Thank you to Khanofallorcs for being the beta for this story!
Chapter Twenty-Four
"Wait. You mean this wasn't a joke?"
"Why would I be joking?" Marinette asked, grabbing Plagg and stuffing him back into her purse before anyone could see him. She glanced around the school's hallway, but it was only them. Plagg peeked out of the purse, glaring at her with green eyes.
"Because our weapon has nothing to do with fencing," the kwami said, ears back. "We have a staff, not a sword."
"Well sorry that the school doesn't have a bo staff team," Marinette said, rolling her eyes. "I figured some kind of training would be better than nothing, you know?"
Plagg crossed his arms, not deterred. "How will you even get on the team with no prior training? Wasn't there only one slot open?"
Marinette smirked. "Hm, so you were listening earlier? I thought you said you couldn't care less."
"Well, your yammering is so loud I didn't have a choice in the matter," Plagg replied. "Besides, I don't think we should bother with fencing. You have no chance of getting on a team, it's a useless skill, and you're wasting precious napping time."
"Wow, thank you for the encouragement," Marinette said with a roll of her eyes. "First of all me fencing won't stop you from napping. Believe it or not I actually do have a chance– M. D'Argencourt isn't looking for raw skill, he said he wanted potential, and I think I've gotten pretty good reflexes from all the akumas."
"Yeah. With the baton– not a saber," Plagg insisted. "Completely different, waste of time, you shouldn't bother."
"Well too bad, I am going to bother," Marinette said, crossing her arms. "Besides, if nothing else it will be a good chance to hang out with Adrien some more; he's on the fencing team."
"All the more reason not to," Plagg muttered, and Marinette glanced down at him. "What?"
"Since when do you have a problem with Adrien?" She asked, frowning.
The kwami shrugged. "Meh, he just has that personality that you can't trust, you know?"
"Adrien? Sunshine incarnate?"
"Yeah, too nice," Plagg said, ears falling flat against his head. "I should have pieced it together sooner. Trust me, kid, I've seen this before, their true colors will come out sooner or later..."
He stiffened up as he felt a finger scratch him behind the ear. "You're adorable, Plagg, you know that, right?"
He shoved her finger off with a huff. "I ain't joking! You can't trust those who act like they're pure goodness!"
"Emphasis on 'act'," Marinette replied. "Adrien isn't acting like anything, that's just the way he is."
"Oh yeah?" Plagg countered. "You know he acts– you've seen the way he goes from playing the role of friend, and then when like no one else around he's just waiting to pounce!"
"What are you talking about?"
"When you're in the gaming chat! Or when it's just with you, him, Blogger-girl, and her boyfriend around!" Plagg cried, throwing his paws up in the air. "He goes from all 'shy sweet sheltered boy' to trying to make a move on you when you least expect it!"
Marinette stared at him for a moment, and Plagg thought that the realization was finally hitting her– when she just laughed. Plagg sank down into her purse, while she raised it up so she could get a better look at him. Her smile was bright and unconcerned, and it just made Plagg's guts twist.
"You're telling me you're getting all worked up over some flirting?" Marinette asked with a smile. "I didn't know you wanted the role of overprotective-father, Minou."
"Some flirting?" Plagg cried. "It drips from his mouth like there's no tomorrow! His eyes won't leave you!"
"It's called teasing," Marinette replied. "Adrien has a lot of pressure on him from his dad, and you know that. He doesn't really have the chance to loosen up unless there's really no one else around, so yeah, he might exaggerate a bit. That's just part of our friendship."
"Friendship?" Plagg scoffed. "In your gaming chat the other day he was spouting off about how you two should totally get married someday!"
"That's how he jokes around."
"He only does it with you!"
Marinette smiled. "Well, yeah, obviously. It would be weird if he flirted with Alya or Nino– they're both in a relationship. And I'm really the only one he knows in the chat, so it would be weird if he did it with anyone else!"
Plagg stared up at her, green eyes unblinking, before he sank back into the purse with a loud: "Gah!"
"Oh, crap– we're going to be late for the tryouts!" Marinette cried, before racing down the hall towards the gym.
Adrien was surprised by the number of people who had come to this tryout– all of the other ones he could remember had only had no more than four or five people who would show up to fill the empty spots on M. D'Argencourt's team– but right now there were nearly ten people lined up. He scanned them all, not able to gather much about them except for their builds, since they were all fully dressed in fencing gear, including the mask over their face.
Most were in the school's spare gear, though there were a few who were clearly using their own set– including someone with a bright red uniform, who easily stood out among the rest. Adrien suspected that the ones with their own uniforms would be the most likely to join the team, as they probably had the most prior experience if they were willing to dedicate the money to buy a uniform, but at the same time M. D'Argencourt could easily surprise them with his choices. There were a handful of people on the team that had no previous experience with fencing until M. D'Argencourt had found them– and whatever potential he must have seen had been true, as they had become skilled members of the team.
He found himself smiling when one more person burst into the gym, instantly recognizing the stumble in their step as they hurried towards the edge of the line. They bumped into the fencer dressed in red, who glanced at them as they tried to find their balance.
