Wow, that got done quicker than I thought! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Pirates of the Caribbean or any of the characters mentioned here, excluding Kate and Inner Voice.

The first thing I became aware of was the smell of the sea. That wasn't completely out of the ordinary, as our apartment was pretty close to the beach. What really caught me off guard was the sensation of rain drops splattering onto my face. We were in the middle of a pretty bad drought – it hadn't rained in months. Weird…come to think of it, what am I doing outside? I remember something waking me up…some sort of deafening voice…

Well, it's not my fault if you're a heavy sleeper! I tried waking you up for ten minutes! You oughta be ashamed of yourself; a good pirate always needs to be prepared, even when they're asleep.

Wait, was that…yes! My inner voice! And so the medallion…The memories of last night resurfacing, I opened my eyes – and promptly became blinded by a stray raindrop.

"AAAH! MY EYE!"

Get over it, you Ragetti wannabe. It doesn't even hurt that much!

Oh, shut up.

I blinked a couple times, rubbed my eye, and looked around. I had been lying down on a small beach, just beyond the water's edge. The sea and sky were both gray and murky-looking. The reason the beach seemed so small was because of the number of piers and harbors jutting out from the shore. There were a few ships anchored around them, and one larger ship drifting quite a ways away. Satisfied with the scene in front of me, I peeked over my shoulder. A gently sloping sand dune hugged tightly to what looked like a mass of cobblestone streets – deserted, probably due to the weather. Many small buildings were clumped together, as though shying away from the rain. In the distance, I could faintly make out the outline of a large stone structure.

It took a minute to realize what I was looking at. "Port Royal? Port freakin' Royal? You've gotta be kidding me! What a bloody rip-off!"

Will you keep it down? Do you want the Navy to catch you, or something?

Oh, c'mon, there's no one here. Besides, I think I've got a right to be pissed! Why am I here, of all places? I should be on the Pearl, with Jack and the others!

Don't worry, you'll catch up later. As for why the medallion landed you here…I guess Will and Elizabeth need you more than Jack does at the moment.

Muttering darkly, I glanced down at my clothes, fully expecting to see the same lavender-blouse-and jeans ensemble like last time. But it looks like I got a costume change, too: I was wearing a long-sleeved, dirty white shir, with the medallion was clearly visible against the light-colored fabric. As before, the shirt was covered by a black vest (although it seemed a little bigger in order to accommodate my…ahem…growth over the past year). Dark-gray and slightly baggy trousers were being held up by a black belt, from which my sword was awkwardly hanging. Also like last time, I wore the same jet-black boots, but they seemed dirtier and more worn out. Nothing new with my hairdo – tied up in a ponytail with my impossibly long bangs framing my face. Rotating my shoulders slightly, I noticed a straw-colored backpack (maybe they called 'em 'rucksacks' here…) strapped to me. Feeling my eyebrows rise in surprise, I pulled the rucksack off, unbuttoned the top flap, and removed the contents one by one. I had been mysteriously provided with a compass, an outdated-looking map, a handful of assorted coins, a length of rope, and a surprisingly shiny dagger, which had the same crest on either side of the blade as my sword did (a strange distortion of the initials KC). I tucked the dagger into my boot, wincing at the feeling of cold metal against my skin.

"Okay," I said aloud, smiling slightly and replacing the other items. "I can work with this."

Uh-oh.

I felt my smile disappear. What now?

Remember how you said that there was no one around to hear you?

Yeah, and?

Look out at that ship.

I squinted through the mist. Now that I took a closer look, I saw that it was an enormous warship. The sails were wide and sweeping, and the design had them divided into quarters: two black squares and two white in a sort of checkerboard pattern. What looked like twenty longboats had left the ship and were moving sluggishly through the water. All of them were filled with red-coated marines, and the lead boat had a man on horseback…

Oh, son of a bitch! Beckett! Every instinct I had screamed to run, but I had lost control of myself. I just sat there, frozen except for my eyes, which were getting wider by the second.

Kate, you idiot, get out of here! Run for it!

