Immortal Beloved post AWE parts 25-28

[soleilpirate]

Title: Immortal Beloved
Author: Soleil Compeau
Fandom: Pirates of the Caribbean
Pairing: Jack/Other
Spoilers: post AWE, third in the Jack and Sarah universe
Rating: NC17 overall, cause I'm just that way when I write, some chapters will be PG
Disclaimer: These stunt doubles have just reenacted what takes place after the final cut. No copyright infringement intended, no profits or wages are being made. I do this out of deep love for the characters

Summary: What would a teenage demi-goddess want with Jackson Turner? And what might Sarah and Jack, growing old together, be able to do about it?

Warning: angst (eventually), character death both minor and major


 

Chapter Twenty Five - Come of Age

Joie de Mer raced through the waters, giddy with power and happiness suitable to her name. With her menarche had come far greater powers. Now she could easily teleport to any part of the waters she wished with barely a blink, expand her awareness to sense any sailor dead or alive, ressurect the dead ones if she chose (she didn't) and any number of other things.

She streamed and flowed, nearly water herself, a wave flowing where it pleased and not bound by gravity yet bound by lunar urges from within. Dark gold braids streamed behind her. Riding the backs of swift sharks, dancing amongst vast fields of kelp, singing along to the shrieks of the krill and feeling the deep rumbling booms of the pursuing whales, Joie reveled in herself and the sea.

Joie had barely seen her mother since this delightful change came over her. It had happened slowly, over a matter of a few weeks, and Joie was insufferably sick and cross while her insides changed. But the morning it was complete, she'd sped off like an arrow and barely looked back at the island. Once, arching above the surface in sprays of rainbow colors, changing form in the blink of an eye, she'd become aware of pirate ships near. Bobbing like a cork in mermaid form, Joie whipped a petulant little storm over them. Then she realized one of them was Jack Sparrow.

Instructions from Calypso, who still ruled the seas and Joie, were very clear. "You leave 'em Jack alone. He not t'be harmed, not eva eva. Mos specially when he got him Sarah wit him!"

Since Calypso was quite tolerant of anything else her daughter did, Joie was inclined to notice when she was threatened by the goddess. Besides, she liked Jack and wasn't inclined to toy with him as she did others. Jack Sparrow was simply too much fun. She'd swum closer to the black hull, making herself obvious even in the wild weather. She saw Jack plainly on the wheel but he did not deign to notice her.

He'd looked as elemental as herself with his lips pulled back in a grin, joyful madness reflecting from his eyes. At times, that touch of mysticism he possessed shone clearly through. As if the sea itself could not kill him but would rise up to protect and cradle him, just as it would for her father, William Turner.

Currently, Joie found she was getting tired and rested for awhile, comfortably on a sandy stretch of sea floor with little growth. Her eyes flicked open when she sensed a powerful presence somewhere above her. It was Hector Barbossa.

Joie quailed a bit. Captain Barbossa held a great measure of her curiosity as Jack Sparrow did, but it took a completely different form. Rising up, she stayed a few feet beneath the surface, watching the old pirate. Old indeed, his hair was streaked with grey and his body more frail than it used to be. Ahh, but his mind was still sharp and his will formidable. He caused a kind of fearful respect in her, and she was always cautious around him, for she wasn't certain if he could get ahold of her and wallop her for being impertinent. If he was able, no doubt that was exactly what he would do.

Hector was tired, and she could feel it. Joie concentrated on the sensations of the sea rushing through her veins and sustaining the vibrancy within. Cautiously she extended her senses to Barbossa and felt the ache of his bones and the weariness dragging him down. Almost without realizing it, she let the sea vitality flow along that awareness of him, causing it to flow into him.

It had a visible and somewhat startling effect. Grey locks faded back into their old dirty blond color, lines disappeared from his face. Only a few, only a little, but it was noticeable to Joie de Mer. It was noticeable to Hector as well and he straightened, looking around. He strode the deck, bright blue eyes searching everywhere. The little goddess quaked beneath the water. Barbossa was aware of her! He'd felt what she was doing! The pirate captain leaned over the railing and pinpointed her location with one piercing glance. For several moments they simply stared at each other.

It should have been impossible for him to have sensed her presence, yet it was clear he was looking directly at her. Joie was paralyzed with wonder and a thrill of fear. Though separated by several yards, it was as if they were intimately facing each other. The man's face was stern but a hint of a smirk played over his lips. He bent farther over the rail as if seeking to get closer, one hand reaching towards her. That broke her stillness in quick order, and she flicked away like the little silver fish she suddenly resembled.

Swimming as quickly as her current form would allow, Joie felt exhilarated, and attempted to analyze the feelings. What, precisely, had taken place between herself and Barbossa? There had definitely been an energy wave. She'd helped him, and the pirate knew it, had acknowledged her. Joie felt good about it.

