Author's Note: Hey, everybody. Behold, my cartoon x-over parody spoof to the "Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy, where the Pirates of the Caribbean movies - The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man's Chest, and At World's End - got reimagined in a whole new way with Disney characters from different franchises and beyond taking the role of the POTC characters - with its character-recasting, gender-swapped makeover!

Starring and featuring characters from different franchises of various Disney animated films (and sequel films), video games, and animated TV series from Disney Television Animation, here's my cast of characters who'll be playing the role of POTC characters, some are gender-swapped.

CAST:
*Shank (Ralph Breaks the Internet) as Capt. Jacklyn "Jade" Sparrow

*Melody (The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea) as Willia Turner

*Jim Hawkins (Treasure Planet) as Evan Swann

*Sarah Hawkins (Treasure Planet) as Weatherly Swann

*Helga Sinclair (Atlantis: The Lost Empire) as Jamie Norrington

*Calista Jane "CJ" Hook (Descendants: Wicked World) as Capt. Hecuba Barbossa

*Shego (Kim Possible) as Davida Jones

*Maui (Moana) as Tien Dalma/Calpyso

*Abu (Aladdin) as Jack the Monkey

*Vanellope Von Sweetz (Wreck-It Ralph) as Ms. Joslin Gibbs

*Ariel (The Little Mermaid) as Willamette "Mermaidstrap Bertha" Turner

*Larxene (Kingdom Hearts series) as Lady Currin Beckett

*Mother Gothel (Tangled) as Ilana Mercer

*Butcher Boy, Felony, Pyro and Little Debbie (Ralph Breaks the Internet) as Jade's crew

*Buford Von Stromm and Baljeet Rai (Phineas and Ferb) as the Ragetti-and-Pintel duo, One-eyed Baljetti and Buftel

*Webby Vanderquack (Ducktales (2017)) as Martina

*Naomi Turner (Elena of Avalor) as herself

*Namaari (Raya and the Last Dragon) as Capt. Sia Feng

*Alana, Andrina, Arista, Attina, Adella, and Aquata (The Little Mermaid) as The Mermaidstrap Sisters

Based on and adapted from Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean" by Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio, with special thanks to the entire crew who created the original film series/trilogy. This would not have been possible without the inspiration from the original and the hard work of its talented people.

I hope everyone enjoys this fanfic.

Welcome to the far-off lands and crystalline seas of the Caribbean, a place full of sailing ships, swashbuckling valiant heroes, fun-loving buccaneers, famous love ballads, and more mystery and adventure with a hint of glitz and glamour than any other place in the world. And, of course, you know what the Caribbean's famous for - The infamous Black Pearl.

There are stories and legends of that ghostly ship long ago, with black sails so ethereal that it sometimes haunts the Caribbean whenever the fog is thick. It has been said that its crew and Captain were pirates, cursed for all time to sail forever under the wind of mischief and mayhem in search of a mysterious treasure.

Those stories and legends proved to be all too true. That infamous ship once belonged to one of the most notorious pirates ever to sail the Seven Seas...until a set of events became one of the most legendary tales of the sea than those ever told and had even put the Caribbean on the map.

And this is where our tale begins...

Young Evan Swann stood on the deck of the Dauntless, one of the most vital ships in the Royal Navy. He dreamed of adventures in Port Royal, a harbor town founded by the English on the east of Jamaica where he and his mother, Weatherly Swann, would live. He remembered a song from long ago and slowly began to sing because he secretly thought it'd be exciting to meet a pirate.

"Yo, ho, yo, ho, a pirate's life for me…," The boy whispered, singing. "Yo, ho, yo, ho, it's a pirate's life for me…."

Suddenly, a hand clamped down on his shoulder. Evan turned and found himself face-to-face with a crew member named Joslin Gibbs.

"Quiet, kiddo!" Joslin snarled. "Cursed pirates sail these waters. You don't wanna call them down here on us, do you?"

Just then, a voice appeared. "Alright, Ms. Gibbs. That'll do."

Striding over to the two was Lieutenant Jamie Norrington. She had been ordered to accompany Evan and his mother to Port Royal.

"He's just singing about pirates," Joslin argued. "Bad luck to do that, with us in this unusual fog - so mark my words."

"Consider them marked," Norrington responded.

Gibbs shrugged and turned to go, while Evan didn't notice the remark. His mind still reeled from Joslin's earlier words about cursed pirates roaming these waters.

"I think it would be exciting to meet one," Evan said dreamily.

Suddenly, Evan got distracted by something across the waves. He leaned over to the rail to get a closer look. "Look! There's a girl in the water!"

