A/N: Thank you for the support dear readers :)

So, I only fulfilled half my promise. I updated Selfless but this is coming out faster than One Way Or Another. It'll be here soon, I can assure you.

This fic will be more inspired by a couple older Zorro movies, specifically the 1920 and 40 versions. I've only seen the newer one like once or twice :/ And yes, I like old movies, don't judge. Same goes for Robin Hood, I only know the Disney version and the 1930's version.

To Carottal: I've never heard of it, but it sounds cool :) And the special attack is a reference to the Darkblade episode, when Mr.D'Argencourt used it to beat Adrien in fencing class

Chapter 2

Nino smiled, impressed as he looked up at the large house that seemed to touch the sun. Four pillars helped support it, red brick lined the outside walls. A set of steps led to the front door that seemed to call out to Nino.

"This looks awesome!"

Adrien nodded and sheepishly smiled. "Yeah, it's something. Come on, we'd better go in and break the news quick."

Nino frowned. "Are you sure I could stay? I could always go live with my parents-"

"No, you're my best friend. If I want you to stay here then you will," Adrien replied with a determined glint in his eyes. His father wouldn't be able to stop him from doing something actually fun and spontaneous this time.

The blond grabbed a suitcase and gestured for Nino to do the same. Normally the servants would help bring them in, but Adrien liked to help out whenever he could. His father always scolded him for that viewpoint, that as an Agreste he should hold himself in a higher regard. In those moments, he'd just nod and agree with whatever was told to him to get his father to stop.

The pair of best friends walked up the small set of stairs. Figuring he should do it because it was his house, Adrien knocked on the door and waited.

About a minute later the door opened to reveal an older man with bright green eyes and midnight hair wearing the standard serving uniform.

"Plagg!" Adrien shouted happily, dropping his suitcase to wrap the older man in a hug. Out of everyone in the house, he was closest with Plagg. The man always listened to his problems and was there for him whenever he was needed, even if he may not have been the most kind-spoken companion and always snacked on smelly cheese.

Plagg grimaced though Nino could tell he was fighting back a smile. "Welcome home, Adrien. How was school?"

The blond pulled back and shrugged. "It was fine. Any idea why my father sent for me?"

Plagg's eyes shifted away from Adrien. He bit his bottom lip uneasily before he gave his answer. "I think that's a talk between you and your father."

Adrien couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in curiosity. This must've been serious.

"And who is this?" Plagg asked, glancing at Nino.

"Nino Lahiffe," the boy introduced, smiling. "Great to meet you. Adrien said I could stay here for awhile."

Plagg's eyes widened as he took in the sheepish blond. "Does your father know?"

"Well..."

"Adrien..."

"No."

The midnight-haired servant sighed. "Well, you better go tell him. You know he hates surprises."

Adrien nodded. "I'll go tell him now. Can you get the others to help carry in our things?"

The head servant nodded.

...

While Nino stayed outside, Adrien walked into his father's study. The man was signing a paper of some kind when his son came in.

"Adrien," Gabriel bid, nodding.

"Hello, Father," he returned. Gabriel gestured for him to sit down, which the blond did.

For a few tense seconds, nothing was spoken. Adrien knew the man rarely expressed emotions such as love and care, but he expected at least a little warmer welcome from the man he hasn't seen in two years.

Adrien softly sighed. It was a lost cause to get any kind of affection from him.

"Father, why have you sent for me?" He asked, getting right to the point. Any other kind of small talk would've been frivolous.

For a rare moment, his father showed a sign of weakness, when he placed his fingertips to his temples and audibly sighed. Adrien's eyebrows drew down in concern, yet he said nothing, waiting patiently for the answer.

"You may not have heard, but King Alexandre has been away to war, trying to get more territory. His brother, Prince Matheo, now leads us."

Adrien reeled back, blinking at the surpising news. He knew the King wanted more land, but figured he would've stayed in France should he choose to act on those feelings and let his soldiers handle it. He didn't expect the King to actually go with them.

