AN: Hello everyone! Thank you so much for the new favorites and follows! I want to apologize about the false update you all received. I was only condensing and cleaning up chapters (the common word count for a book chapter is 4-5k), and I had no idea fanfiction would update it as having posted new chapters. Again, my apologies.

As always, I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Please tell me your thoughts.

Reviews, comments, and suggestions are welcomed!


Chapter 4: Gift


"So," Master Fu began, serving his habitual brew. "You believe you are ready."

"I think so," Claire wrung her hands against her lap.

"There is no 'I think'," Master Fu came swift, planting a teacup in front of her on the coffee table. "Pick up your cup."

Claire bit her bottom lip, her hand twitching to take the porcelain. She brought it close, preparing to take a delicate sip.

"Put it down," Master Fu ordered.

The abruptness in his interjection stirred Claire's sensitive nature. The hot liquid lapped over the edges, and seared the tips of her fingers. The teen girl winced, sloppily placing the cup back on the table.

Master Fu furrowed his peppered brows, "Pick it up."

Claire cradled her aching fingers, tears of frustrating welling up at the corners of her eyes. It made no sense to her; what exactly was the purpose of all this? She was here on the account Master Fu would teach her how to become someone like Ladybug and Cat Noir.

Someone other than herself.

"Claire," Master Fu pulled her from her private dwelling. "Pick up your cup."

Claire didn't want to burn herself again. She swallowed her anxiety and reached for the offering. Her hand didn't shake this time. Exhaling, she brought it to her lips. The tea cradled her stomach in a warm embrace as she drank. She placed the fine china with poise. Although pain was still present at her fingertips, it felt dull and bearable.

"You see, Claire. To be ready means the willingness to master our emotions, even through pain and discomfort." Master Fu iterates, refilling her half-emptied cup. "If you are to be of service to Ladybug and Cat Noir, you will need to make such sacrifices. That is what it means to be chosen as a Guardian."

Claire blinked her turmeric eyes, "Ladybug and Cat Noir aren't Guardians?"

"No, they are Miraculous Holders and wield the most powerful Miraculous'; Creation and Destruction. If Hawk Moth achieves his goal to capture both, it would be the end of humanity as we know."

Claire swallowed, fingers tracing her collar bone. She recalled the treacherous waters crushing her body, and the waves lapping to take her life. How she was steadily drowning, until Cat Noir saved her.

"Guardian's are sole protectors of the Miraculous Box and its Wielders. I am aware this means little to you, so I will share what knowledge I have."

Claire watched as Master Fu slid a book she had previously witnessed from her last visitation. An ethereal energy emanated from its pages as Master Fu turned each page. Stopping on a particular page, he cleared his throat and began it's telling's…


From a singular spark igniting the fabric of existence, the universe was born. Tikki, a cosmic entity born from the ethereal dust and twinkling stars infinitely expanding, creating swirls of planets and galaxies. It wasn't long until these galaxies and stars began to collide, bringing forth supernovas and black holes, consuming debris of light and atoms. One after another, they collapsed into a silent dance in the infinite abyss. From the ashes and fractals of star light, Plagg rose from the calamity. In tandem, they traversed the universal plane, building and breaking the unfathomable structure of the universe.

Million of years forward, ancient human civilizations prospered. Religion, technology and…magic. Few believed in the concept of mystical power beyond religious and divine intervention. However, a Chinese mage, versed in Buddhist meditative teachings had a visceral connection to the universe. Prophetic and kind, he channeled his knowledge and craft to help his village. Although he could not bring back loved ones once passed, he healed ailments of the elderly and crafted charms to protect children from disease and unwelcomed spirits. Some called it a gift of the divine, others called it the teachings of evil; the future ruination of all mankind.

With fear possessed, the Chinese mage was condemned to exile. Stripped of all possession; naked, he was thrusted into the world. For weeks he roamed forsaken land plagued by disease, famine, and unyielding terrain. Death had arms stretched to embrace the man, as he lay cold and bare on the Earth. A falling star glossed over his eyes, like a burning firelight guiding him home. With one last breath, the mage made a wish.

This wish?

One would think of a wish for rapture on the village that abandoned him. A wish that condemned a world that turned against him to perish. A wish for the end of all of those he cured who turned their eyes away from him. This was not the case. Instead, it was this:

"I wish to give into death, so that I may join you above, Oh falling star, and protect all of humanity with the love still left inside me."

The falling star burned hotly as the plane between life and death merged like a dancing thread. Descending from the heavens, it spoke to the mage. It whispered with a power of infinite voices, beyond time and space:

"Give into me, oh human, and Love will bridge the existence between Us and humanity."

