Chapter Fifteen

Jack's gaze raked across the deck, pleased at most of what he saw, frustrated by what he didn't. The slavers had been defeated, at least the ones above deck, but there was no sign or Will, Ruby, or the female prisoners. Were there still slavers below that they needed to dispatch? Had they really not sent most of the men above deck? Or was there something indeed more precious than the slaves below that had led to the large number above deck. He motioned to Jonas and nodded his head to the hatch. "I'm going below lad, if I'm not back in the next five minutes, come after me with the crew. We may still have a fight on our hands. I've not seen Will or Ruby, nor the slaves. Something is off, that's for certain."

Jack drew his sword, and warily headed below decks. He heard the sound of running feet, but it was moving away into the distance. They had no bearing on his task just yet so he ignored them. If he found either Ruby or Will in peril from them, he'd make it his cause. His eyes scanned every nook and cranny, and shadow of darkness. He noted the splashes of blood gracing the bulkheads, and the corpses littering the walk way.

He found himself becoming more and more thankful as he realised just how few of their crew had been lost. The majority of the losses were the slavers, if fact, he'd only seen two casualties thus far, one from each the Maiden and the Pearl. He could only hope that when he reached below deck, he found their luck still held and they had merely found something of interest below and not a trap of some sort. He continued his perusal, pointing out to Jonas a wounded member of his crew, and was just stepping to the hatch when something caught his eye and the bottom seemed to drop right out of his life.

"Ruby's sword, Dear God." His voice was little more than a croak, and he longed to close his eyes and shut it all out, but he could not. His eyes raked the deck near her sword, and when it caught the wide trail of blood leading to the dark corner, he nearly vomited. "No... Ruby... no..."

His feet flew across the distance, his heart pounding as if to beat a path straight out of his chest, and he barely managed to contain a keening wail of grief as his eyes landed on the very last sight he'd ever wanted to see. It simply wasn't possible. Not her. It simply wasn't fair.

Jack crouched beside the still figure and brushed back her flaming hair, made all the brighter by the extreme paleness of her face, a face that was unusually still. "Ahh me Ruby girl, let me take ye home." Jack Sparrow hadn't ever thought he'd feel grief like the one that pierced his heart. He caressed her face again and then with a sigh wrapped the slight body tightly in his coat. Lying there, with her blood staining the white of her shirt she looked so diminished. He lifted her gently, a sob catching in his throat along with hope, as he felt a faint breath.

"Hang in there love. I'm not ready te let ye go yet. Fight, please fight. Ye've got so much te live for." Any other time and he'd have laughed at himself for his dramatics, but this was his Ruby. And he meant every word. The unnatural stillness and silence nearly choked him, but he ignored the shocked and sympathetic faces of the men, he made his way instead to the Maiden, refusing to hand Ruby over when he arrived, even if it was Bill. He refused to look at his friend as well, closer to tears than he'd ever been in his life, and not wanting to shed them in front of the men. Besides, he had to remain strong. He had no choice. He couldn't just give up on her. She was a fighter, always had been, he refused to believe that death could defeat her. Too many people needed her. Loved her. He wouldn't let her go damn it. He wouldn't. If he had to go to the top of Mt. Olympus and battle every damn last god and goddess himself, if he had to barter his soul, whatever it took, he'd happily give his life to have her live.

He ran across the deck, and snarled at the nearest crew member, "Get Merric, an' quickly ye scurvy dog."

Bill's heart took up residence in his boots and he shook his head viciously. "Dear God Jack." He reached out and smoothed her hair as they raced below, wishing like hell this was all a bad dream. "Will?"

"I didnae get te him." Jack shook his head, his attention still concentrated on Ruby. He clutched her closer, realising that this was the first time he'd ever felt the loss of someone so keenly. He'd grieved Bill's supposed death when he'd heard about it. But he'd moved on, but from this, well he didn't know if he could. He let out a growl as Ruby's surgeon came from below decks, and was gratified to see the shock and sudden professionalism cross the old man's face. Merric motioned and Jack hurriedly took her below. The doctor's room, complete with make shift hospital was spotless. It's rudimentary conditions where as good as could be. The man himself was one of the best Jack had ever seen. Ex Navy if he wasn't mistaken, though Jack had never asked. Most men who ended up on Haven had their secrets.

"Place her there." The old man pointed to a large table in the middle of the room. And Jack gingerly laid his Ruby child. He held his breath as he watched the doctor wash his hands and turn back to him. "You will need to leave Captain Sparrow. I'll need to concentrate."

