>>5787198“I can help too!” Libby sputters, clearly tired of no longer being the focus of the conversation! “I’ll look into ways to track and locate people magically… I’m pretty sure there was an episode of ‘<span class="mu-i">THAT’S THE SPIRIT</span>’ about that…”
Having already demonstrated the limits of her magical knowledge, you’re almost reluctant to ask Libby something else, but since you’ve got her here, well… there <span class="mu-i">is</span> another thing you wanted to know, you begin, what’s she know about <span class="mu-s">MERMAIDS?</span>
“A <span class="mu-i">BUNCH</span>, actually!” The goth replies with a fresh smile and glimmers in her red contact lenses! “There was a podcast episode about ‘em… the girl who runs the show says she’s actually <span class="mu-i">TANGLED</span> with some before! Not bad, huh?”
Sure, you scoff, and what <span class="mu-i">else</span> has this mystery podcaster encountered, huh? Demons? Leprechauns? <span class="mu-s">GIANT CARTOON CATS WITH MALLETS?</span>
“Apparently,” Libby begins, deftly ignoring your sarcasm, “Mermaids all come from a <span class="mu-s">QUEEN</span> of sorts–and this queen tells them what to do with her mind!” The goth’s enthusiasm dips a little bit. “Buuut usually their mom just wants food. A <span class="mu-i">lot</span> of it. So mermaids go and gather it up for her… and if they don’t, well…”
Well?
“They become her <span class="mu-i">DINNER!</span>” Libby concludes like she was finishing up a ghost story at Summer Camp! “Supposedly they have, like, communities and stuff all over the world, too–I mean underwater <span class="mu-i">cities</span>!”
They sound simply <span class="mu-i">fantastic</span>, you respond in a dry tone, but the one you found in Rivka’s lab was pretty na-
“You <span class="mu-s">SAW</span> one!?” Sputters Libby in disbelief! “H-here!? On the <span class="mu-s">ISLAND?!</span>”
“Now you’ve done it…” Groans Chuck as he downs the rest of his cup.
“Dad, I changed my mind: I’ll stay here for the rest of Summer if you need me!” Chirps Libby with determination in her eyes! “I’m gonna track one down and <span class="mu-i">CATCH</span> it! That’ll get me a guest spot on the podcast for sure!”
“Nice one, <span class="mu-i">dingbat</span>...” Growls Chuck as he sends a glare your way that could freeze lava, “Now I’m gonna have to keep <span class="mu-i">TWO</span> eyes on her at all times…”
“You know what, Diesel?” Adds Libby in a jolly tone, “You’re alright, you know that? I had my doubts, but… but you’re okay!”
Gee, <span class="mu-i">thanks</span>...
Welp, for better or worse you’ve managed to rile Libby up, but at least you can count on these two in case Rivka comes back… you <span class="mu-i">think</span>...
Anything else while you’ve got their attention?
>WHY DID YOU START DOING MAGIC?>WHAT OTHER MONSTERS CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT?>WHAT’S THIS PODCAST ANYWAYS? SEEMS GEEKY!>TELL ME MORE ABOUT THIS GIG, CHUCK!>TAKE IT EASY, YOU TWO… AND THANKS AGAIN! (LEAVE)>WRITE-IN! 