Far away from the shores of Sequin Land, in an unfamiliar ocean, the Oceanic Tinker Tub Mark 3 drifted freely with its sail tied to the mast. Risky Boots lay on her back against a reef chair in a two-piece, enjoying the last of the Sun's rays against her skin. In her hands was a special mix of Monster Milk, Tadpoles, and something to take the edge away. With oyster shells covering her eyes, her top loosely tied, and the sound of gentle ripples on the sea's surface, it was a perfect end to the day for the Pirate Queen.

"Aaaeehh!" Shantae yawned as she walked up the stairs from inside of the ship and onto the deck. "Good morning!" She blushed as she stretched her arms.

Sky followed her up, stretching and yawning as well, "When's breakfast?"

They both wore pajamas, their heads still warm from resting against a feathered pillows.

The Hatcher carried her trusty bird companion, Wrench, on her shoulder.

"Go ahead, buddy." She shook him off, and he flew up to the crow's nest of the ship, "I'll feed you in a few minutes."

"Is Bolo still sleeping?" Shantae asked as she walked over to the rail of the ship.

"He's always sleeping." Sky replied.

They leaned against the rail, rubbing their eyes and feeling the warm breeze. The glistening waves welcomed their gaze. Wrench jumped from the crow's nest, chasing away seagulls that soared above them. Bolo walked up to find them, wearing his blue vest and shorts, ready for the day.

"Morning, Bolo." Shantae said.

He scratched his head and looked at the horizon, "Uhh.."

Risky Boots laughed from the bow of the ship, Sky peeking at her from the corner of her eye.

"What's up, Bolo?" Sky asked.

Bolo grimaced, "Sorry to say it guys, but it looks like we overslept. You're looking west; it's definitely evening."

Shantae and Sky's eyes widened, and they looked at each other with their jaws opened in awe.

"We Overslept!" They yelled simultaneously.

Risky Boots placed her hand over her lips, muffling her laughter.

"Risky!" Sky shouted, turning her head, "Why didn't you wake us up?"

Risky crossed her heel over other foot and cackled to the point of snorting, "A deal's a deal girls." She composed herself, placing her drink on the deck and crossing her arms behind her head. "I told you it would be your responsibility from now on to get the ship moving."

Rottytops head popped up from the lower deck, "Morning!"

The Scuttle Town Friends corrected her together, "Evening…"

The Half-Genie Hero looked up at the mast, seeing the sail tied, despite the strong wind.

Shantae stepped closer to the Pirate Queen, "We've been drifting this whole time?"

Risky waved her hand, "We agreed that preparing and tidying up my little Tinker Tub was part of your training, dear." She took a deep breath. "Getting up on time is just another part of it."

Shantae stomped beside her chair, "You could at least wake us up!"

Rottytops ran back into the lower deck, "I need my Coffee!"

Risky removed the oyster shells on her eyes and dropped them, "What if I weren't here. Hm? What if another ship came and attacked us, and you and your little friends were just snoozing away? Honestly, you should be thanking me for not sleeping on the job. Learn something, runt."

"I doubt anyone's going to try and kidnap you." Shantae repelled.

Risky huffed, "Listen, kid. I've done more than a Captain's share today. While you and your friends were in dream land, I happened to catch a few Squids and Biter Fish. Unless you want to catch your own, I'm not sharing the food or telling where it is until you clean up your rooms and ready the Tinker Tub for sail."

Sky and Shantae let out a dreadful groan.

Rottytops jumped up the stairs and held up a tankard filled with freshly brewed coffee, "Coffee!" She looked around, confused. "Why's everyone so glum?" She gulped down her hot drink.

"I'm not," Bolo answered, "I'm just going to get put sail down." He walked to the mast, and climbed up the ladder.

"Okay, Risky..." Sky sighed.

"Nuh Uh!" Risky Boots wagged her finger. "What's that magic word?"

The Scuttle Town Friends all uttered together, "Yes, Captain."

Risky stood from her chair, "That's more like it!"

Shantae begged, "Can we at least get help from the Tinkerbats?"

Risky pinched her fingers together, placing them in her lips and whistling through them. They heard the sound of hundreds of feet slapping the floor beneath them, until Tinkerbats swarmed up the stairs and onto the deck.

