Heyo! It's me! Your friendly neighborhood MisticLight! Making her random appearance as the world keeps on turning and we keep on writing/reading :)

I don't really know what that was. It just came to mind when I wrote this and since this is really my only chance to talk with you guys, I decided to go for it! Realistically, though, you just want to read so I'll leave you to it. Special thanks to biblich0r for being the 200th comment on Mind the Tide and thereby curing my OCD! You're my favorite of the day!

Happy Reading! Be safe and be kind, though I know you all are.

~MisticLight

P.S. If anyone wants to know, I'm going to Disneyworld next week! 10/12/21 Epcot, 10/13/21 Hollywood Studios, 10/14/21 (AKA my birthday!) Epcot, 10/15/21 Animal Kingdom, and 10/16/21 Magic Kingdom where I will make my husband ride the POTC ride at least four times. Haha! Maybe we'll meet and not even know it ;D

~.~.~.~

In an attempt to appease Jack, Barbossa agreed those of us who would've been left behind were to board last. So, I was forced to make a very awkward crossing with Will, Elizabeth, Pintel, and Ragetti. The latter two rowed us towards the Pearl and although I did not face them, I felt the heat of their glares pass through me and onto Elizabeth. Angry murmurs passed between them, though I could not tell if they were directed towards her or the long distance to the Pearl.

Elizabeth sat alone before me. Her gaze mostly focused on the water. When she did turn away, her eyes swept over us, lingering on Will for just a moment. I assumed he gave no reaction, so each time I tried to give her the warmest smile I could muster. Our eyes locked every time, but she always returned to the ocean, leaving me to wonder if I'd done her any good at all.

Will tensed beside me each time she did this. For comfort, I pressed my leg into his a bit more. Something subtle, but equally reassuring.

This will be over soon, I told myself as I looked between them. My gaze rested on Will and I felt my shoulders fall. Do I want it to be over? What I wanted was the silence to stop and for Will to freely smile again, but was it worth the cost of officially forcing my love away for good?

Sensing my stare, Will looked over. He remained expressionless but pressed his leg back into mine. I smiled then also turned to the sea. The sooner we reached the Pearl so this awkward trip could end, the better.

When we finally made it and found the ladder to board, Pintel and Ragetti immediately tried to scramble up it, but Will insisted me and Elizabeth go up first. For proprietary purposes, I assumed. Regardless, I was more than fine going aboard instead of tying the rowboat to the ship. So, while the men took care of that, I followed Elizabeth up to the main deck.

A flurry of activity greeted us at the top of the stairs. One man ran by so quickly along the railing he about knocked me back the ship. Luckily Will had followed me up and was able to support me with a gentle push on my back. I smiled my gratitude when he finished his climb. Pintel and Ragetti followed after but scrambled towards the bow.

As I watched the crewmembers maneuver, I noticed the ship had returned to its original condition prior to the Kraken's brutal attack. All the barrels were tied together, the sides weren't chipped, and I didn't recall any missing cannons during my climb. I traced the ship from the main deck to the crow's nest. "It's impossible."

"We've seen many impossible things," Elizabeth said, guessing my thoughts. I turned towards her, but she had yet to look back. "Though we already spoke of that not so long ago."

"True," I smiled at the memory, "and now we can add 'Davy Jones's Locker' to that list. Will we ever find an end?"

She turned back to respond, the hint of a smile catching her face, but then her eyes flicked to Will standing behind me and all humor left her. Apprehension took its place and she sucked in a breath. I sidestepped to look between them, hoping to witness any sign of forgiveness or understanding pass between them. Yet she remained frozen and Will stoic. At length, Elizabeth turned and quickly shuffled towards the bow. I sighed after her, frustrated with this never-ending cycle.

"William! This has gone on long enough!" I clenched my fists and spun back to face him, nearly glaring. He raised his brows in surprise. "We are reaching the brink of madness between you two. You know the truth behind her and Jack, she knows you know… we all know. What other reason could you possibly have of avoiding her now? There is nothing left to hide anymore."

"Well," he shifted and crossed his arms, taking my challenge. "I wouldn't say there's nothing left to hide."

