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

20. Entry 20

AN:

I finally had some time to write…everything was so busy at the time with this year's World Figure Skating Championships and life in general…But it was worth it to take a day off, Javier Fernandez was as always, a delight to see skating, especially on live instead of watching him from TV! Of course Yuzuru Hanyu was wonderful too, but this time around I have to say his fellow team skater Shoma Uno beat him in the men's short program this time ;) His program was absolutely beautiful, where Javier's was just such a treat.

Well onto it, on we go with the chapter. Hope you enjoy it.

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Entry 20

~Several Hours Earlier~

Efter we'd saved oorselves by boarding th' Dutchman (hidin' to th' ship's stern, climbin' ontae one o' th' two galleries that was positioned higher, nae to be accidentally stumbled upoan by one o' Jones' crewmen), Edward had sneaked up to th' main deck to get a proper glimpse o' th' situation. Even he'd strictly told me to stay behind where it was th' safest, I'd done so gladly, as th' minute I'd settled myself onto th' balcony lik' gallery I'd felt so tired I could hardly move. Me muscles feelin' utterly listless, me simply sittin' there me eyes closed as long as Edward had returned aboot fifteen minutes later. Informin' me that th' survivors o' th' shipwreck had been brutally murdered by th' order o' Jones 'n' that he'd set course to an island called Isla Cruces. Th' brief fear ower William that had enlivened me a bit however fadin' when I learned Edward to have nae seen 'im amongst th' crewmen o' th' Edinbugh Trader, me releasin' a relieved sigh as this fact supported me perception o' 'im bein' alive, but I didn't turn any less anxious. Still havin' no clue where William had gone 'n' where he was noo, as even if he wouldn't have been caught by Jones 'n' hadn't been killed wi' th' other survivors, should he have been left behind at th' shipwreck he was sure to...

I refused to even consider such a terrible option, firmly believin' in th' idea o' 'im to have managed to get awa' 'n' was perfectly safe, me concerns soon shiftin' to Edward 'n' me when efter an hour o' waitin' 'n' tryin' to find a mair discreet wey to get to th' bow o' th' fluyt (which both o' us agreed to be much better hidin' place where no one would've been able to find us) Edward had informed me it to be impossible for us to get past th' crewmen wi'oot bein' discovered instantly. Resultin' us in incorporatin' th' ship's hull to oor plan to get to th' other side seguedly, usin' th' decorative gun ports as footholds while grippin' to any projection or aquatic vegetation stuck to th' ship to haul us forward inch by inch, should I have nae felt lik' I couldn't trust me ain body to function properly I perhaps would have gotten thro' th' ordeal wi'oot much thought. As we were closin' in oan th' middle o' th' ship 'n' had to stop when we heard th' First Mate's voice bark orders directly above us at th' gunwale, (forced to press against th' hull wi'oot havin' anythin' to hold ontae) I was filled wi' equally grave terror as while underwater when th' wind threatened to tak' advantage o' me hindered agility 'n' almost dropped me intae th' sea. Both Edward 'n' me fumblin' wi' oor footing enough as it was oan th' slippery carvings surroundin' th' gun ports 'n' sea plants that tended to rip apart wance we placed oor weight oan 'em, th' last thing I needed bein' to have me limbs tire oot right when I was balancin' meself above open water. Wi' th' help o' Edward me however reachin' th' bow o' th' ship 'n' leapt forward to tak' hold o' his awaitin' arms that aided me to get a steady footin' from th' ridge that had been easy for 'im to set 'imself upoan as such a tall man, but which to someone much shorter lik' me had seemed impossible to reach. 'Im however nae droppin' me as he then nodded towards th' ootermaist part o' th' ship's bow that reminded o' styled jaws o' an animal, when I was aboot to pull meself higher to climb above th' said figureheid. Me noo noticin' there to be juist enough room atween th' teeth lik' planks for us to fit intae, me givin' Edward a suspicious keek 'til gained another promptin' nod from 'im. Me efter all nae questionin' 'im as didn't ken how much strength I still had left to hold ontae anythin', only wishin' to get somewhere safe afore th' risen fever would make me unable to function altogether. Nae wantin' to be any mair unavailin' by havin' a chance to rest a bit, to regain me vigor to face th' challenges that yet awaited us.

But immediately as I set my foot onto th' edge o' th' figureheid, I jolted backwards when William sprung to sight, a sword in his haun. Me goupin' at 'im wi' widened eyes as crashed against Edward, 'im lettin' oot a sigh 'n' I could see 'im sent a frustrated keek to William as he secured an arm aroond me to prevent me from fallin'. Me releasin' a deep breath as slowly I realized th' man in front o' me to be indeed William, 'im sharin' me surprise wi' a brief exchange o' gazes as he put his weapon awa'. Takin' me haun as I hoisted meself forward to grip to th' figureheid, Edward followin' directly efter as I slipped within th' figurehead 'n' wi'oot an ounce o' hesitation wrapped my ain arms aroond William. This time lettin' oot a sigh o' relief as set meself against 'im momentarily, glad to see 'im unharmed wi' me ain eyes.

