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    Stan Winston has said he will never make anything as big as JP3's spinosaur again. (From: Brett)
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    [POTC] The Legend of Captain Pantera
    By Icebreaker

    An Icebreaker Fan Fiction
    Produced by Carnotaur3

    PIRATES of the CARIBBEAN
    The Legend of Captain Pantera



    OPENING

    William Turner ran a damp cloth rag along the blade of a perfectly balanced cutlass sword. Its metal surface reflected the sunlight that illuminated his workplace. About a week earlier he had finally moved out of his former master’s shop. It had been a proud moment for him when he first walked into his own place. After many years of apprenticeship he was finally a Master Blacksmith and he carried the title with pride. It was now an opportunity for him to have his work finally recognized, no longer would he have to take his satisfaction from the words intended for his Master. After all, it had always been his work that received the praise but because of his status it had always been appropriate for the praise to be directed to the Master Blacksmith and not the apprentice.

    Turner’s shop was surprisingly clean for a blacksmith, he was very keen on having everything in its place. The floor was swept clean everyday after his work had ceased and he planned to give the shop a thorough scrubbing at least once a week. As long as he could remember he had felt it necessary to maintain a comfortable work environment, he believed that in order to create flawless works he needed to have the best of working conditions and that was one thing that had always bothered him about his former master’s shop. Dust and grime had always overrun the place and Will felt that the poor working conditions kept him from achieving perfection.

    It is a tradition for a blacksmith to honor himself on his ‘promotion’ from Apprentice to Master by creating a custom blade to hang over his shops entrance and today Will was putting the final touches on his. Instead of the traditional short sword, used by the British military, Will decided to honor his father by crafting a cutlass pirate sword. A deadly weapon for close and furious contact.. .

    As he finished cleaning the blade he grasped the hilt of the weapon and examined its engravings, a red silk cloth was intertwined with the custom leather grip giving the impression of blood spreading from various wounds. It was a magnificent work of art. He held the weapon in a defensive position and then suddenly, with the skill of a master swordsman, he cut through the air at an imaginary opponent and then spun with ease to deflect another opponents blow. He followed this with a thrust and then a slice that would have beheaded his foe.

    Will laughed aloud as he spun the sword in the air, catching it by its hilt. As he went to return the weapon to its sheath he paused and stared into the spotless iron blade gazing at his reflection…except he was startled to find he was nearly unrecognizable with a long moustache, long braided hair and earrings of gold. His face was dirty and rough. Caught off guard he snapped his head back with a gasp and then looked back at his blade to see his normal reflection. His clean shaven face stared back at him with a surprised expression.

    Will shook his head, running a shaky hand across his lip feeling his smooth skin. For the first time in his life he had shaven off his moustache completely. He didn’t know why, but with his move into this shop he felt an urge to change other aspects of his life. This included his appearance. He pinched the skin along his jaw line between two fingers, rubbing them back and forth in thought.

    A knock at his shops entrance drew him away from his thoughts and back to reality. He placed his sword in a special place just above his fire pit, where he had crafted a case for it, and then jogged lightly across the room to the door. He noticed through the cracks the distinctive red coats of the British military and wondered what their business was. The previous day the Governor had placed an order for fifteen swords, but there would be no reason for them to be checking on his progress already…

    He unbolted the latched door and swung it open, and to his surprise Elizabeth stood smiling at him with deep brown eyes. She looked wonderful in the sunlight wearing a lavender dress and clutching delicately to a lavender sun-umbrella in her left hand.

    “William Turner.” She said in a childlike voice with a smile that melted him on the inside. She was so extraordinarily beautiful, every time he saw her his stomach fluttered.

    “Miss Swan, it is a great pleasure to see you this morning. What may I do for you?” His eyes remained locked with hers.

    She laughed, “As always Will, you could start by calling me Elizabeth, and then you could invite me inside.”

    Will shook his head and apologized, “I’m sorry Elizabeth, old habits die hard especially around your friends,” he gestured towards the military men standing at an attention. “Please come inside.”

    She stepped inside, placed her umbrella against the wall and then looked around the shop. “This is very impressive Will. How does it feel to be a Master Blacksmith now?”

    He sighed and sat down on a stool facing her as she made her way into the middle of the room, “It feels incredible. You know, all my life, well as far back as I can remember here in Port Royal, I have always wanted to become a Master Blacksmith. All those years apprenticing around Mr. Brown and all I could dream of was my own shop…when I wasn’t busy dreaming of you at least,” he said nervously with a small smile on his face.

    She smiled back at him as she walked closer. “That is great darling, I am so happy for you! Father even said how impressed he was with your work and you know that takes a lot for him to say things like that. He really does respect you, you know?,” Will nodded sheepishly and she shook her head halfheartedly, “Anyway, I am sure you know why I am here…”

    Turner’s brows wrinkled, “Actually, I don’t. What can I do for you?”

    Her eyes opened wide, “Tonight is the Governor’s Ball remember? …and you’re my date…”

    Will jumped up from his seat, “Of course! I’m sorry Elizabeth, of course I remember! In fact the tailor just dropped my outfit off last night. It must have slipped my mind for a moment, but I promise you I was looking forward to it.”

    Elizabeth looked at him through squinted eyelids seductively, “I certainly hope so,” she pursed her lips together and teased him playfully, “Otherwise I might have to invite Commodore Norrington.”

    Will grinned, “I promise.”

    “Well in that case, I suppose I will see you tonight William. The festivities begin at eight.” She kissed him lightly on the lips and headed for the door. “I’ll have father send a carriage for you at a quarter till. Is that convenient?”

    “Quite.”

    “Alright, until then my dear William.” She winked at him.

    “Good day m’lady.”

    Will watched her off and then closed the door behind. He cursed himself for having forgot about the Ball, as he walked up a small staircase in the back of the shop that led up to his living quarters. He paused for a moment halfway up, his eyes suddenly drawn to the sword that hung in its case above the fire. It seemed to call to him…adventure seemed to call to him…it was in his blood. He glanced at the sword only a second longer and then shook his head before heading back up the stairs to begin preparations for the evening…



    CHAPTER I

    A chilling gust of wind swept down the dusty street causing the candle lights that lit the dark marketplace to flicker in unison. William Turner had just been stepping into the carriage that had arrived for him, sent from the Governor’s mansion, when he felt an odd sensation…as though something was beckoning him. He froze for a moment, feeling the cold air blow through his hair, but soon the sensation had passed and he was fully inside the carriage, prepared to leave.

    The escort shut the small door behind Will, climbed up into his seat and with a flick of the wrist he gave the horse a slight whip, causing it to immediately start in motion. Will was jerked forward momentarily as the vehicle began to travel up the small road towards the Governor’s mansion. He could see the candle lights all around the mansion in the distance, with people bustling all about greeting each other with dignified hellos. What he didn’t see, however, was the black sails of a mysterious ship that was silently making its way into the port in the distance directly behind him…

    Within a few minutes the carriage arrived at the front of the mansion and Will was escorted into the grand hallway, where he found Elizabeth Swan standing elegantly at the base of a staircase, clothed in a sensational dress that was the color of a pale seashell. Will swallowed nervously as he made his way towards her, staring deep into her eyes as he moved across the room.

    Suddenly he collided with a gentleman that was leading his lady into another room, Turner slammed straight into the man and immediately apologized, “I’m terribly sorry sir…”

    “Mr. Turner?” Commodore Norrington looked through shocked eyes that were as cold as ice. He was dressed in the usual military blues that the Royal Navy were associated with.

    “Commodore, my sincere apologies my mind was elsewhere,” the Commodore followed Turner’s distant gaze and saw where exactly the young man’s mind had been directed. He nodded politely at Elizabeth with more then a hint of jealousy as Will turned and faced the lady that had her arm locked with the Norrington’s, “My apologies to you as well m’lady.”

    The beautiful woman smiled weakly as though to say it was an unnecessary apology. Commodore Norrington now turned to face Will directly, “Congratulations on your promotion to a Master Blacksmith Mr. Turner. I have first hand knowledge of the devotion and care you put into your work,” once again a flash of jealously crossed his eyes, “and I have no doubt that you will succeed tremendously in your new position.”

    “Thank you Commodore.” Norrington nodded and made his way out of the room leaving Will alone with Elizabeth. She had seen the entire thing take place.

    “I see you were conversing with the Commodore,” she spoke lightly as she moved gracefully towards him, wrapping her arm under his, leading him into the main party room, “Lovely young woman he has with him…”

    Will shrugged his shoulders, “I suppose, but I think it is safe to say that the Commodore does not have the loveliest date this evening. I believe that honor rests squarely on my shoulders.”

    Elizabeth held him a bit tighter, her cheeks turning a shade of red. As they entered the main ballroom they found her father huddled in the far corner sharing drinks and political stories with his fellow politicians. When the Governor saw them approaching he let out a deep chuckle and beckoned them to join him. He handed a drink to Will and another to his daughter.

