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Marinette takes in a deep breath, trying hard not to let her panic bubble to the surface. But it was hard. Everything was changing at the same time. She didn’t even have enough time to breathe before everything was ripped out from underneath her.
“Are you okay, Ladybug?” Wonder Woman asks softly, reaching out and setting a hand on her shoulder. Marinette takes in a deep breath and lets it out slowly as she nods.
“Yes, sorry, I just- this is a lot.” She says quietly. She almost misses the worried frown on her mentor’s face. Almost.
“If you do not wish to meet the team today, you don’t have to. I understand that your life is a little…challenging at the moment.”She says. Marinette holds back her bitter laugh. Challenging was an understatment. The only good thing to happen in the past year was the defeat of Hawkmoth. But that had only led her here. Thirteen and the guardian of a bunch of tiny gods. Parentless. Partnerless. Not only was she moving schools, but she’d also moved continents. As much as she hated sounding ungrateful for everything her mentor and Uncle had both done for her, it was still hard. Everything was changing. Everything.
“I think it’s better to just go in and do it. Especially since my Uncle isn’t expecting me home for a while.” Marinette says softly. Wonder Woman nods and steps through the Zeta Tube, Ladybug following behind.
"Recognized: Wonder Woman, 03. Ladybug, B08." The mechanical voice chimes out as Marinette and her mentor step out of the Zeta tube and into the headquarters of the Young Justice team. Marinette yelps in surprise as she nearly stumbles over someone laying on the ground. Wonder Woman grabs her shoulder to steady her, letting out a deep sigh.
“What are you doing on the ground, Kid Flash?” She asks. The boy on the ground blushes and jumps up, before narrowing his eyes.
“Hold on, who’s she?” He asks, glancing at Marinette.
“This is Ladybug, your new team member.” Wonder Woman says. The boy frowns, glancing back at the group of people who’d been silent thus far.
“Another new member?” He asks, frowning slightly. Marinette purses her lips, trying not to let the boy get to her. It wasn’t a big deal that he didn’t want her here. She wasn’t even completely sure she wanted to be here. In fact, she was almost certain that she would prefer to give up the Miracle Box to Wonder Woman. Let her deal with it and then go back to living a normal life. The only reason she wouldn’t do that- couldn’t do that- was Adrien. If she gave up the Miracle Box, she’d forget most of the time she spent with him. The hours they spent laughing together as Ladybug and Chat Noir. All of that would be gone. The fact that her first love, however weird it may have been with the masks that separated them, was requited. And she couldn’t hurt Adrien’s memory like that.
“Be nice, Kid Flash. Ladybug may be my mentee, but most of her battles were fought alone. Not with a seasoned hero.” Wonder Woman chides softly. Marinette flinches.
“Not completely alone.” She says quietly. Wonder Woman sighs, squeezing her shoulder gently in comfort.
“Ladybug and her partner Chat Noir were the sole protectors of Paris for nearly two years. I can assure you, she will be an asset to your team.” Wonder Woman says, giving Kid Flash a look that Marinette knew meant that she meant business. Batman frowns.
“Two years alone? Why was the League not informed?” He asks gruffly. Wonder Woman sighs.
“You and I can talk about that alongside Superman and Green Lantern. But for now, I think it’s best that we let Ladybug decide how much she is willing to share.” She says. Kid Flash scoffs.
“If we’re on the same team, shouldn’t she be willing to share everything with us?” He asks. “We’re on the same side.”
“Lay off her KF. You know it’s not always as easy as that.” Another boy says. Marinette studies him for a moment, eyes glancing across the ‘R’ on his chest. Robin. She gives him a small, thankful smile and he just grins back at her.
“No offense, to any of you, but there are a few things I’d like to keep secret. For now, at least. Such as my identity.” Marinette speaks up, hoping that the request that she keep her identity a secret wouldn’t be met with too much backlash.
“No sweat LB. I also keep my identity a secret. If these bozos give you a hard time for it, just come find me.” Robin says with a grin. Marinette nods, smiling back at him. Taking in his relaxed stance, and how nice he already was to her (despite not knowing anything), Marinette can’t help but think that this is the start of a beautiful friendship.
