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insertinterestingusernamehere · 2 years

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Simply Destiny (A PoTC fic... with shipgirls)

A.N : So uh- I’m pretty hesitant to put this but I was like oh screw it so here it is- For context, I’ve loved Naval History for a pretty long time now, and got into personified ships about a few years ago... so when I was watching PoTC for the second time I was like : Wait. Waaaiit. What if I- What if I make Age of Sail shipgirls. Out of the ships in PoTC. So yeah! Here it is ahaha

Fic : Simply Destiny

Summary : Explores Dauntless’ POV, through CotBP and a tad smidge of the later movies. Follows her and James’ friendship... or relationship... if you squint hard enough lmao

Wordcount : 5055

[Context: Shipgirls cannot be seen by all - when sighted by normal people, they would look simply ordinary, or whatever the person wanted them to look like in that setting and will only been seen when directly interacting - eg, in a bar, the server would perhaps see them as regular customers, men even, sometimes. Control ship thru telepathic bonds, no rigging yet.]

In which shipgirls… shipgirls were always there.

No one really knew what these… ‘shipgirls’ were, or when they came to be. Those who claimed they existed were sometimes mocked outright, laughed at. After all, those who had ever sighted them remained few and far between, hell, even talking to one of these women proved even more difficult, given their elusivity. Merely rumours, legends, so they said. And, well, most of those who knew these women often brought that knowledge to their graves, for no one would ever believe them if they were to speak of these… people.

Even those who saw the women, well, often were quite unsure what to think, for their mannerisms and clothes were scandalous in society’s eyes. A good woman was meek, obeying, could take care of the household, wore corsets and dresses resplendent and thick. Back then, at least. These shipgirls… they were none of that. Decked out in clothes made for fighting, some even wore those of men. Brash, outspoken. Powerful. People feared them.

Made sense to him, Lieutenant James Norrington mused as he surveyed the deck of the ship, slight movement out of the corner of his eye catching his attention. A slight incline of her head acknowledged his presence as she strode up to stand beside him. Not too long ago, when he realised he could see these… mysterious women… James had half-hoped it was an illusion. Surely this would not be reality? Turns out, it was. And right now, Dauntless was scanning the deck beside him, glancing up at the skies for a moment before ducking back into the cabin. He had sailed with her… for a long time now. Yet- yet somehow, most people looked right past her, as if she was never there. It unnerved him, sometimes, knowing that he could, well. See things others could not. His attention was turned to the horizon once more, the overcast skies looming menacingly.

Looking just towards the stern, he caught sight of a certain young girl, pale and freckled. The Governor’s daughter. The duo were crossing the Atlantic, and James just so happened to be commandeering the ship they were taking. Pausing, he watched as Dauntless walked up to the girl - Elizabeth. Elizabeth Swann, that was her name - and leaned over the railing casually.

He watched as she opened her mouth to state something to the girl, and he turned away, a wry smile tugging at his lips. Interesting as he might find their conversation, it was hardly his place to eavesdrop. Additionally… As long as their talking kept Elizabeth out of trouble, that would probably be good enough.

“What does being a ship feel like?” Met with yet another question from the governor’s daughter, Dauntless felt a twinge of exasperation, but the large, doleful eyes staring up at her washed all those thoughts away. The shipgirl frowned slightly, looking back at the girl, who was awaiting her answer.

“It feels… free. Under the endless sky, coasting through the open ocean- Something perhaps not many would have the privilege of understanding. It would be tasting freedom.” Most of the time, at least. Her mind mumbled resentfully, and Dauntless held back a sigh - Elizabeth would pick it up. She would ask why.

Far too curious for any young girl her age… she was... different. When Dauntless glanced at her, she saw a free spirit, a flame of stubbornness which would only grow with age.

“Have you ever- Have you ever wanted to not be in the Navy?”

“Meaning?” The young girl leaned closer, and Dauntless ducked down to hear more clearly as she whispered mischievously.

“Have you ever wanted to be a pirate ship?” The shipgirl reeled back, scandalised. A look of shock flitted over the girl’s face, but before she could apologise, Dauntless cut her off with a curt. “No.” Seeing the guilty expression on Elizabeth’s face, her features softened and she reassured her that all questions were accepted. Even when Elizabeth had turned to face the ocean, admiring the choppy waves, Dauntless’ thoughts were wandering.

Because honestly - no was never the full truth.

