Author's Note: I hadn't actually expected the warm reception I got, but I decided to take people up on their requests to do more with this premise. I apologize if this doesn't quite have the revelations you're hoping for yet, but rest assured that they will come next time. My goal here was to get more into Adrien's head a bit, as I found Marinette easier to write for. Until next time, I hope you enjoy.

There had been plenty of times where Adrien wished he had a normal life, but today was truly testing his resolve. An Akuma attack caused by Ladybug herself was enough on its own, but the revelation that his father was researching the Miraculous and the loss of his book was nearly enough to give him a heart attack. If his father found out that he was Cat Noir, there was no way he'd ever be able to leave the house again. The book needed to be found, and without delay.

So when Nathalie came to tell him that there was a masseuse who was very insistent that Adrien had a house appointment for his services, he was surprised, confused, and a little annoyed. But he didn't want anyone (else) making a scene today, so he came to the door to meet the man. He opened it, hoping that it wouldn't take long to persuade the man to leave.

Upon seeing the masseuse he felt a strange sense of familiarity. He couldn't place it, but something in the back of his mind told him he had seen this man before. "Hello there . . ." he said uncertainly.

"Ah, Master Adrien. It is good to see you. Are you ready?"

Adrien wasn't exactly sure why, but something about this man compelled him to listen. His smooth, quiet voice and kind yet experienced eyes somehow seemed to comfort the young boy. It wasn't logical, rational, reasonable. It was an instinctual reaction that told him he needed to speak with this man, even if he had no idea what they were going to talk about.

"Sure," Adrien found himself saying. "Come on in."

Adrien led the man to his room, his hairs standing on end. The rational part of his brain told him he should be suspicious, but his gut said that he needed to speak with this man. They entered the chamber (he still couldn't believe his bedroom was big enough to be called a chamber), and the man closed the door.

The man let out a soft sigh and then turned to Adrien and said "Thank you for allowing me this visit, Cat Noir."

Adrien's brain exploded. He'd been so careful, there was no way anyone could have found out who he was. The young boy stepped back and adopted a defensive posture. "Alright, no more games." he said. "Who are you, and how do you know I'm Cat Noir?"

"I've known all along who you and Ladybug are." The man said. "After all, it was I who gave you your Miraculous."

That made Adrien pause. If what this man claimed was true, then perhaps he could finally learn more about his powers. And about a certain red-and-black clad superheroine...

"Alright. I'll give you a chance to talk. But if you do anything to threaten my father or Ladybug, I will stop you."

The man gave him a knowing smile. "I'd expect nothing less. Your drive to protect others is the reason I chose you to wield the Cat Miraculous." He then moved to the chair at Adrien's computer and sat down. "But I'm getting ahead of myself. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Master Fu, Guardian of the Miraculous. For over a hundred years I have chosen champions like yourself and Ladybug to protect the world from harm. Now the time has come for you and Ladybug to learn the secrets of the Miraculous, and of our history."

Adrien pondered what he had heard. If this Master Fu was telling the truth, then he might have some answers on why his father was researching the Miraculous, and just what his interest in them was. He might even be able to keep Hawk Moth from finding out about his father's work. Despite that, he was still uncertain about the man.

"You guard yourself very carefully." Fu noted. "I understand your hesitation to trust me. Allow me to prove myself." Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a wedge of extremely pungent cheese.

As if on cue, Plagg darted out. "Camembert!" the little kwami cried out. "Come to Plaggy!"

Adrien couldn't help letting out a small chuckle. Only a friend of Plagg's would know how much the little guy adored his cheese. "Alright," the young hero said. "I'll trust you. So what is it you wanted to tell me?"

"There's much for all of us to tell each other." Fu answered. "For too long I relied on secrecy and shadows. Now you and Ladybug must know what I know, and I, in turn, require your knowledge. Come." He motioned towards the window. "The time has come for you and Ladybug to meet without your masks. We have much to do."