Tuesday, May 15, 2007
A New Day
Today Adda woke up. She didn't want to get up, she never wanted to get up on those cold mornings when she had to trudge to work. She hated her job, but she had to get through it today- tonight she had plans. Big plans, important plans. At least, that is what she had to tell herself in order to get out of bed. She got ready for work, listening unwillingly to her sister's dream memories as she tried to wash her face. She ate breakfast without tasting it and let her sister drive the 40-minute ride to Kaloony.There she forced herself to stay awake throughtout the day. The good news was Adda's big plans meant they got to leave 45 minutes early. They went home finally and Adda was able to get ready to go. She was going to a church, Liba and her brothers Blabby and Junky were coming along. Well, Blabby was driving from their house, so Adda met them there and they took off. They made their way to Fairfew, where in the great Christian tradition the girls rode in one van and the guys in another car. They were, at last, almost to their destination.At last they arrived at where they assumed they'd find a parking lot full of buses and cars- for this was, after all a revival meeting for teens in Ottomotto. And they were giving out cold hard cash. But apparently most teens in Iowa aren't interested in free money. Adda's group was the only one in the parking lot. Though they were 20 minutes early, they were a bit puzzled by the emptiness. They entered (yes, they were in the right place) the church and found a few people. The youth group that belonged to that church was there. The girls in Ottomotto were very friendly though perhaps a bit guy-starved. They had 20-1 odds, girls favor. 1 guy. Ouch. Surprisingly they didn't hit on Blabby or Junky or even the other guy in Adda's group, Jackle. Adda had fun playing and watching the competition. She played a lap on Nascar but it felt like she was going 20 MPH, not 156. Blabby played a bit too, Liba and Ambrrr played some free-throw shooting game. The man in charge was yelling into his microphone, so Adda yelled at him to turn it down, while Liba hit Adda and said that Adda was being 'rude'. Adda replied that the guy was being rude by blasting out her eardrums. Sadly the man never paid Adda any attention. He also ignored her when she yelled at him for not drawing her number in the raffle drawing. Since he picked the number before hers and the one after, she decided the thing was rigged and so she turned her ticket into confetti and threw it in the air. After the games and the sermon, they all went out to eat at Fatty Burgers, where Adda was scared of the people who worked there but starving, so she finally got a grilled chicken sandwich. They plopped it down as soon as she said the words. Very scary. She settled into her seat, comforted by the fact that her Frosty was safe. Darn it, she forgot to say no sauce on her sandwich. She compensated by not eating the bread. After watching a game show on TV while shivering from the stupid Frosty, they headed out into the approaching storm. Lightning that blinded you and buckets of rain were pouring down. Jackle did the Singing in the Rain walk on the sidewalk while Adda sang it. They reached Fairfew late at night and there Blabby drove Liba, Junky and Adda home. Adda talked the whole way home, arguing with Blabby and laughing at Liba. It's no wonder she has so few friends.Lesson learned, Adda went home to her warm bed and happy doggy and fell fast asleep, dreaming of stuffing that microphone down that guy's throat.
PARTY!
One day a girl named Alla decided to have a birthdayparty for her friend, Lila. Lila had many, manybrothers at home, so it would be difficult for her tohave a 'girl' party at her house. So, Alla generouslyoffered to host the chick party at her house, to giveLila a 'girl' day. That's when a strange thing happened. It was, perhaps,strange enough that Alla was having Lila's birthdayparty. But now two of Lila's brothers, one slightlyolder, Baddy, and one younger, Jabby, decided theywanted to come to this party. Well, Baddy wanted to,and Jabby was talked into it by their other friend,Jasper. Jasper was the brother of another partyattendee, Amper. Amper and Lila decided having theguys over would be fun, and they convinced an uneasyAlla to invite them officially. Whether they wouldcome or not was up to them. It was clear to Alla thather all-girl party plan was not going to happen. So,after getting over the first-time weirdness, she toldher parents about it. They were cool with it, whichsurprised her. The plan was to make a movie, eat somecake and play some games if they all wanted to. Atlast, the day came for the party.Alla met up with Breezy, Joyous, Amper, Lila, Baddy,Jasper and Jabby at Breezy's house. From there theywent to Alla's house. Alla gave them all the tour ofher home, feeling a little weird showing a bunch ofguys her room. But her director/actress mode poppedin, and she ordered everyone to start preparing forthe movie. She applied makeup, set up sets, and letthe guys read her screenplay. She told themsuggestions were encouraged, critisms were forbidden.At last she was able to start shooting scenes, and shesettled into the task of not ticking anyone off whiletelling them to stop laughing. Everyone was excellentat acting, though there were some giggles. Alla justignored these and kept filming. The final scene camewith rapid-fire shots required. This was difficult, asanyone who touched the camera other than Alla tendedto screw it up. Her sister, Aby, came to the rescueand took over the camera. Alla was now free to do whatshe loved the most, act. And there were times when Abydidn't cut that the dialogue just kept flowing. Jasperand Alla liked to match wits with one another, notfighting or flirting, just a little wickedly funnybanter. She also managed to crack up Baddy, but thatwas easy. Jabby she just let talk- he could alwaysmanage to insult himself. Breezy was always flirtingwith Jasper- this drove Lila nuts for some reason. So,as a gift to Lila, Alla made Breezy Jasper's wife inthe movie. This meant Breezy remained a slight shadeof pink the entire time. Amper and Joyous, the sistersof Jasper, were amused by this as well. They playedtheir parts unenthusiastically, but Lila and Alla madeup for them by being crazy and loud throughout. Theend result was 2 hours of work for a 10-minute clip.But Alla felt proud. This was her finest work yet, andshe looked forward to more guy-girl movies in thesummer. They cleaned up and ate some Pizza Hut pizza. Then outcame her rounded double-layer ice cream bombe cake,with a nutter-butter crust and reese's hard shelltopping over it. The guys went crazy, then after they all had a piece the girls went crazy- sugar affects usdifferently, Alla realized. Then Lila opened her giftsand the girls oohed and ahhed while the guys ate morecake. They played some games and Alla struck up a nice 'whatto do at camp' conversation. Baddy, Jabby and Liladecided Alla should go undercover and pretend to betheir sister for the week. It was agreed. Alla alreadyfelt like family to everyone there, even though shewasn't related to any of them. Looking around her fulltable, she realized this was her youth group- theywere all sitting at her kitchen table, way too hyper.That would've never been happening a year ago. Thesewere realitivly new friends, yet she felt very closeto them. Maybe trying new things wasn't so bad after all.
