Help Me to Raise Funds for My Book: IMMORTAL

I wrote a historical fantasy novel which revolves around two brothers, Marcus and Alexander, in 13th century Europe. The story begins with the 4th Crusade in Constantinople where the brothers stumble upon a mythological creature in the depths of the capitol palace.

When Marcus is bitten by the horrific creature and is forced to flee, Alexander will do everything in his power to bring him back. But a dark truth awaits them and a new secret is discovered. A secret that will change their lives forever.

Please check out my book's campaign page to learn more: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/immortal-historical-fantasy-novel/x/11167631#/story

I appreciate any help I can receive, whether it's a contribution or a share. If you'd like to only contribute $1, that is totally fine! Every little bit helps! With larger contributions, you will receive a free copy of the book - check out the perks on the right side of the page!

Thank you everyone! Don't forget to share the campaign!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Hogwarts Origins: Augustus Blair - Chapter 1

Hello everyone, for those of you waiting on my part two of my POTC PS story - I am still working on it and it's coming soon. For the moment, allow me to show you another part of another fan fiction I wrote.

Enjoy!

PRELUDE
London, England – 1959

The streets of London are covered in a thick fog, but the oil lamp streetlights are glowing through it – but only revealing a small area around each one. The streets are quiet and look to be deserted. Then a man stepped out of the shadows and steadily walked down the cobblestone street. The man is wearing a long black coat and hat. His face is hidden by the collar of the coat as he walked. He turned and looked at a certain house before continuing up the steps to the door. He clicked the small golden knocker three times and waited. After a few meaningless seconds, the door quickly opened and the interior light reached the dark street. He nonchalantly took a quick look around before slipping inside undetected.
The man quietly walked through the house to a room near the back. As he entered the dimly lit room, he removed his hat. He stood in the doorway and peered down at a woman lying in a bed - she’s giving birth. A few maids and nurses are surrounding her. The man knelt down beside the woman's bed and held her hand in his. After a few minutes of endless agony – a baby's cry echoes through the room – making it the only sound in the entire house. The nurses cleaned off the baby and handed it over to the mother – it's a boy. She held the baby as the mysterious man looked as though he were studying the child. The nurses left the room to give the couple some privacy, but shortly after, the man stood and walked out of the room too.
“Orion?” The woman said with confusion.
The man turned and looked at her with concern in his eyes, “You must not tell a single soul about this.” Orion demanded.
“I don't understand. Why not?” she asked with confusion.
“It wouldn't be good for my reputation.” Orion said simply, putting his hat back upon his head.
“Reputation? What are you saying... are you... you're married?” she said with a stunned expression.
“You must not tell anyone about this. Is that understood?” He said in a strong threatening tone.
The woman started to cry and sob. Orion pulled out his wand and points it at the baby, “I said, is that understood, Kathryn?!” he threatened.
“Yes! Just leave!” Kathryn sobbed as she protected her baby.
Orion walked out of the room leaving Kathryn and the baby alone. As he passed the maids and nurses, he stopped, pointed his wand at them and said, “Oblivate!” Erasing all their memories, but only the memories of him.
Kathryn sobbed and she hugged the baby and held him close to her and whispered, “Shh.” as she rocked the baby gently, “Don't worry, Augustus. You will never have to see him ever again. I will protect you.”

