The New Guardian

Chapter 2: The Guardian

Ladybug sat at the edge of the Eiffel Tower, staring at the streets in front of her. The sun was high and their unusual enemy or friend had only visited earlier this afternoon. The orange lines still remained on the streets. Something about them seemed so familiar; not the color or substance, but the pattern. The police were still decided on the best cleanup methods.

Chat Noir is supposed to meet her here in twenty minutes. He was busy when Ginger made an appearance, so he had to get back home quickly. He had to at least come up with an excuse for whoever he was with. It made sense. Chat Noir probably has a family or friends whereas Marinette on the other hand hasn't had time for any of that. The kwamis are the most important in her life.

Ladybug scrolled through her yo-yo to find the latest news footage. Most of the stories were theories about Ginger. Paris was partially distressed, but because they are in the dark, they're slightly enthused to have a new "hero" in the city. Ginger couldn't have been much older then her, but she's not to be underestimated. Whether she's telling the truth about training for years or not, she's bold enough to make a scene in Paris.

Ladybug halted her scrolling when she saw a helicopter video. The video panned over the entire city, showing every orange outline and mark. Together, they all formed a familiar symbol that Marinette would recognize anywhere; the miracle box. The symbol of the miraculous was painted across the entire city. Now that's a sign. Seems like Ginger has a devious plan in mind.

"Sorry for the wait, M'Lady." Chat Noir used his staff to sit next to her. "But I did get back earlier than expected."

"I found something." Ladybug showed him her yo-yo. "Ginger left us a sign all over the city."

"That's the . . . "

"Miracle box." She finished, trying to think. "We are coming for you . . . " She muttered.

"They're coming to take you or hurt you or something like." Chat said. "I don't know what their plan is, but I won't let them do anything to you, Ladybug." He grabbed her hand that held the yo-yo. "I promise."

Ladybug blushed, but moved her hand back. She looked down.

"Do you know anything about their miraculous?" He asked. "When Master Fu trained you to be the next guardian . . . did he mention anything like this?"

"He taught me the history behind our powers and the miraculous." Ladybug exhaled. "There are several miraculous boxes out there and a few guardians. Whenever that ancient sentimonster from Master Fu's past was brought back by Mayura, many secrets were brought up, but once everything was restored, so was the guardian's temple. The temple, its people, its resources, and all of its secrets were restored. That's probably where Ginger came from and there's probably more, many more."

"So these new "heroes" might actually be telling the truth?" He questioned. "They may all have guardians now and years of training?"

"Master Fu said he had visited the temple after it was restored, but the guardians were in shambles. He stayed with them for a month and they eventually forgave his past mistakes." She continued. "But because of the lost time, almost all training and rituals were halted until further notice. They needed to update their lives and modernize first." Ladybug turned so she was facing him and leaned back against the metal. "I guess that time's up." She sighed.

"But why would they come for you?" Chat turned as well. "They may have caught up with time, but what business do they have with us?"

"I don't know . . . revenge?" She shrugged.

"But we didn't do anything. We were chosen by Master Fu to protect Paris and if they want revenge on him well they can't because . . . " Chat Noir took a deep breath. "He's dead." Ladybug looked to him, listening. "If they forgave him like you said, then they shouldn't want revenge. And they shouldn't need revenge because Master Fu's childhood mistakes don't entitle a lifetime of sorrow. He was a good and honest teacher for us. He was our Master and he made us the people we are today." Chat's nose flared as his claws slid across the metal before balling into a fist. "Why can't they just let him rest in peace?!" Ladybug stayed quiet. "The miracle box is safe, right? And our other miraculouses?" She nodded. Chat reached forward and grabbed her hand that rested on her knee, Ladybug's cheeks heated. "Please, Ladybug, think of anything else of importance that Master Fu told you. Anything that could help us or give some clues. Did he mention any tensions?"

Her hand shot back to her side. "I-I don't know anything." She stuttered.

Chat furrowed his brows. "What was that?"

"W-What was what?" She twirled a lock of hair, looking away.

"Are you nervous?" He leaned closer. "You're stuttering."

"I always stutter." Her heart beat faster.

"Not around me." He grew intrigued, inching closer. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"I stutter around everybody. I can't help it." Ladybug stood up, Chat Noir doing the same. "I swear I don't know anything else. I can't help you."

He wasn't buying it. "You got quiet as soon as I mentioned Master Fu's death. Are you okay?" Chat stepped forward. "Is guarding the Miracle box too much for you? Do you need any help? What can I do?"

"I promise, Chat Noir, I'm fine. I always am." Ladybug moved away as he reached out, gripping her yo-yo. "We'll just have to wait until Ginger comes back. For now . . . we wait." Ladybug swung off the Eiffel Tower.

. . .

Marinette's Apartment:

Marinette threw her purse on a chair and collapsed on her bed. All the kwamis flew over her in excitement.

"What did you bring us Master?" Wayzz asked. "You were gone for a long time."

"Yeah, I'm starving." Roarr said.

"Where's the food?" Trixx asked.

"Sorry guys I-uh . . . " Marinette rubbed her eyes. "I didn't actually get to the store like I was supposed to. I got held up, so . . . you'll just have to eat some snacks."

"Aww." They all whined.

"What happened, Master?" Nooroo asked.

Marinette rolled off the bed and went to the kitchen. "Tikki can fill you guys in while I look for something to eat."

They all crowded around the red bug. Marinette searched her upper cabinets for snacks before finding a white box in the back. She pulled it out and turned back to the kwamis.

"I have macaroons everyone." She said, opening the box.

"You saw Chat Noir, Marinette?" Duusu squealed.

"Yup." Her eyes widened for a second.

"How was he?" Trixx asked.

"Interesting." Marinette took a macaroon. "He's still the same Chat Noir I've always known."

"Oh no . . . " Tikki trailed.