Jyx thumped Chauda on the back. “Be nice. Is this seriously all the space they gave us?” She didn’t bother to lower her voice as she complained, nor did she give Mina a chance to reply, even if Mina had wanted to. “Not that I want to hang out belowdecks. You know it stinks like fish down there.” She craned her neck, looking at the masts. “Up there looks perfect. Come on!” She jumped out of the rubber area and began climbing up the middle mast.

Her lightning beast lumbered after her.

«I thought we were supposed to stay here so we don’t set the ship on fire.»

You’re right. We are.

Mina didn’t know if she should call up to the other girl, or if she should tell one of the sailors. She saw Jyx reach the crossbeam and swing herself up onto the platform. Legs spread wide, Jyx balanced on the platform, surveying the city with her hands on her hips. Her face was in shadow, but in the lights from the city, her silhouette was sharply visible. “Great view! Mina, Pixit, come up!”

Well, she’s not quiet.

The lightning beast Chauda flew up to the platform and flopped onto it, then sat next to Jyx, also looking out at the city. Mina wondered how far they could see and if the electric lights looked any different from up high. But no, there was no reason to climb up there, and plenty of reasons not to.

I’m responsible and dependable and mature. I keep my feet on the ground. Literally.

«I could fly up instead of climbing. Can’t burn the ship from the air. I mean, I’ll try not to.»

You should stay here, where it’s safe. It did not look safe that far up, even if Pixit could avoid burning the mast on his way.

«But it looks nice up there. And Chauda is there.»

She looked up again at the platform and didn’t see Jyx. Her breath froze in her throat—​Did she fall? But Jyx hadn’t fallen. Mina spotted her a second later, her arms out for balance, walking down the crossbeam.

“Reckless,” she remembered the stationmaster saying. I’m not like that. And I don’t want to be. But would she have to be, in order to be a real lightning guardian?

We stay here, she told Pixit.

«Okay.»

They watched Jyx and Chauda.

Pixit fidgeted.

Stay.

«I’m staying.»

He flexed his wings.

Pixit?

«Not staying. Sorry.»

He flew up.

Oh no, she thought. She climbed out of the rubber area and looked around—​there was a jug of water next to a sailor. “Can I borrow this? Thank you.” Mina scooped it up, slung the strap over her shoulder, and began to climb.