Pirates Of The Caribbean Fan Fiction ❯ Master of the Sea ❯ Chapter 6

Title: Master of the Sea

Author: Hurricane Islandheart
Summary: This divergence picks up after the end of Dead Man's Chest with the rescue of Captain Jack Sparrow from Davy Jones's Locker. However, Jack finds himself quickly ensnared in yet another trap of Jones's design, and this time he's accompanied by Will Turner and James Norrington. Jones is not taking the loss of his heart to Cutler Beckett lightly, and his plans for these three men include making them pay dearly for allowing it to fall into Beckett's hands. Meanwhile, the crew of the Black Pearl is not taking the loss of their recently-recovered captain and good friend well. With Barbossa at the helm, they set out to find any means possible of getting Jack and Will back without losing their own lives in the process. While undertaking this endeavour, they discover that the Aztec gold may not have been the only curse on the Black Pearl.

Adult Content Advisory: This story contains excessive violence, extreme sexual situations, aberrational behavior, drug use and other elements which most parents would consider too strong for viewing by their children and may be upsetting to some adult readers. Reader discretion is advised.

Credits: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Dead Man's Chest (2006), and At World's End (2007) are copyrighted to Walt Disney Pictures and distributed under their Buena Vista label. The CotBP story was written by Ted Elliot, Terry Rossio, Stuart Beattie and Jay Wolpert; DMC and AWE story were written by Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio. The Pirates of the Caribbean: Jack Sparrow series (written by Rob Kidd and illustrated by Jean-Paul Orpinas) is copyright 2006 to Disney Enterprises, Inc. The Pirates' Guidelines (by Joshamee Gibbs), Bring Me That Horizon: The Making of Pirates of the Caribbean (by Michael Singer), and The Art of Pirates of the Caribbean (various artists) are copyright 2007 Disney Enterprises, Inc. The Pirate Primer: Mastering the Language of Swashbucklers and Rogues (by George Choundas) is copyright 2007 to George Choundas.

 

Chapter 6

 

“You know, being a sea monster isn't as bad as I'd thought it would be.”

 

Will rolled over in his hammock and groaned at the voice below him. “Jack...shut it. It's far too early for your bullshit.”

 

“Is not,” Jack replied. “By my reckoning it's going on midday...not that it's readily apparent at this depth.”

 

“Jack, I wouldn't trust your 'reckoning' as far as my boot would go up your arse...and what do you mean 'at this depth'?” Will blearily opened his eyes and realized the answer to his own question; water filled their cell, and as his eyes adjusted to the darkness he saw small fish darting about the cabin and between the bars of their cage.

 

“Must've submerged while we were asleep,” Jack commented. “Interesting that it didn't wake anyone up...but I suppose being as we can't drown anymore, there was no reason to wake up.”

 

Will sat up and looked around more carefully. “It would still have been nice for Jones to at least tell us that the Dutchman was going to dive,” he said. His voice carried a note of agitation as he watched a silvery fish dart past his face. “And I don't know about you, but I'm not a sea monster, thank you very much.”

 

Jack rolled his eyes and looked up at the ceiling as he counted off on his fingers. “Let's see...you can breathe under water, you can see under water, you can talk under water...” He paused as a cluster of brightly colored fish swam by in a school, chirping cheerful greetings to them. “...You can understand what sea life is saying and...” He drug out the 'and' for added emphasis, “you're grouchy when you wake up in the morning. I think that qualifies you.”

 

“Jack...” Will warned.

 

“It's the truth, Mate,” Jack protested. “Can't help it if you don't like it...but you still have to deal with it.”

 

“You two are going to have to deal with the captain if you don't quit squabbling,” Norrington's muffled voice said from below them. “So both of you knock it off.”

 

The three were silent for a moment. Around them, the ship creaked in the dark water and muffled sounds from the main deck trickled through to the cabin. Will pushed himself off of his hammock and swam over to the bars; he kicked his way through the water to the ceiling of their cell and began to examine the edge of their cage.

 

“Now what are you doing?” Jack demanded.

 

“What does it look like I'm doing?” Will sniped. “I'm going to find a way out of this cell.”

 

Jack was already shaking his head. “These bars aren't the same as the ones in the jail at Port Royal,” he said. “You think I haven't already checked?”

 

“You're not a blacksmith either,” Will shot back. “Just as there's more than one way to construct a cage, there's more than one way to take them apart.” He continued to feel along the bars and joints as he spoke.

