Archive of Our Own ^beta

“You don’t have to fight.”

Looking at the girl, anyone would’ve thought she was standing on an unstable platform. Her hands could barely hang onto the knife in her hand and she struggled to look straight. Marinette’s voice was weak as she pushed out a sad, “I-I can do it.”

“No, you really can’t.” She’d probably die. The toads were extremely large; what Marinette said about them eating whole goats and children suddenly made sense. The ground vibrated with each hop as they hung around the empty field. He looked down at his own sword and started to wonder if it would even cut it. In his world, cutting a toad with his blade would be like cutting butter. Here, he had no clue. “Look, I’m going to test it out. If my sword doesn’t work then we’ll have to buy one from a shop.”

She looked over his sword and asked, “Didn’t it help you get here? Why wouldn’t it work?”

He shrugged and looked at the different toads in the field. Damian was glad they stayed away from the hill they were using as a vantage point. He walked a bit away from Marinette to take a better look at the area before muttering under his breath, “Tikki, is this going to work?”

Tikki popped her head out from under the gold-trimmed black mantle and looked at the toads. She hummed, “I believe so. Your weapons are fairly similar, but the lack of magical ability may not work in your favor here.”

“What’s the plan then?”

“In an emergency, put on the earrings. You may not be the true holder, but you will still have heightened abilities.”

“Is the true holder even around?”

“Yes.”

Damian sighed, “Let me guess. You don’t know who though.” Tikki shook her head while nervously giggling, much to Damian’s dismay. “For a goddess, you’re more useless than my brothers.” Tikki pinched his cheek and he yelped. “HEY!”

“What?” Tikki quickly flew into hiding and Damian regained his composure. Marinette walked over and leaned forward, “Why’d you yell?”

“No reason.”

Marinette frowned and rolled her eyes, “Sure.” She looked him over and asked, “How are the new clothes?”

Damian stretched a bit and thought for a moment. He kept his original boots and utility belt but wore a dark red shirt and black pants. The mantle was the finishing touch, at least in Marinette’s mind. Damian shrugged as he continued scanning the area, “It’s comfortable, but I want actual armor as soon as we make some more money.”

“Why do you call it that?”

“Call it what?”

“Why don’t you ever use the money’s name?”

“It has a name?”

“We just call it Tikki after the great goddess.”

“That’s weird.”

“No, it’s not. What’s weird is the fact that you made your outfit look like the bizarre costume you first came in.”

He finally found one that seemed the smallest out of the few in the area. He decided that would be the first target and pointed it out with his sword, “How about you? How are your clothes treating you?”

She looked down and frowned, “I’d rather buy fabric and make something for myself.” After Damian pointed out that fighting in her dress would be “a preventable hazard” and “dangerously stupid”, he pushed her to buy a less compromising outfit. He noted how she was quick so anything she can run in was preferable. Still, female armor and clothing for adventurers were more revealing than she anticipated. How Alya wore these outfits with the confidence of the Demon King himself, she had no clue. She ended up going to the boy’s section and buying herself some plain pants and a short-sleeved shirt. If it wasn’t for her small, but visible chest and ponytails she’d probably pass off as a boy fairly easily. She hated it. Still, she was surprised he’d do that to make sure she could move around and stay out of trouble.

Damian went as far as to buy her more comfortable shoes, but that was the most of their funds solely used for wardrobe. The outfit was horribly unflattering, but this was temporary. She dropped their things quickly in her home, not giving her poor parents the chance to ask questions, and leaving while Damian was out of sight. She felt like whining, but Damian was right; she’d fight better in this.

“Later. We don’t have that kind of time right now.”

“Promise?”

“Sure.”

She took a deep breath and nodded, “Okay. Let’s do this.”

“Just stay back for right now. I want to see how strong these are first. Once I figure out the best way to take them down, I’ll have you help with the next one.”

The look on her face displayed disbelief, “Really?”

It confused him but he had a feeling she didn’t get to do too much around here. Why? He had no clue, despite the clumsiness she seemed fairly competent. However, Damian wasn’t about to push her in the deep end and have her fight like this. She’d just get herself hurt. “Yeah, but for now just stand back until you’re comfortable.”

“Gotcha.” He stared down the smallest toad and waited for it to turn its back before charging. “Woah.” Marinette realized that his stats did not lie whatsoever. Damian moved in a way she’d only seen by veteran adventurers. She watched as he effortlessly pushed his sword through the toad’s skin and sliced into its side. It tried to swat at him and its scream brought the attention of the other toads, but he stayed focused on the one he just injured.

It was odd for her to be in awe of other adventurers. Her friends always headed the top tier list in her head, but neither came close to the precision Damian displayed. She gulped and thought to herself, “If he just registered as an adventurer today and this was his performance at his base stats, what’ll happen when he levels up?” Seeing him take down the toad and then immediately set his sights on the next nearest one made her tense. She knew he just registered as an assassin class, but he was right. Given the death toll he was racking up, it was perfect for him.

A voice from behind her nearly gave her a heart attack, “Who exactly is this guy?”

Her scream must’ve caught his attention because he immediately made some space between him and his opponent. Damian looked up only to see the same girl he saw on the rooftops with her arms wrapped around Marinette. The girl must’ve caught her from behind and it seemed that she had another man there as backup.

Damian wondered if he was getting robbed. Wouldn’t be entirely impossible, they walked around town with a sack of coins the past few hours. If these two have been spying on them since the market, then they might think they still had money. Damian cursed under his breath as he jumped out of the way from an incoming tongue from the toad he was fighting. Damian looked over to the three and what he saw made his blood boil. The man somehow got her knife, toying with and examining it. The girl had adjusted Marinette in her grip in what seemed like a headlock. Marinette seemed to be struggling while the girl poked at her and, worst of all, looked down her shirt all with a smile on her face. Marinette seemed mortified.

Damian growled and looked up at the toad. It reeled its head back, most likely getting ready to use its tongue again. However, boiling blood and adrenaline was a deadly combination. Without issue, Damian grabbed the incoming tongue and cut it off. The screech from the toad was something out of a nightmare, but it simply irritated him. He slashed at the throat, easily making it fall over. There was no way he could celebrate. Damian ran around the body and charged immediately at the stunned trio.

“Get the hell off of her!” The girl didn’t react at first, still in shock over what she just witnessed, but the boy quickly came in between them. Damian didn’t hesitate to swing at him, but it was blocked by the boy’s shield. By the ring that came from the impact and the look in the guy’s eyes, his strength was unexpected. Damian jumped back, putting some distance between him at the three to plan his next step. From the growing vibrations from the ground, they caught the attention of the rest of the toads. “Move!”

“Steal!”

There was a flash of light and he looked over at the girl. She held one of his batarangs out of his utility belt. “What?!”

The girl still gripped on Marinette’s arm, but their contact was broken by a slimy tongue wrapping around it. The girl instinctively pulled back and managed to get her hand out of the wrap. Marinette was not so lucky. Marinette was yanked up into the air and she reached out to the girl for help. “ALYA!”

“MARINETTE!”

“Alya?!” Damian cursed under his breath and looked at her partner, “Are you Nino?!” He nodded, a confused expression on his face. “Oh my- Get ready to launch me up!”

Alya tried to slice at the toad with her new weapon but was causing little damage. “Marinette! Hold on!”

Marinette was slowly sinking into the toad’s mouth, “Get me out of here!”

“Nino! Now!” Nino flattened his shield while Damian took a running start towards the creature. As soon as Damian set foot on the shield, Nino launched him up. Damian didn’t hesitate to thrust his sword into the toad and drag it down its side as gravity did the work. The toad fell over and Marinette slid out of its mouth in a pool of saliva and slime.

Alya quickly ran over and grabbed her, “Marinette!”

Marinette stood up and started frantically wiping herself down, “Gross! Gross! Gross!”

Nino sighed in relief, “Good, you’re okay!”

“Not for long.” Damian pulled out his sword and motioned to the last four toads coming towards them. “Give Marinette her knife back.” Nino didn’t hesitate.

Alya tossed over the Batarang and pulled out a shortened machete, “Alright, hotshot. Now what?”

“Nino, you have the shield. Keep Marinette out of trouble.”

“Got it!”

Damian looked over at Alya, “You ready to fight?”

“These bastards just tried to eat my best friend, of course I am.” Damian liked the answer.

“Let’s go.”

The sight hours later could’ve been a headline; four adventures covered in slime entered the adventurers’ guild with sacks full of toad meat. Alya was trying to comfort Marinette, who still seemed shaken up by the entire ordeal, while Nino tried cracking some jokes. Damian went up to the nearest register and pointed at the bulletin board. “We’re here to collect the reward.”

The poor woman, clearly disgusted by the four, took their meat. “Thank you.”

The reward was hefty, but they all agreed that the first thing they needed to do was get their clothes cleaned and take a bath at the nearest bathhouse. “Marinette, where do we get cleaned up?” Marinette didn’t say anything, instead responding with a soft whimper and Alya patted her back.

“Well, it could’ve been worse! You could’ve been eaten!”

“I was eaten!”

“Well, digested then.” Marinette hung her head and Alya sighed. She looked at both Nino and Damian before suddenly smirking, “So, who’s your boyfriend?”

Damian nearly tripped over his own feet, “What?”

Marinette whined before answering her friend, “His name is Damian Wayne.”

“That is not the part to focus on here!”

The shlop noise from Nino putting his arm around Damian’s shoulders made him scowl, “Damian, huh? How’d you meet Marinette?”

“She stared at me.”

Marinette crossed her arms and huffed, “You were dressed so weirdly, what did you expect?”

“What do you mean? He looks fine. Now you on the other hand…”

Marinette rolled her eyes, “He left his clothes back in my room, you should see th-”

“In your room?” Slime flew into the air as Alya flailed her arms, “What do you mean he left clothes in your room?!”

Damian groaned and pinched the bridge on his nose, “Can we talk about this after we get cleaned up?”

Nino grinned and pointed towards a few buildings, “We got two options. The cheaper option is to go to the public bath. Or we could go to the inn there, wash up and have a nice place to sleep. We’d have to get our clothes washed elsewhere either way, but-”

“You want the inn?”

“We would love the inn, thank you so much Damian! After all, we did help you kill those last few frogs.”

Damian groaned, “Fine but they better have spare clothes.”

“That’s one of the more expensive inns, so yes. Most likely.”

“Maybe we can get Marinette looking like a girl again.”

“Alya.”

“Hey! You made a cute boy. I know-”

“Marinette?”

The four turned around and Alya immediately frowned, “Chloe.”

“Excuse you, thief. It’s Lady Bourgeois to you, Miss Césaire.” Alya wiped some of the slime off her face and flicked it towards Chloe. Chloe jumped back in disgust, “Ugh! This is expensive!”

“Nino?” Nino looked up and almost melted on the spot when he saw a familiar blond running towards him. “Nino!”

“Adrien!” Nino pulled himself away from Damian and ran to meet Adrien somewhere in the middle. If Adrien noticed the slime covering his friend, he didn’t show it. Instead, Adrien jumped into Nino’s arms and squeezed tightly. “Dude! When’d you get back? You look good!”

“You stopped sending me letters! I thought you two died! I wanted to make sure you were okay!”

“Yeah, right! If I leave you alone for too long with little miss silver spoon over there then you’d go crazy.” Adrien laughed and wiped away some of the slime from Nino’s face. “Gross, right?”

“Very. What happened?”

Nino turned and pointed at Damian, “Marinette’s boyfriend was fighting toads and needed backup.” Both Chloe and Adrien blinked and took a moment to process the information before asking questions.

“Toads?”

“Boyfriend?”

“Stop saying that!” Damian groaned and turned around, “Let’s just go and get cleaned up.”

Chloe snorted, “I don’t know, the slime seems like an improvement. Don’t you think Marinette? The color really works for you. Actually makes you stand out.”

Marinette frowned and looked to her feet, “Yes, Lady Bour-”

“Marinette, don’t take that.” She looked up to Damian who took out the same sack Chloe had given them earlier, now full of coins, and threw it at her feet. Some of the coins fell out, but what made Chloe irritated was the slime that got on her dress.

“How dare-”

Damian decided to lay it on thick, “Thank you for your generosity, Lady Bourgeois. You’ll find your loan in the bag along with some interest. I figured an indirect method would be preferable given our current state.”

Chloe gagged as she reached down and picked the bag up with a handkerchief, “Yes, thank you.” She quickly handed the money to Adrien and threw the piece of cloth to the ground. “Well, Marinette you look atrocious. For a mediocre designer, this is terrible even for you.”

Before she could get any further, Damian asked Marinette, “Why are you working for her again?” Marinette opened her mouth but Damian immediately shook his head, “Don’t defend her. Just answer honestly.”

Marinette gulped and played with her ponytail, “To help out my family. The bakery is doing well, but the high taxes put us in debt. I thought I’d help out.”

Alya snapped her head over to her friend, “That’s the reason you’re working for her? You told me it was to make connections!”

Marinette flinched, “I knew you’d try to intervene-”

“Of course, I’d try to intervene! I’m your best friend! I could’ve paid for everything!”

“I couldn’t do that to your family!”

Alya grabbed her arms and shook her, “Marinette, sweetie, love of my life, both me and my sister are adventurers. My family is fine!”

Marinette pressed her lips together and was about to apologize when Damian interrupted, “She wanted to earn the money herself without relying on people.”

Alya looked between the two a few times before growling at Damian and pulling Marinette close, “Is that why you took her to the fields? She could’ve gotten killed! She’s a designer!”

“Stop treating her like a kid! How do you expect her to do anything by herself when you coddle her like a toddler?” Damian held out his hand, “Marinette, give me your card.”

