#i mean there WAS SOMETIMES but even in shots where its like. 'natural' the pigments are different

[mushroom-winners-proof]

kh making small edits to its models as the series goes on is my favorite thing and one of the details ive only really noticed recently is that xigbar has a more yellowish tone to his skin opposed to pink after kh2

[sohin-ace]

Kakyoin - Shelf Love

This is cross-posted from Wattpad and available on AO3. 

Enjoy~

Kakyoin Noriaki was a strange boy. Even if he seemed very sociable and open, he liked calm and quiet spaces more often than not. He would daydream a lot, take lonely walks and, even if he never minded some company or conversation, he mostly rathered be left alone.

Maybe it was because he grew up having trouble making friends and got used to being by himself, who knows. One thing was for sure, one of his most favourite places to be at, was the library.

He was a bit of a bookworm, but even if he hadn't been one, the calm atmosphere and the relaxing smell of books always put him at ease and he loved to just dwell among books.

Today was one of those days where he would stay quietly in a far corner of the library. There weren't many people today at this hour which was perfect for him to relax.

He grabbed a book and sat down on one of the couches between alleys of shelves. Reading lines after lines, forgetting about the world around him. No sounds or movements to disturb him the slightest.

He didn't realize he fell asleep until he opened his eyes groggily, laid on his side on the small couch. He noticed the book he was reading was neatly put next to him, marked where he left off with a cute colorful bookmark. But what struck him the most was that he was covered with a soft blanket.

When he looked up, he saw a beautiful figure not so far from him, sorting books in and out of their shelves. Kakyoin let out a deep, tired breath and rubbed his eyes as he sat up slowly and the H/C haired female noticed his movements.

She turned her head towards him and smiled "Oh, you're finally awake! Did you sleep well?" Her voice was so soft and airy it gave tingles to the boy.

"What... What time is it...?" Kakyoin hoarsed, confused. Falling asleep unexpectedly and out of his home disoriented him greatly and he completely lost track of time.

"It's almost 7 p.m." She replied, "10 to 7, to be exact. I didn't want to wake you up."

Kakyoin's eyes widened. Was it already that late? He chuckled a little bit awkwardly after calming down from his surprise, embarrassed to have fallen asleep in front of the cute librarian lady that was you.

"Ahah... I must have been more tired than I thought..." He ran a hand through his ruby hair, looking down at the floor with bagged eyes.

You hummed softly while continuing placing the books in your arms. "I understand. It's okay though, It's pretty quiet here, the ambiance makes me feel sleepy too, sometimes." You sheepishly added and the boy thought you were absolutely endearing.

Kakyoin was still a little bit sore. Sometimes taking even a small nap can feel like a century-old slumber. He groaned and sighed heavily as he buried his face in his hands, eyes shut tightly, trying to wake himself up fully and regain some energy.

You noticed his fatigued state and walked up to him silently, crouching in front of the tired male. You put a delicate hand on his knee and leaned in slightly to catch a look at his face.

"Are you okay?" You uttered with worry. "Tell me if you don't feel good, I can bring you some water, or something." He lifted his face from his hands and stared at you.

From this close, you were so beautiful or rather, even more beautiful. If he didn't notice before, now he had a clear view of your dolly face. Your skin looked smooth like silk, your lips were pigmented and glossy like cherries, and your feminine eyes were so full of curiosity and concern. He felt bad for worrying you.

His expression softened on you and he offered a discreet but grateful smile. "I'm fine. Thank you miss, you're very kind."

You smiled and gently rubbed his knee in a caring gesture before standing up. Your presence was so comforting, your soft manners and sweet scent were so relaxing he thought he could fall asleep right again. His face warmed up at the mere thought.

You silently got back to work and the red head got up as well. He dwelled on here for far too long and it was time for him to go before his parents could think he fled to Egypt again. He grabbed his book and neatly folded the blanket before he went to give it back to you.

"Here, I believe it's yours." You took the blanket from his warm hands, your fingers slightly brushing against his, and looked up at him. "Thank you for your sweet gesture, Miss."

You blushed and glanced away shyly at how close he suddenly was. Only now that he was up and towering in front of you did you realize how tall and strong he actually looked.

It flustered you to be this close to him, but at the same time, you couldn't help but be amazed by his, if you dared say, princely features.

His pretty red curl bouncing with each movement of his chiseled masculine face, and his eyes, you lost yourself in those violet, mystic orbs.

His voice, was so deep and heartwarming it made you feel somehow safe around him. This man was overall so charming it made your heart flutter. You got a little bit shy but when he turned around to leave, you mustered the courage to call out to him.

"Wait!" He looked back at you in wonder. "Um...I wanted to say..."

You blushed again, embarrassed at what you were about to tell him. "You have... Very beautiful eyes." You tucked a strand of hair behind your ear nervously, looking at his lavender eyes with a shy but honest smile.

You believed that it was important to compliment people, even if they were just strangers. If there was something special about them, they had to know it. Someone had to let them know and that someone might as well be you.

The male looked at you with wide eyes and his face flushed profusely. Oh Kakyoin Noriaki was a handsome lad, but he wasn't used to being complimented, or even noticed at all.

He whipped his head to the side to hide his warm blush and smiled to himself. He couldn't believe how bold yet cute you were. He recomposed himself again and shot you a handsome smile.

