AN:

Last one guys before the epilogue. Thank you so much for reading this far, and shoving your support with views, comments and favorites/follows. I can't even describe how happy it makes me to find people to want to read my stuff even after such a long time of waiting to get to this point, so big, big thanks to all of you amazing people!

Well, off to the third film we go. And what I've noticed during the course of writing this second installment, is that I've grown to like Norrington much more from before (even started to read fics about him), so there is a possibility that at some point in the future there could be a Norrington/OC story in the horizon…I have a bud of an idea anyhow after coming across an interesting character name…

But first I'll be seeing you when the third story comes out. Can't say however when, I have a lot of work ahead of me. Nevertheless have a great upcoming summer everyone!

Linda.

Entry 23

I remained still as long as th' fallin' debris 'n' th' fire didn't further endanger th' lives o' th' survivors, William loosenin' his grip o' me as stuck th' tip o' his knife ontae th' deck, us watchin' th' burned remains o' th' tentacles to plunge intae th' sea haggardly. Th' pained roar o' th' beast resonatin' thro' th' quiver o' th' deck, pieces o' smolderin' meat 'n' corpses litterin' th' deck as everyone emerged from their hidin'. Only aboot handful o' us crawlin' oot o' th' scattered refuse 'n' creepin' to th' rail to peek ower it as did I, only that I vaulted to th' gunwale in a frenzy. Distraught, gazin' intae th' water in ever growin' horror, nae seein' me brother anywhere. Me brushin' William's haun aff as he attempted to console me or to take me awa' from th' banister, I didn't care. Me refusin' to believe it when efter several seconds o' waitin' I didn't see Peter to swim back to th' surface nor did I see his body to well up, me shakin' me heid at th' realization that made me hert heavy then. Drivin' me to th' brink o' breakin' doon efter keepin' me nerves under control for so long, me eyes pricklin' for both th' smoke 'n' unshed tears.

"Naw… Naw, Peter please, come up. Come up please!" I begged, wance mair nae kennin' what I was doin' as shinned higher oan th' rail. Me fightin' back against th' deterrin' arms o' William that hauled me back afore I could do th' glaikiest thing o' drownin' meself by divin' efter me brother, his voice callin' me name 'n' his ain pleads for me to listen to 'im fallin' oan deaf lugs for a moment as I was so concerned o' Peter that it owercame everythin'. Th' fact that he had died only because he'd pushed me oot o' th' wey o' th' blast hurtin' me so that I would've gladly jumped right in th' sea regardless o' th' sea monster to find 'im, to bring me brother back who'd been lost because o' me yet again surfaced foolishness. Finally William's gentle voice breakin' thro' me senseless ravin' 'n' he brought me aroond wance I stopped strugglin' against his hold, me eyes lockin' wi' his in shock as he captured me heid momentarily wi' a serious face. 'Im sighin' as a flicker o' pain also could be found from his irises that softened for pity, for grief but in acceptance as weel as he spoke to me. Those two words jabbin' me straight to me hert unlik' anyhtin' he'd ever said to me afore, even if they were true.

"He's gone."

I froze, shakin' me heid slightly as didn't want to admit 'im to be right, me chest feelin' even heavier when th' sorrow stairted to gnaw at me gradually. Me eyes shiftin' to see Edward dauner ower to us when I stepped awa' from William, efter but a brief exchange o' goups wi' th' Englishman me nae bein' able to stop meself from goin' to 'im. Instead o' seekin' comfort from th' arms o' William for his surprise me pressin' against Edward 'n' accepted th' embrace he wrapped me intae, me ain arms circlin' 'im too as I gave in to th' sobs. Edward bringin' a consolin' haun to th' back o' me heid as he let me remain in his arms for a moment, but as I soon separated efter a few tears had fallen 'n' turned me heid towards William I spotted 'im to be gawkin' at us. His eyes however instantly fallin' when me gaze met his, me simply ignorin' 'im as he noo walked awa' wi'oot a word 'n' left us alone. Mr. Gibbs' 'n' th' stumpy crewman's voices soon reachin' me lugs, easin' me woe a bit by remindin' me us nae to be yet safe enough for me to focus oan me mournin'.

"Did we kill it?" th' short pirate questioned, exchangin' a brief keek wi' th' First Mate who appeared skeptical. Scourin' oor vicinity o' any sign o' th' Kraken under th' calmed water.

"No. We just made it angry."

"Where's Peter?" Elizabeth questioned then, arrivin' to th' scene wi' a curious countenance efter searchin' for me brother from th' deck. 'Er frownin' upoan seein' me cast me eyes doon afore closin' 'em, me voluntarily blockin' both 'er 'n' William oot o' me mind as he brought 'er a wee farther awa' to deliver th' news o' Peter's passin'.

"Where not out of this yet…Cap'n, orders?" Mr. Gibbs said then, runnin' to his Captain who was approachin' us efter discardin' th' musket among wi' th' rest o' th' surroundin' clutter. Sparrow's coupon rather stern 'n' his eyes but grim as he faced his First Mate, me perhaps even detectin' his voice to contain qualm when th' talk turned to his ship.

"Abandon ship. Into the longboat", Sparrow replied, for th' utmaist dismay o' th' elderly pirate who turned to follow his Captain to amble along th' deck. Mr. Gibbs shakin' his heid as glanced aboot th' vessel in hesitation.

"Jack, the Pearl."

"She's only a ship, mate."

"He's right, we have to head for land", bereft Elizabeth said silently, eventually keekin' up to Sparrow 'n' Mr. Gibbs wi' earnest eyes although I could see 'er to have been gey unsettled efter learnin' o' Peter's fate. Even mair than I would've imagined, 'er however nae shovin' it as 'er visage turned noo deadpan when she exchanged a curt goup wi' somber Sparrow.

"It's a lot of open water", th' bald pirate mused as eyed at th' sea that separated us from th' only island in oor proximity, afore turned to his Captain in doubt. His companion stressin' th' issue by repeatin' th' sentence, me however nae carin' anymair whether or nae th' Kraken would come right in that second to drag th' Pearl into th' abyss. If I did die 'ere 'n' noo efter all, at least I would be reunited wi' me brother who'd been bereaved o' his life in me place.

"We have to try. We can get away as it takes down the Pearl."

