Author's Note: I got a bit teary eyed writing this chapter, not gonna lie. So, fair warning.
- Chapter 17 -
Theo lounged upon a mattress of stacked hides and furs. Not wanting to feel a single uncomfortable pebble of the rocky ground far beneath him. The tightly secured fabric tent over his head blocked out the evening sky and most of the annoying biting insects, but he could still hear the annoying croaking frogs. His attendants had lit incense to try and calm his foul mood. Although the intense patchouli and sandalwood wafted around the enclosed space, now so thick he could taste them on the back of his tongue like medicine.
He moaned loudly. The noise echoing around him to try and draw as much attention to his discomfort as possible.
Between the warm furs, snug tent and summer weather, the air around him was sweltering and uncomfortable. His body was coated slick in sweat, and it was difficult to draw in a full and complete breath. He lay there, gasping. Feeling faint and delirious.
His perfectly cut and meticulously styled hair reduced to a mess of stringy chunks from where he'd pulled it out.
Still, he lay there. Unmoved by the conditions. Considering it a completely just self induced punishment towards his incompetent men.
Look at how much I have to suffer.
Look at what you've reduced me to.
Look at what I've become without my Jewel by my side.
He cried out again. The noise sounding more like a wail of someone experiencing great physical agony. To Theo, this was agony. Every moment without her was torture. Torture that could have been prevented, if he weren't surrounded by useless, scum-of-the-earth, mindless fools.
Fools that allowed her to escape. No. No, not escape. Be stolen away from him. His most prized possession, gone. Her sooty tower but a memory of her presence.
He had spent countless hours imagining how this could have happened. Every possible scenario that may have transpired leading up to her loss. She would not have left him on purpose. She loved him, after all. She belonged to him.
Finally, he concluded that she had been taken against her will. It was the only explanation as to why she did not fight to return to his arms, and his warm bed.
Once he learned of her capture, he'd sent riders out in all directions. Spreading his army out far and wide, covering every possible escape route. Closing roads and blocking every boarder from the Palace, to the minuscule lands still owned by the Opposition.
There would be nowhere for them to go. Nothing was beyond his influence. He would tear the world apart to find her again. And she'd willingly return to him.
He rolled onto his side, reaching for the bejeweled sword that had hidden itself amongst the thick furs. He held the warm blade against his cheek. His sweat dripping onto the smooth, glistening surface.
This beautifully crafted sword had been a gift. A gift from a seemingly like-minded man. Someone, like himself, who enjoyed the finer things in life: fresh blood on white snow, prisoners of war begging for mercy, and women on their knees. Gold seemed to pour from beneath the man's sleeves. His gifts and compliments had been endless. Together they drank honeyed wine and spoke of the joys of the hunt.
That man. That masked man would suffer at his hands. He'd beg for death. Oh his gold had been plentiful. And in their conversations, Theo thought he had gained another powerful ally. Instead, he was made to look a fool.
The untouchable years had made Theo too relaxed in the presence of strangers. Especially strangers wearing masks. At the time, Theo thought of it as simply mysterious and fun. Almost like a riddle for him to solve, and help to sharpen his wits. The masked man was a lecherous jokester. Seemingly simple-minded, and without cause. Just choosing to be in Theo's auspicious company.
Theo had even offered up private company with his Jewel in order to invoke some kind of a reaction in the masked man's personality. A possible glimpse at the man underneath the mask. But the man had shown very little interest in Theo's human treasure. Which only served to curb any doubts of betrayal.
But now, it all made so much sense. The man had used him. Gained his favor. Only to steal her away, while setting fire to his beloved Palace. And Theo was reduced to madness at how easily he'd been tricked.
Or, at least, this was the tale he was spinning in his own wild mind. The actual truth being far too lucky to be true.
"How long must you make me wait?" he cried out into the thick air, rolling around on top of the pelts, dragging the sword with him while he fingered the blade – imagining what it would look like soaked in blood.
His tongue-less guards surrounding the outside of the tent said nothing. The terror drilled into their minds was all too powerful of a motivator to stay loyal, even when the monster leaked out from within.
Truthfully, there was nothing new to report. Scouts and trackers had eventually picked up their trail heading through the forest and towards the mountains. Moving at speeds that baffled them.
But finally with a direction and a weak trail to follow, Theo seemed rejuvenated and pushed his men headlong. Abandoning his Palace and his duties to push day and night to reclaim her. Not stopping even as horses broke their legs on the terrain, or his guards passed out from exhaustion, starvation and heatstroke.
Although, now they were camped at the edge of a crystal clear lake, surrounded on all sides by mountains. The trail was once again cold. More time was needed to search, and the numerous mountain peaks overhead seemed to taunt them.
So, Theo continued to pout and wail until someone brought him good news.
Chat Noir stood perched atop a ridge. His feline eyes scanning the terrain far below. The sun had almost broken the horizon, and was slowly bringing daylight into the sky. Tiny wispy clouds layered themselves in between the mountain peaks, looking like little grey pools of resting smoke.
The wind shifted, bringing the sharp scent of fresh blood into his nose and mouth. While he wasn't exactly proud of it, he knew exactly where the smell was coming from. People that weren't like him would never be able to smell it.
But Theo's group of Scouts had been entirely too close for comfort. So he'd remedied the situation. Quick, clean, and while they were sleeping.
It would buy them more time to get through the mountains. They'd already spent three days traversing them. Going on a more indirect path in order to throw off their followers and help diminish their resources. If he moved quickly, they would finally be through the mountains by the evening. Although, he definitely would need to stop, and reset the spell.
