Marinette gripped her purse strap tightly as she hurried down the street, sparing wild looks around her, conscious of the risks that come at night, especially in a neighborhood she didn't know, and one that was wore down and forgotten like this.
Marinette doubted anything would happen, but nothing was certain in life.
And Marinette didn't want to risk anything.
Just the mere thought pushed her to hurry, eager to get to the safety of her home. A home that was a bit aways away.
She was going to be ok, she told herself.
Nothing was going to happe—
She jumped when she heard a sound above.
A gleeful shout rang through the air, one that made her jerk and looked around wildly, trying to locate the chortle that followed it.
"WHOOOOOOOOO!"
She saw something move above her, spinning in a fancy flourish, and met a flash flicker of green eyes looking down.
The figure came to a sudden stop on one of the roofs, stumbling a bit, then drawing near, green eyes looking down at her, wide-eyed and surprised.
She gaped back, equally surprised.
It was that cat.
What was he doing here?
By looks of it, he looked surprised to be here too, sparing a fast glance around his surroundings.
Marinette fiddled with her strap, unsure what to do with him here.
Call out a hello?
Or would that end up scaring him away?
She can just remember the horror on his face as he took in her scratched arms.
Right now, as he looked down warily towards, he looked like he was contemplating fleeing.
Marinette moved to call out to him, only he moved faster.
She watched as he jumped high into the air, doing a barrel roll and landing in a crouch near her.
He sat in a crouch, peering at her with big, wide eyes. His smile so shaky, he looked like he was trying to keep it up.
Marinette stared back, equally surprised.
He offered her a shy, awkward smile. "Hi," he greeted.
She returned it, offering him a wave, only to wince when her wrist stung, protesting the movement. "Hello."
The two stood awkwardly for a moment, eyeing the other, a bit unsure what to make of the other. Scrambling for a conversation, she said, "I'm glad you're ok…" She winced apologetically as his gaze slid down to her arms.
Quietly, he murmured, "Certainly better than you…"
"I'm ok," she reassured, "they're just scratches and you were scared and…"
He just gave a shy nod, reaching back and rubbing the back of his neck.
He looked so torn up, so sad, so unsure.
It had her slumping, her heart going out to the fretting cat.
It didn't feel right to see him so glum, so upset over something she didn't blame him for. He was scared.
Straightening her shoulders, resolute, she drew near, jerking his attention to her. She crouched down, offering her hand to him. "Hi, I'm Marinette."
He blinked at the offered hand, then carefully reached his claws back, only to stop, sparing a wary glance to his claws.
Marinette made the first move, intertwining their fingers.
Meeting his green eyes, she asked, "So what's your name Chaton?"
He snorted, his tail giving an amused swish. "Do I look like a kitten to you?"
"Yes. Yes, you do," she said.
He shoots her a playful frown, then stood, pulling her up after him. "Chat Noir," he corrected.
With a grin, she said, "Nice to meet you, Chaton Noir."
She laughed when he shot her a pout.
Then his gaze slid down to her arms once again, asking, "Are you ok? Really ok?"
She looked down at her bound up hands, reassuring, "Yeah, they're just scratches. They'll fade away soon enough."
"I am sorry."
"It's ok," she insisted, sparing a wary glance towards the towering buildings. "Is, is Red about too?"
He blinked. "Red?"
"The uh, Ladybug-"
"Harlequin," he growled the name, looking away with a huff, his ears going flat on his head. He shook his head. "Not about. At least, I haven't seen…"
"Glad to hear that," she murmured.
He nodded in agreement, looking around with her as if searching for Harlequin. Then it clicked in his head that this was a bit rougher side of Paris.
He shouldn't be here, and yet it seemed he raced here, drunk from joy.
And she shouldn't be here too.
Turning to her with a frown, he crossed his arms as Marinette gave him a curious blink. He asked, "What are you doing out here? At night? Alone?"
She stiffened, her smile turning a bit grim. "Heading home," she said.
Chat narrowed his eyes, humming at that.
He drew near, leaning into her space. "How far is home...?"
She opens her mouth to reassure that it's not far, only to close it as she grimly noted that home would be roughly two hours away.
She was going to be in so much trouble…
Catching on that she was likely far, he offered, jabbing his thumb back in a random direction, "I can take you home."
Marinette stared at him. "You can?" she uttered in surprise.
"Yes!" Unable to help himself, he eagerly bragged, "I can get you back in no time!"
