Summary:
Kintsugi-embracing imperfections and scars can result in something more beautiful and valuable
You have to break something to make something even more beautiful and unique. Marinette sacrifices something she loves to get something better.
“I am disappointed in you,” Adrien said with a kicked puppy look that invoked guilt.
“And I am disappointed in you,” Marinette said, tired of holding onto her mask.
“Why could you just leave Lila alone!?”
Marinette smirks. “Because she is my most important pawn.”
“Are you just going to walk away? I can’t be your friend anymore if you are going to act this way.”
“Oh Adrien,” Marinette laughs. “I will have so much more.”
“I am disappointed in you,” Adrien said with a kicked puppy look that invoked guilt.
“And I am disappointed in you,” Marinette said, tired of holding onto her mask.
“Why could you just leave Lila alone!?”
Marinette smirks. “Because she is my most important pawn.”
“What?” Adrien asks shocked.
“Huh, it seems despite being in the school for so long, you still have no idea of our most sacred traditions. How disappointing. “Marinette sighs. “I expected more from someone who grew up in the ruthless fashion world. I guess in the end, your father did keep you too sheltered. Oh well. It is not like you were that important. In the future, you stay out of my way, and I will stay out of yours.” Marinette turns to leave.
“Are you just going to walk away? I can’t be your friend anymore if you are going to act this way.”
“Oh Adrien,” Marinette laughs. “I will have so much more.”
She notices Chloe standing around a corner, listening to their conversation. They exchange a look of understanding, before going their separate ways. Marinette went home. She smiles at her parents and says, “My project is almost ending.” Her parents know what she means. There was only one project that could make her smile in such a way. They had been approached when she had been selected to take part in the traditional selection. They have been horrified at what its entrails. However, the rewards if she succeeds have been tempting. They know if she succeeds, she will have the opportunity of a lifetime. If she uses it correctly, she will be set for life. Not to mention, the implied threat if she refused.
A few clicks of the mouse were all it took. She had the emails written for weeks. In today’s era of technology, information gathering was a snap, especially if you allied with the mayor’s daughter. Social media also makes it easy. Marinette had easily gathered information using the profiles of the other classes. She had collected the seeds using them. All she had to do was water them by sending them to all the large names in the fields they wanted to do. Of course, with the network she created any chance her class had of getting their jobs in their chosen fields were gone.
Marinette lends back in her chair, allowing a satisfied smirk to cross her face. Finally, the third objective was completed, destroying her friends. College Dupont’s tradition dates back to the day of royalty. To survive in a royal court, you must be cunning, good at planning, and know when to cut your losses. Today’s high society requires the same thing. She had to prove she could fulfill all three requirements. She had done all three. She had played the bullied victim to Chloe, another candidate. She had learned planning by volunteering at events. Now she had done the last part, by bringing Lila in. Lila’s lies allowed her to see who was just using her and who was stupid enough to fall for obvious lies. She knows now who she had cut her to ensure they don’t drag her down.
Today 4 years of hard work will come to an end.
The next day, Marinette smiled. She had received an invitation this morning telling her that she had been accepted. Whichever high-ranking college she goes to the next year, she would be initiated into the secret society. Her good mood didn’t sour when she heard and saw the conflict in the classroom. Everyone was screaming at Lila or crying about their lost opportunities. Adrien was trying to keep the peace. All eyes turned to her. Some look like they want to apologize. Others look at her with tears in their eyes. Adrien looks at her, pleading to help.
Marinette shrugs and sits down in the back. She said simply “I warned you. What happened is a result of your choices.”
“Marinette,” Ms. Bustier tried.
“I am setting an example. Being friends with idiots would only drag them down.” Marinette smiles chillingly. She knows the reason corruption is allowed to run amok in the school is to increase the difficulty of the test. However, it can be so annoying having to deal with incompetents.
“Well said, Dupain-Cheng” Chloe said as she walked in with Sabrina. Chloe sneers and starts mocking the class. Marinette sits back and watches. She and Chloe had agreed that in exchange for her bringing Lila here, she would step back from defending the class. Marinette will honor their agreement. This would be the beginning of a beautiful friendship alliance that will help them both as they grow up and maneuver in the murky waters of high society.
Notes:
The secret society is ancient and goes back centuries. Old-money families sought out those with talent, potential, and ability. They test them, (much like Marinette and Chloe). Those who succeed are given connections that help them succeed in life. Those people are the modern version of vassals as they still answer to those families.
