Aaaand, finally! Back to the less ridiculous shit with one of my favorite movies of all time! (Seriously)

But holy lord, Jack is actually, like, really hard to write. Dude just would not cooperate with his dialogue, which I actually found to be quite in character, if I do say so myself. Anyway, I hope I did him justice.

Also, on a more depressive note: I'd like to give an honorary mention to Robin Williams and the just sort of swell guy that he was. I know, this doesn't really seem like the place to do it, but I felt I owed to one of my oldest and most beloved icons of all time to say something. I won't get too sappy, I don't want to make people feel sadder over his passing than they already are, but I will say this; Robin my dear, thank you. Thank you for all the joy you brought to me and so many other people in the world. You are half the reason I love Disney as much as I do, and frankly, Aladdin wouldn't have even ranked close to my favorites had you not been in it. And that is not including all of your other brilliant works out there. Wherever you have gone, I do hope you know that you will be missed, and that you have found the happiness you felt you didn't have here. Rest in Peace, for truly, I don't any of us ever quite had a friend like you.

. . . Agrabah is going to be so painful to write.

Enjoy.

Obligatory Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OCs.

Skulls and Crossbones

The journey from this world to the next was thankfully a slower one due to the fact the Donald finally took the time to teach me another spell. An incredibly useful spell, as well as one I've been wanting to get my hands on ever since I saw it action.

Cura.

The concept was simple; basically reverse attacking with the intent to help rather than hurt. And, unlike thunder magic, I was able to pick it up almost right of the bat, much to Donald's actual approval. Most people would be surprised by my enthusiasm over learning such a spell, given my affinity towards natural devastation, and I'd grant them that they were right to feel that way. I'd always been more of an offensive caster than a support one. But that didn't mean I didn't appreciate having a more defensive spell under my belt.

So, when we finally did arrive at the next world, I was tingling with satisfaction over my new magic and the quick mastery I'd exerted over it. Hey, a girl can feel proud every now and then.

As the light from the warp died away, I blinked and saw we had stepped out onto a old, stone battlement of some sort, with cannons supported by wooden crates trussed up against the crenellated openings facing the dark, liquid-y blackness I assumed was an ocean. Yes, definitely an ocean. I could hear the waves splashing against the stone and shore.

My eyes narrowed, listening a bit more intently when the sharp, obtrusive rings of clashing steel echoed from below the parapet, faint but very much not imagined.

"What's that?" I asked, walking over and peering over the side of the balustrade. Since it was night, I couldn't make any great details save for the frail, flickering dots of lamplight that suffused the port below with a faint orange glow. Occasionally, I'd see a shadow pass through the light, moving rapidly and jerkily before they vanishing into the darkness once more.

"Sound's like it's coming from the port," Goofy said as Donald came to look as well, hopping up and hooking his arms on the uneven stone so he could see, webbed feet dangling in the air.

"Let's go check it out," Sora said, heading towards the ramp that led down to the rest of the fort.

We met little in the at of resistance, the fort surprisingly devoid of human life save for a few sleep-addled guards who looked only gave as passing and otherwise unamused glances before returning to their shifts. Which I was grateful for. Didn't feel like trying to wiggle out of explaining what we were doing to what I guess passed for security here.

The harbor, on the other hand, was quite active, as we came to find out!

Not a moment after we passed under the iron portcullis leading the harbor did we see a whole host of men suddenly run across the sandy beach that led to the docks, where I could see the faint, shadowy outline of massive ships at rest within the harbor. And I used the term 'men' loosely, because while they had the shape and physique of men, that was about all they shared. 'Undead skeleton' would be far more accurate, because that's what these guys looked like. Dark, ashen skin flaked with gangrenous rot was pulled incredibly taut over their bones, giving them that gaunt, skeletal appearance you'd see in movies, the clothes they wore all in tatters and aged with rot. Their heads were little more than skulls, white, milky eyes glaring hatefully at the lone man standing across from them, curved sword in hand.

The man was dressed in light, loose-fitting clothes with a dark vest pulled over the shirt as some slight protection, evidently more designed for maneuverability rather than defense. A scabbard hung from the belt around his waist, the heels of his boots dug into the sand as he waited for his opponents to make a move. A red bandana was tied around his head, his long hair tied into a series of thin, wiry braids.

"Jack!" Sora cried, evidently (and unsurprisingly) knowing the man currently being harried by the zombies.

The man-Jack-turned around for a brief moment, revealing his tanned complexion and more ruggedly handsome face as yelled back, accented voice tinged with a slight mote of desperation, "Zola! Some assistance!"

Sora gave him a flat look, "That's SORA, Donald, and Goofy!"

Turning back, Jack stuck his free hand into the air, pleading, "Will ye leave a mate to perish?"

Sora shook his head, "Aye aye . . ."

Then, summoning Rumbling Rose to his hand, he charged forward, Donald and Goofy just a step behind.

