08 October 2014 @ 08:15 pm
[A soft sigh is heard through the pages, one that belongs to a viking that pops up on occasion. Except he hasn't been perusing the journal of late. But tonight, he feels like talking a bit.]

...You know how there's always some realizations that like to slide in and make you aware that something's different? Like, you know, you're just...minding your own business, not bothering anyone, and then suddenly 'Oh, hey – let's just think about this right now. Because why not, right? You're not doing anything important.'

Because...it's been a thing. Lately. I mean, shipmates come and go. We all know how that is, and that alone gets hectic. But sometimes they come back.

[The sardonic tone in Hiccup's voice weakens, disappearing completely after the pause.]


And sometimes...you're just left waiting for them to come back.


[Aboard the ship, Toothless ambles over to where the teenager sits, sniffing at him before resting his head over Hiccup's thin shoulder.

Low dragon rumblings make Hiccup laugh a little as he places his hands over that black snout. His hair gets blown back with each Night Fury snort.
]

You miss them, too, huh? Yeah. Me too.
 
 
07 October 2014 @ 01:13 pm
[The sketch begins with a simple fleur de lis. Nothing important.

It's just something he could do while keeping the ketch on course. He can be found on deck most of the day.]


It seems like there's always someone leaving. People come, and they go just as quickly.

[He continues sketching as he speaks.]

One has to wonder what it says about the mechanics and purpose of our being here.

We've been told that death will take us home, but some have died here only to return to this place.

The ruby will supposedly take us home, but that depends on the wish made once it's put together.

Then some people just disappear. Presumably, from the ones who've vanished and come back, they go home.

So is there any purpose to seeking the ruby? Or are we all just chasing our tails, biding time because we can't accept that we have no purpose here but, perhaps, to be someone else's entertainment?

These strange phenomena might well be someone's idea of fun, watching what we do when faced with such things.

[By the time he's done talking (as well as speaking to a few other people), his sketched fleur de lis is quite distinct.

cut for image )]



(Original image from here.)
 
 
03 October 2014 @ 06:40 pm

[prepare yourselves, it's the return of Shrieky McGee-- except, she's not shrieking. she's actually surprisingly even tempered, her voice soft, the sound of a gentle breeze accompanying her.]

Do pirates celebrate Halloween? I've been trying to figure it out for weeks. There's the option of dressing up as pirates back home, and that's always fun, but do pirates dress up as anything? Do any of the islands celebrate it?

I was looking forward to this year's Halloween, honestly. Back home, I was going to throw a giant Halloween ball, and everyone was going to dress up in gorgeous costumes, and we'd do all the commoner traditions, but with Houshakuji elegance and flair!! Mama was excited for it-- she was going to dress up as a character she played in one of her movies... and Daddy was going to be there too! I expect all of my friends would be there as well, and I'd be the absolute best hostess. After all, if there's one thing I'm an expert at, it's Halloween!!!

[she sighs, loudly, and the sound of her fiddling with pages can be heard.]

There's a whole month until the actual holiday, so I'm sure I'll be able to manage something! I always do.

 
 
07 September 2014 @ 10:35 am
A year.

[Kyouya writes the words with some care. It doesn't seem possible, but he knows it is. He's kept an eye on the days carefully.]

To the day, I have been in this place for a year.

[Friends have come and gone. There've been arguments and reconciliations. He's confided in some and lied to others.]

I suppose I've finally accepted that this isn't a dream.

-Otori


[He'll spend most of the day responding. For his crew, well, he doesn't really leave his cabin. They can manage by themselves for now.

What he does do is draw.

It takes most of the day. His "paints" are converted from Kaoru and Hikaru's colored pencils, one of the only things from the original ship he kept.

By the time he's done, though, there's a picture in the journal.]


cut for image )
 
 
[The Talent Show had given Haruka a delightful distraction from her current dilemma and after it she had taken a little time off to get things in order. It was clear that she couldn't stay docked in port forever and she certainly couldn't operate such a large ship on her own.]

