The Teardrop Of Immortality

Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean….But I do own a Jack pillow, a Jack pen…various posters, the DVDs and my very vivid imagination!!! :p

Chapter16


“The difference between my sins and your sins is that when I sin I know I'm sinning while you have actually fallen prey to your own fabricated illusions. I am a siren, a mermaid; I know that I am beautiful while basking on the ocean's waves and I know that I can eat flesh and bones at the bottom of the sea. You are a white witch, a wizard; your spells are manipulations and your cauldron from hell yet you wrap yourself in white and wear a silver wig.”
¯ C. JoyBell C.


“Are we going to eat these?” Nerissa asked as she turned to look at Gibbs with wide eyes.
“Aye.” The older man turned to smile at her, like he usually did when he was around the former mermaid.
Nerissa turned towards the water and swung her legs a bit, happy that they cooperated and moved at her will.
“Poor things…” she whispered and the older man turned to gaze at her.
“What? You did eat fish down there, didn’t you?” he asked her and Nerissa shrugged.
“Yes…sometimes. But when I had the choice I fed on seaweed…It didn’t taste that good but… I felt sorry for them. My sisters were not as sentimental.” She said with a faint flush.
“Oh, aye. They eat men.” Gibbs scratched his beard and Nerissa turned to look at him sharply.
“We…They do not eat men. That’s just a myth, Mr. Gibbs.” She shook her head, “Humans have been awful to the mermaids. They abused them for centuries in order to gain profit. They kill my kind. And so mermaids have turned vengeful towards the human race.” She lowered her voice when a couple of crewmen passed by them and she tightened her fingers around the fishing pole.
“Have you ever seduced a sailor?” Gibbs asked with a wink and Nerissa frowned.
“You mean in order to kill him?” she clarified and he nodded.
“Not really…Well, there was one time when I almost gave in because a fishing boat had tried to capture me but no…”
“Ah, what stopped you?” the older man was curious.
Nerissa turned her blue gaze on him, “It was a family. They had two little boys with them and once I escaped their nets I just left.”
“Ah. Oh, oh! I am getting something! Come on, you little buggers! Yes!” Gibbs exclaimed and Nerissa giggled as he hauled the large fish up.
“You caught something? Finally.” Angelica came to stand by them and eyed the fish.
Gibbs grimaced before he turned to her, “You can take it to the cook.” He unceremoniously thrust the slick, thrashing fish into her arms and she yelped.
“Me?”
“Aye.” Gibbs turned back around and prepared to throw the fishing pole back inside the waves while Nerissa turned away so she could smile without being seen.
No such luck because Angelica noticed and emptied the fish in her brother’s arms that was standing next to her.
Nerissa stiffened as the other woman came to stand next to her, “Something funny, little mermaid?” she murmured and Nerissa turned to look at her in the eye.
“Not particularly.” She whispered before she turned to look at the ocean.
“Indeed. You’re after all the fish specialist here, yes?” Angelica drawled and suddenly there was a loud clap.
“Out of my way, fish bearer.” Jack waved his hands as he passed by Erik who glared at him, “I see you’re off duty.” He remarked as he spotted Angelica.
“So?”
