They told you not to sail out west. But you did it anyway, and now you were sinking.
 
The storm crashed against your tiny boat, which was now leaking, pulling it away from the route and toward the tumultuous unknown. You tried to fight it, but it was no use--you were nothing in the monstrous sea, and it was going to take you down.
 
One final wave sealed your fate, destroying your boat and sending you overboard. You were only conscious for a moment before you blacked out.
 
__________
 
"Hello there. . ."
 
You opened your eyes. You were clinging to a piece of the broken ship, floating in the ocean. And across from you was . . .
 
. . . the most beautiful being you had ever seen.
 
It had the head of a dog, andthe body of a fish, tan and sleek. The creature smiled, and showed sharp teeth.
 
"Hello, beautiful one," the merdog cooed, putting a hand on your cheek. "Not to worry. I can send you to a safe place. Let me guide you there."
 
The creature began to sing, its song flowing through the air and in your ears, enticing you to move. There was something so beautiful about its voice . . . and its maw. . .
 
The merdog leaned forward with its open mouth, pointing to it as it sung. The song compelled you to obey, and you leaned your head forward, placing it on the animal's distended tongue. The creature gently sucked you inside, and then you were in its mouth, drool rubbing onto your head and hair.
 
The merdog continued to hum as it licked your face, taking in your sweet flavor. The song was telling you that you tasted good . . . and that you needed to go deeper. . .
 
You pushed forward, toward the merdog's throat, and it gulped, sending you on your way. The tight space, thanks to the song, relaxed you. There was nothing to worry about here. Inside this creature, all your cares were gone. . .
 
It gulped again, lapping up your chest. You rippled downward as the throat methodically sent you toward your destination . . . where you would be finally safe, safe forever. . .
 
Another swallow, and your legs were sucked in as your head poked into a bigger space: the stomach, which was growling at the arrival at its new occupant. You smelled comforting acid all around, and as the merdog swallowed again, it sent you closer to that glistening pool. . .
 
Wait.
 
Suddenly you were aware that the creature wasn't humming anymore.
 
And it was eating you alive!
 
You thrashed about, trying to kick the monster's face. But you were already too far down, and your feet were caught firm in the creature's lips, unable to do much of anything.
 
The merdog chuckled from above, sending a vibration that traveled all the way down your body. You should have covered your ears from the first hypnotic note--who would have thought it would come to this?
 
That last swallow finally sealed your fate, and your feet were sent down to join you in the moaning stomach. The firm walls moved all around you, making your skin tingle with every touch. Was it really all to end here?
 
No. There had to be another way. Maybe if you thrashed hard enough the creature would spit you out. It was a long shot, sure. But even if it was futile, you would fight to the end.
 
__________
 
The merdog licked his lips, rubbing his now-extended belly. Humans were certainly a special treat, and as this one struggled against digestion, he knew it would all be over soon.
 
He was surprised at how much this one was kicking, though. Food should learn its place, but if he had to force it to, he would.
 
The merdog groaned and squeezed his stomach muscles inward, pressing them hard against its new occupant. At once, the struggles were clamped down, and a few moments later, they stopped altogether.
 
The merdog laughed. He licked his lips, tasting the remnant of the human's wonderful flavor. Oh, it had been a delicious treat. As he dived back in the water, he wondered what other treats he would find today. . .