Ten years had passed. One week remained. Elizabeth stood, watching the horizon. She couldn't believe it was almost up. Ten years had passed by so quickly, yet it felt as though she was standing on that beach by herself not long ago. The Flying Dutchman and her captain would soon be anchored on her land, docked on her dock, stepping in her home, and holding her tight. Her husband would be home at last and Will could see his father again.
Thomas slowly walked beside her. "Nervous?"
Elizabeth shrugged. "I don't know how I feel. I haven't seen him in nine years. I can't imagine Will's feelings. He's never met his father and remembered him. He doesn't even believe his father is his father. Will seems too legendary and the perfect hero to be his father."
"When are you going to tell him?" asked Thomas slowly.
Elizabeth looked at him with eyes that were too frightened to tell him. How could she tell her nine year old son that his father's heart was locked away n a chest and that chest was in her room? She sometimes had difficult telling herself that it truly was Will's heart. A nine year old was worse. She knew she had to tell him when his father was there. That was the only way Will would understand.
A door slammed, taking her from her fears. Books thrown on the floor caused her to turn her head.
Little Will stood in the middle of the parlor trembling. A mixture of anger and tears overwhelmed him.
"What is it Will?" asked Elizabeth, taking him into her arms.
"The boys at school are teasing me again. I'm just little Willie Turner, the fatherless boy who has his head poisoned with stories that aren't even true," explained Will. His lip trembled.
"They are true. Uncle Jack is proof," said Elizabeth.
Will took a piece of rope from clutched in his hand. "They said I should hang myself before the Navy comes to hang the rest of Daddy's pirate family," he told her. He pulled out of her arms. Anger, rage, and jealousy most of all overpowered him. "They're not true mum. None of them. You're the one who lives in them. You planned Uncle Jack to come. He probably isn't even Jack Sparrow. Jack Sparrow doesn't even exist. No one does. Not even Is and Liam exist. I don't have a father. If I did he would have been here. It's past two years. I hate my life. I hate my father. I never want to see him. I hate him." He ripped the necklace from his neck. He threw that and the rope across the room then ran out crying into his hands.
Elizabeth stood still. She couldn't move. How could he say any of that? Will loved him more than anything. Was this how he felt when he was a child? Her eyes moistened with tears as they fell on the rope. How did her son survive everyday with this? How could they tell him to hang himself? How could children be so cruel to another?
Later that evening, Elizabeth brought her son a sandwich and juice. She quietly entered his room. Before sitting beside him, she set the plate and cup on a chair.
Will was laying on his side curled tightly against himself in the center of his bed. His brown eyes were bright red and his face shimmered in the darkening light. One arm was curled against his chest and the other hand was tracing the details of his ship.
"I want my father," he weakly whispered.
Elizabeth pulled him into her chest. She felt him tremble and cry. She allowed it. She let Will cry for everything. All she could do was rock back and forth, holding him. She tucked his head under her chin and hushed him. Her eyes fell on the setting sun.
"We need you Will, more than you will ever know," she whispered.
After a hard night of loneliness and sad thoughts, Elizabeth sat with the chest open. She read the letters Will had wrote long ago. Tears came, but she resisted. Not today. Too much of that was last night. Both her Wills were being kept form things. She knew telling them both was going to be difficult. Telling Will of all his son's emotions from him not being there for nine years was going to kill her heart. She smelled the letter then shut her eyes as she heard the faint beating of Will's heart.
"Mum," Will called walking in. Elizabeth slammed the chest shut as she gave him a weak smile. "I can't find Daddy's necklace. I've looked everywhere." Fright and sadness were in his voice and eyes.
"We'll find it," promised Elizabeth as she took her son's hand and led him out.
For hours Will and Elizabeth searched every room, corner, crack, hall, and space for the necklace. Thomas was dragged into it. He still believed Will belonged at school not home searching for his necklace that he lost himself throwing a fit. Elizabeth told him to quit whining and look. She was just as worried as her son. That's all he truly had of his father.
Will moaned as he ran into his mother's room. He looked under the bed, in drawers, under chairs, and blankets, through her dresser, in her closet, and finally slumped on the bed. He looked at the sea turtle sitting on one of her pillows.
"Daddy, come home," he whispered, tracing the name on it.
He climbed over the chest. The top rattled. It wasn't locked. He sat on his knees and swung it open. He looked at the cloth on top and threw it aside. He realized the cloth was a dress, a silk, black dress with gold oriental patterns. Under that were folded dresses and clothes, boots, five sword bundled together, a tri cornered hat, letters, smaller chests, and a folded, blue coat. He lifted everything, one by one, from the chest and set it on the floor. Hearing something steady, he looked around the room then realized it came from the chest. Leaning down, the sound came louder. He unfolded the blue coat. His eyes fell upon another chest. This one was more complex and much smaller. Delicate designs were etched into it. The chest was very old, as it did show signs of age. He brought this smaller chest from the large one, sat on the bed, and pressed his ear against it.
"Will, I found your—" said Elizabeth as she entered the room. The necklace fell from her hand as she gasped.
Will's ear was against the Dead Man's Chest still. He looked at his mother who looked at him. Tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Mum, what's in this?" wondered Will.
Elizabeth stared at the two. How could she say it? What would she say? Her son had found what she had hid. He found Will's heart and the truth to everything. She took a deep breath and bent down to take the necklace in her hand. She sat next to her son. She had to tell Will before his father arrived. The last thing she wanted was for her son to ask his father why his heart wasn't beating.
"Will, I think you're old enough to learn the truth about your father and why he's been away for so long," she said.
She set the necklace around Will's neck before taking the chest and his hand and going to shore where they sat in the sand.
"Ten years ago, your father killed Davy Jones," she began.
"I know," said Will.
Elizabeth shook her head. "No Will, you don't. Davy Jones killed your father as well." Will's eyes suddenly widened with tears of fright. "But your father is also alive. This chest is keeping him alive. His duty is keeping him alive. You know the story of Davy Jones better than anyone. Do you remember the chest and the curse?"
Will nodded. "He put his heart in a chest because someone hurt him badly. He didn't want to feel anything so he put the chest on an island far away from him. Because of that, he was cursed. He was to spend ten years on sea doing what he was told. He got one day on land after those ten years."
"The story is true Will. Your daddy is doing what Davy Jones once did. His heart—your father's heart—Will, your father's heart is inside that same chest. This chest," said Elizabeth. She set her hand on the chest in front of him.
Will stared at the chest confused. "How is Daddy alive then?"
"He is and isn't alive. Your father is half alive and half dead. Davy Jones did something to your father. He hurt him. Something happened and your father's heart was placed in this chest. He's alive because he's cursed. Your father is captain of the Flying Dutchman."
"That's the ship that takes care of people who have died at sea," noted Will.
"Your daddy's duty is to take care of those who have died at sea," whispered Elizabeth.
Will's body trembled. With every beat of the heart, he moved closer and closer to his mother's body. "Why daddy? Why my daddy?"
"It was your daddy because if he wasn't made captain he would have died and you never would have been born."
"Mum, if the story is true and it's been ten years then will daddy come home?"
"Yes Will. In one week."
Will crawled out of his mother's arms. He slowly inched toward the chest. Hesitantly, he reached out to touch it. He traced the heart on the front. He poked the keyholes with his finger. Was it true? Was his father's heart really in that chest? All his life he grew up on stories and legends of a great man named Liam who had become captain of the Flying Dutchman. All his life he had been told that his father would come home as soon as he could. The story made sense though. If his daddy was who his mother said, the soonest he could come home was his one day of freedom. He had been without his father his entire life and he was nine years and three months old. With everything, it would equal ten years.
Looking at the chest, he knew he believed all of his legends and stories. All of them seemed to frighten him a bit more suddenly. It was quite possible that his father's heart was truly in that chest, but it still didn't seem right. He lowered his ear until it was pressed against the chest. It did sound like a heart beating. He set his arms around it as he shut his eyes. There was something soothing about listening to what was inside. He felt as though he had heard it before somewhere, long ago. Every fear seemed to melt away from him. Whatever was inside, even if it was truly his father's heart, was the most comforting thing he had ever felt.
Tears came from Elizabeth's eyes. She wanted to know how this was on him and what he was thinking. All this being placed upon a nine year old seemed like too much.
Little Will Turner looked at the sea listening to the steady beat. He wondered what his father was doing at that very moment and where he was. He wondered if his daddy knew he was giving him a hug.
The chest had sat in a chair beside his bed for a week, but today was special.
