Kindness and Karma. Chapter 1.
~}I{~
Ramiel stared at the flower in one of her mirrors with a puzzled expression on her face. She held the mirror closer as she tried to make sense of this oddity.
Ramiel did a side-by-side comparison of how the Psche Plant was supposed to look like at this age and how it was looking right now. The difference was as clear as the sun and the moon though this was not a good thing.
The Psyche Plant within Chloe Bourgeois was… Supposed to be a vibrant yellow Honeysuckle, but that wasn't the plant Ramiel saw within Chloe's psyche right now.
The Entity of Kindness placed her right hand on her chin as she looked over the current plant to figure out what it's supposed to be… But there was no real answer to that other than another form of abuse… One that was oddly similar to Adrien yet radically different.
Each of the flowers have been… Well… The best word to describe them would be mutilated, but not really…
The flowers had appeared to have been… Forcibly altered to look like other flowers, often. Very often. So often that it doesn't even look like it was a Honeysuckle anymore… It currently looked like some weird amalgamation of yellow-petaled flowers of different shapes and sizes that appeared to have been trying to mimic the flowers from other plant species. None of the stems with the flowers looked old enough to bloom so the petals were rather withered with immaturity yet they also didn't seem to get enough nutritions to really grow.
Forced to grow a certain way that was not comfortably natural yet doesn't have the proper nutritions to do so…
Ramiel rhythmically tapped her chin as she thought about these facts about the Bee Miraculous Holder.
Chloe was being emotionally and mentally manipulated by someone that held a lot of power over her, just like Adrien. But unlike the Black Cat Holder, who has been steadily conditioned in a linear time frame, the Bee Holder has been pushed from one extreme to another in random periods and tried to follow said radical change best she could…
Ramiel narrowed her eyes as she wondered about the odds of two destined Miraculous Holders being victims of mental abuse and conditioning. The Virtue of Kindness couldn't help but think, 'But if Destiny themself was behind that, then why?'
But since that didn't have to do with the saboteur, it would have to be looked into later once everything has settled.
Right now, Ramiel needed to tend to the most damaged Psyche Plants, the ones that were damaged before the saboteur.
The Virtue of Kindness then had a thought as she looked at the mirror that reflected the Dogwood flower Psyche Plant within the chosen Dog Miraculous Holder. It wasn't as extreme as the Bee and Black Cat Holders, but had more subtle conditioning. The Dogwood plant's flowers weren't as vibrant as the other Psyche Plants, in fact, they were almost muted in colour compared to the others, almost as if they didn't want to stand out on their own. The leaves on the Dogwood were a bit shrivelled and it was shorter than it was supposed to be for the age and species. The Dogwood plant was healthier than the Honeysuckle and the Scabiosa Black Cat, but it was still being conditioned.
Ramiel let out a sigh as she ran a hand through her pink hair when she muttered to herself, "Goodness, even without the seed saboteur, I would've had to come here and nurture these seeds…" The Virtue of Kindness glanced at her gauntlets when she wondered, "How can humans be capable of causing immense cruelty that they claim is out of love or the greater good?"
She was the embodiment of Kindness, she knew all that is and is of her representation. However, because of that Ramiel cannot understand how others can cause any type of abuse while calling it love… It made no sense to her on so many levels… How can one slap a loved one, verbally torment them, and condition them while calling it love or out of love?
That wasn't love…
It was not kindness…
That is nothing but someone's need to be in control… To have power over another… To stroke their own ego…
A Crime of Pride…
Ramiel took a deep breath in and let it out slowly as she thought, 'No wonder Luci's Ring is always so overpopulated with sinners…'
}{ Meanwhile }{
The Lord of Pride let out a loud sneeze. Lucifer sniffed before he looked over yet another renovation request to expand another housing unit for the condemned souls. The 7th one within two weeks. Embodiment of Pride stamped his seal on the document before it vanished in a cloud of purple.
Lucifer rubbed his temples in annoyance as he looked up at the map of the Ring of Pride, which expanded to accommodate the constant stream of souls that had mandatory time in this level of Hell. As of now, the Sinners out populated the Pride Devils 4 to 5! Granted, the Pride Devils were easily ten times stronger than Sinners and could keep them in line if needed, but overpopulation was overpopulation…
This was the main reason why the Ring of Pride was the First Level of Hell… Mortals were sometimes too prideful for their own good.
