A/N: I've gone through each chapter and edited my entire story. Some changes are minor, but I suggest you at least re-read the last chapter because I completely changed it! I hope you like it! Reviews are wanted!

Thicker Than Water – Chapter One – Fifteen Years!

Jack Sparrow walked lazily back to the Black Pearl along the docks of Tortuga. Boats bobbed in the gentle waves, tensing and loosening the ropes that they were tied to. It was a sunny day, and the wind was perfect. The Pearl would make great time today. And yet…Jack wasn't too thrilled to get onto the ship. He had a weird feeling. Barbossa had been acting strange around him lately and he could feel a mutiny coming on.

Jack stood in front of the Pearl. The black ship waited patiently for his captain to board. Another ship had made port behind his. It was a dark brown color and said The Bounty in green writing. Familiar…Why is that name so familiar? He wondered.

"Captain Sparrow."

Jack turned and found himself face-to-face with a man dressed completely in black. His skin, in comparison, was practically stark white.

"Captain Blackmore, how are you?" Jack said, opening his arms and slightly swaggering. Blackmore's face did not move nor acknowledge in any way that Jack had spoken. He had a long, thin mouth that naturally curved slightly downward in a scowl. His nose was unusually large, and his small eyes only exaggerated it. His eyes, also in contrast with his pale skin, were a sharp blue, making him all the more intimidating to look at.

Jack's smile slowly dwindled and he frowned, trying to look serious.

"I need a favor," Blackmore finally said. His voice was like a purr. It rumbled, but was not too low.

"And what's in it for me?" Jack asked automatically.

It was not unusual for Blackmore to ask a favor of Jack. Blackmore was all about connections and using all of the resources he had. If he did something for you ten years ago, he'll remember and you'll have to pay him back.

"You owe me. Might I remind you of the time I saved you from the gallows?" Blackmore smiled and raised an eyebrow.

Jack rolled his eyes. "What is it you need me to do?"

"It is becoming more and more difficult for pirates to obtain treasure as most of it has already been found. This makes treasure maps extremely valuable and sought after."

Jack already knew this, but he knew better than to interrupt one of Blackmore's speeches. Blackmore was the sort of person that made a plan and stuck to it. Any disruptions to the plan and the disruption was rid of, no questions asked.

"I happen to have a map. It is utterly useless in its current state, but with the proper acquired elements, it will be quite helpful."

Jack leaned in closer. Perhaps he wasn't listening hard enough, but he didn't catch anything that explained what exactly he was supposed to do.

"I have carefully planned out my journey to obtain these elements, and have determined that it would be too hazardous to take the map with me. Which means that I need to leave it with someone who I know will keep it safe for me."

Jack raised his eyebrows. "And where might you be going that it is too dangerous to carry some parchment?"

Blackmore laughed a low, hearty, laugh. "Why, if I told you, then you could go after the treasure as well, couldn't you?"

Jack smirked. "Perhaps. But what makes you think that I'm such a reliable person as to guard your coveted map?"

"Because you owe me a favor." Blackmore paused and then added, "And I will give you another item to go with your unique compass as well."

Jack lit up, but tried to keep a straight face. "All right then. I'll do it. Where's the map thingy?"

Blackmore promptly handed Jack a neatly rolled up piece of paper. "We have a deal. Guard this with your life. Lose it, or make it unreadable in any way, and I'll hunt you down." He said. "I'll be back in precisely fifteen years for it." Blackmore turned and headed onto his ship.

Jack stared down at the scroll and then turned on his heel after Blackmore, waving his arms frantically.

"Wait! Wait! Fifteen years! What am I supposed to do with a bloody piece of paper for fifteen years!"

"That's your quandary, Captain. We shall see each other soon!" Blackmore removed his hat and held it across his chest as The Bounty left the port, leaving Jack, shoulders slumped, at the docks.

Jack looked at the scroll in his hand. "You're going to end up a nuisance. I just know it."