I didn't turn to William whose eyes I could feel measurin' me, only returnin' by th' rail in thoughts surroundin' Peter 'n' me regrets aboot how we'd spent oor last moments together, or rather how we hadn't spent 'em aside for bickerin'. That wee we'd talked bein' but heated words spoken oot o' miff. Me fillin' wi' remorse as realized th' least I could've done upoan seein' 'im at that island to have been to tell 'im how glad it had made me to learn 'im to have come to look for me, how happy I'd been to see 'im…'N' noo I'd lost 'im, th' thought o' nae seein' 'im ever again makin' me feel so lonely when since th' day I'd been born Peter had always been wi' me, ne'er truly leavin' me. But this time he had. 'N' I was noo alone, wi'oot th' twin who'd always been part o' me, 'n' upoan disappearin' intae that ocean taken somethin' wi' 'im to his watery grave.

"Abandon ship. Abandon ship or abandon hope", I heard Mr. Gibbs to say, naturally complyin' to his Captain's decision, as he 'n' th' rest o' th' survived crew along wi' Edward then stairted to gather all th' supplies they could find amongst th' clutter. Several minutes goin' by as they loaded th' items doon to th' awaitin' dinghy, preparin' to cast off where I remained by th' gunwale in me dismal ponders. Me thoughts goin' back to th' day maw had died 'n' how at loss I'd felt amidst th' owerpowerin' sadness that had crushed doon oan me lik' a weight, me however bein' still so shocked o' what had happened that th' feelin' o' bereavement couldn't take complete control ower me juist yet. Me tryin' to come to peace wi' all o' it as I noticed Sparrow to dauner aboot th' deck in thoughts o' his ain, admirin' what was left o' his ship 'n' let his hauns trail th' banisters 'n' surfaces o' th' Pearl as a silent goodbye. Sound o' booted legs comin to me wey however breakin' me train o' thought 'n' I heard Edward's voice stairt to speak behind me, tellin' me 'em to have finished loadin' th' longboat.

"Come on, Randa. We must get going."

"Then go."

Edward's voice wasn't doilt but rather strict when it replied wi'oot a hesitation. "I will, right after ye. Everyone are boarding the boat and we shouldn't waste the little time we have for dawdling."

"Peter's 'ere, Edward. I can't leave 'im, so I might as weel go wi' 'im when th' Kraken comes", I stated, half nae even noticin' but th' last words had come oot shuddered, lachrymose. Me placin' both o' me palms oan th' gunwale, but was then taken aback when Edward jerked me aroond. His face actually shockin' me a bit as I'd ne'er seen 'im so stringent in th' time I'd kenned 'im, 'im shakin' me briskly to emphasize his followin' remark as gouped deep intae me eyes. Wearin' a deep frown, dead serious.

"Now ye listen to me", he said tensely, leanin' closer as his eyes narrowed slightly, 'im noddin' towards th' water afore caught me nonplussed attention again. "Yer brother is indeed gone, not coming back, and ye just have to live with it! Damn ye for yer talk of killing yerself by staying, as such utter stupidity won't bring him back to ye. So get into the boat Randa, now, or I'll drag ye there meself."

I was indeed affected by Edward's tirade that was delivered so intensely that it robbed me o' all protests, me o' coorse kennin' 'im to be right, 'n' I noo frowned a bit meself as saw an odd face to tak' ower Edward's hardened features. Me takin' comfort from his compassionate eyes 'n' th' familiarity o' his visage that wance mair reminded me o' Peter, for a brief moment me bein' able to see me brother in 'im as offered 'im a slight twitch o' me lips that was supposed to be a smile. It satisfyin' 'im enough to release me wi' a sigh, his hauns slidin' doon to squeeze me palms curtly afore he strode ower to th' port side gunwale. Me castin' me eyes doon 'n' pulled me cross from under me shirt, swallowin' hard as stepped back to th' railing upoan unclaspin' th' chain. Wi' a sniffle me placin' a kiss ontae th' fingers grippin' to th' necklace as I said a brief prayer for Peter's memory, lastly lettin' th' cross to slip me fingers 'n' fall intae th' water as I finally made a peedy smile.

"Say hi to maw for me."

"Miranda?"

Me eyes snapped open wi' a quaverin' inhale as I turned aroond slowly at th' sound o' William's voice, as tardily liftin' me eyes up to his coupon to see 'im goup back at me in concern ('n' in unspeakable pity, as he undoubtedly had seen me mak' me farewells). Ghost o' a smile visitin' his lips as he tilted his heid towards th' others.

"Let's go."

I was thankful beyond anythin' that he didn't say anythin' aboot Peter noo, expressed condolences bein' th' worst thing that I could've received at th' moment, as compassionate 'n' sad glances given me wey I could live wi'. Me exchangin' a short goup wi' 'im as did leave th' railin' then, William's arm wrappin' aroond me lightly 'n' escortin' me ower to th' other side o' th' vessel. Me irises keekin' up juist in time to see Elizabeth send us a baffled glance afore I watched 'er strut towards th' main mast where Sparrow was standin', me nae however gettin' th' chance to spy oan 'em further as William was noo usherin' me to climb ower th' gunwale efter th' other elderly pirate who carried a parrot oan his shoulder. Me gaspin' for surprise when th' bird flapped its wings at me, wi' careful movements me then swingin' meself ontae th' steps carved intae th' ship's hull, feelin' lik' swayin' from th' inside as th' adrenaline had wance mair worn oot from me system 'n' left me tired 'n' feverish. Me nae helpin' but missin' th' last step 'n' gave th' crewmen sittin' oan th' dinghy a scare upoan causin' it to rock as grabbed th' staple, sighin'. Would this day ne'er end?

Efter William had climbed ontae th' steps I passed oan th' last muskets to th' rest o' th' occupants o' th' toaty vessel, but juist as I was aboot to tak' me seat neist to Edward I noticed William to stiffen. Me keekin' up to 'im questionably afore followed his eyes that were gawkin' at somethin' at th' right side o' th' ship. In utter bewilderment, me placin' me ain foot oan th' last step to extert higher to see what he was keekin' at so shocked, only to blink in dismay meself as lik' afore saw Elizabeth wi' Sparrow. But nae juist talkin' anymair, but…kissin'.

