Notes: On to the next grade

Disclaimer: I don't own the Miraculous franchise

Miraculous Universe

Ch. 3: School Days

With Adrien being homeschooled, the travel bug bit Emilie again.

"Again, Emilie?"

"I can't help being restless, Gabi. Besides, at least you know I'll come back, as opposed to someone like Audrey."

"And I suppose that this whole superhero rumors thing has nothing to do with it?"

"Oh no, it definitely does. I know I was close to finding answers."

Gabriel sighed, "It's not like I can stop you."

"Nathalie!" she called, "Pack your bags! We'll follow that trail!"

"You know," Nathalie said to Gorilla, "One of these days, it'd be nice if she took you instead."

He just shrugged and walked away.

"Look up departure times as well!"

"Yes, of course, Emilie."

They had to wait a week for a good time. Adrien was used to Emilie running off, but that didn't mean he had to like it.

"I'm off on another adventure, mon amor."

"Glad to hear it, Maman."

"No telling when I'll be back. How are your studies going, by the way? I know I get busy."

"All the tutors say I'm doing well."

"Tres bein. You know I love you, right?" she said, giving him a hug.

"Yes, Maman. I love you, too."

So once again, Emilie and Nathalie were on the hunt...eventually. They made a few pit stops in various countries.

"Shouldn't we just head straight for the mountains from before, Emilie?"

"Nathalie, this is still technically a vacation. Just relax a bit. That is unless Gabriel calls you, in which case you'd better be strictly business. Honestly, that man hasn't taken a break since our honeymoon."

"It's not exactly wise for both of you to be on leave. You do have a child, after all."

"Don't be silly, Nathalie. We'd take Adrien with us. I'm sure he'd love it."

"I know he would. He's much like you in that area. Always wants to be out and about."

"Is he?" Emilie was legitimately surprised.

"Yes, but he hides it behind a stoic façade...much like Gabriel."

"You know, Nathalie, I don't think it's unreasonable that Gabi and I are a tad overprotective. After all, Adrien is famous, and he's not even a model yet. On the other hand, I hate to see him unhappy. Maybe we should be ever so slightly lenient once it's time for him to move on to collège. He'll still need a strict schedule, of course. I'll have to ask Gabi his opinion."

"He usually does whatever you tell him...I mean, ask of him."

Gabriel called Nathalie at least once a day. After several weeks of relaxing at various resorts, Emilie finally went back to the mountain region from before. In no time at all, they reached the dilapidated temple that they didn't get to explore last time.

"Shouldn't we have hired some climbers and such to accompany us?"

"You worry too much, Nathalie."

"You don't worry at all," Nathalie muttered.

"Do you think this temple has been combed through already?"

"I'd say it's a very likely possibility."

"Well who knows? Maybe we'll find something."

Emilie led the way into the run down building.

"Please be careful, Emilie."

Emilie went through every room, or at least the ones that were still standing. She looked high and low, and still found nothing. There was one last room to check: the basement. Careful to avoid any weak stairs, Emilie made it to the bottom. She began to tear the room apart.

"There must be something here," she said aloud to herself, "Please don't let this trip be for nothing."

There was one spot left to check. There was an old cabinet that looked like it was still holding together.

"Being in the basement must've shielded it from too much damage," she thought to herself.

Her curiosity led her to open it.

"Nathalie, come quick!"

"What is it? Did something happen?"

"You could say that. Look what I found!"

Nathalie carefully made her way towards Emilie.

"What's that you're holding?"

"I found something at last! It's a book!"

She rolled her eyes, "A book? Oh joy. If things get more exciting, I'll have to lie down."

"Very witty. Look at this thing. It's obviously very old."

She handed it to Nathalie. Nath flipped through it, seeing that multiple languages adorned various pages. There were also people in costumes, just like those blurry photographs. Every 'hero' was pictured next to some type of trinket, and each was stylized after a different animal. Most of the pages in the back were blank however.

"This proves I was right, doesn't it?"

"So it would seem. Considering the contents, I believe the correct term for this would be grimoire."

"Oh, if only I could find one of those jewelry pieces pictured in there. I may not be able to read it, but I'm willing to bet those knickknacks are what turn you into a superhero. We must get this back immediately and have it translated. Hold onto it please. I'm just too excited!"

