THE RAIN & THE SUN
NOTE: So the show has a contradiction about their school. They mention in "Kwami Buster" that it's a high school, but in the French school system collège is equivalent to a middle school. They would be in their last year before going to "high school" or a lycée. Bad language isn't in the show since it's targeted toward kids, but let's be real. Dealing with Lila, it just kind of comes out. Repeatedly. Just warning I'll probably use language with Lila around. Also, Nathalie expresses feelings for Gabriel in the show. In my fanfiction they're not romantic. That will complicate my story and honestly don't want to deal with it. So, they're just boss and assistant and friends.
The Rain & the Sun
Chapter 2: Temple of the Guardians
Most people of Paris are sleeping or planning to sleep very soon. One is getting ready for her trip. She hopes this won't take too long. She does have school tomorrow. Marinette pulls out the miracle box. The kwamis line up to say their goodbyes before disappearing as Marinette readies the box.
"Bye pigtails," Plagg says before he disappears.
Only two miraculouses are left.
"Tikki, spots on!"
Marinette becomes Ladybug. She puts on the horse miraculous.
"Tikki, Kalkki, unify!" Ladybug calls.
The two join together. Pegabug (?) holds her hand out.
"Voyage!"
After going through the motions, a portal opens. Here's to hoping it's right. She picks up the miracle box before running through the portal. Her first reaction is to shiver. It's freezing! That's when she notices it's snowing. No wonder it's cold. She's about a hundred feet from the temple. She gasps at the sight. It's even more beautiful in person. Marinette looks down sad.
"Tikki, Kalkki, divide!"
"It's been a pleasure Marinette," Kalkki salutes.
Ladybug smiles.
"Thanks."
Ladybug puts her miraculous away, and Kalkki disappears with a swoosh. Trudging through the snow, Ladybug comes to the gate. No one appears to be around.
"Hello?" Ladybug calls anyway.
No answer. Using her yo-yo, she attaches it to the top and swings over the wall. Her feet hitting the concrete echoes.
"Guardians? My name is Ladybug… I've come to return the miracle box."
Still nothing. Is anyone still here? Didn't the news say they saw people living here? Ladybug walks up to the enormous door.
"Whoa," Ladybug takes in amazed.
There's so much detail. Many kwamis are depicted on there, though it's hard to tell which is which. The simple symbol, like the one on the concrete, shines a brilliant red. Trying to push on the door doesn't work. Locked. Moving around to find some way in, a part on the wall glows dimly. Ladybug holds up the box. The light blinds Ladybug for a moment. The door opens on its own. Despite being creeped out, Ladybug hesitates only for a few seconds before heading inside. It's dark.
Once the door closes with a loud bang, something echoes around the room. It's numerous torches lighting on fire. Ladybug hugs the box closer to herself. A small group of guardians are revealed. Ladybug squeaks in surprise, nearly dropping the box.
"So, you're the famous Ladybug," one of the older guardians speaks first.
"Y-Yes," Ladybug stutters. "Did Master Fu come to speak with you?"
"He is not worthy of that title after what he did," another guardian responds.
"Fu wrote us a letter announcing his plans to travel here, but apparently has been delayed," a third guardian adds.
"Master Fu renounced his role as guardian and has given it to me," Ladybug discloses more confidently.
The guardians relax at that. Some hang their head in brief condolences.
"I'm sorry to hear. Please come in and tell us everything," the first invites.
Ladybug follows the group of guardians. They lead her to a place where they can sit. One goes and makes tea. He hands her a cup.
"Thank you," Ladybug smiles. "So… you guys are fluent in French?"
"We're fluent in many languages. It's part of our training," one guardian answers.
"We've seen you on this… television," a second guardian changes topics.
"You and your partner are good. Untrained but good."
"Please tell us how the miraculous came into your possession."
"And how the butterfly and peacock miraculouses found their ways into the wrong hands."
"But first let us introduce ourselves," the oldest guardian interrupts. "I'm Master Chen. These are Master Li, Zhao, and Wong. We are what you call masters of the masters."
"I'm Ladybug."
"And your real name?"
"I won't say unless it's absolutely necessary."
The guardians seem pleased with her answer.
"Please carry on."
Ladybug thinks back to her first day of her last year in collège.
"Well it's a long story. It's all starts nine, maybe ten months ago. I was on my way somewhere and running late when I saw an elderly man, Master Fu, crossing the street, about to get hit by car," Ladybug starts.
