The sun hung low over the Caribbean, painting the Black Pearl in shades of gold and amber. The crew moved about their duties with the practiced ease of men who had learned to read their captain's moods like tide charts. Today, the mood was particularly insufferable.
Jack Sparrow
lounging against the mainmast, gesturing dramatically at the horizon And there she was, mi amor, standing at the bow like she owned the sea itself. Which, knowing Angelica, she probably did at some point.
Joshamee Gibbs
muttering to himself, not bothering to hide his eye roll Ten years. Ten years of this.
Will Turner
stepping up beside Gibbs, a curious frown on his face You mean to say you've never even met her?
Joshamee Gibbs
snorts Met her? Lad, we've never seen so much as a glimpse. No portrait, no letter, nothing. The captain'll talk about her till the kraken comes 'round for tea, but there's not a soul aboard who can swear she exists.
Elizabeth Swann
joining them, arms crossed, a knowing glint in her eye That's rather convenient, isn't it? A wife no one has ever seen.
Jack Sparrow
appearing between them with uncanny timing, earning a collective groan from the crew Convenient? Luv, I'll have you know Angelica is the most inconvenient woman to ever sail the seven seas. She's late to everything, argues with the weather itself, and once made me walk the plank in my own boots.
Will Turner
raising an eyebrow She made you walk the plank?
Jack Sparrow
nodding sagely On our wedding night. Romantic gesture, really.
Joshamee Gibbs
under his breath Or proof she's as mad as he is.
Jack Sparrow
ignoring him, turning to Elizabeth with a sly smile You remind me of her, actually. The way you challenged me over the rum rations yesterday. She'd have done the same.
Elizabeth Swann
pressing her lips together to hide a smile I'll take that as a compliment, Captain.
Jack Sparrow
You should. She's brilliant. Terrifyingly so. pauses, a flicker of something real passing over his face before it's buried under his usual theatrics One day, I'll introduce you. When the time's right.
The silence that followed was punctuated only by the creak of the Pearl's timbers and the distant call of gulls. The crew exchanged glances — a rare moment of sincerity from their captain, as unsettling as a calm sea before a storm.
Will Turner
quietly, to Elizabeth Do you think she's real?
Elizabeth Swann
watching Jack's retreating form as he saunters toward the helm I think… she pauses, considering her words carefully I think there's more to Jack Sparrow than he lets on.