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Welcome to the Caribbean, Luv
Chapter Two: The Black Goddess
By spikeNdru, April 2004, revised January 2006 Chapter 1 3 4 5 6 7
Pre-Series, AU
Darla, Angelus, Spike and Drusilla left England on the Lucinda Jane, sailing to the Caribbean. Angelus and Darla are posing as Lord and Lady Burroughs-Hill, as Darla desires to conquer Jamaican society. The Lucinda Jane was boarded by the pirates of the reclaimed Black Pearl, under the command of Captain Jack Sparrow, and Drusilla left with them to be a pirate.
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Chapter 2: The Black Goddess
Priscilla hurried down the passageway, her steps going faster and faster until she was practically running. She couldn’t live like this anymore! She would run to the stern and throw herself overboard. It would be quick, and better than living in constant fear and dread.
Her mindless rush came to an abrupt halt upon reaching the end of the hall and realizing the ladder was up. Panting, she ignored the stitch in her side that had turned into a sharp knifing pain, and struggled to work the pulley mechanism that lowered the stairs.
Grasping the rope handrail, she dragged herself up the stairs, her breath coming in short gasps that failed to add enough oxygen to her laboring lungs. Her hands touched the upper deck, but she did not have the strength to push herself upright. She crawled into the shadow of the dingy lashed above the deck and realized her vision was darkening. Her heart was racing and her stays prevented her from taking a deep breath. The blackness claimed her.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Gradually returning to consciousness, Priscilla smiled. She had been dreaming about the 'perfect life' again. She still saw the lush green lawns and the rose garden where she sat with her petit point, attempting to capture the vibrancy of the roses with her embroidery silks, while the happy laughter of her children made a counterpoint to the sweetness of birdsong.But now, the kind, loving, handsome young husband returning early because he missed her so desperately had a face. In her mind’s eye, she saw again the lithe, compact, graceful form, rounded chin, sensuous lips, straight nose, knife-edged cheekbones, startlingly blue eyes, touchably soft, sandy colored hair and noble forehead of the man she had glimpsed during her panicked dash from the cabin. She opened her eyes and pulled herself to a sitting position with her back against the dingy and lost herself in her fantasies once more.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Priscilla awakened with a start. After a moment’s disorientation, she realized where she was. Wasn’t it odd that she had obtained a more restful sleep in a cramped and uncomfortable section of the deck than she had managed in the luxury and featherbeds of her home over the last few years?Priscilla knew she wouldn’t be sleeping with the fishes tonight; she had rediscovered the one feeling that made throwing herself over the railing impossible—hope. Hope for a better life, hope for change, hope for some degree of happiness . . . she wasn’t entirely sure this rediscovery was a good thing, but there it was. Nothing to be done about it now. She had mentally rejoined the land of the living.
The night erupted with the piercing sound of a frantically blown whistle, closely followed by thundering footsteps from all directions and loud male voices, all yelling at once. From within the cacophony of sounds, one message overrode all else: Pirates!
Priscilla pushed herself to her feet as her eyes darted around the deck in search of the source of the disturbance. There! A dark ship with black sails was bearing down on the Lucinda Jane.
The irony of her situation was not lost on Priscilla. She had fled the hidden secrets of her life in the cabin below to seek death on the upper deck several hours ago; things had completely reversed as she now fled death on the deck to seek life by secretly hiding in her cabin!
Retracing her steps, Priscilla hurriedly descended the ladder, pausing long enough to shove it back into its resting place, before retreating down the passageway to her cabin. Upon her arrival, she felt a moment’s panic as she realized that she did not possess a key. That rediscovered glimmer of hope caused her to try the knob anyway, and she was gratified to find it unlatched.
Slipping into the dark cabin, she fumbled with the lock, finally hearing the tumblers fall into place. Fingers touching the wall for guidance, she grouped her way to the low dresser bolted to the inside wall and felt around in the top drawer for a candle and flint. Her shaking hands had difficulty striking a spark, but the wick finally caught and she held the candle high, looking for a place to hide.
The bunk curtains were not drawn, and her eyes tracked past the figure on the bed before her mind registered what she was seeing. Her frantic desire to find a hiding place abruptly fled as she cautiously approached the bed, guarding the flickering candle flame from the breeze entering the cabin through the open porthole.
A rosy blush flooded her face as Priscilla realized the man she had been dreaming about was currently asleep in her bed! His face looked so soft and peaceful in sleep; long eyelashes fanned over those remarkable cheeks and a faint smile etched his lips. Priscilla tentatively reached out and gently smoothed an errant curl back from his brow.
She screamed and dropped the candle as a strong hand gripped her wrist with lightning speed. Piercing blue eyes snapped open as her knees buckled and she sank down on the edge of the bed. They stared at each other in silence until he released her wrist and leaned back against the bunk head, hands clasped behind his head.