"...How?"
He puffed out his chest, claws set to his hips. "I'm a strong cat."
She looked the hero up and down, taking in his slim, skinny form, and his noodle arms. Was he strong?
Well, maybe.
He can jump pretty high, and she did see him move pretty quickly.
But… could he really take her weight?
Catching onto her skepticism, he gave her an offended gasp. "Doubting me Princess? Meowch."
She gave him a flat look. "Did, did you just-"
"Would you give this knight a chivalrous chance? See you home safe?" Make up for what he did. The least he could do.
Marinette looked him over, considering him.
Chat stood tensely for a few seconds, waiting for her answer.
Finally, she said, "I live near Notre Dame." Shyly she clasped hands together, a flutter going through her.
He beamed.
Drawing near, Chat crouched down, bearing his back to her. Looking over his shoulder, he called, "Climb on Princess! I assure you, I don't bite."
She slowly came over and awkwardly climbed on, feeling a firm warm back press at her stomach, her thighs rest on both side. She squeaked when he stood up, catching her legs and supporting her, not minding how she gripped his shoulders, her head pressed close to his.
"I got you," he reassured.
She gave a nervous nod.
Bouncing on his heels, Chat raced down the street, surprising her with his speed and how easily he carried her. She squealed when he jumped up, easily scaling up the building and to the roof, not minding Marinette tightening her grip on him and pressing her face to his shoulder.
He stopped on the roof, looking around for Harlequin one last time, just to be sure, before rushing off towards Notre Dame, locked on getting this little lady home.
The whole race there, Marinette held tight to the hero as he moved, feeling his body curve and shift beneath her as he ran and jumped. Sometimes for big gaps between buildings, Marinette could swear that when he jumped over, they flying over the Parisian streets.
As thrilling as it was, she still couldn't help but tighten her grip on him each time they moved and jumped, unused to this rush, this way of travel.
"How you doing back there?" Chat called out, Notre Dame in sight.
"Ok!" she reassured, looking down, watching the Seine run alongside them. "It just takes some getting used too."
He laughed at that. "I love this way of travel!"
Still, to make it easier, when they reached Notre Dame, he dropped steadily before the grand cathedral. As soon as they were solid and set on the ground, Marinette's legs dropped from his side and hit the ground with a clumsy plop, and wobbled underneath her. Till her legs were steady, she kept her arms around Chat's shoulders, blinking as she came down from the rush.
Chat stood patiently while waiting for her to recover, turning to flash her a grin. "You did very well for a first timer, especially with no powers."
"Oh good," Marinette responded, feeling steady enough to back away, allowing Chat to turn and face her, the cat eyeing her windblown hair. She gave him a frown when he snickered. "What?"
With a very cat-like smirk, he just said, "Nothing."
She narrowed her eyes at him for a moment, before deciding to simply set it go. Clasping her hands together, she said, "Thanks, for bringing me home."
"Anytime," he promised. "You can count on me to come save the day." He gave her a flirtatious wink.
Surprised, she commented with slightly pink cheeks, "Confident much?"
He set a claw on his chest, stating, "Well, I am the coolest cat around."
"Sure, sure."
"I'm so clawsome, I even awe myself."
"Ok Chat."
He just grinned, like a smug kitten who got the cream. Only his smile dropped as he spared a lingering glance towards her wrapped up arms. He voiced, "You take care, ok? If you need anything, any help at all, don't be afraid to ask."
"Don't worry," she said, "if I need you, I'll make a cat signal and shine up in the evening sky."
He laughed. "My own cat signal! That sounds meowvelous!"
He surprised her when he took her hand and pressed a chaste kiss on the knuckles. "Till our paths cross again, Princess," he bid, then turned and darted away, easily disappearing into the night.
Marinette peered after him, even when she couldn't see him anymore, caught up in her curiosity.
Chat Noir.
He was... interesting.
With a hum, she stretched out then wandered home, purse bouncing off her hip. Inside she met her parents' curious questions with reassurance, wound up losing time and just caught up drawing.
As she slipped up into her room, the day caught up to her, her body slumping with exhaustion. Going to her desk, she set her purse down, opening it up and taking out the now still, dormant brooch.
It was still dark and plain in her hand. No spark of life to it. No more butterflies. Just a plain jewel.
It was so that for a moment, she wondered if she possible daydreamed the butterflies guiding her to it.
But, they did.
How else can she explain her finding this brooch?