Jack shook his head. "I won't leave her, she needs te know we're here."

"Get out of my surgery Mr Sparrow." The doctor's eyes narrowed, "I can not work with you hovering. I will let you know the moment I have finished and you can see her after that." Merric's eyes softened, "Her family needs you now. There isn't much you can do here."

Bill, who'd naturally followed closely on the pirate's heels, took Jack's arm and made to lead him to the door. "Come Jack, I don't want to leave either, but he's right." He turned to Merric and gulped hard. "Send for us, if ye need i anything /i ."

Jack sighed. "Is there anything we can do? I can't abide the thought of standing idle while she..."

"Unless you have the power of healing Mr Sparrow, there is nothing you can do down here." Merric turned back and regarded the prone form of the youngster who'd saved his life when she'd taken him on, "Though you might want to pray." He walked toward the table and began to gently cut away his Captain's clothing.

Jack nodded and reluctantly moved out of the room, the two of them suddenly supporting one another, as if both sets of legs threatened to give out on them. Somehow, he had a feeling it was probably true. All thought of what was happening aboard the Slaver's ship had fled, and his mind and heart centred solely on that operating table, and his beautiful little Ruby. Once they stepped into the fresh air, he collapsed to the deck bonelessly, once again Bill right alongside him. "I can't lose our girl Bill. I can't."

"We won't lose her Jack, ye have te hold te tha'. She be a lil spitfire remember. All fight, even against the odds." Bill was afraid he was sounding like he needed to convince himself.

"Ah god I wish I could fight this one for her though. I'd take her place a hundred times if it'd spare her."

"Aye, Jack. I'm with ye there." Bill sighed and then looked around the despondent crew. "Jimmy m'lad." He motioned to one of the youngest seamen, "How bout ye get us all a tankard of rum from the stores."

Jack barely heard his "Aye sir" before he groaned aloud. "I don't even know if Will's okay. Jonas went after him I think, once he saw me with Ruby, but if he's hurt... and if he's not... how do we tell him Bill?"

Bill shook his head, "If he is fine an' he has found tha' prisoners, then he will be kept busy until we need to make that decision."

Jack felt like a coward, but he simply didn't have the energy to seek out Will. He wasn't sure he'd ever want to move again if she didn't pull through. He closed his eyes against the pain and took a deep steadying breath to settle the outward display of his emotions, but inwardly, he felt as if he'd become quicksand. i Ah dear God, gods, goddesses, whatever or whoever you are if you really exist, please spare her. Please don't take my Ruby. Please." /i

That mantra kept running through his brain during the long wait. He opened his eyes once to find the light beginning to fade into the west. He spared a glance for Bill who'd somehow managed to stand and was looking out over the ocean. He scrubbed his hand over his face tiredly. Who'd have ever thought the great Jack Sparrow would be laid low by emotion.

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Will shook his head in a desperate bid to clear it. Elizabeth had just kissed him. What the bloody hell did he even think about that? Strangely, he wasn't the least bit confused, wasn't the least bit shaken, except by the fact that he i wasn't /i shaken up. When she'd kissed him he'd felt... nothing. No, that wasn't true, he'd been comparing her to kissing Ruby, and thinking of how very pale he suddenly realised that Elizabeth's kisses had been. Were he to assign them a colour, they'd be at best beige. Whereas Ruby's kisses made him see sunsets and fire. Ruby's kisses curled his toes. Elizabeth just made him feel... soft. He groaned at the directions of his thoughts. He still had a ship to search; he didn't have time to think about this now. He just knew when he found Ruby's arms again; he'd be jumping into that sunset for a good long leisurely stay. He sent up another silent prayer that by now she was laughing and celebrating with the men, perhaps going below deck and finding Elizabeth and seeing to the freedom of the slaves. Even better, following him down here so that they could steal a few secret moments.

He found the hatch to the lowest hold on the ship. He waited in the shadows and listened hard. The sounds of fighting were dying, and he could only pray that it meant that they had been successful. Once he was sure no one would disturb him he moved from his darkened corner and slipped into the room, which until now had been highly guarded. They had indeed all deserted however, and gone above deck in an attempt to save the ship. He began to move again, slowly and cautiously, his senses on high alert as he turned one final corner, and lost his breath. No wonder there'd been so many men aboard the ship. There was a King's ransom before him. Oils, silks... swords.

