Chapter Text
The stone walls covered the school. The iron-post gate stood tall in her fancy glory. Sigils carved inside. It was a wondrous sight to behold. The citizens who happened to walk by would quickly walk away, suddenly feeling an urgency to get as far away as possible. No one knew who made the gates, and no one knew why.
Marinette holds out one hand. Letting the silent rain run down her fingers. She grips her umbrella, looking up at the imposing towers. She takes a deep breath, staring at the open gate. A sense of magic pulsed beneath her as she crept closer. When she finally walked through, it was as if she had entered a whole new world.
The first thing she smelled was cold stone, fresh river wind, and the faint ooze of…something.
The marble courtyard was packed with students, lingering and chatting to get to know each other and catch up with friends they hadn't seen in a while. The laughter rose as each person made their way into the building itself. Walking, Marinette felt out of place. She got that weird feeling again, as if she was being watched. Looking over her shoulder, she didn’t see anyone who stood out. Shaking her head, she continued into the school.
The school was situated above the Senie, hidden by a forest of trees, cliffs, and the iron gate. The building was enriched with white limestone, supported by black steel beams, and at the point, there was a pale-blue sky glass. To Marinette, it seemed to be a cross between a French chateau, a modern intelligence headquarters, a military conservatory, and finally, a cathedral. All in one.
The inside was just as grand as the outside, double doors of carved black oak opened into a towering atrium lit only by natural skylight. Above, a floating banner displayed the Academy’s motto:
Observe. Endure. Become.
Everything was symmetrical; there were black marble floors, silver railings shaped like wings, and a chandelier that looked like a suspended compass.
Marinette felt small, being in this hall.
In front of her, a table was set up with lines of students. Each table had three people attending, one person for each year. As the line of students died down, Marinette was able to see who was at the table. And she nearly tripped.
Chloe Bourgeois was handing out schedules and dorm assignments, along with what looked to be a handbook as well. Marinette’s mouth fell open. How could she have forgotten that Chloe was going to be there? Of course, she was going to be the one issuing the documents; her mother was the principal! Marinette wanted to slap herself.
Chloe sat there, wearing a yellow jacket, a black t-shirt, and a white denim skirt. Her curly platinum blonde hair was tied into its signature ponytail with two curls hanging down on the sides. Her blue eyes were cold, and her mouth was formed in a frown. She didn’t want to be there.
Marinette didn’t know what to do. It had been two years since she last saw Chloe. It seemed as if there wasn’t much she could do; she had to get her room assignment, along with her class schedule, and the other document that she was handing out to students. The other people sitting next to her were people collecting their schedules and room assignments for the next year.
So, it wasn’t as if she could just move into the next line over. Marinette took a deep breath and continued to walk forward, her luggage still in her hand, as the line dwindled. Finally, it was her turn to collect.
“Name,” Chloe stated, not looking up.
“Marinette Dupain-Cheng.” If Chloe was surprised, she didn’t show it. Instead, she moved the papers around until she found the name that she was looking for. She grabbed what looked to be a book and a class schedule.
“You’ll be in the North hall. Room 1E. Do you know where that is?” Do you know where that is? Marinette mocked. Of course, she knew where that was. “Yes.” She said it in a harsh tone, but she didn’t mean it. Chloe didn’t respond.
She handed the papers to Marinette, and Marinette dragged her suitcase away to find the dorms.
Adrien stepped into his father's study.
Rows of mannequins dressed in richly styled dresses lined the walls, striking a supermodel pose. Adrien knew all about that. A red carpet spilled from where his father stood, all the way to the end of the room, as if the room were a true runway. His father stood in front of a screen, doodling something with a fierce look in his eyes. Behind him was the portrait of his mother from years ago. Dressed in feathers and gold.
“Yes, Father,” Adrien announced. Something he did when he was younger, and his father would call him in here. To signal that he was there. “Remember that assignment I gave you?”
