As the days rolled by Marinette began to form a routine of caring for the rosebud every morning and every evening. Many times she would find Chat Noir out there and he would watch her quietly at a distance as she tended to the vine, protecting the small bud that continued to cling to life. Although curious about the condition of the rosebud, Chat never stayed long enough for Marinette to attempt any meaningful conversation.

Although distant and often aloof, Marinette couldn't help but feel that hidden under that cool exterior was another side to Chat Noir. After all, he seemed to care a great deal about the rosebud and he did prevent those travelers from going into danger. As for herself, well he hadn't given her any reason to feel her life was in danger with him although she was starting to get the distinct feeling that he was trying to avoid her at times.

Determined to try and get closer to Chat, Marinette decided to walk through the Great Hall and seek him out. She found Chat reading from the same ornate book that he had been reading from before.

"Good morning." Marinette said cheerfully. "You didn't come to check on the rosebud this morning."

Chat paused what he was reading and looked at Marinette a little surprised. "You said that I was spying on you. I thought you would appreciate me not attending every day. I trust nothing has changed since yesterday?"

"No, everything has still..."

"Then why are you here?" Chat cut her off. "You always return to your chambers via the hallway, not through the Great Hall."

Marinette was surprised he noticed that. In truth she usually went the long way around because she had been avoiding him too, but if she was going to try to get closer to that scepter standing beside him, she was going to have to find some kind of common ground with him.

"Did you know tonight is the festival of light?" Marinette asked excitedly.

"I've heard of it." Chat replied flatly, not even remotely meeting her enthusiasm. Marinette however was undeterred.

"In my village the townsfolk will be preparing lanterns to send their hopes and prayers for the future to the Supreme. I've been working on my own lantern with some paper I found in my room. It's only simple, but I hope it will fly."

Chat sat watching her silently as she spoke. Marinette began twiddling with her fingers, feeling a little awkward at his lack of response. "Perhaps... I mean would you like me to make you one?"

"Me?" He exclaimed surprised, a look of longing in his eyes. Chat then looked away from her, rubbing his left hand. "There's no point making one for me." Chat said abruptly before getting up and exiting out of the room.

Well that could have gone better, Marinette pondered. Had something she said offended him?

Waiting until nighttime fell, Marinette took her little handmade lantern to the top of the tower. The skies had cleared and the full moon shone down over the white capped mountains. Marinette looked around, but there was no sign of Chat Noir anywhere. She shouldn't have been surprised really. After all, Chat was blessed by the Supreme right? As an immortal he would see prayers for the future as a waste of time. Still, Marinette couldn't help a touch of disappointment that he hadn't come.

Placing her paper lantern down on the stone floor, Marinette lit the small flame inside. It flickered weakly and Marinette closed her eyes, a silent prayer passing her lips that the Supreme would grant her just a little more time. She still had so much more life to live, life that this akuma was slowly taking from her.

"Just a little longer." She whispered before letting her lantern go. Slowly the lantern floated up, but it had barely risen above her head when the flame puffed out and the paper fell apart, scattering in pieces around her feet.

Marinette could feel tears begin to prick at her eyes. Was this the Supreme denying her wish before it could even reach the Dark Mountain? She knelt down and began to pick up the broken pieces that felt like shattered pieces of her soul, scattering to the wind.

The sound of footsteps drew Marinette's attention. Seeing Chat's black boots stop beside her, Marinette forced herself to smile weakly. "I guess that's my answer." She said, holding up the pieces to show him. "Maybe this is the Supreme's way of telling me I should just give up."

Chat knelt down beside her and gently ran the back of his finger across her cheek, gathering the tear that had begun to trickle down.

"If you want the Supreme to hear your prayers, then perhaps you need something stronger to send them with."

Chat held his hand over Marinette's that held the broken pieces of the lantern. Glittering snow swirled around her hand and the broken pieces reformed into a lantern of frost. Ice crystals began to form on his hand and he quickly hid it away from her, trying to keep his face neutral, although Marinette could tell he was in pain. That hadn't happened when he created the snowstorm.

"I thought you said you can only destroy things?" Marinette asked, genuinely confused but equally amazed.

Chat stood up and held his iced hand with his other. "My ability to create is tied to that of the Essence of Creation. Sometimes I can draw on its power, but the use of an opposing power has its consequences."

"And what's your power exactly?" Marinette probed. Chat shook his head with dismay.

"My power is destruction, but the Supreme changed the conditions of that power when I became his instrument." He then pointed to the lantern. "Better not waste your prayer."

When he became his Instrument? What did that mean? Marinette held up the frosted lantern. Those questions would have to wait. "Won't the lantern melt when I light it?" She asked. Chat smiled wistfully at her.