FIRST YEAR
Chapter 1
Diagon Alley-1970

Eleven years later in Diagon Alley, a young boy walked down the crowded streets alone. The streets were busy with wizards and witches consisting of adults and children alike. The young boy stopped at a shop with a sign overhead that read, Olivander's Wand Shop and entered inside.
The shop is empty and quiet, except for Olivander, an elderly gentleman standing at the counter. He looked up as he heard the door of his shop close and sees the young boy in front of him.
With a smile, Olivander asked, “Yes, may I help you?”
“I am here to buy a wand.” the young boy said.
“Ah! You've come to the right place then! State your name.”
“Augustus Blair.”
“Ah. Let me see here.”
Olivander walked down an isle and quickly came back with a small rectangular box. He opened it and handed Augustus the wand that was hidden inside it. It’s a light brown wand, Augustus takes it and flicks his wrist, but nothing happened. Augustus placed the wand back inside the box.
“Hmm. Apparently not.” Olivander said with a slight smile.
He covered the box back up and walked back down the isle and quickly came back again. He handed Augustus another wand, this wand is a dark brown almost a scorched blackened color.
“Try this one.” Olivander said, “It’s walnut. It’s twelve and a half inches long and the core is made of a phoenix feather.”
Augustus took the wand. As soon as he did he could feel it’s power flowing through him, almost like they belonged together.
Olivander noticed the look on Augustus's face, “That must be the one. How does it feel?” he asked kindly.
“It feels perfect, how much do I owe you?” Augustus asked, with excitement.
Augustus paid Olivander for his wand and went back outside to the street. He reached into his pocked and pulled out a list with some items scribbled on it. Most of the items are already crossed off, the last thing on his list is an owl.
He shoved the list back into his pant pocket and looked around the street for a shop where he could purchase an owl. He wandered down the street a little ways before he spotted the shop and entered inside, after looking around at all the different animals. He decided on a beautiful barn owl and purchased it. As he left the shop with his owl perched on his shoulder – ignoring the shopkeeper advice of putting the owl in a cage.
“You don't want to be locked up inside a cage, do you Merlin?” Augustus said as he stroked his owl's feathers. “Besides who am I going to talk to if you're locked away in a cage?”
Augustus walked around aimlessly for a while – to kill time before he needed to board the Hogwarts Express. He visited the broom shop and spent a lot of time there. After a few hours of admiring all the different broomsticks, Augustus set forth to Platform 9 ¾ to await the arrival of the Hogwarts Express.
This would be Augustus's first year at Hogwarts, he didn't know anyone and didn't have any friends. This frightened Augustus because of his past childhood - a lot of the other children in the wizarding world mocked him and his mother for reasons he did not understand. At least not until he became eleven of this year when he learned the truth about his birth, he did not become angry with his mother, but at his biological father - he was furious. The Black family was a ruthless family, all of them except for the youngest – Sirius. He was kind to Augustus, but Sirius didn't know of their shared relation and Augustus didn't feel comfortable telling him since he was practically a complete stranger to him.
After watching a few other students run through the wall to reach the platform. Augustus took a deep breath and sprinted at the wall himself. In the blink of an eye – he was on the other side. Augustus boarded the Hogwarts Express. He was sort of a loner and looked around for an empty car until he found one and sat down within it. He threw his bags up on the rack, sat on the bench, and stared out the window. I wish mother could have been here. Augustus wished. His mother, Kathryn Blair died of natural causes soon after telling Augustus the origin of his birth. Augustus thought it may have been a curse that Orion cast upon her when he threatened her not to tell anyone.
A boy, a little bit older than Augustus entered the compartment and sat across from Augustus. He didn't say anything or even make eye contact with Augustus, so Augustus ignored his presence altogether. Then the compartment door opened again and two older students entered inside. A boy and a girl, they both had pure white-blonde hair.
“Leave!” The older boy demanded of the boy across Augustus. The boy shriveled and ran out o the compartment. Augustus looked up at them, but then the boy said in a nicer tone. “You can stay.”
“And what is your name?” The older boy asked Augustus.
“Augustus. Augustus Blair.” Augustus said.
The girl looked up at the mention of his name, “Blair? Now why does that name sound so familiar to me? Have we ever met before?” she asked politely.
“I don't think so. Who are you again?” Augustus asked, a bit annoyed. He really wanted to be alone.
“Oh, forgive us.” The older boy began, “I am Lucius Malfoy and this is Narcissa Black.”
A shot of curiosity shot across Augustus's face, “Black? Are you related to Orion Black?” Augustus asked as kindly as he could without revealing his true intentions for asking.
“Yes, he is my uncle. Do you know him?” Narcissa asked.
“No.” Augustus said quickly, “I've only just heard of his... reputation.” Augustus jabbed, even though no one else in the compartment knew of what he was talking about.
“So now that we are all acquainted, we are from Slytherin. Where do you think you will be placed?” Lucius asked.
“I am not sure.” Augustus said, he had thought a lot about where the sorting hat would place him. His biological father was a Slytherin and his mother was a Ravenclaw. So he figured he would be placed in one of those two houses, but he didn't want to be in Slytherin. His biological father, Orion Black, was a wretched man and the thought of himself being placed in the same house as him, sickened Augustus.
“Well, what houses were your parents?” Narcissa asked.
“Ravenclaw and Slytherin.” Augustus said as if he were still in deep thought and just answered like he were telling them the story that he was thinking in his head.
“Ah, a mix. Well, hopefully you'll end up in Slytherin with us.” Narcissa said with a smile.
Slytherin, I certainly hope not. If I am placed in that horrible house, I won't be like any of them. I'd be different and I wouldn't fit in. I want to be a Ravenclaw like my mother or perhaps even a Gryffindor. But definitely not a Slytherin, Augustus thought to himself.
“He looks like a Slytherin.” Lucius said, “I'm sure he'll end up with us.”
Augustus felt awkward enough in this conversation, so he just let out a fake smile.
Nightfall began to sweep over the sky as the train finally reached its destination at Hogwarts: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Augustus grabbed his bags and followed the others off the train. A giant man was yelling for all the first years to follow him, but as Augustus was just about to head that direction, Lucius stopped him.
“We'll save you a seat inside.” He said with a devious smile.
“Okay...” Augustus didn't know how to tell him that he really did not want to be a part of Slytherin, so he just gave him a little smile instead.
Augustus followed the other first years to the boats and carried them across the lake to Hogwarts. It was a beautiful sight to behold – the castle at night. All the torches were lit – brightening the path as they walked to the main gate. The giant man, who's name was Hagrid, led them into the castle and into the main hall where everyone was already seated. Four long rectangular tables – one for each house. At the end of the room was another rectangular table where all the professors and the headmaster sat.
Hagrid led them to the front of the room. Ahead of the first years was a stool with an old rugged hat placed on top of it. Another professor, Professor McGonagal, stepped up to them and introduced herself.
“When I call your name, you will sit on the stool and I will place the sorting hat on your head. And you will be placed into your houses.” Professor McGonagal explained.
After calling out names in no particular order, she finally called Augustus. He walked and sat down on the stool and the sorting hat was placed on his head.
“Hmm... a mix of two houses, interesting. Where should I place you. I see a bright future for you, but a mixture of a dark past as well. Darkness dwells within you, but a force of greatness is shining through. Hmm..” The sorting hat began, “How about... Gryffindor!”
Augustus let out a sigh of relief as he stepped down and sat at the Gryffindor table. He noticed Lucius Malfoy shaking his head as he sat down. I don't care what he thinks, I despise all Slytherins. And I'm quite pleased with the house I will settle in. Augustus thought to himself.
After the sorting hat sorted all the students, the headmaster, Professor Dumbledore, gave a welcoming speech. Soon after, they all dined for the start of the new year. Augustus had never eaten so much in his life, he was quite satisfied. When he had finished eating, he followed the rest of his house to their dormitory, but professor McGonagal stopped him.
“Augustus, professor Dumbledore would like to speak to you in his office.” she said politely.
“Okay.” Augustus responded, not entirely sure what he would want to speak to him about, but he followed Professor McGonagal to the headmaster's office. She opened the door for him and he sat down on a chair in front of the desk and awaited Professor Dumbledore.
“Ah, Augustus.” Professor Dumbledore said from behind him.
“You wanted to see me, professor?” Augustus asked.
“Yes. I am aware of your situation and I want to assure you that you are quite safe here.” Dumbledore explained.
“I don't understand, sir. Am I in some kind of danger?” Augustus asked.
“There are certain students who might not be so thrilled to have you here.”
“I think I may have met some of them on the train... Do they know?”
“I believe they do. No matter, you are safe here, Augustus.”
“Wait, how do they know? My mother told me that Orion threatened her not to tell anyone.” Augustus said more than he wanted, but nonetheless, he had to say it.
“Calm yourself. A few months ago, there was a incident where Orion may have become drugged to the point where he was spilling secrets. And you were one of the secrets that he let slip.”
“So all the Blacks know the truth?”
“I believe they do. And I'm sure some of the others do as well.”
“What will they try to do to me?” Augustus asked, not wanting to know the answer.
“The best thing you can do, is to make friends and enjoy your life here at Hogwarts. I will handle the rest.” Dumbledore said with a sincere smile, “Professor McGonagal will direct you to your dormitory.”
Augustus started to walk out, but turned before leaving the office. “Professor? Who else knows?”
“Myself and Professor McGonagal. Have a good night, Augustus.”
“Goodnight, professor.”