Mr. Luke
Mr. Luke was a tall, strong bounty-hunter. His armsbulged from underneath his extra-large T-shirt as heroamed the Amazon. Well, what was left of the Amazonrainforest. This was his favorite place to hunt, butunlike everyone else in this bug-ridden forest, he washunting humans. This was a popular place for criminalsto hide and it seemed they all had big prices on theirheads. Mr. Luke squatted down. Being tall was handy tointimadate his prey, but he had to catch them first,and that meant not being spotted. He heard the roar ofa waterfall. He decided to head for it, knowing thescum he tracked down needed water to survive thisdesert heat. Hacking through the heavy leaves with his machete hesmiled. That had been his nickname back when he was in'training'- Machete. Stealthily Mr. Luke crept down the hill near thewater fall. He saw a familiar face wading towards thewaterfall. It was Zeke Garrilla himself. This was Mr.Luke's biggest bounty yet. If he could get Zeke he'dhave enough money to save the rest of the Amazonitself! And he knew it'd be easy. Almost too easy, hethought happily. This bounty was wanted, dead oralive. That makes my job even easier, thought Mr. Lukeas he readied his sniper rifle. Then he paused. Livingon the edge had always been his thing. Why stop now?Mr Luke ran out partway into the water, moving quicklytowards Zeke. Mr. Luke pulled out his machete andthrew it. His aim was good- no, perfect.Mr. Luke collected the body of his foe and headed backtowards civiliazation. He popped out his cell phonewhile dragging Zeke's body with his other hand. Thosemuscles came in handy sometimes. He dialed his'manager', Amos Jones.
A Pirate's Tale By Me
I speak of an entirely different Anamaria than the one in the movie!
Anamaria stopped in her tracks, looking up at the clear summer sky, and smiled. The whole day stretched in front of her and she decided to spend it outdoors.That meant in the woods, exploring any uncharted areas. She walked across the backyard and through her own entrance into the woods. Unfurling her large map, she traced her last treks with her finger. Charting her way was important to her, even though it was really unnecessary. As she headed for a new section, she began her usual method of day-dreaming. Soon she'd be done mapping these woods. Holding a tall branch as her walking stick to guide her steps, she dreamed today of sailing uncharted seas, roaming forever free on a pirate ship. It's a pity those days are long gone, she sighed. Still, it never hurt to dream. Suddenly her foot caught on a hidden fallen log. She fell flat on her face. Grumbling, she pushed herself off. She sat a moment, getting her wind back. "Ow," she muttered, not because of her scratched arm, but because she was sitting on something sharp. She stood up on her knees, turning and peering down at the shimmer. She unearthed a gold ring, with a huge blue stone surrounded by little pearls. Well, that's cool! She smiled and tried it on. It slipped easily onto her finger. She stared at it for awhile. It reminded her of something…the ocean, that was it. She paused for a moment, hearing a foreign sound. Hunters? No, it sounded like a large body of water. Maybe I've discovered a new pond, Anamaria figured. She walked towards the strange sound, her map still in her hand. To her surprise she stepped through a clearing and found herself walking on sand, looking at what appeared to be the sea. On the not-too-distant horizon she thought she saw a ship. Trying to catch her startled breath, Anamaria walked up to the shoreline, saying something like this: "Wha- Wha- Wha?" She dropped to her knees, then froze. She turned around, back to her woods, her 'backyard forest'. She yelped with amazement as she saw palm trees replaced her precious oaks. "Whoa!""I don't suppose you could lend a hand here, mate?" A strange, familiar voice made her leap to her feet. She stared at the figure who was holding up big piece of red cloth. "Jack? Jack Sparrow?" She cried. "Captain Jack, if you please, love." He smiled at her now, the charming Jack-smile. Her eyes narrowed. "What trouble are you getting out of now?" She asked him. His eyebrows raised and she realized she'd never seen him without his bandana before. "Do you know me somehow?" He seemed almost worried. "No, I, er- I know you, sort of, but you don't know me." She said."Ah, well, that's a puzzle, to be sure, but not really my primary concern here. See, I really could use a ship right now, and there happens to be one right out there." He paused, obviously thinking things over. She could almost hear his clever wheels turning. He smiled slightly at her, and his eyes were dancing. "How would you like to sail the seven seas, darling? Free to do what you want to do simply because you want it and no one to tell you you can't do what you want done." He grinned now at her knotted brow. "Um…actually, it's kinda been my dream to be a….a pirate," she sort of laughed. Why not go along for a ride with Jack Sparrow, er, Captain Jack. "Perfect!" He cried almost before she'd spoken the words. "Then try waving that lovely blue sash, towards the approaching ship," he instructed. She glanced down at her (new) outfit. She slowly untied the blue wrap that was around her waist. She also noted her pirate pants, boots, and stained loose white shirt. She waved down the ship fairly easily and had to step back a bit when it landed. It was the Black Pearl, that was easy enough to see. "Who be you?" called a familiar