    Over the past two years he had become somewhat more acceptable of Will and tonight was no different. He introduced Will to the politicians and immediately began to question him about his new shop.

    “So Mr. Turner, how is my order coming along?”

    “Quite well Governor. You will no doubt be impressed with the work, I am putting much care and effort into it, Sir,” he sipped from his glass of wine, spilling some of it on his new coat. He choked on the remaining wine in his mouth as he tried to wipe the red substance from the coat with his spare hand.

    The Governor looked away, pretending not to notice the slight blunder on Will’s part. As Will finished wiping the liquid from his coat soft music began to play from where the orchestrate was located. Elizabeth took this opportunity to whisk Turner away from the politicians huddled around him.

    “I would like to dance,” she stated flatly.

    Will obliged and gracefully led her to the center of the room where couples were dancing intimately. He was more then happy to get away from the Governor and his friends. It wasn’t that he disliked the man, but it was more that he really never had much to discuss with him and always felt awkward around him.

    As they reached the center of the room, Will held Elizabeth tight and spun slowly with her in traditional dance steps. Elizabeth adjusted her hold on him and whispered in his ear, “You can relax just a bit Will, your tense.”

    “I’m sorry Elizabeth, this sort of atmosphere is completely new to me,” he replied earnestly. “Please forgive me if it takes me a while to relax. Perhaps I will need to get a few drinks in me before I can lighten up.”

    They both laughed as they continued their slow rehearsed steps. As the music became softer and slower Will kissed Elizabeth lightly on the cheek, feeling completely absorbed in the moment, “I love you.” He whispered.

    She returned the kiss, on his opposite cheek and then winked, “I love you too.”

    Suddenly the music stopped and shifted from soft and intimate to relaxed and light hearted. It was a classical music number that was easy to dance to and that nearly everyone loved to participate in. The music was light in the air as more couples made their way into the room to engage in the festivities. They danced jubilantly around the room, hopping and skipping with their partners, all the while spinning delightfully in circles. The entire mood of the ball seemed to become uplifted as people laughed as they danced.

    Will looked at Elizabeth, “Just when things were getting interesting.”

    Elizabeth laughed and then to Will’s surprise jumped around and twirled him with her. Before he knew it, they were engaged in the dance. He had never danced like this before, but it didn’t take him long to catch on. He just went where his feet took him and by the end of the dance he was laughing and out of breath. So was everyone else in the room.

    They all applauded as the music came to a close and shifted back to the soft, typical ballroom music. The Governor took this moment to step up on a small table. He cleared his throat and then spoke to his guests.

    “Ladies and Gentlemen, let me first thank you for joining me this fine evening for the Governor’s ball.” He held his wine glass up in a cheer, and the audience applauded. “I would also like to thank my dear daughter Elizabeth, for being such a lovely young woman.” Everyone turned and faced Elizabeth and Will and applauded. Elizabeth nodded curtly.

    “Now, I had prepared a nice little speech for you all, but since I am starving and the food is ready. I purpose we eat.” The party guests cheered. “So without any further delay, please enjoy yourselves this evening and thank you for coming!”

    One last applause and then everyone began to make their way towards the dinner table arranged throughout the mansion. The Governor hopped lightly down from the table he had been standing on, much to the surprise of William Turner. He was shocked to see the older gentleman move so agilely.

    Governor Swan made his way over to Elizabeth and Will, “You two will be joining me of course.”

    “Thank you sir,” Will bowed his head slightly as a sign of respect.

    The Governor then led them into the Governor’s dining room where only the most privileged guests were seated and whether by fate or by purpose Will and Elizabeth were seated next Commodore Norrington and his female companion.



    The dock seemed to sway back and forth under the moonlight, at least that’s what it seemed like to Captain Jack Sparrow. He walked gingerly along the dock until his feet met the solid dirt ground of Port Royal. His eyes focused on the lights and entertainment coming from high upon the hill at the governor’s mansion.

    His focus shifted, however, from the mansion on the Cliffside to a small tavern on the street corner. His eyes lit up and he immediately made his way into the small building. His senses came to life as men shouted, laughed and made a whole lot of ruckus as they drank. Jack’s heart lightened, he smiled in the dim lighting, revealing a few of his golden teeth. The entire scene reminded him of the sort of thing he experienced on a daily basis when he was in Tortuga.

    He swayed over to the bar and sat down on a lopsided stool. Sparrow grabbed at the bartenders shirt, getting his attention, “I’ll be having some rum mate.”

    The man eyed him suspiciously, “Aye, you look familiar. Do I know you from somewhere?”

    Something caught Jack’s eye just beyond the man’s shoulder. It was a WANTED sign and beneath the words ‘dead or alive’ was a drawing of Sparrow. His eyes grew large and he cleared his throat.

    “No, never seen you before mate. Fact is, this be my first time in Port Royal.” He held his hand out. “Name’s Smithe. Or…Smithee if you like.”

    The man slammed down a bottle of rum on the table and shrugged. “Well nice to meet ya, Mr. Smithee. But I swear you look like someone I know. You sure you’ve never been to Port Royal before?”

    Sparrow eyed the wanted sign again and took a sip of his rum. “Positive.”

    Jack turned his back to the man at the bar and glanced about the room. His stomach growled. Now, he turned back to the bartender and pulled on the man’ shirt again, “Been a while since I had a good meal mate. What be on the menu tonight?”

    The man laughed, “Well if your looking for a good meal, then I suggest you find yourself an invitation to the Governor’s Ball. Finest food in the Caribbean is being served up there tonight.”

    A smile formed on the Captain’s face as he nodded his head, “I see…Finest food in the Caribbean eh? That’s interesting…:”

    He stood up from the stool he had been sitting on and swaggered towards the exit but the bartender shouted at him, “Hey! Where you going? You didn’t pay for that.”

    Jack stopped, “Aye, your right. But a man who be drinking rum is a man who be drinking out of thirst and a man who be giving the man who be drinking the rum, his rum, is a man who is looking out for the well being of others. So therefore, this drink is actually a sign of your being a man who is looking out for the well of others. Savvy?”

    The bartender stared blankly. “You didn’t pay for that.”

    Sparrow shrugged, “I know.”



    Elizabeth Swan wiped her mouth gently with a cloth napkin and sat back in her seat, watching the men around the table continue with their discussion. It was the same as usual, politics, military affairs and all the other nonsense that went with that sort of talk. She glanced over at Will and was surprised to see that he looked to be fairly interested in the conversation.

    “Piracy is running more rampant, especially in England we’ve had several reports that cargo ships have been sunk throughout the English channel,” the Commodore leaned back in his chair. “If only they had the same tough stance that we have developed here in the Spanish Maine.”

    The Governor nodded his head, “That’s correct Commodore, I have been informed recently that Captain Davenport has requested from the King permission to further pursue these criminals.”

    Elizabeth watched as Will became frustrated. She could see it in his eyes. Finally he felt the urge to let his opinion be known.

    “If I may speak for a moment,” he glanced at the Governor. “I must disagree with this generalization that the Commodore is using to describe pirates. Not all of them are outright evil. I know they are criminals under the British law, but some of them are decent men.”

    The Commodore laughed, “You couldn’t name one.”

    “Jack Sparrow.” Will blurted out the name before he could think it over. He closed his eyes in a sign of frustration, realizing he had made a mistake.

    “Jack Sparrow!” The Commodore nearly shouted, “The man may not be completely evil but he is certainly not a good man. In fact, if he were still alive I would still be pursing him…”

    “Still alive…?” This was the first time Will had heard anything about Sparrow since he left Port Royal two years earlier.

    “Well it can’t be verified for certain, but rumor in some parts has it that he was killed in a battle with some rival pirates about three months ago. I can’t say I am terribly heartbroken about it.” The Commodore sipped from his wine glass.

    Will meanwhile seemed shocked, he hadn’t seen Jack in a long time…but to hear that he was possibly dead saddened him…he looked at the Commodore who was smiling broadly and engaging in a new conversation with the Governor and some of the other politicians and military men. “Jack Sparrow saved Elizabeth’s life! The man saved your men Commodore! He was a good man!”

    Will slammed his silverware down onto the table in a fit of rage. Governor Swan stood up, “Mr. Turner! Calm yourself…if you cannot participate in this conversation civilly then please excuse yourself from it.”

    “I’m sorry sir,” Turner stood from the table. “It wasn’t my place to disagree with the Commodore. My apologies.”

    As Turner left the table, the Commodore leaned over to the Governor and joked, “It’s the pirate in him…the sudden violence I mean…” The men at the table laughed aloud. Elizabeth excused herself from the table in disgust and went to find Will.



