***Author's note***

Okay first thing's first. I do NOT own Pirates of the Caribbean or any of the characters except for Amanda (Will and Elizabeth's daughter) and maybe a few other's later on, although I'd love to have Will and Jack!

Secondly, this is the FIRST fic I've ever written so don't be too harsh on reviews. I'm just a girl who loves to write and LOVES POTC! I'd appreciate any compliments or suggestions on things that I can work on or change to make the story better.

Well, I guess that's about it for now, hope you like it!

My Dad, the Pirate

Prologue:

The funeral wasn't at all stereotypical. There was no dark sky, gloomy rainfall, or even the slightest wisp of cloud. No, the weather was perfect. The sky was a brilliant blue and the hot afternoon sun beat down upon those gathered around the long, chestnut casket.

The weather did not mirror the mood of the friends and relatives who stood at the cemetery, mournfully speaking or silently expressing farewells to their beloved Elizabeth.

William Turner would have given anything to be anywhere else at that moment. Despite the prayers, speeches, tears, and even the beautifully polished casket that he stood mere inches from, he still was not convinced that Elizabeth, his Elizabeth, was gone.

He wanted to believe that it was all a set up, a rouse. 'Of course,' he thought, 'at any moment the lid to the coffin will be lifted, and there she will be, smiling and laughing because she was able to fool us all so well.'

After several minutes had passed, and Elizabeth had not appeared, his hopes were destroyed and a weight seemed to fall onto his chest; it became harder to breathe.

Quickly, he tore his gaze away from the wooden casket and turned to look at the man standing to his left. Governor Swann stood as still as a rock, his eyes were glazed over and focused on the ground beneath him. His powdered wig that proclaimed him a Port Royal official was evidently crooked and quite unkempt.

On any other day the sight would have brought Will to a terrible case of hysterics. Not that day, though. That day, Will felt more sympathy for the Governor than he ever had before.

Commodore Norrington stood to the other side of the Governor. The Commodore may not have received Elizabeth's love but it was more apparent the day of the funeral than any other that he still cared for her deeply. Norrington had not shed a single tear at the funeral but Will knew that inside the Commodore was hurting almost as much as he was.

Will and Norrington had never been the best of friends. They had always seemed to have a sort of rivalry going on. After marrying Elizabeth there had only been more tension. As a result of all the tension there were days when Will hated the Commodore more than the Commodore hated Pirates. The day of the funeral however, was not one of those days.

Will had then been taken back to reality when the tiny bundle he was carrying moved slightly against his chest. Lovingly, Will gazed down at the beautiful baby he held in his arms. Likewise, the young girl's big chocolate brown eyes lifted to meet her father's gentle eyes. She had Elizabeth's eyes.

Will felt a large lump form deep in his throat and his eyes began to tear up. He fought hard to keep his composure and succeeded for the time being. However as soon as last words were spoken and the priest led everyone in a prayer, Will could no longer hold back his tears. He lowered his head down into the bundle he still carried and wept.

Several people had tried desperately to console him but none succeeded. Governor Swann, completely clueless to how he could help the boy, left for home with an expression of total hopelessness.

The Commodore attempted to provide solace by placing a strong, comforting hand on Will's shoulder. Several seconds passed and with one last gentle squeeze of Will's shoulder, Norrington followed after the Governor and left Will to mourn at his wife's grave.

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Will wasn't sure how long he had been at the cemetery. All that he did know was that the amazing woman that had once filled his life with so much joy was gone. He gazed at the little miracle that Elizabeth and he had created together. It was then that he made a vow intended for both Elizabeth and his daughter to hear.

"I swear to you, you will be very, very much loved and cared for. I will give you all my love and devotion as well as your mother's since she cannot be here with you. Your mother loved you so very much, little one. Do not be afraid for I will protect you from anyone and anything that tries to harm you. I shall kill myself before I allow anything to happen to you, this I vow."

After placing a gentle kiss on his daughter's forehead, he pulled her as close to him as possible. Will focused once more that evening on his wife's grave and whispered a meaningful 'I love you.'

Resisting the urge to cry again, he slowly, unwillingly, turned his back to Elizabeth's grave. The sun was setting over the rolling waves of ocean as Will started the walk home, his daughter who was completely oblivious to that day's events nuzzled against him.