“Aren’t you supposed to be at the crow’s nest and mainly out of my way?” he narrowed his eyes and placed his hands upon his hips.
Angelica rolled her eyes, “If you were a proper Captain I’d probably take your orders seriously but alas you’re not so-…Oh! What are you doing, Sparrow?” she screeched as he grabbed her around the waist and with a might pull he swept her off her feet.
“Not a proper captain, am I?” Jack muttered, “Very well.” And with that he threw her right off the ship and let her tip over the rail.
Angelica screamed as she fell into the calm sea and Erik gasped.
“Are you mad?” he exclaimed as he dropped the fish on the deck and rushed over to the rail to look down at his sister.
Angelica resurfaced and sputtered water out of her mouth as Jack came to stand next to Nerissa who watched with wide eyes and a slack jaw.
“Something to say?” Jack cocked an eyebrow with an evil smirk and Angelica pushed her soaked hair away from her face and glared up at him.
“Is this supposed to be a joke?” she hissed up at him and he shrugged innocently before he threw an arm around Nerissa’s shoulders.
“Aren’t you forgetting something there?” he asked and when Erik tried to grab a rope and throw it to her he grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and hauled him several feet back without releasing him when he was done.
Angelica’s eyes flashed with fire and she gritted her teeth before she started swimming forward.
“Is this a joke, Captain?” she emphasized the captain with such venom that Nerissa shivered.
Jack only grinned lopsidedly, “Good lass. Throw her the rope now, mutt.” He let go of Erik who glared at him and took a step towards him.
“What are you trying to prove?” he asked and Jack let go of Nerissa and turned to face the younger man.
“Prove? Number one, I am the captain and you’re acting like it’s news to you. Number two,” Jack came to stand right in front of him and glared down at him, “Your sister insulted her. Thus, she insulted me. Now, I suggest you start doing what I say because if you haven’t realized it, I am the one pulling all the strings, savvy? Now get on with it before she starts sprouting fire.” Jack grimaced and then walked away towards the helm.
Erik’s glare burned holes upon his back as he made his retreat and then he turned his hateful gaze on Nerissa who looked right back at him with confidence.
He snarled and made to take a step forward but he was cut off.
“Hurry up!” Angelica yelled up at him and grudgingly he turned to aid his sister, leaving Nerissa lone.
Gibbs cleared his throat and leaned down to pick up the fish Erik had dropped.
“Be back, lass.” He told Nerissa before he walked away quickly.
Nerissa shifted a bit upon the rail and turned her gaze on the water, trying to ignore Angelica’s curses and groans as her brother started pulling her up.
She did try to ignore her but that didn’t mean that Angelica would let her. As soon as she was on deck the Spanish woman turned her dark eyes on her and Nerissa had to look back at her. Her gaze burned but Nerissa was surprised when the dark haired woman didn’t talk and simply stormed below deck.
Blinking her mild shock away, she turned her attention to her fishing pole and focused on it. A heavy feeling in her gut told her that sooner or later she’d have to make a choice; a choice that would affect not only her life but Jack’s as well. And she was not ready. She knew she wasn’t.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

