A/N:

Not much to say for this chapter… except for this is the chapter where I stay true to the genre it's in (action/adventure/ romance) Hehe… And also, yay for a new summary…which still pretty much sucks…

Disclaimer: I don't own Treasure Planet, the characters, or any treasure on the planet… though I have thought of asking for my birthday…

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As a story is told it can be spellbinding to its audience. If spoken with zeal powerful enough to entrance listeners, only a couple of words are enough to bring forth forgotten memories from the abyss of their minds. Some can take you to enchanted realms where everything seems possible, or some could take you to glorious kingdoms with seemingly impossible quests. Others can take you out of your own mind and into the depths of the etherium, perhaps even to other planets…

The etherium brought cool breezes upon the deck of the Legacy, and the fading light told that it was getting late. Not one soul was present on the deck, save for a young boy telling such a tale heard often on ships of that time, but never taken seriously. His audience sat, entranced by his words, next to him. It was a strange thought that they had actually talked through supper, so long, and not one moment of the wretched silence.

One other thought, even stranger, that throughout the entire time Jim had actually gotten Sora to smile. It was just the way she smiled; its rarity was what made his stomach turn –though, in a good way.

There was brief instant where he thought she must have felt the same for she had looked up at him, as he was smiling at her, and then looked down, blushing. But it was a pointless notion that Sora might actually-

Jim realized she was staring at him. "And?" She said.

It was then he fully understood he had stopped talking. "Oh... um-" Why was he getting flustered? His cheeks turned crimson as he began talking again.

Her eyes showed the fact that her mind was a million light years away, off in the dark reaches of the Etherium, within his story. Physically, she sat on the edge, one knee tucked under her chin. The feelings she now felt were impossible to sort out. Was it the way he talked, the way that made them seem like friends that made her feel so comforted? Or was it the fact that they weren't at each other's throats for once –and didn't even want to be either.

At one point when Jim was speaking the ship lurched suddenly towards its right side. Years of living on ships gave her the balance and Sora hardly flinched. Jim, however, had sat cross-legged, with his back to the starboard side, and nearly fell over the side. Sora had to grab him by the collar of his shirt to prevent him from toppling off the edge. She couldn't suppress her laughter any longer and rather than feeling embarrassed, he laughed with her…

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Morph darted in between the ropes of the shrouds up near the crow's nest. No one was inside so it must have meant everyone was at supper. Feeling boredom creeping closer, he flew circles around the yard arms for a while. He gave a small screech of surprise as he hit some invisible barrier on the top of the yardarm. Looking around, Morph wondered where the muffled 'oof' sound had come from.

Growing bored once again, he zipped down to the galley, looking for a bite to eat…

One lone figure still stood up in the rigging, unnoticed by the two teens below them. They watched as Sora muttered something. "You are such a loser." She had said, laughing.

The man kept balance as he listened to Jim start speaking again. How was it that Sora's temper was cooled around this… boy? The cabin boy did seem to have some kind of an affect on her. And this was why the man loathed that boy.

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Sora didn't notice at first, but when Jim had nearly fallen, the bandage around his hand had come loose. He hadn't even noticed until she pointed out his hand was bleeding again. He swore under his breathe, and Sora laughed once more. She reached over and took his hand in hers. Jim hurriedly looked up at her. She didn't look up; she only looked down at his hand as she smoothed the bandage down. Why in the heavens was she stuck in this predicament?

Jim continued to speak but he seemed distracted. When it seemed it would stay in place she slid her hand away almost… reluctantly?

Jim didn't notice that. He didn't. At least, she hoped he didn't. Sora didn't get crushes. She couldn't, she wouldn't let herself. Affection was pointless. It was complete rubbish. Pirates didn't show affection… or mercy, or fear, and certainly didn't have a conscience.

"…It's said that Flint was one of the greediest pirates that ever lived. He kept all of his spoils and…" Jim looked over at Sora, again not noticing he had grown quiet. Sora didn't really seem to snap out of her thoughts until some stray hairs, that weren't in one of the many braids in the front of her hair, were tucked behind her ear.

