Maid's Logbook: Very Much Alike, Part 2

by lindam2254

After the dealings with Jack Sparrow, Miranda never believed to be drawn back into the dangerous world of piracy again. Until the arrival of some men subvert her life in more ways than one and she soon finds herself from a new adventure. As if her broken heart hadn't proven grave enough ordeal to handle, not but a year later everything familiar proving to be completely untrue. DMC

12. Entry 12

Entry 12

"Out of me way ye scurvy rat!"

I glared after the pirate who'd forced his way past me and made it seem as if it was I teetering about along the road in such a wide curve that I bumped to everyone slow enough to step away. The pirate hauling an equally soused wench at his wake but only managed to hurl the woman into my arms while trying to make her follow. Me disregarding the wench's alluring smile by returning her stare with a dismissive browlifting, swearing the woman not to even notice when she was twirled back into her drunkard's embrace once I'd straightened from the leaning position and shoved her over to the man. The pirate however failing to catch her and allowed her to fall prone to the ground, his bloodshot eyes filling with rage when his intoxicated mind came to blame me for his own miss, me challenging him with my own stern eyes as watched him step towards me his fist held up high. However me attention shifting to something far more pleasant as at the same moment I was about to drawn my pistol to show this bastard what I was made of, an attractive maiden walked by, sweeping a hand over my cheek. Flipping her black hair off her shoulder as she went on her way towards the town square, in fact finding something familiar about those big eyes and that foxy smile me sending her off with a complimentary smirk and a flip of me hat, her in every aspect perky bearing changing the source of the drunken pirate's anger to expected hunger for some closer companionship and a raunchy smirk on his lips the pirate took a step to follow her. Only to be knocked out by the bottle in his hand when his previous lady friend had woken just in time to witness the dark maned beauty to pass, me cocking a satisfied eyebrow at the pirate once his out cold arse was dragged away by the vexed wench.

"We are here on a mission sir, not to start fights with the local residents", Mercer's voice reminded then behind my back, me holding back a scowl due to the sound of his insufferable voice that practically screamed equal abhorrence that he felt about my company. The sentiments greatly shared on my part, me tilting my head at his words as let my eyes round the square opening on our left side, finding nothing to make my own revulsion towards this place any lesser. Tortuga sure hadn't taken the initiative to change into any better since the time I'd come here last, depravity practically flourishing when all these drinking, fighting and raping individuals were still blowing into the embers of the general unlawfulness of this town as the only rule that governed over this place. Although distasteful the variant display of their immoral revelry appearing quite fascinating to a composed man like myself in a sense of absurdity, most frequently their distorted liberalism manifesting in a diverse form of the gravest deadly sins that all from adults to children seemed to embrace with open arms. Me pursing up my upper lip in antipathy as watched a certain woman to go between one of the several brawls to pull one of the pirates away from the skirmish, to distract him when a boy not older than five emptied the sailor's pockets before eventually scurrying off to a pair of men following the woman work small distance away. Handing over the stolen possessions in exchange for a single coin that eventually found its way buried into the woman's cleavage.

"I'd be surprised if you managed to walk away from here without anyone adjusting the position of your nose with a punch or two", I replied, purposefully taking advantage of the obliquity of his snout to mock him, the irritation in his squinting eyes amusing me like always when I took pleasure from the fact that whatever I said to him didn't push him over the edge too much to make him talk back at me. The right hand man of my uncle only lifting his jaw slightly without a response as I continued. "Pirates alone have a craving for blood, but add excessive inebriation and you have a group of scamps in your hands with a knack to draw it from everyone around them with no greater reason but an unsightliness in looks."

"Just remember what your uncle sent you here to do. It would be a shame for me to return not only with a regrettable report about your success in delivering your end of the arrangement, but with a distinguishable demonstration of your contumacy."

My lips spread into a smug smile as I folded my arms across my chest, my eyes then resuming to stare at a certain tavern at the other side of the street. "Dear Mercer, that's the exact reason why I am here."

The establishment in question had been crammed between two brothels, therefore offering the perfect facilities with both drink and women for the weary sea rovers, looking like collapsing any minute, and yet I heard it indeed was the most popular tavern of all Tortuga. For which reason we'd also heard no other than Jack Sparrow himself to have arranged an enlisting of new crewmembers within the Twelve Daggers right after docking to the island not all that many hours prior, it actually occurring merely by accident that we'd discovered his whereabouts after arriving to Tortuga ourselves in search of Elizabeth. Luck apparently not favoring the bold in this instance but the clever as albeit we hadn't seen a single glimpse of Elizabeth in the two days we'd so far spent on this accursed rock, anticipating her to head straight to here after escaping Port Royal, the second best thing just happened to saunter along the streets of Tortuga this afternoon when we'd least expected it. Us trailing the skeevy scoundrel and his First Mater directly to the Twelve Daggers, remaining on continuous watchat a stone's throw away, where Mercer set off from time to time to collect information. Corroborating and adding to the facts that we already knew; Sparrow was searching for the same item my uncle was, the Chest of Davy Jones to free himself, as popular rumor spreading throughout the pirate town had it, from a certain deal he'd made with the legendary Captain whom I'd so far regarded as mere fish tale. Apparently the existence of the Chest and the power behind it all true when my uncle had gone through the trouble of blackmailing Will into bartering the Letters of Marque to the compass of his pirate mate that supposedly had powers of its own, leading to whatever its owner desired most in this world. Which in this instance would be the Chest of Davy Jones.

Even uncle Cutler had made it clear how great of an impact the mastery over the Chest would have to our endeavors to eradicate piracy from the civilized world, I didn't fully share my uncle's belief into the compass' ability to lead us anywhere, as through first-hand experience I'd witnessed that piece of junk to point to nowhere unless it was in Sparrow's head. Me however not coming to question the significance of the Chest as had had brushes with supernatural before, not at all finding it impossible there to be a cursed sea Captain ferrying souls to afterlife somewhere out there in the Caribbean. Nevertheless believing the fastest way to uncover that Chest to happen with stealth after another little bird had informed Mercer Sparrow to be recruiting new men for not usual sailing purposes... but to deliver their souls to Jones instead of his own, although kept in the dark with further details due to this juicy nugget of information me staying at the vicinity of the tavern. In wait for the certain person to walk through those doors who now would prove useful to me in more ways than one, Elizabeth bound to turn up now that Sparrow had made an appearance at the only place she believed to locate Will. Best of two I'd say. And where was Elizabeth would also eventually be Will, who would then lead me to my sister. And if I played my cards right from that moment on I would be returning back to Port Royal with what I promised and more, Sparrow taking me directly to the Dead Man's Chest.

"Found out anything?" I asked Mercer after a long silence, lost into my designs of a plan, not however turning my gaze away from the people swarming about the inn's entrance as avoided a gunshot that then whizzed past my head. The man responsible of firing it earning a murderous leer with a flash of my own pistol once he stopped to stare at me, the unexpected coward only cavorting off instead of charging at me. His real opponent dashing after him with a drawn sword.

"There's been no sign of her. I placed a number of spies at the harbor who will inform us should she disembark aboard any of the arriving ships", he responded.

"Elizabeth's not stupid enough to walk around looking like herself when she knows to have a target on her back", I retorted, turning to Mercer. "Can you count on your spies to manage to identify her?"

"I'm positive of that, sir. The character description given to them was immaculate to miss."

