Author's note: Thank u so much, Daladakea and SilverSarahFan! We move on with a more 'bumpy' ride! Yes! The pirates are finally here!

11. Gold and Silver

"Look when a ship our signals ring,

Full sail to fly how quick she's veered!

For of the sea I am the king,

My fury's to be feared"

The Ursid's lips were about to open to say something when a loud explosion shook the whole house. Several shots and cries followed so Sarah wasted no time and looked outside. What she saw left her breathless. The whole place and the spaceport were under attack! Dozens of pirates ships were opening fire against the Imperial forces.

'John!' she glanced at him and saw the cyborg got up uneasily.

'Go get Jimbo! Qu'ck, lass! They'll be h're any m'nute! An'tell Luti!'

'But...'

'I'll be fin'. GO!' Silver made his way towards the door while trying to ignore the increasing pain and dizziness. Sarah ran towards the dinning room where the one-legged sailor had already put his men in line and ready to leave. Jim was with them and helped Silver with the stairs. 'Looks l'ke the Capt'n and her snooty fr'ends did angered Ol'Bones after all'

'I told'em not to. Feels so good when people mind yer advises' O'Day grunted. 'Joe! See to Machaca and the pup! I'll mind Mss Hawkins!'

'Ye just want'er for yer self' a large lupine creature stepped into the light. He was as tall as Silver and carried a heavy coat and several machine enhancements. He could stand up and used his furry tail as a duster but didn't look friendly at all.

'When was yer last shag, ye ferball?'

'Just a few hours ago' he snickered and put Silver's arm over his shoulder.

'I ain't going with this scum!' Jim growled.

'It's me or tha bloodthirsty lot' the wolf bared his fangs.

'Mr. Gold is me frend, Jim. He won't lay a finger on ye' said the Ursid.

'As long as he behaves' even if the boy didn't like it, they had no choice. The pirates were closing in and they had very little time. Jim went to the other side of the cyborg and they all ran towards the dock. A small dinghy was waiting there. 'C'mon! We ain't got much time. The Capt'n's waitin' Silver felt then a strong stabbing pain in his chest and almost passed away. 'Not now, John! C'mon!'

'SILVER!' the Ursid met the ground and Jim pulled from his arm. 'What's wrong? C'mon! Ye can't give up now! Tell tha heart of yers to keep up just a bit more!' the boy tried with all his might but when he saw the misery in the Ursid's eyes, James almost felt down when he understood that looking. The cyborg wasn't just ill, he was walking towards his end and what it was worse, he wasn't fighting for his life. Jim's heart first filled with sadness and then with rage. Silver, who had taught him to fight for his dreams and stand his ground, was now defeated and ready to abandon himself to death. And that was something, Jim couldn't bear.

'YOU CAN'T JUST QUIT!'

'...Jimbo. I can har'ly move' his breathing was hard and slow.

'You taught me to never give up!' Now you listen to me, James Hawkins. You got the makings of greatness in you, but you got to take the helm and chart your own course. Stick to it, no matter the squalls! And when the time comes you get the chance to really test the cut of your sails, and show what you're made of... well, I hope I'm there, catching some of the light coming off you that day.

'... Am dying, Jim. Please! Get outta h're n'let me be'

'Am NOT leaving ye!' Jim gave the wolf a pleading look.

'Please, Jimbo'

'... Why didn't ye tell me? Why?'

'...'

'John' Gold spoke slowly. 'I know yer tired and tha I ain't ye but, if ye got any little wish for this lad, get up'

'I can't'

'Get up, John. I told ye tha day, when we were both on deck and tha cannon ball blasted yer right half. If ye die, am staying'

'No. Ye've got to watch Jim'

'I don't care for the lad if ye ain't comin' the lupine sat down near the Ursid. 'Gold and Silver, frends in treasure and fever'

'... Joe'

'Ricardo's waiting. He's been waitin'for ye all this time and trust me, ye don't want to disappoint him' Gold smiled and after a few seconds, they were inside the dinghy heading towards the largest of the pirate ships. Jim went breathless. They were heading for the Goodsight!

Gold, although fierce and cruel, is loyal to Silver.

He was inspired in Belfry's Treasure Island and Legends of Treasure Island.

We move on, lads! What will be find aboard the Goodsight?

Next stop: The Sea Witch