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 Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 11:35 pm
.:. Untitled .:. Author: Serena-chan
Fandom: PotC
Rating: PG-13 (just to be safe)
Pairing: Norrington/Sparrow
Summary: Captain Jack Sparrow finds himself cursed yet again, only this time he doesn't know how to reverse the effects. When Norrington discovers him in this new state things get very interesting.
Warnings: This is slashy and maybe a touch of shota-ish XD
Currently Writing: Chapter 7
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Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 11:37 pm
.:. Chapter 1 .:. The water stretches out from the white sand, nothing on the horizon as the sun begins to dip below the clear blue. Captain Jack Sparrow sits in the sand watching the sunset. He really did need to remember not to piss off his crew so much. One of these times they wouldn’t come back after a couple a days and he really would be stranded. His still damp clothes clung to him slightly, having been forced to swim to the shore. Deciding nothing could be done except wait Jack picks himself up and ambles into the underbrush. After lying down he quickly dozes off not hearing the wind as it seems to speak.
“Leave me isle or ye shall be cursed,” the wind moans unnoticed by the sleeping pirate.
Jack awakes the following morning, his mind a bit hazy which wasn’t all that unusual. He sat up and opened his dark eyes to find himself on the beach. Yet weirder still is the way his clothes didn’t seem to fit anymore. His vest lay pooled behind him as it easily slips free of his shoulders and arms. His long braids fell over his face and shoulders, the bandana holding them becoming too loose to stay in place. He looks down in surprise to find short legs and arms, small hands poking out from his bunched up sleeves. He stands up his pants falling to pool around his bare feet, which are too small to remain in his boots. He buttons up his white shirt, the sleeves too long as the garment hung down past his knees. As he stood there on the beach, the sand digging between his toes, he is completely and utterly dumbfounded. He rubs his chin, to find it smooth and hairless, while glancing out over the water. He notices a ship moving toward the island, and it is then that he sees the smaller boat moving closer, his eyes easily identifying the man aboard, Commodore Norrington.
He quickly bundles up his clothing, gun, dagger, and half empty bottle of rum before scurrying behind a large palm tree. He hides his stuff in the underbrush near him. Of course with these short legs he knows there is no chance of outrunning the other man. Still unsure of what has exactly happened he did not want to face Norrington. All Jack can surmise is that either his clothes had grown or he’d shrunk but how does a man shrink or his clothes suddenly grow. He quickly reties his bandana, having to wrap it a few more times than usual, to pull back his braids and beads. Peaking out from behind the large palm tree Jack watches Norrington’s small boat run up the sand. He slowly reaches out and picks up his dagger as the British officer stands on the beach looking around. The weapon felt heavy and large in his small hands, instead of small and cunning.
Jack finds himself holding his breath as Norrington moves up the sand and closer to the palm tree he is hiding behind. The officer rests against the tree and Jack has no idea what to do. Suddenly Norrington comes around the trunk as if he knew all along that someone was there. Jack looks up into the man’s surprised face for only a moment, seeing his chance he drops the dagger and runs into the underbrush.
He tries to understand why Norrington had looked so surprised. He continues to run, his small feet and the bottom of his shirt becoming muddy. Finally he can’t run anymore, becoming tired and breathless. Suddenly his arm is snapped up by a strong hand. He turns back, his dark eyes meeting Norrington’s sea green as the man crouches in front of him.
“Sparrow?” The man asks his voice full of disbelief.
“Captain Jack Sparrow,” the pirate replies out of habit, his voice sounding high and far too young.
“What the.... hell happened to you?” Norrington demands nearly at a loss for words.
Jack snaps his mouth close and refuses to reply, Norrington doesn’t need to know that he don’t have the slightest idea. Norrington continues to stare at him and Jack decides this would be the perfect moment to escape. He pulls on the grip holding his arm, yet the movement seems to snap the Commodore out of his daze.
“I think it would be best if you come with me,” Norrington says startling Jack. The pirate still says nothing and becomes shocked when Norrington releases him, only to easily heft him from the ground while standing up.
The British officer carries Jack as if he were nothing more than a child. Jack’s legs dangle on either side of the man’s body, while Norrington’s arm is tucked beneath him and pining him against the officer’s side. Norrington starts the trek back through the jungle toward the beach without a glance in Jack direction.
Finally Jack spoke, “Ye just wanna send me to the gallows!”
“I’m not in the business of hanging children,” Norrington replies shocking Jack again. “If you didn’t realize, you look like you are no older than six.”
Jack stares at the man dumbfounded. So he really had shrunk, yet he did not understand how such a thing could happen. Nothing about it made sense to him. Men don’t just shrink and look like children.
“Jack, what the hell happened to you?” Norrington asks his voice soft. Again Jack presses his lips together and refuses to answer. “Giving me the silent treatment huh, or is it that you don’t know?”
Jack gives the man his best glare but it only makes Norrington smile. “Well as I said I think it will be best if you come with me,” the man says after a few moments.
“Why?” The young voice demands.
“Simply because there is no way you could protect yourself like this, or even survive. And as much as I want you dead, I will not abandon a child.”
“Me is no child!” Jack shouts indigently.
“Sure couldn’t prove it by looking at you,” Norrington replies with a laugh.
Jack attempts to glare at him again not realizing it looks like nothing more than a pout. “What will ye mates think?” The young voice finally asks.
“They will think whatever they want,” the Commodore replies. “I see no reason to tell them who you are. I will just call you Jack.”
Jack knows that going with the Commodore is a big mistake he’d have to find someway to escape. Norrington stops at the edge of the trees and crouches down. Jack looks upon his clothes while still firmly being held by the man. The Commodore tucks Jack’s gun and dagger into his belt before collecting his clothes and shoes. The officer easily stands again, carrying Jack in one arm and Jack’s belongs in the other.
As they clear the forest Jack now recognizes the ship waiting, it was the Dauntless. Norrington drops Jack’s belongings into the small boat he’d come to shore on. The half empty bottle of rum is held upside down over the water.
