The wind whistles through my ears as I free fell, arms crossed over my chest as I closed my eyes and tried to ignore the sensation of falling. Just as I started to grow worried, I felt a pair of arms catch me. My eyes snapped open and met with Queenie's as I shot her a wide grin.

"Good catch!" I told her as we both safely landed on the ground. Soon enough Rena, Carapace, and Chat joined us on the ground.

We had been endlessly running drills and scenarios as Chat and I tried to give the new heroes some of the experience that we already had. Gabriel had disappeared nearly a month ago and Chat and I, when we weren't training the noobs, were busy tracking him down. For the first week the number of Akuma's spiked dramatically, which was unfortunate because to keep the element of surprise we couldn't use any of our new players. But the look on Hawkmoth's face when he realizes it's not just Chat and I will be priceless.

But for the meantime I felt extremely tense, anticipating an attack every moment of every day. The longer the standoff went on the more uneasy I felt.

It had taken quite a bit of convincing to reassure that my disappearance was for an important reason.

After the first hectic week of countless Akuma attacks, everything suddenly went silent. No more Akuma attacks, no more raging Hawkmoth, and no more Gabriel. Like I assumed Alya had leaked that we knew Hawkmoth's real identity. It had been an unexpected problem when the entirety of Paris freaked and demanded to know the identity of Hawkmoth. Adrien and I had barely been able to soothe the crowd and tell them that we couldn't tell them for their own safety. Thankfully, after years of working with Paris, they had trusted us enough to let it go when we promised to bring him to justice.

For now, all I could do was tirelessly train and search.

"Okay, we will call it a night." Chat announced as he sidled up next to me. Everyone wearily nodded, sweat dropping from all of our faces. I watched them all split off and I assumed go home. We had been meeting in a different spot every day, trying our darnedest to keep Hawkmoth from finding out about our trainees.

"Do you think we are pushing them too hard?" I asked Adrien, swinging my eyes around to meet his.

"Probably, but it's necessary." I noted his frown. "I don't like pushing them like this but I don't know what else we can do. Gabriel could strike at any minute, hour, or day. They need as much experience as they can get."

I agreed with him.

We retreated back to Master Fu's house, where we had been taking refuge since the first night. We had learned loads from Master Fu, including the news that our Miraculous' could develop new powers.

I flung myself on the bed and let out a long sigh. Luckily, my injuries seemed to be healing nicely. Master Fu had determined that I had somehow managed to not get blood poisoning like Adrien and I had feared I had. With a daily change of bandages for a week, I had begun feeling normal. Now, I felt almost whole again.

I thought back to our trainees and frowned. Were they really ready? They hadn't ever been in a real fight before, at least with the masks on. I didn't know who they were behind the masks, but I doubted any of them were violent. It's one thing to train to fight and a different thing altogether to actually fight.

Mostly, the training I put them through is to help them think on their feet and grow some muscle. In a real fight, there isn't time for thinking. Just doing.

I hoped we prepared them well enough that when Hawkmoth finally makes his move we can defeat him with ease. That was probably wishing for too much.

"Thinking hard, mon amour?" Adrien slid into the bed and wrapped his arms around my waist, nuzzling into the crook of my neck as he covered my body with his heavy one.

"Oof! I was trying to until an elephant came and sat on me." I half grumbled and half teased as I let my hand wander up to gently stroke behind his neck as our transformations dropped off.

"An elephant! I find that highly offensive." The boy used one hand to prop himself up and the other to rest on his chest in fake hurt.

"You're right. Maybe it's two elephants." I giggled now.

"Oh, that's it!" Chat barked as he immediately started attacking my sides in vicious tickles. I started squealing and desperately trying to remove him from on top of me.

"Ple-Please stop!!" I gasped in between bouts of laughter. "I-I'm sorry! You're not an elephant! Stop, stop, stop!"

Tears streamed down my face and by the time Adrien stopped I could barely breathe.

"Lesson learned, princess?" Adrien asked as he threw me a cocky smirk. I rolled my eyes and once I could breathe again I replied;

"Yes! Just no more tickling."

