Chapter Text

chapter one: like a kid in a candy store

You are cordially invited to embark on an academic adventure of a lifetime, spending a semester at the prestigious Collège Françoise Dupont located in the heart of Paris, France. This unique opportunity will not only enhance your educational journey but also immerse you in the rich tapestry of French culture, history, and art.

Enclosed with this invitation, you will find a comprehensive safety packet designed to ensure your well-being during your stay. It covers essential information, including emergency procedures, health services, and local laws, to keep you safe and informed. We urge you to read this material thoroughly and carry a copy with you at all times.

Additionally, we have provided detailed informational guides to help you navigate your new environment with ease. These guides include insights into the academic program at Collège Françoise Dupont, an overview of Parisian culture, tips on public transportation, recommendations for must-visit sites, and practical advice on living in Paris. Whether it's your first time in the City of Lights or you're returning with fresh eyes, these resources will be invaluable.

To prepare for this exciting journey, please also complete the enclosed registration form and return it to us by the specified deadline. This will include your course selections, housing preferences, and any special accommodations you may require.

As part of your orientation, we have arranged a series of welcome events and tours that will introduce you to the campus, your professors, and fellow international students. These activities are designed to help you settle in comfortably and make the most of your semester abroad.

Thank you for considering this invitation. We are thrilled at the prospect of welcoming you to Collège Françoise Dupont and to Paris. This experience promises to be an enriching chapter in your academic and personal growth. We look forward to supporting you every step of the way.

Please do not hesitate to contact our International Students Office if you have any questions or require further information.

Warmest regards,

Collège Françoise Dupont

The corridors of Gotham Academy buzzed with an unusual vibrancy as the news spread like wildfire among its students. The prospect of a semester abroad in Paris had ignited a sense of excitement and anticipation that even the hallowed halls of Gotham's premier educational institution had seldom witnessed. Even the most reserved and cantankerous among them, such as Damian Wayne, found themselves caught up in the swell of enthusiasm. For once, the prospect of a period away from the shadows that often loomed over Gotham, free from the machinations of its myriad villains, seemed not just appealing but downright liberating. The semester was poised to be a respite, a breather from the relentless pace of their lives—a vacation in every sense of the word.

As autumn approached, the students of Gotham Academy were looking forward to a break from the norm. The idea of spending time in the City of Light, with its rich history, breathtaking art, and the promise of leisurely strolls along the Seine, was intoxicating. The buzz of anticipation was palpable, with plans for visits to the Louvre, picnics in the Jardin du Luxembourg, and evenings spent exploring the winding streets of Montmartre dominating conversations.

However, the wave of excitement came crashing down as they received their welcome packets. The packets contained the usual assortment of forms, guides, and informational brochures, but nestled within these routine materials was a revelation that took everyone by surprise. Beyond the standard safety guidelines and tips for navigating the cultural wonders of Paris, there was an additional section—a brief on something wholly unexpected: Akumas.

The information detailed the peculiar and unique challenge Paris faced with Akumas—entities that could, under certain conditions, transform ordinary citizens into supervillains. It was a phenomenon managed by local heroes, true, but it was a clear indication that their semester in Paris would be far from the tranquil getaway they had envisioned. The city, while renowned for its beauty and culture, also harboured its own brand of challenges, not entirely unlike those they were accustomed to in Gotham.

The revelation sparked a flurry of reactions. For some, it was a disappointment, a cloud over their dreams of an idyllic semester abroad. For others, particularly those with a penchant for adventure and a nose for trouble, it added an unexpected but not unwelcome layer of excitement to the trip. And for a select few like Damian Wayne, it presented a curious parallel to the life they were momentarily leaving behind in Gotham—a reminder that, no matter where one goes, the call to action is never far away.

As the day of departure drew nearer, the students of Gotham Academy prepared themselves for what was to come. The prospect of facing Akumas added a new dimension to their journey, intertwining the allure of Paris with the thrill of the unknown. What was once envisioned as a peaceful retreat now promised to be an adventure in its own right, blending the cultural immersion of a semester abroad with the unpredictability of life in a city that, much like their own, knew its share of shadows and light.

When the wheels of their plane touched down on the tarmac of Charles de Gaulle Airport, the students from Gotham Academy peered out of the windows to be greeted by a bright, sunny Parisian day. The sky was a clear azure, unmarred by the shadow of villains or the foreboding sense of danger they had been braced to confront. The city spread out before them, its historic buildings basking in the glow of the sun, seemed to welcome them with open arms into a peaceful embrace.

Stepping off the plane and making their way through the bustling airport, the group couldn't help but feel a sense of relief mixed with a touch of scepticism. The warnings about Akumas, which had seemed so ominous when read from the comfort of their school, now appeared to be exaggerated, if not entirely unfounded. Paris, with its vibrant streets, charming cafes, and the gentle murmur of the Seine, seemed the very picture of tranquillity.

As they settled into their accommodations and began to explore the city, the initial apprehension about villainous disruptions quickly faded. The days passed filled with the wonders of Parisian life—the awe-inspiring art of the Louvre, the breathtaking views from the Eiffel Tower, and the serene beauty of the Luxembourg Gardens. Each moment in the city felt like a discovery, an affirmation of the joy of exploration and the beauty of a world beyond Gotham's darkened skyline.

However, the city's tranquil veneer and the students' growing comfort with their new surroundings did not entirely dispel the undercurrent of anticipation. Gotham had taught them that peace was often a precursor to storm, and while they enjoyed the sunny days and villain-free streets, they remained quietly vigilant, aware that in a city touched by heroes, adventure—or misadventure—could be waiting just around the corner.

One crisp morning, as the autumn leaves painted the cobblestone streets of Paris with hues of gold and crimson, the students of Gotham Academy found themselves meandering through the heart of the city. They were becoming accustomed to the rhythm of Parisian life, the blend of historic grandeur and bustling modernity that defined their temporary home. Laughter and chatter filled the air as they navigated through the maze of streets, each turn revealing another picture-perfect vista or charming café.

Suddenly, their casual exploration was interrupted by an unexpected sight. One of the students pointed towards a nearby square, their voice a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. "Is that a man with an army of pigeons?!" they exclaimed, their eyes wide with astonishment.