1: The Book of Creation
Marinette woke up to the smell of smoke. The black smog flooded the room filling every corner with darkness. Marinette jumped up from bed slipping on her shoes. Her face hit the ground before the rest of her body. The cold stones of the floor numbed the pain just a bit. As Marinette sat up, rubbing her face, a hand appeared in front of her.
"I'm sorry, Marinette," her roommate's voice cut through the smoke, "a potion went wrong."
Marinette grabbed Juleka's hand. Juleka pulled Marinette to her feet, dodging Marinette as she slipped toward her. She lifted Marinette as she whispered a spell. The smoke faded out. A black gem sat in Juleka's palm, the black and grey of the gem swirled like smoke. Marinette admired it for a moment before she asked Juleka to tell her the reason she was mixing potion so early in the morning. Juleka looked down at her feet as she answered. Juleka was attempting to make a potion to ward off bad luck as a parting gift to Marinette, but everything that could go wrong during potion making did.
Marinette smiled a Juleka.
"That's really sweet," Marinette said.
Juleka sighed. She would have preferred a tangible potion. Marinette insisted the attempt was enough of a gift. Besides she didn't think her luck was bad enough to warrant the use of magic. Juleka disagreed, but accepted Marinette's gratitude. Marinette made her bed and frowned. She realized it would be the last time she did that with this bed or with Juleka standing by. Juleka packed away her potion kit. The two picked up their bags and took a look at the room. With all their things packed away, the room looked the same as when they'd first moved in.
"Well," Juleka said, tugging on the sleeve of her gown, "I guess it's time to leave."
Marinette nodded. Juleka opened the door.
"Wait," Marinette said, reaching to her waist. She realized she wasn't wearing her belt. Marinette dropped her bag. She unzipped the bag and rummaged through it. Juleka tilted her head to the side, her long black hair falling to the left. Marinette pulled out a silver jewelry chain. She held the chain in one hand and put her other palm towards Juleka. "Can I see that smoke?"
Juleka handed it to Marinette. Marinette smiled and thanked her. Marinette retrieved a spool of wire and a pair of pliers from her bag. Juleka crouched down and watched Marinette go to work. Her hands were quick as she wrapped the wire around the gem. She ended the wire with a loop. Marinette put the chain through the loop and turned, hooking the necklace around Juleka's neck.
"There," Marinette said with a grin, "a souvenir from our last morning together."
Juleka smiled and helped Marinette to her feet. She looked down as she spoke.
"I always wanted a Marinette original," Juleka said, "I was too embarrassed to ask."
Marinette told Juleka she loved making things and she could ask at any time.
As Juleka and Marinette walked down the hall, Marinette regretted not spending more time with Juleka. Juleka had been very kind to Marinette and forgiving of her constant mishaps. Each step closer to the lobby was one moment closer to the end of their time together. Maybe they'd be on the same team, like last year when Marinette was on the same team as Kim. Maybe they'd still find time to hangout. Maybe Marinette's next roommate would be as nice as Juleka. Maybe she'd be paired with Nino this year.
They arrived in the lobby last of all the students. Marinette noticed two new faces in the crowd of students, she didn't think anyone new would be added to her class two years in. The first student she noticed was a girl with the complexion of an acorn from a great oak and hair like the autumn leaves. The second was a boy with eyes like fresh grass in the summer and the pigmentation of a smooth seashell. Marinette scrunched her nose, his hair reminded her of Chloe. She hoped they were nice. She hoped that neither of them would be another-
"Chloe," Martha said from the center of the lobby, "your new roommate will be Marinette."
Juleka gasped. She patted Marinette on the back and whispered her condolences. Marinette forced a smile. She walked to the center of the room where Martha made them promise to take care of eachother before giving them their room numbers. They shook hands. Marinette did her best to avoid eye contact. Martha called up the next pair. Juleka was paired with Rose. Marinette was happy for Juleka, she finally got paired with her best friend. Nino was paired with the new boy, Adrien. Marinette told Nino to be nice as he passed by her. Nino told her he was always nice. Sabrina was paired with the new girl, Alya.
