Twenty One
Her intended brief meeting was not at all brief. It lasted nearly three hours. However, all that she wanted accomplished was. She lingered on Teague's ship thinking of her actions earlier and waiting for the room to clear until it was just her and Teague.
"Are you here for a reason or not Elizabeth?" asked Teague, still arranging the room.
"Where would Jack go if he needed to hide from the world?" wondered Elizabeth.
"From experience, the one place no one would think to find him," said Teague. "My quarters in the Cove."
Drawing a deep breath, Elizabeth quietly entered Teague's room. Her eyes were too taken by the sight to remember Jack. The room looked exactly like Will's only piled with more books, papers, and many maps on the walls. She noticed three doors. The door on the right and up the stairs was where she would find him. She quietly went through the door and up the stairs. She stood in the doorway looking at Jack with his knees against his chest and his arms around them, gazing into the vast abyss of the clear sky. She glanced at the star maps then the telescope before glancing down at him again. He looked so like Will from the back. She could see Will sitting exactly like that. She stood behind him then touched his shoulder.
Jack looked at her. Tears, new tears, upon his face dripped.
"She will be fine Jack. You'll see," whispered Elizabeth, sitting beside him.
"I don't know how she can be. You know what happened to Will. She can't survive that. He didn't survive it," said Jack.
"But Beckett let her go. Maybe she's in good care," said Elizabeth.
"She's marked Elizabeth, and hurt. She won't be able to fight. They'll let her die," shouted Jack with more fright than she had ever known. "I can't lose her. I love her. She's my wife Elizabeth."
"I know. I saw the ring and I know how you feel."
"I feel guilty for not staying with her."
"I know Jack. I know. The only way to relieve guilt is to talk. Don't bear this burden along. Things will happen and you'll regret not telling because you can't."
"I don't know what to do."
"Cry. You'll feel better. Don't ever hide emotion."
Jack nodded as he bit his lip and whispered a single word. "Anamaria."
"It's all right Jack. It's all right," whispered Elizabeth, wrapping her arms around him.
Jack continued to hold himself and cry as Elizabeth rocked gently back and forth.
Bill's eyes hardly left his son's face until Will finally woke.
"Where's Elizabeth?" asked Will, sitting up.
"Not back yet," replied Bill.
"How long?" wondered Will.
"Three hours," said Wills. "I want to know just as much as you."
Will nodded and noticed he wore only his robe. He looked around for his coat, but saw something else. "Whose coat is that? I like it."
"Oh, that's yours," said Wills, handing it to him.
Will looked at it. the coat was thick velvet, wine colored, containing gold buttons and beautiful patterns of embroidery trimming every edge. "Very nice. Who gave it to me?"
"Claude," said Wills.
"When was he here?" asked Bill.
"When you made me rest. I woke and there he was," said Wills.
"What do you think of him?" asked Will.
"I like him. He knows a lot about destinies and the Flying Dutchman, too much. He said that he was once a member of the crew. Instead of death he chose to assist Calypso," said Wills.
Will's eyes lit with thought. He swung the coat around his shoulders, noticing a letter. As usual, and not surprised, he read it. More though came to him. He turned to his father.
"Have you ever noticed something about Claude?" he asked. Bill shrugged. "The ring, letters, and now the coat. His initials are D.J.. We met him in the Bermuda Triangle when Calypso invited me to her home. He was wearing this coat. Do you remember his eyes? You told me they were familiar. The same pale, blue eyes that had seen too much were identical of that of Claude and a certain heartless captain."
"Will, it can't be," said Bill.
Will nodded. "Claude is a human from the past. Rather, four hundred years in the past. Four hundred years ago someone called Davy Jones was a human who captained the Flying Dutchman with a normal crew of men. Claude and I spoke for a day just on the duty of the captain alone. He spoke with such passion and regret."
"He was the one who found Wills's soul and brought it back when he stabbed himself," added Bill. "He had to have known the waters of World's End."
"The letters should have given it away," said Will. He shook his head in amazement. "I knew it was him the moment we spoke."
"Davy Jones," replied Wills.
"She learned to love enough to finally love him in return," said Bill.
"I know Davy Jones," Wills told himself as he sat. "I knew it was him. There was something about him when we spoke. He also told me that my destiny, your destiny, father, and the destiny of another are connected and will be revealed in a single move. He also told me that, with limitations, my destiny will be chosen myself."
"That's good," said Bill.
