User blog:Gnomehunter/Day 18: Twenty Thousand Tentacles Under the Sea

Write a story with a Mollusc-type monster

Twenty Thousand Tentacles Under the Sea

ok, so I confused Jules Verne and Jaques Cousteau. But the title took hold of my mind and wouldn't let go. Just like our star of the story.

'''“Tailor! I need your finest selection of dresses and I need them yesterday!” '''

'''“Ah, Miss Cousteau. Always a pleasure to have your business. What is the occasion?” The thin store owner asked, addressing the tall, commanding woman who had just barged into his shop. '''

'''“I have a party to attend in just two months and I have to impress the host! Lady Cecilia is the fastest up and coming member of Undead High Society and she has invited the country’s most wealthy and important socialites to celebrate her success and she has deemed to include ME among the guests! I can just tell that she’s going to make waves and when she does I want her to remember me. So I must have something to catch her eye! I assure you that money is no issue!”'''

'''“Well, I can show you our most expensive stock”, he said, leading her to the back of the store, where there was a rack with beautiful dresses, collecting dust, as the store’s average patrons rarely looked at them. '''

'''“Uh, these are so plain! Don’t you have anything else?”'''

'''“I apologize for our limited stock, Madam. If you prefer a greater selection, isn’t Bargens&Blofus open in just the next town over? They might have something more to your liking”.'''

'''“Oh but everyone is going to be looking there or at a competitor’s location. I need something to stand out. Something avant-garde!”'''

'''“Well…”, the tailor puzzled, trying to think of something that might satisfy his customer. “Have you considered a dress designed after a Tritonia?”'''

“A what?”

'''“A tritonia. They’re a species of monster, a mollusc type that lives in the sea. They have patterns on their bodies that are meant to attract mates, and it makes for some very attractive dress designs”.'''

'''“Ah, yes, that sounds familiar now. A few years ago there was a trend among all my associates, they wanted dresses patterned after some sea monster, ‘when she swims she looks just like she’s dancing! It’s beautiful!’”, she mimicked the voices of the ladies fawning over the dresses. “I never saw the appeal myself but oh, now, it’s not in style. I could be the talk of the town! But wait, what if everyone has the same idea? Or what if Lady Cecilia finds me showy or rude, ‘wearing a monster’s pattern just because I myself am one’, poor taste, my dear’”, she muttered. “No! I have to take this chance! I’ll take one of those dresses. Mr. Bryant you’re such a clever man, I knew you could help me!”'''

'''“Thank you, Miss Cousteau. I’ll put in the order. Your dress should be ready in 4-6 weeks. I can show you the available pattern now”. Mr. Bryant pulled a sheet of paper out from behind the counter, with pictures of various colorful patterns. '''

'''“All very nice...but I recognize them from the dresses my associates were wearing. I need something new”.'''

'''“Miss Cousteau, I’m afraid that is simply beyond my means. It is already difficult finding enough of these species so we can get different patterns, but to ask for new patterns in such a short notice is impractical”. '''

'''“Find new patterns. Of course! Mr. Bryant I’m going to need a boat and crew, I have a great job ahead of me!” Mr. Bryant could see that she was beyond reasoning. '''

“And are you going to do what I think you’re going to do?”

“I plan to do exactly that!”

'''“Well then, as a final suggestion, perhaps you should choose a design anyway. If you come back in four weeks with nothing to show for it, you won’t have enough time to order one”.'''

'''“Yes of course, I’ll take this one”, she said, pointing absentmindedly to one on the sheet. They completed the transaction, and Mr. Bryant gave her a curt bow. '''

'''“Well, Miss Cousteau, I can see that your mind is already made up. So I’m just going to send you off with a standard warning about the risks of traveling on the open sea.'''

'''“Right, right, I don’t see what I should have to fear, they typically only target men, right?” She waved as she left the shop. '''

'''“If that were true then you’d still be stranded on a boat in the middle of the ocean with no crew”, Mr. Bryant muttered, far too late for Miss Cousteau to hear. --- Working overtime, Elaine Cousteau’s staff purchased a boat and suitable crew within the week, and Elaine was standing on the dock, bright and early the morning of the voyage. '''

'''“Captain!” She called to the man who was approaching her from the end, “I am prepared for however long it might take for us to find this creature. But we must be back in five week’s time, successful or not”. She was dressed in clothing far more simple than she was used to, practical for overseas travel. '''

'''“Miss Cousteau”, he nodded and offered his hand, which she shook delicately, “I appreciate you hiring me and my crew. Normally, we’d have one of our married men with us to keep monsters away, but because you’re hoping to attract them, we’ll have to do without protection, and that means there’s a risk of running into other monsters. Are you prepared for that possibility?”'''

