Well here is a decently long chapter now that I took some time from work and went on an epic adventure. Between spelunking, zip-lining, fossil hunting, and a few other exciting activities my whole body is sore. Muscles I forgot existed hurt but it was all so very worth it. Enjoy the chapter Its one of the original scenes I had written out when I first decided to create this story.
Marinette is a detective who can't keep a partner while hunting down the notorious Hawkmoth gang. Chat is the new cat burglar on the streets who never gets caught. After Marinette gets handed his case it's it won't be long before their fates collide especially when monsters start roaming the streets
(Secret Meetings)
Right after she had thrown Adrien out Marinette got ready for her evening out. Changing from the cute flour encrusted top and shorts she had been wearing Marinette slipped into a tank top and her normal jeans. A pair of running shoes went on her feet and her customary jacket went into place over her shoulders. It took all of five minutes for her to change and when she was done Marinette loaded up her arms then left her place. She had a bunch of things to give out to the whispers tonight and she knew that the children and most of the adults would love the cookies she had baked for them. Bags weighed heavily in her arms and the backpack on her back wasn't much lighter so she moved far slower than she normally would through these streets. It was early evening unfortunately and Marinette was a touch later than what she usually was but getting rid of Adrien had been harder than she had planned for. With a snort Marinette could only help but think that he was as stubborn as a certain stray cat and for a moment she paused on the sidewalk looking around to make sure the fool had actually gone home. In all honesty at this point she half expected Adrien to be slinking around some corner especially since he seemed to pop up wherever she went these days. Marinette shook her head and decided she had been coming into far too much contact with a certain stray if she was starting to compare the two in her head. Adrien had been sweet to help bake the cookies and set up the other things she had with her this evening. In fact Marinette had felt a tad guilty throwing him out and not allowing him to come with her but the people she was visiting were not the most trusting folk. Things on the streets were changing and with strange new rumors swirling about, Marinette needed to collect as much info as she could. With an extra person there especially a new unknown detective, her whisperers probably wouldn't want to talk much less show themselves.
Grunting slightly and lifting one of her bags a little higher Marinette made her way into an alley melting into the darkening shadows of the evening. Walking the familiar path that she often took to get to the meeting spot she wasn't worried about being attacked or bothered. Once upon a time a member of the Hawkmoth gang had tried that and while she nor Tiki had struck a deadly blow Marinette knew that the people who slunk through the shadows after her had. It was one of those things she had a very hard time accepting but it had only taken one time for it to never happen again.
Halfway to the meeting point she paused as the stone in her waistband gave off a vibrating purr like feeling that had her almost tripping over her own feet. She had felt that same type of vibration before just last night and a moment later Chat Noir had shown up. Glancing about herself Marinette knew she wasn't in danger but now that she was looking she could see that something wasn't quite right. Her normal whisper shadows were eerily absent and for a moment she wondered if there really was something wrong. Then on the rooftop she saw a glimpse of gold as a shadow flowed past one of the roofs edges. Chat was back and he was following her again for some ungodly reason. For a moment Marinette contemplated just moving ahead but she knew that the people following her would attack to drive him off if she didn't make a move now. Marinette groaned while briefly considering going back home but swiftly tossed that idea aside, she needed info and Chat needed to learn to not stalk people. Trying to decide the best way to handle the situation before her Marinette looked into the shadows and finally picked out one of her faithful followers. Knowing why she stopped they jerked their chin at Chats figure and Marinette sighed once more shaking her head gently before mouthing safe. The whisperer cocked an eyebrow then shrugged melting back into the shadows so not even Marinette could spot them. A moment later the sound of an owl followed by three cricket chirps answered her unasked question. The whispers didn't mind her shadow, which was odd, but that meant they were leaving it up to her to decide what to do. Mumbling a Chinese curse her mother would smack her for saying, Marinette gently set her bags down on the ground and propped a hand on one hip, all at once deciding the best way to go about this was the direct approach.
"Chat Noir get your fluffy tail down here." Marinette snapped loud enough that she knew he would hear her.
Silence creeped through the alley who's painted shadows were steadily darkening and Marinette was about to call out again when a golden head popped over the edge of the roof.
"My butt isn't fluffy." Chat grumbled looking disappointed that she had found him out.
"I never said anything about your butt, I said tail which was covered in fur the last time I saw it. Now get it down here." Marinette answered curtly not in the mood to banter tonight.