It's been hours. Hours of lying awake wondering where Ladybug is, how it's going. If the guardians are upset with her or not. He should have gone with her. Why didn't he go with her? They're a team! Partners.
His finger feels bare now. The room still smells like cheese, but he knows Plagg isn't here anymore. What will he do without Plagg? Being Cat Noir is really the only freedom he has. How could he give that up so easily? For some reason, looking at Ladybug, he couldn't do anything else. He knows Master Fu and Ladybug had a stronger bond. She took him forgetting everything pretty hard.
He's been lost in his own mess of relationships and doubts and confusion that he hasn't checked on Ladybug much. She says she's fine but he highly doubts she is. Chloe comes to his mind. He wonders why she won't respond to him. Before she replied in a matter of seconds. Is she embarrassed? That seems unlike her. Does she think he hates her now? Not if she reads his texts and listens to his voicemails. Maybe he should try somehow to visit her.
Most of the class, heck most of the school, talks about her all the time. Wondering what's going to happen. Adrien saw the news. He knows how Ladybug feels about Chloe. Their relationship always confused him. Why did Ladybug despise her so much? Even from the very beginning. Ladybug must cross paths with Chloe in her civilian life. Does that mean they go to the same school? He might find out soon enough.
Rolling over doesn't help him get more comfortable. He sighs. How is he supposed to sleep? What if Ladybug is in trouble? He'll have no way of knowing. Not until she may or may not show up tomorrow. How is he supposed to act tomorrow? Pretend like everything is fine.
"I should have gone with her," Adrien addresses to the open air.
Adrien rubs his eyes and grabs his phone. It's nearing midnight. Would any of his friends be up at this hour? He doubts that. Any sensible person would be getting as much sleep as possible for school. Marinette comes to mind. He scrolls through his contacts to Marinette. She's smiling brightly at the phone, one that could make anyone smile, with her tongue sticking out. Alya sent it to him plus her contact information for mysterious reasons. Actually, Alya sent him dozens of pictures of Marinette to choose from.
He's tempted to click on it. But what if she's asleep? Or the noise wakes her and her parents? That would be rude. He decides against calling or texting. Though he continues to stare at her picture. A feeling passes over him, not that he knows what that feeling is. She's special. His first real friend from school. They've had some fun adventures together. She's done so much for everyone. She truly is his everyday Ladybug. Not that anyone could replace her. 'You totally sound like you're getting over her'. He huffs at his own sarcastic voice.
Adrien just needs to get through the night and day somehow. He also needs to come up with a plan to escape and meet up with his lady.
"Hope she doesn't forget to show up," Adrien states out loud.
His eyes widen and he sits up in bed.
"Forgets. If Ladybug gives up being the guardian, she'll forget everything, forget me. How will she meet up?" Adrien realizes.
Now he'll never know who she is. The thought will always be in the back of his head. He'll never get to know the girl he loves behind the mask, because let's be honest, he's nowhere near over her yet.
Down the hall, Nathalie lays in bed, coughing and feeling worse. She really used the peacock miraculous too many times. There's a knock on her door.
"Come in," Nathalie rasps.
Gabriel enters with his hands behind his back.
"Mr. Agreste," Nathalie welcomes in.
She's too ill to sit up. He walks over to the side of her bed.
"You're not any better. Fixing the miraculous should have helped," Gabriel observes.
"I've used it too much," Nathalie answers weakly.
"I'll have to find some other way to cure this. I guess it's back to obtaining the ladybug and cat miraculouses. This time I can use both the butterfly and peacock miraculouses."
"Sir, it could be too dangerous. Let me."
"You're in no position to help anymore. Are you sure you shouldn't be in the hospital?"
"You know they can't help."
Gabriel's jaw tightens and he nods. Of course he does. The evidence is underground stuck in a coma-like state.
"Please get some sleep," Gabriel somewhat orders.
He turns and leaves the room.
"Yes sir," Nathalie whispers after he leaves.
Her coughing comes back.
"So, to sum it up, Master Fu accidentally lost the butterfly and peacock miraculouses. They ended up in Paris by some means. Hawk Moth and Mayura are trying to get the ladybug and cat miraculouses for some purpose. During a battle between numerous miraculouses and akumatized people, Master Fu made me guardian and forgot everything. He's traveling with an old friend. And I have no clue what to do," Ladybug recaps.
The other guardians are in deep thought. Ladybug decides to get to the main point on why she's here.
"Look, I came here because despite being a guardian, I have almost no training. These rightfully belong to you. If you want them back, I'll give them back. I just ask you find someone who can save Paris. And someone get me back to Paris," Ladybug concludes.
