The Green Eyes of the Black Cat
A Bit of Bad Luck
The rain fell down from the semi-clear sky as the light of the crescent moon shone down on the city. It wasn't a heavy rain, but it was enough to make anyone on the streets need a shower after a walk.
The headlights of different cars flashed through the wet streets as they passed. The streets were usually empty at that time of night and the few cars that still moved around were cabs or people going back to their homes from work. There was little noise that wasn't drained over by the rain.
The few people that were walking during that time were running to get out of the rain. The light of the moon was bright but very few looked up at it.
Amidst the falling rain and the bustling of people and cars, a single creature scurried through the dark alleys of the city. The creature rushed through the streets at a quickened pace, avoiding the steps of the people around it and the splashing of the cars. It took a sharp turn into one of the dark passages of the back streets. It jumped over empty glass bottles, and dumped garbage soaked by the rain. It spotted a large wooden crate. The creature jumped on top of it before hopping the brick wall in front of it. The creature sunk its claws on the hard wet surface and began to climb the building with great skill and speed. It eventually reached the very top of the roof, overseeing the rest of the city.
The rain stopped as the few clouds in the sky moved to the side.
The light of the moon shone on top of the creature, revealing what it was.
The creature had raven black fur that started from the tip of its tail to the bottom of its paws. Its eyes were a bright shiny green like a pair of emeralds if they had a pair of flashlights glowing on them. The black cat shook itself, freeing the pristine coat of fur from all the water it had. It looked at the city as the lights illuminated the skyline.
The window underneath the black cat was opened, and from within came the noise of a TV screen.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to another episode of The Letter Contact. The only news channel that gives you all the latest news of Paris and the City of Love. Or should we say the City of Heroes? I am your host Nadja Chamack, and I am here to tell you all that's happened today."
As the voice of the smooth newscaster spoke, the black cat looked around for anything that would catch its eyes.
"Top news dear viewers, there have been several criminals and villains put away by our city's greatest heroes. Today we got the exclusive confrontation between the number one hero, Freezerburn and the nasty Bubbler Gang. And we also got an interview with the number two hero, Dynamight, as he wrapped up his combat with the vicious mob boss Baby Titan. Then we will give you the newest team-up of the month, the new hot shot heroes Foxthrob and Queen Bee joined forces to stop a rampaging monster. These ladies know how to get it done. And we get a whole new piece on the activities of Paris' very own vigilante. However, there is a story that takes precedence over the actions of our great heroes."
The black cat's ear twitched, picking up on the voice of the anchor lady.
The voice of the news lady did a complete 180. From being joyous at the prospect of heroes and the exclusives, her voice became serious and sad. It was as if someone had kicked her puppy in front of her.
"As of yesterday afternoon, young Charlotte Polnaref of only ten years of age is still missing. The little girl was taken late in the afternoon during a bank robbery at Franc National Bank. If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of the kidnappers or of little Charlotte, please contact the authorities or the heroes at the number you see on screen."
The cat hissed as it narrowed its eyes. Like a hunter in search of its prey the cat pulled out its claws, sharpening them as if it knew that a fight was coming its way. It jumped off back into the streets just as a dark shadow jumped from rooftop to rooftop.
As the citizens of Paris prepared themselves for the night, a lone figure jumped from rooftop to rooftop. The figure ran at great speed across the city, passing the lights of the night. The figure reached the end of the roof. He jumped high in the air, pulling out a grappling gun from his belt. He fired the grappling gun at the edge of one of the building corners.
The hook embedded itself into one of the corners.
The dark figure swung through the air, looking down at the streets. There were many lights but they casted enough shadows to hide his presence from the people. He kept his eyes on the streets. His mind drifting to was going on amidst the flashy lights going off. He looked up to where he was swinging before pressing a button from his grappling gun.
The grappling hook came back to the grappling gun as the dark figure spun in the air.
The dark figure landed on the back of a stone gargoyle, crouching down with his hands and feet on the cold stone. He slowly lifted his body while keeping out of sight while the light of the moon casted a light over him.
The dark figure was dressed in all dark variant clothes. He wore a grey open trench coat with dark green outlines on the shoulders, end of the sleeves and the ends of the coat. Under the trench coat, he wore a dark green suit that covered his upper body and dark green pants. Around his waist was a grey utility belt with a pair of 18-inch metal rods strapped to a holster. The belt was big and worn, but it still pulled itself together. He had a pair of black boots that reached up to his ankles. His hands were covered under a pair of black gloves that looked to be at home in a fist fight. And his head and face were completely covered up. His face was covered by a metallic mouthguard, and the top part was covered by a black cowl with two glowing green eyes looking at the streets. On top of his cowl two cat ears stood up with a grey fedora.
He looked down at the streets as the wind picked up strength. He was on a mission, to find answers. Like a silent guardian, he observed the city as the night became silent with not even a honking of the nearby traffic.
"Aaaahhh!"
"Give me your purse lady!"
The vigilante turned to the origin of the disturbance. He quickly jumped down into the dark alley. He landed on his feet in front of the robber. The vigilante spotted that the hand of the robber had morphed into a pistol.
The gruff man wearing a ski mask on his head aimed the morphed pistol at the strange vigilante.
"Get lost freak!" He screamed, firing his pistol at the vigilante.
The vigilante ducked under the shot of the robber. He grabbed hold of one of his sticks and flung it at the robber, hitting him in the stomach. As the criminal doubled back in pain, the fedora wearing vigilante rushed at the robber. He reeled back his right fist before cracking the robber across the face. He ducked under the purse as the robber tried to keep the vigilante away.
The robber morphed his right hand into a metal brick. He swung his morphed fist, sending back the vigilante.
The vigilante looked up to where the criminal was running. He picked up his Kali stick from the floor and flung it at a nearby window. His stick struck a flower pot on the edge of the window, causing it to fall.
The flower pot struck the robber as he tried to escape.
The vigilante walked up to the downed criminal, picking up his stick and holstering it. He grabbed the stolen purse with one hand before he started dragging the criminal with his other hand.
"My purse!" The lady said, as the vigilante handed her the purse. "Oh thank you! How lucky I am that a hero would hear my cries for help!"
However, the vigilante didn't pay much attention to her.
"You don't need to thank me. I only did what I thought was right." he replied as he tied up the criminal next to a trash can. "Call the police, tell them what has happened and then get yourself home." He added, tipping off his hat, showing that the cat ears were part of the cowl and not the fedora.
The vigilante ran towards the back of the alley and sprung himself off of one of the walls and into the fire escape above them.
As the vigilante went back into the shadows, the woman pulled out her phone and called the police. Her mind was racing and she couldn't believe that a hero would be so heroic in the flesh. She wanted to know who that hero had been so that she could properly thank him.
The night got turned into day as the change always did. As the sun rose over the city, the lights went off and people woke up from their slumber to start a new day.