"Only if you behave." The blond booped me on the nose and then stood up. "I'm gonna take a shower."

"And I'm going to take a nap." I shot back as I kicked my shoes off and snuggled under the blankets. I was out within a few minutes.

I crept around the corner, my gun at the ready. I tensed up as I heard a sound to my left.

1, 2, 3....

Someone pounced on me, coming from my left as they tried to secure my hands behind my back. I smirked as I instead grabbed their wrists and dropped down, using my strength to flip them over me and onto their back on the ground.

I wasted no time in pulling the trigger directly aimed at their face.

"Sorry."

Carapace groaned as the nerf bullet nailed him on the forehead. The turtle hero sighed in defeat and let his plastic sword drop to the ground. I gave him a small smile and thumbs up before continuing on. I still had Chat and Rena left.

I crouched down and slowly moved, making sure to check behind my shoulder every few minutes. I paused when my senses started tingling. Someone was tailing me.

I quickly darted across the dark hall and hid behind the cutout of a cop. I had my gun at the ready and held my breath. I could faintly hear the light tapping of footsteps as whoever it was tried finding me. I already knew who my next victim was by the sound of the footsteps.

"Gotcha!" I yelled as I whipped around from my spot and unhesitatingly shot my boyfriend in the chest. Chat gave me a shocked look as he dramatically clutched his chest and fell to the ground, his faux lead pipe clattering to the ground as he made gasping noises and then went still.

I scoffed and made sure to give him a gentle kick as I passed by. He was such a drama queen.

Now only Rena remained.

I continued through the warehouse-turned-battle-arena, senses on high alert. Where was she? She had a nerf bow and arrow set, so I had to keep my ear out in case she shot from a distance.

Suddenly, my legs were swept out from under me and an arrow had hit my chest. I groaned at the impact of the hard floor. So that's what that felt like.

Rena stood above me and started clapping her hands excitedly at my defeat.

"I got her!" She yelled out. The lights overhead flickered on to reveal the set up of the battle area we had made using anything we could find at the junkyard. Soon the other three persons joined us.

"Wow! How'd you get her! I was the first one out." Queenie pouted. I threw her a grin as I pushed myself up and stood.

"Yeah. That was great, Rena. I didn't even hear you. Totally caught me by surprise." I complimented her.

"T-thanks! I just saw you and snuck up behind you. I guess being the Fox Miraculous has its perks of being sneaky." Rena, Carapace, and Queenie all started talking to each other about different things as I went to stand next to Chat.

"I think they enjoyed this session, don't you?" I asked him.

"Definitely. It was fun." Chat replied as he swung his arm around me and pressed me to his body. Even though we had been working with the three rookies for well over a month now I still couldn't get used to doing PDA in front of them. It felt like I was violating my poor little innocent children.

"Alright guys!" I spoke up, catching their attention. "I think we've had enough rounds today. Go home and rest some. We will meet back again Saturday."

"Saturday?" Rena asked, cocking her head.

"Yep. We're giving you a few days off. Go be teenagers. Go to the movies, go on a date, play games with your family. Relax. We will resume training again at the usual time Saturday." Chat replied. I nodded in agreement and made shooing motions with my hands to indicate that they should go.

They all had different variations of the same excitement as they went their separate ways.

"So, do we have any fun plans for the break?" I asked Adrien who looked a little sheepish.

"Well, I was thinking, you know, since we haven't since before, you know..." he coughed nervously, "...would you maybe, perhaps, I dunno, wanna go out on a date with me?"

Instead of immediately answering I directed his chin and planted my lips on his.

"I would love to go on a date with you, Adrien Agreste. When?" I ran a distracted hand through my hair as I expectantly looked at my love.

"Tomorrow night, seven o'clock. Formal. I assume you will get ready at Alya's?" Adrien threw me a knowing grin as I nodded my head in confirmation. He knew me well.

"I love you." I told him as I wrapped my arms around his waist and laid my head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

"I love you, too."