Excuse me? I know this might not be the best time given the circumstances.. [But when was it a good time here? There was always something happening]... but are there any ships out there that are willing to take on another crewmember?

[She wasn't really good at this whole promoting herself thing, but maybe it would help her find a crew she would fit better on if she added something more]

I am an aspiring composer with no combat skills, but I have been studying all about seafaring and I feel like I have become more well versed in the subject. I- I don't really like the idea of causing injury to others, I would rather bring happiness to them through verse and melody. [She was leaving out the part about possessing a shard, which she intended to always keep on her person for the time being. It was the only memento she had left from the Koumyou (aside from the ship itself!)] If you think- I might be a good fit for your ship, then please let me know.

Also- I apologize for the delay Valentine-san but everyone please wish Ms. Faye Valentine a happy birthday! It was on the 14th and Valentine-san.. you should be receiving a little surprise in a few days time!

Since it's so close to September already... remember to wish Kuzan a happy birthday when the time comes too!

[OOC: Faye will be receiving http://i57.tinypic.com/mm55j6.jpg! It's not quite as fancy as Faye was hoping for, I'm sure! But Haruka thought it was cute when she found it in a local shop.]

[OOC: The Birthday list is under the cut. As always please add your muses or other people's muses if you'd like :3]

Birthday List! )
 
 
11 August 2014 @ 08:22 pm
[This one is keeping herself to just text due to... an inability to actually talk.]

I'm a new arrival, and I can't offer much.

[At least she's to the point. Red's done this before, somewhat. The difference is that this time there's people that can actually read her messages.]

But I need information.

[She's leaving it that unspecific for a reason.]
 
 
10 August 2014 @ 01:11 pm
Welcome, newcomers.

[By now, those brought here will have discovered how to use their journals, he's quite sure. It usually only takes a day or two.]

I am sure you're still very confused and have a great many questions.

My name is Kyouya Otori, and I would be glad to attempt to be of some assistance.

I am also recruiting for the ship I sail with, The Royal. We are a small ketch, and I am currently joined by two young ladies, Haruhi Fujioka and Renge Hashakouji.

We are pirates in this place only because our position as outsiders deems us such. Our money is made through the collection, transportation, and sale of goods. Those with sailing experience or combat skills would be most valuable, but those without either are still welcome, as sailing experience can be gained, and we prefer to avoid combat.

If you are interested, please reply to this message or come meet me in person at the Three Moons Tavern. I keep a room above it while on Isla Empieza. If you have found yourself in Port Chance, please tell me so, and we will come to you. There, I will meet you at the Red Hen Tavern.

Thank you for your patience in reading this.

Kyouya Otori
captain of the Royal
 
 
08 August 2014 @ 09:45 pm
[A little girl's voice comes through the journal. Except, it's a little more hardened and bitter than usual! Anyone who's spoken to B.B. before may not find the voice instantly recognizable, a definite change from the usual high pitched tone the young lady has.]

Are we done crying about everyone leaving yet?

I've been here what, half a year now? I get it at this point. Who stays and who goes is completely up to some asinine bullshit whim. But guess what? Everyone whining won't bring them back. That's just how it is.

Grow a pair and move the hell on already. Leaving is what humans do. If you don't know that by now, there's no hope for any of you.

[Don't mind her. She might be sampling some fruits from way up high.]
 
 
07 August 2014 @ 12:34 am
[This just hasn't been their week, has it? Link the Elder addresses the network with a heaviness in his throat once again.

But that distinction in his title doesn't actually mean anything anymore, does it?]


I regret to report that as of...

[He has to double check the date.]

today, August sixth, it is confirmed that Link the Younger is no longer with us. As for his fate, I cannot be certain. He just... isn't here.

[Something Link is sure most of the other 'visitors' to this world are well familiar with, by now.]

I wish him the best.

