The Wolves in the Woods

The Generosity of Strangers

Several souls survive on the generosity of strangers.

 — Amit Kalantri

***

Marinette meets some of her new classmates.

***

            The warmth from the bakery box proved a nice shield against the cold, Marinette noted. Or was it the euphoria she was feeling about finally making progress in both finding new teammates and taking down Hawk Moth? The way she was walking one would think she got the greatest news of her life. And in a sense, she did. Now that she knew the magical terrorist's civilian identity, she could start forming plans to take him down. Given he's somehow also offended the visiting Fae, this would only make the coming takedown even easier. But as much as she wanted to jump and dance for joy, she couldn't celebrate just yet.

There was the matter of that new threat wandering around Paris. Namely, that werewolf named Botere. On any other day, this would've just been a run-of-the-mill akuma attack courtesy of a slight or a wrong made to someone. This time was different. Unlike the quack named Hawk Moth, Botere was a seasoned warrior who had years of experience under his belt. Ms. Lenoir and Mireya both emphasized the point that, under absolutely no circumstance, were they allowed to try and fight him solo. As Mireya so kindly reminded her, a wolf without claws did not forget how to use them.

Nor did they forget how to use their teeth.

"Brr..."

It wasn't just the winter chill that sent a shiver down her spine. It was the thought of what could happen should Botere and his pack be allowed to do as they please. Which, as much as she hated to think about it, increased the urgency and stress of finding a new team to take them on.

Would they be prepared enough? And in time? These questions swam around her mind in a relentless torrent, allowing little time for rest and ease.

"Marinette," a voice behind her called. "Are you alright?" Marinette stopped and turned around, seeing three worried faces looking back at her.

"... yeah, I'm—" she started automatically. "... I'm fine..." If there was one lie she wished were true, that would've been it. Truthfully, though she knew they had powerful allies on their side, Marinette couldn't help but worry. Her step while they headed to the park was an awkward mix between a rejuvenated spring and an awkward stumble. On one hand, it was very typical of her. The usual Clumsinette, as some so affectionately nicknamed her. On the other hand, it was clear something was on her mind. What it was, the three people with her had a good guess. Most of it had something to do with her duties as Ladybug. The rest, they concluded, was well-placed paranoia.

Not that any of them blamed her, but would she be willing to talk about it? The light at the crosswalk turned red, halting their movements for the time being.

"..."

Marinette's fingers clenched and unclenched around the box, the contents within stayed protected with their unconventional shield. Her breaths escaped her lungs in irregular patterns, signaled by the puffs of frozen air leaving her mouth. Her arms shook with the assaults of the winter air despite the layers of protection she wore. Her knees wobbled, threatening to collapse under the collective weight of her duties. It felt like someone was stealing the ground underneath her feet. Every passing second felt like an agonizing eternity. She wasn't sure how she was going to climb out, even with the new support she had found.

Pat

"Huh?"

A warm feeling spread in her back, accompanied by a gentle push. Immediately, her posture was righted from tilting back to standing up straight. Huh? What? When did she start falling backward? Marinette's head whipped around to look back, surprise clear on her face. Luka stared back, concerned.