“Me rum!” Jack cries reaching out for the bottle.
Norrington easily holds it out of his reach. “You won’t need it I can just imagine what rum would do to your body.”
Norrington tosses the now empty bottle with the rest of Jack’s clothes before freeing the small vessel of the sand. It isn’t until then that the officer sets Jack down in the boat, then jumping in himself. Before Jack can even think to grab his things and run Norrington is rowing them away from the shore and into deeper water.
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Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 7:00 pm
.:. Chapter 2 .:. As the boat glides through the water Norrington watches Jack stare out over the side. He almost still cannot believe that this child is the accursed pirate. What could have happen to the man to have turned him into this? Yet from Jack’s resolute silence he could easily guess the pirate didn’t even know the answer and that makes Norrington feel somewhat sorry for him.
“Why don’t you wash the mud off your feet?” He suggests only to see that cute little pout again. “I might as well tell you now you will be given a bath once we get to my cabin.”
“No!” the diminutive pirate denies.
“I’d like to see you stop me,” Norrington challenges, getting another pout in response.
As they near the Dauntless, Norrington notices for the first time apprehension in those usually self assured black eyes. “Do you want to climb the ladder or should I carry you?” He asks regaining the pirate’s attention.
“Meself can climb,” the small voice mumbles while dark eyes avert to stare at the bottom of the small boat.
Norrington smiles as the small vessel comes along side the larger ship. The ladder is already hanging down and waiting, his crew standing by. Jack stands up and turns reaching out for the rope ladder. Norrington can tell he won’t be able to get a good hold. He stands up as well and easily lifts up the small frame, surprising the pirate.
Now Jack can easily reach and begins to climb the ladder. Norrington follows behind him, keeping a close eye on the pirate in case he slips. He watches his crew help Jack aboard, and then makes his own way onboard.
“Commodore....” One of the men speaks up, “this child...”
“I found him alone on the island, I was not going to leave him there,” Norrington replies as he easily lifts Jack from the deck. “Bring the items in the away boat to my cabin once it has been raised, that is where I shall be if anyone needs me.”
He heads for his cabin carrying Jack as he had on the island. Once inside he finally sets the pirate on his feet. “Me coulda walk just fine,” the small voice pouts.
“It was a good illusion for the crew,” Norrington explains taking off his coat, hat and wig. He glances at Jack seeing what the tiny pirate thought of that as he makes his way over to the cabinet. His words had been partially true but he had not mentioned that he found it enjoyable carrying the pirate.
Norrington pulls out one of his night shirts knowing it is the best he can offer as a change of clothes. He went over to the wash tub and set the shirt on a small table beside it, next to a glass dish. “Take off your shirt,” Norrington instructions Jack while turning a bucket over beside the tub.
Jack stands staring at him a moment as Norrington rolls up his sleeves and dips his hand into the water to find it lukewarm. “No!” the young voice resolutely refuses.
“I told you this was going to happen,” Norrington replies walking toward Jack, who takes a step back. He grabs the small frail arm and easily tows the little body over to the wash tub. “Whether you want to or not.”
Norrington sits down on the upside down bucket and pull the resisting tiny frame between his legs and trapping him there. Norrington is able to free the bandana even with the hindrance of little hands, causing Jack’s braids and beads to fall in the pirate’s face. The officer knows he needs to clean Jack’s hair as well, it is so scraggily. He carefully begins to unbraid the long lengths, making sure to put the beads in the glass dish as they come free.
After several minutes he finishes the task, causing long wavy hair to fall around Jack’s face and down past his shoulders. As he begins to unbutton Jack’s dirty shirt a knock comes to his cabin door. He pops the first button free as Jack stands frozen by the sound. “Come in,” he calls out.
“Commodore, I have brought the items,” a young man says as he pushes the door open.
Jack grabs the shirt and holds it firmly closed which only makes Norrington smile. “This is going to happen no matter what, so stop being so fussy,” he says before turning his attention to his crew member. “Just leave them in the corner over there.”
Norrington return his attention back to the small body trapped between his legs. Jack stubbornly holds the shirt in place, even as Norrington continues to unbutton it. “You are dismissed,” he calls to the young crew member now standing unsure of what to do.
The young man left quickly and quietly, making sure to close the door. This seems to distract Jack as his grip on the shirt went lax. Norrington takes quick advantage and whisks the dirty shirt away. The Commodore picks up the little pirate and settles him in the water.
“After we get you cleaned up and dressed I’ll show you the truth of your situation,” Norrington offers before grabbing the soap bar and beginning to wash the filthy pirate.
Finally Norrington decides Jack is as clean as he would get, his shirt becoming soaked in the ordeal. He holds up a medium size towel watching the pirate quickly climb from the water. He wraps the towel around the small frame, rubbing the soft material against Jack to dry him. Next he offers the pirate the clean night shirt.
“Me want breeches,” Jack demands crossing his arms in front of his chest, his mouth forming a pout.
“This is all I can offer, no one on this ship would have anything that would fit,” Norrington replies forcing the shirt over Jack’s head.
The shirt hangs down to nearly Jack’s ankles while the sleeves reach his wrists easily. Norrington smiles at the sight before grabbing his brush and carefully combing through Jack’s long wavy hair. The dark strands now feel soft and smooth against his hand. Small hands appear in hopes of disrupting the man. The officer just smiles as he finishes up the job before standing up and heading over to the cabinet to get himself a clean, dry shirt.
As he changes, Norrington can feel dark eyes watching him. He glances over to see Jack staring at him while little hands tug and fiddle with long dark strands. Norrington smiles heading over to his desk. He unties the ribbon that had held his wig into a ponytail before kneeling before for the shrunk pirate. “Turn around and I will tie it back for you.”
“Me braids....”
“It will be better if you don’t have them,” Norrington cuts him off; “less chance anyone will recognize you.”
Norrington easily turns Jack around and pulls the hair together, tying it into a low ponytail. He notices the hair hangs down to Jack’s waist guessing that is due to the man loosing his height. He stands and taking Jack by the shoulder’s, steers him to the full body mirror.