Her head instantly jerked up and she only saw Jim looking back to her. His face was serious and she found she couldn't look away. "..And so he hid it all away on Treasure Planet..."

What did he do that for?

It was a bit creepy how he'd sometimes answer her thoughts. "You should tie your hair back more often, so people can see your eyes." He said with a smile.

This seemed familiar. It was like a book Sora had read. The guy says something unexpected and he brushes some hair away from the girls face, then he leans closer and…

Sora brought her legs back from hanging over the side and her boots landed on the deck. She still leaned back against the side, but she refused to look at Jim. That wouldn't have happened… no, not ever!

She had spent these past few years building up a wall around herself. She blocked others out and wouldn't let guilt set in for too long before dismissing it lightly. Throughout those terrible years she had hardened her heart for a reason. If not feeling a lot of emotion and not caring about others meant that the guilt would drift away… then it all seemed worth it.

Her conscience was broken, and the barrier would stay, Sora wasn't about to let him break through all that –even if she made Jim's life a living nightmare in the process.

"Sora?" She turned to him, his blue eyes shining in the remaining light. "Come on, I want to show you something."

He grabbed her hand and pulled her across the deck. "Huh?" His mind must've fallen out back on Tronacor. "Uh, Hawkins, where are you-"

They were outside the captain's stateroom. "That's it, Hawkins! What the heck are you doing?"

"Hang on." He put his ear to the door and listened. Sora didn't know that in his mind, he knew it was around suppertime so nobody would be in there, which meant the map would be sitting on the desk… hopefully.

Sora punched him in the arm. He winced, but didn't turn to her. She slapped her forehead as he slipped inside. He was dead when he got out, she'd definitely have to kill him. No, better yet, she'd watch if the Captain caught him. Did he not know his place? Didn't he know the rules? Well, she did figure him as a rule breaker, a regular teenage rebel, but this?

Jim came out after a moment holding something. Sora saw a flash of color, it was sphere shaped too….

No. Jim wouldn't show her that, would he? The map? He would have no idea what he was doing! Showing the map to the enemy… too bad he didn't know there was an enemy.

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The longboat bay was almost completely dark as they walked in. Sora wrenched his hand off her wrist and it gave a sickening crack. "What are you doing? You've lost your bloody mind!" Jim had never seen her so mad before. It was actually kind of amusing. "Why did you do that?"

"I-"

"You can't just go in there and take that!" She then remembered she wasn't supposed to know what it was… "What the heck is that, anyway?"

"It's a map." He said plainly.

"How would you know there was a map there?"

"Well, I um…" How much would he tell her? "I was the one who… found it."

Great. Now she had to fake disbelief too. She rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms over her chest. "And we're down here because…?"

Jim's smile couldn't have gotten any bigger. "I want to show you how it works."

Though her pale face was clear of any emotion at all- swirling thoughts filled her mind immediately. Why would he show her this? Well, then again, Jim didn't really know what he was getting himself into. He had no idea that he was showing one of the mutinous crew members exactly what they had been looking for.

He pressed two small buttons on one side of the sphere, then tossed it over to his other hand and pressed three more buttons. As he twisted the top of it and- whoa, hang on, how did he remember all this? Better yet- how could anyone have remembered that?

Instantly the sphere clicked and each button was pulled down about an inch. Small particles of light escaped through the spaces in-between and flew towards the ceiling of the longboat bay.

Sora watched, stunned, as the light was reflecting in her eyes. She had known what the map looked like but hadn't known how it worked. It was a dazzling sight, to be sure, as the particles came together forming planets, star clusters, constellations, nebulas –all in a greenish color. She then realized she didn't see Treasure Planet.

The map must have been able to rotate for what they saw before them was only a small portion of the universe. Knowing Jim wouldn't show her their true destination, she almost sighed with relief.

