CHAPTER 6 - Accidental Luck?

You wake up fitfully, groaning as you still see the pale light of early morning slanting through your window.

'Still three or so hours till sun up,' you think grumpily. The entire night had been spent like this; sleeping in snatches of 20 minutes or so, awake for an hour. Only to doze off once more and be woken up by those torturous dreams again. They didn't scare you; they just kept you awake. Besides, you were more anguished over the loss of precious sleep.

Sighing resignedly, you swung your legs over the side of the bed and stretched. You stood and hurriedly grabbed your long jacket to keep in al the warmth from the cozy bed. Marie had already began to shiver, since the covers had been thrown off of her when you stood up. You replaced them quickly and got dressed, muttering barely audible curses and complaints about the bitterly cold air. Once dressed, you headed out on deck to start your morning chores. There was not a soul up above; not even by the helm. Since Jack was in no hurry to get anywhere anytime soon, the Pearl had been anchored and was rocking back and forth lazily.

You headed for the helm, and glanced out over the calm and frigid waters that lay around you for leagues. Sighing contently, you strolled down towards the galley. Two of the crew were down there; Alec and Rogers (who only went by his last name). These two were the drunkard aboard the ship. Sure, you enjoyed a drink or two, and Jack couldn’t be parted form his rum (personally, you didn't favour the stuff. Whiskey was your drink of choice), but these two were unstoppable. Whatever alcohol they could get their hands on they swallowed; be it refined wine or the most poorly made grog. And here they lay, in the wee hours of the dawn, heads on the table and hands around a bottle of their favourites each (rum and scotch, respectively). They were snoring loudly, and surrounded by several more bottles of drink, all empty. You gingerly stepped closer, wrinkling your nose at the distasteful smell. Suddenly Alec snorted, murmuring in his slumber. You started and retreated a few steps. Watching in disgust as a strand of saliva drooled onto the table.

Shaking your head in disbelief, you made your way into the kitchen and peeked into the cupboards. You saw the oranges you had looted earlier that week, and eagerly grabbed one. Casting one more glance at the drunken bodies of your crewmates, you hurried back up on deck. You dug your nail into the skin of the fruit in your hand, and started to peel it. A gull cried from above, making you look up. It was going to be a lousy day; cold, windy and grey. But no rain. You stuck the orange in your pocket momentarily, climbing up to the crow's nest. Jack had taken to dubbing it the "Sparrow's Nest" since you had joined the crew; he thought I was riotously funny. You... not as much. He was easily amused, what could you say.

When you reached the top, the first thing you noticed was that Matthew had left Jack's telescope up here. You tisked to yourself, knowing full well the hell the young lad would catch for leaving it up here. Curling a knee around the mast, you sat comfortably on the platform. You pulled the orange out once more. The peel was tossed out over the side of the ship, to be attacked by seagulls on the surface of the ocean. You picked up the eyepiece and, after twirling it around in your fingers idly for a moment, adjusted it so you could scan the horizon. You eye caught a small island maybe two leagues to the east.

Suddenly a feeling of ruthlessness and mischief washed over you, bringing a daring glint to your eyes and a sly grin to your lips.

You cocked your head to smell your clothes, gauging how long it had been since you last bathed or washed your clothes. Blowing out your cheeks, you decided with a grin that it had been way too long. The water out here at this depth would be below freezing, and even in your slightly drugged mind you knew that that could be dangerous with no one around. But on that island... The waters over near shore would be warmer, and you could bathe in privacy. And you could handle the Pearl, even if it was only you.

Mind made up, you stuffed the rest of the delicious fruit into your mouth and clambered down the mast. You hurried over to the anchor, where the chain lay wound around the crank and disappeared into the depths below. Grabbing the handle and expecting resistance, you pushed with all your weight. To your surprise, it moved easily under your hand, and the anchor was up and secured in moments. The ship was starting to drift and sway, not moving anywhere fast as the sails were down. Racing up to the helm, you adjusted the wheel to send the ship straight towards the isle. Then you looped the rope-hold around on of the pegs on the wheel, and hurried down to hoist the sails.

They became taught the moment they were up, and the Pearl lurched into movement. You almost stumbled at the abrupt change of momentum, but regained your balance at the last second. Exhilarated, you turned and ran to the helm. Dropping the rope, you curled your fingers around the wheel, feeling the worn wood under your palms. You were about to compliment yourself on the tremendously fine job you had done when the wind shifted, causing to sails to drop limp. Growling, you replaced the rope-hold and stomped off to fix the sails. Bending down, you grumbling as you adjusted to the situation. As you picked up the rope to secure the sails, you heard a bone-grinding, wrenching sound. Your eyes widened in alarm, and your mind snapped back to. The fog lifted from your mental vision, and you raced to the side of the ship. All out could see was coral, for miles! A reef! You had steered Jack's ship straight into a reef!

You pivoted, ready to race to the helm, when the mainsail swung around 180 degrees, nearly catching you across the middle. Shocked, you looked up to see Lyle standing confidently at the helm, carefully guiding the Pearl through the shallows. You breathed an audible sigh of relief, and made your way towards him. He gave you a confused and slightly disappointed look as you approached, and you felt your cheeks redden and a crimson wave of embarrassment and shame washed over you. Lyle chuckled and reached over, pulling you over to stand against him. He slung his arm over your shoulder and looked at you quizzically. He was expecting the story.

Sighing, you pointed over to the island, which was decidedly closer now. "I just wanted to bathe," you whined, and Lyle laughed. He handed the helm over to you to hold steady, and strode down to the anchor. He started to let it down carefully, shouting back up at you. 'It's a wonder none of the crew is awake yet...' you thought briefly.

"So you decided that you'd gouge a hole in the bottom of the ship and have a nice swim down there?" His tone was serious, but his eyes were laughing and a smile played across his lips. The anchor dropped fully, and the Black Pearl jolted sharply.

"What was that for?" you cried. "I'm surprised that didn't tear a hole in the ship!"

Lyle meandered over to the mast and pulled down the sails. You slung the rope over the wheel and walked down to stand next to him.

"What was that for?" you repeated. Lyle shrugged.

"Get in a boat are row yourself out there, you lazy-arse." You scowledgood-naturedly. Lyle grinned.

"In fact, I'll join you. Could probably do with a wash myself, and I've been meaning to talk to you about..." he waved his hands about, staring pointedly at your bound chest. You nodded in understanding and walked to the back of the ship where the boat hung. Lyle followed and helped you to lower it into the water. Once it hit the surface, you made to climb over the railing. Lyle reached over to grab your elbow and help you down. Irritated and offended, you shook him off.

"Don't you dare treat me like a lady. Don't you dare." Lyle flushed, a rare occurrence, and lowered his head. You smiled and lifted his chin with your two fingers.

"You can't treat me like a lady, Lyle. And you should know that I'm fully capable." He nodded and let you climb into the boat yourself, following moments later. The boat rocked from side to side as you stood to unlatch the rope. Lyle picked up the oars and started rowing towards the island.

"What are you doing up so early, anyways?" he queried, casting a glance over his shoulder at you as he rowed.

"I couldn't sleep. And I should ask you the same thing." Lyle chuckled, navigating expertly through the shallows of the reef.

"I always get up this early. It's the only time when people aren't rushing about and I can have some time to think. See the sun rise." You glanced at the back of his head, seeing him slightly different than you did before. He looked over his shoulder at you, smiling quickly. You smiled back. The rest of the trip to shore was made in a comfortable silence. Once you heard the bottom of the small boat bump up against the bottom of the rocky beach, you both jumped out and grabbed the rope. Finding a heavy boulder, you secured the rope around it tightly and wedged the craft to where it wouldn't knock against the rocks with the swell of the tide. You two then picked you way towards the shore, ten meters away.

"I'm gonna see if there's somewhere more suitable and more out of sight of the Pearl," you stated, boots squelching as you walked towards the small group of trees. You heard Lyle follow, his boots just as noisy as yours.

"Jack doesn't know," stated Lyle in blatant amusement.

"About his ship or about me?" you replied, spotting a small sheltered cove, devoid of rocks.

"Both I suppose."

"Nope." Lyle laughed, and you grinned at him over your shoulder as you headed for the waters edge. He seated himself on a large boulder half in and half out of the water, still addressing you.

"Planning on telling him?" You stripped your shirt, tossing it in the water where it floated lazily until it became saturated and sunk below the surface.

"Not entirely sure. Wait, about which?"

"You."

"Not sure yet. He's bound to find out sooner or later. He's a smart man." Lyle nodded. You spun your finger around at him, indicating that he should turn his back. He obeyed.

"That he is. Why'd you do it?"

"I was going to be forced into marriage. Lord Grayson was a very influential person in my old town." You stepped out of your breeches and threw them in after your shirt, now submerged in the clear islet.

"Which was...?"

"Kingsbury." Unwinding your binding with a relieved sigh, you dropped them on the sand. Finally yanking off your sopping boots, you threw them over to the rock where Lyle sat. He turned at the noise, and eyed you curiously. You raised an eyebrow and watched as he studied your body. It wasn't perfect, but it wasn't a disaster either. You had grown up so much since you left home, and your body showed it. His eyes wandered over every curve and flaw. You didn't necessarily mind. You weren't a bashful or closed person by nature, and that had definitely not changed over the years. And Lyle was your best friend. You had only worried he may get ideas. You glanced down at your own naked form, trying to see what he was seeing. Here and there were scars from battles. Nowhere near the amount that Jack or even Lyle had, no doubt, but a fair amount. Your body was pale and fair, in drastic contrast to your face and neck. It had been several years since you had exposed your body to the sun at all. Lyle's eyes moved towards you face, and you grinned, winking. He chuckled, shaking his head.

"Definitely a woman." You laughed at this, wading into the chilly water. He was a true friend. Not a single evil intention in that man's head at all. You sloshed about playfully, shivering in exaggeration at the cold. Lyle stepped down off the rock and went to pick up your boots. He propped them up carefully, then picked up your bindings. Folding them neatly, he spoke to you.

"You know the hell you'll catch when he finds out. And he will find out." You nodded, knowing he was right.

"You'd best tell him outright. He'd respect you more that way." He sat down on the sand and began tugging off his own boots with a slurping sound. He turned one of his boots upside down, and a tiny river of water flowed out. He chuckled, and you grinned. The sun began to peek out from below the horizon, colouring the sky a brilliant purple and pink. In moments, it changed so that orange rays were shooting out across the waves, then deep red ones. Your breath caught in your throat at the beautiful spectacle.

"This is why I get up early." said Lyle quietly, marveling at the brilliant sky. After a few minutes, it had settled down in its transformations and was a steady bright glow. Lyle returned to the question at hand. "You really should tell him."

"I considered telling him. Because, see... now he could technically find out at any time." Lyle looked at you curiously, prompting you into speech once more. You drew your hand from the water and examined the ring on your finger dreamily. Lyle saw your distraction, and splashed some water on you. You came back to attention, and you considered whether to tell Lyle. Jack would definitely not want anyone else knowing, but Lyle was your best friend and had been since the second you had stepped on the ship. He was the one who had taken care of you through the ordeal of becoming a crewmember aboard the Pearl. He had consoled you when Jack had nearly killed you, and he knew all of your secrets.

"See this? This ring... it's supposed to be some sort of artifact from the Roman Gods or something." You saw Lyle raise his eyebrows in disbelief, and you sighed, wading towards the shore. You grabbed your clothes on the way. Climbing out of the water, you sat on the sand next to him and showed him the ring.

"May I see it?" he asked, holding out his palm.

"No." You shook your head, pulling it off your finger to hold in your palm. Lyle lofted his eyebrows at your abrupt denial, and you sighed. Answering those bloody questions again. You tried to convince him that he didn't want to.

"Apparently it doesn’t take well to other people." You could tell Lyle was believing none of this, as he still held his hand out and a smile lay hidden behind his other hand. You shrugged, knowing full well what would happen. You'd snatch it right back. You slid it off your hand and onto his, and he examined it for a moment. You felt the terrible urge welling up inside of you, tingling from your very core to bottle in the back of your eyes and dance down to your fingertips. You tried as hard as you could to hold it in as Lyle studied it curiously. Finally, when you felt you could hold it in no more, you grit your teeth and growled harshly.

"Give it back...." Lyle looked up in surprise, shocked when he saw your eyes blazing and your fingers twitching. He hurried thrust it back into your palm, marveling at how your face changed instantly from one ready to kill to the clever girl he knew. You slipped it back on your finger and immediately felt life fill you up again. Lyle gaped as you took all this in as nothing.

"From the Roman Gods, you said?" he repeated, more open to discuss it now. You nodded, absently twisting the band around and around your finger.

"Makes me know things. Like... like right now. Ask me something. Anything." Lyle looked around for something to ask, still not taking it in fully.

"How old am I?"

"26, easy one. C'mon Lyle. Give me one I don't know the answer to." Lyle cleared his throat and nodded.

"Uh...OH! Oh, you won't know this. Ok, what's my full name, middle included?"

"Joseph Abraham Leonard Mason-Wright IV." Lyle (or Joseph Abraham Leonard Mason-Wright IV) gaped, and you frowned.

"They named four generations that? Weird family." Lyle managed a small laugh, still staring. You grinned and ran your hands up and down your arms, starting to get cold. You ruffled your hair to dry it, and then dropped your arms to hug across your body. Lyle slipped his arms out of his jacket and wrapped it around your body, still amazed. You let him have a moment to adjust to that. You adjusted the jacket around your shoulder; it was blissfully warm. It took him shorter than you had anticipated.

"I could see how that would be a problem. I mean, what if he asks you...if he asked for your name or something like that, you would be caught." You nodded vehemently, having thought over this thoroughly. You stood, letting the jacket flap open in the wind.

"That's not all it does. Watch this." You walked over to the rock where Lyle had been sitting, and dug your fingers underneath the edge of it. You lifted the edge four feet off the ground, exposing crabs and tiny sea creatures. Seeing Lyle's shocked expression, you dropped it back on the ground with a powerful thud. Lyle scrambled up and moved over towards it, bending down, and placing his fingers where yours had been. He pulled with all his might and only managed to move the rock scant inches off the ground. He let it go, breathing heavily. He stood looking at you or a while before grinning.

"Oh, this will be fun...." You chuckled and lay down on your back on the beach. Lyle came and sat down on your left side, his hand holding him up over your stomach. "So when someone asks you something you have to answer?"

"Yes." You nodded, wary that he may start asking you personal questions. But you had no reason to worry. Lyle looked excited, and glanced down at you avidly.

"We'll just have to work on suppressing that!" Your eyes widened in disbelief; work on suppressing a curse by the gods? Not something that was usually considered a routine activity...

"Lyle, I'm not too sure this will work...."

"Course it will! We'll just work at it really hard. Ok. I'm going to ask you a harmless question, and I want you to not answer." You nodded dubiously.

"Ok. Is anyone awake on the Pearl?"

"Yes." Lyle looked down at you with his eyebrows raised, lips pursed in mock anger.

"I thought I said not to answer!" You smiled meekly and shrugged.

"It's hard. Try again."

"Right. What day of the week will March 26th be?" You ground your teeth together, trying your hardest to hold the word in your mouth. You failed.

"Friday." You sighed in frustration, and Lyle reached over to rub your arm.

"Don't worry about it. We'll get it down. Here. Let's head back to the Pearl. You said someone was awake. Who's awake?"

"Jack." You said casually, picking up your clothes and carefully winding the linen across your chest. Lyle stood as well, nodding and picking up his boots.

"Wait, WHAT? Jack!?" he hollered, realizing what you said. Realizing what that meant, your eyes widened and you hastily wrapped the rest of your bindings about you. You then ran back towards the rowboat, tugging your shirt on over your head and hopping along as you jumped into your pants. Lyle supported your arm as you almost tripped in your haste, and then urged you forward. You reached the boat, and untied the rope quickly. Lyle pushed it off, stepping in before it was out of distance. He picked up the oars and began rowing furiously back to the Pearl.

"Does he know that it's moved yet?" he asked, thankful for the ring's abilities now.

"No," you replied, relieved at the answer. The trip back to the Pearl took only half as long as it had to get out there, since you were in a great hurry. The boat bumped quietly against the side of the Pearl, and you quickly attached one end of the rope to the two side latches on the vessel. You gave Lyle a leg-up to the rope ladder, and he held onto the rope. Once on the bottom step, he turned around and offered his hand. You grabbed him by the wrist, and he hefted you onto the bottom rung. You two scurried up the ladder and climbed over the railing. Lyle strung the rope through the loop jutting out from the railing and heaved on it. The small rowboat rose into the air until it hung as it had earlier. Tying the rope off expertly, you and Lyle raced around to the front of the boat. Turning the corner, Lyle stuck out his arm and brought you to a full stop. Jack was standing with his back to you, hands on his hips, right outside the door to the galley. You walked forward steadily, Lyle beside you.

"Mornin' Capt'n!" you called out, making Jack turn abruptly. He saw you and grinned.

"And what are ye two doin' up so early? I thought I was the on'y one up." Lyle looked at you and you looked at Lyle, both grinning inside.

"I couldn't sleep," you stated obviously, twiddling the ring round your finger, to indicate the reason. Lyle nodded and motioned to you.

"And he woke me up." Jack looked puzzled for a moment.

"Liars," he said, grinning slyly. You glanced at Lyle, who shrugged his eyebrows at you. Jack chuckled and turned around, heading for the helm. Lyle seemed confused, but you just shook your head at him. No sense in trying to understand what he was saying. Clearly hung over. Or sleepy. Or just being Jack. Truthfully, you didn't care much about which it was, because Jack was currently striding towards the helm. You leaned over to whisper in Lyle's ear.

"He'll be finding out any minute......" You faded off and straightened up as a furious cry broke through the morning air. Lyle turned to you and winced. "Should we stay?"

"Yes." You looked at Lyle and nodded, not even taking a moment to think about it. Lyle set his jaw and took a deep breath. It was as if you were waiting for a tremendous wave to crash down on you. Which, in essence, you were, but only figuratively.

Jack spun around at the helm angrily, his passionate eyes coming to rest on your countenance.

'How am I going to explain this one?' you thought as the fierce pirate captain strode toward you purposefully. As he drew nearer, you remembered the feeling that had come over you at the same instance that the idea had come into your head. Glancing down at the ring lying innocently on your finger, you began to understand why you had done it. It was only a matter of explaining it to Jack now. And him believing you.

Jack had reached you and Lyle, and was glaring accusatorially between you two. You let him gather his thoughts, knowing better than to speak.

"Who did this?" he finally uttered, his voice backed with passionate anger. "Who sailed me ship into a bloody fucking reef?" You steeled your shoulders and lifted your head, waiting for the ring to release the answer.

"I did." Jack's eyes shot to yours, willing you to back down, but you stood firmly in your place.

"I can explain." Jack growled and grabbed your upper arm, swinging you around with him as he stormed below deck. Glancing behind over your shoulder, you saw Lyle hurriedly following. Jack swung open the door to his quarters and thrust you inside. He turned to slam the door and saw Lyle standing in the way.

"Get away, boy. I'll deal with you later." When Lyle made no indication that he was moving, Jack drew his pistol and placed it in his gut.

"Men who disobey the Captain's orders are shot." Lyle cast once more look at you before turning and walking out of sight. Grunting and sticking his pistol in his belt once more, Jack swung the door closed. You spoke up before he could even turn around.

"Jack, let me just say that I am terribly sorry, and that it wasn't..." your voice dropped off as Jack turned around to face you. He didn't look angry anymore, just supremely disappointed. Disappointed in you. Suddenly the desire to present your excuse washed away, and left you only feeling terrible and ashamed. You met his gaze for a moment, before dropping your head and twining your hands together on your lap.

