Greetings everyone! We're getting pretty close to the end of Season one. After this chapter there will only be 3 more before we go on break. If I'm being realistic, Season two might not be ready until after the holidays. If I can get enough done before that then I'll happily post it sooner.

Content warning: Fainting, illness talk of past illness and death

Chapter 25

Day at the Museum

A few days after the successful/triggering gettogether Adrien returned to school and Varian went back to trying to get a hold of the Miraculous. Adrien was still a little nervous but his friends were all being very supportive. He had a few setbacks but was working through them.

As for Varian he threw himself back into his work. His plans for tricking the lucky charm were not working out too well; it was almost like the magic was sentient and knew just when to stick their foot out to trip them up. So he tried a new strategy: Finding out who Chat Noir and Ladybug really were.

He had started a database eliminating everyone who was over 18, and anyone who had been Akumatized. He was also factoring in the known holders of the miraculous. It didn't take him long to find a pattern.

Almost all the holders were in the same class and the few that weren't were in the same circle of friends. Varian frowned looking at the list. He strongly suspected Ladybug had to be someone from this class or a friend close to them. The problem was everyone in that class had been Akumatized except for Adrien and Marinette. But Marinette had been the previous holder of the Mouse Miraculous and had been seen with Ladybug. The note also said that she was a potential Akuma but something happened and she may or may not have been Akumatized. He'd have to clarify that with Gabriel but she seemed to have an alibi as it was.

Chat Noir was a bit tougher, since Ladybug herself didn't know his identity he could easily be in another part of the city. He still suspected they were both locals since they arrived at the scene of the Akuma attacks so quickly. He glanced at the picture from Adrien's class noting all the "X"s.

Adrien was never Akumatized for obvious reasons and he wasn't going to ask Gabriel to Akumatize his own son for the sake of an experiment. Still, Chat Noir's Kwami was spotted in the same school but that wasn't concrete proof either. He looked at his list and signed. He was missing something, something that was right in front of him. He saved and closed the file. He had been staring at this too long and needed a break.

He went downstairs for dinner and saw Adrien sitting down to eat as well. Might as well join him. They had a little small talk mostly about school work, they each had an upcoming assignment for Art History.

"My class is taking a small field trip to the Louvre and I think I'm ready to get out more." Varian was proud of Adrien's progress. He had struggled a lot worse when he experienced his own trauma but he was also alone. He was glad he could help Adrien through some of his.

"Think you're Dad will be OK with it." Adrien's smile dropped.

"I was hoping you could come with me. With both you and Gorilla there I bet I could convince him." This time it was Varian who's smile dropped.

"To…the Louvre?"

"Yeah we both have assignments to work on and the museum has a ton of information."

Varian had read up on the history of the museum. How it had once been a palace and place for the Royalty to store their artwork. Over time the place was slowly changed into a museum and was now opened to the public. It would be a little hard to explain how he was nervous going into another palace when the last time he entered one was when he was being dragged down into the dungeon. But he had to get past this. If Adrien could be brave and push himself then so could he. Besides he was right, there was a lot of information to be found and it did house several paintings and works related to the Miraculous.

"You know, you're right. I've been meaning to visit since I came here and it could be a great research opportunity."

"You don't even need to stick with the class the whole time. You mentioned wanting to see Leonardo da Vinci's sketches." Varian nodded, he could do this. His father was counting on him, he could do this. He just hoped this place didn't have a dungeon.

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The Louvre had a dungeon, fortunity it wasn't a functional one. He just had to avoid the basement and he would be fine. He told himself as the limo pulled up to the museum where most of Adrien's class was waiting. He saw Max wave and rush over to him.

"Varian! It's been a while, how have you been?" Varian smiled sadly at his friend. He hadn't been able to bring himself to meet up with Max since the Science fair where he had put the virus in his robot friend Markov. Oh how he wished he could apologize but he couldn't, not without revealing his secret identity.

"I know texting just isn't the same. Sorry I've been so busy lately." at least that wasn't a lie, he thought as Max glanced at Adrien.

"I understand, family comes first." he fought the urge to laugh bitterly at that line. If he only knew. "Speaking of which, I'm glad you two could make it today. They're revealing a new temporary display this afternoon. I would tell you more but I am sworn to secrecy." Varian guessed Max's mother had sent something with her work as an Astronaut. Maybe she brought something back with her? That would be pretty cool.

