A/N: I'm sorry for the delay! I realize it's summer, but I keep having to do other things, and when I have the time to type, I keep getting writers block! Also, this is a very emotional chapter. I wish I didn't have to do it, but that's what happens when you have a plan for the next few chapters … I will try not to keep you guys waiting too long for the next, and possibly the last, chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own PotC. I just wish I did.

Chapter 17: All Good Things Pass

It was then that my mother woke up. She stared into her husbands eyes, putting the smallest of smiles on her face. He smiled back at her, but there were tears running down his face.

"I knew you'd come. I could feel it, in my bones," she said, whispering haltingly. "I was waiting for you."

"I'm sorry I couldn't be here sooner. But Calypso …"

At the mention of her name, the goddess appeared behind my father. She raised one dark finger to her blackened lips, smiling with her rotting teeth.

"Stay silent," she whispered in my mind. "You are de ondy one who can see meh."

I growled internally, cursing her. But I obeyed, as I always did. I could not defy her; I did not know her full power. And judging from my past dreams, her power was immense, and her moods as shifting as the sands under the tides.

Michael squeezed my hand tightly, in tune with my emotions, as he always was.

Elizabeth nodded weakly. "I … understand, Will. Ten years cannot pass soon enough."

My father sat on the bed, holding her hand gingerly and nodding. "Elizabeth …" he whispered, and it filled with pleading and longing. I saw the constant dripping of tears falling from his beard onto her hands as he held her hands to his lips. "I don't want to lose you! A world without you is not worth living in."

Mother smiled weakly, tears falling from the corners of her eyes onto her pillow. " Will … I could say the same to you," she whispered back.

My heart wrenched against my rib cage, and I felt like an intruder on this scene of passionate love. And yet, I could not tear my eyes away. The love between them, the sorrow too, was almost palpable.

Calypso bent over Elizabeth in a kind, matronly manner, and pushed her white hair back gently. Michael's head snapped up, so I assumed everybody could see her now. My parents did not break eye contact, despite her sudden appearance.

"Is dime do go," Calypso said gently. "Led id go. Stop fighting id."

With that command, Elizabeth Turner, former fierce Captain and Pirate King, turned caring mother of two and grandmother of four, let out her final breath. Her eyes dimmed, her tears stopped, her hands went limp. The only thing that stayed was her grateful smile and her eyes locked on her husband and soul mate's eyes.

And with that command, the Captain of the Flying Dutchman, William Turner, let out an anguished howl loud enough to wake the dead, as if his sorrow could bring her back to life in his arms.

I closed my eyes and began to sob into Michael's shoulder.

I did not notice it when Calypso kissed my hair and disappeared.