He knew next to nothing about Prince Matheo. He was younger than King Alexandre, and opted to stay in the shadows and let his brother and his advisors handle most of everything.

But what did Prince Matheo have to do with his being sent back home?

Gabriel continued, answering his son's mental question. "He has raised the taxes. When the peasants ran out of money he started to go after the nobleman, though the taxes weren't as harsh for us. Still, he told me that if I have the extra money to send you to school, then I have the money to pay him more. I don't have that much, Adrien."

This was crazy. This all happened in just two years?

"Why hasn't anyone done something? Why hasn't anyone risen up against him? Why hasn't anyone sent word to the King?!"

Gabriel rubbed a hand along the back of his neck, weary. "The King is unreachable at the moment, no one knows where he is except for Prince Matheo. And do you honestly believe anyone can take on the Guard? Anyone who tried would be killed in seconds."

Adrien sank lower in his chair, still hardly believing any of this. How could this happen? He felt numb as truth after truth registered in his brain.

The man had to be stopped, that much was obvious. But his father was right, who can take on trained soldiers? Men were experts at the blade?

Hmm...

No. It was stupid, crazy idea.

"I see," Adrien murmured.

The older man sighed again. "Yes. Paris has changed since you left."

He nodded his agreement.

Someone had to do something. Maybe...maybe it wasn't so crazy of an idea. If no one was going to do anything, then why shouldn't he step up?

He paused his thought process when he remembered who was standing outside the door.

"Father, I-I brought a guest to stay with us. I didn't know about our money trouble, so I-"

Gabriel glowered. "You brought a guest without my consent?"

Adrien cringed at the scolding look thrown his way, when he remembered how old he was and how he shouldn't be acting like a naughty schoolboy who has just been caught. As a result, he sat up straighter and looked his father in the eyes.

"Yes. I'm grown, I can make my own decisions. But about our money troubles, now that I understand what the problem is, I can send him home."

The older blond eyed him curiously. And, did Adrien dare think, that he looked just the tiniest bit impressed?

"We don't have money troubles," Gabriel dismissed. "And you're right, you're a grown man who can make his own decisions...that is, in your own house."

Adrien squirmed slightly and gulped. He may be an adult, but by all else, this was still his father's house.

Gabriel paused before continuing, still eyeing the boy inquisitively. "Although, a guest will make the Agrestes look hospitable. Very well. Your guest may stay for however long you like."

Adrien perked up, shell-shocked but happy. He didn't expect this turn of events.

He grinned. "Just wait till you meet him, Father."

...

Adrien paced back and forth in his room, deep in thought and oblivious to the man who was slowly going into madness.

"Will you just stop already!" Nino snapped. "You're driving me crazy with all that pacing."

Adrien chuckled but relented, sitting down on the bed next to his friend. "Sorry. It's just...Nino, someone has to do something. This treatment of the peasants can't continue."

Nino shrugged. "Well, you're not the Prince, so there isn't much of anything you can do."

"But something has to be done!" Adrien cried out, temper rising. "I feel I have to do something to help."

Nino rolled his eyes. "You always feel that way. I swear, you're like a natural hero or something."

Adrien's eyebrows furrowed in concentration. That last sentence got him thinking. "Natural hero?"

Nino crossed his arms. "Yeah, it's like you feel compelled to help whenever someone is in distress. Sometimes I just expect you to go put a mask on and rise to the task of helping someone. It's crazy, honestly. Sometimes you just-"

Nino paused as soon as he eyed the look on the blond's face, the look he always adopted whenever a particularly insane idea was cooking in his head.

He paled when the gears in his own mind started to turn in realization. "Adrien, you know I was kidding about all that, right? About being a hero and putting on a mask?"

Adrien didn't respond, except to smile wider.

