Gazing at the folded sails, Will thought of the tasks ahead of him. He was to help Jack remember who he was and, in doing so, learn to sing and play guitar, memorize a book of medicines and illnesses and Edward's private journals, captain a pirate ship, face his family again, heal the steady infection on his chest, teach Jack everything he was learning, and somehow make his wife wake. The very thought of everything caused his head to spin and mind already tire.
"Why me?" he asked the clouds in the sky.
He walked slowly across the deserted ship. Everyone else was in the fortress eating breakfast and saying farewells to the other Lords and their crews. His eyes went to the helm and feet took him there.
Slowly, his hands grasped the wheel. He looked across the ship. Many days and hours he stood beside Barbossa watching over the crew. Since partaking in piracy, he did want to captain a ship. On the journey to Singapore, there were times he was asked to take the wheel. Clearly he was trusted enough to at least take the wheel. During those times, he felt the freedom Jack always spoke of. Over time, the desire to have his own ship grew inside of him. Since he was a child he did want to captain his own ship. Although his wish was soon to come true it was wrong. Had Jack not lost his memory he wouldn't be learning all that it takes to captain a ship.
Feeling this was wrong, he took his hands from the wheel to simply sit on the helm stairs. His elbows rested on his knees and fingers grab his hair to support his head. This was very, very wrong. The world seemed to believe restoring Jack's memory was his doing and only his alone. Of course he would receive help, but no one would do anything for Jack. Already, he noticed help to himself and not to Jack. Anything involving Jack was dealt with through him. He was in physical and mental pain and everything in the world depended upon him.
For the thousandth time in his life, he wanted his father to simply hold him and tell him everything was going to be alright. He knew it was a childish thought, but even grown men needed their fathers on occasion. Now that he knew his father existed he wanted him now more than ever. By the time his father was free everything could possibly and hopefully be resolved. If Elizabeth would simply wake and Jack suddenly remember again everything in his world would return to normal as much as it could after seeing and facing everything since he was twenty. His world changed and he didn't have the time to change with it.
"Will?" Jack's voice called.
Will slowly raised his head.
Jack Sparrow stood on the dock with confusion on his face as he went on the tip of his toes to search the ships.
"I'm right here Jack," Will called back as he walked across the deck to meet Jack on the dock.
A smile spread across Jack's face as he walked on the dock and climbed onto the Pearl like he had so many times before. Unlike several things he had done since coming down with amnesia climbing aboard the Pearl was not a questioned action.
"What is it Jack?" asked Will.
"I was just wondering where you were," replied Jack as his eyes gazed all around.
"This is a ship Jack," said Will.
"The Black Pearl?" asked Jack slowly.
Will nodded with half a smile on his face. "This is your ship Jack."
Jack looked at Will. "You're going to teach me right?"
"After Barbossa teaches me," said Will. Jack looked at him oddly. "Jack, I don't know how to do everything. I'll teach you to captain a ship after I'm taught."
"Can you teach me to read and write?" asked Jack.
"Of course," replied Will.
"I looked at a book this morning and didn't know what to do with it. Hector said you read books and I can't read," said Jack.
"I'll teach you when we are at sea sometime soon. I promise," said Will.
"When are we leaving?" wondered Jack.
"Early tomorrow morning," replied Will.
"Then what are we going to do today?" wondered Jack as he stepped closer to Will.
Will shrugged as he leaned against the side of the ship. He clutched the rail in his palm. "Whatever you want Jack."
Observing Will, Jack mimicked the position he was standing. Exactly.
"Do you want me to answer more questions that you have?" asked Will.
"You don't know a lot about me so that does no good," said Jack. "Sorry."
"I'm solving that problem soon. I found journals your father wrote since you were born. It has everything about your life in it," said Will. He stood straight again. "Perhaps when you can read I'll let you read those."
"I think that would be helpful," said Jack.
"So what do you want to do?" Will asked again.
Jack shrugged. "What is there to do?"
This time Will shrugged. "I'm not familiar with this place so I'm not sure." He leaned his arms over the rail.
Jack imitated his same position again.
Will looked at him with a thought in his eyes. "Did I ever tell you the time we first met?"
"We met in Port Royal," said Jack. His eyes widened. "Is this a good time to explain to me what a pirate is because you said you would when there was more time and it's only morning?"
"I don't think I can do that," Will told him. Jack's face formed into a disappointed pout. "It isn't because I don't want to tell you Jack. Each definition for a pirate is different as you ask. I don't know how to explain what pirates are. For the longest time of my life I hated pirates. Until I was dragged into their world by you, I never understood. Now, I find there are no better men in the world than pirates. I understand. I can't explain it to you. Jack, I cannot explain it to myself. It is something I simply saw and understood. Eventually, I became that person."
"Since I'm a pirate am I a good man?" wondered Jack.
