Falcon's Curse

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Falcon's Curse; The sequel to The Story Of Sierra...
Topic Started: Feb 16 2007, 10:57 PM (1,139 Views)
Choccie	Feb 16 2007, 10:57 PM Post #1
Smuggler Posts: 637 Group: Cabin 6 Member #53 Joined: March 17, 2006	Well guys... here it is, the first chapter of the sequel!! Jeez, it feels like much longer than... two months, is it?... Since I posted the final chapter of the first story. But maybe I'm just impatient... I certainly couldn't wait any longer before posting this!! Anyways, I hope it's up to scratch... And I suppose it's disclaimer time too? I do not own the concept of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' or any of the characters associated with the film... They belong to Disney. The only thing I own is my imagination. This story is purely written for my own (and the readers') enjoyment- I'm not making any money from it. Chapter 1 A hooded figure stands on a large, rocky plateau which juts out from a mountainside, looking down on a town below. Between them and this poor but thriving community is a steep drop that is densely populated by trees, with a small dirt track heading up in a zigzag pattern towards them which, as they watch, a small family of monkeys crosses- heading out into the deeper jungle beyond the town. Few people have ever been into there, as it is meant to be haunted by terrible demons and so the superstitious locals avoid it. Because of this, the road is rarely used, and is slowly being claimed back by the forest from which it was once hacked out of. Behind, a waterfall springs out of the rocky mountain face about forty feet up, cascading down into a crystal clear pool surrounded by rocks forming a rough circle. Ferns, giving off a heavy, earthy scent, spring from cracks in these. From here, a stream heads off into the rich exotic undergrowth, following the mountain path down until it reaches the small marsh which covers the short distance between where the jungle stops and where the town begins, from which the raucous croaking of bullfrogs has just started, filling the air with their sound. Above this the mountain shoots straight upwards, reaching what seems to be a colossal height, before it suddenly comes to an end- once the mountain, part of which the figure is standing on, was a destructive volcano, shooting flames and sparks day and night, but the fire from inside it has long been quenched and now only its shell and the rich, fertile soil it created are left behind. From this soil, the town of Nevis has sprung. Lamps in the streets below are starting to be lit, as normal citizens shut down their trades in anticipation of the oncoming night, and the taverns roll in extra kegs of ale and rum in preparation for the roaring business they will do after sunset as homesick sailors drown their worries, captains seek crew, and the men of the town gather to swap yarns and gossip with others. On the quayside strings of lights hang from pole to pole, twinkling as they swing gently in the light breeze. Under these, crewmembers bustle around like an army of ants, the younger among them joyfully yelling taunts and conversation to others as they make their ships ready for the oncoming turn of the tide, with which they will sail to distant lands. This conversation floats up with the warm breeze, along with the normal day-to-day bustle and chatter from the rest of the town. The ships themselves are all shapes and sizes, sailing under many different flags and nations. Each are suited to their way of life, with fatter, slower merchant ships being loaded with final cargoes as they take on the role of traders, while smaller, sleeker and faster ships like Sloops hide behind poor disguises, attempting to mask what they really are - pirate vessels. On the horizon the mast of a large galleon can be seen, heading towards the port, most probably to pick up supplies as food is plentiful here, along with the spices and luxuries that the merchants do a healthy trade in. Seagulls wheel above in the salty air, screeching as they dive to catch fish, and around it the sea is turned to fire by the late setting sun, which in turn catches on the sails and riggings of every ship, until the entire harbour is ablaze. This fire also laps gently onto the pure white sands, which stretch for miles in either direction, smooth and untouched. In the shallows, turtles can just be picked out as they bask in the remaining heat, soon to take back to the water to find food amid the abundance of life that grows on the corals beneath the surface. These reefs often contain the wrecks of unfortunate ships, whose clumsy owners took them too close and are now suffering the consequences, possibly beneath the waves. In this particular area there are many of these wrecks, provoking tales of immense wealth and riches for anybody brave enough to try and find one, and succeed. Many have tried to find their fortune but just as many have failed, for the sea does not give up its treasures lightly. The figure on the ledge surveys this scene calmly, taking in all aspects of the town. Then, their eyes rest on one particular ship in the bay, unique to the rest due to its black hull and sails. It rides at anchor with every other ship, but the men bustling around the port seem to be giving it a wide berth- while the other ships have men running up and down gangplanks, carrying supplies and completing errands, the area around the black ship is seemingly completely deserted and calm. Behind the hood of the cloak, the figure is seen to smile. Then they silently head down the overgrown path, heading towards the town. ***** The activity inside one of the many taverns is almost unbearable. Men and women are everywhere, carrying drinks back and forth, talking to acquaintances or settling disagreements. Music coming from a fiddle and accordion in one corner only adds to the noise level. A man staggers out of the entrance, too full of drink and thoughts of the ladies of the town to may much attention to whoever it is that he carelessly stumbles into. He simply bounces off them, continuing on a slightly different course to the one he started off on. A pair of eyes, the colour of the sea, looks out from under the hood of the large cloak the figure is concealed under. They watch the man go until he rounds a corner and disappears into the night, and then they change the direction of their gaze upwards to the sign of the tavern, checking that this is indeed the correct place. Satisfied, the eyes lower, and disappear back under the hood. The figure heads into the confusion and commotion inside, managing to blend into the background and remain inconspicuous despite their slightly sinister appearance in the long black cloak. Occasionally, a person staggers into their path but the figure merely sidesteps and then continues on their way, until they reach a quiet corner where they settle down, apparently to wait for something. They do not have long to simply sit and watch the events around, it seems. The person sits up a little straighter, the opening of the hood trained towards the entrance. A man has just come in, followed by another man- a grey-haired, portly figure follows close to his shoulder, looking around the tavern slightly uneasily. In contrast, the first man seems completely at ease in the surroundings. His dark, clever eyes roam the scene in front of him, taking in every detail. Then, apparently satisfied with what he finds, he heads over to a spare table- walking in a very distinctive way, almost as though he is drunk already. Settling himself down, he waits for the other man with him to bring over the drinks- turning his head this way and that to watch parts of the activity around him that catch his particular attention. As he does so, the beads and discs of metal he has woven into his long hair glint in the light from the candles. The hooded figure looks round, pausing as they spot a man at the far end of the tavern who is seemingly at ease, chatting to a few others. However, as soon as this man sees the hood turn in his direction, he nods and rises swiftly, making his farewells. Walking across the floor, he joins the mysterious person, glancing over towards the distinctive newcomer, now happily settled with a tankard of drink. �He hasn�t changed, has he?� The person under the hood gives a short laugh and then replies in a voice that is not deep enough for it to be a man�s. �Alex�I doubt Jack sees any reason for it� He loves his way of life, and will see no reason for a change.� Sighing, they pull up another of the well-worn chairs and swing their feet up onto it, settling down as though they are going to be here for a while. The boots encasing their feet are brown and knee-length, making the legs and feet look small and slender- this is only accentuated by the comparison to Alex�s legs nearby, which are strong and well-built. The hood drops lower, and the person appears to go to sleep. However, their partner Alex stays upright and focused, his eyes trained on the man on the other side of the room as he watches every slight move that he makes. Suddenly, a large group of sailors stagger into his view, completely obscuring it. Alex tries desperately to see around them but to no avail- he loses sight of Jack. The sailors seem in no hurry to move on. The simply stand amidst the chaos, carrying out conversations with one another that frequently lead to load, uproarious laughter- often accompanied by a friendly punch to the man who delivered the humorous line. They are obviously enjoying being on land again, with all possible comforts after many months at sea. Still Alex attempts to see past them, even starting to rise so that he can walk to the side slightly. However, he freezes when he hears an all too familiar voice behind him. It murmurs gently into his ear, bringing the scent of rum along with it. �Now� I�m intrigued to know what you have been finding so fascinating about me� You�ve been staring for quite some time, and I thought that I�d perhaps be able to help you if you have any queries�?� Alex opens his mouth to answer with something, but before he can do so, another voice from his right answers. �I�m afraid that would be my doing, Jack Sparrow�� The pirate turns to look at the hooded figure as though this was the first time he had noticed them. His mouth twists slightly to form an unsure look, as though he knows he recognises the voice but is simply having difficulty placing it to a face, or he is wishing it is not the person he thinks it is. The person rises, turning to face him. Then, long and slender fingers reach up, pushing the hood back. Wild raven hair is shaken loose, and then the woman�s gaze locks onto Jack�s. Jack looks pleased. �Ah� Sierra.� He is stopped from continuing when the woman holds up a finger. �Now, Sparrow, I�m sure you realise that you�ve forgotten something�� Jack looks perplexed, and Sierra sighs, rolling her eyes. �Captain�� The male pirate looks apologetic, holding up his hands slightly. �Ah, well� yes� apologies. It is a fairly new title for you though, so if you�ll excuse me while I get used to it�� Sierra laughs. �I would have thought that you would have heard plenty about me over this past year, Jack� The taverns I�m sure you frequent must be rife with tales of me and my ship. Had you not heard about Nassau?� Sparrow holds one figure to his chin, momentarily in deep thought. �I heard some mention, yes� Without firing a single shot, wasn�t it?...� �Good. Then you�re not as ignorant as I thought.� Jack looks offended, and then changes the subject. �What has brought you here, anyway?� Grimacing, Sierra returns to her seat. �Get me drink, and I will tell you all about it.� ~~~~~~ So....?



