Hands open to Edward's sides in the sweeping sort of bow he's used to giving Izzy at any sort of praise. Blackbeard, in the flesh. The one and only. Here he is, he's done it again. Applause, a bow, the show ends as the curtains close.

The thing is, Edward has no reason to believe Izzy’s last memory of him isn't the same as Edward's last memory of Izzy. Should Izzy move forward, the limp might even convince him. Edward doesn't wait of course, slowly beginning to close the gap between them, one drawn-out step at a time.

"As real as the rest of this cursed vessel." he answers, eyes cold as he stops just a few feet shy of his first mate. "About time you found me. We have work to do."