Quote:
Originally Posted by
Cassirin 
Vivi massaged the top of her fire crab, loosening up the dirt and grime and feeling for any possible cracks or rough spots in the shell. It was nice to have something tactile to do in class, especially when the students around her were being chatty.
She nodded at Artemis and Artemis's caretaker. And Marvin and Nigel got nods too, because Vivi was thinking deep thoughts about naming her fire crab. "Bob. I think his name is Bob. Look." She lifted him out a bit and made kissy faces at the fire crab. Looks just like a Bob.
"Might be your imagination, Nigh. Is it hurting your hands?" Vivi tilted the bucket to spill out some of the dirty water and replaced it with clean. The shell felt smooth beneath her fingertips, and she didn't think there was any damage to speak of. Time to use the brush, right?
"How's the shell feel?"
SPOILER!!: Instructions
Step One:
Fill the bucket up with enough water to make sure the rear of the Fire Crab is completely covered. While letting soak for several minutes, lightly rub the shell with your fingertips to feel for any soft spots or cracks. (Soaking will allow any buildup, caused by its flames, to loosen)
Step Two:
With a soft bristled brush, gently scrub the entire shell using a light, circular motion. Pay special attention to any areas with buildup, mostly around their colored jewels and under the rim of the shell. Be careful not to brush areas covered in scales. They tend to be sensitive.
Step Three:
Gently massage the Fire Crab shell, under body, legs and tail with a soft, wet washcloth. This will loosen most soil. Don't worry if small flakes are released from the shell! This is just normal shedding. Rinse the Fire Crab to remove flakes.
Step Four:
Rinse the Fire Crab thoroughly. Closely inspect the shell for any irregularities, such as softening, excessive flaking, cracks, unusual discharge, or discolorations. Discoloration would occur on the jewels.
Step Five:
While still wet, place the Fire Crab back in the cage and cover with the cage with a dark colored cloth (the ones that covered it earlier). Rinse out supplies.
"Those are the perfect names for our crabs."
Nigel was impressed that they could come up the perfect names for fire crabs. He must have been imagining the heat because he continued checking for cracks and soft spots. Once he was sure he was done. He looked for the soft brushs.
He made sure not to brush the sensitive areas. He did not want Marvin angry. That would be bad. Nigel gently scrubbed the entire shell with the light, circular motion. He looked for build up and when he found some it took longer than he tought to get rid of it. The colored jewels were awesome and really shined once he started cleaning them.
"Wow would you look at the awesome shell" And now he had to massage Marvin. Yuck.