The sailors, who'd been looking overboard, leaped into action. Swinging one of the Dauntless's hooks out over the rail, they lowered it and quickly hauled the unconscious girl aboard.

Then, Norrington ordered the crew to search for survivors. If the girl had made it, there would be a chance the others had also made it.

As they did, Evan was kneeling beside the girl with a concerned look when Weatherly made her way to her son's side.

"Evan, the girl is in your care now," Weatherly said to her son. "Will you watch her?"

Evan nodded and returned his attention to the half-drowned girl, who seemed sad and lost. He brushed her hair from her forehead to find out what had happened.

"My name's Evan Swann," Evan said, placing his hand in hers. "What's yours?"

With a cough, the girl tried to speak, and finally, she managed. "Willia Turner."

Then, Willia passed out. Around her neck, Evan saw a gold medallion with an Aztec skull carved on it. Evan came to a quick conclusion - Willia must be a pirate!

Evan quickly hid the medallion under his coat so that he couldn't let the crew, the lieutenant, and his mom think that Willia was associated with pirates. If they did, Willia's life would most certainly be in danger.

Many years passed, and Evan and Willia grew up. They cared very much for each other, but Willia was just a blacksmith, and Evan was the governor's son, so they believed they could never marry. But some things were about to change.

When Evan woke up on the day of the promotion ceremony, he'd been dreaming again of Willia and even the pirate ship he had seen eight years earlier on his way to Port Royal. And as always, the dream was vivid and honest to him.

Since Norrington accompanied Evan and his mother to Port Royal, she'd only grown in standing with the Royal Navy. Now, she's being made a commodore. Evan knew his mom would like nothing more than to see her son be married to such a noblewoman.

A moment later, a servant who announced a visitor interrupted Evan's new outfit, which fit as a gift from his mother.

Weatherly headed downstairs. Shortly after, Evan followed. He caught sight of the visitor at the top of the stairs, and a beaming smile replaced his frown.

"Ms. Turner!" Weatherly exclaimed from below. "Good to see you."

Willia Turner was downstairs, studying a sconce while carrying a case that held a dress sword and scabbard. The frightened girl Evan rescued eight years ago is now a sassy, tomboyish, well-mannered teenage girl.

"Good day, miss," Willia replied. "I have your order."

"Very impressive," Weatherly said. "Do pass my compliments on to your master."

"I shall," Willia said. "A craftswoman is always pleased to hear her work is appreciated..."

Evan was walking down the stairs, and Willia took an involuntary step forward.

"Evan, you look stunning," Weatherly said, but Evan didn't notice his mother or her compliments. His eyes were on the young girl standing beside her.

"Willia! It's so good to see you," Evan said. "I had a dream of you last night..."

"About me?" Willia asked, blushing. "That's, uh, very much like you..."

"About the day we met...do you remember?"

"I could never forget that, Mister Swann."

Oblivious to his effect on her, Evan pressed on. "Please, just call me Evan."

"Oh, right..." Willia nodded as her cheeks blushed pink.

Weatherly soon interrupted the moment their eyes met, filling them with extraordinary energy. "See? At least, she has a sense of politeness. Well, we better be going."

Evan turned to Willia. "Good day, Ms. Turner." Then, without another word, he walked out the door and into the carriage, leaving Willia Turner behind.

"Good day...Evan," Willia said as she watched the carriage until it disappeared into the busy streets of Port Royal.

What Willia and Evan didn't know was that there was someone who would change everything. A clever yet tricky one, to be precise. Her name was Captain Jacklyn "Jade" Sparrow, and she was a pirate.

While Evan and his mother attended Jamie Norrington's promotion ceremony at Fort Charles, Jade made an impressive yet graceful entrance to Port Royal Habor. She had come to try to steal one of the ships when two dimwitted sentries appeared in front of her, guarding the fastest ship in the harbor, the Interceptor.

"There's no ship that can match it for speed," One of the two sentries pointed out.

"That so?" Jade replied, looking at the Interceptor. "I've heard of one, supposed to be fast, nigh uncatchable...the Black Pearl."

The sentries were confused, thinking Jade wasn't straight. The Black Pearl was a legend, a sailor's old ghost story to scare kids.

"What's your business in Port Royal, miss?" The sentry asked.

Jade smiled. "Here's the thing: I intend to commandeer one of these ships, pick up my crew from Tortuga, and do a little honest pirating."

The two sentries exchanged confused faces.

But they were interrupted from discussing Jade's plans for any ships by a commotion from above. Looking up, the three watched as a young man teetered on the edge of Fort Charles's wall.

Evan Swann was plummeting toward the sea, hitting the water with a splash.