Nino's eyes widened in panic. "No way, man. Nuh uh. No! Don't even think about it!"

"Think about what?" He blinked innocently.

Nino fixed him with a glare. "You know what I mean. You are not going around in a mask and helping the peasants. It's crazy, you'll get yourself killed."

"If I'm caught!" Adrien countered, grinning madly. "Besides, I was the best fencer at the Academy. I stand a chance of staying alive."

"Adrien," he groaned in exasperation. "You can't just put on a mask and go help people and take on the soldiers. It's insane!"

"Not that insane," Adrien retorted, crossing his own arms and screwing his lips into a stubborn pout. "Besides, would it really be all that bad? I could be a symbol of hope for the common people, help bring back justice. If I don't do something, who will?"

One long look at Adrien and Nino knew, that the blond wasn't going back on this decision.

He sighed and slid a hand down his cheek. "I can't believe you're doing this."

...

"I still can't believe you're doing this."

Adrien stepped out of his closet, sporting a loose, black shirt with matching pants and boots. He also took the time to slip on black gloves over his hands. He grinned and struck a dramatic pose.

"What do you think?" He asked, arms stretched out wide.

Nino frowned. "You look like a bandit."

"Thank you," Adrien returned, smirking. "I need to look the part, right?"

"Stealing money from the rich to give to the poor." Nino shook his head. "I hope you know what you're getting yourself into."

Adrien nodded solemnly. "I do. Someone has to do something, and it seems that I'm the only one here who wants to take action. That is, if you care to join me?"

Nino shook his head resolutely. "Sorry, but no way. You go risk your neck, I'll stand safely by and away from the swords."

Adrien laughed, once more going over his choice of clothing. All he needed was a sword and-

"Hey, what's your name going to be, anyway?" Nino asked, raising an eyebrow. "You can't go around calling yourself Adrien."

Hm. He hadn't thought of a name. He shrugged. "I don't know. What do you think?"

Nino looked him over. "I'd say something involving the color black would do."

The blond thought for a moment until an idea popped into his head. A corner of his mouth quirked up.

"Well, I've always been fond of cats."

...

Marinette Dupain-Cheng awoke the next morning to the fresh smell of bread. A relieved smile automatically lifted her lips. If there was bread being made, that meant her parents still had money to get supplies to make it.

Prince Matheo has been relentless when it came to taxes. As a result, her parents' bakery has been getting less and less customers. They had to rely on the occasional nobleman's order to stay in business, but even then most of the money had to go to taxes.

The blackette got up from her bed to put on one of her casual day dresses. A memory of the smiling children from the previous day found its way in her mind and she couldn't help but smile. They looked so happy to have new things, and she was just as happy making them.

But when she inclined her head to the right, and saw the dwindling amount of fabric, she frowned. Pretty soon she won't have any more money to purchase even the most basic of fabrics. Then what would the children wear?

She couldn't help but take a look at her own dress, eyeing the small rip in the hem. She could sew it up later, and then what? What about the next tear? She was running out of thread as well.

Sighing, she knew there was nothing she could do about it now. The only thing to do was go help her parents bake today's pastries and possibly deliver some orders.

When Marinette came downstairs, she picked up the waiting croissant on the dining table and went for a glass of milk to drink, along with some butter to put on the flaky treat.

"Good morning, sweetie," Sabine greeted, smiling warmly and planting a kiss on her daughter's forehead.

"Good morning, Maman," Marinette replied as best she could with her cheeks stuffed with croissant. Her mother giggled before leaving to return to work. Her father once dropped by in the dining room to say hello, only giving time to ruffle his daughter's hair before going back to baking.

When Marinette was finished eating, she walked into the kitchen and found her apron hanging from a hook on the wall. The other two hooks were bare. She tied on the apron and immediately got into the work environment, helping her father knead dough.

"Marinette, why don't you go up front. You never know when a customer will drop in," Tom suggested, a hopeful twinkle in his eyes. She didn't have the heart to tell him her doubts.

