Chapter Text
4 years ago her life had been different. One moment she was known as Demetria Martha Al Ghul, the twin sister of Damian Al Ghul, the heir to the demon head.
She had spent her entire life training to work alongside her brother to lead the world into a new era. But instead of as a leader but rather a bodyguard to ensure nothing happened to Damian.
Though everything had changed after Deathstroke attacked the compound leading to the death of Ra’s al Ghul. which had been the turning point that led to her new life as Marinette Dupain Cheng.
Where she had become the adopted daughter of retired assassins Tom Dupain and Sabine Cheng, unlike Damian who had been sent somewhere in America known as Gotham to meet their father.
Their mother had said this was to ensure both their safety in case anyone came looking for them. Leaving Demetria with the promise of returning as soon as she could once the league had been rebuilt and the grandfather had been avenged.
Living her new life as the daughter of two ‘bakers’ was nothing like she expected it to be, surrounded by strangers alone in another country at the age of ten she had been both frightened and terrified especially without her other half.
She had missed Damian desperately at first but could not go against her mother's wishes that keeping contact could lead any of their family's enemies to come looking for both of them.
Though her life had been turned upside down her training remained consistent, so she would be ready for her eventual reunion with Damian.
They were going to keep training me in secret so by the time mother came back for me I would be ready to help my twin brother rule over the world.
When Demetria was left in France, she was given a fake life one that she would portray to keep the fact she was a deadly assassin a secret.
She was given the name Marinette Dupain Cheng the daughter of popular bakers in Paris with dreams of being an aspiring fashion designer.
The first month or two was spent on Marinette learning to sew and change her usual drawings of landscapes like at the compound to sketches of clothes and accessories and learning how to stitch and bake.
Everything she would require, as well as homeschooling on mannerisms so she’d blend in amongst those her age.
Upon arrival Demetria was shocked to find a room entirely for her, decorated to match her new identity though she felt unsure of it. It was suspicious, different from anything she had previously seen.
The room had nice furniture holding a pastel pink colour scheme with a recognisable pattern of white polka dots. Demetria hated the colour pink, preferring either a red or black but Marinette loved pink an unfortunate detail it was too late to change.
When she joined school she became friends with all the students and if they were to ask where she was the past ten years, she would say she was in Shanghai with her grandparents who raised her while her parents started their dream bakery.
She put on the act of being a kind, bubbly girl who was shy and had a crush on the teen heartthrob of Paris Adrien Agreste. But in reality she had no idea why people even liked the boy. All he did was stand in front of a camera with a smile. If it was that easy anyone could be a model.
Though upon meeting the boy she understood why he was as popular as he was. Sure they got off on the wrong foot but he was considerate and kind. He also shared the familiar burden of unyielding expectations. Which created an unlikely bond between them,
When Demetria was 12, a new girl had arrived at the school. She had brown hair that was tied at the very bottom making her hair look like long sausages, apparently it was trendy where she was from. The girl had green eyes that held mischief, something Demetria knew very well.
It reminded of her time in the league with Damian, the two constantly bickering and pulling pranks on others, the lack of consequences made it easy as long as neither their mother or grandfather found out no one could harm them.
The girl started talking and within minutes had everyone wrapped around her finger with a web of lies, she tried pointing them out but they all just said she was jealous. Later when the two were alone in the bathroom the Italian threatened to have everyone she cared about turned against her.
But in truth she had trusted no in school and stuck to the story, sure she was lying but she was doing it out of reason, the brunette was doing it for simple attention. Demetria only vaguely trusted her so-called “parents”.
But while living with them she was taught right from wrong and how the league was bad and that's why they retired. They kept training her but also showed her the true world and to say she liked baking and fashion was an understatement.
Over time the skills she had learned became more than hobbies and rather true passions even if they had started out as a mere role to play. When it came to fashion she had a skilled eye from years of training, Demetria would sew in little details into her work ones that would reflect her past.
Present time - Demetria’s perspective
Lilan had been here for a year now I think that's her name, then again it didn’t matter what her name was she was a liar and that was all you needed to know about her.
Since she had arrived almost everyone had turned on me except Tom and Sabine who knew the truth and what I could do if I were to show her.
The entire class had turned on me except Adrien who I was now dating. Though he stayed close to Leah and the class in order to gather evidence.
Since her arrival the rest of the school began distancing themselves from the class in general. Which also led to the queen bee leaving, moving to New York to be with her mother.
In her place Lily stepped up, though I was glad the blonde finally got out and had a chance to start over, Lucy had gotten worse, every word out of her mouth sounding like metal being grated against my ears.
Since her arrival the amount of people I talked to has reduced. It was almost better. Less people I had to act around and pretend I was naturally cheery and happy constantly.
Since then a few things had changed with model boy's father being Hawkmoth, a shock that led to the accidental reveal of Chat Noir. With Paris finally being free my only question was why old magical jewellery? Had he not heard of the Lazarus pit or something.