"I am sorry, Captain." Jack sighed heavily and sat down in his chair. He propped his elbows on the table and pressed the pads of his fingers together. He studied you from below the rim of his hat. He watched you fidget uncomfortably, and then scold yourself for being nervous. He saw your eyes passing back and forth, debating some internal issue. Jack frowned as he noticed your wet clothes and hair. His anger subsided; he spoke quietly and with reserve.

"Where were you?" You brought your head up at the question. Grinding your teeth together, you fought to not answer the question. When you paused, Jack asked again.

"I was... bathing." Jack raised an eyebrow at your response.

"With Lyle?" He was definitely improved in his attitude; you caught the hint of amusement in his steady voice. You shook your head.

"No. We were talking." You were really hoping he wouldn't ask anymore questions... this was too close for comfort... If he asked what you were talking about, you would tell him and it would all be revealed. But Jack just nodded, glancing out his window.

"And, surrounded by water for leagues, you felt the need to hijack my ship and attempt to sail her by yourself to an isle only a few leagues away just to have a little bath?" His voice had lost the edge, but it was still displeased.

"Yes." You winced; wanting to tell him about the effect of the ring and the blank fog that had covered your mind, the feeling of wanting to cause havoc, of wanting to go against the rules... then shut it again. You nodded mutely. Jack scoffed and sat forward in his chair.

"I don't believe you. Tell me why you did it." Looking up from under your eyelashes, you stared into Jack's eyes. For the first time, you saw him as someone other than your Captain aboard the pirate vessel. You saw him as a man, an attractive one at that. His passionately dark eyes were framed with thick kohl and dark lashes, creating a hypnotic effect when one stared into them for too long. Too many times had you seen whores and young women get drunk in those eyes, and fall captive to his teasing touches. He had high cheekbones, which served to cast faint shadows on the lower half of his face. His beard has been braided into two separate strands since the day you had met him back in Kingsbury, his hair perpetually unruly; beads, coins, and braids randomly placed throughout the whole mess. Shifting your eyes back to his, you could tell he was confused by your hesitation and sudden interest in his features. You cleared your throat and looked down at the table.

"I wasn't thinking, that's all." Jack rolled his eyes and placed his hands down on the table. You were nervously fiddling with the ring on your finger, twirling it around and around. Jack glanced from the ring to your face.

"It was the ring..." He nodded towards the ring you were toying with, and you dropped both hands under the table instantly. Jack growled in frustration.

"You are drawing me t' the edge, lad. The immaturity has come from nowhere. Just answer the bloody question." When you remained silent, Jack assumed a stern voice. "As your Captain and your superior, I demand you to tell me the honest truth." You scowled at him. Of all the lowly, dirty tricks he could pull, he used that one! Now you had to answer, lest you be flogged mercilessly against the mast.

"I don't know." It was a last ditch attempt to lie, and Jack didn't fall for it for a second. Resuming an airy expression, he leant back.

"You know you'll be flogged later. And I didn't want it to come to this, but you're making me. Jakey, why did you sail--" Your eyes widened as he started to ask the question that would reveal everything. Leaping across the table, you slapped a hand over his mouth. Jack's eyes became wide and startled as he tried to protest against your palm. You pleaded with him.

"I'll tell you! Don't ask me that question! I'll tell you exactly why I did it, just promise you won't ask me any questions unless I say it's ok. Agreed?" Jack nodded, and you carefully slipped your hand from his mouth. He stretched his jaw, still looking at you quizzically.

"I have some aspects of my past that I would rather keep secret, if you please, Captain." You mustered us enough emotion to fill your voice with pain, convincing him that that was the truth. He nodded in understanding and waited for you to recount your tale.

"I woke up early because I couldn't sleep. That was true. I dec--"

"Why couldn't you sleep?" butted in Jack. You glared at him, having to answer.

"I was having nightmares. Now. If I'm going t' tell the story, you better listen!" Jack popped an eyebrow at your stern tone, but shut his mouth. You smirked and continued.

"As I was saying, I couldn't sleep because of... well, I just couldn't sleep. So I went up on deck. I climbed up the mast and into the Crow's Nest--"

"Sparrow's Nest," interjected Jack once more. You shot him a withering look of death and he waved in apology, biting his lip.

"...into the Crow's Nest, and looked out across the horizon. I grabbed the telescope, that I had brought up with me, mind you," you added, not wanting to incriminate Matthew with your story. Jack nodded, waving for you to continue. "...and I scanned the horizon. I saw this island to the east... and that's when I went all funny."

"'All funny'...?" repeated Jack, confused. You nodded.

"I suddenly felt unstoppable, wild... daring. I felt like I could do anything. I wanted to break the rules, the rules of the ship, the law... of the world. So I decided that, since I needed a bath, I should just steer my way over t that island in the distance. I was doing quite fine actually. Got the anchor up, dropped the sails, steered her straight..."

"You got the anchor up all by yourself? It takes three men to pull it up." You sighed, growing weary of his interruptions. He was a wonderful raconteur, but not such a great listener.

"Yes, and when will you be quiet and just listen?" you cried, exasperated. He held up his hand defensively.

"I just want to know, how did you manage--"

"I just did. It was easy."

"But--"

"Hush. Where was I? I had everything under control. Then the wind shifted, and I had to adjust the sails. As I did so, a..." you debated whether or not to tell him about the damage done to his Pearl. Jack waited for you to continue. You sighed, resigning yourself to be yelled at.

"I heard a horrible rending sound. That's when--" Jack had sat bolt upright, his eyes wide and fearful.

"You... me Pearl...you hurt me Pearl?" His voice was desperate and sorrowful, and you winced.

"Yes. No. Not much. Just scraped against some of the reef I'd guess. Nothing permanent." Jack seemed to be about to speak but you cut him off hurriedly.

"Anyways, I heard that noise, and my mind kind of cleared. I realized that there was no way on God's green earth that I could sail the Pearl all by myself, and I panicked. Luckily when I looked up Lyle was at the helm and he navigated her expertly through the shallows. We dropped anchor, and rowed out properly to the island. End of story." Jack still looked stunned from receiving the information that the Black Pearl had been damaged. He cleared his throat, however, and sat up straight. He assumed a booming voice; one of authority.

"You shall receive five lashes and kitchen duty as punishment for disobeying my direct order. As for taking over my ship, you will have all duties of first mate revoked for a week. During that week, you will scrub decks, mend sails, and do not only my bidding but also the bidding of the crew. And for hurting my Pearl... for that you will receive five lashes." You nodded, bowing your head. He was being extremely generous. Normally a crewmember would be shot for disobeying the captain, or at the least stuck in the brig for a week without food. Jack stood and motioned that you leave.

"I have to straighten out our position now. Bloody annoyance. See to it that you find a way to control those impulses, eh? If you can't think of one, come talk to me. Now. Ye best be on your way t' the kitchen, Jake." He patted you on the back gently, and you nodded. As you turned the corner from Jack's door, you ran straight into Lyle. He had been waiting eagerly for your return.

"What did--" he began, but you shot him a look of warning. He nodded, and changed his question into a statement.

"I wonder what Jack said to you..." You sighed and headed towards the galley.

"I'll tell you over the dishes."

* * * *

"The ship was just here last night, Captain Bellamy Miss! They dropped anchor and went below, I saw it with my own eyes! I don't know where it could have gone!" Adriana growled in frustration, furious that this Jack Sparrow had somehow managed to receive word that she was after him. Cowardly fellow fled right away, the stupid blighter. No matter. Bellamy would find him, no matter what.

"Set a course for Caprice! We'll receive news there." With a dutiful nod, Anne swept away to set the course. Adri stared out over the calm, unbroken waters. She scanned the horizon for any sign of a ship, but saw nothing. Only a tiny island off towards the south-west. She growled and cursed Jack Sparrow under her breath.

* * * *

Two leagues away, the Pearl lay hidden behind that island, no one on board knowing the disaster that had just been diverted. In the galley stood a young man washing dishes and recounting to his friend the interesting conversation he had just had with his captain.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 7 - A Battle

"What are you going to do about the lashes? He'll find out for sure when that happens," Lyle glanced over at you from a few feet away. He was leaning casually on the doorframe, questioning eyes on you as you scrubbed away at the impressive pile of disgustingly dirty dishes. You shrugged, and opened your mouth to reply. Realizing that you hadn't actually answered his question, you closed it again and frowned. That was odd. Pulling your hand from the lukewarm water, you checked to make sure the ring was still secure on your pinky finger. Yup. Still there.

"Something wrong?" You looked over at Lyle; he was as confused as you were. "Yes." That time the ring had prompted the truthful answer. Something was wrong. You just weren't sure what. What was the difference between the two questions? The first, ' What are you going to do about the lashes?' had been objective, whereas the second, 'Something wrong?' had been subjective. Could that have something to do with it?

Maybe the powers of the ring were limited. The first question told the future, and the second one simply told the situation as it was now. You were perhaps only able to find out the answers to questions concerning things happening right at that moment, or that had already happened. The ring needed a definite course. There were too many options for the future; too many ways that the scenario could play out. Lyle reached over to prod your in the ribs with his finger. You jumped in surprise, splashing filthy water down your front.

You turned to glare daggers at Lyle, spitting the foul stuff from your mouth and wiping your face on the back of your hand. Lyle looked like he was trying hard not to laugh. You rested one hand firmly on your hip and stared him down. He stopped snickering pretty quickly.

"Sorry..." he mumbled, still trying to suppress a grin. You rolled your eyes and looked down to survey your shirt.

"I was just going to say..... I don't remember what I was going to say," you finished lamely, dropping your hand from your hip. You stared off into the corner of the room, trying to remember what you had been talking about.

"What you're going to do about the lashes," offered Lyle eagerly, and you frowned. No, that wasn't what had you so confused.... "Something wrong!" he shot, growing excited and enjoying the game he was inventing. "Things that rhyme with 'red'! Potatoes!! Things that start with--"

"Lyle!" you cried, turning to face him, exasperated but amused. He stopped mid sentence, the look of excitement quickly fading to one of abashed amusement. "No idea where that came from...." he mumbled, grinning. You shook your head but grinned as well. Suddenly you remembered.

"Lyle! Ask me an objective question," You looked at him expectantly, the grimy dishes all but forgotten. He looked back, confused.

"An objective question! Like... something about the future, and me. About... something about my thoughts." Lyle waved his hand about absently.

"I know what an objective question is. I'm simply trying to figure out why on earth you want me to ask you one!" You rolled your eyes, and he mimicked you. Holding his hand up as you started to whine, he spoke in a mockingly deep voice.

"What on earth will you do about those dishes?" You paused, waiting to see if an answer would come to your lips. None did. You grinned and didn't respond to the query.

"Good! Now ask me a subjective question."

"What am I thinking?"

"I don't know."

"You don't know?"

"No bloody clue. And frankly, I don't really want to know." Lyle scowled good-naturedly before leaning back once more against the narrow doorframe. You turned back to the dishes, mulling over this new discovery. You couldn't read minds, you couldn't predict the future, and you couldn't answer opinionated questions. Could you ask yourself questions? You decided to try.

"Is Alec still asleep?" you said aloud, earning a shrug in response from Lyle. When no answer came to our lips or to your mind, you were sure that the answer to your former question was no. Deciding that was about as much critical thinking you could take for the day, you shook your head and submerged your hands in the now chilly water. Grimacing, you grabbed the sponge and began to scrub at the next dish.

"But in all seriousness, what are you going to do about those lashes? Because you know the deal. Bare back. Which means bare chest. And it would be a cold night in hell the moment Jack Sparrow didn't notice those." He gesticulated with his hand over his own chest, eliciting a snort from you. You shook your head, unsure. Sighing heavily, you turned to address his question.

"I'm not entirely sure. Part of me says that I should just tell him, just get it over with. But I don't know, ye know?" Lyle nodded sagely. In truth, he had no idea what you meant, since he simply thought you should tell him. But he nodded nonetheless. You continued.

"But, what if he suspects? It would change things if he suspected. I couldn't go on hiding it from him if he already knew. That would be unfaithful and unfair. Do you think he suspects?" Lyle shrugged, and was about to comment when you grabbed him by the shoulders. You looked up at him eagerly, eyes excited.

"Lyle! Ask me if he knows!" Lyle pried your fingers from his upper arms, glancing at the wet handprints left on his tunic.

"Does Jack know about you being a female?"

"Yes." You clapped a hand over your mouth, turning around and bracing yourself on the counter. Lyle whistled lowly and walked over to stand next to you. You leaned over the counter, Lyle standing alongside you. He looked over, and you looked back.

"So... you going to tell him?" You bit your lip and nodded. Lyle grimaced and clapped you hard on the back.

"Well, good luck with that. Tell me how it goes, will ya?" You smirked, and he winked. Lyle gave a small wave and headed off for the main deck. The crew was beginning to rise and the Pearl would soon set course for the supply town of Caprice. You sighed and submerged your hands in the disgusting water once more. It would be a long day....

* * * *

"Damnit!" you growled again as the needle you were holding dug deep into your fingertip for what was possibly the twentieth time. Curse that Jack Sparrow for assigning deck duties like this... You had been sitting cross-legged by the mast for the last hour or so, laboriously trying to fix a rend in the sails. The needle you were using was thick and sturdy, and therefore terribly difficult to press through the thick fabric of the sails. Sticking the wounded digit into your mouth with a frown, you took the moment to pause in your work. Glancing up, you had to shield your eyes with your free hand against the glare of the afternoon sun. You guessed it was maybe two hours until sunset, at the most. You had spent the majority of the day in the kitchen, grueling over menial tasks like scrubbing the tables and cleaning the seemingly insurmountable pile of dirty dishes. It was only after noon that Jack had stuck his head down the stairs and called for you to come out on deck. True, it had been to do what could be argued as even more grueling work, but at least you were above deck.

You squinted up to the helm, displeased to see Marie sitting happily on the rail by Jack's side. He was talking to her, one hand on the wheel and the other flailing about madly as he recounted one of his extravagant adventures. You heard her laugh aloud at something he said, and moments later heard Jacks' own chuckle. You crossed your arms and pursed your lips at your sister's flirtatious behaviour. That was definitely not becoming for a girl like her. Jack had apparently finished his story, since Marie clapped laughingly, and Jack gave a low mocking bow. Marie laughed as Jack swept his tricorne hat from his messy dreads extravagantly. She jumped down from the rail and curtsied properly in return. You raised an eyebrow and watched, not as amused as they evidently were. Jack and Marie both straightened, and grinned. Jack turned back to the helm, and Marie hoisted herself up onto the railing again. As she did, Jack tweaked the wheel a slight degree. The Pearl surged over a wave head on, causing the ship to lurch suddenly. Marie let out a squeal and toppled over the side of the ship. At the last moment, Jack reached out to grab her flailing arm. With his free hand, he looped the rope over the wheel, and then stepped over to the railing. He pulled Marie up easily, and she immediately clung to him, shaking. He chuckled and patted her awkwardly on the head. You couldn't help but notice that he looked more like a bigger brother than a love prospect.

'Wonder how Marie doesn't see that...' you mused, still watching the pair. Jack pried his body from hers, and grinned down at her. She still held her arms about him, and looked up into his face. She leaned up as if to kiss him, and you growled.

"Jack Sparrow, if you let that delusional girl touch you, you're less of the man I think you are." At that moment, Lyle called out Jack's name across the deck. Marie dropped her arms regretfully, and Jack stepped back to the helm. Lyle came striding up to the helm, tipping his hat slightly to your sister, who was more than a little riffed.

"Thank God for you, Lyle," you muttered. Marie turned and strode off below deck to your quarters; you would deal with her later. Right now, you wanted to see how Lyle handled Jack. Or how Jack handled Lyle. You weren't quite sure which it was right now.

Since you had been revoked of your duties as first mate for the time being, Lyle had stepped in. And Jack wasn't too happy with him. Lyle was too stubborn and strong-willed. Actually, those same qualities had made you such a strong member of the crew and close friend to Jack. Only with Lyle, it was different. He didn't know when to just concede and give it over to Jack. If you saw something that was maybe a bad decision or was against your better judgment, you had learned to keep your mouth shut. If it was something big and would affect the crew and the Pearl, you voiced your idea. Otherwise, you just kept it quiet. Jack hated to be undermined while he was working. You looked up to the helm to see how the two were faring now. Lyle appeared to be pleading with him, pointing to a map in his hand, and out to the ocean with the other.

"Captain, if you'd just--"

"I don't need a map son. I'm Captain Jack Sparra'." Jack's tone held the usual edge of cockiness at the proclamation of his title. Lyle sighed and you imagined that he must have rolled his eyes in exasperation.

"I know, Jack, but--"

"Captain Jack, son!"

"Captain, it's faster this way, if you'd--" Jack grabbed the map from Lyle's hands and tossed it on the ground. He placed one worn boot over it and grinned triumphantly to no one in particular. He then turned to Lyle, who was frustrated out of his wits by now.

"Lyle. Go check the supplies or something. Don't just stand here trying to tell me how to sail me ship." Lyle sighed like a martyr and turned to head below deck. As he walked past you, you chuckled and winked. He bent down and whispered in your ear quietly.

"I don't know how you do it." You grinned and turned to reply, just as quietly.

"I just let him think he's winning. Here. Watch this." You turned him and pointed towards the helm. Lyle crouched down next to you as you observed Jack. He stood still for a moment, gazing out at the horizon. Then he quickly stooped down to grab the map he had taken from Lyle. Smoothing it out against the wheel, he studied it for a moment. Then he looked back up and adjusted the wheel a few notches to the left. Then, casual as you please, he let the map flutter back down to the floor. He put his foot back on it, and continued to stare off into the distance. A small smirk played across his lips.

You turned and grinned at Lyle, who shook his head and chuckled. "That man is incorrigible."

"No argument there, mate." Lyle winked and straightened, heading for the galley. You cast another look up at Jack who was still staring off to the horizon with that cocky expression on his face. Shaking your head, you sighed and resumed your stitching. The Black Pearl would reach the supply port of Caprice by nightfall, and you were be reprieved of your duties for the night. It was that thought that urged you on. Just as you had resigned yourself back down to work, Matthew's cry broke through the still air.

"Ship Ho!"

* * * *

Captain Adriana Bellamy was pacing her quarters in frustration. Trinidad was sprawled out across the one chair, balancing it precariously on the back two legs and she propped herself up with the table. Adri had loosed her hair and dropped her heavy concealing cloak to the floor, and what a picture of dangerous beauty she was. Her black hair kept falling over her long lashes, despite her furious hand continually sweeping it back. Her green eyes were flashing brilliantly; her shirt billowing as she paced to reveal a pale and fair chest. In her long fingers, she toyed with a small blade like a worry stone, stroking it across the flat and squeezing the handle. She muttered a curse quietly and glanced up. Trinidad watched her carefully, gauging when would be the best time to put in her two pence. Bellamy swept her hand up over her face, again pushing her long locks back from her vision. Trinidad noticed a subsidence in the fire that lit her Captain eyes, and opened her mouth to speak. At that moment, the door opened and young Anne popped her head in.

"Afternoon, Captain! Would you like me to set the course for Caprice?" Anne gazed questioningly at her fuming Captain, who slowly pivoted to glare at the girl. Anne paused for a moment and bit her lip. She glanced towards Trinidad, who was smiling lazily. Trinidad had always felt that Anne would one day get what was coming to her for being so naïve, maybe this would be the day. Hell, maybe she'd even get to help hold the girl down. It was people like Anne that fed Trinidad's general hate for all of her sex; innocent, ignorant, and completely unaware. Trinidad's fingers unconsciously found their way to the butt of her pistol and her lazy smile grew wider.

Anne was looking nervously at Adriana, who was glowering at her. The poor girl swallowed hard and made to retreat.

