The New Guardian

Chapter 20: Scarlet

Five Days Later:

An ominous blade dragged through the streets, emitting a piercing shriek. A sword taller than a child and sharp enough to slice a mountain. This blade wields unforetold power. Parisians watched from the sidewalks they ran to, cowering in fear at the sight of the fare maiden. Her presence brought extreme terror to everyone she passed.

. . .

"I brought you cookies." Adrien cheered, swiping the tin foil off the plate as he kicked the apartment door shut.

"Did you follow one of my recipes?" Marinette hopped off her couch and walked to the door, looking over the plate.

Adrien tossed his bag in the corner. "Care to guess which one?"

"Hmm. Given your lack of experience, I could easily be poisoned right now." Marinette smiled, stealing a cookie and taking a bit. "But I guess I must trust you." She paused. "It's . . . raspberry pistachio . . . with . . . white chocolate chips."

Adrien grinned, shaking his head. "A spot on guess."

"I did create this recipe. I'd be embarrassed if I couldn't detect the ingredients." Marinette grabbed the plate and carried it to the kitchen.

"Anything new happen while I was gone?" Adrien asked. "I spent the last few days catching up on everything I missed at work."

Marinette finished her cookie. "I found an assistant job for another designer and . . . I'm interested in applying."

"Working for the competition?" Adrien acted offended. "You traitor."

"Depends on the boss I guess. If she's obnoxiously rude and demanding, even though I'm an assistant, I'll simply quit." Marinette took another bite of the cookie. "The job is supposedly less butlery and more of a step down from the boss herself. I still get input on designs and decisions, but I do have to bring her whatever supplies she needs, or coffee."

"That's sounds good for you." Adrien smiled, moving to the kitchen. "But you seem more like a boss."

"It's a start." Marinette covered the cookies "One day I'll conquer the fashion industry myself, but not yet."

Adrien rounded the countertop, moving to Marinette and sliding his hands on her hips. He smiled down at her. "Our futures are looking bright." Marinette lifted on the tips of her toes to meet his lips.

"Ladybug and Chat Noir!" A booming voice was heard.

"You had to say that." Marinette glared at Adrien before running to the window, Adrien following.

In the street below them stood a tall woman completely encased in pristine white armor. Her long hair was a magnificent scarlet shade. It was beautiful with a white ribbon for a headband and reached her knees, contrasting her armor perfectly. Her eyes were golden brown and her skin was fare. The most striking of her appearance was the demonic sword she carried, over half her size. The metal had shimmers of silver blue and several ridge patterns. From the carnage in the road behind her, it was obvious that she dragged it the whole way here and it was no ordinary blade.

"What is that woman?" Marinette muttered.

"Ladybug, show yourself! You and your fellow partner!" She shouted, her head darting up to meet Marinette's eyes. "I know you live here!"

Marinette ducked, hiding from her gaze. Adrien and her crawled away, whispering to their kwamis.

"Plagg, Claws Out!"

"Tikki, Spots On!"

Ladybug tiptoed to the door. "How did she know where my apartment is?" She whispered. "No one, not even my parents, know where I live."