New Friends

Ladybird Beetle landed in the center of the forest in only a few jumps before she transformed back into her civilian guise. Making her way through the trees, she emerged only a dozen feet from the rear of her parent's bakery, her body shivering. 'Did we really just do that?' she thought. 'Alya and Nino seemed so nice, I can't believe their families didn't like each other.' Reaching up, she touched her chest above her left breast, feeling her heart pounding as she thought of the dark figure of Black Cat. 'A rogue and a gentleman at the same time, he seemed so dangerous, but reserved. Something tells me he could've truly hurt those men, but he was so gentle with both Alya and myself.'

"Is everything alright?" Tikki asked, causing her to stumble.

"Shh..." Marinette hissed. "I don't want my parents to wake up..." She shivered at the memories of her new acquaintances, and mentally made plans to meet Alya and Nino as her civilian self. Quietly slipping into her room through the opening she used as a window, she looked in on her parents. Seeing that they were still asleep, her father cuddling against her mother's back, she smiled and went over to her bed. Laying down on her back, the young woman sighed as the little creature flew over to rest beside her. "What did you think of Black Cat?"

Tikki's tinkling laugh caused her to roll over and look at the little creature. "Black Cat's himself I don't know, but he seems nice, although I know his Kwami personally. He and I are equal and opposite in all things. Where I am the Kwami of creation, he is the one of destruction."

"You mean, there are more of you?"

"Quite a few more, although the one I have known the longest was Plagg." Tikki answered with her eyes glittering. "He and I are linked by both circumstance and responsibility."

"What do you mean?"

A smile spread her little lips. "Whenever he is activated, so am I, and vice versa." Tikki's eyes softened. "We may not see eye-to-eye on a lot of things, but we both know what our activation means for the world at large."

Marinette blinked. "What's that?"

For several seconds she watched as Tikki's eyes lost much of their luster, her smile becoming a tight line between her cheeks. "It means another Miraculous has been found, and is being misused."

"Do you know which one?"

Giving a shake of her head, Tikki looked at Marinette. "There are hundreds of Miraculous, so determining the proper one without any specific creations makes it extremely difficult."

Thinking about that for a little bit, Marinette nodded. "I have only one more question." At the nod Tikki gave her, she looked away shyly. "Why did you choose me?"

A smile spread Tikki's lips once more. "I've been watching you for a while now, and I've seen your capacity for compassion, your kindness, and your willingness to help others." Reaching out, she placed a hand on Marinette's cheek. "I could say that it was fate that brought us together, but in truth, you really were the best choice for my Miraculous." Leaning forward, she placed her forehead on the cheek of her Chosen. "Now get some sleep. I have a feeling you're going to need all the rest you can get for tomorrow."

Sleep didn't come easily for Marinette, as most of her dreams were taken up by the black clad man she had met that evening. Her dreams went from protective to romantic to the point where she woke with her body quavering at the prospects of seeing him again. Getting up as the sun rose, she walked into the main part of the bakery to see that her father and mother were already hard at work. Bidding them a good morning, she washed her face and hands with the last of the water, before picking up the buckets. "I'm going to get some water from the well." she called out.

"Okay, just be careful. Apparently there were bandits around Paris last night." Sabine urged.

"I will, Mama."

Heading toward the well, she saw a familiar redhead and her boyfriend there, gathering water. "Hello." she said as they managed to get the heavy jug up from the cistern. "You're new in town, aren't you?"

The pair blinked at the young woman, her bright bluebell eyes open and friendly, while her smile was warm and welcoming. "Um... yes. My name is Alya, and this is Nino." The latter waved to Marinette as he gingerly poured the water from the jug to their bucket.

Setting her own down, she nodded. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Marinette Dupain-Cheng." Holding out her hand, she shook Alya's and then Nino's. "My parent's bakery is over there in case both of you are hungry." When their bucket was full, the male offered to pour water into hers. Nodding, she smiled at him. "Thank you, that's very kind of you."

"We're feeling extremely lucky today," Alya admitted, "ever since what happened last night."

