White Shadows

Chapter 5: Bridgette

I scanned the streets, looking for the black car that normally brought Adrien to school. Students milled about, going home for lunch, some remaining while others vanished down the streets.

No one has seen Adrien Agreste in four weeks. That was worrying for me. Not even his father knew where he was when Ladybug had paid him a visit. He had mentioned something about his cousin but that was about it. I had looked up to see who could be Adrien's cousin but I had no such luck. Tikki told me that Plagg may be using his magic to hide the information to protect his miraculous user and guardian. She also said that he has a small amount of luck and was most likely using that.

The only signs that Adrien was alive were the newest modeling photos for his father's company, even then those were too far and few. The news was having a hay day with the 'missing' model. There were so many stories and many more theories about Cat Noir and Adrien. So many of them untrue. Many believed the Cat Noir had been killed during Ladybug's cleansing.

I sighed as I glanced at the school doors. Alya was probing the net, searching for any news that applied to Cat Noir or the missing model. Most likely Cat Noir. He too seemed to disappear around the time Adrien did. Whenever I asked Tikki if I actually saw Adrien attacking Hawkmoth, she just sighs as if I was forgetting something.

The school never announced what had happened to him the day he disappeared. Even Cloé was upset, proclaiming –very loudly— that her future husband had abandoned her. I snickered at the thought as Alya glared at her.

Adrien's schedule had changed drastically from the pull-down I had in my bedroom. The few photoshoots he now has don't go with what I have written down. His photoshoots had grown smaller till he only had about two per month. That's about the only time he was seen in public.

I frowned as I stared at the busy street. "Don't worry Marinette. I'm sure his cousin is taking care of him." Tikki's comforting voice rang in my ears as I released a soft sigh.

"But that doesn't stop me from worrying." I mumbled.

"Marinette, have you seen this?" Alya's voice called to me as I turned around. Nino was peering over her shoulder before she showed me her phone. I walked up the steps before grasping her cellphone. I stared at the screen. Panter was sitting on the Eiffel tower with three or four humanoid-cat like people beside him or crawling along the poles.

I swallowed as the camera swooped down, showing a few more at the base of the tower. "Excuse me, I must return home. I just remembered that I have a cousin visiting and that my mom called me in." I said softly, hoping it wouldn't back fire. I didn't want Alya following me home to meet my 'cousin'.

She gave me the stink eye as I started backing away. "You have a cousin visiting and you never told me?" She took a step forward as Nino slowly backed away, disappearing into the school. "Girl, let's go see who this cousin of yours is. I can skip school for the day." She exclaimed and looped her arm through mine before dragging me towards my house.

Tikki! My thoughts buzzed around my skull as I desperately thought of an excuse to get away from her. I glanced at my bag when I heard soft giggles. Tikki popped her head out before she winked at me, as if telling me everything will be alright. I groaned softly when she disappeared in the pink depths.

I flinched when the store bell rang. "Hello Marinette. Hello Alya. How are you this afternoon?" My mother's friendly voice sounded as I inwardly cringed.

"Marinette?" Another female voice called, causing me to freeze. "OMGOSH! Marinette! You have grown so much!" A squeal sounded as Alya released me. I spun around in time to see a young woman slam into me. I stared at her blue-black pigtails that trailed behind her with her long red ribbons.