Her encounter with Chat Noir?
The butterflies happened.
There was more to this brooch than meets the eye.
But as she tiredly moved it about, looking it over, nothing popped out.
No more spark of life.
No more flicker.
With a considerate pause, she clicked the brooch open once more, eyeing the image of a smiling woman once more.
"Who are you?" she wondered aloud.
Of course, there was no answer.
A brooch cannot talk or respond, at least verbally, though it did seem alive enough when she came for it.
She closed up the cap and eyed the dark cover.
When it still didn't' respond, she set it down, and went to bed, taking over off her blazer and shoes, too tired to change into anything else. She crawled and wriggled her way under the pink sheets, wincing when she put weight on her sore wrist. Plopping down with a sigh, Marinette laid still on her pink pillow, staring out at the adjacent wall, her mind in a foggy whirl.
After what seemed like hours, her heavy eyes fell closed, and she was out and asleep.
Down below on her desk, the brooch flickered with a forceful flare.
In a soft glow, an ivory butterfly rose out, stumbling slightly from where it stood on the brooch. After a moment of rest, it fluttered up, drifting around the room.
Adrien stood at his desk, twitchy with giddiness, looking over everything, making sure he had everything. He was going to his first day of school tomorrow.
Actually going!
Evidently his parents, his mother at least, was considering it enough to get much of the paperwork done beforehand. Now his father finished that paperwork, and Adrien was going to go to school tomorrow and he was so excited he wasn't sure he could even sleep tonight and he wanted to make sure he had everything ready now that he had a rush around Paris to get rid of most of that energy and-
"I gotta say," Plagg voiced, floating near, looking over the display of school stuff Adrien laid out over a desk, making sure he had everything, "you're probably the first kid I ever had that's excited to go school."
"Well, I always wanted to go to school," Adrien told the little god.
"You never went?"
"Never," Adrien confirmed, "Mama and Father always said it was too dangerous. So I never went to school, never made any friends, well, besides Chloe but we don't talk too often. I only met her because Mama was friends with the mayor."
But surely he'll make more now that he's going to school!
Lots more!
Speaking of which, he already made a friend, hadn't he?
Excited and hopeful, he asked Plagg, "Think Marinette goes to Francoise Dupont?"
"You're little girlfriend?"
Adrien quickly corrected with a slight blush, "She's not my girlfriend!" He fondly corrected, "She's my first friend."
"Sure, sure," Plagg scoffed, rolling his eyes at his chosen.
"Anyway! Francoise Dupont is super close to Notre Dame and she lives near Notre Dame so you think she goes there?" Adrien asked.
"Dunno," Plagg said. "I suppose you'll see tomorrow."
Adrien gave his kwami a pout, and turned back to the desk, checking it over for the fifth time to make sure he had everything.
All school books for class.
His bag, which was big enough for Plagg and some tins of Camembert.
His schedule which he made sure to memorize.
His cell was charged up and ready for tomorrow.
Speaking of which, Adrien considered texting Chloe, let her know the good news. He knows she goes to Francoise Dupont.
She would be delighted that he was finally joining her to school.
He decided not too. It'd be a pleasant surprise for her when he arrived.
His thoughts drifted to Marinette, her bright blue eyes gleaming with amusement at his puns delight her scoffs. Her confident declaration to make a making him a cat signal. Just the memory brought an amused smile to his lips.
He really, truly hopes she'll be at Francoise Dupont.
She was a joy to be around, he felt alive and welcomed at her side. He'd also be lying if he said he didn't want to make it up to her for scratching her, even if she said it was ok and she doesn't hold it against him.
He hoped it will be so.
He gave a start when his cell chimed.
He was even more surprised to see a text from his father.
'Adrien. Go to bed.'
He smiled despite the order, heart fluttering in delight.
Things were looking up.
Adrien felt good about this.
Things were going to right henceforth.
There was a tickle on her nose. A light, fluttering touch. Marinette wrinkled and rolled her nose, relaxing when it went away. Only for it to come back, tapping her nose once more. Making a displeased sound, she rolled away from that touch, sighing as she was left alone in peace once more.
Then that light touch came and danced upon her brow.
With a growl, she moved to swat it away.
It was back seconds later.
She snapped up, huffing, "What?!"
She blinked sleepily at the white butterfly floated before her, settling down on her knee. It gave her a cheery wave.
Marinette stared at it, long and hard.