[action]
[Link can be found in the Younger's room, sitting quietly on his hammock with his legs on the floor. He holds the sheathed Master Sword with his hands rested on its pommel, tip supporting it upright against the floor. His head is bowed, almost in prayer.

But Link never prays.

On the floor is a pouch made from a Dondongo's stomach containing five bombs. The Ocarina of Time rests on the desk. This is what's been left behind.]
 
 
28 July 2014 @ 08:38 pm
Let me begin by thanking all those who offered Haruhi and myself a place on your boats.

[Writing is so much better than speaking. It allows him complete serenity and control even when he's balancing several finances and setting up a business plan.

It's not when he's trying to talk to the club while working on his computer.

...He misses that computer.]


We have come to the decision that we will be forming our own crew. I apologize for any inconvenience our delay in making this announcement has caused.

[Not that he expects it actually caused any trouble, but it's easy to apologize for something that no one will be troubled about.

There are a few details he still needs to work out, but he has a good idea where to start with those.

The most important part is that they will be back at Isla Empieza -- where things will hopefully return to normal -- by the time new people are pulled here by Davy Jones's magic, and they will have a boat.

They will survive another day.]


Thank you all for your time.

Kyouya Otori,
captain of Royal
 
 
11 July 2014 @ 07:00 pm
I need to travel to Port Chance.

Is there a ship nearby that would be willing to allow me to Nav from Isla Empieza to there and borrow a boat to go ashore?

I would be most grateful for the assistance.

- Otori


[His writing is calm enough, even pressure and serene lines, but Kyouya himself...

Well, he's nervous. Renge here? She'll either make fast friends or faster enemies. The less time he leaves her to herself on Port Chance, the better.]
 
 
10 July 2014 @ 12:19 pm
[there is absolutely no warning before a high-pitched, distressed, loud voice emerges from the journal.]

WHO. DID. THIS.

[well, she figured out the voice function... there is an aggressive sigh, then a groan that is dragged out as long as her lungs and throat permit.]

This is NOT Fiji! This is not Monaco, or Bermuda, or Dubai, or even TOKYO! I know well enough that WHATEVER THIS IS ISN'T HOME OR A VACATION SPOT AND WHOEVER BROUGHT ME HERE WITHOUT MY PERMISSION WILL BE SENT ON A HOUSHAKUJI SHIP TO ANTARCTICA AND LEFT TO DEFEND THEMSELVES FROM THE SUN ENTERING THROUGH THE ENORMOUS HOLE IN THE OZONE LAYER AND RABID PENGUINS!!!!!!

[there's another groan, and you can practically hear her pulling out her hair. yelling isn't going to help her-- screaming into a book isn't the same as tearing into a real person.]

Though, whoever helps me get home will be handsomely rewarded with as much money as they can carry to wherever they want. And I'll be grateful too! Don't think that I'm some unappreciative wretch. The sooner I get back to my room in Japan, the sooner everyone will be happy. I don't like that I've been KIDNAPPED! It's all fine and well in fiction but HOW DARE YOU DO THAT TO ME?!?! I'm ready to leave, no doubt about it! I saw a guy stab another guy. The first guy peed on him, so I mean it was a little deserved but I SHOULDN'T SEE ANYONE GET STABBED OR PEED ON OR SPIT LIKE FIFTEEN FEET!!! DOES NO ONE HERE KNOW MANNERS?!?!?!

[there's a soft sob, followed by squelch (possibly underfoot), then a shriek and rapid-fire swearing in japanese.]

Oh. My god. I do not know what I stepped in, but it was something AWFUL!!!! MY SHOE IS RUINED... This is terrible! Is this the commoner life? I can't handle this. Who has a private jet I can borrow? It's Renge Houshakuji. My family will pay yours back double, I promise!
 
 
18 June 2014 @ 12:09 pm
Cut for narration )

I regret to inform everyone that the Royal Host Club is currently closed. There are currently no plans to reopen.

[His voice never falters. It remains calm and professional.]

For those who do not know me, my name is Kyouya Otori. I and [he pauses, considers, and chooses his words] a friend, Haruhi Fujioka, need to join a crew.

