Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Marinette was in agony. Emotional, mental, and physical torment. One minute she had been running from a mob tricked into thinking she had stolen the Miracle Box from the rightful Guardian, as if Lila would ever have been chosen, and the next she was burning from the inside out. Too many voices in her head and her veins overflowing with too much power. Too much! Toomuch! TOOMUCH!!!

Marinette's conscience fell to darkness and was barely being shielded from annihilation by the Kwamis now merged with her body. They were trying their hardest, but no human could contain so much power within themselves for long. They would tear her body apart if they couldn't find new anchors soon, and with their ties to the Miraculous severed and jewels gone, things were not looking good for Marinette. The Kwamis argued with each other, each vying for control of the Guardian's body with varying intentions of how to fix this problem they had created.

How convenient it was for them for a powerful group of wizards to stumble upon them. Tikki's influence, no doubt.

The scene Headmaster Crowley of Night Raven College came upon was, in a word, unnerving. The six Dorm Heads, one who was technically present through a floating tablet, followed after the screaming started. They all heard it; blood curdling screams of incomparable pain, thinking that one of the students was being murdered before classes had even started. Instead, they saw a fire eared cat crawling away from a girl hunched over and gripping her hair. Marks of foreign runes and designs covered pale visible skin and wisps of magic in various colors oozed from flesh like sweat. And her hair, for surely this was a female, was long and whipped wildly in the air as if pulled by powerful winds. Her voice changed in pitch and tone like a radio flipping through stations.

"The Miraculous are gone!" "What do we do?!" "We're killing her!"

Crowley stepped forward, key cane extended and partially shielding his charges. "Are you alright, child?"

The form froze and twisted its upper body to take them in, her eye color ever shifting in hues. They settled on slitted green, the smoke around her darkening to a black that shamed the darkest night. The voice that came from her was masculine and didn't at all fit her petite beauty. One boy in particular, a beastman Prince, felt frozen by their gaze. "A son of destruction. What perfect timing you have!"

Leona's ears flicked in their pinned position. "What…?"

The girl jumped on all fours, her mouth twisted into an unsettling grin. "Congrats kitten! You get the honor of becoming my vessel!" And then she leaped.

She was fast. Faster than Crowley, faster than Leona could track. Before he could even brace for attack, her hand was latched onto his forearm. He hissed, surprised rather than pained, as black ink was scribed into his skin and another presence made its way into his mind. "Hiya."

Crowley ensnared the girl in his whip before she could grab hold of Kalim. She screeched in outrage. "Hands off, young lady! Kingscholar, are you alright?"

"Yeah. I uh…." He palmed his skull, entirely befuddled at the circumstance in which he found himself. "There's a voice in my head."

The voice scoffed, "I am Plagg, the Kwami of Destruction and Misfortune, the counterbalance to Luck and Creation. It is your privilege to speak to me."

"Kwami? You mean like a god or something?"

Again, the voice cackled in derision. "I am greater than any god. I am the very concept of Destruction given form. Or, at least, I had a physical form once. But now that my jewel is destroyed, I am no longer of the physical plane. Me and my kin bound ourselves to the closest object and that happened to be our Guardian. If it had just been one or two of us, this wouldn't have been much of an issue for her. However, being that it was 19 of us…"

Even though he had no trouble following along, he could hardly believe any of it. "So you are Plagg, an entity greater than a god, Destruction and Misfortune itself. And you, and 18 of your ilk, have tied themselves to this female and the combined power will kill her if the other Kwamis like you don't find themselves different hosts?"

“Not a host. Host implies that we require you to exist, and we don’t. Without a vessel, it would be harder to help Marinette. She has done much for us and we want to stay with her for the time being.” Plagg’s tone hardened. “Now would you tell that feathered fool to release my Guardian? My kin need new vessels, preferably before the Guardian burns from the inside out.”

Leona huffed and gripped the Headmaster’s arm. “Let her go.”

He nodded and reluctantly retracted his whip. The girl jumped to her feet and somehow landed quite close to the Headmaster, her eyes a striking yellow against a blue sclera. Her voice was feminine, controlled and regal in manner. “Don’t do that again.”

And then she was off, twisting her body to land in front of Kalim, her irises now pink and voice once again masculine though higher pitched than Plagg. “Oh wonderful! I’ve found a Boar!”

“Hey!” Kalim whined in offense. “I am the farthest thing from boring!”

