Cupcake Corps

by Aristal

Life at the reef is seldom as peaceful as it looks. There is always someone waiting to catch another off guard and turn them into a meal. Because of this, suspicions are high and the slightest disturbance can cause fear that is just a hair trigger away from panic. Anything new entering the reef is eyed as strange and probably dangerous.
The currents can shift the landscape here and there. Change is viewed first as a trap before any thoughts turn toward it just being an act of the sea. Swimming at high speed can spark a stampede to the brain coral, even if it is merely a spur-of-the-moment bit of fun.
Why, a little tuft of coral debris floating along and accidentally brushing against someone might cause them to scream, "Jellyfish!" as they are known to sneakily jab with their stingers and reel in poisoned prey with their long tentacles.
Being out feeding and losing track of where they are can cause sudden terror at finding themselves all alone. Fortunately for the citizens of the reef, they are protected by the Cupcake Corps.

A robustly built type of angelfish that is still very beautiful, the cupcake butterflyfish have stepped up to defend their neighbors. It all started with their need to protect their own nest beds where their vulnerable eggs incubated. The parents had to eat so they took turns staying at the nest alone. But one protecting a nest was not always enough so they started forming a community watch with their neighbors.
The parents going out to feed did so as a group and those remaining at the nests came to the aid of any threatened nest. This cooperative defense grew. Those going out to feed used this time to patrol for danger even as they scrounged up meals. Over time, patrols became a thing even after the cupcake eggs all hatched. And, thus, the Cupcake Corp came to be.
Their duties have expanded to investigating disturbances which range from possible jellyfish sightings to determining if a broken bit of coral really is just what it seems. They have even taken to defending the Brain Coral which is their fortress of hope when dire threats come to the reef.

by AdelinaZw