"I-It's ok.. I'll.. I'll just wait... until you're.. um.. until you're..." She began to back out, eyes cast down to the floor. Adriana straightened and held up a hand to stop her.

"Come here, Anne." The girl gulped soundlessly, eyes darting from the Captain's falsely sweet face to the blade twirling in her fingers. She looked over at Trinidad, who was now grinning like a Cheshire cat with glee, and timidly took a step forward. "Yes, Captain Bellamy?" Adriana smiled, baring her white teeth and motioning with her finger for the girl to come closer.

"Closer, Anne." Anne nodded and scurried over to stand almost on top of Bellamy. The older woman sighed like a martyr and looked up at the ceiling, the young Anne practically below her.

'Why, God? Why? This girl? The one thing I want to do I can't... She has to stay "pure" and whatnot. I ask You for the treasure and You send me this.' Adriana glanced down at the timid creature staring up at her with wide eyes and sighed. 'I think You must have one hell of a sense of humour.'

"What did I say earlier, Anne?"

"You said to set the course for Caprice...?" Her voice was questioning, as if she was unsure of the right answer.

"Good. And what did I say, before that?" Anne frowned in confusion and glanced over at Trinidad momentarily. Finding no consolation there, she swallowed and spoke as loud as she could without her voice cracking from fear.

"You said that you were damned hungry, Captain, and that if you didn't get some food into you, you may just waste away." Anne looked up at Adri for verification of her response. Adri rolled her eyes and held a hand to her temple.

"Not that, girl! Before. Before that! I said explicitly: 'I want no one to bother myself and Trinidad unless it is a dire emergency, we have arrived at Caprice, or it is past sunset.'" Anne nodded and dropped her head, knowing now that she gave the wrong answer.

"Now, girl. Is this a dire emergency?" Anne shook her head 'no.'

"Are we at Caprice?" Anne shook her head.

"Is it after sunset?" Again, Anne shook her head. Adri nodded and swept her arm towards the door.

"Then I believe you know what to do." Anne nodded fervently and backed out as quickly as she could, her apologies tumbling over one another on her tongue. She closed the door behind her, and the moment it closed, Adri growled and hurled the dagger she was holding. It landed, two inches into the wood of the door, wobbling ominously where Anne's small dark head had just been. Trinidad looked noticeably disappointed, her fingers dropping from her pistol, along with her grin from her face.

"You couldn't let me have a go?" whined Trinidad playfully, a pout adorning her face. Adri allowed a small smile and slid onto the bed with a sigh. She rested her elbows on her knees and her head in her hands.

"Where did he go?" she muttered. She looked up at her first mate, who shrugged. "He could have caught a swell, or a southward breeze. But we'll find him. And when we do..." Trinidad grinned malevolently. "I'll find that girl and cut the ring from her finger myself." Adri gave a wry smile and shook her head. So bloodthirsty that Trinidad was.

"So." Adri looked up at the younger girl with raised eyebrows. Trinidad nodded, as if reading her mind.

"Yeah..." They both sighed simultaneously. After a moment of depressed silence, Trinidad spoke up.

"What's the plan for after Caprice?" Adri shrugged.

"Perhaps we'll pay a visit to old Antonio while we're there... I swear not a thing happens on this side of the world without his knowing about it. Then we'll stock up and head in whatever direction he points us. I'm actually somewhat inclined to stop along at Fuego before heading to Caprice. That way we could have a chat with Maurice, see if he's any help. What do you think?" She cast her gaze up to Trinidad, who nodded appreciatively.

"I pretty much agree. Seems like a good plan to me. The only thing would be that----" She was cut off as the door burst open once more and Anne stood in the doorway. Adri swiftly rose to her feet, her eyes flashing dangerously once more. Trinidad grinned briefly in surprised glee, before pulling her pistol from her belt and cocking it. Anne gasped at the visible threat made by Trinidad, and her words spilled from her mouth in a tangled rush.

"Ship on the horizon! North-east! It's headed this way, and gaining!" Trinidad briefly looked over her shoulder at Adri, who nodded curtly and began to stride towards the door. Trinidad leveled the pistol at Anne's head and aimed to fire. Anne didn't dare move, as frightened as she was.

"You've no idea how long I've wanted to do this..." whispered Trinidad, her finger stressing the trigger. At the last second, Adri walked past and slapped the weapon from her first mate's hands.

"Knock it off. You know why she's here." Trinidad growled and muttered mocking complaints under her breath, bending down to pick up her beloved revolver. As she grabbed it, Adri stepped sharply on her hand. Trinidad looked up from her bent position, catching the exasperation and frustration in Adriana's face.

"I wish you would just listen to me. Once more like that and I may have to bring out my Cat. Got it?" Trinidad nodded mutely, biting her lip in order to stop her instinctual cutting rhetoric from responding to the not-so-subtle threat from her Captain. Adri stepped off her first mate's hand, and Trinidad quickly grabbed her pistol and stuck it into her belt. Bellamy strode out on deck behind Anne, towards the helm. Trinidad sauntered along behind. When she arrived at her Captain's side, Adri was holding a telescope to her eye. Anne bobbed up and down along Adri's other side.

Lowering the eyepiece, a slow grin spread over Bellamy's face. She wordlessly handed the telescope over to Trinidad. She held it to her eye and trained it on the ship in the distance. She couldn't really tell what the man standing at the helm looked like, but she could read the name painted in sprawling cursive along the ships' hull. The Black Pearl.

"Get below deck girls! Marci, Jane, Anne, and Trinidad, say above. Get into gear. We're going to fight them." Trinidad grinned in joy and handed the telescope off to Anne. The girls hurried below deck to don their male garb and hide. Anne hoisted the Jolly Roger. No decent pirate would see the Joli Rouge and turn and flee. No sense in raising the British flag, or the French now. He would certainly see it going up, and guess what it was. Maybe he even used that tactic himself. Much more effective just to raise The Jolly Roger. Bellamy's flag depicted an hourglass with two cutlass' crossed behind it like wings. It was a fairly common symbol; the hourglass represented the fact that, for the enemies, time to live was running out.

Adriana hurried to her cabin, and re-emerged minutes later dressed for a fight. She was no longer decipherable as female, and that was exactly how she wanted it to be. Her hair had been twisted into a tight knot at the top of her head, held in place by her bandana and her Captain's hat. She had put on her long jacket once more, and her shirt was loose enough that one could not notice her breasts. She strode to the helm and executed a 180-degree turn of her beloved ship, heading for the oncoming vessel. She turned to Trinidad with that familiar evil glint in her eyes.

"You ready, Trinidad?" Trinidad grinned craftily, and stroked the butt of her pistol lovingly.

"Oh yes...Most definitely ready."

* * * *

You craned your head up as you heard Matthew cry out, trying to see over the rail from your sitting position. Seeing only the sky and the island now behind you, you dropped the canvas and stood, your joints creaking and popping. Turning round, you finally spotted the ship. It appeared to be turning around to face the Pearl. Instantly all of your senses were heightened, and you shot your gaze to the helm. Jack stood rigidly, frowning at the approaching ship. Lyle was nowhere to be seen, probably still below deck running through the list of supplies. Hurriedly sticking the needle through the canvas, you thrust it out of the way so it wouldn’t cause a problem during the fight. You started to stride toward the helm, patting your belt to make sure your pistol and cutlass were still in place. Jack glanced at you briefly as you made your way up to him. You didn't miss the disapproving look in his eyes; you were not supposed to be having any part in this.

"You're not supposed to be up here, Jake," said Jack evenly as you approached. You frowned and stared at him, one eyebrow cocked.

"And you think you can do this by yourself?" Jack turned and leveled his passionate eyes at you, furious at the accusation that he was incapable of handing his Pearl. You looked him in the eyes, mentally apologizing for your trespass. He nodded the slightest bit, and you looked to the horizon.

"Who is it?" you asked. Jack shrugged in response, and turned half to you.

"Why don't you tell me?"

"Because you didn't ask yet." Jack looked over in surprise and you shrugged. It was the truth. Of that you could be sure.

"Ok then. Jakey, who is the Captain of that vessel?"

"Adriana Bellamy." You glanced at Jack, wondering if that was significant at all. He didn’t seem to recognize the name, as a puzzled frown had found its way onto his handsome features. Then, as you watched, the approaching ship hoisted the Jolly Roger, signaling an attack. Jack wasted no time to resister any emotion at all. Turning on his heel, he shouted over your head to the crew on deck.

"Hoist the Roger! Prepare to fight! Guy, go find Lyle and bring him up here!" You turned to Jack to receive your orders. He looked at you briefly before turning back to the wheel. His orders to you were muttered and spoken under his breath.

"Take that canvas and get below deck. You can finish mending it there." Your mouth literally dropped open, and your eyes widen in shock and disgrace. He was going to order you to sit this one out? Just because of an earlier punishment? You were his first mate, for Christ sake! He-- that---

"You...Jack! What--" Jack turned to you, exasperated.

"'You...Jack...what...'" he repeated mockingly, fanning the flame that was burning deep in your stomach and spreading quickly through your body. You seethed and narrowed your eyes at him. He shrugged and pointed towards the stairs leading below deck, indifferent. You growled audibly and Jack turned to prop an eyebrow in careless amusement. Reaching into your belt, you wrapped your fingers around your pistol, ready to pull it out and hold it to Jack's head. He noticed and grabbed your arm as you were reaching, gripping it tightly. You winced, momentarily in pain as his fingers dug into your flesh. Eyes flashing, you glowered at Jack. He was staring deep into your eyes, trying desperately to get to you.

"You better learn to do what I say, Jake. Get below deck. NOW." He released your arm, pushing you away gently at the same time. You refused for a moment, staring defiantly into his dark eyes. He stared right back, and after a moment of tense silence, you tore your gaze away and spun angrily on your heel. You heard Jack sigh as you stormed off, probably relieved. Still furious, you didn't notice as you very nearly toppled right over Lyle, who was coming up from the galley. He looked at you in confusion as you stormed past. Them, stopping, you bent down to pluck your dagger from your boot.

Tossing it lightly in your hand, you pivoted to face back up to the helm. Lyle's eyes widened as he saw where your anger was directed, and what you were going to do. He began to run towards you, waving his arms in protest. Ignoring him, you heaved your arm back and threw the blade with all your might. It came to rest with an ominous schwing!, imbedded two inches in the wood of the deck, barely a hair away from Jack's right boot. He glanced down slowly, then back up to you. You caught his eyes for a split second, the smallest defiant smirk playing across your lips. Then you spun around once more and stomped below deck, leaving Lyle to gap in awe and fear behind you.

As you strode angrily towards your quarters, you realized that you had left the canvas up by the mizzenmast. Growling, you turned around and pulled on your lip. Should you risk going back on deck, thereby defying Jack's orders once again? Or should you stay below and not repair the canvas, thus indirectly disobeying another of his orders? You decided simply to stay below deck, and you continued on towards your cabin. As you swung open the door, grumbling, Marie flounced up from behind. You cast her an exasperated look before walking over to your bed and flopping down on it face first. She didn't appear to notice your deflated mood, as she closed the door behind her and practically bounced over to the chair.

"Isn't Jack marvelous?" she bubbled, her words tumbling over one another in her excitement. Your response was muffled by the bed covers, and you made no move to get up.

"Magnificent." Your voice was flat and monotonous, and you hoped that perhaps Marie would get the hint and simply shut up. Alas, today was your unlucky day. No such thing happened.

"I mean, he is really something, isn't he? Quite a handsome fellow, mind you. I swear, he is quite a treat."

"Don't even think about it Marie," was your muted reply. You pulled yourself up and sat on the edge of the bed, gazing at your sister glumly. She frowned and glanced over at you.

"Why do you say that?" You shrugged, standing up and walking to your window. The ship was approaching, and your crew would be boarding any minute now. You felt a flame rise up deep inside of you, angry hat you were barred from doing the one thing you had really come to love. Marie burst into your thought, whining.

"Why do you say that, I said!" You frowned and turned around.

"Because he doesn't understand women. Sure, he knows his way around their bodies, and he knows how to make them adore him (look at you Marie, he's got you wrapped around his finger, hasn't he?)... But he doesn’t know a damn thing about them. And you'd just end up being hurt, Marie. And you know that that is the absolute last thing that I want. So please, hands off. For your sake, and for mine." Marie cast you a questioning glance.

"Why for yours?" You shrugged.

"I've seen him with his whores. I just don't want you to be one of them. I don't want you to be one of the stories told over breakfast, ok?" Marie nodded mutely and chewed on her lip. You glanced over your shoulder and saw the enemy ship right alongside the Pearl. You were starting to be able to hear shouts from above, and the clash of swords. Oh, how you ached to be out there....

"Marie, stay here. Keep hidden. I'll be back, ok?" She frowned and glanced out the window herself, her eyes widening at the sight of the jolly roger that was currently being flown. You raced to the desk and reached into one of the drawers to grab the dagger hidden in there. You had thrown your other one at Jack earlier, and you never knew when you may come to need one.

"Are you going out there?" whispered Marie frightfully. You nodded grimly, deciding not to think about what would happen if Jack caught you. First hijacking his ship, the lying, then talking back, then throwing a dagger at him... you hadn’t actually seen how that had gone over with him... that would definitely make for an interesting conversation later on... and now this. Directly disobeying his explicit orders. You grimaced and wiped the thought from your mind. You paused to place a fleeting kiss on the very tip of your sister's nose and squeeze her hand before yanking the door open and hurling up the stairs, three at a time. It appeared that the other pirates had boarded the Pearl, as the fighting was all happening over the main deck. You spotted Jack up by the helm, deftly taking on one pirate lad after another.

You steered away from him, and came immediately face to face with a young lad who was grinning savagely. You swiftly pulled your cutlass from your belt and brandished it, slicing the air centimeters away from the boy's stomach. He had leapt back just in time. You parried his thrust, meeting him stroke for stroke. He stumbled briefly, and you took your opening. Lunging forward, you drove your cutlass into the boy's lower stomach. Dark blood seeped out onto your blade and the boy gasped and doubled forward, coughing and spluttering. You withdrew your sword, and the boy fell to his knees. You cast one last look at the dying boy, and you couldn’t help but feel a wave of pity wash over you. Damn it, why couldn't you simply be ruthless!? Why did you always get like this when you killed someone! Grumbling and rolling your eyes, all the while muttering angrily about your bloody conscience under your breath, you trudged back towards the now lifeless form. Digging in your pocket, you found two small coins. You pulled them out and carefully tucked them into the lad's hands, and wiped your palm over the boy's eyes, closing the lids. Then, satisfied that the boy's toll would be paid, you spun around to return to the fray.

"Told ye to stay below deck!" bellowed Jack, startling you. He was standing in front of you, holding a smoking pistol in one hand and his sword in the other. You pause to glance at him, and saw that he was not pleased; his eyes were harsh, and on his face was a frown. You chewed the inside of your lip, trying to think of a response to the accusation. Jack shot you one more disappointed glance before striding off towards the helm of the ship. You shook your head and sighed, upset that you had let him down once more. Looking up, you noted that the enemy crew was outnumbered, and falling fast.

"Drop your swords!" thundered Lyle threateningly, holding his cutlass to the throat of one of the men. You grinned, forgetting about your previous guilt. You turned your sword on the nearest pirate, who lowered his arms to his side, dropping his weapon to the deck with a clatter. Slowly the rest of the pirates followed suit, and you couldn't help but smirk in triumph. Jack came swaying up into the middle of the deck, pistol in hand.

"Alright, which one of you is Adriana Bellamy?" he hollered. You couldn’t help but notice that all of the pirates aboard the Pearl were men right now, and the name 'Adriana' sounded awfully very feminine...

"That's Captain Adriana Bellamy, Sparrow," came a cold voice from somewhere to your left. You turned, and tried to get a view of the person who had spoken so chillingly. Jack spun about drunkenly towards the voice as well, frowning when he came face to face with a tall man. He frowned and squinted at the pirate.

"Adriana Bellamy? Good God, mate... ye must have had one hell of a rough childhood with a name like tha....." His voice slowly faded to nothing as the pirate pulled back the bandana around his head, sending waves of ebony hair crashing over his shoulders. Bellamy then placed one hand on her hip, and another on the butt of her pistol, still tucked into her belt.

"Ah, of course. That does explain some questions I had," commented Jack suavely, but you could tell he was completely awestruck by her beauty. You scoffed and rolled your eyes. She was beautiful, though, you had to give her that. Jack sauntered over to where you and Lyle stood, positioning himself between you two. He avoided your glance, but you could tell he wasn't as angry now.

"I am Captain Bellamy, and this is my crew." The woman waved a hand about at the array of men, whose weapons were at their feet. On cue, all the pirates released their bandanas, and suddenly you were surrounded by Italian women, all strikingly beautiful and amazingly ferocious. Your eyebrows went sky-high, disbelieving the sight before you. Beside you, you heard Jack mutter under his breath.

"Sweet siren, of all that is holy, give me strength..." You looked over at him briefly and saw that familiar look pass behind his eyes, and then disappear behind a front of coolness.

"How lovely. Now, if you would kindly please get off my ship. You can exit the way you came." Jack addressed Captain Bellamy formally, his voice light but with an edge. The Italian woman laughed; a cold, sarcastic, cruel sound.

"We're not leaving quite yet, Sparrow."

"Captain when you're aboard my ship, Adriana." She bristled at such an informal address in front of her crew, and strode over to face him. Her countenance was a mere two inches away from his. Jack's face was passive; after years of practice, he was able to clear his face of any thought or emotion at all. Bellamy, it seemed, was much more passionate in her expression. She was snarling and her face was livid. Her eyes flashed dangerously as she held her finger to Jack's chest. Jack watched in placid calmness as she opened her mouth once, twice, three times to give a scathing retort, then decided against it. Sparrow let the smallest of smirks slip onto his face as she huffed and stepped back from him.

"I want something that you have, Captain Sparrow," she hissed through clenched teeth. Apparently, she had decided that he best way to get what she wanted was to play it nicely. You bit the inside of your lip, stealing a quick glance down at the ring that lay innocently on your finger.

'Does she want the ring?' you thought silently to yourself. The answer came back strongly and immediately:

'Yes.' You bit your lip hard.

Jack shrugged in response to Bellamy's comment. She managed to keep a hold on her temper and continue.

"Only a small thing. A ring. Perhaps you may have seen it around, yes? Small, with a dull, blurred stone sitting at its center? That's all I want." You casually and carefully shifted your right hand to cover the left, and the ring. Then you looked over to Jack for his reply. He simply shrugged, still nonchalant. You breathed a silent sigh of relief.

Bellamy did not seem to be so passive any more. She turned to a younger woman who was standing directly behind her, and muttered some quick words in Italian. The woman nodded, and placed her hand on her pistol, the other drawing the cutlass that had been resting on her hip. You frowned, not sure of what the pirate woman was planning.

"I can find who has it, Sparrow. Just you watch." Jack shrugged again, looking forward, not daring to shift his gaze towards you. Lyle did glance towards you however, eyes wide. You frowned at him slightly, indicating that you were confused about what was going on. Lyle carefully and quickly mimed someone talking, then placed his hand over his mouth. You understood right away, and you held in a gasp. She was going to ask you something! You took in a deep breath and held it. Trying to focus on not hearing anything, you bit your lip so hard that you tasted the metallic flavour of your own blood. Bellamy strode to the middle of the deck, ignoring the swords pointed at her from all around.

"Where are you?" she said softly, glancing around at the crew. Most men looked puzzled, exchanging glances with their neighbors in confusion. The woman who Bellamy had spoken with, you assumed her to be the woman's first mate, was watching the people around her warily. Vaguely you noticed that Jack had tensed beside you; he too realized what was going to happen. But you couldn't focus on anything now except blocking out her voice, and keeping the words inside of you. You could feel the pressure in your throat, and you bit your lip even harder. Lyle was looking over at you apprehensively.

