Chapter Fourteen

The sound of the sea echoed around the ship. The wind caught Ruby's hair, as she stood in the grim silence of the night. They'd made a fine pace over the last few days, so much so that i The Black Pearl /I could be seen in the distance. They'd have caught up to them by noontide. Stillness had taken hold of the crew with each league they closed in. Battle was nigh, and all aboard were preparing themselves. No one spoke beyond the necessary; orders came in sharply spoken words. Tempers flared in fear. It made Ruby feel a little better knowing she was not the only one who felt that way. Though she doubted anyone had someone as wonderful as William, who held her, whispered soothingly and bolstered her confidence in her abilities. She'd intensified her training with William and Bill. And William had tried to describe what it felt like to kill someone; it had been hard for him, because he'd filed away the horror in a place where it was best left.

As if blessed the wind picked up, Ruby smiled tightly, her hand which rested on the figure head, tightened slightly. It was as if this battle was destined. She pushed her hair from her face, and quickly tightened it with a spare length of leather. The last few days, since the capture of the Sea Sprite, had been the worst for her. The unrest of that morning had increased one hundred fold. She climbed onto the deck earlier, unable to sleep, trying to find a measure of calm in the dark of the night. Jonas commanded the night watch, Will was abed, tucked tightly into the blankets when she'd awaken. She'd not wanted her restlessness to disturb him. She had to face the fact that she worried, and was more of a restless person than he was. Nothing could disturb his sleep, nor destroy his appetite. Where as Ruby felt churned up inside when her life burned out of her control.

Command was nothing like she'd expected. She was suddenly learning the stresses of being a Captain, and how her decisions affected her whole crew. She'd gone after the blackbirders without giving it much thought and now she was leading her men into a battle that some wouldn't walk away from.

Will made his way to the deck and spotted her instantly. Her hair glowed eerily in the moonlight. He couldn't suppress a shudder, his heart clenching with a sudden unease. He refused to think about it though, refused to engage the thoughts and fears that plagued him. She was going to be just fine. She was a brilliant captain, and a talented swordsman, and she had courage to spare. Besides, there were three ships to the one Slaver, they would be just fine. He crossed the rest of the deck and slipped his arms around her waist from behind. "It will be okay. I promise you, it will be okay."

Ruby sighed, and held herself straight, "Can ye nae feel it in tha' air? It be close now." She turned to face him, "Tha Pearl was spotted about a half hour ago. We be right on her tail."

"Nae Ruby love. I feel nothing but you right now. In my arms, safe, warm and soft. We might be almost there, but we aren't yet." He buried his face in her hair, breathing deeply and sighing his pleasure. "I hate waking when you aren't beside me."

"I didnae want to wake ye with me distress. I cannae sleep while these thoughts plague me. Tha' lives o' me crew be in me hands. Did I rashly send them ta battle?" Ruby shrugged, unable to find her answer in her own mind.

"Those women aboard that ship are helpless. You are doing the right thing. Your men trust you for a reason Ruby. Don't doubt yourself now."

Ruby stood on her toes and kissed his cheek, "How is it ye know how ta say tha' right things ta me?"

Will kissed her lips lingeringly, his own curled in a smile. "Because I love you? Because you love me?"

Ruby laughed Will's presence and warmth banishing the black thoughts for the moment. They would return but they could never exist while he was around. "Sit with me awhile? Dawn will come soon."

Will nodded and collapsed to the deck, pulling her into his lap and laughing as she giggled delightedly. It wasn't a sound she made often, and he cherished every time she did. He was struck dumb by the sight of her face, unguarded and relaxed. He'd never get used to seeing her like that. Never grow tired of seeing her eyes spark with pleasure and warmth. Nor passion. But now was not the time to think of that. "You are so beautiful Lorelei. So..."

Lorelei cocked her head, curiously. "So?"

Will searched frantically for words to say what he felt for her. None were sufficient, but he wanted to try. "So... precious. Like the most valuable gem in the world. Only more. Priceless. Invaluable. Imperative. Essential. You are the blood in my veins."

Lorelei giggled again, it wasn't often that William became so effusive with words. Silly even. She moved further into the circle of his arms and leaned her head on his shoulder, watching the stars. It was a rare moment of peace for Lorelei; her temperament wasn't given to sitting still and contemplating. She was a woman of action and the last few days had worn at her. But Will made all of that right. They watched the sky lighten and become dawn together, in silence. This time Ruby found no fear in the pink stain that stretched across the sky. It was to be expected, danger was in every breath they took now.

It was the quite moments like this that brought the two of them closer. They held complete understanding. Will held her for the next half hour, asking her of her dreams, her desires, her hopes. He shared his with her as well. He told her of the house he longed for on Haven, the house he wanted to share with her, and possibly their family. They laughed and spoke of how they would celebrate their return, in their little hidden cave.

When he saw Bill emerge above deck however, he knew that their time had run out, for now. It was now time to face the day ahead. Time to plan, time to rescue, time to say goodbye once and for all to Elizabeth. Time to face the fact that this was going to be a day from hell, even if they had managed to start it by stealing their own little slice of heaven. They'd have more mornings like this though. If it took the last breath from his body to secure it, they'd have more time to love one another.

Ruby sighed, and regretfully pulled away from Will. She dusted herself off as she stood. She held a hand out for him, and helped him up. They walked side by side towards Bill. Lorelei nodded, and said as greeting, " It is time ta start hatchin' o' battle plans fer how we take tha' slaver ship. I be sure tha' ye and Jack can come up with somethin'. He sent a message late last night that we are ta pull off ta Dolphin Cove ta rendezvous with tha Pearl."

