Disclaimer: Not all the characters belong to Disney just the ones I really want. Figures.

Happy Birthday

The sun was just about to rise and the clouds held the beautiful crimson and amethyst hues only the Caribbean sky can behold. The fog was still lying like a sheet on the sea and as it was lifting it looked like spirits going up to the heavens. Ay, all the lost souls suspended between the two worlds. Trying to find their way home.

The waves were softly lapping on the side of the ship. The Black Pearl, she is such a large ghostly beautiful ship with billowing black sails yet she has a chilly deserted atmosphere in the early dawn light. There is not a soul about and the creaking of the wood tells stories of the past, present and future. The sails create shadows that would make most men very uneasy. Not I, morning is my favorite time. I have always been an early riser and I love to walk the ship before the rest of the crew comes up to start their duties. Today something new caught my eye.

I looked down to where Mandy was curled up on the deck and Ed was sprawled out right next to her using the dog's body as a pillow. I shouted down at the young lad to get his attention and lightly kicked his boot to wake him up.

"What're ya doing there?" Ed opened one eye and looked up at me standing over her with my arms folded.

"Answer me lad." I stood looking at Ed, his face cast into the shadows by his hat. "Why are you sleeping outside?"

Ed opened her eyes wider and she wiped the sleep from them. The darkness that had surrounded her was now speckled with sun light. At first she forgot where she was. She looked about her and she jumped when her eyes once again met with two deep pools of brown that were looking down at her. I was grinning at her one of my charming toothy smiles.

"I asked you a question lad. Why are you here?"

"Trying to get some sleep, now if you don't mind"…then she turned to her side, facing away from me.

"Ah, but I do mind, now get up. You too Mandy, get your mangy butt out of here."

Mandy got up obediently and came to my side and sat next to me wagging her tail and eager to please.

Ed grabbed her pillow and curled up with it. I bent down and stripped the blanket off of her and then I yanked the pillow out from under her head. Ed winced, as her head hit the deck but she stayed where she was.

"Fine, I'll sleep like this then." She put her arm under her head and curled up into a ball, ignoring the tapping from my foot.

"If you don't get up ya sleep out here tonight and ya sleep out here fer the rest of the voyage. Savvy?" I glared down at her, I was getting angry.

Ed felt a lump in her throat and her eyes were tearing but she held the tears back. She was trying to act tough and did not want me to see through her disguise.

"No skin of my nose Jack!"

"Ya mean Captain Jack lad. And too put it in simpler terms for you it is Captain Sparrow. Savvy?" I leaned in real close and squinted at her. "Just remember one thing, boy. I'm the captain of this ship and I'll be giving the orders and disposing of insubordinate crewmembers and whatever else I feel like doing. I smiled at her mischievously.

"You mate will sleep with the rats and the crew tonight and that is final."

Her eyes searched my face trying to decide whether to tell me the truth or not. She shrugged her shoulder and sat up straight and innocently said, "I thought I would keep watch for you Captain. I did not realize I was breaking any rules of the code."

I looked at her defiantly. "Do we have a problem E-E-Ed?"

"No sir, I do not. Can I ask the same question of you, Captain Jack Sparrow?" The name rolled off her tongue bitterly.

I kicked him again and this time it was not light. "Get up and get your breakfast. You will be mending the sails today." I strode across the deck and Mandy did not follow. I turned around and noted Ed was petting the animal and talking to her ever so softly. I am not a paranoid individual but I assumed he was giving my dog an earful. Ed immediately jumped up and headed for the hatch when she saw my fierce look. Mandy started to follow and I yelled at her.

"Your place is beside me, now get over here." I gave her a hoarse gruff order.

She cocked her head and then looked at Ed. I did not see the fascination, I rolled my eyes at the dog as she was totally taking my air of authority away. Mandy usually obeyed better than that unless she could sense there was something wrong or she had a strong bond towards the person. She was quite fond of AnaMaria, William and myself, I thought. She also had a soft spot for Miss Swann but she was miles away.

