Disclaimer: I own nothing. Gah.
-"Got ourselves an eavesdropper, do we?"-
Gallagher calmly stood up straighter, placed both hands on her corseted waist and replied, "Drake, what an unexpected surprise. How have ye been?"
The old man ran a hand through his graying hair before chuckling, "Can't complain, that is, until I realized some people just can't keep their noses out of other people's business."
"Ye see, Drake? If that business involves me, I think I have a right to know," Gallagher said with a warning tone before pursing her lips.
"I don't have to tell ye nothin'," Drake snapped, eyeing her cautiously before his gaze darted around the garden as if searching for help.
"Want to be difficult? Fine. I have ways of makin' men talk." At that, Terrence slowly lifted the hem of her black dress to her tan thighs.
Drake, thinking of something else, gawked and eyed her revealed flesh as he retorted, "Ye really think you'll be so good that I'll squeal afterwards? That's a bunch o' bull."
Grinning, Gallagher said, "You little piss ant. I have other means, savvy?" She pulled out her dagger and instantly sliced his shoulder before he could react, cutting through the fabric of his tunic and drawing blood.
"Bloody bitch!" he snarled, holding his shoulder, "You're insane!"
"Tell me what I want to know and I'll be lenient!" she snarled back, holding the dagger dangerously close to the pulsing artery in his neck. His heart rate was speeding up dramatically.
"I don't know what you're talkin' about!" he seethed, trying to sound fierce, but fear flickered into his eyes and then disappeared, hidden by a mask of rage.
"You were talking to that Malvado fellow. Ye told him about the key, didn't you?"
"Why don't ye go to hell and…"
"DIDN'T YOU?" Terrence licked her lips seductively as she trailed the dagger down his chest and abdomen, then pressed the blade to his, erm, goods.
His eyes bulged and a vein popped out of his forehead. "You're crazy!" he panted, "You wouldn't!"
"Wouldn't I?" Applying more pressure, he whimpered and nodded frantically.
"Yes, all right? Jesus, you're going to fuckin' make me a eunuch if ye don't cut it out…yes, I told Everett!"
"Stop your bitchin', ye wouldn't need it anyway. You know, ye were a lot nicer in Tortuga. Now, why does Everett want the key? And why the HELL would ye tell him after promisin' you wouldn't?"
"Information sells big these days," he muttered, "He wants the key for its power."
"What power?" she demanded, her grey eyes flashing dangerously, "All ye told me was information on the Devil's Curse. There's more, isn't there?"
"Y-y-yes!" he stammered with a cry as the blade slowly sliced into his thigh.
"Now tell dear ol' Gallagher about this power, hmm?" She pushed him down onto the nearest stone bench and replied simply, "Tell me everythin'. If ye leave something out I need to know, you'll pay." She kept the blade pointed at him. With a flick of her wrist, it could easily be lodged into his throat.
"There's a Prophecy. Profecia Del Diablo."
"Prophecy of the Devil. How subtle."
"Isn't it though? Well, you're involved. As is Malvado."
"I understand how I'm tied into this…I have the key for chrissakes, but why Malvado?"
"The Devil supposedly walked the earth many, many years ago, am I correct? Right in the Caribbean, too."
"The Isla de Fuego. Yes, I was previously presented with that information," she replied sternly, "What about it?"
"Malvado's early ancestors were supposedly the ones who raised him…"
"Sounds like a crock o' lies if ye ask me."
"Let me talk!" he snapped, "Do ye want to know this or not?"
She waved her hand, giving him the permission to continue.
"Malvado's ancestors raised the Devil. Hell literally broke loose."
"Someone stopped them before the end of the world?"
"We're still here, aren't we?" he snorted, "The Malvados were stopped by a Protector. No one knew who the first Protector was."
"Protector?" Gallagher shook her head, "I don't understand."
Drake sighed. He stared at her and said, "The Prophecy says that in every generation, there will be a Protector and a Devil's Apprentice. Every generation of Malvado has served as the Devil's Apprentice, searching for the Key and wanting to open the gates of Hell. And for every generation, the key has been passed down to a new Protector. It is someone who deems themselves worthy of such a responsibility."