Lucifer let out an annoyed sigh as he went back to work. His main priority was trying to solve the over-abundance of souls that brought their punishment upon themselves.
~}I{~
Satan, now as Malcolm, looked around the corner to watch the Bee Holder and Dog Holder go about their day, on Ramiel's insistence. He kept his distance from them, so they wouldn't notice, but he kept close enough to see and hear the two. Malcolm couldn't help but think, 'They certainly have a Master/Servant relationship. But aren't they supposed to be good friends?' He checked the notes Ramiel had given him regarding the two.
While Malcolm will admit that the notes were accurate in depicting the Bee Holder and Dog Holder, he couldn't deny that their traits have grown into more of an unhealthy characteristic than they should be. The thing that the Lord of Wrath couldn't understand was how those supposedly positive traits turned into negative traits so quickly. They were still children! Those traits should Not be that bad while they're this young!
Malcolm/Satan might've been a Sin, but he preferred to have full-grown adults being sent to his Ring, or rather any Ring of Hell! Even the ever greedy Mamon didn't like non-mature souls in his ring!
Malcolm scowled when he thought bitterly, 'There's always something wrong when children are on the path to Hell.' As he continued to watch the Bee Holder and Dog Holder. The Lord of Wrath knew that the only way children having so many negative traits would be because of whoever raised them…
Ah-ha!
Malcolm smirked as he slid into the shadows, and vanished.
~}I{~
While the investigators that Ramiel and Satan sent gather all they could on the parents of the Bee and Dog Holders, Karen and Malcolm continue to try to keep a low profile. Although there was one rather weird snag that they didn't expect to have… At least so soon…
}{
Nino, as well as the rest of the class but minus Lila because she was 'travelling with her mother for her job' again, were staring at the literal Angel and Devil on Adrien's shoulders.
"Uh… Adrien… My dude…" Nino got out as he pointed at the two otherworldly beings. He then asked, "Is this some kind of statement or…"
The Devil let out an amused hum when they said, "Oh, so everyone can see us? That's unusual~."
The Angel then stated, "Perhaps, but as long as they don't interfere in our mission, I don't mind."
That was when Adrien turned to look at his friends when he asked in shock, "Wait! You can see them?!" After all, his father, Nathalie, and the Gorilla didn't see the two otherworldly beings, so, of course, he assumed that everyone around him wouldn't see them. The Black Cat Holder then wondered in his classmates/friends had some kind of magic that they didn't know about.
Kim was the one to say, "Um… No offence, they're kind of hard to miss."
Markov was hovering near Adrien rather than Max, trying to analyse the two strange beings that he had no data on.
The Devil cackled when they said, "Well now, this is new." They watched the AI when they added, "And I'm talking about an entire group of human mortals seeing us, not the little AI. He's cute, by the way."
Markov was unsure how to process that comment when the Angel stated, "Also true." The Angel scanned the classroom to get a feel of the other teenage humans. They then said, "But given that they can see us, we might as well introduce ourselves." The Angel gave the humans a polite bow when they said, "My name is Acrylic."
The Devil waved when they said casually, "And mine's Mosaic."
When Nath heard those names, he couldn't help but say, "A type of paint and a type of art expression?"
"Oh, you're an artist," Both Acrylic and Mosaic got out at the same time. Neither were too surprised that someone got their name connection, but they didn't think someone would get it right away unless they were an artist. And yes, that was an inside joke.
Alix couldn't suppress a snicker at Nath's expression as Nino asked the Angel and Devil in a confused tone, "Oh-kay… And why are the two of you hanging with Adrien?"
Acrylic replied in confusion, "We are not hanging, we are accompanying Adrien. Plus, we are perched on his shoulders because it is convenient and it was his suggestion." Mosaic nodded in agreement.
Adrien thought fast when he said, "Uh, yeah, they're literal, so… Keep the talk on point."
"Got'cha," the rest of the class stated in understanding.
Karen/Ramiel and Malcolm/Satan gave each other weary glances as they sent a telepathic message to the Angel and Devil, telling them to treat them as any other mortal human teenagers when they are in these forms. The Angel and Devil acknowledged the order as they conversed with the mortals.