"Sorry, I'm sorry!" Marinette cried, frantic as she always was when her clumsiness got the better of her.
"It's fine," the other fencer replied, her flat tone making it vague if the apology was accepted or not. She had a slight accent that Adrien could not immediately place. "You are holding the saber wrong."
"Oh," Marinette replied, looking down at the saber in her hand, then back at the girl in red. Marinette adjusted her grip so it was the same as hers, and the red fencer gave a slight nod before turning away.
All fell silent as M. D'Argencourt stepped forward, clearing his throat. Everyone turned to face him, both current students and those hoping to join, as he made his way between them, both lined up on either side.
"Good morning, students– I am the fencing master, M. D'Argencourt. As I'm sure you're aware, we have only one open spot on the team, as unfortunately one of our members had to move away." He paused, turning to face the newcomers. "You will go up against each other, and those I feel are suited will then face some of my experienced fencing students. I will be observing your attacks, your reflexes, and basic knowledge of fencing. I do not expect perfection from those new to the field– but I do expect you have taken some time to learn at least the basics of this art before you have attempted to take it up."
Adrien noticed a few people shifting nervously in the line up of students, but it was hard to tell when he couldn't make out anyone's face. He kept his eyes locked on the one he knew to be Marinette. He was slightly surprised to see her here– but of course he was nothing but excited. Marinette joining the team would be amazing, and he could only hope that he might be paired with her.
"Everyone, get into positions," M. D'Argencourt called. "My students, line up near the wall and observe. The more eyes we have, the better."
There was a shuffling of noise as everyone broke ranks, doing as they were told. Adrien purposely made sure he was where he could see Marinette, interested to see what she would do with fencing. He wanted to greet her, but didn't have the chance as everyone started to pair off.
"Odd numbers," M. D'Argencourt mused. "One of you will need to sit out for now."
"Or maybe bring in one of your students to even things out?" The red fencer said, and M. D'Argencourt glanced at her. "I would prefer to face someone with more experience anyways."
"Such boldness– but pride can be one's folly," M. D'Argencourt said. "You will face one of my students in time, and you will see that those taught by me are no ordinary foe."
"I will face the one who is the best combatant."
M. D'Argencourt smirked. "Very well– when the time comes, you will give this so-called fencer a lesson in chivalry, Adrien."
There went any hopes of being paired with Marinette. But still– if this girl was this confident, then perhaps she would provide him with some challenge, and so he nodded in agreement. "Of course, Master."
Though he could not see her face, the red fencer locked eyes with him from across the gym. He raised one hand in greeting, and she merely tightened her hand on her saber. He wished that she wasn't wearing her helmet– not sure if her demeanor was supposed to be intimidation or perhaps simply a friendly means of challenging him. With her gaze still on him, he shifted his focus to the others, watching as Marinette went up against one of the others trying to join the team.
"Do not wave the saber around as if it's a bat!" M. D'Argencourt snapped as he walked by her. "You need better footing– Bend your knees, stretch your left foot back– turned outwards– there! Now you two greet each other. En garde! Prêt, allez!"
The other student lunged forward first, and Marinette dodged quite nimbly, and Adrien couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in surprise as she struck back. While her form wasn't perfect, it was swift, and her form was better than her opponent's.
"Attaque! Touche. Point!" M. D'Argencourt declared. "Again! En garde!"
Marinette and the other student lowered themselves into the fencing stance once more, and M. D'Argencourt started again. This time Marinette was first to move, her lunge as swift as her dodge.
"You have good reflexes," M. D'Argencourt noted as the next match finished, the point going to Marinette once more. "Reflexes that need to be honed. Like a good sword that has yet to be sharpened, the potential is there."
On that note he wandered off towards another pair of fencers.
He went through each pair one by one, the sound of sabers clashing echoing through the gym. M. D'Argencourt was generous with his criticism, and was quick to start dismissing those who struggled in his eyes. He didn't simply choose the best of the pair, keeping both members of some, and dismissing both of one, but by the time he was done he had narrowed the numbers from ten to four– five counting the fencer in red, though she had yet to face anyone.
"You, with Pierre," M. D'Argencourt said, pointing to one of those who remained. "And you, with Celeste," he pointed to Marinette, before gesturing off towards one of his other students. "And you... I would like to see you against Adam–"
Everyone was paired off with one of the students, and M. D'Argencourt finally turned towards the girl in the red fencing uniform. He had a slight smirk on his face, and Adrien knew that his teacher was looking forward to him defeating her. Adrien wasn't quite as sure, though– he knew that he was the best on the team– but he didn't think that the girl's confidence came from nowhere. She carried herself with a presence, and the custom fencing uniform and saber suggested that this wasn't just a mere hobby for her.
Still, he was always up for a challenge, smiling at the girl as he approached, before sliding his helmet into place. She gave him a stiff nod, before they both saluted the other, then took up their places.
"En garde!" The teacher called, and Adrien bent his knees slightly, eyes locked on the bright red uniform of his opponent. "Prêt, allez!"
