Apologies for disappearing for a year... Life just sucked the creativity out of me for a while. But this story has been in the back of my mind the entire time, and it is now complete! I wrote majority of this in the last 24 hours after sitting on the first 1k words for at least half a year. Surprisingly, I was able to wrap it up pretty quickly but I apologize if there's a lot of errors. I just don't have the will to proof read it. Enjoy!
Wind howled as waves slammed against the ship, rain pelting down on everyone and everything. Added to the yells and stomps of crew members, the deck of the Flying Dutchman was chaotic. Lena hardly knew where to look as she peered over Jacks' shoulder, trying to see through the storm as rain blinded her.
Cautious as they stepped out, it was almost too good to be true that they weren't already surrounded. Jack pivoted to take in the view behind them, but came to an abrupt stop as his eyes landed on Jones.
"Lookie here, boys. Some lost birds." Lena flinched as she spun around, eyes wide as they landed on Davy Jones as he walked down the steps behind them. "Lost birds that never learned to fly." As his words drew attention, several crew members joined the scene, watching as their captain faced Jack.
"To my great regret," Jack admitted flippantly. Trying to put distance between them, Jack shifted on his feet, stepping towards the railing as his brown eyes glanced between Lena and Jones. "But, never too late to learn, eh?" Chest in hand, he swung it towards the rope by his side and in a flurry of movements, the chest was suddenly flying through the air, landing on the mast with Jack following.
Cursing under her breath, Lena shuffled back, gripping her sword as she locked eyes with Jack. Whatever half-formed plan he had, he was on his own. And that would leave her to fend off her own problems. Nothing seemed to be going to plan that day.
In an instant, Jack was airborne, landing on the masts with Davy Jones quick to follow. She didn't know what would be worse, up there in the rain, trying to both balance and battle over the chest, or to be in her current spot with multiple sets of eyes on her.
With little time to think, Lena dashed through the first opening she saw, barely evading a sword as she shifted and raised her sword, blocking the next swing that came her way. With at least three men closing in on her, it seemed the rest went on to focus on other tasks, be that preparing to board the Pearl or fight off others that were swinging across to the Dutchman.
As another sword swung down, a clawed hand swiped at her, pushing her back farther as she stumbled out of it's reach, wincing as the tell-tale sting started on her forearm. A glance down was all she had time for as she took the wound. At least it wouldn't hinder her much as the rain mixed away some of the blood seeping out.
Each step and swing was made that much harder as she struggled to grip her sword, feet sliding on the slick deck. The bang of cannon fire filled the air just moments before part of the railing off to her left shattered into pieces, sending Lena colliding with the ground. Despite what would surely be a bruise on her hip, it seemed luck was on her side as she had one less opponent to worry about. Picking herself up, her back was pressed against the railing, the Pearl behind her.
Cannon fire, splintering wood, and the clang of metal was almost overwhelming as she glanced around the Dutchman once more. While more crew members from the Pearl were coming over, she was still vastly outnumbered. Her plans had to change. Jack was nowhere to be seen, most likely hidden still in the masts. If he truly went through with his plan to captain the Dutchman, she didn't think she would be there to see him take that step.
The storm had a mind of its own, raging its own battle against the ships as the swirling water continues pulling them towards the center. But that pull finally got the better of them as one strong pull sent them tipping into each other.
Her path appeared just as a crew member from the Black Pearl swung over, landing with a hard collision against one of the fish men. The second his rope left his hand, she launched herself onto the railing and grabbed the rope. With one firm push to her feet, she swung across the gap. The water was raging beneath her but she paid it little attention as she blocked out the idea of how that death would feel. There was no time for such thoughts.
Only a moment passed as she landed on the Pearl before she found herself in the next battle.
With her feet firmly planted on the deck of the Black Pearl, Lena had only moments to catch her breath before she was pulled into the next battle, literally, as an arm jerked her off balance. Swinging her head around, she raised her arm just in time to block a blow before she pushed the enemy away. A quick movement out the corner of her eye as she caught a familiar crew member moving away to the next fight. He was surely the one to thank for saving her head but it wouldn't be now.