Marinette nodded, shifting herself in a way to slip out of Alya’s arms before walking towards Damian. She pulled out her card and Damian took it. He looked it over before turning it to the group, “She’s an adventurer. We registered today.”

Chloe snorted but when no one else laughed along with her, she coughed and asked, “Wait, are you serious? Marinette can barely pour water without messing it up.”

Nino ignored the statement as he walked up and hugged Marinette, “Dude! Finally!”

“Nino!”

“Oh come on, Alya. He’s right, you totally baby her. You guys act like she can’t do anything.”

“Yeah, Marinette’s awesome.” The group turned to Adrien and he shrugged, “I’ve seen her interrogate nobles based on their clothes. Anyone that can criticize Sir Damocles at a public event for his suit and tie combo and live to tell the tale with an intact reputation is someone to be feared.”

Alya’s mouth hung open in disbelief while she read the Adventurer’s Card over and over. Damian muttered to himself, “So that explains your behavior earlier.” Damian looked over the group and asked, “Hey, Marinette?”

“Yes?”

“How much is your family’s debt?”

Marinette gulped, “Around twenty-two thousa-”

“Considered it paid.”

Marinette blinked, “What?”

“Consider it paid.”

“Wha – How?”

“You acted as bait for the toads.” Marinette flinched and was about to protest but he continued to say, “You earned your share of the reward. Even after paying Chloe back, there’s enough to pay off the debt.”

Chloe rolled her eyes, “Oh really? How much did you get? A few thousand?”

“Thirty-five thousand Tikki.”

Chloe choked and nearly screamed, “TH-TH-TH-THIRTY FIVE THOUSAND FOR A FEW FROGS?!”

“Seven to be exact. Although if Alya and Nino want a share of the reward then I’m sure we can go back tomorrow and kill some more.” He looked at the couple and Nino had to shake Alya’s arm to bring her back to reality.

“Huh?”

“Do you want your share of the reward or can we use it to pay off Marinette’s debt?”

Alya looked at Marinette and sighed, “You know I love my Tikki, but I love you too.”

Marinette thought for a moment before throwing herself at Alya and squeezing the life out of her best friend, “Thank you.”

Alya didn’t hesitate to return the hug, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

Alya pulled back a bit and wiped a bit of slime from her friend’s cheek, “Oh my god, our little Marinette is an adventurer.”

“You sound like my mother.”

Alya took that as an invitation to play it up, “She’s growing up so fast.”

“Alya.”

“And with a man by her side, no less!”

“Alya!”

Nino sighed, “That doesn’t leave us enough for the inn though.”

Adrien sniffed his slime-covered self and nearly gagged, “Nino, I will pay you to shower at least.”

Chloe crossed her arms, “So I guess this is your resignation, Marinette?”

Marinette looked over to Chloe and nodded, “Yes.”

Chloe rolled her eyes, “You’ll be back. I’m the great-granddaughter of one of the founders! The goddess has a special bond with our family, you know?”

Damian turned his attention to Chloe and asked, “The goddess?”

“Of course!”

Alya dismissed her claim with an annoyed wave, “She always says that.”

“It’s part of my family’s great history! The great goddess bestowed onto our family a great amount of fortune and prosperity for building the first church in the city. Jealous?”

“No, but I pity whoever has to listen to your family milk that for all it’s worth.”

Adrien was quick on his feet as he grabbed Chloe by the waist and held her back as she tried to lunge at Alya, “Chloe! No! If you get another assault charge, your father will have to force you out of the city!”

“Let me go!” Chloe flailed about for a minute before going limp and sighing, “I’m alright. I’m alright.”

“So if I let go right now, you won’t try to hurt our friends?”

“She’s not my friend.”

Adrien lifted her off her feet and scolded her, “Chloe.”

Chloe squealed, “I won’t!”

“Or arrest them.”

“Adrikins-”

“Promise.”

Chloe groaned and threw her hands up in frustration, “Fine! Fine! Promise.”

Adrien set her down and hesitantly let her go, “Okay.” Her face was flushed once she was set down and looked down to her feet.

Alya snickered, “Oh look, she does have an off button.”

“Alya! Stop already!” Marinette glared at her friend while Alya tried to protest.

“But-“

“No.”

“C’mon-”

“No!”

“Just one-”

“Alya!”

“FINE!” Alya crossed her arms and huffed.

Damian rubbed his temples, “You guys are more exhausting than my brothers.” The group turned to Damian and he realized that he said that out loud. Damian mumbled a quick curse and started to do damage control, “Um – I mean –”

“No, no, you’re absolutely right.” Adrien clapped his hands together and stepped forward, “And how rude are we not to invite our diplomat from Gotham to at the very least rest at our manor. Don’t you think, Chloe?” Chloe grumbled and looked away, not responding one way or the other. Adrien continued, “So on behalf of our great city, we invite you to come back to our manor. You will be given a room to rest, a bath, and dinner.”

Despite Marinette’s pleading looks, Alya asked, “Does that include friends of the guest?”

Adrien shrugged, “Sure.”

“ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Chloe stomped her foot and pointed at Alya, “I REFUSE TO HAVE THAT-”

“My name’s Alya.”

“IN MY HOME! SHE’S A THIEF!”

“Just because I started out in the thief class doesn’t mean I’m a thief! I only chose it because the abilities available early on help me during my investigations! I’ve been working on my magic! I want to be a mage!”

“Right, like I’m supposed to believe that! Why don’t I just call-”

“CHLOE!” Everyone flinched at the sudden bark, the shock soon set in when they realized it came from Adrien. Adrien took a deep breath after noticing the looks on the group’s faces. “Sorry! Sorry. Just-”

“They can come.” Adrien turned his attention back to Chloe who shuffled her feet. She had the look of a reprimanded child. Whatever her relationship was with Adrien, he held a great deal of power over her. “They can come.” Chloe visibly gulped and turned to Alya, “Just don’t take anything. Please.”

Any hint of Alya’s previous mischievous demeanor had completely vanished as she nodded. It was more of a reaction than a response. Nino was the first to recover, “Sweet! Living the high life for a night!” Nino grabbed Adrien’s arm and threw up a fist, “Drinks on Adrien!”

“I don’t drink, though.”

“You don’t have to. Me and Alya do. Thanks, man!” Adrien laughed nervously but still seemed on board with it all.

Chloe turned on her heel and started walking, “I’ll call two carriages. You all stink.”

Alya walked over to Nino’s side and grabbed onto his arm. He must’ve noticed her heightened nerves because he wrapped an arm around her and kissed her temple. “C’mon. We’ll be fine. Especially after Adrien shows us the wine.”

“I’m not showing you the wine.”

“He obviously showing is the wine.”

Adrien rolled his eyes and started walking after Chloe. He looked over his shoulder and his eyes immediately went to Marinette. By the surprised look on his face, he must’ve been expecting her right behind him with Alya and Nino. However, he noticed Marinette still hadn’t moved.

Instead, she walked towards Damian. Nino pushed his shoulder and nearly knocked him over, “What are you looking at?”

“Nothing.”

Alya came up from the other side and nudged him, “Oh! Is Adrien jealous?”

“Why? Marinette’s just a friend and they just met today.”

“Really? Today?” Alya looked over her shoulder, “That doesn’t look like a couple whose only known each other for a day.”

The boys looked back and both were surprised. Marinette was awfully close and friendly with the newcomer. His expression was one of annoyance or indifference, but he still allowed her to be close as they walked together. Alya shrugged, “I think they’re cute.”

Adrien hummed, “Yeah. Cute.”

Damian didn’t know what mask he should put on. Servants rushed behind him, answering every request and whim that the residents of the manor threw at them. If this was a business dinner, he’d normally stay quiet and ignore the jargon thrown about the room. If this was a dinner with the titans, he’d do much of the same to avoid a headache and only talk when addressed. In both cases, even if he was cold they wouldn’t be able to kick him out.

Looking around, he found an odd mix of both cases. Lord Bourgeois had his own guest, sitting at the far end of the long table discussing taxes and laws. Papers were scattered around their dishes as they ate and talked to each other. However, on his end, it was more so reminiscent of the tower. Alya and Nino were clearly becoming somewhat inebriated by the wine. Marinette and Adrien were doing their best to keep them under control. Chloe was sitting in the middle, not appearing to be part of either world.

He wanted to make a good impression if only to lengthen his stay while he figures out his next step. Damian wasn’t the personable type, but staying quiet would likely sour his image with the family. While trying to decide which group was easiest to approach, he overheard Lord Bourgeois. “-ising the taxes would be beneficial to the growth of the economy.” Considering the bakery had a fair amount of customers when they dropped off their clothes, he couldn’t imagine that the debt came from lack of business. Raising the taxes after they worked so hard to pay off the current debt would make Marinette more anxious.

“Sir, with all due respect the people are restless with the taxes as it is.”

“The people have to understand that the Demon King’s terrorism costs the city thousands in repair costs. Adventurers and travelers only bring in so much income. What we need is-”

“Have you tried looking at the current budget?”

Both men looked up at Damian who simply shrugged, “Perhaps looking at the current budget would shine some light on current liable expenses.”

The man looked at Lord Bourgeois and pointed at Damian, “Who’s this?”

Bourgeois narrowed his eyes, “As far as we know, a young lord from a land called Gotham.”

“Never heard of it.”

Damian sighed and set down his fork, “Do you have a copy of your town’s current expenses? I can help look them over.”

The man looked at Bourgeois for permission and Bourgeois nodded, “Go ahead, Roger.” Roger gathered the papers and handed them over to Damian. Damian shuffled through them, looking at its contents and humming. Roger chuckled, “It can be complex. You know, you can hand those back t-”

“It’s true that travelers and adventures are plentiful,  but the number of places they could spend their money is severely limited. There are only one or two blacksmiths and weapons dealers. You have a grand market of clothing and food. That’s not enough to make a sustainable profit. You need an attraction or a larger variety of goods. If you choose the second option, then you’d need to make sure there are fair prices on all wares, but you can allow higher prices on rare goods you can only find within the city or surrounding area.”

Damian seemed almost bored as he continued to shuffle through the reports, “Expenses on the city’s infrastructure is significantly high. Someone is skimming revenue from the taxes meant for rebuilding. This amount of Tikki should be enough to sustain a village, so you’re overtaxing your people and being scammed.” Damian handed Roger back the papers and waved his hand dismissively, “Just look at your city’s council members and see if any of them have recently made any big purchases. You’ll catch them.”

Both men simply blinked, disbelief written on their faces as Roger looked over at Lord Bourgeois. “What do you think?”

Bourgeois seemed to be embarrassed at the whole thing as he forcefully coughed in a feeble attempt to clear the tension. “Yes, well, Roger see to it that you investigate this matter at once. If anyone is taking advantage of the people’s hard work they must be severely punished.”

Roger wiped the corners of his mouth and saluted, “Right. Thank you for the dinner, sir.”

Roger scurried off and Lord Bourgeois narrowed his eyes at Damian, “So where did you-”

“My family has trained me to be proficient in various skills and trades. Economics is child’s play.”

Bourgeois hummed, seemingly satisfied with the answer before resuming eating. “Well, thank you for your input, Damian.”

Damian shrugged and finished the last bite of his meal, “It was nothing.”

Chloe scoffed and mumbled, “Sure it wasn’t.”

Adrien took notice of Chloe’s cold shoulder and peeled himself away from Nino, “Hey, Chloe-”

Chloe shied away from his reach and she sighed, “I’m exhausted. I’m going to my room.” Chloe looked up at a nearby servant and grabbed his arm, “Make sure our guests are treated well.” The servant nodded and she excused herself. Lord Bourgeois tried to call his daughter over for a kiss goodnight but was ignored as she left the dining hall.

Adrien went back to Nino and positioned himself where he could stabilize Nino as he stood up. “I think we’re all done with dinner for tonight. It was lovely.” He grunted as Nino pushed all his weight onto his friend, chuckling and slurring his little comments. “Yeah, I know Nino. You’re going to hate yourself tomorrow.”

“Damian? A little help?” He looked over and watched as Marinette struggled to stand up straight with Alya leaning on her. Damian rolled his eyes and threw Alya’s arms over his shoulder. Marinette smiled in relief and looked to Adrien, “Where are we putting them? Alya will probably just fall asleep.”

Adrien motioned for them to follow as he led them out of the dining room with a quick thank to Lord Bourgeois. Adrien walked down a few corridors and up some stairs, much to their friends’ dismay. Damian noted how antique everything seemed to be and how quiet it seemed. Adrien stopped in front of a door and opened it, “We can leave them here.” Marinette and Damian nodded as they unceremoniously dropped Alya onto the bed. Adrien brought him over and laid him down next to her before bringing up a blanket. “Why does it always end up like this?”

“Because they’re Alya and Nino.” The comment must’ve slipped out her mouth because Marinette froze and looked up to gauge Adrien’s reaction. Adrien laughed, putting a hand over his mouth to muffle the noise, and Marinette relaxed.

Damian rolled his eyes and headed towards the door, “Where are we sleeping?”

“Right!” Adrien ran over and out of the room, Marinette close behind. Adrien looked around the hall and walked over to another door. “This room can be Marinette’s and the room next door can be Damian’s. The restroom is down has a silver knob at the end of the hall.” Adrien unlocked both doors and smiled, “Breakfast will be waiting for us in the morning. Chloe and I sleep in the other wing. If you need anything, ask one of the servants.”

Damian didn’t hesitate to head into his room. He was too tired to watch Marinette try to say goodnight to the guy. Instead, he sat on his bed and looked around. An average size room with a large bed and dresser. The window had a small balcony that overlooked the courtyard. Damian stretched and laid down. “Tikki?”