Jack stares at himself with wide, large eyes. He doubts Norrington’s words from before; he is much too small to be six years old. He barely came up to the officer’s knees. He really did look like he couldn’t be more than four or five, yet his mind had remained unchanged.
Norrington moves away, sitting down behind his desk. He watches the pirate stare at himself, most likely in shock. “So you really don’t know what happened?” he asks seeing the small frame jump.
Jack turns to look at him but says nothing. Norrington stares back, only he felt a stirring in his heart watching the diminutive pirate. “Me know you dun----”
“Where did you learn that awful way of speaking? Really someone should teach you proper speech,” Norrington cuts him off knowing already what Jack was going to say. Jack sticks his tongue out at Norrington causing the British officer to laugh out-loud. Jack seems upset by this reaction, his body stiff and tense. Norrington shook his head with a smile. “You have free run of the ship, I see no reason to keep you locked up in here.”
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Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 12:11 pm
.:. Chapter 3 .:. Jack’s face lights up at the Commodore’s news. He quickly turns away from Norrington, not wanting the man to see that it makes him happy. A moment later a light knock comes to the cabin door drawing both their attention. Jack stands frozen as Norrington’s voice breaks the silence; he really is vulnerable right now.
“Come in.”
The door opens to allow one of the many young man onboard inside. The young sailor stops a moment catching sight of Jack standing beside the mirror. “What is it?” Norrington asks regaining the young man’s attention.
“Another island has been spotted in the distance,” he reports focusing on the floor in front of the Commodore’s desk.
“Very well,” the Commodore answers standing up. He turns to Jack his voice firm, “you stay here.”
After they both leave Jack can’t help but stick his tongue out at the closed door. There is no way he would be staying put like some kid, Norrington had said earlier he could go wherever on the ship.
He discovers he must stand on tiptoe to reach the door handle and turning it is no easy task either. Finally the door gives under his effort and opens. He pushes it open just wide enough to slip out. He notices all the commotion on deck right away but from his vantage he can see nothing of value. He carefully weaves his way through legs his small body seemingly going unnoticed. That is until he runs into a pair of strong sturdy legs, the force of the impact sending him backwards to land on his bottom.
He slowly lifts his head, coming to meet sea green eyes. Norrington gives a shake of his head and easily scoops Jack up from the deck. The shrunk pirate once again finds himself tucked against Norrington’s side, the strong arm supporting his weight. The Commodore returns his attention to the two men he’d been speaking with. Jack could see the shock on their faces. “Both of you know what to do and report to me once you’ve returned,” the Commodore commands forcing them to focus.
“Yes, Commodore,” the two sailors reply in unison before leaving to do whatever task they had been assigned.
“I thought I told you to stay put,” Norrington reprimands Jack moving back toward his cabin.
“Dun wanna,” the small voice refuses.
“You could have been injured with all the commotion on deck,” the officer explains startling Jack.
Once back inside his cabin, Norrington settles the small pirate on the sofa beside the door. Without a word he goes and takes a seat behind his desk. “Why?” Jack asks after a moment.
“Why what?” The Commodore replies not looking up from what he is doing.
“Why be there so much commotion?”
“I am on a mission right now and we will not be returning to Port Royal for some time because of that,” Norrington answers, not really answering the question at all, glancing up from something he is working on.
Jack can’t believe what he is hearing, yet they would need to stop somewhere for supplies and that will be his chance to escape. “What ye doing?”
“Charting our course,” Norrington replies before silence befalls the room.
Jack quietly sits and watches the man. He is beginning to hate the sound of his own voice. Finally he lifts his eyes to notice the sun is setting, yet this did not explain why he felt so tired. He lies down on the sofa continuing to watch the Commodore until sleep claims him. As he dozes off he hopes this is all a rotten dream.
Norrington looks up from his work to see the sun had nearly set. He looks over surprised to find Jack is curled up on the small sofa sound asleep. He watches the small body sleep surmising that even though Jack’s mind hadn’t been affected other things had, like his stamina. The officer quietly pushes his chair back and gets up. Going over to the sofa he carefully collects the small frame in his arms, hoping not to wake the pirate. He settles Jack in his comfortable bed, covering him with the sheet. He wonders if the pirate will return to normal in the morning light. He still could not understand what would cause such a change.
Retaking his seat at the oak desk he lit a single candle to help him see. He would finish up his work then go to bed as well. Every time Jack moves or makes a noise he would glance over to check on him. Finally after several inches of the candle is burnt away he completes his work and decides to call it a night. After changing into one of his nightshirts and a pair of light sleep pants he carefully climbs into the bed beside Jack.
The small form curls closer to the Commodore, surprising him. He knows he is taking a chance by sleeping in the same bed, nothing said Jack could not change overnight. He fell asleep with Hack’s head nestled into the crook of his shoulder, deciding to let fate decide the outcome of his decision.
Norrington felt something pressing against his chest as his mind slowly woke up. Upon opening one eye long dark hair filled his vision. He forces the other one open to find the shrunken pirate is literally using him as a bed. He carefully lifts the still sleeping pirate and settles him back down in the bed. He runs his fingers through the soft long hair contemplating. So Jack had not returned to his normal state. Yet without knowing the cause he could not know how long the pirate would remain this way. He figures this to also be something Jack did not have the answer to either.
The way Jack is curled up beside him is very much like how a child would sleep. It is not his nature to remain in bed, but yet he could not force himself to get up either. After many minutes Jack began to stir. Norrington watches dark eyes open as small hands reflexively make little fists. Jack turns and looks at him a moment before suddenly backpedaling up against the ship. “Good morning,” Norrington says with a smile, somewhat amused by Jack’s reaction.
“Why we...”
“Where else would you have slept?” Norrington asks sitting up. Jack’s mouth opens and closes in a very good imitation of a fish, causing Norrington to laugh. “Time for breakfast,” Norrington says taking pity on the pirate and changing the subject.