“Hang on there, love. Stay where you are.” Jack stopped her before she got off the railing and she turned to look at him.
“But I’m tired.” She blurted out and he chuckled.
“You’ve been fishing all day.” He smirked, “But I’ve had an idea.” With that he grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it off.
Nerissa’s eyes widened, “What idea needs you to shrug out of your clothes?” she asked while blinking rapidly.
He laughed and leaned down to remove his boots, “We’re going for a swim.” He announced and Nerissa’s eyes started sparkling at the suggestion. But then her face fell.
“But I cannot-…”
“Walk properly. Yes, yes. But I think you might be able to swim. And if you’re able to swim…Eh, you get the rest.” He winked as he reached over and grabbed hold of her oversized shirt.
She yelped and slapped his hands away, “I’ll stay in my clothes, thank you very much, Captain.”
Jack raised his hands up in surrender and shrugged, “Suit yourself.” With that he jumped up on the rail while holding onto a rope and offered her his hand.
Nerissa eyed it with dread for a moment and he frowned, “Don’t you trust me, love? I won’t let go.” He said quietly, mindful of the few crewmen that were on duty that evening.
Nerissa licked her dry lips and hesitantly reached out towards him. His calloused fingers closed tightly around her softer hand and he pulled her up. She gasped and wrapped her arms around his torso and he chuckled before he jumped off the rail.
They hit the cool waters with a loud splash and Nerissa released a high squeal of joy at being in the ocean again. They resurfaced and Jack pushed his hair away from his face while she took a curious look around the darkening waters.
Jack smirked and reached out to tuck wet strands of her hair behind her ear. The action caused her to turn and look at him. She smiled and he let go of her. She gasped and moved her hands but the moment she tried swimming her legs didn’t cooperate.
She started going underwater and Jack shot a hand out to grab her arm.
“Whoa, love. Better hold on for a while then.” He pulled her closer.
Nerissa looked down at the water sadly, “It’s not the same.” She murmured and he nodded.
“Aye, that’s true. Let’s relax a bit then aye? My mum taught me how to swim and she always said that you have to get used to the sea, feel its gravity and resist the automatic urge to sink.” He said quietly.
“Your mum?” Nerissa blinked and he grinned.
“Aye, Siren. My mum. I didn’t fall from the sky, you know. But mine wasn’t a goddess like yours is.” He chuckled.
“She’s not my mother. She’s evil. She almost sunk your Pearl. And she blackmailed us, yes?” she shook her head and Jack looked at her intently for a few moments.
“So you don’t believe her?” he said at last, trying to ignore the way she spoke about his ship.
“She looks like my mother…A little. But she didn’t leave us, you, a choice. So, that makes her manipulative.” She murmured as she took his hand and looked at the ring that had tied them together.
“It’s a pretty trinket though.” He remarked with a crooked smile and she shrugged.
“Perhaps.”
Jack cleared his throat and took a deep breath, “I think it’s time to swim. Now,” he moved a little back and grabbed hold of her hands, “You can move your legs so start doing so. Small circles, that’s right…Not so fast. Nice and calm.” He grinned, “You’re doing it. Excellent.”
“Jack?”
“Hmm?”
“What are we going to do about them?” She looked up and motioned towards the Pearl.
He grimaced and groaned, “I could throw them overboard but then the crew would wonder why.” He looked up at her, “I take it you don’t want to use your power to kill A-…”
“I cannot! How can I do such a thing?” she cut him off before he had the chance to finish and he frowned.
“I feared that.”
“You wish her to be dead?” Nerissa asked quietly as he started pulling her along backwards.
“Love, I wish for many people to meet their much deserved end. And I suspect others wish that for me as well.” He added, “But if there was a way to get the two siblings off my back then, aye. I’d even pay the man to do the deed.” His eyes were dark and Nerissa shivered.
“But no one can kill her for now. No one except from me.” She added the last sentence quietly.
Jack sighed and craned his neck to relieve some tension before he tugged her along, “Let’s worry about this tomorrow, aye?” he grinned but it did not reach his eyes.
“But there’s not much time. We’re almost at Oak Island.” She pointed out and when she was close enough he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her in for a rough kiss. He pulled back and eyed her before he shook his head.
“As I said, we’ll worry about it tomorrow.” He murmured before he covered her mouth with his own again and pulled her tight to him, swimming lesson forgotten.
Neither of them noticed the pair of dark eyes that watched them with glimmering fury.


oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo


Two days later…


Nerissa carefully removed Jack’s arm from around her waist and carefully sat up on the bunk. Trying hard not to wake him she swung her legs over him and gently stood up.
When he stirred only to turn onto his stomach and continued snoring, she shook her head in amusement and quietly tiptoed towards the door. She pulled it open and when it creaked she winced and grabbed the wood tightly in warning. Satisfied that Jack carried on with his quite loud snores she walked out of the cabin and into the cool night air.
She took a deep breath and stepped forward, leaning against the bulkhead to help herself walk.
“Oi! Missy!” Gibbs’ voice caused her to jump and yelp and she placed a hand over her chest.
“Mr. Gibbs, you scared me. Heavens, you move like a cat.” She whispered with a small laugh.
“Thanks, lass. Know what a cat is?” he asked with a frown and she nodded.
“Saw one running on deck one day…”
“A cat? There’s a cat? It must be that boy the cook’s hired.” Gibbs muttered with irk as his eyes roamed the darkened deck.
“Where are you going?” he asked her with narrowed eyes and she paused.
“To take a walk. I couldn’t sleep.” She replied with a tiny frown as she tucked her blonde hair behind her ear.
“Does Jack know?” he eyed her suspiciously and she sighed.
“I won’t escape, Mr. Gibbs. You forget I have no tail and I can’t really swim yet.” She muttered as she crossed her hands over her chest and looked away.
Gibbs’ gaze softened, “Aye, lass. Call if you need anything, ey? I’m on watch.” He said and then he walked away.
Nerissa released a slow breath and started walking again. She groped her way towards the stern and then leaned over the rail to gaze at the ocean. The lamps didn’t do much to illuminate that part of the ship but she didn’t mind the darkness. It was rare to find such piece and quietness aboard the ship. No offence but Jack’s crew was quite loud.
Nerissa had lost her tail but her senses were still excellent. Within the waves she could see the tiny fish parting in order to let the Pearl pass and she could hear how the wind disturbed the ship’s sails and rigging.
Among the wind she heard something else too and she froze. Rapid footsteps approached her from behind and before she had the chance to turn a hand clamped over her mouth. She gasped and arched her back to escape the hold but then something cold and sharp was thrust under her chin.
A knife. Now, she could easily throw whoever it was off but the knife would accidentally slit her throat in the process. Therefore, she tried to calm down and didn’t move.
“Not a word.” The voice was male and she could hear the anxiety in it.
Erik Teach.
Her eyes widened and she inwardly cursed her decision to take a stroll so late.
“So, you think you can get rid of my sister, you disfigured wench?” he snarl into her ear and she lowered her eyes, trying to see his hand as he held onto the knife.
Slowly she shook her head but his hand clamped down harder on her mouth, forcing her teeth to press hard against her inner lip. She even tasted blood on her tongue.
“I am going to move my hand but if you scream I will slit your throat and then throw you overboard. Is that clear?”
Feeling helpless she slowly nodded.
He pulled his hand away and she gasped as he dragged her backwards until they were pressed against the bulkhead, away from any eyes.
“Now, I will ask and you will answer or I’ll cut your tongue out. Do you understand?” he hissed lowly into her ear and when she tried to grab onto his forearm he seized her hands and pushed them flush against her stomach.
“Do you understand?” he repeated as he pressed the blade harder against her skin.
Nerissa quickly nodded.
“Good. Why did Sparrow marry you?” he asked and her eyes widened.
“I don’t know-…”
The knife cut onto her skin and she gasped.
“For every lie I will make a cut. Let’s just hope you’re not dead by the time you stop spouting lies! Answer me.”
Nerissa dug deeply into her mind for an answer, “Because he loves me. What else?” she replied and Erik snickered.
“That’s what he told you? What did you offer him?”
“Nothing.”
Another cut, another gasp.
“What did you offer him?” he hissed into her ear and she swallowed hard.
“The ring.” She blurted out.
“What does the ring do?” he was interested by then.
“Leads you to…” she trailed off. If she said that they might want to take the ring. But the ring could not be moved from Jack’s finger. It was safe to lie.
“Leads you where?” he pressed and she gulped.
“To immortality.”
“In what form?”
“I don’t know.”
“How did you get the ring?” he asked her and her eyes roamed the darkness for something, anything.
“I had it.”
“You had it?” his voice was incredulous.
“Yes.” She only hoped her voice did not shake.
“Why do you want to get rid of us? Why do you want me and my sister dead?” he asked her and before she could reply he made another cut, this time closer to her carotid.
Nerissa winced, gritted her teeth and then dug her heels hard against the ground checking her strength. She needed to start talking. He needed to be distracted.
