"...and that's the situation now," Jackie explained as he slumped over, head in his hands as he'd finished explaining everything that had happened. "One of the Demon Sorcerers is now Jade's familiar, apparently. I'm honestly surprised Uncle is okay with this."
"I'm not," Captain Black responded readily as he looked over some papers. "The role of Good Chi Wizards is to combat rogue Dark Magic in order to maintain the balance. If Hsi Wu agreed to this of his own will, there's no better ally for Jade as far as working to keep the balance. Quite a few high level Good Mages have demonic familiars, some with bonds that have been passed down through the generations."
"...okay, I did not see that coming," Jackie admitted. "But that's not the worst part! Viper, Tohru, Uncle, the girls...they're all acting like Hsi Wu is Jade's boyfriend now, just because they first met and went on a date when he took a human form her age! The only one not acting like he's her boyfriend is her...although most media the girls watch suggest that's a matter of 'protest too much', which is even worse!"
"He can take the form of someone her age?" Captain Black clarified. "That'll make things much simpler."
"What things?" Jackie demanded crossly.
"Enrolling him at her school, for one thing."
"What?" Jackie demanded as he leapt to his feet. "Why?"
"Standard policy regarding demonic familiars for mage students in Elementary school," Captain Black explained. "Demonic familiars are registered either as fellow students if they're mostly humanoid or can appear human, and as service animals if they aren't or can't."
"...okay, I'm not sure how I feel about the idea of a seeing eye demon-" Jackie began.
"More therapy animal than sensory assistance," Captain Black clarified.
"But why would that be standard policy?" Jackie concluded.
"Because the primary role of a familiar at that stage of development is to be a protector," Augustus clarified. "And considering how big a role emotional state has in the way magic develops, that means protecting them physically and emotionally. Better the familiar is right there at his or her side to support them emotionally if they hit a hurdle, rather than ripping through walls to get into the school because they sensed them getting pushed, bullied, or yelled at by a particularly energetic gym coach." He straightened some paperwork. "Cheaper, too, both in terms of building repair and faculty turnover."
Jackie stared at Captain Black for a time. "It's upsetting just how much sense that makes..."
"Well, I'll get started on that paperwork," Captain Black continued. "Anything I can say to help you feel comfortable?"
"You can tell me the statistics about young mages growing up to form intimate relationships with their lifelong familiars is exceptionally low," Jackie groaned morosely.
Captain Black hesitated. "...uh..."
Jackie lifted his head. "...what?"
"If the familiar bond is formed under the age of seven for either gender, or above the age of fifteen for girls, statistics are exceptionally low for that happening," Captain Black began. "But..."
"...but?" Jackie coached.
"Bonds formed above seven for boys, or between seven and fifteen for girls, statistically...lead to happy marriages?" Captain Black offered helpfully.
Turning, Jackie proceeded to bang his head against the wall, muttering "Bad day" with every bump against the wall.
"He's what?" Valmont asked carefully of Tso Lan.
"It appears Hsi Wu was banished back to the netherrealm," Tso Lan explained carefully, "and...not even 12 hours later, summoned to a familiar binding contract."
"...familiar binding contracts work through the netherrealm banishment?" Valmont inquired curiously.
"They shouldn't," Tso Lan continued. "However, this was magic that was not a part of the world at the time the Immortals banished us, and so circumvented the normal seals."
"Then it was the Chans' fillies," Bai Tza spoke up as she entered. "And he's likely bound to the girl Jade as her familiar. Nothing to worry about there, he's probably perfectly content with the arrangement."
Valmont and Tso Lan both turned towards Bai Tza. "Is there something you wanted to share, love?" Valmont asked carefully.
"While you were playing chess with your friend, Hsi Wu swung by to ask me to teach him to dance," Bai explained. "Apparently, the fillies bound him to an oath to be Jade's friend and take her to the Spring Dance to get his tail back. Knowing Hsi, he was probably discovered at some point, stated flat out his intention to engage in battle with them ending in one side or the other magically bound to the winner, and promptly got his ass kicked because he was genuinely sweet on the girl and missed what was happening until she'd already put the spell on him." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "If it were me, I'd have used a bright green ensemble and hid the banishment spell in the lip gloss...probably with a romantic flute song playing just before handing the tail over."