We also bring a golden retriever.

Neither of us are combatants, and we would prefer to avoid conflict with the Navy as much as possible.

Haruhi is a capable cook, and I am a competent one. I am also extremely qualified to manage expenses and budgets. I also have decent medical knowledge.

Thank you.
 
 
01 June 2014 @ 11:36 am
[It's a very bitter surprise when Kyouya Otori gets back to Antoinette.

Another of them is missing. There will be another empty place at the table tonight.

They're back to having no one who can fight, no one who can physically protect them. And no one who can financially or strategically protect them, not that they ever had that here.

He's painfully aware that he doesn't have the abilities he does in their home.

Adding to that how poorly he actually did with the questions asked of them, he's not in a very good mood. Not in a bad one, either. Just disappointed and a little embarrassed.

The rest of his crew can find him in his cabin, working on their books and on an advertisement. Business is going to be difficult with the bounties that were mentioned before. Isla Empieza will have to be carefully handled.

Which doesn't stop him from advertising. Hopefully, the Navy can't see this.]


Guests or prospective guests of the Royal Host and Hostess Club,

The Royal Host and Hostess Club will be on Isla Empieza from the fifth of June until the fifteenth.

This month, we are officially reopening to the general public.

Please feel free to enjoy our hospitality from ten o'clock in the morning until six o'clock in the evening, Monday through Saturday.

Our fee is three doubloons an hour for general admission. Special, one-on-one appointments are available before or after normal business hours and on Sunday. These cost five doubloons an hour. If you would like a special appointment during normal business hours, the charge is seven doubloons an hour, as that prevents the host from entertaining other guests. I apologize for discussing money, but I want to be upfront about our fees.

We look forward to seeing at the Royal Host and Hostess Club.

Thank you,
Kyouya Otori
Vice-President of the Royal Host and Hostess Club
First mate of Antoinette
 
 
18 May 2014 @ 10:45 am
Another month, another strange bit of magic.

[Really, he can't even be surprised. He's not happy, but he's not surprised. Of course, this is completely inconvenient. Hopefully it will be done before June. They're supposed to be open for business then.]

As with many of you, from what I've noted over the journals, my ship is dealing with small children.

I am not of a good temperament to deal with children nor do I have any experience caring for children.

Advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

- Otori
 
 
17 April 2014 @ 08:49 am
Guests or prospective guests of the Royal Host and Hostess Club,

The Royal Host and Hostess Club will be on Isla Empieza from the fifth of May until the fifteenth.

However, the ship and club will not be open to the general public. The company of the hosts or hostesses may be acquired by contacting individual hosts or hostesses in advance and arranging it with them.

We do offer companionship via the journals for a discounted rate. That, too, is done on an individual basis.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this delay and hope to fully resume operations in June.

Thank you,
Kyouya Otori
Vice-President of the Royal Host and Hostess Club
First mate of Antoinette


[It needed to be done. They're all still licking their wounds from the battle with the Navy, even after the success of Candy Mountain. He, for instance, is still exhausted, still trying to sleep off the stress and strain of his time away from the crew.

...And they seem to be equally strained by his time apart from them.

Still, they're all still standing. It will just take a little time for everything to get back to the way things are supposed to be. For the dust to settle and for issues that have been neatly swept under a rug to go back to being that way. It just takes a little time.

Which is why, several hours later, he writes in the journal again, this time less formally.]


There seems to be a lot of talk about the balls Scurvey Dog mentioned in her last message to us. [Even he'd considered it. Taking his fellow hosts, being in their own world. But there's a warning that needs to be given.] Please be careful, especially at the Navy-hosted one. We do not need to give them another reason to regroup and hunt us down.

