A PIRATES TREASURE

Disclaimer:- POTC belongs to the Disney Corporation along with it's characters. I have no claim to any of their work and make no money out of my stories. I have introduced some characters that belong to me to fit with the story.

A Pirates Treasure

Chapter 16

Three weeks had sped by since the night Elizabeth had reawakened. Jack, needing assurance that she had sustained no lasting effects from the potent infection, had immediately sent Cotton to fetch Hui Cheng from The Pearl. He and Tai Huang had attended her forthwith and, to Jack's relief, had pronounced her over the worst, in need only of rest, good food and diligent nursing. Although, she was obviously extremely weak, Hui Cheng saw no reason why she should not make a full recovery.

Jack had, with his usual determination, taken the 'diligent nursing' bit to heart and, initially, found his whole day, (and most of his nights), taken up with making sure that Elizabeth was comfortable and had everything she needed. Of course, she had slept for most of the time, and he understood that her body needed this to heal, but, like a child waiting for the wonders of Christmas; he couldn't help his impatience, his anticipation of her return to full fitness.

After the first week, Cotton had returned to The Pearl, leaving Jack alone to care for her. Tai Huang, after speaking to Elizabeth, had resupplied The Empress and left to return to Singapore. He was now the Pirate Lord of the South China Seas, the position granted to him by Elizabeth, the Pirate King, along with ownership of The Empress. Indeed, it had transpired that the reason he was seeking her that fateful day their paths had crossed was to ask if she would grant him the position. Hui Cheng sailed with him, taking Jack's eternal thanks and good wishes, together with a pledge of help if he should ever need him.

Mr Gibbs had been to see Jack and they had decided that, in Jack's absence, he would take over as temporary Captain on The Pearl, taking day to day control, but reporting back to Jack when reaching port. Jack knew that it was the best option. He couldn't leave the ship and crew stagnating in port for any length of time and trusted that Mr Gibbs would do a good job and bring his treasured Pearl home safely. He would miss her desperately, but Elizabeth's recovery over-rode every other responsibility. In time, they could both take their rightful positions and sail the seas together once more.

Elizabeth was gaining strength with every passing day. Her voice, weak and raspy from disuse, was now stronger and regular light meals had banished the waxy appearance of her skin, her abused, emaciated body was filling out, the sunken hollows on her face disappearing. The bites covering her, once pus filled and festering were now fading with the help of Hui Cheng's liniment and no longer required covering. Indeed, most of Jack's time was now spent encouraging her to stay in bed as she was fast becoming restless.

Over the past few days, they had spent hours talking; pouring out their thoughts, hopes, regrets and feelings, but Jack was still desperate to know if they had really made that amazing connection when Elizabeth had, in reality, slipped away from him on The Pearl. He had yet to mention it to her, afraid to broach the subject, half of him fearing that it would upset her, the other half not wanting her to think him mad, but the telepathy had been so strong, so vibrant and real, that he had to know if she remembered anything. He hadn't told her that her heart had stopped, not wanting to frighten her he had skirted around the details, merely saying that at her crisis, Hui Cheng had been invaluable and had saved her life, but he needed answers…soon.

The Caribbean sunlight was streaming into the bedroom, bathing every corner of the room and it's occupants in its comforting glow. The French doors were open, allowing the air to circulate freely, making the room a haven in the sultry afternoon. Jack was sitting on the bed, the mahogany headboard at his back, with Elizabeth's head resting on his thigh. They had been silent for a few minutes, Jack's hand rhythmically stroking her hair, occasionally running fine, gossamer strands through his fingers, feeling her relax at the hypnotic effect, while he gathered the courage to finally talk to her about it.

"Lizzie, luv..." he finally said.

"Mmmm…"

"Somethin' mighty strange happen'd while we were on T' Pearl, luv. Somethin' that's set me mind t' wonderin' if it really happened or if me mind were up t' it's ol' tricks again…"

"Mmmm…"

"Lizzie…'r ye listenin' t' me, darlin'?"

Elizabeth stirred, pressing slightly closer to him. "Mmmm. I'm listening to you, Jack."

"Err…did anythin'…err…strange…happen t' ye while we were on T' Pearl, luv?"

Elizabeth lifted her head slightly, obviously thinking back to see if she could remember anything. Finally, she said, "Well, the rats ate my supplies and then started on me…I almost died…I suppose that's 'mighty strange'."

"Is that all ye can remember, darlin?"

She thought for a few moments and then snuggled deeper against him. "Mmmm."

Jack's hand abruptly stopped the soothing movement on her head. "'r ye sure?" His disappointment was evident in his voice. He had so hoped that she would remember something, anything. Maybe The Locker had finally won, he mused, had conjured up invading images and thoughts once again. Maybe, this time, he had finally reached insanity.

"Well…when exactly do you mean, Jack? We were there for a while, you know. Most of the time I was unconscious or drifting…"

"I know, darlin'. Twas a stupid thing t' ask ye."

Elizabeth lifted her upper body away from the bed and looked around at Jack's face. Taking in his slight frown she lowered herself back down to her original position. "No…something's bothering you and we need to sort it out. Tell me when it happened. I might remember something."

Jack swiftly shook his head, his regret obvious. "Tis nothin'" he murmured. "Forget it."

Sitting up and turning towards him, Elizabeth poked him in the chest with an outstretched finger. "Jack Sparrow! How dare you tell me to forget it after everything you've done for me? You've tended to my every need…hell, Jack…you quite literally forced me to come back to you from deaths door! And now, you want me to repay the favour by forgetting that something is troubling you! No way, Captain Sparrow! Now…tell!"

Shock registered on Jack's face. "Say that again, luv!" Hardly daring to breath he waited, unable to fully comprehend what she had said.

"I said that you looked after me so now I'll listen and help you!"

"No! Not that bit! Tell me about me forcing you back!"

"Oh…so that's what this is all about! You made me hang on Jack. You did, did you not, tell me that I couldn't go with my Father and that my place was with you on The Pearl? That we would have children and grow old together? That you couldn't go on without me?"

Jack was stunned. Her calm acceptance of the event was staggering. Her confirmation that it had truly happened was almost beyond belief. All this time he had believed himself insane, unable to comprehend such an event actually happening, while she had believed in a bond so strong between them that it breeched the void between life and death. It was a few moments before he could summon the strength of character to speak or move. Finally, almost reverentially, he slowly reached out and cupped her face in his hands.

Leaning towards her, he murmured against her lips, "Lizzie. Me darlin', darlin' Lizzie. If I ne'r again do anythin worthwhile, that is the best, most important thing I've ever done or will likely ev'r do fer the rest of me natural. Twas the only thing I could do. Force ye back t' me. I couldn't even imagine livin' me life without ye. I pledge m'self t' ye. Now an' forever."

Slowly, with infinite care, his lips moulded to hers…

Oh…what a lucky lady!!! I'm sooo jealous!

Right. You know the routine now. Go review! Still loads to do with this story so plenty more to come.

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has wished me well after my recent spell in hospital and for reviewing. You're all true stars!!