The small goddess came out from within one of his belt’s compartments and hovered over him. “Yes?”

“What’s my next move? My weapons work against the creatures of this world. Even without magic, I was able to destroy those frogs.”

“You need to find my wielder.”

“Right. Is it Chloe?”

Tikki hummed and landed on his chest, “She has strong spiritual energy, but I’m still hesitant to say it’s her. My wielder is here though.”

“Alright then. Tomorrow I can convince them to go and capture more frogs. We can take the earrings for a test run.”

“Damian, you can’t just hand out the earrings to everyone. We have to be careful about this. If the public finds out that a goddess is not only among them but handing out power would cause too much of a commotion.” Tikki patted Damian’s chest, “I’m sure they’re here, though.”

Damian thought for a moment before asking, “Is that what happened with Nooroo?”

Tikki sighed, “He was too sweet, too generous. I believe he was tricked into his servitude.”

“What about the other deities?”

“The only other god to come and directly interfere with this world was Plagg.”

Damian looked down at the little creature and realized it looked vaguely like a ladybug. He absent-mindedly reached out to her and pet her head. Tikki didn’t seem too bothered. “Plagg?”

Tikki scowled, “Yes. I am considered the goddess of creation, he is the god of destruction.”

“Ah.”

“Plagg should’ve been the one to greet you. I took his post after he was reprimanded for causing too much mischief in your world.”

“Like?”

“Leaning Tower of Pizza. The lost city of Atlantis. Dinosaurs.”

“You’re joking.”

Tikki groaned, “I wish I was. We voted to temporarily relieve him of his post but he never returned.” Tikki’s face morphed from frustration to concern, “I don’t think he’s in any trouble but when he didn’t come back I worried. He’s not known for laying low for so long.”

Damian paused for a moment before saying, “You are a lot more human than I thought.”

Tikki was about to say something before perking up and looking around. Damian wanted to ask a question, but Tikki darted to the window. “Damian, come over here.” Damian got up and walked over to the window. He noticed that all the windows had small balconies, it was very uniform, but what stood out was a bright green light that moved through the trees.

Looking closer, he noticed that the green light actually looked more like a pair of eyes. Damian asked Tikki, “Is that normal?”

Tikki shook her head, “No. It’s not. It may be magic, but those eyes are too abnormal.” Damian sighed and walked around to the drawer, “Damian?”

“They haven’t finished washing my things yet. They have my weapons.” Damian roughly shut the dresser and looked around, “If someone is lurking around the grounds of a wealthy family then either they’re here to steal or here to kill.” His eyes landed on the nearby vanity and he grabbed the letter opener, “This will have to do.”

“Damian, that’s not even sharp.”

“It doesn’t need to be sharp for me to hurt someone with it.” It was shiny, new, had a pointed end but that was about all. It was too light. He wouldn’t be able to do much with it, but there were a few options. Damian looked back out the window and noticed the eyes coming closer. The little red fairy’s gaze only grew in intensity, “Tikki-”

“I know this energy.” Tikki fluttered about, trying to figure out the best course of action, before going back to the same spot, “I know this energy!”

“That’s good?”

“Depends.”

“On?”

“The person.” The two watched as a figure lurked out of the shadows and into the moon’s spotlight. It was cat-like and much too modern, reminding him of Selina’s costume back home.

Home. He wondered what his father was doing now.

“Tikki, that looks like a uniform from my world.”

Tikki nodded before turning to him, “Do you have the earrings?”

“I couldn’t exactly let the staff take them with all my other gear.”

“No! No, I’m not chastising you.” She looked at the man strutting through the courtyard and shook her head, “In fact, I’d be happy for you to try them out. All you have to do is say spots on.”

Damian was taken aback, Tikki always insisted that the only person using the earring should be the chosen descendent. If she was asking him to try them on now, this could mean trouble. “Let’s be sure we know what we’re up against before we jump to our last resort.”

Tikki nodded, but before she could respond she retreated behind Damian. He looked out the window and noticed the man use a staff that extended to an unnatural length, bringing him up to the window next door. “Shit.” Tikki latched onto Damian’s collar as Damian stormed out of the room. Damian was quiet for a moment, tuning his ear to any little noises he could hear through the door. He heard a light tapping and, despite her better judgment, he heard footsteps. Damian mumbled to himself, “She has no sense of self-preservation, does she?”

Muffled voices could be heard, but nothing he could make out. Tikki flew forward and through the wood. Damian heard a soft click, but with the sudden silence in the room, he’s sure the man heard it too. Damian stood back and Tikki flew behind him. Damian was about to ask a question when the door swung open. Marinette rubbed her eyes, “Damian?”

Damian hid the letter opener and peered over her shoulder, “I heard something-”

Marinette yawned, “What? Is this a full moon or something? First Cat Noir-”

“Cat Noir?”

The green eyes suddenly came into view and he stepped out of the shadows and into the hall’s light. The mop of blond hair was a stark contrast against the black leather and he smirked. Crossing his arms and motioning to Damian, Cat Noir said, “At your service. So, princess, I thought I was your only dark knight. Who’s this?”

Marinette was not amused, “Damian, meet Cat Noir. Cat Noir, meet Damian Wayne.”

Damian didn’t know what to make of him, but Marinette’s calm demeanor threw him off. Damian held out his free hand, “Nice to meet you.”

Cat Noir took it and the ring on his finger glistened, “Likewise. How do you know Marinette?”

“We only recently met.”

“Really? And yet you were about to barge into her room unannounced at night?”

Damian’s eye twitched, “I wouldn’t have felt the need to check up on her if someone wasn’t stalking the grounds.”

Cat Noir wrapped his arms around Marinette’s shoulders, “I was not stalking. I was checking in on Marinette. It’s been a while.”

“A while? You were gone for several weeks.” Marinette shook herself free of his grip and stepped towards Damian, “Cat Noir, couldn’t you visit me in the daytime?”

“Now where’s the fun in that?”

Damian couldn’t keep his eye off the ring, “Where’d you get that?”

Cat Noir looked at the ring skeptically, “A gift. Why?”

“I’ve never seen a ring glow like that before. Is it enchanted or something?”

Cat Noir drew his hand back, “It’s one of a kind.”

“Right.”

Marinette frowned as she looked between the two, “Is this some weird dominance thing or-” Her sentence trailed off as she stared at something behind Damian’s shoulder. He turned and noticed Tikki poking her head out. Tikki’s eyes were trained on the ring, she didn’t even realize she was caught. Damian looked back at the two and noted their reactions; Cat Noir seemed frozen while Marinette was ready to shriek.

Damian quickly covered her mouth and shushed her, “Stop. Stop. Calm down.”

Marinette looked frantically at Damian for answers he didn’t have. Cat Noir snapped out of it and grabbed Damian’s arm, “Hands off!”

Marinette jumped away, “Bug! Mouse? Bug mouse!”

“It’s not a ‘bug mouse’! It’s a-”

“Kwami.”

Tikki finally seemed to snap out of it and glared at Cat Noir, “How do you know that word? Humans should not know that word!”

Cat Noir stepped away and grabbed his staff, taking a defensive stance. He looked over at Damian and Marinette and nodded his head, “Marinette, get behind me!”

“What?”

The look in Cat Noir’s eye was desperate, panicked, full of anger and pain. Take out the fear and it would’ve been eerily similar to the way Damian looked at his enemies after Rah’s al Gul died. Vengeance, fear, and a hint of sorrow; a dangerous combination. “Can’t you see he’s dangerous?! Only the Demon King has a kwami! He must be working for them!”

Marinette shook her head, “What are you talking about, Cat Noir?”

Cat Noir shook his head, “I’m not letting this happen again!” He extended his staff and swung it around. Objects and decorations shattered and Damian grabbed Marinette before throwing them against the ground.

Damian looked up, “Are you insane?!” His staff retreated into itself, going back to normal size before he tried to smack it down on Damian. Damian rolled himself and Marinette out of the way before grabbing her arm and pulling her onto her feet. “C’mon!”

“Wait, but Cat Noir-”

“Is trying to hurt us! Move!” He pushed Marinette’s head down as they ducked under another attack. Damian pulled them both out of the room and quickly shoved her into his own. He locked the door behind him. He looked around for any exit routes and noticed the window. He cursed under his breath and pulled Marinette to his chest as he turned around. He took the brunt of the impact when Cat Noir busted through the window. The glass shattered around them and the action knocked them both down. He wasn’t even able to take in the damage when he was suddenly pulled off of Marinette.

Damian was thrown against the wall and grunted as Cat Noir held him up by his collar. The strength was unnatural. “I’m not going to let you hurt her!”

Damian glared at the cat, “You’re the only one doing damage!” He lifted his legs and wrapped them around Cat Noir’s arm before twisting his body and throwing them both to the floor. “Calm down!”

Cat Noir grit his teeth as he struggled against Damian. Cat Noir managed to break free and elbowed Damian in the stomach. With the wind knocked out of him, he wasn’t able to react fast enough. Cat Noir was on top of him, “Cataclysm!” Suddenly a surge of dark energy surrounded his palm as he held it overhead. “You won’t hurt my friends!”

Damian struggled against his grip, “Tikki!”

Cat Noir brought his hand down and Damian braced for the impact. However, it never came. He looked up and noticed Marinette holding a now corroding vase. The vase’s ashes scattered over Damian and there was a sudden beeping coming from his ring. Marinette’s hands shook once the vase was completely gone and she pushed Cat Noir off of Damian.

“Marinette-”

“Stop!” Marinette’s voice flattered, but her conviction was clear, “Just stop.”

Damian sat up and looked at Cat Noir to gauge his reaction. It was shock, “He’s a threat!”

“You’re the only threat here, Cat Noir!”

“He has a kwami!”

“And so do you!” The red goddess flew up to his face and her gaze was unwavering, “De-transform.”

“What?”

“De-transform now!” Looked down at the ring as it beeped and another piece of the paw print disappeared. “Three minutes. I’ll have my chosen follow you. I will see him either way. De-transform.”

Cat Noir looked behind the red goddess and noted how much of Marinette’s attention was on Damian as she helped him up. She wasn’t even looking at him. Cat Noir shook his head, “Not unless she leaves.”

“What?”

“Not unless-”

“I’m staying right here!” Marinette wrapped her arm underneath Damian’s and stabilized him. She looked back up at Cat Noir and stood her ground, “I’m staying here. I was going to find out sooner or later. Just do it.”

Damian looked between the two before settling on Cat Noir. He watched all of Cat Noir’s resolve die out as his ally stood against him. Cat Noir’s ears drooped and he gulped, “Cla-Claws in.” Green light enveloped him and once their eyes adjusted Marinette gasped loudly.

Adrien shuffled his feet and looked to the ground as a cat creature flew beside him. Tikki didn’t react at first, but the cat was clearly at her mercy. It chuckled nervously, “H-Hey, sugar cube.”

Tikki blinked before asking Damian a question. Her monotone voice made it all the more intimidating, “Where are the earrings?”

With the threat gone Damian could only ask, “Why?”

“Either you put me in the earrings or I kill this cat!” She charged at the other creature and gave chase. Anything that wasn’t knocked over was suddenly smashed on the floor as the two flew around the room.

However, in the wake of the destruction, none of the humans moved. Adrien kept his head down, he was shaking his head and mumbling to himself. He seemed to be in a bit of shock himself as he fidgeted. Marinette, on the other hand, was ridged. Damian was the first to reach out, “Adrien-”

“Hello!” The new voice caught all of them off guard. Damian shoved Adrien behind the bed and ran to the door. He opened it a crack, noticing one of the manor’s servants about to knock. “Oh!”

“Can I help you?”

“There seems to be a commotion-”

“I didn’t hear anything.”

“But, sir, the crashes-”

“Your greeting was the only thing that woke me up tonight.”

The servant grew flustered, “I’m sorry. I’ll check on the miss next door.”

“No need!” Marinette ducked under Damian’s arm and looked up at the man. “I’m right here. I didn’t hear anything either.” Marinette smiled, although it was clearly forced.

The servant looked between the two and flushed, “Oh! Oh. Well, I’m sure you two didn’t hear a thing. I’ll be sure to let the staff know to give you two privacy.”

“Excuse me?”

“Nothing! Nothing! Have a good night!” The servant quickly left their sight.

Damian closed the door once the man was out of earshot and sighed, “Well, not the best excuse but it’ll give us some privacy.”

“What do you mean?”

Damian shook his head and guided her back towards the center of the room, “I’m not having this conversation with you. Let’s focus on one thing right now.”

Marinette looked at the bit of blond hair poking out from behind the bed, “Right.”

Tikki flew back over to Damian’s side, dragging her cat counterpart by the ear beside her. “Remember the old god of your world?”

“Plagg?”

She shoved the cat in front of her, “The one and only.”

Plagg rubbed his ears, “I expected a warmer welcome!”

“I expected you to return to your post! Where have you been?”

Plagg rolled his eyes and flew over to Adrien, “I found my chosen. It seems that the Demon King made this boy an orphan. He was still young when he survived the attack, but he wants to take the Demon King down. He’s a good kid!”

Tikki growled, “You did this without consulting anyone!”

“You’re down here too!”

“Yes, but I didn’t leave my post! You have been missing for well over three years!”

Plagg waved his hand nonchalantly, “That’s like a day for us up there.”

Tikki growled and looked as though she was about to charge when Damian stepped in, “Woah! Woah! We don’t need two of you fighting here. Adrien stand up.” Adrien nodded and left his little hiding space, “Adrien, look up.” Adrien hesitated but did so. Damian looked him over and shook his head, “What are you getting yourself into?”

