Jackie frowned as he paced back and forth in the shop, going over everything that had happened in Rome in his head. "Those abilities Valmont demonstrated...you don't think Shendu is involved, do you Uncle?"
"Pfeh!" Uncle countered dismissively. "If demon spirit were inside Valmont, eyes would glow red when he took control. Only way Valmont could use power of demon spirit inside is if demon let him, and no demon of sorcerer rank would subsume self to human dominance! One more thing! Already know spells can duplicate Talisman power in small bursts from El Toro, and Valmont has Dark Wizard on payroll! Occam's Razor!"
"But then what happened to the Demon?" Jackie demanded worriedly. "You said that warping spell couldn't warp a demon."
Uncle frowned. "Do not know. But Valmont is tricky. Enforcers raced by several fountains and storm drains. Maybe dump demoness when you weren't looking?"
Jackie sighed. "I suppose that is possible," he admitted. "But I don't like it. It feels like we are missing something obvious..."
"We have bigger concerns than 'how'," Uncle pointed out irritably. "Demons are arrogant, vicious, and cruel...so why would Demon Sorcerer allow herself to be transported? And why is she not doing anything to claim part of world for herself?"
"I think that should be obvious," Viper spoke up worriedly as she came down the stairs. "Valmont's under contract to free the other Demon Sorcerers. Somehow, he's convinced them his way is more effective than theirs, and has talked them into being patient. He has a plan...and we need to be prepared for it."
"And there's no telling what he will do next, or where," Jackie agreed. He sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Bad day..." His phone rang, and he picked it up. "Hello? El Toro? Slow down, I'm trying to understand...a chupacabra? But that's...yeah, I realized what I was saying too. Tablets? Well, I suppose I can get down there and translate. ...you've tried to fight it how many times already? You should have called me sooner. We'll be right there." He hung up the phone with a sigh. "Well, at least this is just a monster-"
"Did you say chupacabra?" Uncle demanded worriedly. "Must be careful! Goat-eater might try to eat fillies!"
"But their Good Magic-"
"Chupacabra is wild magic, not dark magic!" Uncle snapped out. "Uncontrolled, and feeds equally on light and dark! If wild magic creature feeds on young qi lin, it will gain strength to overcome its weaknesses, and become unstoppable!"
"Then maybe they should stay here?" Viper suggested. "I could keep an eye on them."
"And having to stay with her teachers would mean Jade would stay here as well," Jackie observed hopefully. "That would be a load off my mind. Thank you Viper."
"Don't mention it, handsome," Viper replied, shooting him a flirtatious wink.
Jackie chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head as his cheeks colored slightly.
Bai Tza was not happy. Transport in a thermos in liquid form was bad enough, especially after the way Valmont had spoken to her. While she could respect his points and skills, she had expected better treatment after her flirtations. And then being jostled so much in sensory deprivation - and then pulled through the Shadow Realm of all things - had left her feeling almost physically ill. And now she was once more being carried, and still wasn't being released? She was going to-
Before she could complete the thought, the top of the thermos was pulled off and she found herself being poured out into...was that sea water? Yes, it was! And it didn't have any of the man-made impurities she'd felt in the air back in Rome! It wasn't the ocean, just a large man-made pool...but there was a current! Valmont had built a miniature ocean for her?
She heard his voice, and turned her awareness towards him. She did need to assume a human form at this point...and perhaps Valmont deserved a treat. After all, it was time to establish that she was in charge when it came to her...intentions.
Valmont smiled to himself as the warp faded, leaving him in his office. His plans had gone off perfectly, and he had discovered everything he'd hoped to learn. First, the Chans had some serious backup, but that backup was bound by the same bureaucratic nonsense that had hobbled Section 13 back when magic wasn't widely known, which once more left Valmont on an even footing with government agencies...just the way he liked it. These games weren't very interesting if the other side couldn't play.