"Where are you?" said Adriana once more, louder. You squeezed your eyes shut, trying to block out everything. Suddenly a thought struck you: Take off the ring! You carefully fidgeted with your hand until the ring could be easily slipped off. With one small motion, you pulled the ring from your finger.

Your world turned completely upside down. You felt your mind reel and your heart beat increase; you felt yourself slowly losing control of everything. Your knees buckled and your eyes flew open; it was a miracle that Jack managed to reach out and hold you upright, not drawing any attention to you at all. You gasped inwardly and pushed the ring back onto your finger quickly. Everything settled back into place, leaving you nauseous and dizzy. Bellamy's first mate looked sharply in your direction, and Jack dropped his hand from the small of your back. You were relieved to see her calculating eyes pass over you, and you noticed that you no longer felt pressured to answer Bellamy's question. A sigh of relief passed through your entire body, and you closed your eyes briefly in joy.

"Where are you?" Bellamy asked again. Your eyes flew open and the words tumbled out of your mouth before you could stop them.

"Right here." The entire crew, both yours and Bellamy's, turned to stare in your direction. Lyle looked worriedly back and forth between you and Adriana, concern in his features. Bellamy strode over to stand in front of you and Jack, a small, cat-like grin upon her features.

"Which of you said that?"

"Me."

"Me." Jack drowned out your response, speaking at precisely the same time as you did. Bellamy frowned and looked at you questioningly before turning to Jack. Her eyes raked over his entire body appraisingly. She half turned and eyes her first mate, who seemed to read her mind, for she nodded and stealthily disappeared into the group of pirates. Adriana smirked and turned back to Jack.

"You're lying," she said bluntly. Jack pretended to be offended, furrowing his brow angrily and placing a hand on the hilt of his cutlass. Adriana raised an eyebrow condescendingly at his defensive actions, which only served to enrage Jack all the more.

"You're calling me a liar?" he whispered dangerously. Adriana drew her sword, holding it ready in front of her.

"I sure am." Jack growled and stepped forward, his sword crashing down onto hers with a violent force. All at once, the rest of the crew picked up the fight once more. You reached for your sword and pulled it from it's sheath. Just as you were about to step into the melee, you felt an arm curl around your neck, and the cold tip of a dagger pressed against your collarbone. You dropped your cutlass in surprise, the clatter lost in the shouts and cries of the battle. A voice hissed venomously into your ear.

"Make one move and you're dead." You sucked in a deep breath, ready to call to Lyle, who was not but three paces away from you. The person behind you slapped another hand over your mouth and dragged you backwards, into the shadows. The person then spun you around to face them; you recognized the woman you had presumed to be Bellamy's first mate.

"Do you have the ring?" she queried hushedly, staring right through you.

"Yes," you whispered, closing your eyes in defeat.

The woman grinned and yanked you to your feet. You had suspected that she would get the attention of her captain, and make a big deal of dragging you away, but it appears that the crafty woman had other plans. Carefully, and quickly, she wove her way through the fray, dodging swords and pistols and axes deftly, all the while dragging you along. You had reached the rail of the Pearl, and not 15 feet away sat the Oscuritá. The ship was slightly smaller than the Pearl, and not as beautiful. The wood was worn and stained, and the hull scratched. The woman thrust you across the gangplank that spanned the area between the two ships. You contemplated jumping from the walkway and into the water, but decided against it. You would be way too easy to shoot or recapture then and completely out of sight of any of those who could help you. You instead settled for walking excruciatingly slow across the board, the Italian woman pushing and poking you from behind.

"Get a move on!" she hissed, burying the tip of her dagger in the flesh of your leg, just above your knee.

You yelped and hurried all the way across the plank. Once on the other side, you were dragged down below deck and thrust into the brig. You stumbled, and tuned to snarl at your captor through the bars. She only smiled, jingling the ring of keys just out of your grasp. She then stole up the stairs, no doubt to return to the Pearl. You slammed your fist into the bars angrily a few times, cursing when your knuckles spilt open and started to bleed. You reached into your boot and procured the hidden dagger, grinning wickedly. Settling yourself on your knees on the dirty floor of the cell, you reached through the bars to wiggle the blade in the lock. You were going to get out of here...

* * * * *

CHAPTER 8 - Jack

Lyle stood wordlessly by the railing of the Pearl, watching as you were forced across the gangplank and then pushed down the stairs of the enemy ship. He spun and searched the deck for Jack, eyes roving over the fighting pirates worriedly. Soon he spotted him, and headed towards his pirate captain. Jack was ferociously battling off a dark skinned woman, who was armed with a cutlass and a short sword; one in each hand. The woman brought down both her weapons at once, and Jack raised his cutlass to block them. They stood, arms above their head, glaring at each other. Lyle decided it was the perfect time to intervene.

He pulled the pistol from his belt and, grasping the barrel, smashed the gold-capped butt into the woman’s temple. She gasped and crumpled into a heap on the deck, her weapons clattering harmlessly onto the worn wood. Jack turned and grinned at Lyle, then faltered when he saw his crewmember’s grim features. His eyes immediately flickered over the sea of heads, and when he recognized his first mate's disappearance, he spun to Lyle for information.

“I saw Bellamy’s first mate take he—him onto the Oscuritá. Not two minutes ago.” Jack swore under his breathe and made to hurry over to the gangplanks connecting Bellamy’s ship with his own. Thinking about what Lyle had said, he paused and turned around. Lyle, who had been following eagerly, stopped and looked at Jack questioningly.

“What do you know about Jake?” asked Jack guardedly. Lyle raised an eyebrow.

“What do you know about Jake?” he countered, drawing an annoyed sigh from his Captain. Jack spun around once more and weaved his way quickly through the fighting pirates. He noticed that it was settling down, and felt a twinge of pride at the fact that most of his men were standing. Jack only took a moment to observe the scene, but that moment was enough for Bellamy. Sneering and tearing across the planks, she called out to Jack as several members of her crew raced across after her. Jack was still standing by the helm, a good 20 paces away from the gangplanks and the Oscuritá. Adriana cupped her mouth so her voice could be heard over the clashes of swords and shouts of pirates.

“Thank you ever so much for giving me what I wanted!!” With that, she placed her foot on the plank and pushed it off the side. It fell into the ocean with a splash, and the other two planks soon followed. Jack barely had time to react. He roared and sped towards the side of the ship, but he was too late. Growling and throwing a deadly glare at Adriana, he turned on his heel and raced to the helm. Lyle followed.

“Lyle, tell the men to man the sails. Get down there and help where needed. And for god’s sake, hoist the anchor. We can’t spare a moment.” Lyle nodded astutely and hurried down onto the deck. Jack made to position the Pearl in line to follow the Oscuritá, and found that the wheel would not move. His eyes widened, and his pushed once more on the handles, trying to force it to move. Realizing that he had been duped, he let out a deep animal roar, and half the people on deck turned to gape.

“Drop anchor!!!” The crew looked around, bewildered because not moments ago he had commanded them to hoist anchor. But in his current mood, none dared to question him, and three men scurried off to drop the anchor back down. Jack glared around for a moment at his confused crew, as if daring any of them to say something. Then, he threw his cutlass down on the deck, and stomped down below deck. Jack strode menacingly through the crowd of pirates, and they slowly stepped aside to let him sweep past. He stormed down the stairs, and made his was into the bowels of his ship. He had an idea of what had happened, as it was a common thing for him to do to enemy ships. He strategically checked all of the inner works of the Pearl, looking for the source and checking for any additional vandalized parts. Finding none other, Jack made to head towards his cabins. He prayed he had the right tools to fix what Bellamy had undone. When he reached the top of the stairs, he saw that all of Adriana’s remaining pirates had been rounded up and tied together.

“Take ‘em to the brig while I figure this out,” he said to Fletch. Fletch nodded and spoke to Guy, and the captives were ushered below deck, not quite so gently. Jack watched for a moment as they disappeared into the brig, and then swept off towards his cabin. Lyle, who had been watching carefully, decided to follow his captain. He stopped in the doorway, observing as Jack mumbled curses under his breath, searching through the various cupboards and drawers in his cabin. Lyle tentatively reached out to rap his knuckles on the already open door. Jack spun around at the noise, his eyes narrowing in on Lyle quickly. He turned back around, resuming his fervent search for his small pouch of tools.

"What do ye want, boy?" Lyle cleared his throat and took a step into the room before answering.

"I was wondering what we're doing to get Jake back, be--" Jack spun around, fury and frustration written across his face.

"I'm doing all I bloody well can, Lyle!" Lyle stood silent for a moment, taken aback that the vehemence of Jack's response, and the blatant distress for his first mate's welfare.

"Of course ye are, Captain," Lyle reconciled, inclining his head slightly. Jack squared his shoulders and set his face, and Lyle got the impression that his captain was ashamed of the obvious concern he was showing. Lyle frowned and watched as Jack spun around to continue his search. He observed quietly for a few moments, the silence only broken by the muttered curses of Jack, followed by the slamming of a drawer or door.

"Well, is there anything that I can do? Because, well, we may need to be quick." Jack let out a small noise of triumph, and pivoted around, a small canvas pouch in his hand. He looked at Lyle before striding out onto deck and towards the helm. Lyle rolled his eyes and followed, jogging slightly to keep up with Jack's furious pace. Jack addressed him, tossing a quick glance over his shoulder.

"And why may we need to be quick? Except for the obvious reason, that is?" Jack took the stairs up to the helm three at a time, coming to a stop by the wheel. Lyle stood at the top of the stairs, and sighed, placing a hand on the railing.

"I think you already know why, but I don't think Jake would appreciate it very much if I told you." Jack frowned and glanced up at Lyle for a moment, and they shared a meaningful glance. Jack rolled his eyes and thrust the satchel of tools at Lyle, waving him off to below deck.

"It's the damn rudder chain. Bloody wench fucked it all up. Fix it?" Lyle nodded, and headed off below deck. Jack heard his footsteps retreat down the stairs, and he sighed heavily. Staring blankly across the expanse of the ocean, his thoughts turned to his first mate, locked away on a ship that was getting farther and farther away with each passing second. The moment Jack had laid eyes on Adriana Bellamy, he had known that he could not put torture past her. She was not only the kind of woman who would freely use such measures, but she would enjoy them. Immensely.

Jack winced when he remembered why Jake had been taken... the ring. He could reveal everything, providing that Bellamy knew how to ask the right questions. The pirate quickly scanned his memory for any incriminating details or private knowledge that his first mate may have. He couldn’t think of anything besides the obvious; the treasure attached to the ring. No doubt, Adriana had come across the same information Jack had, and the thought of such riches had spurned her imagination. Well. Jack had discovered the ring first, and he would gladly deliver himself to the gallows if he thought he wasn’t going to get it back. His current predicament was unfortunate, yes, but it did nothing if not fan his desire for the treasure. Slowly, a wicked grin crept onto his face, and his grip on the hilt of his sword tightened.

At that moment, Lyle came jogging back on deck, and gave a thumbs up towards Jack. Jack’s grin widened at the thought of finally chasing his prey.

“Hoist anchor, men! I want all of you ready for battle! Matthew, get up in the Sparrow’s Nest! Hoist the main sail! Let's get moving! Saul, haul yer arse faster than that!” He watched as his crew raced about the deck, following his orders. He turned the wheel a slight degree to the left, delighted to find it moved with ease. The Pearl slowly came around to point directly at the retreating form of the Oscuritá, and began to follow. Jack let go of his cutlass to wrap his hand lovingly around the wheel, slowly stroking the worn wood.

He was on the chase, on a mission once more.

Jack Sparrow was in his element.

* * * *

“Fuck,” you muttered as the blade slipped once more. You had many deep slices in the palm of your left hand, and your dagger was now stained with your blood. But you didn’t give up. Holding the blade with your right hand, and carefully guiding the tip into the lock, you struggled for a moment before the blade slipped again. This time you hissed as it cut into the sensitive skin between thumb and forefinger. You pulled your hand back inside the cell, dropping the blade at your knees on the ground. You held your hand in front of your face, displeased at the rivulets of blood that flowed through the creases and lines on your palm. You moved your feet out in front of you, and reached to rip a strip off your pants to wrap around your hand. Then, when the blade slipped, it wouldn't hurt quite so much.

As you stretched down to the hem of your pants, you felt an excruciating jolt of pain behind your right leg. Bending your knees slightly and reaching under, you ran your fingers carefully along the underside of your thigh. When you looked down at your hand, traces of blood stained your fingers. Your mind flickered back to when you had been forced across the gangplank, and Bellamy's first mate had sunk her blade into the back of your leg. You sighed; leaving the leg propped up, and reached down to the other hem to rip off two strips of linen. Vaguely you though about how ridiculous you would look, with one pant leg above your knee and the other at your ankle. Carefully, you tied the linen around your hand first, so that tying the strip around your leg would be easier. You bit your lip to stifle a moan as the cloth cut deeper into the cut, and readjusted it. The one around your leg hurt like hell, and you bit your lip so hard that you tasted the metallic flavour of your own blood on your tongue.

Finally getting it tied successfully, you moved onto your knees to resume your lock picking. You felt the blade slip into the lock, and chewed your tongue as you wiggled it carefully, trying to find the small hole. You were damn close to cheering when you felt the very tip of the dagger click in place, and you began to maneuver the blade in a circle.

Suddenly, you head a door fly open, and booted feet stomping down the stairs. You yanked your blade from the lock, shoved it down your boot, and flung yourself onto your back as the person approached. You looked up in mock curiosity as Bellamy's first mate glowered at you through the bars. You raised an eyebrow, and she rolled her eyes. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a ring of key. Shifting through them carefully, she singled out one and thrust it into the lock. The door swung open and she stepped to the side, looking at you. You simply lay where you were, looking right back.

"Well...?" hissed the woman impatiently. You raised your other eyebrow, casting an annoyingly obtuse look at her.

"Well what?" She pulled her pistol from her belt and leveled it at your head, having had enough of your games.

"Come with me now, or I swear I'll send you to the depths of hell, without so much as a blink of an eye." You let your eyebrows fall back down, placing your hand on the ground behind you to prop yourself up. This woman was not one for games and jokes, obviously. You pushed yourself onto your feet, hiding a wince as your felt your leg tear painfully where you had been stabbed. When you glanced up to make sure she had not noticed your moment of pain, you found her looking at your calves.

"What the hell did you do to your pants? You look like a bloody nut." You raised an eyebrow again, striding past her gracefully. You did your best to make the inevitable answer as quiet as possible.

"I ripped them," you muttered hushedly as you strode past and out of the cell. You shot her a look of superiority and disgust, mustering up all of your strength to do it. Truthfully, you were about ready to start screaming obscenities at your goddamned leg, and collapse on the floor in pain. But you guessed that that would only serve to elevate this sadistic woman's mood.

"Aren't we quite the joker? Now, did you want something from me, or were you just planning on commenting on my pants?" The woman narrowed her eyes and seemed to prepare a reply, before grabbing your arm and dragging you along behind her as she stalked up the stairs three at a time. You stumbled along behind, unsure of what to think about this new development.

"Might I ask where we're headed, kind Missus?" you intoned in a haughty British voice. The woman stopped and turned around, and for one wild moment you thought she was actually going to answer... before she raised her free hand and slapped you across the jaw. You were barely able to hold back your gasp of shock and surprise at this woman's actions. She hardly seemed one for slapping.

You shook your head lightly, trying to ease the stinging that had picked up along your jaw and cheekbone. Bellamy's first mate resumed her pace, towing you along behind. Soon enough, you had arrived at a door labeled extravagantly as "Captain's Quarters."

"Who do you suppose dwells in here?" you pondered aloud, again mocking the vernacular of a high-class noble woman. You were awarded with another glare from your pirate captor and a tightened grip on your wrist.

'Ouch. That's going to leave a mark,' you thought as you winced internally. The woman swung open the door, and strode right in, still pulling you along. Once you were inside the door, you were thrust in front of Bellamy, who was lounging in a chair, her feet propped up on the table in a pose not unlike that of Jack's. You looked at her carefully, noting her cold, calculating eyes and rigidly striking features. The time for joking and teasing was over. This woman wouldn't hesitate to kill you if she was upset at all. You cast a glance over your shoulder at the scowling menace that had dragged you here.

'Not that she would hesitate. But I'm sure Bellamy wouldn't be too pleased to find her captive killed before she had intended.'

"Trinidad, bring me Anne," commanded Adriana lightly. Her first mate, Trinidad, nodded and cast you one final detesting glance before sweeping out the door. Adriana sat still for a moment, gazing at you blankly. Then she stood, and motioned for you to take a chair. You moved hesitantly to sit down on the other side of the table. Adriana strolled lazily across the room, and perched herself on the top of her bedpost. You saw her eyes scan your countenance, and look your over. As her view came to rest on your right hand, she stopped. You looked down, and realized she was staring at the ring that was resting on your smallest finger. You picked up your other hand and placed it carefully on top. Her eyes slowly meandered up to meet yours and a ghost of a smile flitted across her lips.

"What'd ye do to yer hand, lass?" You looked up abruptly at her address, and she grinned and nodded. You looked down again at your left hand, surprised to see the bandages turning red.

"I tried to pick the lock of yer brig with my dagger," you supplied involuntarily, and Bellamy's grin widened.

"And were you able to?" she prompted, knowing full well how you hated to feed her ego like this. You gritted your teeth and once again made your response as quiet as possible.

"No." Bellamy clapped her hands together and stood, moving to seat herself across from you.

"Remind me to give my carpenter and cooper extra rations and an extra share each for that, will you?" You scowled and slouched down in the seat. After a moment of silence, Bellamy spoke up again.

"I'll have that ring, lass." You looked up, startled. Instinctually, you began to twirl said ring around your finger. Adriana looked like she was about to say something when the door opened again and Trinidad strode in.

"Anne didn't make it back to the ship." Was it just you, or did Trinidad actually seem... pleased to report that? Adriana cursed briefly before turning and questioning Trinidad.

"Are we set course for Fuego?"

"Yes, Captain."

"Is Sparrow following?"

"Yes."

You allowed a small grin, pleased to find that Jack and the crew were coming after you. Actually, they were probably only coming after you for the treasure attached to the ring, but you we're about to be picky right now. You looked up and immediately the smile was wiped form your face. Adriana was hoisting herself from her seat and leaning across the table. Her face was mere inches from yours, her steely eyes penetrating yours sharply.

"Give me that goddamned ring," she growled menacingly, eyes flashing.

Years later, you would come to hold the blasted ring responsible for what happened next.

Inhaling deeply from your nose, you set your jaw and pursed your lips. Adriana seemed to be waiting for some kind of response or reply, and that was exactly what you intended to give her. You pretended to think for a moment, before lifting your chin and looking her straight in the eyes. You leaned back a few inches, and stared at her for a second longer. Then you spit in her face.

Adriana's eyes widened in rage, and try as you might you were unable to hold back the triumphant smile tugging at your lips. You watched as your spit rolled from right under her left eye down her cheek and to her jaw. She made no move at all to wipe it off. Without moving her eyes from yours, she called to her first mate.

"Trinidad, our guest here has chosen the hard way. Ye may do what ye wish with the wretch." Over Adriana's shoulder, you saw Trinidad grin gleefully, her hand stroking her hilt like a beloved pet. Oh no, this was really not good now. Adriana stood up and stalked out the door, leaving you to face a grinning mad woman.

"Well, well. Looks like we're going to have some fun..."

* * * *

"And see to it that not a single one of them wenches steps outta line, aye Matthew?" Matthew nodded vigourously, and turned to glare at the several female captives currently locked in the brig of the Pearl. Three of them snarled and bared their teeth, and he took a wavering step back. They laughed and moved to the back of the cell to sit down. Matthew seated himself on a crate several feet away from the cell, and put on the fiercest face he could muster. He sat like that for perhaps a half hour, trying his hardest to maintain the fierce, piratical look.

