Chapter XIV

Wrigglin' out of a Debt

Bree stretched, yawning expansively. It had been a good day…well, a good day for the lifestyle Bree was living. Jimmylegs had been more lenient with her and the crew hadn't really bothered to mock her. Now, every night, they wanted her to entertain them with either a song, a musical piece, or a dance. Angler had given the fiddle to Bree, and she kept it in a satchel under her hammock.

Bree was settling in for a good sleep when Clanker tapped her on the shoulder. Bree sat up, growling irritably, "What now?"

Clanker cuffed her roughly, "Cap'n wants ye in 'is cabin."

Bree was confused again, "Is that all 'e said?"

Clanker snorted, "No, 'e said look lively."

Bree mumbled something and rolled out of her hammock, pulling on her jerkin. She buckled on her sword belt, as always, and climbed groggily up the stairs. She stumbled out onto the deck, feeling a cold wind hit her. She shivered, rubbing her arms in an attempt to keep warm. She covered a yawn and made her way to the cabin, pushing open the doors. She was trying to look relaxed and unafraid, but she couldn't keep her hands from shaking. What did he want now? Another flogging?

Jones was fingering the keys of his organ when Bree entered. He heard her light footsteps and stood, turning to face her. He looked her over. Then he spoke, "Ye lied, Miss Bree. I'm somewhat disappointed."

Bree felt these words stab deep. She turned defensive, "Did I ever say it was where ye looked? I jist said the East India Trading Company had it! Ye were the one who assumed it was there! It might be on one o' the ships!"

Jones almost deflated when she said this. Perhaps the eagerness to retrieve his heart had clouded his judgment and reason. She had a point.

Jones snarled, "What fool would risk takin' it to sea?"

Bree's response brought a smile to her own lips, "Jack would. An' there are souls as daft as he."

That smile…it made Jones' throat tighten. He sensed…tenderness and affection.

Now this really would cause him sleepless nights! Bootstrap was too old for Bree to love in a romantic way. But was Jack? He was younger, only about twenty years older than Bree. That wasn't too old. Jones felt doubt and a type of fear creep into the corners of his subconscious. Bree had been with Jack for quite a while on the Pearl.

Had anything happened between them? Jones knew that, being a pirate, Jack was a womanizer. But no…Bree didn't seem like someone who would act like a common Tortuga wench. Unless she and Jack felt the same affection for one another.

Bree was still looking at Jones. He snapped out of his gloomy thoughts and spoke, "Well, then. D'ye have any inklin' o' where it actually is?"

Bree spread her hands, "No, sir. The sea is a large place. O' course, ye control it. Ye find it." She turned to leave.

Jones felt annoyed as she walked to the door without being dismissed. He moved quickly, grabbing the back of her neck in his claw and whirling her around. He hissed into her face without really thinking, "Ye love Sparrow, don't ye?"

Bree was totally unprepared for the question. She opened her mouth to speak, not sure what Jones meant. Did he mean love like a friend? Or something deeper? And why should he care?

"What gave ye that idea?" she answered, not able to hear the wavering tone of her own voice.

Jones felt his heart sink at that tone. Was she hiding it? "Ye seem eager to protect him."

Bree tried to wriggle free but failed. This was ridiculous. She didn't feel anything special for Jack. And she wasn't sure why it would annoy Jones so much if she did.

Of course, the same thoughts were going through Jones' mind. Why should he care? He released Bree, who stood back, nursing her neck. Jones waved his claw absently, "Dismissed."

Bree hurried from the room, still unsure and somewhat unnerved. Yet a small, inner voice was singing out in triumph. Was he envious?

Jones, of course, settled down the only way he could; playing music.

Bree sat on deck, now wide awake. She looked up at the stars, partly covered by clouds. The music served as a soothing, calming blanket, slowing Bree's heart. She leaned her head back against the railing, closing her eyes and breathing deeply. She was going mad. She knew it. She had seen a strange expression on Jones' face when she mentioned Jack. Anger? Bitterness? Hatred?

Bree felt the music from the organ slowly caressing her tired mind. Did Jones know how beautifully he played? If Bree wasn't so afraid of him, she would tell him. But her back still ached from the brutal flogging she had received. And her heart was burdened by the fact that he absolutely hated her. Why this hurt her, she didn't know. She had been realizing it slowly, though.

