A/N: I have filled the final roles of Doctor - AdaviantheBear, Shipwright - DariDark, and Historian - SpiritWarriot. No additional crew roles will be added, but allies and villains are still welcome. I also thought it would be fun to make the cover image Remi's wanted poster since he's the first crew member with a bounty. I'll eventually change it once Laura is deemed a criminal by the Marines. Enjoy the read!

Chapter 3

Laura awoke early the following morning feeling utterly refreshed and optimistic. She was happy that Remi had opened up a little the previous night, and she was positive that their relationship would continue to grow. After a quick stretch, she exited her cabin and ascended the stairs leading to the upper deck. The sun had yet to rise, but the sky was a beautiful combination of violet and orange. To her surprise, Remi was fast asleep at the helm. His head was rested against his shoulder and a peaceful expression was on his face as he snoozed.

He must be exhausted, Laura thought to herself pitifully. She didn't blame him since he was the only one steering the ship, but she knew he would need proper rest before they arrived at their destination. It was clear to her that he couldn't go on like this.

"Remi," she said quietly, not wanting to scare him.

He stirred slightly, his eyes barely cracking open.

"Why don't you get some sleep? I can take over for you." Laura suggested, taking hold of the wheel.

He shook his head not bothering to move, his eyelids fluttering closed again. "You don't know how to sail."

"I can learn!" She was determined to take a little bit of the burden from him.

Remi sighed and rubbed the fatigue from his eyes. He hadn't slept well for a while, but that didn't matter to him. "It takes years to master, Laura."

"But you can teach me the basics." She countered, not wanting him to push his limits. If she got him to agree she knew that it would be beneficial for their journey. Besides, it would also give them a reason to bond.

He looked at her and she stared back, her expression pleading. If there was one thing he had learned about Laura in their short time together, it was that she was good at getting her way. He could tell she wasn't going to give up on the idea and he figured he might as well accept the fact that he had a willing student.

"Alright, but just the basics."

Laura was ecstatic at his decision and she gave him a warm smile, thankful that he was going to teach her. He stepped back, motioning for her to take his place at the helm. She put her hands where his had been to grip the wheel firmly and he stood behind her, his hands gently resting on top of her own.

"Hold the wheel like this, it'll be easier."

Laura followed his instructions, her eyes lighting up at the simple fact that he was allowing her to do so.

"You're in charge now. The waves and wind can be allies, but they can also be your enemy. They will try to fight you if you're not careful."

Laura listened intently but was startled when the ship suddenly lurched. She gasped and tightened her hold on the wheel, her heart pounding from the unexpected movement.

"Whoa, relax," Remi commanded as he placed a hand on her shaking shoulder. "It's only a shift in the current. Loosen up a little."

Her breathing had quickened, but she nodded, trying to regain her composure. "Okay."

"Now you need to steer the ship into the wind, the sails won't fill unless you do. When the ship begins to go in the direction you want, ease up a bit and keep the wheel steady." Remi allowed his fingers to intertwine with hers and he helped steer, letting her feel the motion of the water.

As he instructed Laura found herself relaxing more and more. It wasn't the most difficult task, but it took all of her concentration.

"You're doing well, for a beginner," Remi chuckled and his hands released her own.

"Go get some sleep, Remi," Laura ordered him, keeping her eyes trained on the open water. "I can manage."

"You sure?"

Laura huffed that he now seemed to doubt her capability. "I'm twenty-one years old, I don't need a babysitter."

"Yes, Captain." He responded sarcastically. "Wake me if there are any problems."

She knew he was reluctant to leave her alone, but at least now she had something useful to do. Remi headed off to his cabin, his eyelids feeling heavier and heavier with each step. Once inside his room, he collapsed onto the bed, not bothering to kick off his boots. He was drained from having spent so many days sailing and his mind and body needed to recharge. As he drifted off to sleep, his thoughts were on Laura. He didn't want to admit it, but he was starting to like having her around. He could no longer ignore the feeling that she was a trustworthy woman and his gut was usually right.

Elsewhere...