"Thank you. I'll remember that..." You waved slowly at him as he finally left, a big grin on your face.

Later, on the following week, Kakyoin went back to the library one afternoon, only this time, he brought a friend with him.

He walked through the different aisles until he spotted you on one of the far-off ones, where science books where nicely stacked in perfect order.

You were, again, sorting books in and out of their shelves, replacing some that were misplaced and writing titles and author names on your memo pad for later work and references. The boys were not-so-hiding behind the adjacent bookshelves, watching you from afar as you were too focused to  notice them.

"There she is Jotaro!" The red-head whispered to his friend, almost giddy like a school boy. "That's the girl I was talking about last time."

The taller male stared at the girl and nodded in validation. "Go talk to her."

Kakyoin felt his heart beat quicken. He was usually very confident around girls and wasn't scared to engage in a conversation, but when he realized he crushed hard on you, which happened in the span of a few restless nights, it was like his whole demeanor broke down.

He felt hesitant to talk to you, scared to choke on his own words upon hearing your honey sweet voice. But he didn't even have time to think or hesitate anymore when his friend slapped a harsh hand on his back, pushing him right towards you.

When Kakyoin turned around to glare at his friend, Jotaro was already walking off, probably towards the marine biology section.

"Oohh hello! It's you again, what a nice surprise!" Kakyoin flinched at the sudden sound of your voice and he turned back towards you. "You're quite timely, I must say, I was feeling a little lonely~" You chuckled and he blushed.

"Hello, miss. It's nice to see you as well. How have you been since last time?" He spoke naturally, easing himself into your presence.

"Great! Actually, I was thinking about you a lot."

"Y-you were?" Kakyoin's face warmed up even more and he cursed himself for stuttering. "Why is that?"

"I mean... It's hard to forget those eyes of yours." You grinned big and he swore he was about to explode at your beaming beauty.

His eyes darted away from you to some random books on the shelves as he cleared his throat, trying his best to calm down his hasty heart.

"You flatter me. I should be the one to woo you first." He said in a low, almost shy voice while running his fingertips on the spine of some books, inspecting them.

You huffed in amusement. What a strange but adorable fellow he was. "What's your name?"

"Kakyoin. Kakyoin Noriaki." He finally looked at you, a wide but soft smile gracing his face.

"Noriaki... Kakyoin," You breathed out in wonder and the boy would gladly die to hear his name roll out your tongue that exact way again. "Happy to finally put a name to your face. I'm L/N Y/N."

His heart wouldn't stop hammering in his chest. God help him. "Likewise, Y/N. You have a beautiful name... Quite fitting for an equally beautiful lady."

You blushed at his compliment and thanked him quietly, looking down at the books in your arms. You took one of the titles in your hands, then looked up the perfectly ordered shelves to see where it belonged. Your eyes landed on one of the highest shelves where you were supposed to put that specific book.

Thinking you could reach it, you streched to put the book in, but to your dismay, you were too short. You streched further, standing on your tippy-toes, but to no avail.

Kakyoin watched with a little bit of amusement at how cute you were, struggling without asking for help, but he decided it was the perfect opportunity to be your knight in shining armor.

He stood close behind you and grabbed the book, effortlessly putting it in its designated shelf. He barely even had to lift up his arm, too. He bit back his smile.

You turned around and looked up at him as he stood almost protectively with his hand still casually resting on the shelf. Your face flushed at the proximity and fantasy-like position.

"Thank you so much, Kakyoin!" You chuckled sweetly. "A real gentleman~!"

His breath hitched. He lost himself in your beauty again as he stared at you with sheer newborn red love. He had to push himself away from you to prevent himself from kissing you right there on the spot.

As he backed up away from you, you perked up, remembering something you wanted to ask him.

"Right! I wanted to know, what do you like to read, Kakyoin?"

"O-oh, I don't really have a type, I try to read a little bit of everything..."

And just as he said that, fortune on his side, his bag slipped out of his arm and fell to the floor, letting a certain book slide out of it. You both crouched to pick his stuff up.

When he realized what the book was, the poor Kakyoin instantly gasped and panicked, snatching his bag from the floor, but it was too late.

You were already looking intently at the cover in slight surprise and interest and the male litterally wanted to bury himself in a ditch.

"Huh? You like doujins, Kakyoin?"

He was doomed. It felt like the sky had fallen right on top of his head. That was it. Any chance of a possible relationship with you was now dead and gone.

"I-I-I... Well... It's-I mean..." He stuttered uncharacteristically and bit on his lips, clutching his eyes shut and you chuckled.

Usually he wouldn't be ashamed at all to read these kinds of fiction, and under any other circumstances, he would have proudly shared his collection to you.

But since he was completely enamored with you and love-struck, he felt like he actually needed to make a good first impression and seem cool, and strong especially around a collected and charming lady like you.

With no warning, you took his large hands in yours and put the book back in them, to its rightful owner.

"I love them too! Please recommend some titles to me, okay?"

He blushed again, his mouth agape in surprise as he nodded silently. Oh boy, he was lucky that you were open-minded and nice, which didn't help with his evergrowing crush, no, his love for you.