With a skeptical mind I thought about his answer for a moment, not finding myself all that trusting towards these faceless accomplices of Mercers who hadn't even met Elizabeth to recognize her in disguise she had to be wearing. Me holding back a laugh as imagined her striding about the streets of Tortuga in her wedding gown, as amusing as that thought was it not holding true by any means. She might've been raised as a lady of society but she was practical enough to understand to get rid of the one telltale that would've blown her cover instantly and made it easier for us to find her (not that she knew us specifically to have been sent after her). With a fleeting sensation of worry rising above my determinate state of mind me next leaving my spot under the canopy of the butcher shop, placing a hand on the hilt of my sword as nodded towards the tavern. Heading out, only to give my coat a frustrated glance once some rum spilled over it from a bottle that was shot into smithereens from the head of a tied up pirate.

"It's about time me go take a look inside."

The transition from outside to inside was hardly detectable as the setting inside the inn was exactly the same as on the street, the two floors of the small establishment packed with equally boisterous, plastered individuals, aside for the fact that the people inside were entertaining themselves by other means rather than removing teeth from one another with bare knuckles. At the right side of the tavern a few men slouching on their seats instruments in their hands, playing a lively but a rather monotonous tune to enliven the already raucous atmosphere, in addition to few candles on the tables and oil lamps hanging from the surrounding walls but one iron chandelier lighting the inn. Making the room dark enough for me and Mercer to slip amongst the patrons unnoticed, us not standing out from the rest of the people loitering about the premises, making it easy for us to walk about inconspicuously until after a few minutes of wandering deeper within I located Sparrow's First Mate. Joshamee Gibbs sitting by a table at the other side of the tavern, in front of a fireplace that dominated the back wall, the elderly pirate interviewing a group of men who were standing in a row in wait of their turn to be heard. My eyes eventually also finding Sparrow from the farthest corner of the inn, lounging behind the shelter of a leafy plant that would've made him quite unobservable in the prevalent commotion save for those who knew to search for him here. Contended smile visiting my lips as I rounded the room and walked by the bar counter, ordering myself a drink before hid myself behind a column that supported the slanted ceiling. Following the pirate to shake the renowned compass of his in his hand repeatedly, muttering to himself before opened the lid. Disappointment written all over his face when the needle didn't seem to point where he wanted, entertained by his chagrin that supported my theory about the object's uselessness me circling the column. Leaning against it as my attention shifted to Gibbs who was now confronted by a dark skinned man I presumed to be a runaway slave turned pirate.

"Me have one arm and a bum leg", the man informed the First Mate, him looking up to the sailor in consent.

"It's the crow's nest for you."

I took a sip from my tankard, making a slight grimace as the familiar taste of shoddy alcohol invaded my mouth. Dominating the taste buds and making me in fact a bit nauseous, tasting something very different from rum in that liquid that ran down my throat. During those adrift months spent traveling about the Caribbean I'd gotten accustomed to the low quality beverage due to the lack of preferable liquor to pour my sorrows in, but after returning to Port Royal and getting introduced with the first-rate whiskey McTavish had soldered me with I was reminded of the true nature of the spirit served in places like Tortuga. Me however gulping it down in slow portions to get my money's worth by not wasting it, watching Gibbs to respond to something Sparrow had asked with a frustrated and to say the least peeved countenance, the pirate Captain simply ignoring the elderly man and concentrated to shake his compass again vigorously. Gibbs beckoning the next man to step forth, but whom I'd seen walk up to the table not until the previous recruit had made his mark on the service list. The man dressed in a distinct military attire, soiled and worn in the lifestyle the sailor had indulged in here at Tortuga for who knew how long. Me identifying him as a likely deserter from the Navy as watched him to stand in front of the First Mate, empty bottle of rum in his hand, his balance faltering only so slightly for the lovely beverage he like all others had ingested more than personal need required. The frizzy remnants of his wig hanging out of original shape on top if his own dirty brown hair that stuck under the white wisps. But the tricorne hat on his head reminding of his once held dignity with its golden details, where the fabric was as weathered as the disheveled man locking gazes with the pirate.

"And what's your story?" Gibbs questioned, not appearing to actually care for the man's past life after hearing accounts about so many others during the evening, me lowering my pint to take a better look at the pair conversing not farther than a few feet from where I stood. Even through the clamor of the tavern me being able to overhear their conversation, the voice that then responded to the pirate's inquiry however causing me to frown. After a short moment of listening to the sailor speak me realizing to recognize him.

"My story…It's exactly the same as your story, but just one chapter behind", the man answered, taking hold of the rum bottle that sat on the table, staring back at Gibbs with an expression that spoke of a heartfelt grudge. His with time subdued anger only amplifying now when he continued the recount of his own fate that had brought him by that table, with a new incredulous frown me inching closer to them. The visage of the washed up officer now catching the faint light of a candle once he turned around a little to take a swig from the bottle that unlike his yet contained a few sups of the liquid oblivion, man's best friend to cure all problems in the world even if just temporarily. His voice as well awakening Sparrow's interest, who so far had remained lost to his own thoughts, but who now emerged behind the pot plant slowly upon closing his compass. One measuring look at the scruffy man later arriving to the same conclusion as I about the man's identity in equal astonishment; James Norrington.

"I chased a man across the seven seas. The pursuit cost me my crew, my commission, and my life", my former superior remarked acridly, understanding also creeping onto the elderly pirate's face once he eyed at the man in front of him. Norrington's features contorting with anger once the First Mate made a connection with his dirt covered features and the Commodore of Port Royal of his memories, squinting in disbelief.

"Commodore?"

"No, not anymore, weren't you listening?" Norrington spat sharply, in turn measuring the astounded and most definitely uncomfortable Mr. Gibbs until his eyebrows wrinkled. Him pointing at the elderly pirate in plain irritation now, his temper cooling a tad. "I nearly had you all off Tripoli, I would've…if not for the hurricane."

"Lord. You did not try to sail through it?" Gibbs questioned in dismay, now giving the gutted former Commodore a bit pitying gaze, where I only lifted my eyebrows at this. Now fully understanding what had driven my employer to hand in his notice from a dignified position as a distinguished officer, or at least before sailing out to recapture Sparrow and failing at that after allowing him to escape in the first place. For this reason me holding not much sympathy for Norrington as could now see his shame that had been the cause for his resignation, concurring wholeheartedly. Equally aware of the painful debacle of his brilliant military career Norrington now turning more annoyed by the minute, jeering smirk on his lips as inclined his head at the pirate questionably. Me finishing the last drops of my rum as watched Sparrow to yank a leaf from the plant by his side and attempted to sneak behind Gibbs before the enraged Commodore would take notice of him. Me not giving him any more credit for trying than before as everyone could see him tiptoe behind the table in the most suspicious manner, the leaf doing little to hide him from the eyes of the Englishman who started to speak again.

"So do I make your crew, or not?"

Gibbs sat there speechless, out of any response as next sought Jack with his gaze, for his outrage noticing his good old Captain to have made a subtle getaway upon Norrington's arrival. The man in question narrowing his eyes until his voice was filled with plain spite.

"You haven't said where you're going. Somewhere nice!?"

I flinched when Norrington surprised me by tipping over the table from between him and Gibbs, the elderly pirate looking up to him in alarm from the floor he'd fallen with a majestic tumble as the vengeful Norrington strutted away from him theatrically, sneering at every word that was spat out of his mouth next when he addressed the very man he deemed responsible of his downfall. Me looking about the tavern that had went utterly silent at the sound of Norrington's vexed exclaim, my eyes soon locating Mercer who was following the events from the other side of the inn, close to the door.

"So am I worthy to serve under Captain Jack Sparrow?" Norrington hollered in mock, his scornful tone turning to ire coated ice as in a flash he whipped around. Me straightening my posture and directing a tense look at the man once I saw the cocked pistol in his hand that pointed directly at the fleeing Sparrow, the pirate finally dropping the useless shield of a leaf as confronted the Commodore. "Or should I just kill you now?"