Will turned his body to look at him. "Jack Sparrow, I don't believe I can meet a better man than you."
Knowing that was a compliment, Jack smiled to himself. "Everything inside of me feels warm and something else. I don't know what it means."
"That is the feeling of pride and happiness. It's a good feeling to have," said Will.
"Well then that's good," said Jack.
"Have you eaten anything yet?" wondered Will.
"Yes, but have you?" asked Jack.
Will shook his head. "I've not been hungry recently."
"I don't know a lot but I know that isn't right," said Jack.
"I'll be fine Jack," Will told him.
"I don't care," said Jack. He grabbed Will's arm. "You are coming with me and I'm going to make you eat something."
"Jack," began Will.
"William, shut it," Jack snapped as he turned to face Will.
For a single moment Will's heart stopped beating. Only Jack Sparrow as he should be spoke those words like that.
Finding it difficult to pull away from Jack's grasp, Will willingly followed his companion to the kitchen.
"Mr. whoever-only-has-one-eye, come here," called Jack.
"His name is Ragetti," muttered Will.
Jack turned to Will and pointed at him. "Thank you." He looked out at the faces again. "Mr. Ragetti, come here."
Through the crowd, Ragetti came running with a bowl and the spoon in his hand was still mixing. "Aye Captain?"
"Captain?" wondered Jack.
"I already told you. The ship we were just on, you are captain of that ship. You were before you lost your memory," said Will.
"Oh," Jack said dully. He shook it aside before pointing to Will. "He needs to eat something."
Ragetti looked at Will. "What do you want Mr. Turner?"
"I'm not hungry Ragetti. You don't have to make anything for me," said Will.
He cried out when a sharp slap smacked the back of his head. Turning, he watched as Jack lowered his hand and glared at him. Will sighed as he looked at Ragetti.
"Anything warm."
"All right," said Ragetti before walking briskly back into the kitchens.
Jack dragged Will to an open place in the center of the room. "Why don't you want to eat? I don't feel well when I don't eat? Do you not feel anything when you are hungry?"
"I've not been hungry Jack. Perhaps I have been hungry, but I don't feel hungry," said Will. "And why do you want me to eat."
"Not eating is bad," Jack told him. "I don't want anything bad happening to you. You're all I have Will. I can't lose you."
"You have more than me Jack. Look around you. We are all going to help you remember who you are. I promised you," said Will.
Jack's eyes did gaze around the room at the many faces. "Are you sure?"
"Of course Jack," said Will. He leaned forward to trace the necklace with the tips of his fingers.
A half smile spread across Jack's face, once again reminding Will it was Jack Sparrow in front of him.
"Ah Will, I've been looking for you lad," called Gibbs as he scurried his way through the crowd.
"What now Josh?" asked Will.
"Since we are going to London and will be staying in your grandfather's home, I thought it appropriate that you two bathe today," said Josh.
"What?" wondered Jack, turning to Will.
Will's eyebrow raised as he looked at Gibbs. He pulled his tunic aside with one hand as the other pointed to his chest. "And how am I to do that?"
"I'm still working on it Will," said Gibbs.
"What are we going to do?" Jack asked Will.
"We are going to take a bath apparently, which means clean our bodies with hot water and soaps," said Will. "Trust me, it will feel good for you. I have the feeling it will not feel well on myself."
"Why not?" asked Jack.
"Oils and soaps and dirty water don't feel good on healing wounds," said Will.
"So it hurts then," assumed Jack.
Will nodded. "It will."
"Don't worry Jack," said Gibbs, seeing the concern in Jack's eyes. "I assure you I'm not going to hurt Will. We'll find a way to clean out his chest with clean water."
"I'll make sure of that," Will told him. He moved Jack's head so he was looking into Jack's eyes. "Don't worry about me."
"I do because you are all I have Will. I don't trust anyone else but you," said Jack.
"I thought we've been through this Jack," said Will. His eyes moved to Gibbs. "What about Mr. Gibbs?"
"All he does is hurt you. Why would I trust someone who only hurts you?" said Jack.
"He isn't hurting me Jack. He's helping me heal, keeping me alive," said Will. "Do you know what happened to me?"
Jack shook his head. "No, if you haven't remembered, I don't have a memory."
Will opened his mouth to speak just as Ragetti returned to him.
"I made you warm biscuits and porridge with cinnamon and sugar. I remembered Bill liked this. And I brought strawberry jam too cuz Bill really liked that," said Ragetti.
"Actually, I do like it. A lot," said Will as he took the plate.
He offered Jack a bite, but the pirate refused and told Will it was his to eat and he was going to make sure Will ate it all.
So, Will ate while speaking with the other members of the Pirate Court, which fascinated him and Jack. By the time he finished his food, the porridge was freezing and not at all appetizing. Staying true to his word, Jack did make Will eat the food before allowing him to leave.