It seemed that moments before, Evan had stood in the hot sun throughout the ceremony, causing him to feel faint, and his vision grew blurry. At the same time, Jamie asked him for his hand in marriage. Evan fainted, tumbling over the fort wall...and into thin air. Jamie watched this and headed for the harbor.

"Are you gonna rescue him?" Jade asked the two marines.

"I can't swim," They both replied in unison, shaking their heads.

"Some pride of the Navy, you are," Jade sighed as she removed her coat, sword, and the rest. She might have to wait to steal the Interceptor after saving the lad.

As Evan drifted towards the seafloor, the medallion he wore around his neck floated up. Suddenly, a shaft of light slanted through the water, illuminating the medal like a signal reverberating across the sea.

Unaware of the shock onshore, Jade managed to save Evan and pulled him and herself onto the dock. Finally! Jade thought as she was more interested in getting her breath back. Suddenly, Jade felt overcome with curiosity when she saw the Aztec medallion on Evan's neck with widened eyes.

Just then, Evan woke up to see Jade right beside him. "What happened?"

"Who are you, and where did you get that medallion?" Jade asked, but she forgot to introduce herself. "The name's Sparrow. Captain Jade Sparrow. How's your day going?"

Evan had no idea what the pirate was doing, but she looked weird.

Suddenly, Jamie Norrington and her men were there with swords at Jade's throat. She saw the letter P branded on Jade's arm and her tattoo. "Well, well...Jade Sparrow. Did you have a run-in with the East India Trading Company, pirate?"

"It's Captain Jade Sparrow, if you please," Jade said, dropping into a bow.

"Look, pirate or not," Evan said, protesting. "This woman saved my life."

"One good deed's not enough to redeem a woman leading a lifetime of wickedness," Jamie replied.

"Though it is enough to condemn her," Jade piped up.

But Jade was clever and lightning fast as she sidestepped across the dock and grabbed Evan as her shield while Norrington's men drew their weapons.

"You're despicable," Evan groaned.

"I saved your life, handsome. You saved mine, so now we're square," Jade said to Evan as she addressed Norrington, Weatherly, and the marines. "Gentlemen and m'ladies, you will remember this as the day you almost caught Captain Jade Sparrow."

Shoving Evan away, Jade grabbed a rope and swung away from the dock and over to the streets as she dropped herself to the ground and ran. As Norrington and the others took off after Jade, Evan turned and headed home.

Slipping through the streets, Jade ducked into a blacksmith shop and managed to break the chains off her arms when Willia Turner came in.

Willia stared at Jade in shock. "You're the one they're looking for - The pirate."

Jade acknowledged Willia's statement. The girl didn't seem like a threat as Jade studied Willia. "You seem…somewhat familiar. Have I threatened you before?"

Willia's expression darkens. "I think I made my point about avoiding familiarity with pirates."

"Then it'd be a shame to put a black mark on your record," Jade replied as she left, but Willia stood in the way. "Do you think it's wise of you to cross paths with a pirate?"

"You threatened Mister Swann, didn't you?"
"Only a little bit."

Willia and Jade grabbed swords and began to fight. Willia was an excellent swordswoman, but Jade was trickier and an expert buccaneer.

"Wonderful skills. Except you're still in the way between me and my escape," Jade told Willia during their fight as she noticed a few blades. "Who made all of these?"

"I did," Willia answered. "And I practiced fencing with them every day."

"You need to find yourself a man," Jade replied. "Or perhaps you practiced with them every day because you already found one, and you're incapable of wooing him."

"Don't change the subject," Willia protested. "I practiced with them daily so that when I meet a pirate, I can kill it!"

Once the dust cleared, Willia looked up. Pointed directly between her eyes was Jade's saber instead of her flintlock pistol. "You cheated."

Jade smiled. "I'm a pirate. What do you expect? Now move away."

"No! I can't just step aside and let you escape."

"You're lucky this blade isn't meant for you."

Suddenly, Ms. Brown hit Jade in the back of her head. Then, her world went black. At that moment, Jamie Norrington and the marines arrived - this time, there was no escape.

As night fell on Port Royal, the fog on the harbor's edge grew thicker than before, blanketing the streets, houses, and taverns in an eerie mist, bringing a strange uneasiness. But out on the waters of the open sea, something moved. Cutting through the fog was the topmast of a tall, black ship flying with a skull and crossbones.

Evan Swann was cozy in his bed at home, reading, when his lamp went out. He tried to turn it on, but it was no use.

In the blacksmith's shop, Willia was hard at work, trying to erase the events of that day - the morning at Weatherly's, Evan's fall, and the run-in with Jacklyn. Suddenly, Willia thought she heard a strange noise and stepped outside with an ax, but everything remained silent.

