My Sister Is the Protagonist

Chapter 29: What Needs to Be Spoken

The boat ride back was quiet. The trio were each independently questioning themselves and their allies. The scene that played out in the old boat house was a bit hard to keep up with. Note was trying to understand the parts he'd glossed over in the moment.

So, after a few days travel. The trio tucked themselves away at the front of the ship. Night had already blanketed the sky in starlight, a small lantern sat between them. Casting shadows as they got ready to finally properly discuss.

Note looked between Ravan and Xian. All three seemed to be unsure of how to explain the new discoveries. Or ask about them. Then Ravan made a decision pulling out his sheathed dagger. Deciding to go first. The dagger almost gave off the aura of defiance. Ravan clearly intended to impose guilt on the magical weapon. It was ready to refuse any accusations.

Ravan held it out, "So... This traitor. How did you get it to listen to you?"

Note hesitated, "You're not going to like it."

"Try me."

"I just asked it... More or less."

Ravan's eyes grew as he glared down at the dagger, "You'd betray me so easily?"

Xian scrutinized the blade, "It couldn't be that easy. This is a high-level tool. It should only accept one master. The only way to possibly gain control would be through killing its current owner."

Ravan glanced down at himself, "Well dear, as you see I'm still alive. You can see me right now, right?"

Ravan poked at Xian's arm, garnering an eye roll. Note continued staring at the dagger. No, it wasn't just his impression, it really felt like the magical tool had its own awareness. The faintest sense of the gleaming steel asking for his help. Prove it's innocence. Doing as it was designed. Note held out his hand, beckoning to the little weapon to come over. Happily, the dagger unsheathed itself and landed in his hands. Quieting the two who had begun bickering with their eyes.

Ravan glanced after at the magic trail it radiated. It was glowing faintly in that new burgundy hue. The dagger flew back over to Ravan, it's deep green returning. Note and Ravan looked to each other, before turning to Xian.

Simultaneously they spoke, "You try it."

Xian's brows nearly flew into his hairline. As he glanced between them.

"H-How? Do I- uh call it? I'm not a magic- I don't."

Note patted his knee, "You shapeshift, no getting out of this. Just try and.... extend yourself? Reach out like mentally. Yeah go. You got it."

Ravan sighed heavily shaking his head. Note having tried his best to explain looked to Xian expectantly. As if he was confident in his teaching. Xian did his best from the scraps of explanation and the additional advice Ravan gave as he tried to focus on the weapon.

The dagger stayed still hovering by Ravan. Then as if shivering, the blade shifted. Before turning toward Xian, now glowing faintly with a golden shine. All three looked wide eyed at each other. Ravan used a few choice words; totally aghast his dagger had now cheated on him twice. The dagger turned burgundy as it landed in Note's hands. As if it was seeking protection from its masters' insults.

Note carefully held the cool steel that was radiating mistreatment.

"It pleads not guilty."

Ravan huffed, "It was bad enough it listened to you. At least that made sense. You just turned an ancient spirit into a common house pet. The pigeon doing it, is an insult."

Xian didn't seem insulted, titling his head hand on his chin. Seeming lost in thought. Note could almost imagine the tiny Liaud in his head, stuck in fast forward mode as Xian skimmed through his lectures. Trying to think of the reason.