Struggling to calm my rising panic, I scrambled to my feet and raced up the dune, kicking up wet sand. I thought I heard a deep voice call out, but I didn't dare turn around. I just ran faster.

Once the panic subsided, I noticed that I had left the coast far behind and was now right in the middle of town. Thankfully, this part of Port Royal was just as deserted as the docks, but I slowed to a jog anyway, conscious of anyone who could be looking out the window. I carefully ducked into an alley and sat down on a fairly dry barrel, brushing my soaked bangs away from my face and panting heavily.

Okay. So it's raining, Beckett's on a horse and coming ashore with a bunch of marines…definitely Dead Man's Chest. I'm stuck in the middle of Port Royal, probably hundreds of miles away from Jack with absolutely no way to get to him. Will and Elizabeth are about to be arrested for helping Jack escape the noose, and I'm probably wanted for that same crime. What to do…? Well, I definitely don't want Beckett involved with us in any way, otherwise I'll have to go through all that shit with the EITC gaining control of the sea…not exactly the best thing to let happen…

Whoa, whoa, whoa, back up a sec. Are you planning on changing the movie?

Well, uh…yeah. I got landed here for a reason, right? Maybe it's to stop Beckett before he gets the heart.

But why would you want to change the script? You always say you wouldn't have these movies any other way!

I was quiet a minute. You remember how Jack tried for ages to win me over, and I kept saying no?

Not the best judgment on your part.

Shut it.

I'm just saying, if an extremely hot guy is into you and you like him back, there's really not much sense in –

If you'd recall, I was trying to prevent myself from being betrayed again when Lizzie kissed him. I shuddered at the thought. But, unfortunately, Jack persuaded me to take another course of action.

Bow-chicka-bow-wow!

If you're gonna keep interrupting me…

Okay, okay, sorry! Inner Voice apologized quickly.

That's more like it. So, I'm in love with Jack, he's got some sort of attraction for both me and Lizzie. I still don't want to feel betrayed like with…with Jason, and I can't just break up with Jack. So, what's left?

…you wanna stop the kiss from happening in the first place.

Exactly.

And what does this have to do with Beckett?

Think about it: if get out of Beckett's influence, then Will, Lizzie, and I won't be in danger of hanging. If we aren't in danger of hanging, then Lizzie won't be able to get the Letters of Marque. If Lizzie doesn't get the Letters, then Norrington won't be tempted to steal the heart. And if Norrington doesn't steal the heart, then we can use it to negotiate with Davy Jones before he sends out the Kraken!

You've had a lot of time to come up with this, haven't you?

I sighed. It's been a long year.

It's a good plan, but there's one problem: how are you gonna get Will and Lizzie out of Beckett's reach? The EITC controls the entire Caribbean even without the heart!

…I guess I have to prevent them from getting arrested in the first place.

The sound of footsteps jolted me out of my thinking. I hurriedly jumped off the barrel and crouched down behind it. And not a moment too soon – what must have been fifty marines marched along the streets, looking no less menacing despite the weather. Unlike the pitiful array of troops I'd seen last year, these guys looked tough; I saw the experience in their eyes.

Well then, you'd better find that smithy fast! This movie's goin' quick!

Right. Wish me luck! I waited till the marines rounded the corner before racing off.

It took fifteen long, anxious minutes to find the smithy, as my memory of Port Royal was a bit fuzzy. Not to mention the fact that there were marines around every corner and I had to keep taking detours. When I finally spotted the shop, I was out of breath, sweaty, and starting to freak out. Without hesitating, I knocked on the large wooden door, my knuckles stinging from the force. I heard a crash, followed by a stressed-out voice calling, "Come in!" I took the invitation, conscious of how much time I'd wasted.

The smithy was just as warm and cluttered as I remembered. There were, however, a couple things different from last time. There was no drunken Mr. Brown passed out by the fire, and a rack of tools had fallen off its perch (most likely the cause of the crash). And crouched down on the floor, hurriedly trying to replace the tools…

"Will!" I gasped, leaping down the ledge and rushing over to him. Forgetting the fact that he was about to get married, I threw my arms around him in a relieved embrace. "Thank God, I thought I hadn't made it in time!"

