A/N: Probably about time I mentioned that I don't actually own POTC, huh? Just Evangeline and Kalepi, charming children that they are ;)

I knew it. I knew it.

They're going to kill me. Evangeline brought me here as a sacrifice, like the lamb going in for the slaughter. Oh, she can make all the jokes and promises of protection she likes, but that doesn't make her any different all the other two-faced white women. Always looking out for their best interests. And really, who wouldn't want a hoard of hellhounds at their command? You wouldn't have to answer to anybody again. I can see why a pirate would want them. Hell, if I didn't know what they were like first-hand I'd probably want one too. But even if I asked, they wouldn't give me one. Because all I'm here for is so that they can open up their stupid Gates, and as for what will happen to me once they do- well. I'm a malnourished little boy, aren't I? Once that thrice-damned demon is out of me I'll probably keel over dead, at long last. I'm not stupid. I know I should have died a thousand deaths by now, what with all the beatings and the disease and the starvation and the exposure and the fits. At this point I wouldn't be surprised if my devil is the only thing keeping me standing. And if I don't die… Well. It's hardly in anyone's interests to keep me around. I'll be torn apart by hellhounds before I can even plead for my life.

God, but it was a close call out there before… I came around pretty quickly after my fit- I usually do, and minus the odd bruise or two I'm usually alright. My head throbbed like I'd been mauled by a cat- judging by my bloody fingernails, though, it was just me- but no worse for wear. I saw Evangeline's note pinned up on the dresser, but apart from the fact that her writing is very messy indeed there is the small, sadly unavoidable fact that I can't read. So I ventured out on deck, asked around and- aha. The captain's cabin. Having a private audience with Daddy, or so it would seem.

I haven't forgotten the way father and daughter looked at me before I passed out. And what with being stranded on a pirate ship, surrounded by strangers of a particularly criminal nature, I thought it was a perfect opportunity for finding out what was really going on. The door was ajar; I hunkered down behind a barrel and a fat coil of rope. Greasy, and dirty, but no-one could see me, and I could hear rather well.

And what should I hear but this? "What's he got to do with the Gates?"

Ho hum. Somehow I didn't get the feeling my new beloved captain was talking about Rocky the Carrot.

"Everything." You could almost feel the contempt in Evangeline's voice. "Just to open the Gates, you need a demon on both sides to push and pull the doors. Do you see why it's hardly ever been done before? Any demon on the inside would be busting to get out and would take the first opportunity to get involved in a ritual like this, but on the off chance there are any demons to be found on this side… It's difficult."

The shock of it made me tumble from my hiding place. I heard Evangeline's boots- ran for it- slid inside the First Mate's cabin just as she burst out of the captain's. All in all, a close call indeed.

I don't know why it surprised me so much. It's not like Evangeline is my best friend. I barely know her, let alone trust her. I've been telling myself this entire time: be ready to run. And then push comes to shove, and I almost give myself away.

Well. No more of that. I know what they're trying to do. The first chance I get, I'm getting out of here. The question is… how? I've spent enough time on ships to know that we're going to have to stop more than once along the way- probably sooner rather than later in this case, given the condition of the ship- but when? And how long for? Will I be guarded, imprisoned? And even if I do get away, I don't think I'd be completely safe from a bullet.

Just be careful, Kalepi. Don't accept Evangeline's offer of food, for example. I'm not taking a bowl of anything that hasn't been prepared by me. And I'll have to keep a close watch on everyone on this boat. Anyone could slit by throat when I'm not looking, and no-one would care. Maybe I can learn to sleep with one eye open. Old Man used to do it, back on the plantations. If an old geezer like him can do it, I don't see why I shouldn't be able to.

I'm just mastering the art when Evangeline reappears, concern all over her face. Help! Do I pretend to sleep, or-? No. Too late. A little uncertain spasm, and then I just end up staring at Evangeline like she's an alien.

"D'you want to come for dinner?" Jerking her head out to deck. When I don't respond, she gets all parent-y on me. And I thought I'd never have to deal with this. "You have to eat something, especially after…"

Go on. Say it. Say fit. I won't mind, but he might.

"Well." A fleeting smile. What's up with this woman? Can give a death glare enough to take down an elephant, and can't say one little word. "You know."

Yes, I do know. And I don't care, either. You can say what you like about it, it's not going to change anything. It just is. Getting offended over being called a demon won't do me much good, because it' true.

Of course, I won't say any of that out loud. For one thing- who cares? For another, I'm not a fan of divulging big secrets, especially not to Lady Evangeline Avi. A knife in the back is harder to take when it's from a friend.

By this point, we're crossing the (mercifully clean) deck and descending to some unknown crater deep within the ship's bowels. If Rocky the Carrot is the one preparing my meals, I'm not sure I really want to be having dinner, fit or not, but I don't suppose there's much else.

Mind you, it'd be pretty easy to mistake this place for someone's bowels. All steam and weird smells and loud noises… Though I'm not sure all bowels have little kitchens and big tables in them. Or a whole bunch of pirates, either. A relatively small crew, but enough to make the table crowded. Elbows go into faces, food sprays out across the table, a parrot squawks insults from an old man's shoulder.

Honestly. I've seen starving slaves with better manners than this.

"Sit down, I'll get you some food." Evangeline's hand on my shoulder, directing me to an empty patch of bench between the one-eyed man and his fat buddy, because it's certainly not for me.

"It' fine. I can get it." Because a) I am not leaving you alone with my food, and b) if a woman starts doing all my jobs for me everyone'll think I'm a weakling. Got to bid for my survival while I can.

Shrug. "OK."

Which is how, minutes later, I end up crushed between Evangeline and the One-Eyed man (who did, eventually, find his wooden eyeball, which is nice for him), looking at Evangelne imploringly.

"But he said it was salad."

Evangeline holds her spoon up at eye level, staring at it grimly. "I know."

I don't think you understand. "But it's brown. And… mushy…" Oh God. I don't even want to look at it, let alone eat it.

"I know." Throws her spoon down with a sigh. "Be right back."

She stands with a grace no-one else on board this vessel could manage, and disappears into the steam. Casting a quick glance around… everyone is absorbed in their food (what other monstrosities they must have endured to find this appetizing, I cannot begin to imagine). No-one will notice if I just… aha. Piling some 'salad' onto my spoon, shoving it onto Evangeline's plate, and taking her spoon for my own. Squeezing my eyes shut and gulping it down- just don't think about the taste, Kalepi- and here she is, the lady of the day, sliding back into her seat. Looks annoyed as she absently picks up my spoon… I don't feel strange, so her food mustn't have been poisoned… and if mine is, well. It's not so much murder as protective investigation. I'm going to Hell anyway, so I might as well do it properly.

She swallows it and- moment of truth!- no. She looks fine. Eats the rest of her food, chewing like it's done her a great personal wrong and focusing on the wall opposite her. Doesn't look too happy, but she's alive.

Staring at my poor excuse of a dinner. Looks like it's about time for me to do the same. Just grit your teeth and do it. Eyes shut, and… Oh, it's no better than the first mouthful. And… Is that wriggling? Oh my God. Too late now. Down it goes. If I die, I'm going to haunt Rocky for the rest of his life.

I miss my hole already.