OMG, thank you so much for the reviews, favs and follows, it means so much to me that so many people like this fic. Big thanks, again, to lovelyblogtime for prompt and permission to write this. Anyway, this chapter is half-filler for the investigation. I'll try to keep the cast in character as well as I can and write as often as I can. I've truly love this show and this fandom for all its support. Also, I edited the first chapter since I found some grammar errors on it (sorry, don't have a proof reader) and I edited this chapter this morning before posting. If you find anything weird of incorrect, please let me know. Anyway, enough mush, onto the story!
Chapter 2: Transfer Student
After school concluded, Marinette made an excuse to Alya, something about her parents needing help with deliveries, and ran out of the building into the nearest alleyway. Making sure she was completely alone and away from prying eyes, Marinette transformed into Ladybug and started making her way towards Hotel Dieu, leaping from rooftop to rooftop, swing across large streets until she made her way to the Ile de la Cite banks. Unsurprisingly, Chat Noir was already at the meeting place, crouching on the wrought iron fence with that irritating smug look on his face, "Looks like I beaten you here, My Lady," he purred, sliding down, his belt-tail twirling in his hand. Ladybug rolled his eyes and walked right past him.
"We don't have time for that, Kitty," she said, pushing through the hospital doors, "We need to investigate the comatose victims."
Upon entering the building, the two masked heroes found it swarming with police officers from every district in France. Ladybug recognized most of the uniformed officers to be from the Police Nationale due to the badges stitched on their sleeves. Many were going in and out of the nearby corridors while others were huddled in groups, talking to weeping adults that were most likely the parents of the victims. None of them seem to notice or care that they were there, though they both spotted Officer Roger, Sabrina's father, at the far corner talking to Amanda Brisset's father.
Ladybug made her way towards the front of the receptionist's desk and rang the tiny bell. Two seconds later, a haggered and disheveled women came running towards them, carrying a messy pile of medical files, "I'm sorry for the inconvenience but we are unable to take in any more patients at this time. If you are in need of any medical assistance please contact...," the women looked up and froze mid-sentence, realizing who she was speaking to, "L-Ladybug and Chat Noir!"
Everything fell to silence as the names of Paris's famed heroes were heard. The police officers and parents turns towards them in shock, finally noticing their appearance. In the corridors, patients both young and old peeked out of their room, squealing and whispering excitedly about seeing the masked heroes, but were ushered back by the nurses and officers. Agent Roger took this as his cue to go greet them before any of the Police Nationale could.
"Hello Ladybug, Chat Noir," greeted Sabrina's father, "I'm guessing your here about the Sleeping Beauties. Rest assure, our police force is taking care of it. No need to get involved."
"While we don't want to take you away from your investigation, we can't just leave it alone, Officer Roger," answered Ladybug, "Chat Noir and I just want to make sure that this isn't the work of an akuma."
Roger shook his head, "I know you mean well, but I can't allow you two to get involved. I'm going to ask you to leave..."
"Oh leave them be," cried a female voice. Storming out from a nearby hallway was a woman in her late forties, tall with graying blonde hair, bloodshot brown eyes and tan skin. "If they want to investgate what happen to my daughter then let them! Any help would be appreciated!"
"Now Mrs. Charter," started a nearby officer, "We can't allow civilians to interfere..."
"First off," Mrs. Charter hissed, "They are not normal civilians, they're Paris famed heroes! Second, you people haven't even gotten a lead on what has happen or who's responsible. And third, you hardly touched my daughter's case since your so much more focused on Brisset's and Talbott's daughters!"
Ladybug took this as her cue to quickly lead the woman back towards the corridor, dragging Chat Noir by his cat ears and away from the group of giggling fan girls. Like most of the hospital rooms, the Charters' room was cold, neat and smelled of antibiotic and bleach. Posters, balloons and GET WELL cards made the room a bit more habitable, but it still didn't take away the lingering feeling of death. Nancy Charter, the fifth victim, was an attractive blonde, a freshmen attending a community college and lived a fairly modest life. Said victim laid on a hospital bed in the far corner, hair brushed back and arms folded over her stomach, appearing more as if she was sleeping and could awaken at any time.
