Hey, here´s Rotti :)
I thought I could try my best on a longer fanfiction which isn't finished yet, so I have no clue how long this will go. I know there are going to be mayor mistakes in the storyline when season two will finally air. So this baby takes place during/after Volpina, so it begins with the end of season one. I hope it´s not this unlikely but it´s a challenge for me to write something BIG. So... like always, don´t hesitate to let some reviews behind and report mayor crimes in spelling and grammar ;) Enjoy~
Have you ever heard of the Butterfly Effect? No? It says that the flapping of a butterflies wing in Brazil can cause a tornado in Texas. Or when you leave your house in the morning only one minute later than usual, you miss your bus. Because you miss the bus, you have to take the next, but this one gets stuck in traffic. Because of that you miss an interview and you don´t get the new job you applied for. Everything could have been avoided, you could have gotten the job if you had left your house only one single minute earlier.
Only small alterations in time and choice of action may change your whole future. But it does not have to be bad, right?
:
Paris was such a wonderful city. Especially during night-time. The cities lights got reflected by the silent waters, illuminating the river called Seine, whose arms and riverbanks snaked themselves through the streets, under bridges and cobblestone. Many things got lost in it´s depths during the centuries, lost for eternity as long as no one dug through it´s deepest mud.
That´s where Gabriel found an ancient book, many years ago, sealed in a conserved magical box. First the box looked like nothing, but his schooled eye saw the deep black ebony between the slimy ooze, signalling that it´s content might be equally valuable. His curiosity was fuelled, a treasure. Secrets and lost stories, hidden in a box, buried in the Seine.
„Monsieur Agreste, I fear that those fabrics are ruined beyond repair," Nathalie startled him out of his thoughts.
Hiding the mysterious box behind his back he turned cautiously to his assistant who observed the lightened riverbank. This afternoon, a ship with newly imported fabrics from India got rammed by a ship driven by a dope, so a few containers fell off the overladen deck. One of those containers belonged to Agreste Designs, his newly found company. That´s why Gabriel got called in the middle of the night and had to arrive on the scene to observe the damage.
Flashlights brightened the area around the riverbank so the salvage crew was able to work properly in the rivers depths to salvage the fallen containers and their content.
One of those workers had shown Gabriel his box, thinking it was a part of his container, but it obviously was not. Did this count as stealing? Hardly. He just... did not correct the bulky man and took the wooden treasure.
„That will throw us months behind the schedule... and the expenses..." she sighed and scribbled on her clipboard furiously.
Gabriel was beyond crushed at this immense damage, but he had thrown his tantrum when the message arrived. And now, the emptiness inside him got filled by curiosity.
„Nathalie," he sighed, turning to get to his car, „Can you take care of the rest? I am at home when you need something." No one would question his departure, this accident really was a crushing defeat and Gabriel did not want to deal with it´s aftermaths yet. The box was a good distraction and he needed one.
„Sure, Monsieur," her concern was audible, but he could not care less, his fabric was ruined and there was no way he could get them back. He would have to improvise, like he always did, but that would concern him in the morning.
Now, he just wanted to know what the box contained.
:
Twenty years later
:
Gabriel sighed, he just returned from the idiot called head designer who messed with his patterns. Good workers were so hard to find these days. Sighing he entered his bureau and turned to the enormous picture of his wife.
Maybe today was his chance.
Grabbing the frame he pulled. The picture swung back, revealing a hidden save and Gabriel quickly tipped in the pin, the day of his marriage, swung open the metallic door too and – saw it gone.
:
„Welcome Ladybug," the old man said.
Marinette knew she should panic because the man in the hawaiian floral shirt knew her secret identity, but he radiated a sense of calm and she knew that she could trust the old Asian. The great Guardian.
She remembered his kind nature when he had helped her healing Tikki a few months ago, and suddenly realized that he was more trustworthy than she probably was. If he guarded the Miraculous, what his title did indicate, he was the one who gave her Tikki.
Fastening her resolve, she pressed the precious book against her chest and stepped cautiously further into the room. She did not notice the door closing behind her, but startled when it fell into its lock.