The room is silent until Master Chen asks a question that throws her off.
"What would you wish for?" Master Chen questions.
"What?" Ladybug almost falls over.
"If you had the cat and ladybug miraculouses, the power to wish for anything, what would you wish for?" Master Chen elaborates.
"I-I wouldn't wish for anything," Ladybug replies truthfully. "I mean sure, there are things that I could wish for but I wouldn't. Everything is a balance. I would never want to worsen someone's life to better my own."
"What if there was no consequences? You can wish for anything, plain and simple. No damage," Master Chen changes.
Ladybug thinks about it. There are things she wants, of course, but to get them because of a wish…
"I don't know. The things I want, I would never want to get them because of a wish," Ladybug answers.
"That can be dangerous, not knowing. Everyone wants something," Master Zhao speaks up.
Ladybug stands and places the miracle box on the table. She slides the box so it reaches the other side.
"Then take it. Make sure I never have that chance," Ladybug stands firm.
Master Chen goes to reach for the box when his hand stops. He stares at the box. Ladybug becomes confused. He smiles, not very warm, but a smile nevertheless. He pushes the box back to Ladybug. She looks at the guardians, blinking in question.
"Follow me," Master Chen requests.
Ladybug takes the box and follows him. The others stay behind. They walk down beautiful hallways when they come across a large room. It's bright. On one side, a waterfall comes from somewhere above and falls into a pool. There are a multitude of shelves on the other three walls. Taking a closer look, Ladybug notices what's on the shelves.
"Miracle boxes?" Ladybug notices.
"Yes, yours isn't the only one you know," Master Chen confirms.
"Master Fu told me that. I just haven't given it much thought."
"There are hundreds of miraculouses," Master Chen gestures to the room. "Yours contains the most powerful."
Ladybug looks down at her box.
"Wow, no wonder it feels like such a heavy burden."
"Indeed, being a guardian can be full of rewards but full of grief. It's a huge responsibility. One that you'll have to bare."
Ladybug looks at him surprised.
"You want me to stay guardian?"
"Though through untraditional means, Master Fu passed the box onto you. You're the rightful owner. Go back to Paris, win back the butterfly and peacock miraculouses, and when the time comes, you'll give the box onto the next person."
"Really? You trust me that much?"
"I trust the box."
Ladybug tilts her head and clearly expresses bewilderment.
"If you've been guardian as long as I have, you can hear the box itself speak. This one," Master Chen places a hand on the miracle box. "Has a strong voice, a powerful one. It sees something in you."
Ladybug fills the weight on her shoulders grow heavier.
"We will be watching you, seeing how our heroes in Paris are faring. As well as a request."
Master Chen walks over to a certain miracle box and opens it. There are only three spots on the top. The miraculouses are missing.
"I do believe the chameleon, cheetah, and lemur miraculouses have been stolen. Please find them while you continue your own battles," Master Chen requests.
"Why can you not find them?" Ladybug inquires.
"The other guardians and I will take the miracle boxes to a second location. This temple has been compromised. I fear your Hawk Moth may come here and steal more," Master Chen explains.
"How will I be able to contact you if I need you?"
"We'll come if you need us."
"I… I have so many questions. The Grimoire. Master Fu never got a chance to teach me to read it."
Master Chen smiles almost warmly.
"It's not something you learn. When you grow, so will your knowledge."
Ladybug nods.
"Please don't forget these three miraculouses. While alone they may not be the strongest but all together their strength is only outmatched by the cat and lady miraculouses."
"It's possible to merge with that many miraculouses? I've only done two."
Master Chen places his hand back on Ladybug's miracle box.
"It's possible to merge with all of these at once."
Ladybug's eyes widen in shock.
"Though, it'd probably kill you," Master Chen adds.
"Right."
The two walk back towards the front of the temple. The other three guardians meet up with them at the door.
"Take care Ladybug," Master Chen bows his head.
Ladybug places the horse miraculous on.
"If you ever need me, you know where to find me," Ladybug returns.
"Tikki, Kalkki, merge!"
Going through all the motions, Pegabug calls out.
"Voyage!"
A portal appears. She waves one last time before stepping through. When her eyes open, she's back in her bedroom. She drops both her transformations. Marinette has to sit down. Both kwamis are exhausted. Despite that, Tikki flies over and hugs her chosen.
"I'm so glad we get to stay!" Tikki cheers.
"Me too," Marinette smiles.
