Author's Note: Last chapter guys! And boy is it a long one! I want to thank those of you who have reviewed, faved, and subscribed to this story. I can honestly say this is the first fanfic I have finished. Or is it?

On that note…the poll I posted last chapter is still open. Do you think I should continue the story on after this chapter of Curse of the Black Pearl (include the other three films) or should I leave it as is and make separate stories for the others (one for Dead Man's Chest, etc.)? Let me know what you think by pressing that Review button below and leave a comment. Know that if I do continue on, I will have to edit the title of the fanfic, in which I would personally PM each and every one of you and inform you of the new title.

Those of you who answered my last minute question at the end of the last chapter, it is in fact from Miss Congeniality (1 & 2). I just had to put that in. I couldn't help it!

Enjoy the finale, guys, and don't be shy to press that review button! It was a pleasure to put this out for others to read. NO FLAMES please!

Chapter Eight: Back to the Future

Jack was standing there, rummaging through the assorted baubles and jewels in one of the treasure heaps. I stood there watching him, trying to sort out what I was going to say.

If I don't tell him now, it's going to eat me alive, I thought.

I took a deep breath, and walked up to him. "Jack?"

He looked away from the treasure heap and turned to face me. "What is it, love?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but the words wouldn't come out. Come on, Jess, I thought to myself. Just say it! Just do it!

I did the one thing I wanted and didn't want to do. I slapped him, and it was pretty loud, too.

It didn't take him long to recover. Must have taken a hit like that before.

"What was that for? Not sure I deserved it," he said.

"That," I said as I took a deep breath. "Was for using Will as leverage to get the Pearl back. And yes, you did deserve that!"

"Oh."

"'Oh'? That's all you have to say is 'oh'?" I was furious.

He just looked at me, puzzled.

I was shaking my head. "You know, I thought you were different. Different than what people say about you. And trust me, I've heard what Will, Elizabeth, and some choice others have said. But, now...I'm not so sure."

"Jessabelle—"

"I gave you the benefit of a doubt, only to find out that the only thing that mattered to you was your ship! Yes, you helped Will to save Elizabeth, and saved Will's life along with mine, but this—"

"Jessabelle—" Jack tried to interrupt, but I didn't let him.

"I mean, you couldn't have mentioned any of your plans to me or anyone else? Then at least I wouldn't be so, so—"

"Angry? Upset?"

"Yes, Jack. All of the above!"

"Alright, come down, love," he said.

"Never tell a girl to come down!" I exclaimed. "What part of any of that do men not understand!"

We stood there in silence. I was looking down at the ground, trying to breathe. I knew Jack was watching me.

That's not what I wanted to say, I thought. Not exactly anyway.

"Feel better?" Jack asked me.

"Yes, I do, actually," was my response. It did feel good to get that off my chest.

"But after all, I am a pirate, love."

I looked up at him. "That's still no excuse for everything you've done."

"Of course it does. A pirate is always looking to profit."

I thought about it for a moment. "Still...I thought you were different." I walked away from him, starting towards the exit.

"Last I recall," I heard Jack call after me. "You were the one who claimed you loved me."

I stopped where I was. I turned to face him. A smile was playing at the edge of Jack's mouth. The same went for me. I slowly walked back towards him.

"You...heard me?" I felt quite embarrassed.

"Aye," Jack said.

"I didn't think that you did," I said. "I mean, I hoped you didn't."

"You didn't? Ah."

Damn it! I thought. I did it again!

"Well, then, I wouldn't be surprised," he said. There was a twinge of humor there, but I didn't quite get it at first.

"I mean, I'm sure you've heard that millions of times. And I didn't think—"

Then it happened. He pulled me in close and I felt his lips on mine. I was completely taken aback. I hadn't expected him to do that. My wide eyes closed, and I kissed him back. His lips were surprisingly soft. My head was swimming. It was intoxicating.

When we finally broke away from each other, we just stood there staring at each other. I didn't know what to say. My fingers made their way up to feel my lips.

"Jack, I—"

Jack looked down and saw my hand. It was the same hand I had cut when I helped to end the curse. He took it in his hand.

