Good stuff in this chapter and we get to meet Fu! Glad to see everyone is enjoying the ride!

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


(Fighting Spirit)

All too soon for Marinette's liking, she stood before decorative wood and paper doors that separated a room from the hallway she was in. The doors were hardly a barrier in her opinion and Marinette often wondered why Fu liked them so much when so many secrets were exchanged in the room beyond. They were quite beautiful though, and she used admiring them as an excuse to not announce her presence. Truthfully Marinette was nervous and she had no idea why, which made her more nervous. In all the time she had been with the whispers, all the times she had met Fu they had never done anything to elicit such a reaction out of her. With a sigh knowing that it was better to just get it over with, Marinette raised one hand to knock only to freeze half way as the stone in her waist band seemed to almost hum. It wasn't really an audible sound but it wasn't a true vibration either. It was similar to the feeling it gave off when Chat was near but not quite. This sensation was far more passive and peaceful. At least it would be, if it hadn't freaked her out a little bit. With a slight grimace Marinette nibbled on her lip shifting as she tried to get a grip since the feeling didn't quite fade like it had with Chat.

"You can come in Marinette dear." An elderly male voice called

It was Fu and Marinette grimaced once again, feeling like a school kid getting caught doing something naughty. Reaching out once more Marinette slid the doors apart and before stepping in removed her shoes so she didn't mess up the bamboo mats that made up the floor in this room. The room was decent sized and lit by candles as well as paper lanterns that decorated the ceiling. A small fountain bubbled gently in the corner with an odd looking tiny live turtle swimming within and an earthy sweet fragrance drifted through the room, freshening the air.

For most people Marinette knew, this room brought a sense of peace and tranquility. For Marinette however, the room made her feel as if she had drank three cups of coffee with double espresso then dumped a red bull on top of it. It made her want to pace and move about and the absolute worst part was that as soon as she crossed the threshold Marinette knew she was expected to sit still. It always drove her nuts. The only thing that made her feel better was the knowledge that it had made Tiki feel the same way. Slowly Marinette crossed the room on silent feet and stopped at the small table where Fu sat cross legged on the other side.

Fu was a very short man even by her standards and he reminded her of a very old sage or guru type personality. He was grey haired but for some strange reason he always wore Hawaiian or floral type shirts. All in all Fu was a sweet man and Marinette still found it hard to believe that he was the leader of the whispers. Although to her credit she had never seen him angry before.

"You may stand or pace if that is what you wish. I know that this room has a different effect on you than most people. You are very much like Tiki in that regard." Fu said opening his eyes to smile kindly at her.

The air whooshed out of Marinette lungs "How do you…" she shook her head once, accepting he would never tell then turned walking back the way she had come. Stopping at the door Marinette turned again to come back to the table. It really did feel better to move around in the room and she gave a sigh of relief as the stone in her waist band stopped the strange humming sensation. Turning back to Fu she managed a smile as she slowly paced the room. "Thank you Fu."

Fu grinned at her pacing figure already sensing the tension that had filled her slowly slipping away. "I hear you have made a new friend."

Marinette almost tripped and she spun around to face him. "What? No I got his case file a-and I tried to arrest him but then he saved me and he keeps popping up. Now Gram is making him into one of her Whisper runners and I just…" She made a frustrated sound starting to pace once more as Fu chuckled.

"I have heard about Chat Noir for years although this is the first he has been near Paris. However I am not surprised you two have gravitated towards each other, hunters usually do. No I was talking about the young man at your precinct. Adrien is his name I believe." Fu said his voice holding amusement.

Once more Marinette froze her jaw dropping. "How…" then she shook her head "You guys really need to stop stalking me. I'm getting enough of that from Chat and I've only known him for like a week."

Fu chuckled "The man has taken an interest in you much the same way this odd kitten has. It is our job to help you and protect you since you seem rather adamant about always doing things the right way."

Marinette waved a hand at him rolling her eyes "You are as bad as Alya if you are truly thinking I'm always on the right side of the law. I won't kill unless absolutely necessary and never for personal gain, but you know I don't always do things the right way. Besides if that were true Fu I wouldn't be here and you know it. You guys are technically a gang as notorious as Hawkmoth these days and if I was a pure detective I should be arresting you not assisting you."

