The plane ride from Rome to Paris normally was two hours and ten minutes on a commercial flight. The Rossi family didn't fly commercial, the Elders had sent them the family private plane that would cut the trip down to just an hour and five minutes. That didn't leave a lot of time for Vino and Olivia to talk with their daughter.
"Lila, what is going on with you? Tonight was supposed to be simple. Move everything out tonight and take the plane to Paris. What were you even doing in your uniform?" Olivia asked her daughter in a tired voice. Honestly, when did her daughter enter this rebelling against mother stage? Handing Lila a shirt the bathroom door slammed shut again. "You told me you were just going to take one last walk around the neighborhood."
"I was doing that," Lila whined through the door. It opened as she stepped out wearing her trademark outfit. Flipping her hair behind her shoulders, she continued to talk to her mom. "I sensed someone nearby, watching me. You should be thanking me for exposing her and getting rid of her tracer."
Olivia pointed out to her daughter that she wouldn't have needed to remove the tracer, if she hadn't engaged the enemy. "We have no idea, who that person was. A rival from another family, a freelancer. The worst case scenario someone with ties to the police." Forcing her daughter to look at her, she reminded her of the worst part of the night. "They'll be investigating the gunfire considering firearms are not to be discharged in public places, especially in a neighborhood with children."
Lila had to admit to herself that she had forced her father to fire his weapon. She really hoped that the bullets weren't recovered and the gun wasn't traced back to them. Currently, her father was on his phone taking rapidly, switching from Italian to French, with a bit of English, mixed in. Considering how flushed his face was she really hoped she and him weren't in trouble. Especially with his parents. Hanging her head a bit she muttered an apology, something she didn't do often. "Please go sit down in your seat and be quiet until your father has finished his phone call." Doing as her mother asked Lila did as she was told and didn't make a peep.
Twenty minutes later, Vino finished up the call, falling into his seat and taking a big sip of his alcoholic drink. His wife and daughter looked at him with apprehension waiting to hear what the Elders had to say. "I've got good news, not so good news, and very bad news. Which do you two want to hear first?" Noting their looks he explained what was going on.
"Good news, no one reported the gun shots and any suspicious activity has been taken care of." Olivia gestured for him to continue so after taking another big gulp, "The not so good news is that we still have no clue who that person was and it's put the family on alert."
"Then what's the real bad news? Am I not going to get to meet with the Elders? If they don't see me, how am I supposed to move up in rank?" Vino assured his daughter that the Elders still wanted to see her. However, they were much divided on how to handle the complications that kept cropping up. Some were questioning his ability as a parent because of her cockiness.
"We need to be on our best behavior when we arrive at the family estate. The others are starting to wonder if we've become reckless since moving to Italy. Lila, this goes especially for you," her father emphasized heavily. He knew that staying in Paris would be difficult for her and if she didn't gain rank, she might take bigger risks. "You're a sophisticate, intelligent, and talented girl. I need you to be a bit more humble for a while okay kit?"
Lila pouted, but mumbled an agreement. While her parents decided to get a second drink she put on her music waiting for the flight to end. The plane flew into French territory leaving behind her beloved Italy. Closing her eyes Lila started to picture what her life would be like in Paris before slipping into a nap. She was shaken awake from her impromptu nap as the plane landed. Stretching her arms, her eyes blinked tiredly. "Are we going to be expected to meet with the rest of the family the minute we get to the estate? It's almost midnight." Normally she wasn't this tired, but it had been an extremely stressful week and all she wanted to do was get a few zzz's.
"Mother convinced Father to let us a least get settled in before we meet with the rest of the family, the day after tomorrow," Vino explained to his daughter. Hopefully during that short bit of time they would figure out who it was that Lila attacked earlier. For now it was time to get in the family care and head out to the estate.
