After everything else, Jack was grabbed by the Quartermaster and forced into the Captain's Cabin, with Blackbeard following. The zombified pirate stabbed a knife into his shirt, effectively pinning him against the bulkhead.

Once done, he walked away and closed the door behind him; allowing Blackbeard to be left alone with his 'guest'. The talk, surprisingly, was quite civilised between them; thanks to Jack's smart mouth.

Using his charm and years of bargaining, he managed to have a less violent talk with the notorious captain but he was forced into something he could not escape. That damn rumour that had started it all seemed to be the death of him.

Why? One would ask.

Because someone had whispered that Jack himself had found the Fountain of Youth, the place where one could gain immortality by drinking from the special and sacred waters. That was what Blackbeard was after and now, he wanted Jack to lead him there.

If Jack had indeed stepped into that fountain, he would gladly lead him there if it meant saving his skin. However, he never did but for the sake of keeping his head intact; he had to pretend and go with the flow.

Good thing that he was a master at improvising or simply going ahead without a plan and somehow surviving until the end.

However, there was one thing that he needed to make clear; perhaps would be the very same thing that could help him change the tides in his favour.

"To warn you. Regarding your First Mate, who pretends to be persons she is not." She said, earning his attention.

"Do tell." He ordered.

"She is not your daughter. What she is, is evil. More to be feared than a wild beast. Hungry wild beast; from hell...Vengeful, hungry, from hell. Beast. And wild." He said, trying to find what other words he could use to describe Angelica, in a way that would make Blackbeard believe him.

His plan, however, did not seem to truly wish to work in his favour.

"You speak thusly of my olesh and blood?" Blackbeard asked when suddenly, he pulled a deadlock straight out of Jack's hair. He then took the knife from which Jack had freed himself and started to see the dread.

He moved back to his desk.

Jack, curious as ever, tried to peek over his shoulder; only to see a Jack Sparrow voodoo doll. The chest was made of wood and so was the head, while the doll also wore beads and had a red bandana with dreadlocks woven in as hair. The doll's face was drawn on, a fair caricature of Jack, looking shocked.

"Sir. The woman is consummate in the art of deception." Jack said, trying to reason with him. "I know. I taught her. Though I cannot claim credit for her abundance of natural talent –" he came to a halt, when Blackbeard spoke again.

"Angelica. My daughter. The one good and true thing I have done in this world. And you claim to have corrupted her?" he asked Jack, glancing at him above his shoulder.

"But it was so easy."

Suddenly, the door was pushed open as Angelica entered the room, with Artemis not so far behind her. Unaware to the two men, the two women had eavesdropped from the other side of the door; both curious but also worried about what Blackbeard would do to Jack.

" Father?" Angelica said, taking a few more steps in while Artemis remained by the door. "Oh, good. He's still alive." She continued, upon noticing that Jack was alive and in one piece.

Artemis, who also noticed, let out a small sigh of relief that was barely visible. She was truly worried for a moment that Jack would be killed or seriously harmed because simply Blackbeard was not like anyone they had ever faced before.

Smart talk and charming words would not work on him, and neither would lying. He had terrifying power that he could unleash in a lot of different ways to cause harm or even death, without anyone ever expecting it.

When you were with him, it was as if balancing on a very thin shit of ice that had cracks on it. Each step was crucial for if you dared to step the wrong way or add more pressure than you should, the ice would break and you would fall into the icy cold waters that would kill you quickly; drowning you from the life you once had.

On cue, Blackbeard took the voodoo doll and cut a half circle into its chest. Jack winced in pain but tried his best to hide it.

"No need to hurt him, Father. He will help. Won't you, Jack?" Angelica continued, glancing at Jack.

"Do you see? Even now, she attends to your welfare. Giving lies to the claims you make of her." Blackbeard said and he made a final downward slash.

Jack opened up his shirt, quickly and almost paled at what he saw. On his chest there was a bloody cut, an upside-down half-circle with a downward stroke, creating a pitchfork-shaped upside-down cross.

He swallowed the lump in his throat, realizing what kind of dark magic was involved here. He did not answer Angelica's question and Blackbeard decided to pressure him just a little bit more.

He dangled the Voodoo Doll over a candle flame and soon, it started to smoulder. "Put another way. If I dunnot arrive there in time - neither will you."

Jack loosened his collar as he started to sweat, a lot. He tried to distract himself from it and his eyes looked at Artemis, who was mentally begging him to reply and save himself from all that torture.

