Work Text:
"I'm telling you, Nino... father is too protective! I need to get away and see the world... fight a dragon... rescue a princess!" Chat Noir continued to complain as he road his black horse across the marshy southern lands of the kingdom.
Nino rode beside him on a far less impressive steed, struggling to stay on top of the horse as it plodded along. "I understand wanting to see the world--GAGH" he almost slipped off, but somehow caught hold of a strap and regained his composure. "...but is fighting a fire-breathing death trap that will eat you really the way you want to live the last five minutes of your life?"
"Five minutes? Thanks, friend." Chat Noir laughed.
"I'm serious, Adrien--"
"--Chat Noir--"
"Sorry... I'm serious, Chat Noir." Nino rolled his eyes. "This is rash, even for you..."
He shook his head, blonde hair bouncing slightly around the black mask he'd tied around his head to hide his identity. Prince Adrien would not be able to visit foreign lands and battle bandits... but Chat Noir could. And this guise was almost perfect. He'd raided the old armory, surprised to find this suite of black armor. The sheen across its surface implied magical properties, but he hadn't tested any of them out. The castle's Wizard could have answered most of his questions, but in the end, he didn't want to have to pay another to lie for him. So he placed on the armor and hoped for the best. If it had been cursed, his father would have destroyed it years ago.
"I know what you are thinking, Nino, but I have to do this. Legend tells of a Princess trapped by a Dragon. I've checked the palace records, and the stories seem to have some truth to them."
"If the stories are true, did you ever consider that there was a reason she's still trapped?" Nino frowned, holding tighter to the reins of the horse as it began to cross a bridge. He was nervous riding a horse on land. Riding it across the water terrified him.
Adrien smiled. "That's the best part, the unknown. Father would never allow me to go on adventures."
"And maybe this is why... you aren't thinking about the consequences."
"I am. And I'm also thinking about the consequence of me staying trapped in that castle forever. I overheard father talking about me marrying Lady Rossi." Adrien's face scrunched in disgust, a look Nino mirrored. "And I would honestly rather be eaten by the dragon."
Nino couldn't argue the point, so he kept quiet. If he really felt strongly about not leaving, he would never have allowed Prince Adrien to get this far. Truth was, Nino was a coward. Too much of a coward to fight... and too much of a coward to stop his friend... But he was also loyal, and he was more than willing to follow Prince Adrien anywhere he went -- just maybe not into the mouth of the dragon.
The pair continued to travel until dusk began to fall. They set camp, looking through their provisions and building a fire. Night would be upon them soon, and they knew that goblins often roamed this part of the land. Goblins hated the light of the fire, and so they (and their horses) would be safe as long as they remained within its glow.
Nino was the first to drift to sleep, the crackling of the fire lulling him into his dreams. Adrien sat, considering the reaction his father must have had when he didn't arrive at his scheduled fencing lesson. The servants would have avoided King Gabriel at first, hoping to not be the one responsible for telling the angry man about his son's disappearance. He could imagine them searching the halls, store rooms, bed chambers, and even the attic... and when he did not turn up, they likely drew straws on who would fall victim to his father's wrath. He felt bad for the poor soul, but it was necessary. Any notes and his father would chase after him. He had needed time to get as far from the castle and his father's scryers as soon as possible.
Adrien was almost asleep when a wind blew through the area, blowing out the fire and stirring the horses. Dust flew up in the air, and Adrien rose quickly to his feet, covering his face with his hands. He almost tripped on Nino's sleeping form, and instead took the opportunity to shake him.
The gust had been sudden, and looking up, Adrien realized the silhouette of a large winged creature flew across the backdrop of the cloudy moon.
"Dragon..." Adrien whispered as the creature turned in the sky, peering down at him. Then he dove on top of his friend's rousing form, covering him as a blast of fire struck the area of their camp, destroying most of their possessions and sending the horses fleeing. It was in that moment that Adrien realized his armor's purpose... It had protected him (and Nino underneath him) from the dragon's breath. With it's work done, the dragon flew away towards the hills.
"Nino! Let's follow it!" Adrien said, grabbing his sword and running off.
Nino glanced at the burnt supplies, grabbed his dagger and followed, stumbling over loose roots as he attempted to not lose sight of the dark-clad would-be knight.
Luck must have been on Adrien's side. When he approached the hills, the dragon swooped low and through a waterfall. "I thought black cats were unlucky." He whispered to himself, chuckling softly at his joke. "Or maybe they are just lucky for those they cross paths with..."
Nino burst through the bushes, gasping for breath, and Adrien grinned. "The dragon went into a cave behind the falls. I am going to enter. Perhaps you can go look for our horses and come back here. If I manage to rescue the lady, I do not wish to make her walk all the way back to the castle.”
Nino glanced back at the woods, dark shadows and spooky sounds. “I…I can…do that…” He gulped, holding his dagger close. “If I don’t return… Please come find me. I don’t want to be eaten by goblins.”
