13. Day 1 Part 6

Fresh from her unprecedented victory over all of those nasty teenagers who ignored her and refused to treat her any less special that she felt, Chloe Bourgeois was truly on a roll. Now, on her way to the ladies toilets to 'freshen up', she wasted no time in sneering and licking her lips at passer-bys who'd been in the dining room previously, in reference to the grandiose meal she'd just devoured in front of them just a few minutes earlier.

Most of them simply strolled off shaking their heads, obviously so overawed by her witty taunting that they were speechless in response. A minority paused briefly and looked as though they wanted to say or even do something to the wealthy blonde, but they were quickly held back by calmer, more rational heads allowing Chloe to walk by unhindered.

Very wise chums some of these fools have. If even so much as one swear word or one finger is laid on my personage than that student would soon be an ex-student, Daddykins would see to that. I almost want it to happen, just to see their reaction afterwards.

So, it was an upbeat Chloe who threw open the door to the bathroom, ready to evict anyone who dared to share it with her. Usually, she'd have sent in Sabrina as the initial taskforce, to root out all interlopers, allowing her to reapply her make-up and primp her hair into it's usual glorious style in relative peace.

This time however, things were a little different. Chloe no longer had Sabrina around to remove the less savoury factions from the private facility, and owing to the fact that the heiress didn't have a trace of make-up on and wore her hair down, the only routine she could adhere to in sprucing herself was the classic soap and water combination.

Still, no matter. Walking around for hours with naked skin had given Chloe the confidence that yes, she did look fine without any lipstick or mascara on how could I ever have doubted myself? I can pull just about anything off. While she was a long way from disposing of her library of cosmetics entirely, she was at least planning to hit the town much more in this new enlightened state. I suppose I have Zzubo to 'thank' for that. Looks like her 'punishment' has reaped unexpected dividends for me.

Chloe glanced around the empty cubicles on her way to a mirror, noting with disappointment the area was totally unoccupied. Obviously they heard I was coming in advance and scattered, knowing that I'd have pushed out them myself anyway with my newfound confidence. Cowards.

Actually, the real reason was more do to with most of the girls not being able to finish digesting their lunch, due to a disturbance during lunchtime. But, real life events never stopped Chloe feeling good about herself before, so why start now?

Regardless, the blonde had only just began admiring her reflection, quickly wiping the glass down beforehand with a stray tissue so she could capture herself in all her natural glory. Hmm, the more I see, the more I like. Why did I cover my beauty up for so long, when what was underneath was just as pretty all this time? What a shame ...

"You finally see my point, don't you? Most of that stuff you put on every morning is completely unnecessary, and you look just fine without it. Are you ready to admit I was right, and maybe start listening to me more often?"

Chloe suddenly felt a presence on her shoulder, and there was Zzubo staring back at her, nodding with approval at what she saw. It was funny... Just yesterday the heiress would have screamed blue murder at the thought of a giant 'bug' perched on her arm, now it was quite tolerable. Almost comfortable, actually.

"It's... Adequate, I suppose." Chloe was once again unwilling to reveal how enthusiastic she was, lest the kwami tried to monopolise even more of her life than she had done already. " If you see me in this state again, it's only because I don't want to show the other girls up in class every day, with my usual gorgeously applied make-up. If I went in school all the time looking that perfect, a lot of them would just quit class altogether out of pure envy. I don't want to be responsible for this place closing down, as tawdry as it is. It would hurt my Daddy's poll ratings for one..."

"Chloe, while that's a very amusing story, this has to stop." The blonde's tall tale had been interrupted by the sight of her bee companion flying directly in front of her, blocking the reflection. "That's another thing I've been meaning to discuss with you... Honesty. Even in the short time that I've known you, I've heard you lie a lot. Both to others, and yourself. I know everyone tells untruths once in a while, but you take it to a whole new level. Do you realise, just how less complicated and pleasant life could be, if you cut out the deceit, and accepted things as they truly are?"

