"...Give me the Book..."

"...You will fulfill the bargain..."

"I'll do anything, I'll give anything."

"...The Book of the Genie Realm...and...your eternal servitude...a vessel of the Shadow...for your remaining life..."

—-

Shantae woke suddenly, sitting on the bowsprit of the Tinker Tub. She did not realize that she fell asleep, shaking her head and rubbing her eyelids to energize herself. She fell back and leaned against a warm surface, glancing behind her to find Risky Boots sitting on the other end with her captain's hat tilted over her face. The Pirate Queen used her shoulders to support Shantae from a fall.

"Awake, kiddo?" Risky asked.

Shantae leaned forward, her hair loose and swaying in the breeze, "Thanks Risky…"

"Don't sweat it."

Shantae sighed, a heavy feeling in her heart overcoming her as she looked up and watched the seagulls following the ship. From the corner of her eye, she saw black sparks of magic wafting by, and she immediately recognized it as dark energy.

"Risky," Shantae paused for a moment, feeling worried, "it's the Pirate's Curse, isn't it?"

Risky Boots held her hand, the flesh on her fingertips fading away. Even the skin on her jaw burned away, dark energy leaving her body. "It's nothing…" her eyes glowed red as she concentrated her power, rejuvenating her form, repairing the damage of the fading energy. "...nothing but a scratch." her form returned to normal.

Shantae looked down at the water. and the Pirate Queen saw a sparkle in the air, a teardrop that dissipated in the wind.

"Runt," she crossed her arms, "one of these days, you're going to have to grow up. You can't cry every time something doesn't go your way."

Shantae smiled, her eyes covered by her hair, "I want to go sailing on my own someday, just like you. I want to see things, far away from home." Risky crossed her arms, raising a brow. "But, I want to know...that when I come home...you'll be there too." Shantae's crying became audible, as she breathed through her teeth. "I don't want you to die."

Risky interrupted, looking at the sky, "Shantae, you know I'd never surrender that easily. Did I give up after you foiled my plans all of those times? But, you have to accept death, kid. When the time comes, the time - "

Shantae stopped her, "I love you, Risky."

The Pirate Queen could not form words. She grimaced, trying her best to think of a reply.

"Risky Boots…" Shantae continued. "I forgive you for everything. Every time you tried to kill me...when you bullied me, and made fun of me…keeping secrets…"

Risky brows curled, Shantae's sobs silencing as the Half-Genie wiped her eyes clean.

"But, I'll never forgive you if you die now. I can't...just...just when we were becoming friends." she grabbed the edge of the bowsprit, kicking her legs back and forth, summoning a smile. "You and I, we're family now. I need you."

Risky Boots kicked her legs also, pursing her lips as she stared down at the waves, "You really are more annoying than your mother." She took a deep breath, reaching her hand back and grabbing Shantae's fingers. "Listen, runt," she pulled the Half-Genie's hand forward, holding her forearm next to her shoulder, "if you're ever going to be a pirate, there's one thing you have to learn." She flexed her muscles, squeezing Shantae's palm. "Never surrender what's yours, and don't let anyone ever take it from you."

Shantae grinned, flexing her arms along with the Pirate Queen. Soon, she let go, Risky Boots standing up and walking to the bow of the ship. "Now, come on." she hopped onto the deck, making her way to the stern. "Let's go see if your friends are slacking off again."

Shantae gave a big smile and jumped from the bowsprit in excitement, dashing toward the Pirate Queen, following her with pride.

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"Risky Boots, Queen of the Seven Seas…"