Me eyes glanced atween stupefied William 'n' th' ardently smoochin' pair afore descended back intae th' rowboat, nonplussed. What was Eizabeth doin'? Wi' Sparrow no less, 'n' in front o' 'er ain fiancé…She had vowed to luv William 'n' as o' few weeks ago had been set oan marryin' 'im, so what oan earth was happenin'? But as much as I tried to wrap me mind aroond what I'd seen 'n' fathom th' reason for I, I then recalled th' odd behavior Sparrow had displayed while aroond Elizabeth. Me rememberin' those several subtle keeks made 'er wey 'n' his tone when he'd brought 'er up in a conversation, it all noo makin' sense to me if it really had happened that Sparrow had become drawn to Elizabeth efter meetin' 'er at some point efter 'er escape…But did that kiss we'd juist witnessed mean that she was drawn to 'im too? In luv wi' 'im even?

Wi' a swiftly concealed aplologetic keek I gave room for William to settle ontae th' boat in turn efter Mr. Gibbs told 'im to hurry doon upoan stairtin' to board 'imself, William's moment ago typically calm exterior understandably noo soured by jealousy that in th' followin' moment turned his confusion intae mere ire. 'Im however assumin' but reserved visage wance we saw Elizabeth to arrive 'n' descend th' steps to th' dinghy, me levelin' one incredulous glance at 'er afore gazin' awa' as William helped 'er oan 'er seat. Lockin' quizzical gazes wi' er, but his voice was far from his usual warm 'n' kind, tippin' Elizabeth aff that 'er slight moment wi' Sparrow hadn't gone unnoticed by th' one person who shouldn't have seen 'er in other man's arms. William nae even tryin' to hide th' fact that he'd caught 'er, th' keek in his eyes soon enough turnin' pungent upoan hearin' Elizabeth's equally tense response.

"Where's Jack?"

"He elected to stay behind to give us a chance."

Elizabeth's announcement surprised me 'n' I gazed towards th' gunwale, truthfully th' animosity I'd come to feel for th' man lessenin' a wee when I considered his this time voluntary decision to stay behind as a bait for th' Kraken so that we could get awa' from th' Pearl unhindered. Th' similar kind o' reluctant feelin' wellin' up in me as when I'd watched Norrington to wade across th' shallows atween th' crew o' th' Flyin' Dutchman to buy us th' needed time to run. Th' pirate in question indeed nae appearin' to th' railing even to say farewells to his baffled crew 'n' maist o' all to his loyal 'n' maist stupefied First Mate, th' wooden eyed pirate neist castin' us aff 'n' took th' oars wi' his comrade by th' impetuous order o' Elizabeth.

Although I realized us to be indeed saved by abandonin' Sparrow wi' his ship when th' beast had been initially efter but 'im all along, I still wasn't able to decide was such fate but a comeuppance to th' infamous Captain Jack Sparrow, or juist another sin for all o' us to carry oan oor conscious for the rest o' oor lives by leavin' 'im to face it when th' rowboat stairted to glide awa' from th' Pearl's hull. But then I juist didn't care anymair, th' physical 'n' emotional fatigue takin' their toll oan me 'n' wi' a deep sigh I simply leant against Edward, fallin' intae same kind o' rueful thoughts when th' dinghy drew awa' from th' vessel meter by meter. Takin' me all th' while farther awa' from nae only th' trouble that was Jack Sparrow but th' place I'd seen me brother for th' last time, me eyes eventually risin' to goup at th' dark hulled ship efter first takin' in Elizabeth. 'Er hastily turnin' 'er back to me when I spotted that somewhat guilt ridden face she wore afore 'er countenance turned back to earnest, at th' moment me nae spearin' energy to imagine how she must've felt aboot 'er apparent lover's decision nae to come wi' us. Utter silence descendin' as none o' us said a word, owerall gloomy atmosphere takin' ower th' boat as th' pirates rowed us awa' from th' doomed ship swiftly. Nae long efter us turnin' aroond to witness how th' Kraken arrived, its tentacles creepin' oot o' th water noo gingerly 'n' silently to tak' its prey by surprise, nae long efter us seein' th' heid o' th' creature to emerge behind th' starboard side o' th' Pearl. Th' sight o' its jaws surrounded by several rows o' large fangs sendin' a quiver to run along me spine as soon th' beast lunged forward, its arms snakin'a round th' vessel throughoot 'til th' creature finally commenced wi' th' sinkin'.

Th' pirates' arms halted in middle o' rowin' as Sparrow's crew faced th' Pearl, watchin' their Captain to go doon wi' his ship in sadness, no one darin' to even move as long as th' tip o' th' main mast had also disappeared below th' surface. Leavin' behind but swells that soon enough subsided as weel, nothing anymair provin' th' Kraken nor th' Black Pearl to have ever been there. Th' pirates finally graspin' th' oars again by th' quiet order o' Mr. Gibbs, us continuin' toward th' nearby island. Me eyes noo closin' by 'emselves, it nae takin' long for me to fall asleep. Th' last thought that popped intae me heid concernin' Peter, me wishin' from th' bottom o' me hert that I would have had 'im sittin' by William's side noo. Safe 'n' sound, escaped death wi' th' rest o' us. Me thankin' God that at least I didn't have any family at home to send word for aboot his death, as I doubted uncle Cutler to pay much heed to th' loss o' a nephew he hardly kenned, should I decide to write to 'im. But it would be a matter o' th' future, me pushin' everythin' oot o' me mind then as lulled meself intae a slumber. Nae wakin' up 'til th' followin' efternoon when I discovered us to have made it far awa' from th' island we'd sought shelter from wi' freish bearings.

~Three Days Later~

I looked at myself from a mirror hanging by the large grandfather clock, not appearing all that presentable nor smelled liked that either, but as my ship had just pulled in to the harbor twenty minutes prior after a non-stop voyage, I hadn't actually gotten the chance to bathe nor change my attire into something more suitable. After the anchor had been dropped me to have headed straight to the Governor's office to report to my uncle as instructed upon my long since departure from this very same room. Me still trying to brush me dirty hair out of my face and wiped my face from the majority of the grime as I listened to Mercer's voice speaking behind the wall, informing uncle Cutler of my arrival. Norrington soon cutting my train of thought with a soft cough, me looking at him through the mirror.

