POTC: Cortez's Uncharted Islands Chapter 5: Trouble In Tortuga, a pirates of the caribbean fanfic

A/N: For anyone new to my stories, please note that this, nor the other three I've written, have nothing whatsoever to do with AWE. They follow the storyline I've laid out for this saga of my own.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 5

The following night, the East India Trading Company ship that the Turners had stolen arrived at port in Tortuga. Onboard, Will and Elizabeth went about helping Bootstrap secure the ropes that had been tied to the pegs on the docks, Michael and Jacquelyn observing them from the side of the deck.

"I still don't know why you're parents had to bring me along," Jacquelyn said to Michael. "I'm not even sure my mother knows what they did."

"I'm sure they would have told her," Michael reassured her. "Like I told you before, my mum and dad have done this type of thing before."

"And it's true you've met Captain Jack Sparrow?" Jacquelyn asked eagerly. "I still can't believe he's my dad! What's he like?"

Michael shrugged. "I guess you can say he's just like we thought he would be. But he does seem to have a few swords that are not that sharp, if you know what I mean."

"So that's why we're here, is it?" Jacquelyn turned around to face the island of Tortuga, which was alight with candles and lanterns both inside and outside of the somewhat shabby establishments. "We're going to try and find Jack Sparrow?"

Michael nodded. "He's always helped my parents when they needed it." He inclined his head to the upper portion of the main deck, where Will and Elizabeth were silently conversing with Bootstrap. "But I wish I knew why my mum and dad need his help in the first place."

Jacquelyn smiled slightly at Michael. "Adults...they never seem to see eye-to-eye with us. That's why they see fit to keep certain things from us and treat us a certain way sometimes, which can make us want to have a little fun with them."

Michael grinned. "Fun meaning 'torment'?"

"That's why we're such good friends, Michael. We understand each other."

Meanwhile, on the raised part of the deck, Will and Elizabeth were discussing their best course of action with Bootstrap.

"First and foremost, we need to go ashore and find Jack. The Pearl can get us to The Clan meeting in the quickest time," said Will.

"And what do you plan on telling him to convince him to come along?" Bootstrap inquired.

"Whatever we have to," Elizabeth intoned seriously. "Jack's assistance and the advantage his ship carries is of the utmost importance in trying to avenge my father."

Bootstrap looked at Elizabeth concernedly. "Vengeance can be a curious thing, Elizabeth. But even more curious is a thirst for revenge. If you let it, revenge can consume your entire being and turn you into something terrible."

Elizabeth appeared slightly confused. "Are you worried that I'll turn into a heartless pirate who will only crave more violence after all this is finished?"

"No," Bootstrap shook his head. "No, of course not."

"Well, you're wrong!" Elizabeth snapped. "It was my father's dying wish for me to carry this out, and I'm going to make sure it is! All that's consuming me at the moment is determination!"

"Well, you can never be too certain of that."

"You know something, I don't need to stand here and listen to this lecture. And I certainly don't need your pity or your concern; what I need is confidence, cooperation, and understanding! Now, when you're ready to offer that...both of you," Elizabeth's eyes darted in between Will and Bootstrap, "be sure to let me know."

That being said, Elizabeth stormed down the steps which led to the lower part of the main deck. Will and Bootstrap continued to stand at the railing that was before the ship's navigation wheel. Each of them had solemn, yet grave expressions upon their faces.

"She's obviously not coping with things in the proper manner," Bootstrap spoke up at last.

"Elizabeth has shed her fair amount of tears over her father's death. I'm just concerned that she's become too hardened by her determination to fulfill her father's last request...and she's too hardened for her own good."

"Then you need to speak with her."

"At the opportune moment. Any attempt to try to soothe her feelings Elizabeth would simply cast away right now." Will was watching his wife begin to prepare to go ashore with a sympathetic glimmer in his eyes. "She's just overwhelmed."

"Aye. Losing a loved one in your life is such a terrible ordeal. I remember learning of your mother's death after I had made my pact with Davy Jones...it felt as if my heart had been plunged into ice-cold water. What Elizabeth is going through, I've been there. It's something I wouldn't wish for you."