She didn't hate him.

It was dawn. Bree opened her eyes, tilting her head back.

Jones stood over her, looking down at her. Bree gave a short cry of alarm and scooted backwards, only to knock her head on the railing. She sat there, rubbing her skull and not daring to look up at her captain. She didn't realize that she had fallen asleep. How long had Jones been standing there?

Jones grabbed Bree by the shoulder and hauled her up. Bree was a little surprised at the gentleness of his claw. He wasn't clamping down as hard on her.

Bree looked about. No one else was on deck. It must have been too early. She looked to Jones, a little apprehensive.

Jones reached out and clamped his claw down on the hilt of her sword. He slowly drew it out of the scabbard, moving it carefully so as not to hit Bree's head with the blade. He examined the sword, twirling and brandishing skillfully. Then he leaned on the hilt, saying in a conversational tone, "This is a good sword."

Bree nibbled at a scab on her lip, nodding. Then she summoned up courage to speak, "It was…it was my father's."

Jones tossed the sword up, catching it deftly by the blade and offering it to Bree like a surrendering captain. Bree didn't exactly catch this small gesture, only thinking he was giving it back. And perhaps Jones didn't realize why he made this gesture either. He pretended to ignore it.

Bree watched as Jones drew his own broadsword from the scabbard hanging at his hip. It was longer than Bree's, and the blade was a bit wider. After Bree had sheathed her own sword, Jones tossed his to her.

Bree caught the sword by the hilt, surprised at its weight. 'E must be very strong to handle a sword like this! She remembered their swordfight and remembered the strength behind his blows. Very strong indeed.

Bree tested the blade and did a few fancy tricks herself. Jones bit back a smile. He knew that his sword was heavy, and he was impressed by Bree's steady grip and movement. When he saw she was tiring a bit, he took the sword from her.

Bree discreetly rubbed her forearm. She had never seen a sword like his before. The crosstrees had been covered in barnacles and the grip wasn't as good.

Jones waited for Bree to look up again. Then he placed the point of his sword under her chin, "Care to try yer skill, missy?"

Bree couldn't help but smile. Was he challenging her to a duel? She drew her sword again, changing hands and then brandishing it, "I've grown stronger since the last time I fought ye, Cap'n."

Jones grinned at her, answering, "Ye don't seem frightened, much. Forgotten those welts already?" At saying this he felt a slight twinge.

Bree's smile vanished, but she still answered him, "Sometimes the only way to conquer yer fears is to stand up to them." And then, without realizing why, she said, "Much as ye failed to do…centuries ago." But the minute the words left her mouth, she clapped a hand to her lips, her eyes wide.

Jones' eyes reflected hurt. But did she know? He had failed again. He had failed the moment he had taken up the length of chain. He had failed to recognize his feelings. And he was still failing. And refused to confront it.

Jones pressed his blade harder to Bree's neck from these thoughts. His eyes weren't focusing in on what was happening, and only when Bree made a slight sound did he look back at her. He sucked in his breath. Blood trickled down her neck, his sword pricking her. He withdrew the blade, mumbling an apology.

Bree figured that the best way to solve all this was…to fight.

The girl stepped away and got into a fighting position, blade out, "Shall we begin?"

Bootstrap woke, looking over at Bree's hammock. The girl wasn't there. He wasn't surprised. She would often rise earlier than the others. But he could hear sounds above him. Metal on metal.

The old sailor rose, making his way on deck. He was halfway out of the hold when he saw the cause of the noise.

Bree and Davy Jones were broadsword fighting.

Bootstrap watched, fascinated. Both had fantastic skill with the blade, and neither one could touch the other. Bree's form was perfect, her strength never failing. Jones was stronger than Bree and forced her back quite a bit, but Bree was quicker and able to dart around him, attacking from the rear only to be blocked.

Bootstrap could instantly tell that this wasn't a fight to the death. Both fighters, even though their faces were screwed up in concentration, looked calm and unafraid. Bootstrap couldn't hide his smile.

They were playing.

Some might think that Jones and Bree would have been quite friendly after their little fencing session. Such was not the case.

Bree came storming down to the hold, her face livid with rage. Her sword was still clenched in her hand and her knuckles were white from gripping so hard.

Bootstrap instantly tensed when he saw Bree's eyes. They were raging and flaming. He stood, going to his friend, "What happened?"