Giving felt wonderful. She wanted to do it again. The fear and nervousness she'd always experienced near Hector Barbossa was tempered now with a healthy respect. An almost fatherly feeling had emated from him, making Joie want to seek out her own father. However, her senses told her he was not near the water just now. Another that related to him, and therefore to her, was. Jackson was out fishing.

Jackson Turner had been drawn to the sea ever since is harrowing experience of being lost on it, and rescued by Joie. Tranquility was to be found on the water, as well as adventure in learning to achieve harmony when the waters turned wild, as they were prone to. Joie sped towards him, changing back into her more familiar human form. She was drawn to Jackson, found him to be so much like her he was irresistible.

Joie discovered when she came closer to him, that a gulf existed between herself and her near twin now. She was mature, and he was not. For several moments, she luxuriated in the capabilities of her body. She felt wonderful; sensuous, attractive, mysterious, wild. Something deep within her seemed to wake and begin a soft sobbing, nay...a ticking. Some need within her that she didn't quite fathom but which needed to be served.

Joie didn't understand that what she felt was a desire to breed. Immortal beings like gods and goddesses were not so prone to this urge, were better able to control it and indulged in it only when they chose. Joie however, was half mortal. And though physically mature, she still was a child in her emotions and lacked self control. William Turner could master her, but he was land bound by his own choice. And Calypso was not inclined to use much self control herself. No one was near to stop Joie from falling into danger.

Sudden anger stirred within her as Joie gazed at Jackson's soft immature form. He should always match her. Joie was safely tucked away beneath a bed of coral. Jackson could not sense her the way others could. Maybe he would in future, but at present she was safe from his notice. She studied him, probed her mind within his body, discovered within her own what had made her mature. It was quite similar to the process by which she rejuvenated Barbossa.

I wonder if I could, she mused. I wonder...just a little, just enough to make him grow...a little faster.

Joie delighted in grandiose gestures, spraying her powers in large obvious sweeps. For this task, she focused them, gathered them to use subtly, just a pinpoint, just...so.

Jackson aged by several months as he innocently caught fish for his family's supper, all unknowing of what was transpiring. And so was born a trend, a pattern which Joie indulged in whenever she found Jackson alone. In a year and a half, Jackson though chronologically only eleven, was physically more like a thirteen year old.

 Chapter Twenty Six - Privateering and Piracy

Teague's leg healed up beautifully, with scars to impress all the women, so he said at least. The shark's teeth he had made into earrings for his sisters and mother, and the largest were proudly braided into his hair to balance the reindeer shinbone he'd sported for years. In only a month's time, he swaggered along with no trace of a limp.

Lucia Dominga finally tired of waiting for Joshamee Gibbs to propose marriage and did it herself. He wanted a simple quiet ceremony and as a widow entering her second marriage so did she. Therefore they invited only half the town instead of all. Jack and Sarah stood as Best Man and Matron of Honor, of course. The bride wore the traditional black of Spanish weddings, a gown clearly revealing that even as an aging woman she had stunning assets to offer. Gibbs was shy and sweet, stumbling over his vows. Lucia spoke hers clearly, eyes shining as she said, "Si, I do!"

Food flowed like wine and buckets of drink were passed around. Eventually Jack challeneged Gibbs to a drinking contest, and a hush fell as the entire crew gathered around. Bets were heard to be placed. There had long been speculation as to who could hold their liquor better. After a long time, Gibbs slid bonelessly under the table, but Jack seemed too drunk to notice. Sarah and Lucia didn't appear terribly fussed over it all, Lucia remarking ribadly that Joshamee had given her plenty of honeymoon the previous night. The ladies calmly helped their nearly unconscious husbands to their respective beds.

Sarah brushed the orange blossoms from Lucia's bouquet out of Jack's hair as she helped him lie down. He was all restless waving hands and attempts to be amorous. She pushed his groping fingers aside several times as she unbuckled and unwound and unbuttoned his clothes, smiling tolerantly at his outlandish, unlikely and lewd proposals. Jack quieted when she lay on top of him and pillowed her head on his chest. Arms around her, he sighed like a contented child and fell deeply asleep.

Since Gibbs was essentially retired, Jack appointed Snaky Jake his new Quartermaster, and Teague was pleased to accept position of Bos'n. The rest of the men became accustomed to their new status as respectable citizens in the two months remaining before they sailed. With brand spanking new orders, for the first time with a legitimate crew, the Black Pearl weighed anchor with privateers manning her dark sails.