Alya had her phone out to see if she could take a picture of the two otherworldly beings, only to realise that they didn't show up on her screen. As it turned out, there was a simple explanation for that. Neither Acrylic nor Mosaic wanted to be filmed or have their pictures taken, which was something both angels and devils could do.
Marinette still had trouble with understanding why these two were here. Yes, she got the whole 'Orders from one of the Higher Powers' but not the fact that both an angel and a devil had to follow this order. That was surprisingly simple, Balance. Good must be the same as the bad and vice versa within a mortal person. However, in Adrien's case, Acrylic was only there to keep Mosaic in check rather than to aid in balancing out the blond teenage boy.
Rose had to ask, "Why does Adrien need a devil?" She was quick to add, "No offence, but it's a little strange."
Mosaic shrugged when they said, "None taken, and it's because Adrien is far too chastised for a mortal human child."
Oh… Oh… That was… Brutally honest… And told a lot… Not in a good way…
Acrylic somewhat wacked Mosaic over the head with their wing from where they sat on Adrien's shoulder when they stated, "Too much detail." They let out a sigh before they explained, "Without delving into that kind of thing, a human who is too chastised will end up self-sabotaging themself in life by avoiding things that would be 'inconvenient' for them or supposedly those around them. This usually happens in adults, not children and teenagers."
That was when Mosaic added with a scowl, "But the fact that little Adrien does have an overabundance of chastity as a child, or teenager in this case, is a very bad thing." They then smiled when they stated, "And I have been tasked to aid Adrien in lowering his chastity level to a more appropriate level."
Adrien could only smile when he said, "Uh, yeah, they've explained this to me before, and I still don't understand why they think I'm 'too chastised' for a teenager." He was honest when he added, "I mean, sure, I do have a very strict schedule and a strict Father, but that doesn't make me chastised, right?"
The others of this class had expressions that could easily be seen as 'doubt' while Chloe and Sabrina had more confused expressions.
Acrylic had a flat look when they stated seriously, "Actually, Adrien, it kind of does… And not in a good way,"
Nino was officially worried about his boi as Adrien looked plain confused. But before the blonde boy could ask anymore questions, Miss Bustier walked in. The redheaded teacher clearly didn't see the Angel and Devil as she started her class. The Miracuclass quietly sent texts to each other via the Class Chat, agreeing to figure out some kind of way to somehow talk to the little Angel and Devil without having to explain them to Miss Bustier. Hopefully, it shouldn't take too long.
}{
Ramiel had her task and Satan had his. Both were going to help set Chloe and Sabrina on their path of redemption. But here was the tricky bit… Separating the two so they can start.
}{
Marinette adjusted the green cat's-eye hair clips on her bag.
Sure it might not be their original purpose, but she thought it was more appealing and eye-catching if they were on her purse than in her hair. Marinette placed the hairclips precisely where the strap connected to the purse. The bluette loved how it looked as she went to do some sketches.
A gleam quickly glinted off of the green cat's-eye stones.
}{
Lunch was the opportunity Karen and Malcolm used to start on their task.
Sabrina finally separated from Chloe, which was Malcolm's cue to act.
According to the notes on the Dog Holder, she was supposed to be protective, attentive, and willing to help their friends. Of course, this Sabrina did have those traits but she was apparently groomed to be subservient to whoever her 'friends' were.
That last part made Satan shutter. Much like his Lustful sibling, he despised conditioning and grooming children, or anyone. Not just because Those distasteful things were Crimes of Pride, but because it eradicated individuality and independence in a person, the main characteristics needed to properly judge a soul so it could either ascend to Heaven, descend to Hell, or cleansed for Reincarnation. If a soul cannot be properly judged they are sent to Purgatory to essentially sort themselves out before ultimately getting cleansed for Reincarnation.
But for now, Malcolm needed to stage a few things to make Sabrina the intended Dog Miraculous Holder who could love and protect her friends because she wanted to, not because she had to.
}{ Meanwhile }{
"What are you reading?" Chloe asked Karen with a raised brow.