"Now you Damn Dog! I don't have all morning!" I pointed at her and then motioned her to come to me. Mandy turned and looked pleadingly at Ed.

"You don't have to scold the poor thing." Ed said as she walked over to Mandy and scratched her behind her ears glaring at me.

"Aye Ed, I see you sleep with me dog and you think you own her. Well it doesn't work like that. I'll throw her over the rail after I toss you. Of course I know she can swim. Can you?"

I made a move forward when I felt a hand land hard on my shoulder. Will was standing behind me. He most have heard our raised voices and he gallantly came to Ed and Mandy's rescue.

"Captain, there is breakfast in the galley and hot coffee. Ed you may want to grab some food before you start your day's work. Mandy my Luv, you too, let us go get some food."

Mandy's ears perked up and she ran over to Will. She licked his hand, grabbed his sleeve and then attempted to pull him over to Ed. "Yes, girl I'm coming, hold up." He pulled his sleeve from the dog's mouth and stroked her on her head.

I was taken aback that Mandy ran so fast to Will and was trying to drag him over to Ed. I raised an eyebrow and attempted to say something and finally I just yelled.

"GET THAT OUT OF HERE!"

Confusion was written on Will's face but he shrugged and took my arm and started to pull me away. I pulled out of his grasp. "What the bloody hell are you doing Turner?"

Ed was now standing in the full sunlight as it shone down on him. He had tears of laughter in his eyes and he was holding his sides.

"Mr. Turner, the Captain said THAT" as she pointed at Mandy. "Not Jack, but I have to say I would prefer if you took Jack."

"The dog." I bluntly said giving Will a look that I found him as dumb as the dog. "Why would I speak of myself in such a manner, Mr. Turner? I will eat at the helm. You may go and take Mandy with you." I did not wish to eat with the crew. I figured the way my demeanor was I would probably bite every body's head off.

"Edward. As for you lad, it is Captain not Jack and you better not slip again. After you eat, forget the sails you will be spending the day in the brig cleaning up after the prisoners and repeating to yourself, honor thy Captain. Savvy?"

I gave her a look that would kill a cockroach and I did not wait for an answer. I sneered at Will and attempted to smack the dog. Mandy was too quick however. As my hand was swinging towards her head she ducked and I hit me hand on a boat hook, which caused a mighty fine wound. I flinched and glared at the beast.

"Damn you to bloody…"

Realizing I was taking my anger out on the dog when it should be directed at Ed I grasped my hand and just mumbled under my breath as I headed for the wheel.

"Not good. This is not good."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Will and Ed went down to the galley. The crew was dining and they were eating in a very disorderly manner. They were eating like a kennel of hounds. They were snatching and catching food from one another. It was very revolting to Ed and she could tell Will was also disgusted.

"William is it?"

Ed was still trying to keep up her act and trying not to be to familiar with him. That is what probably got her in trouble with Jack. However, maybe she was seeing the real Jack Sparrow for the first time.

"Yes Ed." Will answered timidly as he looked over the drunken and disheveled crew.

"Are they always this uncivilized and display such uncouth behavior at meal times? I mean it is morning and they are drunk, they are using coarse language, they are threatening each other and they are just obnoxious." Ed stepped backwards not wanting to enter into the room.

"Aye Ed. I can see your father did keep you well-protected and away from pirates."

He turned and stared at her. Fortunately for her the large brown hat was concealing her face. "You know Ed, you don't seem the pirate type. This is the manner in which they pass there time. In this all male regime they have to cultivate their macho image and obviously they can only express it when they are drunk."

"Obviously." Ed commented and just shook her head in disgust.

"I'll let you get some food. I best report this to Jack. He will not be pleased to find the crew is drunk so early in the day."

"I don't think anything will please Captain Sparrow today." Ed walked over to get a tray of food only because she was starving and did not know when she would get another chance to eat.

