“And to think they would have starved to death in here if not for Michelangelo,” said Ria, feeling a bit faint.

Finn laughed, “I still can’t get over that name. It’s so long!”

Ria glared at him. “Really?”

“Right, sorry,” he turned back to the dungeons in front of them, staring at all the prisoners Oceanport had magically procured.

Thirty-or-so Capital guards lay tied up in the cells. Turned out, Rex had never pulled her men out of Oceanport.

One of the other guards that had accompanied them whistled appreciably. “Don’t know who did this, but that sure is a Niamh of a welcoming present for ya, Four.”

Ria pinched the bridge of her nose.

Finn approached the cell. Rattling his sword against the metal, he pointed at one of the tied-up guards. “Who did this to you?”

“Why should we tell you?” snapped the Capital guard.

The people outside the cell stared at the tied-up prisoner. The dungeons grew quiet as even the man’s comrades stared at him.

Ria tilted her head. “So that we can find who beat you up and set you free?” she explained slowly.

The guard’s entire face turned beet red. “Sorry,” he squeaked. “It’s a reflex.”

“Don’t worry about it,” comforted the Oceanport guard.

Finn shrugged, “Hey, we all get tongue-tied during our first interrogation.”

The guard sighed, “I know I messed up, but do you think you could give me another chance?”

“Of course,” nodded Ria, shooting him a thumbs-up.

“Yeah, go for it. Just remember to breathe and relax. You got this.” The Oceanport guard made a breathe-in-and-out motion with his hands. “Just pretend we aren’t here.”

The guard nodded, breathing in shakily. “Okay, thanks Port-Dogs. I think I got it.”

Finn cleared his throat. “So, wanna tell me who did this to you?”

The guard nodded sharply and began his tale.

“That day, we were all waiting for a direct attack led by Four. A spy from the Capital had given us your direct coordinates, so we had the ambush ready at the port you were supposed to come into.”

“But we never expected that the Port-Dogs knew our plan and staged an attack from inside the town. We were so busy watching the port, we didn’t even notice as they sneaked up on us!” The guard’s voice grew frantic. “They knocked all of us out the night before, and by the time we came to, we were tied up and locked in here!”

Finn scratched his head. “But who was it? Someone must have led the attack.”

“They were like demons,” said the guard, face paling. “In the dead of night, they were covered head to toe in black. Many of them were scarred up, I think one was even missing an eye, not that it mattered. The bastards fought dirty.”

“Their leader was a big man, almost the same size as Lord Krios. Young. Real dark eyes. Got a pretty good figure too from what I could tell. Must work out a lot, but it wasn’t really that fake type of bulk you know what I mean? He had like usable muscles. Arms the size of-”

“Were you ogling him or fighting him?” snapped the guard’s counterpart next to him.

The guard huffed, “Point is, he took down ten of us on his own.” The man shrugged, “And that was that.”

He glanced eagerly at Ria and Finn. “How’d I do?”

“Awesome,” clapped the girl. “10 out of 10.”

“Details could have used a bit of work but,” Finn crossed his arms. “Keep it up and you’ll be a pro in no time.”

Turning away from the cells, he glanced at Ria. “Know anyone that fits the description?”

Ria sighed.

“Unfortunately, yes.” The girl wanted to bury herself and never come out. He did this? But why? It wasn’t part of the deal, so it must have been on his own accord. Was it to help her…? No. Impossible. Must have been a business thing or something.

She waved away the invasive thoughts.

“Stick these guards in a boat and ship them back to Rex ASAP.” Ria smirked as an idea popped into her head. Rubbing her hands together, she added, “Oh, and tie a bright red ribbon and card on them that say ‘A gracious gift from Four’.”

There was a pause.

“Uhm, sorry, Your Highness, but,” the Oceanport guard scratched his head, sharing a confused look with Finn. “What does A sap mean?”

—

Ria stared up at the statue. Maybe Michelangelo really was who he said he was.

The sculpture depicted a scruffy little girl smiling brightly. Her tiny but determined fist was raised in the air.

When the man had first unveiled it to Ria, she felt all the breath in her lungs leave her. It was like she was looking at Daisy again.

