Into Another World (kotlc/mlb au)

Chapter 14

"The caves are just this way," Ladybug said. "Only a few miles."

Adrien and Ladybug had agreed that talking about last night was off the table. Sophie and Keefe wouldn't stop letting them know about their night at the hideout and that was embarrassment enough. This time they were careful to wake up early enough and sneak back to their original spots to make it seem like nothing had happened.

"Does anyone know what's inside the Aquatic Caves?" Sophie asked.

"We're not sure," Ladybug admitted. "Those who went in rarely get out, and if anyone escapes... it's never good. At least, from what I hear. No one I know or allied with ever ventured to the caves."

Adrien swallowed a lump and tried to focus on the positives. They had three of the amulets. Three amulets this Neverseen group couldn't reach.

And it would keep them from their Summoning.

They just needed to get the rest so it wasn't even a possibility.

"I think I see water," Keefe said, running forward and pushing through bushes. "Yes! And there's caves!"

Adrien pushed back leaves and saw a glimmering lagoon, stretching out to a small island filled with a series of rocky caves.

"I don't see anything dangerous about a bunch of caves," he commented.

"It's what's inside that's rumored to be horrifying," Ladybug explained, taking off her boots. "I guess we're swimming for it."

"But Keefe and I can't swim," Sophie pointed out.

"You can't?" Adrien furrowed his brows. "It was part of a gym class I did once."

"What's a gym class?" Ladybug wrinkled her nose in confusion as she unclasped her cape, letting it fall around her ankles.

"Something I'm suddenly very happy doesn't exist here," Adrien said. "But... don't you guys live by the beach?"

"But it's not like anyone teaches us to swim," Sophie shrugged. "Almost like they don't want us to venture too far away from the edge."

Adrien raised an eyebrow. How could these people casually talk about things like "history has holes" or "arranged marriage" or "they don't know how to get past their own coast?" It was honestly confusing him.

But he still slid off his boots. "Either way, we need to go for it."

"I think I'll stay behind," Sophie said.

"No, we need you," Adrien said. "We need all four of us."

"But Keefe and I can't swim and you two are the ones with abilities to protect you," Sophie argued.

Adrien tried to find a way to convince her after those–annoyingly convincing–points.

"Fine, but stay here," Ladybug said. "And try to stay out of trouble. Especially you, Keefe."

Keefe shrugged. "With our luck something will come to us."

Adrien ignored him and slowly waded into the water. He'd half expected it to be cold; instead, creamy warmth swirled around his feet.

"You ready?" he turned to Ladybug, down in the same level he was.

"Let's do this," she said, voice filled with determination. He could feel it from here; she was about to achieve her dream.

Adrien took a running start and dove into the water, kicking his legs as fast as he could and using his arms to propel him forward. Ladybug was next to him, swimming just as fast. He could see colorful plants at the bottom of the lagoon, several species of fish swimming around with them.