Of course, Adrien remembered. “Yes, I-”
“There is a folder with all of her information there on the table. I need you to look over it and study it. It’ll help you with your mission.” Gabriel pointed to the folder that lay on the coffee table, with CONFIDENTIAL stamped on the outside. Adrien hesitated, then walked over and picked up the folder.
“Yes, father. But-”
Gabriel gave him a leveled look that held warning.
“Who am I to report to?” He asked in a small voice.
“Me.”
“Oh, and Adrien?” Adrien looked up at his Father.
“Her codename is Dove.”
Gabriel went back to his drawing, and Adrien went to his room.
Marinette finally found the North Hall building. It was located on the west wing side of the school. She wasn’t lying when she told Chloe she knew where it was. She’s been here before. It’s just that…it’s been a while.
It was a U-shaped stone building. Five stories tall with slate roofs and spires that made it look almost like a miniature chateau. When Marinette looked at the school map, there was a small note saying it was one of the oldest buildings.
The building was designed with weathered grey limestone, copper gutters that had become greenish over the decades, and narrow Gothic windows.
Marinette felt…something pulse beneath her as she gazed upon the building. She wasn’t sure why…
The inside was nothing like the outside. The halls were narrow, the ceilings were slightly low, and it echoed. The wooden floors creaked, mold was growing in odd places, and a long carpet runner. However, what really spooked Marinette was the feeling of being watched. With so many students around, it made sense, but she couldn’t shake the feeling…
Marinette found her room. It was the last room on the right side, 1E. When she scanned her ID card and opened the door, she saw that it was a single dorm. Next to the door was a tall, narrow armoire. The bed is against the right side of the wall, which has built-in drawers underneath. An empty shelf sat above the bed with a reading light connected under and a lockbox on the headboard.
On the opposite wall was a built-in desk underneath the window. A desktop that was provided by the academy, most likely for schoolwork and future missions. A pinned corkboard and a magnetic board sat above the desktop. And finally, a desk chair. However, what was odd to Marinette was the long drawer that seemed to be locked.
Marinette couldn’t help but feel disappointed when she saw her room. She hoped to be roomed with other people so that she could make friends. Besides, there was something about this room, and the idea of being alone, that unnerved her.
So, she grabbed her luggage and exited the room. Heading straight back to the main building, traveling up the spiraling stairs, and into the principal's office, which was the room behind the huge oak doors.
Yes, she can’t believe she just did that.
Audrey Bourgeois looked up from her desk, her mouth turning into a sly smile. “Miss Dupain-Cheng.” She greeted in a surprising tone. “What can I do for you?”
Marinette walked over to her and slammed her hands on the table, making her jump. “I want a room change.” She also wanted to leave. She felt uncomfortable being in Audrey’s presence for some reason, and her inner alarms were screaming at her to flee.
“I’m sorry, what is wrong with your room?” Audrey asked in a knowing tone that put Marinette off. “Well-urm-you seee…” How was she going to do this? “I can’t stay in there. I have to be with someone, or else I feel like I am going to go feral. Like, the walls are closing in on me, and I won’t be able to breathe, and being alone will make it feel even worse.” She was exaggerating.
But something changed in Audrey. She became more serious, her blue eyes focused on her desktop. “And if I were to change your room…you would feel…less feral?” Audrey asked. Marinette nodded; she really wanted to leave.
“Alright, I’ll move into you 1A. You’ll be with other girls who are more like you.” She gave a cold smile. “I’m transferring your room access right now. So by the time you get back over to the dorm area, you should be able to access that room.” Marinette breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you.” Audrey nodded.
When Marinette left, Audrey quickly stood up and paced around the room. She remembered Marinette from two years ago… “She doesn’t remember.” She whispered to herself. She picked up the phone and pressed it to her ear. After a few rings, the person finally answered.
“Hello?”
“Officer Sabine Calloway!” Audrey greeted.
“Yes, Mrs. Bourgeois?”
“I have an important assignment for you.”
“Not one of those-”
“I need you to monitor Marinette Dupain-Cheng for me. AKA: The Dove.” Audrey said in a hushed voice. “Get Officer Tamsin Holt to help as well.”
