Mr. Mercer was checking out everything on Fort Charles to make sure that everything was in its place before everyone retired that night. But as his shift was coming to an end, he spotted a young woman, who seemed to be upset about something. She was leaning on the side of the Fort wall, looking out into the sea. He went over to see what the matter was, and then discovered who it was. It was Rayanna.

Rayanna and he had both met when they were only small children. He had been friends with Cutler Beckett, who was friends with Heather Norrington, who was friends with Rayanna and Antoinette. They had talked a little bit when they were children, and since their friends were friends with each other, they usually hung out with each other.

"Rayanna," Mercer said, walking up to her, "what's wrong?"

Rayanna sighed, and tried to pull herself together. "Nothing," She told him. "Personal stuff."

Mercer sighed,figured it was PMS, and looked out at the ocean. The sun was down, making it hard to see anything off in the distance. "Rayanna," he said, looking down, "there's something I've been meaning to ask you." Rayanna looked up at him, listening.

"I've had something I wanted to ask you, Rayanna," Mercer said, now pacing. "I've made many great achievements during the course of my life time, but there is one thing I have not yet achieved." He turned around to face her, and then said, "The one which I find myself a wife."

Rayanna was still crying for her future loss of Jack, but still managed to listen. "I guess, what I am trying to say, Rayanna," Mercer said, beginning to fumble with his words, "W-will you marry me?"

"Yes."

Mercer, apparently had not thought of what to say after that, and instead grinned, and said, "Awesome!" Rayanna smiled slightly, and thought about her reasons for saying yes.

She was desperately ready to marry; but since Jack, the true love of her life, was going to die, she felt that any man would do, as long as she knew him.

There was a moment of awkward silence. "Please excuse me," Rayanna said, curtsying, "But I need to go talk to a friend." With that, Rayanna rushed off, leaving Mercer behind at the fort.

"Visiting hours are well over, Miss," said the guard to the Port Royal jail.

"Oh please, let me see him!" Rayanna begged, "Just for a minute!"

The guard thought for a minute. "Well make it quick!" He said, not wanting to be caught. "Thank-you," Rayanna told him, and then running over to Jack.

Jack gripped her hand through the jail bars. "What brings you here, luv?" He asked seductively.

Rayanna smiled, wanting to stay with Jack until the end of time. "You do," she said. They began to kiss again, but then Rayanna pulled back.

"Jack," She said quietly, "this isn't right."

"What do ye mean?"

"Jack," Rayanna said, not wanting to tell him what she was going to say next, "You're going to die within a week…."

"Keep tellin' yourself that, luv!" Jack said, smirking.

Rayanna gave Jack a smile, which quickly disappeared. "Jack, I'm getting married to Lord Beckett's assistant," She said quickly.

Jack was hurt. It was so strange, usually if a woman he met ran off with another man, he wouldn't think much about it. But Rayanna was somehow different than the rest. He was about to say something to her, she had run off before he could say anything. All he was left to do was hope that he would live, and she would change her mind.

James and Felicity had gone home, Rayanna finally returned and went straight to bed, and Antoinette retiring for the night just after her. That left Cutler and I, who were still up. I had decided to go outside for a little swim in our swimming bath (which is called a swimming pool now, in modern times). I dressed in my swimsuit, and went outside. As I got nearer to the bath, I heard the water rustling. I looked around the deck of the bath, and from the clothes that were neatly folded up; I could tell who it was.

"I told you that you would have my attention tonight, Lady Beckett," Cutler said, as he swam up to me. "But do you still want it?" He stuck his hand out to me. Excitement filled every inch of my being as I took his hand, and got into the water. After I had gotten used to the chilly water, I went into the deeper end over by our diving board, and dunked myself underwater. Within a few seconds, I saw my beloved come up in front of me.

We went above water for a few seconds of air, and then quickly dipped back down, assuming our positions. Soon, I let my lips wander over to his, as his did with mine. I had finally won his attention.

Author's note

Again, thanks to all who reviewed! And don't worry, Rayanna/Jack shippers, there'll be plenty of Jack/Rayanna in the next few chapters! I made a forum for this story, so please check it out! Just go to my profile, and under 'User Info,' It should say something about forums. If you can't find it, just PM me, and I'll help you.