“Mini needs a cutlass!”
“Wait, she needs my lucky doubloon! I’ll go grab it.”
“STOP!” Mini roared, throwing her crewmates off her. They scattered or fell to the deck as she stood up. She eyed them with surprise, unused to the strength and height now awarded her. “It’ll be alright. I just have to retrieve the supplies. I look like man. By the gods I am a man.”
The high unhinged sounds of giggling caught everyone off guard as the crew laughed. It quickly died down as Captain Mirth eyed the handywork. He flicked a hand under Mini’s chin, forcing her to tilt upwards. His hands grazed the day-old stubble as he eyed the coat, the borrowed buckled shoes. They met eyes, a moment passing between them as he nodded.
“It’ll do.”
She grinned easily. “We’ll sort out this curse quicker than a seaman’s wage on ale.”
He nodded, but grimaced, “just… bring us back some kirtles.”
“I swear it.”
As he walked by, he muttered, “My back is killing me.”
She grinned again, looking out at the approaching costal town. Their colors were down, replaced with a generic English navy flag. This was a reconnaissance mission. Mini planned to slip into town, pick up what she needed and return.
They had fallen to a curse cast by the Nereid Pherusa. The Cursed Waves had found them after a reckless battle with a Spanish galleon. Thought they escaped with their lives and ship they did not do so unscathed.
The nymph had thrown open her arms as she sung unlikely doom on her victims. Her voice pierced their souls, giggling as she returned to the depths.
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“Far below the depths of He,
Now true strength formed by She,
Who holds the banner of his loss,
Mighty secrets, greater cost.”
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It did not take long for the curse to wrap itself around the crew. But where it left the men oogling down their shirts, shrinking down and slimming into half-starved women. Mini grew and broadened into a striking young man. Nothing could hide her sudden change, presenting herself to the captain for the poor luck she had inflicted on the crew.
Captain Mirth quickly realized he needed her to both rid them of the curse and survive as women on the sea. After gold had exchanged hands in silent debts, Mini quickly became confidant and teacher to the crew.
Mini slipped into town that afternoon, picking out undergarments and rough cloth. She bought buttons and smaller boots and stockings for daintier feet. Shop owners quickly caught wind of a young man buying clothes “for his village,” offering sales and easy conversation before Mini rowed back to her men waiting on the sunset’s stage.
Then, slowly Mini explained corsets and kirtles in the fading twilight. She showed them how to sew buttons, how to hem pants. Many still sported scars and pock marks. But where there had been beards, large bushy eyebrows, large meaty hands. Now slimmer, wider hipped women rummaged about. They looked more like streetwalkers than pirates against the lantern light.
First Mate Anderson was striking with tanned skin, curved cheekbones and a smaller, pointed nose. No shadow of a man hid within the faces of most of the crew. Even the shorter haired crew members only seemed more appealing. The curse had been kind in appearance, if uncomfortable and bewildering.
Captain Mirth called Mini into his chambers to help him into his new clothes. A breath of relief as weight was shifted and redistributed. The curse had made him well endowed and beautiful. With his bright blue eyes, full parted lips and easy curves. He was four or so years older than Mini, with a wink allowing her to stow away during a battle against a Spanish ship many years ago. There she had stayed. Small, lithe and clever. She had voted him as Captain; she had detected the poison in his tea.
This new change had allowed her to see more of Captain Mirth than she ever thought she’d see. Or touch.
“I bought lace-ups at the front – so you should be able to do it yourself after a few showings.”
“Thankyou, Mini,” he said, frowning down at the bodice. “I cannot imagine how we would’ve fared without you.”
“Laughed out of every port from here to Davy Jones probably.”
Mirth looked up at Mini, chuckling to himself, “it is very strange to look up at you.”
Mini blushed, trying not to look down the Captain’s shirt. “Trust me, it’s taking some getting used to being up here.”
He smiled a roguish grin, instantly snapping her into reality. He was still in there. The same charming, cunning captain who made snapshot decisions in battles and curses alike.
“What now?” she asked, watching her Captain turn this way and that.
Captain Mirth looked up at Mini, eyeing her with an intensity she didn’t expect. “You must have… questions.” He said, gesturing broadly at her. Although higher, his tone still held that commanding timber of a captain. He would still be heard over the waves.
“Mainly gratification, Sir.” She said, “everyone knows women bring bad luck to a ship. And then you not only stowed me, but allowed me to remain. I am quite literally wearing your pants.”
He shrugged, “we can swap after all of this is done.”
Then he spent ten minutes forcing her to stand to her full height, showing her where on the ship she needed to duck, to talk in a lower registry so she didn’t sound like a dandy. How her gait had changed thanks to weight and height differences.
“You are a man. Men do not apologize for existing. Men do not need permission to piss. Men command their own destiny.”
“That might just be you, Captain.”
He turned to look at her, raising one delicate eyebrow. “Jasmine – yes, of course I know your name. Command your destiny or someone less worthy will take it from you.”
Then he turned in for the night, ducking to go into his quarters, chuckling to himself and straightening as he opened the door.
