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Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is copyright of Walt Disney Pictures. Characters are owned by Jay Wolpert, Stuart Beattie, Ted Elliot, & Terry Rosso.

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Prologue

Norrington and Will stood facing one another. Norrington unsheathed his sword; the same one Will had made for the Commodore's promotion ceremony weeks ago.

"This is a beautiful sword," Norrington stated, looking at the blade carefully. He looked it up and down once more before adding, "I would expect the man who made it to show the same care and devotion in every aspect of his life." He brought his eyes to Will's.

For the first time ever, the two men understood one another. Will realized what the Commodore was telling him.

"My compliments."

"Thank you."

Norrington turned away from the couple and walked down the stone steps of Fort Charles. Will turned to Elizabeth, they were finally together.

"Oh and Miss Swann," Norrington turned back around to Will and Elizabeth. Elizabeth took Will's hand and looked to the Commodore. "The very best of luck to you both."

Elizabeth smiled, but saw the Commodore's pain. He truly loved her. He smiled, but it was a facade to the feeling of loss he truly felt.

"Commodore!" Gillette cried, ending the moment. "What about Sparrow? Shall we prepare The Dauntless for pursuit?"

The Commodore had regained his usual demeanor of business. He thought for a moment before saying, "Oh, I think we can afford to give him one day's head start." He raised his eyebrows to Gillette before continuing his way out of the Fort, the soldiers following him.

Only Will, Elizabeth, and the Governor were left on the parapet. The Governor made to follow the rest of the Navy when he suddenly turned around to his daughter.

"So, this is the path you have chosen? After all, he is a blacksmith." the Governor had a bit of regret in his voice.

Elizabeth looked at Will and smiled. "No," she said, taking off Will's hat, "He's a pirate."

Will, took Elizabeth in his arms and kissed her deeply, like she had never known to be kissed. For the first moment since their adventure had started, neither one was scared or even thinking about Jack Sparrow or the Black Pearl. They had one another, and the world no longer matter in that kiss.

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