As Monica hurried up the path to join Barbossa, Pintel, and Ragetti, Alison turned back to the group, her heart sinking.
It's really happening, she thought dazedly. My youngest sister just ran off with three pirates...oh, God...
Before she could start freaking out, however, Michelle spoke up.
"So, now what?" she asked, taking a deep breath.
"Supplies," Gibbs said immediately, noticing the discomfort of the two sisters.
"Right," Michelle said softly. "So, um...do we have any money?"
"A little," Elizabeth answered, but Gibbs, Marty, and Cotton just smirked at each other.
"Alright, then let's go," Will said.
The group made its way up the path, with Gibbs, Cotton and Marty in the lead, followed by Will and Michelle, with Alison and Elizabeth trailing behind.
Elizabeth fell into step next to Alison.
"Are you all right?" she asked tentatively, looking closely at the young woman's face, which was facing the ground.
Alison nodded mutely, but then looked up, looking almost confused. "I'm just...worried, I guess," she admitted with a little laugh.
Elizabeth gave her a sympathetic smile. "She'll be alright," she said somewhat awkwardly, seeing as she didn't know much about the girl who had just followed the pirates up the path. "After all, she survived nearly a month with Jack before."
Elizabeth stopped suddenly after mentioning Jack. Alison looked up at her and saw the guilty look on her face.
She wondered what to say. It wasn't like she could console Elizabeth with "It's okay, there's nothing you could have done," because, of course, she had chained him to the mast of the Pearl. Finally, she decided to speak on impulse.
"Look, I know what you did to him," she said in a low voice.
Elizabeth stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening, waiting for Alison to continue speaking.
"And I know you had a good reason for it," Alison continued, stopping too. "You would have kept being chased; you had to get away. I understand, you had to make a choice."
Elizabeth glanced at Alison, her eyes brimming with tears. "Then why do I feel so guilty about it?" she whispered.
"I don't know, why do you?" Alison asked softly.
Elizabeth was spared answering by Gibbs calling back to them, telling them to keep up.
Will cast Elizabeth a dark look as she and Alison started walking again, still trailing back a ways. Noticing this, Michelle tried to distract him.
"So, you come here often?" she asked jokingly, hoping he would forget about Elizabeth.
Will allowed a tight smile to come to his lips. "More often than I'd like," he admitted, looking around.
Michelle nodded, following his gaze. "Hopefully you won't get slapped this time," she said, smiling mischievously up at him.
Will raised his eyebrows briefly. "Hopefully," he repeated. Then he seemed to be thinking about something. "Michelle, I'm afraid I just don't understand how you got here," he said slowly, as if he was choosing his words carefully. "And you know all about my life...it's just--"
"Weird, I know," Michelle sighed. "I'm sorry I can't explain it better. I think we just need to accept the fact that it happened and that we're here and doing all that we can to help."
Will nodded, still looking thoughtful. "Your sister was certainly eager to help find Jack," he remarked, stepping to the side to avoid a drunken beggar.
"Yes, she was," Michelle said, making room for Will to walk. "She misses him immensely."
"Really?" Will said, sounding as if he found this hard to believe.
"I know, it's strange to hear, isn't it?" Michelle said, smiling. "But she was moping around without him...it wasn't like her at all..."
"She seemed pretty cheerful to me," Will said.
"Yes, I think she was happy to be back," Michelle said, smiling wistfully at the memory of how her younger sister's eyes had shone when they had realized where they had landed.
"You miss her already," Will said. It wasn't a question.
Michelle shrugged and nodded. "It'll be strange without her around...if it isn't already strange enough," she said. "But I can't help but worry..."
Will remained silent. Michelle guessed that he was unsure of what to say. She was grateful, in a way, that he didn't try to console her--how could anyone know if Monica would be alright?
Michelle tucked her hair behind her ear and caught a glimpse of her lifeline. She felt a sickening sense of dread, remembering what Tia Dalma had told her. She pushed the thought out of her mind as the group entered the square of Tortuga.
Because it was only late afternoon, the place wasn't as rowdy as it had been in the movies. Oh, it was crowded, alright, with drunks filling the streets and brawls scattered about, but the people here weren't as drunk as usual.
When Alison and Elizabeth had caught up with the rest of the group, Gibbs turned around to shout out orders.
"Right," he said, surveying the group. "Marty, Cotton and I will handle food. Will, do you have weapons?"
"Yes, but I think Alison and Michelle need some," Will said.
"No, I've already got some," Alison said. "Well, actually, they're from the ship..."
"No matter," Gibbs said. "So that leaves you, missy?" he said, looking at Michelle, who nodded.
"I'll take her," Will volunteered, smiling down at Michelle. Michelle felt her face go red.
"Then we're coming with you," Elizabeth said suddenly, looking at Gibbs. She took Alison's arm and led her next to the pirate, careful not to look at Will, whose jaw was clenched.
Gibbs obviously didn't notice anything. "Fine. Let's go," he said, leading the group down the street to the left.