After the first few pairings, Marinette stopped paying attention. She needed to figure out how she was going to survive living with Chloe for the next year. Chloe was the worst person Marinette knew. Chloe constantly bullied and teased Marinette and Marinette had never done anything to her. The best Marinette could guess was that Chloe got some kind of twisted pleasure from seeing Marinette suffer. With everyone paired, Martha sent them to settle into their new dorms before calling in the next class of students. Marinette grimaced and headed for her dorm.
Marinette walked behind Chloe as they made their way through the hall. Chloe entered. Before Marinette could walk through the door, Chloe was already listing the things Marinette was not allowed to touch. There were two desks. Chloe claimed both of them. One would be Chloe's vanity and the other was where Sabrina would do Chloe's homework. The t.v. needed to stay on whatever channel Chloe put it on. The shelf space was necessary for all Chloe's pictures, that included the entire bookshelf. Only Chloe approved decor could be hung on the walls. No touching Chloe's make up and especially not her clothes, unless Marinette was doing laundry in which case she could touch Chloe's clothes.
Marinette grimaced as Chloe continued her ridiculous rules.
"Chloe," Marinette said, "you can't just-"
Chloe turned and glared at Marinette. She rose her hand, electricity sparking from her fingertips.
"I can't just what?" she said. Her eyes dared Marinette to continue.
Marinette took a step back. She looked down at her feet.
"Nothing," Marinette said.
Chloe crossed her arms and smirked.
"That's exactly what I expected a spinless squid like you to say," she said.
Marinette gripped her bag as she watched Chloe unpack. There was no way she could handle a year of this. She was already suffocating. A year with Chloe would destroy her soul. Maybe that's what happened to Sabrina. Marinette took a deep breath before opening the door and walking out.
The hallway felt bigger than before. Marinette felt the panic rising in her stomach. She took a deep breath. She thought of the bakery. Her parents were there making delicious pastries and smiling. She exhaled.
Someone crashed into her. Marinette sighed. Even when she was standing still she was a safety hazard. Marinette looked over and saw Alya getting up. She offered Marinette a hand. Marinette apologized to her as she stood. Alya asked why Marinette was apologizing since Alya had run into her. Marinette said it was a force of habit. Alya laughed. Marinette smiled. She had a cute laugh. Marinette soon found out that Alya lived in the dorm directly across from her. Alya went to go unpack.
"Oh," Alya said popping her head back out of the room, "can I depend on you to be my school guide?"
Marinette nodded. Alya thanked her and said she'd see Marinette later. Marinette waved at her. Well, she seemed nice.
As Marinette wandered the hall, Kim approached her. He told her she was lucky to be roomed with Chloe. Marinette didn't agree. Kim wanted Marinette to bring him a lock of Chloe's hair. Marinette refused. Not only was that weird and a bit stalkerish, Chloe had banned Marinette from touching her hair brush and also her hair. Kim was only disappointed momentarily before moving on to the next subject. It made Marinette wonder if he'd been joking or not.
"Can I have that then?" Kim said pointing to Marinette's hands.
Marinette looked down at the wire she was shaping. It currently looked like bent wire.
"It's not done," Marinette said. "Besides don't you already have enough of my wire hoarded in you room?"
"First off," Kim said, "there's no such thing as too many wire sculptures .Second, this one isn't for me. It's for Max."
Marinette wondered why Kim didn't just give Max one of his wire sculptures, but she'd never really understood Kim.
"Well," Marinette said, "you can have it, I guess."
Marinette sat down on the hall floor. She took out her pliers and started working on it. Soon she'd made a little person. She sat it on the floor. Kim seemed excited about it. The sculpture was crushed under a white boot.
"Oops," Chloe said, "I must have stepped on some trash." She walked away laughing.
Adrien finished putting his clothes in his side of the dresser. His roommate Nino was laying on his bed with his headphones on. Adrien announced he was done unpacking. Nino got up and went to get his bag. Adrien wondered what type of person Nino was. They hadn't talked much. Nino seemed friendly in the way he talked, but he hadn't been very expressive so far.