"Knock yourselves out." Risky said, rubbing her thighs. "Not too bad. A little more red on the skin goes a long way." She walked toward the Captain's quarters. "I'm getting dressed. I recommend putting on something comfortable. I heard your little games below deck. Don't want to ruin your sleepwear cleaning up your messy room." She opened the door to the Captain's Quarters, entering and slamming it shut behind her.

So, with their duties vaguely set for them, they changed their clothes, and scattered about the Tinker Tub, performing various tasks. Bolo handled the sail, with its unique placement of spars and strange design. Shantae, with the help of many Tinkerbats, scrubbed the floors of the living quarters, which they called their bedroom. She left Bolo's room alone, since it was separated from the girl's room in the storage deck. Sky, handled mediocre tasks, such as making certain the ship was moving in the correct direction and inspecting the steam engine room. She managed to fit some feeding time for Wrench in between, mainly catching Pincers on the surface of the ocean to keep his beak healthy. Rottytops did almost nothing except exercise, yet she did manage to clean the crew's laundry, even if she did it incorrectly.

When all was done, the night had come. They gathered on the poopdeck, where Risky Boots boiled a stew that smelled much better when hunger was at stake. The Scuttle Town Heroes sat in various chairs around the makeshift stove, which was held above the deck with three small legs to prevent the fire spreading. They held out their metallic bowls, and Risky smiled as she poured her Squid and Biter Fish concoction into them with a wooden ladle. Sky was especially happy with the taste, it's warmth complimenting the chill in the air and the twinkling of the stars.

Shantae sipped from her bowl and blushed, "Yummy!"

"Blegh!" Rottytops spat broth from her mouth. "Yuck!"

Bolo glanced at Rotty, "There's raw ones stored downstairs, I think."

Risky nodded, and Rottytops jumped from her chair and ran down to the lower deck, "Snacks! Snacks! Snacks!"

Risky giggled and leaned forward.

"Where's your bowl?" Bolo asked the Pirate Queen, picking bits of Biter Fish out of the broth with his warped spoon.

Risky chuckled, "Don't need it." She filled her ladle with soup from the boiling pot, and poured it directly into her open mouth like water into a bucket.

Sky screamed, "Sheesh. Your a freak, Risky!"

The Pirate Queen licked her lips, and took a deep breath, "Just something I learned to do when I was a little girl."

As Shantae's soup cooled, she avoided her spoon altogether and drank from her bowl, "Nyam nam nyam." She smacked her lips. "I could eat more!"

Risky didn't hesitate, dipping the ladle into the pot and filling Shantae's bowl to the brim, "Eat, runt! You're too thin. Put some meat on those shoulders." Risky flexed her biceps, showing her teeth as she grinned.

Laughter ensued, and nothing but good feelings and cheer surrounded them. When silence overcame them, the Scuttle Town Friends continued to fill their bellies with delicious protein nutrient fish chunks and squid legs. Shantae glanced up at Risky, remembering the run-ins they had over the years. Some part of her was still angry at the horrible things she had done during her lifetime; but, she remembered her final words, when she lay dying before her. Whenever Risky smiled, those words always came back to her.

Risky Boots stood up, "Alright, if everyone's full, then I think it's time to share the clean up duties."

Rottytops ran up to the deck, wiping her lips of raw fish meat, "How's the party!" She climbed up to the poop deck, and gave Shantae a big hug from behind. "How's the Meat Muffin?"

"Rottytops!" Shantae covered her mouth, placing her bowl down. "You smell like fish guts!"

Rottytops wrapped here sharp teeth around her head, and Shantae covered her nose, running away into the lower deck, "I'm going to bed!"

Sky looked up to the crow's nest and called out, "Wrench!"

Her companion flew down to her, landing on her Hatcher glove. She petted his neck, then grabbed a piece of cold squid leg from her bowl and held it under his beak. His pupils grew, a single feather on his head rising up, then he snatched it and swallowed it whole.

"Let's clean up and go to bed, buddy." Sky comforted him.

Bolo pushed his chair away, patting his stomach as he brought himself to his feet, "Yeah, I ate too much."

"No more talk," Risky interrupted, "Captain's orders are to clean up."

"But the Tinkerbats..." Bolo protested.

Risky jumped down from the poop deck, and walked down into the ship, "I'll make sure Shantae doesn't avoid her duties."