"So your uncle has seen fit to take office here?" he observed, me lifting a slight eyebrow at him as felt my cheeks, finding them to have already developed a stubble that was soon in need to be shaved again.

"Not only here. He's taken upon residence at the Swann manor."

"And what of the Governor?"

"By the time I left he was still managing his duties as appointed. Albeit upon the arrival of the Company, the major authority over the matters of Port Royal has fallen to its Governor, my uncle."

"Naturally."

Norrington's latest statement hadn't come out as approbative as should've been desired, me ogling him with caution to remind him not to think ill of the man who was about to be the only one standing between his freedom and arrest. Norrington now taking a pace towards the open office doors when he heard me uncle to bring up the Chest, inquiring any news that might've reached his assistant's ears about it when they'd received no letter from me during my absence. Me halting the soon to be Admiral before he could enter and with a confused look he turned to me, seeing me to shake my head at him as I told him to wait with my imperative stare. Next hearing Mercer to finally inform his employer me to have returned aboard the last of East India Trading Company's ships that had been called back to Port Royal and which by chance had picked me up from that tiny speck of an island I'd swam to after my unexpected departure from the Black Pearl. According to my instructions it returning to the bearings of Isla Cruces to collect Norrington, who luckily (but in truth half for me chagrin) had survived after running into the jungle with the empty Chest right in line with our plan that had been devised during the ongoing battle over the heart. When we'd come across the jar that had contained the very prize we'd been after, offered to us on a silver platter by that bampot of a pirate Sparrow who'd left not only the heart but the Letters unguarded. Making it too easy for us to plan the sufficient diversion to eventually walk away free with the items, just as intended without Sparrow knowing a thing about our ruse before it was too late. Me chuckling at the recollection of the pirate knelt on the deck of his ship in shock, frantically searching for the heart from the remains of the shattered jar by the time it had already been pinched right under his nose.

"My nephew's here?" Uncle Cutler's voice responded in surprise, his voice however also reflecting but satisfaction what else when he was proven me to have kept my word, wide grin rising on my lips as I then straightened my coat before left Norrington stand alone by the door and walked inside. Matching my uncle's delighted but most of all curious stare, slipping a hand into my breast pocket after a curt exchange of acknowledging glances with Mercer.

"And he doesn't come empty handed but with gifts" I announced, not even trying to feign modest as pulled out the Letters of Marque. Dropping the leather bound documents onto my uncle's desk after crossing the room to stand right in front of him, uncle Cutler exerting forward in his chair to take hold of the Letters. Unfolding them as I beckoned towards the door remarkably, placing a hand on the hilt of my sword. "But I've also brought along something else that might spark your interest, uncle."

"Your sister perhaps?"

"Unfortunately no. But something equally if not more worthwhile."

Uncle Cutler halted in middle of reading the Letters, his eyes moving over to the doorway along with Mercer's as Norrington entered on cue, momentarily taken aback my uncle following the scruffy man to approach after I nodded the guard positioned by the door to release him. Uncle Cutler beckoning him to come forward.

"I took the liberty of filling in my name. That's what your nephew promised me if I followed the terms of our agreement", Norrington revealed, me lifting my jaw as stared back at him for a while before my attention moved back to my contemplative uncle. Him indeed finding Norrington's name from the papers which he'd signed instantly after our ship had headed towards Port Royal.

"Your agreement?" uncle Cutler questioned as his questionable gaze shifted to me, me tipping my head at him with a new smirk as he then looked down. Turning but serious as he then closed the Letters again to set them onto the table, examining Norrington curiously. "Even if my nephew decided to grant you the opportunity for it, if you intend to claim these you must have something to trade. And speaking of gifts…" Uncle Cutler glanced at me, next measuring the former Commodore who came to a halt by my side. "Do you have the compass?"

"Better", Norrington stated with a shake of his head, us sharing a smile as he then reached for his own pocket to reveal the small bag he'd preserved the heart in. Me filling with gratification as saw my uncle to stiffen in awe once the throbbing bag fell next to the Letters, uncle Cutler gingerly leaning forward while his eyes remained fixated on the flies that started to buzz around the pulsating, concealed object. Leaving no doubt in his mind what it was before the defining words had even left Norrington's lips. "The heart of Davy Jones."

"As promised", I added, uncle Cutler finally looking up from the bag briefly to take in the significant tilt of my head. Me then watching him to open it to look inside, his eyebrows rising before another smile made its way on his lips. Him soon rising, rounding the desk to head for the bar table.

"I recall you to have promised to return with your sister and the sole knowledge of the location of Miss. Swann, and yet here I've been waiting for a word from you after learning you to have taken the matters into your own hands", uncle Cutler mused, to me obviously, although his back was turned to us when he took three glasses before choosing the right decanter. Me leaning against the desk as flashed him a smile, glancing at Mercer who'd went to stand on the sidelines. To follow the ongoing conversation with careful eye as spies always did.

"And taken that you have not already denoted me uncle before promoting me, I dare say to have delivered much more than agreed on as can be deduced by both the heart and the Letters that have been successfully recovered and brought over to you in place of what was expected of me. Which is why I believe to have more than earned not only your praise, uncle, but my indisputable place in the Company."

"I confess not to have expected you to walk through those doors with the very fruit of our labor", uncle Cutler replied with an amused smile, facing me with one of the filled lead crystals and lifted it respectfully. Me nodding at his reverence in gratitude. "You do have made me very pleased with your performance, and I am sure we can go to great lengths together now that you've commendably ensured yourself worthy of the glory of our prevailing victory."

I received the glass from him as uncle Cutler then filled the last two with whiskey that after sipping it I found to be the exact same rich flavored beverage I'd had the privilege to familiarize myself while calling to Mr. McTavish at his home. Norrignton as well receiving his own as my uncle turned rather pensive again, his irises traveling to the heart.

"It's remarkable", he breathed, Norrington rocking a bit impatiently on his heels once he eyed at uncle Cutler expectantly, me lifting my brows at the man in amusement as downed half of my drink. The short silence soon coming to an end by Norrington's inquisitive voice as he confronted my uncle straightforwardly.

