The Teardrop Of Immortality

Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean…Duh.

Chapter 14

‘Life is a ticket to the greatest show on earth.’

~Martin H. Fischer


Nerissa blinked and reached over to grasp Jack’s hand. She pulled it up towards her eyes and studied the ring with confusion before she raised her eyes to the woman in front of them.
“What is this?” she whispered and Jack turned to look at Atargatis with wide eyes that mirrored Nerissa’s.
“Yes, what exactly is this?” he asked in a loud voice and the Goddess raised her hand and studied her elegant fingers for a few moments without replying.
Jack’s eyes narrowed, “You were too eager to talk before. What is this?” he snapped as he stood and showed her the glimmering ring.
Atargatis lowered her hand and turned her black eyes to him, “And here I thought you were smart, Jack Sparrow.” She murmured and then her eyes flickered to Nerissa who looked bewildered as well.
“Well,” Jack started as he took a step closer and tilted his head to the side, “At times even the greatest minds can be…confused.” He narrowed his eyes and licked his lips, “But, I am not confused. I am simply…mad.” He finished and she chuckled.
“We all know that.” Atargatis laughed but Jack was not amused.
“I know I just created a blood bond.” He told her and his eyes flickered towards Nerissa for a moment before he looked back at her, “But why?” he asked her in a low voice.
Atargatis took a deep breath and twirled a strand of her blonde hair around her pale finger, “You know why, Jack. I need to save my daughter.” She said at last and Jack shook his head rapidly.
“Come again? Save her?”
Atargatis paused and her expression turned stormy, “It is not the first time you have been in a blood bond contract and you know it. You owe me, Jack. Now it’s time to pay me back.” Her voice gained volume and Jack raised a finger at her.
“I did pay you back…Numerous times…Or I paid Tia back, either one.” He smiled but she wasn’t placated.
“I need more than your charms, Jack-…”
“I am not your daughter.” Nerissa spoke up as she leaned forward, “You don’t even look like my mother.” She whispered as she eyed the woman before her.
Atargatis cocked her head to the side before she moved forward with a hand outstretched.
Jack stepped to the left to halt her approach but he was thrust out of the way with an imperious push of her hand. He landed against the table with a groan and rubbed his side.
“Ouch.” He grumbled before he stood but it was already late.
Atargatis had reached Nerissa and was in the process of placing her translucent fingers against her chest, just where the teardrop tattoo was.
“Oi.” Jack called nervously and when Nerissa screamed he jumped forward but he had barely touched Atargatis hair before he was thrust back again.
“Didn’t you ever wonder why you, you of all mermaids, have this on you? How can you have forgotten?” Atargatis whispered and a tear leaked from Nerissa’s eye as she squeezed her eyes shut and slapped the other woman’s hand away with surreal strength.
“Stop it!” Nerissa exclaimed as she clutched her chest and stared at the other woman horrified, “You are not my mother because if you are…If you are, I’ll never forgive you for leaving me. Ever.” She whispered and Atargatis’ eyes widened.
Jack moved forward again but this time no one stopped him. He sat on the bed and pulled Nerissa’s hand away from the tattoo. His eyes widened in awe.
“Love…it’s…shiny. Like silver.” He concluded and Nerissa looked down at her chest before she looked at the silent woman again.
“What have you done?” she asked quietly and when Atargatis did not answer she screamed, “What have you done?”
The Goddess took a deep breath before she spoke, “What I should have done. You and you alone are the mistress of the tear. No one else can touch it; no one else can have it. So, don’t even think about giving it to your…mate.” She smiled a wide grin and Nerissa gasped and placed a hand over her mouth.
“M-mate?”
“Mate?!!” Jack barked the word and pulled his hands from Nerissa.
Atargatis smiled, “Jack Sparrow, why are you so shocked? You are aware that for a blood bond to work, both parties must be willing.” She said sweetly.
“How can we be willing when we have no idea? Are you daft, woman?” he exclaimed as he flailed his arms about and stood again.
“Be carful of your language, Captain. You forget that I can sink your precious Pearl and make it nothing but a few planks of wood floating in the sea!” Her voice echoed in the walls of the hut around them and Jack snarled.
“Speak clearly. What is it that you want?” he asked her hoarsely and the Goddess smiled serenely again.
“What I want, Jack, is for my daughter to live. So,” she took a few steps forward and he stepped back reflexively, “You, as her mate, is going to make sure that you lead your crew to Oak Island. There, you shall get the Tear by the help of my daughter and then…” she paused and cocked her head to the side.
“Then what?” Jack asked impatiently.
“Then you shall let her have the Tear while you get the gold.” She finished, “I think it is a great agreement, don’t you?” she asked calmly and Nerissa shook her head.
“I will have the Tear? What does that mean?” she spoke up and Atargatis looked at her.
“You are tied to him now. That will keep you safe and alive until you reach Oak Island. But in order to live you have to drink the tear yourself.” She explained and Nerissa shook her head.
“This is absurd.”
“Aye!” Jack nodded, “Do you know that we are not alone on this journey?” he asked and Atargatis wrinkled her nose in disgust.
“The two siblings. I won’t ever understand what you saw in her, Jack Sparrow. But they need to be disposed of. Both of them. The woman, she is too greedy and does not care for her brother no matter how much she claims otherwise.” Atargatis looked at Jack, “She is after one thing; the Tear and as soon as she gets it, she’s going to kill her brother and get rid of you. Both of you.” Her eyes went on Nerissa.
