Gentleman Pirate 18

[spacebabie]

Disclaimer: Pirates of the Caribbean and all related characters belong to Walt Disney, Gore, Jerry, Tony, and Terry

  

Setting:  Takes place right after Curse of the Black Pearl.

 

Characters: Norrington, Gillette, Groves, Anamaria, Murtogg, Mullroy, Marty, Will, Elizabeth, Jack Sparrow, Tia Dalma.

 

Parings: Will/Elizabeth, Norrington/Anamaria

 

Gentleman Pirate

 

Chapter 18:  Return to Reality

-

“A navy ship?” Both James and the Prince asked at the same time.

“Theodore saw it through his spyglass,” Marty nodded, his eyes wide with panic and his hands were squeezing each other. “He said it looked like naval class.”

“All hands on deck,” James shouted before he turned to his guests. “It appears we may have to work together before we can finish our negotiations.”

“Our negotiations are finished,” David retrieved his coat and his hat. “I need to get back onto my ship immediately. Carlos, Alexander we are leaving.”

“Father?” Lenore grabbed onto her father’s arm. “You are going to fight?”

“I am fighting for you,” David embraced her quickly. “Captain Norrington, I suggest you take her to where it is safe on your ship.”

Anamaria did not even wait to hear James’s command. “Come with me.” She grasped onto the girl’s hand and led her out of the cabin, most likely to her own cabin below deck.

“Father,” Lenore stared back at the Prince, over her shoulder. “I love you.”

“I love you, my little princess.”

“Two ships verses one,” Andrew Gillette was close on the heels of James. “It won’t take long for the two of us to overtake them. His smile was smug as well as brief. “I wonder if a certain commodore is onboard that vessel.

“I am wondering the same,” James hadn’t really thought of Jack Sparrow, not since the disgusting excuse for a naval officer had forced rum down his throat. Anamaria had made certain he had forgotten that fool. “We will see for ourselves.”

-

There was no sign of Lenore, or Anamaria when James and the others had ran out on deck. Only men ran around, bracing themselves for another upcoming battle. Gangplanks were placed across both the Dauntless and the Fury, providing access for the Prince and his crewmen to cross before anyone could get a chance to fire a cannon.

“I may be mistaken,” Theodore ran up to James’s side. “But I believe that might me the Crowning Jewel.”

“Sparrow’s ship,” James brought his spyglass to his eye. He could see several men aboard, donning the uniforms of the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines. He stared intently at the man at the wheel, dressed in the uniform of a captain. The hat was the official hat of a commodore. “It is him.”

“What are your orders?” Theodore asked.

“We need to shift our ships into firing range,” James said. “Hard to larboard.”

“Aye captain,” Theodore gave him a salute before he ran towards the wheel.

They were preparing to battle and James was confident they would be able to defeat Sparrow’s navy quickly and without much casualty. His main concern was the safety of his crew and Lenore. He had to make certain the curious young woman would stay put in Anamaria’s cabin while the battle waged on.

“Mr. Murtogg,” James spied the marine as he ran past. “I want you to go below and stand by Anamaria’s door. Guard it with your life.”

“Yes captain,” Murtogg answered before he ran down below deck.

“The prince and their crew have returned to their ship,” Andrew said. “They had pulled their planks back.”

“Have they turned their ship?” James stared at the other pirate vessel as he had asked the question. David hadn’t turned his ship into position for battle and instead it was moving to close in on the Navy vessel.

“Is he not thinking?” Andrew asked.

“He is,” James ran to the brow, his eyes were on the Fury. “Captain.” He shouted. “Prince of the Sea, what is in your head?”

“I could ask the same of you,” the prince leaned over the rail. “I told you to make certain my daughter is safe.”

“She is below deck,” James said.

“She is not safe as long as you are engaged in battle with her aboard. Turn this ship around and sail away.”

“I can’t leave you here to fight them by yourself.”

“You really are not much of a pirate,” David shook his head. “It is just one ship. We will be able to take them on.”

“I could say the same of you.” James blinked.

“That is not being a pirate,” The prince inhaled deeply. “It is about being a father. Now turn this ship of yours around.”

“Yes captain,” James said through clenched teeth. He continued to watch as the Fury continued along towards the Jewel.

