You found him exactly where you expected—at a rundown tavern on the edge of the port. The air inside was thick with smoke and the scent of stale rum, and amidst the rowdy crowd, there he was: Captain Jack Sparrow, hunched over a table, his bottle nearly empty as he slurred his words to the barkeep.

He didn't see you at first, lost in his drunken haze, but then, as if the fates were giving you a chance to make your entrance, he finally looked up. His bleary eyes widened when they locked onto you. "Ah, ah, Captain L/N, didn't expect to see you," he stammered, his words slurring together as he fumbled with the bottle in his hand.

Before you could say another word, he was on his feet, nearly tripping over his own feet as he stumbled toward you. With a wild laugh, he pulled you into an unsteady hug, his dreadlocks bouncing as he clumsily pressed you to his chest.

You sighed, a soft smile playing at the corner of your lips, despite the absurdity of the situation. With a firm but gentle hand, you patted his head, ruffling his dreadlocks. "Now, now, Jack," you said, your voice both amused and exasperated, "just get your things together, and we'll leave, alright?"

Jack blinked at you, trying to regain some semblance of composure, but it was clear he was in no state to be of much help. You could only hope that, despite his condition, he'd be able to follow through—after all, you needed him, and he certainly needed to get off this island before the navy got wise to his presence.

Grabbing Jack's hand, you yanked him toward the bar, his steps unsteady and his mind clearly still fogged with drink. The barkeep, eyes wide, had already begun to gather Jack's belongings, recognizing the urgency in your tone. "Hurry up," you muttered, your voice low but commanding, as you helped Jack to steady himself.

Jack, still fumbling with the world around him, slurred something about needing a "bigger ship" and a "better bottle." "Blimey, she's gotten bigger!" he called out, clearly referring to Ember, who was perched outside the tavern, her silvery wings flickering in the moonlight. The tavern's door creaked as you hurried him out.

Jack, with his usual lack of grace, half-stumbled, half-clambered onto Ember's back, his hands grasping at her scales as he found his footing. Ember let out a low, growling hum in response, as though she was tolerating the drunken antics of her rider.

You, however, moved with far more elegance, your form fluid as you mounted Ember, your hands steady on her neck. A swift command was all it took—Ember's wings unfurled, cutting through the air with a powerful beat. In a single motion, the silver dragon shot into the sky, her massive wings lifting you both above the city with ease.

The wind rushed past, and beneath you, the city blurred into the distance. The weight of your mission had shifted with Jack in tow, but the flight through the night sky felt familiar, the pulse of adventure coursing through you once again. Even with Jack Sparrow drunk and rambling behind you, there was no denying the thrill of the hunt.

As the ship gently rocked, Ember touched down on the deck with a slight lurch. You helped Jack off, guiding him carefully toward Jimin, who was waiting with open arms to steady the stumbling captain.

"Take care of him, Jimin," you said with a firm but kind tone. "He's gonna have a hell of a headache tomorrow from all that rum he's drunk."

Jimin nodded and helped Jack to his quarters, where he'd likely sleep off the alcohol-induced haze. You then gave Ember a quick, reassuring glance. "Go gather the crew, darling. I'll need everyone accounted for."

With a nod, Ember took off into the night, her wings cutting through the air as she searched for the crew members scattered across the port. One by one, they came in, some with bottles in hand, others looking worn from the day's work. However, there were two additional figures among them—prisoners, by the looks of it. You couldn't help but sigh.

"Mr. Gibbs, I told you no prisoners," you said sternly as you approached the old sea dog.

Gibbs shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, Captain, I thought they might be of use. These two were loitering about the port, wantin' to get aboard the ship."

You studied the pair of young men before you, both seemingly fresh from a life not too different from your own. One looked to be in his late teens, his expression defiant but hopeful. The other, slightly older, had a determined look in his eye that spoke of a life lived in pursuit of something—perhaps adventure, perhaps escape.

"And what are your names?" you asked, your gaze steady.

The younger of the two cleared his throat. "Will Turner, Captain."

The girl standing beside him, who you'd only just now noticed, nodded in confirmation. "And I'm Elizabeth Swann."

At the mention of her name, you raised an eyebrow in slight surprise. "Daughter of the governor, how nice," you mused, a sly smile tugging at your lips. "Your father will be livid if you join us, sweetheart."

You gestured to Ember, who had landed nearby, her silvery wings folding neatly behind her as she stood tall. You gave a brief wave, signaling her to come closer. The dragon's steps were graceful, and she eyed the girl curiously.

Elizabeth seemed hesitant for a moment but then spoke up. "But Captain, I can be of use. Trust me."

You studied her for a moment longer, your gaze cool but thoughtful. "Alright, you can prove yourself. But remember, once you step aboard, there's no turning back."

Will nodded with a grin, while Elizabeth's eyes glimmered with a spark of determination. You had a feeling they'd make fine additions to the crew—whether they realized it or not.

With a gesture, you beckoned them all aboard. "Let's see what you're made of, then. Welcome aboard."