"That looks angry," he said.

"Hmm? Oh, well, I was angry at Barbossa for nearly killing you and Will, and for everything he's done."

"Ah," he said. "Here, let me fix that up for you."

He pulled out a ribbon of cloth and wrapped it around the wound. It hurt a little when he tied it.

"Aaah," I breathed.

"Sorry."

"It's okay."

He held my hand in his for a while, rubbing it. I smiled and looked up at him.

"Come," he said. "Shall we head for the Pearl?"

"Yes."

"I'll fix that hand up better when are aboard her."

He grabbed some treasure, grabbed my hand, and led me towards the exit. On the way, we overheard Will and Elizabeth's conversation.

"We should return to the Dauntless," Elizabeth said.

"Your fiancé will want to know you're safe," was Will's response.

Elizabeth walked off in a hurry, clearly hurt by what Will said.

"If you were waiting for the opportune moment," Jack said. "That was it. Now if you would be so kind, I'd be much obliged if you'd drop me off at my ship." with that, he walked off.

I walked up next to Will. "At least one of us had a happy ending," I said.

He looked at me. "What?"

"Nothing!" I walked in the direction of the longboats, Will following close behind.

The four of us climbed into the longboat and cast off, with Will rowing. I sat next to Jack, who I knew was eager to see his ship. After all of those years, he would finally have it back.

I leaned my head his shoulder, waiting to gaze up at the Pearl with him.

But as we made it outside, there was one thing we didn't see—the Pearl itself.

"I'm sorry, Jack," Elizabeth said.

I looked up at Jack, and held his hand, my fingers intertwining his. At least he has me, I thought.

"They done what's right by them. Can't expect any more than that," he said.

Will rowed us to the Dauntless instead.

This is gonna be a long voyage, I thought.

xxx

My back itched, and I couldn't reach it. Stupid dress, I thought. Stupid corset!

I was standing next to Elizabeth, along with her father and the Commodore, standing in a shade area at Port Royal's fort. As much as I loved the honor of standing with those belonging to higher society, I hated the fact that I had to wear the gown I was dressed in. I couldn't breathe at all.

Elizabeth must have noticed that I was having problems, because she handed me her fan. "This should help," she said. "But not by much."

"It's better than nothing," I said, taking the fan. I unfolded it and began fanning myself. "Whose idea was it to make these things?"

"I've been told it's the latest fashion in London," the Governor said.

Elizabeth and I looked at each other, not believing a word he was saying.

I'd like the gown better if I didn't have to wear a corset and if it was on better terms, I thought.

I really wanted it to be on better terms. But, unfortunately, Fate had other plans. We were here for Jack's hanging.

Once we had reached the Dauntless after the battle at Isla de Muerta, Commodore Norrington placed Jack in the brig for the remainder of the voyage back to Port Royal. I spent the voyage going back and forth between the hold, the brig (where Jack fixed up my hand since I had needle and thread), and then the main deck. When we arrived, I was taken to the Governor's mansion and given a room, and Will was granted clemency. Jack was sentenced to an appointment with the gallows.

"Let me know when the noose is around his neck," I whispered to Elizabeth. "That way I can look away."

I didn't want to be here. I didn't want Jack to be here.

"This is wrong," Elizabeth said.

"Commodore Norrington is bound by the law. As are we all," the Governor said.

Yeah, I thought. You guys are, but I'm not.

The official continued to read off Jack's charges. "...impersonating an officer of the Spanish Royal Navy, impersonating a cleric of the Church of England..."

That's a lot to be hung for though.

I looked around the fort, and noticed Will moving through the crowd to get to us. "Governor Swann, Commodore," he said, nodding to each. "Elizabeth."

She looked at him. "I should have told you every day from the moment I met you," he told her. "I love you."

Aw! I thought. About time!

He walked away, pushing through the crowd. I heard a squawk. Elizabeth seemed to her it, too, because she looked at me and then looked in the direction the squawk came from. Perched on a banner, was Cotton's parrot.

Will kept pushing through the crowd towards Jack. Elizabeth and I caught on.

