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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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insertinterestingusernamehere · 2 years ago

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*unearthly screech*

Ahhhhhhhh thanks so much :DDD

Tried my best to make it as close to AU as possible lol-

I’m so glad you enjoyed it I have to admit when I saw the reboot I started fangirling a bit lmao- Thank you! I really loved writing this too :)

What Is Life Without Action?

Fanfic based on the Harbour Town AU by @cupcakeshakesnake !

A.N. : So I discovered the AU a couple days ago and I was obsessed- It’s a gem to all of humankind, and I love the art ahahah- So this also gave me a few ideas for a new fic? Because I was like : ah yes time to write a wholesome fic for once…

For the record, Theodore Groves is an overly enthusiastic and chill Science teacher because I just… that just fit the vibe- Gillete would be like the English teacher who just needs people to hand up work.. And I am convinced James Norrington is an animal person- these were just the couple of stuff I came up with, and my interpretation of how OST went in the AU… @cupcakeshakesnake I hope that’s alright haha- Well then, on with the story!

———————–

Summary : James gets outplayed by Theo… or does he?

Working as a teacher and minding a whole class of children was bad enough. It hardly helped that his particular class of children were, in fact, ones with wild imagination and even wilder roleplay lore that he could barely understand sometimes. It hardly helped as well that they tended to bring chaos and trouble. Everywhere. Plus, he could hardly trust his longtime friends to keep them in check. Because they tended to partake in the chaos as well. James Norrington had hoped, more than ever, that whatever shenanigans the class was up to, he would not have to be involved.

That perhaps this week-long camp would go without incident, yes? Fate- Well. On this day, fate appeared to be laughing down at him. He was, as always, once again reminded that sometimes, he had to always make precautions. Every time.

“You did what,” Norrington stated, dragging a hand down his face as he took in the as always, overly enthusiastic Science teacher before him. The latter had burst into the staffroom in a flurry, taking a few moments to regain his breath and brush off the stray Nerf bullets still clinging onto his staff ID. The brown-haired man currently being addressed had a feeling that this was not going to end well.

“Listen- It’s going to be easy enough! Just go out and get water- from the drinking fountain!” Groves gestured to the door, which was practically all that stood between them and fresh water.

“Bottled water exists,” James sighed, taking a sip from the plastic bottle, only to cough and splutter, stifling a string of colourful words.

“They vinegar-ed it, James, you have to go get water!” His colleague’s hopeful face signalled the oncoming of another headache.

“And you played no part in this.” Groves fiddled with a pen nervously under the mildly disappointed green gaze currently pinned on him.

“Well… I may have told Jack where the water was?” “Wonderful,” James rebutted sarcastically.

“Remind me again that I cannot, ever, trust you with any responsible adult duties.” Theo opened his mouth to protest, but James simply beat him to it.

“Remember that time I left my phone unlocked on my desk when I went to teach a class? Yeah I came back one hour later to realise you- You used all the ammunition I stockpiled,” James paused to draw in a breath, in which his friend cut in.

“It was only in World of Warships! Surely you’d know of the statistics of how only one shot lands every hundred shots, I’d argue that I proved to have better odds-” He was about to go into a full length explanation of his shining luck and all, but was interrupted by James.

“You made my fleet unplayable for one day, Theo. And you robbed me of a million (in-game currency) in terms of shell cost,” Norrington deadpanned, recalling his agony at attempting to repair the damage Theo had managed to do in one hour.

Groves crossed his arms with a frown, defending himself. “It was only one incident!”

James raised an eyebrow and cast him an unreadable look.

“Okay. Then what about Tortuga?”

“Well I think that one went pretty well,” Groves countered. “Sure….” James drawled, laying on more sarcasm this time around.

——————

A few winter breaks ago.

The brunette’s gaze flicked up for a moment, back down at the computer, then back up once more, his eyes widening slightly. Leaning over the countertop, two incredibly familiar faces peered up at him. If it wasn’t Gibbs and Sparrow. The duo’s excitement waned slightly the moment they recognised him, and he couldn’t help but smile slightly.

“Fancy seeing you here. Enjoying your winter break, I hope?” The two of them blinked, at a loss for words for a few moments before Gibbs offered a greeting, stumbling over the words a little.

