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Chapter 1
Sometimes things don't go as planned. That's okay, it's life. Life is unpredictable and even though we prefer keeping up the illusion of being in control of its course, often we are not. But merely puppets on a string held by others but us. Life is like a stage filled by events, thoughts, acts and emotions. Some to share, other not to.
There are plenty of things we worry about, scenarios that may occur in the future, but some seem too absurd to be true. Then again... I am living in a city protected by a group of superheroes, which I am part of. A city in which its citizens accept the most absurd things to be possible. Pain shot through my head like tiny needles shoved into my brain. My stomach seemed to be eating up itself and I was so tired. Cold crawled under my skin yet, at the very same time every nerve in my body was on fire, while I watched a guard walk past the high security prison cell. My body felt overloaded as every step caused another tiny needle to poke into my brain. Wanna know what happened? Let’s investigate how I got here.
one year ago
- Adrien
The black clothed Superhero ran over the rooftops of Paris, on his way to meet up with a certain Lady. The Moon was bright, defining his silhouette and smooth movements in the dark. He jumped from one roof to another, using his baton to steady him, as he headed towards the Eifel tower. Waiting on the Top of the monument, in her famous black dotted, red costume was a young woman. Her dark hair fell in long waves down her back and her lean long legs were crossed while she was leaning on one of the metal beams.
,,Good evening Chaton, you are quite late today" she greeted, a little smile forming on her lips.
,,I would never leave my Lady waiting, but I wasn’t able to leave practice earlier" with an apological smile, he sat down near the railing, next to her, hanging his feed in mid-air. She copied his movement, sitting down next to him. Chat winked at her: ,, But it’s good to see you, you look as purr-fect as ever"
The heroine rolled her eyes at the comment.
,,I am taken chat”, she remined slightly pushing his shoulder. He acted hurt, holding his heart with one hand.
,, So, am I, it was simply a Platonic compliment, who do you take me for? A cheater?’’
,, A Flirt “, she corrected. He scoffed.
,, It’s my brand” He defended even though Ladybug was not sure if he was helping himself or digging a whole. She understood though. Love is knowing someone’s negative traits but loving them nevertheless; to idolize someone into perfection was superficial more of a crush really, she had noticed the shift herself in her relationship with Adrian.
,,What did you Practice?" She asked, interested in what caused her waiting as she had plenty of other stuff to do today then Patrolling. It was Halloween after all. The blonde smiled.
,,No, no, I couldn’t possibly tell. Wouldn't that hint on my identity Bugaboo?" His voice was playful, teasing her. They both knew that he wouldn’t mind sharing their identities to one another.
,,I am sure there are others in Paris who share your hobby" She replied, shrugging her shoulders. He smiled widely while fixating his gaze on the city bellow. The streets of Paris filled increasingly with small figures, sizes of ants, walking around in different costumes and groups. Everything seemed peaceful from up there so far.
,,Piano practice" He answered, debating rather he should mention his band, but decided against it as he looked back at her. Ladybugs eyebrows shot up in surprise, ,,I did not take you for a musician Kitty"
,,I am not much of a musician, still, there's a lot about me that you don't know" His leaned closer to her.
,,For example, what for an amazing kisser I am but unfortunately for you, there is only one lady to enjoy this talent of mine and I am not one to be shared" He playful lifted one eyebrow, causing her to push his face around with one Hand, smiling amused, while rolling her eyes and shaking her head in disbelieve ,,You need to rebrand Chaton".
They continued sitting on the highest platform of the tower, overlooking Paris and talking about past Akumas and random stuff. A while back the two started to watch the same films or to listen to the music the other would recommend, providing a little more to talk about without revealing too much. They were not just a team but close friends. Best friends. Working together like ying and yang, not able to imagine fighting without one another. Sadly, both knew that it might come to that sooner or later. They were getting older, and Paris wasn't a cheap city to live in. By now, the Heroes were in their second year of university. Well, Adrien was at least. He didn’t know Ladybugs exact age, but he guessed that she was around his age maybe a little younger but not by much. Around 21 since he was turning 22 soon, as he had to take a year break after high school to do intense modelling for his father. Well, anyhow, she could as well be 30, with the intense workout she got as a superhero it was hard to tell as it consequently kept their body in shape.
