The Price of ƒ я e e d o м
A PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN FANFICTION

The Price of ƒ я e e d o м © xoxoMyRealityIsFiction
Pirates of the Caribbean © Disney
Ayisha/Amenirdis © A.C. Crispin

Scene Nine:
It Sounded Like A Good Idea At First

Standing at the bow of the Interceptor, Ayisha kept her full attention out towards the open ocean ahead of them. Everything that they needed for a few months out at sea had already been loaded onto the ship, Jack barking orders to the new crew to get the Interceptor moving, echoed in the background. Ayisha's hair lightly wiped around her face at the gentle sea breeze, her cloak that Jack brought her flapping in motion with the gust of wind, and air blew through the open slit of her tunic at her stomach, causing goosebumps to form on her flesh.

The wind was picking up; the first sign of an upcoming storm.

Ayisha tried to focus, tried to keep her mind on track on picking up any signals of future trouble, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the mental link she shared with her mother. Her mother's question of going back home, to Kerma, repeated in her mind. Ayisha shook her head to clear her thoughts. Now is not the time to think of such things, Ayisha thought to herself. I have to help Will save Miss. Elizabeth. Yes. Will. Ayisha felt that she somehow owed Will; he did help her in Port Royal. Will could have turned her in to Norrington, but he didn't. Why? That question, also, has been causing Ayisha to be unfocused.

"Sense anything?" Jack came up from behind Ayisha, leisurely standing next to her. Ayisha turned her head in Jack's direction, her eyes squinting due to the continuous gusts of wind, and shook her head. Jack just nodded, seeming in deep thought himself and then looked out towards the sea. "Storm's coming," he stated, and Ayisha looked at him in bewilderment. She already knew that, but she knew that he knew that she knew that a storm was coming. "Looks like it's going to be a big one, too," he added, prolonging what he really wanted to say. Ayisha hated when he did that. Ayisha always had a knack of reading people, but Jack continued to baffle her, even throughout the years. "I want you to remain in our quarters till it passes."

Ah, there it is.

Ayisha opened her mouth to protest but Jack most likely knew that she wanted to object to his order and interrupted her beforehand. "I know what you're going to say, and the answer is no. You are to stay in our quarters until the storm passes and that's an order, savvy?"

Ayisha locked her jaw in place, giving Jack a stern stare, hoping to ware him down, thus convincing him to let her remain on deck to help while the storm was to take place.

"Listen, love." Jack fully faced Ayisha. "Let's face it; ye know nothing about ships, aye?"

Ayisha didn't bother to answer because she knew that Jack already knew the answer to his own question. No. No, she knew close to nothing about ships, boats, or anything that floats, or how they work. Back in Kerma, since it was an island and no one was allowed to leave, Ayisha spent her whole life on land. She wasn't even allowed to ride in a canoe, in one of their own rivers, without an escort.

"Aye," Jack nodded, taking a step forward so that he was towering over Ayisha, staring down sternly into her eyes. "You would only get in the way." his breath smelled of rum and various spices Ayisha couldn't identify off the tip of her tongue, and Ayisha tilted her head to the side because she knew that he was right. "And it will give me peace of mind to know that you are safe in our quarters and not somewhere lost a sea when ye fall overboard." Jack placed two fingers underneath Ayisha's chin, tentatively moving her head so that she was staring back at him. "It's for your own safety, darlin'."

Ayisha remained in eye contact with Jack, moving his hand away from her face, and then went into the captain's cabin, nearly slamming the door shut behind her. Throwing a silent fit, clenching her hands into fists at her sides and then blowing out a long breath through clenched teeth, Ayisha closed her eyes and tried to calm herself down. It wasn't like it wasn't the first time Jack ordered her to stay locked in a room while he went out and did something on his own. But it still bothered her that he always seemed to think that she couldn't take care of herself; that she was some kind of fragile princess that always needed protecting. Even back at Kerma, where she actually was a princess, she could do things on her own that she didn't need help with. Kermanians are brought up to be able to take care of themselves – royal blood or not, and Ayisha has proved it to Jack countless times on their past adventures; yet he still thinks that she needs to be watched over and guarded at all times.

Blowing a strand of hair out of her face Ayisha then had a thought come into her head. Pulling the lose strands of her hair, that came undone from her braid, towards her line of sight, Ayisha crinkled her nose at the feel of her greasy locks. Turning her attention down to her grime covered clothes, she deduced that she needed a bath; she didn't remember the last time she took a bath. Looking out of the window, seeing that she still had time before the big storm came, Ayisha left the room to heat up some water for a nice, much needed, bath.