The city was coated on a small wet blanket of residual rain which brought out the brightness of the sunlight. The new and weathered buildings that made up the city stood as a reminder of the artistic nature of the city with remnants of its proud history. The trees and parks of the city were all green and full of life. While posters of different celebrities, companies, and products appeared scattered throughout the city.
But many of these posters and boards were not of the next fashion statement of the next season. They were showing the latest in hero news and how they were the new wave of the future. Pictures of heroes like Freezerburn and the other top ten heroes popped out from time to time. They each showed their actions and accomplishments.
The people started coming out of their homes and got ready to work. Children were driven to school by their parents. Men and women dressed and cleaned themselves up to go to work after having their breakfasts. But regardless of who they were or where they stood in life, there was one thing they all spoke about: Heroes and how cool they were.
Becoming a hero was the ideal job thanks to the position that it gave you in the city and in the country overall. The top ten heroes made thousands of Euros a year on product revenue alone. They were celebrities. Famous to the point everyone knew them. Their power, both physical and symbolic, was equal to that of high ranking members of the government.
But what of those that didn't meet those standards?
In a small apartment in an old apartment complex, a man stirred awake.
The apartment was meant for only one person to live in. It had a small kitchen with a pair of unwashed dishes in the sink. A small bedroom where the man was waking up from. And a medium sized living room that only had a couch, a small desk next to it, a TV and a punching target on the side.
The man got up from his bed, moving his blue colored sheets off of him.
He had short shaggy green hair and a very youthful face that would've gotten him confused with a young adult. He scratched the back of his head as he opened up his green eyes. He slowly walked to the bathroom to shower. The man heard his phone vibrating on the nightstand next to his bed. He let out a yawn as he picked it up.
He read the message on it, rubbing his eyes awake.
"Yo partner, going to pick you up in 5 min. Be ready, Izuku."
Izuku looked at the time and his eyes snapped open.
"Oh crap! I overslept again!" Izuku cried out, rushing to the shower.
Izuku turned on the shower before hopping into it. As soon as the water hit his body, he was met with lots of mini glaciers hitting him in the chest.
"Ah, it's freezing!" Izuku cried out as he took his shower.
He finished his shower and proceeded to put on his uniform. He hopped out of the bathroom while putting on his pants, one leg at a time. He fell forwards on the floor, just as he got the two legs into his pants. He picked himself up and put on his blue shirt, buttoning up to his neck. He grabbed hold of his hat, putting it on.
Just then there was a knock on the door.
"M. Midoriya. There is a young lady outside asking for you."
"I'll be right out Madame Pronton!" Izuku replied, tying his tie.
Izuku finished gathering his things and putting on his jacket, finishing his uniform. He kissed his mother's picture before heading out the door.
"Wish me luck, mom." Izuku said, running out the door.
"Monsieur Midoriya, is everything alright?" Madame Pronton asked.
"Oui Madame, just another day of excitement on the force. Have a nice day, madame." Izuku said, tipping his hat.
"Merci young man. Oh, you should come by and meet my granddaughter. You two would hit it off wonderfully." Madame Pronton replied as Izuku rushed to the entrance of the building to meet his early partner.
"I'll be sure to try to Madame." Izuku replied. "But for now, duty calls."
Izuku ran down the stairs, but that led to him falling down the last few steps. He rolled down before landing back on his feet in front of the other tenants of the apartment complex.
"A good officer always lands on his feet." Izuku said, straightening himself out. "Good morning to you all."
The other tenants greeted the young officer with kind smiles as he passed them.
Izuku exited the building with a smile on his face. He took in a deep breath as he put on his officer's hat. He looked at the bright new day with so much excitement that the thought of him being late to meet his partner left his mind. Izuku loved to get up in the morning when his father went off to work, it seemed like the best time back when he was young.
"Izuku, mon cheri compagnion." a voice called out.
Izuku's mind snapped back to reality. He blinked as he looked down at the source of the voice.
At the bottom of the steps was Izuku's partner in the force.
Her name was Mina Ashido, a young woman who stood a couple inches shorter than Izuku. She had a wild bed of pink hair that seemed to remain wild regardless of any used product. However just at the top of her forehead were two curved horns that gave her the appearance of a cute alien. But the differences didn't stop there. She had flawless almost creamy pink skin that matched her hair. Her eyes were golden while the sclera were black as night. Mina wore a uniform similar to the one Izuku wore, but she had a short skirt on top of her pants. And her uniform was a size too small, which gave everyone a good idea of how well developed she was.
A few decades ago her looks would've been seen as strange and freaky, but 100 years ago everything changed. One day a child in a Parisian hospital was born with the power to create light out of their body. More and more children and people developed these powers. No one could explain it, some powers were tied to biology but others just seemed to happen. Many took it as a Miracle and people that had these abilities were dubbed Miraculous.
"What are you doing, Izuku? We'll be late if we don't get a move on." Mina said, waving her hand. "You know Capitane Kendo will scold us if we're not at work."
"I'm sorry. I overslept and my alarm didn't go off." Izuku said as he reached the bottom of the stairs. "Besides, we're still early to get to work."
"Then let's get a move on!" Mina called out, pumping her hand in the air with a little skip.
Mina pulled out a key from her pocket and pointed to the car behind her. She smiled as she pulled Izuku along with her arm wrapped around his neck.
The car was a small yellow Mini that looked like it had seen better days. It had a few scrapes over its paint. The wheels looked brand new as they had been recently replaced. One of the headlights was broken. And the roof resembled the hide of one of those aliens you'd seen in the movies. This was Mina's pride and joy, the Alien Queen.
The two got in the car with Mina behind the wheel and Izuku in the passenger's seat.
"Hold on tight, Izuku. Alien Queen is ready to dig some new roads!" Mina said. "Criminals and bad guys beware the dynamic duo!"
"P-Please Mina, we need to get there without causing any accidents!" Izuku begged his partner.
But his pleas fell on deaf ears. Mina's eyes got a mischievous glint to them as a smile spread through her face. Nothing would get between her and the road.
"Let's do this! Allons y!" Mina called out as she stepped down on the accelerator to the floor.
The car took off at top speed, leaving a trail of black track marks behind it. The small car drove past different people and other cars. The car that looked like it had been through a demolition derby and won was going faster than most race cars. It rushed at top speed, sending leaves and papers flying. Other cars stopped on their tracks as it flew past them like a bullet.
Mina was the fastest driver that Izuku had ever met. He was sure that if she hadn't become an officer of the law, she would've been the best getaway driver in the world. Izuku often wondered how Mina got her driver's license.
Izuku held on to the car like he did every day. He often cursed himself for not getting his own car instead of riding with Mina.
"Mina! Please slow down!" Izuku screamed as tears of panic spilled out of his eyes. "You can't go 60 miles per hour in central Paris!"
"Oh come on, Izuku! Like, live a little!" Mina laughed.
