The Bloody Sword
Chapter 8: Change of Heart
Don't own.
Reviewers:
fRoZeN tIgEr TeArS: Oh, don't worry. The fighting isn't over yet… muahahah! There is still more to come. –wink-
Jeshika-chan: I'm glad you enjoyed reading it! Let me know if you do change your pen name so I can read your POTC story. –grin-
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A moment later, Will crashed into the water, causing a spray of water to fly up around him. His head resurfaced a few moments later, and he turned, just in time to see the explosion.
It seemed to happen in slow motion. The barrels of gunpowder had been lit, and they exploded like dominos. Fire, wood, and supplies from the bottom of the ship were thrown all over, and the flames consumed the rest of the ship. Black smoke rose higher and higher into the sky, causing a layer of cloud between the ships and the sun. The flames flew higher as well, eating away at the sails and the mast of the ship.
On the Mexico, Captain Andy was staring in disbelief as his ship was destroyed. His mouth hung open in shock. "Me SHIP!" He cried. "Who ever did this to me ship will meet me sword's end." He growled. He turned, and saw Casey walking towards him. "You traitor, mutineer, scurvy, poxy dog!" Captain Andy shouted at him. Casey shrugged nonchalantly.
"Sorry, Cap'n, but ye must 'ave known your regin of terror wouldn't last forever." Casey said, drawing his sword. Behind him, the rebels went back to fighting with the other pirates.
Captain Andy drew his sword as well, and he lunged forward at Casey. Casey stepped back and blocked it easily. Captain Andy moved to the side and tried to hit Casey in the side of the head with his sword, but Casey blocked it again, then spun and his Captain Andy on the arm with the blunt side of the blade. Captain Andy cursed in pain and glared at his former first mate. "Bastard!" He shouted, then moved forward again, fire blazing in his eyes, his goal: to kill Casey. Casey jumped back and blocked, but Captain Andy recovered quicker and swung. He hit Casey's arm and cut it. A huge gash was left in his arm, and it started bleeding right away. Casey switched hands since his other hand was useless, and he swung again at Captain Andy.
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Elizabeth and Kendra lowered a rope down the side of the Black Pearl and hoisted Will out of the water. When he got to the deck, Elizabeth threw her arms around him. Will was dripping with water, and he shivered slightly. "I have to go help." Will said. Elizabeth shook her head.
"No Will. You've done enough." She said. Will put his hand to her check.
"I'll come back… I promise." He said. Then he pushed her away lightly, and ran, grabbing a rope and swinging across to the Mexico.
Jack and Norrington were fighting side by side, which surprised Will when he arrived on the ship. But he said nothing, not wanting to distract them. He moved through the fights and saw Casey fighting with Captain Andy. Casey's arm was bleeding. Will watched as Captain Andy overthrew Casey and knocked his sword of out his hand. It was clattering to the ground away from them. Captain Andy forced Casey onto the deck on his back, and Andy drew his gun, and aimed it for Casey.
"Farewell, Casey." He said. Will couldn't let this happen. He ran to Casey's sword, and picked it up. He went behind Captain Andy, and took his stance. Then, he threw it. The sword cut through the air, and in an instant, it was lodged in Captain Andy's back. Blood formed around the wound, and socked through his shirt. Captain Andy slumped to the ground, bleeding. Will jogged over to Casey and held out a hand.
Casey looked up at the blacksmith and smiled. He took the hand he was offering to him, and Will helped him up. The two stood and watched as the ship that was beside The Mexico sunk lower and lower into the sea. "Thank ye Will Turner." He said. Will nodded.
"You saved my wife." He said. Casey smiled. "You should go to the Black Pearl. Elizabeth can bandage your arm for you. You're in no condition to fight right now." Will said. Casey looked at his arm.
"It's only a flesh wound."(A/N1) Casey declared. Will shook his head and pushed his off towards the Black Pearl. Casey obeyed.