He could already feel like he was on borrowed time. The withdrawals were going to be brutal. Which made the distance they traveled today extra important.
Leaping from his spot, he started down the ridge on all fours. Traversing the landscape with ease as he ran for her.
He was relieved to find Marinette exactly where he'd left her. She'd barely moved in her sleep. A small trickling stream of water having found its way from the inside of the mountain, forming an open air cavern, and she was hidden beneath the cut-away in the rocks. Exhaustion having consumed her entirely, she had been asleep for hours.
He had sensed her gathering fatigue, but insisted that they kept moving. The dangers behind them following at too quick of a pace. And while she hadn't complained, she also couldn't hide the hollowness growing in her eyes and face. She was all but completely passed out and limp in his arms when he finally stopped.
This wasn't one of his safe spots, but he had no choice. She had to rest. And jumping up and down mountains was certainly not conducive to sleeping.
He approached her timidly. Green eyes cast over her delicate sleeping features. Kneeling down, he pulled a lock of dark hair out of her face. Claws lingering a bit too long on her skin as he tucked it behind her ear.
It made his heart begin to pound harder to see her like this. Older yes, but still the same wonderful person he remembered. The person he had failed so miserably. She was alive, yes, but at what cost? What had the years done to her? In his eyes, time had turned her even more beautiful and special to him.
As thus, the beast purred across his skin. Urging to be let out. She'd taste so good between his teeth. Or writhing beneath him.
He wretched his hand away from her and forced himself to back away. Taking calm, steadying breaths to regain focus over himself. Gods, he may not make it until tonight. These dangerous and sinful thoughts were nearly consuming him. Chat Noir was tearing at his mind with ease – not wanting to be broken away from his human host. He liked his fleshy vessel. He especially liked the company he kept.
Shaking his head back and forth, he cleared the voices away and tried to think of other things. Like the long journey still ahead of them.
"Wake up." he called to her through gritted teeth. His tone serious, but straining. "Marinette. Wake up."
Her eyes flitted open briefly at the sharp words. She groaned and rolled over; the action woke her up a bit more. The ground was hard and unyielding to her movements. The finely compacted gravel sticking to her clothes and skin, leaving little puckering indentations.
Closing her eyes once again, she remembered. She had a ritual of gently reminding herself exactly where she was, and what was going on. It helped mentally prepare her for what may happen next.
"Marinette." He called again.
She groaned and opened her eyes fully. Yes, he was still here. Her ever-prevalent feline guardian.
She sat up slowly, wiping the grit from her eyes. "Yes, I'm awake." She yawned deeply. "We can keep going." Which had become her go-to response lately.
Chat Noir smiled sadly, just a dull lifting of his lips. If they ever got through this, he'd let her sleep for a week.
With another deep yawn, Marinette got to her feet, dusted off her skirts, and looked around the cavern. In any other situation, it would be a delightfully scenic spot. The trickling waterfall dripping down from between the cavern rocks, pouring clear water into a series of small pools before continuing down the mountainside and out of sight.
She headed for one of the clear pools, cupping some water in her hands before splashing it in her face. The water was surprisingly cold and made her gasp, but it woke her up instantly. She rinsed her face, neck and arms. Letting the cold water drip onto her clothes. Even in the early hours, the weather was hot so the water felt refreshing.
She took in a breath, letting her eyes flutter closed. She was still so tired. Her body practically ached with it. But she had to fight through it. Her captor certainly wasn't sleeping.
He cleared his throat from a few yards away, urging her without words to hurry.
She splashed water on her face one last time and then dried it on her skirt. She gathered her hair and pulled it forward over her shoulder. She dipped it into the water, soaking it through. She sectioned the wet hair into a rushed braid and tied it off.
Standing, she fussed with her attire while walking towards him. His back had been to her the entire time. His shoulders looked tense and tight hidden underneath that black armored second skin. It wore and moved like leather, but felt like woven steel. She'd spent days pressed up against it, and that was the best description she could come up with.
His masked face was looking upward, staring at the sky with his jaw clenched tight. He did that often when he was trying not to look at her.
"I'm ready." She whispered, not wanting to draw attention to herself when he was like this.
Without another word, she was scooped up and off they went.
They traveled all morning and way into the afternoon. Moving at a steep angle down the mountain. Low lying trees started to pop up in small, random clusters. Deer and wild pigs moved through them. Picking up their heads to stare as the two of them zoomed by.
Marinette peered over his shoulder at the mountains they were leaving so far behind. It was amazing to think that they'd actually gone through them. A part of her was also reminiscent of the fact that she'd never really seen mountains before. Let alone from the very top of one.
While the mountains were far behind them, the terrain remained hilly and rocky. Although, definitely more lush, with thick-bladed grasses and trees protruding from the landscape. The trees had dark bark and narrow branches filled with small leaves. They seemed to shoot straight up from the grassy ground like little hairbrushes.
Chat Noir's booted feet moved easy along the ground, powering them along with intense speed. Although, Marinette noted, with significantly less care. It was certainly not as comfortable of a ride as he usually made for her.
His clawed fingers held her roughly, gripping tightly onto her thighs and arms. Not caring how or where he touched her, not even if his fingers touched bare skin. She kept trying to adjust her skirts back down to cover her legs, but he either didn't notice her discomfort or didn't care.
He often jumped wildly and without warning, jostling her around. For the first time, she actually felt like he might drop her. And when she put her arms around his neck to steady herself, he physically growled at her.
He hadn't said a word to her since this morning. She wondered if he was angry with her. Peering upwards against the pounding wind in her face, she stared into the profile of his face. His eyes looked glazed over like his mind was far away. The cat-like pupils only tiny slivers, surrounded by the intensely green irises. Something was definitely off about him.