It took me a moment to connect his meaning to our kiss, or rather, kisses, and once I did his stare shot straight into my heart. I couldn't contain the blush from spreading across my face beneath such a piercing glance, though I did try to distract from it as best I could with a forced cough. In return, Will couldn't hide the humor softening his features.

"You caught me there. There's almost nothing left to hide, however," I held his gaze for a moment then flicked mine away, "she has to know. And it must come from you. It's only fair."

Will paused, still uncertain. "I don't know. You are right, of course, but…" he trailed off.

"You said you would once we boarded the Pearl," I softly encouraged. "What better time than now? Everyone seems to be busy upstairs, so you could easily go downstairs for a private conversation; we're currently not being called up, and we don't know how long that will last; and-" I was about to promise to do tasks if they did arise but was interrupted by our two Captains shouting orders.

"Trim that sail!" commanded Barbossa from the starboard side. His pace was quick as he hobbled by.

"Trim that sail!" repeated Jack on the port, though less certain than the former. He trotted along the railing to keep pace.

I ran a hand down my face. "Oh no. Are they going to be like this the entire time?"

"Slack windward brace and sheet!

Slack windward brace and sheet!"

"Haul the pennant line."

"Haul the pennant line."

Will gave a short chuckle, his mood lifting. "Unfortunately, it would appear so." I crossed my arms in quiet protest.

They finally met just before the stairs to the poop deck. Barbossa's shoulders slouched as he leaned into Jack. "What are you doing?"

"What are you doing?"

"No, what are you doing?"

"What are you doing?"

"No, what are you doing?"

"What are you doing?" Jack sounded exasperated yet confused as he neared ever closer to Barbossa's face. I looked to Will in disbelieved, but he only shrugged. I turned back when Jack continued. "Captain gives orders on the ship."

"The captain of this ship is giving orders," Barbossa spat.

For a moment Jack paused, then his head snapped up. "My ship, makes me captain."

"That's fair," I said in a low voice, shrugging. The ship had grown quieter.

"They be my charts!" Barbossa shook the charts for emphasis.

"That makes you…" Jack stuttered, trying to find the words to come back with. He rose his arms. "Chartman."

Will leaned in closer and matched my tone. "Logical."

I stifled a laugh and smiled, though it quickly retreated when Pintel's suddenly booming voice blanketed the ship. It made me jump and I nearly gasped.

"Stow it! The both of you! That's an order! Understand?" His sudden uprising stilled the crew. They paused mid-task to stare at the commotion, uncertain of what would happen to their fellow crewmate. Though I could not see either of the original Captain's faces, I imagined they were a mix of shock and annoyance based on how fixated they seemed on Pintel. At length the man spoke again, his voice lighter with hesitant laughter and waving them off. "Sorry. I just thought, with the captain issue in doubt, I'd throw in my name for consideration… Sorry."

When Pintel stepped aside, the other two rushed past him, bumping into one another as they raced to the helm. The deck then returned to normal. I swept my hand in the direction of where the three Captains has clashed and returned my attention back to Will and our previous discussion "And clearly there is a power struggle. Go now before you are missed."

Will looked in the direction Elizabeth once occupied. All humor had left him again and his eyes clouded. "I don't know if I can bring myself to face her yet."

"I know you can," I said, grabbing both of his hands. Immediately his attention turned to them. We were near enough that I could see the hurt and confusion riddling his face. I squeezed his hands. "You love her, don't you?"

My heart lurched at my words, but I would not let the sensation take over. I remained fixated on his face to keep me grounded, though perhaps that was not the best decision because his eyes locked with mine right as I posed the question. He maintained the same emotions as before as his eyes traced my face. Something suddenly sparked within them. Confused, I cocked my head and narrowed my eyes.

"Turner!" Barbossa bellowed. We each jumped as our heads snapped towards the helm and our hands dropped.

"It appears now we are needed," he sighed. I hummed an agreement and peered at him again. He seemed so defeated. With all the burdens he continuously carried, I wasn't surprised, but still I wished there was something I could do to alleviate at least one.

Staying out of his love life would help, I chided myself before biting my lip. Will stepped forward to heed the call, but I caught hold of his arm, startling myself with the action.