"Are you going to wake up the others?" Kalkki asks.
"I think I will in the morning. I'm too tired to deal with their cheerfulness," Marinette plans but opens the box to grab one miraculous. "Except this one should go back to his rightful owner."
Plagg appears.
"Free already? Where's the cheese?" Plagg greets.
"Plagg! Don't you ever think of anything other than cheese?" Tikki scolds.
"Only cheese and you Sugarcube," Plagg responds.
"I told you not to say that stinky socks!" Tikki fumes.
"Sugarcube?" Marinette giggles.
"A horrible nickname," Tikki folds her arms upset.
"I see where Cat Noir gets it," Marinette chuckles.
She finds it funny when the awful nicknames aren't directed at her.
"Exactly. I'm an excellent role model," Plagg states-matter-of-factly.
Marinette hands Plagg the cat miraculous.
"Please give this back to Cat Noir. Tell him to meet me at our usual spot tomorrow, same time," Marinette instructs.
"Yes, pigtails," Plagg accepts and takes off. "She still didn't give me cheese."
Marinette places the miracle box back in the dollhouse. Taking the letter, she tears the sticky note, and places the letter in the box. Kalkki phases through the dollhouse to sleep. Marinette sits at her desk.
"Aren't you going to sleep? It's late and you have school tomorrow," Tikki advises.
Marinette glances at her phone which reads '1:48'.
"I would but I have homework due tomorrow. I didn't get a chance to do it earlier," Marinette grumbles.
Tikki nods before yawning. She curls up on a pillow on Marinette's chaise and quickly falls asleep. Marinette opens her textbook and starts what will be a long night of homework.
Adrien wakes to a loud crashing noise in his room. That alerts him to sit right up. What on earth could that noise be?
"Did you throw all the cheese away?" Plagg complains.
He closes the fridge door. Adrien's eyes widen and it takes him all of three seconds to process that Plagg is actually in his room and not in a miracle box in Tibet.
"Plagg!" Adrien jumps out of bed.
He runs over to where Plagg is searching. He grabs him, much to Plagg's protest, and hugs him.
"I'm glad you're back," Adrien admits.
"Me too… where is all my cheese?" Plagg asks.
"I-I threw it all away after you left. I couldn't stand the smell," Adrien answers.
Though his attempt to rid the smell didn't work. The smell simply reminds him of Plagg.
"Kid, that's one of the most insulting things you've ever said," Plagg deadpans.
Adrien chuckles and pulls Plagg back.
"How did it go?" Adrien questions.
Plagg shrugs.
"Beats me. I didn't hear anything. Ladybug said to meet you at your spot tonight. She'll tell you everything."
Adrien smiles then frowns.
"She won't show me who she is now though."
"It's probably for the best."
"How can you say that?!"
"It's complicated kid. But don't worry. You won't always be in the dark. You'll just have to wait a little longer," Plagg assures. "Now, before you do anything else, I need cheese."
At the bakery next to the school, a little red kwami stirs at the sound of an alarm. How does Marinette not wake up to it? It's so loud. Then the awful noise stops. Tikki lifts her head to see Marinette sitting at her desk, looking absolutely exhausted.
"Don't tell me you stayed up all night to finish homework," Tikki speaks up.
Marinette rubs her eyes.
"I hate physics. It took me hours to finish. I'm not even sure it's right."
"You could always ask Adrien for help."
"That would be good except I'm sure he's busy. Besides, the less time I spend with him, the easier it will be to get over him completely."
Tikki understands. Marinette changes her clothes and brushes her teeth. Her hair is in knots, so she brushes it out before putting in her pigtails. Back in her room, she's greeted by Kalkki.
"Morning Marinette. Are you going to wake the other miraculouses?" Kalkki inquires.
"Later. I'm sure they're hungry and I don't have time to get them food. I'll be late for school," Marinette responds. "Want to come with?"
"No thanks. I'll stay and enjoy the peace and quiet," Kalkki declines.
"Alright, stay out of trouble," Marinette instructs.
Kalkki flies to a high shelf and curls up to sleep. Marinette grabs her bags and phone.
"Shoot! I'm going to be late!" Marinette panics.
Tikki flies into Marinette's purse before she gets down the steps. Flying through the crowd and nearly fall down steps, Marinette crashes into the classroom, startling everyone. Marinette turns slightly red from embarrassment and takes her seat.
"Morning Marinette," Adrien greets as she passes by.
Marinette returns a smile.
"Morning."
She sits down and collapses against her desk.