"We'll all get together to plot, but I think I have a good idea what Jack might have in mind. If those blackbirders are headed where I think they are, we might have gotten more'n a sight of good luck. A lot'l depend on what we find out from Anna Maria though. They've had em in sights for a fair few days I'd say."

"Mayhap even weeks," Ruby nodded, "There be not much else we can do till then. The men went through our inventory yesterday. Da you have command o' the ship this morning. William is running tha' men through swordplay and me... I'll be joinin' them until my shift this afternoon."

Bill nodded briskly. "Aye. That's when ye'll be needed the most. I'd say we'll reach Dolphin Cove within the hour. Tis a good place for us te meet and plot. It's been deserted a fair few years now."

Lorelei grinned, and looked at Will, "Tis the place Da came ashore after Barbossa sent him ta tha' sea. Tis where me Pa found him, when he was caching his latest haul." Lorelei's eyes shadowed slightly, "This be me old home."

Will wrapped an arm around her, kissing her temple tenderly. "I'm sorry love."

"Sorry fer what William?" Ruby's green eyes looked at him wonderingly.

Will shrugged. "I know it can't be easy going back there." Not for the first time William marvelled at everything Ruby was willing to go through, willing to face, including the possible death of herself and her crew, for the woman that had once been his fiancée. He couldn't imagine many people willing to do that. Willing to risk that much for their love's first love.

"Actually, tis. This be a place of many happy memories. But tis time ta say good bye ta those memories. Revenge has been had against tha evil ones. Thanks be ta ye an' Jack. It makes it easier ta walk again where my childhood was happiest."

Will squeezed her gently. "I wish I could have met them. They must have been amazing people to have created such a perfect daughter."

Ruby threw back her head and laughed loudly, "Hardly perfect. I 'ave me warts. Come let's go an' occupy ourselves till we reach tha' cove."

Will grumbled good naturedly. "Aye Captain." His lips twitched and he laughed full out when she popped him on the shoulder. He'd much rather have her one more time, but it was time to get down to work and practice swordplay with the men. They were risking their lives for him essentially, it was his fault they were involved in this fight, so it was the least he could do to make certain they were as prepared as possible.

They headed down to the lower decks, where Will taught some of the younger crew members the finer arts of sword play. Ruby stood at the back and ran through her own drills until a messenger from Bill advised her that they had reached Dolphin Cove. She signalled to Will and they headed back to the quater deck. They watched as the Sprite send up a signal for the Black Pearl. Till then, they would have time to wander the pure white sands of the beach. One more moment of peace before the storm broke.

That is, if Jack didn't decide to walk over to them on the beach and make a nuisance of himself as he was bloody well doing right then. Swaggering and waving and smiling as if he didn't know exactly what he was bloody well doing.

Ruby sighed and muttered to Will, "Sometimes it be hard ta believe tha' Jack Sparrow be tha' greatest Pirate ta sail the seven seas."

Will snorted. "Aye. He looks more like a deranged lunatic who's about ten sheets to the wind as opposed to the famed three."

"But ain't that what he be?"

Will laughed uproariously. "The first bit, aye, but the last bit, I have to say for all his talk, I have yet to see Jack Sparrow actually drunk."

Ruby shook her head in amazement and grabbed Will's arm, "If we walk slowly he mayn't see us. An' we can get past him ta tha beach. Some o' tha old houses should still be standin'."

Will's eyes danced and he laughed with wicked delight. "Why you little harlot, you. Going to shanghai me and have your wicked way with me?"

"I was thinkin o' showin ye me old home. So who be tha' wicked one?" Lorelei giggled, and blushed furiously.

Will laughed and tickled her side playfully. "Well, if all you were intending to i show /i me was your old home, then why didn't you want Jack there? Hmmm?"

"Because when Jack be bored an' have nothin' ta do he becomes irritatin'." Ruby shot back without a hesitation.

Will nodded but his lips remained curved in amusement. "Uh Huh."

"T'was." Ruby tossed her hair, "Well then, I guess if ye be complainin'' about it ye won't be wantin ta." She shrugged and then took off at a run, up the beach and into the foliage.

Will sprinted after her, laughing as he caught her and swung her around in one arm. "Gotcha! Perhaps this means i I /i get to play captor this time?"

Ruby laughed again, this time it was a husky low sound, "Maybe." She stuck her leg between his and twisted until she'd flipped him. She took off running again. She had energy to burn and needed to work it off. If the chase ended up in love making then so much better but right now her need was to run free.

They chased each other in and out of the surf, for what could have been minutes, or hours, but felt exactly like he'd always imagined Heaven would feel. Light, weightless, burden and worry free. Nothing existed but the two of them. Finally, Will felt the crunch of time begin to press in on them again, and he tumbled her to the sand and kissed her with a desperation that humbled and yet excited him just the same. He soaked in her scent, revelled in the tangy sweet taste of her mouth, sighed in pleasure at the feel of her tongue mating with his, and then he allowed his hands to explore her body. Slowly, oh so slowly, he committed every detail to his memory once again. So familiar, and yet so new all at once. Just as it was every time he joined with her.