She had always been a restless soul, dauntless, ironically. Wanting to try something new - yet she was tied to her duty, and for that, there was nothing she could do about it. She could feel Norrington’s questioning glance towards her, but when she turned to face him, maybe offer an answer, the words dried in her mouth.

The lieutenant, good of a friend he was, had made his main aim in the Navy to rid the seas of piracy. This subject… it was not something to be broached with him. At least, perhaps, not now. Maybe another time. Maybe never. No doubt, he was a man of honour, a man of his word… but by now, Dauntless was used to tiptoeing the lines of what could be said and what was better left in one’s thoughts.

Instead, she walked over, consulted their course with Gibbs, and muttered a dry joke to James, watching him smile lightly and reply with words of his own. Then she focused on their journey ahead.

8 years later…

“I take it that you find life rather mundane too, I presume?” Interceptor peered over the brim of her drink as she took another swig and set the mug down, her face slightly flushed. That was perhaps the first sign of her inebriation - saying things that would otherwise be bottled up.

“Yes, I too feel that… One might think that duty to King and Country would be more…” Dauntless fumbled, searching for the words. “More… interesting.” the alcohol loosened her tongue, as it did with her sister-in-arms’, leading her to express thoughts perhaps her more sober self would normally not. Interceptor snorted, much more out-spoken under the influence of drinks.

“Let’s face it. We both face a rather predestined ending. Knowing where to go, what to do. It is boring.” her friend stated bluntly, Dauntless nodding in agreement.

“I wish for some freedom sometimes too,” She admitted quietly, putting aside her finished drink with a sigh.

Interceptor simply hummed half-heartedly, calling for another round of drinks. “Norrington’s lead has been commendable, however, I must admit,” Her friend muttered, putting down her mug after a large gulp.

“Bloody calculating, indeed. His decisions are immediate and effective. His drive is only fueled by his purpose,” Dauntless shrugged.

Interceptor barked out a laugh before returning, “Ah- Then therein would lie our purpose. At the very least many towns can owe him their safety, if anything. He is… a noble man. Better than many others, I would say.” She shuddered, recalling the other… less than civil men she had crossed.

“Yet- Elizabeth will not accept his proposal. She’s far too free-willed to agree to living that mundane life.”

“Agreed. Pity- He does care for her so,” Interceptor commented.

“Then again, I suppose the same would befall those who love us,” Dauntless joked darkly, swallowing another mouthful of whiskey.

“Tch. Indeed. Now then, will you be attending the ceremony tomorrow?” “Will you?” A slight nod came.

“Then there would be the answer,” She replied. The duo chatted a while more after that, halting their drinking when borderlining on being too drunk, lamenting their lack of freedom, or perhaps comparing helmsmen, the topics strangely heavy despite the light-heartedness in which they were discussed.

Eventually, the duo stumbled back to their respective ships, admiring the stars, discussing plans as to how to slip into the ceremony tomorrow unseen. Regardless, when Dauntless shakily boarded her own ship, she frowned upon sighting a blurry figure leaning over the railing - there was not much reason for… whoever that was - looked to have some status… to be here. Staggering slightly, she came to a stop next to him, turning to look. Ah. Norrington.

“Clearly, you have had a bit to drink,” he commented quietly, sparing her a quick glance before looking back towards the sea.

The red-brown haired woman frowned slightly, finally questioning him, “Then what about you- Did the other boys not bring you out for a drink?”

“I would rather not suffer through a hangover’s effects… But they did. In fact, we caught sight of you with Interceptor. Earlier.” Dauntless stiffened, worry flickering over her grey gaze.

“I don’t suppose you listened to our conversation then?” James raised an eyebrow in response, and she scoffed.

“Of course. Gentlemen.” Sarcasm coated her words as she shook her head. “You should sleep earlier,” she muttered, before making a move back to the cabin.

“It is surprising you have not offered congratulations,” He teased, looking towards her.

Mirth sparkled in her eyes as she replied, “You simply have no need of it, to-be Commodore. …Norrington. Good work,” she smiled lightly before returning to her cabin, leaving him on deck.

James frowned, confused at the pride that drifted over him. Somehow, he had earned praise. And somehow, he now realised, no one had ever, genuinely praised him before. There had been praise before, but they were sardonic, disgruntled, forced, resentful. But this was sincere. It felt… great. Refreshing. Like cool water washing over him.

It calmed his frazzled nerves, somehow. Exhaling, he relaxed his grip on the railing, and headed back home.

