How are my readers doing this morning/afternoon/night? Good? I really hope so.
Anyway to all those who reviewed~:
Junsuina Yume: Thank you so much! It took me a while to figure out a good enough backstory. Glad you like it though!
AliciaMCDeBurgh: Aww your making me blush. I'm glad you love my story!
GreenDrkness: Confusion is a fickle thing. It could make you want to read more or not at all. Don't worry, Kaito will be tied in soon~ And one last thing. I'll keep on the writes as long as you keep on the reading. *wink*
Purrloin77: I know right! Can't people learn to stay hidden from spy doves!? And what's a DC/MK story without a scheming Kaito? And yes, very bittersweet. I tried to make it as tragic as I could, while still being realistic yet very miraculous. Lastly, that line, "Shipping intensified- I mean wow they seem so distressed." was my favorite to write! I'm glad someone liked it as much as I did.
Kiri Kaitou Clover: Oh? Well that's good. I don't want readers to be…too confused. Hence why I chose to explain things in chapter 3 instead of later. And about Kaito, don't worry. He's always looking to plan a miraculous heist.
And Also! Thank you all who decided to favorite and follow this story! It means so much to me. This story started out as an idea, then it grew into a small obsession that took over my mind until I decided to write it. I'm thrilled to see that you readers enjoy it so! And now, Onto the story!
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own DC/MK or ML
Chapter 4: Meetings and Plans
Today was the day. Marinette, her parents, and the professors would go and convince the owner to give them Xingjaun's Tear. A difficult task, but she's sure they can handle it. Didn't mean that she wasn't nervous.
Her parents were waiting at the door for her with the professors. She was sporting her usual get up along with her trusty purse and Tikki. Never know when an akuma would attack. Making her way down to the waiting group, she spotted the three researchers. The woman, Liling, had sunglasses over her eyes. Jian had some on his head. Lee had his usual glasses on. Her mother and father wore their usual wear, minus the aprons.
Waving their way, she walked up to them. "Sorry for making you all wait!" she spoke, her tone apologetic.
"It's fine, darling."
Professor Lee smiled and asked, "Shall we head out?"
Marinette and her family nodded. Together they all made their way to a black van that was parked out front. Jian opened the door for her and her mother, then afterwards for Liling. A very gentlemanly move. Lee got into the driver seat while Tom, her father, quickly locked up the bakery and got in the seats behind the girls. Jian closed the doors and sat in the passenger seat. They buckled up and went on her way. Marinette stared out the window nearly the whole way.
"So, Marinette is it?" Liling started up conversation.
The secret heroine looked at her and nodded with a small smile.
"How are you feeling? I know we dropped this whole 'descendent' bomb on you. It isn't too much is it?"
She shook her head, "No, Honestly I'm just surprised. I think it's great to find out that I'm related to royalty. Even if her story is a tragedy."
"When you put it that way, I guess so."
"It is a little unnerving to know that if Madeline hadn't been born my whole family line would never exist." Marinette confessed.
Liling took off her sunglasses and began to wipe the lens. "That's true. Thankfully, she did and you now exist too. Maybe one day someone will look back and see that you're their ancestor and be amazed as you are."
"I don't know about that. It's not like I'm going to be a part of something great. I just want to be a fashion designer." Marinette chuckled.
"Well, then the world of fashion will look back and be in awe of your skills. I predict that you'll change the world." she gave her a wink before placing her sunglasses over her eyes.
Marinette just gave her a nod before turning back to the tinted window. She watched a shaded version of her beloved Paris fly by. Of course, it still looks beautiful tinted. She let out a soft sigh and relaxed herself. She nearly looked away from the glass until she saw a beautiful white dove. It was flying above the van, but just far enough for her to see it. It made her curious. What's a dove doing in Paris?
Marinette stood with her family in front of large double doors that were carved like the door she had seen in her dreams. Although not exactly. There was a standing sign next to the door that had the date of the party with a mini count down. The number was at 5.
"Alright. Let's go." Jian opened the door for the rest of us.
The inside was more grand that she could've imagined. It was like a mix of Chinese and Western culture. There were red pillars in the walls. Paintings on them. Scrolls as well. Everything was either red, gold, black, blue, green or white. There was a stage with curtains at the front and she noticed a sound room above and behind them. A white door off to the side of the room. Most likely leading to it. There were lights and chandeliers, all so beautifully crafted. She noted the kitchen that rested to the rooms left side. She could see all the chefs busy cleaning and cooking.
Her focus narrowed in on the workers. There were many people setting up chairs, laying out tables, going from the sound room to the main area. They crawled around like tiny ants. She saw a boy on the stage, hammering something. He wore a gray hat on his head. A black shirt with a dark gray overshirt. His pants were black as well. He seemed to be working hard.
"Oi! Part-timer, can you hand me that set?" another worker asked.
"Hai! Right away!" The part-timer got up and walked a finished set to the busy man.
He sounds familiar. Hmm…nah! She and her family continued to look at the room in awe. Until an unfamiliar voice gained their attention.
"Beautiful sight to see, isn't it?"