Adrien quickly learned that this girl had every right to be as confident as she had shown– moving forward with startling speed. He retaliated just as quickly, the tip of his saber making contact what must have been a fraction of a second after hers.
"Abstention," M. D'Argencourt said after a moment, and Adrien hadn't been surprised. It was the closest match he had been a part of in some time, though personally he would have called it in the red fencer's favor, even if just my mere moments. "Again."
They took up positions once more, and as the teacher called for the match to begin, Adrien was ready this time. Both him and the girl played slightly more defensively– now aware of the skill the other had– but the result was the same, both slipping through the other's defenses so close that even Adrien couldn't tell if it was his saber or hers that made contact first.
"...Abstention," M. D'Argencourt said again, though more hesitantly. "One more time, en garde–"
"Wait," the girl said. "I request that you let us move about. Don't keep us confined to the mats– it will be a much more natural bout."
M. D'Argencourt glanced at Adrien. "What do you say?"
He smiled. "That's fine with me."
"En garde!" They took their positions once more, M. D'Argencourt's words echoed in the back of his mind as he took up positions. The rest of the students were retreating to give them space. His eyes swept the gym once, trying to decide how to make use of the space, as this style was something that he did not do often. "Prêt, allez!"
He was forced to raise his saber right away as she lunged forward, immediately going on the offensive. It was only skilled footwork that saved him as he moved back, but he was aware that there would be a column behind him soon. Her style was full-on offensive, as it didn't take long for an opportunity to open up for him to lash out.
Even with an offensive style, her defenses weren't lacking, easily parrying the next blow. Under his mask he was smiling, knowing that if she would have gone against one of the other people trying out, she would have swept them with ease. She kept pressing him, forcing him to keep moving back.
"Yes!" M. D'Argencourt cried. "This is what fencing's all about!"
Adrien was pretty sure this was going to be his new teammate.
Marinette wasn't too familiar with fencing, but even then she felt like a duel that had the two fencers moving up stairs and around the school wasn't exactly normal. The fencing instructor seemed excited enough about it, though, leading the whole group of students after Adrien and the girl as they made their way down the halls of the school.
Marinette made her way around to the other staircase as everyone else tried to crowd themselves onto the same one that Adrien and the girl in red had gone up, allowing her to reach the second level before any of the others did, the fencers' sabers clashing as they made their way down the hallway.
It was definitely an intense match, nothing like the 'fencing for beginners' video she had watched before coming. She winced as the red fencer practically threw Adrien back into the wall, but he recovered quickly, saber raised to block an incoming strike. He slipped between the fencer and the wall, moving back towards the library, where one door was propped open. Marinette moved with them without much thought, watching their swift movements in awe.
With a Miraculous, she had enhanced speed, enhanced strength, it allowed her and Crimson to keep up with the magical akumas, react much faster– but this was completely different. There was no magic involved, this speed and skill was all pure talent. Their own abilities they had built up themselves. They moved in a way that made it look effortless, moving back into the library as they continued parrying blow after blow.
She barely noticed the sound of footsteps as everyone else rushed towards the match, just watching as the sabers clashed, each one a blur until they made contact, no slip up in each fencer's carefully crafted defense.
As such, it wasn't an error in a defensive move that resulted in the end of a fight– but rather both lunging forward on an offensive maneuver. The sabers sliding past the other, at last making contact against the uniform of the other in with what looked like perfect synchrony.
Adiren and the other fencer went still, panting. They seemed to be staring at each other, though it was hard to tell with the mesh helmets over their head. Neither claimed the victory, instead their heads turning towards Marinette as she stood in the doorway. The red fencer stepped forward, a harsh edge in her voice.
"Who got the first hit?" she demanded.
"I– I don't–?" Marinette stuttered out, but before she could finish she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked back to see M. D'Argencourt standing there, an urgent look in his gaze.
"Who touched first?" He demanded as well. "That match– that skill– how could I have not seen the end? Who touched first, young lady– only you witnessed. Tell us now!"
"I..." Marinette glanced back at Adrien and the other fencer. "I... I don't know? Adrien, m-maybe– or maybe–?"
The red fencer looked away as Adrien's name slipped through Marinette's lips, her hand tightening on her saber. "Very well," she said coolly before Marinette could say another word, turning towards Adrien, holding out her ungloved hand. "Thank you for this match. I... I concede defeat. Thank you for the challenge."
"Ah, a win for our school," M. D'Argencourt said proudly. "Fantastic job, Adrien. All of this is just wonderful. What skill!"
Adrien took off his mask, shaking the girl's hand. "Um, of course, but I think–"
But the fencer was already pulling away from him, heading towards the door. M. D'Argencourt was rambling on about what a fine and intense match it had been, but the fencer didn't stop, heading out of the library. The fencing instructor then paused, but before he could say anything both Adrien and Marinette were in front of him.
"Wait, that wasn't fair," Marinette said. "I'm not sure of who won–"
"If it was my call, it would have been her–"
"I'm new to this, I'm not a good fencing judge–"
"I think we need a decisive match–"
"Wait, where is she going?" M. D'Argencourt asked, looking about. "Mademoiselle? Mademoiselle!" He sprinted over towards the railing, watching as the red fencer headed out the door. The fencing teacher turned back towards them. "What was her name? Did either of you get her name?"