"What was your daughter like, Mrs. Charter" asked Ladybug, taking a seat in a nearby chair.
Mrs. Charter sighed and started brushing her daughter's hair, "Nancy is...difficult. But then, what growing girl isn't? Nancy is sweet, when she wants to be. Don't know where I went wrong or how she got that attitude."
Chat Noir, leaning against one of the table, spoke up, "The newspapers said that she went on a date. Did you know the guy?"
"No..." her voice dragged on, looking more annoyed than sad, "Nancy never lets us meet her dates. Especially the ones..."
"What? 'The ones' what?" questioned Chat Noir.
"Mrs. Charter, please," pleaded Ladybug, "We need to know."
Mrs. Charter huffed and stated, "Nancy has a boyfriend. Well did anyway. He went away for a month-long trip and Nancy got...loney."
'Nice way of saying she cheated,' thought Marinette, before turning back to Mrs. Charter. She honestly felt bad for the women who was obviously going through hell and back with her daughter. Could it be normal mother-daughter bickering? Teenage rebellion? Marinette never met Nancy so she only had her mother's word to go by and she wasn't painting a pretty picture for her. "Did you tell the police about this?"
"The police don't care about her case," Mrs Charter hissed, venom dripping from her mouth, "They far too busy with the daughters of Joseph Brisset, Benjamin Talbott or Madeline LaBelle to worry about some working-class girl."
'Brisset, Talbott and LaBelle,' thought Chat Noir, 'Texile designer, politician, and supermodel.' One of the good thing about being the son of a high society designer was access to information about other high-standing individual and families. Joseph Brisset had partner with Gabriel Agreste in his last collection, shooting the textile designer to stardom overnight. Benjamin Talbott is a politician and member of the Socialist Party, his wife, Carol, was the granddaughter of a former French senator. Madeline LaBelle, supermodel for Chanel, Dior and McQueen, worked on Gabriel Agreste's '05 Fall collection. Sadly, Adrien could understand why the police were more focused on the cases of those girls than Miss Charter.
"Are you quite done with this little show."
"Speak of the devil," Mrs. Charter's bloodshot eyes shone with rage.
Standing at the door was a tall, slightly attractive gentleman in a two-piece suit with slick black hair, grey eyes and tan olive skin. Adrien recognized Joseph Brisset but Marinette stared cluelessly until Mrs. Charter started marching towards him, fists clenched, "Get out, Brisset! Ladybug and Chat Noir are investigating my daughter case! You already have the entire police force wrapped around your finger!"
Brisset barely batted an eye at Mrs. Charter's rant, "Don't see why. My dear, sweet Amanda was the latest victim. Shouldn't they be more focused on her case than yours? After all, I sure they know of Nancy's reputation."
"You dirty, piece of..." Mrs. Charter swung her fist back, but Ladybug grabbed her wrist before she could release it onto Brisset's face, "Let me go!"
"Mrs. Charter, calm down!" ordered Ladybug, motioning Chat Noir to take Mr. Brisset outside the room, "Violence isn't going to solve your daughter's case. You need to calm down!"
After a few seconds of struggling, Mrs. Charter immediately broke down and started crying. Marinette picked her up and carried her towards the chair near her daughter. She tried to soothe the woman as best she could, rubbing her back and offering words of comfort, similar to how her own mother would do when she was upset. Whatever it was seem to work, as Mrs. Charter's crying turn to pathetic whimpers.
"Please..." she begged, clutching onto Ladybug's arm, "Please say you'll fix this. Please tell me you'll help my daughter."
Ladybug felt her mouth go dry. She knew the dangers about making promises she couldn't keep, she refused to give this woman false hope only to let it be dashed away. Taking in a deep breath, Ladybug placed a gloved hand over Mrs. Charter's hand and squeezed.
"Mrs. Charter, I promise Chat Noir and I will do everything we can to try to find who did this."
"My dear Amanda is an honor student at her school," bragged Brisset, "Straight A's, favorite among the teachers, never dare to go out of line..."