    Captain Jack Sparrow straighten his new military coat and tucked his hair under his bandana, before placing his new military hat on his head. Moments earlier he had broken into the military barracks at the base of the hill and ‘borrowed’ a military uniform. He was now standing at the entrance to the Governor’s mansion dressed in military blues and standing dignified…somewhat dignified anyway…

    He walked up to the butler who was holding the door open for the guests. Jack nodded in his direction and then made his way into the mansion. Despite his best efforts to blend in, he stood out like a sore thumb. It wasn’t his manner of dress that caught peoples attention, but rather the long beard that he had grown over the past two years, that were braided in beads. It was the one thing he had forgotten about when he had dressed his new uniform.

    Sparrow lowered his chin slightly, trying to conceal the beads as he made his way towards a buffet table where food was lain out as far as the eye could see. His mouth watered.

    He immediately began shoveling food into his mouth. The man next too him stared at him in disgust, “You know that they have plates. And forks. And…you do realize this food will be here all night….don’t you?”

    Jack looked up, a bit of meat hanging from his mouth. “Aye,” he swallowed the meat, “I mean…Yes, sir…I do. Aye.”

    The man’s brow wrinkled. “Who are you?”

    “Captain Smithee at your service sir. Serving the King’s navy one cannon ball at a time.” Jack saluted.

    This time the man didn’t even bother responding. He just finished gathering his food and then left the room. Jack shrugged and began digging into the food once again. Within a few seconds he was disrupted again, this time by a man running into his shoulder.

    “Watch where you be going mate!” he shouted at the man.

    The man apologized immediately but seemed to be in a state of shock once he saw Jack. Sparrow looked up from his food and focused on the man.

    “Jack?” the man asked, still in shock.

    Sparrow’s eyes grew wide. “Aye! William Turner! Just the man I was looking for. Well not ‘ere but I was going to stop by and see what you were up too!”

    He embraced Will and then turned back to the food as his stomach growled. Will still stared at Jack, things finally hitting him, “What in the blazes are you doing Jack? Where did you get that uniform? You realize this is the Governor’ s mansion? Half the men in here have been searching for you for the past two years!”

    Jack shrugged, “I suppose your right mate. But I couldn’t resist the food.”

    Suddenly a voice came from around the corner. “Will?”

    Turner shoved Jack under the table, kicking him in his rear as he cracked his head on his way under. He gave a yelp. Will spun around to see who was addressing him. It was Elizabeth.

    “Will? I just wanted to apologize on the Commodore and my father’s behalf…” she was looking awkwardly as Will tried to use himself to shield the table from her sight.

    “Oh…that was nothing…nothing at all,” He muttered. “Ah, I was just thinking. I am going to have to be going now, but thanks for the invitation. I had a great time…it was wonderful…really. I’ll see you tomorrow…or something.”

    Elizabeth squinted her eyes, “Are you sure?”

    “I’m positive, in fact why don’t you go back with your father…I’m sure he is missing you already,” He laughed hoarsely.

    “Alright Will, thanks for coming…I guess,” She turned slowly and began to head back into the dining room. “Are you alright?”

    “Quite. See you tomorrow.” He lied, and she finally left the room.

    Turner pulled Sparrow from under the table. He was still rubbing his head, “Was that Miss Elizabeth?” He asked. “She’s grown to be quite a fine young lady hasn’t she aye?”

    “Certainly has,” Will watched as she vanished from site down the hall. “Now, we need to get you out of here. Let’s head down to my shop. I’m sure you have some interesting things to talk about.”

    Will led Sparrow out the front and into a carriage where guests were leaving. He told the driver where to take them and within a few moments they were headed down the hill towards his shop.



    CHAPTER II

    Sparrow finished pulling on his brown coat and then straightened his hat in front of a cracked mirror. He picked up the military coat from the ground that he had just taken off and tossed it too Will.

    “’Ere mate, you never know when this might come in handy.” Will caught the coat and placed it inside a wooden chest near his tools.

    Turner sat down on a wooden stool facing Jack, who was now looking at Will’s cutlass pirate sword that was hanging in its case. Jack opened the glass cover on the box and took the sword out. He tested the balance of the sword and then took a few cuts through the air with it. “Good sword. This will definitely come in handy. ‘specially on our next adventure.”

    “…which brings me to my first question out of many for you Jack,” Will commented, “What are you doing here in Port Royal?”

    Jack put the sword between both hands and let the tip dig into the ground, he leaned on it, “Strong sword…anyway, the reason I be here in Port Royal is quite simple William. I’m looking for a first mate and I believe I have found him. Didn’t think I would find ye’ this fast though.”

    Will looked suspicious, “That’s fine…but what do you mean first mate? What have you been up too?”

    Jack sighed, “Long story mate. You got the time?”

    Turner looked around the dark room that was barely lit by the fire that was blazing in the work pit, “I think I can spare a few minutes.”

    “Aye, well where to start,” Jack twirled his beaded beard with one hand. “What know you of the ancient Legend of Captain Pantera, Will Turner?”

    Will thought for a moment, “Captain Pantera…Hmm,” he looked down at the dusty ground, “Yes, I think I recall a bit about the legend. In fact, it was one of the ghost stories they use to talk about when I was a kid. Captain Pantera is the ghost captain who guards his plunder on Isle de Negro. His treasure is buried deep within a fort called, ‘Fort Pantera de Negro’. Legend has it no one has set foot within the walls of the fort and ever come back alive…”

    “’Cept one.” Jack’s face became deadly serious. “And that’s why I be needing your help. About two weeks ago, me crew and I decided to tempt fate and meet up with the legendary ghost captain. Course, we didn’t much believe the tales…last time I make that mistake mate, I swear by it. Anyway, we made are way into the fort. Not much ghostly stuff to be seen, so we went deeper into the caverns.”

    Sparrow closed his eyes as though he was reliving some events. “The last memory I had, was of a ghostly image. Green and gray, a young captain. And then…whack, I find me’ self lying on the beach next to the Pearl.”

    Will leaned forward, “What of your crew?”

    Jack shrugged, “That’s what I am coming to you for mate, I don’t have any idea what’s become of me crew. But I have to try and ‘help ‘em. So I sailed the Pearl out ‘ere all by me onesy to find you. I figured, we could pick up another bit of crew in Tortuga and go after that bloody captain.”

    “How did you sail the Pearl all the way out here by yourself?” Will questioned.

    “Aye, I’m Captain Jack Sparrow.” Jack winked.

    Will sat for a moment, thinking in the firelight. He vividly remembered all of Jack’s crew and knew that he had to help. Besides, this would possibly be a cure for his itching for adventure lately. “I’ve got just one more question Jack.”

    Jack waved a drunken hand as if to encourage Will.

    “When do we sail?”



    The Black Pearl was docked on a large pier right alongside the military ship, the Dauntless. Turner helped Jack untie the ropes holding it to the dock and then climbed up the wooden board that led to the ships deck. The Pearl looked splendid in the moonlight. Its eeriness from the last time Will had seen it disappeared. It really seemed to be a beautiful ship. Her black sails glowed.

    Jack used a large wooden rod to push the ship off from the dock and then he rushed back to the wheel of the ship, “Prepare to lower the jib once we hit open waters.”

    Will ran along the deck towards the bow of the boat and began tugging on the roping that was holding the jib sail tight in place, “How did you get the pearl docked by yourself?”

    Jack rolled his eyes, “You ask to many questions mate. Now shut yer’ trap and get ready to lower that sail.”

    A small breeze caught the Pearl’s sails and she began to glide gently out to sea. Once they had moved out into the clearing Turner lowered the jib sail, immediately feeling the wind catch it. The ship seemed to come to life with the extra sail and it crashed through the water out towards the horizon.

    Turner walked back towards where Jack was steer the ship, “Where are we headed?”

    “Tortuga. As you might be remembering its pretty difficult to be sailing a ship with only a two man crew. We need to find us some sailors. Besides, I need a drink.”

    Will shook his head, “I just remembered that I forgot to tell Elizabeth I was leaving. I wonder what she is going to think of my disappearance.”

    “Trust me. If all goes well on this here adventure, you’ll be dead in three days tops…or you’ll be back in Port Royal in three days tops. So either way, its three days. She won’t be missing you that much Bootstrap.”

    “Bootstrap?”

    “Aye, I figure if you be sailing with me ‘ere on the Black Pearl you might as well pick up where ye’r father left off.” He smiled.



    They reached Tortuga by early morning. By Jack’s best guess it was about four in the morning and yet the port city was still bustling. Gunfire was heard throughout the town. People were fighting, laughing, chasing women…just about anything anyone could imagine. Jack led the way.

    “You see mate, if every town in the world were like this one…” he began.

    “No man would ever feel unwanted…I know Jack, you’ve told me before.” Will shook his head, laughing.

    “At least your paying attention eh?”