Chat noticed that she seemed tensed tonight. She was looking at the clock on her yo-yo every five minutes. Which made got curious.
,,Got somewhere to be tonight?" She looked up, her eyes landed on his confused at first. As soon as she realized how he came to that conclusion, she put the yo-yo back in its place.
,,Oh no, I am sorry. It’s just, I promised you yesterday that I'd have more than five minutes tonight but..." she didn't end the sentence and shifted uncomfortable in her place. Obviously feeling bad for her lack of time to patrol lately. She did promise him an hour or two today, but he was late, so it was also on him.
,,But you have to go" the Blonde ended her sentence his voice was a little down, but the emerald, green eyes looked kind at hers. ,,It's fine I understand... I mean I was late myself, how could I complain now?" she sighed in relive and gave him a quick hug.
,,Thanks Chaton I will make it up to you, I promise. It’s just Halloween today there is this party I promised helping with " the red clothed girls got up, ready to leave but waited a second just to hear Chats reply before.
,,Who am I to stand between you and your Party then? It’s fine, go, I can do Patrol by myself today" He winked, a bright honest smile on his lips, and went to the opposite side of the platform, ready to leave. Both figures vanished in the midnight’s shadows. Both with their own plans for the evening.
- Marinette
Alya had made sure, that Marinette had to come to her and Nino’s Halloween Party and Marinette promised help with shopping and decorating the flat. She might have missed the shopping part by now. She was running late, very late. The young women hurried around her place, gathering her costume and getting ready as quickly as she could. Maybe she should have called patrol off at all for this evening. It felt like she let both parties down know, leaving chat early, breaking her promise as well as missing out on the help she had promised Alya. When Marinette arrived at Alya's flat, the Journalist student opened the door in a rush, but her face filled with enthusiasm. It wasn't just a Halloween party but also a housewarming for her first own place, without her parents hovering in the kitchen and checking out every drink for alcohol.
,,You are late" she stated, and her eyes tiled up and down Marinette's costume. ,, But that doesn't matter now. You look gorgeous Girl! Probably overlooked your costume again a couple of times, right?" No, no time to do that just once, she thought but just nodded “uh-uh” and hugged her friend before giving her a bottle of wine.
,,A little present to celebrate your new place. Maybe not tonight, but we can open it another time" she suggested and got rid of her light blue autumn coat. The brunette smiled and pulled her inside to close the door.
,,It's a date! We just have to kick Nino out then first, or we invite Adrien as well" Marinette rolled her eyes. Though Alya tried to convince hr to spent time with Adrien alone more, she still felt unsure about it. It was all fresh. Hence, the reporter at least used every opportunity she could to get Marinette on a double date, in which Alya tended to disappear with Nino for a while or accidently lock Adrien and her in a room. Today would be another chance for her and the blue-eyed girl could picture it already. Adrien ensured her earlier he would try and be there tonight. He was at most Parties she went to. They had the similar friends at University just as they had in school. Marinette was delighted she got over her crush on him and there were dating before their finals. How embarrassing would her drooling have been in university? Especially when he grew to be even more handsome now.
,,Right... how long do we have until the others are coming?"
,,About half an hour! And I am still not dressed up, Jesus!" The brunette rushed into the sitting room and handed Marinette multiple coloured small LED lights, changing colour slowly, from the coffee-table. ,,Do me a favour and place them all around the flat? Should be enough light" her voice wasn't bossy in any way. It was more like a question where she did not expect a No as an answer. Before Marinette could say anything, the lights were shoved into her arms and Alya turned around heading towards the bedroom. She kept calling out from there too.
,,Nino should be back by the time you're done, just a couple minutes I guess, he can help you with the rest!"
,,Yeah...bu-" there was no time for the young adult to finish her sentence. ,,Thanks Mari! You're the best!"
Marinette rolled her eyes but smiled and started to place the lights around the flat.
