Welcome! Here we are on chapter 5. I'm going to go out on a leg and say you guys slightly appreciate this story enough for more! So now I shall deliver what thou has come for! Without further adieu! It's showtime!

Key:

"Normal Dialogue"

Thoughts, "Emphasis", or Dreams

"Dream Dialogue or Memory Dialogue"

"Radio or Recordings Dialogue"

Chapter 5: Gripping Reality

In the comfort of their safe haven, Allen and his companions stood in the small room that they've claimed as theirs. Temporarily.

Many things have changed in the short time they started to dwell there. The first being that the bed now had a…cushion. They couldn't find a mattress of any kind. The only soft things was what he found. Large cushions from a couch that surprisingly came off easily. The white haired exorcist preferred not to relive what they found underneath them however. His ears were still ringing from Lou Fa's scream at the sight. To cover the bed, they were nearly forced to use the sheet that covered the mirror. Thankfully for Allen, they ended up using a sheet that covered an old piece of furniture.

All in all, they had a surprisingly comfortable place to sleep. It would've been the blessing if there were only 1 or 2 people on this little detour. But they had four people. That is not enough to fit on the bed they've acquired. Well, they could try. However, Allen guaranteed that their sleep will not be as pleasant. Instead the males chose to have their only female companion sleep on the comfortable bed. Kanda hadn't cared where he slept. Lavi made suggestive talk that nearly earned him a free ticket to see if he could fly out of the window. Allen was just a courteous person. He'd rather have a lady sleep in comfort than on the floor like the rest of them.

Lou Fa, the kind soul she is, put up a fight over the motion. It made her feel awful, she had exclaimed, that they were subjected to sleeping on the floor while she got to sleep comfortably. So, the group created a rotation between the four of them. At first it was one person gets a turn. Then it was changed to two people share and the others don't. However, the unfairness on…Lavi's side of argument and the fact that Kanda did not want to share with neither him nor the rabbit. Which the feeling is mutual. And the fact that Lavi is a notorious prankster, so sharing a bed ran risk of being a victim of his pranks. In the end, much to Kanda's displeasure, Kanda and Lavi were assigned to share the bed on their turn, while Allen and Lou Fa shared on theirs.

Kanda instantly declared that he'd rather sleep on the couch than share with the bunny. So Kanda opted to sleeping on the lone chair in the room. By this time, they were too exhausted to make anymore changes.

Now, as Allen stood with his comrades, they all had one thing on their mind. A way to get out of this place. As beautiful as it looked, they could not be here. They still had other things to do. Allen was also concerned with the repercussions they and the people back home will face at his absence. He was fully aware how the order viewed him.

"Hurry on with it Moyashi!" Allen scowled at the name.

"That's not my name! And I am!"

The exorcist stood in the middle of the room. He thought of a specific melody in his head. Orchestrating it out as if routine. When he opened his eyes. There in front of him stood, tall and proud, a white 'gate'. With a white diamond shine and pentagonal shapes that made it up. At the top, he noticed that the gate had three straight question marks on it. An unusual sight. Regardless, he successfully summoned it, so it must work.

He pushed forward and allowed himself to slide into the gate. Surrounding himself in a bright white light. Feeling hope and familiarity rise up in him. He strutted forward and he could see the door they came barreling in, just at the end. Allen reached his hand out, ready to push the door open. When his hand made contact, the door did not swing open. Instead it started cracking as if it were made of glass. The cracks resonated from where he placed his hand and spread towards the edges. It didn't take long before fractures and cracks covered the surface. Then everything stilled. The exorcist gazed at the broken door. Afraid to touch the fragile thing. Suddenly, the door shattered. Sending shards everywhere. Many landed in Allen's hair and on his clothes. The force of the destruction swept him up and threw him out of the gate. Light ran past his eyes until it was gone and he found himself slammed into one of the colored walls.

"A- Mr. Walker!" he heard Lou Fa cried out.

Allen, with a groan, sat himself up. Gazing ahead of him at the gate. It now crumbled like glass. Damnit. He rubbed his head in pain. He saw Lou Fa run to his side and examine him. Across from him, Lavi was looking puzzled and Kanda who more irritated.

"What the hell happened?" Kanda practically growled.

"I don't know! The door…it just shattered." Allen tried to explain.

"No shit."

"You think you could try it again?" Lavi asked.