"Mum, why are we hiding daddy's heart?" asked Will as he and Elizabeth shut the chest now with all the items placed in it.
"Because Daddy is coming home," replied Elizabeth.
"When?" asked Will.
Elizabeth smiled. "Sunset."
"Will he like me?"
"He'll love you."
"Is it okay to be frightened?"
"Of course. Will, it's been so long since I've seen him."
"I'm gonna sit on the beach."
"All right."
Will got up off the floor. He took his ship and quietly went down to the beach.
From a window, Elizabeth watched him sit on the very edge of the dock with his feet over the side. She smiled at him. Ten years ago her life changed, but not as much as Will's. For nine years they were separated. Their love was tested. Tonight it wouldn't matter. Tonight, he would be home. Tonight, they would be together.
Elizabeth sat on the veranda in thought, questions consuming her. What would happen? How much did Will change? Would he truly like his son? Did he still love her? What would their son say? What would he ask? When would he ask? How was she going to feel? So many questions and thoughts that were in her mind. She needed to know. She had almost forgotten what Will was like. Somehow, she was afraid of tonight. It was an anxious afraid, but why was she afraid? Her eyes fell on her son. Will was still sitting on the dock looking at the horizon. She much she wanted to know his thoughts. He must have been terrified for tonight. He hadn't moved form that spot all day.
"How is he?" asked Thomas softly.
"He's been there all day. He just wants his father," said Elizabeth.
"How are you?" asked Thomas again.
She smiled softly. "Anxious, nervous, afraid, happy, overwhelmed, unsure…"
"You don't know do you?" wondered Thomas.
Elizabeth shook her head. "No."
"If you need me, I'll be in my office working," said Thomas. He gave his cousin a kiss on the cheek. "One hour Elizabeth, that's all."
"Thomas, thank you for everything," Elizabeth said.
Thomas smiled and turned.
Elizabeth went to her son. She brought him to his feet. "It's time to get ready little Will."
Will looked at her and smiled.
Elizabeth straightened his brown coat. Something was missing though. She placed a tri-cornered hat on her son's head.
"There, you're ready," she told him.
Will looked at the horizon. The sun was so close from being gone. "Mum, is it really true?"
"We'll find out," said Elizabeth.
Hand in hand, they walked out of the manor and onto the cliff in the middle of the cove. Will ran ahead in the tall grasses. His voice carried out into the sea. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.
Elizabeth smiled as he continued the song. She stood beside him.
They watched as the glowing orb dipped lower and lower on the horizon.
Elizabeth's eyes widened as her lips formed an almost smile.
Will watched. His eyes grew wide. It was hard to breathe. His heart was beating fast. He was so nervous. All he ever wanted was to see his father. He swallowed hard.
Both stood absolutely still, afraid that the sun would stop if they moved.
Elizabeth watched. Her own heart raced. It had been so long. She waited for this day for a decade. Life did go on after all. In Will's voice, she heard the final sentence of his last letter to her. Over the edge, over again. Sunrise sets…Flash of green.
On the sea was a ship like no other and had not been there a moment before the green flash and someone leaning far over the ship and hanging onto the rigging.
Elizabeth smiled as she looked down at her son.
Will looked at her with a glowing smile that finally understood everything. His eyes showed her one message. Daddy's home. He looked back out to the sea.
"Let's go to your father," Elizabeth whispered…finally.
She took Will's hand and led him down the path against the cliff wall.
Suddenly, a figure appeared on the dock. The figure didn't move.
Elizabeth broke into a run.
Will watched his mother as he slowly followed.
"Will!" cried Elizabeth, running down the dock.
Captain Will Turner met his wife with a kiss. That kiss became passionate and everlasting.
Tears rolled down Elizabeth's face.
Will pushed her away only to pull her into an even more missed, desperate hug. He inhaled deeply. He missed this feeling of warmth and love. Her scent was sweet and her touch warm and gentle.
Elizabeth held Will even tighter. She wanted him to hold her forever. His strong, muscled arms always had her protected. His unforgiving smell of sea, sweat, and rum filled her mind. His wild, curly hair blew in her face. Oh, how she missed him.
Will's arms slowly loosened from her. She looked into his face and he into hers. She hadn't changed very much at all. She was still young and beautiful. She bore signs of the weather and a bit of age, but nothing else.
Elizabeth gazed into his rich warm eyes. She set her hand on his cheek. She was still the same Will Turner he had been ten years ago. Nothing had changed about him, but his eyes looked as though they had seen too much. They seemed duller than the last time she saw them. They weren't bright anymore. The only age he had was the grave look in his eyes.
Will's eyes glanced past her. They grew wide and unbelievable.
Elizabeth turned.
Little Will stood behind her, gazing at his father.
"Is that him?" asked Will softly. His eyes never left the boy.
Elizabeth held her hand towards the boy. Will took his mother's hand lightly. She pulled him closer.
"Will, this is your daddy," she whispered.
The boy breathed deeply.
Will knelt to his son's height. He bore a gentle smile.
Little Will stared hard at this man. He looked like he was tired and had seen too much. The blue bandana holding his dirty hair back was caked with dirt and grime. He white tunic billowed in the wind. His smile was gently and pure. His warm eyes moistened with tears. Will slowly walked closer into his father's arms. He wrapped his arms around him.
"Daddy," he whispered squeezing his father.
"I'm back Will. I'm back," Will told his son as he set his arms around him lightly. He was afraid to hurt his small body. He pulled his son closer. Tears slipped from his eyes as he shut them. The smile on his face grew.
Elizabeth looked down at her Wills in each other's arms.
Little Will began laughing. He pulled away. Tears consumed his eyes. "Mum, daddy's home! Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!" he cried. He jumped up and down.
Will swung him around in the air. Both laughed. Will kissed his son's head.
"Yes, Daddy 's home," said Elizabeth softly.
Will put an arm around her. The three of them gazed at each other. So long ago Will felt this complete. It was the day he finally realized that Elizabeth loved him, before he went off on his grand adventure to find the compass of Jack Sparrow then a key and the rest was destiny. He finally felt complete and whole.
Thump.
All three turned to the edge of the dock. Another crate was being lowered. It was half the size of the chest. When it hit the dock its contents rattled.
"Carefully," Bill told them. He glanced at his son. "Sorry Will."
Will waved it off.
"Daddy, what's in those?" asked little Will.
"You'll see soon son," said Will.
"Will, he looks just like Elizabeth, but with your eyes," noted Bill, looking at his grandson. His eyes swelled with tears.
"Son, meet William Turner. He's your grandfather," said Will.
Little Will went to Bill who knelt.
"Call me Bill little Will," said Bill.
Will shook his head. "Grandfather!" shouted little Will, throwing his arms around him. Hearing that name, Bill burst into a mess of tears. "Why are you crying?" wondered little Will.
"Because I never thought I was going to be a grandfather and you're the most handsome and strongest boy in the world," said Bill, pulling him closer.
Will softly laughed. "He's not even your own son and you're crying like a baby," he noted.
"I can't help myself," Bill told him, wiping his eyes. Little Will patted his shoulder. "I'll be okay lad." He stood and wiped his face. "Now, what are we going to call you? Certainly not Will."
Little Will jumped up and down. "We can call me Wills because I'm Daddy 's son and his name is Will too. That way, I'm Will's son and calling me Wills is just as easy and the rest of the world will know that I'm Daddy 's son because I'm Wills. Right Daddy?"
"Aye Wills. That you are," said Will.
Bill found tears coming back to his eyes. He stumbled back to the rest of the crates.
Orion and his sniffing nose came prowling from the ship and past the crates. He sniffed Will's leg then went and sniffed Wills.
"This my dog, Orion," Will said.
Wills looked at his mother. "Mum, Daddy has a dog. Why can't I?"
"We also have a parrot," announced Bill. He whistled to the air and watched Teach fly over from the ship and settle on his arm before propping himself on Bill's shoulder.
"Mum, I want a parrot!" Wills screamed as he ran to his grandfather and stared at Teach.
Teach was also looking at Wills in wonder. His head tilted from side to side then he bobbed up and down singing.
"He talks!" Wills screamed, jumping up and down. "Mum, I want a parrot. Lily has one."
Bill and Will exchanged glances, but only Will had a smile on his face.
"Lily?" wondered Bill.
"Captain Jack Teague's daughter," nodded Wills.
"Jack was here then," noted Bill.
"Grandfather, can I play with him?" wondered Wills.
