Adrien's protective embrace around Marinette tightened instinctively as he felt her body stiffen against his. His fingers intertwined with hers, offering silent reassurance that he was there to keep her safe, that he wouldn't let anyone hurt her again. The way her fingers squeezed his, her knuckles white with tension, told him that she understood the unspoken message. Now, whether she truly believed it was an entirely different matter.
"What do you mean, she escaped?" Adrien asked, his hand never leaving Marinette's waist as they both rose to their feet.
Marinette pressed herself even closer to him. He couldn't help but notice the subtle tremors coursing through her, and he silently cursed. Cursed the situation, the world, his father, Lila, Dylan, Dylan again, Dylan once more for good luck, himself. Always, always himself. For not protecting her, for not finding her sooner, for everything he hadn't done. His gaze dropped to her pallid face and wide, distressed eyes, and his heart ached with worry and regrets.
"Reid might have gone to see her or something; we don't know for sure. But when we found him, he was bleeding and unconscious on the floor," Nino explained, his concern evident in his face. "She probably manipulated him to untie her, and then she made her escape."
"We should bring him to the hospital," Marinette said urgently, her voice shaking as she fidgeted with her hands while still clinging to Adrien.
"I mean, he wasn't bleeding that much."
"Where is he now?"
"On the couch."
She was about to say something else, but Alya, filled with determination, walked over and gently clasped Marinette's trembling hands. "Mari, I know you're worried about your friend, but we have to focus. I'm sorry to press, but do you have any idea where your earrings might be?"
"No," she responded, her voice quivering as a shiver coursed through her body. "I don't think I ever saw them here."
"Well, then, where could they be?" Alya pressed on, her voice steady despite the urgency of the situation. "Dylan practically lives here, right?"
Marinette's muscles tensed even more, her response tinged with simmering anger. "Yes."
"Could they be at his dad's place?"
"I doubt it," she answered, frowning, deep in thought. "He would've had to hide them from Antonia, Kaylee, and Julian, which would've been pretty hard."
"What about Nathalie?" Adrien asked. "Could she have them?"
"Nath—" Marinette began, her voice trailing off as realization dawned. Her posture changed as if a new weight had settled on her shoulders. "Oh, right. Yeah, maybe."
"Lila probably made a beeline for the earrings the moment she got free."
Alya considered this, humming. "Or she fled. She knows she's lost. With us knowing her true identity, it won't be long until Paris's heroes react, and she's aware of that."
"And remember, she seemed utterly terrified of Chat Noir," Nino added.
"Really?" Marinette asked, casting an inquisitive look at Adrien. "Why?"
"Uh…" Adrien trailed off, unsure about what to answer. How was he supposed to explain that he might have gone a little bit ballistic after her presumed death, becoming a much more violent version of himself?
"We'll explain that later," Alya swiftly interjected, coming to his rescue. "We need a plan because something's going on. First Hawkmoth is attacking…"
"But only with small akuma attacks," Adrien pointed out. "Ones the other can handle easily. Luka just thought it was weird."
"Yeah, no shit it's weird. When was the last time Hawkmoth sent weak akumas?"
"He's attempting to weaken everyone," Marinette suddenly said. All eyes turned toward her as she blushed under the scrutiny, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "By sending a multitude of easy akumas, he'll wear everyone down while manipulating them into lowering their guards. They'll believe each akuma is easier than the last, without realizing that their strength is waning with each fight. And then, he'll send a more powerful one, but they won't be prepared, and everyone will be too exhausted to combat it effectively."
A hushed silence settled over them, absorbing Marinette's words. After a prolonged minute, Nino broke the silence with a low whistle. "Well, hello, Ladybug."
"M'lady, I'm sorry for having to ask you this, but do you believe you could face Nathalie?"
Marinette's brow furrowed in thought. "I guess, why?"
"I may have an idea. You could call her and ask for an urgent appointment."
Alya's eyes widened, and she blurted out, "What? Why the heck would she agree to that?"
"Yeah, dude, we'd basically be sending her right back into their waiting hands!"
But Marinette didn't listen to them, her attention entirely on Adrien as her gaze locked onto his. "You want me to pretend that I still don't have any memories."