Will moved closer and whistled low at the sight of the jewel inlaid swords. The craftsmanship was impeccable and the artistry unmatched. These alone would be worth more than he could imagine. He'd heard of swords like these in the royal houses in the East, he'd never imagined ever actually laying eyes on one however. He took in a deep breath and dragged his eyes away from the horde, forcing himself to check every crevice to ensure that no enemies remained in waiting for them. When he found it sufficiently empty, he took one last longing gaze, then raced up the stairs to the cells to find Elizabeth and get help for the women.

Will stepped into the darkness of the women's hold. He almost gagged on reflex. "Elizabeth?" He whispered cautiously.

He was startled, but pleasantly so when it was Jonas's voice that answered him first. "All's clear Will. The blackbirders 'ave been taken. I'm..." there was a slight hesitation in his voice, and he felt rather than saw Elizabeth approach and stand by his side. "I'm here te check on ye since we hadn't seen ye. I take it all's clear here as well?"

Will's grin was immediate. "Aye. That it is mate. And there'll be spoils aplenty for all three ships today. There's a King's ransom in the lowest deck. For now we need more men though. These women will need help to the Pearl."

Jonas nodded, and then let out a sharp whistle. He'd brought a team down, but had left them to watch so that they weren't caught unawares, and so that they didn't frightened the traumatised women. "We will get tha' ladies clear first." He nodded at Elizabeth, checking her from head to do. He knew that this was William Turner's fiancée and he was quickly comparing her to his captain.

Will actually found himself smiling a bit as Jonas checked Elizabeth out. "Elizabeth, this is Jonas, the first mate aboard the Sea Maiden." He didn't wait to watch their greeting to one another, he merely took the key from Elizabeth and began to open cells and comfort the women there as much as he could. They were cautious and leery, though it was completely understandable. "We mean you no harm. You're free now."

Jonas and the rest of the team gently began to escort the weakest of the women out. Their tenderness belayed their rough appearance. Elizabeth stood net to Will, shocked at the Pirate's blatant behaviour, but she held her tongue and offered soothing words to her fellow captives.

Will beamed at Jonas. "They'll be safe now. We'll have to see that they get a good meal and a warm bath. That lower hold should have held food. Had they made their entire journey, I would be surprised if a quarter of the women would have survived."

Jonas nodded, 'Aye, they usually keep em on enough rations ta survive. They donnae necessarily have ta arrive healthy." He clapped William on the back, "We should see ta tha swag."

Will looked gently at Elizabeth, who was still standing there, and gave her a small smile. "One of the men would see you to the Pearl Elizabeth if you want to go. I'm sure Jack will be happy to see you." Too late he realised just how his words could be taken, seeing as Jack was the man she'd left him for. Not that he'd have taken it back, much as he hadn't meant it that way, it felt perversely good to have said.

Jonas cleared his throat, "Will, I 'ave enough men ta escort tha ladies, an' another lot waitin'. We can begin cleanin' out tha lower hold. Why donnae you take Miss Swann ta the Pearl. She could probably use a friendly face while refreshin' erself."

Will looked at Jonas curiously. Something didn't feel quite... right. But he couldn't put his finger on it, so he quickly shook it off and focused on being back in Ruby's arms. "If you are sure Jonas?"

"Quite sure, Will. Tha lady looks like she could use a few moments ta sit." The blonde pirate nodded at Elizabeth and quickly left the room, directing his men loudly as he went. A part of him longed to warn Will of what awaited him, but he simply couldn't do it, couldn't manage to find the words himself. Perhaps he was a coward, but that was just the way it was.

Will watched Jonas leave and then turned to Elizabeth with a smile. He held out his hand. "Come Elizabeth. I will take you to the Pearl and get you a proper meal and some clean clothes."

Elizabeth nodded, her knees even then threatening to give out. Only the comfort of Will's hand in hers, the memory of their kiss, kept her from giving into the temptation.

Will rushed to the Pearl, smiling brightly as he watched the relieved and now hopeful faces of the women as they boarded her, but frowned ever so slightly when he didn't find Jack anywhere in sight. Gibbs's smile of greeting at Elizabeth however and her genuine smile in return, warmed his heart however.

"How ye be Miss Elizabeth? Thank tha' fates we found ye in time."

"I've been better Mr Gibbs, but I can say I've never been so happy to see anyone in my life." She lifted the remains of her skirt and took Gibbs hand in the her other as he helped her onto the deck of the Pearl. "I am really dying for a bath."

