When Elizabeth opened her eyes from her slumber, she could hear Jack snoring across the room. She cracked a smile and sat up. This morning she did not awaken with him beside her. The things they'd said to each other the day before put distance between them. She stood up and stretched a bit, trying not to irritate her scars like she had yesterday morning. How long had she been asleep? It seemed to be high noon by the amount of sunlight pouring through the ceiling and windows. Perhaps she had slept longer because of the lengthy run through town.

Glancing at Jack, he appeared restless in his sleep. He kept tossing and turning back and forth, sweating. She thought about going over to wake him, but as soon as she stood up, he laid still, relaxed. She walked towards his cot and bent over. His face was wet with sweat. She raised her hand and wiped some from his brow, then rubbed it on her pants, hoping he would wake up. He just groaned and stirred. His golden teeth showed on his face and he whispered, "Elizabeth". She jumped back, startled. He was dreaming about her? The odd thing was, she had dreamed about him.

They had been walking along the beach, hand in hand, talking about how great life is. The Jack had turned to her, pushed her hair out of her face, and kissed her gently. After their lips had parted, he had told her he loved her.

Elizabeth smiled just thinking about the dream, but Will came to mind at the sight of the swords before her. She told herself to forget about it. Grasping one of the swords, she swung it around a few times and strapped it to her belt, knowing she would most likely be needing it in the near future. She knelt down by Jack and let out a moan. She wanted him to wake up. They needed to talk.
"Jack," she whispered, poking his cheek.
"My peanut..." he murmured, clearly still asleep.
"Jack," she seized his shoulder and rattled him a little.
"Freedom..." he said with a snore.
She beamed and pinched his nose real hard, "Jack!"
"Is the rum safe?!" he shouted, shooting up. He shifted his head and saw her there. The shock drained from his face, leaving frustration, "What?"
"Nothing-" she shook her head.
"You woke me up for nothing?" He pursed his lips, showing he didn't believe her.
"No..." she turned away. "What are we going to do?"
He grumbled got off his cot, "Well, love... Lizzie... Elizabeth...we need to get back on the Sea Dog. I suggest we find ourselves a ship and...commandeer it."
"Do you think Collins knows we're here?"
"Knowing Mr. Sunshine, I wouldn't be surprised if he walked through that door this instant, branded you, and hung both of us right here in this shop."

Elizabeth felt her stomach churning. Vomit crawled up her throat. 'No.' she told herself. 'Not now.' She clamped a hand over her mouth and held her breath. Jack stared at her, blinking in confusion. Her stomach would not give in. She leaned on a work bench and threw up. After it was over, she bent back, coughing, and wiped her mouth with her sleeve. Jack was examining the swords in the room. Pointing to each one, he walked around, critiquing them, "Like it... like it... hate it... hate it... hate it... hate it... hate it... like it..."

Something caught Elizabeth's eye as she inspected the room. There was something etched into the wall. She stepped over her cot and trudged through the dirt on the floor. There, carved into the wall, was her name. It was sloppy carving, to be sure. The "z" and second "e" were barely readable. She brushed the wood with her hand. No doubt, Will had carved it there some time ago. Tears filled her eyes. She really DID miss Will. Just because she regretted marrying him, it didn't mean...
Wait, she regretted marrying him? No... 'What is WRONG with you!' she silently screamed at herself. She punched the wall with her fists a little too hard. Trying to shake off the pain, she observed her knuckles. Small amounts of blood appeared in the cracks in her skin.
"This is ridiculous!" Jack blurted, walking over to her.
"I agree. Jack, I-"
"You have the only decent sword there is in this place!" He stopped in front of her and took the sword from her belt, harnessing it to his own. She reached to take it back, but he slapped her hand away.
"I like that sword." She put a hand on her hip.
"I do too."
"Give it back!" She held a hand out.
"No...persuade me."

