Title: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (Alternate Version)

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: I don't own anything

Chapter 1: The necklace and a promise

The H.M.S Endeavor sailed through the tranquil ocen bound for Port

Royal. A young girl, about eight years old stood watching the waves go up and down. The ocean fascinated her. She was thrilled to be going on this voyage with her father. Her father, the governor of Port Royal had had business in England and Elizabeth had begged her father to let her come along. England had been wonderful with so many amazing sights. She believed that that was the reason she'd been allowed to come along as well as the fact that this was a relatively short trip. Her father also trusted implicitly the young captain of this ship, Captain Norrington. Elizabeth was enjoying the voyage, especially the part where she had commented that she thought it would be interesting if they met some pirates. Elizabeth had been fascinated by them for as long as she could remember. When she innocently commented about that both her father and Norrington reacted with horror. Her father had yelled at her, but Norrington seemed amused at what he took to be a childish fancy. Elizabeth didn't mind being lectured by her father. She had learned a long time ago how to tune him out.

Raised voices brought her back to the present. She looked across the ship to where a bunch of men had gathered. Curiosity overcame her and she walked over to see what had happened. "What is it?", she asked. "Ship wreck, miss.", one of the men answered. Elizabeth stared in shock at the damaged ship which was sinking slowly into the ocean. Beyond it another, more menacing looking vessel was sailing quickly away. "Damn pirates.", a man muttered as he hurriedly readied a lifeboat. So that was what a pirate ship looked like, Elizabeth thought to herself. But instead of the excitement she thought she would feel all she felt was horror as she looked at the wreck they left behind them, with the crew and passengers calling for help. Her father walked over to stand behind her. "Now do you see what I was telling you?, he asked, "There is nothing romantic about pirates. They are the scum of the sea, nothing more." "Yes, Father.", Elizabeth said quietly. Her father place a comforting hand on her shoulder for a moment before leaving to greet the rescued passengers and crew from the other ship. The wounded were quickly seen to by the ship's surgeon while those who were not seriously hurt stood around looking forlorn.

Elizabeth notice a young boy, about ten years old with brown hair and brown eyes, sitting by himself. He was the only person approximately her age aboard the ship. Elizabeth went over to him and introduced herself. The boy gave her a sad smile and introduced himself as Will Turner. She learned from him that his ship had also been bound for Port Royal where his aunt and uncle lived. He had been traveling there with his father. "Where is your father?", Elizabeth asked, gazing around her. "He didn't survive the attack.", Will said, more harshly then he had intended. Elizabeth gazed at him sympathetically. "I'm sorry.", she said softly. "Now my aunt and uncle are they only family I've got.", Will said equally softly. He gazed out at the ocean with tears he refused to shed still in his eyes. He gazed back at Elizabeth. "I know how you feel.", she ventured softly, "My mother died a few years ago." Will said, "I'm sorry. My own mother died in childbirth so I never got to know her. I couldn't imagine before today what it would be like to lose someone close to you." He and Elizabeth sat in silence for a long time. Each feeling comfortable and comforted by each other's presence.

The voyage back to Port Royal too only three more days, Not enough time in Elizabeth and Will's opinion. Within those three days they had become inseparable. They played and talked about their lives. They were both interested in each other's lifestyles. Elizabeth was a governor's daughter while Will, she learned, was the son of a blacksmith. They occupied to completely different social classes. Yet Elizabeth could see no reason that they should not be friends because of this. Apparently Will came from a long line of blacksmiths and in a few years he himself planned to learn the trade. "I think my father would want me to.", he added. "In a few years my father will have me married off to one of his rich friends and I will learn to be a society lady.", Elizabeth said. "That sounds really boring.", Will said, and they both laughed.

Finally the day came when the Endeavor pulled into Port Royal. Most of the passengers were very happy to finally have reached their destination. The only people who weren't happy were Elizabeth and Will. They exited the ship together and said their goodbyes. Will pulled something out of his pocket. "I want you to have it. It belonged to my mother. It's one of the things I have of hers. I want you to have it." "But, Will…", Elizabeth started to protest. "Please, take it Liz, You're my best friend." Elizabeth reluctantly took the necklace, fastening it around her neck. "I have to go now, but I'll see you again soon. we're best friends forever, right?" "Forever.", agreed Elizabeth with a smile.