Meanwhile, night had come…

Max felt the tiredness sinking in more and more. He would have liked to go home, eat dinner, and snuggle up under a warm blanket, listening to his favorite bedtime story from an audiobook. His thoughts ran to his mother, who had probably already noticed his absence. He knew she would start looking for him, and maybe even worry about him.

But although his heart longed to go home, where warmth and a sense of safety awaited, something kept him at the Port. It was a sense of duty that appeared when he saw the drones ready for action.
"I can't leave the city now, when danger is coming," he thought, looking at the shore.

He felt that his presence mattered - Felinopolis was in danger, and he, although small and tired, had the courage and will to persevere until the end. He took a deep breath and hid behind a large barrel in the port, from where he had a perfect view of the entire defense line and the approaching pirates. He silently promised himself that he would stay a little longer – just long enough to make sure that everything was under control and that the drones would do their job.

Max felt his fatigue recede and a new strength filled him. Perhaps he would never forget this night – the night when he stood shoulder to shoulder with the city to repel the pirate invasion.

The port was immersed in silence. The only sounds were the waves lazily lapping the shore.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by the sound of distant drums and the flapping of sails – it was the pirates. Several ships, with deafening shouts of the crew on board, were approaching the shore.

Lame Joe stood staring into the darkness of the Port, pleased with his advantage.

At that moment, the drones came to life. Their eyes flashed in an intense, red light that emerged like ghosts from the depths of the night.

The pirates panicked – they hadn’t expected technological inventions in Felinopolis. As soon as the drones start to flicker and make warning sounds, the crews on the ships glance at each other every now and then, wondering if this is some kind of magic or a trick, and then… the drones leave the quay!

The hum of the drones, like a swarm of sharp, small paws, slides across the boards and then spreads to the decks of the pirate ships. They jump, run, slip under the feet of the disoriented pirates. Lame Joe shouts orders, but even he feels a cold sweat on the back of his neck.

The pirates, full of fear and surprise, quickly realize that they are not able to face such an opponent. Their ships, having barely touched the shore, turn back to the open sea, while the drones, like an echo tracking every movement, return to their positions in the Port, watching the fleet retreat.

Max felt a huge sense of relief as he watched the pirate ships disappear over the horizon, and a joy he had never dreamed of filled his heart. The city was safe, and he had played his part in that defense.

"Time to go home," he thought, excited about the warm meal and the impressions he would tell his family.

He quickly set off toward the Harbormaster's Office to find his father and grandfather. He didn't have to look for them for long—they were in a group, full of emotions and impressions that bubbled through the air like waves breaking off the shore. Max stopped a little further away and held his breath, noticing that they were having an intense conversation.

- George, - Jack said with obvious concern, - are you sure you should sail to Old Crab Island for that treasure? We know it was One-Eyed Joe's last wish, but this expedition is very risky. Felinopolis is thriving, we have what we need, and Lame Joe will guard the treasure cave. And he won't be there alone. Think again.

George looked at Jack with a calm but determined gaze.

- The decision has been made, Jack. If the City Council doesn't approve this trip, I'll go alone. I owe it to Joe, and I owe it to the city. The treasure could help us further strengthen our security.

Max felt his heart beat faster. This sounded like the beginning of a real adventure! He already knew in his mind that his place was with his grandfather, wherever fate might take them. He had a feeling that this journey would not only bring new challenges, but would allow him to become something more—not just an ordinary citizen of Felinopolis, but a protector and treasure hunter!

With a hopeful smile, he approached his father and grandfather, ready for whatever the future held.

To be continued.....😻

*If you like the VMax cat family share this post with your friends, maybe they will like it too. Thank you for all the nice comments I have received from you so far. I really appreciate it ❤