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There is little privacy on board the ship, which makes life very hard for a woman pretending to be a man. Ed knew there were many dark corners in the badly lit areas below deck and she was eager to go find one. She stank to high heaven and she wanted to bathe. She had complied with the Captain's wishes or orders and cleaned the brig. It was the worst thing she had ever been subjected too. The prisoners had defecated and vomited everywhere. There stomachs must have been just as sensitive as hers. She could not believe the conditions they had been forced to endure and too her horror she found out that Jack had thrown the prisoners into the Caribbean and ten minutes after they hit the water he let some boats down claiming he did have a heart.

The Black Pearl is constructed of wood and has a confusing jumble of tarred rope, mildewed sails, spare masts and spars, muddy anchor cables, hen coops, hammocks, seamen's chests, wooden crates of various sizes and numerous barrels containing water, beer, salt pork and gunpowder. This was all kept in the haul and Ed figured she could find a quiet and secluded place down there to clean.

Ed had gone to the galley and confiscated a large bucket and filled it with warm water. She was also lucky enough to find some soap. She then went below and did find a nice dark area to bathe. She was glad to have the company of Mandy with her. The environment of the haul was gloomy and dank. She was well aware there were rats everywhere. She started to remove her clothing when Mandy started to growl menacingly.

Ed stopped undressing and looked around the crates that were concealing her. Not seeing anything she put her finger to her lip. "Quiet Mandy. I know this is not the best conditions and there are rats about but in order to live with myself I have to do this." She removed her undergarments and picked up a large rough rag. Dipping it into the warm water and running it over her naked body. She moaned out loud as she rubbed the soap over her aching muscles and then let the warm water trickled over her skin. The water felt so soothing and she lingered in the warmth.

Billy was stalking in the shadows. He had seen Ed take the bucket and go downstairs. He had been watching every move Ed made. He slowly crept closer and closer toward her until he was mere inches away from the barrels she was behind. He was quite curious and he wanted to know what Ed was doing.

Mandy sensed the change in the air and quickly leapt in front of Ed. He fell backwards on his butt, as she seemed to come from nowhere. He was amazed to see the dog standing in front of him. Her hackles were raised and her teeth were bared. He removed his pistol from his sash with in a blink of an eye and hit her as hard as he could on her head. She dropped to the floor and blood started to ooze from the wound.

"Mandy what is it girl? Did you catch the rat?" Ed called out while she was humming to herself.

Billy slinked around the barrels and he almost fell over again. He could not believe his eyes. There was a beautiful woman standing in front of him. She was glistening with soap and water. She was totally enjoying herself and she was completely naked.

He slowly removed his hat and bandana. He came up from behind her and placed his hand over her mouth. He pushed her forward and with his strong body he pinned her to one of the crates. She tried to scream and wiggle from his grasp but it was useless.

"Well, look what we have here." Billy said as he tied his bandana tightly around her eyes. "Now I can see you but you won't know me."

He turned her around and looked at every enchanting and alluring inch of her body. He leant down and started licking her neck. He pushed her backwards, locking his lips to hers. She could feel his body against hers. He smelled of rum and she was having a hard time breathing. She then raised her knee and hit him in the groin. He doubled over with pain but he still kept his grip on her.

"You are new at this game ain't ya?" He asked rhetorically, knowing the answer. "Your no whore are you? What are you doing here? Are you one of the Captain's girls too?"

He took off his shirt and continued to kiss her forcefully. She tried to step backwards because of the pressure he was putting on her but she could not move, he had pinned her up against the crate. His rough hands were roaming over her body and he ripped the rag away from her.

He pushed her down and he was about to climb on top of her when he heard the click of a pistol behind him. He turned around to see my pistol pointed at him.

"I'm terribly sorry mate, but I don't think you want to be doing that? It's a fine goal to be sure of but it seems to me that it's not a fair match. I have one shot in me gun Bad Boy Billy and when someone has one shot it can mean one of two things. One, I am a very good shot and I never miss or two I'm low on bullets. You mate can take your pick."