And so he did. The second time around Allen couldn't even summon the gate. No circles on the floor. No pillar of white pentagonal shapes. Nothing. It irritated not only him but his companions as well. Allen, of course, kept trying. He had to get them out of here by any means necessary. So, it wasn't until his sixth try did he fell a hand grab his shoulder. The boy turned and looked at who the person could be and saw Lou Fa. She gripped his shoulder in a gentle way. She said nothing, but Allen could get the message. He let himself relax and sighed in defeat.

"So, that's it. We're stuck here." Kanda bluntly stated.

"I guess so." Lou Fa retracted her hand but still lingered around him.

"What do we do now?" Lavi questioned.

The males shrugged and sighed. Or in Kanda's case, tsked. Allen though back to what he would do on a regular mission. It was usually get to town, find a place to stay, ask around, find Innocence or purify Akumas. But they knew not where they were. Usually they were briefed on the mission, the location, and the locals. Even the currency they knew of. This was the kind of information they lacked. So what could they do?

"First, we need to find a way to gain this place's money." he heard Lou Fa speak up. All heads turned her way and she blushed at the attention. "I mean, we'll need some to get things like food or clothes. I don't know about you but I prefer not to starve in a place like this."

Lavi was the first to pop up, "I call getting food!"

Allen smiled and decided to join in. "I'll work on gaining money. On the way here, I thought I saw some bars or pubs."

"Ah, going to cheat people out of their hard earned money with cards, Moyashi-Chan?"

The white haired exorcist nodded, proud. While Lou Fa looked exasperated. "Isn't there a better way than gambling?"

"Well," Allen grabbed his chin and displayed a thoughtful expression. "There is doing circus tricks, but I don't have any equipment."

"I guess we have no choice then."

"Okay, what about you Yuu-chan?" Lavi bounced near the swordsman. "You have to participate too!"

Kanda deadpanned. "No."

"Come on! You could get the clothes!" Lavi urged him.

"No."

"Yu-chaaan!" at that the swordsman pulled his sword on Lavi, making the rabbit shriek and hide behind Allen.

"Bakanda! Why don't you help?" Allen asked with irritation. The man gave him a harsh glare and opened his mouth to growl out something before Lou Fa, the saving grace of the group, stopped it before it could get worse.

"Kanda-san, you can keep guard of our shelter. You can do that can't you?"

The man was silent for a moment. Staring at the girl as she confidently stood in front of him. After a minute, he let out an irritated sound. "Fine."

"Great!" She twirled around and faced Allen and Lavi. "Then I'll get us all other necessary things."

And so the plan was set. That night, Allen was to go to the nearest bar and gamble up some cash for them. Of course, he was secretly worried about going out without any covering for his head. It was unnecessarily cold and he preferred to have an extra layer and something to hide his hair. Alas, none of that could be found in there new shelter. Unless he wanted to use the sheet covering the mirror.

No thank you.

In the dead of night, while the families huddled in their homes and people of the night slinked from their respective shadows. A certain white haired exorcist strolled through the city. The moonlight reflected on his white locks and silver eyes. Making him shine in the streets. A polite smile was on his face as he pasted a woman who was holding a flat contraption in her hand. She had looked up and did a double take. The boy, used to this kind of treatment, gave her an acknowledged nod and kept going on his way. Still feeling her eyes staring into the back of his head.

Another this that pasted by were strange smoking boxes. They speed by him without a care in the world. Their lights illuminating their paths and leaving streaks of red or orange in their wake. The buildings around him had lights all over them. Windows were pouring out yellow light and many hung a glowing sign in them. Saying things like open on them. However, he kept on his way. Looking for the perfect place while secretly hoping not to get lost.

It wasn't until he arrived at a peculiar building. It had another one of those bright open signs. The windows were a black tint with ridiculously bright green cat eyes on them. It had a large flashing sign on it that read "Cat's Eye Pub". Next to the name was a feline silhouette with it's tail curled under the name. Seeing the word "Pub" in it's name made the boy smile before he walked towards the door and gripped the handle, pulling the door wide open.

Once he stepped inside, he felt like he just walked into a room in the Ark. A room in the Ark was always mystical and had some kind of energy. The place he now stood in had a similar feeling to it. People were conversing with one another and filling the air with their voices along with music that he did not recognize. It was too fast paced and loud for him. It was strange and a little irritating if he was honest. I would definitely remember music like this if I heard it before. The air smelled of foods and alcohol. He glanced around the room. To his left was a large smooth bar. It's counter was an inky black and silver. A strip of green wrapped underneath it. Green circular stools lined the bar counter. Behind it, stood the bartender. A middle aged man with a fluffy mustache. His hair was as inky black as the counter. He was currently cleaning a tiny shot glass not paying him any mind.

