Destiny's Requiem

CHAPTER 9

Jack was working on his charts when she returned to the cabin, his eyes immediately snapped up from his papers to look at her. She had filled out quite a bit since she had told him she was with child, and he quite enjoyed it.

“Jack, I want to talk to you about something.” She sat opposite him, placing her hands on her blossoming belly.

“Anything Lizzie, ye know that.” He returned his quill to the table and sat watching her intently.

“I’d like to return to ship wreck cove to give birth. I know we had talked about Tortuga, but I would feel better if I used the same midwife as last time.” She paused to check his facial expression for any signs of distress, “I know you aren’t crazy about being there but…”

“Lizzie, ye need not continue. If ye really want to give birth there then that’s where we head. I don’t want ye fretting over anything insignificant I just want ye to be ok and the little bird ready to fly.” He meant what he was saying but he also knew who he would likely see if they were to head there.

“So ye aren’t going to object?” She asked, somewhat surprised by his reaction.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned in the last few months it’s to keep ye happy, for keeping you happy keeps me happy and keeping me happy keeps the crew happy and a happy crew means no mutiny. If Shipwreck Cove makes ye happy then we go there. I really can’t afford losing any more rum to one of yer mood swings and we be too far from port and running a bit low, as it were.” He smirked at her.

“Captain Sparrow are you implying that I have been difficult to deal with these past months?” She mocked indignation.

“Luv, I don’t imply anything. I believe my point was quite clear.” He leaned across the table with squinted eyes.

At that gesture she was done for. Something about that face made her want him. She couldn’t explain it, but every time she was in a room with him lately all she wanted to do was throw him down and make mad love to him. It was definitely an improvement over wanting to throw things at him, which had been her first desire in her first month or so of pregnancy. Will hadn’t been around for her when she was pregnant with Willy so she spent more time crying because she was lonely than she did doing anything else. Her emotions were soaring and now she was at a stage where she was just unable to control herself around him, which Jack enjoyed quite a bit more than he had her throwing stage, especially since his precious rum was more often than not the thrown object.

Jack knew very well what he was doing when he’d leant across the table. He had caught onto the fact that if he looked at her just right she would become uncontrollable, and that merely encouraged him. It was amazing how much more beautiful she had become with her big belly, he’d never really given much thought to pregnant woman before. But this pregnant woman was his and he quite enjoyed it, in fact if possible he wanted her more than he ever had.

“Jack,” her voice was deep with want, “I believe it is time to retire for the evening.” She stood and strode over to the bed, but before she could make it he was at her back, hands wrapping to embrace her belly.

“Luv I must say giving Willy his own cabin with Marty was a wonderful idea.” He kissed her neck. “Ye know Lizzie, I like you even more like this.” He whispered into her ear silkily.

“Is that so?” She asked playfully, “don’t ye think I’m a little too round in the hips? My butt is twice its original size.”

“No matter luv, still fits in me hands just fine.” With that he relocated his hands “see?”

She couldn’t help but laugh at him. “Shut up and kiss me you silly pirate.”

“Gladly milady.” He quickly maneuvered her to face him and kissed her before lifting her into his arms and laying her gently on their bunk returning his lips to hers.

Slowly, they undressed one another, nipping and sucking as flesh became available to them. It was an amazing intimacy they shared and it still astounded her when she thought about how much Jack had changed since she had met him. He was still everything his legend said, yet he was everything no one could ever expect him to be; the Jack only she have ever seen. He was an enigma - cunning, brave, fierce, and eerily nonchalant in the face of danger. Yet with her he was every bit the good honest man who frequently over thought things and lacked self-confidence. It amazed her how the pirate captain everyone feared was the lover any woman would cherish, and he was every bit hers.