It felt like time stopped, and yet all too soon they were walking back to the main port, where the ships were tied up and the graceful hulk of the Black Pearl pulled into the docks. With the appearance of that ship, came the reappearance of everything they'd tried to hold at bay as they romped around the Island. Will released Ruby's hand reluctantly, and distanced himself as would be proper for a man to do with his captain. They were no longer lovers in this moment. There was work to be done, and whilst the men onboard the Maiden would not give Ruby grief, he could not guarantee the same with Jack's crew. They were a basically good lot, but Ruby deserved their deference, not to have them speculating about her lover. Especially since they already knew him and would feel it their right to comment.

"And reality waits for no man." Will sighed bleakly.

"Aye, and sometime I be tempted ta scream tha' life nae be fair." Ruby shrugged, "But I guess I knew tha'."

She jogged down to the ships, greeting Anna Maria and Gibbs heartily. The crews mingled and caught up on gossip, catching refreshments. And once all the food was eaten, all the drink swallowed they got down to business. As the less experienced Captain, she listened eagerly to the reports from the Pearl's crew, and of the plans that her Da and Jack made, all the while staying silent.

Jack cleared his throat and turned to Ruby. "Captain Lorelei, you've not said much. Ye know these islands maybe better than any of us, what are yer thoughts on the matter?"

Ruby gnawed her lips, "I donnae have tha' experience ta be plannin' this. But I do know there be a way ta cut through tha Islands ta slip in front ta tha Slaver...Say two ships...with tha third followin' an' engagin'. They won't be lookin' ahead."

Jack's eyes gleamed with pride. "Experience or no, ye have the mind we need. That's a brilliant idea love. Instead of engaging them though, why don't we have the Pearl follow, and get near enough for them te wonder what she's up to, an' if she's still friendly, an' we'll lull them into a false sense of security. Just as they are beginnin' te let down their guard, the other two will slip in and engage." Jack thrust out the hand drawn map toward her. "Where's this path?"

Ruby traced her finger down the centre through the group of Islands, "It be well hidden. Me Pa encouraged tha'. It was the way he be able ta hit tha merchants' outta nowhere. I still be thinkin' that the Pearl should be distractin' the slaver. If they nae be fightin' fer there lives, they'll have people free ta be lookin towards us."

Jack thought on it for a moment before Bill nodded. "We'll do them both. These coves here would be a perfect place to hide whilst we wait, Jack, ye make them think ye're about yer own business, then strike right about here. The other ships would reach the battle within five minutes. They've probably seen the Pearl a few times over the past weeks, if they see her again, they'll be cautious, but as there's been no trouble and ample opportunity, ye just might be able te get right up on em before they know your intent."

"More n like they be thinkin yer are another o' their ilk." Ruby added, "Those bastards donnae usually go against each other, so ye may wanna fly their colours till ye be close enough ta fire."

Jack mulled it over, then shook his head. "The Pearl's too distinctive. The closer we got, they'd start te realise that we were flying false colours and they'd know something was afoot. We'll simply pretend te have business of our own in these parts. If we make no move on 'em too early, they'll assume that they are safe. We've never attacked a slaver, not had any reason to. They won't be expectin' us te attack. Elizabeth is smart enough after her last ordeal, not te mention who she be or who might be comin' after her."

Ruby nodded, "This area was once known as a pirate's haven. They probably think ye be filling un picked territory." She made no comment about the other woman. After all she'd never met her, and all it would be would be her own jealousies coming to the fore. "When de ye want us ta set out."

Jack sighed. "Immediately. Ye'll need plenty of leeway te get round to the coves an' wait. They move slowly, so ye shouldn't have any trouble, but it's been years, an' no tellin' how the path might have changed since last it was travelled. There'll be no margin for error here. Each second we are off on timing, is another life that could be lost. We'll strike at these exact coordinates. That'll give ye a short sail te catch us. We'll keep their hands more than full 'fore then. One more suggestion however. I think we should fill the Pearl with some extra men from each of the other ships, they'll not be expecting the number we'll throw at them either. Even a few extra men could make a big difference in the first wave."

"Jonas, pick twelve men ye'll take." She bit her lip and hesitated and then looked at Will, giving him the choice. He was one of the best fighters they had next to Jack and Bill.

Will shared a look with her, torn between staying by her side and going where he knew he was needed. She gave an almost imperceptible nod of her head and he knew that she'd given him leave to go. He still couldn't bring himself to feel right about leaving her though. Something about it just didn't feel right. But his conscience said that this was his fight to begin with, that he owed it to the men to be in the heat of it. She was right. Life really wasn't fair sometimes. His voice gave nothing away, but his heart ached at his decision. "Jonas, I'll go with you to the Pearl."

Ruby closed her eyes as pain tore through her heart. She struggled with the idea of letting Will go, but it was a sacrifice she had to make. For the good of the many. It was her duty as Captain. "Then I guess it's time we were goin', Bill ye'll be me first mate in place of Jonas."

Bill beamed down at her. "It will be an honour Ruby."

Will waited until everyone but Ruby, Jack, and Bill had filed out of the makeshift office. He took Ruby into his arms one more time and held her until he wasn't certain he could ever let her go. He pressed a fierce kiss against her lips and battled the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. A lead weight that he was fearfully sure was his heart. "Please be careful Lorelei."

"Don't ye be worryin' about me William. Just take care o' yerself. Don't do anythin' stupid." Ruby wasn't aware she was echoing Jack Sparrow. She caressed Will's cheek, and stroked her hands through his hair one last time, "We do as we must William, nae where our hearts be. It be a difficult choice ta make."

Will nodded. "I know. And my heart is with you Ruby. I promise."