"You don't mind music do you?" Nino said. Adrien said he didn't. Nino setup some kind of technology on one of the desks. The only thing adrien recognized was a keyboard. Nino pointed to the other desk and told Adrien it was his. Adrien thanked him. "Don't you have anything else to unpack?"
"I was told school supplies are provided here," Adrien said.
"I meant decorations or something hobby related," Nino said. "Maybe something to remind you of home."
Adrien explained that his father was a fashion designer, so his clothes reminded him of home. Nino nodded. He started hanging up posters and pictures of him with the other students. Adrien watched. A blue haired girl appeared in many of the pictures. She had a cute smile.
"No hobbies?" Nino said.
"I fence," Adrien said. "Does that count?"
"The training area has fencing equipment," Nino said. "Relax a bit, I'm not judging you or anything."
Adrien hadn't realised he was tense. Nino said if Adrien needed any help he could ask Nino. Adrien thanked him. Adrien checked the time. He told Nino he was going to meet someone. Nino nodded then went back to hanging pictures.
Adrien walked down the hall, examining the pictures, paintings, and bulletin board posts. He felt like he was walking through someone's house. As he arrived in the lobby, he heard talking. He looked to the front desk. The blue haired girl from Nino's pictures was there. Her face was buried in her hands. It seemed she was having problems with her roommate. Martha, the front desk attendant, told her she couldn't do anything about the matching and that Marinette, the girl, would have to work things out with her. Adrien realized they were talking about his old friend Chloe.
"I know," Marinette said running her fingers through her bangs. "I just-She's just-Ugh!"
Adrien continued through the lobby. He'd already heard too much of a personal conversation and thought it'd be rude to continue listening. He pushed open the front door, but stopped as someone caught his attention. Felix was sitting in a chair that Adrien had walked by. Adrien back tracked and arrived in front of him. Adrien greeted him. Felix looked up and, after a moment, welcomed Adrien.
"I thought we were meeting by the fountain," Adrien said.
"That was the case," Felix said, "yesterday, when you were supposed to arrive. Unfortunately for you, I have patrol today."
Adrien frowned. "Oh," he said, "I see."
"Tomorrow, however," Felix said, "I can give you a tour."
Adrien's face lit up. He thanked Felix. Adrien turned and headed back towards his room. Felix stopped him. He told Adrien they'd meet in early in Felix's room. Adrien agreed before heading off. On his way back to his room Nino stopped him.
Nino was with Marinette. He had his arm over her shoulders. They were about a head apart height wise. Marinette was looking at her hands fiddling with a spool of wire. She looked up at Adrien and greeted him before returning to her project. Adrien wondered if they were dating. Nino asked Adrien how the meeting had gone. Adrien told him they'd rescheduled. Nino told Adrien class was starting soon.
"Do you want to walk with us?" Nino said.
"Sure," Adrien said, "that would be nice."
As they were about to exit the lobby, Alya the other transfer student joined them. She talked about her excitement to be going to Sunstone Magic Academy. She didn't think she'd be able to get in. She thanked Adrien. Sunstone only let in even numbers of students, so she wouldn't have gotten in without Adrien. Adrien said it was the same for him. His father only let him apply for Sunstone because he was sure Adrien wouldn't get in. After all, what other person would try to join a class two years in.
"Dangit," Marinette said, as they arrived at the school building, "I forgot my belt."
Marinette said she'd catch up with them. Nino asked if she wanted him to go with her. Marinette said it was unnecessary. She ran off. Nino shrugged then led the two into the building.
As they arrived in class, Chloe called out to Adrien. She'd saved him a seat. Nino looked from Adrien to Chloe and back again. Nino raised an eyebrow. Before Adrien could say anything he was being pulled toward Chloe by an unseen force. His feet were off the ground until he was in front of Chloe's desk. Chloe put her hand down. Adrien landed on his feet. Chloe smiled.
"Hi, Adrihoney," Chloe said, "Where were you yesterday? I had a whole day planned out for the two of us."
