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Miraculous Team Up or Catastrophe
First Step Is the Hardest - Part Three
"So, are you going to be sulky the whole afternoon?"
Nathaniel sighed, placing down the lamp he wasn't really looking at. Juleka was trying to cheer him, since he acted depress all day. It was just going out shopping to these back alley shops weren't his scene and the only reason he was here was because Rose had to go home and she didn't want to go by herself.
"This isn't my scene," he said with a struggle before getting startle with Juleka turning around with some kind of tribal head-hunter mask, "Why are we here anyway?"
"Why not? I find cool things here all the time," she said, putting the mask down, "I like to find old things and bring them back to life. Maybe you can find something here to inspire you."
Merely nodding his head, Nathaniel moved through the store, his eyes trailing over the mismatch items. His mind wasn't really here as he kept thinking back to his gift and his failure to even speak to Marinette today. No, he sat in the back row, and merely watched her from afar.
Trailing his hands along surfaces, something pinched his skin. Pulling back his hand in pain, he looked down at what was the cause. His eyes widen at the sparkles and gleams of the pieces of vintage jewelry. There were earrings, necklaces and brooches all along the table. His heartbeat started to pick up as a thought ran into his mind.
His painting might be too much; a piece of jewelry would be prefect. He could past it off as a general gift, to give himself courage to speak to Marinette. It could lead to a date even! A real one!
"See something you like?"
Surprised, Nathaniel looked up to be met with a large smile. Stepping back, he didn't realize that the shopkeeper was right there. It was an elderly Asian gentleman with a bright smile and a gleam in his eye, kind of reminded him of Santa Claus.
"…Well, I…"
"I can see you're a young man that is in need to come courage, some pride in oneself," said the shopkeeper, reaching over to pick up one of the pieces. He took a hold of Nathaniel's hand, placing it inside.
Pulling away, the young student looked down at what was in his hand. It was a small antique brooch that fit in his palm. It was made of some kind of silver metal, maybe steel with a fan design that made it seem neutral to wear by both men and women. In the centre was a small blue gem no bigger than his thumbnail. It was nice, something simple but not really what he was looking for Marinette.
"Ah, its nice but-"
"Think of this as a gift, you seem like a nice responsible boy," the shopkeeper, "I see some strength in you and I think that this little stone will bring it out."
"I-I-I-I can't accept this," said Nathaniel, shock at the idea that this guy would give away his merchandise, "Let me give you something.."
Digging into his school bag, his hand move around in search of his wallet. But there was nothing, couldn't feel the familiar leather that was his wallet. Opening the bag, Nathaniel's eyes darted around while his hand shuffle through the items. It wasn't like it was full of junk. He could clearly see what was inside, but no sign of the wallet.
"it is quite fine. No shame in taking a gift."
"I must have left it at school," he said, panic on high at the thought of all his money, ID and other things missing with his wallet, "I'll be right back. Let me go and get it."
"No rush," the kind gentleman said, "Take your time."
Closing his bag, Nathaniel started towards the door to make his way back to school. It was only a few blocks away; he would on be few minutes.
"Nat! Where are you going?" shouted Juleka.
"Left my wallet in my locker," he explain, swinging the door open and exiting the shop, "Be back in a second. Text me if you move on!"
With a quick wave, Nathaniel flew down the street.
Brooch in hand.
This wasn't how he wanted to spend his afternoon. Wasn't the worst, but Adrien could think other things he would rather be doing. Listening to students, play pieces after piece. Some of them really shouldn't have even here as they stumble over the music and it hurt his ears. Yes, there was a few good auditions. But, there was only one good performance for every five bad ones.
And they only had been here for an hour.
Alya and Marinette seem be happy enough with their quiet chatter and giggles while they seem to glance at his and Nino's way. Alya was more vocal in her comments of the musicians while Marinette was the only one that seems to try and point out the good in each act. Nino was a perfect balance of support while a sly critic afterwards. The only one that was not afraid to speak her mind was Chloe on how terrible they were, by looks or by performance.
It was something to admire her about. Chloe wasn't one to back down and if she wanted something, she could do anything in her power to get it. Too bad it required stepping on people to get head of the game. Like how she order Sabrina around to get water and or get her something to eat. The girl didn't seem to protest as she took to each task with determination.
"Agur, how many more do we have to sit through!?" whined Chloe, slumping her body onto the table.
The music teacher and one of the advisers to the student showcase, Mr. Rameau looked like on the verge of ripping his already grey hair from his head, "Ms. Bourgeois, there is only a few left, a couple guitarist, a flutist and a few more piano players."
"I think I'll get some air," said Adrien, getting up from his chair, "Be back in a minute."
A wave and acknowledgement, he grabbed his bag and headed outside of the theatre. Once the door was close, his body slump again the wall, "Finally."
"I thought you were never going to get out of there," Plagg said, popping out from the school bag, "Now, let's get out of here before my ears start to bleed."
"I can't leave yet," said Adrien, dragging his fingers through his hair, "I promise I would stay and I did dragged Nino, Alya and Marinette into this mess."
"They would understand, better one of you escape than none of you."
He merely rolled his eyes at the Kwami, "It isn't like that. Besides, they weren't all bad."
"Tell that to whoever killed that poor violin. The cat that had to die for the strings is rolling in his grave."
Adrien shoved Plagg back into his bag, "Quiet, I need to be heading back."
"You better get me some good cheese afterwards! Some of high quality!"
"Fine, fine," relented Adrien, closing his bag before turning back to the theater. Only, he barely held the handle before the doors flew open and people were leaving, running and screaming.
"What the!?" he yelled, twisting his body only to crash into someone.
"Adrien!"
He turned his head to see Nino with both Chloe and Sabrina. His best friend looked like in a panic while Sabrina was trying to comfort the blonde. Adrien moved towards them, concern for what had happen but he had a good idea of what was going on.
"What happen!?"
"There's a monster! It appeared and –" started Nino only for Chloe breaking away from Sabrina to grabbed his shirt.
Tears were streaming down her face, her make up running as it looked like she was crying but…she wasn't making any noise. Placing his hands on her shoulders to push her away for only a moment, their eyes met and he could see her lips moving, but nothing. No screams, no sobs, no voice was coming out.
"It was that thing's fault!" screamed Sabrina, "It took their voices!"
This wasn't good. He needed to get away, he needed to transform now. Ladybug would be here soon but he needed to hold back the Akuma until she could get here. If not, who knows what else, what damage the Akuma would do? Darting his head around, he notice some people were missing.
"Where are the others? Marinette and Alya?"
"Oh no! I think they are still inside!" shouted Nino.
Prefect solution.
A poor one, but it was one.
"I'll go back and get them, you get everyone out of here."
"Right," agreed Nino, taking a hold of the girls and started to run, "Be careful!"
"I will!"
Watching them go, turn the corner and get out of sight, Adrien knew it was now time for Chat Noir.
"Plagg! Transform me!"