It didn't take long for Hsi Wu to become 'settled' as Seymour, and the routine that came with it. Enrolling himself at the school was beyond his resources, so he only appeared there during recess to talk to Jade and drive off any kids - like Drew - giving her a hard time. If a teacher asked what class he was with, he would respond that he had only moved here recently and wasn't enrolled yet, and was there to get a sense of where everything was and to try and make friends before he started classes. Most teachers accepted this and let him hang out as long as he left once recess ended. Some told him he didn't belong on school grounds if he wasn't enrolled...which led to him pretending to leave, only to drop back in from a tree, much to Jade's amusement.
It amazed Hsi Wu how readily he was bonding with Jade as a friend, her and the fillies that had trapped him in his promise. Admittedly, at the start he'd only intended to play along so he could keep his promise and get his tail, but the more time he spent with Jade the more common ground he found. He actually found himself enjoying the time he spent with her, and as much as he wanted to blame the invading mentality of his disguise for that, he knew it was because he'd kept letting more and more of his true self into his disguise, and that clicked with Jade far too easily. The same mischievous nature, the same desire to endlessly prove oneself against greater and greater challenges, the same hunger for thrills, the same stubborn willfulness...
This was not to say they always got along perfectly. One campaign session had led to an intensely heated debate between the pair of them regarding the meaning of alignments that got so loud the old chi wizard had stepped in to tell them to be quiet, since they were disturbing his research. The debate had gotten Hsi so wound up he'd had to step into the bathroom and splash his face, reminding himself firmly that Jade was 11 and he wasn't, no matter what his body said at the moment. Just because he considered himself Chaotic Evil didn't mean he didn't have standards and a sense of decorum...which had oddly enough been the source of the debate, since basing a character that way had made Jade insist said character should be Chaotic Neutral.
Once he'd calmed himself down, Hsi had gone back out and played, and no one had said anything...but he remembered the incident. That fire inside her...it was something he enjoyed seeing. Whether he could believe it or not...he thought of Jade as his friend, and he enjoyed their friendship.
Not that he'd let that get in the way once the time came to unleash his power against them and beat them down into submission until their only option was being magically bound to him. There was nothing personal there, it was just challenge and honor. He'd certainly be sure to treat them well after the fact, though. He wouldn't be a good friend if he did otherwise.
Today the group had decided to forgo another Dungeons and Dragons session in favor of a simpler game, and another one that Hsi Wu found right up his alley...Risk. He idly noted the girls marveling over the rules governing the use of various magic within the game, as well as the fact they had to choose a 'faction' to play. He had to suppress his chuckle as he wound up playing the 'Sky' faction, as appropriate as it was. Apple Bloom chose 'Earth', Scootaloo chose 'Thunder', Sweetie Belle chose 'Water', and Jade chose 'Moon'. It made for a fun and interesting challenge for Hsi as they played, unleashing magic and armies against each other in the attempt to claim the entire world.
After a rather intense round was eventually declared a draw because Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were bored of watching Seymour and Jade constantly maneuvering each other back and forth across the board, the group was taking a break to enjoy some snacks and drinks as they relaxed and Scootaloo picked out another game. As Hsi took a drink, Jade suddenly hopped down from her seat. "I just remembered!" With that shout, she dashed out of the room.
Hsi glanced towards the fillies in confusion. Apple Bloom shrugged. Sweetie Belle smiled mysteriously. Scootaloo was stifling giggles.
Jade rushed back in, a pair of charms on string in her hands, two halves of a Taijitu coin. "I made this for us," Jade explained as she came up to Hsi. "I've never had a friend as close as you outside of family. We...complete each other." Slipping the Yang around her own neck, she pushed the Yin down over Hsi's head. "Or...something like that."
Hsi brought his hand up to the charm, staring at it. "T...thanks," he finally managed to say, confused about the flushed warmth in his cheeks. "The...feeling's mutual."
Though it galled his pride to admit it...it was true. This was the first time in his life he'd spent enough time with someone outside his 'family' to really get to know them, unless it was part of actively trying to kill him. For the first time in his life, he was learning what it meant to have a friend...and he didn't know what to make of it. And this stupid, simplistic, impulsive gift with barely any value...why was he cradling it more gently and carefully then he had the most fragile of gems in his treasure hoard?
He glanced away from the charm, trying to gather his thoughts...and caught the fillies and Audrey staring at him pointedly. He realized this was the perfect time to complete the second part of his promise for his tail, as long as he could get the words out. "Say, Jade..."