"I've already experienced it. I know what it's like...losing a parent. I just wish I don't have to go through that with either Elizabeth or Michael."

Bootstrap gave his son a solemn look. "None of us wish that. Unfortunately, it is something neither you nor I can control; it's merely God's will."

Will nodded as an uneasy silence settled over the pair of them. Finally, Will cleared his throat. "We should, um...we should get going."

Bootstrap followed Will down to the lower deck. Once there, Will assisted Elizabeth in preparing the necessary equipment. After that was done, he turned to Bootstrap.

"After we go, take Michael and Jacquelyn and come ashore. Wait for us where we can be sure to see you once we return to the docks with Jack."

"We're not keeping the ship?"

Will shook his head. "We have no further need for it. Besides, the Black Pearl will be able to get us to our destination in twice the time it would take this ship."

Bootstrap nodded. "How long do you think it'll take you to convince Jack?"

"I'm not sure. Just be ready to board the Pearl at a moment's notice."

"Aye."

Minutes later, after Will and Elizabeth had relayed the plan to Michael and Jacquelyn, the couple departed from the ship, heading off into the town of Tortuga in order to locate the pirate that they had come to know all too well over the years.

Will and Elizabeth made their way toward the pub as fast as they could, weaving in and out of drunken men and women who were engaging in raucous activities. Brawls were in progress, rum was being consumed endlessly, and people were either passing out or already passed out due to the copious amounts of rum that they had drunk. Will and Elizabeth observed all this with looks of disgust; they had never quite gotten over how appalling this sight could be.

Elizabeth had tied her hair up in a bun, which was hidden under her hat. A few strands of hair hung down on either side of her eyes and in front of her forehead, but her gender was still successfully concealed. Elizabeth knew that it was not a particularly good idea to flaunt the fact that she was a woman in front of countless drunken men who were searching for the pleasurable company of a woman. But all the same, Elizabeth knew that Will would protect her from any intoxicated idiots no matter what.

She sighed to herself and gazed over at Will, who had his eyes fixed upon the path ahead. Elizabeth regretted snapping at Will and Bootstrap earlier when they had tried to comfort her; she knew that they were only trying to help her through this difficult time. Biting her lip, Elizabeth slipped her hand into Will's and squeezed it affectionately.

Will turned his head to look at Elizabeth and Elizabeth gave him a small smile.

"Listen, Will, I'm sorry about before. I'm just going through a lot right now and need someone who understands me."

Will nodded. "I understand, Elizabeth. And I certainly do not blame you for being so petulant from time to time; it's only natural."

"Once we find The Clan and the treasure everything will be fine."

Will paused before replying. "Do you still want to kill your father's murderer?"

Elizabeth stared at her feet and answered from her heart. "I honestly don't know at this point. There's a part of me that wants revenge for what happened to my father, but there's another part of me that knows if I do carry it out, it'll only make the pain worse.

"This is not my internal struggle, Elizabeth," said Will, "So I cannot advise you on what to do. It's up to you alone to make this decision, and I trust you to search your heart for the genuine answer."

Elizabeth leaned in and kissed Will tenderly on the cheek. "Thank you."

The couple continued their trek until they had reached the town pub. Both Will and Elizabeth gazed up at the swinging wooden sign above the door before entering, ready for the inevitable madness that awaited them on the other side.

The rumble of animated conversation and roars of drunken laughter filled the air inside the pub. Each table was occupied, but different people still wandered the floor, either returning from the bar with fresh drinks or going back up there for refills. In the background, music was being played on violins by men who seemed to be the only ones not intoxicated by alcohol.

Sitting around a table in the far corner of the tavern was McGivens, along with a few of his men. Each and every one of them were conspicuously eyeing a table toward the center of the pub, where Jack, the Clan member, and a few of Jack's crewmates were sitting and enjoying hearty swigs of rum. McGivens stared at Jack intently, while still making sure to keep his observation unnoticed by the pirate or any of his crew members.

