A/N: Oh my god could this chapter have taken any longer? Sorry guys I was drowning in finals but hey it's over till autumn! Big thank you to all the lovely people who review which ends up leading into some pretty great conversations. I love talking to you guys, you're all pretty fantastic! I promise I'm catching up on your stuff (I know I told a few of you I'd check your stories out) just give me time.
Thank you for reading this humble story, I love you guys.

"We are outward for Kingston town in a heave ho ho!"

Sea shanties were a favorite among drunk crewman, and the Jackdaw's own were no excuse for the rule either. Captain Edward Kenway stood on top of a table, swinging his hips to the beat of their voices as he lifted his rum into the air. If had been a wondrous day filled with dumping a bucket of fish skum over Charles and making sure Rackham took the blame. He'd even bedded a fair pretty maiden who was as fresh as they came, just old enough to begin paying for a man's time and Edward was sure to take her pretty little flower. And now he opened his mouth, singing along to the shanty.

"Kenway! Devil Kenway get down do you have no dignity?" Thatch slapped his leg, taking a seat at the table Edward was stood upon. The blond shook his head, staring down at his friend as he felt a hand rub his thigh, looking over to a whore trying to win him over.

"I have much Thatch, can't you see? It's as clear as day the ladies don't mind a dance."

"They do the dancing, not ya. Sit your arse down we need to talk," He was as gruff as ever and Edward groaned, jumping from the table and grabbing the woman to his left, having no shame in sticking his face between her breasts as her hands ran through his hair. After a slur of cussing he lifted his face to breath, giving Thatch a cheeky grin and slapping the ladies bottom as she went on her way.

"Beauty that one."

"Every woman with a nice pair of tits is a beauty in your eyes."

"'Course, ain't that what girls are for now Thatch? Why don't you let me pay for a whore for you?" He grinned, taking a seat across from his friend and emptying his glass, lifting it in the air so a barmaid would fill it.

"I can pay for them myself. The only woman in my life I will spend a dime on is my Queen."

"Ship can't fuck ya though."

"Don't have to pay to fuck a lady," Thatch glared before breaking out into a fit of laughter. Edward shook his head but groaned when he felt a hand yank his hair.

"If ya stand me up one more time man, I swear."

"Evening Kidd."

"Ya tell me to meet ya by the Jackdaw, that ya have somethin' for me. Get there and ya men inform me your trying to get Rackham in trouble."

"Aye did a fine job of it. Sorry Kidd, I'll show you tomorrow."

"Won't be a tomorrow, m'off in the morning," James sat next to him, grabbing Thatch's rum and taking a long gulp. "Headed to Havana, I'll be back here soon though. 'Ought to think of a way to keep this city in shape."

"It's a free land Kidd! Why are you off so soon?" Edward was unsure as to why the young pirate was always leaving, he never stayed in Nassau more than a few days before departing. His thoughts were shoved aside when the hand he had held up for rum was drenched in it, looking up to meet eyes with Anne their new barmaid.

"M'a bit tossed, sorry Captain Kenway," Anne smiled, setting the pitcher on the table.

"Think I can forgive you if you lick it off."

"Kenway," Kidd snapped, shaking his head but Anne had new plans for him. He and Thatch watched in amusement as Anne shoved Kidd's chair back and straddled his waist, reaching up to play with one of the black braids he had hanging down from his bandanna. "Anne, get back to work."

"M'tired of working. It's so late, everyone's pissed but you. Won't you touch me? You're so handsome Jim," Anne giggled, leaning in and brushing her lips over Kidd's. Thatch was trying not to spit out his rum and Edward stared, watching James go wide eye and grab her hand before she could give him a good rub on his cock. Anne pulled away, turning her hand to reach out and brush his face. "Ya can join Kenway, you're both so pretty to look at."

Edward and James locked eyes before standing up, both moving to lift her up before Edward did it, carrying her like a bride. "Time for bed Anne."

"Anne ya have drank entirely too much. Off to bed with ya, night Thatch."

"Night boys, don't have too much fun now."

James was silent as they carried her up the steps, finding her room and when Edward put her down he rose her quilt over her, turning to look at him. "Leave before me."

