"Dead men tell no tales!" Cotton's parrot screeched.

It just added to the creepiness. Jack and Cotton were guiding us through the perilous shoals that surrounded Isle de Muerta, over the shipwrecks and masses of rotting wood. I and rest of the crew watched as hammerheads and small fish swam beneath the hull, finding homes among the many wrecks.

"Puts a chill in the bones how many honest sailors been claimed by this passage." Gibbs said quietly. I gave him a sidelong look and then stole a glance at Jack, looking regal up at the helm, shaking his compass furiously and guiding Cotton.

We hadn't spoke since last night. We hadn't had, you know, sex or anything. But I dreaded the time when we would have to speak. I wasn't even sure what I was feeling.

After a minute Gibbs ordered us to get back to work. As first mate, he would get grilled if we weren't doing our jobs.

Will and I yanked at some ropes, me not having a clue what I was doing, Will I thought had some vague notion. "How is it Jack came by that compass?" He questioned Gibbs.

Gibbs tied some sort of knot and stood, taking out his flask. "Not much known about Jack Sparrow. Not 'fore he came into Tortuga with a mind to go after the lost treasure of Isle de Muerta." Gibbs brought the flask to his mouth, and added, almost as a second thought, "'Course, that was before I knew 'im, back when 'e was Cap'n of the Black Pearl."

Will spun around and I groaned inwardly. "When he was captain of the Black Pearl?"

Gibbs choked and, sensing he had made a mistake, looked sheepish.

"He failed to mention that..." Will murmured.

I already knew this, of course. But Will wasn't stupid. He would put the puzzle pieces together.

Gibbs shook it off and nodded. "Well, he plays things much closer to the best now." He began. I sat cross-legged by him and Will, who had each taken crates as chairs. I sensed a story was in the telling and didn't want to miss it. "Three days into the venture the first mate comes to 'im and says, everythin's in equal share, that should mean the location of the treasure too. So Jack gives up the bearings." Gibbs leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice. "That night," He hissed, "There was a mutiny. They marooned Jack on an island and left 'im to die, but not before he'd gone mad with the heat!"

Will nodded. "So that's the reason for all the..." He leaned back, widened his eyes, lifted his hands and swayed a bit, performing a credible impression of Jack. I snorted. Jack was probably always like that.

"Reason's got nothin' to do with it," Gibbs continued. He addressed us like an older brother. I discovered suddenly that I quite liked Gibbs. He was kind, as pirates go, and certainly wasn't keeping us in the dark. "See," He started again, weaving pictures with his words, "When a pirate's marooned he's given one pistol with one shot--just the one. That one shot won't do much good for huntin' or bein' rescued. But after three weeks of a starvin' belly and unquenchable thirst that pistol start to look real friendly..." He made a gun with one hand and touched the 'tip' to his temple. I felt an overwhelming sadness at the utter hopelessness that Jack must've felt, watching the Pearl sail away, that one pistol, one shot, lying promisingly on the white sand. "But Jack escaped the island," Gibbs continued, "And he won't use that one shot, save for one man. His mutinous first mate."

Will's face changed to one of understanding. "Barboussa." He said, locking eyes with Gibbs for confirmation. Gibbs nodded.

I fought the urge to gag Gibbs to keep him from saying anything else. Will knew--he knew what Jack bloody wanted. And soon as possible he would act on that realization.

"How did Jack get off the island?" Will asked suddenly.

"Well, I'll tell ye!" Gibbs took another swig and pocketed his flask. He moved his hands as he spoke, but not quite how Jack did. "He waded in the water for three days and three nights until all matter if sea life became...acclimated to his presence. Then, he roped himself a couple of sea turtles, and made a raft!" Gibbs finished and grinned.

I suppressed my laughter and his my my face in my hands. "Oh, bloody hell," I whispered with amusement.

"Sea turtles." Will said dryly.

Gibbs nodded, still smiling. "Aye, sea turtles!"

Will's expression was slightly triumphant as he said, "What did he use for rope?"