Adrien laughed. “Goblins don’t eat people. That’s just a myth told to frighten children and keep them out of the woods. They are much more likely to steal your things and enslave you. Of course…Now trolls. They will eat you. So don’t go near any of the bridges we crossed earlier.”
Nino nodded, terrified. “D-don’t b-be long…”
Pulling his helmet over his head, Adrien took on the persona he’d worked hard to create. Chat Noir. The black knight. He could do this. He could defeat a dragon and rescue a maiden…
Stepping up to the waterfall, he struggled across slick stones until he found purchase on the other side. Water along the cave’s floor caused all the sounds to echo from multiple directions. The landing of droplets from the stalactites was the only sound to punctuate the soft, gentle roar of the falls at the entrance. Chat Noir wondered how a dragon so large could make its way into the cave without injury. He had to light a torch along the way, and he was grateful for his thoughtful preparation. Once more proof that his father’s overprotective nature was uncalled for.
The cave was long and began to narrow the further he went in. No dragon. No…anything. And he questioned briefly if he had imagined the large, scaly being flying in. He was just about to turn around and save Nino from his fears when the cave opened up again. The walls were worked stone, and an ornate wooden door was before him.
He hesitated at the door handle… and then knocked on the door with three loud raps.
A female voice called from inside. “Come in.”
And Chat Noir gripped the hilt of his sheathed sword. Opening the door, he was greeted by two women sitting at a table playing chess. Both women were exotic. Dark hair and slanted eyes, though one’s features were sharper than the other’s. Both women were dressed casually. Simple dresses. Hair pulled away from their faces. The only jewelry to be seen were the earrings on the softer featured woman and necklace on the other. Three goblets of wine sat beside them on the table.
He took in his surroundings. The room was smoothed stone. The temperature was warm, and he wondered if it was a fire, magic, or the dragon keeping the room cozy. Beautiful paintings and ornate tapestries hung around the room. Books stacked in all corners and under tables. Two other doors led to more rooms.
“Check.” The woman with the earrings said, and the other paused long enough to assess the situation.
“Checkmate.” She replied, moving her rook to block the check and placing her bishop in line with the first’s king.
“Good game, Kagami.” The first smiled, then took a sip from her wine glass.
“You are improving, Marinette.” The other, Kagami, replied. “In time, you will beat me.”
“You flatter me.” Marinette giggled, then turned to look at Chat Noir. He had remained still and quiet, assessing the situation with curiousity… the same curiosity his name-sake was known for. “Now… to tend to our guest.”
Kagami stood, picking up the remaining two wine glasses. She approached him and held one to him. He took it without a word, but also did not drink. He was unwilling to remove his helmet, and he was uncertain if this was a trap. They had been expecting him.
“What brings a brave knight into our home?” Kagami’s voice was condescending, full of cold mockery.
“I have come to rescue the princess.” He glanced between the two. “From the dragon.”
Marinette laughed at that, but Kagami’s eyes chilled him. “I see…” She took a step back to the table. “Then if you wish to rescue the princess, you must first pass three tests…”
“Tests?” Chat Noir was still confused on who these women were and what had happened to the dragon.
Kagami nodded. “You will fight Marinette… then myself. And if you survive the first two fights, you will fight Marinette once more. Only then will I decide if you are worth my time.”
Chat Noir glanced at the women, and frowned. This was unexpected. He had prepared himself for flying dragons and distressed damsels. Not… these two women. “And if I refuse.”
Marinette laughed again, enjoying the situation more than was necessary. “The door is behind you. You are welcome to leave at any time… empty handed, of course. No combat. No princess.”
He nodded, pulling out his sword. “Then I suppose I must face you, then.”
Marinette casually waved him off with her hand. “No. There is no need for bloodshed. I’m certain a knight of your caliber has slain plenty of dragons and rescued your fair share of maidens.” Was she being sarcastic?? “Instead, a battle of wits. We play chess.”
He stared at the chessboard. He hadn’t played chess in several years. He had long ago lost interest in the game. Nino was the only friend he had, and both Nino and his servants lacked the skills to challenge him. He was rusty, but more than capable of winning if he allowed himself to concentrate on the task at hand.
“I… I agree.” He nodded, slowly removing his helmet, revealing his masked face underneath.
“What shall we call you?” Kagami asked.
“Chat Noir.”
“The Black Cat.” She whispered in reply, leaning over Marinette’s shoulder as she gestured to the chair she had once occupied. “Very well, kitten… take a seat. If you beat Marinette, then you will face me. If you beat me…then you will face Marinette one last time. Only if you capture our kings will you have a chance to capture…I mean…rescue the princess.”
He sat in the chair, staring at the board. So far the night had not gone as expected. Were these women toying with him? What was on the other sides of the door… where was the Princess…?