Getting out of bed the officer stretches his long arms above his head before making his way over to the cabinet to fetch a change of clothes. While changing her glances over to see Jack staring at the bed while still sitting entangled in the sheets.
Fully dressed Norrington approaches the bed gaining the pirate’s attention. “Come on,” he says freeing Jack from the sheets and picking him up. He carries the diminutive pirate from his cabin and down below deck to where food and crew would be waiting.
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Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 12:00 pm
.:. Chapter 4 .:. Norrington rests back in his chair, alone in his cabin. Jack had eaten so little at breakfast, the pirate seemed down. After breakfast he’d disappeared to apparently explore the ship. He smiles imagining the usually cheerful pirate causing a ruckus. The crew seems to have accepted his explanation easily enough, or maybe they were too afraid to ask. These were all young sailors with little experience at sea. He closes his eyes for a moment picturing Jack’s surprise at that news.
The two men he’d sent out yesterday had returned not to long ago with their report and now they were back on course. He rubs the bridge of his nose between thumb and finger. He is glad Jack had retained his mind; he could only imagine the chaos a child would cause.
Suddenly the vessel rocks violently drawing him from his thoughts. He pushes the high-back chair away from his desk and gets up to investigate. Once outside his cabin he can see the crew scurrying about as dark clouds litter the horizon. A storm is brewing and heading straight for them. Instantly Norrington’s thoughts shift to the small pirate that he did not know the whereabouts of.
He scans the deck but there is just too much going on to be able to see a small child. He moves through the young men securing the supplies and other things. Finally his eyes land on the small child size frame. His steps quicken when he realizes Jack is standing on the second rail, his arms resting on the top rail as he leans forward looking out over the water. In one motion he wraps his arm around Jack’s stomach and easily pulls him from his perch.
Short arms and legs flounder in surprise as Norrington holds Jack securely around the waist, pinning him again his stomach and chest. “Are you crazy?” Norrington demands quietly, heading back to his cabin.
Jack remains quiet, still surprised by the man’s sudden action. Finally once inside Norrington’s cabin he snaps out of his stupor. “Me can handle a storm just fine!” The youthful voice answers resentfully.
“Yes, the you before,” Norrington agrees setting Jack on his bare feet. “Now stay here.”
Jack watches the Commodore leave his mind boiling with anger. “Me is no child,” he says knocking things over as he stomps around the chamber. “Me is no child!” He repeats shoving papers and maps from the top of Norrington’s desk.
“You couldn’t prove that by your actions,” Norrington’s voice comes from the doorway freezing Jack, who is standing on the Commodore’s chair. Papers flutter to the floor, scattering everywhere. Jack sits back on his haunches his head bows as his shoulders slump.
Norrington sighs going over to the chair and collecting the stricken pirate, taking a seat in the chair. Jack now sits in his lap, eyes downcast. “Jack, the way you are now... a wave could have easily washed you overboard. The storm is still a ways off and the waves are already pretty strong,” Norrington explains startling Jack. “Now then are you going to help me clean up this mess you created?”
Jack gave a quiet nod wiggling a little in Norrington’s lap. Norrington sets the little pirate on his feet before getting up and moving around his desk to start collecting the papers littering the floor. Jack works carefully to pick up and straighten the things he’d sent into disarray. He really had been behaving like a child.
Upon completing his task Jack notices Norrington is nowhere in sight. He can feel the push of the waves against the hull of the ship, the way it rocked with each attack. He guesses the storm must be moving closer and wonders if it could really be as ferocious as Norrington is making it seem. He decides to check it out, having little fear as he stands on tiptoe to open the door. He pushes it open only wide enough to slip through. He stands watching the lightening in the distance before shaking himself and stepping out from under the overhanging upper deck. Puddles of sea water on the deck wet his bare feet as he walks. He notices most of the crew who where on deck had ropes around their waists incase they got washed overboard. The vessel rocks violently forcing Jack to stop and steady himself.
“Jack!” Norrington’s voice cuts through the air just as the pirate notices the wave building beyond the opposite side of the ship.
Norrington rushes toward the child-size pirate. His arm wraps around Jack’s waist, holding the small frame tightly against his stomach and chest. The Commodore crouches down beside the railing along the side of the boat, wrapping his arm around the second rung as he pins Jack protectively against him.
Not but a second later the wave breaks across the deck, driving the water against everything in its path. The few crew members about had braced themselves as well fro the oncoming force.
Norrington is soaked from head to foot while Jack remains relatively dry in the man’s protective embrace. “Why can’t you ever listen?” Norrington demands staring at Jack.
A driving rain begins to fall as the dark clouds overtake the ship. Norrington continues to shield Jack’s small form as he moves to his cabin. The rest of the crew scurry below deck leaving only a few men forced to stay.
Norrington sets Jack on his feet on the sofa, allowing him to look into the dark eyes. “What the hell were you thinking? You could have easily been washed overboard.”
“Me ---”
“I,” Norrington interrupts causing the pirate to give him a quizzical look. “When referring to yourself you say I, not me.”
The young face pouts at the correction. “Me,” he emphasizes the word in defiance, “just wanted to know if that storm be as bad as ye claimed.”
“At the cost of your life?” Norrington demands firmly holding the small shoulders.
Jack stares down at his hands surprised by Norrington’s concern over him, even though they are supposed to be enemies. Jack is startled when Norrington lifts the damp nightshirt and pulls it free. The Commodore wraps a towel around the small frame, drying the pirate quickly. A dry, clean nightshirt is pulled over his head and covers him just as the other had.
Jack watches Norrington undress, dry off and change into dry clothes. He crouches down on the sofa holding his bent legs against his chest as the ship is battered by the rain, wind, and waves.
Norrington sits down on the sofa beside the shrunk pirate. His arm wraps around the small body holding him close as the storm continues to rage.
“Thank ye,” a tiny voice whispers causing the Commodore to smile.
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Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 5:57 pm
.:. Chapter 5 .:. Norrington sat behind his desk focused on the charts and maps in front of him. The storm continues to batter and rage around them. He glances up to see Jack lying on his side, curled up asleep on the small sofa. Moving over to the cabinet he pulls out a large blanket and carefully tucks it around the small frame.