Sitting at the bar were men and women alike. Talking and conversing happily or angrily. As he saw a lady slap a gentleman before she picked up her stuff and hurried to the door. Allen stepped aside and let her pass. Not wanting to get in her way. She seemed to be furious. The other patrons sat at green circular tables with strange small, black chairs. Sipping away at their colorful drinks and eating a various of unfamiliar food items. Most were looking at those flat pieces of technology.

In his scan, he noticed a table far in the back. He smiled for a moment and carefully strolled towards the table. As he passed, people stopped talking and their eyes found his form. They all stared at him. Wonder, shock, disgust, etc. He felt so exposed in that moment. Nothing to hide his hair and scar. At least his hand was covered. When he reached the table, Allen pulled out a black chair. It barely had a back support like chairs he had seen. The support only went up to his lower back. It was new and weird. Instantly uncomfortable for him.

Finally settled down, he reached in his jacket and pulled out his deck of cards. He gazed at the deck of cards and smiled. Remembering how he received it before he had left for Edo. The card that stared back at him was the famous Ace of spades. The spade was framed by four black bat silhouettes. Keeping the whole things together was a black band with his initials in white. A.W.

"Your cards, Mr. Walker..it was missing a spade, so the three of us concocted ink coloring to make you another one."

He remembered how Lou Fa and her other friends presented it before him before he entered the Ark for the very first time. At that time, he was fairly happy. He had gotten his Innocence back, found his purpose or meaning, and was eager to go aid his friends. It was at a time where the Order was home. He had no knowledge of the monster that dwells inside of him. That monster that changed everything. His home wasn't such a happy place anymore. He is under surveillance all the time, his family members feared and hated him, and he was identified as a Noah. The enemy, a threat. People who were kind towards him now avoided him like the plague.

How he wished to go back to those simple days.

Sliding the band off the cards, he started to expertly shuffle the deck. No time to think about such things. He had a job to do. In the mist of his shuffling, he noticed people, men, coming his way. He kept his head down, acting as if he hadn't noticed them yet.

"Hey kid." a rough voice addressed him.

Allen looked up and saw the men. There were three of them. One had long hair that was pulled back in a small bun. This man wore a grey jacket that had no zipper. Which puzzled him. How does he put it on then? Like a shirt?

The other he recognized as being the man who infuriated the lady from before. He had small square glasses and a shirt that read "My Pen is Bigger than Yours". The image of what he assumed to be a pen on it was greatly different from the pens he knew of. The man was pressing a transparent bag filled with ice and water to his red cheek. It made Allen wonder what he said to get smacked by that woman.

The last man was the one who he assumed addressed him. He was bigger than him. His arms were like three of Allen's tied together. Unreal. His face sported, not only a small lining of hair on his chin and over his mouth, but a scar that was embedded into his cheek. The man wore a black, sleeveless shirt that bore a white S encased in a diamond outline.

He gave them a blinding smile and held up his cards. "Would you three be willing to play a friendly round of poker?"

"Call!"

A white clothed hand slide five cards faced up towards the middle of a table. An Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 all belonging to the diamond suit. It was the highest hand that could ever be played in the infamous card game.

"Royal Straight Flush." A melodic voice read the hand out.

Around Allen people roared. People clicked glasses together and cheered in a amazement at the boy's abilities. The people he played against did not think so. They were wearing irritated and sorrow filled expressions. They groaned and let their cards fall. Wallowing in their loss. While the teen pulled his earnings close to him. Not only did he win money, but he also received a piece of paper or a coupon as the man called it for the, quote on quote, "Best Bakery in Paris", one of the man's "sweater", three bundles of keys, and a wedding ring. To which he frown at.

The boy stood from his seat and gathered his earnings and cards. His white hair glowing in the light. "Well, gentleman it was great playing with you." he purposely left the bundle of keys and wedding ring behind. The sweater and coupon could prove to be useful.

