Contradiction || Marichat AU

Chapter 13: Morbid Motives

12-23-21, 7:30 pm

December.

The month of winter and the most awaited holiday of the year: Christmas. 

A holiday when days before and during would be the happiest — when colorful lights illuminated the nights, when decorated pine trees would dazzle homes, when shopping sprees for gifts would be on everyone's to-do list, and where icy snow covered every corner and every road as unique, fascinating snowflakes would journey across the wind, no two of the same.

Inside a bakery at Twelve Rue Gotlib was a girl providing freshly baked bread and hot chocolate beside the fireplace that warmed the hearts of each customer. Her parents, on the other hand, stood at the counter, and served the last person.

"Happy holidays, Alec!" said Sabine with joy. 

Soon enough, the bakery was closed, and the three made their way to the living room. Tom took the remote, and turned on the television without much thought, as his wife prepared their bags. 

What was heard next was something none of them anticipated.

"Ever since the sixteenth of December, more than thirty people have gone missing mysteriously," reported Nadja Chamack, "as of now there has been no trace of them."

"I can't believe it. I don't want to. My aunt and brother just went for a trip to the grocery, and they haven't returned ever since," said a citizen in between frantic sobs. "And it had to happen right when Christmas is near."

The focus went to the man holding the microphone for the teenager as he said, "The police has been investigating and will continue to do so. As of now, stay updated and stay in your homes until further notice. Back to you Nadj—"

Tom turned off the TV, all of them having looks of horror. 

All these Parisians going missing...could Hawkmoth have something to do with this? And what does this have to do with getting the Miraculous? Marinette hoped Hawkmoth was involved. After what she'd experienced, villains with powers were far less scary than normal people with morbid motives.

Then again, no way was the man and the woman normal.

Their laughs...

Ringing vividly in her ear...

"Mom, you can't go," said Marinette worriedly, her own voice pulling her to the present.

"I don't feel like going either, Tom. What if something happens to Marinette?" asked Sabine.

"Your parents really looked forward to this Sabine, we can't just cancel our trip." Tom shook his head. "As long as the two of us are together, nothing will happen. This is a safe neighborhood too.

"It's just five days, and Marinette knows how to defend herself. There's no need to worry," he told his wife endearingly.

"And you two? What if something happens on the way?" Marinette sputtered.

"Don't be dramatic. We'll be fine. But you, on the other hand..." Sabine heaved a sigh, walked to Marinette, and chose to swallow her doubts. "Be safe. When the bakery's closed, don't open for anyone. And do not go outside unless it's an emergency. We'll call every day, okay?"

The girl smiled assuringly, knowing she won't be able to argue anymore. Her grandfather always taught her talking back should never be an option. "I promise."

Wearing their warm and comfy winter clothes, she bid her parents farewell. Marinette was left with a sour taste on her tongue, as she dragged her feet to her room. She was in charge of the bakery for a whole five days — by herself.