Michelle and Will stood watching them for a minute, Will's eyes on Elizabeth and Michelle's on Alison. Without speaking, Will turned and led the way down the other side of the street.
"Um, do you know where you're going?" Michelle asked tentatively.
"Not really," Will said, giving her an apologetic smile. "Ah, well...we're bound to come across a blacksmith's shop soon, aren't we?"
"Well, you're the expert, you've been here twice," Michelle said, grinning up at him.
They walked on, careful not to get involved in any drunken fights. Once Will had to draw his sword to threaten a dirty old man out of hitting on Michelle.
Finally, the two came to a blacksmith's shop. They entered quickly, grateful to get away from the action in the streets.
As they entered, a man came from a door in the back, yawning and scratching his head. When he saw Will and Michelle, he eyed them suspiciously.
"How long have you been here?" he growled, peering at them with groggy eyes.
"Er, we just got here," Will answered uncertainly.
"Eh," the man muttered, yawning again. "Could've sworn I heard someone in here...came into my room, too...anyway, what can I do ya for?"
Ten minutes later, Will and Michelle left the shop, Michelle looking pleased with her selection of a long, thing sword with a sturdy hilt.
"Excellent," she whispered, sliding the sword into its sheath, where it hung on her new belt. "Thanks, mate!"
"Don't mention it," Will answered, smiling. "Let's just hope you won't have to use it soon."
Alison stared around at the drunks running around the streets, amazed at their energy.
"How are they able to stand steadily?" she asked dubiously, watching a laughing man chase a woman down an alleyway.
"I have no idea," Elizabeth replied, following the same scene with her eyes. "It seems like they'd be too drunk to stand, much less run around all night."
They had gotten sacks and barrels of food and were heading back to the docks. Alison was grateful that they were close; she and Elizabeth were hauling a heavy barrel down the path, and it was no easy task.
When they finally reached the docks, the girls dropped the barrel happily, exhausted. Alison wiped the sweat off her forehead and looked around.
Night had fallen when they had been shopping. Back at the square, lights gleamed cheerily, accompanying the sounds of drunken laughter and the occasional gunshot. At the docks, lanterns hanging from various ships swayed gently with the soft waves rocking the boats.
Gibbs left to find the captain of the ship they had arrived on. When he was gone, Alison noticed Elizabeth peering down the trail, as if looking for something...or someone.
Alison walked up and stood next to her, wondering what she was staring at. When Elizabeth noticed her, she looked away quickly.
"Are you looking for Will?" Alison asked softly.
Elizabeth stared at her, then nodded, looking down at her hands. Alison didn't know what to say.
"I miss him," Elizabeth blurted. "I know it sounds stupid, but I just want him to look at me again...to talk to me...to hold me..."
She stopped abruptly, as if afraid of revealing her feelings to this woman she barely knew. But she sniffled a bit and looked away, making Alison's head snap towards hers.
"Oh, don't cry, it's--" Alison began, but she was interrupted by Gibbs returning with the ship's captain.
"Sorry it took so long...he was busy," Gibbs said, smirking at Cotton and Marty. Alison looked up to see the captain following Gibbs, looking disgruntled and pulling on his jacket. She could have sworn she saw Giselle slinking out of the shadows behind him, hurrying away.
With the help of the ship's crew, Gibbs, Cotton, Marty, Elizabeth, and Alison loaded up the supplies they had bought, with Elizabeth and Alison glancing at the path hopefully for signs of Will and Michelle.
They were almost loaded when they arrived, talking and laughing as if they were old friends. Alison glanced at Elizabeth, who had gone pale. She seemed numbly shocked when she saw the two of them walking together. As if in a trance, she slowly took the sack Cotton was hauling up to her, dropped it, and disappeared below deck.
Will and Michelle helped load up the remaining sacks and barrels and climbed aboard.
"Where's Elizabeth?" Will asked, looking around curiously.
"She went below deck," Alison answered, looking pointedly at Michelle. "I think she said she was tired..."
Michelle noticed the look her sister was giving her and frowned slightly.
"So am I," she said slowly, glancing at Alison quizzically. "I'm going to bed, if no one minds."
"Yeah, me too," Alison added quickly, taking Michelle's arm and herding her below deck.
Alison steered her sister down the stairs and away from the cabins, where she thought she heard Elizabeth crying. Michelle must have heard it, too, because she stopped in her tracks.
"Is that--" she began wonderingly, her eyes widening slightly.
Alison nodded grimly. "It's what I wanted to talk to you about." She led Michelle into the armory room, careful not to trip on any rope or buckets on the ground.
"Why is she crying?" Michelle asked when they entered the room.
"You," Alison answered peevishly. "She saw you and Will coming down the path, getting all chummy--"
"What?" Michelle exclaimed incredulously. "Chummy? Is it a crime if I make a new friend?" she asked, but she knew what Alison meant.