neverstophoping	Feb 17 2007, 10:22 AM Post #2
Smuggler Posts: 616 Group: Cabin 6 Member #57 Joined: March 18, 2006	Sequel, sequel, sequel! I'm so happy you decided to write one, I had no idea! I soooooo love your style of writing, luv! Your descriptions... wow Quote: �I heard some mention, yes� Without firing a single shot, wasn�t it?...� Hehe Don't make us wait too long for a next chapter! Very curious



Choccie	Mar 4 2007, 04:38 PM Post #3
Smuggler Posts: 637 Group: Cabin 6 Member #53 Joined: March 17, 2006	Neeeeeexxxxt!!! *Chapter 2* Settled in one corner with a tankard of drink, Jack looks completely content. I wait for him to take a deep draught of whatever fiery liquid it is, simply watching his actions. I soon notice that, despite the outwardly relaxed appearance, Jack is surreptitiously keeping an eye on everything going on around us- it is no wonder he had spotted us watching him, and decided to investigate. Finally he seems satisfied enough with the amount he has drunk to set down his tankard and turn his brown eyes to face me. �So, Sierra� What is this matter so pressing that you see fit to turn up in the middle of nowhere, to make a surprise visit to me� Couldn�t it last for, say, another few days- a week, maybe? Why don�t you just head off to your little boat, put your feet up, and when I�m done, I�ll come and find you� Savvy? Unless� you couldn�t wait that long to see the famous Captain Jack Sparrow?� I grimace. �Do not flatter yourself, Jack. Believe me, I have far more pressing matters to attend than a self-centered pirate who, I might add, is in serious need of a bath�� Jack pauses to sniff the air around his body, and seems to consider the scent it for a few moments, before cracking a smile and replying, �Not in the best of moods it seems, luv?� I decide to head straight for the problem, �Not when I�m without my ship, no�� Jack looks disbelieving for a moment, then the size of his grin increases. �You mean to tell me�?! You�ve lost her?! Well, this must be new record� I only let you have her- very graciously, I might add- a year ago, and now you�ve lost her? That�s gratitude for you�� �I haven�t lost her, Jack� And you can�t talk; I seem to remember you don�t have a very good track of keeping hold of your ship yourself� Anyway, she was taken from me, forcefully.� I see the pirate looking slightly lost, and continue. �I will explain.� �Please do, love� I�m entirely curious to find out what you�ve done now.� I shoot him a glance. �As I have said, it wasn�t me!� Jack doesn�t reply, instead sitting back passively and waits for me to continue. �Well� It happened about three months ago, I think� I have lost track of the time, having traveled so far since then, trying to find you� Anyway, when does not matter, really. �It was late into the night, with the crew and I sleeping, save for Alex,� I motion over to where my companion is sitting with Gibbs at another table close by, �who was on watch. I think he blames himself for what happened, which is why he has remained with me all this time, while others have left to seek better fortune� However I personally hold no grudge against him: I believe it was unavoidable. �Suddenly, there were men aboard my ship, who seemed to have appeared from nowhere. According to Alex, they moved as swiftly and silently as the wind� that was all he saw before he was knocked out. It was not long, I am assuming, before they had crept through the ship to my cabin, and I woke to find one of them standing by my bed, motionless. Needless to say, I was shocked� Shocked enough to sit there and stare. When I did move however, to pick up my cutlass, it was twisted from my hand so fast and with such ease that it was barely worthy to be called a scuffle. �These men were huge� Far taller and with twice the muscles and pure brawn than any normal human has. And they had my ship completely covered from every angle- more power and in larger numbers than the crew I had- which, I suppose wasn�t hard, seeing as I was under crewed anyway.� �People just don�t want to take the risk nowadays, Sierra�� Jack comments. I nod in agreement, and then continue. �In the space of five minutes, nameless strangers had appeared, and completely overpowered me. I could not do anything, for fear of what these men could do, and so I had to simply sit by, and watch as they took over my precious Falcon. �Silently, the entire crew were herded into one corner, and then sectioned off into the boats. Each were sent off to sea, with a few provisions to last a couple of days. �The entire time, I was thinking of something� anything� that I could be doing to stop them. But there was nothing- they worked with such speed and precision that it was terrifying. Any wrong move and I am certain that we would have been killed- and surely a human life is better than that of a ship, in the end?� Jack looks uncomfortable for a moment, but soon masks this expression, pushing it away with a grin. �So you mean to tell me that you were caught unawares on your own ship, and didn�t put up any sort of a fight to stop her being taken away from you? Does she hold any value in your life? �Jack! You know what that ship means to me� And why else would I be here, unless for help?� �Why else, indeed�� Jack winks roguishly. I look down so as not to meet his eyes, and try hard not to blush. Out of the corner of my eyes, I see his smile widen even further. �So� Continue with your tale� I�m intrigued to find out what happened next�� �There is not much more to tell. From our boats, we watched as the Falcon disappearing over the horizon. The crew was in complete shock, me included. To have our ship taken from right under our noses like that� �Thankfully, however, we were not that far from land, and civilization. We managed to reach it within the first few days, before we ran too low on supplies. The locals were kind on us, offering everyone food and lodgings, but even so, quite a lot of the crew was not content- I think they partly blamed me, and partly blamed Alex for what had happened. Before long, they came to the decision that they would leave us and strike out on their own, in search of better fortune, and soon they did just that. I have not seen one of them since, but the Caribbean is a big place and the ocean even bigger� I just hope they are well. �We did not stay for long in the village where we had landed, after that. I was restless, certain that there was a way to recover my ship, and Alex was in agreement with me. We came to the conclusion that we needed to find you, and see if you had any information on the matter. �Sadly, quite a lot of the remaining crew did not share the same view as us. The loss of the ship had knocked them badly, I think, and they could not bear to go on a wild-goose chase on the vague hope that we might find her. Most stayed at the village, and the few who did follow us, we have left in various taverns and inns across the Caribbean. So now, it is just me and Alex left.� �That�s an interesting tale you�ve got there, Sierra�Very interesting indeed� sadly, before I offer any information on the matter, I�m going to have to know how I�m to be repaid�� Jack looks cheekily at me. His expression changes rapidly, however, when I jump to my feet and produce a cocked pistol and aim it at his forehead. There is a sudden hush in the tavern as people stop whatever they are doing to stare. �Ah�� �Don�t play games with me, Jack. I�m not in the mood, and haven�t been for the past three months, ever since I lost my ship. So� do you know where my ship is, or don�t you?� Jack looks up at me hopefully. �Big dark brutes, these men? Strong, silent types?� �Yes�� I fail to see where Jack is heading with this. �You�re in luck, Sierra. I happen to know the very person who knows where your ship is. Follow me, and all will become clear.� He jumps to his feet, the now-empty tankard discarded on the table, and heads towards the exit, poking Gibbs as he walks past. The older pirate stands and follows his captain. Un-cocking my pistol and hiding it away, I motion to Alex, who also stands and then joins our strange little group. ~~~~~ I'm fairly sure I've ironed out any time scale problems that I had... But if there's anything that doesn't seem to make sense, can you point it out?!



neverstophoping	Mar 8 2007, 10:19 AM Post #4
Smuggler Posts: 616 Group: Cabin 6 Member #57 Joined: March 18, 2006	Who are these guys, why are they after the Falcon, what's up with Alex, who's the person they are going to visit,... aaaahhh all those questions! I love your fanfic to death can't wait for the next chapter! (everything makes sense, nothing to point out ;))



Choccie	Mar 8 2007, 02:11 PM Post #5
Smuggler Posts: 637 Group: Cabin 6 Member #53 Joined: March 17, 2006	Is there anything up with Alex? What made you think that? And as for an explanation as to what's going going on, well... you might have to wait a few more chapters for that! But I've got it all worked out, don't you worry!



neverstophoping	Mar 8 2007, 07:49 PM Post #6
Smuggler Posts: 616 Group: Cabin 6 Member #57 Joined: March 18, 2006	Quote: Is there anything up with Alex? What made you think that? Well erm... He was the one on watch that night so maybe he helped the guys boarding the ship... no? I'm always seeing too many conspiracy theories... Quote: And as for an explanation as to what's going going on, well... you might have to wait a few more chapters for that! But I've got it all worked out, don't you worry! Looking forward to them!