Not long after, Will found himself standing near a tub of steaming water dressed in a robe simply wondering how he was going to bathe his body when his chest and belly were in the condition that it is. Oils and soaps foamed the surface of the water, so clearly he didn't want to submerge his chest and his belly was another matter. However, his chest was more deeply cut of the two wounds.
Towels were piled on a shelf in the corner. His eyes lit as he came up with a solution. He grabbed two towels, and submerged them in the water before slowly stepping in the tub. The idea was quite successful. Sitting on the towels caused the water to stop at his elbows, giving his wound plenty of distance from the water.
Of the areas that he submerged, his body thanked him. Months of dirt, sweat, and sea grim washed from his body. With a rag soaked in soaps, he washed what he could of his body.
If it was possible for this feeling to be true, Will felt lighter than he did before washing his body.
He managed to submerse more of his body under the water without causing the oils, soaps, and now grim to go into his wound. Content by the smells, quiet atmosphere, and warm water, he felt his eyes shut. Drifting into a light sleep, he saw Jack as Jack Sparrow should be.
"I hope you aren't intending to get that wound of yours infected Will."
"I don't Josh," said Will.
"Then perhaps you should sit up," said Gibbs.
Will opened his eyes and breathed sharply as he pushed himself from beneath the water. He held his breath, not allowing the scream of pain to come forth. Instead, he breathed deeply.
"You were like that for a time weren't you?" wondered Gibbs.
"How long have I been in here?" asked Will.
"Over an hour," replied Gibbs.
"My guess is it was close to an hour," said Will. "I most likely feel asleep."
"I noticed," muttered Gibbs.
Hearing the familiar sound of glass colliding together, Will shut his eyes as he turned his head. On another towel beside the tub were many glass bottles. Some looked familiar and others were new.
"Now what are you going to do to me?" he wondered.
"As you know, I need to clean that wound," said Gibbs. "More than I did before seeing as you decided to soak it in filthy water."
"Cold filthy water," muttered Will.
"Ragetti is solving that problem," said Gibbs.
As if on cue, Ragetti entered the room with two large buckets, one on each side. "I have more hot water Will."
Looking at the bucket an idea came to Will. He looked at Gibbs who was looking at him apparently thinking the same thought.
"Ragetti, bring more," said Will, the thought being reflected in his voice.
"All right," said Ragetti. "How many more buckets do you need?"
"Three or four," replied Gibbs.
Ragetti nodded. "Of course." He sprinted from the room.
The two buckets were added to the water, warming it greatly.
Sighing, Will shut his eyes again. "Why do you need four buckets of clean water?
"One to clean your chest, two for your hair, and the last is to be used for the rag that will remove the dead skin from your chest," said Gibbs.
"Are you going to pull the stitches from my chest?" asked Will.
"It must be done," said Gibbs.
"Fine," muttered Will.
After the many nights and mornings of stitching being removed and replaced, Will sat calmly in the water. He played with the bubbles, creating towers out of them and piling them onto his knee. Pain was present, however, it was pain familiar to him.
Once Ragetti returned with the third and fourth bucket, Will continued to sit with his eyes staring at the bubbles.
"You know this is going to hurt," warned Gibbs.
"Hot water generally causes wounds pain," said Will as he brought his left hand down since Gibbs was on his left side.
The moment the hot water touched his skin, Will bit his lip and breathed deeply. He turned his head to watch the sheer ivory curtains dance by the gentle breeze. When Gibbs began scrubbing across the cut, he squeezed his eyes shut. He felt every piece of dead skin pulling from his living body.
"You have no idea how much this hurts," he whispered.
"I've seen that look on too many faces not to have an idea," said Gibbs.
The usual mixture of healing plants and herbs was smeared across his chest. Since nothing was to keep the mixture from entering his body entirely, Will pressed his back against the side of the tub, as all he felt was the immense stinging.
"Every time you put that on my chest, it hurts worse than before," he said through his teeth.
"Do not tell me that Will. This medication has been known to cause immense pain before infection sets in. Having an infection on these areas of your body is not something I want to happen," said Gibbs.
"You won't be the one with the infection," Will told him. "And I believe it was because the dead skin was removed and therefore is allowing your lovely blends to enter my body."
Gibbs nodded his head. That was quite a true possibility as well. "Tilt you head back, we need to wash this hair of yours."
Agreeing whole heartedly, Will leaned his head back. Again, he felt his head lighten as soaps and oils were rubbed into his hair, and washed out.
"Vanilla," he whispered, breathing deeply. "And a flower."
"Rose petals Will," said Gibbs. "Your father mentioned a few things here and there he wanted you to accomplish. Bathing was one of them. He also mentioned a few oils and soaps to use."
A wide smile came across Will's relaxed face. "What else did my father mention to you?"
