I transform immediately into Claw Noir to avoid hypothermia. The snow is like a living being, shoving and pushing me as the wind blows it around. I need to find shelter, fast.

I'm on a slope, and up the incline on this hill, cave darken the skyline. I shiver, wrapping my arms close to my chest for warmth, my long leather-belt tail waving in the wind.

The snow makes me sleepy and the deep drifts sap my enegery, but I push myself to keep moving, one foot in front of the other, slapping my cheeks when my eyes start to close. A few times I stumble in the snow, doing a face plant, leaving my face numb.

Eventually, I reach the cave entrance and wander inside the entrance, where I plop down shivering, waiting for the snow to let up a little.

I'm to numb from the cold and my emotions to cry, but I wish I could have one last glance at Marinette before I left, blown her one more kiss. Instead, I threw angry words at my father, and left in anger and sadness.

Did I leave in haste? Could I have tamped down my anger and not exploded? Did I...make the right choice?

There's no way back now, the only way is forward and I can see ruby red sunlight peeking through the clouds. The wind isn't as strong here and I plough through the snow towards the trees, hoping to find branches to start a fire.

I lug back all that I can carry, and if small luck would have it, I find mint leaves and a berry bush hidden under the snow. At least I can make tea, and I do so, after striking two stones against each other.

The fire crackles to life, and I warm my cold hands by the fire. I'm a lone traveler, but it feels good to have freedom, nothing and no one holding me back.

But after I finish my tea and stain my hands with berry juice, I feel restless and decide to go deeper into the cave.

The deeper I go, the colder its gets, and its a different kind of cold to one outside. Good thing I have night-vision or I would have lumps all over me.

I start to feel exhausted, and seeing the cave is abandoned, I find a dark corner, hold my baton close and curl up in a ball, waiting for sleep which finds me quickly.

I wake refreshed, and resume my travels, finding that the path seems to be sloping downwards. I have to move with extra caution now, as the path is slanted and steep.

And one slip is all it takes for me to fall down on my rump and slide down, down, into an another cavern, colder and darker then ever before.

Ouch! The fall is not pleasant but my suit cushions my fall somewhat. I feel tears of frustration build in my eyes and I want to punch a wall. Why am I the one with horrible luck? Is such the life of a lonely and wanting-to-be loved black cat?

I'm having a very bad day. I slump over and cry for awhile, wailing and meowing, and seeing its getting me nowhere, I take stock of my surroundings.

Working with my compass on my baton, I find which direction is north, and I squint into the darkness. Are my eyes deceiving me or is there actual light at the end of the tunnel? Only one way to find out.

My feet are growing sore, but I've found the light, and the path seems to be sloping upwards, to a possible way out!

As I ascend upwards, the stone walls grow smoother, not as rough as down in the darkness. Suddenly, the path goes up again, and when I crest what seems to be a hill, I gasp aloud.

The Temple of the Guardians lies not so far in the distance. They provide warmth, food, shelter. Little waves of hurt crash into my heart. Could they be the family I always dreamed of?

I drop down on my stomach, now that I have a clear view. Wasn't the Supreme supposed to have come there before me? Wouldn't he have caused destruction like he did to my beloved Paris?

I need to find these answers, so up I go, and pursue a new path.

I'm positively exhausted by the Temple I climb the long staircase to the giant red door with the dragon's head knocker.

"Dear heavens, my child," a man with a kind voice and almond eyes finds me shivering on the doorstep. "Are you alright?"

I shake my head and begin to shiver uncontrollably. I need help, but I don't know what to ask. Only one name rises to my lips. "Marinette." Darkness is creeping in, and I detach my baton and pull up a picture of the two of us together. "This is my Marinette. My Princess. Please find her and bring her here."

And with that, I fall with a thud.

Later, I'm still not conscience, but I've been moved and my body feels softer and warmer. Perhaps I am now an angel, and have sprouted wings. I know that is impossible, but focusing on comfort helps me to keep calm.

I drift back to the same dream I had not long ago where I followed my mother through the forest, but this time she waits for me to catch up, and holds me in her arms.

"Stay strong and do the right thing, my child.

Do not give in to evil, no matter how much you are tempted.

And keep the one you love close,

for love is the most powerful thing.

And lastly, forgive."

I'm to tired to process all this, and I drift away to a place with no sound or time. Only a red dot hovers in front of me, and I keep my eyes on it, waiting for my eyes to open.