The Scuttle Town crew spent a few minutes cleaning the deck, storing the cooking utensils, washing dishes in soapy salt water, and storing their chairs in the storage deck. After their chores were complete, they dressed in their sleepwear and went into the living quarters. The room was intended for a single guest, so only Sky used the main bed, with Wrench perched on a stick in the wall. Shantae and Rottytops sat on the floor over their futons, while Bolo sat on a stool in the corner. He was allowed to talk in their room, but he would spend his sleeping hours in the storage deck. Before they were completely out of energy, they reminisced over fond memories.

"...yeah!" Sky said, leaning over her pillow. "It took me a week to get the honey out of her hair!"

Shantae held her chest, trying to breath through the laughter, "Oh my! You're so…" she snorted, covering her face. "Your a dunce!"

Rottytops furrowed her brows in confusion, "I don't get it."

Bolo smiled, crossing his legs in his chair, "That reminds me of the time I got my leg stuck in a Snail Shell."

Shantae's smile turned to a frown as she looked around, "Guys, I wonder if Risky has any stories to tell us."

"Oh no," Sky shook her head, "this is the only privacy we get, we don't need her messing that up."

"Sky…" Shantae pressed her fingers together with her head down, her eyes glittering.

Sky sighed, "Shantae, she's cool, having her on our side, but she's a bully. Don't you remember she tried to kill you, several times? She beat us up when we were kids! I had a fear of drowning for five years, and I can swim really well."

Rottytops, feeling restless, climbed onto an empty barrel and sat on top of it, "I don't mind bringing the ugly lady. I know she lies, so she can't fool me again."

Shantae hopped up from her futon, and walked toward the door, "She must be lonely out there." She stopped and turned her eyes to Sky. "I know you don't like her, Sky, but she's changed. I know it's hard to believe, but give her a chance."

Sky plopped her eyes in her palm as Shantae made her way out of the room. She ran up the stairs, and out to the deck. She stood, looking around, finding Tinkerbats scattered everywhere, checking various parts of the Tinker Tub.

At the bow of the ship, she saw the Pirate Queen, standing tall and looking out to sea. Risky's hat glowed in the light of the stars, and her hair swayed against the wind from under her bandana. She was like a mythical sea creature, bound to the ocean by heart.

Shantae walked over to her with arms crossed behind her back, and stopped a few steps away from her.

"What do you want, brat?" Risky said, still facing the dark horizon.

"Just checking on the Captain." Shantae replied. "Everyone's telling stories in the ship. It's a big slumber party. We'd like you to come."

Risky laughed, "You're funny. Sorry, but I won't demean myself with that childish play."

Shantae tilted her head down, thinking of what to say. When no words came to mind, she opened her arms and hugged Risky Boots, surprising the Pirate Queen.

"What are you doing!" She broke free of Shantae's grasp and faced her with a scowl. "Go back to your quarters! Captain's orders."

Shantae smiled, and grabbed Risky's hand, "Okay, Snooty Boots, but you're coming too!"

She grabbed Risky's hand, pulling her along as she ran back to the lower deck.

Risky begrudgingly followed her, "This is ridiculous!"

Before the Pirate Queen could resist, Shantae carried her into the Living Quarters. There, the Scuttle Town Friends were settled comfortably, their eyes on their Captain as she looked at them with a grimace.

"C'mon, Risky," Shanate let go of Risky's hand and sat on her futon, "tell us a fun story."

"A bedtime story, woohoo!" Rottytops waved her hands in the air.

"I think I ate too much." Bolo covered his mouth.

Risky sighed, removing her hat and placing it on top of a nearby crate, "What sort of story would you want to hear anyway?"

Sky giggled, "Dirty Romance!"

"Please, no." Bolo said.

Shantae placed her hands between her crossed legs and said with excitement, "Earlier you said you learned to eat hot soup as a little girl. Tell us about that...when you were little!"

Risky placed her hands on her hips, wearing an expression of discontent.

"I've got to hear this." Sky swung her feet in the air.

Risky scratched her cheek, thinking for a moment as she looked up at the ceiling, "Fine. I'll tell you about it."

Shantae picked up her pillow, pushing her mouth onto it and squealing.

Risky coughed, thrusted her hips forward, and held her open palm in front of her chin, "I was just a small Pirate, but feared by all. I commanded the largest crew that anyone had ever seen, stole the greatest treasures of all time! I was powerful, even for a child, and - "

Sky interrupted, "Could you tell us the real story already!"

Risky nose furled, "Very well." She paced around the room, her arms crossed as she thought deeply. "You really want to know?"

Everyone in the room nodded their heads.

"Well, then I will tell you. This is the story of my first stolen treasure…"