The heiress rolled her eyes at Zzubo's grandstanding . "Fine, I'll try a bit harder in the future. As you said, everyone tells lies, so I'll at least make a bit of effort to limit them to unimportant matters, I suppose..."

"No!" Zzubo flew even closer to her new owner until, quite literally, they were nose-to-nose. "As a superhero, your conduct must be exemplary far beyond that of others. You have to be a role model, someone who the public look up to as an example of morality. That means, unless it's for a greater purpose than yourself, no lying at all. I know it sounds like a tough condition, but you'll see one day, I'm doing this for your benefit as I am for the countless others who'll depend on you in the future. So, let's start now, shall we? What do you see, when you look in that mirror? And this time, no fanciful tales, please..."

Not for the first time recently, Chloe was thunderstruck at Zzubo's words. D-does she really believe in me that much? B-But I've shown hardly any evidence I want to change... Oh well, might as well let her have this one. I do owe her for the whole 'new look' thing anyway, which Adrien and I both seem to love, so..."

"I-I s-see s-someone w-who's..." Chloe swallowed hard. "Beautiful." That last word, when it eventually coerced from her lips, felt as easy as extracting her own tooth, but now her true feelings were out in the open... There was a strange sense of relief. It's almost like I feel lighter. I have one less secret to hide from someone, even if that 'someone' is an interfering kwami...

All of a sudden, all Chloe could see was a strange yellow and black blur, and the sensation of something soft and tickly being rubbed against her face. "You did it! I'm so proud..." Zzubo hummed with joy at her wielder's success, and to Chloe's shock she realised the giant bee was giving her a giant hug. **

*Splutter* "Get off me!" Was Chloe's initial cry, at this unexpected assault by a buzzing collection of bristle, antenna and bug eyes. But, as she tried in vain to remove the kwami from her features, and she felt the insectoid's hairy arms clamp down even more around her forehead to further excentuate the embrace, a strange thing happened.

Maybe it was the rhythmatic humming of the wings that did it, or the cozy fluffiness around her face, or the notion that someone or something cared enough to show her that much real affection rather than a half-hearted kiss on the cheek in the morning, but Chloe actually started to enjoy the exchange.

Her hands, initially spread out to seize the intruder and fling it away, now found themselves spread around the kwami to prolong it's welcoming caress. After a few minutes of utter bliss, the heiress even began to feel a little drowsy, and sighed with happiness. It was like she was a baby again, being cared for by her mother, before everything came crashing...

"There, I think that's enough for now..." Suddenly, Chloe's contentment was wrenched from her, as Zzubo broke the hold to hover in the air once more. "You'll be late for class if you're not careful. That's another thing superheroes try never to be... Late."

As if in a daze, Chloe went to check her expensive watch. Ulp. She's right and all. Better get down there and continue to laud over everyone else for my brilliant scheme this lunchtime. I have a certain reputation to uphold, after all. Let me just wash my hands, adjust my hair, brush all these yellow and black strands of bristle off my face...

It was only when she repeated those words to herself that Chloe realised the full gravityof what she'd just done. " Wait just a second. I have... bee bristle... On my face..."

"Oops, sorry Chloe, those would be mine..." Zzubo confessed with a shrug. "I seem to be losing quite a few of late... It must be molting season already..."

"I have... Bee bristle... On my face..." Chloe ignored the kwami's chatter, and began to rapidly hyperventilate. "Because I just... Hugged an overgrown bug... For more than five minutes..."

"Hey, please try to remember..." Zzubo reminded the heiress. "Calling me a 'bug' hurts my feelings. Don't tell me you didn't enjoy it, either. I saw that satisfied expression on your face afterwards!"

Still recovering from the icky encounter and her own willingness to partake in it, Chloe stammered. "W-what are you talking about?! I-I could never like such a gross thing! T-the mere thought of it brings me out in hives..."