It wasn't a question. She could practically read his thoughts, proof that their synchronization was still intact even after so many years apart. Adrien couldn't help but let a faint smile grace his lips.
"Exactly. You could tell her that we've been trying to scare you or something."
"So they won't figure out that I know, too."
Alya, clearly confused, interrupted, "I'm not sure I'm following. What's the point of this?"
Adrien opened his mouth to explain, but Marinette was faster. "Because if she thinks I still don't have any memory, she'll let me into her office without any problem. If the opportunity presents itself, I might even be able to snoop around for the earrings."
"And if it doesn't work, we just have to get inside, too, and force her to reveal what she knows," Adrien added.
There was a moment of silence, and then, Nino said, "There are like a hundred flaws in your plan, my dudes."
Adrien raised an eyebrow, throwing the challenge back at him. "Do you have a better idea?"
"Well, no," Nino admitted, albeit reluctantly, after a moment of hesitation.
"I mean, it's true that it's not the most thorough plan," Alya began.
"Or the most brilliant," Plagg, tucked away in Adrien's pocket, added.
"But it could work," Alya continued, as though she hadn't been interrupted. "We'll be waiting outside, transformed, I guess?"
Adrien nodded. "Of course."
"She probably still has her miraculous," Marinette thought out loud, her eyes fixed on the floor. "Has the peacock been active these past…" She took a deep breath, the weight of the years she had lost pressing down on her. "These past few years?"
Adrien shook his head. "No, not at all."
"No, but seriously dudes, let's think this through," Nino said, his expression thoughtful. "What if Nathalie refuses the meeting? Or, worse yet, what if you manage to get in, and she realizes that you know the truth? She could attack you. I mean, she might not have created sentimonster these past years to attack Paris, but we can't be certain she hasn't used the peacock for other, personal reasons. And for all we know, Lila might be right there with her."
"Lila doesn't have a miraculous," Alya said.
"Neither does Mari. But Nathalie does, and she's on Lila's side. And I mean, even if everything goes right, if Nathalie accepts and Lila is somewhere else, there's no guarantee that the earrings are even there."
"You're right," Marinette admitted, her voice quivering. "About all of it. But I… I do believe she's been trying to help me."
"M'lady…"
Marinette raised one hand, stopping Adrien. "I know." She then seemed to realize how shaky her hand was and quickly folded her arms over her chest. "It's crazy, but… I somehow trust her."
The silence that followed was almost awkward as they all watched her with a mixture of worry, sadness and even pity. Marinette despised it. She just wanted to curl herself into a ball and disappear from their eyes. Disappear from the whole world.
"You're right, it's crazy," Nino finally said, breaking the silence. "No offence."
Marinette managed a faint, fake smile. "None taken."
"Still, that's like … barely a plan."
"But we might get the earrings back," Alya muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose.
Marinette nodded slowly. "I think it's worth trying."
"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Adrien asked, his voice etched with worry. His grip on her waist tightened once more. "We can't find another idea."
She inhaled deeply, steadying herself. "No, I'll be fine. If Gabriel is attacking right now, we don't have a lot of time. James probably doesn't have them, and neither did Dylan or Lila. Nathalie is our best guess." She paused and then added with more conviction, although her fear was evident in her eyes. "I can do this. Alya, can you pass me my phone?"
Alya hesitated for a moment before retrieving Marinette's phone from the nightstand and handing it over. Marinette unlocked it with trembling fingers. She brought the phone to her ear, and a tense silence hung in the air as they all waited, hearts pounding.
Then, in a blink, Marinette's demeanour shifted drastically. The once scared yet determined woman transformed into someone terrified and vulnerable. Her voice, now in English, sent a shiver through Adrien's spine. "Hi, this is Victoria," she murmured, sniffling as though she'd been crying. "Can I stop by today? I'm… I'm just really scared and I really need you. Weird things are happening, and… Yeah… Yes, exactly. I don't know what to do! … Uh, uh… Oh, gosh, thank you so much… Okay, see you later."
With a nervous toss, she discarded the phone onto her bed, switching back to her natural French. "She said yes," Marinette announced. "I've got an appointment in two hours."
"Girl, not gonna lie, that was kind of scary."
