A/N: I'm terribly sorry that I haven't updated in quite a few days. It's only the first week of school and we had so much homework that they made their way into my weekends! I hope you're not disappointed. R&R!

Disclaimer: Need I say more?

Chapter 5: Island Hopping

"Take me to the following places, will you, please?" Norrington handed the captain the list the map-maker had written.

The captain's eyes widened. "Eight islands! Blimey, what ye up to, mate?"

"Searching for a few people. They may be on one of those islands."

"Ye know how long it's gonna take if ye plan to search all these islands?" The captain could tell that this man knew not the least.

"How long could it take? An island a day."

The man burst out laughing. "Are ye serious? From here to the nearest island is three days, mate. And each island is approximately two days apart. And ye still got to search the island. That'll take 'round a day. Those islands aren't the smallest."

"Good lord. Just do whatever you can to get me there. I'll pay you." Norrington fumbled with his pouch. The man stopped him.

"No need for that. I feel like doin' some charity work today, so I'll take you there for no charge at the fastest speed possible." He smiled.

Norrington was surprised. This must be another lucky day, he thought.

"On one condition."

"Of course. Name your price."

"Ye will work under me as me crew as we search for ye friends. Swabbin' the deck, all that dirt. Aye?"

"Yes, sir." Norrington saluted.

Captain Goryin tapped his foot on the ground, his arms crossed, and looked expectant.

"I mean, aye, captain."

"Good. Ye learning."

- - -

"Ahh, Curacao. Lovely place, innit poppet?" Pintel asked Isabel.

"Yes, quite lovely indeed. I'd prefer this to Port Royal anyday."

We had arrived at the port of Curacao. I gazed at the beach, amazed for I have never seen anything with such beauty. For most of my life, I had stayed in Port Royal. It was not until recently that I left.

Lowering the anchor, Jack told the crew to head into town.

"Ye need any help? Ye want me to come with ye?" Jack grabbed his hat and coat.

"No, no. I'm fine. You go spend some time with the crew and I'll meet you later at dusk." I absentmindedly waved him away.

"Be careful, love." Jack climbed down the side of the ship after giving me a peck on the cheek.

- - -

After searching several islands, Norrington became discouraged.

"We've been through Trinidad & Tobago, Bonaire, Aruba, and Grenada! Still nothing!"

Captain Goryin clicked his tongue. "Patience, mate. Only three islands left. They can't be far. At this rate, ye will find 'em in no time. The islands we searched have no settlements or towns."

In the past islands, the same scene repeatedly unfolded. Norrington would run off the ship and to the islands, calling for Isabel. He would search every niche and nook, only to find trees, sand, and more sand. He would then trudge back onto and start moping and sulking.

"Who are ye really lookin' for, eh?" The captain asked quietly, approaching Norrington at an attempt to lift his spirits.

"Just friends, that's all."

Goryin was not convinced. "You're lying. It can't be friends. The only thing that can be is either lovesickness or a heartbreak. So which is it?"

Norrington was silent for a moment before responding. "Both, I suppose."

"Who is this lass that bothers yer heart and mind?"

"Isabel Windsor. To me, she's practically perfect. In shape, and in manners. I just can't explain it. She draws me to her with no effort at all. Enchanting, really. Come to think of it, I'm rather glad Elizabeth rejected my proposal. If it weren't for her, I would have never met Isabel. And I'm not sure what her intentions are. Sometimes she acts like she really does love me back. And sometimes it's like she's trying to get away, to love someone else. The way she plays with my heart likes strings on a harp pains me deeply. This would be my second attempt at having her back. I fear that if I cannot have Isabel and have her return my love, I shall never love another."

Goryin listened intently as Norrington told about the girl that made his heart and soul restless.

"A moving love story, ye got on yer hands there, lad." He patted Norrington on the shoulder. "I'll guarantee I'll find 'er for ye."

- - -

I strolled down the beaches, pale white sand sifting through my toes. It was rather windy on the sands. The gusts of air swept through my hair, causing me to repeatedly brush them away. I was alone, everything quiet except for the roaring crash of the waves against the shores. I watched the sunset, thinking about what would happen after all this ended.