I! Am! Back! Who missed this story?! I did! But for some reason I couldn't construct this piece right… but now I think its ok! Make sure you review! ;) because then, I will give you cookies! XD

Squint initially rejected Opal's request; he was, admittedly, probably the worst person on the face of the earth to teach her self control. So he suggested instead she get lessons from those strangers from before, who had claimed to be related to his sister. The sought them out together, and they were plenty glad to help her, teaching her to harness her magic. He was content to watch her lessons in the palace, often sitting off to the side and observing. He found himself impressed and amazed; she truly did have power now. He became acquainted with five of his sister's other brothers; the eldest, whom he learned was named Avci, was nowhere to be found. His brothers didn't seem worried, claiming their older brother would vanish from time to time, often into one of his elements, to think and rejuvenate himself, often for months at a time. They said he was probably slumbering away in the Mariana Trench, whatever that was, or mediating in a volcano.

"Alright, now Opal" She was nineteen now and definitely looking it, she'd gotten significantly taller, only about an inch shorter than Squint now, with healthy, adult features. Her for was well groomed and silky, and her voice was smooth and flowing. She looked like royalty, appearing very regal standing there with her scepter held proudly in her hand, her simple crown, and her magenta cloak, which now was embroidered with golden floral designs. He almost couldn't believe the twelve year old girl from only a few weeks ago was now a woman about his age. It was… odd. But at least she looked nice… really nice.

…Wait, what?

"Hold it in front of you, yes, like that, and summon… a mouse." She obeyed with a mere flick of her wand. "A butterfly. A fish… good. Now, bring me a sapphire. Now carve it into a chrysanthemum, now an actual chrysanthemum, now turn the flower into, mm, an oak tree? Good, now, make the tree sprout heart shaped rubies…" Savas continued on, giving her odd little commands without taking a breath, one after the other, and she performed each one flawlessly, effortlessly. He was admittedly impressed, she'd made a lot of progress, and not just with her magic.

Opal had also been undergoing other lessons, to get her acting like a member of the Ruling Family should. Over the last few weeks, she'd begun 'acting like a lady', learning to be the princess she now was. And she picked up rather easily; her shy, unconfident, slouched stance and walk had been replaced by a poised, graceful posture and a regal glide. It was honestly a lot of work, and kind of painful, to stay in the perfect form; back straight, shoulders back, chest out, chin up, hands folded neatly on her stomach. Though, she had to agree, combining her new looks, new body, and new posture, she looked very royal. Also, it seemed, her mind was aging with her, maturing. Part of her, however, strived to remain a little girl, retain her innocence, her joy. Even her smile anymore was polite and perfectly composed.

But, being royalty also had its perks. Zalim made her a little throne, situating it between his and Raz's (which had a silken cover up draped over it as a sign of respect), and she got to eat with him in the dining room. She still liked to carve jewels in her free time, and had been working on a collection of special ones for Raz when she came back. Speaking of such, her three different families had done plenty of arguing, fighting over who Raz would be coming home with, and all sides made fine points.

Of course, the pirate crew firmly believed Raz belonged with them; they'd raised her, cared for her, given her a nice home, protected her and kept her alive. Which was good… but then her biological siblings would jump in, saying that they hd wrongly assumed their sister abandoned and hadn't given them a chance to come find her before they took her in, and had inadvertly stolen her away. They said she ought to come home with them, to meet their mother, who had taken on a curse just to save her fragile infant life, and so she could take her rightful place on the throne and be crowned the next Gryphon Queen. And of course, all the residents of Zalim's island were desperate to hive her stay; and, as Opal would be the only reason Raz could return anyway, it only seemed fitting she stayed there.

Despite these disputes, however, Opal had found a friend in her Lady's most protective adoptive sibling. She and Squint actually got along surprisingly well, and he was fun to be around. He made her laugh, and didn't throw himself to the ground in a bow whenever first seeing her (Raz was right, that was annoying). He even taught her a few things involving weaponry, and it was fun to see how far she could throw one of their stars with her magicians still hit a target. When she wasn't training, they were often hanging out, and often playfully mocking each other. He'd poke fun at her status as princess, and she'd giggle about his 'habit' of pirating and whatnot. She showed him around the island, and he taught her all sorts of things; they'd climb trees, or stargazer, or braid big, long ropes of flowers and various plants, then drop them from windows or tree branches and bungee jump. She found it was much more fun when it was voluntary. They even went diving, into a certain lagoon where the water was so clear they could see as if it was mere air.

"So, you wanna have a picnic?

Opal glanced up from her place examining herself in the mirror. Zalim had given her her own suite, with a canopy bed, chests of jewels, beautiful decorations, a window seats, the works. She was standing before her full size body length mirror, checking herself over. Her fur was a bit ruffled, her eyes a bit heavy and bloodshot. She was feeling so sleepy and sluggish and afraid, and she almost wanted to collapse and bawl her eyes out. But the adult doe inside her wouldn't allow it. Tomorrow was the day, the day she might di. The day she might have to say goodbye to life, forever. But it would all be worth it if it helped her friend. She wouldn't care if she got dragged down to the Underworld, and her soul became food for the Lord down there. If Raz was ok, then Opal would be ok.

"Mm? Why?"

"Well…" he looked a bit uncomfortable, fiddling with his knife. "Ya know… your last day, and, um…"

"Yeah?"

"Well, I'm gonna assume you've never dated before, I mean, you were just a kid a few weeks ago, and, well…"

"Yes?" the child inside her was still oblivious to what was going on.

"I… well, ya- ya know, yer kinda pretty… and stuff… and, uh, I- I don't think ya should die without, mm, y'know, havin' yer first date… er anything, and, well… erm, I don't think anyone else ever did, so, um… I- I dunnl, ya wanna, maybe, uh… go out tonight?"

She gaped at him, eyes wide, lips parted in surprise, the child in her confused, the adult surprised, and the princess trying to put together a response. "I… I…"

Well, what didja think? How many of ya'll saw that coming'? Huh?! Huh?! Make sure to review! ;)p