Just a small note. As you can see in this chapter I will be adding in material that was deleted from the original movies. They will include some of the deleted scenes, as well as pieces that were included in the novelizations, used in the trailers (because let's be honest, "never mind, let's go" is so much better than "time to go"), and pieces that were mentioned in the commentaries. Also, for those familiar with them, I will be using some information from the spinoff novels. I have not read any of them (except a small piece of The Coming Storm and The Siren Song - which I do own, but have only read the mermaid stuff in it) but I use the POTC wiki as my guide and build from there. This well be most evident when we get into the mermaid mythology.

Anyways, enjoy the next chapter.

Birds of a Feather

The Curse of the Black Pearl

Chapter Four

Deal With an Unusual Devil

Will groaned as his eyes opened to the familiar sight of his bedroom's roof. What wasn't usual was Philip Swift asleep upright in a chair next to the bed, surrounded by a frankly absurd number of weapons.

He sighed and tried to shake Philip awake, the events of the previous night coming to Will in hazy pieces. Philip sleepily batted away his friend's hand, muttering for his uncle to please let him rest for but five more minutes. Then, like a bucket of ice water thrown in his face, Will remembered what happened to Elizabeth. Urgency flooded his body, and what was originally was a light shaking abruptly turned into Will accidentally shoving Philip right off that chair.

A hard SMACK on wooden, hay strewn floor was not Philip Swift's preferred method of being woken up.

"Alright, I'm awake, Uncle!" Philip groaned, pushing himself to sit upright. His eyes widened as they set on the weapons scattered about the small abode, "This isn't my room."

"No, it's mine."

Will grabbed Philip's arm, and yanked him to his feet with one mighty pull. In that moment, Philip couldn't blame his cousin for admiring the blacksmith's muscles as he felt the strength in his best friend's movements. He himself might have swooned if he was of that persuasion.

"We have to go now!" Will exclaimed.

"What? Why?" Philip frowned, his mind groggy and struggling to recall how he ended up having a sleepover with Will.

"We have to tell the Governor-"

"I'm sure he's probably figured I stopped by here last night and fell asleep before I got home." Philip cast a derisive look at the chair he had spent the night on, "Though honestly, Will. You could have found something better for me to sleep on. Maybe that's why I had such a strange dream last night. It was the queerest thing; I dreamt that Port Royal was attacked by pirates, and-"

He stopped when he saw the expression on Will's face.

Philip's eyes went wide, "We were attacked by pirates last night, weren't we?"

"Oh good," Will was busy arming himself for reasons beyond Philip's understanding. "You do remember."

"The pirates breached the Fort," Philip recalled how he had tricked two into the prison cells, and his heart hung heavy at what he had done. He was so distracted by his guilt that Philip didn't notice Will toss him his sword until it had smacked him in the face. He glared at Will as he fumbled to put it on his belt, but continued his story nonetheless. "Uncle had left it to see if Elizabeth and I were back at the Manor, and Groves sent men to help my uncle. I was going to go home myself, but I tripped over you in the street and brought you here to make sure you weren't dead. Goodness Holy Father, I must apologize. Uncle and Elizabeth will be worried sick about me."

Will froze, his sword half sheathed on his belt, "You mean… You don't know?"

Philip frowned, terror coursing through him as he studied the look on Will's face.

"...Know what?"

"They've taken her!" Will exclaimed as he and Philip bolted towards the Governor, Norrington, and a few officers going over some sort of plans. "They've taken Elizabeth!"

"Mister Murtogg, remove this man," Norrington didn't bother to glance up and see that Philip had accompanied the blacksmith.

"No, leave him!" Philip ordered. "He's here with me."

"Philip!" Weatherby's head shot up happily at the sound of his nephew's voice. Relief flooded his features when he took in the sight of Philip's generally unharmed figure - though he had some odd bruising around his throat.

Caring not about upholding images of masculinity, Philip and Weatherby rushed to each other and firmly embraced. Having lost Elizabeth to pirates and the rest of their family to Heaven, the uncle and nephew treasured feeling their kinsmen safe in their arms.

"Where have you been?" Weatherby pulled out of the hug, and placed his hands securely on Philip's shoulders, eyes taking in every cut and bump on his nephew's face.