Tso Lan stared at Bai for a time, but was caught off guard as Valmont spoke up. "Did you give Jade lessons? Because I was aware of his banishment, and that's exactly how it happened."
"Oh, she's good!" Bai purred wickedly. "Brother's going to have his hands full with that one."
"But this is no real problem for me," Valmont concluded. "I've kept my end of the bargain with Hsi, by his own words."
"And our brother is now bound to those who seek to prevent our freedom," Tso Lan pointed out darkly.
"Actually, they just want to prevent your conquest," Valmont corrected. "They seemed quite happy with Bai and I being together, and would likely direct Hsi to assist in breaking the spell binding Shendu to me once I've filled my end of the bargain for everyone involved."
"Wait, what?" Shendu demanded in shock. "But your end of the bargain-"
"Was specifically to achieve and maintain your freedom," Valmont interrupted. "Helping you conquer the world was never part of that agreement. Any negotiations regarding that were specifically relegated to after your brotherhood was completely freed. 'One thing at a time,' I believe I said?"
Tso Lan frowned, looking rather perturbed. Bai, however, seemed quite happy with this outcome. "And if Hsi divulges the plans?" he demanded.
"He'd only divulge them to Jade and the fillies," Bai pointed out. "If she's anything like what I think, they'd want to try and get the jump on the old chi wizard as far as stopping us, both for the thrills and because they ship."
"That's hardly reassuring," Tso Lan groaned.
I love that Bai knew exactly how the situation with Jade as Hsi would turn out.
The CMC ship it. Bai ships it. Viper ships it. Uncle and Tohru ship it (to a degree). Valmont seems to be shipping it. I'd be willing to bet that if he knew of it, Goliath would ship it. And last, but certainly not least, I ship it.
Hsi Jade
All aboard!
Poor, poor Jackie. Three god-tier magic user wasn't enough. Now you have a very clever, self-proclaimed Evil, demonic sorcerer of an arguably similar power level helping Jade do whatever she wants. Particularly the fun and troublemaking parts of what she wants.
I'd be happy with this outcome also, Bae.
Because they ship. Damn right.
Part of me still can't believe this is actually how this turned out. Hsi is in for a crazy ride.
If Tso Lan don't like it, he coud take care of Hsi Wu if he want. Also, something Velmont did not comment is that there is a high chance that they leave him and Bai Tza alone just for the romance.
Honestly not sure if that's supposed to be "protest" since in this case protect works as well.
8272045
...that's what I typed, damn text program...
Laughing this loud at 3 in the morning, the day BEFORE 4th of July. Yeah, I’m not on people’s good side right now.
Like I care
Also,
A little(?) vulgar but this sounds SO viable to this argument https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYBEEmZym8o
ALL HAIL FOAMY! and yes, I did intentionally not use the links
8272048 Kinda wondered
Statistically speaking Jackie, it's all pointing to good things.
Guess everyone is aboard this ship.
Seems Shendu isn't happy about his potential premature release.
I really like this development. It would led to numerous vague and awkward situations - which will undoubtedly cause hilarious results. (like the Las Vegas' filming incident)
Probably the only one who has trouble seeing that way was Jackie. (Captain Black seems surprisingly adapt with the current situations)
8272062
Black’s a suit, he has to or at least able to bluff until he can get the right info
Pfft Oh man. The problems that fathers who have daughters have to deal with. Jackie just got a TASTE of the headaches to come..................Popcorn anyone?
This is SO true. Hell, I think EVERYONE here ships them.
Okay, now if Jackie heard this, I think he would be more worried FOR Hsi Wu than Jade. Eh, maybe Hsi can make a grown up version of his "Seymor" persona so he can go out and hang out with Jackie to bond with over a beer or two. I can only imagine the chaos that would happen from THAT.
I can already picture Valmont scheming to borrow that spell in case Bai gets banished. Or perhaps he could just ask those 4 girls for it. In either case, I think Valmont is going to be nice and happy with his Demon lover for years to come.
I do wonder if Tats is going to spend a couple of chapters establishing a new normal for Chan Family before going off to battle against the next demon sorcerer.
8272025
You forgot Black ship it. He even got statistics on his side.
8272077
Isn't "battle against the next demon sorcerer" exactly what normal is for the Chan's?