To sum up whatever happened the next day. Well. Dauntless could think of no other summary than simply put, chaos. Cut a tad close to disastrous, but somehow, she found herself… being rather intrigued. She had attended the ceremony, yes. Interceptor had been there too, watching it play out with slight boredom, but paid attention nonetheless. Shortly after, they had returned to their ships, exchanging casual comments - and then everything was put in motion when they saw the figure falling from the top of Fort Charles. She heard James’ shout from above, the panic visible in his voice. Dauntless made to jump into the water, but she was beaten to it by another - a certain man with dark dreadlocks, and kohl-rimmed eyes.

Then the confrontation. The hostilities exchanged, though in words. She and Interceptor had watched as the pirate… was he one? Apparently so- but something lay beneath that appearance of a drunk, dull person. Something sharper. This man was two steps ahead, somehow. The duo had been standing along the jetty when he was led past in chains. He seemed to catch sight of them, acknowledging them with a dip of a head and a searching look, before looking away, self-satisfied.

Dauntless found it unnerving, how he could address them so casually and simply stare, as it seemed, right through them. Not past, but rather… as though he could read their thoughts. It intrigued her. More than it should have. This… Jack Sparrow was more than he let on, and honestly, Dauntless wouldn’t mind figuring that out. Better than the claustrophobic atmosphere here in Port Royale.

“There’s a storm coming tonight,” Interceptor stated absently, staring up towards the sky, feeling the breeze, mild as it was, on her skin.

“Got something to do with that pirate?” Dauntless questioned, noting the change in the air. She could feel it too.

“More than anyone would like. That man… I think… if we were all tiny beings in a web, surrounding something else… Captain Sparrow. He would likely be the spider.” Adequate explanation, the shipgirl noted. They would be ready. They would. Right? She tried to push away whatever doubt remained.

Really though, nothing did prepare her for the next few events.

She’s conversing with Gillette the next day - in the aftermath of the attack the previous night. Dauntless was grateful for her lack of injury, despite the brutal fighting she had been plunged into when she ran into the streets. The ache in her arms had been reduced to nothing but a faint throb, though exhaustion weighed her features down as she had walked through the burning streets during dawn. Then came the call that Elizabeth had been taken. Of course, Norrington had already been at Fort Charles, and somehow, the two shipgirls figured it best to not interfere with… whatever the men might be planning. Or strategizing.

“You need to learn how to fight better,” Dauntless snorted, though there was no heat in her words as she wrapped the bandage around Interceptor’s arm, the latter hissing in pain as it was tightened.

“Somehow, fighting comes not from one’s background. Apparently,” The dark-haired woman groused, flexing her arm as Dauntless snapped, telling her not to aggravate the wound.

“Clearly not- You could just ask James… Norrington… for a duel. Or, alternatively, pay attention to the crew when they practise.” Interceptor just scoffed, giving Dauntless a roll of her eyes. Gillette gave an awkward cough, alerting the duo to the fact he was still present, and the both of them stood up.

“It will not affect the ship’s capability, Mr Andrew,” The redhead addressed his obvious concern, nodding at him as she watched Interceptor return to her own ship with a blank gaze.

The moment she heard two sets of footfalls land onto the deck, her grey gaze snapped up to meet- Will Turner. The blacksmith… the kid. And the pirate… Jack Sparrow. Of course. “Two men cannot command a ship,” she heard Gillette spit at the ‘intruders’ and Dauntless held her tongue, hesitantly lifting a finger before dropping it, knowing damn well that was possible. In addition, Turner would hardly let that affect him, given that he cared that much about Elizabeth… this was someone who would go to the ends of Earth for her. Norrington would too, technically.

She was snapped out of her thoughts by the escalating tension on deck, as Sparrow lifted his pistol and clicked the safety off, pointing it at the Lieutenant, whose gaze darted briefly to Dauntless, then his men, for help. The shipgirl ignored him, surveying the unlikely duo with interest. Daring to take a step forward, Will instantly directed the point of his sword at her face, and surprise flickered over her face. He could see her. Interesting. She watched wordlessly as Gillette and his men were forced off the ship, leaving just the three of them.

“What now then?” She questioned, finally finding her voice once more, glancing at the two with an exasperated look.

“You stole a Navy ship in broad daylight- in a port, leaving behind the faster ship which can easily catch up-” Realisation sparked in her gaze as she watched Interceptor draw up alongside.

