"This is the main courtyard," Rikard explained as they trekked through the open field near the far end of the wall. "Where many of our holders train to harness their Miraculous's power."
"This is so cool!" Alya exclaimed, picking up her pace to jog alongside Marinette who also seemed in heaven with all of the ancient architecture and designs.
Nino would have been inclined to agree with her if he hadn't been busy being very uncomfortable with the unapologetic stares he was getting from the students across the running track, out training in the moonlit court. He could feel Wayzz's uncertainty as well, even while he was transformed, and that did not go to help ease his nerves at all.
What are they looking at? he inquired silently. We don't look that awful, do we?
I don't believe it is you they are interested in, Master, Wayzz replied carefully. However, the holder of the Ladybug is undoubtedly a very unusual sight indeed.
They're all looking at Marinette? For some reason, he bristled slightly at the thought. Thankfully, the girl didn't seem to notice anything unusual...or perhaps she was simply ignoring it. She was probably used to being stared at, being a main superhero and all.
That would be the most logical conclusion.
His grip on his shield grew tighter and he found himself moving at a quicker pace to try and stand between the girl and the spectators. He didn't know what made him do it, but he supposed it must have had something to do with his miraculous and his consistent need to protect.
Calm down, Master Nino! Wayzz urged. They are merely a bunch of curious schoolchildren! Surely you remember what it was like to be young...er!
Once, he would have believed that. But not now. He'd seen far too many ways for Hawkmoth to influence even children. He wouldn't take that risk.
Wow, paranoid much?
He wasn't sure whether that thought came from Wayzz or from himself, but it didn't matter, he decided, as he pushed it as far and as hard from his brain as he could. I'm not being paranoid! he argued. I'm being cautious! There's a big difference!
And what happens when you cross that line and caution becomes an obsession?
Oh, be quiet, brain! You're not helping.
Suit yourself. But don't say I didn't warn you.
Rolling his eyes at his own internal war, Nino pushed himself closer to the group, painfully aware of their spectators slowly returning to their training as Rikard pulled open the doors and ushered the teens inside. Once they were all through, he carefully closed the doors behind them and submerged the room into stillness.
"Well...this is dark," Chloe commented.
Rikard laughed. "One moment." There was a shuffle from Nino's left and he raised his shield higher in case the need should arise for quick protection. A second later, light flickered throughout the building and Nino turned toward the threat--and saw Rikard holding on to the light switch sheepishly.
What was that about paranoia again?
I got it, Wayzz.
Extravagant designs unfurled before the group, delicately crafted into the walls and ceilings. He recognized some as ancient Chinese writings. Not that he could read them, but he felt Wayzz scanning them through him and the rush of adrenaline that coursed through his bones at the kwami's revelation.
YOU ARE READING
Miraclebound | Miraculous Guardians Book 2
Fanfiction"Oh, no. Nope. No way. This is a terrible idea, dude!" "Well, have you got a better one, Nino?" 𓆉︎𓆉︎𓆉︎ Three weeks have passed since the events of Miracle Queen. The gig is up, everyone's identities are out and none of...