Jamie Norrington and Weatherly were walking along the parapet, overlooking the gallows, when the sudden boom of cannon on fire knocked them both off their feet.

The two glanced at each other. Who had arrived and attacked Port Royal?

Only Jade Sparrow had no fear of lurking in the fog. She was in a prison cell next to another cell with three prisoners trying to tempt a doggy jailer to bring the keys to their cell to avoid the hangman.

But then, suddenly, the sound of gunfire and explosions rocked the cell, sending Jade to look across the bay in the dark. A smile formed in her mouth as bombs lit up the night sky like fireworks. "I know those guns," Jade shouted happily. "It's the Pearl!"

The other prisoners looked at Jade in shock.

"The Black Pearl?" One prisoner spoke. "I've heard stories. She's been preying on ships and settlements for nearly ten years. Never leaves any survivors."

Jade laughed at that statement. "No survivors? I wonder where those stories come from, eh?"

Indeed, it was, for the fog lit up around the black ship each time it fired cannonballs on the town. Buildings, the roads, and the docks exploded into bits. The people of Port Royal ran in horror through the streets in search of safety.

Out of the fog came longboats loaded with pirates. Swarming ashore and carrying torches, swords, and guns, they quickly overtook the town, running through the streets, setting fires, and murdering anyone who wasn't quick enough to get away.

Two pirates stopped for a moment and looked around. They made an odd pair - One named Baljetti and the other named Buftel.

As they took in the chaotic scene, Buftel was uneased. "I can't believe we sailed to this town, and for what? Rampaging the streets? It's way past my lunchtime."

"But they did say that the Aztec gold is calling to us somewhere in this town," Baljetti reassured.

As it turned out, Baljetti could've been more right or wrong. The shock illuminating the medallion must've called the pirates to Port Royal, thinking that the 'Aztec gold' called to them.

"Let's just find it and get out of here," Buftel said.

"I stand corrected," Baljetti sighed as they took off, following the rest of the Black Pearl's crew into Port Royal.

Evan warned the butler not to open the door to a mob of pirates led by Buftel and Baljetti, but it was too late. He heard them crashing into the mansion and running, but the pirates waited for him wherever he went.

Soon, Evan ducked into the closet, hearing Baljetti and Buftel's voices.

"We know you're here, poppet," Buftel said. "Come on out."

"Uh, Buftel, he's a grown man," Baljetti corrected.

Buftel rolled his eyes and continued, "You've got something of ours, and it calls to us. The gold calls to us."

Evan shrank back against the closet shelves and looked down at Willia's medallion. Could it be the gold the two were searching for?

Suddenly, Buftel yanked the closet door open as he and Baljetti found Evan's hiding spot. Thinking quickly, Evan yelled out. "Parlay! I invoke the right of parlay. According to the Code, you must take me to your Captain."

Buftel took a threatening step when Baljetti stopped him. "He wants to see the captain. As honorable pirates, we should always stick to the Code."

While Evan was invoking the right of parlay, Willia Turner found herself in a sword fight with a few pirates. After that, she turned and headed back into the streets of Port Royal when a flash of light caught her attention.

Looking over, she saw Evan with two pirates. Feeling her gaze on him, Evan turned with his eyes, seeking her out across the street.

"Evan!" Willia cried. "Stop! You pirates are making a big mistake!"

"You have the right to shut your mouth," One female pirate said as she knocked Willia in the back of her head. With a groan, Willia collapsed to the ground.

Meanwhile, Jade stared out the window in her prison cell, watching as bombs blew Port Royal to smithereens. Just then, two pirates came in.

"Well, well, well...if it isn't Captain Jade Sparrow," One pirate said. "Last time we saw you, you were on that island, shrinking into the distance. Your fortunes have improved so much, and sometimes not."

Jade scoffed. "Worry about your fortunes. The deepest circle of Davida Jones's Locker is for betrayers and mutineers."

The second pirate reached through the bars of the cell, but Jade dodged it. Her eyes grew wide because, in the moonlight, the second pirate's arms and hands appeared to be skeleton bones.

"So, there is a curse," Jade said as the two pirates left. "That's interesting."

Under the right of parley, Evan Swann was now aboard the Black Pearl. All of the ship's crew were sunburned and savage.

"He invoked the right of parlay with Captain Hecuba Barbossa," announced Baljetti while Buftel pushed Evan onto the deck. Then, as if on cue, the dark figure of an extravagant, sneaky, boastful, uptight, slender-tanned girl stepped out.

It was Hecuba Barbossa, with a monkey named Jack on her shoulder.

"I'm here to negotiate the cessation of hostilities against Port Royal," Evan began.