voice. Anamaria spotted Mr. Gibbs leaning over the rails. She glanced behind her and saw, unfortunately, no Jack. "Um…Jack?" She called hesitantly, then yelling it. A coconut whizzed by her at hit Gibbs square in the skull. She winced for him as she heard the ensuing swears. She looked around for the culprit, Jack. She spotted him strutting- no, that was just the way he walked, she realized- out of the forest, holding a fresh coconut. "What's in your head, Jack?" She asked. He shot her an annoyed look, "It's Captain. How many times-?" Gibbs interrupted him with indiscernible shouting. Jack yelled back, "That was for leaving me with those bloody cannibals!" Gibbs yelled something in his own defense, but Jack kept going, "You're lucky I know a few savage languages!" Anna stared at him a moment, "How do you learn a cannibal's language?" She asked. He paused, considering. Then he spoke softly and way too close to her, "You just make it up, dear." He stepped back, putting his bandana in its proper place, then pointed towards the ship, "Care to join us?" He asked her, "Or you could stay here on this cannibal-infested spit of land." Given those options, Anamaria retied her sash and walked ahead of Jack, climbing up onto the Black Pearl. From this high view, she could almost see all her adventures.Jack stepped on board behind her. It made her dizzy just watching him swirl around in his crazy movements. Gibbs and the rest of the crew welcomed him back, shooting her puzzled glances. From behind her Anamaria heard a female voice speak up, "Who's your new friend, Jack?" Elizabeth Swann sauntered up to them. Jack was still standing next to Anamaria and to her surprise he placed a casual arm around her and smiled at Elizabeth. "This is my lovely…comrade…um, hmm. What did you say your name was?" Jack asked Anamaria. She raised an eyebrow at him and would've shoved him away, but she happened to catch Lizzy's smirk. Mind games, she realized. "Anamaria…" she answered. "…and you're Elizabeth, right?" Her smirk faded at that and she began her British tirade, "Jack, how do you find these girls-" "That's women, love," Ana said in a Jack voice. He smiled at Anamaria, then taking his arm off, he waltzed over to the steering wheel. Elizabeth stalked over to him, "Might I trouble you to keep your word?" She pestered. Anna caught a worried look on Jack, then he turned and smiled at Liz. He held his hands up as if in defense -Anamaria realized this is just how Jack talks to people- then tried to reassure her, "Yes, yes, we'll go and save Will. I am sorry if my almost getting eaten got in the way of your plans," he paused, thinking of something, "It was you who gave the command to leave, was it not?" He asked a very uncomfortable-looking Liz. She sputtered a few times, then admitted it, "Any man who falls behind is left behind, isn't that right, Jack?" "Whatever help you sleep at night, darling," he grinned coldly. "Well, this is all so fascinating, but I for one am utterly lost. Just where is you're going and what are ya after?" Ana asked after a brief silence. Jack spoke towards the sea, "We're headed to Isle de Menca to save brave William Turner, who I'm sure you've heard of, since you apparently know all of us." "Yes, I do, and it'd be best if you did not ask me how," Anamaria decided. "And why is that, I wonder?" Asked Elizabeth. "The truth is far too complicated for you, I'm afraid," Ana explained. Jack gave a funny little snort to that, then he began shouting orders that Anamaria didn't quite understand. "You've never worked on a ship before, I reckon?" Jack asked. Ana chuckled at that, "I've never even seen one like this." Jack seemed very surprised at that. "Well, then, feel free to take a tour. It'll have to be a quick one, though," Jack said. "Why's that?" She asked. "We're almost there, love," Jack pointed. Ana turned and saw a huge island a long ways away still. It almost seemed shaped like a, "Face?" she wondered aloud. "Yes, very good," Jack said dryly. "Did you at least warn the girl of the danger?" Gibbs popped in. "Woman," Jack corrected at the same time Anamaria cried with alarm, "Danger?" Jack glared at Gibbs. "Jack?" Ana asked suspiciously, "What are we getting into here?" Gibbs answered for Jack, "See that huge gaping cave there where the mouth forms?" He asked. Anamaria nodded, he continued, "Well, that's the base of the active volcano that form that there little island. It could fill with hot, blistering lava that could burn your skin clean off at any moment!" Gibbs paused for effect, "That's where we believe ol' Blackbeard's keepin poor Will." "So we're just going to sneak in there and snatch Will out of 'Blackbeard's' volcanic fortress?" Gibbs nodded, Jack looked uneasy. Anamaria asked, "How did you 'lose' Will, anyway?" Jack looked very uneasy now, as Gibbs opened and closed his mouth, then looked to Jack questioningly. Jack grunted, "Blackbeard came to Tortuga and…threatened to…um…take Elizabeth, unless, of course, Will could pay him 100 thousand pounds. I don't know, he must've thought she was pretty or something..." "But you could have paid it off, couldn't you have?" Anamaria asked him. "Darling, I would've loved to, but I simply don't carry that sort of change in me pocket, now, do I?" Jack smiled. She didn't buy it, "You're a pirate, he's a pirate- you could've struck a deal.""And I did, love- I told him I'd get him the money. He could even keep Will as leverage if he wished." Jack paused. "I had