Last-Minute Save (Because Finn Is Useless)

Just as the Mad Princess was about to drag Finn back to her warship, something whistled through the air—

—and CRACKED her across the back of the head.

"OW!" she yelped, dropping Finn. "WHO DARES—?!"

The smoke cleared, revealing Tess standing on the docks, holding a giant frying pan.

She twirled it. "Alright, you crazy royal. Hands off my best disaster buddy."

Finn, still lying on the floor, wheezed. "Tess, I love you."

Zephyria crossed her arms. "Seriously? She saves you once and you confess?"

Finn flailed. "NOT LIKE THAT!"

The princess rubbed her head, eyes sparkling. "Ooooh~! Such a fearless warrior! I like you!"

Tess squinted. "No."

The princess grinned wider. "JOIN MY HAREM!"

Tess whacked her again. "Absolutely not."

Finn crawled away as the princess and Tess started trading blows, frying pan versus war hammer. Sparks flew, the ship rumbled, and in the distance, alarms blared as the Imperial Dreadnought prepared to fire again.

Zephyria grabbed Finn by the collar. "We need to GO. NOW."

Vespera saluted. "See you, crazy princess!"

The three leapt off the burning ship, landing onto the docks just as—

BOOOOOOOOM!

The Imperial Dreadnought's cannons obliterated the smuggler ship behind them.

The force of the blast threw them forward, crashing into a pile of crates. Finn groaned. "Ow… again."

Tess landed beside them, perfectly unharmed.

Zephyria gasped for breath. "Is she dead?"

A moment of silence.

Then—

BOOM.

The princess leapt out of the wreckage, completely fine, her dress barely singed.

"FINN~! YOU CAN'T ESCAPE OUR LOVE STORY!"

Finn sobbed. "WHY WON'T YOU DIE?!"

Zephyria dragged Finn to his feet. "RUN."

The group took off into the city, the Mad Princess chasing after them, laughing maniacally.

Vespera grinned. "Best. Day. Ever."