"I was startin' to fear we'd left ye behind", I said, smile in me voice as for a moment in a long while it felt completely natural to be wi' 'im lik' this again. So close wi'oot havin' any feelings o' unease or regret, William returnin' th' gesture by embracin' me back as his heid pressed against mine curtly. His voice that familiar warm 'n' kind that I had been missin' since meetin' 'im again, it reflectin' similar delight to mine to see me to have survived wi'oot a scratch as he squeezed me.

"And I thought I let you drown…I'm sorry I dropped you."

I smiled, shakin' me heid a wee as separated from 'im to meet his eyes. "It was close, I give ye that. But it wasn't ye fault…me ain in fact for nae learnin' how to swim."

"That we can agree on", Edward cut in then, me turnin' to see 'im place 'imself against th' interior o' th' figureheid. "Well, we all made it through alive, so no use fretting over our lost one way trip to the Locker now."

I cast me eyes down wi' a half nod, closin' me eyes briefly 'til was surprised when I felt William's haun to set against th' side o' me coupon briefly, gently, me keekin' up to 'im in confusion to see 'im to be eyein' at me truthfully relieved. Me wance mair seein' a glimpse o' that ol' William from back at th' Black Pearl when he'd rescued me from Barbossa 'n' his men from that cave, his streengely deadpan 'n' yet emotional countenance bafflin' me so that all I could do was frown at 'im slightly when he stairted to speak.

"I'm truly glad that you're alright."

I couldn't even nod, only makin' a shadow o' a smile as so puzzled I was. Nae kennin' how to respond to such awkward gesture, even to say me to be equally happy to have found 'im safe 'n' sound, 'n' he seemed to become aware o' it by me attention that then shifted from 'im to th' farawa' sea. 'Im withdrawin' his haun somewhat hastily, clearin' his throat a bit as he then retreated to sit at th' other side o' th' figureheid. Me simply settlin' meself against th' right flank o' it, noo wrappin' me ain arms aroond meself wi' mixed feelings. What had that been aboot, that keek? One last glance at William later it nae makin' any mair sense to me, me thoughts soon driftin' far, far awa' from 'im as I heard 'im 'n' Edward to engage in a conversation concernin' oor apparent destination…

Me eyes snapped open when I felt meself to be shaken, realizin' to have fallen asleep at some point durin' th' voyage to Isla Cruces, nevertheless noticin' for me delight that th' rest had indeed done miracles. Feelin' meself much mair energetic 'n' clear minded, me facin' William whom I saw then beckon to oor left, to see Edward who was peerin' at somethin' wi' th' miniature spyglass he always carried aroond wi' 'im at his belt.

"The ship has stopped, and there's an island not far from here. I think this is the place where we can find the Chest", he told me, wi' a quick smile 'im returnin' back to Edward who extended th' spyglass to 'im. His visage contemplative.

"I don't recognize the island as have never sailed here before, but it's safe to presume that this is Isla Cruces", he mused, eyeing at th' visible part o' th' sandy bank that wasn't hidden behind th' Dutchman's large hull. Me crawlin' ower to 'em in th' crammed space to have a better keek at th' island meself.

"That's maist likely th' case, unless Jones has changed his desire to retrieve th' key to a day oan a beach", I remarked wi' a sigh, nae even attemptin' to sound amusin' as craned forward as much as me neck let me, seein' a glimpse o' green against th' blue o' th' sky that hinted o' a jungle at th' other side o' th' island.

"Jones cannot go ashore, not until ten years have passed since his last time on land…which is why we know he's not going to go check on the Chest himself", William informed us, me shootin' a questionable keek at 'im but didn't gain an explanation as Edward was quick to reply.

"So he'll send his crew to go after it", he deduced, spendin' a moment listenin' to th' noises comin' from th' deck that could've tipped us aff aboot Jones' plan o' action. "Which won't give us much time…"

"'N' we're nae goin' to wait for that to happen."

I earned a surprised keek from both o' th' men as I neist brushed past 'em, stickin' me feet oot o' th' figureheid as sat oan th' edge o' it, squeezin' th' wooden spikes curtly as released a nervous breath while gouped doon at th' awaitin' abyss. Preparin' to jump in, but it was then when all o' us heard a series o' shouts up from th' so far silent deck. Me frownin' 'til was frightened when th' Dutchman abruptly stairted to move again. Reachin' a fast pace in but seconds afore for me followin' terror it commenced a nose dive straight intae th' sea, waves invadin' th' interior o' th' figureheid as I instinctively lifted me arms to block th' water that splashed against me forcefully, feelin' either William's or Edward's arms to support me as all three o' us then broke free from oor stunned state. Me hearin' Edward's voice ower th' rumble o' th' water juist afore we got submerged along wi' th' ship, urgin' me to move.

I took a steady hold o' th' wooden spikes as drew a deep breath, squeezin' me eyes shut wance I could feel to be completely surrounded by th' pressure o' th' water when th' Dutchman prepared to vanish below th' waves, me however doin' me best to ignore th' panic that was strivin' to freeze me oan me spot as pushed oot o' th' figureheid. Kickin' meself as far awa' from th' sinkin' vessel nae to be caught intae a similar underwater current as efter th' sinkin' o' th' merchant vessel as th' Dutchman pushed doonward. Me nae even thinkin' th' possibility that th' crew might've gotten a glimpse o' oor flounderin' forms swimmin' awa' from their ship as I was so focused in remainin' calm while attemptin' to ladle meself to th' surface which for me luck hadn't gotten all that far. Somehow me managin' to reach th' surface, momentarily me feelin' even a bit proud o' meself for this achievement 'til me lackin' skills manifested in a form o' me gaspin' for air as I found meself sinkin' again. Only to bounce back up when I felt an arm to circle me, discovering it to be William who then instantly stairted to swim towards th' island, Edward emergin' from th' water right behind 'im where I followed William to th' best o' me ability. Us eventually gettin' to th' isle wi'oot me draggin' William doon to his death wi' me.