It dawned on Gallagher and she blinked a couple of times. "I'm this…new Protector?" It all made sense now…the Spanish woman in Isla de Fuego knew her time was up. And the Key was obviously important. She had to hand it over to someone and fast, so she had chosen Terrence.
Damn it, she thought, Everett burned down Isla de Fuego.
"I didn't choose this," Gallagher said in exasperation, "Why me?"
"Most Protectors don't choose it," Drake said, sighing again heavily, "They find themselves with a burden they wish they did not carry, but have to."
"How can I get rid of this Key?"
"I've already told ye too much," he growled in frustration.
"Tell me, you sonavabitch!" she cried, pointing the blade to his nose, "I have to get rid o' this damned thing!"
He shot her a murderous look but took one more glance at the dagger at his nose and said, "Right now, ye just have to worry about protectin' it. But if it ever did come to where the Devil's power was passed to Malvado, The Prophecy states that the Protector will have to rid himself of someone he cares for in order to destroy the power and restore order."
She smirked. "So someone I care for has to die for me? Sounds a bit dramatic, don't ye think?" Suddenly, that smirk was wiped off of her face. Oh no. No. This couldn't happen. Only one name suddenly popped into her mind.
Jack.
"No," she whispered, "There has to be another way."
"Getting' the picture now, ain't ye?" Drake asked with a cold grin, "Don't want to lose your handsome lil' captain, aye? The one ye love so much?"
She backhanded him roughly, sending him to the ground. "Shut the fuck up!" she shouted shakily, "Don't ever talk to me like that, ever!"
"You are one cold-hearted bitch, ye know that?" Drake wheezed, sweat dripping from his brow as he glared up at her from the grass, "I thought ye were the only fairly decent woman left in the Caribbean."
"Ye must be mistaken," Terrence replied, her face a mask of horror and bitter resentment, "The only decent woman I know is Elizabeth."
"I know," Drake said, that cruel smile returning. Blood was running down his teeth, giving him a maniacal appearance. He added, "I made sure to tell Everett all about your idiotic friends. If ye can call them friends."
Her heart leapt up into her throat. So Malvado knew about the Turners. This was getting worse and worse.
"And, since now ye know entirely TOO much for your own good," Drake stated calmly, "It's time to say goodnight, lass."
Before Terrence could react, he pointed a pistol at her.
- - - - - - - - - - -
DON'T FORGET! PineAppleLint is having a contest! To partake in the contest, readers must submit a poem/short story about Jack and Terrence (It can be about anything you want, me dears! Let your imaginations run wild!) and it doesn't necessarily have to pertain to Trade with the Devil. The winner with the best poem or short story will have their work posted in the last chapter after the ending of Trade with the Devil, so that people can admire them for the fantastic writer they really are! And, dare I say it…they will receive the beginning chapter of the third installment of Terrence's and Jack's adventures before it's even posted on The contest shall go on until Trade with the Devil is completed. So get to it, mateys! Send your completed poem/short story to:
Good Luck!
A/N: Sorry for the shortness of the chapter. The next shall be up without the long delay. And guess what? I got the Pirates of the Caribbean music book! My life is complete. Now, on to reviews of reviews!
Review Responses:
Lady Quinn: Oh boy! A poem! That sounds suspenseful…I can't wait to read your poetic musings!
TheSiriusSparrow: Ah yes, Terrence is incredibly, wickedly lucky to have snatched Jack Sparrow out of the realm of singlehood. (snaps fingers) Dang. But I think they are a delightful match, even if it's sad that there isn't enough Jack to go around. ;) Yay, a poem/short story from you! That is going to be uber awesome. There are still MANY chapters to come, I assure you. And let's just say I have it outlined, not particularly written out (wink). I go with the flow, me dear! Thank you so much for reviewing!
