A/N: greetings pups, the god of wolves is back once more with a new installment to my growing library of works.
This one is another Miraculous Ladybug story playing on the time old trope of Marinette moving schools, little twists my take and just a good time, got to give credit where it's due AO3 /users/Kayanala_Emerald_Quill Winter Pheonix my lovely beta reader give her some love because she totally deserves it for her amazing work, and now I have no reason to postpone this any longer enjoy the story
Edit: just saw the format fucked up, thanks for the point out by the guest, problem is fixed now though
GOW
Marinette never was one for remembering her younger years.
The past was the past after all, why would you need to relive it?
Though one memory always shone through; one memory that she chose to hold on to in her darkest moments.
She remembered a day when she was 5, her uncle Vinny was stationed at Orly Air Base and got permission from his commanding officer to visit his family.
He walked in with a sketchbook and a little toy sewing machine.
That memory always Brought a smile to Marinette's face, no matter what was going on in her life she could smile remembering those simpler times.
Even though the shit storm her life became, Marinette couldn't deny how much it stung that all her friends turned away from her all those months ago.
Lila had spread her influence throughout the class and made life more and more toxic for Marinette, and Adrien was no help whatsoever, opting to let her suffer alone instead of helping her.
He was never helpful, was he? Never fulfilling his end of the bargain, to stand by her side.
No, he didn't stand with Marinette.
He stood against her; Going so far as to accept when Lila asked him on a date.
Marinette snapped that day, she destroyed everything related to her class while the voices pounded in her skull.
"How were we ever friends with you?" photos ripped off the wall.
"You're so jealous Marinette," gifts made for her classmates and Adrien demolished.
"You're overreacting, you jealous bitch," scrapbooks cleaved down the middle.
"It's not hurting anyone," Marinette dropped at this one, the words bouncing around her head in an overwhelming hum, drowning out the world around her as the words ripped her soul.
Then, she remembered once more.
She remembered her uncle Vinny walking into the house, sketchbook tucked under his arm and toy sewing machine in his hand.
She remembered the smile he wore as his eyes danced with warmth upon seeing her.
She remembered the love she felt from her family that day, and with that, a flood of memories came to her.
She remembered the love her parents gave her daily.
She remembered the soup her uncle wang made and named after her.
She remembered the time spent with Jagged Stone for hours on end at his hotel, laughing and enjoying his company.
Before she knew it Marinette could see the world again; the voices pounding in her head somewhat diluted as she finally noticed her parents hovering over her worry in their eyes as they whispered comforting words to her and, Why was her face wet?
That day was Marinette's lowest point; the day she asked to switch schools.
Her parents agreed in a heartbeat.
Eventually, they decided that Marinette needed to get out of Paris altogether, it wasn't a good place for her anymore; when Vinny called at that moment to check up on his niece?
They called it fate.
That was eight months ago.
Marinette agreed to finish the school year while they worked on getting her green card. It finally arrived the day before.
This was the last day of the school year and the last day the class would see Marinette. Though none of them knew that and they were certainly making the choice to move easily on her.
The morning was filled with glares and accusations against Marinette she promptly ignored in favor of happier thoughts her uncle, for instance, called the day before and told her that she had a room ready, with the boxes she sent throughout the year littering the walls. Her new room was ready for her to decorate any way she wishes. He also dropped vague hints about new sewing equipment and other surprises for the young designer.
Her training was another happy thought.
Upon the decision to move to America she went to master Fu and informed him that she would be giving up Tikki and allowing a new hero to take her place. Master Fu was saddened but he told her that she would still be training to be the next guardian and that she would take Wayzz with her on her journey, ignoring her protests.
After class, she would be taking Tikki to Master Fu and receiving Wayzz, and though she would miss Tikki, she was glad to be leaving.
Thankfully since it was the final day the teacher let them socialize, well thankfully for everyone else; In Marinette's case, however, this meant sit alone while everyone else shat on her from the Circle of sheep that followed the wolf, Lila.
Of course, this wasn't Marinette's problem anymore, she was set to leave next week and will be more than happy to have the chance to focus on herself for a change.
That was her thought as the bell rang at least.
Walking out of the class Marinette began humming her grandfathers baking song to herself, happy to be free at last, unfortunately, she was so lost in thought that she didn't notice the leg popping up in front of her until it was far too late.
Her next thought? Concrete tastes like shit.
