Uncle, Jade, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo carefully made their way through the mall, stepping around the far more varied clientele than what they were used to from previous trips. With the world magically normal, not only was the mall much bigger on the inside - with blue police boxes on every floor, for some reason - but humans were actually the minority as far as those seeking various items at the various stores. In their quest for fresh school supplies, they had spotted several ogres, a centaur, three griffons, two basilisks, and a demon, each going their own way in search of all sorts of items.
The fresh school supplies required had come as a surprise to Uncle...but apparently, general education now offered intensive magic lessons for students gifted in general magic practice to get the basics, as well as advancing any independent study for a chosen specialty. Thankfully, they didn't have to wander the mall to find what they were looking for, as the mall directory could scan their shopping list and print out a map highlighting any locations that sold the items they were after. The four youngsters had marveled at just how convenient that made things. Uncle had complained that it took all the fun out of deal hunting.
"So...what else do we need?" Jade asked as she looked over the list, checking it against the basket Scootaloo was towing through the air.
"Looks like we're at th' end of what we need for classes," Apple Bloom observed as she glanced at the list. "But Uncle still needs ta restock a few ingredients. Looks like there's a few shops that sell 'em."
"We will see what these shops sell," Uncle observed dismissively. He didn't really think a mall - even a mall of a magical world - would genuinely have quality magical ingredients.
"Maybe we could ask the giant green lady over there?" Sweetie Belle suggested, gesturing to a rather colorful group nearby. The figure Sweetie Belle had indicated towered over the rest of the group, easily topping nine feet in height - hardly unusual, with ogres around - with a blue-haired girl clinging to her back like a spider monkey.
"Ah'll ask!" Apple Bloom decided firmly, walking up to the group. "Excuse me! We're looking for magical ingredients? Do you happen to know where they are?"
The woman turned to Apple Bloom, her gaze familiar. "Friends of yours, sir," she said calmly, and Apple Bloom's mouth fell open as she recognized the voice.
"Po Kong!" Apple Bloom gasped happily. "Yer outta the Netherrealm! That's wonderful!"
"I'm glad you feel that way, Apple Bloom," Valmont observed as he turned with a smile.
"Oh, hi Mr. Valmont!" Apple Bloom greeted him.
"Oh," a purple haired girl standing next to Valmont - and Bai Tza, now that Apple Bloom could see her - stated gruffly. "That's how you knew about that kind of pony."
"How do you know a pony, Aunt Po?" the blue haired girl on Po Kong's back asked.
"Aunt-" Apple Bloom gasped happily as the others approached. "Valmont! Ya got Bai's daughters back!"
Valmont chuckled happily. "Yes, with a little help from Santa."
"So is this where I'm going to get my pony?" the blue-haired girl asked.
"No, Sonata," Valmont corrected ruefully, from expression plainly not the first time he'd said it. "We're here to get you three some durable clothes, since you all only arrived with the set you're wearing."
"Three?" Scootaloo asked curiously. "Uh...unless you count Po Kong, I only count two."
Bai glanced around quickly, then groaned. "Dear, would you go find Adagio...again? Preferably before security this time?"
"Already on it," Valmont promised ruefully as he seemed to fade out.
"So...is Adagio a trouble maker?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously.
Bai hesitated. "Let's just say...she takes after the old me in ways I feel uncomfortable discussing with those society dubs minors," she offered delicately.
Jade and the fillies blinked a few times...only for realization to strike all at once. "EEEWWWWWW!" they declared in unison.
"So where's brother Hsi?" Bai asked Jade. "I'd think he'd always be at your side."
"He spotted some demons in a pub he knew," Jade explained. "He promised to meet up on our way out. He felt I was safe here."
Valmont sighed as he faded in, having easily zeroed in on Adagio's location from the bit of his own magic in her gem choker. He was rather unsurprised to find that she had found herself a 'dead end alley' even inside the mall, and a cleared throat from himself was all it took to send the others in the alley seeking business elsewhere as they fixed their wardrobes. He made a quick mental count of those sent running.
An ogre, two centaurs, an elf, a Deathknight...really? And a...gnome. He blinked thoughtfully at the last. ...I wonder if Adagio plays Tetris?