“He wants us to turn around,” Theodore said. “What about the bracelet?”

“We still have it and it no longer concerns him. You heard him. Turn the Dauntless Spirit around. We are heading towards Bermuda.” He watched as The Fury circled around and sailed straight towards the direction of The Jewel.

-

Anamaria watched as Lenore continued to sleep on her bed. The young woman was feeling a little ill before and Anamaria suggested she take a small nap. She had grown to like the company of Lenore the past few days, even though it meant she had to string up a hammock in her own room so she could sleep. It was a little nice to have another woman on the ship.

The girl was smart. There was no doubt about it. Lenore had selected several vials of Anamaria’s medicines, read each label and describe in full detail of where the ingredients could be found and what they were used for. Lenore knew about the different fish in the sea and described the basics of fishing. Anamaria tried to show the young girl how it was properly done and handed her a makeshift fishing pole, after Lenore caught a small fish and threw it back she helped Anamaria with the net. With enough practice, Lenore could become quite a fisherwoman.

Except both James and the girl’s father felt Lenore belonged to proper society. Lenore did have the most polished table manners, her hands looked like they were dancing or playing an instrument as she ate. She had always made certain her hair was brushed and styled properly. She even offered to style Anamaria’s hair.

Lenore made a mumbling sound in her sleep and rolled over. She had accepted the fate of her father better than Anamaria had thought, maybe it was because the girl was optimistic that her father would survive such an attack and come back for her, or answer the letters she would send to Tortuga.

Anamaria stared at the headscarf she had sewn for Lenore. The girl had asked for one. The gift had only taken a few hours to sew and since it was complete Ana could leave it by the bedside and check in on James.

-

Anamaria’s captain was leaning over his desk, a feathered quill in his hand, sensual lips were pursed and his brow furrowed as he tried to think of what to write. He stared up at her when he heard the sound of the door being closed behind her.

“We are about to reach Bermuda,” Anamaria had pulled up another chair next to his. “Andrew said we would reach it before the dinner hour.

“It means I need to finish this letter quickly,” James tapped the plumy end of the quill against his chin.

“It will be over soon,” Anamaria placed a hand across his shoulders. “You will be home soon.”

“At what cost?” James asked. He did not remove his green eyes from his written words. “I have attacked and stolen from an innocent ship, injured naval officers, forced a man to possibly give his life on my behalf and fell in love with another man’s woman.”

“No,” she shook her finger at him. “I am no man’s woman. Think of all that you have done; You have rescued sailors at sea, charmed several women and gave them the biggest thrill in all their lives, brought medicine to the sick, rescued a princess and continued the legendary tales of Captain James Norrington.”

“I want to say it isn’t me, but then again it is.” He wrote down a few more sentences. “And now for the closing.” He stared at her. “It is going to be difficult for me to go back, considering all that has happened.”

“It may be difficult for the other James. How many pirates he had to arrest, following proper procedure and trying to find my other self.” She smiled. “I wonder if he made a fool out of Captain Sparrow.”

“Does the other me share the same amount of disgust as I do for that man?”

“Maybe even more.”

He leaned back and smiled. “I should be pleased with the fact I know of a few pirate tricks. It will benefit me and Lieutenant Gillette, Lieutenant Groves and the others.”

“And the other has learned of a few naval tactics.” She kissed his cheek. “Do not worry you are man of adaptation. You will fall back into your old ways soon.”

“That will not be the hardest part.” He cupped her chin into his hand. “The hardest part will be not having you by my side.”

“She will be there.”

“This should be the closing,” James quickly wrote down the last words. “I’ll have it properly sealed later.”

“Why not now?”

He grabbed her hand. “Because if this is my last time with you I want to make it memorable.”

Anamaria noticed the smoldering gleam in his eyes and the way he nodded towards his bed and knew in her heart what he wanted.

-

Dinner was going to have to wait. James had hoped Mullroy the marine would have something prepared for him. He could not put it off any longer. He was roused from basking in the sunlight after he and Anamaria had finished their lovemaking by the announcement they had come into port. The longer he put it off the longer he would feel reluctant to leave. He had to do it at that moment.

“Is she frightening?” Lenore asked once they stepped out of the longboat and onto the sand. “The witch?” She wore the scarf Anamaria had made for her.