Elizabeth felt a deja vu. Had they discussed this before? She gripped a nearby sword and held the point to Jack's throat. His eyes were wide with surprise. He smirked and pulled out his sword, "C'mon Lizzie. You, more than anyone, ought to know better than to cross blades with a pirate."
She let their swords clash and replied, "You said 'persuade me'."
"I was hoping more along the lines off... friendly persuasion." A cocky grin turned up on his face.
Oh, how she loved that grin! "I'm a married woman now. I cannot promise any man but Will such things."
Was that disappointment on his face? No, it was sadness. Sadness? She could tell he was trying not to let it show.

Out of nowhere, someone started banging on the door. It was too loud to be one person. Elizabeth glimpsed at Jack. A questioning eyebrow was raised on his forehead. He slid his sword off hers and readied himself.
"Elizabeth, come here." he tilted his head to direct her.
"Jack, shouldn't we try to escape?"
"Oh...that's a good idea." They turned towards the back door, but someone started to pound on that one as well.

Before they knew it, they were surrounded by the soldiers in red coats. Elizabeth let out a small whimper. 'Not again.' Jack was searching the crowd, most likely trying to locate Collins. Instead, another man stepped forward. He was tall, broad- shouldered, had many medals on his coat, and Elizabeth realized he was probably only a few years younger than her. He removed his hat and planted his feet into the ground.
"Jack Sparrow," the man snickered and glowered at Jack, "it's so good to finally meet you."
"Captain Jack Sparrow..." Jack muttered.
"I'm sorry Captain Jack. Do forgive my flaw considering your title."
"Well, now that we've got mine down, we can try yours next . Who are you?" Jack asked, pointing at the gentleman.
"Oh, once again, I must ask for your forgiveness. I am Lord Duran. I assume Mr. Collins, my colleague, told you about me?"
Elizabeth placed her sword back on her belt and proclaimed, "You are the man who's making sure our lives are a living hell until we give you all the information you're asking for."
Duran turned to her and smiled. "Yes. That's one way of putting it. But I must say, Miss Swann, you bring the hell upon yourselves. If you would tell me what I want to know, the punishments would stop."
"Once we tell you what you want to know, you'll have no further use for us...and you'll hang us."

Duran waggled his head and gestured to two redcoats with shackles. One staggered to Elizabeth and placed the irons on her. These chains were tighter than any she'd ever worn. She looked down and saw that her wrists were turning red around the metal. Duran sauntered to Elizabeth and grunted, "What else are pirates for? They're human waste. Every pirate deserves to be put through hell and hang by a rope. I intend to make sure that every pirate gets what's coming to him...or her. You two pirates are exceptional. I need something from you. When I get it, you will get what you deserve."
"Jack's a pirate, but he's twice the man you'll ever be."

Duran lifted a hand and smacked Elizabeth. Almost instantly, she could feel her cheek pulse. She winced and put a hand to her face. Jack shook his index finger, "That wasn't very nice." Duran glared at him and snarled, "Pirates are useless scoundrels." I will not be insulted by any of them. Especially a woman." He motioned to the other soldier with the shackles and turned to walk out the door. Before he pushed it open, he spun around and tipped his hat, "I'll see the both of you at the hangman's noose." He shoved the door open and stormed out.

Jack dragged his feet through the mud with Elizabeth as they followed their coated escort. Elizabeth did not look troubled...at all. He was surprised. Leaning over, he whispered to her, "Don't worry, Elizabeth. I'll make sure you don't get branded. You don't deserve to have this bloody 'p' on your arm." He shook his jacket sleeve up, and showed his own mark to her.
"Yes I do. I'm a pirate. Isn't that how this works?" She sighed and hung her head. As she spoke, he could hear her jaw cracking. Probably the result of Duran striking her, the welt on her cheek showed enough.
"No. Being branded means you are notorious, infamous, and basically have no soul. That's the kind of pirate that gets branded. No offense, Lizzie, but you're not that good yet. All you've done is free a pirate and go to war with landlubbers and fish people."

There was the smile he loved so much. It stretched from ear to ear, making her face light up like the stars. Jack hadn't seen her smile for a couple of days and, seeing it now, he didn't know how he'd lived without it. However, it vanished when they were thrown into a dark, cold room.