"Will," I started, but realized I didn't know how to finish the sentence. There was so much I wanted to tell him but did not have the courage to say. It was my turn to trace his face, though my intention was to find comfort or locate words. I never found it difficult to seek it either within his eyes. "You don't need to speak with her if you're not comfortable. My intent was not to force you or for you to feel guilty, and I promise I won't bring it up anymore. It's just… you've been so upset for so long. You haven't fully been yourself. I catch glimpses of how you were occasionally, but they seem only to be in private." Embarrassment suddenly found me and I looked down. When I spoke it accidentally came out as a whisper, but a smile accompanied it. "All I want is for you to be happy again."

He didn't say anything. I knew his eyes were on me, but I couldn't bring myself to look at him. My cheeks burned despite not knowing why I felt so embarrassed. I heard Barbossa shout for Will a second time, more aggressive than before, but he did not move to abide the command. Rather, he took a step forward and wrapped his arms around me. I hugged him back. He was warm and his heart pounded in my ear. It seemed to say, "I am happy," but perhaps that was just my imagination going too far. Regardless, I smiled at the assurance.

"I promise I will speak with Elizabeth," he said into my hair. He backed up but kept hold of my upper arms, squeezing them. "I just cannot guarantee when." Only when I smiled my approval did he feel satisfied enough to head towards Barbossa's barks.

I watched him go, happy, but also a bit dejected. Everything was about to be resolved and, hopefully, Will would feel less burdened. Yet, I realized he would never truly be the person he was. I wouldn't be, either, considering all that has happened since we left Port Royal, and I loved him for his changes. It was just… it had been just the two of us for so long. I never fully grasped how Elizabeth would change that dynamic. How would her presence change him? Would he unintentionally pull away from me? I knew Elizabeth was not someone who would intentionally do that or forbid him from continuing our friendship merely because I was a woman, but was that not the natural order of things once people were married? And I could not change my love for him. Elizabeth was keen. What if she sensed it? Then what would happen? I could not bear to lose him. Just the thought of it hurt my soul.

One thing at a time. I tried settling my thoughts with deep breaths. There's no sense dwelling on the 'what ifs.' Let them figure out their relationship first and go from there.

A force ran into my side, literally forcing me from my thoughts. I stumbled forward. A hoarse "Watch it!" followed me. When I turned around, I found Marty glaring. He signed, "Oh, it's just you." The realization did not make him alter the accusation.

I politely smiled, nonetheless. He tended to fall on the grumpier side of things, and his reaction helped me realize I needed to do something besides stand around. "Do you know where Gibbs is?"

"Yeah," he shrugged. I waited for him to elaborate, but he remained impassive.

"Well… could you tell me where?"

Marty sighed and pointed to the helm. I smiled my thanks and headed towards it. On my way, I noticed Will speaking with Barbossa as he helped adjust the sails. The rope around Will's arms so he got better leverage. I could not tell what they spoke of, but whatever it was had to be important because the black captain's voice was soft.

There were already three men at the helm when I approached it: Cotton, Gibbs, and Jack. Cotton occupied his usual position at the wheel, his bird perched upon his shoulder. I'd nearly forgotten about the parrot and smiled at its presence. The other two men spoke so quickly I could not fully comprehend what they said, but the word "spyglass" was definitely among them.

"Ah! Evelyn!" Jack greeted before tossing a spyglass to me. I managed to catch it despite the abruptness, but only after juggling it around a few times. It was smaller than the size of my forearm and was a muted gold. "Fetch me a bigger one!"

"Fetch?" My nose crinkled. This was not the task I had in mind.

"Yes! Or whatever you want to call it." He moved his hands as if shooing me away. When I didn't move, he rolled his hands upwards and sighed. "I need a really big one and you're good at finding things. You found me, got me the key," at the mention of the key my hand instinctively flew to my neck yet unsurprisingly found nothing. I was no longer the key holder, after all. Jack's brows rose but he continued: "found the end of the world, located me again but this time with me ship-"

"That last part was a bit of a group effort, Captain," Gibbs interrupted. I nodded and pointed at him, but Jack glared at hirst first mate.

"Shut it," he said to him. Then he turned back to me. "All this to say, finding a new spyglass should be easy! I want the biggest one there is!"

