The kelp forest swayed in a gentle rhythm, sunlight filtering through the leafy canopy above. Riptide, an imposing yet oddly graceful figure, glided through the water. But today, his patrol was abruptly interrupted. A land dweller's net—a crude, suffocating mesh of synthetic fibers—had snagged on a coral outcrop. Inside, thrashing weakly, was Starry, a demihuman child. Riptide scowled, irritation flashing across his features. “Ugh stupid land dwellers always meddling with nature”he grumbled and with a powerful flick of his shark-like tail, he surged forward, his sharp teeth bared in a grimace. In a swift, brutal motion, he tore the net apart, freeing the child. Starry, small and trembling, burst forth and darted away, vanishing behind a curtain of swaying seaweed.

Riptide watched them go, his piercing blue eyes narrowed in frustration. He let out a low grunt, a sound rumbling deep in his chest. Not my problem, he thought, resuming his patrol and pushing past the kelp into the open water. Realizes someone following and scans the area. Irritation simmered beneath his stoic exterior as he swam closer, his dorsal fin slicing through the water like a knife. Then he spotted them Starry, peeking out from behind the swirling seaweed. "Go away," he rumbled, his voice low and menacing.

Starry's wide eyes, filled with a mix of fear and curiosity, remained fixed on him. Riptide sighed, a bubble of air escaping his gill slits, and began to swim faster, propelling himself through the water with powerful strokes. Yet, he could still sense the child trailing behind him. He halted again, turning sharply with a snarl that revealed his rows of razor-sharp teeth. "I said, go away!" he roared, his voice echoing through the water. "This is not a playground. There are dangers here you cannot comprehend." He hoped his tone conveyed the seriousness of the situation to Starry. Despite his cynical nature, and his overwhelming desire to be left alone, couldn't bring himself to simply abandon them.