[There's a hint of amusement in the tone of the man speaking up, coupled by the thrum of a bar's inhabitants. Though, if one's used to bars, they could tell right away that this sort of thrum is paranoid. No one's speaking up loudly. Glasses aren't hitting their tables with the same enthusiasm. Just the same as everyone on the journal, the people on Empieza are exceptionally tense in their own way.]

I must admit, one doesn't usually associate pirates with magical notebooks. Mostly just those big name crimes: pillaging, murder and rape. So--Is there anyone using this journal who isn't an eccentric, magic pirate?

Not that I'm assuming I'll get an honest answer, but I'll applaud any and all efforts.

[ Sometime in the middle of the night, there will be a strange sort of chattering from the journals. It's definitely not human in any way, but doesn't sound like any kind of native rodent found in this world. It lasts for a few seconds too long in-between sniffing and what could be deciphered as claws scratching at a furry face before another voice can be heard in the background. ]

Grace? [ Yaaaaaawn. For those who have spoken with Amy before, it's easy to tell it's her even while she's half-asleep. ] What are you doing? That's not a toilet or food.

[ Another yawn, this time stifled by something covering her mouth. ] Hello? Is anyone awake?

[It's the new year now, and that seems really strange to Hachiken with his new adventure on the seas in a different land. His tone is preoccupied. At first he's muttering to himself. Then he speaks and he sounds tired.]

The holidays are something else huh? If anyone has recipes, I'm open to new ideas. I've been here a little while and I think I've tried everything I can think of. I'm going to get what I need to make sausage at the first opportunity if anyone wants to order some.

I guess my wish for the new year would be to go home. I miss my friends and everything.

I want to wish everyone...[He trails off a little]

...a happy...

[And there's a thud as Hachiken hits the deck.]

[ voice ]

[Are you people done with your Christmas cheer bullshit? Good, because a certain Grim Reaper is kind of sick of listening to that. Not to mention there are more important things to consider than gifts comparison. Especially given the presents he got.]

Next week is New Year, huh... Feels wrong to have another one this soon.

[He says that more to himself than whoever might be listening, but he does have the journal open for a reason. Namely, a question to whom it may concern:]

... Does anyone even know which year it is here?

[Because finding out about this would require actually talking to locals, and god forbid we have that, right?]

[ action ]

[While it should already be obvious to the crew of the Katabami that Ragna is not the most social person, in the past few days he's been obviously making even more effort at avoiding people than usually. It would seem ever since they got back from the Christmas Ship, the only presence he can bear to deal with is that of Lord Buffalo Toritaro "Twitchy" Stuffington.

So that's what he does. Spends most of his time below deck hanging out with the pet turkey.]

I'd be writing since talking to a book is weird, even for me, but I got a bad case of rope burn on my hands. Damn winds...

Anyways, has anyone come across any islands that have no people on them but signs there used to be? Other than Marble Tear. I've already been there.

Soooo, another world, huh?

Can't say I'm not totally new to the concept, but this is just a liiiiiittle different than what I'm used to. And by a little I mean a huge hecka lot.

Okay, so tell me if I got the gist right. We've been kidnapped and the only ay home is to collect magical shard things of a ruby and make a wish? 

Man, does that sound like something from one of my books. Still, should be fun. I think. Maybe.

Yeah, I'm sure it'll be fun.

[Oh woops, he's rambling.]

Ah, right, the name's Cross Blanchard, by the way! And yeah, thanks to all of you who came and helped save us back on that island! You guys are real heroes.

[okay, so jaune was used to using his tablet in order to talk to other people and nothing like..... like this. he was able to figure it out after a long process, but he thinks he understands it now! still, he's a little confused.]

So... I take it that um... I'm nowhere near Vale anymore, am I? Uugghh.... I am so dead... what am I gonna tell my parents now?

[they won't approve of being a pirate!!]

How did I even get here....? I know I went to bed in my dorm room last night, there's no way I could sleepwalk this far!

[he would blame cardin, but he knows that guy wouldn't dare try anything like this with him. he was just so confused!]