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O.o.O
The plan was a simple one. Return to the Cursed Waves and find the Sea Witch taking shelter on the islands dotting the area. She would be expensive, but the crew had voted on it. They spent days at sea practicing sea warfare. Cannon balls were suddenly heavier and sheets harder to pull in. But with smaller frames more could help. With nimble fingers efficiency went up. Innate teamwork flourished within the crew, all learning together how to move inside their new bodies. A strange freedom settled in the crew, obeying Mini’s advice on different topics.
“Trust me,” she’d say, “the infections women can get from not being clean isn’t worth it.”
“The Norse warriors love a braid and a bath,” the second mate Lory offered, running a rag over his dainty shoulders, “my Ma used to say she would’ve picked one if offered a chance.”
“If she’s half as pretty as you, she could’ve had anyone, mate.” Paddy grinned, ducking a punch, “look in the captain’s mirror, you’re prettier than a mermaid.”
Lory gave him a dark look but dropped the subject and the bucket he was holding as he peered out the porthole. The obvious divide from mortal to immortal was just ahead. The small entry bobbed into view between the rising sea floor overhung with a rock arch covered in runes. It was easy to spot thanks to the different sea colour. A deep, ancient green that unsettled any who laid eyes upon it.
“Lads,” Lory murmured, “I think we’re needed on the deck.”
His fellows grabbed their things and hurtled up the stairs to the rest of the crew, throwing on their pants.
“Shirts ON, you bilge rats!” Captain Mirth yelled without turning from his place by the helm. Mini laughed and ran over to help, the embarrassed crewmates allowing her to thread, tighten and whisper reassurances. They were ready in moments, thanking her with a nod and scampering to their places.
Spider monkey Gildroy grinned at her, slipping a shirt on over his fasteners. “Truth is Mini,” he whispered, “its so much easier climbing and swinging about as a woman. I know we’ve gotta reverse this witchery, but for me at least, I don’t mind it.”
“Don’t get cocky, now.” she chastised, “No one comes out of those waters unchanged.”
“I won’t be falling. Don’t worry.” And he was gone, his keen eyes returning to their place as lookout.
“Mini!” Mirth roared, his eyes fixed on the way ahead.
“Aye, Captain!” she replied, running to his side. He eyed her, tilting his head up to her, “Stay near, girl. We might need your strength before this is out.”
In the same moment the phrase clicked in their heads, a savage smile pressed against those dainty lips.
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“Far below the depths of He,
Now true strength formed by She,
Who holds the banner of his loss,
Mighty secrets, greater cost.” Mini said excitedly, “it must be about me.”
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“We shall see.” Captain said, catching the red smoke of a witch-hut not far off. “I have an old friend to pester.”
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o.O.o
She laughed. She laughed a lot. The witch was curled over, the seashells threaded into her hair gently swaying as she shook her head. She appeared no older than twenty, although one knew she was much older. She was tricky in the way beautiful women could be. Sly, deadly and vigilant.
“Yes, yes. Very funny.” Mirth sighed, leaning on the doorway of her house. It smelled like seagrass, thrushes soft under their boots. The captain had only brought Mini with him. And now she saw why.
“You have grown into your name, Will Mirth.”
He rolled his eyes, “thank you Loretta. But, I wish to reverse it. Piracy isn’t easy when your crew struggles to belay the ropes or even pull up the anchor.”
She scuttled closer so fast Mini flinched, watching the small creature run her hands down Captain’s arms, over his head and over his chest. Her eyebrows shot up, but said nothing as she examined him. Mirth stood still and passive, allowing her to prod and poke.
“Seems to me, this is about secrets.” The witch said, frowning thoughtfully, “Pherusa wishes you to dispel all secrets. She was merciful. I’ve seen her turn crews into fish folk. She must have taken a liking to your pretty Jasmine. She has a soft spot for women in a tight spot.”
Mini grimaced, not only by the words but by the sea green eyes now honing in on her. Her skin was pine green, gleaming in the lantern light. She hoped never to see inside her mouth. Loretta circled Mini, taking her in with renewed interest.
“Girl. Who are your parents?”
She stepped back, “of no consequence.”
Mirth scratched his chin, raising an eyebrow, “answer the question.”
“They were traders.”
“What kind?” The witch whispered, tilting her head as she smiled a gruesome smile. Dagger teeth.
“They were murdered by pirates.” Mini said through gritted teeth, looking away.
Captain Mirth walked closer, frowning up at her. In this moment Mini could see the captain, his broad collarbones, his clever eyes taking in every moment, every pause. He was a shadow within the small figure looking up at her.
“What did they trade in, Mini?” He asked in a low voice.
She looked away from him, setting her eyes on a painting of a rotting whale, “slaves.”
“Ahhhh,” Loretta provided, gleefully cupping her face in her little hands. “How poetic.”
“Did you know Pretty Mirth? Did you know who you allowed onto your ship all those years ago? Poor Mirthy boy, always rolling badly in his own games.”
Mini whipped her eyes from one to the other, “what… what does she mean? You didn’t know it was a slaver ship when you attacked us? You saved me.”