Ed had removed the bandana pulled herself off the floor and retrieved her clothes. She was observing me as I stood a few feet in front of Billy. She noted the large amount of blood pouring down my thigh and my breeches were torn and stained. She turned from the both of us and ran for the door. I gave her a moment and then a single shot rang out.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Ed had run up the stairs and not knowing where to go or what to do she ran to my quarters. The cabin was beautiful and it was lit by candles and she could see it for all its glory. There was a double bed with deep red hangings, beautiful dark cupboards and drawers that seem perfect even though she could see they were tarnished with scratches. There were maps and charts strewn out on the desk. The curtains were made of the same deep red fabric. She went over and unlocked the windows that over looked the back of the ship. She sat in silence taking in gulps of fresh air and taking in the beauty of the sea. The moon was full and its light danced and glistened on the smooth waters that just yesterday were so violent. She laid her head against the window. I can only imagine what Jack Sparrow is going to say when he finds me.

What was I thinking? What am I going to do? Did Jack shoot Billy? All these thoughts were running through her head when she heard someone coming. She tossed herself on the bed and pulled the covers up over her.

AnaMaria entered the cabin and with her was Will and Mandy. "The Captain says to find Ed. He was telling me that he is a she and for her safety plus the safety of the crew its best we find her as soon as possible. Jack is in no mood to be toyed with."

Looking down at Mandy she shook her head. "Mr. Turner did you see what she did to Jack?"

"No, I was tending to the sails when I heard him yell but I understand this here dog was attempting to get his attention and he in his typical manner waved his hands in her direction and ignored her. When she could get no satisfaction she sprang at him and took a bite out of his leg."

Aye, not just a bite she sunk her teeth in deep and took a chunk. The dog meant business. I have seen her angered at men and at other animals but this dog, she was desperate. She was not displaying rage she was asking for help. She had run onto the deck and barked incisively. There was blood coming from her head and Jack just dismissed it as a fight with the parrot or the cat. He made some comment that The Pearl was becoming a zoo and he was waiting for the monkeys and the hyenas.

AnaMaria knelt down and gently examined Mandy and looked back at Will. "She will be fine, there is a large lump but the wound is not deep. Ya know Mandy; it's good ya have a hard head. I'd say someone owes you a mighty large thank you."

Looking back up at Will, she began to snicker. "It's a shame you missed it. When she lunged at Jack he was completely taken by surprise. She had been running around him and barking non-stop. He told her to jump in the ocean or go play with her new friend Ed. He actually took an axe and a hammer and tossed them at her. Gibbs had told me once that Jack detested dogs. He claims they are slobbery and furry and demand too much attention. Of course this was before she saved his life."

AnaMaria looked up at the open window and went to close it. "Anyway, when Mandy leaped at Jack she took him down. He fell down and hit his head hard on the wheel. The sound was deafening I'm surprised he was still conscious. Sitting up and holding his head he cursed at the dog and said something like, I see ya hold grudges well, Amanda me love I won't attempt to smack ya again. I'll do it next time. This is when she pounced on him and bit him hard. I could not believe it. I mean any higher and…

Will cringed just thinking of it. "Well, I guess Jack should consider himself lucky."

"Aye, Mandy should. She took half his thigh in her mouth and ran. I have never seen an animal go so fast. To my amazement Jack was right behind her and he had his gun out. Gibbs, half the crew and myself were yelling for Mandy. I don't know what got into her but I have to admit Jack's been in a foul mood lately and I felt for the dog."

"You always have had a soft spot Luv." I said to AnaMaria as I entered the room followed by Gibbs and Cotton.

"Where is she? Where is that bloody woman? When I find her I will have my hands so tight around her neck she won't be able to explain herself. I am down two men because of her and I told ya before Gibbs I need all the men I have. Blasted woman. Did I not ask if any of those young men were women? They thought I was joking. Well, the joke was on me wasn't it? Me and poor Samuel and that bloody Bad Boy Billy."

Gibbs handed me his flask as I sat down to examine my leg. "Captain it looks bad, I think you should have Cotton tend to it."

"Gibbs don't worry about me just find me that woman and bring her here!"

He shrugged and took his flask back. "Aye sir, find the woman. I told ya woman are bad luck but nobody seems to want to listen."

