Miraclebound | Miraculous Guardians Book 2

Chapter 15: Beyond the Barrier

The Shellter collapsed the moment their feet touched solid ground. And not a moment too soon, Nino decided, as he turned back toward the water, watching as several figures carried his friends to the shore and dropped them similarly. Chloe shrieked at her rescuer but his expression remained stoic. Nino had to give him kudos for his resilience.

"Thank you, Wayzz," spoke the woman behind him, her voice ragged with the exhaustion of carrying them both so far. "Detach and return."

There was a flash of green light and the kwami phased back into existence, dropping into the woman's hands with a groan, his antennae drooping weakly.

"Wayzz!" Nino cried, reaching for his partner in panic. "Are you all right, little dude?"

"Yes, Master," Wayzz gasped, glancing up at him as he continued to pant. "I will be just fine. I just... need a moment to catch my breath...that's all. It's been...a long time since...I attached..."

Nino looked up at the woman desperately. "What happened to him?" he demanded. "How did you do that?"

"In order to save you, I required access to his special ability. However, for that to function, I first needed the miraculous. And you were in no state to give it to me. I was forced to improvise." She seemed as tired as the kwami and her eyes shone with pain behind her dark hair. She also did not seem amused to be explaining this to him. "It's called...Attachment. It's an ability used only in the direst of situations and it is extremely draining. But that's in the past. What matters now is that you are safe. And your friends are too."

As she spoke, she stepped back, making room for Adrien, Marinette, and Alya to come rushing over and envelop him in a bone-crushing hug.

"Nino!" Alya reached him first, throwing her arms around his neck and plowing full force into him. "Oh my goodness! Are you all right? We were so afraid we'd lost you! The wave just swallowed you and there was nothing we could do!"

He gave her a forced smile, seeing the tears running down her face. "I'm all right, Alya. Are you?" He couldn't tell her how terrified he'd been seeing her so far away and him being unable to get to her. Even though he knew Marinette had been with her, he had been so scared that he would lose her. He felt her pull back and he tried to convince her that he truly was as fine as he claimed. She didn't look at all convinced, but she couldn't say anything more as Adrien and Marinette pushed past her to have their turn.

"I'm so sorry!" Adrien exclaimed. "I just couldn't hold on!"

"Dude, it's fine," Nino reassured him as the blond continued to hug him, the real panic of losing his best friend paralyzing the model. "It all worked out, didn't it? I mean, we found the Guardians." He twisted back the woman as she folded her arms and eyed the group suspiciously. "I guess we haven't thanked you for saving our lives yet, have we?"

"Your appreciation is not required," she replied stiffly. "You've come into our world seeking the answers to a power far beyond your understanding. Perhaps it would be wise for you to leave before you place anyone else is put in serious danger."

Nino winced. Brutal, but not entirely without warrant. After all, this was definitely not the way he'd wanted to make a first impression. He knew how pathetic they must have looked, all waterlogged and scraped and bruised. They were lucky they were alive, let alone in any condition to stand before some of the most powerful men in the world.

"Yes, Ma'am," Marinette interjected before anyone could protest. "We understand. But our boat sunk in the storm." She gestured behind her toward the ocean and the billowing clouds still flashing dangerous sparks. "We have no way to leave."