Bree growled something and went to the slumbering Oldhaddy, wrenching a rum bottle from his limp claws. She took a long swig, and Bootstrap had to wait a while for her to speak. Bree wiped her mouth, baring her teeth and hissing, "He tried to trick me! He asked if I was through with tryin' to escape! I told 'im no an' he gave me this!" She revealed a long, jagged cut on her arm. Bootstrap winced, tearing a strip of cloth from his cloak and tying the girl's arm. As he did this, he asked quietly, "Well…are ye through tryin' to escape, mate?"

Bree looked up at him, her eyes hard, "Didn't I just say I said no? Never!"

Bootstrap tilted his head, "Ye sure? I've found ye're somewhat growin' accustomed to life here."

Bree growled, wrenching her arm away angrily. She stormed off to her hammock, grumbling and muttering all sorts of oaths. Bootstrap shrugged, letting her fume silently.

Bree pulled the blanket over her head, tears of hot indignation welling in her eyes. What was happening to her? Bootstrap had spoken the truth! She was getting used to life on this floating prison! If she didn't get away from it soon…she wouldn't want to.

Help me, Jack!

Over the two days, Jones and Bree avoided one another. Bree suspected Jones was angry at her for her defiance. As always.

But Jones had been slightly hurt by Bree's ardent claim that she would not rest until she escaped. But hadn't he talked himself through this before?

She doesn't like ye. She hates ye.

Jones had at last given up on trying to hate Bree. But he refused to believe that he felt anything for her.

But that jealousy was still there. Bree and Sparrow…if Jones knew Sparrow, the wily pirate would have tried to charm Bree. It was in his nature. And what if Bree had fallen under his spell? This caused Jones to wriggle inwardly with black paranoia. But, still determined, he ignored it all, however hard it was.

But they say that it's unhealthy to keep emotions bottled up.

Soon, both Bree and Davy Jones would reach the overflowing point.

"Sail ho!"

Bree heard the words clearly. She scrambled up, knocking over the game of dice as she made a dash for the stairs, tearing up them to emerge on the deck. She leaned over the railing, hanging onto one of the ropes, trying to catch sight of the ship.

And there it was.

A ship with black sails.

The Pearl!

Bree could have laughed out loud, but she only gave a small, satisfied smile. Good ole Jack! Comin' in the nick o' time!

Bree looked over and saw Jones looking through his glass at the ship. She heard him snarl with anger, and felt a smug grin creep across her face. As if sensing it, Jones turned to look at her, his eyes hard. Bree tried to look away as if everything was normal, but the captain stumped over to her, grabbing her by the back of the neck. He hissed into her ear, "Don't git any ideas, whelp!"

Bree didn't answer, and when she was released, she said, "Of course not, sir."

Now was the time. Escape, or be bound to the ship forever. Bound by her feelings.

Jones, meanwhile, was writhing with rage. Bree was very pleased. He could see it just by that smile on her lips. Jack was coming to rescue her.

Jones muttered darkly under his breath, "Ye can't have her, Sparrow."

Will gave out a triumphant call, "There she is! It's the Dutchman!"

Gibbs looked out across the waves at the ghost ship, a broad smile on his face, "By the saints, we've caught 'er! We'll come up alongside 'er in no time!"

Cotton's parrot made a contribution, "Awk! Load the rum!"

Jack was immediately on deck, "No! None o' that, Mister Cotton! We'll just swing by an' pick up Miss Bree. We can easily outdistance the Dutchman."

Elizabeth was looking anxious, "Do you think there will be a fight?"

Jack looked back at her, "Most likely, luv."

Will didn't look away from the ghost ship, "A friend is worth it."

Pintel and Ragetti stood near the prow, looking at the Dutchman. Ragetti had removed his wooden eye, flicked a speck of dust from the back, and popped it back in, adjusting it and looking at the ghost ship. He looked to his friend, "Ye think Jack's got a plan to save Miss Bree?"

Pintel sniffed, answering as one would to a simpleton, "O' course Cap'n's got a plan! An' Miss Bree'll come outta this fine! She's smart an' tough."

Both pirates watched the Dutchman getting closer. Both dreaded the confrontation that would soon come.

Bree heard the flutter of wings behind her. She turned, and her heart leaped. A blue parrot was perched on the railing, tilting its head at her and squawking, "Awk! Douse the lamps! Douse the lamps!"