Just then, the radio came to life.
"Any available units in the Rue de Rivoli area, there's a disturbance going on the street."
Izuku released his left hand from the dashboard and grabbed hold of the microphone.
"Officers Midorya and Ashido here, we're on our way." Izuku answered.
"Heck yeah baby, the Dynamic Duo is early today!" Mina added, making a sharp turn to the right.
"...Oh great. The headaches are early today…"
Izuku put the radio away. He turned back to the backseat and grabbed a portable police light. He pulled down the window before turning on the light. Izuku placed the light on top of the Alien Queen's roof, letting everyone know that the car was driven by the police.
"There's the street!" Mina said, turning the wheel to the right.
The light that Izuku had just put on top of the car to come detached. It slid off the roof and flew off. As the light flew through the air it struck a man in the head knocking him out.
However, the two officers didn't notice the accident that their light had caused.
Mina parked the car as soon as she saw the stopped traffic.
"Alright partner, let's do this." Mina said, getting out of the car.
The two officers walked up to where all the commotion was happening and immediately saw the problem.
In the middle of the street was an elderly man in a wheelchair. All the cars had been stopped around him as he tried to move but didn't.
"Bonjour monsieur, what appears to be the problem?" Izuku asked the elderly man.
"Bonjour, officer. I can't seem to make my chair move." The elderly man replied, looking distraught for the mess he was causing.
Izuku then noticed something dangling from the back of the wheelchair. He looked back and saw that the battery had gotten disconnected.
"Ah, I see the problem. The battery seems to have been disconnected." Izuku said, calming the elderly man. "Mina, please help the gentleman on the street while I handle the traffic."
"You got it, partner!" Mina replied.
Mina pushed the elderly man off the street while Izuku signalled the cars to pass one by one.
Mina knelt down to see the unplugged battery.
"Let's see here. Negative with the positive and positive with the negative. Just like putting on new remote batteries!" Mina said, plugging the battery cables. "There you go, monsieur. You are free to go."
The elderly man thanked the young officer as she left. He pulled the lever forwards, but was then sent backwards at fast speeds.
Once the problem was solved, the two officers made their way to the police headquarters.
Izuku and Mina arrived at their desks, which were right next to each other. Their desks were completely different from each other, while Izuku's was organized and filled with notes of different cases and hero memorabilia, Mina's was what was left of a hurricane with lots of papers, toys and music CDs. As different as they were, the two officers complimented each other like steak and frites. While Izuku was more methodical and by the book, Mina was outgoing and action packed.
"So, how was your weekend Izuku?" Mina asked. "Anything fun happen?"
"Oh, um, no n-not much," Izuku stuttered as he looked at his notes. "I just kept to myself and my books."
"Boring! How about you and me hit the dance floor this weekend?" Mina asked. "I can even help you by showing you some moves."
Izuku sheepishly laughed at his partner's antics.
"Alright everyone, listen up! Everyone to the conference room!" A strict yet sisterly voice rang through the precinct.
Izuku and Mina made their way to the conference room along with the rest of the officers and inspectors of the precinct.
The room was stacked with chairs looking at a large whiteboard. The French flag stood proudly next to the entrance along with the pictures of the last two chiefs and the mayor of Paris. The whiteboard had the names of all the partners and officers that the precinct had along with pictures of different cases.
Just then a woman stepped up to the entire force. She wore the chief inspector uniform with a black suit with different medals on her left breast and stars on her shoulders. She had flawless skin and clear green eyes. Her red hair was tied to a side ponytail that went past her shoulder like a part of her uniform. This was Chief Inspector Itsuka Kendo. She was as mean as she was kind. She was like the big sister that most wished to date but were afraid to be related to.
Right next to Chief Inspector Kendo was a slightly older man. He wore a beige trench coat with a matching fedora hat with a white shirt underneath it and a black tie on. He had a pair of black pants and black boots that solidified the classic detective look that he had. His fair skin with no signs of facial hair and short black hair showed his great strides for the upkeep of his appearance. This was Detective Naomasa Tsukauchi, as well as one of the few that were set to be the next chief inspector.
"Quiet down everyone." Kendo said with a strict tone. "Bonjour everyone, today we are stuffed with several cases. Major Bourgeois demands that we increase effectiveness by 10% by the end of the month, or else we'll have our budget cut back. ...Again."
This caused a ruckus amongst the officers.
"Everyone, quiet down." Naomasa pleaded, but it didn't seem to get the officers.
Kendo lifted her right arm up in the air. Her hand expanded to the size of a beach ball. She brought it down on the desk in front of all the officers, causing a thunderous clap that silenced everyone. She then shot them all a stare that said 'you'll be silent or I will karate chop you in two.'.
"I am as displeased as you all are, which is why we need to prove that we are as efficient as always. We've got a few cases that are top priority and will be distributed amongst you. I expect results on these by the end of the day." Kendo said with a stern tone.
"We'll be dividing the cases for each officer to look into. But you also have to consider your shifts." Naomasa explained. "No slacking off. You understand that?"
A series of groans made it clear that being an officer of the law wasn't all that it was cracked up to be. It hadn't started off with a nose dive, but with the birth of the Miracle Age more and more people caught other jobs when powers like fixing things and freezing water became more mainstream. Facing off against beings with strange powers with a pistol and a police baton didn't usually go well.
Kendo and Naomasa divided the different cases between the officers. And soon enough came the last two names on the list of officers.
"And for the last case, inspector Naomasa will need assistance with the disappearance of Charlotte Polnaref," Kendo began, looking at the two available names on the list. "Which would be…. Oh. Midoryia and Ashido."
The majority of the room groaned and gave apologetic looks at the inspector.
"Heck yeah, you can count on us boss!" Mina said, standing up like a beam of positivity.
As soon as the assignments were given, Izuku and Mina were dragged by the back of their shirts to Kendo's office. She sat them down on the chairs in front of her desk while Inspector Naomasa stayed back.
"Alright, listen up you two. THIS is an important case." Kendo stated. "And that means that I've got the mayor breathing down my neck."
"We understand sir-I mean, ma'm! I mean Chief Inspector! We will be the most professional we can be!" Izuku said.
"That's funny, because your definition of 'professional' is to leave a trail of destruction!" Kendo snapped. "Everywhere you two go is a mess! I expect you two to follow Naomasa and will only do what he tells you. No need to repeat the disaster that was the Fish Market Incident."
"How were we supposed to know that the swordfish was going to be sent flying after the gas tank exploded?" Mina asked. "But we caught the thieves."
"Exactly! We brought a whole gang of bank robbers to justice. But, we promise to be more careful than if we were walking on eggshells." Izuku added.
"You better!" Kendo replied. "Naomasa, they're with you. Find this little girl."
Izuku and Mina stood up in attention and saluted their superior with a determined look.
"Let's go, you two." Naomasa added.