The butterfly went still, unsure, peering at her with curious dark eyes.
Finally Marinette murmured, "It wasn't a dream."
The butterfly's wings gave a chirpy flap.
With a tired sound, Marinette flopped back down, smearing her hands over her face, groaning out as she tried to wake.
Butterfly brooch.
She had a mysterious butterfly brooch in her room.
Had a magical ability to make butterflies.
What does one do with that?
There was a playful tap at her hand and she parted them to peer at the butterfly dancing over her. With her gaze on it, it darted away. She sat up enough to watch it zip down to the lower section of her room.
Thinking it was leaving her alone now, she rolled to her side to fall back asleep, only it came zipping back, tickling her cheek this time as it tried to wake her up, making her utter loud sounds of protest.
She did give a start when she heard her mother call, "Marinette! You're going to be late for school!"
She jerked up, surprising the butterfly.
It scrambled out of the way as Marinette scrambled out of bed and hurried downstairs to get ready and grab a quick breakfast.
The butterfly settled on the railing, slumping slightly.
Then it perked up when Marinette rushed back in, heading for her closest for a fresh garb of clothes, a croissant hanging from her mouth.
The butterfly dove at her, darting around her, making her pause at its insistence. She stared at it when it went to her desk, landing on the dark jewel and tapping it, pleading and persistent. She went towards it, taking her croissant in one hand as she chewed up the bite in her mouth. With her other hand, she picked up the brooch, considering it. The butterfly peered up at her with hopeful dark eyes.
Swallowing, she looked between the butterfly and the brooch. She moved to say something to it, only to jerk when her mother called, "Marinette."
She set the brooch down, insisting, "Later!" and zipped out of the room, barely remembering to grab her school bag.
The butterfly sat still on the desk, then faded away as it drooped.
Chloe hummed happily as she looked over herself in her handheld mirror, tilting her head about to admire the dark earrings she wore. She adored them so much. They were utterly perfect. The greatest-
Chloe paused when there was unfamiliar movement in her peripheral vision.
A strange mix of a color of red and charcoal.
She looked up at what had to be the new student that was coming here.
A girl Chloe didn't care to catch the name of.
A girl Chloe won't bother with, so long as she stayed out of her way.
Though, Chloe was finding herself annoyed with how the girl just stood still, looking over the room.
Chloe called out, "You're quite an eyesore, aren't you?"
The girl turned to Chloe, flashed her a smile, then went to the back of the room, choosing to sit next to Nathanael.
Out of sight, and out of mind.
That was one annoyance out of the way.
For now, she'll definitely have to meet with that girl later to make it clear who ruled this school, but first…
Chloe popped out some gum, happily popping it in and giving it a quick chew.
Then getting up, she went over to Marinette's seat and stuck the damp piece on the smooth wood, ignoring the disapproving stares that were set on her.
She had only a moment to enjoy the satisfying feeling before there was a surprise cry. "CHLOE!"
She turned, gasping when she saw Adrien at the bottom of the room, gaping at her horror.
"Adrihoney!" she cried in delight.
He didn't return the happy greeting. He rushed up to her, demanding, "What are you doing?!" He crouched down, trying to remove the gum.
Pouting, unhappy that this reunion wasn't going as she wanted, she said, "Just a prank Adrien."
He gave her a frown, then moved to get rid of the gum as best he could.
Frowning down at him, she asked, "What are you even doing here?"
He mumbled something back, too locked on removing the gum to really respond.
Before Chloe could push to ask again, a growl sounded out.
"What are you doing?!"
Adrien jerked up, Chloe looking over his head to see Marinette has finally arrived, a gaping Alya standing behind her, and a curious and unsure Nino.
And Marinette was mad, her gaze locked on Adrien.
The blond tensed under the furious stare, freezing at the fact that yes, Marinette was here, that this was her seat, and by her furious and disappointed stare, she assumed that it was him who set the gum down.
"I-" Adrien started to say.
"No," Marinette cut in, rubbing her face and pinching the bridge of her nose. "I don't want to hear it. Just, just move."
"But-"
"Come on Adrien," Chloe called out, "she's not worth our time."
Marinette shot Chloe a tired glare.
Adrien scrambled back, and Marinette prowled up and set a napkin over the gum. She met Chloe's haughty stare and slid into her seat with a disappointed huff.
Alya sat down next to her, glaring at Adrien.
With a dejected slump, he awkwardly sat down beside a boy in a cap and with glasses, one who eyed him warily, distrustful.