Gibbs nodded. "Aye. I can imagine ye are miss."

Will looked around one more time, just realising at that moment that something wasn't quite right in the eyes of Gibbs, just as it hadn't been with Jonas. He allowed himself to wonder for the first time, just who and how many of their men they might have lost. "Where's Jack, Mr Gibbs?"

"He be on tha' Maiden, Will. He said ye were ta help Miss Elizabeth get settled after her ordeal 'afore ye made yer way back." Mr Gibbs replied as he turned away.

Will shook his head in confusion, but shook it off quickly. His next words were surprisingly hard to say however. "Would you like to be settled first, or would you rather see Jack first?" He didn't mention that if he had his choice, he'd go to the Maiden first so that he could be with Ruby, and perhaps Elizabeth could have her bath there instead.

"A bath and food are my priority. It's been so long since I've had a proper meal I don't remember what real food tastes like." Elizabeth clutched his hand tightly. "Please Will...Don't leave me." She could tell that he was dying to go back the other ship. She didn't know why but she couldn't bear to be alone right now.

Will stifled his own needs and nodded, though it took all his strength. "Aye. I won't leave you. We'll visit the Maiden once you're ready. Perhaps Jack will be back on the Pearl by then anyway."

Elizabeth nodded, and let Will lead her down into the Captain's cabin on the Pearl. Some lovely soul, probably Anna Maria had sent in a copper tub full of steaming hot water. On the bed was a long silk dress, probably left over from Barbossa's days as Captain. With trembling hands she began to unbutton the tattered rag she wore, stepping slowly behind the screen for modesty.

Will seated himself on the bed, though being in the room with her was the last place he found himself wanting to be, and stared at the door. Not so long ago the thought of having the right to be with her when she bathed, hearing the slashing of water, washing her back, had consumed his thoughts. Now, he'd done those very things with Ruby numerous times, and he had no desire to experience them with anyone else. Just the same, as much as he longed to be with Ruby, a part of him realised that he was still that boy that longed to protect Elizabeth in her innocence and naiveté. His head began to throb as he realised again that that was all he'd ever really felt for her. He'd thought it love, and he supposed it was indeed a form of love, especially if he could forgive her so easily for tossing him aside, but it was a bit disconcerting all the same to realise that so much of his life he'd been living a lie.

Maybe there had been a bit of infatuation because she'd been the first girl, and young woman who'd responded to his clumsy attempts at acceptance. She'd protected him when they first met, and he'd been a lonely boy, who had no family and so he'd reached out to the first person to show the signs of liking him.

Perhaps that was combined with the undeniable fact that he was a romantic. Un-chic as it was for a man, he was. Now that he'd truly found his love though, now that he'd experienced the real thing, he couldn't do anything but admit that he'd been a fool to think it true love with Elizabeth. Not to mention how foolish he felt at "loving" someone that never saw him, and didn't want him as he was. Had he truly thought so little of himself? He was beginning to see that indeed, he had.

A knock at the door sounded. Will stood and opened it, taking the loaded tray bearing enough food for two from the pirate who cooked for Jack. He set it on the table, determinedly keeping his eyes from the screen. "Elizabeth? The food is here if you are hungry."

Elizabeth sighed and rinsed her third batch of soap from her hair. "I'll be out in a moment. Do you think Jack would mind if I take another bath later in a fresh bath? Or would that use up too much of the water supply?"

"I don't think he would mind. We are about four days from the nearest Port so it shouldn't make much of a dent on the supply." Will began to set the table for their meal. "If worst comes to worse though he can get water from either The Sea Maiden or the Sea Sprite."

Elizabeth took a deep breath and forced herself to stand and reach for the towel. "How..." she took a deep breath. "How is it that you found me? I... don't understand why you are here, or how Jack knew, or why there were three ships... when I dared to dream of rescue, I imagined it would be either Jack or the Royal Navy... I never dreamed it... I never dreamed it would be you."

Will sighed, and shifted uncomfortably. "Well, on the day we were to be married a ship arrived at Port Royale. That ship carried a message for me from my father, who's been in hiding. I went with the messenger, " Will was reluctant to talk about Ruby, "to see Da. Jack was there. He'd sent the Pearl under Anna Maria's command to Tortuga. It was they who told us. We came as soon as we knew."

Elizabeth nodded. She'd completely forgotten the mention of his da before. "So... Bootstrap didn't die then?"

