[SaltyBirb]

Prompt 2
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Username: Saltybirb
What are your coral growing methods?:
By keeping and maintaining this tiny coral, Surya felt like it was a big responsibility. She researched a lot in the internet, checked videos about coral care and many more. She followed instructions from her research and felt anxious but excited about it. With a final lighting check, she sat beside the aquarium where the coral sat peacefully. It was super quiet and nothing much happened but Surya really liked this feeling of quietness, it felt calming and relaxing for her. She liked looking at the never changing aquarium and imagine many things happening around the coral, like many sea creatures roaming around it or tiny people fighting each other. It may sound weird but she does this during her past times. She then stares at the lone coral in the aquarium and starts to imagine how this small and meek coral can one day help the world heal. She felt a burst of energy just thinking about it and began to research more about how to maintain these creatures just to be sure that what she's doing won't hurt the small coral. She wanted to see "Tu" become big, strong and beautiful someday so she'll properly take care of it until it was ready...

[vanilla bean.]

Prompt 2
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Username: vanilla bean.
What are your coral growing methods?: cassidy
"Hello Enke, good morning!" Cassidy chirped. It was bright and early, just after sunrise. She had gotten up at the crack of dawn to beat the crowds to the tent, and had a feeling Enke would be awake and tending the precious corals anyway. Might as well make the most of the day!

She paused a moment to see if he'd respond, but when he didn't she continued. "I actually had a couple of questions about ha’awina nua, would you mind helping me out?" She had her journal clasped in her hands, ready to scrawl down any information down that she could.

"You see, as soon as I got this coral, I started doing a bit of research to learn how to best care for the little sweetheart, but at this rate, I can't quite tell what type I've got here! she said exasperatedly, looking at the marginally bigger gray lump. "I've been keeping the tank acclimated to the current ocean parameters, as I'm assuming that's where you got this fragment, but I just wanted to be certain it's getting the best care."

She spoke to Enke a bit more about salinity, temperature, and water filtration, which she had been pretty spot on about, but he did have some tips about giving the coral a bit more light, as this species did well with copious amounts of sunlight. He had refused to tell her what type it was, (perhaps he wasn't sure himself at this point), but now knowing it was in good conditions, she could take on a more- eclectic manner of care.

In addition to constant monitoring (by carrying the tank around in a little red wagon wherever she went) and taking note of any changes in temperature of the water or salinity, Cassidy started taking the coral to the beach and picking up litter. She'd patrol the less frequented areas of the beach where trash piled up, ensuring it found its way into trash bags. All the while she'd hum to herself and the coral, a good feeling in her heart that not only would she be cleaning up the beach, she'd also be cleaning up her little coral's future home.

364 words

[Bayfire213]

Prompt 2
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Username: klovesugar2
What are your coral growing methods?: She hummed softly, moving about the room with a tranquil air. Dainty hooves clacked quietly against warm hardwood boards, heat sinking into her bones as the sun's rays snuck in through the many glass windows. Verdant eyes flicked towards her little coral buddy, safe and sound in its tank, as she carefully carried the last bucket of crisp rainwater in. A storm had blown through last night, and she figured the fresh water would serve better than anything from a tap for the small water changes little Grace would probably require as time wore on. Of course to be mixed with the proper ratio of aquarium salt before ever going in the tank, but thus far the water parameters were still perfect- at least they had been earlier... Hesitating a moment, knowing she was being ridiculous, she'd already checked not too long ago... Clair huffed through her nose, setting the bucket down before turning to stride over to her tiny little buddy. Nosing through the items on the shelf beside the aquarium, the heifer gingerly took one of the test strips by its long tail, lifting her head once sure it was secure between her teeth, before moving to dip the opposite end in the water.

She held it there a few moments, counting the seconds before she was to remove the strip. Shifting, she let the used testing strip fall on a nearby table, watching as the little squares changed colors. Or didn't, in some cases, but those were the ones she didn't particularly wish to see change. Tension she didn't know she possessed bled from her rather large frame, ticking off all the parameters which where precisely where they needed to be. The pH was good, water wasn't too hard, the nitrogen cycle was still good... A quick glance to the thermometer in the tank showed she was neither cooking nor freezing her helpless companion, either. Hopefully there wasn't anything she was overlooking, anything she was missing- she rather didn't wish to disappoint the surly bull who had given her Grace to take care of for a while. Somehow, she didn't think he'd be pleased if she managed to kill off her ward before even a full day had passed. Maybe she should ask him for some tips, the next time she saw him...? Hopefully he'd be in a decent enough mood he'd be willing to answer them.