"I wouldn't sleep with a sleeping lady, hardly any fun in that James."

"No but I still don't trust ya."

"Why are you so protective of Anne? We've only just met her."

"Somethin 'bout her Kenway, she's a lot like you. Both of ya are so much better than ya are now, I can feel it."

Edward's feet pounded against the sand as he reached the shore, reaching up to wipe his clinging blond hair from his face. He hadn't felt this feeling in his chest since he watched Thatch yell at him to get going, that it was his time.

Anne was a pirate, she was his friend, and most importantly she was the one person who had never left him. His heart was aching and his feet didn't seem to run fast enough through the wet, thick sand. Mary wasn't helping his worry, she was holding on to Anne's chest, pressing her hand against it and he was quite sure she was crying.

He fell to his knees in front of her, reaching down to listen for breath, a sign of life. She was so pale, her red hair vibrant against her white skin. To his relief he heard the faint struggle of breath and grabbed Mary's hands, looking up at her.

"Mary, go get help."

"I can't jus' leave her! You go!"

"I don't know who to trust! Who's the shaman!?" He yelled at her, meeting her anger but instead of bickering Mary glare fell defeated as she pulled Anne to her chest, holding on to her.

"Edward fix her."

"Stop acting like a child, we have to save her."

"I protect her, I-I it doesn't end like this. She doesn't go before me. She's a babe! So young and reckless and beautiful and Edward help…h-help our Annie," Mary was talking rushed, her knuckles were growing white from the clutch she held on Anne and he was worried she might break her in half. He reached across to her, cupping her face and made her meet his eyes.

"M' trying lass. I am. You're not the only one who loves her. Listen to me Mary, count to ten and go find the shaman m'sure he's around here helping others. Mary, love, listen to me. Nothing is true and everything is permitted, get yourself together."

The simple phrase she lived by was enough for her to collect her wits. She leaned away from him, gently setting Anne back down into the sand and grabbed his hand, placing it over her other as she stood up. Her hand had been blocking a hole in Anne, and it nearly made his stomach turn. He could feel the hot blood seeping from her bosom, and Edward realized why she had been panicking.

"And hurry lass."

"Don't let her die Kenway, of I'll never forgive ya," Mary turned on her heals, running off down the beach in search of some fat man who would help Anne.

It was hardly a fair thing to tell him, don't let their best friend who was creeping on deaths door not to die. Edward had given up hope in rationalizing with Mary until Anne was safe, and she would be safe. She had to. He wasn't quite sure he could function if she wasn't. There had only been one person on this Earth who he owed his life to: Anne Bonny.

When he would binge drink, sobbing about Mary she would get him dressed and tell him to be a man or Mary would be ashamed. She had made him realize leaving the Caribbean wouldn't mean he'd escape his memories, that he could move on from so much darkness, and just maybe there would be light at the end of the way. But there would be no light without Anne there to watch him make it shine.

"Annie, I need you to listen to me. I know you can hear me, you're a strong lass. Devil knows you've dealt with me for to many years. But if you can do me one last favor, don't die on me. You're the…you're my best friend Anne," He whispered, biting his lower lip as he stared at her face, wishing she'd open her eyes. "I want to watch ya sweep a man off his feet. Watch ya carry around little babies of your own and teach ya daughters how to fight. You're going to tell every one of our sailing tales, you have to Annie. You…you can't leave me like everyone else. You kept me whole, please," He could feel a trickle of a tear slid down his face as her eyes fluttered open. She winced in pain, staring up at his face and his own breath stopped.

"E-Edward?"

"Annie hold on Mary's getting help, just hang in there with me."

"M'sorry Edward."

"Hush now lass, you're going to b-"

"Thank you," She smiled to him as her eyes fell shut and her body fell limp in his arms. He heard a woman screaming and felt hands shove him back from her, falling to his rear end and staring as three native men rushed around her, ripping her corset open and smearing some plant on her skin as another breathed into her mouth.

He sat there, staring as they wrapped her in a blanket and carried her off without a word all but to tell him she would be taken to their home to be healed, or he thought they were talking to him. He looked up to see Mary standing beside him, her hand covering her mouth as she watched them take their Annie away.

