When the Phoenix Falls (Adrien Agreste)

Chapter 7: Mister Pigeon

As it turned out, Colette had been correct in thinking that she would come down with something after her time in the freezer during Lady Wifi's attack. In fact, she had been laid up in bed for over a week, unable to go to school and barely well enough to get up and do anything. She felt so bad that Vohon - despite his usual snarky and less than helpful demeanour - had basically catered to her every need during her illness, insisting that she could not transform on the off chance he then got ill as well. This meant that Firebird had been strangely absent from any Akumatisations over the week, though Colette was pleased to know when she returned to school that Alya had not made any connections between her absence and that of Firebird.

It also meant that she missed the akumatisation of another one of her classmates, though she had heard of the occasion from Marinette. Her sister had felt terrible about it happening to Alix, though Colette assured the girl that it hadn't been her fault the watch was broken. It had taken a lot of convincing as well as repeated apologies to Alix for Marinette to feel any better about it, but Colette knew that Alix would not hold a grudge against her classmate for something that had already been fixed, especially when there were more important things to worry about, like beating Kim in more types of race.

When she had returned to school, she was surprised to find out that a design competition was being held for their class. She was glad for Marinette even though she herself was uninterested in the competition.

"You only have one day to work on your fashion piece, and it must be your own design. In ten hours your finished presentation will be judged by none other than the great fashion designer Gabriel Agreste. The father of our very own student Adrien Agreste. In fact, Adrien will model the winning design in his next photo shoot. And now to announce this year's theme; Derby hats." As she did not intend to participate, Colette had barely been listening throughout Mr Damocles's explanation, she knew that there was not much point listening or making a fuss if she was not even planning on taking part. As such, she hadn't even heard the theme for the competition and was confused when she heard her sister speak.

"Derby hats?" She heard Marinette mutter worriedly, pulling Colette out of her reverie.

"Sorry, Mar, what?" She asked, not quite sure what her sister was talking about.

"That's the theme; Derby hats." Marinette explained in a whisper, frowning gently. "I've never drawn a Derby hat before."

Colette found this claim difficult to believe, "Are you sure? I find it difficult to believe that there is a clothing type out there that you haven't tried a design for."

Colette saw the way Chloé had turned around to face the two, giving Marinette a thumbs down, making it clear she didn't think Marinette could win. Colette rested a hand on Marinette's shoulder and pulled her round so she was no longer facing the girl.

"You'll be great, Mar. I'm sure of it. You're a great designer and if the great Gabriel Agreste doesn't see that, well," She shrugged. "He's an idiot."

This gained a slight smile from Marinette before the girl went back to her worried frown and Colette let her be. It was Marinette's character to worry constantly about things like this until she got an idea that she was happy with, and Colette knew that there was nothing she could do to stop her sister fretting.

After class, Colette dropped onto the bench beside Alya and grinned at the girl. Marinette was pacing up and down before them, sketchbook in hand as she tried to find any designs that would help, muttering under her breath the entire time.

"Derby hat, Derby hat, Derby hat, Derby hat, I don't have any Derby hat designs." She paused in her tracks and began to wave her arms around in the air animatedly as she talked. "I've got top hats, caps, even two horned hats, need a beret - I'm your girl, a sombrero - no problemo."