"I was looking forward to have a proper conversation with you for quite some time," he told her in a gentle voice. "Please, Ladybug, sit down with me."
"Erm... sure"
The Guardian sat on the middle of a mattress which occupied the most space in the tiny room. Besides a little chest with an old record-player and a gong on top of another, the room was quite empty, the afternoon sun flooded through the tall windows, leaving everything in a golden glow.
Carefully, she sat down in front of him, placing the book in her lap.
Suddenly remembering why she came here, she fumbled clumsily with the cover and replaced it between them on the floor.
The mans smile and Tikkis presence calmed her enough so she was able to speak with Ladybugs confidence. "I think this belongs to you, sir."
"No, Ladybug, the book belongs to no one, but I appreciate your efforts in bringing it back to me," he chuckled.
She mulled over his answer, but was not exactly sure what to do next. Would it be rude to ask a few questions?
"I suppose you need a few answers," the man said, smile still gracing his lips. Could that man read her mind?! But he was the first one who offered her some logical advice, Tikkis more than often cryptic and hesitant suggestions did not help at all, so, better she used this chance to ask. But with what should she start? Why she? Who is Hawkmoth? Why are Miraculous described in the book and why of all people had Adrien had this book? They flooded her mind, arguing on who got answered first.
"Erm..." not certain what she wanted to know first, she blurted out the first one, that made any logical sense to ask to a stranger, "How are you?"
The Guardian laughed, even Tikki on her shoulder chuckled, when Marinette buried her face in her hands. That was totally not what she wanted to ask.
"Thank you Ladybug," the Guardian smiled at her, "Although the age is quite a hindrance, I´m feeling very fine right now."
Peeking through her fingers, she finally got time to order her thoughts, smiled and was able to form a more reasonable question.
Putting her hands down into her lap, she took a deep breath. What would be an appropriate order to put them? "Can you read this book?"
He hummed and stroked his beard, searching for an answer. "No, but I can decipher it. It´s contents are very precious and valuable. It will help you and Chat Noir to improve."
"Improve?"
"Yes," he nodded and explained further, "I, personally, never put my eye on its pages, but my mentor, many, many years ago, told me of the techniques and taught me to translate. It would need some time to get its full potential."
"So...," she tried to summarize, "it shows new techniques?"
"Yes, among immense knowledge. But it is important for each of you to learn together. You and Chat Noir are a unit, Ladybug."
A unit? Yes she had figured so much, she is creation and he is destruction. Ying and Yang. But she was not sure what that meant for both of them.
"But I think before we continue, he must be present. Will you call him over?" he asked and began to touch the book the first time, like it was something precious and he could not quite believe its presence in this room.
"Call him? I don´t have his number," she told him, more than confused.
"Yes, you have. But I assume you don´t know yet."
Yet?
Have?
What?
"Wait, I know Chat Noir as a civilian?!"
Again the man chuckled and nodded, finally taking the book from the middle. His fingers graced the golden embroidery and slipped them inside to reveal the first page.
"I told her not to tell anyone, Guardian," Tikki spoke up, the first time since they entered the room, "Including Chat Noir."
"Yes, I figured so much, Tikki. But don´t worry, you did the right. Ladybug often needs time to adjust."
Marinette had the feeling she should not interrupt, but the thought that she could have revealed a long time ago nagged at her. How often did Chat ask her to show? How often was she forced to neglect? Everything, because she needed ´time to adjust´? Adjust to what?
Chances had been so low that she knew Chats identity and even when they knew... that would not have changed anything. Chat was her partner and friend. It would have been much more easier to know, so why did she need ´time to adjust´?
"I see you are not happy?" The Guardian asked her.
"Yes. Why am I told not to tell him? Don´t get my wrong, I know that it would be dangerous and just... I don´t know, to tell Alya or my parents. But why did you chose to tell me I can´t tell Chat?" This time she addressed her kwami. "I told you that I want to show him, that I´m ready, months ago! All that prevented me from doing so was that damn rule!"
"It´s a bit more complicated than that, Marinette," Tikki told her in a tender voice and settled in her lap.
"Complicated how?"
"His civilian. He´s...," she tried but failed to find the right words.