Taking a breath , I said, "Okay, we're fighting zombies. First time for everything."

"Those are actually zombies?!" Mari asked, a look of fright crossing her face, "I thought they were just costumes!"

I rolled my eyes before sticking a hand in my bag and quickly rifling through it until my fingers brushed up against what I was looking for. In the span of two seconds, I pulled out Gullwing's keychain and snapped it into place.

Hey, it was supposed to help me gain experience. I'm all for that for small fry like this.

Dawnstar flashed once and then Gullwing materialized in it's place, bows rustling slightly as I hefted it to my right, "Alright, let's go!"

Mari let out a piteous whine but followed me regardless, shooting an arrow at one of the zombie meandering in the background, popping off shots from a safe distance as his two companions fought with the rest. The arrow went right through his head, but the thing only teetered over once before righting itself, glaring at us spitefully.

Gross.

"Ugh!" Mari spat, sounding sufficiently grossed out.

Rolling my eyes, I ran to the left as the zombie took aim at me, zigzagging everywhere to prevent him from getting a clear shot. He fired anyway, the bullet striking hard into the ground behind me and sending up a spray of sand and dirt, a black smudge and a smoky trail being the only sign left of it's existence. A hail of thunderbolts rained from the sky, hitting all three in unison, and my eyes widened when I noticed the zombie stumble.

Smirking, I dug my heels into the course sand to stop my run and held Gullwing up into the air, grabbing at the sparks of energy coiling within. Like releasing a spring, a pointed my Keyblade at the zombie and watched with satisfaction as the bolt sharp-shooted its way through the air and hit dead on, frying the thing's putrescent skin until all that was left was a pile of fine gray ash. An arrow zoomed over my head, this one aimed at one of the other zombies currently engaging Goofy, but was ultimately unnecessary as Goofy smashed his shield into the creature's head and effectively downed it, the arrow only striking a defeated corpse with a dull thunk. The zombie's body melted away into a dusty cloud of ash the second it hit the floor.

The last zombie was downed just as quickly, courtesy of Sora and his well-aimed counterstrikes to the zombie's madly flailing hatchets. Piercing it through it's bony chest, Sora pulled his Keyblade back and slammed the pommel into the zombie's face, knocking it down with only one blow, where it proceeded to flake into a cloud of ash. Once the dust settled (and by dust, I meant zombie ash), everyone quickly circled up, in my case very interested to know what this 'Jack' character was all about. He was definitely a young-ish man, with a finely trimmed mustache and beard of black hair on his face that gave him that roguish quality most people couldn't hope to pull off.

Sora's voice floated over to me, not even winded after the fight, "Those pirates were cursed."

Wait . . . pirates?

Turning to Jack, Sora proceeded to make things even more confusing for me, "I thought we'd seen the last of the curse of the Aztec gold. What gives?"

"Some scallywag must've gotten greedy," Jack replied, sheathing his sword.

Sora, Donald and Goofy all turned a rather sudden, suspicious eye on him, and Jack placed a hand on his hip and pointed at the three, "Oh, I see . . . you don't trust me, do you?"

As one, they nodded, at which point I couldn't keep quite anymore, "Okay, what's going on? And why don't we trust him?"

"Well, I'm a pirate, lass," Jack replied before anyone else could, "Reckon not trusting me is a wise decision."

"You're a pirate?" I asked, looking him up an down. Huh, he did sort of look like one, now that I'm paying attention.

"Oh, wow, really?" Mari asked, eyes sparkling with new interest, "That's so cool! Do you wear a cool hat, and do you have a parrot, and do you say things 'Ya-har, me mateys'?"

Jack held up his hands as if to wave us down, "Ladies, please, contain yourselves. And, to answer your question . . . I'm not that type of pirate."

"Aw . . ." Mari moaned, arms drooping.

"Anyway, I don't happen to recall seeing you with this crew the last time they were here," Jack commented, thumbing over to Sora and the others, "And I don't think I quite caught your names."

"My name's Mari!" Mari greeted cheerily, perking up with a bright grin.

"Hikari," I said, "And I take it your Jack?"

"Captain Jack Sparrow, if you please," Jack-I'm sorry- Captain Jack said, holding up a finger.

"Alright, Captain Jack Sparrow," I said, crossing my arms, "What's your story?"

"Ooh, ooh, ooh, do tell, do tell!" Mari chanted next to me, balling her hands into fists and hopping on the tips of her toes.

"Well, it's quite the tale, I can assure you of that. Which part do you want to hear first?" Jack inquired, almost preening under the attention.

Sora held up a hand, interjecting, "Uh, shouldn't we be trying to figure out why the curse is back?"

"Well sure," I replied, turning to him, "As soon as someone tells me what the hell this 'curse' is."

And Sora might very well have told me right then and there, had a new voice suddenly not called out, "Jack! Sora!"