Not liking her tone Chat decided to be contrary and stuck his nose into the air like a real cat would as he prowled along the edge of the building on all fours. "What if I don't feel like it? I am not your personal cat to come at your beck and call."
Marinette ground her teeth cursing his stubbornness ten times over then palmed the weight in her sleeve. "Then you shouldn't be following me." Marinette snapped and threw the weight with absolutely no warning.
It struck the wall right next to his head with a sharp crack as he was bending forward to turn around once more. Not expecting the movement much less the sound Chat yowled in surprise, leaping into the air before accidently going over the edge. Marinette cringed but his claws shot out to cut into the stone, slowing his decent as he twisted around. In the next second he hit the ground in a crouch his emerald green eyes gleaming like a predators from the shadows. A low hiss escaped his lips as he glared and Marinette raised an eyebrow at him unimpressed, before shrugging the weight back into its spot in her jacket.
"So lovely of you to join me, did you have a nice fall?" she asked politely deciding not to scold him for hissing at her.
Chats lips pulled back revealing too sharp canines and all at once he stood the dark predatory glare taking a backseat as he shook his head amused despite himself. "Well My Lady it was a decent trip although I would fall fur you any night."
Marinette grimaced at his puns realizing a little too late she had brought it on herself. "Ugh… Why are you stalking me Chat?"
Chat shrugged "I'm not stalking you. I simply saw you wandering the streets and you seemed a bit loaded down so I didn't think I would have to worry about getting attacked by your flying chain thingies. Clearly I was wrong, but besides that little detail the streets are a dangerous place at night and you don't have an escort."
Marinette snorted. "My weapon is called a Manriki and you should know better than to think I'm alone out here."
Chat frowned at her, the amused tone of her voice telling him that he had missed something badly. Peering into the shadows surrounding them Chat finally discovered what he had missed and in an instant he froze instinct making him bend into a slight crouch as he saw them. He hadn't noticed them before Marinette had said something. Heck he hadn't noticed them at all even when he had been on the roof. There were three people surrounding them. There was one on street level that had slunk further into the shadows before Chat could get a good look at them and there were two more up on the rooftops to either side of their position.
Marinette cocked her head quizzically at his sudden defensive posture then sighed as a growl rumbled from him. "Don't growl at them. The Whisperers were here first and you are infringing on their territory."
Chat twisted round to look up at her his eyes glittering dangerously once more. Seeing the look on her face and knowing she wasn't intimidated Chat huffed. With a final annoyed sniff in the Whisperers direction he slowly made his way over to where Marinette stood.
"Ok so you have an escort but what do you have and where are you taking it?" Chat asked slinking to her side happy to note she didn't cringe away from him. In fact she rolled her eyes in exasperation as he peered into one of the bags even though he could smell the cookies in them.
He sniffed the bag reaching in wondering just how far Marinette would let him go when she swatted his hand away. "They are not for you so don't try anything."
Chat pouted remembering how delicious the cookies he had been allowed to eat as Adrien had been. "If I help carry your stuff can I have some?"
Marinette gaped at him in surprise and they could both hear one of the Whispers snorting with laughter. Then she sighed rubbing her eyes with a free hand. This was not how she planned this evening out and she honestly hoped that the other Whispers wouldn't mind his presence. Unlike Adrien she couldn't get rid of Chat in any easy fashion and Marinette had a feeling that if it came down to a fight Chat would win easily against everyone but maybe herself and that was a generous thought on her part.
"If I give you some now will you go away? I have people to meet tonight and they might not appreciate your presence." Marinette asked her voice cautious since she didn't know how he would react to her words.
Chat frowned but now he understood why she wouldn't let him come with her as Adrien. She was going to meet her informants and having another person, especially an unknown person showing up with no warning might make them nervous. Dropping to his haunches he tried not to look too disappointed but the drooping ears and the snort of laughter from the shadows told him he wasn't succeeding. Even Marinette couldn't help the wry grin that crossed her face as he glanced up at her through his shaggy blond hair his wide green eyes glittering with hope as he pouted.
"Oh for goodness sakes Marinette let the stray come. Pigeon Man has already sent one of his friends ahead with the news that you have company." A voice said from the darkness and a small woman with curly purple striped hair stepped out of the shadows.
Chat was instantly on his toes again one arm out in front of Marinette who sighed and swatted his arm down once more.
