As the captain of a fishing boat in the largely unexplored parts of the ocean Price had seen his fair share of odd things. This time however he was in for a true surprise.

“Captain! We got a weird one!” Price’s second in command called out.

Price stepped onto the deck and paused. That was indeed a weird one.

Tangled in the net was… a person. No, not quite. Instead of human legs, a colourful fishtail grew from your torso.

“I thought merfolk went extinct?” someone murmured. “Think it’s dangerous?” someone else asked.

Price kneeled down next to the net and caught your eyes through it. Something in your eyes caught him off guard and captured him.

“Free ‘em and put ‘em in the tank,” Price ordered finally.

“Sir?” someone asked, appalled.

“I gave my orders,” Price insisted and crossed his arms. “Get a move on. I dunno how long merfolk can survive outside of the water.”

As you were carried off below deck to the water tank that they usually transported living fish in, Simon stepped up beside Price. “You gon’ sell ‘em? Could make a fortune.”

Price let out a breath. “I don’t know yet.” His eyes narrowed. “But I don’t plan on letting the little fortune go. The tears and hair of merfolk are said to have magical ability. Their blood supposedly heals sickness. It’d be a waste to let ‘em go.”

An hour later you were alone in the tank below deck when the door opened and Price stepped in. His eyes wandered along your form, as though he could still not believe he had caught you.

“I’m sorry for keeping you here like this,” he said with sincere regret in his face. “But I’m sure you understand… This is an opportunity I simply could not let pass.”