The deafening rain wasn't letting up and she had no idea how long she had been fighting anymore. It seemed like it would only be a matter of time before fatigue or the storm finally won over everyone. There was a dangerous tilt to the ship that was hard to ignore no matter what she did. Even if she didn't look over the edge of the ship, she knew they were getting closer and closer to the center of the maelstrom.
And if the storm wasn't enough to worry about, Lena was trying her hardest not to worry about what was happening aboard the other ship. Jack was most likely still engaged in battle with Davy Jones and she had seen no sign of Elizabeth or Will since switching ships. Barbossa was still near the helm so not everyone was missing but it was still worrisome.
Time continued on around her. Step. Swing. Guard. Dodge. Countless combinations of those moves was the only way she managed to steadily move across the ship.
Out the corner of her eye, she noticed the sudden gap between the Dutchman and the Pearl. There was no going back now. Snapping her head around in alarm, she zeroed in on Barbossa as he steered the ship out of the maelstrom, pushing through the currents that threatened to pull the ship under.
Panic set in as she looked back towards where she last saw Jack before pushing through anyone in her way as she veered towards the helm.
"Barbossa! Jack is still on that ship. We can't pull out now!"
"Then ye'd rather we all go down?" He asked sarcastically, barely glancing at her. "I've no intention of ending up on the ocean floor, but be my guest."
Lacking any argument or ability to change his mind, Lena could do nothing else but turn as she ran towards the railing, hanging on as the deck rocked violently against the changing direction. The Flying Dutchman, despite all the power it represented against the ocean, was going down, plunging into the center of the storm.
Her chest tightened as she flashed to the last time she watched Jack go down with a ship. It couldn't happen again. So much work had to be done before she got him back, but would luck be on her side enough for it to happen a second time.
This couldn't be it. Jack surely had a plan of escape if his previous plan didn't work.
If… She could hardly wrap her head around the idea of his plan actually working. What if things did go as planned. What if Jack somehow was immortal now? Anything could have happened since they parted.
She let out a shaky breath as she looked towards the sky, struggling to see any signs of life through the storm. Though it was slowly starting to clear, the rain and clouds blocked nearly everything from view.
So she waited. Waited and watched for the first sign of hope. And then she saw it.
A dark spot appeared in the sky, drifting in the wind before finally falling into the ocean.
From the roar of noise and movement surrounding her, she wasn't imagining things.
It just had to be Jack. It had to be.
The waiting was agonizing as the Pearl moved closer to the form, a form that let her finally breathe out in relief.
Jack was there, swimming towards the ship with Elizabeth right behind him.
"Jack!" She cried out, choking on his name as her throat tightened, tears pooling in her eyes. He barely made it onto the ship before she launched herself at him, tripping a crew member in the process.
Cold and soaking wet, Lena hardly cared as she felt him in her hands, felt his heart beating against her.
And he had the nerve to chuckle at her as he tightened his own grip on her and pressed a fleeting kiss to her head.
Lena glared at him. Yet again, she was stuck worrying about him and her fear amused him. She had some choice words for him.
But they would have to wait as Gibbs came up to them.
"Jack, the armada's still out there, the Endeavour's coming up hard to starboard, and I think it's time we embraced that oldest and noblest of pirate traditions," he suggested as he brought the captain up to speed on what was happening.
Honestly, Lena needed it too. She had forgotten they were still in the middle of a war after being focused on fighting and then finding Jack. Things weren't over yet. In fact, it could still be early into the battle. Just thinking about it made her feel every ounce of exhaustion that weighed on her muscles.
"Never actually been one for tradition," Jack said and no one could really argue against that. Not waiting for anyone to cry, Jack continued with commands. "Close haul her. Luff the sails and lay on iron!"
"Belay that, or we'll be a sitting duck." Barbossa cut in, making his stand against what Jack was planning, which Lena couldn't help but silently agree with in a way. She always trusted Jack's plans, even when there wasn't a plan, but it would be nice to know what he was thinking before they jumped head first into what seemed to be their demise.