"Yeah?" Jade asked curiously.
"I...heard there was a Spring Dance coming up..." he began awkwardly. "I...I know it's for your school, so I'm not invited anyway, but...I mean..." He bit his lip as he stumbled over his words. Curse this pre-teen tongue! I am a centuries old demon sorcerer! I have worked spells that have made the world shake and bend to my whim, that have overturned countries, that have threatened Gods! Why is it so Brothers-damned difficult to ask out a chit of a human girl?
Jade giggled softly before taking pity on his awkward state. "Seymour...are you trying to ask me to the dance?"
"Y...yeah," Hsi stammered out, much to his frustration. "Not doing a very good job of it, am I?"
"Not so bad for a first attempt," Jade replied playfully. "Especially since I'm saying yes."
Hsi Wu couldn't stop the smile coming to his face, or the warmth in his chest...no matter how frustrating it was to figure out why.
...Twilight and Fluttershy would be so proud.
You know, I'd noticed a comment from a previous chapter mentioning your "Hsicret" series on fanfiction.net and went to read them. They're very well done, and I could very easily see them meeting, if not exceeding, what happened in JCA canon, though I'm sad to see they are currently in limbo. I'm exceedingly curious, however, as to how much, if any, influence you'll pull from them into this story. It wouldn't take center stage obviously, because of ponies, but it's an interesting background plot in the back of my mind now.
Also, loving the series of PWNY stories so far!
8242520
Let us say it is acting as something of an inspiration for this arc and things related to it.
Glad you enjoy my stories.
What are the chances of "Seymour" asking his big sis for advice and her joygasming over her little bro's first crush? Can this be a thing?
I see they are getting Hsi Wu to grow a conscience. Let's see if it will stick.
Maybe it won't be an older Jade who travels back later in the series, maybe it will be her kid.
Looks like Hsi Wu is finally dancing well with the idea of getting along better with Jade.
Now if only Hsi Wu could understand what the other half of him is so ecstatic about.
I wonder if Hsi disobeying the teachers could be considered as schooling Jade in being a delinquent...
The way I interpret the alignment grid, it basically boils down to this: Law values rules, Good values others, Chaos values freedom, and Evil values the self. The other important thing to remember is that it's a pair of spectra, rather than 9 discrete points; you can be Chaotic Evil without wanting to kill everyone you see, or Lawful Good without being a preachy asshole.
Hsi, as you write him here, is most definitely southeast of truest Neutral; I'd peg him as moderately Chaotic, moderately Evil, though a more generous interpretation could call him only mildly Evil or Neutral with Evil tendencies
8242558
Go read the Hsicret Wuv Series on Fanfiction.
If Bai Tza can turn Velmont in a future into a demon... Why not Hsi Wu turn Jade into another? Somehow I could think of it, just for the power and for Hsi Wu, and for plot of course.
Riiiiiight.
You know, it was mentioned that the Demon Brotherhood were all stuck- even if they wanted to turn over a new leaf, the others would turn on them if they did.
At this rate though? The ones that want to do the hostile takeover bit will be the ones outvoted
Non-hostile takeovers are fine. I suspect Tso Lan would build a business empire to match Valmont and David in less than a decade, if he put his mind to it.
PHRASING!!
So Jade wears the pants in this relationship? ...seems legit.
So! The question remains: Will she take his heart... or will he break hers? Only time and the author will tell.
8242617 I was under the impression that they both wear pants?
8242513
No, I would say Cadance and Rarity would be so proud.
8242632
It means Jade would be in charge if they were an item.
8242661 I know, i know. I was just playing at being obtuse.
Squee~
I have a gut feeling Jade, and probably Uncle, knows Seymour is Hsi Wu. If Viper were around she'd probably know. Tohru probably knows, since I'm betting Apple Bloom told him.
I honestly wouldn't be surprised at all if the only person who doesn't know Seymour's true identity is Jackie. Though I would laugh my butt off if it turns out both Jackie and Hsi Wu are oblivious to the fact everyone knows. :P
8242681 This right here, so much yes!
8242672
oh, sorry
8242757
He would have had better luck trying to be acute, but that's best left to the CMC.
Demon Sorcerer is getting redemption. I like it.
8242596
Precisely. If Valmont's plan continues to proceed as it has been, which is highly likely, I don't see very many members of the Demon Brotherhood wanting to go through with a hostile takeover of the planet. I see the majority of them becoming enamored with the technological wonders of the modern era, liking being able to use magic openly without causing pandemonium, and becoming accustomed to the power the money brings without the responsibilities/headaches that come with governing.
