A/N: Hey guys! I know it's been a long time, so you'll once again have to forgive me. But lucky you, I'm done with school and will now have MUCH more time to write, so you can expect more frequent updates! :) As always, I'd like to thank my wonderful reviewers. I know I've said this a million times, but I really appreciate your feedback. This chapter is SUPER long (practically two whole chapters, just 'cause I love you guys so much), so I hope you all enjoy it!

Chapter XXV

The next morning, I awoke with a start. My eyes were fogged with sleep, but I was able to uncertainly arrive at the conclusion that I was below deck, with the rest of the crew. Everyone else was sleeping, so I surmised that it must have been quite early. I delicately swung my legs over the side of my hammock and stood. The events of the previous night came flooding back to the forefront of my mind. I hadn't forgotten what had happened, of course, for the bizarre ache in my heart at the mere thought of a certain Captain Jack Sparrow was not something that could easily slip my memory. No, the foreign warmth of affection had never left. But the specifics of everything – Barbossa, that strange new girl (something Bonny, was it?) – it all began to reply itself in my head.

We were leaving today. Finally setting off. All this, everything I'd been through in the past month or so – it was all going to come to a crescendo. The lost city of Atlantis, the retrieval of the Pearl. Jack would be so pleased.

I tiptoed towards the ladder and began to climb upwards to the brightly lit deck. Jack and Gibbs were awake and hunched over some long, age-yellowed map.

"Good morning," I chirped with uncharacteristic enthusiasm.

Gibbs gave me a tentative glance, before allowing his gaze to snap to Jack. He was clearly very interested in watching the two of us interact.

" 'ello," was Jack's sole response. He hardly even looked at me, and I couldn't help but feel mildly offended. So he's still just going to ignore this, I thought in disapproval.

"When are we going to be leaving?" I questioned innocently, batting my eyelashes.

"Soon," he answered gruffly.

"Aye, very soon, lass," Gibbs piped in, "We're just waitin' fer the others – they'll be arrivin' in 'alf and 'our or so, I'd reckon."

"Hm. Who will be joining us, then? Everyone?"

"Everyone 'cept Chevalle and Villanueva. So really only Barbossa, Teague, and Jocard," he replied as he scratched at his muttonchops in a very unrefined manner.

"That's not a great turnout," I said pensively, "Although, I suppose it depends on one's perspective…"

"Indeed," Jack stated dryly, speaking for the first time in a while. It wasn't often that he kept his mouth shut, and it went without saying (no pun intended) that he was trying to minimize his communication with me.

"So," Gibbs began in unabashed amusement, "this thing b'tween the two o' ya – 'ow's that been workin' out?"

"It hasn't been," the pirate captain answered in the same monotone he'd been using for the past five minutes.

I rolled my eyes. "Jack's being difficult," I replied in a playful sort of agitation.

"I prefer pragmatic," the man in question retorted with an underlying (albeit wholly unwanted, I suspect) hint of affection in his tone.

I gave him a cheeky smirk, but soon turned my attention back to Gibbs and the map. Before I had the chance to properly examine it, however, the howl of a horn tore through the air. I snapped my head to search for the source of the noise, to see an enormous ship razing through the waves. It was the Revenge. The sound caused the rest of the crew to filter on deck; judging by the Spritlies unusual state of undress (they were missing various unessential articles of clothing) and the dark circles under their eyes, I was able to deduce that they'd had a rude awakening. Ah well, could much else be expected after a night of heavy drinking in Shipwreck Cove?

"Well, well, well, look who finally decided to join us," Jack taunted through cupped hands once Barbossa had docked alongside us.

Soon, Jocard's ship, the Ranger, arrived as well. It was larger than Jack's but smaller than Barbossa's and had some sort of tribal design on the sails.

"Now we're just waitin' on yer father," Gibbs grunted.

"He never was one to adhere to specifics – dates, times, birthdays, they don't seem to hold any relevance to him…" Jack answered somewhat peevishly.