Bill's eyes widened as he felt a sudden surge of tears disrupt his clear vision. He nodded and set Teach in front of Wills before turning and wiping his eyes.
"You are such a baby," Will muttered.
"Come here," Wills called, patting his legs. Instead, Orion came over to him and licked his face.
"If you want Orion, you do that," said Will. "If you want Teach, you whistle like this." Following the two pitch whistle, Teach hopped to Will's feet and looked up at him. "See."
"Let's go home Daddy," said Wills, pulling at his father's hand.
Will finally looked up and for the first time, noticed how beautiful and large the manor was.
"Daddy," Wills pleaded. "Come on."
Will smiled. He took a step forward and immediately lost his balance. He flung his arms in the air to make an attempt for recovery, but fell back anyway. He sighed. "Land legs."
"Here, I'll help you," said Elizabeth bringing him back to his feet.
Taking another step, Will's feet crossed. This time he lost his balance and dragged her with him.
"This is going to take longer than I thought," noted Elizabeth.
"When was the last time I set foot on land?" asked Will, knowing the Bermuda Triangle did not count in that matter.
"Ten years ago," said Elizabeth.
"Do you need help son?" asked Bill. He took a step and grabbed onto a crate.
"It seems you need help too," noted Eddy.
"I'll manage somehow," said Will, bringing himself back to his feet.
It was a long process for Will to go across the dock. Between losing his balance, falling on either Elizabeth or Wills, and laughing he thought he was going to spend his one day just on the dock. Finally at the end of the dock, he thought he had it until the ground became uneven. This time, he fell forward after trying to recover. He lifted his head and spit out the mouthful of sand.
"Wasn't expecting that," he admitted.
"Well, I still sometimes fall when I walk on the sand too," admitted Wills as he plopped next to his father.
Sand. Will looked around him. He immediately sat up. He was surrounded by sand, dry sand. He was a few feet from the edge of the dock. Looking in front of him, he saw where his feet had gone in his attempt to save his balance. Going closer he rolled back on his stomach to trace the imprints his feet made. He slowly pulled his boots and stockings off, letting his feet burrow in the sand. Wills helped him up.
"Better?" asked Wills.
Will let out a great cry of joy and happiness. He stumbled around the beach losing his balance, tripping over his own feet, falling backwards and forwards, eating the sand, and taking time to get back to his feet, but he was finally happy again. After a bit of making a fool out of himself to everyone else, he finally acquired his land legs. He ran back to Elizabeth and Wills who were talking to Bill.
"Now are you better?" wondered Wills again.
Will nodded. "Much better. Let's go home," he told him.
"Okay," said Wills, taking his father's hand and running.
Will grabbed Elizabeth's hand and dragged her along too. Orion went up the path barking the entire time and Teach flew over their heads.
"Will, I—" said Bill as he turned. Seeing his son was halfway to the manor he smiled. "I guess I'll deliver these myself. Maccus, Greenbeard, Eddy, help me with these. By the way when I say help I mean you carry them."
Will stood in the middle of the parlor, looking around. He felt as though he was in the Swann mansion at Port Royal again. Memories filled him, but a small voice wouldn't allow them to come.
"Daddy, come see my room," Wills pleaded, beginning to drag his father again.
"Okay, I'm coming Wills," said Will.
Elizabeth looked at him and laughed. She followed him too.
"See Daddy. Do you like it?" asked Wills.
Will looked around. His son had a pretty big room for being only nine. His room looked more for a pirate than anything else. Maps and hand drawn pictures cluttered the walls. Various sizes of chests held everything from his toys to clothes and books.
Wills ran to his bed and took his monkey from the pillow. "This is Jack, just like Captain Barbossa's 'Jack' the Monkey," he told his father.
"Does Jack know?" asked Will.
Wills nodded. "He said it was madly insulting." He suddenly went to his chest by the window. "Your ship Daddy." He presented Will with the carving of the Flying Dutchman.
"Do you like it?" wondered Will.
Wills shook his head. "I love it."
"William, aren't you forgetting something?" called Bill.
"Ah, I forgot about your gifts," said Will with a laugh.
"Presents from you Daddy?" cried Wills.
Will nodded.
Wills raced out dragging his father again, hardly able to contain his excitement.
Will nearly fell down the stairs.
Elizabeth followed as she laughed. She motions towards the parlor.
Edward and Greenbeard each took a handle on the large chest. Maccus held the crate. All of them entered the parlor. They set everything between the couches. Bill shooed them out.
Wills stared at the two gifts with wide eyes.
Will sat on the soft, cushioned couch. He slumped low into it before unrolling his trousers, letting them hang at his ankles. He let his head fall back in comfort. A soft hand moved his head into a kiss. Elizabeth pulled the bandana from his head and pulled his hair back with a blue ribbon. He suddenly looked like the carefree Will Turner he once was.
Bill did the same. He set his and his son's boots near the entryway then set his coat on a couch near it. He too pulled his hair back. He unbuttoned his vest and tunic then rolled his sleeves up a bit.
Elizabeth looked at him then Will then back. "You two really do look like each other," she noted.
"Daddy, can I have my present now?" asked Wills, jumping on his father.
Will smiled. He heard his son's stomach growling. "Not until you've had something to eat."
"But I'm not hungry," whined Wills.
"You haven't eaten all day. Besides, I just made dinner for your father and grandfather," said Elizabeth.
"Is there enough for all of us?" wondered Will. Elizabeth nodded. "What do you have?"
"Roast chicken, fried potatoes, bread and biscuits, fresh salad, fruit picked this morning, a lovely seasoning, fresh apple juice, and for dessert I have mashed strawberries over a cake with cream to place on top," replied Elizabeth.
Will looked at her with a mouthwatering smile.
"I suppose I could eat some dessert," said Wills.
All three looked at each other. Wills hopped off his father's lap. He took his and his grandfather's hand. They were led to the dining room.
"Food," Bill said to himself, gazing at the table.
"Real food," added Will, his mouth watering more.
"Real hot food," said Bill slowly.
"Let's eat," said Will.
The two of them didn't bother to sit down. They walked around the table and leaned over it, picking food and shoving it in their mouths. With each bite, their eyes demanded more.
"At least slow down so you can taste it," requested Elizabeth.
The two made one more round around the table with two plates before sitting next to each other and eating a bit more civilized. They didn't bother to use eating utensils though.
"Will, remind me to come here for dinner," said Bill.
"Do you two not eat?" asked Elizabeth, concerned.
Bill shook his head. "Not like this."
"What do you eat then?" wondered Wills.
"This is what we usually eat," said Bill, handing him a piece of hard tack.
Wills took it. He sniffed it then took a bite. The rest fell from his hand. He forced a smiled and slowly chewed. All three laughed at his face of disgust. He quickly spit the rest into his napkin then took a long drink of his apple juice.
"Is that all you eat?" wondered Elizabeth.
"Well, that and a bit of salted pork," said Will. "And what ever food the crew brings back."
"That is when we are in this world," added Bill.
"You know, we really don't need to eat," Will noted.
"Oh Will, I'm going to pack you a fine meal," Elizabeth told him.
Bill nodded frantically. "I'll drink to that."
"It's been so long since I've eaten real food like this. The most I ever get is fruit from the crew when they go ashore. That's every year though. It's been ten years," said Will.
"That's nothing son. The last time I ate like this was—twenty years ago, but the food tasted like ash and nothing satisfied so I would call it nearly twenty-one years. At least under this curse I can taste food," Bill told him.
"Did Davy Jones not let you eat?" wondered Wills calmly, feeding Orion his potatoes and Teach his kiwi.
Bill shook his head. "I barely managed find a few bite for your father…how do you know about me being under Jones's command?"
"William Turner, stop giving your food to the animals," Elizabeth told him.
All three looked at her then the two nodded when Wills looked at her with a pout on his face. "They need to eat too."
"Not necessarily," said Bill.
"Aqua de Vida," replied Will.
"Now, how did you know about me and Jones?" Bill asked again.
Wills gave him an obvious look. "You're Bill Bootstraps. You're the one Daddy promised to free."
"Actually, it's Bootstrap Bill lad and how do you know about that?" asked Bill.
"Mum told me everything," said Wills.
"Everything?" asked Will with a touch of fright.
"Almost everything, just to our wedding," replied Elizabeth. Both Will and Bill sighed. "And about the chest."
"Wot!" Will cried.
"Daddy, did you and Mum really have your wedding in the middle of a battle?" asked Wills.
"We did Wills," said Will. "I can't believe you told him."
