Pirates of the Caribbean: More From Beyond the World

Disclaimer: How many times do I have to repeat this, I don't own anything!!!

Back to the Beginning

The compass was pointing straight to the west. Jack looked that way, knowing he wouldn't see anything apart from the sea. He also knew that in this miserable little dingy, he wouldn't make it anywhere near the fountain of youth. He needed the Black Pearl back. And he would have a lot of trouble doing it alone. And Jack didn't like that much trouble. A little was alright, but not too much.

So he didn't follow the compass and set sail for the southwest and Port Royal. Elizabeth would be lonely without Will, and Jack hoped that she would welcome the chance for adventure.

Jack's pitiful dingy sailed up to the dock of Port Royal. It sprouted a leak. Well, thought Jack sarcastically, this is very, very familiar… How strange that this should be just like the time when he "met" Elizabeth first, he reflected, as he climbed up to the mast, trying not to get wet before he needed to. Before the dingy came to the shore, however, it sank beneath him and Jack swam the rest of the way.

Dripping, he swaggered down the crowded streets, where people gaped at him, to the governor's mansion. He didn't know where else Elizabeth could be.

Jack walked up to the door without hesitation, and rang the doorbell. A rather surprised-looking servant answered.

"I'm lookin' for Elizabeth Swann," Jack said.

"If you mean the former governor's daughter, Elizabeth Turner is living in the house just further up the hill. Good morning," the servant said, that slammed the door in Jack's face.

Too preoccupied to notice, Jack went on up the hill.

"Elizabeth Turner," he said under his breath. The name sounded foreign on his lips. But Elizabeth probably thought it was just the way it was supposed to be. Jack was surprised that just half an hour ago, he had thought that it was just like their previous adventure.

He came upon Elizabeth's house suddenly, walking around the bend. It was small but beautiful brick house, with oaks around it and ivy crawling up its walls. Instead of a doorbell there was a heavy iron knocker. He knocked boldly and a maid opened the door.

"I'm looking for Elizabeth Sw – Turner" Jack said, catching himself.

"I'll tell Mrs. Turner you're here," she said, taking in Jack's strange appearance.

A minute later, Elizabeth herself flew down the stairs.

"Jack!" she cried, "come in!"

Jack went inside and sat down on one of the plush couches. The house was pleasantly and well-furnished. Elizabeth, after her first display of happiness, settled into a cool indifference.

"To what to I owe the honor, Captain Sparrow?" Elizabeth asked mockingly.

"I was wondering if I could interest you in a proposition,"

Elizabeth, pouring him some coffee, looked up with raised eyebrows.

"What makes you think I want to hear it?" she asked, passing him the cup.

Jack had an unfortunate weakness for coffee, and took a sip, then set the cup down, picking up the charts he had brought.

"Look at this," he said, unrolling the chart, and sliding it across the table towards her. She bent her head and looked where Jack pointed.

"Aqua de Viva," she read. "What does that mean?"

"It means Fountain of Youth, love," Jack told her. "For yourself and William when he returns,"

All the coolness that Elizabeth had shown at first evaporated.

"Jack! Are you serious?!"

"Absolutely, love," Jack said, smirking at her eagerness.

"Jack, that would be so lovely," she breathed, unaware, of the coffee spilling from her cup.

"You're spilling your coffee," Jack pointed out.

"So, why are you offering this to me?" Elizabeth asked suspiciously.

"Do I need a reason to offer some help to an old friend?"

"Of course you do, Jack. You've never yet done anything unless there's any profit in it for you,"

"What about the time I saved you and your fiancé from Barbossa, and not to mention sacrificing my own immortality for his?"

"Well, I suppose so, but really Jack, what's behind all this?"

"Alright, Elizabeth, I need you to help me get the Pearl back,"

"I knew there was something. Did Barbossa steal it?"

Jack nodded sulkily.

"Alright, Jack," Elizabeth agreed. "I haven't had anything better to do recently, or I wouldn't be doing this."

Please reveiw! I'll give you figurative rum!