"That depends on you, Marinette. If you believe in your heart it will work, then it will work."

There was so much sadness in the way he said that. His lips may have been smiling, but his eyes were untouched by it, and it made her heart ache at how lonely his life in that frozen tower must be. Carefully Marinette lit the lantern and the flame glowed with a fervent orange light.

Holding the lantern high, Marinette let it go on the breeze adding a silent new prayer - that Chat Noir will find happiness too. Chat cast his hand and the wind blew the little lantern towards the dark mountain. As Marinette stood on the balcony and watched, other lanterns also began to float up until there was a whole sea of glowing lights.

Chat came and stood beside Marinette, his hand resting close to hers on the railing as they watched the dazzling spectacle.

"So beautiful." She sighed.

"Yes, it is." Chat agreed, but he wasn't looking at the lanterns but the girl beside him. Catching himself, he turned his eyes away from her and back into the horizon.

"With so many prayer lanterns, do you think the Supreme will even hear my wish?" Marinette asked.

"Only he knows." Chat answered, his little finger brushing against hers. "He isn't exactly known for his benevolence."

Marinette watched Chat's profile as he spoke. The moon illuminated his face, making him more human than a Demon. In fact Marinette was more and more convinced that he was no demon at all.

"There must be something you hope for too."She asked curiously.

Chat looked at her in surprise. "There is no hope for me." He said quietly, casting his eyes down. "Not from the Supreme anyway."

"But you're all alone here. Wouldn't it be less lonely if you had a companion to share your life with?"

