Im quite sure there are more than one of you sitting at your computers, saying "OMG! SHE ACTUALLY UPDATED??" all i can say is sorry for the delay. i suffered a severe attack of Writers Block Syndrome, and a smaller bout of Losing Interest Disease, but ive recovered, so dont worry! XD

thank you to all those who reviewed, i REALLY appreciate it! Love to you all! 3 enjoy!

Disclaimer: im sorry to say, but i will never sob own Pirates of the Caribbean, or, sadly, any of the AMAZING actors...sob sob

Chapter 3

As The Black Pearl sailed ever nearer to the strange black dot on the horizon, her crew hung nervously over the rails, each lost in their own thoughts. Only Ana-maria was seemingly unaffected and strode around the deck, snapping out orders and returning to stand beside Gibbs to watch over Jack's beloved ship.

Down on the deck, two crew members were whispering softly to one another, casting covert glances at Ana-maria and Gibbs. The taller one with ginger hair and a hook nose motioned wildly with his stubby fingers to illustrate a point to his companion.

"All I'm sayin' is that we've been heading closer to a smudge that ain't e'en supposed t'be there. It just don't sit right with me, mate. 'ow are we supposed t'know that the Cap'n is anywhere e'en close to the island? We've been searchin' for weeks and haven't found anything. It's like he jes' vanished. Like he dropped right off the world. Nex' chance I get, I'm leavin' this ship. It's like it's cursed or somethin'. 'Specially wif that woman there…"

"Aye, Rudley. But supposin' the Cap'n is wherever we're headin'. It don't seem right t'be abandoning him right now. He's our Cap'n, Rudley. Don't that mean nothin' t'you?" The second pirate seemed shocked at his mate's idea. His dark brows furrowed at his own thoughts as Rudley answered him.

"Yes, but as our Cap'n, don't you think he would wan' us t'be safe? Don't ye think he'd be happy for us that we're living our lives? You know he don't like the idea of dying…wouldn't he want us to live???"

"Would ye rather be living as gutless cowards running away to their mommies, or making a stand tryin' t'free yer Cap'n? Here's an idea, mates, why don't ye free yer cap'n and then, whene'er you feel like it, you can abandon ship and run home to live yer yellow-bellied, gutless, lily-livered lives in peace, eh? We need e'ery man we can t'rescue Jack, and if ye be walkin' out on us now, I'll gut you with yer own sword. Got that?" Ana-maria stood over the two men, eyes flashing, palms on her hips, chin jutting out as she delivered her reprimand. The two men scrambled away, nodding furiously at her as they bumbled around the deck.

"Now, back t'work, ye cowards!" The substitute captain shouted at the hapless men, as she abruptly turned and stalked away. Rudley and his companion immediately turned to help run the ship, glancing fearfully at Ana-maria's proud back as she strode away.

Just as the sun set into a sky awash with purples and reds, activity on Jack's beloved ship ceased. The men peered anxiously at what lay in front of them.

A huge cliff rose from the sea, casting a shadow over the waters. Perched atop the island, a dark castle stood, spiraled towers reaching forebodingly to the stars. An ominous wrought iron gate barred the way, unlit torches standing next to it like forgotten sentinels guarding whatever lay inside.

Ana-maria stared steadfastly at the cliff and its garish ornament. She maintained a calm, reserved aura for the crew, but inwardly her thoughts boiled and seethed, twisting and tangling, connected by only two thoughts. What have we gotten ourselves into this time? If this is where Jack is…… She trailed off with a shiver. Firming her resolve, she whirled around; barking out orders to the crew as the decks of The Black Pearl suddenly writhed with uneasy men shuffling to their stations.

Jack Sparrow, captain of The Black Pearl, feared pirate of the seven seas, infamous enemy of the East India Trade Company, was afraid. He half-stumbled, half-ran, cursing beneath his breath with words that would have made even the most hardened man blush like a girl. His calloused fingers snagged on the rough stone walls in one of the many corridors of his prison as he dashed madly away from his pursuers. His plan had been executed with only the smallest of hitches---he had failed to kill the Man in Black, was being chased by who knows how many guards, and had absolutely no idea where he was.

Of course, these were only minor inconveniences in the over all plan. It's not like anything could get worse, right? Jack found out how wrong he was as soon as he turned the corner.

In front of him, the corridor broke away to what anyone would think was a dead end. Anyone, that is, but Jack. With a twisted grin, he ran forward, braids flying madly out behind him as he jumped.

Ana-maria, Gibbs, and a small group of other crew members strode apprehensively towards the gates, their steps slightly hesitant as they approached closer to the dark castle.

Taking in a deep breath, Gibbs yelled their arrival. "ANYBODY HOME? WE'RE LOOKIN' FOR A LOST COMRADE! CAN YOU 'ELP US?" Silence was his answer. The group shifted nervously about, until Ana-maria, exasperated with the lack of answer, slammed her shoulder into the gates. She jumped back as they gave way with a creaking whine, and without looking back, walked into the gloom. Gibbs followed soon after, glancing behind him and motioning for the rest of the group to follow Ana-maria and him.

How long had he been floating, swimming lazily through the peaceful darkness, random memories assaulting his senses? How long had it been since he had seen the sun, tasted the spray of the ocean, felt the wind in his hair? Had it been days? Months? Years? Eternity? However long it had been, one thing was for sure. It had been too long.

With a soft groan, twin pools of velvety chocolate opened, kohl-lined eyes blinking against the harsh sunlight. Raising a hand to his aching hand, Jack looked around him, eyebrows drawing together in confusion. Where am I? More importantly, where's me rum?

Sitting up—Wait, I'm sittin'? I thought I'd jumped in the ocean?—Jack glanced at his surroundings. My effects-check. Me hat-check. A boat-check. Eyes widening in realization, Jack glanced once more at the gently swaying boat he was currently sitting in. Now where'd tha' come from, eh? Deciding not to question his good luck, he continued absorbing information on where he'd ended up this time.

Surrounding him, the aquamarine depths of the ocean stretched on, meeting the cerulean blue of the sky and the golden rays of the sun as it peeked over the horizon. Licking his lips, Jack realized for the first time how thirsty he was. Groaning at his misfortune in having procured a boat with no rum onboard, he winced slightly at a sudden sharp pain in his chest. Rubbing at it absentmindedly, he froze as he felt the all-too familiar sticky liquid that now coated his hand. Afraid of what he might see, Jack's eyes drifted slowly downwards to his chest. His face froze in a twisted mask of shock, surprise, and sudden anger. Then, just as quickly as they had come, the emotions left, leaving Captain Jack Sparrow of The Black Pearl empty.

Reviews? Please? Hope you enjoyed it! XD