 

“This ain't an ordinary cage, either,” Jack retorted. “It may look all metal and wood, but don't forget that it's not. This ship's alive, William - moreso than most ships. The wood and metal that makes up this ship holds the souls of the Dutchman's prey. Even if you were to get it open, Jones would know in an instant.”

 

Will whirled around on Jack. “Do you really think I need a reminder of that, Jack?” he demanded. “My father is doomed to become one of those souls if I don't find a way to get him off of this ship. Don't lecture me about the Dutchman's prey and what this ship is made of.”

 

Jack reclined back in his hammock again and gazed up at the bottom of Will's hammock drifting gently above him. “You and your single-minded brain,” he groused. “What makes you think your father even wants off this ship?”

 

Will dropped himself down to Jack's level and narrowed his eyes at the pirate. “What did you say?” he hissed.

 

“You heard me,” Jack replied. “You are bent to the point of insanity on wanting to get your father off this ship, but there's really no indication that he's even that inclined to leave.”

 

“Oh dear Lord,” Norrington complained. He could easily sense another fight coming on.

 

“Stay out of it,” Jack and Will both said at the same time.

 

Norrington raised his hands defensively and settled himself further into his hammock. “Just keep it down,” he admonished.

 

Will and Jack ignored him and continued to eye each other. “For someone who supposedly knew my father, you don't seem to care very much about what becomes of him,” Will said bitterly. “Or is that just good old 'don't give a rat's arse about anyone but myself' Jack Sparrow showing through?”

 

“Knew him a sight better than you did, I expect,” Jack replied. He waved his hand in an offhanded manner. “Your father was one of the ones to sail with me the longest; never was able to find another crew member quite like him. I knew that man inside and out.” A sudden, lazy smile played across his face. “Mmm...especially inside,” he murmured. “That one was good in bed. A sight better than many of the women I've had, I dare say -”

 

He was cut off suddenly as Will pushed away from the bars and tackled Jack squarely around the midsection. The two of them tumbled through the water and crashed into the wall at the rear of the cell.

 

Jack winced as his back made contact with the wood, then cracked an eye open and grinned cockily at Will. “Ah, so you like to tumble rough too, eh?” he laughed. “Must run in the family.”

 

“You bloody bastard!” Will growled. “How dare you-”

 

“How dare I what?” Jack asked. “How dare I bed your old man, even if he was young and handsome at the time? How dare I make mention of it when you brought him up in conversation? How dare I -”

 

Jack's line of questions was cut abruptly as Will grabbed him by the throat. Jack kicked at Will in an attempt to break free, and the two of them plummeted to the floor of the cell.

 

Norrington dove out of the way just in time to avoid swinging arms and legs. “Hold up!” he shouted. “Break up this nonsense! Have you both gone mad?”

 

Neither of them paid him any heed; they were too involved in struggling with each other. “You conniving, soul-sucking rotter!” Will shouted. “My mother waited faithfully every day for him to return or to receive any word or parcel from him! And you have the nerve to -”

 

“Ah yes, your sweet mother,” Jack cut in. “She did so love her baubles and dresses. A pity, really, since they came off so easily on request, but it would have also been a shame if I'd never licked those lovely thighs of hers either.”

 

Jack's head snapped around as Will's fist connected solidly with his cheek. The blacksmith followed the punch with a deep knee to the pirate's stomach. Jack doubled over; Will raised his fist again to bring it down on the back of the pirate's head, but found his arm stopped in mid-swing. He looked up to see Norrington holding his arm around the wrist and making a motion to grab his other arm.

 

Will twisted out of Norrington's grip and swung around on the former navy officer. He shoved Norrington backward against the bars of the cell. “I told you to stay out of this!”

 

Jack was on his feet again and grabbed Will's shoulder. He spun Will around to face him. “Lay off of Norrington,” he said. “He's not your problem right now.” He brought a solid punch to Will's stomach that sent the young man reeling. “That's for the bruise on my face.”

 

“God damn it, Sparrow, what is wrong with you?” Norrington demanded. “If you're trying to get yourself killed, don't bloody well do it here!” He stepped between Will and Jack and took hold of the pirate's shoulders. “Sit your arse down and shut your bloody mouth for a while!”

 

Jack didn't have a chance to respond; he and Norrington were both shoved forcefully against the wall as Will tackled them both and tried to reach around Norrington to grab Jack's throat again.

