(A/N) Well lovely readers, it's that time again. I wanted to wait to do this whole thing since the other goals were very close, so here we go.
Cats and Curses has reached 200 Favorites, 300 Followers, AND 400 Reviews!
Is... is this for real?
Seriously though, this is astounding… to think that a little story that had been sitting around for a while could blow up this big. And it's all thanks to you guys, this story would not have reached these milestones if it wasn't for you all. I wish there was more I could do to thank you guys…
Now let us commence to the chapter. We left on sort of a cliffhanger last time with a strange revelation. For those questioning that decision, bear with me, it will all become clear soon…
*boop*
Adrien looked from Marinette to the two she was talking about. Surprise and overall confusion took him over as he tried to study the two from that distance. He had never seen her landlords during his time as a cat, or even the times he visited Marinette now. Taking in their strange appearances, all he could think is why in the world two magical people-beings would want to be landlords. The being in the dark green robe spoke up again, drawing Adrien's attention back to the issue at hand.
"Lila Rossi is charged with multiple cases of improper magic use. Before we bring the guilty party forward, I would ask that all those affected by her magic, at one point or another, to one at a time relay their tales to us. We ask that you remain orderly about this, and we will start with the people in the closest row."
One by one, people stood up and told their stories, Adrien was more in shock at how many this woman had actually affected. He had lost count by the time their friends took their turns. Alix barely being able to hold it together due to Kim's support, but it somehow seemed that a few of the beings already knew her tale, which only left Adrien with more questions.
Finally, it was his turn. He stood up and began at the beginning, explaining every detail, minus the more personal items. Due to Marinette not personally coming in contact with Lila, Adrien told her part of the tale since it was more of his fault. Throughout the entire ordeal, Marinette was silently offering him support.
It didn't take long for him to finish, sitting back down as the next person stood and began their turn. He felt his hand being squeezed, turning his head, he saw Marinette's comforting smile. It was enough to take away some of the stress that had a hold of him since this whole hearing had begun.
It was about fifteen minutes later when the last person finished their experience. He knew at least more than twenty people had been afflicted, but each one except for a few had had a different curse or hex from this one person. The people on the podiums were emotionless as each person took their turns. Once the last person sat down, the same cloaked figure from before speaking up again.
"Now that we have heard the affected parties, we will bring forward Miss Lila. I assure each and every one of you that she will not be able to do anything to you, she will not even be able to see any of you in fact. I ask you all remain quiet to hold the effect, but with that we may continue. Fu, you may bring her to the center now."
They all turned their heads to see Fu standing up and making his way towards the center circle. He pulled a small object out of the strange back with him, and that's when they all heard it.
Frustrated shouts and screams came from the object, as well as the sound of someone pounding against glass. Only when light reflected off of it into Adrien's eyes did he realize it was a mirror. It all clicked together just as Fu place the mirror in the circle, a bright light bursting out as he stepped away. When the light cleared, there stood Lila.
She was exactly as Adrien remembered, only a little more disheveled in appearance. She snarled in rage as she looked around, only freezing as she laid eyes on the people standing on the podiums. Tension in the room started to grow rapidly, silence started to fill thick before the girl snapped in a sarcastic tone.
"Such lovely hospitality I've received these last few weeks. You've really improved your methods since the last goon you brought to where I am. Maybe you should tell that old turtle that he should be more caring about his capture methods so one isn't ripped away from what they are doing."
"Lila, you were in the middle of cursing someone. You were trapped by your own spell." The orange hooded person spoke to Lila in a calm voice, though the tone seemed somewhat strained.
"Well it's not like any of you noticed until now! You're all cowards who make your students do whatever you want! You don't even have the guts to do this in your true forms and…"
"That is enough Lila!" The orange one's voice boomed throughout the room. Adrien could see the fire in the woman's eyes as she continued.
"I teach you everything you know, and this is how you use it? I trained you to help others and this is the result of you ignoring those words and causing problems for many!" There was a pause filled with an intense pressure centered towards Lila, and she was trying her best to not cower in fear, "You are no longer worthy to be called my pupil."
Those words seemed to wound Lila as she dropped to her knees. The room bathed in silence again as all looked from student to teacher, unsure of what would happen next. It was broken when the green hooded man waved his hand, encasing Lila in darkness.
"It is now that we find Lila Rossi guilty for all crimes accused of her. The Seven will decide the proper punishment in the next few days and will convene privately to place such punishment. We thank you all for taking the time to state you claims. You are all free to go except for the few I am about to name, for these people have been asked to speak with some of us."
The man started to list off the names, both Adrien and Marinette stiffening as their names were called. Their friends that were there were called as well, which meant it had something to do with the two that were the landlords.
People started to trickle out of the room, Fu gesturing for their specific group to follow him. He led them all to a group of rooms, sending Adrien and Marinette into one and the rest into another. They sat in the finely furnished room for a while. Trying to listen to the conversation that happened in the other room that held their friends. Their heads snapped to the door as it was opened, Fu the first person they see followed by the two supposed landlords. The woman in the red hood smiled at Marinette while the man in black seemed to be disinterested in being there. They all sat down before the woman spoke.
"I'm sorry we had to keep you from going home, but it was easier to do this then to try and find another time." Her voice was sweet as she addressed the two, sincerity in her voice as she continued, "I feel like we should have proper introductions, since you don't know us by our real names."
Marinette nodded at the suggestion, which was apparently what the woman wanted to see. She introduced herself as Tikki before introducing her brooding partner as Plagg. She opened it for them to ask any questions they might have, and it was obvious which one was the biggest on their mind. Before Tikki could answer, Plagg cut in to offer his response.
"Well you see, Tikki here wanted to 'try a normal life for a time.' She was lucky Turtle's pupil here offered an idea or who knows how overboard she would have gone."
Plagg started to laugh before getting nudged by Tikki. A few minutes later Marinette and Adrien were sent home, leaving Fu with the other two.
...
"You were right Fu, those two do seem like possible candidates. Though our current ones did ask for a few more years of service before retiring." Tikki was deep in thought as she said this, while Fu was smiling in approval.
"I do have recommendations for the other members of The Seven, including one for Trixx, due to her current one now being invalid."
"We look forward to hearing your suggestions dear Guardian."
*boop*
I do hope you liked the second part of the Trial, we all knew Lila was going to get what was coming to her. I hope I cleared up any confusion the end of last chapter caused, I did say I would explain it, didn't I?
We're coming very close to the end now. Pretty sure I've got everything planned out for the remaining chapters. Chapter 40 will be the epilogue so that leaves three normal chapters to go.
If you guys have any thoughts or questions, please feel free to leave them in a review. See you all next week!
Lots of love to you all!
~Imperial