"Mary," He whispered, reaching up to grab her hand but she glared down at him, running her hands through her hair before turning to glare at him.

"Why weren't ya beside her? Where were you?"

"I was beside her! I would never leave her! We were being attacked and I thought she was still right by me!"

"Ya were foolish Kenway! How could ya bring her down here like this?"

"Anne can fight Mary! Believe it or not you taught her a fine thing or two! I wouldn't bring her down here if I'd known we were going to get shot! Do you think I'm an idiot?"

"Yes!" She screamed as he stood up next to her, shoving him away when he went to hold her.

"Is that the wittiest retort you have lass? Yes?"

"Sod off Kenway, leave me be."

"Fine!" He yelled back watching her storm off and yank out her pipe. "Take you and your fucking tobacco back to my home!"

"And ya take yourself to the tavern for some drink!"

"I just will!" Edward screamed at her, watching her storm away from him and off to climb the ruins. He'd never felt so thirty in his life.

The sunset found its way over the Great Inagua while most of the island recovered from the attack in the rear bay. Edward was leaned over the table he'd drank with Ade and Mary while Jack had been tied up a few feet away, downing another shot of rum in his misery. He'd received no word of Anne's condition of is she was still drawing breath.

He wanted nothing more in this time of grief to be with Mary, to hold her hand as they silently sat and waited for news. But he had fought with her, more she with him. Another shot of rum was taken as he sat up and groaned already feeling the wave of drink wash over him. It took much to get him feeling this drunk, and this feeling didn't stop him from waving the pretty tavern keep down to bring him another bottle.

"There will be no need he's had his fill," Edward sat up, locking eyes with his old friend.

"Evening Ade."

"Kenway. Why are you not with Master Kidd?"

"Mary mate, call him Mary now. Ya an assassin aren't ya? Isn't she like one of the top dogs right?"

"Mary is highly known for her skill yes. You're an assassin too Edward."

"She's right pissed at me."

"So you came to get pissed yourself."

"Aye," He leaned back in his chair, picking up the small cup he had been drinking from and turned it around in his hand, watching the glass reflect from the candle light around them.

"I'm leaving for Africa soon."

"Hm thought you already went."

"I wanted to say goodbye to my friends, I hears Ms Bonny isn't doing well."

Edward sent his friend a glare as he gripped the glass, shaking his head slightly. "No, no she's not.

"Edward you've lost before."

Edward lifted the glass and threw it against the tavern listening to the glass fall to the floor as everyone stopped to stare at him. He stood, slamming his hands on the table. "You don't think I know that! You don't think I don't remember what this feels like! My whole life has been nothing but losing the people I love Ade!"

"And you have Kidd back, the one person you always chased around the Caribbean. Edward death is as natural as breathing in or world is it not? Be grateful you have another chance to make things right. It's time for you to settle down."

"I can't make anything right until Anne is fine. She helped me heal when you abandoned me," Edward snapped to him, watching his friend's face fall into a look of sadness before he stormed off, letting his feet take where they'd like.

Ade was right of course, but the thought of losing someone else was tearing him alive. There wasn't a day that went by that for a moment he didn't miss someone he had lost, or someplace. Perhaps if they could have run Nassau as a proper town it would have went somewhere. Piracy hadn't been the answer to Nassau but their free republic was an idea worth investing in.

He, Thatch, and Ben could have taken charge and ran it, done with the political bullshit. Charles and Jack would have been put to watch over the bay, something they liked to do anyways. Sit, drink, and pretend to be important. Now Mary could have made a name for herself, the first female to hold a political office but Mary had abandoned Nassau hadn't she? Edward stared up at the star filled sky has his mind slipped away from him.

Nassau had fallen. Thatch was dead.

Edward leaned against the rail of his ship, watching The Voyager dock up with him so he could speak with the captain. He lifted a bottle of rum to his lips, drinking on the liquid until it burned his throat and tossed it behind him into the sea, sending a look over to Ade who shook his head.

"Any idea why Master Kdid waved us down?"

"None. Don't want to speak with him right now anyways, if it wasn't for the fact that he's a persistent bastard I'd have sailed on."

