I had told him that I would meet him and his crew aboard the ship in a few hours and that then we would head out. I rushed about and started gathering things from ingredients to potions and spare clothes. And began storing them in a magic bag I crafted a few years ago. It was not quite a bottomless bag but could store a multitude of objects of various sizes without changing the bag’s shape or size itself. Though it could get heavy.

           “Are you sure about this Jenna,” asked the mirror, “of all the time I’ve known you, you have never once left this island.”

           I sighed, “I don’t think I have much choice in this matter. I am not about to let someone die just because I don’t care much for him.” I reached for my small travel-size cauldron. “It would make me no better than the beings that live below the water’s surface.”

            The mirror sighed, “Then in that case please take me with you. I fear that this journey will not only be dangerous for those humans but also rather painful for you as well.” I stopped and turned to him.

           “What do you mean?”

           “What is the price for the deal not being fulfilled? Knowing you it would not be the boy that pays that price.”

           I grabbed a shrinking potion from the self. “Oh, that, if I can’t save the pirate king, I’ll turn to sea foam.”

           “What?!” he exclaimed. “Do you have a death wish?”

           “Possibly” I shrugged then sighed, “We will be up against another Sea Witch. Even if it’s just Morgana. The more I put on the line using contract magic the stronger my magic.” I turned to face him, “Mirror, you’re not worried about me, are you?”

           “No, I am more concerned about I will be left here by lonesome with no one to talk to for decades to come.” His face looked almost exasperated as he said. “I’ll practically be wasted away to practically nothing.”

            I rolled my eyes, “don’t worry” I said as I walked over to him. “I was never planning on leaving you behind.” I poured the potion onto the mirror, and it shrunk to the size of a perfect handheld mirror. “See now your travel size.”

           “A shrinking potion, genius. How long does it last.”

           “Not entirely sure,” I said as I picked him up, “it’s my first time using it.”

           “WAIT! Did you Just Use an Untested Potion on ME!” He exclaimed.

           “Calm down I highly doubt it will last no longer than our trip.”

           “Devil!”

           “I believe the term you’re wanting is Witch.” I smiled as I placed him in a small pocket on the outside of my bag. I put the bag over my shoulder and grabbed a human transformation potion to use once I made it aboard the ship. I took a deep breath and looked around making sure I didn’t forget anything. Then dived into the ocean.

***   

Once I climbed on board the whole crew stared at me, somewhere with looks of awe others of fear. The entire crew seemed to consist of only men. I could already tell that it was going to be an annoyingly long trip. Kai came out to greet me, “I see you’ve made it,” he smiled, “Welcome aboard The Fancy. One of the fastest vessels from the Apneic to the Carinae Sea.”

           “Apenic, huh” I muttered softly then looked up at him and smiled, “Funny you say that considering that is the sea for which Morgana resides. Though she does have a second home in the Ice caves south of Carine.”

           “What makes you so sure that she isn’t there,” he asked.

           I sighed exasperated, “Fine where did you lose your father,” 

           “In the middle of the sea,” he said in a matter-of-fact tone,

           “Yes, but which sea,”

           “Between the . . .” he paused, then looked back at her questioningly, “Apneic and Brinedive seas.”

           “Then she is most likely in the Ice caves in the Apneic Sea,” I uncorked the potion I had in hand.

“How did you know what sea he went missing in,” he asked as I was about to down the potion.

“I didn’t the mirror told me the location of her cave on the way here.” I smiled at him, “It was just more fun to make you realize which way she most likely went yourself.” I was about to drink the potion when I remembered what my state of dress would most likely be once I changed forms. I blushed slightly, “you would happen to have a place where I can slip into something a bit more comfortable during this journey.”

           He smiled, “Follow me.” He then shouted out to the crew, “Set sail to the Apneic Sea.” And the man began to get to work as he led me into the ship.

           I was taken to a large cabin that was divided with a curtain. “This is the captain’s quarters,” he quickly moved the curtain to the side, “My father and I share the room. You can sleep on this side while I have taken the other for the time being.”

           I stared at him in awe, “what do you mean by you taking the other? You do not suggest that we share this space?”

           He smiled, “I’m sorry to inform you but there is not much room for privacy on this boat and you’ll find it lacking in cabin space. It’s either share this room with me using this handy curtain for privacy or head further down below with the rest of the crew.”

           I was flabbergasted by his comment, “A curtain does not leave much for privacy.”

           “Sure, it does,” he closed the curtain so all I could see was his silhouette from the other side. “See you won’t even know I’m here.” I stared at him wondering if he was truly being serious. “Jenna,” he said my name sweetly, “You’re not afraid I’ll try something with ya.” I could almost make out the smile appearing on his face as he laughed. “I promise I’ll be the perfect gentleman upon your stay on the fancy, so there is no need to worry.”

           I was turning quite red due to his teasing “Very well I guess this will due,” I then downed the potion.

I guess at some point between the flashing lights and smoke that came with the magic of transforming I think I remember his yelling “What’s happening” and “Are you all right” but what I know for sure is that in his panic about the time the transformation into my human form was complete, he had pulled back the curtain. And of course, I screamed and through the closest thing in reach at him while he scrambled backward in panic. I quickly pulled back the curtain while he panicky apologized, “I’m so sorry I wasn’t aware of what all that was . . .” I quickly dawned on some clothes and pulled the curtain back once more.

“No, I suppose you didn’t,” I said, making my way to open a window in hopes of letting out some of the smoke. 

He scrambled to his feet and apologized once again. “I’m truly sorry I promised from here on out it will never happen again.” He made his way to the door looking a bit more flustered than I did, “If you’ll excuse me, I need to go check on the crew, feel free to stay here and unpack. Make yourself at home.” He left the room leaving me alone with my thoughts as I fell onto the bed and groaned in embarrassment.