After several weeks of good honest work that still resembled piracy at it's finest, the Captain almost gleefully ordered an attack on a Arab pirate ship that had naught to do with any privateering work. It almost seemed like a lark for them. The Arab pirates fought well, but the Pearl's crew fought better and soon won out. The guns of the pirate ship caused damage to his precious lady, but Snaky and Teague both said confidently that they could easily make port in Havana to make repairs.

The holds of the little ship were emptied, and Jack found six Arabian horses tethered sloppily in the very back. Two mares and a foal were dead, only one colt was left alive, tied to it's dead dam and squealing and pawing it's hooves.

Jack didn't care one way or another for animals, but he was disgusted at the ill treatment of such fine and valuable animals leading to such waste. He edged closer to the surviving colt, seeing that she was a filly. He reached for the rope around her neck and she bared her teeth in warning.

"Shhh pretty beastie," he soothed. "Not gonna hurt ya. I now someone who'll like you very much."

Crewmate Isoba took charge of the horses once they were moved to the Pearl, assuring his Captain that they would be in fine shape once turned over to Spanish authorities. The filly Jack would keep as his share, as a gift to Sarah. They limped into the port of Havana for repairs and revelry. The crew quickly made their way to a favorite drinking place.

The squirming whore in his lap was lush like his wife but all resemblance ended at that point. Jack fondled his way up her stomach, pulling down her bodice to grasp her breast in his palm. Her skin was pale with a smattering of tiny brown freckles. Jack leaned forward and took a nipple in his mouth. No faint taste of chocolate here.

He looked up and was almost surprised to see blonde curls and blue eyes in a face too round. He'd wanted, hoped for, heavy falls of black silk surrounding a slender fine boned face. Nothing else satisfied him anymore. Regretfully he leaned back, covering her teat, and shifted so a v shape opened up between their bodies. Opposite him, Teague sprawled in his chair and hefted his tankard of rum.

"Funny, that," the wench said thoughtfully as she ground her hips into his.

Jack arched a brow, resisting a groan. "The way I touch you is amusing?"

She shook her head. "S'not that. You look like a pirate my mum told me about. Jack Sparrow. Ne'er saw him but you have the very look she described."

A delighted grin answered her. "Ahhh, Captain Jack Sparrow, legendary pirate! 'E's my father, his too." Jack jerked his chin in his son's direction. "Explains the resemblance, don't it?"

"Your father!" She looked surprised then grinned coyly. "And just how much do you take after your sire?" She aimed a kiss at his mouth but he grabbed her shoulders, preventing her.

"Different mothers though, my brother and I," he went on conversationally. "My mother was a gypsy, a dancer. Could swing her hips to entice the Devil hisself, and had a body made for sin."

Teague choked on his mouthful of rum, coughing and sputtering. He banged his cup on the table and glared at his father. "So my father said," Jack amended with a wink.

"Teague's got what you need tonight, luv." Abruptly he shoved the whore off his lap, sending her flying backwards.

She landed on Teague's lap, skirts flying, squealing indignantly. Teague wrapped an arm firmly around her middle and hauled her closer. The whore looked directly at Jack's crotch. The man could not deny his arousal but he only grinned ruefully and shook his head.

"Not tonight sweet. Not from me, anyway." Jack drained the last dregs from his tankard as Teague turned his doxy around to face him. Rising, Jack strode out of the tavern and made his way to his room alone.

Flopping down on the bed, he unlaced his breeches and curled a hand around his stiff manhood. He sighed as memories of the last time he'd lain with Sarah rose up vividly. Jack stroked his palm along his heated flesh faster and harder.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She was warm and naked beneath him, languid with his kisses. "Are you ready, darling?"

She nodded eagerly and rolled onto her stomache while he reached for a bottle of oil and slicked his fingers. Tenderly he began massaging her tush, kneading her cheeks so that she relaxed into the bed, groaning happily. Jack also rubbed her lower back until she was looselimbed and half melted into the bed. He ran a slick finger between her cheeks to press and rub lightly at her rear.

Sarah raised her hips slightly. This sign of eagerness made Jack swallow hard and his eyes rolled slightly. He raised her hips until she was on her knees in a position they frequently used when he penetrated her. His cock pulsed steadily as he increased pressure on her little hole, massaging in circles to open her up. The tip of his finger slid in and she clenched. "Relax, try to relax," he reminded her soothingly.

Jack poured a bit more oil over her opening and gently worked his finger deeper. Sarah clutched the sheets, gasping harshly. Experimentally, he pressed his other hand to her pussy, finding a steady leakage of moisure. She was wetter than she'd ever been. Gently he pushed both fingers in deeper, the finger in her bottom now crooking slightly and moving in gentle back and forth motions.

Suddenly she gasped and cried out sharply, body going rigid. The drenched folds around his finger squeezed hard. He stopped moving his hands, worried he'd hurt her. "All right?"