Adrien slumped even lower.
It wasn't supposed to go like this…
He ignored Chloe as she slipped down the stairs and into her own seat, nose in the air.
He sat unaware of the curious eyes watching him.
When the bell sounded, Adrien jumped up to pursue Marinette as she stomped by, but before he could reach her, she was grabbed and hauled out by a redheaded girl, one who gave him a sharp glare. Adrien faltered in his steps, watching them go.
He heard a shuffle behind him and saw Chloe moving towards him.
Giving her a frown, he turned and hurried out after them, intent to catch up, to clear things up on what happened.
But the two were already heading downstairs to their next class.
Before Adrien could move to race after them, a voice said, "I'm new too."
He looked over his shoulder, to a girl with a slight accent, dressed in red and gray. She gave him a charming smile, green eyes warm and lovely. She reached out a hand, introducing, "I'm Lila Rossi. You want to be new kids together, Adrien Agreste?"
He gave her a polite smile, hurrying out, "Maybe sometime sure, but if you excuse me I really need to go."
He dashed down the stairwell, ignoring Lila's frown after him.
"My, my," a voice rang out behind Lila. "The eyesore is rather bold."
She turned, seeing Chloe peer at her with a narrow of her eyes, Sabrina hanging back, frowning at Lila, unsure. Lila turned to her, beaming. She said in pure delight, "Chloe Bourgeois? The Mayor's daughter? Oh, what a pleasure this is!"
Chloe hummed, flattered. "Indeed it is," Chloe said. Coming close, Chloe warned, "Flattery can only take you so far, Eyesore."
Lila just gave Chloe a curious smile, the corners of her lips going tight.
Chloe continued, sharply warning, "Stay away from my Adrien. The last thing he needs is to be bothered by you."
The girl peered at her coolly, a slight narrow in her green eyes.
For a moment, Chloe thought she was going to fight her.
Then Lila smiled and praised, "It's amazing that Adrien has someone like you watching out for him. He must be so lucky to have you."
"He is," Chloe agreed, pleased once more.
"But…"
Chloe turned back to Lila, narrowing her eyes. "What?"
"I'm not too sure if it's me you need to watch out for," Lila said, looking down. Chloe drew near, tensing angrily to see Adrien talking to Marinette, or at least, trying too. Not that Alya was giving him much chance. Still, her friend's gaze was locked on Marinette, for some reason, looking very bothered that she was upset with him.
A girl he just met and shouldn't have any reason to be bothered with.
Chloe narrowed her eyes.
The eyesore was right.
Something would have to be done.
And be done soon.
"Please," Adrien pleaded, "believe me, I didn't-"
"Really? Cause it looked a lot like you did," Alya cut in sharply, her arms crossed, a glare locked on him, making the blond wince.
"But I was trying to-"
"Come on dude," Nino voiced, drawing near and giving the blond a wary frown. "Just leave it alone."
The two took the chance to slip away, Nino following them.
Before Adrien could move to pursue, Plagg pushed at his chest, making him look down. Plagg peeked out and stated, "Don't bother."
"Wha- but Plagg!" Adrien protested.
"Believe me kid, they don't want to listen, they're not going to listen. Trying to get them to listen is just going to be a waste of energy. Try again later after they had a cool down."
Adrien frowned, getting what his kwami was getting at, but stared after the three wishfully. With a sigh, he followed them to next class, this time with no insistence to clear things up. Not in the mood to have attention brought to him, he moved to the back where he'd be hopefully out of sight and left alone.
All the while he stared wistfully at the three that settled in the middle of the class.
He slumped down on his desk, hoping that he'll get that chance soon.
In the middle of class, as Alya got up to grab a notebook, the new girl surprised Marinette and Nino when she slid into Alya's seat. Turning to Marinette, she set a hand on her chest, stating, "I'm so sorry you had to be harassed like that."
"It's…" Marinette trailed, realizing she can't quite say fine. She offered the girl a shrug.
"Still, he shouldn't have done that," the girl said with a sad shake of her head.
Marinette narrowed her eyes. "He did do it?"
"I saw him do it," the girl confirmed. "He's friends with Chloe you know. Good friends. Two peas in a pod. Chloe Bourgeois and Adrien Agreste. Typical spoiled rich kids."
Marinette tensed. Agreste? That was one of her favorite designers. This was his son? Marinette grimaced. "Unsurprising," Marinette huffed.