It took just a second before the pain kicked in: her knees felt scraped, her head was pounding and her teeth were aching, and there were white spots in front of her eyes. She tried to blink them out, her head throbbing, making it impossible to hear or see right. through the ache, she could hear mocking voices.
"Next time watch where you're going Bitch," Alya's voice echoed followed by loud laughing bouncing through her head, her whole class thought her pain was hilarious. the brilliant white flashes were still dancing across her vision so she couldn't be sure.
"Isn't this such a good look for her hun" Lila's voice sliced through her skull, the ringing was fading, enough for her to be sure of that statement, but not enough to hear the rest.
she finally regained her senses enough to see her whole class pointing and laughing. Adrien was nodding along to Lila's earlier comment like he always does. Shaking her head she grimaced at the pain, and finally noticed just how bad her fall was.
Her right leg throbbed and Marinette saw some blood on her torn pant leg, her forehead also felt a little wet. Examination showed that it wasn't that deep of a cut and could be cleaned out before she had to leave so her uncle would never need to know.
This plan was ruined when she tried to get up and he saw him rushing towards her.
GOW
Alya has been very annoyed these past few months, seriously what the fuck was up with Marinette?
Alya used to call that girl her best friend but this year she's just been way out of line, accusing Lila of lying without proof, ditching them all the time without reason, and even bullying poor Lila? It was honestly too much for the reporter.
Sadly whenever Alya called her out on this behavior Marinette only got worse, defensive, snappy, and hostile.
Thankfully, Lila was there for them, or well-tried to be. Alas, charity work kept coming up at the worst times, but everyone understood that she was busy trying to make the world a better place.
Unlike Marinette who ditched them without reason.
The class unanimously decided to take action against her.
Freezing her out of events, glaring at her, tripping her now and then, talking bad about her.
All they wanted was an apology to Lila and they'd accept her again, they'd stop their punishment and welcome her back.
'I mean, this is an excessive amount of jealousy for one guy, a guy who she stalked, no wonder Lila beat her at Adrien's heart.' Alya thought
'seriously if she'd stop being such a bitch and say sorry this would be a lot easier on all of us!'
But she never apologized.
She just sat in her seat and began ignoring everyone for months; soon enough everyone started hating her.
No one had a reason to like her anymore, she stopped giving them gifts and cake for birthdays, never invited them over anymore, hell she took away the friends and family discount from the bakery!
Alya shook her head and turned back to the far side of the room, so what if Marinette was being a pain now?
She'd come to her senses soon enough, a summer with her isolated from everyone would do the trick, the class already agreed to punish her one more time after school, then leave her alone to reflect on her bullshit over the summer.
Enacting the plan went perfectly, Alya just moved her leg a little and Marinette was too busy humming to herself, lost in her petty little head to notice until she ate the ground and the entire class just started laughing hysterically and why wouldn't they?
They were constantly dealing with her bad attitude and the drama she causes because she's jealous Lila and Adrien make a cute couple.
"Next time watch where you're going, you bitch!" she called.
Alya knew she was smiling, sure it's her former best friend getting hurt but it's all for the best right? They're saving Marinette from her herself after all; bringing her back into the wonderful girl they all cared about before she became a raging bitch.
It's with this knowledge Alya was laughing harder than everyone else in the class smiling wide as she recorded Marinette getting off the ground after making a fool of herself.
Obviously, she was going to post it online; once Marinette came back to her senses they'd laugh about this together.
Until then Alya was content laughing at her.
Her amusement her only focus until she saw someone running towards Marinette.
He almost looked like her father, with a rather large body, though the comparison ended there. He wore a mossy green button-up not tucked into his brown slacks, they could see his black combat boots pounding against the ground as he ran towards the fallen student. Alya realized that this wasn't Tom, his face was a little sharper, he didn't have the sideburns the baker held and his hair was a little longer. Hair color was a little darker though the mustache looked exactly the same, and had the same hazel green eyes.
With a start, Alya realized this was Marinette's uncle Vinny, she's seen him a few times in photos around Marinette's house, though in most of them Marinette was much younger and he was wearing his US Military dress uniform.
Alya watched him kneel beside her for a moment, he said something before he picked her up and ran her out of the school, towards her family bakery.
The crowd died down from there, everyone heading out to enjoy the summer break and hoping that Marinette would get over herself and finally say sorry.
Alya left too, clicking upload on the video before putting her phone away and walking with her boyfriend Nino to the double date she had planned with Lila and Adrien.
