(Okay, I think you guys are going to hate me for this chappie. Heh. I'm pretty sure I'm going to continue it after this chap... but you may not like me very much. XD)

Disclaimer: I don't own it. And please don't hurt me!

I walked slowly up to the door of the brig, keeping my face expressionless. They had no idea what was in store for them- no idea that they would so soon be torn apart from each other.

"Boy," I said, a tone of mock gentleness in my voice. "You love your father- am I right? Well, then, I think you would find it wise to listen to a... proposal I have for you."

William looked up at me, anger still in his eyes. "Haven't you tormented us enough? Is there still more you desire to do to us?"

I chuckled, and then continued, "Ah, but you have it wrong. I'm willing to let your father go-"

Will's head snapped up, his eyes hopeful. "What? You'll free him?"

I smiled thinly. "That I will- but only if you agree that you shall owe me a single honor-bound promise. Agreed?"

I saw Bootstrap put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "No," he murmured, shaking his head. He was still weak from the lashing he had received. "Don't give yourself up for me."

But Will shook off his father's hand. "I'll do it. Free my father and... and I'll do anything you ask of me."

"Good." I gestured Clanker over. "Let them out of there."

Clanker smiled, and unlocked the cell door, ushering them out onto the main deck. He came back and handed the key to me. "You'll be needing this soon, Captain."

"Hm." I said, before turning back to the boy. "I hereby free your father. He is no longer in my service."

I saw the boy's eyes light up, and the beginnings of a smile flickered onto his face.

"And now," I said. "for that proise you owe to me."

The smile disappeared, replaced by fear. "And- and what will you have me do?"

"Oh, nothing too hard. Bootstrap, give your knife to the boy."

Bootstrap looked at me for a second, a sense of knowing on his face, before finally doing what I said. He worldlessly handed his knife to his son.

"Now, I want you to take that knife, and run it through your father's heart." I said, watching him carefully.

William stared at me in shock, and I could see him struggling not to leap at me. "Never. I will never kill my father!"

"Ah, but you must. Not only are you honor bound to do it, but if you don't it will be all the worse for your father. Now, I suggest you do it before my patience runs thin."

I saw how he was struggling, a look of desperation on his face. He was trying to come up with words, come up with an excuse, anything, but nothing would surface.

And he knew nothing would change my mind.

"Come on, boy. The clock is ticking." I said, warning him. Clanker and Maccus stepped forward, ready to do my bidding.

The boy let out a strangled sound, turning to his father. Emotions flickered rapidly across his face, and I saw his knuckles turn white from holding the hilt of the knife so tightly.

"F-father... I love you." He said, tears beginning to fall down his cheeks.

"I love you too, son." Bootstrap answered softly. "And I want you to know- that I understand."

I took a step forward, and Will shuddered violently.

Then, he swung his hand forward, jerkily, and plunged the knife up to the hilt in his father's breast.