"Okay, Papa."

"Thank you, Marinette." He smiled at her retreating form, only letting out a sigh when she left. He knew as well as she did there probably wasn't going to be any customers, he was just too optimistic to give up hope.

For awhile Marinette didn't do much of anything. She straightened out the different pastries, dusted the counter, cleaned the display case, maybe read a few pages from a book.

Not a soul in sight.

Well, except for the girl currently sprinting through the door.

Marinette blinked at her best friend's sudden appearance. The girl looked exhausted and was gasping for air, but it did nothing to quell the excited grin on her lips.

"Alya? What is it?"

"There-There's a-a-" She paused to gather more breath. "There's a guy that's finally risen up against the Prince! You should've seen it, Marinette! Two soldiers were posting an order in town, saying how some other food won't count for money anymore for the taxes, and then this guy appeared!"

The blackette raised a curious eyebrow. "What guy?"

"That's the thing!" Alya squealed. "No one knows who he is! He was wearing all black and wore a mask. He just went up to them, poked them with his sword and demand they take down the poster. Then he made them put up his poster! He calls himself Chat Noir and says he's here to protect us. Do you know what this means?"

Marinette rolled her eyes. "It means that a common outlaw is going to be arrested and hung in a few days?"

Alya pouted angrily. "No! It means things are finally going to change around here. No more high taxes! Things will go back to normal like they were when King Alexandre was here."

The blackette couldn't help but scowl at the mention of her King. What kind of King abandons his people and puts his greedy brother in charge?

And what exactly was this 'Chat Noir' going to do? He was probably just like any other bandit. In no time he'll get captured and killed, no one should be making any sort of fuss over him.

Still, it was nice to see Alya smiling again. With her kind of reaction to him, she didn't doubt the other peasants had similar ones. Even if Chat Noir may be captured later, she'll enjoy the hope he brings for now.

As a result, the edges of the blackette's mouth turned up. "I hope so, Alya. I really hope so."

Just then the bell above the door chimed. Both girls swivelled around to see the customer, only to find Captain Theo Barbot. Alya didn't bother hiding her disgust for him while Marinette plastered on a polite smile.

"Good morning, ladies," the brunet addressed. He only gave Alya a parting glance before training his eyes on the young woman behind the counter. "Hello, Marinette."

The budding designer squirmed a bit, uncomfortable under his leering gaze. "Hello, Captain."

Captain Theo has been trying to pursue her for a few months now. Ever since he stepped into the modest bakery, he hasn't left Marinette alone. She tried telling him she wasn't interested, but the man just wouldn't listen. She was too nice to say anything rude, unlike Alya, who wanted to command him to leave her best friend alone and throw a punch at him.

But Marinette never allowed her to do that. If Alya laid a finger on him he wouldn't hesitate to arrest her. She could only hope that her best friend wouldn't be killed as well.

"You're looking exceptionally radiant this morning."

Marinette suppressed a giggle when she heard the muffled noises of Alya's gagging. Theo didn't seem to hear, only registering Marinette's adorable reaction and thinking his compliment caused it.

He grinned wider and leaned closer to her. "And your eyes look so-"

At that moment Alya cleared her throat, ripping Theo's attention away from the blackette. Marinette mentally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Say, shouldn't you be out there looking for Chat Noir?" Alya questioned, a spark of mischief lighting her eyes, anticipating his reaction.

Theo glowered at the mention of the new criminal, not disappointing the devious woman. "My soldiers can handle him, he won't be too hard to find, I imagine."

Alya snickered. "Yeah, he really made your two soldiers look like complete fools, huh?"

Marinette stiffened at the insult. She hoped that remark didn't set off the terrible Captain.

Theo frowned deeper. A comment like that could be considered treason and warrant an arrest. However, he knew that if he arrested Marinette's best friend, then he'd never have a chance with her.