hoped he wouldn't take me up on that little deal, but he did, so now I am going to hold up my end of our bargain.""So you have the money?" Anamaria asked him. "No," Jack said calmly, "But I have a plan." Anamaria was almost afraid to ask, so she instead asked Gibbs this: "What did Blackbeard want the money for?" Again Gibbs looked to Jack. Jack glanced towards him, then back to Anamaria. He flashed her a gold-toothed grin, "Probably just to buy more rum- but I think he was full of it already when he asked." Ana rolled her eyes at this, and disgustedly muttered the famous line, "Pirates." They soon laid anchor a mile or so away from the back of the island. "Just what is your plan, Jack?" Elizabeth asked. "You, Gibbs and I will go ashore on the longboat. Anamaria, too, if she wishes," Anamaria nodded. Why not? "We know one thing- what Blackbeard really wants." Jack said as they rowed to shore. "What might that be?" Elizabeth asked. Anamaria understood Jack suddenly. "You mean Elizabeth?" Jack looked taken aback, "No one's ever figured me out so quickly." "Jack!" Liz cried, "You mean to- to 'sacrifice' me?" They landed. "I think she's offended, Jack." Ana tried not to smile. He smirked at that, then pulled some supplies from the boat. He handed Elizabeth a small sheathed dagger and Anamaria sword. "I figured even the women should be defended." Jack paused, "Especially the women, in this case." "Are the stories true, then?" Ana asked, "Is Blackbeard really so fearsome?" "I suppose he is, though I've never really been interested in confirming how many wives he's killed." Jack said this matter-of-factly. Elizabeth paled considerably. "So, you're going to send little Lizzy in to distract Blackbeard," Liz opened her mouth at this, but Anamaria continued, "Then I suppose I'm to save Will while you and Gibbs battle Blackbeard?" She guessed. "Close," Jack admitted. "I was thinking Lizzy could distract ol' Blacky while you and Gibbs save brave Will- try untying him- and then Lizzy could run for her life, whilst I guard the boat." "And how do we know you won't just leave us?" Ana asked, her arms crossed. Jack flinched- this was clearly his plan. Liz spoke up, "Why don't YOU distract Blackbeard while I save Will?" Shots whizzing by them answered instead of Jack. They all ducked behind the nearest boulders. "New plan!" Anamaria yelled. "Get to the cave alive, try to save Will, then make a run for it!" "I'm all for it, unless they blow a hole in our bloody boat!" Jack yelled, then took off running towards the shots. He had his pistol out, and he fired a few shots, then reached the tree line unscathed. "How is he so lucky?" Ana wondered aloud. "Let's pray his luck passes to those he's with!" Gibbs cried, taking off after Jack, his head protected by his hands. "It never seems to reach Will," Ana pointed out. "Come on!" Liz yelled, running for it when the shots ceased- whoever was shooting, they were clearly after Jack. Following Gibbs and Jack, the two ran for ages. At last they caught up to the men. Gibbs looked as if he was going to have a heart attack. Anamaria prayed he'd catch his breath soon, he was freaking her out. "Alright, we've reached the cave. Now what?" Anamaria asked. Jack considered things a moment. "We go in, you all let me do the talking- Ana, you try and sneak by Blackbeard and his crew and find Will. This cave has a few nooks and crannies. I'm guessing Will is in one of 'em. You find 'im, you give us a good ghost sound," Jack decided. "A ghost sound?" Anamaria asked. "Yes, a woman groaning or something like that- he'll think it's one of his wives, see?" Jack explained. "Alright, I've got it- let's go before I lose my nerve- Are you going to be okay, Gibbs?" Anamaria asked, concerned. "Yes, yes, but I'd best stay here and wait it out. I'm not one of ye youngsters any longer," he admitted. They all nodded silent agreement, then entered the cavern.As Jack and Elizabeth headed straight into the heart of the cave, Anamaria spotted a trail leading off to the side. She silently took it, feeling her way along when she lost her light. She could see patches of light finally. Quietly she whispered Will's name in the gloom. To her surprise there came grunts of response in a corner. She crouched down and pulled the figure into the light- it was Will, of course. She quickly undid the cloth that gagged him, then worked on his hands. "Who are you?" He asked quietly. "My name's Anamaria. I came here with Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth." She explained. His hands untied, they untied his feet together, and Ana helped him up. "Where are they?" Will demanded. "They're talking with Blackbeard." She told him. "I don't suppose Jack brought the money?" Will asked a bit bitterly. "No, of course not. What really happened, anyways?" She asked him as they headed back. "Blackbeard seems to hate Jack for some reason- Jack probably owes him for something, a wife or what not. Jack offered him Elizabeth, so I had to defend her alone. Jack found her before I could and while I was fighting of Blackbeard's crew they escaped. I was outnumbered, so they captured me and have held me, for their leverage, I imagine." Will sighed. They were at the end of the tunnel she'd found him in, she pointed the way Jack and Elizabeth had gone. They hurried along. Anamaria glanced at Will, "Jack really made a mess of things, didn't he?""He always manages to do that, and yet escapes unchanged every time," Will sounded grim. "Do you suppose