Discordant Sonata

Chapter 9: Agitato (Part 2 of 2)

(PLEASE READ PART 1 FIRST)

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(Mood Music:  Broken - Helen Jane Long)

Ladybug landed discreetly by the back entrance of the bakery, carrying the still unconscious Chat Noir in her arms. Peeking her head into the house and finding the coast clear, she slipped in and gingerly propped Chat up against the wall, careful not to slip on the slick, wet floor. Releasing her transformation, she immediately missed the increased strength and energy that her superhero form bestowed upon her, leaving fatigue and listlessness in its stead.

Tikki flew into the back of her shirt to hide. Poking her head out, she whispered, "Are you ready, Marinette?"

The latter replied sarcastically as she squeezed the excess water from her hair, "Oh sure, no problem! I'll just pop in and say, 'Hey, Mom and Dad, I found a stray! Can I keep him? He's litter trained! Pretty please??' Yeahhhh, that'll work for sure." She grimaced, wrinkling her nose.

Tikki giggled, patting her wielder's shoulder. "Trust your instincts, Marinette. Your parents will understand."

Marinette exhaled, cocking her head to the side wearily. "Not like we have a choice." She squared her shoulders, taking a deep breath in. "Here we go."

The door to the Dupain-Cheng living area opened with a small creak. The subtle smell of pastries and oolong tea wafted through the air, familiar and sweet, enveloping the room in a comfortable atmosphere. There was friendly chatting amidst the indistinct clattering of dishes and running water, while a cheerful song by Queen played on the radio.

Marinette's father called from the kitchen, "Hi, sweetie! I'm gonna make some hot chocolate as soon as your mom and I finish with these dishes. Would you like some?"

There was no reply; only some shuffling and struggling noises. The lack of response drew the couple's attention. Looking up from their task, they noticed them immediately.

There at the threshold, in stark contrast with the pleasant, homey surroundings, stood a sopping wet Marinette, laboriously holding up a much taller and equally soaked young man, a dark hood obscuring his face and hair; body limp and battered. Marinette's pastel colored clothes were stained bright red, and, despite it being black, that same red stains were visible on the young man's outfit as well.

Sabine stared in fear and shock, breaking the silence as the mug she was drying slipped from her hands onto the floor, shattering on impact.

"Tom—" she croaked out, shaking her husband out of his own horrified stupor, never taking her eyes off her daughter. She rushed to her with outstretched arms, stepping over the broken shards.

The large man scrambled towards the pair and scooped up the unconscious youth. "Marinette, are you injured?! You're covered in... in...!"

"Papa, I'm okay," Marinette reassured him. "The blood isn't mine; it's his," She pointed to the person in Tom's arms. "And he's badly hurt!"

Tom nodded and walked towards the living area, placing the lanky young man onto the long side of their sectional couch. Sabine reappeared with a basin full of warm water and a few washcloths to clean up the wounds.

Kneeling by his side, she soaked a washcloth in the basin to clean the mystery man's face. Marinette scrunched her eyebrows in unease as her mother reached for the hood.

She held her breath, suppressing a flinch. This is it. Moment of truth.

Sabine pulled back the fabric, revealing a striking face with sharp features and a mess of golden blond hair. His skin was pale from blood loss, his lips colorless, his sickly sunken eyes noticeable despite the black mask that framed his face.