"Forgive me, Uncle; it's a long story," Philip clapped the hand on his left shoulder and rubbed it briefly in reassurance. Philip then explained all that he had been through – minus the bit where he was threatened by pirates, and that the ones he tried to kill just wouldn't stay dead – the previous night. He concluded by saying, "Uncle, they took Elizabeth."

"It's true," Will interjected. "I saw them taking her, but one of the pirates knocked me out before I could stop them."

"Yes, Turner," Norrington said brusquely, "we are aware of the situation. Now, since Mister Swift has cause to be here, and you do not-"

"We have to hunt them down!" Will ignored the Commodore. "We must save her!"

Will did not lower his head upon meeting the surprised and annoyed gazes of Norrington, Weatherby, and Philip (though Philip was merely surprised). Will cared not a fig for propriety at the moment. Elizabeth could be suffering unthinkable horrors, and Norrington appeared to be more concerned with whether or not a blacksmith was wandering around Fort Charles.

"And where do you propose we start?" Weatherby snapped. Though his nephew was safe and sound, the reveal of such did not lessen the stress of his daughter having been kidnapped by pirates. "If you have information concerning my daughter, please share it."

And then it hit Philip.

"The medallion," Philip whispered.

Though he had no confirmation – having never gotten to actually speak with Elizabeth on the matter – Philip suspected that Elizabeth had worn the medallion for the first time yesterday. The weather had acted so strangely, Elizabeth had been so tight-lipped, and then pirates had attacked the very same night. He remembered how Sparrow had asked about it. This somehow had to be about the medallion, but he had no idea how.

Philip hesitated for a moment, worried what his uncle and the officers would think about the mad theory. His fear for Elizabeth overtook his fear of embarrassment and he opened his mouth to speak.

"That Jack Sparrow," Murtogg's voice cut him off before the first syllable. When everyone frowned at him, Murtogg went on, "He talked about the Black Pearl."

"Mentioned it is more what he did," Mullroy corrected.

With that bit of information, Philip felt even more confident about his theory. He shot a grin at Will, who appeared hopeful at the news.

"Ask him where it is," Will urged. For a moment the blacksmith shared an eager look with not only his preacher friend, but the Governor of Port Royal himself. "He could lead us to it."

"Will's right," Philip agreed. "Sparrow might know what's going on."

"No," Norrington said before anyone could start making plans. At the crestfallen expressions of Elizabeth's relatives and furious look of Will Turner, Norrington explained, "The pirates who invaded this fort left Sparrow locked in his cell, ergo they are not his allies."

"Why is that a determining factor?" Philip asked. "Just because they are not allies doesn't mean he can't help us1"

"Philip is right," Weatherby concurred. "Do we even know if they knew Sparrow was present?"

"The prison guards were found dead," Gillette answered. "Though no one knows why they went down there in the first place."

Philip looked away guiltily.

"Governor," Norrington took a measured breath, "I assure you that searching for your daughter without allying ourselves with a dangerous criminal – who, if you'll remember, held the same daughter hostage not even twenty-four hours past – is the best course of action. We will establish their most likely course-"

A heavy thud startled everyone as Will slammed his axe into the map laid out on the table.

"That's not good enough!" Will roared.

Philip just stared at his friend in shock. Where was the timid Will Turner who, not even a day ago, had refused to take credit for making Philip's sword, and wouldn't call Elizabeth by her given name? Had fighting pirates changed his friend? Or was it Elizabeth's life being threatened what made Will so bold?

Either way, Philip sort of liked the new Will.

"Mr. Turner," Norrington calmly removed the axe from his map, though the anger bubbling below the surface was evident in his face. "You are not a military man. You are not a sailor. You are a blacksmith."

"A blacksmith who fought a pirate to his arrest yesterday," Philip sharply reminded, indignant for his friend but knowing it was not time to physically step in... Not that he could win that battle anyway. "It's more than any man here can say."

Norrington shot Philip a cold stare, "Indeed."

Philip matched the expression, he too unsatisfied by Norrington's plan to rescue Elizabeth. Something grew deep down inside of him it was unfamiliar, but strong and he could help feel like he had got it from his mother. A passion, a fervor, and a determination. No, Philip Swift was no soldier, but he'd burn in Hell before he would just stand aside and let his more sister-than-cousin suffer potential death.

