free hand to the boy as he asked, "So…can you sail and learn under the command and teachings of a pirate…or can you not?"

Eric looked to Jack's hand in thought, but then remembered on how Jack had helped him save Ariel. He had a small thought that this man had some goodness in him, and it was proof enough. So with much thought, Eric took Sparrow's hand for a handshake and then asked, "Tortuga?"

Jack smirked as he stated, "Tortuga.", but then broke the handshake as he stated to both boys, "But first…you two need a little lesson in swordsmanship, 'ere."

The two boys looked at each other in confusion, and then asked, "Training?"

Jack sighed as he stated, "It'll take us til' nightfall to get to Tortuga…", and then he looked to the boys as he stated, "And whether you both like it or not, I'll be poundin' a few skills into those thick heads of yours. While we'll be on auto-pilot for a while, you both won't so much as eat, sleep, or scratch your bums without my say so."

Eric grumbled as he said, "Don't do us any favors."

Jack then pulled out of his boot what appeared to be a dagger, and then threw it Frey's feet. He then chuckled as he said, "Oh, you can be sure of that, lad. You can be sure of that." And on that point, the boys' training had begun. But this wasn't like PE training at the school for their swim team; this was muscle-burning sweat-dropping hard work kind of training. Jack wasn't just teaching them to fight one man, he was teaching them to fight against a hundred…and it was progressing very well for the two. Even for Eric, since Jack had mentioned he had a gift for reading the opponent's moves; he just needed to know how to go on the offensive, and learn how to fight dirty.

During their training, Jack had given them the rules when engaged with another opponent: Rule One; Never attack in anger; that would throw them off and make them sloppy, getting them killed. Rule Two: Mind their surroundings. The environment around them could be used to their advantage in a fight. An example was when Eric had almost gotten Jack by the onboard mounted cannon, he used the on switch for the cannon to swing in Eric's direction, distracting Eric to dodge, but then had Jack knee him in the gut. This training continued onward, as the boys' skills were becoming sharper and more better, until night had fallen.

Nighttime

Tortuga Island Port

It was nearing night as another full moon was up and about, as the Interceptor had reached it's destination. The Free Pirate Port Tortuga. From what the boys knew about this place, Tortuga was an island pirate town near Haiti, and it was out of the jurisdiction of the US and UK Navy, as well as the East India Trading Company. While it was a free port, where traders could escape the high East India tariffs, it was a dangerous one and illegal transactions were common…as well as insane mayhem. The boys learned that as they put the ship in port, and accompanied Jack into town.

The whole town was lit up by neon light signs and somewhat looked like a city of Louisiana in some sorts. But the whole townsfolk, who were mostly pirates, were going crazy as such; people were partying non-stop, drinking rum, causing mayhem, fights slightly breaking out, and flirtatious girls, between the ages of eighteen and thirty-two were going around, giving any man a good time. As the three looked around, Jack made a statement, while he grabbed a cane from a drunkard passing by, and held it up like a scepter, "More importantly, it is indeed a sad life that has never breathed deep the sweet bouquet that is Tortuga, savvy?" He then stopped, as did the boys as he asked them, "So what'd you think, lads?"

Eric, who had the Seablade strapped to his back, looked around the crazed down and spotted a man drinking savoring the tastes as the rum that leaked from the barrels showered on him. He shrugged, "It'll linger."

Frye shrugged, "Could have been a lot worse."

Dax, just smirked, seeing the attractive ladies walk around, in near-skimpy outfits, "So far, I wouldn't mind living here."

Jack smiled at that as he stated, "I'm tellin' ya, lads. If all the ports and towns in the world were like this, no man would ever feel unwanted." But then Jack and the teens' attention were drawn to a woman coming towards Jack's direction. She was a beautiful woman, long brown-red hair coming down her back, hourglass figure, great skin, and wore a long-skirt spaghetti strapped dress and high heels.

Jack smiled in delight as he addressed the lady, "Scarlet!" But then when she was close enough to him, she slapped him hard on the face, and walked away. Jack looked puzzled as he replied, "Not sure I deserved that." But then his attention was turned to another girl that appeared to him. Like the redhead, this girl had long blonde hair, tied in a ponytail and was swept over her right eye, same hourglass figure, and same dress only it was colored golden yellow. Jack smirked a she calmly said, "Giselle."

Then Giselle asked, rather miffed but kept a smile, "So who was she?"

"What?", Jack asked, earning him another slap in the face. He turned to the boys, who winced for him, and he just stated, "I may have deserved that." He shook it off and walked forward, with the boys following behind. They had asked where they were going and what they were doing, and then Jack answered, "To find us someone who can get us a crew."

Later

Not too far away, a man was sleeping drunk in a pigpen, using a pig for a pillow. He was a fellow in his forties, dressed in a white shirt with his collar left open and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, blue navy pants with combat shoes, a brown belt around his waist, a green ascot scarf tied around his neck, and a blue vest. He had an Irish brown haircut, but with his muttonchops going grey, and a small ponytail in behind. And then suddenly, out of nowhere, a bucket of water was thrown on him, waking him up. However, he was not in a good mood as he pulled out a dangerous looking dagger and shouted, "Curse ya for breathin', ya slack-jawed idiot!!", the man coughed a little as he regained consciousness. And then as he fully woke up, he immediately recognized who it was tha woke him up. it was none other than Jack Sparrow, along with two teenage boys and an otter. He smirked a little as he spoke up, "Mother's love. Jack!"

