[neon.]

Prompt 1
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Username: neondisater
What is your coral's name?: Enid
How did you come up with it?:
Jolene was thrilled with the beach- all the different activities were so much fun! And she couldn't help but want to give back- so here she was, at Reef Rescue. Here to adopt a coral polyp of her own. The air inside the hut was stagnant, sea breeze blocked by the walls, but the hum of the tanks and smell of saltwater still managed to fill the air.

"Give your coral counterpart a name to show you're invested in helping me out."

"Right now?!" Right in front of Enke? At least he wasn't staring her down. But the pressure- was her name being rated? How did the name-coral welfare evaluation work, exactly? Would she lose her chance to help if she failed? She looked down at the little tank she was to receive, the smallest little coral inside of it. It was lonely- it needed to grow, and it needed a helping hand. She couldn't fail it.

And yet- she looked back up at the bull, opening her mouth to speak, "..." Yet her mind continued to blank. Frantically, she looked around the room, hoping for some source of inspiration. The only thing that stood out was Enke's name tag. Oh no. Don't say it Jolene.

"Well?"

"En-" She had to answer- quick, Jolene, save yourself. "id." Good. Didn't say Enke. "Enid. Uhm. It means spirit, or life. And coral is kind of a foundation of life in ocean ecosystems- coral reefs support so much! I think. I like it, at least."

And she did. She looked down at her little coral, her little life- Enid would be a good name for it.

[Queen Vivane]

Prompt 1
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Username: Queen Vivane
What is your coral's name?: Cadenza
How did you come up with it?: The dark haired woman sat on a worn but comfortable looking chair, a saddle perched on her lap. The leather being dutifully cared for with a bar of saddle soap and bucket of warm water. She seemed engrossed in her task and it was assumed she hadn't heard the question until she spoke suddenly.

"You asked how I came to choose the name Cadenza, correct? It was music that inspired me. The way the harmonies intertwine with one another in the more classical pieces remind me of my home. I felt the term would make for a beautiful name for something that has yet to grow into its full potential like this little nub of coral" Isabela replied softly with a smile. "Perhaps Cadenza will become the one to elaborate on the cadence in its very own aria some day, I hold high hopes that this little one will grow into a beauty beyond compare." She speaks again as she moves to pluck something metal from another bucket of water, taking a different sponge and giving it a firm clean.

Dark hair waved in the gentle breeze that blew through the room and the elven woman smiled again.

[womp womp]

Prompt 1
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Username: diamond sapphire
What is your coral's name?: heuchera (chera as a nickname)
How did you come up with it?: ( using bluebell since i don't own any buttermilks right now :0c )

"a -- a name? right now, on the spot?" bluebell chuckled nervously. "i really would've expect a bit more time? possibly just some time to think it over? you know, naming something shouldn't really be taken too lightly, yeah?" enke seemed to disregard her momentarily, which opened up an small opportunity to think. "well, i uhm --"
xxxx"oh goodness, we don't have all day, you know." enke glared at bluebell, his bright eyes so sharp that they seemed like they could pierce through a wall. bluebell wondered if he always acted so cold. presumably because of what had been happening to all the coral? now wasn't quite the time to ask, was it? especially since all she could manage was a series of uncertain mumbles and the occasion uncomfortable giggle. "what?" enke snapped. "is it that hard?"
xxxx"kind of." bluebell scoffed. "you know what? just give me a hot second. i'll think of something as quick as i can." normally, it wouldn't be so difficult to think of one. but with enke's harsh stare, and just his presence being so nerve racking, bluebell struggled to focus. but at last, she stared the bull dead in the end and started off with a slow exhale. "a name? i'll name them heuchera, then. chera for short, if you'd like."
xxxxenke narrowed his eyes at her. "heuchera. why that name?"
xxxx"oh come on! i feel like i'm being tested." bluebell huffed, but shook her head and answered softly. "there's a flower called coral bells. i found it quite fitting, since well, you know -- we're naming coral. and bluebell? coral bell? pretty neat, yes?" bluebell slowly began to smile, but enke still look just as bemused. her smile had disappeared, and she sighed with a shake of her head. "heuchera is the scientific name for the flower. i mean, i can't just name my coral, well, coral bells." bluebell stifled a laugh, before continuing. "and so, i've decided to call this coral heuchera."
xxxxbluebell sauntered towards her coral, and began to smile again. "see, lil' fella?" she giggled. "it's you and i, chera. we're going to help you out!"

[Desmond]

Prompt 1
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Username: Desmond
What is your coral's name?: Bishop
How did you come up with it?:
Jay:
The art of strategy is one of the more useful things that I look into. Carefully measuring patterns and working out perfect moments to strike is something of a strength of mine -- but there can be no mistake: making deals with one's opponents to tie them up in their own obligations is equally effective. Finding weak points and making maximum damage with the least amount of effort is one of the ways I find success in a mission.