He offered her no chance to stop and take a break. Not even as the sun moved to the highest point in the sky and then started its journey down the other side. He just kept moving.
She finally couldn't stand it anymore, and called out his name. Either the wind stole her words, or he ignored her. She fidgeted and called out again for a second time, giving him a soft punch in the chest.
"Can we stop for a moment?" she asked, putting a bit of a whine to her voice.
He turned his intense gaze to her and she physically watched the light return to his eyes. The realization dawning on him. He slowed and finally stopped, although he did not put her down.
He just stood there, in the middle of the wide-open landscape, and stared at her.
Marinette swallowed hard. "What is it?"
He wasn't even blinking. It was unnerving.
"Almost." He told her, except the voice came from that deep place within his chest. She remembered that voice like a forgotten nightmare. It made her skin crawl.
Slowly, she nodded her head, not having much choice. He gave her another longing look before starting to move again.
This time, his mouth hung open while he ran. Sharp elongated canines on display for her to gawk at. She turned her head away and closed her eyes tightly to try and forget the visual. Her stomach curled in gathering unease. If they ever stopped again, something was going to happen. She could feel it like a cold wind on the back of her neck.
Hours later, the sunset burned itself into the sky. Deep saturated colors of red, orange and purple. Marinette would have found it beautiful, if she wasn't completely tense with anxiety.
Chat Noir took a sharp right turn, before dropping over a sudden edge. They went falling past a shelf of limestone, dotted with shallow caves from drainage of long dried up underground rivers. They fell about twenty feet to finally land on the solid ground and skidding to a halt before nearly slamming into nearby trees.
Chat Noir set her down, and Marinette collapsed to the ground in a heap. Her legs not quite ready to work just yet. So, she sat there, staring up at the fluffy flowering bushes that managed to climb their way sporadically up the limestone wall.
He moved away from her instantly, not offering an apology or any remorse for his actions. Instead he wandered off, disappearing into the trees, searching the perimeter for any dangers.
Marinette watched him go, feeling like he was purposefully ignoring her. The conversation they may, or may not, have when he returned was eating her alive. She wished he'd just get it over with. Whatever this was. Because her mind was coming up with dozens of possible frightening scenarios. All of them containing that deep, trapped, chesty voice.
Slowly, on shaky legs, she stood up. The dying light had a faint pink hue to it from the intense sunset. The first of many stars were starting to appear overhead. Insects buzzed and chirped all around. Bats took flight from beneath one of the eaves, screeching and twittering together into the darkening sky.
She ran her fingers along the limestone, feeling the granular textures under her nails. Bits of naked crystal streaked through the yellowish sedimentary rock, smoothing out the gagged edges. She took in and remembered as much as possible of her surroundings, just in case she had to run, before the last bits of daylight were swept away by the night.
When Chat Noir finally returned, he had a bag thrown over his shoulder and a bundle of firewood tucked under one arm. Marinette had been sitting with her back against the limestone wall and her knees pulled up to her chin, trying to sleep but her troubled mind was keeping her awake.
Marinette lifted her head and watched him cautiously. She was abruptly shocked to see him begin to build a fire. It was small, but made enough light to cast long shadows on the limestone wall above. She'd never thought she'd be so happy to be able to see in the dark. The warm firelight making the gathering darkness tolerable for the first time since they began their journey.
While he fed the small fire, she got up and made herself useful by unloading the contents of the bag he'd retrieved. Inside were blankets, food (bread, apples and, surprisingly, some cheese), fresh water, and a small satchel containing crushed herbs mixed with a bit of salt.
She gave the herbs a curious sniff, recognizing most of them. They were cooking herbs. Mostly to season meat.
She wondered if Chat Noir intended on hunting. If not now, then maybe in the morning? The idea of meat made her mouth water. Her body was definitely craving the protein.
Either way, she recognized that this was a kind and thoughtful gesture. For the moment, it soothed her anxious thoughts. She tucked the herbs back into the larger bag, and began to lie out the blankets for her bed.
They sat together quietly by the crackling fire. Chat Noir watching Marinette as she ate. His gaze firm and unyielding. Marinette felt his eyes on her, and tried her best to ignore them. After his mood today, she wasn't ready to ask any questions to set him off. Besides, if he intended on camping here all night, then he'd certainly tie her up like before.
Although, there had not been any rope in the bag. She would have definitely noticed if there was.
Marinette chewed slowly, trying not to feel the weight of his gaze. He had all but ignored her all day, why be so interested now?
Little did she know, his gaze held more emotion than he was letting on. The firelight played with her lovely features. Keeping his eyes fixated on her like he was in a dreamy daze. Finally at rest from their all-day travels, he felt calmer and more in control. Or perhaps that was just her presence that did that to him.
He sighed deeply. He searched for conversation, but nothing sounded right. Especially when he wanted to say other things to her. Things his heart yearned to tell her. Ideas, confessions, and physical desires tearing at his heart. The last hours of the spell always made him more sensitive. As if the beast was trying to persuade him into staying longer.
Marinette cleared her throat softly while staring into the fire, not paying attention as he moved closer to her.
"Are we stay—?" she started to ask.
He touched her chin with a clawed finger, drawing her surprised face to his.
The fire cracked and popped before them. "You've really grown quite beautiful…" he all but purred into her face.
Marinette's mouth formed a little 'o' in surprise. She scarcely blinked and dared not move as his finger gave her chin a dull tap, before pulling his hand away. His words floated around her mind unlocking sensations and questions she had shut away.
