Chapter Five

When school started that next morning Marinette arrived early. She had something to deliver and she needed to make sure she wasn't caught doing so. Kagami or Alya? Kagami or Alya? Her mind raced. She needed to make a choice. Kagami was intelligent, straight-forward, and determined. She worked hard and was loyal to the cause. Marinette knew if she asked for the miraculous back at the end of the battle Kagami would give it to her. But Kagami was strict and had a no tolerance policy. She might not get along well with the playful Chat Noir or the stuck up Scarlet Lady. On the other hand, Alya was creative, dedicated, and she wouldn't be easy for Scarlet Lady to put under her spell. Alya was also a risk taker, unafraid to fight a losing battle if it ever came down to it, and she knew a lot more about superheroes than Kagami did. Alya unfortunately was also impulsive and Marinette didn't know if she could be trusted to not reveal her identity.

Marinette nodded, her mind made up. Kagami would be an amazing choice for a miraculous maybe even permanently. With that settled, Marinette asked a teacher where Kagami's locker was under the pretense of having something Kagami left in one of her classes. Marinette then had Pollen open the locker from the inside and place the small Miraculous box inside with a handwritten note. The note read:

Dear Kagami,

Inside this box is a Miraculous. Please guard it carefully. It is the Miraculous of the Fox. I am sure your Kwami can tell you more about it after you meet them. I am giving you the ability to help the other heroes of Paris as I have been injured in battle. There is one condition however, you must return the Miraculous to me once your services are no longer required. That doesn't mean you won't be chosen again it simply means you aren't needed for the time being. I hope you understand that with Hawkmoth on the loose having too many Miraculouses in play is dangerous. If you agree please transform and meet me at the eiffel tower during your lunch so we can talk. If you refuse my offer meet me at the eiffel as a civilian and return the Miraculous. I hope to see you on the team however!

Signed,

Marigold.

Once Marinette placed them inside Kagami's locker she closed it and locked it. Then she hurried out the back entrance to make it seem that she was a little late like usual. When Marinette tiptoed in, Kagami was still at her locker reading the handwritten note. She smiled brightly and put the Miraculous around her neck. A small flash of orange light and she had Trixx carefully hidden in her inner jacket pocket. "I promise we can chat soon but I need you to stay hidden in case anyone comes late." Kagami whispered and then closed up her locker. Marinette walked in like she hadn't seen anything and opened her locker. Mission Successful.

When she sat down in class however things were a little different. "Girl I'm sorry but I broke my glasses yesterday after school so I have to sit up front." Marinette shrugged. "It's alright Alya if the boys don't mind I can just sit next to you in the front row." Nino shook his head. "I have no problems with the dudettes taking the front row. What about you Adrien?" Adrien looked tired but alert. His eyes had been on Marinette as soon as she hobbled in. It was clear to everyone in class that he was worried about her. Well everyone except the oblivious girl herself. "I don't mind Mari taking my seat." Truth be told Adrien really didn't mind. In fact he liked the idea. Unless Marinette decided to turn around she would have no idea that he was keeping an eye on her. That sounded a lot creepier than he intended. Adrien just wanted to make sure she was ok and yes he did want to look at the beautiful girl, give the guy a break.

With that it was decided, the girls sat up front and the guys sat behind them in the second row. He didn't miss the wink Alya gave Nino and she secretly flashed a contacts case at him. Nino grinned and leaned back. So this was all orchestrated just for him to be able to watch out for Marinette? He nudged his best friend and Nino smiled. "Bro I saw your status last night. You didn't go offline and that worried look in your eyes doesn't suit you. If this helps you feel better and be able to keep your dudette safe of course a bros going to help."

Adrien's smile couldn't possibly be brighter until Marinette turned around. "Oh I forgot to give you your daily fix!" Marinette passed him a hot coffee and a bag. He opened the bag and found warm pastries and croissants. Marinette smiled warmly at him. "I can't leave my purrince feeling tired and grumpy all day can I?" Adrien nearly dropped the coffee and his jaw dropped. Immediately Marinette flushed "Was the cat pun that bad? Chat Noir always makes them and I find them really funny and cute and I didn't think I am so sorry." Marinette blurted out while Adrien was in a happy daze.

Nino quickly stepped in. "No Marinette it's all good I think Adrien just was taken off guard. He loves puns and I think he's just really happy someone else likes them too. Right dude?" He nudged Adrien and Adrien nodded in response. "Yeah really that was amazing." Marinette nodded as Madam Bustier walked in. "Alright class, settle down."

For the rest of the class Marinette took notes and focused on the lesson. Marinette kept a close eye on Kagami throughout the day. They may only share two classes out of seven together but she made sure to pass her in the halls. Kagami kept the Fox Miraculous on the entire first half of the day.