On the outside.

Nessie Lay back in the pool. She had never had such a filling meal. He had eaten humans before, but it had been so long she had forgotten how tasty they were. Her gut was wiggling and writhing with the collective bodies many young adults. There was one problem, with a gut this big she could not take on human form or even get out of the pool, she was stuck.

From around the corner emerged Chloe looking a lot better and wrapped in a towel. Next, she recognised Mandy following on behind her. She hoped her fellow disguised monster would understand.

“Aquila!” Mandy shrieked.

“Calm down It’s only Nessie. Although where has everyone else gone?” Chloe remarked.

“Yes, Nessie…” She replied then muttered under her breath “that’s you call them.” Then continued “… Run, Nessie’s going to eat us!” Mandy screamed.

“No, I mean our Nessie, Venessa, It’s just Venessa were fine.” Chloe tried to reassure Mandy while looking confused at her friend in her true form.

“Fine! That creature ate everyone else, look at it’s belly.” Mandy replied with panic in her voice. She then tried to back up behind the shed.

“ Kelpala , Mandy It’s alright.” Nessie called out, her Scottish accented voice not having changed despite her transformation.

Mandy turned back to face Nessie. “ Kelpala Aquila?” Mandy replied in a calmer yet confused tone. Chloe had know clue what they were saying.

“I should have guessed that you were a merfolk.” Nessie retuned to speaking English.

“I should have realised you were a monster when I saw you, I just never cared.” Mandy replied.

“What is going on? What is Aquila and caparla ?” Chloe asked.

“ Kelpala .” Bothe the monsters said in unison.

“Mandy is a merfolk, Mermaid if that is easier to understand.” Nessie explained. “Aquilla means river demon or river monster in merish . Kelpala means It’s safe.”

“Are you going to digest the humans?” Mandy asked, she then dove into the pool, kicking off her Bikini bottoms as she did. Chloe watched in amazement as Mandy’s legs fused together and scales started to emerge forming a golden yellow tail. She swam up and hulled herself onto the squirming belly. Moans of protest could be heard from below.

“ I don’t really have a choice, I’m stuck.” Nessie explained.