Sweetie Belle hovered nervously over Scootaloo as she remained slumped over unconscious on the way back from Hollywood. "Is she going to be okay, Uncle?" she asked worriedly. "She's never been like this before..."
"Pfeh!" Uncle countered, dismissing Sweetie's concerns. "Never channel Divine Chi before. Got off lucky she got a full infusion before battle."
"Divine Chi?" Sweetie inquired curiously.
"Three main types of magic for each aspect of reality," Uncle explained as he continued examining the lightning marks that remained on Scootaloo's limbs. "Wild magic grows, Dark magic consumes, and Good magic purifies. On human level, there are shamans of Wild Magic, and wizards of dark or good. On animal level, there are Wild Creatures, Dark Monsters, and Pure Guardians. Qi Lin are Pure Creatures, both Wild and Good." He gently stroked Sweetie Belle's mane to calm her since she was still tense. "On spiritual level, balance is Spirits, Demons, and Gods. Gods are source of Divine Chi, which is not same as Good Chi but has same focus: purification. Divine Chi incredibly effective against Demons, especially those of same Element or those vulnerable to said Element...but is incredibly dangerous for any but a God to wield, as it burns through mortal Chi frightfully fast." Reaching out, he stroked Scootaloo as she slept. "Scootaloo is now Avatar of a thunder god, and thus capable of wielding Divine Thunder Chi...but without the proper foci, attempts to do so will rapidly drain her strength to lethal levels." Uncle rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Must do research on which thunder god, to know what focus is proper."
"...dressed up as him..." Scootaloo murmured softly before slipping deeply into slumber.
"Dressed up-" Uncle began in confusion.
"Oh, Raijin!" Sweetie deduced. "Remember? After our extra credit project researching Japanese mythos, we dressed up as Fujin, Raijin, Susano-o, and Amaterasu for our first Halloween?"
"Ah!" Uncle proclaimed happily. "That will help with research! In mean time, Scootaloo get plenty of rest."
"I'll keep an eye on her," Sweetie offered firmly.
"And what about Tohru?" Apple Bloom asked worriedly as she sat on the large man's stomach, looking worriedly down at him as he slumbered deeply.
"His second spell discharges all chi reserves!" Uncle announced. "While not as potentially damaging as what happened to Scootaloo, same exhaustion. Will be fine after sleep and lots of food."
"That's a relief," Apple Bloom murmured, snuggling into Tohru in an attempt to offer comfort. To her surprise, one huge hand came up to rest on her like a blanket. Smiling, she closed her eyes to get her own rest.
While Uncle was dealing with the fillies, Jade brought a vial of glowing pink liquid over to where Jackie was trying to clean the salt out of Viper's wounds to treat them. "Here," she offered, holding up the vial. "Cleansing and healing potion. Apple Bloom taught me the recipe, and it's made with herbs from her garden."
Jackie smiled as he uncorked the vial. "Thank you Jade," he offered warmly as he brought it to Viper's lips.
"Jackie, wait!" Jade interrupted, pulling his arm back. "It's a topical medicine!"
Jackie rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Probably should have asked. Why don't you apply it?"
Smiling, Jade poured a tiny amount of the vial's contents onto her fingertip and began spreading it over the tiny holes Bai Tza had left in Viper's body. "Qīngjié hé zhìyù...(1)" she murmured softly with each application, smiling as the liquid glowed and then faded, leaving Viper's breathing much easier as she finished.
As she got her breath, Viper blinked. "Wait...if we're all back here...who's driving?"
In the driver's seat, Audrey straightened the cowboy hat and mustache he was wearing. "On the road again..." he sang happily as he steered them through traffic.
"Does he even have a license?" Sweetie Belle asked Apple Bloom.
"It honestly would'na surprise me," Apple Bloom allowed sleepily.
The return trip to his base had been...disorienting to Valmont. Losing all sense of cohesion of his own body had been a...unique experience. He refused to think of it in more accurate terms, as he didn't want to think unflatteringly of Bai Tza...especially not when she'd shown such immediate concern for his safety by pulling him with her as she did. That had rearranged his thinking on a few long term plans.
Beyond that, while the experience had been disquieting...the most disquieting aspect was that it hadn't been entirely unpleasant. Some part of him liked the feeling of having no body. He would have to keep careful watch on that part of his mind...it could easily problems if such urges were allowed to run rampant.