Those who still want to take over the world the hard way will be in the minority, with the likely result being several slots will open up in the Demon Brotherhood for new Demon Sorcerers. Heh, imagine that. The CMC manage to redeem the Demon Brotherhood by having Valmont succeed with his plans. :P
8242757 No problem. i was just joking.
Right. To avoid future confusion.... (fixes comment)
8242681
So much yes!
Ah His, you still haven't figured it out yet have you? Well, we have...
This was heartwarming. The part with Risk reminded me of that episode of Undergrads
8242617
Hsi Wu: Hey, girl. You want some tail? *flicks his severed tail* Flick.
Jade: Ugh...
8242593
They'd need vacant domains to fill with the new sorcerors...
7871736
This is from Jackie Chan Adventures, and Uncle is in there. And still badass to boot.
Loved the update, keep up the great work!
8242572
At risk of creating an all out alignment war here...
My one objection to this is your characterization of Evil. I prefer to go with "evil values harm to others".
Everyone (animals included) values self. Your characterization would put all non-sapient animals in the evil category instead of their canonical neutral, while not really having a suitable place for cruel psychopaths. Mine, on the other hand, would put a good chunk of villains in the neutral category, which is probably how it should be. Evil isn't about greed: greed just plants you firmly in the neutral middle. Greed can just as easily drive you to create a successful business that treats its customers well, improves your local society and rakes in the financial rewards for doing so as it can drive you to steal or cheat.
Oh I see where this is going for him. I love it!
8242526
I can just picture this playing out! Hsi sneaks into the Dark Hand hideout, drops his human disguise and starts hovering about in an excited/agitated manner, while incidentally making a mess of Valmont's place.
Tso Lan, Xiao Fung, Bai Tza, and Valmont's latest planning meeting is interrupted by the racket he's making. Tso suggests that Valmont and Bai take care of whatever is making the ruckus, and they discover Hsi in his agitated state. Bai figures out what's got her little brother so riled up that she starts dotting over him like the older sister she is. Before Valmont can exit and let the siblings "bond" Bai drags him into this whole affair when Hsi comes completely clean about who the girl is.
Valmont then hatches a plan—using a number of legal loopholes at his disposal (including the summoning of Hsi in Boston technically making him an American)—to not only make sure Hsi and Jade have the absolute best night of their lives (so far), but to also get Hsi to come completely clean with Jade (she already knows) and make an embarrassment out of Section 13, Captain Black, and Chan all without destroying the budding romance between the demon and the chi-witch in training.
Even if that doesn't happen, this is going to be a fantastic/enjoyable journey!
wait how many worlds does this one encompass? if all magic factions are represented does this mean the slayer factions are in the jade council as well? is old man abraham van helsing one of the members?
SHIPPING SENSES... TINGLING!
8243082
...Is it weird that I could totally see that happening?
Chapter One Hundred Twenty Four
"Aiyah!"
Chapter Count: 0
Total Count: 46
"One More Thing!"
Chapter Count: 0
Total Count: 80
8243082
So. Much. Yes.
8243082
One problem.
Bai is the youngest. She's Hsi's little sister.
8243082
tatsurou...please...for the love of god use this...
*starts begging*
please
Hsi and Jade... ALL ABOARD!!
Define chit?
8243480
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chit
8243483
Huh, weird. The definitions that came up when i looked said a sum of money, or outlined what a chit fund was.
8243372
Minor detail, which would change up the interaction from doting to… OH that's even better! A little sister poking at all the right buttons on Hsi's to get him riled up. Would end up leading to a similar situation—if Valmont is smart enough to capitalize on it (and he is)—with even more potential for comedy gold.
I love how this could potentially play out.
my heart cannot take the cute
8242959
While I mostly agree with you, I think it would more likely be how readily and eagerly that the person would go to violent means. My reasoning for this is that I tend to believe that most of the more illustrious military commanders throughout history would likely fall into the spectrum that falls under 'Lawful Evil': brutal and utterly ruthless to their enemies, not intending to try to force their enemies into surrender but instead focused on their obliteration instead. They may be acting towards what they see as 'the greater good', but that does not make them any less likely to fall under the umbrella of 'evil'.
Hsi Wu could easily fall under 'chaotic evil', but his intentions seem to paint him as walking the border between CE and CN, and not even that strongly chaotic, since he strongly values honor, oaths, and his word.
8242857
Surely they could find something for Jade. or create a new domain.