She had made the deal with the devil. When the offer was originally made, she knew that dire consequences would come in due time, but she only considered the benefits.
Shantae looked out towards the open sea lit by the descending sun, watching the rickety ship leave the Sequin Land for good, or for at least a few years. Risky Boots swore she would depart for new lands and seek out treasures elsewhere. Mimic, Sky, and Bolo watched the ship as well, but every few seconds they would look back to Shantae, worried about her future. Shantae only watched the ship, but could feel the eyes of her friends.
Ten days ago, Risky came to Shantae in secret. Shantae had heard a report about a squad of Tinkerbats stalking the harbors at night and Risky waited for the half-genie to approach the harbor. When Shantae arrived to search for any pirates, Risky approached her with no weapons drawn and her hands up in the hair. Shantae did the smart thing by patting down Risky for any hidden knives or for a pistol tucked away behind her back in her pants. Risky carried nothing and said she wanted to discuss a important matter.
Risky said she was leaving Scuttle Town and Sequin Land…for good she claimed. But she wanted something in return. Said that the item she wanted would be worth more than all of the gold and gems in Sequin Land. And apparently only Shantae could provide this item. The half-genie girl immediately knew there was going to be a catch, but getting Risky out of everyone's hair would definitely be worth it. So with a long and tired sigh, Shantae asked what Risky wanted.
The answer stunned her.
Risky laughed after seeing Shantae's horrified expression. She admitted that Shantae would find the proposition to be far-fetched, illogical, INSANE, and stupid. But Risky once more affirmed that if Shantae performed this one action, Risky would leave and (might) never come back. Shantae pressed a bit further, and Risky did admit she would keep a eye on Shantae and her friends, just in case. She considered her wish to be a powerful investment and she wanted to earn big.
"You do the work and you get paid for it." Risky sighed as she sat down on a flat-topped pier log. "This one thing, and I'll vanish and never return. Again!" She crossed her legs, while directing a sharp smile towards Shantae. Shantae crossed her arms and glared at the pirate. "Hey, I'm honest about this. Do this one thing for me, and I will be in your debt for the rest of your life."
"Which means you're going to try and kill me." Shantae remarked.
"No, I still need you." Risky leaned back and looked at the stars above. As she considered her next words, she counted the stars and tried to spot out any constellations. Sort of a side-hobby. "Come on. Admit it. We have a thing, you and I…"
"You try to rob and pillage my town, and I stop you." Shantae stamped her foot down. "The only thing WE have is a rivalry!"
"Which is why I'm calling our rivalry off for a worthy cause!" Risky jumped up and walked towards a adamant Shantae. "Look, I need this. I actually do…need this. And you're the only one who can do this, let alone be the only person I trust…" Risky tapped a finger into Shantae's chest. "…and…" Risky put on a lighter smile as she looked straight into Shantae's eyes. Shantae froze her eyebrows into slants. "…admire enough."
Shantae considered all the options set before her. One hand: Risky would at least follow her word for a short time, enough to reinforce Scuttle Town to properly defend itself against Risky or any other threat. On the other: Risky would lie and attack immediately. Risky did owe Shantae for saving her from the Pirate Master, so Shantae could play the card…if she wanted to take the deal. What's stopping Shantae from pulling a fast one and arresting Risky here and now? What's stopping Risky from doing the same?
"My Tinkerbats are all stocked up in my ship, ready to go." Risky pointed behind her back out to sea. "Once we do this, I'll leave. Immediately. Do we have a deal?"
Shantae took a second before answering. "If you break the promise, I will hunt you down."
"Great! Oh…I do expect it to be a girl."