I rush after the retreating figure, though getting through the thick snow seems to be a challenge. Whoever is fleeing me is skilled at getting through snow, graceful as a sure-footed deer. Trees come into my line of vision, and being the cat I am, I leap into the treetops, hoping to cut them off by surprise.

At last, I see an opening and leap, falling into the mysterious figure, landing in the soft snow. "Get off me!" a dangerous voice calls out, but under the danger lays a voice of silk. I unhook my baton, rolling him over. "No chance! Are you the mysterious villain akumating students at the Temple?" He laughs, surprising me as I now going flying into the snow, wiping it off my mask in disguise.

He wears a suit of purple and black, but the most striking thing is the purple and black butterfly he wears. This can only be Scorpius, the one Ladybug and I were called to defeat. "What's a cat like you doing out in the snow? Shouldn't you be at home being petted and snoozing by the fire?"

His words cut to my heart, and this sudden feeling is unnerving. "I would be shirking my duty if I didn't answer when evil calls." "Foolish boy, you don't even know what I'm after. I will spare you the details for now, but don't think for a second I've given up the fight!"

A sudden gust of wind and snow makes Scorpius disappear. Feeling drained, I head towards the school. Why did his words bother me so much? When I get back, shivering and wet, Crumb is waiting for me.

"Am I in trouble, Master?" I ask, bowing my head in respect. He is in charge here, after all. Crumb's smile is gentle. "Not in the slightest, Cat Noir. Go get dry, and come find in my office."

I assume classes are still being held as Ladybug is nowhere to be seen, and the halls are empty as I head to Crumb's study. I rap softly on the door, opening it when I hear a faint, "Please enter," from the other side.

I gasp as I step inside, maps hang on the wall, globes and other ornate items and books decorate the shelves behind him. The smell of apple and cinnamon is prominent and I sit down across from Crumb. "Do you like tea, Cat? Or do you prefer coffee?" I smile ghosts my lips, if M'lady were here, she would have a cup of coffee immediately. "Tea is nice," I shift in my seat, watching him pour the tea without spilling a drop. "And I assume you like cookies?" My head bobs up and down.

When Crumb is comfortable, he smiles and says, "Now, Cat, what did you see on your snowy adventure this morning?" "I saw Scorpius," I whisper. "Or at least I think I did. He was wearing a purple and black butterfly mask." I begin to tell the story, and Crumb doesn't interrupt, he only listens stroking his long beard now and then.

"He was a student here, you know," Crumb tells me, a bit sadly. "Deciated student too, always on the top of his class, and though that's a good thing, he was to comused by wanting power. He had a rival who would equal his marks or at times score higher. That's were the problem begin. On one of the final tests at becoming a Guardian, he was badly burned on his face. The Council had already decided ahead of time that Gabriel would receive the school's highest honor. I fear now, Scorpius with his hunger for power is seeking revenge on our beloved school." Crumb heaves a deep sigh, if the story weighs him down.

"Wait, did you say Gabriel? As in, Gabriel, my father?" Crumb nods, and I lean back in my seat, sipping my tea thoughtfully. "But Crumb he was Monarch…." "Your father spent some time here with Emile and Nathalie before you were born. We all saddened to hear of your mother's passing, Adrien." "Claws In."

There's no reason to hide in this room. Crumb takes my hand, and I can feel how frail it is, though his kindness is as strong as steel. "Adrien, how are you doing?"

Tears prick my eyes. "When I first met Marinette at school, I barely mentioned Mother. After Mother died, and Father grew cold and distant I didn't know where home was. I don't know if I still know."

"Adrien, whether you are Adrien Agreste or Cat Noir, know that my door is always open to help you. Now, your probably ready for some lunch!" I smile, standing up and giving another small bow.

"Thank you for listening, Master." I change back to Cat before heading out and I look for Ladybug who comes flying at me. "Oh, Cat, I was so sorry!" she flings her arms around my neck. "Let's find somewhere private we can talk."

We head to the third floor of the library, I tell her about my encounter. "It was like…" my voice trails off. "Like what, Cat?" she places her hand on top of mine. "It was like my father came back, just as a different person, only nastier meaner. M'lady we need to stay on guard." "And that's why we're here, Cat. Now, I have something for you." "Oh?" I smile. I like surprise.

Her surprise is a kiss, and even if it is a simple kiss, the gesture is warm and sweet, full of Ladybug's love.

But in my dreams that night, Scorpius stars in them all, shaking his head and telling me "I told you so." I don't understand, but this is a dream and dreams are often puzzles.

When I wake in the morning, and head to the bathroom, I pause, looking at myself in the mirror. The golden bell at my throat is to signal the joyfulness of a domestic house cat, but where is my joy and where is home?

At present, I'm not sure of anything.