He positioned himself behind her and moved her leg to rest over his, slowly entering her. He was always cautious, afraid he would hurt her in her tender condition. She couldn’t do much from her position, but she loved it. She could feel every sensation all within the security of his arms: his breathe in her ear, his strong body, his fingers reaching just the right spots to push her along towards ecstasy. She reached back to wrap her fingers in his hair, to pull him nearer as she peaked just before she felt him tense and release, repeating her name over and over into her ear. Once spent for the night he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her as close as he could. She knew he would never let her go, knew she was his and that she would always be safe with him.


They had altered course and arrived in Ship Wreck Cove just weeks before the baby was due to arrive. Jack had been scheming the entire voyage about how he could avoid his father on this trip, which was certain to be longer than his previous visits had been and thus result in many more conversations with the man. More conversation inevitably would lead to more hostility and less tolerance between the two. Meanwhile, his Lizzie was scheming too, only her scheming involved how to convince Jack to allow Teague to meet his future grandson. She felt the elder man deserved at least that much.

During her previous stay in the cove, what was now years ago, she had managed to get through to Captain Teague and have many a conversation with the man. He’d taught her the code, and enlightened her on some of the key things that made Jack who he was. She hadn’t told Jack, even after all this time because anytime she’d brought up his father it seemed reason enough for him to cease conversation with her and drown himself in excess rum before he’d spend the night sleeping on deck. Despite his short comings as a father she had grown quite fond of Captain Teague. He had admitted his wrong doings to her, and while it obviously didn’t forgive him in her eyes, it did show her that maybe it was a relationship that could be salvaged given the right conditions. She longed for an opportunity for that to happen, since she knew that most of Jack’s anger came from his resentment of that man. She hoped that the baby would give Jack and his father a second chance. So she set out evaluating what she knew. Jacks dire hatred was a wall set up to hide the hurt left behind from his father just like his arrogance hid his self doubt. Teague was sorry but could never mutter those words. Certainly it would be quite a task to unite the two.

Jack had returned to the ship after resettling some of their things in their sanctuary when he walked up to Lizzie who was standing rather long faced at the rail.

“What is it luv?” he asked genuinely concerned by her somber mood.

“I was thinking about how much my father would have liked to meet Willy, to meet our baby.” She paused, “I so wish for my children to have a grandfather, I have such fond memories of mine.”

At this Jack was somewhat lost for an answer. He sensed the danger in the loaded statement and trudged on rather cautiously. He nodded his head and opened his mouth to speak, “Aye Luv. But I don’t think the man would be too fond of the idea that I had fathered one of those children. Think he would ‘ave tied the noose around me neck himself.”

“Jack,” she chuckled, “he’d accept you because I love you.”

Jack merely chuckled in response clearly disbelieving of the idea, but he stood with her in silence for a bit with his arms wrapped around her belly looking out over the cove.

“Do ye think your father would want to meet his grandchild?” There it was, the loaded question he knew was coming and suddenly he felt trapped.

“Lizzie, I…”

“I know you don’t get along with him, but I thought maybe he’d like to know of him or her.”

“It’s going to be a boy.” He said with straight confidence and a hope that she would forget the conversation at hand, unlikely as it was.

“So you keep telling me. But Jack, don’t change the subject. I think he has a right to know.”

Bloody woman would never let him get away the easy way. “Why?” Jack was getting highly agitated and he was doing everything in his power not to snap at her, like he had done in the past. He didn’t want to upset her, yet he didn’t want to address this issue. “Wasn’t any good at being a father what makes ye think he’s changed and can be a grandfather?”

Here was her chance. “Because Jack, he’d told me about how he treated you. He admitted that he pushed you away when he should have been more of a father to you. He told me he wanted to fix things with you or at least have a chance to make things right.”

“He explained himself just fine. In fact if you need to understand his lesson ye merely read the lash scars on me back.” His voice was eerily calm yet dripped with distain. She knew it wasn’t intended towards her, but it still broke her heart to see the anger masking hurt in his eyes. “He’s heartless Lizzie.”

“I can’t excuse what he’s done. But if you were able to forgive me for what I’ve done to you why can you not forgive him?” She hoped her logic would work.

