Okay, so between Jack and Elizabeth things are going pretty well… or are they? Anyway, read on…

Disclaimer: Is this even necessary? POTC not mine…

Chapter Seven: Trouble Turns Into Disaster

The morning sun fell across Elizabeth's face gently. She blinked a couple of times to wake herself, slowly sitting up, and letting the smooth covers fall away. Jack did feel the same way for her she did for him. That's all she could think about. That amazing kiss they shared last night played over and over in her mind, making her blush and smile. The way Jack had caressed her face softly, ran his fingers through her hair, and molded his warm lips against her's perfectly, caused a shiver of delight to run down her spine. After the wonderful kiss they just sat there and stared into each other's eyes, wanting to preserve the moment for as long as they could. But Jack noticed Elizabeth nodding off and gathered her up in his arm and tucked her in to bed, kissing her lightly on the lips once more before heading to the crew's sleeping quarters.

Elizabeth stretched and changed into her clothes, which just so happen to belong to Jack. She couldn't help but to pause and inhale his salty, rum scent as she pulled the heavy fabric on. Elizabeth made her way on deck and immediately looked to the helm to find Jack. He stood tall and proud behind the helm, dreadlocks blowing in the wind, eyes squinted as they scanned the horizon. Jack felt eyes on him and looked to the deck to find his crew working relentlessly and his beautiful blonde pirate staring up at him in admiration.

"Gibbs!" Jack called out to his first mate. Gibbs turned to his captain and saw Jack's eyes glued on Elizabeth. He chuckled to himself and dashed to Jack's side waiting for the usual orders.
"Take the helm." Jack moved for Gibbs to wrap his hands around the spokes.

As Jack, smirking in contained excitement, swaggered over to Elizabeth Gibbs shook his head and whispered to himself, " Love is a strange thing, I only hope Jack knows what his gettin' himself into."

--

Will watched storm clouds gather in the distant before retreating below deck. He rounded the corner and stood outside Davy Jones's room, the familiar organ music filled the air. A creak of a floorboard above Will's head signaled that his father was mapping out the deck and crew.

Just the other day Bootstrap had pulled Will to the side and alerted him of the upcoming island where Davy's chest laid. Just a day away. Will assigned his father the job of finding a lifeboat furthest from prying eyes and an easy unnoticeable way of leaving the ship. Will's job was to memorize Davy Jones's routine, the way he disappeared into his room every evening to pound on his organ, and then eventually wound his music box up to lull himself to sleep. Everything was in place. Tonight would be the night he would snatch the key and steal away; he no longer had to stay aboard the dreary ship. Unfortunately his father would have to stay, the oath he made bounded him to the ship. Will made a promise with his father that soon his dagger would be deep within the bloody chambers of Davy's heart and he'd be free from this bleak miserable ship. But first Will had to leave, he hoped that once Davy was gone, everything would be fine, his father would be free and Elizabeth would be safe in his arms again. Too bad neither Will nor his father realized the repercussions of stabbing the heart.

--

"Good mornin', luv." Jack approached Elizabeth with a sincere smile; Elizabeth couldn't help the warmth and love that spread through her as she watched him.

"Good morning Jack." Elizabeth replied walking to the railing and staring out into the ocean. She wanted to him to follow, something in her female nature was forcing her to turn her back and have Jack reach out to her. The nervous grip on her heart only increased as Jack, did in fact, follow her. He leaned against the rail and smiled whole-heartedly at her. Elizabeth smiled back until his deep gaze made blush and she ducked her head to examine her nails. She heard a thump and looked up to find Jack placing his jar of dirt, she didn't even know he had with him, on the railing, placing his arm on top of it for balance.

"Sleep well?" Jack inquired enjoying her flustered state and struggling to keep his hand from reaching out and stroking her red tinted cheeks.

"Yes, very. Thank you." She answered turning to him. She stood there watching him, wanting him to bring up the amazing kiss they shared just the night before. But Jack was too busy memorizing the way her hair danced in the salty breeze and how her squinted from the sun reflecting in the ocean. Little did Elizabeth know Jack had absolutely no intention of bringing up the breath-taking kiss, he was afraid consequences would ensue along the lines of a sore cheek.

"Jack, about last night." Elizabeth started, she faltered when she saw Jack's stance weaken and his eyes fall to study the deck. Was he ashamed? Did he only kiss her because he was drunk? She did recall the heavy rum drinking that occurred, but she was sober enough and she was positive Jack was at the time.