Gibbs's smirk faded as he pondered this. He looks up to Jack quite a bit, I realized.

"Human hair." Someone said from above me. I leaned back and stared at Jack, his beautiful features upside down. "From my back."

Gibbs grinned again with a sort of There you have it! expression and leaned back. Will looked disbelieving; I rolled my eyes.

"Weigh anchor!" Jack yelled, his hands in his belt. He swayed and helped me up.

Gibbs rushed up to Jack and asked, "What if the worst should happen?"

Jack nodded sagely and replied quietly, "Keep to the code."

Gibbs nodded just as wisely and murmured, "Aye. The code." I wondered what that meant but didn't say anything.

"Young Mr. Turner and I are to go ashore." Jack announced.

I stopped and stared at him as he moved away toward the longboat. "What about me?"

He sighed like he knew what was coming. "You aren't coming, love."

"Why not?" I asked sharply, aware that everyone was watching our engagement.

"Because...pirates are dangerous." He tried.

I counted to ten in my head as I spoke, attempting to stay calm. "You're a pirate, Jack."

He smiled and nodded. "Precisely! Stay here and be a good girl, would you?"

"No, I will not!" I said loudly.

He sighed, and gestured at me to one of the crewman. My gaze flickered from Jack to the unnamed sailor, until I was seized from behind.

"What!" I screeched. "Jack Sparrow-you-tell-him-to-let -me-go-this-instant!"

He ignored me as I struggled, and I watched helplessly as Jack and Will climbed into the boat. Will cast me a pitying glance, and I pulled even harder at the sailor who had my arms.

"Damn, she's strong!" He said to one of his buddies, and they guffawed loudly. I screamed Jack's name again, adding a flurry of Spanish curses (they're my favorite) as an afterthought. One of the pirates laughed and threw me into my cabin and locked the door.

"Jack Sparrow I will castrate you!" I yelled and then slumped against the door, defeated. It was locked, I couldn't break it down, I couldn't...

Wait, I thought, and surveyed the room.

My sea chest was under the bed where I stored my cutlass at night. Anamaria had given me a handful of hair pins (She's actually quite nice) and I had thrown them into it.

I'd never picked a lock before, but I remembered Jack's words from last night.

There's always a first time. I can practically hear him.

I rushed over and grabbed a few pins, then knelt by the door. Listening for the tell-tale click, I felt inside the lock until I was rewarded with the sound.

I opened the door a crack and peered out. There wasn't anyone in the hallway.

I stole outside and shut the door behind me. Then, I slipped the pins into my pocket and padded out above decks.

I knew everyone was still up there, so I didn't bother being discreet. I bolted for the railing, ignoring the cries of surprise and anger, and threw myself overboard.

The water was freezing. I almost inhaled a disgusting, salty mouthful but controlled myself at the last moment. When I broke the surface, I turned to the Interceptor. The crew were all standing at the railing, gaping at me.

"Thanks for the hair pins, Anamaria!" I yelled and smiled.

She winced and her angry face fell as the crew turned to glare at her.

I floated around and started toward where I assumed Jack and Will had rowed. There was a large opening, a gray overhang dripping water onto my head as I stroked underneath.

After a lot a monotonous and automatic swimming I reached a stone bank, gold coins shimmering on the bottom. I pulled myself up out of the water and rested half in and half out, my chest rising and falling as I fought for breath. I hadn't counted on the distance.

I forced myself to stand and I walked forward, following the sound of yelling and cheering. I wasn't quite sure what was happening, but it couldn't be good...

I turned a corner to see Jack and Will, both peering out of a wide but hidden crack at the back of a large cavern. I stumbled and cursed softly.

Jack heard me and whirled around, his cutlass out. When he saw it was me he sighed and said, "You got here even sooner than I expected!"

I glared at him and moved to stand beside Will, who acknowledged me but didn't tear his eyes from the scene before us. I turned to look and my eyes widened.

