Awakening the Phoenix Within

Vol. 1 Chapter 3: A Much Needed Help

As expected of the earth’s rotation, the time difference from Paris to China is at least 6 hours ahead. Upon stepping out of the portal, Marinette is greeted by a dim lit room of candles surrounded by the guardians of various races, all with a surprised look. Three elderly people sits at the center of all of them. The one in the middle seems much older that Master Fu. The other 2 were elderly too but much closer to her former master’s state. She felt like she was in a United Nations conference & she was very much not welcome. Nonetheless she came here for a good cause & rejection is not an option at this point.

“Welcome Marinette Dupain-Cheng, daughter of Tom Dupain & Sabine Cheng, current ladybug of the 21st century, successor of Wang Fu, former guardian of the Wu Xing Miracle box. We have been expecting your arrival, although not this sooner.” The elderly man in the center said. She was intrigued by this since she only told the guardian who was sent earlier of her decision. Nonetheless she dropped her transformation then stepped forward, got on her knees then bowed her head to show her respect then spoke of her intentions.

“I am honored to be in the presence of the Order of Guardians. I am here today to formally ask your guidance in continuing my training as a guardian. My home, much less the world as we know it is under grave threat of the wielder of the Butterfly & the Peacock miraculous that use them for their own gain. My former master,  Wang Fu has tasked me & my partner Chat Noir to retrieve both of the miraculi along with the lost grimoire. He passed on his duty as guardian to me when I made a mistake of my own. I am trained but only to a degree,  my knowledge to defeat, much less locate my enemy is still lacking. I had team to help me fight off the threat but they were compromised  & had to be withdrawn from the front lines  due to my most recent battle.” She explained.

“We know of your dilemma young Ladybug, we have sent an envoy to make the offer to train you but as of our current knowledge, you have decline our offer, stating that your life is in Paris, though we had predicted that & had a back up plan we are surprised of your reconsideration. Has something happened to convince you otherwise.” The Elder asked.

“It’s true I said that, though in just a short span of time, many things had happened to me that I wouldn’t want to repeat. The events that occurred  made me reconsider the pros & cons in making my decision, in the end I chose the option that will benefit both me & the people I protect, though I’m  curious I’ve only informed your envoy of my decision earlier today. How can you immediately get informed of my decision?” She asked.

“I think I can provide the answer to that.” A voice said from behind her. She turned around & saw the same person who helped with dealing with Luka.

“How did you get here from Paris so quickly?” She curiously asked.

“Hehehe, one of the many things you will learn along the way of your training.” He answered.

“Indeed, but where are my manners, We haven’t introduced ourselves yet have we.” The elder cleared his throat. “I am Wan Shi Tong, elder guardian among all of us here. You can address me as Elder.”

“By my sides are Jing Yan & Qiao Gu, both of them are my 2nd in command, they’re in charge of the trainees. The young man behind you is Viljo Alger, he is one of the prefects that helps keep things in order. You will get to know the other prefects as well as the other guardians & their own field of expertise. For now, you must rest. I know you left Paris in the dead of night, surely you must be exhausted. Viljo, will guide you to the dorms to help you get settled in.”

“Yes indeed I am. Thank you again for inviting me here to train under the order.” She bowed her head one last time then stood up to drag her stuff out of the room then followed her guide to the dorms.