The men gave him a defeated noise of agreement until they saw the keys and ring that he had left behind. Suddenly they're mood picked up and each grabbed their respective key bundle and one snatched his ring. The teen smiled and walked from the establishment. As he started his way down the street, he decided to count his earnings. He received four blue pieces of paper with a 20 on each and two red pieces of paper with a 10 on each. If he did the simple math, it all added to 100. 100 what? Thankfully it was written on the strips. Euro? What is a euro?

The teen turned to his other prizes. A sweater and coupon. The sweater would be perfect for the chilly weather and the coupon… Well…

GRRRR

His hand went to his stomach. Maybe he was a little hungry. If I'm hungry, everyone else must be as well. Maybe I should see how this 'coupon' works. With a new plan, he gripped the paper and read it.

"Tom & Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie?" the symbol was that of two pieces of wheat curled around a T and S.

Turning it over, he found the address. It took another rumble of his stomach for him to finally decide. Allen set on his way. Hoping not to get lost. However, his unluckiness struck again and he ended up wondering the streets. Looking for the bakery and finding no luck. It was just when he was about to cross a street did he notice the building that shone in front of him. It was a tiny little shop. It was white with gold lining and tinted windows. The windows had gold lettering covering it. Once his eyes rested on the name, he jumped for joy. Allen hurried across the street towards the bakery and once he got to the door, he pushed it open and welcomed the warm air that covered him like a blanket.

The air was mixed with sugar and bread along with other drops of flavor such as lemons, strawberries, chocolate, vanilla, etc. The inside had a color pattern that consisted of ivory, gold, and pink. Along with red-like types of wood. To his left he saw a glass case full of desert ands cakes he could only see in his imagination. On the opposite side, he saw many things on display. Breads hanging in the window and beautifully wrapped boxes.

He must've looked like a kid in a candy store because he heard a female giggle. Snapping to attention Allen's eyes found a short woman standing behind the counter. He seemed to be Asian. Chinese maybe. She had short, black hair with blue highlights. The lady gazed at him with kind and almost motherly grey eyes. She wore a white Cheongsam with a red, black, and gold plant designs. On the counter was a pink box that he never had the pleasure of seeing before. He wondered what it's purpose could've possibly been.

"Ah, good afternoon Ms." he addressed her.

"Mrs." she corrected.

"I'm sorry!" he quickly apologized but she just smiled and told him not to worry.

"What can I do for you?"

Allen walked towards the counter while eyeing what the bakery had to offer and clutching the coupon in his hands. Everything made his mouth water. "I was told that this was the best bakery in Paris?" He gestured to the coupon.

Now that he had thought about it. He knew the existence of Paris. Never went there, not even with his master or mentor. If this place was Paris, why did it look so different from the rest of the world? Clean streets? Strange machines that trailed smoke behind them? Strange clothes? Unreal devices? None of that existed anywhere else- Well maybe unreal devices aren't that strange. Considering what Komui and the science division comes up with.

The woman visibly brightened and gave him a nod. "You were told right! We have many things for you to choose from." She started to direct his attention towards the food that was safely locked behind those glass cases. There were many things from spiral rolls to chocolate cakes and tiny, colorful cookie-like sandwiches. What were they called? Macarons? However the ones that caught his eye were the chocolate filled 'Croissants'.

Telling the woman of this, she grinned, "How many would you like?"

"Four-" his stomach decided to be rude and grumble loudly.

The lady chuckled while his face flushed in embarrassment. "Are you're sure you would like just four?"

"Uhm... yes." He had to think of the others and their situation first, not his stomach.

"Well—" she reached for the 'coupon'. "-May I?"

Allen nodded his head and gave her the slip of paper. She examined it and gave him a smile. "Well, lucky for you. This is a buy two and get two for free coupon. So you'll only have to pay for two."

He smiled at the good fortune. "However, you look too thin for a teenager at...may I ask how old you are?"

With a nod and a polite smile, he gladly gave her his age. "I'm 16 years old, ma'am"

"Well, then I'll ask again. Are you sure you only want four?"

He scratched his head, "Well..." He had used his innocence on the Akuma. Eating too little wouldn't be as effective as how he normally did. But he only acquired 100 euros and he didn't know how they could stretch that for four people. They still needed many other things. If it was just him, he would've bought as much baked goods as he could. "I'm sure... four would be enough."

She gave him a skeptical stare before nodding and turning away. Presumably towards the back of the kitchen. Allen waited in silence, glaring at his abdomen for embarrassing him. He heard a rustle and turned his head back to where the lady had disappeared to. He found her coming back with a brown bag in her hands. She placed the bag onto the counter.