As you went back to working, Kakyoin's watery eyes landed on the shelves behind you and almost screamed as he saw the blue gaze of Jotaro, who was creepily hiding, watching through a gap between books.

The two males exchanged communicating stares to each other and Jotaro eventually glared at him with a telltale gesture to hurry the hell up and make the first move before he went there and kicked his ass.

"Y/N," You looked up at him in curiosity and he gulped. He gathered his tense self up and finally asked. "Would you like to go out with me some day, for coffee, maybe?"

He spoke clearly, with one hand over his chest, and the other stretched towards you, reminding you of a beautiful prince taking an oath to his princess. You blushed heavily, your heart fluttering like butterfly wings in your chest, you were completely charmed by this man, just as much as he was charmed by you.

"It- it would be a pleasure!" His eyes lit up as you put your small hand on his extended one, a sign of approbation.

"How about Saturday then? I'll pick you up right here at 2 o'clock, is that good?"

You nodded with a big giddy smile on your face, hiding behind the books in your arm timidly and looking at you like this made him want to hold you  tight against him.

He glanced at his spying friend who was sending him thumbs up with glinting stone eyes.

Jotaro approves.

-----

Y'all can't judge him. Some doujins are better than the original works

I can totally see Kakyoin reading doujinshis and Yaois "It's a form of art like any other. What seems to be the problem?" Nothing, man, enjoy your gay.

[nelliwenigrxr]

15 Reasons Why You Should Consider Organifi Green Juice in Your 2018 Diet

Are you aware how beneficial healthy juicing is for your body? No, I am not referring to the generic juices you find in the local supermarket or food stores. I am referring to a good healthy drink made up of actual fruits, vegetables, supplements, and shakes. If you adopted the habit of healthy juicing, particularly green juicing at least twice a week if not more, your body will more than thank you for it.

Studies show that green juicing helps you to lose weight, improve your cholesterol levels, detoxify your body, provide nutrients and proteins easily absorbed by the body and boosts your energy. Besides your body’s physical needs, your mental, emotional and psychological needs are also taken care of, by improving your mood, self-esteem and reduced levels of stress and anxiety. Unfortunately, most of us have extremely busy schedules. This means that there is rarely enough time to blend juice, or even go grocery shopping to get the ingredients for the perfect green juice mix. If this describes you, Organifi Green Juice can be a great alternative for you.

What is Organifi Green Juice?

Organifi Green Juice is a superfood powder drink made of an impressive list of healthy ingredients, some of which have been in use for a long time in Ayurveda Indian medicine practices. The ingredients will be discussed at length later in this write-up. Each serving of this green juice will give you approximately 9-10 grams of superfoods. This is quite a decent amount, considering that they are organic ingredients. It is quite simple to make, so if you like juicing but hate the process, you will be pleased by this option. It will mostly come in handy during those crazy mornings when you’re running late.

Superfood powders usually consist of a bulk powdered version of vegetable/fruit or mineral supplements in a raw, natural state, with great health benefits. The powdered version makes them easy to mix or add in water, smoothies, juice or any other beverage of your choice for consumption. They include a variety of nutrients such as vitamins, antioxidants, polyphenols, among others which can help suppress cellular damage and stress to your body.

Reasons why you should consider Organifi Green Juice

Have your greens on the go

It is not always easy or convenient to eat fresh or organic greens on a regular basis, even though it is very important for your health. Investing in a green juice such as Organifi solves this problem by providing a viable alternative. You can simply scoop some and mix it with water, fresh fruit salad, smoothie, yoghurt, milkshake or any other drink of your choice and carry on with your day activities. Whether you are constantly on the go, traveling, going to school or any other busy activity, you will be assured that your nutrient needs will be met. For instance, chlorella one of the main ingredients, is a green algae which is very high in protein and healthy polyunsaturated fats.

You can have your juice in a variety of ways

Organifi Green Juice has a palatable taste, thanks to the mint and lemon flavors in the mix, unlike other green juices that sometimes have a flat and grainy taste. However, if you do not wish to have it plain, you also have the option of mixing it with other things such as a fruit salad or smoothie, to fit your preference. The ingredients that enhance the taste are beets and the monk fruit.

Beets – these plants are high in folate and manganese. Beet juice tastes great when mixed with other juices, and is a great nutritious ingredient.

Monk fruit – this is a minor ingredient for the Organifi Green Juice, which is used to add a sweet taste to the juice.

Antioxidants

Many of the ingredients in this particular green juice mix such as turmeric, sprulina, wheatgrass and green tea extract are nutrient rich in antioxidants. The green pigment and the chlorophyll properties give them their antioxidant powers, which neutralize loose cells that get in the way of normal cells functioning and growth, leading to cancer or heart disease. Wheatgrass, for instance, is known as the “life-blood” of plant life. It was actually worshipped by ancient Egyptians because of its positive health benefits.

Turmeric – if you do a random research on turmeric, you will find out that it is perhaps the healthiest thing on earth. Well, maybe that is slightly exaggerated, but it is incredibly beneficial to your body. This spice contains powerful antioxidants.

Mental clarity, brain power and metabolism booster

When you take Organifi Green Juice in the morning, you will have your day up to a great start! Since the mix contains ingredients such as spirulina and wheatgrass which are vegetable proteins, your body will be able to metabolize and provide your brain the energy it requires to function efficiently. This helps with mental clarity and maintaining a healthy body.