"That's a lot of long words in you, Mister, and we're not but humble pirates," Hecuba said. "What is it you want?"

Evan paused. "I want you to leave and not come back."

The crew laughed at Evan and his laughable request.

"I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request," Hecuba said. "It means no."

"Very well," Evan said as he pulled the Aztec medallion from his neck and walked to the ship's edge. "I'll drop it. If it is worthless, then I will not keep it."

"That bit of shine matters to us," Hecuba said. "Why?"
Evan looked at the medallion, then back at the crew. "This is what you've been searching for? I recognized this ship eight years ago on the crossing from England."

"Did you now?" Hecuba asked as she looked at Evan. "Do you have a name, boy?"

Evan tried to think. He didn't want the pirates to know he was Weatherly's son. "Evan...Turner."

"How did you come to own a trinket such as that? A family heirloom, perhaps?"

"I didn't steal it if that's what you think."

"Very well, then, hand it over. We'll put your town to our rudder and never return."

With no choice, Evan gave Hecuba the medallion as the captain continued. "Your return to shore was not part of the agreement, so I must do nothing. Secondly, you must be a pirate to apply the Code, which you are not. And thirdly, the Code is more what you call 'guidelines' than actual rules. Welcome aboard the Black Pearl...Mister Turner."

And so, Hecuba Barbossa sailed the Black Pearl from Port Royal and out to sea - with Evan as the ship's prisoner.

As the sun rose on a devastated Port Royal, Willia woke up with a headache, brushing herself off the spot where she'd been knocked out the night before and rubbing the bump on her head, looking at the destruction. Remembered that the pirates kidnapped Evan, Willia raced to Fort Charles and burst into Jamie Norrington's office.

"They've taken Evan!" Willia exclaimed.

"Will someone please remove this girl from my office?" Jamie ordered her men.

The two soldiers behind Willia grabbed her, but she shoved them away while staring at Jamie in disbelief. Wasn't the Commodore going to look for Evan?

"You don't understand," Willia shouted. "We have to hunt them down! We must save him!"

Weatherly also appeared with worry. "And where do you propose we start?"

"I don't know, but if only I knew...," Willia replied sadly.

But Jamie is busy with other things than dealing with Willia. "Ms. Turner, you have nothing to value, so don't think you're the only one who cares for Evan."

Without another word, Jamie pushed Willia out.

Willia went outside as she began to ponder, What to do? I can't let the pirates take away Evan. Okay, think... I need someone to help me, and Norrington won't help. But I don't know where that black ship is going...

Suddenly, her eyes widened as Willia thought again, I got it! That pirate I fought back at the shop. She may know where it is.

"I can't believe I'm doing this," Willia whispered as she headed toward prison...and the one person who would know of the Black Pearl, Jade Sparrow.

Meanwhile, Jade Sparrow was still in her cell, unaware of Evan's kidnapping or Willia's plan to get him back. Sunlight filtered through her cell window as she seemed asleep from trying to pick the lock, looking inconspicuous.

Suddenly, Willia stormed in, waking Jade up with a bucket of water. When Jade woke up, she recognized the lass from the blacksmith shop who helped capture her. "Well, well, if it isn't the teenaged swordswoman. How's your day going?"

"Look," Willia demanded. "I needed answers, and you're the only person I can think of who will give them to me, pirate!"

Jade sighed. "Listen, kid…"

"It's Willia."

"Whatever. Here's the deal. I was just in the market, gallivanting through the seas. I came across your town, and I-"

But Jade stopped short because Willia splashed her with water again. "Would you stop that? It's bad luck."

"I'm asking the questions here, and I don't care if it's bad luck," Willia said. "So, what were your pirate friends doing in Port Royal? To bust you out? Help you escape?"

"No!" Jade shook her head. "Listen, the only thing I want to do with them is give them a taste of their medicine and take back what's mine. Literally."

Willia blinked in confusion. "Wait. Aren't you aligned with them?"

"Why on earth would you think I conspire with them?" Jade asked. "Look, I was left stranded on an island; I needed a faster ship; I came here for one, okay? End of story."

"You're...telling the truth?"

"YES!"

Willia looked at Jade. But she could trust the only pirate in town if Jade wasn't allied with the ones that invaded Port Royal! Bracing herself, Willia took the next step.

"Okay, Jade Sparrow," Willia began. "If your statement is true, I will offer you a deal."

"A deal?" Jade repeated, willing to listen.

"Listen. Are you familiar with the ship called the Black Pearl?"

"Oh, yeah, I've heard of it," Jade drawled.

"Where does it make berth?"