"Then we'll have to stick around for that." Max beamed barely containing his excitement as Miss Bustier got her class together to start the tour. She was happy to include Varian as she did a walking tour of the main areas and where they could find the painting each student had chosen to research.

At one point Kim had tried to get the group to go to the dungeon but thankfully that wasn't on the tour but they could visit it on their own time once their assignments were complete. Varian sighed with relief. He made a note to avoid Kim once the class dispersed. They weren't at each other's throats any more but he wanted to avoid another triggering section.

Before long the teacher let her student go to find the art pieces they were to study. The students got to pick which ones they wanted and Varian chose his for a specific purpose. He went to check in on Adrien only to find him holding hands with Marinette as they sat in front of a painting that probably wasn't on either of their list. He smiled and let them be.

He was on a mission right now and it didn't take long to find the first painting on his list. Chevalier Noir, the mysterious Black Knight. He had first read about them from Alya's Ladyblog and read up on it in the library. It was different seeing it in person though. The details were so much richer the brushstrokes seemed to be telling a story all on their own. It only made the Miraculous symbol more prominent.

He couldn't help but be reminded of the strange symbol he'd seen on the suit of armor he found in his Dad's room. The armor was big enough to fit his Dad but he'd never told Varian that he was a knight in his youth. Then again there were a lot of things his father never told him. And now he was on his own in a strange new world with no way of finding any answers.

"I see I'm not the only one who decided to study the Miraculous paintings" He was pulled from his thoughts to find Alya herself standing next to him by the painting.

"Didn't you already research them for your blog?" Varian asked as he jotted down a few notes.

"I researched them from the Miraculous perspective but I was wondering if I could learn more from an artistic angel." Varian smiled at her but it was a little strained. As Rena Rouge she had worked for Ladybug, was she still in contact?

"I will say these are much more vibrant in person." she nodded in agreement.

"I've been researching more on the side and I think there's some hidden meaning in them. Otherwise why use the symbol?"

"I've been thinking the same thing but maybe it's something that makes sense to other holders than the average person."

"Maybe it's a message." Varian thought for a moment.

"Maybe it's something for future generations. After all, not everyone could read and write in those days. A painting has a better chance at being kept and more importantly, displayed." Alya nodded in agreement as they made their way to the next painting.

"This is one of my favorites, 'The Butterfly Lady'. My research uncovered the legend this was based on."

"The one about the witch who lured wicket men into doing her bidding?"

"That's the one!"

"I thought the revenge story was the more interesting version." Alya's eyes jumped from the painting to Varian.

"What revenge story? There was another version?" She looked at him with an excited expression and he mentally cursed to himself. Should he tell her? There was a chance she still worked for Ladybug or had a way to pass information to her. On the other hand if they shared information maybe he could learn something valuable. There was nothing linking the old story to them anyway so he decided to take a gamble on this one.

"I found an old account of a woman whose hometown was raided by bandits. She managed to escape but she was the only one. Supposedly she sold her soul for the power to curse and control one of the bandits and used him to destroy the others." He sent her a link to the article. "I also found a record for the ravaging bandits and the time periods so it looks like this actually happened over 300 years ago."

"And the story was passed on and changed over time." Alya concluded as she quickly read the article. "Two different stories, one painting her as a avenging angel-

"And one as a malicious witch." Varian finished fearing that was to be his legacy.

"Varian this is fascinating! I have to research this more and see if I can find anything else. You don't mind if I use your source? I know we're not in the same class but you are the one that found it."

"Not at all, I'm a believer in sharing and spreading knowledge. Maybe we could keep each other informed even after the assignment is done?" She beamed as she threw her arms around him.

"Thank you so much!" She was so happy he felt a little bad for tricking her. "As a reporter it's my job to uncover the truth." He paused and looked at her.

"You…you really believe that?"

"Oh course! A reporter is a voice for the people and for those who have none." Conflict rose in his chest again. He could have really used someone like her when those false rumors were going around. If the truth came to light maybe he could have gotten some help, even if it was just a little. Now however the truth would hurt him. Still he respected the fact that she wanted to spread the truth. Maybe she could help others someday even if it was too late for him.

"Then I wish you the best." It wasn't long before both of them had enough information to write ten papers and so they went their separate way.