[Desmond]

Prompt 2
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Username: Desmond
What are your coral growing methods?:
Jay:
I once read a story somewhere about a man who tried to make his trees grow strong and dig their roots in deep by refusing to water them and beating them with a rolled-up newspaper every morning. His reasoning was that the tree had to dig further into the ground to get water, and then, by growing deeper roots, it'd keep it stable in strong winds. The newspaper... I'm pretty sure that was just the old man being a grouch, but I guess he claimed that he was ridding the tree of all of the weak branches, so that the ones that remained would remain strong and stable, and wouldn't end up crashing through his house.

I guess the logic has some sort of reason, but everything starts small and fragile. And Bishop is a coral - an animal, already in water - not a tree planted into the earth.

A filter's current that gradually gets stronger would help foster strength and stability. A steady dose of calcium would only assist, alongside a healthy diet of live brine shrimp - there can be no handfeeding, Bishop's ability to adapt is not going to be culled for the sake of penny tricks.

With any luck, Bishop will eventually be able to handle the ocean's rough environment without too much trouble. And perhaps a few words of encouragement every day from the wisest minds will pave the path to success.

"I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion." -Muhammad Ali

[womp womp]

Prompt 2
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Username: diamond sapphire
What are your coral growing methods?: ( using bluebell since i don't own any buttermilks right now :0c )

truth be told, bluebell didn't exactly know how to care for a coral. while she, for the most part, left the main caring of a coral to enke, bluebell had picked up a couple of ways to ensure a healthy grow of the coral, who she had named heuchera earlier. at first, bluebell tried her best to put herself in chera's shoes, though that didn't turn out quite right, since bluebell was a cow, while heuchera was a growing piece of coral. she had stopped when she began hearing enke scoff at her. even so, bluebell enjoyed trying her best to communicate to her coral in a way, even if it wasn't able to respond back. in fact, this early morning bluebell had a polite talk with chera.
xxxx"good morning, heuchera!" she would chirp as she entered the hut. her coral, luckily, seemed to be doing alright. nothing seemed to be going badly, and it was thankfully still alive. with great, inquisitive eyes, she had settled down and began conversing with her newfound bud. "did you miss me? did you rest well?"
xxxxthere was a pause.
xxxx"i'm glad!" bluebell grinned ecstatically. "oh, is the water temperature good? i hope you like the heat! i, myself, am getting exhausted of all the heat, but i guess you quite enjoy some of the heat, huh?" she mused. "i mean, you do reside in tropical areas, i suppose. well, until the coral reefs began, y'know..." bluebell trailed off for a moment, staring blankly at the wall. the two sat in silence for a moment before bluebell spoke again. "argh, never mind. i don't need to remind you of what happened, yeah? don't worry about that, i'll make sure you grow big and strong!" bluebell vowed.
xxxxthere was another pause, though a wee bit longer than the last.
xxxxa sparkle had appeared in bluebell's eyes, and her grin grew. "you can count on me, chera!"

[neon.]

Prompt 2
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Username: neondisaster
What are your coral growing methods?:

The first thing she’d done was research. Wiki-How for the Wiki-Cow was her best friend. How to take care of your new coral friend. Fortunately, she’d been provided with everything needed for a basic coral growing set up, but still- she felt the desire to do more. In its little tank, Enid had grown up- it was a small shoot, just barely emerging from the rocky floor of the tank.

But Jolene wanted to make it special- something personal. How else would she report back to Enke? And little Enid could only count on her too. So, Jolene decided to fall into one of her hobbies. She loved crafts- and she loved to make little miniatures out of clay. Sculpting was so much fun- she found a brand of clay that wouldn’t harm her new coral, and set to work. What would Enid want in a home? She made little chairs, a little table. She sculpted a little friend for Enid too- a small two toned fish, that she sat in one of the chairs. Now, Enid wouldn’t be lonely. Maybe as it grew, she’d add more furniture. Color coordination would be nice- only the best for her little coral. Enid deserved it.

[Queen Vivane]

Prompt 2
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Username: Queen Chrysalis
What are your coral growing methods?: (I did not realise I was supposed to be using a moo for this so uh pls forgive me for the character and scene change ;3;)
Sabrina

The blonde cow quickly checked the jar containing Cadenza, it was still snugly settled around her neck and she breathed a small sigh of relief. The last thing she wanted to do was lose her little coral friend to carelessness and end up with it getting injured or stressed.

"See Cadenza, we''re almost at the place I told you about!" Sabrina chirped cheerfully as she continued making her way up the gentle path. Her destination was almost in sight and the cow was extremely excited to show it to the coral. As she neared the top of the hill Sabrina's pace increased out of pure excitement.

"Here we are! My favourite place at the seaside, here's where bands and singers come to perform!" Sabrina told Cadenza joyfully as she sat down under the trees. Gently sliding the jar from around her neck and onto the floor between her forelegs. Together the blonde cow and her coral friend listened to the gentle hum of music. Sabrina joining in on song every so often, her only audience being the coral at her hooves.

The pair stayed on the hill for several hours, bands and solo artists coming and going throughout the day.