    Sparrow led Will to a pub and ordered drinks for them. They sat in silence for a few moments sipping their drinks. Jack spoke first, “I can see it’s going to be a wee-bit harder this time to find me a crew, er, us a crew. Poor Mr. Gibbs ain’t ‘ere to help me this time. Fact is, he be the one that needs the helping this time.” Suddenly something caught Jack’s eye. His jaw dropped slightly and Will looked at where Jack was gawking.

    A beautiful woman had just entered and was making her way towards the bar. She had black hair, blue eyes and an hour glass figure. Her wardrobe was that of a pirate, odd because female pirates were scarce. Will looked back at Jack, who was still gawking.

    “Excuse me for a moment lad,” Jack turned up his moustache, stood and headed towards the woman as she sat down on a stool. When he reached her he placed his left hand on her left shoulder and then slid gently to sit down on her right side.

    “Hello love, can I buy you something?” Sparrow showed his toothy grin.

    She eyed him curiously and nodded, “Aye, I suppose you can Captain.”

    Jack fell in love at that very moment, “Captain? So ye’r familiar with rank missy? That’s interesting…Bartender, please give this lady a bottle of rum. That one will be on me.”

    The bartender shook his head. “No way. You haven’t even paid for that drink in your hand there.” He pointed at Jack’s own glass.

    Jack’s smile dropped. He leaned closer breathing in the man’s face. “Please?”

    “No.” The bartender recoiled in disgust.

    “Bloody hell,” Sparrow turned back to the woman trying to regain his composure, “Ah…ha, ha…old friend. Bit of a stick. But I have a better idea Miss…”

    “My friends call me Teresa.” She looked seductively at Jack, who slipped in his chair a bit.

    “Mine call me Jack Sparrow. Captain Jack Sparrow. But ye’ already got the captain part down eh? So as I was saying love, I have a better idea…what you be doing in Tortuga?”

    “Me an my small crew are looking to barter passage to Port Rossio.”

    “Interesting.” Jack sipped from his glass. “What if I were to promise you passage to your destination so long as you help me and my friend…err…me first mate with a small problem of ours.”

    “I would say you have yourself a deal.” She shook his hand.

    “Aye! Wonderful!…drinks all around then!” He stopped. “I swear love, if I had me some money…I would be buying drinks. I swear.”



    Sunlight crept over the horizon, basking Tortuga in an orange glow. Will Turner stood on a broken dock looking back at the town behind him. It was completely quiet. Gone was the drinking and shooting, everything seemed to stand still. If you looked down one of the street alleyways you would probably find a dozen drunken men sleeping against barrels or walls. It was definitely different then Royal, where Will had spent most of his life.

    Jack stepped up alongside Turner and shoveled over bottles, boxes and crates into his arms. Will almost fell off the dock.

    “What the?” He tried to adjust his grip on the heavy items. “What’s all this?”

    “Miss Teresa’s items…and her crew’s as well,” Jack pointed towards the Black Pearl. “I’ll need you too be putting that on the Pearl mate.”

    Will stumbled back a bit, catching his foot on the edge of the dock. The weight was tremendous. At that moment, Teresa appeared with her small crew of five. She was carrying a small box. Jack took of his hat and bowed to her gentlemanly.

    “Allow me love,” He took the box and began to walk alongside her towards the Pearl. “I see your crew is ready. If you will just follow me…”

    He paused for a moment in front of Will and placed the box on the already extremely heavy items he had already been carrying. That was all that Turner could take, his arms finally buckled and he lost his balance. Tumbling over the edge of the dock and crashing into the cold water.

    Meanwhile, Jack was still guiding his new crew onto the Pearl. He glanced back and saw Will thrashing in the water, “Aye! What in the bloody…” He raced down back on to the wooden dock towards where Will had fallen off. “You dropped the luggage!”

    Turner climbed up onto the dry wooden surface of the pier and spat up some water on Jack’s boot. He was about to shout at Sparrow but his eyes caught something on the Pearl’s deck.

    “Elizabeth?!” he shouted in shock.

    Jack shook his head. “No mate, Jack. Must have hit yer head or something. Say it with me mate…Jaaaccckkk. Just like that eh?”

    Turner ignored him and jumped up, jogging towards the Black Pearl. Elizabeth Swan was standing, still dressed in her evening gown on the ships deck. “How in the world?”

    She held out her and helped Will as he jumped up onto the deck with her, “You didn’t think you could leave without me did you?” She laughed and hugged him tightly.

    “But how did you know…” Will began to ask. But Jack, who was struggling with the boxes that Turner had dropped just moments earlier, interrupted.

    “Miss Elizabeth! Its wonderful to see you love.” He dropped the boxes on the deck took off his hat and bowed once again. “A stowaway I see.”

    Elizabeth nodded her head. “That’s right Captain. When Will left the party last night he left his hat. So I took it upon myself to bring it back to his shop. I ended up catching the last bit of your conversation through one of the cracks in the wall and I knew that I just couldn’t let the dear pirate Captain, that saved my life a couple years ago, go on this adventure all on his own. So I decided to act like a pirate myself and stow aboard ship until the right time to present myself.”

    Jack wiped a tear from his eye, “God bless you love. Your most welcome aboard me ship.”

    Turner smiled and hugged Elizabeth, “I’m so happy you came along.”

    “I know,” she kissed him on the cheek. “But right now I need some food. I’m starving!”

    Jack held out a crooked finger, “I know exactly what you mean love. In one of these here boxes you will find the finest food in all of Tortuga. Which, in case you be wondering…doesn’t mean much. Now we have one other problem. You can’t be sailing in a fine dress such as that.”

    “That won’t be a problem,” Teresa stepped up behind Jack from practically nowhere. Startled, Sparrow almost fell back into the ocean water. “She’s about my size and I have plenty of clothing she can borrow.”

    “Who would have thought?” Will replied sarcastically as he looked at the boxes that scattered the deck.



    CHAPTER III

    “We pillage, we plunder, we rifle and loot. Drink up me hearties yo ho,” Elizabeth stood in the middle of the new crew teaching them Jack Sparrow’s favorite song as he himself stood in the shadows near his quarters…watching. The night sky was dark, but a full moon lit the scene well enough for him to clearly make out the faces of the crew.

    “…a pirates life for me,” He mumbled under his breath with a smile. At that moment Will Turner walked down the stair’s he was leaning on, hopping off the final step.

    “So what was it Teresa was telling you about Captain Pantera in your quarters? I heard you speaking, but couldn’t make out the words…” He ran a hand through his hair, pushing aside a strand that had fallen over his eye.

    “Aye, she was telling me quite a bit about the Ghostly Captain,” Jack paused. “Makes me wonder how she be getting this information…the most interesting fact she told, was that the Captain cannot harm those that are dead…” he paused, “…or those that have been dead.”

    Will’s face showed that he didn’t understand.

    “Remember the cursed Aztec gold, Will?”

    “How could I forget?”

    “I’ve been dead Will. I stole me own piece of that Aztec gold and for a short time I was not amongst the living. The Captain cannot harm me, that be why I awoke next to me ship.” He smiled, fire blazing in his eyes. “But what’s more interesting is that fact that I can harm him. Since I have been among the dead, I have the ability to destroy him.”

    Turner’s face brightened. “This is great! So we aren’t going to our death!”

    Jack shrugged, “Who knows mate? How can she be certain aye? It could be just a legend. But even though that news be good, she had some less encouraging news. She says that three ghostly ships guard the port that leads to the exact spot we need to be docking. They are crewed by slave crews, they can be killed, but it will be three to one.” His face grew solemn, “Then once we reach the fort, we be facing a series of ‘challenges’ before we can actually reach the Captain. This may be a bit harder then me originally thought.”

    “No matter what happens Jack. I shall stand by your side. We won’t lose this fight, I promise you.” Turner said with emotion.

    Jack drunken eyes grew wide as he nodded his head. “I’m liking the courage thing, makes me want to fight.” He laughed. “Tomorrow, mate…tomorrow will be bloody.”

    His eyes focused back on Elizabeth and the drunken crew, “We kindle and char, inflame and ignite…drink up me hearties yo ho…”



    The Black Pearl crashed through twenty foot waves as the majestic ship made its way towards Isle de Negro. The sun was shining and the sky was clear. Water sprayed up on deck as the bow of the ship tore through the ocean sea.

    Teresa was looking through a scope towards the island, “Captain!” she shouted.

    “Aye?” Jack replied from where he was steering the ship. The rest of the crew was working on the mass and sails, Elizabeth and Will among them.

    “Captain! Three ships on the horizon headed our way!”

    “Blast!” Jack cursed as he steered the ship hard to port, trying to cut closer to the island so that only the starboard side would be open to attack. “Crew down to your firing positions! Starboard side!”

