Hello Readers! You are in for a treat as I managed to have a pure stroke of writing GENIUS this weekend. That and a lot of free time to myself, thinking up horrible, evil plots for the poor characters that live in my world! *Evil laugh!* Anyway, I had tons of fun writing this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Treasure Planet. It belongs to the rightful owners, who is unfortunately, not me.

So on with the show!

Enjoy!

-xxXxx-

Over the next few weeks, Jim hardly saw hide nor hair of Rune. She was never in her cabin when he looked and she wasn't in the kitchens sneaking extra foods and snacks either. Although she was playing 'Hide And Don't Find Me' she didn't neglect her chores. They were always done and after a while, Jim started questioning why he was even looking for the troublesome girl. That was when the nagging voice in his head always chipped in.

'No matter how difficult that girl is, she'd still part of your crew. Not to mention it was your fault that she's upset in the first place,' it accused in the back of his head.

'Yeah well I didn't do those things to her! Why should I pay for what everyone has done to her?' he thought venomously to himself. Thankfully he was alone in his office because his anger showed on his face.

'Just think for a moment. She' told you herself that she's been tortured, sold and has been thrown into slavery only because people found out what she was. And she didn't have her mom to comfort her. Actually from what Rune said about her, it sounded like her mom despised her,' the voice assumed sadly, 'I don't think you would've turned out much different from her given the circumstances.' Jim growled. The voice was pissing him off and he would have loved to strangle it. If only it had a neck and a body and everything required for strangling.

"Great! Now I want to strangle a voice in my head. Even when she's not around, she's driving me crazy!" Jim snarled aloud.

'Well maybe you should go find her and apologize to her. For real this time,' the voice suggested not unkindly.

'No! I already apologized and she didn't want it! If she wants to throw a pity party, she can to go find someone else!' he yelled mentally at the voice, a deep scowl on his features. The voice seemed to be contemplating something before it spoke up.

'You gave her a Captain's apology. Maybe being a little more humane would work. After all you did nearly ra-'

"Shut up! Shut up and leave me alone!" Jim ran his hands through his hair roughly expelling all thoughts of that infamous day. He hadn't meant to do it. Rune said so herself that it was her fault for being inside with a male. Shaking his head and sighing he got up from his chair and left the room. Once outside in the fresh air he felt much better. The weight was lifted off his shoulders and he felt free out here in the open space. This was where he belonged. And with the route Rune had sketched out, much to his dismay, they'd be getting to Donoma later that week. They'd be stopping by the mining and smithing planets, Wayra (WAY-Rah means 'Wind'), Niyol (Nee-yol – also 'Wind') and Maza Blaska (means 'Flat Iron') in advance and restock on all supplies. Everything was going smoothly.

"Planets Ho!" Jim heard the call and excitement wrapped itself around him like a cloak. He emerged on deck and saw the first planet awaiting them, Wayra. It was the trading hub of the three planets and as they approached the docks, little colorful specks of cloth from the merchant's shops sprouted everywhere you looked. Jim gave the helmsman orders to dock the RLS Glory carefully in the spot some government officials had given them. As the RLS Glory began it's decent, Jim spotted Rune leaning precariously over the side of the railing holding onto a length of rope to lean out farther to get a good look at the open market before her eyes. She was wearing mechanics coveralls that were covered in engine grease and there were smudges of the black stuff smeared on her cheeks and brow. 'So that's where she's been! The engine room!' a voice in his head chirped but Jim quickly silenced it. Despite her filthy appearance, Rune shone with something Jim couldn't name. Her eyes sparkled as they took in the sights of the merchant's shouting out their wares to those who passed by, the shrieks and cries of the animals waiting to be sold. Her smile lit up her whole face and she just radiated beauty. In her grubby, greasy coveralls, dirt smeared on her face with hair tied messily in a crazy ponytail, the ever-present red bandana tied on her head.

A breath escaped him as Rune's blue and green eyes found his and kept him locked in place. He still didn't move as Rune broke eye contact to skip up the stairs towards him. He only managed to jerk out of his brain-dead state when she held her hand out expectantly.