Just then, the door to the pub opened and two new figures stepped inside. One was a man with rugged and handsome features, along with well-built, muscular arms. The other person appeared to be a young man as well, but upon closer inspection, it turned out that it was really a woman cleverly posing as a man; in a town such as Tortuga, who could blame a woman of her build to want to conceal her gender? Immediately, these two people did not attract the attention of McGivens, but they did once they had made their way over to Jack Sparrow's table. The instant McGivens saw this, he straightened himself up in his chair and unblinkingly watched what was happening.

Will and Elizabeth had spotted Jack the moment they had entered the pub. He was sitting toward the center of the tavern, drinking and conversing with a few of his crew members. Without hesitation, Will and Elizabeth walked over to Jack, coming up behind him.

"Jack," said Will in a voice that he made sure was audible over the pub's raucous.

Jack turned around to see who had addressed him, and Will noticed immediately that his eyes were unfocused; as usual, Jack Sparrow was drunk. But when Jack saw Will, a surprised yet happy expression came across his face.

"William!" Jack then noticed Elizabeth was standing beside his blacksmith friend. "Lizzie! What a surprise pleasant...I mean, pleasant surprise!"

Elizabeth rolled her eyes at Jack's drunkenness.

"What brings you two to Tortuga?'

Will bent down so that Jack could properly hear and comprehend what he had to say. "Jack, Elizabeth and I need your help."

"When was the last time you didn't need it, mate? Although, it is an odd coincidence that you once again require my assistance in a matter that obviously calls for a pirate's touch after just one week has passed since our last little escapade."

"It does seem to strain credulity," Elizabeth said sarcastically.

"Jack, we have to discuss something. In private," Will added as he eyed the members of Jack's crew.

"Alright, then." Jack stood up, his rum bottle still clutched in his hands. He then motioned for the person that was sitting beside him to stand up as well. "But I think this bloke over here may have something contributory to add to our little chat."

Before either Will or Elizabeth could inquire further into the statement, Jack began to usher them all up the stairs that led to a small collection of private rooms located above the pub.

From the table in the far corner, McGivens watched this and when he was sure that Jack and his friends had disappeared up the steps, he ordered his men to follow him in the same direction.

Jack, his three pirate friends behind him, came to a halt in front of an old and weathered door in the hallway that was located directly above the pub. He cautiously placed his hand upon the door and lightly rapped on it, bringing his hand back instantly as if the door was burning hot. After a few seconds had passed in which no sound of movement came from the other side, Jack grabbed the doorknob and twisted it, causing the door to swing inward. Jack turned back to the rest of his group and smiled.

"Usually, there's an annoying couple behind these doors who...well, suffice it to say that they just come up to these rooms for a little privacy."

Jack politely gestured ahead of him with his arm, allowing the Turners and Smith to enter the room before him. Once the door had closed behind the contingent of four people, McGivens and his men peeked tentatively around the corner, making sure that the coast was clear. Then, they stealthily crept over to the doorway in order to try to listen in on the conversation that would soon begin on the other side.

Inside the room, Jack made sure that the door was locked before he turned around to face Will, Elizabeth, and Smith.

"So, Will, we are now secluded from the drunken idiots downstairs. What is it you wished to talk to me about?"

Will took a deep breath, not wanting to waste time with unnecessary small-talk. "Jack, Elizabeth's father has been murdered."

"So sorry about that, luv," Jack said genuinely to Elizabeth.

"Thanks, Jack. However there is more to us coming to you than just my father's murder." Elizabeth looked over at Will, clearly wanting him to continue.

"Elizabeth's father was a member of a clandestine society known as –..."

"The Clan Of Cortez." Jack finished Will's sentence, much to his surprise.

"You know of The Clan?" Elizabeth inquired, asking what was on Will's mind before he could get the words out.

"In a manner." Jack indicated the man standing against the far wall. "This bloke over here just happens to be a former member."

"'Former'?" Will queried. "Why use the term former?"

"Well," Jack smirked, "the definition of the word means that the topic of discussion is no longer a part of whatever the other topic of discussion happens to be."

Elizabeth gave Jack a confused look. "What you just said doesn't make any sense at all."