"Other than the necessities of eating, drinking, sleeping and bathing, he did tell all of us to keep an eye out for you. With his mind, he saw you doing something stupid," said Gibbs. Will rolled his eyes. "You have been know to do stupid actions Will. He also said to write on occasion."
"And how do I send a paper letter to a world away?" wondered Will.
"Bill and Tia Dalma have an agreement between them. For some reason, she wants you to write to your father. According to her, she said you would need to tell him things you wouldn't dare tell anyone else. I would expect these things to involve Jack. It is as though she knew Jack would have no memory."
"She once told me I have a touch of destiny within me. When Governor Swann was telling of the chest, she said 'a touch of destiny'," said Will.
Gibbs's eyes lit with wonder and a thought inside his head. "William, have you considered those words?"
"I have Josh. Quite recently I've been thinking of these past few months," said Will. He ran his finger alongside the scar until he felt a strong beat. "I have realized it was meant to be me. I was supposed to be the captain of the Flying Dutchman. During that battle, something happened she didn't see or someone wasn't supposed to be there." His eyes gazed distantly. "Everyday, when I feel my heart beat and see the scar I know it was supposed to be me. I can't let it go."
"Perhaps this is something you should write your father," suggested Gibbs.
"Should I tell him of Jack?" wondered Will.
"Your father knows Jack Sparrow better than Edward or I," said Gibbs.
"Then how do I tell him?" asked Will.
"You simply tell him. You need your father to help you in this matter. Jack Sparrow has a dark past. I know some things you don't about him," said Gibbs.
"Such as?" asked Will.
Joshamee Gibbs shook his head. "Ask your father. Not me Will." He stood and collected the bottles. "Don't stay in the water too much longer. I need to stitch you up yet."
"Let me dry and get into my robe. I'll meet you in my room," said Will.
Gibbs gave a nod of his head before leaving the room.
For a few minutes, Will allowed his eyes to remain shut as he simply soaked in the water. Feeling the temperature cool with each second, he stepped out of the tub and dried off.
While walking to his room, he squeezed small amounts of his hair in the towel.
"Will," Jack's voice called behind him.
"Aye," said Will as he stopped and turned.
Jack opened his mouth to speak then looked at Will in curiosity and wonder. "Why are you dripping?"
"I took a bath Jack and you're next," said Will.
"Oh," replied Jack.
"You wanted me?" wondered Will.
Jack raised a finger then shut his mouth. "I can't remember what I was going to say to you."
"I do that too," said Will.
"You don't remember what you are going to say before you say something so it isn't just me?" wondered Jack.
Answering his question, Will simply nodded. He motioned Jack to follow him. "Can you do something for me within the hour?"
"Of course," said Jack.
"I need you to comb my hair. I know it needs it and I know I cannot get the back," said Will.
"Comb your hair?" asked Jack.
"I'll show you," said Will.
Not long after, Will sat against several pillows in long trousers simply watching Gibbs thread a needle. He felt eyes gazing at him.
Jack's wide eyes stared up and down the cut on Will's torso. His mouth was slightly open.
Will followed his eyes. He lifted Jack's head. "Your memory was lost. My life nearly ended. A sword came across my torso and that's all I remember."
"Someone did this to you?" wondered Jack quietly.
"Someone," emphasized Will. "I don't know who, but someone."
Jack's eyes narrowed in sadness as he looked at Will. "Why would someone do this to you?"
"Battle is never clear. Enemies fight and have but one desire: kill the opposing side. I was on the opposing side of the person who did this to me," said Will.
"Lay back," Gibbs's voice said as his hand went on Will's shoulder.
Jack watched as the tip of the needle disappeared within his friend's flesh. His eyes widened in terror as he looked at Will's face as his face paled and body cringed.
"This doesn't hurt badly Jack. It has to be done for me to heal properly," said Will.
"It looks like it hurts," Jack told him.
"Nope," said Will, shaking his head.
On purpose it seemed, Will breathed sharply and flinched. He turned to Gibbs with a glare.
His own eyes narrow, Gibbs looked at Will, he knowing the truth as well as Will.
"Doesn't hurt?" wondered Jack.
"I said it doesn't hurt badly. That was the badly of my words," said Will.
"It looks painful to me," muttered Jack.
"Jackie, I've had this done every morning and evening for days and every time this area always causes the most pain," said Will.
"Which is what concerns me," said Gibbs.
"Why?" wondered Jack.
"His small infection is still present. This area is where his skin is warmest," said Gibbs.
"I've heard you talk of infection," began Jack. "What is an infection?"
Gibbs drew a deep breath. "Infection is something that occurs when the body is unable to heal a wound. It is not pleasant to have. Fever is associated. There have been times infection has led to—"
"Jack," interrupted Will. "I'll be fine."
He and Gibbs shared a look.
