Eleanor gazed at the merprince's handsome face, unaware that the two of them were rapidly descending into the ocean depths. It felt like a dream. She found her thoughts muddled as if a fuzzy blanket had wrapped around her body and mind to shield her from anything happening in the real world. In this state, her sad thoughts of her father and the other crew members were for now forgotten.
Also forgotten was any sense of fear that ought to accompany being dragged into the deep. Somehow, she just felt safe in Colton's arms. In fact, she felt so safe that when the prince ran his fingers through her hair and whispered, "Breathe," she did so without hesitation.
Instantly, her lungs filled with water, but she felt no discomfort. Instead, delicate gills opened up on her neck. Prince Colton quickly slipped off the girl's nightgown but only to free up the larger side gills forming on the sides of her lower ribcage.
Then, he kissed her. As they kissed, Eleanor's legs fused together and elongated into a gracefully tapered tail that flared out into a lovely purple caudal fin. Similar coloured scales spread upward to fade out around her nicely rounded hips, and matching streaks even materialized in her golden hair which had lengthened to brush her new scales.
Meanwhile, a purple seashell bra appeared over her breasts as they grew a bit larger. Her beauty seemed to intensify, though one could hardly pin down the specific details. Nevertheless, by the time she finished changing, she had become a picture perfect mermaid of legend.
"W-What happened?" She asked, her voice echoing in the dark waters surrounding them.
Prince Colton smiled with affection. "For saving my life, I have granted you a new one at my side."
"At your side?" Eleanor gasped, her eyes wide. "But we've only just met, and you're a prince. I'm only a pirate's daughter."
"Not any more," Colton chuckled, hugging her close. "Humans are too distracted by status, but we merfolk know when our destined one is in our arms. You are that one. I have chosen you. And judging by your changes, you have chosen me as well. That's what triggered my spell."
"Changes?" Eleanor looked down and saw her new form for the first time. "Oh my! I'm...like you!"
"Oh, believe me," Colton laughed. "You're much prettier than I am. My parents are going to love you."
Far above this peaceful scene, the surface was experiencing a lot more turmoil. The giant waves bore down on the floundering ship as all those onboard did their best to prepare. Against the first mate's orders, the younger sailors had sent their older shipmates out first before focusing on trying to save the ship.
Despite being hardened criminals of the sea, they held a lot of respect for their elder peers, many of whom had been their mentors on the high seas. Perhaps Blackstone's soft spot for his daughter had unconsciously created a strong familial bond among the others. In any case, the young men faced the storm with utmost bravery.
It all seemed futile, however. The wave drew ever closer with almost dramatic slowness and finality. Captain Blackstone finally made his entrance, charging out on deck and looking about with rage. "What're you lot still doing here!?" He roared. "Abandon ship, I tells ye! That's an order!"
The men ignored him, none willing to leave their captain. Only the first mate stopped to shrug before continuing on.
Helplessly, the captain turned around to face the oncoming wall of water. It looked strange from this close, not quite a wave at all but more like an abrupt change in direction like an upside down waterfall. As the prow began to collide with the flow with the sound of splintering wood, Blackstone took off his hat and shouted to his crew, "Lads, it's been an honor bein' yer captain! Godspeed!"
Then, all went dark.