She'd heard compliments before of her beauty, that was nothing new. But the way he said it made her feel like there was something more he'd left unsaid. Or, perhaps, it was just how he said it. That choice of words left her searching through her memories. Trying to find a missing piece to the mystery of Chat Noir.
Her expressive eyes narrowed, searching his masked face in hopes it would give her some kind of a clue.
Not finding anything, she knit her brow in annoyance. "Do I know you?"
Chat Noir smirked, and tossed his blonde head backwards. He leaned back, flopping down onto his back with his hands tucked behind his head. Looking smug with himself as his eyes watched the night sky.
"Oh… Purr-haps."
She huffed, irritation gathering in her voice as she watched him stretch out without a care in the world at what he'd just said.
She threw a chunk of bread crust at him, pleased with her aim when it bounced off of his forehead.
"What does that even mean?" she insisted.
He laughed briefly and rolled over. Getting to his feet and standing up fully with his hands on his hips, eyes still cast skyward.
"Purr-haps you do. Or purr-haps you don't. Either way, you know me now."
She stared at him for a long time, unable to respond. He was teasing her, she knew that. But part of her felt like this teasing was a real glimpse at his true self. And that person was kind, silly and a bit of a control-freak, but kind.
She wanted to learn more. But he seemed more interested in the stars.
The night was filled with millions of stars, each competing with one another to twinkle the brightest.
Chat Noir knew that this perfect night would steal him away from her. The spell pulling at his soul like the curse that it was. But they had put good distance between themselves and Theo. Enough that it made leaving her all like this, that little bit easier.
Sighing heavily he turned back to look at her sitting by the small fire. He couldn't quite read her expression. But he was at least glad it wasn't anger. Or fear. Small miracles in his mind.
All that had happened between them. How far they had traveled together. How far they still had to go. He knew he felt closer to her. He felt like she wasn't totally weary of him anymore. In fact, she might be starting to trust him. He decided to trust her too.
"Stay here. Rest. I won't bother you until morning."
"You're leaving?" she questioned.
"Never fear. I won't be far." He promised. His eyes looked up at the limestone cliff, searching for a high enough cave that she couldn't follow.
He heard her move and turned back to find her on her knees, ready to stand up. Concerned that she might try and approach him, and he would be unable to resist her again if she did, he took a step away, pointing a clawed finger at the trees.
"I trust you not to try and run away… again?" he purred the question, letting his voice carry a mixture of teasing and seriousness. But this was him, cautiously extending his trust to her. He hoped that she would honor it and him by staying put.
She rolled her eyes, kneeling back on her legs and picked up a nearby stick to poke at the fire. A large part of her still wanted to run from him. And that made the decision to stay that much harder for her.
And yet, besides the obvious, she really didn't have any reason to run away from him. He may be a beast, but he was not a monster. She knew the differences. A monster chased them. And, for now, she felt safer in the company of a beast.
"I'm not going anywhere." She assured him. Her voice was sassy, but truthful.
"I bid you, good night then, fair lady." He smiled assuredly and swooped into a bow to seal the deal.
She giggled at the gesture, she couldn't help it. Yep, definitely not a monster. Monster's don't make you giggle.
"Good night, Chat Noir." Marinette echoed sweetly. Unexpectedly recognizing that she hated to see him go. Now that the tense air that had gathered between them all day, seemed to suddenly vanish.
He walked a few hurried steps away from her before stopping again.
He hesitated leaving her alone. Despite the draining sensation coming from his body, he really didn't want to leave her. He ached to be with her. He was desperate to hold her again. He wanted to tell her the truth about everything. All this time together had brought back blissful memories of a past he cherished so deeply.
However, reality set in. He just knew that if he didn't restart the spell, he would be worthless to protect her if something were to happen. And he wouldn't be that man. Not again.
"Are you leaving or not?" she joshed him.
Chat Noir physically shook himself from his jumbled thoughts. He smiled at her for what felt like the hundredth time in just a few days. She was here with him now. And she wasn't going anywhere.
He gave a quick hearty chuckle and then melted into the night.
Jumping up high, he climbed along the rock face, until he found and selected a deep enough cave that still had a view of the fire down below. Just in case. Staring out over the tops of the trees and into the darkness of the night, he took in a shaky breath, and prepared himself.
The beast growling angrily and subconsciously sunk in his claws, not wanting to be removed. It took him three times to try and pry the silver ring from his finger – the physical embodiment of the curse's hold on him. The disconnect felt like a hot blade gliding slowly across his naked chest. Leaving behind a static burn as the last bits of the spell slipped away and dissolved around him.
His senses dulled back to normal as the borrowed strength, speed and stealth fell away. The night looked suddenly darker. He could no longer hear the heightened sounds happening all around him. His normal human hearing paled in comparison to that cat-like hearing. The night felt scarier not knowing what was moving through the bushes and underbrush.
The violent tremor of side effects made him gasp aloud like he suddenly couldn't breath correctly. A pressure began crushing his chest. Making his heart pound like a drum. But the blood it pumped felt like pure, hot fire in his veins. Dropping to his knees, his stomach lurched and threatened to come up. His body broke out in a cold sweat, ranking him in shivers. His muscles felt sore and numb all at the same time.
He crawled along the ground trying not to be sick, groaning in discomfort. It was like fighting off a dark poison. A poison that had reached every internal organ, and lit it on fire.
No matter how many times he did this, it still felt like the first time. The hangover symptoms of the spell weakened his physically body in ways that felt unnatural. It disabled him for several, long and agonizing minutes as he tried to discern up from down.
