William certainly is an interesting child, isn't he?
46. Up
Davy glanced at William, who had apparently been worn out by the excitement, and was curled up asleep on a crate. William hair drifted in the currents, but he didn't even seem to notice that.
Bootstrap, and most of the crew, kept getting distracted by the boy.
Davy looked up, to the spot where the water met the air. "It's calm up there. Ishkur will have a harder time appearing. Take us up, Palifico."
The rush of water woke William up and he sat up as the water on deck drained away. The boy looked down in surprise. "I'm wet."
47. Moonlight
Bootstrap was worried. Now, Bootstrap was often unhappy, but right now, he was worried.
The moon was rising, and it was a clear night. William had handled the Dutchman's curse without getting frightened, but…
"Granddad? Why are you hiding in the shadows?"
Bootstrap jumped slightly. William looked at him oddly. "Is it 'cause of the Azt'c curse? 'Cause I already know about it. Jack looks funny when she's in the moonlight."
Bootstrap gaped at him for a moment.
William rolled his eyes. "I'm not a little kid, Granddad. An' Mum and Da are Captains."
Bootstrap stepped out; William didn't flinch.
48. Homesick
William blinked as he woke up. The sun was shining through to the crew deck. Sometime last night, William had fallen asleep following Bootstrap on his rounds.
The coat covering him fell away as he sat up.
He stared at the ship around him. The Dutchman was so sad like this, covered in sea life.
His Da's ship was much nicer, and… William clutched at the coat. He didn't like the Dutchman without his Da.
William leaned against Bootstrap and, when Bootstrap didn't stir, climbed into his lap.
That woke Bootstrap up.
"Granddad? When can I go home?" William asked.
49. Preparations
Will finished giving Maccus instructions as he put on his baldric and double checked his pistol.
Maccus looked somewhat amused. "I don't think you'll need those, Captain."
"I'm about to meet the man who killed me, Mr. Maccus," Will said dryly. "For my peace of mind, I need my weapons."
They headed out, and Will briefed his crew. None of them looked terribly surprised.
He scowled. "As soon as I get William back, you had best be able to tell me everything," he told Bootstrap.
"And if I can't?" Bootstrap asked quietly.
Will just turned to face Elizabeth. "I'm ready."
50. Leaving
After making sure that none of the Empress's crew was on the Dutchman, Will looked at the only mortal on board. "I think you should probably get over there," he said.
Elizabeth scowled. "I wish I could go with you."
Will sighed. "I wish you could come too. But… if something happens… I can't die."
"I know. Bring him back," she tilted her head up. He obliged with a kiss.
Both crews were carefully not watching them when they parted.
Once Elizabeth was on the Empress, Will turned to Calypso. "Let's get this over with."
A wave swamped the Dutchman.
Now Will is going to get William… this might get… complicated.