She was so excited for this vacation!
GOW
Lila was ecstatic; why shouldn't she be?
All her ambitions were coming true!
Adrien easily bent to her will, Marinette's friends despised her, and Lila was the center of attention.
Life was all as it should be for Lila, well save for one thing.
Marinette wasn't suffering enough.
Sure she was sobbing when Lila began her plan, and it was amazing to see her despair when the papers announced she was dating Adrien Agreste, but that was months ago. Little miss perfect hasn't given Lila a good reaction since.
No, Marinette instead opted to ignore Lila, she acted like she didn't care what was going on around her and focused on herself.
It infuriated Lila.
All she wanted was for little miss perfect to crack, to break down and maybe beg Lila for mercy submitting to serve Lila with the other sheep.
Of course, she wouldn't give the nosy bitch any mercy but it's the defeat that counts.
She wanted Marinette crushed under her heels sobbing for the insult that bitch gave her.
Of course, she'd love the same from Ladybug, but Mari-shit was easier.
Except she wasn't!
No matter how far Lila nudged the class Marinette just ignored them.
Every effort was a waste since that pathetic girl just turned away.
But Lila knew it was only a matter of time, after all, she had Adrien and the whole class wrapped around her finger.
The whole summer Marinette would be isolated; Lila couldn't even predict how far Alya would go! She jumped at this plan and even added in the idea of hurting and humiliating Marinette beforehand.
This was the best move the stupid reporter wannabe could have ever have done.
All through the class. Lila kept making jabs at Marinette but Lil Miss pain didn't even pay attention, causing Lila to go farther and farther, flat out insulting the girl and still getting nothing.
How did she not care that everyone hated her? How did she not care that Lila had taken everything from her?
It didn't matter though, because soon enough class was out and Lila got a front-row seat to Maribrat kissing the concrete.
It was beautiful watching the klutz try and sit up, dirt and blood covering her face; as soon as Lila saw the girl begin to regain her senses she turned to Adrien and said loud enough for them both to hear.
"Isn't that a good look for her hun?"
She could see him nod like the good and obedient boy he was for her.
It made her so happy to know he did everything she asked of him.
Her joy was short-lived as she saw someone run towards the school.
He was a large man, easily a head taller than most of them with a body built of clear muscle under his mossy green button-up and brown slacks, he also decided to for whatever reason wear black combat boots, he had pretty pale skin and his jaw was fairly sharp with rounded cheeks hazel green eyes locked sharply on Marinette with a fire in them, his hair was kind of neat medium length for a guy and he had a bushy mustache.
When he got to the fallen girl he knelt down and whispered something to her before picking her up and running off.
Wait.
Did Dupain-Cheng get kidnapped?
...
Well, not Lila's problem she has a double date to get too.
GOW
Such a beautiful day outside, the birds are singing, flowers are blooming, on days like this, Well sadly kids were in their last day of school, but Vincent Dupain knew when he was a kid he'd be outside playing with his brother Tom.
Ah, those were the days, wrestling on the ground, helping dad make bread, playing hide and seek with mom.
A smile formed on Vincent's face as he stepped into Tom & Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie.
When the owners noticed him they offered him a smile themselves, his brother Tom greeted him with a handshake.
"What are you doing here Vinny? I thought you were going to meet Marinette in Los Angeles next week?" Tom asked,
"well little brother I was going to, but then I figured I'd get some quality time with my little brother before I spend it with my niece" Vincent responded shoving his brother playfully.
"heh, good to hear Vinny, say Marinette's school should be letting out soon why not surprise her?" Tom said.
"That is a great idea little brother, I think I'll go do that. Be right back with your daughter," Vincent said putting down the bag he was carrying before walking back out of the bakery.
Such a glorious day, there was a reason he chose to walk today.
Vincent loved the sun, loved the world.
If he was going, to be honest with himself, it's why he became a park ranger after he got discharged from the marines.
Those were the days though, serving a country and not just a loaf of bread made him feel alive and important. Sadly his time to serve ended and his wife would have his head if he went back.
But he could still remember.
These memories caused him to smile as his mind wandered with his feat.
He remembered walking down these streets about nine years ago, seeing little Marinette and giving her that toy sewing machine.
That little girl lit up when she saw it.
Vincent smiled thinking of all the memories he could make with his niece over the next few years with her being admitted to an American high school.
Those happy thoughts died when he saw her on the ground bleeding.