While the water was heating up in the "kitchen" Ayisha opened a door to a room in the captain's cabin that she had yet to check while boarded on the Interceptor. It was a bathroom. Small, but it was completed with the necessities: a decent sized tub, wash bucket, and a rack of various soaps. Beaming at the sight of a decent bathroom Ayisha jogged out of the small room and towards the bed, where she kept a bundle of her things, and undid the lace. Peeling open the black sack that she made out the clock she took from the Dauntless, Ayisha took in hands, her only other outfit that she had from her home. The clothing was made of silk, the material both smooth and cool to the touch. The tunic reached just a few inches above her knees, the sleeves cutting off right at the wrists, and the trousers were snug so that she could move easier. A brown sash was to be tied around the waist, to hold the outfit together, and a matching top vest was to keep the tunic closed just in case the top laces came undone. It was an outfit that Ayisha's mother, somehow, got to her just after she left with Jack. Tiyy said that she always knew that Ayisha wouldn't stay on the island; that she would go off into the unknown to fulfill her own destiny.

Striping off her dirty clothes Ayisha then slid her aching and tired body into the tub, wincing slightly at the heat, but then letting her muscles relax. Unbraiding her hair, combing her fingers through her dark-brown locks to get rid of most of the tangles, Ayisha took in a deep breath and then went under, completely wetting her hair. Emerging she then reached out of the tub, snatching things from the soap rack and used a bit from every single one just to see how they smelt and what they did to her skin and hair; and it was like heaven: bathing.

Once finished with washing herself up Ayisha then preceded to hand wash the clothes that she once had on. The Interceptor swayed side to side, thunder booming, and the candles Ayisha lit up for light flickered and slid along the counter top; but Ayisha continued to bathe as if nothing abnormal were happening. Her body slid around the tub, water sloshing and spilling onto the floor, and then once the candle stick fell to the floor – thus ridding Ayisha of her only source of light, did Ayisha force herself to get out of the bath and get dressed.

Bare-footed, trying to remain steady as she exited the bathroom, Ayisha secured the sash around her waist and then tied the laces to her tunic and vest. Hanging her clothes to dry by the window, she stared out at the utter chaos of the sea. The waves rose, nearly as high as the ship itself, the rain poured and the thunder and lightning continued to boom and strike. Shouts and screams from the crew up top sent unpleasant shivers down Ayisha's spine. Maybe Jack was right in ordering her to stay in the room. If the crew were as experienced as Mr. Gibb's claimed them to be, and even they seemed to have trouble, Ayisha would have surely gone overboard like Jack suspected, if she were to stay on deck. But judging by the shouts Ayisha suspected that she would have a lot of wounds to tend to once the storm passed.

Lifting up her slippers Ayisha held them at a distance; they reeked with sweat and salt water. Sighing she went and dumped them into the water still left in the tub, leaving them to soak, and then went back out to the main room. Going through the dressers and drawers, Ayisha opened a wardrobe and found boots neatly aligned at the bottom. Norrington's clothes still hung neatly on wire hangers, and Ayisha took pleasure in taking a pair of his boots. If they were too big she would simply stuff some paper in them for a better fit. About to take a pair of polished black boots Ayisha paused. Pushing the boots to the side, towards the back of the wardrobe, there were more pairs of boots that were in brown leather. Finding no harm in taking those, instead of the black ones, Ayisha slid her feet into the brown leather boots and wiggled her toes at the free space.

Head perking, Ayisha looked in the direction of the window and saw the sky beginning to clear, the sea calming. The storm was passing. As the gray clouds disappeared, reviling the rising of the sun, Ayisha then heard cheers of glee come from the deck. Thinking that it was safe enough to go back on deck Ayisha left the room and stepped out to the deck. The crew were lined on the sides, peering over the edge, and for good reason.

Hair lose from her braid, Ayisha let her long hair wisp around her face and body, inspecting the wreckage around Isla de Muerta, with a heavy heart. Sailors knew the myth of the treasure there being cursed; Ayisha was the one to warn Jack, but he said that he didn't believe in curses. Perhaps it was Jack's luck that the original crew of the Pearl mutinied against him, saving Jack and Ayisha from the curse.

On the starboard side of the Interceptor, Ayisha spotted a few of the crew preparing to release a long boat, Jack and Will standing behind the small crowd. Ayisha's temper flared because she knew that Jack was up to something and was deliberately leaving her out of it, knowing that she would try to talk him out of it because it was most likely a bad plan. Stomping over to Jack and Will, Ayisha ignored the looks she was receiving from the crew members she passed by in her state of anger.

"What are you doing out? I thought I told you to stay in the room?" asked Jack, just noticing Ayisha come up to him.

"Where are you going?" Ayisha demanded, blowing off Jack's question.

"Young Mr. Turner and I are going ashore to save his bonnie lass," Jack answered, turning his attention back to the crew members preparing the long boat.