Adrien had texted him saying he and Marinette were hanging out together, implying they wanted some private time. That was fine with Varian; those two deserved some time together. But what to do now? He could spend months here studying the painting looking for Miraculous clues. Maybe it would be best to narrow down his search before blindly searching. He wasn't even sure he'd find what he was looking for even if he did find more information on the Miraculous.

He decided to go see the papers Leonardo da Vinci had on display. He could always come back here if he had a better lead.

"That's enough Jalil! You have to stop chasing these wild conspiracy theories!" Varian paused, hearing an argument near the employees only area.

"I'm telling you Dad it's real! If you just-"

"I said enough!" Varian recognized them as Alix's Dad and older brother. He'd never met them in person but he'd seen their pictures on one of her social media pages. She had mentioned to him her brother was into a lot of weird theories with almost no proof to back them up. Her Dad was a curator here and as a man of science it probably didn't go over with him that well.

"You can't just keep making these wild accusations without proof."

"There's no proof because it's being covered up!" Varian decided not to get involved and continued his trek to the Leonardo da Vinci wing. This place was pretty big and he wanted to make it back in time for the unveiling.

He was unsurprised to find Max there already looking at the old papers. He waved him over and moved so he could get a better look.

"Isn't it fascinating, Varian? These notes are almost 600 years old but the information on them was so ahead of his time." Varian nodded trying to get a closer look without breaking the glass. Leonardo da Vinci was a long time hero of his even if Demanitus was his idol. He somehow existed in both this world and back on his own. It was why he first thought he might have time traveled when he first got here.

"It must have been hard being a genius in the 1400-1500's." Max said as he carefully looked over some of his design sketches. "I heard he had to hide a lot of his work or risk being called a wizard." It was hard enough for Varian himself in the 1800's and he'd been mistaken for a wizard enough times to make him scream.

"That's why he wrote a lot of his notes in code." Max pointed to a sign demonstrating how to crack one of his codes using a mirror. It also helps if you could read italian, which he could.

"Well that is a way to preserve information but keep it out of the wrong hands." Max nodded.

"Nowadays sharing and sending information is easier than it's ever been. Although not everyone sees this as a good thing."

"A lot of false information is out there as well. Still I think it's better that more people have access to information and research and not just a select few." Max hummed.

"I have to agree with you there. I guess this is just the price we have to pay."

"More like…an equivalent exchange." The two friends smiled at the joke.

As they continued to explore, a thought occurred to Varian. Both Alya and Max mentioned information being hidden in art works. Maybe he was looking at this from the wrong angel. He stopped at the gift shop and bought a number of posters and books from the Miraculous paintings as well as copies of the Davinci papers and a book about decoding them. He had them sent to the manor, no sense carrying it around with him all day. When Max asked what they were for he said he wanted to see if he could decode the works himself and the book was to check his answers. It wasn't a lie he had plans to do just that but he was also thinking it may help with finding clues in the other works.

As the hour grew near Max dragged him back to the area where they would be doing the unveiling. He hoped it would be soon he was starting to get a headache. He must have been staring at the paintings too close again.

To his surprise Max's mother wasn't coming but the display included a monitor with a recording of her explaining the exhibit. He never did get a chance to go over to Max's house but maybe they could try it again. Claudie was really nice even if she was a little too concerned about him. He couldn't be mad at her for that. Max was lucky to have such a great parent.

The rest of the class had started to show up. Kim had come back from a trip to the dungeon and was about to tell everyone about it but a nudge from Max made him shut up. He did tell them he had been in trouble before Max must have told him not to bring it up around him. He gave him a grateful smile as Adrien and Marinette came to meet them. Still hand in hand he noted.

Alix came in with her Dad to the exhibit, without her brother he noticed and began the introduction.

"My fellow Parisians and honored guests! We have a very special discovery we'd like to share with you today. This was a recent discovery dating back to the 1970's. It's a small carving from a very unusual rock." Varian rubbed his head wishing he'd brought some aspirin with him. Adrien noticed he wasn't feeling very well.

"Varian, are you OK?"

"Yeah it's just a little headache."

"Should I get Gorilla to take us home."

"No no it's not that bad." he lied. "They'll be finished in just a few minutes and I don't want to be rude." Adrien and Max looked at each other with a little concern.

"If you're sure." He wasn't wrong, the curator was wrapping up his introduction.

