'Ship ahoy!'

The call came from the crows nest, and stirred all the crew. Pirates came from below, deckhands stopped what they were doing, and all climbed onto the rail or into the rigging, leaning out to observe the vessel that was speeding towards them. Last to come out was the Captain, who took his spot on the helm, using his spy-glass to stare out at the oncoming ship. It appeared to be a pirate ship, with ragged sails and a devils mouth for a bow.

She was flying no colours.

Jack lowered his spy-glass slowly, and looked over at Elizabeth, standing with the other crew members. The ship was too far away to be identifiable to the naked eye and Jack was glad. He couldn't stand to see what Elizabeth would do once she found out it was her husbands' ship. In fact, if it was his way, he would turn around in the opposite direction and go speeding away from the ship. But having Will on his side against the oncoming attack against Barbossa could be a huge advantage. So, he must stop.

Jack instructed Cotton to steer the Mantress straight towards the oncoming vessel. Looking surprised but speechless, he nevertheless obeyed the Captains orders. The crew exchanged confused looks. Usually Jack would ignore an oncoming ship and pass it with many metres to spare in between, or go the other way. But to go straight towards it?!

And then the ship came close enough to reveal its identity. Everyone except Jack then cheered, and climbed into the rigging to signal the Flying Dutchman not to attack. Jack looked through his spyglass again, and could see William Turner Jr. standing at the helm with his father right beside him. Ahh, good old Bootstrap. Will Jr. had a smile on his face, and except for the scar on his heart and the fact that he wasn't dying, he looked no different to the last time Jack had seen him. Jack snuck a glance over to Elizabeth. Her hands were over her mouth, a look of pure shock on her face. She looked like she was about to pass out.

Jack walked down the stairs to the deck. He moved over to her.

'Are you alright, luv?' he asked softly. Jack could see disbelief all over her face. He didn't blame her for being nervous.

'It's just; I didn't to see him for another four years. I....it's....we...' Elizabeth stuttered. Jack nodded. He understood.

'Listen. I'll give you one day reunion, and then we get to business. We are already behind time and this will make us behind even more.' Jack instructed.

Elizabeth nodded.

'Wait,' she said, confused. 'You said business. What business could you possibly have with Will?'

'I have a plan,' Jack replied, grinning mischievously, his gold tooth glinting in the sunlight.

*

As soon as the two ships came side by side, a plank was drawn, connecting the two vessels. Elizabeth was the first person to run along the plank, followed closely by the entire crew. Elizabeth ran along the plank and jumped into Will's arms, giving him a huge kiss, obviously making up for the past six years and her time with Jack. After about thirty seconds they broke apart, staring into each others eyes. There was no need for either of them to speak; all was communicated in the silence. Will drew Elizabeth into a hug, holding her as if to never let her go, which he didn't plan on doing.

'I've missed you so much. I love you,' Elizabeth whispered in Will's ear. Will smiled, not replying. He didn't need to. He knew Elizabeth already knew his response.

Jack cleared his throat from behind the couple. He had patiently been waiting, giving the lovebirds their space, but now the reunion was over.

'I'm sorry to interrupt your little meeting but I must explain to Will the proposition in which I have explained to you, Elizabeth,' Jack stated. He looked serious, which did not suit him at all. Elizabeth wondered what this 'business' with Will really was. Now Jack addressed Will.

'I have promised both you and Elizabeth one day to reunite. After that, Will, I have business options I would like to propose to you, and I know you would want to listen.' Will looked as startled as Elizabeth at the idea of Jack and business. Jack continued, ignoring Will's disbelieving stare. 'After that we must waste no more time, as we are short enough already, and even shorter because of this side-trip. And now, lads,' Jack turned back to his crew, 'let's leave these two love-birds to themselves, 'ey?' Jack snickered and walked, or rather, swayed back onto the Mantress, leaving Will and Elizabeth to themselves.

*

A day later, Jack returned to the Flying Dutchman to find Will and Elizabeth waiting for him. Jack could tell they had taken advantage of the time they had. Elizabeth looked ecstatic. Her face was light up, her eyes bright, her smile returned and full. Jack was happy to see that. When Elizabeth had reunited with Jack on the Mantress, she had been a mess, circles under her eyes, and depression and loneliness written all over her face. It was good to see her so happy.

Jack walked up to Will. He, too, looked happy.

'Thankyou, Jack, for giving us that day. It's good to see your still the ... ah...good hearted captain that you....ah.....always were.' Will smiled at Jack.

'Happy to be of service. Good to see your damsel in distress no longer. I always told you I'd do the right thing in the end, but once again you didn't believe me.' Jack smirked. Will grinned.

'And now, Will. Our bargain.'

Will nodded. He started to walk forward towards Jack. Elizabeth held onto him. Will turned and kissed her lightly. 'I'm sorry Elizabeth, but I must go.'

Elizabeth nodded, but still seemed reluctant to let go. Jack nodded, and walked back onto the Mantress, Will following close behind. The entire crew of both ships were silent, watching the two captains crossing the plank, into Jacks cabin.