“You’re joking-”

“Nothing’s impossible, love,” Jack grinned widely, watching as Will appeared above deck and Dauntless stumbled, a jolt of pain rushing up her foot.

“Sorry!” At least Turner had manners, she scoffed as she watched them make to leave.

“Sparrow- Any damage to Interceptor, I will hold you accountable. Understood?” She allowed the full force of her glare to rest upon him as he shrunk back slightly.

“Whatever you say, miss… lass…” He returned mockingly, after schooling his features back into indifference. She watched them leave, and turned to see the sailors boarding. Staring at the receding figures, James immediately ordered to fire at the Interceptor. Resisting the urge to cast him a look of horror, Dauntless shut her eyes briefly. They’ll be fine. They’ll be fine. They. Will. Be. Fine.

Exhaling shakily, she heard the last snippets of Grove’s protests, immediately shut down by James, who stated grimly, “I’d rather see her at the bottom of the sea than in the hands of a pirate.”

Yet as they prepared to alter course, there came the cry of the rudder chain being disabled. Dauntless ignored the sharp pain in her leg, yet she still felt the questioning gaze fixed on her by a certain pair of green eyes. She did not offer an explanation as she felt the stare bore into her back.

“That’s got to be the best pirate I’ve ever seen!” Groves exclaimed, in awe, watching Jack wave his hat tauntingly at the British as the Interceptor pulled out of the harbour.

“So it would seem,” Norrington bit out, gritting his teeth in barely concealed frustration.

Dauntless and Groves simply exchanged a look.

The chase is on.

The days had passed excruciatingly slow, as they combed the Caribbean for Elizabeth. Nonetheless, Dauntless enjoyed being out here. In the open sea. She hardly envied the Navymen wearing their formal attire in this heat. Sighing, she angled the sails subtly to make the most of the little wind they had. Her gaze scanned the horizon tiredly, almost missing out a plume in the distance. Doubling back to it, her eyes widened and she pulled a spyglass out of her pocket, peering through.

“Commodore- Smoke off to our starboard!” Norrington’s gaze snapped over to where she was looking at, and, upon catching sight of it, immediately ordered the helmsman to alter course. Dauntless urged the ship forward, worry creasing her forehead.

Mere hours later, they picked up a certain Jack Sparrow, in all his stagger-y (was that a word?) glory, as well as an indignant Elizabeth Swann. Of course, the governor was relieved upon catching sight of his daughter, and the Commodore even more so, despite him not showing it. So imagine both their displeasures when she begged them to turn back for Will. Dauntless just glanced between both parties, shaking her head. Elizabeth would get her way. She knew too well how to play her cards. Though she was, of course, rather surprised when she accepted Norrington’s proposal - despite the fact it was merely to save Turner. The shipgirl contemplated turning away, swallowing awkwardly. Funny things, emotions were. One would think being a ship, quite literally, would exempt her from them. Apparently not.

It was only when Jack Sparrow was allowed command of the ship, though both the Commodore and Jack himself simultaneously side-eyed her when the order was given. They knew she could command the ship full well, but she simply lowered her gaze reluctantly, showing she would play along.

Until she realised something.

And while the Commodore and Elizabeth headed off to talk in private, that one thing prevented her from doing what she normally did- listening in. Rather, she strode up to Jack Sparrow- Captain Jack Sparrow, and pushed him onto the railing. To those who were unaware of her, it looked rather comical, as though Sparrow was, well, possessed. But the situation at hand was hardly such.

“Where is she?”

“Not sure who you’re referring to, love- There are many lasses I’ve had the pleasure of meeting-”

“You know who I’m talking about.”

His silence was enough for her to realise.

“You… You shit-sack!” She all but howled, delivering a swift blow to his face, watching him double over from the suddenness and violence of it all.

“Mark my words, Sparrow- There are people in this world who can put a brace over their vengeance. I will not.” She hissed maliciously, grey eyes sparking as silence blanketed the ship.

Those that could see her, hear her… well. Groves’ expression was one of barely concealed shock. James had faltered only briefly, his gaze flicking from the pirate sprawled on the deck before snapping an order for them to haul him to his feet. Back to the wheel.

No choice.

“This better be worth it,” She snarled softly to Elizabeth as she swept past the blonde, heading for the helm. Swann gaped at her receding figure, turning to James for an explanation, maybe.

But the crew knew better than to mess with their own ship.

2 hours later.