'''“I’ve already made up my mind”. '''

'''“Well then, we’ll push out within the hour”. --- “So just what is your plan for attracting this monster?” Elaine asked, standing on the deck next to the captain as they puttered through the water. '''

'''“Oh, nothing particularly complicated. Take a man, hang him over the water by a cable. Hope something bites”. He chuckled as the young man who’d been chosen glanced over at the sound of ‘bites’ “Don’t worry, son! Sharks won’t bother with such a big target. We’ve got a steel cable that’ll make it difficult to cut, and we’ll only keep you there for a few hours”. '''

'''“My god, and what brought him here?” She asked more quietly. '''

'''“There’s a market for young men to be used to attract sea monsters. To many fellows, a life with a lovely lady under the sea is far more appealing than whatever they’re doing now”. --- Weeks had passed, and Elaine had never seen so many monsters. Mermaids surfaced to wave and blow kisses to the sailors, a mershark attempted to test the strength of the cable, forcing them to abandon their hunt for the day as she circled in the water, jumping out to reach for the man hanging just out of reach. One encounter with a flow kelp who crawled on deck left them short a crew member, as he tried to pick her up and throw her back into the water. “Careful there, mate! She’s very good at holding onto things, you might have a hard time getting her to let go!” The captain called. But as the crew member tried to pick her up and throw her into the water, he found her limbs and body stuck fast. '''

'''“Damn, she’s stuck pretty tight. I’ve gotta, hey watch where you’re touching, don’t, AUGH!” And they both fell in the water. Everyone cautiously stepped over to the side of the boat, but there was nothing to see. '''

'''“And good fortune to both of you!” The captain called as the boat continued on its course. '''

'''“Just like that? They’re gone?” Elaine asked.'''

'''“Ah, that’s the lot of any sailor’s life”. He replied. --- But the search was in vain. As the fourth week began, Elaine was forced to admit defeat. They had already begun their journey home, and she knew there was not much time left. '''

'''“Well, Captain, it’s been a pleasure. I think this trip has done some good for me, even if we haven’t found our quarry”.'''

'''“Well Miss Cousteau, this was always a risk. I’ve only seen a few of such monsters in all the years I was on the sea. We’ll be back in port by the end of the week”. '''

Days away from returning to land, the crew heard a loud CLANK!

'''“What was that?” Elaine asked. '''

'''“Sounds like something hit the hull. We’re not close enough to hit a rock so…” the captain stared out into the open water. The crew started to whisper fearfully. “Worry not, lads. We’ve got a sturdy iron hull, and a motor that will make it difficult to capsize. We’ll just have to organize a watch to keep ourselves going through the night, so we can’t be caught off guard”.'''

“Caught off guard by what, exactly?” 

'''“A kraken, most likely. They attack boats, drag the whole crew down and leave them for the monsters”. '''

“Then shouldn’t we be more concerned?”

'''“Nothing much more we can do. Bigger ships might use canons but this is her domain, no offensive means are going to do much to deter a kraken who’s made up her mind. If she fancied anyone on the ship, she could grab them right off the side. But they typically prefer to take the whole crew, so as long as we can prevent her from getting a grip, we should be safe”. '''

'''They traveled for another day and night. On the second night, the passengers and crew were fast asleep, with a lookout on the deck. He sat there, looking out at the night sky, illuminated with stars that reflected on the water’s surface, it was blissfully calm, so quiet he could hear himself think. The man bolted from his seat. “Shit. What happened to the motor?” He ran to the stern, trying to start it as the captain had demonstrated. It wouldn't work. He cursed quietly, praying that it was just a fluke. But his prayer must have gotten lost, because as he tried to get the motor running, he heard a loud CLANK!. It continued, slowly and steadily like a loud knocking. The crew stumbled onto the deck, half asleep. '''

'''“What’s that infernal racket?” The captain grumbled. '''

'''“Sir! I was just sitting here, when I realized the motor had stopped! I tried to start it, but it won’t work!”'''