"So uh, who are you?" Nino asked.
"Lila Rossi," she answered, "from Milan."
Nino whistled. "That's a drive aways."
Lila beamed. "It's thankfully shorter by plane."
"Well, welcome to Paris. I'm Nino Lahiffe."
Marinette held out her hand. "I'm Marinette Dupain-Cheng."
Lila took her hand, looking over the bandages on her arms. "You got those from Gatto Nero?"
"She did," Alya voiced with a tight smile. She pointed down. "That's kinda my seat."
Lila offered her a smile. "Sorry," she said, quickly sliding out and coming around, seating next to Nino.
"Tense much Alya," Nino jabbed.
"My girl's having a rough week," Alya said, plopping down rightfully beside Marinette. "I'm sticking to her like glue till it gets better."
"Aw Alya," Marinette gushed.
"Probably for the best," Lila said. "With those sharp claws running around-"
Marinette voiced, "I'm actually not too worried. Chat actually seems really nice."
Alya leaned closer, gasping, "You met him again?!"
"Yes," Marinette confirmed.
"When?!"
"Last night, he was seeing me home safe."
"What was he like?" Nino asked excitedly.
Marinette said, "He really thinks he's funny." To Alya, she quickly reassured, "He was very sorry about scratching me up."
Alya hummed, trying and failing to hide her excitement. "So, he's a hero?"
Marinette offered her a grin. "Yep."
"We have a hero in Paris!" Alya whispered-screamed.
Lila said, "Just because he says he's a hero doesn't mean he's actually one."
"That's true," Nino agreed with a slight frown.
"I think he's one," Marinette insisted.
She truly does think so.
As Mendeleiev strolled in, starting the class, Alya and Nino turned to the front with murmurs of curiosity for Chat.
Lila made no more comment on him.
And Marinette echoed her friends, unaware of the green eyes that continued to trail to her from the back.
Adrien sighed as he slid into the limo, slumping against the door the instant it was closed. Gorilla spared him a glance before driving away, the boy making no move to greet either of the two.
Nathalie eyed her charge in concern.
With how excited and eager Adrien was to go to school she expected something far… livelier.
Closing up her tablet for the moment, Nathalie turned to the boy, probing, "Adrien?"
He hummed, staring out the window dully.
She frowned. She pushed, "How was school…?"
"Not as great as I thought," Adrien murmured.
Well, that was no surprise to Nathalie.
She asked, "Do you want to talk about it?"
Adrien told her, "I made these girls upset with me."
"Upset how?"
"They think I was pranking them."
"And you weren't?"
"Of course not! It was…" Adrien faltered, then slumped back in his seat, sighing.
"Are you that bothered that these girls don't like you?" Nathalie asked.
"Yes. I want to be their friends. Especially this one, she's really, super cool Nat. But she's mad at me, her friend won't let me talk to her and…" He turned to her, a sad pout on his lips, his eyes so huge and sad Nathalie could've easily mistaken him for a kitten left out in the rain.
In a small voice, he asked, "What do I do?"
Nathalie cleared her throat awkwardly, looking away from Adrien, mentally trying to scramble for an answer. Here was the issue. Nathalie herself wasn't a very emotional person. Personally, she didn't really care to handle those that were emotional and sensitive. It often left her relation with Ariel Agreste quite… strange friendship.
The two got along well enough but Nathalie would be lying if she said she know how to handle Ariel when she slipped into a mood. Specifically one Gabriel wound up causing, rare as they are.
The most Nathalie found that she could do was wait it out, allow Madame Agreste to rant and rage, let loose the flood she's been struggling to contain.
She usually settled herself down, content enough to just have an ear that listened to her. But sometimes she did ask for advice. Advice Nathalie doesn't really have.
And with Ariel's son, she finds herself in a similar predicament.
Nathalie doesn't doubt that if Ariel was here, she would know what to say, how to help Adrien make this better.
And probably poke and tickle Adrien till she found out who this really super cool girl was, tease him with the possibility of this being her daughter-in-law.
But Ariel wasn't here.
And Nathalie wasn't Ariel.
She couldn't do what Ariel did.
She couldn't even dream too.
So here she was, being asked for help, being asked on what to do.
And she just didn't quite now.
Carefully, she offered, "I suppose, try and talk to these girls when you can? I'm sure they'll be reasonable." She hoped they will. She likes to think that Adrien has a good judge of character.