"But no matter what I'll end up part of the ship," added Wills.
The three of them looked at each other.
"I'm sorry that took so long," said Elizabeth finally coming back and rushing to Will to give him a tight hug.
"Well?" wondered Will.
"The Empress leaves an hour before sunrise and the Pearl leaves last," said Elizabeth.
"The bait?" asked Bill.
"Calypso," replied Elizabeth nodding.
"You need a bath," noted Will, touching her hair.
"I know. I'm going to do that now. Come to join me?" said Elizabeth.
Will looked at his father.
"You don't need my permission to take a bath," said Bill.
"Great," replied Will with a glowing smile.
"And no clothes allowed," added Elizabeth causing Will to smile more.
"Can I walk?" asked Will.
"Part of the way," said Bill.
Will nodded. "Fair enough."
"Are you all right Wills?" asked Elizabeth.
"I'm thinking," replied Will thoughtfully.
"All right," said Elizabeth. She looked at Will. "I'll get my robe."
"Once I handle these two I'm going to speak with Teague. I need to talk to him about something," said Bill to Wills.
"I'm gonna stay here," said Wills.
"Don't let it get to your head. He is human after all," said Bill.
"I won't," Wills told them, not looking at them and still mostly in his own world. Despite his odd behavior, they left.
After allowing Will and Elizabeth to be alone, Bill went on a quick search only to find Teague still on this ship. Bill stood in the cabin waiting for Teague to finish add to the Code
"What do you have to say Bill?" wondered Teague motioning to a chair.
Bill sat but didn't speak. He held his hands to keep them from trembling. "Remember, long ago, when you asked a favor of me?" he asked. "One that required a watchful eye on a free Sparrow?"
"I do and I thank you for that," said Teague.
"Earn my thanks by returning the favor," requested Bill. "As captain I won't be there to look after Will."
Teague shut his eyes. "What does he think of this?"
"I haven't told him," said Bill. "How can I?"
"So your plan is to fight, become captain, and not see him for ten years?" wondered Teague.
"Pretty much," said Bill.
"You know he can't live without you. You're his father. You're the one that kept him together for eighteen years when he was under a severe price. You cannot just abandon him," Teague told him.
"At least I'm abandoning Will to secure his life not just to abandon him because I was afraid to be a father," said Bill.
"We agreed that one of us would do it," reminded Teague.
"Jack needs you. He needs a father. Will has you, Jack, the Pearl, Elizabeth, Wills and a life that he can finally live. I need to lose to win."
"Why are you telling me?"
I need someone to help me accomplish this."
"You do know what this means?"
"I've been on that ship as much as I have aged normal. He'll keep my heart safe. We can meet at sea. I'll explain my reasoning to him on the one day before I begin my duty."
"Bill, this doesn't seem right."
"It's the only way to keep my son safe. No one else will."
Teague nodded and sighed. "He truly is your treasure isn't he?"
Bill shook his head. "He is my reason for everything. He is my life."
"Then you need to know our entire intent of tomorrow and the days that follow for you to achieve what you want," said Teague.
Shaking his head, Bill walked down the hall. At the door to Will's room he heard two people playing guitars. Will was laughing. Bill shut his eyes. A brief moment of emotion and tears came over him. He quickly regained his composure and walked in.
Jack and Wills were playing while Will was combing through his wife's hair.
Bill watched, branding the moment in his head.
"Shouldn't you two be sleeping? It'll be a long day," he said.
"That is true. I need to be up a few hours before sunrise," said Elizabeth.
"I'm not going anywhere so I'll go somewhere out of the way and play there," said Wills as he stood.
"Wills come here," said Elizabeth. She pulled him into a tight hug. "I love you."
"I love you mum. I just want to say I'm sorry for everything again," said Wills. He smiled at his mother and ran out.
"Little whelp don't break that or drop it. My father will kill me," said Jack, running after him.
"Your immortal Jack," reminded Will.
Jack stopped and turned. He raised a finger. "The Immortal Captain Jack Sparrow, King of the Brethren Court," he corrected.
"Someone is grateful," noted Will.
"He deserves it," said Elizabeth.
"I'll leave you two alone now. I'll be in my room," said Bill.
"Good night father," said Will.
Bill smiled. "Night Will."
"So, you and I are alone now. What do we want to do?" said Will.
Elizabeth went around the room blowing out all the candles. She curled in bed next to Will, resting her head against his chest, listening to his beating heart. She was asleep in moments.
