Chapter 1
Marinette's P.O.V:
I should be happy, and for the most part I am. I have some loyal friends, I defeated Hawkmoth and I had won my class a trip to Gotham. In fact, I am packing for that very trip right now.
Sadness still seemed to hold onto me everywhere I went though. I was sad I had lost most of my friends to my school bully, Lila. 'Maybe I should have seen this coming' I thought to myself. Lila had promised to make my life as miserable as possible. Who knew she would have succeeded?
Even though Paris's super villain was caught by Chat Noir and I, it came at a horrible cost. Hawkmoth's sidekick, Mayura, had died because of her use of the damaged peacock miraculous. The duo were none other than Gabriel Agreste and his assistant Nathalie Sancoeur. It broke my heart to know that these two people were the only ones that Adrien -or Chat Noir- had loved as family and now they are both gone from his life.
"Marinette!" Tikki shouted to get my attention, "I've been calling your name for the past minute now. What has you so distracted?"
"Oh, Tikki. I'm just thinking. I have to remember to pack all the things I'll need." I lied. No need to open that can of worms again. "I think its best to only bring Kaalki, Plagg and yourself. Hiding the box here seems like my best bet and if I need to grab the box fast, that's what Kaalki is for. What do you think?" I asked Tikki.
"I think you might also want to pack some delicious cheese too." Plagg piped up from behind the desk. "Who knows what the quality of cheese will be in the States. We need to be prepared for these things."
"Don't listen to him. He's hardly ever useful." Tikki says while I giggle at my kwamis' banter. Tikki smiles, "And I think that's a fantastic idea Marinette. The miracle box would be quite a hassle to take through airport security. It's plenty safe here in your room with those new motion sensor cameras you got."
I smile, "Can never be too safe, can we Tikki? I know Plagg won't help, but do you mind helping me to make sure I remembered to pack everything? I would hate to have to buy deodorant or something in Gotham because I forgot."
Tikki stares daggers at Plagg, before cheerfully agreeing.
***
I have gone over the schedule one last time with Madame Bustier while on the flight to Gotham. The first week will be spent touring and exploring Gotham's important buildings and landmarks. The second week will be spent at Gotham Academy and the last week is a free week, with the second to last day being the Wayne's charity ball. To my dismay my distractions didn't last for long. Unfortunately, all of my friends that are going with me on the trip (Chloe, Alix, Kim, Max, and Adrien) are all already sleeping. I would sleep too if not for the fear of waking up screaming from a nightmare. So now I'm forced to listen to Lila's ridiculous lies even though she is 7 rows in front of me and way too loud.
"I'm so excited to be going back to Gotham. I know my Damiboo misses me dearly. He texts me all the time." She says in a sickeningly sweet voice. "Oh, but you probably know him as Damian Wayne."
"OMG girl! You know the Wayne's?" Says Alya excitedly. "You have to get me an interview."
"I'll try Alya, but no promises. They are a very secretive family. They don't even want word of Damiboo and I to be dating yet until his 18th birthday." Lila's face morphs into an almost believable look of panic. "Oh no! I wasn't supposed to say anything. You can keep a secret, right?"
"Of course, Lila. Your secret is safe with me. But wow... you are dating a Wayne! That's amazing! What's he like?" Alya excitedly exclaimed.
"He is just the sweetest. Its like he wears his heart on his sleeve. I'm so lucky to have such a kind, caring and sensitive guy to be with."
Now was the time I decided to tune them out. I could have sworn that I would start losing brain cells if I listened for too long. So instead I put in some headphones, listening to music, as I sketched out some ideas I had from looking at the angular design of the plane I was on. 'Might as well put this time to good use' I thought.