"No?" Adrien said uncertainly, while Marinette shook her head.
"What was that girl's name?" M. D'Argencourt demanded, turning towards the other students, who were lingering near the doorway. Everyone was shuffling, while Marinette glanced at Adrien.
"I'm going after her," Marinette said. "That wasn't a fair call, I don't know who won for sure, that match was too close."
"We should have a decisive match, at the very least," Adrien agreed
Marinette gave a brief nod, feeling guilty. If someone had been able to beat Adrien, the star student of the team, they most definitely were the most deserving of the empty spot. Marinette hurried forward, slipping past the other students and bolting down the stairs. The fencer in red was no longer in sight, but as she reached the gym once more Marinette found a familiar red saber stabbed into a foam mat.
She pulled it out, carefully holding it under one arm as she hurried towards the front door a. She glanced about, and it was easy to see the girl making her way down the street, still in the bright red suit. However she had now removed her helmet, revealing short and silky black hair as she walked away from the school with swift, broad steps.
"Wait!" Marinette called, but with no name her calling out was pointless. She hurried after the girl, careful to keep the saber in a safe position as she hurried down the street, the girl turning a corner.
Marinette hurried around a few people, muttering a swift apology, hurrying around the corner herself. She was glad to see that the girl had not gone far– having paused in front of a red car– but that did not keep Marinette's relief for long.
The girl was kneeling on the ground, clutching her helmet close– a glowing purple mask in front of her face.
"Oh no," Marinette whispered in horror. "Plagg, Plagg–"
Her hisses went unnoticed though– because she did not have her purse with her. That was back in the locker room, and the kwami had decided not to hide on her person. She felt her blood run cold and the girl raised her head towards her– a raw and furious anger in her eyes as her gaze locked onto Marinette. She took an uncertain step back, the glowing purple mask sending chills down her back, and she was ready to drop the saber and run.
She did end up dropping the saber– out of sheer surprise as the purple mask suddenly faded from around the girl's face.
The anger melted away at once, giving way to a look of pure confusion on the Japanese girl's face. From her helmet came a small black butterfly, as if melting away from fabric as it fluttered up into the air. Marinette stared at the creature in sheer surprise as it flew away, then looked back down at the girl. She still hadn't moved, as still as a statue as she sat there on the cement.
Marinette scooped up the saber, hurrying towards her. "Are– are you okay?"
"Nani...?" The girl muttered, looking dazed, and she looked back up at Marinette. "What was that... thing?"
"That was an akuma," Marinette said, offering a hand, but the girl was already pushing herself to her feet.
"Akuma," She echoed, brow furrowing as she gave a slight nod. "Yes, the demons here in Paris, I've seen reports about them, but I only arrived in France yesterday. That butterfly, was it about to...?"
The girl clutched her helmet tighter.
Marinette was slightly put off at the word 'demon', but she didn't think too much of it– she had seen people's reactions one too many times to the akumatized villains. "When one of the akuma butterflies touches you... it allows Monarch to influence your mind." Marinnette hesitated. "I... I've never heard of an akuma just leaving someone like that though just now. Are you okay? How did you do that?"
She closed her eyes. "One moment I was... disappointed at my loss." She glanced at the saber in Marinette's hand, who held it out for her, and the girl just stared at it, lost in thought "When the butterfly– the akuma," she said the word with an accent. "Touched me, I was suddenly angry, more than I have ever felt in my life. There was this voice and... I have never felt anything like that before."
"You have nothing to be ashamed of," Marinette said. "You can't control yourself when an akuma touches you, and the fact that you weren't akumatized... that's amazing. Did you fight it, or–?"
""Akumatized'?"
"Um, the process of being turned from you into... well, the akuma. When Monarch has full control and gives you powers," Marinette explained, and the girl gave a short nod.
"I see," she said stiffly. "And though I wish I could say I did resist that voice, I did nothing. One moment it was just the voice and anger, and the next I was free of that influence." She closed her eyes. "It is of no matter, though. I need to be going."
"Wait," Marinette said, reaching for her once more, and the girl looked back. "You can't leave yet, that wasn't a fair call with the fencing match, we don't know who won."
"You said that it was the boy that won," she replied firmly.
"But I didn't know for sure!"
"The referee's word is final," she insisted.
Marinete planted a hand on her hip. "Well, too bad, I'm not a referee– I'm just some random bystander who was suddenly quizzed on who won! And yeah I said it was Adrien, but honestly I don't know for sure, and that was a bias call! Adrien's my friend, of course I'd be inclined to say him. Is that how you want to accept your so-called 'loss'? With a biased 'referee' who doesn't even know what they're doing? Who couldn't even hold a saber right?"
The girl's gaze softened into recognition at the last line, and she looked away. "That is very honorable of you to admit the possible faults in your call. That puts you in a poor light, declaring yourself as unreliable– but still you will make that claim?"