"Be polite, no hissing, growling, or scaring the kids. You sure Stormy?" Marinette asked bending down to pick up one of the bags. Chat snatched both of them up before she could touch them and danced backwards out of her reach sticking his tongue out at her, happy to be getting his way.
Stormy sniggered at his antics "Yeah you will move faster with his help anyways and the elders have wanted to meet the stupid cat person who has been stirring up Hawkmoth for a while now."
Marinette nodded and moved to follow Stormy as she slipped back into the shadows. "Come on Chat I guess they wanted to meet you anyways."
Chat grinned bringing up the rear of the little party and getting close to Marinette he asked "Who are these people?"
Marinette shrugged "They are my friends mostly. I bring them things they need as well as sweets for the children. Oh and you might want to watch your tail around the kids once we get there because they will pull on it."
Chat grimaced at her answer knowing from the amused glint in her eyes she had given him absolutely no information on purpose.
"Oh I really like her. Can we keep her?" Plagg asked as he laughed manically in the back of his mind.
Chat ignored him and decided he would have to be patient "That's good to know. I don't really like having my tail pulled."
Marinette snorted remembering their first encounter and the bruises on her side. "That is an understatement but you are welcome. Now act like a real cat and stay quiet."
Chat didn't know why he needed to be quiet but he did as she asked following her so silently that at one point she had to glance back to make sure he was still there. He made a goofy face at her when she did and Marinette huffed although he could see the tiniest twitch of a smile at the corners of her mouth.
They moved at a decent pace and after 10 minutes of taking numerous turns through the warren of backroads and alleys Marinette suddenly slowed pausing at the entrance of what looked like a courtyard. Chat followed till he was standing right next to her and glanced around through the darkness wondering when Stormy had left them. A frown crossed his face when he couldn't think of when she had left so he was startled when all the sudden Marinette started singing. Her voice started soft at first slowly rising in volume as the tune became eerie and the cadence flowing. It was a song he didn't recognize one he wasn't sure he wanted to. Still he followed warily as she stepped into the courtyard the hair rising on the back of his neck as another voice whispered out of the shadows to join hers. Moments later he spotted the singer and realized it was a child. More singers joined her voice as candles and lights were lit around the edges of the courtyard until finally the whole area was illuminated with a soft glow. The song finished on Marinettes high note and the courtyard broke out into applause as the people moved forward to greet Marinette.
"Wow." Chat murmured stunned by how pretty her voice was. He wished he could hear her sing again and wondered how he could create a situation where she would have to sing. Marinette turned to him a light blush covering her cheeks although a bright smile was stretched across her face.
"Thanks for carrying these Chat. It would have taken me longer to get here if you hadn't. " She said taking the bags from his hands to set them on the ground before her. Then she pulled off her backpack and opened it as the first people came up to her.
"Who's the kitten?" an old woman asked as Marinette handed her a knitted scarf Chat knew she had made.
Marinette sighed "This is Chat." She answered pointing at him then in a louder voice called out "Everyone this is Chat. He is a stray in need of a good home and trainer. Also kids don't pull on his tail."
"I am not a stray and cats can't be trained!" Chat cried indignantly his ears drooping.
Everyone laughed and the old woman sighed patting Marinette shoulder. "You've done well to get rid of that other slob although you should have broken him instead of just bruising."
Marinette blushed a little. "I'm not allowed to break other cops, Tiki said so and I do try to follow what she taught me. Besides he wasn't worth the paperwork if I had broken him and now I'm only stuck on desk duty rather than something worse."
The old woman nodded sagely while accepting a small bag of cookies Marinette handed to her. "Even still child he won't learn his lesson till you make it stick. I'll let you hand your things out and then we have some things to discuss."
Marinette smiled "Thank you Gram. I'll see you in a few minutes."
"I certainly hope so. I expect you there as well kitten." Gram said and something in her voice made Chat straighten a sudden prickle of nervousness in his gut.
"Yes mam." He answered instinctively and Marinette chuckled as she handed out another bag of cookies.
Gram wandered away once more and Chat slumped. "She is slightly scary."
Marinette laughed outright and handed a young, excited child a handmade cat plush. The child squealed and threw their arms around her in a hug that was hampered by the bag between them so Marinette bent over to hug them back. As she went to stand they scrambled up into her arms and Marinette held them close even handing them a small bag of cookies to nibble on. The child twisted in her arms cuddling the plush close as they stared over Marinette shoulder at Chat. Chat was aware of the gaze but he ignored it in favor of watching Marinette hand out a blanket to a man who thanked her profusely.