'''“Let me see…” The captain tried the motor, but it wouldn’t start. “Well. It looks like fate has dealt us our hand. We should make sure Miss Elaine is aware”. She was still in her cabin. But a horrible metallic screeching sound assaulted their ears, and this prompted Elaine to step out, holding her ears.'''

'''“Miss Cousteau! How good of you to join us! You’ve got a bit of time to prepare yourself for the worst.” Elaine looked at the captain, then around at the crew, and realization dawned on her.'''

'''“Is this it?” She asked as the metallic screeching stopped. “Are we doomed?” Large, thick tentacles reached out of the water, and wrapped around the boat. A large woman emerged from the water, smiling as she surveyed the crew. '''

'''“Good evening gentlemen. I do apologize for the lateness, but it wasn’t up to me. I had to ask a favor to crack this thing”. Another woman surfaced next to her, wearing a white hat and flowing robes. “Nadine,I do appreciate your help. Sending a prayer for this motor to stop  working. I do miss when boats had less defense but oh well, it’s always good to challenge yourself. Now, then, you gentleman may cast yourself into the water or you can wait to be picked up, either way we have a selection of lovely ladies who are just dying to meet you!” The crew members stared at the monsters in the water, as the kraken began to crush the boat. But she plucked the captain from his spot. “As for me, I couldn’t pass up the chance for such a clever man. It’s been a joy to take your ship, darling”. She pulled him close and pecked him on the cheek.'''

'''“Evening, madam. You gave our crew quite the scare. But It looks like they’re warming up to the current situation”. '''

'''“Indeed. And we can’t forget about-” Using her eighth limb, the kraken snatched up Elaine, coiling it around her body. “My dear, it isn’t often we find human women on the sea. May I ask what brought you here?” Elaine squirmed, feeling a little nervous at the large creature staring her down. '''

'''“I was hoping to find a tritonia. They have such beautiful appearances and…” Now her story sounded foolish. She wished she had stayed on land. '''

'''“Excuse me, ma’am. But I may be able to help you.” The mermaid-like woman swam closer to the group. “I’m a Sea Bishop. My primary duties are concerned with marrying couples at sea, and ensuring men can live with their new partners. But I can help huan women take the form of specific monsters, on rare occasions. And I could grant you the form of the monster you were searching for”.'''

'''“Turn into one? “That’s a bit more than I was hoping for…” '''

'''“There’s only one thing for a human woman lost at sea, my dear,” the kraken said, putting a hand on Elaine’s shoulder. “The standard result is to turn into a Naiad. You have a rare opportunity. Are you sure you want to refuse?”'''

'''“What’s it like? Is it painful?”'''

'''“It couldn’t be further!” If you take this, you’ll make the change. Otherwise, you can jump into the water and let the sea do its work”. Nadine held up a glowing ball of what looked like water and light, swirling in a small sphere. Elaine looked at it, then at the water, and accepted the sphere. It vanished into her chest, and she cried out, her cry turning into a moan. '''

'''“We should give her some privacy”, the kraken said, obscuring her husband’s view of Elaine, as she and Nadine submerged. Elaine lay on the deck, inundated with pleasure, as her legs merged into one large shape, growing large and amorphous. She turned blue, tendrils sprouting from her back, her fins taking the form of brightly patterned frills. She crawled across the ruined boat as it began to sink, most of the crew gone, and she slipped into the water. One lone man dove in after her. He swam furiously as she slowly drifted away. Reaching out, he managed to grasp one of the tendrils on her back. It grasped his wrist, then pulled him forward, more joining until he was held tightly to her back. He gasped as one of the tendrile maneuvered inside his pants. But at least he could breathe. '''

'''“I’m not sure this was such a good idea”, he said aoud. “Madam, can you-MMF”. One of the tendrils snuck inside his mouth, teasing his tongue like a kiss. He was unable to do anything but watch the faint light from the surface vanish as they plunged into the depths. --- Elaine was now conscious after the ordeal of transformation. She recalled a boat, and a trip out at sea, but nothing else came to mind. All she wanted to do was find a man, and her senses had been tingling for days. But just what was making them go?” She drifted aimlessly, her fins propelling her forward. '''

'''An uncertain number of days later, she met a mermaid. '''

'''“Oh! I’ve been looking for you”. '''

'''“Looking? For me?” Elaine tried to imagine why someone would be looking for her. “Have you been sensing anything lately?” The mermaid asked. '''

“I have, I’ve been feeling like there was a man nearby, but I haven’t been able to find him”.