“Oh- uh- Hi, Mr Norrington.”

“Uh-” On his left, Jack’s eyes were wide, his mouth opening and closing- Of all the places, they had not expected their teacher to be working at Tortuga Arcade-

“Well? Do you need to top up the cards?” That. That seemed to snap Jack out of his mild panic-slash-horror at meeting his homeroom teacher who just so happened to be working at an arcade… anyways.

“Uh… There don’t happen to be any more teachers here, eh?” He questioned weakly, glancing around the neon-lit space and bustling crowd.

James opened his mouth to answer, but was cut off by an enthusiastic shout of “Gibbs! Jack! The two of you here to play too?” Groves’ voice came from the nearest station, where he was currently battling the pinball machine.

“…Mr Groves?”

“I suppose that answers your question,” James sighed, shaking his head. The two just looked between their homeroom teacher, clearly doing his job, and their Science teacher, who most decidedly, was not. Jack just offered an awkward wave, unsure what to make of it all.

———————–

Present Day.

“I was conducting routine maintenance!” Theo protested, shrugging.

“You were not,” James snorted. “I’m amazed you didn’t get caught slacking off on the job.” His long-time friend simply gave him a sly grin, replying, “Well then, that’s where practice comes in.” The brunette huffed, well aware of the fact that Groves was highly enjoying this teasing banter.

“Oh for the love of-” He scowled, resigned to glaring at Theo instead.

The science teacher shook his head, pouting ever-so-slightly. As much of a carefree soul as ever, James mused wryly. Theo really hadn’t changed since they met in middle school.

“James, do procure the water, or I’ll have no choice but to hoard Clover and Jazz to myself when we return to the apartment.” Hints of a devious grin were starting to surface on Theo’s expression, and James was dragged out of his thoughts. He rolled his eyes.

“You would never- They’ve been most affectionate with me.” It was true, the pair of rambunctious kittens were now full of energy, far from the sorry sight the class had presented him with a few months ago- There would be time to dwell on that later. Currently, he was still trying to figure out how exactly Groves planned to force away the two fluffballs retaining his sanity. As if on cue, he raised a packet of cat treats, James’ eyes widening-

“You would not.”

“Is that a challenge?” Groves countered, knowing he’d won this argument, however childish it might have been. What he held was the Holy Grail, of sorts. The only thing that could steal the kittens away from James. Clearly, he knew that, and a resigned frown settled on his features.

“Oh very well. Do tell what happened.”

Theo grinned victoriously, settling down on the other chair opposite James and launched into his tale.

A good twenty or so minutes later of excited gesturing and recounting on Theo’s part, he was now more than convinced that said Science teacher had the mentality of a child sometimes. His gaze flicked to the door, and, beyond that, the drinking fountain. He could faintly pick out the voices of the children.

“So Gillete attempted to get the water first.”

“Well. Yes, but he didn’t really get far,” Theo reiterated, recalling the exact events he had watched.

————————-

Literally half an hour ago.

“Alright that’s it- I’m going to get the water,” And so Andrew grabbed his water bottle and headed out towards the drinking fountain. Theo simply watched as he was nudged by one of the children, nearly fell onto Barbossa who, under threat, pushed the English teacher away with decent force, and the rest protected their drinking fountain, Nerf guns blazing and foam swords drawn. Needless to say, Gillete was driven back to the safety of the room in no time.

“Beaten by a group of role-playing students, hm?” Groves fought back the urge to laugh as he took in his colleague’s miserable form.

“Oh shut it. You try then,” Andrew answered grumpily, before leaving to sulk and likely search for alternate sources of water. As though there were any more. They were in the middle of a forest. In summer camp. Theo simply shrugged. Hey, what’s the worst that could happen? And he did just that, of course, adding on his energetic Science teacher flair.

James looked at him with bemusement. “So you’re telling me, that you took your staff ID-”

“Yes.”

“Went out of the room and ran to the fountain-”

“Yes.”

“Whipped out the ID and proclaimed loudly that the fountain was now under the name of all the teachers.” Groves nodded, and James sighed once more. (A.N. I wish I had a picture of what Groves did lmao)

To be exact, after Groves’ loud exclamation caused the students to pause in their activities, one of the Spanish kids glanced at the teacher before them, mentally deciding that he might as well take the shot. He lifted his Nerf gun, and fired. The pellet hit Theo with amazingly large force, and caused him to falter slightly.

