Bored with class as usual, Will began drawing on his paper. He already knew all the ships in port and Catherine was explaining what type and what they did. He turned his paper to finish the sword. The room became very quiet. He glanced above him, and gave his teacher an innocent smile.
Catherine looked at the paper. "Mr. Turner, we do not draw a pirate flag during class," she said as he set the drawing on her table. "Though it is quite remarkable," she muttered.
"Miss Catherine," began Kate.
"Yes dear," said Catherine.
"I heard of this ship and I was wondering if it was real. It's a ship with black sails," added Kate.
"That's the Black Pearl," said Will. "And it is real."
Catherine nodded. "The Black Pearl is indeed a real ship. It's a pirate ship commanded by none other than Jack Sparrow."
"Captain Jack Sparrow," corrected Will with a raised finger.
"This pirate is the worst of them all. He escapes from any prison and can out think any man. Whoever looks upon him and his ship will surely be taken. Pirates are bad men. Unfortunately, they continue to terrorize the seas due to the Lord Beckett's death. It's a sad story his. In an attempt to rid the seas of pirates he is murdered by them and some say it was by Jack Sparrow," added Catherine. She shook her head.
"Captain," Will told her. "And not all pirates are bad men and there are some pirate women. They just have different ways of doing the same things we do."
"Mr. Turner, pirates are not as they appear in your stories. They are cruel and murder," said Catherine.
Will shook his head. "That's a point of view Miss Catherine. They are good people that have done nothing wrong. We have our own laws and pirates have their own. It's called the Pirate's Code made by Morgan and Bartholomew."
"You would know that," said Nathan. Will glared at him. "After all, your dear daddy is one."
"Better than a pig farmer," Will told him.
"Don't start this again! You two always fight over something stupid and pointless!" shouted Kate, turning to look at them. "I think you two are the most pointless beings on the planet!"
"Thank you Miss Rose. Couldn't have said it better," said Catherine.
Will looked at Kate with a smile, but she shook her head and rolled her eyes.
"Has anyone seen Captain Sparrow?" wondered Alex.
"Finally," muttered Will then spoke up. "My Mum met him a long time ago. He threatened her, but then let her go."
"Not long ago I saw a ship with black sails near this island," said Alex softly.
All eyes turned to him.
"See Will. Your stories are poisoning everyone's mind," noted Nathan.
Will leaned to Alex. "When? Where? Did you see Captain Jack?"
"I think it was the Black Pearl at least. I saw it two days ago," added Alex.
Will's eyes were amazed and jealous. All he wanted was to see that ship and her captain. How terrible could Captain Jack Sparrow be?
At dinner, Will sat much quieter than usual. He appeared to be thinking about something.
Both Elizabeth and Thomas noticed.
"Mum, Alex saw a ship two days ago," began Will. Elizabeth nodded. "It was a ship with black sails."
Elizabeth dropped her fork and looked at Thomas who froze in mid bite.
"We spoke of that ship and Captain Jack today," added Will.
"Oh really," said Elizabeth cautiously.
"Everyone says he's a bad man," said Will.
"Well, everyone has his or her own opinion," Elizabeth told him.
"You met him. What do you think?" asked Will.
Elizabeth shrugged. She searched for the right words to say. "He is a very good man Will and an even better pirate."
"He reminds me of Jacob in my stories,'" noted Will.
"If you want, he can be," Elizabeth said with a smile.
"Can you and daddy by in one of my stories?" wondered Will.
Elizabeth nodded with an even larger smile. "Which one?"
"The final battle. You can be Is and Daddy can be Liam," said Will.
Elizabeth nodded. Her smile was gentle and eyes teared. In his favorite story, her and Will were who they truly were.
News of the Black Pearl being sighted near the island stirred fear in everyone but Elizabeth and her little Will. While working near port in the store, Elizabeth felt her eyes gaze at the many ships approaching and leaving. She wanted to know if it was true. A part of her didn't want it true though. Seeing the Pearl would bring back too many memories and Jack would bring back the worst of all. Another side of her, her heart longed to see that familiar drunken face that, no matter what, belonged to a very good man and gentleman. Her mind began thinking harder. Jack and the crew would become a living legend to little Will. She knew her son would discover that it was all true. She would no longer be Is and Will would no longer be Liam. They would be who they are. What if someone mentioned her being Pirate King? What if Will told someone? The Navy was still attempting to rid the world of pirates. What would happen to her? Will. What would happen to him?
"Elizabeth!"
"What!" cried Elizabeth, waking from her mind.
Charles took a rag and knelt. He wipe up the spilled ale around the over filled barrel.
Elizabeth realized she just continued to fill the barrel. "I'm sorry," she apologized, helping him wipe the floor. "I was distracted."
"Thinking about the Black Pearl sightings?" wondered Charles. Elizabeth nodded slowly. "Jack Sparrow is the last person we need on the island. A disgrace he is. All pirates are. A good waste of human flesh pirates are. They all deserve to face the gallows. Elizabeth!"
"What!" shouted Elizabeth then realized she was scrubbing the floor with lettuce. She shook her head and stood. Sighing, she rubbed her head.
"Why don't you take the rest of the day to yourself? Business is slow today anyway," said Charles.
Elizabeth shrugged. "Are you sure?"
Charles nodded. "Go on."
With a slight smile, Elizabeth nodded. She set her apron in the back room then walked out. She stopped in the sweet shop for a few chocolates for Will when he arrived home. Something colorful flew past her head when she walked out.
"Mrs. Turner. Mrs. Turner."
Elizabeth whipped around.
A colorful parrot sat on a barrel bobbing his head as he squawked. "Mrs. Turner."
Elizabeth's mouth widened into a smile. She felt something tugging on her dress. As she looked down, a monkey smiled back up at her.
"'Jack'," she said happily.
The monkey turned and began scurrying away. The parrot followed.
Elizabeth chased after them to the beach next to the docks.
The monkey climbed onto a man's shoulder whom stood looking at the horizon patiently. His scraggly hair was braided behind his head. He wore a simple slate colored coat. His boots or rather boot was scuffed and worn. The right leg was a peg leg. His hands were in his pocket. But the one thing that gave away who he was, was the hat with an abundant amount of feathers atop his head.
Elizabeth slowly came behind him.
The man turned and bowed his head with a tip of his hat. "Mrs. Turner."
"Hector!" Elizabeth cried throwing her arms around him.
Hector Barbossa smiled as he patted her back.
"Where's the Pearl?" wondered Elizabeth as she let go.
"Jack remembered a port on the other side of this island, a port where pirates are always welcome. He should be there soon," said Barbossa. He offered Elizabeth to lead the way.
Elizabeth turned and briskly walked through town. It wasn't until out of town when she broke into a sprint.
Barbossa rolled his eyes as he continued to walk. He shook his head. It was the same old Elizabeth Swann.
Not two steps inside the manor Thomas confronted her. "Why is the Black Pearl anchoring to my dock?"
Elizabeth shrugged with a smile. "Pirate."
She rushed down to the beach where the Black Pearl waited.
A familiar figure proudly walked along the dock toward her.
"Jack!" Elizabeth cried as she ran to him but then stopped halfway to him. "What did you do to yourself?"
Jack shrugged dramatically. "I felt like it."
"You look gorgeous," noted Elizabeth.