As she ate, the ginger-haired girl was reading a book. Karen held up the book to show-off the title when she said, "Pollinating Friends: How to keep your Garden Happy and Healthy. It's quite fascinating to learn that the things that are considered 'pests' are actually vital to the growth and health of some plants."
Chloe scoffed when she stated, "Why would anyone want to read about that kind of worthless stuff." She somewhat glanced at the book, trying not to look at it directly.
Karen placed the book down when she stated, "I happen to enjoy gardening and I would like to learn about the local flora that will do well in this kind of environment and what I need to look for to ensure the plants are growing healthily."
Trying not to sound too interested, Chloe scoffed when she stated, "Why? Plants are plants. All they need is just water, soil, and sun to grow. There's nothing exceptional about that."
Karen took note of the wording before she explained, "Actually, those three things are not always needed for plants. Plus, there are some flora that require certain soil types, partial sunlight, and can only have certain amounts of water. Then there are the pollinators that are required to trigger fruit growth and to keep the plants healthy."
Alix happily joined in the conversation when she said, "Oh, So true! My family loves growing pumpkins for the fall season! We have a nice little greenhouse to simulate the temperature required to grow them, but we have to do the pollination by hand." She let out an exaggerated sigh when she added, "Since it's in a greenhouse, there aren't any pollinators, and man is it tedious to do! But so worth it!"
Karen couldn't help but say with a smile, "That's quite the task. And you and your family grow them every year?"
Alix nodded when she said, "Yup! It was something mum did and kept on doing. We usually try growing two or three per year, but sometimes we end up with more than four." She shrugged when she added, "It's not too big a deal, but finding ways to use them all can be a challenge."
Karen nodded when she stated, "Depending on the size of the pumpkins, very true."
Rose couldn't help but contribute to the conversation, "Oh! My mum knows several pumpkin recipes! Maybe she can give your dad a few so you have more variety!"
Chloe glanced away as she wondered what to say. Sure she could always say something mean and tell them that those things were unexceptional, but… The way they were talking about these activities and talking about their mothers… So foundly… So happy and it sounded like their mothers did these things with their daughters. Chloe bitterly thought with a frown, 'Clearly their mothers think they were exceptional enough to spend time with…'
Karen narrowed her eyes at Chloe when she saw that expression.
}{
Oh, did Sabrina regret going off on her own…
Currently, the orange-haired teen was huddled in a corner in fear as Malcolm loomed over her menacingly. It wouldn't surprise Sabrina if he was waiting for her to be alone, but the fact that he did was… Scary… Oh boy, was this guy scary!
Malcolm smirked when he leaned against the closest wall when he said casually, yet menacing, "Aw, what's wrong Pup? Scared?" He let out a chuckle before he said in that same tone, "Good. I would be concerned if you weren't."
Oh, was that making Sabrina even more terrified. 'They really are opposites,' was the only thing the orange-haired girl was able to think before the redhead male suddenly slammed his hand near her head, scaring her even further.
Malcolm twisted his lips into a broader smirk when he stated in a calm but threatening tone, "Here's the deal, Pup, you do what I say, I don't hurt your precious little queen."
Sabrina was visibly shaking by this point. She tried to be brave when she got out, "I-I-I'll t-t-tell y-y-your s-s-sister a-about th-th-this!" Sabrina knew that Karen wouldn't let her brother do this kind of thing. And from what Sabrina had seen so far, Malcolm avoided getting on his twin's bad side… If Karen had a bad side.
That smirk didn't waver when Malcolm stated smugly, "Try and your precious little queen might have a rather nasty accident."
Sabrina felt her heart stop when she got out, "Y-You w-wouldn't?!"
Malcolm loomed over the orange-haired girl when he practically sneered, "I'd suggest you not push that, understand, Pup."
Sabrina practically whimpered as she reluctantly nodded.
Malcolm patted the teenage girl on the head when he said, "Good girl, pup." He then walked away as if nothing had happened. 'I know Ramiel wouldn't approve, but this'll be the most effective way to turn her traits back to positives,' Malcolm thought as he wondered if the information on the Dog and Bee's parents were collected yet.
All Sabrina could do was shiver in worry.
}I{
Something was strange, Hawkmoth knew it! But he couldn't figure out what!