Marinette turned to the voice and saw a young Frenchman with slick back blonde hair and a small trace of a moustache over his lips. His gray eyes reminded her of the murder's. They were so sharp and cold. They were filled with only two emotions. Pride and greed.
"Yes, it's quite exceptional." Lee spoke as if he was trying to be as calm as possible.
"Ah, it's professor Lee. I saw your little comment, but I've already told you a thousand times! The jewel is mine! I bet you didn't even bring this so called descendent either." the man was pushing the researcher's buttons purposely, trying to make a reason to throw them out for good.
Marinette, seeing this, decided to let the mask of Ladybug befall her. She needed confidence to win this battle.
"Why you, listen here-"Jian started, that's when she chose to slide in and cut him off before he could get too angry.
"Excuse me, Monsieur. I am Marinette Dupain-Cheng. It has been brought to my attention that you are in possession of Xingjuan's Tear." she spoke as formally as she could.
He looked at her and smirked. "Why yes. Are you a fan?" he asked until she saw his eyes widen.
Good, he must've noticed our striking resemblance. Or so they tell me. Marinette tried not to smirk.
"You could say that. I'm-My family are actually the legal owners of that gem, since it belongs to our family. I am, as you put it, the so called descendent of that woman."
"I-I see." she watched him straighten up with a frown. "Well then, little girl, I'm sorry to inform you that, that gem does belong to me legally."
Her eyebrow twitched. He's patronizing me. "If that's the case, then you'll have no problem showing proof."
"Proof?!"
She nodded. "Yes, if you can provide official documents that show your proof of purchase and that you legally own Xingjuan's Tear, then we will leave you and your establishment alone."
She notice the others tense behind her. Her confidence was overflowing now and she knew it. A part of her told her not to be so overconfident or else she might end up being played like a fool. But she felt that she had this in the bag.
"That…That is not a request I can full fill, young lady." Oh so I've been promoted from little girl to young lady. Good.
"Is that your way of admitting you do not own the jewel?"
"No I'm not admitting to that!"
"But you do have something to admit to?"
"No, I-"
"Maybe it's the fact that you do not have these legal documents?"
"I do!"
"Then where are they, Monsieur…" she trailed off.
"Gilles. Gilles William." he answered through gritted teeth.
"Monsieur William. If you have the papers, show them. This is an easy problem to fix. If you just show us the proof."
There was a silence. "What makes you doubt I do not own this jewel? This is not some police investigation, young lady."
She smirked, "If this was, you would be suspected of illegally buying artifacts and who ever sold them to you will be arrested of illegally selling artifacts. Maybe police would get a warrant to search for those 'documents' or the name of your seller."
Marinette noticed his hands clench until they relaxed. Defeated. Her smirk widened in victory. Checkmate. She noticed him smile and her blood cooled. That was a smile of a killer. The images from the dream flashed in her eyes. She felt her stomach turn. No! Don't show any sign of weakness! The battle isn't won yet!
"Fine then, how about you all come to the opening and I'll have those documents for you? Deal?"
She felt something shift in the air. Was it the evil vibe this guy was giving off? Or was it her conscious telling her the situation became dangerous? Marinette knew she was going to regret what came out her mouth next.
"Deal." And she felt the large doors of her fate seal.
Tap
Tap
Tap
The tapping of shoes in an empty, luxurious room filled the air. A boy dressed in dark clothing with a small cap on his brown hair walked to the room's red double doors. He nearly reached the end until someone called out to him.
"Hey! Part-timer!"
The part-timer turned his head to the source and found his co-worker, holding a box. He seemed to be in a hurry. Brandishing a smile, the young teen walked over. In a smooth voice, he spoke.
"Yeah?"
"Can you take these to the dressing room for the actors? It's the newly fitted costumes." They asked.
The part-timer smiled politely. "Alright!" he carefully took the box and held it.
Perfect to deliver the note.
"Thanks! You're a life saver! Maybe you can come get drinks with me and the guys!"
"Haha, No I'm still only 16." the teen shook his head.
"16? You can still drink wine my boy! Have you forgotten? This is Paris! That's legal here!" the guy tried to persuade him.
The boy continued to deny his proposal. "My…My family has a bad history with alcoholic beverages. You see, my father used to be addicted and he did awful things to me and my siblings. Especially my mother. But thankfully he left and now my mother is too ill to work. We're hanging on strings now, Monsieur. This job means a lot to me if we can bring in enough money to get her treatment." The boy seemed very broken hearted.
The man's heart melted. "Oh, kid. I'm sorry. I hadn't known. If you ever need anything, just call!" the man handed him a paper with a number written on it. "Here, have this." the man handled an envelope of money.
"I-I can't accept this!"
"You need it more than me. I can go without that money this time around." The man insisted.
The boy caved, placed the box of clothes down, and took the envelope. "You are too kind."
The man gave a hardy laugh. "Well, you know what they say, a little kindness can go a long way."
"That it does."
"See you around kid!" the man jogged to the door and left.
The boy stood there, until a large smirk painted his features. "See ya." he chuckled.
