Chapter Thirty-Seven

Marinette wasn't sure what she was expecting when it came to Guardian training, but the day rolled around much quicker than she had expected. It has been a quiet week with no akuma, but that wasn't abnormal, either. What was unusual, however, was the state of her reputation online. Day after day she would look to see what was happening, and the praise that appeared felt so alien that she didn't know what to do with it.

She had almost been tempted to transform and go about the city, just to see what would happen, but she decided against any sort of patrol without Crimson there. Another thing that had changed was merchandise based off of Lady Noire. Before, when she saw anything, it was either custom made, or something that featured her side-by-side with Crimson. Now, however, she could look online and see shirts with paw prints and imagery of her standing on her own.

She felt guilty looking these things up, self-absorbed as she googled herself, but the spark of warmth that came from it was something she couldn't get over. People… liked her. There were people defending Lady Noire, and it felt like a silence had been broken. Adrien's fans had rallied about her name, and for the first time, it felt like she had truly succeeded in protecting this city, giving them something not to fear.

Marinette arrived at the Guardians' massage parlor fifteen minutes before Crimson, the two of them having been spaced out so there was no chance of them running into each other out of costume. The parlor was set up just how it had been last time she had been here, with a divider set up on the mat to block their view of each other. Marinette sat on the left side with Plagg, drinking some tea that Marianne had offered her. Straight ahead there was a chair and a stool alongside a table, which a phonograph sat on; which she was sure had been off in the corner the last time she was here.

Soon she could hear talking in the front room, and she felt her face heating up as footsteps echoed into the parlor. The temptation to look was so strong, knowing that her partner was right there, no mask between them. She forced herself to keep looking forward, however, as Crimson was guided around to the other side of the divider. It was then that she looked in his direction, where she could see his silhouette through the panels.

"Hello, M'lady," he greeted warmly, even with the wall between them.

"Hi, Crim," she said softly. It was strange how different it felt, knowing that the two of them weren't transformed, yet right next to each other.

"Can we get this over with already?" Plagg said loudly. "Where's the old man, anyways?"

"Getting ready," Marianne replied, sitting down in the chair in front of them, Roaar curled up on her bun. "He'll be here soon, Plagg, be patient."

"Meh," Plagg groaned, laying across Marinette's knee. "I just want this to be over with, I'm bored!"

"Um, Plagg?" Crimson said from the other side of the panel, and the kwami scowled as he was addressed. "I have a little gift for you?"

"Really?" Plagg said sarcastically. "Never talking to me again? You shouldn't have, why don't you start right now."

"Plagg!" Marinette began, but her voice wasn't the only one– Tikki, Marianne, and Roaar all snapping his name at the same time. Plagg had the decency to at last look slightly ashamed, jumping at their voices.

"Gah, where's Trixx when you need them," Plagg said, rolling his eyes. "They get me."

A red figure came phasing through the panel between them, the kwami flying right up to Plagg with a sharp look in her blue eyes. This was Marinette's first time seeing the Ladybug kwami, her antennae back and a buzz humming in the air around her. She had several spots on her, and would have probably would have looked adorable if it wasn't for the anger on her face.

"You have no right!" Tikki cried as she charged up to Plagg, her head bumping up against his as he leaned back. "My Bug has done nothing to deserve this kind of treatment from you– and if you think I'm going to sit back and let you treat him like this when he went out of his way to get you a gift–"

"Sugar Cube, you know it's nothing personal–"

Tikki suddenly let out a high pitched shriek– a chitter that sounded almost like wind chimes. Marinette couldn't make out any words as she angrily chirred at Plagg, who looked away. He responded in the same musical language, though his was a mutter compared to the Ladybug. Marinette looked up at Marianne as the foreign conversation continued, but the older woman gave no sign that she understood what they were saying. Roaar, on the other hand, was wincing as she listened to her fellow kwamis, the Tiger looking on edge.

Plagg shot up into the air, now shouting as he and Tikki zipped closer together, the sound of bells and chimes echoing from about them. A faint pink light was pulsing from around Tikki, while a green glow was beginning to light up Plagg as the two of them continued shouting at each other in their own language.

"Ooookaay..." Roaar said slowly in French, drifting forward, though looking like she wanted to not go anywhere near them. "Um, that's a bit much for you two, don't you think...? Maybe we should chill out?"

Both of the kwamis looked towards Roaar, who winced slightly, but the kwamis' anger wasn't turned towards her. Instead, the glow about them died down as tears welled up in Tikki's eyes, small paws curling, speaking in French once more. "You don't have the right, Plagg, you can't just treat him like this– he's the sweetest Bug I've had in so long!"

Plagg looked hesitant, and he slowly drifted forward. "I... oh, Sugar Cube, I... I don't hate him, Tikki, I don't, I just... I just don't trust him?"

Plagg's eyes flickered between his fellow kwami and the divider next to him, and he closed his eyes. He moved away from Roaar and Tikki, drifting towards and phasing through the panel, going over to Crimson Beetle's side. Marinette could see him hovering in front of her partner, the Black Cat quiet for a moment, before he let out a loud sigh.

"So... what's this gift you were talking about?" Plagg muttered.

Crimson Beetle lifted up a bag, his voice quiet, as if he wasn't sure what to do. "I, um, got you some cheese. Tikki helped me pick some of the ones she said would be your favorites?"