The emotional terrorist tried to focus on his son's school, but all he could sense was the bare minimum on the emotional spectrum. Hawkmoth couldn't understand what was going on. Usually, he could easily feel the emotions from the students of Dupont, but recently… It was now a small blip that wasn't worth looking into.
It was as if someone replaced a floodlight with a flashlight, or something close to that.
Hawkmoth wasn't sure what was going on, but at least he knew how to stir up some trouble at Dupont.
}I{
The Miracuclass have slowly gotten used to Acrylic and Mosaic over the past two days, but they didn't have much of a choice. No one else at Dupont could see them, so they could only directly talk to those two when it was just their class.
Another thing they were quick to notice was… Mosaic was doing their job, as promised. Nothing huge, just… Just subtly urging Adrien to do things he wants… So far, it's only been grabbing an extra portion of a food he wanted, blurting out things he wanted to talk about that had to do with the conversation, being more active in PE, and making fun little doodles on his work paper when he's done.
It was… Weirdly minor 'deviances' given that a devil was involved, but… Adrien was oddly happy about all this, in a good way.
Well, as long as Adrien was okay and there wasn't any ill effect, then the Miracuclass were ultimately fine with it. Plus, Acrylic will keep Mosaic in line.
}I{
Just as the school day came to an end, an Akuma Alert was sent out.
Of course, Marinette and Adrien went to find a place to transform.
And, of course, the blonde asked the Angel and Devil to not interfere in the battle unless they had to. Both Acrylic and Mosaic agreed, they added that they can fly nearby so the teen could fight better. Soon enough, Ladybug and Chat Noir went off to fight the Akuma.
}{
And when Ladybug and Chat Noir met up, the red-clad hero's jaw dropped when she saw the black-clad hero. Ladybug couldn't stop herself from gasping out, "Oh! Shit! Adr-!" She quickly covered her mouth to prevent any more words from gettingout.
Chat Noir was confused by this, but then he noticed that the other hero was staring at the Angel and Devil that were still sitting on his shoulders. Cattishly, the black-clad hero said, "Oh, you can see them. Funny story about them…"
Ladybug held up a hand to stop him when she stated, "I already know about Acrylic and Mosaic, so can we talk about that after the Akuma is dealt with."
Chat Noir went pale when he asked in disbelief, "How did you know…"
Acrylic couldn't help but state. "I believe she asked to talk about this after the Akuma." Mosaic agreed to that.
After an awkward moment of silence, the two heroes went to take care of the Akuma.
}{ Meanwhile }{
Satan was sitting on a nearby roof, close enough to see what was going on yet far enough not to be seen. He was watching the battle with a frown.
There was no genuine wrath from this Akuma creature despite the behaviour.
True, there was some anger, but the magic used to turn the person into an Akuma had magnified that anger into wrath…
Satan placed a hand on his chin when he mused, "So, Hawkmoth is the cause of those strange negative energy surges the Hellborns have felt when they're in Paris." He then debated on whether or not he should talk to the other Sins about sending some subjects to help take this terrorist down, but since they had no legal reason to interfere… Satan then concluded that if someone makes a deal to help The 'Heroes' catch Hawkmoth, then they can act.
"The information you and Elly wanted are in," A calm voice from behind the Lord of Wrath stated.
Satan scoffed when he got out sourly. "And why are You here?" Not even bothering to turn around to face the owner of the voice.
This person was roughly the same height as the Lord of Wrath. They wore a loose, light forest green shirt with sleeves that covered arms and an emerald green vest with fringe where the sleeves might have been, this vest was decorated in colourful strings that were skillfully embroidered to look like cicadas, the slacks were the same shade of green as the top they wore but was also decorated in embroidery from the knees to the helm that looked like a forest-scape, and wore emerald green boots that shined in the light. This person's long hair was midnight black which gleamed jade green in the light and hung loose, their hair reached their elbows with the strands that were tucked behind their ears cascaded over their shoulders and rested on their chest. They had a rather plain and androgynous face with piercing bright jade eyes. The entity in emerald green took a step toward the Lord of Wrath when they stated, "I happen to be in the area on a separate task."
Satan rolled his eyes when he asked dryly, "Do you really think I'd believe that, Azrael?"
