"Night, Marinette!" Marinette trudged upstairs after a busy day, falling asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow…
"Do you want to go first or should I?" Cat Noir, Ladybug's partner asked. They were in a room at the B. hotel and the two heroes could see something glowing. They had to investigate, and what cat doesn't like a shiny object? Ladybug stepped forward. Strange, she could feel a chilly breeze, but that wasn't possible was it? Pushing clothes out the way, she stepped down into another world.
It was silent, save for her footsteps crunching down into the snow, as streetlamps glowed softly over a cobblestone path. It was a magical wonderland, she was sure. But where were the people, the animals?
Cat stepped out behind her, his green eyes widening at the sight. Lined along two sides of the path, magnificent and regal fur trees, decorated with snow like frosted sugar from a cake. "Where do you suppose we are? Ladybug asked in a hushed voice as if someone watched from the trees. Cat bounded onto on the streetlamps. "Didn't those kids go through a wardrobe to get to Narnia?" Ladybug giggled and chucked a snowball at him. "Oh, Kitty," she gently teased tossing some snow into the air.
"Lets try to find someone," Cat said, leaping down and taking Ladybug's hand. Their breath was little clouds of white. A bridge lay ahead and they stopped to look down into the water.
Despite the cold, the water was a icy blue, sparkling softly as if it were magic. Chirp! Ladybug touched Cat's arm silently, pointing to a red bird in a tree. His bold red color stood out from the snowy landscape, and Ladybug sighed. Then something caught her eye, and two majestic swans gilded down under the bridge.
They continued on their way, still not a person in sight. Far in the distance, Cat saw a dark lump. "Maybe its a house or cabin of some sort," he said, hopefully. Ladybug blew on her hands. "Let's hope we get there soon, Kitty. My hands are getting cold."
They arrived just as the sun was setting, and even if they were tired, they feasted on the natural beauty. The sun a brilliant ball of orange, reminded Cat of the Christmas orange he got every year in his stocking as Adrien.
Cat opened the door when the got to the cabin, which they found out was a lodge. It was loud after being in near silence most of the day, and music rang to the rafters. Ladybug clutched Cat's hand, feeling a little nervous. "Let's sit down, and maybe someone will bring us some food and we can meet people." Cat said, and Ladybug was glad he was leading. She was a little shy with strangers.
"Welcome, Welcome," a jolly fellow came over to their table. He reminded Cat of Father Christmas but his beard was gray and not quite as long. "Where are we?" Cat asked. "Why, your in Winter land my boy!" their host cried. "It maybe snowy all year long, but we enjoy it! I'll get you and your lovely lady some menus as I'm sure you must be hungry from your long journey."
Cat's ears twitched as he listened to the music, and noticed a band was playing up front. "We should dance, M'lady," he said. "After in Winter Land you eat and make merry!" "Only if you help me dance, Kitty," Ladybug said. "I've two left feet, remember?" Cat stroked one of her raven pigtails softly. "Your safe with me, I promise."
They both ordered turkey and the fixings and when the food came they tucked in. The drink reminded them of apple cider, but with a more zingy flavor.
Cat led Ladybug to the dance floor, and Ladybug let go, putting her trust in Cat. It was fun to dance, and they joined the big circle, singing at the top of their lungs.
After awhile, the music stopped and a big fire was lit, and everyone gathered around it. Father Christmas stood at the front of crackling fireplace. He started telling stories about northern frozen lands, and Cat wanting to travel paid rapt attention. Ladybug listened as she leaned her head against Cat's shoulder, nodding off after awhile.
It was safe and warm here, and the people were so friendly, and the two heroes wanted to stay forever. But Ladybug knew, come sun up, they would have to get back to Paris. People crowded around to see them go in the morning, as they had all gotten to know each other during the night.
"Wait, Wait!" Father Christmas called as he pushed through the eager crowd. "We need to send you off in style!" He clapped his hands and two of his helpers presented Cat and Ladybug with capes. Cat's was black trimmed with green, and Ladybug's was a festive red and white. "No walking back for you, send my sleigh!"
Ladybug gasped in delight as two reindeer pranced up to them, bells crashing all around them merrily. Cat helped her into the sleigh, and they were off! Waving to the kind people of Winter Land.
Again, they feasted on the beauty around them, and munched rolled pancakes with strawberries and cream.
When they got back to the wardrobe, Ladybug and Cat took one last look. Some of the crowd had followed them. "We'll be back one day," Ladybug promised. "Once we defeat Hawkmoth."
"Good luck, Ladybug and Cat Noir! We'll miss you and come back soon!"
Marinette woke to the buzzing of her alarm clock. Morning. What a dream she had had! She leaped out of bed to write it down in her diary. Awhile later, Cat showed up for it was Christmas and he had come to celebrate it with her family.
Before she headed downstairs, she checked her wardrobe. It was dark with clothes hanging from their hangers, but Marinette wasn't disappointed. She was a magical girl after all, and one day she would visit Winter Land again.