As I think that, I notice a small hand mirror on the crate. I pick it up, holding it to look at myself almost afraid of what I would see. I already woke up with fins, if I have adifferent nose then I think I will lose it. However, much to my relief, my own face stares back at me, well with the addition of a little scar on my cheek that had never been there before. I rub my hand across my face, grinning as I trace my unfamiliar features.
Okay, so I’m Moira but I’m also me. That isn’t confusing at all.
I hear a thud behind me and turn around to see Naia working to drag herself through the window.
I rush to her side to help her, but Naia just freezes as she looks at me.
“You look so different,” she breathes.
Correction, I look the way I’m supposed to.
I bend over, grabbing her arm and pulling her up.
“You’re a natural with those,” she laughs as I brace my foot against the windowsill to get better purchase.
“It’s like riding a bike,” I grunt out as I finally get her 60% of the way through. I leap to my feet, grabbing a fistful of my pants so I don’t lose them and go over to a chest near the sloppily made cot. I sort through it till I find some clothes for Naia. I pass them back along with a vial.
“Get dressed quick.”
I keep my back turned to give her some privacy as I sort through the chest until I find a strip of cloth I can use as a belt.
“How do you…” Naia begins, just as a loud voice echoes through the ship, followed by footsteps headed this way.
“I don’t know where you brought me, but this isnotcivilization!”
My eyes widen in horror. Time’s up. Here comes Captain Hook. I whirl around, to check on Naia. I see that she has drunk the potion and now has a perfect pair of legs in front of her. In fact, I can see way too much of her legs. All she has managed to do is pull on the shirt. She holds the pants legs up quizzically, peering into their holes as if they hold instructions for putting them on inside.
Fortunately, Naia is a tiny little thing, and the shirt is big enough on her that it can at least cover her modestly. If just barely.
I surge forward, grabbing her by the arm. Naia goes up and then comes right back down as her legs flail in every direction. “You make it look so easy,” she squeaks as she lands.
“Shhh,” I hiss, dragging her to the stack of crates. I yank her behind them just as I hear the footfalls, drawing closer. Suddenly the door slams open. I wince, sinking down further. There’s Captain Hook and his temper that’s only hot when it’s fictional. In real life, I’m not a fan of men slamming things around. I happen to hate things being broken.
“Captain, the crew and I couldn’t help but notice that you have been acting a bit strange lately. Are you feeling quite all right?”
“Of course I’m not feeling all right! I don’t know why you would think I am. My hand is missing. Where is my hand, Smee?”
“In the belly of a croc…er, sir?”
I feel my brows start to draw together as I frown. That voice… it sounds oddly familiar. I turn to Naia, holding a finger to my lips before I push myself up ever so slightly so I can peer over the crate.
First, I see a round-faced man with a shock of white hair. He must be Mr. Smee. He looks both kindly and murderous. Like he would have you over for tea before he kills you. He is talking to a much younger and taller man who is standing with his back to me.
But I have little doubt who he is, especially when he holds up the hook attacked to his left arm.
Captain Hook.
My eyes move down his form, taking in the golden earring glinting in his ear and his light brown hair that is just slightly sunkissed at the tips. He is wearing an ankle length coat which is one of the single sexiest things a guy can wear.
Red flag or not, at least I can observe from a distance, right?
At least that’s what I’m thinking until he turns, and I take in that face. That ridiculously manicured beard. And those pale blue eyes.
I forget where I am for a second and leap to my feet. “James?”
He turns completely, confirming my suspicions. Standing in front of me is my producer, and he is dressed like a pirate.
His mouth drops open as he takes me in. “Vera?”
I feel like I might be sick. I was checking out my producer? I think it would have been better if it had been the red flag pirate captain who would kill me at the end of the story.