As he stabilized himself, he found Tso Lan already waiting for him on the mirror. "My apologies for failing to properly secure Tchang Zu's release at this time," he offered sincerely. "I had not realized the strong presence Divine entities had in the world at this time, or that some would be observing the battle. An oversight I do not intend to repeat-"
Tso Lan lifted one hand to silence Valmont. "This outcome is not your fault," he corrected. "We have discussed the outcome, and have determined by majority conclusion that the fault for Tchang Zu's defeat and return to imprisonment rests on his shoulders...first for so carelessly casting his opponent into undisputed territory where her energy would draw divine attention, and second for not withdrawing when you gave the order. You continue to prove your skill as-" Tso Lan froze as his eyes widened. "But what did you mean, 'at this time'?"
Valmont grinned widely. Tso Lan was certainly intelligent. He looked forward to having that mind more readily available. "There are Eight Portals for Eight Demon Sorcerers...but there are presently only seven. But you enchanted Shendu's spirit, which means he was in the Netherrealm with you. But if he can pass back and forth at will as a spirit...well, his portal is open, isn't it? Available for two Demons to pass through, should the Chans cause problems at other portals."
"Two?" Tso Lan, Bai Tza, Xiao Fung, and Shendu all demanded in surprise.
"But only one can pass through the portal-" Shendu began.
"Each time it is opened, yes," Valmont confirmed. "Once when opened with the Pan'ku box, and once when the banishment spell is cast on your spirit. After all, the banishment spells that seal the portals are keyed to the Demons, not whoever happens to come through the portals."
To Valmont's surprise, Tso Lan began to laugh. "You are clever indeed, Valmont!" he declared eagerly. "Every seeming defeat you are handed you turn to an advantage! I am glad you are on our side, as I would not relish having to go through you to escape."
Valmont chuckled softly. "You won't have to worry about that, I don't think," he observed dryly, his hand slipping into Bai Tza's. Before anyone could comment, he continued, "Speaking of, Tso Lan, you're next...and I don't anticipate any interference...or, if we do it right, even any awareness...though we'll have plenty of time to prepare. Let the Chans think we're licking our wounds after our 'defeat'." He suddenly frowned. "Speaking of the banishment spells, though, Tchang Zu was banished through a different means. Is it possible his portal might still be reopened at some point, should we have need of it?"
Tso Lan was silent for a time. "Valmont, whatever else happens at the end of this, I shall endeavor to find a way to Ascend you to Demonhood, should you not accomplish it on your own. I want us to have access to that mind of yours for many years to come."
Valmont blinked in surprise. "I...I am honored, Tso Lan," he replied, knowing not what else to do but bow.
As the communication broke, Bai Tza threw herself forward, cuddling up to Valmont. "Forever..." she purred, softly and happily, making him blush.
(1) "Cleanse and heal"
Now Valmont is thinking with Portals.
Seems Valmont had an experience that no body has ever experienced before.
I think we should now classify Scootaloo as godly levels of awesome.
You know, when Valmont brought up that point about the Eighth Door and the loophole that it comes with, I had the exact same reaction as Tso Lan, just knowing that his suggestion is fricken brilliant. It's great too that the demons recognize their own mistakes, which I really think is becoming a central theme for all of them, even if they're trying to take over the world.
Seriously, I know I shouldn't be glad that they are all getting free, but by this point, I'm invested in them so much that I just don't care. They're much less two-dimensional than they were in the show, and I can't wait to see where this story goes. Keep up the good work!
Okay, at this point I suspect that Valmont is going to wind up gaining Shendu's old position on the team of Demon Sorcerers if Shendu doesn't get it back, and if Shendu does get his old position back, Valmont's still going to join the group as a new addition, simply because he's seriously competent. I would also not be surprised if he regularly checks the TvTropes pages for the Evil Overlord List and the TvTropes Additonal Overlord Vows for new additions, just to make sure that he's not making any obvious mistakes. Or more likely has a team of other people doing it for him, just to make sure that nothing gets overlooked or missed.
8123736
A team of average five year olds doing it for him?
8123710 Nah man. You need to think with radios!
And I'm not sure if Scootaloo should be a god. I mean, who else would be able to cheer for Rainbow Dash? But in all seriousness...
Scootapowered awesomeness!
And please... The puns... Just...
8123747
Well, perhaps not that, but possibly a team of relatively average 20 something individuals, perhaps. And I can tell he's following at least some parts of the lists, because he's definitely following the spirit and (to an extent) the letter of Rule #54 on the Overlord List: "I will not strike a bargain with a demonic being then attempt to double-cross it simply because I feel like being contrary." He's not stupid enough for that. He also I think applied Rule #58, ie. he didn't stop to spout off a one-liner when escaping unless it was necessary or his method of escape made it easy to do so without compromising the escape (see also, the incident in Rome). And some of the rules on the list don't really apply to his style of villainy (ie. Mafia-esque crime boss shenanigans, with paranormal deal with multiple devils on the side), so it only makes sense that he doesn't apply them.