"Yes..oh God YES Jack!" was her strangled reply. Jack raised one eyebrow and crooked the finger buried in her ass, at same time plunging the other finger deeper into her pussy. This time, the response was unmistakable. She was coming, quite hard. He kept moving his fingers in those gentle rythms, stimulating her sweet spot from two directions while his body pulsed in arousal. His wife mewled and writhed under his ministrations and his hand was sopping wet.

After several minutes of listening to her pleas and praises, Jack sensed she was coming down from the unbelievable high of continuous orgasm. Once again he stilled his fingers, gently withdrawing them and petting her trembling thighs. He was so aroused and eager he wasn't sure how much longer he could wait for her to reciprocate. He washed his hands in the basin next to the bed while she lay panting in a heap.

"My God Jack," she said in a weak breathless voice. "I didn't even know my body could fel like that, be touched that way!" Suddenly she gave him a predatory look. "Get over here," she growled.

Jack's legs went weak and he stumbled in obeying. Trembling, he lay on his side, watching her slick her own fingers. His cock was so engorged that it was nearly purple, and the skin of his head was stretched tauter than normal. A long time has passed since the sweet spot in his own body was stimulated. That Sarah was willing, even eager, to do it for him, drove him nearly out of his mind.

Once she was ready, Jack got onto his hands and knees, spreading his thighs for her. Sarah kneeled next to him and brushed her fingers over his balls before pressing a finger to his entrance. Like he'd done to her, she circled and teased and prepared. "Just do it, luv! Please!" he husked, voice low with need.

She pressed her finger into him, and he forced himself to relax against the mounting excitement. Straight in, until her entire finger was imbedded. Now she paused, completely unsure what to do now. Jack breathed through his clenched teeth, body burning with lust. "Curl..curl your finger..up," he forced out.

Sarah did so, and Jack howled as her finger brushed against that perfect little bump. His cock leaped in tortured bliss. "Oh, I see!" she murmured in delight, doing it again, and again, and again.

"God, oh dear god!" he cried and trembled as those clever little fingers of hers twisted and stroked. Fingers? Yes, by god, she'd fitted a second one in. They scissored slowly inside him, then stroked his prostate again. Her free hand came under his belly and took hold of his weeping cock.

Wracking shudders passed over his body. "It feels so good!" Jack keened. "Oh god...please..oh it's so good!" He couldn't breathe, his heart pounded frantically in his chest, every muscle was rigid. "Sarah, I can't stand it!"

Those heavenly fingers stilled. "Shall I stop?" she asked uncertainly.

"No!" he wailed. She carried on, peering at his face which was contorted in a expression that looked as if he was being tortured. His body locked up in a hard shudder, he stopped breathing completely. His mouth opened wide in a silent scream as long ropy strands of come were jolted out of him.

"Breathe, Jack." Sarah murmured softly, stilling her fingers in his ass but squeezing his still stiff cock. Jack did so, gulping in little breaths and immediately coming again. He spent only a little seed, crying softly during this one, and fell over onto his side after he'd finished. Jack was aware of nothing more until he woke the next morning with Sarah sound asleep in his arms.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, alone in a tavern sleeping room, he lay still on a bed with his seed cooling on his belly, feeling relaxed and sated after thoughts of her. Marty had promised him repairs would be completed by next day, and they could head back for Cadiz.

Next morning, as he went into the tavern proper for a bit of breakfast, he heard several men huddled at a table and caught a song refrain that filled him with alarm.

Yo, ho, haul together,
hoist the colors high.
Heave ho, thieves and beggars,
never say we die.

Some men have died
and some are alive
and others sail on the sea
– with the keys to the cage...
and the Devil to pay
we lay to Fiddler's Green!

"Who're they?" he asked, jerking his head back at them.

"New group just came in early this mornin'. Barely limped in, cursing the sea goddess fer dumping a hellacious storm on 'em."

The song had been sung. Granted, no 'keys to the cage' existed anymore, thanks to Barbossa the cage had been split wide open and the bird long since flown. And hatched a chick, even. No devil to pay anymore, either, nor the good man who'd briefly taken his place. Pirate Lordship was more a courtesy, a title of little meaning now, with no need to guard a great secret. But someone remembered the old ways well enough to start circulatin' that particular bit of doggerel. It could cause problems.

Jack stared thoughtfully into space as he pulled at his ale and chewed his bread. He had no intention of 'heeding the squall' and the only home he'd set his sail to was for Sarah's port. True to form, he decided to ignore the problem. Blithely ignoring the fact that problems tended to loom large and bite him on the nose, confident in his ability to wheedle his way of any sticky spots, Jack swaggered out to the docks, hat pulled low as he passed the sailors who were unfortunate enough not to enjoy Calypso's favor. 