Soon, the living pirates loyal to Captain Andy were cornered. They were weaponless, and had a large number of rebels, sailors, and Jack's crew around them, pointing various guns and swords in their direction. Norrington forced his way through, and stood before the small group. "You've lost." He said. The pirates glared at him. He turned. "Tie them up. Make sure they don't go anywhere." Norrington ordered, and he left the group of sailors and pirates who all too eagerly moved forward with rope.
Jack, Will, Elizabeth, Kendra, and Casey were standing on the Black Pearl. Norrington joined them a few moments later. "Elizabeth. Will. It's good to see you are safe." He said. Elizabeth smiled at him, and Will nodded.
"What are we to do now?" Jack asked.
"The people on the ship in the lower levels need to be taken back to their homes. The bodies should be thrown overboard, and the others need to be taken care of." Casey said.
"Casey, why don't you take command of the Mexico?" Kendra asked. Casey looked down at her.
"It's a good idea. You deserve it." Elizabeth said. Casey smiled, and the others nodded their heads.
"Alright. I'll be takin' care of everythin', so don't you worry." He said. Then he looked to Kendra. "But what about you?" He asked. Kendra suddenly grabbed Elizabeth's hand. Elizabeth looked down at her.
"I'm tired of bein' on a ship." She said, her eyes wide. Elizabeth looked to Will, who shrugged.
"If you want, come home with Will and I. I know a place who would be more than happy to take you." Elizabeth said. Kendra grew scared.
"Not… one of those places where they make all the little kids stay in together… that's dirty and, and…" She was lost for words, but Elizabeth eased her fears.
"No, dear. No place like that. I promise." Kendra relaxed and moved closer to Elizabeth.
"Commodore!" A shout came from the other ship. Norrington turned and saw one of his sailors helping a woman across the deck.
"Caroline." He whispered. The small group on the Black Pearl looked at each other questioningly. Norrington rushed to the side of the ship and went back across and landed on the deck.
"This woman wanted to see you." The sailor said. Norrington nodded and took Caroline's arm.
"What can I do for you?" he asked.
"You're sendin' home all the people?" She asked. He nodded. She looked down, embarrassed. "Well, I…" Norrington stopped her and took her hands. She looked up at him. Something came over the Commodore at that moment, and he suddenly forgot about his loss of Elizabeth. He moved his hand up to Caroline's cheek.
"Miss Caroline, might I request that you return to Port Royal with me?" He asked. She smiled and nodded. Norrington smiled brightly, brighter than he had in a long time. He ordered for a ramp to be placed between The Black Pearl and The Mexico. Once done, Norrington helped Caroline over to the Black Pearl. He brought her to the group of people standing there, watching in disbelief. "This is Caroline." He said. Elizabeth smiled, and looked at Will, who smiled back at her. Norrington might have finally found someone for him.
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Casey and his pirate crew waved to the Black Pearl as it pulled away from the side of the long ship. Elizabeth, Will, Kendra, Norrington, Jack, and Caroline waved back, calling out goodbyes. When The Black Pearl was a significant distance away, Casey moved from the side of the ship. One pirate, Darry, looked at Casey.
"It seems like the earth just switched direction of rotation." Darry commented. Casey looked up at the pirate.
"Indeed." He let out a long breath. So many things had happened in such a short, time Casey even wondered if this was all real. Captain Andy was finally dead, the prisoners would be freed soon, Casey was the captain of the ship now, and he had a crew he trusted. "Well, let's stop wastin' time men! Hoist the sails!" He cried. The crew shouted "Aye Cap'n!" together, and set off to work.
The sails were raised, and Casey took his place at the helm of the ship. He turned the wheel, the anchor was raised and the wind picked up. The ship started moving through the blue water, moving to the horizon, and into the setting sun.
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The Black Pearl was anchored in Port Royal, and sailors and pirates were saying good-bye. Jack and Norrington shook hands. "Well, Mr. Sparrow, I'll admit that this "adventure" as one might call it was… interesting. I hereby lift the ban on your ship from this port, unless of course you decide to destroy it. Otherwise, I might have to kill you." Norrington said. Jack threw his head back and laughed.