Will covered them both. He wrapped his arm around her and rubber her cheek until he to fell into a comfortable sleep gazing at his beautiful wife.
Teague shook her shoulder harder, calling her name again.
Elizabeth woke and turned her head to Will. Seeing him still asleep, she rolled onto her back.
"Elizabeth, it begins in one hour," said Teague. "I'll be in the main hall. You have ten minutes to prepare."
"I'll be right there," whispered Elizabeth.
Once Teague left, she gently unwrapped herself from Will's arms and covered his body with his blanket. She dressed in her brown breeches, white tunic, and dark blue vest. Pulling on her boots, she looked at her sleeping son on the couch. She took her belts and set them on her one last time, she crawled next to Will and gazed hard at his moonlit face. She lowered her head until her lips met his. For a moment, she felt as though he was returning the kiss, which, in fact, he was. He looked at her sleepily.
"Go back to sleep Will. I need to share last minute information with the Empress and review the plan before she sails to war. You probably won't see me at all today. I'll be running around not knowing where I'm going because I'll be thinking of you," she whispered.
"I wish I could go to war. I just want to help," admitted Will.
"You're safe here and our son is going to take care of you," said Elizabeth.
"Once this is over and we're home, do you think I could try being a father, actually raising a child?" asked Will.
"Of course," said Elizabeth.
"You know, when I was laying here last night looking at you, I was thanking every god I know that I am alive. I wouldn't be if it wasn't for you and Jack and our idiot son," said Will with a laugh.
"Well he is seventeen," noted Elizabeth. "Now get some more sleep."
Will shut his eyes. He lay quiet a moment. "Alexander James and Emily Marie. I've already thought of their names."
"Go to sleep Will," said Elizabeth, gently rubbing his face and head with the back of her fingers.
Will shut his eyes, pressed his cheek against the pillow then immediately fell asleep again.
Elizabeth gazed at her Will, kissed her son's face, brushed Will's cheek one last time then very quietly left them. They would be safe here and she knew they would be all right.
"Wills, are you sure about this?"
"Uncle Jack, I know what I am doing. Calypso's answer?"
"She agreed to do it."
"Do what? Jack, are you scheming again? You don't plan mate. You make it up as you go along remember?" asked Will.
"This requires planning," said Jack.
"How far in it are we?" asked Will, pushing himself up on his arms.
"Three ships left. Fourth just left. You've been asleep all morning," said Jack.
"Have you seen Elizabeth?" wondered Will.
"Not really," replied Jack.
"She said she would be busy," noted Will.
"Daddy, if you could go to war too, would you?" asked Wills.
"Aye, I want to help, but I just don't have the strength," said Will.
"Not if Calypso's word is accurate and our plan follows through well," said Jack. "But would you?"
"Why are you asking me this?" wondered Will.
Jack shrugged. "Curiosity."
Bill entered. "I'll be leaving soon and I wanted to say good bye before I didn't get the chance."
"All right," said Will.
Bill pulled Will into the tightest, gentle hug he ever had. "It will be over soon."
"I know," said Will. "Do me a favor." He pulled away. "Come back."
Bill nodded. "I will."
"All of you," Will added, setting his hand across his father's chest.
Bill took his hand. "Will, keep a weather eye on the horizon."
Will nodded with a smile.
Bill's eyes expressed pain and sadness, but no regret. He nodded
"I'll be back soon," he said. "All of me."
"You better," said Will with a laugh.
Bill nodded and left leaving Will and his son alone.
Jack boarded the Black Pearl again.
"Do we have everything?" asked Bill.
"Yep," said Jack looking at the last two crates.
"What?" wondered Bill.
"Me personal affects," answered Jack.
Bill rolled his eyes as Jack walked past him. He slapped the arm of one of the two men carrying Jack's possessions. "Nice coat," he noted.
The man nodded his gratitude as he stumbled to Jack's cabin.
Two days past. All was according to plan at the moment. The Empress had led the Crusader away and other ships les several Armada ships away. The method of messengers from Calypso's crabs proved to be quite useful. By Bill, Andrew was also included in the transactions to keep watch on the bait. The bait was merely being held captive, unharmed, and taken care of father well. Should all continue as planed the battle would evolve in two days.
"Jack, Beckett is at the destination requested," said Bill.
"Where would that be?" asked Jack from the helm.