It didn't take Nino long to come home. Nino, to Marinettes surprise, wore his costume already. He was dressed as a ghost. His skin was painted lighter with white colour and a huge gash was plastered right in the middle of his torso his collarbones almost met. Dark circles were drawn around his eyes. Probably with Alyas eyeliner. The white T-shirt looked like it was full of dirt, and he had light blue contacts in, which covered his usual brown eyes. Nino lifted his arms in defence as soon as he noticed Marinette.
,,I am not a Vampire!" Marinette chuckled lightly.
,,I never thought you were"
,,Finally! Jesus, everyone, LITERALLY EVERYONE asked if I was dressed as a Vampire!" The black haired girl took some of the bottles he had brought and put them on the kitchen counter, some in the fridge.
,,Why did you go shopping fully dressed up anyway?"
,,Dude, so Alya and I wouldn't have to get ready in the bathroom at once... it's tiny"
Marinette and Nino used the time Alya spent in the bathroom to get the house done. Now the nice picture of the trip Alya, Nino, Marinette and Adrien had done to the west coast two years ago, was covered with spider webs, as well as the left upper corner of the kitchen door frame. A stick-on plastic foil covered the TV screen now, so it looked broken with a hole in it. Lights in form of pumpkins and black cats, spiders and skulls were spread all over the place along with the LED lights.
A huge bowl of punch sat on the in the kitchen counter, filled with ice. In the middle of some ice-cubes were tiny plastic bugs or spiders. Others had strawberries or raspberries inside. The leftover cubes were coloured in all different colours like dark red, green, purple or black, thanks to food colour.
It took the two young adults good 30 Minutes to get it all done and it looked pretty cool at the end. Not five minutes, after Nino and Marinette were done, they heard the bark of the bathroom door. The ghost got up in less than a second.
,,Finally! I needed to go to the loo for ages" As the couple passed each other at the door frame, he gave Alya a quick kiss and then hurried past her. Alya was dressed as sexy angel, fallen angel? Anyway, her wings complimented her tanned skin with their creamy white colour, smoothly changing into a soft gold at the tips. The brown curls were partly tied together. The front hair was tied back in many small braids, while the main part of her curly hair was open and fell lightly over her shoulder and down her back. The skintight white dress was short but had long sleeves which slowly got wider towards the end, so the fabric hung down from her wrists. The sleeves were made from a light see-through Material, covered with bits of gold. It looked stunning on her. Marinette had made this dress for Alya, only completed it a few weeks ago as a Birthday present for Alya. It took her months. Marinette was fascinated how well it worked with Alyas costume tonight. White feathered earrings hang from her earlobes, and she wore golden gladiator sandals with heels. The dress was also off shoulder, showing off her toned collarbones.
,, You look stunning!"
,,Exactly what I wanted to! You look fabulous too Mari, even though I wouldn't know what you were trying to be if it wasn't for the wand" It was true. Marinette wore a light, long wine-red dress with spaghetti straps and a long cut up to the middle of her thighs, on the right side. Adding to that was a black modern hat placed on her black wavy hair. It was supposed to be a modern witch hat. Marinette had tried playing with fashion a little, refreshing the picture of conventional witch Halloween costumes. Hidden under the long dress were two black boots, ending above the knee and her arms were covered in several little metallic-black fake tattoos. She drew them herself with a Tattoo pen, some had been easier to apply than others. All illustrated old letters or runes from dead languages that Marinette had thought looked somehow mysterious. Her lips were covered in the same shade of red as her dress and a long golden necklace embraced her throat. Her brown wand was shoved in her belt loop on the left side of her waist.
,,Thanks Alya, I kind of just tried creating new costume fashion... also I have this long black winter coat with me, which ends at my ankles... it kind of looks like a witch cloak"
,,Well but no one will see the coat, unless we go out!" Alya laughed lightly and hugged her friend, ,,but that doesn't matter, you look great, and I love what you and Nino have done with the place!"
Marinette looked around and nodded in agreement. She couldn't wait to see everyone’s costume tonight, especially Adrien's.
Three hours. It's been three hours she had waited now. Marinette had been looking forward for Adrien to attend the Party tonight and could not help but be disappointed. In regards that Nino was his best friend and it was also his party and housewarming, she was further growing disappointed on Ninos’s behalf. What could have hold him up? His father? Marinette took his phone out and send him a quick text, checking up if he was on his way yet. The flat around her was crowded.