He landed on something sharp, he picked it up and felt it...it was a broken bottle. He growled and threw it aside. Light shined from the other end of the room. Soon, candles flickered around them and a fireplace was lit. Collins was standing in front of it, his well-known evil grin was plastered on his face.
"Captain Sparrow. Mrs. Turner." He nodded to both of them marched forward.
Jack smiled at him. "Mr. Collins. I was beginning to miss you."
"And I, you, Jack. Elizabeth, you've got an awfully big mark on your face."

Elizabeth lifted her hand to her red cheek and sighed. She pushed herself up and said with hate, "We met your Lord Duran."
"Charming fellow, isn't he?"
"On the contrary, I quite detest the man."
"Well, you would. He's not an admirer of pirates."
"I still don't understand why not. Pirates are more admirable than you and your men."
"Your opinions are biased. Miss Elizabeth. Your husband is a pirate."
"Doesn't prove anything."

Jack stood up and stretched. "Mr. Collins," he said. "I am not a fan of small talk. 'Tis a waste of time unless used as a distraction. But, before we DO end this useless conversation, I would like to ask you what it feels like to be taking orders from someone younger than you. A whelp, if you will."
Angry breaths escaped from Collins. He strode to the two of them and latched onto Elizabeth with his hand. Jack stepped towards him, but Collins drew his sword and aimed it at his chest.

Collins, keeping his sword pointed at Jack, moved back, heading for the fireplace. Jack could see what was coming. He saw the metal rod sticking out of the fire. The very end was shaped into a domestic "p". He would not let Collins brand Elizabeth. Being branded meant so much more than he'd explained to her. It didn't just mean you were a good pirate. It also meant you were lost to piracy forever. If someone saw the brand on your arm, you were as good as arrested. No turning back. He knew Elizabeth deserved a chance to give it all up. Piracy, that is. As much as he wanted her to be a pirate, this wouldn't do. She deserved a choice, rather than an invisible imprisonment.

Collins pulled out the evil instrument with the glowing orange pirate "p" attached to it. "Jack, I've noticed that you don't seem to want Elizabeth to get branded."
"Collins, just tell me what my options are." Although they were pretty clear.
"Tell me what I want to know, or she gets branded."
"What did you want to know again?" He was trying to buy enough time to think of an alternative plan.
"Where are the pirate lords? What is Calypso's significance and how do you bind her? Where is William Turner's heart?"

Jack looked at Elizabeth. She did not look scared. She did not look worried. She trusted him. Her face showed it. That's all he needed. The original plan was the only was to go.
"Alright Collins. The pirate lords were planning on gathering at Berton Island. A long celebration was to be held to enjoy the victory over Jones and Beckett. Pirate parties can last up to weeks. So, chances are, they're still there."
"Why Berton? Why not Shipwreck Cove again?"
"Why would they go back? So you can return, find them, and kill them? Haven't I told you before that I'm not stupid? I was speaking for all pirates." Jack was proud of himself. If it wasn't HIM talking, he would believe it himself.
"Very well. What about Calypso?"
"Calypso is a sea goddess. She controls the sea. The Brethren Court bound her in her bones years ago so that the sea could rule itself. Haven't you heard the song 'Hoist the Colors'?"
"No I have not. How do you bind her?"
"Isla Cruces. There's a box there filled with love letters and trinkets and such. Burn some and say 'Calypso, I bind you.' as if you were speaking to one of your many lovers."
"Where is William Turner's heart?"
"You had it right under your nose, mate. It's back on Curdy, where you captured us the FIRST time. We didn't get a chance to grab it. Probably still under that palm tree."
Chuckling, Collins said, "Thank you, Sparrow."

And that's when he thrust the sweltering metal onto Elizabeth's flesh. Jack heard her scream in agony. He saw the smoke rise from her arm. It only lasted seconds, but, to him, it seemed like hours. The scream pierced his ears and stung his heart. When it was over, and the "p" was visible on her pale skin.

Jack was livid. He searched for the broken bottle he'd seen before. After he spotted it, he took hold of it by the neck and hid it behind his back. Collins took no notice, for he was giving orders to take the pirates away. Jack practically tip-toed forwards and shoved the sharp glass into Collins.

