Feathers of Freedom

Chapter 6: Branched Paths

Marinette's life had been falling apart, ever since she divorced Luka. Tikki barely spoke to her like before, the other kwamis had deemed her unworthy and Longg longed to be with Sass and Kaalki. At times she regretted divorcing Luka, then again her love for Adrien is immeasurable. Though, she is frustrated that Adrien is already married to Kagami.

On the other hand, Gabriel is happy with Adrien's marriage and that his own wife, Emilie, was back. Kagami hides one big secret from Adrien, but she doesn't know how to reveal it. So, she decides to take some advice from Marinette.

At Marinette's household, there is a knock on the door. Marinette opens it, to see Kagami with her improved glamorous smile. She enters the house, as Marinette gives her a cup of coffee. As the two ladies chill on the lounge, they engage in small talk. After some time, Kagami reveals, "So um... Marinette, there's something that I haven't told anyone yet. I don't know how to address such, private matters."

Marinette responds reluctantly, "Eh who cares, you can trust me. Just tell me already."

Kagami stutters, "Well, um, how do I put this. I'm pregnant. I just don't know how to tell Adrien! I want it to be a surprise he will never forget. The baby is a week old by the way."

Marinette rudely interrogates, "Who's kid?"

Shocked by such a question, Kagami frowns over this foolish question, then replies, "Adrien's of course. We are in a deep and meaningful relationship Marinette, I thought you knew that."

"Right..." Marinette responds, "Well just tell him the news I guess, and spend lots of time with him. Actually, you 2 should buy a hamster to celebrate, and have cashew macaroons since Adrien loves those, and you should take him to the park as he loves it there, and-"

Marinette realises that she had bombarded all her own desires onto Kagami, so she stops.

Confused, Kagami scratches her head, "Hmm... seems like an idea Marinette. I'll see how we could make it memorable, thanks though." She takes her leave.

Jealous, Marinette tells Tikki, "Maybe I should pull a trick on Kagami, using Trixx."

Tikki replies, "No. If you do, I'll fly away with the Ladybug earrings and never come back. You're becoming worse than Chloe, or even Lila."

Realising her foolish intentions, Marinette sighs, "Okay, fine. It just feels weird. I really love Adrien, but he goes off and marries someone else. I even divorced Luka over my love for Adrien."

Disappointed, Tikki explains, "See, that's why all the kwamis are angry with you. So much that Sass and Kaalki left. You broke Luka's heart, very badly, just because you love a married man."

"Reasons like this is why I wish I could just give up the miracle box. That way I can just forget Adrien, from the memory erasing magic," Marinette sulks.

"Just take a breath. You're good on the inside, but circumstances make you look bad on the outside," Tikki explains.

Alya watches Kagami leave Marinette's house. She spies on Kagami until she leaves Marinette's street. Catherine pops out and asks, "What are you doing, MUM? Are you spying on Kagami again? Because you need to stop, Marinette needs to learn that Adrien is taken and let him go.''

Alya explains, "No, I'm not spying Kagami. I'm just waiting for her to leave so that I can go to Marinette. Besides what are you doing here, Kay? Shouldn't you practising with your dad DJing?''

"Dad said that he needs to see Adrien for his next modeling session and that I can go with you if I want.'' she smirks.

"Well, great. Then let's go'' Alya then enters Marinette's house.

Marinette shouts at Tikki, "TIKKI HIDE!" Then the kwami disappears. Marinette awkwardly welcomes her guests, "Ahh welcome! How're you doing A-Alya and Catherine!"
Alya responds, "Not bad girl! Just wanted to catch up and discuss things."

"Yeah sure! Catherine can play upstairs if she wants," Marinette suggests.

Alya instructs, "Great idea! Kay, you can go play upstairs, just don't cause any trouble."

"Aight mum!" Catherine rushes upstairs.

Alya continues, "GIRL that divorce was so sudden!"

"Eh, we were kinda in a toxic relationship for a while," Marinette dismisses.

Alya asks, "Come on... you know I won't buy that. I know you Mari! It was because of your feelings for Adrien, wasn't it?"

Marinette blushes immediately, then rebuttals, "Well, you're hard to lie to."

Alya then explains, "Look girl, I ain't here to question your choice, but you have to know that Adrien is in a strong relationship with Kagami. They're made for each other!"

Marinette bitterly replies, "Oh well, I just don't want to be near Luka. He gave off a cheating vibe."

Alya facepalms, then advises, "Well then, maybe it's time that you find new love, but only if you're ready."

"Yeah alright, we'll see. Do you want a small snack before you go?" Marinette offers.

"Yeah sure," Alya accepts.

After having some quick snacks, Catherine and her mother leave Marinette.

Meanwhile in New York, a strange figure crouches over a scribbled map of some sort, much like a maniac. He cackles wildly, "Yes... yes! I have theorised all of their locations! The boxes... they shall all me mine. I shall wield all the powers... oh yes, those sweet powers. If only I had that Eagle pendant, I could locate them with much more ease, but scratch that. My genius can outpower some bird-brained freak, I will take all the boxes!"

The maniac turns to a creepy doll he had made and screeches, "What are you looking at? You dare doubt me?" The lifeless doll stares blankly as he goes on, "I am the almighty Liam! Yeah, the jewels will be mine, for sure! I just need to go to these countries." He taps at some circled locations on the map, "Palermo in Italy, Esperanze base in Antarctica, Johannesburg in South Africa and Sydney in Australia. The places I shall go to and take the lost miracle boxes! Mwahahahaha!!!"

While in Paris, Kagami comes back home and Adrien asks her,"Where have you been, honey?''

"Uhhh, I was taking a walk, and I was thinking should we go out right now to the park?'' Kagami explains

Nino looks at Kagami and knew what is going to happened so he exclaims,"Dude you should totally go, we will work on your modeling section tomorrow.''

Adrien takes his jacket and says to Nino,"See you tomorrow then, Nino''

They leave, Adrien locks at the doors and they walk to the part. Nino goes to his home, while they walk to the park.

"So what you wanted to talk about, Kagami?'' Adrien asks

"W-we-well let's sit on this bench'' Kagami exclaims, they sit on the bench. Kagami takes something from her bag, it is a little present.

"I-i got you this'' Kagami gives him a present, he opens it, in present there is a baby sweatshirt. Adrine looks confused and asks,"Kagami...Why you got me baby sweatshirt?'' then it clicks in his head, "Wait, is this what I think it is? We are having a baby?''

Kagami nods, Adrien hugs her and starts to cry happy tears.

Kagami explains,"Baby is one week old and I don't know if it is boy or girl.''