"Different?" offered the Guardian with a sly smile, stroking his beard and Tikki nodded eagerly along. "I better call him myself, it´s going to be fun to watch you two," he chuckled and placed the book at his side, scrambling to his feet, he exited the room.
"Fun?" Marinette asked suddenly uncertain of her decision to visit the old man. And then the content of the conversation finally dropped into her conscience and the panic rose. Not only is she going to see who is under Chat Noirs mask in a few minutes, she will also know the person underneath. And it was one of the few persons in her contact list.
Nervous, she pulled out her mobile and tipped the icon with her contacts. Mom, no, Dad, no. That was quite obvious. The next was Adrien and the photoshopped picture from Alya flashed in her mind, but she dismissed the thought. Alix, no, Alya, no, Madame Chamack, no, Chloe, why did she even have her number? Ivan, no, Juleka, no, Kim, hopefully not and neither Max. Mylene, no, Nino, no, Nathaniel, no, Rose, no, Sabrina, no, no, no.
"Have you figured?" Tikki asked hesitantly when Marinette finally put the device down.
"No," she sighed and placed it back into her purse, "Most of them are girls and I doubt that Chat is a girl. The most of them have the wrong shape or are too old or to young. The only one who has similar build is..." There she hesitated. The only one of her contacts who fit was Adrien. But there was no way, that Adrien...
At this moment something outside crashed and she shot up, taking a defensive pose. "Tikki-"
"I'm here and I'm so sorry!" That was the voice of her partner booming from the floor.
Instantly relaxing, she let herself fall back onto the floor, pinching the bridge of her nose. Surely would Chat Noir be so eager to get here. He obviously had transformed the second, the call ended and dashed towards the massage parlour, at the mere mention of her. Adding the fact that he´s going to learn her identity, he probably defeated any science in his rush to get here.
She listened to the voices outside and settled back to her original position. Tension began to creep through her veins and she fidgeted with her hands in her lap.
"Don´t worry, Marinette, it´s going to be all right. He´s going to like you!" Tikki chimed in and Marinette cupped her small floating body in both hands. She wanted to answer, but the voices grew closer, until they halted in front of the thin door, separating the room from the floor. She intently listened, trying to decipher why they stopped.
"I'm going to wait in the front, don´t worry, Chat Noir, " she heard the voice of the guardian and then someone went back again. Nothing happened for a few seconds, the blood was so loud in her ears, she nearly missed the insecure call of her name.
"MyLady?"
"Minou?" she answered, facing the old record player on its chest. She did not dare to turn and face the door.
"Can I come in?" came the hesitant question from outside. Hell, why was Chat so nervous right now? She should be the one freaking out! So why did he not pun and flirt like always, maybe tease her, just... anything to release the obvious tension.
"Sure," she whispered, but repeated a bit louder, so he was able to hear too, "Yes, Chat, don´t be such a scaredy cat." Where came that bravery from?
She wanted to mull over the situation a bit longer, but suddenly she heard the click and the light whoosh of the old papery door and she tensed again. Her back still the only visible thing for the boy the doorframe, so everything Chat was still able to see was the back of her head, her pigtails, the grey jacked, maybe her pink trousers and slippers.
"You wear pigtails," he commented with a chuckle and she began to smile too. Sure, that was the first he would recognize.
The light weight of Tikki in her palms grounded her, so taking a last deep breath, she began to slowly turn around and braced herself for the worst.
The first thing that startled her was the lack of black leather. Sure, she knew, that he would not be transformed, but it was weird nonetheless, seeing him without it. Then she saw the blond mop, neatly combed, and recognized his piercing green eyes.
His sharp intake of breath threw her out of her reverie and she finally saw his whole.
There stood Adrien Agreste.
"Marinette?"
His voice was soft, barely a whisper among the rushing of blood in her ears. Adrien indeed was Chat Noir. Now, she knew, what Tikki meant when Tikki said it was difficult, that he was... different. Chat was outgoing, flirtatious, he joked day and night and Adrien was... not. She somehow had the feeling that...