"Belay that 'belay that.'" Jack countered.
"But captain," Gibbs began.
"Belay!"
"The armada'" Gibbs tried again.
"Belay!"
"The Endeavour."
"Belay!"
"But we…"
On it went between Jack and Gibbs before Jack finally had enough, snapping as he turned his full attention on his first mate. "Stow. Shut it!"
With that final command, Gibbs stepped back and silently took his place as he followed through with Jack's order silently.
A moment passed as Lena looked between the crew and Jack. A nervous energy could be felt on deck as they steered towards the Endeavor. That same energy was seeping into her as well, contagious as she considered who was aboard that ship; who they were nearing.
"Jack," she called softly, eyes reflecting her worry as he looked back at her. "Please tell me what the plan is."
What he saw on her face, she didn't know, but for once she was actually going to get a straight answer. "Davy Jones is dead. The Dutchman has a new captain and if luck is on our side and the timing is right, the Endeavor is going to get quite a surprise when it resurfaces with William at the helm."
Lena's eyes widened as she processed his words then glanced over her shoulder at where Elizabeth stood. The distracted way she worked on her tasks made sense now.
"Will is the captain of the Dutchman?" As if she needed extra confirmation. "What… how? After everything you planned, I assumed…" she trailed off, unsure how to piece her thoughts together. She assumed the only outcome was with Davy Jones still in command or Jack taking his place. Will certainly didn't seem like someone that would want the role.
"I'll tell you later. Right now, we have cannons to ready and a ship to wait for."
Knowing he was right, she let it go and focused on the task at hand. But even that came to an end eventually.
Now, they waited.
It was an overwhelming scene in front of her. The Endeavor sat in front of the armada, countless ships lining the horizon but no one dared move or breath yet.
Out in the distance the water's surface shifted, drawing attention to the chaos of the waves. Then, crashing through from below, the Flying Dutchman appeared as the water parted, pouring down around it.
All were now accounted for. It was time.
"Full canvas!" Jack shouted, followed by Barbossa echoing the command. And a burst of life took over the deck as the sails dropped, catching the wind.
The Pearl and the Dutchman began moving forward, course seemingly set on each other as the Endeavor made its way towards their central meeting point. And when they met, it would be over.
Glancing at the ships in the distance, her eyes never strayed for long before they landed once again on the Endeavor. He was there, she knew it. And she was just going to watch as they carried out the plan.
Lena struggled to even out her breathing as she pushed herself back suddenly, the need to move all consuming as the the Pearl shifted suddenly, flanking the side of the Endeavor. She could see them now, enemy sailors were taking up their posts as they awaited commands that seemed to never come.
The world around her was merely a buzz in the background despite the yelling, despite the cannon fire and the splintering wood and screams that filled the air. It all washed away as her eyes landed on the familiar figure she shared her blood with. Even from a distance, she would recognize him anywhere, and she could already tell what he was thinking. She could see it clearly in her mind, the anger and betrayal that was held on his face just for her.
Lena stumbled back again, tripping over her feet as she crashed into a crew member. Hands briefly settled on her, righting her and mumbling words, but she hardly noticed. She was watching her father be sent to the grave. He was cruel, ruthlessly hunting her, but she wasn't like him.
All at once, the world snapped into focus again with deafening sound. Explosions from cannons drowned out nearly everything, but she still caught the cries as she watched men jump ship, choosing to risk the sea over the Endeavor as it splintered, cracked, and burned under the never-ending fire from both sides as the Dutchman fired from the other side.
Heart pounding against her chest, she continued shuffling back until she stood against the mast, pressed against it as she stared in a daze at the ship and where she last saw her father. Perhaps it was a blessing that she lost sight of him, but her eyes didn't waver from where she last saw him until there was nothing left to see.
The Endeavor was no more.
