Harry Potter and the Forces of Darkness
Chapter 15: Midnight Reunion
A/N: This is the moment that we have all been waiting for ladies and gentleman. This is the moment that Shendu shall finally hug his son from his prison and be free. I've waited a rather long time to do this.
As a side note in my last chapter of the other story I made for chapter 4 the error mistakes also with Jonathan mistake have been fixed but if you find any errors then tell when what and where and I shall fix them.
This is one of my favourite projects on my long road to be a pro author. If I didn't want it I wouldn't have come this far already. And YES I shall reveal as to why Lupi is not evil exactly in so many opinions of the word but more heavily relies on Dumbledore and owes him greatly to blindly follow orders.
Much like the rest of the sheep in the UK. Ironic considering my nationality.
oOo
"ABSOLUTELY NOT YOUNG LADY"
Jade sighed leaning heavily on the creaky armrest in her Uncles back room study as she listened weakly to the profused babbling of her Uncle Jackie. It was rather late at least much too late for her to not be in bed already as she and her uncle had been arguing the same topic in circles for the past two hours both rather exhausted but neither would just give up that easily. After her Uncle (the old one) had been found impaled on a train missing the Dog Talisman that Jackie had finally managed to obtain in Bavaria along with the Sheep Talisman that was hinted to be an artifact on the very same train with the elderly chi wizard impaled through the roof he had been detained by the authorities and sent immediately to the nearest hospital as they called Jackie and Jade to come over none able to hear (or paying no interest) the constant moaning of "great evil" and "white-haired demon".
After a quiet sob from Jackie and a out of character silence from Jade the three had arrived back, Uncles Chi as he explained to them would heal him eventually in a few mere months time and so with no more speculations fro the other Talismans from Section 13 and his Uncle temporarily out of commission Jackie had volunteered to run the store. As for how that brings up the angry verbal war that was between the martial artist and his niece as the old billy goat had managed to stay awake long enough to tell Jackie about the white-haired boy and his involvement in the accident along with the "manipulations" that it was forming around Jade and her sudden academic performances and new isolated behaviour in her room.
Needless to say, the fact that Jade had continued to befriend somebody so evil struck a cord in Jackie.
As soon as Jade had arrived from school with an old tome she was currently buried in she had bumped into Jackie frowning at her as he upheld his intervention. Jackie had steered her inside of the backroom as he began his interrogation starting with how long she had been seeing the demon and why she would continue to do so in the first place.
"What does it matter." Jade screeched huffing. "He's not evil Jackie sure he might not be completely human but even you taught me yourself not to judge a book by its cover.
Jackie facepalmed. "I meant humans Jade. That- that thing is a demon for god's sake."
Jade scowled. "Yeah well, he's been more human than anybody else in my life. He's been kinder to me than my parents or the kids at school. He's kind, sweet maybe a little irritating at times but -"
Jackie shook his head shooting her a disapproving glare she was all too used to. "And I assume that putting Uncle on his death bed was clearly one of his noble features."
"Yeah well, he deserved it," Jade said darkly. "He was the one that thought it was OK to scramble with my Chi and mess with my mind from the start. And at least Luse doesn't treat me like a complete waste of space."
"IVE HEARD ENOUGH, GO TO YOUR ROOM" Jackie thundered pointing to the spiral staircase. "I NEVER WANT YOU TO SAY THAT DEMONS NAME EVER AGAIN."
"FINE" Jade retorted as she stomped past her infuriated Uncles managing to grab her school bag and coat on the way marching up the stairs and slamming her bedroom door as hard as she could the effect cracking the material nearly in half due to her Chi amplifying her body's physical prowess. Dropping her bag and coat on the floor in a heap she silently marched over to her bed and wriggled tightly into her pillow her favourite Super Moose action figure clutched tightly in her grasp.
She didn't know how much time had passed by as she stared at her small nightstand gazing into nothing until a small tapping noise made her jump turning to her bedroom windows. The largest crow that she had ever seen was perched on the railing squeaking patiently while it jabbed its large beak against the glass preaching for entry. Curiously Jade slumped from her bed and hesitantly reached for the window lifting it up enough for the bird to fly inside as it nestled comfortably on her bed.
"Ok before you scream" the crow stated quickly nearly making Jade have a premature heart attack eyes bugged from freaking out. "I was sent by Luse to come aid you"
Jade rather self-impressed she hadn't screamed and woken her Uncles.