The ceremony had been a quiet affair but the number of flowers and shells sitting at the bottom of the monument made Ria’s heart clench. Many had lost their loved ones to the mines. It was only right that the first monument Oceanport ever had was a tribute to those that had been lost.

Ria often found herself standing alone in the empty square. Daisy’s memory was good company.

“Is this her?” a familiar voice asked.

Ria startled. She glared at the approaching man. “Why do you always sneak up on people?”

“Same reason you always get into trouble,” retorted the older.

Ria crossed her arms, huffing. “I don’t get into that much trouble… usually.”

She sighed, handing a satchel to Blaze. “You know, my troubles only started after I met somebody.”

They both thought back to the charade on the streets, Ria seconds from getting her head decapitated and Blaze just looking for a way to piss off Krios.

Humming in acknowledgment, Blaze took the offered satchel. The young man opened the bag, staring into it. His brows furrowed. “Is this… your crown?”

“What’s left of it,” admitted Ria. She rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. “Old Luce tossed it during the Coronation, and the whole thing shattered. Let’s just say, the rest is ancient history.”

“Ancient history?” Blaze raised an eyebrow at the specific word choice.

The girl held up her hands defensively as she explained, “I’m not even kidding, there are pieces we still haven’t found.” She sighed, “I figured this would probably be enough to pay you back for your help.”

Blaze frowned, “I’m not in the habit of cheating people. This is more than we agreed on.” He smirked dangerously. “Moreover, should the queen really be giving the national treasure to a lowlife like me?”

To his surprise, Ria merely laughed. “You don’t have to keep putting up the tough act, you know?”

“What are you trying to say?” asked Blaze. He swung the satchel over his shoulder. “I thought I would offer, but if you don’t want it, I’ll keep it.”

Ria spread out her arms. “Well, it is yours now.”

Blaze stared at her. The girl was weird, this he knew. But he wondered how she managed to make it endearing rather than annoying.

“I know what you did.” Ria fidgeted with her fingers.

Blaze’s mouth twitched. “You’ll have to be more specific. I do quite a lot on a daily basis.”

Ria rolled her eyes.

She stomped forward until she could peer right up at Blaze. She took great joy in the uncertain look on the mob boss’ face. “Let me jog your memory. Beating up the Capital Guards? Leaving Tom and Timmy at the wall? Let me think… do you still have that dog you rescued?” The girl scrunched her face up. “Hi, I’m Blaze I’m such a big baddie who secretly has a soft side- Ah!”

Ria’s foot twisted. Her arms flailed in the air. She mourned the embarrassment mentally. So much for being cool! Her eyes squeezed shut.

A familiar hold grabbed onto her. The warmth of the familiar touch ignited a pair of fluttering butterflies in her stomach. Ria gasped as she felt herself being hoisted up into the air. Her feet dangled above the ground.

Ria’s eyes flew open.

Blaze stared down at her, eyebrows raised and… was there a bit of pink dusting his cheeks?

“Do you do this on purpose?” he gritted out.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

“I…” Ria’s voice trailed off. Why was his hold so familiar?

With a sigh, the young man placed her back on the ground. If it was gentler than his usual actions, neither of them mentioned it. He picked up the satchel from its place on the ground. The crown was already shattered anyways.

“Thank you,” murmured Ria. Her face was burning up! The girl’s eyes squeezed shut again, trying to avoid direct contact at all costs. Why was her heart beating so fast?

Blaze straightened his already-perfected shirt and looked away. “Can’t have the new queen of Oceanport die because she tripped on air.”

Ria huffed a laugh. “Always an excuse… Softie.”

Blaze rolled his eyes.

“Then, you’re Trouble.”

Ria’s eyes narrowed. “Am not.”

“You definitely are…Trouble.” Blaze crossed his arms, head tilting to the side in a silent challenge.

On account of him saving her, Four graciously decided to let the matter go.

Ria hugged herself, breaking their little staring contest. “Whatever. Call me Trouble if it makes your dark little heart happy.” She muttered to herself. “Big Softie.”