Laughter erupted from the possessed woman. “No no, silly! A Boar, or pig. You’re definitely one of mine! I can feel our qi resonating! I am the Boar Kwami of Jubilation! Would you mind becoming my new vessel? I’d like to vacate the Guardian’s body before we damage her beyond repair.”

Kalim’s ruby eyes widened and his grin reappeared. “Oh, like joy and stuff? Yeah, that’s totally me! I don’t mind being your new vessel. I mean… so long as it doesn’t hurt.”

Daizzi pointed at Leona. “That boy over there took to Plagg seamlessly. I imagine you will be just fine.”

“Okay then! Let’s do it!” Kalim held out his hand.

“Wonderful!” The female’s pale hand grasped his and pink wisps of magic flooded into the Scarabian Dorm Head. He wobbled a little on his sandaled feet, but otherwise looked unharmed.

Kalim brushed the hood of his robe aside to fondle his head. “Man, that feels so weird. Hey Leona, did you… Woah.”

The beastman sneered. “What are you lookin’ at?”

Kalim stared in wonder, his eyes taking on a pink sheen. “You really wanna be a king.”

Leona flushed with embarrassment snarled in defense. “The fuck are you saying?”

The woman spoke, the voice girlish and far too dramatic for Leona’s taste. “Whoop! That would be Daizzi’s dominion. He can peer into the most guarded of hearts and see their deepest desires!”

Everyone grew stiff at the news and eyed Kalim with distrust and caution. None of the men present wanted to be read so easily, especially not by someone as simple minded and careless as Kalim Al Asim. The boy in question picked up on the atmosphere and rushed to calm them down. “Hey now! No worries. Uh, Daizzi? Could you maybe dial it back?” After a moment of silent communication, he beamed at the others. “All good? Daizzi will only grant that power to me when I ask for it.”

The girl was dancing around Vil before Kalim finished talking, blue eyes against black sclera shimmering. The blond actor watched her with suspicion. "Don't be like that now. No peacock of mine should wear such an ugly face."

"Peacock?" Vil seemed to perk up.

Leona couldn't help but snicker to himself. "Yeah, that's fitting."

She nodded vigorously, smiling so brightly it rivaled that sun. "That's me! I am Duusu, the Peacock Kwami of Emotion! I believe you'd be a wonderful vessel for my power, but I'd like to have your permission first."

His eyes flicked between Leona and Kalim. "Kalim implied that becoming a vessel comes with power. What should I be expecting from you?"

Her lashes fluttered as she playfully swayed side to side. "As the Kwami of Emotion, my bearers are able to feel the emotions of those around them and give an emotion a physical form. With time and training, you will be able to manipulate the emotions of those around you. There is more, but I think I'll leave that a secret between you and me. So… what do you say?"

He pursued his lips. "Will this affect my acting career?"

She giggled, "Oh my cute little fledgling, we peacocks are exceptionally good at putting on a show."

"Deal." Vil held out his hand looking very satisfied. The woman smiled wide and grasped his proffered hand tightly. Magic the color of deep indigo flowed out of her body and into his. Vil gasped and staggered back clutching his chest with both hands, his face hidden in the shadows of his hood. "Too much!"

His form suddenly slumped. Vil panted until he caught his breath and was able to collect himself. The young actor/model then straightened his back looking ever the proud celebrity. He side eyed Azul wearing a smug grin. "Jealous, Ashengrotto?"

The merman glared at the boy until the girl was in his arms, clinging to his body as her eyes flickered between slitted green and pupil-less purple. "Strange this one. He has the potential to be both a Snake and a Butterfly. Tell me, Son of the Ocean, do you trust in your mind or in your instinct?"

Azul paused, breathing in through his nose. "... What answer would get me the Snake?"

"A non-answer." She jumped away from him, her movements swift and inhuman. "Very snake-like, but not helpful. Speak honestly."

The merman sighed. "My mind. I prefer to look at all the variables and plan accordingly before making a move."

She cocked her head to the side, eyes still changing colors. Her eyes snapped to a vivid blue, her voice pitched low. "This is a tough decision. He could fit either one well enough. The future around him is ever shifting. What to do, what to do."

Azul crossed his arms. "Perhaps I should make the decision myself. What are the abilities of the Snake and the Butterfly?"

The pupil-less purple orbs returned, her voice deep and controlled. "I am Nooroo, the Kwami of Transmutation. I sense the mental states of those around me and can grant the ability of Chrysalis; empowering the powerless and strengthening the powerful."

