"Now we just have to wait," Marinette said upon sending the letter. She adjusted her blanket a little, now staring up at the sky.

"Alix is a strong witch," Tikki whispered as quiet as she could while still being heard. "It's highly likely she has something."

"Yeah, why can't we just tell him," Marinette said holding back tears as she brought her blanket closer to her face.

"It's not really our place, I know it pains you Marinette. Trust me I have seen this before with past holders. But Adrien should hear it from Kagami and Plagg. Think of it this way, would rather hear bad news from someone close to you or from someone you've only know for a few weeks."

"Oh you're right, I never thought of that. Maybe Alix will convince them to tell."

"We can't deny the possibility." Tikki gave a small yawn "Now how about we get some sleep."

Marinette followed her friend and yawned as well. "Probably a good idea."

And before she knew it, Marinette was fast asleep.

"Rise and shine!" Marinette awoke to see Sparrow standing over her.

"D-did I over sleep?" Marinette asked as she slowly sat up. After rubbing her eyes a little, she saw hardly anyone else was awake. Adding to that, the sun was only now starting to brighten the forest.

"Well I was thinking we could get a head start and forage food before the rest wake up."

Sparrow excitedly held up a small bag Marinette assumed was gathering anything she found.

"Oh I still got plenty of rations," Marinette said she started digging through her bag. Sure enough, they were there.

"But forging sounds so much fun."

"And time wasting." The two girls looked over to see Nora getting up and starting a morning workout of some kind. "One of the first lessons they teach you in training is proper supply packing and that includes rations. We aren't some little girls on a berry pick adventure to get a snack. We're the brave knights of the Quantic Kingdom, faithfully serving Queen Barbara and Queen Olympia, so I will not allow us to waste any time on foolish nonsense."

"If you don't have any rations, my parents always pack me extra." Marinette digging through her bags.

"No my mom and sister packed me a lot." Sparrow started walking to her spot.

"Hey wait." Sparrow turned around as Marinette tossed a pastry at her, which she caught with no issue. "Nice catch. And enjoy."

Marinette got a pastry for herself, before standing up and stretching a little. Around her, she saw her colleges starting to get up as well. A few of the guards were staring at Nora's workout but her fellow knights, and Kim ignored her. Just continuing with what they were doing. Poking her head in her bag, Marinette saw Tikki curl up in one of the corners still fast asleep. Marinette smiled and gingerly covered in a handkerchief. She turned and saw Sparrow. Odd, she seemed to be facing away from everyone. Surely Nora's comments couldn't have upset that much. But Marinette made a mental note to invite her berry picking with her friends. Mylene knew where all the best berry patches were.

Soon everyone had woken up and had packed their horses. Marinette still hadn't heard anything from Tikki, but it wasn't unusual. Tikki was one to rather play it safe than sorry. After carefully climbing on Macaroon, Marinette gestured for Sparrow. With a bit of surprise on her face, the fledging made her way over. The plans for the day's trek were made and once it was all said and done, the group was off.

"Um Marinette," Sparrow said as the kept riding. Marinette turned her head towards her, while keeping her eyes glancing in front of her. "I was wondering what even made you decided to become a knight. I-I don't mean it as a bad thing, it's just your the daughter of a popular baker and it seems like..."

"No, no, no," Marinette said with a small laugh. "It's understandable. Truth is I've always been more into fashion design and clothing making. I was looking into apprenticeship in different tailor shops and dressmakers. But one day, I still don't know how it happened I ended up breaking a fight in town which was noticed by Mr Damocles noticed and recruited my to the program. I wasn't intending on staying but my parents insisted I try. Then I thought about, my parents do so much for me. I thought maybe if I somehow actually made it as a knight I could make it up to them. So long story short, for my parents."

"Wow."

"What about you?"

"What?"

"Well, why do you want to be a knight?"

"Oh it's embarrassing." Sparrow grabbed the reigns of her horse tighter but continued speaking. "I want to prove myself. I have familial support but sometimes I fell like my mother still sees me as a helpless little girl. So I'm hoping by doing this I can prove I can do something."

"I hope so," Marinette said with an assuring smile.

The group continuing riding. Luckily the forest was calm and the sun was shining making it good for riding. Along with a nice, calm, cool breeze. Occasionally birds could be heard singing and other animals were spotted. Marinette sighed a little and took it all in. There was just something peaceful about it all. Even with the passing through old abandoned buildings. Though many didn't seem so bad as they were filled with plants.

The suddenly it all stopped. There were no sounds, no sunshine, and it even got a little colder. Looking at the ground, Marinette saw a small fog by Macaroon's hooves. Said horse even lifted one of her hooves.

"We're getting close," Nora said looking around.

"We should leave the horses here," Kim announced as he jumped of his. "Speaking from experience, they don't do well in fog."

"Fair enough," Nora responded before jumping off herself. "Now everyone grab a bubby. The fog is only going to get thicker as we go in."

Sparrow and Marinette looked at each other as they dismounted their horses and nodded. Marinette made sure to keep a small bag on her which contained Tikki. Quickly everyone starting pairing up. Though Nora took it a little too far by hooking herself to one of the guards.

"Good luck with the fledgling," Nora said snickering a little.

"Can we just find the library," the guard attached to her mumbled as she rolled her eyes.

"Before we had out," Marinette said turning to Sparrow. "In case we get separated we should come up with a code to call out."

"Hmm, should be something we both know," Sparrow tapped her a little before saying. "Knight Owl!"

"Oh like the first great knight of the Quantic Kingdom!" Marinette with a small snap of her fingers smart. "Okay if we separate the first to notice can shout out Knight' and the other shouts 'Owl'. Got it?"

"Got it." Sparrow gave a thumbs up.

As the two girls braved themselves into the fog. Looking around they saw a few more of their comrades but only the figures. Sparrow shuttered a little and grabbed Marinette's hand. No reacting Marinette kept walking while looking over at Sparrow. The more they walked the less they could see. Causing Sparrow to move closer to Marinette. Even with the fog, Marinette did not give up the search for The Old Library of Jade. Luckily she could see enough in front of her, so they wouldn't be running into any building.

"I hope we're close," Sparrow said shaking a little. "This is more terrifying than I thought.

"Unfortunately I don't have any idea." Marinette looked around a little. "Oh it's looking a little clearer over their."

"Wait." Sparrow grabbed Marinette's arm and pulled her closer. "I think we should go where the fog is getting thicker. The thicker the fog the better something is protected."

"Oh you might be on to something." Marinette paused for a moment. "Are you sure you're okay going in their."

"We have too." Despite her appearance, Sparrow had no fear in her voice. "For the good of the mission."