Bree had learned the parrot's language and nodded, smiling in thanks. The parrot did an awkward hopskip and flew off, back to the Pearl.

Jack smiled as Cotton's parrot returned to its master's shoulder. The wily captain turned to Will, "See? I told ye he could throw his voice. Now Miss Bree'll know how to signal us when she's ready. All we have to do is swing by as fast as we can an' pick 'er up. We can outrun the Dutchman an' we'll pass by safely, so long as we don't present that much of a target. We won't get too close, but close enough for Bree to reach us."

Will nodded resolutely, looking back towards the ghost ship. Elizabeth smiled, "You're always the clever one, Jack."

Jack grinned, "Thank ye, luv. Ye have to be in this business."

Bree waited, biding her time. The Pearl was getting closer now, and if she could wait until she got within swimming distance…there!

Bree sidled off to the railing, away from the others. She quietly drew her sword, letting the light catch it. She saw Jack standing at the rail of the Pearl. He saw her signal.

Bree banged the hilt of her sword into Maccus' head, stunning him. She then sheathed her sword, kicked out at the others and leaped over the rail. She fell awkwardly, but managed to land at an angle.

The girl hit the water hard, and it stunned her for a moment, but she managed to flounder to the surface. Suddenly, she remembered. The box!

Fumbling about in her shirt, Bree pulled out the small pouch. Bree drew back her arm and flung the pouch up over the railing of the Dutchman. Then she disappeared beneath the waves.

Jones had been concentrating on the Pearl when Bree jumped overboard. Only when Palifico drew his attention to it did he realize what was happening.

Storming over to the railing, Jones opened his mouth to give an order, but something grazed the side of his face. It was a pouch, and it clattered to the deck. Jones limped over to it, bent and picked it up. He hooked it with his claw and undid the mouth with his hand, dumping out the contents. His eyes darkened with wrath and his tentacles curled and turned purple.

The music box!

Jones was then instantly at the side, looking down and along the length of the ship and bellowing out, "Git that whelp! I'll have the hide off 'er back an' use her bones to decorate me cabin!" His head was whirling in one massive emotion, blended together of several smaller feelings. Bree, I'll kill ye!

Bree held onto the barnacles growing on the bottom of the Dutchman. She would ride along with her until she was within reach of the Pearl.

Bree laughed quietly at her scheme. She was right under the water, out of Jones' view. She could simply swim to the opposite side of the Pearl, shimmy up and they would zip right by, off to freedom!

Bree knew this was the right thing to do.

Get out while ye can!

Bree felt her heart beating faster as the Pearl approached near enough at last. Bree let go of the barnacles, dove down and swam as fast as she could under and around the black-sailed ship. She surfaced, twisting her body around and treading water, "Oi! Jack Sparrow!"

Jack heard Bree's voice. He grinned, "See? I tol' ye she would do all the work!" He went to the side and tossed a rope down. Bree latched on and Pintel and Ragettie began hauling her up.

Bree landed awkwardly over the railing, and Elizabeth helped her stand, hugging her so fiercely that Bree thought she would crush her ribs, "Bree! We did it!"

Bree hugged Elizabeth back, tears sliding down her cheeks, "Thankee, mates!"

After a while, Elizabeth let go of Bree, who was immediately seized in Will's grip. He smiled down at her, "I'm glad we came in time, mate!" He let the young girl cry onto his shoulder, she was so overcome with joy at being free.

Jack tapped Will's shoulder, who released Bree. Jack smiled at Bree, still calm but happy to see her, "Welcome back aboard the Black Pearl, Miss Bree."

Bree threw her arms around Jack, hugging him so tight that Jack marveled at her strength, "Mate, I'd appreciate it if ye didn't break me spine like that."

Bree stepped back, quickly wiping away her tears and laughing as Jack spoke, "Well, mission accomplished, mates! Time to go!"

But the ship suddenly shuddered as the Dutchman fired.

Elizabeth looked at Jack, "I thought we were out of range!"

Jack didn't answer her but ran to the side. He made a small squealing sound and jumped to the side. Will went to the side and looked. He growled in frustration, "They've crippled us!"

Bree felt her marrow freeze. No! I can't be caught again! Oh, please, no!

