The ancient temple stood tall and proud at the mouth of the river, the walls surrounding it showing strength through the ages even as the building itself stood strong, testament to the care it had been given since its construction. It remained impassive as the river waters stirred, even as a sphere of water lifted up out of the river to roll to the walls before coming to a halt and unraveling.
Bai Tza breathed a sigh of relief as she reabsorbed her magic. While it was simple enough magic and was constantly refreshed while within her element, maintaining it for the entire trip across the Pacific Ocean had been taxing on her mentally. It would have been easier and faster to convert everyone within the sphere into water and absorb them into her body before releasing them here...but she would not do that with anyone but Valmont, even if the Pan'ku Box in Ratso's hands hadn't precluded the option.
Before she could stagger a millimeter, Valmont was at her side subtly steadying her, leaving no sign of any actual weakness on her part for Ratso or Daolong Wong to see. She shot him a brief, grateful smile as the group approached the temple. "For a minor shrine, this place looks well cared for," Valmont observed idly.
"Because it is known to house the Portal of Po Kong," Daolong Wong hissed out softly. "The people of Japan have long been considerate of their ancient magics. Even the minor kami are properly enshrined...like the one we encountered in the river." He glanced towards Bai Tza. "She did not seem to like seeing you. Are you certain she won't interfere?"
"She can't," Bai Tza explained simply. "We weren't using the river for an unintended purpose - no different than snorkeling - we weren't polluting or damaging the river, and I have ample reason to approach the temple since it's my sister's gate. As long as none of us attacked the kami - which we did not - she had no grounds to deny us passage or even file an accelerated report. Short of some government group having come up with some viable excuse to have the Chans or some subset of them here for unrelated reasons, we'll have my sister free with none the wiser."
"Does that mean we're going to miss the gaming convention?" Jade complained from the top of the outer wall where she sat beside Hsi Wu in his human form and her three equine cousins. "I was really looking forward to it. We even picked out cosplay!"
As Daolong Wong tensed for battle, Valmont spoke up smoothly. "Well that sounds quite fun, children," he offered warmly. "Now, I am contractually obligated to free Po Kong, not to mention I'm pretty sure she wants to attend the wedding so I expect her to be cooperative to a certain degree. If she promises to behave herself, surely you would be willing to let her stay free unless and until she misbehaves?"
"Ah see no problem wit' that," Apple Bloom observed idly.
"Long as we get invited to the wedding!" Sweetie Belle added eagerly.
"And not have the most adorable flower girls imaginable?" Bai Tza cooed playfully.
"Course, we do have the banishment spell prepped just in case she doesn't want to behave," Scootaloo pointed out. "And there's even a giant drum in there just waiting to be used as the symbol for the spell."
"Fair enough, fair enough," Valmont allowed. "Shall we go in and set her free then? To see what happens?"
Hsi Wu gently scooped up the four girls before leaping down into the temple grounds. Valmont led Bai Tza, Daolong Wong, and Ratso in as well. As they moved, Bai Tza spoke up. "Dear, I know my sister wants to attend the wedding...but I'm also certain she wants her kingdom-"
"Still working on that one," Valmont interrupted softly. "I managed to come up with alternatives for five of you, but Po Kong and Xiao Fung still have me stumped, I admit."
"A...alternatives?" Bai Tza asked curiously.
"To helping you conquer the world," Valmont explained. "After spending time with you, I got the feeling that wasn't actually of interest to you, and was more out of getting your own piece so your siblings didn't walk all over you. So I thought the best way to deal with that was to find ways to give each of you a kingdom to your satisfaction without having to conquer the world. If I could pull that off, then I'd be meeting all my obligations wouldn't I?"
Bai Tza chuckled softly. "And what did you have in mind for me?" she asked curiously.
"Raising and restoring Atlantis from its sunken depths," Valmont replied readily. "With proper enchantments to protect it from inclement weather, it would draw top of the line prices for rental and vacation properties, giving you more 'tribute' than could fit in the palace there, which we could convert into a summer home while we ran my enterprises together the rest of the year."
"That...that sounds lovely," Bai Tza murmured softly, seeing the image thus described in her mind's eye. "Though Tso Lan wants to use the moon to reshape Earth..."