"I missed my flight," Adrien said, "there was this old man-"
"Oh, well that's not important," Chloe said. "We're together now!"
Chloe grabbed Adrien into a hug. She started talking about all the plans she'd made for them and she was sure they'd be on the same team. She trailed. Adrien followed her eyes to Marinette. Her smile lit up the room. Her belt was a utility belt. Marinette walked up to Nino. They talked about something. Nino handed her his headphones. Marinette put them on.
"Adrien, are you even listening?"
Adrien brought his attention back to Chloe. She looked more than a little annoyed. She wanted to know what he was looking at. Adrien answered honestly. When Chloe furrowed her brow, Adrien regretted telling the truth.
Their homeroom teacher called for attention.
"Adrien, Alya, Nino," she said, "and Marinette. You four will be team MANA."
Adrien heard Chloe gasp as he stood up. He joined the three in the front of the room. The teacher directed them to a corner. The other teams were SMACK and JRNIM. As the teams settled, Alya started asking questions about the school. When she was done she looked at Marinette and Nino for answers.
"Well," Marinette said, "that's a lot to answer... As for the one thing I think new students should know, I'd say keep your head down. Chloe is a bit... It's just better not to get on her radar."
Alya said that sounded like nonsense.
"Marinette has a point," Nino said. "Chloe's been top dog for a while. It's not just in out class either, it's our whole grade level."
"Well, if you let mean people get the best of you then of course they'll be on top," Alya said, "That's why it's up to people like us to stop them. Defenders of the weak!"
There was a silence. Nino and Marinette shared a look before returning their gaze to Alya.
"You're braver than me," Marinette said. "I can't even defend myself from Chloe. How can I defend anyone else?"
"Marinette," Chloe said, causing Marinette to jump. Chloe linked arms with Marinette. "We need to talk."
"Right now?" Alya said.
Chloe didn't even glance in Alya's direction before dragging Marinette away. Alya separated the two. Chloe glared at Alya.
"Are we gonna have a problem?" Chloe said.
"Yes," Alya said, "we are."
Chloe rose her sparking hand. Alya fanned out a deck of cards. They glared at each other. All the eyes in the classroom were on the two of them. Marinette stepped between them.
"This is unnecessary," Marinette said. "I'll see what Chloe wants. It's fine, she's my roommate."
Marinette followed Chloe into the hallway. Despite the teacher's objections the class crowded around the door to peep at the two. They couldn't hear what the two were talking about. After a short time, Chloe and Marinette returned to the classroom. The class scrambled back to their positions. Alya asked Marinette what happened. Marinette insisted it wasn't anything important. Marinette started answering Alya's questions about the school. As she spoke, she made direct eye contact with Alya and Nino, but never with Adrien. When class ended Marinette offered to give Alya a tour. Alya wanted to go to the library. Adrien thought of joining them, but Chloe dragged him off in the opposite direction.
"You didn't have to do that," Marinette said as she and Alya walked down the hall.
"Neither did you," Alya said. She turned to Marinette and smiled. Marinette felt her face heating up.
"We're here," Marinette said, gesturing towards the library.
Alya was in the library before Marinette finished speaking. Marinette watched as Alya explored the library. Alya dashed from self to shelf, plucking books from each. A pile of books started forming on a table as Alya placed all her books on it. Marinette began to wander. As she reached to back of the library, she spotted a small old man on a ladder ten times his height. He seemed to be looking for a book. He fell.
Marinette dived to catch him. She whispered an ineffective spell as the old man landed in her arms and sent her tumbling back. Marinette asked if he was okay. He was. She asked if he needed any help. He told her he was trying to retrieve a small red book from the top shelf. Marinette swallowed, wishing she had Juleka's luck potion. She took a deep breath then started up the ladder. With each step higher, she felt less stable. She spotted the book. She held the ladder with one hand and picked the book up.
"I found it," she said, looking down. The old man was gone. "Hello?"