AnaMaria took umbrage to that remark and threw a book that was lying on the desk straight at Gibbs's head. It hit with force and she was proud of it. He stumbled back in a daze.

I looked at her and then back at him wincing for him cause I knew it had to have hurt. "Aye mate you deserved that." And you, I looked over at Mandy. "There has to be a better way to fetch my attention Luv. You do not bite the hand that feeds you."

"Jack, she didn't bite your hand." Will looked at me with an evil grin.

I knew he couldn't be that stupid so he was evidently trying to be funny. "Mr. Turner it would suit you well to go find Ed. I have a sickening felling we know him or her or what ever. If you don't find her first and I do, I fear there will be blood spilled."

I removed my hat, pistol and sword and tossed them on the bed. "Mandy come here lass." She came immediately and gently put her head on my good leg. I also examined her head then motioned her to jump on the bed. She did this with no coaxing at all.

"Jack, from what I have heard Mandy tried everything she could." Will spoke covering his mouth to hide the fact he was still smiling. "I know if the dog had bitten me the way she did you I would have chased her all over the damn ship too. Lucky for Ed or whoever?" Will looked directly in my eyes with regards to what I had said. "Mandy was willing to take your abuse. You know Jack that's called unconditional love. You should value that. Not many of us have that. That alone is a treasure."

Before I could make a comment to Will's profound statement. Mandy started to leap and jump all over the bed. She started to bark and make a lot of commotion. Finally Elizabeth couldn't take it any longer and she gave herself away. She screamed at Mandy as she tossed her off the bed. She instantly felt remorseful knowing that it was Mandy who had saved her from Billy.

I stood up from my chair and limped over to the bed. I was waiting for this moment to come and I still wasn't sure if I was prepared for it at all. I looked about the room trying to find something to settle my gaze on and calm my turbulent thoughts.

She quickly pulled the bed covering up around her and she backed up on the bed with sheer fright in her eyes.

"What the bloody hell are you doing here on my ship and in my bed?" I turned and glared at Will and Gibbs. "You!" I directed my eyes at William. "I told you to leave her behind. And you!" I darted my dark stare at Gibbs. "You said he was alone. If I find out either of you have been in on this charade I will flog you till your skin is flayed off and then I will throw brine into your wounds and add plenty of salt to the brine to increase the pain. Savvy?"

I backed away from the bed to gather my thoughts. I couldn't think standing so close to her. "I need some rum." I literally dove into the liquor cabinet and pulled out two bottles. I took a long swing from one and my hand was trembling I was so furious. I looked at Gibbs, Will, Cotton and AnaMaria. I was losing my composure and I was angry with myself for letting it happen.

"All of you get back to your work. Ed has evidently been found and I will deal with her in my own way. There is a code to be followed and I am to administer the punishment."

"Jack you wouldn't you couldn't. You can't kill her." Will stepped forward and put himself between her and me.

"Can't I Mr. Turner. Just watch me!" I threw the rum bottle to the floor and I approached Will. All right lad but you best be a man to your word. You may stay to keep my hands from throttling her neck but don't you dare pull your blade or gun. The rest of ya leave." I didn't have to say it again. The cabin was emptied and the silence was eerie.

"Listen love and listen good. Many think Jack Sparrow doesn't have a heart but he does. So you better speak now and tell me what you are doing here before my heart turns hard and you find your pretty little bodice and what ever else you have on in the ocean."

Pulling her knees up against her chest she licked her lips. "Jack there is nothing for me in Port Royal. I felt I had to come with you to save our daughter. Stop treating me like a child. I am Katheryn's mother and she needs me."

"Miss Swann, I will treat you as I see fit and you appear to be very childish at the moment. Katheryn if she is still alive, has been getting along without you for months. Believe me lass when and if we ever get her back my intentions were to take her immediately to you.

"Jack! William and Katheryn are all I have left. There was no point or purpose for me to stay behind. Also you have no idea what your daughter looks like. You need my help."

