The Scarlet Thieves

The Ruby Red Diva takes the Stage (G)

Divine was reading the newspaper, when she sprung up from her chair and let out a screach. "What a beatuiful necklace! I need to have it, it would suit my scarlet dress so well." she said while pointing on te picture of an elegant, silver necklace, which was endorned with a crimson red ruby.

"Didn't that necklace belong to the actress that died recently? What's her name again.....Ikehara Kazumi. She gave it to a museum to be put on display, only to have it auctioned later." It came from Brumm, who was quietly doing push ups.

"It's also known for its unique form. The form of the Ruby is similar to a flame, giving it the name Flame of the East. Ikehara had that as a title. Her stunning beauty was unmatched, every guy was at her feet, yet she refused to marry." Now Novice joined in on the conversation. Truth be told, he also had a little crush on the actress so, when she died, he was heartbroken for a few weeks. He even went to some of her performances. Albeit he watched from the ceiling, rather than the crowd.

Divine continued to squeel about how she wanted the necklace. How precious it looked. She even made a remark about the smell, which was weird, considering that all she had of it was a picture. However the Troupe was used to such behavior from the lady. After all, this is how she always reacted when she saw Rubys. She was obssessed with these stones.

Grimm, drawn out by all the noise, entered the room and came to a conclusion. "Divine, I take it that you have seen another piece of jewelry you would like?" Divine nodded furiously, the insane gemstone glint, as the rest of the troupe liked to call it, in her eyes. They all knew better than to deny her her precious stones. Last time they did.....let's just say they needed a few months before they could open doors without flinching or ducking.

"Well then, you shall have it. I, however, will not assist you. This is your desire? Then earn it." Despite having a soft spot for Divine, Grimm was known to stand to what he said, so Divine responded with a determined "Alright!" and started to prepare for her moment in the spotlight.

The night of the auction

People flooded the room. It was decked out in white paint, with golden decorations and a great chandelier. At the very front stood the wooden stage, with the red, velvet curtains and the podium for the auctioneer and a wooden pedestal for the pieces that would be sold tonight.

Men in formal suits as well as women in elegant dresses were present, ready with their number signs and ready to bid. Unbeknownst to them, the woman in the scarlet dress, far off in the corner was observing the room, the security and possible escape routes. This woman was none other than Divine, ready to take the "Flame of the East" with her. She had her hair down and it was practically flowing with each movement of hers. She was given the sign with the number 23. She did intend to bid, but not to pay. But, like any good thief, she couldn't let her cover be blown, so she had to take the role of a regular bidder.

Much to her surprise, Security seemed rather low. No heroes and just a few policemen. She didn't understand it, after all, the most sought after necklace would be sold here and today. It was quite a welcome surprise though. No heroes meant an easier escape for Divine. As she was drifting off into thought, the auctioneer spoke.

"Ladys and gentlemen, we will soon begin with the auction. May I ask you, to take a seat?" Her voice was loud yet gentle. Her blue dress, that had the same color as her saphire earrings, hugged her figure tightly. Her dark brown lips were adorned by blue lipstick which, despite it seeming out of place, mad her look even more graceful. This woman seemed to particularly like the color blue. The auctioneer held the waited until everyone took a seat and started to bring out piece after piece. Everything was sold to a pretty decent price and finally Divine heard what she had been waiting for.

"And now for the last piece of tonight. The "Flame of the East", which belonged to the recently deciesed actress Ikehara Kazumi, who held the same title. This necklace is well known for the stone that it holds. It's unique, flame-like form made it famous. Biddings start at 500.000 Yen!"

This was the moment Divine had waited for. She raised the sign, to show she was willing to pay as much for the jewelry. The auctioneer saw and asked for 550.000 Yen.Not a sign flew in the air, the auctioneer started to count down and just as she reached three, she noticed a sign in the air.

"Number 45 is bidding 550.000 Yen! Next offer is at 600.000 Yen."

Furious, Divine raised her sign again. She took a closer look at the lady who dared to try and steal her necklace. The woman wore a snow white dress, pearls and white lipstick. The most remarkable thing about her attire was her hair accessory. Besides the fact that is was wite again, it looked like a little crown with 3 points. Her hair was white too and it gracefully flowed down to her hips. This woman seemed to have a fable for the color white. Just as much as Divine had a fable for ruby red. Everything except her eyes, which were yellow and glistened like topaz, on that woman was white. Even her skin, which was so pale, it looked unhealthy. But that didn't matter, what mattered was for Divine to get her hands on that necklace!

A serious bidding war raged between Divine and the mysterious "White Lady", as Divine decided to call her. When the biddings reached the immense number of 10.000.000 Yen, which seemed to even baffle the auctioneer, the White Lady seemed to have finally given up. With clenched fists and gritted teeth, she stood up and left the room. Not another person lifted their sign, the auctioneer counted to three and the Flame of the East was now in Divine's reach. As she went on the stage to claim her new necklace, the auctioneer awaited a cheque over 10.000.000 Yen. Before it could come to this though, red fog started to protude from the stage, and laughter was heard. Just laughter and then silence. When the fog lifted, everything seemed untouched. Until people noticed two things missing, the woman in the red dress and the "Flame of the East". Of course heroes were called but they didn't arrive on time. Divine had already retreated and the lack of cameras made it impossible to find the ladies face. 

It wasn't all for naught though. When the crime scene was investigated, a ruby red card was found on the pedestal. On it was a message.

Dear audience

I thank you for giving me a chance to display my abilities today. As well as giving me a chance to claim the Flame of the East as mine. I do apologize, however, it looked so good and I couldn't resist. It had to be mine. However, if you look under the pedestal, you will find something to pay for the necklace, even if it is not as much as I bid.

The Ruby Red Diva

Promptly the pedestal was lifted and under it, there was a saphire of medium size. It was ocean blue and probably worth a few hundred thousand Yen.

The next day

Divine was happily dancing around, her new necklace where it belonged. Divine was still thrilled that she actually managed to take it as hers. Even if she had to leave one of her gemstones, she was happy. Saphires weren't her thing anyway.

"I see you had success Divine." Master, who didn't have much lines anyway, said. He seemed genuinly surprised with Divine's successful theft.

"Oh yes dear but I almost had to use my plan B. There was this annoying lady who tried to overbid me every time. She certainly was a strange one. She wore all white and even had white hair. Yet she didn't look older than 20! Oh, I wish I knew what skincare she uses. I'm so jealous. Although hair choice of hair accessory was quite strange. She had a weird little crown-looking thing, but it doesn't matter. Only that I have my precious flame!" Divine drifted off into the land of her fantasy.

End Chapter

(A/N)

Well, there we go, the first chapter in a while. It's a Grimm Troupe chapter but I do hope that you like it! But who was that mysterious woman? There's only one way to know! I hope I'll see you next chapter! I also hope that you will like the story about Grimm. Also, I'll say it again, don't be shy to comment! I'm open for feedback, just drop it down there! I'll take everything into consideration.

Ciao