A young woman was running as fast as her florally-patterned gown would let her, curly blonde hair falling around her fair face and brow beading with sweat as she came to a halt before us, panting.

"Elizabeth!" Sora said in surprise, turning to face the newcomer. Who he of course knows.

Really, I had no right to be surprised anymore.

Beside me, I heard Jack mutter something under his breath, though it unfortunately was too quiet for me to hear. When he turned away as if to leave, however, the young woman held out her hand, "Wait Jack! I need your help!"

Bringing her hand to rest against the swaying fabric of her dress, Elizabeth (I presumed) took a calming breath and explained at a less frantic pace, "The cursed pirates have returned. Will had to find out why . . . so he went to Isla de Muerta to check on the Aztec treasure," eyes taking on a desperate ting, she implored, "I fear something's happened. You have to take me to him!"

"Ah, there it is," Jack said blithely. Turning back to face her, he held up a chastising finger and said with a disarming smile, "If you'll be wanting him rescued, best do it alone, lass."

"Alone? Really Jack?" Elizabeth asked with no small amount of disbelief, "Sail to the island and take on the cursed pirates?"

"Well, if any lass could . . ." Jack said tellingly, looking slightly to the left as he did so.

"Are you sure he's in trouble?" Sora asked.

I wish I knew what was going on.

"No . . ." Elizabeth said after a while, "Not certain, at least. But he's been gone too long," Sighing, she shook her head, "I wanted to go with him, but he insisted that I stay here. I can't just sit and wait! I've got to know if he's alright!"

"Lucky man . . ." Jack mumbled, and I wondered at the tinge of bitterness in his voice. Jealously, perhaps?

Turning to the pirate once more, Elizabeth pleaded, "Please, Jack! Take me to him!"

"Hold a moment," Jack said, holding up a hand, "I see no profit in it for me."

"Really, dude?" I asked softly, folding my arms over my chest and staring at him.

Jack responded with only a shrug, "A man's got to make a living somehow, lass."

"I shall reward you," Elizabeth said without hesitation, "Of course . . . you do owe Will. He has saved your life before."

"Ooh, a life debt," Mari whispered to me, looking incredibly invested even though she knew about as much as I did, "This just got interesting!"

"Right . . ." Jack mumbled. Pausing for a moment, he mulled his options over in his head then nodded towards the dock, "Shall we?"

The agreement made Elizabeth smile in appreciation, when she turned and began to stride purposefully to the dock, to one boat in particular.

The vessel was large, larger than most, and definitely had that age-old pirate ship feel, from the tall masts that creaked and groaned with every turn of the waves to the heavily shadowed sails that rippled like sheets of dark water against the pallid light of the moon. The wood that made up the vessel was black, so black it almost looked like it could have been carved out from the night itself. It was a pretty impressive vessel, I had to admit.

"OOH, are we gonna ride that? Are we gonna ride that? Please tell me we're gonna ride that?" Mari pleaded from practically her knees, looking like her head was to explode from excitement.

Jack looked stuck between feeling annoyed and flattered, "Yes, we're going to ride that."

"YEEEES!" Mari screamed, bouncing to her feet and zipping of down the docks to the boat.

"Don't touch anything!" Jack shouted after her, wincing as she romped up the ramp. Rubbing his head, he asked, "Is she always this . . . eccentric?"

"If you mean 'easily excitable and/or crazy', then yes, she is," I replied.

"Like you're one to talk, Jack," Sora quipped, staring at the older man.

Jack merely held up a dismissive hand, "That's a compliment where I'm from, mate."

Pointing to the ship, I changed the topic by asking, "So, what's her name?"

"The Black Pearl," Jack said, a touch of pride coloring his words, "Quite the beauty, isn't she?"

I nodded, "Very. I don't think I've ever seen a ship quite like her before."

"That's the Pearl for you; she's one of a kind," Jack said before walking towards the ship, climbing the ramp with the ease born of numerous practice.

Sora gave me a curious look, "You've seen other ships like this before, Hikari?"

I shrugged, "In books, mostly. I've always found old boats like these . . . interesting."

"Oi! Keep lollygagging and I'll leave you behind!" Jack called from his perch on the railing before turning and slipping further onto the deck.

"Right . . ." Sora said, and I followed him as we made our way up the plank.

The main deck was made of the same black wood as the outside hull of the ship, the planks creaking beneath my weight but holding firm despite. The boat rocked slightly, the motion almost lulling in it's constancy. The dark cloth sails, already unfurled, flapped in the wind that wafted by, rippling softly overhead amongst the jungle of ropes and rigging meant to keep them in place. If I squinted, I could faintly make out the outline of the topmast and crow's nest swaying at the very top. The whole ship must have been maybe over hundred feet long from bow to stern, maybe twenty feet port to starboard. It was a little harder to tell in the dark, especially given her black exterior. Fourteen cannons were arranged along the upper deck, the heavy iron of their lengths gleaming with a faint sheen of marbled moonlight, almost ghostly in quality. Mari was bouncing around all over the place, zipping from one object to the next with all the attention and curiosity of a toddler dropped off in the candy store. Near the front of the bow, I could make out Elizabeth and her fluttering dress, eyes gazing intensely over the dark waters.