"It's not fair for you to have to say you lost a match that close when we don't know for sure, especially one that close," Marinette, stepping forward. "Come back to the school, Adrien wants to have a decisive match with you."
"That is a very generous offer," she said. "But I must refuse. There are no second chances in my family."
She turned towards the car, the door sliding open, and Marinette grabbed shoulder. "But this has nothing to do with your family," Marinette insisted. "This was a match at the school, and this school does allow second chances. Please, um... please come and do one more match– for me? I'd feel horrible if you didn't get the spot because of my stupid call."
The girl hesitated, and Marinette offered her the saber as she turned to face her once more. She stared at it, before taking the weapon from Marinette's hand. "...Very well. If you insist, then I will be honored for this opportunity."
She gave a slight bow, and Marinette smiled. "I didn't get your name."
"Tsurugi Kagami," Kagami said. "And yours?"
"Marinette Dupain-Cheng," she said with a smile. "Let's go, I'm sure they're waiting for you." Kagami gave a slight nod, and as they walked back towards the school, Marinette hesitated. "Um, Kagami?"
"Yes?"
"You... you probably shouldn't mention that you were almost akumatized to anyone," Marinette said, and Kagami glanced at her. "Paris is getting better about it, but there are still people who blame those who were akumatized."
"What happened to me happened," Kagami said firmly. "Even if it is shameful I will not hide it."
"It's not shameful," Marinette said. "The fact that you weren't fully akumatized... that's amazing."
"Perhaps," Kagami said with a shrug, and said nothing more as they continued back towards the school.
Adrien and the fencing instructor were both waiting out front. Adrien's eyes lit up as he saw the girls, waving to them, while M. D'Argencourt's face lit up with relief. The males hurried toward them as they climbed the steps towards the school.
"You found her!" M. D'Argencourt exclaimed. "Thank goodness, why did you leave, mademoiselle?"
"I lost the match," Kagami said. "I let my pride get the better of me, and requested to face your strongest."
"A pride you have earned!" The teacher insisted. "I have not had anyone come close to Adrien's natural skill in years, such talent I must simply have on my team. What is your name?"
Kagami blinked. "Tsurugi Ka–"
"Tsurugi?" M. D'Argencourt cried. "As in Tomoe Tsurugi?"
"My mother," Kagami replied, eyes flickering away. Marinette didn't recognize the name– but both M. D'Argencourt and Adrien seemed to.
"No wonder your skills are so sharp!" M. D'Argencourt cried. "Daughter of a gold medalist and a world champion fencer! And you're seeking to become a student in my classroom. Tell me– what has brought you from Japan to France?"
"My mother's business," Kagami said coolly. "We will probably be here about a year, and Mother heard about your reputation as a teacher, and wanted me to both attend this school and join your team."
M. D'Argencourt seemed very pleased to hear this. "Well, the free spot on the team is most certainly yours."
Kagami's hand tightened on her saber. "I wish to earn this spot of my own skill, not on my mother's name."
"He already said it was yours before he knew who your mother was," Marinette said, despite the stoic look on the girl's face she could tell she wasn't too pleased by the teacher's declaration. "You earned it, Kagami."
"But if you'd like we can do another match," Adrien offered with a smile. "I'm Adrien Agreste."
"Agreste?"
Adrien rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah. I'm pretty sure our families are supposed to be having dinner tonight together, aren't we?"
"Yes," Kagami replied. "My mother takes her business partners very seriously, and your father is her top one here in France."
"Enough chattering," M. D'Argencourt insisted. "Back inside– I want to see you two spar again– I could not see the ending of the last match, but I will see this one!"
Kagami turned towards Marinette. "...Thank you. For your honesty about your call."
Marinette smiled back. "Thank you for coming back."
"Even though it lost you a potential place on the team?"
Marinette smiled. "I couldn't even hold a saber right– I don't think I had high chances to begin with."
The corner of Kagami's lip twitched– the closest to a smile that Marinette had seen all day, and it made her smile in return. Kagami gave her a brief nod, before turning to follow the males inside. Marinette trailed after them, though she kept her space as they talked among themselves. Instead, she headed towards the locker room– needing to find Plagg and return her borrowed fencing gear.
She found the small kwami fast asleep in her locker, and she poked him awake.
A green eye snapped open. "So, did you join the non-staff-fighting club?"
"Nope, someone else got the place."
"Told you."
Marinette closed her eyes. "We have more important things to talk about, Plagg, this girl was almost akumatized."
"So?"
"I mean the akuma-butterfly-was-in-her-helmet, Monarch-talking-in-her-head almost akumatized. Mask on her face, glaring at me like she wanted to gut me."
Plagg's eyes snapped open, and he zipped up until he was right in front of her face. "You mean another akuma wanted to go after you? I wasn't with you?!"
"That's the thing, Plagg, she wasn't fully akumatized. The butterfly just left."
"Did the object break?"
"No."
"Were they fighting it?" Plagg's tail lashed. "I told you that the process can be resisted by some, though rarely successful, if this girl managed to–"
"I asked her and she said that she didn't fight," Marinette said. "She said it was one moment she just wanted to tear everything apart, and the next moment the butterfly was gone and she was free. It just flew away."