"I take it I've won commission as an appointed Officer?" he queried, uncle Cutler looking at him quite astutely, until he broke into a mysterious smirk after a brief surprise and quizzical gaze leveled at me. Me quirking my eyebrows at my uncle remarkably, as his glass then rose once again but this time for a toast, me walking to the bar table to re-fill my own. Enjoying the smoky aroma that tasted like heaven after the time spent on ingesting that watery, low class alcohol I wouldn't even give to dogs to drink.

"Naturally. As a compensation for your efforts for the Company, a full reinstatement to your former rank and status, all rights and privileges attendant", uncle Cutler agreed, Norrington glancing at me upon the conversation taking the exact course I'd promised once we'd returned to Port Royal with our spoils. Uncle Cutler now returning by the desk to open a certain singular casket that had been set upon it, him opening the lid and revealing Norrington's old sword. One I recognized very well upon remembering to have watched Will to make it night after night before the day of the coronation ceremony, me however then shoving the treacherous traitor out of my mind as witnessed Norrington to approach the sword in a fleeting hesitation. Uncle Cutler walking by the window where Norrington finally raised the delicate weapon and revealed the blade. Bringing it to the level of his eyes to admire the sword's perfect form, the rapier feeling visibly familiar in his hand and the man's lips curved up slightly. My uncle thinking a moment before he turned around, placing his arms behind his back as then said the words that finally sealed the deal for Norrington. Addressing the very issue I'd brought up upon enlisting his services.

"And I think promotion is due as well…Do you agree, Admiral Norrington?"

I hold back a laugh as Norrington gasped, his eyes gazing towards my uncle from the shining steel in momentary surprise until understanding along with soon following relief made an appearance on his countenance. His features however then hardening as the newly appointed Admiral turned serious, vaulting forward and flicked the weapon downward to lean on his arm. To point at the heart.

"Give the order, sir."

I abandoned my whiskey onto the table as instantly drew my own weapon, in a split of a second placing the tip of it on top of his artery as stared at his profile sternly. By tipping the blade signaling to Norrington one wrong move on his part to justify me to slit his throat, inwardly cursing the man's officious manner of immediately striving to brownnose my uncle who then spoke up. Siding with me with a calming lift of his hand.

"Oh no, no, no, no. That would be terribly imprudent", he remarked, baffling Norrington where I withdrew my sword and returned it back to its sheath now that the esteemed Admiral had been stopped from acting foolishly before considering the different aspects. Although my uncle's plans for the heart weren't all that clear to me either, I for one wasn't still going to just stab the darn thing short-sidedly and risk discarding the likely possibilities it could bring us. The following words of uncle Cutler nevertheless clearing all wonders regarding the initial endeavor to locate the heart for the Company in both me and Norrington's minds. Me blinking in surprise at the sound of uncle Cutler elaboration.

"Where's the profit in killing Jones when instead we can add another ship to our fleet?"

I watched as uncle Cutler now walked to the balcony doors, me trailing after him with Norrington, only to stiffen in dismay when I saw the Flying Dutchman to emerge from the bay not far from the docks. My mouth opening for astonishment as slowly my mind started to wrap around the connection the heart had with this appeared ship and why both my uncle and Sparrow had wished to acquire it so badly, only one thing explaining why Jones had arrived at the Company's doorstep completely willingly. Me trudging to the balcony to join my uncle and Norrington with Mercer, all of us halting to follow how the Dutchman stopped directly in front of the office building and the whole crew came by the gunwale of their vessel. Amongst them Jones who caused me to smile in awe as I witnessed him to remove his hat once his eyes found my uncle, although it was clear he didn't take any pleasure from such courtesy, him next bowing his head nevertheless. As a sign of respect, unvoiced resignation when he had no choice but to comply to steep himself so low as to honor his new...lord.

"Whoever controls the heart of Davy Jones…controls the sea", my uncle explained. Me starting to laugh as eyed at the crew in brief disbelief, against whom not but a few days ago I'd fought for my life and now had them stand there in front of my uncle completely humble and ready to serve. Indeed realizing such a power over the Dutchman and its Captain to bring such an addition to our already so grand might that pirates or any other enemy wouldn't stand a chance against the Company as of today.

"Would you look at that. Jones just waiting there for a bone to be thrown for him", I scoffed, approaching the railing and leant against it as sent a mocking grin at the tentacle faced Captain. Taking grave amusement upon seeing his effort to remain composed at the face of my ridicule. "This is going to be interesting for sure."

"The map is finished, sir."

All four of us now turned to face the map maker who'd suddenly arrived to the doorway, Norrington and Mercer staying behind to stare at the Dutchman in wonder, where I left the balcony to trail my uncle's steps as he returned back into the office. To behold the map that had been weeks in the making and now finally completed to its whole glory, me searching every inch of it in satisfaction upon taking in the depiction of all the far spread footholds the Company had all around the world, reaching as far as eastern Asia and South Pacific Ocean. Me hearing uncle Cutler to release a content sigh as his eyes as well roamed about the map on the wall, sharing me sentiments by the sound of pride in his voice.

"Just the way I imagined it."

"What now, uncle?" I questioned, breaking the fallen silence and claimed uncle Cutler's attention back from the map. Folding my arms. "We have the heart and the Dutchman at our disposal…so what is it that you need Jones for?"

"To be the first plague that shall strike against the free pirates sailing these waters", uncle Cutler replied, me frowning at his answer and walking by his side. Lifting my eyebrows at him.

"So you're making Jones the Company bloodhound?" I gathered, uncle Cutler tilting his head at me in concur.

"Precisely. None other than Jones can hunt down the individuals we seek faster and then bring them in for questioning."

"Who, and for what? What is it you want to find out, uncle?"

"Everything, nephew. To defeat the enemy you must have a full view of their infrastructure and policies, and to bring them on their knees once and for all…we have to get inside their head and control them from the sidelines like all the great tacticians before us."

I didn't even pretend to follow his course of mind at the moment as just sighed, letting the matter go as stretched me tensed muscles. Uncle Cutler then measuring me silently for a moment, until broke into a smile once he saw me dig out the hidden signet ring of the Beckett family and followed me to thread it back on my finger. Him placing a hand on my shoulder as beckoned to the entrance remarkably.