Feigning ignorance, Marinette blinked. "Did something happen last night?"

"Girl, I'm surprised you didn't hear the local gossip about the bandits." Alya commented.

"My mama did say something about bandits, but I was more worried about getting the water from the well to really listen. What happened?" Marinette asked as Nino filled her other bucket.

Nino decided to speak up. "We were camping just outside of town, and Alya walked in to fill up our bucket, but wound up running back with nine men after her. I told her to run, and tried to stop them. Two tackled me to the ground, while two others started to ransack our wagon. The other five ran after her."

Marinette didn't have to feign horror at his recounting. "What happened?"

"Apparently, they were after something to sell, or maybe food, but just as they were tying me up I heard a voice call out that they should release me." Nino shook his head. "My savior came out of the darkness like a wraith, his staff knocking two down in one stroke before he punched and kicked the other two. By the time the first two started to stand, he was already swiping his staff across their faces. They were unconscious within seconds. I told him about Alya, and he untied one of my hands before heading off at the sound of her screams."

Smiling at her beau, Alya continued the story. "I was running through the forest, screaming for help when suddenly this woman in red armor with black spots landed in between me and the bandits. In a matter of seconds, three of them were down with the Black Cat's arrival. The leader, and one other tried to run, but Ladybird Beetle took them down within a matter of seconds. Both were phenomenal, and then they carried the unconscious ones to our wagon, we tied all of them up."

"Wow!" Marinette's eyes widened. Looking at the buckets, she smiled. "If you'll help me carry my bucket back I would love to hear more."

Giving the young woman a smile, Nino shook his head. "I'm sorry, but we haven't had our morning meal yet, and I really should play at the inn for some coin to do that."

"I'll make a deal with you," Marinette offered, "if you help me with my water, I'll make sure you both get something to eat?"

Alya and Nino looked at each other. "A-Are you serious?"

Marinette nodded. "Of course. My parents always make too much, so we have extra just in case someone has an empty belly, and not a lot of coin to offer for something to eat." Giving the pair a wide grin, she picked up one of the buckets in both hands. "What do you say?"

Looking at each other, Alya smiled and Nino nodded. "I doubt we'll get a better offer than that." he suggested. The pair picked up the two buckets and followed the young woman.

"Did anything else happen last night?" Marinette asked.

"Not much. Ladybird Beetle left to get the militia, and they took the bandits away. After that, they just sort of left." Alya smiled as she finished out her tale. "Honestly, I hope we see them again. They were wonderful people."

"Black Cat kind of looked like a bandit himself," Nino postulated, "but he was a complete gentleman to everyone."

That caused Marinette to bite at her lower lip. "I'll bet he's rugged and handsome."

"Actually, he was less rugged, but definitely handsome." Alya quipped, causing Nino to look at her. "I'll bet that before long he's going to have all sorts of young women around here dreaming about him."

The heat that took in Marinette's cheeks, caused her to shift uncomfortably as she approached the bakery. "Mama, I'm back." Holding out her hand for the other bucket, she carried both back without any difficulty. "I know we're not open yet, but I've made a couple of friends, and wonder if I could offer them some of the food from yesterday?"

"Of course." Her mother went back to one of the bread cupboards and brought out a pair of croissants each. "Take these to them. We've kept them warm to sell them, but I would rather give them away."

"Thank you, Mama." Giving her mother a kiss on the cheek, she walked out to hand the pastries over to Nino and Alya. "Here you go."

Smiling at the young woman, they nodded. "Thank you, Marinette." They said in unison. When they bit into the croissants, both of their eyes boggled at the taste. "Th-This is delicious!"

"I'm sorry that it was made yesterday, but it really doesn't change the taste of the pastries that much."

Nino's eyes widened. "Th-This is a day old?" his mouth dropped open.

Alya gasped. "This is literally the most delicious thing I have ever put in my mouth," she shivered at the proclamation, "and I should know since my mother is a cook for King Bourgeois."

Marinette blinked. "Wow! That's some compliment."

"Let's just say that we didn't often get the table scraps from mom's job, and usually had to deal with my father's idea of dinner."

