Regrets I May Have Had A Few

Chapter 5

"They seem to be getting closer." James said as he looked out at the shadow, noting it was starting to look more like a vessel than a shadow now.

"They're here." Jack replied as he jumped to his feet and instinctively grabbed for his sword before remembering he'd not had it since he'd been in this infernal place.

James had jumped to his feet in response to Jack's movement and it only took a moment to understand what Jack meant. A half a dozen yards down the beach he saw a conglomeration of vile and hideous creatures advancing on them. He too made a grab for a nonexistent sword.

They began looking around for anything that could be used as a weapon, and found nothing.

"I'm thinking perhaps the better part of valor calls for a quick…or maybe quicker than quick..retreat right about now Commodore." Jack said as he began to back pedal.

"Where exactly do you intend to retreat to Mr. Sparrow? I will not be chased and run to ground like some animal. I shall stand my ground here. It is as good a place as any on this godforsaken rock." James replied.

"Won't be much of a stand with no weapons Commodore, more 'n likely a rapid fall and then….death. At least a retreat would afford some time for assessing and planning." Jack replied from several feet behind James. He had momentarily stopped his backpedaling, but his stance said he was willing to recommence at a seconds notice.

James snapped his head around to look at Jack with disbelief, "This from the man who could not come up with an assessment or plan during the whole time we've been here?" James gave a short sharp laugh and added, "By your leave Captain Sparrow, I shall take my chances here."

Jack tipped his hand to his forehead, "Suit yourself Commodore." As he turned to leave he stumbled over something. "Bugger!" then looking down, "What's this now?" He bent down and picked up two swords lying on the ground. "That's funny; they weren't there a moment ago." He looked around at his surroundings suspiciously, looked back down at the ground suspiciously, looked back at the swords suspiciously then gave them a few vigorous swipes through the air as if doubting their realness and expecting them to disintegrate in his hands. When they didn't he smiled broadly and called out, "Oh Commodore, look what I've got."

Without turning around James huffed and snapped, "What is it now Mr. Sparrow?"

"It's Captain…Captain Sparrow, and if you would be so kind as to remember that little fact in future addressments of me I might be so inclined to share my little find with you, but only if you promise…cross your heart and all that…"

James, his concentration on the approaching horde broken by Jack's diatribe, whirled around and snapped, "What in the world are you going on about…."

He stopped in mid sentence as he spotted the swords Jack was waving about in front of him. He closed the distance between them and reached for one. Jack jerked it back and said, "Now Commodore, promise first, sword second, savvy?"

"What are you about Sparrow, give me the sword!" James snapped.

"Not till you say it." Jack replied poutily.

"Sparrow! The sword, now!" James said as he looked over his shoulder and saw the throng was almost on them. When Jack continued to pout at him he shook his head, huffed a few times, then glaring at Jack said, "Blast you Captain Sparrow!"

Jack smiled a glittery smile, "Thanks Mate." and handed James a sword.

The next minute they were set upon by the creatures and fought for their lives. Swords slashing and cutting, stabbing and hacking with what seemed little impact on the attackers. James was sure the next stab or slash or hack was his last so used up was his energy. But he managed one more, and one more, and one more till suddenly the creatures retreated out of range and he heard Jack speak, "Come to join the fight yourself then Fishface?"

James turned to see Davey Jones leaning toward Jack, "Jack Sparrow, you owe me a debt."

Jack leaned back on his heels away from the offending presence and said, "By my reckoning that debt has been paid… several times."

Davey Jones took a step toward Jack, "Well your reckoning is wrong!"

"Is not." Jack replied.

Jones recoiled a bit, "Is too!"

"Is not!" Jack said a bit more emphatically.

"Is too!" Jones replied in kind.

"Is not!" Jack retorted with much more emphasis.

"Is…" Jones started to retort and was interrupted by James.

"Oh by all that is holy just kill me now and put me out of my misery! I can not listen to any more of this!"

Jones and Jack, both with a bit of a surprised expression on their faces, looked at James. A moment passed before Jones spoke, "I have no business with you Commodore. My business is with him." ending his remark by jabbing his claw at Jack.

"Then why, pray tell, am I here?" James asked.

"More 'n likely just an unfortunate and entirely unforeseeable series of circumstances that have nothing whatsoever to do with me…more 'n likely that is….Commodore." Jack interjected.

Jones and James each gave Jack a glare, then Jones spoke, "I have no use for you Commodore. Then turning his attention to Jack said, "You're the one I've come for Sparrow."

Jack waved his hands about, gesturing between himself and Jones as he spoke in a hopeful tone, "I'm sure we can come to an agreeable accord with a little friendly discussion here, aye?"

Jones smiled an unpleasant smile at Jack and replied, "I don't do friendly, and the only agreeable accord I foresee will be reached when you are aboard The Flying Dutchman fulfilling your debt to me!" Then turning to his minions he said, "Take this…Pirate.. to the ship."

As the creatures moved to do as they were bid a whirl of sand rose up around them and continued to grow in intensity until they were fully enveloped and unable to move.

"What's this?" Jones bellowed as he looked around angrily.

As Jones glare rested on him Jack gave him an innocent smile, put his hands together in a praying gesture and said, "I've absolutely nothing to do with it mate."

Jones moved his glare to James who held a hand up and said, "Sorry, not quite my style."

Taking several menacing steps toward the other two men he bellowed, "Then who?"

"You always did be de vocal sort when de situation don't meet wit your approval."

The three turned in unison, disbelief on their faces as they recognized the newcomer.

To Be Continued

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