Second, he'd learned that the Chans weren't invincible or unbeatable. Caught off guard and treated with the caution their skills and abilities deserved, it was possible to trick them, and even lead them into traps. As long as plans were worked out well ahead of time along with contingencies - and the demons listened to him when they were released - he would easily be able to free them all, and then destroy the Chans. He would then stand as the right-hand man to the Demon Sorcerers as they ruled the world, since he'd have proven himself as invaluable in dealing with the existing world.
And third and most important, the demons were human. He could have discussed all his plans ahead of time with Bai Tza and Shendu, but that would have given them both opportunities to object or reconsider. By planning for all possible ability sets and then throwing the plans out to the demons at the last moment, he'd forced them to take him at his word. He had successfully buffaloed them both. For all their power and eons of experience, dealing with these demons was no different than dealing with a successful human criminal. The only difference was what they could do to him if they became perturbed with his performance...but Valmont had made his name in the criminal world by being strictly honorable. If he told someone in the underground that he would get them something, he got it for them. If he named a price, that was the price. If he said he'd make payment, he made it. As such, no other criminal organization would betray him, because he was too valuable...and he could create the same situation with the Demon Sorcerers.
Picking up the thermos with Bai Tza inside, he decided it was time to start being indispensable in other ways. He carried it to a special chamber he'd had prepared specifically for the water Demoness. A large sea water infinity pool big enough to swim laps in formed the centerpiece to a full spa and sauna, complete with an artificial hot spring. The attendants - all female - were sworn to a Memory Oath, which would cause them to forget everything about their service in Valmont's organization (including Valmont himself) if they tried to betray him, whether by choice or coercion. (He'd been rather surprised to discover that in the new 'magic' world, that was standard practice for all his employees, placed by Daolong Wong himself, with only his primary Enforcers exempt as having been within the 'eye' of the change.) Opening the thermos, he poured the contents into the pool.
"I do apologize for the rough transit, my lady," he spoke gently, genially. "The proximity of the Chans made it a necessity." He smiled as he saw Bai Tza solidify under the pool's surface, smiling up at him. "I hope you'll find the amenities I've provided you ample compensation for your discomfort, and ease any lingering ills."
Bai Tza slowly swam to the surface...and as she broached it, she changed. The water pouring off of her seemed to reveal her human form. Her skin was moon pale, her hair a shimmering blue, and her almond-shaped eyes emerald green in her heart shaped face. As she continued to rise from the water, Valmont found his heart beating much faster as blood raced through his body in response. Her limbs were strong but delicate, her fingers graceful without seeming fragile, and her curves generous without being excessive...and to top it off she was just shorter than him, such that she'd be exactly eye level with him in high heels. Between all this, the length of her hair, and the fact she came out of the water wearing nothing but, he wasn't sure whether to compare her to Honey Ryder or Aphrodite.
"It is forgiven, Valmont," Bai Tza purred, the only difference in her voice being the absence of the almost aquatic echo it had possessed in her demon form. She stepped up to him, gently running a finger under his chin. "You kept your word to free me, and see to my safety. And until I can reclaim Atlantis..." She turned to survey the facility. "This will make an amply sufficient mini-kingdom of my own. Attendants, the perfect facilities for both relaxation and practice with my powers...all it is missing is subjects to worship me."
Valmont stepped back, gathering his wits. He then gave a smirk and a cordial bow. "It would be an honor to give you the worship you desire, dear lady," he offered, putting an odd spin on 'worship' to get a different point across. His smirk widened as he saw Bai Tza give a girlish giggle in response.
His bravado fled when she leaned in and gently bit his earlobe before whispering, "Give me a few hours to relax myself with the services you have provided, then join me in the hot spring. I owe you a...proper reward." She then licked between his ear and skull before pulling back. She trailed a finger along his neck, and he felt gills briefly shape before vanishing. Turning, she then sauntered over to the attendants for pampering.
Valmont staggered out of the chamber, leaning against a nearby wall to catch his breath. "How under the sun did she just make me feel like a virgin?" he gasped out in desperation.