"An island near the Cove," replied Bill.
"Good," said Jack.
"We've been sailing in a circle for two days?" wondered Pintel.
Gibbs nodded. "Aye. Pretty much."
Looking at the setting sun Bill smiled as he read the note.
"Who's that from?" asked Jack, leaning over his shoulder.
"My son," said Bill. "We've been writing to the other each morning and night. Calypso is rather quick."
"How is he?" wondered Jack.
"He wants to know what is happening. He told me to watch Elizabeth with my life. I wish I could. She's all right though. He's been working at it and he can finally walk on his own. Just today he picked up a sword and attempted to review his swordsmanship," said Bill.
"That's good," noted Jack.
"Jack, I now regret leaving him behind," admitted Bill. "He writes with passion. He wants to fight to keep his life. His reasons have changed. It is his life he's fighting for. He got it back and now he wants to ensure that he can live it. Though, I am glad he isn't here. I'd worry too much and he wouldn't have the strength to fight."
"What if Calypso granted him his strength back? Would you let him go then?" asked Jack.
"Wherever he goes Wills follows. I can't watch them both," said Bill.
"What if Calypso gave me her word as the seas that Will wouldn't die, gave him back his strength and memories of sword fighting, and assured me that Wills's destiny was in the little whelp's own doing?" asked Jack thoughtful.
Bill looked at Jack suspiciously and not wanting the answer. "Why are you asking me this?"
"What if it was all true and Will and Wills are in my cabin now?" asked Jack.
"I would stab you until you died," said Bill.
"You can stab me all you want, but I won't die. I'm immortal remember?" said Jack, slowly backing away.
After a long look at Jack, Bill walked to the captain's cabin, opened the doors, and went inside.
Jack counted on his fingers of the passing seconds until he heard his name being hollered. Eight seconds. Not bad at all. He went up deck to his cabin where Bill had Wills by a handful of hair.
"What the bloody hell is he doing here?" shouted Bill.
Jack shrugged. "He stowed away?"
"If you're here…you left your father alone?" hollered Bill.
"Actually he's here too," replied Wills.
"Hello father."
Bill turned.
Will leaned against the doorway with his arms folded and a smile upon his face.
"How did you get him aboard?" Bill asked Will.
"We walked past you when bringing Jack's personal affects in his cabin. You commented on my coat," replied Will instead. He looked at his coat. "It is rather fine isn't it?"
Bill smacked his palm against his forehead. He paced back and forth. "You two cannot be here. Neither has had enough sword training. I'm not losing either one." He looked at Will. "I'm not letting you watch. You're staying below deck with your son."
"And if Beckett finds me defenseless below deck?" began Will. "I don't need your approval to fight a war that is my own. By the way, I'm normal and myself. Observe."
"Grandfather, you need to let me go to prove it to you," Wills told Bill who still had a handful of hair.
Will and Wills whipped out their swords. They parried each other with intensity for ten minutes. Neither tired and Bill watched his son.
Will had once fought like that long ago and was now better than ever. He was literally a warrior god on his feet. The two ended with having spun and their swords colliding above their heads.
"Do you have Aqua de Vida on board?" asked Bill.
Jack groaned. "Now someone wants it."
"I was given the word of the sea goddess that I would not be killed and Wills would make his own destiny," said Will.
"Do you know the plan in entirety?" wondered Bill walking closer.
Will nodded. "I do know, including which two will be seeking the most opportune moment to release Beckett," he said, looking at his father.
Bill sighted and muttered. "Damn. Still no feeling."
"She can give me strength and assist my wounds to heal, but not repair any damage that had been done. It is because of who gave me these wounds and on the ship that I received them. Were it any other person, crew, ship…I would have been healed the day after you found me. She has no say about the Flying Dutchman other than the beginning which was assigning the duty," said Will.
"William, I don't like this," said Bill with worried eyes.
"It's too late. I'm here now. This is my battle. I am going to fight it. My destiny has not been fulfilled and that is why I'm here," said Will.
"I don't mean to interrupt, but I do," began Wills looking around. "Where is mum?"
"You haven't told them yet?" wondered Bill.
"Time and tide mate," replied Jack shaking his head. "Nope."
"Well then, Will, you tell me. She's not on the Pearl and she left with the Empress, which was the only ship to find Beckett directly. Remember, the bait couldn't be useful unless not meant to be killed. Beckett already has his prize with him," said Bill. "Your foolish Turner mind has gotten to a Swann also."
