Chapter 25: Dying is the Day Worth Living

Jack

Ferrara takes the bait. I knew 'e wouldn't be able to resist killin' me 'imself. That's too great of an opportunity to pass up an' let it slip to somebody else, especially to someone like the Whelp. Too bad that slimy git's too proud to realize I'd never blow 'oles in me own ship. Course after ya ship's been sprinkled by the Fountain o' Youth it changes one's perspective.

Ah, 'ere comes Ferrara now, barrelin' through the storm like there ain't no tomorrow. 'Opefully for 'im there isn't one. Ferrara swings from ship to ship on the same loose rope I did, they often come in 'andy. The twat lands swiftly, chest in one 'and and sword in the other.

"I will kill you where you stand Sparrow," Captain… "And take back what is and always will be mine!" 'E growls, much like 'is doggy, as 'e swings at me. I jump back to avoid the 'it keepin' my own sword extended so 'e can't get too close. I don't 'ave to kill 'im, not just yet. All I need at this moment is that chest. My eyes are fixed on it, an' when I lift 'em ta look filthy Ferrara in the eye all I can see is Elizabeth, caught by Will, run threw with a sword.

Am I dying? I've been stabbed in the gut. Could Will really have done this to me? The blade is so cold and unfriendly against my skin and I can feel the warmth of my own blood spill over the edges of the blade. I'm dying just as I saw that I would in my dream, only…something's different. Blood does not pool on my tongue, nor do I feel the icy metal lingering inside my body. The only pain the wound causes me is not internal, as if it barely dug into my flesh. I direct my head downward before opening my eyes; I don't want to look into the eyes of a soulless Will.

My eyes open, and what I see is not Will's blade pierced through the whole of my torso. I see a blade being retracted from my skin, my wound deep but not fatal. This sword had already impaled another before touching me. I glance up, past an emotionless Will, to find Andy standing behind him, drawing his sword out of Will's back. Will too stares at the blade protruding from his stomach, his own sword hanging limp at his side. I can't read the expression in Andy's eyes, a mix of bravery and relief, triumph and regret, hope and longing.

The world is moving in slow motion. I feel like I can see every drop of rain that falls. I can feel them hit my cheeks. I feel Will's hand push hard against my shoulder, shoving me to the ground. I don't have the strength to fit it and I fall. I watch helplessly from where I lie, desperately pushing myself upright again, as Will gracefully turns his back on me. He lifts his blade in an exaggerated motion while Andy stands still, confused and defenseless. Will dives his sword deep into Andy's chest, and like me, Andy falls.

"Nooo!" I scream.

Jack

Elizabeth screams. I 'ate it when she makes that sound. Ferrara takes 'er scream as victory an' drops 'is guard to simply smirk at me an' turn 'is back. 'E watches Elizabeth screamin' from the ground with delight as Will plunges 'is weapon into the New Whelp. I can't waste time feelin' sorry for the kid. This is my opportune moment. I skim me blade against Ferrara's wrist while 'e isn't lookin'. Like the pig 'e is 'e squeals in pain as blood washes with the rain. 'E drops the chest an' 'is sword to clutch 'is injured appendage. The chest falls to the ground with an 'eavy thud, an' it's then Ferrara realizes what 'e's done.

'E reaches down for the chest, but I'm quicker. I stomp my foot on it before that swine can lay another finger on a man's 'eart. "It's over Will. Ya can wake up now."

Will

I'm wet, and I feel as though I've woken from death. My muscles are sore from fighting yet fatigue from nearly waking at the same time. My body is tense with rage, though I can feel it washing away with the rain already. Where am I? What has happened? My mind is black, I can't remember anything. The last thing I see in memory is Elizabeth, crying as I tell her farewell. Elizabeth. Oh God I hurt her, I remember it. My hands were around her throat as I told her to get away. I wanted to kill her. No! Ferrara wanted me to. He was the one inside my mind, controlling my every movement. I would never want to kill Elizabeth. I would never willingly harm her. I love her!

"No!" Elizabeth shrieks, pushing past me as if I were invisible. She races for Andy, lying only a few feet from me upon the deck. Blood gushes from the jagged cut in his chest, reminding me of my scar. Andy watches me watch me as Elizabeth kneels at his side, taking his hand in her own and wiping blood from the corners of his mouth. The sword I hadn't realized I was holding until now drops to the deck, tainted by Andy's blood.