The falling star struck the mage and enveloped his dying heart. Like a fading flame, it's withering wick burned hot and turned ablaze, breathing life back into the kindling fire in his chest. It was then, the Chinese mage looked above at the cosmos with newborn eyes, and saw them; all the twinkling stars at night we're surreal visible entities. Each embodying an abstract idea, emotion, and value spoken into the universe–Kwami's.

Upon his wish, the Chinese mage was reborn. With his rebirth, came new found gifts bestowed upon him by the Kwami of Love. A new transcendence had brought the Chinese mage to craft magically imbued jewels known as Miraculous', capable of bridging the existential gap between Kwami and Human. With the guidance of the universe, he ventured to find disciples worthy of the knowledge and practices to wield the miraculous; to Love, protect, and manifest the prosperity of humanity. The power of these Miraculous were capable of eradicating famine and illness, moving mountains to form trading pathways, and reforming water terrain to bring clean springs to desolate lands. The mage, the first Guardian of the Miraculous', could foresee the unyielding potential stretch before all of mankind…

.but so did others.


"There is much more to our story, however; all will be told in time," Master Fu closed the book, dispersing the spell binding Claire's attention. "For now, know you will be trained on the weekends so as to not affect your schooling or raise suspicion from your parents."

Her lips parted, but nothing seemed to spring forward. Claire laced her hands against her lap, lowering doleful eyes against the thin frame of her boned hands.

"Are you having second thoughts?"

No," Claire shook her head softly. "I guess my body isn't meant to be a Miraculous holder but…" she tilted her chin up, balling her hands so tightly, she felt her nails dig into the soft skin. "I want to help Ladybug and Cat Noir. I want to be a Guardian, just like the mage in the book. I just want to be useful, because all my life, I've done nothing but watch."

Claire's heart fluttered, and a wetness sprung to her eyes again. She picked up her cup. Exhaling, she took a sip.

"I want to be more than the limits of my body."

"The body may have limits based on natural laws. Being a Guardian cannot change that. However," Master Fu lifted Claire's chin, encouraging a smile. "The heart and mind are capable of going beyond the limits you place."

"Oh, I am so glad Master has chosen someone," Wayzz appeared in the air, clapping his hands. "You see, Master is almost 200 years old, an age exceptional to humans! However, it's only a matter of time until–"

"Wayzz, I am only 186 and a half years old. Do not retire me sooner than needed." Master Fu grumbled, standing with the protest of his hips and knees, cracking like autumn twigs. He regarded Wayzz with a laugh, "You see Wayzz? That was two cracks less than the last time!"

"Oh, Master," Wayzz sighed with a shake of his head.

Claire giggled, rising from her seat and bowing appropriately.

"Thank you, Master Fu. I look forward to my training."

"Until then," Master Fu bid her farewell.


Claire returned home later that evening, and fortunately didn't raise questions as to her whereabouts. She was the responsible type, and never allowed a moment for her Mother to worry. As a single-mother working overtime at the hospital every week, she didn't want to add unnecessary stress. Especially since her health preoccupied much of her mother's questions and concerns.

Night befell over the romantic French landscape, and Claire waved her mother good-bye from their apartment balcony. Her chin condensed into the softness of her cardigan sleeves. The apartment beckoned her, where Noir sat peering at her from the balcony door. Claire smiled when she turned, watching the kitten paw the glass insistently.

"You can join me," she mused whilst opening the white French doors.

Noir trilled, prancing outside and exploring the decorative potted plants. She crouched and embraced her knees, watching the curious kitten paw at the soil and leaves. About to take a sample of a succulent delicacy, Claire carefully shoo-ed Noir.

"You shouldn't eat that, silly. You'll get a stomach ache," she chastised with a giggle.

"I knew you would be a good mama."

Claire felt the back of her neck tingle. The quilt of nerves underneath her skin tightened and burned, springing an unbearable redness to her cheeks. Surprise forced her onto her rump, startling Noir as the kitten scampered back into the safety of her room.

"Cat Noir?" Claire's world spun in circles, and she held her dizzied head.

"Sorry about that. I didn't mean to scare you," he leapt from the balcony ledge, helping the struck teen rise to her dainty feet.

"That's alright," she spoke as if the air was thin, dusting the soot from her plaid skirt. "I was just surprised, is all. What brings you here?"

"Well, I…" Cat Noir began, scratching the back of his neck. His spring hues wavered, remembering something that had a particular effect on his usual cheerful persona.