“Oh, you startled me!” she exclaimed inanely.
“Shouldn’t sneak up on a man like that, pet.” His voice was low and dangerous, but Pricilla had reclaimed parts of herself that she had thought long gone and was not about to surrender them again.
“Yes, well, this is my cabin, you know!”
“Oh, right.” The alcoholic stupor had dissipated and Spike’s memory of recent events had returned. “Last I saw you, pet, you were scampering off in terror. Thought you’d have thrown yourself overboard by now.”
“I was going to,” Priscilla replied simply. “I changed my mind.”
Spike’s eyebrow rose as he studied her with interest. This was not the frightened little mouse beaten down by George’s tyranny. This woman was vibrant and alive with an inner core of strength she had somehow managed to tap into.
“Woman’s prerogative, luv,” he replied.
She leaned back against the post at the foot of the bed and continued to meet his gaze without flinching.
“My husband is not a happy man. For a long time, he told me that was my fault, and I believed him. I doubted my self, my worth, my very existence. I allowed him to convince me that I was useless . . . worthless, and death appeared to be my only release. I no longer believe that, and thus George no longer has power over me. When we reach Jamaica, I intend to find some way to leave him. I don’t know how I’ll manage, but I’ll find a way. And I will never allow George to make me feel that I am beneath him again.”
Admiration shone in Spike’s eyes and a wicked grin formed as he replied, “No worries, luv, George won’t trouble you again. You’re much too good for that disgustin’ old lecher. You deserve more.”
“No,” she spoke decisively, “he won’t trouble me, but I am concerned about your safety. My husband is a brutal, violent man, and it would be best if you were not here when he returns. I couldn’t bear it if you were hurt on my account.”
“Oh, didn’t I tell you, pet? Your husband won’t be returnin’. Near as I can recall, we drank quite a lot of brandywine, that an’ the motion of the ship caused him to feel somewhat . . . indisposed. He was leanin’ out the porthole there when he suddenly disappeared. I was goin’ for help when I felt dizzy, everything went black an’ next thing I know, I woke up an’ you were here.” Spike smirked. “That was hours ago, so I’m afraid George is long gone.”
She searched his eyes for a long moment, and then a slow smile formed. “Good,” she said, as she leaned over to kiss him.
~*~*~*~*~*~
“Oi’m a pirate,” Drusilla stated succinctly.“No, you’re not!” Captain Jack folded his arms over his chest and glared at Drusilla. “I’m a pirate. You appear to be a . . . stowaway!”
Drusilla pouted. “Oi’m the most fearsome lady pirate you can imagine.”
She and Captain Jack were almost exactly the same height and Drusilla stared directly into his eyes. “Look at me! Look into my eyes. Oi’m a lady pirate . . . Oi’m called the Black Goddess and Oi sail the seas on the Black Pearl . . .”
Drusilla stared deeply into his eyes for a few more seconds, then, flashing a gleeful grin, she snapped her fingers.
“Yo ho, Cap’n!” she exclaimed, turning to ascend the ladder.
Captain Jack blinked, not sure exactly what had just happened, but he had apparently acquired an additional crew member.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Captain Jack swept off his hat and made a deep bow to Captain Morrow. “Sorry to trouble you, Cap’n, and I thank you for your courtesy. We’ll be on our way, now.”Clapping his had back on his head, Captain Jack turned, muttering “Bricks!” under his breath as he prepared to depart.
“Excuse me, Captain Sparrow,” Captain Morrow called after him. “If I might have a word?”
Captain Jack turned back in surprise. “Yes, Captain Morrow?”
“I was wondering if we might impose on you to request some water, if you’ve any extra. We’re very low, and I believe we will run out before reaching land unless you can see your way clear to sparing us some.”
“Let me get this straight. I’m Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain of the Black Pearl, the most feared pirate ship in the Caribbean, and you’re asking me for water?”
Captain Morrow nodded. “Yes, I am.”
“Oh. Right, then.”
Crossing the deck, Captain Jack called over to the ship, “Where’s John Groat?”
“Here I am, Cap’n.” The small, round cook came hurrying over to the rail.
“How much water are we carrying?”
John thought. “There’s about three kegs we can spare, Cap’n.”
“Will three kegs do, Captain Morrow?”
“Yes, thank you, Captain Sparrow, three kegs will be sufficient, and may I say, you have my profound gratitude.”
“Pashaw!” Captain Jack flicked his wrist, negating the necessity of thanks. “Perhaps some day you’ll be in a position to do me a service.”
“If I can, you have only to ask,” replied Captain Morrow.
After transferring the three kegs to the Lucinda Jane, the Black Pearl was ready to shove off. With a last bow to Captain Morrow, Captain Jack released the final grappling hook and jumped, swinging through the air on the rope to land lightly on the deck of the Pearl. She trimmed her sails and disappeared into the night.