“Plagg came to me a few years ago. I’ve been moonlighting as Cat Noir since. Gathering information, fighting monsters. Getting stronger.” Adrien’s voice cracked, “I’m sorry, I just-”

Damian closed the gap between them and placed a hand on Adrien’s shoulder, “Adrien, I’m going to tell you something my father told me. Justice, not vengeance. If Marinette didn’t step in, you would’ve taken it too far.”

Adrien opened his mouth to say something but instead shook his head and covered his face. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

Marinette bit her lip and stepped up. She cautiously reached out before running her fingers through his hair. She frowned and licked her lips, “Hey kitty, it’s okay. It’s okay now.” She gently shushed him as his shoulders shook, “It’s okay. We’re all okay.” Marinette looked up at Damian as if to ask if things really were okay. He didn’t give an answer. Instead, Damian looked back at Adrien and stepped forward to rub his back. Marinette took it as permission to get closer and pull Adrien into a hug. “It’s okay. It’s okay.”

Tikki stopped berating Plagg when she heard a soft sob rack through the chosen’s body. Plagg looked on with pity as Adrien worked through the guilt of almost killing someone. Damian bit his lip and looked around the room, it was a wreck and Marinette’s was even worse. Still, at least his bed was clear.

It felt like putting a kid to sleep, the two guided Adrien to bed and sat by him as Adrien let everything out. Marinette looked at Damian, surely full of questions that would have to wait until tomorrow. Even the gods sat by their side, quiet and calm. Tonight the five simply sat together, comforting their own as they worked through the destruction.

As the night went on, the room only got darker. Damian looked around and thought about his next steps. His train of thought was only broken by a soft voice, “Are you awake?”

Damian looked over at Marinette. Adrien had fallen asleep beside her. Damian helped her lay him down without waking him. Marinette pushed some hair out of his face and whispered, “I don’t know what to think right now.”

Damian was almost surprised at the gesture. Hours ago she would’ve fainted at the thought of him being so close. Now, she was acting so familiar. “What’s going through your head?”

She shrugged, “I’ve known Cat Noir for a few years now. He’s someone I can count on.”

“So this is a shock.”

“That’s one way to put it.” Damian watched as she ran her fingers through his hair, putting him at ease and making her smile. “So we have gods among us?”

“Yes.”

“I have so many questions.”

“I expect you to, but it’d be best if we got a bit of sleep.” She nodded and laid onto her side. She continued playing with Adrien’s hair in the same way he would play with Ace’s back home. As he laid down on Adrien’s other side, he wondered how all of his pets were doing. Did they know he was dead?

Marinette looked over at Damian, “I’ve never seen him like this; as Adrien or Cat Noir.”

“Trauma can do that to you.”

“Trauma?” She hummed, “People always talk about the Demon King, but I’ve never had to deal with him.” She shook her head, “I don’t know anything, do I?”

Damian shrugged, “You’ve been sheltered. I’m not surprised.”

Marinette bit her lip, “I don’t want to be anymore. I want to fight. My friends shouldn’t have to deal with this.”

Damian turned onto his back and looked around the bed. He noticed Tikki and Plagg were already asleep. He felt something poke him and remembered the earrings still with him. He looked back to Marinette, “You want to fight with me?” Marinette nodded and he handed her the earrings, “Put these on. We’ll train tomorrow.”

Marinette reached out tentatively, but quickly put them on once they were in her hands. She turned back to Damian, “Is it bad that I’m terrified? Especially after tonight?”

Damian sighed, “It’d be bad if you weren’t.”

“Aren’t you?”

Damian closed his eyes, “No.”

“Why should I?”

“Because you caused so many issues so far!”

“I have done no such thing!”

“Will both of you just stay quiet?” Damian smacked his mantle and it responded with a loud “Ouch”. He rubbed his temples as he avoided the stares of the citizens passing by. This was becoming troublesome. He muttered to himself, “Oh yeah, blend in with the crowd by yelling at your clothes. Perfect.”

Marinette stifled a giggle and nudged Damian, “Careful, you’ll be labeled insane soon enough.”

“Your gods are ridiculous.”

Adrien sighed, “Yeah, Plagg can be a bit much.”

“I’ll show you much-”

Damian smacked the mantle again and there were two distinct groans. Adrien grinned and looked down at his clothes, “It’s nice to be in normal clothes for once. I get to walk around with everyone.”

“Yeah, but convincing Chloe to let you come with us was an uphill battle. You owe us for that.”

“I don’t owe you guys anything. You know how hard it was to explain why the rooms were such a mess?” 

“A mess you started.” 

“Not according to the rumors. According to staff, you two lovers-” 

“Don’t.”

Adrien chuckled and nodded, happy to comply with whatever to gain any kind of freedom. Marinette looked at his expression and realized he probably hasn’t done this in years. It reminded her of whenever she snuck out with him as Cat Noir. When he wasn’t messing around or teasing, he had the same calm and happy expression; like he was just happy to be alive at this moment. Marinette was disappointed in herself for not seeing it sooner. She felt like she failed him somehow.

Adrien looked down at Marinette and chuckled, “Nino was right, you do kind of look like a boy in those clothes.”

Now she felt like hitting him. “You know what, kitty, you don’t get to say anything about my attire. You walk around in a skin-tight, black suit-” Adrien smacked his hand over her mouth and shushed Marinette.

Marinette glared at the blond but Damian was the one to push his hand away, “Don’t get too distracted. We’re giving the money to Marinette’s family, getting her a change of clothes, then we’re going back to the fields to practice.”

Marinette stuck her tongue out at Adrien before stomping towards her house. Adrien’s eyes trailed after her with an amused expression before he followed after her. Damian rolled his eyes as he thought about how infuriating these two were. First, Marinette clearly had a crush on Adrien and now Adrien is pining after her whether he knows it or not. Still, looking at the way she addresses Adrien now he figured her feelings changed. After last night, Damian didn’t blame her.

Marinette stopped in front of a familiar bakery and she took a deep breath. Damian asked, “You okay?”

“My parents are going to kill me. I left the house yesterday in different clothes, leaving behind your clothes and my clothes, didn’t tell them where I went, and I left overnight with a strange man.”

“Oh. Right.” Damian rubbed the back of his neck before shaking his head, “Let’s go.”

“Wait! What-”

“Let’s just go. Better get it over with.” Before she could do anything, Damian waltzed into the bakery and Adrien shrugged before following closely behind. Marinette whined as she came through the door. The three looked around and Marinette thanked the gods that it was somewhat bustling. She even recognized a few faces; Rose, Alix, and Nathaniel. However, talking to them was out of the question. She caught the eye of her mother, who looked at her confused before recognizing her daughter. Marinette timidly waved and Sabine huffed.

Sabine smacked the tray onto the counter and Marinette flinched, “Oh no.”

Sabine walked over and grabbed her daughter’s face, turning it and checking on Marinette from every angle. Sabine sighed and hugged Marinette, “Where were you? Why are you dressed like a boy?”

“I don’t look like a boy!”

“Yes you do, sweetheart. I thought your cousin was visiting for a minute.” Marinette stomped her foot, embarrassed before Sabine smacked her arm, “Now where were you?”

“I think we can answer that.” Sabine looked up and seemed to finally notice the two young men escorting her daughter.

She looked between the two before landing on the blond, “Adrien?” He nodded and waved. Sabine smiled and pulled him into a hug, “Adrien! How have you been? You look thin. Oh dear, have you eaten? You’re eating. Wait here-”

“Ma’am, it’s alright! We had breakfast before coming here.”

“You are skin and bones! No. Have a seat. I’ll bring you some pastries. How about that?”

Adrien’s eyes widened and he grinned, “Really?”

Sabine cooed at him and patted his cheek, “Yes! Sit. Sit.” She ushered him to a table and looked back at Damian, “A friend? You look a bit better, but still. Sit.”

“No need-”

Sabine pushed him into the chair and smiled, “Please sit. Besides, I have questions as to why a boy I’ve never seen before ran off with my daughter. So wait here, okay?” The look in her eye could’ve rivaled the looks his mother used to send to her enemies. Damian’s shoulders fell as and situated himself across from Adrien.

Marinette covered her face and groaned before Sabine tugged on her ear, “Ow!”

“Where did you get these?”

“Damian gave them to me.”

“Damian?” He waved and she huffed before dragging Marinette away by her ear.

Damian ran his hand down on his face and groaned. Adrien stifled a laughed and patted his arm, “They’re good people. I doubt they’ll kill you.”

“Oh please, I’ve dealt with much greater threats than some girl’s parents.” Sabine came back with a tray of goodies and placed it in the middle of the small table. Both Adrien and Damian reached out for the pastries, yet Sabine smacked Damian’s hand away. She continued to smile and hum she walked back behind the counter and Damian rubbed his hand.

Adrien smirked as he bit into his cookie, “You were saying?”

Damian rolled his eyes and snatched a croissant from his small pile of food. He ignored the feeling of someone jabbing daggers at the back of his head and focused his attention on Adrien. “So you’ve had that ring for a while now?”

Adrien looked at the band on his finger and nodded, “Yeah?”

“So what do you have so far on the Demon King?”

Adrien immediately deflated, “Not much. He’s been quiet. Last year I had a bit of a lead, but it turned out to be an old Akuma that he let go.”

“That sounds like it would be a great lead. What happened?” Adrien took the last bite of his cookie and looked at Damian with a perplexed expression. “What?”

“Do you even know how his powers work?”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because once the Demon King is one of his Akumas they don’t remember anything. No one volunteers to be an Akuma. The Demon King manipulates others into working for him by waiting until their vulnerable and then giving them powers.”

“Powers?” A whisper came from his shoulder from underneath his mantle, “Nooroo has the ability to distribute powers to normal humans. He usually emerges whenever there is a great war in order to turn the tides. However, in the wrong hands he can create powerful villains.”

“So whenever anyone gets moody, you get a supervillain? Great.” Damian hummed, “Have there been any new Akumas?”

“Not for a few months now.”

“Where was the last one created?”

“A city past the dessert. Three-day travel with a caravan.”

“So let’s go there and ask some questions.”

“You really think they’ll let us go?”

Damian looked him over, “Why wouldn’t we be able to go? We’re adults.”

Adrien chuckled nervously and nervously bit into another pastry, “Right.”

“What?”

“I doubt that our friends will let us go alone.”

“No!” Damian coughed to cover up the squeaky voice that suddenly came out of nowhere. Adrien motioned Damian to follow him outside. They walked towards the side and stood in front of what must’ve been their private doorway. The two looked around before allowing Tikki and Plagg to peek their heads out, “Look, knowing the gods are walking among the civilians and giving powers can cause panic or make you a target. It’s better that they don’t know.”

“As much fun as it might be, Tikki’s right kid. Unless…”

Tikki looked over at the black cat and noticed his stupid grin. Tikki narrowed her eyes and shook her head, “No. No. We can’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“We could give your friends-”

“We are not giving them Miraculous!”

“Miraculous?”

Adrien tapped on the ring, “It’s what they call the jewelry that holds their power.”

“Ah. So why not give it to them? I’ve only known them for a night and I already know Alya and Nino won’t leave Marinette alone if we try to make the trip.”

“We don’t even know if she’s the right holder.”

“You started to sense the holder as soon as we met her and even though we’ve walked around to different places your feeling hasn’t gone away. You just know that it’ll be complicated with her friends around.” Tikki huffed but didn’t say a rebuttal. Damian shrugged, “Besides, I gave her the earrings for a reason. I want to see what she can do with them.”

“Well, if she is the right holder then she should be able to use the ‘Lucky Charm’.”

“The lucky what?” Both boys jumped back as the door opened and Marinette stood in the doorway in a new dress. She ushered them inside before asking again, “What’s the power?”

Tikki sighed before circling the girl, “It’s called ‘Lucky Charm’. It gives you an object you need to win the fight.”

“Like a weapon?”

“Not exactly. It’s more… unique than that.” She looked at Marinette and asked, “Would you consider yourself creative? Clever?”

“Uh-”

“Are you kidding?” Adrien wrapped his arm around her shoulder, “She’s a designer and she is one of the smartest people I know. She’ll be perfect!”

Marinette’s face flushed a soft pink, “I don’t know…”

“Let’s just try it out and see how you feel afterward.”

Marinette took a deep breath and nodded, “Fine, but you’ll still have to explain where you got them. Don’t think I forgot about that little bit of information.” Damian looked to Tikki for some kind of blessing and she nodded in defeat. Damian sent a dull thumbs up and Marinette seemed satisfied. “Now come on. Let’s give you back your old uniform.”

“MARINETTE!”

Marinette flinched and hung her head before whining, “Never mind. She’s not done with me yet.”

“We’ll wait here.”

“Right.”

Marinette ran back to her parents and Adrien sighed, “If they’re this mad about her staying over at Chloe’s, how are they going to take the news that she’s-”

“That she’s what?” The two turned to see a hulking man walking up to them. Tikki and Plagg both flew behind the boys while Damian readied himself for anything. “Adrien?”

“Mr. Dupain-Cheng!”

Damian’s eyes grew wide and looked at Adrien, “That’s Marinette’s father?”

“I’ve already told you to call me Tom.” The man looked them over before smiling at Adrien, “It’s good to see you again, son.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Now, Marinette’s what?”

Damian was losing his patience with this mission. He expected to just start hunting the damn Demon King, not meet some girl’s parents. “She has a gift for you all.”

Tom hummed and leaned in as he examined Damian, “You’re the one that left with Marinette.”

“I was.”

Damian stepped back as Tom leaned further into his personal space and Tom nodded, “You seem to carry yourself well.”