Choccie	Mar 20 2007, 11:03 PM Post #7
Smuggler Posts: 637 Group: Cabin 6 Member #53 Joined: March 17, 2006	Chapter 3 Being back on the Black Pearl is strange- it is almost as though I never left, the past twelve months melting away. Leaning on the railing, I sigh contentedly as I look out across the ocean. This peace does not last for long, however. Suddenly, my view is obscured as someone clamps their hands over my eyes. Biting my lip to try and stop myself smiling, I put on a surprised voice. �Hmmm�. Now I wonder, who could this be?� Laughing, Alex uncovers my eyes, and I turn round to face him. His face, always seeming so pleasant and open, is split in half by a wide grin, and bright blue eyes twinkle with mischief. �Honestly, Sierra�I came over here making as much noise as a herd of elephants, and you didn�t even notice until I was right on top of you! Old age is obviously showing�� Alex has to think fast as I strike out to cuff him over the head, and only just manages to duck in time. Laughing, he stands back up straight. �Just proving my point- your reactions are pretty slow as well. I think it�s time to retire from being a pirate captain before you become completely redundant.� Grinning, I turn back round to face the sea, but as I think about what he has just said, my smile falls slightly. Alex turns to look into my face. �What�s wrong, Sierra?� I sigh. �I�m not a pirate captain, though, am I? For what good is a pirate without a ship?� My trusted friend shakes his head, blonde hair coming loose and flopping over his eyes. �It won�t be like that for long, trust me� You�ve got Jack on the case now, anyway.� �Hmmm�� I turn my head to search out the distinctive pirate, and find him standing up near the helm as he fixes his telescope on the horizon. As always, Alex picks up on my uncertainty. �What? Not good enough for you?� �It�s not that, it�s just I wish that he would tell me where we were going, and for what purpose. He hasn�t spoken to me in days�� �And you�ve been keeping count, no doubt, of the days, the hours, even the minutes since he last spoke to you, or simply looked in your direction.� I shoot Alex a warning glance, but he just looks back with eyes feigning innocence. Glaring harder, however, I see the blue pools begin to waver, and flickers of other emotions appear and disappear- mischief, guilt, and something else which I cannot discern. I look away, laughing. �You�re always the same, Alex�� Glancing back at him, I see him smile once again as he leans on the rails with me. �No� It�s just you know me too well, Sierra.� As we both look out over the sea, a calmness descends where neither of us feels the need to say anything. This last for several minutes as we survey the scene in front of us, watching as the sun starts to dip below the horizon and causes the sea to turn to liquid fire. Then, Alex shifts position and looks up towards the helm, where I know Jack will be standing. �Well, it�s time to try out my amazing detective powers, and discover where this rum-pot pirate is taking us�� �Alex!� I reprimand, but he has already walked off, and is now pretending not to hear his name. I watch as he makes his way over to Jack, leaning casually beside him as if to engage in light conversation. I know Sparrow is no idiot, though. Even from where I am standing, I know that he knows exactly what Alex is up to, and I do not think he will give up the answer easily. Laughing to myself, I wonder what on earth Alex could be saying to try and wheedle the truth put of Jack. Occasionally though, I see his dark eyes flick in my direction, and can only assume that my name is cropping up in their conversation. Finally though, Alex steps away and heads backs towards me, and I see that Sparrow is also on the move, towards his cabin. Immediately from Alex�s expression, I can tell that he was not successful. �I could have told you the outcome of that without you ever having to go over there, Alex�� I remark as he returns to his place next to me, giving him a playful nudge. He does not come back with any type of retort, but only looks at me with a slightly odd expression on his face. �Jack wants to see you in his cabin, Sierra. Go now, I think it�s important.� He says no more, and so I, puzzled, walk off in the direction of the Captain�s cabin, leaving my friend standing and staring fixedly on the horizon. **** Jack looks up from whatever chart he is studying as I enter, and a slightly crooked grin forms on his face. Then, he looks back down towards the chart and continues whatever he was doing. I take this moment to study the pirate, finding that truly he has not changed- the face is still exactly the same with the same colour skin from years under the sun, the eyes are still their deep chocolate brown, his small moustache still forms two beaded plaits that hang under his chin, and his hair is still as unkempt as it ever was. However, looking hard I fancy that there may be a few more trinkets woven in, as memoirs of places he has visited since we parted previously� Sparrow starts to speak, interrupting my thoughts. �Sending your dogsbodies to do your dirty work, are we now, Sierra?� He reaches across the table to tap his compass, which had been fixed on a steady course when I entered the room, but has now started to spin around wildly. However, it soon settles back on its original course, and Jack returns to the map. �I didn�t send him to do anything, Jack. I can�t help if he decided of his own accord to find out where we�re going� I am sure that the rest of the crew are as curious as me, seeing as you don�t seem to have told anyone anything.� Jack smiles knowingly. �All in good time, luv�� He stands, giving one final look towards his compass before snapping it shut and stowing it away. Then, he walks over towards me. �Well, this attitude of using people below you certainly is new, isn�t it�You consider them only there for your jobs, ay? That�s the fast way to lose yourself a crew, and a ship� Although�� Jack pauses, leaning in so close his breath, rum-scented, tickles my face, �I suppose you don�t need to worry about that part, do you now?� He smiles wickedly, and I stare at his face in total anger, raising my hand to slap his stupid face and wipe the grin off it. Sparrow catches hold of my hand, predicting what I am going to do and so preventing it from moving any further. �But I wonder�� He narrows his eyes slightly. �What else has changed. Is this the same Sierra that I knew half a year ago, with the same thoughts, same feelings?� He brings his face close to mine, looking down at my lips, smiling just enough to expose a flash of gold. �Or not?...� Before I know what is happening, he has pressed his lips against mine. At first I stiffen from complete shock, but the warmth and softness of his mouth coupled with the alluring taste of rum soon causes me to soften against him, fully appreciating the sense of another person�s body so close to mine. It does not last for long, however- soon Jack is pulling away from me. I open my eyes, a thousand thoughts and feelings flitting across my mind, all confused and entangled with one another. Opening my mouth, I think that I should really say something, but the words just don�t seem to come. Jack grins. �Interesting�� Saying nothing more, he turns on his heel and heads towards the door of his cabin. Opening it, he heads out onto the open top deck. Unease creeps into my mind, which is quickly followed by annoyance. How dare he leave me standing here like some idiot? I think to myself. �Jack!� I shout after him, as I start to walk over to the door I just saw him exit by. However, something seems wrong. The deck wobbles beneath my feet, tilting this way and that and making me feel unsteady, and in addition to that the walls of the cabin also start to move, turning around me like a child�s spinning top. As I attempt to walk further, I decide that in fact, it is not the ship that it at fault, but me. My head starts to feel light-headed and dizzy and my eyes cannot focus on any object, instead making the room blurry and thus hard to walk through without colliding with things. My limbs feel leaden as I drag my feet across the floor, whilst my arms hang limply by my sides, as they are too heavy to move. As an abrupt splitting pain erupts behind my eyes I sink to the floor, leaning against some sort of furniture for support. My head lolls to the side, resting against the object- suddenly I do not seem to have enough energy to even keep it upright. As my eyelids close, I struggle to retain consciousness, calling out in a weak and strangely high pitched voice for the pirate who, not half a minute previously, had walked out onto the deck. �Jack�� My voice cracks and I cough, my entire body shaking. Hope wells within me as I hear footsteps somewhere nearby. They pause, having perhaps picked up the small sound that I was making, and then I hear a voice. �Sierra!� The footsteps speed up, getting louder as the head in my direction. Strong arms encircle me and I feel myself being lifted off the floor, my arms still hanging uselessly and my head seeming to have a mind of its own. �Oh God� Jack!� Somewhere in my confused mind, I work out that this man isn�t Sparrow, but someone else equally familiar. I manage to open my eyes slightly, and even from the blurred image I make out, the features of Alex are unmistakable. Alex carries me out onto the deck, where I quickly close my eyes again as the change in light intensity sends shooting pains into my skull, only adding to the headache. Moaning slightly, I make what seems like a huge effort to turn my head away and bury it into the darkness of Alex�s chest. I hear my friend�s voice once again, calling for Jack, and also in the background can pick out the faint mutterings of the crew as they turn to observe the scene. Then, another voice sounds out, distinctive because of the slight slur to the words. �How did this happen?� Alex replies to Jack�s short question in a voice laden with concern. �I don�t know, Jack� she was just lying like this on the floor of your cabin. She�s burning up� Feel her forehead.� A cool hand is laid across my brow. �Hmmm�� Sparrow�s voice sounds calm as he assesses the situation. �Best put her somewhere quiet, I think, mate� My cabin would be the best place for now. Make sure she�s comfortable� She�s in for a rough time.� As one final effort, I turn my face towards Jack�s voice and manage to add one final threat- however, my voice is more feeble than I would have liked. �If you�ve drugged me again, Sparrow, I swear I will not rest until I have your disgusting dread-locked head as part of my figurehead�� I can imagine the smile that I am certain that will be forming across the pirate�s face, and am sure I even hear a quiet laugh from him. However, as Alex carries me away, the final thing I hear is Jack muttering to Gibbs: �Push whatever speed you can from the sails, Mr Gibbs� Our destination has just become a much more pressing matter.�



neverstophoping	Mar 22 2007, 09:15 PM Post #8
Smuggler Posts: 616 Group: Cabin 6 Member #57 Joined: March 18, 2006	Wow I've said it before and I'll say it again: I just love your style of writing, luv! Those descriptions! I was just thinking about the kiss of Jack and Sierra and here's another one awe cute. But not cute if he drugged her lol, but I don't think he did. Mmm hard to decide: Sierra-Jack or Sierra-Alex shipper... mmm... Can't wait for the next chapter!



Choccie	Apr 7 2007, 04:51 PM Post #9
Smuggler Posts: 637 Group: Cabin 6 Member #53 Joined: March 17, 2006	I'm not entirely sure who's reading this (apart from Hoping! And luv, if you like my descriptions, there's more in this chapter!) :P)... But whoever is, here's the next chapter! Chapter 4 Much to my frustration and annoyance, Alex is determined that I stay in bed, however much I try to rise. He fusses around me much like a mother, and, although I know he is only trying to help, often it seems as though he is being more of a hindrance. Even more annoying is the fact that, deep inside, I know that he is right- I cannot get out of bed. Whatever ailment has gripped me leaves me feeling sick and dizzy whenever I do so much as sit up, and I regularly have moments where my sight deserts me, leaving me scared and disorientated. I have become a shell of my former self, losing weight faster than I try to keep it on due to the way I can hardly keep my food down. When Alex hands me a mirror one time, I am shocked at what I see- my hair hangs limp and lacklustre when I used to have glossy curls, and my eyes are dull- the swirling colours of blue and green looking dark and stormy, instead of their usual aquamarine. I cannot argue with the facts, which only serves to make me grumpy and restless. Part of me admires the way Alex is still so determined to keep me company while I am in this state What worries me more however, is not matters of the body. With the long time I have to rest, I fret about my ship, where Jack is taking us, and Jack himself. The pirate captain has been suspiciously absent over the past few days since I fell ill, despite the fact that I have actually stolen his bed and most of his quarters. Often I hear noises in the cabin next door where he has his table and his sea charts, but there has been only one occasion whilst I was awake when he actually paid me a visit, and even that was only a short one. It is as though he is scared of catching whatever I may have� And yet this does not seem like it would be a trait of Jack�s. According to Alex, who occasionally leaves my side to carry out various errands such as fetching me food or drink, Jack is trying to get the best out of the Pearl and her crew so that we reach our destination as fast as possible. I see no reason why my illness would suddenly cause this haste, but obviously Jack has other thoughts as he pushes the ship to her limits. Alex stays quiet, but I think that he also knows the reason for such a speed. A few times, I catch him staring at me when he thinks I am asleep with a worried look in his eyes, and I know that he is deeply concerned. This does nothing to ease my frustration- if only I could get on my feet again, then I am certain I would feel a lot more power to find out what is really going on. I spend more and more of my time sleeping- partly because it seems to be the only way to pass the time, and partly because I am feeling increasingly exhausted. It is strange, but the more sleep I get, the more tired I feel. When I slip into these restless slumbers, often I have strange, and occasionally disturbing, dreams. Several involve the pirate Serpiente, who, although he has been dead for over a year, still continues to haunt me. Even the sight of his face on the edge of my subconscious has the power to disrupt my sleep, and I wake up gasping for breath and looking wildly around the cabin. I feel stupid when I think that all I am afraid of is a memory, but even so his pale face is vivid enough to deeply unsettle me. One late afternoon I have one of these episodes, and, predictably, wake up still seeing his face in front of me. Alex is beside my bed in an instant. �Sierra? What�s the matter?� My thoughts adjust, and I fully wake up to where I am- in Jack�s cabin, safe and sound. Sighing, I lie back down again. �Nothing� Just another bad dream.� Alex moves around the end of the bed, swapping sides so that he can look at my face once again. Reaches out, he places a hand on my forehead. �You still have a fever� It�s probably what�s bringing on these nightmares.� Shaking my head, I reply, �No, Alex� These dreams have been occurring since the Isla Del Espejos incident, and I don�t think they�re going away anytime soon.� My friend smiles at me, but still does not manage to mask his concern. �Well, try and get back to sleep if you can� I�ll be here to make sure you are alright. You need your rest, Sierra- you look terrible.� �Thanks.� I mutter, before closing my eyes and trying to drift back off to sleep. I hear Alex move off to one corner of the room, sitting down on a chair to watch over me. More comfortable now, and with the details of the dream already starting to fade, I soon drift off into a dreamless sleep, which seems to stretch into eternity. **** Slowly surfacing into consciousness, I open my eyes to find the day�s sunlight has disappeared and is instead replaced with inky darkness. Finally, I feel rested- that sleep must have done me some good, as the weakness and odd eye behaviour seems to have disappeared. Looking around the cabin, I see that Alex is nowhere to be seen, which is slightly strange, but I reason it away with the fact he has probably gone for some fresh air. I feel so rejuvenated that I decide that I might as well go and join him on deck, where I assume he is. Gingerly, I step out of bed onto the rough wooden deck, and when I am satisfied that my legs with truly support me, I slip quietly out of the door and into Jack�s main cabin. The pirate is not around either- probably having accompanied Alex. I feel slightly relieved about this, as I did not really want to face Jack by himself at this moment in time, having so recently recovered from whatever illness I had. My bare feet make no sound as I tread softly across the floor of the deserted cabin. The moon that is just visible out of one of the windows throws silvery shadows onto the floor, helping me to pick my way through the various pieces of furniture and other odd trinkets that Jack has picked up on his travels, until I make it to the door. Swinging it open, I walk out onto the still, dark deck. The night is calm- despite the way that the few strands of cloud that I can see are scudding along at an impressive rate, I feel no wind on my face. Walking over to the rail, I look down at the sea to find that this too is calm, with only a few rippling waves disturbing its surface. Even the Pearl seems to have ceased movement, resting still in the black ocean. Looking around, I see no sign of either Jack or Alex, who I would have thought would come running over to assist me as soon as they saw me out on deck. Well, Alex at least� I think to myself. Jack, I�m not so sure. However, it is apparent that this will not happen- I am alone on the deck, without even a crewmember on their night-watch to keep me company. Some instinct in the back of my mind twitches into consciousness, pointing out how this is slightly odd, but I pay no attention to it while I try and think where Alex and Jack may have got to. Coming to a decision, I start to walk in the direction of the galley, in the vague hope that they have decided to prepare a late night meal- Alex�s eating times have be irregular at the best of times since he started to car for me. A voice whispers behind me, breaking the silence of the night and making me whip around to see who is speaking. �Sierra�� The sound is carried on the wind with an echo of the ocean, seeming to make the voice split into many different ones, all of different tones and pitches. However, the origin still remains a mystery to me. The whispering continues, rising and falling in volume like waves. It sounds as though it is all around me, to such an extent that I wonder if I am going mad and it is all simply in my head. Placing my hands over my ears, I try to block out the noise- surprisingly, this seems to work and so I am reassured slightly that it is not just me hearing voices, but actually someone real nearby who is whispering my name. When I take my hands away, the sound seems to have died away slightly, and instead of being all around me now has more of a direction it originates from. Puzzled, I start to follow the voices. They lead me straight to the side of the ship, where I look out over the sea- perhaps there is a boat in the water? However, I see nothing, save for the vast darkness of the sea at night. Confused, I look down at the waves below me, and for a while any thoughts of voices are forgotten as I am distracted by the behaviour of the ocean�s surface. A few moments ago, it was as smooth as glass, but now it seems to have a mind of its own. As the waves crisscross erratically over one another with some larger than their neighbours and others rising up only to disappear once again a few metres on, it looks as though the sea has come alive. I have never seen anything like it before. Leaning as far over the side as I can, I peer down into the water, narrowing my eyes as I try and fully comprehend what is going on. This does no good, however, as the more I stare into the water, the more energised the waves become, springing up higher and higher until I start to feel the spray on my face. Then I focus on one of the waves in particular as it rises, coming closer to my face than any of the others yet. What I see causes me to shoot back several steps, completely startled. A pair of eyes stares back from the water, locked onto my own. They hover at the same height as my own for a split second, before dropping back down into the rest of the sea below. I immediately hurry back to the side of the ship, to see if I can make out whatever creature they belonged to. At first I only see what I could before- the waves swirling