Will looked down at me, clueless as ever, but recognition slowly surfaced in his eyes. "Kate?! Is that…is that really you?"

I nodded. "Yup! I'm back! Hang on, let me just…" I let go of him and stepped back to get a better look at him. Will had that same half-rugged, half-innocent handsomeness about him, but his expression seemed to have a bit more confidence and experience (at the moment, though, his face was rather pale – a combination of wedding jitters and shock of seeing an old friend). He was wearing a long, dark blue coat over a fancy white shirt, dark brown pants, tights, buckled shoes, and a tri-cornered hat. I bit back a laugh. "Nice outfit."

Will's face flushed. "It's, uh…for a special occasion. You see…"

"Wait, don't tell me!" I interrupted, raising my hands in a 'stop' motion. "…you're getting married, aren't you? To Elizabeth?"

Will's face turned even redder as he nodded. "That's right. So you can still…?" He gestured to my medallion.

I looked down at it. "Read the future. Uh-huh." I smiled slyly. "Congratulations, by the way. Didn't think you had it in you!"

Will decided to take that as a compliment. "Thank you. Where's Jack?"

I sighed heavily. "I don't know…we got separated after we left Port Royal."

Will frowned. "What do you mean, 'separated?'"

I struggled to make up an answer before finally settling with a version of the truth. "I'm not sure how it happened…all I know is I passed out and when I woke up, I was back at home with my brothers. I've been trying to find him ever since, but no luck."

Will put a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry," he murmured, taking on the "concerned older brother" role yet again. "I hope you find him soon."

"Yeah…" I suddenly remembered why I was here and shook my head vigorously. "Gaah! What am I doing? Never mind all that! Listen, Will, we're all in danger! You, me, and Elizabeth are going to be arrested!"

Will's eyes widened. "What?"

"I just saw a bunch of marines coming ashore from an East India Company ship, and they look to be the equivalent of the FBI!"

"The…what?"

"Oh, screw it! What I'm trying to say is, we gotta get out of here before they get to us!"

Will shook his head slowly. "Are you sure? You and I were granted clemency for our crimes, remember? And Elizabeth hasn't done –?"

"I'm positive!" I interrupted, feeling more panicked than ever. We were wasting time. "Look, I don't have time to explain, but I'll tell you everything once we're out of here. Where's Elizabeth?"

"She's at the Church of Saint Francis," Will answered promptly. "Up the street and around the corner, you can't miss it."

"Saint Francis, up the street, 'round the corner," I repeated. "Got it. I'll go get Elizabeth, and I'll meet you down at the docks!"

There was a flash of alarm on Will's face. "Taking a ship?"

"Taking a ship."

Will hesitated, but then nodded. "…right. I'll see you there." I blinked in surprise. I'd expected an argument, or at least some form of protest. Will had grown up more than I'd thought.

"Okay. Avoid the marines, they're everywhere." I jumped back up onto the ledge and reached for the door, but then remembered something suddenly. "Oh, and Will?"

"Yes?"

I smiled. "Good to see you again."

He blinked rapidly, but then returned the smile. "You too." I nodded in acknowledgement and raced out the door.

It was raining harder, now, and the mist had thickened. I could barely see in front of me and had to rely on touch and hearing rather than sight to make it to the church. Will was right – it was impossible to miss. Easily the tallest building in this part of the town, the church had several intricate stained-glass patterns that could be seen even in this sort of weather. There were several horse-drawn carriages pulling away, the occupants most likely disgruntled wedding guests. I brushed the hair away from my eyes again, sidestepped a couple civilians, and entered the church. I jogged briskly through the enormous chamber and kept my eyes fixed on the archway in the back that I guessed led out to the courtyard. Scores of people were seated in the pews, speaking impatiently to one another. There were some cries of alarm as I moved pass, but I didn't bother looking. I had no time. I picked up the pace and crossed into the courtyard.

I paused for a moment and surveyed the wreckage around me. The wind had knocked down several chairs and even a table, and several damp pieces of music flew by me. The teacups on the still-standing table were brimming with rainwater, and the wedding cake had completely disintegrated. I felt my heart shift slightly. Their day…their wedding day's completely wrecked.