"Go to the manor to have some well earned rest. I sent Mercer to fetch you in the morning, and we can discuss our plans further upon breakfast."

I complied with a nod, truthfully feeling myself more tired than in ages as nodded my uncle farewell for the time being. Offering one to Norrington as well before exited the office, while marching across the corridors my thoughts reeling back to my sister whom I was sure to have been heartbroken upon thinking me to have died in that explosion. But although I hadn't exactly planned on falling off the ship, as it had been the only and in fact quite clever way for me to have disappeared from the Pearl without waking any suspicions, I didn't scold myself much for the possible grief I'd put her through. As well convinced that she must've made it out of the ship before the Kraken had taken it down, and soon enough we would meet again and I would bring her back home to where she belonged. To make sure she wouldn't get further involved with Sparrow and any of the business that had to with his kind of rogues, most of all making sure that she would finally be rid of Will and the trouble he brought along to everyone who placed trust in him. Cared for him. My blood briefly boiling for the thought of it, as I stepped outside to the busy street of Port Royal, directing my steps towards the center of the town. The scent of freshly baked bread soon flowing to my nose as my mind wandered, while utterly fed up with plain hardtack and the unvaried food the numerous ships had been able to provide, I then came to feel like having a braised chicken for supper. Making a note to myself to visit the kitchen to inform Mattie of the slight deviation in tonight's menu.

Efter disembarkin' at th' wee cay, we'd spent several hours stranded there while th' crew had tried to determine oor current location, as we had been in no possession of navigational device of any kind when Edward's sextant had as weel been long lost. Wi' th' help o' th' stars finally Mr. Gibbs discoverin' where we were 'n' it had been decided us to head to th' coast o' Cuba where accordin' to 'im one o' Sparrow ol' acquaintances lived 'n' from whom we could seek lodgin'. Efter wakin' 'n' hearin' aboot oor newest destination me bein' a bit iffy to meet yet another friend o' Sparrow's (whom I learned to be th' very same woman who'd aided 'em in findin' th' Chest o' Davy Jones), but honestly I'd been too haggard to care as long as 'er home would be th' closest to oor current location 'n' we would get there afore we'd starve. Us thus havin' left th' island at th' death o' night 'n' spendin' three days oan that dinghy by me knowledge.

Oor water had ran oot in middle o' th' second day 'n' th' scarce food we had in oor person didn't last all that much longer either. During that time me however nae findin' meself sharin' me fellow drifters worries as most o' me time went by in drowsy reveries, th' voyage to th' woman's residence provin' easiest to handle to me as by th' time sun had coomenced to sink at th' end o' th' third day th' men had also stairted to lose hope o' reachin' this what they referred to as "voodoo sorceress's" domain. (I'd noticed especially Mr. Gibbs to have spoken rather fearfully aboot th' said woman wance I'd asked aboot 'er in further detail). Me nae bein' completely convinced o' th' abilities th' sailors claimed 'er to have, 'til we'd come upoan an island they apparently recognized as th' right one 'n' left th' open waters to follow a narrow river that ran across th' isle (eventually turnin' intae a swamp lik' area wance th' jungle densed).

Th' surroundin' darkness that had engulfed us had been abruptly lit by several specks o' light (carried by a group o' people who were soon revealed to be in fact waitin' for us) 'n' I came to consider th' possibility o' th' woman to have some gifts efter all. Th' men, women 'n' children standin' aroond us in th' mid waist high water while holdin' up candles that seemed to have been burnin' for th' memory o' oor lost Captain, makin' me think that perhaps this Tia Dalma had foreseen oor arrival. Explainin' th' presence o' this crowd, many havin' tears in their eyes as they watched oor boat to pass thro' em in silence. Th' somewhat streenge atmosphere envelopin' us then indeed supportin' th' idea o' voodoo as I could hear hummed words to be repeated amongst th' presumed local residents. Soon but th' sounds o' th' jungle nevertheless enlivenin' th' silence as long as it had taken us to leave th' people behind 'n' reach th' end o' th' river. A ramshackle hut waitin' for us at th' edge o' th' jungle, efter we'd moored oor rowboat to th' wee dock th' soothsayer 'erself walkin' oot o' th' hoose to receive us. As anticipated takin' us in wi'oot a word said 'n' guided us within 'er home, me nae even payin' much mind to th' surrounding oddities nor th' snakes crawlin' in th' ceiling 'n' th' floor in addition to th' different herbs 'n' jars filled wi' eveythin' one could think o' as immediately efter enterin' I slumped oan th' floor. Nae even kennin' how I'd made it thro' th' past days wi'oot dyin', certainly feelin' lik' it as there was nae a fibre in me body that didn't feel unweel. Me bein' however too stowed wallowin' in me yearnin' for Peter to mind that either.

'N' there I stayed, perhaps hours, I wasn't sure. All o' us occupayin' th' front room o' th' hoose remainin' entangled intae oor ain thoughts wi'oot a single word exchanged atween us. Me finally stirrin' from me ain ponders as William's knife made sudden contact wi' a table by he was sittin', me keekin' up to 'im 'n' sadly watched 'im throw his father's knife again 'n' again ontae th' wooden surface as a sign o' pent up frustration. Me understandin' 'im as I hadn't heard 'im 'n' Elizabeth to say a single thing to one another durin' th' whole journey 'ere, me droppin' me eyes to goup intae emptiness as I leaned me jaw oan me arms. Feelin' lik' keelin' ower if it werent' for th' barrel I was leanin' against. Me soon seein' th' skirts o' Tia Dalma to swish across th' floor as she arrived wi' a tray o' drinks, 'er then bendin' doon to offer one to me while 'er attentive eyes took me in. Me gaspin' for surprise as 'er haun soon rose to touch me right temple.

"Ye don' look so good me gal", she mused, me meetin' 'er eyes 'n' she indeed gazed deep within' 'em as her palm neist pressed against me jaw slightly. "So pale an' troubled. 'Ere, have somethin' to drink an' it will brin' comfort."

"I don't need it", I said quietly, th' woman tiltin' 'er dreadlocked heid at me as insisted me to tak' one o' th' awaitin' mugs. Bringin' it closer.

"You do, more dan ye think. It will chase away da chill of yer bones along with da grief that ails you."