---
“My dear, I just think it’s best that you do basic training without the suit.” Wonder Woman says, her voice calm despite the fact that Marinette had just shrieked at her.
“You said I could keep my identity a secret, though. The Guardian always used to tell me how important that was.” Marinette says, her hands shaking as she paces the length of the room. Before letting her spend time with her new teammates, Wonder Woman had insisted on having a private conversation with her. One that Marinette was now regretting.
“I’m not saying you have to give up your identity-”
“Then what are you saying? I don’t have a different suit! The Miraculous has my suit. I don’t even have a mask.” Marinette says, her voice going shrill.
“Ladybug, calm down. I have a mask for you- just a simple one. Similar to the one Robin wears. And Batman has offered to provide you the materials to make a suit for you to wear without the Miraculous if you so choose.” Wonder Woman says. Marinette’s eyes widen.
“Really?” She asks. Wonder Woman nods. “Is there a way to get them to my Uncle’s house discreetly?” She asks. Wonder Woman snorts.
“I believe so. Regardless, if it is something you want, we can take care of it.” She says. Marinette nods, and Wonder Woman grins. “Excellent. Now, here is your mask. Just wear something comfortable for training for now.” Marinette nods, letting her transformation fall.
“Hello Diana!” Tikki says cheerily. Wonder Woman smiles.
“Hello old friend. Here, have a cookie while your chosen prepares herself.” She offers. Marinette grins and grabs the bag that Wonder Woman holds out to her. Stepping into the bathroom attached to the room (apparently, it was hers if she ever wanted to stay the night at headquarters). Quickly changing into workout clothes, Marinette lets out her pigtails and pulls her hair into a single ponytail before slipping on the domino mask. Glancing at herself in the mirror, Marinette lets out a shaky breath. It’s not like they’d be going to the same school or anything. What were the odds that they’d recognize her from her (limited) appearances with Jagged? It would be fine. She could do this. Taking a deep breath, she walks out of the bathroom and snorts at Tikki, who’d decided taking a nap on Wonder Woman’s shoulder was the best plan.
“Ready?” Marinette asks. Wonder Woman nods.
“Ready.” She says, before passing Tikki to her. Marinette gently places them onto the bed, hiding just behind the duffle. Satisfied, she follows Wonder Woman out of the room and towards the room they’d arrived in, which was apparently their training room.
“LB! You’re looking laxed.” Robin says. Marinette blinks, glancing at Wonder Woman, who simply shrugs. So at least it wasn’t her English that was off.
“Uh, thanks? I think?” She says. Robin grins.
“Definitely. So, wanna take this thing for a spin?” He asks, gesturing towards the computer. Marinette frowns.
“What does it do?” She asks.
“It’s a training simulator. Don’t worry, it’s completely safe. Scout’s honor.” He says, holding up his hand in some kind of motion. Marinette nods, grinning.
“Okay. Let’s do this then.” She says, moving into a fighting stance. Robin grins and hits a button on the computer. Time to get to work.
---
Staring up at the huge building in front of her, Marinette lets out a soft breath. Gotham Academy. Her new school. She'd tried to convince Jagged that she could just go to public school, but he insisted. Apparently, his friend has a son who also goes to GA. And said friend had guaranteed that they wouldn't have to worry about the press. Just as she goes to take a step forward, she trips. Before she can hit the ground, arms grab her and steady her.
"Whoa! You okay?" A familiar voice asks. Marinette turns to the boy, racking her brain as she tries to figure out why she recognizes the boy's voice.
"Oh, um, yes. Thank you." She says. He grins at her, his blue eyes sparkling.
"Are you new? I don't think I've seen you before." He says. She nods, sticking her hand out. She could try and figure out how she knows him later.
"Yeah, it's actually my first day. I'm Marinette. Marinette Dupain-Cheng." She says, shaking his hand. He grins.
"I'm Dick Grayson. Lemme see your schedule, maybe we have some classes together." He says, holding his hand out again. Marinette does, rocking back and forth on her heels as he looks it over. "Looks like we've got quite a few classes together. Including first hour. Wanna walk together? I know how much it sucks being the new kid." Marinette smiles.
"I'd love to." She says. He holds out his arm, letting her link their arms together. Marinette laughs as she follows him. This could be the start of a beautiful friendship.