"No, he was cursed as the others were. So when he was dropped into the sea strapped to a cannon, he lived. He washed up on Dolphin Cove and proceeded to hide so Barbossa wouldn't find him." Will forced his gaze away from Elizabeth, though he could see her shadow on the wall and sat back down on the edge of the bed.

Elizabeth sighed, knowing there was more to the story, but also knowing that she didn't deserve to have him open up to her... yet. She'd earn that right again though if she had her way. "I'm... really glad that you found your da Will." She finished dressing and left the shelter of the screen, moving to sit shyly beside him on the bed. "Thank you Will. Thank you for coming for me. You... didn't have to. I wouldn't have blamed you if you didn't."

"There was no way I would have left you to that fate." William replied gruffly, he was uncomfortable with the way she rested her hand on his, and leaned into his body. He cleared his throat. "Your meal is on the table. It's fairly bland, but you should only eat a small amount and slowly."

Elizabeth again swallowed her disappointment, and moved to the table and the food. "I'll be honest; I don't think I've ever seen anything that looked so good in my life. It's positively gourmet at this point."

Will smiled softly, "Just don't eat to fast or you will be sick." As he looked at her his heart twinged. Despite loving Ruby a part of him wished he could go back to when he loved Elizabeth. Seeing her in the soft candle light, her long blonde hair hanging down her back and the Spanish designed dress hugging her frame, she looked beautiful. Like a virginal angel. She was an uncomplicated love. Will sighed; it was hard saying goodbye to the past. So many years of dreaming of her, it was strange to move on. Strange to realise that he was indeed no longer a boy longing for his father and the governor's daughter. Now he had found his father, and longed for Ruby. More with each passing minute in fact. In fact it was difficult not to be a bit alarmed at just how much he longed to be at her side right that minute. He couldn't let himself think about it though. Soon enough he would have to explain Ruby to Elizabeth, but for now, Elizabeth had enough to think about just eating. She'd been through a lot, and she needed him, no matter how he might wish things were different and he could be on the Maiden and in Ruby's arms where he belonged.

Elizabeth ate quietly, she had to force herself not to stuff the food into her mouth, and punctuated it with watered down wine. Soon enough she was full, weeks of not eating had shrunk her stomach. She stretched her arms and shook out her muscles. "I'm finished Will, if you are wanting we can head over to the other ship now. I'd really like to meet your father."

Will nodded. "You could rest here first if you want. There will be plenty of time to meet him if you are needing to sleep first."

"No, I'm fine. I really couldn't sleep yet. You learn to go without on a slaver." She didn't want to be left alone. Not even with the pirates she called friend. She wanted Will's constant reassuring presence.

Will nodded, knowing this had the potential to be a big mess, but some small sadistic part of him couldn't help but think it would serve her right too. He wasn't proud of it, but there it was. The truth was that in the end, he simply couldn't find the words to explain, so he put it off and focused only on seeing Ruby again. He held out his arm to her and smiled softly. "Let's go find Jack and Da then."

Elizabeth smiled into William's eyes and took his arm regally. He took her to the deck and she nodded and spoke to pirates whom she remembered from the incident with Barbossa. She looked over the ship and smiled, it felt so good to be free again. She turned to Will as they stood by the railing, a blush gracing her cheeks. Her weakness embarrassed her. "Will, you are going to have to help me across. I'm not as strong and steady as I used to be."

Will smiled gently at her and lifted her to carry her to the Maiden. He set her down easily, his heart suddenly near to bursting. They'd won the battle, freed the women, saved Elizabeth, and he was about to see his Ruby again. What wasn't to be happy about? His eyes searched the deck for signs of any of the three of them, and as his gaze finally fell upon that of his Da and Jack, he instantly felt as if the ship lurched beneath him. His face went pale and his heart attempted to beat from his chest, even as he fought valiantly to ignore the sick truth that had been haunting him since he'd seen Jonas's face. He shook his head in desperation and crossed the distance to them in three strides, forgetting all about Elizabeth in the face of the anguish on these normally stoic men's faces.

"Where's Ruby?" He prayed fervently that he was wrong, fought the urge to wail, and wasn't at all sure how he held it together whilst he waited for their answer. And it seemed to take forever. "Jack... Da... WHERE is Ruby?"

