The swirling energy of the portal finally dissipated as Arlo landed softly on his feet. Thanks to his Clown's Bodily Control, the disorienting drop had no effect on him. His reflexes ensured he landed with the precision of a trained acrobat, barely stirring the dust beneath his boots.
Another win for video game-inspired skills, Arlo thought, smirking to himself.
He straightened and scanned his surroundings, the faint hum of the portal behind him fading away. The graveyard where he landed was eerily silent, with only the rustle of palm trees and the distant crash of waves to break the stillness. Rows of crooked tombstones stretched out before him, their weathered surfaces bearing names and dates he couldn't read. A single lantern flickered near a small stone chapel, casting long, dancing shadows across the ground.
Arlo opened with his BrainLink, and a holographic scree appeared in his HUD, overlaying the scenery in front of him. The Map showed, he was current location which is [Port Royal] at the mouth of Kingston Harbour, southeastern Jamaica.
"Port Royal," he murmured, his excitement rising as he read the details. The map marked the graveyard near the town's outskirts, with the bustling harbor and central streets further ahead.
Pirates of the Caribbean... Arlo grinned. He'd landed in the heart of the Golden Age of Piracy, where trade, politics, and naval power clashed with the lawless freedom of the high seas.
As he began walking toward town, the historical significance of the place mixed with his love for the franchise. This was where the British Navy tried to hold the line against legendary pirates like Blackbeard and, of course, Jack Sparrow.
Recalling its history. Official center of Caribbean trade and Unfortunately for its civilized residents, its location also made a perfect spot for pirate raids, despite the nearby Navy presence at the governmental Fort Charles.
The streets of Port Royal came into view, lined with wooden buildings and cobblestone roads. Dim lanterns flickered from windows, casting warm light onto the uneven stones. Despite the hour, the town had a faint buzz of activity—dock workers hauling crates, vendors packing up their stalls, and a few locals staggering home from taverns.
Arlo's eyes caught on a grand structure rising above the rest of the town—the governor's mansion. Its imposing walls and well-tended gardens stood in stark contrast to the chaotic sprawl of the harbor district.
"That must be where Elizabeth Swann lives," Arlo muttered, stepping into the shadows of an alley to observe from a distance.
As if on cue, the mansion's gates opened. A horse-drawn carriage emerged, and Arlo saw three familiar figures step inside: Governor Weatherby Swann, his daughter Elizabeth, and a young man he recognized as Will Turner.
"Jackpot," Arlo whispered. This is it. The main cast. But where are they heading?
His BrainLink buzzed softly, prompting him to look at his map of the Port Royal. The carriage route appeared faintly on the map, marking its path toward the town center. Arlo decided to follow at a safe distance, sticking to the shadows and avoiding the main streets.The carriage came to a stop at St. Paul's Church, a modest stone building surrounded by a small courtyard. Arlo watched as the trio exited the carriage and entered the church, their movements calm and unhurried.
Probably a social event, Arlo thought, leaning against the wall of a nearby building. This might not be the start of the plot just yet.
He continued tailing the carriage as it left the church and made its way through the town, passing the market square and heading toward Fort Charles. The massive structure loomed ahead, its high walls and naval cannons a testament to British military power.
"Fort Charles," Arlo murmured, studying the layout of the fort from his HUD. Soldiers patrolled the gates and walls, their red coats visible even in the dim light. The sound of orders being barked and weapons being inspected carried faintly on the breeze.
Arlo crouched behind a stack of crates near the fort's perimeter, his mind racing. If I'm going to insert myself into the plot, I need to be strategic. Jumping in without a plan is a great way to get thrown into the brig—or worse.
He considered his options, his eyes scanning the bustling activity of the fort's entrance. Do I wait for Jack Sparrow to make his grand entrance? Or do I try to get on Will and Elizabeth's good side first?
Let's see where this goes, he thought, retreating further into the shadows to avoid detection.
***
[Fort Charles: Entrance]
Arlo crouched behind a stack of barrels, watching the festivities unfold within Fort Charles. It was a lively affair—naval officers in pristine uniforms, ladies in elegant gowns, and servants bustling with trays of drinks and food. The sound of laughter, clinking glasses, and the occasional cheer filled the air.
Alright, step one: find the least guarded section of the wall, he thought, crouching low behind a stack of barrels. As he scanned the perimeter, he noticed that the eastern side of the wall had far fewer soldiers, likely because the main festivities were focused elsewhere.
Perfect, Arlo thought, making his way toward the quieter section of the wall. He stuck to the shadows, his movements precise and calculated. The light from lanterns barely brushed his figure as he darted from one cover to the next.
When he reached the base of the wall, he paused to study it. The weathered stone was rough and uneven, with cracks and protrusions that would make excellent handholds. This feels like an Assassin's Creed mission, Arlo mused, flexing his fingers. Except I don't have a hidden blade. Yet.