Fu chuckled at her outburst "Feeling a little frustrated Marinette? I had learned that Gabriel put you back on desk duty. If you ever wish to get out of that mess we have plenty of positions open in the whispers network. You know we pay our people well and we always protect our own."

Marinette sighed having already been offered this before back when Tiki had died. At that point she knew they had been offering the spot because they were worried Hawkmoth would come after her again, and the police force had been rather lax with their security. Marinette had refused because she couldn't stand the idea of being buried in cotton wool and kept safe. That and she knew that becoming one of the whispers full time would mean giving up a job that truly made a difference in the wider world. By the time they had come to her with their offer Marinette had already taken care of two of Hawkmoths members herself when they decided to attack and she knew that there had to have been others. The reason no members of the Hawkmoth gang bothered her now was probably because she was proving too expensive to kill. "I always appreciate your guys help especially on cases when it doesn't put your people in any danger but I don't need protection."

Fu frowned and Marinette winced as a memory struck her from the first time she had met with him when Tiki was still alive. Tiki had said much the same thing she just had and it wasn't hard to see why Fu was frowning at her. Marinette moved back to the table and lowered herself to her knees on the opposite side feeling the need to be on the same level as Fu.

"Look I am on desk duty right now Fu and while yes I am becoming frustrated I wont do anything to endanger myself. I haven't even been given any new cases with exception of the Chat Noir file. And you can see where that case has gotten me. Hawkmoth for now, has gone underground and I'm not doing anything crazy at this point. Matter of fact I may not ever get off desk duty at this rate because I don't think there is anyone left in the precinct who would work with me. So you guys don't have to worry so much ok?"

Fu shook his head his bright clear eyes pinning her where she sat and making the hair go up all across her body. "My dear child everything is not as it seems. Things are already shifting though I do not understand the source. I have a feeling you will have a partner once more in the near future. It might even be that boy Adrien."

Marinette felt a blush heat up her cheeks at that totally unexpected comment and she didn't dare open her mouth because she knew all she would be able to manage would be a garbled stutter or two. Instead she ducked her head wishing her hair was down so she could have some kind of barrier between her and Fu. He was still staring at her and Marinette felt as if he were looking into her very soul. It made her squirm the energy of the room once more making her restless. Just as she was about to stand the stone in her waistband started humming softly once more. The odd sensation made her jump, one hand falling to her waist band and Fu blinked at her the question in his eyes clear. With a grimace Marinette started to speak only to freeze as Fu raised a hand.

"Only truth please my dear. If it's something you don't wish to explain…" Fu trailed off going silent leaving Marinette to frown down at her hands. After a long minute past, Marinette flipped her waistband over and unzipped the pocket hidden there. The stone was warm to the touch and in the soft lighting of the room Marinette would swear the stone was almost glowing. The colors on the stone certainly seemed darker and the lines marring its smooth surface were definitely more defined. Flipping her hand over she showed the stone to Fu who's eyes went wide.

"Where did you get that?" Fu asked breathlessly

Marinette brushed a thumb over the surface of the stone noticing that the odd humming settled down when she did so. "Chat stole it from Hawkmoth and when I ran into him that night I got a hold of it."

If possible Fu's eyes went wider. "And Chat let you keep it?!" His voice was still soft but the surprise was imbued in every syllable.

Marinette blushed turning the stone over in her palm noticing for the first time that the stone was dual sided. "Not… really… I kind of fought him for it and kicked him into a hole in the floor when the cops busted down the door. So I kinda stole it from him?"

Fu shook his head slowly in disbelief waving a hand at the stone. "Put it away child and never show anyone that stone no matter who they are. Keep it on you at all times and hopefully the kitten has forgotten about it."

Marinette glanced down at the stone then back up at Fu. "I don't understand."

Reaching out Fu rolled her fingers back over the top of the stone hiding it from view while being careful not to touch it. "All things have power my child, from living things to simple objects. Even such mundane things as our names have power depending on how it's used. The power that lies dormant within that stone is dangerous depending on who's hands it's in."

Understanding washed through her and gently Marinette pushed against Fu's hand. "Then you take it Fu. Clearly you know what this is so you should be able to deal with it." The moment the words were out of her mouth she regretted them and even the stone seemed to react negatively, letting off a sour vibration that made Marinette grimace.

