Sorry again for the delay in updates, unfortunately school takes priority over fanfic :(

Thanks for reading and reviewing, everyone! Just one chapter left now, I hope you're enjoying it.

Also, I know that both this and the previous chapter are relatively short. Don't worry, though, the finale will make up for all of it!

Disclaimer: Still not mine.

Scene 9 – Choices

Elizabeth is in her bedroom in the Port Royale Governor's mansion. She is violently brushing her hair on her bed when her maid, Pamela, enters. She drops her brush and turns towards her abruptly.

Pamela looks concerned. "My lady, please. Do not take your anger out on that beautiful hair of yours."

"You speak of my hair at a time like this?! Tell me, did you find it?"

"Yes, mam, I found their cell. Both seem to be alright. Miserable, but not wounded. Now, can you get to sleep? Tomorrow is your big day."

This causes Elizabeth's face to contort in anger. "How can anyone expect me to happily marry the commodore when the man I love is currently being held in a jail cell awaiting execution for piracy?! All I've heard today is "congratulations". How can you find joy in being forced to marry a man you do not love?"

"Love is relative, my lady. May I offer you a piece of advice?"

"I suppose that you will give it whether I want it or not."

"True. Now, I quite like Mr. Turner myself, darling. But think about the future. What is "love", anyway? A mere feeling. Whatever you feel for Will just isn't enough. Commodore Norrington is intelligent, handsome, brave..."

"I do not see your point, as Will is all those things and more."

"Let me finish. The commodore is also a very fortunate and well-to-do man. His skills and accomplishments have raised him to the place of high esteem that he holds today. He can provide you with everything you ever wanted. He will be a perfect father, a gentle and doting husband. He is a man you could grow to love dearly. Is there really anything that makes Turner better other than sheer lust, darling?"

Elizabeth's eyes flash and she says indignantly, "I would die for him."

Pamela looks worried. "Now, that is just pure foolishness. At least think over what I said, Lady. You may find that it makes good sense."

Pamela hesitates, then softly removes an iron key from her dress pocket and places it on Elizabeth's dresser. "No matter what you decide, both Turner and Sparrow will be safe. I promise you I will do that. Now, get a good night's sleep. In the morning, you must decide: are you willing to give up everything you have prepared for your entire life for this man? Whatever you decide, I will support you, my lady. I hope you know what's best, as your future is at stake."

"I know." Elizabeth watches as her faithful servant leaves, then returns to yanking on her hair. She knows that she loves Will, but Pamela's words had struck a chord. They made perfect sense.

When she had been a little girl, Elizabeth had always hated when she felt one thing, but her mind told her that it made no sense and that she should in fact do the exact opposite. Every time, she had forced herself to follow her logic. Now, she was faced with the same question once again, and she knew that this time her answer would be the most important she ever gave.

One more time she would lose sleep deciding: love or logic?


In a cell built for two in the Port Royal jailhouse early the next morning, Will and Jack are chained hand and foot. Will's head is buried in his hands. He is filled with anger, sadness, and a small bit of fear that refuses to allow himself to acknowledge. I was so close! I was almost happy. How could I have lost it all after just one night? He moans out loud in frustration and screams, "I hate him!"

Jack, who has been watching him contemplatively, finally speaks. "Yes, I know that you hate him. You have been shouting that at intervals for the past hour. In case you haven't noticed, it hasn't gotten us anywhere as of yet. Perhaps we should be considering possibilities for escape as opposed to which individuals we hate."

Will is not amused. "You think I haven't been considering that all night?! We are in a eight by eight square box of brick and iron."

"You got me out last time! I thought you built these cells."

Will is quite annoyed. "I can't get it out without something sturdy to pry the bar up."

"Okay, sorry. Calm down, mate. You throwing a hissy fit won't help anyone right now."

"Well, what do you recommend I do, then?" Will asks coldly. He hates himself for being cruel to Jack, who is only trying to help, after all. But he can't help being mean at a time like this, he never could.

Jack ignores his tone and continues on in his hearty, optimistic tone. "Well, I for one am waiting for ghost pirates to attack and blow holes in the walls, thereby allowing us to escape. That's what happened last time. What almost happened to me last time, I should say."

Will tries his hardest to not strangle Jack. "Wait for ghost pirates?That is what you recommend that we do?!"

Both men are startled by a voice that seems to come from nowhere. "I recommend you come with me."


Next chapter: The conclusion.

Please keep up the reviewing!