Emilie ran outside, with Nathalie close behind. Emilie was running and jumping around.

"This is going to change everything."

"What exactly are you trying to accomplish?" Nathalie asked.

"It's not enough to be rich and famous, Nathalie. If we were to have superpowers, we could truly change the world."

Emilie went to stand on a nearby hill.

"Think of the problems we could solve. Think of the changes we could make. What more challenging role could an actor ask for than becoming a real life superhero? We will be...ON TOP OF THE WORLD!"

Her voice echoed through the mountains. They could hear snow falling off the mountainside in the distance. Just then, the ground beneath Emilie's feet began to shake. She was losing her balance.

"EMILIE!"

She tried regaining her balance and started to move towards Nathalie, but the ground beneath her collapsed.

"NO!"

Nathalie dropped the book and tried to reach for Emilie, but it was too late. She fell...

"What am I going to tell Gabriel," she asked herself, trying to hold back tears.

She decided to hold off on telling him until a search party could be made. It took several days, but eventually Emilie's body was found. Nathalie gripped the grimoire tightly.

"Emilie lost her life because of this thing. I won't tell Gabriel about this...at least not yet. He'll be heartbroken. I have to give him time to grieve. Still, I have to tell him eventually. Maybe in a year or so, but not now. Don't worry, Emilie. I won't keep him in the dark forever."

As difficult as it was for her, and although she would rather tell him in person, she decided to call to tell him the news. At least that way he could mourn in private.

"Nathalie, it's about time you called. What's been taking so long?"

"Are you somewhere private, sir?"

"I'm in my study, why?"

"Sir...Gabriel...I have some bad news."

His eyes went wide, "What happened?"

"Emilie...she...she's dead."

"...what?"

"There was an avalanche, and a cliff, and well...I tried to save her."

"Did you...?"

"Yes, sir. I didn't want to call you until we could recover the body."

"Is she...intact?"

"Apart from some bad cuts and severe bruises, yes."

"Get her back home, immediately."

"Right away, sir. I am truly sorry."

"Thank you, Nathalie," he said as he hung up.

Gabriel turned off the lights and sat down in the nearest chair. He was never an overly emotional person, so he just sat there, still unsure how to process things. Word got out fast that Emilie Agreste had passed away. Dozens of people arrived for the funeral. Amelie and Félix were there, of course, André and Chloé were there, Tomoe and Kagami paid their respects, Fu made a brief appearance as well. Surprisingly, Audrey was there, although she didn't stay very long. Officer Roger Raincomprix was on hand with a few of his men for crowd control, and Sabrina was with him. Only family and friends were allowed in the mansion afterwards. Roger and several other police were there to keep away any uninvited guests. Gabriel sat in the living room, not saying a word. Nathalie sat next to him. Tomoe sat on the couch next to André.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without her," André said.

"She was such a good friend," Nathalie added.

Meanwhile, in Adrien's room, he had finally collapsed in a sobbing heap, while Chloé hugged him. Kagami and Sabrina gave him space.

"I can't believe she's gone."

"Neither can I, Adrien."

"She was always so nice," Sabrina said.

"A very winning woman," Kagami said, "She could convince anyone to do anything."

"That's why she was an actress," Chloé said.

Back downstairs, Amelie and Félix went to see Gabriel.

"Gabriel," Amelie said.

"Amelie...I'm sorry about your husband."

"That was a year ago. You didn't even bother coming to the funeral."

Gabriel said nothing, just avoided her gaze.

"Anyway, that doesn't matter anymore. I know this is a bad time, but if I don't bring it up now, I may not get another chance. Give me your ring."

He immediately snapped out of his stupor, "What did you say?"

"The wedding rings that you and Emilie wore. I want them back. They belong to the Graham de Vanily family, and since she's gone, they belong to me."

"You're seriously bringing this up now?" he growled.

"Don't make this more difficult than it has to be."

"This ring is a memento of her. I won't give it up."

"Honestly, it was never yours to begin with. Besides, we've already got its twin."

Félix held up Emilie's ring and handed it to his mother.

"You took her ring from her hand, today of all days? You little thief!"

"It's not stealing, Gabriel. She took the rings against our parents' wishes."

He stood up, "Get out, and don't come back."