"I'll drive!" Mina said, causing Kendo to groan in frustration.
The Dynamic Duo drove off from the police headquarters with Naomasa at the back of Alien Queen. With their superior in toll, the two officers got the rundown on the kidnapping of the young lady. From what they'd heard on the news and from the report, Mademoiselle Polnareff had been taken from her home two nights ago when her parents were out of the city.
As the car drove off through the streets, Izuku and Mina looked at their superior in hopes of learning more of the case.
"So, where do we go from here boss?" Mina asked.
"We're going back to the Polnareff residence to see if there have been any demands from the kidnappers." Naomasa replied. "The Polnareffs are a very influential family, money could be the motive."
"They are owners of a very lucrative construction firm, Polnareff Constructs, right?" Izuku asked. "They've been known for doing buildings like museums, apartments and high rises."
"You're well informed, Midoryia. They just got a big deal to rebuild the neighborhood of Saint Dupont." Naomasa added. "So, there is a good chance that this could give them quite a lot of money."
"Money these rotten kidnappers will want!" Mina snapped. "I swear they will not get away with it. And if they hurt one hair on that little girl's head will have a bath of acid!"
"Easy there Ashido, we aren't heroes. We can only use our Miraculouses if all else fails." Naomasa countered, before realising what he had said. "Sorry Midoriya. I didn't mean-"
"It's alright, inspector. I'm used to it." Izuku replied, looking upwards. "We're here."
Up ahead was the gated home of the Polnareffs. The home was on the outskirts of Paris and was surrounded by little vegetation. It was only a two story house painted white with a statue at the entrance of the residence. A black Mercedes was parked at the entrance next to a small garden with freshly watered flowers. The home was fairly humble and easy on the eyes of those that passed it. It was one of the first things that Polnareff Constructs ever built and it carried on the humble trademark that all their builds usually had.
"Woah." Both Izuku and Ashido said as the gate opened up, letting them through.
"Don't drool you two. We need to get their daughter back." Naomasa said.
"Right." Izuku and Ashido replied.
Ashido parked the Alien Queen right next to the Mercedes. One could easily see the difference of lifestyles that each of the cars had with ease.
Izuku and Ashido got out of the car first before Naomasa got out himself. They walked up to the front door where they were met with the butler of the home. They were then taken to the living room where the head of the company sat.
His name was Harry Polnareff, head of Polnareff Constructs. He was only thirty years of age but he was the father of a loving daughter and was able to keep the company prosperous.
"Bonjour monsieur, I am Inspector Naomasa and these here are officers Ashido and Midoriya. We're here to help bring back your daughter." Naomasa said.
"Thank you, monsieur." Harry Polnareff replied, shaking the inspector's hand.
"We'd like to ask you a few questions while my officers search the premises. Is that alright with you?" Naomasa asked.
"Yes, sir. I'll tell you everything I can." Harry replied.
"Alright. Can you tell me what happened the night you were out?" Naomasa asked, pulling out a notepad.
As Harry recounted the events of the night of his daughter's disappearance, Izuku pulled out his own notepad and began taking notes.
The distraught father told the officers the story of what had happened that night. He had been invited to a party in the nearby suburb of Aubervilliers. He was met there by a few companions from work and school around 8 o'clock. He mentioned how wonderful it had been to visit some old friends and that they were all doing good in life. But he didn't stay until the end of the party. Harry Polnareff had left around 11:45 at night. When he returned home he found the house completely silent with all the few servants gone to sleep. He went up the stairs to kiss his daughter bonne nuit when he found his daughter's nurse tied to a chair and knocked out with the window open. The retelling of the events made his eyes swell up in tears.
"I'm sorry. I should've been here that night." Harry Polnareff cried. "Ever since her mother died, Charlotte has been the only one in my life."
"Don't worry Monsieur Polnareff, we will get your girl back in one piece." Mina said, stepping out of bounds once more.
Naomasa shot a slight glare at Mina for speaking out of turn. He wanted to share her enthusiasm, but he knew that in these cases… things rarely turned out good. He didn't want to give the father false hopes.
"Um, sorry, sir. With your permission, inspector, we will look around the room for any signs that may have been missed during the first search." Izuku said, pulling Mina back.
"Very well, be sure to take a few evidence bags in case you find something." Naomasa said.
Izuku nodded, understanding what the inspector had said.
Izuku and Mina made their way upstairs to where the room of the missing girl was. They passed under the police tape, stepping into the room. They observed the messed up room with a worried look. They had to find that little girl.
"According to M. Polnareff, the caretaker, was tied up on that chair over here." Izuku said, pointing to where the chair was. "Which leads me to believe that the kidnappers came in through the front door, not the window."
"Then why leave the window open?" Mina asked, looking around the room. "Unless they went out that way."
Izuku poked his head out the room window to look for clues on the bushes below. He observed the board where the window closed and it didn't have any signs of anyone having climbed up that way. He then spotted something in the bushes below.
"Hey, Mina. I think there's something in the bushes." Izuku said.
"Yeah, where?" Mina asked, sticking her head out the same window, accidentally pushing him out the window.
Izuku held on to the ledge of the window, dangling for dear life.
Mina quickly jumped to the aid of her partner. She grabbed hold of his arms and pulled him upwards as he dangled his feet. She tried to pull him into the room but he was a little too heavy for her to pull in.
"You got to stop eating at that bakery, Izuku!" Mina said.
"I almost got a good footing." Izuku said, lifting one of his legs upwards.
"I got it." Mina said, grabbing his leg.
But she let go of Izuku's other hand, taking only his shoe with her. Izuku fell down with a comedic scream, crashing down on the bushes underneath the window. Mina tumbled and fell back with Izuku's shoe in her hand. She groaned in pain before she noticed something underneath the bed. She narrowed her eyes at it, wondering what it was.
"Ow."
Mina's eyes snapped open as she remembered that Izuku had fallen out the window.
"Oh crap!" Mina said, jumping to her feet. "Izuku, are you okay?!" She asked, looking out the window.
Izuku's fall had been stopped by the bushes. He was covered with leaves and flower petals as the branches littered the floor.
"I'm good, the bushes cushioned my fall. I also found something in them!" Izuku said, pulling out a cigarette box wrapped in a tissue. "I don't think Monsieur Polnareff smokes these ones."
"Hold on, I'll be down there. I've got your shoe. Also found something under the bed." Mina shouted back.
Mina ducked under the bed with a pair of gloves and pulled out what she had found. It was a silver pin that had the initials 'TC' engraved on it.
A short while later, Izuku had gotten his shoe back and both the pin and the cigarette box were both in evidence bags.
Naomasa examined the things that Izuku and Mina had found while Mina got leaves out of Izuku's hair.
"M. Polnareff, this was found underneath your daughter's bed," Naomasa said, showing the pin. "And this was found in the bushes under the window. Do you recognize either of them?"