Chat Noir honestly wanted to tear out his ears, both cat and human, just to avoid listening to his man brag on about his 'perfect' daughter. The hospital room Amanda Brisset stayed in was vastly different from Nancy Charter: royal blue walls, queen-size bed, carpeted floors, piles of gift bags and bouquets decorated the nightstand & desk, he honestly though he stepped into a hotel room for a moment. Like Nancy, Amanda laid in her silk-covered bed as if she was sleeping, face cleaned and hair pulled back into a braid.
Seated next to Amanda was Mrs. Brisset, a beautiful brunette a decade younger than her husband with dull brown eyes and botox-infused skin, occasionally shooting him a Hollywood-worthy smile. She was dressed in a vintage Chanel suit and skirt, white pumps and white gloves, occasionally dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief, trying too hard to look like the grieving mother. Chat Noir wanted to roll his eyes at the whole thing but avoid it as he didn't want the parents to become enrage at him and Ladybug.
And speaking of Ladybug, she thankfully walked into the room, halting Brisset's mid-brag. "Ah, there you are!" stated Mrs. Brisset, getting up from her seat and strolling over to shake her hand, "Finally someone competent to take over my daughter's case."
"Mrs. Brisset, we aren't taking over the case," stated Ladybug, awkwardly shaking the woman's hand, "We're just here to make sure this isn't the work of an akuma..."
"Yes, yes, I get it," waved Mrs. Brisset, strolling back towards her seat, pressing an intercom button on the wall, "Please send a nurse over to freshen my daughter up for her interview," she turned towards the masked teens, "Can we make this quick? My husband and I have a reporter coming in to discuss my daughter's case to the media."
"Uh, sure," said Ladybug, glancing at Chat Noir, "Can you tell us if you notice anything unusual about your daughter's behavior before the incident?"
"Can't tell you," chirped Mrs. Brisset, shrugging her shoulder, "I was away in Milan last week with my girls. Charity balls and all that. Ugh, it was so exhausting."
"I was overseas on business," answered Mr. Brisset, "Amanda has a strict schedule: go to school, attend club functions, go to ballet lesson then return home for violin practice with her home instructor. Our staff was the one that alerted the police when she missed her 12pm curfew."
"What about her classmates?" questioned Chat Noir, glancing back at the gifts, "Did she have any friends at school?"
"Of course Amanda has friends!" laughed Mrs. Brisset, as if it was the most ridiculous thing she has ever hear, "My Amanda is very popular at school. Everyone loves Amanda! Especially the boys."
"Yes..." growled Mr. Brisset, "But she had no time for silly romance or any romantic relationship. In fact, I forbad her from dating until she finished her education."
Ladybug and Chat Noir looked at each other in confusion, "But the newspapers reported that Amanda was on a date on the day of the incident."
Mr. Brisset eyes hardened at that sentence, "The newspapers are filled with idiots. The reporters always distort things in order to get more readers. My Amanda would never disobey me and she wouldn't go gallivanting with some boy in the dead of night."
"My husband and I believe that Amanda was attacked," Mrs. Brisset began to sob and dabbing her eyes, "Some vile man took our poor baby from us and now our life is filled with such torment!"
'Geeze, Chloe acts more believable than her,' thought Marinette as glanced at the woman forced sobbing. This interview was getting her nowhere. The parents were too guarded and worried about their own appearance than they do about finding the perpetrator who put their daughter in here. Before she could ask another question, a knock at the door broke the sobs of Mrs. Brisset.
"Oh!" squealed Mrs. Brisset, straightening her clothing and fixing her hair and makeup, "That must be the reporter!" She then pushed the two masked teens towards the door, "Thanks so much for visiting. If you have any more question, please speak with our lawyer. Here's his number. Please find the person that did this to our Amanda and 'save the day' or whatever you people say."
Opening the door, a reporter and cameraman stood at the entrance. They both look at shocked at their appearance but where quickly pushed inside by a overly attentive Mrs. Brisset. Ladybug huffed in annoyance before handing over the Brisset's lawyer's card to Chat Noir to pocket before headed down the hallway. "Let's see if any of the other victims' parents can offer a bit more info.