"So do you think it would work between us then?" wondered Jack with a raised eyebrow.
Elizabeth shook her head. "Nope."
"'Ello luv," said Jack Sparrow leaning back with arms out.
Elizabeth ran into his arms and threw her arms around him. She squeezed him then kissed his cheek. She laughed at Jack's face.
Jack stood petrified with an overwhelmed, surprised, yet, disgusted look upon his face. He forced a smile.
"That better have been by her doing or your wife is going to kill you Jackie," one Edward Teague noted as he approached Jack.
"Elizabeth, this is my father, Edward Teague. You may remember him from the Court meeting. He is the Keeper of the Code and the Pirate Lords of the Brethren of the Coast," said Jack, turning aside and presenting his father.
"You look just like him," noted Elizabeth.
"He looks exactly like his mother more than me," said Edward. He gave a good tug on Jack's ponytail. "Now that he removed those snakes from his head his mother came out. Before he did look like me."
"Don't be calling my former hair snakes because you still have those snakes in your hair," reminded Jack.
Edward shrugged. "It is who I am."
Jack smiled and nodded his head. He turned his head further and the smile increased. A woman and a young girl were approaching. The woman was obviously Anamaria and the little girl who was about ten years old walked along side her.
Lily strode forward much like her father would have, in careful steps and taking in the scenery. She was wearing the normal attire for sailors and a red sash was tied around her hips and the tails hung at her side. The sash had once belonged to her father and became her signature item. The coloring of her skin was her father's and she had his sharp features, but the most stunning feature were her eyes. She and Jack had the exact same identical eyes down to the very shape. Around throat was a black pearl and diamond necklace. At the end of the necklace was a silver sparrow. The sparrow hung to her waist and was clearly meant for her to grow with it. Just like her father, she wore a ring on every finger. Her ears were already pierced three times in each and with a diamond, emerald, and sapphire piercing.
"Can we live here Athair? It's much more nicer than Ireland and it's warmer too," she said.
"You don't like living on the Pearl?" Jack asked, folding his arms insulted.
"I do but you won't let me be captain. What fun is it living on a ship when you have to follow orders because you aren't the one who is captain?" asked Lily.
Edward chuckled and patted Jack's shoulder. "She's your daughter."
"I knew it," whispered Elizabeth, clapping her hands together. "I knew you and Anamaria had a thing for each other. I knew it. Daughter? No wonder you were always telling me it would have never worked between us."
"Yes well," began Jack, but his thoughts were taking him nowhere.
"Hello Elizabeth," said Anamaria.
"You and Jack," noted Elizabeth. "I think you may be the only woman who can handle him."
"Sometimes I wonder who is in charge of their relationship," Edward muttered so only she heard and she did.
"Hello again Miss Elizabeth," said Gibbs, coming from behind Jack. He welcomed her tight hug and kiss on check.
Two familiar faces came into view.
"'Ello poppet," both Pintel and Ragetti said.
Elizabeth just smiled at them and avoided the hug and kiss, though they were expecting it.
One by one, the Black Pearl stepped onto dock and greeted their long missed King.
"May I ask why you've come?" asked Thomas slowly coming toward them.
Jack stared him down. "Have I threatened you before?"
"Unfortunately yes and you got away," grumbled Thomas.
Jack held his head higher and smiled. "I came here to make sure dear Elizabeth Turner was still on land not torn to bitsy pieces by being so alone and civilized."
"You simply must stay for dinner," said Elizabeth.
The entire Pearl crew immediately perked their heads and turned to her at the word dinner.
"Elizabeth no. They are pirates," Thomas said, not liking the idea.
"I am Pirate King and they can be civilized for one night," Elizabeth told him then looked at the pirates, mainly Jack. "Right?"
Edward slowly nodded, directing his attention to the crew.
"Mum, the Black Pearl's been spotted again!" Will screamed, running down the beach. He ran onto the dock then froze. His eyes widened as he gazed at folded black sails. He walked as though he too had drank five bottles. His eyes fell on Jack.
"Will, this is…" began Elizabeth.
"Daddy!" cried Will. Before anyone could grab him, he ran to Jack and threw his arms around his torso.
Jack pointed at himself. "I don't remember doing anything with you," he told Elizabeth then turned to Anamaria. "I promise I didn't do anything to her."
"Absolutely not William," Elizabeth said choking on air.
"Oh," said Will, letting his arms from Jack's body.
"Still telling yourself it wouldn't have worked?" wondered Jack.
"Jack, the proof is looking at you with folded arms across her chest," Elizabeth told him.
"Mum, who is he then?" asked Will.
"Mum?" noted Jack, looking at the boy. "So this is the little whelp."
"You knew?" wondered Elizabeth.
"Of course luv. Dear Captain Turner told me. Did I mention I saw Will?" Jack said with a nod.
Elizabeth stared at him with moist, pleading eyes. "When?"
"Not long ago," said Jack. "Maybe a month."
"What did he say? How is he?" asked Elizabeth, moving closer.
Jack stepped back. "Later Lizzy. Now, come, let's eat."
"Eat?" wondered Will looking at his mother.
"I invited Captain Sparrow to dinner," Elizabeth told him with a gentle smile.
Will's eyes widened even more. "Captain Jack Sparrow?"
"That's me," Jack said proudly.
Will stared at him with his mouth wide open. He didn't even blink.
Jack looked down at the boy. He raised an eyebrow and closed the boy's mouth.
Will continued to stare.
Elizabeth laughed. "He'll be here for a while Will."
Will slowly nodded.
"Ah, he moves!" Jack cried startling most everyone.
"Come on you," said Elizabeth as she took Will's hand.
Walking backwards, Will continued to stare at Jack and, occasionally, the others.
The pirates followed her to the manor, but none were let in.
Elizabeth pointed towards the well. "Wash up all of you. This will be a civilized dinner."
They looked at her as if she was not serious.
She pointed at the soap then took Will inside.
Jack rolled his eyes as he slipped his hands in the bucket. All right, he admitted to himself that his hands were clearly not clean.
Elizabeth slipped her dark blue dress over her head then flattened it. She tied the maroon sash around her waist. She set the seashell and pearl necklace around her neck. Her eye fell on the chests at the foot of her bed. She unlocked it and fumbled around for her boots. Her hand felt around deeper until she felt cool metal. A smile spread across her face.
"Mum, I have nothing to wear," Will whined, coming in.
Elizabeth slammed the chest and whipped around.
Will came closer. "What's in that Mum?"
"Nothing. Now, you have plenty to wear," said Elizabeth as she led Will from the room.
"Nothing that makes me look like a pirate," Will told her.
Elizabeth laughed as she walked into his room. Clothes were thrown all over. She sighed and rummaged through them.
A few moments later Will stood in front of the mirror smiling. He wore his dark brown breeches, loose, flowing white tunic, a black vest, a dark blue sash tied around his waist, his boots, and watched his mother tie a dark blue bandana around his head.
"Can I bring my sea turtles?" he asked.
Elizabeth nodded. "Of course."
Will ran to the bedside table. He tied each of the carvings to the loose ends of his sash. With a smile, he ran into the parlor where all the pirates waited and looked around.
Jack looked at the boy. "You look just like you father little whelp," he noted.
"Really?" wondered Will.
"Aye, really," replied Jack.
A noise rattled above them. 'Jack' was swinging on the chandelier.