"Girl, you do not look good," Alya observes.
"I didn't sleep at all. Spent the whole night doing homework," Marinette sighs.
"Are you going to be okay like this?"
"I'll manage."
Just then, Chloe unexpectedly walks through the door. Her head is held high as she quickens her steps to her desk. She folds her arms in a typical Chloe fashion. Sabrina doesn't dare to speak to her.
"Chloe's back in school?" Alya questions.
"Weird right?" Nino turns around.
Adrien also joins in the conversation.
"I'm surprised she came to school. Thought she would transfer. To like New York," Alya folds her arms.
"Maybe we should give her the benefit of the doubt," Marinette puts out.
Alya and Nino look at her as if she's grown a second head.
"Um what did you say? I think you're hallucinating from your sleep deprivation," Alya theorizes.
"I said we should be nice to her. She's been through a lot," Marinette repeats.
"Nice? To Chloe? I know it's been a while since we've seen her but you do know what she's like, right?" Alya points out.
"I probably know more than anyone. I think it's a good idea," Marinette reasons.
"I don't," Alya argues. "We can be friendly I guess, but I'm sure not going to go up and talk to her."
Once the bell rings, the discussion is dropped. Morning goes by quickly until it's lunchtime. Marinette heads over to sit with Alya and Nino when she spots Chloe sitting on her own in a corner. Debating her options, Marinette decides to sit with Chloe.
"Is this sit taken?" Marinette asks.
Chloe glances up at her phone, guard up on why Marinette of all people would be here.
"What do you want Dupain-Cheng?" Chloe regards.
Marinette sits.
"I want to have lunch with you," Marinette replies.
"Does that mean you have food with you?"
Marinette laughs nervously.
"Actually I don't."
Chloe rolls her eyes before typing on her phone.
"How come you aren't eating at the hotel?" Marinette wonders.
"They couldn't come and get me. Sometimes those workers are ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous!"
"Why aren't you sitting with Sabrina?"
"Why do you ask so many questions? Obsessive much?"
"I'm just curious."
Chloe sighs.
"Sabrina is sitting with Lila and some others."
"You don't want to sit with Lila?"
A look of disgust washes over Chloe's face.
"Not in a million years. She's a lying bitch. I don't know why everyone is so gullible."
"Because she says anything people want to hear. I don't think I've heard one truth come from her mouth."
Chloe looks up at Marinette again, interested in this one thing they have in common.
"At least someone is smart enough to notice. I wish we could just show everyone what she's really like."
"She's bound to expose herself. Eventually."
"Not at this rate. Are we the only ones who don't buy her shit?"
"It's hit or miss with Nino and Alya. I think Kagami is on our side. Adrien maybe. He says so but then he was in a photo shoot with her. I'm not sure."
"Most likely his father's doing."
Chloe gets a text and replies. The two sit in silence. Marinette bites her lower lip.
"Speaking of Adrien… do you really like him?" Marinette inquires.
"Of course! We're meant to be, why would you ask?" Chloe responds.
"It's just, I don't see you guys together."
"That's because you want him for yourself. Remember, I know you have a crush on him."
"I don't," Marinette corrects, Chloe raises her eyebrow in disbelief. "I don't anymore. He's with Kagami anyway."
"I heard they broke up on Sunday. He dumped her."
"Either way, he doesn't like me. He's into someone else. I just want him to be happy."
"You're something else Dupain-Cheng."
More silence. Marinette fiddles with the strap of her bag. She receives a text from Alya.
"Where r u? Aren't we eating together?"
Marinette cringes and sends a reply.
"Something came up! Sorry. Maybe tom.?"
In the silence, it's Chloe's turn to be nervous about bringing up a topic.
"Do you think I'm a terrible person?" Chloe asks sounding sincerely vulnerable.
Marinette blinks in surprise. She didn't expect that.
"I think you've done terrible things, but no, I don't think you're a terrible person," Marinette answers.
"Why?"
Marinette smiles slightly.
"Remember when we were kids?"
"That was so long ago."
"Still, at first it was hard to remember her. She's the best version of you."
"And what if she's gone for good?"
"She's not. I've seen bits and pieces of her lately," Marinette ensures. "I know you've gone through rough things in life, and you've forgotten who you used to be; but I've seen her trying to come back."
"What about when I was Miracle Queen? That was just a couple weeks ago."
"I think you've been hurting. You thought following Hawk Moth was the only way. Do you regret what you did?"