“Sorry Mr. Groves!” Jack offered before the rest opened fire, pellets and foam bullets chasing him all the way to the staffroom.

One quick glance back showed him that the Spanish kid had declared, “Make a note of that teacher’s bravery- But now, the Aqua le Vida is ours!”

“It’s the Fountain of Youth, and no, it is not!” Jack protested. Theo shook his head as he ducked into the safety of the staffroom, slightly resigned that he had been chased from the fountain by the students.

“That is pretty much what happened,” Theo summarised, James pinching the bridge of his nose as his shoulders sagged.

“Seriously.”

The two teachers stared at each other for a long while before James exhaled, trying to make sense of it all. Of course Groves had done that, being well, Groves.

“Alright- Fine,” James relented, though reluctance crept into his voice.

“Great!” Theo perked up considerably at that, sliding over a bottle of coffee as an olive branch - a peace offering, obviously, to sweeten the deal a bit more for his disgruntled friend.

“So- that makes you dead in their roleplay lore, I’d assume,” James commented dryly, accepting the coffee gratefully.

“I would suppose so… what about you then?” Groves frowned, casting a curious look at James. Believe it or not, both of them found the storyline the students played with rather… interesting. Boring as their lives were, this did bring in some light to the dreary days.

“Died a long time ago, after I applied for sick leave the other semester.” James recalled wryly, when he had bumped into the group of children and overheard Elizabeth lamenting his unfortunate death. Took him a few minutes to realise they were just playing.

The two lapsed into silence for a while, before James decided to finally get the water. He made a move towards the door, only for it to slam open and he jumped back, met with the sight of a certain few scruffy, role-playing children. Before he could even open his mouth to chide them for not knocking, one of the Spanish kids took it upon himself to hesitantly address the teachers.

“Señor profesor… The fountain… it… it broke.” Oh of course it did, His mind mumbled snappily as he took in the multiple guilty faces staring up at him. Jack looked positively terrified. Theo walked out to stand beside him, looking towards the direction of the drinking fountain, which looked pretty beat up. He frowned slightly.

“You all broke the fountain?” He questioned lightly, looking towards Will, who nodded sheepishly. Turning to face James, the other’s disappointed gaze softened slightly. Ah well. Kids would be kids.

“I shall… inform the campground maintenance about the broken fountain. For now, do take these bottles of water,” Their homeroom teacher addressed the clearly regretful students, before vanishing into the room and reappearing a moment later with a box of water bottles. Not filled with vinegar this time, mind you. Jack blinked mutely, exchanging a glance with Hector, who stared back with equal chagrin.

“Yes… I knew about the little prank. I did, however, make precautions. Since there is only one day of the camp left, this should hopefully be enough,” James stated, allowing the faintest hints of exasperation to leak into his words. The students took the water with mumbled thanks before turning to leave, which was when James tactfully reminded them to ‘reflect on their actions’ before he and Theo watched them scurry back to their cabins.

He had gone easy on them, Groves knew that, but currently, he was more curious than surprised. As the two of them entered the staffroom once more, they were interrupted by Gillete, who exclaimed, “Well that would be a new one! Breaking the drinking fountain! Seriously James, only your class would be capable of that,” he laughed, shaking his head, the effects of his defeat earlier having ebbed away.

James simply sighed in response. Perhaps- no. This was definitely enough chaos for today. Noting Theo’s look of surprise that he’d been unable to wipe off, he allowed a small smirk to surface at Theo’s loss of words.

“How- How did you-”

“Well then, that’s where practice comes in,” He replied easily, turning Theo’s own words against him. Andrew looked between the two, not quite sure what to make of all this.

Inwardly, James laughed at their confusion. At the very least, teaching this chaotic class had taught him some things.

Number one : Be prepared for everything.

And number two : Perhaps sometimes, life without action could get pretty boring. Perhaps.

END

A.N. (again?!) yeah- that’s my first fic on this blog done lol- hope everyone reading this enjoyed it! I sure had fun writing this one.

#reblog

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