"What noo?" I asked, standin' efter sittin' oan me knees for a moment to catch me breath efter th' long swim from th' disappeared Dutchman to th' shore. William gazin' aboot th' long beach 'n' th' farawa' jungle slightly oot o' breath 'imself, Edward peerin' directly to th' other side o' th' island, for me utmaist surprise me spottin' a church at th' direction he was goupin' towards. Almost hidden intae th' jungle in it had been built in. "If th' Chest really is 'ere, how can we find it afore Jones' men catch up to us?"

"Let us just follow the trail."

William and I turned to Edward in bafflement, soon understandin' th' meanin' o' his words however wance we saw 'im point to somethin' at th' direction o' east. Me releasin' an incredulous breath 'n' lifted me brows as juist behind th' edge o' th' jungle, moored to a peedy cove half a mile awa' from th' shore, I could see a silhouette o' a ship. One wi' a dark hull 'n' black sails, me neist gapin' at th' sight o' th' Black Pearl in dismay as William took a few astonished steps forward. In equal bewilderment 'til I saw 'im turn serious, his countenance then but grim.

"Jack is here."

"That pirate ye two have been raving off and on about?" Edward questioned, me noddin' at 'im wi' a frustrated breath.

"Aye, th' very same."

"Is the key safe?"

I was taken aback by William's abrupt question, but efter I'd pulled th' key from under me shirt, (apparently satisfyin' 'im) he then instantly took aff towards Sparrow's ship.

"Let's find him."

Regardless o' me assumptions he didn't dauner all th' wey to th' Pearl, but soon headed towards th' sandy plains that I saw spreadin' as far as eye could see across th' island as Edward 'n' I followed efter 'im. William walkin' forward so determinedly that I many times was close to beg 'im to slow doon or we would get lost, (taken that none o' us had ever been there afore, 'n' by th' keek o' th' island it seemed to be a big place to lose oneself intae wi'oot a proper map). Nevertheless efter some time o' meanderin' aboot blindly, I noticed us to have returned back to th' beach 'n' it was then when I spotted th' footprints. Four pair o' 'em, all left by booted legs, leadin' to th' opposite direction where Will was aboot to heid for neist as he noo passed me. Me grabbin' his jacket afore he could storm aff, pointin' to th' ground.

"This wey."

It was noo me who took th turn o' leadin' oor wee search party across th' plain, William 'n' Edward trailin' me along th' beach for a few minutes 'til we saw th' prints to tak' a radical right. Roundin' a cluster o' sand dunes that pushed oot o' th' landscape, me sighin' at th' dry, sandy wind that pushed against me as I lifted me eyes to see what was waitin' for us ahead. Only to pause momentarily when unexpectedly I found meself goupin' at a group o' indeed four people, standin' neist to one another about 500 feet awa' from us as two o' 'em were diggin' somethin' from th' ground, too far for me to mak' oot any coupons to recognize who they were. But as all o' us immediately darted towards 'em upoan realizin' 'em to be possibly uncoverin' th' Chest, it didn't take long when I recognized Sparrow. No one bein' able to mistake that disheveled appearance 'n' dreadlocked, brown hair fallin' under a red bandana. Me however nae at first kennin' who th' other three men were, even they maist definitely had to be his crewmen. All dressed in similar, scruffy fashion as 'im, although one o' 'em seemed a bit malinky neist to th' rest. Wance we'd closed almost all th' distance atween us 'n' Sparrow's diggin' party, we stopped to follow 'em to kneel oan th' ground efter recoverin' a wooden casket from th' sandpit. Openin' it forcefully, me frownin' tardily as shadowed me eyes wi' me haun, to see how Sparrow lifted another chest from th' wooden one. Th' two men by his side bendin' doon towards it, only to keek at th' pirate in dismay. Us soon hearin' Sparrow's voice to speak when th' sailor oan his right came to question his Captain's reliability wi' a freish regard by statin' 'im to have been truthful boot th' price they'd just unearthed. Me rollin' me eyes in irritation upoan hearin' his reply, maist certainly nae agreein' wi' it.

"I do that quite a lot. And yet people are always surprised."

