The Teardrop Of Immortality

Chapter 9

“Gibbs.” Jack spoke up as he rubbed his eyes and outstretched his hand, “The spyglass.” He murmured as the first rays of sunshine made his eyes hurt.
Gibbs gave him the spyglass and he placed it on his eye. He paused.
“Bugger. What does he want?” he muttered as he bit his lip in deep thought.
“You know who it is?” Gibbs asked and Jack turned to him, his eyes dark and troubled.
“Aye. That’s The Lanfranco. The Spanish admiral’s ship.” he replied and Gibbs blinked before his eyes widened in realization.
“Blas de Lezo? That admiral?” he exclaimed and Jack nodded.
“Aye. That’d be him. The question is what he wants from the mutt and his bloodsucking sister.” Jack said as he climbed down the helm.
“What makes you think he wants them?” Gibbs called from the helm and Jack looked up at him.
“Haven’t you noticed? They are following The Revenge.” Jack pointed to the ship next to them.
“They know why we chose to sail in shallow waters. They are waiting for the opportune moment to pounce-…Oh, love. You’re still out here?” Jack’s eyes went to Nerissa when he felt her hand on his wrist.
She nodded and then looked at the Revenge, “What is happening?” she questioned with narrowed blue eyes.
Jack smirked, “You did notice.”
She flushed, “Yes. Though no one tells me anything. They do not speak to me. That is rude, is it not?” she muttered as she let go of his hand.
Jack gazed at his hand and then kneeled down next to her.
“Why you say that?” he asked and she gulped.
“I once was captured by fishermen. I fought.” She said as she looked up at him.
“I bet you did.” He chuckled but at her expression he stopped and cleared his throat, “I guess that didn’t go well.”
She shook her head, “No. They bragged about humans being better and then threw me back into the ocean with a wounded tail.” She gently splashed her golden tail and pointed at a medium sized scar, “See?”
Jack reached out and touched it, “Bugger. I didn’t notice that before.” He murmured and then looked up into her eyes.
“No. You never look at it. That’s why. Your gaze is always focused elsewhere.” She replied as she crossed her rams over her chest.
Jack grinned, “Caught me.” He laughed.
“So, who is after us?” she asked and he sighed.
“The Spanish.”
“But why-…”
“Do you intend to do something about them?” Angelica called from The Revenge and Jack looked up.
He slowly stood and crossed his arms over his chest, “Me? Why should I? Me thinks, it is you they want. See? They’re trailing you. I think I’ll step to the side for a while. Gibbs, turn her to port! Three degrees! All to your stations! Get us moving!” he barked and the first mate nodded while the crew gazed at their captain with curiosity.
“Aye, sir!”
“We are in this together, Sparrow!” Erik exclaimed as his eyes shone with panic.
“Not really. Just to the treasure part.” Jack replied and then whistled to a couple of crewmen, “Take her inside. Carefully.” He narrowed his eyes as he pointed to the mermaid.
“Aye, sir.” They said in unison.
The Pearl slowly drifted away from The Revenge and Jack watched with growing amusement as Angelica and Erik started muttering to each other. The woman’s eyes were wild as she spoke loudly and from time to time she cursed in heavy Spanish.
The Lanfranco gained speed and started getting closer and closer to The Revenge until they were almost sailing side by side.
Jack grinned, “Come on, come on. Do me the favor…Come on, get rid of them for me.” He muttered as he climbed up to the helm and took over.
He turned the helm to port again while his eyes kept flickering between the two ships that were lined side by side.