“Tom, sir, we would like to talk to you and your wife. Marinette has news.”

Pointing at Damian, Tom asks, “Involving him?”

Adrien made a so-so motion with his hand, “Kind of.”

Tom didn’t give any hint as to what he was thinking and he simply led the two out. The streets were louder than before, “This should be an interesting conversation then. I should’ve made more cake.”

Adrien smiled, “Hey Damian, do you think-”

“Hold that thought.” Adrien frowned and was about to counter the interruption when suddenly the sounds of screams came from the street. Damian drew his sword, “Sir, go back inside and shut the doors.”

“But-”

“We got this. We’re professionals.”

Tom wanted to say something, but a very frantic “Tom” caught his attention. Sabine’s cry must’ve overcome his paternal instincts. He waved and pleaded with the two,  “Stay safe!”

Adrien grabbed onto Damian’s arm once Tom was out of earshot, to both keep track of him in the running crowd but to also get his attention. “Professionals?”

“At least I am.”

“You haven’t even learned any abilities yet!”

Damian shrugged as he dragged Adrien towards the center of chaos, “Then you’ll have to teach me some later. Right now, let’s just see what’s going on!”

“But-”

Damian stops and turns to Adrien, “Are you going to transform or not?”

The ground vibrated and a large ‘BOOM’ echoed from the square. Damian looked around some more and pointed to an abandoned shop in the market, “Go, Adrien!” Damian shoved him, “Now!”

“R-Right!” Damian continued making his way through the crowd. The panic made it hard to push through until suddenly he felt an arm go around his waist. Out of instinct, Damian elbowed the person’s stomach. However, instead of doubling over the guy simply yelped.

“Hey! Damian!” Damian looked up to the mop of blond hair and frowned. Cat Noir scoffed, “Wow! I can feel the love!”

“What are you doing?”

Cat Noir grabbed Damian’s sword and forced it back in its sheath, “Just hold on tight!”

“What-” Suddenly Cat Noir’s staff extended and the two were lifted off the ground. Damian clung onto Cat Noir as he sat them atop the staff looking over the city. Damian frowned and glared at Cat Noir, “Don’t look into this.”

“I mean if you want to hold tighter-”

“Shut up!”

“I’m not opposed-”

“Will you – Wait, look.” Cat noir turned to look in the direction Damian was pointing. In the center of all the chaos was a man, tainted and strange. His strength allowed him to pick up a stand and toss it down the street. The thing that stood out the most was his body; made up of rocks and stone. He roared at those passing him by and Damian turned to Cat Noir, “Friendly, isn’t he?”

“Think he’d say yes if we invited him to coffee?”

“Cats are supposed to be territorial. Want to show him what we do to trespassers in your city?”

Cat Noir smiled, “Oh, so you can be fun. Let’s do it!”

“Wait, how are you getting us-”

Cat Noir stood on the staff’s point and leaned forward, “Going down!” Damian yelled and gripped tightly to the dumb cat as they plummeted to the ground. Cat Noir whooped and hollered on his way down, reminding Damian of Jon on a rollercoaster. He never understood why he did it if he could fly, but Jon still did. He wondered how many times Cat Noir has done this. Damian wondered if he’s ever put Marinette in his very position. She probably would’ve hit him.

The staff collapsed into its normal size and the two were in a free fall. Damian pulled out his grappling gun and pushed away from Cat Noir as his hook caught onto a nearby building. Cat Noir watched as Damian swung straight towards the man, his kick to his stomach made Cat Noir flinch. The rock man stumbled to the side as Damian drew his sword once more. Cat Noir landed beside him with his staff at the ready.

The man looked up and growled at the two. Cat Noir teased, “Oh, feisty one!”

“Let’s just turn him into rubble.”

“I’m liking you more and more.”

“Shut it and duck.”

Cat Noir and Damian dove away from each other as he made a swipe for their heads. Damian turned on his heel back towards the man swung at him. The sword simply bounced off him. Damian growled, “Cat Noir!”

“Push him back! I have an idea!” 

Damian nodded and put away his sword. Cinderblock came to mind and he figured, “Screw it.” He took out a few explosives and threw it directly at the monster’s chest. There were a few beeps before a large ‘BOOM’ echoed as fire and smoke burst forth. Damian could hear gasps come from both on-lookers and Cat Noir. Damian frowned, “Cat Noir!” 

He shook his head and extended his staff, “R-Right!” The monster’s fall shook the town like a small earthquake. “Got him!” 

The monster rumbled and before either teen could do anything a swarm of butterflies exploded from his mouth. The monster went limp as the butterflies started to take form. A face could be made out of the cloud of insects, all purple and corrupted.

The two heroes stepped back as a voice boomed from the disembodied head, “Citizens and adventurers alike!”

Cat Noir hummed, “This is new.” People murmured from a safe distance and looked on in horror.

“It has come to my attention that the gods have graced us with their presence once more! Not just any god! Oh no! The great and almighty pair Tikki and Plagg have touched down on our soil!”

“Damian!” Damian looked back and saw both Alya and Nino running towards them.

“Don’t come any closer!”

“I want to see them!” The butterflies became more erratic as he continued to speak, “I want their Miraculous!” Cat Noir looked at his ring and back at the butterflies, “Tikki, Plagg, understand that I have been waiting for this moment for years. If you want me to leave your precious followers alone, then I suggest telling your holders to hand you over soon.”

Alya skidded over to Damian and looked up at Cat Noir, “How do you know him?”

“Long story.”

“And as a gesture of good faith, I will relive Stoneheart from duty after receiving my Miraculous. However, if I do not get them by this time tomorrow I will have him destroy this city!”

“Oh great, a villain who’s holding the city ransom. How original.”

The butterflies grew more and more aggravated and the face soon turned into a purple mass. The swarm circled around the body of rock before violently shoving themselves down his throat. Seeing the body forcibly intake the corrupted butterflies made Alya and Nino turn away. However, Cat Noir and Damian didn’t take their eyes off of the body. It began twitching; its sound reminded Damian of a landslide. The vibration forced him to keep close to the ground to stay steady.

Stoneheart slowly straightened out and opened his eyes to look at the four in front of him. His eyes landed on Cat Noir and he huffed. Each step Stoneheart took rattled the nearby area and headed for the outer perimeter of the city. Alya leaned towards Damian, “What is he talking about? Tikki? Plagg?”

“Alya, I need you to tell me everything you know about the Demon King. Every record, every document, every general, everything. I need to know what we’re up against.”

“O-Okay, but what is Cat Noir doing here? What was that monster talking about? Where did you land that explosion magic? What-”

“Look, I don’t really know what to tell you but I’m going to do something about it.”

Nino’s eyes widened, “Dude, no offense but this is the Demon King we’re talking about! You just got your adventurer card today!”

“So? My whole point of coming here is to get clues on defeating the Demon King. Finding one of his Akumas-”

“Is bad luck! Are you serious? You can’t go against an Akuma!”

“I can barely go against an Akuma on my own and I have powers.” The three turned to Cat Noir who held his hand out to Damian. Damian took it and stood up, “We’ll need help. I’ve never seen that Akuma before and I doubt your sword or my staff will do anything more than minor blunt damage.”

“So we’ll need Tikki’s power.”

“So she’s actually here!?”

Damian slapped a hand over her mouth and shushed her, “Do you want to cause a panic? The Demon King is looking for them, if you yell about then the people are going to go looking for them, and then we can’t come up with a game plan! Got it?” Alya nodded and he took his hand off his mouth, “Good. Where are you headed?”

Nino answered, “The bakery. We wanted to see Tom and Sabine’s faces.”

“Then let’s go. We need to regroup anyways.”

“What about Marinette and Adrien? Weren’t they with you?”

Damian looked to Cat Noir and he smiled at Nino, “They’re fine. Trust me. The little lady made it into the Bakery and the blond ran to find cover. They’re both fine.”

“No offense, but I’ll believe it when I see it, dude.”

Cat Noir saluted them, “I’m going to go check out the Akuma. I bet - Adrien was it? I bet he’s already at the bakery too.” Cat Noir jogged backward and grinned, “Trust me.” With that, he took off to the rooftops and out of sight.

Alya looked to Damian and shook her head, “You show up, put my best friend in danger, almost get us eaten, say you’re looking for the Demon King, an Akuma shows up after months of peace, and now Cat Noir knows you? Who are you, Damian Wayne?”

Damian shrugged and brushed off his clothes, “Just some guy trying to do a job.”

“And what job is that.”

His blunt tone left no room for doubt, “Defeat the Demon King.” He began walking in the direction of the bakery. Behind him, he could hear Alya and Nino scream in disbelief as they ran after him.

He wondered if he should ask Tikki to give him superpowers when he’s resurrected. Seemed fair with how much trouble this is costing him.

The wind passing through the grass created green waves that greeted the small group. Living in such a gloomy city, it was almost surreal to see something so modest. The sun’s rays set an unexpected fire on his skin, reminding him of his place in the shadows. Despite this punishment, he found himself fighting the urge to simply lay down. This was nature, strange and pure.

“It’s a beautiful day.” Her light voice brought his attention back to his two companions.

“It’s a good day to train at least. Let’s get this started already. Tikki?”

He noticed the tiny Kwami admiring the land before her. Tikki took a deep breath before nodding, “Right!”

Marinette played with her earrings nervously before asking, “What do I need to know?”

“To activate my powers, you need to say ‘Spots on’. The power of Luck and Creation will transform you into the hero Ladybug. You will be able to purify the corrupted Akumas.”

“Ladybug? Okay. What are my powers? And weapon? What’s the weapon? I’m not trained-”

“Marinette relax.” Adrien placed a hand on her shoulder and spoke slowly, “You’re going to be fine. The powers enhance a lot of what you already have and make up for what’s left. You need to be more confident in yourself.”

“Yeah, listen to the kid.” Plagg flew up to Tikki and nudged her, “She’s not going to let you fall on your face. She’s as sweet as sugar.”

“I’m still angry.”

“You haven’t punished me yet.”

“Once we find Nooroo, you will be.” Tikki pushed forward, “You are who you choose to be. The only limitation is your imagination. Creation is within your grasp, but only to a degree.”

“What do you mean?”

“We’ll know once you start practicing for a bit. If you really are my chosen, you will be able to use Lucky Charm.” Tikki smiled, “Just get a feel for the earrings first. C’mon.”

“Yeah, we can practice together! Claws out!” Green light enveloped him for a moment, leaving behind an excited Cat Noir. “Go ahead!”

She gulped, “Spots on!” It was strange. Light filled her eyes and suddenly she was aware of every single bit of every single limb. Nerves all over her body twitched and she became overtly aware of the grass brushing against her feet. She looked down at herself, red and black. This new skin should’ve made her embarrassed, instead she simply felt reborn. Everything was vibrant and her lungs felt full.

“Marinette?” She stopped looking at herself and looked back at Damian, “We lost you there for a second. Are you okay? How are you feeling?”

It took her a moment to respond. She jolted, as if now becoming aware of the yo-yo against her hip. “Different.”

“Is that your weapon?” Cat Noir was careful to talk softly, he remembered feeling overwhelmed at first. He transformed at night in the woods outside Chloe’s manor. To hear, see, and feel everything so intensely made him feel almost intoxicated. High. “I found my staff on me when I first transformed. Is that the only thing on you?”

She took a deep breath to steady herself before looking at her new gift. She took the yo-yo off her hip and felt the smooth surface, “Yeah.” She took out a bit of string and yanked it. It didn’t strain and bounced back immediately.

“You want to test it out?” Cat Noir pointed at a nearby tree, “Try hitting something.” She nodded and swung the yo-yo around for a second, getting a feel for the weight, before throwing the yo-yo into the branches. Her eyes lit up, “I think I-” She was stopped midsentence as she was jerked into the air. She screamed as her yo-yo pulled her up into the leaves.

“Marinette!” Both boys ran to the tree and heard her struggling. “Are you okay?”

They found her in a jumble of branches, leaves, and her own yo-yo string. She grunted as she attempted to free herself, only to hit her head against another branch nearby.  She let her head hang back in defeat, “I’m madly clumsy. I’m so clumsy.”

Cat Noir chuckled, “At least we know the yo-yo works.”

“Can I please get some help getting down before you make any more jokes?”

“Are you hurt?”

She blew her bangs out of her face before thinking. She shook her head, “No actually. I didn’t feel much.”

Damian nodded, making a mental note of the pain reduction. He looked at Cat Noir and cupped his hands, “Can you boost me up? Like this?”

“Easily.” Cat Noir watched Damian make his way up to their damsel in distress. She squirmed against the yo-yo’s string periodically before groaning. “You’re doing great!”

“I’m stuck! How is this ‘doing great’?”

Damian sat on top of a sturdy branch and flicked his finger against her head, “Stop squirming.”

“Hey!”

“Just give me a second.” He examined all around her body. He placed his hands delicately around her body and did his best to be respectful as he looked for an out. For the first time today, Cat Noir noticed Marinette flush.

“Are you sure you’re okay Marinette?”

Her face deadpanned as she responded, “The blood is rushing to my head, what do you think?”

Damian scolded her again, “Stop moving." She stopped moving, she felt mortified as she bit her lip and shut her eyes to forget her current position. Damian called down, "Hey Cat Noir! Are you ready to catch her?”

“Yeah.”

“Wait, what? Catch?”

Damian didn’t answer her, instead he reached between her legs and pulled on a string behind her left thigh. The yo-yo retracted itself at lightning speed, leaving the girl to fall to the hero below. She grunted upon impact and Cat Noir grinned, “You know-”

“If you make a pun about a cat stuck in a tree I will string you up there myself.”