Norrington's eyes were cold and fixed on Philip and Will as he walked over to Gillette and handed off Will's axe. There was something very measured in the way he walked, lingering in silent control of each step. And then that measurement was explained when he abruptly grabbed Will by the arm and forced him forward. Philip moved to intercede, but an icy look of warning from Norrington stayed Philip's step.

"And this is not the moment for rash actions!" Norrington came to a stop and turned Will to face him. He added in a low voice, "Do not make the mistake of thinking you are the only man here who cares for Elizabeth."

Will took a seething breath as Norrington released him and walked away. Will glared over at the group as they resumed their discussions of the insufficient plans, and realised what must be done.

"By your leave, Commodore," Will gave a mocking bow. He looked over to Philip, "Let me know of any developments."

"Will," Philip groaned and started after him. He felt his uncle reach for his arm to stop him, but Philip threw it off, and raced after his friend. He knew exactly what Will was about to do.

As the Philip chased the blacksmith through the Fort, calling his name and pushing through the crowds of navy men, Will did not even so much as glance back.

"Will, stop!" Philip called out. "Just wait a minute! WILL!"

Having enough of that nonsense, Will knew his friend wouldn't follow him where he had to go next but Will wouldn't let anyone thwart him, not even Philip Swift. So Will turned on his heel, stopping so abruptly that he accidentally made Philip smack right into him.

"Okay, maybe not that fast," Philip muttered as he regained his bearings.

"I can't leave Elizabeth's fate up to chance," Will firmly said. "She's out there alone, scared, and vulnerable. I won't abandon her, so don't try to stop me!"

"Will, I'm not stopping you!" Philip snapped.

"Wait?" Will frowned, not certain he had heard that correctly. "You're... not?"

"No," Philip grinned. "I'm joining you."

"You know, I could have done without you laughing at me the entire way here," Philip complained as he and Will descended the stairs to the prison cells.

"I didn't laugh the whole way."

"You're still chuckling a little."

Will shook his head, "I'm sorry, but hearing Philip Swift tell you he's about to free a pirate to chase after other pirates isn't something that happens every day. It's just so sinful for you."

"Well, Elizabeth's worth it," Philip replied. "I think God will forgive me for this."

As they reached the final step, the duo paused to regulate themselves.

"Alright," Philip took a deep breath. "Here we go."

"You can still turn back if you want to," Will pointed out.

"I don't. Do you?"

"No."

"Then let's go."

The duo burst into the room to find Jack Sparrow casually lying in a pile of hay and some sort of bone stuck in the lock of his cell.

"You!" Will raced up to cell. "Sparrow!"

"Aye?" Jack answered.

Philip followed, though he didn't look as formidable as Will having been thrown off by the oddity of the bone. He made a mental note to tell his uncle to stop letting prisoners have access to materials that could pick locks. But Philip then remembered that he was about to break out a prisoner, and he probably wouldn't be having many pleasant two sided conversations with Uncle Weatherby for a very long time.

"You are familiar with that ship. The Black Pearl?" Will continued to take charge of the situation. He noticed Philip staring at the bone and lightly punched his arm. As Philip shot him a glare, Will muttered, "Focus, Swift!"

"Right," Philip nodded and righted his posture, trying – and failing – to look impressive.

Jack was grinning as he watched the exchange. Surely this duo of whelps trying to play alpha would be as entertaining as the bumbling duo who had tried to guard the docks the day before.

"I've heard of it," Jack answered casually.

"Could you please tell us where it makes berth?" Philip asked eagerly. He caught Will's scowl and cleared his throat. "I mean, answer us! Where does it make berth?"

"Where does it make berth?" Jack lifted his head in surprise. "Have you not heard the stories?"

The boys glanced at each other and shook their heads.

"No," Philip muttered. All of his pirate stories had come from his mother, and she died before the Black Pearl had become too famous.

Although Philip had noticed that the Black Pearl looked a great deal like a ship his mother once described to him. It was an old ship called the Wicked Wench that her ex-fiancé, Cutler Beckett, had owned.