"Mad at him now?"

"When am I not?"

"You normally take his wisdom and at least amuse him."

"Hm, not today Ade," Edward groaned, watching the ropes be thrown and sighed when their ships rocked together.

Mary came across to his ship with some of her crew behind her and was carrying a bottle with her. As she came closer to him the more anger he could feel bubbling inside of him, even if he wasn't sure why seeing his friend was upsetting him so. There had been four people who had helped find Nassau and she was the one who had abandoned it. Every nerve in his body was ready to pounce her in anger as she approached him.

The wind whipped around them as Kidd stood in front of him, handing out a bottle of fine wine. "M'sorry about Thatch Kenway, knew ya were close to him."

"So were you."

"Aye but not like ya."

"It's unfortunate you went missing a bit back, when our republic fell and our friend died."

"It's a right shame ya were too busy fucking wenches on your island instead of helping Thatch come back eh?" As her lips went up in a smirk he felt something snap, landing his fist into the side of her jaw before she knew it was coming.

She took a few steps back, holding her hand up to her jaw as he watched her men point their pistols at him which only caused him to smirk. His smile was wiped clean as he felt a foot to his stomach, two hands grabbing the back of his neck and he was flipped down on his deck as the wind left him. He coughed, spurted out a string of curses as her boot went to his throat. He watched Ade move to grab Kidd but he was stopped when one of her crew pointed a gun at him.

"Not very nice of ya Kenway."

"You're never nice to me Kidd."

"Oh? That so now?"

"Nassau falling is your fault, and you know it."

"Why? Because I stopped watching it fall to the piss? Gave up? Damn straight I did, it's a pity what happened to Nassau but there was no saving it. Charles and Rackham ruined it when the pranced on in there bitching about having to lift a finger to do anything. How can ya run a city when no one wants to work? Nassau was my everything, it's time we took this to ya cabin eh?" She lifted her boot from his throat and held out her hand.

He took it, following her down to his cabin and unlocked it, walking in and as she shut the door her moved to grab her, shoving her against the door and pressing their foreheads together as a hand went up to yank her bandana off her head and let her hair fall down. She let him, only watching him with curiosity. "Nassau was my freedom Kenway, surely ya know that. I was important there."

"Not as important as your assassins."

"They're family, I can't help it I have work to do for them. It's an honor to be with them."

"It's an honor to let your city fall to ruins. Was that it Mary?"

"Anne Bonny get out? I went there to get her and she's gone."

"She's at my island, with the other pirates I helped save. Where were you?"

"Fixing a mess ya made, like I always am. Finding your Sage."

Edwards hand reached up, cupping her cheek as his thumb traced her bottom lip, feeling her body stiffen to his touch. He had been so sure he loved her, that Mary Read was the most intoxicating woman he had ever met. But right now, all he wanted was to hurt her for letting Nassau fall, for letting him down. He had counted on James Kidd walking in there and fixing it up like she always had but only she hadn't been there. "I needed you."

"M'sorry Kenway."

"You're my best friend and I needed you. He's dead Mary…Thatch went up like a pirate king truly would have."

"I know," She whispered, reaching up to him and pulled him down into her shoulder. "Edward just cry already."

"I can't, I've been trying. I drink and bitch and kill but I can't cry."

"Ya bottling it up."

"I needed you and I can't get over that. When the world went to piss all I wanted was to turn around and for you to be behind me to catch me."

"M'here for ya Kenway, always will be."

"But ya weren't were you? You were off with your friends while your old friends died."

"I've not forgotten ya," She snapped, shoving him off but he grabbed her, shoving her against the door so hard he watched her neck snap back as her head hit it. "Let go of me or I'll hurt ya."

"I needed you!" He screamed, letting her go as he reached for the wine she brought to him and threw it against the far wall. "Get out of my cabin and get off my ship."

"Edward-"

"GET OUT!"

She reached on to the floor, grabbing her bandanna and did her hair up, "Come find me when ya realize how much of a child you're acting. Just because you're hurt gives ya no right to yell at me. If anyone on this Earth cares about ya it's me Kenway. M'sorry I wasn't there when everything fell apart but I'm here now."