"What have I done?" I whisper. No one hears me over the sound of the rain. I step back, not wanting to be anywhere near the pool of blood forming around Andy. The rain dilutes the red liquid as quickly as it spreads from its host, "What have I done?"

Elizabeth sobs as she squeezes Andy's hand; his gaze is no longer on me but on her now. I can do nothing but stand back and watch, afraid to move for fear of any further damage I may cause. What is wrong with me? Have I really become that much of a monster? The back of my hand itches, startling me out of my numbness. I scratch it involuntarily and crusty barnacles crumble to pieces as they fall from my skin.

"No, no ,no," Elizabeth chokes, "No Andy you can't die, you just can't." My heart breaks each time her voice cracks. She lifts his head gently with he spare palm to keep him from choking on blood. Andy, staring at her with love and admiration, grins weakly.

"Why not?" he nearly whispers as blood leaks over his lips, "You won't let me?" He's joking right down to the end.

"Because I'm beginning to think I'm the one who's cursed. Everyone who's ever loved me dies," Elizabeth answers more seriously. It's hard for me to describe the expression on Andy's face, like that of a child being caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Then he smiles again, this time sincere, happy to know that Elizabeth at least recognizes his love for her, if not returns it. No, she loves me. I do not deserve Elizabeth's affection, not anymore, not after what I've done.

Almost as if she's reading my thoughts Elizabeth turns her head slowly to look me in the eye for the first time in what feels like ten years. Her wet hair is plastered to her cheeks, he jaw trembles and I cannot distinguish tears from rain dripping down her beautiful face. Her eyes plead to me a single thought: Save him. I won't allow your heart to break again at my fault Elizabeth, nor will I allow your friend to die in vain by my hand.

She turns away from me and back to Andy, frantic and confused. She can't figure out a way to stop his bleeding. I want to go to her, to take a step closer and promise her that everything will be alright but I can't, now more then ever before I fear her judgment.

"What are you waiting for," a low voice heaves behind me, "kill her you idiot!"

I dive for my sword without a moment's hesitation. I do not watch her, nor I can I hear her over the storm, but I can feel Elizabeth gasp slightly as I pluck my blade from the deck. I continue to feel her gaze on my back as my sword smashes against the blade of a man with whom I have an unfinished battle. It is a blade belonging to Ferrara's most loyal servant Diego.

"If you were wise you'd leave now and tell your Captain that he is no longer my master," I growl to him before pulling my blade away. Diego doesn't back down or run away. I never expected him to.

Elizabeth

I can't help but watch Will duel Ferrara's man. I'm mesmerized by the clashing of their swords. Will is protecting us. He's himself again. I can see it in his eyes, his guilt ridden eyes. The tiniest bit of happiness fills my heart knowing that Will has returned. Then I remember Andy dying at my side.

I want to turn my attention back to him but something else catches it as I move. On the far end of the deck I can see Ferrara holding a sword. He and Jack are dueling over custody over the chest that slides about the deck between the two men. Ferrara's arm is wounded.

I glance back at Will, deflecting an oncoming blow but also slipping on the wet deck in the process. My eyes find Jack and Ferrara again, the latter slashes at Jack's chest, drawing a thin ribbon of blood as he inches closer to the chest. My chest. The chest Will gave to me in order to protect. The chest I promised to keep safe at all costs. I look back to Will again, who doesn't notice while his sword is locked with the enemy.

"I'll get the chest back to you before it's too late, I promise,"

"I'm sorry Andy," I say clutching his fist tighter.

"What?" he asks weakly.

"I'll come back for you, I swear it," I cup his cheek in my hand, "There's something I must do. Just hold on for me, will you? Please." He nods. I squeeze his hand once more then jump to my feet. I cannot regret leaving him. I have to tell myself that he'll be fine; he'll be okay till I get back. If I had chosen to stay it would have been the biggest regret of my life. Ferrara must be stopped for all the pain and horror he's put me through. He'll pay for everything he's done, every crime he's committed. I'll make him pay.

