A Miraculous Love

Chapter 3: A Sense of Freedom

As Adrien got ready to meet Plagg for his lessons, he couldn't help but replay the events from the night before over and over in his mind. He had snuck out of the castle and joined a group of rebels who, in his mind, were six very brave individuals. They were willing to fight for what they believed in regardless if it would get them in trouble or not. Not only that, but they were doing something he had never had the courage to do. They were going against his father's rules. They hadn't done much at the meeting except discuss the problems that were occurring in the kingdom and express their dislike for the king. Before departing, Ladybug explained that they met every day except Sundays because it was considered a day of rest in the kingdom. (Adrien, being the prince however, never got to enjoy that day of rest because his father believed he needed to focus on his studies for when he became king.) She also told him that at the next meeting they would fill him in on the plan their group was working on.

I can't wait until tomorrow night, Adrien thought as he played with the corner of his textbook. "Adrien, are you day dreaming again? You need to focus on your studies or you'll have us both in trouble with your father," Plagg scolded. "Sorry Plagg," Adrien mumbled as he straightened up in his seat. The rest of the day dragged on as Adrien tried desperately to focus on his studies. However, his mind kept wandering back to the woods and the group he had joined. His teachers tried desperately to keep him focused but found it to be almost impossible without constant reminders.

Finally, the day ended and Adrien could retire to his room. He laid out his night clothes and then decided to walk out on his balcony to get some air before going to bed. As Adrien leaned against the balcony he watched the trees sway with the evening breeze. Adrien released a sigh. He knew he needed to go to bed so with a reluctant last look at the tree line Adrien began to make his way back into his room. He was just about to shut the door when a flash of red caught his eye. Adrien turned around to see Ladybug disappearing into the woods. We're not meeting tonight, where is she going? Adrien wondered as he watched the last flash of red disappear amongst the trees. He knew something wasn't right, so without hesitation he put on his Chat Noir costume and slipped into the passageways that would allow him to escape into the night.

Adrien made his way out of the passageways easily and quickly made his way down to the woods. As he ran through the woods, Adrien's mind jumped from one conclusion to the next as he wondered why Ladybug was out on a Sunday night. I must find out what's going on. Something isn't right. Adrien thought as he raced towards the hideout. Finally, he made his way into the tunnel and quickly made his way through. As Adrien rounded the familiar bend in the cave that lend to the exit he saw something he had never expected. There, sitting on one of the logs in the clearing, was Ladybug and she was crying. Adrien's heart swelled with a mix of emotions as he took in the scene before him. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect to find Ladybug, their leader, crying in the clearing. In that moment, he knew he had to help her in any way he could. Something had clearly upset her and he was going to find out what.

Adrien slowly made his way into the clearing and sat on the boulder next to Ladybug. "Hey, are you ok?" Adrien asked softly. Ladybug's head immediately shot up and for the first time their eyes met. He could tell she had been crying for some time by the streaks that lined her cheeks. "Wha...What are you doing here Chat Noir?" Ladybug asked doing her best to wipe away the tears in her eyes. "I saw you heading towards the woods," Adrien explained. "I knew we weren't supposed to meet tonight, but I knew if you were heading for the woods something must be wrong. So, if you don't mind me asking, why are you crying?" Ladybug stared into Chat Noir's concerned eyes unsure of what to say. She couldn't remember the last time somebody cared about her besides her parents. Sure, she had her friends but they only ever met as the Miraculous Six since she was locked in a house doing chores all day. Why does he care? He doesn't even know me! However, he could have let me sit here alone, yet he followed me. What do I do? Ladybug's thoughts raced through her mind as she desperately tried to find a way to answer Chat Noir.