“Is this really the best solution you could come up with?” Dauntless questioned all but immediately after James, Gillette and Groves had gathered in the captain’s quarters. Governor Swann had given his consent for Sparrow to lead them to Isla de Muerta, and left not too long ago. Gillette eyed the shipgirl warily, wondering if she would lash out like she had earlier, but she showed no signs of that ever happening.

“I would be quite frank, James. The man could very well be leading us straight into a trap,” The Lieutenant offered his opinion, leading Norrington to sigh heavily.

“This is Captain Jack Sparrow- I, for one, am sure he would be smart enough to know when he has been beaten. Additionally, his handling of the ship has been quite commendable!” Groves interjected a tad too enthusiastically, leading Dauntless and James to exchange a look.

“That is true,” the shipgirl conceded. “Yet this is a man who can hardly be trusted.”

“You speak as though we have an alternative route, Dauntless,” James replied wryly, and this time, the other three exchanged a look. True. Norrington was never one to go back on his word.

“Then this matter was already settled before we had even begun discussing,” Dauntless stated bluntly, twirling her pistol before re-holstering it - Groves stared at it nervously - and strode out of the room. “Well she certainly is a ray of sunshine,” Gillette commented sarcastically. In response, a lightbulb dropped just shy of his head. He shut his mouth.

Yes. This would be a long journey to Isla de Muerta indeed.

Time and again, they would find themselves in the strangest of situations, Dauntless noted that this was no different. Appearing in the cabin Elizabeth had been locked up in, she cast the woman a rather approving look - considering how said woman was just about to rappel out the window.

“Good luck, Elizabeth,” she murmured softly, a slight fondness hidden in her gaze. Eight years, still as stubborn as ever.

The blonde blinked silently, before stepping over silently, confiding, “I- I never wanted to break his heart.” The shipgirl simply cast her a wry smile.

“Elizabeth- Human hearts are fragile, no matter how much stone we attempt to cast upon them. I’m afraid it is far too late for you to be telling me this. It has already happened, whether you knew it or not.”

And now you know.

Her unspoken words remained in that state as she watched Elizabeth melt into the darkness of night.

She saw the pirates before the men did, drawing her sword hurriedly and yelling for Gillette to order the sailors to do the same. The battle flew by in a blur as she cut down the intruders left and right - only to realise, with a growing horror, that they only stood back up to fight once more. Focus. Her mind snapped as she parried yet another blow, huffing and twisting away from the jagged blade of another hostile skeleton-pirate.

Jabbing and slashing, she fought to keep her stance steady, her mind sharp, despite her hardly being in the right condition to do this. Nonetheless, the earlier discovery of Interceptor’s loss fueled her with a need for revenge. These were surely part of the crew that sank her dear friend. She would fight them on her sister’s behalf. Ignoring the multiple stabbing pains that assailed her, she slammed her sword into another cursed figure, grunting with effort as she flung him to the deck.

The peals of a bell cut through her battle frenzy, and her gaze snapped to the silvery waters of the sea, and she spotted the longboats headed their way. Salvation. They were badly outnumbered.

She could feel her guns being fired, not of her own will, mind you. At some point, perhaps Andrew shouted at her for an explanation, but she shook her head in return helplessly, blocking a blow to her shoulder. Do hurry up, Norrington-

The men were, literally, dropping like flies. Panic coursed through her as she stared into the leering grin of a skeleton pirate, his bony limbs crackling as he swung his sword repeatedly at her. Backing a step, then another, her back hit a wall. Grey eyes sought an escape, yet she was outnumbered four to one. A fight she could not take.

Imagine her relief when she spotted James and his soldiers clambering aboard, throwing themselves into the fray instantly, without hesitation. The corner of her mouth curled upwards. A crew she could count on. Exhaling, she twirled her sword. A fight she couldn’t take, yes, but she would try to nonetheless.

“You’re late,” she commented easily, dodging a slash as she heard Norrington’s frantic footfalls match hers behind her. He simply hummed, catching the underlying note of desperation in the redhead’s voice as he gritted his teeth, pushing a pirate back. The battle seemed to last for an eternity, and they were forced to give up more and more ground, until finally- James stabbed his blade cleanly through the advancing figure. The pirate smirked, until the Commodore withdrew his sword. Only then, did he realise the sword… was coated in scarlet, shining in the moonlight. The man crumpled to the deck, joining the bodies that littered the planks.

The battle was won.