Louisefamesavvy: A simile lover! Score! (high five) And I agree, Everett is a slimy handsome creep. Don't you hate those? Grr! Aw, dearie, you are such a wonderful reviewer. You're so sweet! I shall review your stories…I can't wait to read them! I never stop a pirates story once I start writing it, luv! That would be immoral! Unethical! So you have nothing to fear. Thanks again, luv! (review hug)
The DuTchess of Doom: Whoop whoop! Haha, your reviews always make me laugh. You are one funny soul sistaaa! (Don't know where that came from, but anywho…) I am lovin' Miss Devon Duville and her current military escapades. And if Terrence and Jack had a little one? Yikes! Chaos would ensue! ;) Always love hearin' from ye!
Butterscotchwarrior: That has got to be the shortest review I have ever gotten. Ever. Kudos for that!
Goth Princess: Hey, luv!!! Thank you so much for your contest entry. I was so excited. This contest is the bee's knees. I love contests, drinks all around! And sorry for not updating in so long, but I did now so…does that mean I get a Jack Sparrow cookie? Mwahahaha!
Loony: Rocks your mother trucking socks off…wow. I like that! New phrase, new phrase! Hope there was enough crotch threatening in this chapter for ye, dearie! : ) Always love your witty reviews!
LuckySparrow: Oh boy, what kind of Jeep? Hmm…this calls for research! I'll let you know if I find out, me dear! I was always a bit curious myself to know what kind of exact car he drove. Secret Window is awesome. Thanks for reviewing!
VagrantCandy: Haha, more similes! Follows Terrence around like a puppy, indeed. I mean, she should have a big sign on her that says "Trouble flock here!" or a T-shirt that says that or something. Terrence merchandise! Mwahahaha!
Pirate Gyrl: I updated! Yay! Thank you so much for your entry. It was absolutely awesome. My jaw dropped, luv. And it's so great that I got to talk to you the other day and that you shared your story with me. It was a wonderful story, no doubt about it. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it!
I rule u all: Oh boy, a religious assignment! Yeah, that would be hard. God doesn't dislike you. It's all gravy in the gravy boat! Thank you so much for your wacky reviews!
Jeyke: (secret Jeyke handshake) Woot! You are such a wonderful reviewer. What would I do without you? I love reviews, DRINKS ALL AROUND!!!! PASS AROUND THE FRUIT PUNCH!!!
Emma436: Jack is trying to bribe you with rum to get his hat back. Don't drink and take the helm! Ah! And you won't give it back without a struggle? He raised his eyebrows when I told him that. Hope this chapter was exciting for you, dearie!
Belinda: Aw, you don't suck at poetry. Believe in yourself! Ohhmm! Thank you so much for the review, me dear, it brightened my day.
Carolinus Took: Stop abusing yourself! Hehehe. Thank you so much for the comments, they make me smile. (does snoopy dances)
NazGulGirl: Aw, you're so nice. Thank you so much for saying that. You rock my socks, uber cool reviewer! (thumbs up)
Delly: Ooh, out of town! Were you pillaging and plundering, by chance? I love getting your reviews and knowing that you have been reviewing ever since the beginning of these stories. Thank you so much! (review hug)
TrappedandAnnoyed: Thank you so much! I'm sorry for the long wait. More will be on the way soon! : )
Novembergrl: You have been avidly reviewing, gal! I am impressed! It's not every day you come across a person that will review each chapter and say something neat for each one. Thank you!!!
ShadowStar21: I always love doing that. BUM BUM BUM! Or DUN DUN DUN! Or to Jack, shake your BON BON BON! Sorry. I'll stop, heehee.
Hopelessromantic84: I'm so sorry about the wait. I hate waiting too. More is on the way, and it will be way sooner than expected, all right, lass? Thank you so much for reading!
GReenEyeDelFgurl13: Yay, another fellow pirate! Yay, on the author's alert list! I've said 'yay' a lot, haven't I? No matter, missy. I'm just excited. Thanks for checking up on this story and following along with it! (salutes) Drinks all around!
Another A/N: For anyone else I didn't mention, you are uber neato.