The entity in green wasn't surprised by this. Azrael only replied, "Then ask Destiny about it."
That got Satan's attention when he got out in a mixure of anger and shock, "Why would THAT annoyance- Huh?" when he turned to look at his heavenly sibling, they were already gone. Satan let out a low growl when he realised what happened.
But not the priority right now.
}I{
After the Akuma was defeated, the corrupted butterfly captured, then purified, and then the Miraculous cure casted, Ladybug and chat Noir made their way to Notre Dame. The Black Cat Holder was a little worried about the other hero's timer running low. Chat Noir nearly panicked when the final minute warning signalled for the Ladybug Miraculous. But by then they were on the roof of Notre Dame and Ladybug wasn't running for cover.
The red-clad hero took a deep breath before her transformation dropped. Of course, Chat Noir covered his eyes and turned away as he told her that she needed to feed Tikki and turn back into Ladybug.
There was a moment of silence before Marinette finally said, "Adrien… There is no way I'm going to be able to look at you tomorrow if I don't tell you…"
Oh! Did that catch Chat Noir's attention as he immediately spun around in utter shock. Even more so when he saw Marinette standing where Ladybug had been.
Oh! Oh! Oh! THAT'S how Ladybug already knew about Acrylic and Mosaic! She saw them in class! A class that she was in! And then she saw them on Chat Noir's shoulders! Oh! Wow! No wonder she was so surprised! Wait… Oh! Shit!
Chat Noir de-transformed into Adrien as he continued to stare at the other hero in her civilian identity.
The two human teenagers only stared at each other for who knows how long before the four entities got their attention. Acrylic and Mosaic asked if they were alright while the Kwami told their Holders that they were overdoing it.
Adrien had an awkward smile on his face as he rubbed the back of his neck and said sheepishly, "Okay, can we agree that while it wasn't how we planned it…"
Marinette pinched the bridge of her nose when she got out in a relatively tired tone, "Yeah, no, it's got to be the weirdest way to find out someone's ID."
Plagg let out a nervous chuckle when he said, "Well, at least it is a unique identity reveal. Hehe."
Tikki gave the black Kwami a flat look when she stated in a deadpan tone, "Not helping, Plagg…"
All Acrylic and Mosaic did was glance at each other in a 'do you know why they're acting like this?' They then went with 'they're teenagers' and figured it was something normal for them.
After they were calmer, Marinette and Adrien sat down and just had an honest talk about knowing each other's identity, and a few other things.
~}I{~
Ramiel looked up from the data on Audrey Bourgeois with a cringed expression as she asked the messenger, "Is this… How is this mortal human still alive? And living her life without any sort of guilt?"
Satan snatched the data from his heavenly sister, looked it over, and stated in disbelief, "For the Lust of Hell! There is no way this soul is spending less than two hundred years in the Pride and the Greed Ring! Each! Possibly a hundred years in the Lust Ring! And-" He paused mid-rant before he looked at the entity in pink when he asked in disbelief, "Wait? Did you just ask…?"
All Ramiel did was point at the data when she stated in disgust, "Do you really think I wouldn't ask that question with such a vile mortal human incapable of any sort of kindness? Especially since she is one of the main plights to one of my Seeds of Kindness?"
Satan thought about those words before he got out in understanding, "Okay, you have a point." He looked at the data again when he asked, "Do you think I can ask Luci to help with finding a few legal ways to drive this mortal to Hell while making her remaining time utter misery?"
Ramiel raised a brow when she asked, "Why are you asking ME that?"
Satan realised that he did and then said, "Oh, good point. I'll just call Luci now and discuss this with him." As he walked away, the Lord of Wrath said over his shoulder, "But, at least you don't have to worry about this human anymore." He was already pulling out his Hellphone and pulling up Lucifer's number.
Ramiel scowled when she shot back. "Keep those details between you and Luci!"
Satan waved as he continued to walk away when he said, "I will~, Elly~."
Ramiel rolled her eyes as she looked through André's and Roger's data.
~}I{ The Next Day }I{~
André was in his office, going over some paperwork for Paris, when he heard a knock on the door. Figuring that it was his secretary, the mayor of Paris told the person to come in.