"...Is there camembert?" Plagg asked after a moment.

"Several wheels, yes."

Plagg zipped forward, snatching the bag from Crimson Beetle. Marinette could just imagine the expression on his face with just what he had been handed, mouth probably already watering. Marinette smiled softly, because she knew Plagg, and any resentment he had towards Crimson Beetle was most certainly about to be gone.

"...I'm only accepting this because of what you did for my kid," Plagg said slowly after a moment– in the complete opposite tone from what Marinette was expecting after being gifted with cheese. "You... you haven't wronged her– so I will give you one chance. But just remember, Bug, I don't forgive, and I most certainly don't forget."

"I would do anything for Lady Noire," Crimson replied.

"I'll hold you to that," Plagg said coolly, before flying up and over the panel that divided the two of them, holding a gift back that held the mentioned cheese. Plagg set it down next to Marinette, and her eyes widened as she realized that the bag was filled to the brim with cheese.

"Thank you, thank you!" Tikki cried, the Ladybug zipping forward and tackling Plagg in a giant hug. "Thank you so much, Plagg!"

Plagg said nothing in reply, just wrapping Tikki up in his own embrace. It was a sweet sight, and behind them Roaar looked very relieved. Tikki nuzzled up to Plagg, faintly glowing pink once more, before zipping back off to Crimson Beetle's side of the divider, while Plagg went to investigate his new cheese. Roaar returned to Marianne, who was smiling softly at Plagg, who was pretending that he didn't notice any eyes on him.

"Crim!" Lady Noire protested. "How much did you spend on this? I know Plagg's favorites aren't cheap– you shouldn't have bought this much!"

"It, um, wasn't too much?" Crimson offered uncertainly.

"These cheeses are expensive!"

"Now, kid, don't look a gift horse in the mouth," Plagg purred, dragging out a wheel of camembert, ripping the packaging off with no hesitation.

"I– um– was able to get a good deal on them," Crimson said quickly. "I have a... a friend, and... yeah. I promise you that this wasn't that much?"

"...If you say so," Marinette said, watching as Plagg swallowed two wedges one right after another. Marianne let out a small chuckle, though didn't comment. "You can't eat this all right now, Plagg– this much cheese is going to last you a while, got it?"

"This was a gift, you can't tell me what to do with it!" Plagg snapped, swallowing another piece of camembert with no hesitation.

"You're downing it so fast that you won't even get to enjoy it!"

"Eating it is enjoying it!"

"You're such a glutton!"

Plagg snickered, eyes flickering towards the divider. "You think I'm the glutton? Well–"

He didn't get to finish his sentence, because Tikki zipped through the panel as a blur of red, slamming right into Plagg and knocking his cheese from his paws. He immediately rushed away with a cackle, but Tikki was flying right behind him, shouting out in that musical language once more. Marinette shot a glance at Roaar, who didn't look worried this time, so Marinette just gathered up the cheese that Plagg had gotten out, wondering where on earth she was going to put this all without her parents asking any questions.

"What did I miss out on?" A new voice asked, and soon a small, orange kwami drifted into view. Trixx had her arms crossed, blue eyes watching the chase between Tikki and Plagg. "I'm only gone for like ten minutes and I miss out on all the fun?"

"You two, calm down, and return to your holders," another new voice said, Fu making his way across the room as the kwamis chased each other, slowly sitting down on the stool next to the table. "Sorry for the delay, children, but my back isn't what it used to be."

Plagg came rushing back towards Marinette, curling up on her shoulder, and sticking his tongue out at Tikki as he settled down. The Ladybug glared at him for a moment, before zipping back off to Crimson's side of the divider, and the room slowly became quiet once more. Trixx settled down on Fu's head, tail flicking back and forth, while Roaar was resting on Marianne's bun once more, eyes on the Guardian.

"Sorry about Plagg, he can be a handful sometimes," Marinette said to Crimson, smirking as Plagg kicked her shoulder. "Honestly, it's like watching a toddler sometimes."

"Have you looked in a mirror?" Plagg snapped back.

"Looking in a mirror isn't a good way to keep an eye on a toddler," she replied– and Plagg stuck his tongue out at her. "You're not helping your case, you know."

"Kwamis are indeed... interesting beings," Fu said, smiling as the kwamis' eyes turned towards him. "And perhaps a good place to start with your training. But first and foremost, I want the two of you to understand all this will entail."

Fu looked up at the two of them, his gentle expression turning to something more serious, and in that moment he looked much older.

"Guardianship is a lifetime dedication," he said solemnly. "That once you commit to it, I will expect you not to walk away from it. You two shall become permanent partners, and no matter what path in life you seek, you two cannot be far apart, and always put your duties as Guardians first and foremost. You must protect the Miraculouses and all the knowledge that comes with it, know when to bring these jewels out into the world for the greater good, and whom to trust with them. When the time comes, you two will need to find someone to take your place, someone who will be able to bear all that you will carry."

"What you're doing with us," Crimson said.

"Exactly," Fu said with a nod. "Finally, the most... fragile piece of Guardianship and the passing of it will be... memories."

"Memories?" Marinette asked.

"Memory magic is heavily laced within the Miraculouses and the position of Guardian," Fu said quietly. "When Guardianship is passed on, in order to protect the knowledge they knew... certain memories are removed from their minds."

"What... what is that supposed to mean?" Crimson said, leaning back slightly.