Ignoring the unintentional bee reference at the end there, Zzubo decided to press home her advantage. "This would be a good time to demonstrate that your truth-telling training is operational, Chloe. Come now, what have you got to lose? You loved holding this 'gross' kwami close, didn't you? It made you feel better, I could tell..."

Chloe seemed to have another excuse planned, but Zzubo's words seemed to get to her yet again. With her eyes closed, as if refusing to acknowledge her own feelings, she grit her teeth before spluttering. "Okay, okay. I admit it, as unbelievable as it sounds. It wasn't altogether... Unpleasant. I've hugged worst things in my life... Like that time when I was a child on holiday in Mexico, and accidentally ran into a cactus..."

"Oh, come on... You can do better than that..." Zzubo flew closer, and patted Chloe on the back. "I'm not that bad... Am I?"

It was then, under the friendly gaze of the kwami, that Chloe Bourgeois broke down for the second time in that bathroom. "Okay, Okay ! I admit it! I loved squeezing a giant b... Kwami! I don't know why, and I may be going crazy, but I did! It made me feel good inside, and I'd quite happily do it again! Happy, now? Could you leave me alone, please?" She turned away in a huff, arms firmly crossed in defeat.

"Certainly, Miss Bourgeois. That's all I needed to hear. Let's keep up the good work, shall we?" Zzubo was about to fly back into her bag in triumph, when a thought suddenly occurred to her. It was a bit risky, and considering her last lecture risked labelling her as a bit of a hypocrite, but...

"One more thing: I've been asleep for the last hour or so, and and have no idea what's been going on outside. Tell me: Have you been a good girl while I've been unavailable?" Zzubo was issuing a false statement, but this was one time the bee creature thought she could get away with a fib, because it was for a greater purpose. Namely, her wielder's redemption.

Chloe's brain started working overtime. "Y-you mean, you weren't conscious while I was...? B-because that would explain..." The blonde quickly cleared her throat, to remove all trace of hesitation. "Yes, I was fine, Zzubo. Just another boring last period and lunch, really. Nothing to report. Shall we leave, then?"

"Are you absolutely sure about that?" The kwami was willing to give her one last chance.

"Totally!" Chloe insisted, a thin trickle of sweat visably running down her brow. "Why would you think any different?"

"No reason, just curious..." Zzubo sighed in disappointment. She should have known things weren't going to be that easy. "Never mind, let's just get to class, and see out the rest of the day..."

"Phew... I mean, yes Zzubo! Let's go!" Chloe couldn't believe this all-knowing all-powerful kwami had fell for it so easily! It really did look like she'd gotten away with her lunchtime behaviour! So why don't I feel better about it, then? I couldn't possibly be feeling... Guilty? Nah, of course not! What a strange thing to consider...

Zzubo then flew into the velvet bag just in the nick of time, for at that precise moment the door opened and in came Rose. Her usual happy demeanor turned to ice upon seeing the only resident of the room, and an involuntary shudder seemed to go down her spine.

Nevertheless, she tried to be polite. "H-hello, C-Chloe. H-how are you doing today? D-don't you look nice? I-I love your new appearance. I-I noticed it earlier on..."

"Yeah, and what would a freak who shoots out stink rays know about beauty?" Chloe sneered, referring to Rose's akumatised form. "Plus, I'll have you know I let that stupid Prince Ali have you that day. Who wants a royal that would prefer a pathetic little penniless do-gooder like you, to a classy member of the establishment like myself? Now, get out of my way. I have far more important things to do than chew the fat with complete losers."

And with a haughty humph and a long stride, Chloe swept past a now cowering Rose to complete her education for the day, so she could escape this crumbling old monstrosity and get back to the ornate surroundings she was far more acclimated with.