"I don´t know you", Adrien voiced her thoughts and hurt flashed through his eyes. And she felt that her expression mirrored his, he was right. She did not know her partner, her crush. So... who was the real Adrien? The silent, kind, awkward boy in front of her in class, or the punny and flirtatious boy in black leather? She had thought she knew him, but now... she felt empty. What was the worth of her crush when she, after all her efforts with his schedule, his posters, her stalking, she did not realize that he was... not. She was just at a loss of words.
"Maybe... we can discuss this later," she suggested and turned back again. Glancing at the book, still lying in front of her, she felt a light pang of guilt. The somehow stole this book from him and he's going to realize that she not only betrayed his expectation, but also his trust.
"I'm... going to get the Guardian," Adrien murmured and she heard the disappointment and his fading steps.
"Marinette?" Tikkis voice was full of concern and Marinette sighed deeply.
"I failed him Tikki," she whispered and suppressed the tears that threatened to spill. "I have no clue who he is, and I saw his disappointment. I don´t know how to fix this."
"Time will tell, Marinette," she tried to comfort her by snuggling deeper into her palm, but it had not the same effect like it usually had.
She took another calming deep breath when she heard someone approaching. Soon, the Guardian came back into view and she felt Adrien take his place at her right side. Neither too far away and not too close. It was somehow nice, but according to those circumstances, it felt weird.
"My book!" he suddenly exclaimed and Marinette stiffened, "I have searched for it, where did you find that?"
She risked a glance to Adrien and found only mild curiosity in them. "Lila threw it into a trashbin," she explained, "Tikki told me to get it."
"The better question is," the Guardian fell into their conversation, "where did you find it? I thought it lost."
Now it was Adriens turn to fidget. He somehow paled and rubbed his neck with his hand in a nervous manner. Avoiding their eyes, he began: "I saw my father put it into a hidden safe. I got curious and Plagg helped me to open it. I suppose I was right in taking it with me?"
"Your father?" Marinette asked curiously. "What does your father want with a book about Miraculous´?"
Adrien only shrugged and shifted back to the guardian. "What does it say? I was not able to read it." The next half hour, the guardian explained some of it´s content, showing them the pictures to straighten his instructions. Mostly there were other Miraculous, like the one Volpina had used earlier and many more. But he only skipped over them, the most important for the two were their own.
He explained that they had to train, had to strengthen their bond to get to their full potential. At this, Marinette and Adrien always exchanged a glance, that told her that he felt the same unease and pressure at the mention of them working closer.
It was not that her crush on him vanished the second she found out him being Chat Noir, her stomach always filled with butterflies when they locked gazes and her skin burned where they accidentally touched, but... it was complicated. She wanted her easy relationship with Chat back and wanted to swoon about Adrien sitting right next to her, but she could not find any urge to do so. She had the feeling, he somehow betrayed her, but in the same time, she did nothing better.
"MyLady?" he interrupted her thoughts for the upteenth time
"Hm?"
The guardian sighed and closed the book he held in front of them. "I suppose it´s not the right time to discuss serious matters. You better head home now, it´s already late, we can finish this another time."
"I'm sorry," Marinette apologizes and bowed her head.
"Don´t be, Ladybug. It was much to take in. Maybe you´ll come back Sunday morning? We can also begin your first lesson then," he suggested with a smirk.
This got the attention of both of them. They exchanged another quick glance, this time full of curiosity, until they settled back to the Guardian.
"Our first lesson?" Adrien asked, a grin broke his face in two. Marinette giggled and could not resist to smile alongside her partner. They are going to be trained. At first they had to learn everything on their own and now they would learn from an elder, someone who knew more about Miraculous than Tikki and probably Plagg too wanted to admit. That were exciting news!
"Yes, Chat Noir, your first lesson. But don´t get too excited, you´re going to be exhausted in more than one way," he chuckled and stood up, taking the book with him.
There were a few seconds of silence where Marinettes mind drifted off, imagining some weird training sessions with mannequins, similar to karate kid. But Adrien broke through the blanket.
"Erm...," he began, this time, more uncomfortable than before. "Great Guardian? May I ask to get the book back? I´m going to be in trouble when my father notices it missing."