If she had known the coordinates, the mutinous crew would have no need for the Captain, Doctor Doppler, or even… Jim. Why was she here? Why, when she knew that would happen sooner of later? His life was of no importance to them, as were his companions', so logically there was no reason to even be with him now. Why build up a friendship when it was a condemned one?

These thoughts, and many others, swam about in her head. She was starting to get a headache from it all when her mind snapped back into reality. Jim was now pointing out various constellations –many of which Sora knew well. Smiling, she knew there was a unique story behind each and every one.

Sora followed his gaze and saw the Star Pelusa. Well, at least, she saw where it used to be. The star was gone. It was shocking to know that this old piece of technology was actually advanced enough to keep track of where everything currently was.

Jim pointed out some other stars and Sora tore her gaze away from the black hole- though it was green. The map clicked in Jim's hand and everything shifted. The star Velquar and the Cygnus Cross passed them. The Magellanic Cloud and the Lagoon Nebula drifted past and beyond that the Crab Nebula. They then came to a planet familiar to the both of them –though more familiar to Jim.

The planet Montresser floated before them.

The only thing known to the young woman about Montresser was that the inns there burned easily, other than that…

"That your home planet?"

Jim looked at it, and she realized he didn't look homesick. "Yep."

"So," Sora sat down cross-legged, leaning against the pole with a small control panel and a large lever on it. "What's it like on Montresser, Hawkins?"

The cabin boy sat next to her, his brown hair swaying with the sudden movement. "Boring." He replied, his eyes locked on the planet. "It's a mining planet. Not much excitement there."

The young man sighed. "The space port though- I liked it there."

She almost laughed aloud at his stupid grin. "I hated it there. I just hate being grounded." Jim turned to look at her. "Grounded –like when the ship's at port. If I'm not out in that open sky- well, I just don't how to explain it."

Jim knew what she meant. Being on the Legacy was one of the most exciting times he had ever had- supernovas and black holes included. "It's like- like your home, right?"

He managed to make her smile once again. "Exactly." She said.

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Even in hostile conditions friendships form. It's probably because we go through hard times, and that's when we need someone to catch us if we fall. Someone you can trust, however, is a rare find sometimes. Trust is the foundation of friendship and without it… can friends even be made?

Sora and Jim sat together on the floor of the longboat bay, watching the small green particles swirl around them. By pressing one small button they could roam and search the universe –all without leaving the Legacy. Jim pressed another button and the room seemed to spin forward. But what they came to was not just some section of the nearby universe.

The temper of this young girl swelled with anger, not at the boy, but at the mere chance that they were now viewing a well-know galaxy. Among the planets located here there was Andracon, Wilcosar, Yuelro, Mardella and Proteus 1; only two of which were inhabited.

She found couldn't be mad at the cabin boy for this. Sora knew they would probably come across it. The ship moaned and shifted a bit, which finally awoke her from her mind. It was getting late- outside it must have been almost completely dark.

"I need to get to my watch." Though it was true, it felt more like an excuse.

"Oh, right…" Jim turned to look at her and found her expression was full of hate as she (literally) stared off into space. What had he done now? "What's wrong?"

As she turned to him her expression softened –a bit. "Nothing. I need to go." Sora turned and left, not looking back.

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The next day, as the Legacy drifted farther from the nearest star, which could have been hundreds of light-years away, and the light faded, it seemed like a peaceful sunset to those on board. Sora flipped a page in her old book (the ones with words) with each word bringing new adventure and adding to the picture painted in her mind. Sitting behind a row of barrels, her jacket lying upon one of them revealing her dark violet sleeveless shirt, and she glanced up occasionally; checking to make sure not a soul could see her. But, try as she might, as she read on, the story occupied her mind, and closed off her senses.

A shadow crossed over her page, and she glanced up. Jim Hawkins was leaning over her shoulder. "What're ya doin' up so… um, late or is it early?" He said, remembering her 'night' watches.

"I don't get much sleep these days. And… oh, yah… Go. Away." Her book snapped shut, as he walked around the barrels. She stood up, giving him a death glare.