Norrington stepped forward to attempt to stop Will, but Elizabeth caused a distraction. "I can't breathe!" she exclaimed, pretending to faint.

"Elizabeth!" Governor Swann exclaimed. Norrington and the Governor attended to her. I made my escape to a concealed area, where I had conveniently hid my bag. I grabbed it and grabbed my tennis shoes out of it. I took off the heals I was currently wearing and put on my tennis shoes. Luckily, the gown was big enough that I could still wear my jeans underneath. The maids never saw me put them on underneath after they left the room.

I'm so sneaky, I thought.

I put my bag over my shoulder like a messenger bag, picked up my skirts, and ran out to help Will. By the time I got out, Will was fighting the executioner and Jack was dangling, balancing on a sword.

I ran up to the platform, pulled a knife out of my bag, and cut Jack loose. I ran back down the steps to help Jack.

"You alright?" I asked him.

"Just peachy," he said. I cut him free of his bonds, and grabbed the other end of the rope.

We ran out from underneath the gallows, tripping guards as we did. Will front flipped off of the gallows and joined us. We ran up a set of steps, which led to a battlement, where we were cornered by Norrington's men. All muskets were on us.

Norrington, the Governor, and Elizabeth pushed through the crowd. Jack and I were hiding behind Will. I began digging through my bag and took out my hoodie.

"Hold this," I said to Jack and handed him my bag. He gave me a puzzled look as I unstrapped the gown I was wearing. I got several puzzled looks from some of the officers.

"Oh, come on!" I exclaimed. "I have clothes on underneath, perverts!" I still got some puzzling looks.

"I thought we would have to endure some manner of ill-conceived escape attempt. But not from you," Norrington was speaking directly to Will. By the time he said this, I had the corset untied and was pulling it off. I was now in my purple T-shirt, skinny jeans, and tennis shoes.

"Much better," I said, taking in a deep breath and putting on my hoodie. Jack handed my bag back to me. "Thank you."

I made the mistake of turning to face Norrington. "Or you," he said to me.

I smiled nervously.

"On our return to Port Royal, I granted you clemency," the Governor began. "And this is how you thank me? By throwing in your lot with him? He's a pirate!"

"And a good man!" I exclaimed. The Governor Gave me a puzzling look, most likely due to my wardrobe change, but I ignored him.

Will threw his sword down. "If all I have achieved here is that the hangman will earn two pairs of boots instead of one, then so be it. At least my conscience will be clear."

"Correction, three." I pointed to myself.

"You forget your place, Turners," Norrington said.

Now he makes it plural! I thought.

"It's right here, between you and Jack," Will pointed out.

Elizabeth stepped in between Norrington and Will. "As is mine," she said.

"Elizabeth!" the Governor exclaimed. "Lower your weapons," he demanded of the officers. "For goodness sakes, put them down!"

"So this is where your heart truly lies?" Norrington asked Elizabeth.

"It is."

Poor guy, I thought. Still, he should've known.

I heard a squawk and the flutter of wings. I looked up and saw Cotton's parrot fly off.

Jack must have noticed, too. "Well, I'm actually feeling rather good about this," he said as he walked over to Governor Swann. He directly told him, "I think we've all arrived at a very special place, eh? Spiritually? Ecumenically? Grammatically?"

The Governor looked disgusted.

Jack walked over to Norrington. "I want you to know that I was rooting for you mate. Know that."

He walked past the love birds and I. "Elizabeth," he said.

She turned from Will and looked at Jack.

"It would've never have worked between us, darlin'. I'm sorry."

She gave him the "really?" expression. He ran past us, and grabbed my hand. He stopped all of a sudden. "Will, nice hat."

We got to the top of the stairs that lead to an upper level of the battlement. Jack let go of my hand and turned to face everyone else. "Friends! This is the day you will always remember as the day that you—"

He walked backwards and started plummeting into the water below. I watched as he safely landed in a spot where there were no rocks, and resurfaced.

Someone bumped into me as they were running to see of Jack survived or not, and I began plummeting towards the water. I screamed, not expecting that to happen.

I'm gonna die, I thought. I'm gonna die!