Plagg took in a sharp breath. "That means Monarch purposely chose to let her go."
"What does that mean?" Marinette asked.
"Could be anything from the wrong emotions and motive, to Monarch just feeling generous," Plagg mused. "Was the butterfly still corrupted when it left?"
"The butterfly was still black." Marinette replied.
Plagg closed his eyes. "If the butterfly was still corrupted, it could still infect someone else. We need to be ready for–"
He was cut off by the sound of the akuma alert blaring from her phone. Marinette sighed, before shouldering her bag. "That's our cue, I'm afraid."
"Let's get this over with," Plagg replied. "I was just having a lovely dream about cheddar."
"Plagg, claws out."
Adrien was grateful that they managed to defeat the akuma before dinner– because this was one that he couldn't afford to be late to.
He arrived just minutes before the Tsurugis did, just enough time for his father to lecture him on timing, as they stood in the hall, waiting for their guests. Adrien stood by his father at the base of the stairs that faced the front door, while Nathalie stood by, ready to open it. Adrien was sure the staff was busy in the kitchen, his father's high expectations raised even higher now that there were guests coming over.
Guests were rare at their house, even more so since his mother had left. However, the amount of business partners his Father hosted here had actually gone up– his father no longer willing to go out and meet them at high end restaurants to conduct business, not when it meant leaving his own house. Even with these people hosted in the mansion, Adrien had only been invited to few– he was sure the reason he was permitted to join this one was because Kagami would be here. The only other business dinner he had been invited to before had been when there had also been someone near his age– a daughter of an actor.
"They're here, sir," Nathalie said, watching a security feed from her tablet, and with a few taps on the screen Adrien knew the gate was opening. He shifted once, looking at his father.
The man wasn't looking at him, only giving a brief nod of acknowledgement to Nathalie. A few moments later, she stepped forward to open the door, giving them the view of Tomoe and Kagami climbing the steps. Tomoe had her arm resting on top of her daughter's, a bokken sword in the other hand, which she tapped against each step as they came into the mansion.
Nathalie closed the door behind them, while Tomoe removed a pair of sunglasses, tucking them into a pocket. Her eyes were the same color as Kagami's, an amber brown, unfocused as they stared straight ahead. Gabriel came down the steps to greet their guest, Adrien right behind him.
"M. Agreste?" Tomoe spoke.
"Greetings, Tsurugi-san," Gabriel said, and Tomoe extended her hand. Gabriel shook it once, but withdrew his arm just as quickly. "I am glad to see you have arrived safely in Paris. How was your trip?"
"Same as always," she replied stiffly, and she tilted her head to the side. "This is my daughter, Kagami. Introduce yourself to the Agrestes."
Kagami lowered her head. "It is nice to meet you, M. Agreste. And to see you again, Adrien."
"Again?" Tomoe asked sharply.
"Adrien is a student of M. D'Argencourt's fencing team. I had the privilege of facing him earlier today. He was a formidable opponent."
"I had a lot of fun sparring with you, Kagami," Adrien said with a smile.
"I take it that you are Adrien?" Tomoe's head turned towards him. "And 'fun'? Fencing is a sport of discipline, and I hope my daughter did more than casual matches that could be viewed as games."
"The opposite, madam," Adrien said swiftly and warmly. "Facing Kagami was challenging and difficult– which is why it was enjoyable. No one has been able to push me like that in a fencing match in a long time."
Tomoe gave a stiff nod as a reply, and Adrien glanced at Kagami. Her face was carefully composed in a neutral expression, but the way her shoulders relaxed was enough for Adrien to decide that his words hadn't done any harm. The limited time he had spent with Kagami, and the few moments he had seen of her mother, was providing a more than a familiar picture with him and his own father.
"The dining room is to your left," Gabriel said, stepping back into the conversation as silence took hold of the air once more. "Come along, and please make yourselves comfortable, we have much to discuss."
Nathalie was the one that sat them at the table, something Adrien knew was outside of her job description, but Adrien was sure that his father didn't trust their guests with anyone else. He had seen just how much he depended on Nathalie at times, yet he didn't say a word to her as they were all placed at the table in an arrangement Adrien was not familiar with.
On the rare occasion that he had a meal with his father they would sit at opposite ends of the table– Gabrirel in what had once been his usual spot, and Adrien where his mother had once sat. This time, though, it was Tomoe that was placed in his father's seat, Kagami on her right. Gabriel and Adrien were set up on the other side of the table, Gabriel sitting in Emilie's place, Adrien mirroring the arrangement of the Tsurugis, on his father's right. That left him and Kagami on opposite ends of the table on different sides, Adrien not having a proper view of the guests, unlike his father.
Nathalie stepped back to stand near the wall, while several servers came out to serve them their meal.
The meal started off mostly in silence, only the sound of utensils quietly hitting the plate. After some time, Tomoe and Kagami spoke softly to each other in Japanese, Adrien picking up on no more than a handful of words. Either they were too far away for him to listen properly, or he didn't quite grasp Japanese as well he had thought– probably the latter. He looked at his own father, who remained silent as they ate.