The cavern was full to the brim with piles and piles of gold and silver, cascading down from the walls in huge mountains, spilling into the water in little sparkly rivers. At the center of all the wealth there was a chest, ancient carvings and dialects etched into its surfaces. And leaning over the chest, looking absolutely petrified, was Elizabeth, gazing over the dozens of pirates that were laughing and rallying themselves up, the man I assumed to be Captain Barboussa leading, standing gallantly atop the pile of gold. I glanced at Jack before leaning forward to listen as the two idiots next to me were doing.

"Our salvation is nigh!" Barboussa bellowed. "Our torment is near an end! Punished, we were! Disproportionate to our crimes!" He yells, punching his fist into his hand with each syllable.

"Suffered, I have!" A pirate whimpered, his voice strangely pitchy.

Barboussa continued. "Every man jack of you here has proven his worth a hundred times." He threw up his arms. "And a hundred times again!"

His crew cheered and chanted as he rallied them up. "Who's blood has been paid?"

"Ours!" The pirates yelled.

"And who's blood has yet to be sacrificed?" Barboussa asked them.

"HERS!" They yelled, pointing up at Elizabeth, who was trembling.

I glanced at Jack. "Jack, what the hell is happening?"

"Jack!" Will leapt forward, his voice panicky, causing several gold coins to tumble down from our clever hiding spot. Jack was distracted from my question, though I wasn't sure he was going to answer in the first place.

Jack yanked Will back into the shadows, and I followed. "Listen," Jack began. "I know it's difficult for you, but could you please wait here and try not to do anything stupid?"

Will gestured angrily at Elizabeth, poised over the chest. "We have to rescue--"

Jack got up in Will's face, merely centimeters from his nose. "Have I ever given you a reason not to trust me? We wait for the opportune moment." Jack turned and began to walk down another passageway.

"When's that? When it's of greatest profit to you?" Will called defiantly.

I felt an overwhelming sense of betrayal. "Jack, what about me?" I asked quietly.

He hesitated. Then, suddenly, he whirled around and grabbed my arm, pulling me along. I couldn't keep the pleased smile off my face, it stayed there and wouldn't drop off my lips.

Will watched angrily as Jack yanked me along. We turned a corner and Jack paused, motioning for me to stay quiet. I heeded and he waved me along. We both cautiously peered around the corner, Jack obviously planning something.

Something swung past my ear with a whoosh noise and thwacked Jack. He crumpled to the ground and I spun around, sword drawn.

Will was holding an oar in his arms, looking fierce.

I glared at him and whisper-yelled, "What-are-you-doing-you-bastard?"

He shrugged and glanced down at Jack, lying peacefully face down in a puddle. "Sorry, Jack," He growled. "I'm not going to be your leverage."

I stamped my foot and whined, "He had good intentions, Will, he told me..." I trailed off, realizing that I had just admitted my knowledge of Jack's plans.

Will narrowed his eyes. "I'm glad you've chosen a side, Adeena. You can come with me or stay; I don't care which."

I didn't cry often, but I felt the tears welling up as Will walked away, a cold and unforgiving expression plastered across his face.

I dashed at my eyes and knelt beside Jack. "Jack?" I whispered tentatively. "Jack, wake up..." I rolled him over, he wasn't as heavy as I thought, and brushed his hair out of his eyes. He is so gorgeous...

I shook my head and slapped his cheek lightly. He groaned and leaned into my touch a bit. My heart about jumped into my throat.

His eyes fluttered open and he sat up, looking dazed. "I was in the Wench's hold," He whispered to himself, not quite noticing me. "There were slaves..."

"Jack." I said quietly. I felt a tear go rolling down my cheek. I knew what the Wicked Wench was. The Pearl had gone by that name before Jack renamed her.

He started and squinted at me. "Adeena," He said, relieved. His face fell as he remembered. "I hate that eunuch."

I helped him up and he swayed, obviously moe than a bit dizzy. I picked up the oar Will had cast aside and handed it to Jack; he grabbed it and used it to steady himself.

