"Well, I guess I'm off! Thanks for letting me rest here for a bit Nathanael, I really appreciate it." Marinette called as she made her way for the door.

"It's fine miss. Really."

"Marinette."

Nathanael looked up in confusion from the clock he was repairing.

"My name, it's Marinette. You're free to call me that if you'd like."

"Ah, I see." Nathanael quickly got back to work, but Marinette was able to see a faint blush rise to his cheeks before he bent his head. "In that case, your welcome Marinette. Oh, and be careful out there, alright? It isn't safe."

With a nod, Marinette exited the tower and made her way down one of the three paths, noting that it was once again noon. She wasn't sure where exactly she was heading, the only thing on her mind being her goal, but she did her best to be aware of her surroundings in the dangerous dream she created for herself.

It wasn't long before she came across a large building.

"Now which territory is this?" she muttered while looking at the large gates.

"Big sister, do you have some sort of business here?"

She turned around to see two children standing behind her. They were both wearing identical uniforms, although everything else about them couldn't be more different. The boy had dark skin and black hair, a pair of thick glasses sat on his face. The girl on the other hand was fair with light pink hair. Marinette noted that they did have one other thing in common. They were each aiming some axes with elongated handles at her.

"Well, I was actually wondering if I could talk with whoever's in charge here."

"Sorry sis, but I'm afraid we can't allow that." the girl said.

"As the gatekeepers here, it's our job to get rid of all trespassers." The boy added.

"You may not look like a bad person, but..."

"People aren't always as they seem."

"Don't worry." They said together.

"It won't hurt that much. Right brother?"

"Yup. Let's kill her sister."

"We're not letting you go!"

"This was a terrible idea"

"Hey, you two!" a third voice cut in, giving Marinette some hope. "What are you doing?"

She looked for who had spoken and saw a man walking up to them. His appearance was similar to the boy about to attack her, although his skin was a bit lighter, his hair shorter, and he himself older. Sticking out of his head were a pair of grey-brown ears, similar to Theo's.

"Did you check if she was a guest?" he asked.

"Stay out of this stupid hare," the girl replied.

Ignoring their anoyyance, the newcomer walked past them and straight for Marinette. "So, which is it? Are you a guest or a spy?"

"I'm-Well, uhm."

"Since we don't know which, I guess the best thing to do would be to just kill you. Better safe than sorry, you know?" Before she had the chance to fully comprehend what he said, the man had pulled out a gun and pointed it at her head. "I have been wanting to try out this new gun. This would be the perfect time to test it."

She looked at him in fear as he smiled down at her.

"Stop." Marinette jumped when a gloved hand was placed on her shoulder. "I told you not to kill anyone on the premises without my consent Nino."

"Of course Alya, my apologies." Nino quickly reholstered his gun and stepped back.

"Um, thank you." Marinette turned to find a girl with big brown curls wearing thick glasses, a crisp white suit, and an outrageously over-the-top hat.

"You're quite welcome miss outsider. I believe some introductions are in order. I am Alya, head of the hatter mafia. The hare here is my second-in-command, Nino. You'll have to forgive his poor manners. And those are the twins, fraternal of course, Alix and Max. It truly is a pleasure to meet you."

"I'm Marinette," she said slowly, still a bit taken aback by the unorthodox welcome.

"A befitting name for a beautiful rose such as yourself. Now then, I do believe it's tea time. Would you care to join us?"

"Uh, sure." Marinette followed the bunch through the main gates and into the back garden where a large table was already set up with an assortment of tea, cakes, and sandwiches.

"This world is crazier than I thought."