However, before he did; something else got his attention. A figure towered behind her and Jack recognised that it was the supposed dead Cook, only that he had been zombified like the others.

Jack looked at Blackbeard. "I'll have a look-see at those charts, straight away, if you don't mind." He said and the captain pulled the doll away from the fire.

"Good," he said and then glanced at Artemis. "Navigator, make sure to be with him while he works with the charts" he ordered.

"As you wish, Captain"

Jack was relieved for a moment, more than happy to be dismissed and away from Blackbeard. Being with Artemis once again, made him even happier and he knew that he would manage to find a way and talk to her about everything.

"Tomorrow" Blackbeard suddenly said, making everyone look at him. "I have another word to speak with Jack. Tomorrow, he will look at the charts" he said.

No more was needed to be said for everyone to understand that he dismissed everyone else but Jack. Artemis was the first to leave the cabin, stealing another glance at Jack with a look that said 'I am sorry', although he was not sure for what exactly she was apologizing for.

Her view of Jack was interrupted by Angelica, who moved past her and towards her cabin. She was not in the best of mood after everything and she felt the need to simply stay alone, drink and sleep.

Perhaps throw her knife at a Wanted Jack Sparrow poster that she had pinned on the wooden wall of her cabin, filling it with holes from her knife each time she was angry at him or generally angry.

Jack watched them go and the door closed behind them, leaving him once again alone with Blackbeard. Now, with the voodoo doll in the captain's hand, Jack felt cold sweat down his back upon realizing how delicate the situation suddenly was.

"What more do you wish to speak with me about, Captain?" he asked, trying not to chase his luck more than he should, especially now.

Blackbeard placed the doll on his desk, his back turned to the famous pirate that would be his key to finding the Fountain of Youth.

"A mere warning, Jack," he said, his voice heavy and his tone making his hair stand on end in warning. "Do not try to reclaim what you lost. Artemis belongs to me now and there is no changing that"

Jack was confused for a moment, wondering how he came up to that conclusion and even made him question; just how much did Blackbeard know about him?

"I am afraid I do not understand what you mean," he said, trying to play it clueless and prevent himself from falling into any trap that would make him give away things he did not want to.

Blackbeard glanced at him above his shoulder while his one hand was gently placed upon the voodoo doll, making Jack gulp. Slowly, the older man turned to face him and Jack could not remember the last time he felt so nervous.

"I know of your voyages with her, 20 years ago" he started, taking his time to speak and simply letting Jack hang from every single word coming from his lips. "You had no idea what you owned...of what power lies within her...many searches for years to get what she hides..." he explained and pulled something from his pocket.

Jack immediately recognised it, being the same shell necklace that Artemis had around her neck. She never truly told him much about it but she had mentioned Tia Dalma or better say Calypso; being the reason behind her.

He knew that Artemis never truly took that off, so he wondered how he had gotten his hand off it. He did not say anything at first and simply watched him as he placed it in a small chest, along with many other trinkets.

"Stay clear of what is mine, Jack, or that mark on your chest will be the least of your worries," he said and with a motion of his hand, made it clear that he was dismissed.


Two days had passed since that night when the Cook was killed and brought back as a Zombie, and Jack found out the power that Blackbeard had over him and his life. Those past two days he had been studying the charts, under the watchful eye of Artemis.

He did not dare to truly talk to her, Blackbeard's words clear in his mind. On top of that, Angelica had made it a habit to come often and observe as well, ask if there was any breakthrough or take Artemis' place when she had to do something.

It made it hard for him to be close to her, wishing to do so far more but he knew he couldn't. Not with everyone watching them like a hawk but that did not mean that he was not going to plan it.

Thankfully, the pirate he had first befriended on his first day on Queen Anne's Revenge, Scrum, was always willing to help him and he knew exactly how he could use it.

The night of the third day, Jack had it all ready and simply waited; for he knew Artemis would make her way across the deck to go her usual place at the crow's nest.


Upon emerging on the deck, Artemis was surprised to find Jack standing and waiting for her. He had a bottle of wine in one hand and there were two glasses placed on a nearby barrel. A circle of lanterns had been placed to give a nice warm glow into the darkness of the night.

The redhead was surprised by the gesture and for a moment, she looked around in case anyone could see. His chance to show off was almost ruined when the deck pitched and rolled, causing the glasses to slide to the edge of the barrel.

However, Jack deftly caught them in time and turned to face her, his signature smirk forming on his lips.

"Hello, Lassie. Come. A drink." He said and she could not help but smile faintly, amused by the little improvised stunt but also moved by his actions.

