Author's note: I don't know about everyone else, but I was rather unsatisfied with the massive cliff-hanger we were left with the last time we saw Philip and Syrena in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. So, I have decided to have a go at writing a short scene following, from Philip's point of view. This is my first fanfic so please be forgiving :) Reviews would be greatly appreciated :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Pirates of the Caribbean or the characters within it.

"Philip, I can heal you. You need only ask."

"I seek only one thing."

"What is that?"

"Forgiveness. If it weren't for me you would have never been captured."

"Ask." The sweet, slightly accented melodic sound of her voice graced the air with its presence.

I gazed upon the perfected mysterious beast before me. How could something so beautiful, be so dangerous?

"Forgive me?" I quietly pleaded, clutching at the wound along my abdomen.

Leaning forward, she claimed my lips in a gentle, lingering kiss, drawing me ever closer to her. They say that a mermaid's kiss can save a man from drowning, as well as help you forget all your troubles and pain. Well, this was certainly the case for me. I felt the cool bite of the water surrounding me as she pulled me under with her, but paid little attention to anything except for those swollen lips.

As we glided into the darkening depths of the pool, I felt my chest starting to burn and I began to fall into the depths of my consciousness.

Just before I lost all awareness, we emerged from the water. I filled my deprived lungs with oxygen and took in my surroundings. The warmth and light of the sun never felt so sweet.

We appeared to have travelled through a tunnel within the island that led to a series of rock pools, out towards the ocean. She pushed me out of the water and helped me lie on the rocky surface.

Leaning over me, tail still immersed in the clear basin, she began fussing over the gash across chest. I was mesmerized; completely captivated by her beauty. The way the sunlight shone down upon her. The intensity of concern in her eyes. The worried pout of her lips. She was the definition of perfection.

Syrena lifted her attention and met my eyes, losing all hardness in her expression. I stared wondrously at her eyes as the first tears began to form; she embraced me and let the warm, salty droplets fall to my wound. At first I felt nothing, then a sharp pain, as if a blade was being drawn back across its own path. But this was not the pain of violence, this was different. It was a good pain, one that reminds you that you are still alive. I mustered the courage to look down to my chest and saw the last inch of my open skin pulling itself together, leaving only a thin, silver scar.

As I lay upon the rocks, I stared up at the angelic creature that was tracing the scars running along my chest with her graceful hands. The feelings welling up within my heart surged. What is happening to me? A single look into her brown eyes, a single touch and I felt nothing could be more righteous.

I know I'm not used to being in control of everything in my life, but this one time, I want to be in control of what happens. To choose what path my life takes. Is a selfish thing to wish for? I pray it's not.

I reached my right hand up and cupped her face, pulling her closer to me. Her attention shifted, returning my gaze. It felt like she was effortlessly staring straight into my soul with those deep pools.

Leaning my head against the damp russet tresses that were plastered to her other cheek, I whispered into her ear, my voice thick with emotion, "Syrena, I love you."