"To be fair, you are one compared to her," Shendu pointed out. "We each had centuries to...enjoy ourselves before our banishment...and before she joined our brotherhood, she was known as 'Queen of the Sirens'."
"It shows," Valmont murmured as he struggled desperately to get his heart rate, breathing, and complexion under control.
..............You know, a part of me is hoping that Bai Tza does NOT end up getting sent back to the Demon Realm or wherever she was released from, so that she could stay by Valmont's side. If anything, all the pampering, and seeing how things have changed, that is IF she "mingles" among most people, she might be willing to just stick with Valmont and his lifestyle because she would find THAT kind of lifestyle more fulfilling than her old life as Ruler Of Atlantis.
End result, to avoid things getting awkward between Valmont and Shendu, Shendu ends up stuck in a little harmless Plushy. An indestructible Plushy, but pretty much harmless. Aside from whatever magic he can use. At least when all is said and done anyway.
Heck, I would not be surprised if SOME of the Demon Brotherhood goes through similar changes and they help keep the balance in Magic. They make a deal with the Chan's and their allies that they will "behave" themselves within certain parameters as Criminal Lords like Valmont while maintaining the balance in magic. Heck, I can see Valmont end up being a "teacher" for them (as unlikely THAT would go) and showing them how he does things and they can use his style as a base to work from and build their OWN styles of running a criminal empire of their own in different sections of the world.
Need pictures now! Won't a pale woman still stick out a bit? Won't their relationship get weird with Shendu around or uncomfortable for him seeing this, and would any sexy time be considered a threesome?
You know since Shendu is sharing Valmont's body does him having sex with Bai Tza count as incest?
8026380 I imagine the spells can be altered to disconnect Shendu from being able to perceive the same things as Valmont, while still keeping him locked in.
Aiyah! Uncle usually right about Occam's Razor, but here, he is Entertainingly Wrong! And he will not be entertained when he finds out!
One more thing! He should go to Mexico with Jackie to assist him in dealing with Chupacabra!
In all honesty, if she could make it so land dwellers could visit she'd probably have the biggest tourist destination ever.
Valmont is a lucky lucky man! Plus, the virgin comment is hilarious.
How would Bai Tza react to The Little Mermaid?
8026377 I totally agree with everything you say... especially Shendu stuck in a plushie. I can just imagine our heroes seeing that and bursting out laughing and mocking him and his siblings as well the first time they see it.
and Valmont has Dark Wizardon payroll
1. Forgot your spacing.
Guess it must really suck for El Toro admitting defeat so many times against that Chupacabra.
Seems Valmont was gillded early.
Valmont was shown the naked truth that he's inexperienced in some matters.
I'll just take this out of proportion and say that that is Tat's preferred woman.
8026461
Glad you agree. Another thought popped into my head. The chances of it happening though is probably pretty bloody slim.
After a while, respect for the Chan's and their allies would have the demons who stayed on Earth to work with them, BUT only once in a while. A temporary truce to deal with things that threatens even them and their new empires.
I also like your idea of turning Atlantis, something thought to be a MYTH but be actually real, a tourist spot. I can easily imagine that the people would put up with her being a demon queen since she is essentially the ruler and with her power, she brought back a MISSING piece of World History. The world governments would be willing to shell out money to help her protect her home.
I can also see a constant flow of historians, archaeologists and people who specialize in restoration helping Bai Tza return Atlantis to when it was in its prime.
You know, you made Bai Tza sounds and act like a more powerful and bit more mature version of Adagio.
Why I feel CMCs didn't do much for the past few chapters?
8026620
Because they didn't do much for the past few chapters?
The world is huge. There are gonna be chapters where they don't play a big role.
Sorry Uncle, the razor actually cuts both ways. It's just as easy to assume Valmont cut a deal with the demons as it is to assume he learned up to mimic the talisman spells. Worse since the mimicry tends to be towards 'greatest affinity', and Valmont is more combustion than speed. Not to mention the long history of humans and demons making deals...