The name Bishop refers to the chess board piece, of course; their ability to go in diagonals means that they can slip around and trap an unwary enemy's king without getting into too much danger. Rather than the pawn and knight's short-range shot, the rook's clear intent, or the Queen, whose directional abilities makes her the center of attention, the bishops are stealthy and clever pieces; perfect for a sudden stop to the opponent's game.

But, of course, Bishop wasn't just chosen for its powerful context in a game of chess. Bishop, as it is rooted in the Christian Bible, also has ties to guardian.
It couldn't be a more perfect name for a coral being grown to cleanse the water.

[yeena]

Prompt 1
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Username: ceance
What is your coral's name?: Shakecup
How did you come up with it?: Milkshake was a very, very basic man.
He was staring in awe at the little coral sprouts, or whatever, that surrounded him and he almost missed the other man's question. Name the coral. Milk tilted his head up at the question, clear confusion sprouting in his eyes. He never was the best at naming things.
In a haze of absolute confusion, embarrassment and utter 'I don't know what I'm actually doing' he sputtered out the name for his new friend.
"Shakecup."
He could feel Enke's gaze soak into him, probably wondering what was actually wrong with him right now. Truth be told, he didn't know. He shuffled more, playing with the hem of his shirt between his fingers.
Thankfully, Enke didn't seem to want to question the odd name choice.
Too bad.
"I just, I thought that, maybe, it was cute? Like, my name and then, I guess the coral is small like a cup?" he tried to explain, stuttering and falling over every word. Enke just quirked a brow at him before turning around and doing whatever it was that the man was doing. Milkshake couldn't help but let out a shaky breath of relief that Enke really wasn't trying to strike up some kind of weird questioning process with him.
Great save, Milk.

[Andromeda]

Prompt 1
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Username: Bluebird-
What is your coral's name?: Solstice
How did you come up with it?:

Little Red tongued the roof of her mouth in thought before smiling at Enke. "Listen, the solstice has always stood as a period of great change in the seasons. During the summer solstice, the spring foliage has bloomed completely and the Earth is covered in lush green foliage. During the winter solstice, the cold is at its peak and signifies the short days being over and the Earth's journey towards spring!" The heifer turned her gaze to the bright blue sky and her smile softened into a look of wonder and amazement. The image of her planet revolving around the sun as the other planets moved along their own orbit. Each revolution bringing change to the surface below. The solstices and equinoxes had always been big moments of celebration for her and her family, and to bring that tradition to this coral just made sense."The name solstice just...reminds me that the Earth always has its turning points, and so will this little coral. Its solstice is now, and the longer, brighter days are ahead. I will watch it bloom, I will watch it come into full color and bring with it a new life, and a shelter for other life forms, protecting them as I protect it now."

[Knickknacks]

Prompt 1
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Username: Knickknacks
What is your coral's name?: Caspian, “Cap” or “Cass” for short. <3
How did you come up with it?:

With my new little friend being a coral, I wanted a sweet ocean-themed name to give to them. Something not too cutesy but not overly dramatic either. I mulled over it for a while before eventually settling on “Caspian,” after both the inland sea and, to some extent, the prince from the Chronicles of Narnia, which is a series I’ve always enjoyed. The Caspian Sea’s classification is not a settled thing; some people call it the largest lake on earth, while others call it a full-fledged sea. Whatever it’s called, though, the Caspian Sea is home to an extremely large range of animals. According to one source, some 2,000 species and subspecies of animals make their homes in and around the Caspian Sea, some 400 of which are native to the area. I figured Caspian would be an appropriate name for my little coral- a sort of noble sounding one, but also hopeful, reminiscent of an area with such biodiversity and overflowing life. Also, the name has the potential for cute nicknames like ‘Cap’ or ‘Cass,’ which is always a plus. I’m looking forward to seeing my little Caspian grow, and to help him along as best I can.
(201 words)

[BadgerBuddies]

Prompt 1
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Username: BadgerBuddies
What is your coral's name?: Peach
How did you come up with it?:
Everyone else from Buttermilk Babies Farm was soaking up the sun on the beach, relaxing and enjoying their getaway vacation. Bakari, on the other hand, could never be content to simply sit around, doing nothing. She caught wind of a hut on the shore that had taken on a coral restoration project. Bakari pranced in the sand when she heard, eager to head over and do her part to help. None of the others seemed to excited to assist in the cause. Shockingly, even her daughter, Breezy, wasn’t quick to jump at the idea. Normally, Breezy is as passionate about conservation as her mother is. However, the clamor from traveling left her needing to rediscover her zen, so she left her mother on her own to do some beach yoga.