It was a four course meal, and Gabriel and Tomoe did not start discussing a thing until towards the end of the second course. It was better than the silence, but the talk of business was mostly lost on Adrien. He kept looking towards Kagami, wishing for someone to talk to himself, but her gaze remained on her plate the entire meal.
Soon dessert was served and over, their dishes carried away. Adrien glanced at his father for guidance, as it was clear that him and Tomoe were still in the middle of their discussion. Gabriel pushed himself to his feet, clearing his throat.
"Nathalie, please take the children up to one of the recreation rooms. Tsurugi-san and I will finish conducting business in my office."
"Of course, sir," Nathalie said with a nod, glancing at the two teenagers.
Adrien immediately stood, grateful for the chance to get out of the suffocating atmosphere. Kagami was slower, pushing herself to her feet, glancing at her mother as if expecting protest– but the woman said nothing. Kagami was a step behind him as she followed him and Nathalie out of the dining room.
"Ezra will be stationed outside the door if you need anything," Nathalie said as she led them upstairs– where sure enough Adrien's bodyguard was waiting at the top for them.
"Okay," Adrien said, and the Gorilla pushed open a door to a room that Adrien was pretty sure they had never used before, the mansion staff being the only reason why it wasn't covered in a lair of dust. A large TV took up one wall, a long leather couch wrapping around the perimeter of two others.
The door was shut behind them, he and Kagami now conveniently tucked away in an awkward silence. Adrien headed over towards the cabinet beneath the TV. He opened it up, and was glad to find that Nathalie had brought in a few of his gaming consoles into the room. He grabbed a few game cases, holding them up to Kagami.
"Do you want to play a few matches of UMS?" He asked. "Or are there any other games you like? I have a pretty good collection."
"I have never played any form of video games," Kagami said curtly, heading over towards the couch, carefully sitting down.
"Oh," Adrien said. "Um, is there any you're interested in trying?"
"My mother views such forms of entertainment as a waste of valuable time."
"Well, not much else to do but waste time right now," Adrien said, rubbing the back of his head. "Um, well, not that I think this is a waste of time. I know we had to cut our fencing match short because of the akuma, but I would like to get to know you."
"What fencing tournaments have you been in?" Kagami asked. "What were your placings?"
Fencing was a fair place to begin, he supposed, as it was something they had in common. He rattled off a few of his recent tournaments, and she did the same. Kagami's replies were detailed, but stayed very formal. She was surprised that he had only been fencing since he was eleven– and had replied that she had been practicing ever since her mother felt she could put a sword in her hand.
Kagami's fencing background was much more diverse than his– she had been part of multiple teams throughout her life, having competed all throughout Japan, along with several other countries in Asia; while Adrien's experience was limited to several places in France and one tournament in England. The more she talked about the sport, the more Adrien suspected that the only reason why he had been able to keep up with her today was due to his time as Crimson Beetle.
She wanted to go professional in the future, planned (not hoped, planned) to beat her mother's records, and one day represent Japan in the Olympics. Adrien had no more to offer about his future than perhaps taking over his father's company, though that didn't sound appealing. Kagami did not stray from the topic of fencing, though, while Adrien found himself growing dreary of the conversation of the sport.
"Have you been to France before, or is this your first time?" Adrien asked after some time.
"I came here once when I was younger. I do not recall it," Kagami replied.
"When did you learn French?"
"From my mother, along with several tutors. I am also fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. I have been studying Russian. My mother has arranged for me to have a Spanish tutor as well for my time here in Europe."
The arrangement of tutors and expectation of a parent was all-too familiar for Adrien. "I know English and Mandarin as well. I can also speak Spanish and Italian, too. Mandarin is the only one I have a tutor for right now. I've also been trying to self teach myself Japanese for the last year or so." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Maybe we could meet up sometime and I could help you with Spanish and you could help me with Japanese?"
"I have always done just fine in my language studies, thank you very much."
"I didn't mean offense," Adrien said quickly. "I just meant it's nice to work with others, you know? Less lonely. And my father would probably allow it."
Kagami's carefully constructed neutral face finally softened somewhat, and she gave a small nod of agreement. "I have found the tutors that work directly with me have made the exercise of learning much more enjoyable than others."
Adrien smiled, glad to find some of her defenses coming down. "Definitely. Ever since I started public school I found that I like learning so much more than when it was all tutors. Not that all my tutors were bad or anything. I've had some really good ones, and Nathalie has done a lot for me as well."
"The woman that brought us up here?"
"Yeah," Adrien said, rubbing his neck. "She's crazy good with multitasking. Old family friend, honestly she's the one that kept this household together this last year. It feels like Father's focus has really only been on the company lately..."
If Kagami had a reply, it was cut off as the door opened. They both raised their heads, expecting either Nathalie or Erza to lead them back downstairs– but instead it was a blonde that stood at the door. She waltzed right in, talking before any sort of greeting could be given.