Still, I cannot stop giving props to Valmont in regards to his planning. The infinity pool is an awesome idea. Not even starting on the memory oaths. And he's several steps ahead of Captain Black and the Chans in terms of familiarizing himself with how the world changed and what the 'in the know' Valmont's tactics and practices were.
Atlantis would make a wonderful tourist destination and besides, do you know how many people would want to join the mile delow club too?
8026556
Well if you caught what Shendu said of his 'sister' -
If Tatsurou probably WANTED to ... he might slip the Siren sisters in via the Bai Tsa/Valmont ship, y'know? Unless, of course, they are preexisting ...
Please tell me there is a picture of what Bai Tza looks like in human form, I MUST KNOW!
8026461 8026487 So many ways, yes and SO MUCH YES!
LOVE THIS UPDATE! Now to go read up on Gilda, poor Gilda
8026746 if one were to look for Bai Tza's human form on google images, there's really not many. maybe 3 or 4, but nothing looking like Tat's Bai Tza. ...so, I think we should nudge the art peeps into making some. *nudge-nudge*
Queen of the Sirens, indeed! Valmont is indeed a lucky criminal mastermind.
Okay... Valmont and Bai Tza shipping... That's just... disturbing. Sexy or not, still a demon.
8026828
I'm good with that.
8026838 maybe. though, they could only be called 'Demons' because they chose to use their powers in bad ways, or humans were scared of their power. we know little about the time before they gathered together as a group, and even less about them. History is often told by the winners, and we do have the tendency to twist history, often to make ourselves feel better about the results. Granted, Shendu most likely is an example of one bad spoiling the rest, but the point is, we don't know. I'm also just putting the idea out there, because in the laws of this world, the story world, it's all less on myth or superstition and more of history and fact.
8026835 Only question is, how long before it backfires and she betrays him?
8026886 Alright, I'll grant you that but if Shendu does know her, that's not very good for her believability and if she's Queen of the Sirens, that's probably a suggestion to run and hide.
8026745
I did, but I thought he was talking about the human world, and the Dazzling are from Equestria.
8026886
In the canon show, Shendu once managed to rescribe History so he and his family were never vanquished or banished. Alternate demon ruled Earth wasn´t a nice place to live if you were human.
We don´t know enough about these versions and how many kilonazis they currently mark in the Evilometer. Yes, is still possible for then being not worse rulers than your average Third Word dictator or politician...
...but for some reason, I imagine Valmont returning to the spa for his reward, only to discover Bai Tza eating one of her new maidens alive as a snack. I wonder what world be his reaction given the case.
8026925 in canon, Bai didn't really seem like the humans-are-good-munchies kinda demon. still, time will tell what the Tat's Demons are all about. I'm certain, no matter what, we're all going to enjoy the tale. Where ponies travel, things are destined to be fun. With the CMC, we know it's going to be wild fun.... with tree sap too.
Excellent chapter as usual! So then, there's a connection to the EQG sirens? Does that mean that in this fics universe, they were banished to this earth instead? Or is this also the EQG earth, albeit heavily modified into a high magic realm? Is Bai Tza herself a type of siren or did she just hold dominion over them? Or am I just reading too much into this? I'm a sucker for The Dazzlings, especially when written not to be reduced to normal humans at the end of the day, hehehe.
Hot chaaaaa! Making with the sexy times!
8026487 I honestly think it's likely that if some of the Demon Sorcerers are on Earth and something else threatens to take over or destroy the planet that they would agree to work with the good guys to keep Earth safe. It would be wary coperation, but if Bai Tza was to work with Viper I can see the two of them swapping ideas on how to drive their men crazy and causing chills to run up Jackie and Valmont's back. Atlantis would also be a vacation spot for anyone really interested in mythology or fantasy.
Well, let's see who is going to be the next... Maybe the demon of wind or the demon of Sky? As I doubt it could be hard to go to space.
8026910 Considering the author endorses this ship, I don't see that happening.
Valmont would be her fucktoy, at best.