Alison rolled her eyes. "Look, she's depressed about Will, and then when she saw him having a good time with you, she just--" Alison stopped, searching for words. When she could find none, she looked up at Michelle, who had remained silent.
She was looking at the floor, frowning slightly, as if considering what to say. Then, after a deep breath, she said, "That's not what we were doing..." She shook her head slightly. "No. We're just friends. We aren't..." It was her turn to be at a loss for words.
"Oh, right, and I'm back at home, having a very weird but very realistic dream," Alison snapped.
Michelle glared up at her. "There's no need to lose your temper!" she said, mollified. "Really, you're overreacting--"
"Overreacting! I am not overreacting!" Alison yelled furiously. "I've been sucked into a movie, and everyone's just all hunky-dory about it! 'Oh, let's go on an adventure to save fictional characters! Who cares if none of this is real? We'll just have a good time, make a few friends, flirt with the celebrities--'"
"Stop it!" Michelle shouted angrily. "Would you just SHUT UP!"
Alison did. She was stunned at this outburst from her usually quiet, thoughtful sister.
"You've been bitching ever since we got here!" Michelle continued. "Do you really think complaining about it will change any of this? Well, it won't! There's nothing we can do about it, so just shut the hell up and try to help out around here!"
Alison sneered at her younger sister. "Right. I'm going to go try to cheer Elizabeth up. Why don't you go help out Will?"
And with that, she turned and left for the quarters, leaving Michelle standing there, fuming.
After taking a moment to calm down, Michelle made her way up to the deck, enjoying the feeling of the warm breeze on her skin. She realized that the captain had already set sail and that Tortuga was now a group of lights in the distance. She heard gunshots and yelling from the docks, but tuned them out, figuring it was just a few drunks fighting.
But it wasn't--it was her younger sister and three pirates commandeering a ship.
Alison stormed to the quarters, furious with Michelle. How could she just go along with this? This was a serious matter! They had to get home, not to Port Royal!
As she passed Elizabeth's door, she stopped, hearing her muffled crying. Hesitating, she held a fierce battle in her mind, wondering whether to go in there or not.
She had almost decided to go in there when she remembered Michelle's words--try to help out around here.
On the one hand, she didn't want anything to do with what Michelle had said, but on the other, Elizabeth needed a friend.
But she's not even real! a voice in her head protested.
Maybe Michelle was right, and you just need to go with the flow, another voice reasoned with her. Besides, even if Elizabeth isn't real, she's still upset...
Alison pushed the thoughts from her mind and knocked on the door tentatively.
"Elizabeth?" she called softly.
She heard the crying subside, only to be replaced with a series of sniffles.
"Come in," she heard Elizabeth say wearily.
Alison opened the door to see Elizabeth sitting on her bed, her hat forward on her head, covering most of her face. She could see the wet spots on her sleeves where she had been drying her eyes.
"Hey," Alison said softly, sitting next to Elizabeth on the bed.
Elizabeth smiled weakly from under her hat. "Hello," she mumbled, wiping her nose on her sleeve.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Alison asked, not even needing to ask what "it" was.
Elizabeth hesitated, then nodded. She removed the hat from her head, revealing puffy eyes and tearstained cheeks. She took a deep breath and swallowed, then managed to fix a smile to her lips. "I'm being ridiculous, aren't I?" she asked, smiling ruefully.
"No, you're not," Alison insisted. "There's nothing wrong with being upset."
Elizabeth remained silent. Alison let her mull things over in her head, with thoughts of her own flying around.
First she was upset about Jack, and now she's upset about Will, she thought, playing with the blanket on the bed. Well, it's understandable, she's been through a lot...
Elizabeth sniffled again. "Look at me, I'm crying my eyes out over a boy when you're so far from home and you've been separated from your sister..."
"No, no, it's alright," Alison said quickly.
Elizabeth shook her head. "I heard you yelling outside," she admitted hesitantly. "I just feel...like this whole thing is tearing your family apart."
"And it's torn up you and Will," Alison said in a low voice.
Elizabeth nodded. Her bottom lip quivered, and Alison knew she was about to burst into tears again.
"Look, I know Michelle isn't, like, trying to steal him from you or anything," she said quickly. "She just...needs a friend, I guess."
As she said this, she realized how it must sound. "And she chose Will over me," she said slowly.
"And why is that?" Elizabeth asked with a strained voice. Alison thought she must be trying not to sound bitter.
"I think...Will was the only one to show her kindness," Alison said thoughtfully. "Monica was too excited to be here, and I...well, I definitely wasn't," she said with a weak laugh.
Elizabeth smiled and fiddled with her hat, which she had placed in her lap. "And you...do you need a friend, too?" she asked, glancing up at Alison with a slightly amused smile.
Alison sighed theatrically. "I don't know...I think I can get along by myself," she said dramatically, tossing her long blonde hair over her shoulder and smirking.
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Oh, sure," she said, grinning. "But, really...will you be my friend? I'm having a rough couple of weeks...no, make that a rough year."