However, it was only a matter of minutes before The Troubadour glided into view, with Captain Edward Teague at its helm.

"Now that we're all assembled," Barbossa shouted heartily, "I believe it be time for you to lead the way, Jack!"

Captain Sparrow allowed but a smirk. "Lift the anchor," he commanded, excitement lacing his words, "We're headed back through the Devil's Throat."

The four ships came together in a single file line, with the Jewel at the head. When we entered the cavern, its dark, candle-lit beauty consumed us. By the time we were all inside, the sun had been more or less completely blocked out. It seemed the perfect moment to confront Jack about where we were headed.

"Our destination," I asked Jack under my breath, "is the center of the Triangle?"

"Aye."

"And this map will lead us to where we want to go?" I continued to interrogate, gesturing to the parchment in his hand.

"Aye."

"But earlier weren't you saying something about a compass?"

He raised his eyebrows. "You're a sneaky thing, aren't ye? My compass has been compromised."

"Compromised?"

"Aye."

"Care to elaborate?" I was growing tired of his one-word answers.

"I don't care to, but I have a sinking feeling that you're going to pester me until I do, so let me save you the trouble. Aye, my compass is… bewitched." He still would not turn his focus away from navigating the Jewel, despite the fact that I was practically breathing down his neck.

"In what way?"

"It points to what one desires most in the world."

"So how exactly has it been compromised?"

He finally gave me a pointed look. "You," he said accusatorily. "You and your little spell-y thing. The Pearl, apparently, is no longer what I desire most." He seemed very distressed about this, if not outright angry. "Although," he added as an afterthought, "it might have been a bit presumptuous of me to assume in the first place that my compass would actually work in the Triangle. That particular patch of godforsaken sea is known for making navigational devices go a bit unreliable, if you will."

"Your compass points to me?" I asked in disbelief.

He whipped it out, as if to verify this fact. After a moment of staring at the face of the compass, he said, "Indeed."

I slid behind him and trailed my fingertips up the arm that he held by his side, savoring his discomforted reaction. Standing on my toes, I whispered in his ear, "But you already have me."

He spun around in the blink of an eye, and suddenly our chests were flush against each other.

"It would appear, then, that I am loath to claim my prize…" Our lips were dangerously close, but he turned back to the wheel before I had the chance to take action.

I let out a long, aggrieved sigh. "It'll all be over soon," I heard him mumbled to reassure himself.

When we reached the end of the pass, it was dusk. We let down anchor off the coast of some uninhabited isle.

"We shall be reaching our destination by midday tomorrow," Jack announced to the eager crew, "So it is imperative that the lot of you get some rest. What we're going to face in the morning will undoubtedly be… trying."

With that, he descended the upper deck and strode to Gibbs. "I'll be needing to convene with the rest o' the scallywags on Barbossa's ship, so you're in charge while I'm gone, savvy?" He shot a suspicious look at Cailido. "I don't like the looks o' that one," he hissed conspiratorially, "And if she takes after either of her parents – which will indisputably be the case – then she's going to be trouble. Keep a watchful eye, Master Gibbs, a watchful eye…"

Gibbs nodded his assent and Jack then proceeded to lower one of the longboats into the black sea. Once Gibbs climbed to the upper deck, I quietly made my way over to Jack. "Can I join you?" I asked.

He stopped working the ropes and gave me a quick once over, scrutinizing me from head to toe. Finally, he stated, "Not necessary."

I looked at him with protest written clearly across my features. "Do you remember earlier, when I first joined your crew? You said that you thought I might come in handy later, and that's why you let me stay. I think you're about to be proven correct."

Again, he searched my face for signs of ulterior motives. After several seconds, he finally allowed begrudgingly, "Fine. But you're not to speak to anyone unless spoken to, understand? The less they know about you, the better…" He then resumed lowering the boat into the water.