Stepping into the alley, he found Adagio - looking, to put it delicately, rumpled - glowering up at him. "What do you want?" she demanded sourly.
"Your mother wondered where you were," Valmont replied readily. "We encountered some friends we wanted to introduce you all too." A quick application of magic cleaned her up and fixed her clothes. "Why do you do this to yourself?" he asked as he helped her to her feet.
"Why's it your business?" Adagio snapped grumpily. "You're not my Dad. I'm not your blood."
"Is it truly so unbelievable that I'd care about you regardless?" Valmont asked carefully, keeping his tone carefully neutral.
"And that gives you the right to judge me?" Adagio groused.
"I'm not judging," Valmont pointed out dryly. "I'm just asking a question. If this is a lifestyle choice, I see no reason to interfere...as long as it is choice, and not because you don't know how to stop anymore."
He saw it, the momentary flash of tension. It was barely a split second, and anyone else would have missed it. He liked to think he'd have caught it when he was human, but he was too realistic for that. "What's that supposed to mean?" she demanded coldly.
"Just that your choice of targets - and locations - is rather indiscriminate," he pointed out calmly. "If security found you before I had, this would have been the fifth location today we'd have been asked to leave before we could get you a change of clothes."
"Nah," Adagio purred as she swayed her hips seductively. "I'd have just-"
"Mall security is golems," Valmont pointed out.
"Tch!" Adagio spat irritably. "Magic takes all the fun out of everything!"
"You're very good at dodging the question," Valmont observed idly. When that got no response from Adagio, he shrugged. "If it's a lifestyle choice, then you obviously want something out of it, and your indiscriminate selection indicates you aren't certain what you want out of it anymore. If you enjoy being dominant and bringing humiliation, target virgins. If you want full physical stimulation, hit a gym for anyone working cardio. If you want to be dominated, I know several places to find that. But first make sure you know what it is you really want."
Adagio slowed enough that Valmont passed her. "...you really do care," she said softly. "And...you really don't judge..."
"The first thing you learn to run a successful criminal enterprise is how to read people's motivations for what makes them tick," Valmont explained calmly. "You learn not to judge rather quickly if you want to survive in that world, let alone thrive."
"...criminal?"
Valmont smiled. Ah, there it is...power. The ultimate drug, as it were. "Let's get you some new clothes and see where your skills are in that world, shall we?" He held out a hand.
He was rather surprised that she took it in her own. She would be...interesting.
Scary thing is...it fits.
Yep, Dagi takes after her mother, alright.
Okay, THIS was rather surprising chapter. Adagio now has a purpose and direction, while Valmont ends up having an heir for his "Criminal Enterprise".
Well done Tats.
Also, nice Doctor Who reference with the "Blue Police Boxes" being on every floor.
Was wondering when these groups would meet up, I kinda like how Uncle’s complaints of how magic is taking the fun out of bargain hunting. Yes, I AM one of those in\out of the store type people
8511685 Yeah, to well.
Well now. That's one interpretation of Adiago I feel I should have expected, yet am surprised I didn't.
Also...a gnome? Guess she likes her men to look up to her.
I wonder if the ogre means she likes some smash mouth
Okay, I'm done.
Definitely like this version.
Adagio craves power. Curious, i am, about whivh way that crave links into her sexual drive.
All of the ways?
Adagio's a whore. Neat.
That was... not what I ever expected from Adagio. Aria, maybe, but not Adagio. This'll prove most interesting to watch develop.
8511696
Wow. The Other Sans might be out of a job
Wonder how Sunset would react to this news about the Sirens.
8511708
.... Only if money changed hands. Otherwise, she's just a slut.
8511708
Not a whore... Just someone reeeeeally dominant with an unbridled lust for power
8511685
That's what Adagio said about the Ogre.
So not really surprised but would be hilarious to see someone she's met talk to her and a awkward moment
8511734
Neither of those, she just likes power and sex, probably. There is nothing wrong if she is a supporter of free love.
8511696
8511714
Why, me being out of a job would be criminal but don't worry, I can probably alley your fears with a reply. Though I do have to wonder if Po Kong is comfortable with Sonata having her back.
Translation: She is most likely currently seducing someone.
