Chapter 5 - The End is Nigh


The next memory began with Jack chasing Catherine through the forest, they were both laughing, and when Jack caught up to her he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.

"Est very cute." North commented.

"Jack?" Tooth asked, now feeling slightly ill, "What did you mean when you said we shouldn't get too attached?"

Jack did not answer and continued to keep watching the memories.

Catherine pulled away and pecked his cheek, "We need to go back."

"What? Why?" Jack asked her, confused.

"Because that new guy, what's his name, Burgess something I think, is arriving today."

"Ah, vat est ze founder of Jamie's town no?" North asked Jack.

"Yes." Jack answered curtly.

Bunny eyed Jack curiously while North continued, "Ah must have been good man no?"

"No, he was not a good man." Jack said through gritted teeth.

North and Bunny shared concerned looks, and they all continued to watch with much more concern than before.

Catherine and Jack approached the town and Jack asked her, "So who is this guy?"

"I don't know, all the gossipers said was that he was rich, single, and young. In that order." Catherine told him.

Jack laughed as they went to go stand beside Emma.

Emma immediately looked up at Catherine and said, "New people! The last time we got new people was you, I hope that we get someone good this time too."

Catherine laughed and patted Emma's head, Jack looked at the girls and smiled.

Then, from around the bend in the road that lead into their town, came a black carriage with two black horses pulling it.

Jack began to pace, and the guardians began to become even more concerned than they already were.

The carriage stopped, and out from it emerged a tall, muscular, dark haired man. He looked around with a sinister grin, and his eyes combed the crowd and landed on Catherine.

The memory faded and before anyone had time to say anything the next memory began.

Catherine and Jack were approaching a bonfire with a bunch of people already surrounding it. Jack and Catherine sat down on one of the logs that were placed all around the fire.

Jack opened his mouth to say something to Catherine, but before he got a word out Emma ran up to him and said, "Jack dance with me!"

"But of course mi'lady." Jack said theatrically. Catherine smiled at them as they walked away. She watched them dance around the fire, and didn't immediately notice the dark figure that had taken Jacks place beside her.

"Good evening." the man said, it was Mr. Burgess from the previous memory.

"Good evening." Catherine replied.

"If you don't mind me saying so, you have a slight accent, where from?" he asked her.

"I was born in St. Petersburg, and I've lived in both Paris and London before moving here."

"Ah, I myself lived in Paris and London for quite some time." he added. They sat in awkward silence for a moment before he continued, "My apologies, I do not believe we've been properly introduced. My name is James Burgess."

"Catherine Nocte-Caelum" Catherine told him.

"Tell me Catherine, the man that girl is dancing with," he began, pointing to Emma and Jack, "Is that her husband?"

"No." Catherine answered immediately, "That's her older brother Jackson."

"Ah, so I can presume that she is not promised to anyone at this time?"

"No, but she's only ten years old, still a child." Catherine told him, and it was evident on her face that she was starting to realize that this man was not of good character.

He let out a sinister laugh, "You are right, she is a child, nevertheless I find myself attracted to those with a youthful glow." He turned to face more towards Catherine, getting slightly too close for comfort, "You're young aren't you Catherine?"

"I'm seventeen." Catherine said tightly.

"Ah." he said, "Well I must admit, you've been holding my gaze." He brushed his hand against her side and she shivered slightly, "I've never seen a woman like you before, you are the most beautiful creature I've ever seen."

Through clenched teeth Catherine responded, "Thank you."

"I hope to be seeing much more of you Catherine," he leaned in and whispered in her ear, "You'll make a fine wife."

He stood and left just as Jack finished dancing with Emma. Jack and Emma came and sat beside her, "Are you okay?" Jack asked her.

Catherine stood abruptly, "It's a little smokey, I just need some fresh air." she said, as she walked towards the forest.

Emma looked at Jack, who was watching her leave with a confused expression on his face, "Follow her!" Emma said.

This slightly startled Jack, but then he looked at Emma and then back to Catherine. He jumped up and ran after her.

Everyone was shocked, there was a tear welling in Tooth's eye. Jack's jaw was clenched and his pacing continued.

Bunny said quietly to North, "Maybe Frostbite was right, maybe this wasn't a good idea."

"Nyet, nyet. Ve must do vis, for Jack." North responded.

Bunny looked at Jack's nervous pacing, "Are ya sure about that mate? Cause Jack don't look too good right now, I think we gotta start wondering if we did this for 'im or for us."