Chapter 6

Alya's fingers typed away on her computer before slowly coming to a halt. The word document in front of her mocked her.

"And after compiling months of research, I can finally say without a doubt, that Marie Antoinette Archambault's civilian identity is…"

Alya didn't want to continue. For once, she wanted to ignore the facts, the data, and every scrap of evidence she had taken so long to collect. She didn't want to believe that her friend had lied to her and then just… left. But after toying with the idea that Marinette might have been the princess, certain situations started to make sense. This she said which were confusing at the time, were made clear given the context that she was actually a princess. But after getting over the initial shock, Alya found herself being absolutely fine with the fact.

Fine, Marinette was a princess. No, she was the princess. Alya could live with that. What she couldn't get was the princess' complete silence after the abduction.

Alya understood that after being kidnapped, the princess's safety would be first priority and that she would probably not come back to school. She got that.

But no explanation? No texting? No calling? No contact with her whatsoever? Did their friendship mean nothing? Alya slammed her hands on the desk tried to ignore the lump building in her throat. She was just gone, like that and it hurt so much.

The worst part was being unable to confirm anything. Did Marinette genuinely care for her as a friend? Was everything a lie? Moments kept replaying in her mind. Moments that Alya treasured.

Were they all fake?

These questions kept burning in her mind and Alya knew that unless she got some answers, she would drive herself crazy. Alya sighed. She looked over at her phone, hoping a little message would pop up on her phone screen from Marinette. However, nothing miraculously appeared.

Alya shut her laptop and flopped on her bed, hoping that maybe some sleep would ease some of the anxiousness in her weary heart.

Marinette:

The plaited gray skirt swished with every step she took until she stood stock still in front of her parents… her birth parents. Her mother's face seemed emotionless and cold but her eyes were warm and had the barest hint of a twinkle. Her father made no attempt to show any affection. His clean shaven chin was tilted upwards and his deep voice spoke sternly

"We have given you more freedom than you could have ever asked for. We have let you mingle with the citizens and learn with the people." For a moment, a fatherly tone enveloped the king's voice, "We are actually quite proud of the initiative that you took to better yourself and to immerse yourself with the people of France." But it faded.

"However, it has gone on long enough. Due to your safety being compromised, you will be reinstated into palace life."

Marinette's head drooped ever so slightly. It was enough for the queen to put her delicate hand on her husband's arm and say, "It's for your own good Marie. You are almost of age anyway. You would have only had a month or two more."

"I… understand." Marinette replied softly.

"Good," The king said with a note of finality.

"You are dismissed. You will cease any and all contact with people who knew your alias. Tomorrow you will be introduced to your tutors. Also, I will remind you that the Masquerade is approaching as well and you will be attending. Your bodyguard will also be dismissed--"

"Wait!" Marinette interrupted. "I understand retrieving me from public education and civilian life but Nino has been my personal bodyguard and friend since… since…"

"Marie Antoinette!" The king shouted.

"You do not interrupt! Nor do you protest my words. Your bodyguard failed to keep you safe! He also managed to lose you to that filthy scoundrel Chat Noir! He is unfit for service and will be removed from his position. Now, you are dismissed!"

Tears prickled at the edge of Marinette's eyes. She wanted to badly to burst into tears and run from the throne room. But as a princess, she could not.

She nodded as discreetly as she could before walking briskly away.

"I will not cry. I will not cry. I will not cry." she mentally chanted to herself.

She entered her room, shutting the door, and leaned against the hard wood. A single sparkling tear rolled down her cheek. Her shoulders began shaking.

"I won't cry. I won't cry. I won't' cry."

She understood. She knew her parents were doing what they thought best. It made sense, it really did. But no matter how much she justified her parent's decisions, she couldn't combat the terrible feeling of loneliness creeping into her heart.

Nino:

His room looked normal enough. White walls, a blue bed, and an indigo carpet decorated the teenage boy's room. Beside the T.V. was an X-box of some sort, not that Nino knew. He almost never played with it. It was just there for show. If one examined his room more thoroughly, they would find that his closest had a false back and behind was a staircase that leads to a stereotypical spy room. There were a few fire arms hidden around the room and an emergency alarm button on his alarm clock. He could think of the few times he had pressed it accidentally and caused panic and mayhem to ensue.

Mistakes, screw ups, and accidents. Nino used to think that sure, he had made a few of those every once in a while, but he was still an invaluable asset to the crown. His position was untouchable… until it wasn't.

Here he was, sixteen and jobless… not that that was different from any other sixteen year old.

Nino had never felt more useless than now. He had done everything right until he didn't. One major mistake and everything was gone. He was back to being a son of a palace agent, not an agent himself. Pretty soon, someone would come to remove all his devices and such from his room. He would have to be normal… and that's what scared him the most.

The only thing he was really good at and proud of was now gone. He almost smiled at his situation. Sixteen and going through a mid-life crisis.

"Knock knock?"

A deep, slightly raspy voice asked from the doorway. Nino tilted his head but he already knew who the speaker was.

"Hey Plagg… come to take all my toys away?" Nino replied.

Plagg snorted, "That's what I'm supposed to do… but you look like you need a pep talk more."