Spirulina is particularly a very good source of plant protein. The herb is also high in iron and calcium. It was first discovered in Central America, where the locals used it daily for energy and strength.

Reduces appetite

Eating healthy, balanced meals enables your body to absorb carbs lightly and convert them as energy instead of storing them as fat. This keeps your body from going into low-blood sugar mode. Organifi Green Juice has an ideal mix of low-fat protein and a good grip of carbs which have immune-boosting properties. This keeps your food cravings at a minimum and you will only eat sufficient portions that your body needs.

Detoxifying your body and cleaning blood

The chlorophyll in most of the herbs in this green juice superfood powder assists in alkanizing and cleaning the blood. Having “clean blood” means that you have plenty of red blood cells to carry oxygen which is essential for brain and cell functioning. It helps to flush out toxins. Another ingredient, coconut water, is a natural refreshment that is high in potassium and assists in the transport of all the above ingredients throughout the blood stream.

Energy booster

Organifi Green Juice is a great alternative to those quick-fix energy drinks such as Monster and Redbull, or even coffee! This product gives you the same energy boost without all the sugars, caffeine and other unhealthy stimulants. This means without sugar, you will not have a caffeine crash.

The ingredient that works in this case is the Mint – most people know this herb for it fragrance properties which are added to popular dishes and drinks. However, it is also beneficial in relieving indigestion, cramps, whitening teeth and as a sleep aid (insomnia, anyone?).

Your body remains in a healthy alkaline pH state

This superfood powder product is completely alkaline and is great at improving the pH. If your body is too acidic, it makes it easier for inflammatory diseases to kick in such as arthritis, heart disease, cancer or respiratory diseases. The effective ingredient in this case is Lemon. Probably you do not know this, but this citrus fruit has incredible appetite-fighting effects, and is known to cool and alkanize the body. This is necessary for stabilizing your blood sugar to remain within normal ranges.

Rejuvenates your skin

Once you get into the habit of consuming this product on a daily basis, you will notice you skin becoming healthier, glowing and looking younger. This includes your hair and nails as well.

Boosts immunity

The ingredients in this product are quite powerful loaded with vitamins and minerals that help boost your body’s immunity. This means that your body will be strong enough to ward off opportunistic infections such as colds and flu.

Improves overall health

Coconut water in this green juice contains electrolytes which provide your body with healthy nutrients. Your immune system will thank you for the continued dose of this product that contains a mix of many vitamins and minerals.

The main herb that assists in enhancing overall health is the Moringa – this is an organic herb from the Horseradish tree which contains all the essential amino acids required by the body. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins which you need to grow, repair and maintain healthy cells in your body. This is one of the herbs that have been long in use in ancient Ayurveda medicine in India. Other ingredients include:

Matcha green tea – this is common refreshment in Japanese monasteries. Matcha is high in an antioxidant known as EGCG which reduces stress, regulates hormones within normal ranges and reduces appetite. It can also help speed up the metabolism without making you feel like you have drunk a couple of espresso shots.

Ashwagandha – another organic herb that was dominant in ancient Ayurveda medicine. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen which is made up of a combination of amino acids, vitamins and herbs, which help balance your response to stress or a changing environment. Adaptogens assist the body to cope with strains such as toxins both in the external and internal environment.

Reduction of stress and anxiety

Organifi Green Juice balances hormones to remain within the normal range and helps you to reduce levels of stress and anxiety. It will also enable you have better sleep, be more alert and feel more motivated in your daily activities. It also balances your hormones and it will make you feel calm.

Diversity of nutrients

Organifi Green Juice contains many different whole food extracts from different parts of the world, so your body is able to obtain a well-balanced mix of nutrients with a diverse structure.

Saves time and effort

This superfood powder is very simple to make, as it only requires you to mix a certain amount in water, smoothies, fruit salad or any other drink and that’s it! It saves you time, especially from the normal juicing process which can be quite cumbersome. It also saves you time from costly trips to the grocery store to stock on individual ingredients. It is best suited for those mornings when you are running late, when travelling or when you simply do not have time to juice. With this mix, you just have to scoop, stir and go. Best part, there is no clean-up afterwards!

Affordable

Part of the reason this product is appealing is because it is affordable, as it does not require the use of either a juicer or blender, which do not come cheap. All you need is a glass and spoon and voila! You are sorted with your green juice.  In comparison, this product costs less than superfood capsules.

Check Recent Organifi Offers & Prices

So what is unique about Organifi Green Juice?

What stands out about this superfood powder is that it uses some rare ingredients in a typical green juice drink. Particularly, the Ashwagandha, Moringa, Matcha Green Tea and Tumeric which are mainly obtained in specific geographic locations. These ingredients are also considered to be quite “strong”, as they have been in use since the ancient times in Indian medicine. Due to their adaptive properties, you can choose any random ailment and you’d realize they would deal with that ailment.

Pros

It is 100% certified by USDA as organic, vegan, non-GMO, soy free and gluten free. It does not make use of artificial compounds.

It contains rare ingredients such as Moringa and Ashwagandha.

It tastes great for a green juice drink.