When there was still no answer, only pitiful and much too shiny eyes staring blankly at him, he shook his head again and staggered back as if he'd been shot. "NO! NO! I refuse to believe it. WHERE IS RUBY! WHAT'S HAPPENED TO HER?" He turned to Jonas and glared at him. "Take me to Ruby... NOW!"

"Tha' would nae be wise right now William." Jack hauled himself to his feet unsteadily. One rum had turned into five…..or maybe it was six. He staggered towards the young man and put a restraining hand on his shoulder. "She went down on tha' second last level o' tha slaver. Over looking the prison hold." His eyes met William's and it held everything that needed to be said about Ruby's condition. But he added, "It be bad Will, we are still waitin' on tha surgeon."

Will listed to the side and hung his head, his hands shaking uncontrollably. He'd failed her. He'd chosen to go to the Pearl, and now she was... He shook his head violently and shoved Jack back, even as he turned to march toward the hatch. He had to get to her. He had to see her. He refused to believe this. It simply wasn't possible. It wasn't fair. He couldn't lose her after he'd just finally found her. He yanked free of Jonas's grip when the man tried to stop him, and turned to him, eyes sparking with anger and fear. "Keep your bloody hands off me. I need to be with Ruby, and I'd dare any man here to bloody well try and stop me." He didn't remember drawing his sword, but drawn it was, and he realised he was absolutely itching to use it. Friend or foe didn't matter much in that moment. The way he was feeling they'd be lucky if he didn't go below deck of the Sprite where they'd contained all the prisoners, and run them through one at a time in cold blood.

Bill jumped up and strode to Will, slipping past the blade of his son's sword. He grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him hard. "Think Will!. She be wounded, an' was almost dead when Jack pulled her out. The surgeon has her, an' he cannae work ta save her if ye go charging in there like a wounded bull. Ye'd be more o' a hindrance than a help. An' it maybe what makes us lose her." He pulled his son into his arms."Stay here with me Will, I need ye ta. My little girl." Bill rubbed his sleeve across his eyes. As Will collapsed against him he stroked his son's hair soothingly. "Tis nae yer fault. Ye did what she told ye ta do. And ye were fighting where ye were needed. We all knew tha risks goin' in. Ye wouldnae been able to stop it."

Will held fast to his father, his body jerking with dry and silent sobs, his heart turning to lead in his chest and falling to his feat with a thud, denying him even the comfort of it shattering. "I can't lose her da. I can't. I won't let them take her. Not now. Not when I finally found her. I need to be with her. I wasn't when it counted; I should be by her side now."

"Hush, Will. Let tha' surgeon work. Let's give her all tha chance we can."

The rage boiled within him again, bred in his impotency, in his frustration, in his fear. He wanted to hurt something, someone. He wanted to scream. He wanted to wrestle the angel of death himself and force it to take him instead. He wanted to wake up from this nightmare to find himself still buried inside her on the beach at Dolphin Island. She was on her way to him. She'd been on her way to the hold to find him. Somehow he just knew it. She'd died trying to find him. This was all his fault, no matter what his da said. He was the reason she was here. He might as well have wielded the sword that felled her himself. He'd murdered the woman he loved.

"Stop that Will." Bill murmured, catching the look on his son's face. "She is a fighter, same as you are. She knew what she was up against. Same as you. Ye'd nae be acting like this if it were one o' the other Pirates who be yer friends. Nor if it had been me." He shook Will's shoulders, "It nae be yer fault."

"Why didn't someone come get me? Why did you leave me not knowing for so long? I should have been here." Will's voice was choked with tears.

"You had a job to do. It's what she would have expected. No one had the time to fall apart. We must keep going no matter tha outcome. Until we reach safety. We are too exposed out on tha' open sea here. Once tha surgeon updates us on Ruby's condition we will move out." Bill held his son tightly.

Will pulled free of his father's arms and collapsed into a heap on the deck, unable to stand any longer. He leaned back against the side of the ship, his eyes moving toward the mermaid that looked so much like his Ruby. He bit into his bottom lip and let out a string of curses at his helplessness, raging against a fate that could be so cruel. "The women and the booty? They've all been retrieved?"

"Aye we succeeded in tha' much." The reply came from Jack who'd moved to stare bleakly over the railing.

Will nodded. "I want to be the one to fire the first shot to send her to the depths." Jack nodded without turning or replying, he was lost in his own grief.

