Chapter 5: Escape
Paris glistened and twinkled like a city of stars at night. Returning home from an exhausting day, Claire found herself outside on her balcony to enjoy the scenery. The celestial lights above her waned and glowed like candle lights, beckoning her to observe. Claire brought out her telescope gifted from her parents on her previous birthday. It had been a telescope on perfect display at the Science Museum Planetarium gift shop. She dreamed about it since she was a little girl, when she attended summer camp there for consecutive years.
Setting the tripod body, and adjusting the lenses, she hoisted the main oculus towards the astral body above. Her golden eye blinked against the tempting sight of a trillion stars, each appearing to illuminate just for her. During her cosmic observation, her thoughts waned like the starry lights. To and from her conversation with Master Fu, after she had come too. Claire replayed the conversation over and over, unsure of how it all transpired; it felt like a day-dream.
'You will be a Guardian.'
There was nothing to make sense of it. Unfortunately, before Claire could even ask the much needed questions, Claire left the mysterious apartment and all it's odd company. Before she closed the door, Master Fu carried his words that seemed to pierce right through her.
'When you are ready, come find me again.'
Claire pondered the thought, wondering what she could be ready for. The larger question even; how could she be ready? With her health, there was little service she could be to anyone, especially Cat Noir and Ladybug.
"Good patrol work tonight, Cat Noir," she heard a familiar heroine voice from above.
Claire pulled back from her private activity, directing her gaze upon the neighboring rooftop.
"Why, thank you, M'Lady," the voice of Cat Noir rang clear, spotting him casually swinging next to Ladybug's side. With a mischievous smirk, he leaned dangerously close, "Deny me if I'm wrong but, while patrolling I couldn't help but notice, the best spots in Paris are always on you. Don't you think?"
"Pfft, I think a perfect spot for that pick-up line is in the gutter, Kitty. " Ladybug chuckled at her partner's expense, pushing against the extended batton he rested on. Cat Noir slipped, and stumbled past her. Ladybug caught him reflexively by the hand, pulling him back to his feet. The heroine grinned in amusement, "Funny, I thought cat's always landed on their feet."
Cat Noir laughed, recovering his balance and placing his weapon back at his side, "You know that's impossible when I'm around you, Bugaboo."
"Very cute," Ladybug rolled her eyes with an evident smile. With a crease in her lips, she began twirling her magical yo-yo, "See you around, Kitty-Cat."
"Have a good night, M'Lady," Cat Noir waved as Ladybug hoisted away into the night air. With a whimsical sigh, he stood there in a daze on the building rooftop, basking in the remnants of her image.
Claire felt warmth gathered at her cheeks. Gulping, she began to inch slowly away from her telescope, hoping to slink back into her bedroom without notice. However, fate would have its way with her. Her foot caught one of the Telescope legs. Claire reeled in despair, making an unpleasant sound deep in her throat. Thankfully, she found her balance, and steadied the telescope. As predicted, the teenage girl drew the attention of her admired super hero. Cat Noir's glowing eyes pierced through the night air, and they were aimed in her direction. Claire clasped a hand over her mouth, withholding a gasp when her hero began his descent towards her. With perfect acrobatics, he landed onto the wooden railing of her balcony. Crouching, he assumed a position fitted to his name.
"Claire?" The superhero paused, realizing she had possibly been here during his exchange with Ladybug. Or rather, Ladybug's obvious rejections to his romantic advancements. The blonde hairs at the back of his neck straightened, "Don't tell me you saw me and Ladybug just now."
"N-not at all," Claire feverishly shook her head to deny the presumptuous allegations...although true. Painfully true. "I just stepped outside."
Cat Noir's shoulders relaxed, "right, sorry. I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that."
Claire nodded mutely at her company. Tentatively, she watched as Cat Noir hoped down. Stretching his arms behind his head, he coolly strutted forward. Unknowingly, Claire had taken a step back. Claire was aware how silly it all was, she knew Cat Noir was Adrien. However, the difference in personality was striking; a classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. To her, Adrien was just an endearing classmate, and someone she felt growing companionship for. However, when Cat Noir presented himself, there was nothing she could do about her unraveling sentiments. It felt as if someone had lit a match, pressed it against her skin, and watched her burn.
"Your lip, let me see it?" Cat Noir asked, although commanding. Claire released a mewl when her back pressed against the glass balcony door. The teen girl winced, feeling his black latex claws softly pinch her chin. Drawing his face closer, his iridescent eyes examined her features. Once the male feline seemed satisfied, he released his hold and retreated from her personal space, "Doesn't look too bad, so that's good."