"Of course," Alison said, smiling. "I think we both could use a friend...we're both having some rough patches here."
The next day, Alison decided to try to make up with Michelle, knowing it wouldn't help much to be enemies with your own sister--especially when you're in a world you don't know too much about.
She found her easily enough, wandering around the deck, her wispy brown hair streaming out behind her, shining in the sun. Alison was always jealous of her hair--her own hair was much too thick, in her opinion.
But that's beside the point, she thought as she made her way towards her younger sister. Besides, Elizabeth likes my hair!
Alison and Elizabeth had spent most of the night talking, about everything from Alison's hair to Elizabeth's relationship with Will. And now Alison had to honor that relationship.
She walked behind Michelle, trying to think of what to say.
Oh, screw it, she thought, and dove right in.
"Michelle, we need to talk," she said loudly.
Michelle jumped and turned around in surprise. Her face clouded over when she realized who was standing behind her, and she made to walk away.
"No, wait," Alison said. Michelle exhaled furiously, but stayed to talk.
"Elizabeth's upset that you've been spending too much time with Will," Alison said quickly.
Michelle gave her a condescending look. "Oh, now you're taking her side? You're taking a fictional character's side over mine, your own sister's?"
Alison grit her teeth, wondering if this would be worth it. Her hot temper was telling her to punch her, but her mind was telling her to finish.
"Look, all I'm trying to say is--" Alison began.
Michelle sighed. "Just shut up," she said wearily, shaking her head.
Alison's temper kicked her mind's ass. "That's it, you little--" she began threateningly.
"No, I was going to agree with you!" Michelle said quickly, raising her hands in defense. "I know how Elizabeth feels about that--hell, it's just like being in high school again," she chuckled. "But seriously. I'm sorry. And please, can you let her know that we're just friends?" she asked hopefully. "Really. I don't want her to be upset."
Alison relaxed. "Fine," she said gruffly, not wanting to show how grateful she was that Michelle hadn't made a big deal out of everything. Besides, that was her job.
"Fine," Michelle repeated, smiling. "Now, have you seen Will?"
Alison gave her a warning look.
Michelle laughed. "I'm kidding! Now will you go make sure she's not about to murder me?"
Alison's face finally broke into a smile and she went below deck without another word.
Michelle sighed, relieved. The whole incident had been bothering her all night. She hated having to be the "other girl", the person she had always hated in high school.
Hey, who says school isn't good for anything? she thought, crossing the deck and staring out to sea.
Indeed, her years in high school had given her intuitive senses about other people's feelings.
Which is a trait Alison could do well with, Michelle thought. She wasn't being mean, it was the truth--even Alison agreed that she was insensitive sometimes.
But it's funny...now she's going out of her way to make sure Elizabeth is happy, Michelle thought. Maybe this adventure will come to some good after all...
But then she remembered her lifeline and Tia Dalma's prediction. She felt the sick feeling in her stomach again--was it dread? Fear?
Excitement? she thought. It might be...
Michelle thought that that must be part of it--after all, she was going to come back from death or something, wasn't she?
"Back from the grave," she muttered.
"What are you talking about?" she heard Will ask curiously.
Michelle jumped and turned around for the second time in five minutes.
"You scared me!" she said, turning to face Will.
"Sorry," he said, smiling. "I didn't realize you were so deep in thought."
"Yeah, I was," Michelle muttered, rubbing the palm of her hand self-consciously. "So...what's new?"
"You need to learn how to fight," Will said matter-of-factly. "Come on, get your things and meet me out here."
"Okay," Michelle said, surprised. "Excellent!"
She hurried below deck to her quarters, where she had kept her belt. As she passed Elizabeth's door, she heard her and Alison chatting away happily.
Michelle smiled and kept walking. She thought it best that they strengthened their friendship.
A few moments later, she was back above deck, standing in front of Will, sword drawn.
"Have you ever used a sword before?" Will asked, drawing his own sword.
"No," Michelle said, laughing. "We don't have much use for swords in the 21st century."
"That must be strange," Will said, frowning.
Michelle laughed at his confused expression. She also couldn't help but noticed how nice he looked in the bright sunlight, his dark hair waving in the slight breeze...
Michelle blinked as Will continued talking.
"Okay, then, I just want you to attack me, and we'll go from there..."
Hours later, Will and Michelle were both panting from all the swordplay. Will sat down heavily on a nearby barrel, and Michelle leaned against it, breathing heavily.
"You're very good at this," Will remarked, sheathing his sword.
"Thanks, you too," Michelle replied, panting. "Got another round in you?"
Will chuckled and stood up. "Maybe one more," he said, groaning a bit as he moved his sore muscles. "But then I need lunch."
The pair took their respective places across from each other on the deck. By now, part of the crew had taken a break for lunch, and they were looking on with interest.
"Ladies first," Will said, grinning.
Michelle grinned too, then lunged.
