Dear PEOPLE WHO CAN'T REMEMBER BIRTHDAYS,

I suppose it's my fault, really. I failed to remind anyone this year, coupled with the minor detail that at this time last year I was on an entirely different crew.

Not to mention that most everyone who got me a present last year is no longer around.

But regardless, my birthday passed three days ago. I'm seventeen now! It's rather depressing to think I've had two birthdays in this place, though.

Our numbers are dwindling rapidly, aren't they? Honestly, it feels as though there can't be more than twenty of us here. I'm know I'm useful and an extremely valuable asset to have around, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't surprised that bloody pirate has kept me here for so long.

- Draco Malfoy

P.S. It's never too late for presents. Or birthday parties. I'm just saying.

So uh. Pretty sure there weren't no Navy base on the island with the palm tree. And I'm pretty damn sure I didn't take my book with me, but here it is and I'm talkin' to it.

Oi, Hazmats, you guys okay? I got no idea how the hell I ended up where I am, but I'm alive. Bit hungry but all right. Tell me the ship didn't get commandeered by the Navy and you guys are all over the island - I found Roxas, but I ain't seen the rest of ya 'round here. Give me a shout, I gotta know.

I got a real bad feelin' about this place. Given the shape and the Navy ships down in the habor, I'm guessin' this is Corsair Kingdom. If you guys ain't been captured, me an' the kid could sure use a pickup. Just be careful.

[a pause, a sigh]

...usually when I can't remember how I got here, there was a lotta great drinkin' involved beforehand. That pisses me off, I got the blackout but not the party before.

Dear world and also crew members of the Nightfury because I feel as though it's been too long since we've had a proper chat and doing so face to face is difficult when you're all scattered about the island,

I suppose the old bat was right, then, and most everyone had a run-in with some rather obnoxious pirates a few days back? Or else it was just us. Three of my crew took them on and we sunk two of their ships, but lost a member in the process. Actually, if the way this world works holds true, I expect he should be back anytime now. It's usually only a matter of days, isn't it? I admit, I've been holed up in my potions lab so I was a bit unaware that nearly a week had past already. But I won't allow a mishap such as his death to happen again, not when I can prevent it. I think I'm going to start keeping a satchel on me at all times that's filled with various potions.

Aside from Roxas, our captain has also gone missing. I thought perhaps he was off with the others, but it's unlike him not to check in for so long. Do you know, I really think I have a tendency to run captains off. This will be the fourth one who's up and vanished while I've been on his crew. Oops?

I successfully Apparated during the battle. I've also successfully become an Animagus. I think my father would be proud.

- Draco Malfoy

P.S. There was one ship that got away last week... Is that something we should be worried about? Did anyone else let their pirates escape? Perhaps they've got more people stockpiled somewhere. I can't imagine they'd throw their ENTIRE fleet at us as a first attack, not when they couldn't fully know what to expect from us. Perhaps they were just testing the waters, so to speak.

Listen up, citizens of the high seas...

This is Shiki the Golden Lion. I have only been in this world for a short time, but I have begun to notice some problems. This Davy Jones thinks he owns us. This Navy thinks they can lock us away. How is a pirate supposed to live free if we are under attack from both sides at once?

[There is a sound of metal on stone-- he's pacing as he delivers his speech.]

A summit. A coalition of the best and strongest in these seas, united under the banner of the Golden Lion. With a united force, we can wipe the navy dogs from the face of this world. With control of the seas, we will be free to do as we want.

[More metal sounds.]

So I call upon you all. Join me, and wrest control of the sea from those that seek our end.

Once I get some interest, I will announce a meeting place.

That is all.

Okay, listen up people. This is an emergency.

[... It probably isn't, considering it's Ragna and there's no way in hell he'd ever ask his crew for help in case of a real emergency, much less the larger community as a whole. But whatever works for you, Rags.]

Are there any guys out there... looking for a date for Valentine's Day? If so, lemme know here. I might need someone like that.

[Not for himself, of course, but he figures that much is obvious.]

It's for the greater good. Trust me. Promise your sacri─ [AHEM. Gosh, where could this sudden cough come from? Well, it is winter after all. Maybe he's coming down with something.] ─time will be worth it. Honest.

[He doesn't think it's the right moment to mention he's actually looking for a date for the girl who set an island on fire last summer...]

... So! Any takers?

[Draco doesn't usually dictate his posts to the journal, but he's in just a bit of a mood today, so that's what ends up happening.

...Also, he only just turned back into a human and thus can't find his quill. He's still got his wand on him, at least, but he'd very much like off this bloody nightmare island as soon as possible and that means the first thing he does is scramble for the journal with his glorious non-ferrety hands and he forgets entirely that he could just transfigure a twig into a pencil or something—]

DEAR LOVELY CREW OF MINE...

[The words are kind of growled out. He sounds none too pleased, despite the false politeness.]

If you would be so kind as to inform me of your whereabouts, since I notice they are not where I currently am, I would very much appreciate it.

I've had my fill of this place. Two bloody weeks is more than enough.

[Pause.]

This is Draco Malfoy.