I hit the water and went under. I missed the rocks by several feet. I swam back to the surface. I began sputtering water as I resurfaced. I saw Jack swim towards me.

"Well, I didn't expect you to follow," he said.

I coughed again, trying to breath. "I didn't either," I managed to say. "Someone bumped into me." I coughed again.

Then I heard someone say "Man overboard!"

I saw Jack smile. He took my hand and helped me swim towards an approaching ship. It was the Black Pearl.

Some of the crew members threw a line to us and helped pull us up. We went flying in the air, only to land in the helm. Happy to be on a flat surface, I got on my hands and knees and continued to cough, still sputtering some water from the fall. When I was done with that, I stood up and took as many deep breaths as I could.

Gibbs walked over to us. He was holding Jack's hat.

"I thought you were supposed to keep to the Code?" he asked him.

"I figured they were more actually guidelines," Gibbs said. He helped Jack up and handed him his hat. "Thank you."

"Jack Sparrow," someone said. I looked and saw that Ana Maria had spoken up. She walked up to him and put his coat onto his shoulders.

He walked up to the steering wheel, and run his hands over it. He was admiring the ship, which was once again his.

He looks very happy, I thought. I looked away and looked out at the open ocean that we were sailing towards.

"On deck, you scabrous dogs!" I heard him shout. "Man the braces! Let down and haul to run free!"

I turned and saw the crew scurry around to fulfill Jack's orders. Then I looked over at him.

He certainly is acting like a captain, I thought.

I began to walk towards him. I actually heard him humming. "And really bad eggs. Drink up, me hearties yo ho!" I heard him sing.

I didn't want to disturb him, so I turned and began to walk down to the main deck.

"Jessabelle," he said.

I turned back toward him, and walked towards him. "Yes, Captain?"

"You don't have to call me that, you know. But I am flattered."

I laughed a little. "What is it, Jack?"

"Would like to take the wheel?" he asked.

"Um...sure, I guess." I walked in front of him so that I was behind the wheel. "Where to? Mind you, I don't know where anything is, so you'll have to give me directions."

"We're heading for Tortuga," he said. He walked up right behind me, grabbed a hold of my hands, and began to move the wheel exactly where he wanted to go. "We have to head east of here, following the winds."

"So, I would move the wheel more in the direction of starboard?"

"Aye."

I smiled and turned the wheel more to the right. As I did, the wind began to fill the sails. We began to pick up speed, and I could feel it.

Now I know why Jack loves this ship so much, I thought.

I stepped away from the wheel and let Jack have control of it again. I walked back towards the rail, and looked out towards the Caribbean waters. I let out a deep sigh.

"Mr. Gibbs," Jack called out.

"Aye, Cap'n?" Gibbs replied.

"Take the wheel. We're headed for Tortuga."

"Aye, aye Cap'n!" He was really enthusiastic about going to Tortuga.

Jack walked up and stood next to me. "What's wrong, darlin'?"

"Nothing," I said. "I guess, I just miss my friends, that's all."

"Ah, back in, whatever time they're from." He waved his hand as he said this.

"Yeah. Do you think I'll ever see them again?"

"I'm sure you'll figure out a way."

"I hope I do."

Just then, the ship lurched. "Mister Gibbs, do not sink my ship!"

"But it wasn't me, Jack!"

I looked over the rail. There wasn't a rock to been seen. Nor a reef.

"What do you think—?" I began to ask Jack, but was interrupted by the ship lurching again.

I hadn't gained my sea legs yet, so I tumbled to the deck. Jack helped me up.

"Not quite sure," he said.

I looked over the rail again. That was a bad idea. The ship lurched once more. This time, it caused me to go over the rail, bag and all.

I fell into the water. I resurfaced and began sputtering water again. "Jessabelle!" I heard Jack call out. I looked up to see that he was beginning to throw some rope out to pull me in.

"It's a little early to be swimming, love."

I reached for the rope, but never grabbed a hold of it. I was pulled under the water.

Not again, I thought.

I struggled to swim back to the surface, but to no avail. A blue light appeared, and everything went black.

xxx

I resurfaced once more, sputtering and coughing up water for the umpteenth time, only to have hands grab a hold of me.