The limousine zipped quietly along the nighttime streets heading to the family estate, nicknamed Foxes Burrow, a beautiful sprawling four story estate with its own gardens taking up a whole block in the twentieth arrondissement. The style was mix of French Renaissance and few touches of medieval architecture with modern upgrades. A high tech security system with a gated wall kept outsiders from getting into the property without an invitation first. The driver used his path to take the limo up to the garage. A steward awaited them and gestured for the small family to follow.
"Welcome home Master Vino. Lady Olivia you look wonderful despite the late hour. Lila a pleasure as always. You'll be staying in the recently expanded Arctic Fox suite on the second floor in the west wing. Once you're possessions arrive feel free to add them to the suite, but no big changes. My Mistress wouldn't like that."
Lila could hear her mother faintly whisper of course they wouldn't be allowed to make big changes. Vino promised he would do his best to make sure the suite fit their needs. The important thing was to get enough rest tonight and not agitate anyone before their eventual meeting with the Elders. For the teenager it was nearly impossible for her to not ask why they were staying in Arctic Fox suite when they clearly belonged in a bigger and grander one on the fourth floor.
Arriving in their suite, the steward showed them where to find something to wear to sleep and the two bedrooms. Lila was about to sneak in and take over the master bedroom when her mother gave her a look that sent the teenager into the smaller, but still luxurious bedroom, next door. Snuggling under the covers the teenager finally shut down her crazy mind and went to bed.
Lila had been hoping to sleep until noon, but no such luck. As soon as it was eight a.m. her mom told her to get up and have a quick breakfast. Their stuff would be arriving in two hours and they needed to finish setting up their new "home" before attending a late dinner. "I'll be taking care of the kitchenette, master bedroom, and the receiving area. While your father attends to the more masculine rooms I have the perfect job for you."
Lila knew what was coming and their wasn't a lie in her arsenal that would make her mother change her mind about making her clean the bathrooms, organize the closets along with setting up her own room and the private Ladies Room "I better get some money out of this. Why do we even need a Ladies Room? We're not hosting tea parties or discussing how to get a husband."
"You know how particular your grandmother is Lila. Remember, how you act and represent yourself to the rest of the clan, will help decided your fate. Now get to work. Those floors aren't going to mop themselves." Olivia left, with a folder containing the interior designs she had for the suite.
It took all day and Lila wanted to shout in frustration every time she chipped a nail, but eventually the suite was set up the way her mother liked it, without removing any of the original pieces. It just gave them enough time to wash up and get ready for dinner. As soon as Lila finished styling her hair the steward appeared to escort them to dinner.
In the formal dining room, the other members of the clan were seated at their tables. The formal dining room was large enough for two tables. The adults sat at one table in accordance to family and the children at the other. Every person was seated by rank and family status. The Elders, who made up the Skulk, (what a group of foxes is called), aka the Council, near the front of the table, with the head of the entire family at the head of the table. Tonight was an exception though because technically Lila's father was a Red Fox and related to the head of the family.
As Lila took her seat between her parents at the table, she watched as her grandparents, Simon and Jeanne Rossi, told everyone to sit at both tables. Simon stood up and announced to everyone, "Welcome everyone to our family reunion. It is good to have the whole family back together. Not only has my eldest son and his family returned, but my granddaughter here, might have found the information we need to find the descendants of Robin Hood and the fox tail talisman to complete our revenge!"
Cheers and toasts were made as the other eight families praised Lila. Underneath it though, it was obvious that many didn't wish her well and the children at the other table were muttering darkly and gossiping about the Italian teen and her "supposed" big heist. Reunions weren't just a time to catch up with one another and trade stories, while adding up their new treasures. It was chance to move up in rank, prestige, and better cuts. Just because they were all family didn't mean there wasn't a bit of competition between members.
Lila's grandmother, Jeanne, tapped her champagne flute silencing everyone there. She may have been a small woman with only a few locks of red hair still showing, but she had a commanding aura that no one wanted to cross. "I understand that everyone here are eager to prove themselves and show off their skills. That being said, tonight's feast is to celebrate the nine families being under one roof and honoring our history. To remind you of all that after dinner I will be reading the Fox's Teeth chronicles to everyone in the den. It's mandatory that you all attend the reading."