Chloe doesn't answer right away. Then she nods slowly. Marinette smiles. The two sit in comfortable silence for a while until the bell rings. They both stand and dust themselves off.
"So, I'll make sure to bring food with me tomorrow. You know, in case you get stuck here again," Marinette announces.
Chloe smirks.
"Well I'll be here if I do," Chloe accepts.
The two head off to their class separately. Alya sits down next to Marinette with a scowl on your face.
"What was so important that you had to skip lunch with us?" Alya interrogates.
Marinette leans back and laughs nervously.
"I sat with Chloe…" Marinette admits.
"WHAT?!"
The whole classroom looks over. Marinette sinks lower in her seat.
"Why would you do that?"
"She was alone."
"So? You don't owe her anything. That girl is cruel and a liar."
"Alya, calm down."
"How can I when my best friend ditched me for a spoiled brat?"
The bell rings and the teacher immediately starts the lesson. Marinette sighs and tries to focus on the lesson. Alya ignores her for the rest of the day. She dashes out of the school before Marinette can catch up to her.
"Wait Alya!" Marinette calls from the top of the steps.
It doesn't matter though. Alya is already at the bottom and running down the street. Marinette groans. A hand on her shoulder makes her jump and squeak.
"Sorry about Alya, I'm sure she'll come around," Adrien encourages.
"I… hope so. I get she's hesitant about Chloe, she just needs some time," Marinette replies.
"Did you really eat lunch with her?"
"Well neither of us had food. We just talked."
"You and Chloe talked? And no akuma was involved?" Adrien jokes.
Marinette laughs lightly.
"Yep. It actually wasn't that bad. Reminds me when we were younger."
"When you were younger?" Adrien repeats confused.
Marinette bites her lip and nods.
"Chloe and I were really good friends until our third year of primary school," Marinette divulges.
Adrien is shocked. He would have never guessed that the two were close friends. A million, or probably more like ten, questions run through his mind.
"What happened?"
"Well, I was really shy, but Chloe was outgoing and fun. She made sure I was included. Then she began to change. She became bossy and mean; she made all the other kids stop playing with me. I've never really had any real friends until this year."
"Hm," Adrien thinks for a moment. "That's just after Chloe's mother left for New York. I mean she's left any times before, but that was really the last time Chloe saw her in person."
"Yeah, I found that out later on. I still don't know why she turned on me though. As the years went on, we just became enemies."
"Well, I think it's great you two are getting along," Adrien smiles. "You're my two favorite girls."
As well as Ladybug but it's not like he can tell her that. Marinette's face turns to a dull red color. She clears her throat, forcing herself to calm down. 'He means as a friend. Pull yourself together!'
"Speaking of girls, I heard Kagami and you broke up. Is that true?"
Adrien's face falls.
"I-I'm sorry! I shouldn't have said anything!" Marinette quickly apologizes.
What was she thinking?!
"No, it's alright," Adrien assures. "Yeah, we aren't going out. I just don't feel that way about her."
"So is she not the girl you told me about? The girl you're in love with?"
"N-No. She isn't. I guess Kagami and I just sort of happened. She told me how she felt and I hoped I would feel the same way."
"Why?"
Adrien looks away from Marinette briefly. He sighs.
"Because the girl I love doesn't love me. She loves someone else. I'm trying to accept that."
Marinette places a warm, comforting hand on his shoulder. He faces her again.
"I'm sorry. I… know how you feel. You have to suddenly find a way to get rid of all this love you once had for them. You just feel so…"
"Empty," Adrien finishes.
Marinette nods. Adrien's eyebrows narrow.
"I thought Luka liked you. You two didn't work out?"
"Oh no. Luka likes me a lot. I told him I couldn't be with him though. I'm trying to get over this guy I love who's in love with someone else. It just wouldn't be fair to Luka."
Adrien smiles.
"Who know we had so much in common."
Marinette laughs awkwardly.
"Right! And they're no way related at all!"
Marinette smiles much too brightly but oblivious Adrien doesn't notice.
"We could be a support team of sorts, help each other out. We could be Heartbreak Friends!" Adrien suggests.
"Sure…" Marinette hesitantly agrees. "But that name is too depressing. How about B.U.D.? Break Up Dumpers? Since you know, we sort of broke up with them because we need to get over people who have "dumped" us."
"Wouldn't that just be 'bud'?" Adrien notes.
Marinette thinks about it. Oh yeah, B.U.D. is bud.
"Yes…" Marinette replies slowly. "But only we'll know what we really mean."