The old man turned to him with a sad expression and Marinette knew, that he´s going to deny so the put her arm on his bare forearm to offer some comfort. He first eyed the foreign hand on his arms, switched to Marinettes sad expression and wandered back to the man with the book.
"I fear not, Chat Noir. This book can be very dangerous in the wrong hands and I can´t let it get lost a second time."
"It wouldn't be lost! It would be hidden in a high security safe in a mansion no one is even-"
"Enough," he interrupted him, not loosing his calming voice, but it was clear that he would not discuss it any further. "it is important that the book stays here, magically hidden away like the other Miraculous´. Do not question this."
Adrien sighed in defeat and slumped next to her.
"I think it´s better if we leave now," Marinette suggested once more and stood up, offering Adrien a helping hand and a small smile. He regarded her for a few painful minutes and flashed her a fraction of smile back before taking her hand and hoisting himself up. Maybe everything is going to turn all right.
They bid goodbye to the Guardian and stepped out of the small shop. Marinette realized that the sun had completely vanished by now and the cold nightly air greeted them, sending shivers over her limps. It gets colder every day, the winter is coming.
Without a word they turned and headed home, walking next to the other. She expected that the silence between them would be tense, but what stretched between was more than uncomfortable.
And that gave her not quite a chance to order her confused mind. She still had many questions, now more than ever, but she would have the chance to ask them. As soon as she was able to think on her own. Adding the fact that Adrien Agreste was her partner and they had to work closer to defeat Hawkmoth, to evolve – it put her into a tricky situation. She desperately felt the urge to swing through the streets, it always helped to clear her mind.
Adrien was equally lost in his own thoughts, still trying to comprehend the events of the day.
But some when he groaned and buried his face in his hands before messing with his hair, tugging at his strands. "Father´s going to kill me when he finds out that I took the book," he murmured.
Without thinking, she tried to offer some comfort. "Maybe he´s not going to suspect you?" she shrugged, a bit relieved that the silence was somehow filled.
"No," he sighed once more, "Nathalie and the Gorilla saw me standing in front of the picture, the safe is hidden behind. And I'm sure he has some surveillance installed. I'm so dumb. Just my luck."
Silence fell again between the two and she felt him fidget next to her the closer they got to their neighbourhood. It did nothing to ease her troubled mind. But he visibly needed some distraction too and she herself needed to order her thoughts. So what would be better than a good time on Paris´ roofs?
"I don´t know about you, but I could need some Ladybug-time. How about a patrol?" she suggested with a shrug and he spun his head towards her. His eyes widened and a small smile let his lips quirk upwards.
"That´s the best idea you ever had, Marinette," he smiled, "As long as Plagg doesn't complain. That reminds me," he lifted one side of his white shirt and peeked a look into it, "You were disturbingly quiet today."
Curiously Marinette stepped closer to take a better look at the black blobb, appearing in Adriens shirt. It had the shape of a black cat with whiskers, a tail and bright green eyes. It was quite cute.
Yawning he stretched and eyed Marinette. "I took a nap, I don´t care what the old fraud had to tell you."
"He´s cute," Marinette exclaimed, ignoring his comment and flashed him a smile.
But Adrien frowned. "Yeah, I thought so too when I first met him. But then he opened his mouth, exclaimed his love for Camembert and showed how useless he really is."
Marinette giggled and stretched her hand towards him, lightly petting his head. Plagg seemed to be the exact opposite of her own caring and sweet kwami. "It´s nice to meet you, Plagg." The little kwami only closed his eyes and leaned into the touch.
Peeking one eye open, he eventually chose to comment: "I'm not sure if I like you."
Adrien sighed and grabbed the kwami out if his pocket. "I'm sorry, Marinette, he´s always either rude, hungry or useless." Marinette giggled and realized with a start the closeness. With a light blush, she stepped back and took her purse from her hip. Opening the clip, she smiled at her own kwami who nibbled on a leftover cookie.
"That is Tikki. My kwami," she introduced and tilted the bag so he could have a better look. Adrien smiled and waved at the little bug inside.
"It´s nice to finally meet you in person, Adrien!" Tikki chimed and glanced back at Marinette, "You wanted to transform?"
