Trollex and his parents were talking to one of the fish caretakers.
He said as he held one of the fish, "I don't know why, but every so often, someone comes to me with this little one saying he was found in their garden. I've tried training him to stay with the herd, but I don't know what's wrong."
Just then, Trollex took a look around at the field and said, "Ask yourself this; What exactly did all those gardens have that this one doesn't? Space. While these particular fish do like to travel in a group, some will require their own space every so often. I recommend you expand your fields so he can have it."
The caretaker decided it was worth a shot.
***
He and TBDB checked on the medical center.
One of the patients was shouting in pain while the doctor removed some spikes from his fins.
He said, "That's the last time I get too close to puffers!"
Trollex said, "You're doing great."
The patient asked, "Is it almost done?"
Trollex and TBDB saw the doctor wasn't even halfway done.
Trollex just said, "So close."
TBDB looked at him and made a face that said, "I almost feel sorry for him."
***
Trollex was teaching the children how to dance to Techno music.
However, one in particular was just doing some really out-of-rhythm moves.
But, he was acting like he was unaware he was doing it wrong.
Trollex just gave him a slight chuckle.
***
The seaberry farmers came to the royal family.
One said, "It's the harvest. This morning, I was picking the berries when..."
She showed them that the berries were mostly black and rotten.
Trollex said, "Well...we should clear the diseased bushes and we will start a new patch...there."
He pointed to an empty field.
The farmer said, "Thanks, Prince Trollex."
TBDB whispered to him, "You're doing great."
His father also said, "This suits you."
Just then, one of the fishers came to them, "Your Majesties, there's something you need to see."
***
"We're finding less and less fish."
This was a problem because they did need fish for survival. Some species of fish remove harmful algae that can destroy their reef and others help keep other harmful fish away. The less fish, the worse.
Trollex said, "Then, we'll rotate the fishing grounds."
But, the fisher said, "We've tried that. There's no fish."
Trollex then suggested, "Oh... Then we'll fish the far side of the reef."
The fisher said, "We tried."
"The windward side?"
"And the leeward side. The shallows, the channel. We tried the whole lagoon. They're just... gone."
Trollex took a moment to think, and then looked out at the edge of the reef.
Coral said to them, "I will talk to the experts and see what they..."
Trollex asked, "What if...we fished beyond the reef?"
But, Coral said, "No one goes outside the reef."
Trollex said, "I know, but there are no more fish in the reef."
"Trollex..."
"And there's a whole ocean..."
"We have one rule."
"An old rule...when there was more fish."
"A rule that keeps us safe!"
"But, Dad-"
"Instead of endangering our people, so you can swim right back to the edge!"
They both had a moment.
Coral then said, "Every time I think you're past this. No one goes beyond the reef!"
He then left with the other fishers.
Trollex was left alone feeling a little misunderstood.
TBDB said to him, "Well, that could've gone better."
Trollex glared at him.
TBDB just made a sheepish smile.