He was looking more and more intrigued with every word out of the woman's mouth. "How fascinating."

Riddle was quick to voice his opinion. "I think that is the last thing Azul needs."

She continued, "Sass is the Kwami of Intuition and grants the power of what the Guardian jokingly calls Checkpoint; to reset time and offer as many chances the Snake would need to achieve success."

The floating tablet let out a very human gasp. "A real live checkpoint system! You could get so many do-overs!"

"Oh, that one is much worse." Leona stated bluntly. "Ashengrotto doesn't need either of those abilities."

Azul was practically giddy, smiling like a loon. "Tides, both are so incredible. Decisions, decisions." He took a minute to think over his options. "The ability to reset time would truly be advantageous, but I think I would be more suited to Transmutation."

"Treat me well, Changeling." The woman grabbed his hand and purple miasma flowed from her to Azul. He smiled in satisfaction and released her.

Her eyes turned blue, her irises a bright yellow, as she stepped up to Riddle with all the bearing of a Queen. "By the looks of you, I'd say you're one of mine."

The Dorm Head of Heartslabyul eyed her with interest. "And who are you, exactly?"

"Pollen, the Bee Kwami and Sovereign of Subjugation." She bowed with grace. "I grant my Holders the power of Venom which will freeze whoever you touch in place, rendering them incapable of movement."

“Say no more. I’ll be your vessel.” Riddle stuck out his hand with an eager grin.

Her lips tilted upwards in a faint display of amusement. “Word of warning, my King: be careful not to touch anyone when you’re angry at the risk of Marking someone.”

Riddle’s brow furrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you’ll leave behind pheromones that will attract very angry bees.” She gently placed her hands atop his in a dainty fashion and he was swarmed with bright yellow magic that seeped into his skin. His gray eyes flashed to yellow and back again.

The woman’s bright blue eyes stared intently at the floating tablet. A masculine voice unfitting of her appearance returned. “I’ll meet you after the sorting ceremony, Idia.”

A choking sound emitted from the device. “How do you know my name?”

“In due time.” Her attention shifted to Crowley, the electric blue eyes darkening to a sapphire. Her voice was feminine this time. It was light and gentle yet carried a sense of something greater. “Your body has matured, the soul and mind settled into its form. It would not take the presence of an interloper easily. Just so you know, Dusuu would have been honored to have you bear her Miraculous.”

The Headmaster only shrugged. “I take no offense.”

She smiled, though it was tinged with stress. “That is five Kwamis passed unto new vessels. Thirteen still remain. I understand there is to be a welcoming ceremony held here. Do you mind if I watch in the shadows? I am hoping to find other fitting vessels to carry my kin.”

Crowley jerked back. “Goodness me! We are running late! You yourself… or at least that body of yours, is a student and is supposed to be locked in their coffin until they are woken and sorted in a Dorm. But seeing as this is a special circumstance, I will allow you to find proper vessels among my students.”

“My thanks to you, feathered one.” She chuckled lightly. Her eyes turned purple and held a mischievous glint. The lady jumped back inhumanly far and landed silently on the raised dais back against the wall. With a wink and a smirk, she quickly vanished from sight and yet her voice still rang clear, deep and taunting. “I will alert you when I see a potential vessel. Grim! To me!”

“Funa!” The fiery eared cat everyone else had forgotten jumped in fright. He gaped at the seemingly empty space before swallowing thickly and succumbing to her call. Soon, he too had disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Crowley gestured to the dais and the Dorm Heads shared looks among themselves before taking their places. “Let the Sorting Ceremony commence.”

Chapter Text

Student after student was Sorted, one by one, yet none of the Dorm Heads heard a peep from the invisible interloper. At least not until a small, purple haired boy stepped out of his own coffin gate. Leona almost jumped when he heard her voice in his ear, a fierce and feminine alto. “Now that’s a Tiger if I’ve ever seen one.”

Kalim, who was next to Leona, overheard. “Him? A tiger? But he looks so delicate.”

She scoffed in good humor. “Don’t let his size fool you. He’s got a fire burning within him. A ferocity that could overpower armies, and I want him.”

The boy was sorted into Pomefiore. Leona didn’t see how a Tiger could come from such a vanity driven Dorm. Those Pomefiore lot were the kind to avoid any kind of activity that could ruin their made up faces and neat clothes. Maybe this particular Kwami was visually impaired.