"What was he?"

"Hunter." Alya gave a small giggle. "We had vegetables more times than not, however."

Everyone laughed a little at that before Marinette smiled at the pair. "If you come back at the end of the day, I'll see if we can spare some extra food for your dinner."

"No. You don't have to..." Nino said with a smile.

With a shake of her head, Marinette smiled. "I want to make sure you have at least something to eat, even if all it is happens to be a bit of bread."

"Only if my playing doesn't do as well as we're hoping." Nino suggested.

"Deal."

Seeing both Alya and Nino off, the young woman headed back into the bakery to help her parents with the making of fresh breads and pastries. Once more, their day was filled with orders, while the pair found themselves a place to play. Adrien, meanwhile, was stuck within his father's manor, studying his lessons and becoming increasingly bored as his Kwami floated about, keeping an eye out for anything unusual.

oOo

Amazingly, the music that Nino played, mixed with Alya's dancing got them quite a bit of coin, so when they returned to the bakery closing in on nightfall, they were able to pay for their food, and added a bit extra for the pastries they had been given earlier that day. Marinette, meanwhile, had been increasingly worried about what Tikki had mentioned last night. 'It means another Miraculous has been found, and is being misused.' She took a deep breath and sighed as she finished helping her parents prepare for the next day.

"What's wrong, honey?" Sabine asked. "You seem more tired than usual."

Marinette looked at her mother. "I... had some nightmares last night."

"Nightmares? About what?" Tom asked, setting a cover onto one of the bowls.

Looking down at the rag in her hand, she sighed. "I was being chased through the woods by people attempting to hurt me." She shook her head. "Nobody was there to help, I was screaming for it, but nobody came. I was completely alone, and the ground seemed to pull at my feet... like I was trying to run through mud. Falling, I couldn't get up fast enough before they grabbed me." Shaking her head, she looked at her parents. "I... I woke up and tried to go back to sleep, but it seemed like I couldn't for hours afterward... so I just laid there, looking at the ceiling trying to find a way of falling asleep again." She sighed. "I don't know how long I lay there before I woke up again."

Sabine walked over, hugging her. "It's possible the dream was just the normal one that happens to every girl when they reach your age."

"What do you mean?" Marinette asked.

Tom smiled at her, wrapping an arm around her, he gave his daughter a hug. "Your body is changing, which is normal, but your mind is telling you that it's going to be scary." He kissed the top of her head. "It's possible that your mind's warning you that you're going to gain notice from men a lot more now that you're starting to develop into a young woman, and it's letting you know to be careful how you act toward them in the future."

Thinking about it, she blinked. "You mean, giving extra bread, or giving hugs can be considered more than just being friendly toward people?"

"Exactly." Sabine offered. "You notice that I only hug your father, right?"

Nodding, she smiled. "Yeah, but that's because you both are married." Suddenly, pieces started to connect in Marinette's mind, and her eyes blinked. "Wait... so... if I act the same way to people that I did a couple of years ago, it could mean something different? Like... I'm... interested in them romantically?" A nod was the only comment she needed from her mother and father. "Oh..." Her face fell ever so slightly. '... but, I like hugging people. Most people seem to need hugs more than others,' a few of the looks from the faces of males when she hugged Mr. Fu caused her to shiver, 'and some should never get hugs.' Looking back at her mother she sighed. "I... think I understand."

"We're not saying never hug people, honey," Tom offered, "just make sure they know the reason why you're giving them a hug."

Marinette nodded slowly. "Growing up is difficult."

"Just wait until you start courtship," Sabine offered with a smile, "you'll think giving hugs is the least of your worries."

Upon finishing, the trio ate their evening meal, and settled in to rest before work in the morning. Marinette stood at her window as she gazed up at the moon. With an inhale and exhale, she turned and started for her doorway. "Mama and papa, I'm going to go for a small walk along the Seine, and should be back in about an hour."

"Okay, just be careful." Tom suggested. "I don't want to wake up to having a missing daughter."