Nodding obediently, everyone dug into their food and polite conversation could be heard. There were no more arguments as everyone behaved themselves. Being seated at the adult table was exciting and great honor for Lila. It gave her a chance to be suave to the Elders and impress them with her knowledge of the family history. She also took advantage of some of them by lying about her life in Italy.
"My parents have done well for themselves and I'm gracious for it all. In fact because of their positions, I been able to assist them in certain endeavors. My mother former position allowed her to charter several groups at once to the wonders of the Italian countryside. With so many groups giving a down payment at once, no one notices when a few hundred euros go missing. When the tourist groups come, my natural feminine charms can make full grown men hand over anything I want," Lila lied perfectly to the elder of the Fennec Fox family. She could tell he bought her story when he admitted that she was beautiful enough to make an elder give in to showering her with gifts.
After dinner, the entire family, an estimated two hundred and twenty members in attendance, gathered in the den. Finding a comfortable spot in a woman style wide chair, focused her eyes on her grandmother. The chronicle was removed from its specially sealed case, crackling a bit as the old leather binding was opened to the front page. "These are the chronicles of the Crow's Feet turned Fox's Teeth. Our history began in the lands of England before our forceful exile to Paris. Only nine of us made the journey to France. We have chronicled our struggles, traditions, and our notes on how to complete our vow of vengeance."
Everyone seemed to go into a trance as Jeanne read from the chronicles. It spoke of their days of glory in England. The riches they stole and the fear they installed in people. The destruction of the original stronghold and how nine men escaped capture and sailed to France to gather their strength to come back stronger than ever.
Inside the book was a sketch of Robin Hood that day. His short rugged auburn hair that ended at the nape of his neck covered mostly by his hood. His eyes were hazel color and his short scruff of a beard was a bit darker than his head. A thick long sleeve over shirt with a detailed collar. The skin hugging undershirt stopping at the cuffs. The hands had primitive hand guards on them. His legging were tucked neatly into his boots that reached mid-thigh. Across is back was the legendary quiver and bow. Around his neck was a gold chain necklace with a fox tail attached to it.
In the audience's eyes, the history came to life. Upon reaching France the nine men used what little treasure they had to construct Fox's Burrow. Taking wives they started to rebuild the guild knowing they would have to be smarter and tougher if they wished to defeat the well liked outlaw. Each family took the name of a fox to represent them on a newly formed council. Over the years the names of the families had changed as social status was earned marking which family stood and what skills they specialized in.
Currently the family names and standings were: 1-red fox, 2-fennec fox, 3-grey fox, 4-culreo fox, 5-arctic fox, 6-Tibetian sand fox, 7-bat eared fox, 8-crab eating fox, and lastly 9-hoary fox. Lila's grandparents and father were members of the Red Fox family and her mother Olivia had been a member of the Arctic Fox bloodline. By tradition, Olivia should have been made part of the Red Fox family and Lila should automatically belong to the same line.
However, when Olivia convinced her husband to return to Italy with her, instead of agreeing to live full time at the estate, Olivia forfeited any chance to be part of the first family bloodline. Vino had kept his status, but Lila had to earn her status to be welcomed into the Red Fox line if she didn't want to remain a member of the Arctic line. That was one of the reasons she worked to perfect her skills and lies so she could take riskier missions.
Rank was as important as family bloodlines. All members started out as Kits, when the young children began their training. To move up to the next rank, Dog, (male), or Vixen, (female), a Kit had to complete a number of heists, show they mastered their family's specialty, and impress the Council. The next rank to be obtained was that of Inari, (male), or Kitsune, (female). These were members of high importance, capable of leading teams to pull off the greatest heists, train others, and allowed to search for the fox talisman. Gaining this rank also meant you were considered to join the Elder Council aka Bibi rank one day. The highest rank was held by the leaders of the family, Reynard and Kumiho.
