You lowered the blade until it was at chest level, and ran a claw along the line of its razor sharp edge.

“Soooo what? I can use this thing to cast spells? Or are you telling me that I can cut magic with it?” you asked.

Shaggy let out a contemplative grumble before replying.

“Depending on where your talents lie, and the nature of this blade’s enchantment, I'd say that neither would be completely out of the question.” he confirmed.

You couldn't help but grin at the thought of that. Ever since you were a little girl, you've always wanted your own magic sword!

“Is there any way that we can test that?” you said, perhaps a little too eagerly.

Janine grinned, and looked about ready to bolt from the room, but Shaggy wasted no time in snagging her by her suspenders with his teeth.

“Hold on! I think I still have my witch costume!” she said, frantically running in place, as she was unable to free herself from Shaggy’s grasp.

“But what about your human costume? You looked so happy to be wearing it.” you said.

Shaggy tried to say something, but it was muffled by the suspenders still stuck in his mouth. Begrudgingly, he let go of the girl, and she immediately sprinted into another room. Presumably, to find that witch costume of hers.

“Bah! That little imp is going to burn a hole through these floors with all that scampering.” he groused, before turning his attention back to you. “But to answer your question, it’s because her human costume is special. She’s designed it to work with her other costumes.”

“What’s the point of that?”

“I think it’s because deep down, she wants to resemble a human as closely as possible. Even when she’s dressed up as something else.”

You both turned to stare at the door that Janine had disappeared through, but neither of you said anything further on the topic. Shortly afterwards, Janine had returned. Only, this time, her skin was green, her nose had gotten a bit longer, and she was wearing a black tattered dress and wide-brimmed, pointy hat.

“You ready to slice up some fireballs!?” the little witch said.

Shaggy let out a low growl.

“What did I say about throwing fireballs around the shop…?”

Janine just cackled like the wicked little thing she was cosplaying as.

—-------

It took some convincing, but you managed to get Shaggy to let you and Janine practice out front, where he could properly supervise you. Harpy was still keeping a lookout from atop her perch, and Deadhead had yet to find his way here.

You hoped he hadn’t gotten lost or stuck somewhere. You might have to go looking for him if he doesn't turn up soon.

“Hey! Are you done warming up yet?” Janine called out, casually tossing a fireball up and down in one hand, while the other rested on her hip.

You gripped your sword a little tighter, and tried your very best to ignore the disapproving look on Shaggy’s face.

(Cont.)