"I've seen my butler Ellis and the cook Morton smoke in their breaks. But as far as I know, none of my staff smoke in the garden. I tell them to keep their smoking behind the house." M. Polnareff said.
"What about the pin, monsieur? Any idea on how it got under your daughter's bed?" Izuku asked.
"May I see it?"
"Sure, but don't get it out of the bag, monsieur." Naomasa replied.
Naomasa held out the bag with the pin inside it for M. Polnareff to examine.
"The pin, I've seen it before. It is a pin that is given to all members of the Thorne Company. I used to be part of that company before I struck out on my own." Polnareff explained. "We didn't end on good terms."
"Do you still have your pin?" Naomasa asked.
"I got rid of it. I saw no reason to have something that reminded me of Audrey Thorne." Polnareff replied. "But maybe Charlotte found it and decided to keep it."
"Well, we'll have these two dusted for prints and-"
Just then the phone began to ring. Everyone stayed quiet for a bit.
"Are you expecting a call today, Monsieur Polnareff?" Izuku asked.
"Not that I remember." Polnareff replied, before slowly preaching for the phone.
Naomasa then stopped Monsieur Polnareff pressing the speaker button instead.
"Allo, this is the Polnareff residence, who may I say is speaking?" Polnareff asked as everyone remained quiet.
"Who we are doesn't matter, just give a message to your boss. We have your daughter monsieur. If you want her back alive and well, drop off 50,000 Euros in front of the statue next to Notre Dame at 11 o'clock. No funny business."
Just as Polnareff was about to reply the kidnappers hung up the call.
"Well, at least now we know what they want." Inspector Naomasa said.
"Inspector, I don't have that kind of money. What will happen if they don't get what they want?" Polnareff asked, fearing for the sake of his daughter's fate.
"If the kidnappers don't receive what they want, things won't end well, monsieur. Is there a way you can raise that kind of money?" Naomasa asked.
"I could try to get some money from the company, but we were going to use that kind of money for the neighborhood project. Moving that kind of money away from it will cost us the contract." Polnareff replied.
Back with Izuku and Mina, they were listening in on the conversation and taking notes. Or at least Izuku was taking notes. The cogs of his brain were spinning, trying to put things together. From the information that he had heard things looked rough for the Polnareff family. He had to do something to help them.
"Damn, it looks like these guys aren't messing around. That's a lot of money." Mina whispered.
"Oui, but he doesn't have much of a choice. What bothers me is the cigarettes and the pin." Izuku said, looking back at his notes. "It could all point to a conspiracy about the deal that Polnareff Constructions is getting. This could be an attempt to bankrupt the company, forcing it to sell or get the deal instead of them. The packet does give the idea that someone had been observing the residence, but it was found inside the place. So anyone could've seen someone that they didn't recognize and alerted the police." He muttered.
"Um, partner. You're muttering again." Mina whispered.
Izuku stiffened up at the sight of both Naomasa and Polnareff looking at him. His face heating up at the idea of them looking at him like that.
"Sorry monsieur, I didn't mean to inconvenience you!" Izuku said, bowing his head in an apology.
Mina couldn't help but laugh at her partner's antics.
After the conversation ended, the three officers drove off to report their findings to the rest of the force. The fact that there had been a ransom demand had put a brand new twist on the case. They had to prepare a sting to get the people at the accorded time before the kidnappers realized that the police were listening in. But they also had to get information on the pin as well as the cigarette pack.
Mina drove all the way back to headquarters as Naomasa decided on what they each had to do next.
"Alright fellas, I'll talk to captaine Kendo and get a squad ready for the drop. See if we can get a hero or two for help." Naomasa explained.
"That sounds great! Those guys won't know what hit 'em!" Mina claimed.
"You two are not going." Naomasa countered.
"What? Why not?" Mina asked.
"The Fish Market Incident." Naomasa replied.
"With all due respect inspector, how were we supposed to know that those cyclists would be struck by the tuna?" Izuku asked.
"Sorry Midoriya, but the boss doesn't want you two near lots of guns." Naomasa said as they were getting closer to the department headquarters. "Besides, I've got a job for you guys."
"Ooh, a secret assignment. Do tell Naomasa." Mina said with stars in her eyes.
"It's all legal and in the book, Ashido. I need you two to look at Thorne Company and see what you can find on them." Naomasa said. "Verify the story Monsieur Polnareff told us, and what they think of all this. Also, I'll need you to get these two looked at for prints."
"We'll be sure to ask Mrs. Thorne what she knows. And figure this out as soon as we can, sir." Izuku said just as they arrived at the headquarters.
"That's what I like to hear. Head to the lab while I handle this." Naomasa said before getting out of the car.
Izuku and Mina took the two bags of evidence to the department's CIS lab and handed the two bags. They then put their things together and made their way to the offices of the Thorne Company, hoping that they could speak to the woman in charge of the company.
The building where the Thorne Company was stationed was one of the most fancy buildings Paris had. It was pure white to the point that it resembled alabaster ivory with statues of angels made out of gold. The floors glittered as though sprinkled with gold and all the people that worked in the building were all part of the brand and company. The building had been deemed by many in the fashion industry as the place where all the angels get their wings. But one couldn't help but feel like the place was hollow on the inside.
The two officers were led to the top of the building. They were then taken up to a golden door where the head of the company worked.
"Wow, this is pretty fancy." Mina said, whistling.
"Yeah, building this must've taken a lot of work." Izuku added.
"Mademoiselle, monsieur, this way please." The assistant said, opening the door. "Officers Midoryia and Ashido, madam Bourgeois."
Audrey Thorne-Bourgeois used to be the owner of her own fashion magazine before she inherited the company. She was the daughter of Andre Thorne, the former head of the company, who was suspected of being affiliated with less than desirable partners. And she had been married to the mayor at one point, but she acted like the marriage was something as bothersome as going to the dentist rather than the happiest day of one's life. She was a tall woman with clear well kept skin that would almost pass off as cream. A lush golden head that went past her ears and curved inward like a golden helmet. Her eyes were clear blue and stood out with an inherited air of malice. She wore a strapless white dress with white and black pants, golden high heels, elbow long white gloves and a black sun hat.
"What is Jenny? Can't you see I'm busy?" Audrey snapped.
She was sitting on her desk looking at a few documents with two big goons sitting on the couch.
"Pardon Madam Bourgeois, but these officers would like to speak with you." The assistant replied, bowing her head in regret.
"I thought her name was Nadia?" Mina whispered.
"Something tells me that she doesn't do names as well as deals or fashion." Izuku whispered back.
"Well, what do you fine officers need? If it's a donation to the department, I suggest asking during the holidays." Audrey said, barely looking up from her papers.
"Actually, madame, we're here to ask you a few questions. About your relationship with Harry Polnareff," Izuku began. "You are aware of the situation he's in?" He added, causing Audrey to lift her gaze with only minor interest.