Two Heartslabyul boys were Sorted and identified as an Ox and a Monkey. One particularly stuck up ponce named Sebek had her more hesitant. “This one… he has the makings of a Dragon, but he’s not quite there yet. Maybe with time…?"

"No." A different voice replied. "There is another. We will encounter him tonight."

The ceremony ended and the Dorm Heads led the newbies to their new home, but not before hearing her last message. "Return with trusted allies and the potentials I've chosen."

A few scoffed at the request, for who really could trust another with such information, and then remembered that the woman that was housing those Kwamis would perish if those entities were not purged from her before sunrise. For Leona, he could only think of one boy who he could count on for anything… at a price. He pulled the hyena beastman aside as the first years were settling into the Dorm. "Come with me."

The Savanaclaw members returned to the Mirror room to find the Headmaster chatting with the strange woman who was holding the fire cat like a beloved pet. Before he could speak, Vil strolled out of the Pomefiore Mirror followed by the stalker and the tiny firstie looking very confused. More students entered through the Heartsalbyul Mirror and then from Octavinelle, then Scarabia. Idia Shroud fell out of the portal to Ignahyde's Dorm, blushing furiously and refusing to meet anybody's gaze unlike his robotic creation that assessed every inch of the room. Lilia was the last to return with Malleus Draconia in tow. The dragon fairy was reserved yet showed the slightest hint of curiosity and delight at the sudden change in his monotonous life.

Her eyes flickered to magenta against light yellow. She looked ready to fling herself at the little Pomefiore bit when the Headmaster stopped her. "Gentlemen, forgive me for disrupting your first night at Night Raven College. All of you have been called here for a very special purpose. This young lady is housing powerful entities that are unfortunately burning her from the inside out. You first years were hand picked by a number of the entities that believed you would make prime vessels for their power. Most of the Dorm Heads you see before you have already agreed to house a Kwami and are perfectly healthy. You are under no obligation to agree as your body is your own.”

A portal opened beneath the woman’s feet and she fell through it only to land in front of Jade Leech. The merman’s widened in shock and many boys jumped, one outright screamed in fright. Light green eyes gazed up at Jade with haughty poise. She regarded him with a sniff. “I suppose you’ll do. I am Kaalki, the Kwami of Migration and grant the power of teleportation. Do you agree to be my vessel?”

Jade hesitated for a moment before shrugging. “I agree.”

She clicked her tongue and grabbed his hand to exchange her cyan energy to him.

Red eyes against yellow sclera flickered to Jade’s twin. “I think I’ve found myself a proper Rooster.”

Floyd’s grin was manic. “A rooster? Really?”

The red eyed Kwami currently in control gave a subtle bow. “I am the Rooster Kwami Orriko and I grant the power of Sublimation; granting any ability my Bearer wishes with a few hard limitations. Would you become my vessel?”

Several boys in the room grew pale. Riddle trembled as he raised his voice in protest. “I really don’t think…”

“Okay!” Floyd grabbed the extended hand and orange-yellow magic was exchanged. The eel merman blinked his eyes repeatedly as the Kwami settled into his form. His fangy grin was genuine but no less frightening. “Woah! There’s a voice in my head!”

Riddle was gaping at the twins in sheer horror.

The woman zipped along the ground until she was finally in front of the smallest male in the room, her eyes the color of burnt gold. Her voice was feminine, a sultry alto carrying an underlying purr. “Oh, it’s my Tiger!”

“M-m-me?” The boy, Epel was his name, leaned back to gain some distance. She quickly closed the gap he had made.

She was beaming at him, eyes glowing with what many would call madness and what she called exhilaration. Her voice was loud and powerful. “I am Roaar, the Tiger Kwami of Elation and I grant the power of Stalk which would make you invisible and completely undetectable! Do you want to be my new vessel?!”

Epel stole a glance at his new Dormwarden. “Uh… yes?”

Laughter erupted from her throat. “What was that? I couldn’t hear you. Say it louder!”

Epel acquiesced, speaking a little louder. “Yes.”

“Louder!”

Fists clenched and provoked, Epel inhaled deeply and let loose. “YES!!!”

Her smile stretched from ear to ear. “That’s the spirit!”

She latched onto his head with both hands and Epel absorbed her magenta colored magic. Orange faded to purple, half lidded and mischievous, now focused on the towering man standing at Vil’s side. A voice that was distinctively male addressed him. “You seem like a perfect vessel for my power. What’s your name?”