"With good reason!" William exclaimed, finally alertin' th' four people o' oor presence, 'n' it was then when I was utterly shocked as they whipped aroond 'n' I discovered one o' th' men to be in fact Elizabeth. 'Er features brightenin' instantly when she saw us 'n' she sprung to 'er feet in delight, 'til 'er eyes found me 'n' she was equally shocked to see me (wi' William no less). Efter returnin' 'er gaze for a moment me ain confused eyes movin' oan to Sparrow 'n' to th' man standin' by his side, efter a careful examination me realizin' it to be James Norrington. Me walkin' forward wi' astounded, slow steps as returned his equally baffled goup, 'im blockin' th' view from me upoan turnin' so that I couldn't see th' fourth man's face 'til a wee later. Me scornful turned irises neist returnin' to Sparrow whom I saw to be eyein' at William in fact flabbergasted afore his visage was filled wi' disquiet. No doubt because he hadn't had the slightest inkling that William would appear oan th' island to call 'im aff o' his treachery, me in fact takin' pleasure o' his squirmin' bearing as hold back an urge to march right ower to th' pirate to deliver 'im a smack that would send 'im flyin' all th' wey to his blasted ship.

"Will, you're alright, thank God. I came to find you!"

I voluntarily pushed oan when I saw Elizabeth' attention to then naturally drift to William 'n' she sprinted ower to 'im faster than a single thought had crossed me mind, me turnin' me eyes awa' nae to witness 'em to share a winch that undoubtedly ensued by th' keeks oan Norrington's 'n'…Sparrow's coupon? This pausin' notion causin' me to bypass me wistfulness upoan imaginin' Elizabeth in William's embrace behind me back, as me measurin' irises wance mair remained focused at Sparrow. Witnessin' th' obvious 'n' gey similar begrudge to mine that etched ontae his features as much as Norrington's for a brief moment, me noo earnin' a polite nod from th' former Commodore, afore me wanderin' gaze finally found its wey to th' last man at th' scene. Me comin' to a curt halt close to th' dig site 'til saw 'im turn, only to pause in utmaist disbelief yet when th' familiar coupon o' me brother came to sight, 'im sharin' me shock afore I saw his lips to turn upwards intae a smile wance he heard me call oot to 'im in dismay. It bein' noo me turn to dash across th' sand to run intae his arms, us squeezin' one another in great joy o' reunion that had felt lik' taken an eternity to happen. But noo he was there, me nae even bein' able to describe how happy I was to see Peter again efter missin' 'im so terribly, me brother's sudden embrace fillin' me wi' sense o' security efter findin' 'im amongst people I ne'er would've expected to see 'im wi' from a place so far from home. Although when I instantly reminded meself Elizabeth to be there as weel, it didn't seem all that great o' a coincidence any longer to find Peter from 'er company.

"Where have you been, you moron?!" Peter accosted, fleetin' anger makin' an appearance oan his coupon as he captured me cheek briefly efter he'd pushed apart from me to tak' every inch o' me in. Me simply smilin' at his rebuke as set me hauns oan his arms to calm 'im doon (bein' juist 'n' juist able to deter agonized flinch when his strong limbs had pressed against me tender back earlier), shakin' me heid at 'im as he continued. "Do you have any idea how much you scared me, taking off like that? And what about our uncle, do you think he was pleased to find you gone without a single note explaining where you'd gone?"

I cast me eyes doon briefly at th' mention o' uncle Cutler, me however bypassin' th' recollection o' th' man as directed a soothin' keek intae Peter's eyes. Succeedin' in smoothin' 'oot his ootraged frown wi' me smile. "I ken, 'n' I'm sorry…But I'm awright, Peter."

"You'd better be, or I'll never forgive you for running away in the first place."

I heard Peter sigh deep as he closed me intae another hug, me closin' me eyes briefly as placed me heid against his chest. Soon however feelin' his muscles to bulge a bit 'n' perplexed by this I soon gazed up to 'im quizzically to see his irises to have gained that all too familiar darker tint, replacin' any flicker o' other emotion aside for irritation as I saw 'im to be gawkin' at William 'n' Elizabeth instead o' runnin' ower to greet his best friend. Me therefore only swallowin' th' question playin' oan me lips as could sympathize wi' 'im when we both noo followed Elizabeth to jump back intae William's arms to kiss 'im again. Wi' a slight sigh me forcin' meself to keek at me brother to offer 'im a compassionate smile, juist as Sparrow got ower his ain shock 'n' he broke th' fallen silence.

"How did you get here?" he questioned, utterly puzzled, his eyes visitin' Edward 'n' me 'til they finally moved oan to scornful William, who returned Sparrow's goup wi' hard eyes. Tossin' his heid to th' side indifferently as wrapped an arm aroond Elizabeth's waist.

"Sea turtles, mate. A pair of them strapped to my feet."

I sent him a stupefied frown as didn't have th' slightest idea what that had meant, even if it was a jest. William inclinin' his heid again at me wonder wi' a slight smile, as Edward also lifted his eyebrows at 'im incredulously.

"Are ye sure ye haven't swallowed too much seawater, Turner?" he remarked, seemin' to gravely believe in that assumption where I separated from Peter to shift me eyes back to Sparrow. To watch 'im to try to assume an amused face although it was clear 'im to be everythin' but, his smirk nae genuine as he beckoned to William, me ain goup turnin' intae a glare as I eyed at th' pirate in disdain. Decidin' it to be best me nae to comment, or otherwise I might've ended up efter all skelpin' 'im wi' that shovel I saw to lay at me feet.

"Not so easy is it?"

"But I do owe you thanks, Jack."

At this Sparrow was even further nonplussed, his gaze roamin' aboot in wonder 'til it locked wi' William's again. "You do?"