"HA!" I pushed Will aside and leaped at the bed. Leaning in on her my face was just inches from hers. "Missy that is where you are wrong. I need no help from you. I recruited William and other able hands. My objectives were to keep you out of harms way, but no you have to be so bloody stubborn and stowaway on me boat and then have the gall to be a man. You know lass if Billy had not found you out someone else would have. What kind of a dangerous pastime do ya think ya playing? This is not a game love, this is life. It is a pirate's life."

I backed away and glanced at Will. He just stood in silence making sure I did not strike Elizabeth. I am sure if I did Will would have to break his promise.

"Answer me this Miss Swann. How many babies do you think Barbossa has? I truly doubt the man is running a nursery. I am searching for a baby girl and I'd bet you you're pretty little neck that he only has one. I'd also think I'd be safe to say that the child is about a year old and a girl."

I went and sat down in my chair. I looked at William then put my hands to my face, wiped the sweat from my brow and pulled on me beard. "Turner, tell Gibbs to reset our bearings. We will be heading back to Port Royal. I will not be responsible for Miss Swann. We are on a mission to save a child. If anything were to happen to her mother said child would be an orphan."

Elizabeth leaped out of the bed and approached the chair. "Captain Sparrow if you take me back I will find passage another way. I am not your responsibility as you so clearly have put it. I will watch over myself. You are neither my father nor husband and you sir cannot tell me what I can and cannot do." She then acknowledged William. "And the same words apply to you."

Will backed up and raised his eyebrows, being the smart man he is he said nothing. I myself couldn't resist.

"Aye Lizzy I'm not your father and will never be your husband but I am the father of your child. Technically I cannot tell you what to do but I can get rid of you. Now take yourself out of me quarters. I don't wish to see you until we reach Port Royal and then the only thing I wish to see is your back."

I got up from the chair and went over to a large chest. I opened it and tossed Elizabeth her blanket and pillow. "E-E-Elizabeth." I said with a wide golden smirk. "You will be sleeping out on the deck again. I have no provisions for women.

She took the blanket and pillow and she cursed me under her breath. Calling me names that she had never even heard of before until she set foot on The Black Pearl.

"Miss Swann that will be enough." I rolled me eyes at her and then turned to Will. "Mr. Turner please take her away with you. What you do with her I care not. Just keep her away from me and me men. She is dangerous to say the least. You may also inform the men there will be no more rum rations fer anyone until we reach Port Royal. As long as we have a woman of fine standards on me ship." I coughed into my hand pretending to clear my throat. "I must keep them sober. We do not want another episode such as Gibbs had to deal with."

William had been quit for such a long time when I heard his voice it startled me. "I'm sorry Captain, I had not heard of the troubles Gibbs has been having."

You weren't privy to the fight between Charlie and Gibbs. I sat back and rolled my hands in the air as I told William of the fight. "Charlie drank a little too much and he caused the topsail ter break from its ropes because he did not secure it properly. That mate could have been a disaster fer all of us if we had been hit by hurricane wind. Fer this he will receive 10 lashings. Neither I, nor Mr. Gibbs will have a drunken sailor on deck. One must be sober to report to duty or at least give the resemblance of being so. Savvy?"

I picked up another bottle of rum and placed it to me lips. "I give the resemblance of being so." I looked at William and then Elizabeth. Relief ran though my whole body as I turned the bottle upside down, if anything had happened to her…. I just could not fathom what I would have done and this is why she has to go. I killed a man because of her and I endured a painful bite from me own dog due to her. I was furious at the Lass, but me feelings for her ran deeper. I loved her. I truly loved the girl, but she belongs to Will and that is the way it shall stay. I knew I had to squelch these felling because the man she was to marry and the one she loved was my best friend. I would never admit my feelings to anyone. I would remain in my own private hell.

"Tell Gibbs to change the bearings and let AnaMaria know I would like to speak to her. Don't take all night about it." I placed my feet on my desk and I put my hat on my head and covered my eyes. It was a sure sign I was finished with them and they should leave. I heard the door close and when I looked up I was alone.