anyone will ever change him?" She asked. Will chuckled at that, but then they reached an open section of cave and he never got to answer her. They crept up to see Jack and Elizabeth standing in front of a big, surly pirate. There were a few other pirates standing around. Jack was talking, naturally, and Elizabeth was looking around, uncomfortable under Blackbeard's eyes. "What's the plan here?" Will asked. Instead of answering, Anamaria let out a deathly, cold moan. Will jumped, startled, and a few pirates ran off. The others drew their swords, trembling. Blackbeard looked around, squinting. Jack nudged Elizabeth discreetly and she began to back up. "This place is haunted!" One of the pirates cried. "Haunted by one of me wives!" Blackbeard realized. "Run for yer lives!" He cried. Jack and Elizabeth were already running. They ran past Will and Anamaria, who quickly joined them. Once outside, they made their way to where Gibbs sat, waiting. He shot up off his stone chair when he saw them. Elizabeth looked at Will for the first time. "Will!" She cried happily, throwing her arms around him. Jack looked at Anamaria and rolled his eyes in their direction. Ana smiled back."You didn't have to be quite so convincing, did you? You scared the bejeezes outta me, and I was expecting it," Jack complained, though he seemed fairly amused. "We should probably return to our ship, don't you think?" Anamaria asked. "With all haste, darling," Jack agreed. They quickly made their way first to the longboat then to the Black Pearl. Climbing aboard, Jack turned to her, "You know, I think you'll make a fine addition to our crew," he decided. She laughed at that, "You know, I would love to come on some more of your adventures, Jack. But for now I should very much like to go home," she said. "Ah, well then, point me the way and I'll gladly take you there," Jack offered. She grabbed him by the arm and led him into his captain's cabin. "Er, what are you-" he began. "Shhh- close your eyes, Jack." He obeyed, but peeked a bit. She put her hand over his eyes. "I want you to hold onto something for me. If ever you should think of me, you can put it on and take me sailing away with you," She smiled. "You can come and save me from my lonely dreams, like you did today." She took her hand off his eyes. "No peeking!" She ordered. She put her hand in his and kissed his cheek farewell quickly. He felt her hand disappear and when he opened his eyes she was gone. Anamaria woke up in her familiar woods, her map still laying near her where she'd dropped it. She smiled a bittersweet smile, wondering if Jack would ever come back for her.Jack stared down at the blue ring in his hand, puzzled. He studied it closely, then his sly grin appeared knowingly. He played with the ring for a moment. Then he slipped it on.
THE END
Anamaria stopped in her tracks, looking up at the clear summer sky, and smiled. The whole day stretched in front of her and she decided to spend it outdoors.That meant in the woods, exploring any uncharted areas. She walked across the backyard and through her own entrance into the woods. Unfurling her large map, she traced her last treks with her finger. Charting her way was important to her, even though it was really unnecessary. As she headed for a new section, she began her usual method of day-dreaming. Soon she'd be done mapping these woods. Holding a tall branch as her walking stick to guide her steps, she dreamed today of sailing uncharted seas, roaming forever free on a pirate ship. It's a pity those days are long gone, she sighed. Still, it never hurt to dream. Suddenly her foot caught on a hidden fallen log. She fell flat on her face. Grumbling, she pushed herself off. She sat a moment, getting her wind back. "Ow," she muttered, not because of her scratched arm, but because she was sitting on something sharp. She stood up on her knees, turning and peering down at the shimmer. She unearthed a gold ring, with a huge blue stone surrounded by little pearls. Well, that's cool! She smiled and tried it on. It slipped easily onto her finger. She stared at it for awhile. It reminded her of something…the ocean, that was it. She paused for a moment, hearing a foreign sound. Hunters? No, it sounded like a large body of water. Maybe I've discovered a new pond, Anamaria figured. She walked towards the strange sound, her map still in her hand. To her surprise she stepped through a clearing and found herself walking on sand, looking at what appeared to be the sea. On the not-too-distant horizon she thought she saw a ship. Trying to catch her startled breath, Anamaria walked up to the shoreline, saying something like this: "Wha- Wha- Wha?" She dropped to her knees, then froze. She turned around, back to her woods, her 'backyard forest'. She yelped with amazement as she saw palm trees replaced her precious oaks. "Whoa!""I don't suppose you could lend a hand here, mate?" A strange, familiar voice made her leap to her feet. She stared at the figure who was holding up big piece of red cloth. "Jack? Jack Sparrow?" She cried. "Captain Jack, if you please, love." He smiled at her now, the charming Jack-smile. Her eyes narrowed. "What trouble are you getting out of now?" She asked him. His eyebrows raised and she realized she'd never seen him without his bandana before. "Do you know me somehow?" He seemed almost worried. "No, I, er- I know you, sort of, but you don't know me." She said."Ah, well, that's a puzzle, to be sure, but not really my primary