The story went that Beckett had noticed Nathaniel Swift's closeness to Rebecca Swann, and tried to buy the missionary off. Beckett offered Nathaniel the ship - a prize won from defeating the pirate crew of Sarah Smith, sister of the infamous Red Dirk and a menace in her own right - so that Nathaniel could go on whatever mission he wanted at any time. Beckett even offered provide permanent care for the ship and a full crew. In exchange, Nathaniel was to never see Rebecca again.

Nathaniel refused, which enraged Beckett to no end.

When Philip was nine, Rebecca – who could never escape the gossip of her ex-fiancé as he continued to climb the ranks of the world – heard that Beckett had given command of the ship to an employee. The employee had secretly been working with Sarah Smith, disobeyed Beckett, and out of revenge, Beckett burned and sank the ship in front of the employee.

The story had been one of Elizabeth's favorites, though Rebecca never did find out the name of the employee, a man who only went by the nickname of Smithy.

Jack sighed, laying his head back on the ground.

"Captain Barbossa," Jack began to recite the bitter story that cut him far too deep, "and his crew of miscreants sail from the dreaded Isla de Muerta. It's an island that cannot be found, except by those who already know where it is."

"The ship's real enough," Will said. "Therefore its anchorage must be a real place. Where is it?"

Jack looked at his nails, relishing how he was making the boy squirm, "Why ask me?"

"Because you're a pirate," Will replied.

"And you two want to turn pirate yourselves, is that it?" Jack grinned. "A bible thumper for a pirate. Now I've seen everything."

"We're not turning pirate!" Will snapped.

"Then why are you coming to me?" Jack asked. "What could possibly provoke a goody-goody preacher and a man who practises sword fighting three hours a day to kill pirates to suddenly want to join forces with a pirate?"

Philip glanced at Will.

"They took Miss Swann," Will admitted.

"Oh, so it is that you found a girl!" Jack enthusiastically sat up. With a toothy grin, he asked Philip, "They would make an attractive couple, don't you think?"

Philip smirked at Will, "So you can tell a pirate you have feelings for my cousin, but not Elizabeth herself?"

"I didn't tell Sparrow anything!"

"It's all about subtext, mate," Jack winked at Philip. "Though you might not have to worry about it. Are you the kind of holy man that swears familiarities to the Holy Ghost?"

"Sparrow!" Will snapped.

Philip just flushed at the invasive question.

"I see," Jack looked slowly between the two. "Well, if you're intending to brave all, hasten to her rescue, and so win fair lady's heart – though I don't know what's in it for the holy man – you'll have to do it by yourselves, Boys. I see no profit in it for me."

And Will said the words that meant no return for himself and Philip.

"I can get you out of here."

Philip frowned at Will, "You can?"

"I helped build these cells," Will reminded Philip. "These are half-pin barrel hinges."

Philip and Jack shared a surprised look as Will turned, picked up a bench, and propped it against the door.

"With the right leverage and the proper application of strength, the door will lift free," Will explained.

Both Philip and Jack stared at Will.

"Will," Philip leaned in and muttered, "I know we didn't really discuss our plan beforehand, but from this point on, we talk about decisions like this. I mean it's one thing to consider doing it, but actually carrying it out-"

"Swift, do you want to save Elizabeth or not?"

Philip gave a heavy sigh, "Alright, fine. But jumping headfirst into these decisions will end in nothing but disaster. From here on out, we talk about things like this before we do them."

"Agreed," Will nodded.

"What's your name?" Jack suddenly asked.

Thrown off by the abrupt question, Will quickly peered at the equally confused Philip.

"Will Turner," Will answered.

"And I'm Philip Swift," Philip added.

"Don't care," Jack waved Philip off. Jack had an odd expression as he thought over the first answer. "Will Turner. That would be short for William, I imagine."

Will nodded, confused about why Jack was quibbling over the variations of the name Will.

"Good, strong name," Jack nodded. Then with a hint of suggestion, Jack said, "No doubt named for your father. Eh?"

Will's brow creased fractionally as shock, confusion, and yet, understanding coursed through his body.

"Yes," Will whispered.