[Another pause.]

P.S. For the love of Merlin, be quick about it.

Well, it's been half a day and nobody seems to be acting weird around them, so I think the blankets are just blankets. For once.

They're nice blankets.

This is what, nine or ten days in a row, now? How long does anybody expect this to last?

[Straw Hats - and any Spade visitors - might find him in a next made of comforters in the crow's nest. If he's going to be on watch, he's going to be on watch in style.]

[ action for the Katabami ]

[If you ask Ragna, each passing day is becoming more and more unbearable here in this world. Rain of pears? Annoying, but ultimately harmless (unless you were hit with one made of gold on the head─ which he was, by the way). Creepy chocolate that made people cuddle? Even worse. And don't even get him started on the stupidly loud horns. As such, he welcomes the fact the fourth day doesn't seem to bring anything exceedingly weird. Eventually he stumbles upon one of the mechanical birds that seem to have appeared out of thin air, but compared to everything else, he doesn't think it's too bad; in fact, he finds its song soothing and almost... pleasant, which, coming from Ragna, is quite an accomplishment.

Until the song ends, that is.

The crew of the Katabami might hear a loud noise of something cracking and shattering from below the deck. Upon closer inspection, one will find that the room the sound came from is in... less than stellar state: the floor is covered in claw scratches and the wall has marks from what appears to have been fangs, though they definitely belonged to something way bigger and more dangerous than the cheerful zoo they've got on board. In the middle of this mess stands Ragna, breathing heavily, his right hand engulfed in a dark shadow. In front of him there's a small pile of mechanical parts─ the remnants of the bird.]

[ voice ]

[After he's had some time to cool off, Ragna will be grabbing the "goddamn book" as he likes to call it to say a few things. Or whine, to be precise.]

... If that's the "present" the Cat bitch was talking 'bout, then I don't want any of her shit.

[He doesn't want to specify which of the gifts he's losing his marbles over (or even that he is), but the timing's more than a little suspicious. He makes a short pause, followed by an irritated groan.]

What the hell's the deal with all this random crap, anyway? The food was at least kinda useful, but this...

[The Grim Reaper trails off, figuring anyone can see where he's going with it.]

Dear suddenly musically inclined mystical beings of this mad, mysterious world,

If you insist on continually thrusting instruments in my path, could you at least have the decency to drop off a proper piano? And not that dodgy thing I was forced to tinker with during that feast several weeks back. Something I can actually play -- or persuade to play itself, as the case may be. These horns are just sort of obnoxious, though possibly that's because I keep trying to make them play something decent and have yet to figure it out. I'm sure I'll figure out the right spell eventually.

[Sorry, crew.]

I don't think I mentioned on here, but I've joined a new ship since my last entry. I'm now sailing on the Nightfury. My mother was originally supposed to come with me, but she seems to have taken her leave from this world. Sadly. Also not so sadly. I'm jealous, though.

Anyway, I've the beginning of a Potions Lab set up on this ship. Probably it will take me awhile to gather everything I'd ultimately like to have, but there's enough for now to brew certain things. One potion in particular that should be finished in a matter of days, if everything goes how it should. We shall see.

My mother was teaching me to Apparate before she disappeared. I think I've mostly gotten the hang of it, though I'm wary of trying again without someone around who could correctly handle the situation should I accidentally splinch myself. Still, I suppose I'll have to Gryffindor up at some point and just go for it. I'm working on another project, too, the outcome of which I'm also leery about. But that's something that would be the same no matter which world I was in.

- Draco Malfoy

P.S. On the bright side, if the second project goes poorly, at least Weasley isn't here to see it.

Huh.

Time sure flies when you're not paying attention, huh? It's weird to think I've been around this place for as long as it's been, even though the first part of it's kind of fuzzy.

Still, it doesn't feel like it's been a year either, although I guess taking a trip home for a year or so in between before being thrown back into the drink will probably do that.

Pretty sure there's a lot of others who've been around here longer, though.

Oi. Don't wanna make any assumptions, so I'm gonna ask. Anybody else's crew get leaflets dropped all around their ship? I fished a couple outta the water and they're all the same - somethin' about some feast at a place I ain't heard of.

People know anything about 'Haus?' It sounds like a good deal but after the ghosts, I'm a little leery about feasts laid open to all-comers. Unless this is tradition? Anybody here last year remember a thing like this?

...I do miss the harvest festivals at home, but I ain't leadin' my crew into a trap.

Moth— [Nope. Draco hastily clears his throat.] Er, Narcissa?

Do you have a moment?

[With plenty of things on his mind, Ace sat behind his desk and worked on the crew's charter. Supplies, direction, adjustments to the helm--it was pretty much his method of practicing penmanship. He flipped his journal and left it open besides himself, speaking up midway through.]

I hope I never get used to boredom. [He finished his writing, kicking up his legs and listening to the creak of his ship and the rolling waves.]

I don't mind sounding childish, but I want something exciting and interesting to happen. All these magical folks getting their way bores the hell out of me. I don't wanna learn magic just to beat them up properly.

