"Okay, so let me get this straight. You found a magic book and it cursed you, turning you into a Lamia. And you were really a guy before?"
Daryl nodded eagerly. It was quiet in the girl's locker room. There was no gym class this period and everyone else had gone to class. Daryl and Macy had the whole place to themselves. Daryl had curled up beside Macy and laid out the whole strange story for her.
"And now you have this craving to eat human babies. But the book - which talks to you telepathically, if I understood you correctly - gave you the power to change people into other mythical creatures so you won't eat them?"
The book chuckled in Daryl's mind. Oh, I like this girl. She is good.
"Look, I know it sounds crazy, but ...." began Daryl, ignoring the book in her hands.
"No, I believe you, " said Macy softly.
Daryl was shocked. She expected Macy to put up more resistance and had planned a long explanation.
"Listen, you are my friend and you have never lied to me. I would have believed anything you said. And today everything has just seemed off somehow. I can't quite put my finger on it, but everything has just felt wrong. I guess I know why now," said Macy. "Yeah, the magic and all that other stuff I can understand and believe. But what I don't understand is why you would want to change back?"
"What?" asked Daryl with shock.
"I mean, why would you want to go back to being normal, just like everyone else? Sure you are different, but you are special, too. There is no one in the world like you, and you can do things people like me can only dream of. All that power, all that beauty...why would you want to give that up?"
Oh, I really like this girl, whispered the book. She does have a good point, you know.
Daryl silently cursed the book. She regretted bringing it along, but she had to show it to Macy so she could study it.
"Listen, Macy. It's not as great as you think. I have to constantly fight my urges. And I am all alone, an outcast....."
"I'm an outcast and I am human. And you aren't alone. I am your friend. At least I thought I was, " said Macy sadly.
"I didn't mean it like that. Of course we are friends. And we will still be friends when I am human. But I just don't like being like this," said Daryl.
That's a lie, whispered the book.
Daryl tried to mentally rebuke the book, but part of her couldn't deny it was true. She was getting more comfortable in her new body as time passed. It was kind of fun to slither around. And she did feel stronger and have more energy. It had been fun to toss that mermaid around like a rag doll. The power was addicting.
Which was why she needed to change back, and soon.
"Macy, please. Please try to change me back, " begged Daryl.
Macy held up hand to stop her pleas. "I'll do it. Or at least I'll try. But you have to do something for me first."
"Anything. Just name it," said Daryl with excitement.
"I want you to use your power to change me into a mythical creature."
Daryl was stunned into silence.
I love this girl! Let's do it. I think she will make a wonderful monster, cooed the book.
"What are you talking about? You don't know what you are asking!" said Daryl.
"I know exactly what I am asking!" said Macy angrily. "I am dumpy, frumpy nobody. Changing me into a magical creature can't make me uglier or more of a loner. It would only be an improvement. And if you were my friend, truly my friend, you would help me."
Daryl sighed. She had to admit it was true. The mermaids as well as herself had only improved their beauty after their transformation.
"Okay, so if I did decide to change you, what mythical creature would you like to become?" asked Daryl. She still couldn't believe she was even considering it.
"Oh really? You'll do it! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" said Macy happily as she hugged Daryl tightly.
Daryl gently peeled her away. "Easy, easy. I said I would consider it. Now what kind of mythical creature did you have in mind?"
"Well, " said Macy slowly," I have really thought it over and what I would really like to be is ......."