Defeated and enraged the disgruntled ladies retired to bed feeling there was nothing more to do without a moment to rest; after such a long night of travelling they slept all the way up to the early afternoon, with one eye open of course, just in case Valmont tried to run out on them. Around 1 o'clock the house phone in the kitchen started to ring, Cora got off the sofa to answer it, to her surprise it was MC Cobra.
She listened intently to his static voice, he sounded tired and miserable. "Yo, Cora I'm sorry I didn't make it too coffee, we were out of town looking for Leo. Um anyway, you still want to meet up? I'm heading to the coffee place now. See you there I guess."
Of course she wanted to meet up; they had much to discuss. Cora got dressed and freshened up with lightning speed, grabbed her purse then stopped to put up an ear to Valmont's door, it sounded like he was snoring, she asked Amy to keep an eye on Valmont before she ran out the door and down the stairs to the street below.
Cora arrived first, ordered a pot of tea to share and waited for MC Cobra to arrive, her leg juddered in anticipation as she pondered what was to be done about Valmont, he had them by the short hairs and while she'd never call herself a master tactician she felt NO she knew she needed to beat him.
Stirring her tea she sighed, at least now we're back and we can start fixing this mess. She checked her watch, 1:18, He'll should be here soon, its only 10 minutes' walk from here to the junkyard. Oh, I really should talk about that kiss, but not now, Valmont first.
10 minutes later Cobra came in wearing his usual dark uniform and a pair of dark glasses. Cora was so happy to see him again she got up and hugged him tightly then sat down again, he took the tea gratefully but he looked terrible, rough trip perhaps. She curiously probed him about his glasses and asked him to take them off inside, he hesitated then slid them off causing Cora to gasp at the big ugly bruise over his left eye.
"Oh my god, what happened to you?" she asked, appalled by the sight.
He hesitated, and then lied quietly, "Jackie Chan punched me in the face."
She scoffed in disgust, "That animal, can I get you something for it?"
He shook his head, "It's nothing; Chan got another girl, that's 7 down, 5 to go. Drago's real mad about losing Leo."
Wonderful, more bad news, "How are the rest of you coping?"
"I'm cool, we're cool, gotta chill 'til Drago gives the word to go again," he sipped his tea slowly. "How about you?"
"Oh ho ho, you are not going to believe this," she chuckled insincerely, "the other day our landlord said he found a book about the Maidens of Zodiac."
Cobra's good eye widened, "For real, there's a book about this, Drago never told us, what's in it?"
"Apart from a few magic tricks he won't tell us."
"Wait a minute, how did he even find out, did you tell him?" If Valmont was involved this could prove problematic to Drago's operations and to the girls wellbeing.
"Of course not," she protected, "Anyway the slimy rat is trying to blackmail us; use our powers to steal for him."
MC was befuddled; she reached into her purse and pulled out a handful of gold coins as proof. "See?"
"Phwow!" he overflowed, Cora shushed him and hid the coins in her purse before anyone else saw them.
"So what are you gonna do?"
"Well that's just it, I haven't a bloody clue, I was hoping you could tell me." she replied.
He thought for a second then said, "If you want I could get the boys to come around and take care of him, we'll make it look like an accident."
"I don't want to use violence, even if he does deserve it. Oh I need a plan." Cora slumped into her hands in self-pity.
Cobra decided to lighten the mood, "Ha, isn't it weird we both had somewhere to be yesterday. We really need to get each other's number." They both laughed at the irony.
With the important business off the table Cora and MC worked to finish their tea, occasionally exchanging small talk while mentally setting up a plan to deal with Valmont, It seemed a fruitless effort, all they needed was something to use as leverage against him.
Here is what they already knew, Valmont used to be a powerful business man, CORRECTION he moonlighted as a crime lord, dealing in mystical artifacts which often led him afoul with Jackie some point he lost his fortune and credibility, which may have also been a result of constant fights with Chan. He even mentioned making a deal with the demon sorcerer Shendu but ended up getting double crossed.
Cora remembered she needed to get back to the girls, with no other option it seemed they would have to resort to violence, despite Cora's abhorrence.
So she grabbed her purse, exchanged Cobra's phone number with her own, and went to give him a hug goodbye but when she tried to kiss his cheek he stiffened up and pulled away.
"What's the matter," she asked befuddled, did I do something wrong?
"Nothing," he insisted pointing at his eye, "it's still tender."
"Oh, well give it time and it'll get better," she cooed, she mystically summoned a small clump of ice between her hands, wrapped it in a napkin and offered it to sooth the swelling. Her instincts told her it wasn't just his eye making him act distant, "Oh, and these are for you", she handed him the gold coins discreetly, "a souvenir". MC Cobra couldn't believe it.
"Thanks, where did you get these from anyway?"
"This cool palace outside Hong Kong, Valmont said it belonged to a demon called Shendu."
"Wait," he blurted out loud, "I think I know him," he recalled way back to the battle royale at the baseball stadium, it was Drago's global takeover, it was them against the Chans then suddenly Shendu, a giant scaly monster appeared out of nowhere and Drago called him dad. "He's Drago's pops."