concern here. See, I really could use a ship right now, and there happens to be one right out there." He paused, obviously thinking things over. She could almost hear his clever wheels turning. He smiled slightly at her, and his eyes were dancing. "How would you like to sail the seven seas, darling? Free to do what you want to do simply because you want it and no one to tell you you can't do what you want done." He grinned now at her knotted brow. "Um…actually, it's kinda been my dream to be a….a pirate," she sort of laughed. Why not go along for a ride with Jack Sparrow, er, Captain Jack. "Perfect!" He cried almost before she'd spoken the words. "Then try waving that lovely blue sash, towards the approaching ship," he instructed. She glanced down at her (new) outfit. She slowly untied the blue wrap that was around her waist. She also noted her pirate pants, boots, and stained loose white shirt. She waved down the ship fairly easily and had to step back a bit when it landed. It was the Black Pearl, that was easy enough to see. "Who be you?" called a familiar voice. Anamaria spotted Mr. Gibbs leaning over the rails. She glanced behind her and saw, unfortunately, no Jack. "Um…Jack?" She called hesitantly, then yelling it. A coconut whizzed by her at hit Gibbs square in the skull. She winced for him as she heard the ensuing swears. She looked around for the culprit, Jack. She spotted him strutting- no, that was just the way he walked, she realized- out of the forest, holding a fresh coconut. "What's in your head, Jack?" She asked. He shot her an annoyed look, "It's Captain. How many times-?" Gibbs interrupted him with indiscernible shouting. Jack yelled back, "That was for leaving me with those bloody cannibals!" Gibbs yelled something in his own defense, but Jack kept going, "You're lucky I know a few savage languages!" Anna stared at him a moment, "How do you learn a cannibal's language?" She asked. He paused, considering. Then he spoke softly and way too close to her, "You just make it up, dear." He stepped back, putting his bandana in its proper place, then pointed towards the ship, "Care to join us?" He asked her, "Or you could stay here on this cannibal-infested spit of land." Given those options, Anamaria retied her sash and walked ahead of Jack, climbing up onto the Black Pearl. From this high view, she could almost see all her adventures.Jack stepped on board behind her. It made her dizzy just watching him swirl around in his crazy movements. Gibbs and the rest of the crew welcomed him back, shooting her puzzled glances. From behind her Anamaria heard a female voice speak up, "Who's your new friend, Jack?" Elizabeth Swann sauntered up to them. Jack was still standing next to Anamaria and to her surprise he placed a casual arm around her and smiled at Elizabeth. "This is my lovely…comrade…um, hmm. What did you say your name was?" Jack asked Anamaria. She raised an eyebrow at him and would've shoved him away, but she happened to catch Lizzy's smirk. Mind games, she realized. "Anamaria…" she answered. "…and you're Elizabeth, right?" Her smirk faded at that and she began her British tirade, "Jack, how do you find these girls-" "That's women, love," Ana said in a Jack voice. He smiled at Anamaria, then taking his arm off, he waltzed over to the steering wheel. Elizabeth stalked over to him, "Might I trouble you to keep your word?" She pestered. Anna caught a worried look on Jack, then he turned and smiled at Liz. He held his hands up as if in defense -Anamaria realized this is just how Jack talks to people- then tried to reassure her, "Yes, yes, we'll go and save Will. I am sorry if my almost getting eaten got in the way of your plans," he paused, thinking of something, "It was you who gave the command to leave, was it not?" He asked a very uncomfortable-looking Liz. She sputtered a few times, then admitted it, "Any man who falls behind is left behind, isn't that right, Jack?" "Whatever help you sleep at night, darling," he grinned coldly. "Well, this is all so fascinating, but I for one am utterly lost. Just where is you're going and what are ya after?" Ana asked after a brief silence. Jack spoke towards the sea, "We're headed to Isle de Menca to save brave William Turner, who I'm sure you've heard of, since you apparently know all of us." "Yes, I do, and it'd be best if you did not ask me how," Anamaria decided. "And why is that, I wonder?" Asked Elizabeth. "The truth is far too complicated for you, I'm afraid," Ana explained. Jack gave a funny little snort to that, then he began shouting orders that Anamaria didn't quite understand. "You've never worked on a ship before, I reckon?" Jack asked. Ana chuckled at that, "I've never even seen one like this." Jack seemed very surprised at that. "Well, then, feel free to take a tour. It'll have to be a quick one, though," Jack said. "Why's that?" She asked. "We're almost there, love," Jack pointed. Ana turned and saw a huge island a long ways away still. It almost seemed shaped like a, "Face?" she wondered aloud. "Yes, very good," Jack said dryly. "Did you at least warn the girl of the danger?" Gibbs popped in. "Woman," Jack corrected at the same time Anamaria cried with alarm, "Danger?" Jack glared at Gibbs. "Jack?" Ana asked suspiciously, "What are we getting into here?" Gibbs answered for Jack, "See that huge gaping cave there where the mouth forms?" He asked. Anamaria nodded, he continued, "Well, that's the base of the active volcano that form that there