"I am telling you what Guardianship fully implies before you agree to such training," Fu replied. "When the time comes for me to pass the Miracle Box onto the two of you, a spell will be performed that will remove all memories of identities from my mind, and more vital information linked to the magic of the Miraculous. In more dire situations, I could choose to trigger a full memory wipe if I so choose– this magic is in place to protect Guardians once they retire, so they will not be a target for the information they once knew."

"Wasn't always like that," Plagg muttered.

"What once was does not make a difference to how things are now," Fu replied. "The magic in force now is what will affect you children one day, and it is something you most certainly should be aware of before you begin any training. I understand if this is something you do not want to commit to, and you may choose to leave now if you wish."

"When you say a memory wipe... what– what does that mean?" Crimson whispered. "Are you just saying that one day we are just going to– to forget our whole lives? It will just all be gone– poof!"

"With a full memory wipe, yes, but that must be a choice you make," Fu replied. "The standard, though... imagine it as simply pulling the glamour over your eyes once more. You know who Foxglove is, Crimson Beetle, and I assume you have memories of interacting with him both in and out of the mask. Those memories would still be in place, but you would forget they were one person. Foxglove and his civilian identity would become two separate entities in your mind, and as such no one would be able to force such information like identities from you once you pass the torch along."

"I... I guess that's not... not as bad..." Crimson muttered, but still he sounded slightly sick at the thought.

"I... I think I'm fine with that," Marinette said after a moment of thought, throat tight. "I mean... I don't know any identities right now, and... and it's not like we would truly forget anyone. And this wouldn't be for a long time, anyways..."

"Exactly," Fu agreed.

"I don't want to back out," Marinette said, sitting up slightly. "I want to become a Guardian."

"Me... me too."

"You don't sound so sure, Crimson," Marianne said.

"No– I'll do it," he insisted. "I– I can't say I like all this, but I hate the alternative more. I don't want to lose Tikki. I love the magic you've shown us– I don't want to leave that behind."

"Very well," Fu said softly, and he turned towards the phonograph that rested on the table between him and Marianne. "Then let us begin."

He placed his thumbs over the eyes of two carved dragons on the front of the phonograph, which began to glow red as a panel of zigzagging wooden buttons appeared between them. He tapped three of them swiftly, Marinette unable to memorize the pattern before the whole device turned, the horn lifted back a hidden lid, revealing a compartment within. Fu carefully reached in to pull out the box that rested inside– hexagonal in shape, made from a dark wood with red engravings across the top– a giant version of the box that she had found Plagg's ring in.

He set the box in his lap, turning so she and Crimson could get a proper look at it. "This is the Miracle Box," he said softly. "It is where all the Miraculouses in my care lie when not in use... or at least where they should be. As I told you last time we met, there are two Miraculouses missing from this box– the Peacock and the Butterfly. In total, this box is meant to house nineteen jewels, though only thirteen reside in here as of now."

"There are the ones that Fu and I wield, the two that you have, then of course the two that are lost," Marianne said.

"When a Miraculous is placed within the box, the kwamis are able to access a realm within; where they can all commune and interact with each other. If a kwami is renounced by a holder they are drawn within its Miraculous, where they enter a sleep-like state; and when transformed with a holder, they share all senses with the one wielding them, emotions able to be transferred between them," Fu said.

"Can the kwamis come out on their own?" Marinette asked– bitterness forming within her because she was already sure of what the answer would be.

"They must be summoned into this realm before they can enter it," Fu replied. "However, each Miracle Box is assigned a kwami to serve as its protector and to mingle their aura with the kwamis of their box. This box has Protection himself serving in this role– and Wayzz is able to exit the box himself to speak to us if he so wishes– though he cannot go far unless his Miraculous is removed."

"Wayzz is able to sense whenever a Miraculous of this box is activated," Marianne explained. "He is the one that alerts us whenever the Peacock or Butterfly falls into new hands, and where they are located. Unfortunately he cannot give us precise locations– usually only limited to the general area the Miraculous is in."

"The magic that binds the kwamis is woven tight," Fu said softly– easily reading Marinette's upset expression. "Subjection binds the kwamis to the orders given to them, creating secrets meant to keep knowledge from falling into wrong hands. This magic was something crafted long before I was born, and has been implemented for many centuries."

"Isn't there a way to undo it?" She asked.

Fu's expression turned serious. "I would have done so years ago if I had such knowledge."

Marinette wanted to fight– but what, she didn't know. Master Fu may have been the one to tell her the reality that kwamis lived in, but that did not mean that he controlled that magic, or even liked it. She closed her eyes, and she felt Plagg land on her knee. She glanced at the kwami, who didn't seem angry at all, and so she let the mounting feelings go with a long breath.

"There is a failsafe for kwamis however," Fu remarked after a moment. "One that was meant to be a way to get them out of the wrong hands and gives them control once more– if a kwami enters the Miracle Box while their Miraculous is still active, they cannot be recalled or summoned again until they willingly exit the Miracle Box– and they are immediately freed from all orders that holder has set upon them. The idea is that if a kwami is able to get away from a corrupt holder, they can take shelter within the box, and prevent their powers being handed out once more until they're ready for such."

"But that's useless if a kwami can't get to the Miracle Box," Crimson said.

