As I weaved between the massive crowd of people as I looked around at what each stand sold. Some were antiques, others sold books, and one stand stood out to me the most. A stand that was selling old collectors maps. I smiled as Scraps followed along with me towards the stand. I couldn't help but feel like something was calling to me. One map in particular stood out among the rest. It was an old map of an island somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. It was in an old, shabby frame with cracked glass. Others would pass by this thinking it's junk, but I liked to find old things and polish them off. I picked up the frame and went to the person running the stand. "Hello. How much is this map for?" I asked kindly. "That map is from the 18th century, very old that is. But since you're the first person to take notice in it, I'll cut you a deal. Fifteen euros." The old man said. "Deal!" I said with a smile as I shook his hand and handed him the money.

As I swung my bag to the front of me to put the map into it, a man who looked to be in a hurry ran up to us. "Hey man. How much for the map?" he basically demanded. He was well built in a worn-out jacket and his pants were covered in grease. His hair was covered by an old fashion cap like you'd see in the musical "The Newsies". He had stubble on his face like he hadn't shaved in a while. The subtlest yet noticeable thing on his face was the scar on his right eyebrow. "I'm sorry sir, but I just sold it to this young lady." The old man said to him. The newcomer pulled me aside putting an arm around my shoulders causing me to tense up and Scraps started growling at the man, waiting for me to give her the signal for attack. "Alright. Tell me what you paid, and I'll pay triple." He offered. "No thanks. And if you could kindly remove your arm from me, that would be deeply appreciated." I said as I removed his arm and held the frame closer to me. "Come on sweets. Just name your price and hand over the map. I'm sure a girl like you could use the money for a new dress." The man said placing his arm around my waist this time. The people around us stopped what they were doing to watch the scene unfold. "Once again, keep your hands to yourself sir! And I have no trouble when it comes to money. So, take the hint and get out of here before something bad happens to you." I said sternly as I shoved the map into my bag.

The stranger growled at me as he pulled on the strap of my bag. "You have no idea who you're messing with." He snarled at me. I smirked at him. "Neither do you. Scraps! Sick 'em!" I Shouted and Scraps lunged at the man and dug her teeth into his right leg. The man let out a shout of pain and kicked Scraps off his leg and lunged for me. I shot my fist out and punched him in the nose, smirking as I heard a satisfying crack. He holds his nose that is now gushing with a crimson liquid and groans in pain. "YOU'RE GOING TO PAY FOR THAT!" he yells before charging at me again. I jump and roundhouse kick the guy in the face making him fall to the ground face down. I placed my foot on his back as Scraps snarled and nipped at his face. "That's what you get when you mess with an American girl with a crazy awesome family." I said with a smirk. The crowd that had formed around us cheered at my victory. A policeman pushed his way through the crowd to see what all the commotion was about. "Good day sir! Could you be so kind as to take this man to jail. He wouldn't leave me alone because he so desperately wanted this map that I bought and when I wouldn't give it to him, he tried to take my bag and threatened me. I simply used self-defense and my dog was just protecting me." I explained as I pulled the stranger up and pushed him to the policeman who looked surprised at the damage we'd done to him. "You miss are truly extraordinary!" the old policeman said as he cuffed the criminal and hauled him away.

"That was very impressive miss." I heard a voice say from behind me. "Thank you. He was being a total jerk so I put him in his place." I said turning to face the man. He was a foot taller than me, a bit pudgy, and was well-dressed. He was bald on the top of his head and had sideburns and hair on the back of his head. His nose was enormous and he had a monocle in his right eye and a small, slightly curled mustache below his bulbous nose. He looked to be a wealthy businessman, he also held himself up like he owned the town or something. "I heard you say that he was trying to take a map from you, might I see it?" he asked in a sickly-sweet tone. I had a bad feeling about him but I gently took the map from its place in my messenger bag and handed it to him. He took a moment to examine the old chart before sneering. "Ugh. I cannot see why that man would be so desperate to try and take this from you. You basically wasted your money. How's about I cut you a deal. You name your price and I'll take this shabby thing off your hands for you. Win win deal." He said with an obviously fake smile. "No, I'll cut you a deal. I keep the map while you turn around and leave. If you are willing to have me name my price for this 'shabby thing', then it must be worth something. So, my money was well spent. Now, get your pompous, big nosed, arrogant self out of my face and I'll be on my way." I said glaring up at him as I shoved my way passed him with Scraps following behind me growling at the man. "I promise you, you'll be sorry for what you have said to me." He snarled at me. "I'm only sorry that your stuck with that bulbous nose for the rest of your life." I said walking away from him. "JUST YOU WAIT FOOLISH GIRL! YOU WILL RUE THE DAY YOU MADE AN ENEMY OF RASTAPOPOULOS!" he yelled in my direction shaking his fist. "WHATEVER MR. GIBBERISH NAME GUY!" I yelled over my shoulder.

Scraps and I walked around for a while as we watched the town slowly come to life. It was about noon and I was becoming bored until I heard children laughing in a nearby park. "What do you say Scraps? Want to head over there and give them a little show?" I asked my faithful companion. She barked and did a little back flip as her tail wagged wildly. I grinned as we walked to the park. I rushed to the bathroom and brought out my face paint and painted monarch butterfly wings around my eyes. I smiled at my reflection and stepped out of the bathroom. I then went to a nearby tree close to the playground and set my bag down along with my sweater and climbed up the tree. I signaled Scraps to start barking to get their attention. Children started to gather around Scraps to pet her. When enough children were near, I decided to start. I cupped my hands to my mouth and began my introduction. "Ladies and gentlemen! Preforming just for your entertainment, the Magnificent Monarch and her preforming pooch, Spectacular Scraps!" I smiled as some of the children started cheering. I flipped off the branch I was on and landed in front of the children. "Good day ladies and gentlemen! I am here to astound and amaze you with my tricks and magic. For my first trick, I'll need a volunteer." I smiled as multiple hands shot up.

Tintin's POV

I sat back in my office chair and let out a long sigh as I stretched out my back. I had just finished typing my latest adventure and sent it off to the editor. Another gang bust in central Africa. I looked over to Snowy and saw him napping in his little dog bed, occasionally growling and kicking in his sleep. I looked at the time, almost noon. I looked out the window to see the sun shining and people walking around. 'It has been a while since I've been outside. It'll be good for the both of us.' I thought to myself as I turned off my computer and put my shoes on. "Come on Snowy. Let's get some fresh air." I said. Snowy leaped from his bed and trotted over to me. I smiled at my little companion and we walked out the door. "Hello Mr. Tintin. Off on another adventure?" my landlady Mrs. Finch asked as we were about to head out of the apartment building. "No. just heading out to get some fresh air with Snowy." I said with a smile. "Good for you! You've been cooped up in that apartment of yours so long, I thought that you might have died up there." She joked. I laugh as I walk out the door. "See you later Mrs. Finch." I said waving as I shut the door behind us. It was a beautiful spring day. The weather was nice and warm. Perfect for a noonday stroll around town. "Why don't we go to the park? I've brought your favorite tennis ball." I said looking at Snowy who barked in approval. I smiled and ran to the park with Snowy right at my heels.

Second chapter done. Hope you guys are having fun reading! let me know what you think.