The Heart's Silent Accord

Prologue

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Marinette may have been feeling overwhelmed by the small things in life, not necessarily the tiniest details, but just enough to make someone want to scratch their fingernails on a blackboard. At times, she wasn't able to keep her frustration in check.

Marinette holds her phone to her ear, listening to Adrien's voice on the other end. His concern is evident as he speaks, "Marinette, you're being insane. You're in Gotham City, out of all the places you choose, Gotham City."

As Marinette listened to Adrien's voice on the phone, she heard the familiar overprotective tone in his voice. The same tone she had heard numerous times since they revealed their true identities as Ladybug and Chat Noir. He had been even more overprotective since then, constantly reminding her of the dangers and threats that came with being the guardian of the Miraculous and keeping the Miracle Box. However, she also knew that Adrien's concern went deeper than just their superhero responsibilities. When she has nothing to say, Adrien sighs loudly. "You're insane, do you know that?"

Marinette stifled a laugh, but couldn't hold back a smile as she heard Adrien groan in exasperation. Despite her playful tone, she could sense his concern for her safety, especially in a city as dangerous as Gotham City. She tried to reassure him by saying, "You don't need to worry, I'm capable of handling anything. And besides, nothing can compare to the danger I face in Paris." The memory of the first day of high school and the akumatized villain Ivan came to her mind, reminding her of the dangers she had faced before

Adrien responded with a sarcastic laugh, his tone laced with frustration, "Ah yes, a magnificent idea. Why don't we just transform in public whenever there's a problem? Let the entire city of Gotham witness Ladybug in action. What could possibly go wrong?" His voice dripped with sarcasm, emphasizing his disapproval of Marinette's plan. Marinette couldn't help but chuckle softly at his frustrated reply.

She stepped into the elevator, the doors slid shut behind her. The quiet rumbling of the metal walls and the glow of the buttons under her fingertips sparked a sense of curiosity and tension within her. She couldn't help but think that she hadn't truly comprehended how reliant Gotham City was on the Bats to maintain order and stability until now. There was a subtle feeling of insignificance in comparison to the masked vigilantes, but she knew that she had something special to offer to the city's well-being.

"Marinette, I didn't mean it like that," he stammered. "I just... It's not safe for you to be in such a dangerous city all by yourself. Gotham is notorious for its criminals and unpredictable chaos. I can't help but be worried." He paused when Marinette stayed silent. "Have you discovered any leads on the Engima Box?" He tried changing the subject.

Marinette mind drifted to the pivotal reason behind her move to Gotham City - the imminent threat facing the universe. A cold shiver ran down her spine as she contemplated the consequences if she failed in her mission.

Recently, she had devised a plan to obtain the files containing Gotham City's most sensitive information. These files tracked the city's daily activities,

Including crime rates, infrastructure development, and social dynamics, as well as historical data on significant events that had shaped the city. Acquiring these files was crucial for her mission's success, as they would provide her with valuable insights into the inner workings of the city and potentially uncover any connections to the looming universal threat.

Adrien waited patiently, anticipating her answer, but she remained silent. "Top secret, eh?" he asked with a hint of teasing in his voice. "It's been a while since you updated me on your mission. Is it that hard to confide in me?"