The Revenge looked just as I remembered it from the night that I sneaked aboard: dark, skeletal, and ominous. It could have passed for the messenger of death itself – it was hard to believe that this wasn't the Dutchman. The weathered, bare-skulled figurehead seemed to be grinning at us as we passed by, as if it knew our fate. We had only the stars and the fire from the ship guiding our way, and in the dim light the sails and the side of the hull were the color of blood. I swallowed the lump that had been building in my throat. No, no harm would come to me here. I was with Jack – he would protect me, if the need arose. I could protect myself.

"Why is it we're meeting on Barbossa's ship?" I quietly inquired. Even though he was expecting our arrival, I felt as if we were trying to remain unnoticed.

"It's the largest," he stated distastefully. "And it's most difficult for him to get around, given his one-legged predicament…"

I nodded. This seemed logical enough. Once we were within reach of the ship, Jack banged the heel of his palm on the side and yelled, "Oi, throw us a line!"

On request, a rope was sent over the side of the ship. Jack knotted it to the front of our longboat, before giving me a boost up. "Me first?" I hissed in semi-panic.

He flashed me a grin. "I like to make an unexpected entrance."

As I put my hands on the railing on the ship and began to lift myself up, I felt someone grab one of them and hoist me aboard. "'Ello, milady," came Teague's gruff voice. His black eyes twinkled with an amusement that I found mildly unnerving.

"What in the devil?" Barbossa growled angrily, "Where's Sparrow?" He hobbled towards me, but by the time he reached the side of the ship Jack was already barreling over the railing. The older man stumbled back to avoid being kicking in the face.

"'Ello, mate," Jack greeted mischievously.

Barbossa's patience was wearing thin. "Why is she 'ere?" he asked as if he were speaking to a child.

"Why not?" Jack dismissed.

The other man rolled his eyes and strode towards the captain's quarters without another word. Jack, Teague, Jocard, and I followed.

"Am I the only one who brought company?" Jack muttered lightly to his father.

"Aye, it would appear that way, Jackie. But then again, you're the only one with a sweetheart on board, aren't ye?" he teased.

Jack scoffed loudly. "That's hardly the correct term," was his blunt reply.

Inside Barbossa's chambers, there were several seats set up around a circular table, with a pair dying candles and a pitcher of wine in the center. Further into the room, there was a large wooden desk with various candles and papers strewn about. There was a stained-glass representation of what appeared to be hell on the far wall.

Barbossa caught me inspecting the room and said, "If I'd known there was goin' to be a lady comin', I would've cleaned the place up. But you've already been 'ere once before, 'aven't ya?"

It was then that I noticed Jocard staring me – and I mean thoroughly staring me. Jack noticed, too, and sent him a glare, but declined comment.

Jocard addressed me for the first time: "What's so special about you, girl?" His tone was flat as ever, but there was a depth of curiosity in his eyes.

I opened my mouth, but before I could give any sort of reply, Teague said, "She is uncommonly beautiful, would you not agree?"

Jocard looked far from convinced, but Barbossa abruptly ordered, "Sit," and everyone was forced to obey. I made sure to take the seat next to Jack and directly across from Teague. Barbossa was between Jocard and Jack, at the head of the table.

"Now," he began authoritatively, "What is it that can be expected from the voyage to Atlantis?"

His question was directed at Jack, but it was Jocard who answered, "There is a creature," he began without any trace of emotion, "that we must first overcome."

"What sort of creature?" Jack questioned unenthusiastically.

"They call it the Leviathan," he replied.

"Aye, I've 'eard of it," Teague added. "It's a sort of sea serpent."

"Yes," Jocard confirmed.

"And what do ye mean by 'overcome'?" Barbossa demanded.

"The goal is not to slay the beast," he began, "but to subdue it."

"And how did ye manage that last time?" Jack asked.

Jocard smirked and stared directly at me. "Unfortunately, I then had a luxury that none of us have now."

"Namely?" Barbossa interrogated, his eyes half-lidded in irritation.

"There may be other ways, but I do not know of them. I had a mermaid," Jocard continued with a sort of furtive delight.