The Pirates of the Caribbean: Poseidon's Secret - Part 1

Hello everyone! I'm writing a three part Pirates of the Caribbean story and this is the first part! Check it out and tell me what you think! Thanks! 

Prologue

Paradise Island

A small island sits alone in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The turquoise sea crashes upon its sandy white beach and low hanging palm trees droop over the water. A secret paradise – some called it. However, very few know of the island's existence and even less has set foot upon it.

Within a small clump of trees in the center of the island, sits a small wooden shack – large enough for only one, but can fit two. The shack is well-made as if an experienced carpenter had built it to withstand any storm- and it had.

A galleon, The Flying Dutchman, sits anchored almost fifty feet off shore. The galleon is quiet as it waits – nothing louder than a whisper can be heard throughout the decks of the ship. This is how it would always be when they anchored here. First rule – respect.

A small row boat is fastened to a piece of driftwood as the early morning tide is beginning to crash upon the beach. Davy Jones, the captain of The Flying Dutchman, appeared from the shack and saw the sun about to rise ahead of him. He walked barefoot through the sand toward the row boat. When he almost reached the bow, a woman also appeared form the shack and chased after him.

“Wait!” she shouted, her voice was a bit raspy as if she had just awoken.

Davy Jones turned to face her. He was a hardened sailor who had spent many years at sea. His beard was unkept and straggly, but he had a kind look in his eyes. His uniform was ragged and faded from the many hours in the sun. He was once a respected naval officer for the British Royal Navy, but now he harbored the dead.

As for the woman, she was quite beautiful. Her brown hair cascading down to her shoulders and her eyes matched the color of the water – a pure blue. She was thin, but slightly toned. She had never been part of the wealthy class, but that never bothered her. She grew up a blacksmith's daughter, but she had a secret – a secret only her significant other knew.

She was wearing a pale colored dress with stitchings and patches throughout it. It was old and worn, but she cared not for what she wore. Her feet were bare as they sifted through the sand, each grain massaging her toes as she ran through it.

“I want you to have this.” She said when she caught up with him.

Davy Jones looked at the wrinkled parchment in her hand and looked back up at her. “What is it?” He said, softly.

“It's a map.” She replied, handing it to him.

Davy Jones unfolded the parchment and inspected it, but was unsure of what the map was and as a result, a puzzled expression shot across his face. “What is this a map to, exactly?”

“Atlantis.” the woman whispered.

Davy Jones refolded the map and shoved it into his shirt pocket. He looked back to see the sun appearing on the horizon and sighed, “I have to go, the sun is nearly up.” He said, quietly, looking disappointed.

The woman, too, looked sad. She stared at the ground, disappointed. This curse was hard to bare, but they each lived for the days like today - when they could be together. Davy Jones placed his finger on her chin and lifted her head to where her eyes met his. He leaned in and softly, yet passionately, kissed her her lips.

“I love you, Calypso.” Davy Jones whispered.

He turned for the row boat and pushed it into the water, but looked back once more before climbing aboard. He rowed to The Flying Dutchmen, leaving Calypso alone on the island. She remained standing on the beach as she watched Davy Jones row to the The Flying Dutchmen and she didn't turn around until the ship was out of sight completely.

Part 1: The Mission

Tower of London – London, England.

John Edwards, a captain in the British Royal Navy, paced in a waiting room just outside of the royal throne room in the Tower of London. John was a young captain – younger than most. He was only twenty-six, but he had already become captain of his own ship. He was tall and lean with dark brown hair, in which he kept in a short ponytail – common for young sailors. His face was clean shaven, making him look a bit younger than he actually was.

He had only been in two battles up to this point in his life, both of which resulted in him becoming the victor. The first battle, however, he was not the captain, but the first mate. Their ship had intercepted a pirate vessel and had attacked them from behind. However, when they had boarded the enemy ship, his captain was shot and died from his wounds shortly afterward. John, took up the role of captain for the rest of the battle. When he came out victorious, he earned the rank of captain and his own ship along with it.