"I suppose," he murmured, unsure.
"I'm sure it'll be fine," Nathalie reassured, focusing back on her work, having done all she could think to do with this situation.
It wasn't much but, she was no Ariel.
She herself didn't know what to do with this.
She can only offer a logical solution.
Logically, communication was the sound answer to issues.
It was just a matter of willing communication.
And that, unfortunately, no one had full control with.
Marinette crept up to her room, expecting to see at least one butterfly waiting to greet her. But when she slipped in, she blinked to find it empty of pale insects.
Just her usual pink room.
No white butterfly in sight.
The only thing that was alien was the dormant brooch left on her desk.
She came over to it, picking up the jewel, tapping the dark surface.
No response.
She opened up the brooch, eyeing the smiling blonde woman inside it. She closed it once more, frowning.
What was with this jewel?
With a hum, she went for her vanity, stopping before the mirror, eyeing her reflection and the dark brooch in her hand.
Her thoughts drifted wildly, skimming along all horror movies she's seen about cursed jewels; how the foolish got messed up and tormented.
And it all could've been avoided if they didn't wear the jewelry.
Or steal it.
Technically though, she didn't steal it.
She was guided to it by a butterfly.
Which kinda sounded silly now that she thought about it. But it was a magical butterfly, that could come and fade from existence at will, it seemed.
Though it has yet to reappear since her return for lunch.
She frowned, moved it up, letting the dark jewel hover over her shirt, right where the dark leaves of the apple blossom were, easily blending with the dark jewel, making it look the part of the design.
She wondered if she should really do it.
Technically, she doesn't know what this is.
Obviously its something, well, she could only describe it as magical. Abnormal.
Abnormal was unknown.
And the unknown was scary.
It was risky.
And yet, she can't quite shake the curiosity.
Would she really be cursed?
Would she regret clipping this on?
Personally, with butterflies, gentle and eager, being the only activity with this brooch, she doesn't think so.
But there was where she found this jewel.
The claws marks.
The dried blood.
This thing has a history.
One she was uneasy about, yet curious.
Only, she had no way of finding out, no one to take this to, no one to ask.
Only possible way to find an answer was to wear it.
But it was just a jewel, one that made butterflies. How can it possible answer?
Also brought on the question of just what could it even really do?
To her?
What was it exactly?
Her thoughts drifted to Chat Noir and Harlequin.
Was this… possibly the same as them?
Harlequin she doesn't know for sure, but Chat, she can faintly recall him wearing a ring. A jewelry piece. Just like this was.
She stared at the brooch, matching the dark leaves of her shirt.
She breathed in, reached up, and clipped it on.
She jumped when she felt a spark of energy wash over her, something reassuring and uplifting.
As if echoing it, the jewel glowed brightly and that light burst forth, shooting and hovering before. Surprised, Marinette scrambled back with a squeal, tripping over her own feet and falling back onto her pink rug.
She watched the pale pinkish purple light fade and shape into... into... she didn't know what. She, she didn't know what that was. It, it looked like a strange toy, something made up in an anime and it, it was weird and… had a big head. Small body. And wings. And, and, it was kinda drooping and…
She squealed again, instinctively drawing away when it suddenly dropped down, disappearing into her sink's bowl.
For a moment it was quiet.
She didn't move.
That thing didn't either.
Her nervousness caught up to her and she scrambled back further, hiding behind her chaise. She peeked over it, looking to her sink with wide eyes.
Still no movement.
Heart pounding, she dared creep around and ease her way closer to her vanity. She peeked down into the ivory bowl. The little purple being laid curled up in the bottom, eyes closed, it's small form unmoving.
She blinked, her fear morphing in a curious unease, heart going out to the strange butterfly mouse thing.
Was it... dead?
Intrigued, concerned, and nervous, she reached for it, lightly resting her finger on its large head. It was soft, soft and warm and delicate under her curious finger.
She blinks, her unease dispersing at the soft contact.
It almost felt like fuzz on a kitten…
She jerked back when it moved, cracking dark, purple eyes open to peer at her tiredly.
She stared back over the edge of her vanity, wide-eyed and ready to dart away if it moved at her.
"F-food," it mumbled out, curling slightly, blinking its eyes rapidly. "Fffffooood ple-please."
She rose up slightly, frowning down at it, any unease nearly wiped away from the weak plead. "Food?" she repeated. "Um, ok, ah, anything?"
"S-su, sugar..."