"That would be 2.28€."

He rummaged through this jacket pocket and brought out the money he…earned. He looked at the pieces of paper he acquired and tried to think about which would be best to give. Not wanting to take too long, he grabbed a red 10 sheet before handing it to her. Thankfully she took it, however what she did with it confused him even more. She pressed a few buttons on the pink machine and it opened! With a speed that showed how much of a routine it was for her. She pulled out other paper pieces as well as coins. When her task was complete, she handed the money to him and Allen took it.

In his hands, he now had a grey-like blue paper that read "5 Euro" on it, a silver with a brass center coin that read "2 Euro", a gold coin that had "50 Euro" stamped on it, a slightly smaller coin that was similar to the 50 euro one that read "20 Euro", and a small bronze coin with a "2 Euro" printed on it. Allen put the money safely away before looking back to take the bag of goods.

"Thank you." When he took the bag, however, it was heavier than he expected.

The woman must've seen his facial expression because she laughed. "I hope it's enough for you and your friends!"

Wait, I never told her about... Suddenly another voice cut into the air

"Maman! An order just came-" there was a gasp, causing him to halt and turn his head swiftly. Trying to find any sign of danger.

Instead, Allen saw a girl standing next to the woman, who he assumed to be her mother. They had similar features. Black hair that shimmered blue in the light. Bright blue eyes. Petite frame. The girl just had her hair in small pigtails unlike the other Asian woman. Her clothes had a black, white, and pink color scheme. With a white shirt that had pink flowers embroidered into it that hid under a black blazer. The blazer's inside was white with pink polka dots that showed on the collar and rolled back sleeves. Her pants were a bright pink that matched the flowers. The girl stared at him in shock, her mouth wide open. Her mother looked back and forth between him and her.

Have I seen her from somewhere before?

While he was trying to figure out where he saw that girl, her mother spoke up. "Marinette, what were you saying?"

"Ah! I-uh….just…yeah…the…Petersons….son's birthday…Orders…I-" she just kept staring at him in disbelief.

Taking her surprise into account, he assumed that she must've been surprise at his appearance. He had received similar reactions to his hair and scar. However, he had gotten used to it. Or so he thought. The action caused him to feel awkward. Wanting to get away from the bakery, he turned and walked away. Bag in his tight, white grip. He stepped out into the cold night, hearing the door jingle and slam close behind him. Now all he had to do was find where they were staying again.

Marinette felt awful.

She felt terrible for staring at him. The boy with the white hair. He must've thought she was judging him. No, she was just surprised to see him there. At her home! Well at the bakery, which is underneath her home, so it's pretty much the same thing. He didn't look like he appreciated her gawking at him. He probably gets people staring at him everyday.

The secret hero was curious as to why he was alone. Where were his companions? Maybe if I follow him, I'll find out.

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng!" she heard her mother scold.

The girl turned to her mom and looked at her in confusion. "What?"

"Don't stare at someone like that! It's rude."

She flushed at her mistake. "S-Sorry. I just-! He was on the news and Alya's blog!"

"I know, I saw. But still, that was rude. If that boy ever comes here again, you are to apologize."

"Yes Maman."

Her mother gave her a smile and patted her head. "Now what were you saying about an order?"

Marinette explained the reason that brought her out to her mother. Going over what she had heard. Petersons. Birthday cakes. The whole jazz. Her mind however, was off somewhere else. I need to get out of here fast.

"Maman! That wasn't the only thing I came down here for!" she announced before her mother turned away.

"Yes?"

"I-" I didn't think this far! Uhm…"I um…Alya…left her…phone! Alya left her phone here. I wanted to go return it to her! She gave it to me so that I could watch the footage she took!"

"But, sweetie, it's late. Surely you can give it to her tomorrow?"

"NO! I mean…No. I can't! She took pictures for todays assignment that's due tomorrow. I don't want her to get in trouble." she sounded desperate now, but she didn't care.

Her mother looked at her for a moment and sighed. A classic sign that she had given in. "Alright. But hurry on back. We may have superheroes in Paris, but they can't prevent everything."

"I will!" she was already rushing to the door. It jingled behind her and slam closed as she ran across the street. Her eyes catching sight of white hair that turned a corner. She picked up the pace while her secret companion flew out of her blazer.

"I knew I sensed something!" the squeak of a voice whispered.

"So that's why you urged me to go downstairs."