While each family had members that operated in different countries and doing different jobs, the main family of the bloodlines, were to remain full time at Fox's Burrow, to maintain order, carry out justice, and accept clients' orders. Reunions happened about every three months and lasted about a week. Not all families had to come. Only when Grand Reunion, issued by the Reynard and Kumiho, did the entire family line have to come to the estate. At Grand Reunions big changes happened as well as a few surprises. So when the chronicle reading ending everyone headed to their suites wondering what surprised they would encounter tomorrow.
The next morning everyone was woken up at the crack of dawn by the loud banging of a gong. The stewards of the manor went to every suite in the house. "Wake up wake up. Masters want everyone up and ready to do an early morning jog up and down the Seine on both banks! Get up and be downstairs in ten minutes."
Everyone was soon assembled outside of Foxes Burrow in jogging clothes. Simon and Jeanne stood on the porch of the estate looking down at everyone assembled. Simon cleared his throat and used a provided megaphone to address everyone. "Good morning everyone! I'm pleased by how quickly everyone managed to get ready for this early morning jog with only a ten minute notice. Being prepared and ready for action is an important part of our family traditions."
Making sure everyone was still paying attention, he continued his speech only now there was a slight change in his voice. It took on a commanding tone telling everyone to respect his orders. "Today marks the start of the Grand Reunion challenges. Today is all about physical prowess. Demonstrate how fit and healthy you are. Show us that you can push past your limits!"
Next to him, Jeanne demonstrated why she was the Kumiho. A steward had brought out some heavy weights. Without hesitation the older woman bent down and rose up holding the eighty pounds of weight easily. She pumped them up and down while running in place. Putting the weights down, she took the megaphone from her husband.
"No matter how old you are, we expect nothing less than your best. After you finish your jog, everyone will be divided into smaller groups to complete a number of exercise under supervision of an Elder. If they tell you to take a break, you will follow their orders or risk being barred from the rest of the activities." Her eyes roamed over the group, narrowing it at the teens in the group as she pointed to her eyes and them, meaning she'd be personally keeping an eye on them. "The challenges will end with one on one spars to take place at seven tonight. Now get going!"
Lila took off jogging at very fast pace in her designer sportswear. Reaching the front of the pack, she started to pace herself. Keeping an eye out for trouble, the young Italian went into hyper focus. She was determined to have one of the best times. Everything started to blur as she picked up a little speed. Suddenly a foot kicked out, causing her to fall to the ground. Angrily she looked up to see her cousin Todd laughing at her.
"What's the matter little cousin? Can't keep up with the rest of us? The weight of your lies must be slowing you down!" Todd was Lila's least favorite cousin. He was the eldest son of her father's younger sister and was two years older. He was about three inches taller than her and had the physique of a god. His reddish hair was tied back in a small ponytail and his hazel eyes had a glint to them. Todd loved mocking Lila any chance he got.
"Oh did I strike a nerve Lila? Should I be scared of your Italian temper tantrums? I hope we get to spar latter so I give you a proper Red Fox greeting!" He barked at her a few times before taking off increasing his lead. No doubt he would be one of the first group to finish the jog and gain more attention.
Lila refused to lose to him. If he wanted to cheat then she would cheat right back. "You think my lies are weighing me down. Let's just see how you handle being the victim of one of them." With a glint of determination Lila headed to the nearest bridge to get to the other side.
When Todd returned to the house he was in disbelief seeing Lila already there sipping some ice tea and having a nice conversation with their grandmother. A pair of ruined running shoes sat on the table. Her feet had blood and cuts on them. "How did you…cheater! You cheated Lila! There's no way you could have finished the jog ahead of me!"