"There you are, Adrikins, when Nathalie said you weren't in your room, I didn't believe her. Anyways I heard Daddy mention that some business colleague of your dad's was in town, someone Mommy and Uncle Gabe work with a lot or something, and I simply could not leave you here alone. I came over as soon as I could– who is she?"
Chloe paused mid sentence, staring at Kagami with wide eyes.
"Hi Chlo," Adrien said warmly. "This is Kagami, she's Mme. Tsurugi's daughter. Kagami, this is Chloe, she's a close friend of mine."
"Hello," Kagami said stiffly– and Chloe sneered in reply.
"She's not like that one actor's daughter that was here that one time, is she?– what was her name?– that one who wouldn't leave you alone? This girl isn't bothering you, is she, Adrikins?" Chloe asked, crossing the room and sitting down right between him and Kagami, arm wrapping possessively around his arm, glowering at the other girl.
"Is this your girlfriend?" Kagami asked, and Chloe let out a shriek.
"Ew! No!" Chloe yelped.
"Just friends," Adrien said, carefully pulling himself out of Chloe's arms. "And don't worry, Chlo, Kagami's very polite. She's actually a part of the fencing team at school, she just joined today."
Chloe's eyes scanned Kagami. "Do you go to our school? I don't recognize you."
"If you are referring to Collège Françoise Dupont, then I start Monday," Kagami said.
"What teacher?" Adrien asked, trying to break up the tension in the room.
"Ms. Mendeleiev."
Chloe snorted. "She's the worst."
Adrien glanced at his friend. "She's actually a very good teacher." He smiled at Kagami. "Chloe and I are in Miss Bustier's class. So is Marinette, actually– you met her today at fencing."
"What was Dupain-Cheng doing at your fencing class?" Chloe snapped.
"She was there for the try-outs," Adrien said– which only made Chloe laugh.
"Dupain-Cheng? Fencing? She can barely walk across the room without tripping on her own face, why on earth did she think she could fence?"
Adrien opened his mouth, ready to defend his friend like he often had to do with Chloe– but it was actually Kagami that spoke first.
"Actually, Marinette did very well for someone new to the sport." Kagami said. "She had natural reflexes during her matches, and was very open in admitting her struggles in the sport. I found her very admirable."
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Ugh, Dupain-Cheng is like a snake charmer, everyone thinks she's the best thing ever."
"Why do you say that?" Kagami asked.
"Um, what?"
"I say she is admirable, you say she is not," Kagami said. "There must be a reason for that, and clearly you know more of her than I do. So why is she not admirable?"
Chloe didn't say anything for a moment, just staring at Kagami. She then rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Ugh, you're one of those people who have to make things dramatic, aren't you?"
"Really, Chloe?" Adrien asked.
"What?"
"You're like the definition of dramatic," Adrien said with a slight smirk.
"Hey!" Chloe screeched, and Adrien couldn't hold back a chuckle, and she huffed.
"So you have no reason," Kagami mused, drawing the attention back to her.
"Excuse moi?"
"I asked for a reason why you felt Marinette Dupain-Cheng was not admirable. Instead of listing any direct reason, you instead deflected any potential issue back onto me, stating me as 'dramatic'," Kagami said simply. "This shows that you're insecure, and once cornered with a question you could not answer, you try to draw attention elsewhere."
"Insecure?" Chloe cried. "I am the daughter of the mayor! The daughter of the famous fashion designer Audrey Bourgeois! I live in the best hotel in Paris!"
"Now you are listing accomplishments that are not your own," Kagami noted. "Again, insecure. Perhaps that's where your issues with Marinette Dupain-Cheng come from; maybe she recognizes your insecurities, or does not display any of her own– resulting in this frustration towards her."
"Ugh," Chloe groaned. "This is the company you're stuck with all day, Adrikins? Thank goodness I came by, you must have been bored out of your mind."
"Chloe, please?" Adrien asked. "Don't do this again– Kagami is nice."
"You just say that because she's being nice to the love of your life," Chloe said, pushing herself to her feet. "Now, why are we just talking and wasting time? Let's watch a movie or something."
With that she pushed herself to her feet, making her way over to the TV to claim the remote. Kagami turned towards Adrien with a questioning glance. "Are you and Marinette a couple?"
Adrien felt his cheeks heating up. "O-oh, um, no... I mean, I'd like us to be, she's really awesome."
Kagami gave the smallest of smiles. "You like her a lot, huh?"
Adrien flushed. "Y-yeah. I do. She's... she's really amazing. She's the reason people started talking to our formerly akumatized classmates again, she even told her own friends off for me back before we were even friends– she just doesn't back down from anything!"
"She came running down the street after me even though I was competition for the fencing spot," Kagami said. "Wouldn't take no for an answer and insisted I come back– no hesitation. Have you told her how you feel?"
"Yes? No? Um, not directly?" Adrien said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I think she just sees a lot of what I say as jokes, honestly. I should just tell her, but..."
"That kind of hesitation will get you nowhere," Kagami said.
"I'll tell her! Soon, I hope."
"Well you better move quickly," Kagami said, turning to face the TV as Chloe finally selected a show, the theme song blasting through the speakers. "Keep hesitating, and you just might find that I might make a move on her first."