He had always been a humble man, even after he was awarded captain. He hadn't become arrogant like the others had. He did what any man would have done in the situation he was put in, but he accepted the promotion because that was what he had always wanted since he was a young boy. He always wanted to be just like his father. John's father was also a captain, but he was off hunting pirates with his fleet in the Caribbean – something John had always fantasized about doing as well.

When he had received word that King George requested an audience with him, his heart fell into his stomach. He wasn't sure what to expect. He had confidence in himself, but he knew there were much more qualified captains in the navy for an important mission. Then he immediately thought of the worst possible scenario – he was going to get demoted of his rank, but he knew he hadn't done anything to deserve that fate. Still unsure of what to expect, he took a deep breath as a servant entered the room.

“His Majesty will see you now.” The servant said, beckoning him to follow.

John followed the servant into a long, rectangular room where banners and tapestries hung along the walls and silk rugs carpeted the floors. At the far end of the room, King George sat in his gold throne with red velvet cushions. King George was a heavy-set man who wore blue royal robes and had a long curly, gray wig.

“Ah, Captain Edwards!” King George exclaimed, as he watched the officer approach.

John bowed to the king before responding, “You wished to see me, my lord?”

“Yes, I did. I have an assignment for you, Captain.” King George began. After hearing those words, John filled with excitement, but tried his best not to let it show upon his face. “I want you to organize a small fleet to hunt down and capture the infamous Jack Sparrow. I need him alive when you return, so he can be hanged for his acts of piracy among other crimes.”

“And what of his fellow pirates?” John asked, excited to live out his fantasy to hunt down pirates and even more so to hunt down the greatest of them all – Jack Sparrow. John always had a fascination with pirates as a boy and Jack Sparrow became one of his favorites. Like Jack, John had become a captain at a young age as well. He almost felt as if he could relate with Sparrow – with the exception that he was a pirate and John was a royal naval officer. Which were basically opposite sides of the coin.

“Do whatever you wish with them. My only concern is Sparrow.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Good. That is all.” King George says, waving him off.

John bowed again before turning quickly on his heel. He walked out of the castle and toward the harbor. After he explained the situation to his crew and a few other captains, he was set to embark on his mission.

John boarded his ship, The HMS Marauder, and began to set sail along with two other ships. The Marauder was a brig and it was the fastest ship in the fleet – perfect for hunting down pirates. Having only 20 broadside guns and 4 swivel guns – two on the bow and two in the rear, it was light on artillery, but that wasn't it's purpose. A brig like The Marauder was fit for speed and boarding other ships. Amongst its crew was a squad of marksmen and the rest of the crew were able fighters as well – John trusted his crew and he never once doubted any of them.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The Vatican – Vatican City

The courtyard of the Vatican is crowded with hooded monks walking here and there. Their brown robes covering them from head to toe as they pass by one another without ushering a single word. The entire courtyard was very quiet, the walls of the Vatican muffled the outside noises and the only sound to be heard were the pigeons clucking as they bobbed around the fountain in the center. While most of the monks shuffled their way to their destinations – one monk stood out. He's walking with a slight spring in his step, as if he were greatly faking a limp. As this monk passed by a few of the others down a hallway, he quickly turned to head down a flight of stairs. He quickly made his way to the bottom where he stood motionless to make sure he was alone, before revealing his identity. After lifting his hood and removing his robe, Jack Sparrow glanced around the room – he was in the archive room.

Jack was wearing his swashbuckler uniform including his hat, compass, sword, and flintlock. He scanned the room - it was filled with ceiling to floor shelves, all filled with rolled up parchment or scrolls. He walked over to the shelves and began to pull out one scroll at a time, but after he threw them over his shoulder one after the other; he finally found the one he was looking for.

He ran his finger down the page to a scribbling that read, I have found the lost city of Atlantis. Underneath, the scroll mentioned a map. Jack looked at the bottom of the page and found nothing, then the back of the scroll – nothing, then the shelf and still turned up empty.

After failing to discover the map, he decided to stuff the scroll into his belt and take his leave. Jack made his way back toward the stairs, but instead of heading back up the stairs; he went behind them and found a wooden hatch with a rusty metal handle. After pulling up on it, he descended down the ladder which led into a narrow cave.

Jack staggered through the tightly enclosed cave until he reached a dead-end, but he looked above him and realized he was at the bottom of an old, dry well. He also noticed a small basket hanging about halfway down. He jumped to reach it, but his fingers could only graze the bottom. He placed one foot on the wall and jumped off it – reaching the rope which was holding the bucket in place, but his weight caused the rope to snap and he fell to the ground, landing on his back.

Jack quickly rose to his feet and came up with another plan. He decided to scale the walls of the well. He placed both of his hands on opposite sides and then his feet next; he slowly climbed his way to the top.

Upon reaching the top, he peeked over to find his first mate – Joshamee Gibbs leaning up against the well with his back to Jack. Jack cleared his throat and which startled Gibbs.

“Jack!” Gibbs said surprised, as he helped him out of the well. “Vatican guards are all over the place!”

Jack stood silently beside Gibbs and looked as if he were waiting for something to happen. From across the street, two guards noticed them and began to make their way toward them, but just as they reached the edge; a two horse, covered carriage stopped right in front of them – blocking their view. Jack pulled Gibbs into the carriage and it quickly sped off.

“See. Nothing to worry about.” Jack said, smiling to himself and putting his feet up on the bench across from him.

As soon as Jack leaned his head back into his hands – the carriage came to an abrupt halt, causing Jack to land on Gibbs – who was sitting across from him. A Vatican guard appeared at the window and peered inside to see Jack.

