Chapter 15

The sound of two swords meeting filled the air. The clashing metals were wielded by two familiar fighters. One was William Turner, while the other was Elizabeth Swann. All except Tia and Gibbs watched them duel. But it wasn't for blood their reason for fighting, it was training. To prove this, Will backed away hands up, a sign to stop.

"You need more force behind your forward motion," he said, walking up to Elizabeth. "Here," he gently took her hand with the sword in it and stood behind her, "if you do it like this, you'd lose and arm, but this way, it's perfect." The two looked at each other. It was a touching moment, before they looked away.

"All I need is to do it myself." Elizabeth said. Will walked in front of her and readied himself before continuing their lesson. They were housed in a shack on the outskirts of Tortuga. It wasn't just any shack though, it was Gibbs'. It was were he lived when he didn't want to hit the bottle for a night or two. The man in question stood leaning on a doorjamb, which lead to a second room. He would watch the two lovers fight, then turn to his right into the room to watch Tia do her magic sitting at a small table. He stood up and scratched at the back of his head, walking to Tia.

"It's been too long." he said

"Patience." Tia said

"We've been patient long enough, and they're still not here!" Gibbs said, walking around the table. "For all we know, they both could be dead." Tia smiled. It was a sly smile that said 'I know something you don't know'.

"Have some fait for de two. Dey are on dere way here." she said. Those words silenced Gibbs, a shocked expression on his face.

"Aye, but how soon will they arrive?" he asked. As soon as those words left his mouth, there was a knock at the front door. All eyes turned to it, Tia smile growing wider. The door opened, revealing none other then Jewel and Barbossa, still chained together. They looked the same, except for one of Jewel's sleeves being shorter and a ripped clothed tied around her left wrist.

"Whose idea was to leave us on an island chained together?" Jewel asked, in a growl. Ragetti slowly raised his hand. The two pirates raised an eyebrow.

"Really?" Jewel asked. Ragetti nodded once. Jewel walked over to him.

"Well, and I honestly cannot believe I'm saying this..." Jewel said, raising a fist to strike him. Ragetti clenched his eyes shut and bared his teeth, bracing himself for the blow. He was surprised to feel a more playful punch to his arm.

"... Thanks... I suppose." Jewel said, a smile creeping on her lips.

"Aye. It was a difficult journey, but we've managed to survive." Barbossa said, putting a hand on Jewel's shoulder.

"Don't touch me." Jewel said. Barbossa removed his hand.

"So... Do you trust each other?" Marty asked. They looked at one another, turning back to the crew.

"Not entirely." Barbossa said

"Just enough to not kill each other... or really wish death on the other any more." Jewel added, "But these chains have got to go." She held up her left wrist, making Barbossa hold up his right. Will stepped forward and unlocked them. They were free from the other. Jewel rubbed at her wrist smiling, just happy she didn't have to drag Barbossa any more, or have him drag her. He nodded to her, a smile on his face.

"I'd best be on my way." Barbossa said, heading for the door. Shocked expressions were on everybody's faces, even Jewel's.

"What?" Elizabeth asked

"What?" Jewel asked

"It was a bargain we struck. If we succeeded in escaping that godforsaken island, I would leave so that young Sparrow may lead." Barbossa explained. His back was turned to them as he walked to the door.

"No!" Jewel said, grabbing onto his arm, making him stop. He looked down at her.

"I'm not a good leader. Me and my crew need a stronger captain. One who can sail us to World's End. Please... I'm asking you to stay." Jewel said. She let go of his arm. He turned around, smiling down at the Sparrow. He put a hand on her shoulder.

"Wise choice." he said. Jewel smiled back at him.

"By the way, if I might ask, how are we getting to World's End?" she asked

"There's only one man who has the charts to lead us. Luckily, I am in good standing with him." Barbossa said, walking toward the crew.

"Who?" Elizabeth asked

"He goes by the name of Sao Feng, the pirate lord of Singapo-" Barbossa started

"No! No no! Nononono NO." Jewel interrupted. Barbossa closed his eyes. He breathed in, then out before turning to Jewel, his eyes opening.

"Why not?" he asked

"You might be in good standing with him, but I'm not." Jewel said

"Jewel," Gibbs said slowly, "What did you do?" Jewel started to look nervous.

"It's a rather long story." Jewel said

"Sparrow," Barbossa said

"Involving... Sao Feng's... sons." Jewel said

"His sons? You knew his sons?" Gibbs asked, a hint of outrage in his voice.

"... Knowing them was not all that happened when I journeyed to Singapore, looking for my dad. I was alone and being chased by their father's men, they were kind enough to give me a grand tour, while keeping me hidden, and we all shared a bed that night. Those twins were so nice." Jewel said. As everybody started to say something, she held her hand up.

"I'm not finished yet." she said, "Morning came, and so did their father. They held him off for me to escape. I've not heard from them, or even of them, ever since."

"This is bad." Pintel said

"This is very bad." Ragetti agreed.

"Rawk, walk the plank!" Cotton's parrot squawked

"This can change everything." Will said. "Why did you do it?"

"I didn't plan it happening. They just sort of... kind of... loved me, I suppose. They didn't want anything to happen to me, so I let them take care of me." Jewel said. She was getting frustrated with these questions. It wasn't her fault it happened, it just did.

"Sao Feng will never want to see me so long as you are with us." Barbossa said. She glared at the man.

"Well, one good thing about not being chained is now I can actually leave without dragging you with me!" Jewel said angrily, walking out of the shack.

"Let her go. Let her stay here." Barbossa said

"You know you can't." Will said, shaking his head slightly. Barbossa sighed, walking out of the shack to follow her.