"Correct. And with a holder able to order a kwami not to leave their side, it does fall short," Fu agreed. "I suppose the hope was that corrupted hands would not be aware of the orders they can give to kwamis, and that they could slip away when the opportunity arises."

"Trust me," Plagg muttered. "They can figure it out pretty quickly."

Marinette reached out, stroking the top of Plagg's head with a finger. He flicked an ear, saying nothing, but he leaned into the touch, and she could feel the vibration of his silent purrs.

"Kwamis are spiritual beings embodying the forces that make up our universe," Fu continued. "A Miraculous is what allows them to take on a physical form, and also limit their power to the point it can be safely used here on earth– when there is a transformation between kwami and holder active. A kwami's ability and power can greatly range, and it is a Guardian's job to know when and who to hand out these gems to when the world is in need of their powers."

"There are four different types of kwamis," Marianne said. "There are the Deltas, Timekeepers, Elementals, and Alphas. Deltas are the most abundant kind of kwamis, aligning with either positive or negative energy."

"This box has fourteen Deltas that are bound to it," Fu said. "Trixx and Roaar here are Delta kwamis, both aligned with negative energy. You have also met the holder of the Monkey Miraculous– another negatively aligned Delta."

"And I'm guessing the Rabbit is a 'Timekeeper'?" Marinette asked.

Fu smiled. "Correct. Timekeepers use neutral energy, and are very powerful. Not by sheer power, but just simply by the nature of their ability to manipulate time. They can be very dangerous in the wrong hands, and it takes someone with a strong mind to wield them. This Miracle Box has two Timekeepers– the Rabbit of Evolution and the Cobra of Opportunity."

"And the Rabbit Miraculous is here in the Miracle Box, even though Cottontail can just appear here?" Crimson asked.

"I will not pretend to understand how the Rabbit works," Fu replied. "I have only donned it once, and I was prohibited from moving through time. It is a delicate force, and the Rabbits guard their Burrows fiercely. As for Cottontail... well, I do not know much about them or Apex. I have encountered them several times throughout my years, but I do not know if they have even been born yet. Though from what I understand, they will be holders in your lifetime, probably ones you will choose for yourself."

"Though you do not need to worry about future holders at this time," Marianne said warmly as she saw their expressions. "Fluff is the best guide for her holders, and she will guide them well."

Fu nodded in agreement. "We could spend a whole session discussing the Rabbit, and I doubt that we would even begin to scratch the surface of the life they live. Even the Order of the Guardians listened to Fluff and her holders when they came to them. Now, where were we?"

"Elementals," Marianne replied.

"Yes, perhaps the easiest kwami to identify; for Elementals take on the shape of creatures of magic, or ones that people would call mythical," Fu said. "They are kwamis who embody powerful and raw concepts– such as Fire, Earth, Magic, Darkness– using pure neutral energy. All Miracle Boxes have one such kwami, and for us we have the Dragon of Storm."

"Awesome," Crimson Beetle whispered from the other side of the divider.

"Yes, a very powerful and commanding Miraculous. Elementals often require holders with the confidence and dedication to bend the elements to their will, yet if backed with recklessness..." Fu trailed off, looking solemnly down at the Miracle Box. "Well, such power can have disastrous effects. But speaking of such, that shall lead us into the last kind of kwami– the most ancient and powerful of them all: the Alphas."

"Alphas either wield pure positive energy, or pure negative energy, and can naturally manipulate such forces. Their concepts are vast and their sheer power unmatched." Marianne said softly. "These kwamis are unique due to the fact that each one is part of a duo, two halves of a whole– their complete opposite and equal."

"There are only eight Alphas in existence, and they were the first creatures within our universe," Fu said. "There is the Being Duo– with the Panda of Life and the Crow of Death. The Matter Duo, with the Firefly of Space and the Raccoon of Void. The Balance Duo, with the Wolf of Order and the Platypus of Chaos."

His eyes shifted towards the two of them.

"And finally there is the Cycle Duo, the two Alphas that reside within this Miracle Box– the Ladybug of Creation and the Black Cat of Destruction."

Marinette looked down at Plagg, who was trying to shove a third of a wheel of camembert down his throat. He didn't even chew as he scarfed it down, letting out a satisfied sigh as he at last swallowed, burping.

"...Are you sure that's Plagg?" Marinette asked teasingly, a smile flickering on her face, and her kwami's eyes flashed towards her, before he reached for the rest of the camembert.

"I am afraid that now is not a time to jest, because the power of an Alpha Duo is something not to be underestimated," Fu said. "These Miraculouses must be awoken in pairs, in order for their full potential to be reached. Had only one of you been given a Miraculous, your powers would be nothing compared to what you wield now with a partner. On their own, or outside of a connected pair, what one can wield with Alphas is exceedingly weak. There is one exception to this, however, one that you must never let happen with your Miraculouses– unification."

"What is unification?" Crim asked.

"Unification is something that can be done with multiple Miraculouses and one holder in order to access more powers," Marianne explained. "In the correct situation, it can be a useful skill, but if an Alpha Duo is unified, it creates nothing but disaster."

"If your Miraculouses were to be unified by someone, it would unlock a power that has so foolishly been named 'Wish'," Fu said solemnly. "When in this state, one is able to access 'ultimate power'. Ultimate and uncontrollable power."

"It is not something humans can truly control," Marianne whispered. "Within the universe, we are nothing. Specks in the vastness. When all of that power is channeled through us, something so small... well, all one can do is put their desire out into the universe, and the forces of reality will bend to make it so."

