I had Mirror reflect a map to Ursula’s grotto. Even with the speed potion, I would be cutting it close on the trip back depending on how long this would take. While traveling I also dispelled the spell, I used to keep myself hidden all these years. If what Morgana said was true about Ursula looking for me, it would make things a lot easier if she saw me coming. It would be easier if I could strike a deal with her than to face her in a fight. I could become fish food if I did that. “I thought you were never going to use those spells,” Mirror stated, worried.

           “Yeah, well, that was before I had a choice in the matter,” I replied focused on the map.

“So, you fell in love with him then?” He said having caught me off guard. At that moment I slammed into a small sea creature that went down due to the impact.

“Oh no,” I quickly swam down to catch it. In my hands, I held a small creature known as a leafy sea dragon.

“Ow,” sounded a small squeaky voice. “What happened?”

           “I’m so sorry,” I replied, “I wasn’t paying attention and swam into you.”

           “Oh,” she then looked up at me and screamed swimming out of my hands. “Sea Witch!” I had almost forgotten about how others react when they see me in this form. I guess I had gotten used to being on that ship with all those pirates, to Kai who had already accepted who I am from the very beginning. Though, at the time I could see no reason why he did. “Ahh,” she continued to scream making me wonder why she hadn’t swum off yet.

           “Well, it appears that you are fine, so I’ll leave you to your freaking out since I am in a bit of a rush.”

I turned to leave when the screaming stopped with a, “Huh?” the little leafy sea dragon swam in circles around me. “Are you not going to capture me, eat me, or tear me apart for some sort of horrible and vile potion?” she asked frantically.

“No,” I said as I started back on course, “I’m vegetarian, and I’m not that kind of witch.”

“Are you squid-ing me?” she said with a sigh, “and here I swam into you looking for some thrills. I was really hoping you would try and grab me. Just my luck a vegetarian Octopod. Got to say didn’t think such a thing existed.” I stopped and stared at her shocked at what I was hearing.

“I’m sorry to have ruined your plans?” I said confused then shook my head, “But either way I really need to get going.” and tried to leave when she swam in front of me.

“Why such a rush? Where are you going? Is it dangerous? Can I tag along? Like I said I’m BORED.”

I sighed and thought if I told her maybe all that bravado would wear off. “I’m going to see the sea witch Ursula and I am under a time limit. Yes, it is dangerous and no you can not come along” I swam past her.

“Oh, please,” she begged swimming up close to me, “Take pity on this bored unfortunate soul I can be of use to you. You said it was dangerous and it must be, 'cause you’re going to see the infamous Ursula. And in my book dangerous means fun.” She giggled.

“Now listen here, thrill seeker!” I snarled at her, “I have no time or patience for dealing with you now. So, swim along and find and find another thrill ride. This is a solo mission.”

“Come on don’t krill the vibe,” said the leafy sea dragon, “My name is Mara. And I’m sure I’ll be of some help with whatever it is you’re doing.”

I’m going to bottle some of Ursula’s magic and give it to her sister, Morgana,” I stated plainly.

She stopped swimming and uttered, “Shrimp-ly . . . Amazing! Can you really do that? Now I am so coming along. And if you haven’t noticed I am so not taking no for an answer.”

“Let her tag along” Mirror interrupted, “like she said she could be useful.”

I sighed, “Fine, but you have to do what I say when I say it.”

She squealed, “yes. Trust me, you won’t regret having me come along.”

“Good, now stop it with the puns I need to focus,” I stated as we traveled.

“Kay, by the way, why are you bottling up her magic for Morgana?”

Mirror then replied, “Oh, let me fill you in.” he sounded dreadfully enthusiastic as he began to tell the story my story to Mara.

***  

           “That was the most heart-retching, emotional story I have ever heard,” exclaimed Mara when Mirror finished the story. “To think you’ve been through all that, and now you have to steal some of Ursula’s magic, or you’ll be stuck blowing bubbles.”

           “Well, that’s the jest of anyway,” I said as we neared the area where the grotto was, “but I have no interest in actually stealing it.” Flotsam and Jetsam, Ursula’s pet eels, were waiting for us. I expected this.

“So, what’s the plan,” Mara asked enthusiastically, “Need me to distract them as you slip through to meet Ursula, just leave it to me.” Mara was just about to take off after them when I reached out to grab her.

           “No,” I stated calmly, “There is no need.” I swam up to the eels and they motioned in a way that I should follow them.

           “Seriously we’re being invited in. No chase. Where’s the fun in that?” Mara whined while swimming after me. “Wait, are you planning on making a deal with her?”

           “Yes, wasn’t it obvious?”

           “Mirror, let Minnow what you think about this one, 'cause if you ask me that’s way dumber than fighting her for it.”

           “Mara,” Mirror said in a know-it-all-like tone, “If you’re faced with two options one that leads to death and the other comes with the possibility of survival even though it means becoming a Polyps with the hope of one day breaking free. Which would you choose?”

           “Death being a Polyps seems boring,” Mara commented without a second thought.

“Pst, Jenna I’m starting to think it was a bad idea to bring this one along,” Mirror commented.

I sighed, “It was you’re Idea to let her tag along.”

“Well, I take it back she’s obviously planning to get us all killed.”

“It’s too late for that.”

The eels led us to a small cave its floor was decorated with her garden of victims from past deals gone wrong. Not once has anyone succeeded in fulfilling their side of the deal with Ursula. And at the time I remembered wondering if I would be able to exceed in striking a deal without becoming a part of her garden as well. I watched Mara as looked down at the victims, “They’re so freaky . . . so cool. I take it back I would so want to be Polyps.”

           Mirror then spoke in concern, “You are a very disturbed creature aren’t you.”

           “Hm? You say something Mirror,” Mara asked.

           “No nothing,” Mirror replied.

           “So, Jenna you’d rather take that path too, huh?” Mara asked.

           “I’d take neither,” I stated determined to break through all this, “I’d take the third option. I make my own path to a more ideal ending.”

           “Cool,” Mara said admiringly.

           Then Mirror panicked, “Wait, what do you mean by that?”

           Then a voice rang out “Welcome Cuz, I’ve been expecting you.” Ursula swam into view.

           I sighed “There’s no turning back now,” and continued deeper into the cave.