"What?" he asked, confused and already slightly irritated with the way this girl went about things.

"My half of the agreed paycheck. I want it. It's only fair after you've given the rest of the men their cash," she wagged her still open palm at him impatiently.

A few days ago, Amelia had suggested heavily that Jim give each sailor half the promised amount of gold for the market. He had told Amelia to take care of it and she had. Every crew member aboard the ship got their money. All except Rune apparently.

"Amelia said you'd give it to me," she added reading his face. He sighed heavily and motioned her to follow him to his office. When they got there, Rune hovered in the doorway. Jim raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

"Still got the heat thing going on Captain Tightpants! As good looking as I am, I don't think you'd appreciate a night with me. You'd probably need therapy afterwards," she joked but remained in the doorway. Jim smiled and handed her the money. She beamed at him and bolted from the room, money clutched in her hands.

"Alright men!" Amelia boomed as she issued out her last orders before turning the men loose, "You have till sunset to enjoy yourselves on Wayra! You may drink and gamble or however you so choose to spend your time! However! There will be no unlawful conduct or you will be left here to your own devices! Is that clear?" A cheer sounded. Amelia smiled and stepped aside allowing the sailors to rush to all the pleasures Wayra had to offer. Jim's eyes followed Rune's retreating figure into the market. He still had some paperwork to finish before he could join his crew on land.

Rune had never seen or smelled so many things in one place at one time! All long the streets, merchants shouted out their wares; street-side cooks grilled, simmered and roasted all sorts of tasty things; animals shrieked and growled at people who passed too close. Rune could feel the weight of the money in her pocket and it felt good. She nearly ran to the closest street-side cook and ordered one of everything.

Jim roamed the streets looking at everything but keeping an eye out for a certain cabin girl in grubby mechanic's clothes. Why he was looking for her he didn't know, but he wanted to find her and maybe spend some quality time together. Maybe even convince her to stop pulling pranks on him. High pealing laughter brought his attention to a building crowd in the main square. Rune was caught up a local dance of some sort and she was twisting and twirling around with the beat of the music. Her coveralls were folded down, the arms tied around her waist leaving her arms free to feel the sun kissing her skin. A few other men and women joined the growing number of dancers. Everyone clapped their hands and stomped their feet till the sounds of the last instruments died, leaving the dancers breathless with a delightful shade of pink upon their faces.

"Yo Jim!" Rune had caught sight of him and was making her way over. She had to shove several drunkards out of her way but otherwise she arrived safe and sound in front of him. She straightened out the red bandana on her head. It had slipped somewhat from the dance. "So what's up? Get out of Captain Duty or are you here to chew me out for having fun? Again?" Jim chuckled. She was breathing heavily from the dance, a healthy pink dusted her cheeks and she wiped away the sweat from her brow, further smearing the grease stains.

"Rune I don't believe attempting to dump boiling hot water on me is 'fun.' Well at least not for me," he added playfully. Rune smirked.

"Hey! Check out what I got!" dragging him to a nearby table in front of a café, she dumped the contents of her canvas bag. A wide belt made from some kind of gray fur, a new set of lethal looking daggers and a new bright blue bandana fell out along with an impressive array of shiny bits of rocks, crystals and metals, and a small case of silver hair beads. Rune giggled excitedly.

"And I'm not even a quarter way through my pay yet!" she whispered, eyes dancing happily. Jim couldn't resist the urge to laugh. She scoffed, "What?! I'm an excellent bargainer! If you had gone after all this stuff, you'd be broke by now!" she huffed and crossed her arms. Jim picked up the daggers and hair beads.

"Honestly I don't think I've ever seen something like this bought together," Rune snatched the items back and stuffed them into her canvas bag, "I mean seriously! And the worst part is that I know you'll use those things on me," he finished laughing. Rune stopped shoving her new daggers into the bag and laughed along. Jim fingered the belt.

"What's this thing for then," he asked rubbing his thumb across the smooth short fur. Rune blushed slightly as she gently removed it from his hands.