Something wet trickled across Edward's face as he groaned, eyes fluttering open and staring up at a monkey eating a fruit. It took him a moment to blink before he sat straight up, grabbing ahold of the branch he was laid upon and cursed himself.

The sun was shining through the leaves of the canopy as Edward swung himself down, feeling his world slightly spin. It had been a long time since he had drank like the man he had been two years ago, and he could feel it. His stomach twisted and he wasn't quite sure were in the hell he was.

"Tis all Mary's fault, always is," He grumbled as he reached into his pants to retrieve a treasured part and released the nights drink. What a dream to have as he waited for his friend to die, to dream of the day he had thought maybe loving a siren was a bad idea.

To be fair, the thought was still in his mind. Mary was a hell of a woman sometimes, and as of this morning Edward was unsure how to handle her. He wanted to march into his home, lift her up in his arms and make sweet love to her. But on the other hand he wanted to punch her across the face and ask her how in the devil she could blame him for killing Anne.

For now his stomach screamed for him to feed it and he sighed, picking leaves out of his hair as he stumbled his way towards what he thought should be the direction of the exit. Sure enough he arrived to the little town he'd grown fond of and had put so much gold into, all to hand it over to some chums who thought he was an okay guy: more than he deserved some days.

Most the pirates talked to him, the assassins would nod their head in respect he supposed. He could see his manor on the hill, watching out over the bay and his heart ached to go up to see Mary and play with Amara but he had more important matters now. He could smell the sweet scent of bacon wafting in the air, turning to find where it was coming from when none other than Ah Tabai walked to him.

"Edward Kenway."

"What is it now?" He sighed.

"Anne has made it through the night, let Mary know. When she wakes we will find you. Stay strong, watch over Mary for me."

Edward's jaw fell slack as the master left him and he had to reach to a building to support himself. Relief flooded over him as there would be no death to mourn today. His vibrant Annie was still alive still trying to fight for another day and that was worth celebrating. Edward stood there grinning up at the sun for what felt like an eternity before he kicked off it and jogged to the general store to pick up a few things.

With a piece of dried fish in his mouth and the prettiest stuffed rabbit he could find he was on his way to his mansion to end his spat with Mary. The town was buzzing with news that some of the attacked were making it and he couldn't help but feed off of their energy. He'd have to find Ade today and apologize for getting upset with him, he was a good friend after all.

The first thing he saw as he went up the walk way was a beautiful little girl running around and stopped when she saw him.

"Daddy!"

Edward smiled, falling to his knees with his arms out as he caught Amara and hugged her tightly. It hurt, to have her here while Jenny was missing but he'd find Caroline's daughter: he had to.

"I got you something," He whispered, handing her the stuffed rabbit and she squealed, pressing a kiss to his cheek before running towards he house and inside. He followed her finding his beautiful siren sitting at the table filling her pipe.

"Where did ya get that?"

"Daddy!" Amara smiled, hugging the rabbit to her chest and crawling up into Mary's lap. Mary turned to look at him and he felt worry. She had bags under her eyes and was wearing nothing but some trousers and a loose shirt. Her hair was up in a loose bun with her fringe falling in her eyes.

"Edward."

"Mary."

"Mummy!"

"Go play, I"ll be out in a moment little one," Mary sighed, helping her daughter down and pressed her pipe to her lips, lighting it up and taking a drag.

"Did you smoke opium?"

"I have, why?"

"You act like it, the way he smoke. You hold your breath longer and let the smoke drag out in your chest. Did you sleep?"

"Hm, no. Any word of Anne?"

"Ah Tabai came and saw me, aye. She's alive Mary, she'll be alright," He went to her, pulling out a chair to sit next to her as he watched her hands begin to shake. He reached out, taking them in his own after setting her pipe on the table. "She's going to make it, she's a strong lass."

"M'sorry for what I said yesterday. I wanted to find ya last night and apologize but I couldn't leave Amara alone," She turned to look at him, leaning over and kissed his forehead. "We have to find Victoria. I want her head on a pole and flying it over your ship."

"That's practically vicious."

"I kill her Kenway, she lied to me and tried to kill my people."

"I know Mary, but we have to track her first. Any leads?"