Tikki nodded her head. "The order that came in was just luck." the way she said that seemed old and mystical along with a little hint of amusement. Marinette grinned but kept her pace until she saw another streak of white. This time she slowed down and followed along. She slide across the brick walls of buildings, following the boy. Her kwami hovered close and out of sight. They walked for hours. With no end in sight. It convinced her that he knew she was following him and purposely tried to get her lost. That or he had completely horrid direction skills. Most likely the former.

She itched along a wall, careful with her steps. Her target just turned a corner and to through of suspicion she hung back. Who knows if she had also turned the corner too soon and she was caught. She seen it happen many times before. While the hero was doing this, she heard the sound of metal moving. She halted in her tracks. Bluebells found themselves staring at the trash can. It was still. Then it suddenly started shaking again. The girl creeped closer to the trash can. Her guards raised. When she got close, they top flew off and out a golden ball came. Racing towards her face. They collided and fell.

"Ow!"

The weight on her face lifted and she got to see exactly what it was. It hovered in front of her in it's golden glory. It was round with little horns and omg are those little feet!?...four little nubs that looked like cute feet. On it's face was a wide cross that looked strange. Swishing behind it was a long tail that had a bulb at the end. Keeping the thing in the air were a pair of golden wings. What in the world? Even Tikki was gawking at it.

"H-Hello?" at that it flew around her, as if examining her. "Uhm…do you belong to someone?" it stopped before floating before her. It's head/body(?) moved up and down like a nod. "Is that a yes?" it repeated the action. "Oh-kay. What…are you?" No answer.

"Maybe we should take it back home." Tikki suggested.

"Yeah." Marinette wondered how she would explain this to her parents. "Um…Would you like to-" she cut herself off with a gasp as it flew and sat on her head. The hero stood, frozen. Like a bird or butterfly if she moved it could fly away. She felt it dig itself into her hair before flying up. It circled her before rushing into her jacket.

"Eek!" it buried itself into her collar by her neck. The ball was freezing cold. Shivers raced down her spine. Marinette quickly grabbed the ball and held it in her arms. "Poor thing, you must've been so cold out here alone." she had no idea what it even was! Yet it acted like an animal. Sort of.

"Lets get going. Tikki! Transform me!" Marinette-now Ladybug held the ball close and flew off towards her home.

When she arrived, she had to detransform on the side of the building before entering the apartments that situation themselves over the bakery. Her kwami flew into her blazer right before she opened the door. Something that the ball took notice. She announced her presence and was met back with a shout of acknowledgement.

Sighing, she walked towards the stair way that led to her room but was unfortunately stopped. "Marinette, what is that you have in your hands?"

Damnit!

"It's a stuff toy! It was in the mail!" the ball in her hands stilled.

"Oh? Who is it from?" her father questioned. She saw his eyebrows raise.

"Uhm….well…I don't know?" that sounded more to be like a question than a statement.

Her parents shared a glance before smirking. "A mystery person huh? Could it be a secret admirer?"

Secret-! Bah! NO! The girl flushed red and stammered. "I don't know!"

Her mother squealed, "Oh! Maybe it is!? Could it be from a certain boy?"

"With certain blonde hair." her father added.

"And certain…green eyes?" they both teased in unison

With her red face, she stammered through a denial at the fact. There was no way! But…it could happen? Sure he didn't get her the golden ball. That was a given. But doesn't mean he wouldn't ever do such a thing for her. She retreated back to her room. Just the idea that her crush, Adrien, could even be her secret admirer for something was a fairy tale. Yet she couldn't stop herself from imagining it. Her imagination ran amuck while her new companion flew from her arms and around her room. The ball quickly scanned her room. It particularly took notice of her Adrien picture collection. It finally moved on to her basket full of dolls. Dolls full of superheroes(2) and villains alike. The most recent one was sitting on her desk, unfinished.

Then we'll dance by the Seine in the moonlight, where he'll propose! And it will be so- Her fairy tale ended prematurely when her eyes found her new golden companion chewing down on the work in progress doll. A screech pushed past her lips and she ran towards the creature.

"No! No! NO!" Marinette grasped a part of the doll and began to tug. "Let it go!"

The two played tug-a-war for a good solid minute before the ball released the doll. The heroine flew back and onto her pink chaise. Her doll in her hand. Sadly it's head was barely attached and hanging to the side. She glared at the ball. It had flown and landed on her keyboard. Successfully revealing the computer screen. On it was a video on the attack that was paused right on the white haired boy. With his sword on his shoulder and his cape floating around him. She had to give Alya props for finding such a great angle of him.