Elizabeth watched in horrified fascination, and a sinking feeling of loss and guilt. As she watched the exchange it became painfully obvious that this was not only someone that the three men loved dearly, but from Will's reaction and the utter devastation in his eyes, he was i in /i love with this woman. Her heart ached and threatened to shatter, even as her conscience told her that she deserved it, and beyond that, this woman had been harmed in the attempt to rescue her. She stared from Will to Jack and longed to know what to do or say. She'd never felt so out of place in her life. She felt like an intruder of the worst sort. Her first instinct was to run to Will and take him in her arms, but if he was indeed in love with this woman, what did that mean? Would he want her to be anywhere near him? Would he blame her if this Ruby died? She stared at Jack, whose eyes finally turned from his unseeing grief to meet her gaze, and she suddenly felt like crying herself.

"Elizabeth." Jack nodded, "It be good te see ye whole an' safe. Right now however ye may be wantin' ta go back ta The Pearl. I'll speak ta ye on me return ta the ship."

Elizabeth sighed, Will still not looking at her or even seeming to realise she was still there at all. "There's... nothing I can do?"

Jack sighed, "Nae here. There is nothin' fer us ta be doin'. Ruby Lorelei is tha' Captain o' this ship. She is tha' one tha' organised tha' rescue. If she dies then tha' ship will be thrown inta chaos. She is well loved by her crew." He touched Elizabeth's cheek gently, "I need ye ta see ta the other women. Me crew be pirates, an tend ta be harsh an' unsympathetic."

Elizabeth shook her head. "They haven't been today. The men have surprised me with how gentle they've been. But I'll watch them if that's your wish." She turned to look at Will again, longing to go to him, longing to be the one he would turn to, and suddenly realising that he'd never once turned to her. Perhaps because she was never there for him. She'd claimed to love him, and yet been interested only in herself and in the man she wanted him to be. Again, she was hit by just what a fool she'd been. She tasted the words that Jack had spoken, but couldn't make sense of them. This Ruby had arranged for her rescue? But if she and William were in love, why would she do that? Could she have it wrong? Could Ruby simply be a sister he'd never talked about? She shook her head. No, that wasn't the face of a man worried for a sister. It was the grief of a man in love.

"I'll take ye back Miss." Jonas offered Elizabeth, breaking into her thoughts. He needed something to distract him.

Elizabeth nodded and took his arm. Her fingers itched to run through Will's hair, and though she resisted, she couldn't stop the words. "Will? Can I help?"

Will looked up, his eyes vacant as he shook his head. He wasn't really seeing her. In his mind images of Ruby laughing, angry and in that green dress invaded his head and tore at his heart..

Elizabeth stifled a sob and shut her eyes until she could control the tears she had no right to shed. Once she'd gotten herself under control, she turned to Jonas and was surprised by the almost tender expression in his eyes. A shock after his frank appraisal earlier. "Thank you for seeing me back. I'm a bit weak right now." And wasn't that just the understatement of the century.

"It's me pleasure Miss." He gingerly wrapped his arm around her waist and grabbed a rope, "Hang on tightly Miss." When she wrapped her arms around his neck, he kicked off and swung them to the Pearl.

Will watched her go without much remorse. While he should perhaps be sorry that she was alone after all she'd been through, it was another woman entirely that held captive his every thought and every last shred of energy. She had to make it, she simply had to. His heart thudded painfully fast and unsure as the surgeon stepped onto the deck. The crew was immediately silent and warily watched his approach. It was eerie and unsettling, and scary as hell. He looked bone weary, as if he'd been the one wrestling with the Angel of Death, and Will found himself afraid to hear what the man had to say. He certainly didn't look like a man that had won his battle.

Merric took a deep breath, and wiped one freshly scrubbed hand across his brow. He noticed that Will Turner had returned to the Sea Maiden and he swiftly walk to stand next to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "She is alive...for now. I have stopped the bleeding, and stitched the wound. The next day or so will be the deciding factor. She lost a lot of blood and will be very weak. In fact I would suggest we make for Port and get her into an infirmary. I won't lie, her injury is severe, and with the blood loss she will be hard put to survive an infection. In an infirmary she will have more of a chance."

Will closed his eyes and inhaled a desperate breath, only just realising he'd ceased some indeterminate time before. He wondered if he'd actually breathed at all since he'd stepped aboard the Maiden and seen Jack's and his Da's faces. He stifled a dry sob and nodded, turning to Jack as Jack's voice rang out loud and clear. "We'll retrace our steps and put a bone in her teeth. We'll be back to our last Port in less than two days if I have to barter my soul. We'll leave Anna Maria and the Sprite te bury the Slaver where it belongs at the bottom of Davy Jones's locker. If I 'ave my choice, her crew will be buried with her. Every last one of them. Along with the bastards from the Sprite. What say ye Will?"

