The Black Pearl eased into the most popular dock at Port Royal with the Commodore and his mess of men scrambling around at the sight of the gray sails. The footmen had torn up the country, that's for sure, but a deep and constant calm had settled on board the vessel. Captain Jack stared off toward the sea as if refusing to face land. His crew was more occupied with the celebration awaiting the Turners than their dazed captain. Anna Maria walked over to him slowly, clearing her throat. "Are ye feelin' alright after the ghost touched ye, captain?" she asked gently. Jack lifted a hand and curled his fingers as a signal of agreement. On the other side of the boat where a ladder was being lowered right onto the pier, the Turners prepared to touch land. Little Jack was clinging to his mother, tired and still confused. Elizabeth looked longingly to Will as he wandered over to say goodbye. Unfortunately, the young blacksmith was all out of words. Too much had happened.

"I suppose you'll be leavin', then," Jack said with his back to Will.

"Jack…" Will began with a sigh. Little Jack suddenly perked up and cried out for his father. Will turned instinctively, but the captain had faced him. "Thank you is not enough," he finally said.

"I told you once having you on my ship was like having your father here again," the captain smiled slyly. Will smiled as well, rubbing under his eyes before a tear could escape them. "What's that called, lad? Irony?"

"The boat's ready, Miss Turner," Gibbs said loud enough for Will to hear. Jack nodded, stepping forward in a few graceful strides.

"I suppose this is goodbye, then," the captain said a bit more finally. Will sniffed, bowing his head. The two began shaking hands but ended in a brief embrace. When they parted, it seemed the nerves from Bill's visit had calmed. "Step on this ship again, mate, you're always welcome," Jack smiled.

"The same to you," Will immediately promised. "Jack only has one uncle; he'll need to see you."

"One is all he needs," Jack boasted before turning Will toward his family. Will gave him one last endearing smile before joining his wife. Little Jack's little arms reached out for Will's neck as he took his son into his arms and kissed his matted curls. Elizabeth glanced to the captain. Jack smiled and gave her a gracious bow. They both thanked Jack's crew sincerely before slowly lowering onto the wet pier. The governor rushed forward to welcome them; the community that had collected to watch the arrival cheered.

"Elizabeth," Governor Swann sighed with worry and relief in his eyes, "I thought I had lost you again."

"No, never," she smiled against Will's side. The commodore, frustrated that he hadn't caught the fiends responsible, burst through the crowd.

"I demand to know what happened," he stuffily ordered. "Pirates? A ransom for an innocent child? Some sort of deal from another life?" he suggested, glaring at Will specifically. Will was too tired, too emotional, and too grateful for everything he nearly lost to argue with the commodore, even though he was exactly right; a deal from another life had been done with.

"They've had a long night, Commodore," Governor Swann muttered, reaching for Elizabeth protectively as if to take her with him. Will stepped forward, one arm holding his son with the other clasping Elizabeth's hand.

"If you don't mind," Will said very gently, "I'd like to take my family home." The spectators parted as the three shipworn Turners slowly walked off the pier, silent and staggering, but together. Before they stepped onto the welcoming solid earth, they turned to see the shadow of the Black Pearl slipping into the new horizon.

"It's over, isn't it?" Elizabeth asked as the wind filled the black sails of the ship. Little Jack shivered in his father's arms.

"Yes," Will answered. "We won."

--THE END--