Well, that was easy to provide.
"Just, just a minute," she said, rushing downstairs, heading for the cupboards. She stopped before them. "What am I doing?" she muttered, taking out a container of cookies. There was some strange, talking creature in her room that popped out of a magical brooch she found and she was going to feed it.
She was going to feed the thing in her room.
Marinette paused, recalling the small being.
Small enough to fit in her palm.
Another famous theme from horror movies, how can something small be dangerous? But it was, the small cuteness a ruse and…
She recalled the small being, curled up tight and shaking, looking weak and wobbly.
The frantic, pleading butterflies leading her to it…
Clutching the container of cookies, she went up to her room, finding it still on her vanity and looking like it was asleep. Licking her lips, she asked, "Cookies?"
The being's eyes cracked open, blinking at her heavily. With a weak sound, it sat up with a wobble, teetering slightly on its haunches, the round dip of the sink not quite helping it steady itself. She popped the lid open and offering a cookie to it. The little creature took it, holding it tightly as it brought it close.
With a tired hum, it started to nibble on the cookie like a mouse would, still droopy.
Watching it eat for a moment, she set the container down, watching it.
It was so small. It really could sit in the palm of her hand.
And it was cute in some strange way, with a dark purple curl on the forehead, a grayish pale purple body, dark purple eyes. And delicate looking butterfly like wings, with curling extensions on the lower wings.
It didn't look dangerous.
Definitely strange.
But not dangerous.
And she noticed the more of the cookie it ate, the more perked it looked, looking more away, its wings rising and twitching. When it finished the cookie, it looked up, giving her a slightly and curious glance.
Not quite sure how to respond, she handed it another cookie, offering, "Um, hi?"
It gave her a warm, small smile. It reached for the cookie, returning, "Hello Marinette."
She jerked back, withdrawing the cookie in surprise.
Not expecting that cookie to suddenly leave, the small butterfly-mouse fell forward, sliding down the curve of the bowl, looking very surprised by the sudden move.
Marinette demanded, "How do you know my name?!"
Blinking, the being looked up at her. He, it was sounding like he, said, "I reached out to you. I should know your name when reaching out to you."
"That doesn't answer my question!" she said.
The being gave her a sheepish smile. He wobbled back up, sitting up and stating, "I remember all humans I touch and reach out to as butterflies."
She stared down at the being. "Those butterflies were you…?"
He nodded. "Each one is an extension of my energy. My magic. It's very tiring sending them out on my own. May I have another cookie please?"
She quickly gave him that second cookie, receiving a soft thanks from the small being. She watched it eat, this time nibbling at the cookie much faster, and once again, looking a lot more awake and alive.
"So," she started slowly, "what are you?"
The little being blinks, turning his purple gaze to her and considering her. Withdrawing from the cookie, he answered, "I'm Nooroo, kwami of the butterfly miraculous." He flashed her a smile, wings flapping happily. "I'm delighted to meet you Marinette!"
"Um, nice to meet you too, Nooroo?" she said, testing out the name, then looked at her reflection, eyeing the dark jewel that she had clipped to her shirt.
Butterfly miraculous.
Well that certainly did not sound evil.
The… kwami, beamed back at her.
"So," she started, "why did you reach out to me?"
Nooroo eagerly floated up, and Marinette withdrew in surprise.
Nooroo quickly sunk back down into the sink bowl, conscious of making her nervous. "Your help is needed Marinette," Nooroo told her. "Chat Noir needs your help. To stop Harlequin!"
She stared. "Me?"
"Yes!"
"H-how?"
Nooroo gave a cute giggle, slowly drawing near and seating himself on the sink's rim. With the cookie well balanced in one paw, he pointed to the brooch. "With the butterfly miraculous!"
She glanced down at the brooch. "I can become a hero like Chat?"
"Yes! And with the butterfly miraculous, you can make superheroes to help Chat Noir!" Nooroo told her, purple eyes gleaming with excitement.
Marinette was unsure about this.
But before she could reply to him, her mother called, "Have you eaten yet Sweetie? The break is almost over."
Marinette tensed.
Nooroo's eyes widened in alarm. "You need to eat! Here! Have my cookie!" But just as Nooroo finished, Marinette tore off, rushing downstairs to grab a quick bite. The kwami blinked after her, drooping a little as he peered at the open trapdoor.
He brought up the cookie, nibbling away and wondering if she maybe had any cinnamon rolls.