"It's for my…you know…my tail," she whispered so quietly Jim had to lean in to hear her, "The belt I have right now is killing my leg. It's getting hard to walk around with it strapped on." She straightened up and finished placing all her things in the bag. "Well I'm not done looking around yet. You wanna come with? Show you how a real bargainer works!" she grinned mischievously. Jim pretended to think about it. He really wanted to. He really, really did. His insides were dancing at the opportunity to watch Rune in her 'natural habitat' as it were. Scratching a non-existent beard, Jim smiled and nodded before getting dragged through the streets by an eager Rune.

-xxXxx-

"I'll let you have this roll of fine silk, just imported from the Erupan (E-ruup-PAHN) Galaxy, for only 75 gold coins! Whaddaya say hmm? Such beautiful cloth for such a beautiful lady!" the cloth merchant declared excitedly, laying out the beautiful blue silk with gold threadwork in the shape of a feathered dragon. Whenever he shifted it, the blue would turn a dazzling shade of emerald. 'A lot like Rune's eyes huh?' the voice was back. Jim contained a growl of frustration as he suppressed the voice that kept making him notice things about Rune that he wouldn't normally pay attention to. Like the way her eyes darted back and forth from stall to stall searching for anything worthy of her bargaining skills. Or the way her hips would swivel and pivot as she danced through the throng of people. Or even how wonderful she smelled when he would brush up against her in the crowded streets.

Rune ran her fingers over the fabric, biting her lip. She turned over a corner and gasped loudly. The merchant and Jim both leaned in asking what was wrong.

"Sorry dude, but this isn't even worth 50 gold coins. See here?" she pointed to the corner where the fabric was stitched in on itself to prevent fraying, "This doesn't come from the Erupan Galaxy." The merchant scoffed loudly interrupting Rune.

"I guarantee that everything in this store is the genuine article! I do not interest myself in anything but the finest of fabrics!" Rune stared at him till he finished before continuing.

"See here? The stitching is much different than the way they do it in the Erupan area. This comes from the Ecruos (E-krus) Crescent, much closer than the Erupan Galaxy. I know; that's where I come from. I'm not buying from a fraud!" she scoffed loudly and turned to leave, grabbing Jim's arm to drag him away when the merchant stopped her.

"Wait! I'll let you have this for 50 gold coins! After all, it brings out your eyes, such a beautiful trait," he gently tugged Rune back into his stall. She narrowed her eyes at him, clearly making him nervous.

"Like I said; this," she held up the fabric, "isn't even worth 50 gold coins. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to take my associates to look at another stall that sells beautiful and genuine rolls of cloth!" she sneered loudly, turned and trudged to the edge of the tent before the merchant grabbed her arm.

"Wait! Keep it down! Alright, I'll let you have this for 45 gold coins," the merchant held out his hand for the agreement. Rune shook her head.

"40 gold coins."

"44."

"40 or I'm leaving and spreading the word of a certain conning cloth merchant," Rune snapped officially ending the debate. The merchant slumped defeated and they shook hands. Rune handed over the money and bagged the cloth. Only after they had exited the cloth merchant's tent and walked down the road a bit did Rune burst into giggles.

"What's wrong with you?" Jim asked as he watched her pull out a slip of the cloth out of her bag.

"I'm laughing 'cause it's the genuine article! That stupid merchant shouldn't have doubted himself. He really does have a 'fine taste in fabrics!'" she mimicked the cloth merchant's deep voice and laughed again. Jim stared.

"So you just conned him out of a 75 gold piece of cloth? That's both illegal and stupid!" Rune turned fierce eyes on Jim making him gulp.

"It's called bargaining, and there was no conning involved. How should I know how one galaxy stitches stuff? To be honest, I had no idea what I was talking about!" She gently stuffed the cloth back into her bag, "Besides, this cloth is worth way more than 75 gold coins so if anything, that merchant guy is the one doing the illegal crap!" she smiled and headed down the street looking from one stall to the next. Jim was appalled. The mystery that was Rune just seemed to be getting more and more complicated by the minute.

'But that's why you're interested in her is it not?' the voice was back and as smug as ever.

'Shut up and leave me alone. I have enough problems without having myself on my nerves. Does that even make sense?' he could feel the voice shake its head in disappointment.