8511714
Nah, just a little healthy competition. Monopoly leads to stagnation and lowered quality, after all.
And so easy when you're evil...
Boxes modelled after the Doctor's TARDIS, hm? You'd think it'd be more science than magic, unless spatial magic was involved.
Hot damn, Adagio
Someday they may get an answer to this, as long as Apple Bloom doesn't keep interrupting.
I am legitimately surprised Mrs. T didn't tag along with her baby boy in tow. Partly because she needed new sweaters, and partly because she's strongly hinting her desire to have Grandchildren she can spoil rotten. Then again, maybe they are at the mall, but just in a different part of it.
And poor Jackie was left in charge of the store with Viper on hand to help…
Sweetie Belle, that's no way to talk about She-Hulk. She is a Jolly Green Giant Lady. How could you mess that up.
Also I am kind of surprised Uncle didn't say a word (or at the very least share a look with Valmont) when these two groups met and he discovered Valmont had "Three More Things" tagging along with him.
Actually, those two would probably have a lot to talk about, and start comparing notes on what it is like to have three magical children pop into their lives out of the blue.
I am genuinely curious as to who these demons are whom Hsi could possibly know after being in lockup for at least 1,000 years. Very curious indeed.
Like I hope this is the next chapter we get on Monday. :)
And I see Valmont has decided to take Adagio on as a protégé in his criminal empire. I'm very curious to see where this leads in the future. very curious indeed.
8511912
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
Tetris?! 🤢 What is the line piece doing to the poor block?!
EDIT: Now you have me thinking of the pony stacking meme.
EDIT EDIT: 😑 YOU GOT ME THINKING OF THE PONY STACKING MEME. To be fair, you can make excuse that I might not have the tidiest of minds...
That was fun, may I have another? Looking forward to more.
Keep up the great work. Deus tecum.
8511912
I bet it was done to draw in the fans of the Doctor or any science fiction fan.
8511708
No she just like to have power over people and she like using force to do it.
8511966
No, no it isn't. I've grown to hate that phrase, because it ignores a very critical point. Science, no matter how advanced, will always be limited by the laws of physics, while magic is not.
There is no amount of science that will ever reconstruct a body without injury and bring a person's soul back years after death. At least not without us scientifically knowing every aspect of how it works. Magic on the other hand.....does it because you say some words to a powerful entity and offered a lot of gold as tribute. Not so "indistinguishable", is it?
8511853
Yes it is
I think the crusaders will make friends with at least Sonata. Possibly Aria as well.
8512026
I think the saying's probably more meant to keep in mind technology that uses aspects of physics that an observer might have no idea exists, like someone from the middle-ages seeing a computer.
Hmm... looks like Adagio is really taking Valmont's words from last chapter to heart. Just about word for word, too:
If others not only desire her but also enjoy her 'performance,' she'd be getting more powerful pretty quickly. Good to see Valmont taking her under his wing quickly instead.
I kind of have a feeling that what might end up happening is a split between the sirens. Sonata will likely befriend the CMC rather quickly, while Adagio might take advantage of Valmont's help and then try and attack either the CMC or San Fran (and then the world) as a whole, much to her mother and stepfather's chagrin. Not really sure where to put Aria on that scale, but I'm leaning more towards neutral party or helping Adagio. Wouldn't surprise me if all the paroled demons go against her, and that'll put Bai and Valmont in a terrible position. Do they stand by their daughter/step-daughter or assist those that have accepted (and helped) their relationship in order to keep the world as it is, which seems to be rather beneficial to most?
This is going to be interesting going forward...
Chapter One Hundred Fifty-Eight
"Bad Day"
Chapter Count: 0
Total Count: 40
"He's Not My Boyfriend!"/"I'm not his Mistress!"
Chapter Count: 0/0
Total Count: 45/3
8512044
I have no doubt that that was the original intent of it. But, much like the three laws of robotics, it has been blown out of proportion by science fiction fans. And quite frankly, it has a habit of ruining the fun. After all, where is the fun and mystery of magic if it is not magic?
Edit: another problem I see frequently is the use of powers that are clearly magical compared to real science, but are strictly labeled as not magic within the fictional world they are from.