“Well, that’s because he’s on your back!”

'''“What?” Elaine whirled around, and the mermaid saw the man trying to reach for her. '''

'''“No, on your back. Come up to the surface, I’ll help dislodge him”. Elaine followed her up, far up to the surface of the water. There was another boat, this time it was much smaller, just a single cabin. A man offered his hand to the mermaid, and pulled her over the side. Then they both helped Elaine up. She tilted her head in confusion, but jumped when a man was dislodged from her back, half dressed and panting on the floor of the boat. '''

'''“Charla, Earl”. I’m so glad you made it. Those things on her back are…” He ducked into the cabin, finding a set of clothes. He changed, and stepped back out. “Are you Elaine?” He asked, addressing her. '''

'''“Yes, and…” her heart throbbed. This was the man that had been triggering her senses, and now he was in her sight. She lurched forward and wrapped her arms around him. He sank into her body, and she refused to let go. '''

'''“Hector you know there were a thousand other ways to find a wife?” Earl asked, starting the motor. '''

'''“Sure, but none quite so funny to talk about”. --- Back in Hector’s house, Elaine was sitting on the side of the bed in his bedroom. She had arrived back on land, and was now trying to understand what Hector was telling her. '''

'''“So...You were invited to Lady Cecilia’s party? And you wanted to avoid…'''

'''“I wasn’t keen on marrying her daughter. So I decided to find another option. I’ve always fancied the sea. I thought I might meet someone out there, in the big blue. And imagine how surprised I was when I found there was another one of her guests aboard the same boat!”'''

“And how did you plan to come back?”

“Oh, a little tracker did the job.”

'''“That sounds...harebrained”. '''

'''“No more harebrained than trying to catch a monster so you can make a pattern for a dress”. He laughed. --- It was the night of Lady Cecilia’s party. “Hector, I don’t think I want to go. I was going to show up and impress everyone. But now I’m...a monster. I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone seeing me like this!” Hector hugged her, and she felt her fear easing, replaced by joy at the thought of her husband. '''

'''“Elaine, I won’t make you come if you don’t want to. But Lady Cecilia was worried when she got the news you had vanished. She will be happy to see you’re safe, and I’m sure she won’t hold it against you, no matter what the other guests might think. And of course...I love you”. He kissed her softly, and she felt her joy swell. “There’s no reason you have to give up your former life. It will just be a little different. And I’ll be there by your side”. Elaine thought, and made up her mind. '''

'''“Ok, maybe I can go just to see her”. --- Hector walked slowly through the door and into the great ballroom. Elaine clutched his arm, inching along the ground beside him. She had a clip to hold her hair above her eyes, but she found herself wishing it covered her face so she couldn’t see all of the people turning their heads as she passed. Hector led her through the crowd, and right up to a tall, white skinned woman dressed in fancy clothes. As she spotted him, she turned and reached out in greeting with a ghostly hand. '''

'''“Hector, my dear. It is so lovely to see you here tonight. Is that a friend?”'''

'''“Lady Cecilia,” he bowed, “I’m afraid I’m going to have to turn down your offer of your daughter’s hand. This is my wife, Elaine”. She met Cecilia’s eyes, but only managed to wave. '''

'''“Elaine...Miss Cousteau?” She uttered. Elaine nodded, unable to speak. “My dear it’s so good to see you, I was afraid you might be gone when I got word of your accident. Of course, I keep an eye on all my guests. But I’m glad to have you, and in such a lovely form! I wish you and Hector the happiest of days, perhaps you could come by my house and we can meet more privately? I must admit I’m curious to hear how this transpired”. Elaine blushed. '''

'''“We’ll consider your offer. But I think this matter is a bit more personal for Elaine, and she may not want to share it”.'''

'''“I understand. I hope you’ll stay here and enjoy yourselves”. She bowed slightly, then turned to talk to others. '''

'''“We can stay as much or as little as you want”. Hector said. '''

'''“I think I’d like to see some of my friends”. Elaine said, thinking about the other women she had associated with. Perhaps they could get along better now?” She was feeling more comfortable, but she still held tight to Hector. Her husband. Nobody was going to take him away. '''