Cat Noir shrugged before setting her down. “I was going to say this could be useful in capturing the Akuma. That string holds up well.”

“He’s right.” Damian dropped down beside the two and examined the yo-yo, “It’s sturdy and versatile. You can use it like my grappling hook too. Get yourself to higher vantage points. And-” Damian spun the yo-yo and looked around before stopping on a medium-sized stone. He threw the yo-yo and wrapped it around the stone, the string digging into the grooves on the surface, and pulled. He used the momentum to throw the stone into a ditch nearby, the loud landing made dirt and plants fly everywhere. “-you can get creative with the offense.” He brought back the yo-yo and held it back out to her. “So do we call you Ladybug now?”

“Oh yeah! You get a secret identity now! Isn’t it cool?”

“No!” The two were taken aback by the outburst and she sighed, “I hate lying. I am not good at it and it just makes me feel gross! How am I supposed to lie to Alya about this?”

“Marinette, you have to realize this isn’t much of a choice.” Damian rolled his eyes and leaned against the tree’s base, “This is about safety, not just secrets. A hero’s life is a lonely endeavor. They can’t know because it’s dangerous. It’s not about morality. You have to get over it.” Seriously, it’s a staple. This isn’t anything new. It’s expected.

“But why? Alya and Nino are both trustworthy. They’d keep it a secret. I know they would.”

“It just is what it is. All heroes have secret identities. It’s not a big deal.”

“Was that why you were dressed so strangely?” Damian looked up at her and nodded, “Why?”

“Because bad people can use that information to hurt those closest to me. My family, friends, anyone.”

Cat Noir cleared his throat and stepped into the conversation, “Marinette, Akumas use emotions to corrupt people. It could be as simple as an argument. Let’s say Alya knows and she gets angry with you. Not only does she know where Tikki is, but also how to get to you as Marinette.”

She stopped and narrowed her eyes at him, “Is that why you never told me? You thought I’d turned against you?”

He sheepishly nodded, “And to be selfish. There comes a lot of freedom with the mask. Do you think anyone would let Adrien Agreste fight against Akumas? It is so liberating.”

She looked between the two before huffing away in defeat, “Okay, fine.” She turned back and gripped the yo-yo tightly, “When I’m like this, call me Ladybug.”

Cat Noir smiled and nodded, “Whatever the Lady wants.”

Damian simply shrugged, “Whatever, just start training. We need to know your limitations and strengths. We also have to know if you can use the Lucky Charm.”

“Right.” She motioned for the two to approach her, “Show me the basics. I’m ready.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. Alya won’t be busy for long.”

Alya, in the middle of the busy market, sneezed into her elbow. “Someone’s talking about me.”

“Everyone’s hurrying to buy anything they can before fleeing the city. It’s probably just the dust.”

Alya frowned but couldn’t argue with Nino. The market was full of people yelling and arguing. While it wasn’t new, the density was incredibly high. “Nino, what do you think they’re up to?”

Nino jostled the different bags in his arms and adjusted himself, “What do you mean?”

“She’s been acting weird since the manor. Something happened between them.”

“Her and Damian?”

“Her and Adrien! She’s been pining for him for years and, all of a sudden, she’s talking to him without hyperventilating? That’s insane!” She sighed before scrunching up her nose, “What do you mean her and Damian?”

“I overheard the staff talking about it before we left. Apparently, Marinette was in his room last night after someone went to investigate a lot of noise.” He noticed Alya’s eyes widen and he shrugged, “I mean they’re rumors but you have to admit-”

“She would’ve told me if anything happened.”

“I never said she wouldn’t.”

“There’s no way.”

“I never said there was.”

“She just met him!”

“She had just met Adrien when she fell for him.”

“That was different and you know it!”

“How so?” Alya opened her mouth only to close it when no response came to mind. Nino leaned over and kissed Alya’s forehead, “She could just have another crush. It’s happened before.”

“Yeah, once.”

“You don’t like him?”

“I don’t even know him! I’ve never heard of Gotham. He has crazy fighting skills. He knows Cat Noir somehow after just arriving. Plus, he’s an assassin!”

“You hate class stereotyping.”

“I mean he got into one of the hardest classes after registering without knowing his stats or needing additional training. It’s weird.”

“So you don’t like him.”

“No, I do. At least I think so?” She stopped by a shop with a beautiful pink denim fabric towards the front. She examined it as she continued to speak, “He just showed up and sweeps her off her feet. No years of hanging out or studying or late-night talks-”

“Oh, I get it.”

“Get what?” She called over the shopkeep and asked, “Can I get 4 meters of this fabric?” The shopkeeper nodded and took the roll to the back.

“That’s way more than she needs.”

“She’ll need more than one pair of pants. I’m getting extra for her to work with. Plus, any scraps can be used to patch up any rips in the clothing.” She turned back to Nino and asked again, “Get what?”

“You’re jealous of him.”

“Me? Jealous of Damian? As if!”

The shopkeeper came back with a bag, “400 Tikki.”

“400? That’s way too much for this material!” Being in the Thief class gave her access to certain merchant skills such as Appraisal. She knew this material was good, but not that good. “Bring it down to 350.”

“Ma’am, as you can see the city’s in a frenzy. I’m getting as much money as I can for when I leave town. Do you want it or not?” Alya grumbled before handing over the 400 Tikki. “Stay safe, ma’am.”

“Yeah, yeah. You too.” She handed the bag to Nino before continuing down the street, “I am not jealous of him.”

“You are though. All of a sudden this stranger comes in and notices Marinette’s dreams and helps her get an adventure card when you have been waiting to do that with her for months. He’s stepping into her personal life at an alarming rate while you earned that over the years. It’s okay to be jealous.” Alya stopped in her tracks, making Nino bump into her. “Alya?”

“He said he was here to defeat the Demon King. This guy shows up, looking for him, suddenly an Akuma shows up, and now apparently the gods are here too? What do you make of that?”

“What do you make of that?”

Alya frowned and shook her head, “He’s totally hiding something. He has to be. Marinette is just trusting this guy and he’s just -” She took a deep breath and nodded, “We have to get him to talk to us.”

“The guy seems reserved.”

“I’m an investigator. I can do it.”

“Alya?”

“Yeah?”

“I need help with the bags.”

“Oh. Oh! Okay! Sorry.” She held out her hands and Nino transferred over a few bags, relieving some pressure off his arms.  “Sorry.”

“No need. You’re just looking out for Marinette.” He hummed as he looked around the market. “You know, we could go check on them. Adrien said they’d be outside the gates to the valley-”

The two were cut off with a swift silence that washed over the market. The two noticed people looking up and pointing. Following the crowd’s line of sight, the two noticed something red flying through the air. The screaming emitting from it ensured it was at least somewhat human. The person flailed as they plummeted towards the ground.

The crowd jumped and yelped as something made its way through. On top of the rooftops, Cat Noir ran as fast as he could. “Try to latch onto something! Throw your yo-yo! Oh, gods - Tuck and roll!”

Alya was shoved into Nino. When she looked back at her perpetrator, she saw Damian weaving through the crowd going in the same direction. “Was that just-”

“C’mon Nino!” Alya tugged on his arm and pushed her way through the crowd, “We can’t lose him now!” Their target was quick and easy to lose track of. His various scolds and commands were the only things helping keep track of him. Alya and Nino nearly tripped over themselves once they reached the end of the market. They finally had a clear view of what he was chasing.

Damian crouched in front of the girl buried in the rubble of what could only be a wagon. Cat Noir brushed off some debris from her shoulder and helped her up. “What the-“

“C’mon!” Alya motioned for Nino to follow her as she scurried over to the three. As she got closer, her eyes met with the girl’s and Alya felt something strange and familiar. The girl’s face paled under her mask. Before Alya could call out to her, the ground vibrated. Loud THUMPS got closer and people screamed. The Akuma marched through the city and made a b-line for the group. As soon as it caught sight of them it roared, “GIVE ME THE MIRACULOUS!”

Alya looked back at the heroes and screamed at them, “Get out of the city! GO!” Nino pulled her back while she watched the girl grab her yo-yo. She looked around and set her eyes on the local cathedral before throwing her yo-yo at one of the pillars.

“Ladybug-”

“Grab Damian!” She looked at Alya one more time before launching herself up out towards the city’s edge.

Damian grabbed onto Cat Noir and grit his teeth, “She’s going to get herself killed. Let’s go.”

“Right.” Cat Noir extended his baton and followed Ladybug closely.

The crowd scrambled and the shops were shutting down. Nino and Alya stood still as the people stampeded around them. “What are you thinking?”

Logic might as well go out the window at this point. If what the Akuma said was true, they just witnessed the appearance of gods. She looked down at the bags in her hands and licked her lips, “I think we need to drop these off at Marinette’s.”

“Why do you keep hitting it? It doesn’t do anything!” 

“WELL LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU HAVE A BETTER IDEA!”

Cat Noir pouted and blew some hair out of his face, “This was a bad idea.”

Damian dodged an incoming boulder and growled, “You don’t think!?” Damian looked around and was grateful that the Akuma had followed them this far. They were nearly out of the city. “Did you see her?”

“No, I didn’t see her from the chapel.”

Damian frowned and shook his head. He muttered to himself, “She probably got herself stuck again.”

“What?”

“We need to keep Stoneheart on us! We’re almost out of the city!”

Cat Noir nodded and waved his arms, “Over here blockhead!” The comment reminded him of something Stephanie would say. He turned around and kept running. “Hey! Damian?!”

“Just keep going!”

“But – Damian hold on!” Damian could see the city limits and the opening towards the fields outside. “Damian!” Cat Noir tackled Damian to the ground, allowing an incoming carriage to pass over them safely. The crash in the building in front of them was loud, but the debris didn’t reach them. “C’mon!”

Damian allowed the black cat to drag him away and scolded himself for his inattentiveness. “I apologize -”

“I don’t want you to think of me as some reckless cat guy! I’m sorry I tried to hurt you last night! I’m trying to make it up to you!” Damian was taken aback for a moment but realized he was talking about last night. Damian could’ve laughed at the timing.

Instead, he cracked a smile and pushed himself forward to run beside him. “You really need to work on your timing, Cat Noir!”

“I’ll keep that in mind!” Cat Noir smiled back and the two kept running. They could almost feel the streets vibrate from the toads outside the city. “We’re almost there!”

“DAMIAN! CAT NOIR!” The two boys looked back and noticed two horses racing towards them. Alya and Nino both reached down and plucked the boys off the street.

Cat Noir settled behind Nino and held on tightly, “What are you guys doing here?”

“Yeah, I was about to ask the same thing!” Damian’s tone wasn’t lighthearted or grateful like Cat Noir’s.

It irritated Alya, “Marinette’s supposed to be with you and again I find you fighting an Akuma!? What are you doing here?”

Nino intervened, “Hey guys, where are we heading!?”

“Outside the city!”

“Got it!” The two whipped their reigns and the horses sped towards the exit. With Damian and Cat Noir acting as lookouts, the four were able to dodge any projectiles Stoneheart threw at them. It was infuriating him.

“Where’s the girl? The red one!”

“We don’t know where Ladybug is! We couldn’t find her!”

"You can't find her?!"

"If you wanted to find her BE OUR GUEST!”

Nino swerved his horse and leaned back a bit, “If we could focus back on escaping, that would be great!” As if to disagree, a full-sized carriage flew over them and crashed at the entrance gates. The two horses jumped back and the teens cursed under their breaths. “Well? What next?”

Cat Noir spoke up, “We have to find his Akumatized object! It’s the only way we’re going to stop him.”

“The Akumatized what? What object?”

Cat Noir looked at Nino and Alya with a strained expression before explaining further, “Plagg said something about finding the object that possesses a corrupted Akuma. It should stop him!”

Nino looked back at him wide-eyed, “PLAGG? THE GOD PLAGG?” Cat Noir’s ear felt against his hair but he looked back at the Akuma.

Damian looked around and pointed at the Akuma’s closed fist, “There!” He squeezed the girl’s waist to get her attention, “Alya! You used some kind of power on me yesterday, right?”

“My Steal ability?”

“Use it on the Akuma! Now!” Alya turned the horse towards the Akuma and held out her hand. Damian looked at her with confusion when she didn’t cast it immediately, “What are you waiting for?”

“What do you mean? He’s out of range!” It’s proximity-based? Damian guessed that made sense otherwise people would be stealing things from each other across the city. He pressed his lips together in anticipation, “C’mon. C’mon.”

Nino called out to his girlfriend, “You can do this!”

The Akuma roared and took the opportunity to close in. The Akuma’s stomps agitated the horses. “Alya-”

“Not yet!” Alya’s arm shook subtly as she held her ground. After seeing her friends, Damian admired her composure. The horses were restless as the Akuma got closer. “Please work.” She took a deep breath and yelled, “STEAL!” She felt something materialize in her hand and Damian noticed her smile.

“Did it work?”

She opened her hand and found a crumpled-up piece of paper. She frowned, “TRASH?!”

“Wait!” Damian held her wrist back as she reeled it back to throw the paper, “That’s probably it!”

Alya frowned and before she could explain herself the Akuma quickened its pace. Alya turned the horse back around and whipped the reigns. “Here!” She reached back and gave the rubbish to Damian, “What does it even say?”

Damian uncrumpled the paper, “It’s… A love song to a girl named Mylene?” Both horses stopped in their tracks as the riders stared at him. “Is this important?”

Nino looked back and got off his horse. Cat Noir grabbed the reigns and turned around, “Nino!”

Nino cupped his hands and started yelling, “IVAN! C’MON MAN SNAP OUT OF IT! IVAN!”

