It Wasn't Pere

Making Deals

As I ran through the streets of Milan, I noticed that many people were beginning to recognize me. They had puzzled expressions as they began reaching for their phones and recording me. I knew I shouldn't be video-taped so that I don't jeopardize the final chance we have left to get our Miraculous back.

 My pace began speeding up as I began attempting to dodge people's cameras, but they seemed to be everywhere. I figured that in a few hours, my face would most likely be on the news, and the knowledge of a female Chat Noir would spread all over the world. I didn't need the extra attention, and one thing that was a given is that Gabriel Agreste would most likely be keeping up with the news as well. If he finds out I have Adrien's Miraculous, we would all be in deep trouble. I knew this was the last chance I had to reclaim my Miraculous and get Tikki back. She must be so terrified of what's going to happen. Hawk Moth exploits his Kwami, and there's not a doubt about it. I don't want Tikki to have to endure his abuse the way his Kwami does. I'll rescue both the Kwamis if I can, then. If I do that, not only will his Kwami be free or given to a better holder, his reign of terror over the world will cease to exist. I ran as fast as I could to hide away from the cameras, but it was in broad daylight, and people were everywhere.

Finding a place to hide and revert is so much more comfortable during the night time. I kept trying to find an alley, but tourists and locals were always nearby, which was annoying. Fortunately, a bit later, I found a small lane that was far from the hospital near the skyscrapers. I quickly reverted to my civilian form and casually strolled through the streets while trying to avoid suspicion. I entered a small cafe and sat down for a bit of thinking over my options and plans. As I sat in deep thought about what to do next and wondering how Adrien is doing, I was interrupted by a low, soft voice. "Excuse me, Miss, are you going to order anything? Our cafe's policy to order something to be able to stay here.". I looked up at the person who interrupted me. It was a boy who seemed a bit older than me. He had brown eyes and brown hair. He seemed a bit shy; it was as though this was his first day on the job. "Oh, sorry. Did I disturb you?" he asked. I shook my head and asked him for the menu. In a few moments, he handed me the list, and I began flipping through t eh pages to order something cheap. Everything seemed overpriced.

I only had around 15 euros so I couldn't spend it all in a day. I ended up ordering water and a croissant for 3 euros, which meant I only had 12 left. The remaining 12 would have to be spent wisely. In a couple of minutes, the waiter brought my bottle of water over and a croissant. I inspected the croissant and ripped it into two halves. I took a look on the inside, and it just wasn't the same as how they were made at my bakery. I took a bite anyway. I didn't want the money I paid to go to waste. The texture was rough; it was cold and stale and seemed as though it was left in the open with no heat for days. I ended up finishing it after realizing how starved I was. After completing the croissant, I poured it all down with water. I sat by the table and kept staring at nothing while thinking of where I could find Hawkmoth and what his weak spots were. As I conjured up a plan to defeat Mr. Agreste once and for all, the waiter came back and asked if I'd like anything else. At this point, I was slightly irritated since this wasn't his first time interrupting me. My plans were vital for the safety of humanity. God only knows what sort of evil schemes Hawkmoth could have in store for the world.

"No," I replied, subtly showing my wish for him to let me be. "Alright, well, if you need anything, just ask." he smiled. He left me to my thoughts, and then I realized I was harsh on others because of my stress and personal problems. I knew I shouldn't have been that rude, and it was out of my nature to behave that way. I got out of my seat and went towards the counter. "Hey... Francesco?" I hesitantly said because I was reading off of his badge. "Yes, Miss?" he asked politely. "I'm sorry if I offended you in any way. I didn't mean it. I have stuff going on, and it's stressing me out. I apologize for letting my anger out on you." I mumbled as I looked down at my feet in utter shame. "No worries! People often come to cafes to relax and let off steam. Thank you for apologizing, though."  he said. Ah, this kid is so lovely and understanding, I thought.

"No problem," I said and went back to my seat. As I sat down, slightly more calm from the interaction, I realized that the only way to beat Hawkmoth was to outsmart him. I knew that I wouldn't be able to find him. He'd have to come to find me. So I thought of bringing the fight to him. I got up and went back to the counter. 

What I was about to do would make me feel guilty for the rest of my life, but it had to be done for the greater good. "Hey, kid. I have one thing to say. Your croissants are stale, and all your food is cheap." I said, trying to sound intimidating. "Uh, what?" he asked while a confused expression formed on his face. "You heard me; this place sucks," I said. "Ma'am, this is a small cafe..." he said, backing away from the counter. 

"You must be so poor if you have to work here as a waiter boy," I said while trying to smirk. "How can you be this insensitive? My mom passed away last year. I have to work here because my dad doesn't want to help me anymore financially. You're a horrible person!" he said and ran to the back.

"I'm sorry..." I said under my breath. As I waited for Hawkmoth to strike a deal with the boy, I went to the bathroom and transformed. The moment I transformed, I heard a tremendous crash and tremors right after. The shaking was so strong that the mirror hanging on the wall fell and shattered. I immediately opened the bathroom door, but there was no one there—just a large, gaping hole. I ran towards the hole and peeked out. At the end of the long street, I could see the boy in his Akuma version. As he tore through the road, I heard him yell, "Where is that girl? Blue eyes, black hair. If you have seen her and haven't told me, I will not spare you, for I am Distruttore del Male!". People began to flee the area in terror since Akumas were relatively new to them. The people of Paris were more accustomed to such attacks, but these poor people who did nothing to deserve this were experiencing this for the first time. I knew I needed to get him out of there to restore peace. 

I jumped onto a roof and yelled across the street at him. "Hey! You! I've seen the girl! I'll help you find her if you help me with something first." I said. "What is it that you want?" he asked. "I want you to take me to Hawkmoth," I demanded. The moment I said that Hawkmoth possessed the boy and began to speak to me directly. "Why do you want to see me?" he asked. "I will give you my Miraculous, willingly. I realized I can't do anything and you already have my other Miraculous anyway. There is no point in trying to fight you." I uttered in a defeated tone. "And how do I know this isn't some sort of trickery you're trying to conjure to get your Miraculous back?" he questioned. "Well, I suppose you'll just have to find out for yourself. Plus, how hard can it be to win against a teenager in battle?" I asked. "Well, I suppose you're right. But know this, if you try pulling anything on me, I will have you destroyed. You can then only meet the people you love in the next world. Is that understood?" queried. "Yes, sir," I confirmed. 

"See you soon, Chatte Noire."