Fu shook his head. "It has already aligned itself with you child and besides in your hands it has a far better chance of becoming something great."

Marinette frowned confused. "You speak as though its alive."

At her words Fu chuckled releasing her hand "Everything is alive child you just have to know how to listen. Heed my words Marinette put the stone away and never let anyone else discover it."

Marinette did as he asked placing the stone back in her hidden pocket even though she felt far more confused now than when she had walked in. "I just… I don't understand." They had started off on a far different note and to Marinette if felt as if they had discussed almost nothing. Glancing at her watch she was surprised to find that an hour had nearly passed.

"Its fate my dear." Fu said cryptically then slowly stood. "Come child I will walk you out."

Marinette stood following him into another room then down a hall that she didn't recognize. They stopped at the door that led to the outside somewhere and Fu smiled taking her hand in his to pat it lightly.

"If you wish to introduce Adrien to this side of the world we will not be upset." He said drawing a startled squeak from Marinette.

"Wha… Are you sure Fu? I mean he seems trustworthy and he can keep up I'm sure but I've only known him for a few days." Marinette said in a rush

Fu's eyes shone with mirth as he patted her hand once more before releasing it. "Yet you seem to hold an instinctive trust for him. You let very few people stand at your back comfortably and he seems to be quite content to be there."

Marinette frowned thinking Fu's words over realizing that as much as she hated to admit it he was right. At the bar he had stood at her back and she hadn't minded. Truthfully she had enjoyed the fact that he was there and in the precinct she didn't minded his hovering presence either. This revelation was a bit disconcerting in a way but Marinette couldn't help but feel that Adrien was safe."I'll think on it Fu. His father really doesn't want him out on the streets and when he does let him out Gabriel will probably assign him to one of the more experienced veterans."

Fu chuckled already knowing the outcome even if Marinette refused to see it. "We will see child. For now go see my lovely other half and take your kitten home."

Marinette rolled her eyes at his words but didn't try to correct him since she knew it was useless. She stepped out the door into another alley and waved to Fu silently as the door shut behind her. The door blended seamlessly with the wall and it was only the small etching of a turtle shell on the wall that let Marinette know there was anything special here at all. With a sigh Marinette moved down the alley regaining her bearings before heading back in the direction of the main gathering courtyard. Soon noises replaced the calm silence around her and Marinette followed them recognizing the sounds of a fight.

She came around a corner and stopped shocked as she took in the scene before her. Chat was fighting four people at once and the damdest thing was that he was doing extremely well. He was a shadow amongst the four men darting between them and causing chaos even though they were all pretty focused on trying to hit or pin him. Marinette could tell that while he was using a bit of his superior speed he wasn't going all out and he was barely using his strength at all. Really there was no need since the men weren't fighting full force or with any kind of plan, allowing Chat to constantly send one man's attacks into a completely different target other than himself. At this point he simply seemed to be having fun and it made Marinette want to join in. Briefly entertaining the thought of the two of them fighting back to back, she watched him duck a punch coming in from his blind side. Before the fighter could recover, Chat was already taking the legs out from under another man. Dropping almost to the ground as he arched under a second sloppily thrown punch from a third whisper, Chat slipped around behind him with enough speed that a shove to the back sent the man flailing forward into the other now recovering fighters. The other three men caught the guy before he hit the ground and everyone paused for a moment as the four tried to catch their breath. Chat didn't seem all that winded and Marinette noticed with a bit of pride that his extendable baton was still strapped into place above his tail. The fact he hadn't touched his weapon was a sign that he didn't see these men as a threat. Fighting her however he had needed the baton both times.

"Brown straighten that arm and thrust when you punch, Sniker you are going to get yourself killed in a real fight doing what you just did. Chat could have stabbed or shot you several times at this point. Chat quit going easy on them, a few bruises never hurt anyone." Gram snapped from the sidelines making all five fighters cringe. Stormy stood by her grandmother watching with interest her foot tapping excitedly.

"Gram what is going on?" Marinette asked making her way over to them as the fight resumed.

"I am checking out his fighting style and seeing what needs to be improved." Gram answered and Marinette nodded her understanding. Gram was looking for his weaknesses, the ways to exploit him if a fight became necessary.