"Well, I…" I started.

Gibbs cut in again. "And with everyone being so busy up here, we need someone to check our supplies below. You did cooper work on our way to Singapore, and I remember ye mentionin' it when you spoke of your time on the Dutchman. I figured you could take stock of the Pearl, too, while you're down there."

"Yes, I did, but-"

"Oi! Her priority is spyglass!" Jack glared again then moved so my vision of Gibbs was blocked. That didn't stop the man from peeking over Jack's shoulders, though. "What do you say?"

"Um…" I looked from the item in my hand to Jack's determined face then back to Gibbs eagerly nodding. There wasn't much of a choice, so I shrugged. "I suppose?"

"Excellent!" Jack patted me on the back as he walked off, but before he left the poop deck completely, he backtracked to stand beside me. He leaned in so close I felt the hairs of his mustache tickle my ear. I nearly shivered when he whispered: "I'll send over some help soon. He's just a bit tied up at the moment."

I turned to look at him, confused by his meaning. He stepped back slightly so I could better see his eyes darting from me to the main deck. There were many men working where he indicated, but I felt my stomach jump once I realized Will was among those workers. When I looked back at Jack, he gave a wink and a roguish smile I returned with a disgusted face and shoved him away. However, my cheeks betrayed me because I felt them turning red once more. This seemed to only make him more amused with the situation for he held that smile as he sauntered down the stairs.

Why did I think rescuing him was a good idea? I huffed. Only when he was far from me did I make my way to the stairs closest to the stern and down to whatever awaited me in the ship's hold.

~.~.~.~

Just as the deck seemed untouched by the Kraken, so did the space below. All the food, water, and rum seemed to be at the levels they were before the attack. Though, I had been unaware of how scarce things were due to being on the Dutchman for so long and not having time to check once we raced from Isla Cruces. With the size of our crew, I estimated we had enough to last a week at most.

Surely, we won't need that much time to escape this place, right?

The thought made me pause, but ultimately, I shook it off. Between Barbossa knowing these waters, Tia Dalma's enchantments, Will's cleverness, and Jack's deranged plans that somehow always managed to work, I was sure our escape would readily happen.

Satisfied, I focused on my next duty: finding a spyglass. I'd gone to the complete bottom of the ship to check the food, but most of the tools and artillery were located on either the main deck or stored in the layer between. The stern side contained no spyglass, and I noticed the supplies there, too, were just as restored.

Gibbs will be pleased, I mused as I continued my search. When I neared the stairs closest to the bow and the brig, my eyes slid from items to Elizabeth. She sat on the stairs staring into the empty space before her. The shadows made her appear forlorn, though I suspected that hinted at the emotion lying behind her stoic expression. She seemed deep in thought, far deeper than what she had been when I spoke to her on the beach.

I tilted my head. Does she need someone to talk? Or should I leave her alone? I didn't want to spook her again, but she appeared so miserable and alone… I pitied her. She'd felt so relieved before since her secret was exposed, but since that awkward trip to the Pearl, she was slipping back. If our roles were reversed, I knew I would want a friend to help.

With my mind set, I took a step forward to comfort her, but just as quickly stumbled over my own feet. Will suddenly appeared from the shadows furth down the ship, his eyes fixated on Elizabeth. My heart soared. Is he finally going to talk to her? And so soon after making that promise? Then it dropped and my eyes widened. Not if he sees me! I'm going to ruin everything. Despite being out in the open, neither of them had noticed me yet courtesy of them being too wrapped up in their own thoughts. This was lucky, but I feared any means of escape would make my presence known and then their talk would never happen.

Desperate, I scanned the immediate area and found a pile of crates within the shadows stacked just high enough that I could crouch behind. I dove for them as quickly and quietly as I could. There was just enough space between each crate for me to peer between them without being noticed. So, when Will's head snapped to the space I once stood at, I saw his look of uncertainty and immediately held my breath, hoping he hadn't noticed me. I swore his eyes caught mine as they scanned the area, but he did not step towards me. Instead, he focused back on Elizabeth.