"Who are you" Jade stated slowly feeling rather silly having a conversation with an animal. She was the girl that talked to her stuffed toy once in a while but what kid hasn't. But the past months had taught her to open her mind to the possibilities that if something like Chi, magical talismans and cute demon boys were real then surely was possible for magical creatures to roam the earth. Stranger things as the adults would sometimes say.
The crow arose to its spindly little legs wings outstretched widely as though presenting itself in an overly dramatic bow. "Forgive my lack of manners milady. I am known as Pariah a name given to me by my master Luse Guizu I'm known in the magical community as a Boggart a type of shapeshifter with the power to turn into individuals worst living fears.
Jade blinked. "But I'm not afraid of crows"
Pariah laughed. "I only change if I want to milady you hold a mysterious place in my master's heart and for that, you have my respect."
Jade walked over to her bed beside Pariah stroking his ruffled looking feathers as it nuzzled contently in her lap as Jade was just happy it wasn't trying to nibble on her favourite plush toy.
"So what is it that Luse sent you over for," Jade asked while mildly rubbing Paraih under his chin.
Pariah snapping out of his relaxed pose jumped onto her shoulder. "These uncles have greatly upset you milady your distress from earlier was sensed by myself and Luse miles away and as soon as he heard he sent me to help you leave."
"Leave" Jade questioned unsurely. "I don't even think I could do that. And how could you tell I was in distress? And if he knew I was in distress then why didn't he come over here himself."
"He wanted to milady I plead with you that he did." Pariah reasoned his tone changed to worrying and warm. "However since the last time he came to this building your Chi Wizard of an uncle had upgraded the wards around his shop so that nothing demonic could even come within 5 kilometres without being disintegrated into nothing. No pun intended"
"What about me being in distress?" Jade asked.
"Since your Chi had been activated due to the courtesy of my master it an also can act as a beacon to other Chi users when you reach a certain power level or when you have had it for a duration of time. Being that you have not had this power for at least a decade I am speculating the first option. My master is a Chi user as well therefore it is only sensible that he could sense your emotional status. The words prevent physical presence but the old billy goat didn't think to parry anything besides that such as he didn't believe that Luse would have the aid of a Familiar to which is how I was able to enter."
Jade giggled at the old billy goat joke previously being assaulted nobody would say that about her oldest Uncle (or at least she thought he was) now humbly accepted anything to tarnish his name. "And my reason to leave? Sure I barely ever talk to Uncle now but Jackie-"
"Is blindly following his Uncle" Pariah willing to go far to help the girl see sense. "You see Jade as a Boggart I am privileged with the power to read peoples darkest nature its how I know what persons creeping fear is and I've read the mind of your dear youngest Uncle. He is trying to manipulate you against my master and trying to detain your growing power once more as soon as you are docile."
"No..." Jade whispered gently.
"Yes. I reported this news to my master and he instructed me to help you escape this infernal place he has even offered a vow on his life that he is telling the truth much like am willing to make myself.
Jade slowly eased herself off her bed again pacing around her room in circles so many times that she wasn't surprised that the whole floor didn't fall from the circle. Pariah simply set himself back on her bed watching her with his beady little eyes calmly but cautiously waiting for her answer.
Jade contemplated the pros and cons in her mind her future life choices depending on what she did right this minute. Bother her Uncles and no doubt Section 13 would try and use her to lure out Luse and to destroy him for the biblical reason of not being a reason. She would be from her parents grasp and finally be able to create her own life to which she still hadn't figured out what she wanted to do with.
But at least she would be free...with her first-ever friend te one person that had treated her like a person and not a delicate object. She turned to the crow a smile broadened wide.
"Hope you can shapeshift into some hands because your gonna help me pack" Jade smirked as she dove underneath her bed rummaging around for her suitcase hurling it on the bed as she zoomed around the room careful not to make too much noise as she emptied her drawers and closet open packing on the bare necessities along with a wad of cash that she had earned from helping around the store to prove her "independence".
oOo
San Fransisco (Near Midnight)
Luse and Daolong strode confidently into the main office area of the Dark Hand base the bag full of Talismans held in a small pouch the Enforcerors, Valmont and Shendu awaiting eagerly. The Enforcers were startled about the fact the old man that nearly killed them just walked in without any care though the look that Luse sent their way seemed to assure them that nothing serious would happen if he was kept in the same room with demon spawn. Valmont looked rather fidgety almost a high and even level of irritated and Shendu face was unreadable but a few sprays of embers hinted that he was excited. Su Li was there as well leaning against the wall next to Shendu he two of them had been having a quiet chat between demon father in law and mortal daughter in law.
It half terrified the others and half drowned them in confusion.