"You make all the things you hand out don't you?" Chat asked and Marinette nodded a smile on her face as she gave out another bag of cookies.
"I try to. It's easier to make most of the stuff and my quilts and things are warmer than what they can afford. Plus it keeps my sewing skills sharp and since I make most of my own clothes they really need to stay that way." Marinette sighed shifting the child in her arms.
Chat was shocked "You make your own clothes?"
"Yeah I'm really rough on my clothes and I'm really picky as to what I like to wear. Sometimes if I like the way a shirt or dress looks in the store I will buy it so I can use the pattern to make my own. Originally I wanted to be a fashion designer but as I got older I realized I also wanted to be able to feed myself. I'm satisfied with what I do though and I can pursue my other passions as I wish." Marinette answered with a shrug
The child wiggled a little their eyes never leaving Chat and still in shock he asked "Is there anything you can't do?"
"She hates phis sticks." The child answered making Marinette glance down at her.
"Physics Manon." Marinette corrected "And yes there are plenty of things I can't do Chat."
Manon reached out to him as Marinette bent to pick something up out of one of the bags "Kitty."
Marinette glanced down at her again passing the object off to a smiling second child. "No Manon. You have the stuffed kitty."
Manons face scrunched and Chat hid a smile as he said "I can take her for a minute since you have your hands full."
Marinette hesitated even as Manon squealed happily and reached for him.
"I won't drop her, I know how to hold kids." Chat said his amusement clear
Marinette shrugged and handed her over muttering "That's not what I am worried about."
Manon wiggled over into Chats arms and as he looked up to ask what Marinette meant one of Manons little hands gripped one of his cat ears and pulled. To his credit Chat didn't hiss or drop Manon but he did yelp surprising Manon into releasing his ear.
"That is attached." Chat said managing to keep the hiss out of his voice as Marinette laughed.
Manon gave him the best kitten eyes he had ever seen as she murmured "Sorry."
"I warned you." Marinette chuckled but her eyes held concern and a warning.
He sighed and realizing that she was worried he sat down placing Manon in his lap. "No pulling on my ears or tail. It hurts just the same as if I were to pull on yours."
Manon shifted in his lap so she was facing him her eyes wide "I don't have a tail."
Chat chuckled and tweaked the ends of her pigtails. "You're right you have two!"
Manon giggled swatting his hands away and Marinette sighed grateful that Chat seemed to be good with children. She handed out some more food and toys garnering some snippets of information as she did. More children joined Manon around Chat and he seemed to relish the attention they gave him. They did pull at his ears and tail but not hard and he playfully snapped at their fingers when they did. In order to distract them from the tugs Chat began telling them stories and soon he had a cluster of children surrounding him listening wide eyed to his tall tails. Marinette smiled at the sight and as she handed out the last of her items and began to pack up the empty bags.
"I'm going to name him Chat!" Manon cried happily holding up the black kitten plush Marinette had made her.
Chat chuckled "That's not very original and besides that's my name."
Manon frowned and looked over her toy. "Do you have a last name?"
Chat blinked a little surprised by the question "Noir I suppose."
Manons face scrunched then she smiled "Just like my kitty! But its first name is now Noir!"
Chat sighed clearly realizing he was fighting a losing battle especially when the other children were all agreeing how cute Noir was in Manons arms.
Marinette couldn't help but laugh and now that she was done packing up she moved to his side intent on rescuing him. "Alright littles, time to scoot back to where you belong otherwise I won't bring cookies next time."
The children all giggled and shrieked before scattering like a flock of birds although several of them paused to give Marinette a hug before fleeing to the shadows. Only one child refused to move still sitting on Chats lap clutching her new toy.
"I wanna listen to more stories." Manon said her face set in a mulish expression as she clutched the toy close to her face.
"Sorry little one but it's time for the adults to talk. Maybe next time ok?" Chat said climbing to his feet and setting her gently on hers.
Manon yawned "Promise?" she asked her wide eyes pleading
Chat rubbed a clawed hand across the back of his head feeling a little sheepish. "If I come next time yes. Sorry but I don't know when will be the next time I see you."
Manon pouted and Marinette stepped in before she could try and guilt Chat into agreeing to some promise he couldn't keep. "Go on Manon your aunti is waiting for you."
