59. Day 4 Part 14

"PUFF WHEEZE* "Is this finally it? It feels like I've been climbing stairs for the last hour. As if having to travel to this tower block in that cramped bus wasn't bad enough. I can't believe that short old geezer in the Hawaiian shirt wouldn't even give up his seat for me! The nerve of some people."

"Ten minutes actually, Chloe. And what you just described is pretty common for public transportation, so get used to it if you no longer want to be under your father's thumb. Also, I do wish you'd start complaining about walking everywhere, you're going to have to be a lot fitter than this while saving the world as Queen Bee. I can see our future physical training is going to have to be stepped up a notch…"

"It's alright for you, Zzubo. Sitting in my bag, all comfortable and cosy, scoffing down nougats as you please. Don't you ever get fat?! In fact, those look kind of tasty. Can I try one…"

"Oi, hands off, Chloe! I told you to feed yourself properly before we left the hotel. You could have had eaten anything… a honey sandwich, honey-nut cereal or just plain honey by itself...but clearly, you forgot. I wish you'd remembered, though. The sound of your tummy rumbling is really going to get in the way of my nap, while you're talking to the quack."

"Why you little… it's your fault I have an endless craving for this horrible sticky stuff in the first place, Zzubo! Also, do you honestly think I'm going to just lick honey straight from the jar? Who do you think I am? Winnie The Pooh?!"

"Well, in terms of being mostly blonde and very absent-minded, I dare say there's something of a resemblance there. On the same topic Chloe, maybe one day if you're good enough, I'll tell you about the Bear Miraculous. Don't worry though, Grizzo is nowhere near as cool or powerful as me. Whatever he might tell you himself."

"Bear Miracu… what are you talking about?!"

"...Oops, maybe I shouldn't have said anything. The Master keeps the anklet hidden away in the second compartment, after all. Forget I ever said it… shouldn't be too much trouble for someone with a brain like a sieve, anyway."

"Zzubo! Who the heck do you think you are?!"

"Someone with thousands more years experience than you and tons more common sense, my child. Now, did you remember to do everything I asked of you before we left? Brushed your teeth? Washed your face? Shaved your feet?"

"...Yes, Zzubo."

"Good girl, Chloe! And, what a rare pleasure it is to see you looking so smart! Bet you're glad to be out of that yellow jacket, striped shirt and white trousers ensemble, aren't you? I'd wager it feels like you've worn the same set of clothes for at least twenty-six weeks…"

"...Zzubo, this is the same crappy, scratchy school uniform I had on earlier. I couldn't find any decent clothes to wear in the load you bought me, so this is the best I could do. Why didn't you grab a more varied selection?"

"I told you already, Chloe… it was a charity shop, not a department store. I just took what was available at the time. I guess a lot of people feel that nice outfits are too good to donate at those kind of places. A shame really, but such is the selfishness of those who live in the twenty-first century…"

"Hey! In case you hadn't noticed Zzubo, that's the time period I was born in!"

"I never thought I'd stand corrected in your case Chloe, but so far you're doing a very good job of changing my mind. Let's hope you continue to surprise me, so my checklist can be completed, and then we can move onto the next stage…"

"Huh? Did you just say something about a checklist?"

"My my, I have got loose lips today, haven't I? Maybe that talcum powder you sprinkled over me has dislodged a bunch of words I wanted to remain secret. No time to explain about it now, though. Look at this sign on the wall… this is Floor 22, the same one the Mayor's note said Mrs Philippes was located on."

"If I didn't know any better Zzubo, I'd think my Daddy had assigned me to the psychiatrist on the highest level, just to tire me out. Making sure the elevator wasn't working first, of course. Well, no matter. Let's just get this over and done with, then you can tell me all about the 'fun' you had with Lila this afternoon."

"If you hadn't blasted me with that sneezy white stuff earlier on Chloe, maybe I would've had the chance to. And actually, she wasn't the only one I hung out with. I also caught up with a few old frien… oops, what is with me today?! I can't seem to stop gabbering on about things I perhaps shouldn't."