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“Angelus!” Darla stormed into the cabin in a high dudgeon.Savoring the final mouthful of his dinner, Angelus blotted his lips on the lace-trimmed petticoat and smoothed down her skirts, hiding the puncture wounds in the thigh of the latest victim of the mysterious plague.
“What is it now, Darla? Can’t a man even enjoy his dinner in peace?”
Grabbing his hair in one hand, Darla slapped him hard across the face. “Don’t you dare use that tone with me, Angelus! I made you, and when I have something to say, you will listen!”
“Aye, Darla, an’ what’s so important it can’t wait? I’ll be havin’ indigestion if ye can’t leave a man to eat in peace.”
“It’s Drusilla! She’s taken it into her head to become a pirate and she’s gone off on that pirate ship, the Black Pearl! Who knows what mischief she’ll be getting into and she could ruin all our plans! We’re stuck on a ship, in case you haven’t noticed, not the most conducive arrangement for quick exits!”
“An’ where’s William? Isn’t he supposed to be watchin’ her?”
“How would I know where he is? He’s probably passed out drunk somewhere, leaving Dru to her own devices, and she could be headed for anywhere in the Caribbean by now!”
“We’ll just have to find her then, but as we can’t do anything this very moment . . .”
Angelus swept Darla up into his arms and carried her over to the bed. His one arm was under her knees; with his other, he grasped the back of her head and kissed her roughly. Darla kicked out with her foot, relegating Angelus’ dinner remains to the floor as he lowered her onto the bed, without breaking the kiss.
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Captain Jack entered his cabin to find Drusilla slowly twirling in the moonlight with her arms outstretched.“Ooooh, it’s my fierce pirate captain! We’ll cut a bloody swath through the Caribbean, killing and maiming, my dark prince.”
“No, we won’t,” Jack replied. “There’ll be no killing and maiming. I’ve got a reputation to uphold, the Black Pearl is my ship, I’m the captain, and if you want to be a real pirate, you’ll do what I say.”
Drusilla shrugged. “Okay,” she agreed and resumed twirling.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Priscilla sighed with satisfaction. She couldn’t remember ever having been this happy. She could hardly bear the thought of how close she had come to ending her life and missing out on all . . . this. And now she understood why she had remained childless for the past three years! George’s sense of direction regarding physiology had been . . . impaired. It’s a good thing George hadn’t been navigating this ship—they’d probably be in Greenland by now!Putting both palms on the sides of his face, she drew him close for another kiss. A sudden thought made her gasp and momentarily pull away. “I don’t even know your name!”
“William,” Spike murmured, resuming the kiss. As his lips traveled downward, she smiled.
“William. That’s a nice name. Mine is Priscilla.”
“Priscilla”, Spike repeated, then froze. He sat up abruptly. “Bloody hell! Drusilla!”
Grabbing his clothes, he hurriedly dressed. Lifting Priscilla’s hand to his lips, he placed a final kiss on her palm. “Sorry, luv, I’ve got to go.”
As the door closed behind him, she heard him mutter, “Dru is definitely going to kill me!”
~*~*~*~*~*~
Darla and Angelus lounged on the bed as Spike angrily paced. The small amount of available floor space was doing nothing to alleviate his frustration. He stopped in front of the two older vampires, fists clenched at his sides. He opened his mouth, but his thoughts were in such chaos he couldn’t express them, so he closed it again without speaking and resumed pacing.“Sit down, boy, you’re makin’ me seasick,” Angelus ordered.
“How can you just sit there?” Spike demanded. “Dru’s missing! She could be anywhere . . . lost, frightened . . .”
Angelus glared. “This is Drusilla, boy! She’s prob’ly torturin’ a whole boatload of pirates as we speak. They’re’ll be an entire new generation of ‘Peg Legs’ and ‘Captain Hooks’ roamin’ these waters, thanks to our Dru.”
“We have to do something!” Spike was still frantic.
“And just what do you suggest?” Darla inquired icily.
“I don’t know . . . go after her, bring her back . . .”
Angelus gestured to the expanse of ocean not currently visible via their windowless cabin. “Hope ye’r a strong swimmer then.”
Spike glared.
“Don’t be daft, boy! There’s nothin’ to be done at the moment. When we reach Jamaica we’ll get a better idea as to where she’s gone. An’ remember one thing, William. Dru’s not your wife; not your property. She goes where she wants, with whom she wants. She’ll come back when she’s ready.” Angelus turned to Darla and asked, “She does know which island we’re headin’ for, doesn’t she?”
Darla shrugged and began to brush her hair.
Spike clasped his head in his hands and moaned.
Angelus took the brush from Darla’s hand and began brushing her hair himself.