Two hours later, Ladybug and Chat Noir exited the hospital exhausted and annoyed. After interview Nancy Charter's mother and the Brisset, the two masked heroes only came across three other families of the Sleeping Beauties, each story mimicked either Mrs. Charter or the Brisset's story. In the end, they couldn't find any pattern between the girls from their parents' perspective. All the girls seem to put a front to their parents but no one really knew how they were or refused to think anything bad of them.
"Let's investigate the schools," stated Ladybug, pulling out her compact and checking the map.
Chat Noir moaned, "Why? The attacks took place outside at night, what will investigating the schools do?"
"Not the schools, kitty. I meant let's talk to the victims' classmates," replied Ladybug, entering in the list of schools she got from the police records, "Those girls obviously put up an act when their parents were around. I'm betting their classmates know the real personalities of those girls."
Chat Noir checked his watch, "But most schools is closed now. I doubt any students will be hanging around."
"True, but two of the victims attending a boarding school and stayed in dorms. Their roommates should know more about them," concluded Ladybug.
"Fine, but can we..." Chat Noir was cut off by the sound of his ring beeping. Ladybug sighed and said, "It's fine, I'll go investigate the school. You should go and find some place to de-transform."
"Wait, I can't leave you alone," reasoned Chat Noir.
Ladybug place a hand on his shoulder, "I'll be fine, Chat. It's just a quick interview. You should worry about yourself. I'll call you later when I find out anything new."
Without a second thought, Ladybug hooked her spotted yoyo towards a nearby tower and sprung up into the air. Chat Noir watched his Lady swing from rooftop to rooftop gracefully before disappearing from view. Sighing, he dashed towards a nearby alleyway before his transformation wore off. Plagg, now free from the ring, gasped and moaned loudly as he landed on Adrien's hand.
"Three hours!" the tiny kwami whined, "That's how long we've been transformed and how long I've been without cheese! And for what? A couple of parents bragging about how great their kids are! What a waste."
"Plagg..." began Adrien, putting him in his pant's pocket, "Could you detect any traces of an akuma in the girls?"
"Eh~ wasn't really paying attention," confused Plagg.
"Plagg! You were suppose to be paying attention to these things!" Adrien raked his fingers through his hair, "How are we suppose to help Ladybug if you keep zoning out."
"Hey, she has her own kwami too, you know," replied Plagg, "If there is a trace of akuma in those girls, her kwami will pick it up."
Adrien huffed and started walking towards his house, taking the shorter route. He was thankful that his fencing lessons were cancelled and that both Natalie and his father were out of town on business. Unfortunately, Nino was busy with visting relatives and Chloe was still trying to get her dad to lift her ban, leaving him alone for the rest of the day. 'Maybe I should have tried harder to make other friends,' he thought. Though Adrien treasured his friendship with Nino and Chloe, he could still get lonesome when they were both out of the picture.
The blonde model made it home in just a few minutes and immediately wished he had taken a longer route. Everything felt colder when it was just him. Not that this mansion ever felt warm, maybe it once did, but without Natalie or the staff it might as well have been a mausoleum. Plagg took this opportunity to escape the confines of Adrien's pocket and fly about before heading towards the kitchen for some well deserved camembert while his Miraculous holder headed towards his room.
"Checking the Ladyblog for the seventh time today isn't going to get that girl to upload more pictures for you to ogle at," mocked Plagg.
"S-shut up!"
Usually, it was classic protocal for any visitors to a boarding school to know a student and leave an photo ID at the front desk. But when your the famed masked superhero of Paris, they pretty much let you have the run of the place. It was these kinds of perks that Marinette was thankful for when she was Ladybug, since everyone always took Ladybug seriously. Once glance at her and the school officials waved her in without a seconds thought.
Despite that, Marinette felt incredible small at this school. The maison d'education de la Legion d'honneur was strictly a hereditary school. Here, bloodline was everything! If you weren't related to someone who was a member of the Legion d'honneur, Ordre national du Merite or received the Medaille militaire, then there was no way you were getting in. The masked girl recalled Chloe making quite a fuse about not being accepted into this school, but quick got over it when she realized that no boys were allowed and dress-code was still a thing here.