'Wow aren't you the smart one? Just face it! You are attracted to this girl, no, this woman! There is attraction whether you'll admit it to yourself or not!' the voice yelled. Jim mentally laughed.

'Are we talking 'bout the same girl here? No, there is no attraction! She said it herself! Her hormones are still going crazy with the 'heat' thing and that's the only reason why I'm reacting!' Jim berated the voice.

"Holy shit-nuggets are you for real?!" Rune's fanatical voice broke through Jim's mental argument with himself. Rushing over to see what was wrong he stared at the old man who looked like an extremely fanged gecko of some sort with three eyes. At his robe-covered feet, lay a long rectangular box holding three colored spheres small enough to fit in your palm. The one on the far left was a pale ugly green speckled with gold flecks; the middle was a bold fire engine red covered from top to bottom with yellow and black lines that looked like cracks; the last sphere on the far right was white as new fallen snow and splattered with various shades of blues and silver swirls. There was an empty space to its right but it was empty.

"They represent the four elements," the old gecko guy wheezed slowly, flaps of skin on his neck flapping grossly as he exhaled, "I got Earth, Fire and Air left. Someone already gone and bought Water," he coughed violently into a clawed hand. Rune stared at the spheres intently. They were rough to the touch and really cold. The gecko must have noticed the goose-bumps that traveled up Rune's arms.

"Keeps the little buggers from hatching too early," he kicked the box lightly causing it to slide forward slightly revealing a giant bed of ice.

"What are they?" Jim asked not taking his eyes from the 'eggs' lying unmoving in their box.

The gecko cleared his throat and began reciting:

"Dragons of Earth,

And blooming of vines,

The center of all energy,

I am all that redefines."

"Dragons of Fire,

And twisting of flame,
Passion and fury,
I will never tame."

"Dragons of Air,

And spirit of flight,

The ultimate freedom,

I am truth and light."

The old gecko pulled out a handkerchief and hacked into it. The sound nearly made Jim and Rune retch. When the coughing fit died down, the gecko turned to Rune perched on the ground.

"Since the Water one got sold already I don't have to recite that verse," the gecko slouched further into his chair, "Those there are dragon eggs. The green one brings ultimate power and riches. The red one brings energy and mastery over its element. And the white one brings life and powerful magics."

"I'll take one!" Rune burst out startling Jim. He quickly grabbed her shoulder and led her away from the tent with the eggs.

"Are you kidding me? Those could be painted rocks for all you know!" she huffed and crossed her arms over her chest, causing her breasts to rise. Jim held back a shudder. He knew she wasn't doing it on purpose, or was she? Either way it was driving him nuts!

"It's my money to do with as I please," she shoved him lightly and walked back to the old gecko who sat and watched amusedly.

"I'll take the white one thank you very much," she eyed Jim daring him to object. He didn't. The gecko nodded and held out a clawed hand.

"That'll be 400 gold coins missy," he wheezed. Jim coughed in his sleeve at the price but Rune ignored him and handed the gecko the money, "Here are the instructions on how to take care of your dragon hatchling." Rune carefully picked up the blue-white egg and took the pamphlet he'd offered.

"Thank you so much! I'll take good care of it, I promise!" Rune thanked the gecko and turned to leave.

"Wait a minute missy," the gecko called out grabbing for Rune's arm, "If you keep the egg warm it'll hatch faster." Rune nodded, thanked him again and walked back toward the ship; Jim promptly followed.

"So what was that all about?" he asked. They sat on the deck closest to the bow; Rune sat cross-legged examining her egg as Jim watched her. The sun was swimming on the edge of the horizon casting a warm glow about the deck.

"I bought a dragon egg, what's it look like genius?" she never took her eyes off the delicate blue spots and silver swirls that covered the white egg. Jim had to admit for a rock, it was beautifully painted. The silver shone softly in every light and the various shades of blue highlighted the white. He lifted a skeptical eyebrow at her remark.