"Fine by me. Say goodbye to Gabriel, Félix."

He walked over to Gabriel and took his hands in his.

"I'm sorry about Tante Emilie. Au revoir, mon Oncle."

Gabriel sneered at the child, and then looked at his hands. His ring was gone. Félix and Amelie were walking out the door. Just before he did, Félix held up his hand and flashed the ring, a smug smile on his face. Gabriel was seething, but knew it was pointless to argue.

"Those English pests win this round, but at least they're out of my life forever."

Thankfully, Adrien's friends were allowed to spend the night to keep him company. Kagami and Sabrina were trying to play a card game. Adrien was laying still on his bed. Chloé was sitting next to him, lost in her thoughts.

"I didn't even get to go to the funeral."

"Your parents have always been overprotective," Chloé replied.

Adrien leapt up and starting punching a pillow.

"I know! They're always keeping me locked away! I had to hear she died on the news instead of father telling me! They're always busy with other things! I'm mom hadn't run off again, maybe she'd still be alive!"

Kagami shoved Adrien onto the bed.

"Adrien, while I certainly don't agree with your parents' methods, nothing can change what happened. On the other hand, don't be like your father and keep everything bottled up. That's why we're here. We'll always be there to help you."

Adrien sighed, "My father's always been a quiet person. Now he'll probably be even worse."

"Maybe try to reach out to him more," Sabrina suggested.

"He's always busy. Can you imagine having to make an appointment to talk to your parent?"

"As I said," Kagami continued, "You're not like him. You have us."

"Do you think he'll ever let me attend school with you guys now?"

Chloé spoke up, "You need to be around people and make friends now more than ever. I promised you I'd get daddy to talk to him and Nathalie. It might take a while, but you will be free...ish."

"Thanks, Chloé. Thanks, all of you. Group hug?"

"Only because you asked," Kagami replied.

After the hug, Chloé spoke up again.

"Don't worry, Kagami, I didn't forget about you."

"Pardon?"

"I also said I'd get daddy to help convince your mother to let you attend regular school."

"I wish you the best of luck."

Meanwhile...

Marinette had heard on the news about the death of Emilie Agreste. She talked about it with Nino after school.

"I didn't know her, of course, but she was very well connected. Actually, the first thing I thought about was their son."

"Oh yeah, the Agrestes do have a son," Nino said, "They don't talk about him much."

"I don't know anything about him, but I know it can't be easy to lose a parent. I don't know what I'd do if I lost my mom and dad. I hope he's okay. I hope he has friends."

"You said Chloé mentioned him. Do you think they're friends?"

"If they are, it's weird she never brought it up before."

"Maybe she wants him to have his privacy. He is kind of famous."

"She also said that when he was old enough, his parents were going to make him a model. Then his picture will be everywhere."

"That's what happens when you're famous, Nette."

"That doesn't make it easy. I hope he's doing well."

Despite such tragedy, life went on as usual. In no time at all, a year had passed since Emilie's death. It was the very same day she had died, in fact. Nathalie had been anticipating this moment. She reached into her own private safe to get the grimoire.

"It's now or never," she thought.

She made her way to Gabriel's office.

"Sir?"

"Yes, Nathalie?"

Gabriel had taken to wearing an all white suite. It seemed to give him an air of detachment. His eyes were glued to his computer monitor.

"This isn't easy to bring up, but...before Emilie had her...accident, she found something."

"Why should I care?"

"I wanted to tell you sooner, but I knew you'd need time."

"Nothing helps, Nathalie."

"Regardless, sir, this is what she found."

"A book? Riveting."

"It's actually a grimoire, sir. Everything she was looking for is in here."

Now he seemed a bit intrigued, "Really?"

"See for yourself," she replied, handing him the grimoire.

He flipped through all the pages.

"So it was all true. These trinkets in the pictures. Did you find any of them?"

"I'm afraid not, but perhaps if we had proper equipment and went back to the site, then we might have success."

"Do you have any idea what this language is?"

"There are actually several different languages in there. The predominant one, however, seems to be of a Chinese dialect."

"You can't trust online translators these days. We need someone who's a professional."

"Well, sir, the only person that leaps to mind is -"

*DING DONG*

She answered, "Yes?"

"Bonjour, Nathalie. I trust Adrien is ready for another lesson?"