Claire placed a few pieces together, and gathered another Ladybug rejection.

Cat Noir shook his head, ridding himself of his pout. He replaced it with a feline grin, "I just finished patrolling with Ladybug, and while I was passing by I thought I might return a favor."

"Oh, what for? You already thanked me."

"I know but, I think an act of kindness should be returned with another act," he responded casually. Extending his baton, he relaxed cooly against it, raising a gloved claw for her to take. "I'll give you one free ticket on the Cat Noir Express. How about a breathless view on top of the Eiffel tower? Or maybe a sophisticated art viewing at the Lauv? Maybe even an evening stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens?"

"Pool," she clasped her hands together gingerly, golden hues dripping with delight. "I would like to go to the community pool, please."

"Yeah, that's definitely not the choice I was expecting." Cat Noir slumped over, pinching the tension away from the bridge of his masked nose. "If that's what our little lady wants, then all aboard."

"One moment before we go." Claire slipped into her room and prepared a bag of particular supplies. Walking back onto the balcony, she patted her belongings, breathing out a nervous breath. "Ok, I'm ready."

"Buckle your seat belt," he gave a wink, and gently tugged against her outstretched hand.

Claire gasped. Cat Noir gathered her into his arms and leapt into the air. Her caramel hair whipped at her cheeks, and her hand clung against the fabric of his chest. The sounds of traffic, pedestrians, and convivial chatter from intimate balcony scenes overwhelmed her. The crisp night air caressed her skin as her hero bounded from one building roof to the next. They reached their destination, and Cat Noir slipped Claire back onto her feet.

"Claire," he grabbed her arm, watching her body sway as she stood. "Are you alright?"

Claire nodded feverishly, and snaked her hand into her pocket. She pulled out her inhaler and took a needed puff. Wheezing, she smiled weakly up at him.

"That…was so exciting." Fixing a strand of misplaced hair behind her ear, she sent her heroic company a thankful smile. "I've never felt anything like that before. It felt like I was flying."

"Sorry, I forgot about your asthma." Cat Noir frowned with personal fault. "I'm so used to it, I didn't think anything of it."

She dismissed the comment with a smile. "Now, we just need a way to get inside."

The teens' attention floated up the steps of the indoor swimming pool, noticing the apparent formidable lock holding the entrance closed. Cat Noir chuckled, extending his hands forward and cracking his latex knuckles.

"Piece of catnip. Just leave it to me."

Claire stepped forward, raising a worried hand, "A-Are you really going to break the lock?"

"Huh?" He pinched his lips to the side. "Using my claws would be too easy. That and…" Cat Noir scanned his surroundings, noticing passerby's gawking as they strolled along. "Maybe it wouldn't be smart to be caught breaking and entering as one of Paris' hero's, yah know?"

"Right," Claire laughed.

"I have a better idea, follow me."

Cat Noir strolled towards the West side of the building with Claire tailing close behind. The cobble stoned path was dimly lit with few street walkers. Claire trailed the feline till he stopped in front of a particular tree. She matched his gaze, following the trunk to its branches extending to barely scratch a second floor window.

"The window on the second floor is where my photographer likes to stand. From the times we've had photoshoots here, I notice he opens one of the windows since he hates the smell of chlorine," with a satisfied look about him, Cat Noir grinned. "Lucky for us, no one bothers to close it."

Whistling, he waved at a couple strolling by. Vanishing at the corner, Cat Noir confirmed the teens' in the clear. Crouching, he motioned Claire onto his back. She gathered her arms tightly around his neck as he leapt up the tree, digging his black claws to scale. Reaching the branch, he flicked out his baton, and wedged it between the window and frame. One click, the baton expended, hoisting the window wide open. The teens descended into the abandoned building.

"Wow, we're in." Claire felt her heartbeat against her chest. Never before had she imagined 'breaking and entering' into anything in her life. She giggled, bashfully playing with the ends of her hair. "I'm a real life criminal, huh?"

"Paris' most wanted over here. Even Hawk Moth couldn't compete," Cat Noir joined after carefully closing the window. "So, what's the next step in your 'diabolical' plan?"

"You'll see," Claire perked, excitedly stepping on the tips of her toes.

Fumbling a bit through the dark, she reached the second floor railing. Claire stared in 'awe' at the dimly lit pool lapping below. She followed the white column pillars up to the second, then third floor, before following all the way up to view the entire glass ceiling above.