Bakari didn’t need anyone else to come with her. She confidently strutted into the hut by herself, taking her time to admire all of the beautiful corals surrounding her. One in particular caught her eye, a gorgeous branching coral with gentle pink hues. Bakari did a lap around the hut, studying all of the different corals in the fine collection. She couldn’t help herself, and eventually looped back around to the pinkish coral, smiling at it as she admired its tranquil beauty. This would be the one she would care for and raise to be placed back out in the ocean.

A warmth spread through Bakari’s whole body. She had always wanted to do something she felt was making a large and positive impact on the Earth. She begins to reminisce about the beginning of her adventures in being passionate about animal conservation and protecting the ocean. Since her fur was penguin colored, she always knew she was meant to work alongside marine animals. Bakari had spent time working at an aquarium when she was younger. She can remember it all like it was just yesterday. On one of her first days there, she was given a tour of the facility while being taught the mission of the aquarium, which was conservation, education, and protection of the ocean. On her tour, she was shown the aquarium’s coral restoration project. It was much more expansive than this hut, with the most varied collection of corals she had ever seen in her life. The staff worked tirelessly caring for the corals, making sure they would grow strong and hardy. They raised them carefully in the hope to one day transplant them back into the ocean where they belonged.

Although Bakari did not work with these corals, she was astounded by the efforts of her fellow coworkers and their dedication to coral conservation, since corals are such a delicate and endangered species. Now, it was her turn to step up to the plate and take on the challenge they all had to face. It may be considered a challenge, but Bakari did not see it that way, she saw it as fun. She looked down at her little coral, returning back to the present from her nostalgic flashback. “Hm, you need a name, little one.” Bakari wanted this name to be something special to her, because this was such an important project. She decided she would name her little coral after one of the animals she had worked with at the aquarium, an animal who was near and dear to her heart. The name fit perfectly with the coloration of this little coral too. “Peach” she says softly to the coral, grinning from ear to ear. “My perfect little Peachy girl.”

[Venatici]

Prompt 1
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Username: Morghettio
What is your coral's name?: Car
How did you come up with it?: "Car. That's what I'm naming him."

"That's quite stupid, really. And ironic, considering cars damage the environment." Came the scoff in reply, and Kor looked at the ground.

It seemed stupid, sure- but Kor always tried to take things objectively.

Curse words, for example, were only curse words because people /made/ them to be bad. Cars were only thought of to be bad because that was all people made them to be. But if you could redefine a word, make it something positive and good- was that not worth the attempt? Sure, there will always be negatives in this world, but was it not worth trying to make life just a little bit brighter? A little bit more optimistic, rather than the dismal view that everything would disappear soon? By making people incorporate more positive words into their life... the effort must be worth it.

Kor cleared her throat, and turned around, fidgeting with her hands. Even when she was passionate about something, she was nervous. Confrontation was nervewracking, but... this was worth the risk. After all, she had already been called stupid. What else was there to lose? Thinking it over, she spoke slowly, and with immense conviction, as if these were her last words.
"You must rethink your words. But for what it is worth... it's short for Caru... which means to love."

[sprig]

Prompt 1
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Username: sprig
What is your coral's name?: Theodosia
How did you come up with it?:
The slight breeze felt wet and sticky, typical of a night before a storm would roll in. Penelope was walking the shoreline aimlessly, kicking pebbles into the water and every so often bending to put a shell into her satchel. As a new wave came in, something caught her eye. A small fish, or a trick of the fading sunlight, Penny followed it into the water. Wading waist deep, her heart fell to her stomach as she began to see the outlines of what used to be a vibrant coral forest. She reached into the satchel and pulled out her snorkeling kit. Quickly readying herself, she dove into the water, to inspect the dead corals. As she floated over the once beautiful reef, a tiny bit of color made her swim deeper. There, underneath a small overhanging rock, was a very small piece of barely-living coral. Without hesitation, Penelope scooped it up and placed it in a jar, filling the bottom with native sand. She burst from the water and ran with all of her might towards the dimly lit windows of Enke's aquarium nursery. Without even knocking she barreled through the door. "Enke! Look! I found this in the water, is it going to be ok??" Enke looked up from his place at the table where he was feeding a baby eel. Walking over he took the jar and held it under a lamp, examining the tiny thing inside. "It might be... But I really don't have the time." Penny nodded. "But what if I come every single day, and I take care of it? Like it's my own little friend? I'll even name her. I promise I'll do good." Enke raised an eyebrow and scoffed. But milliseconds later he rolled his eyes and reached for a label and a marker. "What do you want to name her?" He asked. Without skipping a beat Penelope blurted "Theodosia." Enke raised an eyebrow again. "Huh?" "Theodosia," Penny replied. "She was born in 1783, and was very tragically lost at sea in 1813 when she was only 29." Enke ruffled his brow in confusion. "It's a neat name, and the person I'm naming her after had a tragedy related to the ocean, and so did she so, perfect fit." Enke shrugged and nodded, writing the name in bold letters on the label and sticking it to the jar. "I think she's going to be alright. Little Theodosia."