There has been a raging tempest within Umi since she found out someone, or something, had the audacity to take Amaros’ ceremony necklace, which not only holds great value for her friend but for the local merfolk settlement as well. What’s worse? Her pearl necklace was also taken. ❝ When I find whoever took our things, ❞ she muttered to herself, eyebrows crashing against each other like ships wrecked upon a stony shore, both hands clenched into fists as fingers dug into her own flesh, with her jaw following suit. It was a testament to her own restraint that she was still able to appear cool, calm, and collected when deep down, her thoughts were a variety of ways she would drown the sorry little fool who had absconded with her pearls. ❝ ...they pay more than they should. ❞
As soon as she could, Umi joined a search group, though she was dismayed to find out that spending more of her time at sea had not made her knowledgeable of the eastern forest, where their group had been assigned. What’s worse? None of her groupmates were merfolk! There was no one to spill her rage out to, no one who would understand, no one who would think that the lost necklaces were more than what they seemed! To outsiders, they would just be pretty little trinkets, accessories, but to her, Amaros, and the other merfolk? They were worth more than the outsiders’ lives.
It was the scream that first alerted her, nothing to rush to on an ordinary day, but during this search, everything was something to investigate. ❝ Marlowe? ❞ Umi stared at the familiar face in confusion. She had not expected the other woman to be there, mostly because she wasn’t part of her team, the team assigned to this part of the forest. ❝ What are you doing down there? ❞ The question was not a hard one, and if Umi’s mind wasn’t drowning in rage, she would’ve gotten the answer herself without much effort. Instead, she asked another stupid question as she moved closer to her friend, inspecting her visually for any wound or broken bones, ❝ Are you alright? ❞ Only after three questions did Umi’s help arrive, the seemingly determined but actually distracted merfolk bent down, carefully wrapping her arms over and under Marlowe’s to assist her back to her feet, ❝ Here, let me help you up. ❞