"Um, excuse me?" came a timid voice from the cell. She was looking through the bars at Matthew nervously. He frowned and pretended to ignore the voice.

"Um, excuse me sir!" she said a little louder. Matthew stirred in annoyance, and turned to face the person who was addressing him. When his eyes came to rest on her, it was all he could do to keep from gaping like some poor fish-out-of-water.

The girl who was peering at him through the bars was an angel. There were no other words for it. She had long blonde hair, which was messily twisted into a careless knot at the nape of her neck. A few pieces strayed from the tie to fall gently on her neck and to frame her beautiful face. Her face was pale and flawless, accentuated by a soft jaw and small features.

'And Gods, her eyes...' though Matthew, shyly glancing at her. Her eyes were a striking blue, and framed by dark lashes. She wore none of that ridiculous kohl, which, in Matthew's opinion, only served to make the wearer look like some sort of circus clown. No, this girl's eyes were like two beautiful pools of Caribbean water, and shone like stars.

She, for her part, had been trying to work up the courage to get his attention for the past twenty minutes. She had been studying his profile, and could hardly take her eyes from him. He had a boyishly cute look about him, and although she could tell he was trying his hardest to look unrelenting, his eyes said otherwise. When she had finally screwed up enough courage to draw his attention, she only completely lost it once more as he turned to face her. To see him completely... it was breathtaking. She felt her face flush hotly, and she cast her eyes down. She could feel him studying her, just as she had studying him. Slowly she lifted her gaze to his face, and found him staring straight into her eyes. Nervous, she stared right back, amazed at the wondrous depths offered in her captor's eyes.

Only after a few moments did Matthew come to realize that, as he was avidly dreaming of falling into those beautiful sapphires of hers, she was staring back timidly. He jumped and shifted his gaze to the ground, embarrassedly wringing his hands in his lap. Only then did he remember that she had addressed him for something.

"You...uh..." he rasped, his voice cracking like a twelve-year-olds'. He blushed a deep crimson, and cleared his throat.

"You... wanted something?" He was even so bold as to let his eyes wash briefly over hers; an action that sent shivers up and down his spine, and hers.

"I was simply wondering if my Captain was killed," she murmured.

"Oh," breathed Matthew, his gaze returning to the floor. "I don't know. I-I could go find out for you though..." She shook her heavenly head and sighed, leaning against the bars.

"I was hoping perhaps she was..." Matthew heard her mumble lowly. He frowned and tentatively shifted the crate he was sitting on to only a few feet away from the cell.

"You were?" She looked up at him slowly, then down at her hands. She nodded.

"But.. why? Isn't she your Captain?" Anne started to nod, but then shook her head. Matthew frowned again. He was about to speak when she elaborated.

"Well, yes, she is. But I do find... I do find that sometimes I--" she cut off, looking carefully into Matthew's face. She looked around the cell before moving her head as close as possible to Matthew's.

"I find that I don't really care for her all that much," she whispered furtively. Matthew frowned and drew his head back.

"But you're a signed member of her crew?" She nodded, and sighed heavily.

"Were you forced?" She shook her head wryly.

"I thought it would be exciting, being a pirate." She laughed softly for a moment.

"Apparently I was wrong." Matthew nodded, and the two fell into a short silence. Matthew continued to sneak quick glances at the girl, oblivious to the fact that she was doing the same, blushing madly all the while. After another half an hour had passed, she spoke up timidly again.

"Um, begging your pardon sir, but do you think you could let me out for a moment?" Matthew stood up and took a step over to the bars of the cell, and the girl looked up at him. Matthew quickly looked around the rest of the cell and found all of the other pirates asleep. He returned his attention to his angel; the girl in front of him.

"I don't think I would be allowed, miss. I have orders, see?" She glanced up at him from under her lashes, doleful eyes full of pleading. Matthew bent down and came eye-to-eye with her.

"What is it ye need?" She looked at him, and leaned in close to whisper in his ear.

"I need to pee something terrible. And I feel like I'm going to retch." Matthew pulled his head back quickly, and looked at her. She did indeed look like an angel. She was twisting her hands in her lap, and looking at him imploringly. Matthew felt every fiber of his being pulling him towards this girl, and a smile found its way onto his soft features.

'I never believed that 'love at first sight' ever existed, until her,' he thought desperately, unable to move his eyes from this girl. Finally he found his voice and responded to her plea.

"Come with me." She smiled shyly and stood up, carefully treading around the sleeping pirates to arrive at the open door. Matthew watched as she practically glided through the doorway, entranced by her every movement and step. Once out of the cell, she turned around and waited from him to lock the door once more. Doing so, he silently guided her to the galley, which was blessedly void of any crewmembers. Matthew turned to point her in the direction of the latrines, but once again lost his voice at the sheer beauty of her. He stood for a few moments, simply adoring every part of her, until she interrupted him timidly.

"Excuse me, but I do feel as if I might retch fairly soon, so..." Matthew shook his head to clear it and nodded, leading her through the kitchen and up the stairs to the deck. As they came out into the sunshine, Matthew once again thanked the gods that there was no one else around. He nervously pointed towards the railing, and she padded over to it. He stood in the doorway, unsure of what to do. He watched as she reached back with one hand to grab free her hair and pull it into her fist, the other gripped the railing. She coughed a few times, and then began to heave. Matthew himself turned slightly green; he was never able to handle seasickness that well. But as her back shook and her grip on the rail turned white, he carefully walked over to stand behind her. After a final moment of deliberation, he reached out with both hands to sweep her escaped hair from her face and neck. She tensed for a moment, then relaxed and dropped the hand that had been holding her hair to the railing as well. Matthew held her hair silently as she calmed down, and her breathing became less erratic. When she straightened a bit, he let her hair fall from his fingers, and reached for his hip flask. He unscrewed the top and offered it to her.

"Here, have a drink." She shook her head and smiled her thanks.

"I don't drink, but thank you."

"Oh, no no no. I don't drink either. It's water. Here." He held it out to her again, and she smiled and took it. She raised it to her lips and took a few sips, Mathew watching, drunk on her beauty, the entire time. She finished and handed it back to him, still smiling shyly.

"Thank you...." She trailed off when she realized she didn’t know his name.

"Matthew," he supplied hurriedly. She nodded and said thank you again, looking down at her hands.

"And...and your name?" Matthew asked breathlessly. She blushed and cast her eyes downwards in a perfect display of coquettishness.

"Anne," she whispered. Matthew smiled and took a step closer, everything else forgotten.

"Anne..." he repeated reverently.

* * * *

Try as you might, you could not loosen the tie around your wrists. Each time you tugged, you felt the harsh rope cut into your wrists, and your shoulders strain painfully against their nature. You arms were pulled behind your back and around the main mast, and then tied tightly and securely behind you. You had lost track of the time, but you imagined that you had been there for about five or so hours. It was around midday, and several pirates were walking around deck with not much to do on the windless day. As they passed you, they sneered, kicked, and threw the occasional punch. You took this all in stride, only narrowing your steely eyes at your tormentors as the blows landed. It was hot with the sun beating down on your, unobstructed by any sails or clouds. You felt a small drop of sweat trickle down your face from your temple, and bit your lip soundlessly as the salty drop leaked into a long cut across your cheek, burning fiercely. As the pain slowly ebbed away, you turned your thoughts to the current predicament.

You had spent two horrible days aboard the Oscuritá, and by now, you were precariously close to simply handing over the blasted ring. You had been whipped, starved, beaten, and humiliated. Each time you refused to hand over the ring, Trinidad simply grinned and brought about a new form of torture. You had only seen Bellamy once or twice in the two days, she had stuck her head down the stairs once just to check in and throw a few punches herself, and the other time she had spent a good two hours working you over with the tip of her dagger. You had several new scars to show for that.

And throughout these days, you found it increasingly easy to hold back the answers for a longer period of time, and the last one you had actually managed to swallow entirely. So the ring could be tamed. Now you weren't forced to answer each and every one of Trinidad's belittling questions. Speaking of whom...

"Have ye had enough yet, wench?" You stared at her coldly as she approached, grinning. She cocked her head to the side and looked you over for a moment, before sighing dramatically, and moving around behind you to untie the rope. As soon as you felt them loosen enough, you yanked your wrists free and stepped away from the mast. Trinidad laughed lowly at your reaction, and strode out to stand in front of you once more.

"Captain says I'm to take ye to the brig, where ye can spend the rest of the day. We'll be docking at Fuego by tonight." You barely managed to contain your sigh of relief, but the feeling must have been visible on your face because Trinidad bared her teeth in a feline smile.

"Don’t get all excited. We'll be takin' ye to ol' Maurice when we get to Fuego. He'll put ye in yer place, and we'll have that ring in a manner of hours. Ye just wait an' see." You winced and followed, stumbling, as you were swung around and dragged below deck. One second before you were pulled down the stairs, you caught a glimpse of a ship trailing the Oscuritá. Your heart soared; knowing that Jack and the Pearl were following lifted your spirits more than anything could. Heck, if anyone could get you out of this mess, it was Jack, Lyle, and the crew.

You were brought out of your inspirational moment as you were thrust into the brig, and found yourself standing ankle-deep in water.

"There's a bloody leak!!" you cried out mockingly to Trinidad's retreating frame. She stopped, turned around, and began to stride back towards you. You chuckled weakly, backing up against the wall as she approached. Soon she stood flush against you, pressing you painfully against the bars of the cell. She reached up and forcefully grabbed a fistful of your hair, turning your face to her.

"And I've had enough of you bloody flippancy. So if ye know what's best for ye, ye'll shut up," she hissed venomously, and you couldn't help but quirk an eyebrow condescendingly. Being annoying sure was a hard habit to break... Trinidad growled, and pulled your head up by your hair. She looked as if she was about to say something else, but then slammed your head against the bars with such force that you immediately sunk into unconsciousness.

* * * *

You moaned as you began to wake up, blinking blearily. Something at the back of your head was throbbing painfully, and you were vaguely aware that you were lying in water. The only way you could tell that you were lying in water was the fact that every tiny cut on your body was on fire. Just as you moved to prop yourself up and investigate your head and get out of the salty torture, a rough hand was slapped over your mouth. It effectively muffled your yelp of surprise, but suddenly you were wide awake. You sat all the way up and fought wildly, splashing frantically in the shallow water. Another arm snuck around your waist to hold you tightly and restrict your movement. Furious and quickly becoming more frightened, you bit down hard on the hand covering your mouth. A small curse and yelp came from the person behind you, and they removed their hand, although the grip on your waist never loosened. You heard them curse some more, then speak.

"Damn it Jake, why the hell'd ye go and do that? Now, the Article's 'ave got a punishment fer hittin' a crewmate, but biting the captain? Now that's one that I haven't put much thought into." Your eyes widened in the dark, and you spun around to come face to face with Jack. He grinned at you, and you grinned back. You were about to say something when you heard the sound of boots on the deck above you. Jack placed a finger to his lips, and you nodded, moving off of him. Standing, you looked down at your outfit in dismay. Not only were there dark bloodstains all over everything, but you were sopping wet to boot.

"Wonderful," you muttered, reaching a hand up tentatively to explore the back of your head. There was no blood, it seemed, or no fresh blood. That was one hell of a bump and a bruise though...

Jack had also stood up, and was wringing out his pants carefully. When he straightened, he looked up at you then back down to his hand. Turning it palm-up, he examined the small punctures at the base of his ring finger and pinky finger. There were pinpricks of blood welling up at each small hole and they formed two opposing half moons, not surprisingly similar to the arrangement to your teeth. Jack glance up at you again, an eyebrow quirked and a small grin on his face. You smiled appealingly, clasping your hands together in front of you.

"Sorry?" He sighed and rolled his eyes, then motioned to the now opened cell door. You leapt through, eagerly grabbing your belt, cutlass, and pistol that were lying on the table across from your prison. You then looked back to Jack, who nodded and led the way to the stairs. He crept up them, cat-like, and you followed just as stealthily. He paused, hen turned around to look at you once more.

"Ye still have that ring there, mate?" You nodded and wiggled your fingers in the darkness; Jack grinned and continued up the stairs. When he reached the top he paused to let you come up alongside him, and you two peered through the gathering darkness carefully, looking for any sign of life on deck. There was none. The ship was docked in the harbour at Fuego, no doubt, and the crew gone into the town. What was left of the crew anyways. When Jack appeared to deem the situation safe enough to slip away, he grabbed your wrist and guided you along the shadows of the ship, to the rail on the port side of the ship. You scanned the night for a glimpse of the Pearl, and Jack reached over your shoulder and pointed to a shimmering light, barely noticeable beside the glimmer of Fuego. You turned around to ask him if he had come alone, and you drew in a sharp breath.

Adriana had her cutlass leveled at your throat, and her pistol stuck in Jack's side. Your eyes met your Captain's, and he barely winked. You frowned, unsure of what he was thinking. Did anyone ever know what was going on in that man's head?

"Planning on running away with my treasure, Sparrow?" Bellamy asked Jack lightly, her eyes never leaving you. Jack cracked a smile; bring his hands up to point drunkenly at Adriana.

"Actually, lass, I was planning on running away with my first mate." Jack paused and looked over at you, then grinned wickedly. "So that ended up sounding a little odd. But, I assure you, Miss Bellamy, I had no intention of stealing any 'treasure' of yours." He looked at you pointedly, and you frowned again in confusion. He carefully gripped one of his own rings, and slid it off his finger, then looked back up at you. Your eyes widened, and you shook your head minutely. He glared at you to make his point, and you sighed. Good lord, here we go...

"I actually have no clue what treasure ye keep talking about," Jack continued, dropping his mockingly false dialect to make the ruse seem more believable. Adriana turned her face from yours, and snarled at him.

"Of course ye know what I'm talking about, Mister Sparrow. Now, you're free to take your lass here back to yer ship... provided that she hands over that ring first." Jack looked at you quickly, and you closed your eyes, slipped the ring from your finger, and dropped it into your sleeve. Once more, your world flipped violently upside down, everything spinning in place, three glaring faces of Adriana Bellamy glowering at you, palm outstretched, three anxious face of Jack, glancing between you and Adriana. Waves of nausea washed over you, making you want to double over and empty the contents of your stomach on the boards. But you tried your hardest to squash those feeling down to the bottom of your consciousness, and get yourself and Jack out of this mess.

"Trinidad already took it from me," you hissed, trying to appear vicious. Actually, you were barely able to form the coherent sentence from your lips. Adriana snarled, and stuffed her pistol back in her belt, still holding her cutlass at the base of your throat. She reached forward to snatch your right hand, searched it for the ring, then dropped it to grab your other hand. Finding them both void of the ring, she growled her displeasure.

"Where are you hiding it?" she spat, glaring at you fiercely. Jack stepped between you and her, carefully wrapping a hand around your wrist, as you had begun to totter precariously next to the railing.

"Now, now. Let's not be hasty. I know as well as ye do that she couldn’t possibly have taken it off to hide it. The repercussions on her would be disastrous," Jack quote solemnly, staring at Bellamy pointedly. She paused, and then once again lashed out, her cutlass now pressed to Jack's throat.

"I knew ye knew she had it! Ye liar!" Jack huffed and placed a hand to his chest.

"I might be a tad dishonest at times, but t' outright call me a...a liar! I---" He stopped and turned around as you began to tip over backwards. He quickly wrapped an arm around your waist and tipped you back over the railing, setting you down on your feet. The entire world was spinning, and there was nothing you could do about it. Jack's concerned face floated in and out of your vision, and behind him came Bellamy. Before you or Jack could even register that anything was happening, Bellamy swung her blade down and sliced down your side; from shoulder blade to waist. You barely even felt the pain, now only bordering on the line of consciousness. Jack spun around, arm still supporting your body, and saw Adriana advancing again, her pistol aimed at his head. Quickly, he tightened his grip around you, mockingly saluted to his furious pursuer, and threw himself, you attached, over the railing of the ship. Before you hit the water, a stream of curses uttered in Italian met your ears, and a shot wet off. Jack quickly wrapped his other arm around your body as you tumbled into the water.

The second you hit the surface, you began to scream. Even in the thick hazy fog that had developed in your mind, you were acutely aware of every single cut on your person, especially the one that ran down your right side. You screamed underwater, only bubbles escaping. You were conscious to the fact that Jack was tugging your upwards, towards the surface, but beyond that and the pain, you noticed nothing. Son you were being pulled over the side of a small rowboat, and you gasped for air, having released all of yours underwater screaming. Jack instantly set about searching through your shirt, pawing around for something.

"C'mon, Jakey, where'd ye put the ring?" You coughed and gasped, seeing the stars and sky above you spin around magnificently.

"In... in my sleeve..." you croaked out, lifting up your right arm. Jack held your arm at the elbow and shook gently; the ring rolled out and landed on the bottom of the boat. He quickly picked it up and slid it onto your pinky finger, and you sighed in relief. All of the pains of your body diminished slightly, and the world became stationary again. Jack sat you up, and you smiled your thanks at him. He made sure you were seated comfortably before clearing his throat uncomfortably.

"Ye should just... here, I'll just turn around..." He motioned weakly to your shirt with one hand, then maneuvered so he was sitting with his back facing to you and picked up the oars. You looked down and immediately blushed; Adriana's blade had sliced through your shirt and the linen binding, exposing the side of your chest, and part of your breast. Carefully, you pulled off your shirt and tucked the undershirt into your breeches, the two flaps over lapping. Then, you shrugged your shirt on backwards, so that the tear was on the other side of your body.

"Um, thanks, Jack."

"No worries."

You two sat in silence as Jack rowed back towards the Pearl. Carefully feeling around your face and body, you gained a basic idea of what wounds you had, and then dropped your arms to your side. Sighing tiredly, you reached out with your foot to nudge Jack. He turned, pausing in his rowing to look back at you over his shoulder. You chewed on your lip for a moment before looking up at him.

"Are...Are you mad?" Jack looked at you for a moment before turning back around and picking up the oars.

"No," he replied shortly, and you nodded.

"I mean, you have a right to be angry, and I understand if you--" The small boat bumped quietly against the side of the Pearl, and Jack called up harshly in the darkness for a rope to be thrown down. It uncoiled, knocking against the hull, and Jack helped you to stand up, trying to balance the vessel at the same time. You brushed his hands off, and grabbed onto the rope. Giving it two sharp tugs, you felt your feet lift from the boat, and then you were quickly heaved over the side of the ship. As you approached the deck, you loosened your grip and dropped to your feet. A few members of the crew began to hurry towards you, but you hurried away from them, no wanting anyone else to discover your identity. Lyle came rushing forward, and helped you to your feet. Jack swung over the side of the ship moments later, and as he was dropped back down he barked out orders to his crew to hoist anchor and set sail. You hurried towards you cabin, occasionally stumbling when an overwhelming stab of pain shot from the back of your leg. Lyle hurried to support you around your waist, but you pushed him away.

"I'm fine," you mumbled, overly tired and irritated at your friends' fussiness. You heard Jack striding along behind you as well, and you quickened your pace. You were really not looking forward to a long talk right now, all you wanted to do was collapse in your bed next to your baby sister. You pushed open the door to your quarters, and heard Marie gasp.

"Oh my god! What happened?" You opened your mouth to reply, but at that moment the room spun and you passed out cold onto the floor. The last thing you remembered thinking before slipping into unconsciousness was:

'The floor's as good as any bed, I suppose...'

* * * * *

CHAPTER 9 - Careening the Black Pearl

"Captain, there's an island about seven leagues up ahead; shall we anchor there?"

"There are no reefs?"

"No, Captain."