•••

"How do I look?" I asked Master Fu as I showed off the suit I had rented to him. Butterflies fluttered nervously in my stomach. Sure, Mari and I had known each other for years and had dated for almost as long, but taking her out on a date still sent a wave of timidness through me.

"You look fine." The ancient man assured me. I gave a sharp nod. "But...-"

Master Fu approached me and started fixing my bow-tie. My cheeks flamed as I realized I had tied it wrong. He finished re-tying it and stepped back, approval shining in his eyes.

"You're ready. Go get her."

I snatched the new phone I had gotten  off of the bed and slipped the simple black mask that was next to it on.

I had been planning to take Mari to the masquerade before she disappeared and was glad I still had the opportunity to go with her.

After grabbing the keys for the car Master Fu let me borrow, my wallet, and the mask I had gotten for my amazing girlfriend I finally headed out to pick up the most gorgeous creature on earth.

•••

"How do I look?" I twirled and showed my dress off to Alya, a stunning floor length dress that was a gold sparkle that faded out as it reached the bottom. Adrien had told me to dress to the nines and wear something gold and with the short notice it was the only thing I could scrounge up. I wished I could have made my own dress, but I did really love the dress I had chosen.

"Girl, you look fabulous! Seriously, like, smash or pass? There ain't no possible pass." Alya reassured me, giving my butt a light smack. I giggled and slapped her arm away.

A knock at the window made both of us jump. Alya went to let Adrien as I nervously turned around and fiddled with my fingers. When I heard him and Alya great each other and the light thump of him landing inside I turned.

Dang.

Hot dang.

I may have seen him in tuxes before, but he still blew me away. I was dating the hottest man in the world.

"Adrien..." I said at the same time he said;

"Marinette..."

We both cleared our throats and awkwardly stared at each other.

"Oh my god, please! Go on your date! You're giving my an ulcer just standing there staring at each other." Alya exasperated as she shoved Adrien towards me. He caught himself and I laughed.

"Okay, Alya. We will go now. But, I have a question first... Adrien, why are you wearing a mask?"

"What? Oh!" Adrien literally facepalmed as he sloppily handed me the package he was holding.

I tenderly opened the box and gasped when I saw the content, a beautiful gold jeweled mask laid inside.

"Adrien, it's beautiful!"

"Glad you like it. Shall we, my lady?" Adrien held his arm out to me and I looked my arm through his as he helped me climb through the window after bidding Alya a good night.

"Wow!" I exclaimed as we pulled up to the venue. It had a red carpet staircase leading up to an enormous double door entrance that led to an even bigger vintage looking building. Around the building I could faintly make out what appeared to be a garden. "This is amazing, Adrien!"

"Not as amazing as you, Mari." He instantly retorted. I snorted with laughter and slapped his chest.

"Let's go inside."

We walked up the staircase and met a bouncer at the entrance. After Adrien handed him our invitations we were ushered inside and one of the men standing just inside announced us;

"Mr. and Mrs. Agreste!"

I kept a brilliantly authentic smile on my face as I discreetly elbowed Adrien as hard as I could. I could sense the grimace and probable future bruise and smirked in satisfaction.

Although I may have reacted violently, I couldn't help but acknowledge the fact that my heart was racing and my cheeks were bright red.

This idiot. My idiot. My handsome, wonderful, smart idiot.

The music was already going as we entered and I was breathless as I took in the sight of the large room. The dance floor was occupied with what was probably close to two hundred persons. On the ceiling hung large chandeliers that gave the room an ethereal glow.

Adrien started spinning me and guiding me on the dance floor, effortlessly waltzing with me. Show off.

I kept pace with my eager boyfriend well enough, thankfully not stepping on his toes any.

After a few dances we abandoned the dancing in search of drinks. We grabbed some champagne and escaped to a vacant balcony that had an amazing view of the garden.

"This is truly amazing, Adrien. Thank you. This makes me feel... normal again." I sighed and closed my eyes as I tilted my head back to bask in the moonlight. A light breeze blew just enough to keep me cool but not enough to warrant a jacket. It was perfect.