The secretary did come in, but not alone.
André was confused when he saw the two men who he didn't know. perplexed, the mayor asked his secretary, "Sam, who are these gentlemen?"
Apparently, that made one of the unknown men frown. André noticed this but didn't know what to make of it.
The man with the frown was of average height with the same coloured hair as Chloe's except was roughly two shades darker, he was wearing a simple gray 3-piece suit, a silver-coloured watch, azure-coloured eyes, and shiny black shoes. This man gave the group some kind of official vibe and walked up to the mayor when he introduced himself, "I'm Zachery Lee, I would like to say it's good to finally meet you, but I'm afraid that I don't bring good news, André."
André tried to be diplomatic, but it's clear that he was confused, when he said, "Uh, it's good to meet you too, but, no offence, I don't think we should be on a first name basis for a first meeting."
Oh, did that make Mr Lee frown again.
The other unknown man folded his arms when he told the other in a slight Scottish accent, "I hate to say I told you so, sir, but…"
André raised a brow at this, wondering what was going on. He glanced at his secretary, silently asking him if he knew what was going on.
The secretary noticed before he tapped on the folder he was holding before pointing at the man who had yet to introduce himself.
That was when André turned his attention to the unknown man. This guy had short sandy brown hair with his bangs hanging loose, his eyes were hidden behind a pair of black sunglasses, had a short brown beard that covered his chin and connected to his hairline on the far side of his face, wore a soft gray semi-formal outfit with a sky blue vest paired with a light brown satchel that was hanging securely from his left shoulder, and wore shoes that matched his vest. This man walked over to the mayor of Paris when he said in that same slight Scottish accent, "I am Stratos Sphere, a PI that Mr Lee hired to investigate your wife." He opened his bag and pulled out a relatively thick folder. The PI then held the item out for the Frenchman to take.
Still confused, André looked between Mr Lee and Mr Sphere when he asked, "And why would you need to do that? She's Audrey the Style Queen, there's no need for one." He noticed the conflicted expressions on the two's faces before he questioned, "Did something happen between you and Audrey, Mr Lee?"
Mr Lee took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and then said, "Aside from sharing a daughter and her living with us when she's staying in New York that you were supposed to know about… A few things that should also be in that file." He tried to be calm, but it was clear that he still had some anger lingering.
André was utterly dumbstruck when he got out, "I'm sorry? What!?" He stood up from his seat when he angrily snapped, "What the hell are you talking about?! Audrey and I have been married for 20 years!" André took a breath when he continued, "I know Audrey isn't around as much as I would like due to her career, but there is no way she would've betrayed our marriage vows!"
Mr Lee let out a low breath as he massaged his temples as Mr Sphere stated dryly, "Thank you for confirming that your marriage isn't an open one, Mr Bourgeois."
That gave André a pause. He then got out in disbelief and confusion, "Wait? Did you…Think that… Audrey and I had an open marriage?" André sat back in his chair when he asked in that same tone, "How? And why?"
Mr Sphere placed the thick folder on the Paris mayor's desk when he stated, "You might want to read these."
André looked between the folder, Mr sphere, and Mr Lee before he finally took the file and opened it to the first sheet. Sam could only look on in worry as he watched his boss's expression shift from confusion to shock to dismay and then anger.
}{
A text was sent to the Lord of Wrath's Hellphone and the Virtue of Kindness's Skyphone.
"Mission accomplished. Lady Ramiel, Lord Satan."
~}I{ Two Days Later }I{~
The news of the impending divorce and coverage of the scandals Audrey was involved in were airing on the Paris news…
It wasn't because of pettiness or anger on either André and Mr Lee's part, but because of a need to have the truth out so there was no way anyone could misunderstand what was going on and why it was happening. It was clear that the disgraced Style Queen wasn't going to be able to bury this issue like she did the others. So now those issues were being unearthed and none of them were small…
How could one person do all this shit and essentially get away with it for this long?!
}I{ Later at Dupont }I{
Malcolm scoffed when he told Sabrina, "Oh, come on, how could I be involved with what happened with Clover's Mother when I didn't even know who she was." He was leaning against a nearby wall as they stood in the shadows of the school. The Sin saw this coming and already had a ready answer in case he was asked.