Ruby kissed her fingers and then held her hand to Will's lips." I'll be right with ye again tomorrow.'"

Will grinned down at her and shook his head. "Nae love. Tonight. Because we will win, and when we do we'll be free to be together again." He pressed one last kiss to her lips, filled it with his heart, and then turned to his father. "Take care of her da."

Ruby watched him run towards The Black Pearl without a backwards glance. She knew it in her heart that he didn't turn because if he did he wouldn't find the strength to go. With a sigh she turned on her heel and headed for The Se Maiden, issuing orders to her remaining crew as she walked up the gang plank. The quicker they did this, the quicker she could find her way back into his arms. She took a deep breath as she stood at the helm; adrenaline and excitement were beginning to rise as they sailed out.

Bill stood behind her and smiled. "Ye are ready for this Ruby love. And I'm quite proud of you. It's a great plan. Your da and mum would be proud too."

Ruby flicked her gaze to her adoptive Da,"I hope so, cause in tha' end I could lose everythin'. But despite tha' I have ta do it."

Bill placed his hand on her shoulder and nodded. "Aye. That you could. As could I. But I have to believe we won't. You took this mission knowing you could lose the man you love to another woman, I'd say God would smile kindly on that if he were te smile kindly on anything. Don't you?"

"It depends on if there be a god." She sighed tiredly, "An I'm not sure I be believin just now."

Bill nodded. "Aye. I used te wonder too after I lost both my boy and my wife. After I was left with nothing but the curse. But then there was you. And then I found my boy too. I have to say I do believe Ruby. And I have faith that you and Will, ye'll have yer day. An' soon. Very soon."

"I hope ye be right Da. But however this turn out, I be happy with me life. I've had love beyond imagining, tha' comes along once in a life time. No matter how fleetingly it lasts."

Bill chuckled, though the pain was probably bright in his eyes, and he could feel a lump of tears settle in the middle of his throat. "Aye lass. Right ye are indeed."

The day passed, and they descended into silence as they sailed towards the battle. Everyone was tense, and Ruby felt a knot form between her shoulder blades as they passsed many small Islands. That grimly determined look she wore was worn by each one of her crew members as they began to focus on the tasks ahead.

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Will stared out over the water and, his eyes glued to the Slaver and his senses at full alert. His fingers tingled with tension and adrenaline, his mind whirled around a thousand different things at once. His heart however, was missing in action. Aboard the Maiden with Ruby. If he'd harboured any lingering doubts before, he didn't now. With the ship that held Elizabeth prisoner in his sights, he still longed to be only one place, with Lorelei. This close, he was thinking about Elizabeth yes. He found that he was genuinely worried about her, genuinely anxious to free her. Praying that they'd find her safe and well and unharmed. But there were no lingering traces of the love he thought he'd once felt for her. Only the softness that one felt toward a friend.

In truth he found himself feeling only one thing... gratitude. She'd freed him to find someone that truly loved him, truly i saw /i him. And strangely, he found himself feeling as if he owed her a debt for hurting him. Will shook his head to clear it. He'd have to face those things soon enough if fortune smiled on them. For now, he needed to focus on the battle that still had to be fought, and won. He would take out as many men as he could to clear the way for the Sprite and the Maiden. If he had his way, the fight would be over long before Ruby ever was in any danger. Realistically, he knew that wouldn't be possible, but it wouldn't stop him from trying. He might not be with her to fight by her side and protect her, but he could clear a good swath in her path. Make it easier for her. i Please keep her safe. /i was his silent plea, threading like a low note in a piece of music. No matter where his thoughts were, the plea was never silent in his heart.

Will started when Jack slapped him on the shoulder; the pirate Captain's face was sober. "It's nearly time. Only another few metres and we can launch our first shot." The older man looked worried, "So much is left to chance with this plan William. But the odds were worse when we faced Barbossa. Don't ye fret for her. She can hold her own. Bill an' I, we've made sure o' that."

Will nodded. "I know. So much can happen though. We both know that. I don't like not being with her."

Jack looked at the boy and sighed, why did he have to be the one to come across all fatherly? He grimaced. "Do ye intent te sail with her every time she goes te sea?"

Will shrugged. "If I had my say I'd never leave her side again. I feel like I've betrayed her in a way, by not staying with her to protect her. I know rationally that this is where I'm most needed, and that she's able to take care of herself, but it doesn't make my heart feel less the traitor."

"Yer doing your duty as is she." Jack groaned deep in his throat, and wagged his finger at the young man, "You've corrupted her...I tell you she had the makings of a brilliant pirate and now you've gone an' had your conscience rub off on her."

Will laughed heartily at that. "Hate to break it to you Sparrow, but I think it's rubbed off on you too. From what I hear you've not made a single raid since you returned to the Isla de Muerte and got yourself rich. Though I suppose none of you need to now."

Jack sniffed, "I been at Haven fer tha most part. But that will change, now tha' I did what I'd promised meself an' told Bill about ye."

Will shook his head and laughed again. "If you say so Jack. I think you have the fine makings of a respectable sailor myself. I can see you settling down with a good woman and a gaggle of kids, and passing on all this sage advise to them."

Jack looked horrified, "Bite yer tongue boy." He hurried off muttering too himself. Will laughed as he watched Jack run off. He'd known the turn of conversation would scare off the Captain. He gave the railing one last pat before he headed below deck to ready his weapons. He belted his sword around his waist, and tucked knives into his boots, then checked the pair of pair of pistols, made sure they were powdered and ready, then he tucked them in his belt and headed back on deck, just in time to see the Pearl launch a cannon ball across the slavers bow.