His head was swimming with a mix of nausea and amnesia. He barely knew his own name. The spell stealing bits of himself he wondered if he'd ever get back again. He forced himself to think of memories. Any happy memory to remind him that he was human. Sweet, precious memories that would coax his swirling mind back into reality.
Slowly, he came back enough that he could pull himself into a sitting position. He leaned heavily against the cave wall, feeling frail and weak as the lingering aftereffects still toyed with his mind.
Dry mouthed and panting, Adrien stared out into the night once again.
Sleep would help him recover faster. Sleeping also made him feel too vulnerable. He preferred to stay awake until he could transform again. But the fatigue was pulling at his consciousness faster than he could process the risks. Perhaps only an hour or two? They were a safe enough distance away.
His eyelids felt heavy and his head dipped forward.
He slapped himself awake. No, he had to fight through it. He had to be stronger than this. She deserved nothing less than his complete dedication to her rescue & freedom. He could not be selfish. They might be safe for now. But tomorrow could be an entirely different story. He had to stay vigilant. He owed that to her.
Just when he thought he had entirely convinced himself. Out of the darkness, came a delightful little sound. It started so softly that he thought for sure it was his swirling mind playing tricks on him. And yet, the more he listened. The more it became clearer.
She was humming. From far below him the sound echoing along the limestone, amplifying her voice up to his human ears as it hummed along contently.
The memory washed over him so completely that he felt faint.
Her gentle humming. It was like a soothing wind to his troubled mind. He didn't think he'd ever get to hear it again. Perhaps only in his dreams? He took in a deep breath, and let it out slowly.
It was so clear in his mind. Memories of waking to that lovely sweet sound day after day for weeks while he healed from that grave injury. Unconsciously, his fingertips traced the massive scar along his side. While time had healed the wound, the puffy, marred skin remained behind as a vivid memorial.
He remembered, she always hummed while she worked. She hummed when she was happy. Oh gods, she was happy.
At least in this moment, and he could live with that.
It was all suddenly worth it, just to hear that sound again. For tonight, he let himself go and slept to that sound he had forgotten about for so many tireless years.
Days passed. Soon, an entire week.
They pushed on across the land. The looming fear of a following Theo far behind them the further they traveled.
Chat Noir couldn't be more pleased with the now days that separated them from the False Prince. He still covered their tracks, and carefully backtracked to ensure they weren't being trailed.
They traveled on horseback now. Chat Noir having "borrowed" one from a nearby town. Just kidding, he paid for it. Or, at least, that's what he told Marinette when she asked. The mare was the color of rust, with white stockings on her back legs. Marinette liked to run her fingers through her long mane while they rode, occasionally braiding flowers into the coarse hair.
The horse carried them along at a pleasant pace. Carrying them both and only a few lightweight supplies.
Sharing a single horse, the pace was slower, but it allowed Chat Noir to conserve energy. Not needing to stop as often to refresh the spell.
Marinette finally worked up the courage to ask him about that. His lengthy disappearances every few days did not go unnoticed by her. Although his response had left her feeling guilty for even asking.
"Where do you go every few days?" she asked him one afternoon as they rode together across an open plain. A gentle morning rain falling around them as they rode. Barely enough water to dampen them and the ground.
He hesitated. "Why do you want to know?"
She gestured nonchalantly. "Because, we've been traveling together all this time, and you still won't tell me anything about yourself. And you've told me not to ask, so I'm trying to respect that…"
"And I appreciate that." He told her sharply, trying to stop her questioning.
She huffed in annoyance, letting a few silent minutes pass between them. While he was normally quick with a joke, it was these conversations and prying questions that turned him deathly serious. And Marinette usually had to give up on her probing.
Mid walk, the horse nipped at some of the tall grass. Successfully grabbing a mouthful while continuing to move. Marinette smiled and leaned forward, petting the horse's neck softly before repositioning herself more comfortably, while also trying not to lean against him as he sat behind her. While it was awkward to share the same horse with him, it certainly was better than being carried like a blushing bride.
The rain stopped, leaving behind a humid, heavy air with a clean, fresh scent. The grasses underfoot parted as they rode through them. The horse's heavy feet crunching them to the ground. Marinette let her hand brush the tops of the wet grass as they moved along.
"I'm cursed." He whispered behind her.
She jumped, twisting her neck around sharply to look at him with genuine shock that he'd even answered.
"C-Cursed?" she questioned with surprise. "H-How? Why?"
"It was my choice." He told her reluctantly, his gaze heavy and unblinking.
She turned away, facing forward once again. That gaze still unnerved her.
Bravely, she sucked in a breath and, licking her lips, asked: "Is that why… you look…" she hesitated "… like this?"
He stared at the back of her head. Feeling the weight of her question like the humid air around them.
"Yes."
She dared not push the conversation any further. But also felt a tiny piece of her heart break in quiet sympathy at just how much raw pain was held in that single, honest word.
Not two days later, they were traveling through a quick moving creek bed surrounded on all sides by dropping trees. The mare's feet and legs swishing in the shallow water. Marinette had her shoes in her lap, and her skirts tucked up high from the splashing water.
The same water hit Chat Noir's legs and beaded off of his armor like water on a duck's feathers, completely resistant to the moisture.
Dusk was settling in around them and Marinette began to wonder if and when they were going to stop for the night.
She hoped to stay near water. Her abdomen ached dully with the pains of womanhood. Although, secretly, Marinette couldn't be more excited. For it was the first time in many years that she'd even felt her body's natural cycle.
Theo had forced her daily to consume a bitter tasting contraceptive concocted by his shady, black magic doctors in order to keep her body "always at the ready". Creating children with her had never been on his agenda. He thought children would weaken her love for him. Not to mention, ruin her perfect, lithe body. Yet another reason why she despised the man.