“Jack Sparrow, you are under arrest by the order of the Pope. Exit the carriage, immediately!” He demanded.

After not complying to his order, the guard turned the door handle to open it, but Jack kicked the door open – knocking the guard down on his back. Jack quickly jumped out and slammed his hand on the door, causing the carriage to drive off with Gibbs still inside.

Jack ran down the street in the opposite direction, avoiding the oncoming traffic as best as he could. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Vatican guards chasing him on horseback. Jack climbed through an open carriage, jumped onto a stationary lumber wagon and climbed to the top of the neatly stacked wood pile. Above him, a banner hung stretched across the street and each end was tied to a metal lantern rod below an open window.

Jack jumped and reached the banner, he hung there for a moment, before making his way to the window ledge, but the banner ripped under his weight – swinging Jack into an open first floor window on the opposite side of the street.

Jack flew into an occupied dinning room, landing face first onto a long dinning room table. The table was long: holding twelve all around, five on each long side and one on each of the shorter sides. In this instance, only ten were seated – all of which were on the longer sides. The table itself was decorated with expensive dishes and silverware and was crowned with tons of elaborate food spanning from eel, squid, and fish to sharp pecorino cheese and ricotta cake.

Jack landed on the table from the unoccupied short end and slid down to the opposite end – taking everything along with him. The food splattered over the dinner guests, wine stained their dresses and tunics, and the plates shattered as they hit the floor. Jack's eyes widened as he reached the end; his head hitting the chair, causing it to land on its back and Jack as well, but finished his landing by quickly rolling to his feet – all in one motion.

Jack smiled to himself as if he had just accomplished an extraordinary trick and turned to face the dinner guests. They were all stained with food and wine; and all looked extremely angry.

Jack tipped his hat, “Pardon me intrusion.” He said simply, before running down the hall to the door and ventured outside.

Jack nonchalantly walked down the street until he crossed over into Italy. He wandered down the street a bit further until he reached a pub and entered it. The pub was loud and filled with customers, but Jack made his way to the rear and opened a door leading to the storeroom. He closed the door behind him – muffling the sounds of the pub. The room was dark and mostly filled with wooden barrels and crates filled with alcohol, but he spotted the exit door and began to make his way to it; then he quickly turned to see his father, Captain Teague, standing behind him.

“Everyone be lookin for ye, Jacky.” Teague said, as he lit a lantern and placed it on top of one of the crates. “Did ya find what ye were looking fer?”

“No not entirely, however I did manage to find the scroll.” Jack replied as he handed Teague the scroll from his belt.

Teague looked it over quickly and handed it back to Jack. “Ye know where to start then, ay?”

“Aye.”

“Be careful, Jacky. Dangerous waters are on yer horizon.” Teague said, “I'd suggest ye slip out the back door.” He finished, gesturing his hand toward the back.

Jack turned to face the back door again, but looked back to find his father had left without a trace. He always had a way of doing that – something Jack could never accomplish himself. Jack made his way to the back door and opened it just enough to peek out. After concluding the coast was clear, he proceeded to make his way down to the small dock below him.

The dock was only large enough to harbor five small boats – nothing military grade, just transportation and residential. Jack started down the wooden staircase and noticed the very last step was broken and he purposely stepped over it to avoid it, but he lost his balance in the process and tumbled into the dingy.