Manon did as Marinette asked heading over to where her aunti stood with some other children waving at Chat and saying "I'll bring Noir next time too! We both liked your stories!"
Marinette waved to Manon and turned back to Chat. "You weren't kidding you really are good with kids."
Chat shrugged "I used to work with kids before for fun. I miss it honestly. Are all those kids street kids?"
Marinette shook her head "No not all of them although the whispers have an orphanage that they keep in touch with to try and keep the younger ones off the streets. Manon is a newer child so she hasn't quite gotten used to her surroundings yet. Do you live out on the streets?"
Chat turned to her seeming to sense the real question she had. "I'm guessing you didn't believe my story where I fell into a vat of radioactive cat chow and reemerged as Chat Noir?"
Marinette snorted wondering what kind of life he used to lead and how he had become the way he was. "No definitely not."
"I may tell you one day Marinette but for now lets keep the past where it is." Chat answered a small but sad smile flickering over his lips.
"Alright." Marinette said accepting his answer even though she would have rather pressed for answers. "They are waiting for us anyways."
It was clear Chat didn't want to talk about his past and that was mostly fine with her. They were still technically strangers although if he kept popping up she would think of another way to describe him, if she didn't arrest him first for annoying the hell out of her. Marinette picked up her empty bag and moved forward towards one of the nearby alleys where some people still hovered. Chat followed her feeling a bit wary but Marinette trusted these folks enough that she came alone and in the dark. The least he could do was show the same amount of trust for her. Besides if it came down to it Chat knew Marinette could handle herself and he could pull her out of any danger that tried to strike. Several people smiled at Marinette as she arrived at their little group and to Chats surprise their faces held only curiosity for him. Their eyes held no malice or anger at his appearance although a few seemed as wary as he felt.
"So kitten what have you been thinking stirring up Hawkmoth as you have been?" Grams voice called out and Chat flinched. The group of people separated revealing Gram sitting on a crate Marinettes scarf already wrapped around her neck.
"Hawkmoth is my enemy and I will do all I can to make his life a misery." Chat answered with a shrug making sure he was a vague as possible.
"I see. However that doesn't tell me much about your intentions though." Gram answered and the circle of people closed around him a little making the hair stand up on the back of his neck. Marinette shifted next to him glancing between the two of them. "Marinette please step away."
Marinettes mouth creased into a thin line and eyes narrowed her annoyance clear. "Gram he isn't working for Hawkmoth."
Gram nodded once "He could be a very creative and clever plant my dear."
Chat hissed his annoyance at being talked over flaring "I work for no one. Hawkmoth killed someone very dear to me and turned me into what I am now. I have been hunting Hawkmoth for years, long before coming here to this city."
"Cats usually hunt from the shadows. Your methods are too showy, especially that fiasco a few nights ago." Gram countered not even acknowledging his previous statement.
Rolling his shoulders Chat dropped into a crouch his ears twitching in annoyance. His first impression of these people had been lax. Now that he was on high alert he could see the weapons glinting from the shadows and the way the relaxed curious faces now held something darker. These people were dangerous and from their stances were ready to attack at any moment. All they needed was a signal from Gram and that would be it. A growl too low for anyone to hear buzzed in his chest as he swiftly made an escape plan although Marinette must have felt his growl because she nudged him with her foot. Ignoring the nudge he scanned his surroundings, he had a better chance of escaping if he was low to the ground to start with although in all honesty he didn't want to fight these people. They seemed nice, fairly trustworthy, and they were on Marinette side which was an automatic plus in their favor. There was also the little problem that if he ended up in bad graces with these people Chat knew he would lose what little ties he had with Marinette. At a second nudge he realized Gram was waiting for him to answer her.
"Hawkmoth had something I wanted. Sometimes to catch a rat you have to make some noise to flush it out." He managed somehow keeping the growl out of his tone although Marinette laid a tentative hand on his shoulder. He didn't know if the touch was a warning or show of support but either way he found he didn't mind. Any touch from her was welcome even if it sometimes left bruises.
"And what does our Marinette have to do with all of that?" Gram demanded surprising a bark of laughter out of Chat even as Marinette cried "Gram!"