"I'm coming with you."

"No you're not. You're staying right here."

"I can help!" Ayisha objected, moving around Jack so that she could stare at his face, but he kept turning so that it was a difficult task.

"No you can't. You'll only get in the way."

"You do not know that," Ayisha protested. "I know how to take care of myself, Jack. You know that. You have seen what I can do. I. Can. Help." Ayisha then crossed her arms across her chest defiantly. "I'm coming with you whether you like it or not. I'll swim ashore if I have to."

Jack held up a finger in Ayisha's face, his mouth opening and closing, but no words came out. His hand went back to his side and then he did something that he hadn't done to Ayisha since the first few times they met. Jack hunched over, tossed Ayisha over his shoulder and began to head back to the captain's cabin. Ayisha was stunned into silence, but then once she realized what was actually going on, did she put up a struggle.

"Jack! Jack, put me down this instant." Ayisha wiggled, trying to free herself from his hold, but Jack's grip was tight around her waist. "Jack, you can't do this. You need me and you know it!"

"Exactly, darlin', I need you," said Jack, "Which is why you're going to stay somewhere where I'll know you will be safe." Jack plopped Ayisha down onto the hard wooden floor, stared down at her and said with a serious expression on his face, "I won't put you in anymore danger than I need to." Jack closed the door, Ayisha hearing a distinct 'click' as the door was locked from the outside.

Stumbling to her feet Ayisha began to bang on the locked door, "Jack! Jack, let me out of here! Jack, don't go! …Jack!" Ayisha knew that it was futile. She knew that Jack was probably long gone by then, already rowing towards the island. Leaning against the door, sliding down to the ground, Ayisha couldn't help but let a tear roll down her cheek.

Something was going to happen. Something bad. Something that she could have probably helped in preventing. She didn't know what it was, or if it was just her nerves causing her to worry over Jack, but Ayisha felt even more useless than she had ever been before. Hugging her legs to her chest, burying her head between her knees and chest, Ayisha could do nothing but wait. Wait and pray that nothing would happen and Jack, along with both Will and Elizabeth, would come back to the Interceptor, safe and sound.

– X –

The sound of the door unlocking caught Ayisha's attention, she lifting up her head from on top of her knees. Springing up to her feet, spinning on the balls of her feet so that she was facing the door, Ayisha waited for Jack to open the door, grin at her and say 'I told you so.' But it didn't happen that way. Instead of Jack, it was Mr. Gibbs who unlocked the door; and by the grim look on his face, Ayisha felt her whole world shatter into a million pieces around her.

She cupped her hand over her mouth to keep in the cry of agony, but it still came, muffled by her fingers. Tears streamed down her cheeks, chest heaving, Ayisha's lips trembled, her head shaking in disbelief.

"No," she whimpered. "No. No. No. No. It can't be…we have to go back. We have to save him!"

"I'm sorry, Ayisha. It was his orders," Mr. Gibbs spoke solemnly. "The crew won't go back."

"W-what about Will? …Is he?"

"He and Miss. Elizabeth made it." Mr. Gibbs, nodded.

Ayisha backed up against a wall, staring down at the floor with dazed eyes. Licking her lips Ayisha moved past Mr. Gibbs and onto the deck. She could feel many eyes of the crew staring at her as her own roamed the deck for Will and Elizabeth. She didn't see them so she went down below deck. Jogging down the steps she heard low murmuring from the cabin of the infirmary. Pressing her ear against the door Ayisha could hear that voices in the room belonged to Will and Elizabeth…and they were talking about Jack.

Bursting in the room, obviously startling both Will and Elizabeth, Ayisha scrutinized every inch of Will's body. He didn't have a single scratch. Anger boiled in the pit of Ayisha's stomach, and that was a bad thing – to piss off a Kermanian. "You," Ayisha growled, pointing an accusing finger at Will. "You didn't even help him, did you?" she exclaimed.

Will rose to his feet from the chair, "He was going to use me to get back his blasted ship!"

"No he wasn't you idiotic buffoon!" Ayisha cried out, slapping Will across the face as hard as she could, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks. "And now he's gone because of you," Ayisha spoke in a hard tone. A tone that she had never used on anyone in her entire life before. Ayisha sobbed, sinking down back to the floor, not caring how ridiculous she looked. "He's gone…"

– WILL –

Will stared at Ayisha's still form with solemn, waiting for her to rise to her feet and yell at him some more; but she didn't. Ayisha remained on the ground, slumped against the wall, with tears openly streaming down her cheeks. Will inwardly winced. Ayisha, to him, seemed like the type of person who looked like she didn't like to show her emotions much; who liked to keep a strong appearance. And he was the one to break her down...

