UNNOTICED

RISE

Chapter 5: A Mess of a Day

His blue eyes met her tiny copper ones as the redhead continued staring at her with his mouth gawking. For a moment Juleka became hopeful as her ears raised up. But they drooped down immediately when she noticed that the boy hadn't said a word.

Of course.

Juleka?, he whispered, but loud enough for her to hear.

Her ears perked up once again but this time out of bewilderment.

Wait. You can actually understand me?, she asked.

The boy nodded his head slowly, walking further into the alley as he knelt down in order to make a clearer comprehension of what he was seeing, his expression still showing that of utter surprise.

H-how?

More importantly, Nathanael managed to say, how did you turn into a mouse?

Juleka looked down after hearing that, and for a moment Nathanael had felt guilty for asking.

To be completely honest, Juleka answered monotonously, I don't really know myself. All I know is that when I first woke up this morning I was already looking like…well…

She used her forepaws to gesture her entire form.

This.

Nathanael nodded.

And how did you get from all the way here?

Juleka stiffened.

Don't ask.

She then looked up, once again meeting her eyes to that of Nathanael's.

What about you? How are you able to understand me?

Nathanael raised a brow.

What do you mean?

Well its just…, the girl tried to explain, I've been trying to call for someone all morning. But so far no one has been able to understand me.

She then tilted her head slightly.

So how can you?

It was Nathanael's turn to look down.

It's a long story.

What about you running just now?

Well…

Hey you kid!

Nathanael's body jerked when he heard that. He turned behind him as he stood up and saw a police officer walking towards him.

Aren't you supposed to be in school?, he asked, his arms on both sides of his waist.

Oh, ye-yes, of course sir it's just umm…

Hey wait! I know you.

Nathanael paused for a brief second when the man made that remark.

The police officer placed his finger under his chin as he tried to remember.

You're a part of my daughter's class aren't you?

It was there that Nathanael had now fully recalled of who the police officer was. He remembered seeing him along with the other parents last year during career day.

It was then that Nathanael's posture stood up straighter as he nodded his head.

Lieutenant Rogers smiled while he continued on asking.

Why aren't you in school kid?

Nathanael's face then returned to a nervous one.

Well. You see sir…

Nathanael gazed at everything his eyes could find, trying to search for something to explain.

It was here that Rogers's expression was now that of annoyance.

The officer then folded his arms as he stated.

You do realize kid that if you don't give me a proper excuse then you would be forced to come with me while I call your parents.

My parents, Nathanael winced. That can't be good. He couldn't face his mothers, not right now. Not while he was still capable of causing… whatever it was he was causing.

He worried of what they might say or think of him if they ever see him making things float or making the lights flicker. The thought somehow made him uncomfortable.

While he was still busy trying to make up a believable story, Rogers eyes suddenly went wide open.

Lookout kid!

The officer shoved Nathanael to the side as he took out his electroshock.

Nathanael looked up and saw what the man was pointing his weapon at.

His nervousness and worry intensified when he saw a number of tin cans and other garbage materials suddenly levitating in midair accompanied by an all too recognizable blue energy.

Show yourself!, the officer shouted.

The trash bins then begun shaking furiously.

Rogers looked towards Nathanael as he pulled him out of his trance.

What are you still doing here kid?! Don't you see that there's an akuma?! Go! Go! Get out of here! Go!

Nathanael then nodded as he did. As he ran he suddenly turned around shortly as he heard someone calling him.

Nathanael!

The boy looked down and saw Juleka scurrying towards him.

Should he take her with him? He was dangerous after all. He worried that he could seriously injure somebody if he were to come too close to them, at least until he knew of what was happening to him. In the other hand he couldn't simply leave her either. Since she was a mouse she was technically in danger already, that and considering that she was also as confused as he was.

He closed his eyes in frustration before he turned around, knelt down, and placed his open palm down for Juleka.

Juleka then crawled into Nathanael's hand as he came up again and returned on running as far away from anyone he could possibly know.

A loud slam was heard as a red haired woman hit the palms of her hands on the wooden desk.

His gone?!, she shouted causing the students to jerk. What do you mean his gone?!

Some worried eyes were shown as Marinette tried to answer.

It was just as we told you ma'am., she answered nervously and guiltily at the same time. He left without telling us as of why.

The women looked at each other worriedly while exchanging private words with each other.

This is bad. This is really bad., the redhead chanted as she massaged her forehead.