"Honestly, the nerve of that girl, to even glance in my direction..." Chloe whispered to her kwami as they began the walk to the classroom. "It's weak-willed namby-pambies like that who are destined to get stomped on in the real world. It's like Daddy always told me: Friendship is for suckers. One day, her sunshine and rainbows outlook is going to be completely shattered, and she'll be in for a very rude awakening..."

"What makes you so sure about that? That sounds like a much more positive way to approach life then being cynical and nasty all the time..." Zzubo replied, stating her own opinion.

"Just... Personal experience, I guess..." Chloe paused for one melancholy moment, as if she was pondering whether or not to share something, but quickly decided against it."I mean, no reason. Just forget about it. No more talking. There's a bit of a crowd coming our way, and you promised to be quiet if I took you to school with me. So, hush."

Zzubo couldn't help but poke her head slightly out of her hold-all, to see if it was true. She was presented with... A completely empty corridor. Oh well, can't say I'm surprised. Despite making some progress, Chloe is still lying with almost as much frequency as I can eat nougats. She just needs a little encouragement I think, to see the error of her ways, and I think what me, Tikki and Plagg have got planned for this afternoon will give her the motivation to truly make a change for the better.

...

The rest of the schoolday was relatively predictable. More silent mocking from Chloe towards the other members of her class. More angry faces in response, that she simply laughed off as being systematic of their owner's built-in jealousy. Then there was Adrien...

Chloe didn't quite understand, but something seemed a bit... Different about him. He was staring across at her a lot, because... He loved her? No, it was something else. Was that... Compassion in his eyes? Almost as if he'd been told something between now and the last time they'd spoken, which had changed his attitude towards her...

Chloe had mixed feelings about this. Though it was great the model had apparently come to his senses and saw her actions earlier on as the necessary evil they were to preserve the hierarchy of the school, she wanted his passion, not sympathy. Ugh. I better ravish him even more tomorrow, just to show I'm not a charity case like that pigtailed imbecile he hangs around with. You will be mine, Adrikins. Oh, you will be mine.

So, aside from all that, and Chloe's ongoing struggle with her schoolwork this stuff is useless, since when did long division ever help someone get a decent pedicure the day looked like it was going to peter out unspectacularly.

It was just as Chloe was in the middle of putting her things away, while sniggering at the awesome sight of Marinette being handed another mountain of extra homework by Miss Bustier, that she heard a little squeak from the bag in which Zzubo resided. "Chloe, I need to have a word with you..."

Quickly scouting around to make sure they weren't being overheard, the heiress wasted no time in scurrying around the corner, kwami in tow, to see what her companion wanted. "Zzubo, I'm about to leave! Can't this wait until we get home...?"

"Chloe, why did you lie to me again, when I told you how wrong it was...?" Zzubo's blunt statement halted her wielder, who widened her eyes in surprise.

"U-um... I-I have no idea what you're talking about..." The blonde's pupils began to nervously glance left and right, partly to make sure no-one was listening in, but also because she was afraid what was about to follow.

"Yes, you do. Remember the lunch hall? The way you turned most of the school against you, with just one despicable act? I must say, your ability to get yourself ostracized more and more continues to impress even me..." Zzubo might have said she was impressed, but in reality she just looked sad. A little angry, too.

"B-but... Y-you told me you were asleep. I-if you weren't, w-why didn't you say..." Chloe was trying to piece everything together in her head.

Ignoring the yammering of the teenage girl, Zzubo continued. "Fortunately, you have me around to save you from yourself. Whats about to follow is in your best interest, even though it might not seem like it in the short term. On top of the teacher's desk, placed there while we were out of the room, is a letter in your handwriting. It is a confession of everything recently that you've gotten away with, from framing Marinette a week ago, to the incident today in the lunch hall. Your father might be able to get you out of most things, but I don't think even he could deny the plausibility of a signed affadavit from his own daughter. It's about time you started paying for your crimes Miss Bourgeois, and learning like everyone else, that actions sometimes have consequences."

