Ella leads the way, her sneakers crunching on twigs, while Sophie follows close behind, eyes wide with anticipation. Both carry backpacks stuffed with snacks and notebooks, their laughter mingling with the sounds of the forest. Suddenly, Ella halts, pointing to a shadowy opening in a hillside, half-concealed by ferns. "Sophie, look! A cave! We have to check it out,"

Sophie shivers, excitement mingling with a hint of fear as they advance deeper. Their flashlights sweep across ancient carvings and strange shells scattered across the floor. At the very heart of the cave, a glimmering figure lounges beside a crystal-clear pool, her hair cascading like a silvery waterfall. Mari, a mermaid their own age, lifts her head and smiles, her tail shimmering with every hue of the sea.

Mari[/@ch_3] sits up, water swirling around her. Her eyes glimmer with kindness and curiosity, and her voice is musical against the backdrop of dripping water.] "Hello, I'm Mari. I’ve never seen land girls here before," "You’re a real mermaid?" Sophie whispers, awe-struck. "You’re so lucky! We’ve always dreamed of becoming mermaids," Ella adds, her eyes glowing with envy and hope.

Mari[/@ch_3] smiles gently, her crown glinting beneath the water’s surface. The cavern seems to pulse with an ancient energy, the air thick with possibility.] "I can transform you—if you wish. But it’s forever. You’ll become part of my world… and much more," "We want to! We want to live with you and see Atlantica," Sophie says, her voice trembling with excitement. "Then close your eyes," Mari whispers as she glides forward, her tail swirling in the water.

Mari[/@ch_3] gently kisses each girl on the forehead. Warmth spreads through their bodies; their legs begin to merge, clothes dissolving into streams of color. Their hair grows long and silky, wrapping around them like protective cloaks as their forms shift gracefully.] The girls gasp in wonder as they feel the transformation; scales shimmer where skin once was, and the world seems to hum with newfound magic. The air sparkles with enchantment, and when they open their eyes, they see each other—now mermaids, radiant and regal.

Mari[/@ch_3] reveals her secret, her crown shining brighter than ever. The girls’ new tails glisten, matching the elegance of Mari’s, and their hair floats like veils across the water.] "I am Princess Mari, heir to Atlantica. Now you, Ella and Sophie, are princesses too. Our city awaits you," "We’re princesses?" Sophie breathes, joy lighting her eyes. The three mermaid princesses swim together, laughter echoing through the cave as they head toward the sunlit passage that leads to their new home beneath the waves.