People dressed as everything one could think of stood in the kitchen, drinking their punch, sat on the sofa, gathered in the corridor or living room. Juleika was dressed as a dark Fairy and Rose matched dressed as good fairy. They were a lovely couple, and Marinette was happy that they had worked things out after high school. Rose Glass with Punch was still full while Juleika was tipsy already. The Alcohol helped her to open up and talk to people. For now, she was busy talking to Rose, but Marinette knew, only one or two drinks more, and Juleika would get up and start conversations with strangers too.
Luka was in the kitchen, talking to Max. The witch got up and walked towards them, holding her empty glass in her left hand. As soon as she reached the boys, she refilled her drink. Max was dressed as a robot and Luka as, well... She wasn't really sure.
,,Hey Marinette! Great Party, isn't it?" she looked at him and the blue haired boy smiled warmly.
,,Can't complain! What are you supposed to be?" They had to raise her voice due to the loud music. Not too loud but still... Luka laughed.
,,I was about to ask you the same! I am a Pirate "
,,Yeah! I could have thought of that sorry"
,,It's fine, hey did you hear that-" Luka started, but he wasn't able to finish his sentence. A loud scream from the sitting room had interrupted their conversation. It was a high-pitched voice that fifty percent of the party guest could quickly recognize. Rose. Marinette put her glass aside and pushed through the crowded flat towards the voices fallowed by Luka and Max. Rose stood on the coach. The glass that was just filled a few minutes ago was now completely empty. No one has ever seen her drink before. The little face was full of anger as she pushed Juleika roughly. Alya and Nino were right next to her, trying to calm her down but it there was no use, the girl was already too far gone.
,,How dare you making fun of me when I trust you with something so personal and embarrassing?!"
One thought crossed Marinettes mind, "oh man, please not today".
Julika looked at Rose in shock, not knowing what she did wrong or in fact she might know, but she did not understand why Rose would react that badly to it. After all she was still a sensitive girl but already 21. Rose face turned light red from all the anger raising inside her and her screaming. Julika took a few steps back, causing her to fall off the sofa. Luka shoved through the crowd past Marinette, to help his sister up. Julika took his arm thankfully, rising ground.
,,Rose you really don't have to take it so seriously. I didn't make fun of you... it was just amusing to hear in our age, I am sorry, calm down, please!" Julika really tried, still it didn't do anything, the little girl just formed her hands to fists. No one except Julika and Rose knew what they were talking about, but everyone seemed to stand there and stare. Ready to find out what's all this was about.
,,That's no excuse! I thought I could trust you! Tell you things I would not tell another soul just because I was afraid of this reaction. The exact reaction you had, the one I thought you out of everyone else wouldn't have!" The Punk girl couldn't understand the scene. She hated to cause a scene, Julika would rather be one of the crowds than in the middle of the scene.
,,Come on Rose, how would you react if I told you I'd actually wish to be a Fairy instead of a human and mean it for real. It just... it sounded funny in that moment but that's no reason for a fight. I'm sorry, okay? Please come down from the sofa and let's talk about it in private, yeah?" Julika did not realize her mistake until they left her mouth and a couple of students from the crowd started laughing. She covered her mouth in shock with both her hands, about what she just said. How could she be so stupid?
,,Show us some Fairy tricks little Fairy!" shouted one Boy neither Julika nor Marinette knew. A boy next to him, probably his friend, picked up on the bulling, ,,Seems like someone took Halloween too seriously!"
Marinette couldn't do anything but shake her head. Were these friends of Nino and Alya or just friends of friends? Rose finally broke into tears and looked at Julika with such disappointment, that it broke the hearts of all their old classmates present.
