Eclipsed memories

Chapter 8: Heart of Reversion

The late afternoon sun streamed through the windows of Marinette's room as she leaned over her desk, a dozen open books scattered around her. Her laptop hummed faintly, displaying ancient symbols and passages she didn't fully understand. Beside her, Tikki hovered, munching on a cookie and offering occasional advice that Marinette mostly ignored in her single-minded focus.

"This has to be it," Marinette muttered, flipping through a weathered book. Her finger landed on an illustration of a gemstone inlaid within a golden artifact, surrounded by swirling light. "The Heart of Reversion. It says here it can reverse the effects of 'malignant enchantments.' That's got to include Chloe's relic!"

"Hmm," Tikki said around her mouthful of crumbs. "It could work, but it's not exactly easy to find."

Marinette sighed, brushing back a strand of hair. "What choice do I have, Tikki? I can't let Adrien—Cat Noir—live like this, not knowing who he really is, not remembering... us."

Tikki's eyes softened. "You're right, Marinette. But if you're going to do this, you'll need help. Alya—"

Marinette shook her head. "No. I can't drag Alya into this. She already helps me enough as Ladybug. This is something I have to do alone."

Tikki frowned but said nothing.

Just then, her phone buzzed. Alya's name lit up the screen, and Marinette hesitated before picking up.

"Hey, girl! How's Operation Fix Adrien's Brain going?" Alya's teasing voice came through, making Marinette groan.

"It's not funny, Alya. I think I found something, but it's... complicated."

"Complicated how? Are we talking 'library research' complicated or 'Indiana Jones booby traps' complicated?"

"Booby traps, probably," Marinette muttered.

"Oh, so definitely my kind of adventure. I'll grab my camera."

"No!" Marinette said quickly. "This isn't a two-person job. Besides, it's dangerous."

Alya scoffed. "Girl, I've been kidnapped by akumas and survived being turned into a puppet for Hawk Moth. Danger is practically my middle name."

Before Marinette could argue further, Tikki chimed in, "She has a point."

Marinette shot her kwami a glare.

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The next morning, Marinette found herself standing in front of a locked gate deep in the Parisian outskirts. Behind it lay the abandoned Montlouris Estate, a sprawling mansion hidden by overgrown ivy and surrounded by thick woods. According to her research, the Heart of Reversion had last been seen here centuries ago.

"Are you sure about this?" Tikki asked, peeking out from Marinette's bag.

Marinette took a deep breath and nodded. "I have to be. If there's even a chance this can fix Adrien..."

She transformed into Ladybug and vaulted over the gate, landing softly on the gravel path leading to the mansion. The air was still, and the only sound was the crunch of her boots on the ground.

Inside the mansion, the air was thick with dust and the scent of decay. Faded tapestries lined the walls, and broken furniture lay scattered across the floor. Marinette followed her instincts, guided by the faint pull of something magical she couldn't quite explain.

She found herself in a grand hall with a massive staircase leading upward. At the center of the room was a pedestal, empty but surrounded by intricate carvings that matched the Heart of Reversion's description.