"We'll talk about that later, but our wedding wasn't proper," said Elizabeth. She smiled. "It was eagerly though."
"Like I promised," noted Will with a sigh.
"If you want a proper wedding all you have to do is go home," hinted Bill.
"Daddy, can we open my presents now?" Wills pleaded.
"Not until I have dessert," said Will.
"You're still eating dinner," whined Wills.
"I'll take dinner and dessert with me," said Will.
"But Thomas doesn't allow food in the parlor," added Wills.
"He can spare one night. I don't think very much food will be left once I get in there anyway," said Will, piling the best of what was left on his two plates. He took his cup of juice with his mouth and attempted to ask. "Are you coming?"
"Yay! Presents!" cried Wills, racing back into the parlor.
Will and Bill carefully set their plates of food on the table then the cups.
"Which one Daddy?" asked Wills.
Will motioned toward the large one. He handed Elizabeth the crate.
Elizabeth opened it and pulled out a beautiful chest. "Will, it's gorgeous."
"The men got it from Singapore," said Will. "It seems the Chinese know how to reach their Captain, Lord, and King."
"Daddy, I can't get this open," Wills complained as the pushed on the top of the chest with all his weight.
Will shooed him out of the way. He lifted at it. It didn't bulge. Both threw their weight into it.
"It's not opening. Why is it not opening?" Will asked himself.
"Mine won't open either," noted Elizabeth.
"They opened last night. I know they did," said Will.
Bill smiled. "Obviously they won't open because they don't have their keys to unlock. Now you can keep your deepest treasure safe from any others."
"Grandfather, do I get one key or two?" asked Wills.
"One, silly," said Will.
"But this one has two key holes," said Wills.
Will looked at the lock. "This isn't the chest I gave you. I didn't give you that one either." He looked at Elizabeth's. That chest also had two keyholes.
"I've seen a lock like this before," noted Wills, setting two fingers in the key holes. He shrugged. It wasn't worth wasting his time to think about.
Will swallowed hard. His hand trembled as he grasped the key below his tunic.
"Open it lad," said Bill, handing Wills the key.
Will looked at the key in horror. The key had two prongs and was attached to a leather cord. Elizabeth also had the same key but with a gold chain.
Bill gave Will a weak smile and shrugged. "They'll be safer," he said.
Will watched as his son swung the key around his neck. Horrible thoughts came to his mind as the weight around his neck seemed to double. He turned away from the key around his son's neck.
Wills opened the chest. His mouth dropped and eyes widened.
Elizabeth gently set the key beside her. She opened the chest. Inside were beautiful sapphire silks.
Will sat beside her. "It's my color," he softly explained.
Elizabeth pulled one out. As it unfolded a bright red appeared. She pulled this one. It was a long, thick silk sash. On both ends and in the middle was an image of dragon embroidery with black, gold, and silver thread. She recognized this to be the exact image of the dragon that Sao Feng's men bore as tattoos. Off the middle, a rope, knot pendant, much like the one Sao Feng had given her, was tied to it.
"You are still their Captain and King," whispered Will.
She smiled and noticed Chinese character embroidery above the dragon on the end.
Will pulled at the end of his sapphire blue sash. He had the same character embroidery in silver. Below that was an image of a setting sun in gold and red thread. Around the sun were rays of green thread.
"Over the edge, over again. Sunrise sets."
"Flash of green," finished Elizabeth.
"There's more," whispered Will, motioning toward the silks.
Elizabeth removed one more layer. Lying neatly on the silk was a necklace. In the middle were two crossing swords. A sapphire was over them. Knotted to each side were rubies.
"The fire and the sea," she whispered.
Both leaned in for a kiss.
"Daddy, stop kissing Mum and help," Wills moaned.
Will rolled his eyes, and smiled with a message of we'll continue later. He lifted the ship from the chest then pulled all the bags from it.
Wills watched as the ship soon became something very familiar. "The Black Pearl!" he cried.
Will nodded as he tied the rigging onto the masts. He attached the string holding a miniature flag. He handed his son the bag of cannons, cannonballs, barrels, and so on.
Wills placed them all over. He was handed another larger bag. He reached in. His eyes widened. "Captain Jack Sparrow!" He pulled all the figures from the bag and shouted each one as he did. When it was all done and set up, he threw his arms around his father. "Thank you Daddy. I love it."
"That's not all Wills," said Will. He pulled three more figures from a different bag then handed them to his son.
Wills looked at them. "It's you Daddy and Mum and Grandfather."
Will glanced at his father.
"Stop saying that lad. You bring me to tears each time," said Bill, wiping his eyes.
"You are sensitive," noted Will.
"I told you that a long time ago," reminded Bill. "I should leave you alone."
"No, please stay Grandfather. I want to play with you," Wills pleaded, grabbing his hand.
Tears flowed down Bill's face. "I suppose I could spare a few minutes." Will attempted to hide his laughter. "Oh, shut it Will."
"Where were we?" wondered Will, sitting beside Elizabeth. She grabbed the key and pulled him into a light kiss. "Ah, I remember now."
He set his hand behind Elizabeth's head to pull her into a kiss while she pulled the key closer. Clearly neither one was planning on letting the other go.
Bill glanced at them a moment then turned his attention back to Wills and sat in front of him more. Both laughed as Jack walked the plank again. Wills looked at his miniature pirate flag. It the distance he saw his parents continuing their kiss. He giggled and made kissy noises.
Will broke away, noticing his son. His face went red.
"I'm not finished Captain Turner," said Elizabeth, pulling him in with the key.
Bill laughed and covered his grandson's eyes. Wills laughed as he tried pulling his hand away.
"Now we're finished," Will told them.
"For now," added Elizabeth sweetly as she traced his jaw line. She went to this ship and felt the smooth wood. "Did you carve this yourself?"
Will nodded. "It took me nearly three years to carve everything and find the cloths."
"Is that all you do?" wondered Elizabeth.
"When you ferry souls right away as to not let them build up, you tend to have a day or two without a single soul or at least a good afternoon or morning. I couldn't hide the blacksmith anymore," said Will.
"Elizabeth, he has an entire wall of shelves with carvings of anything we can think of. The crew, me as well, have our own carvings. Every child that is ferried is allowed to pick his or her own carving," said Bill.
"I'm still amazed you approve of it," said Will.
"Aye, it's something for you to do, but I do not enjoy it when you carve while sitting on the mast. I'm the one cleaning the wood shavings or having pieces fall on me," said Bill.
"Don't walk under me," Will told him obvious.
"Why do you bother cleaning the shavings?" asked Elizabeth confused.
"It's land," replied Bill.
Elizabeth seemed more confused. "The shavings are from wood and the ship is made of wood. He's been on the ship for ten years and he's fine. He can set foot on the deck, so what makes the wood shavings any different?"
"Thank you Elizabeth. I've been trying to tell him that for ten years," said Will, pleased that someone saw it his way.
Bill shook his head. "It's not just that. It's the hundreds of slivers the crew and I have gotten into my feet. Not everyone always wears their boots Will."
"Why do you think I always wear mine?" asked Will, his words becoming laughter.
"You only wear your boots when you're carving," Bill told him.
"That's why I wear my boots when I carve," Will laughed.
Elizabeth smiled hearing his laughter again. "Promise me you won't ever stop laughing," she said, looking into his eyes.
"What did Daddy carve for you?" wondered Wills.
"A pair to sea turtles. Half his carvings are sea turtles anyway," replied Bill.
Will smiled and shrugged innocently.
Wills suddenly ran out of the room. He ran back in holding two objects. "I have a pair of sea turtles too!" he shouted, plopping next to them.
Will smiled and nodded. "I was wondering when you were going to show them to me," he noted.
"Where did you get these? I don't remember Will sending you any," wondered Bill.
"Yes you do. He was a sickly six year old boy that burned with fever," said Will.
"That was him!" cried Bill.
"I knew it was him the moment I truly looked at him," said Will, pulling his son into his lap.
"No, I got one when I was really sick and another washed up on shore a week later," said Wills.
"I know. Wills, your soul came to me. I knew it was you. We've known each other for three years and you didn't even realize you knew me. Your soul was strong and fighting long after you came to me. You are unmistakably a Turner," said Will, holding Wills tighter.
Wills suddenly broke out of his father's arms. He looked at the double lock. "I know where I've seen that. It's like the lock that's on your chest Daddy!" he cried.
"Oh, which chest is this Wills?" stuttered Will with fright.
"Mum says that your heart is inside it. That can't be real though, but it was real. It was in my room all week. It really does sound like a heart beating," said Wills softly. He seemed to finally believe it.