This made Cora's eye twinkle; "you're joking." What an incredible coincidence.
He shook his head, "Yo, should we tell Drago?"
"Not yet, when do you need to get back by?"
"I don't know, whenever I suppose," he shrugged.
"Come with me, I've got an idea," Cora started sprinting back to the apartment, Cobra followed hesitantly, not completely sure what Cora was planning, he feared that being with her for too long may stir Drago's anger and he'd be beaten again. But still he followed and then started racing with her as though it were a game; he'd worry about Drago later.
So once again it seemed the overdue talk concerning her feelings had to wait a little longer. Now Cora had found her leverage.
…
Back at Section 13 Jackie and Captain Black was making their way through the visitor's wing to check up on the girls, "Hello Charlie, how are you settling in?" asked Jackie, peering into the guest lounge.
Charlie was sitting on the sofa, staring up at the ceiling in deep contemplation, "Fine," she shrugged getting up, "you are sure that the demon cannot get to us here?"
Captain Black stepped forward, "Not to worry, little lady, I've arranged for security sweeps three times a day, cameras keep an eye on anything that moves …"
"Not to mention Uncles been painting the building in chi spell to keep demon boy out." Jade appeared with Becky and Charlotte in tow all eager to meet the new arrival.
Jackie stepped aside to let them all in, "Oh I forgot, Charlie this is Becky and Charlotte aka Capricorn and Taurus, and this is my niece Jade."
As Charlie got acquainted Jade pulled Jackie out to the hallway for a private word, she didn't look at all happy, "Jackie, you can't keep doing this to me, I'm going crazy waiting here, and I need to be out there with you where the action is, not stuck here."
Jackie knew Jade felt abandoned, as a result she was becoming increasingly irritable, "Jade this is a good thing, I finally found someone who actually keeps you out of trouble." He peeped through the door at Becky, talking with Charlie.
"If I'm here who's keeping you out of trouble?" she retorted.
"Jade I can take care of myself," Jade didn't look convince, so he tried using reverse phycology, "Remember, if Drago did show up I know I can trust you to keep the others safe," Jackie's phone started to beep, Jackie got up patted Jade on the shoulder ushering her back in the lounge, "And besides with you here full time your school work is actually improving."
Jade was practically bursting at the seams with frustration, she couldn't stay sat on the side line another minute. She heard Uncles screeching voice on Jackie's phone; another locator must have revealed the next Maiden. They'd need to pick Uncle and his research up then come back to take the jet.
Umm, maybe I could pick up some research too. Jade followed Jackie out of Section 13 as he hailed a cab.
In the back of the shop Tohru and Uncle were preparing to leave, which was quick considering they never unpacked from their last flight. Tohru recalled the details to Jackie while Uncle packed his equipment including a silver bangle with a glowing turquoise stone, "the locator has just revealed Sagittarius in Moscow, Russia; we should need a coat but I pack a jacket just incase." Tohru handed Jackie a photo he snapped of the Maiden from the locator's projection.
She was a tall statuesque woman in a long lavender coloured robe, with flowing blonde hair and a stern face which seemed to be in deep contemplation.
Jackie pocketed the photo and pulled out his phone "I'll let Captain Black know to get the jet ready."
Russia, I am not missing out on this Jade thought, rummaging through Uncles potion cabinet for something special. But first I need to fix Becky's eagle eye off me. Ah this'll do, she smiled, sneaking a little green vial into her anorak pocket.
"Come on Jade we're leaving," called Jackie from the cab.
Jade ran out, "Coming."
…
Valmont sat hunched over like a monster in the dark behind his bedroom door, inspecting the cut gems under a lamp and magnifying glass, a smile of smug satisfaction on his face and the brown sack of spoils propped against him leg like a sleeping spaniel.
Oh this is fantastic, with a pocket full of gems alone I can pay off my debts three time over, Valmont had a plan, I'll fence off the smaller trinkets, the jewellery and coins to different jewellers around the city for some real money. The more valuable items like this decorative dagger, gold crowns and assorted documents will go to my contacts around the country and aboard to pay off my debts and regain any lost favour. I'll keep the rest to decorate my new home, Oh I can buy back my old penthouse OR maybe buy a mansion or two in the Hamptons.
Suddenly he heard someone open the front door, and remembered: if he wanted to get the rest of the treasure he needed to keep those girls close and under his thumb. As long he had the book he was in charge, he owned them.
Bang Bang Bang, came a horrific banging at his door.
"Oi, Valmont get out here," Amy shouted, frantically jiggling the door handle.
"Go away!" he barked impatiently, "you'll break the door down you stupid cow!"
"If you say so." And with a mighty foot of strength the door flew off the hinges, passed Valmont's head and hit the other side of the room with a frightening crash, causing Valmont to fall out his chair.
Flabbergasted, Valmont rushed to the demolished door frame, to be greeted by the vandals, accompanied by one of their little friends from the junkyard.