Unbeknownst to her, the mob boss’ eyes softened. “You never told me who she was.”

They both stared at the little girl’s statue, a gentle quiet settling in the square.

“Do you blame me for her death?”

Ria looked up at Blaze, the words breaking her out of her short reverie. She considered the question.

“No.”

Blaze looked at her, a faint expression of shock in his expression. “Why not?”

Ria sighed. Tom had told her while they sailed back. That the underworld’s head honcho had put a ban on interfering with the mines with penalty of death and reward for Recruiters that reported traitors. “I don’t think you would have left her there if you had known.” She shrugged helplessly. “And you tried to help in your own way.”

Blaze laughed cruelly. “You think too much of me, Your Highness. I’m a mere lowlife criminal.”

His laugh tapered off as a firm but small hand gripped his. Insistent eyes stared at him.

“You are no more or less than who you are, Blaze.”

Blaze was frozen. He stared at the girl. The queen. For once, he didn’t know what to say… Four was a fool for believing him when he had never given her a reason to trust him. But he couldn’t help but admit that the… feeling lit something in him he thought had long been dead.

Ria’s stern expression melted into soft smile. “Daisy taught me that. She was the first one to believe in me… even when I had nothing to give her.” Her hand fell by her side. “She was the reason why I started all of this.”

Blaze frowned, “Is that why you came back?”

“It was at first. But now?” Ria lowered her head, “Is it weird that I actually want to do this? Not just for Daisy, but…I want to lead these people and make their lives better.”

Blaze stared at the girl’s bright eyes and animated gestures.

Ria continued, “You should see me making these trade agreements and helping to fund the building of ships and schools. I see kids playing in the streets and I want to build them playgrounds… and now, I can.”

Blaze was silent.

Ria paused, catching her breath. “It’s crazy,” she said. “It’s all crazy.”

The girl turned her gaze onto the young man. Her eyes formed small crescents as she grinned up at him. “What is it you want to do, Blaze?”

Truthfully, Ria didn’t expect the mob boss to answer. But she was curious.

Blaze blinked, “To become the most powerful man in the world.” He said it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Ria cocked her head to one side. “Why?”

“So, I won’t lose anyone precious to me again,” came the immediate response.

Ria’s eyes widened at the brutal honesty.

The mob boss stared at the statue. His face was calm. The light bounced off his hair, making him seem softer than the hard toughness he usually put himself out to be.

“Blaze?” Ria asked softly, waving a hand at him.

Blaze turned with a not-quite smile but something nicer than his usual stern expressions.

“She was lucky to have met you,” the young man’s eyes had a faraway look in them. “If only you had come to save me too, maybe things would have been different.”

Ria froze. “You were in the mines?”

The other was silent.

“If it’s your goal to protect people…” the girl’s voice trailed off.

“Then, why don’t you come and help me?” Ria nodded eagerly, “Help me rule this place by becoming part of my cabinet! You’re so good at running your gang, we’d probably figure out the whole revenue issue in no time!” Her voice softened. “We can become powerful to protect those that can’t protect themselves.”

Blaze squinted at the younger. “Are you offering me a job?”

The girl quirked an eyebrow at him. “Are you refusing?” She sighed dramatically, withdrawing her hand in an exaggerated motion. “That’s too bad because you’d be one of my advisors… think of all those business advantages you’d get.”

Blaze’s expression took on a thoughtful tilt. “I’m afraid I can’t take you up on your gracious offer,” Ria deflated, “At the moment.” The girl perked up.

Ria smiled wide. She stretched her hand out. “I’ll take it.”

The young man snorted, “Even if the other kingdoms laugh at you for working with a criminal?”

“I don’t care about that,” answered Ria flippantly.

Laughter floated through the air like a rushing wave. Ria froze at the sound. She stared in shock at Blaze who held his face as his eyes teared up in mirth. With a final chuckle, he relaxed.

Blaze shook his head, sticking his hands in his pockets. “I’m afraid we won’t be seeing each other for a while, Four.” The letter in his breast pocket sat heavily. His eyes turned sharp. “Try not to get into too much trouble while I’m not around?”