"Yes, dearie?" Jack prompted her; he wanted to get it over with, though he knew he'd probably hear how she was upset with him for performing such an act when she was engaged.

"That kiss…" Elizabeth breathed; she was lost in thought, staring up at the clouds as she let the memory of it fill her. Jack on the other hand winced, preparing himself for the big blowout.

"That kiss… it was wonderful. I have never felt so alive. It was… brilliant, and… I just… Jack?" Elizabeth happened to glance at Jack and watched him staring at her in complete shock, his jaw dropped. She was practically thanking him! She wasn't angry she was delighted! Jack felt is ego growing right then.

"Do go on, luv." Jack recovered and gestured for her to continue. She gave him a quizzical look before smiling faintly and continued.

" Jack, I wasn't ashamed for kissing you, even though I have a… fiancé. I knew I felt… something for you, but with that kiss, it brought confirmation." Here she paused she looked up into Jack's brown eyes, he had moved closer noticing how hard it was for her to say this and how vulnerable she felt. Jack was standing over her, almost protectively, as if to ward away all of her discomforts. Elizabeth stood up tall and stepped closer to Jack, feeling his warm rum scented breath, and brought her hand up to brush his cheek lovingly.

"Jack, I-"

"Capn' there's ship trailing us!" Gibbs sputtered as he ran up to them, interrupting Elizabeth's soft words. Jack groaned and glared at Gibbs, he wrapped an arm around Elizabeth's waist, he was so eager to hear her next words he didn't want her running off, besides whenever an opportunity to have Elizabeth in his arms presented himself he took it. Then scooped the jar of dirt into the crook of his other arm. He wasn't sure of the rules of the jar of dirt and wanted to be safe, so carrying it wherever he went seemed to be his best bet.

"What is it flying?" Jack asked, he really wasn't in the mood for a swashbuckling pirate fight. He had more important things, no, people, a certain woman pirate to attend to.

"It has British flags!" Gibbs shouted, he was afraid, a small pirate ship, no matter the pirates on it, were no match against a full-blown Navy ship. Jack realized this and paled slightly.

"Gibbs, can we out run 'er?" Jack slowly began walking towards the helm, dragging Elizabeth with him as Gibbs trotted nervously at his side.

"They're gainin' as we speak. I fear a nasty fight is to happen." Gibbs declared, glancing behind him at the enemy ship that was, indeed, gaining incredibly fast. Elizabeth narrowed her eyes; she has seen the ship before. Then suddenly she gasped and involuntarily grasped Jacks coat: it was Beckett.

"What's troublin' ye?" Jack whispered, noting her sudden panic. Elizabeth looked up with wide frightened eyes.

"Jack, it's Beckett." She whispered as if just uttering his name would summon him. Jack stiffened and pulled Elizabeth closer, rubbing her arm soothingly. Then suddenly there was a boom, like thunder, and the sound of cracking wood and shouts followed the ship shuddered under the blow sending Jack's jar of dirt sailing through the air and landed gracefully… in the ocean. Jack's eyes grew wide. His only safety from the bloody beastie was now at the bottom of the ocean. Bugger. Jack squeezed Elizabeth tightly trying to keep her mind at ease he didn't want her scared. But then again they were in deep trouble.

"Lizzie, stay in the captain's quarters." Jack whispered pecking her quickly on the lips and shoving her towards the stairs. Elizabeth glared at Jack and placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, stubbornly running after Jack. Hearing her light steps Jack sighed, frustrated, and whirled around to face her.

"Elizabeth, below deck, now!" He shouted standing over her, sternly. She cowered and stared up at him in shock. Jack never called Elizabeth by her full name. She was scared that she had finally crossed some line and he was seriously mad. He hadn't meant to yell but why couldn't she see that when she was in harm's way he couldn't concentrate, his eyes would always be on her. Jack knew Elizabeth didn't like walking away from fights but he didn't want her hurt, why couldn't she see this?

Elizabeth nodded her head slowly and disheartened retreated to the captain's quarters. Jack watched her go and felt something, probably guilt for causing her somber state, tearing at his heart. Another cannon ball tore through the right side of the ship. Jack stumbled as the ship tittered and he began to bark orders out, sending pirates to their positions. Jack nearly growled as he watched Beckett, hands clasp behind his back, smirking smugly as if to say, "give up now, you have no way out." A few more explosive cannons sounded, from both ships, and soon the Beckett's ship glided smoothly next to the Pearl. Jack hissed and pulled his sword out, ordering his crew to board the other ship, but Beckett's crew was faster and scurried aboard the Black Pearl. Pistols erupted and swords clashed, for every pirate there were two British soldiers. Jack was slashing away at two very skilled soldiers; his eyes surveyed his crew proudly as he hunted for Beckett.

