POINTING OF FINGERS

The town was in literal shambles, with more boats missing and the clinic nearly overflowing with people in need of care. JM whimpered, turning to Sponge, who sighed and rubbed her back gently as they made their way towards the town boat—the largest boat that, thankfully, remained intact, although Sponge noticed a few broken ropes and the boat swaying more than usual.

They entered the boat, and Sponge winced as her stomach churned uncomfortably upon spotting the large table, where numerous men and women were speaking all at once. JM turned to Sponge, a frown on her lips, her antennae twitching frantically as they took seats at the far end, observing everyone talking over each other—some angry, some disgruntled, and some in despair.

"Enough," Bay's voice cut through the cacophony as he stood at the edge of the table, one hand on his forehead, massaging it. The room fell silent as all eyes turned towards him, waiting attentively.

Sponge leaned in, resting her elbows on her knees.

"We all know a disaster has just struck us. Strong rains and a tornado have destroyed many homes and injured our people. But this won't be the last," Bay stated grimly, prompting another eruption of overlapping voices from the crowd.

"Is no one going to address the fact that the Crystal Flower of Saphria was stolen? Isn't that why Saphria is angry with us?" a woman shouted, causing everyone to fall silent.

"The Crystal Flower of Saphria was stolen?" a man asked, his voice tinged with fear.

Bay sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Yes. It was stolen just a day ago. The city is scrambling to find the culprit, and now all eyes are on us," Bay explained.

"Why? We haven't done anything! Not only can we not see the flower, but now we are under suspicion?" someone questioned, before another interjected—a woman this time. "Is this because we're immigrants?" she demanded, her voice filled with anger.

Sponge winced, leaning back in her chair, turning to JM, who watched everything with wide eyes, her leg rocking nervously, hands clasped together as if awaiting news like a father waiting for his wife in labor. Sponge nudged her, causing JM to glance at her, her face pale and confused. "Are you alright?" Sponge whispered, leaning closer to JM, who nodded in response.

"Who would steal the flower?" JM asked, her eyes wide, just before someone else echoed her sentiment, "Who would even steal the flower?" Then the room erupted into chatter once more, voices blending in a symphony of anger and confusion.

"Enough! Quiet down, everyone!" Bay's voice boomed, commanding attention as the room fell silent once more, gazes shifting among the crowd.

"It could be anyone in the city, or anyone here!" a woman exclaimed, banging her fist on the table.

JM flinched, and Sponge placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Why are we turning on each other now? Shouldn't we be supporting one another?" a man spoke up, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.

The woman scoffed, slamming her hand on the table loudly. "Don't pretend. Nearly everyone here wanted to see the flower! It could be any one of us!"

Sponge narrowed her eyes, glaring at the woman who was now engaged in an argument with another man, their voices escalating. It was a blame game, fingers pointed out of fear and desperation.

It wasn't surprising, considering the recent disaster that had left many injured and homeless. The town was on edge, and the tensions were palpable.

"The city is accusing us, simply because we are immigrants," she said, as Bay sighed.

"Who would dare steal the flower? It's an artifact. Nobody would dare," another woman's voice rang out, desperation evident in her tone. Suddenly, the room fell silent. "Could it have been someone from the city? Or could it be one of us?" a whisper spread through the room, the fear of impending consequences palpable.

The hushed whispers turned louder, "There's only one person capable of such a feat, isn't there?" the woman said, eyeing JM, who flinched, her antennae springing up in surprise. 

Sponge glared, "Excuse me?"

The woman then turned to the crowd, "Can't you see, Joyce could have done this!" The murmurs grew louder as all eyes turned towards JM.

JM whimpered, her eyes wide as she turned to Sponge for help. "I—I didn't do anything," she whimpered as Sponge hushed her, "Look, she's innocent. I've been with her all the time! She never leaves her boat," Sponge asserted. "I once lost my boot and somehow JM managed to retrieve it," a man whispered from the side.

Sponge glared at him, watching him shrink under her gaze.

"Who's to say you didn't help her?" the woman argued, pointing a finger at Sponge. "I could never do that! Neither could Sponge!" JM interjected, her frightened expression and heavy breathing betraying her distress. "Clara, enough!" Bay interjected, rising to his feet and slamming a fist on the table.

Clara turned to him, a defiant glare in her eyes. "We all know you allow JM to live on the outskirts because she often acquires items like magic scrolls and books! Can't you see, she could have stolen the crystal! Who would believe her hocus pocus; you can't fish scrolls nor potions out of the river!" She pointed an accusing finger at JM.

"Hey! Lady, you're speaking out of turn. I suggest you shut the fuck up or I'll make you," Sponge hissed, slamming her hand on the table, causing everyone to flinch. "I knew it, it's them! Both of you are not just suspicious, but no one else here carries a weapon like you do!" Clara accused, eyeing the axes on Sponge's hip.

Sponge stared back at her, eyes narrowed. "You have no evidence. You're blindly accusing an innocent person," Sponge growled, rising to her feet.

"Clara is right, JM has always seemed suspicious to me. No one should be able to fish those items from the river! I once dove in there and saw nothing," another man added, nervously biting his thumb.

"But I did fish them up," JM weakly defended herself, but Sponge shielded her with her arm. "She's innocent. You're just scared and pointing fingers at everyone in your path," Sponge stated, fixing Clara with a steely gaze.

"Not only is Joyce suspicious, but isn't she odd as well? She could be the reason for our misfortune. She literally talks about being an alien of some kind!" Clara laughed, and some joined in, chuckling.

Sponge glanced at JM, who wore a pained expression on her face.

"She's delusional, a thief, and a scam artist," Clara accused.

"You have no proof, Miss Clara. I suggest you find some before pointing fingers at JM," Sponge retorted.

"You have no right to speak, outsider," Clara spat, and Sponge felt JM touch her elbow, not realizing her hand was already on her axe handle. "Please, let's go," JM whimpered.

Sponge softened, her anger dissolving like smoke.