I scanned the room while trying to come up with a solution to prevent Norrington from doing anything stupid with that gun, Jack doing the same until found there to be no chance for him to run off without gaining a bullet to his back. The pirate leaning to the other side of the column behind he stood and back again when the weapon's barrel followed, strictly aimed at his head. Sparrow trying to get to the good side of the former Commodore by flashing a carefree smile.

"You're hired."

"Sorry…Old habits and all that."

There had been a satisfied edge in Norrington's voice as he then made a half grin, leering at the pirate for a moment before prepared to send him off with a bullet between his eyes. Me reacting instantly upon realizing if that trigger was pulled the ill-advised decision of that idiot of a past marine would scupper my plan before the chance to find the Chest had even manifested. Me throwing away my pint in a flash, vaulting forward for the astonishment of the patrons closest to me when I pushed past them, like Norrington knocking everything and everyone out of my way as two of the Pearl's newest recruits dashed to the man to stop him from shooting, me coming across a barmaid carrying a large tray of drinks. Jack diving behind the column to safety as I knocked the tray from the woman's hand, it creating a sufficient diversion for me to jump forth and land a powerful blow to Norrington's side just as the rum rained down on the surrounding men. The pistol going off nevertheless and causing the fired bullet to bounce off the metal of the chandelier and fly across the room, it shattering a fresh bottle from a certain pirate's hoisted hand who'd just taken it to his lips to empty its contents. His confusion however brief once rage flashed in his eyes, in a split of a second him facing the presumed culprit by his side and delivered a direct punch to his jaw, setting the man off.

Music started to play again even more joyously as the first ensuing skirmish fueled all the formed tensions in the room, the situation escalating into a whole tavern getting drawn into violent scuffles once all patrons jumped at each other's throats. By which time I was already gone, swiftly vanishing from the scene before I could've been recognized either by Norrington or Sparrow's First Mate, stopping by the door for a while as sought out Mercer amongst the people of the inn. Tipping my head towards the doorway as a sign for both of us to leave, blocking an incoming attack of a man who attempted to ram me through with his sword. Me simply letting his poorly aimed weapon to slide past me before I took hold of his arm, kicking him to his stomach until instead slammed him against the wall. Pressing me hat deeper to my head once more as quickly strode to the doorway, however coming to a curt halt once a man with quite frail build caught by attention while entering the tavern. Something about him feeling quite familiar when I turned to watch the lad to stop by the entrance to take in the ongoing brawl, until drew his own weapon to join the fight. Me returning back to follow him to eventually make his way to Norrington who was fending for himself against several pirates until the lad arrived, clearly up to the task as was able to ward off men from left and right with quite handy attacks of his own. One careful look at his face however then causing me to break into an amused grin as his familiarity was explained to me by those eyes I couldn't have mistaken to belong to anyone than the woman I loved. With one scornful thought given to Mercer's useless informants and one tender tug of my heart later me simply letting out a stupefied breath as walked out, with the last glance cast to the second floor me seeing Jack and Gibbs to be hurrying up the stairs after avoiding a bottle that smashed above their heads on the wall. For my confusion the pirate trying out different hats of the entrants of the strife while finally making a successful getaway. Me brushing the pirate aside as exited, although being at odds with Elizabeth's drastically different appearance from usual, me finding myself in fact impressed about her commitment to look everything but herself as predicted. Down to the last slash of her sword.

"Clever girl."

I'd returned back to our previous observation post as Mercer followed me outside couple of minutes behind, walking straight over to me as I welcomed him with a cognized self-righteous tilt of my head. Folding my arms at the sight of the man's sour expression that told me him to be able to guess what I was thinking, him coming to stand by my side as I beckoned towards the tavern remarkably.

"You saw her, no? So much for your spies at the harbour…"

"She is here now, finally. Most likely seeking help from Sparrow to gain information about her fiancé…" Mercer replied, changing the subject as we both resumed staring at the doorway should Jack, Elizabeth or Norrington leave the inn. Prepared to follow right behind them, me thinking a moment as only half listened to Mercer's following remark. "Lord Beckett will be pleased to know that one more of the lost lambs has found its way to our path."

"And if Sparrow does know where Will is, do you think she'll go with him?"

"I have no doubt in my mind about that, sir. Miss. Swann's familiarity with the ilk like Sparrow and determination to deliver the stolen Letters to Turner will undoubtedly prove superior to her inexperience to the ways of the world outside hers."

When my thoughts returned back to as abruptly resurfaced Norrington I soon came to a decision about the smartest course of action, changing the original plan outlined by my uncle a bit by daring to cut some corners to aid him to reach our mutual goals with notable strides. As previously contemplated upon down to the tiniest detail once more realizing the finding of the Dead Man's Chest to give us an edge in the upcoming war against all pirates, not to mention that it would prove my uncle me to be worthy of not only his trust by delivering over that what was agreed on, but deserving the rewards he'd promised me for my services. Should I wish to bring him the greatest price out of all uncle Cutler was after, me needing to be indeed crafty about this, infiltrate to the inner circle of Sparrow's crew to make sure the Company would get the contents of the Chest before he would even get a glimpse of its power. Therefore finding my former superior an ideal person to help me get closer that aspiration after witnessing the rancorous scene he'd put on back at Twelve Daggers, the man's hatred towards Sparrow evident and equal to mine, something that could prove quite useful if handled correctly. Ghost of a smile forming on my lips as my eyes then spotted the man in question to be dragged out of the tavern, beaten, the disorientated Norrington tottering arm in arm with several pirates until the instigator of the previous bar fight was tossed head first into the awaiting pigsty close to the establishment. Now caked with mud and even more filth the past Commodore directing a slight glare at the men towering over him, who only left with a gale of guffaw at his squalor, abandoning his hat on the ground, me examining him for a couple of seconds disapprovingly till turned to Mercer. Not being able to believe that I had once been liable to that man, yet alone looked to him as my superior.

"Go back to Port Royal and relay everything we witnessed here to uncle Cutler. I'll track down Sparrow to become part of his crew and strike a deal with Norrington to help me to find the Chest. The rumor is that Jack was searching for it before he got into a strife with its rightful owner, and as our dear Commodore is now a man with nothing to lose but everything to gain, I'm certain he will not refuse a proposed offer of redemption."

"Your uncle commanded you to return as well, sir", Mercer reminded, his hardly deterred belittling tone annoying me to the extent that I shot him an imperious scowl. Removing my hat and placed it on the head of the same child whom I'd caught in the act of stealing before, also handing him all my extra weapons besides my sword, one pistol that I left hidden under my coat and my pocket knife. Nodding at the items as the snot nosed boy looked up to me in wonder.

"For a couple of coins. Food."

The child ran off to the direction of the square as I turned to Mercer, locking serious gazes with him. "And also ordered me to find Miranda. Tell my uncle that I will still do as he asked, and will get the Letters of Marque and the Chest and bring them back with me to Port Royal once I've located Miranda and made sure the other loose ends are tied back in. Starting with the current location of Will. I'll send a word should something arise that will require the Company's involvement."

Not that I was going to listen to Mercer's arguments about deviating from our current terms of reference to a plan of my own devising, he then simply nodded in understanding. Perhaps also seeing the undeniable benefit of my scheme should I succeed and therefore dared to let me do as I wanted, us dismissing one another with a nod until he slipped into the shadows and disappeared.

"Good luck sir."