Admitting it was wrong of him to nearly say "infection has led to death". With Jack as he is, that was the last thing he needed on his mind. Observing Jack's behavior in Will's current situation was terrible enough on the young man.
"Jack, I'm not going to die. I'll be fine," said Will. He brushed his fingers along the cord around Jack's neck. "I promise."
Jack nodded. His eyes briefly turned to Will's chest again. They never left the wound across Will's body until Will was buttoning his tunic. Even then he saw the mark through the cloth.
"This is a comb Jack," said Will.
"What?" asked Jack, blinking his eyes and seeing what was in front of his eyes rather than what was not.
"I need you to pull this through my hair," said Will as he handed the comb to Jack.
"I think I can do that," said Jack. He took a curl then pulled the teeth through the hair. "Like that?"
"Perfectly," replied Will.
After a while of Jack and Will fussing over the tangles, which eventually led to the two of them wrestling on the floor, much to Will's delight, the two sat in another room in the fortress.
Jack sat relaxed beneath the bubbles and clean water. Only his head was above the water. He breathed deeply and shut his eyes. More calm than he had ever been since waking and for quite some time as another part of him was telling him, he nearly fell asleep.
"Are you awake Jack?" Will's voice called.
"Mm hm," replied Jack, slowly sinking into the water more.
"I was simply wondering," said Will.
"So this is what a bath is like," said Jack with a heavy sigh. "This is something I can do everyday."
"Sit up Jack, I need to clean you hair," Will told him.
"With what?" wondered Jack, slowly pushing himself up.
Will gave him two bottles.
Taking one, Jack uncorked it. Immediately, the scent of coconut filled the room. He took the other one to bring that scent alive. Lime mixed with the coconut. Jack's eyes fell shut.
"This is familiar," he told Will. "I feel like I've taken a bath in this exact room, exactly how it is with this smell around me."
"I am quite positive you have," said Will. "This is what you have always put in your hair."
"Oh," whispered Jack. He corked the bottles then set them beside Will.
Will poured the oils on Jack's head before massaging it into his scalp and through the dreads as Jack played with the bubbles.
"Will, do you know what this is?" asked Jack.
Looking over Jack's shoulder, Will spotted the pirate pointing at his tattoo. "That is something called a tattoo. This is a sparrow, this is the sea, and this is the sun. This is what your name means. You are free to sail the seas."
"What about this?" wondered Jack, pointing to a mark above his tattoo.
A cold shiver ran through Wills body as he slumped. He gazed at the vibrant white mark against the bronze skin. "Jack, this is the mark of a pirate," was all he said.
"And this?" asked Jack, turning his arm over to show a "y" formed scar that ran the length of his forearm.
"I know it is a scar, but I don't know how you got it," said Will.
"Do you have scars?" asked Jack.
"Remind me and I'll show you another day," Will told him.
Eventually, the two returned to Jack's room where Jack sat on his bed with linen on his body. He was drying each single dreadlock one at a time.
Jack was unaware he was in the room. Will quietly remained standing behind him. His mind fled at the many thoughts. Jack's back scarred similar to his. Rather than five marks, endless lines and pale skin consumed the back. The back of Jack's shoulder was tattooed with a compass rose and the cardinal directions north and east. The compass was ornately done and symmetrical. A terrible scar across Jack's left side never healed properly.
Feeling someone watching him, Will raised his eyes.
"What?" asked Jack as he continued to dry his hair. Will shook his head. "If you're looking at my scars I don't know where I got them so I can't explain to you. I have more here if you want to look."
Half of him embracing the offer and the other half fighting to stay away, Will remained standing behind Jack. His curiosity taking the best of him, he walked in front of Jack Sparrow to observe the man's chest.
Two scars on the left side resembled bullet holes, both colored his skin black. The scar formed on his back continued around his side and ended on his belly. A massive diagonal line traveled the length of his belly. Another scar crossed his right breast. Some light in the darkness caused Will's mind to flee. Beside his heart on his left breast a tattoo stood out before every scar. Lily-Rose.
"Lily Rose," he whispered to himself.
"Is that what this is?" wondered Jack, following Will's eyes to the tattoo.
"Aye," said Will.
Shrugging it off, Jack folded the towel. He stood and set the towel on the bed. With a heavy sigh, he walked to the balcony. He leaned on the doorframe, simply staring out into the middle of the Cove.
Again, Will's eyes gazed the contour of Jack's body. Although the pirate was well toned and muscular, his spine was quite visible from where Will was standing. The top of his breeches hugged his hip bones too perfectly. When Jack turned to walk to another area in his room, Will saw the end of Jack's ribcage.
Since the day he met Captain Jack Sparrow, Will thought of him as a strong man who was seemingly perfect. Witnessing the skin and bones keeping Jack together and the scars coloring his body, he realized Jack's condition was nothing like he thought.
"Are you hungry?" he found himself suddenly asking.