around the ship. However, suddenly I make out a more definite shape in the waves which is not simply a swell- a head appears for a moment above the surface, before disappearing once more. Another wave shoots up next to me, and this time I see the figure immediately- a vague human shape can just be made out in the main body of the water, but it is the eyes which are the most obvious- once again, they pierce mine as their owner stares at my face. I see the being gracefully slip under the surface of the sea after having dropped back down with the wave, and, managing to track the movement of its silvery body I notice another one joining it. Soon I notice that there is not simply one or two of them, but a huge group, possibly nearing a hundred, with each taking it in turn to rise up with a wave to stare it at me. The eyes they use to gaze at me so intently can only be described in one way- wild. Their swirling depth keeps me constantly guessing as to what colour they actually are, as sometimes they appear a brilliant blue but others a murky green, as well as every possible colour in between. These colours twist and mix around each other and make the eyes look very much like the sea in which these creatures live. The rest of their body seems to be similarly coloured, the skin carrying a tint of ghostly pale blue. I find the shape of their body hard to define, as although they look to be vaguely human they seem to have no permanent shape, instead shifting and flowing like water. It is in no doubt however that they are perfectly streamlined, designed like a seal�s to help them slip effortlessly through the water. At one point I also think I see a flash of a hand, webbed between the fingers- another adaptation for the world in which they live. As each rises up to be closer to me, I see their mouths forming my name- a seemingly silent call, and yet I can hear each individual whisper. One in particular seems to take more interest than the rest. I guess from the large eyes and more delicate features that this individual is female, but whether this is true I do not know, and have no real way of finding out. While others only rise once, she appears many times- distinctive due to her different colouring of a more silver hint than blue, her eyes pierce into my very soul each time she looks at me. I vaguely notice that each time she appears she is coming closer and closer to me on the deck of the Pearl, until I feel the spray from the wave carrying her on my face. Soon, there are not much more than two arms� lengths between us, and she seemingly picks up on this, stretching out a silvery arm towards me. On an impulse, I respond by reaching out towards her. The voices return in earnest now, reaching a level that is almost unbearable for my ears. They seem to be urging me on, and willing me to make contact with one of their kind. The sea spirit is just out of my reach, however much I try and stretch my arm out. Gripping hold of the railing with my free hand, I attempt to push myself just that little bit further� Never has such a small distance felt so large. As I stretch that final distance, I realise I have made a fatal error- leaning out so far has changed my balance, pushing me over the side. Fear enters my body and I desperately try to scrabble back and regain some stability, but it is too late- I begin to pitch forwards, down to the waiting sea below. My mouth opens as I slip, preparing for a scream. In these final few seconds, I see the face of the spirit in the wave change. Instead of the benign smile, it twists to form something less pleasant, and I see a gleam of triumph in those ocean-coloured eyes. However, just as I believe I am lost, I suddenly jolt to a stop as I feel something clamp around my ankles. The air is knocked from my lungs and I am held, suspended in mid-air. I use all the strength I can muster to look up, and manage to spot a flash of pale hair. Hope springs back into my heart as I realise Alex has come to my rescue. The sea spirit�s face contorts once again as she notices what has happened, and she snarls, hissing like a feral cat. The voices of the others rise to a keening howl, much like a strong wind, as they plead with me to join them. Part of me tries to respond, pulling me ever closer to the surface of the heaving sea, but a voice inside my head keeps me sane and helps to fight this impulse. I hear a strained grunt from Alex as he attempts to pull me back onboard, and with a sickening feeling I realise he is at the limit of his strength. However, he perseveres and finally I begin to inch up back onto the ship, my balance returning to a place where I can push myself over the final bit of the railing. Once safe on deck, all my new-found strength leaves me and I collapse back against Alex, who holds me close, supporting me. Looking out over the sea, I see that surface is returning to normal as the waves subside, taking the beings that had attempted to lure me into their world with them. Their voices also die away, and soon all I can hear is the cry of a lone seagull as it wheels high above us. For a few moments, there is silence. Then Alex decides to speak up. �Come on, Sierra� You shouldn�t be out here; it�s just not safe when you�re obviously not well. Let�s get you back to your cabin, and you can explain on the way why the hell you decided it would be a good idea to try and jump over the side�� I resist as Alex tries to push me gently in the direction of Jack�s cabin. �What do you mean, jump over the side?� �Well, why were you leaning so far out in the first place? I would have thought by now you would have learnt the dangers of hanging over the side like that. Did you see something interesting in the water, perhaps? I admit the waves were looking particularly spectacular tonight, but that�s not reason to act so stupidly.� He smiles slightly after this last sentence as if to show that he is not really angry but merely relieved. I hardly notice this however, as I turn to face him, completely incredulous. �Did you not see those creatures?!� In response, Alex looks worried. �There was nothing there, Sierra� Just the sea. Don�t worry me even more than you have already tonight- I thought I�d lost you. Please, stop playing games- I saw as you leant too far out and fell over.� Tears of disbelief and frustration spring into my eyes, which only serve to annoy me even more. �Alex, there were a load of bloody sea creatures trying to drag me into the water! How could I play games over that?!� However much I insist, I still cannot get Alex to believe me. Instead, he seems to put what I saw down to delusions caused by my illness, making him even more determined that I should return to rest. Despite the screaming and protesting that I give him, he still manages to propel me through Jack�s main cabin, and into bed. I repeat what I saw to him over and over again, giving as much detail as possible, but each time I reach the end of my account Alex just shakes his head in disbelief, looking more and more worried. Finally, he simply stands and leaves the room as though he cannot take any more, leaving me shouting after him, but to no avail. This completely flat dismissal of what I thought I had seen and experienced makes me even start to doubt myself. Perhaps Alex is right, and what I saw was only mirages caused by a high temperature and general illness- this certainly seems to be supported by the way that I am starting to feel as ill as I did before as my shaky legs and thumping headache return. However, I am sure that even my fairly imaginative mind could not come up with something quite as vivid as tonight�s events. After a long period of silence I hear two sets of footsteps approaching, which seem to enter Jack�s cabin and then stop. Then I hear two male voices in conversation, unmistakeably Jack and Alex. Alex�s voice is low and urgent as he presumably describes the recent developments to the pirate captain, while Jack, on the other hand, sounds calm when he occasionally speaks up. This seems to serve only to annoy Alex, for soon his voice rises in volume and takes on and angrier tone. However, I still cannot hear what is being said, however much I strain my ears. This continues for about ten minutes, until I can bear it not longer. I rise into a sitting position, and swing my legs off the bed. As I stand, I have to swing my arms out rapidly to try and stop myself from simply falling over again, and I am forced to lean against the wall for support and the deck bucks and twists underneath my feet as though we are caught in a huge tempest. I wait for it to subside, but this seems as though it is unlikely to happen and so I decide that it will be best to just inch forwards towards the door. I do not know how long it takes me, but finally I grasp hold of the doorframe, completely exhausted from the effort of crossing the room. Pushing the door open, which Alex must have slammed shut as he left, I am confronted with my friend and Jack looking as though they are at each other�s throats- the tension is almost unbearable. However, they both pause, mid-argument, to turn and stare at me as I lean weakly against the doorframe. Alex�s mouth hangs open slightly as it takes in my appearance- I can only imagine I look as terrible as I feel- while Jack just looks slightly alarmed. Looking from one to the other, I manage to come up with a sentence that sounds satisfyingly threatening. �One of you better be about to explain what on earth is going on, or I swear I will actually jump over the side of the ship- and I�ll make sure there�s no brave hero around to save me this time.�



pirategirl0306	Apr 8 2007, 06:24 AM Post #10
Navigator Posts: 1,816 Group: Admin Member #78 Joined: March 25, 2006	Wow, Choccie. Just wow. You are an excellent writer. Very descriptive, and I get very into your story. I don't always have time to comment, but know that I enjoy reading your chapters.



neverstophoping	Apr 8 2007, 09:27 AM Post #11
Smuggler Posts: 616 Group: Cabin 6 Member #57 Joined: March 18, 2006	Even more descriptions! I agree with PG, you're an excellent writer! Your fanfics are so addictive, I'm always so happy to see a new chapter is up Let them coming!