little island. It could fill with hot, blistering lava that could burn your skin clean off at any moment!" Gibbs paused for effect, "That's where we believe ol' Blackbeard's keepin poor Will." "So we're just going to sneak in there and snatch Will out of 'Blackbeard's' volcanic fortress?" Gibbs nodded, Jack looked uneasy. Anamaria asked, "How did you 'lose' Will, anyway?" Jack looked very uneasy now, as Gibbs opened and closed his mouth, then looked to Jack questioningly. Jack grunted, "Blackbeard came to Tortuga and…threatened to…um…take Elizabeth, unless, of course, Will could pay him 100 thousand pounds. I don't know, he must've thought she was pretty or something..." "But you could have paid it off, couldn't you have?" Anamaria asked him. "Darling, I would've loved to, but I simply don't carry that sort of change in me pocket, now, do I?" Jack smiled. She didn't buy it, "You're a pirate, he's a pirate- you could've struck a deal.""And I did, love- I told him I'd get him the money. He could even keep Will as leverage if he wished." Jack paused. "I had hoped he wouldn't take me up on that little deal, but he did, so now I am going to hold up my end of our bargain.""So you have the money?" Anamaria asked him. "No," Jack said calmly, "But I have a plan." Anamaria was almost afraid to ask, so she instead asked Gibbs this: "What did Blackbeard want the money for?" Again Gibbs looked to Jack. Jack glanced towards him, then back to Anamaria. He flashed her a gold-toothed grin, "Probably just to buy more rum- but I think he was full of it already when he asked." Ana rolled her eyes at this, and disgustedly muttered the famous line, "Pirates." They soon laid anchor a mile or so away from the back of the island. "Just what is your plan, Jack?" Elizabeth asked. "You, Gibbs and I will go ashore on the longboat. Anamaria, too, if she wishes," Anamaria nodded. Why not? "We know one thing- what Blackbeard really wants." Jack said as they rowed to shore. "What might that be?" Elizabeth asked. Anamaria understood Jack suddenly. "You mean Elizabeth?" Jack looked taken aback, "No one's ever figured me out so quickly." "Jack!" Liz cried, "You mean to- to 'sacrifice' me?" They landed. "I think she's offended, Jack." Ana tried not to smile. He smirked at that, then pulled some supplies from the boat. He handed Elizabeth a small sheathed dagger and Anamaria sword. "I figured even the women should be defended." Jack paused, "Especially the women, in this case." "Are the stories true, then?" Ana asked, "Is Blackbeard really so fearsome?" "I suppose he is, though I've never really been interested in confirming how many wives he's killed." Jack said this matter-of-factly. Elizabeth paled considerably. "So, you're going to send little Lizzy in to distract Blackbeard," Liz opened her mouth at this, but Anamaria continued, "Then I suppose I'm to save Will while you and Gibbs battle Blackbeard?" She guessed. "Close," Jack admitted. "I was thinking Lizzy could distract ol' Blacky while you and Gibbs save brave Will- try untying him- and then Lizzy could run for her life, whilst I guard the boat." "And how do we know you won't just leave us?" Ana asked, her arms crossed. Jack flinched- this was clearly his plan. Liz spoke up, "Why don't YOU distract Blackbeard while I save Will?" Shots whizzing by them answered instead of Jack. They all ducked behind the nearest boulders. "New plan!" Anamaria yelled. "Get to the cave alive, try to save Will, then make a run for it!" "I'm all for it, unless they blow a hole in our bloody boat!" Jack yelled, then took off running towards the shots. He had his pistol out, and he fired a few shots, then reached the tree line unscathed. "How is he so lucky?" Ana wondered aloud. "Let's pray his luck passes to those he's with!" Gibbs cried, taking off after Jack, his head protected by his hands. "It never seems to reach Will," Ana pointed out. "Come on!" Liz yelled, running for it when the shots ceased- whoever was shooting, they were clearly after Jack. Following Gibbs and Jack, the two ran for ages. At last they caught up to the men. Gibbs looked as if he was going to have a heart attack. Anamaria prayed he'd catch his breath soon, he was freaking her out. "Alright, we've reached the cave. Now what?" Anamaria asked. Jack considered things a moment. "We go in, you all let me do the talking- Ana, you try and sneak by Blackbeard and his crew and find Will. This cave has a few nooks and crannies. I'm guessing Will is in one of 'em. You find 'im, you give us a good ghost sound," Jack decided. "A ghost sound?" Anamaria asked. "Yes, a woman groaning or something like that- he'll think it's one of his wives, see?" Jack explained. "Alright, I've got it- let's go before I lose my nerve- Are you going to be okay, Gibbs?" Anamaria asked, concerned. "Yes, yes, but I'd best stay here and wait it out. I'm not one of ye youngsters any longer," he admitted. They all nodded silent agreement, then entered the cavern.As Jack and Elizabeth headed straight into the heart of the cave, Anamaria spotted a trail leading off to the side. She silently took it, feeling her way along when she lost her light. She could see patches of light finally. Quietly she whispered Will's name in the gloom. To her surprise there came grunts of response in a corner. She crouched down and pulled the figure into the light- it was Will, of course. She quickly undid the cloth that gagged him, then worked on his hands. "Who are you?" He asked quietly. "My