//------------------------------//
// Chapter 9: The Inevitability Of Change 
// Story: Little Nemo: Adventures In Equestria 
// by Mak Manto 
//------------------------------//

Royal Palace - Exterior

Only thirty minutes had passed since the professor had left them, but for Nemo, it felt like an eternity. He was now waiting on a bench, feeling anxious at seeing the princess again. Flip, on the other hand, who had decided to stay with Nemo, had decided to regale himself with some fun by pulling pranks on people. He had created a small lasso, and every time someone who was wearing a hat walked by, he would grab the hat and string it around the ground, watching people trying to catch it, while he remained hidden in a bush. When his final victim, an older lady finally caught hers, she walked away in a huff. Flip came out, taking a seat next to Nemo.

"Oh, the classics never get old! Did you see the woman dawdling around trying to get her hat? Hahahaha, it's too easy!"

Nemo said nothing, making Flip put a hand underneath his chin for a second before a sly smile appeared on his face. He had made it, over the years, to make himself look like nothing more than a silly prankster, just wanting to have some fun at the expense of the people of Slumberland. Though, he was far smarter than he let on, and he could see why Nemo was acting this way.

"I know why you've been silent, Nemo..."

Nemo looked over, not expecting to hear that. He tried his best to look confused, but it wasn't working. He felt a sweat building up.

"What do you mean? I'm fine. I'm just waiting..."

"No, ever since the professor told you he was going to get the princess, you've been nervous. You have feelings for her, but it's your lucky day, Nemo my boy! You see, over my many travels, I know what a woman wants!"

Nemo rolled his eyes, placing a hand over his head.

"Flip, why don't I believe that? What do you know about girls?"

"I know they like strong guys. Girls want guys who can protect them, who stand up for their honor. In your case, you've already showed that by wiping out the Nightmare King, but we can show her you're one tough guy. So, here's what we're going to do. I'm going to pretend that I'm trying to steal something, and you're going to pretend to stop me. She'll be so impressed, you'll be in like that!"

"Flip, I don't think that this-"

Flip jumped up, hopping around with his fists out.

"Come on, Nemo! Give me your best shot! I'm trying to steal something! What are you going to do, let me get away?"

Pushing Nemo, Flip smiled at how the boy was doing nothing. He needed to get him riled up.

"Flip, stop! I'm not going to hit you!"

"That won't work! I'm a bad guy, Nemo. You need to stop me."

Giving a few playful punches, he kept hopping around Nemo, ready to fall down on purpose. As he came in one more time to come at Nemo, giving him a harder push, Nemo finally snapped.

"Just stop, FLIP!"

Pushing the clown, Flip gave a mocking grunt of pain before falling onto the ground, defeated. As Nemo ran a hand through his hair, trying to figure out how to explain this, a new voice reached out to them, freezing him in his tracks.

"What's going on here?"

Turning around, his heart skipped for a second as he saw her.

Camille...

She had changed since the last time he saw her. She was now about his height, her hair, originally red, now more of a golden-red. It was set in a front braid, and she was wearing a regal dress. She was even more beautiful than he could've envisioned. As he stuttered for a second, Flip got up, wobbling on the spot.

"Oh, princess, you should've seen it. I was up to my normal mischief, trying to con some poor old woman when Nemo stopped me! You should've seen him in action! A gallant hero like no other!"

Camille came down the steps, smiling at Nemo, before turning her gaze to Flip.

"Is that so? Well, I guess I should have the police come and get you then if that's true..."

Flip gulped, waving his hands.

"No, no! There's no need for that! You see, I was only... What I mean is... Nemo, help me!"

Nemo sighed before he patted Flip on the back.

"Just stop, Flip."

Looking at Camille, he wasn't sure what to say. What could he say? He had always imagined saying something witty or cool for the princess when he had met her again, bit here he was, stuck without knowing what to say, and in an wonderful moment of awkwardness, he blurted it out.

"Wonderful weather we're having, princess!"

Nemo groaned inside, wishing nothing more than to sink in the ground. He had blown it. Camille, though, smiled, nodding.

"It is wonderful weather. It's great to see you again, Nemo, and not in pajamas this time."

Nemo gave a sheepish chuckle, glad to know he was wearing his school suit. As the princess was about to say something else, a man appeared before her.

"Your highness, the minister of the interior wanted to speak to you about a problem with zoning laws."

Camille shook her head.

"Tell him I'll meet with him later. I have an important guest here."

"Of course, your highness."

Camille kept smiling at Nemo. She waved her hand for him to come up.

"Come on in, Nemo. We have much to talk about, and I want to hear all about your stories from home. Flip, if you can manage to stay out of trouble, you're invited too."

As Flip jumped at heading into the Palace, Nemo followed closely, hoping that he could salvage the embarrassment of not screwing up with the princess again.