So Marinette welcomed that familiar ache, feeling like a part of her body was finally healing and becoming her own once again. The wicked contraceptive dissipating away in her system.
Chat Noir had noticed the differences in her personality. She seemed cheerier. Her metaphorical walls were still up, but he was starting to see that they weren't permanent. Just something temporary that she'd done in order to protect herself all these years.
He only hoped to continue to see those kinds of changes within her. Truthfully, he wanted to be the one to tear them all down. Show her exactly what it meant to be truly happy again. But they still had baby steps to take.
Trust had been one hurdle to overcome – and it was an ongoing effort. Although, they were here, in this forest, to hopefully continue along that path.
He noticed a very distinct marking on a nearby tree as they rode past. He sniffed the air deeply, drawing in the scents all around him. Seeing things with smells that normal humans could not. It painted a mental picture in his mind of what was surrounding them.
He smiled softly when the particular scent he hoped to find struck his senses.
He shifted the reins, clicking his tongue and leading the horse out of the water and up the dirt embankment. They continued for another few moments before he stopped the horse and got off. Standing on the ground, he sniffed the air again, confirming exactly what he knew it was. With shining eyes, he offered his hand to help Marinette get down.
"Why'd we stop?" she asked as she slid off the mare, and began to put on her shoes.
"It's a surprise." He cooed back playfully. His tone not giving anything away.
Marinette rolled her eyes at the comment, but smiled. Ever the jokester. He probably had another secret camp hidden nearby for them to spend the night at. Perhaps before it got too much darker, he'd go hunting and bring back some meat that Marinette would cook for the both of them. This seemed to be a fairly common occurrence when they made camp each night. Also the fact that he was finally eating in her presence.
Meals shared between them became a relatively enjoyable affair. Chat Noir liked to encourage Marinette to talk to him more and more. He'd even ask her to tell him stories. Or, if she resisted, make one up. Anything to get her talking to him so that he could playfully chime in or tease her, making her laugh.
He rarely talked about himself. If he did, it was stuff she already knew; mixed in with lavish, too-impossible-to-be-true details that left her giggling at the ridiculousness.
They did talk about her escape from the Palace in vast detail. Chat Noir was interested in the accidental fire that led her to pursue the opportunity to run. He especially liked hearing how she fought off guards while spiraling down the tower's steps.
In turn, she did learn that he was planning on fetching her from her tower himself, albeit certainly more covertly. It was a sheer coincidence that he found her the way he did. Their two plans coming together purr-fectly, as he put it.
His increased teasing and playful attitude had made their journey more comfortable. Perhaps it was because they were both more physically relaxed. Their stresses were far behind them.
Securing her shoes on her feet, Marinette began petting the horse's neck as she lowered her head to chew on the mossy underbrush.
"What kind of a surprise?" she asked him casually. Not expecting much.
He made sure she was paying attention and pointed into the trees. "This way." He urged gently.
Marinette shrugged her shoulders and started walking. Chat Noir was close behind her guiding the horse along. They walked about a hundred yards through the sea of trees. Nothing in particular of interest around them.
Marinette looked over her shoulder twice to keep giving him perplexed glances. He merely smiled, and encouraged her to keep going.
Wading through the trees a bit longer, the wind abruptly shifted and the scent of a campfire struck her nose. Through the trees, she could see faintly make out the flickering firelight.
Marinette froze up and stopped walking instantly, afraid to make any noise. How could he let her get so close? Hey had been avoiding people this entire time. What was going on?
Slowly, she turned back to look at Chat Noir, only to find he had stopped about thirty yards behind her. He was petting the horse's face, not at all concerned.
Marinette was suddenly so very confused.
He noted her baffled expressions and wordlessly waved her on, pointing emphatically towards the direction of the campfire, not saying another word.
Had he taken her this far to suddenly hand her over to someone else? It didn't make any sense. Or was this another one of his safe spots? What was he doing?
Marinette huffed and decided it was better to just play along. She was fairly confident that he wouldn't want anything to happen to her. But it still felt incredibly odd to be walking away from him like this. And him acted like he didn't even care that she was leaving.
She kept weaving her way through the trees towards the small camp. The closer she got, the more she could make out the two figures sitting around it. One person was lying on the ground, as if asleep. The other sat staring into the flames. His huge body casting an even larger shadow behind him.
As she got closer and the noises of the footsteps gave her away, his head shot up in her direction. The firelight caught his facial features, and Marinette felt her breath catch. Her tears begin to fall from her eyes almost instantly.
She tore blindly through the remaining trees, stumbling as she sobbed uncontrollably and ran for her father. Who jumped up instantly to meet her. When his large arms wrapped around her, engulfing her completely, only then could she finally speak, even if it was to cry his name.
"Papa! Oh, Papa!" she cried aloud.
She felt her father's huge body shake in heavy sobs. She couldn't hug him tight enough.
They broke away only for the briefest of moments to glance over at the other person by the fire. She was still lying down, but she was now sitting up slightly.
"Marinette?" she called. Her voice filled with hope.
Marinette broke away from her father to be at her side. Her poor mother's face was etched with age, and her beautiful dark hair was sprinkled with grey. But none of that mattered as Marinette dropped to her knees to hug her for the first time in many, many years.
"It's you. Oh my god, it's really you."
She felt her father's arms encircle them both. She looked up to stare into his face, also terribly aged and his hair was completely white. And yet, the fine lines could not cover up his eyes – the same loving eyes she remembered so well.
