Prison of the Mind

Dies Pirata

Previously in Chapter 10 -

The black cloth of the demon's robes swirled around him as he paced around the dock.

"Oh, don't pout. You got your ship back eventually. The mighty Black Pearl was raised by Davy Jones himself, upon your request. Don't worry, we will be seeing that memory next."

The pirate raised his eyebrow.

"What, do you hope that by seeing my mistakes, I will learn from them and become a better man?"

The demon chuckled, but it was humorless.

"No Jack. I have no gain for you in this memory. I only wish to observe your reaction to one of the greatest mistakes you made. And do not argue, for it was a mistake. One that cost you very dearly the last couple of months."

Jack rubbed his forehead, shifting his red bandanna around.

"Please don't remind me. That black mark on my hand made my skin crawl for weeks. Let's get on with it shall we?"

Lucifer looked around at him in surprise.

"In a hurry, Jack?"

The pirate grunted in frustration.

"No, not at all."

The demon was in the middle of conjuring another door, when he stopped, and squared his shoulders. A hiss escaped from under his hood.

"Something the matter? Did you forget to leave torture instructions down in Hell?"

Lucifer whirled, his cloak billowing out around him, and jerked his hand in the direction of Jack's face, sealing his mouth shut.

"We have a guest."

Jack raised his eyebrows, while his chest shook awkwardly from the laughter that was forcibly contained.

"You might recall that I did say you would be getting rescued from this place."

The pirate's head tilted back in acknowledgement.

"I do hope you can keep yourself occupied until I deal with her. You can take that whichever way you choose."

A flash of concern flitted across Jack's face, and then it was gone. Lucifer waved his hand again and a whoosh of breath came out of Jack's mouth.

"I would rather know what she is going to endure from the likes of you. Not out of concern, but simple curiosity."

Lucifer regarded Jack for a moment, searching his face for any sign of subterfuge.

"I think that a little bit of light mind torture should do the trick quite well. Could you do me a favor and describe that red-headed strumpet you frequent in that pirate hovel called Tortuga?"

Jack stared, but did so. "Red hair, as you said, pale skin, always done up in kohl and red lip stain...why?" But the answer came to him the second the last syllable rolled off his tongue.

'He is going to appear to Elizabeth as Scarlett, though what he hopes to accomplish there is a complete mystery...'

A amused look had occupied the demon's face as the thought occupied Jack's mind.

"Perhaps you would care to enlighten me about why you think that I will be wasting my time?"

Jack began pacing, casting his gaze around the docks, and admiring the moon's reflection against the seawater. It was nightfall.