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself." He replied and I felt him come up behind me and wrap his arms around me. "Did I mention how beautiful you are?"

"Mmm, yes. A couple times." I cheekily replied.

"Well, let me say it a couple more times." Adrien suddenly grabbed my waist and flipped me over so my back was against the railing. He gave me a chaste kiss on my neck and I hummed happily in response.

I had one of his arms on either side of me, caging me. He started making a trail of kisses from my neck until he found my lips which he hungrily took. My hands rested on his chest as I kissed him passionately back.

I felt light drops and started giggling as the rain slowly went from a light drizzle to an almost downpour before we could even attempt to separate.

We both jerked away when a loud explosion sounded in the distance. We whipped our hands in the direction it had come from and a gasp escaped me as I saw a building up in flames.

"Akuma." Both Chat and I said.

We both transformed and started towards the explosion. My heart thudded in my chest. Please, don't let anyone be dead. I can't bring them back. Please.

Chat and I made our way through Paris, being careful not to fall with the slippery roofs.

We arrived on the scene after what seemed like only a few seconds. My heart dropped.

It was an apartment building and the top half was charred bits of brick.

No. Please, no.

I rushed to the building which was still ablaze despite the rain. I had to do something. I didn't even notice that the building was crumbling. Chat did.

Chat Noir grabbed me by my waist to restrain me. I fought against him, half sobbing and half screaming as I watched the building completely collapse.

"Mari, it's too late. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Shhh."

The rubble stilled and Chat finally released me. I uselessly ran to the building, hoping to find survivors. At this point the authorities started showing up. How did this happen?

I stumbled over the bricks as I called out for anyone. Chat eventually joined me in my doomed search.

After a solid thirty minutes of looking, I finally gave up. I couldn't bear to find another body with no pulse.

I collapsed on the spot and started sobbing. Chat sat next to me and wrapped his arms around my shoulders.

Men, women... children. Little, innocent children.

"How, Chat? How could we let this happen?" I brokenly asked, already knowing his response before he said it.

"This isn't our fault. We couldn't have helped, it happened too fast." Adrien tried to comfort me.

"There were children, Adrien! Tiny babies, families! All dead! I can't... I can't... Why?" I felt like simultaneously crying, punching a wall, and screaming all at once. I settled for crying.

"I don't know, Mari. But it's not your fault. We couldn't have known."

"No, it's not my fault." I sniffled, finally calming down.

"Ladybug, watch out!" One of the cops shouted, pointing behind Chat and I.

We both turned to see a figure standing behind us.

"Hello, heroes. It's finally time to give me your Miraculous. Are you ready?" None other than Hawkmoth himself said as he stared at both me and Adrien.

"Get everyone out and evacuated! Now!" I barked to the cop who nodded and scurried off. I gripped my yo-yo and pressed the button to call the three rookies. It was time.

"Hawkmoth." Chat spat out, clearly disgusted. "Or should I say Gabriel Agreste?"

Hawkmoth made no acknowledgement to Chat's comment and instead stared at me. I gritted my teeth and practically growled at him.

"You did this?" I asked, motioning to the ruins around me.

"I had to get your attention, didn't I?" Gabriel mused.

"Well, you've got it. And now you'll regret it."

BAM! Update. Sorry it's taking so long, but believe it or not sometimes the story doesn't come naturally. I'm literally making everything up chapter to chapter, so I hope you don't think it's as crappy as I think it is.

And, I can't believe I can announce this, but I just reached 10k views on the first book, Believer. THAT'S INSANE! I honestly can't believe that it's become so popular.

I hope you have your popcorn at the ready, because the next chapter is SURE to be epic. Anyone up for a battle? 😘

If this chapter seems crappily written, it will be because I did NOT proof read or edit anything unlike my usually chapters are. I just felt the need to rush this update.

The song for this chapter; One More Weekend by Audien, ft. MAX

Word Count; 3388