"That's enough Todd, remember your place Kit. If you want to talk about cheating, sabotaging your cousin's running shoes so they would fall apart as she ran is not something I appreciate. Your cousin had to return here with bloody feet." While his grandmother continued to lecture him, Lila gave him a smirk and mouthed the word loser to him.
A bit later, after Lila had her "injuries" treated she joined a group of teens under the supervision of the Bibi of Grey Fox line. "You punks thing you're ready for the demands of being Dogs and Vixens? I'm here to make sure that doesn't happen. Looking here; none of you are physically fit for the rank. If you want it, prove me wrong! Start jumping rope!"
The exercises were along the lines of a Physical Fitness Test, with a few extra surprises thrown in to make things interesting. The Kits were subject to a number of different exercises, such as climbing rope and doing sit ups. Todd had a longer reach then Lila, but she beat him in how far she could jump. Both tied on weight lifting. Neither liked being paired together for the relay sprints. In fact, Todd refused to pass the baton and finished the event by himself.
At last it was time for sparring. Both teens' bodies had been pushed to the limit and even with breaks and rehydration, they could feel the burn from earlier. That didn't matter to them as the Bibi, sensing their rivalry, picked the two to do the first spar. "You have ten minutes to subdue your partner. Last one standing or who is the favorable position at the end wins. Lethal or long term injuries will not be allowed. I will be watching you both closely. Begin!"
They started to circle one another each giving the other a look of malice. Neither made a move to attack wanting the other to mess up first. Finally Todd attacked aiming for her head. She dodged and threw a punch at his shoulder. He grabbed her wrist and starting to twist it. Throwing her weight into it, she managed to get free. She started to pummel him in the abdomen only for him to toss her to the ground. He was going to stomp on her when she rolled out of the way. She kept rolling out of his way as he spent energy going after her until she came to a stop, she was panting hard.
"Now who's the loser?" Todd smirked getting ready to crush her. Faster than he could anticipated, Lila bucked her feet, squarely delivering a double kick to Todd's manhood, causing him to feel unimaginable pain all over his body. Going into a handstand she pushed off the ground and into a series of flips until she was over him. Spinning his body, she shoved him to the ground planting one foot on his manhood and another on his chest standing tall.
"Times up! Lila wins. Release him so he can get some medical attention. Good job." She nodded and got off her cousin. Helping him up, she whispered into his ear. "Don't think I won't use every trick I know to win." With that she flung her hair in his face before walking off to the showers to get clean for dinner. No doubt she had shown up her cousin earning the attention she craved.
The next day, instead of joining the other family members in a series of strategy and brain stimulating games, Lila was summoned to meet with the Council on the fourth floor. It was a bit of a thrill considering she hadn't been allowed on that floor previously. The fourth floor was were all the business took place. Inari/Kitsune rank and above were the only ones who could come up here without being summoned. The leaders and their family also lived up here. Passing by a painting showing the original members triumphs of the past. Standing outside the Council Room doors, the ambitious teenager checked to make sure her outfit was perfect. Knocking on the door she heard her grandfather calling for her to enter.
The room was full of grandeur. Persian rugs covered the floor as two crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Glass cases protected priceless heirlooms and there was magnificent fireplace with glass figurines secured to the mantel. Three large tables had been set up in a semi-circle with polished oak chairs. The chairs for the Reynard and Kumiho looked like thrones, the family seal carved into the back of their chairs. It was amazing.
"Kit Rossi, please place your recent procurements on the table and take a seat," Bibi Fennec Fox commanded. Doing as she was told the young thief placed the stolen lots on the head table, bowed, and sat down in a small chair anticipating their questions. The Bibi Arctic Fox, a great aunt of Olivia's, tapped a tiny bell, signaling she would be the one to question Lila first. "This Council has several questions for you Kit Rossi. If what you claim is true, that the lots you recovered indeed contain clues that will help us in our revenge, then it would be foolish not elevate your rank."