Oh no, I thought. Norrington's men caught to us. Either that or another group of pirates are after us.

I was glad to find out it was neither of the two options going through my mind.

"Oh my God, Jessabelle!" I heard a familiar voice say. "Are you alright?"

"We thought maybe you had drowned," another familiar voice said.

I looked to see who was addressing me. It was none other than Stephany and Jason. I was back in Venice.

"Yeah," I coughed. "I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" Stephany asked. "Because you were under the water for quite some time."

I pulled them both into a hug. "Yes," I said. "God, I'm just glad to see you guys! And glad that I'm back in 2011!"

"What are you talking about?" Jason asked me.

"Oh! Jessabelle, what happened to your hand?"

Everyone looked at my hand. "Oh, I cut my hand. Nothing big."

"Underwater?" Jason asked.

"Not exactly."

Jason gave me a puzzled look.

"And, Jess, your necklace...it's gone!" Stephany exclaimed.

"And good riddance!" I turned towards the water and spat at it. "That thing nearly cost mine and my brother's lives!"

Jason and Stephany looked at each other and then at me. "What are you talking about?" they said together.

"I wasn't underwater the whole time," I began, then stopped. "You know what, never mind. You wouldn't believe me if I told you anyway."

"You'd be surprised," a raspy voice said.

I nearly jumped out of my skin, thinking it was Barbossa. But I knew better, and this voice was much deeper. I turned to our mentor.

"Signore Caesre," I said. It had been a while since I had seen that scared face. I had to do a double-take. He reminds me of someone.

I looked at everyone and said, "It's a bit of a long story."

"Then why don't we head to the Mangled Mermaid and talk about it there," Caesre said. "That way you can get cleaned up as well."

"Fine by me, sir."

I helped Caesre row us back towards the harbor, but instead of docking there, we rowed up a smaller canal that took us directly to the Mangled Mermaid. It was in a small enclosed court. It was a small pub that could not be found except by those who already know where it is.

We tied the boat up and climbed out. I pulled my bag out of the boat, and got puzzling looks from my friends.

"What?" I asked.

"What happened to your bag?" Jason asked me.

"Nothing. It's inside this bag." I pulled my backpack out of the makeshift bag I made. "See!"

"Oh."

We headed in the small pub, and sat our stuff down at one of the tables. Stephany and Jason sat down, and Caesre went to get the first aid kit. I begin pulling the contents of my backpack out and placing them on the table. Everything was dry.

Thank you inventors of the waterproof backpack! I thought.

"Anyone care for a drink?" Caesre asked.

"Coors for me," Jason said.

"Same here," Stephany added.

"And you, Jessabelle?" Caesre asked me.

"Rum," I called out.

I got shocking looks from Stephany and Jason. Signore Caesre merely chuckled.

When I was sure that my electronics and sketchbook were dry, I pulled out the only dry clothes I knew had. I was quite surprised to find that they were still there, along with the boots.

I pulled out the outfit that Jack loaned me, and headed to the restroom to change. I was interrogated thoroughly when I returned.

"Whoa, Jess, you ready for Halloween or something?" Jason asked.

"Ha ha, very funny," I said.

"Well, you are kinda dressed like a pirate," Stephany said. "You're just gonna waltz out of here dressed like that where the public can see you?"

"Yes. Yes, I am." I took my seat next to Jason, and put my things back into my backpack. Everything except my sketchbook. "I was kinda going for that."

Caesre pulled up a chair next to mine, placing our choice drinks in front of us. "I wasn't sure if you wanted a glass or not, Jessabelle, so I brought a whole bottle." I took the bottle of rum, uncorked it, and took a long swig, enjoying the feeling of sweet fire coursing down my throat.

Caesre did the same. He set his bottle down on the table, and sat down.

"Let me see your hand, Jessabelle."

I took the cloth from around my hand and let him see it, and he began cleaning it.

"So, tell us about what you think we're not gonna believe," Stephany said.

I took another long swig, and sat up straight. "Prepare yourselves for a tale that involves swashbuckling action, explosions, pirates, and a lot of rum."