Will glanced at Elizabeth. He gazed into her eyes with eyes of fright and wanting to know.
Bill stood. "I think I'll leave you three alone now. There's a lot of time to be catching up on. Thank you for dinner Elizabeth, it was delicious."
"Good night Grandfather," said Wills. He hugged Bill who moaned as his eyes moistened. "Why do you always cry when I call you grandfather?"
"Because lad, I love it when you say that," said Bill. He kissed his grandson's head. "Good night Wills. If any of you need me I'll be up all night keeping the peace on the ship." He looked at Will, giving him a promising look.
Wills watched him grab his coat and boots then leave. He sat back in front of his ship. He played more.
Will looked at him playing. A necklace dangled from his neck. He touched it.
"I never take it off," Wills told him.
"I've tried, but he bit me the last time I attempted to take it off before his bath," added Elizabeth with a laugh.
Will smiled. "What are you playing?" he asked, scooting closer.
"A battle which you and Mum get married," said Wills.
"I think about that all the time," said Will.
"Daddy, is your heart really in that chest?" asked Wills softly.
Will felt a sudden burning pain where his heart should be. He pulled Wills into his chest. He set his son's ear next to the scar. Tears fell down his face as Wills softly gasped. He was very aware of the tears falling gently from his eyes and quickly removed them from his face.
Elizabeth shut her eyes, not wanting to see anymore of the look on Wills's or Will's faces.
Will took a deep breath.
Wills gazed at his father with confused, not understanding eyes. He noticed the black cord around his father's neck. Slowly, he pulled at the cord until the key fell into his hand.
Will pulled the cord off his neck then handed it to his son.
Wills gently took the key. It was like his but larger. He saw the look on his father's face then looked at his chest. There was the scar that ran alongside the cavern where his heart once was. He noticed it wasn't just a scar. It was a precise cut along his chest. He traced it. Much more hesitantly, he set his ear against it. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. There was no heart beating in his father's chest. He knew that a moment ago, but now he truly came to realize it. Instead, there was just a precise cut. Things were put together. There was a precise cut on his father's chest, his father had no heart beating, there was a chest in his mother's room that had the sound of a beating heart and the chest had a double lock. Wills suddenly got up and sprinted out of the room. The key was still in his hand.
"Where is he going?" wondered Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth, where is the chest?" Will asked with a haunted tone.
"In my room," Elizabeth told him softly. Both looked at each other with horrified eyes. "Wills no!" she screamed standing.
Wills Turner knelt in front of the chest at his mother's bed. He unlocked it then threw the key on the bed. He began throwing the clothes aside. He dug deeper. The beating echoed as he pulled his father's coat off the chest then lifted it and set it on top the other one.
"William don't!" Elizabeth screamed, rushing in. She froze.
Wills looked at the key then set it in the lock. A match. She stared at the key and the lock with wide moist eyes. He looked at his father.
Will stood in the doorway. A great surge of emotion, pain, and memories filled him. His body trembled. His eyes overflowed with tears. They couldn't escape the chest. With each beat of the chest, his heart, he was more and more weak. He squeezed his eyes shut and covered his face as he slid down the doorframe to his knees.
"That's enough Wills. Put it away," Elizabeth pleaded, pulling her son from the chest. "You're hurting your father."
"I need to know Mum," Wills whispered. He looked at his father.
Will set his hand over his breast. Something inside of him was burning, as flame would have. The burning pain replaced his heart. This was the emotion that he felt. He felt pain from what he was without. He couldn't breathe.
Elizabeth rushed to him. She set her hands on his face. "Will, breathe. Stay with me. Please Will."
Wills turned back to the chest. He thought his own heart would come out of his chest. He needed to know. Hesitantly, he took the key and turned it. He jumped back when it opened and unlocked.
Will snapped back to reality. He watched as his son reached for the top of the chest. He raced to him and pushed him back as hard as he could.
Wills's head bounced off the wood. He crawled back into the wall.
Will grabbed his shoulders and squeezed, pushing him into the wall. "Don't you dare do it Wills! Do not ever open this chest! I do not want you to ever see it. Do you understand me? Never, never open this!" he hollered.
Tears flowed down Wills's face as he frantically nodded. Terror was written on his pale face. He had never been so frightened.
Will's hands slowly dropped from his son's shoulders.
Wills immediately ducked under his father's arm. He sprinted from the room, barely able to breathe.
Will watched him until his eyes fell on the chest. He crawled to it then sat on his knees. He reached out for it then suddenly pulled away. It haunted him too much. He knew very well that his heart was inside. The Dead Man's Chest was illuminated with the moonlight. He turned away. Unable to listen to his heart beating, he burst into a mess of tears. He ran from the room to the only place he felt most comfortable.
Elizabeth found her son sitting in a dark corner in his room, holding his knees, rocking back and forth, crying into his arms. She pulled him apart and held him close to her chest.
Wills wrapped his arms around her. "Daddy hates me," he told her.
"No," whispered Elizabeth. She pushed Wills from clinging around her and took his frightened, teared face between her palms. "He's afraid of what happened to him. Hearing his heart and seeing what keeps it safe and not feeling anymore, it all frightens him. All of his feelings have been away for so long because he has no heart beating inside of him. The chest holds his feelings. Seeing it and hearing what is inside brought back all his feelings. He's just afraid."
"Afraid of what?" asked Wills.
Elizabeth shrugged. "I don't know, but I think he's afraid of you knowing most of all."
"Knowing what?" asked Wills.
"Everything," said Elizabeth.
"I don't understand. You always told me not to fear the truth because the truth is all we have in the world that helps us decide from right and wrong. You told me the truth is the only purity left," reminded Wills, his little face wrapped in confusion.
"I also told you the truth hurts did I not?" questioned Elizabeth.
Wills nodded slowly. He buried his face into his mother's chest.
Will Turner buried his face into his pillow in his quarters. He wanted to sail away from this world. He didn't belong here. He wanted to go back. He wanted time to go back exactly ten years just so he could die and not have to suffer this anymore.
Bill ran into the room. He rushed to his son's side and tried pulling Will from his pillow.
"Just leave me alone. Take me back. I don't want to be here anymore. I want to die. I don't want to be captain. I don't want this burden. I can't do it anymore. I just can't," said Will through his arms.
"What happened?" asked Bill, having an idea. "Was the chest opened?"
"He wanted to open it. He wanted to see it. He wanted to see my heart," said Will.
Bill pulled Will from his pillow and took his face between his palms. "Did he? Did he see it?"
Will shook his head. "I wouldn't let him. I don't want to be near it anymore. I don't want to feel anything. I want to die. I want you to take my place. You promised to heal my pain. Just let me go to Mum. Please, just let me go," he pleaded.
Bill tucked his son's head under his chin. He wrapped his arms around his son's body. He rocked back and forth, gently hushing him. He had a feeling something like this was going to happen. Will had been away for so long that seeing the chest again and feeling what feelings were would be too much on him at once. Bill began to softly sing a lullaby, one that Will had never heard before. This one was in French and was the most beautiful of all. He ran his fingers through Will's curls and shut his eyes, allowing the melody to take his mind back to the first time he heard it.
Hearing a floorboard creak, Bill opened his eyes toward the door where Elizabeth slowly entered.
She sat on the bed next to Will, beginning to rub his back.
"Where is he?" wondered Will, raising his head.
"Being entertained by the crew," replied Elizabeth.
"He thinks I hate him doesn't he?" asked Will.
Elizabeth shook her head. "No, I explained to him you love him and you're just afraid. He understands. At least, I think he understands. He wanted to see if you were all right. I think you were more shaken up than him."
Will nodded and drew a deep breath. He wiped his eyes then looked at his father. "I don't know what to do."
"Why don't you start by talking to your son? Remember how you were when you first started talking to me on this ship when we first met?" said Bill.
"I don't think Wills will want to hear about his mother," said Will.
"That's how you knew me," noted Elizabeth.
"He spent most of time talking about you until he finally fell asleep," said Bill.
"NO! Not the rum!"
All three sprinted to deck.
The crew stood, crowded at the bow petrified.
Will pushed his way through them.
Wills stood at the bow with a bottle of rum horizontal to the water, the rum slowly dripping from it. Three empty bottles were beside him. Terror was on his face as he was once again shouted at.
"What are you doing?" asked Elizabeth.
"You told me rum does bad things to people and I don't want anything bad happening to Daddy's ship," said Wills.
Elizabeth burst into laughter.