"Then run 'er aground. Ye can manage without me?"

"Absolutely, but will you not come above?"

"I want t' stay here till she wakes up." The sound of footsteps was heard, and a door closing. Then you heard Jack sigh and the creak of his chair as he sat down. Wetting your throat and keeping your eyes closed, you spoke up quietly.

"Well, 'she ' is awake now," you said, and heard Jack stand up. You opened your eyes and grinned up at him. He briefly returned your smile, but it was not one of his oh-so-classy and cunning grins; it was distant and void of warmth. You sighed heavily and closed your eyes again.

"How long was I asleep for?"

"Not more than a day."

The answer was unnecessary; the second the words had left your mouth you had know that it had only been a day. You lay quietly as Jack moved around the cabin, then, making up your mind, you sat up and swung your legs over the side of the bed you were in. Looking around, you established that you were in your own cabin, and it was perhaps an hour past sunrise. You glanced down at yourself, and you winced to see your entire chest bandaged, and your hand as well. Although the bandage wound from right under your arms to below your belly button, the curves of your breasts were clearly defined.

"Ye shouldn’t be moving," muttered Jack gruffly. You glanced over at him; he was slouching against the door, arms crossed over his chest and tricorne hat drawn low over his eyes. You moved your eyes from his figure, deciding to leave him for later. Dealing with him was an issue that would require quite a lot of time and patience, the latter of which you currently had very little. Directly disobeying his advice, you stood and walked as surely as you could over to your dresser. Reaching into the top drawer, you mechanically grabbed one of the strips of linen and began to wind it around your torso.

Jack watched from under his hat the entire time, and you did your best to hide the winces and sharp jabs of pain as the cloth pulled at your throbbing side. Once you had wound it around you enough so that your breasts were sufficiently hidden, you reached into the bottom drawer for a pair of breeches and a shirt. Grabbing the shirt, you pulled it on over your head with one arm, finding that to move your right arm also tugged painfully on the gash. You swiftly undid the ties and pulled off the dirty breeches you were currently wearing, and stepped into the clean ones. Then, grabbing your bandana, you moved to put it around your head. Picking up it, you found that it was covered in dried blood by where your temple would be, and had a large stain on the back. You reached up a hand to feel your temple, and found a long jagged break in your skin, which was extremely tender to the touch. The one on the back of your head you remembered vividly... that damn Trinidad had slammed your head into the bars.

You sighed, untying your bandana and placing I around your forehead. You tied it carefully, unable to hide the hiss that escaped your lips as the knot pressed down on the gash on the back of your head. Adjusting where it sat, you pulled open another drawer and grabbed a stick of kohl. You smudged your pinky along the top, and then swiped it under your eyes. You rubbed the rest of the black stuff off on your pants. When you turned around, you found that Jack had his eyes cast down to the floorboards; all you could see was the top of his worn leather hat. You quickly stepped into your boots and strode towards the door. Jack unhurriedly stepped out of your way, and you heard him follow as you headed above deck.

"We're careening 'er?" you asked, more to fill the silence than anything else. You were only confirming the conversation you overheard him having with Lyle. Your question was met with a prompt "Mmhmm," and then silence. You nodded to yourself as you emerged on deck.

As you stepped out of the stairway, the clamor of work halted and all heads on deck turned to stare at you. Jack came up alongside of you and steered you towards the helm. You thought worriedly that they might know your secret.

"Jack... do they all know?" you hissed as he pushed you up the stairs.

"No," came the short reply. You huffed and hurried up the last few steps, blatantly ignoring the searing pain in your left leg. If he was going to be short with you, that was fine. You'd just find some better company until Jack and you talked.

"Lyle! How's it goin--" you were cut off as Lyle pulled you into a bone-crushing hug, slapping you heartily on the back. He stepped back after a moment, and scrutinized you with a careful eye.

"Good heavens, mate, yer a mess!" You shot him a dry smile and moved over to tie down a loose rope.

"Why thank ye mate. Ye look stunning too." He grinned and stepped aside as Jack moved for the wheel. Suddenly you were surrounded by the crew; congratulating, clapping you on the back, punching you on the arm, and other such manly displays of affection. Such friendliness was in no means unwelcome on your part, but it was a tad uncomfortable and some of the fellows were hitting harder than you think they knew. You forced a grin and raised your arms above your head in surrender.

"Aye, aye, Jake's back. But I'm sure ye all had a field day while I was gone. Slackin' off, gamblin', drinkin', and the likes. Aye," you nodded sagely, adopting a stern look, "it's back to work, ye dogs!" They chuckled heartily, but moved off. You kept the smile on your features until each was occupied with their previous task, and then dropped it immediately. As you turned back around, you saw Lyle looking at you with a small frown on his features. You frowned in return, catching his eye.

"What?" you asked, confused. He shook his head, but you noticed that over the next half hour he continued to watch you from the corner of his eye. Every once in a while Jack would glance at you over his shoulder as well, making you feel more trapped than you had in the cell aboard the Oscuritá.

"Anyone needs me, I'm cleaning up the galley," you muttered frustratedly, turning and walking below deck. As you neared the stairs, Guy pulled you aside and leaned in conspiratorially.

"Great t' have ye back, lad. Ol' Captain worked us t' the bone while ye were gone. I haven't slept a wink in nigh three days!" You smiled sympathetically.

"Great t' be back, Guy." He beamed and hurried off to get back to work, and you shook your head as you made your way downstairs. Someone else shouted after you, and you turned your head to wave. You sighed and turned back around, only to slam your head right into the beams below deck.

"Bleeding blasted hell! Oh fucking glory, this is not my fucking day! Damnit that hurt!" you swore, holding a head to your now twice battered forehead.

"Normally we all duck there," came an amused voice from the tables. You opened your eyes, and peered through the spots of dancing light to see Alec slouching in his chair, hand cured around the inevitable bottle of alcohol. You chuckled dryly, and ducked as you walked into the galley. You began to head for the table to sit opposite Alec, when a giant projectile launched itself at you. You collapsed onto the floor, the thing now lying on top of you, its arms wrapped tightly around your chest and face buried in your neck. You coughed, trying to regain your breath, and attempted to pry the person from your aching body.

"Oh, I was ever so worried that you would be killed aboard that wretched ship, and then when you stumbled right into our quarters like that, then passed right out on the floor... goodness you were bleeding everywhere!! And Jack ordered me from the room, and he said I shouldn't see you until you were better, and I was so dreadfully afraid that you would die! You should have seen the amounts of blood that were staining the sheets I saw carried out; it was horrific! I overheard Lyle saying that Jack was stitching you up, and I nearly passed out myself, because you know how dreadfully afraid of needles I am... and when Jack didn't come out for hours, Lyle got worried and he went in, and there was Jack, sleeping right there on the floor! He'd stitched you up and then just dropped, Lyle said. And Jack, oh! He was ever so grim, and Lyle too! I swear, I feared that you had already died! Oh! But you're here now, and I am deathly afraid to let you go, lest you get taken away again!" So you had deduced that the projectile was not simply an 'it,' but your own sister, Marie. Who was currently depriving you of precious oxygen in her smothering embrace.

"Yes," you grunted, shifting uncomfortably and attempting once more to pry her arms from your body. "Yes, Marie, I am quite fine, expect for the small problem of not being able to breathe at the moment. Perhaps you could...?" She hurriedly recoiled, jumping off of you and bending down to help you up.

"Oh, goodness! I've probably hurt you all over! And look at you! What a sight! Bruised black and blue! Here, take a seat, I'll just get you---" Her steady stream of chatter was abruptly cut off as you placed your hand firmly over her mouth. She made a few futile attempts to mumble beneath your palm, and then fell silent, her eyes wide.

"Hush, Marie. I am quite fine now, as you can see. And aside from the beginnings of a fresh headache," at this your sister's eyes widened and she turned slightly pink, "which was probably more my fault for walking into a goddamn beam..." Alec chortled quietly, "you haven't hurt me at all." You felt her smile under your hand, and you removed it.

"Chatty one, isn't she Jake?" joked Alec from the corner, taking another swig of his liquor. You rolled your eyes good-naturedly and wrapped your arm loosely around Marie's shoulders.

"Aw, she's an okay kid," you smiled, and she smiled back, relieved that you were apparently ok.

"And now, if it pleases ye, I'd like to get t' work. So unless ye can be quiet and helpful (which I'm sure you can, pet), go up on deck and ask Jack what ye can do. But just make yerself useful, aye?" Marie nodded and gave you one quick, warm hug before turning and racing up the stairs to the deck. You sighed, shaking your now throbbing head. Figures she'd pick Jack... You looked up as the sound of liquid sloshing inside a bottle came from where Alec was sitting, and you leveled a stern eye at him as well.

"That was directed t' ye too, Mister Drunkard. Get off that lazy arse of yers and get t' work!" When he only frowned and paused in his drinking, you strode over and carefully but firmly plucked the bottled from his hand. He whimpered at the loss, and you hid the bottle behind your back, pointing with your free hand to the stairs.

"Get. To. Work." He sniveled once more before standing unsteadily and tottering towards the stairs. As he reached the bottom, you heard a heavy thud, followed by a succession of sharp curses. You walked over and stood above Alec, grinning as he rubbed his head where he had obviously smacked it on the same low beam that you had.

"Normally we all duck there," you quipped, echoing his earlier comment. He grumbled a bit, casting a begrudging look over his shoulder. With that, he hauled his arse up the stairs and out of your sight. You sighed audibly when he left, immediately dropping down onto the bench beside the table and holding the bottle in front of you. Looking around once, you lifted the drink to your lips, letting your eyes slip closed as the alcohol slid down your throat.

You mentally thanked the gods of fortune as you recognized the taste to be that of whiskey. You took in a few large gulps before putting the bottle back down on the table and dropping your head to your chest. Sighing, you stood and immediately rested you palm heavily on the table as vertigo touched your head and made the world spin. You shook your head violently to clear it (which, I might add, did not help the headache situation) and headed towards the corner of the room, where the mop and scrub brushes were kept. Grabbing a bucket, you walked towards the stairs, mindful to duck at the low beam at the base of the steps. Once on deck, you hurried over to the back of the ship, where a rope lay coiled on the ground. You grabbed one end and tied it to the handle of the bucket. Then you tied the other end also to the handle, making sure that the rope was looped around the pulley before you tied it. Then you cast the rope form the ship, watching as the bucket landed with a splash on the surface of the water. It floated against the side of the ship, and you grabbed the rope and began to pull on one side. The bucket was pulled under water, and when you heaved it back above, it was full to the brim. You pulled it back onto the deck, trying not to lose any water as you did so.

Clear and drinkable water was always needed on board, and when one is surrounded by water for leagues, only an idiot would use the drinking water to clean. You picked up the bucket, which was now quite heavy, and began to make your way back to the galley when a voice called out.

"Oy! Jake!" You turned your head to see who was calling, and found Lyle hurrying down to meet you.

"Jake, what are yer doing?" You looked from him to the bucket of water, then back up at him.

"I'm cleaning, Lyle." He rolled his eyes and grabbed the bucket from your hand, placing it down on the deck.

"I mean, why are ye cleaning? Cabin boy does those kinds of things. First mate assists the Captain." You glanced up to the helm, where Jack still presided. He sure didn't look like he was in need of help. Besides, you had had the title of 'first mate' stripped from you for a week. And it had only been three days. You said so to Lyle, and he once again rolled his eyes.

"I think Jack's forgotten about that by now. Besides, after what happened, he probably doesn’t care." You shrugged, bending down to pick up the bucket again. As you walked to the galley, you heard Lyle following.

"Lyle, Jack isn't exactly too pleased with me at the moment, and rightfully so. He'll come round, but jest leave him. And leave me. I need to work, savvy?" Lyle sighed and turned back to the helm. You continued back downstairs and placed the bucket down in the back corner, opposite the corner where the door was. You would work backwards.

You dipped the brush into the water, and began scrubbing the hard floor, all the while thinking over the past few days. Jack had sure seemed amiable enough aboard the Oscuritá, but the moment you were out of danger, he had turned distant. You were definitely due for a talk, but you didn't know when. Since you were careening the Pearl, that meant the night would be spent ashore the island with the crew drinking and singing raucously. Careening was always a strenuous task; and took two days, working all day long to be done properly. It was on days like these that Philip, the ships' carpenter, came in handy. Jack had been lucky; Philip had come over willingly. Most carpenters, coopers, and doctors had to be forced to sign the articles, and kept onboard against their will. But when you had boarded Philip's ship, the Libertarian, he had been eager to join the crew. It was only at the Marking did Jack realize his talent. Immediately his shares, rations, and rights had been adjusted accordingly. Any special talent aboard a ship received special shares.

The rankings of the Black Pearl were very well organized, and Jack had made it as fair as any could. All shares of booty and plunder were equal; he believed in treating his crew well. As to rations, each crewmember was entitled to a portion of whatever meat, water, fruit, and liquor was stored onboard. Of course, there was a special rule set aside for Jack, allowing him all the rum he wanted and more shares of any exotic or rare foods that they came across. You received no more food than the crew did, and you needed no more. However, you did receive a good portion of the plunder, second only to Jack. Below you were the special talents; Philip the carpenter, and Spriggs the cooper, who dealt with the barrels, made sure the food was well preserved, and was the metalworker. The Pearl had no doctor, as he had died a year back, and you had not yet come across another. Jack served as a good enough doctor.

You dunked the brush back into the water, now filthy dirty. You had managed to clean a good third of the galley while you thought. You reached over to pull the bucket next to you, when the ship gave a mighty lurch that sent you rolling over to bang into the bench, which promptly fell over on top of you.

"Damn it! Why the hell wasn't I told we were beaching??" you growled, sitting up and throwing the bench from your body. You stood carefully, balancing yourself with your arms and bracing your legs apart. You tried to hurry over to the stairs, but the Pearl heaved again, and you slipped on the wet ground and landed flat on your back. You closed your eyes and lay there, trying to regain the breath that had been knocked from your lungs.

"Why? Why me? Why today?? Is there some kind of conspiracy up there?" You sighed and picked yourself up, now sure that the Pearl would move no more. She was leaning to one side, and it was quite the experience to be below deck. The floor had become a slope, and you were standing up, facing downhill. Straight across from your eyes was the ceiling of the galley, and behind you were the stairs, you turned around and tried to walk up the slick wood, and slipped again. You dropped onto your hands and knees, grumbling angrily as you crawled up to the stairs. Finally reaching them, you steadied yourself on the walls and stumbled up them. Once above deck, you carefully walked down to the side that lay closest to the water, looking over the sand. The crew was congregated on the beach, Jack among them. You jumped over the side of the ship, wincing as the resulting impact sent pain shooting up your leg and body. You sloshed through the shallow water, coming to a stop by Lyle. He turned and looked at you in surprise, just noticing you.

"Jake! Where were you?" You shot him a glare of death and crossed your arms across your front.

"Below bloody deck, mate. Couldn't anyone have TOLD ME???" you shouted, drawing the attention of the entire crew. You glowered at them all, you head pounding furiously behind your eyes and temples, putting you in a miserable mood. Not to mention that, moment ago, you had been clobbered by a bench and hurled around the galley. They all stared back in surprise, until Lyle threw an arm around your shoulder and raised his eyebrows. Jack chose this moment to speak up.

"Ok, men, get to work. I want ten of ye to go aboard and check that the guns are secured, and if any aren't see to it that those responsible are brought to me. Make sure everything is sound below deck too, and check on our prisoners," he ordered, and the crew strode off to do his bidding. You noticed Marie among them, still dressed in your clothes. She was chatting amiably with the pirate next to her. Jack turned to you and Lyle after the rest of the crew had left. He stared at you both for some time, and you glared back. Your headache was pulsing viciously inside your skull, and your entire body was aching form your tumble below deck. There was no way that you were going to be civil now.

"Yer ok?" he asked, eyeing you. You raised both your eyebrows, and simply stared back at him for a moment. He sighed, and waved his hands as if to say 'I give up.' You made a small noise of frustration in the back of your throat, then spun around to go find a chisel or something appropriate to scrape the seaweed and barnacles from the Pearl's hull. You noticed that neither Jack nor Lyle made any movement to follow you, and you set your face in a frown.

'Good. I don't want them following me,' you thought furiously, grabbing a small chisel from the pile in the sand. You found a spot close t the shore, so that you wouldn’t have to stand too deep in water, and began to pick away at the layers or residue, grumbling unhappily the whole time.

* * * *

"Jake?"

You vaguely heard someone talking to you, but you tried to ignore him or her and continue hacking away at the build-up on the Pearl. The sun was setting along the horizon, casting an orange glow over everything and making it seem eerily magical. Many of the crew had already retired to go search the island for dry wood to kindle a fire, and you were one of the last still at it.

"Jake?" the voice asked again, softly and carefully. It was Jack, no doubt, and you couldn't just ignore him forever. He would grow tired of this act pretty soon. You rolled your eyes and turned around, raising your eyebrows in question.

"Yes, Captain?" He studied your face for a moment, then looked carefully down your body. You kept your eyes on his face, waiting expectantly for him to speak.

"Yer bleeding," he said shortly, and you frowned, looking down. He was right. The work had reopened the cuts on your hands, and what bandages that were wrapped around the bigger ones were turning red. The others that were uncovered bled furiously, sending rivulets of blood seeping into the lines and crevices of your palm. You looked back up at him, and shrugged.

"Don't try to tell me ye don't care. Come with me, we'll get those cleaned up." He placed a hand on your shoulder to guide you, but you shrugged it off, indignant. He moved his hands from your body, holding them up in surrender. You looked at him quickly before striding confidently, or as confidently as you could fake, onto the beach. He walked alongside you the entire time.

"I'd like to talk to ye, if it's not too much trouble," he said lightly, and you scowled. However kindly he put it, it was not an option. You nodded begrudgingly, and followed him as he led you away from the group of pirates sitting around a small fire. You followed as best you could, clenching your jaw in an effort to alleviate the pain shooting through your leg each time to put pressure on it. Finally, Jack paused and looked back at you, then strode back to meet you. He grabbed your upper arm, and you tightened to push him away.

"You're hurting yourself," he said sternly, and draped your arm around his shoulder. You grumbled and sulked as he helped you along the way, but inside you were incredibly relieved. He walked you a little further before lowering you down to sit on a rock. You smiled your thanks, and looked around. You appeared to be on the other side of the island, and it was completely different from where the Pearl was careened. It dropped off sharply with piles of boulders and sharp rocks, and as the ocean slammed against the surface of the cliff, the spray washed up to your face. The sun had disappeared below the horizon, and the sky was cast in pink and gold.

You felt Jack begin to unwind the bandages around your hand, and looked down. Some of the bleeding was slowing, but the palms of your hands were covered in quickly drying blood. He finished getting the bandages off in silence, and he reached into his pocket to pull out a few more.

"Where'd..." you asked, glancing at the handful of linens then up at Jack.

"Ay figured ye'd work yerself t' near death today," was all he said, placing the cloth on your lap and seating himself opposite you, on the same boulder. He rested your hand face-up on his, and reached for his hip. Your eyes widened when you realized what eh was going to do, and you tried to pull your hand away. He quickly caught your wrist, holding tightly. The action shot pain throbbing up your arm, and you bit your lip to stop from crying out.

"Jack... please. You're hurting me." He looked at your face then down to his hand, still holding you. He quickly let go, and you gently rubbed the bruises that he had assaulted. These, you supposed had been received from the hours spent tied around the mast aboard the Oscuritá His eyes searched out yours carefully and ashamedly.