I told them everything that had happened. From the first time I met Jack and reunited with my brother to what happened on Isla de Muerta, everything was laid on the table.

xxx

"Unbelievable!" Jason exclaimed. "Why didn't we get blasted to the past with you?"

"I still don't know how it works," I said. "The time traveling thing."

"But that's great that you found your brother," Stephany added. "All those years, you thought he was lost."

"Yeah, just turns out it was the other way around. Go figure!"

"So, what's Jack look like?"

"I thought you'd never ask, Steph." I opened my sketchbook to the page I had dedicated to Jack. I frowned.

"That's him?" Jason asked.

"Wow," was all Stephany could say. She looked up at me. "What's the matter?"

"I never got to finish it. Elizabeth interrupted me when she came back from her walk."

"Ugh," Stephany said. "I hate it when that happens."

"That's quite a likeness of Jackie," Caesre said. "And it seems he can clean a wound well enough that it'll heal without getting infected."

"Thanks," I said, then added. "Wait, what?"

"You know Jack?" Jason asked. "How? You told us that you've always lived here."

"Yeah," Stephany agreed. "How could you possibly know him?"

"Stories," was Caesre's answer. "Stories span over the years." He pulled an acoustic guitar from the top shelf behind the bar, sat down, and began playing. It was always soothing to hear him play.

"Oh!" My friends said in unison.

I, for one, wasn't buying it. He still reminds me of someone, I thought. I got up from the table and threw away my bottle. "Can I have another one?" I asked.

"Underneath the bar," Caesre said.

"There's one thing I, for one, would have loved to see."

"What's that Jason?" Stephany asked him.

"J-belle over here wearing that dress."

"Ugh, please," I said. I ripped the stopper out of the bottle at that comment, and took a long swig of rum. "I hated wearing that dress. I hope I never have to wear one again." I sat back down. Stephany shifted in her seat.

"What's wrong, Steph?"

"Well," she started. "Remember our professors at the Academy saying that after graduation they were going to hold a huge party?"

"Yeah, go on."

"This year they've decided that it would be mandatory for students to attend, and since I am on the committee, I know what the theme is. And they've decided to make the dress code for the party mandatory as well." She paused for a moment. "Please don't hate me, Jessabelle! It wasn't my idea!"

"What is it?" Then I had an epiphany. "Stephany!"

"It's not my fault! I was against it!"

"What are you guys talking about?" Jason asked, feeling a little out of the conversation.

"It's an era themed party," Stephany said. "That is, Renaissance Italy themed, meaning..."

"Girls have to wear dresses and guys have to wear fluffy shirts and what not?"

"Yes."

"I knew it!" I said.

"But it wasn't my idea. It was Cindy Beckett's idea."

"Oooh!" I exclaimed. "When I get my hands on her..."

Cindy Beckett was the most popular girl at our old high school. She tried to outdo us in everything (and usually did), and constantly teased me about being an outcast and my love for all things pirates. She even gave me a hard time when I dressed as Captain Hook for the Halloween dance our senior year.

We thought we had gotten rid of her when we graduated high school and came to Venice. It certainly was a surprise to see her on the first day at the art academy we were attending.

"The only reason she's here is because her dad is rich," was Jason's answer to her attendance.

"Grrrr!" I growled in remembrance.

"Jessabelle," Stephany said. "The party isn't for another month. You have plenty of time to get a dress and everything else. So just relax."

"Good thing I've already got a drink, because I'm gonna need it after hearing that."

We sat there and finished our drinks. Afterwards, we paid for them, even though Caesre said they were on the house, and headed back towards our apartment. We were fortunate that it was close by that we didn't need to take a gondola.

"Thank God we don't have class tomorrow," I said.

"Why's that?" Stephany asked

"I'm gonna need a lot of rest after the ordeal I just went through."

We laughed as we walked up the stairs that led to our apartment.

That, and to prep for graduation, I thought. This is gonna be quite a long month.

A/N: Don't forget to tell me if I should continue or write the rest as separate stories! Just leave it as a review or PM me!