    Will raced back towards Jack, “Are you crazy, your going to run us ashore! The water is shallow!”

    “I know,” Jack’s eyes were focused on the upcoming ships. “If we run close enough to shore, it will give those ships no chance but to run up the Pearl’s starboard side. Gives them less of an advantage. Can’t catch us in their cross fire! Now get the guns and swords below deck and bring ‘em up! There may be some close combat before this be all over!”

    Turner nodded and rushed down below deck.

    Jack shouted at the top of his lungs as the three ships moved closer, the first was within a hundred meters, “Come on you scallywags! Arrgghhh!”

    Moments later the first ships bow came within range and a cannon ball was shot in the Pearl’s direction. Jack instructed Elizabeth to tell the crew to open fire. They did. Loud explosions were heard from below deck as the cannons went off, smoke filled the air. Jack saw the cannon balls connect with the oncoming ship, sending shards of wood into the blue sky.

    “Sink that bloody ship!” he shouted. More cannons went off, this time ripping through the enemies sails…the ship returned fire. Cannon balls were flying in all directions but the Pearl scored the first valuable hit. A round tore through the bow of the enemy ship, causing water to rush into its hull.

    Under the weight of the water it was taking on, the ships mass cracked in half and collapsed to the ocean surface. Sparrow’s crew let out a cheer. But immediately as the first ship took a fatal hit the second in the line of three came into firing range, and since the Pearl was still reloading its rounds the enemy ship had a clear shot.

    Thunderous shots rang out and the Black Pearl swayed to the port side as it was pummeled by cannon balls. Bits of the wooden deck shot up into the air, as Jack ran from the wheel of the ship towards the bow. He picked up a rifle that Will had brought up from below deck and aimed at the nearing ship, that was now within a couple dozen meters. Sparrow felt like he could almost reach out and touch it. He fired his shot at one of the slave crew members, killing him. Then Sparrow pulled out his sword.

    “This is it!” Sparrow shouted.

    For a moment everything stood still for Will, he had never seen Jack like this before. For the first time since he had met him, he seemed like a true pirate.

    Within a minute the enemy ship was alongside the Pearl and its crew was preparing to board. Meanwhile Teresa’s crew of five had surfaced from below deck and they were shouting curses at the other crew. Will’s adrenaline pumped wildly, he saw Elizabeth raising a rifle. At that moment he wished that she hadn’t come along on the adventure.

    Suddenly the calm that he had experienced for a moment exploded in a fury of gunfire. Shots tore through the air, leaving smoke and powder in their wake. One of Teresa’s crew members took a shot to the face and flew back over the railing, crashing into the water. Will could see Jack, slicing through enemies as they swung over onto the deck of the Pearl.

    Will tore his new pirate blade from his sheath and prepared for battle. He was immediately met with a blow from an opponent, that he blocked with precision. Swinging his sword in a downward arc he attempted to slice the man in half, but his foe was too quick parrying the strike with an elegant move, he spun, thrusting his blade towards Will’s stomach. Caught off guard, Turner tried to throw himself backwards but his foot caught on the deck leaving him in a precarious position.

    The enemies blade came forward like lightning and Will tried to brace himself for the thrust…but it never came. A crack sounded in the air and his opponent dropped to the deck, shot in the chest. Turner looked to his left in time to see Jack holding his pistol aimed where the man had been standing only a second earlier. Smoke was rising from the barrel.

    There was a moment of recognition, Will nodded his head in thanks…and then it was back to battle. An enemy crewmember swung across the open water on a rope towards Will, but Turner was too quick. He threw his sword straight into the man’s chest, removing it as the man hit the deck in a bloody mess.

    Meanwhile, Elizabeth was backed against the railing with Teresa, both swing wildly at anyone that came close. Elizabeth raised her rifle and was able to shoot at an enemy who was running across the deck.

    As the action unfolded, the third and final slave ship pulled up along the stern of the Pearl, dropping its anchor. The ship fired several cannon shots that obliterated the stern of the Black Pearl. Sparrow shouted.

    “Stop blowing holes in my ship!” He screamed, as he punched one of the enemies in the face before spinning and stabbing him in the stomach.

    The other crew, was now boarding the Pearl from the stern and two of Teresa’s crew had been killed already. Sparrow ran up to the bow and grabbed onto the one of the jib sail’s ropes. He sliced the tie that held it to the deck, sending himself flying up towards the main mass.

    In a stunning move, Jack used his blade to cut into the main sail…sliding down towards the stern of the boat. But just as he was about to land heroically, his sword gave way, sending him crashing onto his back. He laid on the ground for a moment in pain.

    As Jack tried to recover from his fall, Will ran to his friends aide, fighting off a half dozen crewmen on his way. Slicing and stabbing all the way to Jack’s side. When he reached him, he helped him to his feet.

    “Thanks mate,” Jack said out of breath.

    The battle raged on, but it became more obvious that Jack and his crew were gaining the upper hand. The last of the slave crew were pinned to the stern side of the ship. Sparrow reloaded his pistol and fired a shot, killing one of the men.

    Finally the crew had had enough. They retreated to their own ship, as the Pearl’s crew continued to fire on them. Within a couple minutes they were sailing away, damaged and wounded…suddenly everything was calm. Sparrow looked on the deck of his ship at the bloody bodies that littered it.

    “Clean this ‘ere mess up,” he commanded, his voice harsh. “How many men did we lose?”

    “Three sir,” Teresa said out of breath as she laid on the bloody deck panting.

    “Aye, three good men lost…” Jack took off his hat and tossed it to the ground. He then headed towards his quarters. “I want this mess cleaned up within an hour. Then we’r gonna be working on the damage to the stern.”



    By nightfall that evening the repair was finished to the stern of the Black Pearl and in good spirit, Jack had the crew raise their pirate flag. It billowed in the night breeze, a white skull overlapping crossed swords against a black background.

    Jack stood on the deck of the Pearl looking up towards the flag. Will stepped up behind him, wearing new clothes that Jack hadn’t seen since his escape from Port Royal a couple years earlier. Will was wearing a maroon colored vest under a heavy coat and cape. On his head, he wore a hat with a large feather dressing its crown and sticking out towards the rear. He grinned menacingly.

    “I figured that if I were going to act the part of a pirate I should look the part as well.” He ran his hand across his face, against the stubble that had begun to form after the past couple of days.

    Jack slapped him on the back, “I love the look mate.” At that moment, Elizabeth Swan stepped up alongside Will wearing a rugged red skirt, black boots and a white blouse covered by a black vest. Her hair was pulled back in a red bandana and a sword was hung from a belt around her waist.

    “I figured I should look the part as well Captain.”

    Sparrow clapped his hands together drunkenly. Earlier, while the crew had spent long hours repairing the stern of the ship, Jack had mostly drank from his endless bottles of rum in his quarters. “You look splendid love. Even a eunuch would be impressed. Ain’t that right William…? Which reminds me, how’s the singing coming along aye?”

    Will rolled his eyes and wrapped an arm around Elizabeth, his cape falling from his shoulder slightly. “Right.”

    Jack looked out across the island on the port side of the ship, “We should be making port tomorrow morning. The dock that leads to Fort Pantera de Negro is on the far side of the island. My only concern is that me crew is somewhat…limited. How many have we got left?”

    “Two of Teresa’s crew left, herself, Elizabeth and I. Five. Six including yourself Jack.” Will confirmed.

    “Four men and two women,” Jack commented, “Just to be entirely accurate.” He closed his eyes, thinking for a moment. Then he waved his hand out in front of him, leaning back slightly as if trying to balance himself. “Can’t say the odds be much in our favor. But then again, since when do odds matter to Captain Jack Sparrow aye?”

    He stood straight for a moment, proud and dignified, yet swaying drunkenly. He sipped from a bottle of rum he had been holding in his left hand…and then promptly fell to the deck.



    CHAPTER IV

    The Black Pearl made buff at a broken dock on the far side of Isle de Negro. The island looked like any other island, palm trees, soft sand, and clear waters surrounding it. But there was one noticeable difference…perhaps a thousand meters inland was a dark and ominous fortress that put the fort on Port Royal to shame. It stood, dark and crooked in the middle of what would otherwise be a beautiful horizon.

    Immediately after docking, Will and the remaining crew began to remove crates full of weapons and ammunition but Jack stopped them, “You won’t be needing all that mates. In fact, I say only take what you can carry comfortably.” He paused. “When we be getting to the fort, I want only William and myself to enter. The rest of you will stand watch outside, savvy?”

    The crew moaned their understanding.

    Perhaps a half our later, the crew arrived at its destination. The crooked fortress of Fort Pantera de Negro stood before them, mocking them with its dark walls. Tempting them to enter. Will shivered and saw Elizabeth’s mouth gaping at the sight.