It is a versatile drink, that is, can be consumed on its own or you can mix it with any other drink of your choice.

It serves a variety of nutrient needs, and helps in proper functioning of the hormones.

It makes your body adapt better to the changes happening within your surroundings.

Cons

It does not contain probiotics or enzymes.

It can be a little bit pricey, especially if you purchase only one jar. Also, you can only order it online.

If it is taken in excess, it can cause an accumulation of vitamin A in the body which is known to cause nausea, drowsiness, and headache. This is not very common though.

Price

There are three options for purchasing this product. You can purchase one bottle for $57.95, which if you break it down it is approximately $1.93 per day which is fairly reasonable. However, for some this might be expensive. If this is your view, it will be better to purchase more than one bottle which you will get at a lesser cost. Three bottles go for $149.95 while six bottles cost $249.95.  These figures are inclusive of shipping costs. However, take note that the prices may increase for international orders depending on the specific country’s import or customs tax.

Verdict

When looking for the best superfood powder that suits your needs, you need to factor in both price and quality. You also have to know what exactly you are looking for in a superfood powder. For example, do you want a single ingredient or do you want a blend of several of them? If so, what type of blend? Do you want a mix of green foods and fruits? Do you want it protein-rich or not? The list goes on and on, and after all your considerations you will settle on a suitable choice that fits all your required qualities. Good news, Organifi Green Juice is an ideal blend of various whole food extracts with a well-balanced mix of nutrients from plants that have diverse nutrient profiles. Some of the plants’ extracts are obtained from a specific geographic location.

Despite lacking some important minerals such as probiotics and digestive systems, the benefits of Organifi Green Juice far outweigh its limitations, making it one of the best superfood powder products on the market. Mainly because of the unique ingredients included which are diverse making this green juice quite versatile. This product provides a quick and easy way to meet your nutrient needs and provides a natural supply of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, proteins, minerals and other important micronutrients. It is also naturally energizing and it will boost both your immune system and mental health.

You will also love the taste of this product and you will be happy to note you can consume it on its own due to its mint and lemon flavors. It may come off as a little overpriced, but if you consider purchasing in multi-packages, you will realize that you’ll make a lot of savings. Once you adopt the habit of taking Organifi Green Juice on a daily basis, you will keep yourself motivated. Consistency will also ensure you are getting superfood nutrients from a diverse selection. Adding green juice to your daily routine enhances your daily supplement, but you have to ensure you also balance your overall diet with the right amount of all food groups.

Before you settle for this product, ensure you check with your personal doctor for risks that may be associated with any dietary supplements that could negatively impact your health conditions or allergies. Once you get the green light, go for it!

15 Reasons Why You Should Consider Organifi Green Juice in Your 2018 Diet originally appeared on Top Supps Vs on December 5, 2017.

The post 15 Reasons Why You Should Consider Organifi Green Juice in Your 2018 Diet appeared first on Top Supps Vs.

15 Reasons Why You Should Consider Organifi Green Juice in Your 2018 Diet published first on http://ift.tt/2jYy0ej

[readbookywooks]