“For no reason really.” she shook her head slightly.
“No reason?” he was confused. Good heavens! He believed her.
“Yes. Without you there will be no obstacle for the gold and the chance for immortality.”
“And you believe Sparrow?”
“He promised to protect me.” She murmured and she could feel his hold on her becoming loose. She had gotten him thinking.
“Protect-…” his words were cut off when she stepped hard onto his foot and grabbed his arm in a death grip. With a mighty pull she threw him away from her and she staggered back as he hit the railing with a loud thud.
He groaned and the knife fell from his hand. His eyes widened when he realized that she had overpowered him and he snarled, his face almost red as he tried to stand. His hand went to his belt and he pulled out his pistol. He pointed it at her but just before he pulled the trigger something changed.
The wind picked up and the previously clear sky darkened.
Nerissa pressed herself hard against the wall and looked up before she got her senses back.
“Mr. Gibbs!-…Oh my!” the entire ship lurched to the side and Erik was thrust to the left. He hit the railing with a moan but then the Pearl leaned towards the right, propelling him towards the opposite direction.
The shaking had Nerissa seeing stars and she grabbed onto the railing tightly as a sudden lurch threw her towards it.
The men were awakened by the commotion and Nerissa saw Gibbs and Cotton a few feet away, trying but failing to hold on as the ship kept rocking right and left.
Angelica appeared too and when she saw her brother she ran towards him. She fell down twice before she reached him and Nerissa stiffened as loud thunder erupted. The night sky was illuminated and terrible shadows fell over the ship, veiling it in smoky darkness.
“Nerissa!” Jack’s voice resonated among the yells and thunder around her and she blinked, trying to locate him.
“I’m here!” she called and a moment later his hand, warm and calloused, grabbed hold of hers. He pulled her to his chest and she realized that he was shirtless.
She clung to him for dear life but as the ship kept moving they fell onto the deck. Jack winced as his back collided with it and then his eyes narrowed.
“What happened?” he barked and Gibbs fell right next to them.
“No idea, Captain-…”
“Erik attacked me.”
“What?” Gibbs and Jack asked together and she nodded.
“I escaped and then this happened…Aahhh!”
The Pearl lurched roughly to port but did not stop.
Nerissa craned her neck and her eyes widened when she saw Erik and Angelica dangling from the Pearl’s railing like ragdolls.
“Jack!” she tugged on his arm and he turned towards them as well.
“Bugger…”
“Ow, ow!” Gibbs exclaimed as all three of them slid further down and their feet collided with the side of the ship. The action halted any further movement but Jack was quickly rolling away.
“Grab onto the ropes! Quickly! Get onto it!” he grabbed two ropes and thrust one in Gibbs’ hands and then held onto the other one tightly. His arm coiled tightly around Nerissa’s waist and he pulled her closer. His legs coiled around her thighs like vices and she tightened her hold on him by lacing her hands behind his lower back.
“What is she doing?” Nerissa whispered into his neck as the Pearl started turning over, upside down.
Jack’s eyes widened and he looked at Gibbs before he replied.
“The ship’s not doing anything…Your dear mum is getting rid of unnecessary cargo, love.” He said as their faces were slapped by the wind and soaked by the approaching waves.
Nerissa turned her head just in time to see the two siblings slipping from the rail and then the Pearl fell right into the sea. Upside down and just like that everything went quiet.
Nerissa opened her eyes and through the watery haze that surrounded them she saw Erik and Angelica slipping into the darkness underneath, their faces screwed up in horror as the smoky shadows curled around their forms and started pulling them into the dark watery grave.
She squeezed her eyes shut and leaned her face against Jack’s chest as the Pearl remained turned upside down for a few seconds. Then, as suddenly as it had happened, the ship groaned and creaked before it started lurching onto its proper side. The starboard side resurfaced first and the gasping crew was thrust severely against the wet deck with various groans and moans of pain.
Nerissa landed on Jack’s chest and Gibbs right onto her back.
“Ouch! Bugger. Why always me?” Jack exclaimed as he winced.
“This reminds me of something…” Gibbs locked eyes with Jack who nodded back at him somberly.
“Aye. The return from the Locker.” Jack murmured and his first mate nodded.
Nerissa watched with wide eyes as the sky cleared out and when the stars could be seen again a shudder went through her.
“Well, mates. Looks like she achieved her goal.” Jack announced bluntly but no one spoke up. There was no need.

End of chapter 16


Author’s Note: Thank you so much for reading. I hope this made up for the long wait!