8512066
Yeah, the expression has been marred by that quite a bit, though can still count in cases where there's devices that have some effect on reality itself, however unlikely.
Is it wrong that I'm hoping for Sonata to be playful with the CMC?
8511730
You're assuming Sunset even knows about the Sirens. In any case, even if she were, they're pretty much pacified now.
78.media.tumblr.com/c56be6ca40e751c3761b0ebd7c7c48f6/tumblr_inline_ox6ggjxZBk1rh4qsw_540.gif
8512100
Define playful. Cause for some reason I'm picturing TFS's Mr. Popo's definition of play.
I like this new direction and I am most curious to see where it goes!
8512066
Question.
The Infinite Improbability Drive.
Is that science or magic?
8512066 8512326 8512073
I tend to think that in worlds that have magic, arcane energy is just another Fundamental Force of Nature. Just like our world has Gravity, Electromagnetism, and Strong and Weak Nuclear Force, that such worlds have 'Magic' as a fifth that we lack in our world. And with this additional force, it brings in whole new parameters and interactions that we would think of as 'breaking' physics.
8512343
I prefer to think that we just aren't aware of this fifth force and thus can't access or utilize it.
8512304
A totally innocent version, I assure you. Like little kids playing catch innocent.
Not keepaway, though - that's not innocent.
Chapter One Hundred Fifty Eight
"Aiyah!"
Chapter Count: 0
Total Count: 47
"One More Thing!"
Chapter Count: 0
Total Count: 83
8512066
And it stretches my suspension of disbelief that cultures from different worlds in fictional settings with no connection to Earth would call their "Power" magic, especially if the setting does establish that the denizens who know about and use it know more about it, it's nature and source, than that it's a "Will-based Transmogrifying Force" that exists in everything, surrounds us, penetrates us and binds reality together.
8512361
My "Headcanon" about magic is more or less the same, that "Magic" is the "Fifth" force that bridges the gap between the far-reaching Gravity & Electromagnetism and the chaotic small scale Strong and Week forces.
Of course, unless a culture has an established history of "Mystical Arts" before their scientists discover the nature of the force itself the chances of them actually calling it Magic are rather slim given the naming conventions in academia.
Nice to see others have similar thoughts on bridging science and magic.
8512361
True, unless we can disprove it and not merely just not detect it; there's always a possibility it exists here too. We certainly have our share of scientifically unexplained phenomenon.
8512518
Yeah, pretty much how I pictured it too; along with acting as a sort of catalyst to work around laws of physics as we know it rather than just breaking them completely.
8512326
It is science. Specifically, it is science that is pushing against the boundaries of the laws of physics. But still science. We know this because it is described as a machine that was created through scientific methods. It may be that that universe is intentionally not our own and a product of the author's will, and therefore has physics that vastly differ from real life, but such is the way of science fiction.
8512343
The problem with that is simple. Gravity exists and we understand how it works, and we may someday be able to control it through some scientific discovery, but we aren't going to be able to take gravity and use it to transform a rock into a top hat. So if magic is similarly a fundamental force, it would only be able to do certain things, but such limitations are rarely observed in fiction.
For instance, when you refer to magic as "arcane energy" you mean it to be an actual form of energy. If this was the case then it would only be capable of what real forms of energy can do, which is mostly providing power.
The best explanation for magic that I have seen in a mostly scientific setting is from the Dr Strange movie. There it was shown that magic, sorcery, the mystic arts was not some kind of physics ignoring energy or even a fundamental force like gravity, but instead it was the study and use of knowledge of the creation of the universe. Magic was the, for lack of a better way to put it, the hacking of the computer that is reality.
8512917
I've always liked to think of magic as a Quantum thing- an extension of the Observation principle, collapsing waveforms, etc. It's the ability to have the Observation of something be the Cause of that something, as opposed to the other way around. That matches the general "Impose your will upon the world" aspect of common magical traditions.
8513079
That works. You control it because you are aware of it and it is the concept of awareness to it that lets you control it. I like that.
8513079 8512917
As Archchancellor Ridcully would say, "Needs more Quantum in it."
Also: Any sufficiently analyzed magic is indistinguishable from science.
Alright Doctor, what did you DO?
heh.