The Devilfish

FOR SOME DAYS the Nautilus kept veering away from the American coast. It obviously didn't want to frequent the waves of the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean Sea. Yet there was no shortage of water under its keel, since the average depth of these seas is 1,800 meters; but these waterways, strewn with islands and plowed by steamers, probably didn't agree with Captain Nemo. On April 16 we raised Martinique and Guadalupe from a distance of about thirty miles. For one instant I could see their lofty peaks. The Canadian was quite disheartened, having counted on putting his plans into execution in the gulf, either by reaching shore or by pulling alongside one of the many boats plying a coastal trade from one island to another. An escape attempt would have been quite feasible, assuming Ned Land managed to seize the skiff without the captain's knowledge. But in midocean it was unthinkable. The Canadian, Conseil, and I had a pretty long conversation on this subject. For six months we had been prisoners aboard the Nautilus. We had fared 17,000 leagues, and as Ned Land put it, there was no end in sight. So he made me a proposition I hadn't anticipated. We were to ask Captain Nemo this question straight out: did the captain mean to keep us on board his vessel permanently? This measure was distasteful to me. To my mind it would lead nowhere. We could hope for nothing from the Nautilus's commander but could depend only on ourselves. Besides, for some time now the man had been gloomier, more withdrawn, less sociable. He seemed to be avoiding me. I encountered him only at rare intervals. He used to take pleasure in explaining the underwater wonders to me; now he left me to my research and no longer entered the lounge. What changes had come over him? From what cause? I had no reason to blame myself. Was our presence on board perhaps a burden to him? Even so, I cherished no hopes that the man would set us free. So I begged Ned to let me think about it before taking action. If this measure proved fruitless, it could arouse the captain's suspicions, make our circumstances even more arduous, and jeopardize the Canadian's plans. I might add that I could hardly use our state of health as an argument. Except for that grueling ordeal under the Ice Bank at the South Pole, we had never felt better, neither Ned, Conseil, nor I. The nutritious food, life-giving air, regular routine, and uniform temperature kept illness at bay; and for a man who didn't miss his past existence on land, for a Captain Nemo who was at home here, who went where he wished, who took paths mysterious to others if not himself in attaining his ends, I could understand such a life. But we ourselves hadn't severed all ties with humanity. For my part, I didn't want my new and unusual research to be buried with my bones. I had now earned the right to pen the definitive book on the sea, and sooner or later I wanted that book to see the light of day. There once more, through the panels opening into these Caribbean waters ten meters below the surface of the waves, I found so many fascinating exhibits to describe in my daily notes! Among other zoophytes there were Portuguese men-of-war known by the name Physalia pelagica, like big, oblong bladders with a pearly sheen, spreading their membranes to the wind, letting their blue tentacles drift like silken threads; to the eye delightful jellyfish, to the touch actual nettles that ooze a corrosive liquid. Among the articulates there were annelid worms one and a half meters long, furnished with a pink proboscis, equipped with 1,700 organs of locomotion, snaking through the waters, and as they went, throwing off every gleam in the solar spectrum. From the fish branch there were manta rays, enormous cartilaginous fish ten feet long and weighing 600 pounds, their pectoral fin triangular, their midback slightly arched, their eyes attached to the edges of the face at the front of the head; they floated like wreckage from a ship, sometimes fastening onto our windows like opaque shutters. There were American triggerfish for which nature has ground only black and white pigments, feather-shaped gobies that were long and plump with yellow fins and jutting jaws, sixteen-decimeter mackerel with short, sharp teeth, covered with small scales, and related to the albacore species. Next came swarms of red mullet corseted in gold stripes from head to tail, their shining fins all aquiver, genuine masterpieces of jewelry, formerly sacred to the goddess Diana, much in demand by rich Romans, and about which the old saying goes: "He who catches them doesn't eat them!" Finally, adorned with emerald ribbons and dressed in velvet and silk, golden angelfish passed before our eyes like courtiers in the paintings of Veronese; spurred gilthead stole by with their swift thoracic fins; thread herring fifteen inches long were wrapped in their phosphorescent glimmers; gray mullet thrashed the sea with their big fleshy tails; red salmon seemed to mow the waves with their slicing pectorals; and silver moonfish, worthy of their name, rose on the horizon of the waters like the whitish reflections of many moons. How many other marvelous new specimens I still could have observed if, little by little, the Nautilus hadn't settled to the lower strata! Its slanting fins drew it to depths of 2,000 and 3,500 meters. There animal life was represented by nothing more than sea lilies, starfish, delightful crinoids with bell-shaped heads like little chalices on straight stems, top-shell snails, blood-red tooth shells, and fissurella snails, a large species of coastal mollusk. By April 20 we had risen to an average level of 1,500 meters. The nearest land was the island group of the Bahamas, scattered like a batch of cobblestones over the surface of the water. There high underwater cliffs reared up, straight walls made of craggy chunks arranged like big stone foundations, among which there gaped black caves so deep our electric rays couldn't light them to the far ends. These rocks were hung with huge weeds, immense sea tangle, gigantic fucus-a genuine trellis of water plants fit for a world of giants. In discussing these colossal plants, Conseil, Ned, and I were naturally led into mentioning the sea's gigantic animals. The former were obviously meant to feed the latter. However, through the windows of our almost motionless Nautilus, I could see nothing among these long filaments other than the chief articulates of the division Brachyura: long-legged spider crabs, violet crabs, and sponge crabs unique to the waters of the Caribbean. It was about eleven o'clock when Ned Land drew my attention to a fearsome commotion out in this huge seaweed. "Well," I said, "these are real devilfish caverns, and I wouldn't be surprised to see some of those monsters hereabouts." "What!" Conseil put in. "Squid, ordinary squid from the class