[h1]Chapter 1: A New Beginning[/h1]

Emotionless steel gray eyes drifted over the faded drawing, the colorful illustrations now dull against the page. Eagle, Dragonfly, Armadillo, Raccoon, Badger, Spider, and Bat. The seven miraculous stones of North America. Each with the power to imbue it's chosen one with ancient powers, to bend the world to their will. He smirked, one hand touching the silver, bat-shaped brooch pinned to his cravat. It was not exactly to his taste, but beggars couldn't be choosers. Besides, when he got his hands on the other Miraculouses, he could choose however he wanted. 

He had found the book, and the small box accompanying it, less than two weeks ago in his new attic. A house this large and old in DC had to have some secrets, though he never expected a small black and red blur to come to life when he opened the box. While initially startled by the tiny bat-creature who called himself Hexx, Clair had gradually begun to accept the new reality. That magic existed, that fairies existed, though Hexx called himself a Kwami, and that his little jewel was not the only one. And, with the power of all seven Miraculous stones together, the person who wielded them would become a God. And that was too good of a chance to pass up. That kind of knowledge, that kind of pure, unmonitored power? That was something he'd gladly trade his own life for. But, much to his frustration and disappointment, the other stones were not in his attic, nor were they anywhere else in the house. And Hexx had kept a tight lid on where they might be, only briefly mentioning a guardian of some sorts.

Well, it wasn't like this would deter him. He'd been studying the ancient book and getting a good grasp on his powers for the past 13 days. And from what he could tell, these stones were supposed to be given to the worthy. People who would act as heroes, to bring order in a world of chaos. Well, if a little chaos was what they needed to bring these so-called heroes out of the woodwork, then he would happily set the stage. And once he knew where they were, getting their stones would be a piece of cake. Hexx, of course, had pleaded and protested, saying that was not how his miraculous was meant to be used. Clair paid him no heed. Hexx couldn't stop him, and neither could any of these assumed heroes. He had a dream, a vision to fulfill. And he was never going to stop until he had his way.

And so that was how, on this disgustingly warm and sunny spring afternoon, Clair found himself following the school's librarian. One thing Hexx's powers allowed him to do was sense the darkness in people's hearts, so he could find the perfect candidates to use Discord on. Of course, he couldn't use it while he wasn't transformed, but he had a keen eye for social cues. Abigail O'Neil, 28, single and unhappy about it. Her blind date from last week had fallen through, and she had been mocked by her former classmates at her recent high school reunion. She was behind on her rent for her apartment, and in danger of being evicted. And what was more, she completely lacked any authority over the students in the library. Boys and girls of all ages at Coolidge High School walked all over her, talking loudly on their cell phones, rough housing, eating messy food and even defacing the books. She was stressed, she was frustrated, and she was down on her luck. And she was ripe for Discord.

Today was perfect. It was lasagna day in the cafeteria, and he had already used his connections to bring people into the library to eat. It was a disaster waiting to happen, and just like the Oracle of Delphi, his wicked predictions came true. Someone spilt their lunch all over Ms. O'Neil's peach silk blouse, staining it with tomato sauce and cheese. And just like he predicted, the rowdy boys nearby pointed, laughed, and even catcalled her. With tears streaming down her face, she rushed to the bathroom. And Clair followed calmly, hiding his delight like a knife under the cloak of a cool smile.

He checked that no one else was in the hallway, before he stepped inside the girl's bathroom. He could hear sobbing and the sink running, though he was hidden behind the wall of the first stall. Smirking, he dropped his act and pulled the brooch out from his pocket, fixing it to his necktie.
[color=9e0b0f]"Hexx, transform me."[/color] he said quietly, the Kwami being sucked from his pocket and into the ruby colored stone in the center. There was a flash of red light, and the almost silent sound of his cape unfurling. Obviously his voice had been heard, as the water suddenly turned off, and a frightened, tear-choked voice rang out.
"Who's there?!" It was Ms. O'Neil. Trying to keep his smirking to a minimal, Clair stepped out from the shadows, showing himself.
[color=9e0b0f][i]"Hello, Abigail O'Neil. Please, don't be frightened. My name is Vesper. You may not know me, but I know you. You're tired, down-trodden, and constantly terrorized by those wretched reprobates who dare disrespect the sanctity of the library. You feel powerless to stop them, harassed and mocked. I can change that. I can give you power beyond your wildest dreams, to take back what's rightfully yours. To give you the authority and respect you've always longed for. All I need is something from you in return, when the time comes. What do you say? We can accomplish great things together.[/i][/color] His voice was smooth and silky, enhanced with the power of Discord. Ms. O'Neil at first looked like she was going to resist, but as soon as Discord took effect, her eyes changed a dull red, the same color as his own. Then she looked up at him with a dark smile, and he knew his efforts had succeeded.
[color=a187be]"Of course, Vesper."[/color]