Wow

Wow! What a horrible case of writer's block…

I'm back kids and hopefully will be around more frequently…my apologies

They parted ways, each of them taking an alternate route to the Barracuda. Jack of course ran into a little snafu with a very enraged, very large sailor, but soon enough found himself before the aquatic vessel. Gibbs was there making ready to depart, but no sign of Elizabeth.

"Gibbs?"

"Aye Cap'n"

"Where's Liz?"

"Don't know, she hasn't come aboard…"

"Bugger…Listen, make ready with much haste. The navy is after us and I can't leave without Lizzie. If she comes back tell her to stay put, and if the time comes to flee and I haven't returned just go. I'll find my way to you."

"Aye Cap'n"

And just like that Jack disappeared into the busy streets of Port Royal.

Elizabeth was wandering around frantic, suddenly losing all memory of the town she grew up in. North was south and up was down nowadays. The longer she couldn't find the docks the more panicked she became. There were eyes on her…she could feel it.

Jack had spotted her in the crowd. Thank goodness, she's alive…. The whelp?

Not far behind Elizabeth was William Turner ready to make his move. Jack went for his sword when a voice cut through him deeper than any blade.

"I wouldn't stop him if I were you." Beckett said with a sneer and a wince climbing down from his horse

"Don't you ever die?"

"If I died, whom would you fight against?"

"No one!"

"Where's the fun in that?"

"I'm tired of fun"

"Jack, Elizabeth is, by now, captured by the young Mr. Turner. If I let you go, she stays here and marries me. If you wish to save her, you are to stay here under my employ and divulge the brethren's greatest secrets."

Jack was silent. Blackmail was it? There was no question that Lizzie's freedom was the most important, but it didn't change the fact that they'd be apart, but at least this way he could figure out a good plan.

"Well?" Beckett demanded impatiently

"Alright…"

"Brilliant. Of course there are terms that I forgot to mention and the first of which is Elizabeth must not think you are still alive. I will not risk a piratical riot. The rest of the terms are easy to follow, you abide by my rules and your love remains living, defy me, and you can be sure will see that she has a sudden end."

"You bloody bastard. I will kill you someday, Cutler"

"You could try, but you won't succeed."

Beckett pointed his sword directly at Jack's throat in such a way if he even swallowed he could be cut. Will approached dragging Elizabeth along. At the sight of Jack, she screamed.

"Ah, Miss Swann. Jack has traded his life in exchange for your freedom."

Elizabeth looked at Jack pleading for him not to go through with it.

Beckett continued to Will "Take her aboard her ship. A young woman should not witness such heinous acts."

Elizabeth spat in Beckett's face as Will once again a little too feverously dragged her away. Becket wiped the spit as she passed and in a quick motion pulled back his sword and thrust it into Jack's oblique. He screamed in agony as his abdomen was pierced and collapsed to the dock writhing as much as his miserable body would allow. Elizabeth tore away from Will dashing to her Captain's side.

"No Jack."

"I love you. Know that. Everything I've ever done has always been for you."

"Jack, you will be fine. We can make it."

"You have to save yourself and the others. Please go."

Elizabeth was sobbing uncontrollably as Jack's eyes rolled dramatically into the back of his head, which in turn caused Will's eyes to roll and for Beckett to become annoyed.

"Enough! Miss Swann, if this deal Jack made is to not be in vain, I suggest you get on your ship and sail far away from here before I change my mind."

Once aboard the Barracuda she sobbed, watching Jack's lifeless body shrink into the distance. Still upset, she summoned Gibbs "Make haste for Shipwreck Cove."

"Yes miss."

Jack awoke the next morning in excruatiating pain. Attempting to get up and leave, he was once again interrupted by that weasel.

"I wouldn't move too much, I almost hit a multitude of vital tissue.

"Is she safe?"

"She's out on the open water, if you imagine that to be safe enough"

"I imagine it is."

"Well, obviously you're of no use to me wounded, so for now you will heal and remain under my close surveillance."

"Forgive me if I don't seem more enthused."

"All in good time Jackie boy…"