He sits back in his chair wondering just how far off course this storm would drive them. A few moments later a knock came to the cabin door. “Come in,” he calls hoping not to wake Jack.
A soaking wet young man steps inside, glancing over to see the sleeping child. “Commodore a cave in a cove has been spotted to our south. Should we take shelter there?” The young man asks quietly.
“No, the water will probably be too shallow due to the storm. Bring us closer to the island, we might be able to use it for protection from the winds,” Norrington replies leaning back in his chair.
“Yes Commodore,” the young sailor answers turning and leaving.
Norrington glances over to see Jack still soundly sleeping. The little head is pillowed on a small arm while the other arm hangs over the front of the sofa. Getting up from his chair he decides Jack would be more comfortable in the bed. He carefully collects the small form, keeping the blanket securely wrapped. Once Jack is settled in the large bed, his head cushioned on one of the pillows, Norrington decides to go and check on his young crew. With a glance back he heads out of the cabin into the still driving rain.
Jack awakens to find himself alone in the Commodore’s cabin. He sits up in the large bed wondering how he’d gotten there. He stares at his still shrunken hands, his hope that’d be back to normal dashed again. He pushed the blanket away feeling the urge to pee even though he hadn’t had much to drink the day before. He crawls to the edge of the bed, seeing it was a little too high to jump from. Turning around he slides his feet over the side while lying on his stomach. Finally he drops to the floor the distance much shorter now. The rocking of the boat almost sends him onto his butt but he is able to regain what balance he has.
He glances around the room, noticing the smaller bucket next to the empty washtub. He moves closer a little unsure until finally his bladder wins out. He pulls the nightshirt up, telling himself he is the size of a mere five year old, he takes hold and attempts to aim at the bucket right in front of him. Once finished with the task he feels a little better, and somewhat proud. He releases the shirt, it settling beyond his knees as it had before.
Jack slowly makes his way over to Norrington’s desk. After climbing into the high back hair, he stands on it to look at the contents on the desk. He wonders where they are, how close they were to a port. After this kind of storm, Norrington would need to restock some of his supplies and that would be Jack’s chance.
He traces the pen marks on the map with his small finger, noticing the stops at all the islands and some circles out over open water. What exactly is Norrington doing out here, Jack wonders.
“Find something interesting?” Norrington’s voice asks startling the pirate, who quickly pulls his hand from the map.
“No---nothing,” Jack’s young voice mumbles staring at his feet.
“If you are going to be in my chair, sit down. I don’t want you to fall,” Norrington says approaching the chair.
Jack looks up at the man in surprise, seeing for the first time that his clothes and hair are dripping wet. He sits down, his short legs dangling over the front of the chair while the desk obscures the rest of him. “But me can’t see now.”
Norrington laughs going over to the cabinet to fetch a towel. He dries his hair watching as Jack tries to peer over the desk. A small huff is heard a few moments later, Norrington easily guessing the cute lips are pouting. He unbuttons his shirt and thinks about taking a hot bath. Yet he knew he’d need a few buckets of water, having drained the other earlier. He picks up the tall empty bucket beside the washtub and sets it just outside the over hanging deck to collect the pouring rain. Returning he notices a little light yellow liquid in the shallow bucket that is also beside the washtub. He glances in Jack’s direction assuming it was his work. He’d been worried about that but was glad to see everything seemed all right.
“Jack, I thought a bath might…” Norrington starts to say.
“No,” a sullen voice answers from behind the desk.
Norrington sighs having been expecting the answer. Yet even if the tiny pirate didn’t want it, he was going to get a bath. Norrington did not need him getting sick because of the weather; it was bad enough that the storm wasn’t letting up.
After collecting the bucket full of water and pouring it in the tub he carefully lit some wood inside a small enclosed area beneath the bath, the heat warming the water. He had returned the bucket outside again to collect more water, before pulling off his shirt. Once the second bucket of water is added Norrington undresses down to a loose pair of shorts. He glances over in Jack’s direction seeing worrisome eyes watching him as Jack is again standing on the chair to see what he is doing.
“I told you,” Norrington says approaching the chair. He easily lifts Jack into his arms, even as the pirate had tried to escape. “Not to stand on the chair.”
“Put me down!” Jack demands wiggling in Norrington’s arms, his eyes fixed on the tub of water they were heading for.
“A warm bath won’t kill you,” Norrington replies not releasing the miniature pirate, proving Jack’s struggling was futile.
“I dun wanna,” Jack answers with a pout.
“I see my earlier English lesson has sunk in,” Norrington comments knowing it would divert the pirate’s attention.
“Did not!” Jack says, continuing to pout. “Ye just be hearing things.”
“I bet,” Norrington replies with a laugh, suddenly dropping Jack into the warm water shirt and all.
Jack sputters to the surface small arms and legs struggling to keep him a float above water. Norrington climbs into the tub as well, sitting down in the water, causing it come up to his shoulders. He pulls Jack close, keeping the pirate’s head safely above water. Norrington carefully tugs the ribbon, holding Jack’s hair back, free causing it to fall over the pirate’s shoulders and face. “Ye tryin’ to drown me?” Jack’s young voice demands as little hands hang onto Norrington’s shoulder.
“Never thought you couldn’t swim,” Norrington replies.
“Me can, but…” Jack’s voice trails off.
“But what?” Norrington asks, gently combing through Jack’s long hair with his free hand.
“Nothin’,” Jack answers refusing to meet the Commodore’s eyes.
“Oh, I get it,” Norrington says reaching over for the bar of soap. Having pulled the shirt free he begins to wash Jack, who does everything in his power to stop him, which also proved futile.
“Ye don’t know nothin’!” Jack grumps, crossing his arms over his chest giving up the fight.
“Let me guess,” Norrington answers beginning to wash Jack’s hair. “You can’t swim in such a small form.” Jack stares at him dumbfounded that the man did know. It seems the Commodore knew everything he was trying to keep quiet, did he give it away? “Time to rinse,” Norrington says snapping Jack back.
