/I don't own anything you recognize in this story. /

Chapter Twenty Six

Under normal circumstances, my room would have been a welcoming sight. But now, as I was shoved mercilessly into it, my own room felt like nothing more than a prison. I turned back to my captor, who was watching me from the doorway.

"Where are they taking Will and Jack?" I demanded.

The man grinned back at me. "Where do you think they're going?"

It was a stupid question and I knew where they were taking the two most important people in my life. To the Port Royal prison where sickness and low life infested. Suddenly my situation couldn't have been more desperate.

"When will my father come to see me?" I asked.

"When the time is most appropriate," the man stated and he closed the door swiftly in my face.

I glared furiously at the closed door. Just when I thought we were finally getting somewhere, something else caused a glitch to make us get behind and every minute that we got behind could turn deadly.

Someone in the street screamed loudly. Rushing to the window, I threw it open and looked down at the madhouse that the street had turned into. But through the maddening crowd, I could see one familiar face. Bootstrap Bill Turner.

"Get out m' way ye scallywags!" Bootstrap growled. "I've m' own business to tend to."

And amazingly, the crowds did as he said. They probably didn't want to anger this man who obviously came from the sea. To them, Bootstrap Bill confirmed all beliefs that Davy Jones and his murderess crew existed.

"Bootstrap!" I screamed. "Bootstrap, over here!"

Without another word, Bootstrap Bill strode over to my window. Effortlessly, he climbed up into my room. Throwing my arms around him, I hugged him tightly. Never had I ever been so happy to see anyone in my life.

Bootstrap Bill pulled away from me. "We have to leave now. There isn't much time."

"But what about Will and Jack?" I asked.

Before Bootstrap Bill could say anything, the door to my room swung open. My father and the guard strode in. When my father saw Bootstrap, he stopped short.

"What's all this madness?" my father asked.

"He's one of Davy Jones' own," the guard exclaimed in panic. "We can't stay here!"

"But he's got my daughter!" my father roared.

"Father, please!" I exclaimed. "He's alright; he's Bootstrap Bill Turner, Will's father."

"All the reason for you to get away from him. Like father, like son, as they say," my father stated. "If the young Will's father's a part of Davy Jones' party, then who knows what your young Will's like."

"But you know what Will's like," I cried. "You couldn't find a more decent gentleman!"

Bootstrap Bill put a hand on my shoulder. "This isn't the time to argue, Elizabeth. You're father is caught in the web of society more than you know and whoever's pulling your father's strings are pulling too hard. You mustn't get yourself entangled as well. My son needs you now."

I felt the tears running down my face and I couldn't stop sobbing. How could one woman, still a girl at heart, choose between two men whom she loved so much? How could one choose between her father and her lover?

"We must leave now, Elizabeth," Bootstrap Bill said, pulling at my shoulder.

I grabbed my father's hand, pulling him towards me. "Father," I cried, "come with me. There are others who can protect you, which can help us end this madness that we have found ourselves in."

My father gently pulled away from me. "My place is here, Elizabeth. Just as your place is where your heart knows best. You know your way."

The guard turned to my father. "Governor Swann, you mean to let her go…with this man? You know the task set upon you, sir, and they won't take this lightly."

"I know my task, so it would do to remember your place, sir," my father said sharply.

"I will not have it!" the guard yelled and started towards Bootstrap Bill and me.

"Elizabeth, jump!" Bootstrap Bill yelled.

Grabbing my arm he literally lifted me off the ground and jumped out the window. Before we disappeared over the edge, my eyes locked with my father's. And in those eyes I saw both hope and despair. And the knowing look that our roads and lives would be forever changed.

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Author's Note: Chapter Twenty Six for everyone. It's a bit short than what I've been updating, but I feel it was necessary. Thank you so much to everyone who's reviewed, I didn't know the story had become so beloved by everyone and it's given me hope that I can manage to keep going with this story and someday I'll be able to finish. So thanks again.

So other than my nostalgia, I hope you've enjoyed it so far and I'll update when I can. Don't forget to review!