"Ah, yes. That is quite the tragedy. I hope his little girl is brought back to him safe and sound." Audrey replied.
Izuku couldn't put his finger on it, but the woman seemed less than sympathetic to the situation of the worried father.
"You two had a falling out right?" Izuku asked, taking out his notepad as he started writing. "What was it about, if you don't mind me asking?"
Just then one of the bodyguards pulls out a cigarette, putting it in his mouth. He was about to light it up when Audrey snapped at him.
"Bruno! Do you have any idea how much that nasty smoke will damage my fine furniture and my new curtains?!" Audrey snapped. "Take it outside! Or you're fired!"
"Oui mademoiselle." Bruno said, grabbing his cigarette from his mouth.
"Louis, go with him. I've got this handled." Audrey added.
The other bodyguard nodded and followed up with his partner.
As the two bodyguards walked out the door, Izuku spotted the cigarette box that Bruno carried with him.
"Now, where were we?" Audrey asked.
"Your relationship with Monsieur Polnareff." Mina said.
"Ah, yes. He was a lousy man. He never kept up with fashion and his work ethic, ridiculous, just ridiculous!" Audrey said. "How he ever began his own firm outside of my influence is beyond me."
"So you don't like him very much?" Mina asked.
"Oh no, he was a great employee but he doesn't have the killer instinct to make it in the competitive world of business." Audrey replied.
"Is it true that your company was passed in favor of Polnareff Company to build the new neighborhood?" Mina asked.
"We skipped the deal, if I'm honest. We don't need the city's pity." Audrey said.
"So, you don't mind that Harry Polnareff's humble company is being paid millions of Euros to do something that your company has been losing more and more business in?" Mina asked.
Audrey snapped the pencil that she was holding.
"I do not wish him any harm. But being humble doesn't always make it. My father used to say that 'hungry people eat lunch, humble people serve it'. I didn't get to where I am by being nice." Audrey said.
"If he ever wishes to come back, I'll hire him with open arms." Audrey said. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I"ve got work to do."
"We understand, thank you for your time madame." Mina said as she and Izuku bowed before leaving.
As the two officers left the building they came across the two bodyguards as they were both smoking.
"Excuse me monsieurs. Could I bother you with a cigarette?" Izuku asked.
"Get your own, pal." Bruno snapped, pulling out another cigarette from the packette.
Bruno took a deep breath from the cigarette. He then blew the smoke out of his mouth. But the smoke turned into a hand and was black like the midnight sky. Bruno's smoke hand pushed back Izuku with brutish strength, like a real hand.
Izuku staggered back. He wanted to do something about it, but he couldn't. He didn't have a miraculous and even if he did, he'd be the one in the wrong.
"Merci." Izuku sighed before turning away.
As Izuku walked away, Mina swiped her hand at the feet of the two body guards.
As the two bodyguards laughed and smoked their cigarettes they were caught by the smell of something other than their tobacco.
Back with Izuku and Mina, she wasn't very happy after what happened to her partner and friend.
"We could go back and give them a ticket for smoking in a public area." Mina said.
"In the middle of Paris? I don't think that'll work. Besides that won't be necessary." Izuku said, opening the door of the car.
Mina looked at him with a confused look.
"Pardon?" Mina asked, getting into the driver's seat. "What do you mean?"
"When I spotted his packet, I thought the mark seemed familiar." Izuku explained. "It is the same brand as the one that we found in the bushes. Also, Audrey seemed to be very forward with the idea of hiring Monsieur Polnareff if his company were to go under. That sounds like someone with an ax to grind."
"So, you think that she's behind this?" Mina asked. "She does seem like a pain, but I don't think she'd stoop that low."
"You heard what she said, Mina. We should share our suspicions with Naomasa and see what he thinks." Izuku said. "We'll need more evidence to get her. In the meantime I'll go tell Alya about this, see if she has anything on the matter."
Mina's mood turned, doing a complete 180. She smiled at Izuku with a sneaky smile. She gave him a half lidded glance as her smile reached both of her ears.
"H-Hey, what's up with t-that look?"
"Are you sure you just don't want to spend time with your little foxy friend?" Mina teased. "I mean, I don't blame you. That hot caramel skin, that flowing hair that looks like fire, those cute fox ears and that tail swinging along her awesome rear that's only matched by her big-"
Izuku's face turned red like a tomato. He shot up his hands in defense as he moved his head from side to side. Despite being a grown man, Izuku was still easily embarrassed by things like girls teasing him. This made him the perfect target for Mina's constant pokes at him whenever he said, noticed or did something related to a woman they knew.
"N-N-No! It's n-n-n-not like t-that Mina!" Izuku stuttered. "We're just friends! You know we're just friends! I never tell her anything that she doesn't need to know!"
Mina laughed at Izuku's reaction. She wiped a tear from her eye before she started the car.
"You make it too easy, Izu." Mina laughed.
Izuku was about to retort to that nickname when they heard a couple of screams coming from the entrance.
"Time to go!" Mina shifted Alien Queen's gear and hit the gas. "I'll drop you off at Alya's!"
"Thanks! I'll call you to see what I find!" Izuku said, catching his hat from flying to the back seat.
Night had fallen and Mina was sitting in her car while doing her patrol. She sighed in boredom. She hated being on patrol on her own, she wished that Izuku was there with her to at least pass the time. Mina hated the fact that he had been called to cover another part of the city thanks to Jean having to get off the clock early to go to his daughter's recital.
"Man, this is so boring." Mina moaned, looking at her watch. "It's barely 10:30. Why did Kendo put me on patrol away from anything good? Damn, I'm gonna miss all the action."
Just then her phone began to ring. Mina pulled out her phone as the caller ID illuminated her face. Her face lit up with excitement at who was calling her.
"Izuku, my awesome partner in crime! How's the boring part of town treating you?" Mina asked, answering the call.
"Mina, that'll have to wait, I just found something. According to Alya, Thorne Industries was going to get the deal that Polnareff Company received. Also there were traces of smoke in that pin we found. The same kind of smoke residue that you get from cigarette smoke." Izuku explained over the phone.
This got Mina over her boredom quickly.
"And it just happens to be the residue of the brand those guys were smoking wasn't it?" Mina asked, already knowing the answer.
"Exactly. Turns out that Mrs. Audrey has been trying to buy Polnareff Company over the last couple of months. Being near bankruptcy would make the company easy prey for Audrey to buy." Izuku added. "The whole thing is a set up."
"I gotta go to warn Naomasa!" Mina said, turning on the ignition. "I'll meet you at Notre Dame!"
"I can't, I'm on my way to check up on something. Alya showed me that recently Thorn Industries purchased something. There are two properties that Mrs. Bourgeois owns that are abandoned, and set for demolition." Izuku added. "I'm checking the one on Rue de Barres. You go check the one in rue de l'Abreuvoir!"