“Mini, Mini ever pretty.” The witch sung, eyes gleaming, “Did you know your captain was an orphan? I wonder how that could’ve happened?” She pouted, twisting her head to an odd angle. “Oh, this is much fun. More fun than gold or silver fish!”
“Captain?” Mini whispered.
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“Far below the depths of He,
Now true strength formed by She,
Who holds the banner of his loss,
Mighty secrets, greater cost.” Loretta dittied, “oh, oh I know this story! How lucky am I?”
William Mirth sighed, reaching up to run a hand down Mini’s raven plait resting on her shoulder. “When I was small,” he said softly, “a businessman came and burned my village to the ground. He personally took the life of my parents and sold me. He had cold grey eyes and hair the colour of pitch. I swore my revenge.”
He took out the ribbon of Mini’s hair, “he belonged to a trading company called –”
“The Chortling Horse.” Mini whispered, horrified.
He nodded, “so, I convinced our captain to hunt down a very wealthy Spanish ship. There I found him, and there I killed him. Never knowing he was bringing his daughter with him across the sea.”
“Malady Mini holds the name of his enemy! He in turn, holds hers! An eye for an eye! A tooth for a tooth!” The witch cackled, “Soon you shall be toothless fools unable to see the sea! How I love mortals.”
“This doesn’t explain how to break the curse,” Mini pointed out, stepping out of Mirth’s reach. “Just that we are each other’s tragedy.”
She looked at Mirth and he looked ashen, his eyes fixed to the floor. His slender arms were wrapped around himself. Gone was the confident, charismatic Captain. Replaced by a creature who saw many evils before good.
She returned to him, ducking down to look into his face. He turned away, but she gripped his chin and pulled it towards her. His shock to her actions allowed her to pull his eyes to her.
“You didn’t know.” She told him firmly. “I am greater than the sins of my father – or of your mistakes. Do you place the blame of your past on me?”
He shook his head, hair whipping around his face. She smiled, tucking hair behind his ear. “Good.”
“Do you wish to take revenge on me?” He asked softly, “as is your right.”
She laughed, “by the gods no! I would die a pointless death. I wish to be by your side. Not spend eternity with Davy Jones.”
Relief flooded through Mirth, emotions flickering across his face like a newly lit flame.
The witch crossed her arms, disappointed. “This is not at all what I wanted.” She complained, “Reconciliation is incredibly boring.”
Mirth shrugged, wiping invisible sand off his coat. “Okay. We have riddled the curse. What now?”
The Sea Witch blew forcefully through her nose, irritated. “One way, is to kill Mirth. As the curse is truly tied to him as Captain. He is the occupant of the spell. Another, is to placate the curse. Jasmine has proved her inner strength by not taking out her anger on the murderer of her father,” she rolled her eyes, “incredibly boring child’s tale. But I suppose one cannot dissuade the classics.”
The two pirates looked at each-other, “We pick the second one.”
“Well then, I can bind you to each other.” She grinned a toothy smile, “hold the curse between you until you find a way to break it. But it will be of heart, not arm that keeps the magic at bay. Any slip ups and you’ll be back where you started.”
Mini looked at her Captain, “is she saying she’ll combine our souls together?”
Captain Mirth gave her a weary smile, “something like that. The curse will still be in effect, but reverse it so you will return a woman, us men. But should our hearts waver or break trust it will thrust us back to the beginning.”
“Perhaps make it worse,” the witch offered hopefully.
“I don’t understand what you’re saying,” Mini frowned.
The witch danced closer, taking Mini’s hand and pressing her palm against Mirth’s. “I could combine your destinies, allowing natural order to take place between you. But joined you will be.”
“Listen very carefully Jasmine.” Mirth said, ignoring the witch hovering before them, “I want you to know no matter the outcome of this – I will protect you. You have quickly become part of my crew. And more importantly, you have quietly been watching over me for years. I never thanked you. But I am now. It took a curse for me to acknowledge the bond we share. Formed in tragedy and anger.”
“Are you offering to love me?” Mini asked, amused. “Pirates love gold.”
Mirth pulled her shirt with a vicious tug, forcing them to meet eye to eye. “Not this pirate. This pirate has been hoarding the thing he’s wanted all along. Just never allowed to open the chest.”
“Do it.” Mini whispered, ignoring the cackle of the witch as she sang in darkened verses. The sky darkened, the witch slipping ebony rings onto their fingers. They fastened, pulsing once before lying dormant.
“I miss my body, Captain.” Mini whispered, locking eyes with Mirth.
“Will.” He corrected as he kissed her, “I miss mine too.” He murmured against her lips. “But if all this allows me to kiss you, it’s worth it.”
The kiss ran through them, forming a glow that shot out and ran along the sea line. The sea witch whistled in appreciation. Mirth threw back his head and laughed in his deep timber, running a hand down his chest as the change made its way through him. He watched Mini shrink, her clothes envelop her. He quickly stripped, swapping garments with her as she blushed beetroot and hastily yanked the pants on.
Then he wrapped her in his arms, feeling her shiver against him.
“I thought you commanded your own destiny.” Mini smirked.
“You’re welcome to it.” He smiled, “what is it without you anyway?”
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