Only a few lingering stars filtered through the light pollution of Paris, but that didn't matter. Soon, the whole place would be filled with stars. She turned her sights beyond the open floor plan of the second floor, with nothing but a dark haze greeting her every step. Her eyes sunk into the void of the hall. She turned towards Cat Noir, and with a shameful expression extended her hand for him to take.

"Do you mind leading me to the pool?"

"I didn't take you to be the forward type," he gave a sly up tilt of his lips. "Either you remember cats have night vision, or you just have the perfect excuse to hold my hand."

The real reason was childish.

Claire lowered her eyes, and clutched at her satchel of supplies. There was a time when she used to be afraid of the dark, but her father showed her all the bright stars hidden inside. The mural of glowing galaxies, infinite worlds and moons above her bed reminded her every night.

There was no reason for her to be scared now.

"Don't worry," Claire felt Cat Noir's hand capture her tense hand. She tilted her chin up, noticing Adrien's kind smile lifting her. It resembled the sun, so bright and…so familiar.

Had she seen this smile somewhere before?

"I'll be your personal night guide, and I won't charge yah a thing."

The crease of her lips lifted into her warmed cheeks, "Please lead the way then, Mr. Cat."

Her hero led the two further down the obscure corridor. A wall of thick black fog clouded her vision. She couldn't help but feel her chest tighten, barely able to create the outline of her company from the pool lights below.

"We're taking a left, then after a few yards there will be stares down to the pool area," Cat Noir spoke clearly, and she felt her hand tugging her along with his words.

She followed, her ears focusing on the echoing steps they took in tandem. They neared the stairs, and she couldn't make out the steps. Her company was helpful leading her down, until her feet met the blue and white tiles at the bottom. The pool expanded in her sight, a pristine blanket lapping in silence.

Cat Noir watched with curious slits.

The young teen patted her way to one of the covered outlets against the wall. Claire pulled out a round and black sphere, plugging it in. With an extension cord, she placed it a few feet away from the pool. She made sure it wouldn't fall in, should it try to make a daring escape.

"Come sit with me," Claire beckoned, kicking off her flats and sitting at the edge of the pool. Her legs dangled, and she withheld a squeal once her pink toes met the icy water. "T-The water is perfect."

"Good thing this cat isn't afraid of water." Chat Noir shook his head with a smirk, and took a cross-legged place beside her. "So, what's that ball you've got there?"

"A gift."

Claire turned, brushing a finger against the spherical body. Comfortable stillness befell the teens amid the darkness barely lit by submerged pool lights. One click, and the ball glowed and rotated like a musical box. Streams of ambient light stretched and expanded across the entire pool courtyard. Like an ever expanding galaxy, the lights resembling stars danced and twirled across the walls, ceiling, and water. The entire room appeared as if the two teens sat amongst the twinkling lights.

"Wow, it's so beautiful," Cat Noir's feline slits grew fuller, soaking all the different star patterns waving in the water. "Where did you get this?"

"You can't get it anywhere," Claire hummed, allowing her foot to touch a star and watch it ripple away. "My father made this for me. He told me when the days are darkest, just turn on the stars and look up." She tilted her chin towards the glass ceiling, watching the lights meld against the true night sky above. "And no matter what, he'll be there, guiding me."

Cat Noir remained quiet. Lowering his attention down at the pool tile, he gave his condolences "I'm sorry about your father."

She shook her head lightly, "It's alright. I'm glad I was able to be with him for as long as I could."

"I lost my mother not too long ago."

Claire turned her chin towards her company. Her eyes glossed over, knowing it wasn't Cat Noir speaking to her, but the delicate reserve of Adrien.

"It's funny. You can remember your father and your memories together, but for me…" a solemn chuckle parted his lips. "I can't even remember having a conversation with her."

"Does that bother you?"

A thick pause wedged between their shoulders, "more than anyone can imagine."

"Then…" Claire bit the bottom of her lip. "Why not tell your father? Tell him how you're feeling, and ask him these questions."

"I've tried and it's no use, he never listens." Cat Noir slumped over his shoulders. Any further, she feared he would fall into the pool. A palpable wetness formed against his sight, "I think all this modeling, lessons, and tight schedule to barely breathe keeps me away from really knowing anything. About my mother, and honestly…even about myself."

"Adrien."

Claire called his name, and the sensitive boy behind the black mask turned with widened eyes at the sincere address. She placed a maternal hand on top of his, squeezing with support.

"I'm so happy you brought me here to watch the stars my father made for me," her smile burned into his teared vision. "Whether you're Cat Noir or Adrien Agreste, just like these stars, you'll find where you shine brightest. And right now, at this very moment, your light is lovely."