Jack nodded. "I know. Now, why don't you inquire further into my comrade's knowledge of said Clan?"

Will and Elizabeth looked at each other with expressions that showed Jack's suggestion might be worth a shot and addressed the other man in the room.

"What's your name?"

The man stepped forward into the candlelight, which illuminated his worn and scraggly facial features. "You can call me Smith, Mrs. Turner. As a matter of fact, I recall meeting your father some time ago."

"Really?"

"Yes. He was The Clan's secret-keeper. And just before I was cast out, we had the pleasure of speaking with one another. He was a noble man, and from what I could tell, he loved you very much."

"I know," was all Elizabeth was able to say at these words.

"But there is a rule in The Clan Of Cortez. Whenever the secret-keeper fears that his or her life may be in danger, they have an obligation to pass along their secret to their kin, in other words, you Mrs. Turner."

Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, my father did leave behind a letter informing me of this and what The Clan protects."

"Which is...?" Jack prompted. "Please, divulge that particular information. I'm still a little iffy in that department."

"Very well, Jack," said Smith. "In addition to guarding Cortez's cache of stolen treasure, The Clan also keeps a watchful eye over the resting place of Cortez's preserved Spanish Armada vessels as well as Cortez and his damned crew."

"Ah, now that would be considered a better motive for murder than simply silver and gold."

"But what's worse is that if someone outside of The Clan finds out about this and discovers the burial island, then if they're aware of how to summon forth the ships and Cortez and kill him, then they would have control over not only Cortez's ships but the sea goddess Calypso as well."

"Calypso?" said Jack nervously.

"Aye. However, the sea goddess would still be trapped in human form."

"But if Calypso were to return, would she possess the power to manipulate the seas as before?"

"Aye, she would have considerable power. But first, she would be obliged to do whatever the killer of Cortez commands."

Will looked uncomfortably at Elizabeth. "If Barnet's man does all this, then Barnet could order his associate to tell Calypso to destroy every pirate ship in the Caribbean."

"And he would also have the power of the Spanish Armada at his fingertips," Elizabeth finished darkly. "So he have to find The Clan and this...burial island before it's too late."

"But," Jack piped up, "I thought the pirate Brethren Court imprisoned Calypso in her fleshy form long ago?"

"Aye, but Cortez found Calypso before that happened. Calypso was aware of her impending fate and provided Cortez with the knowledge on how to reawaken her in her human form. However, some years ago, there was a short period of time where Calypso was granted a brief spell in the mortal realm and she spent three days wandering the seas. Nobody is still sure how that was accomplished."

"And what's to stop Calypso if she does indeed return?" asked Jack.

"I don't know," admitted Smith. "But what I do know is that we must do whatever it takes to prevent this from happening." He turned to Elizabeth. "Did your father leave anything else behind? Perhaps a map?"

"Yes." Elizabeth pulled the item in question out from one of her pockets and held it up in the light. "We found it in his mansion and stole an East India Trading Company vessel to come here."

"You stole a ship? William and Elizabeth Turner actually stole a ship?!" An amused expression overcame Jack. "You two truly are pirates!"

"As my father once said, on the rare occasion when pursuing the right course of action demands an act of piracy, piracy itself can be the right course."

"I wholeheartedly agree, luv!"

But Smith was currently gazing uneasily out of the window. "You said you sailed on an East India Company vessel on your voyage over here?'

"Yes," said Will. "Why?"

"We may have some unwanted trouble. A ship of their design is coming into port. If we intend to carry out our mission of infiltrating The Clan, then we must leave now."

"Agreed," Jack said bluntly after having looked out the window himself.

But just then, the door to the small room burst inward, and many cloaked men holding pistols and swords poured in, each weapon trained on the four pirates.

Aboard the East India Trading Company ship that was gradually coming into port at Tortuga, Mercer lowered the telescope in his hands after having gotten a satisfactory view of the ship that had been stolen by the Turners.

"Orders, sir?" asked a crewmate at Mercer's side.

"Make port," Mercer said dryly as he pushed in the telescope so that it was half as long as it was when Mercer was staring into it.