Chapter Twenty Seven - Lost

She swallowed hard and drew the blanket over Cotton's peaceful face. Jackie was crying and trying to comfort the bereaved parrot. Sarah had done everything she knew how to do, which wasn't much, and summoned a doctor as well. Joseph Cotton had simply lived too long. He'd been old to begin with when he first drank Youth water. Now that she would not, Cotton steadfastly refused to do so as well.

Maybe if he'd drank more deeply, Sarah wondered desperately. Only she and Jack had ever actually been to the Fountain. And they'd only ever drank enough to keep them at the ages they currently were, sensing that if they drank deeply enough, their ages would in fact reverse. Once Sarah had given Youth water to Gibbs and Cotton, lines disappeared from their faces. Gibb's hair had reverted back to salt and pepper instead of just salt, and Cotton's hair sported black streaks again. But generally, they simply stopped the aging process.

Even now, not having had any for about eight years, Sarah only just was beginning to look older. As the mother of teen aged children, she should have looked quite matronly, rounded and perhaps paunchy. But she simply looked more grown, with smiling lines and thinking lines, and no other kinds. People were frequently surprised her offspring were as old as they were.

Even perpetual youth could not stop the ravages of disease though. The doctor had looked solemnly at the young matron and shook his head. The lumps on either side of the mans' neck told their own story, once she knew they were there. Nothing could be done except ease his pain as he quietly breathed his last. Sending Jackie to find the coroner and Mary to pick out clothes to bury Cotton in, she walked out into her yard.

The stable offered solace to her battered feelings, warm with the scent of horse and hay. The beautiful Arabian mare shook her dark mane and neighed at sight of her mistress. The mistreatment of her early days had never quite left her, even now she was still very spirited even with the one who's tamed her. Sarah had to remain constantly alert with the mare, who never let her forget she was a proud creature.

During the early days of her training when Sarah struggled just to get her to accept a halter and grooming, Jack had suggested calling her Ifrit, after the Arabian spirits of flame, known for beauty and strength but very difficult to deal with. Jack told the story to his girls of the humans that first succeeded in trapping ifrits, or djinns, in a bottle for their own amusement and pleasure, which the spirits deeply resented.

Sarah made soothing sounds and walked slowly to Ifrit's side, a gentle hand stroking over her withers. The reddish brown coat glowed with health. Sarah leaned into the horse, Ifrit's high arched neck curved as she looked back at her mistress. The woman's motion caused the paper in her pocket to crinkle and jab at her hip. Sarah didn't need to read it again, she'd memorized the words already.

Dear Sarah,

I am at my wit's end with Jackson and don't know what
to do. Will has taken a firmer hand with him but the
damage is done. Such a sweet child he was, and still
is! in many ways, but now...very rebellious. About to
turn eleven, yet he seems so much older. Recently he's
taken to going out on the water. Will and I wondered if
his pirate blood was showing. Bill has spoken to Jackson
many times. Though the fresh air and exercise certainly
have built him up, he's such a strapping and muscular boy
now, it is where he was led astray. Sarah, Jackson claims
he's in love with a beautiful mermaid and talks of nothing
but finding a way to be with her. He speaks constantly of
her beauty and the Siren's song which first beguiled him.
It's a mermaid for heaven's sake! I know it's Joie de Mer,
I just know it. Doesn't she know the horrible immorality
of what she's doing? Not only is Jackson her own flesh and
blood, but far too young to be taking up with women yet!
I am trying not to write of nothing but bad news. Perhaps
you could talk to Jack about it? No doubt he was a precocious
young man, and might have some advice for how to deal with
the ways of boys and girls. At least you could ask him.
Willy is a fine man, growing into a fine strong man and
working alongside Will in the smithy shop. Please write
soon, or come visit if you're able. Your words would be so
soothing to my frazzled mind.

Yours, Elizabeth Turner

It occurred to Sarah that Ifrit's coat was very like Jack's hair. At first glance it appeared black, but on closer inspection it was filled with various shades of brown, even some streaks of auburn. She longed for him, needed his comforting presence, needed his wild schemes that always worked. Jack would know what to do, both to comfort her and the girls over this death, but also as to the situation with Jackson Turner.

A noise made her and Ifrit turn towards the doorway, to see Esther walking slowly towards her. Sarah hurried towards her. Esther was the same age as Sarah, but hadn't aged as gracefully. For years she and Joshua had been attempting to have another child, and finally succeeded, as evidenced by the swell of her belly. But illness over the past winter had weakened her. Esther's lustrous brown hair was dull now, her blue eyes had lost their sparkle. She looked tired almost all the time.

