Disclaimer: I do not own Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Chat Noir.
"And here is the most important piece of artwork in town," Nino said showing Adrien a mural. The mural was made of what looked like glass, it shined beautifully in the sun. The picture showed a baby with beautiful golden blond hair and what looked like pure white wings behind it. The baby's eyes were closed and it appeared to be in a peaceful sleep. Nothing could disturb the sleeping baby.
"That baby looks peaceful," Adrien said walking up to the mural. When he got a better look at it he saw there were tons of flowers below the mural. They were mostly lilies but there were plenty of golden flowers.
"That's Prince Felix," Nino explained as he walked. "This mural memorializes him."
"I feel so bad for him." Adrien reached out to the mural but did not touch it. For some reason, he couldn't identify Adrien felt a connection with the young Prince Felix. "He never got a chance to do anything. Or even live."
"My mom told me the queen was heartbroken. No one saw them for months after he was born. But there's nothing I can do. Of course, some rumors are spread around by rude people."
"Rumors?" Adrien asked very offendedly. "Who on earth would spread rumors about a baby?"
"Most older women and people who have always King Gaberial," Nino explained. "I don't think anything wrong with the guy but it is odd how he hardly ever comes out for any events except on his son's birthday."
"I wish my uncle would at least spend my birthday with me," Adrien thought to himself before saying aloud. "What kind of rumors could they even spread?"
"The normal, he got stolen by fae or the king or queen was cursed or something."
"Is this town normally full of magic?" Adrien asked thinking about his currently hidden hair.
"From what I heard there's a certain master of magic near the edge of town but I don't think he would curse anyone."
"Would he know something about curses?"
"Probably. Why?"
Adrien looked around before Nino into a nearby alleyway. He looked around to make sure they by themselves. "Because I hope he'd be able to help me."
"Help you with what?" Nino looked at Adrien like he had two heads. With the hood over his one, unique, trait Adrien looked like an ordinary traveler. Sure the cloak would probably give him a few glances but those people would assume the young man was a magic user.
Adrien took a deep breath in and removed his hood. He reached in the hood a pulled out the long black braid. He moved it towards the front of him.
"I don't see the problem with long hair," Nino looked at it closer. "Even at that length, I guess. Though your hair looks super thick."
"It grows much faster than normal. I have no idea how or why but I hoping the master of magic could be able to help."
"Hmm, that does seem odd."
"You should it untied it's almost seventy feet long," Plagg said hopping on a box. Finally talking for the first time.
"Does he always do that?" Nino pointed at Plagg.
"Yes," Adrien turned towards the cat. "So now you decide to say something. Where were you when the girl was insulting me?"
"I was hungry and the giant bee scared me."
"Familiar?"
"Yes." Adrien picked up the cat and started petting the cats head. "He can be annoying but I love him so much."
"Okay kid you can put me down." Adrien started rubbing his head against Plagg's.
"Come on I think I know where the master of magic may be."
"Okay, I think this is the place," Nino explained as they approached the building. Adrien looked at it in awe, it was decorated, unlike anything he'd ever seen. It must have been from another kingdom.
"I'm going to stay out here kid," Plagg hopped on a box. "I don't feel comfortable going in."
"Okay," Adrien said as Nino knocked on the door. An elderly man opened the door and let the two young men in.
"So how may I help you?" The man asked as they sat down.
"I was wondering if you knew anything about curses," Adrien explained a bit nervously.
"I know a thing or two," the man explained looking at the two of them. "Why do you ask?"
"I believe I'm suffering from a curse." Adrien removed his hood and showed the man his hair.
"Very interesting. I assume it's longer unbraided."
"About seventy feet long." Adrien looked up and thought he noticed movement but ignored it.
"Is there anything else strange about it?" the master gently stroked the braid careful not to undo it. Adrien could tell he was probably looking for any sign the young man was cursed.
"Not that I know of."
"Then I am sorry there is nothing I can do."
"That is alright I was just wondering if there was a way to break it."
"Do not be too disheartened I sensed magic in your hair, so I believe you will find a way to break this curse."
"Thank you," Adrien said before he and Nino walked back into town. The master waved goodbye until the boys were out of sight. He closed the door and turned to where the girls were hiding.
"It is alright you can come out now," Master Fu said. The girls walked back outside slowly and sheepishly.
"I can't believe Nino, future captain of the guard, Lahfine had to show up and ruin this," Alya complained as she started to stomp out of the spot. "We could have had a breakthrough by now!"
"A breakthrough in what?" Marinette asked now clearly annoyed.
"I dunno but it could have happened," Alya turned her back to her friend.
"Master Fu we are so sorry to bug you," Marinette grabbed Alya's arm and started to lead her out of the shop. "We will get going now."
"Don't worry it is always a pleasure to see you," Master Fu walked up and picked up the book. "If you don't mind I would like to keep this book for the day. You can pick it up tomorrow around noon."
"Will do," Alya said as the two left. The kwamis, as loyal as they are, flew right behind them. The girls kept walking until they were in the clear and could talk in private. They were on the edge of town and due to all the hustle and bustle going on in the center. The edge of Voges was almost completely deserted. Still, the two remained on the edge so fewer people would notice them and the kwamis could come out.
"So what are we going to do?" Marinette asked with her arms crossed.
"Simple we retrieve the book tomorrow," Alya started to walk away and head to the bustling of town.
"And leave Adrien alone on his birthday." Marinette walked in front Alya. "Which may I remind you is his first birthday not by himself with a talking cat."
"That is a problem," Alya started to pace around while thinking about what to do.
"Why don't we go really early and retrieve the book then?" Trixx suggested.
"Or we could distract Adrien with something for a few minutes," Marinette thought of with a smile. "There's a bookstore near Master Fu's shop. Maybe we could bring him in there and let roam for a few moments while we retrieve the book. And if we can't make it to Master Fu's we'll say that we got caught up in the festivities."
"Sounds like plan, now let's go find Adrien."