"Where does it make berth?" Jade repeated, looking at Willia in disbelief and laughing. "You seriously haven't heard the stories? Captain Hecuba Barbossa and her crew of miscreants sailed from the dreaded Isla de Muerta, which you won't find on any maps. It's an island that cannot be found…except by those who already know where it is."

"The ship's real enough, and maybe that island, too," Willia said. "Where is it?"

"Why are you asking me all of a sudden?" Jade asked with intrigue.

"One, because you're a pirate," Willia answered. "And secondly-"

"You want to turn pirate yourself?" Jade interrupted. "A tough world for a woman."

"No!" Willia shouted as she continued, "Secondly, they took Mister Swann on this Black Pearl. You will act as my guide, take me to this Isla de Muerta, and help me rescue Evan safely. That is my deal."

"Ohhh, so it is that you've found a man. I see," Jade said with a knowing smile. "But you'd best be doing it alone if you intend to brave all the hastened waters to his rescue and win a fair man's heart. And secondly, the crew of the Pearl and I weren't exactly 'simpatico' at the moment, so I see no profit in it for me."

Willia sighed for a moment. "Something brought you here, Jade Sparrow. Call it what you will: fate, destiny... So, I have made my decision to trust you."

"A crazy decision," Jade added.

"I am serious."

Jade looked at Willia suspiciously. "What's your name?"

"Willia Turner," Willia answered.

"That'd be short for Willamette, I imagine. No doubt named for your mother, eh?"

Thinking that Willia's name was the exact name of Willia's mother, Jade walked over to the young girl. "So, let me get this straight. If you spring me from this cell, I take you to the Black Pearl and your bonnie lad?"

"I promise," Willia nodded.

"Hmm... It is kind of an off day for me, but I think my luck's about to change," Jade said, nodding. "All right, then, we have an accord."

With Willia's help, Jade was free at the moment.

"Come on. Someone will hear that," Willia muttered as a smiling Jade grabbed her stuff and followed her, wondering what had caused Willia to change from an innocent girl she had met to a hardened young woman.

Willia turned to see Jade strapping on her belt and pistol. "Why bother with that pistol? You could have escaped if you killed me, but you wouldn't use it."

"When you've only got one shot, it's best to wait for the moment, but it isn't," Jade replied as she began to ask. "Oh, one question about your business, girl, or there's no use going. About this 'Evan' lad? How far are you willing to save him?"

"I'd die for him," Willia answered with no hesitation.

"Good answer," Jade nodded.

With no sailing ship of their own to give chase, Jade and Willia were forced by circumstances to take actions that some might consider piracy. The two ran for the docks, where they hijacked the fastest ship in the Navy, the Interceptor.

Now that they were commandeering the vessel, Jade and Willia had much going on in their minds.

"When I was little, my dad raised me himself," Willia explained. "After he died, I came out here...looking for my mother."

"Is that so?" Jade asked slyly.

"My mother, Willamette Turner? Back at that jail cell, it was right after you learned about my name that you decided to help. And since that's what I wanted, I didn't even press the matter. I'm not an idiot, Jade. Do you know my mother?"

Jade stared at Willia, looking at every feature that reminded her of Mermaidstrap Bertha. "Yeah, I knew her. Probably a few knew her as Willamette Turner. Most people called her by her pirate name, Mermaidstrap or Mermaidstrap Bertha of the Mermaidstrap Sisters."

"Mermaidstrap?" Willia repeated the pirate's name in confusion.

Jade nodded. "She was a good woman and a good pirate. I swear you look just like her. Oh, and did I mention you also had six aunts who are pirates known as the Mermaidstrap Sisters?"

Willia looked shocked. Was her mother a pirate? All these years, Willia thought her mother was a proper lady. But if Jade was telling the truth, everything she'd believed was a lie, and her mother was just the one thing she hated most - pirates. She also can't believe her father has fallen in love with a female pirate.

"But...that's impossible," Willia said as she glared at Jade. "My mom was a proper lady and a respectable woman who obeyed the law."

"If she were a 'proper lady' on the outside, she would still be the same pirate and scallywag I know and love on the inside."

Willia pulled out her sword at Jade. "My mom was not a pirate!"

"Put it away, sweetie. It's not worth it for you to get beat again."

"You didn't beat me. You only ignored the rules of engagement, so in a fair fight, I would kill you."

"Then it's not much incentive for me to fight fair now, right?" Jade told Willia, rolling her eyes, so she did what any self-respecting pirate would do - cheat.

"Now pay attention," Jade told Willia, clarifying a few matters while putting her down on a barrel. "The only rules in the Pirate Code that matter are what a man can and can't do. For instance, you can accept that your mother was a pirate and a good woman...or you can't. But pirate is in your blood, so you'll have to square with it someday. Your mother's blood runs in your veins – pirates' blood."