A blush like wildfire scattered across the canvas of his cheeks. Before the teens could exchange any more words, something odd began to take place. Cat Noir choked, a white light emanated from Claire's chest. Claire took notice and gasped. Before reclaiming her hand, the Miraculous on Cat Noir's finger began to glow as well. It flashed and sparked. The teens retracted, eyes widening at the flashing screen. The paw print transformed into a circular gauge, it's meter filling beyond its capacity. A flashing warning sign took its place.

"What's happening–?"

Cat Noir 's body began to emanate the same tricolor glow as his ring. A coil of pain struck him. Through groans and gritted teeth, he was unable to speak the words of de-transformation. Cat Noir was brought to his knees, his arms wrapping around his chest and sharpened claws digging into the backs of his shoulders. The pool lights pulsed on and off, the water surface lapping erratically. Claire heard the foundational pillars cracking, as if bound to collapse from an invisible tension.

"I-I don't know how to stop it, " Claire dragged her nails against her illuminated chest.

Claire darted her sight from her struggling company to the pool water. Clumsily, she latched onto the arms of Cat Noir and pushed him forward into the pool. After the initial splash, Claire reeled in horror at her spontaneous actions. She watched in panic as the water started to settle, but nothing was resurfacing. Her fingers gripped against the pool ledge, her heart ready to plunge. A muffled beeping sound, and Plagg broke through the pool's surface tension. Clumsily whizzing into the air, Claire stumbled to her feet to catch the soot ball as he fell.

"Woah! What a head rush," the cosmic entity spoke drunkenly, rubbing his appendages against his head. "Human emotions are craaaazy."

Although she couldn't comprehend his words, Claire was relieved to see Plagg. Her heart leapt, hearing a gasp for air behind her. Like a fish out of water, Adrien dragged himself from the pool and flopped onto his back. Drenched in his civilian clothes, he laid with his arms out against the cold tile. With eyes closed he took recovered breaths. Claire seized this opportunity to fetch a towel from one of the open towel bins.

"O-oh gosh, I'm so sorry for doing that," Claire bit the bottom of her lip, carefully drying his drenched cheeks and hair. Finishing, she fitted the towel over his body, "Are you alright?"

"Don't worry. I'm fine, I think." Adrien's field green eyes fluttered open. "My whole body felt like it was on fire. It was painful, but…" raising a hand, he brought his Miraculous into view. "For some reason, I felt this amazing power. As much as it hurt, it felt…really good."

Adrien stirred, propping himself on his elbows. Searching, he stared forwardly at Claire's chest. The previous light had vanished, as if it never existed in the first place. Claire blushed, and covered her chest out of modesty.

"Hey creeper. I'm pretty sure girls don't like to be stared at," Plagg jabbed playfully.

"S-sorry! I didn't mean to stare." Adrien lowered his eyes and shamefully turned a wet chin. "It's just, something happened–I saw it. Didn't you?"

Claire ran a thoughtful hand across her heart, feeling it pulse beneath her finger tips, "Everything happened so fast, I'm not sure if it was even real."

She raised Plagg into view, blinking her golden eyes, "Do you know anything about this?"

"Listen, tootsie roll." Plagg yawned, unable to lift himself from Claire's palm. "I ain't talking till I get the goods. Know what I'm sayin'?"

Claire shook her head, sending Adrien a questionable look. Her classmate smiled apologetically, and fished out a chunk of dripping cheese. Plagg heightened in disgust. A once fresh and crisp slice of cheese, now sloppy like misused playdough.

"Even though Kwami can't die, you sure are trying to kill me," Plagg growled, accepting the offering begrudgingly.

"Alright, Plagg. You got your cheese, now tell us what you know."

"You mentioned something about human emotions," Claire posed. "What did you mean by that?"

"M-mhm," Plagg chewed with gusto, smacking his lips. "Kwami's can't experience human emotion, but there is one Kwami that can bridge that. And when it happens, it's like," he paused between a chew, and stared with round eyes at his possession. "Being surrounded by all the cheese in the world."

He sighed romantically, bringing the piece of dairy closer to his body.

"When a Kami feels it, it gives us and our Miraculous holder a major power boost. I'm jealous you guys can feel it all the time."

"What kind of feeling?" Claire leaned closer.

"What kind of kwami?" Adriene followed.

"Seriously? I thought you humans understood all your emotions," Plagg snorted. "The kwami of 'Love', duh."

A silent pause. A hitch in breath. The two stunned teens stared at each other, mouth gaping.

"Love!?"