"Uh-huh," Jack took a moment to consider the information. "Well, Misters Turner and Swift, I've changed me mind. If you spring me from this cell, I swear on pain of death I shall take you to the Black Pearl and your bonny lass. Do we have an accord?"

As Jack held out his hand, Will and Philip shared a look.

"You said we'd discuss these things," Will reminded Philip. "It's your call, Swift."

"We'll do it," Philip shook the pirate's hand.

"Agreed!" Jack enthusiastically shook back. "Get me out."

With a mighty heave, Will pulled the cell door off its hinges and tossed both it and the bench aside.

"Hurry," Will urged the pirate. "Someone will have heard that."

"Not without my effects," Jack darted across to the wall where they hung.

Philip frowned as the pirate dressed himself, "Why bother with that? It only has one shot, and you could've escaped if you used it before."

"Are you advising that was a mistake?" Jack pointed the gun at Philip.

Instantly, Will shoved Philip back and drew his sword at Jack. Philip followed Will's lead and drew his own blade, looking not unlike a puppy imitating its father. Despite the swords pointed to Jack, all knew the pirate had the advantage with the gun.

"When you've only got one shot, it's best to wait for the opportune moment," Jack explained. "The moment on the dock when I was surrounded by armed soldiers? That wasn't it."

Philip swallowed hard, muttering a soft prayer as his literally stared down the barrel of Sparrow's gun. To his relief, the pirate lowered the weapon and put it away.

"Nor is this," Jack continued. "Now, let us all take this as a lesson, Philiam. You came to ask me for help, so let us not doubt my infinite wisdom for I know what I am doing… Most of the time."

"Philiam?" Philip asked as he sheathed his sword, noticing that Will had not lowered his.

Jack shrugged, "You're Phil, he's Will. It'll save us time."

"Then let us take a lesson," Will took a threatening step forward, forcing Jack to step back so he was not skewered by Will's blade. "Philip is my closest friend. Yes, he may be inexperienced in combat, but as you are well aware, I am not. If you threaten him… if you directly endanger his life in any way, you will deal me and my blade. Do you understand?"

Jack just grinned, "You really take a shine to the people you like. This is the second day in a row you've threatened to kill me for momentarily endangering a friend's life."

Will said nothing, but just glared at the pirate. Philip was surprised at how intensely Will was defending him. Then again, if the tables were turned, he'd be giving the same speech to Sparrow… although Philip might appeal a bit more to God and for the pirate to search his soul for redemption.

Jack put up his hands innocently, "Alright. I promise. If I compromise Mister Swallow's-"

"Swift," Philip corrected.

"Mister Swift's life," Jack nodded at Philip, "then I will deal with you, Mister Turner. Now did we want to continue chatting or would you rather we go save Miss Swann's life?"

Will lowered his sword, and in that moment, he and Philip thought the same thing.

"What have we gotten ourselves into?"

"We're going to steal the ship?" Will repeated in disbelief as he, Philip, and Jack spied on the Interceptor. "That ship?"

"Commandeer," Jack corrected. "We're going to commandeer that ship. Nautical term."

"We're still going to Hell," Philip mumbled.

"Little too late for that one, Mate," Jack shrugged. He then turned and seriously looked at the duo, "One question about your business, Boys. Or there's no use going. This girl. I know William's in love with her, but she's just your cousin, Phil. So, how far are you willing to go to save her?"

"I'd die for her," Will forcefully answered.

"We both would," Philip agreed.

"Oh good," Jack grinned, turning back to look at the ship. "No worries then."

Philip blanched, "I think we've made a terrible mistake."

Their plan was first to sneak onto the Dauntless by miraculously being able to pull a longboat into the water along with a pocket of air – which Philip had pointed out really shouldn't have been scientifically possible – and then scaling the side of the ship. As they jumped onto the deck, Will and Philip found that there was now no turning back as they and the pirate waltzed down to the soldiers on the main deck.

"Everyone stay calm!" Jack called out. "We are taking over the ship."

"Aye! Avast!" Will waved his sword threateningly.

As Gillette turned in surprise, the crew burst out into laughter at Turner, Swift, and the pirate.

Philip raised a brow at Will, "You know, I thought I was the one who was supposed to stay stupid things like that."

Will just rolled his eyes.