Barbossa laughed but Elizabeth was not impressed.
"Get that monkey down," she demanded.
'Jack' swung onto the fireplace mantle then jumped across the couch and chairs. He finally scurried to Will and sat on his shoulder. Will smiled.
"Are you a pirate?" Will asked looking at Barbossa.
"What makes ye say that lad?" wondered Barbossa.
"You have a wooden leg and a monkey," Will told him.
Barbossa grumbled as his eyes narrowed.
Jack snapped his fingers and presented his palm forward.
Reluctantly, Barbossa paid up the ten shillings he owed Jack.
"I told you he would notice," Jack told him.
"Mum, can I have him?" asked Will, playing with 'Jack'.
"What do you think?" asked Elizabeth.
"Well, you said I can't have the Kraken so I can I have the monkey instead?" Will asked.
"You want the beastie?" wondered Jack as he shuddered. Will nodded. "What have you been telling him?"
"Just of a few pirate legends," said Elizabeth.
"And Davy Jones and the Flying Dutchman," added Will proudly.
"Seven years old and already you know of Jones," noted Gibbs.
"I knew about the Flying Dutchman since birth," announced Lily.
"Are you a girl pirate?" Will asked.
"Jack Sparrow is my father," Lily told him.
"Captain Jack Sparrow," Will said.
"How much do you know about the Flying Dutchman?" wondered Jack, fighting to hold back the delight that was upon his face at young William's correction of "Captain".
"Davy Jones is captain. It's supposed to ferry dead people, and it supposedly can sail underwater and against the wind and through hurricanes," Will told him.
Jack looked at Elizabeth confused then understood by the look on her face. "Aye, that's true little whelp."
Ragetti shook his head quite confused. "No, Davy Jones isn't captain. I thought Wi…"
"Davy Jones is captain!" Jack hollered in his face. "Not him. Do not mention him."
"But why?" wondered Ragetti more confused. "It's his fa…"
"Shut it!" Jack screamed, frantically waving his hands in the air.
"Who?" asked Will softly.
"No one and he's not your father," said Pintel.
Jack slammed his palm against his forehead.
Ragetti pointed at him with his mouth open. "You said it. You're not supposed to talk about Will. That was the agreement. No talking about Captain Turner near his son." He clamped his hand across his mouth.
"Oh well you've said more than I have," noted Pintel.
Half the crew clamped their hands across their mouths.
Will shook his head. "My daddy isn't the captain of the Flying Dutchman. He's captain of the Flying Pearl. He's on the other side of the world on a very important duty. Mum says he was chosen of it because he was he only one perfect enough to do it. He didn't want to, but he knew he had to. He knew I would understand too. And I do. Everyone at sea depends on him with their life, but I really miss him."
"He misses you little whelp," Jack told him. Will smiled and nodded. "Tell us of the legends."
"Tell Uncle Jack of the wedding," said Elizabeth.
"Okay," said Will. "A long time ago two pirates really loved each other. They were in a battle and Liam asked Is to marry him because he really loved her and always wanted to marry her. Is agreed because she loved him too and wanted to marry him too. They were married by Captain Hector while all three were still fighting against the bad men. Then Liam and Is went to kiss but two men wanted to kill them, but they killed them first. He grabbed Is and kissed her in the middle of the battle. They lived and ruled the seas together forever," he told them.
"That's so romantic," Lily said, falling in a chair. "I want to get married like that. But I'm not going to get married because I can't, but that's so romatic."
"Quite the wedding. Wouldn't you say Mrs. Turner?" said Barbossa with a grin.
Elizabeth nodded. "I would agree." She hid her laugh.
"Dinner is ready," Thomas announced, unenthusiastic.
The pirate's faces grew with joy. Elizabeth led them to the dining room. They looked around feeling as though they were in a palace. The plates were on top of plates and made of china. Napkins were on top of them. Even the glasses were made of glass. The forks and dishes were placed delicately around the table. There were even candles.
"Just what kinda dinner is this luv?" wondered Jack.
Elizabeth smiled. "Proper and civilized."
"Oh," Jack added not impressed.
"That's not a problem is it?" wondered Elizabeth.
"Not at all luv," Jack said forcing a smile.
Elizabeth sat at the head of the table. Will sat at the right and Jack on her left. The rest filled in around them. Elizabeth noticed that Jack pulled out Anamaria's chair for her.
At the other head of the table, Thomas set his napkin in his lap, just waiting for this to unfold.
With a look from Elizabeth as she set her napkin in her lap, Jack knew what she meant and daintily did the same. Because of Jack, the rest of the pirates set their napkins in their lap.
"Eat," said Elizabeth.
Finally, they grabbed food around them, not bothering to set any on their plate.
"Excuse me. We ask for food we cannot reach instead of climbing over the table," added Elizabeth, mainly Ragetti who was across the table.
"Sorry poppet," he said sitting down.
"And we place the food on our plate not just grab. We also use these," said Elizabeth. She held up a knife and fork. "Not our teeth."
Jack took the turkey leg from his mouth and smiled. He took the fork and knife. With a look of disgust, he cut the meat off with his knife like a civilized person. He tried to force a smiled, but not even a half smile came.
Being alone on land, away for Will has made her civilized even more than she was before.
The others tried using the new inventions of the knife, fork, and spoon. It was very odd to all of them except for the Teague family of course, Edward especially. They mostly on a daily basis used eating utensils. The rest of the crew ate with their fingers on a normal basis.
Ragetti stabbed a grape and it flew of the table. Will laughed as it hit Cotton's parrot.
It was then when Elizabeth noted that Cotton was not among them and she asked to inquire where he had gone.
"He was old Elizabeth and the sea had claimed him," replied Barbossa.
"He lived a good life though and admitted the best times of his life were when he sailed with Captain Jack," added Gibbs.
"Who takes care of his parrot?" wondered Elizabeth.
"I do," replied Lily. "Athair said I can't have a monkey but he did say he didn't mind me having a parrot."
"She has a parrot," Will said, pointing at her.
"William," said Elizabeth.
"But I want a pet," Will said.
"You're seven years old. I told you perhaps when you are older," reminded Elizabeth.
"But Mum," whined Will.
"William," Elizabeth snapped.
"Sorry Mum," apologized Will as he gave 'Jack' part of his ham off his fork.
"Don't let him eat off your fork," Elizabeth told him. Will rolled his eyes and let 'Jack' eat off his plate. "Certainly do not let him eat off your plate."
"Well, then how is he supposed to eat? He's hungry too," said Will.
"Come here 'Jack'," said Barbossa. The monkey climbed over Marty and onto Barbossa's shoulder.
Will gasped. "Mum, it's 'Jack' the Monkey just like in my stories."
Elizabeth laughed. "Yes Will."
Will jumped in his chair and pointed at Barbossa. "Then you have to be Captain Hector because 'Jack' the Monkey only sits on your shoulder."
Not knowing what to say, Barbossa looked at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth nodded.
"Aye, I am Captain Hector Barbossa. Please, call me Barbossa," said Barbossa. "Or Hector. Me real name is growing on me again."
Soup was set next to them. Half the pirates picked up the bowl and slurped.
"Ahem." Elizabeth pointed at the spoon.
Rolling his eyes, Jack set the bowl down hard. He looked at the twenty-five spoons in front of him.