"You seriously believe that this is a genuine dragon egg?" he grabbed the egg in his hands and ran a finger down the surface. Although it looked smooth it was surprisingly rough, almost like it was covered in a thin layer of scales. He mentally laughed. This was no dragon egg and Rune the oh-so-great-bargainer had spent a huge sum of gold for a painted rock. Rune huffed loudly and took the egg from Jim's hands.

"Of course it's the real thing! I got this feeling in my gut! You just don't believe it's a real dragon egg because dragons are supposed to be extinct! But I got the genuine article! Haha!" she held up the egg proudly in the light before setting it gently in the little blanket-nest she'd made for it in front of them. Jim picked up the pamphlet the gecko had given her.

"It says here that if you keep it warm, it'll hatch faster," Rune grabbed the egg beside her and set it snuggly in the crook of her legs and looked at Jim to continue reading. Jim eyed the egg sitting in between her legs questionably. She stared back at him in her no-nonsense way.

"What? It's the warmest thing I can think of right now! Body heat!" she tapped the pamphlet impatiently urging him to read on. Why the gecko had used the Montressor language she would never know. It sucked not being able to read. Jim laughed and continued reading.

"It says that when your 'dragon' hatches, it will give its name and you have to give it your name and a drop of your blood. This will 'complete the bond,' or so it says," Jim glanced at the egg again. A slight pang of jealousy shot through him but he ignored it. Rune didn't notice, too busy with her 'egg'.

"What about food? What does it eat?" she ran her hand over the egg gently as if it were a kitten that sat in her lap instead of a rock. Jim scanned through the papers.

"Ah there it is! It says it will feed on its natural element, in this case I suppose that would be air, but in the first couple days a cup of warm milk mixed with honey and, ew, chicken blood will speed up the dragon's growth. Apparently that will make the dragon big enough in case his 'mommy'; I suppose that would be you; should leave him and he'll have to fend for himself," Jim shook his head and threw the pamphlet at Rune's crossed feet, "This is ridiculous! A dragon! You got cheated for a painted rock!" Rune glared at him as she lifted the egg and placed it gently in her bag. She grabbed the pamphlet and left Jim on the deck. Jim called out to her as she jumped up on the plank that led off the ship.

"Hey where are you going at this hour?" she turned to glare at him and he motioned to the sunset behind him signaling the passing of the day. The crew would be returning within the next few hours to get ready to depart.

"I'm gonna need milk, honey and chickens' blood ya moron!" and she turned and disappeared into the market. Jim growled in frustration. And here they'd been having a reasonably decent time together. No constant name calling and teasing on Rune's part and he didn't have the role of the captain to act out till his crew returned. They had had a decent time chatting about the day. Of course Rune would bug him to read the pamphlet for her and peppered him with questions about her future 'dragon.' Jim couldn't understand how she truly, truly believed that what she had was an egg, let alone a dragon's egg. He sulked to his cabin to prepare for the remaining trip to Donoma.

The crew members started trickling in and the more sober ones prepared for launch. The sun had just disappeared over the horizon when Jim caught sight of Rune coming up the plank; bag stuffed full of what could only be milk, honey and chickens' blood. He watched her carefully as she disappeared to the galley to drop off her stuff and return to the deck to help out the men. She seemed determined to not make eye contact with him. This irked him more than it should have and that bugged him. Why did he care about whether or not Rune actually acknowledged him?

The launch went smoothly and soon everyone was yawning and retiring to their bunks. It was Amelia who pulled Rune aside.

"I know it's rather late but the Captain has strongly requested your presence in his office," she paused and glanced at the odd bulge in Rune's shirt, "And what pray-tell are you up to with that thing?" Rune looked down at her shirt. She had stuffed her egg down her shirt so that she could keep it close and warm at the same time. She grinned sheepishly.

"I'm keeping it warm and infusing it with my scent? You know instincts and all…." her awkward laugh trailed off but Amelia smiled.

"Yes I do know. I remember when I wanted, no, needed to shred everything with my claws. And for the record, never buy leather furnishings. Worst investment you'll ever make!" the two giggled and Amelia motioned Rune to follow her to the Captain's Quarters. Jim sat behind his desk with his hands crossed when they opened the door.