"Good, good," Nino said, shuffling his feet. "I'm still not sure about this plan, but hey, you guys have always been the leaders."
Marinette's heart skipped a beat at the word "leaders." Once, she had embraced that role with determination and a profound sense of duty, but it now felt like a relic from another lifetime. Years of captivity had stripped her of control, leaving her feeling like a mere spectator in her own existence. The idea of stepping into a leadership role again felt somehow foreign, even intimidating. She wasn't sure whether she still possessed the qualities that defined her as a leader—selflessness and courage, for starters. She'd been stripped of her identity for so long. She hadn't even been able to have control over her thoughts and emotions. Seven long years had blurred the line between sanity and madness, making her doubt her mind. Yet, here she stood now, making decisions alongside Adrien, her partner, her Chat Noir. Gosh, it was weird. Marinette still had some trouble wrapping her head around it, but… It did make sense.
She probably should've guessed it a long time ago. Their connection, forged through countless battles and shared secrets, had always been undeniable, present in and out of the suit. Back when they'd first started dating, Marinette had been persuaded that it was destiny. A sign that their love was meant to be. After all, she trusted Adrien just as much as she trusted her partner, the one who kept sacrificing himself for her. It had to mean something, right?
After their breakup, she'd felt … lost. How could you get over a love so deep? But then, she had found herself falling for Chat Noir, and the night after their first—and last—kiss, she had lain in bed, convinced that she was truly Lady Luck incarnate. Oh, how blind she had been. She'd never fallen in love twice. It had always been him.
It was crazy to think that, just a couple of hours ago, she'd been persuaded that he was the biggest asshole the world had ever seen. The irony was not lost on her. Even when her memories had returned, a fleeting doubt had crossed her mind, thinking that he had switched sides, that he was their accomplice. She'd been stupid. Now, just the gentle touch of his hand could calm down her pounding heart and the storm brewing inside her.
His hands… Now, that was something else. Marinette could feel her cheeks burn as she thought about the way she had fantasized about them for years. It seemed that some things were harder to forget than others.
"Well, in the meanwhile, how about we check if Reid is still alive in the living room?" Nino continued, shaking her out of her thoughts.
They all nodded and made their way out of the room, Adrien never leaving her side, his arm securely around her. It was for the best, Marinette thought, because without him, she was pretty sure she would crumble to the floor. He was the only thing keeping her standing. Moving. Breathing.
They entered the living room, surprised to find Reid sitting on the couch, rubbing a sore spot on his forehead. His eyes were red and brimming with tears, and when he saw them, he stood up abruptly, and then immediately sat back down.
"I'm sorry," he cried, his gaze fixed solely on Marinette. "I didn't think. I just… I just wanted to talk to her, and she looked… She looked like herself, and I just… I don't know, I…"
Slowly, Marinette moved away from Adrien's comforting arms. The loss of his touch left her feeling cold, but she forced herself to continue walking until she stood in front of Reid. Without hesitation, she sat down next to him and wrapped her arms around him in a comforting hug. She understood the whirlwind of emotions he was going through all too well—the hope, the love, and the pain.
"I'm sorry, Vee," Reid whispered in her hair as he cried.
Marinette didn't know what to say in response, so she simply held him in her arms. She wished she could say everything was going to be okay, but she didn't believe it herself. Because this pain they both felt, this feeling of betrayal, would never leave them.
—
"You don't have to do this, you know that, right?" Adrien reminded her for what felt like the hundredth time as they finally parked the car a block away from Nathalie's office.
"I know," Marinette replied, attempting to muster a reassuring smile, though it failed to reach her anxious eyes. "But it's a good idea. I'll be fine."
"Are you sure about this? We can still—"
"Adrien," she interrupted as she placed her hand on his. "I'll be fine. Nathalie won't suspect a thing."
He nodded, but his hesitation lingered, as palpable as the tension in the air. Squeezing her hand, his worry etched into every line of his face, he murmured, "I just don't like this."
"I know," Marinette whispered, feeling the same way, her thumb tracing comforting circles on the back of his hand. "But you'll be right outside."
Her words weren't a question or an affirmation; they were more like a plea. She needed him to be right outside, ready to swoop in if things went south.