"What was she thinking?" asked Wills.
"What were you thinking all those times?" asked Bill.
Wills sighed. "Touché."
Will slumped onto the helm stairs and held himself. He wanted to know the answer to that too. Even his prize he would become bored with. She would be safe for a time, but not that long. She would not survive Beckett's boredom relief or his interrogation.
"Is she alive? All right?" he asked.
"As of this early afternoon yes," replied Bill.
"I swear to my soul two will not have fallen to Beckett," said Will.
"Perhaps three," added Jack, looking at the vast ocean wondering about Anamaria.
Will gazed at the darkening sunset. His thoughts dwelled on his Elizabeth.
Elizabeth's thoughts were also on Will as she too looked at the empty horizon showing the final sunlight of the day. She brought another piece of turkey leg to her mouth. The chains rattled. Despite the fact that her wrists were shackled and ankles chained to the organ, she was doing rather well. Surprisingly, but not, Beckett was taking good care of her. The most he did was nicely ask her a few questions. When she refused to answer, he merely smiled and left the room or tended to other business. During her captivity, she learned much more about Will and Bill while they were captain and first mate. She also learned about Anamaria's time here. Fortunately, Anamaria's sufferings were nowhere near Will's, but could have been lighter. A coat around her shoulders brought her from her thoughts.
"Are you enjoying that?" wondered Beckett as he sat across the table and began eating as well.
"Yes, in fact, it's rather good," noted Elizabeth.
"May we talk?" asked Beckett, showing no anger but gentleness.
"That depends on what about," replied Elizabeth.
"Your son," said Beckett.
"What of my child?" wondered Elizabeth.
"I wish to know how he is now that he no longer has his father to protect him," said Beckett.
"You've ignited a fire that grows more each day, and it's not just my son. The entire Brethren Court own a fire within," replied Elizabeth.
Beckett smiled. "Good. I enjoy battle with flames and fury. It's always interesting."
"You won't be on this Earth for much longer. I do hope you realize that," said Elizabeth. Ever so curious, Beckett looked at her. "Will's father intends to release you and bind himself. The least he can do is ferry his son's soul and give him peace. In fact, that's all Bill wants. He wants to be the one to free his son and continue the duty as punishment for his son's death."
"Being mortal, yes I know about the counter curse to joining the crew, Bill Turner will be easily reunited with his son's soul should they meet in the other world," said Beckett.
"You assume much," said Elizabeth.
"I know much," corrected Beckett with a smile. He looked at Elizabeth then stood beside her. He set his hand on her cheek. "You are a worthy prize indeed. Strong, widowed, and beautiful as the sunrise. Would you be willing to join my crew Elizabeth? I do hope you take no offense to me calling you Elizabeth."
"None taken. My answer, for reference, is the same as my husband's was," replied Elizabeth.
"There are ways to change you decision," said Beckett.
"You can do what you wish to me. I will forever refuse," Elizabeth told him, moving her face out of his hand.
"I never said I would change you decision by using force on you now did I?" wondered Beckett. "But is does involve yours and your husband's blood actually."
"You will not harm my son. Don't ever think you can harm him. You can't harm him," said Elizabeth, holding her fear behind her words.
Beckett smiled. "I don't need to think Elizabeth. I will. Enjoy your dinner."
Elizabeth glared as he left, but smiled once he was gone. Wills was currently looking after his father in Shipwreck City, safely inside Shipwreck Cove. She had no need to worry. Once the battle began she would swing across to the Pearl as Bill or Teague swung over to claim captaincy. She silently laughed. How little Beckett knew.
Beckett knew much more than he expressed, even to his most loyal followers. For instance, eight ships of different origin have let par t of his Armada away from him, but that was only his naval ships. Also, he found every letter that Bill sent to Andrew. Though is still proved as a shock to him, he glowered in the thoughts of torturing Wills in front of both of his parents and then torturing Will again and not making any mistakes this time. Oh yes, he knew of the Brethren's final attack plans and he was already waiting for the rest of the eight ships to return.
"Captain Beckett, another message," announced Moore.
"Ah, good," said Beckett, taking the letter. He read it over. "Well, it seems to me that the Brethren has gained a total of one hundred more ships of pirates and is expected to face battle tomorrow before noon if all is according to plan."
"Sir, one hundred ships," noted Moore. "Most of the Armada has been led away."