Calm down Naomi., Wendy shook her shoulders, attempting to calm her. Maybe we can still call him.

Naomi then looked up to her partner with her eyes slowly gleaming.

Yes. Yes. You're right.

She was about to grab her phone before Alya spoke, holding a familiar device that the two women recognized.

Yeah sorry., she explained. But he kind of dropped it when he tripped on the stairs.

He tripped on the stairs?, both women cried simultaneously before shaking their heads, remembering that they had bigger issues at hand.

Oh where on Earth could he be?, Naomi worried.

Oh don't worry so much madams. I'm pretty sure that Nathanael is more than capable of handling himself., told Ms. Bustier as she tried to comfort the two.

You don't understand!, Naomi shouted lightly, almost as if she were about to cry at any moment, Nathanael really needs us right now, quite possibly more than ever in his entire lifetime. If we don't find him soon than there could be serious implications and consequences for himself, and for others that may surround him.

Just then Mr. Damocles faked coughed in order to catch their attention. When he did, he asked

Forgive me madams. But what sort of implications and consequences are you implying?

Both women then tensed. Just as they were about to make up an excuse the door suddenly burst opened as a worried looking Rose came in holding her phone.

Mr. Damocles! Juleka's mother just called. She said Juleka has gone missing!

Voices were then heard as the entire class started to worry.

This is terrible! Oh wait um… whose Juleka again?, Mr. Damocles asked.

Juleka., said Marinette. The one with the hair covering the left side of their eye.

Wait I thought it was this um… Nathalie-

Nathanael.

Nathanael that had that description?

They both do., said Alya.

Oh. What are the odds., thought the principal awkwardly.

He then pretended to cough once again before continuing.

Than if that is the case then I shall inform the authorities to keep a look out immediately.

He turned to the women and gave them a sympathetic look.

Don't worry. I'm sure that your son is fine.

They nodded their heads in appreciation before he left. Leaving only them, the students, and Ms. Bustier.

Umm… excuse me. But would you two like some refreshments?, asked the class advisor.

Both shook their heads as they answered.

No thank you. We probably have disturbed you long enough. We must be going on our way now.

The three women nodded as the two exited.

What are we going to do now?, the redhead asked worriedly.

I'm not sure. But I'm going to call for some help. I'm very certain that someone may be able to find him.

Naomi looked into Wendy's eyes.

And that's the part where I'm worried most.

She then proceeded on walking while Wendy stopped in her thoughts. She looked into the sky wondering of what to do next.

He didn't know when he started running, nor did he even care. All he cared about right now was to get away from it all.

Everywhere he went strange occurrences kept happening. He was dangerous, a literal walking time bomb ready to cause some serious harm.

He wasn't akumatized which made it worst as he couldn't figure out of what was happening to him.

He was puzzled, confused, perplexed. But the most surprising part was that he wasn't actually the only one.

Earlier today he managed to have ran into someone quite unexpected. His classmate Juleka came to him in a rather "unusual" form.

What was happening today? Maybe this was the caused of a different akuma. No that couldn't be right. He was fully certain by now that whatever was happening had nothing to do with Hawkmoth or any akuma.

As he continued on running he eventually had to stop in order to catch his breath. He then bent and held his knees, once again exhausted in both his body and his mind.

Are you alright?, asked Juleka.

Yeah. Yeah. I'm. I'm fine.

He continued on panting as the girl stared at him worriedly from his jacket.

Thank you by the way., said Juleka sheepishly.

The boy looked at her while raising a brow.

For *pant* what?

For helping me. So far you were the only person to actually took notice of me today.

Well.*pant* To be fair. *pant* I'm pretty sure that a talking mouse would be very noticeable.

But I'm not a talking mouse remember., she reminded., You are the only one who could actually listen and understand me., she tilted her head., So why is that?

The boy looked at her before he decided to change the subject by looking ahead.

So where do we go now?

Juleka's ears dropped sadly, I don't really know. Earlier I thought that maybe I could just find someone from the city that might be able to help me. But that's highly unlikely.

And why is that?

The girl sighed. Because I'm invisible and the universe hates me.

Nathanael simply looked at her, once again raising an eyebrow when he heard her sudden mutter. Juleka saw this and looked away.

What I meant to say was… because… it was impossible. I mean am I supposed to assume that a magical wizard secretly lives somewhere in the city and is supposedly kind enough to turn me back? Impossible.

Nathanael nodded and smiled.