"Well, this is the perfect time to practice your 'quiet' setting then, Zzubo. Believe me, from the rumours I've heard, Mrs Philippes is the last person you want to catch you in action. Unless you fancy being a scientist's pet project for the forseeable future, I suggest you keep your constant buzzing to a minimum."

"If push comes to shove Chloe, I'll just pretend to be a cuddly toy again. I'm rather good at that, if you recall. Oh wait, look at who I'm talking to here… Miss 'Has The Recollection Powers Of A Goldfish'. In fact, let me set you a random test: What day of the week is it again?"

"Shut up, Zzubo. I'll have you know that I remember that scene in the classroom with you, Lila and Miss Bustier very well indeed. In fact, now I think about it, I recall another similar incident with another cuddly toy I found just lying in the road, that Maritrash seemed desperate to get her floury mitts on. It was sort of a spotted bug stuffed animal, a cute little thing, far too good for the likes of her. I gave it to a far more worthy recipient, Prince Ali. Do you want to see the selfie we…"

"U-Um maybe later, Chloe. I-In fact, I've got a better idea: wipe that entire incident from your brain, and don't dwell on it ever again. Especially that bit about the toy…"

"Hmm… are you hiding something from me, Zzubo?! You seem awfully jumpy all of a sudden."

"N-Not at all, Chloe. A-Anyway look, the door to Mrs Philippes's office is opening now of it's own accord. I'll just make myself scarce, then. Best of luck."

"Wait a minute. You can't just…"

As it turned out, it was quite a smart move from the ever-vigilant kwami, for no sooner had she disappeared from view, the door swung wide open to reveal... Morticia Addams.

Nah, that was a bit unfair on poor Mrs Addams. At least, with all of her eccentricities, she loved her husband and kids. It was very difficult to imagine the ghoulish, darkly attired lady sneering down at Chloe having affection for anything, other than the well-worn notepad she kept permanently at her side as if it was strapped to a holster.

"Ah, Miss Chloe Bourgeois, if I'm not mistaken. And, I never usually am. I've been expecting you since about… four minutes. Tut tut, let's not be tardy from now on, eh?" she remarked disappointingly, while making the first of what were sure to be plenty of scribbles in her book that day. "I last saw you when you were a little girl, and your mother bought you along while she was being treated for depression. Her own fault really, hanging around with all those hapless down-and-outs would certainly be enough to make anyone sad. Some people don't deserve to be helped, especially when they can't pay for it. I was sorry to hear about her passing, by the way."

"It's okay, it's been years now, I've sorta gotten over it…" Chloe told the adult politely, though she thought to herself that she'd just heard the most insincere message of condolence ever. "And I highly doubt that was the reason she came to see you. I think the answer to her problem might be closer to home, but I don't want to say who might be responsible because it would be rude. Also, it's Chloe Bourgeois-Marigold now. You can stick that in your little pad, too."

"Hmm… looks like her father was right." Mrs Philippes spoke to herself as she continued to write, not caring a jot if the heiress overheard. "Blames him for all of her and the late Juliette's difficulties, shows unearned sympathy for those worthless slobs on the breadline, talks back to respected authority figures and is even beginning to suffer from a crisis of identity. Bernard, could you cancel my next meeting after this one, please? I have a feeling this is going to be a very long session."

"Will do, boss…" The voice of what seemed like a younger man sounded from the other room, but Chloe never got to see what he looked like. Her arm was suddenly grabbed by her impatient companion, and she found herself unceremoniously marched down to a nearby office, whereupon she was led to a nearby plush leather couch that was slightly bent in the middle.

"Well, what are you waiting for, Miss 'Marigold'? Sit." Mrs Philippes did not sound like the kind who liked to be messed about, as she abruptly let go of the heiress's hand to recline on a spinning chair, behind a large mahogany desk with many diplomas and certificates pinned up behind it.