"What about yours?" Claire allowed a breath to escape her, "I'm sorry I did that to you. I hope it won't affect your modeling."
Cat Noir grinned, whilst pointing a finger to his mouth, "don't sweat it. When you're in the modeling industry, you learn a few tricks here and there about make-up."
"Thank you...Claire. For what you did for me today. I won't forget it," a glimpse of Adrien's gentle nature filtered through the chaotic presence of Cat Noir. As soon as it came, it vanished like day turning into night. With a sly smirk, Cat Noir spun on his feet and jumped onto the ledge of her balcony. Turning over his shoulder, he sent her a devilish wink, "Looks like we have another secret to keep. Don't tell Ladybug about our little passionate rendezvous kiss, 'kay?"
"I-I won't...I-I mean-" Reminiscent of a boiling kettle left on the stove, her fluster bubbled hotly, spilling from the spout. Claire slapped her hands against her burning face, covering the shameful expression. "That's not what happened...!"
Cat Noir chuckled at her endearing display, "that's my girl."
With a gleam of his Cheshire grin, the feline superhero whisked himself away into the night air. Claire stood, abandoned with her heart pounding in her ears. Weakly, she slumped further against the balcony door. Claire wasn't going be getting much rest tonight.
Where...am I?
A field of white daffodils swayed beneath the sweeping blue sky, seeming to stretch beyond her sight like a sea of florals. Clear was the sky above her; no roaming clouds could indicate the passing of time. A still frame worthy of being painted, and preserved in any onlooker's hearts. Claire inhaled the dreamy summer air, a scent of sweet pollen and dewy greens. Claire lowered her gaze and brought a hand to shade the brightness, tempting her sensitive eyes. Squinting, the figure of a woman stood picturesque against the scenery. Her lithe form encircled with the elegance of her long flowing blond hair. Adorned in a white summer dress, she herself seemed to be drowning in the rolling garden fields that expanded beyond her. Claire began to walk. Like a bee to honey, Claire found herself mesmerized. Her fingers stretched and pushed the long stalks of daffodil's, gathering closer and closer. When she neared, her presence was known. The woman, graced in all of her beauty akin to any flower, greeted her with emerald pools. A familiarity gripped at her heart.
"Oh, I see I have company." The woman revealed a maternal smile. It felt as if it was designed just for her, and no one else. "It's been such a long time."
"Excuse me, but…" Claire turned her sights to her surroundings. "Where am I?"
The woman placed a delicate hand to cover her lightly painted lips, giggling at Claire's sincere uncertainty.
"Well, it's hard to say for myself. I do believe this is my dream; but, I've been here for so long….perhaps this is my reality." Her eyes bore a palpable gloss of wetness. The woman shook her head, riding the display. "I'm sorry, I hope you will forgive me. I'm truly happy to see someone other than myself here, will you be staying for long?"
"Oh, I don't know," Claire admitted, bringing her hands to view.
Turning them over, she felt the tips of her fingertips. Strangely, she felt present. The touch of the daffodil leaves tickling her skin, the warm air buzzing with insects around her, and the smell of honey from the gathering bees. Was this really someone's dream? An odd feeling settled...have I done this before?
"I'm sorry, but I'm not sure how or when I came here. So, I can't say when it's time for me to leave."
"It's alright, we don't need to have all the answers right away," the woman's complexion reflected like the radiant sun. Lifting a refined hand, she urged Claire to take it, "What's your name?"
"It's Claire," the young teen responded, giving her hand.
"Come with me, Claire." The woman smiled, turning and having Claire follow close behind. The woman squeezed her hand tight, "Don't let go."
The pace had quickened, and Claire found it difficult to see the woman through the dense foliage. It seemed to grow and thicken; Claire felt her hand slipping. A wall of flowers was closing in.
"Your name," Claire threw her voice in front of her, panting and tripping over root and vine. "Please tell me your name."
Claire watched as the woman turned, her lips parting to speak.
"It's Emil-"
Ring. Ring. Ring.
The sound of the school bell echoed inside Claire's head, disrupting the dark silence behind her closed eyes. She felt a warm hand at her side, shaking her shoulder gently awake.
"Hey, Claire. Come on, class is over," she heard Nathanael call to her. Lifting her head lethargically, caramel brown strands stuck to her cheeks. Peering over her shoulder, Nathanael greeted her with a look of concern. "It's not like you sleep in Mrs. Bustier's class. Did you get any sleep last night?"