The accidental reveal had led to some truths being shared and we soon began dating, an unexpected decision, yet one I chose not for the role of Marinette but for myself.
Master Fu had taken back all the miracles and left, returning to the guardians temple to finish his training. It was hard to say goodbye to Tikki, she reminded me of having Damian by my side, someone that would watch your back at all times.
I had entered a competition at the suggestion of Adrien for an end of year school trip. It was hosted by the Waynes, a wealthy family that lived in America.
Recently I had found out that I won the trip and it was to Gotham. The reason I had entered in the first place was the possibility to see Damian, who lived there now with our father.
Walking into school I see the liar and her sheep sitting at a bench in the courtyard talking or in Lily’s case spreading lies about her non existent life and sprouting about famous celebrities she apparently knows.
Slipping past them unnoticed I made my way into the mostly empty classwork seeing Adrien at his seat working on assignment. The idea to go say hello to my boyfriend dies at the sight of Juklea at her desk.
She must have been finishing up some homework, I glanced back at Adrien, who now has noticed my presence, his lips moving into an elated smile one I return as I make my way to my new seat. Back of the classroom in the final row alone. With Nathanial sitting next to Ivan after Layla spread a new lie about me.
It was peaceful at the back, no interruptions or distraction and having to hear her voice was minimal with such distance between us. During class I could move ahead past what we were doing in class or work on new ideas I had.
I grabbed my sketchbook and worked away on a new design while working. Only the sounds of pencil being pressed against paper until I feel a vibration, turning to my bag I find a message from Adrien.
It was a note wishing me a good day with a mix of cat puns placed throughout. Looking up I catch his eyes a look of mischief.
I went to type back but heard the bell ring, so I slipped my phone back into my bag, not wanting to get it taken off of me. A clicking of heels were heard and Lilan walked in with her posse following closely behind her.
The only reason Adrien even puts up with the liar is to try and to find something that would help us expose her. No matter what I do she just twists my words to make it look like I tried to attack her in some way or the other even though I really didn’t.
Just a minute after Lia had entered the class Caline walked in, seeming happier than ever. I could only guess what the reason was. Though I had a feeling it had to do with the competition results.
I look back at my design and get back to work as I listen to what she was saying, “Class I have an important announcement to make, thanks to one of your peers they have won a trip for the class-”
The class broke out into cheers before she could even finish and started congratulating Luna, and she stood there saying it was no big deal and saying it was worth it if it was for this class.
The teacher didn’t even get to say my name and they were already congratulating the liar as if she could win the trip let alone know where in the world Gotham was. After five minutes of struggling Caline was finally able to calm the class down.
She really needs to learn to control the class better. She continued from what she had been talking about earlier, seriously I doubt they know that Gotham is the crime capital of America.
If we’re being honest if she had said I won the trip they would think I was out to have them killed or something which at this point I couldn’t care less. But because Lydia won the trip they’ll praise her no matter what.
It was a reminder that things could change so easily when only one person told the story.
Caline went on about nonsense for the next hour like taking self defence classes might be a good idea to always stay with your friends and to never go out at night. Basic safety protocols which she’d restate before and after arrival.
I didn’t bother to pay attention, I had Ra’s Al Ghul for a grandfather. What's more dangerous than that, not only am I a trained assassin but a bunch of wanna-be criminals dressed in hideous outfits aren’t going to scare me.
Seriously moth man’s outfits were one thing as the victim couldn’t choose their outfits but the villains in Gotham had taste so bland that Lauren's stories might as well be nightmares.
By the time the first period was finally over she had handed out brochures to each of us. The trip was in a month giving us plenty of time to prepare.
Many students were saying that they would be taking self defence classes which would be hosted by the school. That or that they would definitely be going, especially glasses who wanted to catch footage of psychotic criminals for her tabloid page.
But according to Caline the ultimate decision was up to our parents or guardians and if Cesaire planned to go on this trip she could not go running after criminals and if she did she would be sent home immediately.
Laura then decided now would be the perfect time to start talking about how she had lived in Gotham but moved for her mothers work and how so unfortunately she had gotten caught in an attack with the Clown and was saved by Green hood.
The Clown and Green hood seriously she couldn’t even get the names right oh and the best part was she got to meet Sparrow, Batman's partner. She could get Batman’s name right but not his team mates.
The fact that she had so badly butchered their names was the reason I had nearly burst out laughing, looking at Adrien I saw a smirk on his face and he too had noticed the terrible attempts at names.
You would think the blogger, a girl so obsessed with superheroes would have noticed the butchered names but she hadn't even slightly, as she drank in every word spoken.
After another painful attempt to get the class's attention by Caline she talked on about what we would see and how we would be meeting Bruce Wayne and family on the first day as he had been the one to host the competition.
Another horrendously long hour passed by and the class was finally let out for lunch. The class rushed out to talk about the trip, I stayed back and so did Adrien so we could take as we walked out but we would have to split before Lena and her posse saw us together.
That would never end well for both blondie and I.