The tall man, blonde hair in a sharp bob, took off his feathered hat and offered a bow. “Je m'appelle Rook Hunt. Un vrai plaisir.”

Purple orbs glittered in delight. “Goodness me! My Guardian’s mother tongue. Elle sera la plus ravie. I am Trixx, the Fox Kwami and Master of Illusions. Would you do me the honor of becoming my vessel?”

Rook smiled graciously. “L’honneur est pour moi.”

“Merveilleux.” They shook hands and Rook accepted the orange energy.

The woman’s eyes shifted to a dark blue and they honed in on a first year Heartslabyul student whose hair matched her new irises. A deep voice, too deep to be female, rumbled from her chest. “Ah good. I was worried the distance and sheer number of auras would have influenced my sight, but it seems you are most suited to my domain.”

The boy gazed up at the girl with a mixture of curiosity, wariness, and awe. “And what is your domain?”

Her reply came with a proud grin. “I am Stompp, the Ox Kwami of Determination and I grant the power of Stampede which stockpiles the force of physical and magical attacks that can be released in a single hit.”

Deuce’s eyes sparkled. “Woah! You could do so much damage to a person with that kind of power!”

“I have!” Stompp stopped in thought and corrected himself. “Well, one of my Holders did while using my Miraculous. He knocked a guy’s head clean off his shoulders. It was sent flying so far it landed in a nearby forest. It took that idiot’s army four weeks to find his skull. And I remember this other time when…”

“Focus!” Everyone jumped when the strange girl’s voice and demeanor changed so suddenly to an angry female.

Her persona changed again, back to Stompp. “Alright, alright. So green horn, you wanna be my vessel?”

Deuce grinned and accepted his hand and offer. “Absolutely.”

Navy magic moved owners and warm brown eyes landed on Ace. "Finally! My Monkey!"

Now that the boys had caught on top the pattern, Ace wriggled eagerly beneath his ceremonial robes. "Awesome! So what's your name? What can you do?"

"I am Xuppu and I am the Kwami of Derision. My main power is called Uproar which makes my targets lose control of their magic. You wanna be my vessel?"

"That sounds awesome! Heck yeah I do!" Ace accepted Xuppu's presence. He did sway a little as he acclimated to the entity, but overall he appeared in perfect condition.

The woman's ever changing eyes landed on Trey Clover and settled in a placid green, humming in thought. "Yes, I think you might make a wonderful Turtle."

Ace snickered, eyeing the girl. "A turtle. What a lame animal."

She jerked back, chest puffed out in offense. "Says the mortal human with fragile skin and a weak jaw and as much patience as a toddler on a sugar-rush. I am Wyazz, the Kwami of Protection and my defenses are second to none."

Trey regarded the masculine entity trapped in a female form. "Well Wyazz, I don't mind housing you."

A gentle smile appeared on the girl's face. "I am most grateful. I do hope our partnership is a harmonious one."

"Same." Trey shook the offered hand and stumbled a bit when he took in the entity.

Her blue-green eyes glowed with elation as they beheld the Hyena beastman at Leona's side. A happy squeal erupted from her mouth, one so loud it made those with sensitive ears flinch. The young lady was acting like an excitable puppy the way she bounced in front of Ruggie. "Hi there! Aren't you so precious! I'm so happy to meet you!"

Ruggie was grinning nervously. "Nice to meet you too. I'm gonna need you to calm down a tad before you piss yourself."

She tittered in good humor. "Well aren't you the funny one. I'm Barkk, the Dog Kwami of Adoration! I would love you to be my vessel!"

Ruggie gawked at the girl and slowly turned his head to address the room of men. “No one says a damn word to Crewel or I will eat them.” He turned back to the girl. “Alright, I’ll be your vessel. What can you do anyway? Detect nearby fire hydrants?”

Barkk giggled, wriggling in place. “What a silly little creature you are! My main power is Fetch. All you’ll have to do is throw my baton and it will return along with whatever it hits. Of course, you could always touch my baton to an item first and it will be able to find it no matter where it’s hidden.”

“We’re gonna be the best of friends.” Ruggie said with a maniacal grin. He held his arms out wide. “Bring it in, buddy!”

Dark cyan eyes glinted mischievously as they made skin contact and the Kwami moved bodies. Electric sky blue eyes examined Idia calmly as she walked around the cowering boy. “This is no Rabbit. As of this time, you are far too focused on the details. Still lost within your grief.”