- Otori
 
 
13 April 2014 @ 05:45 pm
How’ve ye brats been? Enjoyin’ yerselves? As well ye should be. Spring is th’ best time ‘o th’ year an’ parties an’ balls are happenin’ just about everywhere ye can think ta go. The Masque Ball on Corsair Kingdom is a fav’rite ‘o mine and I am tempted ta go this year. Tho’ last year showin’ up as Davy Jones turned up quite a few noses—and then they found out who I was underneath. Heh. I be seein ye new people burstin’ wi’ questions and though I know ye’ll be bound ta ask, an’ I won’ stop ye, I may just ignore ye if I don’t feel the question is worth my time. A’course I might do that in any case because I hain’t called th’ Dog fer no reason.

But first:

News:

Not much ta be had. Navy is still lickin’ its wounds and doesn’t tend ta go out in spring as much fer reasons no one can figure out. Meep thinks he knows. Workin’ on a theory but I’ll be damned if I can understand two words outta that boy’s mouth. If it turns out important I’ll pass it along.

The Green Plague has been contained and Dermaevern has had its quarantine cleared. Here’s hopin’ we’ve squirreled out the last ‘o it.

Tardle be appearin' in the West fer a whole month (that is, 30 days startin' now) so if ye want ta visit, nows a good time ta do it.

Each ship’ll be gettin’ a little quartz stone on a chain from me. This be called a Typhoon Grip. What it does and why I’ll tell ye when tis closer ta th’ time. But if ye’ve got an explorer’s heart, ye’ll want to attach it ta th’ Nav. Might also help ye in certain other ventures besides.

Weather

Fer the next two weeks, mind.

North: Clear, cool an windy. Ye can maybe expect a few light flurries near the end of the first week but after that th’ weather should warm up a bit.

West: Rain. Buckets o’ it. Near about a solid sheet ‘o it for th’ entire time. May be a brief respite around midweek second week, but otherwise try not ta drown.

East: Fair sailin weather. A little on th’ humid side ‘specially near the beginnin’ ‘o the week, but mostly fair and sunny. Scattered showers. Be also expectin’ a rain ‘o frogs on Tuesday next but don’t touch ‘em as they may be poison.

South: Bright’n’sunny but with Bowler Winds. In other words, winds that’ll come swoopin’ out ‘o nowhere and send ye skiddin’ across th’ seas, tearin’ yer sails and maybe even capsizin’. They’re preceded by a drop in air pressure so if ye notice it, put up yer sails right quick, lest ye are insane and want ta see what happens if ye tack into it.



That’s about all I got fer ye fer now. Now ye get one question. That’s one single question. I’ll answer what I like. Try not ta be the usual sack ‘o idiots ye usually are.
 
 
11 March 2014 @ 10:34 pm
Six months.

[It feels like six years. Or longer.

At least there's been profit now. Not as much as he'd like, not as much as if he had the full amenities of the host club, but... They're managing. For once, they've broken even. They haven't just spent money, they've earned it back.

Kyouya is, as usual, awake. Despite the hour.

He alternates between writing in the journal and doodling around the margins. Waves that turn into curls, the emblems on signs of Isla Empieza businesses. A linked OR. Kanji, too.

Symbols. Names, places, ideas. Otori. Family. Life. Sea.

His mind's wandering, and his hand is doing the same. There are roses and birds, all sketched without any great care, just a way to pass the time between words.]


Those of us who've been here from the start have been here six months.

I should be running a company right now, sitting up late and exhausting myself looking at figures on a computer screen. I should have my schoolbooks, too, finishing up my last year of high school with the same impeccable grades. If I'm hungry, I should be able to go to a stocked kitchen or ring for a maid. If I go out, I should be followed by three security guards. I should be able to look over my shoulder and see Tachibana, my head of my personal security team, out of the corner of my eye.

But that doens't happen here. It won't happen here.

I'm adapting. What else can I do? I'm biding my time until I can go home.

I've learned a great deal here so far. About myself as well as this world.

I don't regret my time here, but I won't lie and say I don't wish I could leave. I want to go home. I want to be back in the world I know. The world I'm suited for. At this point, though, I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever get back. Maybe we really are trapped. Maybe no one ever really leaves for good.