"Where better to hide than where no one will look for." Mina replied. "Then I'll see you there, partner!"
Mina stepped on the accelerator more than ready to save the day. She quickly dialed Inspector Naomasa as she drove, she would need to get some back up while Izuku was away.
The dark vigilante dropped down from the rooftop across the street of an old building. He had already searched the building in Barres, this was where the little girl had to be held. His green eyes looked at the rundown building with its boarded windows or broken. He spotted a couple of lights turned on in the upper floors. He cracked his knuckles and as much as he'd like to bust through the door, he'd have to play it smart. The vigilante saw that the building was the only building in sight, and it only had one street light in front of the entrance. He picked up a rock and flung it at the streetlight, shattering it.
"Time to go to work." The vigilante muttered, rushing to the building under the cover of darkness.
From the front door two thugs walked out to see what had shattered the streetlamp in front of their hideout. They looked around for whoever had done it, but the darkness of the night didn't show them anything. They turned around not paying much thought to what must've happened. They thought the light was just old and had gone out.
Just then, two metal kali sticks struck them from behind.
The two thugs fell down to the floor knocked out as the vigilante walked in with his sticks in hand.
The vigilante ran in as quietly as he could. He figured that they would have the young girl on the top floor, away from the street. He spotted the stairs and started climbing up them. As he climbed up the stairs, going from floor to floor, he heard movement coming from the floor above him.
On the floor above him three more thugs armed with pistols. They aimed their guns at the entrance of the fourth floor, ready to fire. But no one came up the stairs.
Suddenly, a metal stick flew through the air and struck one of the thugs in the face.
The other two thugs turned around, spotting the vigilante running at them as he caught the stick.
"Ice this clown!" one of the thugs said, aiming his gun at the vigilante.
The two thugs fired at the vigilante. But he moved side to side, dodging the bullets. The vigilante cut the distance between him and the two thugs, glaring at them. He kicked the first thug in the stomach before swatting away the second thug's gun.
The downed thug growled as he got up. He sprouted spikes from his knuckles before rushing at the vigilante. He swung at the vigilante, hoping to impale the dark clad warrior on his spikes.
The vigilante bobbed and weaved, using his Kali sticks to block and redirect the attacks. He sidestepped, only getting grazed by the spikes. He swung his left stick at the stomach, breaking a couple of the thug's ribs. The vigilante then cracked the thug across the face with his right fist.
As the spiked thug fell down, the other thug extended his arm. From his palm a bunch of thick vines shot out at the vigilante.
The vigilante ducked under the vines, causing his hat to fall off. He then rushed at the thug tackling him against the wall of the building. The thug pushed off the vigilante, trying to take a shot at him with his spare hand. The vigilante blocked the punch with his right arm before punching the thug's face into the wall.
The vigilante let out a tiered sigh before walking to where his hat fedora. He grabbed hold of his fedora just as the third thug recovered from the stick he received.
The thug aimed his gun at the vigilante as he put on his hat. The thug fired his gun.
The vigilante ducked, getting grazed in the shoulder by the shot. He glared at the thug with his green eyes. He lunged at the thug, knocking away the gun before throwing the thug face first into the stairs.
"One more floor." The vigilante said as the thug rolled down the stairs.
The vigilante ran up the stairs, getting to the top floor. He spotted only one door across the hall with only two windows at each end of the hallway.
On the other side of the door, Bruno stood pacing with a lit cigarette in his mouth. He held a gun in his arm thinking what to do. On the corner, sitting on a mattress with her hands and feet tied was Charlotte Polnareff. She was gagged and scared.
"Where are those idiots? They should've been done with their job." Bruno grunted. "Why couldn't the boss have given me more guys to do the heavy lifting?"
As Bruno continued rambling on, one of the windows was slowly and quietly being opened.
Charlotte turned to see a shadow creeping in through the window. Her eyes widen at the sight of the black-clad green-eyed vigilante. She gasped, but the vigilante held up his hand, telling her to keep quiet.
The vigilante slowly creeped in as Bruno rambled on to himself. He then flung one of his Kali sticks at the wall, causing it to bounce at the wannabe gangster.
"What the-" Bruno snapped before being struck by the stick.
Bruno fell down to the ground.
The vigilante turned to Charlotte before grabbing the gag she had.
"It's alright." The vigilante said. "I'm a friend." He added pulling down the gag.
"Who are you?" Charlotte asked. "Are you a hero?"
"Yeah, I'm a hero. My name is Chat Noir, and I'm a friend of your dad." Chat Noir said as he began to untie her. "You'll be safe. Let's get you out of here."
Chat Noir held out his arms and Charlotte hugged him tightly. The vigilante walked towards the door, picking up his stick from the ground. He opened the door as he held up Charlotte with his left arm.
"Before this night's over you'll be back at your bed with your dad reading you a bedtime story." Chat Noir said.
"Promise?" Charlotte asked.
"Would I lie to you?" Chat Noir asked.
As soon as Chat Noir was about to take another step a black hand made out of smoke pulled him back into the room. He dug his heels against the floor and grabbed hold of the door with his free hand. Chat Noir turned his head to see Bruno pulling him in with his black smoke miraculous. He let go of Charlotte, getting her away from the door.
"Chat Noir!" Charlotte called out.
"Get out of here, kid! I'll take care of this!" Chat Noir said before he was fully pulled into the room by Bruno.
Bruno pulled at his smoke rope, swinging Chat Noir at the wall.
"I thought the biggest pain I'd have today was that someone melted my shoes, but now you come along." Bruno grunted. "And now I'm pissed."
Chat Noir picked himself up, keeping his eyes on the thug.
"So what is this hero? A play for a spot in the top ten?" Bruno asked.
"Not really, I just have a thing about punks kidnapping children for a deal." Chat Noir growled, pulling out his two sticks.
"Too bad this is the end of your career, freak." Bruno said, lighting up two more cigarettes.
Bruno created six smoke daggers from the cigarettes. He blew them at Chat Noir with enough speed to resemble bullets. As the smoke daggers travelled through the air, Chat Noir rolled out of the way, as they zoomed past him.
Chat Noir charged at Bruno as he blew more daggers at him. He ducked under the daggers and swatted away one with his sticks. He closed the distance between him and the thug. He reeled back his right arm and threw a punch at the thug's face.
Bruno was sent back with a bloody nose. He growled in anger as he took in a deep breath of smoke. The smell of tobacco was thick in the air and getting all over the room, but he didn't care. It was exactly what he wanted.
Chat Noir kicked the packet of cigarettes away from Bruno, causing him to growl in pain.
Bruno let out the deep breath he was holding in. The smoke he breathed out turned into a massive black hand. He controlled his hand to grab hold of Chat Noir in a tight hold that could only be compared to the bind of an anaconda.