When AnaMaria arrived to my cabin I was waiting for her. The light was low and soft. I asked her to close the door behind her. AnaMaria reached up and removed my hat from its jaunty position on my head. Placing it on her own she smiled as it slipped forward covering her eyes slightly. I reached over and tipped it back for her allowing her to get a proper chance to see my face.

"What is it you want Captain?" She asked while turning to secure the door.

She approached me and slowly started kissing every inch of revealed skin. I nodded immediately and surrendered myself to her as she started to remove my clothing. Reaching out I tugged her shirt off and threw it onto the discarded pile of clothes that were forming beside the bed. I helped her undo the ties on my trousers and allowed her to pull them off wincing as she caressed the dog's bite. Her eyes passed over my naked body and she ran her hands down my firm, tanned and scarred chest. Her gaze went lower. I smiled gently at her and kissed her softly. I reached out and slowly and teasingly removed the rest of her clothes. I lowered my lips to hers, running my tongue lightly over them.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Elizabeth had made herself a bed on the deck. The Caribbean breezes were warm and comforting. The moon was full and the stars stretched out through the heavens. She placed her head on the feathered pillow and stared up into the sky. Will had delivered all his messages and then returned to her. Looking down at her his emotions were running wild. Why had she defied Jack, why and how did she get here? There were so many questions and he wanted the answers, he needed the answers.

"Elizabeth, may I lay with you and keep you warm?" He asked tentatively prepared to accept the answer of yes or no.

"Will I would like that very much." Elizabeth answered faintly. "I would feel safer with you beside me. I know you and Jack do not understand my actions or me but I must follow my yearnings. I know Katheryn needs me I know she loves me and the Lord knows I love her." She turned to her side, pulled the blanket about her shoulders and softly cried into the pillow.

Will lie down beside her and wrapped his arm about her as she sobbed. "Elizabeth please don't cry. I will talk to Jack in the morning. We are too close to turn back now. If we back track we most likely will never save your daughter."

The moon slowly sank down over the horizon. Will had listened to Elizabeth's tales of jumping from the cliff and Norrington's affections. Sleep eventually overcame the both of them. Will was sound asleep dreaming of the day he and Elizabeth would be together. He pulled the shared blanket over him and realized he was alone. He turned to see Elizabeth standing at the railing staring out at the sea and then noticed she was not alone. Feigning sleep he lie there and listened.

"Lizzy my Love, I am sorry I was so harsh with you earlier but you must understand, I am doing this fer you and our daughter." I placed my hand around her shoulder noticing she was trembling from the cold or was it from me. "You must go back fer yourself and fer her. You want her to have a fine an proper life. Luv, I will be honest with yer, which is difficult since we both know I am the most dishonest man around. We will save Katheryn if she is still of this world but I cannot guarantee the lives of meself, your Mr. Turner or me crew and since I have no assurance I cannot place you into the line of fire. Savvy? You mean too much to mm….Mr. Turner and to our daughter."

Elizabeth looked up at me with her tear filled eyes. "Why Mr. Sparrow I believe you do have a heart. You will see that you are wrong if you turn this ship around. You will be wasting precious time. With each day that passes Kat grows older and she learns from Barbossa." She threw her arms around me neck and buried her face into my matted hair. I could feel her body rocking against mine as she sobbed. The sobbing lasted for an eternity then she let go of me neck and gazed up at the stars.

"Happy Birthday my dear sweet daughter. I hope you remember me. Happy Birthday." She turned and looked into my deep brown eyes. I felt as if she were looking into my soul. Looking for understanding why she was here. "She is a year old today Jack, yes our little girl is one and all I want in this wretched world is to be with her. That is all I wanted." She turned away and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Captain I will get my daughter back whether I'm with you or not. You claim she will be an orphan if I die. I say she will be a pirate. Yes a pirate. Like her father, just like you."

A/N Thank you for all the fine reviews. Keep them coming because that is what makes me continue my story. Yes, there is a lot more to come. I know the pirates seem nasty at times but we all know they are not nice people. Sure Jack and Will are pleasing to the eye but they do have their problems. Don't we all.