Once Mercer was gone I walked over to the pigpen, halting to a small distance away as bent down to lift Norrington's hat from the muddy ground. Wiping off the fresh grime with an ambiguous smile as he turned around to face me, me inclining my head at his surprise when this time he of course recognized me when my features weren't anymore shadowed by the hat's brim as well as the shady lights of the inn.

"Good evening James. Long time no see. You're looking…comfortable as any pig in their sty would."

"Martins? What are you doing here?" Norrington asked, not taking my joke kindly.

"Looking for my sister. And Elizabeth", I replied truthfully, adding to the man's bafflement and he frowned in disbelief, in turn wiping away the mud that dripped into his eyes from the wisps of his wig.

"Elizabeth is…here?"

"Quite so. You couldn't have missed her, even you seemed rather busy with provoking all the action inside."

Norrington gaped at the tavern in puzzlement, the cogs of his brain turning leisurely as he thought a moment, soon sitting up with an impassive mien. "Have you come to mock me? Your once honoured superior fallen from grace, laying amongst pigs in the gutter like an everyday drunkard?"

"After the way you handled things with Sparrow, who's the very reason for you to have lapsed from top to record low this quickly, I'm tempted to say that to be the case. But I'm not. I have something far more productive to suggest that will benefit you greatly…"

"The finder's fee of your runaway sister?" Norrington retorted, uninterested, gazing up to me with resolute eyes as the spiteful tint returned to his voice. "What happened, she ran away with Turner this time? Though that might be highly unlikely taken how overly sweet he was on Elizabeth. Enough to…"

"Steal her from you?" I interposed, managing to hit the nail on the head as intended, the man looking down in regret as I continued. "You're correct, James. She technically did run away with him, as did Elizabeth. Or rather they ran away for him, which is why I'm in need of your assistance. The Crown is in need of your assistance."

"I don't see a reason why I should be bothered to care about their love triangle, even if it's you who petitions me, Peter. And furthermore, why would the Crown be involved in such a frivolous matter for you to try to recruit me with a mention of governmental interest?"

"Because you don't seem to have anything else to care about!" I snapped, ignoring his question as cast my hard eyes at the man to express my indescribable disappointment in him and what he'd allowed himself to turn into. A pathetic lush with no regard to anything that mattered aside his wounded pride, not making him any better than those miscreants he'd used to hunt, flagrantly aware of it himself without giving a damn. Me however then toning down my frustration and continued more patiently, changing my approach with a brief shake of my head. "You shouldn't. But tell me this…How would you feel about a chance to get your life back?"

My response came as a clear shock to Norrington, it causing him to stiffen, as he didn't at first comprehend the meaning behind those enticing words promising restitution. Me now digging out the letter my uncle had presented me with, the note detailing everything from my mandate to act as the representative of the Port Royal faction of East India Trading Company under the service of my uncle, to my personal affiliation to the Company and its Governor, and details about my mission. Me presenting the letter to him so that he could read the first few lines that also depicted a mention of his and the runaway lovers' arrest warrants, after even greater surprise and dubious glances directed up to me his irises eventually stopping to examine the crest of the Beckett family he deemed familiar but didn't apparently fully recognize by the thoughtful look on his face. Feeling skeptical Norrington then meeting my eyes again.

"It can't be done. I resigned my post as the Commodore under compulsion of the circumstances, and have seemingly been proclaimed a fugitive of the law due to my misguided actions concerning Sparrow by the very same Company you work for, and which you now claim to have some contradictory interest in my services after arriving to Port Royal to arrest me. So forgive me Peter, but I am not all that convinced aside for the fact that you are here in fact to simply take me back to your uncle as a discourse of trust, and that this sudden encounter has nothing to do with either your sister or Elizabeth. So please for the sake of the reverence you once hold for me, be outspoken and state out your business with me."

I kept a break before replying, eventually lifting my eyebrows in consent. "I am trying to impress my uncle, but not for the reasons you are paying regard to…I need you to aid me and the Company in retaking control over the seas, to bring order over the nefarious corners of the world and obliterate piracy once and for all. And my uncle is soon to obtain the power to do that, with you hopefully joining our ranks as a trustworthy enforcer of the law you once were. Port Royal is just the first step in the line of many in need of aligning."

"Quite an ambitious enterprise for a single man to realise...And how has your esteemed uncle exactly planned on achieving that?" Norrington questioned, still not placing much faith in my suggestion, me only smiling at him confidently as returned the letter back into the inner breast pocket that also hold my signet ring in safe hiding, so that no one unwanted would get a glimpse of it.

"Not as long as there are loyal subjects such as you and myself who are prepared to do their bit for the Empire in bringing all manner of outlaws infesting these waters to justice... And this is the part where you come in James, can have an influence over the course of the war the Company is preparing to wage against the pirates of the free world. My uncle needs you to report back in service with your extensive proficiency, serve him and the interests of the Company in exchange for the only reward you must have been coveting ever since your resignation..."

"My life, you say?"

"Fully restored and improved along with your new commission. And even more than that, for honor, station and complete trust of both the Company and the British Crown, as you'll be commended for your efforts to free our nation from the oppression of piracy. As the representative of the king himself and therefore endowed with unlimited authority my uncle being able to grant you anything you should desire as a compensation. Most importantly should you agree to side yourself with me and help me in search of something that my uncle wants, I guarantee you freedom."

"Such patriotic words…and what is that exactly, this something your uncle wants found?"

"Dead Man's Chest."

Those tree words didn't seem to ring any bells in Norrington as he simply returned by gaze. Turning pensive until he couldn't abstain his confusion any longer, looking at me curiously. "Dead Man's Chest? What is it, and what does it have to do with your uncle's plans?"

"All I know is that the Chest if found could be used as a powerful weapon against the pirates in the upcoming war. And it is enough for me to know my uncle to have a need for it, for which I've come to you with a chance to redeem yourself. To be my ally, as it seems Jack Sparrow is also looking for the Chest, and it cannot fall into his hands. We must board his ship and recover certain documents Elizabeth stole from my uncle, as well as take this chance to try to uncover the location of the Chest by letting him find it for us."

"Elizabeth stole something?" Norrington questioned, bemused.

"Important papers she's planning on using for Will's benefit. After her father's attempt to smuggle her to England failed she broke into my uncle's office and stole the documents. Very much like my sister leaving Port Royal to go after Will."

"This is unbelievable…" Norrington stated, taken aback momentarily until his line of thought caught up with mine again. "So Sparrow knows about the Chest?"

I nodded in response where Norrington weighed all that I'd just told him, him next turning earnest as directed equally stern look into my eyes, searching my face for any trace of unreliability as made his following question. Finally standing up from the muddy ground, stepping closer, me not being able to blame him for being suspicious. I'd felt the same way when Mercer had tracked me down to that remote island and presented me with the very same offer, except that I didn't have to stake my neck for the deal.

"Let's say your proposal is legitimate and worth considering…but how can I be sure the Company as well as you to honor your word when I am at risk of drawing a shorter straw by dying at the gallows should you double cross me and hand me over to your uncle against your promise?" Norrington said, lifting his jaw as we exchanged a stare, my head inclining at the face of his granted doubts. My expression revealing nothing, where I aimed to sound credible enough to appeal to his evident desire to return back to the days of his not so distant past. Time of glory and amenity that once more could be his to enjoy, days I was sure him to pursue with pleasure instead of further groveling in filth of Tortuga that had taken a hold of what was left of him.