They fought, with half the crew watching and cheering them on. Most of them were rooting for Will, but a few of them were yelling for the strange-talking young woman he was fighting off.
Finally, after a few moments of the fight getting nowhere, Will slipped. Michelle took the opportunity to grab his sword, swing it around, knock him to his knees, and place the weapon along with her own at his neck, as if they were a pair of giant scissors.
Will looked surprised, and slightly embarrassed as the crew cheered, whooped, and whistled. "Where did you learn a move like that?" he asked wonderingly, panting. "I didn't teach you that."
"I saw it in a movie once," Michelle grinned, removing the swords and handing him his.
Will stood up and took it, chuckling. "There's no doubt about it, you're a natural swordsman," he said, wiping his forehead. "I mean, swordswoman," he said awkwardly as Michelle laughed.
Two days later, the ship reached Port Royal. Gibbs, Cotton, Marty, Will, Elizabeth, Alison, and Michelle got off at the docks, thanking the captain and his crew profusely.
"Will we be needing him again?" Will asked Gibbs.
"I don't know, but we've put him through more than enough trouble already," Gibbs replied. "We'll find another captain to harass."
Alison glanced at Elizabeth, who was looking around, obviously remembering what had happened the last time she had been here. Will was gazing about, too, his face darkening as his eyes fell upon Cutler Beckett's residence.
"That's where we're headed," he said to Michelle, nodding toward the place. "To get the heart--"
"And my father," Elizabeth said, staring up at the building.
Although it had been made clear that Michelle wasn't trying to steal Will away from Elizabeth, the couple hadn't made up yet. Alison and Michelle had had many discussions on whether to intervene or not, but had decided not to, figuring the couple should work things out on their own. Now, however, as they stil weren't speaking, the two sisters were having second thoughts.
"Well, I've no quarrel with this Beckett fellow, but I'm comin' with ya," Gibbs said to Will.
"Aye...he's bound to have something valuable in there," Marty said, smirking.
"Rawk! Wind in the sails! Wind in the sails!" Cotton's parrot said loudly.
Without further ado, the group made their way to the place, feeling determined, scared, angry, or just excited.
As they passed through the town, Will and Elizabeth looked wistfully about, no doubt remembering simpler times. But memories can never replace reality, as the Connors sisters had learned long ago.
Finally, they reached the building. There were a few guards here in there, but nothing too heavy.
"Do you think we can get by them without having to fight?" Michelle asked nervously.
"I doubt it. And even if we did, we'd just have to face them on the way out," Will said.
"But there's no telling how many of them are in there!" Alison exclaimed.
"Well, that's the toss-up, missy," Gibbs said. "But we've faced a kraken, so I think we can get through some guards."
"But what about us?" Michelle asked fearfully.
"Well...good luck," Gibbs said.
And he charged the guards.
Marty and Cotton followed close behind. Will shrugged and followed. Elizabeth went soon after, clearly worried about Will. This left Alison and Michelle staring at each other.
"Well, see you on the other side," Alison said, grinning, and she strode up to the small battle, cocking her pistols.
"This is insane!" Michelle muttered. But she hurried up, too.
It didn't take long for the guards to be defeated. Our heroes hurried up the stairs, trying to keep quiet so they wouldn't have to face more guards.
But they had to. Each time it wasn't much of a threat, though, as the odd group took the redcoats by surprise. Also, none of them were crappy fighters, like the guards were.
They made it to Beckett's office. Elizabeth stormed in furiously. She hadn't seen her father throughout the place, and she was beginning to get worried.
Beckett looked up from his desk, looking only slightly surprised. It seemed he had heard the commotion going through his building and hadn't been worrying about it. Instead, he was poring over a map that was spread out over his desk. On top of the map sat a small bag that seemed to be...beating.
"Someone guard the door," Elizabeth barked. Alison stopped at the door, her eyes fixed on the bag.
Is that... she thought, peering closely at it. No, it can't be!
But it was. Will seized the bag, opening it and looking inside. It was obviously the heart of Davy Jones, for he tucked the bag inside his jacket.
"Where's my father?" Elizabeth snarled, pointing her sword at Beckett, who looked at the point with disdain.
"Miss Swann, what has happened to you?" he asked, gazing up at her face. "Clearly you've had some trauma--"
"The only trauma I've had is having to deal with you more than I'd like, now where is my father?" Elizabeth in a low, dangerous voice, bringing the point of the sword closer to Beckett. He swallowed, his eyes crossing slightly in an attempt to keep his eyes on the weapon, but he didn't answer.
"Do you have any idea what I've been through, what I've done to get here, and how I've--"
There was a loud gunshot. Everyone's heads whipped around to Alison, who was standing at the doorway, a smoking pistol in her hand.
"Sorry," she said, eyebrows raised. "That guy with the knife was outside.
"No way! That creepy guy that killed that other guy?" Michelle said with a little laugh.
"Yeah, I clipped his shoulder, come look!" Alison said, grinning.