Jack shut the door behind Will. Will started thanking Jack as soon as it was shut. 'Jack, thankyou, It's been so long, you've looked after her well, I've missed her so much, but Jack, you didn't...how did she get onto the ship? You didn't go and find her did you? How...?' The questions kept coming. Jack held up his hand to silence Will.

'I have not touched her,' Jack declared, half-truthfully. He had not touched her. 'She was left perfect for you, mate. And I did not go to find her. It appeared that she had come to find me, not the other way around. She came in a dinghy. We met in the ocean, I let her aboard. She held no objections. I haven't done a thing to her. Savvy?' Jack confirmed. Will nodded.

'And now this business. Does it have something to do with treasure? The Pearl? Davy Jones Locker?' Will chuckled. But Jack did not seem in the mood to laugh.

'In order to your question, yes and no. Now, dear William, tell me something. Have you noticed, or rather, not noticed who is on, or, not on my ship?'

Will looked confused for a second. 'Barbossa.'

'Exactly. Which is good and bad. Good because he can't steal my position as CAPTAIN, and bad because he has the Pearl. Again. Also, he is on the hunt for what I want.'

'Which is?' Will questioned.

'The Fountain of Youth,' Jack grinned.

'Oh, yeah, Elizabeth mentioned something about a Fountain. But, um, Jack, why is Barbossa a problem. You have the Charts.' Will had noticed the Map spread out over Jack's desk. 'And the Compass.'

'Ah, yes' Jack confirmed, 'but Barbossa knows these waters better than I do. I have a feeling that he knows exactly where the Fountain lies, and his knowledge of waters and passages is far greater than mine, which could proceed him to arrive before us with that knowledge, whether I have the map or not. And, he got a head start, and now an even greater advantage with this stop.' Jack shook his head.

Will nodded. He understood Jack's plan. It made sense. 'So you want me to find the Fountain before Barbossa and bring you back the water. Easy.'

Jack shook his head. 'Where would the adventure in that be? No. I have a different plan. Is there a way that you're cursed ship could somehow find the Pearl and take it down, or rather, take Barbossa down? It would be great if you could keep the ship.' Jack explained.

Will thought for a minute. 'It could work. Though I must warn you. If I do find him, I would have to take him down using the first option – blowing the ship to smithereens. There's no other way. But, yes, your plan is possible. But I have one proposition. Elizabeth comes with me.'

Jack studied Will's face. He was so desperate to keep Elizabeth. But Jack shook his head. 'I'm sorry Will. But even though you're desperate you know that she doesn't have the ability to sink under the waves like you do. And I know also that during the battle you would worry about her getting hurt and that would put your guard down. She must stay on the ship. I really am sorry. When you finish your job, come back, and if you choose to continue the journey with us, you can have Elizabeth on the Dutchman. Pretty fine deal, don't you reckon?'

Will knew Jack was right, once again. He would have to wait until after he exploded the Pearl until he got his wife back.

Will sighed. Elizabeth was meant to wake up to her whole husband each day, have children running around her feet, and go walking on the beach in the sunset. A perfect happy ending. One every woman dreams of. Instead Elizabeth woke up alone, and when she did see her husband, after ten years, he didn't have a heart. That was not the planned life for a governor's daughter. But Will had to remind himself that even though in heritage she was a governor's daughter, her real life was that of a pirate, and this was the life she had chosen. It was not the perfect happy ending that every girl wanted but it was one she had chosen, and Will could not change that. But still, she deserved better....

Will shook himself out of his reverie. Feeling determined, he announced his answer.

'I'll do it.'

'Then, we have an accord?' Jack asked, extracting his hand.

Will shook it. It was never good to make deals with Jack Sparrow, but this was for his wife.

*

After Jack explained the plan to the crews and Elizabeth, the couple had to say goodbye. Elizabeth was glad that she knew that see her husband again very soon. After a few kisses, hugs and 'I love you's ', it was time for the Captains final words. Jack walked towards Will and shook his hand.

'Thanks again. Oh, and make sure you see Barbossa's brains on the deck. That bastard deserves to die painfully.' Behind Will, Jack saw Elizabeth nod. She agreed wholeheartedly with Jack.

Soon the plank was raised and the Flying Dutchman and the Mantress were moving their separate ways. Jack watched the Dutchman. He heard Will shout 'DOWN!!!' and saw the ship sink below the pressing waves. Soon the Mantress was the only ship on the horizon. Elizabeth was still smiling with tears in her eyes when Jack walked over to her.

'Thankyou for not mentioning what I did, Jack. I really appreciate it. I don't know what would have happened if he found out.' Elizabeth stammered.

Jack held up a hand. 'According to me, nothing happened. I'm just glad to see you're happy again. I really missed your smile.'

'Thankyou, Jack.' Elizabeth leaned forward and kissed Jack on the cheek. Smiling, she walked away. Jack whistled, thought how much of a lucky bastard Will was and turned back into his cabin.