"Elizabeth is in possession of Letters of Marque that my uncle had intended to barter to Sparrow in exchange for an item in his person that would prove useful in obtaining the Chest for the Company. In fact it was Will who he sent to recover the said object under the promise of pardons for himself and Elizabeth, which prompted her to steal the Letters to most likely use them to save Will's life. But if you say yes and join me, the Letters are yours to claim once we've succeeded in finding the Chest. Your ticket out of this place and back to where you belong, Admiral…"

Norrington gasped at the sound of the title that he then knew to be his should he indeed pounce at the chance to acquire it, taking in my newest proposition in detail, that notably seemed to support my previous promise of a pardon. Enough to convince him to indeed start to deliberate the deal I'd offered in the name of the Company, his countenance however turning slightly concerned as he next locked inquisitive gazes with me.

"And your uncle will honor that arrangement?"

"I've made sure Elizabeth's safety not to be compromised on any account. My uncle is an honorable man who stays true to his word, at all cost."

Norrington didn't clearly appreciate to be kept just suffieciently in the dark not to be aware of all the details surrounding this agreement of our own (as due to the courtesy of uncle Cutler I did know what supposedly was expected to be found in that Chest), and neither was he very contended with my unclear answer concerning Elizabeth's freedom. But even he had no clue about my true feelings towards her it should've been obvious that I'd do everything to keep her safe. My thoughts however reeling back to the plan that was starting to set in motion, however not that smoothly as Norrington seemed to still hesitate about whether to agree to the terms I'd laid out for him or not. Me holding back an impatient sigh as watched him fall into his ponders again, after short silence me smiling at him remarkably.

"Take your time. I leave it in your discretion to decide whether to accept our generous offer, as I would argue you to have nothing to lose upon agreeing to join the service of the Company…on the contrary with a new rank and prestige earning a possibility to reclaim all that was taken from you by the actions of one particular man we both want to see hang. It's up to you should that ever happen…but once you think it over I'll advice to keep this exchange strictly between us."

Just as I finished highlighting the importance of secrecy over our little setup, I noticed familiar form to emerge from the entrance of the Twelve Daggers tavern, Elizabeth finally exiting the establishment in presumed search of either Sparrow or Norrington. Me leveling one more serious look into the former Commodore's dithering eyes as took his hand for a swift shake, sealing the deal halfway.

"Come to me with a decision in three days…and do play your part now. Our leading lady is about to enter the centre stage…"

Norrington gave me a baffled gawk back until Elizabeth's voice called out to him, me making a quick exit myself and was sure to be out of her sight once she came face to face with Norrington. Me spying at them from behind a nearby wall, slight irritation taking over me then as I saw Elizabeth's visage to be filled with compassion. Gentleness even, as her hand next rose to sweep some mud from his unshaved cheek.

"James Norrington…what has the world done to you?" she queried, from herself mostly as eyed at the dirty man in front of him who clearly had been through quite a lot since the last they'd spoken. Norrington clearing his throat after a nonplussed blink, making an attempt for a smile.

"You truly are here…I didn't believe it at first…" Norrington mused, baffling Elizabeth where I stiffened, wave of graver annoyance washing over me when for a split second I thought the moron to have already forgotten my demand to keep our conversation under tight wraps. Elizabeth frowning.

"I am… Where you talking with someone just now?"

I hoped Norrington to be able to feel the glower of my eyes as I ogled at his back, swearing that if he wouldn't keep his mouth shut he would come to pay for it more severely than mere withdrawal of my offer. Luckily him realizing his mistake with a curt glance given to the direction of my hiding place, the man clearing his throat again with a low laugh.

"No, there was no one here. And what I meant was…that once I saw you inside that tavern, I did not believe it to be true. Until now at least..."

Elizabeth seemed not to be further puzzled by Norrington's fib, me letting out a frustrated sigh and coming to reconsider myself was my bet to place my trust in Norrington's thirst for revenge worth trusting after all…Eventually forgetting all about that as started to listen in to their conversation again.

"Even in my worst nightmares I wouldn't have ever wished you to see me like this…I'm not the man I used to be, Elizabeth", he answered, sounding more grim now as glanced at his unclean attire. Elizabeth appearing not to be bothered by the pungent odor of dung that was still stuck in my nose from standing equally close to him for several minutes, only sighing as shook her head.

"You are surely. Just overly unkempt to look like the usual you, where the man I know is still there…In a way. Oh James… I'm so sorry."

Norrington received Elizabeth's pity with half a smile once she'd referred to the bereavement of his life at Port Royal, turning serious then, but managing to appear curious enough not to reveal to already know the answer to the question he then presented to her. As urged, playing his part. "What are you doing in here, Elizabeth? Shouldn't you be at port Royal with…Turner?"

Fleeting look of despair passed Elizabeth's features as she locked gazes with Norrington, me close to snorting at the sound of her deep worry once she started to explain the very same events that I'd already informed the former Commodore about. Her still looking so at loss that it aggrieved me to see her so distraught, save for the fact that it was all caused by Will, me simply listening to her ramble on about him and how worried about him she was, eventually finishing with a deep sigh for my relief. Not to have beared to hear her talk about him any longer, as she started to gaze about the strangely quieted down street.

"I had hoped to find Will here along with Jack…but realize only now how foolish it was. He must've been here weeks ago, and is now somewhere far away. Too far for me to catch up with him."

Norrington had no words to console her and neither would have I, me simply to have reacted by taking Elizabeth into my embrace, but should Norrington act in such way…One more scowl was directed at the man once he tried to come up with a response, eventually him placing a hand on her forearm. The words erupting from his lips clearly sticking a bit in his throat, coming out laboriously.

"It will be alright, Elizabeth. You will find him."

Elizabeth broke into a wide smile, returning Norrington's gaze for awhile till turned thoughtful herself, once more gazing about the faraway bustle of Tortuga. "Did you happen to see where Jack went? I tried to find him from inside but by the time the fight had ended he was already gone."

"Do not know and don't care", Norrington retorted, conveniently forgetting himself to have just a moment before been enlisted by the pirate, earning a strict look from Elizabeth.

"I need to find him and ask him about Will. Will may not be here in Tortuga, but Jack might know where he is."

"Do you honestly think than he will…"

In middle of that sentence Norrington abruptly stopped, his face turning white as he started to retch, eventually throwing up the majority of the contents of his stomach at Elizabeth's feet once the alcohol finally forced its way out of his system. Me frowning at the sight in disgust where Elizabeth tilted her head at Norrington, rather displeased expression taking over her face as she gazed at the man in irritation, pursing her lips until turned on her heels. Starting to walk away with a nod.

"Right…Well fine. I'll go look for him myself."

"Please do", I whispered as waited Norrington to follow Elizabeth. After a few retches and coughs more him eventually stumbling after her to keep up with her furious pace, it suiting for me when I started to trail after both of them. Tailing them through several streets and around many corners until we eventually had returned back to the docks, Elizabeth marching towards the wharfs determinedly. Norrington not being able to match her step after all as had to stop to lean on something on the way more than once, slowly him catching up with Elizabeth whom I saw to head for the fartherst pier of the harbor. After walking over to the piers me indeed seeing the telltaling black sails to spread amonst the several lighter ones, the distinguishable figurehead of the angel also soon coming to sight behind another ship's hull, as I advanced to the wharf Elizabeth and Norrington had lastly ventured. The familiar dreadlocked form of the pirate Sparrow next flashing amongst the people gathered at the pier, the pirate as well heading towards the end of it as he caught Elizabeth's eye. Her speeding up to half run before calling out to Sparrow, momentarily confused the pirate turning around to see her approaching disguised form he obviously mistook for a young lad. The pirate disregarding the clarity of her voice as simply beckoned her to come closer.

"Come to join me crew lad? Welcome aboard!"

