After the introductions were made Master Fu performed the tea ceremony in silence until all four of them had a steaming cup set before them. He took a delicate sip and the others did the same. Finally, he settled the cup back in it's saucer.

"I expect you are both surprised to have been brought to my chambers. These are unprecedented times and there have been some strange goings on. But I have been expecting this for some time now."

They looked at him expectantly and he hummed quietly to himself, briefly closing his eyes as he took another sip.

"I would like to tell you a story, if I may."

"A story?" Marinette interjected. "Uncle Fu, I'm not sure-"

He raised a hand and she sat back on her heels.

"All will become clear. I would like to tell you about the Krampus. I'm sure you both already know of it?"

Adrien looked uncomfortable.

"It's a fairy tale, a scary story parents tell their children so they behave themselves. He's... the anti-Santa, I guess."

Fu nodded through Adrien's explanation.

"In a way, you are right. He stands for everything the Santa's do not. Punishment, fear, hatred; this is what the Krampus is.

"But he is not just a story. The Krampus has existed for as long as there has been a Santa, and much like with Santa, it is a role that is passed down through generations. In the beginning the Krampus and Santa were in perfect balance. Santa would give gifts to good children and the Krampus would leave a lump of coal for naughty children."

"But I thought there was no such thing as naughty children?" Adrien said. His tea sat in front of him barely touched.

"It is true that no child is truly bad. We have both darkness and light, yin and yang, creation and destruction within us. This is in fact where the tensions began between Santa and the Krampus. Originally, the two were friends, but one Santa, many many years ago, decided that they didn't like the idea that we would decide how naughty a child would have to be to not receive a present, and so acknowledged all of the good qualities in all children. All would have a gift.

"This made the Krampus angry. Who was Santa to change something that had always been? So the Krampus took matters into his own hands. This is where everything changed. He began carrying a birch switch which he would use to hit children who committed bad deeds."

Adrien and Marinette gasped.

"That's barbaric!" Marinette protested.

"Indeed, I agree. His actions were not to be overlooked. And that is one of the reasons we have such a formidable defence here at the North Pole. It is not just to defend ourselves but to defend all children who may be targetted by the Krampus."

"Well that's great!" Adrien said. "Then the Krampus isn't really a problem, right?"

The tea was cold now and Master Fu set about clearing away the china.

"But if that were the case, I don't think you would be telling us all this," Marinette said.

For the first time since they had entered the room, Sabine spoke.

"You're right, Marinette. Up 'til now we've been able to manage the Krampus and protect the children. But this year the matter has escalated."

"Tell me, Marinette; when did the first elf disappear?" Fu asked.

Marinette glanced over at Adrien. He lifted his shoulder in a half shrug.

"Not long ago. A few days I think? Alya would know."

Fu hummed. "As we thought. Krampusnacht, the night when Krampus awakens from his slumber, is the fifth of December."

Marinette leaned forward.

"Are you... you don't think the Krampus is kidnapping the elves, do you?"

Fu nodded sadly.

"Unfortunately the evidence would suggest exactly that. We do not know how he is doing it and we do not know what he plans to do with them but we fear the worst."

The room fell silent as they took in the information. Adrien was the first to break it.

"Um... this is... bad," he said, lamely, "but... why are you telling us? Telling me?"

Fu placed a hand on his.

"Because, Adrien, you will be the one to save us all from the Krampus. It is fate that has brought you to us. You and Marinette," -he reached out his other hand and placed it over hers- "are destined to defeat the Krampus, to rescue the elves and to save Christmas."

The silence that fell this time was heavier. Thicker.

"You want us to... what?" Marinette practically screeched. "We can't... I can't... I'm not-" She struggled to speak.

"We're not going to leave you unprepared," Sabine said. "But Uncle Fu is right; this is your destiny. I never wanted this for you. My baby girl." She reached out and wrapped her arms around Marinette. Marinette didn't move. "I wish that you could have no worries at all, to be with your friends and to do what you love." Marinette looked at her, her eyebrows pinching together.

"I don't understand."

"I know. I tried to change it, to do it myself but the magic wouldn't work for me. Not your father, either. He didn't want this for you either."

"But, if the magic didn't work for you, maybe it won't work for me either. Maybe it's supposed to be someone else. How can I defeat the Krampus?"

Sabine squeezed her harder.

"You won't be alone," Adrien spoke now. He looked pale but determined. "I don't know about destiny or anything but if we might be able to rescue the elves, if we can save Christmas, I want to try."

Marinette bit her lip and looked away. She let out a shaking breath.

"Okay."

"Okay?" Adrien asked, reaching his hand toward her then letting it drop to the table.

"Yeah. If whatever the magic is works on me then... I'll try."

Fu stood and clapped his hands together. Breaking the tension.

"Wonderful news," he said, his smile small but happy. "I think, for tonight, we should sleep. It is late. Tomorrow we shall meet again and begin your training." He walked towards the door and held it open.

"But, shouldn't we start now? If we don't know what he's doing with them then surely-"

"No. Rest is important. We do not yet know where he is. We must train and we must plan. It is time for you both to go. Sleep well, Adrien. Marinette."

They both bowed to Fu as they were ushered out of the door.

"Goodnight, both of you," Sabine said, placing a kiss on Marinette's head and squeezing Adrien's shoulder.

The two of them left the armoury together in a dazed silence.

"Uncle, are you sure about this?" Sabine asked, clutching her hands together to her chest.

Fu nodded sadly, his eyes fixed on the closed door as though he could still see them standing there. He walked over to a table in the corner and ran a reverent hand over the ornate music box that sat upon it.

"It is the only way. They are tied with the strings of fate and it is out of our hands now."