Jack obeys if only to get the bath over quicker. The water washes away the soap leaving a film residue in the bath but a clean pirate in its wake. Norrington washes himself while Jack’s small hands hold onto him.
“Time to get out or you’ll turn all wrinkly,” Norrington jokes his arm going around Jack’s waist before standing up from the water, taking Jack with him. He grabs one of the towels waiting nearby and wraps Jack in it before setting the dripping pirate on his feet. Jack seems to stand frozen as Norrington grabs the other towel and ties it around his naked waist, having taken his shorts off in the bath.
The shrunk pirate suddenly turns away seeming to come out of the daze that had frozen him. Norrington easily collects the towel wrapped child size pirate, drying him as he made his way over to his clothes cabinet. Jack wiggles in the towel making it difficult for the Commodore to keep a hold of him. “Stop squirming unless you want to run around naked,” Norrington threatens causing Jack to stop instantly.
Norrington pulls out another one of his clean nightshirts before putting Jack down on the small sofa, allowing the towel to fall and pool around little feet. He easily slips the shirt over Jack’s head and arms, the pirate seeming to help in the task. He decides not to call him on it and instead heads back over to the cabinet to get himself a change of clothes. As it is already late he decides to put on his sleeping clothes, even though he is planning to be awake for a long while still. Norrington glances over to see Jack still standing on the sofa staring at his hands.
“Something on your mind?” the Commodore asks, after dressing, startling the pirate.
“Nothin ye need care about,” Jack replies not looking up.
“Even if you think I don’t need to, I do care,” Norrington explains surprising himself as much as the words surprised Jack.
“Why ye acting like this?” the small voice demands. “Is it cause… cause…”
“Because of your predicament?” Norrington finishes for him, his voice gentle. He gives his head a little shake. “I don’t really know, but I find myself worrying about you.”
Jack refuses to look at the man, he wasn’t serious, the pirate is sure of that. When this, whatever it is, wares off it will show the truth. Norrington will immediately arrest him, which is why he had to get away from the man.
“We will just worry about the rest when you get back to your right size,” Norrington says, picking Jack up, seeming to read the pirate’s mind again. “For now, get some rest you look tired.”
Norrington lays Jack gently on the large bed, tucking the covers around the pirate. Jack watches the man sit down behind his desk and begin working. Finally the small pirate can no longer keep his eyes open and dozes off to the sound of a much lighter rain hitting the window.
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Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 12:39 pm
.:. Chapter 6 .:. Jack could feel the dirt between his toes as he ran, could feel the underbrush cut into his arms as he pushes it aside. He could feel the heavy footsteps behind him as he tried to outrun them. Even more than all of that Jack could feel the terror in his veins that he was going to die. His legs burned with exhaustion, his chest hurt with each gulp of air he dragged in.
“Jack,” a gentle soothing voice called out stopping the small form.
Jack felt the liquid on his cheeks as the terror took hold again. In this body, he is going to die in this tiny body.
“Jack,” the voice calls again as the footsteps grow louder.
Jack’s mind suddenly snaps awake the feeling of a hand gently rubbing his back registering first. He recognizes Norrington’s voice next helping to push away the dream. “Jack, it’s okay, you’re safe,” the Commodore’s gentle voice promises as the hand continues to rub the pirate’s back.
Jack knew if he opens his eyes the liquid trapped behind his lids would escape to follow the already spilled. He could feel Norrington’s chest rise and fall calmly beneath him, drawing his attention to just where he is lying.
“Jack?” Norrington’s voice interrupts his runaway thoughts. “Do you want to talk about it?”
Just thinking about the dream caused some of the tears he’d been holding at bay to slip free of his closed eyes. There is no way he will allow himself to tell Norrington his weakness and fears. Deep down that is all he can feel, fear of being this way forever of not being able to defend and take care of himself. Now after having such a reminder he didn’t want to sleep again.
“Since you don’t seem to want to discuss it, you should get some more rest,” Norrington finally says causing Jack to shake his head slightly back and forth. “I’m right here; there is nothing to worry about.”
Jack’s eyes open wide at those reassuring words, the tears running freely now. It was like the man knew without Jack having to say anything, but could that be. The cabin is too dark to see anything, which Jack is glad for. He closes his eyes again, the hand rubbing his back both calming and soothing.
Jack is surprised to hear what sounded like a lullaby. The Commodore is humming softly but the sound is sweet and warm, lulling the pirate even more than the hand on his back. Unable to resist any longer Jack dozes off again lying curled up on Norrington’s chest.
A soft sigh fills the room as an arm carefully falls over the small form, keeping him securely in place. “I never thought such a thing would happen, even if you do look like a child. I guess I should have known better that to assume anything,” Norrington’s voice whispers before he too falls back asleep.
As the sunlight flitters through the window, Jack’s eyes slowly open. He bolts upright realizing he is alone in the large bed and a quick glance tells him the room is empty as well. Looking out the window he can see the clear blue sky, the storm is over.
After untangling himself from the sheets Jack moves toward the edge of the bed. He turns around and begins to slide off feet first on his stomach. When he lands on the floor he topples backwards on his butt. Standing up he rubs at his now sore portiere, as he moves toward the door. He stands on tiptoe to reach the handle, only to freeze as he watches it turn. He steps back quickly causing himself to topple backwards on his butt again. The door swings open and Norrington stands there in surprise at seeing the toddler size pirate sitting on the floor his face scrunched up.
“I see you’re awake,” the Commodore says getting over his surprise. He crouches down in front of Jack who now blinked in surprised. “Want to talk about that dream you had?
Jack quickly rolls away from the Commodore and stands up. As he walks around Norrington the officer scoops him up as he stands as well. “Ahh,” the high pitched voice cries in surprise at the action.
Norrington smiles walking over to his desk and taking a seat in his chair. He sits Jack down in front of him on the desk. “So you really don’t want to tell me? I know it was a nightmare, otherwise you wouldn’t have tried so hard not to go back to sleep.”