He allowed himself a small laugh at the panicked faces of the Slaver ship, the scurrying to ready their ship to retaliate. They'd accomplished just what they'd set out to do. Lulled them into a sense of security, and they'd foolishly let their guard down. They had their precious minutes and they would make the best of them. As the Slaver frantically rushed to ready their own guns, Will shared a smirk with Jack and the two of them, followed by the rest of the crew, swung aboard and the fight was on.

The blood zinged through Will's veins as he unsheathed his sword and engaged the first man to cross his path, and within seconds, the clash of the swords echoed across the deck, and the sounds of cannon fire increased before the slaver's crew finally realised that they'd been boarded by most of the Pearl's crew, and then some, and they were needed above deck more. There continued sporadic fire, but quickly, the deck was overflowing with men and the scents of battle. The tang of blood was heavy in his nostrils, and he lost count quickly of how many men he'd disabled or killed. Still there seemed to be just as many as before he'd begun. Before he was ready, he heard the approach of the Sprite and Maiden, and his heart lurched and he took up his mantra again. i Keep her safe. /i

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Lorelei kept a steady watch into the distance, from where they waited with the Sea Sprite. The rush of excitement and battle readiness pumped through her veins. She could barely hold still. A shout from the crows nest alerted her and she brought her scope to her eye, and she saw it. The smoke and fire rising from the ship.

"Tha Pearl has hit tha slaver, it's time ta move out." She turned to Bill, "Signal tha Sprite."

Bill did as requested and then turned to Ruby, who was issuing demands at lightning speed. The crew working nearly as fast as her mind. Still she screamed out "Smartly men!" And leaned forward as if her weight alone could give them that extra little bit of speed. She was a joy to watch to be sure. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, they alighted aside the Slaver and immediately moved in readiness to board the ship and add their numbers to the already grim sight on deck. Bill was shocked at the sight of so many dead and yet so many still remaining. There must have been more aboard this ship than just slaves. Their crew was vast. He thanked God for Jack's quick thinking in adding more men to the Pearl's crew. Had they not, he shuddered to think of what might have happened. He took the helm and his fingers itched in protest. He longed to board with them all, and cursed his leg that prevented him from joining the fray.

Ruby checked her weapons quickly, tucked the pistols Bill gave her into her sword belt looked back at Bill one last time before she grabbed a rope and swung over to the slaver. "Wish me luck Da."

Bill swallowed and allowed himself one moment of sentiment before she left. "Aye. Take care of yourself Ruby. And remember I'm proud of ye, and I love ye. Now go, and watch yer back."

With one last nod, Ruby swung aboard the Slaver. She landed on the deck lightly, like a cat and gracefully drew her sword as she ran into the fray. From that moment in all she could concentrate on was staying alive. She parried and thrust, her mind not even acknowledging the men that fell at her feet dead or wounded. All she knew that several of her men stayed close and watched her back as she fought her way to the companionway, down to the lower decks.

The hilt of her sword became slick with blood but she ignored it, adjusting her grip so it wouldn't be an inconvenience. She was almost through the hatch to the lower deck when a huge monster of a man jumped in front of her leering. She bit her lip as he came at her with wild swings. With the weight and size of him if one of those sword thrusts connected they would shear her in half. She ducked under his arm and surged straight up underneath, her pistol in her hand. She fired point blank into the man's chest, jumping frantically away when he collapsed forward like a felled tree.

"That be tha' Captain o' the slavers, Lorelei," A nearby sailor shouted, Ruby recognised him as being from the Sea Sprite. She nodded and quickly ducked down into the hatch leading below deck. Someone needed to free the women. It was then that her bile rose. She'd not seen William on the deck, and while it had been frantic she prayed that he'd not fallen. That he'd made it down into the ship with the same goal she had.

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Elizabeth rubbed her aching back as best she could, and fought valiantly with the tears she longed to shed. She knew they would bring her no comfort, none of the thousands she'd shed thus far had changed her plight, but they threatened just the same. She had no idea how long she'd been here. Days, weeks, years. An eternity of filth and the stench of fear. Her own. Oh, she knew she was safe for now, but she also knew that wouldn't last for long. She heard the begging, the beatings, the rapes. And she knew that she was only saved from the same fate whilst aboard this ship. Once she was off, she'd be sold to the highest bidder. A man who'd pay for the specific privilege of taking her virginity.

Of using her as hard and as often as he wanted. She shuddered violently and tried again to think of something else, i anything /i else. But it was no use. She'd lost all track of time, with no windows in her tiny cell; she wasn't even certain whether it was day or night. Her only company the rats, the stench of her own waste, and her regrets. Yes, they were even worse than her fear. How had she ended up in this mess? By being the same little selfish daddy's girl she now realised all too well that she'd always been. By hurting the one person who loved her because he wasn't exciting enough. She'd set out for adventure. She chuckled sardonically. The old adage was painfully true. Be i very /i careful what you pray for, you just might get it. Oh she knew it well now, but now it was too late.

She'd also realised something, in the long lonely nights, that she'd craved Jack for all the wrong reasons when deep in her heart it was truly Will that she loved. Jack could offer her a life of excitement, but she'd always be wondering who he'd been with while her back was turned. Where as Will, gorgeous, loyal Will had always been there for her, had always looked out for her and protected her.