Chloe however, did not comply straight away. If she thought her hotel provided the best view in Paris, that viewpoint was swiftly dashed upon clapping eyes on the lifesize double glazed windows that made up the east wall of the room. As she peered over the beautiful City of Lights, she could see everything. Notre Dame, Champs Elysees, Adrikin's house…

"Yes, it is all rather impressive, isn't it? This building charges the highest rents around, but when you've got as many credentials as me and can ask Top Euro for your services, such an astronomical fee is just a drop in the ocean." Mrs Philippes smugly boasted, swiveling herself around in her chair a bit. "...In fact, speaking of the ocean, if you look just a little to your right there, you can see it sparkling in the distance, just under the sunset. Quite a sight, huh?"

"Y-Yeah…" Chloe was caught up in a dream-like state for the time being, unable to quite process the majesty of everything around her.

"...Well, it's just such a shame that the way things are going for you now, you'll never get to live in a lovely high-rise apartment like this, and instead be begging on the street with those druggies and junkies you profess to admire. So, let's hide the distraction, and get down to business, shall we?" Mrs Philippes spoke with an edge of malice, before pulling a nearby cord.

Almost immediately, dark blinds covered each pane of glass in turn, completely shutting off all daylight from the room and prematurely breaking Chloe out of her spell. Almost at the same time, Mrs Philippes rose from her chair and strolled determinedly over to the office door, locking it securely before turning back to her new patient with an almost menacing look on her face.

"H-Hey, you can't do that…" Chloe felt very worried all of a sudden, as dire warning sirens began ringing in her head. "I-It's against every medical code in the country."

"Well, isn't it fortunate for me that this is a private practice then, dearie." Mrs Philippes may have been smiling, but her demeanor was anything but pleasant. "Now, you're going to sit down, not speak unless you're spoken to, and do everything I tell you. This is going to be, how shall I put it, intensive therapy to say the least. Hope you've come prepared… although, by the sounds emitting from your stomach, you haven't eaten yet. Too bad I never had that vending machine installed. Never mind, soon food will be the last thing on your mind."

Very intimidated and embarrassed at the same time, Chloe found herself meekly taking a seat on the couch, but did her best to sound resolute in her stammered response. "I-I know what you're trying to do, but it won't work. I-I'm a new person these days, I-I don't want to be like my father. I-I'm going to be just like my mother, and there's nothing you can do to change my mind."

"Well, we'll just see about that, won't we… 'little girl'?" Mrs Philippes loomed large over the shuddering blonde, regarding her with unimpressed eyes. "Your father is paying me a lot of money to 'fix' you, but he also told me how strong-willed you are, too. I don't know what he was so worried about, though: I've cracked much bigger eggs than you in my career, so not matter how 'tough' you think you might be, I'll soon have your yolk running all over the place. He may not approve of some of my methods, but he doesn't have to find out, does he? In fact, no-one has to find out. It's all a means to an end, after all. Now, please observe this watch closely…"

"Why? What about it? It doesn't glow when you open it up, does it? N-Not that it makes any difference, of course. Your plan is going to f-fail..." Chloe referenced a certain incident with Alix, while she stared intently at the swinging timepiece as it moved side to side.

"What a vivid imagination you have, Chloe! I look forward to penetrating it at the deepest possible level." Mrs Philippes smirked with amusement, before adopting a softer tone. "Now, I want you to relax. You are feeling sleepy… oh so sleepy… that you can't even keep your eyes open. Imagine you were still with your mother before she snuffed it, happily frolicking in the fields, or building a nice jolly snowman together. Are you in a trance yet? Do you hear my voice?"

"Zzzz... yes… zzzz."

"Mrs Philippes, Chloe. My name is 'Mrs Philippes'. Try not to forget that from now on. Now, when I click my fingers, you're going to listen to every single question that comes out of my mouth, and you will answer them. Clearly, and truthfully, if you please."

"Zzzz…. Yes… Mrs Philippes…"

"That's better. I always prefer them while they're under hypnosis, so much easier to manage. Now, let's have a little chat, shall we? About what sparked this intolerable streak of 'goodness' which has currently infected your brain, why you no longer care for the finer things in life the way you used to…"

"Zzzzz… yes, Mrs Philippes?"

"And, most importantly of all, who is this corrupting influence you've befriended whose name starts with a 'Z'?"

…..

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yup, we're moving this thing up to hyperdrive. Two updates in the last couple of days, lots more to come. Watch this space… ;)