Shouting once again filled the area. Cheers surrounded her as the crew all celebrated their victory. Familiar faces were smiling and laughing, pointing out at the fleeing armada. But Lena was hardly a part of it.
Her eyes flickered once more to the stern of the ship where she could see the debris floating in the water through the smoke rising from the still burning pieces.
Her eyes flickered once more to the stern of the ship where she could see the debris floating in the water through the smoke rising from the still burning pieces. Looking out only left an empty feeling in her, unsure what to do or feeling. Joining the celebration just didn't feel like an option. But she was free. Her father wouldn't be a threat to her life anymore. After living with that weight for the entirety of her time at sea, it was odd to think that she wouldn't have to look over her shoulder every time a navy ship appeared.
She sighed as she pulled her eyes away from the wreck.
"You're missing all the fun."
Startled, Lena jumped as she looked at Jack, and hand to her chest. Taking in his carefree stance and the bottle of rum in hand, he looked as he always did. For such a huge victory, she expected to see something else in his eyes. But he was just Jack. And that thought gave her more relief than she ever would have expected. "Perhaps my idea of fun is a little different than everyone else's." she said with a shrug, voice dropping away as she looked at the crew halfheartedly.
"Lucky for you, I'm an expert at all types of fun," Jack said with a suggestive grin as he closed the distance between them. "First thing first, rum." He held the bottle in front of Lena, waiting until she reluctantly grabbed it and took a quick sip. Satisfied for now, Jack slung an arm over her shoulder and spun them both around to look out at the clear ocean over the port side of the ship. "Now we celebrate. To freedom and to the next adventure. Sound good?"
Freedom and adventure at Jack's side always sounded good. Lena peered up at him, a small smile finally lighting up her face as she settled into his side. "Of course."
"Good, because we have new plans to figure out once I get rid of a certain false captain that keeps trying to take my ship."
Lena rolled her eyes, shoving him lightly with her hip. "Barbossa isn't that bad. But fair enough. It'll be nice to have the usual crew again with a usual adventure."
Jack hummed as he took another gulp of rum. "For now. But after that, we have bigger adventures still. Immortality's still out there, waiting."
Lena gave a true smile then as she leaned forward and looked at the sea. There was always a bigger adventure out there with bigger rewards. She wasn't sure any of it would pan out, after all, this one didn't either. But she would see where they ended up. Whether it was one lifetime or many, she would stick by Jack's side. "Lead the way."
The hours were ticking by quickly as things settled and new plants were made. Lena left Jack to his duties as captain, choosing to take some time to process things on her own after learning exactly what happened on the other ship. Yet during this quiet time, she found herself beside Elizabeth. But time wasn't moving quickly as they stood side by side, an awkward silence between them.
So much had shifted in their dynamic over the years. No matter what she told herself, the mistrust was constantly at the back of her mind when she saw Elizabeth. Their shared history may have kept her close to an extent, but it only went so far. Each of their lives were drastically different compared to their time in Port Royal.
"It seems like things are almost ready and you can meet up with Will soon." An island stood not far from the ship, and once they parted ways, there was no telling if or when they would meet up again.
"Seems so," Elizabeth agreed, equal parts longing and sadness. "The life I imagined is so different from what I have now… But I have an idea of what I'll do next. After all, who would expect the Pirate King to go back to a completely quiet life. At least, not a life like we had before all this. But there is time to figure all that out."
Lena nodded, trying to imagine what she may have meant. "I hope things work out for you and Will, in whatever way it can work out." All things considered, it wouldn't be the fairytale ending they were originally moving towards.
"And I hope things work out for you and Jack. For all the doubt I've had about your relationship. For all the trouble I've caused as well. Again, I'm truly sorry." She paused as she looked at Lena, considering her next words and if she wanted to share them. If she could be considered enough of a friend to have the right to say them. "Honestly, it seems I couldn't apologize enough to make up for what I've done to you. I can tell you have been struggling some, and I realize I most likely caused all of that."