"Of course. Come right in."

That's when she came to a realization, "He's really our only option."

That's when Fu walked in, giving a nod to Gorilla.

Gabriel stood up, "Monsieur, a word, please."

"Of course, M. Agreste."

"In here. Close the door, Nathalie. I have here, M. Fu, an ancient grimoire that I acquired abroad."

"My goodness, this is very old indeed. You can tell just from looking."

"You've done such an excellent job teaching Adrien. Chinese is like a second language to him now. I had hoped, perhaps, if you could translate this book for me. You're a man of the world, after all. You've done a lot of traveling, so you say."

"I wouldn't say it if it wasn't true. However, this is a lot of work. It will take some time to translate all this. Balancing my business, my side job, and this, will take some effort."

"Rest assured, M. Fu, I am in no rush. Take all the time you need. It doesn't matter how many years it takes. I will make it worth your while."

"Well, who am I to pass up an offer like that?"

"Very good. Please, go on with Adrien's lesson. We'll have the grimoire ready for you before you go."

Fu nodded and, after Nathalie opened the door, made his way to Adrien's room.

"I don't entirely trust him, Nathalie."

"You'd be foolish not to be suspicious, sir. I already made copies of all the pages."

Fu was now in Adrien's room.

"Bonjour, Master Fu."

Fu seemed to be lost in thought.

This time, Adrien tapped him on the shoulder, "Master?"

"Huh? Oh, sorry, my boy."

"Is something on your mind?"

Fu looked around, "I probably shouldn't tell you this, but as we're friends, I shall. Just don't tell anyone else."

"Promise."

"Your father has asked me to translate a very old book for him. A grimoire to be exact."

"Grimoire? Isn't that like a spellbook? I've never known father to have any inclination to the fantasy genre."

"This is no mere fantasy, my boy. I didn't tell him this, but I recognized that grimoire. It comes from a temple high in the Asian mountains. I used to visit there when I was a boy. The temple was destroyed during the war."

"Why?"

"The guardians of the temple couldn't stop rumors and the like from getting out. Eventually, outside forces found out exactly what they were guarding."

"And what was that?"

"Ancient trinkets that possessed mysterious powers. They called them Miraculous. Whoever wore one of these trinkets would gain those powers."

"Wow, then I guess miraculous is an appropriate word."

"Quite so. Well, we better get on with the lesson."

Later...

"You're brilliant, my boy."

"All thanks to you, Master. Are you really going through with translating that grimoire?"

"I must. Besides, it might benefit others in the long run."

He was about to leave, but stopped.

"Adrien, it's been a year since your mother passed away. Everyone grieves differently. Your father has shut himself away. As for you, I'm glad you have friends to help, but don't ever hesitate to call me if you need someone to talk to. Don't be afraid to bring it up during lessons. I said I was your friend, and even if I was no longer your teacher, that would still be true."

Adrien hugged Fu, "Thank you."

Fu smiled, "Au revoir, Adrien."

"Au revoir."

As Fu walked past the study, Nathalie handed him the grimoire.

"Ah, thank you. I don't suppose I could ask exactly why you'd like this translated?"

Nathalie thought for a minute, "You are aware of the late Mme. Agreste's propensity towards globetrotting?"

"Of course."

"On one of her travels, she happened to find this grimoire. M. Agreste would like to read it for sentimental reasons."

"I understand. I shall do the best I can."

And with that he left.

"I doubt he believed that completely," Nathalie thought, "But it's not entirely false."

"I doubt that's the only reason," Fu thought, "Still, if I refused, they might become suspicious. I'll do this, but I'll have to take certain steps, just in case."

Meanwhile, the time for Marinette and friends to start collège was right around the corner. She, Nino, and Kim, had hoped to get the same homeroom. The first day of school seemed to get here quickly. Marinette had to set her alarm so that she could wake up early and not forget anything. She decided to take a box of macarons to school to hand out to her fellow classmates. As she went to the kitchen to grab breakfast, she glanced at the news on TV. One of her parents must've turned on the television. There was a report on how Gabriel Agreste was still making brilliant clothes and accessories, but had become a shut in since his wife passed, with his son still being homeschooled. There was also a story on a man visiting the embassy named Dr. Louis Kananga. Apparently, as he explained to the other delegates, particularly a woman named Rossi, there was a drug smuggling problem in his country, and it was possible that Paris might be one of the destinations for the drugs.