"Ah there you are! How's the dragon egg going?" he eyed the egg-sized bulge in Rune's shirt. She ignored him.

"Great! But I highly doubt the Captain would pull aside the cabin girl just for that. And for the record, it wasn't originally my idea," she crossed her arms waiting for Jim to explain himself. He just looked at her confused.

"Wasn't your idea what?" Rune's eyes widened and stared at the floor, "Rune? What wasn't your idea?" Jim said steadily but there was a slight warning tone in there somewhere. Rune stared past him at a point on the wall behind the Captain's chair.

"It wasn't my idea to lace your bed with small rocks and itching powder," she held onto the dragon egg buried in her shirt protectively. She could feel the warmth through the material and it soothed her. Jim eyed the movement before getting up to inspect his bed. And sure enough, there were little rocks embedded under the sheets; the small pointed edges of the rocks clearly visible through the soft fabric and a pale pink powder dusted the sheets and blankets. Jim sighed and dropped the blanket hiding the so-called prank.

"Well, as nice as that was; no. That's not why I called you here," Jim sat back into his seat, "In regards to your recent behaviors, I have decided to promote you."

"Yes!" Rune pumped her fist happily. Jim held up a hand to silence her.

"I've decided to promote you to a deckhand. That is all. You may leave now," he waved his hand to dismiss her. A deckhand! A deckhand! She might as well stay a cabin girl for all the difference that made. Rune was just about to go to punch the dear captain in the throat when Amelia grabbed her shoulder tightly. She gently shook her head and signally Rune to leave the room. Cradling the heated lump in her shirt that was her egg, she stomped out of the room.

"Good luck with your dragon egg!" Jim called sarcastically after her and chuckled. Amelia closed the door behind the fuming Halfling sighing. Jim looked pleased with himself.

"Why do you do that to her?" Jim looked at his First Mate confused.

"Do what?"

"That! You're constantly attacking her and pissing her off and doing everything to make her notice you. It's not the first time either. I can't make up my mind as to whether you have a death wish or that you like this girl." Jim choked on his own spit at these words.

"W-what? Me? Like her?" he stuttered wondering if he heard his first mate right, "Me? Are you serious? Who in their right mind would like a skinny little brat like that?" he gestured to the door Rune had exited through only moments prior. Amelia didn't say anything. Jim slouched in his seat and pouted. After waging a staring war with Amelia, Jim dismissed her for the night. She couldn't possibly be right could she? There's no way in all of Etherium that Jim was falling for that little excuse of a girl. No way! And then with all this dragon egg business there was no doubt she was off her rocker.

The next day, Jim watched his newest deckhand, Rune, as she did her chores. She'd taken her old red bandana, wrapped her 'egg' in it and tied it around her waist, keeping it both close and warm. Her new blue bandana was wrapped securely around her head hiding her ears from view. Jim watched as she'd stop every 5 minutes or so to check on her 'egg'. He still didn't believe that crap the old gecko had spewed. Amelia noted the Captain's gaze lingering on his female deckhand and cleared her throat.

"Captain? I don't quite think she realizes it herself but she's revealing her abilities as a mother," she didn't look at Jim who stared at her, "It's in her instinct I believe. I've heard of some female cats taking in a stray baby bird or even a puppy if they've gone through a heat without conceiving," Jim's eyes found Rune climb up the main mast to check the ropes, pause, and check on her egg. Her eyes softened as they took in the white egg. She sat on the beam she was on and leaned against the mast, hugging the egg to her chest smiling. Amelia's explanation made sense. Rune was part cat after all and if she could go into heat that must means that she'd also have the paternal instinct that came with it.

All of a sudden Jim felt a twinge of guilt in his stomach. True to what Amelia said, Rune might not even realize this herself. And here he was, trying to crush and trample on her instincts as a mother! Even through the 'egg' was only a rock, she believed it to be a real dragon egg. She couldn't help any of it. Not her heat, not her instincts. None of it! Jim felt his heart clench at the thought of Rune being crushed as he turned out to be right; when the egg never hatched. What would Rune feel after that as a mother?

Rune descended from the mast and checked her egg again.