"Which means his magic works outside the planet's energy fields," Valmont pointed out. "He wants a planet to rule and populace to rule over? He could go to NASA and make a deal for full control of Mars in exchange for getting the colonies there intact. He'd be amazed how many people would jump at that deal."
Bai Tza blinked in surprise. His own planet to rule with eagerly devoted citizenry...that would certainly be enough temptation to make the Moon Demon give up claim to any part of Earth. "And you mentioned making Dai Gui a religious figure in the minotaur homeland," she observed idly. "And what of Tchang Zu?"
"Why do you think I made his release into a movie?" Valmont asked idly. "I was planning to make him a movie star. He could act as contrary and eccentric as he wanted and people would still love him, and fanatical fans would make ideal worshipers. And Hollywood pays top dollar for movie personnel with actual magical capabilities. A genuine demon sorcerer willing to star in movies could pick and choose his roles...not to mention the savings in special effects budgets."
"Fame, fortune, and worshipers in exchange for hamming it up as an arrogant ass?" Bai asked teasingly. "Pity he didn't listen to you about running away. That's right up his alley."
"The only question left is Xiao Fung and Po Kong," Valmont allowed. "Xiao because I can't quite get a grip on what he actually wants-"
"His element is wind," Hsi Wu pointed out. "His desires and mood change just as quickly. He wants his own piece of the world, but if this plan of yours actually worked out, he'd probably be satisfied being a trusted lieutenant in your own enterprises. Why do you think his chosen human form makes him look the part?"
Valmont chuckled thoughtfully. "Good to know. For you I actually planned to just introduce you to the internet before Jade snatched you up. I figured you'd have the kingdom of competitive gaming as your dominion before the month was out with how much you enjoy being challenged." He grinned as that set Hsi to laughing. "And that just leaves Po Kong," he observed as Ratso used the Box to open the massive portal. "Between her not being able to assume a human form and what little I know of her, I'm not sure what kingdom I could offer her."
"No rush," Po Kong's voice echoed as she stepped out of her portal. The massive green Mountain Demon was easily the size of a mountain, towering over the temple itself as she settled into place in the courtyard. "As long as I get a good meal before the wedding and you don't hold it too far away, I can be patient." She took a deep breath and let it out. "Earth air...it's been so long since I breathed it."
"So..." Jade began carefully, "you're agreeing to just sit here and wait until Valmont comes up with something after the wedding-"
"And the honeymoon?" Hsi spoke up teasingly, earning him a punch on the arm.
"-in exchange for being well fed?" Jade finished, surprised.
"Child, do you know how long it's been since I had a decent meal?" Po Kong pointed out crossly. "The mountains have forgotten. That's how long it's been."
"I'll see to it you're properly fed," Valmont agreed readily. "I happen to have a good supply of the mutant grubs that are a demon delicacy, and can have two tons here before the end of the week, more in regular intervals once a steady supply is established."
Po Kong chuckled softly as she sat down. "Well, one certainly can't fault you as a host, Valmont..."
"So our business here is concluded, then?" Daolong Wong spoke up curiously.
"That would be the case," Valmont agreed. "And I think we can all take the time to visit that gaming convention." He turned to Jade and the others. "Even if your guardians don't like me, I'm sure they'd be more comfortable if you have human adult supervision at a convention in another country."
"May I be excused from that?" Wong asked in a raspy tone as the girls giggled. "Such crowds are not to my preference...and I have other business here."
"Of course, Daolong Wong," Valmont agreed. "But pray tell, what business?"
Smirking, Wong slipped the demon skull helm onto his head. "Harvesting rare magical ingredients," he growled out. With no more warning than that, he sent a blast of dark magic straight at the fillies.
Of course someone was going to ruin it. I don't know why I didn't expect that
Welp, dude just signed his own death warrant.
Wong... really... there are three demon sorcerers in the immediate area that have taken a liking towards those fillies. One of them is bound to said fillies. There are easier, less painful ways to commit suicide.
DICK MOVE DAOLONG! DICK MOVE!
....................And now I am thinking of the comedian Christopher Titus saying in the style of a game show host "Hi! You've just instigated your own mugging, come on down!"
Seems like a fight scene is a'comin'.
Hope he knows a very good magical proctologist...it's gonna take a lot of magical effort to pull the goat skull helmet from Dao Longs hind quarters once the Demon trio are done with him....