“She is not,” Anamaria said. “Let me know if she does scare you. I will protect you.”

“Can Andrew protect me?” Lenore stared at the second mate. “I read a story where red hair meant the person who had it was very brave.”

“I am not certain if this is true or not,” Andrew pressed his fingers together. “But I will also help protect her.”

James chose not to say anything and only shared a knowing smile with Theodore. It did not take a genius to factor in the way Lenore stared at Andrew, his smiles at her and the way both of them blush to know the two have started to fancy each other.

The shack was the same as James had remembered it. There was no upkeep. Everything was dried and cracking. There did seem to be a few more weeds than before.

“Rosemary,” Anamaria struck at the door with her knuckles. “We have your jewelry, now lift this curse at once.”

“I don’t think that is a good idea,” Marty swallowed and made the sign of the cross over his heart.

“We have done what she had asked.” Anamaria stared at him.

“Don’t want to risk her wrath.” Marty stepped back away from her.

The door swung open. I am not angry,” a woman’s voice said from inside. “I am pleased you have returned with my bracelet.” Rosemary leaned against the frame, the same jewels and cloth stretched out across her forehead. She had done away with the dress and opted for a gown with gauzy sleeves and the bottom made out of various scraps of brown and green. She held out her hand. “May I see it?”

“You may see with your eyes,” James held up the bracelet, the light of the setting sun reflected of the copper and glass like gems.

“You can have it back after the curse has been lifted,” Theodore crossed his arms.

Rosemary raised an eyebrow. “You are quite a clever pirate crew. I have prepared the cure after you had left.” She beckoned at them with her slender fingers. “Come on in.”

Anamaria stormed in before James and Theodore and was followed By Andrew and Lenore; the last to enter was Marty who slowly stepped in.

“Do not be afraid,” Rosemary smirked at Marty. “I do not bite.”

“You are not frightening at all,” Lenore stepped out from behind Andrew.

“I can be frightening when I try,” Rosemary grabbed a mortar and pestle off from a table.

“Did my father really cheat?” Lenore asked

“Yes he did,” the witch continued to stir. “I have seen your escape from the navy and watched his ship battle with them. They managed to severely wound the naval ship before they escaped.”

“So they have made it,” James nodded.

“All I need to do is blow this powder onto Norrington-“

“Captain Norrington,” nearly everyone, including Lenore, had corrected.

“I blow this powder onto Captain Norrington’s face and it will be over,” She continued to grind the pestle around. “It will be over when he wakes up.”

“I will wake up in my world?” James asked.

“That is the purpose of the cure,” Rosemary set the mortar down and picked up what appeared to be a hand mirror. “The cure will happen after I receive what is mine.” She brought the mirror down against the hard surface of the table, shattering the glass pieces everywhere. “And as you can see I do keep my promise. The link has been severed.”

“That is bad luck,” Lenore gasped.

“That isn’t a good sign,” Marty blinked.

“Don’t be foolish,” Rosemary set the broken mirror down. “The curse of bad luck would fall on me, and I am a witch. I can counter it, even if it did exist.” She removed the pestle and poured the contents of the mortar into her hand. “Now for the bracelet.”

James turned to Anamaria. “I will look for you.” He handed her the letter. “Make sure the other me honors my promise.”

“We will,” Anamaria grabbed the letter and pulled him close before her lips brushed against his.

James slowly stepped back and turned to Rosemary. “The deal is done.” He removed the bracelet from his pocket and handed it to her.

“Sleep well,” Rosemary took the jewelry from his hand and blew at the powder in her hand, sending a small cloud towards James.

James inhaled the powder; it smelled of gardenias, orchids and cinnamon. He drew the fragrance and powder deep into his lungs and coughed. “How long will it take to work?”

“Not long,” Rosemary said. “In fact you friends might want to catch you.”

James did not feel light on his feet, but he had noticed there were two Rosemary’s in the room and both visions were shaking. Their shaking increased before he felt the whole room spin and his legs went limp. He felt two pairs of hands grab onto his arms and could hear several people shout his name. He could still hear their voices even long after everything had turned dark.

-

“James,” Theodore Groves’s voice grew louder and was followed by knocking.

“How do you feel?” Andrew Gillette asked.

