Chapter 18

Authors Note: Didn't think I could really go through with it, did you? I'm not that evil a fanfic writer now. Anyway, all those people who were plotting my death… this probably will make you feel better. She's Anamaria, mates? Think you I'd make her give up so easily?

Anamaria was free of all pain, all darkness, everything that once bothered her was forgotten. It was a moment of the most unbelievable freedom she had ever felt in her life. She didn't know where she was, couldn't see that her body was still lying on the deck of the Bloods' Revenge, all she knew was that the stars were bright in the sky.

She saw a crystal white palace. There were big silver gates that led to an immense castle where she could see people in white robes walking on gilt pathways.

The gates swung open and she was admitted inside. People paused to smile at her, some tipped their heads but not a word was spoken. She didn't know where to go, but never one to be daunted by anything she put her chin up and followed the roadway.

She walked on and somewhere in the back of her mind she knew that she didn't belong here. It was too quiet and although it was beautiful and peaceful it wasn't the place for her. Slowly memories came back, the Black Pearl, sailing on the ocean, Turak and waiting for Jack to come, but most importantly Jack Sparrow himself.

She wondered what he was doing, whether or not he got the Pearl back, if Turak was dead. A woman appeared in front of her, a stern look on her face, she was not at all like the others.

"Anna Marie Lycrae this is your one chance to look back to what you've left behind. You can refuse this offer or choose to look, but know that you can not change what's transpired."

"I want to see what happened after my death. There was a ship-"

"All this is known already. Look into the glass and remember, you can't change anything, what's done is done, you can't go back."

"I accept the terms." Anamaria looked into the woman's green eyes confidently.

"Very well." She waved a hand and the glass grew larger. Anamaria peered in and immediately was bombarded with emotion. All of her feelings came back, she hadn't noticed they were gone.

She saw Jack kneel next to her and heard every word he spoke. She realized that not all of what she heard was being said aloud, she could see into his heart, into his mind.

~"I've failed you, Anamaria. You're the only one that's ever mattered to me. If I could do anything, I swear I would bring you back. I would-- I can't. . ."~ she heard him cry out, it was a sound that he never could have brought to life.

Everything in his heart was laid bare and she wanted more than anything to grant his wish. She wanted to have him pull her into his arms and she wanted to reassure him that she would be there for him through whatever was to come. Tears ran down her face freely, but this time she wasn't too proud to hate it.

Will was mourning the death of one of his dearest friends, close to being brothers they were, but he was trying to stay strong for Elizabeth who was hugging him tightly trying not to cry, too.

Norrington stayed on the deck of his ship. She could feel his sorrow, see his hopes and dreams. He'd become a pirate himself one day, wanted to have a family, know what a solid lifestyle was, fall in love and be loved in return. Another of his thoughts made her laugh, he really wanted to see Gilette put out of the Navy.

Without warning she was standing back on the palace road and the woman was staring deep into her eyes.

"Could I not go back?" she pleaded, "Just for a few moments?"

"You agreed when you looked into the glass. I told you the consequences of looking to the past, you made you decision."

"But people there need me. I can't have died like that, Jack thinks Turak. . . that opinion can't stand. I have to go back for Jack."

"You agreed-"

"I know I did! But just once can't you make an exception? Can't you tell when someone isn't supposed to die?"

"Everyone who gets sent here is meant to be here."

"Please? I don't belong here, I can feel it. I wasn't supposed to have died." She was bargaining with the keepers of life, trying her best to convince them, to persuade them in her facor.

"You have a true heart no matter what your life was like. Only the pure hearted are sent here. You want to leave? Do you understand the complications of what you ask? Is that a risk your willing to take?"

"Yes! I'd be willing to end walk in the burning inferno of hell for a chance! I can go back?"

"You won't remember anything that happened here, you understand that?"

"I do."

"Have a care for the future. Life is unexpected in the grandest ways."

Authors Note: Short chapter yes, but I couldn't leave without finishing this chapter for you.