"I'm here to find the man I love", Elizabeth replied, now standing a couple of feet away from Sparrow who halted at the sound of her words, naturally misunderstanding yet again as then turned his head slightly towards her. His voice although apologetic also uncomfortable when the man gestured Gibbs to get rid of her, Norrington not being able to hold it in but hurled for the second time into the bay. Remaining crouched against a conveniently placed barrel as Elizabeth inclined her head at the sound of the pirate's response.

"I'm deeply flattered, son, but my first and only love is the sea."

"Meaning William Turner, Captain Sparrow."

"Elizabeth?" Sparrow questioned. Twirling around to give Elizabeth a dumbfounded look over due to the sight of her uncharacteristic attire until turned his back to her to order his equally amazed First Mate to return tot he ship. The elderly man instantly running over to the ship with a quizzical expression, as Sparrow faced impatient Elizabeth again a wide smirk on his lips, indeed beckoning to her disguise in askance. "You know these clothes do not flatter you at all. It should be a dress or nothing, and I happen to have no dresses in my cabin."

"Jack", Elizabeth interrupted, debunking his attempt to shoo her off as looked into his eyes seriously until couldn't hide her concern, blinking as gazed down momentarily. "I know Will came to find you. Where is he?"

There was a look of shock on the pirate's face then, feigned or genuine who knew, but after a moment of thought and appearing reluctant to reply to Elizabeth's inquiry Sparrow waltzed over to her. Looking up to her apologetically until his tone was the only thing that to me spoke of compassion where his choice of words along with their dubious delivery, not to mention his too sincere expression, seemed quite fishy to me. Me measuring him from me hiding behind the cargo waiting to be loaded aboard the Black Pearl, the phrase that then was released from his lips however surprising me great deal as it did Elizabeth.

"Darling, I am truly unhappy to have to tell you this, but through an unfortunate and entirely unforeseeable series of circumstances that had nothing whatsoever to do with me…poor Will has been press-ganged into Davy Jones' crew."

I felt my eyes widen at bit until my gaze fell to stare at the boards of the pier, my mind wrapping around this rather interesting piece of information I hadn't yet been informed about. Will was aboard the Flying Dutchman, the very ship that was captained by the very same man whose Chest the Company was after? And not willingly but shanghaied to its service, even he should've been heading back to Port Royal by now as it seemed him to have crossed paths with Sparrow some time prior to this day. Me however noticing the compass to be in place at the pirate's belt, only now realizing to have obviously seen it way back at the tavern, but I'd been too occupied with other matters that I hadn't even come to think about what it meant regarding to Will. The fact that Sparrow was still in possession of the object proving Will to have failed in his mission, but to what end and how exactly…The rumors I'd picked up in town precisely after the arrival of the Pearl coming back to me then, my lips curving up to a half scornful half egoistic smile once I figured to have pieced together the most likely and not to mention real circumstances that had led to Will's press-ganging to Jones' service after he'd successfully tracked the pirate down. Circumstances that I was sure Sparrow to withhold from Elizabeth for the sake of his own precious hide and attestably deceitful nature. He was a pirate after all, incorrigible sleiveen even when it came to Elizabeth, me releasing an incredulous breath as shook my head.

"You lying dog."

Clearly something must've gone awry with Sparrow's plan when he'd come to Tortuga in middle of his hunt for the Dead Man's Chest to gather some new recruits out of the blue, for general astonishment of the locals who by the rumors always circulating around the scoundrel in question recalled him to have picked up some sailors only two months prior. Even by the look of the familiar men walking back and forth along the gangway telling me his crew to be everything but lacking a few extra hands, therefore proving me to be onto something by suspecting Sparrow's integrity in this matter. Especially after beholding the man to have accented his innocence to Elizabeth with every gesture and look before now staring back at her with an expression that spoke of guilt to me all over, waiting for Elizabeth's reaction to see if she was to buy his explanation. Apparently her believing him enough to turn confused when after a moment of thought she inclined her head, her voice quizzical when she did come to question the pirate's recount about Will's predicament due to the unfamiliar name Sparrow had associated with her fiancé.

"Davy Jones?"

"Oh please", Norrington breathed in grave disbelief himself, after throwing up for the third time into the bay and appearing surprised for a fleeting moment. Sparrow's head snapping to his direction in middle of a series of emphatic nods, as the muddy man stood up carefully while directed his in the end but sceptical eyes at the pirate. "The Captain of the Flying Dutchman?"

"You look bloody awful, what are you doing here?" Sparrow questioned tersely with narrowed eyes, clearly not happy to find the troublesome former Commodore from the vicinity of his ship and yet with Elizabeth. Norrington appearing to hesitate for a split of a second until shot a significant look up to the pirate.

"You hired me", he reminded wryly. "I can't help it, if your standards are lax."

"You smell funny", Sparrow retorted matter-of-factly, turning up his nose at Norrington's untidy bearing until Elizabeth claimed his attention again. Sparrow in fact looking a bit worried now as locked gazes with her, however not getting caught with his little self modified yarn either now, as Elizabeth's shoulders then slumped just slightly. Her voice desperate again when she continued.

"All I want is to find Will."

The emotion in her words caused me then to lean against the barrels, the clear love I could detect from that single phrase making me feel inferior, bristled and wistful at the same time. The way she spoke Will's name so gently bringing forth a sigh of frustration from my lips, my hand fisting around my sword as I couldn't help but feel jealous over my best friend. Former best friend. However not letting my feelings get to me and make me unfocused me peeking behind the barrels again, to see Sparrow make a compassionate grimace until he came up with a thought. His irises rising to examine Elizabeth after they exchanged a short look, the man perhaps trying to estimate her commitment to that remark, me soon understanding why as saw his hand to sweep his belt.

"Are you certain?" Sparrow asked, challenging Elizabeth with his inquisitive eyes, slightly narrowing them. "Is that what you really want most?"

"Of course."

"Because I would think, you'd want to find a way to save Will most."

I half smiled at the pirate's expected attempt to manipulate Elizabeth to do his bidding in one way or another by using Will as a decoy, most likely applying the same tactic that had convinced Will to do the same, before trying his luck further by luring Elizabeth into his web of intrigues. Me abandoning my hiding, as went after them with silent steps once Sparrow wrapped a guiding arm around Elizabeth, walking her towards the Pearl.

"And you'd have a way of doing that?" Elizabeth probed incredulously, looking at the pirate with risen eyebrows as they came to a halt, me pressing against another ship's hull to be hidden from their eyes. A pile of crates once more offering me a sufficient shelter for me to spy on them, to hear every word before I would make my rightfully timed appearance.

"Well…" Sparrow started, bringing his hands together and nodding thoughtfully, as now decided to come clean with Elizabeth just the convenient amount to maintain his credibility. His following words surprising the listening Norrington, who now came to notice my crouched figure behind the awaiting cargo, me bringing a finger to my lips before beckoned towards the conversing pair with a jerk of my head. The man visibly coming to find my previous claims much more convincing. "…there is a Chest."

"Oh, dear", Norrington breathed, regardless of his assumed dismay him turning a little away from the pirate who'd leveled an indifferent glance to his direction as played with his ring filled fingers. Me lifting my eyebrows at Norrington significantly once it was proven me to have told the truth by Sparrow himself, the pirate Captain returning all his attention to puzzled Elizabeth as continued. Norrington shifting his own eyes from mine to Sparrow, me retreating deeper into the shadows falling by the ship's hull as two sailors I most certainly knew from before happened to walk along the wharf. The bald and the wooden-eyed pirates from Barbossa's crew carrying a heavy casket towards the ship, passing Norrington.

"A Chest of unkown size and origin…" Jack specified, Elizabeth squinting at him until the stout and shorter of the two pirates stopped by her side, flashing her an impish glance.