While classes were over, the students still roamed the hall since they were all boarders. All of the girls stop to stare and whisper excitedly when Ladybug walked through the halls. Many pulled out their camera and took some quick photos while other tweeted about having Ladybug at their school, some even searched the halls to see if her leather-bound cat-earred partner was within reach as well but sadden when they didn't see him.
This was the school of victim #8, Caitlyn Maddox, and victim #9, Barbara Morel. Both stayed at the same dormitory and had twin sisters for roommates. And after a few minutes of walking, Ladybug finally spotted the twins packing away their belongs in their lockers. Both were strawberry blondes, athletic built and fair skinned, the two sharing earbuds while their backs were turn to her. Ladybug tapped the two girls on the shoulders.
"Casey and Lacey Duval?" asked Ladybug.
One of the twins turned around, her eyes widen and dropped her books on her sister's foot. Her twin hissed in pain, "Casey! Butterfingers, you..." she then turned to see Ladybug and her pain was forgotten, "L-Ladybug! Oh my gosh! You're here! I'm...we're such big fans!"
Ladybug smiled and took note of the two: they looked exactly the same, down to the uniform, exact for the hair barrettes. Lacey wore black barrettes while her sister, Casey, had on pink. "Hi, sorry to bother you while you're at school."
"No bother!" blurted out Casey, her body shaking with excitement, "Really! We're so happy to meet you! Do you need anything? Anything at all?"
"Actually I'd like to speak with you two about your roommates," asked Ladybug, watching as a crowd started to form near the end of the hallway, "Do you known anywhere we can talk in private?"
"My room!" Lacey offered, "My dorm is nearby. We can talk there."
The twins led the way for Ladybug towards Lacey's dorm, occasionally gloating to passing students that Ladybug was visting them and that they were going to have a private conversation. Caitlyn was Lacey's roommate while Barbara stayed with Casey, if anyone knew the two best it had to be their roommates. Once inside, Ladybug took notice of the decor: Lacey was heavy into the punk scene with alternative band posters covering the wall, black and purple bedding, skull & bones stickers on her notebooks, and a electric guitar standing near her desk. On the other side was, what Marinette believed, Caitlyn's side. Unlike Lacey, Caitlyn was utterly messy: untidy bed with books strewn on it, open cosmetics littered the desk, a pair of pumps peeked under the bed and dirty laundry was piling up on a chair.
Lacey and Casey sat on Lacey's bed while Ladybug took her chair, "I'm sorry about what happen to your roommates. You must be upset."
At the mention of their roommates, the sisters' excitement deflated, "Oh..." began Casey, "Yeah...Caitlyn and Biddy were...great students here."
"Biddy?" questioned Ladybug.
"Barbara's nickname," answered Lacey, eyeing her sister who glanced back at her, "She hated to be called Barbara. So what do you want to know about them?"
"What were they like?" Ladybug asked, taking note of Casey physically shrinking behind her sister.
"They were..." Casey's eyes shifted left and right, searching for the right words, "Energetic. Competitive. Pretty. They always had dates."
"Yeah~ 'dates' if that's what you want to call them," sneered Lacey. Her twin gasped and covered Lacey's mouth, "Don't mind her! She just upset about what happen. Hehehe, Caitlyn and Barbara were...ARE great people! They're smart and talented and..."
"Stop," Ladybug held up her hands to halt the stammering sister. She heard this story already with the parents and could probably guess why Casey was reciting it, too, "Listen, I'm not with the media, or the school staff or Caitlyn's and Barbara's parents. Whatever you tell me will not leave this room, but I need you to tell me the truth so I can help catch who attack them."
The twins glanced at once another and Lacey took the lead, "Good, glad I can trust you because those two were the most wretched, cold-hearted witches we've EVER had the displeasure of meeting!"
Casey looked down, ashamed but not opposing her sister's words, "They're the granddaughters of famous generals who served in the first World War and earned the medaille militaires. Although they're not wealthy, they do have bloodline and are highly regarded in the school."