With a deep breath, Arlo began his ascent. Thanks to his Clown's Bodily Control, his body moved with effortless precision. His grip was steady, his balance flawless, and his muscles worked in perfect harmony. It was almost as if his limbs instinctively knew where to go next, each movement smooth and deliberate.
The climb itself was exhilarating. Arlo shifted his weight easily from one foothold to the next, his body hugging the wall as he ascended. Every now and then, he glanced upward, marking his progress. The wind picked up slightly as he neared the top, but his grip never faltered.
This would've been impossible in my old life, Arlo thought, a small grin tugging at his lips. Now it feels like second nature. Not bad for someone who used to trip over his own feet in gym class.
When he reached the top, he carefully peeked over the edge. The party below was in full swing. Officers in polished uniforms mingled with finely dressed guests, and servers moved through the crowd with trays of drinks and appetizers. The guards stationed on the wall were few and far between, their focus on the festivities rather than the perimeter.
Too easy, Arlo thought, pulling himself over the edge and rolling silently into the shadows. He crouched low, scanning his surroundings to ensure he hadn't been spotted. His eyes flicked to a group of guards nearby, but they were laughing and chatting amongst themselves, oblivious to his presence.
Step two: blend in, Arlo thought, adjusting his posture.
He spotted a servant setting down an empty tray near a table. In one swift motion, Arlo grabbed the tray and straightened his stance, mimicking the efficient yet inconspicuous demeanor of the servers. He moved seamlessly into the crowd, keeping his movements deliberate but unremarkable.
The plot's definitely in motion, Arlo thought. Time to stay close and wait for the next big event.
Blending into the crowd proved easier than he expected. With so many people moving around. He wandered through the crowd, listening intently to the conversations around him.
As he passed groups of guests, snippets of conversation reached his ears. Many of them were discussing Commodore Norrington's promotion, confirming Arlo's suspicions that this was a key moment in the timeline.
"That's Commodore Norrington's promotion ceremony," one guest said, his voice laced with pride.
Arlo's ears perked up. Norrington's promotion. That means the plot is already starting. Perfect timing.
He carefully navigated the party, his sharp eyes picking out familiar faces. Eventually, he spotted Norrington speaking to Elizabeth Swann. Her hand rested delicately on her corset as she nodded along to the conversation, though her expression betrayed discomfort. Arlo noticed her labored breathing, her face slightly flushed.
Too tight, Arlo thought, recognizing the signs. He'd seen this scene in the movie enough times to know what was coming next.
Sure enough, Elizabeth staggered back, clutching her chest. Norrington turned to her, his concern growing.
"Elizabeth?" he asked, but she didn't respond.She stumbled toward the parapet, her movements unsteady. Reaching out to steady herself, her hand slipped, and before anyone could react, she toppled over the edge.
"ELIZABETH!" Norrington's voice echoed across the fort.
Arlo immediately bolted toward the parapet, his heart pounding. He knew this was the moment when Jack Sparrow would save Elizabeth, but he couldn't just stand by and watch.
He reached the edge and glanced down, seeing Elizabeth's unconscious form falling toward the water below. Without hesitation, Arlo turned back to Norrington and gave him a wide grin.
"Are you bloody insane?!" Norrington shouted.
"Yes," Arlo replied, his grin widening. "Yes, I am."
With that, he leaped off the edge, diving headfirst toward the ocean below. His form was flawless, his body cutting through the air like a professional diver.
This is really insane, he thought mid-dive, adrenaline pumping through his veins. I'd never have done this in my past life, but hey, YOLO—or whatever the HUB version is.
The water came rushing up, and he hit the surface with precision, his Clown's Bodily Control minimizing the impact. Arlo surfaced quickly, his eyes scanning for Elizabeth. He spotted her nearby, but Jack Sparrow was already there, swimming toward her.
Jack gave Arlo a quick glance, raising an eyebrow. "Mind giving me a hand, mate?"
Arlo nodded and swam to Elizabeth. Together, he and Jack managed to grab hold of her unconscious form, but it quickly became apparent what was slowing them down. Her heavy velvet dress dragged them both under the water.
"She's sinking us," Jack muttered, already reaching for the buttons on the back of her dress. Arlo nodded, understanding immediately. They worked together to strip away the cumbersome fabric, the dress sinking into the depths like a ghostly cloud.
With Elizabeth freed, they swam toward the surface, breaking through the water with a gasp. Arlo kept her head above the waves as Jack grabbed a piece of driftwood to steady them.
"Well," Jack said with a grin, treading water. "That was one hell of an entrance."
"Thanks," Arlo replied, smirking despite the situation. "I've been working on my timing."
The two began swimming toward the docks, Elizabeth safely in tow, as the chaos above Fort Charles grew louder. The story had well and truly begun, and Arlo was right in the middle of it.
...
At the dock, Murtogg and Mullroy hauled Elizabeth out of the water with effort. The governor's daughter lay motionless, her drenched figure lifeless on the wooden planks. Jack and Arlo pulled themselves up from the water, both exhausted and gasping for breath.