Jack had already taken up positions behind the helm, hands around the polished wood, looking quite relaxed despite the trouble we were no doubt going to face when we got to where we were headed. Which I still needed to ask about . . .

"All hands, prepare to weigh anchor!" Jack cried from his position.

"Aye aye, Captain!" Sora, Donald, and Goofy shouted, all three running over to stern to where a wheel was anchored into the wood. The . . . drogue, I think it was called.

With a heave, the three began to turn the wheel, a long, algae covered chain rising from the water and winding around the drogue in long, snakelike coils of gleaming iron. I leaned over the railing to watch as the actual anchor was pulled up from it's resting place, dribbling copious amounts of water back into the sea before it was locked into place.

As if the ship new it was now free, the entire hull gave a low groan as it began to float out into open waters, Jack manning the tiller as everyone else assembled on the sides to watch the Black Pearl pull out of the port.

A cold sea breeze ruffled my hair, and I closed my eyes and sighed at the salt-tinged smell. It felt nice, and I could honestly admit that I much preferred being above the water than below it.

At least here, they wouldn't blackmail me into singing.

{******}

Dawn broke over the ocean about three hours after our departure, the morning light appearing dull through the gray mist that seemed to perpetually roll over the water. The wind blew a little harsher that morning as well, but the gusts only succeeded in dragging the low-hanging clouds across the water rather than dispersing it, so thick was the fog. Occasionally, the mists would part and allow for a few frail beams of light to fall slant across the surface of the ship in soft, subdued stripes, the muted glow making the waves glitter gold for as long as the fog remained parted. But inevitably, the fog would always roll back together, obscuring the sun and leaving only a pale, watery light behind, making the morning seem darker than it really was. It wouldn't last. Eventually, the sun would burn away the fog, and it's light would be free to shine until it descended below the horizon once more. Unless a storm blew in. Then we'd be in trouble.

After everyone had settled down, Sora and the others finally filled Mari and I in on what the deal was, and I had to admit, it was quite the story. Pirates, cursed gold, naval battles, the whole works for a good old-fashioned pirate story was basically what this world was about. Which shouldn't really be too surprising, considering they were actually friends with a pirate. A . . . rather strange pirate, as I was quick to find out, but a pirate nonetheless.

It was suggested to me at some point to try and get some quick shut-eye, but sleep wasn't something that came, partially because of my inner excitement over being on a ship, and partially because of Mari, who had come down with a terrible bout of seasickness about an hour into our journey. Which Jack had been none too pleased about.

Currently, she was below deck, having finally been able to fall asleep and was hopefully in the process of shaking off the affliction. Who knows when she'd be feeling like her usual perky self, though. It was kinda sad, honestly.

For my part, I was sitting on the starboard railing of the ship, arm looped through the rigging that tied to the overhead masts to keep myself from falling off, watching the shadowy disk that was sun gradually climb it's way into the sky despite the fog enshrouding it.

Our course was set for the Isla de Muerta, where the curse had been laid to rest by the gang some time ago. And where Elizabeth's boyfriend was potentially at and may or may not be in need of rescue.

I glanced to the woman in question, seeing that she hadn't moved from her spot by the prow since I'd last seen her, eyes still gazing out over the misty water with unwavering diligence. Determined, was the only word I could think of to describe her countenance.

The sound of approaching footsteps made me turn my head, and I nodded when I saw Goofy coming toward me, "Morning Goofy."

He stopped just short of actually jumping onto the railing next to me, but that doesn't stop his friendly wave, "G'mornin' Hikari! How ya doin'?"

"Fine. Just . . . watching," I said, gazing back out to watch the gentle rise and fall of the waves, their motions displacing the mist that hovered above it and making the ghostly tendrils curl and twist.

"Um . . ." Goofy said, staring out into the fog with a confused look, "Whatchya watchin'?"

"The fog. Or 'scud', as some sailors call it. Really, I'm just appreciating the view that only a ship like this can give," I explained. Hunkering over a bit, I mumbled, "If only Jack would let me up into the Crow's Nest . . ."

Straightening, I added, "But for more practical reasons, I guess I can add watching for any possible obstacles or other ships. It's better to have more than one eye open when it's foggy like this, especially since it won't burn away for a few more hours. Otherwise, the ship could hit a rock or even a run aground if we're not careful."

"Ya know, you seem to know a lot about these old ships and it's terminogical," Goofy commented.

"Terminology?" I supplied, eyebrow raised.