"Where is he?" A pale, middle-aged woman in a Marine uniform asked as one of her subordinates entered her office. She was seated at a desk, arms folded together and her face held a phlegmatic expression. Her short, blonde tresses were pulled back into a neat bun and her turquoise eyes were as hard as stone.

"We're doing the best we can, ma'am. His whereabouts are unknown at the moment, but we've received tips that he was seen leaving Port Calico with a girl," the officer responded while saluting her.

She leaned back in her chair, a frown forming on her lips. "Do we have a description of the accomplice?"

"No, ma'am."

"How disappointing," She remarked, sounding unimpressed with his report. "I want Deniz found immediately! Tell the men to double their efforts."

"Yes, Commodore Shona!" The officer exclaimed before turning around and exiting the room.

Once she was alone again, Shona brushed over the medals that were pinned to her chest. She had worked her way up in the Marines having started as a rookie at the tender age of seventeen. In the years that followed she had become one of the top officers in the West Blue and had earned the rank of Commodore. She had recently been assigned to the 80th Branch and she was determined to prove that she deserved the position. She was responsible for bringing criminals, especially pirates, to justice, and the twenty-three years old Remi Deniz was her next target.

Laura knocked a few times on the door of Remi's cabin. She had exciting news and she couldn't wait to tell him. Eventually, she heard him stir, his boots thumping on the floor as he got up and approached the door.

"Is something wrong?" he asked upon opening it, his voice husky from sleep.

"No, everything's great! I spotted an island!" Laura was practically bouncing on the spot, her joy was too much to contain.

"Really?" Remi's eyebrows rose in surprise.

"Come take a look for yourself!"

Remi followed her to the upper deck and peered over the railing. The sun was now high in the sky, casting its light on the landmass that was slowly coming into view. It was not the island he had originally intended to stop at, but he was grateful they would get a chance to stretch their legs nevertheless.

"Looks like we'll be docking soon. We'll need to restock some supplies. You ready?" Remi moved to the helm and grabbed the wheel.

Laura nodded eagerly. "Ready!"

The ship sailed on until it reached the shoreline where Remi carefully guided the vessel into the harbor. There were a handful of other boats and Remi made sure to leave some distance between them, not wanting to draw attention to themselves. After he dropped anchor and secured the sail, the two disembarked, surveying the town ahead and the people who were wandering about. Everything appeared to be normal, but Remi needed to remind Laura of the risks they faced.

"Keep your guard up," Remi warned while leading Laura down the dock. "If you see any marines, be polite, but keep it brief."

"Don't worry, I'm prepared for anything," Laura assured him, confident in her abilities.

He sighed as a sweatdrop ran down his forehead. "That's what worries me."

The duo proceeded into the town and they were greeted by the residents who were not used to newcomers. Laura was friendly and sociable as always, and though Remi was on alert for potential threats, his paranoia had lessened. The town had a calm atmosphere and an Eastern theme to everything. There were various shops along the main road and the citizens were dressed in clothing typical to the region. The smell of flowers filled the air and the pair could hear the sounds of children playing.

"Let's split up," Remi suggested. "We'll have a better chance of finding what we need. Meet me back at the ship when you're done."

Laura agreed and the two went their separate ways. She had brought a bag of coins that she had earned from her job back in Port Calico. It was a year's worth of money, but she wanted to use it wisely. She strolled past various stalls, her eyes wandering over all the items that were on display. As she continued to walk, her gaze caught sight of a large building. It was the most beautiful architecture she had ever seen and although she needed to help get supplies, she felt compelled to get a closer look.

Inside the building was a group of youth who were practicing martial arts. Their movements were quick but graceful and it was a sight to behold. Laura watched as one of the older students performed a series of moves which resulted in her kicking a wooden pole in half. She had jet black hair which was tied into a high ponytail, grey eyes, and a fair complexion much like Laura's. She wore a traditional martial arts outfit and her forearms were wrapped in black, cloth bandages. She soon sensed Laura's presence and became annoyed, a flash of aggression gracing her features.

"What do you think you're staring at? Are you lost?"

A/N: Laura and Remi finally made it to their first island together, but it doesn't seem like everyone is welcoming. Please leave a review if you can.