"…what contains the still beating heart of Davy Jones", he filled in, Elizabeth blinking uncomfortably once his comrade brought his hand to a fist and created an illusion of a pulsating heart. Norrington instead blinking for astonishment and he directed another look to my way, me returning it with a second quirk of my eyebrows.

"…And whoever possesses the Chest, possesses the leverage to command Jones to do whatever it is he or she wants. Including saving brave Will from his grim fate", Jack explained with a persuasive smirk as beckoned to Elizabeth remarkably, initially annoyed to have been cut off by one of his crewmembers but didn't show it as busied himself to win over Elizabeth's trust. Norrington walking over to the two as Elizabeth looked utterly dumbfounded, me contemplating about his words myself until broke into a delighted smile as well. Intrigued by this development, now fully understanding why uncle Cutler wanted to find the said Chest so badly. As it was now verified that if I would manage to steal the Chest from under Sparrow nose and bring it over to my uncle, we would be unstoppable. And I was sure to prove myself in my uncle's eyes.

"You don't actually believe him, do you?" Norington asked from Elizabeth, his acting positively brilliant as he decided to honor our vow of secrecy by gazing at the pirate in profound distrust. Me however knowing the truth and sending a commending smirk towards the man's back, Elizabeth's eyes moving back to examine Sparrow.

"How do we find it?" she inquired, finally taking the bait.

"With this", Sparrow clarified, finally producing the said object from his belt and lifted it for Elizabeth to see, me snorting at the following statement along with Norrington. "My compass…is unique."

"Unique, here, having the meaning of broken", he guipped, Sparrow only ignoring him as I stood tardily, gazing towards the town to see if the coast was clear for me to move. Stepping forth to the pier.

"True enough, this compass does not point north", the pirate admitted, baffling Elizabeth even further.

"Then where does it point?"

"Not so much anywhere would be my guess."

The trio whipped around at the sound of my voice, Elizabeth's eyes widening for awe at the sight of me walking towards them, where Norrington was overcome with yet another wave of nausea and hurried to the edge of the wharf. Me halting in middle of the walk to avoid crashing against him, making a slight frown at the man until strode past him, Sparrow looking even less pleased about me as "sudden" appearance at Tortuga.

"Or rather what I suppose to be saying is to know for a fact that compass to be utterly useless", I remarked, flashing a pejorative smile to vexed Sparrow, my attention however not lingering at him longer than a single equally hostile glance. My chest filling with warmth once I confronted Elizabeth and saw her smile at me overjoyed after her brief surprise, her although having no time to react aside than taking an astonished step to my direction when I already had captured her into a relieved embrace. Me seeing from the corner of my eye Norrington to stiffen in slight outrage at my endearment, me holding back a mischievous grin as just enjoyed the curt moment she was in my arms. Truthfully glad to see her to be in one piece, me to have worried great deal about her since hearing about her escape and run in with uncle Cutler.

"Peter? What are you doing here?!" Elizabeth queried bemused, like many before her making the apparent question of the day, as was at first taken aback by my arms that circled her until she relaxed a bit. Directing questionable eyes up to me as I separated from her, my hands stationing themselves on her arms when I locked serious gazes with her.

"What do you think? Looking for you obviously", I replied, shaking my head in disbelief, trying to convey my dismay so that Elizabeth would understand how distraught she'd made me with her decision to disappear without a word. "What were you thinking, Elizabeth? Running away and going after Will without any knowledge of his whereabouts…You should've come to me for help."

"I had no choice, Peter", Elizabeth stated, sighing herself as now gave me a measuring stare, tad more serious herself. "Will was in danger, and after my father was arrested, I saw no other way out of this than to flee from Port Royal, as you did nothing by siding with your uncle. Allowing him to arrest us."

"With the only thing that guarantees Will's safe return? Elizabeth, what you did was foolish, now the Letters gone my uncle not resting until he's hunted both you and Will down and taken what he was promised. And you think I had a choice in the matter either? Will broke the law by freeing him…" I pointed at Sparrow without looking at him, him retaliating with an irritated eye-roll. "…and in so doing he dragged you right down with him. My hands were tied not alone because of his undeniable offence but my loyalty to the Company. You must understand that I couldn't rebel against charges that had been laid out all the way in England before the Company even arrived, and despite of that I did everything I could to help your father to find a way to release you. But before I'd managed to convince my uncle to set you free your father did the worst thing he could've done by sentencing you with that escape attempt... And when I heard you had vanished with the Letters…all I could do was to try to find you."

"Because your uncle ordered you to take me back?" Elizabeth questioned a bit bitterly, Norrington's as well as Sparrow's attention shifting to me as I sighed deeper, shaking my head in denial and placed a hand on her shoulder. Ignoring Norrington's tense stare when after a moment of listening he obviously knew me to be lying, my expression softening as I looked into Elizabeth's eyes sincerely.

"No. I came because I was concerned about you, still am. And wish you would've just trusted me to protect you. I never would've let anything happen to you, as I tried, Elizabeth. I tried my hardest to save you and Will."

Elizabeth's mien also turned tender at the face of my honest countenance, her soon looking up to me thankfully as brought a brief hand to my jaw with a smile that almost caused my heart to skip a beat. "Thank you, Peter. I understand that by coming here you're defying your uncle quite substantially. You're taking a grave risk."

I returned her gratitude with a carefree smile, taking her hand before made a slight bow, succeeding in causing her to let out a giggle with my tease as I kissed her palm playfully. "Anything for you, Liz…I never wanted this to happen to either of you."

We exchanged another look of mutual understanding as Jack then stepped forth, me holding back a leer at the sight of that cocky, derisive smirk I remembered all too well as he walked over to us. Beckoning to Elizabeth, who gave the arriving pirate room to face me.

"Well now that ye've found her, radge, you can go right back where you came from to that deary uncle of yers", he announced, pushing between me and Elizabeth and circled another arm around her to take her away from me. To get rid of me, me halting the pirate with a heavy hand on his shoulder in turn, where Elizabeth detached herself from Sparrow's hold for his surprise.

"I'm not going anywhere. Not without her at least", I retorted, narrowing my eyes at the accursed nickname the pirate had christened me with since we'd crossed unfortunate paths the first time. Elizabeth looking to me in declaim.

"I'm not leaving", she declared, mimicking me by frowning as I eyed at her stupefied, although this whole conversation was just one big bluff to move along my plan me then turning ostensibly serious. Nodding.

"I know, because like I told you I didn't come here to return you to Port Royal. It was just a struck of rare luck that brought me to you, and now there's someone else I need to find as badly…"

"Will?" Elizabeth suggested, however my current expression telling her to have taken the wrong guess, her blinking at me in astonishment once I responded.

"Miranda is missing. She left about two days before you, and I haven't heard of her since. My uncle ordered me to bring her back home."

"Miranda? But, isn't she supposed to…?" Elizabeth questioned, in awe of my news as like to me it sounded just impossible for both her and my sister to have gotten the same idea of escaping my uncle's clutches, until she saw my forehead to scrunch up for worry. Her looking at me compassionately as took my hand. "Why did she run off?"

"I'm not sure. It happened the night after her engagement with Mr. McTavish, and it might be caused by her fear of marrying him...but I doubt it. I think she's doing the same thing as you."

Elizabeth was confused, returning my stare with a clueless look, me eventually inclining my head when she didn't make the connection of her own, me directing a bit awkward look towards the Pearl. "Will."

Elizabeth's mouth opened in understanding, her however having no words to answer as also looked elsewhere. Feeling naturally uncomfortable upon imagining my sister's motives to go after the man that she loved and was engaged to, me eyeing at her for a while and detected the tint of jealousy from her eyes until they turned back to me once I spoke up again.

