Okay, we’re back to Marinette’s point of view.

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I felt, sore? I didn’t feel anything yet I somehow knew that I was supposed to be feeling sore. I sat up in complete darkness, there was nothing indicating where I was. I stood up and started trying to find my way around, it was hard considering there was no floor under me nor walls to balance on. I saw a faint glow ahead of me and started to follow it, hoping for a way out or a guide.

As I got closer, I could just make out a figure in the light. Standing before me was my aunt Tomoe. She had a grin decorating her face, however, I couldn’t figure out if it was a kind or malicious one.

“What do you want?” I called out to her.

“I want what you stole from me. I also want revenge but if that was my main current goal I wouldn’t be coming to you. I can do both, but if you just let me have the power of death, I will stop seeking revenge and will even help you bring back Adrien and his mother.”

“What if I don’t though?” I asked, my heart pounding, my body quivering, my voice filled with fear.

“Then I will never stop trying. I could wipe you and your friends' memories, I could destroy you all in many ways, all I’m asking to prevent that is that you teach me to resurrect people and collect souls.”

“I only know how to resurrect people.”

“No, you can collect souls, you’ve been doing it forever. You're the reincarnation of death. You will have so much weight on your shoulders, don’t you want to get rid of it before it destroys you? Magic is already changing you.” she pointed to my arms, covered in black veins.

“How- why-” I gasped.

“Magic has effects on its users. Everyone can do magic, when they do they might have an unexplainable bruise or paper cut, but us, we have lasting effects embedded in our bodys when we use magic. It took my sight and humanity when I used it and it went to my head. I have no regrets regarding it. You, your veins will darken, your job now will force you to become cold and distant from your loved ones as you continue living. There is only one way to escape and that’s to pass it to me, let me take your burden and you can live a good life. I have the stability to carry it, free yourself from that destiny.”

Her words rang through my head, tempting. She held out her hand, imploring me to accept it. If I did, I knew I wouldn’t have any more worries, I wouldn’t have to be the next death, I would get to leave it all behind. She would help my friends and I could live a normal life.

I started walking towards her, tempted by her offer. At the last moment I hesitated. ‘Is this really what I want?’ she sensed my hesitation and her features flickered for a moment into an annoyed face before being forced back into a fake, joyful smile.

I pulled back my hand. “I’m sorry, but I can’t accept your offer.” her face fell into a snarl.

“You’ll regret this then.” she growled and I was thrown into a whirlwind of darkness.

I bolted up from where I was. I looked around, the darkness was gone and I was in a huge room with light pooling in from all of the many windows. I rubbed my eyes and slipped on my glasses, getting my bearings.

Alya was asleep on the couch and Nino resting on the opposite armchair. Chloe was dozing off in the corner of the room and Adrien was outside admiring the sunrise. I was in a comfy bed wrapped in Chloe's sweater and a red blanket, covering my arms from the others.

I vaguely remember Chloe covering my arms last night before the others saw. I will never say this out loud, but I’m grateful to Chloe for that. I untangled myself from the blanket and set my feet on the ground. The floor was cold and smooth beneath them and I forced myself to stand. I took a few steps before my legs gave in and collapsed under me.

I saw Adrien come around to see if I was alright. He held out his hand to help me up. My hand refused to move, it stayed firmly at my side. How am I to know if this is real or if it’s a trap set by Scarlet Moth. Adrien saw my refusal and backed away nervously laughing.

“Right, I forgot, I’m a ghost, it would have done nothing.”

I laughed along with him but mine felt empty. “It’s alright, I just need to adjust a bit.” I tried standing up again but my legs wobbled and refused to cooperate. “Hey Adrien? Where are we?”

“Oh, um, we’re in Chloe’s room.” I nodded.

“How did I get here?”

“Nino carried you.” he answered. “Marinette, you need your rest.” I waved off the question.

“I’m fine, I need to get home before my parents notice I’m missing.” I gripped the edge of the bed, using it as a crutch.

“I’m about to have that covered.” I heard Chloe say, awake now and walking to the phone. “You and Nino weren't home this morning because you decided to get to school early to study with me. You won't be coming home tonight because we decided to all pull an all nighter cram session because finals are approaching.”

“What’s your number first?” she asked looking at me. I told her and she dialed it. I listened to the conversation and Chloe tuned to me holding out her phone. “They want to talk to you.”

I accepted it and held it to ear. “Hey mom and dad.” I stifled a yawn and pushed my glasses higher on my nose so they sat comfeyer.

“Marinette, are you alright? You don’t usually get up early.”

“I’m fine mom, I just wanted to get a lot of studying in. I’ll also be staying with Chloe tonight, we’re going to be cramming, we want to do well on our finals.”

“Okay dear, have a good day then.” I heard a click from the other line hanging up the call.

“Love you too mom.” I muttered under my breath to no one. I handed the phone back and Chloe gently shook Nino awake and went through the process again.

Once Nino was done, Chloe dialed the school and made up an excuse before resorting to reminding them her dad was the mayor. Alya started waking up as Chloe finished up the phone call.

“What time is it?” Alya asked the room sitting up.

“Quarter to seven.” Chloe replied. “And if we’re going to put you back in your body today” she pointed to Adrien. “You need to rest more.” she looked sternly at me.

“I’m fine, I just need something to eat.” I tried standing again but failed.

“Stay there, I brought up food.” She brought over a tray decorated in biscuits and fruit. “Which reminds me.” she glanced at Alya.

“I saw your mom last night.” Alya stood up suddenly.

“How is she?” She spoke so fast her words almost became one.

“She seems to be doing well, but she misses you. She hasn’t let go of hope that you might be out there.”

Alya shuffled her feet. “May I go see her today?”

“Why are you asking for permission? Go see her, it’s been long enough already.” I said, giving her a reassuring look.

“It won’t interfere with anything?”

“Nope, and if it does, it’ll be fine. This is more important.” Nino stood with her and opened his arms to embrace her, she accepted.

“Okay, well, then one more thing. Can you guys come with me?”

“Of course! But I might just have to be there in spirit.” he tried to bring up the mood. Alya gave him a strange look before she squinted and pursed her lips. Laughter erupted out of her for a few seconds.

“Sorry, just the mood was kinda down- and then the pun-.” she giggled a bit into hand. Her happiness was contagious and soon all of us were laughing, holding our sides. It was nice to laugh all together. The situation we were all in was anything but happy, but it was nice to just push it aside for a moment.

“Okay, now, we need to get ready.” Chloe ushered the boys out.

“But wait, I also need to get ready.” Nino said.

“Well, I don’t have any clothes that would fit you.” she grabbed her purse. “Here’s 40 euros, go get some clothes, you're not meeting Alya’s family in pajamas. The room next door is completely empty. You can use the phone and clean up.”

“How do you know-”

“It’s my mom’s.”

“But wouldn’t she stay with your-”

“It’s just empty.” she shut the door on him.

Looking over at us. “Okay, now you two need a nice outfit. We could all take turns using the shower.”

“Um, okay.” Alya responded.