 

Suddenly, Will pulled back. Norrington and Jack straightened and turned to look at him. Jack groaned and Norrington bit his lip; Jones had Will held by the throat.

 

Jones coiled the tentacle on his hand around Will's wrists and held them behind Will's back in a tight restraint. He shoved the blacksmith to his knees then turned his attention to the other two.

 

Norrington had collapsed back on his hammock and was staring blankly at the floor of the cell, unsure of what to say or do. Jack fidgeted uncomfortably and tried not to move any closer to Jones.

 

“Get over here, now, Sparrow,” Jones said. His voice was quiet but deathly firm.

 

Jack slowly edged toward the sea captain. When he was just within arm's reach, Jones reached out with his claw hand and gripped Jack's arm tightly. He led Jack and Will out of the cell and slammed the door behind him. A tentacle from his beard turned the key to lock Norrington in securely, then he marched the two quarreling men through the watery cabin and onto the main deck.

 

Despite being underwater, the crew seemed to be busy upon the deck of the ship. Jones called out to the bosun, who was immediately standing before them. Maccus, the first mate, joined him.

 

“Bosun, these two need a lesson in discipline,” he said. He shoved Jack's arm into the bosun's hand. “Sparrow gets ten lashes - being as we're underwater, I don't think you'll need to worry about lightening your hand at all. The sting of salt water will cushion the blows.” He then handed Will off to Maccus. “Take young Turner down to the brig - and make sure he's chained securely even inside the cell. We don't need our genius of a blacksmith to make any escape attempts.” He leered knowingly at Will.

 

Jones started to dismiss them, then paused. “Oh, and find the elder Turner. Tell him to spend some quality time with his son; it'll do him good to know that the boy and Sparrow are in trouble for fighting over him.”

 

“And his lovely wife,” Jack chimed in. He made a kissing face and sashayed his hips suggestively as he turned away from Will.

 

Will raised his fist and moved as though to attack Jack again, but Maccus held him back. “The brig, Maccus,” Jones said. He waved the two off, then turned back to Jack and the bosun. “Bosun, I've changed my mind on Sparrow's punishment. Take us to the surface before you whip him, and add three lashes to that rear end he's so keen to show off. Just make sure that you leave enough flesh that he doesn't die from it.”

 

~ * ~ * ~

 

Below them, Maccus led Will through the darkened ship to the brig. Will waited stony-faced as the first mate opened a cell; he walked in without a fight, and Maccus walked him to the wall. A set of manacles dangled from above Will's head, and Maccus locked Will's wrists into them; Will just glared at him.

 

“You wouldn't be in this mess if you'd fix that temper, boy,” Maccus warned.

 

Will didn't respond; he continued to glare angrily at the first mate.

 

Maccus shrugged. “As you wish; you being locked down here is one less annoyance for me to keep track of.”

 

As he left the cell, he met Koleniko, who was hustling Bootstrap toward them. “Captain said he's supposed to be down here,” Koleniko said.

 

“Aye,” Maccus replied. He grabbed Bootstrap's arm and yanked him over to stand in front of Will's cell. “Captain wants you should stay down here and spend some quality time with your boy,” he sneered. “Seems he's in trouble for fighting over you, after all.” He chuckled to himself as he and Koleniko left.

 

Bootstrap looked sadly at Will through the bars of the cell. Will refused to meet his eyes for a moment; he looked up only when the water began to drain from the cell and Will realized they were surfacing.

 

“William,” Bootstrap began.

 

“How long have you known Jack?” Will demanded.

 

Bootstrap looked confused for a moment. “Known him since we were young,” Bootstrap said. “He and I have sailed together since he started out as a captain.”

 

Will frowned. “You've known him longer than you knew my mother, then,” he said.

 

Bootstrap shook his head. “I met him and Bell at the same time; she was his first mate when we met.” He looked carefully at Will. “What exactly was it you were fighting about?” he asked.

 

Their conversation was cut off by a pained scream that echoed through the ship. It was followed moments later by a second scream; the third was duller and seemed to fade into a groan. Bootstrap's head snapped around in alarm. “Jack!” he exclaimed.

 

“Captain Jones ordered ten lashes on him for provoking the fight,” Will said. “He must have changed his mind about Jack taking the lashes underwater.”

 

“You were fighting with Jack?” Bootstrap asked. He turned concern-filled eyes back on Will. “About what?”

 

Will turned his eyes away again and was silent for a moment. “Jack mentioned that you and he might have been closer in your relationship than I'd expected,” he finally said.

