Keep sailing.

After you've completely awoken and filled your stomach with food and drink, there are three things you notice upon returning to the deck. First is that the clouds have completely overtaken the sky. All blue is hidden from view, and now thick grey clouds conceal the warm rays of the sun. Winds may be cooler this morning, though thankfully it doesn't seem to have much of an effect on the crew. Second, Mole seems to be wearing a different top. It's still rather loose, though it's also longer--still not quite reaching her belly button--and coloured black. Her previous one, of course, isn't quite in wearable condition.

Lastly, you notice the ever-watchful gaze of Xue. Even with your Kitty Sense, it's incredibly difficult to read him, and it doesn't help that all you can see are his chestnut eyes. You aren't sure if he distrusts you immensely, or he's simply protective of his crew, but it feels as if his attention is moreso on you than the others.

As the leader here, and perhaps the focus of his interest, you take initiative and approach him. He doesn't seem to react much to your appearance, though as said, it's not easy to read his expressions when so much of him is concealed. His gaze shifts down to your feet, and then dissects you for information, all the way back up to your face, but keeps silent.

"Xue, was it?" you ask. "First Mate of the Silver Hunters."

He nods. When he speaks, his voice is quiet, and without much emotion. His tone is soft, however. It wouldn't be so intimidating without his appearance. "That's correct."

"Don't worry. Your friend is safe here. Whether we're attacked by a tentacle monster, a sea witch, or whatever else we might find so far at sea, nobody's being left behind. I don't know much about you, Xue, but I feel like you care about your friends. That's why you came over, to watch over Mole, right?"

This time when he nods, he doesn't speak.

"You're right to distrust me then," you continue. "You have absolutely no idea who I am. I came from nowhere, with a crew of individuals powerful in their own right. I've beaten Demon Kings, I've been called Demon King, and for awhile, I was a wanted man. I've travelled worlds, fought more kinds of monsters than I can recall, and I've got armour partly made by an extraplanar drake mixed with a magical wood, the latter being a material used once in the past to create one of my friends, crafted by my arch nemesis."

Lynx glances over at the two of you conversing. "I thought The Edge was your arch nemesis," she comments.

"Please tell me that was as joke."

"I mean--" She strikes a dramatic pose, with one hand in the air, and one covering her face. "You gotta admit, Elok Daven had no style at all. What's the point in having an arch nemesis who doesn't have an eye for flair?"

Xue seems deep in thought, and rightfully so. "... You've lived an eventful life."

"More recently, I'd say." Now you're the one who's thinking deeply. "As in within the year. It hasn't even been all four seasons since my adventure began."

"That short, huh?" Lynx crosses her arms. "We've been hard at work. No wonder you look tired all the time."

"I do?" you reply.

Xue sighs quietly. "Mole likes you," he says.

"She's a skilled, smart, cute girl," you respond. "I like her too. But Xue, how did you manage to fall into the Silver Hunters? I'm sure you all had your reasons for joining a treasure hunting crew, but you're also the only guy there."

"Too long a story to tell," he says, glancing away at last.

"How mysterious," Lynx says. "Maybe he can be your new arch nemesis."

"I'd rather make friends than more enemies," you reply.

Xue turns. "We should prepare for a storm." Then he begins to walk away, towards the bow.

"He's right," Vyzia says, approaching next. "The sea feels angry today."

You glance to Eva up at the helm. "All right then. We'll do our best."