Elizabeth shrieked, holding her burnt arm. Collins yelped in pain and pulled the bottle out of his back. Jack grasped her free hand and commanded, "Hold on!" He yanked her out of the door, running through all of the red coats. He heard Collins shout, "After them!" as they ran through the busy street. They bumped into numerous people and knocked over numerous things. As they were pushing and shoving through the people, Elizabeth kept apologizing to them, "Sorry. Pardon us. Apologies. Excuse us."

Then they came to the fort. So many memories here. Funny, happy memories flooded through Jack, but then disintegrated when he realized they were at a dead end. Could they make the twenty-story jump into the sea, missing the rocks below it? He and Elizabeth looked over the side.
"Do you think we can make it?" she asked, out of breath.
"You've made it. I've made it...but those were slim chances. Our options are to surely be hanged or maybe drown." He stared at her. There was fear on her face now. Their eyes locked. Jack felt a shock buzz through him. She had such beautiful eyes. And a perfect mouth. And...

Jack shook it off, blinking the thought away. She seemed to be doing the same. He could hear shouting in the distance. The soldiers' boots sounded like thunder. Elizabeth arched her neck to look behind. Jack heard a shot. A gasp. Then she was no longer beside him. He looked over the edge and saw her falling.

So many thoughts ran through his head, but the loudest one said, "Jump!" And Jack did. As he fell, he saw her splash into the water, missing the rocks. He sighed in relief. When he found himself in the water, he swam back up, breathing heavily for air. He looked around to see that Elizabeth had not resurfaced as he had. He dove underwater and swam down. She was lying at the bottom, not moving. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her above the water. Examining her still body, he saw that she was only shot in the shoulder. She was alive…well, at least she would have been if she were breathing.

As if by magic, he saw the Sea Dog on the horizon. He dropped her over his shoulder and swam toward it. He felt a déjà vu, carrying her like this. When they'd first met, he had had to save her from drowning, after she'd fallen off the same fort.

When the Sea Dog approached, Jack grabbed onto the ladder on the side and climbed up. Gibbs held out his hand to help him, but then saw Elizabeth. He pulled back and shouted to the unaware crew, "Out of the way! Make way for the captain!" Jack boarded and laid her on the deck. He knelt beside her and shooed the pirates, "Move! Scurry!" The pirates obeyed and got back to work. Gibbs stood over Jack and suggested, "Cap'n, you could use that technique I told ye about some years ago."
"Aye." Jack remembered. He opened Elizabeth's mouth with his fingers and blew into it. He sat up and looked at her. She still wasn't breathing. He bent down and whispered, "Don't do this to me, Elizabeth. Breathe." He blew in her mouth again and again.

Elizabeth opened her eyes to find Jack's mouth on hers. She found this rather alarming. He lifted off of her and she spit out some water. She coughed and gasped for air. 'Did Jack just save my life…again?' All she remembered was her shoulder burning, then nothing. Now, Jack was looking relieved and her shoulder was stinging. He shouted at Gibbs, "Fetch me some rum!" "Aye, Cap'n!" He was breathing quickly and heavily, and then sighed, "Thank God." Gibbs returned with the rum and Jack bit the cork off and spit it on the deck. Elizabeth was still struggling for air, and it only worsened when he poured the rum on her galling wound. She squeezed some tears out, the sting made them flow. Gibbs' eyes widened and he demanded, "Cap'n, what ARE you doing?!"
"Tia Dalma taught me this one. The rum will clean out the wound so it won't get infected. Now, bring me a blanket of some sort."

Gibbs readily agreed and hurried off. Elizabeth was now enlightened on what was going on. She had been shot and Jack was trying to help her now. More tears flowed now, but these were different. These were of thanks and happiness. She managed to croak, "Thank you so much, Jack."
"Don't ever scare me like that again, Elizabeth."
"You were worried?" He had been worried about her? How sweet.
"Of course!" He grunted and added fleetly, "If Will came back after ten years and found out you had perished while in my care, imagine what he would do to me! Especially with all the Dutchman powers he's got now."
Oh. He hadn't been worried about her personally. Still, it was sweet…for a pirate. "Thank you."

Why was he being so nice to her? The "good man" intellection didn't fit here…