Luse walked over to Shendu tenderly stroking the statues snout the closest thing to physical contact he had with his father at least for now. Su came over jumping in Luse's arms in a hug spinning in his arms.
"I heard from Tohru that you managed to get all the Talismans for the revival of your dad" Su beamed looking forward to the event. "I know how much you've been looking forward to this."
Luse nodded pecking Su on the cheek. "That's right it's gonna finally be the family that I've waited for. The only thing we need now is the Dragon Talisman."
"Actually son" Shendu stated his voice more overjoyed than one thought for a demon. "Since your associates managed to obtain the Rat Talisman it will provide more substance instead of raw firepower despite combustion being my favourite power. I can simply search for my final Talisman when I am released."
Valmont shuddered furiously at that edging slowly towards the door inch by inch.
Luse saw this and smirked while conjuring a large oval mirror leaning against the wall of the main office doors preventing any exit to Luse's delight and Valmounts despair.
"What is the meaning of this Guizu" Valmont sputtered eying the mirror cautiously as though waiting for something to burst forth from it. "Why aren't you letting me pass."
Luse smiled tilting his head in mock confusion. "After all the work we as the Dark Hand have done to capture the Talismans from the clutches of the government's hands along with the major expenses on your account Valmont I would have thought you would wish to enjoy the fruits of your labour. We did promise you a treasure trove after all."
Valmont muttered curses reminded bitterly on how much it funded to extract the information on Talisman locations. "And the mirror"
"A front-row seat for my demon brethren at their younger brother resurrected after all when we're done here they are going to be next." Luse supplied. A blast of purple light shot from Luse to which a moment later the faces of his demon kinsman appeared faces eagerly pressed against the glass waiting for the first step of the plan to be completed.
"Oh, finally its been too long" Hsi Wu giggled.
"Let us just pray that Shendu concludes his end of the bargain" Tso Lan added plainly.
"I dare you to mock our Ninth youngest Tso Lan" Tchang Zu warned
"For the love of Lilith would you all shut your traps so we can get this over with." Bai Tza snapped at her brothers she spotted Luse in the crowd her sharp demeanour changed dramatically to flowery warmth. "Hi, Luse sweetie are you, ok hun."
Luse smiled scratching his cheek embarrassed by Su and the Enforcerors stifling giggles. "Y-yeah Aunti Bai I'm ok.
The five Talismans arose from the pouch swirling into a circle until they spun so fast light skidded in the air as it sunk into Shendus skins melting away inside. At once a volcanic eruption of power washed over the room tearing away the left side of the office door the roof blown apart disintegrating from the raw magical power Luse and Daolong Wong conjured a shield around the others Lues wings outstretched around Su for extra protection while the Enforcers' scrabbled for cover from what remained of the head table.
"I LLLIIIIIIIIIIIIIVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEE" Shendu thundered a blast of crimson red energy erupted into the ashy black sky arcs of electricity danced around the nights clouds. After a final gust of air evaporated Daolong Wong and Luse hesitantly let down the shield as they marvelled at the hulking beast before them. Shendu resembled nothing like his corporal form in the Netherworld his being a mix of a humanoid with a dragons head skin light green coated in scales with a murky swamp like the colour on his belly elongated claws, teeth and slitted eyes much like Luse had whenever he couldn't hold down his Occulemeny shields.
Luse releasing his future wife stepped to Shendu shedding his human guise the closer he got; horns curled on his forehead, wings stretched a little longer and ruby red flickered with gold smudged with tears.
"Dad is that you." Luse murmured outstretching a hand forward placed tenderly on the front of the fire demons nostrils which flared smoke. Shendu nodded crouching low to both knees as he tenderly hugged Luse softly for the first time a strange noise gurgling from his thought to which everybody assumed was a growl.
It was a choked sob from over 28 years of grief.
A collection of applause rose from the spectators. Su in a puddle of tears leapt to Luse and Shendu (slightly more tricky considering he was at least thirty times larger than either of them) as she tackled the two in hugs happy that her friend/fiance had resurrected his father successfully, the Enforcers smiled evenly having to get to know Luse through the weird past months understanding he was much more different than they thought that a demon would be such as a strict but fair guy plus there was always the promised gold after all they had managed to find the Rat Talisman that they had scooped up along with four more to the grand total. Valmont had tried to squeeze past the mirror but it was so large it left no openings irking the interest of the other demons the pair of seven bloody red eyes paralyzing the crime boss in his tracks.
"Going somewhere Valmont. After all, this is a time of celebration for your world."