As Michelle moved toward the door, there was a commotion behind her. She whirled around to see Beckett pulling a pistol from under his desk, cocking it, and pointing it at Elizabeth.
Michelle felt a hand n her shoulder pushing her down. She dropped to the floor, nearly losing her balance.
There was a gunshot. Michelle gasped.
She's been shot! she thought, horrified.
She looked up, expecting to see Elizabeth bleeding to death, but instead she saw Beckett staring down at a bloody hole in his arm.
He dropped the pistol and collapsed into his chair. The hand on Michelle's shoulder was lifted, and she looked around to see Alison standing above her, her other gun smoking. She had pushed her sister out of the way to get a clear shot at Beckett, who had been about to shoot Elizabeth.
Everyone stared at the Connors sisters, intruders to their world, who had helped them fight. After a moment, Elizabeth turned back to Beckett, placing her hands on his desk and leaning over him.
"Where is my father?" she asked, glaring down at him.
Beckett realized that he was beaten. "Downstairs in the prison," he said dejectedly.
Elizabeth surveyed his face, trying to determine if he was lying, Michelle guessed, but finally turned and left the room. The rest of the group followed, unsure of what to do with the bleeding Beckett. Alison was last to leave. She looked up at Beckett, somewhat guilty at what she had done--she had never shot anyone before today.
"Nice shot," Beckett said, opening one of the drawers on his desk, pulling out a handkerchief, and pressing it gently against his wound.
"Not really," Alison said darkly. "I was aiming for your heart."
And she left, leaving Beckett to bleed in his office.
She stepped over the man she had shot earlier, hurrying to catch up with the rest of the group. She joined the back of the group without anyone noticing where she had gone.
With Elizabeth leading the way, they found a flight of stairs and hurried down it. Luckily, there were no guards--they must have faced them all when going up to meet Beckett.
Governor Weatherby Swann was in a large, shadowy cell at the end of the hall that was the prison. Elizabeth ran down to greet him, kneeling at the bars to talk to him.
"Father!" she said, gripping the bars tightly with her hands. Michelle could just make out the man's body, lying in the shadows, as if he were asleep...or...
He didn't move.
"Father?" Elizabeth said softly, her voice wavering.
The governor stirred, then opened his eyes. Elizabeth let out a gasp of relief.
"Elizabeth!" Weatherby said, looking shocked. He sat up, revealing a balding head and his once-clean clothes, which had been sullied by several nights in the cell. "What are you--and who--"
"These are my friends, Father," Elizabeth said. "They've helped me rescue you."
Weatherby crawled toward the bars, closer to his daughter. "Oh, I thought you were..." He kissed Elizabeth on the forehead, looking relieved beyond words.
As the two of them continued talking in low voices, clearly exchanging loving words only a father and daughter can share, Michelle felt her throat tighten. She turned away, trying hard not to think of the last time her own father had kissed her.
Alison remained at the back of the hall, looking on dully.
I just left two men to die, she thought numbly. I don't...I can't believe this...
Her tired eyes scanned the hall, passing over the empty cells. But wait...that one wasn't empty...
She moved closer to the cell, peering into it closely. When she saw who was in it, she gasped.
"Norrington?" she said wonderingly.
The prisoner shifted slightly from his sitting position against the wall.
"Who the hell are you?" he asked sullenly.
"Alison Connors," Alison replied, her jaw dropping slightly.
"Never heard of you."
"You wouldn't; I'm not exactly from around here," Alison replied, crouching down next to the cell. "What are you doing in there?"
"What are you doing, asking about me?" Norrington asked, snorting. "What do you care?"
"I care," Alison said defensively.
"Oh, really? You won't just...oh, I don't know, accept a marriage proposal only to turn it down a week later?" Norrington muttered, sitting up fully now.
"She only did that to save Will," Alison said softly.
She saw his head turn in the dim light. "What would you know about that?" he asked.
"I know a lot about you," Alison replied, still fazed about talking to this man. She had had a huge crush on Norrington in Dead Man's Chest, and now, here he was, sitting right in front of her!
"If you knew a lot about me, you'd know why I was in here," Norrington said darkly.
"Well, that's one thing I don't know," Alison said, miffed. "So why don't you tell me why you're in here?"
"Why don't you leave me the hell alone?" Norrington replied.
Alison was taken aback. "Excuse me?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.
Norrington only chuckled. "What're you gonna do, attack me through the bars?" he asked, snorting.
"I might," Alison said dangerously, raising her pistols and pointing them through the bars.
Norrington looked up at the weapons dully, then looked back straight ahead of him. "Fine. Do it. I'm ready to go," he said in a monotone voice.
"What are you doing?"
Alison turned to see Michelle walking towards her.
"This woman was about to shoot me!" Norrington called out to Michelle.
Alison glared at him and stood up, putting her pistols back into her belt. Michelle stared at her, then into the cell. Her eyes widened.
"What is he doing in here?" she asked incredulously.