"Um," Claire was stuck with the glue of sleep. Wiping her eyes, she carefully shook her head. "No, I think I've just been having dreams. I can't remember them much, but...they feel so real. Maybe that's why I'm more tired than usual."
Nathanael pinched the side of his lips, although not truly convinced, her close friend accepted her statement nonetheless, "Ok, I covered for you. Mrs. Bustier was about to call on you, but I told her you weren't feeling well."
Claire blinked the remaining dust of sleep from her eyes. Shame washed over her, not realizing the burden she may have caused her friend, "I'm sorry Nathan."
"Don't worry about it," Nathanael grinned, rising from his seat and packing his school bag. "You'll cover for me next time when I want to draw, instead of taking notes."
Claire giggled, "Of course."
"Alright, I'm heading to the art room to work on my Ladybug comic with Marc. Wanna come and hang around?" Nathanael asked.
"Oh, maybe some other time," Claire responded, with an apologetic glint to her eyes.
"No problem. If you need me, you know where to find me," he replied in gest.
The two close friends waved good-bye. Once Nathanael had disappeared from the room, as did the rest of the students, Claire began to pack her belongings.
"Explain yourself, Claire Mac-LAME."
Claire's eyes froze at the photographs scattered around her, some falling at her desk and lap. As some danced in the air, a few had sliced through her gaze. One of which was a snapshot of when Adrien and herself were exchanging cell numbers. Another, where her male classmate had placed a convivial hand upon her shoulder for their compromise to meet. And, of course, the last of which they had supposedly met 'in private' after school to walk to seek Master Fu.
The shock of the event made her double-down in silence. Yet, her thoughts yelled and pounded at her temples to speak up. Then again, how could Claire word it? Claire was never good at lying or making excuses, and if she even attempted, her body language would always reveal it.
"You know, I really thought you were so lame; you do nothing, and you basically just sit and watch everyone else do stuff because of your 'asthma' or whatever you call it. Which I think you totally made up, by the way." Chloe spat as she blaringly looked at her freshly polished nails. "But I thought that would work in my favor, since there would be no-way for you to even stand out to my Adrikin. I didn't expect your boring existence to show up on his radar, but I was wrong. Adrikin's obviously the most gracious person on this Earth, he noticed how pathetic you always look by yourself. He really is a saint to want to be your friend, actually bless him for doing charity work."
Claire's hand had balled tightly against her knee. She knew she always did nothing. The one thing she's always wanted to change, was so blatantly put forth in this conversation. Which to Claire, made it taste all the more like bitter licorice in her mouth.
"Um, hello? Am I talking to a wall?" Chloe clicked her tongue and smacked her lips together. "Are you going to say something or what?"
Claire was aware of Chloe's infatuation with Adrien, and her entitlement to all things that possessed her interest. The subdued teen had observed the way she walked, talked, and demanded from her classmates. Luckily, there was nothing of value within her that would spark Chloe's wrath, until this very moment. Now, her entire existence was painted red. Claire couldn't gather the courage to lift her sight anchored to the class desk.
"Ignoring me, huh? That's pretty fresh of you. And speaking of freshness, how about a sip of water, your lips look super dry."
From Claire's peripherals, she spotted Chloe pull out a water bottle from her expensive purse. Claire didn't dare to look, hearing the bottle cap pop open. Submitting to her fate, Claire clasped her eyes tight. The water bottle hovered mere inches above her head.
"Enough, Chloe."
Claire's eyes fluttered open, witnessing Marinette advance the classroom steps and forcefully shove the water bottle away. Chloe gasped as the water bottle fell from her clutches. It splashed across the floor, with drops bouncing to grace Chloe's perfectly posh flats. Chloe bared a look of evident shock and disgust, and pierced Claire's classmate like butcher knives
"Whoopsy, sorry about that, Chloe." Marinette shrugged.
"Oh, aren't you the clumsiest, crustiest, flat-breaded girl in this entire school Marinette Dupain-Cheng." Chloe shrieked, with tears of frustration gracing her perfectly lined eyes. With the up turn of her nose, she flicked her wet foot against the two girls before stomping away. With one final shout, she beckoned her lackey who waited just behind the classroom door, "Sabrina! We're leaving."
"Are you alright there?" Marinette turned to Claire.