"And because of that, they act like they're the queens of this school," ranted Lacey, waving her arms in anger, "Everyone hates them but can't do anything since the school turns a blind eye to their acts because of who their dead relatives were."
"Let me guess: classic mean girls?" Ladybug pictured Chloe's attitude with these girl's faces, "Spoiled, arrogant, loves making people miserable?"
Lacey smirked, "Good, you understand what we're dealing with too. Caitlyn and Barbara ruled this school but they were never friends. In fact, they hated sharing the so-called crown of the Queen Bee status. Always tried to one-up the other with competitive dating."
Ladybug did a double take, "I'm sorry, what?"
"It's a game between the two," spoke Casey, "To see who can get the most and better looking dates. They dated boys from neighboring school, older guys, other girl's boyfriends..." That last part came out as a hiss, Casey's hand clenched tighten while Lasey patted her back, "They didn't discriminate."
"So did you ever meet their dates?" Marinette leaned closer to them. If these girls saw the last guy that Barbara and Caitlyn went with, she and Chat might have a lead. Maybe a description would help.
"Oh yeah, we saw all their dates," complained Lacey, "They never bothered to hide their abilities to trap guys. Though their last dates were pretty strange."
"What do you mean," edged Ladybug.
Casey took this lead and her cheeks turn bright red, "They were so gorgeous! And nice! They were like the perfect future husbands that all girls dream of! Biddy always bragged about how her date picked up the bill no matter how expensive the meal was, showered her with jewelry and gifts, even helped with all her insane shopping without a complaint!"
Marinette listen to the twins as they complained about how awful the victims were and how perfect their last dates were, describing them thoroughly. There was a link between the girls: horrible, spoiled personality with a 'perfect' dates. Perhaps that how the perpetrator lured them, pretend to be this perfect gentlemen then attacking them when their guards are down. Nancy, Barbara, and Caitlyn seem to have similar personality and dated frequently, Amanda probably did too.
"Thanks for the info, you've been a big help," stated Ladybug, getting up from her chair, "Do you mind if I come back if I need to ask any more questions?"
"Sure!" exclaimed Casey, "And maybe bring Chat Noir too?"
Ladybug laughed, "Sure, Chat would love to meet his fans."
Casey squealed while her sister playfully rolled her eyes and went to escort the masked girl out. Halfway through the doorway, Ladybug halt and turn to Lacey, "Oh, one more thing! Did Biddy or Caitlyn act strangely before their dates?"
"You mean being something other than a cruel and sarcastic bitch? No," replied Lacey, "They were still the same, 'cept a bit groggy. But that's normal for them. They always stayed out late when they were out with their boy-toy dates."
"I see, thanks!" Ladybug waved goodbye to the twins and started headed towards the exit, only to run into a large crowd of students all holding up cameras and autograph books.
"Ugh!" Marinette threw herself onto her bed, "I can't believe I spent an hour taking photos and signing stuff. My hand is still cramping!"
Tikki, unfused and happily munching on the Dupain-Cheng's famous chocolate-dipped coconut-almond macaron, giggled at her Miraculous holder, "But you made all those girls happy! And you manage to get more information for the case too!"
Marinette sighed, while taking photos she had asked the students what they thought of their comatose classmates. After the same runaround, the girls finally admitted that they hated them and some were actually glad they were gone. Of course, the ones who had said that were the girls that had their boyfriends stolen, but it still didn't change the facts. So far, all Marinette knew what that these girls had horrible personalities and were dating handsome guys before they fell into their comas.
Unfortunately, that was all the information she could get. Tikki had been unable to detect any presence of an akuma near or around the school. "I'm not giving up," declared Marinette, pushing herself upright on her bed, "I made a promise to find out who did this to these girls! I don't care how mean or bad these girls were, no one deserved to be attacked like this!"
"That's the spirit!" cheered the little kwami, "Now why don't we apply that spirit to your literature homework."
Marinette groaned, throwing herself back on the bed, "No~ I give up!"