The two women walked back to the house, and Sarah explained about Cotton's death. "Jack is due back home by the end of the week, isn't he?" Esther asked.

"Yes, and I need him so badly. need to lean on him, need his strength." Sarah's face began to crumble at they went through the door into the house. The funeral was held the next day, a simple ceremony with only a few attending. Sarah wondered if there was any family anywhere in the world. She concluded that even if there was, Cotton had chosen not to use his limited ability to communicate to tell of any. No, his Captain and crewmates, as well as Sarah and her family, were his family now.

Jack did not return at the end of the week. It was more than a fortnight before the Pearl was seen. Sarah waited at the docks and watched the men coming slowly down the gangplank. None of them seemed to want to approach her, and her scanning eyes caught no sight of Jack or her son. Puzzled, she glanced towards Snaky Jake, who looked woebegone. He and Isoba at last shuffled towards her.

"Well?!" Sarah was shrill in her worry.

"I'm sorry Miss Sarah ma'am," Snaky began, twisting his hat in his hands. "We had trouble outta Cuba. Attacked as we was loading up the Pearl. They went after Teague, knocked 'im unconscious and dragged 'im off while 'e was still on the docks. The Captain, 'e was so fast, 'e went after 'em in a jollyboat. None of us went with 'im, 'e was alone. Ordered us to protect the Pearl. We followed, but fighting off the two ships...well...we lost sight of 'im."

Sarah stared at Snaky in horror. The First Mate concluded his tale. "We managed to get away, but we couldn't find no sight of the Cap'n nor Teague. So we came home. It was Spainards. Spanish pirates did this."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Joshamee and Lucia watched Sarah pace back and forth, muttering. "Why would Spanish pirates do this? Why?"

"Revenge for turning privateer, mebbe?" Gibbs offered.

Sarah shook her head, the strands of diamonds and pearls tinkling slightly, reminding the older man strikingly of Jack. "Doesn't make sense. Jack's never turned against any pirate, he made that a specific clause in his Letters of Marque. And it's not Jack himself that was targeted. They only got Jack because...they took Teague."

Lucia spoke up. "Seems to me it's not 'why' that matters then, so much as 'who' and of course, 'where.' Where is most important."

Sarah paced more, hair sweeping over her shoulders on every pivot she made. Silence reigned for a few moments. Suddenly Sarah strode to the door and sharply called Snaky to come to her. Once he entered the room, she requested, "Please describe to Mr. Gibbs the flag the ships were flying?"

Snaky dutifully did so, and Gibbs nodded in recognition. "Sounds like Villanueva's fleet o' cutthroats."

"Well. Now we know who. Question to solve now, is where." She ceased pacing and stood perfectly still, biting her lip in thought. All of them racked their brains. The heading Jack took when he rowed after his son and second mate was useless, once captured they could have been taken in any direction.

Softly she said, "Truly, the most important ting to do, is set off after them." She raised her eyes to Gibbs. "I'm going to set sail to reclaim my men!"

Gibbs looked pained. "Pirates Code..." he began.

"Blast and be damned!" She lost her temper utterly. "I promised him I would never leave him behind! Jack's not a pirate anymore, and I never was, so the Code does not apply in this case. I certainly will not sit at home with my remaining children and forever mourn their loss!"

Lucia looked impressed and sympathetic, nodding slightly. So many women lost their men to the sea. Sarah was uniquely in a position to be able to do something about it, and just possibly succeed. She did, after all, own her own ship. Gibbs spread his hands and began to speak. Before he could finish, Sarah said something controversial even for her. "The Pearl is still the fastest ship in the seas, nigh uncatchable. If anyone can find and rescue Jack and Teague, she can."

She looked at him pleadingly. "I need your help Joshamee. Will you help me? Please?"

Now Lucia stiffened. "No! No! Madre Dios, I cannot lose another esposo! Do not ask this!"

Sarah turned her pleading eyes to her. "Lucia, I know! But I must have his help, if what I am to do can ever succeed!"

Gibbs didn't know what to say. "Take the Pearl? Sarah, are you daft? Run mad? She's Jack's ship!"

"And Jack is missing, hence this very discussion." Sarah backed off a bit, knowing she was asking much. "Let me talk to the men first. I've an idea, and much of it depends on whether they will accept it. Then we can speak further of you sailing as well, all right?"

The crew of the Pearl gathered on the docks, Pearl bobbing at anchor behind them. Sarah stood on a crate and raised her voice. "As pirates, you would have the right to vote a new captain. As privateers, you're not strictly bound by this, First Mate can legitimately take command." She glanced at Snaky Jack. "You'd of course need to choose another Bo'sun. But I'm asking you to consider another alternative."