"Papa..." Marinette shook her head, "who would try kidnapping me? Besides, all the girls who disappeared were from Lady Rossi's side of Paris. Not over here."

Exiting the side door, the young woman walked past one bridge, and started her travel along the banks. The earthen slope to the water's edge was marred by the inclusion of several docks and piers that stretched out into the river. Little did she know that someone was following her. For a few moments she was lost in the realizations her parents had brought to the forefront before a quartet of men approached the young woman. She only came out of her reverie when one of them called out "Grab her!"

"Wha-?!" Marinette cried out as two of the men rushed forward. One grabbed her arms and she tried kicking out at the other, but his hands wrapped around her ankles. Inhaling to scream, a third placed his hand over her mouth as they pulled her to the side. Thrashing around, she cried out into the man's hand, but even to her own ears the sound was muted to such a degree that she doubted anyone else could hear.

"Come on! She'll make a perfect addition to the brothel." one of the men remarked.

A growl came from the one holding her arms behind her back. "She's fighting back!"

"Don't worry. Once she's taken the injection, she'll be much more pliable." another stated as he reached for something at his side.

'No! Please, no!' her mind screamed as they carried her away from the river.

"I would recommend putting the young lady down, nice and easy." a voice from a dark alley ordered, causing all four men to stop, and for Marinette to peer into the darkness with the shock of recognition in her eyes.

The one not holding Marinette pulled out a dagger as a staff extended out from the darkness, slamming into his abdomen with enough speed to drop him to his knees. Seconds later, Black Cat stepped out of the alleyway, his glowing green eyes narrowed in anger. "What in the hell are you?!" the one holding her mouth spun around, pulling out a short sword. "Some sort of hero?"

Cat stepped forward, twirling his staff. "If the rest of you don't let the lady go, I'll be the one sending you straight to Hell." He then motioned to the one on his knees, gasping for air. "I only need one of you to tell me who you work for, so" he held up one hand, showing the gleaming claws on the tips of his fingers, "tearing your throats out will be a pleasure for daring to touch her."

At that, the two men holding Marinette's arms and legs looked at each other, then back at Black Cat. "He's just trying to scare you." the one with the sword announced before rushing forward. A sigh escaped his opponent's lips before deflecting and parrying a pair of strikes with his staff, before he swung his weapon around. The man with the short sword didn't even see the attack before the staff impacted the side of his head, sending him spinning around like a top in mid-air.

When he dropped to the ground, the other two very gingerly set Marinette's feet on the ground, and helped to stand her up before backing away from the young woman very, very slowly. She blinked as Black Cat took a step forward, his voice a growl. "Run!" Both men spun around and ran in opposite directions while he walked forward. "Are you alright?" he asked.

Marinette nodded, "I... I am... thank you, Black Cat." she said with a smile and a blush.

That caused him to stop. "Have we met before?"

"I... no..." She shook her head, "I... met a young woman and her beau today, and they said you helped them last night. They" she blushed even harder when he drew closer, "gave a very... accurate description." She saw him up close with a kind smile on his face, causing her heart to flutter madly within her bosom and her lower body to clench.

Black Cat smiled. "Yes, I know the pair, and I'm happy nothing else has happened to them." Black Cat glanced at the man beside them. "Do you have any idea why these men were trying to abduct you, miss?"

Looking down at the two men, she blinked. "My name is Marinette. They said something about a brothel, do you know what they're talking about?"

His face darkened at that, and he glared at the dagger wielder. Reaching out, he hoisting the man off of his feet. "You are going to tell me where, how, and with whom you do business."

A cough issued from the man as he inhaled, getting air back into his lungs. "Y-You don't scare me..."

"Abduction is a serious crime," Black Cat growled, "but since I doubt you care if you'll spend the rest of your natural life in prison, how about I sweeten the deal?"

The man blinked at his comment. "What do you mean?" asked Marinette.

"I'm going to tie him up, and use him as my personal punching bag for a few hours. See if that doesn't loosen his tongue," he then looked at the unconscious form on the ground next to him, "and then I'm going to go to work on that one." Looking back he smiled. "Then I'll alternate between the pair using punches, kicks, maybe a few hits with my staff in strategic locations... you didn't want children, right?"