Marinette started her climb down. Her foot slipped. She tried to balance herself, but every movement she made caused another problem until she fell backwards. She flinched in anticipation of the ground.
"Marinette," a sweet voice said, "open your eyes, you're okay."
Marinette opened her eyes. She was surrounded by red light. Just above her, floating above the book, was a small red creature.
"Who are you?" Marinette said.
"I'm Tikki," she said, "the fairy of the book of creation. The mage who possesses my book is granted amazing magical abilities."
Tikki continued on to say that Marinette was chosen to have the spellbook. Marinette was sure she'd actually fallen and hit her head. She was likely dreaming in the Medical bay. The light faded out. Marinette was sitting on the library floor next to the ladder. The small book was closed a couple feet in front of her. Marinette picked up the book and examined it. "Creation" was impressed on the leather like cover in gold letters. On the back was the golden outline of a ladybug.
Alya called Marinette over. She needed help getting her books to the front desk for check out. As Alya got her books scanned and stored inside her library card, Marinette went to the next check out counter. She handed the librarian the red book. The librarian examined the book thoroughly before telling Marinette it was not one of their books. She pointed to the pages, claiming they were blank. Marinette hesitated to respond, there was definitely writing on the pages. Not writing Marinette recognized, but it was still writing.
The librarian handed the book back to Marinette. Marinette took a long look at the book, still questioning if Tikki was real, before slipping it into the spell book pocket on her belt. At least she could finally put that aspect of design to use.
Marinette and Alya returned to the living space together. Alya patted Marinette on the back and encouraged her to be strong. Marinette walked into her room with a smile that quickly faded. Chloe had piled Marinette's bed with - Marinette couldn't even tell what was in the pile. Chloe was relaxing in her bed receiving a pedicure from Sabrina. Marinette took a deep breath and walked up to them.
"Chloe," Marinette said, forcing her voice to stay calm, "what is all this ju-stuff on my bed?"
"I needed more space," Chloe said. She didn't even look up from her magazine. "Oh, don't worry though. I had Sabrina bring over her old sleeping bag for you."
Marinette looked in the direction Chloe pointed. Her gaze landed on the dingy blue sack. It did not deserve to be called a sleeping bag. Marinette opened her mouth, but shut it before the complaints could roll off her tongue. Chloe didn't seem to notice. Marinette picked up a change of clothes and her shower basket before heading out.
Marinette enjoyed the silence as she made her way to the showers. Her shower basket was a bit hefty, but Marinette was too proud of her designs to not use it. The basket locked so no one could steal her shampoo and condition. Hair product theft was a big problem when she and Kim lived together a couple years before. While living with Juleka, Marinette water proofed it. Juleka told Marinette all the best times to take showers to get hot water and avoid crowds, so Marinette started listening to music and podcasts while she showered.
Today was the type of day where Marinette wanted the showers to herself so she could relax and listen to music. Marinette sat on the counter while she waited for the water to heat up. As she removed her utility belt, she remembered the spellbook. She opened it. Tikki appeared. Marinette sat the book down.
"Are you okay with that girl pushing you around?" Tikki said.
Marinette frowned. "No," she said, "but Chloe's stronger than me. Plus her father has a lot of influence in the magical community."
Tikki seemed to be thinking before she responded.
"I don't think she should boss people around just because she's powerful," Tikki said. "Nobody should be able to treat people like that."
Marinette stepped into the shower. As the hot water washed over her, Marinette tried to process the day's events. As she washed her hair, Marinette imagined she was washing away all of the day's negativity. Could she really live with Chloe for a whole year? Not like this she couldn't. Something needed to change. She wrapped her towel around her body. She reached for a towel for her hair. She frowned. In her rush to get away from Chloe, she'd forgotten to bring one.
She pushed her hair out of her face. "Hey, Ti-Oh, hi," her eyes landed on Adrien. His face was red. He turned away. Marinette blinked, wondering why he seemed so bothered.
"I'm sorry," Adrien said, "I didn't realize anyone was in here."