    “I’ve had me a change of mind. Teresa, love, you will accompany me and William into the great Fort. Since you apparently have a tremendous knowledge on the subject of this ‘ere Ghost Captain.” Jack said.

    Teresa nodded her head.

    “The rest of you,” Sparrow continued, to only the two remaining crew and Elizabeth, “shall keep watch. If the worst should happen, you shall be sticking to the code.”

    Elizabeth stepped forward. “I want to go with you and Will. I didn’t come on this quest to ‘keep watch’ Jack.”

    “First,” replied Jack, stepping close and breathing his foul breath onto Elizabeth’s face, “Its Captain. Second, I don’t care what you came ‘ere for. I’m ordering you to stand and keep watch love. If you don’t like it…start a mutiny or something.”

    He shook his head, “Wait, no…don’t I didn’t mean that love. No mutiny, can’t stand them. Tell you what though. Just do as the Captain says and I promise you we’ll have a drink together on the beach when I be getting back.”

    Elizabeth turned away in disgust and joined Teresa’s crew. Jack, meanwhile walked up to a large wooden door that led into the Fort. He pressed hands against it and pushed.

    “Hmm…it was only a couple weeks ago. Yet, I can’t seem to remember how I got me self in…” He stepped back from door, tilted back his hat and then scratched his head. Suddenly the great door opened inwardly, allowing entrance. “I don’t remember scratching me head last time. But if it works…”

    He turned around to Will and Teresa. “Ready?”

    The both nodded, somewhat reluctantly.

    “Good,” Jack looked back at Elizabeth. “Remember love, stick to the code.”

    “How will I know if something has gone wrong…Captain?” She questioned.

    “Aye, that’s a good question.” Said Jack…he thought for a moment, shrugged, and then suddenly he turned and entered the fort as though he completely forgot what the question was…leaving everyone standing outside.

    Will shrugged too, “You’ll have to decide Elizabeth.” He kissed her on the cheek and then without looking back…he charged into the dark fort. Teresa following.



    As they moved deeper down a dark hallway, inside the fort, they began to notice a green mist forming around them. Jack removed an unlit torch from the wall and then used a small flask of rum that he kept in his coat pocket, to douse the torch and then light it. The hallway became a bit more visible, but the green mist remained.

    “How deep did you make it before you were knocked unconscious Jack,” Will questioned. He had already drawn his sword.

    “About this far,” Jack paused as the hallway ended and opened up into a large cavern. In the middle of the cavern was green pool that led into a small stream. Chunks of slime and mildew floated on its surface. Jack’s face wrinkled in disgust, “Aye, this far. Be careful…stick close to the walls…no knowing how deep that wretched water is.”

    As they moved around the far walls of the cavern something rumbled from deep under the green water. Mist began to fill the cavern even more. Teresa spoke, “Remember, legend has there are a series of obstacles you must overcome in order to reach the ghost captain.”

    Jack rolled his eyes, “I know love. But I don’t be seeing anything just yet that would…”

    He was interrupted from a earth shattering roar that came from the far corner of the cavern. Jack froze in horror and Will took a defensive stance. Suddenly the middle of the pool began to bubble. Foam appeared.

    Then suddenly a large head appeared from the water. A serpents head. The creature had a long mouth with two horns on top of a round head. Its eyes glowed green as its long neck continued to rise from the water. Its spine was decked with more horns and bits of spiky skin. Sparrow stepped back against the rocky cavern wall and dropped his torch, as he removed his sword.

    “A serpent!” He said, almost lightheartedly. “Always wanted to see a serpent. Kinda like mermaids eh? Never really know whether to believe they be real or not.” He looked at Will smiling, and then suddenly realized the situation he was in. “Aye! A serpent!”

    He looked around for Teresa but she was nowhere in sight.

    Will looked towards Sparrow from some sort of plan, “Ah…any plans Captain.”

    Jack stared blankly. “Kill it?”

    Turner sighed, “Great idea.”

    The both charged the creature swords drawn, ready to fight but the creature opened its mouth and blew red hot fire from its mouth in their direction. They reacted immediately and dove behind a twist spiral of rocks into a puddle of green muck. Sparrow was out of breath. “Ok, not a serpent…its worst…a dragon, mate…dragon.”

    Will was shaking his head in disbelief. “I can’t…believe it…”

    Suddenly more fire soared around the rocks and charred Jack’s hat. Sparrow became furious and ripped the hat from his head. “Aye! That’s it mate.”

    He rushed around the corner and stabbed at the creatures head, it was a glancing blow that drew a green blood from it. The dragon reared back its head in pain and then bit at Jack, catching a bit of his coat. Meanwhile Will had rushed out from the opposite side of the rock and stabbed the creature in the neck.

    The creature struck out with its tail, catching Will and throwing him against the far wall. He yelped in pain as he landed next to the torch that Jack had dropped earlier. At that moment he got an idea.

    “Jack! The rum!” he shouted.

    Sparrow in the meanwhile was swinging his sword violently at the dragon. “What about it mate! Not the time to be drinking aye?”

    The dragon bit down, grabbing Jack’s coat and lifting him in the air above the green pool. Sparrow shouted. He reached into his pocket, hanging upside down and grabbed the small bottle of rum and slammed it in the creatures face.

    At that moment, Will took the torch and threw it with all his might, straight at the creatures face. As soon as it hit it ignited, the creature flailed in pain, dropping Jack, but tearing the coat from his body. Sparrow hit the green pool with a splash and immediately swam to the cavern shore.

    The fire spread quickly over the dragons body, and then ignited something on the pools surface. As Jack climbed onto the shore as the entire pool caught fire, the dragon screaming in pain. Then moments later the creature crashed down back into the fiery water and all was silent.

    Sparrow crawled over to Will, who was laying on the ground breathing deep. “That was a good bottle of rum too…”

    Turner laughed and stood, helping Jack to his feet. “On your feet Captain.”

    Jack put his sword back in its sheath. He took Will’s hand and stood up, “Where did Miss Teresa go?”

    Turner, looked around. “I have no clue. She just…disappeared.” He paused. “You know, I don’t entirely trust her…”

    Sparrow eyed Will carefully, “And you think I ever did, mate? She had information we needed, that’s all that be mattering to me…”

    Will rolled his eyes, “Sure…I saw you gawking at her Jack.”

    Jack didn’t deny it, “I’ll admit she was nice to look at. Very nice too look at, at that. But I don’t trust anyone. You should know that.”

    Turner smiled, “I should know that. Come on, we’ve got a crew to save.”

    Sparrow cringed. “Too sappy lad. ‘We’ve got a crew to save’. Makes me cringe mate. Try something more…pirataish, piratishes, piratinsh…” He stopped trying to find the right word, “You know what word I am looking for aye? Piratanish?”

    “Actually Jack,” Will said, “No, I don’t.”

    Jack shrugged, “Hm, don’t matter. Let’s go rescue those scallywags!”



    Elizabeth sat with her chin between her hands, staring at the ground. Her rifle laid across her lap and her back was against the fortress walls. The two crew members picked up in Tortuga were standing near the edge of the foliage that led up to the fort. Since there wasn’t very much going on, Elizabeth decided to start a conversation with the two.

    “Well gentlemen, we’ve been on this voyage for a few days now and I have to admit…I don’t know either of your names,” she smiled warmly.

    The two men looked at her, but something flashed across their faces. Elizabeth gasped as for a moment their faces turned a shade of green and their eyes sunk back in their skulls. As quickly as the image appeared, however, it disappeared and they were back to normal. One of them looked past Elizabeth, as though he was looking through the wall she was leaning against.

    “She needs our help,” He said to the sailor next to him. The other nodded.

    They both began to walk towards the large door that Jack, Will and Teresa had entered about an hour earlier. Elizabeth stood up, aware that something wasn’t right.

    “Where are you going?” she questioned, picking up the rifle she had across her lap.

    Neither one of the men responded to her. They continued to walk forward, Elizabeth questioned them again…and again no response. Finally she raised the rifle and cocked back the firing hammer.

    “I can’t let either one of you enter, you heard what the Captain said…you need to stay out here and guard the entrance.”

    The nearest sailor turned his head slowly and as he did so, he skin turned green again, his eyes sunk back into his head. He stood staring at her. Elizabeth began to shake…then he snarled like an animal and leapt at her. Instinctively, Elizabeth pulled the trigger on her rifle and sent a round straight into the man’s head. He didn’t even have time to scream…his head snapped back and he fell to the ground in a dead heap.

    Elizabeth dropped her gun and pulled her sword from her belt as the second sailor charged at her with his own weapon. He was on the offensive, striking blow after blow that Elizabeth could barely block. She was forced back onto the edge of the jungle foliage and lost her footing just as the ghostly crewmember stabbed at her chest. The blade missed its target as she fell, barely missing her head as well. As she hit the sandy ground she thrust her sword up into the mans stomach.