"I thought her to have come here in search of Will, but haven't seen a single glimpse of her. It might be possible that she's with him right now, but I didn't know where else to go. She covered her tracks quite well."

Elizabeth glanced at Jack quizzically whose expression told her that not to be the case, her facing me with a disagreeable shake of her head. "No, I don't think she is."

"What do you mean?" I asked, playing confused at first until it dawned to me that theory to be very possible. Me realizing that if Miranda had somehow found Will and stumbled upon Sparrow in the process, she might've as well been…

"Jack told me Will is held captive aboard the Flying Dutchman", she specified, me frowning at her statement before looked at Sparrow dubiously, closing my eyes in frustration.

"Did he? Elizabeth, the Flying Dutchman is nothing but a myth."

"So you're saying he's lying?" Elizabeth contested, her hands rising on her hips.

"Yes. There's no such thing as soul ferrying ship carrying the dead to afterlife. It's insane."

"As insane as undead pirates?"

"Well…one supernatural incident doesn't prove his words to be true. How can you place even an ounce of trust in him after it was practically him who almost wrapped a noose around your neck?"

"You know quite a lot about this ship and its Captain, don't you Martins?"

I was interrupted by Norrington's voice that finally spoke up after a long silence, me leveling a subtle measuring gaze at the man in an attempt to try to fathom where he was going with the inquiry, until acted stupefied. Sizing up the former Commodore in dismay.

"Norrington? You're here too?"

"Freshly recruited member of Captain Jack Sparrow's crew…and I might've resigned from my post as a Commodore, but in theory I am still your supervisor, sailor. Do address me accordingly."

I bypassed the man's sarcasm as me and Elizabeth followed Norrington to dash to the edge of the pier yet again, once he stood back up to rejoin us with a paled mien me lifting incredulous eyebrows at him.

"If you say so, Commodore."

"As fascinating as all of this is, I have a pressing venture to embark, so unless you've decided to reinforce my jolly crew with one soul more, I don't see other reason why I should still be here listening ye churn drivel that either whatsoever has nothing to do with me even remotely", Jack interrupted yet again, flicking his hand dismissively.

"Jack!" Elizabeth called after the pirate as he was heading towards the gangway, him in fact stopping and turning around in frustration only to be confronted with her pleading stare. Me seeing the pirate to dither when her eyes were cast down to the compass he'd returned to his belt after the interruption my arrival had created in their conversation. "Please. I need your help."

Sparrow trudged back to us, eyeing at Elizabeth unsurely as his gaze at times shifted to me even more suspicious, until Elizabeth bent down to take the compass from him. Me folding my arms and holding back an eye-roll as watched her to examine the triangular black box, meeting Sparrow's eyes.

"Where does the compass point to?" she asked again, ignoring my skeptical snort, as her attention was fixated to the pirate who now turned mischievous, leaning closer to her as hold her gaze for quite some time. Sounding somewhat enigmatic when he responded.

"It points to the thing you want most in this world."

"Oh Jack…" Elizabeth breathed, doubtful herself as shook her head at the pirate, before her irises flickered down to the compass in her hand. Her lifting it to our level as looked at Sparrow quizzically once more, like before not finding even the tiniest trace of a lie from his features. "Are you telling the truth?"

"Every word, love", Sparrow assured, me placing my own hands on my hips as shook my head with an amused smile, not believing anything that was coming out of the pirate's mouth. "…And what you want most in this world…is to find the Chest of Davy Jones, is it not?"

"To save Will", Elizabeth defined, telling me her to have fully confined in Sparrow's previous claims about the Chest and how she could free Will by recovering it. Me not denying the power the Chest might've held over the Dutchman's Captain by no means, but was simply pessimistic about the pirate's willingness to aid in saving Will when it undoubtedly had been him who'd orchestrated his capture to accomplice his own ends.

"By finding the Chest of Davy Jones", the pirate conformed with a wry grin, now lifting the lid of the compass and stepped away in haste as all of our eyes fell to stare at the needle that spun about wildly for a moment, until at least for the wonder of Elizabeth it stopped. Pointing to the direction of north-east instead of usual north, me lifting significant eyebrows at the piece of junk.

"Totally unusable", I observed, however Sparrow not seeming to share my opinion as he crept back to Elizabeth's side, peeking at the needle cautiously as if he was afraid of his breath to cause it to spin again. Soon calling out to his First Mate a broad smile on his lips.

"Mr. Gibbs?"

"Aye, Cap'n?" the elderly pirate exclaimed from aboard the Pearl, walking to the gangway to witness us standing in a circle, looking to his Captain curiously until directed a surprised look to my way. Me nodding my head at him.

"We have our heading", Sparrow announced, straightening after leveling one more delighted glance down at the compass. Smile also brightening the First Mate's unshaved face as he was the first of us to jump into action to prepare the crew for departure.

"Finally! Cast off those lines, weigh anchor, and crowd that canvas!"

"Miss. Swann", Sparrow said politely, directing an inviting wave towards the Pearl as Elizabeth shut the compass. About to walk over to the ship, me however stopping her momentarily as locked gazes with her.

"Are you sure about this? We could just leave here and try to find Will on our own."

Elizabeth nodded. "I trust Jack. He's a good man, whether you want to admit it or not. We need a ship to travel by and if we work together we might succeed in saving Will."

I replied with a nod of my own, releasing her form my gentle grasp as attempted to follow after her, Sparrow however jabbing an obstructing arm in front of me before stepped forth to stand in my way. Me sizing him up with hard eyes, quirking an eyebrow at the barely apologetic smile he offered me.

"Crew only, mate. I remember well what happened the last time I agreed to take ye aboard me ship, and not going to do that same mistake again", he remarked, shooing me off slightly with his hands until turned around. Me however ignoring his attempted overbearing attitude of a Captain by simply striding by him and took hold of a crate that stood at the base of the gangway, my own smile ragging as I lifted it and started to board for the dismay of the pirate. The pirate Pintel shoving a goat into Norrington's arms who was quick to walk after me…Or quick was a relative term in that instance, the animal almost ending up in the sea when the man struggled to find his footing on the bouncy wood.

"I'm not asking your permission, mate. There's no way I'm leaving Elizabeth unmonitored while you're around", I apprised, smirking at Sparrow's exasperation before looked at Norrington shortly. After gaining a look of assurance from him me joining Elizabeth on the deck, her placing a brief hand on my wrist.

"I'm glad you're here, Peter. And I'm sure we'll find Miranda after all this is over."

I nodded with a wide, gentle smile. One which kind only she could conjure on my lips, me heading towards the grating at the middle of the main deck that had been opened for the crew to haul the cargo down into the lazarette, me joining my crate with the rest of the items before strode back to the pier to fetch the forgotten barrels I'd spotted by the gangplank. Pleased with myself when my plan was starting to come together with far less effort needed than I'd presumed beforehand, my thoughts curtly visiting Will, until the recollection of him caused me to snort.

I couldn't believe his stupidity to have been so easily fooled by Sparrow, now yet again paying the price for his wasted trust to a man who was but a mere criminal. In truth me feeling him to have gotten but what he deserved, servitude aboard the much feared Flying Dutchman sounding as good to me as his equally fraudulent arse rotting in a cell at Port Royal. As it didn't matter to me where he was, as long as he would be one problem less for me to worry about, and would remain so without getting in my way. Because I would find that Chest, and once I did…He was sure to learn what the price of betraying my trust was with considerable interest.

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Disclaimer: I don't own Pirates of the Caribbean, just my own original characters and the depicted events and plot outside the original script.