The return to Port Royal was swift. Dauntless found herself missing Interceptor badly, and a part of her desperately wanted to blame Sparrow, blame Will, but she knew better than that. Interceptor had had the chance to fight to the death and perhaps… Perhaps she was in a better place now. Free to wander the seas, like she always wanted to. The redhead closed her eyes, reluctantly, and let her sister go.

The day of the hanging was far too intriguing, certainly, Jack Sparrow brought chaos wherever he was. Watching him plunge downwards from the top of Fort Charles, she knew she still had a score to settle with him- but it could wait. James' eyes flickered with hurt, even if he’d already known, at Elizabeth’s confession. Confusion, pain. He was… lost. Yet all in all, he still covered it up, nodded at the Marines, granted Sparrow one day’s head start.

Yes, Dauntless figured, the score to be settled could wait.

They had been chasing Sparrow for months now, out at sea for so long she had lost track. Norrington was different. More angry than she had recalled. More driven than ever somehow. Desperate. She might even say obsessed. It hurt her, watching him chase the pirate from sea to sea, over and over. Now, their frantic sailing had brought them here. Off the coast of Tripoli.

The Black Pearl had already vanished out of their sight not too long ago, and Dauntless cast an anxious glance at the rapidly darkening sky, the blurriness in the distance. Rain. The seas were choppy, high waves crashing onto her bow, green and churning. Angry.

The wind whipped her hair into her face, and she had to repeatedly push it out of her vision, even as her saltwater soaked clothes clung to her skin due to the violent sea spray. Staggering into the cabin, she shook her head.

“James this is madness! The storm is far too fierce for us to take. Turn back- please,” she stared at him, shock rippling through her at how exhausted and gaunt he looked.

“We have to catch Sparrow- Admiralty has been hounding us for results for a long time now. I fear if we do not capture him soon… I do not want any of my men to deal with the disgrace of being let off by the Navy.”

“You regret giving him the one day head start,” She noted. His helpless green gaze meets hers.

…Oh how the mighty have fallen.

“Very well then. A normal storm, I hope this is what we are sailing through. I will hold on for as much as I can,” she promised, resting a hand on his shoulder briefly before vanishing out the door. She was just as responsible for the men as the Commodore was. As such, she was just as bound to the law as he was. James just wanted to retain his career.

She felt pity towards the man, run ragged by this chase. Just to preserve what he felt was the only constant in his life. Too guarded, too used to hiding his emotions from the world. Too… fixated.

It was only when they delved into the storm that she realised this was a mistake. Rain lashed the deck, slapping her face as the howling wind drowned out all other sounds. The sea frothed wildly, tossing the ship about like it was merely a toy in a water bucket. Dauntless strained against the elements, focusing only on not letting it tear her apart. Even when she realised it was futile, even when she knew she was going to lose. She managed to catch sight of James, hurrying towards her, fear flashing in his eyes.

“I… I never wanted you to go down this path,” she admitted weakly, as thunder roared in the distance, and lightning illuminated the skies. Her whole body felt like it was alight with agony, screaming for her to just give in, let go. Too much to hold, it was too much-

James’ reply was lost in the howling wind- her body went limp, and she couldn’t remember anything after. There was simply nothing left.

“Do you fear death?”

The question is spat out by Davy Jones, James allowing his gaze to flicker up at the menacing figure looming over him. His breath is rapid and shallow as he forces down the fear that was drowning him. All he felt was pain, pain and nothing more. Unlike anything he had experienced before- yet he remained silent. Unwilling to give in, to show fear, to be scared. A million thoughts flash through his mind, yet at the same time, there is nothing at all. Death… such a strange thing it was, he mused, as he lay slumped against the railings, bleeding out onto the deck. Then perhaps in a last act of desperation, or merely just to state a fact, he plunged his sword into Janes’ chest.

The captain simply cast upon him a sadistic smile as he watched the Admiral’s life slip away.

When James blinked and opened his eyes, he forced his gaze away from the grisly scene. Someone else is here, he realises. Someone all too familiar.

Yes, he had chosen his side. This proved that in the end… it had been the right one.

Dauntless grinned at him - all had been forgiven, then.

“It was forgiven long ago.”

He hadn’t even realised he spoke aloud.

“Come now, James. Let us explore the open seas.”

Indeed. Far away from rules, from laws, from everything.

Now… they could write their own destinies.

#my fics #shipgirls #age of sail #potc #pirates of the caribbean

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