“You sought out your forgiveness. I was well deserving of the sentence you gave me. He is merely a pompous old man that can’t admit he’s wrong about anything and couldn’t care about anything more than his bloody ship.”

“I seem to know someone else who used to be a lot like that. He changed and became a better man and a better captain for it.” She locked eyes with him, silently begging him to understand. “He’s proud of you Jack. He regrets what he’s done to you and your mother. He made his peace with her before she died. He only hopes he can do the same with you.”

“How do you know this?” He asked, half wondering if she had made it up.

“We had many a conversation during my stay in the cove.” She replied.

“Why tell me this now?”

“Would you have really listened to it before?” she smiled up at him hoping to reach him, hoping he wouldn’t storm off.

“No.” He silently cursed himself for not wanting to upset her, wished he could storm off and have some rum and pretend the conversation never happened: that was always easier than dealing with his demons.

“That’s why.” She put her head down on his shoulder and embraced him, hoping that would keep him there. She knew he was on the brink of running, and she was in no condition to be chasing after him today. “I’m not asking you to forget or forgive what he’s done, but at least let him meet his grandchild. You were able to change maybe he was too. I remember you telling me once you wanted to be nothing like him. Take that final step and lose his stubbornness, you’ve already proven yourself to be so much more, so much better.”

He seemed to soften a bit, “Ye know Lizzie, I hate it when ye play that card on me.” He smiled at her, the anger abandoning his eyes “Why is it ye always know what to say to get me to do what ye want me to even when I don’t want me to?”

”Jack,” she chuckled at him, “I love you.” And she tightened her arms around him.

“Bloody fool ye are for it.”

So he had agreed to go and tell the man of his forthcoming child. His child, he smiled to himself, never had he thought that that fatherhood would be something to make him smile. Lizzie, she always had this way of bringing the best out in him. This was just another in a long list of examples. He took a deep breath and entered the hall of the brethren in search of the code’s keeper. Captain Jack Sparrow was never afraid, but for some reason he always felt as if Captain Teague was the only man alive that could bring him down. Hence he stayed far away from the man for all these years.

“Jackie.” The elder man had a sixth sense for people and need not see his son enter out of the darkness to know it was he.

“In the flesh.” Jack smiled, faking enthusiasm.

“What brings ye back me boy?”

“The great Teague doesn’t know already. I thought ye knew everything.” Jack rolled his eyes.

“I’ll overlook yer neglect of me title this time boy but I expect ye won’t forget it again.” The elder man had a tone of harsh seriousness and as it always did Jack suddenly felt quite insignificant in his presence. “How’s our dear king.”

“Fine.”

“Surprising that she’s still associating with the likes of ye.” The older man began strumming his guitar.

Jack clenched his fists and took a deep breath, reminding himself that he was doing this for Lizzie. “Captain.” He stressed the word despite how much it burned his insides, his father hadn’t sailed on a ship in years, and he guarded a meaningless book. “I’m here with a purpose to relay a message from said Pirate King and I intend to do so no matter how difficult ye intend to be.” He crossed his arms trying to resist the urge to hit him “Don’t think I had any intention of even telling ye, but it is Lizzie’s request so I come baring news of her pregnancy.”

“So my first born expands on our family’s lineage. I must admit I never thought you’d have it in ye to be a father.” That comment struck the nerve that was already severely frayed within him.

“Well I learned from the worst what not to do, so I figure my boy will turn out just fine.” With that he turned and exited, he wouldn’t stand for the berating any longer, he was a grown man. He’d told him, he need not remain in his presence any longer, he done what he came to, now he could have a drink.


Night had fallen on the cove and Lizzie was still awaiting Jacks return to what she could officially call their home for the next few weeks. He had been gone awfully long for going to have a conversation with Teague and her concern was growing. She decided to head down there and make sure that they hadn’t killed each other.

“Jack?” She asked the darkness as she walked into the familiar hall where she had once been voted Pirate King.

“Ye won’t find ‘im here.” The words reached her ear, just before the strumming.