Elizabeth pointed to the deep, large one.
"I know that," Jack said taking the spoon.
He dipped the spoon into the soup. Before he raised the spoon to his lips the soup dripped back into the bowl.
Elizabeth looked around trying not to laugh. Pintel slurped the soup off the spoon and missed his mouth half the time. Marty drank with the spoon half in the bowl. Gibbs, Mullroy, and Murtogg even had a bit of difficulty eating with a spoon. Anamaria and Edward seemed to be the only person that was able to keep her soup on the spoon and eat without difficulty.
"So, how has the land life been treating you?" wondered Gibbs in an attempt to talk.
Elizabeth sighed and shrugged. "It's been quiet these past eight years. Very quiet. It has been very awkward, but life has gone on well for the most part. I work as a seamstress and in the docking stores."
"Do you think you can make me a dress with a corset on the outside?" Lily suddenly asked.
"You don't need a dress and definitely do not need a corset. Lily you're ten years old," Jack told her.
"I'm closer to eleven than I am ten and sometimes I think you forget that I am a girl. I know wearing these clothes are more practical than dresses, but sometimes I feel like being a girl," announced Lily.
"Lily-Rose," began Jack and set his spoon on the table and pressed his palms together for clear accent. "The only time I can think of that you have wanted or even thought about acting like a girl was when your grandfather mentioned the idea of a Court meeting."
"And when will this be?" wondered Elizabeth.
"Sometime after the ten years," replied Edward. "I think after ten years we should decided whether or not the traditions are worth continuing and what to do with who we have left."
"What Court? Like a Court that decides the hanging of a pirate?" wondered Will.
"No William, not a Court that decides a hanging," said Elizabeth.
"Well," began Barbossa with a raised finger then decided best not to speak.
Elizabeth continued explaining her life on land to them to purposely change the topic before all was spilled. "Will always provides company and is the family pirate in this house. He is the island's storyteller. He takes after his father's strength and talents, but my calm peace of mind."
Jack choked on his food. He motioned for them not to worry.
"Mum and I always watch the sunset and play in the water," added Will.
"How is the sea life?" asked Elizabeth.
"The usual only more boring than ever," replied Gibbs, the bore showing in his voice.
"Not to mention the Navy is still hunting us down," added Mullroy.
Elizabeth double glanced at him. She just shook her head with a laugh.
"Are all of you pirates then?" Will asked.
Anamaria nodded. " What do you think Jack Sparrow is? Surely his crew must be pirates as well to last one hour with him."
Jack nodded proudly then looked at her with a glare after he realized what she meant.
"Captain, Captain Jack Sparrow!" shouted Will, banging his fists on the table. "Why does no one else call him Captain Jack Sparrow?"
"I like him," said Jack pointing at Will. "By the way lad, you don't always have to say captain. I don't want something else, a relative of the beastie, hunting me down again and therefore be cursed by the red spot just because some seven year old boy of William Turner always called me Captain Jack Sparrow."
"So what do I call you?" asked Will.
"Uncle Jack," said Jack.
"Okay," said Will. "But what do I call her then. What do you call girl pirates?"
Jack looked at Anamaria. "I don't know little whelp, but you can call her Aunt Anamaria."
Anamaria looked at Jack then spun a ring on his finger.
Elizabeth looked the two of them. Jack and Anamaria each had a silver ring with a single emerald in the center. The rings were on the same finger as her wedding ring. Seeing their hands begin to come together as they slid under the table, she knew they were perfect.
"All right, you lasted longer than I thought. Just eat and forget the proper and civilized manners," she said.
Everyone sighed in relief as they dropped their eating utensils. Once again they reached around and across the table, shoved as much food into their mouths as possible, pulled the meat apart, ate with their hands, and slurped with their food. Will climbed on the table to reach a warm bun.
Elizabeth pulled him back onto his chair. "Not you," she laughed. Will sat and pouted. "For being proper and having manners longer than I have ever seen. I suppose all of you deserve this."
She came from the kitchen with a few clear bottles with a familiar brown liquid. Every face lit with joy. She went around the table pouring a small amount of rum into their glasses, passing Jack. She sat down and opened a new bottle. Everyone gazed at each other then at her wondering if she was going to do it. She didn't. Instead, she poured herself a small amount then gave Jack the rest of the bottle.
"Mum, can I have some?" wondered Will.
"Of course not Will. You're too young," said Elizabeth.
"I just want a little drink," pleaded Will.
Elizabeth shook her head. "When you're much older."
"Mum, I want a little sip not five bottles," said Will.
Jack did something no one had ever seen him do in his life or would ever expect him to do it. He choked on his rum as it sprayed from his mouth, bursting into laughter.
The rest choked on what was in their mouth. Some beat the table or fell into their chairs laughing.
There was a loud thump as Jack fell out of his chair, causing Barbossa to go red in the face from laughter.
"Did I miss something?" asked Elizabeth.
Gibbs wiped his eyes and nodded. "Aye, a long time ago lassie."
Elizabeth nodded. "Well then."
A finger was poked over the table before Jack pushed himself back into his chair. He took a deep breath. "On the one day a year after it occurred William decided to feel sorry for himself," he began before needing to choke back the laughter. "Dear Bill Turner became increasingly annoyed with his son's behavior. As such, on that one day, he gave his son five bottles."
The pirates once again roared with laughter.
Elizabeth looked at them not seeing what he meant. "I felt horrible also and I've probably drank five bottles too."
"No luv. Captain Turner drank five in a matter of a few short hours," laughed Jack.
"His father would never allow him to do that," said Elizabeth.
"Bill was the one giving Will the rum. He's the one who got him drunk in the first place," Gibbs told her. "You should have seen his face when Bill was telling us."
"How can Will get drunk? He's dead," reminded Elizabeth.
"He is also part alive. Five bottles of rum in nearly four hours I believe would kill even me," said Jack.
"Why did Will do that?" wondered Elizabeth to herself.
"Ho yo, ho yo. Pirate's a life me for," sang Jack.
Another outburst of laughter.
"Jack, yo ho, yo ho. A pirate's life for me," corrected Elizabeth.
"You should have told that to the whelp after five bottles," Jack told her. He laughed through his teeth.
A few began doing some of the impression of Will's drunkenness.
A few moments later Elizabeth's face was buried in her arms on the table. Her back trembled. She lifted her head to reveal her red, tearing face. No longer able to, she let out a long burst of laughter.
Once again, everyone, including Thomas laughed.
Little Will looked at all of them and slumped into his chair feeling left out because he didn't understand. He looked at Lily who was also looking back at him with the same confused look on her face.
"I would very much not liked to have been Captain Turner the next day," noted Ragetti.
"Or his father," added Gibbs.
"Oh, poor Will," laughed Elizabeth.
Their laughter was soon replaced by gasps and fanning each other.
"Mum, what did Daddy do?" wondered Will.
"Daddy drank too much rum in a very short amount of time," said Elizabeth.
Will nodded but still looked confused.
"What else do I not know about my husband?" wondered Elizabeth.
"Not much luv," replied Jack.
Elizabeth noticed the look in his eyes that reminded her of later. She took a drink from a half full bottle of rum.
"Not to seem rude Miss Elizabeth, but I am awfully surprised you own and drink rum," said Gibbs pointing at the bottles.