Valmont shivered as he slowly turned around to face the towering figure of the once powerless statue of "client" the 8th pair of eyes hammered down on him dangerously the eyes peaking at something hidden under the crime lords sleeve.
"Valmont," Shendu said slowly. "Do you have something that you wish to give me"
Valmont realising that he was in a dead-end slowly plucked the Dragon Talisman from his engraved hand and tossed it to Shnedu who caught it with his telekinesis as it sunk into him the final Zodiac Talisman in its rightful place at long last.
"N-Now then Shendu we agreed to out part of the bargain" Valmont sheepishly gestured to himself and the goons. Now it's your turn."
Shendu nodded snapping his clawed fingers as several Shadowkhan ninjas appeared from the ground each holding golden vases with a lid each one was presented to Ratso, Finn, Chow and Tohru-everybody except Valmont who quivered in rage.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS" Valmont bellowed stupidly not realising he was screaming at a demon at least five times his size. "WHERE IS MY TREASURE DEMON"
Shendu snorted if they had pupils then they would probably be rolling right now. "You were the only one that did not provide me with any Talismans Valmont for that you earn nothing. And for trying to steal what is mine-"
Shendu inhaled a large gust of air before showering Valmont in a flurry of ruby flames his last words gurgle of screaming Luse shielded Su's eyes while the Enforcers turned away reduced to nothing into ash the floor below caved away the steel beams underneath rotted from the extreme heat.
"You shall cease to exist." Shendu hissed
oOo
Dark Hand Base (Rooftop)
After the gruesome demise of Valmont the Enforcers had taken their earnings and had given a brief bow to Shendu wishing him well (rather awkwardly to the behemoth sized demon) as well as a farewell and handshake to Luse and Su wishing the two a happy marriage and a possible invitation to the wedding. They were about to leave until they noticed that Tohru hadn't moved an inch.
"Hey, what's wrong big guy" questioned Fin. "We've got the loot to last us our lifetime what's keeping ya"
Tohru bowed his head. "I have decided to stay and become the apprentice of Daolong Wong as well as to humbly assist Mr Guizu in his future endeavours. My motives are due to sheer respect rather than profit."
Luse smiled. "Then I humbly accept Tohru. I'm sure that I might have a few things for you to do in my absence."
The Enforcers understood bade a kind and final goodbye before bolting through the doors erupting a whoop of joy at the payday they earned. As a bonus for the retrieval of the Talismans Luse had been gracious enough to coat the three in a modified Glamour charm to negate the effects of security cameras and make them look completely different to anybody else that had the intention of finding them.
Shendu breathing in an out for the first time glowed a faint black light until he transformed shrinking down to half the size of Tohru until the light died away. In his place stood a man that was strikingly similar to Luse although more like an adult version, the silver hair wasn't nearly as long instead shorter with sharp sideburns and was wearing a purple Armani suit with a black tie a red encrusted gem was pinned on his shirt with polished shoes.
"I believe that this form should suffice to shield away from the unwanted company," Shendu stated trodding over to the large mirror silently admiring his human form as he lacked the necessary power to have it while possessing James Potter it was a massive improvement having to not corrode another's thoughts and peacefully retain his own ignoring the rolling eyeballs of his brothers and sisters simply turning away and directing is attention to the others.
"Alright, dad" Luse stated. "I've gotten you free with all the Talismans safe to say that the first task is complete what about the second in freeing the others."
Shendu smirked clicking his fingers as a Shadowkhan arose from the ground a heavy tome passed to him something that Luse could only imagine that Granger would slaughter to devour in the pages. Shendu had the book levitated as his fingers waved through the air motioning the book's pages to turn at a heated pace until it finally landed on a section detailing the hefty mountains coated in snow on the left side of the pages while on the right was a rough diagram of what appeared to be a strange-looking puzzle box.
"The Pan Ku Box was last located in the high mountaintops of Tibet," Shendu stated turning to Luse. "This will be our next objective son."
Luse nodded.
"What exactly is this Pan Ku Box exactly?" Su asked jumping to her feet from Valmounts desk to Shendu. "What does it have to do with the other Demon Sourcerors?"
"I can answer that" Daolong stated. "The Pan Ku box is an instrument that acts as a lock and key to prevent the Demon Sorcerors from entering the Human World it was forged in good magic by the Eight Immortals centuries ago and from what I can theorize has been collecting dust in the shrine devoted to the heroes" Daolong spat with hatred.
"There's only one thing that doesn't make sense to me," Luse said.
"And that would be" asked Tohru.
"Why the hell would the Eight Immortals leave a way for the doors to open in the first place if they intended to trap you eight in the Netherworld in the first place. Why would they leave a chance for you to escape?"