"I wanna have a bout but Gram said no." Stormy pouted and Marinette saw the glint of metal on her knuckles.

"He wouldn't take your kind of fighting very well." Marinette said glaring pointedly at the metal.

Stormy shrugged slipping off her specially made brass knuckles "I wouldn't use these on him at first and besides now that you're here I want to see how you two duke it out."

Marinette grimaced as she glanced at the fight still taking place, reminding herself that it really was a good time to observe since she wasn't on the receiving end of his claws for once. One of the fighters decided to jump on Chats back as another came at him from the front. Chat twisted his body and in the next second the man on his back flew off smashing into the other attacker. A third man Marinette recognized as Brown charged from the left as Snicker came from the right and Marinette held her breath knowing what was coming. Brown was far too close to Chat for him to be able to react with normal strength and speed. For a second Chats figure seemed to blur his arm thrusting out. Brown flew away from him slamming back first into the ground and Marinette moved her chain snapping out to take Snikers legs from under him. Chat froze his clawed hand where Snicker's body should have been as he turned and blinked a touch surprised when he realized the man was already on the ground.

"I said no claws." Marinette snapped disengaging her chain from Snikers legs. He remained on the ground eyeing Chats clawed hand with a wariness that the other people watching the fight echoed.

Chat blinked again as the realization dawned then looked around him panting till he found her in the shadows. "I wasn't My Lady I promise! I had another half second at least before impact!"

Marinette rolled her eyes as Sniker shifted back on his hands and knees still not taking his eyes off Chats claws. "Every body else alive?" Marinette called and the two men Chat had thrown together groaned as Brown rose a shaky thumbs up from his still prone position.

"I didn't hit them that hard." Chat pouted his claws retracting to normal "At least I don't think I did."

Gram snorted hearing the hesitation in his voice and decided it was time for a real match up. "Marinette will you be a dear and show him the ropes?"

Instantly Chat blanched his ears falling flat as he raised his clawed hands. "Um, no thank you. I really, really don't like fighting Marinette. She is one of the few forces in this world that can leave bruises on me and those chain thingies of hers are painfully dangerous."

Marinette laughed with the other spectators and removed her jacket before walking forward. She wanted a real bout with him, if only to test her moves and speed against his. Plus with Gram and the other spectators around she knew she could get some excellent feedback. "It's ok Chat see no jacket."

Chat still shook his head, backing up a step his voice close to a whine. "Can't I just fight them again? They were giving me a decent workout!"

The men in question all snapped "No thanks!" at the same time while scrambling from the circle making the swiftly forming crowd of people chuckle.

Chat glanced around the growing group of people then back at Marinette who walked confident and graceful towards him. In all honesty it was amazingly hot to see her like this. Every time he saw her at work she was reserved while taking great pains to stay in the background and off of peoples mind. It was only out on the street that Marinette really showed her true colors, colors that were a swirl of independence, protectiveness, and all around bad-assery. Marinette was also very nice to look at in her skin tight tank and formfitting jeans. The jacket usually hid her toned arms and sleek torso so being able to really see all her curves was a nice plus.

"She can get out of our way and you aren't in any danger of losing control. It's just a bout Adrien not a fight to the death." Plagg said in the back of his mind.

"You just want to watch me have my butt handed to me." Adrien growled sub vocally still not buying into the whole fight thing. Especially since this was one of the few times Plagg had spoken tonight.

Plagg sniggered in his head. "This is your fault for wanting to follow her. Deal with it kit and don't embarrass yourself."

Chat sighed out loud his shoulders slumping. "I'm not getting out of this am I?"

Marinette frowned coming to a stop a few feet before him crossing her arms as she stretched. "If you really don't want to, its ok to say no."

"Yeah I'll fight you instead!" Stormy called from the sidelines then dodged to the side to avoid Grams smack to the back of her head.

Reminding himself to go easy Chats lips quirked as he looked away feeling resigned. "Alright Marinette I'll fight you. Lets get this over with so I can…"

Marinette moved before he could finish his sentence her fist moving faster towards his face than he could believe. At the last possible second she froze her fist a mere inch away from his face.