Jack reacted so quickly that I hardly had time to process Jocard's words. "Say," he started feverishly, "Hypothetically speaking, of course, that one of us could procure said specimen. Then what?" At that moment, it was clear that everyone knew what I was. However, no one chose to acknowledge it aloud, and for that I was thankful.

"Well, from there it is still not so simple as one might think. I lost half my men before she was able to calm the beast. Her song will subdue it, but the creature attacks with its tail; the siren's song must be sung underwater."

"That's not so bad," Jack said hesitantly. I sent him a sidelong glance, my eyes wide. Not so bad? I thought hysterically. For this plan to work, I would have to reveal myself to four separate crews of possibly hostile men.

"Unless the mermaid is eaten in the process, you mean," Jocard continued, "Mermaids may be fearsome creatures, but they are nothing but girls compared to the Leviathan. If the mermaid is killed, all hope is lost. And then there's the possibility that she will simply swim away to save herself…"

Well, at least the last part wasn't an issue. But eaten? No thank you…

"Once one has subdued the Leviathan, then what?" I asked. I had completely forgotten that Jack had bid me not to speak, but it was too late. Everyone turned their attention towards me.

Somewhat taken aback, Jocard answered, "The route to Atlantis is not a pleasant one. The Leviathan is the only way, which is why it must not be killed."

I furrowed my brow in confusion. "How?" I asked.

"Its mouth," he stated.

"I'm sorry, did you say its mouth?" Jack demanded in repulsion and disbelief. From the looks on Teague and Barbossa's faces, they most certainly shared his sentiments.

"Yes. Surely you're all familiar with the tale of Jonah and the whale?" Jocard replied in amusement.

"Aye, but I'm not particularly keen on livin' it!" Barbossa snarled.

"No one is forcing you to go," Jocard reasoned, "You were the one who was most adamant about getting your ships."

"So that's what we'll do then, aye?" Teague finally cut in. "Ye ladies are actin' like a bunch of lily-livered pansies. I know fer a fact that Jack's been through worse, and Barbossa you're not exactly a delicate flower, are ye now? It's a sorry bunch of pirates, those who're afraid to get their boots wet."

Jack's and Barbossa's pride seemed to be sufficiently insulted by Teague's reprimanding, so both staying indignantly silent.

After several moments, I spoke. "So that's it, then. That's what we'll do."

Jocard smirked insolently at Jack and Barbossa. "The girl has more resolve than you do, it appears."

"Of course we'll do it," Jack snapped finally. "The Pearl will be mine again, and that's that. Doesn't mean I'm going to enjoy the process, though."

"Aye, that's what we'll do," Barbossa agreed, giving me a look that I did not entirely comprehend; it was halfway between fascination and mistrust.

"Good," Jocard said tersely, "But that is only the first step. The Atlantians are a civilized people in only the loosest sense… It will be difficult to gain their trust."

"Why do we need their trust?" Barbossa demanded. "I say we kill 'em all!" He banged his fist against the table for further emphasis.

Jocard gave him a condescending smile and continuing, "My friend, we will be grossly outnumbered. Diplomacy will be our only salvation. But leave that to me, I have dealt with them before," he said ambiguously. There was something in his tone that I didn't trust, but I chose to ignore it.

"What happened to the mermaid that you used before?" I questioned suddenly.

He raised his eyebrows at my audacity to address him in such a direct manner, but simply replied, "She lived."

That was all I really needed to know.

"Well then," Jack said, standing abruptly, "Now that we have our strategy sufficiently mapped out, I think it's time that we part ways. Until tomorrow, gentlemen." He removed his hat and fell into a sweeping bow, before striding out the door; he wanted to leave before they asked him about the ritual of restoring the ships. I followed him loyally, but only before hearing Barbossa mutter, "Showy bastard," under his breath. I smirked, because it was true.

Once back on the Jewel, I followed Jack to his cabin.

"They all know what I am, now," I hissed unhappily.

"Me dad and Jocard already knew it, I'd wager. Plus, if it makes ye feel better, nothing was verbally acknowledged and therefore any accusations can rightfully be disputed," he said, waving me off.