Marinette watched the fear in the man's eyes grow until that last question before his mouth dropped open. "Th-The brothel is on the East side... it's meant to look like an inn, but some of the guests and all of the serving crew are prostitutes. It's called the Rose Petal..."

Slamming him back onto his knees, Black Cat growled. "Who runs it and how do they keep the girls?"

"I... I don't know... our boss orders us to bring in new girls every few months because of the overdoses!" the man rambled. Black Cat slammed his fist into the man's face, knocking him out with a growl on his lips.

"C-Cat?" Marinette asked softly.

"Did they say anything to you about how they were going to make you work there?"

Nodding slowly, she shivered. "They said something about injections..."

Placing a hand on her shoulder, he shook his head. "I'm going to end this, but first I want to take you home, and make sure you're safe." Holding up his arms, Black Cat smiled. "If I may?"

Her heart skipped a beat as she nodded her head, and he picked her up bridal style. Her arms wrapped around his neck, as she pressed her head against his chest. The scent of him was both wild, yet reserved, causing her head and her heart to thrum at the dichotomy. Within seconds they were moving fast before he leaped, and landed only a few feet in front of her parent's bakery. "Here we go."

She blinked as she saw where they were, a little sad that it had ended so soon. "Um... how did you know where to take me? I didn't tell you..." He stood there with a blush on his face, his eyes looking left and right before leaning in to whisper.

"I know who you are, Marinette Dupain-Cheng. You're the gentle, sweet, compassionate, and beautiful young woman who is one half of the reason why your parent's bakery does so well." Leaning his head back, he smiled at her. "Let's just say, I've enjoyed your parent's food, but not half as much as your smile and kindness."

"Th-Then I know you... outside of being Black Cat?" she asked.

With a small turn to the side, he let her feet touch the ground, before holding her waist as she stood upright, ensuring sure she was steady on her feet. "Sadly, no, but I... would like to change that if at all possible." Stepping back, he smiled at her. Gently taking one of her hands in his, he bowed and planted a soft kiss between her middle and ring finger knuckles causing her other hand to go to her overheated cheeks. "Until when next we meet, beautiful lady." Stepping back, he let her hand linger in his for several seconds until their fingertips slid away.

Marinette watched him go, her body quavering at the sight of Black Cat vaulting off to the East. It felt as if a fog had rolled into her brain, and she was outright giddy at the tingling sensations going through her body. Looking around, Marinette could've sworn that Paris looked a little brighter, a little more beautiful than it had before, although nothing had changed except the rapid beating of her heart. Holding her cheeks with both of her hands, she shivered as the adrenaline seeped out of her, to be replaced with a liquid fire that moistened her loins.

Standing there, watching his retreating form, Marinette sighed before a voice tinkled in her ear. "Are you alright?" Tikki asked, taking care to not be seen.

A shiver coursed down Marinette's spine. "I... I think I'm in love, Tikki." She bit her lower lip. "My body is shivering all over, and my heart is beating so fast. I feel hot all over, and my lower abdomen is clenching like I've never felt before." She looked at the little creature. "Is... that normal?" She trembled again at the description of the sensations.

"It definitely sounds like you at least want him, Marinette." Tikki giggled before floating down and into the top of her dress so that she could feel the pounding heartbeat. "Now, what are you going to do?"

Her body was rooted to the spot at the question. "I... I'm not sure..." Wrapping her arms around herself, Marinette sighed. "I want him to court me, but..."

"That's not what I meant." Tikki remarked. "I meant, what are you going to do about the men that accosted you?"

"Oh... OH!" Walking over to a couple of the militia guards, she informed them of what had happened, and how she had gotten home. The men ran off in the direction of the unconscious thugs, as she smiled after them. Looking down, she winked at the little Kwami. "I should go help Black Cat." Looking around, she ran to the other side of a building so that nobody could see her. "Tikki, spots on." Within a matter of seconds, she was running and leaping across Paris to catch up with her partner.