The Bibi Elders of the Culpo and Tibetan Sand whispered quietly amongst themselves. It was clear they didn't believe a raise in rank was in order no matter what she had stolen. Lila wanted to give them a tongue lashing, but forced herself to sit still and not move. The old woman smacked both men on the heads informing them that they were to be silent or risk expulsion. "Now, in your own words please describe from accepting the job to what happen after it to the Council."
Straightening her posture before speaking in a reverential voice began her story. "A previous client from Yorkshire hired us to obtain certain items from the British Natural History Museum. According to the client, the items he wished for include some jewelry and a case of priceless scrolls and royal artifacts that belonged to King Richard the Lionheart."
Leaning forward just a bit she adjusted her micro expressions, such as taking a few seconds longer to blink while smoothing her forehead to make her look honest. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out the mission overview. "As with any private collector, I followed protocol by doing my own research before accepting the job." Tapping the bottom of the page she reminded them how they had signed off on the job after she had discovered that certain scrolls and weapons from their families' history were part of the collection.
"The client of course was understandably upset when we had to renegotiate the terms of our agreement on your behalf, still we managed to secure the down payment. From there I proceeded to plan my theft."
A bell rang and the elderly Hoary stood up. His voice was really soft, but each word carried loudly across the room. In his hands was a report file. "I've been reviewing your mission outline. You still had two and half weeks to pull off the job. Why did you rush it and get caught on a digital camera?"
Giving him a sweet smile, she glanced down at the mission overview. "I wished to complete your orders as soon as possible," she replied, Using some hand gestures the Council learned that day her class had visited the museum, was her first chance to gain access to the information on where the lots were kept and what was in them. What she had read had forced her hand. "Dr. Marmo was going to start studying them in the morning. I was afraid of the damage that might occur."
There were murmurs of agreement between the Council as each took turns looking at the lots. They had altered the mission to ensure their cut was bigger than the client, who would only be getting a few of the items he requested once this meeting was over. Anything not proven to be of great importance could be fenced to high end clients.
Lila answered a few more questions about what happened after the theft and the stranger she attacked. Her little white lies helped to make her story more impressive and that they really didn't have to worry so much. She watched as the stolen lots finished being passed around before Reynard and Kumiho stood up and ordered their granddaughter to stand up straight.
"Kit Rossi, we've examined the items you procured and have determined they are indeed authentic and contain information that was previously lost to the Fox's Teeth," Kumiho Jeanne stated in a calm and precise tone. "The Council is at odds about raising your rank due to the possibility of discovery." She noticed a slight twitch on Lila's face. The girl still was a bit rebellious. Time to see how she would handle the situation. "Reviewing your record combined with your own rewards, the Council has decided that you will temporarily hold the rank of Vixen." Lila's eyes sparkled hearing those words, then stilled.
"Temporarily my Kumiho?"
Reynard replied to the question. His hands locked together with a serious expression on his face. "Yes, temporarily. You may have completed all the requirements for a raise in rank. However, due to your mixed family status you must prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, your loyalty to us and especially to Kumiho and me." The rest of the Council agreed that it was the only fair way to determine if Lila deserved it.
"Report to my office tonight at eight. We will discuss your next mission there. Don't be late."
With a hand signal he dismissed her. Lila walked out of the room and down to her own suite before letting loose an angry shout. How dare they question her loyalty! She was not an uppity kit that kissed up to the Council. It didn't matter if she was an Arctic or Red nor did her growing up in Italy instead of France. Lila vowed to show everyone how much she was really worth!
At lunch time her parents asked her how the meeting went. Nibbling on her sandwich, she washed her food down with water before speaking. "It was fabulous. They raised my rank and there was even some whispers if I was ready to be moved up to Kitsune level. Grandfather has invited me to his office to personally debrief me on my new mission." She made sure her posture, micro expressions, and of course her heartbeat was steady so they wouldn't catch her in a lie.
