I looked down, opening my eyes for the first time under the water, and was surprised at the clarity I could see through the wet.

And thus, I looked to my lower half and saw the scales push out and form over my knees, my calves, ankles…

My feet reflexively pointed, and as my toes disappeared, a glorious, filmy caudal tail sprung forth, scalloping down the sides and drifting well off the point at the end.

The scales of my fin gleamed silver and lagoon blue, with glimmers that appeared like aquamarines, the translucent caudal at the end was a lovely silvery lilac.

As I drifted under the surface, staring in wonder at my tail, I saw a long, winding fin the same colors as my own, with some aqua as well (but the caudal was not translucent or filmy, it was strong and spined), coil and drift about me.

I turned my head to the left to see my brother there.

Faith, but his tail was very long.

And his chest was very defined.

Further, upon perusal, I saw he had extra fins. Dorsal ones at his hips, and others farther down, on either side, where, if he still had his legs, his thighs would meet his knees.

I smiled at him.

He spoke, and it was deep, rumbling, and only slightly bubbly when he ordered, “Strike for the surface, little sister. Your husband will want to see you’re all right.”

I nodded, and started to kick, but as I didn’t have legs, the movement I made forced me down.

“Watch,” Jorie instructed and lifted his chin up to something beyond me.

I turned my head and saw Ha-Lah there.

Her fin was a dark teal, her caudal a lovely carnation pink, and her scales glistened like diamonds.

She was smiling merrily at me as she rippled her fin and swum gracefully before me.

Jorie was doing somewhat the same, but as his tail was at least three times longer than Ha-Lah’s, and mine was Ha-lah’s length, I watched her far more closely.

Once I felt I understood her movements, and could mimic them, I emulated her, and it felt both natural and unnatural, as I made my way to the surface.

I broke it, experienced an odd sensation at my neck, but ignored it to seek my husband.

I found I had my back to the ship. Thus, I twirled around and saw him, his fingers curved over the railing as if he was preparing to jump it, and he was glowering over the side.

When he caught sight of me, relief swept through his expression.

I lifted my arm and waved as I heard Jorie and Ha-Lah surface either side of me.

“You are well?” Mars boomed.

“I am, husband!” I called back, still waving.

It took but a moment before he grinned indulgently and shouted, “Have fun, bellezza.”

Oh, but I loved my husband.