I silently breathed through my nose, relieved. Well, mostly relieved. My intention was not to listen in on their conversation, but I was trapped. I had no choice. The only thing I could do was be quiet and try my best not to disturb them while they, hopefully, made amends.

"Evelyn sent me," I heard Will say. My eyes flicked between him as he walked behind the steps to Elizabeth.

"Of course, she did. She's a good friend." A sad smile tugged on her lips, but she said no more.

Will appeared on her left, looking just as discouraged as he had been since witnessing Elizabeth's kiss. "You left Jack to the Kraken."

She shifted uncomfortably, refusing to meet his eyes. "He's rescued now. It's done with." After a breath she decided to risk a glance, but Will quickly turned away. I sighed my disapproval while she stood. "Will, I had no choice."

"You chose not to tell me."

"I couldn't!" Elizabeth explained. She seemed desperate, pleading, but still he did not look at her. He was acting so strange. I understood the hurt—experienced it with him—but he had always been someone to hear out those he cared for. Knowing the truth behind Elizabeth's action was supposed to relieve him, or at least relieve him enough to listen to her and understand what was happening. "It wasn't your burden to bear."

Unless rescuing his dad weighs heavier on him than I thought? Will finally faced her as I pondered. If not, what else is there?

"Well, I did bear it, didn't I?" He took a few steps toward her. "I just didn't know what it was. I thought…"

Elizabeth's fists clenched. "You thought I loved him."

I straightened. She knew exactly what fueled his silence. They could finally have the deep conversation I sensed they both wanted to have. Except… Will did not reply. Elizabeth did not explain further. When she turned to go and Will reacted but pulling her back, his hand gripping her left shoulder, I felt my own shoulders drop again. They're not handling this very well.

He pushed her back into wooden pole. I was shocked at the sudden passion and blinked. Or perhaps they are? There was so much intensity and longing, at least on Elizabeth's part since I could only see her face, that for a moment I thought they would kiss. They hadn't been so physically close to one another since Isla Cruces. When all they did was stare, I knew my former thoughts remained the truer one.

"If you make your choices alone," Will whispered, his pain bleeding through ever word, "how can I trust you?"

"You can't," Elizabeth harshly returned as though withholding tears. She held his gaze, but upon finding no answers, pushed away from the pole. Will lifted his arm so she could escape up the stairs. My gaze lingered on him instead of following her.

Although a continued argument was not the outcome I anticipated, I found myself relieved I hadn't seen them kiss. Yes, that was how they should be when with each other, but… I didn't think I could bare it just yet. My love was too new, yet so old and everlasting. I hadn't figured out how to handle it myself let alone learn how to look beyond it.

Elizabeth's footfalls abruptly stopped. "And I can't trust you!"

My attention flew to her. She seemed to regain some of her confidence as she glared down at Will. A heat lingered behind her eyes that burned so bright I felt the heat on my face.

"What?" He sounded confused as he spun to fully face her.

I bit my lip in anticipation. What could Will have possibly done? As soon as I thought the question, a feeling of terror gripped my chest. Every intake of breath felt like ice and my eyes widened. Unless…

"I know about Evelyn," she challenged, narrowing her eyes.

Will squared his shoulders. "What does Evelyn have to do with any of this?" He sounded defensive, angry almost. I noticed he dodged the question. Elizabeth did, too, it seemed because she stormed back down the stairs, her finger pointed accusingly.

"I saw you! Don't you dare try to deny it!" she yelled. She was so close her fingertip rested mere inches from his nose. Will's eyes widened but he did not back away.

Everything within me accelerated and I clamped both hands over my nose to stifle my suddenly heavy, panicked breaths. I feared my hammering heart could still be heard, though. The plan was for Will to tell Elizabeth about our hidden moments, not for her to discover one on her own! How else was she to know all but two had a purpose?

Wait, maybe it was three? Four? I moved my hands to cover my entire face as more memories flashed before me. There are more than I thought… but what does it all mean? I denied myself from accepting the possibility that, perhaps, Will did return some of the affection I felt for him. Everything was all tangled between the three of us and emotions were crossing, but at the end of it all, I loved Will and he loved Elizabeth, who returned that passion. Once everything was explained, all would return to how it was, and I had to accept that.