"I think the human Isaac Newton put it well," Tikki said. "'For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction'. Magic, science– it truly isn't that different from each other. All actions will result in consequences, no matter how small."

"You're saying that if you were to make such a change, something would have to happen as a result of it." Crimson said after a moment. "There has to be balance to all of it."

"Yes. A price, as it has so often been called," Fu said with a nod, and then his eyes turned towards Marinette's side of the mat. "Plagg, would you be willing to tell the children about your former holder Henric?"

Plagg flew up into the air, saying nothing at first. His tail flicked back and forth as he hovered there, thinking, before scrunching up his nose. "Henric was a holder of mine long before any of you were even a distant thought. He wasn't a bad holder, he wanted to do good. He had seen Destruction first-hand, and was not eager to use it recklessly. But he was stubborn, far too stubborn– a horrible trait you humans like to have."

He was quiet for a moment, thinking, before continuing.

"Henric grew up in this small village, you see, and his story was like out of one of those old storybooks of you humans– his village was regularly plundered and attacked by a dragon, and once he got my ring he was able to protect his home– but he couldn't stay there forever. Holders have a job to do, and he had a partner waiting for him."

Plagg sighed, tail wrapping close to him as he continued.

"He wasn't happy about leaving his village behind unprotected, and looked for something he could do to make sure it was safe while he was gone. When Henric heard about the Wish, he thought all his problems were solved– and would not listen to a word I said. So he met up with his partner, stole the earrings, and united Tikki and I to make a wish. It wasn't a bad one, he had no ill intentions– he simply wished that dragons would never attack his village again."

Plagg grinned– a smile with no joy behind it, his eyes looking empty.

"Now, how do you guarantee a dragon never attacks a village, hmm?" He asked in a quiet voice. "Walls can be torn down, force shields can be broken, illusions can be seen through. There were really only two options, you see– either there had to be no village to be attacked, or no dragons to attack the village, and with his desire to protect the village... well it was the dragons that took the brunt of his lovely little wish."

"Every dragon died that day," Tikki said softly on the other side of the divider. "With our Miraculouses unified, all powers were in Henric's reach– his wish called on the forces of Death and Destruction, and all over the world those mighty creatures fell. With every dragon dead and all their remains destroyed, never again could a dragon attack that small village in any form."

"Don't let the name fool ya," Plagg whispered, eyes seeming to glow. "A Wish ain't a wish. It ain't going to make things right, it won't bring ya what you want the way you want; you don't get to choose how things happen. Stellar and Koree were united once, by a woman who wished for a disastrous war to end." He gave that empty grin again. "The war did end– due to a horrible famine that swept the land, taking lives all the same. Another time a wish was made, Graay and Prrysm were brought together by a tyrant who wanted complete and utter control of a land, and control he got– but he lost control of his mind in turn."

Marinette's stomach felt tight.

The kwamis fell silent, and Marianne began speaking, in the same hushed tone as the kwamis. "Not long ago, there was a Peacock holder who was desperate to bring back the one he loved, a woman who had fallen to the broken Butterfly Miraculous. At first, he sought out the Ladybug from us, but once he learned its power would not be enough to restore life, he turned his sights to the Wish instead."

"We have not heard or seen Cobalt Plume for many months now," Fu said quietly. "We can only guess that Monarch is connected to him because they seemed to have the same knowledge, and the same desire for the Wish. Why she donned the Butterfly after what happened to the Painted Lady, I do not know– but the only thing I know for sure is that Monarch cannot get her hands on your Miraculouses, because if a wish is made, nothing will come from it but disaster."

"If... if it's our Miraculouses she wants, then why did you send us into the fight?" Marinette asked, her hand tightening around the ring. "If there are other Miraculouses, wouldn't those have been the safer option?"

"If that had been an option, it would've been the route I've taken," Fu replied solemnly. "The Butterfly is a positive energy Miraculous, but Monarch's creations draw on negative energy, so it falls beyond even her control– and your Miraculouses are the only ones that can rid the akuma butterflies of that corrupted energy."

"If the akuma butterflies are left unpurified, the energy within them will multiply, and that akuma will seek out the same holder once more, only they will be more powerful than before, and more out of control," Marianne replied. "If this cycle were to continue it would reach a point where not even a Butterfly holder could connect with the creation, and they would be unable to create any more while the rogue akuma remained active."

"Usually this reality is enough to prevent a Butterfly holder from creating forced Champions," Fu explained. "But Monarch… she knew we wouldn't let the city be left unprotected, and that if she made such champions, we would be forced to send out the very Miraculouses she wanted."

"Protecting the city is vital, and so is defeating the akumas, but the most important thing you can do is protect yourself and your Miraculouses; you cannot let them fall into anyone's hands, or else this city will be facing a threat far more dangerous than any akuma," Marianne said softly.

"And of course learn all you can about the Miraculouses and how to use them," Fu said, carefully putting the Miracle Box back into the hidden compartment. "But for now, consider yourselves our apprentices, and the city your home to protect."

"Don't you gotta make them part of the Order to be your apprentices?" Plagg muttered, voice more bitter than questioning.

"The Order of the Guardians is long gone, Plagg," Fu said solemnly. "I was the last of them, and I intend for it to stay that way. Lady Noire and Crimson Beetle shall become Guardians, but they shall not become part of the Order– the Order will pass on with me."