Willia wasn't sure that it'd be true. "But I'm just a young girl working as a blacksmith."

"That may be true, but you are much more than that. You didn't know it yet. So... can you sail under the command of a pirate or not?"

Willia assessed her situation. Jade hadn't killed her because she was Mermaidstrap Bertha's daughter, and she had promised to help her rescue Evan.

Reluctantly, Willia agreed. "Fine. Have it your way then."

Jade, pleased with Willia's decision, set course. They needed Jade's crew for her new ship, and there was only one place to do so - the rough-and-tumble town of pirate heaven on an island that lies to the north called Tortuga.

"You know," Jade said gently. "I can't help but know...that you seem a little bit at war with yourself here."

"What?" Willia asked feebly, still sitting on a barrel.

"I'm just picking up bits and pieces. Of course, you had a normal life, a job, and a crush on some bonnie lad. I mean, this is serious stuff. But let me ease your conscience: this is all part of growing up. A little rebellion, a little adventure, a little knowing the truth about your past, it's good! Healthy, even."

"You think?" Willia looked up a little.

"You're way over this, savvy. Trust me. Does Evan deserve to know the truth? No. Would this break his heart or blow his mind? Of course. But you've just got to accept it!"

Willia's eyes grew wide in shock at that thought. "You mean it'll break his heart?"

"In half," Jade answered.

"Blow his mind?"

"Like a dynamite."

"He would be heartbroken," Willia concluded.

"Don't thank me," Jade said. "Let's hurry up, get my crew, and do the rest. After that, I get back to doing some honest pirating. You return to your boyfriend-girlfriend relationship based on mutual love, trust, and voilà! - we part ways as unlikely friends."

Willia sighed. "Yeah, it's probably for the best."

"Are you hungry? I know a great place for lunch."

"Is it in Tortuga?"

"Trust me," Jade told her. "You'll know it when you smell it."

By nightfall, The Interceptor slowly drifted toward the docks of Tortuga, home of pirates, privateers, and thieves. Walking ashore, Jade smiled. To be a pirate meant to love Tortuga with its crowded taverns, feisty folks, and flowing ale.

Willia, however, was NOT convinced of its charms. Tortuga was just a dank, dirty town filled with echoed sounds of fighting, gunfire, and laughter of drunk pirates.

"Welcome to Tortuga!" Jade said. "The roughest and toughest town around. We don't want you to get scared and give up on this journey, don't we?"

"No," Willia answered, looking at her.

"I'll tell you what, mate. If every town in the world were like this, no one would ever feel unwanted," Jacklyn shouted, and some people nearby toasted to what she said.

Willia rolled her eyes at the statement. She thought no one would want to live in a place like Tortuga for their whole lives.

A few minutes later, they quickly found an old friend of Jade's, Joslin Gibbs – a former Navy marine and the same sea girl who had warned Evan about pirates eight years before. But Jade forgave her when Joslin deserted her Navy post and became a pirate.

"Jade," Joslin Gibbs said. "So good to see you!"

Leaning down, Jade pulled Joslin to her feet, and together, the three made their way into one of Tortuga's many taverns - the Faithful bride.

"Garçon!" Joslin Gibbs shouted to the tavern keeper as they entered the establishment. "Your finest table, please!"

Jade showed Willia around as she sniffed the air of the tavern. "You smell that? Take a deep breath right through the nose. What are you getting? Because to me, one part is the pirate smell, and the other part…is the terrible pirate smell. Your thoughts?"

Moments later, Joslin and Jade sat at a table with tankards of ale in front of them while Willia kept a lookout.

"Now, what's the nature of this venture of yours?" Joslin asked.

"I'm going after the Black Pearl," Jade whispered to Joslin. "I know where it will be heading, and I will take it."

"That's a fool's errand," Joslin told Jade. "You know better than me the tales of the Black Pearl. What makes you think Hecuba will give up her ship to you?"

"Let's say I've got a matter of leverage," Jade answered, jerking her head to Willia.

"The girl?" Joslin Gibbs asked, confused while looking at Willia.

That girl is the child of Willamette 'Mermaidstrap Bertha' Turner. Her only child." Jade grinned.

"Is she now?" Joslin Gibbs asked, looking at Willia curiously, knowing this was fortuitous. "I feel a change in the wind. But I do say I am feeling agreeable to your proposition."

"Then you be agreeing to be our first mate?" Jade asked.

Joslin nodded. "Agreed! I'll assemble our crew. And there are bound to be new sailors on this rock, crazy as you."

"One can only hope!" Jade lifted her tankard in a toast. "Take what you can..."

