hadriel | ✘ Round 2

I... I require assistance. [The feed comes on and the normally calm ice alien's voice is tinted with sadness. He takes a small breath, then continues:]

I have been keeping a small number of lightbugs that appeared in the caves about three... [there's a brief pause as he struggles to remember the proper terminology used by humans for this span of time--] ... months ago. But now it appears they are dying. I don't know what I did wrong. I made sure their enclosure had plenty of space, insulated it from the cold, and even provided them with things to eat. And yet still...

[Glacius trails off. Given that his homeworld is frozen over, there aren't any insects on it, so he has no idea how their general life cycle works--or in this case, how short it can be. He doesn't even realize that he was lucky to get three months with these heartwarming little critters! His voice is therefore regretful when he speaks again, but it sounds like he's trying to scrounge for some determination because he hasn't yet realized their time is simply coming to a close.] ... I don't want to lose them. Is there anyone who knows enough about these life forms to help them?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

nO OO!!!!! NO No no no noN O NONO NONO !!!!!!!!!!!!!

hO PE???????

[Glaius stares at the message again, trying to figure out what this person is getting at.] I have been hoping for their recovery... and trying to do anything I can think of to aid them. But it pains me to say that I have not yet seen any improvement.

[There's a moment while Krieg dashes off to check his own. The response, when it comes, is even more distressed than his earlier texts - if that's even possible.]

mIN E T2?????????? no NOO NOO no no no nno oO happy phahpy hp;l.

gjoDS?????? HEL PS ??????

[Normally at this point Glacius would be questioning Krieg over his abysmal typing, wondering if perhaps this person's phone is malfunctioning--but the distress comes through as clear as day, especially considering he's feeling something similar. His emotions might come through a lot more quietly than Krieg's do, but it's still distress and sorry on the insect's behalf that he's feeling.]

Perhaps they could. Others have suggested as much.

[A moment later another text comes through, because the way Krieg seems to leap to that option without hesitation has Glacius feeling a little guilty for his own reservations.] The thought of associating with the beings that have tormented us time and time again... does not concern you?

[He can't believe this! His happy-bugs are dying! And after the nice Noah boy spent all that time getting them to be nice and contented with their habitat and everything! Krieg makes a distressed moan and buries his face in his hands for a time before mustering the energy to respond.]

dO oo; we a;havE CHOCICE????

It does not seem so, at least if we want the insects to continue living.

[He's actually surprised at how this person managed to... simplify things so suddenly. If he wants his fireflies to live, then shouldn't he put aside his own misgivings for the time in order to ensure their wellbeing?]

doNNt desREVE TOoo;die ifF we're sAD !!!!

No, certainly not just because they are sad. But if this is the natural way of things... is it right to keep them alive past that? Especially if it is only for a life in captivity...

The topic is... complicated.

uPSE T?!!!!!!!!!!

upPPPPPPPSEt set set

✘ Round 2 | Audio

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