Ivy starts shivering, and Icicle goes to find a blanket. I put a arm around her. "I too am a orphan," he confesses. "Both my parents were singers, and they wanted me to be one too," Ivy tells us. "But when they learned I wasn't musical, they sent me to the Temple. They were on tour when they disappeared. I've been at the Temple since. I'm sorry I've been so mean to you and Cat, Ladybug."

I smile. "Water under the bridge. Now, we need a way to get home!" No sooner then the words leave my lips when a blue light fills the room, and Crumb walks out. "Did my old ears hear someone needs a lift home?" he smiles at the three of us. "We do!" we chorus. Ladybug introduces Crumb to Icicle.

"Thank you for taking care of my students while they've been away. Now, its getting late, so let's head back." "How did you de-akumatize yourself anyway, Ivy?" Ladybug asks, and I'm curious as well. "I broke free when I realized that Scorpius telling me he could make all my dreams come true was a lie. We control our own destiny, with love and guidance, of course." "We're very proud of you, Ivy. Now, its time for you three to get sleep."

Hydra wakes long enough to give me a hug, then falls back asleep. In the morning, my stomach snarls, ravenously hungry. I think I'm the first to the dining hall doors, finding the other students waiting too, when the PA system crackles to life.

"Attention, Ttieon, students. All students meet in the Assembly Hall for Morning Announcements." A collection of groans rises from the student body as I make my way over to my friends. "What's wrong with announcements?" I ask Hydra. Hydra grinned, slapping me on the back. "Nothing, but like you, they like breakfast better. Here." Hydra passes me, Ladybug and Lyra granola bars to hold us over. "I want coffee," Ladybug grumbles as we make our way over. "You always want coffee." I remind her. "Do you always want your tail?" she gives me a stink eye. I should know better to mess with her in this kind of mood. "I'll be quiet now." "Nope, I'll take a Hazelnut Latte soon as the meetings over."

The four of us find seats in the middle, and soon Crumb walks onstage looking as regal as ever. I lean over to Ladybug. "How long do you think he spends looking in the mirror combing that long beard?" I joke. I meow as Ladybug grabs my arm, her face turning a turnip purple trying not to laugh. Heh, sometimes its great to be Cat Noir.

"Good morning, fellow students!" Crumb begins. "I don't want you keep you from breakfast so I have two things to cover. If you see or anything or anyone suspicious let me, the falcuity, or Ladybug and Cat know. As Scorpius continues to attack our school, we must be vigilant! And speaking of Ladybug and Cat, with saving Ivy with their quick thinking we've decided to give them a vacation day, as long as they bring back some mountain berries from up the mountain. Ladybug and Cat, see the kitchen team before you head out! Now, no more stalling, let's get to breakfast!"

A cheer arises, my voice among the masses, until it dies in my throat as Ladybug dangles the Horse Miraculous in front of me. "I believe you have a separate chores before you relax, Kitty," she grins.

Later, when we stop by the kitchens, Crumb is waiting for us. "I packed a couple of extra things for you as you'll be gone overnight," he explains. "It is a vacation, but I want to see how you handle the great outdoors." "We'll be fine," I tell him as I help Ladybug adjust her pack.

As we held out, Ladybug laughs. "I didn't dare tell him your version of comfort and the great outdoors was napping on my balcony in your box." "Only have you kicked out for snoring to loud. I remember you pointing and saying, "March!"" "It wasn't loud," I grumble, but when our eyes catch we burst into giggles.

Its chilly as we climb the mountain, slipping into warm cloaks. When it gets dark, I set up the tents while Ladybug cooks over the fire. I drop another bundle of firewood down, and plop down next to her.

"I could have made fire-cake," I tell her as she flips it like a pancake. "Sorry I haven't had time to teach you. Soon." "So," I shift around in my spot. "What did the Reflection Wall tell you? If you don't want to tell, forget I said anything."

She's quiet as she flips the cake onto the plate, and starts a new one, watching the tiny bubbles form. Finally Ladybug speaks. "I don't think I'm going back to Art School, Cat. I want a new life and family. With you." I chuckle softly. "And here I'm figuring out what home is. Goodness its not in Paris. As much as I love the Temple, we're only here till Scorpius is defeated."

"Maybe we're both vagabonds," Ladybug looks me, her cheeks pink in the firelight. "No matter what happens, we'll support and protect each other."

Supper is good, and before we climb into our cozy tents we watch the celestial show of the night sky. Back in the City of Lights, this would have never been possible, but on a mountaintop it feels like you could reach up and touch the velvety blackness. The stars look like a salt or sugar shaker that's been tipped on its side, sprinkling stars all across the heavens.

Such a quiet beauty, and we lie cuddle up, watching till our teeth chatter. We stay in our suits as the temperature drops below freezing.

Its berry picking time tomorrow, and lots of other snowy surprises. For who knows what Ladybug will think to do with her creative mind?