Will

Diego whips his blade through the air, forcing me to duck. In his rage he drops his guard, allowing me to kick his feet away while on the ground. He falls next to me. I rush to get back onto my feet and take the advantage. My actions are slowed as I watch Elizabeth stride past my view. While I am distracted takes hold of my shirt collar, pulling me back onto the ground. He rises before I can and rests his blade against my neck.

"Do you really think you can save them? Save him?" he spits.

"No cause is lost if there is but one fool left to fight for it,"

"You are a fool!" He lifts his blade slightly, going in for the kill. I take this small action as an opportunity that can not be passed. I lift myself off of my back as swiftly as I can, even to allow Diego's blade to skim my neck. His sword will do no good against me. My sword however makes perfect contact with its target in the pit of Diego's chest. He gasps, surprised by my attack. I twist my blade in hatred for him and his master. His eyes bulge in agony as he stumbles back, staring at his blood soaked hands.

"I'd rather be someone's fool then someone's pet," as I rise to my feet in drops to his knees, his eyes to not wander from me as he slumps to the floor and dies.

Everything hurts, and what doesn't hurt just feels numb. I'm cold too and I don't think it's just from the rain. So this is it. This is the end? There's no blinding white light like I'd thought there be. Maybe I'm not dying. Maybe I'm okay. I try and will my body to move but nothing happens. All I can do is lie back and wait for it all to be over. I don't want it to be over, not for me. Watching that ass Diego get done in by Will was certainly a crowd pleaser though.

Captain Turner, the Boy Scout that he is, rushes to my side the second he's done killing that bastard.

"I guess we're even," I can feel the blood spurt from my mouth as I speak, "No hard feelings?" I cough.

"I can help you Andy," he's serious isn't he, "But only if you choose to accept it." Will's eyes show concern and unease. He actually cares whether I live or die? Maybe he just feels guilty. No, that's not it. It's Lizzie. He loves her too much to let her watch a childhood friend suffer. Am I really suffering? Suffering would be having to stay one more day on a ship with the two of them making googley eyes at one another. They care about each so much. Lizzie really did find a great guy to be with. He may not be me, but for the first time I'm really okay with that. Will and Elizabeth were meant to be to together. Nothing can change that.

Though that doesn't mean I have to stop trying so suddenly. I'm curious…and in a bit of deadline, "What kind of help?"

Even with my one arm immobilized I can still beat Jack Sparrow. My men may be falling but it isn't over yet, I can win this. The Pearl is mine. I deserve it. Just as I deserve to be King. I will kill Jack Sparrow first, and then that insolent girl. I will be Pirate King and force them all to bow down to me.

The chest slides across the deck at my feet and I scurry to remain in front of it. Sparrow does the same to follow me, practically skipping. How can he expect to fight me while he holds a sword in those flimsy arms? I thrust my sword at his chest, but that drunkard nearly trips out of the way. Such a poor excuse for a man should not be able to best me! I will not allow it! I aim for him again, but he parries me with an over exaggerated flick of his wrist. He somehow manages to cut my shoulder. Sparrow grins at his tiny accomplishment. Victory is not yours to have Jack Sparrow. I too cut him at his shoulder. His smug little grin drops.

I cannot feel my arm anymore. I must have lost quite a bit of blood, my entire had is red. I will not let such a slight injury slow me down. I swing rapidly again at Sparrow only to miss completely. My vision is hazing. I feel dizzy.

"Ready to give up yet?" Sparrow laughs. I hate him. I hate every fiber of him. May he rot for all eternity where I'm about to send him. I lock my blade against his.

"See you in Hell Jack Sparrow," I hiss.

"You first," he responds playfully. With a shove his blade tosses mine from me. I'm weaponless. How? How could he have done this to me? How does he do anything!

"Why must you always be one step ahead?" I ask him through my blurred vision and gritted teeth, "Why must you take away everything that was once mine? How do you do it?"

"'Ow? Mate, I'm Captain Jack Sparrow! That's 'ow, savvy?" I can feel the pain of his sword slicing its way through my chest. I hiss as it cuts my flesh on either side. My chest aches. I'm paralyzed where I stand. Damn you Jack Sparrow.