We have to bide. There's no other option, not really.

It's been six months. Hopefully there won't be another six for those of us who want to leave.


[And this time, he doesn't sign it. His writing is probably familiar enough to some, after this long of using the journal. But he's not going to volunteer his name to this. Not now.]
 
 
09 February 2014 @ 07:40 pm
The sea be bubblin’ and onrey so a’course ye know what this means. Just how many ‘o ye bastards he intends bringin’ o’er I don’t know, but th’ more ‘o ye that come, th’ more th’ navy gets upset. I’d stay out ‘o th’ west if I were ye an’ no use tweakin’ their noses. A’course ye’ll have ta be fightin’ ‘em anyway as more’n one ‘o ‘em has a shard. Hain’t gonna tell ye who they are though. No use gettin’ th’ Navy on me own sail.


News:

Hain’t not much to report other than the Navy gatherin’ forces westward, mayhap preparing for a big assault, mayhap doin’ some maneuvers. Quite a few naval bases out that way so as I said I’d stay away. Don’ go to Corsair Kingdom, either, as Three Days Jack has near about ransacked th’ place and be holdin’ court there, buildin’ his base of power. Rumors are there might be a squabble startin’ between th’ Navy and himself, which is a pity fer them but a bonus fer ye. At least until th’ Navy decimates them. Three Days Jack was always two sizes too small fer the pants he’s been tryin’ ta fill, though his crew is well known fer bein vicious fighters that leave no quarter and like to torture.


Weather

North: Cold, icy, hain’t too much differen’ from what it has been but if ye look in the night skies ye’ll be able to see th’ dancin’ lights. To that regard, fer ye star gazers, that smudge of new star near the Captain’s Bracers is th’ start ‘o the pass of Blue’s Comet. It’ll make its closest swing by yet near th’ beginnin’ ‘o March.

East: Clear days and smooth, if cold, sailin’. Expect a heapin’ ‘o snow on Monday or Tuesday but after that ye’ll be fine.

West: Wet. What moisture the East didn’ get is dumpin’ all over the West. Ye won’t have a single day w’out rain and ye’ll be drippin by Saturday, no doubt. Don’t expect it’ll let up any time soon.

South: Hot’n’dry wi’ a strong squall or two scurlin’ down from th’ west. Watch fer the signs and be careful where ye sail or ye’ll be in fer a nasty surprise. Also tis about time for baby kraken ta begin their adult migration along the Great Eastern Current so mind where ye go and if ye see a giant red eye starin’ at ye from th’ depths, sail fer yer life.


Time fer yer questions. I hain’t in the mood fer backtalkin’ either so there’s that warnin’. I don’t know why I bother wi’ ye people half the time, I really don’t.
 
 
02 February 2014 @ 06:48 pm
Do you consider yourself refined? Do you possess social graces? Are you capable of engaging conversation? Are you able to provide patient understanding?

If so, you may be interested in joining

The Royal Host and Hostess Club

We are an elite group, dedicated to providing the natives of this land and our fellow travelers with a sense of peace of mind and relaxation as they sit and enjoy tea, sandwiches, and an assortment of sweets with us.

It is our job to make them feel at home and comfortable, to offer them warmth and company. For a fee.

As a full-fledged* host or hostess, 75% of that fee is yours to keep.

Those interested should either reply privately to this advertisement and mention your interest in the position of a host or hostess or seek out Kyouya Otori on Isla Empieza at the Three Moons Tavern. An in-person interview will be required for formal offering of a position. Training will be provided.

In order to showcase what is expected of a host or hostess and the services provided to our guests, the ship Antoinette, which the Host and Hostess Cub will be run rom, will be open to guests, free of charge, the week of February 7th through 14th, in honor of Valentine's Day. We will be docked at Isla Empieza, and all are welcome.


*A "full-fledged host or hostess" is one who has completed a minimum of one month of training. A host or hostess in training receives 50% of the money spent by their guests.