Yeah guess your right about that.

He then grabbed a red item from his jacket's pocket as he placed it into his mouth.

I didn't know you use an inhaler.

Nathanael froze before smiling awkwardly.

Yeah, I do. But I don't use it as oftenly as I used to. I only use it in certain situations like when I first came back from being Evillustrator, or when Ivan had first turned into Stone Heart, or yesterday when…

Nathanael's playful smile faded when he saw Juleka looking down. He knew that it was probably because she was still feeling guilty after letting herself be transformed into Eris. After all many people had felt regret and guilt after being freed from an akuma's control, that along with the fact that Eris was kind of one of the most powerful and sadistic supervillains Hawkmoth had made yet. And though he would agree that Eris was partly responsible for forcing him into using his old inhaler, it wasn't technically just that.

It was him, himself, and his freakish change. But he didn't want to tell her that. He didn't want to tell anyone about that. He just wanted to find a way to cure himself and return back to the life he used to had.

He held his hand with that of his other as if believing that it would aid in comforting him.

You are you.

And that's the part that I hate of most.

He shook himself out of his memories as he proceeded on walking.

Unknown to the two teens however was that a black shadow was watching and eavesdropping on them before it went on happily making a sort of eerie laugh.

It went on its trail in great speed, passing by the common folk unnoticed, it then went into a dark alley as it opened and revealed its horrifying bloodshot eyes while accompanied with a sinisterly creepy smile.

The shadow went on to whisper words into the ears of a mysterious figure.

Oh I see., said a voice that sounded as if it belonged to that of an old woman's, How delightful.

Creepy sounding laughter was then heard.

After a while Nathanael decided to sit down in a bench while taking out his sketch book as he thought of drawing something in order to clear his mind. After an entire morning of nonstop running it occurred to the redhead that he hadn't actually thought of this situation through.

It was already midday and he still didn't know what to do with himself. He couldn't go home, he couldn't go to the Louvre, he couldn't go to any of his favorite spots. He couldn't go anywhere.

What should he do now was the question he repeatedly chanted in his mind. He thought of perhaps he should go back home but he always shook his head at the idea every time he looked into the sky or saw anything else that was blue.

Meanwhile sitting next to him was a tiny little mouse who was dreading at the possibility that she may not be able to return to her regular life again. That she may not be able to see any of her family and friends again. That she was doomed to spend the rest of her days as a rodent.

True she could ask Nathanael (who she was still curious of why he was the only person who could talk to her right now) if he could explain her situation to them, but honestly who would ever believe that.

Suddenly her ears raised as she heard growling.

She looked and saw Nathanael with his face red.

Juleka smiled slightly before asking him.

Hungry?

The boy didn't say a word but he did nodded his head.

You should go back home then.

Nathanael's body stiffened when he heard that causing Juleka to look surprise.

His face read an all too recognizable expression that the girl knew quite well by now.

He can't., she thought, Can't he.

Just then the young artist looked up and saw a group of vending machines standing not that far from where they are sitting.

He rejoiced as he smiled as he stood up, letting his fellow classmate to climb onto his shoulder.

So what would you like?, the boy asked.

No thanks. I'm good., she answered.

You sure about that?, the boy made a joking smirk, Not even something with cheese?

The girl gave him an annoyed look as she shot daggers at him. Not that the boy minded as he only chuckled at her reaction.

He then made it to the vending machine, as he was about to grab his wallet he soon dreaded as he realized it was missing.

What's wrong?

Nathanael searched all of his pockets but he couldn't seem to find it, he then widened his eyes as he remembered of him having to leave most of his belongings when he fell on the stairs.

He slapped himself on the head after recalling that.

He then looked into the blue sky as he remembered something from the previous day.

He took a hold of his bag and concentrated, closing his eyes as he focused on his wallet.

However as he did the only thing that resulted was Juleka tilting her head.

What are you doing?

Nathanael groaned in annoyance.

Just when he thought of putting it into good use.

The redhead then sighed.

Guess he'll just have to go hungry then.

Hello there deary.

Both Nathanael and Juleka jumped in surprise when they heard that.

Sorry about that deary, I didn't mean to frighten you.

Standing right in front of them was a tiny old woman. She had white skin and white hair. She wore a blue buttoned long sleeve and a darker blue skirt. She also had a rather elongated nose but other than that she seemed to be quite normal.

Upon seeing her Juleka immediately hid herself in Nathanael's jacket again.