"I'm confused, Mr. Mercer. I thought Barnet wished to allow the Turners to carry on in their quest."

"He does, however Captain Barnet still wants his ship back. We're about to reclaim it."

Jack, Will, Elizabeth and Smith all glanced around at the men clutching weapons, each of them attempting to find a way out of the situation. The candlelight emanating from the wax sticks resting upon the brackets hoisted on the walls and sitting upon the desks and drawers shoved against the same walls danced ominously off of the shining silver blades of each sword. Standing directly in front of the four pirates was McGivens, who had a sinister smile plastered across his face.

"I will be as direct as possible," he said in a venomous whisper. "Give me the map, and I may just allow you to live."

"Map?" said Jack. "What map?"

"I think you know what map."

"We didn't say 'map', we said...'hat'! Yes, that's right!" Jack motioned to the captain's hat on his head and then eyed McGivens curiously, appearing to be contemplating something. "Hang on, I've met you before."

McGivens chuckled. "Aye, you have. Only six years ago you and your crew shanghaied me into handing over the map to the Bermuda Triangle."

Jack, obviously recalling this incident, laughed nervously. "No I didn't."

"Yes, you did. Jacob McGivens, mercenary for hire." McGivens raised his pistol higher and pulled back the hammer, the clicking noise reverberating off the walls. "I won't say it again. Give me the map, Jack Sparrow."

Jack, determinedly holding his gaze with McGivens, stepped closer to the villain. "Captain! Captain Jack Sparrow!"

Suddenly, Jack whipped out his sword and used it to knock the pistol out of McGivens' grasp in one fluid motion. In response, McGivens drew his sword as well and brought it up to meet Jack's. All Jack did was glance in an amused manner at the opposing blade before engaging the miscreant in battle.

The sound of clanging metal filled the air as Jack and McGivens swung their swords in different arcs, lunging at each other in turn. Meanwhile, the three others of Jack's party unsheathed their lethal weapons swiftly, beginning duels of their own.

The instant before Elizabeth locked blades with her first opponent, she was able to deliver a solid punch to the man's gut and hit him over the head with her hilt. As the first adversary sunk to the floor heavily, Elizabeth spun on her heel and deflected an oncoming sword aimed at her neck just in time. Holding the brute's sword away from her body by pressing down upon the steel with the force of her own silver weapon, she balled her free hand into a fist and punched McGivens' man in the right side of his face. The pirate was sent reeling backward and when he tried to charge down Elizabeth, she merely kicked him full-on in the gut; the man fell on his back, the wind knocked from him.

Will forcefully shoved his adversary's sword away and began to advance upon him. The servant of McGivens backed away cautiously, his eyes desperately darting around the room for some form of protection. He found it when his eyes fell upon a broken piece of a pole usually found on the bed in the far corner. He flung himself down on the floor, scooped up the pointed wooden pole, and brought it up just in time to block Will's word. Immediately, Will's sword became lodged in the wood, and before Will managed to pull it free, his opponent took the opportunity to kick him in the stomach. Will fell on his back, and allowed himself a brief moment in which to clutch his chest in pain before promptly lifting himself back up onto his feet and dive for his adversary's discarded sword and dodging a deadly swipe at the same time.

Will grabbed the hilt of the sword while rolling on his side. An instant later, he used it to block another attempt to cut into his flesh, shoving the rotten pirate away with the same motion. Once again, Will leapt to his feet and pursued the man with whom he was dueling. Their swords met in midair and both men rotated them in a full circle until both blades were free of each other. Will then charged forward, but he underestimated his opponent; the cruel pirate delivered another blow to Will's chest, which sent him flying backward once more, the sword escaping his grasp. As the brute began to bear down upon him, Will used his arms to assist him in backing away until he heard Elizabeth shout his name.

"Will!"