“Ivan?”

Alya nodded, “He’s a friend of ours that went missing some time back. Mylene was his girl, she’s been worried sick ever since. She’s so paranoid now thinking about what could’ve happened to him.” The group watched him knock into a nearby building, people ran out screaming as he grew more frustrated. Alya called to Nino, “Nino! He doesn’t recognize us!”

Cat Noir galloped over and pulled Nino back onto the horse, “Do you know where Mylene lives?”

“Yes! She’s not too far from here!”

“Damian! Alya! Keep the big guy occupied for a bit!”

“WHAT? No way! You have what he wants, he’s going to follow you!”

Alya called out to Cat Noir and agreed, “Damian’s right! We’ll go!” Damian felt a bit of relief that she agreed as Nino would follow her call. “We’ll be 15 minutes tops!” Alya turned the horse around and grunted as the horse sped forward.

Cat Noir extended his baton to the ground and up into the air. He sat by himself at the top of the pole a waved at the Akuma, “HEY YOU BIG BOULDER! OVER HERE! YOU LOOKING FOR THIS?” He let the sunlight hit his ring and Stoneheart grabbed another cart nearby, completely ignoring the two speeding right through his legs. “Uh-oh.”

Damian heard a large crash behind him and became tense, “You said she was paranoid, will she even come out for us?”

“I don’t know but if it’s for Ivan she might!” Alya weaved through a bit of wreckage before reaching the now vacant streets of the market. They sped past unoccupied stalls before skidding to a stop at a tavern. “C’mon!”

“She’s here?”

“I’d bet my life on it. She’s clung to her father and he performs here all the time.” She slammed open the door, “Mylene! It’s Alya! Please come out!” Damian looked around and noted patrons hiding underneath tables and behind counters. He nodded at them, noting how they looked to the two for answers on the outside. “Mylene!”

Damian heard quiet singing towards the stage and hopped up. He pulled back a curtain and found a girl huddled against an older mime. She looked up at him terrified and it was like looking at his mother’s victims before they are executed in the name of his grandfather. It made him pause but Alya came up behind him and kneeled down to her.

“Mylene, we need you to come with us.”

“Out there? Are you crazy? No way!” The mime, presumably her father by the way he held her, also shook his head. “I can’t –”

“Mylene, you have to!”

“But –”

“It’s about Ivan!”

Mylene stopped breathing for a moment before shaking her head, “What do you mean?” Alya handed her the paper and let her look it over. Mylene stuttered, “I-I don’t understand.”

“Please, you’re the only one who could possibly snap him out of it! He’s making a mess out there but the only thing we got off him was this! He must remember you! Don’t you want to bring him back?” Mylene’s eyes watered and she retreated a bit.

Not good. “Mylene right?” Mylene turned to Damian who knelt down to eye level and held his hand out to her. “You’re probably terrified right now. I don’t blame you. You don’t have to do this, but from what it sounds like this is the big break you’ve been waiting for to find your friend. It’ll take a lot of bravery but I’m sure your appearance will snap some sense into him. You two were close right?”

Mylene shed a tear as she admitted quietly, “I love him.”

“I can see that.” He moved his hand up, again offering it to her. “We won’t force you.” Mylene looked at the note again before wiping her cheek and nodding. She grabbed his hand and he gently pulled her up. “C’mon. Nino and Cat Noir don’t have that much space to work with. Ivan’s probably getting frustrated.”

Alya got onto the horse and Damian helped Mylene on after her. Alya looked down, “How are you –” Damian pulled out his grappling gun and pulled himself up to a nearby rooftop before running towards the chaos.

“Alya, who is he?”

Alya turned the horse around and started racing, “Marinette’s new friend.”

Mylene hummed as she did her best to focus on something other than the Akuma they were slowly closing in on. “He’s very kind.”

“Yeah, surprisingly. I’ve never seen that side to him.” She looked up at the boy and noted how well he kept up with the horse. She wondered what kind of training he’s gotten from his family when the Akuma came into view.

“That’s Ivan?”

“Bigger than you remember, huh?” Alya blinked when she noticed something in his hand. She then realized it was Cat Noir when she recognized the pair of legs poking out of his fist. The Akuma started reaching for his ring, “Cat Noir!”

Damian cursed under his breath and pointed the grappling gun at the Akuma’s other wrist. The rope caught and he propelled himself forward towards Stoneheart. He knew it was going to hurt, but he used the velocity to kick the center of the Akuma’s chest. It loosened his grip enough for Cat Noir to fall out onto the waiting horse below.

Nino looked at Cat Noir with relief, “You okay?”

Damian fell to the ground with an unceremonious ‘thump’. He held his leg close to him and sucked in air through his teeth. Hitting the giant magical boulder with all he had wasn’t his brightest idea but he didn’t have a choice. Cat Noir jumped off the horse and attempted to run to Damian before the Akuma stepped over him. Acting like a hungry dog guarding a scrap of food, the Akuma made his hostility heard. The Akuma picked up nearby debris.

Alya did her best to get close but couldn’t without jeopardizing something. Mylene clung to her tightly and she could tell that the girl was panicking. “IVAN! PLEASE LOOK OVER!” She looked back at the girl hiding behind her, “Say something!”

“Alya!” She recognized Nino’s scared voice. She looked back up and noticed the debris flying straight towards her. The world felt slow as she tried to run but she knew the horse wasn’t agile enough. Not with two people. Cat Noir threw his pole against the debris and changed its trajectory, letting the girls escape unharmed but leaving him vulnerable. The Akuma looked down and grabbed Damian without much trouble.

Alya looked back, “Mylene please! Say something!”

Mylene shook her head and closed her eyes. Before Alya could plead anymore, a red and black yo-yo wrapped around the girl. Mylene was pulled up to a rooftop where the ladybug girl caught her. Mylene looked at her with shock and the girl apologized, “Sorry but you need to trust me, okay?”

“What?” She looked down at Alya and pointed at the baton, “Hurry! Give it to Cat Noir!” She looked back to Mylene, “What are you doing here?”

Mylene took a deep breath and showed her the piece of paper, “That’s Ivan!”

“THAT’S IVAN?” She looked between the Akuma glaring at Damian and the girl beside her on the roof. She thought for a moment and huffed, “You’re not going to like this!”

“Like what?”

“HEY, YOU OVERGROWN GARDEN NOME! YOU!” The Akuma looked over and she pointed at Mylene, “REMEMBER HER? CATCH!”

“Catch?!” Mylene suddenly found herself being lifted with the same string that brought her to the roof. Flying through the air made her feel sick but excited. Mylene closed her eyes as she was roughly caught by Stoneheart in his free hand. Mylene looked up at the Akuma and hesitantly called out, “Ivan? Ivan, do you remember me?”

Damian stopped struggling for a moment as the Akuma analyzed the girl’s face. Ladybug was undetected by Stoneheart as she used her yo-yo to latch onto his shoulders and swing up to his head. She used the string as makeshift reins and pulled back. The Akuma roared but couldn’t do anything with two full hands. Instead, it stumbled backward. “Cat Noir!”

“Got it!” He extended his baton and tripped the Akuma beside a mountain of hay. The animals have already fled in the commotion and the landing would be easier on their caught friends. Ladybug jumped off before hitting the ground but flinched in sympathy. Stoneheart seemed dazed and this seemed like the safest time to end this.

She ran over to Mylene and held out her hand, “Give me the paper!”

“What?”

“Hurry!” Once handed the song she ripped it in half and a butterfly came out. Tikki explained a bit of this but looking at the real thing was a completely different experience. She looked frantically at her yo-yo. Pressing and swiping in all kinds of directions, “C’mon! C’mon!” Suddenly it opened up and she threw it at the Akuma, “Oh no you don’t!” It disappeared in her yo-yo before she reeled it back. The Akuma dissipated in a fog before leaving behind a large disoriented man. Mylene rubbed her head but froze when she recognized him. A bright white butterfly was released and Ladybug waved it off. “Bye-bye little butterfly.”

She looked back and crawled over to Damian, “Hey, you okay?”

Damian groaned, “You need to use your power.”

“What?”

“The damage isn’t going to be erased until you use your powers, hurry up!” Damian didn’t mean to snap at her but he was in a lot of pain. She looked fearfully at her yo-yo and bit her lip, “What are you waiting for?”

Ladybug snapped at him, “What if I can’t do it?”

“What if you can?”

Ladybug gulped and threw it up into the air, “LUCKY CHARM!” The lights brought upon a small bag. When it landed in her hands she looked it over, “Smelling salts?”

“Give them to me!” Mylene took the bag and opened it underneath Ivan’s nose, “C’mon! C’mon!” Soon the man awoke dazed and confused, but himself. “Ivan!” She threw the bag back to Ladybug as she hugged her lost boyfriend.

“It worked?” Ladybug looked down at the bag and then back around at her friends. She noticed some of the town members coming out of hiding to see the scene, likely confused by the sudden silence. She bit her lip before standing and walking to the middle of the clearing. She muttered to herself, “Tikki, you better be right about this.” Cat Noir gave her an encouraging smile and she nodded, “MIRACULOUS LADYBUG!” The bag she threw in the air exploded in light and ladybugs. They covered the damaged area and left a newly repaired town in its wake. The people and heroes watched in awe as it covered both people and objects before going up into the air and disappearing.

The townspeople cheered and hollered but all she could hear was the beeping in her ears. She looked back at Damian and he stood up without issue. He nodded, giving her permission to leave. Cat Noir came up beside her and motioned for her to follow him. “You did great.” Ladybug wanted to argue, but the beeping made her anxious. Alya didn’t get to catch up as the two ran away and out of sight.

Alya looked back at Damian and rode over to him, “Damian!”

“I’m okay.” He stretched and sighed, “I’m okay.”

“What was that?”

Damian shrugged before looking in the direction of the two fleeing heroes, “It was miraculous.”

The de-transformation was bizarre. All the energy she had as Ladybug was zapped from her system, leaving her feeling lethargic as Cat Noir landed beside her. He looked past the empty stall and smiled, “You did great – Hey!” Marinette fell forwards and into his arms. Cat Noir juggled her body a bit before finding a proper grip, “Hey, Marinette. Feeling tired, huh?” She weakly nodded and he looked at her with pity. He remembered back to his first transformation, he could barely move from all the running he did as Cat Noir. Though he figured it was part of the transition as he never had it after his first time. She carefully brought her back to her feet and cupped her face in his palm, “You did great.”

She mumbled something he couldn’t make out while Tikki landed on the top of her head, “She did.” Tikki rubbed her chosen’s hair and smiled before her stomach growled, “Oh.”

“Do you need cheese like Plagg?”

“No, thank you. I need sweets.”

“Oh! Claws in.” Adrien stood in the afterglow of the green light and Plagg rested on his shoulder. He shuffled Marinette in his arms and peeked into his bag. He smiled and took out a cookie, “Took some with me from the Dupain Bakery.” He shrugged, “Never know when you get the chance to eat sweets again.”

Tikki gratefully took it, “Are you not a nobleman?”

“Yes, but a closely watched nobleman. Part of my appeal is my appearance.” He hummed and looked down at Marinette, “It’s hard to sneak away when people fight to catch a glimpse of you.”

Plagg spoke up and was unusually serious with the goddess, “Tikki, he’s not allowed outside. He’s been a caged cat most of his life. Do you understand why I couldn’t bring myself to leave?” Tikki bit into her cookie and frowned before looking away. “I know it’s not –”

“You’ve gotten kinder.” Tikki continued to eat at her cookie and made a satisfied hum once she finished. The three turned as they noticed people returning to the streets. Tikki and Plagg hid away in Adrien’s shirt.

Adrien adjusted Marinette in his hold to carry her. He left his hiding nook and walked into a side street out of the crowd’s eye. He figured she didn’t want any more rumors. “Hey Marinette, are you awake?” Her eyes opened slightly but quickly closed as she let her head fall against his chest. It was rare having her this close but he felt responsible as the only other Miraculous wielder. He looked around the corner and saw Alya, Nino, and Damian walking toward the bakery. He frowned, “Your parents probably won’t like you like this.” He thought for a moment before whispering to his shirt, “See if one of you can get his attention.”

Without hesitation, a red dot sped across the street and nearly toppled Damian over. Adrien chuckled, “And I thought Plagg was reckless.” Alya and Nino looked down at him confused but he waved them off, a blush dusting his cheeks. He picked himself off the ground and spoke for a moment before trailing behind. He looked down at his mantle before looking in Adrien’s direction. Adrien waved him over and looked down at the girl in his arms.

Damian jogged over and looked her over, “What the hell?”

“She’s exhausted.”

“How the hell is she exhausted? We did all the fighting!” Damian clicked his tongue against his teeth before holding a hand up to Marinette’s forehead. “Hey! Wake up! Your parents will kill me if they see you like this!”

Adrien rolled his eyes and shook her gently, “Marinette, c’mon. Wake up.” He looked up at Damian and explained, “This happened the first time I transformed too. It’s just overwhelming, you know?”

“No, I don’t.” Damian noted that she felt clammy, “Hey Tikki, is he right? It’s like she’s having a fever.”

Tikki stuck her head out and sighed, “Yes but the more often she transforms the easier she’ll adjust.”

Damian was satisfied with that answer, “Then let’s go. We’ll tell them she fainted from hiding with you.”

“Why would she faint from hiding with me?”

Damian raised a brow, “You can’t be serious.”

“What?”

