The rain continues to plummet down around us, as Mayura has just taken off with the Cat Miraculous. "What do we do now, Adrien?" I ask. "We follow her. She streaked off into the forest, so that's the direction we'll go."
"Cat! Marinette!" We both turn in surprise to find my Pocket Elf running up to us. "So, it looks like Mayura has taken off with your ring, Adrien?" A bolt of lighting lights up the sky. "Yes. But we're going to get it back."
We head into the dark forest, me clutching at Adrien's hand. It keeps slipping, as the rain countines to fall above. Mud squelches at our feet, and the hem of my dress is soon soaked through. "There's a village close by, Marinette. We'll stay at some friend's of mine, at their inn. Think you can hold on a bit longer?" I wipe rainwater from my eyes. "As long as we're together, Adrien Agreste, nothing else matters."
Cinders, my cat, is being so brave. He daintly shakes mud clumps from his feet as we journey on. Towards afternoon, I begin to see pinpricks of light as I walk closer, they grow bigger, beckoning to us like a moth to a flame. Slowly, the rain is easing, even though its still dark and overcast. "Marinette, I need to talk to you alone before we go into the inn," he says, and I turn in surprise at his serious tone.
Adrien leads me to a small shelter and I look up at him. "They only know me as Cat Noir, Princess. And you must not spill our secrets," he says. "I wouldn't do that," I whisper. "Its just a precaution, love. You'll love Alter and Bootes. Now, before go, there's one last thing I have to do."
Before I can react, Adrien has lifted me into his arms like I weigh the weight of feather, and he holds me against the wall. He's kissing me everywhere, and the world turns hazy and all I can see is him. I fist his wet hair, making soft little sounds. We have a long and dangerous ahead of us, and we don't know if we'll survive. My shirt is stuck to me, and my tummy is showing. Adrien runs his hands along it, and I tip my head back, turning this moment into a memory. Just as it begins, it is over and we're back on the trail.
The inn is two stories, and the lights from the inside spill out onto the quiet streets like melted butter. We head inside, Adrien and I holding hands and Cinders carrying Pocket.
"My goodness! Vistors, and very wet visitors, I can see! Bootes, come here!" A older woman with kind eyes comes to the front. "Sorry for our appearance," I tell her. "We were caught out in the rain early this morning." At least that part is true. "Don't you worry, dearie. Will get you all checked in and I'll find you some clean dry clothes! Bootes!" She turns, talking over her shoulder. "I'll be back, quick as a tick!"
She's as good as her word, and she tells us, "No wonder he didn't come when I call, he's asleep in the rocking chair again!" I cover my mouth to stifle a giggle. I can see why Adrien would like this older couple.
Adrien pays, and Alter shows us to our rooms. I could cry as they look so cozy, and dry clothes are hanging in the closet. "Always keep these in case a situation like this happens," she says. "Now, I'll find a teacup for you, Pocket Elf, a teacup will make a wonderful bathtub!" Cinders follows them, and Adrien gives me a quick kiss. "See you in a bit," he says.
I turn on the hot tap, adding the bubbles, and strip down. Already the bathroom is getting steamy as I slip into the water, and the window steams up. My body moans in protest, but I try to ignore the ache, just letting a few droplets of my tears, hit the water's surface.
With Mayura certainly heading back to Hawkmoth, who knows what kind of evil destruction he could cause. I tell myself not to worry, rather to keep a clear head and to help and be a comfort to Adrien.
The dry clothes are nice and warm, and a delicious smell wafts towards me, from under the door. Curious, I walk downstairs towards the kitchen, were I find Alter pulling a pumpkin pie from the oven. My mouth waters, for I haven't had pumpkin pie since before I moved into the forest. She looks up and smiles at me. "Hello, dear. Are you hungry? I should really introduce myself," she says, all in the same breath while wiping her hands on her apron. "Alter." "Marinette." "Where are you traveling to?" "No place in particualar," I say, keeping my voice light. "Be aware of the evil one's castle, Marinette. Even if he dosen't live around these parts, people here fear the Butterfly Man."
It takes me a minute, to grasp what she's saying before I grasp on. She means Hawkmoth. "Swept through here a few years ago, he did." I put the information into my memory bank, and then Adrien and my companions are in the doorway looking hungry. "Time to get you fed! Come on, find seats around the table."
The older man who Adrien called Bootes, finally appears and at first glance I know as well as running the inn, he must be a farmer. Dressed in overalls and boots, he has weathered face, wrinkled from hard work in the sun. But the face beneath the straw hat is kind and gentle, and he sits down at the table. Alter chuckles. "Mention food and he's here."
The warm food nourishes us and its nice to be with company. After dinner, however, Adrien starts to yawn, and I follow suit. "You don't want to sleeply yet, you two. The meadow is a perfect place for stargazing." Adrien perks up. "I wouldn't miss that for the world, that is if you'll accompany me, Marinette."
Alter gives us directions, but Pocket declines. "I think I'll have another soak in my teacup," she tells us, and Cinders meows in agreement.