WAKI 24

Updating because...I need to feel like I've accomplished SOMETHING today. I'll have you know, all is not right in the land of Jiia. I don't think I've ever had so many people upset with me, and I haven't even done anything! That's the worst kind of angry. When they are mad at you for things you couldn't avoid, and no matter what they say they will all still hate you. le sigh. Anyways... Jack's little rambles into the past are about to take a rather... disturbing turn. Those of you who are faint of heart, read no further. At least, skip every second chapter. Really. I mean it. Apperantly, it made my beta sick to her stomach. Just so you know. Points go to people who can guess what this angsty little plot twist is going to be. And no, I will not give you hints. Everything you need to know... Has already been said.
"BILL! You'll never guess what happened!" Jack threw open the door to the tiny room the two of them had rented on the Tortugan docks. "Bill?"

The pirate sat on his bed, leaning against the headboard with a wickedly curved knife in one hand and a mutilated apple in the other. A bottle of rum sat on the nearby table, only one or two glasses remaining. Not that it mattered much, seeing as there wasn't a glass to be filled anywhere in sight.

Bill looked up at him and smiled. Not the usual, glowing smile that made Jack feel like the most important person on earth, but a sad, strangely desolate smile, one that shouldn't really have been called a smile at all.

"Yeah, Jack, I heard. Sully told me all about it."

"Really?" Jack blinked, feeling just a little disappointed, and a lot worried.

"Yup." Bill gave him another heartbreaking smile, carving a chunk out of the poor apple. "Congratulations. No one's going to be able to push you around now."

"Yeah…" Jack said hesitantly, not entirely sure what was making Bill so obviously upset. "Now that I'm a real member of the crew, they're gonna have to start treating me with respect."

"Right." Bill looked down at the apple. "Respect. Of course they will. Wouldn't want to get on Captain Sam's bad side, now would they?"

"Bill? What do you mean?"

"Nothing, Jack. Go to bed. You're going to have a long day ahead of you tomorrow."

Jack did, still concerned about whatever had made his long-time friend look so very sad. He lay in the flickering shadows of the single lit candle, listening to Bill slowly eat the apple, one little chunk at a time. And then, as at last the candle went out, he heard the man whisper in the dark.

"Je vous ai échoué, mon petit oiseau. Je ne peux vous protéger plus."

This is meant to be: I've failed you, my little bird. I can't protect you any more. I'm sorry.