"I didn't know you liked reading." He swiped the book from her hands, leafing through the pages. Sora had had enough of him. It was like he was unafraid of her, ever since that fight with Grant, when she had helped him. Why did she do that anyway?

"Well that proves you don't know much." Snatching the book back she walked to the other side of the barrels and set it down; she then walked over to the side of the ship near the stern.

"Why were you hiding?"

"I wasn't hiding, and why are you asking so many questions?" Sora was very annoyed now, and it showed in her voice and her expression.

"Well, why didn't you want anyone to see you?"

Sora sighed. Could this kid be anymore annoying? "Because," She said, sighing again. "Around… um, these kinds of guys, you don't- well, gain respect by being smart, or having an education."

"Ah, and how do you earn it then?" He crossed his arms over his chest and smirked. "By being tough?"

Sora shrugged her shoulders. "I guess." She took a step towards him. "Promise you won't breathe a word of this, Hawkins." As she spoke there wasn't even a hint of a threatening tone in her voice.

Jim thought this was odd, but entertaining. "Well, I don't know about that, this is pretty good blackmail." His smirk was larger than ever.

No sooner were the words out of his mouth before he was pinned against the railing of the ship. With her finger pushing his upper body back, almost over the side, she hissed at him. "If you ever tell anyone, then I'll-"

"You'll what?" He asked, cutting her off, his face leaning in towards hers.

"Well, first there's always pushing you from the crow's nest." She prodded him back with her finger.

"Ah," He commented, a smirk planted on his lips.

"Or, I could hang you from the bowsprit." Again he 'ahhed' and moved his face closer towards hers with each threat. "Or I, I-" Sora stared to stutter, noticing how close he was. Gosh, his eyes are beautiful. She mentally kicked herself. That was stupid - stay on topic! Think of another threat, dammit!

"Then again, I could always blast yer brains out, which is always a fun option." Finally, she was gaining control over her stupid girlish emotions. "And I could also-" Before she could finish, he straightened up and leaned forward, caressing her check with his fingers. Her words caught in her throat as he leaned closer and kissed her quickly.

Her body tensed up, she was caught up in this moment and couldn't fully register what was happening. Jim now felt her hand resting on his chest- but not pushing him away.

He was as good as dead –and he knew it too, as he pulled away. Sora refused to fully open her eyes as he also refused to pull away any farther. She couldn't even process this. Too many thoughts, too many feelings, too many emotions and all at the same time.

"What was that for?" She asked, her voice hardly came out in a whisper as she opened her eyes slowly.

All he could do was look at her for a moment. Then, with his hands on the back of her arms he pulled her closer to him and surprisingly enough, she didn't pull away. "I dunno…"

"You know, I might have to murder you for that." Her eyes were locked on his blue ones. Sora couldn't have looked away if she wanted to.

He was aware that her hand still rested on his chest. The cloth there seemed to burn at her touch. "I know." He pulled even closer, if that was even possible, and kissed her softly. Turns out, he was shocked even more as he realized she kissed him back.

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For the first time in so long, Sora felt vulnerable. As she deepened the kiss, her senses were dead to her. She wouldn't even be able to hear the footsteps of someone if they came onto the deck. Which, unfortunately, they did.

John Silver was emptying a vat of scraps off the side of the ship, and he chuckled as he watched Morph fly down to eat them. As he did this he heard voices. His eye automatically detected the movement, and he soon wished it hadn't. Standing near the stern, stood Sora and Jim. From the looks of it, she was threatening him, again. He could see Jim straighten up, his hands softly touching her cheek. Silver almost laughed aloud, boy was he in trouble now!

He was proved wrong though, when he saw what Jim did next. All right, now Silver was in complete shock. Who did this boy think he was? They were still just centimeters away from one another…

Silver looked away. No, No, No. This made no sense, absolutely no bloody sense. Sora would never betray them, would she? Had he not asked her to keep an eye on him? Of course he did, but not- not this. Silver rubbed the back of his neck nervously. 'Tis teenage lust, and nothin' more. Another noise, a shuffle of feet, alerted him someone was walking up the stairs from supper in the galley. He turned to make them go back, not wanting the others to see this.