Having listened to Zzubo's speech with abject horror, Chloe was about to shout at her kwami with unrestrained anger, when she noticed a slight flaw in the creature's plan. "Hang on..." She said, rather smugly. "How could you possibly forge my writing?! You've known me for less than a day, and look at those puny insect arms! I somehow doubt you'd be able to grasp a pencil with those, let alone scrawl with one..."

"Oh, Chloe..." Zzubo shot back. "Haven't you figured it out by now? We kwami have friends in high places. I won't reveal my sources, but lets just say I'm confident that the handwriting on that paper will be an almost duplicate of your own. If you don't believe me, head back to the classroom now, and look at the envelope on the teacher's desk..."

Chloe didn't need to be told twice. Absent-mindedly letting Zzubo zip into the bag before grabbing it, she zoomed back to the room at record speed, bursting in there and catching the attention of everyone preparing to go home...

That is, except for Mrs Bustier, in the middle of reading a letter addressed to her 'From Chloe', with the torn envelope lying nearby which also said 'to be opened immediately'.

And, looking at the style and grace of the cursive...

There was no mistaking... It was definitely hers'.

How did that little bug manage to... Wait, who cares. I can deal with that parasite later. Right now, it's all about damage control.

Without stopping to think any further, she turned her mouth to autodrive, and ran up to the teacher yapping like a terrier. "YES, I admit it. I set up Marinette with that tack on your chair. YES, I confess, I ruined everyone's lunch this afternoon. YES, I broke Nino's headphones on purpose a few days ago when he thought it was an accident, YES, I swapped Nathaniel's paints for food colouring that time when he believed he'd simply misplaced them. YES, I hacked Alya's blog, to make it look as though Ladybug described her as a creepy stalker. And YES, probably a few hundred other things I can't think of right now. But I did it all, because I'm CHLOE BOURGEOIS, clearly a cut above you people, and sometimes you need to be shown that by letting me put you all in your place. Am I right?"

Judging by the awkward silence that pervaded the room afterwards, the answer to that question was a resounding 'no'. Scratching the back of her head hesitantly, Chloe turned to face the teacher, curious as to what her reaction would be.

"W-well, Miss Bourgois" Caline Bustier seemed just as amazed as her pupils. "I-I knew you had a big announcement to make, but I didn't think it would be of this magnitude. I must say, I am pleased and a little shocked truth be told, that it is you of all people who's come forward to claim responsibility for all of these misdemeanors. Of course, you're still going to have to be punished most severely for them, but let me place on record now my appreciation for your honesty. I hope this is the start of a new path for you..."

"Wait a second..." Chloe gasped. "You didn't know about any of this?!"

"Well... No." The teacher admitted. "All it said in your letter was..."

"GIVE ME THAT!" Chloe couldn't help but snatch away the piece of paper, desperate to know exactly what she'd supposedly wrote down.

It was the same convincing forgery as was depicted on the envelope, but there was far less of it inside than she'd expected. All it said was. 'I, the undersigned Chloe Bourgeois, have something important to tell the entire class. Please keep them around today, until I've finished. Thank you.'

She'd just outed herself... In front of dozens of witnesses...

For nothing...

The NNNNNNOOOOO that emerged from a certain rich girl a few seconds later could probably be heard from atop the Eiffel Tower.

Not to mention, any passing satellites.

...

How had Zzubo did it? It was quite simple.

The cunning little kwami had roped Plagg into writing the letter, and delivering it while Chloe was out of the room before hometime.

Thanks to Plagg reading a thousand and one of Chloe's lovesick notes to Adrien over the last year, faking her handwriting was no trouble, either. Especially for a master trickster like him.

Zzubo didn't want to grass on Chloe herself. She wanted the blonde to own up to her own mistakes, and if that meant playing a small prank on her to achieve those ends, so be it.

Tikki didn't quite know all the details, but she gave the plan her blessing, anyway.

After all, what is a bit of skulduggery,when the fate of the world could be at stake?