Then suddenly, Eric got a good look at this guy, and absentmindedly said out the man's name, "Mr. Gibbs?"

Even Gibbs was a little surprised as he asked, "Eric Thatch?"

Jack turned to Eric as he asked, "You two know each other?"

Eric nodded, "He was on the Sea Queen when it sank. He was part of the rescue crew looking for survivors."

Gibbs nodded as he smirked a the boy, "Aye, I was a little worried had Triton claimed you. But after six years, look at ya; a strapping young fellah."

Eric nodded and smirked, but spoke awkwardly at what he said next, "Yeah, and here you are. A pirate….in a pigpen."

Gibbs nodded sheepishly as he sat up and put the knife down, "Aye, three weeks drinkin' rum and havin' nuthin' but pickles 'n eggs. That'll do that to a man.", but then he turned his attention back to Jack as he stated, "Jack. You should know better than to wake a man when he's sleepin'. It's bad luck. "

Jack smirked as he stated and pointed out, "Fortunately, I know how to counter it: The man who did the waking buys the man who was sleeping a drink; the man who was sleeping drinks it, while listening to a proposition from the man who did the waking. "

Everyone looked slightly confused by that, even Gibbs as he paused for a moment, but then smirked as he nodded, "Aye, that'll about do it.", and then got up, with some help from Jack and Eric. As soon as he was up, Frey threw another bucket of water at Gibbs. This time soaked, he shouted, "Blast, I'm already awake."

But then Frey answered, "That was for the smell.", Eric, Jack and Dax looked at Gibbs as they shrugged in agreement. Gibbs just thought about it for a moment, but then shrugged at it, thinking it was true.

In the Pub

After a little while later, Jack had led everyone to the pub for a little negotiation. It was pretty noisy in there, despite the band playing; there was brawling and fist fighting all over the place. Jack trudged through, making sure that the pint mugs of rum didn't get spilled over. He then spotted Eric, with Dax on his shoulder keeping a look out, and Frey, who were waiting at a wooden pillar, and walked over to them. He then whispered something to them, "Keep a sharp eye out, lads.", and then walked over to where Gibbs was waiting, as he sat down and gave the drink to him.

Gibbs then asked as he took a sip, "So what's the nature of this little venture of yours? From the way it sounds, it seems more like a rescuin', it does."

Jack nodded, but then silently blurted out, "We're goin' after the Black Pearl.", Gibbs nearly coughed up his rum, as he looked at Jack rather surprised as he went on, "I know where it's going to be, and I'm gonna take it.", and then pointed to the two boys, "With their help, of course."

Gibbs, looking a little skittish, stated with a serious look on his face as he shook his head in a negative way, "Jack…it's a fool's errand. Why you know better than me the tales of the Black Pearl's curse." He then looked to the boys as he asked, "Do they even know about it?"

Jack shrugged, "I'll tell em' after this.", and then he stated, "But that's why I know what Barbossa's up to. All we need now is a crew."

Gibbs sighed as he warned Jack, "From what I hear of Barbossa, he's not a man to suffer fools, nor strike a bargain with one."

Jack smirked, "Well, then it's a good thing I'm not a fool then, eh?"

Gibbs then called the bluff, "Prove me wrong. What makes you think Barbossa'll give up his ship to ya?"

Jack smirked as he stated, "Let's just say it's a matter of leverage.", Eric then overhead that little sentence, but made sure that Jack didn't see him notice as he listened on, "Givin' him something he needs, and then not givin' it to em'." He then nodded his head in Eric's direction, but Gibbs didn't seem to get what he was saying. After a few seconds, Gibbs got it as he looked over to his right, and saw Eric.

He then looked back to Jack as he asked, "Wha, Eric Thatch?"

Jack nodded as he explained, "That boy is the sibling of 'Honest' William Thatch…his only sibling. Savvy?"

Gibbs seemed surprised by that little bit of information, and then smirked at that as he looked back to Eric, "Is he now?", and then back to Jack as he said, "'Leverage,' says you. 'I think I feel a change in the wind,' says I. ", he then said as he took another sip of his drink, "I'll find us a crew. There's bound to be some sailors crazy as you and those boys."

Jack sighed as he stated, "One can only hope.", he then raised his glass as he said, "Take what you can!"

"Give nothin' back!", Gibbs smirked as the two toasted to their new partnership. But then Gibbs looked seriously, "But still…Mr. Thatch might be needin' to know what he's getting' himself into."

Jack thought about it for a moment, and nodded, "Aye.", he then whistled the trio over to the table. As soon as the boys and otter were sitting down and about, Jack then stated, "We've got a crew ready soon. But before anything there, something you need to know about the Black Pearl…", and then Jack went on as he explained to the boys that they weren't just facing cruel, demented, and vicious pirates. They were facing against cruel, demented, vicious pirates…that were cursed. The boys and otter listened carefully as Jack and Gibbs went into details…of the Black Pearl's curse and the effects that were inflicted on Barbossa and his men.

Next Chapter: The Curse; Able-Body Crew?