"…Give nothing back!" Joslin cheered as the two clinked their tankards together and drank the rest of the alcohol.

When Jade and Joslin finished, they slammed their cups on the table, and its loud bang caused Willia to squeak and jump.

Joslin Gibbs looked at Willia in surprise. "She's a bit of a stick, isn't she?"

"You have no idea," Jade smiled as she answered.

With Joslin Gibbs' help, Jade's crew, including some new members, were assembled to crew the Interceptor. She had lined up the staff, awaiting their Captain to arrive.

Butcher Boy, with his brightly colored parrot, is the muscle and can speak parrot and other animals. Pyro has medical knowledge and skills. Little Debbie with navigating potential. Martina and Naomi, the new crew members, are the heart and capable fighters; Felony, with a broad hat, had a little learning of history.

"Mates!" Jade called out her crew. "You're all here and just in time."

Butcher Boy noticed Willia. "Who's she, Captain?"

"Oh, that would be Willia Turner," Jade introduced them to Willia. "She's the child of Willamette Mermaidstrap Bertha Turner."

"Willamette had a kid?" Martina asked excitedly.

"She's just a little at war with herself," Jacklyn added.

"A little more than a little," Little Debbie suggested.

"More like a lot," Felony said as Naomi nodded.

Willia looked at them, startled. "Stand back. Who are you all?!"

"I told you before: they're my crew," Jade reassured Willia and then introduced her to them. "May I introduce...Butcher Boy, Felony, Little Debbie, Pyro, Martina-"

"Martina!" Martina introduced herself to Willia and excitedly shook Willia's hands.

"And I'm Naomi. Pleased to meet you," Naomi said.

"It's...nice to meet you, too. I'm Willia Turner," Willia was relieved.

"Maybe we're cousins," Naomi shrugged, joking around.

Willia turned to Jade, uneased. "THIS is your able-bodied crew?"

Jade nodded in answer. "You'll get used to it."

Meanwhile, aboard the Black Pearl, Evan was dining with Hecuba Barbossa.

"You can release me!" Evan said to Hecuba. "You have your trinket; I'm of no further value to you!"

Hecuba pulled out Evan's medallion. "You don't know what this is, do you?"

"A pirate medallion?" Evan answered as he shrugged.

Hecuba shook her head. "No, this is cursed Aztec gold, one of the 882 identical pieces that the Aztecs delivered in a stone chest to Cortes himself. Blood money was paid to stem the slaughter the Spanish conquistador wreaked upon the natives with his armies. The gold fueled his greed, so the heathen gods placed a terrible curse against anyone trying to take it. Anyone who removes a piece from the chest shall receive eternal punishment."

Evan scoffed. "I hardly believe in ghost stories anymore, Barbossa."

"That's what I thought when we first learned of it," Hecuba told Evan. "It was buried on Isla de Muerta, an island that can't be found except by those who know where it is. But find it, we did. There be the chest, and inside was the gold, and we took them all! We spent, traded, and squandered them away on drink, food, and pleasurable company. The more we gave them away, the more we suddenly realized that the drink would not satisfy us, and the food turned to ash in our mouths. We are cursed people, Mister Turner. Compelled by greed like Cortes, but now…we are consumed by it."

"How very sad for you," Evan said as Jack the monkey shivered in fear. "Is that all?"

Hecuba chuckled in response. "There is more than one way we can end our curse. All the scattered pieces of Aztec gold must be gathered and restored to the stone chest. And the blood of every soul who touched a piece of the treasure must be repaid. Mister Turner, we've searched every league of these waters for ten years. Every town and village, preying on sailors and settlers alike! We found 881 pieces but were disappointed to not find the last one. All those years, you had been safe in your bed, reading your pirate stories, dreaming of adventures in the high seas…while we have endured torments worse than death itself!"

Hecuba turned to Evan once more with a smile. "But now, thanks to you, we have the final piece - At last! When this medallion returns to the chest, we'll be free to roam the seas as the living, and we will no longer be ghosts!"

Evan shivered. "And the blood that's to be repaid?"

"That's why there's no sense to be killing you...yet."

Suddenly, Evan realized the setup – the pirates thought his blood would end the curse. He swirled around, looking for an escape, only to discover that Hecuba's crew surrounded him. As the moonlight streamed down, Evan saw not human flesh and blood but dark skeleton bones on them, even the monkey.

"You see, the moonlight shows us for what we truly are," Hecuba said to Evan, turning into a grinning skull. "We're not among the living, so we cannot die, but neither are we dead. I've suffered for too long! You'd best start believin' in ghost stories, Mister Turner. For you see, tonight...you're in one!"