"After you tricked me onto that ship, to square your debt with Jones…"

"What?" Elizabeth breathed, floored by William's surprisin' remark as 'er eyes shot to Sparrow efter takin' in 'er fiancé's fractious features. Me ain glower hardenin' by each word that left William's lips, where Sparrow glanced awa' from Elizabeth, close to fidgetin' wi' slightly widened eyes that screamed o' his guilt. Th' high pitched tone o' his voice betrayin' 'im instantly wi'oot 'im havin' to attempt an unbelievable fib to save his skin noo that th' truth had been revealed.

"What?"

"…I was reunited with my father", William finished wi' a slight scowl leveled at Sparrow, me directin' another brief compassionate keek noo to his direction which he noticed as bettered his grip o' dumbfounded Elizabeth. Me swiftly turnin' me eyes awa' from his when he oddly was left to gawk back at me when Elizabeth walked oot o' his arms, to stride ower to Sparrow wi' half furious, half doubtful countenance.

"Everything you said to me", she said wi' a stress that didn't leave anyone present doubtin' 'er stand oan th' matter, comin' to a halt in front o' nervous Sparrow. Th' pirate at first avoidin' to match 'er relentless goup that demanded th' truth from 'im, th' man cowerin' a bit at th' face o' 'er upset voice. "Every word was a lie!"

"Pretty much", Sparrow admitted, bringin' his hauns together apologetically as flashed an innocent smile at Elizabeth. Me lettin' oot a sigh as hurled me eyebrows along wi' me brother, neither o' us at all surprised to hear th' pirate to have lied to Elizabeth thro' his golden teeth. "Time and tide, love."

"Weel it seems ye juist got swept awa' wi' it", I remarked bitterly as met th' pirate's gaze in turn, nae lettin' 'im get awa' any easier as measured 'im wi' a contemptuous pout. "…Noo that he's 'ere against yer intent. That's what happens to men who are cowardly 'n' inept to honesty, usin' other people for their benefit."

"I suppose the word you're so bashful to use, is pirate, Miranda dear", Sparrow responded, momentarily surprisin' me when he seemed to remember me even I'd expected th' exact opposite. Me simply liftin' me jaw as took a step closer to 'im, foldin' me arms.

"Naw. I think an abject poltroon would be mair fittin' when ye're concerned."

I could see Sparrow's face to drop for befuddlement at th' sound o' me so hostile response (which he apparently couldn't brin' 'imself to accept precisely because he couldn't understand it). His measurin' eyes now fixatin' ontae Edward whom he naturally didn't recognize, his face turnin' thoughtful when they exchanged a brief gaze wance also Norrington's, Elizabeth's 'n' me brother's focus was oan th' dark Englishman oot o' their acquaintance. This very fact makin' Sparrow suspicious.

"And who are you?" he asked, eagerly bypassin' William 'n' th' disgruntled Elizabeth by keekin' Edward up 'n' doon as if he was also 'ere to settle some ol' score wi' im he had forgotten for his even greater misfortune, lik' th' rest o' 'em nae findin' th' man familiar. Except for a fleetin' moment when I saw his eyebrows to furrow as if he would've in fact kenned Edward from somewhere, which o' coorse couldn't be possible, Sparrow however nae gainin' a chance to make' any elaboratin' questions as Edward responded to his inquiry. However makin' me wonder as juist afore Sparrow had stairted to address 'im, I'd caught 'im goupin' at Peter 'n' me wi' careful eye, Peter mostly for some reason. As proven many times 'im nevertheless bein' too guid at hidin' his emotions that I couldn't fathom what laid behind those blue eyes o' his when they'd eventually turned to tak' in th' dreadlocked pirate Captain.

"Just a passerby… Who tagged along to meet the pirate responsible of the sinking of his ship. So as I see it ye to rather owe me for the ensued inconvenience, I might as well come with an intent to collect."

"I cannot quite recall to have ever threatened or otherwise never engaged with you before", Sparrow countered wi' a skeptical squint, still nae findin' Edward any wey familiar 'n' tried to brush aff th' topic wi' a ignorant visage, to which Edward replied wi' an amused grin. But which kind I kenned to mean 'im to be somewhat furious deep within, wearin' that smile only when he was tryin' to keep 'imself composed.

"Aye, ye haven't. But it was yer creditor who came knocking on me door, or in this instance ship's hull. Came without a warning and stripped me of everything I owned, all in yer name."

I saw Sparrow to shudder at th' subtle reference to th' Kraken he visibly didn't mistak' as any sort o' figurative speech, confirmin' that sea monster to have indeed been sent by Jones to straighten oot th' relations atween 'im 'n' th' pirate who owed 'im. Sparrow directin' a trepid glance doon at Edward's sword, which had been imperceptibly revealed under Edward's jacket to unsettle 'im, Edward's haun restin' oan top o' it where his eyes ne'er left Sparrow. Nae likin' to be surrounded close to nothin' but belligerent individuals, th' pirate wished to succeed in sweepin' th' whole incident under a rug again by feignin' what else but innocent face, flashin' a smile at Edward in turn.