"That's true," Lena reluctantly agreed, fists clenched as she looked down. "For every memory we have together that makes me want to forgive you, there is another memory that I will never forget now." Looking up, she paused as the silence settled between them, a quietness to her words. "It's something I don't know how to get past."
Unable to say much else, the two simply stayed side by side, the shift impossible to ignore yet impossible to acknowledge.
Days passed after Elizabeth's departure, and then they were back in Tortuga. Scattered throughout the town, the crew left to their own devices. Some, leaving long term, others with the intention of returning to the Pearl. But it was a break everyone looked forward to.
Despite her usual displeasure with the port town, it was whole welcomed this time around. Lena found the familiar rowdiness almost like a welcome home as she laughed at a man who just stumbled passed them, oblivious to how close he had come to knocking into Jack. Of course, Jack was less than pleased after nearly dropping his drink.
"Forget about him," Lena urged as she guided him away from a possible scene. "We're here for a good time, aren't we? Well, aside from supplies. Let's just enjoy ourselves."
Sliding his eyes over her, Jack smirked as he tightened his hold on her shoulders. "How right you are. And I happen to know the perfect establishment for a good time."
"Absolutely not," she shot down, already imagining what he meant based on the look in his eyes. "I'm not going to any questionable buildings just for some alone time."
"I happen to know quite the reputable establishment, thank you very much. Highest standards in all of Tortuga. You'll love it."
Lena scoffed as she looked at him. "Yes, except the highest standards in Tortuga are still very low. I have no intention of catching some sort of illness while here due to poor cleaning standards."
"Fine, fine. We'll save that for the ship," Jack conceded, "But! You're still coming with me to another place I have in mind. Heard it's got a new owner and the best drinks in town." Without waiting for an agreement, Jack pushed her farther into town and after a few more turns, came to their intended destination.
Lena was very confused as she looked at the building in front of her. On one hand, it did seem to be relatively clean. On the other hand, that would be because they probably didn't sell alcohol. "I don't believe you'll find drinks at a bakery."
Jack looked dumbfounded as he stared at the building as well, though Lena could swear that was something off about him. "Guess not. Could have sworn they said this was the place." He shrugged as he nodded towards the door. "How about we grab a bite then find the next place for a drink?"
"Since when are you interested in bakeries?" Lena asked with suspicion. "I have never seen you order any sort of baked good unless a drink was coming with it."
"Broadening my horizons then. Could've sworn you liked them at least."
"I do, but-"
"Then in we go!" Jack shouted, cutting her off as he pushed her into the bakery.
Immediately, dough and spices filled her lungs as she took a deep breath. While it still showed signs of Tortuga, such as the trail of dirt and unnamed sticky residue by the doorway, overall it was still a bakery. It smelled delicious and Lena quickly caved to his strange behavior, hoping the food was just as good as it smelled.
They quickly ordered and sat down at one of the few tables that lingered inside the quiet room.
Lena smiled as she took a bite of her pastry, thrilled to have something fresh and not the stale bread they are often left with on the ship. "This is amazing, Jack."
"Glad you like it, love. Though I bet it'd be better with some ale or rum to wash it down."
"Later," she laughed, shaking her head at his pushiness. "Can't we simply relax for a few minutes?"
Grumbling as he leaned back in his chair, Jack looked around the room, though Lena couldn't help but smile to herself at how he might as well have been pouting.
"Fine, while we're sitting here. You can indulge me."
"With what?" she asked, eyebrow raised as she considered what crazy thoughts he may have in mind.
"With names of course."
"Names?" she echoed, confused yet again by his train of thought. She was starting to wonder if he had more to drink than she thought already. Nothing made sense with him today and it was still early. "What, does Captain Sparrow not have the right ring anymore?"
"No, no. For you. Now, there's the obvious names of course, but surely we can come up with something better! I've been thinking of a few new things to call you. Now you tell me what you think." It seemed Jack was not going to pause with this idea as he barreled on.
"Got the usual of course. Caroline. Lena. Love. But where's the fun in that? The classic Sweetheart? Or maybe Sweetcake, you do seem to like those pastries," he teased.