Elizabeth hiccupped as the tears nearly won out. Thinking of Will did it every time. How could she have hurt such an amazing man as him? She'd been such a fool. It was too late now though. He probably hated her now. Not that she blamed him. Had he done the same to her, she'd have probably rejoiced if she knew what predicament he'd gotten himself into as a result of his leaving her. All her life, he'd loved her, and she'd repaid him by running away in the middle of the night, not even having the guts to tell him face to face. Perhaps she deserved her swiftly approaching fate.

She sighed again and gave up the fight, leaning against the slimy wall and taking what little relief it provided from the pain in her lower back. She massaged her thighs in an attempt to get some blood back into them, but it did little more than send sharp pangs up into her spine. Her legs had been asleep almost from day one. She couldn't walk and relieve them, and she had little strength left to stand anyway. She'd been fed, but sparsely, and she had no bed, she slept sitting up. She might be set to fetch a large sum of money for them, but they seemed to take the view that they would worry about filling her out and cleaning her up when they reached their destination and food was plentiful and cheap.

She sighed again, not even having the strength to daydream about rescue today. She'd spent most of her waking hours since her capture doing just that, but at this point it was becoming painfully obvious that it was just that, dreams. There would be no rescue from this hell. And she had none to blame but herself.

Elizabeth closed her eyes, trying to will herself into oblivion when the sound of a great blasted echoed through the hull. She jerked upright, she knew those guns. She'd thought Jack Sparrow crazy when he'd insisted that he'd know the Pearl's guns anywhere, but that was the Pearl just the same. Perhaps it was just a dream, perhaps she'd finally succumbed to insanity, but she could swear it was the Pearl. She shook her head and felt another sob build up in her, this time she couldn't stop it. She was probably. It was probably simply a worse fate coming to claim her than the one she already faced.

She pushed herself to her feet, the numbness almost painful, and she grasped the bars tightly. Almost as if she had the strength to see through the bulkheads and watch the ensuing battle. Her heart began to thump when the sounds of pitch battle and screams reached her ears. Fear gripped her firmly. What would she face when the hatches opened? Or would they? Would the blackbirders win this battle? Or would they lose? What if the cannon fire that was even now beginning to breach the walls around her hit her? Would she and the other women be this close to possible escape only to die at the hands of their rescuers?

Would they merely become Pirates' slaves rather than a Sheik's? Or would the ship sink and all her cargo drown with her? She shuddered at that thought. She'd nearly drowned once, and the truth was that she'd rather be burned alive than to drown again. She leaned her face against the bars, attempting to conjure one last moment of hope that it was friendly fire, and that she was about to find rescue, but it was too much. She was too tired to hope any more. Whatever fate awaited her, it would make itself known soon enough. All she could do was sit and wait. Hoping and praying would not change the outcome. She didn't believe that anymore.

Elizabeth cried out, as did other voices when the clattering of feet sounded just above the deck they were penned. Grunts and the clashing of swords and then silence. The bright light of the hatch opening made her shy back in fear. She began to tremble as a figure walked towards her.

Her fragile hopes were dashed into shards of bitter despair the instant she recognised the swagger and bulk of the man approaching. It was one of the blackbirders. The most violent of the lot, and this time it was obvious that his intent was not to rape or beat one of the other women aboard. He was coming straight for her. To this point, she'd been protected, but now that they had been boarded, did he feel he no longer had a reason to deny himself virgin flesh? Or did this mean that her captors had won the battle? Whatever it meant, it meant that even if it was hope come to save her, she would probably not survive long enough to enjoy her freedom once again.

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William fought his way to the lower decks; he ignored the sweat dripping into his eyes and the ache in his arms from the impact of swords against his. He quickly dispatched a huge evil looking man, and ran towards the shrill screams of the frightened prisoners. The majority of the crew had now been defeated, the small remaining number, and the arrival of their reinforcements had left him feeling free to come to release the women from below. He'd waited to make certain that he wouldn't simply be freeing them to their doom at the end of a sword. He started toward the end of the row of cages, and that's precisely what they were, but was stopped short by a weak and startled hiccup of a sob, mixed with a whispered name.

i His /i name. He turned slowly and stared at the door, and though he was unable to make out anything concrete in the pitch of this cess-pool, he knew that voice. "Elizabeth" he returned weakly. He took a deep breath to steady himself, when his hand began to shake. He couldn't afford that, not now. Not in these circumstances. He stepped into the darkness, and his nose wrinkled in disgust. The stench of unwashed bodies, and human waste raised up to slap him and he almost gagged. He padded lightly towards where he heard that voice, and gasped as his eyes adjusted. Will closed in cautiously, he heard Elizabeth speak again. And then stopped up short as the figure of a hulking man rose in front of him. He raised his sword and swung, it wasn't graceful or particularly skilled, but it had strength behind it and it caught the bastard off guard, he'd been too busy reaching into the cell.

Elizabeth nearly collapsed to the floor in her shock, a thoroughly revolting possibility even as wretched as her condition already was. She found herself numb. Even relief was delayed with the sight of that wholly unexpected face. Her knees wobbled and she reached up as if to touch the bars of the door, but didn't dare. What if this were merely a mirage brought on by the realization of her fate at the hands of the hulking slaver? She still couldn't bring herself to hope. Not even now. i Especially /i now. There was no way that i he /i would be here for her. Not after all she'd done. Not after ripping his heart out. No, even her perfect William wouldn't be i that /i perfect.

