Chapter Text
“You're something special, Jim”, said John Silver, tears welling up in his eyes as he spoke to 15-year-old Jim Hawkins. “You're gonna rattle the stars, you are.”
He meant every word. He was so proud of the young boy, though admittedly, he didn't know how to convey to the kid just how much. It'd been a long time since John had cared about someone so deeply. John held his arms out to Jim, and the boy rushed into his arms. He held the kid, not wanting to let him go. Jim grabbed onto Silver’s jacket, and Silver knew he didn’t want to be apart from him either. He felt his heart swell and break at the same time. Silver had spent so much time on his own, and had never needed anyone in his life. But saying goodbye to Jim was one of the hardest things he’d had to do. Silver only let go when Jim started to pull away.
Silver gave Jim the only bit of treasure that had been salvaged before the planet was destroyed. That tiny assortment of precious and rare gems and golden coins was almost worth the entire cost of six RLS Legacies. The small handful of gems that Silver pocketed was the last of the Loot of a Thousand Worlds. That treasure was his lifelong goal, and he gave it away. It was surprising to him, just how fine he was with it, giving the last of the treasure to Jim. Even though he couldn't be there for Jim in person, he could help him and his mother get back on their feet, and somehow that helped him part with it.
Silver put his paw on Jim's shoulder. “Lad, ye'r gonna do great things. I know it.”
Silver prepared himself mentally to leave Jim behind. The guilt he felt was almost too much. He knew the kid was still traumatized from his dad walking out on him when he was younger, and Silver couldn't help but think that he was doing the same thing. He wanted to stay; to be able to look after and protect Jim.
It was then that Silver did the hardest thing he's ever done. Silver held up his hand, letting his cute blob of a pet perch on his finger. “I've got a job for you, little Morphy. Keep an eye on Jim here for me, will ya?” Silver knew that by now, Morph was really Jim's pet. Morph had stuck with him throughout the entire mutiny, when Silver had truly let his greed rule his decisions. Morph nuzzled against Silver's cheek, saying goodbye to the man who saved him years ago. Morph, tearing up, flew over to rest on Jim's shoulder. Silver’s eyes welled up with tears for a second time as Morph looked at him sadly.
Satisfied, knowing that Jim was in good hands, Silver stepped into the waiting longboat. Jim was going to be okay, and he had Morph to look after him now. Silver waved to Jim as the boat lowered itself out of the ship. Jim, with tears in his eyes, waved back. Silver tipped his hat to Jim before turning to man his boat. He set off on his longboat, waving goodbye one last time. He set off through the Etherium, to the unknown, and to new adventures.