Jack stares at his lap, refusing to look at the Commodore. He didn’t want to even remember the dream; there is no way he wants to speak about it.
“All right, I can see you aren’t interested in talking about it. Well we are heading to a port nearby, not too far off. We’ll be able to get you some proper fitting clothes,” Norrington explains, the word port grabbing Jack’s attention.
Jack didn’t want to talk, he hated the sound of his voice but he needed to ask. “Which one?”
“That one,” Norrington answers pointing to an island on the map lying next to the pirate. The name looks unfamiliar to the pirate, maybe he’d never stopped at this one. Yet that didn’t matter, because going to a port meant a chance to get away from this man. “Jack listen to me, you have to stay close to me while we are at port. It isn’t like the usual ports you sail into but it by no means is safe for a child.”
“Me is no---” Jack starts to argue before Norrington raises his hand to silence him.
“Even so, you look like one and that is all that matters.”
Jack nods his head knowing that is the best course of action right now. He knew though he would not be sticking close. The moment the chance rose he would vanish before Norrington knew what was going on.
Norrington looks at him a moment, his expression suggesting he knew exactly what Jack is thinking. “All right,” the Commodore finally says picking Jack up and sitting him on his feet on the floor. “You are free to roam.”
Jack looks at him a moment wishing he could retort to such a comment but as his current size it would have been pointless. Instead he turns and loudly stomps out of the cabin. The sea air is as fresh as it always is after a storm. He looks around to see sailors moving from here to there doing whatever they should be. He moves through them, seemingly unnoticed by anyone.
As the day continues on Norrington is interrupted by a knock to his door. “Enter,” he calls out.
A young sailor opens the door and steps inside. “The port has been sighted,” he reports.
“All right,” the Commodore replies dismissing him with a wave of his hand. He pushes his chair back, standing up to head over to the mirror. After putting the wig and hat on, he adjusts his jacket. He heads out of his cabin deciding he better find Jack. Once on deck he surveys the area, not seeing the tiny pirate. He begins to walk through the milling sailors his eyes glancing all about.
He spots the pirate standing beside the rail, looking through the boards. The sailors around him seem to be doing their jobs while keeping an eye on the child. As Norrington approaches the men quickly turn their full attention back to their work seeing the child no longer need watching. He scoops Jack up, loving the look of utter surprise on the usually unshakable pirate’s face.
“Going to be reaching port soon,” he says cradling Jack in the crook of his elbow. “Don’t forget what we talked about.”
Jack is a little frustrated that Norrington is carrying him as they disembarked. The port reminded him of Port Royal, only a little less wealthy. Norrington trudges down the single road, Jack tucked against his side. As they near a shop Jack can see it is a store with an abundance of small clothes.
“The only all children’s clothing store that I know of,” Norrington explains as he opens the door and goes inside.
“Good day, sir,” the woman inside spoke up as the door closes.
“Afternoon ma’am,” Norrington answers with a slight nod of his head. “I need to purchase a month or so of clothes for him, and the essentials.”
“Certainly,” she replies with a smile, “his size?”
“Well, actually I don’t know,” Norrington answers honestly.
“We will try a few things then,” she offers beginning to look through the tables of pilled up clothes.
After a few tries they found the size that best fit Jack’s new smaller frame. Jack stood beside Norrington’s leg as the Commodore and woman picked out all sorts of thing from the tables, everything from shirts and pants to breeches and night clothes. Jack watches the two waiting for the perfect moment to make his escape. As both people seem nose deep in clothes Jack edges closer to the door. The moment it is pushed open by a woman entering the store Jack makes a dash outside.
He quickly heads up the street and turns the corner into an ally that seems to go through to the other side of the row of buildings. He peeks back the way he’d come to see if Norrington has noticed his disappearance, but no sign of the Commodore suggested otherwise.
“What have we here?” A voice behind Jack startles the pirate causing him to quickly turn around.
“Looks like a lost little boy,” one of the two men that were standing there said in reply.
“Why don’t we help him find his way home,” the man who’d first spoken offered.
Yet Jack knew these men wouldn’t help him go anywhere but to a slaver. He turns to go back around the corner, only to be snatched up. The man tucked the flailing frame under his arm like a sack of potatoes. Jack tries to yell but his voice is caught behind a lump of terror in his throat. The feeling from his nightmare returns full force, only this is no dream.
“Stop,” a voice, Jack recognizes instantly, calls out freezing the two men and their captive. “Release the child or both your heads come off.”
The men turn affording Jack a view of Norrington pointing his sword at the man holding him. A heartbeat later the pirate is set on his feet, the two men taking a step back from him their hands up in the air.
“Come here,” Norrington orders in a voice Jack is sure he’d never heard before. Yet it isn’t because of that angry look that Jack stands shaking.
The Commodore watches as Jack moves slowly toward him. The pirate seem different some how. Once he is within reach Norrington knelt down and scooped the child-size pirate up. “Get lost,” he growls at the two men who’d thought to take Jack. He watches him turn and run down the alley out of sight before putting away his sword.
He looks at Jack, noticing the pirate’s face is hidden from sight while small hands grip his jacket. Jack’s legs were pinned against Norrington’s ribs as the Commodore’s arm supports the tiny weight. “I warned you about running off,” he finally says, his heart beginning to slow to normal pace again. He turns heading out of the alley and back to the shop. He could feel Jack shivering and knew he wouldn’t try such a thing again. Yet he saw no reason to put him down either.
“You found him,” the woman says with relief as he enters the shop. “I’m glad. I’ve packed everything up for you in these crates.”
“Thank you,” Norrington replies popping one open and pulling out one of Jack’s new pair of night clothes. “How much?”
She holds up a slip of parchment with the total. Norrington reaches into his pocket and pulls out his pouch of coins that he’d brought a shore. He dumps more of the gold coins inside into her hands.
“Would you have these delivered to my ship, the Dauntless?” He asks.
“Before the day is out,” she answers with a nod slipping the coins into a pocket in her dress.