Sabrina frowned when she stated, "Her name is Chloe." It's already been a few weeks yet Malcolm was still getting everyone's name wrong and it didn't seem like he was even trying to remember anyone's name.
Malcolm shrugged his shoulders when he said, "Meh, that's pretty close for me." He glanced towards the courtyard to see that all the other students were chatting about the Style Queen Drama when he added, "And besides, from what I've been hearing, some PI that one of that Bitch's lovers hired found a whole slew of nasty deeds she's done and hid." Malcolm let out an annoyed scoff when he stated to one one in particular, "How all that shit was kept hidden up until now is a mystery." He let out a huff when he added, "That I'm sure we'll find out soon enough."
Sabrina didn't know how to respond to that. What Malcolm was saying was true, even if it wasn't nice. All she could do is check her phone for any messages from Chloe. But there weren't any. Sabrina can understand why, but that still didn't stop her from worrying about her friend.
Thank goodness Hawkmoth seemed to be ignoring Dupont recently.
}{
Ever since Ladybug and Chat Noir had, or rather Marinette and Adrien, they've been getting rather close. As friends.
And they sure as hell enjoyed being themselves around each other and their close friends!
Nino was loving how outgoing Adrien had become. He wasn't sure if it was because of Mosaic or Marinette, but no way he was complaining!
The little Angel and Devil were rather pleased with how Adrien was doing. While Mosaic was the one who was more active, Acrylic was making sure the Devil was in line. So far, the only time the Angel did shut down an 'Act of Lust' was refusing one of Kim and Alix's crazy challenges, which was in fact warranted. And let's end it there.
Karen/Ramiel was looking over the class with a small smile before she manifested one of her mirrors that only she could see and checked on the Seeds of Kindness.
They were still in poor condition but they were looking a helluva lot better than they were at the start. They had better colouring, new leaves were growing to replace the old ones, and they were growing a little more on the right track.
The Honeysuckle Psyche Plant within Chloe shedded all the mutilated flowers and were now growing new buds.
Ramiel had to think, 'It might've been painful and cruel, but it was needed to break the abusive hold she had over Chloe. Now she and her father can grow stronger and healthier.' The Virtue of Kindness went over the data on André and Roger, and while they weren't perfect humans or the best parents they tried their best even if it wasn't good for their daughters. Ramiel already sent a few Angels to help with pushing André and Roger on a better path, not just for them.
Movement caught Karen's eye in the mirror. Her attention was on the Foxtail Grass, which was being bent in a few new directions. Karen then looked towards Alya, who was happily texting on her phone. Karen/Ramiel raised a brow at this and made a note to keep an eye on this child.
Satan/Malcolm noticed his sister's actions and wondered what they could mean for the ombré-haired girl.
~}I{~
Lila smirked at the text she sent to her little pawn. 'God, she's so stupidly easy,' the liar thought as she started scrolling through her phone as she lounged on the couch in the living room of the apartment she lived in with her mother.
As of now, Lila was taking a week off of school to relax and think up some lies to make those idiotic fools worship her even more. She debated on taking a few more days off, but she needed to figure out how to get those new kids under her thumb. Lila figured that the Malcolm boy would be easy, a few well placed tears and threatening to get him kicked out of school will get him to comply. But that Karen girl… Lila didn't know what to make of her.
Karen was helpful, generally nice, a bit snarky, and… Weirdly kind without asking for anything in return.
Lila simply didn't understand why anyone would be 'nice' and 'kind' without any sort of payoff, without asking or wanting any favours in return, chatting with others, asking them pointless questions, and talking about pointless things…
'That Karen girl is just plain weird,' Lila thought in annoyance before she figured that as long as she stayed in line, then it should be fine.
That was when Lila got a phone call from Gabriel Agreste. The liar smirked before she answered it. "Hello, Mr Agrete," the brunette said into the device without hesitation as that smirk remained on her face.
Gabriel's voice came through the phone when he said in a business-like tone, "Hello, Lila. Would you like to be the featured model of the next Gabriel Brand Magazine?"
Oh, did that fill Lila with so much joy when she asked the emotional terrorist with an even broader smirk, "What do you need me to do?"
~}I{~
To be continued.
~}I{~