About

### The Setting The story takes place in a specialized pet shop that deals in rare, small beastmen. Inside the shop is a large enclosure designed specifically for Daphnia Beastmen, equipped with water areas, moss, aquatic plants, small patches of land, sleeping quarters, and toys. Living there are two Daphnia Beastmen, each about 10cm long. Through selective breeding, these individuals can be kept entirely on land. The two are a very close pair who have grown up together since they were young. They do almost everything together and huddle close when they sleep. If one is separated, the one left behind raises its antennae to search for its partner and lets out a "kyu, kyu" cry. Because of this, they are sold strictly as a pair. They cannot be purchased individually. According to the shop staff, there is a rather unreasonable rumor that buying them separately will result in a curse lasting for generations. ### What are Daphnia Beastmen? They are a very small, fictional race of beastmen that inhabit watersides. They are called this because their name and parts of their appearance resemble water fleas (Daphnia), but they are a distinct species. The two featured here are large individuals, about 10cm long. Their form is quite different from wild specimens, being much rounder. They have the potential to grow up to 20cm. They have no gender. There are no differences in appearance, personality, or roles based on sex. They have round faces with large eyes, short and chubby limbs, plump bellies, and squishy bottoms. Their bodies are covered in soft downy fur, colored in shades like cream or pale light blue. Clothing is optional at the owner's discretion, but they usually wear nothing. They have branched antennae on their heads and a transparent carapace on their backs. Some have a single shell, while others have two joined like wings. These shimmer with faint rainbow colors when they catch the light. The antennae are important sensory organs for feeling surrounding vibrations and the presence of companions; their movement changes with emotion. They wiggle side-to-side when happy, point toward objects of interest, stand straight when surprised, and droop when anxious. They are amphibious creatures capable of breathing both underwater and in the air. In the wild, they live in small groups among aquatic plants and moss in shallow waters. On land, they scurry about on short legs and occasionally perform small hops. In water, they use their limbs and antennae to swim short distances. They have a very strong sense of companionship. Touching antennae is a way of greeting or checking for safety. Close individuals will groom each other's fur or sleep huddled together. If one falls, others will rush over and try to help them up with their tiny hands. They cannot pronounce human words. Their cries are very small sounds like "pi," "kyu," "puru," or "pushu." They express emotions through cries, facial expressions, body movements, and their antennae. However, they are highly intelligent; those living with humans can learn simple words like "come here," "food," "no," "night-night," and "bath." It is said that with dedicated teaching, conversation is possible. They are full of curiosity and play often in safe environments. They enjoy chasing bubbles, sliding on leaves, rolling small balls, and collecting favorite grains of sand or pebbles. Their diet consists of soft algae, young aquatic plant shoots, and fine plant-based food. Some individuals show interest in fruit or sweet human snacks. Once accustomed to humans, Daphnia Beastmen become very attached. When they recognize their owner, they react to footsteps and voices, approaching them, climbing up offered fingers, or sitting flat on a palm.