8027214 well..... she HAS spent at least 900 years in a prison set in a dimensional void. that might build up a certain ...appetite. Though, I think she's going to play with her food first. Savor it. What fun is it if her hunger is sated right away?
well well. I like this ship in the dark. hopefully we get to see baby dazlings in the future.
"Wait, does this mean if we do it then-"
"Yes, I would be present for all of it."
"Oh dear, that would make this... awkward."
"I have lived centuries and seen much, but that may be the greatest understatement I have ever come across."
Oooh he's going to need a long cold shower...
From an old John Lennon song
"She never gives up
And she never gives in.
She just changes her mind"
I remember one of the Ferengi Rules of Acquisiton
"Gratitude is worth its weight in Latinum" (their version of gold)
As Stalin put it, "Gratitude is a disease of the dogs. I am not a dog" Valmot is too crafty not to have contingency plans for this. He could end up working with the Chans
Chapter Ninety Seven
"Aiyah!"
Chapter Count: 0
Total Count: 45
"One More Thing!"
\
Chapter Count: 1
Total Count: 80
Note: I frigging hate Occam's Razor on a personal level. It leads to supposition and blinds to abstract possibilities in absence of concrete evidence, and from personal experience, those abstract possibilities occur more often than most might think...
8027106
Uh dude, remember Bai tza is from Jackie Chan's dimension, while the Sirens are from Equestira, a completely different dimension. So I highly doubt they are related
8027581
You deny the possibility that when Bai Tza was banished from Earth to the demon nether realm, the Immortal behind it might have chosen a more humane fate for her Siren subjects (who, after all, were only doing what they were made to do) by sending them to another world connected to Earth that could handle them (Equestria)?
...only for them to later be banished by Starswirl?
So far Valmont is demonstrating himself to be one Magnificent Bastard, but I do see one potential (perhaps even inevitable considering the good guys have to win) weakness;
8027590 So, in other words, Too Dumb to Fool?
8027697
I was thinking more along the lines of Valmont's own human henchmen bumbling something up or one of the demons getting impatient and doing something recklessly stupid, but that works too.
I approve of everything in this chapter and author's note.
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This is a real good chapter in establishing the hint of Valmont and Bai Tza's relationship, although considering her nature as a demon and a siren, I think she sees Valmont more as a worthy sort of male to have fun with, rather than an one she actually has feelings for. I could be wrong, I mean, she might change in future.
Shendu in this story I'd say is the only one suffering from villain decay. He's practically helpless at this point and subject to his siblings and Valmont's superior thinking. Maybe it'll turn around, but he's been silent and in the background, which is a rarity for him.
The only thing I find strange is that you seemed to cut off the sentence where Valmont sees 'she's wearing nothing but,' but then the sentence completely drops altogether. Is there something missing there?
8028491
Wearing nothing but the hair that was just previously discussed.
8027544 Occam's Razor is a solid principle that's widely misapplied.
The key to not cutting yourself with it when you attempt to wield it is to keep two things in mind:
1) It's only a tie-breaker when you have no better way of deciding between multiple explanations. As soon as the evidence points toward a different explanation, the former simplest explanation stops being preferred.
2) While it may be possible to modify your chosen explanation to keep it viable as more information comes in, the modified explanation is no longer as simple as it was, and another explanation may now be the simplest.
And Uncle is right - knowing that Valmont is working with a Dark Wizard whose magic is capable of producing all the effects that Team Chan has noticed, you can explain it all that way without needing to invoke a Demon behaving in a decidedly out-of-character fashion.
Of course, as more evidence comes in, possession by Shendu is going to become the preferred explanation but at present it's an added complication that isn't needed in order to explain the known facts.
8028528 oh ok, thank for clearing that up
8026556 Simple. She is/will be their mother.
8027109
Mmm... Maybe. Not sure if Tarakudo is powerful and dangerous enough to justify such alliance.
On the other hand, Tirek could be, assuming he had the time and opportunity to steal enough magic.
Boulder happy.
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8029341 doesn't have to be him, just based on the Veil Keepers Tats could bring in ANYTHING to threaten the world.