He stares at me quizzically. Then a blade rips itself from my chest, pulling its way out of my back. Sparrow removes his at a slower pace, allowing me to drop to my knees. Hot blood races from my wounds. I turn with what little strength I have left. Behind me stands that girl, Lizzie, her eyes full of fury and he blade wet with my blade.

"Murderer…?" I choke.

"Pirate," she answers calmly. Damn. Damn them all.

Will

The rain has lessened. It no longer pounds against our shoulders but drizzles lightly on our heads. It washes away the blood on the Pearl's deck and from our swords. Elizabeth stands over Ferrara, watching him with a menacing gleam as she restrains her tears. I walk toward them; she glances up, noting my presence. I lean down and Ferrara's attention is on me at once.

"Captain Ferrara, do you fear death?" I ask him. He spits blood at me feet, "Then it's to the locker with you." With that Ferrara's eyes fade into death.

When I stand and look around I can see everyone board staring deeply at Elizabeth, be them friend or foe. Ferrara's men don't know what to do anymore now that they've lost their leader. Elizabeth, still angered, takes charge.

"Bow down before your King!" she yells at them, her voice cracking slightly. They do, and Jack smiles smugly, "The Black Pearl is the possession of Captain Jack Sparrow's now and forever! Your Captain Ferrara is dead, and those of you still aboard this ship who wish to leave with their lives…I suggest you do so quickly."

They obey their King and scamper away. Some go so far as to dive off the sides of the ship and swim for Ferrara's remaining vessel. Most are chased away by the overjoyed pirates loyal to Jack Sparrow. The fog has lifted. I can see the men of my ship cheer us on; pushing Ferrara's remaining crew overboard. My father as well happily takes part in ridding our ships of those vermin.

Behind me Elizabeth releases a heavy breath. I turn to meet her gaze. Elizabeth drops her sword to the deck and leaps forward. She wraps her arms around me tightly and buries her face into my chest. I can feel hot tears slip from her. "Oh Will…" she sighs. For a minute I'm not sure what to say, so I simply run my fingers over her wet hair.

"Elizabeth," I whisper. Her head shoots up at me, her big eyes damp. Gently I remove her arms from me while either of us says nothing. I step out of the way and push her forward. She's puzzled at first, until she sees him.

Elizabeth

"Andy?" I run to him. He stands with Anamaria and Mr. Gibbs completely unharmed, smiling like nothing ever happened. I captive him in my embrace and squeeze tightly, thankful he's alright. "You're alive?" I can't help but laugh a little in my joy.

"With a little help, yeah," he chuckles. My hold on him loosens. Andy nods over my shoulder. Will stands there watching us, alone on the deck. He looks down at his feet when my eyes find him. Now I understand. Andy's made a deal. I face him once more.

"One hundred years ain't so long," he shrugs, sensing my unease, "Of course it won't be easy if I have to put up with him the whole time." He rolls his eyes, referring to my William. I smile.

"You should be more respectful of your Captain," I joke, "Though I know it will be difficult to manage knowing that he and I share a marriage b-"

"That's enough!" he squirms. I laugh at his expense. When I've regained my composer he speaks again, "I guess this means you'll be going home now doesn't it? You know, now that he's dead."

Now I feel as though I've been stabbed in the heart.

"Yes it does,"

"Ahem," Jack interrupts. He holds the chest in his hands, "I think the chest fo' the Pearl would be a fair 'nough trade, don't you?"

"Yes," I nod, taking the chest in my arms, "Thank you."

"Fo' wot?"

"For something I'm sure, though I haven't quite figured out what it is yet," He grins at my reply. Jack mouths an "Oh" and reaches into his pocket as he remembers something.

"'Ere," he presents the key to Will, now standing right beside me. Will contemplates the key dangling before him.

"Keep it," he says.

"Wot?" Jack's eyes pop in shock.

"I trust you Jack," Will leans forward, "you're my friend after all," he says slyly, toying with Jack's conscious.

Jack's face is cast into an utterly painful look of moral dilemma. The temptation of having such an item with him at all times would be outstanding. He'd do something to manipulate someone with it, it be too hard for him not to. Or could he keep it safe, accepting Will's token of friendship? Jack is good man. He'll do the right thing. Now it's my turn.