"Yeah, that's it!" Goofy replied. Bracing his elbows against the wood, he asked, ""Did someone teach ya?"

I shook my head, "No. I more or less taught myself through books and stuff. I . . . guess you could call it a hobby."

"Well, that's nice. It's always good to have a hobby ya enjoy!" Goofy said. Leaning over, he added, "It must be really fun for ya ta be on a real ship, I bet!"

I ran my free hand through my hair, ignoring the sticky feeling of salt build-up as I responded softly, "It, uh . . . it is, actually. Just don't tell Mari, or else I'll never hear the end of it."

"Ya know, I don't get why ya don't let yerself have fun," Goofy commented, eyebrows lowering as he looked at me, "It's not bad to enjoy the things ya like."

"I know!" I defended, shifting so my hair obscured my face, "It's just . . . I don't know, but Mari makes it difficult because she's . . . well, she's Mari."

"If ya say so," Goofy said, "But remember that ya can relax too. It's not good ta be so uptight all the time."

"I hear you . . ." sighing, I looked at him, allowing a slight smile to cross my face, "But I get that's just you being nice. So thanks."

"Anytime!" Goofy said with a smile. We both looked back out over the water, watching the mist part and merge in amiable silence.

Then, I squinted. Leaning over, I peered closer into the mist, and decided that i wasn't seeing things. Something was coming towards us through the mist, a dark, blurry smudge that was slowly getting bigger the longer we stared.

"What's that?" I asked, rising to my feet.

Goofy held a hand over his eyes, leaning against the railing as he stared hard at the approaching figure. A figure that was gradually taking on a distinct shape as it gradually emerged from the fog wrapping it in obscurity.

A ship.

Goofy was quick to raise the alarm "Interceptor of the starboard bow!"

Footsteps began to drum against the wood as everyone around made mad dash to where we were, everyone pressing close to the railing in order to catch a glimpse of the oncoming ship. Strange, it didn't look like anyone was on it . . .

Then Elizabeth cried, "Will!"

Startled, I looked closer to see what she was on about, and to my astonishment I saw that the vessel wasn't completely unmanned. A young man, unconscious it looked like, was hanging of the railing, a coiled rope dangling from his slack fingers.

Behind me was a rustle of cloth, and I looked to see Jack place a hand over his heart and bow his head as if in mourning. It was more mocking, than anything.

"Classy," I muttered under my breath. I was pretty damn sure I saw Jack smirk.

Elizabeth was not amused by his antics, "Stop that, Jack!" Turning the others, she hurriedly said, "We've got to rescue him!"

And rescue was exactly what we did. Since no one else was aboard the other ship save Will, boarding it and hauling him over to the Pearl's captain's quarters was met with thankfully no problems. His brown, nearly shoulder length hair was disheveled and his clothes were streaked with grime, but no injuries were anywhere to be seen. Sora cracked a potion over him, just to be sure, and we hoped the healing light would help revive him.

Once that was completed, Elizabeth fell to his side, cradling his head in her hands as she pleaded, "Will, wake up!"

She patted his cheek, eyes searching for even the faintest signs of consciousness, when the young man suddenly sputtered and coughed, eyelids fluttering open to reveal irises the color of smooth amber, rich in color and, once they saw Elizabeth, saw little else, "Elizabeth . . ."

Placing a hand over his chest, she asked, "What happened?"

Closing his eyes for a moment in order to reorient himself and shake off his clinging weariness, he spoke, voice hoarse, "The medallions . . . and the stone chest . . . someone's taken them. Next thing I knew, we were attacked . . . but I couldn't se who it was. His face was shrouded . . . in a black hood."

Alarmed yet knowing looks were shared between me and the boys, Sora stating that fact aloud, "The Organization!"

"We found a way out of the cave . . ." Will continued, eyes clouded over with remembrance, "But the villain sent a horde of terrible creatures after us . . . I've never seen their like before. I think . . . I'm the only one who made it back to the ship."

"Will . . ." Elizabeth murmured, voice hushed and soothing.

"Elizabeth . . ." Will breathed back, eyelids drooping low, "I feel rather . . ."

His head suddenly lolled back, and everyone started forward in alarm as Elizabeth immediately checked for his pulse. After a quiet, tense moment, she finally sighed in relief, "He's just unconscious . . ."

Tension left everyone's shoulder in a shared exhalation of breath, relief overt as Elizabeth gently propped Will's unconscious form against the corner of some shelves.

"Our turn, guys," Sora said, and we all nodded in understanding.

Rising to her feet, Elizabeth turned to the group, "You'd best go prepared. We've no idea what's out there."

Holding up a finger, Jack cut in, "Pardon me, lads and lasses, but your captain will have no monsters today. Thank ye, we're tuning for home."

He turned away from us and began to stride for the door, very clear on his intent to do just that.

"Just like that?" Elizabeth demanded, face contorted into a scowl.