Marinette tilted her head. "Sorry? There's plenty of showers in here," she said. Marinette watched as he moved awkwardly towards the showers. Was he embarrassed? Marinette covered her smile with her hand. He was so cute. Adrien caught her gaze. He covered his face with his hands. Marinette looked away before remembering Chloe's warning. Marinette sat on the counter to apply lotion.
According to Chloe, direct eye contact made Adrien feel uncomfortable because of the environment he was raised in. Marinette wanted to believe Chloe was looking out for her friend, but as Marinette watched Adrien interact with Nino and Alya, that didn't seem true.
Marinette heard the shower turn on.
"Don't go in, unless you want to freeze," she said. It was already too late. He was in the shower before turning the water on. Marinette held back a laugh. "Are you okay in there?"
He stepped out of the shower shivering and sopping wet, like a wet cat. Marinette half expected him to lick himself clean. He held his towel around himself tight. He said he was fine, but his chattering teeth told another story. Marinette finished buttoning up her pajamas before walking over to him. She retrieved a small towel from his basket and put it over his head. She had to stand on her toes as she dried his hair. He was looking down at his feet.
"The showers take ten minutes to fully heat up, but getting in at five works too," Marinette said. "Don't be so embarrassed, it's happened to everyone."
Adrien looked up and their eyes met. In that moment Marinette realized two things: One, Chloe was still a liar and, two, Adrien's eyes were full of sadness. Marinette stared at him, unsure what she should do next. She was frozen.
"That's not really why I'm embarrassed," he said. "Showering with other people, isn't something I'm used to." He looked away. Marinette let go of the towel. She spun around to face the opposite direction.
"Duh," Marinette said, putting her palm to her forehead, "I've been going here for so long I forgot that's not a common thing. It does take some getting use to."
The dinner bell rung.
"Dinner's in about ten minutes," Marinette said, "If you're late you might not get to eat." Marinette headed for the door. Adrien thanked her for the advice.
Marinette left the showers in comfy pajamas and warm slippers. From there she went to the dining hall. Alya and Nino were already sitting at a table. Alya waved Marinette over. Marinette sat across from Alya and next to Nino. They were saving a seat for Adrien, too.
Alya had more questions to ask. Marinette answered the questions to the best of her abilities, with Nino adding the occasional comment. One of Alya's questions caught the attention of everyone in the area. She'd asked about the urban legends of The Red Mage and The Black Mage. Students of all grade levels claimed to have seen them lurking around campus at night. No one knew who they were or what they did. Alya wanted to know if they were real and the debate started.
Nino rolled his eyes and said the whole thing was just a legend. Marinette wasn't so sure. She'd never encountered either of them, but Juleka swore she'd seen The Black Mage one night. Each person in their class gave their opinion about the two. Chloe's insistence that the whole thing was nonsense convinced Nino to switch positions. Chloe looked offended. Marinette laughed. It wasn't often that everyone got so involved.
The dinner bell rung for the second time. It was time to eat. Adrien arrived to his seat just as the conversation died down. Alya started filling him in, but was silenced by the Principal speaking. Many first years had arrived, so he wanted to make sure they knew all the rules and regulations. Two topics he kept returning to were use of magic and magic battles. Frivolous and irresponsible use of magic was looked down upon. Magic battles were allowed, even recommended for practice and to blow off steam, but there needed to be a staff or student council member present to oversee the battle. He didn't get through all the rules before dinner ended.
As Alya and Nino headed to the showers with the crowd of students, Marinette showed Adrien where to brush his teeth. The two rooms were connected. When she was done brushing her teeth, Marinette went to her room. She set up a pillow fort around her blue sack. She made room for Tikki in an area she wouldn't get squished.
While Marinette sketched, Tikki told her to keep the Book of Creation a secret. There were terrible people who'd do awful things to get their hands on the book. Marinette wondered why she'd been chosen to know about and wield such powerful magic. When Marinette finished sketching, she said goodnight to Tikki and put her sketchbook in her art bag.