The old woman gave the boy a sweet and genuine smile.

N-no. I'm sorry., the boy apologized., I just wasn't expecting that, that's all.

The senior nodded her head.

Well I do tend to receive that type of reaction from people, that's probably why they call me granny Spooks.

Nathanael nodded and smiled back. But then he saw her blue attire as he looked away.

I'm sorry. But I need to be going now.

He was about to walk away when granny Spooks held two fingers on his jacket's sleeve.

Can you help me dear?

Nathanael turned as he looked to granny Spooks.

I-I'm sorry.

My my you seem to apologize quite too often do you., the senior joked.

The redhead blushed out of bashfulness.

Don't worry, my task isn't that hard really. As you can see deary I need to deliver this letter to my sister, but I also need to buy my medicines today. So what all you have to do is to get this letter to my sister who lives by the Seine.

Nathanael looked away regretfully.

I'm sorry. Really I am. But I-

The lady then coughed repeatedly, and both of the teens drooped their eyes due to how obviously fake it was.

I understand deary, I guess I'll just have to skip buying my medications today then., granny Spooks coughed some more., But I understand. Really I do. you youngsters probably have much more important things to do that aid a little old lady such as myself anyway. I just hope my sister won't go extravagant on my funeral.

She then coughed louder causing all the pedestrians to look at them.

But again I understand, now go on and do your business. I won't bother you anymore.

Nathanael sighed.

By the Seine right?

The senior turned around and smirked.

Yes that's right, by the Seine. And not that far from the Eiffel tower. You won't miss it really. She owns a shop with a big sign that says Candy Cabin written on it.

She gave the letter to the boy who reluctantly took it.

Thank you deary. I am sure my sister would be more than grateful. Who knows, she might even invite you for lunch.

I doubt that., Nathanael thought.

He then took the letter.

Well I'm off to buy my medicines now.

The old lady went as Nathanael's eye's drooped once more. He then looked at the letter wondering on what was so important about it. He shrugged his shoulders as he went.

I don't have a good feeling about this.

The redhead looked at the mouse questioningly.

What? Why?

Well for one thing, I live by the Seine. And my mom has already sailed all over the river a dozens of times. And never have I seen a place called Candy Cabin.

Maybe it's brand new, or maybe you just never noticed it before.

Maybe., Juleka considered., Or maybe not. I don't know

Come on Juleka it's just a letter, I doubt anything bad would happen when I give it.

Just as granny Spooks explained a small shop with the sign "Candy Cabin" was standing just as where she described it to be.

It looked pretty old and descent though it seemed to be devoid of people making Nathanael wonder if he really did found the right place.

The boy looked at his surrounding then to the letter before sighing.

He closed his eyes as he made his way.

When the boy opened the door he saw a simple tavern like setting inside. An old woman who looked exactly like granny Spooks appeared raising her arms in delight.

You're here finally.

Nathanael raised a brow.

You were expecting me?

Well of course deary. My sister had already called ahead.

Nathanael was somehow skeptical about that as he begun to question on what he may have gotten himself into. Nevertheless he gave the letter to the senior, wanting the task to get over with.

Here. I think this was intended for you.

The woman gave out a smirk.

I'm sorry deary. But I think you have this all mixed up. See, my sister was supposed to deliver my meal, not a piece of paper.

She then grabbed a nearby knife as she swiftly cut out the upper piece of the envelope, revealing to Nathanael that the letter was nothing more than a blank sheet.

The boy's heart beat went faster as he slowly walked backwards.

Well I apologize for the mistake ma'am but I definitely must be on my way.

Nathanael then ran heading towards the door but it abruptly closed unexpectedly preventing him from going towards the exit.

Go? My you youngsters do indeed tend to be in a hurry do you? Why don't you stay for lunch? I guarantee that the food is to die for.

She then begun to laugh hysterically and soon her eerie laughter was turned into that of cackling.

The shop then started to darken as several shadowy figures appeared with their terrifying smiles and demonic red colored eyes.

A swirl of black smoke then covered the woman and when it disappeared it revealed a monstrous old crone with wrinkly pale skin, wild white hair, red bloodshot eyes, and thin long limbs, as she wore a black dress and a golden circular pendant with a red gem on the center.

Nathanael gulped at the sight, his eyes widening out of fear. But from all that frightening scenery the mouse hiding in his jacket had only responded by whispering one word.

Awesome.