Adrien looked around his dorm. It was nice, there were two beds against opposite walls, with a desk facing away from each other at the end of those beds, and built-in drawers underneath the beds. Adrien looked and noticed that his roommate had already decorated.
His sheets were all black, and the shelf above held picture frames of family members. There were also books, neatly placed on the shelf. Adrien smiled despite himself at the sight. On his wall, he had music albums framed and held with thumbtacks. A keyboard was placed next to the desk. His roommate, whoever he was, had to be an artist.
Adrien threw his luggage onto his bed. He had another bag that contained his bedspread, but he’d rather do the small stuff first. So, he grabbed his shower caddy and started to organize it. Because, why not?
After setting up his area, he stepped back and smiled. Collages of pictures lined his wall next to where his bed was. His headboard was black, and he thumbtacked a single black wallpaper with two lights on each side, and a picture in between. Underneath the bed were bins that were used for storage, all black and white. His bedspread was blue and black, and there was a touch of him in it as well.
Adrien moved his desk to face his bed, placed a cubicle on it, and decorated it with books and another lamp. There was also a shelf which he filled with more books and textbooks. He didn’t mind. He liked how organized his space looked. It would also make it much easier for him to organize how he planned to get in contact with Marinette.
“Whoa, dude!”
Adrien spun around, quickly recovering from his shock.
He did a quick scan and saw a guy who looked to be sixteen standing by the door of his room. He wore a bright blue T-shirt and dark grey jeans. He had dark grey and orange headphones around his neck. He wore white tennis shoes, and on his head was a red baseball cap and black-rimmed glasses.
The guy smiled as he admired Adrien’s side. “This looks dope!” Adrien narrowed his eyes. Then the guy turned and looked at Adrien with a shocked face. “Oh-I-I didn’t even introduce myself!” He said sheepishly. “I’m Nino, aka your roommate.” He added the last part with a wink.
Adrien wanted to roll his eyes, but couldn’t resist the smile that took over. The guy–Nino–seemed to be a bit unserious…but Adrien could live with that, right? It would definitely be an adjustment, as his whole life was spent surrounded by serious people who only tolerated seriousness. As long as he didn’t get in the way…
“I’m Adrien.” He extended his hand. Nino took hold, and the two shook hands.
Marinette finds her dorm to be a mess. Two girls were arguing about something until they stopped to look at her. Suddenly, a girl comes and stands next to her and wraps her arm around her shoulders. The girl is wearing a white t-shirt, with an orange plaid flannel wrapped around her waist, ripped jeans, and white Converse tennis shoes. She wore black-rimmed glasses and had reddish-brown hair that barely touched her shoulders.
“Don’t mind us.” She said with a wink. “I’m Alya.” Marinette smiled. “Marinette.” Then, she turned to the other girl. “Kagami! Faith! This is our new roommate, who is living with me.” She smiled. The one with the short black hair gave her a cold look before walking up to her. “I’m Kagami, it’s nice to meet you.” Marinette hadn’t known what to do. So she held out her hand and said, “Uh, it’s nice to meet you, too?” Her voice got higher, making it sound more like a question. Kagami pointed over to the blonde, whom Marinette hadn’t even noticed before. “That is Faith. She’s a bit quiet and reserved, though.”
“N-nice to meet you, Marinette,” Faith said softly, coming up to her. Marinette hadn’t even realized the girl had spoken since it seemed as if her mouth hadn’t even moved. But then, the girl tripped, and Marinette held out her arms to catch her, but ended up falling with her as well. They both just lay there for a minute, still coming to terms with what had just occurred. Then, Alya and Kagami burst out laughing, Faith joining with them.
It wasn’t long until Marinette joined as well. Maybe this was where she belonged.
Marinette walked into what was going to be her room. It was the door on the right, and was in the shape of a rectangle. There was a bed against the wall, a desk facing the bed, and drawer compartments underneath the bed that were attached. There was also a shelf above the bed. Similar to her individual room, except with the bed next to her, and the two armories that were facing the beds on the opposite wall of the windows.