"Of course," he immediately replied, and she released her breath.
There was a moment of silence as they simply stared at each other, their faces so close yet too far away. Their hands intertwined, they spoke without words, saying everything they were unable to say for now.
"It's gonna be all over soon," Adrien eventually said.
"Yes?" she murmured, wishing with all her might that he was right, that his words were true. She won't ever be able to escape this nightmare, but maybe, just maybe, she could finally wake up. See the light once again.
"I promise."
She wanted to tell him that promises, unfortunately, didn't mean a lot. They were fragile things, easily broken by the unpredictable twists of fate. So much could go wrong. They could get her back and force her to take her medications, though she had to admit she wouldn't put up much of a fight against the painkillers. Her legs and right arm ached persistently, but she desperately tried to hide any signs of discomfort. Or Hawkmoth could win. The thought of him obtaining Chat's miraculous and using it to fulfill his sinister wish sent shivers down her spine. Even worse, he could kill Adrien. The mere idea of it was unbearable. In this chaos, promises were meaningless. And yet… She wanted to believe in it. Wanted to cling to the hope that someday, somehow, light would pierce through the darkness. Marinette desperately wanted to believe in the possibility of a happy ending. So, she nodded.
"Okay," she whispered, her gaze flickering to the clock. "I should go."
"Alya and Nino are already transformed and waiting for your signal. We'll be right outside, m'lady."
She sighed at the familiar nickname slipping from Adrien's lips. It felt so right coming from him, so comforting, that, without thinking, she closed the gap between them.
Adrien responded immediately, his touch gentle yet possessive. His hand cradled the back of her head, fingers tangled in her hair, while the other cupped her cheek, holding her close. Marinette's fingers gripped his shirt, clinging to him as if afraid he might vanish. Their lips met without hesitation, as though they had never been apart. It was a kiss that carried seven years of longing, of heartache, and of dreams unfulfilled. And somehow, it felt like coming home.
His lips tasted the same, were just as soft, and they left her breathless and weak, aching for more. It was like the missing piece of her soul had finally been found after being lost for far too long. She never wanted him to stop kissing her. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she kissed him more fiercely, pouring all her emotions into that kiss.
A soft buzzing sound interrupted the moment, and they reluctantly pulled away, foreheads touching as they tried to catch their breath. Marinette realized that she wasn't the only one crying. Adrien's eyes glistened with unshed tears, mirroring her own emotions.
His phone buzzed a second time, but they ignored it. Instead, he pressed another tender kiss on her lips. It was as light as a feather, as though he was afraid of hurting her, as though she might disappear under his touch. But she craved more, so much more. She wanted him to erase everything, everyone, all of her pain with his touch, with his mouth, with his hands.
Marinette needed him to make her forget the past seven years, the fears, and the pain. She wanted him close, needed him to make her forget the feeling of Dylan against her. But she knew it was impossible. Dylan's touch, his skin, and his mouth would forever stay in her mind, haunting her. But then, Adrien gently brushed away a piece of her hair. She shivered, and she thought, Maybe he can. Maybe he can erase it all. Replace the pain, the memories, not only with his touch, or with the sweetest kind of agony, but with his love. Not now, not with so much at stake, but someday.
It almost surprised her, this newfound optimism. Two simple kisses from Adrien Agreste and her entire perspective on life had shifted. But hey, he had always possessed this power over her. She had never been able to resist him.
Adrien's phone buzzed a third time, breaking the spell. "You're going to be late," he said with a sigh.
"I always am."
He smirked. "I know."
Adrien pressed one last kiss on her forehead. Marinette allowed herself to savour the feeling, her eyes closed, before he reluctantly moved away, leaving her wanting more. She took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the task ahead. Opening her door, she stepped onto the sidewalk, closing it quietly behind her. Adrien remained in the car, waiting for her to create some distance before emerging and transforming. Marinette had to stay focused, had to play her part to perfection.
My name is Victoria. I'm an amnesiac. I'm in love with Dylan Turner. Lila Rossi is my best friend.
My name is Victoria. I'm an amnesiac. I'm in love with Dylan Turner. Lila Rossi is my best friend.