Right in the center of the courtyard, a figure in a golden dress and snow-white veil crouched onto the ground, her shoulders hunched in desolation. Recognizing her immediately, I leapt down the last few steps and raced down the aisle towards her. "Elizabeth!"

Elizabeth jumped and looked over her shoulder at me. Her tear-filled eyes widened. "Kate? Kate Cooper?!"

I reached her and helped her to her feet. "Yeah, it's me. Nice to see you again! How you doin'?"

The smile disappeared on Lizzie's face. "Terrible…have you seen Will?"

I winced. "I have. If luck's on our side, then he's down at the docks."

Lizzie frowned. "The docks? Why would he be…?" She suddenly looked alarmed. "He's not…leaving, is he?" A stray tear fell down her cheek.

"Wh…no, no! Well, technically yes, but…argh." I took a deep breath. "I told him to go down to the docks, and you and I are gonna go there right now, and the three of us are gonna get the hell out of here!"

Lizzie cringed at my language, but then what I was saying sunk in. "Leave? But why?"

"Because we're in danger!" I answered impatiently. "I'll explain everything later, but we need to go now before Beckett –"

"I prefer Lord Beckett, if you don't mind."

"Oh, damn," I whispered and turned around. Standing under the safety of the archway, wearing a traveling cloak and with his hands held behind him, was Lord Cutler Beckett himself. Too late.

A line of marines began filing in from the church, blocking all escape paths. At their head was Mercer, who took his place off to the opposite side of the arch. A group of about six marines came from the center corridor, escorting a well-dressed, shackled young man…my heart sank. It was Will.

I don't think the movie wants to change, Katie.

I don't wanna hear it.

Elizabeth gasped loudly and dropped her bouquet. "Will!" she breathed, and hurried over to him. I stood frozen, aware of Beckett's icy gaze on me. "Will!" Lizzie said louder as she reached him. "Why is this happening?"

"I don't know," Will answered. He smiled slightly. "You look beautiful."

Lizzie's lips did not part as she smiled at him. "…I think it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding."

I suddenly felt intense rage overcome my fear. Clenching my fists, I took several steps up the aisle and shouted, "Will, you idiot, I told you to watch for the marines! Didn't I say they were everywhere?!"

Will shrank back from my rage. "Sorry," he replied meekly.

I sighed exasperatedly. "Hell of a lot o' good that does us!"

I suddenly felt something latch onto my arms and force them behind my back. Two marines had snuck up behind me and were now forcibly pushing me towards Beckett. I swore loudly and tried digging in my heels, but the marines only pushed harder. I muttered darkly but went up the steps to stand directly in front of Beckett, who smirked slightly. I scowled and toyed with the idea of somehow pulling my arms free, but a resounding click and a constricted feeling on my wrists dissuaded me.

Instead, I asked quietly, "How long were you standing here?"

"Long enough to know that the Company has finally found whom it's been searching for," Beckett replied coolly.

I blinked. "Huh?"

"Allow me to elaborate: red hair, gold piece around your neck, well-crafted sword at your hip…" He gestured to each of these things, and his smirk widened. "Vulgar choice of words…" I felt my cheeks redden. "…who else could you be but one Miss Katherine Cooper, wanted for crimes against the Crown with the most frequent and certain being piracy?"

Damn it, he's good.

"I, uh…I honestly don't know who you're talking about, sir," I replied weakly, struggling to get out of the marines' grip.

"Ah, of course, how foolish of me." His voice dropped in volume. "You prefer to be called by 'Kate,' correct?"

I opened my mouth to lie again, but I saw it was pointless; there was no way to escape, and even if there was, I'd still be pretty badly hurt. I sighed in defeat. "Yes, sir."

Beckett's smirk widened even further. "Yes, I thought so."

The guests seemed to finally catch on, for a large group of people began gathering at the edge of the sea of redcoats. Governor Swann (looking just as flabbergasted as I remembered) pushed himself to the front of the crowd and tried to reach his daughter, but was blocked by two of the marines with giant spears, or whatever. "How dare you!?" he said furiously. He looked over at Beckett, who had his back to the angry aristocrat. "Stand your way down at once! Do you hear me?!"

