#apprentice atem

He sighed hugely, shoulders taking a moment longer before falling. “I lived long enough haven’t I?” He looked over his shoulder, eyes somewhat glassing over. “I’ve been... Carapace... for...” He seemed lost, for a moment before shaking his head. His eyes met Master Fu’s again, lips pressing into a thin line. “Just… find someone else, please.”

Master Fu frowned, concern filling his face. “But you still live to this day Atem, if an original miraculous user is still here, it does not make sense to give it to another.”

“I’ve moved on Master Fu.” A sigh “I only came for the tea and simple chatter.” Inhaling, he closed his eyes before opening them for a sliver. “Not to experience it all over again.” He goes to open the door, but it does so itself.

A tanned girl with ashy brown hair entered the room, calling, “Master Fu?

Atem stepped back, back pressing against the plant. His eyes caught the gray earrings, heart jumping in his throat. ‘Ladybug…’ She looked like she was still in school, possibly in higher education too. Their eyes met, the girl stepping back with a bit of a jolt. He gave her a polite smile, raising a hand in greeting.

“Oh! I didn’t—”

He pointed out into the hallway. “I was just—”

“Valarie! You came just in time!” Master Fu exclaimed, eyes brightening as the door closed.

Atem’s jaw clenched. ‘I swear to the Ones Up Above…’ There immediately was a hand on the small of his back. ‘Gods dammit!’

“This is a good friend of mine, his name is Atem Holz!”

“Oh!” She looked him up and down before giving a small smile, offering her hand. “Nice to meet you, I’m Valarie Paloma!”

Her fern eyes were kind, perhaps wondering why he was here. He took hers, shaking gently. “Nice to meet you. Master Fu didn’t tell me someone else was going to visit him.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Was I interrupting a conversation? I can wait outside,” she pointed to the door, brows drawing together.

“I was actually leaving—”

“Oh, stay a little longer Atem. Besides, I did want to ask something of both of you,” Master Fu insisted, tugging on the freckled brunette’s arm to bring him back to the table.

Atem internally rubbed his face, but kept a tight smile. “Oh boy, what does the oh great Master Fu want to ask of us?”

“Come, it’s not going to take up much time.” He placed another cup on the table, pouring the tea before looking up. “Come Valarie,” he invited, gesturing her over.

She looked between the two before joining them, taking the cup in her hands. “What did you want to ask Master Fu?”

The old man hummed a smile, setting down the pot. “It is something about mentors.”

“Mentors?” Valarie questioned, sipping her tea.

He nodded. “Considering Ladybug and Chat Noir have some new members of their team,” he gave a glance over at Atem, who merely rolled his eyes. “Do you think you need someone more experienced to help them?”

Valarie pursed her lips as Atem sighed, setting down his cup. “There’s two of them and two new people. Each one can take one,” he reasoned.

“Well… I mean, while I think more help is appreciated, I think Ladybug and Chat Noir have it under control.” Another sip before gesturing to the subtly grinning brunette. “Like he said, it can be one-on-one.”

Master Fu hummed, Atem knowing he was displeased with the answer. He took a sip of his tea. “Well, if they need any help, I know someone.”

Atem averted his eyes, finishing off his tea before setting it down on the table gently. “Well, I need to get going soon.” He pulled out his phone, the time reading 3:56. “I got another meeting to get to.” It wasn’t entirely a lie, but he just wanted to get out of there. Turning to Valarie, he nodded. “Well, it was nice to meeting you Valarie.” He stood. “I’ll see you around.”

Standing, he straightened out his jacket, shoving his phone in his pocket. His eyes met Master Fu’s. “I’ll see you later?”

“Yes, come when you can,” he sighed, cradling his cup. “I look forward to seeing you again.”

He nodded. “Alright.” Walking towards the door, he took a moment to wave a hand goodbye. Valarie returned it, a smile on her face; while Master Fu bowed his head. Exiting, a large sigh left him as the door closed. He hoped Master Fu will find someone else, he’s done this for too long… and…

His eyes glassed over for a moment before he blinked. Running a hand through his hair, he stared at the wall for a moment before speed-walking out of the building. He had a meeting to go to.

~~A Couple Days Later~~

Atem rubbed his face. This team was… Hrm… This wasn’t the most ideal team, they were still uncoordinated. They kept tripping and slipping over each other, and he felt incredibly embarrassed for them.

He received a call.

“.... I’m guessing you didn’t find a new Carapace…” he murmured.

There was a smile in his voice. “I still have your miraculous Atem. Would you like to come over for tea?”