Idia couldn’t even look up from the ground. He was humiliated that he would be the only student in the room to be rejected.

Pink consumed the blue. A gentle soprano addressed the young man. “Don’t take it personally. Fluff isn’t one to pull punches, you know? She can get a bit caught up in the future sometimes and forget our feelings in the present. You may not be a Rabbit, but I think you’re a perfect Mouse, just like Marinette!”

His head jerked up, a look of confusion on his face. “Marinette?”

The Kwami pressed a dainty hand to the body she was possessing. “Our Guardian. This is Marinette. Her mind is resting right now. If all goes well, she should awaken tomorrow morning. She was a Mouse but has since been shaped into someone new by her experience in life. Though she is still well aligned to my domain, she is no longer the perfect fit she once was. I think you two would be wonderful friends.”

Idia bowed his head to hide a blooming blush. He extended a shaking hand. “O-okay. I’ll be your vessel.”

She smiled at him fondly and took his hand. “I am Mullo, the Mouse Kwami of Multiplication and I will grant you the power of Multitude: the ability to make clones of yourself. Take note that the more clones you make, the smaller all of you will be.”

Light pink magic transitioned owners and made Idia the new vessel of the Mouse. The blue eyes made a reappearance. Fluff eyed Malleus with interest. “You’re not quite there yet… but with enough time, perhaps I could make you into a proper Rabbit.”

Sebek inhaled an affronted shriek and probably would have begun scolding the Kwami had Lilia not clasped a hand over his mouth. The fae regarded his horned charge with a carefree grin. “The choice is yours, Malleus. It would help in saving this young lady.”

Malleus Draconia gave a slight bow to the Kwami-woman. “May I ask who I will be serving as a vessel?”

“You may.” The bow was returned. “I am Fluff, the Rabbit Kwami of Evolution. As my vessel you will be capable of my power, Burrow, which will allow you to travel back and forth in time.”

The horned prince’s eyes were not the only ones to fly open in absolute shock. Dire Crowley gawked at the pair, yellow eyes glowing bright. “To go back and forth in time?! Such an ability… it’s unthinkable!”

Fluff nodded in agreement. “It is a great responsibility. You will see things while peering into the future. Great things, terrible things, many of which you will not be able to tell anyone about. You might be able to give hints and act as a guide, but giving away too much can prevent the desired future from coming to fruition. There will be times when sacrifices must be made, where someone must die and there is nothing you can do to stop it. People will hate you, for lack of warning or lack of action, but such is the burden of us Rabbits. Do you still desire to be my vessel?”

Malleus didn’t hesitate. “I’m sure.”

Fluff reached for him. “I look forward to our partnership.”

Light blue energy was exchanged between the two and the woman now stood firm in front of Sebek Zigvolt, golden yellow eyes with slitted pupils staring at him with reservation. The voice that came from Marinette’s body was low and deep. It shook the air despite being so quiet, like the distant sound of thunder. “I picked you out of all your peers because you felt closest to my alignment. There is much to be desired, but I can steer you in the right direction if you are willing to listen.”

Sebek stole a glance at Lilia before facing Longg with a straight back and brave face. “Which Kwami are you?”

“I am Longg, the Dragon Kwami of Perfection.”

He was barely able to finish before Sebek refused. “Are you joking? If anyone here is a Dragon, it's Lord Malleus! I couldn't possibly take up such a mantle!"

"First of all, calm down. You're spitting on me." Longg/Marinette took out a dainty, pale pink handkerchief and wiped at her face. "Secondly, Malleus being a Dragon fae has nothing to do with soul alignment. While he does hold a few qualities of the Dragon, you show more aptitude."

Sebek shook his head rigorously. "I am unworthy of such an honor. You would be better suited to Lord Malleus!"

Arched eyebrows twitched with Longg's irritation. "Malleus has become Fluff's vessel. While dual wielding is plausible, I would strongly advise against it as it can cause irreparable damage to the soul for those unprepared for such a burden."

Sebek flushed and pointed a gloved finger at the petite body hosting the Dragon. "But this lady is doing it right now!"

"Don't point at me." Longg snapped and Sebek promptly dropped his hand. "The Grand Guardian has used our Miraculous for years and even that did not come without consequences. For his safety, it's best that he only acts as Fluff's vessel."

Lilia rolled his eyes and gave Sebek a nudge forward. "Accept his offer already. It is a great honor."