My name is Victoria. I'm an amnesiac. I'm in love with Dylan Turner. Lila Rossi is my best friend.
I'm amnesiac, I'm amnesiac, I'm amnesiac.
Walking briskly toward the office, her eyes fixed on the ground, she was barely aware of the shadows that trailed her. Their presence was so discreet, so well hidden, that had she not known they were there, she never would have noticed them.
They've grown and learned, Tikki whispered in her mind.
Without me, Marinette thought bitterly, her heart heavy with the weight of the years she had lost.
"Victoria!" Dr. Duchaine, Nathalie, greeted as soon as Marinette entered her office, as if she had been impatiently waiting for her.
"I need your help," Marinette began, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and anxiety. "I don't… I don't know what to do."
Nathalie gestured for her to enter the office and take a seat on the couch. "What's going on?" she asked, her concern genuine.
"Lila's friends came to our place, and they… Gosh, they've been acting so weird," Marinette explained, feigning distress.
Nathalie leaned in, her eyes attentive. "What do you mean?"
"They keep telling me that I'm not who I think I am, that I shouldn't take my medications, that they want to help me…" Marinette trailed off, her eyes welling up with tears, though not for the reasons she was presenting.
"Did you listen to them?"
Marinette blinked, pretending to be surprised by the eagerness in Nathalie's voice. "What? Of course not. I took my medications."
Nathalie seemed taken aback for a moment, clearly surprised by this response. "Oh."
"And also," Marinette continued, her voice trembling with feigned fear. "I don't know where Dylan and Lila are."
"They're not at your place?"
"No. Honestly, I'm getting scared. They're crazy. What if they've done something to them?"
Nathalie nodded, her expression sympathetic. "Of course, of course. It must be confusing, but I'm sure they're safe. I—"
"Does the offer for the retreat still stand? I think it's a good idea. I'm too stressed out for nothing. You're right, they're probably safe and yet here I am, completely panicking." She faked a laugh. "Yeah, I think it could calm me down."
"Uh, right, yes, of course. Excellent idea. I have the papers in the next room; we could fill them out together. Just give me five minutes."
"That would be perfect. Thank you so much," Marinette said, doing her best to sound grateful.
Nathalie left the room but didn't fully close the door behind her. It was risky, but it was also Marinette's only opportunity. Quickly, she stood up and began searching everywhere, hoping to find what she was looking for while also attempting to make as little noise as possible. Marinette desperately searched the room for any sign of the Miraculous earrings. She looked in boxes, on bookshelves, and even in the first drawer of Nathalie's desk. But they were nowhere to be found.
That box, maybe? Tikki suggested, but it turned out to be empty.
She attempted to open the second drawer of Nathalie's desk but swore in frustration as she discovered that it was locked. The earrings had to be in there!
Just as Marinette was contemplating her next move, she was startled by Nathalie's voice. "What are you doing?"
"I, uh…" Marinette stammered, caught off guard. The woman had returned more quickly than expected.
"You listened to them, didn't you?" Nathalie stated, her tone devoid of surprise. It was as if she already knew the truth. "You didn't take your medication last night."
Marinette sighed, realizing that there was no point in denying it. "No, I didn't."
"Then where—"
In the blink of an eye, Chat Noir appeared behind Nathalie, flanked by Carapace and Rena Rouge. Marinette couldn't help but be impressed by their sudden appearance. She had no idea where they had been hiding or how they managed to approach so silently. But her thoughts quickly shifted as she laid eyes on Chat Noir.
He had changed significantly since she last saw him. While his costume hadn't undergone major alterations, the absence of his bell was noticeable. There were more subtle changes too. His suit seemed to be an even darker shade of black, his claws appeared longer, and he now sported fangs. His green eyes, once warm and playful, now held a menacing, calculating edge, like a hunter sizing up its prey.
It shouldn't have been arousing, but it undeniably was.
"Hello, Nathalie," he practically purred.
Fuck.
Focus, Marinette.
"Chat Noir," Nathalie responded without displaying any surprise. Her gaze shifted between the four of them. "I won't ask you what you're doing here."
"Where are her earrings?"
"I don't have them," Nathalie replied with a resigned sigh. "Look, I'm ready to admit defeat. I won't fight you."
