Chapter 9

"So," Jim began, looking up from his mop. "Where did you learn to punch like that?"

"My Aunt Lilly. She taught me everything I know!"

Jim laughed. "Remind me to never mess with you or your aunt."

Emily giggled and mockingly punched Jim's shoulder. "You got that right!"

Morph chirped happily and formed himself into a fist and a miniature version of the crew member Emily had punched. The fist collided with the mini crew member, making it fall over. Emily and Jim shared a laugh at the tiny scene, and Morph turned back into himself to join in the laughter.

They stopped when they saw Silver approaching. "Well, Thank heavens for little miracles! Leave you two alone for an hour and the deck's still in one piece!"

Emily nudged Jim and gave him a look that said 'Say thank you to him for saving your life!'

"Um, look, l, uh..." Jim began awkwardly. "What you did... Thanks."

"Didn't your pap ever teach you to pick your fights a bit more carefully?" asked Silver. Jim didn't reply. He just looked away. It was clear that the question had hit a nerve. "Your father's not the teachin' sort." It was more of a statement than a question.

"No. He was more the taking off and never coming back sort," replied Jim, the pain clear in his voice even as he tried to hide it.

"Oh." Silver wa loss for words. He decided to try to change the subject. "Well, hows about you Ms. Slugger! Was it your pap who taught you to fight like that?"

Emily looked up from her mop. Her eyes were glassy with new tears. She quickly looked away. "No, my dad is always too busy fighting with my mom to teach me anything."

"Oh." Silver hadn't realized how brave these kids were in till then. In fact, they weren't kids at all. They were young adults who needed guidance in their lives. He felt the urge to help them. "Well, since the captain has put you two in my charge, like it or not, I'll be pounding a few skills into those thick head of yours to keep you out of trouble."

Jim and Emily started to protest.

"From now on, I'm not letting you out of me sight. You won't so much as eat, sleep or scratch your bums without my say-so."

"Don't do us any favors!" Jim protested.

"Oh you can be sure of that, my lad. You can be sure of that!"

Already another chapter! I'm on a role!

Disclaimer: The only thing I own is Emily. Everything else belongs to Disney.