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Had Sora lost her mind? Not that Jim really minded, but, this was so unlike her. But she, Sora, was kissing him! Hadn't only days before this- no, minutes, she had thought of him as just an annoyance? But, maybe it wasn't always so bad to be proven wrong. Jim smiled as he kissed her. He could feel her smiling also, as he wrapped his arms around her slender waist.

As Sora smiled, she could hardly believe she was here, now, with him. Only days ago, she would have shuddered at the thought of this, but, her feelings for this cabin boy, just couldn't be ignored. The young man was different, he made her feel, well… she couldn't even put in words her feeling for this boy.

And that's when she came to her senses, and pulled away for a moment. She rested her head against his, but the expression she now wore was not of contentment, but of sorrow, but his face was to close to actually see this.

How could she be doing this? Jim was, well… he was the enemy. Or at least he was supposed to be. He wouldn't be here with you if he knew what you are. Her mind told her. Can you honestly say he would accept you for what you are? Can you say that about anybody? How can you lie to him like this?

One tear slid silently down her cheek and she pulled her face away from his. "Sora?" Jim's face now was killing her, he was surprised and confused; she pulled away her entire body, swiftly and without much warning.

"What's wrong?"

What's wrong? What's wrong is I just kissed you and only seconds ago I was completely convinced I hated your guts and second, if the other pirates found out about it they'd murder us both! Not to mention to fact that if you found out about me, being a pirate, well, I can't even begin to imagine how horrible that would be.

She turned around, refusing to look at him and walked over to the side of the ship. Resting her hands on the railing she quickly remembered to wipe away the tear before he saw her. "I'm sorry. I really shouldn't have-"

"No." She cut him off. "It's not that, it's just…" Her voice faltered and she shook her head as he put a hand on her shoulder."Don't, please." She shrugged his hand off. "Jim, it's just… I mean-," Sora let out a sigh and crossed her arms over her chest. "What would they- Well… I can't. I just can't, Jim. I'm sorry. I truly am." She sadly shook her head and cast her eyes down.

"Still worrying too much about what they think, huh?"

When she wouldn't lift up her head, not even to look at him, Jim left. He ran until he reached the entrance to the crew's quarters, and leaned against the wall. Running his fingers through his hair in disbelief, he knew he was blushing terribly.

How in blazes had he done that? Why didn't she kill him for it either? And where did that bold side come from? Jim didn't know, nor did he care, he was just glad he found it. He tried to catch his breath, from running or what had happened, he never knew.

He had been aware of the fact that he did have some form of feelings for her. Jim wasn't sure if they mattered much or should matter at all. He had wanted to do it so, well, he just did. Acting on impulse wasn't the smartest idea, but… he was still alive, wasn't he?

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"Still worrying too much about what they think?"

Sora kept her eyes down as she heard him leave and she felt like collapsing. Looking up, she found he truly left, and it seemed she felt almost… heartbroken… when he did; She could still feel his hands around her waist, his lips covering hers and she wished desperately that he would come back. Maybe, I do. Sora thought. No! Just stop thinking about him! How could he think he could do that? You should have killed him for it! Her mind was arguing with her, and quite frankly, it was giving her a headache. She finally decided that someone must have spiked her drink at lunch, which would account for her idiotic actions. Probably Grant.

The little voice spoke up again. But you enjoyed it, didn't you? You can't lie to yourself!

Sora kicked the side of the ship in frustration. Of course I can!

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A/N:

Was the fluff even decent? I, personally, thought that it could have been better… anyway; I'm not sure what to do for Chapter Nine. I can either do another chapter with some better fluff (I have some better ideas for it) or I could just go ahead to the purp barrel scene. So, whatcha think? Plz Review!

Decadence Tensions are at their worst between the two teenagers and even Silver notices it. Meanwhile, the mutiny may be lurking just around the corner…