"I don't know, he wouldn't tell me," Alison said. "He's being a little--"
"Watch it," Michelle said warningly. She knelt next to the cells, peering in at the man. "Why are you in here?" she asked softly.
"Beckett," was all that he said.
"You little--!" Alison began. "Why wouldn't you tell me?"
"Well, she asked nicely!" Norrington replied peevishly, gesturing towards Michelle.
"So did I, the first time!"
"Oh," Norrington said. "I guess I didn't notice."
"How could you not notice!" Alison asked, her temper rising dangerously to the surface.
"Because I was dazed at how beautiful you are," Norrington replied.
No one said anything. Then Norrington burst out into a laugh.
"Oh, come on, you didn't think I was serious, did you?" he sneered.
Alison furiously reached for her pistols, but Michelle laid a placating hand on her arm.
"Calm down," she said, slightly amused. "I'll deal with him. Go help everyone else look for the keys to the cells.
Alison gave Norrington one last furious look before storming off. Michelle turned back to the man in the cell as his chuckles faded.
"Hotheaded, isn't she?" he said, watching her as she left.
"You have no idea," Michelle muttered. "So why did Beckett lock you up?"
Norrington didn't answer right away. Then, "She knew I was kidding, right? About her not being beautiful?"
Michelle arched an eyebrow. "You think she's beautiful?" she asked dubiously. It wasn't that she thought her sister wasn't pretty, it was just a little unexpected coming from James Norrington.
"I might," he replied vaguely, gazing down the hall. "Anyway, did you ask something?"
"Yes, why did Beckett lock you up?" Michelle asked, rolling her eyes.
"Ah. That." Norrington sighed. "He took the heart and threw me down here. Apparently he didn't want me to interfere." He shook his head slightly. "So much for getting my job back," he said ruefully.
"He didn't want you to interfere?" Michelle repeated.
"Yes. As if I'd get in the way! Like I'd want Sparrow or that filthy Turner to have it..."
Michelle cleared her throat slightly. "Well, it's been nice talking to you, but I really should be--"
There was a clunk and a loud creaking of hinges. Michelle looked around to see Gibbs hauling the door to Weatherby's cell open. Elizabeth rushed into her father's arms, looking the happiest Michelle had ever seen her.
"Oh, who else is at this little party?" Norrington asked, sounding mildly interesting.
"Uh...well..." Michelle wondered what to tell him.
"Michelle!"
She turned once again to see Will coming towards her.
"What are you--" his eyes fell upon Norrington.
They stared at each other for a moment.
"What is he doing here?" Norrington whined.
"Why is he here?" Will muttered to Michelle.
"Look, guys, it's a long story--"
Gibbs, Cotton, Marty, Elizabeth, Weatherby, and Alison came up. Michelle closed her eyes and looked up, shaking her head as if asking, "Why me?"
Norrington stared at the group that had assembled in front of him. The group stared back.
"Are you going to get me out of here or what?" Norrington asked abruptly.
Now the group had a new member: a cynical ex-commodore. It left the building, thankfully not running into any more guards, and made its way to the docks.
Norrington fell into step with Alison. "So, how do you know Miss Swann and...Mr. Turner?" he asked, saying the latter name with obvious distaste.
"Didn't you already hear? Long story," Alison answered shortly.
Norrington scoffed. "Oh, come on. I've been in prison for weeks; can't you tell me a story?" he asked playfully.
Alison rolled her eyes, smiling in spite of the grudge she was determined to hold against this man for his difficulty in the prison.
"Forget it. You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Alison said, shaking her head.
"Right, of course. I wouldn't tell you my story, so you won't tell me yours," Norrington said, casting her a sidelong glance.
"Okay. Okay, you want the truth?" Alison asked, smirking. "I got here when my sisters and I were sucked through a dryer. Don't ask what that is; we're from the future. That's why I talk funny. The place I come from doesn't even exist yet. That eighteen-year-old walking next to Will is my sister Michelle. My other sister, Monica, she's fifteen, went off with three other pirates to go find Jack Sparrow."
Norrington stared at her. "You're right, I don't believe you," he said calmly.
"Why am I not surprised?" Alison muttered.
"Wait, what happened to Sparrow?" Norrington asked curiously. "What do you mean, to go find him?"
Alison raised her eyebrows. "Oh, now you want to hear about it? I thought you didn't believe it," she said mischievously.
"Who says I have to believe in a story to hear it?" Norrington asked, grinning.
Alison smiled. "True. Well, Jack died," she said bluntly, ignoring Norrington's shocked look. "Yeah, I know, surprising, isn't it?"
"No, it's just that I wanted to kill him so badly," Norrington remarked.
"Charming," Alison said dryly.
"I know," Norrington said, managing to keep a straight face. "Though not as charming as you are, I'm sure."
"Of course not!" Alison exclaimed. "Of course, I did just shoot two men--"
Norrington looked impressed. "Really? Did you kill Sparrow, then?"