"Just like that!" Jack responded with only a wave of his hand, not even bothering to stop or turn around.

I crossed my arms as I watched the man leave the captain's quarters through narrowed eyes, lips pursed into a frown as I muttered to the group, "All in favor of mutiny, say aye."

"Aye," was the immediate and unanimous response, no one looking amused by Jack's apparent cowardice.

Jack, oblivious to our annoyance, flung the doors open and made to step through, when he suddenly stopped entirely, the words floating back to us laced with obvious confusion, "Don't remember invitin' you."

I shot a look to Sora before running for the door, only just hearing Sora's command of, "Keep an eye on Will, Elizabeth!"

Once over the threshold, I stumbled to a stop and stared-no, glared- when I saw who had stepped aboard the ship; a person garbed in a long, black, familiar cloak. And beside them was a huge, open coffin carved from chiseled stone, filled to nearly the brim with gold coins emblazoned with the image of grinning skull.

"So it was the Organization!" Sora shouted as he came to stop beside us, Keyblade already in hand, "We'll handle this!"

"The Darkness of men's hearts, drawn to these cursed medallions," the voice that spoke from beneath the hood was richly masculine, a slight touch of an accent coloring every word as he gestured to the coin-filled coffin, "and this Heartless, a veritable maelstrom of avarice-"

He snapped his fingers, and a dark, shadowy cloud materialized behind him, the ship becoming away with a cloud of black motes as a new Heartless answered it's master's call. It was big, maybe eight feet tall, save for the fact that it lacked legs and hovered over the boards of the ship with little to no effort. It's upper torso was plated heavily in gray armor that seemed slightly transparent in it's texture, the only visible portions of it's body being it's emaciated abdomen and it's long, tapered claws that gleamed silver in the dim light. From one clawed talon dangled an eternally swaying pendulum of some sort, the curved end resembling a half-moon in shape while still bearing an observably sharp and dangerous edge, one that glinted with every fixed swing. It's head was covered by a large steel helm shaped to resemble a skull, devoid of any opening save for the two holes that allowed it's fetid yellow eyes to rake over us with a hungry stare, the feathered tufts on it's head rustling in time with it's movements, an almost thoughtless sway that mimicked the motion of the pendulum-scythe it carried. On it's chest was emblazoned the symbol of the Heartless, red and black and visible for all too see.

"I wonder," the man pondered, stopping his pacing to stare at us, fist raised to the sky, "Are they worthy to serve Organization XIII?"

"And you want an answer now?" Jack asked, eyes narrowed as he drew his sword from it's scabbard.

"Precisely!" The Nobody answered. Then, before anyone could stop him, he vanished in a cloud of inky blackness.

"Tch," I spat condescendingly, "Always running away."

"No time to worry about it now!" Sora said, eyes on the Heartless still aboard the ship.

The Heartless-the 'Grim Reaper' according to my scanner. Appropriate-suddenly reared up, muscles bulging as it gripped the pendulum-scythe tight and suddenly began to spin in rapid circles, it's scythe leaving a trail of visible light as it charged towards us like a cyclone made of steel and death. We all jumped out of the way, the scythe missing us by an inch as it cut through the air with an audible swish.

Rolling to my feet, I pointed Dawnstar (didn't have the time to equip Gullwing) at it and let loose a hail of ice, the jagged shards slamming into it's metallic breastplate with a series of sharp thuds and clangs that seemed impossibly loud after so long on the quiet water. It meandered back, face betraying no emotion save for it's all-consuming hunger, and with almost idle effort, began to swing it's scythe in a series of sharp, circular loops, never once losing control as it moved.

Goofy brought his shield up just in the nick of time, the scythe grating harshly against the metal and sending a shower of sparks around him with every screeching strike. It hit a total of three times before Sora was able to drive him back with a well-aimed combo, but even then, I could see that the scythe had struck with enough friction as to leave a thin white line of scored heat behind, glowing white-hot and sticking out stridently against the black wood of the ship.

With a furious squawk, Donald raised his staff to the sky, which rumbled only once before a hail of yellow sparks hit the deck and the Heartless in jerky tandem. Again, the Heartless made no sound.

Running forward, I joined Sora and Jack as they harried the monster from below, Sora attacking it's front as Jack made ample use of his smaller size and dexterity to strike it from behind. Sweeping down to avoid the scythe as it flung it slantwise at the group, feeling the cold rush of air press down on my neck as it missed, I held Dawnstar so it's tip was parallel with my head and thrust it deep into it's exposed side. Before it could retaliate, I inhaled and pushed a single but violent surge of magic through the blade, watching the translucent skin around the Keyblade begin to glow red as fire began to sear it from within.