He wanted her to scream. He wanted her to shout. He wanted her to hit him; to do something besides looking so helpless. Will didn't even bother to look over his shoulder to look at Elizabeth, because he did not want to see the women, whom he loves with every fiber in his being, see the guilt in his eyes for what he had done to Ayisha. Yes, he could have done something that would have prevented Jack from being captured, or, worse, dead. Will felt disgusted with himself, again. He was the cause for someone being killed (if Jack was killed, that is). He was the cause for Ayisha's visible pain.

Will felt a hand gently cup his shoulder, and looking, he saw Elizabeth give him a soft smile, confusion easily noticed on her delicate features. Will covered Elizabeth's hand with his own, smiling weakly back. In order for him to save his love, he had to get rid of Ayisha's.

...Was it worth it?...

Will kept his gaze on Elizabeth, hoping that seeing her look at him adoringly (like she was at that very moment) would make him feel better; but it didn't. He still felt guilt. He still felt Ayisha's pain as if it were his own. Will laced his fingers with Elizabeth's, and then did something that he thought he would never do...he slid her hand off of his shoulder and then unlocked their fingers so that they were no longer touching. "Will you please give me a moment alone to speak with Ayisha, Elizabeth?" he asked.

Elizabeth looked shocked by Will's request, but she stammered out, making Will feel even worse, "O-of course."

Will watched Elizabeth's retreating figure, as she descended up the stairs leading to the main deck, and then turned his gaze to the almost lifeless form of Ayisha, and kneeled down in front of her. His eyes roamed her figure, not knowing what to do or say; she looked so...he couldn't find the words to describe Ayisha's appearance at the moment since her face showed no expression. Will opened his mouth to speak,

"I have nothing to say to you," Ayisha intervened, head lifting, locking eyes with him. Will felt a cold chill travel up his spine at the look in Ayisha's eyes. She stared at him with such hatred, such... disappointment...that Will had to break their eye contact. "Nothing you say to me will ever make me forgive you for what you have done to Jack."

"I have nothing to say about what I have done," Will replied in a low murmur. "The pain that I have caused you because of my actions pains me like nothing I have ever felt before." Will looked back into Ayisha's eyes. "You have every right to detest me for what I have done." He gulped. "I am sorry." Will didn't know what came over him, but it was as if his hand had a mind of it's own; he raised his hand in the air and brushed aside some of Ayisha's hair that was framing her face, tucking it behind her ear. Ayisha's eyes fluttered closed, another tear trailing down her cheek, which Will was quick to wipe away.

Ayisha chuckled lowly, gently pushing Will's hand away from her face, "It is pathetic how that was the most affection a man has ever shown me. Not even Jack. He always seemed to be ashamed to be seen publicly with me."

"Then he is a fool," replied Will.

Ayisha gazed up at Will, and smiled weakly. "Miss Swann is lucky to have you, Will." her tone sounded strained.

"...Yes." Will shakily gulped, withdrawing his hand back to his side.

Ayisha rose to her feet and left without another word, leaving Will kneeling on the floor, completely baffled. What had he just done? Why did he feel as if his heart were splitting in two? Rising to his feet, Will's eyes were glazed over in deep thought. Maybe Jack was right about what he told him. Maybe he really was a pirate at heart; because what lawful man would leave another person behind for his own selfish reasons? And his selfish action has caused others pain; not just Ayisha, but the crew of the Interceptor seemed to be also affected by Jack not returning with him and Elizabeth.

What have I done...?

(A/N) Authors Note: A bit more Will/Ayisha...well a bit one-sided. I totally think that Will could love another woman; it's just that in Port Royal, there wasn't anyone as exciting as Elizabeth, to him, don't you think? And for Ayisha, vise-versa. But this story will remain totally Jack/Ayisha...mostly. lol.

I felt like updating again because you guys are freaking A! And, well, because I'm almost through with all of the documents I have saved up for future chapters of this story. Once I'm done, that's when I have to start typing future chapters out with my noggin. :3

And, I was going to personally respond to your reviews via PM, but most of you had the same questions, so I'll just do it here! Okay, the genre of the book that I am hoping to finish before the world 'ends' in 2012, is supernatural/mystery (and of course you can't forget the romance). And if you're an old reader of mine, then you might love this -cough cough;DarkFireAngel000-cough cough; it features an old OC of mine that a lot of people seemed to love, and could relate to. So, drum roll please...

The title of the book is going to be called: 'Ghost Magnet: The Willow Aickman Story' (please do not take that title. I claim it as my own, muwahahahahaha)

Oh! And thank you for mentioning some of your favorite TV shows/Movies, I will be sure to check them all out because I've heard nothing but good news about those shows.