William scanned a quick look around, and then dropped into a crouch next to the now bleeding corpse. He patted him down until he found the keys and held them up in triumph. He hurriedly opened Elizabeth's cage, depositing the key ring into her hands,

As the door opened and he pulled her into what scant light there was, she finally realised his arms were real, and his scent was familiar as air. "It really is you... isn't it? Dear God, why? How? I just don't understand."

"Elizabeth, we don't have time for questions." Will gave her a reassuring smile, to help calm any sting his words had, "Help me get the others free." His heart was thumping rapidly, there was close to forty women in the minute space.

Elizabeth shook her head repeatedly and this time she couldn't stifle her sob. "I... can't move." Even beyond the shock, her legs were gripped in pain she'd never imagined as the blood returned to them. Her muscles trembled violently. She felt sparks shooting seemingly straight to her brain.

William turned back to her and cupped her face in his hands, "Elizabeth, you have to. We have to get you and the other prisoners free. There is still a battle going on above deck. And Jack is going to blow this ship sky high once we are clear."

Elizabeth shook her head again. Trying desperately to buy time for her legs and her brain to get sorted out so that she could do what needed to be done. She hated being weak, especially with this man who had always been so strong. "No... he can't blow it yet. There's... more here than women. Below. I don't know what, but I know that there were more guards with it than with us. I think perhaps we were a cover of sorts."

William cursed foully, a small portion of his mind commenting that he'd been around Ruby too long. "Elizabeth, no. We came here for you, nothing more. We don't need anything more."

"And if it's more women?" Elizabeth asked weakly. Then forced her legs to move and made for the back cages, ignoring the nearly debilitating pain. "These women are hurt Will, I can barely move my legs and I haven't been beaten and raped. Would it be better if we waited until the battle ended, or at least until more men arrive to help them to the Pearl?"

William sighed, "All right, you and I will check out the lower deck. And then we will come back find Jack and take the women to the Ships." He gave her a quick grin, " It's not just the Pearl, but I The Sea Sprite /I and I The Sea Maiden /I ."

Elizabeth shook her head. "THREE ships?"

"Yes, three." Will gently took the keys out of her loose grip and tucked them into his belt. He took her hand and turned to the other cages. "We will come back for you, I promise. But I'll need help to get you all to safety."

His heart broke as he could see in their eyes that they didn't believe him, as much as they might want to. But Elizabeth was right, if the way she was moving was any indication, then he could only imagine what the rest had been through. At least they had been correct in assuming that Elizabeth would be relatively unharmed aboard ship. That was one blessing. Though her malnourishment and disrepair still had him ready to murder every man over again. "Let's go to the lower deck now, there's not a minute to waste. I still have to go for help."

Will almost dragged Elizabeth from the room. The sight of all those women, broken and beaten made him sick. It wasn't their fault, but that hold was a fountain of misery.

Once out of that room he stopped and leaned against the bulkhead, gasping for untainted air.

Elizabeth followed him, fighting off her disappointment that he seemed to not really care how she was. She knew it was what she deserved, it still hurt though. She kept trying to think only of what needed to be done, but unlike before she'd been taken captive, she simply wasn't sure she had the inner fortitude anymore. She'd never imagined fear or helplessness like that. In too many ways, she didn't even feel like the same woman she'd been before she was captured. Somehow she doubted she ever would be either. She had no idea what to expect, or how to deal with it. It was simply too much. She could well imagine now how it would be possible for a prisoner to be released from prison after a long incarceration, only to do something to assure he was sent back, because it was familiar. The thought of being free was almost... scary now. It was a world she wasn't sure she'd recognise any longer.

Will pushed off from the bulkhead, and held out his hand for Elizabeth, "Come on Elizabeth. We need to keep moving." He'd been listening for signs of the battle continuing above and he'd heard the clashing of swords getting closer. He pulled a pistol from his belt and handed it to his bedraggled former fiancée. "Do you remember how to use it?"

Elizabeth shrugged even as she nodded her head. "I don't think I can do this Will. Go on without me. You'll move faster without me to slow you down anyway."

Will shook his head fiercely, "I won't leave you behind, its too dangerous."

She couldn't help but let out a small laugh. "Not like it would be a big loss William. Go on. I'll be fine."

"Elizabeth, don't argue. There is still a battle going on around us. You won't stand a chance without some one to help you."

Elizabeth bit her bottom lip until it bled, not that it took much as chapped and swollen as they were from her near complete dehydration. "I don't know if I can keep going Will." God that hurt to admit, but had she ever dared to dream i he'd /i be the one rescuing her, this is definitely not how she'd have hoped it would happen. She'd have imagined his arms around her, him thanking God that she was alive. Not begrudgingly dragging her along.

William groaned, unsure as what to do. "All right, go back with the other women. Keep watch. I'll be back as soon as I can."

Elizabeth nodded and turned back toward her prison. At least she knew what she was supposed to be feeling there. Here, she felt as if they were no more than strangers, and she'd never felt so lost.

Will watched her go, his heart aching. He knew she was disappointed in him, but what could else could she have expected. She'd left him for God's sake, surely she didn't expect to be embraced warmly, as if nothing had happened." Elizabeth..." He hesitated, "Are you sure you'll be all right?"

Elizabeth shook her head and buried her chin in her chest. She couldn't fight the tears any longer. "I'm not sure I'll ever be all right again Will."

Will automatically stepped forward and gathered her into his arms, for a brief moment those old feelings surfaced. His desire to protect her and keep her from harm. "You will be fine." He stroked her hair gently, trying not to grimace at its matted feel, "You're almost safe. At the end of this, when you've had a chance to get over the shock, and terror, you'll find that you are stronger."