,,How could you" Her usually sweet little voice was now low and filled with disgust. It sounded so hurt. Fragile. Within seconds the blonde girl stepped away from the sofa and run towards the front door. Nobody tried to stop her. Just a few people continued picking on the poor girl without thinking about her feelings just once. After all, to them she was nothing but a stranger. The good mood was gone, and no one knew how to continue. Should Marinette go after Rose and try to calm her down? There wasn't a big chance of success since it was most likely the alcohols’ fault that she was reacting so badly. Maybe it was the best if Julika talked to her first, wasn't it? Marinette was completely lost in her thoughts, so deeply, she didn't notice that Julika and Luka had already left the room and went to the bathroom. It was Alya's important big party after all and Julika would not leave. Not the Julika Marinette knew. The girl just needed some space to calm down. Half of the Party guest had left the room by now. They went to the kitchen for another drink or somewhere else and continued to have fun, not wasting a second thought about the girl they didn't know anyway. The only thing they were talking about was probably gossip about what happened. When looking around the room, Marinette noticed her old classmates seemed just as worried as she was.
,,Should we ... ehm, see if she's okay?" Kim asked, rubbing his neck. The others stayed quiet. All but Marlene.
,,I will check on her just... have fun again. It doesn't help anyone if we are all in a bad mood now!" Marinette and the others nodded. Ivan placed a hand on her shoulder the moment she turned around to leave. They weren't together anymore but still close friends.
,,Are you sure you want to go alone? It's dark outside" Marlene shot him a confident smile.
,,I think I can manage Ivan, thanks, I am big girl now, you know" with these words she fully turned around and left the room. Alya looked from one to another, after all she was the host.
,,So... does someone want a drink?" No one denied and they moved to the kitchen together.
Two drinks each and a couple favourite old songs later, and the mood was finally lifted a little. But Joy some days just is not meant to last. A lot of noise came from the front door and with a bang the door flew out of the frame and landed on the two guys who had made fun of rose before. Alya shirked and covered her mouth with her hands. So, they probably were friends of her, was all that crossed Marinette's mind. Marlene fallowed the door and fell with a harsh sound to the ground. That couldn't be a good sign. Of course, Rose would be a great Akuma victim tonight. Marinette could not help but giggle to herself. If she were less drunk, she could have taken it all a little more serious but damn, did the last couple of glasses punch hit. Marinette looked over at Alya. The young reporter ran towards Marlene and stared in shock at the girl just outside the flat.
,,Tell me where Julika is!" it was threatened, there was no doubt about that. But Alya wasn't the person to oblige.
,,Sorry can't do" A short simple answer. An answer that made the Akuma unbelievable Angry. Marinette fogged mind contemplated what to do. If she would put herself in the crossfire there was no chance to get a second to herself, which she needed to transform. The house was completely crowded. The bathroom was locked, Julika didn't come out yet and all other rooms were filled with people or also locked. There was no way to get out through the front door since the Akuma was blocking it. Marinette was trapped unable to Transform. All she could hope for now was, that Chat would show up soon. The witch looked around again but there was no escape. It was just now that Marinette realized a slight purple glow surrounding Marlene. Was she hit by the Akuma? And if yes, what was her Power? Rose was dressed the same as before except that the light shades of pink had changed into a darked purple. It surprised Marinette. Akuma's usually looked quite different from how they looked before. This time though, there was no major change about Rose, just one, one single change. Rose looked like a real Fairy. Her wings carried her body above the ground.
,,You will regret this! You all will! I know she is here somewhere" a huge power wave busted out of the little body and hit everyone in the flat, in every room, locked or not. Marinette felt her Body crushing to the ground after the wave hit her and a strange tingly feeling went through her body. It did not take her long to realize that she was too, surrounded by a little glow even though the glow surrounding her looked more Maroon then purple. What was about to happen to her? What was the Akumas power? She suddenly felt so heavy and tired, but she needed to stay awake, there was no way she would give in, no way she would let her body rest now, but Marinette had no power anymore. How could she stay awake when she was so unbelievable tired. Looking around she noticed that she wasn't the only one. Everybody in the flat slowly blacked out and fell asleep. A wicked smile crossed the Akumas lips. ,,Sweet dreams!" was all Marinette could hear before she couldn't resist the urge to sleep any longer. Within a Minute the black-haired girl fell into a deep dreamless sleep among 30 others who fell into deep dreamless sleeps among others.
- Adrien
,,Kid if you don't hurry up you will be late".