Plagg was still at this declaration, before whipping his head up towards Fu, eyes wide. "Are– are you serious?"

"Why won't you make us part of the Order?" Crimson asked.

Fu raised an eyebrow. "I mean, if you wish to be trained as the Order did, I could. You should have been separated from your families when you were twelve, and visiting would not be an option. We would be training in isolation, with me as your master, and your entire lives solely dedicated to the Miraculouses. Any goals or aspirations you had should be forgotten. Of course, you would have to give up your Miraculouses as well, members of the Order shouldn't be holders, just Guardians."

Marinette stared at Fu with wide eyes, and there was no hiding the bitterness in his voice as he continued.

"Mistakes won't be tolerated, food should be seen as a luxury and not an expectation," he continued. "Kwamis are not meant to be companions, but forces of power to be contained. Questions should not be asked, your elders can do no wrong after all. And–"

"Fu," Marianne said softly, laying a hand on his, and he closed his eyes, looking away.

"...I only spent two years training with the Order of the Guardians," Fu said quietly. "I only perhaps learned the very basics of their ways, not enough to pass on or continue their goals... but even if I did, it is something I would not want to do. My memories of those days are not fond, and I... I do not want to carry on those traditions." He looked out at them. "Before the Order, there were simply Guardians, and that's how it shall be again. The Order will die with me."

"It's... it's over?" Plagg whispered, rising up into the air, looking at Fu with wide eyes. "It's really over?" The Guardian gave a nod. Plagg's ears turned towards him, tail swishing before flicking up straight. "The era of the Order... is over. It's over... Yes! It's over!"

Plagg rocketed forward, a black blur as he zipped towards Fu and bumping his head against his, before darting over to Marianne throwing his paws around her face. Then he was off once more, flying about the room, spinning about, looking absolutely joyful. He flew up to Marinette, grinning from ear to ear, but flew off again before she could say a word.

"I mean, we haven't been living the rules of the Order for decades now," Trixx said, cracking a grin as she watched Plagg fly about. "We might as well have been a wandering box with Fu."

"That never meant that the Order couldn't be created again," Plagg replied, looking absolutely giddy as he hovered there.

"I have no desire to create such," Fu said. "Besides, it would put Lady Noire and Crimson Beetle at a disadvantage in the world of magic. I have encountered another Guardian and their apprentice in my travels, those who weren't a part of the Order, and they did not trust me once they learned where I was from."

"Other Guardians?" Crimson asked.

"Guardians of Miracle Boxes that were never part of the Order. Wanderers by nature, these Miracle Boxes are passed down from master to apprentice, generation after generation, following their own path. From what I understand, it was the system that was in place before the Order, and the one that will go forward from here on out," he gave a small smile. "There is much more we could talk about, but I feel this is a good place to end for today."

"Thank you for having us here, sir," Crimson said.

"Now let's get out here!" Plagg said, swooping down and grabbing his bag of cheeses. The kwami seemed to be humming with excitement, his eyes kept flashing over to Marinette with that shine in his eyes, and she couldn't help but smile.

"We're going to lead you out one at a time," Marianne said, rising to her feet. "Lady Noire, you'll head north when you leave, and in about five minutes you can head out after her, Crimson– heading south."

"How– how long do we have to keep identities hidden from each other?" Marinette asked as she slowly pushed herself to her feet, Plagg flying next to her.

"For now, it is the safest option," Fu replied.

"Trust us," Marianne said as she came around to her side of the divider, putting an arm around Marinette. "We have seen the dangers first-hand that come from identities being known. For now focus on the city, and everything will fall into place."

"Okay..." Marinette said as she was led back towards the front of the parlor. As she went past the dividers she had to resist the urge to look back to where she knew her partner was sitting. "Goodbye, Crimson."

"See you on patrol, M'lady," his voice called after her, and she could hear the smile in his voice. "Also, congratulations on the new fanbase– about time this city opened their eyes."

Her heart pounded, face feeling warm. Plagg rolled his eyes, while Marianne smiled down at the two of them as she led them to the front door of the small parlor.


"Did you have a good afternoon with your friend?"

Adrien couldn't help but jump slightly as he pushed the front door open, startled to see his father there– even though he had been the one greeting him ever since Gorizilla had attacked. He quickly composed himself, smiling at his father warmly, even though his gaze was empty and even.

"It was great, Father," he said.

"Good," Gabriel said, turning and heading back towards his atelier. "I will see you at dinner, then. Practice your piano, and make sure your homework is complete."

Adrien just stood there at the door, blinking. "You're– you're going to be at dinner? Eating with me?"

"That is what I just said, don't make me repeat myself," Gabriel said.

"Sorry, Father, I just– er, I'm looking forward to it," Adrien said, a smile pulling on his lips as he watched his father close the door to his office. He stared at it for a moment, blinking, before hurrying up the steps towards his room.

He shut the door behind him, looking up at his ceiling. It was... strange. His father just being there– the very thing he had wanted for so long, and it was happening. It hadn't just been one day or a few, but going strong, like it actually might continue. Dinner... he was going to have dinner with his father had he hadn't even asked! It was almost everything he had wanted– almost.

"Father couldn't still possibly be angry at Nathalie, could he?" Adrien asked Tikki. "I haven't seen her in days– she just emails my schedule every morning."