The wind blew heavily and it seemed like it was on The Pearl’s side for the ship gained speed and distanced herself from both The Revenge and The Lanfranco with ease.
He smirked, “Good girl.” He patted the spokes of the helm with affection.
Gibbs spoke up then, “Why are they after The Revenge?”
Jack turned to him with a sober expression etched onto his face, “Because Blackbeard was the plague of Spanish ships, mate. He sunk so many ships that belonged to the Spanish crown that even their naval officers have lost count. With The Revenge gone, one danger is eliminated from the seas.” He said as he turned the helm slightly to starboard.
“So, what about us? We are helping them.” Gibbs said with a furrowed brow.
“Aye, but I got rid of Blackbeard, remember? They appreciate that. They are not like us. They have principles.” He said, “Take over for a moment.” He murmured and Gibbs took his place while he used his spyglass to look at what was going on.
“Gibbs, turn her to port again. Get us to deep waters! Now!” he yelled as he clasped the railing with both hands and stared hard at The Lanfranco.
“What are they doing?” one of the men asked and Jack’s expression darkened as he replied.
“They’re going to sink The Revenge.” He murmured and Gibbs froze.
“What? They cannot sink The Revenge.” He blurted out and Jack turned to look at him from over his shoulder.
“When Erik Teach is captain they can. He’s bloody useless. The ship won’t obey him. Neither his sister.” He told him as he turned his eyes on The Revenge, “Besides, they are totally in the wrong position. The Revenge’s weapons are lethal when they attack from the front or back. Not from the sides. Now The Lanfranco, is a sixty gun ship…That’s a bloody adequate vessel if you ask me.” He said and Gibbs nodded.
“Aye…we’d not stand a chance while pursued. I told you we needed to put bloody chasers in the bow and stern.” Gibbs muttered and Jack rolled his eyes.
“Do not remind me.” He snapped as he focused on the two ships.
“Oh, but I will.” Gibbs whispered and Jack groaned.
Distant voices broke the silence suddenly and Jack immediately recognized one of the voices.
“Angelica.” He muttered a she shook his head.
His eyes flickered to The Lanfranco and he sighed, “It starts.” He muttered as he looked back at The Revenge. The crew was trying in vain to pull her forward but they had no time and the fumbled handling of the helm in Erik’s hands was not helping either. The Lanfranco fired her cannons and The Revenge shook from the impact before it burst into flames. The loud yelling increased in volume and Jack watched with glum eyes as the crew started jumping overboard, abandoning the ship.
“No loyalty whatsoever…Bloody cowards.” He muttered and Gibbs cleared his throat.
Jack glared at him, “Something to say, Master Gibbs?” he asked and the first mate straightened his posture.
“Well…”
“Not back to that, are we? Did it ever occur to you that I left so that the Kraken would follow me?” he asked and Gibbs hesitated.
“Alright, damn it! At first I wanted to escape. But I returned, didn’t I?” he snapped and Gibbs nodded.
“Aye.”
“Then shut it.” He snapped as more cannon fire brightened the waters and more smoke clouded the sky.
Gibbs sighed but kept silent.
“Captain!” the quartermaster called and Jack looked at him, “Should we go back?”
“Not yet.”
“But the men…”
“Not yet. I need to see what The Lanfranco will do next.” He said as he set his eyes on the burning ship that once was The Revenge.
“Aye, sir.” The quartermaster murmured and Gibbs shook his head.
“What about Teach, Cap’n?” he asked and Jack sighed.
“We will wait I said.” He replied firmly. He was not going to risk losing his ship to the Locker again. Never again.


oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo


“Douse the lamps.” Jack instructed quietly as they slid through the smoky waters, “Throw ropes to the survivors.” He said before he headed for his cabin.
Once he was in, he slammed the door and headed for his desk. He sat down and reached for the bottle of rum on his desk only to find it empty.
“Bugger.” He muttered.
“Captain?” Nerissa’s voice made him look up.
He sighed.
“What is it, lass?” he murmured as he stood and headed for his liquor cabinet. He opened it and pulled out a bottle of gin.
“Will you tell me what happened? I heard canon fire.” She said, “And there was smoke coming inside the cabin from the windows.” She followed him with her eyes as he headed towards her with the bottle.
“Aye.” He said as he sat down next to the tub.
“I heard screaming.” She said with a frown as he opened the bottle and took a long sip.
“The Spanish sank The Revenge.” He said after swallowing the big gulp he had taken from the bottle.
The mermaid’s eyes widened, “Blackbeard’s ship? Have you gone back for survivors?” she asked with worry.
Jack stared, “Why are you so nice? I mean, the man tortured you for information. Why would you care if there are any bloody survivors?” he asked her as he took another sip.
Nerissa hesitated, “It is a mistake humans make all the time…Not all mermaids disregard the importance life. Nature gives us life and only she can take it back. Death from murder or torture is unnatural to us.” She said quietly and Jack tilted his head to the side.
“Why do your sisters kill then?” he asked her sharply.
She recoiled, “Because most of them have been betrayed. You have to understand that it is not vital for mermaids to kill humans. I don’t.” She replied timidly.
“You don’t because you’re good. Mermaids are ill tempered and mean most of the times. They can be seductive alright but they are nice only when they want something.” He waved a hand and the offered her the bottle.
She took it and gazed at it before she brought it to her lips.
“Small sip.” He warned and she obeyed.
She grimaced and quickly handed it back, “I don’t like it.” She murmured and he laughed.
“Fair enough.” He shrugged before he took another generous gulp.
“Captain?” Gibbs knocked before he poked his head inside.
“Aye?”
“Angelica and three men were rescued.” He said and Jack stood up.
“What of Teach?”
“We did not find him. Not yet at least.” Gibbs said and Jack sighed.
“Stupid boy. Fine. Bring them in.” He said as he walked over to his desk and placed the gin on top of it.
Angelica and three men walked in soaked to the bone. Angelica glared at Jack before she stormed up to him. His hand shot out and prevented her from coming any closer by pressing against her chest. She stumbled back.
“You stood and watched!”
“I am just minding the well being of my ship and my crew. Unlike the lot of you. Thinking you could man The Revenge? It needs strong will and dexterity. Now she’s gone and your father will probably be trembling in fury in whatever circle of hell he’s trapped in.” He told her and she gritted her teeth.
“Save your breath, Jack. I know what I did and did not do wrong.” She spat.
Jack’s eyes narrowed, “Ah. Now I understand. You had bargained with the Spaniards, hoping that they would help you, when what they really wanted was to sink The Revenge to the depths of Davy Jones. You got tricked. Again.” He smirked and her fists curled into tight balls of anger.
“We need to find Erik.” Was the only thing she said and Jack sighed.
“We will try.” He muttered and she sniffed as she looked at her shoes.
Jack groaned before he looked at Gibbs, “Take the men to the crew’s quarters and warm them up.” He ordered and the first mate nodded.
“Aye, sir. Come along.” He walked out the door and then Jack looked at Angelica.
He passed by her and opened his chest of clothes. He pulled out a shirt and a towel and handed them to her on his way to the windows.
“Get dry. I fear the breeches won’t fit.” He muttered as he stepped around Nerissa’s tub and shut the windows.
It was then that Angelica noticed the mermaid, “You are quiet. Or sneaky.” She said and the mermaid blinked in response.
Angelica frowned.
“She won’t talk to you because you tried to drown me.” Jack announced with a proud smirk.
Angelica raised her eyes to his, “Well, look at that. A mermaid, or a woman, who does not want to kill Jack Sparrow. I am impressed.” She replied as she started drying her hair with the towel he had given her.
Jack grinned, “Kill me? Last time I checked the only woman who wanted to kill me was you.” He said as he placed a hand gently on Nerissa’s hair and stroked it. The mermaid looked up at him startled. He winked at her and leaned down.
Before she had time to react, he placed an open mouthed kiss to her lips. Nerissa’s body shook from the abruptness of the kiss and when he pulled back she stared at him dumbfounded.
“Until later, love.” He told her hoarsely before he headed for the door.
Angelica glared at his back and when he was gone she turned to look at the mermaid. She put the clothes on a chair and then approached her, her eyes shiny and dark.
“Do not tell me you have fallen for him. A mermaid does not love so easily.” She said as she leaned over the tub.
Nerissa pulled back as far as she could go before she replied, “It takes more than a kiss and a rescue for love to blossom, Angelica.” Nerissa replied boldly, “An empty promise is enough for others but not for me.” She whispered and Angelica’s eyes widened before she stumbled back.
Her eyes scanned Nerissa’s face for information, trying to find the meaning behind the words but when she saw only coolness in the mermaid’s blue gaze she turned and walked away with her lips set into a thin line of displeasure.


oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo


“Gibbs! Get over here.” Jack called from the helm and his first mate paused in his work. He abandoned the ropes and hurried up to the helm.
“Sir?”
“What are you up to?” Jack’s chocolate eyes were narrowed in suspicion.
“Captain?”
“You are my helmsman. You steer the ship. Of course you know about the weather, the sky. Everything.” Jack started and Gibbs nodded.
“Aye.”
“Then why did you lie last night?” Jack smirked and Gibbs fidgeted nervously.
“Well…Once I discovered that you’re up to something as well, I decided to help. Bring you two closer.” Gibbs smiled and Jack flinched.
“Me? I am up to nothing.” He said coolly.
“Really? Then why are you trying to seduce the mermaid who mind you, is very beautiful and endearing. But that’s another story.” Gibbs waved a hand in dismissal.
Jack gazed at the horizon, “I am not trying anything. It is a man’s natural inclination to be drawn to the fairest sex…Eh, mermaid.” He wiggled his fingers around.
“True but I know there’s more. You want Atargatis’ artifact. You don’t just want the treasure.” Gibbs whispered and Jack’s shoulders sagged, “But for that you need the mermaid by your side. What better way to achieve that but having her fall in love with you.” He finished triumphantly and Jack glared at him.
“You ol’fox.” He muttered, “Yes, yes. But she does not make it very easy…” he murmured as his eyes softened, “I do not want to trick her.”
“Yet you have to.” Gibbs stated.
“Maybe I don’t. If she loves me then she’ll want what’s best for me. That includes immortality.” He smiled.
“You think she’d help you trick Angelica? Are you sure?” Gibbs asked with dubiousness.
“I am going to have to make sure she does, mate. Pirate, remember?” Jack hissed and Gibbs mulled over it for a while before he spoke.
“And let’s say you succeed and you get what you want. What becomes of her then?” Gibbs asked and Jack only looked at him. He had no answer to that. Yet.

oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo


“Man in the water!!!” a crewman cried and Jack gazed down on deck.
“Is it Teach?” he yelled down at him.
“I think so, sir!” the man replied.
“Pull him up then! Gibbs, take over.” He patted the older man’s shoulder and then walked down the stairs.
Two men pulled the rope up and a sputtering and trembling Erik collapsed onto the deck in a heap.
Jack gazed at him and shook his head, “I told you.” He said to him and the younger man looked up at him, fear, anger and humiliation evident in his bright eyes.
“Get up, mate. You look like a bloody raisin.” Jack muttered before he headed towards the direction of his cabin.
He opened the door, “Angelica, your brother is…Bloody hell!” he exclaimed as he saw the scene.
Angelica was kneeling next to a gasping and trembling Nerissa who was…out of the tub.
“What did you do?” Jack barked as he approached them and kneeled down next to the convulsing mermaid.
Angelica could not take her eyes from the mermaid.
“Angelica!” Jack exclaimed just as Erik wobbled his way inside the cabin.
“I…” Angelica sputtered as she raised her eyes to Jack, “I did not mean to. I was angry.” She stumbled over her words as her eyes settled on the mermaid’s slowly disintegrating tail.
“I am so sorry.” Angelica whispered while Jack stared at Nerissa with wide eyes.
“It cannot be. Mermaids do not transform so quickly!” he yelled as he grasped the mermaid’s cold hand in his own and looked at her, “It’s alright, love. We’ll get you back in the water and you’ll be fine. Someone pick up the bloody tub! Get water!” he barked but Nerissa’s hand flexing in his own brought his attention back to her.
“It’s began.” She whispered as her breath left her in small pained gasps.
“It’s not possible.” Jack whispered and looked at Angelica, “You foolish wench. What did you do? This isn’t a game!” he snarled as Erik walked closer and gazed at his sister with wide eyes.
“Ange, what did you do?” he whispered, “She will be of no use to us dead.”
“She’s not dying, you fool!” Jack snapped as he looked up at him, “She’s transforming.” He said and then Nerissa released a loud scream; so loud that The Pearl shook from its force like Poseidon himself had released his wrath upon her.


End of chapter 9

Author’s note: Ahem, yes. Thank you for reading! Please review. It is my only payment and it brings a smile on my face! :D
By the way The Lanfranco existed and Bras de Lezo was a real person. I just expanded the life of The Lanfranco…It was sank in the early 1700s…ahem. Creative silence…:P

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Xxx Lina :)