"Sorry, Jakey. I didn't know." You nodded, still rubbing your sore wrist. He pulled out his hip flask, and uncorked it deftly with his teeth. Jack then reached over to unravel one of the bandages on your lap, and wadded it up and held it firmly over the top of the flask. You winced as he tipped it upside down and held it long enough for the liquor to soak in. When he uprighted the container, he reached out his free hand to grab yours. You held it out reluctantly, muttering:

"Bloody waste of yer rum, if ye ask me." He only smiled and pressed the sodden cloth to a particularly large cut at the base of your thumb. You hissed and reflexively tried to pull away from the stinging pain, but he grabbed on again to your wrist, and then released it. He moved the cloth fro your hand and looked at you apologetically.

"Sorry, mate, but I can't do this if yer pulling away. And I don't want t' hurt ye any more than he already are," You nodded and extended your arm once more, biting the inside of your lip as the gently dabbed at the cut. Soon enough he was done with your right hand, and he dropped the rum-soaked cloth at his side.

"So," he began, winding a fresh bandage over your hand.

"So," you repeated, keeping your eyes cast downwards. This was it; your big conversation. Jack didn't speak again until your right hand was properly bandaged, and then placed in your lap.

"Why'd ye do it?" he asked, reaching for your other hand. You shrugged, biting your lip again as the alcohol burned its was into your palm. Silence followed, until jack looked up at you, startled.

"I thought you were supposed to answer all of my questions? Where's the ring?" He glanced down frantically at the hand he was treating, and sighed audibly to see it still resting on your baby finger. After assuring himself that his treasure was still secured, he looked up at you curiously.

"I figured out how to hold them back. Believe me, when one only has so many chances to annoy their captors, I'd take any I could get. And Trinidad hated to see me resist her questions."

"Trinidad, eh?" asked Jack lightly, dabbing even more carefully around the gash in between your thumb and forefinger. All you could do was nod, fearful that any attempt to speak would only end up making you look like a fool. Once he had cleaned the cut, he grabbed the last bandage and wound it around your hand firmly but comfortably. You looked up and smiled your thanks once more before folding your hands into your lap.

You two sat side by side in silence for a moment, and Jack took a long swig of rum.

"You're angry," you commented lightly, moving your eyes to his face. He looked back at you for a moment before sighing heavily and looking out to sea.

"No. Not angry. Disappointed, maybe. Betrayed, yes. But not angry." To hear him say that made your stomach churn and chest ache more than his anger ever could. You dropped your head to your chest and stared forlornly at your bandaged hands.

"I'm sorry," you whispered, not daring to look up at him. You heard him sigh once more and take another swig of rum. After a moment of silence, he spoke again.

"Just tell me why?" he asked again, looking over at you. You reached over, plucked the flask from his hand, and took a sip yourself.

"I didn't mean to deceive you," you began, meeting his gaze. He grabbed back the rum from you, half-sneering.

"Oh yeah? It was just an accident that you didn't tell me...? All these years of sailing together, and ye couldn’t find two seconds to say 'Hey, Jack, I'm a woman'?" You bristled at his tone. Turning so you were facing him fully on the rock, you poked a finger in his chest.

"Let me finish!! I didn't mean to deceive you. I didn't even mean to end up on your blasted ship, alright?! In case you've forgotten, you were the one who bowled over me in the streets, then proceeded to drag me along behind you! And I saved your goddamned ass, because if my father had found you, he would have hung you! And wrung my neck at the same time! All I was doing was trying to get away from my family; I didn't ask to be picked up by some insane, oddball pirate!" Jack glared at you, affronted by your description of him. You ignored him and continued.

"But do you know what? I found that I actually enjoyed being a pirate, and I enjoyed being your friend. I kept telling myself, 'Jack Sparrow is a smart, clever man. He'll figure out soon enough, and then I'll be kicked right off this ship.' And do you know what? I didn't want to be thrown off the Pearl! Although I suppose now that was all duplicitous, seeing as you'll probably leave me on this bloody island anyways, seeing as lying to the Captain is deserving of marooning or death, even I know that, I signed the bloody articles! But I kept thinking... I kept thinking that maybe since I had proved myself more worthy than any other man aboard the Pearl... just maybe I'd be allowed to stay. I thought that maybe you'd take this well, which apparently you haven't. But what do I have to show for the years spent as you first mate, and your friend? Here, look: I have this." You pulled up your sleeve to your elbow, revealing not only the bruises from your stay aboard the Oscuritá, but also four small, crescent shaped scars. You thrust your wrist in Jack's face, pointing to the scars angrily.

"I have those! And these!" You yanked down the opposite shoulder of your shirt, again revealing several crescent caped scars.

"Oh! And don't forget this!" You pulled the hem of your shirt up, revealing the small discoluoration and white scar across your lower abdomen. "From our oh-so-memorable meeting, aye?" You dropped your shirt, and twisted around, baring your bare for Jack to see.

"And I have these! Let's see... punching Alec below deck... five lashes. Stealing Guy's rations... another five lashes. Disobeying a direct order from the Captain, that time when you told me to drop anchor when a bloody hurricane was headed straight for us! ... Twenty lashes I got for that one! And it seems I'm due for another ten soon enough, apparently. What else... let me see..." You dropped you shirt down, patting down your body, trying to remember any scars that had been forgotten. Jack reached out and grabbed your hand, stopping you.

"What are you so angry about, Jake?" he asked hushedly, looking into your eyes. You glared right back, chest heaving in anger and eyes flashing. When you didn't respond, he looked down at the hand he was holding onto and pulled up your sleeve once more. Holding your wrist carefully, he peered at the scars curiously in the growing darkness.

"Did I really do that?" he asked quietly, and you nodded. You were calming down now; your breathing was becoming more level and you felt your pulse returning to normal.

"Look, Jake..." You shook your head and slipped your hand from his grasp, piling them on your lap.

"I am the daughter of the Former Commodore of Kingsbury. My mother is a distinguished figure in society, married to the powerful Lord Grayson. The day I had decided to run away, she had told me that my father had accepted Jason's - that is, Lord Grayson's - request for my hand in marriage. Without even consulting me, I was to be wed and shipped off to live with a man two times my senior. I didn't want to be married. I never did, and I suspect I never will. My mother refused to back down, stubborn as she is, and I decided then and there to run away. I cut my hair. I disguised myself. But it was only to get out of town. As luck would have it, I didn't even manage to get out of Kingsbury before I was run over and thrown headlong into my future. You see? Would you have let me remain aboard your ship if you had known I was a woman?" You took Jack's silence as a 'no.' You nodded.

"Of course you wouldn't. And I figured if I was able to prove myself worthy enough, then I could finally just tell you, and you would be fine with it. I kept waiting and waiting, and keeping it a secret. Every time I got close to telling you, I would think of what my life would be like without the Pearl and without the guys, and it would stop me in my tracks. So I kept waiting. But I can see I waited too long; you'll probably just leave me here on this island," you repeated, gazing glumly into the distance. Jack sat quietly beside you, also staring out at the ocean.

"What's your name?" he asked, turning his gaze to you. You looked at him quickly, surprised.

"What?" The tiniest of smiles crept onto Jack's face and he took another swig of rum before replying.

"Well, yer name can't possibly be Jake, cos who in their right mind would name such a girl 'Jake?'" He turned to look at you, his familiar grin lifting the corners of his mouth. You stared back incredulously, not believing that he was being this easy about it. Jack chuckled at your expression and threw his arm around your shoulder.

"Look, mate, Jake, or whatever yer name is... I already knew ye were a lass, aye? Ol' Jack's not quite that daft. And I came an' got ye from Bellamy, didn't I? And if I wanted ye off me ship, I could've just let ye stay aboard the Oscuritá, savvy?" You rolled your eyes, relieved that he wasn't angry.

"Jack, you came after for this," twiddling the ring in his face. He nodded slowly, passing the rest of the rum to you.

"Aye, I did, but even if ye didn't have it, I would've come after anyways. Best mates and all that, aye?" He looked over at you, grinning. You smiled back, and downed the last drops of rum from Jack's flask. You passed it back to him, nodding your thanks. He tucked it away in his belt, and withdrew his arm from your shoulder.

"Jest don't keep any more secrets, aye?" You nodded fervently. You had hated the feeling of hiding something from Jack, and were glad it was over and done with. The glow from the setting sun had disappeared almost completely, and it was getting quite dark. Neither of you made as if to move from your sitting place, so you simply stared out at the ocean, listening t the waves slap against the rock below.

"You honestly thought I'd throw you off the Pearl?" asked Jack. You looked over at him and nodded, making him chuckle deep in his chest. You arched an eyebrow.

"What? And you're saying that you wouldn't have kicked me off?" Jack looked over at you once more, still chortling.

"Of course I wouldn't have kicked ye off! Hell, yer the best first mate anyone could ask for! And women have certain pluses to them. Oh, no. ye would've stay aboard, Jakey." You frowned at what he said.

"Jack, any attempts on your part to woo me or otherwise seduce me will land would flat on your back with my dagger in your throat. Am I clear?" He nodded, and slung his arm over your shoulder once more.

"But you've seen me in me starkies, lass. How the heavens did you control yerself with me struttin' 'round me quarters?" It was your turn to chuckle now.

"Believe it or not, it wasn’t that hard, Jack. I managed to refrain from thoughts like that about my best friend. And I, unlike a certain pirate, do not feel the need to sleep with anything that walks!" He sighed and shook his head, as if wondering how on earth you had managed. Suddenly, he withdrew his arm and hummed in the back of his throat, as if just remembering something.

"Ah, speakin' of daggers; here." He reached into his boot and extracted a small blade, handing it to you hilt first. "Ye left it on deck." You took it from him and fingered the blade, trying to remember why he had it.

"Where'd you pick it up?" you asked, carefully sticking the dagger into the inside of your boot.

"I pulled it outta the deck about two centimeters from my foot," he said dryly, and you winced.

"Oh, heh heh... yeah," was all you said. He looked at you with one brow quirked.

"I don't know whether to commend you for your good aim, or suggest you keep practicing...?" You grinned and winked at him.

"Oh, I hit exactly where I was aiming for, believe me." He nodded and picked himself off the rock.

"That's what I thought. C'mon, we should get back. Wouldn't want the men drinkin' all me rum," he joked, motioning towards the trees flamboyantly. You nodded in agreement and pushed yourself off the boulder, windmilling your arms violently as you tottered precariously. Jack reached over and grabbed your arm, yanking you onto your feet. You stumbled along, now leaning heavily on Jack arm. Raucous laughter and the clinking of bottles sounded in the distance, and Jack looked down at you.

"Could ye possibly hurry yer arse along any faster?" You stopped, placing your hands on your hips and glaring at him.

"Jack Sparrow, I am going as fast as my arse can manage at the moment, and if you have a problem with that, then ye can go ahead and leave me to walk by meself." Jack only grinned and placed his hands on his hips, mocking your position.

"I wouldn't even think about leavin' ye like this. However, as time is of the essence in this situation, I shall be forced to carry you," he finished, sighing dramatically and taking a step towards you. You backed away, eyes wide and hand held out in front of you to fend him off.

"Nuh-uh. No way are ye pamperin' me and treatin' me all lady-like now. I'll walk, thank ye." Jack grinned and took another step closer, eyes glinting in the darkness.

"Who said anything about lady-like?" With that, he bent down and flipped you over his shoulder, holding onto the back of your calves. Your head was dangling down his back, your arms bouncing limply on the back of his thighs.

"This is most undignified," you commented, putting on a British air. Jack only slapped your arse in response, making you yelp in surprise.

"Touch me arse again, Sparrow, and I swear I'll pinch ye," you growled.

"Pinch me and I jest may decide to leave ye here." You mumbled frustratedly in response, but he knew that you would never risk pinching him. He chuckled, and reached up to pat your bum again. You sighed, dropping your head against his back and giving up.

"Get yer hands off, Sparrow..." you mumbled hopelessly. He only responded by chuckling. He trudged through the forest, and as you heard the sounds of the crew growing louder, you spoke up once more.

"Jack?"

"Hmm?

"I'm sorry I betrayed you," you whispered. Jack slowly came to a stop, and bent down. You feet touched the ground, and he helped you to stand up.

"You didn't betray me. You're still a loyal member o' me crew, aren't you?" You nodded. "In fact, yer the most loyal outta the whole bunch. I was just upset. And... and I suppose I was a tad embarrassed that ye managed t' hide it from me for so long. I always thought meself smart as a whip." You chuckled and continued walking through the trees. The glow of the fire was visible now through the forest.

"Ye are smart as a whip, Jack Sparrow." He grinned cockily, and you laughed.

"I'm just smarter."

* * * * *

CHAPTER 10 - Captain Crazy

You hummed to yourself as you crawled out of bed, relishing the warm sun filtering through the window. Marie had taken to sleeping in the crew’s quarters. She had apparently adjusted to life as a pirate very well. You rolled your eyes as you thought about her dramatic change of character.

You yawned and ran your fingers through your tousled hair. You walked over to the corner of your room, pulling the large barrel out from the corner. It was about two feet high, and four feet in diameter. And the last time it had been used was two weeks ago.

“Bath time,” you muttered sleepily. Rubbing your eyes to clear them, you walked from your room and into the galley downstairs. Filling the cooking pot with water, you heaved it up onto the metal slab that rested over the fire. Setting it down, you reached for another pot. After filling three of the pots with water and leaving them to heat on the makeshift stove, you looked around for some food. Peering into the crates stored at the back of the room, you found that a few of the oranges were left. You grabbed them, and strode over to plop down at the table. There you sat for about ten minutes, peeling and eating your breakfast. When you walked into the kitchen to check on the water, you saw the first pot you had put on bubbling slightly. Grinning, you dropped the remains of the orange out the window into the ocean and grabbed the handle of the large cauldron. You grunted as you lifted the heavy load from the stove, and carefully carried it back up the stairs and to your quarters.

“Ow, hot... hot-hot-hot-hot-hot-hot!” You quickened your pace, and sloshed the water into the large barrel in the middle of your room. Then you quickly threw down the pot and looked at your palms.

“Damn it! So smart. I am really just so smart!” You continued to mutter to yourself as you walked back downstairs to grab the second pot. This time, you looked around for a towel. Finding a rag lying over one of the crates, you picked it up and wrapped it around the handle of the pot. Grinning and mentally commending yourself for your smart thinking, you made your way upstairs once more. The water in the barrel was steaming. You left the second pot there as well and went back down to grab the third, still chattering to yourself about your smart move with the rag.

Once all the water was in the barrel, you closed your door and searched through your dresser for another cleaner rag. When you found it, you tossed it into the barrel. The water came up about two inches from the rim. You dipped in your fingers, and a smile crept onto your face. Warm. Very warm. Quickly you stripped, throwing your clothes onto the bed. You stepped into the hot water, sighing as you did. You were just able to sit down with your legs drawn up in front of you. You reached for the rag, scrubbing the dirt and grime from your body, making sure to be careful around the healing wounds on your side and your head.

You began humming to yourself again thinking over the past few days. The Pearl had taken another day to careen completely, and Phillip had worked hard both days to get her fixed up. Jack was pleased with the effort of the entire crew, and as a reward had given them enough alcohol to intoxicate every single man on deck. Things had gone back to normal between yourself and Jack. In fact, he had been treating you no different than he had been before, which delighted you to no end.

You sighed once more and opened your eyes, realizing that the water had turned cold on you and you could hear the crew start to ready the ship for the day. You stood up and shook your hair out, spraying water around the room. You giggled. That was one thing you loved about having short hair: a simple head wiggle could dry it and it required next to nothing. You hadn't even seen a brush in three years.

You looked over to the dresser and eyed the towel sitting neatly folded on top, then down at your dripping wet body, and the ten feet of space between the two.

“Definitely did not think this one through,” you said dryly to yourself.

At that moment, the door swung open and in strode a chipper Jack Sparrow.

“Good morning Jakey-me-" He stopped dead in his tracks as he saw you standing in the barrel, completely naked and dripping wet. For your part, you could do nothing but gape at your unexpected visitor. He blinked and spun around, hurrying to slam the door closed. He didn’t turn away from the door, however, and you heard him hitting his forehead on the wood softly. You blinked a few times and stepped out of the cold water, hurrying over to the towel and wrapping it around your body. Now that you were sufficiently covered, you addressed Jack.

“Um, Jack?” He continued to hit his head on the door, and you chuckled. At the sound of your laugh, he paused in his self-abuse.

“Jesus Christ am I sorry,” he muttered, making you laugh harder.

“No worries Jack. I’ve seen you in your starkies before, remember?” He shook his head.

“But you—are you dressed?” he asked suddenly.

“Mmhmm,” you replied lightly. He sighed and turned around cautiously, eyeing you nervously. When he saw that you were covered, he sighed and dropped himself onto your bed.

“But you didn’t think for years on end that I was female. I’ve thought of you for so long as ‘Jakey’ and it’s a bit of a shock to suddenly see that my best mate is a beautiful woman. Get it?”

“How do you know I didn’t think you were female for all those years?” you asked slyly, and Jack snorted and punched you. You got up from the bed and walked over to the dresser. You searched through the drawers for your tunic and breeches while you talked to Jack.

“So what was so important that you come bursting in here anyways?” You located your makeshift brassiere, and placed it on the dresser. You grabbed also a pair of trousers and a tunic.

"Well, we've got another three or four hours till we hit Caprice. I'd like to have another look at that ring of yers before then, alright?" You nodded at him, which he didn't catch since he was facing away from you.

"That's fine," you said, dropping the towel, reaching for the strip of linen and turning away from Jack.

"Good. And I wanted to take you in to see Roberts, since he seems to know everything about everything there is to know. How is it treating you, by the way?"

"Not bad," you said, securely knotting the ends of the linen.

"I also need to restock on alcohol, after the crew's little binge the other night... and -- Christ, woman, why don't you tell me when you're going to strip naked?!? I can make sure to leave the bloody room!!" You spun around and saw him cradling his head in his hands, muttering to himself. You smiled sympathetically and slipped into the rest of your clothes. You then grabbed you boots and sat down next to him.

"Sorry mate. So used to being around you. If it bothers you, I'll try to remember." You slapped him heartily on the back, grinning.

"Yer dressed...?" came the muffled reply.

"Sure am!" you responded cheerily. He sighed and looked at you. You were still grinning broadly. He quirked an eyebrow for a moment, before laughing.

"Bloody hell, Jake, yer a horse of a different colour. And it doesn't really bother me, it's just such a change." He shrugged and stood up. "See you on deck in a few minutes?" You nodded in response and picked up your boots once more. He headed towards the door as you tugged one on.

"Oh, and Jake?" You looked up to see Jack grinning from the door, his hand on the knob and his eyes glittering. You raised your eyebrows in response.

"Nice stuff." He motioned with his hands to his chest, and you gaped. His grin widened and he opened the door and stepped out. Before closing it, he turned back around.

"And quite the arse you've got." You gasped and threw your other boot against the door, which closed just in time. You could hear him chuckling as he walked away and you just gaped. After a moment, you stood up and strode over to your boot, pulling it on.

"Ooh, that man is in so much trouble..."

* * * *

Around noon, you and Lyle headed for the galley to grab some food and to catch up. Cook (as he was so aptly called) piled potatoes and onions onto your plates, and handed you each a tankard of your liquor of choice: he gin, and you whiskey. You moved to sit at the very end of the table, next to Lyle.

"So where are we headed?" asked Lyle, eyes glinting. You were expecting it, he asked every time, and every time he was denied an answer. You shrugged and swallowed a mouthful of whiskey. Lyle frowned and leaned in closely.

"Do you still have the ring?" You held up your hand for him to see, and he frowned in confusion.

"But, then why don't...?"

"Oh! Being aboard an enemy ship where they're questioning you necessitates silence. So I did what you said: I learned to suppress it." Lyle whistled lowly and chewed thoughtfully.

"And how did Jack react?" You shrugged again, mouth full.

"He thinks it's great that I've learned how to do it." Lyle shook his head.