It seemed like the ball agreed because it showed…emotion? It's wings and tail shot up before happily flailing about. Does the ball recognize him? The doll was forgotten as she got up and walked over to the computer. When the girl looked at the being, she was shocked to find it's "cheeks" had redden. How can this thing have such human like emotions?

"Do you know him?" at that it flew up and seemed to make, what she assumed was, a nodding motion.

"Marinette! This is perfect! We could use it to find them!" Tikki suggested.

"Good idea!" she turned towards the ball ready to ask the question when her mother's voice carried up to the attic bedroom.

"Marinette! It's dinnertime!" At the word dinnertime, it activated, per say. It opened it's mouth, which was filled with rows of shark-like teeth, and projected a recording.

The scene was in a white room. Pure white. She had never seen a room so sparkly white before. There was even a white coach, a white grand piano, and a large mirror in the small room. There were three occupants of the room. Two she was unfamiliar with and one whom she recognized. The two she couldn't identify were a man and woman. The girl had a pixie cut hairstyle and looked beaten up. Bruises littered her body and her legs were wrapped tight in bandages. I wonder what happened to her. She had on a sleeveless sweetheart top with tiny shorts held up by a silver belt. The other was a grown man with long flowy red hair. Sort of like a boy she knew from school. Could they be related? The one she recognized was also in a similar state as the girl. He had bruises on his body, the white and black jacket he wore was ripped and revealed a tattoo on his shoulder. It looked as if it lead down his arm, but since it was out of view, she assumed it to be some type of sleeve tattoo.

The boy, Allen, seemed distressed about something. His expression showed it. "That score is-" his sentence was cut off by a shout.

"Dinner Time!!" the occupants seemed startled and shocked at the sound.

"What?" Allen seemed baffled.

"Lavi, it's not like he's a dog or something."

"Chill out. Watch, Chaoji. If Allen's hungry, he'll come running! Time to eat!" 'Lavi' called out once again.

The woman gasped and an emotion crossed her face, "That voice!"

The man spoke up, with a cigarette in his mouth. His voice was rough and deep. "Someone's calling out from somewhere in the ark."

Allen had a look of pure innocence and confusion on his face. Something she definitely didn't seen before in his eyes. What changed? "From inside the ark?"

The trio turned to look and found a large screen with the Pirate's face on it. He had his hands cupping his mouth. Behind him was an Asian man with his hair pulled back. They both seemed to be beaten up as well.

Lavi called out and started listing a bunch of food items. Some she had never heard of before. "Steak! Pasta! Mitarashi Dango! Food's here Allen! DIN-NER! TI-ME!" the people in the room seemed shocked and surprised at the duo on the screen. The woman especially. She had covered her mouth and her eyes glossed over.

"Lavi! Chaoji!" she sounded choked up.

"They're alive." Allen stated in shock. Alive…what happened to them?

"Looks like the town's back too. I guess they were just pulled into a dimensional gap." Dimensional?! "It's not like they died or anything."

"Master, didn't you say they died?" MASTER?!

"Well, it's pretty much the same thing if they don't come back." the women, on the brink of tears, sank to the floor and let herself cry. Obviously relieved at, what Marinette assumed to be, her friends alive.

"Ribs! Meat Stew! Steak! Mackerel Miso! Kimchi! Curry! Hayashi! Grilled Liver and leek! Allen!" She had to admit some of those food items sounded delectable. I wonder was Mitarashi Dango is.

"Marinette? Are you watching something up there?" her mother's voice broke the recording, causing the ball to stop. What had she just witness. It seemed…lighthearted and happy. "Marinette?"

She snapped from her thoughts. "Ah! I'll be down in a second!" She fixed her gaze onto the being. It flew away and sat on the railing of her loft. It's wings hung at it's sides and it's body was sunken in a bit. It looked tired. The girl wanted to ask it to show her that clip again, but it's tired state tugged at her heart strings and she decided to save it for later.

Okay…so I planned for this Chapter to be completely centered around the Exorcists and how they survive in the MLB universe with their extreme lack of knowledge on…everything modern. But then I got an idea…and you know how that works out. Anyway maybe I'll try to tackle it again in the next chapter. Until we meet again.

Ciao-su~!