“You mean we should…kill them?” Nerissa asked and the Goddess nodded.
“Hold on.” Jack shook his head and raised his hands, “You do realize that it is impossible to kill Angelica. She is an immortal-…”
“As long as she still has a few years from her father to live.”
“Aye. So that would make killing her a bit…impossible.” He leaned forward, “Aye?” he smirked.
Atargatis smiled, “You still have no idea who your mate is, do you? You desire her, you have…what you call them, stirrings for her because the great Captain Sparrow does not love, but you have no idea what my child can do. Neither has she.” Her gaze turned on Nerissa who stood up on her knees with a wince.
“What are you talking about?” she asked and Jack stepped back towards Nerissa.
“Indeed.” He nodded his head, “My mate- eh, Nerissa is right.” He quickly corrected his slip of tongue.
Atargatis sighed, “The only one who can kill an immortal is a mermaid. A mermaid with that tear tattooed on her skin. The one blessed by the Sea Goddess. That’d be you, Nerissa. Only you can get rid of that pariah. No one else.” She finished and Nerissa stared at her uncomprehendingly.
“Me?” she whispered and Jack looked at Nerissa proudly.
“Bloody hell. Who knew…That would explain your strength.” He murmured as he eyed the former mermaid.
“See? There’s a solution for everything.” Atargatis smiled and Nerissa laughed.
“You’re insane! I am not killing anyone. How can you even say that? I’ve never used my power to destroy any living thing...” she shook her head rapidly and Atargatis fixed her gaze upon her.
“You have to because that’s your only way to survive.” She said in a low hollow voice and Jack stepped in.
“Now, wait a moment. I was also aware that love…can save a mermaid.” He smiled triumphantly and Atargatis started laughing; loudly.
Jack’s grin fell right off his face and he grimaced.
“Oh, Jack Sparrow! You did always make me laugh. You cannot stop amusing me that’s why I am so fond of you.” She ran a finger down his chest and he slapped her hand away.
“I am rather…amusing.” He muttered as Nerissa buried her face in her hands and shook her head, still unable to believe what was going on.
“Indeed you are.” Atargatis chuckled. “But I never thought you were foolish enough to believe in such stories and superstitions.” She said flatly, “No one can save a mermaid that’s been transformed into a woman. No one. Especially not a mortal’s love.” She leaned forward, “How can a little mortal man ever help a mermaid regain her life? These are fairytales that have been spread all over the seas to cause confusion. They’re nothing but children’s stories.” She finished with coldness.
Jack’s gaze flickered from her to Nerissa and back again, “What makes you think that I will help her? Blood bond aside?” he asked her with a cocked eyebrow and Atargatis smiled while Nerissa looked up at him in surprise.
“You know why, Jack. Because in your own way you want her for yourself. That is why you have not let anyone touch her or be near her. That’s why you’re so possessive of her. I do admit that for a mortal your ardor…is palatable and surprising. And here I thought you were a heartless cad.” She tilted her head to the side, “I also think you know what happens if you break a blood bond with me.” She said in a soft, barely audible voice.
He straightened and raised his chin up in indignation, “Oh? Do I?” he murmured while Nerissa strained her ears to hear them, her usually perfect hearing now at an impasse.
“Yes, you do. If you fail and betray her or me, I will make sure that you and your precious Black Pearl end right back into Davy Jones’ locker.” She breathed into his ear, her blonde hair brushing his cheek.
He gulped and stepped back, “I see.” he murmured and Nerissa spoke up.
“You don’t look like my mother.” She whispered as she looked at the woman up and down.
Atargatis smiled, “No, I don’t. I take many forms but never the same one for two times.” She replied and Nerissa blinked.
“You were the one who helped them catch me, weren’t you? You helped them. You were the one who drew me away from my waters.” She said suddenly and Atargatis tensed while Jack crossed his arms over his chest smugly.
“So, it was you. I don’t know if I should thank you or not.” Then his eyes went to Nerissa who looked wounded at his words.
His eyes widened and he cleared his throat, “Given the situation we’re in and all.” He added uncomfortably.
“Yes, it was me.” Atargatis admitted and Jack frowned.
“Hold on a minute. Why would you help her get caught?” he asked with suspicion and the Goddess smiled at him.
“There are a lot of things you don’t understand, Jack Sparrow. But I do think you understand loneliness. It’s the price of freedom, is it not? I’ve tasted it myself. So, don’t you dare judge me on that.” She spat and Jack stared at her without even blinking.
“You’re odd.” He said at last and Atargatis smiled.
“Of course. I am a Goddess. We’re all odd.” Then her eyes went to Nerissa who was staring blankly at the floor.
With a sigh she turned her back on them.
“Oh, before I go. I am sure you know that the bond is incomplete, don’t you?” she called and Jack froze.
“What?” he and Nerissa exclaimed in unison and Atargatis looked at them from over her shoulder with a smirk.
“The good Captain will explain, my sweet. It’s just a small sacrifice anyway, right, Jack? If you want to be among the living that is.” she laughed before she disappeared from their sight.
Nerissa swallowed hard and touched Jack’s hand who jumped in response.
“What does she mean?” she whispered and Jack turned to look at her. The ring around his finger flickered viciously as if mocking him and he gritted his teeth.
He parted his mouth to speak and then closed it again. He cleared his throat and looked at her. The horrified look in her eyes caused him to falter again though and instead of answering her, he turned and walked away in silence.
Nerissa burst in tears and curled in a ball to stifle her sobs.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo


Jack picked up Nerissa and stormed in silence towards his cabin, ignoring Gibbs’ incessant questions and Angelica’s confused looks.
Just as he was at the door, Erik’s voice made him pause.
“Wait! Aren’t you going to tell us what happened?” he asked in a too loud for Jack’s nerves voice.
Jack gritted his teeth and Nerissa’s eyes widened at the sight of his stormy face.
“Do not temp me, whelp.” He muttered but of course Erik didn’t know when to stop speaking. Family trait.
“Hey! We all want to know what happened! And why is that thing glimmering on your finger?” Erik exclaimed as he pointed at Jack’s hand.
Jack whirled around with Nerissa in his arms and looked down upon the man.
“Very well. Calypso, also known as Atargatis, has demanded that I kill both you and your beloved sister. On top of it all, I am proud to announce to you all, that your dear Captain has found himself bonded in holy matrimony with this very lass here.” He looked at Nerissa who tried to hide behind her hand, “That means, you all also have another master besides your captain aboard, savvy? Oh, I forgot to mention that if anyone dares to bother me for the next twenty four hours, I am going to tie them up to the crow’s nest so that they can keep company to the birds! Am I clear?” he finished with a glare at Erik who stared wide eyed at him.
“Gibbs, in the cabin. Now.” He ordered before he turned back around and disappeared into his quarters.
Gibbs ran in after him while Angelica stared at the closed cabin door with incredulity and disbelief.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