Elizabeth shook her head again and felt as if that's all she did anymore. She supposed it came from being in a constant state of denial and disbelief. How could she have made such a spectacular mess of things? Leaning back slightly, she held his gaze and choked on a sob. "I'm so sorry Will; I've made so many mistakes. I don't blame you if you never forgive me for how I've treated you, but I was a fool, and I know that now. I'm so sorry." Knowing that she might never have another chance, and yet hoping against hope that perhaps she hadn't destroyed all his feelings for her, she pressed a desperate kiss to his lips, showing him how very much she loved him, and how very much she meant what she'd said. She'd regret forever how she'd treated him, no matter what happened.

Shock held Will frozen. He'd not expected Elizabeth to be so forward, usually she'd backed away from any public display. And when he felt her tremble he held her, still to comfort her. When he stepped back his gaze was tender, he titled her chin, "You were already forgiven." He pressed his lips to her forehead, a tender friendly kiss. "Go Elizabeth, I will be back shortly...With help."

Elizabeth nodded and gave him a weak smile, hope budding within her heart for the very first time since she'd awoken this day. Perhaps it would be okay after all. She made her way back to the women, and determined that she'd dig up the strength needed to see them to safety if it was the last thing she did. Finally, she was able to move past her own fears, her own pain, her own doubt, and tap that resource of courage that had eluded her since the day she'd returned from her adventure with Captain Barbossa.

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Lorelei slashed at the most current opponent. She dispatched him quickly with a hard thrust to the throat. She jumped over his body and kept running towards the rickety stairs to the next level of deck. Another figure quickly ran out of the shadows to engage her. She gulped in panic when the giant showed particular skill, and they began their deadly dance. He was almost fresh, while Ruby was slowly tiring after fighting her way through what seemed like a endless wall of attackers.

Ruby lost herself till her actions were a concentrated unconscious parry, block and thrust. Forward and back. She gave ground and cornered the monster, who leered at her. Over and over, they swapped the advantage. He retaliated, and she jumped down the next set of stairs and sprinted. She gasped for a burning breath when she realised that he was on her heels. She spun around and faced him again, and engaged.

She manoeuvred him into the railings, and took advantage of his momentary distraction as he slipped to plunge her blade into his heart. For an instant she leaned against the railings, trying to catch her breath. She'd endured a lot, and was fit but this was a test to her stamina. After a brief moment she pushed herself up and began walking cautiously through the deck, bodies littered the planks, which made her more wary.

She could still hear the screams of the wounded, and the moans of the dying which she tried desperately to drown out while trying to catch sounds of oncoming enemies. Her eyes scanned the darkness rapidly, the hair on the back of her neck rising with every metre she walked. The sound of voices caught her ears, and she sought to locate it quickly, she leaned over the railing slowly, to peer at the deck below. The image that greeted her eyes made her step back a cry on her lips, which she stifled quickly.

She stood frozen, watching the scene play out before her, and she wondered if perhaps she hadn't actually died at an attacker's hands, and this was her own version of hell. Her worst nightmare seemingly coming to life. But no, this hurt too much to be anything but real. And hell, hadn't she expected exactly this? Will and Elizabeth being reunited and he realising he still loved her, being forced to watch them in one another's arms? She'd just been stupid enough to hope she was wrong. Her heart twisted and her stomach churned, and she could taste the bile rising in her throat. No, she'd never expected him to fall into Elizabeth's arms so soon. They'd made love just this morning, and yet she had already been forgotten, and Elizabeth had already been forgiven. She hadn't meant anything to him. She couldn't have. Oh, she'd been such a fool. Such a hopeless fool.

Ruby swallowed desperately, and fought to ignore the shattering of her heart , but it took much longer to numb herself than she'd hoped. Several minutes in fact. Minutes that it turned out she hadn't had. Minutes that cost her dearly. A fatal hesitation on her part; that allowed an unseen blackbirder to sneak up on her. Her senses only alerting her to him at the last moment when was already barrelling toward her slighter figure before she'd registered his presence. She twisted to avoid his blade, but she wasn't quick enough. It bit deeply into her side and she staggered back, clapping a hand to her wound, her eyes wide with shock and a searing pain.

The man who'd wounded her closed in and Ruby thrust her sword up with desperate strength. She weakly blocked his next strike, ignoring the blinding pain from her side. Blackness crept around the edges of her vision and with one last surge she lunged towards him, her sword pushed upwards. Warm blood spilled over her already bloody hand and she sank to the ground as the slaver fell down dead next to her. She'd slashed his throat.

With a muted sob she tried to push herself to her feet, but the sudden weakness in her legs made that impossible, so she crawled into the blackest corner, hidden from view. It was most likely where her last opponent had ambushed her from. She propped herself up against the bulkhead, hand firmly pressed against the wound, in a vain effort to stop the rapid flow of her blood. She watched it pool by her leg in morbid fascination. Tears pricked at her eyes; that blackbirder had killed her and perhaps it was a blessing. With her own eyes she'd seen Will Turner's heart. Perhaps this was the best for all concerned, because now Will could return to his fiancée without a divided heart.

Lorelei allowed the tears to spill, not something she'd ever have done if it hadn't been her last moments. She couldn't seem to find the anger that would have fought against her fate. Her eyes blurred as she stared dispassionately into the dark, and then blurred vision crept into darkness and she sank into its embrace with one last mutter. "I'll always love ye William."