Jack nodded very much agreeing. "And it was not burned for a thousand foot high signal that just brought bloody Prince Norrington."
"Not to mention the time young Will used the rum to replace the gun powder in the Kraken attack," added Gibbs.
"He did it to save your lives," Elizabeth told him innocently.
"But it was the rum," said Gibbs emphasizing every word.
"Is the rum more important than your lives?" asked Elizabeth.
No one said anything. They took in the question deeply.
"Well…if we was still immortal it wouldn't matter," blurted Ragetti.
"How are we suppose to find that Aztec Gold when it's underwater in the middle of black oblivion?" asked Pintel.
"Ask the monkey. He's somehow still immortal," said Ragetti.
'Jack' smiled at them and presented his Aztec medallion from around his neck.
"Or ask the other 'monkey' to borrow his compass," said Barbossa slyly.
Jack set his hand over his precious compass. He shook his head. "No filthy pirate is touching my compass," he told them.
'Jack' suddenly scurried across the table over the food. He took Jack's compass.
Jack screamed and began chasing the monkey around. "Get him! Shoot him or something!" he hollered.
Everyone jumped from their chairs and began chasing the monkey. None of them had their pistols of course since Edward told them there would be no weapons due to it being Elizabeth's home.
"Mr. Gibbs, behind you!" shouted Jack.
Gibbs turned and missed the monkey.
"He's over Captain Barbossa."
"'Jack' run," laughed Barbossa, enjoying this all too much.
Jack Sparrow ran around the table with his arms flailing about.
The monkey ran over by Pintel and Ragetti.
"Catch that bloody monkey!" cried Jack.
Ragetti turned and slammed into Pintel. Both fell over.
Thomas hid his face in his hands not bearing to watch his house torn apart.
Elizabeth shook her head.
"I've got him," called Marty making his way to the monkey. "I don't got him," he corrected as 'Jack' crawled underneath him.
"Come here you bloody cursed creature," Jack said.
The monkey screeched and threw Jack's compass over them all.
Jack tried reaching for it. He knocked into Gibbs who lost his balance. They both came crashing into the others. Everyone was soon on the floor on top of each other. Jack screamed as he watched his compass falling, but it didn't hit the floor.
Little Will Turner leaned far over and caught it. He fell out of his chair and on top of Lily, his lips nearly pressed against hers.
"Hello," he noted with a smile.
"You're really cute," Lily told him.
"Sorry, I have my eyes set on a certain girl," said Will. "But you can have Alex."
"Are you all right Will?" Elizabeth asked, helping him sit up
Will smiled. "Got it Uncle Jack."
Jack rushed over to him. He snatched his compass back then picked up the boy and stood him in the chair. "Thank you little whelp," he said while brushing Will off.
"You're welcome," said Will smiling.
He looked past Jack at movement. His eyes grew big and frightened.
"What is it Will?" asked Elizabeth.
Will pointed slowly towards the window.
'Jack' the Monkey sat in the moonlight while eating a banana.
"Barbossa get him out of the moonlight!" Elizabeth screamed as she covered Will's eyes.
Hurriedly, Barbossa took the monkey out of the moonlight. He sat back down and gave Elizabeth an apologetic smile.
"Mum, the monkey turned into a skeleton in the moonlight, like the monkey in the Aztec Gold story," said Will, his face pale.
"Ah, those were the good days, our immortal days," commented Ragetti.
"You were like that once too?" wondered Will.
"Aye, is was. And so were Captain Barbossa, Pintel, and even old Jack for a time," added Ragetti.
"No, don't say that," pleaded Elizabeth.
Little Will's head tilted to the side. He began to look at all of them. Barbossa had a monkey named "Jack". "Jack" turned into a skeleton in the moonlight. Ragetti had a glass eye to replace he wooden one in the story. Pintel was always at his side like in the stories. Marty was the shortest of them all. The older man was Gibbs. Anamaria was always with Jack like in the story and Jack Sparrow—
"Mum, Jack Sparrow is Jacob isn't he?" he asked.
Elizabeth stared into the distance with frightened eyes. She didn't know what to say. Everyone looked at her. She nodded. "Rags is Ragetti. Pinny is Pintel. You already know Barbossa is Captain Hector. Shorty is Marty. Gibb is Mr. Gibbs. Ann is Anamaria. Yes, Uncle Jack is Jacob."
"Then," began Will slowly. He looked at his mother. "They're true?"
Elizabeth sighed. "Yes Will. You're stories are true. Every one. This is the crew of the Black Pearl from the stories."
"If they are true, then what about Is and Liam?" wondered Will.
Elizabeth shut her eyes.
"Those two are just legends. They are made up for your stories," Jack told him quickly.
Elizabeth shook her head. "No Jack. It is time," she said with a sigh. She looked into Will's warm eyes and took his hand. "All this time you've known Is. I'm Is. Your father is Liam, Will. Your mother and father are Is and Liam."
Confused, Will looked at the floor and shook his head. "That can't be true."
"It is lad. I did marry your parents in the last great battle," said Barbossa.
Elizabeth smiled. "That really was our wedding Will."
Little Will still looked confused. "But Liam killed Davy Jones. If Daddy is Liam then…" He looked at his mother. "then Daddy killed Davy Jones."
Elizabeth nodded. "That's why your daddy was chosen for that special duty."
No one said anything. They looked at each other then Elizabeth then little Will. That's all he knew about his father and why he couldn't be with him, which was probably best.
Gibbs looked at Jack who nodded slowly. "Well, Elizabeth, dinner was excellent," he said with a smile. "But we should return to the ship."
"What about dessert?" wondered Marty.
"Bring it with you," Jack snapped.
"Follow me," Thomas grumbled as he went into the kitchen.
Once they had their pie, most left. Jack, Lily, Edward, Barbossa, and Anamaria stayed behind and helped clean their mess.
"I'm sorry about little Will," said Barbossa as he brought in more plates.
"About what?" wondered Elizabeth.
Barbossa looked at the boy who just sat at the dinner table looking into the distance. "Everything he should be sharing with his father and what we did tonight," he said.
"I'm glad he knows his legends are true. I'm glad you were all here to prove it and help me. He doesn't even know the greatest of all, but he will when his father comes home," said Elizabeth.
Barbossa nodded. "You go on to the little whelp. I'll finish cleaning."
Elizabeth wiped her hands on a towel. She noted her son standing on the veranda and had all the intention of going to his side however, another scene took her attention.
In a small room off to the side, Jack and Anamaria were talking and holding hands. Jack leaned in for a kiss. Anamaria accepted his kiss. They pulled apart only to let their foreheads touch.
Elizabeth softly gasped. She saw love in Jack Sparrow's eyes and Anamaria's smile. They were happy and together. They were together. They could share small pieces of love to each other whenever they felt like it. She felt jealousy narrow her eyes, wrinkle her forehead, and purse her lips. The only love she had was the love from her son and cousin and it wasn't the love she wanted. The love she craved and dreamed of at night was the love she would only receive once every ten years.
Jack and Anamaria Teague were able to do that on a daily basis if need be and in her house it was especially unwelcomed, but she would never tell them to stop. It was because they could share small moments of love that she allowed them to continue.
"We missed sunset," Will's voice noted.
"I know Will, I know," Elizabeth whispered quietly. She turned away from the two lovers and took her son's hand.