The dingy was about the size of a row boat, but equipped with a single mast and sail. He gathered himself and untied the dingy from the dock and used a paddle to row down the Fiume Tevere before setting his sail in order to reach the Mediterranean Sea.

~~~~~~~~~~

The Black Pearl sat afloat on the calm waters of the Mediterranean Sea just a few miles off the coast of Italy. Only rocking gently with the waves, The Black Pearl patiently awaited the arrival of her captain. A calm breeze shifted through the sails and along the deck of the ship, as the crew was already standing at their positions. Cotton was standing at the helm with his parrot perched on his shoulder and Pintel and Regetti were standing beside Gibbs as he looked through his spyglass.

Regetti is a tall slender man with a black eye-patch over his right eye and Pintel is a short balding man with yellow teeth that match his yellow eyes. As for Cotton, he's an older fellow – poor soul had his tongue cut out and uses his parrot to talk in his stead. Then there's Marty – a bald midget with dark tanned skin.

“Anything?” Pintel asked with his raspy voice.

“Nothing yet.” Gibbs replied, still looking through the spyglass. Where are you, Jack? Gibbs worried.

As Gibbs was scanning the waters for any sign on life, a flash of light caught the corner of his eye and immediately realized what he had seen and reacted out of instinct.

“Cannon fire! Hit the deck!” Gibbs shouted, sending the entire crew to scramble in all directions to find cover.

The shot didn't hit The Black Pearl, however, but it did splash the water about thirty feet off the starboard bow. Gibbs cautiously stood up enough to peer out through his spyglass again, but low enough to not put himself in danger. Gibbs saw a small patrol boat armed with only a chase and rear swivel cannons emerge out of the fog and it fired again, this time hitting its target – a small dingy. The single shot sunk the ship completely. Gibbs followed the shot and spotted the dingy, but no one was aboard it and no one was in the water near it.

As Gibbs began to frantically search around for Jack and the rest of the crew remained hidden in cover, Jack climbed aboard The Black Pearl unnoticed. He looked around at the crew before heading to the helm where he stood silently beside Gibbs.

“Where are you, Jack?” Gibbs mumbled.

“I'm right here, Mr. Gibbs. Now stop fooling around, we have a mission to complete.”

Gibbs almost dropped his spyglass into the water, “Sweet mother, Jack. You nearly sent me down to Davy Jones' Locker.”

Jack, who had ignored Gibbs all together, spoke his next order. “Douse the lights. We will escape through the fog, undetected.”

“Aye, captain.” Gibbs replied.

Gibbs ordered some of the other crewmen to help him as they scurried about the ship and put out all the lights. The Black Pearl sailed through the fog, practically invisible to the naked eye. Gibbs returned to the helm to find Jack steering the ship.

“Did you find the map?” Gibbs asked, as Jack took out his compass.

“No, better. Kind of... The scroll.”

“So it does exist then?”

“Of course it does – nobody ever believes me.”

“Well, it is a little far fetched.” Gibbs admitted.

“I'm going to get a little shut eye.” Jack interrupted.

“Aye. Oh, captain..?” Gibbs began.

“I'm sure it can wait.” Jack said, as he opened the door to his cabin and closed it quickly behind him.

Jack stepped into his dimly lit cabin and pulled out the chair to his desk. He leaned on the desk for a minute before unsheathing his sword and pointing it into the darkest corner of the room. A woman appeared out of the shadows. She is of Spanish decent and is wearing a swashbuckler uniform with a red sash around her waist.

“Hello, Jack.” She said with her thick accent.

“Angelica, we meet again.” Jack replied, sheathing his sword. “How did you get here?”

“That's not important, but...” Angelica began, “Did you find the map?”

“How do you know I'm looking for a map?”

“Why else would you be here? So did you find it?”

“Maybe. Why should I tell you?”

“Because I want to help you find Atlantis.”
“And why would you want to do that? You don't have another father searching for power, do ye?” Jack asked.

“That's not funny, Jack. You killed my father.”

“Technically.” Jack began, pointing his finger at her. “You killed him – you drank from the wrong cup.”

“You gave me the wrong cup!” Angelica spat back.

“Well, if I had given you the right cup, you wouldn't be here. And I would be sleeping right now. So actually...” Jack began, before Gibbs burst into the room unannounced.

“Captain!”

“What is it, Mr. Gibbs? Can't you see I'm busy?” Jack said, annoyed.

“Sorry, sir. We have a situation up there.”

“Well what are you waiting for then? Lead the way.” Jack said, impatiently.

Gibbs led Jack and Angelica back up to the helm and pointed out toward the water. Ahead sat a blockade surrounding the Straight of Gibraltar, but only allowing enough room for a ship to pass between them.

“What do we do, cap?” Gibbs frantically asked.

“Nothing.” Jack replied with confidence that took everyone by surprise.

“What?!” Gibbs and Angelica answered simultaneously.

“Who am I, Mr. Gibbs?” Jack asked.

Gibbs looked at him strangely for a minute before answering, but complied. “Captain Jack Sparrow, sir?”

“That's right. Captain. And the Captain says to do nothing. We shall sail straight through their blockade – the fog will shelter us from their view. So I don't want to hear a single word as we slip by, savvy?”

“Aye, aye, captain.” Gibbs replied, before turning to the crew. “Absolute silence, lads. A single sound will send us all down.”