"Mr. Moore, our victory is this ship. We need no more," said Beckett.
"What of your prize?" wondered Moore.
"Well, some things must wait until after we wash our hands of blood," said Beckett.
"Captain, why not enjoy before. Blood is difficult to wash away from skin. We wouldn't want to spoil something so beautiful as that," noted Moore.
Beckett looked at him.
Moore shrugged and smiled knowingly.
"Mr. Moore, do not disturb. Inform the crew that I have last moment plans to carry through. You have the helm," said Beckett.
"Yes Captain," said Moore.
A soul could only last a certain amount of time unharmed in the eyes of Harrison Beckett. The one risk the Court agreed to take was certain to become reality. Elizabeth found that the difficult way. For a woman, it was the most difficult possible way.
Elizabeth sat hidden in a dark corner below the Dutchman's deck still holding her bare body. Never before had her body been used for the entertainment of such horrible men. She still felt their hands touching her and lips and tongues on her skin. All they did was laugh and Beckett drank tea, allowing this to go on. She had some dignity though. Fighting back she managed to draw blood on a few of them and spill Beckett's tea before scratching his face. After then, it all went wrong. Once again, she cried in her lonely corner, still afraid and hurt from what they had done. A blanket was wrapped around her body. Looking up, she saw a shadow blinded by her tears.
"Will," she whispered with a soft smile.
"No, Elizabeth. It's Andrew."
"I want Will," said Elizabeth.
"I know," said Andrew, rubbing her arms.
"They," began Elizabeth, but choked on her words.
"I know, I know. You're safer now. I have you," whispered Andrew, wrapping his arms around her. Evidence of what they did was on the scratches on her face, the bruises all around her body, and the still vibrant hickies. "Beckett was smart not to do it on this ship though. I would have stopped him."
"Is there any sign of them yet?" wondered Elizabeth.
"None. They're coming though," said Andrew.
"Will and Wills are on the Pearl. They're going to die. He knows everything," said Elizabeth.
"We cannot do anything until it begins. Nothing has begun yet," said Andrew. "Here, you put your clothes on now."
He handed Elizabeth her clothes then stood behind barrels of cargo giving her privacy that she greatly needed. No other man will ever see her body without her permission again.
"I think it's best if you stay here. It's out of the way and quiet," added Andrew.
"Thank you," said Elizabeth, giving him a gentle kiss on the cheek.
Andrew turned. He set his hands on her shoulders. "No woman should ever have to abandon her body to that, you especially. Stay here."
Hearing cries of struggle, Beckett lowered the spyglass. He turned to find Elizabeth held on deck by two men.
"You insulted me Elizabeth Turner very greatly. No one insults me and lives to tell their tale without a price," he said. Looking at Moore, he nodded slowly.
Elizabeth was pushed onto her knees. She was hunched over a crate. Her hands were shackled to the crate. Unsure what was going to happen, she looked at the Dutchman's crew. They gazed in horror behind her.
"Which number do you prefer? Eighteen or twenty-two?" asked Beckett then changed his mind. "Ah, eleven to equal the number of months of my rule as captain."
Elizabeth felt something she had only seen the affects of. It stung upon her back, cleaving flesh from bone. It happened again, and this time she flinched. Above her, Beckett smiled.
"Beckett, she has done no harm. You cannot do this," said Andrew, stepping forward then being held back by two marines.
"Neither did the other woman," reminded Beckett.
"She was with child," shouted Andrew.
"Her child had already been born in fact. The thing cannot be two months old," corrected Beckett.
Elizabeth forgot the pain a moment. Her mind surrendered to her thoughts. Jack Sparrow was a father.
"And what are you smiling for?" asked Beckett.
"You plans are not affective. This does not hurt," said Elizabeth.
"Hm, that would be a problem," noted Beckett. "How many?"
"Six so far," replied Moore.
"Hand me the lash," said Beckett, moving behind Elizabeth.
He raised the lash over his head then upon her back with all his might. This time she cried out. The single last upon her back delivered by Beckett caused more damage than the six by Moore. Beckett continued this with the same effort and intensity.
Elizabeth nearly chewed her tongue off no keep from crying out. Much sooner that she thought, the eleven lashed were delivered. She remained hunched over the cerate breathing hard and trembling. She couldn't imagine eighteen then saltwater, boiling water, and salt after much more. Her hands were freed. Before any could help, she stood on her own and struggled to keep balance.