"Swift, what in God's name are you doing?" Gillette stared in disbelief at the Governor's nephew. "Does your uncle know that you're here?"

"No, he doesn't," Philip replied. "He'll probably kill me for it, but I'm going after Elizabeth whether or not he and Norrington want me too. And you'll do well not to break the fourth commandment by taking the Lord's name in vain… or is it the second commandment? I always get the order wrong on the commandments."

"Go home, Swift," Gillette laughed. "Go home and go study those commandments for your little religious examinations. You're not about to throw all that hard work away for one of Turner's inane schemes. And even if you were, the three of you have no chance. This ship cannot be crewed by three men alone. You'll never make it out of the bay. Why don't you go make yourself useful to your cousin, Swift and go pray?"

Will jerked forward to defend his best friend's honor, but clapped his shoulder and pulled him back.

"Don't worry, Junior. I've got this," he patted Will's arm avuncularly.

Will glowered but let Jack take the lead.

"Son, I'm Captain Jack Sparrow," Jack pointed his gun at Gillette and cocked it. "Savvy?"

"Commodore?"

Norrington didn't look up from his charts at the sound of Groves' voice.

"For the last time, Lieutenant," Norrington huffed, "tell the Governor that I do not know where his nephew has gone. Just because I proposed to his daughter does not mean I asked to be caretaker of his nephew as well."

"Actually, Sir," Groves replied, "I think we've found him."

Norrington frowned and looked up to see Groves pointing at something over his shoulder. Lieutenant Gillette and the crew of the Dauntless were stranded in a longboat as - to Norrington's shock - Philip Swift and William Turner were attempting to sail it out of the bay along with a newly freed Jack Sparrow.

"Rash, Turner," Norrington sighed. "Too rash. That is without doubt the worst pirate l have ever seen. To the ship, Lieutenant. Try to apprehend Turner and Sparrow quickly, but be lenient on Swift. Hopefully we can keep Swift's involvement with this attempt quiet from his uncle."

To Norrington's credit, he did try to get Philip away safely before too many officers noticed the Governor's own nephew committing an act of piracy. Yet when they boarded and the search commenced, the trio were nowhere to be found.

It wasn't until Norrington heard the plank used to board between the Dauntless and Interceptor splash into the water that he realised what had happened.

"Sailors, back to the Interceptor. Now!" Norrington cried out.

But the ship was out of range. One man made a swing for it, but fell hard into the water.

And there they were: Jack Sparrow, Philip Swift, and William Turner sailing away with the Interceptor.

"Thank you, Commodore, for getting us ready to make way," Jack tipped his hat to Norrington from the helm. "We'd have had a hard time of it by ourselves."

"Sorry, James!" Philip called out, boldly using Norrington's given name. "But I couldn't just sit around hoping you might find Elizabeth. Tell Uncle that I'm sorry!"

The sailors aboard the Dauntless lined the edge of the ship and began firing at the renegades.

"Don't hit the Governor's nephew!" Groves ordered as the trio ducked the shots. Truth be told, Groves had always liked Philip.

Having no choice, Norrington commanded, "Set topsails and clear up this mess."

Groves objected, "With the wind a quarter from stern, we won't catch them."

"I don't need to catch them," Norrington snapped. "Just get them in range of the long nines."

"Hands, come about! Run out the guns!" Groves ordered, following Norrington to the top deck. He looked to his commanding officer questioningly, "Are we to fire on our own ship, Sir?"

Norrington sighed in irritation, thinking of how he would explain to the Governor why his nephew had been killed by the Navy.

"I'd rather see her at the bottom of the ocean than in the hands of a pirate," Norrington answered.

"Commodore!" a sailor called. "He's disabled the rudder chain, Sir."

Norrington could do nothing but watch in misery as the Dauntless commanded by a pirate, smashed right through the longboat carrying its former crew. Thankfully Lieutenant Gillette and his sailors jumped ship just in time.

Norrington sighed and lowered his head.

"That's got to be the best pirate I've ever seen," Groves said in admiration.

"So it would seem."

Norrington glared at the increasingly smaller forms of Philip Swift and William Turner. They had better return with Elizabeth Swann, or as God as his witness, Norrington would kill them both.