"But it's the rum," whined Skully, holding his hands out to the rum bottles.
"Don't worry lad, you can dispose of some of it, but not all of it. Keep six bottles. I may need them in the future," said Bill.
A smile widened across Will's face followed by a memory of disgust. He stuck his tongue out recalling the taste of rum returning from his stomach.
Catching on, the rest of the crew laughed quietly to themselves.
"Let's not do that again," suggested Will.
"I'm sorry Daddy," said Wills.
Will shut his eyes. He knelt. "No, Wills, I am. You don't have to apologize for anything. You are just a normal, curious nine year old boy."
Wills handed him the key.
Will set the key around his neck. He tucked it below his tunic then pulled his tunic more over the scar.
"Daddy, what happened?" asked Wills.
"Has your mother not told you?" wondered Will.
Wills shook his head. "Not really. She just said Davy Jones hurt you and you would have died if your heart wasn't put in the chest."
Will nodded. He stood and took his son's hand. "Come with me. We have a lot to talk about."
"Like what?" wondered Wills.
"Well, I don't know you and I want to know what my son is like and I know you want to know what I am like so we should go talk," said Will.
"Okay," said Wills as he was helped over the side of the ship.
"Do you think you'll need me?" Bill asked Elizabeth.
"No, I think the two of them just need to talk alone together. They'll settle things themselves. Wills is just as afraid as Will. They need time alone," said Elizabeth.
"Well, you know where I am if you need me again," said Bill
"I don't think Will is going to need you anymore tonight, especially when Wills is asleep and it's just him and I," said Elizabeth.
The crew looked at each other smirking.
"No, I think he'll be too occupied to think about anything," said Bill. "You got the nightgowns right?"
Elizabeth turned away from him for a moment. She pressed her palms together then pressed the thin line of her hands against her lips. "I think I'll wear the red one."
"Is that the only one that fits you?" wondered Bill.
"Every one of them fit but the white lace," said Elizabeth.
"Well, between us, that one had specific measurements," Bill said, leaning his head down to her ear.
"I'll make it count for ten more years," Elizabeth told him.
"Is that a promise?" wondered Bill.
"Oh, I will," said Elizabeth before climbing down.
"Someone is going to have an enjoyable night," noted Edward.
The rest of the crew nodded, envious of Will.
Will sat on the veranda and pulled Wills into his lap. He set his arm around his back. A deep breath was drawn before he began. "Ten years ago, on this very day I was made captain and heartless. You see, I saw that Jack was in trouble on the Flying Dutchman and I was on the Black Pearl where I had been fighting. Jack was fighting Jones and I went to help him. When I arrived one of the crewmembers attacked me. I got caught up on him. You mother saw that I had left and came to help me. Davy Jones threw her into the side of the ship. I was very exhausted. I could barely lift my sword. I also fell into the side of the ship. Your mother and I looked at each other, hoping Jack would do what he promised he would. He wanted to become captain. It just happened to be something that I was meant to do. Davy Jones did hurt me. He hurt me badly. I was dying Wills. I was dying very quickly. Jack helped me do something that ensured I was to be captain and therefore live again as an immortal being. He helped me stab Davy Jones's heart."
"Why?" wondered Wills.
"Because whoever stabs the heart to Davy Jones would take his place as captain and do the duty given. That duty is to ferry souls of those that have died at sea, for eternity. After I stabbed the heart, life left my body. I—I died in your mother's arms."
"But, Daddy, you're alive."
"In a way. My heart was cut from my body after I died. It was placed in the chest and I was made captain of the Flying Dutchman."
"I don't understand."
"Do you understand curses?"
"Uh-huh."
"Being captain of the Flying Dutchman is a gift and a curse. I'm immortal aye, but I have no heart beating inside of me. It's locked away in that chest. That's not all the curse either. I must do the duty for ten years. Once that ten years has passed, I'm allowed one day with the one I love."
"Is that why you've never come home Daddy?"
"Aye, that's why Wills. It's been ten years. I am also dead still. My heart is not inside me. Do you understand what death is?"
"It's when you go to sleep and wake up in a different world that's better than this one."
"It's much better Wills. It's beautiful, but not as beautiful as you and your mother."
Wills gently touched his father's chest. "What's it like?"
"It's very odd. Sometimes I forget I'm alive. Other times I wonder how I'm alive. I sit on deck when it's quiet and try to remember what having a beating heart felt like. My body feels lonely. There is no pulse in me. I know I'm alive because I'm still breathing. Not only that, being so far away from my heart, I lose my feelings and emotions. Until tonight, I forgot what love felt like. I forgot what warmth, happiness, joy, life, and love brings."
"You don't remember?"
"Not really."
"Daddy, what's it like to die?"
"Are you afraid to die?"
Wills nodded. "I almost did once and I was so afraid."
"You don't need to be. There's no need to fear death. It doesn't hurt. It's soothing. When I was hurt and dying, I felt comforted knowing I would be somewhere better. Dying is calm. It just feels like falling asleep, but part of you knows you won't wake up. There is nothing to be afraid of. Don't ever fear death. Everyone dies Wills. When they do, they know they're time has come and accept it. When your time comes, many years from now, after a well lived and loved live, you'll accept it too. Don't fight it. Let it take you. Dying is no more than calmly and soothingly falling asleep. That's all Wills. That's all."
"That doesn't sound so bad."
"It isn't as long as you aren't afraid."
Wills snuggled in his father's body. Will wrapped his arms around him tightly. He let his cheek rest against his son's hair. He shut his eyes and swayed back and forth.
Wills listened to his father's soft breathing. He no longer cared that his father had no heart or heartbeat or pulse. He understood and accepted his father in every way.
Will felt his son's heart beating. His son had such a strong pulse beating through him. He could feel it. He kissed his son's head.
"Wills, promise me that you will never talk about the chest and curse again. Just forget they even exist. Tonight and tomorrow will be nothing but you, your mother, and me. It's just going to be us," Will whispered.
"I promise Daddy," replied Wills. "I love you."
"I love you too Wills. I love you my son," said Will softly and gently. He loosened his grasp but didn't let his son go. He wiped the tears from his and his son's eyes. He smiled and looked much happier. "Now, I barely know you. I want to know everything."
"Everything about me Daddy?" asked Wills surprised.
"Everything," Will replied.
Before Wills could begin, Elizabeth slowly came to them. She handed Wills his coat and Will's his from Port Royal.
"It's a cool night," she told them.
Wills put his coat on, but Will hesitated. He looked at his coat. Memories returned as he slipped his arms through the sleeves.
"Jack brought the coat and a few dresses," added Elizabeth.
Wills cleared his throat. "My full name is William James Turner the Third, after my father and grandfather. My pirate name is Cutlass James. I'm nine years and three months old. My favorite color is sapphire blue. I love watching sunsets. My uncle is Jack Sparrow but we're supposed to call him Jack Teague. My best friend's name is Alex and his father is the island's blacksmith and I know how to do some things already. My birthday is March 12. I have Mum's hair and your eyes and I guess I'm going to look like you someday. No one on this island thinks I'm very smart because I tell stories a lot and Nathan thinks I should hang myself before the Navy does because everyone thinks you are a pirate and I should do the Navy a favor and—"
"And who is this Nathan?" wondered Will.
"Nathan is just someone who doesn't like him. Normal child rivalry William, nothing much to worry about," Elizabeth assured him.
"But, Mum, you said you would like to show him a piece of your mind and I know that means you want to kill him," Wills told her.
"Well, of course I do Wills. He gave you the rope to do the work," said Elizabeth.
Wills nodded. "I know, and I put it on the Horizon just in case we come across a marine when we go out to sea. We'll put the noose to use with him."
"What have you been telling him?" Will asked, temporarily forgetting that another child told his son to hang himself.
"Just things," replied Elizabeth innocently and with a shrug.
"Anyway, back to me," announced Wills. "I want a pet but Mum says I can't have any pets. I plan on having my own ship when I'm older. I want to go sailing with you. Lily likes me. I'm the smartest in my class. I like Kate, but don't tell her that because she doesn't like me. I hate spiders. I'm not afraid of them I just hate them. They are really, really gross and creepy. Thomas thinks I'm a reincarnation of Beelzebub, whatever that is. I love playing on the beach. I learned to swim when I was very young. I don't like being cold at all and I easily get sick when I'm cold. When I was seven I almost died from a fever. I like running around. I don't like vegetables or kiwi or a lot of fruits. I like to climb on the trees. I have a little fort in the rocks. Alex isn't my best friend; he's my brother. I know three languages thank you very much. English, French, and Latin. I don't know why I need to know them but Mum made me learn French and Thomas taught me Latin. I kinda play the piano but I really want to play guitar because I know a lot of sailors that do. If I ever wanted to go sailing I know sailors from all over the world who would be willing to take me—"
"I can teach you how to play a guitar if you want," Will causally interrupted.