    He stood for a moment, blinking and then green blood seeped from his mouth. He fell to his knees and then doubled over. He spat up one last mouthful of green blood and then died. Elizabeth, rushed to the fortress door and pushed as hard as she could. She now realized what was happening.

    Teresa was apart of the slave army that the Captain had assembled, and now she was alone with Will and Jack. Elizabeth slammed her fists against the door, but it didn’t budge. She screamed…hoping that they would hear it from inside, but she soon realized the wall was too thick and that they were probably already too deep into the fort to hear her.

    She fell to the ground in frustration and hammered her fists into the sand. She had to find a way into the fort to warn them…



    Jack peered around the corner of a large boulder and saw that the coast was clear. He signaled for Will to follow him. The deeper they had gone into the caverns the mistier it had gotten and the fouler it smelt.

    “Can’t be much farther,” Sparrow commented.

    As they continued to walk, they heard the sound of footsteps, running to catch up with them. Sparrow stopped and drew his sword, along with Will and the stared into the misty darkness. Everything had a green tint to it and it was difficult to see.

    From the mist a figure emerged, it was Teresa. “Why did you guys leave me?” She said out of breath.

    Jack looked over at Will suspiciously. “Because we couldn’t find you love. Where did you run off to eh?”

    “I got lost somewhere in the caverns…and I couldn’t find you,” she said…but it was obvious she was hiding something. As she walked closer towards Jack he could sense something was wrong. Then suddenly for an instance her face rippled, showing a ghostly image. Jack’s eyes grew wide for a moment, but he pretended not to have noticed.

    She was now an arm’s length away from him, “You know Jack…I told you that Captain Pantera couldn’t harm you, and well that’s the truth. But I did fail to tell you that he has spies working for him. Ghostly slaves under his spell…the thing about them…” she laughed harshly and then stared deep into his eyes, “…they can kill you…”

    In flashy move she reached for her blade with lightning speed, prepared to strike down the two men in an instant…but she wasn’t fast enough. Before she could even put her hand on the hilt Jack’s blade came forward, piercing her chest…his sword went straight through her and her eyes grew wide in shock.

    She stared at him for a moment, her face rippling again. Green blood poured out of her mouth and nose. Jack held his sword in her and turned it slightly, causing her face to contort in pain. His gaze was serious and stern. Slowly he removed his sword from her chest as green blood ran out everywhere.

    “Sorry love,” he said. “I don’t think things would have worked out between us anyway.”

    He turned to face Will who’s eyes were wide. “Not the first time I’ve wanted to skew a woman mate…I’m sure you know what I mean.”

    Will nodded his head, but his eyes were still wide. “I guess you really didn’t trust her.”

    Jack nodded his head, “That…and when someone’s face starts to shimmer and turn green. That be a warning sign.” He used the cloth that hung from his belt to wipe the blood from his sword and then slid it back in its sheath.

    Both men heard something suddenly…it was low and barely audible, but it sounded like whispering. “Do you hear that?” Turner asked.

    Sparrow nodded his head again and waved his hand in front of Will’s face, “Aye, we’re just around the corner from me crew. Remember, when we get to them…you do what you need to do to get them free. I’ll take care of Pantera.” He paused. “Oh…and watch out for more of them ghost people…things…” he made a disgusted expression, “you can tell them when there eyes wrinkle up and shrivel back into there head.” Then he tried to imitate them, by blinking strangely and pulling his eyes back. “Quite disgusting really…I swear mate, if I had known about Teresa’s…complex…then I wouldn’t have been eyeing her in the first place. In fact, that’s a fun play on words eh? Eyeing her…get it? The eye problem that she had.”

    He laughed, but Turner didn’t. Jack straightened his face and cleared his throat. “Let’s just get me crew…”




    CHAPTER V

    Jack and Will ran around a dark corner into a large opening in the cavern, green torches lined the rock walls. Green mist filled the air and a geyser sprang from the middle of the opening. Near the geyser was Jack’s crew, tide together under the light of the green torches. Sparrow hopped over a small rock and ran towards them.

    Mr. Gibbs, Jack’s longtime friend saw him first, “Aye! Mates! Captain Jack!”

    Sparrow cut Gibbs’s ties and Will worked on the rest of the crew. Gibbs’s embraced Jack awkwardly and then patted him on the back. “I knew you’d be back for us Jack, only you would be daft enough to try coming for us.”

    Jack grinned and saw Anna Maria as she finished taking off her bonds. She walked up to Sparrow, who had his arms open for an embrace, but instead she slapped him across the face. Sparrow rubbed his cheek and looked over to Will.

    “Now I know I didn’t deserve that,” he said, turning back to Maria. “What was that for Missy?”

    She smiled, “For taking so long to rescue us.” Her face became serious, “We have to get out of here now, the Captain knows you’re here and he left with his army of slaves looking for you in the caverns. He’ll be back soon.”

    Gibbs nodded his head, “Aye. There were about thirty of them…his crew. All looking for you Jack.”

    Sparrow rubbed his jaw, “Why are you still alive?”

    “No saying Jack, the Captain never said much to us…never did much of anything to us. It’s been a long while since I had me some food or drink.” Gibbs commented.

    “Well that’s about to change. There be plenty of food on the Pearl for all of you!” Jack said heroically. “Now, let’s get out of here.”

    No sooner did Jack say that, then a ghostly presence filled the cavern. A dark shadow appeared at the exit where Will and Jack had come from. Captain Pantera stood in the middle of the mist with a legion of men behind him. His laughed, a deep croak that shook the walls.

    “Jack Sparrow. Back for me plunder? Shouldn’t you have just been grateful for me sparing your life the first time…and never come back into my fortress?” He stepped out from the shadows and to Will’s surprise he was a young handsome man, with a strong jaw.

    He was well dressed in an outfit similar to a military uniform. He had a broad smile and cheery eyes. They reflected green in the mist. Will looked over at Jack, “That’s the evil ghost pirate?”

    Sparrow nodded, “I know…looks like a nice bloke eh?”

    The Captain walked towards Jack and his crew and stopped a few meters away, drawing his sword. “Perhaps this time I should just kill you.”

    Jack held up both hands, his index fingers extended in a gesture of warning, “You can’t kill me mate and you know it. That’s why you let me go…and probably only after you let me go, you realized that while you might not be able to kill me…your ghastly crewmen could. So you kept my crew alive. Knowing I would be back, and you even sent along one of your spies to leading me right into the trap.” Jack smiled.

    Captain Pantera swung his sword in front of his face. “If you knew all that…then why did you walk right into the trap?”

    Jack went to respond but realized he had no justifiable answer. Instead he drew his own sword. Will did too and the Pearl’s crew all prepared for battle. “You know, you might not be able to kill me Pantera. But I can kill you…I’m not in this for the treasure anymore mate. I’m in it for you…”

    The Ghost captain grinned…and his face turn pale green. Mist began to form all around him. “I see…in that case…” he turned to his army of men, “…kill them.”

    The army shouted a battle cry and charged. Will and Jack met them head on with their blades, slicing through their ranks. Behind them Jack’s crew picked up the weapons from the dead warriors and began to fight in the battle as well. As soon as the battle began to even out Jack raced after Pantera…who had fled deeper into the caverns.

    William Turner in the meanwhile, took charge of the battle against the slave warriors. He cut through one warrior just as another stabbed in his direction. He deflected the blow and ducked as Gibbs swung his own weapon around, decapitating the enemy. While the enemies were numerous, there skill did not match their size in numbers…Sparrow’s crew soon had the upper hand…and the bloody battle continued.



    Meanwhile, Jack caught up with Pantera as he retreated up a staircase out of the caverns and into the actual fortress itself. Pantera led Jack into a room, the size of a large ballroom. All around the room, treasure was stacked to the ceiling. Grand chandeliers hung from the ceiling as well. It was a striking contrast from the misty caverns they had just come from.

    Pantera stopped his retreat and drew his sword once again. He stood in the middle of the room as Jack walked slowly up to him. As Jack reached the Captain, one of the Chandeliers suddenly collapsed and crashed down to the floor. Sparrow dove out of the way just in time and slid on the ground, coming to a halt at the base of some stacked gold.

    Pantera laughed, “It wasn’t wise of you to stand and fight mate. Like you said…I may not be able to kill you with my hands or this blade,” he pointed to his sword. “But I have more working for me then you.”

    Suddenly a dozen warriors stepped out from various places in the room, revealing themselves. They shouted at the top of their lungs, a great war cry, and Jack cursed, “Bloody hell…”

    They charged him wildly and Jack drew out his pistol immediately shooting the first one in the chest. Killing him instantly, he then spun around and swung with his blade low…taking out the legs of his second attacker. Using the momentum from the spin, Jack rolled on the ground and ran up a pile of stacked treasure. He shoved his blade into his belt and jumped outward, grabbing a chandelier and using it to swing towards the center of the room.