“Incredible.” Damian rolled his eyes and just motioned for the boy to follow him. “C’mon. It’ll work. Trust me.” Adrien did his best not to disturb Marinette as he quickly followed Damian across the street. The response was to be as expected, her parents and friends fussing over her. Even Sabine was satisfied with the excuse that the two were hiding together. The two were stuck between comforting their child and checking in on the bakery downstairs. Alya, however, kept moving her face around gently.

Alya waited for the parents to head down before asking, “Damian, weren’t you supposed to be with her?”

“I couldn’t exactly let a clue to the Demon King get past me, could I? Cat Noir and Ladybug –”

“Ladybug? That’s her name then.” Alya nodded and smiled, “She was pretty cool.”

“She was late.” Damian crossed his arms and looked down at the girl asleep in the comfortable love seat. He crouched down to her eye level, “Honestly if someone just told me we just needed to rip the paper I would’ve done it the second you stole it.” He looked over to Adrien who wore a grim expression. Damian concluded there was a reason why Adrien didn’t advise it then before looking back to Alya and Nino. “Where are Marinette’s supplies?”

“In her room. We dropped them off before stealing the horses and catching up with you and Cat Noir.”

Adrien seemed surprised, “You stole horses?”

Alya huffed, “We got there and helped, didn’t we?”

“You did.” Damian nodded at her and mustered up any bit of sincerity he could, “Your steal ability saved us a lot of time and destruction. You were essential to stopping the Akuma.”

Alya blinked as she processed his words before looking away bashfully. Nino smiled and patted her back, “He’s right. That’s such a big deal for you! It worked!”

“What do you mean, Nino?”

Nino looked to Alya momentarily for permission and she rolled her eyes. He shrugged, “Alya’s mana-based abilities are hard for her to control. This was the first time she stole something accurately.”

Adrien’s eyes lit up and he smiled, “Woah! Alya, way to go!” Alya smiled back at him and mouthed a quiet ‘thank you'.

Damian shrugged and brought his hand back to Marinette’s cheek. The color was slowly coming back to her and she leaned into his palm, “I don’t get it. Can’t you just continue spamming the steal ability until it steals the right thing?” The group looked at him confused and he realized he was bringing too much attention to himself. “Joking. I’m joking.”

Alya squinted at him and frowned, “No, you’re not.”

Damian brought his eyes back to the girl in his hand, “It was a mean joke. Sorry. I didn’t realize –”

“That wasn’t a joke though.”

Marinette stirred in the chair and did her best to open her eyes. Damian’s shoulders relaxed as he rubbed her cheek, gently providing a bit of stimulus for her to wake up. No doubt she’d be disoriented. She leaned further into his palm as she did her best to focus. “Marinette?” She hummed in response and squinted her eyes, “Hey, can you hear us?”

Alya came up from behind him and gently took his hand away to keep from dropping Marinette’s head. She replaced it with her own and shot a warning look at Damian. She addressed Marinette, “Hey. You okay?” Marinette frowned and rubbed her eyes, “You look exhausted.” She looked back at Adrien, “Are you sure she just fainted?”

“Fainted?” Marinette nodded, “Fainted. Right.” She looked up at Alya before pulling her into a hug, “You’re okay.”

“I’m fine.” Alya reciprocated and pulled away, “You on the other hand –”

“I’m okay.” Marinette smiled at Alya before turning to Nino, “What about you?”

“I’m doing great. Thanks. Your supplies are upstairs by the way. I’m going to go tell your mom you woke up.” Nino sent her a quick thumbs up and left to tell her parents.

Marinette stretched and looked past Alya to the other two boys, “You two?”

“I’m just fine.”

“Same. What matters is if you are up to leaving the city today.” Damian sighed and looked back at Adrien, “Do you have an adventurer’s card?”

Adrien laughed sheepishly, “No?”

“C’mon. We need to get you one.”

“Hey! You still aren’t off the hook and who said you were traveling with us?”

Damian frowned and crossed his arms, “As far as I’m concerned you’re traveling with me. If you don’t care for me, that doesn’t really matter. Marinette and Adrien, on the other hand, have to follow me.”

“You’re arrogant.”

“He’s right.” Adrien shuffled his feet, “I think he’s the only shot I have at finding out more about my parents. I don’t know much about what happened and I’ve asked everyone in this city. It always goes back to Akumas and the Demon King. If’s he’s looking into it then so am I.”

“And I’m not about to let Adrien go off by himself.” Marinette’s bluntness caught Alya off guard. Marinette looked to Adrien, “I want to support him.” Adrien smiled, clearly touched by her words, and Marinette smiled her own small smile back. She looked to Alya, “You don’t have to –”

“If you’re going then I’m going.” Alya’s shoulders fell in subtle defeat, “I’m not leaving you alone out there.”

“She has us!” Adrien nudged Damian and did his best to share a reassuring smile.

Alya rolled her eyes, “Adrien, I don’t know how Marinette would survive an adventure alone with you. And Damian…” She trailed off as she pursed her lips together, “I don’t know if I trust you yet.”

Damian didn’t falter in his lackluster response, “Smart girl. Don’t. Marinette should take a page from you.” The girl stuck her tongue out at him before dropping her head in her hands. “What?”

Marinette sighed and motioned for Damian to approach her. He pushed past Alya and waited for her to look up as Alya watched the two confused. When Marinette did, he noticed her soft freckles around her nose and under her eyes. He didn’t give any kind of expression to her as he waited. She brought her hand up and flicked the side of his head, “Be nice. Alya is my best friend and I tell her everything.” Damian could practically hear her in his head as the two stared each other down, “This is hard for me and she helps.”

Damian broke eye contact with an eye roll and nodded, “Alright. I can work with that.” Marinette brought her head back down into her hands and Damian looked to Alya, “But, I get to make any final calls on locations and actions. I’m here to find the Demon King. I don’t want to go off course.”

“I don’t take orders.”

“Well, you’re going to learn to. I’m not about to be distracted by a bunch of kids.”

Marinette’s muffled voice came to Alya’s defense, “We’re the same age!”

Nino walked back in and chuckled, “Your parents gave us some cookies.” He started passing them out to his friends but stopped at Damian, “Sabine said you’d have to ask her for one.” Damian rolled his eyes at the power play but respected it.

“Hey! No subject change! You aren’t off the hook.” Alya approached her and poked her finger into his chest, “You’re alone. You didn’t have an adventurer’s card. You clearly know nothing about mana or magic. You’re walking around the place like you were just born.”

He knew she was technically right but Tikki’s pinching was concerning. “So?”

Alya stumbled over her words before giving him a look only a sibling could give him, “SO? You have no idea what you’re doing but you want to take on the biggest threat the region has ever seen?!” Alya looked at him like he was crazy. He agreed with her. “What is your deal?”

“I need to defeat him to go back home.”

“Why?”

“Alya!” Nino pulled her back, “He has his reasons. You can’t force someone to tell you.”

“If we’re risking our lives with him then I think we deserve some answers!”

Damian couldn’t risk losing Adrien or Marinette for his mission. Two gods against one are his best bet. Damian set a hand on top of Nino’s and gently pulled it off of Alya’s arm. “No, that’s fair.”

“What?”

“I said that’s fair. You are absolutely right. You deserve answers.” Damian pulled up a stool from the nearby kitchen and sat in front of Marinette while the others watched. Marinette met his eyes, confused and anxious. He did his best to convey some kind of comfort, “I should start by saying your intuition is spot on. You have great insight.” Alya seemed satisfied with the little compliment, that was a good sign. “I come from a large family. Our magic is nearly non-existent.” Alya tensed at the statement, as did Nino beside her. He paused, wondering if he said something wrong before continuing his story.

“I don’t know where my family is at the moment. I don’t know if they’re safe. I don’t know if they know where I am. I’ve never really been outside of our land so I’ve never seen my stats or built up for anything in specific. You’re right. I’m completely in the dark right now. I’ve been placed in an unknown location with no one I know. As far as they know, I am dead.” Damian rubbed the back of his neck, “The goddess appeared before me and told me that if I defeated the Demon King I’d be able to go home.” He didn’t mean to feel anything, yet he felt exhausted and upset. He hated that it could be heard in his voice, “I just want to go home.”

The group didn’t say anything at first, simply processing his explanation. Marinette was the first to move, though small. She cautiously reached out and grabbed his hand. She just held it. Her expression was solemn but he could tell she was still thinking. Alya looked away and sighed, “I’m in.”

“What?”

“We’re in, Damian.” Nino bit his lip and rubbed Alya’s shoulder, “I’m an older brother. I can’t imagine my little brother being lost.”

Damian couldn’t help but chuckle, “How do you know I’m not the oldest?”

“You have spoiled youngest written all over your face.” Alya turned her head to meet his eyes, “I can’t imagine my sisters being in your situation either. Besides,” she spun her body around and gave an awkward smile, “us mana-challenged adventurers have to stick together, right?” It became clear why she was so uncomfortable with the mana topic.

Damian looked to Adrien for more confirmation that he was still with him and Adrien shot him a smile that probably would’ve given Dick a run for his money. Understanding and kindness are two things he didn’t know how to convey so naturally. “Thank you.”

“Hey guys,” the group turned to Marinette, “I want to work on my clothes before it gets too late. We might have to stay here overnight.” She looked up to Alya, “Can you go ask my parents? I’m sure they’ll say yes but I want to warn them.”

“Of course.”

“Plus, if you go out and bring them some of that fresh toad meat they might cook us a going away dinner.” Marinette knew Alya would never pass up a homecooked meal, not a chef’s daughter. “What do you think?”

Alya smiled, “That sounds great.”

“You should take Adrien with you. Get his card and help him level up a bit.”

“Only if I don’t end up like you guys did yesterday!” Adrien shuttered, “That was so gross.”

Nino snorted, “What? Pretty boy doesn’t want to ruin his hair?”

“Pretty boy doesn’t want to ruin his scent.”

Damian watched them gather their supplies and was about to stand to do the same before Marinette squeezed his hand. He didn’t even realize she was still holding it. Marinette waved at the three leaving, “Good luck.” Alya left with a salute while the boys waved as they closed the door. Marinette’s face fell as soon as they were to themselves.

Damian felt awkward as he tried to pull his hand away, “Marinette –”

“You meant that literally, didn’t you?” Damian froze at the statement while her eyes watered, “You meant that literally. In your world, you are dead.” That time wasn’t a question and she didn’t wait for his answer. He became acutely aware of how warm her hand was when she rubbed her thumb against his knuckles. Damian didn’t move, waiting for her to make the first move. He couldn’t afford to offend her. Ultimately, she pointed up to her trapdoor, “Can you carry me up to my work desk?”

Damian nodded and finally took his hand away from hers. He put the stool back to its original place before leaning down to Marinette. He felt every fiber of his mantle that was disturbed by her snaking her arms around his neck. When he picked her up, she leaned her head into his chest. With each step they went up, he could feel her fingertips tap his back. He was careful with her, if not a bit slow, recognizing this was her creative attempt at a hug or some kind of comfort.

Stepping into her room and setting her down was unusually tense as her arms lingered until he was completely out of reach. He waited for her instructions but she just looked at him with sympathy. It was overwhelming. The heaviness of the air was similar to the air of the bedroom last night confronting Adrien. Damian grabbed the closest material he could get his hands on – a pink denim-like material. He held it out to her. She took it with a quiet “thank you” and the machine creaked as she looked it over.

“Your designs will come out great.”

She smiled at the bit of encouragement, “Rest. I’ll be here for a while and you fought hard.” He wanted to argue with her but he just laid down on the chaise lounge nearby. Tikki left his mantle hearing the silence and flew to Marinette’s shoulder. Tikki watched curiously at her craft as Marinette measured and mapped out her designs. Damian didn’t miss the few times she looked back at him but the energy lost throughout the day compacted in one wave of fatigue. He didn’t mean to fall asleep around her again.

Marinette kept quiet after noticing his eyes close and his breathing steady. Marinette looked at the kwami on her shoulder and whispered, “Do you think we can take on the Demon King?”

“Hawkmoth is a human, like you and him.” The use of his real name was surprising. Normally, she’d scold someone for bringing such an omen. But how do you scold a goddess? “You did very well.”

“No, I didn’t. I ran away for most of it.” She scowled at the thought of hiding behind some pillars to avoid Cat Noir’s sight. “I don’t know –”

“Are you saying I’m wrong then?”

“Yes. No. I don’t know.” She pouted, “I don’t know how to argue with a goddess.” Happy with her pattern thus far she grabbed some scissors. “I just can’t believe I’m supposed to be Ladybug.”

“You doubt yourself. Yet, you were very brave and quick to action once your friends needed you the most.” Tikki hummed, “You’re going to blossom into someone historic. You and Cat Noir will be talked about in legends.”

“I don’t want to be in legends!” She bit her lip and looked back at the man sleeping nearby. He didn’t move and she felt relief. “I don’t want to be in legends. I don’t know if I’m going to be any good at this.”

“But you’ll have help. You’ll travel. You’ll grow.” Marinette’s hands stopped and she wiped her eyes once she noticed her tears falling on the fabric. “Marinette, you’ve been blessed with creativity and love. You should be so proud of that.”

“I don’t know if I even want it.”

“I don’t think it’s something you can give back even if you wanted to.” Marinette took a deep breath and did her best to focus on her work. “Marinette –”

“I don’t feel prepared at all.”

“I don’t know how you would’ve prepared for something like this.”

Marinette let out a soft giggle, “You got me there.” She sniffed and looked at Tikki, “You can’t hide in his mantle forever. I’m going to need to make you something to travel in.”

“A pouch?”

“Pouch is a rag and strings. I’m going to make you a purse. Much more fashionable.” The two smiled and giggled at the comment. “Could you hand me that piece of chalk?”

Tikki was excited about her newest chosen, “Certainly.”