"You smash my door in." he gasped slowly
"Obviously," Beatrice mocked from the back of the group.
"What is this?" he demanded.
Amy stepped forward, "We want to re-negotiate our little arrangement."
"Also you can give us the book you promised us." Gemma added.
"I told you I burnt it, and you little…" Valmont went to grab Amy but didn't get a chance as Cora ambushed him with a powerful icy blast; he stood motionless, completely encased in ice from the neck down like an ice sculpture. Cora, feeling lightheaded began to stumble, luckily MC held her steady, she still wasn't used to using too much of her powers.
Amy and Beatrice slipped pass and entered Valmont's room, he couldn't turn his head to see but the racket of furniture being over turned and floorboards being uplifted was enough to double his struggle for freedom.
Beatrice slipped back out with Valmont's bag of treasure and sat down, "what are you doing, that's mine!"
"Found it!" Amy skipped out with the ancient book in hand and gave it to Cora. "Should have known you'd never burn the book Valmont, although I'm a little disappointed you couldn't think of a better hiding place. It seems like a waste of effort on our part."
"Well at least we finally got it", sighed Cora, carefully flipping through the pages, then she looked up from the pages. "What do you reckon we should do with him?" she teased.
"Oh, let me have him," Amy hissed, casting a threatening grin at Valmont, "There are things I've been wanting to do to him for a while."
"Oh, look at his face," Beatrice pointed childishly at the struggling man, "you know it's kind of fun, you might say the tables turned," she giggled from the sofa.
Valmont stuttered desperately, hoping to talk his way out of trouble, "wait a minute ladies, let's not make any rash de…decisions; y…y…you got what you wanted, I got what I wanted, s…so you don't need to do anything else to me."
"You'd think it were that easy." Cora smirked, quite amused at Valmont's position, "considering what you've done you deserve a good thrashing at the least. But if you agree to our terms, we might be merciful."
"I d…d…don't make deals w…w…with brats." Valmont stuttered defiantly, he was a man of quality and he would not be made a fool by any man, definitely not by a gang of whining delinquents.
Cora frowned not in offence, rather in disappointment, "Gemma, open the portal."
"righto." Gemma gave a thumbs up and skipped over to the kitchen sink.
"W…w…what portal?"
"Oh you'll see," they smiled wickedly. Gemma took a jug and filled it with water.
"In respect for the old deal you'll get to keep your treasure and we get to keep ours, it's only fair, but from now on if you want to steal again you do it yourself.
we're also taking the book and you word not to go telling anyone who we really are." As Cora eloquently explained the terms behind her Gemma was pouring water onto the linoleum floor and muttering a portal spell, Valmont didn't catch the name of the location which made him all the more anxious.
Cora continued. "We'll also want you to do a few odd jobs for us like fencing off our jewels, translating this book, finding a new place for us, our boys and future tenants to live and anything else we need until such a time we decide we don't need of you anymore and you can be on your way."
"Cora, it's ready," Gemma called standing over the wide spinning portal, but because the apartment was so cramped the portal nearly took the fridge out the kitchen and Valmont's chair out the living room.
Valmont felt a jolt within his frozen prison, it was Amy and Beatrice pushing him towards the portal and he was powerless to stop them, he could only shake his head side to side trying to break the ice from within, or tip himself over, but they held him in place. They slid him closer and closer and Cora just watched. Then they stopped; he was poised half other the edge of the portal, he looked down slowly, careful not to break his balance, beyond the hypnotic swirling he saw at the end of the tunnel… "A Junkyard?"
"Oh and if you refuse we push you in right now and you can explain to Drago what doing with his daddy's moola." MC Cobra placed the sack of treasure in Valmont's outstretched frozen arms and threaten to push him over the edge.
Valmont was truly frightened, these people he could handle, he could bargain with them, but to be stuck motionless with a sack of stolen treasure and an angry dragon demon, that was suicide, "I'll tell him you we're there too, you won't be spared his wrath."
Amy scoffed," Go ahead, we're valuable, he'll be lenient to us, but not to you."
Gemma nodded, "yeah, and I doubt you'll be able to get a word in edgeways, while he's ripping you to shreds."
The group stopped pushing and Valmont could feel himself tilting downwards by the force of gravity, Oh god he thought If that demon sees be with his father's treasure I'm a dead man OH GOD OH GOD, "Ok I agree I'll do whatever you say, I'll do whatever you say." He pleaded.
He closed his eyes expecting to fall down the tunnel but instead he hit the linoleum floor and his treasure spilled out everywhere; Gemma had closed the portal at the last split second, Valmont panted feeling a mixture of shock and relief, surprising when he hit the floor the ice didn't break.
"alright then, " Cora chimed, rubbing her hands together, "first things first, let's mop up the water and have some lunch I'm starving, then later we can go house shopping."
"What about the Valmont-sicle." Ask MC Cobra.
Amy waved her hand dismissively, "Oh leave him shower to melt, he needs to cool off."
"Well Valmont I hope you plan of keeping you word for your own sake. MC, want to see what else we brought back?"
"Sure."