Pirates of the Caribbean: The Devil Deals in Threes

Chapter 5: What Now?

As the Pearl came to port she didn't wait for them to drop the plank. Hoping up on the side of the ship she leapt across to the dock. Her boots thumped on the wet wood, shaking the dock slightly.

"Finally," she mumbled.

"Hey there lovely lady," a man next to her suddenly said as he placed his arm around her shoulder, "You know if you like wearing pants, you could always hop into mine..."

Turning she glanced him up and down, a look of disgust crossed her face. Without a second thought she punched him in the face causing him to tip backwards off the dock and into the ocean. She was not in a good mood.

"Don't touch me," she snarled as she turned back to look at the dock.

She said it loud enough so that the rest of the men around her heard it. Marching forward some of the men stepped away, allowing her ample room to pass. Glancing at the docked ships she smiled slightly. Finally, home at last, she thought as she continued forward.

A tall burly black man slowly stepped from his watch at a ships boarding point. His head was shaved clean and a mass of piercing graced his face. Fierce eyes locked with hers as he came forward. She was glad to see a familiar face.

"Captain?" he questioned, obviously surprised that she was already approaching the vessel.

Her plan hadn't worked and he nodded as he realized it, so she didn't bother to answer. Placing her hand on his shoulder she pulled him into her confidence.

"Is the crew in town?"

"Yes, we arrived in port three days ago, just as you planned us to," he replied, "Most of the crew disembarked as we waited for your arrival."

Pulling back she pursed her lips. She would never take for granted the loyalty she had from her crew. It was unheard of from pirates, but then again so was the reason for it. Each man had been with her since the beginning...each man knew her secret. She shook the thought as she turned to walk towards town.

"Find the rest of the crew," she called back to him, "I want the ship ready to make sail when I return."

"Aye," his voice boomed behind her as she finally set foot on solid ground.

As she made her way into town, her frustration slowly began to subside. At least while she was here she could make the best of things. With a smile she headed towards the tavern. Fin was probably here...he never could find his way onto a ship...and he happened to owe her money. Last time she'd passed through this port he'd lost big in a game of cards. She was feeling generous, since he couldn't pay, and had filed it away as a debt to be collected at a later date. Guess today was that later date...

As she walked into the tavern some of the patron fell quite passing her strange glances. The others, mainly those who'd seen her before, carried on. Clapping her hand against the bar she got the bartenders attention.

"Is Fin here?" she asked.

"Yeah...towards the back," he replied, before quickly adding, "You aren't planning on causing any trouble, are you...I just got this place cleaned from a big brawl two nights ago..."

"Me?" she questioned with a smile, "Never."

Making her way through the maze of tables she grinned as she saw Fin, playing cards, at a back table. He was a grimy little man who stood well under her own five ten frame. His dark hair was pulled back in a pony tail and his high pitched laugh grated on her ears. His luck seemed to be better than the last time we crossed paths.

"Fin...Fin...Fin...how ya been?" she called as she neared the table.

Slowly Fin looked up with wide eyes.

"Fin...don't look so surprised," she added with a smile as she made her way towards the table, "So do you have my money now?"

Pushing the table aside so he was left sitting in front of her he still didn't respond. He was apparently more shocked to see her than she'd figured. Gradually her demeanor changed and she slowly pulled a dagger out of her boot.

"Fin...it's a simple question," she finally said as took a seat on his lap, twirling the dagger between her fingers, "You either have my money...or you don't..."

"I...I...it's over on the table," he said suddenly.

Glancing over she saw a small pile of coins from the game.

"How much of it?" she asked turning back with a raised brow.

"Ah...all of it...I just won it...I swear I was going to pay...My word is golden..."

"I highly doubt that," she interrupted as she stood up.

Taking a handful of the coins she placed them in she pocket. Looking back over at Fin she nodded she head before walking back through the tavern.

As she walked back towards the bar she smiled slightly to herself as she saw Captain Jack Sparrow enter and then make a quick turn to leave. Run faster, she mumbled in her head, once I get some drink in me I'll have half a mind to shoot you back.

Reaching the bar she tossed a coin onto the wood. It clanked and rolled across the counter. The bartenders dirty hand finally slapped it to a halt.

"That bottle," she said simply as she pointed to a bottle on a shelf behind the bar.

The bartender narrowed his eyes and took the coin. Giving the money a quick pass he took the bottle down and handed it to her.

"Thank you," she said as it raised it up and tore out the stopper with her teeth.

Gradually she made her way out of the tavern. It was too loud and stuffy in there. She wanted some fresh air. Standing quietly in the street she took a drink as some men passed by and made their way into the tavern. Looking around she gradually made her way to the beach and took a seat on a nearby rock. Staring out at the ocean she tried not to think about the situation she now found herself in, but as always it was the only thing on her mind. The longer she sat the more she started to smile. Hoping off the rock she wobbled slightly in the sand before finding a sturdy stance. Heading back to town she set forth to find Captain Jack Sparrow. She had one more trick up her sleeve and she intended to use it.

Somewhere in the world beyond...

As Will Turner stood at the helm of the Flying Dutchman he steadily watched the sea. Some souls had recently passed and he was delivering them to the ever after. Suddenly a whirl of smoke began to form on his deck. With a raised brow he secured the wheel, making his way towards it. Very slowly a fire began to flicker with the smoke as a form took shape on his deck. As the burning figure began to move the flames turned to flesh and fabric.

"This is the Flying Dutchman isn't it? I didn't realize a new captain had been named..." his voice boomed.

"Yes this is," Will replied with narrowed eyes, "And I am the captain...who are you?"

The man walked slowly across the deck, glancing around. Coming to a stop he turned on his heels and did a slight bow.

"The devil, Lucifer, Set, Hades, Beelzebub," he replied with a flash of white teeth, "But I'd prefer Lucifer in this form..."

He brushed some of his long black hair out of his face as his smile faded. His eyes still held the only remnants of flame. Will shifted uncomfortably as he placed some distance between him and Lucifer. Why was the devil on his ship? Narrowing his eyes he knew he had reason to worry.

"I would say at your service, but truth is...I serve no one."

"And why are you on 'my' ship?" Will quickly added as he lowered his hand near his sword.

"Don't be stupid..." Lucifer joked, "I'm already dead..."

"Right..." Will said narrowing his brows as he pulled his hand back, "You still haven't answered my question. Why are you on 'my' ship?"