"All is good then. Be sure to be compensated with a drink or two, once we've made it safe and sound back to my ship", he announced. Edward simply goupin' back at 'im wi' a blank mien where Elizabeth was neist aboot to tak' 'er turn to tell th' pirate aff, only to be interrupted by William who noo cut intae th' ongoin' conversation by stridin' forth. Walkin' straight to th' Dead Man's Chest 'n' directed his eyes up to me briefly, Sparrow frownin' at 'im in wonder as watched 'im kneel in front o' th' Chest, takin' oot th' knife his father had bestowed 'im wi'.

"Oi! What are you doing?"

"I'm gonna kill Jones."

That statement came oot so much mair impassively 'n' coldly than afore that I couldn't stop meself from stiffenin' for mild shock, nae to have ever seen William express so wee concern ower his actions that clearly weren't righteous in any regard even if they would dispose one cruel 'n' vile man from existence. However due to th' fact that th' world we lived in was naw only populated, but ruled by such evil men, his so adamant resolution to commit an act o' murder nae pleasin' me any mair than afore, me shakin' me heid as watched 'im to extend his haun towards me expectantly. Lockin' his somber eyes wi' mine, 'em feelin' so foreignly uncharitable for 'im even from th' time when they'd been filled wi' hatred felt towards me. For this reason me nae recognizin' 'im for a brief moment 'til I heard 'im speak me name, me bringin' a careful haun to me chest to feel th' key.

"Miranda."

I keeked up at th' others wance I could feel everyone to turn to ogle at me in wonder, me juist standin' still for awhile 'n' returnin' their gazes, hesitant. Slowly me in th' end slippin' th' key from under me shirt, witnessin' nae only Sparrow but also me brother to jolt at th' sight o' it. Wi' a brief glance o' puzzlement directed at Peter me noo walkin' ower to William whose eyes ne'er left me coupon, me removin' th' key from me neck but squeezed it intae me palm, nae to let go o' it 'til William had had th' chance to reconsider. Me gazin' deep intae his eyes, for th' last time pleadin' 'im nae to go as far as he was prepared to go, as his haun closed aroond mine to receive th' key.

"Please, William…"

"There's no other way to save him, Miranda. You can't stop me", William stated back instantly, takin' me aback but I then simply cast me gaze doon wi' a resigned sigh. Nae even tryin' to hide how wee I appreciated that answer as withdrew me haun, givin' th key one last hard keek ower wi' a disgusted lift o' me eyebrows.

"Do as ye wish."

Me in turn utterly indifferent 'n' undoubtedly disappointed tone caused William to frown slightly as th' solemn mask o' his crumbled momentarily for wonder when he measured me. Me nae givin' 'im th' satisfaction o' tryin' to understand th' change in me voice as I prepared to toss th' goddam key ontae th' sand right neist to 'im. Only to jerk me arm against me torso in fright as juist as he was aboot to lift a haun to receive it, Sparrow drew his sword 'n' pointed it at me. Me flinchin' back surprised, gettin' taken aback even further by Edward's arm that in th' same second yanked me farther awa' from th' pirate for th' bafflement o' Peter who eyed at us wi' knitted eyebrows. Me also frowin' at Sparrow afore me eyes fell doon to goup at th' cutlass pointin' at me chest, his serious eyes then leavin' mine to gaze intae William's.

"Can't let you do that William", he declared, inclinin' his heid matter-o'-factly. His reaction in fact bafflin' me, as I would've thought 'im to be but glad should William save 'im along wi' his father by killin' th' man who hold a deadly debt against 'im. But then I again remembered th' Kraken, Sparrow's followin' words truthfully makin' sense… Aside for what was soon to happen. "'Cause if Jones is dead, who's to call his terrible beastie off the hunt, eh?"

I didn't ken should've I been relieved when I followed William to rise to his feet in turn resigned, Sparrow's attention returnin' back to me, 'n' his blade shifted doonward as he noo came closer. Offerin' me a smile that I had vague recollections aboot from a certain night spent at another deserted island as he extended his haun towards me.

"Now if you please, love. The key."

"Just give it to him. No worth getting killed over it, Randa", Edward whispered intae me lug, slowly drawin' oot his ain weapon. "I can protect ye only as long as all four of them won't decide to take it from ye together…"

Me gaze rose 'n' I indeed saw Norrington to be as weel tempted to claim th' key from me, but nae only 'im in addition to William 'n' Sparrow were observin' me every move but Peter as weel. Me eyes lingerin' oan 'im th' longest as suddenly I felt gey reluctant to hand th' key ower to any o' 'em, Edward's sword risin' to challenge Sparrow's as his arm secured aroond me, prepared to twirl me oot o' th' wey if a fight would break oot for th' object in me possession. Me in th' end lettin' oot a sigh as made me decision, may William see it as a betrayal or nae.