He ran into the school faintly aware of the kids laughing at his niece through the roar of blood and pounding in his ears, suddenly the scene shifted. The sun was hot on his neck, the sand hard beneath his feet. The voices blurred with gunfire, why were there kids laughing during this slaughter? When his Niece was hit no less, it's sickening.
He knew where he was, the desert around him, the echoing shouts and gunfire.
Afghanistan.
He didn't care that he was back, his target was the same as it always was.
Keep Marinette safe at all cost.
Rushing up to her he dropped on his knees examining her for any injuries, no bullet holes that he could see, her white pants were dirty and ripped, a little bit of blood seeping onto them but not enough to suggest a deep wound. Minor scrapes were visible on her exposed skin along with some tears on her jacket. But what worried Vincent most was the large red stains dripping down her face onto the sand bellow.
"Sweetroll, it's me your uncle Vinny can you hear me?" Vincent whispered to her, leaning his body to cover her from any stray rounds that might hit her.
"Y-yea uncle Vinny, w-what are y-you doing here?" Marinette asked. She was shaking her head a lot presumably to shake spots away.
"Don't worry about it I got you, Sweetroll, I always got you, Now let's get you home," Vincent said, easily picking her up and heading back to base... wait no. The area cleared and he realized he was at her school, not the desert. But the threat remained, he needed to get her to the bakery as soon as possible.
This time his mind was clear, his mission was clear and god help anything that would stop him from keeping his niece safe.
Running into the bakery he faintly saw the shock on his brother and sister-in-law's faces as he bolted past them with his bloody and battered niece.
He was acting on instinct as he ran upstairs and began cleaning Marinette's head injury, that was the biggest threat currently.
"What happened to you, sweetie?" Sabine asked, failing to keep the panic from edging in her voice as she stroked her daughter's arm.
"I-I tripped," Marinette Whispered, eyes closed, everyone could see the tears beginning to well up.
"Is that why those students were laughing at you and cursing you out Sweetroll?" Vinny questioned stiffly as he wiped up more blood.
Marinette did not respond.
"Honey, were your classmates bullying you again?" Tom asked with worry clear in his eyes.
'Wait,' Vincent though, mind stalling.
'AGAIN!'
"Marinette, Sweetroll are you being bullied?" Vincent asked.
A broken sob from his niece was all the reply he received.
All the reply he needed.
"Vincent, we were going to tell you..." Tom began to explain.
"Is this why she's moving in with me?" Vincent asked, his voice flat and low as he put a bandage on Marinette's forehead where the wound came from.
"Well-" Sabine began.
"I thought you said you wanted her to spend time with her uncle, learn the art of a different country and let her cultivate her talents," Vincent said, a deathly calm in his voice. Before he could speak any further he felt a tug on his arm; he looked down and saw his niece's eyes half-closed filled with tears.
"I-I didn't want to worry you, uncle Vinny, I didn't think it was a big deal an-and I did want to spend t-time with you, i-if you'll still have me over" Marinette sobbed as the tears came faster until she was fully crying in front of her family.
"shh, of course, you're welcome Sweetroll," Vincent said, rocking her slightly as he began humming the tune his father taught him for making bread.
It helped calm his young niece down.
"rest Sweetroll, I'll be right outside guarding you if you need me," Vincent murmured before leaving the room.
His fist clenched the moment he was out of the room.
'who would dare hurt my niece, the sweetest girl in the whole world, who would lay A HAND ON HER' he thought furiously.
His hand reached under his shirt and grabbed his necklace, it was a simple thing consisting of an old dog tag of his and a picture of Marinette back when she was 5, riding on his back, her little arms wrapped around his neck as they ran around, both laughing.
Both happy.
Someone wanted to hurt her.
Some BASTARD dared to hurt his Sweet roll.
It would not stand.
"Devil Dog, I am Hawkmoth. You are thrown into the turmoil that you cannot protect your own, I will give you the ability to do so by enhancing your abilities to allow you to protect and serve those you hold dear, in exchange I have a mission for you of my own, retrieve Ladybug and Chat Noir's miraculous and give them to me, Do we have a deal?"
"Sir yes, sir."
GOW
A/N: Welcome back here pups, not much to say besides I have the outline for chapter 23 my other stories should be getting updated pretty soon too, as always if you liked it give me a favorite or a follow if you really liked it share with a friend. any questions, comments, concerns, issues, problems, happy thoughts leave me a review or a PM, good day!
- God of Wolves out