Cephalopoda?" "No," I said, "devilfish of large dimensions. But friend Land is no doubt mistaken, because I don't see a thing." "That's regrettable," Conseil answered. "I'd like to come face to face with one of those devilfish I've heard so much about, which can drag ships down into the depths. Those beasts go by the name of krake - " "Fake is more like it," the Canadian replied sarcastically. "Krakens!" Conseil shot back, finishing his word without wincing at his companion's witticism. "Nobody will ever make me believe," Ned Land said, "that such animals exist." "Why not?" Conseil replied. "We sincerely believed in master's narwhale." "We were wrong, Conseil." "No doubt, but there are others with no doubts who believe to this day!" "Probably, Conseil. But as for me, I'm bound and determined not to accept the existence of any such monster till I've dissected it with my own two hands." "Yet," Conseil asked me, "doesn't master believe in gigantic devilfish?" "Yikes! Who in Hades ever believed in them?" the Canadian exclaimed. "Many people, Ned my friend," I said. "No fishermen. Scientists maybe!" "Pardon me, Ned. Fishermen and scientists!" "Why, I to whom you speak," Conseil said with the world's straightest face, "I recall perfectly seeing a large boat dragged under the waves by the arms of a cephalopod." "You saw that?" the Canadian asked. "Yes, Ned." "With your own two eyes?" "With my own two eyes." "Where, may I ask?" "In Saint-Malo," Conseil returned unflappably. "In the harbor?" Ned Land said sarcastically. "No, in a church," Conseil replied. "In a church!" the Canadian exclaimed. "Yes, Ned my friend. It had a picture that portrayed the devilfish in question." "Oh good!" Ned Land exclaimed with a burst of laughter. "Mr. Conseil put one over on me!" "Actually he's right," I said. "I've heard about that picture. But the subject it portrays is taken from a legend, and you know how to rate legends in matters of natural history! Besides, when it's an issue of monsters, the human imagination always tends to run wild. People not only claimed these devilfish could drag ships under, but a certain Olaus Magnus tells of a cephalopod a mile long that looked more like an island than an animal. There's also the story of how the Bishop of Trondheim set up an altar one day on an immense rock. After he finished saying mass, this rock started moving and went back into the sea. The rock was a devilfish." "And that's everything we know?" the Canadian asked. "No," I replied, "another bishop, Pontoppidan of Bergen, also tells of a devilfish so large a whole cavalry regiment could maneuver on it." "They sure did go on, those oldtime bishops!" Ned Land said. "Finally, the naturalists of antiquity mention some monsters with mouths as big as a gulf, which were too huge to get through the Strait of Gibraltar." "Good work, men!" the Canadian put in. "But in all these stories, is there any truth?" Conseil asked. "None at all, my friends, at least in those that go beyond the bounds of credibility and fly off into fable or legend. Yet for the imaginings of these storytellers there had to be, if not a cause, at least an excuse. It can't be denied that some species of squid and other devilfish are quite large, though still smaller than cetaceans. Aristotle put the dimensions of one squid at five cubits, or 3.1 meters. Our fishermen frequently see specimens over 1.8 meters long. The museums in Trieste and Montpellier have preserved some devilfish carcasses measuring two meters. Besides, according to the calculations of naturalists, one of these animals only six feet long would have tentacles as long as twenty-seven. Which is enough to make a fearsome monster." "Does anybody fish for 'em nowadays?" the Canadian asked. "If they don't fish for them, sailors at least sight them. A friend of mine, Captain Paul Bos of Le Havre, has often sworn to me that he encountered one of these monsters of colossal size in the seas of the East Indies. But the most astonishing event, which proves that these gigantic animals undeniably exist, took place a few years ago in 1861." "What event was that?" Ned Land asked. "Just this. In 1861, to the northeast of Tenerife and fairly near the latitude where we are right now, the crew of the gunboat Alecto spotted a monstrous squid swimming in their waters. Commander Bouguer approached the animal and attacked it with blows from harpoons and blasts from rifles, but without much success because bullets and harpoons crossed its soft flesh as if it were semiliquid jelly. After several fruitless attempts, the crew managed to slip a noose around the mollusk's body. This noose slid as far as the caudal fins and came to a halt. Then they tried to haul the monster on board, but its weight was so considerable that when they tugged on the rope, the animal parted company with its tail; and deprived of this adornment, it disappeared beneath the waters." "Finally, an actual event," Ned Land said. "An indisputable event, my gallant Ned. Accordingly, people have proposed naming this devilfish Bouguer's Squid." "And how long was it?" the Canadian asked. "Didn't it measure about six meters?" said Conseil, who was stationed at the window and examining anew the crevices in the cliff. "Precisely," I replied. "Wasn't its head," Conseil went on, "crowned by eight tentacles that quivered in the water like a nest of snakes?" "Precisely." "Weren't its eyes prominently placed and considerably enlarged?" "Yes, Conseil." "And wasn't its mouth a real parrot's beak but of fearsome size?" "Correct, Conseil." "Well, with all due respect to master," Conseil replied serenely, "if this isn't Bouguer's Squid, it's at least one of his close relatives!" I stared at Conseil. Ned Land rushed to the window. "What an awful animal!" he exclaimed. I stared in my turn and couldn't keep back a movement of revulsion. Before my eyes there quivered a horrible monster worthy of a place among the most farfetched teratological legends. It was a squid of colossal dimensions, fully eight meters long. It was traveling backward with tremendous speed in the same direction as the Nautilus. It gazed with enormous, staring eyes that were tinted sea green. Its eight arms (or more accurately, feet) were rooted in its head, which has earned these animals the name cephalopod; its arms stretched a distance twice the length of its body and were writhing like the serpentine hair of the Furies. You could plainly see its 250 suckers, arranged over the inner sides of its tentacles and shaped like semispheric capsules. Sometimes these suckers fastened onto the lounge window by creating vacuums against it. The monster's mouth - a beak made of horn and shaped like that of a parrot - opened and closed vertically. Its tongue, also of horn substance and armed with several rows of sharp teeth, would flicker out from between these genuine shears. What a freak of nature! A bird's