Work Text:
Merchant Damian Wayne & Fairy Marinette
Fairies was a mythical being that humans believed ceased to exist. Yet they do exist, fairies have existed since the beginning of times, it was even shown in some paintings in the human world yet as times passed people thought they were just stories and never existed.
They became myths and mythical beings to humans.
When in truth, they actually existed and were living in forests.
Their presence is hidden from the human world as they naturally forget about their existence. Their kind didn't mind and lived life as the usual.
~
One day, Damian, a merchant, had somehow gotten tangled up in a mess.
Marinette was flying back on her way to her home after gathering a few materials when he encountered the tangled up boy.
She initially tried to ignore him.
It was against the rules...
The very lesson that every fairy was taught.
To not show up in front of humans.
It was forbidden.
As fairies are not to meddle into human affairs.
Nor to let their presence known to humans.
She even took her time to think
But eventually, the feeling of good won her over.
Feeling pity for said boy, Marinette helped him.
It was in the middle of the forest, where barely any person would appear.
She couldn't help but feel worried for the captured boy.
He was just caught up on top of the trees, in a net...Hanging around.
In such a weird position...
She tried her best to be as discreet as possible, yet, she failed to do so because she had no idea who she was facing.
~
Damian Wayne, heir and son of the richest merchant in the Empire.
He was also a master at swordsmanship since he had been equipped with its knowledge from his mother's side since he was born.
He couldn't believe he was caught up in a silly trap that one of his countless enemies had set up.
Which is much bizarre, considering it's in the middle of nowhere.
He also felt it was foolish that he even got caught up in such a trap.
Which he could escape from the trap if he wanted to, but he was just ruminating in his thoughts.
He then spotted something in his peripheral vision.
It was natural for him to spot nearly impossible things as he had enhanced abilities such as eyes, speed and strength.
Damian saw a glimpse of little Fairy Marinette. Even if he couldn't see it clearly.
Glimpses of fairy is extremely rare to see or spot due to their small size and speed, seeing the blur is amazing.
That blur of light cut the net he was in and he fell down.
With his reflexes, he landed upwardly.
As Marinette finished helping him and was about to leave.
Damian suddenly spoke up, out of curiousity.
"What are you?"
Marinette's eyes widened as her head almost got whiplash at the unusual question.
AND HOW A HUMAN SAW HER-
SHE'S DOOMED...
No, no, no, no, noooooo
He wasn't supposed to see her!?!?
She remained silent as her thoughts went wild and went bouncing everywhere in panic. In hopes, he wouldn't see more of her.
It is dangerous for both her and him to see each other due to rules.
Contrary to her concerns, he admired her silently as she whizzed away.
The ball of light flying around.
"What kind are you?" He mused out loud, as he looked at her in interest.
She turned her head swiftly and stared at him one last time in bewilderment before immediately flying off.
Damian watched everything in fascination.
That ball of light had interested him.
When he is interested in something he would be dedicated to it.
~
Damian went back home and started to search for answers on what she is.
Fortunately for him, his father has amassed a huge collection of books inside their home library.
With the materials provided, he read through books that he speculates had the answer he wanted.
'Animals'
He initially started to search from books that contain information about animals.
Perhaps that ball of light could be a firefly? Even if that was highly unlikely due to that speed.
Any animal that has a similar shine and speed.
Before he did his own search, he couldn't think of any possible animal that possesses such traits either.
But even after searching from all the books that talk about animals, he remained unsuccessful.
He hit a dead end.
Which is reasonable, considering hoe that animal even acted, it was odd.
When he asked a question, that ball of light seemed to respond towards his inquiries.
That alone seemed as if that light could understand him.
It was smart.
Though he didn't give up on searching regardless of it all.
He was cooped up in the library for weeks.
Trying to search for more information.
At that rate he probably had gone through one third of the whole library.
Before long, the family member grew curious about such a change of habit.
Damian wasn't someone who was usually an overly studious student, that was more for Tim, who was always interested in learning all sorts of knowledge.
Even if he occasionally reads books here and there.
He wasn't an avid reader up until he stayed in the library for weeks though.
It was unprecedented!
So naturally, they questioned what he was doing inside the library.
Except for Tim of course, he knew but he was still curious on the reason behind it.
Damian was so focused on reading, despite calling him countless of times, the boy didn't even respond to him at all.
It was bizarre how immersed he was.
~
Dinner time came when Damian, who had been inside the library, finally came out as usual to eat.
Usually, they will all eat alongside chatter coming from Jason and Dick with Tim occasionally piping in.
Damian would stay quiet unless asked directly.
Which unfortunately, that was the case this time.
"Sooo, Damian, what are you doing inside the library?" Dick asked, as the whole table's eyes went to him.
It felt as if it was an interrogation instead of a simple question his eldest brother had asked due to everyone's attention on him. Even father's which was certainly odd.
He simply crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, "Not that it's your business. But anyone would be reading in the library."