With a final, disgusted look at them both, Spike left the cabin.
Darla turned her head to look at Angelus. “You’re the one who wanted children, darling.”
~*~*~*~*~*~
Late in the afternoon on the following day, the Lucinda Jane made port in the West Indies to take on supplies and disembark several passengers before continuing on to Jamaica. Captain Morrow decided to remain in port for the night to give the passengers who would be continuing on a chance to stretch their legs and spend some time ashore.Captain Morrow picked up his pen to make a summary log entry. He generally divided the voyage into two parts. The long sea voyage from England to the Indies was an end in itself. The second part comprised island-hopping in familiar waters to drop off passengers, so there was a natural division between the two parts.
All in all, this voyage had been a successful one, he decided. He was still no closer to discovering the genesis of the strange plague, but the deaths continued at a steady rate throughout the voyage, so that was a plus. Many types of plague swept through a ship like wildfire, decimating crew and passengers in days. Thankfully, he had been spared that.
The pirate attack had not led to any loss of life, so he supposed that could be considered a success also. The only victim of the attack had been Lord Burroughs-Hill’s ward—and as she not only went willingly, but actually had to convince the pirates to take her along, the term 'victim' was probably not appropriate in this case. Yes, all things considered, this had been a successful voyage, to date.
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“Absolutely not!” Darla was adamant.“But don’t you see?” Spike pleaded, “It’s the best way! I’ve thought it all out. You’ve established yourselves as persons of consequence. I’m sure we could contract for a boat—just a small one—and the three of us could sail around looking for the Black Pearl until we found Drusilla!”
“Runnin’ after Dru might be your ‘destiny’, boy, but 'tis not mine. Darla an’ I’ve gone to a lot of trouble to set ourselves up as quality in Jamaica an’ we’ll not throw it all away to go harin’ after a lunatic who wants to be a pirate!”
Spike shoved Angelus with all the strength of his frustration, knocking him to the floor. With a roar of rage, Angelus was up in an instant, but Darla stepped between them, keeping them apart.
“Enough! If William wants to waste his time scampering after Drusilla, well, then, he should do so. Get your things, get off here, hire a boat, do whatever you want. Angelus and I are going to Jamaica.”
With a final glare at them both, Darla exited the cabin.
~*~*~*~*~*~
The crew of the Black Pearl was all present on deck to make Drusilla’s acquaintance. Captain Jack began the introductions. “This is Drusilla, also known as the Black Goddess.”There were several snickers among the crew, but Drusilla didn’t seem to notice, as she was entirely caught up in this new game.
“She wants to be a pirate, and as such, should learn from the best. And who is the best pirate in the Caribbean?”
“Cap’n Jack Sparrow!” John Groat loyally replied.
Captain Jack cupped his hand to his ear and waited.
“Captain Jack Sparrow!” the entire crew repeated.
Captain Jack gave a satisfied nod. “What are we lads?”
“We’re pirates!” Having gotten the hang of the question/answer format, the crew responded en masse.
“And what do we do?”
“We . . . pirate?” a single voice volunteered.
“We steal!” Captain Jack corrected.
“We steal!” the crew chorused.
“Do we steal?”
“Yes!”
“Do we kill?”
“Sometimes?”
Captain Jack raised an eyebrow.
“No!”
“Do we have finesse?”
Not sure exactly what ‘finesse’ was, the crew was unsure how to answer until Captain Jack nodded.
“Yes!” They roared.
“Well, some of us do,” Captain Jack amended. “Others of us need a little work.”
He turned to Dru. “Right, then. You’ve got all that?”
Thoroughly enjoying herself, Drusilla nodded.
“Step on up, boys, and I’ll introduce you to our pirate-in-training, the Black Goddess.”
A tall, gangly youth with a prominent Adam’s apple and frog-like eyes was the first to step forward. He was obviously smitten with Drusilla.
“Goddess,” Jack said, “This is Long John Silver’s biggest devotee, Will Brass. Says ‘Yo, ho’ a lot, not directed at you in any way, and ‘me hearties’. . . calls whatever he’s served ‘grog’, including a really delightful jambalaya we discovered in a little out of the way place . . .”
“Cap’n”, Will broke in. “Ya din’t tell ‘er m’pirate name.”
“No, I didn’t. And I have no intention of doing so. We’re all hoping it’s a phase and if we just ignore it, it will go away.”
Unable to bear Will’s expression, which strongly resembled that of a kicked puppy, Jack relented.
“Oh . . . alright! Goddess, this is ‘Long Willie Brass’.”
Drusilla slipped her hand into the crook of his arm and led him off to stroll around the deck. “Oi like Willies. Oi made a Willie once; it was a luvly Willie . . . now it’s a Spike . . .”
Since the introductions seemed to be over for the moment, the other pirates dispersed.
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