Adrien smiles widely.
"Like a pun?" Adrien asks excitedly.
"Not a pun! I get enough of those in my life," Marinette protests. "It's just a play on word."
"Aren't puns play on words?"
"A secret acronym then! Not a pun."
Adrien still smiles.
"I'll change your mind about puns."
"Good luck with that."
A car horn interrupts them. Adrien's driver is waiting.
"I better go. Want a ride home?"
"That's alright. I do live across the street. Thanks though."
The two walk down the stairs. Gorilla opens the car door and shuts it after Adrien hops in. He goes to the driver's seat. Adrien rolls down the window.
"See you tomorrow Marinette."
"Bye Adrien."
The car leaves. Marinette smiles before heading home. After a quick kiss to both her parents, Marinette heads up to her bedroom.
"Welcome home Marinette," Kalkki greets.
"Thank you Kalkki, are you feeling hungry?" Marinette returns.
"A little. Are you going to wake up the other miraculouses?"
"I think I'll get some food first."
Marinette walks down to the kitchen and gets a plate of food. It almost falls to the ground at Sabine's voice.
"Are you that hungry? Having a party we should know about?"
"N-No. I just stayed at school for lunch and didn't get a chance to eat."
Sabine smiles.
"Okay sweetie. While I have you, do you think you could help your father and me in the bakery for the next week or so? With summer approaching we have a lot of events to cater and could use the extra hand," Sabina enquires.
"Oh… uh, yeah. No problem."
"Are you sure? Won't you have a lot of do with school and such?"
She doesn't know the half of it.
"No, no. I can totally help."
Sabine smiles.
"Thanks. I better get back down there."
Both women head their separate directions. Once she sets down the tray of food, Marinette lets all the kwamis out. They cheer when they see Marinette again.
"It'sss good to ssee you Marinette," Sass sibilates.
"What happened? I thought you were returning the box," Barkk wonders.
"Want to hear all about it?" Marinette questions.
"A story!" Ziggy beams.
All the kwamis sit attentively listening to all that happened at the temple.
At the Agreste mansion, Adrien is heading to his room when he notices his father leaving Nathalie's room.
"Father," Adrien gets his attention.
He turns around with his hands behind his back.
"Yes son?"
"How's Nathalie?"
"Resting."
"Shouldn't we call a doctor or take her to the hospital? She's been on bedrest for two weeks."
"She just needs to take it easy. She'll be better soon."
Gabriel turns and starts walking away when Adrien's words stop him.
"That's what you said about mom."
Gabriel stops and lowers his head. Adrien becomes guilty.
"I'm sorry," Adrien apologizes. "It's just, I remember her resting in bed a lot before she…"
It's too painful to finish. Gabriel remembers that all too much. As long as Nathalie doesn't use the peacock miraculous anymore she should recover.
"Nathalie will be fine," Gabriel states without turning around.
He continues down the hall, leaving Adrien feeling confused and sad.
Just before ten, Marinette transforms into Ladybug and swings through the city to meet Cat Noir. He's already there, sitting and swinging his feet. He smiles brightly when Ladybug appears.
"Evening Milady."
"Hi Kitty. How was your day?"
"Better having Plagg at my side. What happened at the temple?"
Ladybug takes a deep breath.
"A lot. I met Masters Chen, Zhao, Li, and Wong. Apparently Master Fu never got a chance to meet with them. Also, they were a little mad at Fu. I told them he made me guardian and doesn't remember anything. Also, they said they've seen on us on TV. Said we're doing good, though we look untrained."
"Well that hurts my feline-ings," Cat fake pouts.
"Don't interrupt to use awful puns!"
"Sorry Bugaboo. Continue."
"I told them everything that's happened since we got our miraculouses. With Hawk Moth, Mayura, the miraculous book."
"Do they know who you are?" Cat cautiously inquires.
"No, I didn't tell them my identity."
Cat Noir relaxes at that. He'd be a little ticked and hurt if random guardians find out before he does. Not that he cares romantically, he's still curious since they're partners and friends.
"I gave them the option to take the box back, it belongs to them. But then Master Chen asked what I would wish for."
"What you would wish for?" Cat Noir repeats.
"If I used the cat and ladybug miraculouses to make a wish. I told them I wouldn't because of the consequences. Then Master Chen restated the question without any consequences."
"What did you say?"
"I told them I wouldn't wish for anything. I wouldn't because I don't want to gain anything just from wishing it. I think it was a test."
"Well good for you," Cat praises.