Marinette was a skilled opponent, but it was clear she was still learning. Capturing her king had been tricky, and it had taken him far longer than he would have liked. By the end of the game, however, he felt as if he had never stopped competing. Memories surfaced, and he was enjoying himself once more.
“Good game... Now…” Marinette gestured to Kagami. “Good luck. Kagami is a master chess player. She has played some of the greatest minds to ever play the game…”
Chat Noir glanced at his next opponent, wondering about her travels and experiences. She had a look of determination that Marinette did not possess. She was focused. He nodded, and the game began. He would never admit it aloud, but he was certain that he had only won because of luck. …bad luck specifically. Nearing the end of the game, Marinette had spilled her wine glass, distracting Kagami just enough that she missed a vital move.
Kagami was furious, but Chat Noir held his ground. “A win is a win. It is not my fault you were distracted.”
He saw rage fill the woman, and he could sense something magical coming from her. Marinette’s hand landed on Kagami’s shoulder, soothing what he could only describe as a beast within her. Understanding began to fill him as he watched the two interact. The dragon could not have fit in the cave and door…unless it could transform into a smaller form… a humanoid form. He realized, feeling a tremble of fear come over him. He’d been talking to the dragon all along… and if Kagami was the dragon… then was Marinette the… Princess?
Kagami frowned at him, then glanced at Marinette. “Very well. You have seen him play. Do you feel more prepared?”
Marinette nodded, smiling as she sat across from him. “Let’s make this a bit more interesting.” She smiled at him. “Each time we capture a piece, we ask each other a question. I will answer any question you ask truthfully. I only request you do the same.”
Kagami bristled at that, and glared at Marinette. “Are you sure that is wise?”
“Kagami… he already beat us both once. Let’s have some fun.” Marinette dismissed her, and Kagami stood tense and clearly not pleased.
“I… I suppose I can do that.” Chat Noir replied, unable to say no.
And so the game began… then… he lost a pawn.
“Who was the young man traveling with you?” Marinette asked.
“Nino. My squire…”
She paused, eyeing him as if waiting for me.
“He is my best friend. My…only friend.” He finally stated, completing the truth.
Satisfied, she continued the game until… he took her rook.
“Is Kagami the dragon?” He said.
Marinette giggled. “What gave her away? I bet it was her anger. You practically breath fire when you are angry, Kagami.”
Chat Noir glanced at the dragon in human form. Kagami was still standing rigid, unhappy with the turn of events.
Marinette continued. “Yes. Kagami is the dragon of legends. This is one of her many forms. This is my favorite of her forms.”
Kagami blushed at that, crossing her arms and refusing to respond.
Chat Noir lost several more pieces, each costing him an answer to more of Marinette’s questions, then finally she asked, “What is your real name?”
He paused. “I am Prince Adrien Agreste, first in line for the throne, and son of King Gabriel Agreste.” Taking off his mask, he revealed his face to the women.
Marinette paused, looking at her companion. “And… you are seeking the Princess because…?”
Adrien opened his mouth to answer, then paused, “That is a separate question. You will have to take another of my pieces to earn the answer.”
Silence filled the room, and the game continued after that. Marinette was a more formidable opponent than in the first game. Clearly she had been watching him closely during the first two games. She struggled to take another piece and maintain her position against him. Then he took her knight.
“Who is the princess?” He asked.
“I am.” Marinette replied.
“You do not seem to be captured like the legends say.” Adrien observed.
She remained silent, but Kagami answered instead. “A prison is still a prison, no matter how lovely.”
He sat silently, then made a decision. “If you will, I have a proposition…”
The women glanced at each other, before Kagami nodded.
“If Kagami would finish the game in your place...I propose that… if I capture your Queen, then Marinette will become my Queen. If you capture my King, then when I am crowned King, you may come and collect any favor within my power to grant.” Adrien stated.
“Don’t… Kagami…” Marinette whispered. “He doesn’t know what he is offering you.”
But Kagami grinned. A favor of a king was high ransom indeed. “Yes. Let us finish this game. And should you not pay your end of the bargain, then your countryside will be burnt and ruined.”
Adrien nodded, taking a breath and awaiting Kagami’s next move. He was in a favored position, due to Marinette’s less experienced playing, but Kagami was more skilled, and quickly brought him back to the defensive. No more questions, just moves countering and pushing the other into positions.
Then it happened…
“Kagami…” Marinette breathed out her name in awe. Kagami stared at the board before her. Adrien had positioned the pieces in such a way that a checkmate was inevitable. She was going to win. She would capture his king… but in order to do so, she must sacrifice her queen.
“Are you willing to give up Marinette… and gain favor with a King?”
….
It had taken Nino two hours to round up both horses and return to the waterfall. When he arrived back, Adrien was standing casually against a tree, and a beautiful woman stood beside him.
“Nino, this is Princess Marinette. She will be returning with us.”