The black Kwami was flying from one corner of the room to another, not helping at all. Adrien was about to move within the next days. The boy still had to get all his stuff together and Box it up. Some major things like his sofa or desk were already moved to the new flat but there was still lots of stuff left to do and the boy wanted to be done with it before examen period at University started up again. In fact, he didn't have too much time left. His father wasn't too happy about it. When he first hearing the new's of his only child moving out, but that was life. Kids grow up and eventually move out. Adrien would be way faster with some help, but his friends were all busy with University already. Nino and Alya had just moved too and there were lots to manage and unpack for them the past days, keeping them occupied. He didn't want to bother them; besides they were throwing a party tonight and wouldn't have time to help anyway. Of course, Adrien had been invited too, but a look around told him that he would not be able to go tonight. There was too much left on his plate.
,,well, no sh** Sherlock! You know, you could help me instead of reminding me of a party I'm not going to make it to"
,,But Adrien, I'm too high up to come down now!" Plagg complained and continued flying around the room. Adrien sighed and put a lamp in one of the many carport boxes.
,,Remind me to check the expiration date on the cheese next time. It's not doing you any good"
,,You joking? I feel so light, haven't felt that way since 1669, London"
,,That's probably because many didn't have much choice on food after the big fire 1666..."
,,Nonsense, that was actually 1665, historian's just got it wrong" Adrien frowned and watched the Kwami as the little god hit his head on the ceiling.
,,I'm not sure I believe you. You aren't really trustworthy right now" Plagg just shruged.
The blonde spent a few good hours in his room. Just for two, three... five Boxes, still it was just about half of the stuff in his room. Of course, he wouldn't take everything with him just the important stuff. It was still a lot. Once more, Adrien realized that he owned way too many things. Lucky him, the new flat was big enough. Adrien still had his model jobs and since he did not have to spend much money as a child, the boy had plenty of money saved over the years. Every Model job paid him well since he was a famous Model in France and Adrien had jobs every second day, that’s why he could only study a part time instead of full-time course. Despite his experience, the shoots still took their time, as well as occasional travel some jobs required. A good paid and quick-ish job. If it wasn't for the fame and stress, it might just have been the dream job of every fifth student.
A message popped up on his phone. Marinette.
Princess: Are you on your way yet?
Adrien: Sorry love, I won’t make it tonight…Packing.
Princess: Why did you not say anything? I could have helped! Should I come over?
Adrien: No, I got it, enjoy the Party! You need to be there to tell me all about it tomorrow. Enjoy it for the both of us.
Princess: If you say so…see you tomorrow then x
Adrien: enjoy, see you tomorrow xx
looking through his phone, he realized that he was just missing a great party. Nino had sent several Party pictures of him and Alya as well as one of Marinette talking to Luka and Max. The decoration was amazing, and most people looked like they were having the time of their life. It was the chat above that saddened the Model.
Nino: "Dude, just where are you?"
Adrien: "Sorry I won't make it today!"
Nino:"Your Dad?"
Adrien:"Not this time, no, I'm sorry, packing"
Nino:"don't bother... i kinda expected it anyway. See ya around?"
Adrien: "Sure!"
Adrien looked at his phone saddened. Nino was disappointed, and Adrien could totally understand his friends. It was not the first time he ditched the young musician. He appreciated his friend but sometimes life just got in the way. The blonde was sure that Nino understood though. He had just the same stress in the past few weeks with Alya and their flat. Still, Adrien hated to disappoint his friend. Whatever you are doing you do something wrong. The Hero placed his phone aside and continued tending to the Boxes and his packing. 10 minutes, 30, 60… the boxes were slowly closing one after another filled and taped closed.
,,Oh, c’mon cheer up a little will ye? It was just one Party"
,,Easy for you to say"
It was a call that stopped Plagg's answer. Nino. Adrien had a special ringtone for his friend. It was an insider, the favourite tune of the boys. It wasn't actually their favourite song because they liked it but because it was connected to a good memory they shared. The two of the without the girls, when they drove to the mountains for camping.