"Master Chen almost took the box when he gave it back to me. I followed him to another room. It was filled of miracle boxes! There were hundreds of hidden miraculouses!"
"Wow, I had no idea there was so many."
"Yes, but our box has the most powerful. We talked about responsibility. Then Master Chen said I should stay guardian. My mission is get all the miraculouses back and someday I'll pass down the box to the next guardian."
"That's a lot of responsibility. They must trust you."
"That's just the thing. Master Chen said he trusts me because of the box. He heard the box speak to him about me. It sees something in me."
"See, even magical, inanimate objects believe in you Milady. Now it's your turn."
"I'm trying," Ladybug waivers. "Afterwards, he showed me another miracle box. Cat, we're looking for more than just the butterfly and peacock miraculouses. The chameleon, cheetah, and lemur are also missing. Someone stole them."
"Now or in the chaos of the sentimonster?"
"I have a feeling since the temple returned. Otherwise I think we would have heard about them. For now, we stick to our mission. We'll see what we can do about the other three miraculouses."
"Why won't the guardians find it? They have hundreds more."
"They've taken the remaining miraculouses into hiding."
Cat Noir nods.
"Is that all that happened?"
"Pretty much. I asked about learning to decipher the miraculous book, which comes with time I guess. I also asked about merging miraculouses. It is possible to merge more than two but not recommended. It can kill you."
"Marinette did it as Multimouse."
Ladybug tries not to panic at the sound of her name.
"Technically Marinette used different parts of herself. That's why she was able to do it."
Cat Noir nods as he processes the information.
"Then I came back here," Ladybug concludes.
She stands.
"I'm going to head back home. I didn't sleep last night."
"I should have gone with you."
Ladybug looks away. Excluding her kitty didn't feel right, but with the possibility of finding each other's identities, she couldn't risk it.
"Yes, but…" Ladybug takes a deep breath. "I don't want you to know who I am."
"Why not?" Cat Noir stands.
"You would be disappointed… I'm no Ladybug."
She takes off with her yo-yo before Cat Noir could reply. Not that he would be able to. Her words immobilize him. Eventually he makes it back home. Once he's Adrien again, Plagg flies off to find some cheese. Adrien is still thinking of Ladybug's words.
"Ladybug really doesn't believe in herself?" Adrien voices out loud.
"Yeah… I can't say much, but she's pretty insecure. I think she's great!" Plagg answers.
"You think she's great? A real person. Not cheese."
"She has really good cheese."
Adrien rolls his eyes. That explains it. He sits on his bed, looking at all his Ladybug posters. She looks so confident and strong. He knew Ladybug doubts herself sometimes, but he had no idea she thought that all the time. It's even a reason she doesn't want to share her identity. So she doesn't let him down. Plagg flies over with some cheese.
"Thinking about Ladybug? Aren't you supposed to be getting over her?"
"It's a process Plagg. I still care about her. Why do you think she feels that way? Is she different than when she's Ladybug?"
"Kid, that's kind of crossing secret identity lines."
"I'm worried. Can't you tell me anything?"
Plagg sighs.
"She doesn't think they're the same."
Adrien pauses.
"Do you?"
Plagg groans.
"I guess. She's just…" Plagg thinks how to word it without revealing much. "Insecure. Not used to showing her Ladybug side in her personal life."
Adrien nods. His mouth opens to ask another question but Plagg stops him.
"If I'm going to answer more questions, I need more cheese and beauty sleep."
Plagg flies off. Adrien concedes and gets ready for bed.
Elsewhere in Paris, Lila sits in bed writing in her notebook. She's not doing homework. Why do that when you can manipulate people into believing you have some made up medical problem that prevents you from doing so? She smirks at the amount of students that jumped at the chance to help her. No Lila is working on her master plan to get rid of Marinette permanently. Her plan to expel her failed once Adrien found out. Most of the students are on her side. Just a few linger on Marinette's friendship. She has to change that.
But how? It isn't enough for just her to lie her way through this. Maybe getting Marinette caught up in a lie will do the trick. What though? It has to be convincing too. Convincing to have reporter Alya and perfect Adrien walk away without hesitation. She'll show Marinette. That little brat will be begging to leave Collège Françoise Dupont.
Another chapter done! Thanks for reading. Hope you guys are enjoying the story so far. Probably not very exciting yet, but that's because I have to transition from "Miracle Queen" to my story. Clear some things up. Next chapter will have Lila in it, so get your murder weapons ready. Yes, not just weapons, but murder weapons. Please review!