“Thank you, also might you have a blanket I can use for…” Norrington asks indicating with his head the child he held.
The woman looks at him in confusion for a moment before understanding lights her eyes. “Oh, yes actually I have one I just finished yesterday that should be perfect.” The woman answers disappearing through a door Norrington hadn’t notice before. She returns moments later with a small, to Norrington’s standards, blue colored blanket draped over her arm.
She unfolds it and carefully lays it over Jack; compared to Jack’s small form the blanket is huge. She tucks it in around the pirate, who now is completely hidden from view. Yet Norrington could still feel the slight tremors in the little frame. He tucks the pajamas he’d taken out earlier into the folds of the blanket. “Thank you,” he says smiling and tipping his hat with his free hand.
“You are welcome,” the woman answers as he turns and leaves the little shop.
Norrington heads across the road to an establishment that is only in the business of providing a place to sleep. He drops the lack of the coins in his pouch onto the bar getting the attention of the man sitting on a small stool on the other side.
“First room up the stairs on the left is open,” he grunts eyeing the coins.
Norrington nods picking up the key that had been set on the bar before heading up the stairs. He slides the key into the lock turning it with little trouble. Once inside he inspects the room quickly. A small single bed is in the center against the back wall, while a table and chair took up the space beside a small window.
He heads over to the table sitting Jack down on it, small legs dangling over the side. The blanket fell to pool on the table behind the pirate while he sat on a small portion of it. “I brought these for you to change into,” Norrington says pulling the pajamas from the blanket.
Jack says nothing as he stares at his lap, he arms at his side hanging limp. Norrington could see something just isn’t right with the pirate. He sights setting the pajamas aside and moving to pull the large shirt free. Even with the shirt gone the pirate says nothing which surprised the Commodore, considering how much he seem to dislike being seen naked in his current state.
He unfolds the one piece pajamas looking at them a moment, wondering when he’d picked them out, they didn’t look familiar. Pushing the thought away for debate later he turns his attention back to Jack. First he works the short legs and small feet into the pajama pants and feet. He picks Jack up, holding him against his chest with one arm, the small hands almost instantly taking hold of his jacket, while his free hand pulls the rest of the pajamas up over Jack’s naked rump. Once the lower half of the garment is in place Norrington sits Jack back down on the table. He guides Jack’s arms into the sleeves, little hands appearing after a moment of work. After pulling it into proper position and making sure it is on correction Norrington zips up the enclosure that goes all the way from the neck down to one of the feet. It is then that he notices what could only be some sort of hood with what look like small fox ears on it. He pulls the hood up over Jack’s head wondering if he’ll get a reaction, yet the pirate says nothing and remains still. That didn’t stop Norrington from finding the pajamas cute.
“Since you seem to be tired why don’t you get some rest?” Norrington suggestions picking up the pirate, whose small hands once again take hold of his jacket. He isn’t sure what to make of the reaction as he settles the small form in the bed. After a short while dark eyes close as Jack slips of to sleep lying on his stomach. Norrington sits at the table folding the night shirt and blanket as he ponders the pirate’s behavior.
Why had Jack run off like that? Even as he thought the question he knew the answer. Of course Jack would try and get away from the Commodore. Yet did he really think he could survive in such a state? The near kidnapping had proven otherwise. That thought brought about his other question. Why did Jack cling to him afterwards, or seem so lifeless? It is then that Norrington remembers Jack’s nightmare incident. Had his nightmare come true? Had he dreamt of being capture in his small form? Is that why he appears to be so frightened?
The Commodore found himself glad he hadn’t change his plans, as he’d thought about doing. He had thought to stay in port over night but with what had happened he knew his original plan is the right idea. His first officer would send word when everything is restocked and loaded.
Norrington watches Jack sleep his mind full of questions he couldn’t even begin to answer. He starts at the knock to the door getting up quickly to answer it. A young man stood on the other side holding a piece of parchment in his hand. “Commodore Norrington?” he asks as if unsure.
“Yes,” the officer replies quietly.
“This is for you,” the youth says offering him the parchment.
He takes it thanking and sending the messenger on his way before closing the door. After sitting back down at the table, he finally reads the expected words from his first officer. The boat is ready for launch and the crew is waiting for him. He stands from his seat tucking the parchment into his pocket before picking up the blanket and night shirt.
He sets the shirt on the bed before unfolding the blanket. He lays the blanket over Jack hiding the small frame completely. As he moves to pick up the sleeping pirate, the child size body chooses that moment to roll over onto his back, trapping the blanket under him. Norrington sighs pulling the two sides free only to realize the current placement would allow him to wrap Jack completely with the warm blanket.
Norrington places the night shirt beside Jack before wrapping one side then the other of the blanket around him, trapping arms and legs inside. He pulls the hood up over Jack’s head before scooping him up; cradling him the same way he’d carry an infant. Jack’s head rested in the crook of Norrington’s arm against the man’s chest, while his body is cradled and his legs along with the over flow of blanket are tucked against the Commodore’s abs. In that moment, looking at the sleeping face framed by the cute hood Norrington found the pirate adorable.
On his way out, Norrington drops the key onto the bar without a word he continues on his way. Once outside Norrington heads down the single road to the docks and his waiting ship, only a few women seem to take notice of him as he walks by. He stands on the docks, looking at his vessel in the late day sun, his questions from before returning. Of course once they set sail everything would be dealt with and he doubts they will see another port for some time. He boards his ship, his first officer and crew coming to attention waiting for orders. Deciding first to deal with the precious bundle in his arms he heads to his cabin without a word. He settles Jack in his bed, leaving the blanket in place. He then heads back out to deal with his crew and get them back on their way.
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Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 7:18 am
Woah.
I don't think I've ever read a Pirate of Carribaen Fanfic.
Its okay though.
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 4:35 pm
That was really good. Try to stick to one tense though... haha. Otherwise it was excellent. So does Jack ever return to being an adult? How did it happen? Will they find out? And does this mean that Norrington is going tos top hunting for Jack if Jack returns to his 'adult-ness'?
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