Elizabeth remained on her back as Murtogg held her arms above her head, pumping them clumsily. Mullroy leaned down, pressing his cheek near her nose and mouth.
"She's not breathing," Mullroy declared, his voice panicked.
Jack pushed past him brusquely. "Move," he ordered.
Murtogg stepped aside, looking on in confusion. Jack knelt over Elizabeth, raising a small knife he produced from his belt.
"Wait! What are you—" Murtogg began, but Jack didn't hesitate. With a swift motion, he slit Elizabeth's corset down the middle and yanked it away.
Arlo found himself momentarily distracted. She really does look like Keira Knightley, he thought, studying Elizabeth's delicate features. The resemblance was uncanny—right down to the sharp cheekbones and refined elegance. Up close, she was even more stunning.
Focus, Arlo, he reminded himself. You're literally watching history—or a movie—play out in real time. Don't get sidetracked.
Elizabeth remained still for a moment, and then—she coughed violently, spitting up water as her chest rose with her first full breath.
Jack sat back, visibly relieved. "There we go," he said with a faint grin."I never would have thought of that," Murtogg admitted, scratching his head.
Jack smirked. "Clearly, you've never been to Singapore."
Arlo observed in silence, trying to process the surreal experience of seeing a key movie moment play out before his eyes. His gaze dropped to the medallion that fell from Elizabeth's grasp, now in Jack's hand.
Jack examined it closely. "Where did you get this?" he asked Elizabeth.
Before Elizabeth could respond, a blade flashed, its tip suddenly at Jack's throat. It was Norrington's ceremonial sword, polished and sharp. Arlo felt the tension rise as he turned to see Norrington's stern face.
"On your feet," Norrington commanded, his voice cold.
Jack and Arlo stood slowly, their drenched forms standing over Elizabeth, whose torn corset and disheveled state only made the situation look worse.
Governor Swann arrived at the scene, panic evident in his voice.
"Elizabeth! Are you all right?" Governor Swann asked, quickly draping his jacket around her shoulders.
"Yes—yes, I'm fine," Elizabeth stammered. She looked to Norrington, her tone turning firm. "Commodore Norrington, do you intend to kill my rescuers?"
Norrington's piercing gaze shifted between Jack and Arlo. Jack gave an awkward nod, careful not to irritate the blade at his throat.
Arlo took a step forward and spoke calmly. "We saved the governor's daughter's life, Commodore. Not killing us would be a good start."
Norrington's jaw tightened, but after a moment, he lowered his blade and sheathed it. He extended a hand reluctantly. "I believe thanks are in order."
Jack and Arlo each took Norrington's hand cautiously. As Norrington shook Jack's hand, he suddenly yanked Jack's arm toward him, tearing back his sleeve to reveal a large 'P' branded on Jack's wrist.
"Had a brush-up with the East India Trading Company, did you... pirate?" Norrington asked with disdain.The soldiers around them aimed their rifles.
"Keep your guns on him—and him," Norrington added, pointing at Arlo. "Gillette, fetch some irons."
Arlo felt the tension grow, but he remained calm. "I'm no pirate," he said lightly. "Just a man helping a lady in need, sir."
Norrington's eyes narrowed. "Then why were you at the party? I don't recall inviting you."
Arlo smiled faintly. "Sometimes you don't need an invitation to do the right thing."
Norrington didn't reply, instead turning his attention back to Jack. He examined Jack's pistol, noticing the single shot. He opened Jack's compass, frowning as it moved erratically. "A compass that doesn't point north. A pistol with one shot. No ship. Without a doubt, you are the worst pirate I have ever heard of."
Arlo couldn't help but grin slightly. This is iconic, he thought.
Jack straightened and replied with confidence, "Ah, but you have heard of me."
Gillette returned with shackles, locking them onto both Jack and Arlo.
Elizabeth stepped forward, shaking off her father's hand."Commodore, I must protest!" she said firmly. "Pirate or not, these men saved my life."
Norrington's expression hardened. "One good deed is not enough to redeem a man of a lifetime of wickedness," he replied coldly.
Jack glanced at Arlo as the manacles snapped shut. "But it seems to be enough to condemn him," he muttered.
"Indeed," Norrington said with a small smirk.
The commotion continued as Jack quickly executed his escape plan, grabbing a rope and pulling free a delaying pin. The chain of events played out just as Arlo remembered from the Movie , with Jack swinging out of sight and disappearing into the bay. Which mean that Jack and will meet.
Arlo, however, made no attempt to escape. He stood calmly as the soldiers grabbed his arms, hauling him toward the cell block. Elizabeth turned to her father with urgency.
"What about him?" she asked, pointing at Arlo. "He's not a pirate, and he saved my life."
Norrington interjected. "He snuck into the party and will be questioned about his intentions. Until then, he stays in the cell block."
Arlo gave Elizabeth a reassuring smile. "Thank you for your kindness, Miss Swann. But I'll be fine."
He allowed himself to be led away, his thoughts already turning to what he knew would come next. Barbossa and his crew will show up soon. Time to wait for the real chaos to begin.