The next morning brought a cold wind. Ivy took it, grimacing as she glanced over the rails. She had been scrubbing the deck all morning, as another crew member had called out sick. A woman named Marjorie had taken to caring for him. And so while Ivy was supposed to help Captain Pedro plan out their day, she chose to help the people instead.

"You're not supposed to do that," Captain Pedro said, looking over at her. He listed his head to the side. "You're needed elsewhere."

"Captain," Ivy said. She moved near the rails where he stood. Beyond the ship, the waves danced around.

Somehow, the constant presence of the waves had become soothing for her. As she watched, she found herself looking at Captain Pedro's face. The man had a slightly critical expression in his eys. That was too bad.

"I mean, if I am going to lead this ship, I may as well set an example," Ivy said. "The other crew members are all busy doing their own tasks. This was the best way to do it."

"By service," Captain Pedro said. "Don't tell me you believe in that kind of stuff. Most leaders don't do that kind of thing. They have to differentiate themselves. I mean, why did the Rathorian monarchy show so much cruelty, so that they killed a young boy all for stealing bread?"

"I have heard that story," Ivy said. "It still haunts me. It was the reason my parents decided to enroll me in classes where I would learn the language."

"So they were wealthy," Captain Pedro raised an eyebrow. "From my understanding, most language classes are only available to a few."

"In my realm, yes," Ivy said. "But, things are complicated regarding my relationship with my parents."

"As they are with most everyone here," Captain Pedro said. "My parents are dead. And then there are a good few of us here who were left behind because their parents couldn't afford to feed them."

"I'm sorry," Ivy said. She gave a long, slow sigh. "Believe me when I say that I know what it's like to struggle. And that I know what it's like to not know where your next meal is coming from. In my case, my situation was entirely my fault."

Captain Pedro pointed to the horizon. "We have two days before we reach where we are supposed to go, if you want to consider that."

Ivy looked over and sighed. She wanted to ask questions, but at this point, she couldn't. "And on this note, I think it would be good if I were to spar with Perry today."

"Oh, Peregrine?" Captain Pedro said. "She has always been a weird one aboard the ship. An enigma. No one knows too much about her history, and any time someone asks about her, she never responds. It's like she's keeping a massive secret. But you're supposed to be working with me."

"Thank you for your suggestion," Ivy said. "I think it would be good for me to work with her. Legend has it she's one of our stronger sharp shooters."

"She is," Captain Pedro said.

"Then why not work with her?" Ivy said. "Politics be damned."

"Fine," Captain Pedro said. "But if the others start questioning your ability to lead, don't come to me complaining."

"Trust me," Ivy said. "I won't."

When Ivy found Perry, she noticed how the woman had a deep, solemn look on her face. Perry gave her a subtle nod, removing her hat. Ivy did the same.

"I need your help," Ivy said. "Would you be willing to work with me for target practice today?"

"I thought you'd never ask," Perry said. "Hopefully you find my skills passable."

"Show me," Ivy said, leveling a slight glare at the woman. She then opened her eyes. "Sorry, I shouldn't. I'm just excited."

"You know, it's okay to be mean on a pirate ship," Perry said. "Captain Val was an exception, but even she had her skeletons. One time, another crew member looked at a new recruit sideways, and she killed him for it. Because, and I quote, she wanted to keep the peace. And she couldn't have someone who was threatening to hurt others aboard the ship."

"That's why we had so much unity during her rule," Ivy said. She gave a long, slow look at the area abroad. "And listen. I chose this because I already have some skills with a sword. But if we work together, then that's good enough for when we need to plot our way through things."

Perry pulled her gun out and twirled it in her hand, before capturing it perfectly in her grip. "I suppose that's a good cover story. But what are your plans with Captain Pedro?"

"He has one opportunity to get things wrong before I kill him," Ivy said. She tapped the scepter, which still waited at her side. "I haven't used my magic in a few days. Enough to where I could shift into another realm close by. Perhaps the third realm, as was done by the woman who became the first person to gain citizenship from another realm."

"Oh, that is a shame," Perry said. "So if you've remained here for a while, despite probably having the ability, and maybe a group to go back to, does that mean?"

"This ship has become like a home in the short time I have been aboard it," Ivy said. "I know it says a lot about my track record in coming here, and not even looking for the other revolutionaries in another realm. But I have gained prospects and a position here which I wouldn't dream of losing."

"I see," Perry said. "Well, I suppose we should start training, then. Just remember. You are allowed to be kind. But this is not a kind place to live. And so in order to defend yourself, you will need to prove yourself."

"You know, I almost feel you would be a better captain than Captain Pedro," Ivy said.

"Captain Peregrine," Perry said. "That does seem like a decent name. You know, it would help rebrand the ship. But I suppose we should wait until Captain Pedro actually makes a mistake."

"This is my plan," Ivy said, pulling her own gun out from her holster. She loaded a round of paper, and then she blasted the target. She continued to work, while Perry watched nearby. Upon releasing the last round from her planned routine, she spoke once more. "We should catch him off guard. If we trick Captain Pedro into giving us a certain response, then just maybe he will be interested in showcasing his true colors."

The two women continued to shoot their rounds, and Perry continued to give Ivy the guidance she needed. As Ivy walked away from the situation, she gave a polite bow.

"Thank you so much for your service," Ivy said.

"Indeed," Perry said. "For someone who is new to shooting a gun, you're not bad at it. Your accuracy rate is perfectly fine. So now why do you hesitate to become the captain?"

"I can't," Ivy said. "Not now. I mean, I like the idea. But I have never been a leader before, and we need someone who shows actual strength."

"And you don't?" Perry said. "Believe me, there are a lot of members aboard this ship who would follow you. Most of us aren't qualified captains. Besides. You have experience with killing a king, do you not?"

"Yes," Ivy said. "Although I do like the title. Captain Ivy, the King Killer."

"Then you should consider it," Perry said. "Regardless of whether or not he has threatened people, Pedro has yelled at a few crew members already."

"Let me see if I can catch him," Ivy said.

They continued to train in relative silence, while Ivy contemplated what Perry said. She wanted to point out that Captain Peregrine had a wonderful ring to it. But at this point, there was something else which held her back.

"I have an idea," Ivy said. "If Pedro has a low rate of approval, we should just call for a vote on who should be captain. You can be one of the front runners, while I will be the other. Or, we could do a vote between the two of us."

Perry nodded. "I mean, if you gather enough evidence from the people, you should have an answer as to whether or not that would be feasible."

I have a subtle plan where I could become the ship's captain. Although at this point, sometimes I worry about whether or not I am doing too much damage to this ship. We have lost a few members, without really recruiting anyone new to our cause. With a mindset like this, we risk losing the entire crew if there is no stopping point.