"Thank ye Commodore." Jack said. They shook hands again, and Norrington left the ship, helping Caroline down the ramp. Will and Elizabeth then joined Jack. Jack hugged Elizabeth and kissed her cheek. "It was wonderful seein' you again, Mrs. Turner." He said with a grin. She smiled.
"It was good seeing you too." She said. Then, she touched Will on the shoulder, then took Kendra's hand and left the ship. Jack and Will were left on the helm, watching the sunset.
"If ye weren't tied down, matey, I'd ask ye to come along." Jack said, not taking his eyes from the sun.
"Thank you Jack." He said. "Also, thank you for giving me the dagger." Will said.
"Me pleasure. Will… there's somethin' well… ne'ermind." He said. Will raised an eyebrow.
"What?" Jack sighed. He might as well tell the boy.
"When ye was born, and your father knew, he asked me to… well.. be your godfather." Jack said. Will turned to look at Jack. "I suppose I didn't do too well at it." He said sheepishly. Will laughed.
"Don't worry about it Jack. Just make sure you come visit Port Royal since you can come here without the fear of being killed." Will said. Jack nodded.
"I will." Jack turned and hugged Will. "Have fun tonight, matey." He whispered. Will pulled away and shook his head. Jack laughed. "Farewell, William Turner!" He said, watching Will leave the ship. Will waved to him, then he walked down the ramp and joined his wife on the deck.
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"Oh my…" Kendra looked up at the mansion as the carriage rode closer. The Tuners had stopped at their new house and cleaned up and changed, and found a dress for Kendra. It was loose on her since she was so thin. It was at their house that Elizabeth told Will about her idea to take Kendra to live with her father. She felt bad that she would be moving out, even though their house was almost right next door. She thought maybe her father would feel better having another one in the house to keep him company.
Kendra turned and looked at Elizabeth. "What is this place?" She asked.
"This is where I used to live. My father still lives here. I thought maybe you could stay with him, since I won't be there anymore." Elizabeth said. Kendra's eyes widened.
"This house is huge!" She exclaimed. Elizabeth laughed.
The carriage pulled up in front of the house and stopped. Elizabeth climbed out, followed by Kendra, followed by Will. The three of them walked up to the door. Elizabeth was about to open it when it opened without her, and the maid and the doorman were standing in the entryway.
"Mrs. Turner! You're alright!" The doorman cried. Elizabeth nodded. He looked out the door and saw Will. "And Mr. Turner! Come in! Come in! Oh Elizabeth! Your father will be elated to see you!" Elizabeth nodded, knowing it was true. The maid led them to the parlor where Govorner Swann was lying on the couch, staring at the ceiling.
"I've never seen him like this." Elizabeth said as they walked through the glass doors and into the room. Will nodded to his wife. Elizabeth grinned and walked over to Governor Swann. "Hi Daddy." She said. Governor Swann set up quickly and stared at Elizabeth.
"ELIZABETH!" he cried, and pulled his daughter into a hug, holding her tightly. Elizabeth struggled against him.
"Daddy… I … can't… breath…" She said. Governor Swann released her alittle.
"I'm so glad you're back!" he said, then saw Will. "William! Come here! You're back as well!" Will nodded and moved forward, and Governor Swann hugged him as well. That's when he noticed the girl. "Who is this?" he wondered.
"Daddy, this is Kendra. We rescued her from the pirate ship that kidnapped Will and I. Her father kept her locked in a cell below the deck, but he was killed. She wanted to come home with us, so I thought that she could stay with you so you had someone to keep you company." Elizabeth explained. Governor Swann crouched down a little.
"You're name is Kendra?" He asked. She nodded. Governor Swann held his hand out to her, and she moved forward shyly, then took his hand. He smiled and stood, then hugged the little girl. "I think we have room for her here." He said. Will and Elizabeth laughed.
"Thank you." Kendra said, addressing the three adults. They all smiled at her.
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This isn't quite the end yet. I have an epilogue in mind. Oh!
(A/N1) "It's only a flesh would." –Copyrighted by the Black Knight in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." Good movie. You should see it.
Later all-
Banana Nut Muffin