The Angel's Flight

A week had passed since the war with Erebus had come to an end, and things on the Dutchman were beginning to change. The tension from the past few months had lifted now that their biggest threat no longer roamed the seas. The remainders of Erebus's crew were quickly put to use, now serving under Jack Sparrow's command. As he expected, he claimed the Raven for his own, making it as homey as possible. It wasn't the Black Pearl, but he was grateful regardless. As Alanna and Will made plans to sail back to San Juan, they begged Jack to join them. But he was quick to decline.

"You know I'm not big on social events," he said matter-of-factly. "You're much better at that than I am. Besides, your lady there deserves all the glory."

Beside her love, Alanna blushed and embraced Will tighter, surprised to say the least by Jack's compliment. He was hardly known as a man of many words, but his kind display of respect was welcomed. As his crew prepared to set sail, Jack drew Alanna aside.

"You know I really meant what I said back there," he told her swiftly. "Will really is lucky to have you fighting alongside him. I have a feeling he'll be a lot better with you than he ever was with Elizabeth. Trust me on that."

In the next instant, he was gone, striding to dispatch orders to the newest members of his crew. After making his final farewells to Will and his crew, Jack hopped aboard the Raven, and, with a final sweep of his hat, he and his new crew sailed away from the Dutchman, set on fire by the setting sun. As they gained speed, a round of cannons sounded off, signaling their final farewell. Alanna embraced Will from behind, laying her head in his shoulder.

"You know," she mused. "He's not so bad, once you get to know him. He really is a good man…and a pirate all the same."

Will nodded, kissing her forehead. "Yes," he agreed. "He's a little rough around the edges, but I think I like him that way."

They continued to stare into the sunset, watching the Raven until it was out of sight.

Three days later, they made port once again in San Juan, this time under much better circumstances. Upon hearing of their victory, Stefan and his family were ready to welcome them as they came up the hill. The servants branched out on either side of the sandstone steps, throwing rose petals and shouting their congratulations to Will and his crew. The moment couldn't have been more perfect. Erebus, Will's only true enemy, was dead and they were free to roam the seas in peace. A giant party was held to celebrate their accomplishments, which carried late into the night, just as the ones that were held aboard the Dutchman.

The next morning, however, was not so pleasant. The sky, a clear, cerulean blue the day before, was now a dreary gray, a light drizzle descending upon the island throughout the day. They supposed it was fitting, since they would be paying respects to their lost comrades that evening. Alanna, try as she might, could not keep the forlornness from her heart as she stared out into the dreary rain. Lost in thought, she was startled when Will placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"They'll never be forgotten," he whispered soothingly. "Not as long as we keep them in our hearts."

Alanna turned to him, fresh tear tracks on her cheeks. "I know," she said, though her voice shook. "It's just hard to let them go."

Will smiled sadly and brushed her tears away with his thumb. "It'll be all right, love. You'll see them again someday."

Alanna smiled, but her eyes filled with tears once more. Will said nothing, but embraced her, letting her cry softly into his chest.

As the day wore on, the storm began to lift, displaying rich spots of blue throughout the blanket of gray. Towards sunset, it seemed as though angels had touched the sky, rays of gold and crimson setting the clouds aflame. As the light flooded the simple bedroom, Alanna once again donned the sapphire gown; the locket Will had given her hanging from her neck. That magical night seemed ages from now as she gazed into the mirror. A woman sat where a naïve girl once was. This adventure, as wondrous as it had been, had changed her, though she was too proud to acknowledge it. A soft smile touched her lips when she saw Will, also donning blue, stood behind her, his sword hanging from his belt.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

With a sigh, Alanna stood and took his hand. "No," she confessed. "I don't think anyone could be truly ready to say goodbye."

After a short embrace, Alanna walked to the table beside the bed and picked up a medium-sized box. Within it sat Arthur's violin and Christopher's favorite pair of kitchen knives; the last remaining symbols of their friends' everlasting passions.

As twilight set in, Will and Alanna, along with Stefan and his entire household made a candle-lit pilgrimage to the highest cliff overlooking the ocean While Alanna carried the box containing her friends' most prized possessions, Will and Stefan followed behind carrying the swords of their fallen comrades. The only sounds that could be heard was the soft tread of the mourners walking up the trail, their candles flickering in and out of the light underbrush, and the constant sound of the ocean pounding against the rocks. All too soon, they arrived at the cliff, where two simple headstones sat. They read:

Christopher Penin Loyal sailor and talented chef Arthur Cummings

Beloved fiddler and friend

After a few words were shared, two of Stefan's servants came forward and dug two holes in front of the headstones. Swallowing her tears, Alanna knelt and opened the box, first placing the knives into Christopher's grave, blowing a kiss as she covered the hole. Next, with a great heaviness in her heart, she placed Arthur's fiddle in the ground and repeated the gesture. She stood, but not before whispering, "Rest in peace, my friends. You will be greatly missed."

Wiping a few stray tears, she turned back to Will, brushing the dust off her gown. Will wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her cheek

"That was a very thoughtful gesture, my love," he told her. "I'm sure they would have greatly appreciated it.'

Through her grief, she smiled. "I think so, too," she replied. "I think they're watching us right now."

As if on cue, the few remaining clouds passed to reveal two twinkling stars, both of which were winking at the couple below them. Upon seeing the stars, Will and Alanna looked at each other, the same thought crossing their mind: They were being watched over, and with any luck, they would be reunited with their comrades when their time came.

As the group began to filter back to the house, Alanna decided to stay behind for a few moments to say goodbye in private. Promising Will that she would follow shortly, he left to join Stefan, leaving her with her thoughts. She stood on the cliff alone, with the waves her only companion. Once again she knelt by the graves, touching the cold stones with reverence. This had truly been a journey, one filled with so many memories that were sure never to be forgotten. At that moment, as she looked to the sea beyond, she made a vow. If and when she returned to her own world, she would write every bit of her adventure down. Even with all the gruesome things she had experienced, she decided that, as a writer, each one deserved to be written. Her mind made up, she stood and began to walk toward the house when something caught her eye. An unknown object was floating on the water, barely visible in the darkness. Squinting to see it better, she moved to the very edge of the cliff. Thinking it to be a lost boatman, she leaned forward, straining to see the mysterious object. As she did so, however, her lack of balance returned and she toppled over the edge, her arms spreading like a pair of outstretched wings.