Choccie	Apr 22 2007, 09:28 PM Post #12
Smuggler Posts: 637 Group: Cabin 6 Member #53 Joined: March 17, 2006	Roite, what chapter are we up to now? Five? Good... And thanks, PG and Hoping... It's always a good thing to know your work is appreciated! Chapter 5 The heavy pause is almost unbearable as I wait, slumped against the doorframe. I see Alex glance uneasily at Jack, as though wondering what the pirate is going to do. Jack notices this, and looks towards the other man as though determined to unnerve him into telling me. However, instead of locking gaze with Alex, I see Jacks eye�s slide past to look out the windows at the back of the cabin. His expression changes, and a grin which flashes gold appears on his clever face before he spins around and heads out of his cabin without another word, completely startling both Alex and I. For a moment Alex remains completely motionless, but quickly I see a change on his face as an emotion appears which previously has never been seen- anger. �JACK!� Alex yells after the recently departed pirate, far louder and more forceful than I have ever heard before. He strides towards the door, seemingly having completely forgotten about me for the moment. I, however, am not about to be left again. Letting go of my support, I attempt to follow both Jack and Alex up onto the deck in an effort to get the truth out either one or the other of them. Unfortunately I am under false pretences as to how strong I actually am. Taking a step across the floor, my legs buckle underneath me and, however much I try and grab hold of something to support myself, I still end up sliding to the floor. With my head spinning, I yell out in frustration. The sound bounces off the walls around me, only serving to antagonise my suddenly pounding ears even more. Apparently, Alex had not gone as far as I thought- presumably drawn by my shouts, he appears back at the door to find me slumped on the floor. Cursing softly, he disappears back in the direction he came instead of coming to pick me up as I would expect. This odd behaviour from my friend and the embarrassment of being unable to do anything to help myself get up simply provokes me further, and I start screaming insults towards the door in the hope that Alex may hear and come back, even if it is only to tell me to be quiet. Sadly, this has no effect apart from to irritate my own head. Soon, I give up and simply slump against the nearby wall, wondering how long am going to be left here like this for. Listening hard, and attempting to ignore the ringing I can hear, I try to listen in on the activity around me. It sounds as though the crew is working flat out, with constant hustle and bustle as they scurry to and fro completing whatever task they have been set, their many feet pounding on the wooden decking- the sound reverberating through the rest of the ship. A grinding of metal on wood starts up as it appears the anchor is dropped, until it stops as suddenly as it began having found a purchase on the ocean bed. Then, above all of this extra noise I hear what I was hoping to hear- a pair of feet returning in my direction. This most recent �funny turn� of mine does not seem to have affected my voice, and so I resume the shouting I had previously abandoned. Slightly to my surprise, it is not Alex who enters, but Jack. He takes in the scene of me sitting on the floor impassively, although I fancy I see a flicker of concern cross his face. Then, in a way I could only expect Jack to, he grins wide enough for me to be able to see his infamous gold-capped teeth. �Fancied having a quick rest, did we Sierra? I must admit, I wouldn�t think the floor would be the best place to do that- not only is it uncomfortable but it also inconveniences everyone else. Why not pick another spot?� He waves his hands loosely at the various pieces of furniture in his cabin. I grit my teeth. �Jack, you know very well that I can�t get up. So I suggest you stop teasing me, and help me instead.� Jack�s eyes open wide as he feigns innocence, leaning back slightly on one foot and opening his hands wide. �No need to jump down my throat, luv� Helping you was, in fact, exactly what I had in mind. We�ve arrived at our destination, and so I�ll be needing you to come with me� Savvy?� He extends a calloused hand towards me, which, with some reluctance, I take hold of. Slowly, he hauls me to my feet, but then has to think fast and grab my waist as I fail to support myself. Putting my arm around his neck, he walks me out of the door and onto the deck. The beating sun hurts my eyes, and I have to screw them tight shut to try and limit the pain that shoots into my mind. However, while my eyes are shut I hear whispers around me- the voices of many men- and, curious, I squint through one eye to try and find out what all the fuss is about. I am startled when I see what seems to be the entire crew staring straight at me, many with shocked looks on their faces. They murmur to those standing near them, while never taking their gaze away. Puzzled, I look down to try and see if there is any reason for their stares and am shocked myself at what I see- for my clothes hang limp and shapeless from my frame, which once would have filled these garments perfectly but now only looks as though it is a child�s in their parents clothes as they play a game of dress-up. I can only imagine what my facial appearance must be, and, ashamed, I keep my head lowered, turning slightly to bury it in Jack�s coat. I hear the pirate speaking quietly to me. �Now, Sierra, not much longer. I always would have thought you would like to be the centre of attention� it appears I was mistaken.� I start to utter curses, which, although muffled by the thick brown material, are still very distinguishable. Jack pretends to be deaf, ignoring my oaths and instead getting propelling me wherever he needs me to go. I allow myself to be steered, until we stop and I have to look up to see what is going on, finding Alex standing by one of the jollyboats, watching as it is lowered into the water by several of the crew. He does not turn around to look at me, but I know that he knows I am here- I start to see the back of his neck colouring as I stare at it. Perhaps he is feeling guilty for simply leaving me earlier, for no apparent reason� And well he should�I think to myself. Jack leads me the final few steps until we reach the side of the Pearl, where I grasp hold of the railing for support and look out across the bay we are anchored in. The land which I can see looks completely deserted, and impossible to inhabit. A huge rocky slope rises in front of us, climbing high enough to almost blot out the sun, which is covered in a thick tangle of vegetation. However, instead of being a lush green, the only colour I can see is an ash grey, the leaves and creepers appearing as though they have been stripped of their colour, providing a very strange view. There is no evidence of any shoreline or beach where it might have been possible for us to land, but it simply seems as though the island is part of the seabed quite by chance, has risen higher than the water level and so now juts out like it does. What strikes me most, however, is the silence. On a normal island which was this densely covered in plant life, however strange-looking, it would be expected that there would be an abundance of animal life thriving from it as well, providing the variety of sounds which are heard. However, I can hear nothing except for the occasional rustle as the light wind ripples though the trees, creating a very eerie atmosphere. I have never seen a place this quiet before in my life, and I am not sure I enjoy the absence of the creatures I would usually expect to see or hear. Then, as I look higher into the sky, I see what must be the reason for this complete lack of anything truly living- a plume of smoke, so dark a grey that it is almost black, curls lazily up from somewhere near the top of the mountain, suggesting that perhaps this island is not so dormant as it appears. Jack nudges me gently, bringing me out of my thoughts. �Sierra� We need to go, luv.� He motions over the side of the Pearl, and I realise with a slightly sick feeling that I am going to have to climb down the very unsafe looking rope ladder that is being unfurled. Jack sees my unease. �Although, if you don�t think you�re up to it I suppose I will just have to go by me onesies� Shame.� He shakes his head and swings himself over the side, proceeding to climb down into the boat waiting below. Glowering his hat which is just disappearing from view, I know I have no choice but to join him now. Moving even closer to the side, I peer over to see Jack standing confidently in the vessel below, grinning up at me. �Decided to join me, then? Well, hurry up� We don�t have all day.