Notice what I did there?demon trio? Question is,do I mean the three demons or the fills sometimes called the 3 bringers of the apocalypse due to the mayhem they are known for in equestria?
Before you say otherwise,let me remind you they are literally the reason in Canon that Discord was freed! They only stopped causing disasters after gaining their marks...mostly.
*reads ending*
................................
YOU FUCKING BASTARD!!!! I'LL ERASE YOU FROM EXISTENCE FOR THAT!!!!
I think a major detail is that Wong attacked children unprovoked, unlike the other times this can't be disguised as doing his job or self defence, so even if Valmont wasn't a semi decent guy in this story there is no way that he could spin a reason for still working with him after this.
Also who wants to take bets on what happens to Wong's attack my money is on either Po Kong blocking it, or Valmont pulling a "let my body be your shield" to protect them, if only because it would be great PR plus the Chan's would owe him one.
Here lies Daolong Wong. Decided to be an asshole in front of a group of main characters and their antagonists when they were on good terms. I'd say rest in pieces, but there's not even enough of him left for that much.
At least he was tasty, according to Po Kong.
8398864
Nah, he's probably compensated for that. My money's on the fillies holding their own above his expectations and Jade providing the surprise edge that pushes it into a win. Now whether they let Po Kong eat him or just toss him back into her portal...
8398887
You know, if we just had Jackie, Cat, and Armor here we'd have a trio of Demon Trios.
8398899
Except part of the deal getting Daolong Wong's assistance at the start of the Demon Sorcerer arc was specifically about the three fillies being present as a source of the rare ingredients he needed, and that he could claim them after Uncle was beaten. Admittedly, that was before Valmont and Bai Tza got together, and before he found himself growing fond of them through Bai...
8398904
True that would cover the fillies but what about Jade she wasn't part of the deal?
Well that certainly gave us and Po Kong some food for thought. Grubs for grub.
To think it's been that long since she had a meal, she must be one Lonely Mountain.
I knew Daolon Wong had a thick skull but this is just downright suicidal.
8398916
Jade wasn't targeted. The spell was specifically aimed at the fillies.
And at this moment, Valmont knew Daolong had fucked up.
You know, about half way through this chapter I noticed that the filling of the power-vacuum of Evil in the Balance left by Shendu's "death" had gone a lot less... well, evil than one might expect from releasing eight Demon Sorcerers of similar power, sealed in ages past for trying to conquer the world.
I also realized that the only person who seemed to care about getting any actual Evil done was Daolong it-ain't-actually-very-long (and I'd be surprised if it were still attached after this stunt) Wong.
Which is why I'm not terribly surprised at his sudden shift in priorities, just mildly disappointed at how low "self-preservation" seems to have dropped.
Looks like someone made the Wong move...
Wait, why am *I* the one making puns? Isn't that San's job?
Pretty sure Valmont's just gonna step back, buy some popcorn, and watch the fireworks.
8398864
He could have at least waited until after the wedding they were invited to as flower fillies.
Honestly though? I'm hoping to somehow see Ratso being the one to trip him up.
Daolong, thou fool. It wouldn't surprise me one bit of Po Kong was the one to defend the girls. After all, while the mountains are patient and enduring, they bear a silent rage that I would not wish upon even my enemies.
Ah. So it seems like we're not skipping the Daolong Wong villain arc after all. Also, nice to see I was right about Tso Lan colonies.
To everyone who wants to kill Daolong Wong right now, don't forget that he has to survive for Season 3 to happen...
Unless Tatsurou already retconned it...
Welp, Wong just did a stupid.
Well, I see Dalong Wong just earned a pink slip. And chose a really bad time to attack the CMC, since there are 3 Demon Sorcerers who will most likely leap to their defense.
Dammit, Wong. And this looked like it was going to be perfectly civil, too.
I have to admit, the image of a giant-ass mountain demon just reaching down and gently patting the girls on the head (not written, just something I thought of) looks adorably hysterical. Then she squeezes Hsi Wu's human cheeks and says, "You make such an adorable little familiar!"
Chapter One Hundred Forty-Two
"Bad Day"
Chapter Count: 0
Total Count: 39
"He's Not My Boyfriend!"
Chapter Count: 0
Total Count: 44
And like that, Wong is about to get his ass kicked.
Well, in the technical terms, the deal was between Valmont and Wong. it never extended to the other three.