 

Bootstrap smiled softly. “Still talks about that, does he?” he asked. “Wasn't sure he even remembered...or wanted to remember, after all this time.”

 

Will frowned at the admission. “Did Mother know?” he asked.

 

“She knew,” Bootstrap said. “Both of us loved Jack so much...not sure what it was that we saw in him at first, but he's the type that grows on a person after a while, you know. I suppose with as much time as we spent with him, it was only inevitable.”

 

Will looked bitterly at the ground. “Then he was telling the truth,” he said. “He's slept with both you and Mother.”

 

“Aye,” Bootstrap said quietly. “I suppose it's not something I should be proud of,” he said, “but I don't regret it.” He suddenly looked up. “Did he say anything else to you?” he asked.

 

“No,” Will replied. “Should he have?” He looked hard at his father.

 

Bootstrap shook his head. “No, nothing of importance,” he replied. “Jack likes to talk up his experiences sometimes, is all. I just wanted to be sure the record was straight.”

 

Will gazed at his father for a moment before answering. He couldn't shake the feeling that Bootstrap was hiding something from him. “I think the record's clear enough on that point now,” he finally said.

 

Bootstrap looked relieved. “It's not something that I wanted to hide from you, William,” he said apologetically. “I just...never knew when the right time was. You were still so young when I lost you to my own folly...and when we met again here aboard the Dutchman...it just wasn't right.”

 

“Mother never said anything either,” Will said distantly. “She never even told me you were a pirate.”

 

“That both of us were pirates,” Bootstrap interjected. He looked up and met Will's startled eyes. “Your mother's blood goes back even further than mine; I was the first in my family to take up piracy, but your mother - and your grandmother through her - were both pirates.”

 

“She...never said...” Will replied. “I...would never have guessed.”

 

Bootstrap smiled ruefully. “No, I doubt you would have,” he said. “She was good at hiding it, even better than I was sometimes. I think we both kind of struggled with it.” He paused. “It wasn't what we'd intended to do with our lives,” he said. “The crazy thing was we wanted nothing to do with pirates when we first set out with Jack...if anything, we'd have been glad to see all pirates gone from the world. Funny how life can change on a person.”

 

“Do I dare ask how you ended up pirates?” Will asked.

 

“Freedom, adventure, treasure...cursed treasure, even. The Aztec gold wasn't the first cursed treasure that Jack's ever sought after,” Bootstrap said. “We all had different reasons for sailing with Jack originally,” Bootstrap said. “But by the time all was said and done, we realized that there was no life for us except piracy. The first time we found another reason for life was when you were born, William.” Bootstrap looked up at Will and smiled. “Bell always said that there were times she was sad she gave up the sea, but that seeing your smile and seeing you growing into a fine young man was enough to make her feel good about it again.”

 

“I never realized,” Will said quietly. He looked at the floor of his cell. “I always thought it was just you she missed. The times she stood on the pier and looked out at the sea...I thought it was your ship she was looking for.”

 

“I don't know if I would change anything if I had it to do over again,” Bootstrap said, “but I would never wish this pain of not knowing on you, William.” He sighed. “When I saw what a fine, honest young man you've grown into...I am glad that you at least had that experience in your life before you had to become a pirate yourself.”

 

Will sighed and slumped against the wall of the cell. His arms stretched up and hung from the manacles above him. “For what it's profited me,” he said.

 

“It's hard,” Bootstrap acknowledged. “It's not an easy life. And you're in a bind now,” he said, “but try not to lose yourself. What Jack and I had in the past...what Jack and Bell had in the past...that doesn't change who you are. You remember that, William. You're still William Turner.”

 

“And if I'm never free of Jones or the Dutchman again?” Will asked morosely.

 

“Try not to think that way,” Bootstrap encouraged. “That wasn't how you thought the last time you were here. Just hold out hope that your future will yet be brighter than this.”

 

“Is that a bit of advice Jack gave you?” Will asked. “It sounds like something he'd say.”

 

Bootstrap chuckled. “No, his advice was to close your eyes and pretend it's all a bad dream. Not sure that's ever worked so well for me.” He shook his head.

 

Will was about to reply when Maccus's voice echoed through the brig. “Bootstrap, up on deck!” he called. “Captain wants to talk to you.”

 

Bootstrap bit his lip. “Try not to get too involved with dark thoughts,” he said to his son in parting. “This ship is dark and depressing enough as it is.” He turned and headed to the main deck.