Jack shook his head. "I was wondering something Will," he began instead before slipping his body through a tunic. "What is in London?"
"The rest of my family Jack," replied Will. "Joshamee wants to get us help. You and I aren't the healthiest of beings. I have an infection on my chest and you have amnesia. My uncle is a physician. He'll know what to do with me and he can help you."
"What is it like there?" asked Jack.
Will's eyes gazed around the room as if recalling the streets of London. "London is big. You will never find more people in one place at once anywhere else. Every street is lined with buildings. Every culture in the world can be seen walking London. Society's classes are found on a single stretch. It's loud and crowded. There is no freedom in London. When I was living in London, I felt trapped. I don't want to go back, but I don't know what to do with you."
"Will, you aren't going back because of me are you?" wondered Jack.
"I ran away from home too long ago. London holds memories I've wanted to forget for years, yet London is where I belong," said Will.
"Why did you run away then?" asked Jack.
"My mother died and I knew my grandfather wanted to make me someone I did not want to be," replied Will.
"And what was that?" wondered Jack.
"Jack, ask me questions about your life and not mine," Will told him.
"You don't know anything about my life Will," reminded Jack.
Shutting his eyes at what he said, Will nodded. He watched Jack pull the tunic over his head then slip his arms through his robe. His mind thought as his eyes narrowed. "I'm going to tell you something I've told no one else."
Jack pointed at himself.
Will nodded. "I know what you are feeling and the world as your mind understands."
"How?" wondered Jack, slowly walking toward him to sit beside him on the bed.
"When I was eight years old, I was playing in the tree house at my home. I leaned over the rail. The wood broke and I fell," said Will. His eyes lowered as he clasped his hands over his knees and leaned forward. "My arm was broken and I woke with amnesia."
"What," whispered Jack. His eyes were wide with wonder and thought.
"I couldn't remember anything in my world. After a few days, I began to recall my life. For near of a month my memory was unstable. It took me two months to recall my eight years of life. In that time, I remember not knowing something as simple as what it was to read, to use a fork, to dress myself—I didn't know my own mother's name. I remember what it was like because it was a time in my life I will never forget. I sometimes wonder what would have happened had I not remembered who I am," said Will.
"Will I remember in two months?" wondered Jack softly.
"I hope so," replied Will. "But that was eight years worth of a life I struggled to remember. You have lived many more than eight. It may take much longer than a month, but you will remember who you are."
"Well, I know my name," announced Jack proudly. "Technically I know who I am then."
He sounded so proud that he knew his own name. Will had to smile at Jack's pride. Inside, he was nearly crying. Jack was proud to know his name, his name. It was simply a name, but he supposed a name was everything to a man with no memories.
Deep in the night, Will lay on his back in the bed. Outside no sound could be heard. No lights were lit to cause the usual glow upon the rocky cove. The world was still, as only one ship was left to leave on the morrow.
The silence provided opportune ambience for thought. All Will thought of was the month when he was eight. Unconsciously, his fingers twisted in and out of his parents' rings as they occasionally spun around a finger. He knew better than anyone what Jack was feeling and thinking. Perhaps that was the reason he was the least afraid of Jack Sparrow. The rest of the world shied away from Jack for fear of what he was like with no memory of himself. Perhaps he was simply determined to help a friend who helped him achieve his one wish.
His mind slowly turned to the wish of his. Long ago, he was a child longing for his father's arms. Now he was a grown man longing for a father to talk to. He wanted his father's love and wisdom to help him through this. One man alone was not going to return a lifetime of Jack Sparrow's memories to his mind.
Sleep far from his grasp, he pushed the blankets from him and swung his legs over the side of the bed. He held his head between his palms a moment, his fingers twined through the curls. There was nothing in the world he wanted to do less. This was the final task he wanted to do. Everything he tried since Jack awakening did nothing for the young man. Only one person knew Jack better than Jack knew himself.
Scouring the room, he collected loose sheets of paper, a pen, and ink. For a moment, he stared down at the paper, unsure where to begin. The beginning was always a good place to begin. Now the other question of how he was to explain the situation weighed upon his shoulders. He slumped more in the moonlight. Rolling his eyes, he dipped the pen in the ink and simply went out and said it.
Father, I am all right and healing well. Although I wish I was writing to tell you that, I am not sadly. There is no simpler way to tell you. Jack Sparrow has amnesia. I am serious when I tell you this. He doesn't know who he is, me, Barbossa, Gibbs, or his crew, what a ship is, where he came from, he talks as normal as I do, and he was afraid to eat a sandwich. I don't know what to do and I know you knew him better than his own father.