Chat pulled his hand away from the railing. "It is forbidden by the Supreme." He replied. "Besides, what could I offer anyone in this Tower? No... Chat Noir must walk alone. Such is the will of the Supreme." He then turned his head towards her, his eyes softened. "Don't stay out here too long. You'll catch a cold." He said before walking back into the tower, leaving Marinette with even more questions.

~~~~~

Under Marinette's care the rosebud had grown bigger and continued to thrive despite the odds, although it still had not yet bloomed. This was both exciting but also nerve wracking. The bud would soon bloom which would give her freedom, but Marinette was no closer to getting the Essence of Creation and time was running out.

Wandering the empty corridors of the Tower, Marinette wondered where Chat Noir spent his days. When he wasn't in the Great Hall or checking on the flower Marinette saw him disappearing down an unfamiliar corridor. Pretending to be lost, Marinette followed at a distance and came to what looked like a dead end and yet there was a well worn path leading straight to an unassuming wooden door. Reaching out to the door knob, Marinette found it to be unlocked and when she entered the room took her breath away.

Marinette stepped into the most amazing library she had ever seen. Rows and rows of floor to ceiling shelves packed with more books than anyone could ever read in a lifetime. Marinette ran her fingers across the spines of the books. "I wonder what he reads in here?" She mumbled to herself.

As she walked, Marinette had the feeling that someone was watching her. She stopped and looked around, but didn't see anyone. She continued on, but again sensed someone there. Turning quickly she sees a flash of red out of the corner of her eye.

"Is someone there?" She asks. After a moment a little head with big blue eyes pops out. It wasn't any kind of creature Marinette had seen before. "Hello?" She called to it, waving it over. "Don't be shy. I won't hurt you."

The little red creature floated over to Marinette and sat in her open palm. She was red all over except for a black dot near the top of her head. "You kind of look like a Ladybug." Marinette mused. The creature's eyes widened with excitement and she nodded her head.

"I see." Marinette smiled, scratching the top of the creature's head with her finger. She then noticed a strange symbol over the little Ladybug's mouth. It was the same symbol she had seen on the gilded book that Chat was often reading. "Can you not talk?"

The Ladybug shook her head, her blue eyes becoming sad.

"Well, I'm very pleased to meet you." Marinette said happily and the Ladybug perked right up again. "I wonder where Chat Noir went though. I thought I saw him come in here." The Ladybug then suddenly floated out of Marinette's hand and darted about, beckoning her to follow. Marinette curiosity followed her new little friend to a tall ladder resting against one of the bookcases. Marinette continued to follow, ascending the rungs to where the Ladybug was directing her too.

"You want me to look at this book?" Marinette asks and she recieves an enthusiastic nod in reply. Marinette pulled out the indicated book bound in a well worn cover with dog eared pages. "A Complete Guide to Caring for Roses." Marinette read out loud. "What is it with roses that is so important to him?"

Flicking through the pages Marinette found circled paragraphs and annotated notes. Clearly Chat Noir had spent a great deal of time and effort trying to keep that rose vine alive. Turning to the cover page Marinette found a name written on it - Adrien.

"Adrien..." She wondered out loud. "I wonder who he is?"

"What are you doing up there?"

Startled, Marinette almost fell off the ladder. Looking down she could see an almost amused smirk on Chat's face. "I see you made a friend." He said, pointing to the Ladybug.

"I found her following me and she led me up here." Marinette explained, suddenly feeling self conscience she had been snooping through his books without permission.

"So it's Tikki's fault you're so high up on that ladder is it?"

"Tikki? Is that her name?"

Chat nodded. "She is the Kwami of Creation. You didn't know it, but she has been watching over you since the first night you came here."

Marinette placed the book under her arm and held out her hand for Tikki to sit on while she held onto the ladder with her other hand. "So... she belongs to the Essence of Creation?"

"You learn quickly. Yes, although Tikki technically belongs to the Miraculous, the jewels that the Essence of Creation had belonged to. The Supreme destroyed the jewels and separated her from the Miraculous, silenced her from speaking and encased her magic essence within the crystalline orb of the scepter. She stays with me waiting for the day when she and her other half can be reunited again."

"Other half? What do.... Ahhh!"

Marinette suddenly lost her footing, forgetting she was still clinging to the ladder. Bracing for impact, instead of hitting the ground, Marinette found herself in the strong embrace of Chat Noir. Marinette felt her heart begin to race, finding Chat's face only inches away from her own. His emerald eyes locked her gaze, mesmerising her from behind his mask.

"You should be more careful." Chat murmured hoarsely. "The frost can make the rungs slippery." He then focused his attention on the Kwami with a frown.

"Tikki, I thought you were going to look out for her?"

Tikki gave a remorseful look before floating down to where the fallen book had landed. Chat placed Marinette's feet on the ground before picking up the book and handing it to her.

"Don't be mad at Tikki." She said, avoiding his gaze as she took the book. "She was just trying to help with the rose vine I think."

Tikki nodded her head enthusiastically in agreement, but Chat didn't look annoyed or displeased. "You are welcome to read the books. You do not need my permission to come here."

Marinette opened the book and showed Chat the front page where the name was written. "Is... is this you?" She asked hesitantly. "Are you Adrien?"

Chat's eyes rested on the page, the name written in a younger hand. Marinette watched as Chat's expression changed as though he was trying to search the recesses of his mind for a long lost memory. "It sounds familiar. Like the fog of a distant memory."

"Is Adrien who you are behind the mask?"

Chat looked into her eyes, but he didn't seem to have an answer to that question. "Um... would you mind if I call you Adrien?" Marinette ventured to ask. "It's a nice name don't you think?" She couldn't quite read the expression in Chat's eyes, but his face soon softened.

"I don't mind." He replied. Turning to leave the library, Marinette called after him.

"Um... You said Tikki was waiting for her other half. What did you mean by that?"

Chat held up his hand where his ring was. "His name is Plagg and he is the Kwami of Destruction. The Supreme has trapped him within his ring which in turns keeps me as Chat Noir. I cannot transform back... not without... well, it's not possible right now.."

"Does it have something to do with the Essence of Creation being trapped in that scepter in the throne room?"

Chat stepped closer to her, suddenly reaching out and cupping her cheek with his gloved hand. All around them Marinette felt as though the air had suddenly stood still, the only sound being her own heart ringing in her ears. Chat's eyes held an intensity that almost had her weak at the knees as he brought his face closer to hers, his warm breath mingling with her own.

"I can't tell you everything. Not yet." He whispered. "I have to be sure...I need to know you're safe."

Neither of them moved. Chat's lips had become achingly close to hers. She looked up into his cat eyes and Marinette felt she had begun to see Chat Noir in a way she hadn't before. Maybe for the first time she had glimpsed the man behind the mask and she no longer felt afraid.

Chat's hand slipped away from her cheek and he stepped back, not breaking his gaze from hers. "Look after her Tikki." He said to the Kwami floating nearby before taking his leave. Marinette instantly missed the warmth of his hand as he did.

~~~~~

Marinette sat in her room looking at her reflection in the mirror. "Adrien... Adrien..." she whispered the name to herself. She had half expected Chat to have been angry when he found her in the library since she had encroached on his private space, and yet he seemed unperturbed by her presence there. Perhaps he was starting to trust her? But could she trust him? Or herself? That was the question now creeping into her mind.

It had been several days since that meeting in the library. She had gone back a few times, trying to find out more about who Adrien was, but there seemed to have been no information except for that one name. It was like he never existed at all. And yet if he was Chat Noir, why did he not remember his own name?