Jack, Edward, and Barbossa stepped into the room. They acknowledged Thomas for putting a fire on and leaving when they entered. Jack saw the longing in the eyes that he so recently saw in another's. That little boy did not know how alike he and his father were.
"Do you know why I'm here luv?" he asked.
"Why Jack?" asked Elizabeth, turning.
"Dear Will Turner sent me to see if his certain damsel in distress still knows he loved her," replied Jack.
"Tell me about Will, Jack. I need to know and so does he," said Elizabeth, pulling little Will into her lap. She pulled his hair back then kissed his head as Will took his sea turtles from his sash.
"Little whelp, where did you get those?" asked Jack leaning closer.
"The sea," replied Will.
"May I peek at one of them?" asked Jack.
Will handed him one.
Jack looked at it. A small smile spread across his face. "Where did you get these again?"
"The sea," Will told him.
"Not too long ago he got a fever. He was at sea during the worst of it, where I almost lost him. He woke one morning after the fever broke with a sea turtle. The other washed upon shore a week later," explained Elizabeth. She gave him a smile that said she already knew.
Jack raised a finger. "Ah, which reminds me." He leaned over the chair and fumbled around his sack. "Bugger, where are they?"
"What do you have?" asked Will.
"Ah ha!" Jack cried pulling a wooden ship from his sack. "From your father little whelp. It's a carving of his ship."
"Daddy made this for me?" asked Will, slowly taking the carving.
"Aye, he did," said Jack. "And for you Lizzy."
Elizabeth gently took the sea turtle. Her eyes teared, seeing the name Will carved on the back.
"When the little whelp is not here," added Jack, giving her the note.
"Uncle Jack, why do you call me that?" asked Will.
"Because he always called your father whelp, though, I don't know why," replied Barbossa.
"So calling me little whelp is calling me little daddy," Will said overjoyed.
"I suppose so," laughed Elizabeth.
"Uncle Jack, tell me about daddy," requested Will. "Please."
"Oh fine," Jack groaned. "Firstly, how much do you know about your father?"
"Well," began Will thinking. "Daddy's name is Will Turner, he used to be a blacksmith until he became a pirate, he is captain of the Flying Pearl, he's on the other side of the world doing his special duty, he hasn't come home at all, but he does love me and mum, I'm like him in almost everyway, sometimes I know it hurts mum because I am so much like him…Uncle Jack, is my daddy really Liam?"
Jack glanced at Elizabeth. With her nod he nodded as well. "Aye lad. He is."
"Can you tell me about daddy from the moment you met him up to the last visit? Please?" said Will.
"You know them?" reminded Jack.
"Not from Captain Jack Sparrow," said Will. "I want to hear everything."
"Everything?" moaned Jack. "That's going to take all night. I have a ship to watch so it doesn't sail away without me, her Captain, again for the third time."
Will nodded. "Uh huh."
"Best get started Jack," Teague told him.
"May we at least sit where I can watch me ship so she doesn't sail away again?" requested Jack with a hint of frustration.
"I'm already in here Jack," Barbossa reminded.
"It's Lily who I worry taking my ship," Jack said.
Elizabeth nodded with a laugh.
Jack glanced at his ship just to make sure she was still there. She was and her crew was singing the night away while playing dice.
"Uncle Jack," whined Will.
"Oh all right," Jack snapped as he leaned back and put his feet up. So, he began his tale.
Throughout the tale of Will and Elizabeth, little Will Turner smiled at Jack.
Elizabeth's mind fled far away off to her Will. She remembered everything so deeply. It had been locked in her own heart and the Dead Man's Chest. She held her son, who began to struggle to stay awake. He almost began getting more and more bored. Everything was the same as he had been told. The only difference was that he knew they were all true. The Black Pearl and Jack Sparrow proved it.
"Uncle Jack, I know this. Tell me something I don't know," Will told him.
"Then why are you making me tell you?" asked Jack.
Will shrugged. "I like hearing stories about daddy. Liam still seems too legendary and perfect to be my daddy."
"Why is that little whelp?" asked Jack.
"I've never met my daddy and I don't know what he's like. How so I know you Is anyway?" said Will. "How do I know daddy is Liam?"
"Your father's name is William. Remove the first three letters. What does that spell?" Jack told him.
Will did so. He removed the Will, which left the…"Oh, it does spell Liam." He gave Jack an innocent smile. Jack gave him an obvious grin. "It still doesn't seem right though," added Will quickly.
Jack rolled his eyes. All this work for nothing.
"And if I wasn't Is then why would I have this?" asked Elizabeth, showing Will her old sword.
Will's eyes widened with wonder. He carefully touched the smooth blade.
"That was your father's sword," added Jack.
"Did Daddy make this by hisself?" asked Will.
Elizabeth nodded. "A long time ago."
"Little whelp, you are a very lucky boy," said Jack sitting up and looking over the rail. "You have a father who truly cares for you."
"Does your daddy not care for you?" asked Will.
"No, no, no he does. A lot," Jack immediately told him, more or less snapped with a bite of anger. "It took while to get it so, but does love me. I just said that because your father loves you."
Will smiled. He cradled his ship and cuddled into his mother's lap.
Jack watched him fall asleep in front of him. He heard the grandfather clock in the background chime midnight.
"I'll be right back," whispered Elizabeth. She was gone only for a moment. "All right, Hector how did you lose your leg?"
"I gave up something on my quest for the Fountain of Youth," said Barbossa.
"Which we all have," added Edward.
"Meaning we are immortal Elizabeth," said Jack.
Elizabeth slowly nodded her head. "Ponce de Leon?"
"Yep," replied Edward.
"Then why didn't you just give yourself Aqua de Vida instead of trying to kill Davy Jones?" asked Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth don't start with him. He's been through this with me too. He's been through it with everyone except Will. Trust me, he had enough to worry about at that time rather than finding a way to make himself immortal," Edward told her.
"Did he have guilt inside him that nearly caused him to lose his fiancé? Did he feel betrayed? Was he the one doing the betraying? Was he afraid to talk to the person he loved the most in the world? Did he—"
"I did have guilt bent up inside of me because I told the woman I loved the most in the world off. I told her I would always be with her and told her I didn't love her and so I betrayed her. I did feel betrayed because everyone around me was doing the betraying. I was afraid to talk to the person I loved the most because every time I tried talking to him he would hurt me," replied Jack. "Any other questions you have for me?"
"No," replied Elizabeth softly as she lowered her eyes.
"I went through hell, Elizabeth, literally," Jack reminded. "Don't complain to me that you know what it is like. You aren't Will either. You haven't seen Will and therefore do not know what he is going through."
"Jack," began Elizabeth.
"I don't want to talk to you until you understand," Jack said and immediately removed himself from her presence.
"Read the letter," said Edward.
Remembering the letter, Elizabeth delicately removed the wax. The paper smelled of Will: sweat, seawater, and rum. She held out the note. "My dearest Elizabeth, my darling and long missed wife, my king, keeper, protector, and holder of my heart in every way, we last truly saw each other eight years ago on my one day alone together in the sand…"
"Lizzy, I think this is a private letter between you and William," interrupted Barbossa, quickly and not wanting to hear anymore.
Elizabeth read a few more sentences then nodded. She continued.