The crew looked worried, but did as they were told. The Black Pearl began to make her way through the blockade. As Jack steered through the fog, he noticed Gibbs standing completely still as if he were frozen to the ship.

“What are you doing, Mr. Gibbs?” Jack asked, quietly.

“Trying not to give away our position, sir.”

Jack rolled his eyes, “ You can move around, just don't make any noise. Watch.”

Jack began to dance around like a drunken exotic dancer and the entire crew watched him in disbelief, worried that the other ships would see him, but The Black Pearl slipped through the entire blockade without a trace.

As soon as The Black Pearl reached the open water, Angelica and Gibbs stood beside Jack at the helm. “How did you know that would work?” Angelica asked.

“The element of surprise.” Jack responded proudly.

“That was brilliant, captain!” Gibbs applauded.

“Course it was.” Jack replied, “After all, I'm Captain Jack Sparrow.”

As The Black Pearl sailed off into the Atlantic Ocean, the morning sun had started to rise over the endless sea. With no clouds as far as the eye can see, the sun beat down on the crewmen below. A few miles off the port bow, another ship sailed toward them. From the distance, it looked more like a mirage than an actual ship, but Jack knew better.

“Captain, there's a ship up ahead.” Gibbs said, after he put down his spyglass.

“I see it.” Jack replied, as he steered the ship.

“What should we do?”

“Nothing – they won't bother us.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because.” Jack said frankly, “It is a whaling ship.”

“How can you tell from this distance?”

“Because, Mr. Gibbs, these are whaling waters. Whales are here, hence a whaling ship is there. Savvy?”

“Aye, captain.” Gibbs replied, as Angelica walked up beside Jack – budging Gibbs out of her way.

“Jack, where are we going?” She said, leaning on the railing.

“That is for me to know and for you to not.” Jack replied.

“After all these years – you still can't trust me?”

“Not even in the slightest, love.” Jack said with a smirk.

“Fine.” Angelica sighed as he stormed off.

“Where are we going, captain?” Gibbs asked, after he made sure Angelica was out of ear shot.

“To see an old friend.” Jack said with a smile.

“Who?” Gibbs asked with growing enthusiasm.

“I didn't want to say in front of her, but I know where the map is.”

“Really? How? Where is it?”

“It's aboard The Flying Dutchmen.”

“The Dutchmen?” Gibbs asked, slightly taken back.

“I stole...” Jack cleared his throat, “Borrowed this from Davy Jones a while back.” Jack finished, handing Gibbs a small piece of parchment.

Gibbs opened it and read it aloud, “Davy Jones, my love. I give this you this along with the map of Atlantis because I know you'll keep it safe and hidden from the world. With all the love in my heart, Calypso.” Gibbs folded the letter before speaking again, “So Calypso gave Jones the map?”

“Aye.” Jack replied, taking the map back and stuffing it into pocket. “So all we have to do is find The Flying Dutchmen...again.”

“It was bloody difficult the last time.”

“Yes, but this time I know what I want and this will help us.” Jack said, waving his compass.

“When we do find The Dutchmen...” Gibbs began.

“I'm sure Will won't mind us searching his ship. In fact, I think he'll be delighted to see us.”

“I hope so... for our sake.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Angelica had heard everything Jack and Gibbs had discussed when they thought she was out of earshot. They were smart not to trust her, but not smart enough to realize she already had a head start on them. She had already seen the letter Jack possessed, she slipped it out of his pocket while he was sleeping the night before and returned it without him noticing. She knew more about the situation than Jack did himself.

She knew the tale of Atlantis, her father had told it to her – Atlantis was the capital city of the underwater world and the Greek god, Poseidon was its ruler. And that his trident controlled the seas and his scroll was the written law of the sea. It became apparent to her that Calypso had given Jones a copy of the map to keep safe while she held onto the original. Jack didn't know there were two copies, but he did know that one was aboard The Flying Dutchmen. The original, however, even Angelica did not know of its location.

If Jack were smart, he'd abandon me on an island somewhere. Angelica thought as she entered the captain's cabin. She knew Jack would never deliberately hurt her, granted there were instances where he had disappointed her. Like the time when he left her stranded on an island, but she knew he wouldn't do that again – especially after showing up on The Black Pearl without an explanation. She knew it haunted him to know how she did it and she'd use that to her own advantage.

Angelica sat at the desk and unrolled a small piece of parchment. She dipped the quill in the bottle of ink and began to write.

Captain,

I have discovered that there are two maps: one is aboard The Flying Dutchmen and the other, I do not yet know. Jack knows of the map aboard The Dutchmen and we are on our way there now. I will report back when I have it.

Angelica

Angelica finished the last bit of rum from her bottle, rolled up the parchment, and stuffed it into the bottle. After shoving the cork back into the neck, she stood and strolled out back onto the deck. She quickly glanced around to make sure no one was watching her before she casually tipped the bottle into the ocean. She breathed in the fresh air and smiled as she walked back up to the helm.