Because of our situations, it has been decided we go home. I wish I could say Port Royal home, but, unfortunately, I'm going back to the place I ran away from. We have no other choice. Everything we need is in London: a place where no one will think to look for us, someone to take care of us, and everything that my uncle is. We—I need Alex now more than ever. He has the knowledge and skill to make it right. Anything you can tell me about Jack will be wonderful. I need help and everyone else has left bringing Jack Sparrow back to me. Jack trusts me more than any other. I can't do this alone. I need you. I need my father. Write back as soon as you can. Please. For both of them, don't tell Jack's father.
I never told you that I love you and I do love you. I wish you were here to help me now, but that will come when you are finished with your task. I count down the days, knowing each day brings us a little closer together. Ironic isn't it? You and I come together while Jack loses everything. I never thought I would think this, but I have to admit it: I miss Jack.
Waiting for your wisdom… your Little One.
"Not bad," Will muttered to himself as he folded the letter.
Recalling a time when he once thought this to be true, he now felt like a fool. A message in a bottle. How ridiculous could this world become? After seeing what he did, throwing a bottle into the ocean was one of the sanest thoughts.
"Tia Dalma, if you are the Sea Goddess, you know where the waters combine with the waters a world away. Bring this message to my father," he whispered to the sea.
"William," Gibbs's voice snapped.
Startled, Will whipped around with wide eyes. "Hello Josh," he greeted with a forced smile.
"And what are you doing awake yet?" wondered Gibbs.
"Settling unfinished business that has recently been settled," said Will. He pointed behind Gibbs. "I could use a few hours of sleep before tomorrow so I think I'll do that."
Without any words, Gibbs nodded. The words were expressed upon his stern, un-amused face.
This time, the moment he wrapped himself in the blankets, Will shut his eyes and sleep overcame him.
"Turner, get up. We're leaving."
Will bolted awake, swinging the blankets from his body. He leapt out of bed and struggled to clothe himself as quickly as possible. The hurry halted when his eyes came across Barbossa sitting in a chair, a hand over his nose.
"Again, ye have yer father's arm," said Barbossa.
"Apologies," said Will.
"Ye meant it fer something I did," Barbossa told him.
Returning to clothing himself, Will did not object to that comment. Although it was for the same reason over and over again, Barbossa deserved it.
"A bloody nose cannot compare to months at the bottom of the ocean," reminded Will.
"I know, I know," said Barbossa as he stood. "I'll leave you to wake Jackie."
"I'm already awake Hector," Jack's voice announced from the doorway.
Both turned their heads to indeed find Jack standing in the doorway clothed and patiently waiting.
"I've been awake since everyone else has," said Jack.
"Is everything prepared?" asked Will, slipping his feet into his boots.
"Aye. We may leave when ye so desire," said Barbossa.
"Then we leave after breakfast," Will told him.
"I am hungry," Jack admitted to him with a shrug.
"Just how long have you been awake?" wondered Will as he and Jack left the room.
"I don't know," said Jack. "I was awake all night I think. I couldn't sleep. My stomach hurt all night and I couldn't stop thinking what it will be like to be on a ship that is moving."
Will nodded. He rubbed the back of his neck as he turned his head to share a small look with Barbossa behind him.
Just as he thought, Barbossa's eyes narrowed in disappointment as he nodded to Will.
Jack Sparrow ran around the Black Pearl as quickly as his legs allowed him to scurry in and out of people. There was too much to see at once for him to stand still. The sails were being set. Men were climbing up and down the rigging. They carried large objects below deck and returned empty handed to fetch more. Others looked at the sails and tied the lines in their proper knots. The monkey ran and climbed through everything. Barbossa was hollering orders from the helm. Gibbs walked on deck to keep things in order and occasionally holler at someone for not staying in line.
At all the excitement, Jack's heart could hardly keep up with him. He whipped around, his dreadlocks smacking him in the face a few times or someone else. Caught up in everything, he spun around to look behind him.
Unfortunately, Will's head suffered the swinging dreadlocks.
"I'm sorry Will!" cried Jack as he covered his mouth and breathing stopped.
Will hardly seemed worried about himself. His eyes were on the body in his arms. He sighed heavily to discover Elizabeth was perfectly fine.
Suddenly forgetting the world around him, Jack curiously looked at Elizabeth. Confusion corrupted his eyes that did not leave the young woman. His fingers gently brushed along her cheek. He pulled away.
"Jack?" wondered Will.
"Elizabeth," whispered Jack. Unlike the usual tone in his voice this was confident.
"You remember her?" asked Will.
"No," replied Jack. "But I know it's her. I know this is Elizabeth. I don't know how but I do."
Will opened his mouth. Deciding against it, he shut his mouth and walked for the cabin. There were a few memories he could think of as to why Jack remembered her. To his surprise yet not, Jack did not follow him.
Gently, Will let his Elizabeth fall upon the feathery cot. He slid his hand from the back of her head last of all. The light blanket was pulled above her body.