"I hope our police can help in some way," she thought to herself.

She looked at the nearest clock, grabbed the box of macarons, and dashed into the bakery.

"Au revoir, Maman, Papa."

"Have a good day at school, Marinette," they said.

Meanwhile...

At the school, Chloé and Sabrina were standing outside.

"Chloé," Sabrina said, "Adrien isn't coming. If he was, he would've told us so."

"I can dream, can't I? I can't stand the thought of him still being locked up in his room."

"Maybe once his father has had time to mourn, he'll let Adrien come to school."

"I don't think Oncle Gabriel will ever stop mourning. He loved Tante Emilie more than anything...even Adrien."

"Excuse me," said an unfamiliar voice.

The pair turned around to see a girl with glasses and thick, red hair.

"I was wondering if you could -"

"Look, new girl, I can understand where you're coming from, but I'm not in the mood right now. However, I know the perfect person to show you around. She should be arriving right about...now."

She turned to look, and that's when Marinette came around the corner and tripped.

"I'm okay!"

Chloé looked back at the new girl, "You wanna go help her up?"

New girl ran over, "Need a hand?"

"Yes, thank you. Oh good, the macarons weren't crushed. Have one, uh..."

"Alya Césaire, and you?"

"Marinette Dupain-Cheng. My parents own a bakery, but I made these myself."

They began walking towards the entrance.

"Really? These are delicious! My mom is a chef. She taught me everything I know. She just got a new job here actually. I believe it's at that big hotel -"

"Le Grand Paris," Chloé interrupted, reaching over to grab a macaron for herself and Sabrina.

"How did you know that?"

"Because my daddy manages that hotel. I live near the top floor, as a matter of fact."

"Fascinating...anyway, my dad got a new job here as well. He works at the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes."

"That's so cool. Do you have any siblings?"

"My older sister Nora is a kickboxer. She's even teaching me savate. I also have my younger twin sisters Ella and Etta. I'm the one who usually ends up babysitting since Nora's busy with lycée or matches."

"Well, I may not know where everything is in the school yet, but I can introduce you to a few people. For instance, over there is my friend Kim."

"The tall guy with the pointy hair?"

Kim was competing against Alix for number of push ups while Max kept count. Several other students stood around watching.

"He's one of my oldest friends. The fiery redhead is Alix. She's pretty much the only one who can match him. Max is the guy keeping score. I don't see Nino anywhere though. He's my other oldest friend. He's probably hiding somewhere listening to his headphones. By the way, do we have the same homeroom?"

"Take a look," she replied, holding out her schedule.

"Oh, nice, we do."

"Then that means we'll have to sit next to each other."

"Totally. How's it going, guys?"

"I'm about to beat Kim," Alix said.

"You wish!" Kim shot back.

"You're both still tied for push ups actually," Max said.

"Well how about you put the match on hold and have a macaron?"

Kim and Alix looked at each other. They each gave a nod, and then collapsed on the floor.

"Match put on hold for snacks," Max declared, taking the macaron Marinette offered.

She held out the box for Kim and Alix.

"Help yourself, Nate," Marinette said.

Nathaniel had been standing in back of the onlookers, but stepped forward to take a macaron.

"Nathaniel, this is Alya."

"Pleasure," he said quietly.

"Over here we have Aurore and Mireille. Have a macaron, ladies."

"Hey, Marinette, thanks"

"Yeah, thanks, Marinette."

The duo reached their classroom.

"Go on inside and take a look. I'm gonna stay out here and hand out the rest of these macarons."

"Sounds like a plan."

Just as Alya was about to walk through the door, she ran into someone coming out of the classroom.

"Oh, excuse me. I wasn't looking," Alya said.

"It's no problem. I..."

The boy trailed off and just stood there with his mouth open. Alya looked around, confused.

"What's the matter? Do I have something on my face? Because I assure you it's a beauty mark."

"I, uh, I believe it," he replied nervous laugh.

"Oh, there you are," Marinette said, "This is not only a new student, but also my new friend - Alya Césaire."

"H-h-hi."

Alya finally seemed to understand what was going on. She smiled, and then reached up to close his mouth.