[Not that he really clarified on what he meant, but Ace had a few islands he wanted to torch as of late.]

But, I might have to. How do you learn somethin' weird like that?

It's that time of the year again, dear patrons, so I've taken it upon myself to procure some goods for you lot that might ease your way a bit. Rush delivery is available at no extra cost, so don't hesitate to spend as freely as you'd like. It's your safety on the line after, all! I've been devoting a great deal of time and effort to buying up the best charms, amulets, books of black magic, histories of ghosts and ghoulies, and tinfoil hats from here to Cahawba. Don't say Margie never does anything for you!

October Deals

This month: Buy one get one free on all warding charms and amulets! We can't guarantee their efficacy, but we can guarantee you as many as you'd like!


As always, dear patrons, all transactions are private. However, if you'd like to send supplies to another ship in a pinch, gift receipt options are available upon request! Also, don't forget our main store on Isla Empieza! You lot haven't been darkening my doorstep much of late and I'm starting to feel a bit lonely.

[This post will be open from the 23rd through the 29th]

Dear magic diary that the entire world can read, so no, I shan't be writing down my innermost thoughts, you great dirty wanker,

I'm bored. I've exhausted my supply of spellbooks and I think if I see the words 'Defense', 'Dark' or 'Arts' again in the near future, I shall blast them straight from the page. Or hex the person's mouth shut who dared to say them in my presence.

I believe it might be time to check with Miss Margie again to see if she has anything more advanced available. Or at the very least, perhaps I should see about setting up a potions lab onboard. I'm dreadfully behind in that subject, which is utter bollocks considering it's the best one. I don't know that I'd be able to keep a readily available stash of supplies here, though. And probably working with potions on a wooden ship isn't the brightest idea.

Alas.

It's unfortunate that being able to Apparate isn't entirely useful in this world. I'm going to ask my mother to teach me anyway. It'll save me having to take a long trip from my quarters to the galley, in any case.

Potter disappeared again awhile back, I don't believe I mentioned it. Though none of you care, and you're right not to, because he's a tit.

Sasuke is gone now, too. And Itachi. I've no one to confuse with my chocolate frogs anymore.

Is that bloke with the dragon still here? I don't think I ever actually spoke to him, but Sasuke drew a picture of the dragon once. Even though it looked like a bug. Dragons in my world are generally quite vicious, so if that one is still here and hasn't yet set fire to the ship it's sailing on, that's really very interesting.

I'd like to see him.

- Draco Malfoy

P.S. Did anyone kill that Corpse King nutter?

It seems I only ever address the journals with bad news.

[A small sigh. It's to be expected, but he's growing tired of the revolving door that seems to be his crew.]

The Uchiha brothers, Sasuke and Itachi, seem to be gone. This time without explanation.

[Private to the Sabers]
As for this crew, we are low in numbers and in a bit of a bind now that we are, once again, in a shaky position of leadership. We have always maintained a casual air to our ranks, and that will not be changing for as long as it seems to work.

We do, however, need to discuss the matter of the Corpse King. He is showing his face again, this time with a growing armada, and I am sure many of you have revenge on the mind. Though I too would like to run my blade through his gut, we must keep our heads. This is not a time for reckless decision, and I will not toss you all onto the front lines against both him and the Navy, even if it means the slim chance of obtaining another shard.

Our absolute priority right now, I think, is keeping this crew afloat. I propose that we make way for Empieza for recruiting, as that time is coming up soon again.

I will be in my quarters, if you would like to speak with me in person.

[Natsuno's voice filters through, his words slightly slurred because he's been into the rum. It might only be early evening, but he started awhile ago.]

It's been a year.

[He lapses into silence for a moment. He comes back sounding mournful.]

He died a whole year ago. What am I doing? Everything gone, just, gone. Who's expecting someone to die at eighteen? We still had things to do together. He had a new stupid game even that he was going kick my ass at. He told me before he...he wanted to ask Ritsuko-san out.

[He whines a little.]

He was such an idiot. Why did I have to meet him?

[There's a clunk of something hitting the table, possibly his head, possibly the bottle of rum in hand.]

I miss him.

[Serenes did her good. The absolute peace and quiet in her mind, well, that went away. But the rest perked Rogue up a bit. Enough that she can, at least, address her fellow kidnap victims about something fairly insignificant.]

So, we're from a lot of different worlds, right? That's what I've noticed at least.

That's got me curious.

What're the "milestone" birthdays where y'all are from?

[This has nothing to do with her own upcoming birthday. Nope. Or with using a fairly benign topic to announce her presence to certain people.]

Like. Where I'm from--

You've got sixteen, which means you can drive.
Eighteen's a big deal, even though, y'know, not much y' really get. I mean, buyin' cigarettes an' votin', but that ain' really a big deal.
Then there's twenty-one, legal drinkin' age.

Anybody else got big ones? 'M just curious 'bout the differences in worlds, y'know?

[For the Spades, she's around. Keeping busy, paying close attention to how to work the sails and everything else. The same pep that was in her step on Serenes is gone, but she's also not completely skulking about like she was after Stela and before that.]