Eventually, he found himself staring into the face of his wife. He parted her hair with his fingers and brushed it back from her face. For a single moment, he rested his ear over her chest, listening to her beating heart. She was every bit as alive as him, yet so far away from life where he could not have her.
"Elizabeth, I'm taking you somewhere safe. You're coming with us. Don't ever think I would leave you behind. They wanted to and told me you were hopeless. I don't believe them. You will wake when we are in London. You will meet my family and I'll explain everything to you. Then, perhaps, you and I can have a real wedding just as you wanted. And after, I want a little boy to call my own," he whispered. "We'll call him James like we planned to when we were children. If it turns out to be a girl then she'll just be named Emma like we planned."
"Will," Jack's voice called before he decided to knock. "Hector told me to tell you if you didn't come and help him he will tie you to a cannon and you will spend the entire journey dragging across the bottom of the ocean."
"Once again, life takes me away from you," noted Will. He kissed her lips gently. "There'll be a day when you can follow where my life takes me. I promise."
He sighed as he stood to walk away from her.
"Will come on. Hector said we aren't leaving until you are up there," pleaded Jack once he poked his head through the door. "She'll be awake in a few hours."
"I hope so," said Will.
Once he was close enough, Jack grabbed his arms and pushed him on deck to the helm. "Okay Hector let's go. I want to leave now. This is exciting. I've never been on a ship before so I want to see how this works." He noticed the looks Will and Barbossa exchanged. "I've been on a ship before haven't I?" The two nodded at him, their heads in synchronous motion. "This amnesia business is not amusing at all."
"It's not meant to be Jack," said Will.
"Turner, pay attention. I'm not the one teaching the lost sparrow now am I?" said Barbossa.
"Yes Hector," said Will, his tone anything but obliging.
Jack watched the impromptu lesson closely. This all seemed very familiar in his mind somewhere. His eyes wandered above him to the end of the cliffs surrounding them. He leaned his back on Will to keep his balance.
"Jack, look to the horizon," whispered Will.
"Horizon?" wondered Jack, bringing his head to Will.
Will motioned in front of him.
Jack softly gasped. He walked to the edge of the rail at the helm. Behind him, the sun cast rays of light into the western sky. The vastness of the blue coloring mesmerized him momentarily. A feeling suddenly came over him. He slowly turned his head.
From the corner of his eye, Will saw the sunrise reflect in Jack's brown orbs as the young man's orange face gazed into the picturesque scene.
Unable to move for fear he would wake, Jack did not find it appropriate to blink. He didn't want to miss such beauty. This was the world he lost. He wondered how he managed to forget something so beautiful.
The yellow sun was a mere speck on the horizon. Yellow and orange light cascaded from the orb reflecting both into the sky and the water. The waves caused the light to move in motion. Not a cloud in the sky prevented the light from reached them. The world was vast and huge. If this was what he had everyday since he was alive, he craved his memories, for a sight like this was something he never wanted to forget.
"Wait until sunset," a voice whispered behind him. "The world cannot be more beautiful."
"How could I ever have forgotten this?" Jack asked.
"We all forget the beauty in the world Jack. It is only a matter of time before we realize what there is in the world," said Will.
"Sunset," said Jack. He looked at Will with a smile that was unmistakably Jack Sparrow. "Can't wait."
"Come Jack, it's time we worked on your letters," said Will.
"I want to watch sunrise," Jack told him as his eyes turned back to the sky. "It feels more right than anything I've done to now."
Accepting his request, Will nodded. He returned to the wheel.
"Jack prefers the rising sun rather than the setting one. Setting sun has left him alone on too many ports, abandoned by his father. Sunset is the end of something. Sunrise has always meant a new day and a new past to write," said Barbossa.
Will looked at Jack who sat on the rail, one knee bent on the wood and the other leg hanging within the lines of the ship. His arm hung down his side while the other rested on his knee. In his heart, Jack Sparrow was as he should be.
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"Finally!" cried Aidan as he threw his arms in the air. "I thought you'd never left Shipwreck Cove."
"There was a lot to explain," I told him.
"Was it really that long William?" wondered Jack.
I nodded. "It seemed longer."
"Does everything get bad now?" asked James, his little hands twiddling in his lap.
"And who told you that?" I wondered.
"Aidan told me bad things happened to you when you were at sea," replied James.
I turned my eyes to my father who simply showed me his palms and looked away. He and I both knew the truth.
"Well, James, everything did get bad," I admitted. "But everything always gets worse before it gets better."
James nodded. "Keep going. I want to know."
I let Jack continue to watch the sunrise. Clearly, it meant something to him and I wasn't going to take that away from him. When he was ready, he found me on deck making cards with letters on them. Today I decided to teach him letters. I knew if I didn't start to teach Jack something, he wouldn't remember. I didn't think it would hurt to watch Jack struggle to tell me the alphabet. I was so very wrong.
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