Discordant Sonata

Chapter 13: Fantasia

Sorry for the wait! Life has been a bit nuts lately (PLUS WRITING IS HARD KAJSHDLAJSKD), so it took me a long while to finish this chapter! I hope you enjoy it!

----------------------------

Music glossary:

Fantasia - a musical composition with its roots in the art of improvisation. Because of this, it seldom follows the textbook rules of any strict musical form.

---------------------------

(Mood Music: Morceaux de Fantaisie, Prelude in C Sharp Minor (Op. 3 No. 2) - Sergei Rachmaninoff)

One thing that most everyone can agree upon, is that first times are usually pretty nerve-racking. The first day of school. First sports competition. First music recital. First dental procedure. First date. First kiss. First time driving. First time traveling alone.

This "first" was no different. It was nerve-racking, as they normally are.

Except, most "firsts" generally don't involve the possibility of getting hurt or killed.

Nevertheless, here Chat was, about to embark on another "first".

This was his and Ladybug's first time fighting together as a team against his father. Or against... whatever he was at this point.

Ladybug and Chat Noir sprinted and leaped across the rooftops towards the location the Ladyblog's akuma notification had specified. The city passed them by in a blur as they weaved across buildings with practiced ease.

But that was the only thing that was easy about this situation.

Chat's insides twisted and turned. He wasn't sure what he was feeling at the moment. Was it excitement to finally be at Ladybug's side as her ally, as they'd always meant to be? Was it dread that he'd have to face Hawkmoth again since their last confrontation, and almost getting killed? Was it fear that he'd fail to protect his Lady– of being inadequate as a partner? Could he measure up to her expectations?

Was he prepared enough, mentally, physically, emotionally, for this moment?

He took in a shaky breath, attempting to shut off his brain and stop thinking. He needed to focus.

Whether I'm ready or not doesn't matter; this is happening NOW.

The two heroes landed on the darkened street with a soft thud and quickly scanned the vicinity. Nobody was around; the akuma must have moved elsewhere.

As they began to look around, they noted the distinct lack of... anything. No destruction, no collapsed buildings or cars being demolished. No people, no screaming. There was nothing. Not even light; every single street light was out, and all the buildings' windows were dark. Chat couldn't help but feel a biting cold crawling down his whole body as he took in the desolate, eerie settings.

Before they began to scout further, Ladybug reached for Chat's forearm.

"Hey," she said softly, brows upturned in concern. "You alright?"

Chat blinked at her. She must've noticed the tension in his shoulders, tension he hadn't realized was there until now. He forced himself to smile, despite his nerves. He had to be strong for her. Like she always was.

"I'm fine," he replied as evenly as he could. "Just first time jitters."

She smiled at him, rubbing his arm lightly. "Everything will be fine, Chaton. We've got each other's backs."