Tikki laughed, "Come on, what happen to that can-do attitude?" The red and black kwami gentle tugged at Marinette's pigtails, "The faster you get this done, the faster you can get to bed."
She huffed but Marinette reluctantly got up and shuffled towards her desk. She had to finish reading the retelling of La Belle au bois dormant and compare it to the Brother Grimm's version, Little Briar Rose. The two versions were similar but the French version had a second part involving a evil Queen but ends happily just the same. Thankfully, Marinette was able to finish the report in a short time and started changing into her pajamas.
She then jolted in alarm, "Shoot! I forgot to call Chat!"
"It's too late now," stated Tikki, pointing at the clock, "You can call him after class tomorrow. I'm sure he can wait."
"I guess..." said Marinette, crawling under her covers. She felt bad about not bring Chat Noir up to speed but she had a mental note to leave a message in the morning. After reassuring herself, she left herself drifted asleep, Tikki snuggling in the crook of her neck.
"Wow, so the Amazing Marinette can finish her homework AND come to school on time," teased Alya.
Marinette yawn loudly, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, "Very funny, Alya."
Alya laughed and patted her friend on the back as they made their way towards the school. Alya had came earlier to the bakery to tell Marinette the latest news: Ladybug and Chat Noir were on the Sleeping Beauties case! Due to the influx of photos and tweets about Ladybug visting the boarding school of two of the victims, Alya had started contacting some of the students there to get the full scoop.
Unsurprisingly, the students were very open about Ladybug's visit, how she asked about their comatose classmates, talking to Biddy's & Caitlyn's roommates, and how nice she was to take photos with them. The Ladyblog was quickly updated with information given by the students and links to news articles dealing with the Sleeping Beauties case. Alya even added a page titled 'Fan Speculations', where members could input their own thoughts, opinions and theories on the case.
"I'm sure Ladybug will solve the case soon," boasted Alya, typing on her phone, "I'm guessing that this is the work of an akuma that was jilted by their lover and now wants revenge by attacking these girls. But I'm still not sure of the pattern. Maybe something in their personalities or mannerism...?"
'If the guy is attacking girls with horrible personalities then I need to be on the look out for anyone that could become his next victim,' thought Marinette, walking through the school's entryway, 'Whoever it is, I need to keep them protected...'
"Sabrina, reschedule my entire weekend plans," barked Chloe, strolling up the stairs, her faithful companion behind her, holding both her books, Chloe's books and Chloe's Chanel purse, "Since daddy refuse to lift mine and Adrien's curfew, I need to squeeze in as much time for us the spend together this Saturday before his Sunday photoshoot. Plus you need to redo our project, it was too sloppy and you didn't perfect my handwriting so the teacher thinks I did it..."
'Or I can wait until he gets to Chloe and then stop him,' Marinette smiled but then shook her head at that terrible thought. Chloe might be the cruelest person she knew and a bully to everyone that didn't fit her standards, but even she didn't deserve to fall prey to such a fate. No matter how much Marinette, and practically everyone, wished it.
Alya and Marinette rushed towards their classroom and into their seats before the bell rang. Everyone was already seated and talking to one another or doodling in their notebooks, waiting for their instructor to show up. Miss Bustier came into class a few seconds later, a smile on her face and a reddish-tint covering her cheeks, a far cry from the solemn look she had on yesterday. "Attention students," she called out, repeating it a second time until all eyes were on her.
"Before we get started with today's lesson, I have a very exciting news to share with you," Miss Bustier smiled, her cheeks turning bright pink, "Our school was selected to be part of a foreign exchange program with the Le Rosey boarding school."
Many students gasped, Marinette included. La Rosey was an insanely prestigious and exclusive boarding school in Rolle, Switzerland. Members of dynastic families, royalty, celebrities and children of multi-millionaires attended that school while others and often went on to become great people. The ones that didn't come from impressive backgrounds were either incredible talented, intelligent or just plain lucky. It was yet another school that Chloe complained about not getting into, registering for it five times and rejected every single time. Students at that school never wanted to leave since the school had everything a teen could want: field trips to exotic countries, celebrations for every holidays, activities like horseback riding and skiing,and school parties like Gala balls and festivals.