"I don't want it!" I told 'er, or mair lik' exclaimed as I suddenly snapped, nae kenin' what took ower me but all pairs o' eyes turned to me in surprise. Feelin' a sting o' remorse but yet unable to voice oot an apology for th' woman who was juist tryin' to be polite, me only castin' me eyes doon again efter lastly exchangin' a fleeting keek wi' William. Me sighin' upoan feelin' Edward's haun to land oan me shoulder to squeeze it, me placin' mine oan top o' it afore buried me eyes intae me arm. Witholdin' th' tears, as Tia Dalma left me side to go ower to Elizabeth neist. 'Er as weel at first refusin' th' offered drink but unlik' me complied by th' urge o' th' woman, wance th' light o' th' candles placed oan th' tray illuminated Elizabeth's coupon me realizin' for th' first time me nae to be th' only one battlin' wi' me emotions. Me however nae kennin' was it Peter or Sparrow Elizabeth was lamentin' mair, whoever was th' cause for it 'er such emotional reaction nae gratifyin' William who received his ain drink wi' a blank expression. Efter bringin' th' mug to his lips decidin' against it, me bein' able to feel his eyes eventually to land oan me as he glanced aboot th' room when Tia Dalma addressed 'im. 'Im concentratin' back oan fillin' th' surface o' th' table wi' clefts as th' woman's words turned his mood even fouler, regretful, 'em lockin' gazes.

"It's a shame..I know you're thinkin' dat with the Pearl you could've captured da devil an' set free your father's soul."

"It doesn't matter now", I heard William to respond, me straightenin' me back 'n' keeked at 'im at th' sound o' his somewhat defeated delivery, his features gainin' a tint o' rancor as he continued. "The Pearl's gone. Along with its Captain."

Th' thud o' th' knife seemed so loud this time that it felt as if William had concentrated all his anger to it, it however nae easin' his sentiments, that much I could tell even while so focused oan me ain pain. Mr. Gibbs' voice speakin' up then as th' elderly pirate left his place by th' door, walkin' closer to th' rest o' us.

"Aye. And already the world seems a bit less bright", he mused, in clear respect he still hold for his Captain regardless o' all he'd made us go thro' wi' his careless deals wi' Jones. "He fooled us all right to the end. But I guess that honest streak finally won out. To Jack Sparrow!"

Mr. Gibbs hoisted his tankard up for a toast as I saw Elizabeth to glance towards 'im, one by one th' rest o' crewmen followin' suite besides William, Edward 'n' me. Th' wooden eyed pirate strugglin' wi' his words as joined th' toast wi' his drink.

"Never another like Captain Jack."

"He was a gentleman of fortune, he was", his companion added wi' a lift o' his ain cup, Elizabeth followin' suite.

"He was a good man."

Me eyes fell as I noticed William to peek at Elizabeth's grief struck coupon wi' mixed feelings, eventually puttin' awa' his ain mug where neither Elizabeth felt lik' drinkin'. Me eyes noo closin' again in exhaustion, th' sorrow keepin' me at its claws 'n' nae lettin' me go as all I could think aboot mostly was me brother 'n' th' terrible wey he'd been taken from this world. Me noo holdin' back a loud sniffle as hid intae me arms again momentarily, in those days spent in th' longboat me to have had time to come in terms wi' th' loss o' Peter, 'n' admittin' it had unleashed th' emotions to surge freely. Guilt 'n' woe engangin' intae th' ne'er ceasin' altercation within me as I tried me hardest nae to let it owercome me, tellin' meself to have to live wi' th' fact that Peter wasn't comin' back by me hopin' to see 'im walk thro' that door. Juist lik' Edward had said.

"If there was anything to be done to bring him back…" William said abruptly, me snappin' me eyes open in utmaist surprise 'n' I lifted me gaze up to 'im quizzically, only to be slightly disappointed when I naturally saw 'im to be goupin' at Elizabeth instead o' me. That previous remark referrin' to Sparrow 'n' nae me brother, me meekly then juist keekin' awa' efter glancin' up to equally astonished Elizabeth. William noo callin' oot 'er name as stood, Tia Dalma however claimin' all o' oor attention then by dashin' ower to William wi' a curious face.

"Would you do it?" she demanded, William blinkin' in confusion 'til th' woman's gaze shifted to Elizabeth, noo challengin' 'er wi' that inquisitive goup o' 'ers afore she was addressin' everyone present in th' room. "What would you? What would any of you be willin' to do?"

Silence descended as Tia Dalma's eyes rounded th' people in th' room, lastly landin' oan Edward afore 'er irises flickered doon to meet mine. Me frownin' at 'er slightly as watched a jovial smile to spread oan 'er lips wance she continued, turnin' aboot to face 'er listeners one by one.

"Will you sail to da ends of da earth an' beyond to fetch back witty Jack an' his precious Pearl?"

Efter but a short moment o' thought one by one Sparrow's crewmembers stood from their seats 'n' agreed to th' venture th' voodoo sorceress had presented, stairtin' from Mr. Gibbs 'n' endin' in William's quiet assent. Even th' parrot givin' its consent to th' endeavor, me however juist eyein' at th' woman in disbelief. Nae seein' how would any o' us be able to reclaim Sparrow back from something so final as death.

"And how do ye suppose we manage that, ma'am?" Edward questioned, shakin' his heid skeptically as Tia Dalma confronted 'im upoan hearin' 'im talk for th' first time since arrivin'. "Sparrow was dragged deep into the Davy Jones' Locker where there's no venturing unless ye're dead yerself."

"Aye. Which is why should ye brave da weird an' haunted shores at world' end, den you will need a Captain who knows those waters."

Everyone were stupefied by Tia Dalmas' response, but we weren't given any time to ponder upoan it as th' sound o' loud footsteps then sounded from upstairs. Me joltin' as I heard a familiar screech o' an animal 'n' was startled when that gey same hairball I'd come to remember as th' pet o' th' pirate Barbossa scurried to th' scene oot o' nowhere, haltin' beside Tia Dalma who'd turned to face th' staircase wi' th' rest. Me merely cranin' me heid forward to see who this suggested Captain would be, but could feel all th' remainin' color to drain from me coupon wance I saw a man to appear. 'N' nae juist any man but one who was awready dead, noo stoppin' ontae th' last step as th' capuchin instantly leaped ower to his master's shoulder. Me frownin' in shock 'n' levered meself to me feet as gawked at th' nae deceased but gey much alive pirate Barbossa, who returned oor agape goups wi' a cheeky grin. Raisin' an apple to his lips.