James opened his eyes, slowly and blinked when he saw the familiar cream white ceiling and chandelier. He could feel sunlight on his face and his hands. He had to stare at his clean hands, not only were they devoid of any dirt but he could see the edges of his shirt sleeves peeking out through his dark blue naval coat.

“It is over?” James slowly sat up and smiled at the familiar feeling of his sofa under his hands. He was in his house, and he was dressed in his uniform, reaching up to his head he could feel his wig. There was one more test. He pulled back his right sleeve. His wrist was clean; there was no brand or tattoo.

“Commodore,” Andrew called out.

“Lieutenants,” James smiled as he ran to the door and opened it. Both Andrew and Theodore were as clean as he was and dressed in their naval uniforms, complete with wigs. “It seems I had an odd dream.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Theodore said. “Considering what happened the past few weeks.”

“Are we certain?” Andrew whispered to the second lieutenant before he studied James. “Commodore is that you?”

“Of course it is me,” what was going on? Everything had been a dream. Although there were parts James did not want to be a dream. “Where is the Dauntless? We need to set sail after Sparrow immediately.”

“It is him,” Andrew smiled.

“I guess he didn’t remember his experience,” Theodore rubbed the bottom of his chin with his thumb.

“What experience?” James asked, knowing full well what they were hinting at. They had worked with the pirate captain while he was in the alternate world. “Are you saying it wasn’t a dream? I really was in the body of a pirate version of myself?”

“And the pirate you was here,” Theodore pointed at James. “I am certain you were as shocked as he was.”

“Did he capture Sparrow?”

“No,” Andrew smiled. “Although he did say Sparrow was the worst pirate he has ever heard of.”

James had to smile at that. “Well the commodore Jack Sparrow was the worst commodore in all of naval history. Did my other half feel a little uncomfortable at being a part of the Royal Navy?”

“A little,” Theodore nodded. “Although at times it was hard to forget he was a pirate.”

James raised his eyebrows. “Please explain.”

“He made certain we rescue a handful of sailors who survived a pirate attack,” Theodore led the way as the three of them walked the street towards the docks. “There was a doctor who was expecting a deliver of medical supplies that another pirate ship had attacked and he ordered us to go after them and he persuaded Lord David Fairfax to allow his daughter to come to Port Royal, and spend time with Miss Swann.”

“It would appear we both have been busy,” James said.

“Still had time to go after that fishing woman,” Theodore gave him a pat on the shoulder.

“Fishing woman?” James froze. Could they mean Anamaria?

“She helped us carry you home last night, refused to leave port until she knew you were all right.”

“Where is she?” James demanded.

Both his lieutenants shrugged. “She may still be at the docks.”

James could not remember the last time he had run so fast for such a long time. His legs were sore and his lungs burned from breathing so hard once he reached the docks and he did not pause to rest or catch his breath once he had arrived. He had to find Anamaria.

He found her with her back facing him in front of a large fishing boat. The Jolly Mon II was its title. The breeze teased her long dark hair. He wanted to reach out and run his fingers through her long and soft locks.

“Anamaria,” James greeted.

“James Norrington?” Anamaria turned around. Her beautiful brown eyes were wide with uncertainty.

“I love you,” he could not hold the words in any longer. “I do not care if you are a pirate or not. I love you and I will offer you my hand in marriage.”

She looked like she was about to hold her hand up to slap him, but instead she pulled him closer to her. “You are an idiot. I am not a pirate. I only worked for Sparrow so I can get what he owed me.” She pointed to the boat. “If you are like the man who chased after me I will accept your offer.” She kissed him. “But I believe we should follow courtship first, to see that you are.”

James nodded when he felt all sensations return to him. “Perhaps we could have dinner tonight?”

“I would like that.”

“Good. Excellent.” He smiled before their lips touched again.

Comments

[pearly-dreams.livejournal.com]

Oh happy day! You finished an 18 chapter story in decent time, with wonderful content. It gives me confidence that I might be able to do the same. ^^

Loved. Love that James finds Ana, too. And love that you made Ana a fisherwoman, instead of a pirate. The clues really do fit, but I don't think I've ever read a story before where the author(ess) actually used them. xD

Lurvely lurvely.

~Pearlsie