"I truly hope you liked hearing the music and sitting up here on the kill Cadenza" Sabrina offered as she wriggled the loop of rope back over head. Checking carefully to see it had not come undone from underneath the rim of the jar. Confident in the knot holding fast she set off back down the hill at a steady pace her heart full of music.

[Northstar.]

Prompt 2
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Username: Northstar.
What are your coral growing methods?:


Nalu stares blankly at the bull.

"They...uhhhh... they don't grow... on their own?" she questions with a squeak. Enke's flat stare pierces her very soul. "Oh, uh, you mean liiike turnuring- I mean, nurturing? I can do that, I guess."

The ginger heifer sidles up to her slow-blooming coral, staring through the glass. She side-eyes the lingering bull, before setting her shoulders in determination.

"I believe in you," she whispers. "I believe you will grow big and tall. All the pretty fish will flock to you, 'cause you, Lucky, will be the best coral in the reef. You will be a jewel of the sea, steadfast and strong among stormy waters." Nalu takes a breath, face reddening as she glances to where Enke wandered to. The bull paid her no mind.

"I'll believe in you when no one else will. I'll believe in you when the whole ocean is against you. And I will always be your friend." Nalu smiles a soft, secret smile to the small coral. "Remember that I believe in you, okay? You can face anything if you just believe, little bud."

Nalu yelps as Enke suddenly appears beside her, scrutinizing the care of her coral.

"What? I heard talking to plants helps then grow," Nalu defends herself, face reddening with embarrassment.

Enke snorts.

"Your coral is not a plant."

(224 words)

[mierose]

Prompt 2
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Username: mierose
What are your coral growing methods?:
Rosaline
"Well of course there are the basics, sunlight, water, etc., right?"
Enke nodded, he didn't think she was too off with that, though she could've been more specific.
"But if we're talking making Geraldine really grow, I need to get creative. Hmm, let me think for a moment."
"I don't have all day, just spit something out and 'think' when you get home."
Rosaline sneered at him, she didn't like this bull's attitude, but he didn't really like her's either.
"Well, I'm thinking back to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, who says that's just for humans?"
"I don't know? Honestly, I don't care either, just keep going."
"Hmph, well I was before you so rudely interrupted me," Rosaline rolled her eyes, "Let's start with above safety and physical needs, I obviously have those covered. Social needs, Geraldine needs friends and a family. I'll be her family, but I think we could add some others. I'll stop at the plant nursery on the way home and pick up some buds for Geraldine. I can plant them all in pots around her!"
Enke liked her enthusiasm, but he giggled a bit under his breath.
"Yes, perfect. If Geraldine will be in full sun though, I need to think of plants that would work with that. Sunflowers are nice! Geraldine would love some sunflowers as...cousins? Yes, cousins. I think the rest will be succulents. They come in all kinds of odd shapes and sizes, maybe I can find a corally looking succulent. Oh, I'm just so excited!" My Iris and Paris will be so excited! Let's hope Juliet isn't too upset with me for bringing home a new family member, but I'm sure she'll be just as joyful as I am. After all, she loves new friends and loves plants nearly as much as I do. In fact, I have a rose garden at home that I can take Geraldine for a walk around! She'll love it! Oh and my oaks, maybe my willows! She'd love the pond, maybe a drive to the botanical gar-"
"Stop!", Enke had hit a seemingly unfathomable breaking point, "I said talk my ear off, but not both of them. You seem excited, now please just go home. Here's a care packet and your new buddy. Don't drop the tank on all these excursions you're planning."
"Goodness, were you raised in a barn? Where are your manners?"
"Yes."
Rosaline waltzed off, excited over Geraldine, but not liking this Enke character all that much. Maybe she liked is quiet lack of care over that lash, but it didn't matter either way. She'd gone, and he had other needs to tend to, some that were much less talkative.

[yeena]

Prompt 2
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Username: ceance
What are your coral growing methods?: Basically, Milkshake decides to read books about coral reefs to Shakecup because what way to make your coral feel more positive than reading about how beautiful it's going to be eventually?

Milkshake stared at the tank that was now situated fully in his house, eyes trained on the little bit of coral inside of it. The only sound around them was the whirring of the filter that he had been equipped with in the process of getting the coral. He was a bit nervous; how was he supposed to take care of Shakecup? Did he have to do anything in specific? Or would it just grow on its own? Anxiety was clawing at him and making him more anxious than necessary. Goodness.
Maybe he could do something to help it grow? The idea crossed his mind last second and made him scramble for his laptop. Some clicks later and he was now waiting on a package to arrive.
The books came without any issues at all.
Milk had been pretty concerned about quality but they were doing really well for some already used books.
That night, he sat in front of his Shakecup's tank and read a national geographic book about coral reefs to his beloved friend. There was a whole stack on the topic next to Milk; all prepared to be noticed.
Milk wasn't actually sure if Shakecup would benefit from this at all, but it was worth a try, right?