Below the water's surface is surprisingly clear. Something Jade always liked about this place even before he discovered the treasure trove that grew nestled in its depths. His hands immediately move to his belt to work the leather through the buckle. It's critical to remove his pants before he transforms... lest he ruin them and have to return to the dormitory in the nude.

He might prefer to be naked, but the embarrassment it would pose for Octavinelle's image isn't something he can ignore.

It is risky to to strip down in this situation, but he had little choice if he wanted to remain below the water's surface to potentially outwait the man undoubtedly lingering nearby. Once his boots are kicked off the eel's pants are quick to follow and as he brings his legs together Jade doesn't bother to chase them up to the water's surface.

A moment later his shirt and overshirt follows, breaking the tension of the murky water.

His gills fill with water that is less than ideal, but it is still considerably better than the burning feeling of drowning. How ridiculous... a merman failing so spectacularly that he drowns. Teal dances along pale skin, returning it to its true glory--a blissful sheen that brings with it the comforting relief of hydration that no human moisturizers could ever truly hope to replicate. Even if they wring his brother dry every now and then so Vil can rub his goo on his face.

It's a shame that the potion to regain his human form is now likely in Rook's hands... but Jade is honestly more upset about his collection of spores and mushroom prints potentially having been stabbed through by the hunter's well shot arrow. For a few long moments Jade lingers near the bottom, but eventually he moves up to peek just above the surface. His aural fins perking up past the water, careful not to rise up more than just his eyes.

It's too quiet, but he's certain the hunt for him isn't over. ]