"No, no I meant: how did he react to your being..." he looked around quickly before leaning in and whispering, "your being a woman and all."

"Oh. He seems to have already known. That may be why he took it so well." You paused and looked at Lyle slyly. "Poor bloke saw me in me skivvies this morning. Scarred him permanently, I think." Lyle chuckled and nodded in agreement.

"You're quite a stunning sight, I do have to say." You reached over and smacked him hard on the back of his head, grinning.

"What?!" he cried incredulously, eyes wide and innocent. You smiled and shook your head.

"Shut up, mate." He grinned once more and returned to his meal.

* * * *

After lunch with Lyle, you reported up to Jack to see if anything could be done. He stood proudly at the helm, as he did every day. When you approached, he acknowledged you with a nod of his head.

"So when did Lyle find out?" he asked lightly, mindful of the closeness of the crew.

"Same night you met Marie. Speaking of whom... where is that silly girl?" Jack grinned and pointed upwards. You followed his finger and saw a figure in the Sparrow's Nest, blonde hair billowing as the wind whipped by.

"You put her up there??" you asked Jack. He winked and leaned towards you conspiratorially.

"She was distracting me and me crew with her lascivious glances and sultry poses. So I stuck 'er up there." He craned his head up, then smiled slyly. "Actually, I shoulda told 'er to change into a dress instead of those breeches of yourn." You snorted and shook your head.

"Jack, please. Remember, she's my sister, and I really don't enjoy hearing your fantasies about what's under her dress. Save those for lonely nights, okay?" Jack grinned at you and looked back up at Marie, cocking his head.

"Oh, I most definitely will..." You scrunched your nose and decided that this would be an apt time for a subject change.

"Jack, is there anything that you need me to do?" He leveled his gaze back to the horizon and looked thoughtful.

"Suppose not right now. Make sure the men are doing what they're supposed to do, and please, for the love of God, check in on Matthew. That bloke has no clue how to do anything. Make sure Cook has taken down the bread and water for our guests in the brig... Oh. And later we'll need to discuss the matter of your lashings." You winced but nodded. You had expected that. And you were not anticipating that Jack would let it go; you deserved no special treatment. You started off down the stairs when Jack called you back.

"Jake?" You turned around and quirked an eyebrow in response.

"Thank ye." You grinned and held your fingers to your forehead in a sloppy salute. Then you spun around on your heel and went off below deck to check on the prisoners.

You were surprised at the number; you had thought that only three or four would have been caught, but you found eight or so sitting in the one cell. They stood, leaned, sat, and slept in various positions in the cramped space, all looking surly and fierce. All except for one. A young girl sat in the corner, her knees drawn to her chest and her hands wrapped around them. Her chin was rested on the top of her knees, and a hint of a faraway smile graced her lips. You frowned at her peaceful expression, unsure why she was so elated. You shook your head and looked around quickly, noticing that a few of the women still had a crust of bread in their hands and a small tankard of water at their feet. So Cook had fed them. Good.

Before leaving, you shot one last look at the girl in the corner, and saw her chest rise and fall with a deeply content sigh. You shook your head in confusion, not knowing what on earth could make a girl that happy in her situation. You made your way back up onto the deck, shielding your eyes from the glaring noonday sun. You scanned the deck for Matthew. He was sitting up under the mast, having taken over your previous job of mending the sails. You winced at the memory, recalling how agonizingly slow and tedious the work had been. You headed over to keep him company and make sure he hadn't sewed his shirt to the sail. As you approached, you noticed again a faraway look in his eyes. The thick needle lay still in his hand; the sail unmended. Rolling your eyes, you bent down to lean against the mast next to him. He hardly seemed to notice your appearance until you cleared your throat loudly and delivered a soft tap to his skull. He blinked and looked over at you, beaming broadly. You smiled back, quite confused by this new turn of events.

"Captain suggested I keep ye company, seein' as I know first hand how grueling it is to mend these goddamned sails," you joked lightly, and Matthew chuckled. He kept his eyes trained on your face for a moment longer before shaking himself and returning to his work.

"So what has the Captain had you do since you've been back?" he asked. You sighed and propped up a knee, resting your elbow on it.

"Not much, to be honest. I'm somewhat bored. Cleaning the galley, watching our prisoners and the likes. Stupid things, really." Matthew dropped his needle again and turned to you eagerly.

"So you saw her?" he gushed, eyes wide and alight. You pulled back slightly, looking at him in confusion.

"Sorry, who?"

"The girl! You saw her! Isn't she beautiful?" You quirked an eyebrow and gave no response. Matthew hardly seemed to take notice. He stared off into a point somewhere behind you for a moment, then turned back to look in your eyes.

"You saw her, didn't you? You couldn't miss her... she's the girl who looks like an angel." He looked at you expectantly. You rolled your eyes.

"Oh yes. The girl. In the place. With the thing, and that other person. Why on earth didn't I think of that?" you mused sarcastically, but the wit flies right over Matthew's head. He's way too wrapped up in whatever vision he's procured.

"My god, Jake, I could hardly believe it, when I saw her. She's the most amazing creature I've ever seen in my life. And when she spoke to me... Her voice is simply... indescribable. The moment I saw her, I knew that she was the one, you know? Everyone always says that they've found 'the one,' but, Jake, she's really it. I've never felt such a mix of things at the same time before. The only thing I'm worried about now is the Captain." You furrowed your brow, still completely out of the loop on this one.

"Sorry, mate, but why is Jack an issue?" Matthew sighed heavily and looked at you.

"Don't you think he'll be upset when he finds out that one of his crew has fallen in love with a captive?" Your eyebrows shot right up, and your eyes widened.

"You've what???" you whispered hushedly, looking around instinctively for Jack. He was still up at the helm. Matthew frowned, and surveyed you curiously.

"I thought you said you saw her?"

"Saw who? I saw no one! I am totally in the dark here! What are you going on about, falling in love with one of our prisoners? One of those girls? But Matthew, they're ten times bigger than you! Each one of them could crush you in seconds! They're fierce, cold, and simply--" you stopped as you recalled the one girl sitting alone in the corner, and her whimsical smile. Matthew was looking at you in confusion through all of this, and perhaps slightly offended by the observations that the women could kill him in seconds.

"Oh..." you breathed, and Matthew's features relaxed into a soft smile.

"You saw her then, didn't you?" You nodded mutely, and looked over at him. He leaned back against the mast, smiling stupidly. You leaned back next to him, trying to get your mind around this new information. After a moment of silence, Matthew spoke up.

"But she is beautiful, isn't she?" he asked softly. You smiled.

"Yeah. Yeah, she really is." Matthew sighed once more, and resumed his stitching. You sat up, intending to head off and check on what Marie was doing. Suddenly you remembered something, and turned t him.

"Matthew?"

"Hmm?"

"But... I, well, we, had you figured for fancying men and all. I mean, we just thought...." you trailed off, unsure whether you were offending him or not. He turned to you with a huge grin though, and you decided that he was not offended.

"That's just the thing! That's why I know she's the one! Because I have never really felt anything about a woman before, and all of a sudden it's overwhelming!" You smiled at his naïve eagerness and nodded in understanding. He grinned up at you once more, and then turned back to his work, humming all the while. You shook your head once more before turning away and looking up to the top of the Crow's Nest. A few errant locks of hair were visible blowing in the salty air. Casting one final glance down at the euphoric Matthew, you began to climb to the Crow's Nest. After only a few steps, Matthew called to you. You turned and raised your eyebrows in response. He licked his lips nervously and looked around, then leaned in closer to you.

"You won't tell the Captain, will you? I mean... I know as first mate you're supposed to keep him informed, but, please? Don't tell him," he whispered pleadingly. You smiled and stepped back down onto the deck. Squatting down so you were right next to him, you replied:

"I won't tell a soul. Besides, Jack doesn't appreciate snitching." Matthew smiled broadly, his eyes shining brightly.

"Thanks, Jake. And it's good to have you back." You grinned once before turning and hurrying up the mast.

"I figured that you would be up here soon," came Marie's voice lightly from above you. You climbed up the rest of the way and swung your legs over the side of the Crow's Nest. Marie smiled at you and you returned it.

"Wow..." you breathed, looking out along the horizon. The day was crystal clear, and sun bright and hot directly above you. And the ocean... It was peaceful and flat for leagues. The sun glinted off the water all around, giving it a shimmering quality.

"Yeah, I know," replied Marie. You averted your gaze from the water and directed it onto your sister. She looked completely different than she had when you had picked her up, not more than a week ago. Her hair had been tied back at the nape of her neck, but was struggling free and whipping around on the wind. She was wearing one of your tunics, rolled up at the sleeves. She also had on a pair of your breeches, which were rolled up to her knees. Without all of the hideous powder and rouge on her young face, she looked exactly like the little girl you knew she was. Her cheeks glowed with happiness, her bright eyes sparkling like the water. She was the very picture of beauty.

On impulse, you reached over and pulled her into a tight hug. She hugged you back, resting her head on your shoulder. You both stood quietly for a moment, enjoying the embrace.

"So, how did Jack react to your womanhood?" You snorted and pulled away, wrapping an arm around the mast for security.

"My womanhood? He adjusted fine. In fact, he- Marie, hold onto the mast please, you're scaring me, - he seemed to have already known. Or at least that's what he said to me. I just don't understand why, if he did know, he didn't say anything. Was he just going to keep it secret until I told him?" You looked over at your sister, who now had her arm crooked around the mast as you had requested. She shrugged.

"Jack seems like a fairly complex person. My guess is that he figured that you would tell him. And, after all, it was you business to tell. Although, I'd say you're pretty lucky to have managed for this long without being walked in on or anything of the likes. That time Lyle walked in... was that the first time that that had happened?" she asked, shielding her eyes and looking over at you. You shook your head.

"Naw. Guy walked in a few years ago, drunk as hell. I convinced him he imagined it. Not too hard, actually, since he claimed to have seen Queen Elizabeth in her skivvies too, standing next to me." Marie laughed loudly at that.

"Good plan." You nodded and stared out at sea for a second. Then you grimaced and turned back to face your sister.

"Jack walked in this morning." Marie's eyes widened in shock, moving closer to hear more. When you hesitated, she poked you.

"Well?! What state of dress were you in?"

"None."

"None??" You nodded, twirling the ring around your finger.

"So how did he deal with that?" she asked, caught up. You chuckled at the memory of his reaction.

"He began pounding his head against the door." You paused, thinking back. "I think I've scarred him for life," you said contemplatively, and Marie let out a short burst of laughter before clapping a hand over her mouth. After her giggles subsided, she dropped the hand and grinned at you.

"Really? Full-on-view?" You nodded. Her laughter commenced again, and you rolled your eyes.

"So what did he say?"

"That he was sorry. But I got the feeling that he was more sorry for himself than he was for me," you commented wryly.

"That's it?" You nodded, deciding not to tell her about his commentary on your goods. She snorted once more, and shook her head.

"He's not sorry. That man will do anything to bed a woman. Did I tell you he's been seducing me ever since you returned?" You raised your eyebrow in response, but the information didn't surprise you. Jack was like that. Besides, you were sure that the seduction was not one sided. For some reason, Jack simply had that effect on women. The dropped like flies when he was around. They swooned and flushed and subconsciously made themselves more presentable. Even you had not been impermeable. For one or two uneasy months, about a good six months after you had joined the crew of the Black Pearl, you had barely been able to get his picture out of your head. His face had haunted your dreams, and even followed you during the day. Thankfully, that had dissipated, and you had gone back to your normal routine. Sure, he stuck a pretty picture, but honestly. Maybe it was because you were his best friend... You knew his habits and what he was truly like. Not that it was undesirable at all, but it was simply too much. Too much to drink, too many whores, too many flares of temper, too much passion, too much of everything. He was everything a girl could ever want, in excess. And it was that fact that kept you away from his bed and him away from your heart.

Besides, love was completely and totally out of the question at any point in your life.

You heard your name being called from below, and you peered over the side of the rail. Lyle stood at the bottom of the mast, his head craned upwards, and a hand cupping his mouth.

"Captain says to come down!" he hollered, motioning with his other hand to Jack. You nodded and kissed Marie on the nose before clambering over the side of the Sparrow's Nest. You climbed down a few steps, then paused and looked around. To your right was the helm, and Jack. You climbed down a few more steps so that you were level with one of the mainyards, and carefully stepped onto it. You glanced from the rigging below you to the helm, judging the distance. Then, taking a deep breath, you leapt from the small platform and towards the rigging. You landed on it cat-like. Gripping tightly as it bounced.

"Gods, Jake, what in the bleeding hell do ye think yer doing?!" cried Jack as he saw you. You grinned at him and reach over to grab the rope from the sails, which were currently not tied down as it was a windless day. Holding tightly, you pushed off the rigging and swung through the air, heading for Jack. His eyes widened as you got closer, and you realized that there would be no stopping between where you were and where he was. You barely made it over the wheel, picking your feet up so you didn't hit it. Jack ducked just in time, but you managed to grab his worn leather hat. You laughed loudly, holding his hat as you craned your head around to look back at him.

"Yes Captain?" you yelled. The crew was laughing loudly, and you swept your arms wide, mockingly accepting applause. Except, in that action, you let go of the rope. You flew through the air, right over the side of the ship. You managed to catch a final glimpse of Jack's chuckling frame before you plunged into the shimmering waters.

When you resurfaced, you found the entire crew leaning over the railing anxiously. When they saw you, they burst into applause and cheers. Jack stood in the middle of them, triumphant grin playing across his lips. You just laughed, placing his hat atop your own head and treading water.

"Ye wanted to talk to me, Captain?" you cried out teasingly. Jack chuckled and turned away from the railing. Lyle threw down a rope, and you swam to grab onto it. Simultaneously, the crew pulled on it and you shot up from the water like a rocket. When you landed on the deck in a soggy heap, Lyle chuckled and patted your back.

"Brilliant, Jake. First class." You grinned up at him and took his proffered hand. You stood up, shaking your arms at your side. Lyle clapped you on the back one final time before sauntering off to get back to work. The rest of the crew drifted off, chuckling and talking amongst themselves. You wrung out the hem of your shirt and strode proudly over to where Jack stood at the helm. He looked at you as you approached and raised his eyes to the heavens. You stopped right next to him and placed your hands on your hips. He glanced over, snorted, and swiped his hat from your head. He settled it back atop his carefully and then waved Lyle over.

"I wanted to talk about that ring and your lashes." You nodded, dropping your hands to your sides. Lyle hurried to the helm, looking at Jack expectantly. Jack stepped aside, motioning Lyle to the wheel.

"Shouldn't be long," he said as he led you back towards his cabin. When you reached his door, he opened it and waved you in. you walked in, sitting yourself at his small table. He closed the door and strode over to sit down opposite you. He sighed deeply and studied the nails of his left hand. You waited.

"You know I really don't like having to do this..." he started, glancing at you from under his hat. You nodded.

"Yeah. I know." Jack sighed again, placing his hand down on the table.

"But it's just that--"

"Can I change really quick? Would you mind?" you interrupted. He looked up and down your dripping wet figure, now slightly shivering. Then he stood and nodded, heading towards the door. He grabbed the long, heavy jacket that hung on the back of it and tossed it onto the table. You looked at it dubiously.

"Jack, can't I just go get--"

"Look, this is really important. And I've seen how long it takes ye to get dressed in all those layers. Can't ye just put that on?" he asked, pointing to the coat. You held his gaze for a moment, deciding whether it was worth it to fight over. Deciding it would just be best to do as he suggested, you nodded. He nodded his thanks and sat back down. You stood and began to peel the wet shirt from your shivering body.

"Sorry. Continue," you said lightly, pulling the wet garment over your head.

"So you know that I hate to do this to you, especially after what happened with Bellamy and Trinidad. But you have to understand that the entire crew saw that dagger imbed itself not a centimeter from my foot back there, and if something wasn't done about it, they'd all go and think its fun to throw daggers at Ol' Jack." You nodded your understanding, pulling the sopping bandana from your hair and wringing it out onto your already sodden shirt. Then you dropped it down on top of your tunic.

"However, there is not the issue of your... gender. I know that you've simply kept that thing on, whatever it is..." he motioned to the bindings around your chest with one hand, and you nodded again, "but you've been lucky. I never once thought about asking you to take it off, and I don't know why. Everyone else has to be completely bare-backed. You were lucky, and I can't hope that that luck will continue." You sighed in acknowledgment, kicking your pants off your legs and rolling them into a ball on the floor.

"So just do it in here. I'm not going to tell you not to do it, because I understand the need to make an impression on the crew." Jack nodded, searching out your eyes. You looked back at him, smiling encouragingly. He shook his head and furrowed his brow.

"But I can't. Look at you, you're still a mess." He motioned to your body, and you looked down. You were standing practically naked, with only the bindings around your breasts. You could see the bruises along the insides of your arms, the healing cuts on your legs, and the smattering of various scrapes and bruises elsewhere. You looked back up at him and found him looking you in the eyes.

"You deserve it, but I can't do it to you. It would be cruel." You shrugged, reaching for the jacket and slipping on. It smelt like Jack, which was oddly comforting.

"Then just wait. I'm sure the crew wouldn't think less of you if you told them that there was no way you could do it right now. Wait a week or two, and I'll be fine." Jack cocked an eyebrow, unconvinced. You grinned winningly, and stood in a warrior's pose, baring your teeth. Jack laughed and you grinned.

"See? I recover quickly." Jack chuckled some more, and you stood up normally. Grinning slyly, you pretended to study your nails.

"Besides," you said loftily, "I can still whip yer arse, even in my condition." Jack's eyebrows shot up, and you buffed your nails on his jacket.

"Really. You think so?" He stood up, swaying over to face you. "Weakling," he added teasingly.

"Pansy," you countered.

"Scallywag!"

"Pirate!"

"Why, thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Wench!"

"Drunkard!"

"Brigand!"

"Eunuch!"

"Girl!"

"Hey! Hey now... that was a low blow..."

"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry.

"No you're not."

"You're right, I'm not." He grinned crazily and you rolled your eyes. Relentless, that man was.

"Look, I'd love to continue with the personal insults, Captain Crazy, but I'm not exactly comfortably dressed. So you either go get me clothes, or I go get them myself. Or I just go naked." Jack contemplated for a moment. He cast a few glances at you, and you stood, hands on your hips. After the third look, you threw your hands in the air.

"Alright, alright, enough! Just go get me my clothes, you bloody scoundrel." He grinned and left the room, only to return moments later with a bundle of clothes in his arms. He threw them at you, and plopped back down on the chair.

"So, good. We've got the lashes settled then. So now about the ring. I trust you still have it?" You wiggled your finger in his direction, and he nodded. You dropped the jacket into a pile on the floor, shivering involuntarily as the air touched your bare skin. You tugged on your breeches and your shirt. Jack watched as you dressed, a slightly confused look about him.

"You honestly don't care that I'm sitting right here, do you?" You frowned and looked up at him, then shook your head.

"Why should I care?" Jack shrugged.

"Most women would, I think." You sighed and picked his jacket back up, dropping it on his bed and sitting down at the table.

"Well, I know you're not going to go and jump me or anything, so I don't see why it's an issue." Jack just laughed and shook his head. You raised and eyebrow, but said nothing else. After a moment, Jack cleared his throat and looked up.

"But we really should discuss this ring. Have--" He stopped abruptly as the door swung opened, revealing Lyle. He smiled apologetically and addressed Jack.

"Captain, we're coming up to Caprice. A half hour until we dock." Jack nodded in response and stood up, grabbing his jacket.

"We'll talk about this later, alright?" You nodded and stood up as well.

"Fine by me...." You headed towards the door, turning back before exiting. You grinned and assumed a lofty expression once more.

"...Rogue."