Jones looked across at Sparrow, a satisfied smirk on his cruel face. He had nowhere to go.

Jones knew now what he was going to do. Let the Pearl go on! She could sail to hell for all he cared! Jack was no concern of his anymore. He didn't have the heart, he knew that. He would have tried to bargain long ago. And now all Jones wanted was to get Bree back. He had half made up his mind to strip her back bare until only her bones were left! But another part of him simply wanted her back.

Jones called across to the captain of the Pearl, who was at the moment praying, "Sparrow! Give back the girl or I'll blow yer ship to matchwood!"

Jack jerked up, moving his hands in strange, jerky gestures. He motioned Bree to his side, who hadn't moved. She was staring straight across at Jones. She saw Jack and hurried over to him, "Any ideas, Cap'n?"

But the ship shuddered again as the Dutchman fired again, this time landing among the rigging and slicing through the tackle. Bree winced as some of it crashed to the deck. Jack had a pained expression on his face. He looked at Bree, and Bree understood. He was having a hard time deciding between her and his beloved Pearl.

But Bree could relate, being a pirate. One's ship was one's life.

Jones called out again, "Sparrow! Answer or I'll fire!"

Bree lowered her head and nodded. Jack gnawed at his fraying sleeve, torn between his friend and his ship. But Bree answered selflessly, "I'll go."

Elizabeth put her hand on Bree's shoulder, "No you won't! We'll fight for you!"

Bree raised her hand for silence, and called across to Jones, "If ye promise to let the Pearl and 'er crew go free, I'll come back."

Jones smiled triumphantly, nodding readily. But then his mood rapidly went downhill as he had to watch the tearful goodbyes.

Will, Elizabeth and the crew all said their individual goodbyes. Bree couldn't believe how rapidly this had all gone by. Only a few short minutes ago she had been rejoicing in the fact that she was free. Now, it was back to slavery. Back to Jones.

Back to uncertain emotions.

Bree hung her head. She felt a small tear dripping down her cheek. She was too confused! Her only chance to escape her feelings…ruined.

Jack grasped Bree's hand, "Ye know I would…"

Bree held up her hand to stop him, "I won't have the Pearl sunk a third time, mate. An' I want ye all safe. Just…just sail on, an' I hope ye find what ye're lookin' for."

Jack, for once in his life, looked as if he was close to looking like he was close to crying. He reached out and stroked Bree's cheek in a tender, fatherly way. He felt as if he had failed her. This wasn't like him to feel this way. Of course, Bree brought out hidden feelings in everyone.

Will and Elizabeth tried to talk Bree out of going back one last time, but she only answered, "What choice do I have? I'd rather sail in Hell than see ye all blown to bits."

Jack, once the others had moved away, went to Bree again and said quietly, "Ye would've made a good pirate captain, Bree." And with that, he bent and kissed her.

Bree had been kissed by Jack before, but he had been drunk and his wits were dulled. But now she didn't slap him. Aye, she was startled and surprised, but she didn't sense any lewd suggestions. It was a soft, short kiss. Jack was just saying goodbye. And everyone on the Pearl understood that.

It didn't look that way to Jones. All he saw was Jack lean down and kiss Bree's mouth.

And something exploded inside of him.

Bree was viciously ripped away from Jack and hauled backwards. She felt Jones' claw around her neck. Jack leaped back, "Bugger." He was startled by Jones' sudden appearance.

Bree scrabbled to get free, "I said I'd come back! Don't hurt 'im!"

This just maddened Jones all the more. She was doing all this to protect Jack! Bitter jealousy and writhing fury was making him livid. He wanted to blow the Pearl to pieces! But a bargain was a bargain.

Jack looked down at Bree, then up at Jones, who was glaring at him with unbearable hatred. Bree swallowed as well as she could and spoke in a level voice, "Goodbye, Captain Sparrow."

Jack didn't want to move, so he just nodded. Jones snarled something and then whirled the girl around. Bree was frog marched to the railing of the Pearl and disappeared onto the Dutchman.

The crew of the Black Pearl watched as the Flying Dutchman began to descend into the cold depths once again. Elizabeth was crying softly, clutching onto Will. Will looked just as troubled as her, and a hint of that emotion showed on Jack's face.

Jack turned to the others once the Dutchman had disappeared. He heaved a shuddering sigh, and then said in a low voice, "Alter course."