Tidal-Bore

13. Night of Pearls

In a similar fashion to the folk celebrations to greet their foreign friends, the entire city bustled with motion two days later. The scientists were out and about, getting guided through the city by Yeosang and his watchdogs.

Curious about the flux of people who all travelled in the same direction as them, Wooyoung squeezed between Yeosang and Mingi to ask about it.

"We are attending the Night of Pearls today, right? It seems to be a big thing. Are Atlanteans that passionate about pearls?"

Yeosang struggled to accommodate him since Yunho and Mingi refused to make enough space for another person to fit between them until Yeosang begged them to in their language. Only then, they parted slowly, as if there was any reason for their suspicions.

Having pity for his friend, Wooyoung inserted himself into the gap and purposefully took up more space than he needed. Any more and those two scary giants would suffocate their timid team leader.

After a wary gaze at both of them, Wooyoung focused on Yeosang's reply.

"The Night of Pearls is a relevant cultural event in Atlantis. Seonghwa helped me translate a text about it; I will recap as much as I can remember." Yeosang cleared his throat, voice lifting so the others would hear, as well.

"Collecting pearls outside of the shell is considered one of the most dangerous activities, for all kinds of dangers lurk in the depths of the sea. Though Atlanteans tend to their constant harvest for the sea slug slime needed to uphold the energy shield, only the most courageous venture outside to find the clams hidden in dark corners."

Wooyoung was reminded that San swam out there as his daily lunch activity and he shivered. He also had been there before, and the darkness had been terrifying.

"The Night of Pearls is for that very purpose. Atlanteans leave the shell to venture into the depths and find the most precious pearls. The rest of the folk comes to cheer them on."

Kiko piped up, smarter than the rest of them concerning pearls and their importance.

"Black and pink pearls are common in these waters, so the rare ones should be golden?"

Yeosang nodded, proud of her adding to the matter.

Not understanding yet, Wooyoung tilted his head at the crowd of people that drifted towards the shoreline.

"Why would they do that? Is it a test of courage? Money? Or do warriors need to prove themselves to be worthy guardians?"

"Ah, it's about-"

"Yeosang! Over here!"

Their heads turned to find Seonghwa, elevated by a boulder he had climbed upon so they could find him. Glad that they weren't lost in the mass of chattering people, they steered to meet him.

"Come with me, I'll show you a suitable spot to watch," Seonghwa grinned as he hopped from his rock. They parted from the main crowd to take the VIP path and Wooyoung was glad to gain distance from the pushing and shoving. As they followed Seonghwa down the sparse terrain to the eastern wall from the airlock, an idea popped into his head.

"Can I participate? I went out there with San once, so I know what to expect."

Seonghwa exchanged a glance with Yeosang, both equally unsure whether to trust that judgment.

"This is no explorative trip. The participants will fight deep-sea sharks and each other to prove their worth, as few of them will find rare pearls. Though I respect your wish to take part, I'm afraid you aren't prepared. Some train for years for this evening," Seonghwa explained as diplomatic as possible.