Why would Nino call when he was busy throwing a Party? Was something wrong? The blonde had to look for the phone first before he could pick up. It was somewhere between all his stuff which formed a second layer on his ground. At the moment he had found the phone it stopped ringing. Adrien frowned and called back but Nino didn't answer. It wasn't like Nino to call when he was at a Party. At least not if he knew that his best mate would surely not come. Anyway, it was even less like Nino to miss a phone call after he had just called.
,,That isn't right" Adrien muttered to himself. This was the trigger Plagg needed to leave the ceiling and join his chosen.
,,I think we should check it out kid"
,,Yeah, me too" The blonde agreed and got up from his place.
,,Or Nino is just trying a new method to get you to the Party" Plagg suggested and settled in Adrien's hair. The man shook his head and grabbed his jacket from the bed.
,,No, that's not like him"
His blue scarf was lazily thrown around his throat as he left his room, grabbed the key's from the Key box near the entrance and left the house. It would take him longer to get to Nino's place by car than just taking the bike. Even if it was rather cold outside, the Model swung himself on the bike and headed to his friends flat.
He arrived 15 Minutes later. The front door laid broken, seemingly kicked in, on the ground, so he could easily slip inside. The music was still on and rang loud in the young adult's ears, but he didn't even notice. He also didn't question, why the neighbours hadn't called anyone yet. All Adrien could focus on were the bodies, unconsciously laying all over the place. He got more and more worried with every step he made. The costumes looked scarily realistic. As the young DJ caught his eye, he ran forward and kneeled beside him, trying to wake him up. But in the second that Adrien’s hand would have touched Ninos shirt, to shake his shoulder, it slid right through. Adrien pulled his hand back in shock but tried again a minute after. Just as before, his hand slid right through his friend who looked sickly pale.
,,What the hell... Nino? NINO!" he tried raising his voice each time he called his name again. No one woke up. Maybe he should try to wake someone else. Maybe the person could tell him what the hell was going on, even though the word Akuma was written all over the place. He saw his girlfriend laying close by and went up to her. Plagg stopped him before he could attempt to wake her.
,, Should you not transform first, in case the Akuma comes back?” He urged the Boy critically. Adrien looked around the room contemplating. Yes, it was probably the smart idea especially when everyone was out cold anyway. He doublechecked his surrounding before nodding towards Plagg and transforming.
,,Marinette" He shook her shoulder lightly, noticing a slight marron glow outlining its skin. Chat furrowed hi brow in confusion. She moved slightly but did not wake. He shook harder less gentle, hoping it would not bruise.
,,MARINETTE" a complaining groan escaped her mouth, and she seemed to gain consciousness slowly. He sighed and continued shaking her shoulder.
- Marinette
What first felt like a comfortable message in her dreams became increasingly uncomfortable. She was so tired, why would someone just not let her be. Just let her sleep.
,,MARINETTE!" okay, definitely not a message. Someone was trying to pull her shoulder out. Her eye's opened suddenly as she realized that someone was shaking her. Trying to wake her up. Has she been asleep? She wasn't sure. Maybe... but why? The young woman was just at the Party when... She sat up in a sudden and fast movement, too sudden and fast for Chat, who began given up on waking her. Their foreheads met with a loud dull noise.
,,Jesus..." The hero muttered and held his forehead with the left Hand. The right eye was closed, the other was still open, observing Marinette. The black-haired girl felt uncomfortable under the analysing gaze of her opponent.
,,Chat what... What are you doing here? Where... where... where is the Akuma? What happened?!" Her voice was a little higher than usual, and she talked pretty fast. The blonde removed the Hand from his head and offered it to her for help as he got up in a standing position. She took his hand and let him pull her up.
,,I was actually just about to ask you the same. Seems like quite a Party" He joked, looking around the flat once more. Marinette noticed worry in his eyes, nearly successfully concealed by his poker face and looked around her too. The flat ground was covered with all the Party guest, sleeping peacefully.
,,Adrien said that Nino called him but didn't pick up when he called back, uncharacteristic apparently". The girl nodded confused.
,,You know Adrien?” she asked curious. How would they know each other? School? Fencing?