Marinette twirled the ends of her hair around her fingers as she gazed at the mirror. Who was the real man beneath that mask, and why did she want to know so badly. Why did her heart start to skip a beat whenever he came close to her? Why was it that in the library her heart was aching for him to kiss her?

Pulling down her collar a little, Marinette could see the marks on her skin creeping along her neck. Soon the scars would become impossible to hide and she was no closer to discovering how to separate the Essence of Creation from the crystalline orb or finding out what that could mean for Chat Noir if she did. His power was bonded to that of Creation. She didn't want to hurt him, but she didn't want to die either.

"Tikki? Does the scepter always stay in the Great Hall?" Marinette asked her little Ladybug companion. Tikki nodded her head. "Will you come with me there?"

Tikki darted around anxiously. Marinette held out her hand to placate her. "Don't worry. I'm not going to touch it, I promise. I just want to try and understand it better."

Tikki gave her a skeptical raised eyebrow and folded her arms. Marinette could feel her face begin to flush. "Okay, I want to understand Chat Noir better, or maybe more about who he is behind the mask."

As the shadows started to creep across the polished floors, Marinette walked with Tikki floating beside her into the Great Hall. The candles flickered, shedding a warm glow across the cold marble floor. In the distance, sitting on its usual perch, was the scepter. The red glow inside the orb drew her in like a moth to a flame.

Standing in front of the scepter was as close as Marinette could come to the Essence of Creation inside. As close as she could come to the one thing that could save her life. She wondered if she should tell him the truth of her quest - that she needed the essence to live. Would he help her if he knew or curse her for entering his Tower under false pretenses. She had already lied to him once.

Marinette looked around for Tikki and found the little Kwami sitting on the armrest of the throne. Laying on the velvet cushion was the book Marinette had often seen Chat reading, the one with the strange pattern that was the same as the one that sealed Tikki's mouth closed.

Sitting down on the chair, Marinette opened the book. On the page was an array of words and symbols that she didn't understand. An ancient language forgotten by time. She traced her fingers over the pattern and as she did so a small light began to rise from the page. Within a moment, the light completely engulfed her, blinding her vision.

When the light dissipated, Marinette found herself standing in the middle of a strange white room with dozens of windows. Next to her was a bush covered in rosebuds. In the distance the light shimmered and a figure in blue and white approached her.

"You are not Chat Noir? What are you doing here?" The figure asked, stunned.

Marinette looked around confused. "Where is here?"

"You have found the entrance to a time capsule. How did you find your way here?" The girl asked.

"I was reading and then there was a light and... I must be dreaming?" Marinette pondered aloud. The girl smiled at her kindly, her long rabbit ears twitching above her mask.

"In a way. It's more like a memory." She replied. "I am Bunnyx, the Guardian of Time. For now though, I watch over these rosebuds trapped with this time capsule."

Marinette took closer notice of the bush beside her and saw that none of the flowers were in bloom, just a scattering of rosebuds that looked a lot like the one on the Tower. She reached out and touched one of the buds and in front of her eyes she saw a vision of a Chat Noir, dressed in Princely attire with his mask and cat ears holding a red rose in his hands, the blossom in glorious bloom. His face looked adoringly as a red gloved hand extended towards him and gently cupped his cheek. Marinette retracted her hand and the vision disappeared.

"It's one of his memories." The rabbit apparition explained.

"You know what I saw?" She asked and Bunnyx nodded.

Marinette reached out and touched another rosebud and saw yet another vision from a different time. Chat was dressed in the garb of a Knight and once more he held a rose in his hand, bringing it to his nose with a playful smile on his lips as he looked over the bloom towards someone. Marinette saw a girl in a red dress with black polka dots and a mask on her face. As Chat held out the rose the vision melted away.

"Were both of these visions about the same two people?" Marinette asked. Bunnyx wordlessly nodded. "Then why did these visions look as though they were from different eras?"

"They are Chat Noir's memories from different timelines." A quiet reflection fell over Bunnyx's features. "The Chat Noir you know does not belong to this timeline. The Supreme keeps him here. Over and over and over he comes to view the memories, hoping in one of them he might have seen her face." Bunnyx reached out and touched one of the buds.

"But the memories are incomplete. These buds will never bloom because the timelines have been corrupted by the Supreme. Only when the essence of creation is returned to its true owner will the timelines and Chat Noir's memories be restored."

"Timelines?" Marinette looked over the buds. There were dozens of them all over the bush, each one representing a different timeline. How many lifetimes has he seen? "I don't understand." Marinette sighed.

"This is the curse of the Supreme." Bunnyx said, her light beginning to fade.

"Bunnyx, wait." Marinette called, her hand reaching out. She didn't receive a response as the field disappeared around her and she found herself back in the Great Hall.