� I have no other choice but to swing my legs slowly over the side of the Pearl, trying to appear much steadier than I actually feel as my legs feel as though they are in danger of giving way yet again. Gripping on even harder, I begin to make what feels like the longest descent in history. As I climb down it seems to me that the wind picks up, whipping the waves up into choppy peaks. The Pearl begins to rock in the water, and I have to cling on desperately as it feels as though I am flung about like a rag doll. Squeezing my eyes tightly shut, I attempt to ward of the feeling of sickness that is threatening to rise, and wait until the waves hopefully subside. Presently, I feel the rocking motion calming down and I am able to open my eyes once more, even daring to glance down to see how far I have before I reach Jack in the boat waiting below. Thankfully, it is only a short distance and soon I am standing, albeit a little shakily, in the small tub along with the pirate. Jack sits down and wrestles with the oarlocks, getting the oars into the right places so that he is able to row. Then, he begins to pull with strong strokes and the two of us in this little boat head off towards shore. Looking back up at the Pearl as we head off, I see Alex watching us go, his face creased with worry. I manage a small smile in his direction, but he does not return it- instead the creases deepen and he disappears from the side of the ship. Frowning to myself, I wonder what on earth is going on with my friend at the moment, and what is causing him to act so erratically. Sighing, I come to the conclusion that I will have to confront him about it as soon as we return. Settling down into the boat, I look out across the bay towards the land we are heading for, taking in a little more of the scene in front of me. Suddenly my breath catches in my throat as I see something very familiar. The Falcon rides at anchor just a little way off, sails furled and decks deserted, looking lost and alone. I feel my chin drop as I stare at the ship I thought had lost, and then turn around to see if Jack has also noticed her. His eyes are looking down as he concentrates on rowing the little boat across the bay, but from the slight smug grin I can see on his face I guess that he has indeed spotted her, and more than that, knows exactly what she is doing here. I manage to voice my astonishment. �You knew she would be here!� The pirate�s dark eyes flicker up for a moment to meet mine but then look back down as he shrugs casually. �I may have done�� I cannot believe I am hearing this, but before I manage to start shouting at this utterly frustrating man, I become distracted. A keening howl ripples out across the water and, tracking its sound, I see a figure far out in the water- without being able to discern any exact features, I know instinctively it is one of the creatures I encountered earlier. It disappears momentarily as it dives beneath the wave, but soon resurfaces, this time with a companion. As a second cry reaches my ears, I look round at Jack. Once again he raises his eyes to meet mine, but this time he does not drop them again, instead holding my gaze. I see his face change slightly as a rare expression crosses it- one of worry. �We�ve got to get you to shore, luv�� He mutters, more to himself that anyone. He starts to pull harder and faster on the oars, seeming to make us skim across the surface of the water. The voices of the sea creatures increase in volume, seeming to pull at my very heart strings and making me grab hold of the side of the boat as if to throw myself in with them. Jack, seeing this movement, takes one short pause to reach out and gently take hold of my forearm to prise my hand away from the side. Then he immediately starts rowing again, as if the devil himself were upon us. In remarkable time, we make it to the rocky shore- I am glad of this, as it is taking all my strength to keep myself from jumping out of the boat and into the water. Jack jumps out into the shallow water, and pulls the boat the rest of the way up onto the shore. As he does so, I turn around for one last glance across the water, taking in the Pearl moored a short distance out but also noticing sharp movements out of the corner of my eye of the sea spirits, still calling to me desperately. My heartbeat seems to double as I listen to their calls. I start as Jack nudges me, spinning around so fast to face him that he reels back a pace, hand retreating to his belt and hair trinkets glinting against his dark hair, catching the sun as he moves. Once again, he seems to regard me slightly warily, wide kohl-rimmed eyes searching my face as his lips part slightly, lower one pulling back to reveal one of the many gold teeth. Under this cautious scrutiny, I become worried. �What?� He shakes his head slowly, beads clinking against one another. �No need to worry yourself, luv� You�ve got enough on your plate as it is, believe me�� I open my mouth to respond, but close it again, finding my words have left me. I glance away, down the shoreline. Out of the corner of my eye I see the worry on Jack�s face fade, to be replaced by a smile as he leans forwards again, and reaches out with one hand. Rough fingers, turned that way by a lifetime of hard work, cup my chin with surprising softness. My eyes flick back to lock with his chocolaty pools and, as his thumb creeps up to touch my lips, I feel the colour rising in my cheeks. In my head I curse such girlish behaviour; however I do nothing to stop it but merely continue to stare at Jack�s face, my eyes trying to take in every detail of those clever features. Sparrow leans even closer, his grin widening into one of contentment as his eyes drop to follow the path his fingers make along line of my jaw. Gold teeth glint seductively in the sunlight. I try to steady my breathing as I anticipate what is to follow- already I can feel his lips against mine, and smell the spice of the rum on his breath, but my imagination is not enough. I make the slightest move closer to the pirate, watching as his smile grows even more. Jack tilts his head to one side, placing one hand at the back of my head, where I relish at the touch of it. The moment seems to last forever, our closeness suspended in time. A sudden yank on the back of my head shatters the instant, making me gasp in pain. I look at Jack, wondering what caused him to do such a malevolent thing at a time such as this, and then my confusion doubles when I realise I can still feel his palm on my skull, in the exact same place as before. Jack�s attention is not focused on me, but elsewhere, his eyes following something over my shoulder. Then I see shock and worry enter his eyes, as he lets go of me and stands up, drawing his sword. Another yank on my head makes me look around to see what has hold of me, and it is all I can do not to scream. A wild face looks back at me, lips pulled back in a snarl to reveal rows of jagged teeth. The arm extending towards me is thin, but under the mottled grey-green skin I can see bunches of muscles, showing their strength. One of the creatures that have been calling to me from the sea, in one last desperate attempt to reach me, has launched itself out of the water. Already, I see, the skin is smoking where it has left the safety of the sea, causing raw looking blistering patches. The sea spirit hisses, pulling on the hair it has hold of once again. I realise with a start it fully intends to drag me into the sea, and so I start to wriggle in desperation, clawing at its cold, clammy hand and struggling to get a grip on the side of the boat. However, my hands slide helplessly along the worn wood, finding no purchase. Then, another hand grips my own. For a moment I believe it to be another creature, but I realise this hand is warm and calloused from the toil aboard a ship. Jack pulls hard against the opposing force, and I lean towards him with all my might. Slowly, the slimy grip from the being loosens, unable to maintain its grip. With one last desperate shriek, it lets go and dives back into the waters of the bay. Thoroughly shaken, I lean into the rough material of Jack�s shirt, relishing in the warmth and musky odour that emanates from it. Jack wraps his arms around my back lightly, breathing slightly more heavily from the physical exertion of keeping hold of me as he watches the creature swimming out into deeper waters. The moment does not last long. Soon, the pirate releases me, looking down at my face briefly before reaching into the boat and pulling out a small bag of supplies. Then, he begins to walk across the shifting white sand, heading for the relative shade of a patch of the dead trees. �Come on, Sierra� Time is of the essence, especially when we didn�t have much of it to begin with. I trust you well enough to walk for the time being?� I nod at Sparrow�s retreating back, and then scramble across the sand to try and catch up.



