Author's Note: Thanks so much for the reviews, Arquenniel, omgxiixluvxhc, and Helsayx. I dedicate this chapter to the three of you. Enjoy everyone!
I groaned in frustration. Where is that bloody box? I threw some old blankets in a heap aside. To my surprise, it landed with a Thunk! that blankets should not make. I went over to the blankets that I had thrown. I picked one up and shook it. Nothing. I chose another blanket and shook that one too. A small metal box landed in my lap. Carefully, I lifted the small lid. In it was a small piece of parchment that read Childhood. I moved it aside, looking for the keys. There was nothing. I remembered that my mother said that the key would be underneath the box. I turned it over in my hand. There was nothing. On an impulse, I checked the box to see if it had a false bottom. To my surprise, it did. I lifted the false plank out of the box, and there they were: the key and map.
"There you are, you little booger," I said aloud. I put the key and map back into the box, replaced the bottom, and stood. I went down to my room and hid the box under my pillow. I grabbed my robe and went to Mother's room.
"How…Is she?" I asked quietly from the doorway.
The doctor didn't answer right away.
"Your mother…" He paused. "She has pneumonia. There's not much I can do besides give her medicine."
I didn't answer him. I slowly nodded and then went, "Thank you for coming at such an hour. I presume that I must not come near her, correct?" He nodded.
"I'll be here to give her the medicine, don't worry. You won't have to be in the same room."
I turned and went to my room. I knew that pneumonia was deadly. My mother probably wouldn't make it unless there was some miracle. Pulling back the covers, I laid in my bed. As I fell into a fitful sleep, I my mind raced. Find your father… The key… The chest, I fear it might be taken… I won't forgive you if you die! I woke up sweating. For a fearful second, I thought I had a fever. It was then that I remembered my nightmare. It was when I met Father, and that dreadful thing… This creature came up out of nowhere. It was huge and scaly, and it went towards the land. Some person was on the coast near the water, and he started to run. The Kraken caught up with him anyway. In one gulp, the person was gone. I don't care what you say; it's traumatizing to watch death.
Mother was sick in bed, and I knew that she wanted me to find Father. With Jack's help? He wasn't the most reliable, and she knew that. I remembered the note that was attached to the map. I got out to box and looked at the note.
It's time.
"What the bloody mess is that supposed to mean?" I asked aloud. "And how will he help me?" I let out a groan. I looked about my room, and I saw the edge of the dress I was wearing last night. Last night… "I have his prized hat!" I could offer that as a reward if he helped me find the Dutchman. It was crazy, but… "'If I wasn't crazy, this wouldn't work.'" I said, quoting the dear old fellow. I went to my mother's room and peeked in. She was asleep, and there was a note tacked on the door. Don't worry; I'll be back later with her medicine.
Too bad I won't be… "Mother," I said softly. She didn't stir. "Mum," I said, a bit louder. She turned and looked at me this time.
"Abigail," She said weakly.
"I'm going to go find Father, like you want me to. But, why exactly do you want your sixteen year old daughter to find him?" I asked.
She started at me and then at the ceiling. "I'm going to be honest with you, Abigail. I never wanted you to be near piracy, but I'm sorry to tell you that this dear old woman is a Pirate Lord. I want you… No, I need you to take my place. Abby, the sword that's above the fire mantle; get it. There is a necklace that's on the handle, so take that too. Take them with you on your trip and tell whoever get's in your way that you are Pirate Lord Elizabeth Swann's daughter, Pirate Lord Abigail Turner."
"But why, Mother, do you want me to find my father? Tell me that!" My voice rose in excitement. For some reason that was beyond me, my adrenaline started to pump. I somehow knew that this is what I had always meant to be, a pirate.
"Your father can show you how to defend yourself. He can tell you things that I won't get to. Abby, just promise me this: Don't get hurt." I nodded, and I turned away from my mother.
"Abby." I looked back. Mum was facing me, smiling with all of her strength. "I love you, don't ever forget that."
"I love you too, Mother." I quietly closed her door when she fell asleep. I didn't want her to see the tears that ran down my face.