Chat Noir's feline eyes narrowed. "That's suspiciously easy."
Nathalie moved toward her desk without another word, her hands raised in surrender as they watched her cautiously. Marinette's heart pounded in her chest as she anxiously waited to see what Nathalie would do next. She knew that they couldn't afford any surprises.
With deliberate movements, Nathalie reached beneath her shirt and retrieved a key from her necklace. She used it to unlock the second drawer of her desk. The room held its breath in anticipation, expecting her to reveal the missing Miraculous earrings. But to their surprise, Nathalie reached for something else inside the drawer and extended her hand, revealing the Peacock Miraculous.
"Take it," she ordered, her gaze fixed on Marinette. "You'll need it."
Marinette hesitated, her eyes flicking between the Miraculous and Nathalie, uncertainty gnawing at her. Carapace and Rena Rouge edged closer, protective instincts kicking in. Nathalie let out an exasperated sigh.
"Hawkmoth… Gabriel won't go down that easily, and I know you. You'll want to fight him. You'll need to, so take it. Take Duusu. I'm done."
Still, Marinette didn't move. Chat Noir, on the other hand, slowly approached Nathalie, his steps silent and his eyes locked onto her as if assessing her intentions. His hand closed around the Peacock Miraculous, and Nathalie immediately retreated.
"What about the earrings?" he demanded.
Nathalie shook her head, her expression filled with genuine uncertainty. "I don't know."
"You're lying," Chat Noir accused.
"I'm not," Nathalie insisted. "Gabriel didn't tell me. Only he and Lila know. He thought it was safer this way. She was supposed to take the earrings if anything happened."
Marinette's mind raced. Lila and the earrings were still unaccounted for. Nathalie's revelation left them with more questions than answers, but they couldn't afford to stay and interrogate her further. They had to find Lila and the earrings before it was too late.
"And where's Lila?" Chat Noir pressed.
"If she's not with you," Nathalie replied, her voice tinged with bitterness, "I'd say she's probably with James Turner. He has money and power. She probably thinks he can protect her."
Chat Noir snorted at Nathalie's response. He was about to press further when his baton began ringing, followed by Carapace's shell and Rena Rouge's flute. The synchronized alerts sent a chill down their spines, tension rising in the room.
"I'm sending Pegasus to your location now," Viperion replied, his voice filled with panic. "We need you! He's… Fuck, it's bad."
As Viperion finished speaking, a portal opened, and Pegasus emerged. He took in the scene before him with an unreadable expression, but a small smile touched his lips as he looked at Marinette. His hair was dishevelled and his lips were bloody. What the hell was going on in Paris?
"We need to go, now," Pegasus urged urgently.
Chat Noir turned his attention to Marinette, his gloved hand cradling her cheek gently.
"You don't have to come," he said softly. "I can drop you somewhere safe. You don't have to do this right away."
Marinette closed her eyes briefly, took a deep breath, and then whispered, "I'm fine. Give it to me."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Chat Noir searched her eyes for a moment, concern and affection evident in his gaze. Finally, he nodded and handed her the Peacock Miraculous. With trembling hands, Marinette accepted the Peacock Miraculous from Chat Noir's palm and pinned the brooch to her shirt. Instantly, Duusu materialized, her eyes darting around in mild confusion as she assessed the situation.
Then, Marinette, her voice tinged with anxiety and perhaps a touch of eagerness, spoke her transformation phrase, "Duusu, spread my feathers."
In an exhilarating rush of magic, Marinette's transformation swept over her, leaving her momentarily breathless. It took just a second, but the power that surged through her was nothing short of incredible. The most astonishing part was that the constant pain she'd become accustomed to, the one even the pills weren't able to completely suppress, had vanished entirely. For the first time in years, she moved freely without having her limbs screaming in protest. Oh, she could definitely get used to this.
As she looked up, her eyes locked onto Chat Noir. He was already gazing at her with unwavering faith, pride, and an overwhelming depth of love that nearly stole her breath away. Her legs wobbled slightly, her heart set aflutter.
"Let's do this," he said, extending his hand toward her. Without a moment's hesitation, she placed her hand in his, their fingers entwining. "After you, m'lady."