A day later…


“What are you going to do?” Gibbs asked as he took the helm from him.
Jack groaned, “Not much I can do, mate.” He grumbled, “I have to do as she says.”
Gibbs’ eyebrows went high up his forehead, “You mean you’re going give up the tear?”
Jack rolled his eyes, “I don’t care about that so much. Not when I’ll get the gold.” He smirked and added, “Besides, I am just glad none of the two siblings will get to have it. It’s not that what worries me.”
“So…what worries you, sir?” Gibbs asked and Jack paused, mulling the thoughts in his head with pursed lips.
“Only Nerissa can make those two disappear.” He motioned towards Erik and Angelica that were by the mast, “Actually, Angelica is the tricky one for she cannot be killed.” He added.
“Oh.” Gibbs murmured and looked at Jack, “You think they’ll pose a problem once they know about the Tear?” he asked and Jack snorted.
“Most definitely.” He nodded his head.
“Captain, I don’t think the lass will be able to do it…Get rid of the snarky lady, I mean.” Gibbs said grimly.
“Aye.” Jack nodded, “That lass doesn’t have a mean bone in her.” He smirked and sighed.
“What about the other thing?” Gibbs cleared his throat and Jack blinked.
“What thing?” he drawled.
Gibbs brought his two fingers together and rubbed them while puckering his lips and Jack barked out a laugh.
“Oh that. I’ve no idea.” He admitted bluntly, “To be honest, I have some technical problems about that.” He sniffed ad Gibbs’ ears went red.
“Oh? That’s a novelty.” He snorted and Jack slapped the back of his head sharply to wake him up.
“Oi! I do not have any technical problems, Master Gibbs. Little Jack works just fine. I am not sure of the other participant’s competence is all.” He said as he inspected his nails.
“Eh?” Gibbs scratched his head and Jack slapped himself on the face.
“Mate, Nerissa was a mermaid.” He enunciated the word mermaid and pointed to his groin.
Gibbs’ eyes widened in realization and he coughed nervously, “Oh, aye! So…Why not check?” he asked bluntly and Jack opened his mouth to snap at him but thought better of it.
He shut his mouth and pointed a finger at his first mate before he headed for the stairs.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

“Okay, love. I need to clear some things out…Oh.” Jack stopped mid sentence once he entered the cabin and noticed Nerissa on the bed; half dressed.
She yelped and snatched the sheet, clutching it against her chest.
“Sorry.” He muttered although he wasn’t. Not really, because what he had seen was rather…appetizing.
“Are you always this inappropriate?” Nerissa asked quietly with slightly narrowed eyes and he grinned.
“Siren, I am a pirate. Besides, this is my cabin…and my bunk. And you forgot that I’ve already kissed those pouty lips of yours.” He added as an after thought and she lowered her eyes.
“That’s right.” She mumbled and he took a few steps closer.
“So, like I said, I have a few…questions.” He said hesitantly and she looked up.
“About?” she asked curiously and he wiggled his fingers a bit as he came closer.
“Love…in order for the bond to…be complete…I need to…You know.” He waved his hands around and she blinked.
“You need to what?” she asked with slight confusion.
Jack licked his lips, “Remember we talked about this, love?” he started and as he continued her cheeks flushed a bright shade of red, “Me…you and a bed…Or the desk, the chair, the floor…the wall. Doesn’t matter.” He shook his head and she bit down on her nail nervously.
“We could skip that part….” She whispered and he smirked.
“What part?”
“The mating…thing.”
“Sure, if you want me dead.” He pointed out as he raised his hand and showed her the lava colored ring.
She faltered, “Of course not.” She murmured, “You said you had a question.” She whispered as she gazed at him intently.
Jack nodded, “Aye. Ahem, I was wondering about the…anatomical aspect of your…entity.” He said and the moment he finished the speech he rolled his eyes at his own choice of words.
Nerissa blinked, “I…have legs.”
And Jack couldn’t help it; he laughed. Loudly.
She straightened her posture and at his hysterical laughter she pouted and leaned forward. He immediately stopped when she grabbed his hand and hauled his forward.
“Don’t make fun of me.” She murmured and his eyes locked with hers as she pulled his hand under the sheet and guided it to her thighs. He swallowed hard and when she let go of his hand, he carried the intimate journey himself. He pried her thighs open with his fingers and slipped his hand further upwards.
A strange noise blossomed to the back of his throat and he dropped his eyes to the exposed skin of her shoulder before he raised his gaze to her blushing face.
“Well? Am I suitable or not?” she asked him in an honestly innocent voice and he smirked.
“Love, please tell me that you know that the nymphs are not the ones who give us babies, aye?” he asked her and she frowned.
“Are you going to talk to me about intercourse, Captain?” she asked him and he laughed hoarsely before he leaned forward and brushed her lips with his own.
“Nay, love. I am not going to talk about it. I’m going demonstrate.” He breathed before he captured her lips with his own and pushed her back against the mattress.

End of chapter 14

A