Olivia looked surprise. Placing her drink on the table, her eyebrows raised slightly. "Are you certain about what was going on? I heard talk from my family that you did earn the rank of Vixen with a condition attached to it." She glanced over to the Arctic Fox table. Her parents had been medically excused from the Grand Reunion, so it was mostly second cousins there. Lying and manipulation was not the specialty of the Arctic Foxes. That was all the Red Foxes. Her family's skill set was in long term planning and camouflage so it was unlikely they had been making tall tales. "Did you perhaps misunderstand what was being said to you?"
"Of course not Mom. Sure there is a condition, but it only applies to the overall how much I advance. Grandfather's personal mission will either secure my rank of Vixen or make me the youngest Kitsune in history." Batting her eyes she leaned in and asked both her parents for advice.
"Kit, (you'll always be my kit), remember this. Your grandparents didn't reach their rank by being easy on anyone, especially when it comes to family," Vino warned his daughter. Yes, he was his mother's favorite child. That meant she had pushed him harder than anyone else before. Growing up, his younger brother and sister got very jealous how much time their mother had put in him, so that he could reach Inari rank while they had only achieved Dog and Vixen so far.
"My mother was a harsh task master and will accept nothing short of perfection from you. The same goes with my father only he'll be judging you more on your character then your skills. He's maintained his rank by his ability to break down what makes a person tick."
Vino remembered how one time growing up he had been in his father's office helping him with some reports. There had been a knock on the door and a member of the Crab Eating Fox who earned the rank of Inari had entered to deliver his report. His father had calmly accepted the report and then without warning, used his dagger to sever the man's spine.
He had been horrified by the scene before him and watched the man slowly die. His last words were, "How did you know?" before dying. After the body been taken away Simon had explained that the man's behavior and penmanship had alerted to him that man had been planning to kill the both of them once he left the office to activate his trap. Coming out of his memory he was again warned Lila to be careful and on her best behavior. "I can't stomach the thought of you being killed because of your cockiness. Please be careful."
Later that night, Lila entered her grandfather's office. Her grandmother stood next to him as she operate the video screen. On the screen were two and half people. The first two, one a teen girl dressed in red and black body stocking, while the other a blond haired boy wore a cat suit. The half image was of a face made out of butterflies. Did her mission involve these three?
"You're right on time Lila. Are you ready to hear your new mission?" When she received a nod from her granddaughter Jeanne smiled. With the help of a laser pointer she started to highlight the three people. "I assume you're unfamiliar with Paris local heroes and supervillain?" Noting Lila half nod meant that she had heard of them, but didn't know exactly who they were. "Several months ago, this man, who calls himself Hawkmoth, began to transform people into akumas via butterflies. Powered up humans fueled by anger and vengeance. Many times they have nearly destroyed the city, however Ladybug and Chat Noir, always managed to stop them."
She highlighted Ladybug's earrings, Chat Noir's ring, and bottom edge of Hawkmoth's face were tips of something showed. "These three are using talismans that grant them special powers to carry out their deeds. It is our belief that the talisman we seek is part of this collection, something called a Miraculous."
Lila started to look more intrigued. If three of these Miraculous were in use in the city, it strongly suggested that the fox one was here too. "Is my objective to steal these Miraculous?"
"Not exactly, your mission is a bit more subtle," Simon told her. He passed her a folder containing a registration form for Collège Françoise Dupont. Inside the folder was the student handbook, the list of classes she would be taking and who her main teacher would be, someone named Ms. Mendeleiev. Judging by her photo the woman needed to learn to chill.
"Why am I going to school there? Is this woman my target?"
Simon shook his head. "The students and teachers have been involved in many Akuma attacks. This is a place Ladybug and Chat Noir frequent often. Another teacher, Ms. Bustier, almost her entire class has been akumatized save one student. Her students and the ones in your class that have been either akumatized or affect are your true targets." He handed her another folder containing carefully crafted bios on each person in Bustier's class. Each student was either related to a rich or powerful person. Some of the students' talents also made them stand out in ways that could be taken advantage off. It was clear that the Fox's Teeth had been observing them for a long time.