Jack shivered and studied his hands. "I must've been dreaming..." He murmured.

Another tear escaped my eyes and I wiped it away angrily. Jack stared at me hard again and his gaze softened. "Are you...crying?" He asked. He looked concerned but wary.

I shook my head and rubbed my eyes. "No, I'm fine," I said, but my shaky voice gave me away.

"Hey," He said, and pulled me roughly against him. He held me for a minute, his scent and arms comforting me, before I pulled away.

"I'm good, now." I stole a glance at him. "Thank you..." I whispered.

He winked. "Anything for a pretty girl like you, love." The Jack I knew was back, his quick wit and roguish charm returned.

I followed him around the bend, ready to catch him should he falter, when we were met suddenly by a band of dirty, stupid pirates that certainly weren't a part of Jack's crew.

The front one, a portly and bald sailor, looked dumbfounded and walked toward us, his finger pointed accusingly at Jack. "You!" He spat. "You're supposed to be dead!"

Jack looked genuinely befuddled. "Am I not?" He slurred, patting his chest as if searching for a bullet wound. "Oh." He found nothing and turned, heading back the way we came. I followed uneasily.

We were met by more pirates, cocking their pistols and pointing their respective weapons at us.

Jack considered them for a second and turned back around, me still following like some sort of puppy.

The original sailors cocked their pistols and shoved their knives in our faces.

Jack stopped and opened his mouth, nonsense, as usual, flooding out. "Par-loo-lay!" He stuttered, glanced down in deep thought, and then raised his head again, hope written across his face. "Par-la-lay-lou! Parsnip, parsley, pigeon, partner, partner..." He trailed off, a hand to his mouth, as he struggled to find his words.

The pudgy pirate's companion squinted and helped Jack out. "Parlay?" He suggested.

Jack clapped his hands and straightened up, triumphant. "Parlay! That's the one, parlay! Parlay!" He shouted, triumphant.

The fatter one glared at his buddy. "Parlay..." He hissed. "Down to the depths with whatever idiot thought up parlay!"

Jack leaned forward and pushed the tip of the pistol down, looking wise. "That would be the French." He explained.

Jack straightened up as Captain Barboussa pushed through the crowd ad stopped before us. He stared long and hard at Jack.

"How the blazes did you get off that island?" He asked, his voice gravely.

Jack grinned and leaned on his oar. "When you marooned me on that god-forsaken spit of land you forgot one very important thing, mate." He spread out his hands and smiled his usual stupid smirk. "I'm Captain Jack Sparrow!"

Barboussa nodded, a small cocky smile on his lips. "Well. I'll not be makin' that mistake again." He addressed his assembled pirates. "Gents, ye all remember Captain Jack?"

His crew murmured and laughed their agreement.

Barboussa smiled and started back the way he came. "Kill 'im."

There was laughter and dozens of pistols were cocked.

"Hey, look, Pintel, there's a woman." The skinny pirate who had helped Jack commented excitedly.

Barboussa paused and turned. "A girl? She be yer latest whore?" He asked Jack.

My blood boiled and I stepped forward, about to scream some pretty nasty things at him, but Jack grabbed my wrist, silently begging me to stay quiet. "No, she be not. She be just a friend."

"Pretty one, at that," The man called Pintel said.

Barboussa nodded, smiling sickly. "She be feisty, as well."

He motioned to one of his goodies and I was seized from behind, a dirty hand clapped over my mouth to stifle my screaming and more hands grasping at my clothes. Jack looked furious, glancing from me to Barboussa.

"Let her go." He said quietly but forcefully.

"I see no reason to!" Barboussa laughed and waved his crew on, and the guns were trained on Jack again. Barboussa turned and started to walk away.

Jack didn't flinch at the pistols. "The girl's blood didn't work, did it?" He called.

Barboussa stopped once more in his tracks. "Hold yer fire!" He said furiously.

He spun around to Jack. "Ye know who's blood we need." He stated matter-of-factly.

Jack grinned. "I know who's blood you need."