beak on a mollusk! Its body was spindle-shaped and swollen in the middle, a fleshy mass that must have weighed 20,000 to 25,000 kilograms. Its unstable color would change with tremendous speed as the animal grew irritated, passing successively from bluish gray to reddish brown. What was irritating this mollusk? No doubt the presence of the Nautilus, even more fearsome than itself, and which it couldn't grip with its mandibles or the suckers on its arms. And yet what monsters these devilfish are, what vitality our Creator has given them, what vigor in their movements, thanks to their owning a triple heart! Sheer chance had placed us in the presence of this squid, and I didn't want to lose this opportunity to meticulously study such a cephalopod specimen. I overcame the horror that its appearance inspired in me, picked up a pencil, and began to sketch it. "Perhaps this is the same as the Alecto's," Conseil said. "Can't be," the Canadian replied, "because this one's complete while the other one lost its tail!" "That doesn't necessarily follow," I said. "The arms and tails of these animals grow back through regeneration, and in seven years the tail on Bouguer's Squid has surely had time to sprout again." "Anyhow," Ned shot back, "if it isn't this fellow, maybe it's one of those!" Indeed, other devilfish had appeared at the starboard window. I counted seven of them. They provided the Nautilus with an escort, and I could hear their beaks gnashing on the sheet-iron hull. We couldn't have asked for a more devoted following. I continued sketching. These monsters kept pace in our waters with such precision, they seemed to be standing still, and I could have traced their outlines in miniature on the window. But we were moving at a moderate speed. All at once the Nautilus stopped. A jolt made it tremble through its entire framework. "Did we strike bottom?" I asked. "In any event we're already clear," the Canadian replied, "because we're afloat." The Nautilus was certainly afloat, but it was no longer in motion. The blades of its propeller weren't churning the waves. A minute passed. Followed by his chief officer, Captain Nemo entered the lounge. I hadn't seen him for a good while. He looked gloomy to me. Without speaking to us, without even seeing us perhaps, he went to the panel, stared at the devilfish, and said a few words to his chief officer. The latter went out. Soon the panels closed. The ceiling lit up. I went over to the captain. "An unusual assortment of devilfish," I told him, as carefree as a collector in front of an aquarium. "Correct, Mr. Naturalist," he answered me, "and we're going to fight them at close quarters." I gaped at the captain. I thought my hearing had gone bad. "At close quarters?" I repeated. "Yes, sir. Our propeller is jammed. I think the horn-covered mandibles of one of these squid are entangled in the blades. That's why we aren't moving." "And what are you going to do?" "Rise to the surface and slaughter the vermin." "A difficult undertaking." "Correct. Our electric bullets are ineffective against such soft flesh, where they don't meet enough resistance to go off. But we'll attack the beasts with axes." "And harpoons, sir," the Canadian said, "if you don't turn down my help." "I accept it, Mr. Land." "We'll go with you," I said. And we followed Captain Nemo, heading to the central companionway. There some ten men were standing by for the assault, armed with boarding axes. Conseil and I picked up two more axes. Ned Land seized a harpoon. By then the Nautilus had returned to the surface of the waves. Stationed on the top steps, one of the seamen undid the bolts of the hatch. But he had scarcely unscrewed the nuts when the hatch flew up with tremendous violence, obviously pulled open by the suckers on a devilfish's arm. Instantly one of those long arms glided like a snake into the opening, and twenty others were quivering above. With a sweep of the ax, Captain Nemo chopped off this fearsome tentacle, which slid writhing down the steps. Just as we were crowding each other to reach the platform, two more arms lashed the air, swooped on the seaman stationed in front of Captain Nemo, and carried the fellow away with irresistible violence. Captain Nemo gave a shout and leaped outside. We rushed after him. What a scene! Seized by the tentacle and glued to its suckers, the unfortunate man was swinging in the air at the mercy of this enormous appendage. He gasped, he choked, he yelled: "Help! Help!" These words, pronounced in French, left me deeply stunned! So I had a fellow countryman on board, perhaps several! I'll hear his harrowing plea the rest of my life! The poor fellow was done for. Who could tear him from such a powerful grip? Even so, Captain Nemo rushed at the devilfish and with a sweep of the ax hewed one more of its arms. His chief officer struggled furiously with other monsters crawling up the Nautilus's sides. The crew battled with flailing axes. The Canadian, Conseil, and I sank our weapons into these fleshy masses. An intense, musky odor filled the air. It was horrible. For an instant I thought the poor man entwined by the devilfish might be torn loose from its powerful suction. Seven arms out of eight had been chopped off. Brandishing its victim like a feather, one lone tentacle was writhing in the air. But just as Captain Nemo and his chief officer rushed at it, the animal shot off a spout of blackish liquid, secreted by a pouch located in its abdomen. It blinded us. When this cloud had dispersed, the squid was gone, and so was my poor fellow countryman! What rage then drove us against these monsters! We lost all self-control. Ten or twelve devilfish had overrun the Nautilus's platform and sides. We piled helter-skelter into the thick of these sawed-off snakes, which darted over the platform amid waves of blood and sepia ink. It seemed as if these viscous tentacles grew back like the many heads of Hydra. At every thrust Ned Land's harpoon would plunge into a squid's sea-green eye and burst it. But my daring companion was suddenly toppled by the tentacles of a monster he could not avoid. Oh, my heart nearly exploded with excitement and horror! The squid's fearsome beak was wide open over Ned Land. The poor man was about to be cut in half. I ran to his rescue. But Captain Nemo got there first. His ax disappeared between the two enormous mandibles, and the Canadian, miraculously saved, stood and plunged his harpoon all the way into the devilfish's triple heart. "Tit for tat," Captain Nemo told the Canadian. "I owed it to myself!" Ned bowed without answering him. This struggle had lasted a quarter of an hour. Defeated, mutilated, battered to death, the monsters finally yielded to us and disappeared beneath the waves. Red with blood, motionless by the beacon, Captain Nemo stared at the sea that had swallowed one of his companions, and large tears streamed from his eyes.