neverstophoping	Apr 25 2007, 08:34 AM Post #13
Smuggler Posts: 616 Group: Cabin 6 Member #57 Joined: March 18, 2006	Wow very noice! What's making Sierra feel so ill? Why are those creatures after her? Aaaahhh, all these questions! Reading your fanfic with even more anticipation, luv



Choccie	May 8 2007, 09:10 PM Post #14
Smuggler Posts: 637 Group: Cabin 6 Member #53 Joined: March 17, 2006	Chapter 6 The going is hard, and soon I am struggling, what limited energy I had regained now lost. The stops we make on this difficult rocky terrain become more and more frequent as I struggle to catch my breath, until I begin to wonder if we will ever reach our destination. It does not help that the route we are following is twisted and contorted as Jack follows seemingly random signs, often pausing briefly to look at a rock, or check our position in relation to the bay below. Although he is aware of the trouble I am having, he pays no heed until finally I collapse against a rock unable to go any further. He spins round, pulling out a water flask and saunters casually back down to where I am, where he uncorks the flask and hands it to me. I take large gulps, suddenly parched. When I have drunk as much as I need, I hand the container back to Jack, who takes a swig for himself, pulling a face slightly at the bland taste of the water instead of the fiery rum he is so used to, before he recaps it. Then, he leans on the rock next to me, crossing his arms casually across his chest. I tip backwards slightly and lie flat against the rock, making full use of this apparently short rest to attempt to regain some energy. Jack keeps upright, the movement of his dark eyes betraying how alert he is, despite his otherwise relaxed appearance- they dart up and down the path, taking in the surrounding undergrowth each time. Despite the apparent need to stay vigilant, I cannot stop my eyelids from growing heavy and drooping down over my eyes. I begin to doze, the hardness of the rock not mattering as I try to rest. Then, an image swims to the front of my mind like a monster of the deep- a pale-skinned man with cold, dead eyes, his face twisted into a malicious grin� I sit bolt upright, almost losing my balance with this rapid change of position, just as I hear a whistling past my ear. Looking behind, I see a dart, one end barbed, clattering harmlessly off the rock where my head had just been resting. Immediately Jack is on his feet, all usual swaying and unsteadiness gone as he draws his sword. The metal makes a dull rasping sound as it is pulled from its scabbard, and then the sword is in his hand completely steady as he waits to see what is out in those blackened trees. Dark shapes soon emerge, looking distorted by the shadows thrown by the trees and making them look huge. However, as they close silently in on us I realise that the light is not playing tricks, but in fact these are gigantic beasts. I swallow, backing up even more against the rock and feeling glad for its reassuring roughness on my hands. Jack still stands alert and watchful, but I know he will make no move against these giants, for even if he wanted to he is clever enough to know it would be over before he even started to defend us. However, as I spot the faintest hint of a smile in the corner of his mouth, I suspect that he does not even want to fight. Jack knows exactly what is going on, although apparently he hasn�t seen fit to tell me. As the beasts emerge from the murk, I watch as they take the shape of men� although like no man I have ever seen in any normal circumstance before. Muscles ripple in their arms, bulging as though they are about to burst out, and I see this trend occurs across their bare chests, twice the width of any normal mans. Nearing us, their true height becomes apparent as they tower over me, making me feel dwarfed- which, as I consider myself to be relatively tall for a woman, is an unusual experience. Despite their size, they move as swiftly and silently as the wind, creeping towards us without making a sound, and at a speed I find astonishing. Clearly, their abilities have nothing to do with their appearances, for these are men of stealth. In no time at all, they are standing before us. Even Jack looks a little unnerved at their height as he looks up to meet the eyes of the man standing slightly in front of the rest, distinguishing him as the leader. However, he hides his uncertainty by grinning charmingly. �Gents�� He spreads his arms wide motioning towards them slightly with his hands. �We�ve come to pay a visit to Madame Bassette, and I believe, knowing her, that she�ll be expecting us� Savvy?� His winning smile masks his uncertainty, something he does very well, making people believe he is in complete control of the situation when in fact he is anything but. These men know, however, that it is them making the decisions for him. The front one turns to the others, wide grin revealing broken teeth, blackened to the gums. They seem to hold some sort of silent discussion; although no, words are said, their expressions change as once might expect to see in any normal conversation. Shortly, their leader turns back to face us, a decision having apparently been reached. He stares at us for a moment, gaze seeming to linger on our faces- mine in particular- before he turns wordlessly, heading off in the direction he came from. The rest of the group follows, including to my slight surprise, Jack. �Come, Sierra.� He calls over his shoulder in his rough voice, motioning with a sweep of his hand. Already striding away at a remarkable pace, I rush to catch up, feeling the strain on my body even from such a small amount of exercise. I sigh, preparing for the hardship of what is to follow as we progress at twice the speed we were at previously, thanks to the stride length of these men we are now travelling with. Stealth is not an objective now, but we still travel silently and leave barely a trace on our surrounds as we journey swiftly. Soon, I see a huge rock face looming ahead, appearing from below the branches of the dead trees. It rises up, covered in blackened creepers and vines that threaten to choke it completely, until it completely fills our view of the horizon. Only now do we come to a halt. I collapse against Jack, gasping for breath. He has to support me as my legs begin to buckle underneath my body. �Steady now, Sierra�� He murmurs in my ear. I look towards the rest of the group to see what is going on. The men are standing in front of the rock face, searching noiselessly along it. Then, one steps forward and places his hands against flat along the surface, quickly followed by the others. In unison, they begin to strain and push, cords and muscle popping out along their backs and arms from the effort. Both Jack and I watch in stunned silence as part of the cliff begins to move inwards, grinding against the other rocks from the friction. A gap begins to appear as it hinges in on certain point, creating a massive stone door that was completely unnoticeable beforehand, which opens faster as it starts to travel on its own momentum until it collides with the wall behind and shudders to a halt, leaving a stone tunnel that disappears into darkness. The men, glistening with sweat from their exertions, straighten up and with hardly a glance towards Jack and I, head into the tunnel. After this obvious message that our short pause is over, we hurry to catch up once again- although Jack has to support me quite heavily as I struggle along on the last of my strength. I can only hope that this ordeal will not last much longer. The darkness of the underground tunnel rises to meet us, swallowing us completely after only a dozen strides in. in the near pitch black I have to rely on senses other than just my sight to guide me- I am only thankful that the surface we are walking across is smooth, with no obstacles to trip me up. I use the cold rock wall to guide me, letting go of Jack for the moment so I can feel my way along. I can tell the pirate is sauntering along casually, as though this is a completely normal day for him. Luckily, the pitch black does not last for long. Up ahead, our guides become silhouetted against a light coming from ahead of them, a pale green tinge creating a slightly eerie effect. I look to Jack, and am just able to pick out some of his features in the greenish glow- discs of metal glint from his hair in the limited light, and I see his eyes darting from side to side as he takes in whatever details he can of his surroundings- most probably formulating a plan for if things do not turn out the way he wants them to. Ahead, the sound of water echoes as it drips from a surface. Rounding a bend, we see that the tunnel opens into an even larger cavern, holding the most curious of scenes. The lighting is apparently due to the mineral this cave is made from- the walls glow, emitting an unnatural green colour which illuminates both us and our surroundings. Massive stalactites hang from the ceiling, formed over uncountable years from the constant dripping of water from somewhere high above, leaving behind deposits of this ghostly mineral. The sounds of the water still reaches our ears now as it drops down from above, adding a constant regular background noise. However, none of this is as bizarre as what is towards the back of the cavern, on the opposite side to us. A huge throne, carved from the same rock as the rest of this place is made from, juts out from the wall behind it. The light that it seems to emit is the same pale green, and appears to pulse slightly as I stare at it in disbelief. Perched on the centre of the chair, looking small and almost insignificant in comparison, is a woman- however, taking a better look at her as we cross the floor of the cavern, I see she is equally extraordinary. She sits bolt upright and as still as the rocks around her, for the moment with her eyes closed- making me wonder if she is even alive, and not just some bizarre carving. However, as we step closer her lids snap open, revealing the strangest coloured eyes I have ever seen. The green fluorescence of the rest of the cave may have been strange, but that now seems like nothing when this colour is seen in a pair of eyes. They shine through the murk, piercing into our group and almost making me halt in my tracks and turn back the way I have come. Unwavering, they narrow slightly as she watches us approach. Looking at these, I now realise with slight shock that my first thoughts were perhaps not as far off as I assumed. This woman is part of this cave, intricately linked to the strange mineral in here. The throne she sits on is as much her prison as anything- unable to move away from it, she must rely on these beasts of men who came to find us for everything she needs. For a moment I feel sorry for this woman, but another thought enters my head as I stare at her ageless face, framed perfectly by a mane of white her that could be from age but equally from the situation she is living in- although the eyes are that vivid green, the gaze seems, as though she is not connected fully with this world but half lives in another place entirely. It occurs to me that she is not really aware of the state she is in. Her servants reach the bottom of the plinth her throne sits on, and bow respectfully. Jack follows suit, appearing ever the gentleman as her places one hand casually behind his back and the other in front, across his chest. One foot slightly in front of the other, he bows low- but I notice he does not remove his hat. Straightening back up, he smiles as he addresses the woman. �Madame Baserre� We have travelled far, and have come to talk to you about�� He is interrupted by the woman, and I see his smile fall slightly. The voice she uses is strange, sounding as though there are many accents mixed together to produce a strange, rumbling tone, with a pitch far lower than one would normally expect for a woman. �Jack Sparrow�� Jack shifts uncomfortably, deciding against correcting her on his title. �I know why you are here, you need not explain. Great danger and trouble has befallen on you, thanks to the company you have joined with.� Her eyes shift towards me. �Now you seek to know the reason behind these occurrences.� The pirate�s smile returns, and he claps his hand together. �Well, I�m glad that�s sorted out, then.� He replies. �So, if you�d be so kind as to fill us in, we�ll be on our way with this mess sorted.� Madame Baserre laughs, making the sound echo around the cavern. �It will not be as simple as that, Sparrow. And I believe you know it. Have you not looked at your companion�s eyes recently?� My head snaps round to look at Jack, suddenly suspicious. He refuses to meet by gaze, widening his eyes and looking down towards the ground, away from me. I remember the time when we were rowing over to this island, and my wariness increases. �Jack, what is it that you haven�t told me?� He glances towards me, kohl-rimmed eyes searching my face as he tries to gauge my mood. Crossing my arms, I show him I mean business. Fortunately for him, he is saved from having to spin any tall tale by the woman of this cave. She snaps her fingers in my direction, indicating I should step closer. As I comply, she slowly reaches out a hand- the movement seems to take great effort as she fights against the strength holding her. However, she managed to cup my chin in her hand as she looks into my face, the clouded green eyes scrutinising every inch, although paying particular attention to my eyes. I resolutely hold her gaze in these moments, refusing to be intimidated. After some while, she seems satisfied and releases my face, leaning back once again in her chair. She seems oddly pleased with herself as she addresses Jack, who manages to look both satisfied and unnerved at the same time when he hears what she has to say. �It is as I thought� She is a child of Atlantis.� ~~~~~~~~~~ Hoping, I promise your questions will be answered in the next chapter! And you say noice too?!



neverstophoping	May 10 2007, 07:59 PM Post #15
Smuggler Posts: 616 Group: Cabin 6 Member #57 Joined: March 18, 2006	Well... I saw you using it and I was like "wow, that's a great thing to say :o" so I kinda stole it from you... no, borrowed... yes, without permission... but with every intention to give it back to you... or erm... to ask if I could use it I'm so curious about the next chapter now! Not only because we're going to get the answers to our questions, I just happen to have something with Atlantis


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