Sebek was still hesitant. "I couldn't possibly…"

Malleus spoke out, interrupting his guard-in-training. "It would honor me if you accepted Longg's offer."

"... I will be your vessel." Sebek changed his mind after Malleus gave him the go ahead, which Longg found somewhat pathetic.

Vil barked a condescending laugh. He waved away the inquisitive looks. "Just something Duusu said."

Longg heaved a sigh of suppressed pique. "I'm going to have my work cut out with you." Vibrant red magic was exchanged and slitted green eyes took in a dark haired boy gazing back wearing a pleasant mask.

Jamil more than understood the process by now. "And you are?"

The girl's face gave nothing, his/her calm like the surface of a frozen lake. "I am Sass, the Kwami of Intuition and I grant the ability to reverse time."

Jamil's eyes widened for a moment in shock. It took him a moment to reclaim his mask of reserved calm. "Are there any potential drawbacks I need to worry about? Any way that this arrangement could harm me?"

Sass blinked but otherwise was unnaturally still. "Only one I think. Being that we are no longer bound to the Miraculous jewels means that we cannot be stolen. By merging with our Holders there are only two ways that we can leave the body. The first would be for our Holder to willingly relinquish us to another."

"And the other?" Jamil asked curiously.

The Snake smiled. "If you abuse our powers and the Guardian finds out, she'll have to take it by force. The process would kill you."

Jamil and several others gulped in fear. There Snake had said it so casually, like someone remarking on the weather. It felt like a promise that it would cost them nothing to keep. Even still, the threat would not have deterred any of the young men from accepting to be vessels, for such powers like these came once in a millennia. "I agree to be your vessel."

Sass said no more as he was transferred to a new body. Dark gray eyes fluttered as they took in the world around her. Hands on her hips, Ziggy examined Lilia with playfulness. "While I'm sure you'd make a decent Ram, there is no way I'll be able to settle into your body. There is hardly any room for all that power your carting around!"

"Fluff says it should only take a second." Malleus raised his head and addressed Ziggy/Marinette in confusion. A second for what?

A second later, the door flew open and revealed Cater Diamond of Heartsalbyul. "Hey Riddle, I'm glad I caught you! There's a bit of an issue with the newbies that needs your attention."

A big smile stretched across Ziggy/Marinette's face. "Perfect!"

The next thing Cater knew, he was held a little too tightly in a warm embrace by a beaming girl. A very cute beaming girl. "Well hi there."

"Hey Kid! I'm Ziggy, the Ram Kwami of Passion and I’d love it if you became my new vessel!” True to her dominion, Ziggy was brimming with passion and excitement. “I promise it’ll be fun! I can grant you the power of Step Up which manipulates the pull of gravity on a specific area or even a person.”

Cater stared in disbelief for a minute before he processed and seemed to accept this new reality. He shrugged his broad shoulders. “Sure! Sounds like fun!”

Ziggy released a shriek of delight and grabbed his hand in a deal sealing handshake. White energy was exchanged and Cater would have stumbled back had the Sapphire eyed woman hadn’t been holding him tight. He gently rubbed the side of his head as the Ram settled into his form and made it her home. He acclimated quickly and bounced back with enthusiasm. “This is awesome! So uh… what is a Kwami anyway?”

Blue eyes glowing with power gazed calmly at the Headmaster. “That leaves only me. Marinette is safe and should wake up in the morning.”

Crowley smiled in relief. “I’m happy to hear that.”

“I hope it would not burden you to allow her enrollment at your school. As the Guardian, it is her responsibility to watch over us and guide these young vessels.”

The Headmaster tapped his metal tipped fingers atop his key shaped cane. “Well… this is an all boys school and it is against the rules for a female to apply. However, this young lady never technically submitted an application. In addition, this is a very special circumstance I need to take into account. Seeing as all of you powerful entities are involved, I can’t find it in myself to turn you away. So because I am so kind, I will make an exception.”

Tikki/Marinette bowed her head in thanks. “We appreciate such generosity.”

“This means, of course, that you’ll need to be sorted into a Dorm.” His arm swept to the side to gesture at the grand mirror that contained a floating mask within the glass rather than a reflection of the room. “Just walk up and state your name.”

She less walked and more floated with grace unrivaled to the mirror. The mask seemed to eye her with reserved interest. “Marinette Dupain-Cheng.”

The mask came to life within the glass. “The shape of thy soul is… unrecognizable.”