Beckett looked into her strong eyes. "Impressive. I must say that was very impressive."
"All wounds heal with time," said Elizabeth, clenching her fists.
"And all wounds will leave a mark, especially a burn," added Beckett.
Elizabeth's eyes widened.
"No, you can't do this!" shouted Andrew, struggling hard as Elizabeth's wrist was exposed and laid flat on the rail.
One held back her body, one on her arm and one more holding her hand down.
"Now all that is left is your son," said Beckett, stepping toward her.
Elizabeth watched. Her struggled attempts failed miserably. She couldn't do anything. Her true fear would soon double and possibly triple. If her family all had it now how could they hide? How would they live? Elizabeth held her breath and could defenselessly watch as the orange metal touch her skin.
"They're here!" hollered Groves.
Beckett immediately removed the metal from Elizabeth's wrist. He took out his spyglass and handed the branding instrument to someone beside him. Far out in the distance was a line against the horizon. He could make out the ship in front.
"Excellent. The battle is to begin," he said.
"And her?" wondered Moore.
"Brig. I'll need amusement later," said Beckett.
Will Turner pulled the spyglass from Barbossa's hand. "It's the Dutchman."
"So be it then," said Jack. "We're ready."
The wind suddenly picked up speed.
Will looked up then thought. He looked out to sea. "Calypso, I have an offer," he called.
"Wot be dat?" a voice asked behind him.
"Give us a storm as you did before," requested Will.
"No maelstrom," said Gibbs.
"Keep the maelstrom small," said Will.
Calypso nodded. "Dat can be arranged."
"Calypso why?" asked Bill.
"Dis be your son's fight. Him have him strengt' back. Him have all knowledge wit' da sword. Him shall not die in dis battle of from him wounds," replied Calypso.
"And Wills?" asked Jack.
"Him will decide him own destiny and him fathah will help accomplish it," said Calypso.
"And us?" asked Gibbs.
"Dat be your own choosing," said Calypso.
"Calypso, you brought back Barbossa, helped bring back Jack, brought my father back twice and healed him," began Wills. "Can you bring life back into the Kraken?"
"No, not good!" cried Jack, waving his hands in the air.
Calypso gave him a nod. "Him already back in da sea, but him be half size smaller dan wot, him once be."
"Good enough," said Wills.
"Him be in you command and da future captain of da Dutchman," added Calypso, looking at Bill.
"You know my fate don't you?" asked Bill.
"You know your fate too. It be da same as your destiny," said Calypso.
Bill nodded with a heavy sigh. With what he just heard, he was convinced things would perhaps go according to plan for once.
"William, we not see each oder for long time afder now," said Calypso.
Will nodded. He stood closer to gently kiss her cheek. "Thank you for giving me another chance to live my life," he said. Calypso smiled. "Thank Jones for his gifts and send him my regards as well."
"I shall," said Calypso before disappearing into the sea.
"It begins again," said Teague.
"What are we fighting for this time?" wondered Barbossa.
"Will faced them confused. "How can you not know? Do you no know why we're here?"
Each pirate shook their head.
"Why are we here?" asked Pintel.
"I don't know," said Ragetti.
"Well, I do," said Wills, nodding confidently. "I do."
Like eighteen years ago, they watched Wills climb onto the rail and look at all of them while holding onto the rigging with one hand as he stood there.
Will looked at his son. Wills as so much life his mother. He wore his beautiful red coat, white tunic, black vest, red sash, dark breeches, black boots, and had his hair pulled back…his sword at his side gave him a god like appearance.
"What are we here for?" he shouted. "We're here to once again fight for our freedom. Beckett can kill us all but not our legend. Eighteen years ago you found yourselves in this same position. What then did you fight for? Freedom. Look around you. We are the only pirates in this world left. In years to come let this day be known that the pirates of the world united and fought a fool's battle. Let them tell our legend here today. Let them tell of what we did. Let them tell the world of our swords that will forever ring, the canons that will never end. Let them tell of what we did. We fought for freedom. Freedom and love. Let our children and grandchildren tell our legend of piracy. They will speak of freedom and love and what we did here today. If we die trying, our legend will forever live on. We are pirates. Mates…" He looked at them all the smiled at his father. "Hoist the colors."
Will nodded. He jumped on the rail beside his son, swung out his sword, and raised it high in the air. His voice rang out loud and clear.
"HOIST THE COLORS!"