name's Anamaria. I came here with Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth." She explained. His hands untied, they untied his feet together, and Ana helped him up. "Where are they?" Will demanded. "They're talking with Blackbeard." She told him. "I don't suppose Jack brought the money?" Will asked a bit bitterly. "No, of course not. What really happened, anyways?" She asked him as they headed back. "Blackbeard seems to hate Jack for some reason- Jack probably owes him for something, a wife or what not. Jack offered him Elizabeth, so I had to defend her alone. Jack found her before I could and while I was fighting of Blackbeard's crew they escaped. I was outnumbered, so they captured me and have held me, for their leverage, I imagine." Will sighed. They were at the end of the tunnel she'd found him in, she pointed the way Jack and Elizabeth had gone. They hurried along. Anamaria glanced at Will, "Jack really made a mess of things, didn't he?""He always manages to do that, and yet escapes unchanged every time," Will sounded grim. "Do you suppose anyone will ever change him?" She asked. Will chuckled at that, but then they reached an open section of cave and he never got to answer her. They crept up to see Jack and Elizabeth standing in front of a big, surly pirate. There were a few other pirates standing around. Jack was talking, naturally, and Elizabeth was looking around, uncomfortable under Blackbeard's eyes. "What's the plan here?" Will asked. Instead of answering, Anamaria let out a deathly, cold moan. Will jumped, startled, and a few pirates ran off. The others drew their swords, trembling. Blackbeard looked around, squinting. Jack nudged Elizabeth discreetly and she began to back up. "This place is haunted!" One of the pirates cried. "Haunted by one of me wives!" Blackbeard realized. "Run for yer lives!" He cried. Jack and Elizabeth were already running. They ran past Will and Anamaria, who quickly joined them. Once outside, they made their way to where Gibbs sat, waiting. He shot up off his stone chair when he saw them. Elizabeth looked at Will for the first time. "Will!" She cried happily, throwing her arms around him. Jack looked at Anamaria and rolled his eyes in their direction. Ana smiled back."You didn't have to be quite so convincing, did you? You scared the bejeezes outta me, and I was expecting it," Jack complained, though he seemed fairly amused. "We should probably return to our ship, don't you think?" Anamaria asked. "With all haste, darling," Jack agreed. They quickly made their way first to the longboat then to the Black Pearl. Climbing aboard, Jack turned to her, "You know, I think you'll make a fine addition to our crew," he decided. She laughed at that, "You know, I would love to come on some more of your adventures, Jack. But for now I should very much like to go home," she said. "Ah, well then, point me the way and I'll gladly take you there," Jack offered. She grabbed him by the arm and led him into his captain's cabin. "Er, what are you-" he began. "Shhh- close your eyes, Jack." He obeyed, but peeked a bit. She put her hand over his eyes. "I want you to hold onto something for me. If ever you should think of me, you can put it on and take me sailing away with you," She smiled. "You can come and save me from my lonely dreams, like you did today." She took her hand off his eyes. "No peeking!" She ordered. She put her hand in his and kissed his cheek farewell quickly. He felt her hand disappear and when he opened his eyes she was gone. Anamaria woke up in her familiar woods, her map still laying near her where she'd dropped it. She smiled a bittersweet smile, wondering if Jack would ever come back for her.Jack stared down at the blue ring in his hand, puzzled. He studied it closely, then his sly grin appeared knowingly. He played with the ring for a moment. Then he slipped it on.
THE END
A Love of Pirates is Born
Once upon a time there was a girl named- well, it's not important what her name was. We'll just call her Ignoramous, since that's what she was. One night her brother- we'll call him Awesome, since he enlightened her- he brought home a movie for the family to watch together. "It's really good." He said. The film was called Pirates of the Caribbean. As Ignoramous sat in the dark, she watched a staggering pirate talk his way out of everything, get his own way, and in general, be hilarious. She could barely understand his zany talk and she loved the way he confused everyone he need to confuse. Jack wanted his ship, and Ignoramous found herself wishing Jack could get his ship- she was sympathizing a character she had only known for an hour and a half. When Jack got stabbed, she gasped in horror, and said, "No way!" She swore to hate this movie if Jack died. Luckily, Jack didn't die, and Ignoramous watched it over and over again. She learned the name of this kooky pirate- Johnny Depp. From that day on, she devoured every picture, every movie, every word about Johnny/Jack. Ignoramous became Obsessed. This guy was funny, talented, serious, hardworking, relaxed about life and just plain cool. He wasn't her idol, never would be, but he was inspiration. With every incarnation of a crazy character, she related to him more than any other actor- his roles meant something, they said something. So she took from him a little bit of craziness, and a lot of inspiration to live life to the fullest and just have fun sometimes.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