"I have a better plan", I stated curtly, efter a second o' confusin' th' men aroond me me then tryin' to mak' a run for it towards th' beach, as me intention to throw th' bloody thing intae th' ocean where none o' 'em would find it (includin' Jones' men who could've appeared any minute noo to reclaim th' key). Thinkin' it to be best to get rid o' th' key so that even if any o' 'em would get to obtain th' Chest, none o' 'em could open it. But as I admittedly was oot o' me usual shape William caught up wi' me but a few long vaults, me lettin' oot a cry o' anger as felt his hauns to grasp me coat afore haulin' me back. Wi' a tight grip o' me 'im turnin' me aroond, me tryin' to hold 'im back wi' one o' th' moves Edward had taught me that should've sent 'im flyin' ower me back ontae th' sand. William however managin' to get th' key from me, as I discovered me body to argue against a simple act o' runnin', yet alone wardin' aff a man wi' superior physique (even he didn't really try to fight me). Th' surprise me actions inflicted upoan 'im fazin' 'im but briefly, as instantly efter recoverin' th' key from me he ran ower to Elizabeth to tak' 'er sword, pointin' it at Sparrow even mair riled from afore. Me sendin' an irritated keek efter 'im, but upoan plannin' to lunge at 'im from behind I had to stop for a moment as fleetin' dizziness took ower me. Peter 'n' Edward sendin' me a worried glance (or I supposed it was 'em as for awhile I couldn't see quite clearly), me lettin' oot a tired sigh. Was it th' heat, th' physical strain or th' fever that scorched me, th' fact was that I was stairtin' to really feel under th' weather again. Forcin' meself to stand properly 'n' return in middle o' th' scuffle as I saw Norrington noo to take oot his ain weapon efter William had (presumably) expressed his intentions for th' Chest, for me followin' confusion me findin' William to be threatened by both Sparrow 'n' th' former Commodore.

"I'm afraid I can't let you do that either. So sorry", Norrington mused wi' a derisive smile, his visage turnin' earnest instantly efter his eyes glanced doon at th' Chest.

"I knew you'd warm up to me eventually", Sparrow remarked wi' a delighted smirk upoan thinkin' to have gained an ally, Norrington however surprisin' 'im as weel as th' rest o' us by then turnin' his blade at th' pirate. William's shiftin' towards Norrington as he exchanged a serious goup wi' Sparrow, me directin' a soft glare at William upoan his sudden action had scared me half to death wance I'd stopped right neist to 'im. This time Peter takin' me arm 'n' pullin' me backwards naw to get meself cut, but I didn't care. Too stunned by th' developments to care, simply eyein' at th' three men in bewilderment. Nae understandin' what was it aboot that wretched Chest that nae only Sparrow, William 'n' me uncle wanted it for, but Norrington as weel (half expectin' Elizabeth 'n' Peter to join in wi' a claim o' their ain).

"Lord Beckett desires the contents of that Chest. I deliver it; I get my life back", Norrington's specified, me soon forgettin' me dismay upoan hearin' 'im say so (doilt aboot how exactly could Norrington be aware o' me uncle's wish to obtain th' Chest), as I noo noticed Peter to direct an annoyed glance at th' former Commodore. That one keek he gave 'im makin' me feel kind o' streenge, but I couldn't figure oot what it had meant as Peter's equally serious eyes were noo directed at th' other two o' th' trio who'd proceeded in standin' above th' Chest in a circle. Watchin' each other wi' a keen eye to be ready to strike should any o 'em try to mak' a move for it, Sparrow noo levelin' a sneer at Norrington.

"Ah. The dark side of ambition", he snided, earnin' a smirk back from th' man.

"I prefer to see it as the promise of redemption."

It happened again, Norrington directin' a subtle glance ower his shoulder noo at me brother who seemed unaffected by it, his so calm wey o' handlin' th' situation wi'oot steppin' in in any wey however bafflin' me as weel when in th' neist moment it escalated. Norrington lungin' at William oot o' th' blue, Sparrow joinin' 'im nae long efter 'n' together they forced William to retreat 'til he stood his ground. Wardin' his attackers aff as Elizabeth released a startled exclaim upon witnessin' th' ensued scuffle, me eyes widenin' wance I was lmost caught in th' middle o' their fight 'n' I dove forward towards th' dig site. Actin' wi'oot much thought 'n' hoisted th' Chest up to shield me from William's sword that had juist barely missed Norrington's heid 'n' clashed wi' th' Chest afore it managed to hit me, me havin' time to see only his frightened face when Sparrow's weapon abruptly swung towards me (to kill me or stop me from touchin' th' Chest, I didn't ken). It also stickin' to th' metal casket but managed to falter me balance so that I fell backwards 'n' collapsed straight ontae th' wooden box, me lettin' oot a agonized groan upoan impact 'til hurled th' heavy Chest from me lap to me right in sudden fury. Succeedin' in trippin' th' darn fiend who was then instantly attacked by Edward this time, who drove 'im awa' from th' Chest in turn. Me closin' me eyes in exhaustion efter witnessin' William 'n' Norrington' to scamper efter Sparrow, but was instantly hauled to me feet by Peter (who'd been quick to take Elizabeth awa' from th' engagin' men first thing).

"You're alright?" he asked, me however shakin' his hauns aff even it was clear I wasn't completely me healthy self. Th' unexpected ire however turnin' me quite grumpy as me eyes traveled forward to see Elizabeth who was runnin' efter th' fightin' trio, shoutin' at 'em to stop, who however but ignored 'er screams. Too focused in stealin' th' key from one another while deliverin' deadly blows haphazardly in th' maist bizarre swordfight I'd ever witnessed. 'N' there hadn't been all that many to count from.

"What do ye think? That scallywag tried to kill me, would ye be awright?"

