It's been a few days since Shantae saved the day once again. More than once, actually. The last time was especially brutal. Extremely hot, MANY close calls, and an even closer one when she had to make a hard decision. But she was at ease to know that everything worked out in the end. The celebration her, Uncle Mimic, and all her friends had that evening was what she needed to relax. Tubs of cookie dough ice cream galore! Yum yum!

She had a nice long sleep that night, sleeping many hours into the day. But just like before, it was not without a dream. It was like a force was tugging at her, a familiar one. Out of bed, into the woods between her house and Scuttle Town. The force released her, letting her look around, try to understand what was happening. It didn't speak, but she could feel that it had wanted her there. But why?

She never did get an answer - the dream ended before anything else could happen.

"Another crazy dream..." she muttered, trying to stir herself awake. "It was like the one yesterday, only shorter. I really need to stop eating cookie dough ice cream before bed."

She put on her favourite outfit, had an orange for a quick bite to eat, and headed to town. See if anyone needed help today with anything. Hopefully nothing NEARLY as strenuous as yesterday.

"Hey," greeted the desert-cloaked man by the gate, "I think someone was looking for you."

Sure enough, someone was in need! Shantae perked up and listened to the man.

"Something about a dire problem that's come up, and they need your help right away. They were by your uncle's workshop last I saw."

"Oh no! I'll go see them right away!" Shantae cried, as she zoomed past the man and into Scuttle Town.

It didn't take long to find the troubled individual. Or lack-thereof. Where the Dancer Lady usually hung out, was just her clothing lying on the ground, with a snake sitting on top.

"What?! A snake?" Shantae inquired, confused as to why there was a Tassel Town snake here. Then she noticed the gold beat on its head. It was in that moment, that she put two-and-two together.

"Help me... Please..." the little snake murmured.

Shantae approached the seemingly changed Dancer Lady. "What happened?"

"I was trying out a new dance I got from that sneaky snake lady. While I was dancing, I felt a sharp jab in my one shoulder...and then...this happened..." the snake said, lowering her head.

Shantae's face twisted in puzzlement. "That's odd. I've never heard of any non-genies dancing and being able to transform."

"But...when I transformed," the woman continued "I...I split up...into five of...me."

"What?!"

"There's...five of me. I tried to calm myselves, but they were so afraid that they slithered off."

"Sounds like the dance didn't go right at all. You mentioned something about a pain in your shoulder?"

The snake nodded. "Yes, like something hit me really hard. A stone."

At that moment, something on the ground caught Shantae's eye.

"Huh?"

She bent down and picked up a curious looking purple stone.

"Could this have been it?"

"It must have been...I've never seen anything like that before here," the snake replied.

"It's certainly different looking," said Shantae. "Yet, somehow familiar. I'll have to show this to Uncle Mimic. He might be able to identify what this is."

Shantae stood up, brushing off her legs off. "I'll get to the bottom of this, and help you out in any way I can."

The snake managed a very weak smile, and nodded. Shantae then walked over to her uncle's workshop, a few steps away, and entered.

---

After creating "Inquiry of a Sneaky Snake", I got the urge to follow it up with a story. Especially in regards to the dialogue of the "Dancer Lady" NPC near the end of the game. And so, this picture came to be!

I have to say, had lots of fun trying to replicate Scuttle Town from a different angle than in game. I really tried to emulate the sort of colouring the game had. Worked well in some spots, and all right in other ones. In some ways, I feel bad for the shortcut I took with the road, as with this sort of shading, I probably could have done it differently. But ah well, next time!

And then there's these two. First time drawing Shantae! Woo! Like Tuki, I had to rework her several times to get her right. I do feel that...I didn't get her 100% perfect, but I think it works. As for the snakified Dancer Lady...once I drew her, I knew she was good. Ha ha!

I do believe...this might be one of the first fanfictions I've ever created! Starting with this one, with the last pic being a non-teaser teaser picture of sorts. It'll be a good experience to exercise and try to improve upon not just my drawing skills, but writing skills too, especially in terms of working with established characters.

And throughout the whole process, I am 100% open to any points of criticism or constructive advice people wish to provide in regards to the work and story. This is as much a learning process for me as it is me producing what'll hopefully be an enjoyable tale for people.

Shantae © WayForward Technologies
Dancer Lady © WayForward Technologies