He looked in the direction of her voice to see Elizabeth toss him a pistol. Will grinned as he jumped up, grabbing the handheld weapon as it was still soaring in midair. The instant Will had a firm grip on the pistol's handle, he used his thumb to quickly pull back the hammer and steadily aim it at his opponent. The villain feebly raised his hands in surrender upon spotting the black gun. Will smiled slightly, aimed at the spot he wanted to hit, and pulled the trigger. The shot rang out and the bullet went into the pirate's hand, causing him to drop Will's sword in pain; all the while, Will had raced up toward him. However, the moment Will was close enough, the man of McGivens flexed his right arm outward, causing a small knife to shoot out from his sleeve and land in his palm. He then swung his hand toward Will, the blade heading straight for Will's heart. At that moment, Will caught his own sword, brought his elbow down upon the brute's arm joint hard, and used his other elbow to knock the man out with a forceful hit to the forehead. Will then rejoined the mayhem.

Jack and McGivens blocked each swipe of the sword directed at each of them, beads of sweat beginning to form on their brows. McGivens ducked as he saw Jack swing both his arm and sword at his neck, and as he did, Jack turned his sword inward. The result was Jack's fist making contact with one of McGivens' men, who was standing directly behind him. Jack's face became an expression of frustration and he kneed McGivens in the groin, causing the mercenary to double over in pain. Jack then turned to his comrades.

"Time to go, I think!" he called.

Will, Elizabeth and Smith all clearly agreed as they replaced their swords in the sheaths tied around their waists and darted toward the door. Jack waited for them to file out before following suit. But before he could fully step over the threshold of the doorway, he heard the fast shuffling of footsteps behind him and Jack turned to see one of McGivens' men racing toward him, a knife in his hand. Jack eyed the open door beside him, grabbed it, and swung it inward as he stepped outside of its path.

From the other side, Jack heard a loud thump, and he smiled in triumph before racing after his friends.

Back inside the room, McGivens and his men hauled themselves to his feet, their bodies aching all over. McGivens looked around the room and felt his temper rise.

"They're gone!" he shouted. "We must catch them in order to get the map! Follow me!"

Meanwhile, at the top of the stairs in the tavern, the four good pirates halted in an attempt to catch their breath. Will glanced over his shoulder, and spied their enemies running toward them.

"They're coming! We need to get to the Pearl!"

"Agreed!" said Jack.

The group drew their swords once more and darted toward the flight of stone stairs which led to the lower level of the pub, McGivens and his men right behind them.

The moment each of them had descended the first two steps, McGivens and his men caught up with them and re-engaged everyone in the duel. One of McGivens' cronies fired off a shot from his pistol, which ricocheted off the large iron chandelier hanging from the ceiling and smashed a rum bottle, the contents of which were being consumed by a nearby drunken man. The same man looked at the smashed shards of glass and, without thinking, punched the person beside him hard in the jaw.

Immediately, everyone in the tavern followed suit and joined in on all the fighting. This sudden eruption of violence made the duel between Jack's crew and McGivens' crew all the more difficult, as the pirates now had to weave in and out of the intoxicated fighting bums surrounding them.

Elizabeth grabbed hold of her current opponent's coat, dragged him over to the stone railing, and sent him cascading down into the madness below. When the next of McGivens' men came at her, Elizabeth placed her foot firmly on his chest and shoved him backward, crashing into a group of four whinos. Elizabeth then saw a flicker of movement out the corner of her eye and swiftly brought her fist up to meet the face that she knew was over her shoulder. Next, Elizabeth decided to hurry things along, and she sat herself down upon the wide and smooth stone railing, which caused her to slide down the length of it and deflect many sword swipes along the way.

Jack was weaving in and out of different people, both drunk and sober. He was not fighting anyone, just merely trying to make it out intact. But all of a sudden, one of McGivens' men came bolting toward Jack. Jack frantically glanced around for an escape route, but instead he found something different. He snatched up an abandoned and full rum bottle and swirled around, bringing it crashing down upon the brute's head the instant he was close enough. After that was accomplished, Jack eyed what remained of the bottle in his hand sadly.

"Bloody waste," he mumbled. Jack then tossed the top of the bottle over his shoulder, where it plummeted down to the lower level and made contact with the head of the pirate whom Elizabeth had thrown down there earlier.