The two men drew their attention away from her. After a moment, they took a glance. Tears streamed down her face. They turned their complete attention away from her and wholly turned their bodies then gave her a bit more privacy. Women. Give them a letter from their husband and they'll break down and cry all night. Clearly she was reading it again because it was not that long to read a two-page letter.
"I miss him so much," Elizabeth sobbed softly. She held the letter close to her heart.
Jack voice softly called from the doorway. "You have no idea luv."
"Jack, come with me," said Elizabeth, not giving him a choice by grabbing his hand and dragging him.
Without a choice but he would have followed anyway, Jack tagged along. He would have enjoyed the small tour of the house more if his fingers weren't being crushed by Elizabeth and himself being roughly sat on the bed. He watched Elizabeth open the chest at the foot of her bed in the moonlight by the full moon. His curiosity was peeked when he saw Elizabeth sit back on the floor and stare into the chest.
"You brought me in here for a reason," he reminded.
Nodding, Elizabeth reached inside the chest.
Jack sat back on the bed and slumped low. Why was he not expecting this? He should have been expecting this however he was not. He was staring at the moonlit Dead Man's Chest and his heart was beating a hundred times faster than Will's. The first time he looked upon the chest he thought of it as an indestructible piece of metal that he wanted to get his hands into at all costs. Now, he thought of the chest as something he wanted to know was kept from the world and away from greedy hands.
"I know why it was his destiny," said Elizabeth, looking at the Dead Man's Chest in her lap. "The sea chose—"
"Luv, it's none of my business to know. Had the whelp wanted me to know he would have told me when I was there," said Jack.
Elizabeth looked at him sweetly and strangely. "What happened to the curious, carefree, plotting, scheming, double-crossing, selfish Captain Jack Sparrow I—the world once knew?"
"The world he once knew changed, as did his life and those in it," said Jack softly and sadly. His sad, moonlit eyes fell upon the chest. Deep regret filled him.
"What happened to Will changed everything. It was he why you changed, "noted Elizabeth.
"After escaping the Locker, life seemed more precious. My feelings began leaking out. It was the Locker and death that changed me. You succeeded at killing Captain Sparrow luv," Jack told her sadly. "And I would prefer if you must say a last name when addressing me, that it be Teague and not Sparrow. I can't have the Navy hunting me down Elizabeth. I have a family I must look after now. My free Sparrow days have ended. It took a few years, but it's time I settle down."
Elizabeth kissed the chest before setting it safely back in its safe corner buried under everything. She stood and looked at Jack.
"Everything you've told me about Will has been wonderful. It's as though he doesn't care that he's captain. I know there's more to it. I must know everything about Will when you saw him," she said.
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Everything luv?"
Elizabeth nodded. "Everything."
"Take a walk with me down the beach. Little whelp does not need to know and I don't care if he's sleeping. I don't want to take the chance," said Jack.
Up and down the moonlit shore, Elizabeth walked beside Jack as he told her of Will's true feelings and thoughts and moments that he discovered. She listened, feeling the same way. She knew Will was hurting, but not as much as was being told. Each time though, Bill was always there comforting his son.
"I don't know what I would do if I knew Will was without his father," said Elizabeth.
"A father that gets his son drunk every time he misses life?" wondered Jack.
Elizabeth shook her head. "No, a father who cares for him and comforts him, does anything he can do or doesn't do anything he can't and just a father that understands and loves him."
"Nothing can bring your father back luv," reminded Jack.
"I know that now."
"In a strange living dead way you have a father. I'm sure the whelp would be willing to let you have part of his father."
"No, I don't want Will to lose any part of his father for anything."
"He will someday luv, once Bill's debt is paid."
"By then he'll have someone else to love him," whispered Elizabeth, looking far out to the horizon.
Slowly, Jack took a small bottle from his coat pocket. He uncorked the bottle. Instead of drinking, he handed it to Elizabeth.
"What is it?" wondered Elizabeth.
"Not rum or any other vile drink. It is but water," replied Jack.
Elizabeth looked at him suspicious. The word "water" was glorified and Jack's eyes sparkled. She slowly raised the bottle to her mouth. She watched as Jack's eyes began glowing. A smile crept across his face as the bottle touched her lips. She tilted her head back a little. Jack's eyes were big and glowed even more. He bowed his head.
"The Immortal King Elizabeth Turner sounds much more better than the Immortal Captain Jack Sparrow," he said gloriously.
"I knew it. I knew you found your immortality. It was only a matter of when you who could come to give me Aqua de Vida," said Elizabeth pointing at him.
"So luv, does immortality please you?" wondered Jack.
Elizabeth smiled slyly. "I wouldn't know and I won't for many years." She turned the bottle over and let the precious water fall into the waves.
Jack cried out and made the attempt to try and save some. "But you drank it," he said with a raised finger.
Elizabeth shook her head. "Not one drop."
"Why Elizabeth? Do you not want immortality? I can give some to the little whelp when he's older or now if you prefer," Jack said making another attempt.
"Jack, there is another way to immortality," said Elizabeth.
"But that means getting old and ugly," said Jack. "And dying."
"I know. It also means an eternity aboard the ship with her captain," Elizabeth told him patiently.
Jack sighed. Why did he even bother to give her any?
"Did Anamaria agree to it?" wondered Elizabeth.
"Yep," Jack said.
"How it is that two pirates marry when the husband is, in fact, the captain?" asked Elizabeth.
"Simple luv. He asks the former Captain to become captain for the day so the true captain can marry his piratess then he returns to captain the next day and the former captain, who was captain for the day, becomes former captain once again," replied Jack. "Not to mention my father had to walk Ana down the aisle and he was there to babysit my ship while Ana and I were away on wedding night details."
"Except Lily wasn't created on your wedding night," noted Elizabeth.
"Ironic actually," said Jack. "You have a child made that day and it is the only day you two had together."
"Not true," admitted Elizabeth. "Will and I did fool around during our engagement and before. He was eighteen and I was seventeen the first time. That's why it was so very awkward for us to be together."
"It was awkward for two years?" Jack asked with a raised eyebrow.
"We made it more awkward than it should have been," Elizabeth said. "How long have you two been married then?"
"Eight years," whispered Jack.
"Will finally gave me a ring with the help of his father," said Elizabeth, showing Jack her ring.
"And do you know what a Celtic knot symbolizes?" wondered Jack.
"It has no end just as our love for each other," said Elizabeth.
"We just have simply emeralds," said Jack, presenting his ring. "And Lily Rose Emerald Teague."
"She has a wonderful name," said Elizabeth. "She reminds me so much of you and she behaves much older than ten."
Jack nodded with a proud, fatherly smile. "She's a smart one. She speaks four languages and she knows every inch of a ship down to the exact location of every pulley. Oh, she speaks English, Gaelic, French, and Latin as do I, but I know many other phrases in other languages. She's not completely fluent in means of speaking, reading, and writing, but she's getting there. She is smart."
"You speak four languages?" Elizabeth asked, a raised eyebrow. "I only speak two."
"English and French?" assumed Jack. Elizabeth nodded. "Do you know how many your William fluently knows?"
"I would assume only two," said Elizabeth.
Jack shook his head in his palm. "English, French, Gaelic, Latin, Spanish, German, Ancient Greek, some African language that I can't remember off the top of my head, and I believe he's learning Chinese right now. He's learnt to read and write in them as well. Billy taught him all but Greek and African and the two of them are learning Chinese."