Ria protested, “What’s that supposed to mean? And where are you going?”

Blaze didn’t answer the question.

“If by the end of this, we’re able to still stand on the same side… I think I’ll take you up on that business offer,” he said as he walked away.

“Oh, and about your friend in the Citadel,” the other paused, “Don’t worry, he’s in good hands.”

Friend in the Citadel? Ria gasped. It was like a bucket of freezing water had been poured over her. Her friend in the Citadel… there was only one person that it could be.

“Derek’s alive?” Relief flooded through her. “Is… is he happy?”

“I hear they’re running a bar together,” shrugged the other.

Ria’s eyes widened. Derek was… alive! And opening a bar? She smiled softly. That was so good to hear.

“Try not to die!” she called.

With his signature hand wave, the man disappeared behind a street corner.

Later, Ria stared at the box sitting in front of her bed. When she opened it, she gasped at the fixed crown sitting inside.

The accompanying note read, “Not much demand for crowns in the underworld. You might as well keep the national treasure for yourself. Until next time, Trouble.”

But all Ria could think about was, “How on earth are they getting in here?”

—

Finn heaved away at the rope and watched as the sail raised.

He squinted against the harsh light of the midday sun and breathed in the lovely sea breeze. The boy barely had to think as his body readied the small ship. The motions were imprinted in his brain after years of repeating the same actions.

Footsteps sounded on the dock.

Finn turned. He smiled brightly, lips curving in delight at the sight of Four.

Jumping from the ship to the dock, he hummed, “How’s it look, your Highness?”

“Like you’re leaving,” murmured the other gloomily.

Finn pursed his lips and looked away. He smiled bittersweetly. “The adventure was bound to end one day.”

Ria sighed. It wasn’t fair for her to act this way when the other looked so happy. She tried for a smile. “Thanks for helping with the statue.”

Michelangelo had credited Finn’s sketches of the little girl for the likeness of the statue.

“She was my friend too,” he said softly. “Little rascal would never admit it though.”

The two shared a laugh.

Shaking his head and spraying water all over, Ria spluttered. She cursed at the other playfully. Finn’s eyes were as bright as the ocean behind him. He truly was the sea’s child.

The girl shrugged, “So, you want to give me a tour?”

Finn perked up. “Sure!”

He helped her onto the ship and began to introduce everything. “Look, here’s where I’ll keep all my stuff,” he pointed at the large chest. “Clothes, food, maps, and everything.”

“Here’s the main mast and these are the ropes I use to control the direction of the sail.”

“Here’s the bow…”

“The mast is made from pine oak…”

Ria nodded, trying to keep up despite the fact that most of Finn’s rapid-fire explanations were going over her head.

“And finally!” Finn tapped on the floorboards. “This finish is one of the best in Oceanport. See how it shines in the sunlight?” He sighed dreamily. “Utter perfection. And here’s the poop deck, where I’ll-”

“Do your business?” guessed Ria.

The boy narrowed his eyes at the other. “Yes, but not in the way you’re thinking.” He took out his compass. “It’s where I’ll steer the ship and navigate.”

“Oh,” Ria said. “Definitely different than what I was thinking.”

Finn grumbled, “I knew it.” He held up a broom threateningly. “I don’t care if you’re the queen but you disrespect my ship and you’ll have to be kicked off.”

Ria’s brows furrowed. “What?”

Finn smirked mischievously.

Two hands wrapped around her waist, lifting her in the air.

Ria struggled, paling. “Hey! What are you doing?”

Finn laughed, tightening his grip. “Rules are the rules, Your Highness.”

SPLASH!

A few minutes later, Finn tried comforting a soaking-wet Ria. “Hey, it’s just a joke. Don’t be so-”

She swatted away his fretting hands. “Leave me alone,” she snapped.

Finn raised his hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine.” He pushed himself up to his feet.

A blanket fell on her head. Ria looked up. She wrapped the cloth around herself, rubbing her wet hair. “What’s this? Playing nice now?”

Finn laughed, “No, I just don’t want the people of Oceanport to come after me because their new queen caught hypothermia.”

