Diclaimer: I will say this as simply as possible: I no own POTC.

Thanks so much for those who reviewed. Sorry for this chapter being so late. I wasn't sure where I would be going with this story. Plus, had so much things going on. Track starting, history project and math test. Well I won't continue blabbering about my life. Read on and please review. 

Chapter 4 Aboard the Pearl…Again

"Finally Jack, you were awfully taking your time in your business of yours…oh… is that…Miss Elizabeth," a rough yet familiar voice rambled on as Jack and Elizabeth were on the black decks of the ship.

Hearing her name being said, Elizabeth slowly opened her eyes to find herself in the arms of Jack. The slow, yet soothing rock of the Pearl calmed her a bit. However, she felt lightheaded and weak, barely able to keep her eyes open. With great struggle, she opened her heavy-lidded eyes towards the other old pirate who was peering curiously at her, concern etched on his face. "It is very lovely to be…" She trailed off. A sudden wave of exhaustion shrouded her train of thought and she slowly lost consciousness of all around her.

"Captain?" Gibbs and the rest of the crew stood opposite of them, many of them looking curiously at her and the wear she was in.

Jack surveyed all of them then at the ship that lay not too far away. An East India Trading Co. flag waved in the wind. It was too late too escape without a fight.

"Well? What are you all waiting for? Secure the mast. Down under. Load the canons. Don't slack you scurvy dogs!" Jack walked down the deck, still carrying Elizabeth in his arms.

"Aye," all of them said. They scurried to and fro, some taking care of the ropes while others went down below deck. Gibbs remained standing where he was, however, uncertainty filled in his eyes.

Jack quirked an eyebrow at him. "Something on your mind Gibbs," he asked.

Gibbs shifted nervously. "Well…you see Jack, we don't exactly have…there's the predicament with Miss Elizabeth. I don't think she's in the right…ah…mind to be in the midst of a fight and all. " He motioned toward Elizabeth still in Jack's arms.

"You don't think I haven't thought of such thing?"

"Ah…no Captain. I didn't mean it that way. I was just worry'n about Miss Elizabeth, she is like a daughter to me..."

"I know what you meant Gibbs." Jack turned to head toward his quarters. "Command the crew for me awhile. I'll be taking care of Elizabeth's predicament'. She'll be fine "

Gibbs nodded and went to join the rest of the crew. Jack immediately headed toward his cabin. He carefully lay Elizabeth on the. He saw that she was shivering and placed his jacket gently over her. Outside he could hear the crew. Sweeping some of her honey blond hair away from her face, he cast one last glance at her before leaving the cabin to join those on deck.

†††††

"Orders, sir, on course of action to be taken."

Aboard the Pride, a East India Trading Co. ship, a dignified and polished man slowly turned around to face the designated speaker. His face was unreadable and drawn with much care in keeping so. With the position that he had, it was required that he should show no emotion whatsoever during his time of duty. Emotions got in the way. They ruined a man's ambition. He knew this from past experience, having fallen from his position due to actions of another man... Now once again he was back where he wanted to be "Get the canyons ready. Man the stations. We will decide what to do from there when we get closer to the "Black Pearl".

"Yes Admiral Norrington"

James turned around to face the open waters. Having sailed the seas, abolishing any pirate that came across his ship, he was ready for this prime moment. A subject of the British navy again, James Norrington prided himself in making the right decisions. It wouldn't be like before. There was no hurricane or any fatality in sight. In fact, the weather seemed like a fine day to go off hunting pirates. The Black Pearl lay in clear sight. 'Perhaps this trip was not a waste after all'

†††††

Shouts and frenzy filled the air as Jack came to the helm of the ship. The crew was struggling to prepare the Pearl for an encounter with the English vessel. "Gibbs?" he said while getting out his telescope and staring out at sea.

"Yes, captain?"

"Once we get into position, have the crew fire at the rear section of the ship. Don't want to be 'granted' another act of treason, although I believe it doesn't really matter anyhow."

"Aye." Gibbs watched as Jack calmly put away his telescope and turn to maneuver the Pearl. There was a change in Jack. It was slight but Gibbs could see it. Was this because of Elizabeth? Gibbs dare not ask. He simply continued in his work; there really wasn't any for him to do. All that one could do at that point was wait.

Canons were blasted, gunshots fired. Jack had a plan of action, of course. His wits kept the Pearl true. The East India Trading Co. ship seemed to have a greater advantage, having better artillery that shot at a greater distance. When the two ships got close enough so that one could shout to another on either ship, the fighting intensified. As he had done so many times before, Jack made an offensive attack, placing some of his crew onto the opposing ship. Swinging from the ropes of the mast, Jack effortlessly glided to the other side. He noticed a familiar face and immediately slyly approached Norrington, placing a gun to the Admiral's temple.

"Ah fancy meeting you here… 'Admiral' is it?"

"Perhaps it is I who should be saying that Mr. Sparrow" he answered cooly, showing not even the slightest suggestion that he was in the predicament he was in now. "But if that is what you wish, then I shall let it be…perhaps we should talk…for old times sake"

"Persuade me"

Norrington looked at him with obvious disgust. "It is always so difficult to negotiate with a pirate."

Jack flashed a toothy grin. "Persuade me."

next chapter: Norrington, Jack, Elizabeth… There's also Will's thoughts and how he will be integrated into the story. I think Will and Elizabeth are sweet with each other but Jack and Elizabeth is much more exciting. You could say I'm half half, although probably leaning more toward Sparrowbeth.