“This is our room, roomie!” Alya wrapped her arm around Marinette and sighed before walking over to her side of the room and plopping herself on the bed. Marinette smiled as she swung her suitcase over her bed and started to get her things out of it. “I have a feeling this is going to be a great year.” Alya excamiled. Marinette frowned. If she learned anything, it was that feelings were almost always wrong. And she knew all about that.
At his desk, Adrien pulls out a folder with the words “Duchamp Academy” stamped on the front.
Duchamp Academy – Student Dossier
Recipient: A. Agreste (2nd level clearance)
Sender: Gabriel Agreste, Academy Administration, Personnel Oversight Division
File Version: C - Redacted
Subject: Dupain-Cheng, Marinette
Basic Identification
- Name: Marinette Dupain-Cheng.
- Age: 16
- Year: 1 (re-enrolled; otherwise would be year 2).
- Background: Civilian. No prior combat or tactical upbringing.
- Entry Method: Standard Merit-Based Application
- Home District: Paris, 18th arrondissement
- Parental Occupations: Small business owners (bakery)
Behavioral Summery
- Highly social
- Cooperative in group tasks
- Emotional tendencies noted; may affect decision-making under stress
- No known disciplinary actions of concern
Flagged Observations:
- “Incident in Hallway 3B – REDACTED.”
- “Unauthorized REDACTED access.”
- “Unusual resistance to authority directives.”
Skill Set
- Design and fabrication (high proficiency)
- Strategic improvisation
- Precision motor skills
- Team-focused leadership style
Psychological Screenings
Visible Notes:
- Empathetic
- Non-aggressive personality
- Trust-oriented
- Low risk profile
Other Notes:
███████████████████████████
█████ Subject demonstrates unusual mental resilience ██████
███████████████████████████
Evaluation for Future Placement
“Promising student.
No noble security concerns.
Recommend continued monitoring.”
Stapled to the back of the file was a schedule of all the Classes Miss Dupain-Cheng seemed to have, as well as a little note, too.
Monday–Friday
- 07:00 — Physical Conditioning
- 08:00 — Combat Fundamentals
- 10:00 — Magical Theory I
- 12:00 — Lunch
- 13:00 — Surveillance & Recon 101
- 15:00 — Strategic Logic & Puzzle Labs
- 17:00 — House Meetings / Mentorship
- 19:00 — Study Hours
End of File
Note to A. Agreste:
“Maintain professionalism. Avoid unnecessary personal involvement with civilian-background students unless directly assigned.”
– Gabriel Agreste
Adrien understood his assignment; however, something about it seemed…off. He wasn’t sure what it was, but something didn’t feel right. Why had Marinette needed to be observed if there was nothing in her file indicating that she needed to be monitored, instead of some incidents that occurred? It just didn’t make sense.
In the distance, Adrien heard the sound of a bell.
A young man clothed in black stared at the fountain. The water was glistening in the pale moon, singing a song that only she knew. The young man wasn’t out there to listen. He had a different purpose. He bent down, and with his gloved hand, he swiped at the stone until he saw what he was looking for. A rune. He knew it. Engraved into the stone. With his finger, he traced the rune, going back and forth in the pattern until it was committed to memory.
Feeling proud, he stood and turned around.
Another figure, clothed in black, stood before him.
“I knew it!” She laughed.
Fear for the first time traveled up the young man’s spine as something cold hit him in his center.
Marinette sat at her desk. Fabric, needles, and thread were laid out before her. Her sewing machine was on and humming softly as she worked the needle and thread.
However, for some reason, her hands started to shake.
A needle fell, poking her finger.
The thread wrapped around her finger like spilled blood.
She stared for a moment at the small cut.
Then, a flash - red lights, shattered glass.
She gasped.
“You’re special,” A voice she did not recognize whispered in her ear.
She shivered.
Then, she heard the distant sound of the bell, marking the midnight hour. As it rang, she heard the echo deep inside her bones.
A new year had started at the Academy.
Will she survive?