The sun wasn't even up yet as Adrien walked to Felix's room. Felix lived two floors up. In the hall, all the doors had white boards next to them. There were words and doodles crowded on the boards in an array of colors. Felix's board was blank. Adrien detached the marker. He thought for a moment before starting to draw. Adrien admired his cat doodle for a moment. Felix probably wouldn't appreciate the drawing. Adrien pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket.
"Adrien," Felix said from behind Adrien.
Adrien spun around to face him. Felix wore an all black tracksuit. He told Adrien he'd just finished running. He stared at Adrien's drawing. Adrien started apologizing. Felix smiled. Felix opened the door letting Adrien. Once Adrien was comfortable, Felix collected a change of clothes and shower basket. He headed out.
Adrien looked around. Felix didn't seem to have a roommate...Unless they shared a bed. Adrien's face went red. He stood up and started wandering. There wasn't much to look at. The bed was neat, the desk and dresser were clear, even the bookshelf only had a couple of things on it. Adrien examined the contents of the bookshelf. A picture caught his attention. The image was of Adrien and Felix sitting with their parents. Their mothers were twins and their fathers might as well have been twins.
A black book sat next to the picture. Adrien's gaze was pulled towards the book. He picked it up and examined the cover. The word "Destruction" was impressed in silver on the front. An outline of a cat was impressed on the back. Felix walked in. Adrien apologized for snooping. He handed the book to Felix. Felix hesitated. He handed the book back to Adrien.
"You can have it," Felix said.
"I can?" Adrien said.
"Yea," Felix said, "I... I don't need it anymore."
Adrien took the book. Felix ushered him out and started the tour.
Adrien trailed behind Felix as he explained the living area. If a student had any questions or complaints, Martha was available at the front desk. Martha was a magical interface that knew everything about the school and it's students. All the students and faculty ate together. The school was very big on the idea of community.
Behind the living area was a training area. The area was built to handle all types of magic. Felix continued showing Adrien all the places he could go. Adrien tried to absorb all the information. By the time they got back to the living area the sun was up. There was a crowd of students in front of the building. They were looking up and pointing. Adrien followed their eyes to a bag hanging from the lightning rod in front of the building.
As he got closer, Adrien saw Marinette climbing the pole. She got up a few feet up before falling. She took a few steps back then dashed to the pole. By the fourth attempt, her face was red. She took a deep breath then started climbing again.
Adrien found Nino in the crowd. Someone had put Marinette's art bag at the top of the pole.
"Chloe," Nino said, "there really isn't a mystery behind it." Adrien asked why Chloe would do something like that. Nino turned to Adrien. "Chloe just does things like that," Nino said, "she's always been like that."
"No, she hasn't," Adrien said. Chloe had always been a bit rough around the edges, but she wasn't this bad. "Or has she?"
Adrien spotted Chloe in the crowd. She was sitting on Sabrina's shoulders, filming the event. Adrien frowned.
"Can't we get it down with a spell?" Adrien said.
"We can't," Felix said, "that rod absorbs magic as well as lightning."
Adrien wasn't sure the point of something like that was at a magic school. The breakfast bell rung and the students started to clear out. Alya stopped Marinette from climbing and led her into the building. Nino followed, placing a hand on Marinette's shoulder. Felix started walking. Adrien examined the pole. Felix stopped.
"You aren't coming," Felix said.
"No," Adrien said, "I-"
"It wasn't a question," Felix said, "I'll save you a muffin."
Adrien rolled up his sleeves.
When Marinette arrived in the dining hall with Nino and Alya, Chloe was already sitting at the table. Marinette walked up to her.
"Oh look," Chloe said, "It's the little monkey, done climbing already?" She laughed. Marinette crossed her arms.
"Are you done?" Marinette said. "Chloe Bourgeois, I challenge you to a magic battle."
The dining hall went silent. Chloe stared at Marinette her mouth agape. She burst out laughing. Sabrina laughed, too. Marinette felt her face heating up.
"Do you really think you have a chance, Marinette?" Chloe said.
"Even if I don't," Marinette said, "I can't allow you to treat people like this."
Chloe rolled her eyes, but agreed to the battle.