It jerked back, jarring me as it pulled itself off of Dawnstar. It twisted suddenly, and before I could move, it's other hand lashed out and hit me square in the stomach, claws raking against the material of my shirt as they tried to cleave into flesh only to be repelled by the magic woven into the fabric. That didn't save me from being hurled back against the wall of the gun deck, the air flying from my lungs as my back slammed into the wood. I hit the floor not a moment later, groaning in pain as I struggled back to my feet.

Goofy had taken up a position between me and the Reaper, who was currently laying into Sora with it's scythe. Jack apparently had been knocked back at some point during the fight as well, leaning heavily against the railing as he panted, free hand braced against a knee despite the sword still occupying it. Then, to my wonder, he turned and began to hack at the ropes tying one of the cannons in place.

A flurry of fire swarmed across the deck, wrapping the Heartless in a giant swathe of flames that engulfed it's body completely. The flames flickered once, and suddenly exploded outward, the red fire mingled with black motes of shadow as the Heartless burst free, swinging it's scythe madly in every direction without any rhyme or reason to it's irate attack.

"WAH!" Donald fell to the floor with hands over his head as the creature passed him, the scythe slicing away a few of his tail feathers as it swung over his body. Sora quickly took to the offensive, jumping over it's wild swings and driving his Keyblade straight into one of the Reaper's glowing eyes. This time, it did nor stay silent, hissing very audibly as it brought it's free hand up at a speed that shouldn't have been possible, grabbing the boy before he could flee to a safe distance.

A black, cloudy substance oozed from the wound left behind, it's remaining eye glaring venomously at Sora as he tried to escape it's clutches by repeatedly stabbing at the arm holding him. Unfortunately, the attacks continuously glanced off the vambraces covering the monster's arms, rendering his strikes harmlessly ineffective. Unconcerned, the Heartless tightened it's grip and began to painstakingly squeeze the life out of him.

"AH!" Sora cried out as the thing's hold began to crush him. The Reaper's eye glowed brighter, and it was then I knew that it was savoring his pain.

"Shit!" I shouted, shooting forward despite the protest in my aching limbs.

A hand suddenly grabbed my shoulder, pulling my back, and I spun around and was about to knock Jack in the head when he held up a finger and pointed down, "Little help, lass?"

I followed his finger, saw what he was getting at, and nodded, "Alright. But let's hurry it up."

Turning around, I shouted a quick order, "Donald, Goofy, get that thing's attention!"

"Roger!" Goofy shouted back before hurling his shield through the sky.

"You better know what you're doing!" Donald cried before casting a spell that coated Goofy's shield in thin layer of hardened ice, the formerly blunt edges now taking on a lethally sharp one as the ice narrowed out to a razor's point all around the shield's circumference.

The shield bashed right into the Heartless' head, skull-helmet vibrating from the concussive force of the blow as the leftmost feathers froze to a brittle, glass-like consistency. With a dreadful hiss like hot air escaping through a thin tube, it turned on us, eye flashing gold in the light of the early morning.

(*) Smirking, I summoned a thin flare of fire and lit the fuse of the cannon Jack had cut free of the mooring, taunting, "Eat lead."

"And get off my ship," Jack finished with a hard, steely glare.

BOOM!

The cannon recoiled back with a harsh jerk, butt end slamming into the railing and chipping the wood as the cannonball burst from the cylindrical bore, filling the air with the ripe smell of gunpowder as trails of gray smoke were expunged from both ends. The cannonball hit the Reaper square in the chest, with enough force to dent the armor inward and send it reeling back, dropping Sora in the process, who hit the ground with harsh thud!

Donald and Goofy were already running to his side, but I lingered back to focus on my magic and the spell I was weaving with it. Breathing in and then breathing out, I held Dawnstar up to the sky and released the built up energy as a gentle cloud of soothing green mist, one that wrapped Sora in a blanket of healing magic that knitted his wounds closed, both external and internal.

Once the magic was spent, I gave Jack a quick nod, "Okay, that was a good idea."

"Good ideas happen to be my forte, lass," Jack replied, preening.

"Yeah, yeah, peacock after we take care of the giant monster running amok on your ship," I said before charging forward.

"And that would be a good point," Jack conceded as he followed.

Sora was back on his feet when I got there, standing side by side with his companions.

"You okay?" I asked.

He nodded, "Better. Thanks for the save, you guys."

Jack waved him off, twirling his sword in an almost lazy fashion as he said, "Yes, yes, but as I was just so politely told, we can congratulate each other over a bottle of rum after we get this scurvy git off my ship. Savvy?"

"You got it!" Sora responded, falling back into a stance.

The Reaper looked to be in pretty bad shape by now, ghostly lower half grazing against the wood of the deck while it's unoccupied hand hung limply beside it, head lolling to one side as it struggled to stay afloat. Everyone gathered before it, weapons at the ready for it's next move.

But it didn't move or attack at all. Instead, with almost agonizing slowness, it tilted back and suddenly vanished over the side, it's end punctuated by hard, audible splash as it hit the water below.