Elizabeth looked out to the sea not knowing how to reply at first, but she did give a few nods of her head. "I suppose his duty does require him to learn many languages, as not everyone speaks English in this world."
Jack nodded. "Although it would be nice."
Elizabeth stepped out of her boots and just let the cool water wash onto her feet. "You don't know how many nights I've cried and pleaded for him. I've fallen asleep on the chest for the first year nearly every night. I cried every day," she told him.
"He said nothing but Bill did. Will has done the same," said Jack.
"If it wasn't for our son, I would be there with him," noted Elizabeth with a touch of regret.
Jack noticed but said nothing. "Come Lizzy, I have more for you."
They returned to the parlor where the fire had made it warm and cozy. Barbossa and Teague had settled in for the night. After checking on Will, Elizabeth returned to the parlor where she saw Jack sipping a cup of tea. Unaware to him, she stood in the doorway with pursed lips and narrow eyes. Jack hated tea. He made jokes about tea. He once told her tea was too closely related to the East India Company for a pirate to enjoy, and yet there he was.
"What?" Jack asked, finally noticing her in the doorway.
"You cut your hair, remove everything that was Jack Sparrow's signature, change your name, take on a normal life, and drink tea," Elizabeth told him.
"But you know I am still Jack because I am immortal," Jack said with a raised finger.
"You're through with piracy aren't you?" wondered Elizabeth.
"Once a man dabbles in piracy he finds piracy becomes part of his life. Bill Turner said that to me once and was right. You never be a normal human again Elizabeth. Like me, piracy is in your blood and you feel its call and have to obey one day," Jack told her. He took a drink of his tea then set it on the table. "Now, I have a few things for you. Father went to Port Royal eight years ago after he learned who the two of you were and collected a few personal items. We already sent them to Will, but we never made it here until now."
"Better your father than you," noted Elizabeth. "What did you pillage?"
Jack showed her his sword. "This one. Barbossa has one. Anamaria was given one and you have three in there."
"Three?" asked Elizabeth.
"One for you, one for the little whelp, and one for the whelp when he arrives to replace the one ha currently has," explained Jack.
Elizabeth dug through the years of corsets and celebrations, paying no attention to that since it was no longer a matter in her life. She pulled three swords out. Just by their weight and style she knew Will had crafted them. On one of them was a knife attached to the hilt. She took that particular one.
"For the little whelp," said Jack.
"When he's a little older," said Elizabeth.
Jack rolled his eyes. "I had a sword when I was seven. The whelp is going to have a civilized son not a pirate."
"He wants Will to be normal. He doesn't want him to end up like he did. Though, Will is more of a pirate than anything else in the world. Each day his favorite game to play is pirate with his friend. They'll go to the docks and chase each other while playing with wooden knives and swords."
"Ah, then he should have his own sword."
"No, not yet. I'll let him have it when he's twelve."
"Fine."
Elizabeth shivered. A sudden cold spell came over her as the breeze blew in across the sea. Jack covered her with a coat. She pulled the coat around her more. A sudden memory filled her and the coat reminded her of it. Her eyes fell upon the coat. She smiled with moist, lonely eyes. There was still the scent of vanilla through all the amount of sea.
"Calypso sent a few things to my father. She meant for you to have this," said Jack.
Elizabeth put her arms through the sleeves of Will's blue leather coat. It was her favorite coat. She got it for his birthday. A pirate must always have a coat and it was the coat he wore when he was running around to find the key and it was the coat he left in Tia Dalma's house.
"I miss him so much Jack," she whispered again.
"So I've heard all night. Perhaps I should give you five bottles of rum and see how you turn out," said Jack.
"May I borrow your compass for a moment?" asked Elizabeth.
"It's not going to work," Jack told her.
"Curiosity. I just want to know," Elizabeth said with a smile.
"Curiosity Elizabeth?" questioned Jack with a sly smile on his face recalling a certain former conversation about curiosity he once had with her. He handed her the compass.
Elizabeth slowly opened it. Jack peeked at it. It just spun in a steady circle. Shutting it, she smiled softly.
"He's doing his duty," she told him.
"Do you want to know why I chose to become immortal?" Jack asked.
"It would settle my curiosity," replied Elizabeth.
"You won't be there for his one day one day because you'll be with him to share his one day," began Jack. He smiled as she already seemed to realize the answer. "He needs someone to look forward to seeing every ten years and one life is not long enough to live."
"It is as long as you have lived life with no regrets," said Elizabeth.
Jack nodded. That was very true and the reason why one life for him was not enough to live.
Before leaving, Jack, Gibbs, Barbossa, Teague, Lily, and Anamaria were invited to breakfast. After last night, Elizabeth wanted the more responsible ones only, though, no one else wanted to go. They had enough of her proper life at dinner. Although, Will and Lily were not attending breakfast because they were too busy playing with his toys on the beach.
After the preparations were made on the Pearl, Jack stayed behind to say his good bye.
"Will I see you again Uncle Jack?" asked little Will with pleading eyes.
"Undoubtedly yes," replied Jack.
"I met Captain Jack Sparrow," Will said to himself.
Jack knelt to a knee and set his palms on Wills's shoulder. "Little Whelp, I am Captain Jack Sparrow, but I don't want you using Sparrow anymore. My name is not Jack Sparrow anymore. I have to live in this new world. You do me a favor though. You tell everyone you know that you met Captain Jack Teague. Tell this island about Jack Teague."
"But everyone knows Jack Sparrow is captain of the Black Pearl so if you don't change the name of your ship then what is the point of changing your name?" Will asked.
Jack opened his mouth. He shut his teeth with a clang then turned his eyes away. That was a good thought he put in there. He shrugged his shoulders and ignored his father's chuckling. "Just tell them about Jack Teague."
"Okay," said Will.
"William Turner, it was wonderful playing with you," Lily said, holding her hand out.
Will shook her hand. He nodded. "You're welcome here whenever you want."
"You mean whenever my father lets me come here," Lily said, looking strictly at her father.
"If you find Will," began Elizabeth.
Jack put his hand up. "I know, I know. I will. That's only if."
"Don't stay away for too long," said Elizabeth.
"Find Daddy," Will told him.
"Before I left, your father told me that in about two years he was coming home," said Jack.
"Two years. Mum, Daddy's coming home in two years. Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!" Will shouted, jumping up and down.
Elizabeth smiled. It was only two years left.
"Lizzy, bring him to sea when he's old enough. I'll take you on an adventure on the Pearl," Jack told her.
"I will Jack. Thank you for coming," said Elizabeth.
"Luv, I had no choice. It was give these gifts to you or face Will Turner's Locker," said Jack.
Elizabeth laughed.
Jack gave her a smile then turned. He boarded his ship and began barking orders.
Will watched as the Black Pearl was sailing away. "Can I tell people that I met Jack Teague?"
"Just don't mention the Pearl and you can," said Elizabeth. She wrapped an arm around Will's shoulder. "Just think, in two years your daddy is coming home," said Elizabeth as she set her arm around him.
Will smiled. He watched the Pearl sail away until she disappeared into the horizon. He turned and sang the song that was going on all night.
Elizabeth went to her room. She set everything in the chest at her bedside, almost everything. The sea turtle sat on her pillow.
"No matter what, sea turtles will always bring us together," she whispered, recalling those words written in Will's hands in his most recent letter.