8398920 and honestly, if she had time, I'd bet Jade would jump in front of her sisters to protect them.
8398962
I suspect Daolong Wong is aware of the seeming inherent danger of weddings in any fantasy genre so decided to not use that cliche which would probably backfire even harder.
Now, I gotta see how capable the CMCs are in the unprepared situation. Can't wait till next chapter.
8398904
Huh. That point had slipped my mind. Thanks for the refresh. So Wong now realizes that Valmont no longer plans to uphold that portion of his contract, and is now putting in his resignation with extreme prejudice. The question is, are we kickstarting the start of Season 3 here, or simply setting the ground work before finishing up Season 2?
Isn't attacking them on sacred ground grounds for the River Kami to strike back at Daolong Wong? I mean sure there are other alternatives, but it was pretty much a big red warning sign, do not do anything contrary to the purposes of the river to avoid being attacked by same. Big giant temple devoted to River Demon Sorcerer, vicinity of attack by evil idiot intent on harvesting three fillies... Totally grounds for a Kami bitchslap if you ask me.
Welp....he's about to die.
8398864
Actually. he is bonded to Jade, but the effeckt remains the same. Just a nitpick.
So how many ways to monday will he be kicked?
8398901
*Reporter asking the newly released Po Kong about how Doalong Wong Tasted*
“Well, I will admit that he tasted good, but all the dark magic gave me a stomach ache.”
And so the multiverse trembled as three elder sisters suddenly felt unfathomable rage for no apparent reason.
Ah, that's right. Daolong Wong's payment for helping free the Demon Sorcerers, is capturing the CMC.
I almost forgot about that......
WAIT.
Did Daolong Wong just attack the three ponies? The ponies known to have powerful good magic? The ponies who are on the good side to two powerful demon sorcerers who are standing right there?
What if the thing that stirred Po Kong to action was not Daolon Wong attacking the CMC...but Audrey taking the hit that would have connected with them?
This would be an interesting way to spin it, because not only would he piss off Po Kong, but he'd also draw the Wrath of Tohru and anger the Parliament of Trees (Though the third one kind of relies on the Green being a thing here.)
To hell with the demons, I'm more interested in what Jackie will do to him
IE-the rare animal eater
8398904
The problem with that angle is that, to my knowledge, there is no written proof of their contract. As far as anyone present aside from Valmont knows, Daolong just assaulted three children without provocation. Three children who have gotten on the good side of at least two of the three demons present, one of whom happens to be well-within range to take or deflect the blast.
Just saying, the guy didn't exactly think this plan of his through. If I missed something and there is, in fact, written proof of their contract, Wong will still have problems from a legal standpoint. I can sum those problems up with one question: "Ya couldn't have just asked?"
Well... With how Wong is so blatantly attacking the fillies outright... I wonder if he has a way of dealing with the demon sorcerors. My guess is that Wong is trying to teleport the fillies back to wherever he was hiding before, considering the difference between getting a few magic ingredients now compared to acquiring a supply of them.
If he actually succeeds he will have bigger problems, namely the entire chan clan and all their friends wanting a piece of him with the government getting whatever is leftover... Probably without the legal backing of Valmont because he doesn't want to die by berserker Jackie's hands...
Never mind, he's bucked either way.
Because killing Uncle 's mentor was not bad enough, Dao just had to target his family.
Forget Valmont and the demons, Angry Uncle is gonna cash every single favor he has made in his whole life just to get back at Daolong.
i.warosu.org/data/tg/img/0286/47/1386148522245.png
8399055
Bonded to Jade primarily, but the spell binding him to her has them hold some measure of power over him as well.
8399140
Since this story is set within the shared universe remember who Applejack is related to. I would love to see Daolong Wong inadvertently find out along with the Demon Sorcerers and they immediately learn to leave one certain filly alone. Becuase I get the feeling that if Daolong Wong where to somehow make it to the end of this story and the start of My Little PWNY he is going to be in for a world of hurt.
Oh Daolong you are about to get well and truly FUCKED!! You do NOT mess with the CMC, and expect to get away with it.
And here we go.
Wong gets one shot. And better hope there isn't a familiar to tank it, because if there is, I think someone's due for a thousand-year statue break.
Curse his sudden, yet inevitable, betrayal!