"Oh, thanks, sorry."

"Not a problem. What's your name, handsome?"

"I'm...uh...I am...uh..."

She chuckled, "Are you always this articulate?"

"Nino!" he cleared his throat, "Nino Lahiffe, nice to meet you."

"Pleasure's all mine, Nino," she said as she batted her eyelashes.

If Nino wasn't blushing before, he definitely was now.

"Would you mind showing me the classroom, please?"

"What? Oh, sure, of course. Let me just...run to les toilettes real quick."

He dashed away, almost losing his hat.

"Wow," Marinette said, "I have never seen him like that before. He's got it bad."

"What can I say? It must be my exotic beauty. We lived in America for a while, you know."

"I wish I had your confidence."

"Is there a guy you're interested in?"

"No, but I meant in general. You seem so self-assured."

"I confess that I'm at least partly inspired by comic books. All the women in them have such strong personalities. In fact, it's what inspired me to eventually pursue a career in journalism."

"Alya the intrepid reporter, huh? I hope you don't get into too much trouble."

"What about you? Are you going to be a baker like your parents?"

"Maybe on the side, but what I really want to do is design clothing. I might also dabble in engineering."

"My goodness. Here comes Marinette, jack of all trades."

That's when Nino came running back.

"Sorry I took so long. Can I get one of those macarons, Nette?"

"Allow me," Alya said, grabbing a macaron, "Open up."

Nino was very surprised, but complied. She started to slowly push the macaron into his mouth, but then rather roughly shoved it in.

"I'm sorry," she giggled, "I couldn't help it. Please don't choke."

"I'm fine," he mumbled through a full mouth.

Marinette leaned over to Alya and whispered, "Don't tease him so much."

"I can't help it. He's just too cute."

Nino finally swallowed the macaron, "Perfect as always, Nette."

"Now then," Alya continued, "You were going to show me the classroom, right?"

"Right this way, beautiful," Nino replied, "I cannot believe I just said that."

Eventually, all students made their way to their homerooms. The classroom had four desks on each side. On the right side, Chloé was of course sitting next to Sabrina at the very front. Behind them was Alix and a shy girl named Mylène. Behind them, Kim sat next to Max. In the back, Rose sat next to Juleka. The pair made for an interesting contrast. Rose wore a pink dress, while Juleka wore a black shirt and purple pants. On the left side of the classroom, the front desk was empty. At the second desk, Marinette got to sit next to Alya. A large boy named Ivan had the next desk to himself. In the back, Nino shared a desk with Nathaniel.

"Mme. Bustier?" Marinette said, "You're the teacher?"

"There was an opening and I took it. What can I say?"

"Do you double at the other school?"

"Oh no, that would be overkill. The position has already been filled. Now then, class, let us begin."

School went on like normal. Afterwards, Marinette insisted that Alya meet her parents. After a quick phone call to her parents, Alya went with Marinette.

"Maman, Papa, I'm home! I brought a friend. This is Alya Césaire."

"Nice to meet you both."

After a brief summary of Alya's family, they all had dinner.

"Thanks so much for dinner. I didn't think anything could come close to my mom's cooking."

"That's quite a compliment coming from the daughter of a chef. As a matter of fact, my brother is a famous chef. Just a minute, I'll get the scrapbook."

Eventually, Alya's sister Nora came to pick her up. Marinette was looking out the window.

"Wow, your sister's big."

"Like I said, she works out a lot."

"Oh yeah, but I meant like tall."

"Dad's a tall guy. I'm sure I'll be just as tall as Nora. Your dad's a big guy. Maybe you'll get some height."

"That would be nice."

"Hey, Alya," Nora said, "You made some nice new friends. Nothing like sweets after a workout."

"Marinette, this is Nora."

"When I'm in the ring, though, my name is Anansi."

"Why does that name sound familiar?"

"It's a spider from African folktales. The stories were spread to the Caribbean. Although I've told Nora more than once that it doesn't make any sense to call herself that. Anansi was a trickster, which is the complete opposite of beating people up."

"So in other words," Marinette said, "You're only using the name because it sounds cool."

"Whatever," Nora replied, "Time to go."

"Thanks for dinner, Marinette. See you tomorrow. Let me know when you'd like to meet the rest of my family."