~~~~~~~~~~

The HMS Marauder only just left port three days prior and they had already ran into good fortune. John had no idea where to start looking for Jack Sparrow, until his fleet surrounded a pirate vessel trying to escape into the English Channel.

After interrogating its crew, John discovered that many pirates, including Sparrow, were out searching for the long lost city of Atlantis. John had never believed in the myths of Atlantis, but he also never believed in Davy Jones, the kraken, or Calypso either until he read about Sparrow's exploits in a book written by Elizabeth Turner.

From what was written, Mrs. Turner once sailed with Sparrow and other ruthless pirates. Questioning her would be most ideal, but no one knew where she was and he wasn't about to go searching for her when his mission was to find Sparrow.

However, now that he knew Jack was looking for Atlantis didn't exactly make his job any easier either. How am I supposed to find something I didn't even know existed until a few minutes ago? John pondered. He needed help from someone with experience, someone who knew these waters better than anyone. And John knew exactly where to find him.

“Do we have a heading, sir?” The helmsmen asked.

“Aye, set a course for Tortuga.”

“Aye, aye, sir!”

~~~~~~~~~~

“Ah, there she is.” Jack smiled as he peered through his telescope.

The Black Pearl had been trailing The Flying Dutchmen for almost a week, until they finally caught up with her. She was still way off in the distance, but they'd catch up quickly. It was all thanks to Jack's compass.

Jack wasn't entirely sure how Will was going to act toward him. The last time they had crossed paths was when they defeated Cutler Beckett and even then, they were on good terms. Jack was hoping that Will didn't have a vendetta against him for forcing him to become the captain of The Flying Dutchmen. Although the only other option was death. Jack thought, concluding that he had nothing to worry about.

“So, you're positive you left off on good terms?” Gibbs asked.

“Completely. There is nothing to worry about.”

As The Black Pearl came up alongside The Flying Dutchmen, Jack heard a familiar voice.

“Ahoy!” Will shouted from the helm.

“William! Good to see you're still all in one piece, no tentacles growing out of your face, I see.” Jack replied – imaging the image in his head.

“Good to see you still have The Pearl.” Will replied.

“Aye. I request an audience aboard your ship.” Jack said.

“Granted.”

As Jack and Gibbs started their way to the nearest row boat, Angelica came up alongside them.

“You're not coming.” Jack said.

“Why not?”

“Because he doesn't know you and you don't know him. What would be your purpose of doing so? None.” Jack said.

“Fair enough.” Angelica sighed, knowing she couldn't argue without a point of her own.

Jack and Gibbs climbed into the row boat after it was set down in the calm ocean below. They rowed over to The Flying Dutchmen.

“I think you're right about Angelica.” Gibbs began, “I think she's up to something.”

“Aye. Best keep a closer eye on her, inform the rest of the crew to watch her more carefully.”

“Aye.”

When they reached The Flying Dutchmen, they heard yet another familiar voice when a hand reached down to pull them up.

“Jack! Wonderful to see you!” Bootstrap said, as he helped Jack aboard, then Gibbs.

“Nice to see you looking normal again.”

“Aye – all thanks to you, my friend.” Bootstrap replied patting Jack on the back.

Will came over to meet them as well, “So what did you want to discuss?”

“Let's talk somewhere a bit more private, shall we? Never know who might be trying to listen.” Jack said, thinking of Angelica.

“Of course – we can go to my cabin.” Will obliged, as he led the way.

Once they had all gotten settled, Jack began to fill them in with what had been going on. Will listened and appeared to know what he was talking about before Jack even asked him the questions. He even shot curious looks over to his father on a few occasions.

“You know where it is, don't you?” Jack asked, catching the last glance.

“Why is it so important that you find Atlantis?” Will replied, changing the topic.

“Our business is our own, William. Do you know where it is or not?” Jack knew he couldn't tell Will that he was looking for Atlantis so that he could release him from his curse. He would never help him find it. He wouldn't want Jack to go through all that trouble – no matter how much he wanted out of the curse.

“Aye, I know where it is.”

“Let's have it then.”

“I burned it.” Will replied. “It was far too dangerous for anyone to read.”

“But why did you burn it?” Jack asked.

“You're not the first person to ask me for it.” Will said.

“Who was the first?” Gibbs asked.

“Barbossa.”

“What did you tell him?” Jack asked.

“I told him that I didn't know anything about a map and at the time that was truth. It wasn't until after he left, I decided to look for it.” Will explained.

“So you burned it.”

“Aye. But you still may have a chance.”

“What are you talking about?”

“There is another map.”

“How do you know of this?”

“I found a letter with the map. It spoke of another copy.”

“Did it say who had it?”

“I figured Calypso did.” Will replied. “You may want to search for Paradise Island. It was mentioned in the letter – apparently Calypso lived there.”

“Did Barbossa mention where he was off to after he left you?” Jack asked.

“Not entirely. He mentioned something about Tortuga – so I suppose he went there.”

“Well, thank you for your time Will.”

“Of course, perhaps our paths will cross again.” Will returned with a smile.

“One day, perhaps.” Jack replied, hoping that they would again and soon.

Jack and Gibbs returned to the row boat and rowed back to The Black Pearl, where they found Angelica waiting for them. Jack didn't say a word to her as he watched The Flying Dutchmen sail off into the horizon.

“Well, did you find what you were looking for?” she said, rather impatiently.

“Guess you'll have to wait and see.” Jack said, studying her carefully.

“Will you ever trust me?”

“Probably not.” Jack replied, “But that's what makes it fun, aye?”

Angelica ginned slightly, before walking off. Jack watched her as she did. She was much to eager to ask. She's definitely up to something. Jack re-concluded.

~~~~~~~~~~

The empty bottle bobbed up and down with the waves of the ocean as the sun's rays shone off the glass like a mirror – blinding anyone if they looked directly at it. However, a shadow quickly cast over it as a ship blocked its view of the sun.

It was retrieved out of the water by one of the sailors and carried to the captain. The captain, who wore a dark crimson tunic and a hat with a large red feather. His belt, boots, and hair were dark as night and his skin was tanned as if he had been sailing the seas for many years. He had a short trimmed beard and his hair was pulled back into a short tail – much like a British naval officer. He was a younger captain – only in his mid-thirties. His left hand was decorated with beautiful gem rings of ruby, sapphire, and emerald. His right hand, however, was a solid silver hook.

James Bartholomew Hook, often known as Captain Hook or simply just Hook. James Hook was the captain of The Jolly Roger and he was one of the most well known and feared pirates of the high seas, other than Blackbeard and Sparrow. Hook has often been compared to both said pirates; a fearless swordsmen like Sparrow, yet quite the frightening figure in the midst of battle – much like Blackbeard.

He was ruthless and daring like most pirates, but he could also be quite gallant and dashing as well. He was handsome and charming for a pirate – which was very rare indeed. He took each battle he fought seriously; each sword fight – he fought with honor and respect. Hook was truthfully the most respectable pirate to have ever lived. Many assume this was his personality because of his years spent as a naval officer and they would be correct to make that assumption.

Hook had spent many years of his early life aboard ships and when he turned sixteen he became a crewman of a British ship – only being assigned small tasks at first, but Hook quickly moved up the ranks to become first mate under Captain James Norrington.

Years later, Hook became a captain of his own ship. He didn't like the restraint of the British rules weighing down upon him and he wanted more freedom to do what he wanted instead of being a puppet to the king.

Being a pirate was merely just a title for Hook, but it was his life nonetheless. His ship was his home and his crew was his family. Hook was a pirate many could trust, but if one were to break that trust; death would soon follow.

After he read the letter, he stuffed it into his pocket and threw the bottle overboard. He already had an idea where the second map would be hidden. He just needed confirmation of Sparrow's current location.

Hook turned to his crew, “Set a course for Paradise Island.” He commanded in his sharp British accent.

“Aye, captain!” the helmsman returned.

Thanks for reading! Part 2 coming soon! Please check out my Tumblr page: http://luke-skypotter22.tumblr.com/ 

Introductions

Hello, everyone! I am Slim Tim and I am a writer. I've decided to make this blog to share some of my fan work and other little projects I've created.

I'm a huge Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, you name it fan... so there are a few things I've been working on and no place to share them - so this is where I will be sharing them.

I just wanted to make this current blog a little introduction and in my next one - I will get straight to it!

If you're interested in any more of my work, please feel free to check out my other blogs - you can find them by clicking on my little picture up there in the corner :)

Also, if you have any requests for something that you'd like to read - please share them with me in the comments below. I would like to make one thing clear, however, I will not write anything sexual - so NO ADULT CONTENT. I'd like to keep this blog children friendly :)

Thank you for reading my introduction blog, I will get cracking on my works and post them when I finish them!

Until next time! :)