Chat Noir tried to free himself from the hold, but his stick phased through the black smoke. He was slammed by the black hand smoke construct against the wall and then against the floor. The vigilante was tossed around like a pinball, slamming and bouncing against the room.
Back with Charlotte, she was running down the stairs as fast as her little legs could take her. She reached the front door just as the two thugs started to wake up.
They spotted her just as she ran past them. They chased after her, but a pair of headlights blinded them, stopping them on their tracks.
"Freeze!" Mina called out as she stepped out of her car.
She wasn't alone, Mina was accompanied by Inspector Naomasa. He had managed to get ahold of three more cops and they were all ready to put down these punks.
They aimed their guns at the thugs as more of them made their way outside.
"Hands in the air! You're under arrest!" Naomasa said, aiming his gun at them.
Mina rushed to the little girl's aid, picking her up, holding her up in a protective hug.
"It's alright, little one." Mina said.
"We have to help Chat Noir!" Charlotte said as the sound of something being smashed on the top floor. "He's still up there!"
As the officers handcuffed the thugs, Mina turned to Inspector Naomasa for an answer.
"I'll go!" Naomasa said. "You stay with the girl."
Naomasa took off into the building as Mina held on to the little girl.
Back on the top floor, Chat Noir was pinned against the wall. His sticks had long been dropped by all the slamming.
"Alright pal, time for you to start singing. Who do you work for?" Bruno asked, breathing heavily. "Answer me that and maybe I won't get rough on the brat when I get my hands on her."
Chat Noir noticed that his hold on him wasn't as strong as it once was. He wanted to break free from the smoke and pumble the man to a bloody pulp. But he couldn't risk getting a smoke dagger in his chest. He spotted a fire extinguisher behind Bruno.
"I'm surprised that Mrs. Bourgeois has such a colorful fellow in her employment." Chat Noir said, reaching into his belt. "Is this the way she handles things? Eat everything and leave the rest hungry? I'm amazed that she hasn't gained any extra weight."
"You shut your damn mouth." Bruno snapped, getting a little red with anger.
"Although, now that I think about it, she must burn all that energy on something else. She is quite attractive." Chat Noir said, pulling his grappling gun. "I'm sure that she has more than a couple poor souls to make her cry out."
"That's enough!" Bruno snapped, pulling out his gun.
Chat Noir fired his grappling hook at the fire extinguisher. His grappling hook punctured the fire extinguisher, spilling its contents to the floor and hitting Bruno in the back of his head.
The white foam put out the cigarettes, ending the trail of smoke from coming out.
Chat Noir fell to the floor with his feet first.
"Shit!" Bruno yelped, scurrying for his lighter and a cigarette.
Chat Noir stomped on Bruno's hand, breaking some of his bones.
Bruno yelled in pain before Chat Noir pulled him up by the collar.
The vigilante punched the thug across the face, making him spit out a tooth. He then dropped the thug now that he was unconscious.
"That should take care of him." Chat Noir muttered, feeling a bit sore from all the tossing.
He picked up his sticks and holstered them along with his grappling hook. Chat Noir looked outside to see the patrol and Alien Queen with Charlotte in Mina's arms. A warm feeling of satisfaction washed over him. However, he didn't have time to enjoy it He turned towards the door as he heard someone coming.
Just then the door was kicked open.
"Freeze!" Naomasa yelled, aiming his gun for anyone or anything that could be in the room.
But the room was empty.
Naomasa was confused at what he was looking at. He saw the room was torn apart, but only one downed man laid in it. He recognized him before putting the handcuffs on him. His eyes then fell on the open window and the wind that came in through it.
Far from the abandoned building, a black cat walked on the rooftops near the river. One of the windows was open and the TV news started.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to another episode of The Letter Contact. Tonight we have some juicy stuff for you. I am your host, Nadja Chamack. It would seem that heroes are at an all time high. Lady Dragon stopped a series of bank robberies with great skill and elegance, showing us why she's the number three hero. Queen Bee has signed a contract to make a live TV show about her daily life."
The black cat stopped by the roof's edge as another figure sat down next to it. It was Chat Noir, stroking the fur of his feline companion.
"However, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. There have been a series of burglaries all over Paris with no trace of the criminal but a blue blur. Then there are rumors of the rise of a new drug hitting the streets. And a scandal at Thorne Company when its CEO Audrey Thorne Bourgeois was accused of staging a kidnapping and ransom to get her hands on a development deal. In other news, the daughter of Harry Polnareff, Charlotte Polnareff, has been found and taken back to safety."
Chat Noir heard the news with great care as he took off his mouth guard and cowl. His green hair sponged out into the night air as a smile grew on his face.
"According to the reports, the young girl claimed that she was saved by a hero going by the alias of Chat Noir. And even drew a picture of the hero, though no one has claimed credit for this brave rescue. Stay tuned for more!"
Izuku chuckled to himself.
"What a night, huh?" Izuku asked the black cat. "I cut it a bit close tonight. Too bad Audrey will plead that he had no idea what was going on and get out of it. But at least Charlotte is back with her father." He sighed. "It looks like another quiet night in Paris right?"
The black cat mewled in reply as sirens were heard not far from where they sat.
"Well, what are your plans for tonight?" Izuku asked.
The black cat looked down, spotting something. It then jumped down, pouncing on what it wanted.
"Hunting, huh? Guess we're doing the same thing." Izuku said, pulling back his cowl and mouthguard.
"No need to fear, for I am here." Chat Noir said, pulling out his grappling hook.
He fired his grappling hook at the distance before swinging away.
At the penthouse home of Audrey Thorne-Bourgeois, she was serving herself a big glass of wine. The day had been rather stressful and she did not look forward to the next day doing everything in her power to keep her hands clean of this P. R. nightmare. She thought that being the boss meant that you wouldn't have to deal with grunt work. She should've known better than tasking Bruno of all people to do anything like that. It was ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous.
Suddenly, her phone began to ring.
"Uhg, what now?" Audrey asked, picking up the call. "Who is it and you better make it good. Do you have any idea what time it is?"
"Yeas, sorry for the late call Mrs. Bourgeois."
Audrey stiffened up. She had only heard that cold emotionless voice twice before. It was seductive and carried a lot of malice, like talking to a reptile with cold blood. She didn't know who it was but she knew not to go against it.
"My apologies, I didn't mean to be disrespectful." Audrey said, putting her glass down.
"That is quite alright. You've had a long day. We are a bit disappointed that you didn't get the deal we were hoping you'd get."
"I'll find a way to make it up to you. I promise."
"We will be in touch."
Audrey looked at the phone as the call ended. She dropped it before grabbing hold of her wine glass.
To everyone, Paris was a jeweled city of fashion, heroes, and love. But all that glittered wasn't gold.
This is a pilot chapter for a story that I've been thinking of writing. If you like it then please tell me at the comments or send me a message. If you want more of the Miracleless Hero favorite this story. I await your comments.
-Awsomerebel55