She cleared her throat. "Jack Sparrow owns the Black Pearl, in the event of his...disappearance, it would go to his son as inheritance. Since his son is also....gone," she refused to use or contemplate the word death, "his property could conceivably revert to his wife. I'm asking you to take that view. Accept me as captain of this vessel, and sail to find your true captain."

The crew stared at her in astonishment. Then Marty pushed his way forward. "I will! I'll gladly call you Captain, especially if you help us get Jack back!"

Sarah smiled gratefully at the fierce little man. His instant endorsement was swaying the rest. She spoke up again. "Well? Do ye take me as Cap'n? To obey my orders, just as you would Jack Sparrow's? To fight in battle and and defeat our enemies?"

Impassioned words, indeed. Almost as one, the crew roared approval. "Aye!"

Chapter Twenty Eight - Sarah takes command

The Pearl's dark hull cut through the water, Gibbs at the wheel. Lucia was reluctant to let him go, but had finally agreed. It was the children of Jack and Sarah that convinced her to do so. She and Joshamee had no children together, Jack was needed for his daughter's sake. Bitter as it was, she let him go, and he did his best to promise her he would return to her safe and sound.

Behind him, Sarah lay on her stomach, cheek pressed into the wood of the deck. He could hear her murmuring. Glancing back at her, he wondered if he should tell her that Jack had spent days doing exactly that when he returned as Captain of the Pearl, to regain the lady's assurance. The new Captain's first orders were to make for France, and then she drew Gibbs aside. "I know nothing of how to captain, this is in name only. I rely on you to help me, to properly relay my orders to the crew, and to keep me in line."

She closed her eyes and stroked her fingertips over the rough wood like a caress. "Pearl. Pearl." Voice like a loving whisper, listening to the sails flap, the breeze rustling them, the creak of the planks and waves lapping against the sides. It *almost* made sense, was *almost* words. She'd only ever made sense of them while Jack had the helm. "I know you hear me, Pearl lady. I need you to answer me. Pearl."

A soft shuddering sigh. Sssarahhh...

Sarah stiffened. Pearl had answered her! Joy filled her, and sharp relief. "Pearl, I need your help. We need to find Jack."

Jaaack.......wherrrre?

"We need to find him, Pearl luv. Help me?"

Jaaack....Sssarahhh...find Jaaack. The ship quivered beneath her.

Sarah stroked the deck again, tears dripping down to mingle with Pearl's essence. "Good girl, such a good ship. I know why Jack loves you so much." Pearl quivered again. "You fly fast for me, spread your dark wings and fly, fastest ship in all the seven seas."

Captain Deverleigh, as she now styled herself, took the wheel as often as she could manage. Sarah hung over the rail and called Calypso repeatedly, but the goddess did not come. The Black Pearl sailed swift and sure to the Turner's port. Storms raged more and more wildly the nearer they came to France. Once night, gripping the pegs of the wheel in hands so cold she felt sure they would not uncurl, Sarah swore she heard enraged howling in the skies and saw a face in the clouds, illuminated only briefly in the lightning flashes.

They made port with difficulty in a blinding rainstorm and Sarah strode with purpose to the mansion. Once admitted, she wiped the rain off her face and without preamble demanded, "I need your help! Jack and Teague have been kidnapped and I need you to help me get them back!"

Will and Elizabeth stared at her in consternation. Bill fetched towels and threw a blanket about her shoulders. She gave him a grateful glance, reassured by his stolid presence. "I'm in," he said quietly.

The sound of the beating rain on the roof and windows was loud and furious. "I...Sarah..we can't!" Elizabeth stammered. "There's no way we can go to sea right now. Surely you've got my letter? You know...we can't risk it!"

Sarah stared at them. Will at least looked ashamed. Behind them in a doorway, she saw Willy, grown as tall as her own son, and the sullen face of Jackson, watching the exchange. Willy stepped forward and brought her a cup of heated rum. "Jackson's forbidden to go near the ocean right now," he explained.

She gulped the rum, feeling it's warmth spread through her body. "True. Understandable. But the two of you wield considerable power still over the waters and the pirates who sail on the waters. Can you not..." she dropped her voice, "can you not leave Willy to look after Jackson for a time?"

"Jackson will find some way to leave the house. We have been constantly on guard. It's impossible." Elizabeth said flatly, shaking her head.

Sarah drew herself up as dignified as she could with her hair streaming puddles on the rugs, and shivering with cold. "You refuse me? You refuse to help me?" She made her voice as slow and insulting as possible. She did not remind them of the debt they owed herself and Jack. It was implicit.

Mrs. Turner relented, softened. "Sarah....I can't! You know I would if I could...truly! But I don't see a way!" Her eyes begged the other woman to understand.