"I'll talk it over with my parents. Au revoir!"

Two weeks later, Marinette joined Alya's family for dinner. She met her mother, father, and younger twin sisters.

"I almost forgot," Alya said, "You need to see our pet."

Marinette looked around, "What is it? A dog or a cat?"

Alya pointed towards a terrarium.

"Oh, so what is it? A frog or a lizard?"

She leaned in closer, but saw nothing.

"She's hiding," Alya said, "One second, got to get her food."

Alya dropped a cricket into the tank. It wandered around for a few seconds, when suddenly a huge tarantula reached out from under a log and sunk her fangs into the unsuspecting insect. Marinette practically leapt into the air.

"What is that thing?!"

"That's our tarantula, Hannibal. Isn't she magnificent?"

"You named her Hannibal?"

"Female spiders are bigger and live longer. The name was just really catchy. Well, who's hungry?"

It was a big meal, and Marinette loved it.

"Mme. Césaire, you're cooking is divine. Just curious, though, seeing as your job is being a cook, don't you ever get tired of it? You could just order takeout."

"Sometimes you do something for so long it becomes a habit. I cook for a living, so I feel compelled to cook at home. However, we're certainly not averse to takeout. Our Alya has a new friend. This is a special occasion."

There was still some time before Marinette had to head home, so Alya showed her her room.

"This is where the magic happens!"

There were a few superhero movies, a few superhero posters, the occasional graphic novel, pretty much everything Marinette expected.

"I know it's not as big and nice as your room, but I'm sure you'd call it cozy."

"My room is only big because it's the only room upstairs. What's that notepad for?"

"I know I could just type it up, but sometimes I feel compelled to use a pen. I'm taking notes of rumors I've found online. Every so often, someone will mention something about superheroes or supervillains."

"They really think that could happen? Seems kind of hard to believe."

"I dunno, some of their stories sound fairly convincing. I'm naturally skeptical, of course. If I wasn't, how could I be a journalist?"

"So...anything in particular?"

"One story said that in different parts of Europe, some people just go missing. If they turn up again, they're either dying or dead. It's agreed that it's to keep them quiet."

"What does that have to do with superpower stuff? It just sounds like kidnapping."

"The people who are kidnapped always claim to have seen mysterious figures in costumes. Afterwards, they disappear."

"That's actually kind of scary."

"I think once I have enough information, I'll put it all on a blog."

*Knock knock*

"Ready to go, pigtails?" Nora asked.

"I'll see you at school tomorrow, Alya."

"Later, Marinette."

Soon, summer break had arrived. Everyone was enjoying a day at the pool.

"It's too bad this is an indoor pool," Chloé said, "I could be working on my tan."

"You could've stayed home and done that, Chloé," Sabrina pointed out.

"Very true, but as I said before we got here. I'm on a mission."

"Good afternoon, Chloé," said a familiar voice.

"Ah, Kagami, so glad you could come."

"I had to tell mother I was taking swimming lessons. It wasn't completely a lie. I asked a friend from school to meet me here. You know, I still can't believe you and your father managed to talk her into letting me go to school."

"A bit of persuasion and appealing to logic. Also maybe threatening to lie about certain things..."

"Excuse me?"

"No one wants the public to think they're working their child to exhaustion."

"Actually, that's only slight exaggeration. Mother is constantly making me do more and more tasks."

"Well there you go. Being in proper school cuts down on those tasks."

"Indeed. Ah, here she is now."

A tall, well built girl with short red hair walked up.

"Ready for a swimming lesson, Kagami?"

"One moment. Chloé, Sabrina, this is my new friend, Ondine. Ondine, we must accomplish something else first."

"Oh yeah? What's that?"

"Are you familiar with Adrien Agreste?" Chloé asked.

"That guy who's like our age that just started modeling? Of course."

"Well we're going to make it so he can join us at school instead of being cooped up in homeschool."

"That's sounds awfully nice of you."

"He's practically my brother. He deserves some freedom. I figured the same routine we used on Tomoe Tsurugi would work, but Oncle Gabe might be a bit more stubborn considering."

"So you asked me here to brainstorm?" Kagami asked.

"The more the merrier."

After throwing some ideas out there, Kagami and Ondine went ahead with the swimming lesson. The next day, Chloé went to see her dad.

