In Polaris, it wasn't uncommon to see crystals and cryalises. What was odd, however, was the sight of this particular crysalis. It was tiny, barely any bigger than an ordinary rat, and an odd grey-ish color. When the light hit it, it glowed random colors, as though it contained every color that existed.

It began to rock and shift, as though something inside were trying to get out. The movements seemed rather weak, as though whatever was inside wasn't terribly strong. If one were to listen very, very close, they would be able to make out tiny, whimpering sounds.

And then, with a final shudder, the chrysalis would shatter. Left in the shards was a tiny, helpless seeming creature. Its rounded ears were sealed back against its head, and its eyes were closed as well. Its fur was bright white, and seemingly rather shaggy. The Gemling whimpered pitifully, unaware of the nearby golems, squirming helplessly on the floor.

"Speech looks like this."
Thoughts look like this.

VINNIE THE VOICE
The seagull swept down to land before the stone the moment he heard it crack. There was always that itty bitty temptation to try to kill and eat whatever was being born, but like always, the warm-hearted bird pushed that aside. Nah, this was some poor little guy that needed help.

He folded his wings, and made his way forward, hobbling toward the little shape.

Hoo boy. This one's not well-off. He hopped around it, peering this way and that, then let out a squawk. Never seen one without its eyes open. Or its ears, what's up with those? All smooshed. Hell, the whole thing is smooshed.

Bright golden eyes peered at Mongo, and the seagull hopped one step closer, concerned.

"Hey. Hey, kid. You awake? You, uhh, okay there?"

________________

@Mongo

The little Gemling made pitiful little whimpering sounds. He could sense something nearby him, but nothing else. He squirmed towards the presence, until he collided with a feathered body. The Gemling squeaked, little nose twitching and picking up an almost fish-y scent.

There was a sudden, loud sound, and his ears unsealed, drooping as they tilted towards the Gembound. Mongo whined pitifully, trying to make sense out of what the other Gembound was saying.

"Speech looks like this."
Thoughts look like this.

VINNIE THE VOICE
The seagull blinked, peering. His head twitched first this way, then that, and he let out a softer squawk.

"Wow. You're real young, eh? I mean--I know you are--you just hatched and all--hell, I'm stupid. Let me start over," he said apologetically, strutting around the newborn. He nudged it gently with his beak.

"Ehh--can you even understand me?" he added.

Kid might be too young... never seen one like this.

The seagull plopped down, sitting next to the baby as if nesting. He wasn't sure what this thing ate--hell, he wasn't sure what this thing was--so he wasn't sure just how he could help.

________________

@Mongo

The Fossa squeaked, sensitive ears hearing an odd sound. What was that? Was the thing he was touching making that sound? Could he make the sound? He tried, only to make a pitiful little squeaking sound. Well, that was embarrassing.

The fluffy thing he was against began to move, shifting around him, and he twisted to try and follow it. Something hard pressed against his side, and he made a disgruntled sound.

The soft, fluffy thing seemed to press against his side, and he nestled into it, seeking the warmth. He was comfortable, and this was soft.

"Speech looks like this."
Thoughts look like this.

VINNIE THE VOICE
The seagull stared, blinking. At length he just settled down, accepting this as his new role.

Apparently, this was his baby now.

"So, ehhh..." he tried, peering down at the fuzzball. He was trying to speak gently, but as a seagull, that was rough. "You ehhh. ...New?"

Vinnie, what the hell kinda question is that? Of COURSE he's new. He's just hatched, for crap's sakes!

The seagull gently reached a long, narrow wing over to cover the hatchling, glancing around.

"...Can you move, kid? I don't think it's the safest thing for you to be just sittin' around in the open like this." Vinnie was more than well aware that the caves were a dangerous place--and he was hardly a large, imposing creature in them. If a predator turned up now, he'd have a hell of a hard time driving them off. He was just a little guy, himself, just a regular joe, and he'd get eaten up just as fast as the kid would.

Fidgeting, worried, the seagull looked around again, then peered down at the baby, hoping it would suddenly learn to move. At the moment, though, that wasn't seeming likely.

________________

@Mongo

The Fossa Gemling made a contented sound low in his throat, pressing into the bigger Gembounds feathers. So soft, so comfortable. It made him feel safe.

And then there was that sound again, and he focused, trying to understand. New? Was he new? Well, his could only remember a little bit back, so he supposed so. He made an uncertain squeaking sound.

Something was covering his back, and he pressed into the Gembound. This was comfortable. However, as he did so, he became aware of a pain in his left eye. It seemed to radiate, going deep into his skull, and he whined.

Move? Could he move? Uncertainly, he wobbled to his feet, taking a few stumbling steps under the seagull's wings.

"Speech looks like this."
Thoughts look like this.

VINNIE THE VOICE
Vinnie peered down, head cocking to one side. The little guy was moving! Good. It wasn't--much, but it was something. Movement.

"Oh, ey, there ya go, little fella!" he said, trying to keep his voice gentle and encouraging. "Well, maybe you aren't a total dud afterall! Ehh, can I--ehh... Here--"

Vinnie moved, stepping aside just enough to make room.

Huh. I wonder if he can understand me?

"So... Can you speak? Try it. Go... uh. Ahh. Hey. Ahhhh." Vincenzo made a few nonsensical noises, hoping the little one would catch on. It was an unforgiving world; the sooner the hatchling could make its own way, the safer it would be.

________________

@Mongo

The Fossa squeaked, able to pick out the encouraging tone. A dud? What was a dud? He assumed it wasn't a good thing, since the thing seemed happy he wasn't one. Yay, he wasn't a dud! Whatever that was.

He whined pitifully as the warmth moved from his side, missing the warmth already. Where was it going? The Gemling stumbled forward, trying to follow his fellow Gembound.

Speak? Say ahh? He opened his mouth, and made a squeaky "Ahhh," sound.

"Speech looks like this."
Thoughts look like this.

VINNIE THE VOICE

Vinnie felt relief hit him again. Oh, good! ...This thing might survive after all! Good!

"Right, kid!" he offered, tone again gently encouraging. "Good! Ahh! Yeah! Ahhhh. Uhh, try-... Mmm? Nnn? I guess the concept of a name's beyond ya yet..."

He hesitated, then looked around.

"Right, uh, hang on--don't go anywhere!" A few staggering web-footed steps, a couple beats of heavy wings, and he was off--flying to the generator, to the river, looking for a fish.

If he could just figure out what the kid ate, maybe he could lead him off and hide him, or... get him to take care of himself?

He returned a few slippery-beaked, foul-mouthed swears later, a half-torn little freshly-killed fish in his bill. He dropped this before the fossa, and cocked his head to and fro, looking over the little thing.

"So, uhh... That smell good? You eat--that? Fish? Yeah?" he asked hopefully.

________________

@Mongo