"Gone? What do you mean gone?"
Nino stepped forward and took Alya's hand away from Marinette's shoulder, linking their fingers together.
"She means that Mylene disappeared. The same thing happened to her that happened to Juleka. We saw her on CCTV just stop in the corridor and it looked like she was talking to someone. Then there was static and when it cleared she was gone. We've looked and we can't find her anywhere."
Alya cut in. "She didn't show up for work this morning, and you know Mylene. She wouldn't just let people down like that. She wasn't there for breakfast or for lunch and she hasn't been to the rec room. She's just up and vanished!"
Glancing at Adrien, Marinette assessed the situation. Adrien had a split aptitude test. Elves were going missing. It was time to get her priorities in order and act like a leader.
But she needed help.
Marinette ran to her father's office, Alya, Nino and Adrien following behind. They came crashing through the door.
It was unprecedented to disrupt Santa when he was working, much less this close to Christmas. The four of them had raced across the compound but now they were outside his door they stood nervously. Marinette steeled herself.
This was important.
She lifted the brass knocker and rapped at the door.
"Come in," boomed her father's voice from inside. Adrien, Nino and Alya cast each other furtive glances but followed Marinette through the door.
"What is it, Marinette? You know I'm very busy. And shouldn't you be training – ah! Adrien. There you are, my boy. I hope my daughter is looking after you well?"
"Oh, yes, Sir. She-"
"We don't have time for this," Marinette cut in. "Sorry, Adrien."
He smiled and nodded his understanding.
"Papa, we have something important to talk to you about. More elves are going missing and we've got proof."
Tom sighed, the weariness momentarily showing in the lines of his skin. He rubbed his hand across his face and gestured to the chairs in front of his desk. He took his own seat facing them.
"Show me what you have," he said.
Alya quickly switched into reporter mode, pulling her notebook, her tablet and some photos out of her bag.
"At first, we thought it was a bit odd but not really something to be concerned about. This close to the big day elves start to get more sick with stress or burnout – not that we think you overwork us!" she hastened to add, noticing his solemn expression. "We're always happy to put in the extra effort this time of year. Nothing makes us happier than knowing our work makes children happy and helps to keep magic alive and -"
"Yes, yes, I know, Alya," Tom said kindly, waving away her concerns with one hand while rubbing his eyes with the other. "Please continue with what you were trying to tell me."
Alya nodded enthusiastically, pushing the glasses up her nose.
"Well, we noticed that there was an unusually high number of missing elves and after investigating, it became clear that they were no longer in the compound. We looked at the CCTV footage and... well," she turned her tablet to face him and pressed play. He watched in silence.
Once the video finished he turned his attention back to the group.
"Thank you, I'll take that under advisement. Now unless there was something else, I have a lot of work to do and I know you all have-"
"Wait!" Marinette cried, perplexed. "Aren't you going to do anything about this?"
Tom sighed again.
"This isn't something you should be concerning yourself with. We are aware of the situation. It won't go ignored. You all have jobs to be getting on with so if that's everything..."
Marinette frowned.
"There is one other thing, Papa." She looked over at Adrien and he cocked his head quizzically at her. She looked back at her dad. "Adrien just had his aptitude test."
Tom's expression relaxed and he smiled at Adrien, the signature twinkle in his eye.
"Oh? And what did you get, Adrien? No, let me guess. Electronics? I remember you having a fondness for video games. Or perhaps wrapping? You look like you would have a good eye for spacial awareness and colour co-ordination. I know it may seem like a menial task to some but a properly wrapped gift is so important! And between you and me, it was my favourite department when I was in training. Oh, what a time we had! Nothing could beat the rush of a new PB for wrap speed, let me tell you. Then again..."
Marinette stifled a giggle, remembering just how Adrien's trial in wrapping had gone.
"No, Papa. He got a split aptitude. Mechanics and defence."
Tom's wide grin slowly fell to a frown.
"Both? Equally?"
Marinette nodded. Tom's expression grew thoughtful. After a ponderous moment he stood.
"Well then, I think it's time that Alya and Nino got back to work. I appreciate you all coming here but I'm sure you understand that it's all hands on deck right now and gifts will not make themselves." He walked toward the door, ushering the pair along.
"Wait!" Alya cried, reluctantly allowing herself to be lead out the door. "Don't you think we should help-"
"Let it go, Alya," Nino said.
She looked like she was going to protest, her expression pleading, but Nino remained unmoved. She slumped. Silently, Nino took her by the hand and they headed down the corridor. The heavy door closed with a definitive clunk. Tom came back and took his chair again.
"Well, it's unusual, that's for sure but a split aptitude is nothing to be concerned about. Adrien, if it suits you I would like you to work in mechanics during the day and then in the evenings you can join Marinette in her defence training. What do you think?"
Adrien brightened.
"I'd like that very much, sir. Thank you!"
"None of the 'sir'. You can call me Tom."
"Okay, thank you... Tom," he said.
"Excellent!" Tom boomed, clapping his hands together and rubbing them gleefully. "Well now that that's all settled, I think it's time the two of you headed over to speak to your mother about getting Adrien started with official training. I think she will be very pleased with these developments, Marinette."
And with no further ceremony the two of them were on their way to defence.
When they arrived, Sabine was already waiting for them. This time, there were a few members of the army using various pieces of training equipment. As well as the various defensive weaponry there was also a vast array of gym equipment. Maintaining a certain level of physical fitness was imperative for the army. It was also used by other elves who wanted to. This close to Christmas however they were all otherwise occupied.
"I'm glad the two of you have come. Your father called and told me about the situation and I agree that we should get Adrien training with you right away."
She walked as she talked, beckoning them to follow, past the machines and the equipment and the weaponry and further, back to a room that Marinette hadn't been in for too long.
"Before we get down to training, we need to have a talk."
The room was decorated with classic Chinese designs with a detailed tapestry on one wall, various artefacts and ornaments and a low table in the middle of the room surrounded by cushions. On the table was a put and four delicate china cups.
"Welcome, Marinette and Adrien."
A short Chinese man in a Hawaiian shirt had stood at their entry. He bowed his head and gestured to the table. They bowed back to him, Adrien a second behind, following suit.
"Please, join me for some tea."