"Daddy, I hate to interrupt, but even though summer just started, the next school year is right around the corner."

"So true, mon ange."

"So I was thinking...I know it's a touchy subject, but it's been at least a year since Tante Emilie...you know."

André sighed, "Yes, so it has."

"I was hoping we could finally convince Oncle Gabriel to let Adrien come to school with me."

"It makes me happy with how much you look after him, but it's not going to nearly be as easy as it was convincing Tomoe, and that wasn't exactly easy either."

"I'm aware it'll be challenging, Papa, but he needs this. I don't want him to end up like Oncle Gabriel."

"Nor do I, mon tresor. Tell you what, this weekend we'll go there together and have a chat with him and Nathalie."

The weekend couldn't get here fast enough for Chloé. They arrived at the Agreste mansion bright and early. Chloé stood on the other side of the door to Gabriel's office.

"Sir, the mayor is here to see you," Nathalie said.

"Mayor Bourgeois, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Gabriel, I know we're not exactly close, but there's something I'd like to talk to you about."

"I suppose I have time."

"Gabriel, I'm sure you heard about Tsurugi-san letting her daughter go to school."

"I suppose you had something to do with that?"

"As a matter of fact...anyway, the next school year will be here before we know it. Don't you perhaps think it's time that Adrien was allowed the same privilege?"

Gabriel glared at him, "You're overstepping your boundaries, mayor. I decide what's best for my son."

"Yes, but -"

"Do NOT think about trying to invoke her name to make me change my mind."

"This has nothing to do with her. This is about Adrien. He deserves to go to school again if he wants to."

"He's already started modeling. He's famous now. He needs to be protected."

"I will ensure personally that no one steps on the premises just to get his autograph or other such nonsense. I'll have a talk with the principal, the teachers, the security, whoever it takes."

"A noble sentiment, but hardly convincing."

"Sir, if I may?" Nathalie spoke up.

"Go ahead."

"If you were to let Adrien go to school, he could wear your latest clothes. It could be good advertisement."

Gabriel looked like he might be thinking it over. Chloé, however, was tired of waiting.

"Gabriel!" she said as she shoved past her father.

"What do you think you're doing here? Grownups are talking."

"Don't you patronize me. You better let Adrien go to school with me or else!"

Gabriel actually snickered, "Or else what?"

"Or else I'm going to tell everyone what a horrible father you are."

That stopped his laughing very quickly, "What did you say?"

"You heard me! I'll tell everyone in Paris that you've ignored, neglected, and abused him his whole life."

"You little brat. Everything I've done is for his benefit. Emilie agreed with my methods. Some were her idea!"

"Well then, if want to make sure your brand's best model is happy and healthy, I suggest you let him out of the house where people can see how he's the image of perfection. Have him wear your clothes and cologne if you like, but let him go."

Gabriel and Chloé were practically having a staring contest.

"I guess I can't argue with that. You win this round, Mlle. Bourgeois. It seems your mother's shrewd business practices are being put to good use after all."

Chloé's eyes narrowed, "Audrey wouldn't do anything for anyone. Believe me, this will benefit everyone involved."

"Perhaps you all have a point. Very well. Adrien can start school this semester. However, he'll still have his electives at home. The bodyguard picks him up directly after classes. If he starts doing poorly at school, I will remove him immediately."

Chloé simply nodded and headed for the door.

"Thank you for your time," André said, following her.

As soon as they left...

"Would Emilie have agreed to this, Nathalie?"

"She did start to talk about it on the trip. With all the precautions and provisos in place, I'm sure she'd agree."

"Hmm...let's get back to work."

Outside, Chloé was jumping for joy.

"We did it, Papa! We did it!"

"Aren't you going to tell Adrien?"

"I want it to be a surprise. Let him hear it from those two idiots."

"You know, Chloé, it is true that...well, playing dirty is something your mother would do. However, I know that you did it because you care about Adrien."

"He's like my brother, Papa."

He put an arm around her, "It makes me proud that you can take one of her most negative traits and use it for good. You might've acted like her, but you'll never become her."

"Merci, Papa. Let's go home. I'm sure you've got work to do."

He looked at his watch, "Oh, I'm sure they can spare me for a while longer. Let's get some lunch."

She hugged him, "Très bien."