James and I sit quietly in a longboat as Will rows us solemnly to sure. Our journey is done. Ferrara is dead and the chest is safe, there's no more reason for me to stay. I said my goodbyes the each member of the Black Pearl's small crew as it and the Dutchman parted ways after the battle. I hugged them each tightly, knowing how much I enjoy their presence and I how much I will miss them when I'm gone. Pintel and Ragetti cried, drawing out faint tears of my own. It's funny how fond of each other we've grown. Anamaria elected to stay behind with the Pearl, after all Jack still owes her a ship and she demands to stay until she receives one. That ragtag bunch of pirates is more a family to her then a drunken father and absent mother any day. Jack was the only one who refused my arms, still wary of the past. Though in a whisper, so nobody else could hear, he did promise to keep the key safe. I'm sure that must have been a difficult thing for him to say.

The Flying Dutchman sailed James and I back to the island, we're as James put it "the entire population is worried sick". The immortal ship anchored as close as it could without being seen. Will volunteered to row us ashore, desperate for us to spend a few more precious seconds together. I likewise gave Bootstrap a hug goodbye, and he confessed how much he'll miss me, and how much Will will miss me. I made him promise to keep watch over his son when I could not. I said my heartfelt goodbyes to Andy as well. He advised me to keep away from pirates from now on, and I advised him once again to respect his new captain.

"Goodbye Will," James shakes Will's hand as we float along side a rickety dock. It's the same dock that reunited Will and I after my memory returned to me, "Good luck out there."

"Same to you," Will replies. James pauses for a moment then climbs out of the small boat and on to the dock.

"I'll just leave you two alone for a moment," he leaves us floating there. In the distance the sun is setting slowly into the ocean. I break the silence between us first.

"I guess this is it then, goodbye for another ten years…" My voice threatens to break and give way to crying. A loose piece hair falls into my eyes as try my best to restrain myself. Will gave me the remains of his green bandana, which I've used to tie back my hair.

"Elizabeth," he pauses for a moment, unsure how to continue, "I'm sorry. For everything,"

"It wasn't your fault,"

"I'll let him go," Will's own voice quivers, "Just say the word and I'll set him free and you could be together. I wouldn't hold it against you." He's speaking about Andy.

"Will, how many times must I tell you? I don't love Jack Sparrow, nor do I love Andy. I love you." Will reaches forward with his strong arms and crushes me in an embrace. I take a deep breath, wanting to keep his scent forever in my mind. "Will I can't leave you. Not again. Not like this. How many times will we have to relive this moment? Because I don't want to. I want you here with me, to stay. I love you."

"And I you," he whispers softly, burrowing his face in my hair, "I love you Elizabeth."

"I'll miss you,"

"And I you," he response again, likewise attempting to keep tears out of his voice. We break apart, reluctantly, and helps lift me onto the dock, while he must stay in the little boat. "Keep a weather I on the horizon," he says once both my feet have hit the wood. He takes the chest from its perch in the longboat and places it at my feet.

"Marry me," I gasp falling onto my knees so I could be level with him, "The day you get back. Because technically we aren't still married from before and…"

Will's calloused hand takes hold of the back of my head and pushes my lips onto his. We kiss passionately until the urge to breathe splits us. I draw my lips inside my mouth and run my tongue over them, still wanting to taste his kiss. "Of course," he answers.

Thump-thump.

"I'll keep it safe this time, I promise."

"I trust you," Is all he says before he begins to row away, keeping his eyes locked on me. In order to keep my tears at bay I force my self not to look. Instead I pick up the chest and walk slowly to the end of the dock. Ten years, one day, two lifetimes. This isn't fair. Do you hear me Calypso? This isn't fair anymore! He's done his duty to you, and I've done mine! Why must you keep us separated still?

Thump-thump.

"Will," I drop the chest, turn, and run for the edge of the dock, "Will! Don't leave me! Come back! Come back, I love you! I love you, doesn't that men anything!?" my tears have finally escaped in harsh cries, "shouldn't that mean something?"

Will does not turn back. I watch my love and his ship disappear into the night, leaving no trace of their existence. Ten years. I sigh, ten more years.

it's not quite over yet...