Like a shadow, I slipped into the old worn down shop. Snaking my way into the unlocked terrace, I found myself standing in the main room. Creaking woods floors put me on edge as I navigated through the dark space.
I had been here twice before, the first time after Fu had helped a sick Tikki and the second being when I had returned wanting to ask for more information on being Ladybug, only to discover the place abandoned and both Fu and the miraculous charms gone.
I began pulling open the mahogany drawers, turning over posters with Chinese characters on the old text, that despite my heritage I couldn't quite read, and tapping on parts of the hollowed walls hoping to find some clue. Would it be a bad thing to just pretend I had inspected the place and refuse to give Hawkmoth any kind of help? No. I feel that, at least in Miraculous form, he could sense my disobedient actions with this weird Akuma connection that we have. I shuddered at the thought.
Not wanting to put Chat's life on the line in a gamble, I continued to search.
My efforts proved to be fruitless. Master Fu was too intelligent to just leave clues around recklessly. No, he would want to ensure that Hawkmoth had no way of finding him. But it would be odd of the wise old caretaker to just leave without giving guidance to the actions of two oh his miraculous wielders. He wouldn't have left without a trace, surely he would have left a way to get a message across to only someone that he wanted to find it…Wait. Someone like…me?
Is it possible that he left something that would only be possibly for Chat or I to uncover?
I swallowed my pride and dignity as I felt a sickening wave curl through me. To use the powers of Ladybug for someone as vile as Hawkmoth was stomach-churning. I gritted my teeth and summoned my abilities, even with Tikki in her zombie-like state, everything still seemed to be working fine. Shutting my eyes I began to concentrate. With a bright flash they opened and the dark room became clear in grey and white outlines. As I gazed at the different furniture, the objects flickered changing from grey to an illuminating red and black spotted pattern. My pupils darted across the room until, behind a wall panel, I saw something radiating with a dim ruby glow.
Walking up to the wall, I noticed an odd set of switches. The fourth switch had a red aura surrounding it and I pressed it. When nothing happened I stared at it closely. Beneath the switches were some kind of hollowed out circular dent. Inspecting the odd shape closely, I realised that it was the same size as my yo-yo. Instinctively, I placed my yo-yo inside of the shape. Pressing the switch once more, a sharp click sounded. Prying open the wall, my eyes quickly fell upon a small box hidden inside the hollowed centre.
My stomach dropped as I realised that I had actually found a clue. 'Please don't be the miraculous. Please don't be the miraculous. Please don't be the miraculous' I prayed to any entity willing to listen.
I fought back a sigh of relief as I opened the box to only find a small piece of paper. 'Good the miraculous aren't in here' I breathed.
It was quickly replaced by dread as I gingerly reached out to unfold the note. This isn't right! The note had been left for me, with Master Fu's trust that I would use it for good. I couldn't read it under these repulsive conditions. My clenched fist shook, crumpling the paper. My other hand shot out, pulling the piece of paper away from me. I stared down at the limb that had acted without my permission. My hand had moved on its own. It only felt numb, and I tried fighting back against the force constricting my muscles but to no avail. The disobedient hand began to unfurl the paper and the letters became bear for all to see.
In plain sight, trust is earned
Seven heroes, the world thrives or burns
The choice red, one is lost
Sacrifice to pay the final cost.
"What?" I gasped with a whisper.
I didn't understand what this message was trying to say. Stepping back in confusion, my heartbeat began to race as I reflected on the words. 'The world thrives…or burns'? What does this mean? Blood going cold as the more I thought about the possible significance of this note the more the words sank in.
There was a knock at the door.
Panicked at the sudden sound, I bolted. Rushing out the door with little care, I jumped onto the railing of the terrace and out into the night of the brightly lit city.
Climbing back onto my balcony, I transformed within seconds before diving into my room and crashing against the bed. Chest still heaving, I tried to calm my breathing. Burying my face in my palms I thought back to Master Fu's vague warning. At least I believed it to be a warning of sorts. Had Hawkmoth gained information that I wasn't aware of from the note? My hand had fought against me to open the note, had that been the act of Hawkmoth? Was it the akuma? Too many things riddled me with uncontrollable nerves. That's all I had been recently, a ball of nerves waiting to burst at the seems. 'Come on Marinette' I heard some kind of conscience within me fight back. The voice reminded me of Tikki and the familiar encouragement calmed me down slightly.
Waking up, I felt something sand-like in the corners of my eyes. I wasn't ready for school, I had lost any kind of motivation. The thought of having to face Alya after having acted so rudely made me wince. I can't let this effect me or my normal life! Still, my mouth felt dry as I packed my bag and headed out the door.
Keeping my head down I stuck to taking down notes. Alya looked at me slightly impatiently and my mind was battling between apologising and ignoring her. I knew it wasn't the right thing to do, but there was a dreadful sense of apprehension that caught stopped me from doing anything. It would be so simple. Just talk to her! Why do I feel so agitated? She's my best friend for god's sake! Biting my lip, I pushed down my feelings of shame and continued writing. I heard her give a sad sigh, and I should have felt concerned, but alarmingly…I didn't care.
Photosynthesis. That was what I needed to concentrate on. The process of carbon dioxide and water combining with the energy of the sun with light and chlorophyl, then becoming glucose, oxygen and seven heroes. Producing nutrients in the plants the choice red one is lost and this conversion of light creates sacrifice to pay the final cost….wait…NO! Bad brain! Stop thinking about that cryptic note! I groaned and a few heads turned my way. Alya just decided to ignore me, I suppose it was only fair.
I went through the day alone. Alya and decided to let me simmer in whatever it was I had going on. Hopefully this would pass soon.
Chucking my bag to the side, I grunted out my frustrations. My eyes wandered over to my desk, the last spot that I had placed the note, hiding it under my mouse pad. They widened when I saw a diamond shaped small green vile on top of the mouse pad. I doubted that my parents had place it there and I definitely hadn't so that left one possibility…the Mistress Widow. I suppose the title given by Chat was the only name I could think of for the cold woman. Holding the cold container in my palm, I turned it over, gently rolling the precious antidote.
Lightly pulling off the cap, I got a whiff of the concoction…it smelled sweet. Like honey and barley sugar. The first image that popped into my mind was a venus fly trap. I thought of different ways that I could give this to Chat. Maybe sneak it into a croissant or a cake. But what would happen if he wasn't hungry or how would I make sure he ate it in time. I could knock him out and jab him with a needle…but perhaps that's a bit extreme. Then I came up with a lie that twisted a knot in my stomach.
"Yes. I met with Master Fu, he told me that this was some kind of ahhhh...herbal medicine! That would boost our Miraculous powers and we would have to take it every week. Or ahhh something bad happens" I struggled to get out. The blonde haired boy looked at me perplexed before quickly shrugging. I held out the vile for him and he took it without a second thought, and downed the entire contents. I felt a breath, I hadn't realised I had been holding, escape from my tight lips. He squished his face and shuddered. Holding out his tongue he mixed laughing and coughing in one.
"Ugh that was way too sweet…But not as sweet as you my lady" He flirted but began coughing in the middle of the line.
I smiled at him, laughing as he began scratching his tongue.
Him being here made this all worth it. No matter how I felt, he was too important.
A tug at my heart brought out my guilt as I tried to imagine how he would feel about all of this. I shook away the thought. It doesn't matter. Because he isn't going to find out.
"Are you ok Ladybug?" Chat asked, and I could hear a hint of nervousness in his voice.
"I'm fine Kitty. Now come on we have work to do".