The water darkened in a cloud of blood and ink, tentacles writhing in all directions and grasping whatever they could find in desperation--including Kurt. Through the blackness it was struck with a second harpoon, and finally began to still...

Kurt disentangled himself from a tentacle and swam to the surface. He let out a triumphant howl and quickly used the net to secure the creature to the boat.

Randy did likewise, though he took the end of one tentacle with him for snacking.

"I think that's going to be enough food for this clam bake," said Kurt, "Some of it's going in my jambalaya for sure!"

"Mm... Gonna need lotsa pepper," Randy remarked as he chewed on a bit of the raw tentacle.

"Should keep the whole beach fed if we add it to everything else," said Kurt.

"Uh huh." Randy reached over the side of the boat to grab another piece.

"Unless of course you eat it all before we get to shore," said Kurt.

"It's a distinct possibility," Randy replied through a mouthful of octopus.

Kurt shook his head and docked the boat, "Alright, now let's see if we can't get your family to help us haul this thing to the fire."

Randy VIII nodded. "Check it out." He tilted back his head and uttered another screech, different in sound than the rest, followed by a series of clicks. Within moments, his father and a few of his brothers were running toward the boat, reciprocating the cry with joyous shouts of their own.

Kurt urged everyone to grab a tentacle and get moving, "This thing is almost 20 feet long without the tentacles! There's enough for everyone!"

With that, the creature was hauled ashore and made the centerpiece of the event. Segments of tentacle were added to various dishes, with plenty left over.

Kurt made a large batch of hot jambalaya and all across the shore the smell of boiling stews, cooked fish and shellfish filled the air.

A large amount of produce had been brought in by Sergei and his family, who (being vegetarian) had come more for the beach and the friendly atmosphere than for the seafood.

Elena helped him unpack, "This is the last of it! Just look at everyone out there!" she said tucking a wild, caramel colored curl behind her ear.