He'd just arrest her after Marinette agreed to marry him, then. That way the black-haired beauty couldn't escape him.

"He caught us by surprise, is all. Who can expect a man coming out of nowhere in this peaceful town and pointing a sword at you?"

Alya wanted to badly to scream that that's what he has been doing all the time he's been here, but she managed to control her temper, only letting out a calming breath out of her nose. Marinette silently thanked her for holding back.

It was time for this little visit to end.

"Well, Captain, my parents are busy baking and I'm sure Alya needs to be going somewhere. If you'll excuse me."

Theo's lips were still tugged down into a displeased frown, yet he nodded his head anyway. Marinette retreated to the kitchen while Alya walked out the door, hiding until it was safe to come back in. Theo took one look around the bakery and followed after Alya, although going down the opposite street.

Marinette waited about a minute after the bell stopped jingling to come out of her hiding place. She leaned on the counter and huffed tiredly. How long would she have to put up with Captain Theo?

Alya came back in seconds later, scowling. "That guy is such a creep. Someone needs to tell him to leave you alone, because you won't let me do it."

She shook her head. "You know what would happen if you did something like that. And I'm sure Theo will forget about me soon. If I'm not interested then he'll just move on to another girl, right?"

Alya frowned. "I don't think so. It's been months and he's still chasing after you. Marinette, you've got to do something."

"What can I do that doesn't end up with me in a noose or a veil?" Marinette retorted. She slumped further down onto the counter. "Maybe I should marry him. He has plenty of money. He's best friends with the Prince. He can make sure me and my parents live comfortably."

Alya's eyes bulged at this ridiculous thought. "What?! No, don't think like that! If you don't love him, you won't marry him. Don't try sacrificing yourself. Relax, I know you'll find a better suitor."

Marinette couldn't help but scoff at that. "Really, Alya? Like who? No one has shown interest in me besides Theo."

"Because he's scared them all away by showing interest in you," Alya replied, annoyed. "We just need a decent guy who isn't afraid of him."

Marinette laughed. "Okay. Let me know when you find him," she joked. "Preferably when he hasn't been arrested yet."

...

"Marinette, do you mind delivering an order for us?" Sabine called from the kitchen.

Marinette placed down her sketchbook and writing tool and walked back to meet with her mother. "No, Maman, I don't mind."

"Thank you, sweetie," Sabine gushed, smiling. "It's a cake for the Beaureals. Will you be okay on your own? It's a long walk..."

Indeed it was a long walk. The Beaureals lived on the outskirts of town, where all the other noblemen lived, but theirs was the farthest away. She'd have to take a shortcut through the woods to get there.

Not wanting to let down her parents, she nodded her affirmation. "I can do it."

...

Marinette gulped when she came across the edge of town, right near the entrance to the forest. It was midday, the sun was bright in the sky, so darkness wasn't an issue. Also, she's never had any run-ins with any wild animals, so she wasn't worried about that either.

She was worried of the possibility of meeting up with Chat Noir. She had never seen him, knew nothing of his character aside from Alya told her. As far as she knew, they haven't captured him yet. He could be anywhere at this moment.

Would he rob her if she came across him? She didn't have any money, only this cake in her hands. She hoped he wouldn't take that.

Marinette growled and resisted the urge to smack herself. What were the chances of Chat Noir being in the forest at the same time she would be? She'd be fine.

With that confidant thought, she placed one foot outwards on the dirt path and started the rest of her journey.

...

Marinette didn't know what she had been so worried about. Her walk has been completely quiet and un-interrupted. She'd get this cake delivered in no time.

"Well, well, well."

Looks like she spoke too soon. She straightened at the sound of the cool, masculine voice.

"Looks like I found a princess who seems to have lost her way."

Huh? A princess? Her?

The source of the voice dropped down from the tree above. It was a man, maybe a year or two older than her. He was wearing an all-black outfit, complete with mask, cat ears atop his head, and a sash that fell dangerously close to the ground to resemble a tail.