Am I ready for it? I gulped. Then I shook my head. I must be.

"Before we tipped over the edge, I-" Elizabeth's voice waivered and I peeked through my fingers. Her hand had lowered, and pain gripped her face. She was as hurt Will had been. The guilt made my stomach churn. Will did nothing. After a few shaky breaths, she continued. "I wanted to see you. Barbossa had said something to me and Evelyn as the edge neared. I didn't know how to take any of it, but she did. Evelyn knew exactly what pulled her heart and she ran off while I looked at the falls. I… I didn't know what to do! Then, suddenly, I needed to see you. Just one more time before the end. In case we-" She choked on her words again.

Will gently placed his hands on her shoulders for encouragement. "Elizabeth-"

She shook him off. "I ran back to the helm, then. And I… I didn't know what I would do. All I knew was I wanted to see you. You've been part of my life for so long and this silence between us has tortured me! I thought maybe, maybe, we could come to some sort of peace with the little time we had left. But then I saw you both and I realized that whatever I was going to do… it wasn't that." She lowered her head and shook it. "It wasn't that," she repeated, quieter than before.

Silence stretched between them. I could hardly breathe. Will tried starting a sentence multiple times, but words would not find him. At length, crossed his arms. "If you're looking for an apology, I won't give one… can't give one."

It took everything within me to hold in my gasp. My hand fell to my chest, balling over my heart. Its rate increased and pulsed through my fingertips. What does that mean?

Elizabeth's head shot up. "Then can you explain it? I was trying to save everyone, but you…" her voice started to waver again, but she managed to collect herself. "We were already on the way to our graves."

Will did not immediately offer an answer.

Please, I begged. Please say something. Anything!

Still, he said nothing. This time he didn't even try to say anything. He just stared at Elizabeth, and she stared right back, waiting. As the tense silence between them stretched on, she became more upset. A glimmer fell down her cheek. "So that's it then."

"Love isn't supposed to be like this, Elizabeth," Will shouted. His sudden anger shaped his hands into a fist. "We're supposed to trust and be honest and… you're not doing that. We're not doing that. I loved you! Don't you understand?"

"There it is! … Loved." Despite the tears rolling down her face and Will's frustration, she sounded calm. Accepting. "Once that was all we desired in this world from each other, but now I don't know if I even want that. Do you know what you want anymore, Will?"

Again, his only response was to stare. The scene blurred my vision with tears I had to blink away. A mixture of shame, guilt, longing, and confusion knotted my stomach. I desperately wanted fresh air, as though that would clear everything, yet I also couldn't move even if I wasn't hiding.

As Will continued not to answer, more tears rolled down Elizabeth's face and she set her jaw. "Do as you will, but leave me out of it," she whispered. This time when she ran up the stairs, she did not return.

Will did not go after her. He didn't even call her name. Instead, he backed into the pole and slowly slid down it until he fully sat on the ground. He was only a few feet from me, staring ahead, emotionless. I could tell the same feelings I had twisted inside him, but they were also wrapped by a dissolving anger. Part of me wanted to comfort him, but if I revealed myself now, especially at the end of it all… the conversation would be too difficult.

I, too, needed time to figure everything out. Elizabeth had seen us. Without having to admit anything, Will had told her all. Still her anger seemed directed solely at him, for she has only ever acted normal around me despite having encounters after she saw us. She even called me her friend! And between her friendliness and Will's inability to answer… I didn't know where to go.

So, although Will did not know it, I sat with him in a silence far calmer than when Elizabeth had been there. At length, he picked himself up and went back to the main deck. I waited a few moments more before standing up and heading for the opposite stairs. I'd been down far longer than anticipated and assumed Gibbs was looking for me. I knew him well enough now to know he would want the information I found as quickly as possible, but I also didn't want Will and Elizabeth to know I had heard everything. Or how perplexed my already spinning mind was.

By the time I reached the stairs, I grasped only two things. First, I would uphold my promise to not pester them anymore to speak. This had been an absolute wreck and more than one thing had been my fault for the further decline of their relationship. The guilt of that alone was enough to make me keel over, but my hand found the rope railing and I clenched it until the feeling passed.

Second, Jack would need to wait a little longer on that spyglass.