,,No, not really” His face was serious, concentrated on the people around him, he looked back to her ,,He got a hold of me when I passed his house on Patrol tonight. Asked me to check it out… and it was pretty quiet overall so I figured why not” He shrugged his shoulders. She nodded, that made sense, they passed Adrien’s house on some of the patrol routes. Of course, he would come. Chat would take any chance of excitement over a boring Patrol, even though it might not have been an Akuma. However, Marinette could not prevent the disappointment building up in her. Adrien thought something might have happened to his best friend and he prioritised packing over checking in? She supposes he called a superhero to check… still. She glanced at her phone briefly. Not even a text or call. Besides her she noticed Chat gaze observing her small action neutrally. She put the phone back into her little bag and turned her focus back to the scene around her.
,,The costumes..." she muttered while rubbing her sleepy eye
,,They look different from before... so... real" a cold chill went down her spine. She got a bad feeling about this.
,,I am afraid they are" Chat muttered, she turned towards him.
,,Come again?" Of course, Marinette could see it herself. She knew that he was right and that the people didn't just wear costumes anymore but since she was part of the people, she wanted solid evidence to admit it. She did not want it to be real. That was the Akumas power. It totally made sense. They were laughing at Rose for her secret wish, and she made them pay this way. Now they also had to live her secret wish. Without a second thought the student rushed to the bathroom. Sadly, the door was still looked.
,,Marinette what are you doing?" Chat asked fallowing the designer through the corridor. Marinettes hands went to her ears instinctively, realizing she had replaced her earing with others for her costume earlier. She wanted to look through her bag, confident the earring box was in there, but it would be too obvious with chat right next to her. She could as well just shout out her identity to him if she was to take them out right now.
She looked around, searching for something to open the door or maybe another mirror. There was another big mirror in the bedroom, but Alya had locked it before the party started. ALYA!
,,Have you seen Alya?"
,,Just Nino, but she can't be far from him?"
,,Why didn't you wake him?"
,,I tried!" He protested, then why wasn't Nino standing here with them? Didn't he wake up? Maybe he was sleeping too deep or maybe Chat wasn't able to shake him awake? After all he was dressed as a ghost. Had been dressed as a ghost? Her head ached from all this mess, but she simply nodded and went to the sitting room. It was the last place she had seen Alya. Marinette was so worried about her friend that she forgot her original plan. Checking on herself. The reporter slept in a sitting position, leaning against the sofa.
,,ALYA!" She called loudly, but nobody woke up. Chat rushed past her and sat down on the left side of Alya, facing Marinette.
,,They are sleeping pretty deep, believe me it took me good five Minutes to wake you up" His Hands slid to her back as he tested her wings. They were attached to her body just like her fingers were attached to her hands. Her back was bare as the wings broke the fabric of the dress, trying to break free. Marinette's face fell. It took her so long to make this dress, and she had been unbelievable proud of it. Now it was broken. Her small hand brushed over the feathered wings.
,,They are so soft" she whispered amazed which causing Chat to chuckle lightly.
,,I am not sure that's what she wants to hear once she wakes up" Marinette smiled and removed the hand from the angelic wings. She laid them on Alya's shoulders instead and shook her friend trying to wake her. Alya just yawned and opened her eyes slowly.
,,It's impossible to sleep with you two lovebirds around", she muttered. Both Marinette and Chat blushed slightly. It took Alya a minute to realize her confusion.
,,Uh sorry, thought you sounded like Adrien” she commented.
,, its fine, can happen, you were out cold makes sense to wake up a bit delusional” He smiled at her teasingly and she granted him a stern look, making him loose his smile quickly.
Chat got up, checking on everyone else, if anyone was seriously hurt, while Marinette filled Alya into everything. His eyes landed on three Boys he did not know, or at they were three boys? They now looked more like rotted corpses. Zombies? Unfortunately not an unpopular Halloween choice. Alya and Marinette finished their quick catch up and walked up next to Chat, worry building in their faces.
,,Could that become a problem?” Marinette asked hesitantly.
,,Most definitely” Alya commented, eyes wandering to Marinette. ,,We should look them up before they wake up” Marinette agreed. Chat took out his Baton and opened the call function.
,,I’ll try getting a hold of ladybug, you guys call the police, see if they have a cell for them until we catch this Akuma….”