Shendu sighed. "Unfortunately neither I or my brothers and sisters were able to solve that answer. Not that we much cared if there was an available exit from the silent hell."
At that moment the sound of flapping wings broke through the contemplating silence and the form of a huge creature with the body of a lion, the head of an eagle to which clutched in its beak was a batty pink suitcase securely clipped to the beak and serpentine tail trotted onto the ground as it made landing changing to a quick pace until it came to a halt bending on its hindquarters. Pariah in the form of a Griffon turned to Shendu in shock only just noticing him bent to his knees head dipped low to the ground in a bow.
"It is a pleasure to see you restored to your former glory my Lord Shendu. Master of Fire and 8th of the Demon Clan." Pariah intoned in deep respect.
Shendu nodded his own head in return. "Well met again little Boggart I hope that you and my son/heir have been treating each other like grand companions while in my imprisonment.
Luse shrugged. "More or less but we get there eventually." The youngest demon turned to the Boggart familiar his relaxed posture intensified. "Pariah did you complete your mission as I asked".
Pariah nodded uncurling a wing to the ground allowing Jade to gently clamber off a goofy smile plastered on her face as minutes ago she had been soaring through the skies at high mach speed easily beating the loops and thrills Moose World ever had to give her heart pumping with a mad like rush. She faced Luse and strode forward stopping only a few feet away.
"So you did invite me," Jade asked the silent nod from Luse confirming it.
Jades eyes narrowed. "Why now. I mean I know were friends Luse but why on earth why would you need me I mean after all your the most powerful guy that-
"It has nothing to do with power Jade nor do this have to do with what you can offer me. It's about a choice right here and right now." Luse said.
Jade blinked like an owl expecting something different. " What choice?"
Luse enclosed his hands together making a billion little orbs of shadows merged together through the cracks of his fingers until he released them revealing a ring in his hands it levitated towards Jade who cupped it suspiciously.
"What's this" Jade asked curiously twirling the ring around the edges. It was a bright bronze/red with an image of a Griffon with a sword trapped in the jaw one of its wings extended around the rims.
"That ring you hold Jade is proof you have divine protection from one of my Houses the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter one of the oldest and most powerful houses ever to be written in history books since the few centuries past merlin himself. I would like you to accept this ring and with it, nobody would dare harm you." Luse explained beckoning Su over.
Su smiled at Jade showing Jade her Li family ring as well as the ring of the Griffinor line jumping in front of Jade with a beaming smile.
"Hi, Jade god it's so great to finally meet you at last Luse talks about you quite often. My name is Su Griffindor Guizu Li."
Jade broadened a timid smile shaking Su's hand half happy that there was another girl especially her age o interact with and hold suspicious of the stranger in this particular scenario. "Oh, I see its nice to meet you too Su. You said "Guizu" in your name right so does that mean that your Luses sister or-
Su giggled. "Nope. I'm his fiance."
"YOUR HIS WHAT" Jade screeched. "B-but you can't be any older than twelve your at least my age."
Luse chuckled. "Let's just say that the laws from where I am from are very outdated on traditions. Also while Su is technically my fiance she is inclined to marry whoever she wishes and should she want to leave then there is nothing on this green earth to stop her the same when you accept that ring will apply to you."
Jades eyes darted to the ring clutched in her sweaty palms to the beaming face of Su to the faces of her maybe fiance Luse. Could she go through with this if she accepted? Luse may have never fought for her before but he has damn well helped her in the past from unleashing her power to gifting her freedom from her manipulative uncles and if she accepted her control freak pair of parents. It was true she had learned a lot from the book Luse gave her but after seeing what he could do why bother when she could tutor herself directly from him.
But just to play it safe...
"I want you to swear to it, Luse," Jade asked her chocolate brown eyes pleaded with his glowing honey ones. "That if I want to at any time leave then your not going to stop me and that I'm not going to be abused or forced to do anything that I don't want to."
Luse bowed his head in understanding he drew his hands together an explosion of pure magic rocked the area with an overflowing shower of power encircled around Luse his eyes closed in concentration indigo purple chains bonded around his hands, feet, legs, arms and head like locks. "I Luse Guizu 9th Demon Sorceror of Nothingness and Son of Shendu do hereby pledge my life and power swearing I shall never deceit the one called Jade Chan." The crimson bindings sunk themselves into Luse's skin flashing faintly before being smothered into nothing the truth being detected and the proof of a floating flame in his hands proof of his power still intact.
