"No, Marinette, you're not ready yet." Sabine didn't slow down as she prepared to answer the alarm. High grade armour protected every inch of her and she grabbed her extendable Bo staff.
"But, Maman, isn't this exactly what I'm training for? I can help!"
Sabine stopped then, her face stern.
"No. You've not had nearly enough training. These elves have been doing this for years. It's only been a handful of days for you. We don't even know what the threat is yet."
"But-"
"That's enough. If you come on this mission not only will you put yourself in danger but everyone else around you who will feel the need to protect you."
Marinette deflated.
"Look, Marinette." She placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently. "Keep training, we'll need you soon enough. Oh and -" She tucked Marinette's hair behind her ear. "These look great on you."
Smiling kindly, she turned and jogged off, calling out orders and taking charge.
Adrien watched slack jawed as the floating, cat like sprite downed a large wedge of cheese. It didn't even look like he chewed it, just one swallow and... gone.
He burped loudly, licking his lips.
"Mmm, so tasty!" He flew closer to Adrien's face. "I don't suppose you have any cheese, do you?"
Adrien mutely shook his head, his wide eyes never leaving the black creature.
"Oh well, you'll just have to stock up. I'm Plagg and I guess you're my new charge. Put the ring on then and we'll get started."
Adrien looked to Fu who nodded with a bemused smile.
He slipped on the ring and felt a wave from his finger tips washing over his body and leaving him feeling warm and tingly. Magic.
"So... what now?"
"Hmm..." Plagg pondered, a small paw tapping his chin. "What was it again? Moon Prism Power? No, that doesn't sound right. Spots on? Hehe that's Tikki, isn't it? Oh, wait. I remember. All you have to say is 'claws out'."
Adrien looked sceptical.
"You're sure about this?"
"Yup," Plagg agreed, swooping around the room to investigate the edibleness of various items. He held up a shiny metal ball and Fu shook his head. Shrugging, he threw it behind him and flew back to Adrien.
"Just say that and you'll be transformed into a real life superhero."
Adrien rubbed his thumb over the ring, it's weight already comfortable and familiar.
"All right, Plagg. Claws out."
The feeling was incredible. Power flowed through him. He closed his eyes and when he opened them again he inspected his hands, clad in black leather, the claws sharp. He touched his face and felt the mask. Jumping up he twirled on the spot, trying to get a better look and a tail came into view. He grabbed it. It looked like a belt. Touching the top of his head he felt them.
"Ears? Wait, am I some sort of cat-boy? Plagg?"
Fu got to his feet, coming to stand before Adrien.
"Plagg has been absorbed into you and is the source of your power. With him you will be able to accomplish incredible feats."
Adrien nodded. He could already feel that he was stronger, his reflexes quicker. He could even hear more clearly.
"If you would like to detransform simply say the words 'claws in'."
"Okay, claws in." And in a whoosh of light and sparkles he was back to normal.
"Oof, that sure made me hungry. Can we go get something to eat now?"
Adrien laughed.
"Sure, but first we need to find Marinette."
"Well I hope she has food," he grumbled, tucking himself into the warmth of Adrien's pocket.
Marinette was preparing to knock when the door to Fu's quarters swung open, Adrien standing there surprised.
"I was just coming to find you," they said together.
"What's happening? What was the alarm for?"
She shook her head. "I don't know. Some kind of attack on the compound"
"Well, shouldn't we help?" he asked in earnest.
"There's nothing we can do right now. Unless... maybe..."
She grabbed his hand.
"Let's go!"
She pulled him along through the streets of the village towards the centre. The alarm was sounding even here and people were congregating, voices drowning out the sound of it.
"What should we do?" Adrien called, still following her. She swung into the radio station which had stopped playing any music.
"Nino, mind if I borrow this?" she asked, not waiting for his permission before grabbing the microphone and indicating to the 'on air' light. He nodded his understanding and flicked a switch so that it lit up red.
She took a breath.
"Hello everyone, this is Marinette! I just wanted to reassure you all that the alarm is nothing serious." As she spoke the alarm stopped sounding and she sighed in relief. "There was a small attempt at entry to the North Pole but our highly trained defence squad were immediately on the case. There's nothing to worry about.
"To thank you for your continued support and hard work we will be offering free hot chocolate and cookies at the Christmas tree."
She covered the microphone with her hand.
"Go to the patisserie, tell them I sent you. Please, Adrien. I need you."
With one curt nod he was out the door and away.
Already outside she could see the panic dying down.
She uncovered the microphone.
"And now to resume the regular programming is our resident DJ, Nino!"
He ruffled her hair as he took over the mic and she squawked in protest.
"You heard her, folks, it's back on with the show and do I have a track for you..."
"Where's Alya?" she mouthed to him and he pointed behind her. Through the window she saw her best friend waving.
Closing the door behind her she gave Nino a thumbs up.
"What's going on, girl?" Alya asked.
"There's something I need you to do for me. But you can't tell anyone, especially my parents."
Alya smiled, wrapping an arm around Marinette's shoulders.
"Anything for my best friend."
In a room at the back of the radio station Alya had set up her base of operations.
"My room was too small and I was starting to get on Mylene's nerves with all the stuff about. I think she was starting to feel down about all the missing people as well and I didn't want her to think I was rubbing it in her face or whatever so I moved it all here."
Marinette nodded.
"That's great. And actually kinda perfect. I need you to access the radio and CCTV if you can?"
Alya's raised a quizzical eyebrow.