"And you're so good at those… didn't you almost ruinsomeone's life the last time you gave advice?" Nino raised an eyebrow.

Plagg shrugged, "Maybe… I don't know. But I wasn't the one who was going to give you the advice. I'm headed out to lunch with a girl who gives great life advice. Wanna join me?"

"I don't know…" Nino sighed, "I wouldn't want to be a third wheel."

"Ha!" Plagg scoffed, "It's not a date…"

Plagg stayed silent for a moment. "Is it?"

"I don't know, didn't you ask her?" Nino gave Plagg and exasperated look.

"... She asked me… it's not a date right? It's just two old friends getting together… yeah…"

"Nah, I'm good." Nino responded. "I'm just going to…"

"Sit here and stew?" Plagg finished for him. "Look kid, I know it seems kind of like the end for you… but you're only sixteen. You have your whole life ahead of you."

"But I failed." Nino sighed. "And because I failed I'll never see her again. She was my best friend."

"I think you're being a little dramatic. Remember, you're dad's the head of security for the protection program for the princess. I doubt you'll never see her again. And again, I'd hate to be the one to say this, but you're only sixteen. Friends come and go… it's just one of those things. And who knows, maybe years down the line, you'll be able to meet up again."

"I still feel like I'm losing… and I'm so scared to start over. Protecting her, our friendship… those were such a big part of my life."

Plagg looked towards the window, and to the outside. "I was a criminal. I was so lost… and I didn't even want to find my way out. But then… somehow, I managed to start over. If I could do it… so could you."

Nino gave Plagg a light punch on the arm. "Thanks man."

"Just looking out for you kid. Anyway, I'll take my leave then. Don't want to be late." Plagg said standing up and brushing himself off.

"Wait! Aren't you supposed to take my stuff? I even have it all laid out." Nino gestured to a pile of I.D.s, cards, and devices which he had stacked on his desk.

"Oh no! Would you look at the time… looks like I have to go…" Plagg winked before shutting the door.

Nino just shook his head at the former hitman's antics. Briefly, Nino wondered if he should turn in his items himself. He shook his head. He'd rather be prepared… for anything… just in case.

Adrien:

"There has been a change in plans." Hawkmoth stated pacing back and forth in front of his over the top window.

"Since you pathetically failed to deduce the identity of the princess, we will be striking during the Masquerade of Spring."

Adrien just kept his eyes on the floor.

"You may go. Do not disappoint me for a second time. I have tolerated your mistakes long enough… even if you are my son."

Adrien walked away, his feet feeling heavy. His thoughts were a spiraling mess. And for the past week or so, his chest had been hurting. He knew what was causing it, so he stayed silent. He had tried so hard not to get attached. And every time he got in to deep, he justified it with excuses.

"I'm not really his friend."

"There's no way I'll let this meager attachment get in the way of my mission."

"She's just a friend."

"I don't care about him."

"My mind is focused."

They were all in vain.

He cursed his rebellious heart. The source of his discomfort. It wasn't his fault. It wasn't his problem that he now wanted a normal life with his friends by his side. That his nightmares were replaced with wonderful dreams of going to college, messing around with Nino, arguing with Alya, and… and…

He recalled so vividly last night's dream…

The sun rays filtered in from the window. The white curtains did little to dampen their rays. Birds were tweeting outside and Adrien, still sleepy tried to filter out the noise. He was curled up in a blanket but a strange however, not unwelcome warmth was coming from his right. He turned haphazardly over to investigate it.

He blinked. His eyes were focused on a head of dark blue hair which was extremely familiar. The head moved and big blue eyes were holding his gaze. Her pink lips inched into a small, lazy smile and the warmth inched closer. Her head was now buried in his chest and Adrien could feel his face heating up.

"Mari--"

"Shh a few more minutes won't matter. They're still sleeping anyway."

"Who's sleeping?"

A soft chuckle sounded, and her body vibrated against his. She then hoisted herself up until her face was uncomfortable close to his. He could feel her breath on his face.

"The kids."

Just as he opened his mouth to respond with what might have been a very unmanly squeak, the image hazily shifted and…

He found himself grounded in reality once more. Adrien pinched the bridge of his nose in an effort to clear his mind. Next week, he would have to kidnap the princess. There was no more time for petty dreams.

AN

So I wrote this! Yay!!!!!!!! I just need to edit it… yay….

As you can see, this is a transition chapter. We are getting ready for the climax and all that good stuff. Also, I noticed how fast this is moving… anyway, I hope this chapter is better than the previous ones which felt like I was pulling random stuff out of my… brain… so there. Also I will try to update as soon as possible.

Just in case any of you are wondering, no, Adrien does not know that Marinette is the princess. Since Adrien was pulled from his mission after Marinette was pulled from her civilian life, both of them assume the other one is still in school and such… Because if these two innocent little cinnamon rolls do anything to an absurd degree, it is assume…

Also… shameless plug…

I will be releasing, either before, or after this chapter a new one shot called, "One day!" The synopses is, "Adrien always figured he'd get married eventually… just not like this…"

Heh heh heh… I'm sure you are all curious now… so go and read it please because it is one of my favorites of mine…

Byeeeeeee!!!!!