"No, he got eaten by a kraken," Alison said, ignoring Norrington's incredulous look. "I shot Beckett and his henchman."
"You shot Beckett?" Norrington asked, looking thrilled. "You're better than I thought!"
"Better? In what way?" Alison asked, trying to hide her pride.
Norrington shrugged. "I don't know. Before I thought you were an evil, temperamental woman."
"And now?" Alison asked, now having to hide her fury at being called evil.
"Now, you're just temperamental."
Alison was going to punch him, but she looked up at his smiling face and just chuckled.
Michelle looked back at her sister, laughing at Norrington, and smiled. Will noticed this and smiled down at her.
"Are you all right? You looked a little upset back in the prison," he said, looking down at her with concern.
"Yes, I'm fine, thanks," Michelle said. She hadn't realized that Will had noticed her discomfort upon seeing the strong father-daughter bond between Elizabeth and her father.
"No, there was something bothering you," Will persisted. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Michelle was surprised he had noticed; usually she was able to hide her emotions pretty well when she wanted to. Or was she surprised that he cared?
"Some other time," she said, smiling. "Some other time."
She watched Elizabeth walking with her father, whose arm was around her shoulders. Elizabeth was talking animatedly, describing her adventures over the past to Weatherby, who looked taken aback at all the action.
Will was watching her, too. Finally, Michelle decided to act.
"She still loves you, you know," she blurted, nodding towards Elizabeth.
Will glanced down at Michelle, then back at Elizabeth. Then he did a slight double take and stared back down at Michelle. "What?" he asked stupidly.
Michelle smiled. "She loves you!" she repeated.
Will shook his head. "I saw her kissing Jack," he said darkly.
"She wasn't doing that because she loves him, she was doing it to save your lives," Michelle said earnestly. "Listen..."
She explained Elizabeth's reasoning on how the kraken was after Jack--only Jack.
"So, you see, she was only kissing him to distract him!" she finished, looking up at Will hopefully. "So...do you think you can forgive her?" she asked tentatively, searching his face with her eyes.
Will stared at his fiancé, his face unreadable. Then, all of a sudden, he strode up next to her, took her gently from her father, and kissed her passionately on the lips.
Michelle sighed happily at the romantic scene. Weatherby looked shocked at Will's behavior, but his face soon melted into a smile. Alison stared, surprised, and Norrington looked on darkly.
When they broke the kiss, Will began to talk, not letting Elizabeth speak.
"Elizabeth, I've loved from the moment I met you, and I've never stopped loving you," he said, staring deep into his eyes. "Please, if you feel the same way, let me know, because if you don't love me, I can't go on living another day."
Elizabeth stared up at him, then threw her arms around his neck.
No words were needed between the two of them as they hugged. Michelle let out an adoring, "Awww!"
This alerted the couple to their company. They broke apart, smiling at each other happily. They shared another kiss and continued walking, hand in hand.
Michelle sighed happily. She had to admit, she was a sucker for romance.
Weatherby smiled after his daughter and future son-in-law, clearly approving. He followed, but not too closely behind, giving them their space.
Alison realized that Gibbs, Cotton, and Marty hadn't noticed a thing and that they had kept walking. They had been leading the group, and they hadn't even noticed when everyone else stopped.
Alison glanced up at Norrington, wondering what he thought about the two making up, but his face was unreadable.
Besides, he didn't even know they were broken up, she thought as they continued walking. I guess I've got a lot of explaining to do for him...
When the group reached the docks of Port Royal, more discussion was in store.
"I'm going to look for the Flying Dutchman find my father," Will said when the topic of planning came up.
"And I'm coming with you," Michelle said, looking frightened but determined.
Elizabeth swallowed, obviously wanting to join her fiancé, but didn't offer to join.
"This is your quest," she said, smiling ruefully at Will and running her hand down his hair.
"I know," he said. "But Michelle will be a great help," he added, smiling at his friend, who smiled back.
"I've got to stay here and take care of my father," Elizabeth told Will. "And then we'll try to find Jack and Monica."
"Are you sure you don't want us to come with you, lad?" Gibbs asked Will.
"No, you've done more than enough already," Will replied gratefully. "Thank you for all you've done."
Gibbs nodded. "Then we'll stay here and wait for word of Jack," he said.
Alison hugged Michelle briefly as a goodbye.
"Be careful, alright?" she said, smirking.
"I'll be fine," Michelle said, returning the smile. "I've got Will to take care of me, after all."
The two sisters glanced over at Will, who had gone off a ways to speak privately with Elizabeth, who appeared to be teary-eyed again.
"Hey, don't let Norrington get you down," Michelle said jokingly.
"Him? Me? Never!" Alison scoffed.
They laughed and watched as Will and Elizabeth returned. Elizabeth gave her fiancé one last kiss on the cheek before letting him go.
And Michelle and Will left the rest of the group, disappearing in the maze of ships that was the Port Royal docks.