"Rule one kitty. Never take your eyes off your opponent even if they seem weaker." Marinette said determination burning in her gaze. They were on her turf now and not in the darkness. She didn't have her jacket but this time Marinette wasn't out to arrest him. This time they were simply fighting and Marinette knew that in this kind of bout she could win as long as he didn't go all out. She didn't think he would since it wasn't a matter of survival but even still she reminded herself to be vigilant.

Chat swiped at her arm realizing belatedly the battle had started but Marinette had already moved back out of range. The hair went up on his neck, instincts suddenly very alert and very curious. Marinette was moving faster, far faster than she had been before in either of the fights with him. The way she moved was also different. Here on the ground, in this ring, her movements were far more fluid. It was almost the same fluidity he had witnessed when she was practicing with her chains in the gym.

"Ok whats rule two?" He demanded charging in low to the ground hoping to get the drop on her as she thought about his question.

It was a pitiful attempt at a distraction and Marinette didn't fall for it. Instead she waited on her toes till he got close before her foot moved like it was about to kick into his exposed side. Raising his arms to block, he was stunned when a hand planted itself into his back slamming him face first into the ground.

Marinette landed of her feet behind him skipping back as he swung blindly. "Watch your opponent's torso. It will give away their next move. Also don't let them get behind you."

Several spectators laughed although many had looks of pity on their faces. Suddenly Chat knew he wasn't the only one to be put through his paces by Marinette and he wondered just how good she really was. First things first, he had to get back up if he wanted to find out.

"Faster. Defiantly faster." Chat huffed as he peeled himself out of the dirt. He raised his hands itching to pull out his baton but that wouldn't be a fair fight. Briefly he wondered what it would be like to have to fight her when she had her jacket and was truly serious as she was now. The thought sent shivers down his spine and all at once he decided to see what Marinette was really made of.

Marinette smiled at him and he charged once again watching her torso like he should have been all along. A flurry of punches and blocks passed between them, each trying to get the upper hand. At one point Chat slipped under her guard and got a nasty surprise. Cheating a bit by using more speed than the average human could muster he ducked a blow and moved to grab hold of her. He thought he had her one of his clawed hands gripping her upper arm, until she reacted so instinctively even she seemed surprised by her actions. Twisting out of his grip her foot flashed towards his head and Chat just barely got his arm up to prevent a stunning knockout. Still riding her instincts Marinette flipped away from him her other foot clipping his chin on the pass. Chat hissed moving fast enough to shove her away, and Marinette slid to a stop on all fours coming up into a fighting crouch. Marinette was fast normally but when he forced her to fight on pure instinct she was faster and more dangerous since she didn't have the thought to pull her punches. She hadn't kicked him hard, but the clip was enough of a warning.

No Cheating Allowed.

Rubbing at the spot and hoping it wouldn't bruise Chat rolled his shoulders and reminded himself that he was fighting a smaller opponent than himself for once. Realizing he was ready again Marinette took the initiative to charge this time and they went back at it. Within a few minutes they were both panting and getting tired as they both searched for a solid way to end this. Gram hadn't called quits, so she was obviously leaving it up to them to decide. The problem was both Marinette and Chat were stubborn and unless they collapsed at the same time neither was backing down.

"Whoever… hits the… ground next…" Marinette managed blocking a kick from Chat. She grabbed his ankle trying to twist him into the ground but Chat countered it using his hands to torque his leg from her grip. Marinette let him go having no desire to get kicked in the head or having her wrist broken. He landed on his feet several paces away eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Agreed." Chat gasped back before charging at her again.

A series of blocks and punches passed between them until Marinette stepped back seemingly off balance from a blocked kick. Moving with her Chat reached for Marinette a smile flickering on his face until his clawed hand completely missed its target. Chat half stumbled and he caught sight of a very mischievous grin as Marinette gripped his wrist and sent him flying over her shoulder headfirst into the ground a few short feet away. Wanting to remain fighting if only to win he managed a half flip in an attempt to land on his feet, but he was far too close to the ground. Instead of his feet Chat landed flat on his back the air whooshing out of him. Sliding to a stop Chat decided to stay where he was panting heavily and feeling a thrill run through him.

"Well now this is going to be interesting." Plagg murmured as Gram declared Marinette the winner. Several people cheered as others gasped and clapped, then after a moment Marinette appeared within his line of sight panting hard, preventing Chat from asking Plagg what he meant.