"You play?" cried Wills.
Will nodded. "My father taught me how to play guitar and my mother taught me how to play the piano. We have an organ on my ship and several guitars so there is always music."
"Can I have a sword?" Wills asked.
"I don't see why not. I had one when I was eight," Will said.
"For goodness sake. What is it with men?" Elizabeth asked herself. "William, he does not need a sword. There is no need for him to learn how to use one."
"But you said I could have one when I'm older," reminded Wills.
"When you are older yes," replied Elizabeth.
"Daddy said I could have a sword," said Wills.
"Do you have a sword that's meant for a nine year old?" wondered Will.
Wills shook his head. "Nope."
"Well, unless you have one made for you then I don't want you to have a sword just yet. I don't want you hurting yourself," Will told him, squishing him into his body then planting a kiss on his head.
"Um, that's all I can think of about me right now," said Wills.
"Do you want to hear about me?" Will asked.
Wills nodded his head rapidly with huge eyes.
"All right, but it's going to be very boring," said Will before beginning.
On and on he went. Wills listened intently. The smile on his face grew. His eyes never left his father not until it was quarter to midnight.
Will held his son still. He couldn't let go. His little body was warm and had such a strong pulse. His face was calm and lightly illuminated by the moon and firelight. With every breath his body moved slightly. Will shut his eyes. He let his cheek rest against his son's head. He wanted to live in this moment forever. He never wanted the sun to come up, because sunrise meant sunset and sunset meant another ten, long years. Soft lips touched his cheek.
"Will, we should put him to bed. He's had a long day and tomorrow is going to be even longer," whispered Elizabeth.
"I don't want to. I could stay awake and hold him forever," Will softly said.
"I know, but we must talk. I need to be alone with my husband again. After all, we do only have until sunset," said Elizabeth.
Will shut his eyes and nodded. He was avoiding this, but also understood her reasoning. He carried his son to his room and changed him into nightclothes. He tightly tucked him under his blankets then set his monkey in his arms.
"I'll be here when you wake up. I promise," he whispered. He kissed his head and walked out, slowly closing the door behind him.
Elizabeth took his hand. "Let's walk on the beach. It's a perfectly bright night and you probably want to feel sand beneath your toes again."
Will nodded and took her hand.
They walked out of the manor.
Again, Will hesitated to step onto the sand. He knew nothing was going to happen. It was just odd.
Elizabeth pulled him. "Come on you," she softly said.
Will slowly stepped onto the cool sand. He moved his toes into it. He loved how uneven and soft it was.
Still hand in hand, they walked along the shoreline. Elizabeth walked with her feet in the water. Will was completely on land. He wanted nothing to do with water at the moment. Far along the beach away from the Dutchman, they sat down. Will plopped down then fell back into the sand. He felt its course texture. He took handfuls and let it slip through his hands. Elizabeth watched him and said nothing. She let land and Will become friends again.
"Will," she began softly and unsure.
Still lying in the sand Will nodded. "Uh-huh."
Elizabeth shrugged. "I don't know where to begin. There's so much I want to tell you."
Will sat up. "Start at the beginning. That's always a good place. Start with our son."
"Raising him alone was more difficult than I thought. I don't know. All I can say about him is that he is like you in everyway. He's hardly afraid of anything. He loves the sea. He wants to grow up and be a pirate captain. Being away from you has made him strong and wise. He knows things that I would never figure out on my own. He can be a gentleman when he wants. Most of the time he's a living terror."
"So he's told me."
"He's been treated horribly at school. All the boys joke on him for not having a father. He's come home many times wanting to know why. I've told him what I could. I'm not so great at being a mother."
Will kissed her. "No, you are a wonderful mother. You've always been there for him. You raised him well. He's as normal as he can be. I'm the one who has been a horrible parent. He's nine and tonight was his first moments with me he'll remember. Sometimes I wonder if we should remain together. Ten years away from his father isn't healthy for our son."
"And neither is you feeling sorry and guilty. What happened happened Will. It happened ten years ago. Every night I thank God that I still have you even if you are half alive and I don't see you for ten years. Listening to your heart beating is good enough."
"It shouldn't have to be. Elizabeth, you deserve better than—"
Elizabeth pulled him into a kiss knowing it would shut him up. It did all too well. "Are you finished?" Will sighed and nodded. "I didn't wait ten years to hear my husband whine worse than his father crying like a baby." Will softly laughed at that. Elizabeth kissed him again. "Tell me about your crew and your father. Tell me everything you've ever done since we left."
Will sighed and began his tale. He did speak of everything since they parted. He explained the entire rum incident seeing his wife had heard about it. He told her all about his duty and how it felt, how much his crew truly did love him, how Jones's crew didn't leave until they made sure he was going to be all right, that Maccus and Greenbeard were still there, all about his father and how much was truly loved, some general things about life, when Jack came and the sand incident, and the master of Liar's Dice, the purpose of his wood carvings, he told her about the Bermuda Triangle and of David—He really told her everything good that happened on the ship.
"Will, that's all wonderful. I'm glad you and your father are close and the crew loves you. Though, these takes you've told me have been nothing bad. You've seemed so happy," said Elizabeth.
"That's pretty much all Elizabeth. There's no more to tell," said Will with a forced smile.
Elizabeth nodded. "Then I'll go first. I cried myself to sleep the first few night when I hid the chest and couldn't hear your heart. I went days without sleep from Wills crying at night. It killed me to look at the sunset. Sometimes I wanted to find another man to be with because of the loneliness. I considered finding Jack and forgetting about this. Every time I looked at our son as he grew, I couldn't help but hate him. Honestly Will, I hate everything about our son. He looks and acts too much like you. I hate the ship he has, wondering how much longer I can do this, telling him our story as a legend, him playing pirate every night, all the dreams I've had, most of all, I hate that we're married because I can't be with you and I hate your bloody beating heart. I hate you Captain William Turner. I hate everything about you." She pushed her hands into his chest, causing him to off balance.
Will sat up and nodded. "Fine. I hate you Elizabeth Turner and I hate Wills. I hate that I can never be with him, that I've never dried his tears, I've never told him a story, and we've been separated for nine years. I hate that you've waited for me instead of going to Jack. I hate your love because that's what got me in this mess anyway. I hate pirates, Davy Jones, the Flying Dutchman, my crew, the souls that come, this duty, curses, my own heart, and land. I hate land and the sea. I hate sunsets to because that's when I lose and gain you. I hate my father most of all. I hate crying in his arms. I hate when he holds me, tells me that it's all right, stays on the ship so I'm not alone, sits beside me whenever I'm alone, watches over me when I sleep, get me drunk for feeling sorry for myself then taking care of me. I hate when he pulls me into his chest just so I can hear his heart beating which always brings me back. I hate when he takes care of me and loves me. I hate nightmares about you leaving me and never seeing each other again. I hate Jack for not stabbing the heart in the first place and that he apologizes later and calls me his best friend. I hate Calypso. I hate destiny and immortality and death. Even more than my father I hate being a father, husband, son, and best friend because those close to me have to suffer as well. Elizabeth, I hate that you are mortal and I'm not, that you can grow old and I can't, that you can love and I can't. I hate that you're free while I'm forever cursed. I hate you." He pushed against her as well.
She sat up and looked at him.
He sighed and began piling sand on his legs.
"Better?" she asked. Will just nodded. "About crying in your father's arms and him loving you—"
"I know, I'm a baby," Will told her.
Elizabeth shook her head. "No, you're lucky to have someone like your father. He is loving and caring. I saw that tonight. I would love to have someone like that with me all the time who is willing to take care of me no matter what."
Will smiled. "You're just like my father. He forced these feelings out of me when they just begin."
"It's better to let it out anyway."
"Except, it's not just been this bad in nine years, not since the chest was near me at least," added Will.
"The only death I fear now is a death away from you," whispered Elizabeth as she cuddled into Will.
Will set his arms around her. "I've missed you so much. I miss everything about you. I miss your eyes, soft long hair, slender body, gentle skin, your smile and laughter, your kisses." He slowly moved his eyes upward into hers. "I miss the love you gave me ten years ago."