Marinette couldn't image why anyone from such a school would want to come to their little institution. Sure it was one of France's famed private schools, catering to students from wealthy or well-known backgrounds, but it was tiny compared to the other schools, especially to La Rosey. Why here? Why them? What was so special about this school? 'Or maybe I'm thinking too much into this,' Marinette shook off her thoughts and turned her attention back to her teacher.
"Everyone, please give a warm welcome to our new classmate, Hector Boucher," Miss Bustier waved her had towards the door, beckoning the new student to enter.
Every single girl's mouths drop and eyes widened when their new classmates enter. Hector Boucher might have well been carved from marble stone, he was just so gorgeous. Standing in at 5'9 with flawless tan skin, piercing hazel eyes and a muscular lean built, Hector could give any model in France, Adrien Agreste included, a run for their money. He was dressed impeccably too with designer jeans, long-sleeved t-shirt, sneakers and a beige sling backpack.
He smiled, flashing his picture-perfect smile that made the girls swoon. "Thanks so much for having me," his voice hypnotic, running his finger through his short, chestnut colored hair, "I really hope we can get along."
Marinette felt her heart speed up a bit, but that was nothing compared to her female classmates. Chloe looked close to drooling but quickly composed herself, checked her mirror and tried to look as attractive and seductive as she thought she was. Rose and Juleka looked star-strucked, while Mylène tried hard not to blush. Even Alya looked enamored by the Boucher boy. Most the guys looked indifferent and gave Hector a friendly wave but didn't ignore the looks the girls gave him.
"Please take a seat in the back, next to Nathaniel," said Mme. Bustier, pointing towards the empty seat next to the redhaired artist, "And we can start on today's lessson."
Hector nodded and made his way to the back. Chloe batted her eyes and waved at him as he walked by her, making it apparent her feelings towards him. He walked passed Marinette and Alya, giving a small wave to the blushing blogger who bite her bottom lip, cheeks turning darker. Marinette smiled back as well but avoided eye contact, looking down as he made his way passed them.
She felt a crawling sensation down her spine as he did.
Infiltrating the school had been far too easy; forging documents, brown nosing the principal and flirting with the receptionist and he was in. Transforming into a student, however, was a difficult matter. He needed to blend it but, at the same time, stand out enough to find a suitable candidate. Researching the male students at Collège Françoise Dupont was simple enough, the only competition he had was the son of a famed French designer.
With his powers, he could alter his appearance, become younger, fairer and more beautiful than was humanly possible. Such a wonderful power to seduce easy prey. Shifting his body, he watch the darkness consume him, molding his body into his desired look. Previous versions would not work as they were older and made to be his former victims' 'dream boyfriend'. This body would be seductive and handsome to ensnare any female near him, young and old. He would become a spider, catching all the female flies foolish enough to be caught in this web and then, only then, would he weed out his intended prey.
'Shame I don't know Ladybug's true identity,' he smugly thought, 'I could just go after her directly.'
Ladybug, the angel of Paris. She was the only true danger in his plan. Though the voice wanted both Ladybug's and Chat Noir's Miraculous, Noir was only good for brawns while his Ladybug was the brains of the duo. He was confident in his plan: find a kind-hearted & beautiful girl, absorb her life-energy, go after the Lucky Duo, take out Ladybug first than Chat Noir. Simple yet secure. Unlike the other villains, he didn't go charging towards the Lucky Duo after his transformation. No, he bid his time, collecting energy, power, concocted a plan and waited for the perfect time to strike. He wouldn't fail, not like the rest.
'And when I succeed,' he though, 'You will fulfill your end of the bargain.'
Okay, really long chapter, wanted to get the investigation out of the way before getting back to the school setting. Most of the action and drama will be going on in school. Lots of manipulation will be happening in the next few chapter and, again, this will get dark. Remember, any and all criticism and help would be appreciated (and I mean helpful criticism, not hate!) so if I got some character traits or personality wrong, please let me know so I can make some changes.