Shendu stepped forward making his introduction to Jade by bowing his head dipped low a surprise for somebody of the fire demons stature. "It is a pleasure to meet the young lady my son has taken a large shine to you mildly. I am Shendu Demon Sorceror of Fire and the Father of Luse Guizu. What you have just witnessed was my son performing a Chi Oath a special binding into his words to which confirms he is telling the truth. It also binds him to his promises."
Jade nodded in understanding already looking something akin to it in the book that Luse had given her. Secretly to nobody but herself she already had more trust and faith in the demon boy than she did any of her supposed family. Hesitantly and praying that her faith wasn't misguided she slid the ring on her middle right-handed middle finger which glowed briefly while shrinking itself to match her size the glow disappearing accepting her as its new master.
"If I wanted to," Jade asked hesitantly struggling to comprehend that her dreams might actually come true to leave her controlling family. "Could I discard my connection to the Chans."
Luse nodded serenely. "If that is what you want. But please understand once you disinherit yourself you can never go back to that life, simply state your name and desire and your documentation of you in that family shall disappear a legal power that all those in Ancient Families and those tied to it are enabled to."
Jade in understanding didn't hesitate to place a manicured finger on the ringer which glowed weakly waiting for her command. "I do hereby swear to accept this ring and by its power cancel the name of Chan from my existence. So mote it be."
So began the new journey for Jade Potter Guizu
Daolong stepped forward his eyes glittering from the Fire Sorcerors revival brimming with new formulas for magic. "Now that our little introductions are in order" the dark wizard stated testily. "Perhaps you will enlighten the rest of us my young demon partner as to the next proceedings of your plan with the other demons."
"We free them," Luse said evenly still debating where he really stood with the old man. "Plain and simple".
oOo
At the entrance of a temple entrance a blood-soaked portal opened stepping out Luse marveled at his surroundings waiting for Jade, Su,Pariah,Shendu,Daolong and Tohru to make their way through before closing it the air rippled around him sent shivers around his skin detecting some of the walls drenched in Good Chi he noted to make himself wary of touching them.
"Daolong keep your hands to yourself this place is blessed by good magiks" Luse spoke his gaze lingering on the stone hallway eyes turning into his Mage Sight to trying find any traps. Daolong nodded making sure his skin was shielded by his robe.
Jade and Su marvelled around them mesmerized by the large statues on either side of the entrance the snowy winds obscuring their vision a little. "Luse where are we?"
"Tibet in a long-forgotten temple that praised the work of the Eight Immortals. After they disappeared from the history books or at least that's what we know they left the object called the Pan Ku Box here as a sort of reminder to the world of they're grand deed for the future of mankind never worrying that a mortal of Good Chi would interfere." Luse explained the few minutes passed that they finally reached large open lobby sort of area the walls were inscribed in ancient Chinese script a few decor designs of dragons aligned its once rich texture now however rotted due to times effect obviously revelling in the effort people went through to keep it restored.
Luse trotted forward until his eyes located the object of his desires at the end of the hallway. There nestled in moss on top of a wooden altar was what appeared to be a somewhat elongated octahedral puzzle box with truncated upper and lower vertexes containing a spherical core of green chi energy (which only Luse could see inside with Mage Sight) steeping closer Luse carefully inspected the top making sure he wasn't in physical contact noticing strange emerald patterns four to be precise in each corner obviously linking its connection to each Demon.
Good thing he had his plan set otherwise it would take them far too long.
"Luse can you try to use your magic to move it," Shendu asked curiously. The Pan Ku Box was nearly always captured through the basic physical means but maybe through magic, it might prove an alternate result.
Luse shrugged attempting a basic Wingardium Leviosa but was shocked when a huge blast of green light send him rocketing backwards crashing into a nearby pillar which nearly split in two from the blunt force. Tohru, Su and Jade rushed over the large sumo helping him back on his feet.
"Are you ok Luse?" Jade asked worried a little unnerved being it was the first time that she had seen him get hurt once much less from a small plain-looking box. To her detriment, her saviour started laughing hysterically.
"I can't remember the last time" Luse stated shrugging the shirt off to check his injury which formed a large ugly purple bruise on his back which started to shrivel from his own healing factor and Shendus Horse Talisman ability. "That I actually felt any real damage before."
"Then allow us to give you that back tenfold demon"a familiar voice spat
"Oh for goodness -"
Luse managed to cast in a split second a dome of purple light around the group preventing arcs of emerald green lightning from penetrating his heart growling in annoyance at the predicament before him. Jackie, Uncle, El Tor Fuerte, Viper and Paco cough Taco cough were all arched around the entrance in fighting stances except for Uncle who was draped in eggshell white robes with a strange inscription on the from hood raised murmuring a spell underneath his breath. Whatever it was Shendu snarled in rage.