After breakfast, they met on the training ground. Everyone in Marinette's grade level was there. Felix, the student council president, was there to oversee the match. Chloe and Marinette shook hands then went to their sides of the arena. Chloe smirked and flipped her hair. Marinette took a defensive stance. Felix announced the start of the battle.
Chloe shot lightning. Marinette jumped out of the way as she cast a reflection spell. The lightning bounced at Chloe. Chloe flashed out. She appeared in front of Marinette. Her kick sent Marinette tumbling back. Marinette caught herself. The ground softened under her. Marinette pulled up the ground encasing Chloe in rock and dirt.
Marinette was panting, she'd never managed to pull off elemental magic before. Marinette raised her palm, hardening the ground into rock as Chloe squirmed. Marinette fell to her knees.
The ground encasing Chloe cracked and shattered. Chloe's feet touched the ground. She rose her hand. The shattered rock floated around her. Marinette struggled to her feet. As she got her balance, Chloe waved forward. The chunks of rock flew at Marinette. Marinette put up a shield, but it shattered. Marinette fell down.
Chloe appeared in front of Marinette. A large lightning surrounded rock floated above Chloe. She slammed her hand down. The audience gasped and someone screamed. Marinette flinched. After a few moments, Marinette looked up. Felix was standing above her.
"That's enough," he said. The ground returned to it's original state.
Chloe glared before flipping her hair. She walked out. Sabrina followed after her.
Felix helped Marinette up. "Are you alright?" Felix said.
Marinette sighed. She was quiet for a moment before smiling. "I hurt all over and my pride took a huge hit," Marinette said, "but otherwise I'm fine."
"I recommend you go to the medical bay," Felix said.
Marinette nodded. She took a step forward and fell over. Her class crowded around her. Juleka placed Marinette's head in her lap. They were all asking if she was okay. Marinette laughed.
"I'm sorry," Marinette said, "I'm so weak." Her laughing turned to sobbing as tears ran down her face. "I just- I just..."
Alya grabbed Marinette's face. "Hey," Alya said, "you were awesome!" Marinette continued to sob. She didn't understand Alya calling her awesome when she'd lost so badly. "Yea, you didn't win, but you still stood up to Chloe."
Nino wiped Marinette's tears away.
"She's right," Nino said.
Marinette sat up and thanked them. Kim picked up Marinette and put her over his shoulder. He called everyone to cheer for Marinette and they did. Marinette started crying again, but they were tears of joy. They all cheered as they carried her to the medical bay.
Marinette thanked them all before they had to go to class. The nurse gave her a check up. Marinette had to spend the rest of the day resting. Marinette got comfortable before opening up the book of creation. Tikki flew out and congratulated her. Marinette laughed and thanked Tikki. Marinette had so much she wanted to ask Tikki about the book and the magic it possessed, but she was so tired. Marinette dozed off.
The nurse woke her up hours later. She gave Marinette another check-up before sending her back to the living area. Marinette watched the sunset as she walked back to the living area. After the day she had, all Marinette wanted to do was take a long hot shower. She'd probably skip dinner to do it. As she arrived at the building she noticed Adrien sitting on the steps. He was sleeping.
Marinette walked up to him. She crouched down and gave him a nudge.
"Hey, Adrien," Marinette said, "you'll get sick sleeping out here."
Adrien opened his eyes and looked up at her. A smile crossed his face. He'd been waiting for her. Marinette blushed. He'd been waiting for her? She laughed.
"Why?" Marinette said. Adrien held up her art bag. Marinette stared at it, then hugged Adrien. "Thank you, Adrien."
"I'm really sorry about the way Chloe treats you," Adrien said. "She's my only friend, but I don't want you to think I'm like her."
"I know you're not like Chloe," Marinette said. "But if you're really that worried I'll put a good word in for you."
"You'd do that," Adrien said.
"That's what friends are for," Marinette said.
Adrien thanked her. Marinette grabbed her bag, touching Adrien's hand in the process. Their eyes met for a moment. Marinette thanked him again before going inside. Her heartbeat quickened.