"That was a good bout." She said between breaths a smile on her face as she held a hand out to him hoping he wouldn't be pissed that he had lost.

"You have been holding out on me." Chat groused taking her hand and allowing her to pull him to his feet.

Marinette shook her head relief tricking through her. "No, the difference is I've fought you twice now so I know how you move. Also I can see clearly."

Chat blinked at her then realized what she meant. Both times that they fought previously they had fought at night or late evening hampering her vision. He was able to see in the dark like it was noon time due to Plaggs magic but Marinette had been fighting hampered all along. Out here in proper lighting she had handed him his butt at what could be called normal speed and only seemed slightly winded.

"Excellent Marinette. It seems like you finally found a partner to spar with!" Gram called

"Yeah no more bruises for us!" one individual from the crowd laughed and the others joined in making Marinette stick her tongue out at them.

A watch beeped and Marinette sighed as she glanced at the clock face waving at Chat to follow as she headed for Gram. The area wasn't left empty for long as some other people squared off against each other and soon the air was filled with shouts as well as the occasional yelp.

"Well Gram?" Marinette asked as she collected her jacket.

"You are getting faster dearie. When are you coming back out?" Gram asked

Marinette shrugged "In a few days probably. I've got some work to do but there have been some unsettling rumors going around."

Gram nodded "Yes indeed. In fact there is one rumor that came to my attention a few minutes ago while you two were sparring." Marinette waited patiently as Gram fixed an eye on Chat who seemed to shrink under her gaze. "Can you tell me why a body was found last night with your claw marks on them?"

Chat flinched as Marinette snapped "What?!"

"It attacked me first." Chat answered quickly before Marinette could round on him.

His words froze them in place Marinettes fury dissipating into confusion.

"IT?" Gram clarified and Chat nodded turning his gaze to Marinette once more.

"That thing you felt in the ally last night was a corrupted human. I call them Akumas and they frequently attack people. I try and track them down but the only way to stop them that I know of is killing them." Chats shoulders slumped "The few I've managed to knock out still died once they stop moving and to be honest I'm not even sure if they are alive to begin with. They smell wrong to be alive."

Marinette looked horrified "That's why all your kills are so different." She gasped and Chat winced remembering the stupid file she had on him.

"Whatever you have read on me My Lady I assure you it's not all true." Chat muttered

Before Marinette could comment Gram spoke a thoughtful look on her face. "These Akuma could be the source of the monster rumors. Do you know who the man you killed last night was?" Gram asked.

Chat bristled at her harsh words "Technically I didn't kill him. He fell off the rooftop we were on but I did recognize him as the guard I threw in a closet a few nights ago. I don't know how he became that way though. I didn't even know he was missing until last night." Chat said his mouth a firm line. The last part had been a slight fib since he had found out about the guard as Adrien the very next day but Chat wouldn't have known. Hesitantly Marinette laid a hand on his shoulder and Chat placed his hand over hers grateful for the touch.

Gram nodded once eyeing him then Marinette carefully. "I believe you even if you are not telling the complete truth. Marinette I forbid you from looking for these monsters."

"What?!" Marinette cried somewhat indignant pulling her hand back "I am not a little kid Gram! Besides If Chat has trouble with them I can't even imagine how I would fair. Is he forbidden from hunting too?"

"Its my job to hunt these things down since I'm the only one that can stop them." Chat answered swiftly wanting to point out the difference before Marinette could get on a roll. "Please don't try and get in my way."

Gram waved a hand at him undisturbed by Marinette's words. "Chat is right dear. You like me and the rest of the whispers are only human and no matter how fast you are you know you will not be fast enough to deal with these monsters."

Marinette huffed clearly disagreeing but Gram ignored her knowing she wouldn't disobey. "Chat I will make sure my people don't go near any monsters willingly, but you will have to tell me the best way of realizing they are close."

Her watch beeped again and Marinette rolled her eyes as Chat and Gram started chatting about the best way to get away from Akuma. As much as she wanted to listen to this conversation it was starting to get late and Marinette was actually tired from her match with Chat Noir. Knowing she had work in the morning she voiced her goodbyes to both Chat and Gram then yawned. Leaving them to their discussion Marinette collected her bags, packing them all into the largest bag so she would have her hands free. Slipping the largest bag onto her back she turned in a quick circle to make sure she had everything she needed. Briefly she caught Grams eyes and waved signifying she was leaving. Gram nodded returning to her and Chats conversation which was starting to attract people. Knowing her Whispers would follow in their own time Marinette made her way to the exit.