"I remember that ritual. That is what sealed me away in my paralyzed form centuries ago my son you must stop him before he completes that spell."
Luse nodded rushing into a burst of speed but was intercepted by Jackie, Viper and El Tohru Fuerte. Paco just behind El Tohru faces gnarled in rage obviously still licking wounds from the time he humiliated his idol.
"OUT OF MY WAY" Luse bellowed in rage trapping all fours legs in the earth, combining wind and gravity to magnify the effects none being able to get out unless they planned to break apart a limb or two. Luse walked away from a deathly aura directed at Uncle.
"It's a shame Viper I thought you had more sense," Luse questioned with dramatic shock not bothering to turn back around. "Your not exactly a hero wheres the profit in playing one?"
Viper scoffed. "Not much profit in the end of the world. The old man and baby face filled me in on your little world domination scheme.
Luse rolling his eyes. "And it didn't occur to you why id trade priceless little gems all for one rock. Should have taken my offer and frolicked on the beach little snake."
Approaching Uncle (who was shielded behind his own green dome of green light) Luse was approached with the second biggest challenge that day, the spell he could detect was already halfway complete and the protections laid around him were designed to block against all eight of his elemental powers ad he doubted that his Natural Magic would make much of dent so what do to?
Guess it was time to trying out his new technique.
Luse closed his eyes unleashing a huge gulp of air before opening his eyes again which morphed bloody red isises with flickers of his original gold the sclera oozed black smouldering his vision like sulphur he generated a piece from his own magical core before unleashing a controlled blast towards Uncle tearing through the fools shield-like paper hitting his target with his intention set in place the formulae for his spell in mind.
The blast subsided and Uncle stood his once pearl white robe now drenched in tar-black like substance slowly disintegrating into nothing. The elder Chi Wizard tried to cast a spell at Luse raising his blowfish at the ready but was shocked when his spell died on his lips as though unable to forge the words out until he relished in the sinking truth.
He forgot it. Decades of tutelage under his Sensei Fong seemed to vanish he remembered the man from his youth perfectly but it was as though all the knowledge in spells, wisdom and morality lessons he was taught were torn away like shredded paper the only remnants being blotched out voices like static on a radio. How.
"If your still processing what happened," Luse stated watching the green dome that once protected the old man starting to fade away like glass dissolving like wet paper. "I have power over the attribute of Nothingness a power you aren't capable to handle in this century never mind this battle. With some tinkering and configuration in my spare time, I learnt to adapt and mould my power over more than just physical concepts like people and objects focusing it precisely over mental capacities. I simply erased your knowledge regarding everything in magic/chi you still have your powers but unless you know how to use them it's virtually useless to fight back."
Uncles jaw slacked to the ground not caring of the two summoned Shadowkhan hoisting him to the ground while a third struck him with a heavy kick to the midsection eliciting a heavy spew of blood before dragging him limply to the rest of the group while Luse prepared another ground cocoon which didn't hesitate to swallow the eldest Chan up.
Luse dusted his hands smiling at his father oblivious to the Fire Demons slacked jaw. "Well, that's that."
"Luse...how long have you been able to do that," Shendu asked his eyes brimming in childish awe.
Luse shrugged. "It wasn't very hard. I mean all the attributes that you my Aunts and Uncles can use are adaptable and combining attributes together just gave me the idea to try bend my magic differently."
Daolong Wong smirked. "I knew I made a wise choice making you my apprentice."
"Partner at best" growled Shendu and Luse in unison a few scales and horns threatening to appear. Daolong Wong sighed and nodded begrudgingly.
Su jumped down from the podium the Pan Ku Box tucked under her arm happy that she could assist. "So what now guys."
Luse grinned maniacally. "We just have to go to my fathers portal and invite the other demons on the welcome mat."
Jackie hearing this struggled more ferociously head waggling furiously from side to side like an angry clock with no fruitation. "Jade you need to get away from that demon and run for help. Call Captain Black and have him come help us or I swear that I'll-"
"Jade will not be taking orders from you nor anybody else in this lifetime Mr Chan," Luse said eyes closed with a lax persona in place. "Now if you don't mind we have somewhere to-"
Luse was interrupted by the atomic shower of gore as the ground around the five Light warriors crushed them like paste showering the group in a splash zone of guts Luse too shocked to even conjure a dome and regrettably was drenched in crimson along with Shendu, Tohru, Su and Daolong. All eyes directed themselves slowly to Jade who stood at the very back of the group eyes brimming with raw hatred not easily woven on mortal hands were outstretched with purple wisps of Dark Chi coated around the fingertips trembling.