The first bio was on Chloe Bourgeois, the daughter of the Mayor of Paris. She was self-serving, cruel, and manipulative. Several incidents she avoided trouble by simply mentioning her dad. She also had a lot of money and expensive items just waiting to be taken. It would be a cakewalk for Lila to get Chloe to "donate" the items to her.
"Your objective is to befriend these kids and use them to assist you in your job. Not only will you steal from them or use their talents to help you in any way you see fit, but to gain information from them about the Miraculous users. Once you obtained that, the second part of your mission begins."
Lila raised a single eyebrow at that, but refrained from speaking. As her grandmother explained, eventually all her activities would get the attention of both the heroes and villain. She was to lead them into a trap and force them to tell her about both the Fox Miraculous and their enemy's descendant, before ending their lives. If she procured what they wanted or managed to steal the other Miraculous, her rank would be solid and she could attempt in six months to move up to Kitsune. More importantly, she would have earned her place in the Red Fox bloodline.
"You start tomorrow morning. I get a good night's sleep and have the information memorized by the time lunch rolls around. You only have a short time period to pull this off," her grandmother warned her. Simon also added if she needed any help it would be a point against her to losing her new rank.
The Italian teenager returned to her family's suite and decided to memorize the files. "Better start with the boring students and work my way up to the golden students. Let's see, who to start with? Hmm, Marinette Dupain-Cheng. She looks plenty boring."
Lila started reading the bio while trying to avoid yawning. Marinette's parents owned a bakery near the school that was very popular, was the class representative, an upcoming fashion designer who had won two fashion contests hosted by Gabriel Agreste. She appeared to be friends with everyone in class except Chloe. "Okay that's enough. She's the most boring person I've read about. Aside from winning two design competitions, she's a snooze fest." Casting aside the bio, she stated reading the others.
When she got to Adrien's bio, she licked her lips and purred. "Handsome, rich, and successful. Now he's worth reading about. So many accomplishments in fencing, piano, and gets top grades. Talk about international fame being the face of his father's brand. I could just kiss him. Hmm, first year attending school so he's a bit naïve about the real world. Oh I can't wait to seduce him, no I'll make him mine!"
Putting away the bios Lila couldn't help herself, she had to write in her diary before getting her beauty rest. Her diary had two locks on it and she was the only one with the keys. No one knew about it and if someone read the entries she might get in a lot of trouble.
Today has been so troublesome. I finally earn the rank of Vixen only to be told I that I can't keep it unless I prove myself again. Grandfather and Grandmother gave me the job of infiltrating a school so I can draw out the heroes, Ladybug and Chat Noir. Their powers come from Miraculouses, talismans similar to the fox necklace we seek. My objective is to force them to reveal its location so I can secure it for the family.
No one realizes that I have a personal ambition that conflicts with that mission. Of course I want to move up in rank, but achieving Vixen is only a stepping stone. Not only do I want to rule the family as Kumiho, but I want the power of the Fox Miraculous for myself. With its power no one would dare question my authority and bloodline again. With it I will build a bigger and greater empire that what we have now. Everything I want will be mine!
The first thing I'll make mine is Adrien Agreste! I've had a dozen boys waiting on me hand and foot. They were all nice and good looking, but none of them can compete with a model that has the looks of a god. Everything about him is the perfect match for me and with the powers I'll gain, he'll never want to leave my side.
While Lila was writing down her personal ambition, Wayzz was trying to get some rest. He was just about to enter dream land when a loud yip echoed in his mind causing him to fall out of his little matchbox bed. Righting himself up he floated down to the disguised Miraculous Box.
Pressing his little hand against the box he heard another yip this time louder. He could feel his "sister" Trixx stirring. She was very angry about something. More importantly, she was feeling a great longing for someone. "What is going on with you Trixx? What is causing you act up while you sleep?"