"Not after tomorrow, they won't be," I insisted.

He spun around on his heel and cornered me against the closed door. I started having flashbacks to one of our earlier encounters. "Indeed, that is regrettable, but unavoidable. It seems you were right about your presence being useful, after all…"

"Not useful in a way that I hoped it would be," I lamented.

"You're scared." It was a statement, not a question.

"And rightfully so!"

"Perhaps. But are you afraid of the monster or the men?"

"Men can be monsters too," I deadpanned.

He smirked. "Well-phrased, love. But you need not fear my crew."

"I fear Barbossa above all," I said.

He cocked his head to the side and viewed me with genuine curiosity. "Why?"

"He is naturally cruel."

"That may be, but he is not stupid and he is not – I can't believe I'm going to say this – he's not evil."

While I remained silent, I was not fully convinced. Perhaps Jack was right – Barbossa did let me go in Tortuga, after all. Things could have turned out much worse.

Jack ceased trying to read my thoughts and began to walk away from me.

"There is something you should know about the spell, Jack," I said without moving from my position against the door.

"Oh?" was his nonchalant reply. He took a seat at his desk and began scribbling something. "Do tell," he said disinterestedly.

"If I die," I began tentatively, "If I die, the spell is not broken. You will still be in love with me. But if you die, I will be released."

Several beats of silence passed. "And you're telling me this because…?"

"Because I may die tomorrow. And if so… Well, it will be hard for you, I imagine. For the rest of your life, you will still be bound to me…"

"I'll keep that in mind," he replied dryly without looking up.

I finally gathered the courage to approach him and sauntered over to his desk. I slid behind his chair and wrapped my arms around his shoulders; his body went rigid and his quill froze mid-word.

He cleared his throat. "You should probably get to bed," he stated uncomfortably.

"Why don't you join me," I purred.

I heard him emit some sort of strangled groan from the back of his throat. "That's a horrible idea."

"Is it?" I continued, my lips millimeters from his ear, "This may be our last night together."

"It will certainly be our last night under this damned spell," he muttered.

"Perhaps not, if I die…"

He pushed his chair back, so I was forced to release him; he stood to face me and I saw that his brow was knitted in vexation. "You shouldn't talk like that," he scolded, his tone distant.

"You only say that because you know it's true," I countered sadly.

He met my gaze, as if pleading with me to leave him alone. He looked like a caged animal. "Cassiopeia…"

I took a bold step forward; the tension between us was practically palpable. Here we were, in the late hours of the night, alone, in his bedchambers, on the eve of a journey that we might not survive. "Yes?" I whispered innocently.

"Please…"

Before any further interaction could occur, he took both of his hands and pulled my face to his, pressing his lips to mine. I had to admit, I was surprised by his forwardness. He absolutely poured himself into the kiss, much more so than he'd done before. His will had finally broken. It's about damn time, I thought wryly. I made quick work of his jacket and dragged him towards his unmade bed by the lapels of his waistcoat. After fumbling with the buttons, I got him down to his shirt and then moved on to his multiple belts and sash. Meanwhile, he was peppering kisses along my neck and jaw line, clearly entrenched in his own lust. Jack was indisputably intelligent, but he was also impulsive. I knew I had to work fast and take advantage of this momentary lapse in judgment, otherwise he might realize what he was doing.

It was almost as if he sensed my misgivings. Suddenly, he grabbed my shoulders and held me firmly at arm's-length. "We can't…" he warned. His voice was far-away and his eyes were clouded; this protest was naught but a weak, final attempt at sanity.

Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I switched positions with him and very nearly shoved him down onto the bed. I pinned him down and straddled his waist on sheer instinct, only vaguely shocked by my own aggressiveness. My true, predatory nature was coming forth, I supposed.

"Shut up," I mumbled indistinctly. Without further ado, I resumed ridding him of his numerous layers of clothing. It didn't take long for his resolution to crumble.

A/N: Please review, guys! This is my most-subscribed story, but it has proportionally the fewest reviews! I'd really love to hear your opinions :)