"Never again...never...again" were her last words before she passed out falling before she was hoisted by Su catching her in mid-fall slumping the girl's arm over her petite back. Luse bent down cupping a finger around her neck sighing in relief when a faint heartbeat resonated.
"Daolong what just happened," Luse said slowly his tone recovering through notable to his still shocked surprise as he performed a quick Scourgify on everybody blood and guts started to peel away from the skin, clothes and hair like wiped dust.
"The girl suffered an emotional reaction that temporarily triggered her from Light to the borderline of Neutral to Dark." Daolong Wong explained stepping to Jade waving a hand over her head to project Jade's magical aura to the group visible which looked like her golden light which was slowly started to be swarmed by murky blackness. "The switch must have forced her into shock."
"W-will she be okay," Su asked hesitantly worried over her second friend who she had only known not more than an hour at least.
Daolong nodded. "Feh it is only an emotional reaction. In terms of physical she will be fine though with her Dark Chi awakened it would be logical she be under my tutelage in at least terms of control over the Dark with your permission Lord Guizu, I would recommend a Talisman or rune set to keep it at bay at least till she is ready to control it. basically, she's just exhausted her magical core."
Luse accepted. "Understood Wong I shall consider this."
oOo
The overly jubilant entrance to Mooseworld counted the five individuals below the animated rolling eyes of the mascot Supermoose glaring down above them was slightly eerie in the night time. Luse paid it no mind to it and hovered a hand over his head as though trying to reach for something until he made a vertical slash with his hand like a knife a pulse of magic shot through the area until just for an instant there was a faint flicker of a large rectangular door before it disappeared as soon as it appeared.
"It's here. Good to know." Luse murmured motioning Su and Tohru over.
Su skipped over her face plastered with a joy-filled grin at Luse finally ridding his family of the prison (also for the fact he promised her he'd take them to the amusement park afterwards) she had worked out along with Tohru, Daolong Wong and Shendu that the box worked through a series of combinations with twists and turns the funny symbols representing each of the demons attribute and code combination. Eventually her "Genius IQ" that was discovered at Gringotts was confirmed the girl definitely had earned that much and so the gate and the box started to resonate in a glow the Pan Ku Box glowed levitating a few centimetres from Su's outstretched hand before rocketing between the eyes of the moose Luse squinted just making out a strange edged in pattern drawn before the Pan Ku box inserted itself inside casting a bolt of green chi energy to zap the group erecting the portal. The portal was overly large slim rectangular on all sides the inside was a vast amount of endless void of fiery red and swirls of canary yellow.
Luse prepared for this and channelled his own magical core to wrap around the portals ends pulsing forwards his energy maintaining the dimensional travel though the recoil felt like he was being ripped apart.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH" Luse screamed in sheer agony erecting his wings into the ground to keep him from passing out.
"FOR MAUO SAKE WOULD YOU COME THROUGH ALREADY THE PORTAL IS OPEN. NOW IS THE TIME BROTHERS AND SISTERS." Shendu bellowed through the portal his voice bouncing through the tunnel. One at a time each demon stepped through first His Wu wings shot him through he glided through the air in jubilation the second being Bai Tza slithering forward mentally cursing herself for allowing her nephew to do something so foolhardy. Shendu, Daolong Wong and Tohru conjured their own tendrils to the portal to enlarge its size to allow Po kong to shimmy through with great effort panting a little.
Minutes passed by until Dai Gui and Tchang Zu jumped out (the pair squabbled slightly at the doorway as to which one would pass first but was quickly ended by the squabbling of Po Kong and Bai Tza) and finally Xiao Fung and Tso Lan glided out peacefully but with haste. And with that for the first time in a nearly limitless number of lifetimes, the Eight Demons were finally free to roam the face of the planet.
Luse acknowledging his accomplishment released his magical tendrils eyes drooping from sheer exhaustion his body collapsed backwards but was quickly caught by His Wu and Su
oOo
AND DONE. Finally done at long last it took me longer than I thought especially with the downpour of work, having a cold and college projects on the go. Gonna be having myself in some more chapters just for a little laugh but I'm still working out how the next chapters are gonna form. Any ideas are always free and I'll even nominate your name for the good ones.
I was thinking about keeping the J Clan in the future stories but thought the new world ruled by demons would be a little bit too much so I made them enemies instead.
Until I see you all again.
Judge