It was living with the never ending guilt and gut-wrenching sadness that made them age so quickly. Her mother's already weak health deteriorating as she pined for her daughter. Her father, ever the softhearted teddy bear, forced on a brave face day after day while caring for his sickly wife. Because he saw the pieces of his daughter in her.
The tender moment brought back the memories of the day she was first taken. The vision of her Father fighting to reach her. Fighting off a dozen men that held him back and hurt him. Her mother's screams and sobs that echoed her own.
It was like a haunting nightmare. But now, to hold them again after so long, Marinette felt like her heart would burst open.
They sobbed together. Finally a family once again.
Chat Noir watched them through the trees. Staying out of sight and letting them have their long-lost moment. In truth, he yearned to hug her like that and hold nothing back. But, for him, it was enough to give her this precious time with her parents.
He secured their horse to a small tree, and wandered away to give them privacy. His own heart feeling happy, but also agonizingly abandoned. He longed to feel that missing connection. Afraid that it wouldn't be as joyous of a reunion.
Marinette's mother cupped her daughter's face, eyes scanning slowly and methodically as if she was trying to remember her all over again.
"You are so beautiful." She sobbed quietly, tears streaking down her face. Indeed she had grown into a lovely young woman. The cruel fates cursing her twice.
Marinette's face contorted, trying to stop from crying, but failing. They were happy tears after all. She felt her father grip tighten on her hand, causing her to look at him. Then he bent over and kissed her lightly on the forehead.
His little girl. Not so little anymore. She had gone through more tragedy in her life than any one person should. He had years to imagine things going differently. Wondering if he should have told her about the eyes she held. Thinking it would have kept her safer. But, in the end, he couldn't change what happened. At least she was here now. Alive and seemingly happy. He should count his blessings.
Marinette had longed to be with them. So homesick for their company. She never expected to see them again. And certainly not like this. Honestly, she thought they had been killed. Vivid memories of their small village lit alive with fire haunted her dreams for years.
Staring at them now, their sobs slowly calming, it was still unbelievable.
Sniffing hard, she tried to speak, but her voice was shaking uncontrollably.
"B-But, h-how? H-How did y-you know I-I-I would be here?" she asked.
Sabine and Tom looked at one another, as if unsure to tell her. Finally, Sabine spoke up.
"He told us…" Sabine started.
Tom nodded dully, adding. "Chat Noir brought us here and told us to wait – that he'd bring you here."
Marinette felt as if her heart had suddenly stopped beating. She slumped to collapse upon on the ground. The weight of the situation like a blow to her mind.
He had done this? Chat Noir? How? How was that possible?
"We dared not believe him." Sabine continued. "But even the possibility of him actually succeeding…" her breath caught as she choked back another sob.
Tom hugged his wife, wrapping one arm around her shoulders.
"It was worth the wait." Tom finished.
Marinette glanced around at the campsite, noticing it for the first. A cozy lean-to was constructed a few yards away, numerous blankets were folded up inside. There were quite a few linen bags and woven baskets scattered about. Along with a clothesline hanging between two trees above an old wooden washtub. The fire pit was inset into the ground and outlined with rocks and sand, an iron kettle resting on the smoldering coals. They had indeed been here a while.
Marinette opened her mouth to ask another dozen half-realized questions, but her mother interrupted her by asking.
"Are you hungry, dear?" she asked. "I made fish stew."
Her mother's beloved cooking. Oh that was something Marinette never thought she'd have again. The flavors from her childhood suddenly awake and alive on her tongue. Slowly, she nodded her head. Trying for what felt like the hundredth time not to get emotional.
Together the rejoined family shared in a family meal together. Her father's booming voice making the space feel warm and homey, even though they were still amongst the great outdoors.
She had questions and, as they ate, most of them got answered to her satisfaction. Her parents and a few of the surviving villagers had sought shelter in the dense forest near their old village until the mob had been satisfied with destroying their village. Eventually making their way and used Marinette's house as a way to slowly tend to the injured. Everyone's hearts and minds had been too broken to rebuild their own village. So, eventually, groups split off, opting to travel to other towns and try to start over.
Marinette's parents had stayed in the little house for as long as possible. But even the familiar building became too much for their hearts. To many memories held in the walls. They finally decided to abandon the building and venture out. Needing to surround themselves with a sense of community.
The ultimately landed in a large and prosperous town, taking up odd jobs to afford lodging and meals at the town's inn. With a surprising bit of good fortune, the inn's owners were kind-hearted people who needed more like minded folks to help run the place. They had given Tom and Sabine the opportunity to work for them, and offered them one of the rooms to live in full time.
They lived this way in peace for the long years. Not telling a single soul that they were the parents of the discovered blue-eyed girl. But whispers traveled quickly and gossip caught like wildfire. So, as much as it hurt to do so, they denied every accusation and inquiry. Saying that they didn't have a daughter. It made Sabine cry herself asleep most nights, and Tom rarely smiled anymore.
Until a masked man sauntered into the inn. Hidden not only with a mask on his face, but a hooded cloak, concealing his entire body. At first, Tom had angrily thrown him out on his ass and threatened to beat him to a bloody pulp if he didn't leave them alone with his pressing questions. It took days of cautious persistence to finally allow Tom to hear him out. Slowly, he convinced them that he could give them an opportunity to see their daughter again. Even then, they dared not believe him. How could one man bring her back?
He had given little explanation to his methods and reasoning. Only saying things like, "I want to save her just as badly as you do." And, "I'll die before I fail her."
His finally push had been to simply convince them to go out, and spend a couple of days in the woods a few miles outside of town. Mark their presence on a tree along the shallow creek, and wait. He only needed a few weeks heads start. If they chose to believe him, then all they had to sacrifice was a few nights under the stars.