Crowley hummed in thought, the tapping of his fingers picking up in pace. “I thought that might happen when you said you Kwamis had caused damage to her.”

Kalim looked between the girl and the Headmaster. “If the Mirror is incapable of sorting her, we’ll happily accept her into Scarabia.”

Tikki/Marinette shut him down. “I’d much rather Marinette be placed with Mr. Leona. He is the vessel of the Black Cat which is the counterpart of the Ladybug. It would help the Guardian if she were to stay close to his side and allow him to balance her energy. It might help in reversing some of the damage that’s been done.”

Headmaster Crowley tapped his fingers even faster. “While I don’t want to say no, I can’t just randomly place a student into Dorm in which they haven’t been sorted!”

While the adult began to rant about tradition, Tikki/Marinette turned her gaze to Ruggie. “You are in the same dorm as Mr. Leona, are you not?” He nodded. “Could you come here for a moment?”

The Dog vessel padded closer to her without complaint. He never anticipated getting scratched on his hand and watching her ingest his blood. Ruggie leaped back with a surprised yelp. “Hey! What gives?!”

“My apologies, pup.” She turned to the mirror. “Try reading me now.”

The mirror complied, eye sockets widening a little. “The shape of thy soul is… a lion.”

Dire Crowley’s jaw snapped shut as he regarded the girl in astonishment. “Did… you just… change the shape of her soul?”

Tikki/Marinette’s eyes twinkled. “More than that… I gave her magic of her own. Marinette never had magic of her own, using mine only by wielding my Miraculous. Since this is a school of magic that she will be attending, I thought I’d help her fit in which is why I tasted young Ruggie’s blood. I had to get a feel for it to see how it worked to effectively create Marinette’s own. This individual magic of hers… I find it quite fitting.”

Everyone in the room was completely dumbfounded by the revelation. Creating magic in someone who previously had none…. What else could this entity do?

Crowley cleared his throat after collecting his wits. “I see. As of now, Miss Marinette has been sorted to Savanclaw… with magic she had for only a few seconds. The sorting ceremony is now officially concluded. Mr. Kingscholar, please keep a close eye on the young lady. In this new environment and… new magic, she will probably feel a little lost.”

Leona scoffed, ears flicking beneath his hood. “As if I’d leave a female to struggle.”

Tikki chuckled in good humor. “It grows late. You boys need your rest.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Ruggie agreed wholeheartedly. Many of the other young men looked tired. It had been a very eventful night.

Leona made to leave with a guiding hand on Tikki/Marinette’s back when they were stopped by Deuce. “Wait! Marin… uh… Kwami… lady. Why come here?I mean… Why did you Kwamis bring Marinette here? How did you all end up possessing her? Just…. What happened?”

Tikki/Marinette addressed him with a friendly smile carrying the taint of despondent exhaustion. “That is a long story and you all need rest. We will reconvene at a later time and Marinette can share her tale.”

Deuce seemed unsatisfied but didn’t argue. He was tired and could feel Stompp silently encouraging his patience. He could endure a few days to allow Marinette to settle. He nodded his head and returned to Riddle’s entourage.

The groups dispersed to their respective dorms. Leona stuck close to the sole female student of NRC, walking a little slower than he usually would for her comfort and conversation. “Since it looks as if you Kwamis didn’t bring anything for Marinette aside from the clothes on her back, I’ll arrange for her care. We have spare essentials in the Dorm. We can go into more details when Marinette wakes up.”

Tikki sighed happily. “She will appreciate it after she stops trying to turn down your offer. Marinette is not very good at accepting help anymore.”

He clicked his tongue. “It makes me itch to think of a female under my care getting subpar treatment. She’s gonna need all the help she can get now that she suddenly has magic. She’ll have days to hone her magic where everyone here has had years. She’ll be fine so long as she sticks with me. I’ll whip her into shape.”

“I will assist where I can.” Tikki/Marinette gazed up at the man nearly two heads taller than her. “I’d start clearing a space in your closet. Marinette says thank you with gifts of her own creation.”

Leona tilted his head to meet her blue orbs with his green. “She makes clothes?”

Tikki/Marinette nodded in affirmation. “She is a fashion designer of great renown in her world. Believe it or not, she designed for three celebrities by the age of fifteen. I imagine she will take this world by storm given time and materials.”

The second prince of Sunset Savanna turned his attention back to his path. “I’ll keep that in mind. For now though, her training comes first.”

Leona felt a wave of approval from the Kwami in his head.