Bruce and Tim nodded their heads thoughtfully.
But Dick and Jason merely looked at the boy in bewilderment.
"Well yeah, but what exactly are you reading??" Dick continued.
"Books"
"What type?" Jason asked.
"Academic"
Before Dick could continue...
Jason threw his hands up and pointed his hand on him, "This is pointless. Just tell us why you're cooped up in the library for like weeks!"
He tilted his head. So that's what they were curious about, "Well, I'm reading and searching for information in the library."
"Are you?" Jason narrowed his eyes, suspicious.
"For weeks?" Dick followed up.
"It's odd. I called you for some time when we're in the library but you didn't even respond." Tim added.
As Jason and Dick threw in a look of 'I told you so!'.
"Yes, what are you actually doing inside, Damian?" When finally Bruce asked.
He rolled his eyes, "I'm actually searching for information, that's all. I don't understand what's so unbelievable that is?"
"What information until you stay in the library for weeks?" Bruce continued.
He sighed and he was truly cornered.
Truly, he didn't want them to find out about his encounter with such creatures until he could verify it.
"I encountered something interesting that day when I came back late. I'm just searching for that information." He admitted.
Bruce raised an eyebrow in interest.
Before anyone could continue, he spoke up first, "I just haven't found any information about it hence why I'm still in the library searching for it."
The people nodded their heads, satisfied with his answer.
"What is it that got you so worked up?" Jason asked.
He sighed, it was better than getting no answer at all.
"About an animal" He murmured.
"An animal?"
"It was an intelligent one, it seemed to respond to my inquiries." He continued.
Tim shrugged, "There's a lot of intelligence. It's not that odd."
"Yes, but I'm sure it isn't as odd as that. I was in the forest too."
Jason and Dick shared a look.
"Do you know..You might've encountered a mythical creature~" Jason joked.
"There are countless folktales about it. Believe in it little D." Dick smiled.
"Fairies" Tim mused.
Damian froze.
He wasn't one to believe in such foolish stories.
But it seemed the most likely answer.
Mythical creatures.
Fairies...
He was already at his wits end when it came about the animal sector.
"Hey, hey, come on now. Do you really think they exist?" Jason laughed.
"I mean, you never know! I believe they exist." Dick argued.
"I agree, those stories are never proven incorrect. Only that we've never just seen it. Unless someone could prove otherwise, I think it's still possible." Tim continued.
"Speaking of it, you know, in old scrolls, there were mentions of fairies. They say that they once helped humans. But somehow their traces dissapeared..."
Fairies huh?
He hadn't expected such a creature.
"Well, only a child would believe such folktales." Jason chortled.
"You should have some imagination y'know!" Dick continued.
As their chatter turns into another topic.
Damian decided to drown out the rest of the conversation as he mull over the information he got.
~
A few days later...
He had come to the exact same spot he was captured last time.
The marked trees he had made so that he was sure he was able to come back was useful.
But there were no creatures in sight.
He searched high and low, around the surrounding area.
He couldn't find anything.
There were truly no traces at all.
Just trees swaying from the wind and some ray of light from the bright sun shining down through the empty gaps of leaves.
It's such a peaceful scene...
He couldn't help but sit down against a big tree trunk.
Tired from all the searching and from getting a rather poor sleep these past few days due to him searching for information fervently.
It was a nice place, the big tree had covered the sun so he was sitting in the shade. The air was fresh and cool. The plants were prospering. Birds chirping softly.
Before long, his eyes closed as he began to doze off.
Unknowing towards the slumbering party, a bright light had approached him.
~
When she made her escape, she truly felt that the person might have chased her.
She truly felt fear but fortunately for her,
He was nowhere in sight.
She breathed a relief as she approached the familiar sight of her home.
The place was bustling with fairies going about their day.
Some were doing their tasks while others were chatting.
She zoomed past into her house.
Finally catching the break she needed after rushing.
But soon enough...
"Marinette Dupain-Cheng! How could you take a break!?" A shrill voice interrupted her rest.
As she jolted from her seat and scrambled onto the ground, she looked up to meet with her leader..
"Uhhh"
"Don't uhh me! You should've brought back your materials from ages ago! And yet here you are, lounging around! I couldn't believe you're poor conduct!" The middle-aged lady crossed her arms.
"M-Miss!' Before she could explain herself.
She was interrupted and the lady continued, "I gave you plenty of chances! You've messed up practically every task you were given! You're not only clumsy, which I had overlooked because you seem to be an eager fairy but now..It seemed I was mistaken, you are also lazy. I couldn't believe it!"
The Lady had shook her head.
Marinette swiftly rummaged through her pouch, she had actually collected the materials she was tasked with.
This time it was correct!
"M-miss, I've collected the materials!" As she showed off the things she had gathered up towards the lady.
The lady turned her head, took it from her and actually gaped in shock, "I couldn't believe it..You actually did something right for once..."