Truthfully, they'd stayed longer than a few days. Not wanting to give up hope that he was telling the truth and had succeeded. And now, they were so happy that they had trusted him.
Marinette listened with utter captivation as they told her all this. Her image of Chat Noir's character changing by the minute. This couldn't possibly be the same person. She couldn't fathom that he'd actually planned all of this. Even something as utterly faultless and selfless as a blessed reunion with her parents.
Her eyes scanned the woods around them. Night had set in long ago, and she couldn't see anything beyond the dark trees. If he was out there somewhere, she couldn't tell. She wasn't quite sure what she would say to him when she did see him again. There was no way a 'thank you' was good enough. Not for what he'd done.
Their meal gradually ended, the stew sitting content and warm in her belly. She hoped to one day be as good of a cook as her mother.
She hated to feel the exhaustion creep through her body. Even closing her eyes for one second left her with a feeling like she'd miss them too much or they would disappear. The setting was too wonderful.
Marinette eventually succumbed and fell into a gentle sleep with her head half resting in her mother's lap, like she used to do when she was a little girl. Sabine softly stroked her hair. Neither of them caring that Marinette was a bit too grown up for these kinds of behaviors. In the sweet moment, she just wanted to remember what it was like to be a child again.
Her mother shifted, making her head move and the action woke her up enough to hear Chat Noir's voice.
"I am very sorry to break up the family reunion, but we have to keep moving." He said.
Marinette picked her head up to find him standing a bit of a distance away. Although she could barely make out his silhouette carved out of the shadows. He seemed quite tense.
"Chat Noir?" she called to him, sitting up and waking up fully.
He turned to gaze at her. There was sadness in his eyes. A deep, soul crushing sadness that made her suck in a breath.
He turned away, staring at the ground in shame. "I thought I could give you more time together, but… I can't."
"Has something happened?" Tom asked, his own voice filled with concern.
Chat Noir bravely raised his gaze to the man. Not wanting to lie to him. Clenching his jaw and tightening his fingers into stiff fists, he nodded his head.
Marinette opened her mouth to start to protest. She couldn't think of leaving them alone. They had just found each other after all this time. How could a few short hours replace the five long years?
Sabine scooped up her daughter's hand giving it a big squeeze. She leaned in, "Go with him, sweetie."
"Ma'ma…" she objected.
"It's okay." Sabine said, tears welling up in her eyes again. "It's okay, sweetie. He can keep you safe. He got you this far."
"But…"
"Marinette." This time it was her Father. "I know you don't want to go, but you must."
Marinette kept looking from her mother, to her father, to Chat Noir and back again. Surely she thought them all mad. Desperately, her mind tried to think up another plan.
"C-Come with us." She cried out, crawling to her knees. "Yes, yes… you could come with us."
"We'd only slow you down." Sabine replied from beside.
Marinette's next words died on her lips. She wasn't ready to leave them. It wasn't fair. She was crying again.
"No." she sobbed. Glancing over at Chat Noir, she called to him. "Chat please. Please, just a bit longer…"
Chat Noir hung his head once again, and didn't say anything. Marinette watched his reaction and knew there would be no convincing him otherwise. It was physically paining him to tear her away from them. She could see that.
Standing up, it quickly dawned on her. Something had changed. They were in danger once again. The days of casual travel were over. They were about to be on the run again.
Tom leaned over to whisper ever so quietly into her ear. "Don't make this any harder on him than it already is."
Marinette closed her eyes and tried to choke down her tears.
"Look at what he was able to do for us." Tom continued to whisper.
Marinette shook her head back and forth. Tears spilling through her pinched shut eyes.
"Trust him, Marinette."
It was the shortest, saddest goodbye of her entire life. Save for maybe one other.
As they rode away in a hurry, Marinette kept looking over her shoulder. The small blinking campfire getting further and further away with every step the horse took. Her heart was still far behind and with them. It hurt more than anything to leave them like this.
"I'm sorry." Chat Noir whispered. His voice was incredibly deep and raspy like each word had been truly painful to say.
Marinette didn't say anything to him. She just let the horse carry them away. A mix of emotions burning the back of her throat.
It took a long time before she did speak again.
With a deep sigh, she leaned back heavily against Chat Noir's armored chest. The sensation of him so solid against her back made her feel safe. That satisfying sensation poured across her skin, offering her heart the comfort it sought. He was not a bad man. She knew that now. He had done something truly incredible for her. She had to put her trust him and not hold back anymore.
Thinking her sick, Chat Noir cooed the horse to a sudden stop. They both sat very still in the saddle. Their sudden closeness a welcomed surprise. The night faintly hummed around them.
For a moment the World took in a breath, and held it closely.
Marinette shut her eyes against the response and, for a few seconds, breathed in the moment together with him. Like this.
"Thank you, Chat." Marinette spoke softly and sweetly into the night. If she were facing him, she would be hugging him. She opted to grab onto his wrists and squeeze gently.
"Thank you for what you did."
She felt his chest rubble, like he was admitting a soft laugh that sounded like a purr. She smiled against the sound. It was so very cat like. With that pleasant sound, she knew he felt her appreciation. His forehead came down to rest gently against the back of her head.
The pair stayed this way for a few calming minutes. Each thankful in different ways for the moment they shared. Despite the dark storm brewing so closely behind them.
Marinette broke away first. Leaning away from him and back up into a sitting position. Chat Noir continued to say nothing to her, only urged the horse forward once more.
Although, from this point on. Things would be different between the two of them.
Author's Note: I'm not crying, you're crying! ^-^ I hope everyone liked the chapter. Thank you for reading. I love you guys.