Beckett slowly and dramatically turned to face him. "Governor Weatherby Swann, it's been too long." He casually unfastened his cloak and handed it to a random officer.

Gov. Swann looked more confused than ever. "…Cutler Beckett?"

Who the hell comes up with these names?

At least they have official names.

Point taken.

"It's Lord now, actually," Beckett corrected again, a note of impatience entering his voice.

The Governor quickly recovered. The marines removed their spear-thingies from his path, and he stepped forward angrily. "Lord or not, you have no reason and no authority to arrest this man!"

"Ahem."

"Or this young lady."

"Thank you. And he's right," I added to Beckett. "Will and I were both granted clemency for our acts of piracy."

Beckett ignored me. "In fact, I do. Mr. Mercer?" Mercer stepped forward, holding a leather case. He opened it to reveal the four warrants. Beckett picked out the two on top. "The warrants for the arrests of William Turner and Katherine Cooper." He handed them to Governor Swann.

Governor Swann looked over the warrants, his forehead beginning to crease slightly. "This warrant is for Katherine Cooper –"

"Thanks a lot," I grumbled, rolling my eyes.

" – but this warrant is for Elizabeth Swann." He held up the warrant meant for Will.

"Oh, is it?" Beckett looked at it. "That's annoying. My mistake. Arrest her."

Two marines stepped forward and grabbed Lizzie's arms. "On what charges?!" she gasped.

"NO!" Will and I shouted at the same time. There was no way to get out of Beckett's grasp now.

Beckett ignored the question and picked up the remaining two warrants. "Aha. Here's the one for William Turner." He gave the warrant to Gov. Swann and held up the other one. "And I have another one for a Mr. James Norrington, is he present?"

"What are the charges?!" Elizabeth asked again as she was forced into handcuffs.

"Leave Elizabeth and Norrington out of it!" I snapped at Beckett. "Will and I were the ones that –"

"Now, now, don't spoil it," Beckett interrupted, smirking again. "And in response to your statement, both Miss Swann and Mr. Norrington played a part, albeit a small, indirect one, in the crime." He looked around. "As I was saying, is Mr. Norrington here?"

"Commodore Norrington resigned his commission some months ago," Gov. Swann explained. An image of a dirty, drunken man wearing a filthy, misshapen wig popped into my head, and I suddenly felt a wave of guilt. Whoa…why do I feel guilty? He deserved it! …right?

Beckett turned back to Gov. Swann. "I don't believe that was the answer to the question I asked."

"Lord Beckett!" Will cut in loudly. "In the category of questions not answered…"

"We are under the jurisdiction of the King's Governor of Port Royal, and you will tell us what we are charged with!" Lizzie finished venomously.

Beckett was smirking wider than ever as he looked over at me. "I believe you know, don't you, Miss Cooper?"

I looked over at Lizzie and Will, feeling defeated. "You guys helped us escape," I said softly. "We stopped a criminal from getting his sentence. That's against the law." They looked at each other and then back at me, speechless.

Gov. Swann hurriedly scanned the warrant. "The charge," he read, "is 'conspiring to set free a man convicted of crimes against the Crown and Empire and condemned to death, for which the p –'" He broke off, dumbstruck.

"For which the punishment regrettably is also death," Beckett finished. I suddenly felt sick as I imagined the hanging scene in the beginning of the next move. Oh, God…

Easy, you're gonna be okay, remember?

Beckett's gaze swept between the three of us. "Perhaps you all remember a certain pirate named Jack Sparrow?"

"CAPTAIN!" We all shouted at once. Beckett raised an eyebrow. "He goes by, 'Captain Jack Sparrow,'" I clarified.

"Captain Jack Sparrow," he echoed. "Yes, I thought you might."

I looked away from Beckett. The ocean was only just visible. I closed my eyes. Jack, wherever you are, you better find that chest fast.

That should pacify you people for a few days. Ha, ha, ha...just kidding.