Seeing Elizabeth down at the end of the stairs, Jack and Will, along with Smith, ran toward her as best they could as they constantly had to avoid stray fists and kicks. The moment they had reached Elizabeth, all four of them darted toward the wide open door.

When they were a foot away, one of their adversaries flung themselves at the pirate crew, but to no avail. Jack had spotted him, and as a result he had halted in his tracks. The brute went flying headlong into the numerous bottles of rum that were sitting on a nearby table. He went crashing to the floor, along with the table, and Jack gave an indifferent shrug the moment it had ended. With that, the four pirates stepped out of the pub.

Jack saw the rest of his crew waiting outside for him. Joshame Gibbs smirked.

"About time."

"Get back to the ship and prepare to make sail. Immediately."

"Aye, Cap'n!" Gibbs and the rest of the crew ran in the direction of the docks ahead of Jack and the others.

Jack turned to Will. "We need to create a big enough diversion that will allow us to get a head start in our little journey. Now, where is that East India Company ship you came here on?"

Will, catching on to what Jack was suggesting, grinned slightly. "Follow me." With that, he raced toward the docks with Elizabeth at his side.

The Pearl crew arrived at the docks of Tortuga first, and met Bootstrap and the two kids as a result. Gibbs, winded, spoke to Bootstrap.

"Bootstrap! Are you here with Will and Elizabeth?"

"Aye, I am. Where are they?"

"They're behind us with Jack. Now, if you're plannin' on joinin' us, you need to come aboard with us."

Minutes later, Jack, Will and Elizabeth arrived onboard the East India Company vessel; Smith had departed from them and went aboard the Pearl. Jack turned to Will. "Where are the powder magazines?"

"Below deck."

"How much gunpowder is there?"

"Enough."

"Good."

The trio dashed below deck and made their way into the area that contained all the kegs of gunpowder. Jack and Will grouped them all together in a large stack and when that was completed, Jack uncorked one of them, creating a trail of black gunpowder that led to the enormous grouping in the far corner. Jack looked up at Will and Elizabeth.

"I'd abandon ship if I were you. I'll be right behind you, go on."

Will and Elizabeth did not have any objection to this; they dashed up onto the deck, leaving Jack to pull out his pistol to ignite the trail.

Will and Elizabeth came up on the main deck and grabbed ropes with which to swing onto the Black Pearl, which was waiting directly beside them. They both jumped up onto the railing, but were halted by the sound of clicking pistol hammers. Will and Elizabeth turned their heads to see a line of darkly-clad men pointing their weapons at them. Suddenly, a cold voice rang in their ears.

"Don't shoot them, you fools! That's the new Governor and his wife!"

Will saw Mercer standing in front of the men, holding out his arms. Neither Will nor Elizabeth waited any longer; they swung onto the Pearl the moment they heard Jack's maniac screaming, which meant that he had just ignited the gunpowder.

Right after Will and Elizabeth had swung to safety, Jack grabbed the last remaining rope. Behind him, Mercer's men pointed their guns at him, now. Jack turned around on the railing, smirking.

"Gentlemen, you shall always remember this as the day that you almost caught Captain Jack Sparrow!"

With those final parting words, Jack swung to safety, calling over his shoulder. "I'd jump ship right about now!"

Mercer smelled the stench of gunpowder and ran over to the railing, diving into the ocean without hesitation; his men followed suit. A second later, the ship exploded violently in an eruption of red and orange flames; debris rained down in the ocean and onto Mercer's ship. In the water, Mercer and his second-in-command were bobbing their heads above the surface. Both of them were glaring at the departing Pearl.

"How soon can we return to Port Royal?"

"What?"

"McGivens will give chase. We have to return to Captain Barnet. How soon can we set sail?"

Just then, Mercer's first mate caught sight of their ship's sails, which had been set ablaze by the burning debris.

"As soon as we can get new sails." As Mercer sighed in frustration, his first mate stared admiringly at the retreating pirate ship.

"Do you think it's dumb luck, or just simply a sharp mind at work?"

Mercer glared at the first mate, and in turn, he swam away toward the shore.