Disclaimer: I don't owe any of the characters of the Penguins of Madagascar or any of the places related to the ones that can actually be found or the ones from the show. I do own the story's plot, though, so don't steal my idea. Thanks!

"You're what?" Skipper turned to Leroy. "How could you not think it was necessary to tell us you were the prince?" he yelled. "What would the turtle nation think if they knew Ringtail had 'caught' you with a blanket? You could have had a concussion from falling down the hatch like that!"

Kowalski went on where his leader had paused to take a breath. "And the turtle nation could declare war on the penguins! Then the other animals would be caught up in the war as well!" He began pacing with Skipper.

Skipper threw up his flippers. "It would be World War III! Except with the animals, of course."

Both Snow and Leroy exchanged amused glances. "You obviously know nothing about the turtles," said Snow.

"Yeah," added Leroy. "My people are a friendly and peaceful nation who forgive and forget easily."

Skipper spun around sharply, facing Leroy. "Oh, and what's your excuse for not telling us this vital piece of information?"

They all looked at Leroy pointedly. The turtle winced. "I meant to tell you, but-" he trailed off.

"But what?" urged Snow.

"I'm tired of being treated like royalty and of the guards placed around me 24/7. I'm also tired of people risking and losing their lives for me!" Leroy blurted out.

Skipper shook his head sadly. "That is the most self-centered thing I have ever heard in my life. You really think that's why they do it?"

"What other reason could there have been?"

"Have you ever thought about why they do it?"

"Because it is their job, and Dad told them to do it."

Skipper sighed. "Have you ever thought about what your duty to them is?"

Leroy inclined his head. "My duty?"

"Yes. Leroy, you are the next heir to the throne. It is your duty to be the best king you can be and to make sure your people live a good life. Imagine if you were to be captured. The kingdom would fall apart as you are the only heir to the throne. Your guards are not only doing it because it's their job, but also because it is to ensure that their families live a successful and fruitful life. Have you ever thought about it that way?"

Leroy shook his head. "No," he replied quietly.

Skipper saw that Leroy finally understood what it meant to be prince. He knew that it was harsh, but it was the only way to get Leroy to understand. "Think about it," he finished.

Leroy looked up at him with newly found determination in his eyes. "Thank you, sir."

Snow laid a flipper on his shoulder and smiled at him. Leroy gave her a grateful smile. She laughed lightly. "Ready to go home?"

"Yup," he replied.

The rest of the penguins grinned, glad to see that everything had worked out. Suddenly, a loud beeping filled the interior of their submarine once more. Eyes wide, Kowalski rushed to the monitor. "Skipper!" he called out. "There's another-"

He never got to finish his sentence for something had rammed into the sub again. Everybody was thrown off his or her feet, and the things that were not tied down flew across the sub. Skipper got up to his feet angrily. "What in the name of Commissioner McSlade's breakfast is going on in this ocean? What does a penguin need to do to ensure that his sub doesn't get hit?" He stormed to the front of the sub. "Come out, you coward, and face me like a real penguin!"

A marine creature came to view and chuckled. "But I'm not a penguin."