"Aye, Nassau. Know ya don't want to hear it but I think its best we go there first. Jackdaw was seen there, best to check out and ask around."

"I haven't been to Nassau in years…I thought about it last night, what we could have done differently."

"Best to learn from the past, stop dwellin' on what could of or what shouda been done. We can get goin as soon as Annie wakes up and is okay, I can't…I can't leave now. Not while she's laying on some bed a breath away from death," The way she drew her hands to her lap and began to fiddle with them caused him to reach out, taking them in his own.

"Let's go watch Amara, they'll come get us when she wakes up."

"What if she don't?"

"Then Victoria better sail fast, for hells fury will find her."

Their answer came as the sun set, Edward had just scraped together something of a meal and was cutting the bits of fish into chucks for Amara to eat while Mary smoked away at her pipe and stared at the door. She was restless and her anxiety was causing him to feel it too. Surely Annie would be fine, she had to be. A knock filled the house and Mary was out of her chair fast then he'd seen her move in a long time.

"Yes?"

It was an old man who smiled to her, reaching out to take her hand. He whispered something to her and she fell to her knees, grabbing his hand and staring up at him. Edward tossed bits of fish on Amara's plate and went to her side, reaching down to lift her up. What he wasn't expecting for her to twist in his hold, throw her arms around his neck, and press her lips to his.

"She's alive, Kenway she's alive."

Edward grinned to her, looking over to the old man and finding out where Anne was bring healed. He left with Mary and Amara held his hand as they walked through the village. People would reach out and talk to Mary and she'd smile to him, sill not used to the stares. It was when they arrived at a little hut near the beach did he let Amara's hand go as she ran to Ah Tabai who stood at the door.

"Mary, it's good to see you."

"Master, how is everyone?"

"Most are healing, some we've lost. The pirates saved our island yesterday and I am very grateful."

Edward snorted, walking by them and inside the hot hut, and three beds to the left was his beautiful Annie, propped up with some pillow and sipping a bowl filled with steaming liquid. He went to her side and stood at the end of her bed until she looked up and gave him her smile that used to make his heart flutter.

"Annie."

"Oh come here Edward don't just stand there," She set the bowl aside and reached out to take his hand as he sat beside her. He leaned in, kissing her cheek and brushing some of her hair from her face.

"You had me worried lass."

"Good, feels nice to be the one being watched over ya know? You should have known better though, I would never leave you."

"Aye, I know. You were in a right state Anne, clutching on to my hand and nearly dying on me. You said goodbye…I-I was so sure I'd have lost you."

"Hush now she don't want to hear ya mouth. Anne drink more of ya broth and stop talking to him," Mary came in with her boots clicking on the floor, moving to the other side of the bed and as she sat down she reached out and grabbed Anne's face, pulling it to her own. "Ya scare me like that again I'll kill you myself."

"M'fine Mary, just a bit sore," Anne smiled, leaning in and kissed Mary's nose before the other woman let go with a huff. "Where's my little monkey?"

"With Ah Tabai, he's fond of her," Mary reached over to grab the bowl of broth and held it to Anne's lips as the other drank.

"Have ya found anything out on who did it? Attack the back bay, such an awful thing," Anne wiped her mouth after the broth was drank, reaching over to take Mary's hand.

"Victoria, the mysterious woman who keeps popping up as of late. We'll be leaving to hunt for her tomorrow or the next day," Edward said, giving Anne a stern glare when she furrowed her brows. "What is it?"

"I won't be ready to sail tomorrow Edward, I need more time. What do ya mean? I've sailed with you for years now."

"Anne we have to move soon or Jenny will disappear from me. She's attacked you, she's taken my ship, and she's taken my daughter hostage," Edward reached out, rubbing her arm.

"Ah Tabai said he'll watch over ya and Amara till your able to take care of Amara for me. M'sorry lass but Edward and I have to sail as soon as we can."

"It's alright now you two, I can take care of me self. Make sure you come back to me is all," She whispered, turning to look at Mary.

"Take care of Amara for me ya?"

"I promise, and you keeps yours."

"I'll bring ya Edward with me, the two of us with Jenny alright?"

"Alright."