"When you don´t mind," Marinette smiled when the little kwami nodded.
"Wow, Tikki, you´re so much nicer. And I assume you like cookies? Mari, you really have the better luck," Adrien groaned and buried his face in his hands. Again Marinette giggled and turned towards a dark alleyway so they were able to transform in a more private area. Even if that meant a smelly dumpster.
Adrien followed her and they transformed. First Marinette was nervous and seeing her crush transform into Chat Noir was more than weird, but it somehow made the realization that they were one and the same worse. The crippling energy of their joined transformation left something and she knew that Adrien, Chat felt the same. She just could not quite point what it was.
And jumping over the streets and buildings definitely helped not. They eventually fell into an old routine, combing through their old patterns, they even raced the other, like nothing ever happened. It was somehow nice, the fresh air cleared her mind a bit, the feeling like flying left her calmer and secure. She decided that they had to talk and because she did not feel tired yet and there was still this... something. So she suggested to take a rest at the Eiffeltower.
:
The book is gone.
He had combed through the whole bureau, turned dressers upside town, ripped pictures from the wall, mannequins and papers lay strewn across the floor and the man himself was a total mess by now. He heavily leaned against Nathalies desk, trying to calm his breath. Where did it go?
He let his eyes wander around the messy room once more and his gaze fell to the security system. Acting calm, concealing his inner turmoil, he stepped over onto the glass platform and let the technique scan his fingerprints. After gaining access, he tipped through the menu and reached the section with the surveillance cameras.
He had seen the book this afternoon, so someone took it between then and two hours ago. That left a time limit of four hours. Someone took it during those four hours.
Winding back to 4 p.m. He watched himself talking on the phone with one of his head designers. The book lay open on the table, the page with Ladybug visible. Remembering that he had to leave shortly after, he watched further, his past self closed the book and placed it securely back into the safe. Closing the door and the frame he ended the call and left the room. Gabriel mulled if he should wind forward, until something happened, but suddenly, a blonde head came into view.
He took in a sharp breath when he recognized the back of his own son. Gripping the edges of the station tighter, he watched how his son gazed up at the golden picture. His heartbeat went overdrive when Adrien looked around and grabbed the edge of the frame, revealing the ´hidden´ safe. He vaguely saw a black blobb vanishing into its metal and the safe swung magically open. Suddenly the book flew from its shelf and Adrien opened its cover.
Gabriel had to close his eyes for a second. Ripping his glasses from the bridge of his nose, he ran a hand over his face. He barely opened one eye behind his fingers and watched the yellow, smeared blobb on the screen that was his son, closing the frame and stuffing the book into his duffel.
He could not take it anymore, so he quickly closed the frame on the display and leaned heavily against the console.
Adrien.
His own son.
He waited a few minutes until he had somehow calmed down, his hands still shook because of rage and betrayal, but it was necessary that he talked to him. Now.
He placed his glasses back onto his nose and went with his hands through his hair, combing it somehow into it´s usual form. Gabriel inhaled one last time, after stepping out of the room and climbing up the stairs towards his sons room.
He knocked firmly against the door, but when nobody answered, he stepped in – to find it empty.
Yaay, a bit of Angst, and surely not quite what you had expected. Hell, it´s even not what I had expected when I began this, but... it just fit and I let myself get carried away.
In my opinion, Marinette isn't so full of insecurities. After Lady Wifi, she told Tikki that she wanted to show Chat, but she let it fall because Tikki had told her not to tell anyone. So why should she be scared that Chat didn't like Marinette, when she really wanted to show him? It just doesn't make sense.
And I wanted to try something different with acting them disappointed, I think it is unlikely that they fall into each others arms, kissing and so on, after they just learned that the person they craved for is not the one you expected. Sooo... I tried this, hope you don´t mind. Don´t be scared, everything is going to be all right in the end ;)
I don´t know when I´ll be able to update the story, I'm still pretty busy and it really doesn't help that I'm avoiding my work with fanfictions. But I definitely won´t let the story fall, I´m really proud of the idea and the turn this is going to take, so stay tuned ;)
P.S.: I might need a new Beta, if you´re interested in looking over my stories before I publish them, PM me :)