Placing the envelope in his pocket, twisted his hat around, and pulling a card out his shirt. He opened the box and placed the card inside. After closing it, he picked the box up. There he started his way to backstage. He whistled a small tune along the way. Right when he was about to open the door, he heard a man's voice.
"Those goddamned Researchers and that goddamn family! Why did they have to show up now!?" the voice was angry and violent.
The boy let go of the handle and listened in.
"You mean the Dupain-Chengs? They are very kind people. And their bakery is the best in-" there was a slam.
"I don't care! That daughter of theirs is so annoying! Did you see the way she looked at me!? She was brimming with confidence. And that smirk! Ugh, makes me want to rip it off!"
"Sir, calm down."
"Don't tell me to be calm!"
"Yes sir." the other let themselves fall into submission.
"In fact, I'm going to teach them a lesson. A lesson that will last a life-time." he could hear the speaker smirk.
The other hesitated, the shakiness in their voice was clear. "W-What do you have in mind?"
There was a pause. "Well, I have this friend from America. He's staying in Paris on vacation. And he hunts for sport."
The boy's blood ran cold. He isn't- "S-Sir! You don't mean you're going to-?"
"It will look like an accident. And knowing how foolish the police out here is, they will read it as such."
"You can't! It's…It's-"
"illegal!? Ha! It's not the only illegal thing I've done, calm yourself. As long as you keep your mouth shut. No one will find out, understood."
There was a silence and the part-timer assumed the other man had nodded their head in agreement when the violent man had made a sound of approval. After hearing a conversation like that, the boy placed the box down and dug into his over-shirt. He pulled out a blank white card and a pen. Quickly he wrote. With a click of the pen, he opened the box and replaced the card inside. He gentle closed the cardboard box and picked it up. Putting on a display of innocence, he twisted the door open.
The occupants looked at him and he gave him a fake look of confusion. They were tense and he could feel them wondering if he had heard them. Oh I have…
"Hello! Monsieur! I'm just dropping the costumes off. What are you doing in here? I thought you went home."
"O-Oh well. I wanted to speak to this employee about how the play is coming along!" he lied.
"Oh? Well then, here are the costumes." The part-timer handed the box over to the submissive man, who hesitantly took it.
"Thank you. Here's you pay for today." the violent man handed him a money filled envelope, which this time he 'gratefully' took.
"Thanks monsieur!" he sounded cheerful.
"You're welcome, son."
The part-timer waved before he turned away and stalked out the room. After he closed the door behind him, he broke out a dark smirk. Now I have another thing to my grand show. He stalked down the hall and to the main room. There he made his way to the elevator. After a few floors, he was walking out to the lobby, where a receptionist was talking to an old man.
"But Madame, I'm here to see someone."
"I'm sorry, I can't let you in without permission from the person you're visiting." she spoke in a cold tone.
The boy seeing the interaction decided to step in. Walking with a small bit of swagger, he held his arms out and called to them. "Gramps!"
The old man looked at him and he noticed the colored Hawaiian shirt he wore. The man seemed to understand as he turned with his cane and called back. "Ah! It's my favorite grandson!"
The teen walked over and gently gave the man a hug. "I was waiting for you for so long, I decided to come look for you."
"Oh, well…I ran into an issue."
He looked at the receptionist, who was watching in shock with a small blush on her face. "I see."
"W-Well, I'm sorry, I wasn't informed that y-your grandfather would be arriving." she stuttered out.
The teen decided to turn the knob up on his charm, because he leaned over and grabbed the woman's hand, giving it a soft kiss. He noticed her cheeks turn an even brighter shade of red. To add to it, he spoke softly and as suavely as possible.
"It's alright, Madame. We all make mistakes. However, a beautiful woman as yourself, should get some rest. You don't want to overwork your perfect hands." He winked at her.
She nodded and gave a breathy reply, "Y-Yes."
Smiling, the teen let go over her hand and turned to the amazed elder. "Well, gramps. We have a lot to catch up on. Let's walk, I'll show you what you've been missing!"
Together they walked out the hotel to the sidewalk. They took a turn and started on their little journey. When the boy noticed they were far enough, they stopped.
"Thank you young man." the elder turned to him.
The young man hummed, "It was nothing!"
"That was a very sly and cunning thing you did. You're very intelligent." he complimented.
"Thank you, but it only worked because you played along." the teen modestly stated.
"Nonsense. I see great things happening to you soon." the man cryptically stated.
The boy gave a confused look, but shrugged it off. He looked up at the sky and saw the moon had risen. "Oh, it's getting late, I should get going-"
When he looked back the man was gone! Strange. He looked around to see if he could spot the geezer, but to no avail. He sighed and decided that heading home was the best thing to do now. He did have a big day head of him. Yeah, another perfect show. I wonder if a cat and bug will play with me during this one? He chuckled and walked forward. Letting a dove land on his shoulder, he walked in the moonlight.
A little shorter compared to chapters 1, 2, and 3, but this was all I had planned for this chapter. Hope you all enjoyed! See you next illusion!
Ciao-su~