"So tell me…what's become of my ship?"

Everyone flinched in dismay at th' sound o' th'man's voice as th' pirate (who thro' some witchery o' Tia Dalma's had been revived 'n' brought back from death) bit into th' fruit unceremoniously. Some juice fallin' across his chin as he then laughed at oor surprise, me puzzlement 'n' utmaist disbelief however then gettin' replaced by grudges o' ol' as me goup noo turned intae a leer. Wi'oot thinkin' me marchin' forward 'n' yankin' Edward's sword from his hip, for th' followin' shock o' everyone but for mere amusement o' Barbossa me pointin' th' weapon at 'im in rage. Nae th' least distraught anymair to see a dead man walkin', but only filled wi' th' enmity I still felt towards this miscreant.

"Ye", I spat. Preparin' to assault th' scallywag, but I didn't get all that far in dealin' any damage as me body couldn't keep up. Me endin' up slumpin' against Edward who swiftly reclaimed his weapon while measuirn' me profile, me closin' me eyes briefly as tried to steady me feet, managin' somehow but couldn't any longer fool 'im o' me true condition. Him placin' a quick haun oan me foreheid as Barbossa spoke up.

"I recommend turning over less cups before challenging me to a duel, missy", he remarked, me movin' Edward's haun awa' as gave th' man another scowl. Preparin' to engage noo barehanded but this time it was William who stopped me, grabbin' me wrist, falterin' me balance 'n' I crashed against th' nearby table. Heavin' oot th' neist breaths.

"Ye have fever", Edward observed, his voice tense upoan me nae to have told 'im in how bad shape I was. "Ye must lay down."

"I'm fine!" I answered pointedly, fueled noo nae only by me sorrow but me anger towards th' man whom I'd seen die wi' me ain eyes. Me slappin' awa' gently th' aidin' hauns o' both Edward 'n' William as solely focused oan glowerin' at Barbossa in hatred, however efter but one step later be collapsin' right back intae Edward's arms, lettin' oot a frustrated breath.

"Stop being stubborn and listen what yer body tells ye!" Edward countered, but I simply keeked to 'im in irritation. Me loosin' me temper 'n' I jerked meself free o' his support, however nae proceedin' by directin' a slap at Barbossa but instead surprised meself by daunerin' past 'im 'n' Edward wi' a indignant huff.

"I'm fine, believe me!" I exclaimed ower me shoulder, although was fully aware me unsure steps 'n' faults in me balance to speak differently as I was headin' to th' mair reclusive part o' th' shack. To be but in th' company o' meself, suddenly nae wantin' to have anythin' to do wi' th' people behind me or any manner o' pirates at th' moment, especially ones I'd regarded deceased 'n' who'd wance kept me captive. Edward however nae allowin' me to have me wey as he rushed efter me when it was certain I wasn't goin' to make it wi'oot help. Brushin' aff William whom I'd noticed to have planned to come to me aid, but halted in middle o' his intent upoan bein' bested by th' I or nae me endin' up steadied by Edward's arms, me hearin' 'im snort.

"Sure ye are, not being able to stand up straight. Honestly, the lack of interest in yer own health must run in the family…"

I frowned at his peculiar comment, but didn't think much o' it as in th' end gave in to his help. Deep within but grateful for it as I'd kept pushin' back th' breakin' point for days 'n' had finally reached me limit, nae bein' able to fight against th' malaise both physical 'n' emotional, havin' to admit that right then I wasn't goin' to mak' it oan me ain.

"Follow me an' I'll see what we can do 'bout dat fever", Tia Dalma cut in, Edward noddin' at th' woman as he bettered his hold o' me efter wrappin' me arm around his neck. Hoistin' me upward to help me move me shakin' legs in a synchronized manner so that I wouldn't crash intae th' surroundin', feeble walls as followed efter th' woman who led us to one o' th' rooms. Or so I thought as me consciousness stairted to sway efter that previous demonstration o' vigor that had drained me oot, th' amount o' heat I felt radiatin' from me bein' enough to knock me oot if th' lassitude was left aside, only amplified by th' sultry Cuban weather. Me rememberin' weel it to have been exactly lik' this when maw had gotten sick, 'er eventually losin' all control ower 'er body 'n' turnin' but a lethargic, barely livin' corpse. Me only hopin' nae to end up th' same 'n' whatever skills this voodoo priestess had 'em to be enough to brin' me back to me feet in no time. Th' last thing I wanted noo bein' to end up trapped in bed for weeks at worst should me fever nae come doon, th' future awready uncertain enough as it was that I didn't wish to face it indisposed noo that th' hert o' Davy Jones had fallen atween th' cracks. Leavin' us vulnerable when we didn't ken who noo was in th' possession o' it…

Disclaimer : I don't own Pirates of the Caribbean nor the included deleted scenes, I own but my original characters and events outside the original script.

Scottish vocabulary:

Pronouns etc:

o'= of, th'= the, 'em= them, oor= our, 'n'= and, intae= into, 'er= her, 'im= him, me = my, nae = not

Recurrent & other words:

maw= mum/mother, hoose = house, afore= before, me= my, hert= heart, aye= yes, ne'er= never, wee= small/little, awready= already, ken= know, efter= after, doon= down, as weel= as well, goup= stare, wance again/mair= once again/more, 'til= until, likelie= probably, keek= look, ower= over, aboot= about, streenge= strange, wey= way, haun= hand, ain= own, oot= out, neist= next, efternoon= afternoon, lik'= like, gey/pure= very, stairt= start, heid= head, brassic= poor, awa'= away, braw= good or brilliant, wi'oot= without, o' coorse= of course, dauner= walk, freish= new, wi'= with, juist= just, peedy= small, toaty= tiny, doilt=confused, stowed= busy, thro'= through, ne'er= never, lugs= ears, naw= no, tak' = take, coupon= face, face= expression, glaikit= stupid, 'ere= here, aff=off, luv= love, atween = between