Marinette gaped at him. With those touches to his outfit, she deduced that he had to be Chat Noir. Who else could it be?

Her heart started to pound in terror, the cake began to slightly shake in her hands. Her sapphire orbs trailed down to the sword resting comfortably against his hip.

Was he going to kill her, kidnap her? Princesses were worth a lot of money. She had no idea why he thought she was one, given her appearance, but she was going to be quick to dispel the claim.

"N-No. I'm not a princess, I swear! I'm just a peasant."

Chat Noir clicked his tongue and shook his head, as if to scold her for telling him that. "Now, now, Princess. Don't lie to me."

"I'm not lying!"

What was wrong with him? Why wouldn't he believe her? Besides, she hated liars.

Chat Noir pivoted on his heel and started to walk around her, reminding her of a cat about to pounce on its prey. Marinette stared after him warily as he circled around, her heart didn't relinquish it's pounding beat.

She knew he was going to hurt her in some way.

Finally, he began to speak.

"Kind. Caring. Generous. Beautiful. All of these are traits that princesses have." A corner of his mouth pulled up in a smirk. "So don't even try to lie to me and tell me you're not one. I know royalty when I see it."

Marinette blinked in confusion. Compliments were things she wasn't expecting at all. Just what game was he playing?

He suddenly straightened and chuckled. "And what manners I have. I haven't even introduced myself. I'm Chat Noir."

He stepped toward her and took her hand. She gasped, about to tear it away, when he placed his lips upon her knuckles.

...What?

Chat Noir gently released her fingertips. His emerald green eyes seemed to twinkle as he looked at her. "What is your name?" He asked softly.

Marinette shivered, still not over her fear of him. Her eyes found themselves travelling back to the sharp sword secured at his waist. It seemed to glimmer in the limited sunlight.

Chat Noir followed her eye movements. When he realized most of the reason for her apprehension, he smiled and his hands moved to the sash.

"Is this what you're so scared of?" He inquired in a tender whisper. "My sword?"

Marinette bit her lip, not answering.

Chat Noir didn't wait another moment to untie it and throw it aside, rendering him completely defenseless. She stared after the fallen weapon in bewilderment. Why would he do that?!

The blackette returned her attention to the blond when he continued to talk.

"You have no need to fear my sword, Princess. It will never be pointed at you."

He looked so...truthful. For a stranger, he seemed to care a lot for her. But why? He was just a common outlaw. Men were so confusing.

He gazed back at her wide eyes, apparently waiting for something.

Oh! Her name, he wanted her name. Should she tell him?

Chat Noir deflated at her lack of answer. "I-I understand if you don't want to tell me. You don't have to, I won't hurt you if you don't."

Damn it. He looked so vulnerable and hurt...like a sad, little kitten. She wanted the pain in his eyes to vanish.

It wasn't fair that a stranger, and a criminal at that, could make her feel this kind of guilt.

"My name's Marinette," she whispered. "Marinette Dupain-Cheng."

He seemed to perk at that. His eyes sparkled inside his mask and he gave her a beaming smile of white teeth.

The pair froze at the sound of hoofbeats coming along the path.

Chat Noir was the first to act. He turned away from her and went to pick up his sash. He secured it back around his waist, letting the sword hang from his hip. He walked back over to Marinette and picked up her hand, giving it a quick kiss. Strangely, she didn't feel compelled to pull it away.

"I better get going. Be safe, Princess. Oh, and," he paused to grin, "I hope your cake gets to its destination safely."

Marinette didn't have time to reply, as he ran away and hurriedly climbed up the tree. When he got to his desired branch the leaves rustled a little, but other than that, you couldn't tell he was up there.

"Marinette!" Theo called as soon as he laid eyes on her. The Captain was accompanied by three other soldiers on horseback. "What are you doing here?"

She bit back a grimace.