Not to mention, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that he was making himself invaluable to the Demon Sorcerers to try and minimize the harm their rule might do to humanity and their living conditions. It is, after all, something of a cliche in modern media.
8123762
She's not a god. She's the Avatar - or Champion - of a god.
Why is it if the bad guy was a good guy the demons would be scared to try anything and him as a demon cue 5 centuries of absence of him and he's gf
8123766 My bad. Wrong terminology and all that. It gets confusing sometimes!
...dang. It totally slipped my mind that Shendu's portal was without a dedicated demon. I knew Valmont would avoid the wrath of the sorcerers, but still.
After watching countless Russian dash-cam videos, couldn't be any worse!
Just to show a flower can do it. (snerk)
I really want to see Valmont ascend to Demonhood. At this point you've made this version of him into one of my favorite villains ever. I'm really hoping the demons end up going free in the end to keep the balance in check, and seeing Valmont throughout the series rather then rarely after the first 2 seasons would be one heck of a treat.
8123786
Regarding balance, if demons, while technically "evil", can occasionally display love, honor and even compassion...does that mean gods can be jerks?
Not entierly correct, but hear you go anyway:
Hmm, I think I've read this some were befor...
*Looks trough list of read Tats works, pass by Nobody I rader be than me*
Most have imaginad it.
8123801
Going by many mythologies, this seems to be the default.
8123786 That does raise some interesting possibilities. I mean, of all the Chan villains, the Demon Sorcerers seemed the most powerful. Doalon Wong is already working for them, and the talismans haven't been destroyed, so as for the villains left that leaves Tarakudo and Shedndu's son. Does any series villain even match up to them anymore?
8123766 So... Scootaloo is now a champion of a Thunder God ... like Shazam: Equestria's Mightest Mare ?
Neat, looks like it won't be a one-time power up.
8123879 that's interesting question the Shadowkhan masks villains are threatening because of their numbers and Alignment while the demon sorcerer threats are single point threats with great power
Ain't THAT a frickin' fact
FINALLY sunk through?
Now THAT IS PRAISE!
And QUE the ascension of the Demon Sorcerer of Stratagems
8123801 If you look through mythology, that's their base personality
8123879 Tarakudo, MAYBE! I liked him, he was the most competent bad guy in the show
LOVING THIS STORY! THANKS FOR THE UPDATE!
Valmont, Demon Sorcerer of Business.
Come to think of it, what would his aspect be? The others have an element (Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, Lightning?), or a physical feature (Mountain, Moon, Sky).
8124159 ...Spirit/WIll?
Know I really want this Valmont to go up again Xanatos, it would be an epic battle that somehow both of them would win.
8124159 Air/Wind. Definitely. Air has no master, though it can be influenced, and does whatever it feels like doing. It is also crafty in how it turns small actions into massive effects. And Air is something that exists in tandem with Water, so... yeah.
Divine Entities (or similar) lined up for My Little PWNY so far:
Discord and... most of the Daedric Prince's.
Rainbow Dash, due to her ascension as the Daedric Prince of Destruction.
Celestia and Luna, on account of being Alicorns.
Shining Armor, due to his Light Eco transformation into an Alicorn.
Cadence, on account of being an Alicorn.
Twilight, on account of being an Alicorn.
Maybe Applejack due to her demon blood. That remains to be seen.
Maybe Applebloom if she ever realizes just what she made for Uncle all those chapters ago.
And now, a very real possibility in Scootaloo due to becoming an Avatar of a God.
Something tells me My Little PWNY isn't going to be too much of a challenge...
8124212
It was mentioned before Shendu 's position as the Fire Demon was vacant, so that is the most likely to be inherited by Valmont. Remeber, creativity and quick minding are both aspects of the Fire Element.
8124235 oh no... If Tirek went to where most of the NC believe he went, the battle will be hard fought...
but we all could be wrong too...
8124206 on the Valmont X Xanathos issue... Cannon Valmont gets plowed... This Valmont....
We Might have another Segata Sanshiro X Chuck Norris on our hands
8124212 Agreed... This Valmont seems to be Fawfully able to go with the flow... which would hamper spirit / will...
8123916 Goodness no...! that'd be comparing Taco Bell to Authentic Mexican food... or a candle (This Scoots) to a Sun (That otter Scoots9
Now I wanna see Demon Valmont...