"Huh?" Tikki asked, blinking. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Adrien, I was lost in thought."

"It's okay," he said. "You look worried, is everything okay?"

"I'm not worried," Tikki said, zipping by him as he made his way across his room. "I'm just... processing, I suppose. Just taking in the fact that the Order of the Guardians is truly gone. After being with them for so long it's just... strange to think about."

"Are... are you going to miss it?" Adrien asked uncertainly, because for Plagg it had seemed like the opposite. But in his limited conversations about it with Tikki, she had never said anything bad.

Tikki snorted. "Are you kidding me? I wish this would have happened ages ago."

"Really? But you always seemed so... well, you never acted like it was a bad thing before," Adrien glanced at her. "What was the Order of the Guardians like, anyways?"

"The Order... they weren't evil," Tikki softly. "They didn't wish to do harm, they truly wished to protect the Miraculouses and use the powers for good– but they had their own idea of how the Miraculouses should be looked after, turning against the system that had been in place for generations. The system that we kwamis agreed to when we became bound to the Miraculouses."

Tikki hovered there for a moment, looking lost in thought.

"They... they changed the magic that surrounded the Miraculous. Originally, the only orders we were only bound to were our transformation phrases– but using Subjection's power they bent the magic to give them complete control over us. Using Memory's powers they took key information from our minds, magic about the very gems we inhabit." She tapped her paws together, voice going quiet. "Sometimes... sometimes I wonder if they would have taken all of our memories if they had such power."

Adrien felt sick. "Tikki..."

"Not all the binding magic was horrible, though. They made it so we couldn't reveal anything about our holders or their location, even under orders. They also made it so Guardians would lose memories upon passing guardianship, though... and the magic affected all Miracle Boxes, even the ones that the Order didn't... gather."

"And Fu–?"

Tikki's eyes flashed up towards Adrien. "Fu was younger than you when the temple fell. He may have been brought into the Order, but he has treated us with the most respect we have been given in centuries. Do not lay any blame on him for what was wrought generations before."

"Why... why haven't you said anything about the Order before?" Adrien asked. "Why didn't you tell me what they were like?"

"Habit, I suppose," Tikki said after a moment of thought. "I had to make sure the Order trusted me, so they would listen to me. You see, since Plagg and my Miraculous are linked, often, whatever happened to me would happen to Plagg. So as long as I was happy and went along with things, then things would be better for Plagg."

"But... but you guys are ancient," Adrien whispered. "How could you just be fine with– with them just doing all of that?"

"Well... I guess there was a humiliation to it," Tikki said with a frown. "I mean, we gave our powers to humans to help them... but I already knew the greed of humans by that point. And since you guys live such short lives... Well, I just knew it wouldn't last forever. Not the Order, not the Miraculouses, and most certainly not humanity. One day we kwamis will move on from this world, and these thousands of years on earth will just be a mere sliver of my lifetime."

Adrien tried to grasp the concept of that– not just of the fleetingness of his life, but of all of humanity. Of the years of history and all the future that made up the reality of what he and all humankind would know... but that truly was nothing for someone who had been around since the beginning of the universe itself.

"Not that this time isn't important to me!" Tikki said swiftly, as if afraid she had offended him. "We kwamis have loved being among humanity, it is why we wanted the Miraculouses made in the first place– to join you! This world, your minds, the creations... it is all so beautiful, and each generation holds a place in my heart."

"No no, I think I get what you mean," Adrien said quickly. "I mean... if I got a dog, I know I would outlive it, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't be important to me. They would be someone I remember, part of the family."

Tikki giggled. "I guess that is a comparison– though I think the idea of a pet is still a bit off." Tikki nuzzled up against him. "You are special, Adrien, and your kindness goes far beyond many humans I have met." The kwami looked up at him, blue eyes shining. "Just because our lifetimes and perspectives may be vastly different doesn't mean that one is more important than the other– you are important, Adrien."

"Thank you, Tikki."

"Now, shouldn't you be practicing your piano like your father said?"

"Sorry, piano really isn't on my to-do list after having an existential crisis."

"Adrien!"


Dinner was how it often was when he ate with his father, quiet and steady. His father would ask him about things he deemed important as they started eating, before turning his focus to his tablet to make sure he wouldn't fall behind on work. That left Adrien plenty of time to let his mind wander to other topics– like did years just feel like days to kwamis and where on earth Nathalie was.

"Adrien," Gabriel said, snapping Adrien out of his thoughts, and he looked up at the man. "Are you listening to me?"

"I– um– was lost in thought, Father," Adrien said sheepishly– he hadn't thought his father would say anything until the end of the meal. "Sorry."

"I asked you if you planned on attending the school dance I was told about."

"I'd like to, if that's okay," Adrien said, sitting up. "My friends are planning on going."

"Very well," Gabriel said with a nod. "I will get you a suit that is suitable for such occasion. Is there going to be a theme or overall tone to this dance?"

Adrien had more than enough suits in his closet, though he didn't comment. "Chloe said that she wanted to do something that was like a prom."

"Hmm. How American," Gabriel replied. "Do you plan on taking someone to this dance? If so I will need to meet with them beforehand to see if it would be appropriate for them to accompany you. Though if you were to take, say, Mme. Tsurugi's daughter or perhaps Chloe there would not be a need for such."

"I– I don't see them like that," Adrien said swiftly.