Dejected, Sarah returned to the Pearl. In the cabin, she gave in to the emotions of the last month. Tears soaked the polished mahogany of Jack's desk. All of it overwhelmed her, and she wanted Jack so badly. In her frustration at not even knowing where to look, she wanted to smash something...anything.

"Sarah Sparrow."

She knew who it was. "I've been waiting for you, Calypso. What kept you?" without raising her head or opening her eyes.

"Same thing that keeps all women occupied. My child is in a terrible temper these days."

Now Sarah did look up. Calypso was today wearing the form of a woman of ancient Sparta. The loveliness of her features suggested Helen. "Because of Jackson, yes?" she asked.

"Yes. I forbade her to have him. No good comes of loving mortals." The lovely woman's face was strained with lines of worry and grief.

"Sea Goddess, I am sorry."

"What are you doing here, Sarah, captaining Jack's precious Pearl?" Calypso moved about the cabin, trailing her fingers over various items. She did not meet the captain's eyes.

"Jack's gone." She watched Calypso, and was unsurprised to see no flicker of surprise on her face. "Teague was kidnapped, Jack went after him. I'm seeking the Turner's help to get them back. They've refused to help me, seeing as they don't want their young son anywhere near the sea." Sarah sat back and waited for a reaction to this pronouncement.

The sea goddess faced Sarah, looking desperate. "They will harm my daughter if they can. Bind her...or even kill her, in order to stop her!"

Sarah merely sat. After a few minutes she poured a glass of wine and sipped it with a shaking hand. "Surely not! Will and Elizabeth would never-"

"Would they not? My kind has always been hated and misunderstood by your kind. Except for a few instances of mating!"

The mortal woman swallowed hard and sipped more. Calypso was speaking of the immortals, that supposedly lived on Mount Olympus. The goddess went on. "Can't you control her? Enforce your rule? Who is truly the Sea Goddess?" It was a risk to taunt Calypso, Sarah did it very carefully, with a gentle tone.

Calypso smiled ruefully. "In truth, there are two Sea Goddesses now. I make the rules, but Joie is a woman now, she has power nearly as great as my own. Even though he is mortal, I would not hold her back from loving him, though it will break her heart n the end. Joie wants to make him like us, make him undying, and that is unacceptable!" The beautiful eyes flashed. "I told you truly, Sarah. It be not for mortals to live forever."

Tears sprang to Sarah's eyes. Calypso was giving her an intense look. "Bring the Turners aboard and seek witty Jack. I can keep Joie away from Jackson long enough to guide the Pearl to your destination."

"And in return?" She was afraid to know the answer.

The goddess's eyes were hooded and secretive. "You must help me protect her."

Sarah did not like this at all. "Who am I to protect an immortal being? And what destination do you mean? My only destination is Jack and my son."

"You want my help in finding them, and this is the price. Decide quickly, sand flows through the hourglass and soon death may come to them."

Sarah hurried through the town to seek Will and Elizabeth once again. Her face was grim and her heart heavy as she explained that Calypso had promised to control Joie in regards to Jackson, because she was in accord with the family that the two should not be allowed together. She carefully ommited details of the rest of her agreement with Calypso.

Almost as soon as they had set sail, water exploded in a towering twister right next to the ship. Sails were furled and hatches frantically battened down. Storm clouds blotted out the sun and lightning split the sky. There was no thunder, only the enraged screaming of two powerful nymphs battling for dominance.

"He's mine! He's mine!" Joie was heard in a banshee scream. To which the deep growled voice of her mother responded with, "Not for you!"

"Is this what you want!" Sarah shouted into Jackson's ear above the noise. "A self centered woman who cares for naught but what she wants, at any cost!" Pearl creaked and rocked protestingly in the violent maelstrom, Sarah heard her consciousness crying protest and defiance at the entities disturbing her.

At last there was calm. It seemed Calypso had indeed exerted power over Joie. The sky was a fresh scrubbed blue, the sun warm and welcoming. Sarah stood uncertainly at the helm, still unsure of her heading. "Cap'n!" called little Tom, leaning over the bulwark. He pointed to a pod of dolphins frolicking a bit away.

"We follow! They will lead us!" Sarah shouted gleefully, hauling on the wheel. The pod disappeared two days later, when a Spanish frigate was spotted, dead ahead. Chapters 29-31

Comments

[djarum99.livejournal.com]

Oh noes! They must get Jack back soon:-)

Great action sequences, and I love sentient Pearl. Calypso obviously has ulterior motives - can't wait to see what they might be. Wonderful fic ♥

[soleilpirate.livejournal.com]

I know! Missing Jack is something that scares Sarah pretty badly. All sailor's wives had to live with that special kind of horror, thank goodness Sarah is in a position to do soomething about it.

Sorry I was so slow answering this. Just being my usual procrastinating self. *hugs*