"I'm surprised he isn't walking you home." Stormy said from the shadows

Marinette passed her with a grimace. "He needs to explain things about the akuma and I am glad he isn't although I'm sure the dam cat already knows where I live."

Stormy grinned pushing off the wall to fall in step with her. "He does seem rather territorial when it comes to you so you are probably right. He is a hell of a fighter though."

Marinette nodded in agreement. Chat had gone easy on her tonight in her opinion although Marinette was finally able to let loose for once since she could fully see and they were not boxed in by anything. "What do you think about him?"

Stormy pursed her lips as they walked down the alley both of them keeping an eye out for any danger as they spoke. "Fun and games aside I really hope we never have to fight him in a real situation. I could probably hold him off for a few seconds maybe a minute if I was alone. In a group in my territory we could probably take him but it would most definitely get messy. You however could take him down alone I believe, especially if you were to use your chains."

Marinette blushed "I would have to get really lucky to take him down Stormy. I'm fast but he really is faster. He was going easy on me and not using his full speed tonight since I wasn't there to take him down."

"I don't know Marinette. The way you were tonight? You seemed different, definitely faster. I think not having a proper sparring partner for a year has made you rusty. When Tiki was around no one could touch you sparing and two weeks ago I put you in the dirt."

Marinette growled "You cheated and used your thunder punch. I'm only human Stormy."

Stormy rolled her eyes. "God you make me sound like a Pokemon when you say it like that, but truthfully I never should have been able to hit you in the first place."

Marinette didn't reply since Stormy was unfortunately right. She had been getting complacent lately. With crappy partners on one end at work and the Hawkmoth gang having gone eerily silent for the past six months her edge had dulled. With Chat dropping into the middle of everything though, she finally felt like some missing piece of herself was finally coming back to life. It felt nice and briefly she wondered if she could talk Chat into sparring with her on a more regular basis. What seemed like far quicker than normal they stopped at the edge of the darkness their joined path having come to an end. The end of the ally as well as a fairly busy street considering the time of night lay ahead bathed in a bright glow.

"Are you going to Parkour tomorrow night?" Marinette asked changing the subject since she needed to think some more on Chat and sparing partners.

Stormy nodded happily "I wouldn't miss it although if you're going keep your eyes peeled. Something funny has been going on lately."

Marinette frowned since she didn't know what Stormy was talking about. Unfortunately she hadn't been out to parkour in a few weeks so this was news to her. "Something funny?" She asked wanting clarification.

Stormy shrugged. "Just whispers so far and nothing ever happens when I show up so I'm not really sure. Just watch yourself. Is Lady Wifi coming?"

Knowing that Stormy would have given her a better answer if she had one, Marinette dropped the topic even as she hid a grin at Alyas nickname. Stormy had dubbed her that when Marinette had taken Alya parkouring for the first time. While she had done a decent job running Alya had recorded the entire time and complained when the wifi was out in their area. Alya hated the nickname at its first utterance. "No but I may have a date? Or at least a partner. I don't know if he considers it a date and… oh I'm going to shut up now."

Stormy raised an eyebrow at her rambling suddenly very curious. "Its not tomato boy again is it?"

Marinette laughed "No Stormy it's not Nathaniel. You really need to stop calling him that."

Stormy shrugged "But he was such a cute little tomato! Besides now that he isn't your field partner anymore I've been meaning to ask you for his info."

It was Marinettes turn to raise an eyebrow. "I'm surprised you haven't weaseled that info out of him yet on your own."

Stormy shrugged again looking shy. "I could but I don't want to seem stalkerish and scare him off."

"Run into him in one of your artsy cute blue dresses and just talk to him. I know he would love your company." Marinette answered patting her shoulder. "If that doesn't work then I will give you his stuff. Now if you will excuse me I need to head to bed. I unfortunately, have work in the morning."

Stormy grinned at her. "If I see your kitty I'll warn him off bothering you. Have a good night and see you tomorrow night."

Marinette waved at her as she walked into the light returning to the mundane once more.