"Oh boy!" Donald cheered, throwing a victorious punch into the air.

"It's not over yet!" Sora warned, and the tell-tale sound of dark portal opening quickly put us all back on edge.

The Nobody had returned, standing alongside the treasure chest as if he'd been there all along. With casual ease, he reached up and brushed the hood away from his head.

What was revealed was a man roughly in his thirties, with shockingly blonde hair cut short and greased close to his head. A carefully trimmed horseshoe mustache grew on his face, connected to equally well-looked after goatee, both just as blonde as his hair was. Four pairs of earrings were pierced through the upper shells of each ear, while only his left had a piercing through the lobe, a dangling silver chain that glinted silver against his skin. Beneath his groomed eyelashes was a pair of electric blue eyes that seemed to gaze through us rather than at us, and faux friendly smile curved at the corners of his lips, fake in every sense of the word.

"Throw him overboard!" Jack said without a second thought.

"Aye aye!" Sora said, and a shared nod hinted that everyone was in agreement with that statement.

"Parley!" The blonde-haired Nobody said, holding up a hand.

"'Scuse me?" Jack asked.

"Barley?" Goofy asked, looking confused.

"It's a bit of a pirates' code," Jack explained, "Anyone who invokes 'parley' must not be harmed 'til negotiations are complete."

"You have a code?" I asked, genuinely stunned.

"This is no time for rules!" Sora objected.

"True," Jack acquiesced. However, he also added, "But as we're honorable pirates, we should always stick to the Code."

"You have a code?" I asked, still not quite believing it. I mean, pirates . . . with a code of honor?

"Yes, we have a Code, lass, not like I just got done explaining it," Jack quipped, rolling his eyes.

Turning to the Nobody, he demanded, "All right you. Out with it!"

Bowing in what would have been an almost sincere gesture, he pointed to the chest and said, "I surrender the chest with my humblest apologies."

I narrowed my eyes at him, not trusting such an easy relinquishment on the Nobody's part. He was up to something . . .

"Rather accommodating of you, mate," Jack commented, catching on just as quick, "And for that you want . . . ?"

With a scheming smirk that set my nerves aflame with suspicion, the man said, "Just a few souvenirs . . . for the memories."

"Huh?"

Then, quick as sparrow, he reached over and plucked a few of the coins from their resting places and, before anyone could stop him, he threw each and every one into the air. Immediately afterward, four grey shapes suddenly burst from the floor via four colorless portals, each of the summoned Nobodies grabbing a coin before pelting over the side of the ship and vanishing into the gloom.

"Oh, no!" Goofy cried, watching helplessly as the Nobodies disappeared, "We can't stop the curse unless we got all the medallions!"

Hand going to his sword, Jack said softly, dangerously, "Our friend's about to learn what it means to cross a pirate."

"Oh?" The Nobody asked, not looking the least bit threatened.

The reason for which quickly became apparent when the entire ship began to rock, and suddenly the 'vanquished' Reaper we thought we had destroyed rose up from the ocean below, it's armor and weapon having undergone a drastic change in the short time it had been down there. Casts of jagged red metal were spiked along it's shoulders and helmet, it's whole body in general looking thicker due to the heavy plating that now covered it. Even a new set of crooked 'wings' rose up from it's back, completing it's image as an angel of death to a T. Three skull-like candles hovered around it's now solid body, their wicks wreathed with a spectral blue fire that cast no shadows whatsoever. It's ribs, now quite visible, clacked together as if they were a maw, the noise just as disturbing as the sight was.

"Sora! Donald! Goofy! He's yours!" Jack shouted, sword drawn.

Normally, I would have complained about my lack inclusion in that statement, but that grievance quickly went out the window when the Reaper twirled it's scythe and howled a howl so fierce it kicked up a an actual whirlwind, the noise so biting it hurt my ears.

The gust generated by it's screech was powerful enough to knock us all up into the air and off the ship, flying out over the water as if we were riding one of Xaldin's tornadoes. But instead of water, my back hit wood, and when I clambered back to my feet, I saw with a start that the monster had managed to knock us clean off the Pearl and onto Will's ship.

Now way, I thought in disbelief, It was that powerful?

But things were about to get worse. Even from here, I could see the Nobody and his cold smirk, hand raising with deliberate slowness right as the doors to the captain's quarters flew open a concerned Will and Elizabeth running out onto the scene only to exclaim in horror at what they saw. And on the opposite side, close to the bow, the door leading down to the lower decks was flung open as a confused as hell Mari stumbled out onto the deck.

Then the Nobody snapped his fingers.

The last thing I saw was a sleet of smoke and fire as every cannon manned to Pearl open-fired, smashing the ship we were on into pieces of shattered splinters and sending us all plummeting to the dark abyss of the ocean below.

And we're finished with that.

Next chapter, shit get's a bit more real. :)

(*) Limit: Reaction Command: Artillery Fire

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