8124235 on the other hand, what if they need at least that much power to stand a chance in PWNY?
Your version of Valmont is on par with David freaking Xanatos! I agree with Tso Lon, wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of his schemes.
8124393 I was just thinking of that myself. Add to that that neither Valmont nor Xanatos were strictly evil, per-say, and some of the demons have shown the capacity for non-evil thoughts, this could turn out in any number of ways. From the demons successfully taking over the world, to most of them living in 'harmony' with everyone else.
Also, Scootaloo is an Avatar of a God!
8124264 Fire is more aligned with rage and a headlong charge into battle than cleverness and planning in most mythologies.
8124529
In Chinese Taoism, Fire is only destructive when unbalanced. Otherwise, it brings out the qualities I mentioned in my post.
Chapter One Hundred Nine
"Aiyah!"
Chapter Count: 0
Total Count: 46
"One More Thing!"
Chapter Count: 0
Total Count: 80
At this point, I'm starting to think that idea of Good and Bad chi is... wrong?
I'm starting to think that there's more two types of chi. Orderly chi and chaotic chi.
WIld chi would not be chaotic because while they are similar it's not the same.
Chaotic chi would represent entropy. Orderly chi would represent creation.
wow. Valmont is getting it made for him. he'll be a great demon of fire. far better then the cry baby shendo.
8124212
Xiao Fung of Wind.
Hsi Wu of Sky.
That Element set is already pretty much covered.
8124344
Nah. If this Valmont and David Xanatos met, they'd become business partners. After all, it's the most efficient way for both of them to get what they want...and that's the first form of all their plans, "everyone gets what they want". It's only when those they're working with don't like the plan/methods that it shifts to the successive formations of "I get what I want anyway".
8124656
Wild is Wild because it's based in nature.
Dark is Dark because it's based in selfish intentions, consuming nature.
Good is Good because it exists specifically to counter Dark.
This is bugging me...
There, I added Uncle's Accent. Also, for Shame Tats, It's been Ages since I've been able to add anything to the Counters.
8124344
I actually haven't figured that one out... One, I'm apparently not as well read as some of the others who follow Tats and Two, I don't speak Emoji... So yeah, I'm completely lost on wth Omega-Tirek ended up. Other than that it might have something to do with the Lovecraft Mythos, but that's a complete shot in the dark.
8123766 Confusion results easily when one knows the term 'avatar' only from the D&D usage of the term. There an avatar is the physical manifestation of the will of a deity on any plane that is not its home, and is an exact duplicate of the form that it maintains a as normal.
Calling her an avatar gave me pause too, until I remembered the old Ultima games.
8124713 I guess it makes sense. But I also think thata it's a bit ham handed.
Like it would be evil to use magic to kill someone. But what happens if that someone was trying to kill you? Would that be evil magic because you were using it to defend yourself?
I think dark magic can exist. But I am also theorizing that perhaps Valmont would either channel dark magic to be beneficial or accidentally change the nature of dark magic to chaos magic.
8124713 whoops... didn't account on the bus sines partner ship possibility....
8124735 in our case, our emoji speak is a bit the name of that Pokémon trainer Dorkly covers in YouTube...
but most of us that are non combat have thrown in suggestions, ranging to landing on the universe of the high school girl God to landing into a Lovercraftian universe... including the universe of the strongest sorceress that looks like a school homework...
8124740
It's more how the magic is shaped than how it is used. Dark Magic can be used to good purposes, but its nature still consumes Wild Magic, which depletes the natural world. That's what makes it Dark.
Good Magic, on the other hand, is specifically shaped to counter Dark Magic, and the damage it causes.
This is not to say you're wrong about your conclusion. Just that this is the naming convention that was used when these branches of magic were first created.
8124735
Thanks for adding the accent. Fixed the paragraph.
*evil laugh* oh heck yea!! xD
sorry, as much as I'm for the crusaders, sometimes it's moments like these that make a story good
DAWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!
8124755 Okay. That makes sense.
... Wait, isn't that how Sage chakra works? By taking in wild magic with dark magic and using good magic to repair the world at the same time?
8124927
And that's the forbidden research that got Daolong Wong kicked out of Mage School when Uncle's pet salamander exposed it. Combining the various disciplines of Magic.
Thanks for the amazing read as always, Tatsurou.
8124368
That's a scary thought
8124931 ...Just to be specific it was Uncle's salamander? Not Uncle himself?
8125268
Yes. It was his pet salamander Fireball.