When the Phoenix Falls (Adrien Agreste)

Chapter 2: Origins Part 2

Colette made her way down the stairs, already dressed and pulling her hair back into her normal braid. She could see her sister and father standing at the counter watching the News and froze as she realised what it was about.

"Paris is relying on our new guardian angels Ladybug, Firebird, and Chat Noir, to save us all, our lives depend on them."

Colette heard Marinette gasp and saw her father rest his hand on her shoulder in comfort. "Listen, I know how upsetting and scary this is, but don't worry, sweetie. We've got three superheroes looking out for Paris and the best way to help them is to show them that we're not scared, because we trust them."

Marinette looked down sadly at the bowl in her hands, "But what if Ladybug fails?"

"She won't fail, Mari." Colette assured her, collecting her own bowl from the cupboard. "She's stronger than anyone thinks, even herself probably. She'll do it because she knows that we need her."

"Besides, if not I'd come and save you, Super Baker to the rescue." Marinette gave a light giggle and Colette smiled, grateful for the way their father was doing his best to help even if he didn't know the true reason Marinette was so worried.

"Thanks, Super Dad." Marinette pressed a kiss to the man's head before running off up the stairs, leaving her sister with their father.

"Are you not worried, Letta?" Tom asked, using the nickname only he reserved for her, even though it wasn't exactly her name.

"I know that they'll do their best, whatever it takes." Colette grinned easily. "Besides, we have much more pressing matters to worry about than that, like the fact that there is meant to be a new student in our class today."

"Really, who?" Tom asked, always interested in his daughters' school lives, even if there wasn't always a lot to tell.

"Adrian Agreste apparently." Colette replied, before explaining as she saw the confused look on the man's face. "He's a model and Chloé's best friend, he's never been to school before so it will certainly be interesting."

"Well, so long as you do your best..." Tom started, letting Colette finish the phrase.

"You can't expect anything more from anyone else." Colette smiled, "You're right Dad; I'll try to give him a chance, even if he does act like Chloé."

"That's my girl." Tom grinned, before passing her a box of croissants. "Take these for breakfast, and give some to this new boy if he shows up." He clearly saw the sceptical look on his daughter's face as he gave a great booming laugh. "Nothing wrong with getting new customers. Especially when the school is so close by."

Colette hummed in disbelief, but took the box anyway. "Will do, Dad."

"Good, see you later."

"See you later."

Colette ducked into the languages room on her way to class that morning, it was her favourite class and the teacher had asked if she would mind helping with a new display for the back wall of the classroom. She also knew that Miss Blanchet loved the bread and pastries from her family's bakery, so it only felt right to pop in and offer a croissant before the start of school.

Having done so, she made her way back towards Miss Bustier's classroom and walked in the door with half a croissant sticking out of her mouth. Swallowing the mouthful of pastry, she took in the sight before her with a hint of confusion.

"Hello, strange boy picking chewing gum off my sister's chair. How's your day going?" The boy turned and Colette recognised him well enough to realise that this was the new boy; Adrian Agreste was clearly not used to school culture as this was a classic move from someone like Chloé.