Running a clawed hand through his frazzled hair Chat continued laughing realizing finally what all this was about. They were worried about Marinette, much like a father was when a boy came to take their daughter out on a date. It actually wasn't about Hawkmoth this time around, just her people wanting to protect her. That was the reason they were doing this intimidation show. "You know in my defense she hunted me down the first two times we met. I tried to run away from her."
A smile twitched at Grams lips as he met her eyes. "And how did that work out for you?"
Chat sniggered standing once more, feeling in his bones that the danger these people represented had passed "Terribly. She caught me in her crazy chains the first time and literally kicked my butt into a hole the second time. If I were a normal human she probably would have killed me by now."
At his words Gram let out a bark of laughter and the people surrounding them laughed as well even as Marinette shook her head with a sigh one hand covering her face.
The tension in the air was gone as they laughed and Gram eyed Chat rather thoughtfully. "Marinette my dear he has my approval. Kids tell the kitten our rules and maybe he will be a decent asset." Gram said finally her voice still quivering with mirth.
Marinettes hand was still plastered to her face and she let out a sound that that was close to a grumble. Finally after a moment she pulled her hand away as a different man voiced he question she had. "How much Gram?"
A wicked smile slipped onto the old womans face as she climbed off the crates. "The basics and see how he goes from there. Bring him back in an hour. We should be done by then."
The man nodded and moved towards Chat Noir who eyed him curiously. Before Chat could get a word out Marinette broke in between them poking a finger into the cats chest. "Do not scratch or use your full strength on anyone. You will hurt them and remember they are not as fast as you."
Chat gripped her hand and before she could yank it away he pressed a light kiss to her knuckles making several of their spectators whistle. Marinette blushed yanking her hand out of his while Chat grinned down at her. "Anything for you My Lady." He said
"Scat cat." Marinette grumbled turning away from him and walking towards where Gram sat snickering.
"He is going to be trouble my dear." Gram said softly her voice filled with mirth.
Marinette groaned swiping a hand through her hair even as she lowered her voice so the curious ears around her could hear what she had to say next. "He already is Gram, I am supposed to be arresting him. Not gallivanting through the streets and teaching him the whispers spy network. That and he isn't even all human! How am I supposed to explain that to my superiors? Or even hide him if and when he needs it…."
Gram placed a gentle hand on her shoulder "Come child let's not invite mischief when troubles already welcome. In fact I think it's time you talked to Fu. You haven't seen him in a while now."
Marinette grimaced at Grams words. "Gram I don't think that's how the saying goes."
Gram shrugged and recognizing the fact Marinette was stalling she gave her a gentle push forward. If Gram was the visible leader of the whispers Fu was the leader who worked in the shadows. Honestly she had only met him a handful of times once when Tiki had introduced the whole organization to her, another time when Tiki had sent her alone, and only twice more after Tiki had died.
"He wants to see me huh?" Marinette asked nervously, feeling like a kid being called to the principals office. Gram nodded remaining silent and waiting for Marinette to move.
With a sigh Marinette knew she wasn't going to win. Gram had years of being stubborn and getting her way under her belt plus Marinette knew Fu wouldn't ask to see her for any old reason. Nodding her acquiescence Marinette followed Gram as she made her way down the alley. After a few minutes of walking they arrived at a back entrance of a massage parlor and Stormy was standing by the door seemingly waiting for them.
"Manon wants a date with your pretty kitty Marinette." Stormy said with a smile as she opened the door for them.
Marinette rolled her eyes "He isn't mine and she has the kitty I made for her. Manon will have to be fine with that."
Stormy snickered "So can I date the pretty kitty?"
Marinette stumbled nearly missing her step as she went to go inside. "Seriously?!" she cried spinning to face Stormy half in and half out of the doorway.
Stormy laughed outright even when Gram smacked her in the back of the head. "Quit teasing her Stormy. You wouldn't be able to keep up with her kitten anyways."
Stormy pouted but it was a good natured pout that didn't dim the mirth in her eyes what's so ever. Especially when Marinette turned back towards the doorway muttering "He's not my kitten." In annoyance.
Gram smiled and smacked Stormy again to prevent her from speaking and annoying Marinette further. "Keep moving Marinette and ignore my silly grandchild. You know the way."
Marinette jerked around once more to face her "You're not coming?"
Gram shook her head. "I have other tasks to complete. We will all reconvene back at the courtyard in less than an hour. Go on child, Fu doesn't bite."
Marinette sighed knowing she wasn't going to get out of this and walked into the dark building hearing the door close softly behind her.