He gazed into her eyes, his own pleading. He leaned closer as he set his hand on her cheek. "Elizabeth…" he whispered softly. He kissed her neck lovingly. His hand found her head, the other moving up her body.
Elizabeth shut her eyes and moved her head lower. Their lips met. She fell into the sand. Her hands reached up his back. Will was over her continuing. She suddenly stopped.
"Will, why are we in the sand? There is a bed in our room," she said.
Will smiled. Our room. He lifted her into his arms. He carried her along the shoreline, her sweet kisses consuming his cheek. One more night just like ten years ago.
Elizabeth told him to wait in the room while she prepared something for him. He wanted to get to the loving her part, but of course, being a female she probably had something else in mind so he wandered around her bedroom and looked at her things. The chest was locked in the larger chest thankfully and he couldn't hear it. Being near the chest for one night, especially that night, wasn't going to be a bad thing.
"Are you done yet?" he called to the other room.
"Patience is a virtue William," Elizabeth told him.
Will sighed heavily and flopped on the bed and bounced when he did. He smiled at that then threw his arms on the bed. It was so soft and warm. He wasn't at all tired. He spent the week resting for that night and Elizabeth was beginning to ruin it for him.
"Now are you done?" he called to the ceiling. No answer. He pushed his torso upward. "Eliz—"
Elizabeth stood in the doorway swinging the ties to the sheer black robe around in front of her. Beneath the robe she wore a bright red fiery nightgown that fell to her knees. Tiny red straps went around her shoulders. The material barely covered her chest, as it was kept together by crossing strings and was pressed against every part of her body to mid thigh. Below, the red was sheer and flowing. As she walked to Will she spun in a circle. The entire backside was tied all the way down to her hips with a criss cross pattern to that of a corset however the eyelets were on her sides. Her hair was also pulled up at the crown of her head and spilling back save for one loose strand at the side of her face.
"Well, what do you think?" she asked.
Will's eyes looking her up and down over and over gave her the answer she wanted. They widened, when she let the black robe slip to the floor and pulled the red skirt away. He reached his hand out for her.
"Uh uh, what do we say?" asked Elizabeth.
Will made the attempt to say something, for his lips moved and sounds came out. He simply reached forward and pulled on her arms until she crawled on the bed and over him.
"I know my mother wore this, but I'm not seeing her."
"That's an odd thing to say," noted Elizabeth.
"I'm not seeing you either," Will noticed, his hands running up her belly. "Silk."
"You like I would assume?" wondered Elizabeth.
Two fingers pulled at the bow keeping the cloth covering her chest until the strings were wrapped around Will's finger. "Now I like better."
Elizabeth unbuttoned his tunic and nodded. "Agreed."
Will set both hands behind her head and pulled her lips onto his…
Will watched over his wife as she slept. She was lying on his chest with her head over the scar, her hand intertwined with his. Her bare body was beautifully illuminated by the moonlight. He felt warm and free. For a moment his eyes fell on the chest at the foot of the bed. At least his heart was safe. She was always keeping watch on it. He looked back at her with a soft smile. In a way he wanted her to bury the chest on the beach, but he knew she wouldn't keep herself away from him. He gently brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers. She smiled in her dream as she moved into his body more.
"I love you Elizabeth," he whispered softly. He kissed her head. In the distance he heard the clock toll five. He forgot to mention how much he hated time as well, despite the fact that she just fell asleep.
Elizabeth stirred a bit more then gently opened her eyes. She looked up and smiled.
"Good morning Mrs. Turner," Will greeted softly. He leaned down for a kiss.
"Haven't you had enough yet Mr. Turner?" wondered Elizabeth.
"I just want more, enough to satisfy for ten years," replied Will.
Elizabeth smiled. "Me too." She gently pushed the hair back from his face.
"You're so beautiful when you sleep," Will told her dreamily.
"Why didn't you wake me?" asked Elizabeth.
"Because you're so beautiful," Will repeated.
Elizabeth smiled. She pulled at his curled hair. She touched the earring.
"I've noticed, but I always wanted to know," she said.
Will smiled with a laugh. "Well, I was thinking about it after we returned to Port Royal. I considered it for so long while we were planning our proper wedding. I was unsure because no one in Port Royal liked me and no one your father knew approved of me. Trust me, I've heard what they said about me."
"Will, you know I didn't care. I never listened to them. They were just snobby, arranged marriage aristocrats that don't know what love is," said Elizabeth, squeezing Will's hand more.
Will smiled and continued. "After we went off to find Jack, I took it into deep consideration. There was just something about having an earring that called me. Later, I realized it was because I knew I no longer belonged in Colonial society. The sea and pirate life was calling. In the middle of the journey, I spoke with Josh about it. Barbossa over heard. Next time we went to port I stayed on the ship because you were and I didn't want to leave you. So, then Barbossa takes me into the cabin and holds an earring and a needle?"
"You let Barbossa put a hole in your ear?" wondered Elizabeth surprised and loudly.
"Of course not. I let Josh do it," replied Will.
"What if it had gotten infected? You could have died," noted Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth, should it have gotten infected I would have taken it out. Seeing as it didn't, I left it in. It's ironic, my father has two in his left ear," said Will.
"Like father like son."
"Do you think our son will want one? After all, he is exactly like me."
"If he does I won't stop him, but I will want to know about it. Besides, it adds just the right touch to you Captain Turner," Elizabeth said as she touched the earring again.
Will rolled onto his side. He leaned over the bed exposing his back.
Elizabeth touched one of the light tan scars, truly noticing them for the first time.
Will noticed. He set something on the bedside table under his tunic the turned back over to face her. "I've never told anyone so it's no wonder why you are curious."
"Before we left Tia Dalma's shack I knew she had taken you to a room in the corner. I heard her say something about looking at your back before infection set it. This is what she meant isn't it?" asked Elizabeth.
Will slowly nodded. "It happened when Jack tricked me onto my ship. Well, it wasn't my ship at the time. Anyway, we were hauling a cannon and one of the ropes loosened. An order was shouted for Mr. Turner. My father and I both went to the rope. We pulled at it and he looked at me. He told me he knew who I was the moment he saw my eyes illuminated by the lightening. The rope slipped from his hand and I was dragged along. The cannon fell and I was to be given five lashes. My father knew who I was and for the first time in my life since I was three, I saw my father. Instead of the Bo'sun delivering the lashes my father did. Later, he told me that it was an act of compassion. Not long ago, he told me that was the worst thing he had ever done in his life and never plans to forgive himself. It really wasn't the reunion he wanted if at all he saw me again."
"Oh, Will, why didn't you tell me?" wondered Elizabeth, gently stroking his cheek.
Will shrugged. "I just didn't want you to know. Only four people know now and three of them aren't truly alive. You are the only living person that knows. Please make it stay that way."
"I will. I promise," said Elizabeth. She rested her head back over his chest. A smile widened on her face. "It's beautiful."
"What is?" wondered Will confused. "I don't hear anything."
Elizabeth nodded. "Exactly. Neither do I."
"You should," said Will.
Elizabeth shook her head. "Not hearing you heart beating means that you are still alive and your heart belongs to me. Me lying on someone's silent chest means I'm laying on you. It means we're together."
"Only you would see it that way," said Will. He slowly reached behind him once Elizabeth shut her eyes listening to nothing.
A melody suddenly softly filled the room. Elizabeth opened her eyes. She glanced around the room wondering where that beautiful, yet, haunting tune came from. As it suddenly began again, she looked around once more. Where was it?
Will slowly placed his hand between the two of them again.
Elizabeth looked down. She took her music box into her hand. This was it. She gazed at the gears and gizmos turning inside.
"You needed something other than my own heart to listen to," whispered Will.
"Where did you find this?" asked Elizabeth with tears in her eyes.
"Remember long ago, when we sat at the organ and played around with notes and I played a few things I had come up with? This is what it became. I made this music box Elizabeth," Will told her.
She looked at him with a teary smile.
They lay in bed with the music box playing between them.
Will saw how much she loved it. Each time it started up she fell into it more and more. Mesmerized by its sounds she couldn't turn away. Will smiled. He had done it. All that he worried and toiled over was in her hand and continued to play. So tired now and relieved, he finally shut his eyes and allowed sleep to consume him.
Elizabeth silently shut the music box once she noticed Will was sleeping. She saw that it was a sea turtle. Her name was delicately engraved on the shell with crossing swords beneath. One sea turtle with her name could only mean one thing. She gazed at her Will, knowing he had the other.