I flinched for surprise as Norrington kicked William oan th' ground, Elizabeth runnin' ower to 'im, only to protest indignantly when William ordered 'er to watch th' Chest when he 'imself took aff efter fleein' Sparrow 'n' Norrington. Me lettin' oot a sigh as heard Edward to sheathe his sword 'n' dauner beside me, half smirk playin' oan his lips.

"What do ye know, we have ourselves some entertainment."

"We don't have time for this!" I stated pointedly, worried as glanced aboot th' surroundin' scenery. "Jones is 'ere 'n' his men are aboot to come to tak' th' Chest along wi' th' key."

"Jones?" Peter questioned, me turnin' to me brother to meet his quizzical eyes, mine turnin' anxious as I beckoned towards th' object o' all this ensued furor.

"Th' real owner 'o th' Chest. We came aboard his ship, 'n' his crewmen are bound to appear any minute noo. We should be gettin' awa' from 'ere as fast as we can instead o' squabblin' lik' five year old children!"

That last part I had shouted, but none o' th' men caught in th' intense affray heard me either, or decided nae to lik' they did to all o' Elizabeth's angered demands to stop this manner o' fatuous buffoonery. In that we agreein' upoan, us watchin' 'er stairt to throw stones at th' fightin' individuals efter ventin' oot 'er exact thoughts aboot th' ongoin' fight. Peter fallin' intae his thoughts as I then saw two familiar men to run to th' scene, me soon recognizin' 'em as th' same two pirates from Barbossa's crew who had kidnapped me from th' Swann residence at Port Royal.

"Take the chest."

I whipped aroond to turn me attention to Peter from Elizabeth efter witnessin' er pretendin' to faint to gain some for 'erself, me castin' bemused eyes doon as in th' neist second th' Chest was shoved intae me arms by 'im, 'im lockin' serious gazes wi' me afore nodded towards th' farawa' jungle when I but keeked at 'im stupefied. Followin' too slowly to his liking.

"What?"

"Just take it and run", Peter told me impatiently, glancin' ower to th' fightin' men remarkably afore shoved me towards th' jungle. "Neither those three or Jones' men can find it if you take it now when no one will notice. Hide into the jungle and wait for me to come and get you."

Undoubtedly there was a point in what Peter had said. If th' Chest would be gone by th' time any o' 'em would return wi' th' key, it would lead to th' same ootcome as in me original plan, become as useless as th' Chest wi'oot th' key. Me finally catchin' ontae his drift 'n' in th' following moment took it even further, facin' Edward.

"Get th' key. I'll meet ye in th' jungle, somewhere close to that church. Peter will stay wi' Elizabeth while we tak' care o' th' Chest", I said, apparently Edward nae needin' any mair elaboration to act as wi'oot a word he made an understandin' nod 'n' dashed efter th' trio who were nearin' th' jungle 'emselves while fleein' towards th' line o' trees in turns. Me 'n' Peter as weel exchangin' a nod o' agreement, but as I was aboot to run to th' opposite direction to enter th' jungle by usin' a different route, I was stopped by th' Barbossa's men who'd apparently snuck behind us. Both o' their eyes glued to th' Chest in me hauns, th' chubbier one (whose name I'd awready forgotten if I ever even learned it durin' me imprisonment aboard th' Black Pearl that time) flashin' me a smile as also Peter turned aroond noo. Takin' oot his weapon, Elizabeth abruptly also joinin' us efter noticin' th' arrived pirates.

"We'll be taking that, poppet", he announced, tiltin' his heid at Peter's blade indifferently as his comrade drew his, his wooden eye twitchin' all ower th' place in its socket as he made a sly grin o' his ain. Me simply leerin' at 'im.

"Ye're nae, if it's up to me brother", I retorted, glancin' at Peter whom I'd noticed to have stairted to smile cocksurely while havin' that same dark keek in his eyes that spoke o' his itch for an altercation. While aware o' me brother's tendencies to tussle 'n' ootright pleasure he took from every man he was able to ootweight, me havin' full confidence in his ability to buy me enough time to run awa' from th' beach. "I think he has some catchin' up to do wi' ye lot."

"I most certainly do", Peter affirmed, attackin' in a blink o' an eye 'n' had disarmed th' astonished pirate in a flash, offerin' th' man a grin 'imself wi' a self-assured lift o' his brows. "I once told you gentlemen it to be a mistake to make me as our life long enemy…and here we are."

---

Scottish vocabulary:

Pronouns etc:

o'= of, th'= the, 'em= them, oor= our, 'n'= and, intae= into, 'er= her, 'im= him, me = my, nae = not

Recurrent & other words:

afore = before, hert = heart, aye = yes, ne'er = never, wee = small/little, awready = already, ken = know, efter = after, doon = down, as weel = as well, goup = stare, malinky = thin, wance again/mair = once again/more, 'til = until, keek = look, ower = over, aboot = about, streenge = strange, wey = way, haun = hand, ain = own, oot = out, neist = next, winch = kiss, hurl = lift, lik' = like, gey/pure = very, stairt= start, heid = head, awa' = away, wey = way, wi'oot = without, o' coorse = of course, dauner = walk, freish = new, wi' = with, juist = just, peedy = small, doilt =confused, thro' = through, ne'er = never, lugs = ears, naw = no, tak' = take, coupon = face, face = expression, 'ere = here, aff =off, skelp = hit, atween = between