“Captain Teague.” She smiled at him, “do you know where I can find him?”

“Wouldn’t know. He left here in a huff after telling me of his soon to be position as a father and accusing me of being a rather poor one.” He inhaled a long drag of his pipe. “Accurate an assessment as that may be. Congratulations my liege.”

“Thank you. So I take it the conversation didn’t go very well?” She inquired. She still couldn’t understand how Teague had always been so straightforward and almost warm with her, and the complete opposite with Jack.

Before he could respond the door opened and she heard a familiar voice, “Lizzie, ye shouldn’t be here, should be resting.” Jacks voice came through the darkness.

“I was looking for you,” she smiled at him as he reached for her hand.

“Ye found me. Now let’s leave.” His voice was distant, almost sad, and she knew it wasn’t really her that had done it to him. Deep down Jack wanted his father to be excited about the forthcoming child, and clearly he hadn’t been.

“What are ye planning to name him?” Captain Teague’s voice resounded in their ears. Shocking Jack and encouraging Lizzie.

“Joshamee.” Elizabeth spoke but was hardly understood as Jack replied with an angered and somewhat drunken “what’s it to ye?”

“I’d like to know the name of the boy who’s going to carry on the family legacy.” Teague responded.

“Family.” Jack snorted, “Ever the family man ye are.” His attention shifted to Lizzie. “Let’s go.”

His tone begged no question but Lizzie never was one to back down and she knew the two of them to be too stubborn to cede any ground to the other.

“Jack.” Her voice resonated in his ears as serious as it ever was, “Teague” she begged no quarter with him either and he sensed that she was not playing around with the situation. She placed her finger on Jack’s chest, “You will listen to what the man has to say without your snide remarks and you” she turned her attention to the elder man “will be civil to your son and tell him the truth for once. And before either of you try to overrule me, I am your King. With child or not my word is the law.”

“Knew that vote would come back to haunt me one day.” Jack slipped in trying to lighten the severity of the situation but quickly returned his eyes to the floor when he saw the look he received as a result.

Teague would speak first, “Jackie,” his voice carrying an almost eerie melancholy to it, “I told ye once it was about living with yourself forever. It took me too long to realize that eh? Yer the only boy I got left, the only one that even knows me to be his father. You were the only one tough enough to handle the life I brought you into, and while my methods pushed ye as far away as a son can be, I only did it to make ye stronger. Yer mother was able to forgive me, and we all know I wronged her more than I should have, but damn it Jackie,” the man paused and look to Lizzie for reassurance but was cut off before he could continue.

“How exactly did flogging me teach me to be stronger?” Jacks voice dripped with distain and when he received no answer he continued, “Or pointing a gun at me head, locking me in the brig, beating me for spilling yer rum?”

“I can’t justify my actions Jackie boy, I was a lousy father and an even worse husband. Clearly you have learned what not to do with yer own life and for that I am proud of ye.”

His only response was to rise and take Lizzie’s hand, “We’ll send word when the boy is born. We want ye to meet your grandson.” That said he exited the room and led Lizzie back to their quarters.

A considerable amount of time passed between them with neither speaking, certainly the gravity of the evening’s events weighing heavy on their minds.

“Jack.” She couldn’t stand the odd silence anymore.

“Aye.” His eyes met hers.

“Are you going to say something?”

“The man has never once uttered anything so much as nice to me. I didn’t know how to respond.”

“Are ye mad?” She asked.

“No.” and he fell silent again, deep in thought.

“What are ye then?”

“Amazed at how much of a eunuch I’ve become” He really couldn’t comment on the whole situation yet. It was still a jumbled mess in his head.

“You’re a great man” she interrupted “and soon to be a great father. Like ye have taught me Jack, leave the past behind and take everything you can for the future.”

“Ill never forget it Lizzie. But I’m willing to try to make it better for ye, for the little bird.” He hugged her then before walking off to check on Willy and be alone with his own thoughts.