8272025 8272032
Let's face facts. Those three will have a new "Best Princess" when they return to Equestria:
derpicdn.net/img/view/2014/1/29/537511__safe_princess+cadance_fedex_image+macro_literal+shipping_mean+girls_parody_photo_ponies+in+real+life_princess+of+love_princess+of+shipping_reac.jpg
So Valmont has cooked up a way to win without any people we care about losing... so much for global conquest!
lol love the shipping so far
8272025
8272032
8272058
8272074
8272081
8272116
The Luxury Cruise Ship, HsixJade, will be leaving port in 2 seconds, anyone willing to leave or get on do so now!
Gotta love them statistics! Though, why would Captain Black have such data memorized off the top of his bald head?
8272185
He doesn't. They're part of the paperwork he was going through as far as getting Seymour enrolled.
8272185 Captain Black is getting familiar with the new world. And he might have specifically focused on things that might affect the girls in his research.
Either way, I love that the only two who see an issue with this arrangement is Jackie and Tso Lan. Might give them something to agree on.
My god, is Jade actually at Bat Tza levels of seductive manipulation already?
Also, I do like how it's leaning towards the "demons get free, but don't try the world conquest thing." route. I'm really interested to see how that would affect the Tarakudo Arc.
"way of magic developments" or "way (that) magic develops"
Wow. She is GOOD!
Methinks the Wings are extra crispy at this point.
Oh god I needed that laugh this morning.
Okay Jackie needs to seriously get laid. Least that type of banging will keep him from banging his head on the wall.
All of those in favor say "I"
8272321
I
Now how will Tso Lan alter his plans now know Valmont's support will be read negotiated after he frees the other Demon Sorcerers and that World Domination may be more expensive then he realizes.
8272321
eye
Does that "bad day" count as one or many cuz he is repeatedly banging his head on the wall saying "bad day"
Oh poor Jackie... Just gotta accept that your niece is falling and falling hard,
I am surprised Tso Lan didn't say "Bad Day" at the end, it would have been the prefect moment!
I do love the way things are setting up here. The Demon Sorcerers who've been freed at this point are open to the pragmatic approach to evil (and really haven't committed any evil acts since their release), which is good, and Valmont's got a chance of getting Shendu out of his head regardless of whether or not all of them get free. And as long as they don't cause trouble, then the J Team will leave them be.
Opens up a lot of possibilities, this.
8272102
While true, there are a couple of instances which might prove interesting with setting up a new status quo before going after new demons. The first is Drew's expression when he finds out "Seymour" is one of the demon sorcerers and is a familiar to Jade. And with the changes to the timeline, there are endless possibilities for Simone Magus and Jimmy (who are both Jade's classmates at this point in time).
Honestly I wouldn't be surprised at all if there were more students at Jade's school with familiars. I also wouldn't be surprised at all if there were a club for them.
Pretty good resolution of this arc, I like it.
8272399
Plausibly not an official group, like the Junior Woodchucks, but a Gang. Jackie will NOT be happy about that. Even Uncle might have misgivings about some of her associates. Any of Valmont's assistants have younger relatives?
I also vaguely remember the episode with Jade in some group with cute outfits. Jackie loved it. Jade, not so much.
8272562
You're thinking of the Buttercup Scouts. And yes the Enforcers have nephews Jade's age (though from what I can recall not attending her school). Oh this could lead to some great fun.
8272562
...I think you might have replied to the wrong post.
Because they ship. Best reason ever.
Shendu? You still here? Kind of forgot about you....
Now I wanna see Hsi Wu deal with the Monkey King
I'm really shipping it, too
8272320 And now I'm imagining someone walking around with a Gazer or other floating mass of eyes on a leash
Well now this is certainly rather interesting. Who knew so many girls in Jade's age range end up happily married to their familiars? o.o
Chapter One Hundred Twenty Eight
"Aiyah!"
Chapter Count: 0
Total Count: 46
"One More Thing!"
Chapter Count: 0
Total Count: 80
I see Black has finally gotten to speed with the rules of the new universe. It's good to have him back as a proper authority. Though I still have to wonder who might have noticed his interesting inquiries....
8272821
Ouch. Talk about painful.
so then....... when should I start a bidding table on the next crazy stuff in the next seasons?
8273052
If they ever go to London, put me down for fifty bits on them meeting the Undertaker from Black Butler.
8273085
Done. anyone else??
I am surprise that they did not go to a magic/monster/supernatural bazaar...
sure Uncle sells too... but he is more of a specialty shop....