    As soon as he hit the ground his sword was out and he was exchanging blows with the surprised Ghost Captain. Jack stabbed high, towards the Captain’s head but the blow was deflected and a counter blow was made. Jack side stepped the slice and then parried with several cuts of his own. Just as he was about to make another slice at the Captain’s head he felt the presence of a warrior behind him. Jack dropped to a knee and thrust his sword backward into the enemies groin. The man shouted in pain and tumbled over.

    “That’s definitely got to hurt mate.” Jack quipped. He stabbed another soldier and then turned back to Pantera. “You know,” Jack commented as he engaged in combat with the pirate, “This isn’t me first time battling a ghostly captain.”

    He swung around again, this time punching an enemy in the face and then stabbing him when he fell. Pantera nodded his head as he deflected a blow from Jack, “So I have heard. Surprisingly news does travel…even to such places as this.”

    They engaged in more combat, Jack used a free hand to punch the Captain in the face, knocking him backward for a moment. Sparrow, then leapt forward and tackled him…they rolled on the ground, blades still crossed. The Captain pushed Jack off and swung his sword across Jack’s stomach, cutting his shirt.

    “Would you like me to tailor that up for you Sparrow?” The Captain taunted.

    Jack raised his brow, “You certainly have the charisma of Barbosa, but definitely not the same skill with a blade.” He chided. This time he stabbed at the Captain’s shoulder and made contact. Jack could feel his sword cutting through the Ghost captain’s skin. Pantera’s face contorted and once again he took on his ghostly image. His eyes sunk back into his head and his flesh turned green…mist came from his mouth as blood bored from his shoulder.

    Sparrow leapt back and sliced one of Pantera’s men in half before getting his sword knocked from his hand by Pantera. The Captain howled like a wild beast, green blood now pouring from his eye sockets. His flesh turned from a light green to a dark shade that was nearly black.

    Jack rolled under his legs and grabbed his sword. As he reached the sword he rolled away just in time to miss being stabbed in the heart. The Captain’s sword tore into the wood flooring and stuck. This gave Sparrow the moment of opportunity, he bounced onto one knee and swung his sword with all his might…slicing Captain Pantera’s head straight off from his shoulders.

    It flew across the room, hitting his last crewmember in the chest. Knocking him to the ground. Blood sprayed from the Captain’s torso, covering Jack. Sparrow dropped his sword and cried out in disgust as the green blood covered his body. Pantera’s body went into convulsions for a moment and then suddenly stopped. Everything was still.

    Will Turner ran in from the far side of the room and took sight of the scene. “You all right Jack?”

    Sparrow sighed, “I guess mate. But I’m covered in filth.”

    Will smiled and then saw the body of Captain Pantera…blood was still spreading out onto the floor. Turner then looked around the room at all the treasure. “At least we won’t be going home empty handed eh?”

    “That is quite true lad, quite true. How’s the crew? Everyone make it out alive?” Sparrow questioned as he put his sword back into his belt and stood.

    “Everyone came threw…but I’m afraid things are a bit messier out there then it is in here. We counted thirty of them.”

    “Thirty?” Jack was distracted as he began shoveling through the treasure.

    “Gibbs is leading them out, he remembers the way…said he would be back with boxes from the Pearl when he gets outside. I told him Elizabeth will lead him to our ship.”

    Jack turned around sharply, “Our ship?”

    “Your ship,” Will corrected himself.

    Sparrow smiled. “Me ship…Well Mr. Turner, everyone gets an equal share in the plunder…so you best start finding the items you enjoy the most.”

    Turner laughed. After all they had gone through the past few days. After all the bloody battles, after all the drama, after all the danger…and Jack was already concerned about his new treasure…



    Later outside in the sunlight Jack’s crew prepared the Pearl to leave its dock. Gold and other assortments of treasure littered the deck of the ship and the crew told stories of what it had been like inside the ghost fort.

    That night, there was a tremendous party onboard. They sung, they drank and celebrated their victory. Elizabeth and Will cuddled in the shadows together, and Jack flirted with Anna Maria as Gibbs told more ghost stories. Everyone drank, and by the time the party was over nearly everyone was passed out on the deck…and the next morning nearly everyone had a nasty hangover, except for Sparrow who had somehow mastered the state of permanent drunkenness…

    The surf was calm and the sun was bright, as the Pearl sailed across the open sea towards Port Royal. Will staggered up to Sparrow, who was looking out over the ocean as he stood on the bow. Will rubbed his head as it throbbed, “How do you do it Jack?”

    “Do what mate?” Sparrow still stared out over the ocean. “How do I have the courage to fight against a Ghost Captain to save my crew? How did I become the greatest pirate in the Caribbean? Or perhaps you would like to know how I have become such a legend? Or how stories about me are heard all throughout the Spanish Maine? What would you like to know young William?”

    “No, it’s nothing like that Jack,” Will rubbed his head again. “How do you cure a hangover? ‘Cause this throbbing in my head is driving me nuts.”



    CLOSING

    Will helped Elizabeth off the Pearl and onto the Port Royal pier as Jack handed him their ‘luggage’. Several cases full of treasure and all of Teresa’s clothing. Jack had figured that since the clothes were Elizabeth’s size, she might as well keep them as part of her plunder from the adventure.

    “Bootstrap.”

    Will turned and looked up at Jack, “I prefer William.”

    “Aye, William,” Sparrow said from up on the deck of the Pearl. “Thanks mate, I appreciate all yer help. If you ever need anything you know where to find me.”

    “A tavern in Tortuga?” Turner jested.

    “Exactly.” Sparrow laughed. “You sure you don’t want to stay along as me first mate, boy? Your good with a blade and your entertaining too…” he looked at Elizabeth, “Miss Elizabeth is invited as well.”

    “No thanks Jack, not now anyway…I’ve got a lot of work to do and I am sure we are going to have a tough time explain Elizabeth’s disappearance to the Governor.”

    “Aye, I guess your right mate. Take care…” Jack took off his hat and saluted Will and Elizabeth and then turned back to his crew, “Come on you scallywags…let’s get out of port before they decide to blow us from the water.”

    Will waved a final goodbye to Jack and then put his arm around Elizabeth’s shoulder. They walked along the pier toward the town. He kissed her on the cheek… “I guess I am not the only pirate in this relationship anymore.”

    She kissed him on his chin. “I guess not. You should have seen me handle those guys Will…”

    Turner laughed as she told him for the seventh time how she took care of the two crewmen she was left behind with at the fort…



    Jack Sparrow stared out towards the horizon as the Black Pearl made its way out into the endless ocean. Waves crashed against the bow, water sprayed onto the deck as the crew worked hard managing the sails and the roping. He placed his hands on the railing and looked out to sea. Behind him Port Royal grew smaller in the distance and in front of him the horizon offered a new day, a new quest, “Adventure calls…” he whispered.

    Sparrow turned around and walked, standing tall and dignified, back towards the stern of the boat towards his quarters. He made his way down the steps that led to the deck. As he reached the bottom step, however, he slipped on a puddle of water and crashed to the deck.

    All of the crew stopped their worked…everything was silent. They stared at their Captain as he stood up, drunkenly waving his hands out in front of himself as he tried to balance.

    “That my friends was for dramatic effect!” He shouted, clearly embarrassed, “Now get back to work!”

    Everyone jumped back to work as ordered and Jack swayed over to where Anna Maria was standing and placed his face just inches from hers. “Drama Love,” he breathed in her face, causing her to recoil in disgust. “Drama.”

    She rolled her eyes…



    THE END
    Of
    PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
    The Legend of Captain Pantera




    Poster Art
    Teaser Poster Version A
    Teaser Poster Version B
    Teaser Poster Version C
    Theatrical Poster
    Character Poster: Jack Sparrow
    Character Poster: Elizabeth Swan
    Character Poster: William Turner
    Postcard

    Upcoming Work
    [SW] Rogue Squadron: DEFECTION (Special Edition) – Mid Febraury
    Indiana Jones – Mid March
    [SW] Rogue Squadron II – April
    POTC III – Early May
    [Jp/TE] Finale – SUMMER

    Special Thanks
    Thanks to Carnotaur3 for the ideas, concepts and even the poster art that he made for me (Teaser C). Thanks to everyone who read, this was my attempt to get back to old school type fan-fiction and I hope you all enjoyed it. I had a blast writing it…the list I posted up above is the list of the work that I will be posting on this site. After the stuff listed I am FINALLY done with Fan-Fiction (whew…been a long time). Hope you look forward to it all…Leave a Comment!

    ~IceBReaKeR

    2/2/2004 12:21:28 AM
    (Updated: 2/2/2004 1:10:38 AM)

    Comment on this fan fiction!




     
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