The larger of the soldiers Jack was battling thrust his sword forward and Jack jumped barely dodging it, and ducked as the other soldier made a swipe at his head. Jack stood up and began weaving through the mayhem. Where was Beckett? A roll of unease churned his stomach as he darted downstairs to the captain's quarters.

Beckett walked threateningly up to Elizabeth, angry that she had escaped and left him in Port Royal, angry that she was marrying Will, angry that she refused him. He grinded his teeth and snapped his wrist forward, landing a heavy punch across Elizabeth's face. Blood spurted from her nose and she could already feel the bruise forming around her eye. Elizabeth fell backwards grabbing onto the wall for support, but Beckett advanced on her, pinning Elizabeth against the wall, and putting his hands on either side of her face, trapping her.

"Well, look who it is. The sweet little governor's daughter, frolicking with pirates again. If I find out that one of your pirate friends has taken what is rightfully mine you will pay." Beckett breathed, his eyes held a dark humor, he loved scaring Elizabeth, and he wanted nothing more than to give her pain.

Elizabeth felt so stupid, she had heard a knock at her door and expected Jack, not Beckett. But here she was, cornered by this vile man. Elizabeth started to panic and she tried to push Beckett away, but he just laughed and grabbed her wrists in one large hand. Sucking in a huge gulp of air Elizabeth started to scream when Beckett's lips crashed into her's. Elizabeth squealed in disgust and fear, she began shoving and hitting at Beckett. But he was too strong, he moved closer, squeezing her wrists tightly and holding her to his mouth with his other hand twisted painfully in her hair.

Suddenly a gunshot filled the air and the door swung open, Jack stood in the open doorway taking in Beckett's actions. Jack's eyes grew dark and his appearance held nothing but fury. Jack's mind went blank and blind rage took over any coherent thought that might have been present. His fist connected with Beckett's face, sending him sprawling to the ground. Jack reached for Elizabeth but heard the familiar sound of a sword being unsheathed and Jack turned with his sword, drawn and ready. Beckett yelled in outrage for being interrupted and threw himself at Jack, who stepped at of the way. Unfortunately that's just what Beckett wanted Jack to do as he plunged his sword into Elizabeth's leg. She screamed and fell to the floor writhing in pain. Beckett stood over her smiling down; he bent down to brush her hair out of her face.

"You need to learn your place Miss Swann." But don't worry, my future wife, I'll show you what your job as a woman is on our wedding night." Beckett chuckled manically to himself and stood leaving the room with a slow contented pace.

Jack was rooted in place; he wanted to rip the revolting Beckett in half. But he couldn't, he didn't have the strength inside to even yell at Beckett, his very heart seemed to stop as he observed the blood that was collecting onto the floor.

Jack finally snapped out of his horrified trance and moved to Elizabeth's side. Her eyes were red and feverish; she was in so much pain. When Jack knelt beside her she immediately twisted her hands into his coat holding on to him as if his very touch was healing. Jack began to tremble, in fear and rage; he stroked Elizabeth's face gently trying to erase the immense pain and terror that was in her eyes. He gently scooped her up and winced as he heard her whimper, trying to smother her cries of pain. He placed her on the bed and raced to his desk pulling out thread, a needle, and wraps. Piling the materials on the table he carefully ripped the cloth away from Elizabeth's leg and inspected the wound. He could faintly hear the sounds of cheers and guessed the British crew had departed and the crew was celebrating.

The swelling wound was an angry red and purple, blood poured out of her continuously. Jack glanced up to find Elizabeth starting to slip into unconsciousness.

"Lizzie, luv, stay with me!" Jack's voice wavered, he knew it was no use, if the massive blood loss didn't knock her out, the pain surely would. Elizabeth's eyes slowly stared to close as she watched Jack hunched over her, his face etched with pure worry and fear, and then the darkness over took her.

Oh dear, it seems things just keep getting worse. Anyway, I apologize for posting so late, summer always slows me down, I don't like the heat. It might help if you guys would review though, maybe then I'd be willing to post this faster… please review!!