He tossed one glass at her and she caught it midair with ease, just as he turned to nod to Scrum; who started to play a Spanish tune on his Mandola.

The choice of music impressed her and she looked at him, memories coming back from her first year on top of the pearl. "Wine, lanterns and Spanish music...aren't you romantic," she said, slowly feeling her guard dropping ever so slightly, for a moment thinking she was back at the Pearl.

"I believe those were the exact words you told me back then," Jack said as he started to pour his glass of wine.

Both of them referred to one specific adventure they had, a few months before the disaster with the black mark happened.

They had found a harbour in a small town, occupied by Spanish colonizers. It was a rich little city, with lots of gold and people walking around in fancy outfits. Jack had a crazy plan to steal a fancy suit and wig, before breaking into the mayor's house and stealing valuable jewels.

At the same time, the crew would create chaos across the city to distract the guards and even loot a few businesses. The problem was, that Jack had to be inside the house and at that time; a ball had been held.

Thankfully for him, Artemis knew many dances and wearing a dress; had become his partner. They had infiltrated the party and while everyone was running around during the attack, the two of them had sneaked away and had taken anything of value they could find.

It was one of their most successful land raids and the crew had one of their best time once they all returned to Tortuga and sold what they had obtained.

He filled her glass as well, allowing both to take a sip as the music kept playing. Artemis smirked behind her glass, remembering the good times as she took a few sips of her wine.

"You had the chance to approach me for 3 days, Jack and you didn't. For you to do it now, despite the risks, you want something" she said, easily reading through him.

I want a lot of things from you, mostly I want you, Jack said in his mind, noticing how her blue eye reflected the light of the lanterns and seemed to be such a deep shade of blue that was almost inhumane.

Remaining in control, he extended his one hand like a gentleman. "For now, this dance, m'lady."

Somehow, Jack had timed his request with the roll of the deck. Artemis lost her balance and she quickly ended up in his arms. Her free arm went around his neck for support as he easily held her, their face closer than before.

For a moment, being in his arms made her forget everything else and just focus on him and them. On top of the Queen Anne's Revenge, beneath the moon, anchored in a rolling sea, just the two of them dancing on the swaying deck.

She looked deeply into his brown eyes, having missed them so much and only having them as a memory at the back of her head. Her chest heaves faintly and her lips parted slightly, wishing to do far more than just stare at him.

Jack seemed to have a similar look, clearly wanting more. For 20 years she had tortured his mind, his touch and his lips leaving burning ghost marks on him as if she was still present. No other woman could ever compare to her, none could satisfy the flame that burnt within his heart.

However, he remained patient. He knew he had to tiptoe carefully around everything and he remained with his plan, taking personal joy in having him in his arms once again. He savoured each second the two of them could be together again, with no one and nothing else to disturb or separate them.

He effortlessly spun her back into the rigging, following the sway of the ship. He allowed the sudden change of gravity to guide him straight into her arms as if she had pulled him.

She could not help but be amused by his tricks as she held him but she could not help and glance around.

Jack seemed to understand and he decided to play along. "Here? With Blackbeard on board? We'll have to be very quiet."

She could not help but roll her eyes at his antique, feeling the need to just drop him there. Yet, a small ghost smirk formed on her lips as she lifted him She let him guide her into an elegant slow dance, the Spanish music in the background merely a guide as for a moment they relieved that party.

Artemis looked deep into his eyes, the smile still there but her mind was still ruled by the logical part of it, her heart long locked to protect it over the years. Although, with Jack present, she could feel that lock cracking and threatening to break apart the more he was around her.

"Cards on the table, Jack, including that one up your sleeve." She said, wishing to know what his brilliant mind had come up with, knowing well enough to know that he already had one.

Jack started to lead her back with slow steps, his face a little closer to hers. He was dead serious as he stared her down, having the same dangerous calmness as he did when she confessed her past with Beckett.

"The truth? You're going to get yourself killed, and I'm not inclined to stand by and watch, lassie" he confessed, making her gaze turn softer.

"You can't rescue me, Jack," she said, her eyes glancing down momentarily. "Only when Blackbeard dies, can we all be free and I do not know when that will happen" she confessed, looking up at him once again.

Jack hated to see her so defeated, having given up on what she once fought so hard for. He truly wished he could just take her far away, find a ship and continue what they once dreamt of; with no one else stopping them.

"What has he done to you, lassie?" he asked, their pace slowing down as his one hand was placed on her cheek, his other leaving the glass on a nearby barrel.