"And I'd like to thank Astronaut Claudie Kanté who has composed this wonderful introduction video explaining the properties and history of this latest acquisition." He hit a remote and the video started playing.

"Hello, I'm Astronaut Claudie Kanté and this little rock you see here has an amazing story to tell." Varian had to close his eyes as the pressure was now building behind them. "It all started in 1972 when a voyage to the moon came back with a number of fine samples for our scientist to study. Unfortunately several of the samples were stolen and sold into private ownership. In 2015 an heiress found the rock in her late father's vault and donated it to the museum."

A picture of the rock was now being shown on the screen. It was an oval shaped dark blue stone sanded down to a smooth texture with strange symbols carved into the surface. There was also a large gash that looked like a piece had broken off at some point.

Varian was tempted to give in and go home but for some reason his feet wouldn't move. It was getting harder to think by the minute.

"The stone was thought to be volcanic rock or petrified wood but after a careful analysis was done it was discovered to be one of the missing moon rocks!" She made a sweeping gesture with her arms and as she did the display case opened to reveal the carved moonstone.

But not many people were paying attention at this point because one of the school children was crying out for a doctor because his friend had just passed out cold.

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Adrien was passing in his room waiting for news on his foster brother. The scene was playing over and over in his head. One minute Varian was complaining of a headache and the next his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he fell bonelessly to the floor.

Marinette called 112 for an ambulance while Gorilla, who had been watching them, had called his father. Adrien was just trying to see if he had a pulse and was surprised to find it beating so fast. He was also surprised when the ambulance and his father arrived at the same time. He wasn't sure what happened but Varian was taken to their home where a doctor was waiting for them, just like last time.

Max said that Varian had gotten a bad headache last time too but he didn't fully passout. When he had arrived home he was told to stay in his room while the private doctor took care of Varian. That was hours ago. Plagg was trying his best to console him, even offering some of his best cheese but he was just too worried.

It was close to midnight when Nathalie came in with an update.

"How is he Nathalie?" she wasn't surprised to find him awake but she doubted her news would help him sleep.

"His vitals are stable, right now he's resting comfortably."

"But has he woken up yet?" She shook her head.

"The doctor has been running all sorts of tests but he hasn't been able to pinpoint the cause. On the bright side he doesn't appear to be harmed."

"Not harmed? He passed out cold from a headache!" he yelled. "And this is the second time this has happened. What's really going on and why won't anyone tell me anything!" Nathalie sighed.

"I know this is frustrating but Varian's medical records are private and-"

"Does he have what Mom had?" Nathalie was taken aback by the question.

"Wh-what?! Adrien why would you think-"

"Is that why Father is helping him and his Dad? Is that what this project is about? Are…are they both dying just like Mom?" he asked as tears spilling from his eyes. Nathalie gathered the boy into a protective hug and tried to sooth him as best she could.

"No no Adrien he's not dying. The doctor thinks he'll wake up tomorrow like last time." Adrien sniffed.

"But Max said it was worse this time." She rubbed his back and sighed.

"We've actually looked into it and it's not the same thing your mother had. As for his father…" she hesitated. "I'm not supposed to tell you this but his Father isn't sick. He was in an accident and hasn't woken up since." she knew Varian would be angry if he knew she told Adrien without his permission but he was sick with worry and she just couldn't leave him like that. Adrien was still confused however.

"Why wouldn't Varian tell me his father was hurt?" He didn't lie exactly, he never really said what was wrong with him but why keep it a secret?

"I'm sorry I can't tell you more. You should be able to talk to him and your Father tomorrow." seeing that he had calmed down she bid him good night.

Adrien wasn't sure if he felt better or worse. It sounded like Varian was going to be OK but they had said the same thing about his Mom and one day she was just gone.

He curled up in a pile of blankets but sleep would not be visiting him tonight.

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Back at the museum the carved moon rock rested while the sun was shining above. But as darkness fell and it was bathed in the light of the moon it reached out. It had sensed him before but could not see him. It saw him this time and soon they would be together again and they would be whole. A long figure was there to hear when it whispered, "Ah, there you are."

To be continued…

Next time: Varian is part of a much bigger and more sinister plot than he realizes. Unknown to him his destiny is rushing to meet him and soon everyone he's come to care about could be in serious danger. In the meantime his research pays off and he may have a lead on the identity of Ladybug and Chat Noir.