"Maybe not that," Lena laughed, a cheeky smile as she played along with his nonsense . "I am not a pastry."
"No, you are absolutely right. Should keep it proper for you," he laughed. "How 'bout My dearest. Or Darling?"
"How about we keep to the classics. There is nothing wrong with Lena, and I quite enjoy when you call me Love."
Jack nodded, but he still seemed quite interested in the topic and wasn't letting it go. "True enough, I do love the look in your eyes when I call out your name," he slyly winked as she blushed at his words. He leaned forward as he calmed down his teasing. "Lena it is then... Lena Sparrow. What do you think?"
Lena froze as she stared at him in astonishment, unsure how to process what he was saying. Surely he was joking. It just wasn't in his personality to suggest marriage.
He grinned as he watched the surprise take over.
So many emotions rushed through her as she considered his words. The elation was overwhelming but still, the little voice in the back of her mind couldn't be ignored. The surprised smile slowly fell as she looked at him. She wanted it, but did he want it as well?
"Well," she said quietly. "It is nice… But it's not my name. At least, not unless there was something you meant to ask as well."
After everything they went through, she had to be sure. This wasn't just a whim or some sudden idea. She needed to know it was more than that.
"Should have seen that coming," he muttered, undeterred by her words as he twisted suddenly in his chair and began searching through his coat. before he stood up and picked up his coat. "Who'd have guessed it'd be some proper lady that bewitched me," he smiled as he suddenly snapped his eyes back to her with a laugh. And his smile was enough to stop her thoughts as he held up a ring in front of her. The golden band shined in the light as the ruby atop it sparkled in the light. Stolen from who knows where, or lost who knows when, but it didn't matter at that moment. At some point in time, Jack had seen that ring and knew exactly what its future purpose was.
"You and me, taking on the world together. That's exactly what I want and everyone can know it. So what do you say? Will you marry me?"
Frozen in time, Lena could hardly breath as she glanced at the ring once more before looking back at Jack, trying to remember how to properly function through the rush she was feeling.
"Yes," she beamed. And then she pushed up and across the table, pulling Jack into a kiss that was impossible not to get lost in.
Eager as ever to return the favor, Jack kissed her back before pulling away long enough to stand up and puller her with him. A second later, he was kissing her madly, both grinning as she slid her hand behind his neck, pulling him closer still.
"What do you say we take this back to the ship?"
The ship that wasn't there.
They were on the dock. Definitely the spot where they had left the Black Pearl, and there even was Gibbs. But no Pearl.
In fact, the very opposite of the Pearl sat in its place. A dinghy, sitting there as a mockery to them.
"Why is it gone?" Jack looked around in annoyance, trying to will the person to blame to appear.
Sweeping her eyes over the water, Lena was reluctant to point it out as she spotted the familiar black sails moving away from them.
Anger building, Jack turned his attention to the sleeping Gibbs as he gripped a teddy bear, oblivious to the missing the ship that he was supposed to be watching. As he poured a beer over him, Gibbs sat up sputtering.
"Mr. Gibbs, any particular reason why my ship is gone?"
"The ship? We're on the ship," he said confused before he suddenly jerked awake. "Jack, the ship is gone!"
Before things could escalate, Lena stepped up to the two. "Yes, we know it's gone! Let's just figure out what we are going to do."
The longtime friends shared a knowing look, a plan already clear.
"Take what you can," Gibbs started.
"Give nothing back." Jack finished as he pulled Lena back to his side. There was a lot to do before they would be ready to leave Tortuga again. Luckily he had something that Barbossa and his miscreant crew would want. It's hard to chart a course for treasure without the center of said chart.
AN: I hope you enjoyed the end of this ride and thanks to those who stuck around to see it. I wanted to give Lena a little more of an ending since I don't think she'll see another story after this so I hope you enjoyed that little treat. And if she does see more adventure, it definitely won't be for a while. Honestly, after taking so long of a break, I can only hope that everyone was still in character. Let me know what you thought! Thanks!