William nodded, he'd wanted a piece of the slaver but it wasn't worth Ruby's life. He cleared his throat. "Please. Let's go now." He turned to Merric, "Can I go sit with her?"

Jack nodded and turned to Anna Maria who'd just come aboard. "The Sprite's yours Anna Maria. You can have any of the crew of the Pearl ye think ye need and we can spare till ye can fill the empty spots on her. Lash them to the ship and let her be their coffin. They deserve worse, but I've not the time te tear them limb from limb." He then turned to Merric who had yet to answer Will's question. "We'd like te be with her as her family, at least for a few minutes, if ye think we'll not be a danger to her."

Merric sighed, "Normally I'd say no. But, only one at a time. I want you to observe her, and come and get me if there are any signs of fever. She is unconscious right now, most likely won't wake for a few days."

Will swallowed hard and resisted the urge to go in first. "Jack, Da, you go first if we can only go one at a time. I don't think I'll be able to leave her once I'm there."

Bill shook his head, "Go son, I will relieve ye when ye are exhausted an' ready ta sleep. Jack an' I will take the ship out."

Jack opened his mouth to say hell no, he would see Ruby first, but getting her help had to come before his own selfish need to be near her, and Bill was right. They had to start now. In fact, he wasn't leaving the Maiden. He turned to Jonas as he returned from the Pearl and smiled. "Jonas, how'd ye like te captain the Pearl. We'll be puttin' the ships through their paces in a race back to our last Port. Ruby's alive, but needs an infirmary, and I won't leave the Maiden. There are few I'd trust to captain the Pearl, you've shown yourself loyal and worthy though. Think ye can handle her?"

Jonas stuttered, "Aye..si..sir." He gave a jaunty salute. "Do ye want us te stay an' blow up tha' slaver?"

Jack shook his head. "Anna Maria an tha crew she takes on can handle that. Let her know where te meet up with us, but tha Pearl will go with us te tha Port. We can't be guaranteed not te run inte trouble, an I'll not risk Ruby's life te fate more than once. Having two ships will give us an advantage in our need for haste."

Jonas nodded and hurried quickly to the railing again. He clapped Will on the shoulder as he passed the man. Will acknowledge the other man with a small tight smile and then followed the surgeon down the companionway into the Cabin. Ruby lay in her bed. He paused in the doorway, shocked at the sight before him.

His fists clenched until his nails bit painfully into his skin, and he battled fiercely with his emotions before finally crossing the distance to her. The closer he got, the worse it got however, and he barely managed to swallow down the bile rising in his throat. She was white as the sterile sheets that they kept on board for surgery, her body looking slighter than he'd prepared himself for. His Ruby, who'd always seemed larger than life to him, seemed... tiny. Everything in him screamed to her that he'd protect her, save her, and yet he screamed at himself and his own impotency because he knew it was a promise he couldn't rightly make or make good on. He collapsed into the chair beside the bed and took her hand in on of his, smoothing the hair from her forehead with the other.

"Fight Ruby. Please, fight for us. Don't you dare leave me. Please. I can't live without you and damn it, I don't WANT to. We haven't had near enough time together; I haven't had long enough to show you just how much I love you. Not enough time to worship you as you deserve. Ah God... I love you so much Ruby, please don't leave me."

Will rested his head on the sheet next to her body, his hands cupping her cold one, rubbing it as if he could bring it too life. He peered up into her pale face, her hair had never seemed to flame brighter than it did now that her skin looked like alabaster. He began to murmur of their plans, of the things they would do once she was well. Of their future on Haven, anything that would help him believe that she was going to make it through the night.

Will leaned forward and kissed her tenderly, one single tear slipping down his cheek to hers. He hadn't cried since the day he'd buried his mother. And he wouldn't allow himself that weakness now either. He refused to give up on her, and by the fates if he could anchor her here and be her strength through this, he would do it. He'd try no matter what. He watched her for long hours, Merric relenting once they were underway and allowing both Bill and Jack to come and see her whilst he remained with her, and eventually, he fell asleep still in the chair, but his cheek pressed to her palm, each breath she took a comforting reminder that she hadn't been beaten yet. That for the moment, she was still his.