"Or perhaps Mlle. Dupain-Cheng," his father continued, and this made Adrien stare in surprise. "She seems suitable, I spoke to her recently."

"You did?"

"Yes, she finished the artificial feather for that hat of yours you'll be modeling in the upcoming show, and I needed to have a look at it. Quite a talented young lady."

"She is pretty amazing," Adrien agreed, face feeling warm. The fact that she had just gotten approved by his father was impressive, especially considering she didn't have connections to his father, like Kagami and Chloe.

He was more than happy with such an outcome, though, and his thoughts turned to the idea of asking her to the dance. Yes, he was pretty open about his interest, but she always took it in teasing fun, and sometimes it was nice to have it that way. To say what he wanted to say, with the illusion of a joke sheltering him from a direct response. A dance, though, that couldn't be passed off as such, nor did he want it to.

"Adrien," Gabriel said, sounding slightly exasperated as Adrien refocused his attention on his father once more.

"Yeah?"

"Son, you need to pay attention when I'm talking to you. I hope this isn't how you treat your teachers at school. I asked you if you would like to do anything after eating."

Adrien blinked. "Er– like what?"

Gabriel didn't reply right off, taking a bite and chewing slowly as he thought. "I suppose we could... watch a movie, perhaps?"

Adrien stared. His father was asking to do something... together? Something that wasn't related to work or just being together with a meal? Gabriel watched him, clearly waiting for an answer. "Are... are you serious?"

"I wouldn't have suggested it if I wasn't. However, if you aren't interested, we do not have to do anything–"

"No!" Adrien cried, sitting straight up, before lowering his voice. "I mean, yes, Father– I would love to watch a movie with you."

"Very well, what would you like to watch?"

Again, Adrien hesitated, not sure where to go with his answer. The safest choice would be to go for a classic, well-known movie, something he knew his father would like. The gamble would be to do the complete opposite and choose something he would enjoy, but he knew his father wouldn't, like an anime. Then there was the coin toss option, the one that his father would either be happy to do, or be furious at him for even bringing it up.

Adrien swallowed, and took the risk. "Could we watch Solitude?"

Gabriel went still at the mention of Emilie's movie, and Adrien lowered his head, not wanting to see his reaction. When he was younger he had never had much desire to watch the movie his mother had starred in, and by the time she had disappeared... he knew his father had locked up the movie somewhere, alongside nearly everything else that could remind them of Mother.

Adrien glanced up at Gabriel, who was watching, expression unreadable. Adrien hated it when his father looked like that, because he had no idea what he was thinking, what was going to happen. He swallowed, pushing his food around his plate, but was unable to tear his gaze away from the man.

"Adrien..."

"We don't have to!" Adrien blurted out quickly. "I just... I just have never– I just wanted to... never mind."

"...I see no problem with watching it," Gabriel finally said, as if with some difficulty.

"R-really?" Adrien said quietly.

"Of course, son."

This... this was happening. They were going to watch a movie together– Mom's movie. Father had sat down at dinner without even needing a request. Adrien had been able to head out all week and was barely told no. It was all the changes he had ever wanted... yet at the same time, it felt so unreal. A dream he thought couldn't come true.

But just ten minutes later he found himself sitting next to his father on his white couch, TV being turned on. Adrien sat there, not sure what the feeling in his chest was. He felt so warm, but all of this was so foreign. His father was so close... yet was still so far away.

Each sat on their own cushion, Gabriel sitting straight up as he navigated through the menus to start the movie. Yet it was all so... formal. It wasn't the joyous atmosphere like when he was gathered around with his friends, the closeness that made it worth all the while feeling nothing but stiff here. He... he wanted to move over, lean against his father's shoulder. Feel his arm wrap around him... but that idea felt even more impossible than what this week had been.

So Adrien stared down at his hands, getting exactly what he wanted– yet he felt like he was about to cry. He knew he shouldn't cry, though; he wasn't a child. He knew how to control his emotions now, appearance was the most important thing he could present, there could be no cracks.

A warm finger ran across his cheek, brushing back his hair, and Adrien turned in surprise as he watched his father tuck a strand of his hair behind his ear. His father then gently grabbed his chin, turning Adrien's head so it was facing forward again, before letting out a soft hum as he let go.

"So you do wear earrings," Gabriel mused.

"Yeah?" Adrien whispered, feeling tense as his Miraculous was mentioned, though he didn't let it show.

"Nathalie mentioned you did, but I never noticed them. You never seemed too fond of them when you got them pierced."

"A friend gave these to me at the start of school," Adrien said, touching the silver studs as he tried to think of a story. "She's really important to me, so I like to keep them in to remind me of her."

Inside his pocket, Tikki pressed up against him, and Adrien had to keep himself from putting his hand over the small kwami in return. His father watched him for a moment, before turning to face the TV once more. "I see."

Adrien's gaze followed him, watching the words that appeared on screen, the movie beginning. Scenes of black and white buildings and cloudy skies slowly appearing. He slowly sat up as a woman came on screen, her back to the camera as an umbrella sheltered her, one hand held out to catch the raindrops. Slowly the camera panned, and he held his breath, waiting for the moment when he would see her.

Then Emilie was on screen, looking back towards the camera, a soft smile on her face.

Gabriel's arm wrapped around Adrien's shoulder, and this time he wasn't able to hold back a few tears as he watched his mother move across the screen.