“That’s a big word,” teased Ria.

Finn scowled, “What’s that supposed to mean?” He sighed, scratching his head. “Any souvenirs you want me to send back, Ria? Large rubies? Or a shark tooth necklace maybe?”

The girl looked down. She paused in her drying and looked at the boy. Her best friend.

“Where are you going to go, Finn?” asked Ria.

The boy smiled at the great horizon line. “I don’t know.”

There was silence between the two.

WHACK!

Finn yelped, rubbing his head. “Hey! What’s that for?”

Ria scowled darkly. “You’ve been packing for so long and you don’t even know where you’re going?’

“Well, I figured I would figure it out on the way!” defended the boy.

“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard you say,” snarled Ria. She sighed, “It’s settled then. Since you don’t have any plans…Don’t go, Finn. Stay.”

“It’s not that simple,” protested Finn.

Ria shrugged. “Seems pretty easy to me.”

Finn frowned, getting to his feet. “You don’t get it, Ria. I can’t.”

“Why not?” challenged the girl.

“I just can’t,” said Finn, throwing his hands in the air.

“Why?” pestered Ria.

“Because nobody wants a defected pirate around, all right?” Finn breathed out heavily. “I’ve never been good enough, and I’m not going to stay and ruin Oceanport too.” He kicked at the floorboards. “Plus, all they’ll ever see is an ex- Sea Raider.”

The waves lapped up against the sides of the ship.

“I don’t think that’s what they see you as,” Ria murmured. “And even it is, that’s not what I see you as.”

Finn bit his lip. Don’t fall for the trap, he chided himself. But he couldn’t resist it. “What do you see me as?”

“A protector.” Ria smiled brightly. “You’re a hero, Finn.”

“What?”

Ria settled herself against the boat. “Let’s see, you saved the miners, led them out of the Citadel, fought off the puppet ministers, and helped to re-install a proper government for the kingdom.” Ria stopped her listing. “If that’s not a hero, then I don’t know what is.”

Finn stared at the waves, eyes downcast.

Ria pursed her lips.

“I don’t know what happened in your past, Finn. But whatever it is,” Ria tossed the blanket at Finn, causing him to look up. “That’s over.”

Ria got to her feet. “Protect this kingdom, Finn. Be the hero you’ve always wanted to be. And in return? We’ll protect you too,” promised Ria solemnly. “Oceanport needs you.”

“Are you sure?” asked Finn weakly.

Ria pressed a hand against her heart. “More than anything in this world.”

Finn paused, “Even more than the cross-dressing plan against Marge?”

Ria bit her lips, nodding slowly. “Even more than that.”

Finn stared at Ria. Then, he pulled her into a hug. Ria smiled, returning the gesture. “Don’t leave, Finn. Please stay,” she murmured. “You’re my best friend.”

Straightening, the boy sniffed, “You really are a jerk, Your Highness.” He stepped back, brushing his face. “You couldn’t have said all that before I prepared the boat?”

Ria couldn’t hold back her laughter at that.

“Well,” she grinned mischievously. “There is somewhere I wanted to go.”

Finn rubbed his forehead. Despite his young age, he was sure wrinkle lines were beginning to form. He asked seriously. “Do you want me to toss you off the ship again?”

As the two bickered, Ria hid her smile.

Things were gonna be just fine. With Oceanport glistening behind them and the great vast waters of the ocean surrounding the land protectively, Ria knew that whatever came their way, they would figure it out.

Four looked out into the sunny ocean and the bustling town. As the sea wind brushed through her hair, she thought that Old Luce was right about one thing.

Oceanport’s story was just beginning.

---

Many years from now, when the children were old men and women but the youth still played with wooden swords and fought as queens and knights… the people would think back on the reign of the girl queen, Four, and wonder what the great figure was like.

She was not a queen of the perfect government, the fiercest people, or the most valuable land… but her kingdom was that of hope and truth. A place where a person could unashamedly be themselves, chase their dreams, and have a delicious lobster dinner at the Tavern.

---

“Old Luce!” Ria hollered. “Stop reading my diary!”

---

The End (for now)