The Lady ruffled her hair in joy, "If you already had the materials then why didn't you turn the materials sooner!"
"I got caught up in something and was taking a rest here for a bit..." She meekly reasoned.
Oh, well because I helped a human boy and he saw me. I showed the existence of fairies to humans ahahaha....
She could never tell the real reason!
The lady shook her head, helpless, "You girl..The materials are alright, the quality might be poor but at least it's correct...That's a start."
"But next time, you should try to search for better ones and be mindful of the time. The sky has turned orange and is on the brink of dark..."
Marinette could only meekly nod her head in response.
"Alright, it seems we can finally conclude the task assigned for you. Collecting materials, plants, it is for you I suppose." The Lady fairy flapped her wings and zoomed off.
Marinette slumped back down to her wooden chair as she finally caught a break.
At least one hurdle is off.
But on the other hand, her encounter with the human boy needs to be buried into the ground.
Nobody could know at all cost.
If not she is screwed.
~
Now after finally getting her assigned task, which is collecting materials, or specifically plants that's durable.
Her task is to collect plants that are made for clothes.
Their clothes are made from either plants which is the most common material or a few animals.
To find certain materials it's quite challenging.
- Forest (or forest edge): silk, bamboo
- Fields: cotton, hemp
- River valleys: ramie
- Mountains/grasslands: wool
The rarest one should be wool and silk, which is a very luxurious commodity only for High Elder Fairies.
As for bamboo, it's usually used for the fighter sector due to its hard material.
Though in general, most fairies don't use those, we just use whatever plant is available.
The list is also rare materials that only certain fairies are able to wear due to the processing.
Her task is to collect a certain more general and common plant that is quite durable for clothing.
As she zoomed past the countless trees.
She went back to where she had collected last time and tried her best to discern it better this time around.
After all her hard work of collecting and sorting out the materials.
She went back.
But on her way, she passed back the spot where she had encountered the boy.
Surprisingly, as she was flying past it.
She saw the boy once more.
Initially she wanted to rush but she slowed down once she saw that the boy was sleeping.
Instead, she came nearer to the boy.
Fascinated.
It wouldn't be a problem if she took a peek closer?
If it weren't for the predicament last time.
She would have admired the boy.
It was her first time meeting a human.
The fairies had excessively warned them not to meet humans.
But she couldn't help but be curious about them.
Especially after meeting him last time.
Inevitably, she grew even more fascinated.
He was so much bigger than she or any other fairies in size.
Perhaps a hundred times.
Their clothes were unique too.
His clothes had different shapes and materials that she'd never seen before.
The color was certainly new.
His figure is similar to them but distinctively most fairies have longer figures.
Their faces, most fairies tend to have slimmer and sharp features and ears.
Humans have round ears.
Even if the boy could easily blend into the fairies' race due to his handsome appearance.
She wanted to see his eyes once more, it was such a fascinating green color, none that she had ever seen.
But alas he was asleep.
As she was busily admiring him.
She didn't realize that the boy had woken up.
~
Damian had woken up when he felt a presence in front of him.
He had keenly opened his eyes to be met with the creature he had seen last time.
This time, it was near and he was able to see it clearly as it was moving slowly.
His eyes widened in awe.
He couldn't help but admire it.
A fairy...
Mythical creatures.
The one that he had painstakingly searched for more information for.
In his home library the information is scarce.
Even after searching for information everywhere, there wasn't much either.
Only the Imperial Family held more history in the Palace.
But he had heard that it was also sparse.
There were only mentions about a being that has wings and their beauty.
Nothing more was stated nor a clear image was retained.
Very few written books even mention them.
Only that and they once did work together with humans.
But somehow they disappeared.
No traces remained.
That was what he had found.
Not much information at all.
But seeing a fairy with his own eyes...
It was a whole different experience.
The figure was of a girl.
She had big wings, as big as her own figure.
The wings were transparent yet had this iridescent glow.
It was beautiful.
Her outfit was interesting, it seemed to be made of a combination between a flower and leaves.
Her figure was quite elongated in comparison to humans. Paired with her pointed ears.
To top off with her face..
She was beautiful, breathtakingly.
Otherworldly and majestic.
He had never met anyone as pretty as her.
Her ocean-like blue eyes and sapphire blue hair.
Her pale skin, button nose and rosy pink lips.
He was enchanted.
Soon enough, she noticed that the eyes that were once covered shone in the light.
His pretty green eyes that she wanted to admire.
She shrieked in shock and he heard bells jingling.
As the girl stumbled backwards, creating a distance between them.
Damian merely moved forward, towards her as she moved even further behind him.
Up until her back hit a tree trunk and she was cornered.
As Damian stood towering above her.
"A fairy..." He murmured out loud.
She froze on her spot.
Shocked that he knew of her existence.
"You're very beautiful." He spoke up, mesmerized.
She flushed in embarrassment.
It was the first time anyone had complimented her before.