"Ah, yes. Thank you," Claire nodded meekly, brushing her fingers against the top of her head. Tucking a strand behind her pink ear, she began to slowly pick up the compromising pictures of Adrien and herself.
"Here, let me help you," Marinette stepped in, joining in collecting a few that had scattered around her desk.
Claire peeked through her lashes at Marinette. The french-chinese teen had a forlorn look that devoured her with each photo she picked up. Her classmate's affection was all too apparent; it wasn't much a secret these days, but Claire minded her own business. The two teens brought the images to the classroom garbage, shredding the unsolicited photos into ribbons and dust.
Clapping her hands together, Marinette wiped the invisible sweat against her brow, "Phew. Looks like we did it."
Claire withheld a gasp, witnessing Marinette's long sleeve soaping and dripping. Each drop falling to the floor pecked at her emotions, "your whole arm is wet all because you stood up for me."
"I guess Chloe's right about me being clumsy," Marinette laughed shyly with a tint of red catching her cheeks. It grew deeper when Claire caught Marinette's hand, gently tugging her towards the classroom door. "H-Hey. Wait a minute–"
Claire wasn't all the best at explaining things, and when she set her mind to something, it was a trench she got stuck in often. Quietly, she urged Marinette to follow. Once the teens entered the girls restroom, she gestured to Marinette.
"Please, take off your jacket," Claire stated so forwardly, it sounded comical.
"I'm sorry, but I actually like someone," Marinette gulped a lump of fluster, pressing her arms against her chest defensively. She shook her head lightly in protest, turning away when Claire motioned closer. Marinette swallowed hard as Claire gently caught the seam of her collar, slowly peeling it away from her sticky skin.
"A boy! It's a boy–really, Adriene, to be exact."
"Oh, Is that so?" Claire replied with a hum in her voice. Claire had carefully taken the jacket, and floated towards the bathroom sink, wringing out the drenching sleeve. "We haven't spoken much throughout the year, but I think anyone who isn't blind could see." Turning away from the sink, she began to dry the piece of clothing beneath a hand dryer. Finished, she placed herself in front of Marinette, who seemed to be staring wide-eyed at her words. "I know you didn't like seeing those pictures of Adrien and me exchanging numbers."
"W-What? That's so silly! I'm not like that," in all of Marinette's erratic hand motions, a block of submission crushed her back to reality. With a disheartened sigh, she slumped her shoulders. "I'm sorry. You're right. I just go into panic mode."
"It's normal to have these feelings, but you don't have to worry," continuing to hum, Claire helped Marinette with her jacket. "I like someone else."
Marinette blinked her blue eyes, "Really? I know I shouldn't ask but, who is it?"
"That's alright. It's only fair since I know your secret crush," Claire giggled, tucking a shy strand of caramel hair behind her pink ear, "It's Cat Noir."
Marinette couldn't help but burst into laughter, almost doubling over her cramping stomach, "Oh, Claire. Sorry, I'm not laughing at you. It's just that I know him, and he's such a goofy guy. The complete opposite of Adrien, honestly."
Claire tilted her head, "You know him?"
"Ah, well, about that," Marinette squeaked, raising her hands defensively in front of her chest. "You know Alya, my best friend, right? She runs this Ladybug and Cat Noir blog, so I keep up with all the latest events about them. That's what I meant, sorry. I didn't mean to get your hopes up'."
"That's alright," she smiled, bowing her head. "There's not much to be done, anyway. Cat Noir is in love with Ladybug, and he's happy to be at her side. As long as I can continue to support him, then that's all I really need."
"That might be true, but…." Marinette paused. "Is there a reason why you like him so much?"
"Mhm." Claire nodded, dipping her chin and turning away from Marinette. "It may not be the nicest emotion but I envy him."
Claire brought her doll-like hand to view, viewing their thinness and lack of tone.
Adrien can escape to be Cat Noir….but me…I…
"Claire, is everything alright?" Marinette placed a hand on her shoulder, stirring her.
"I'm fine, thank you," Claire blinked away her intruding thoughts. "I think I have to go."
Without properly dismissing herself, her feet felt under taken by a spell. They had a specific destination to reach. There had to be an answer, there had to be a way…
'When you are ready, come find me again.'
She could escape too.
AN: Hello again everyone. Thank you all to those who commented/reviewed, as well to those who favorited and followed. It really does give me such a boost of inspiration and motivation. I will be answering the main question if Claire will become a Miraculous holder next chapter. How exciting! Find out in the next chapter, see you readers very soon.