Disclaimer: Don't own and never will.

AN: When I discovered that there were no ML/WITCH crossovers, I was surprised. After all, Thomas Astruc began work on the idea after seeing a woman wearing a t-shirt with a ladybug on it while working on W.I.T.C.H. So this was born.

Miranda scowled as she looked in distaste at her new apartment.

Well, apartment would be pushing the definition somewhat. A more appropriate description would be cupboard in her opinion. A single room that was barely two and a half metres by two and a half metres with a (worn) mattress on a bed, a sink and a wardrobe. Still, it was somewhere to stay at least and it was far away from Meridian and the Guardians and all the other crap in her life. A whole ocean away in fact.

With a sigh, she threw herself onto the bed and stared at the ceiling as she allowed her mind to wander. It had been what, eight years now since she had first encountered the Guardians? Yeah, eight years. Eight years of fighting and hiding and deceiving and plotting. Eight years too long really. Even the strongest of hatreds and dedications can grow tired and stale. And Miranda's had grown so very stale.

She sat up and looked at the room one more time. It was cramped and small compared to her old rooms at the palace and there were certainly no servants for her to call on should she desire, but maybe she could make a new life here.

Standing up, Miranda made her way out the door and to the nearest window. The view wasn't much to talk about either, just another run down apartment building. Then again, the view from her room when she was in the palace was little better. In fact, she'd have to say this was an improvement and stars alone knew that, as far hiding places went, this was one of the better ones she'd been in. And with the Guardians busy searching for her in Meridian or possibly Heatherfield, she was safe.

"Hi there," a man said from behind her and Miranda turned to look at the owner of the voice. "You're the new resident, aren't you? The one who just moved into 21b?"

"Yes, I am," she said as she leaned back against the window frame and folded her arms. The owner of the voice was a skinny young man with short blonde hair, blue eyes and absolutely no muscles, no threat to her. He grabbed her hand and shook it.

"Welcome to our little corner of Paris. I hope you like it here," he said with a smile and Miranda nodded slightly. "We're not the wealthiest of neighbourhoods, but we are welcoming."

"Thank you," Miranda said as she examined the young man. "I'm Miranda. And you are?"

"My apologies mademoiselle. I am Thomas Compere. I am in the apartment next to your own while I study at the university of Paris," he said with a bow. Miranda raised an eyebrow.

"Do you know a way to the roof of this building?" Miranda asked with a smile. "After six months working aboard a tramp freighter, I would like to see the city from something that isn't constantly moving."

"But of course my dear," Thomas said with a smile as he pointed towards the stairs. "If you go to the top floor, there is a green door that will allow you to go on the roof. Allow me to show you the way."

Miranda smiled and shook her head.

"Merci monsieur, but I would prefer to do this alone," she told him, before looking Thomas in the eye. "Perhaps another time, yes?"

"Of course. But, forgive me for saying this, if you really wish to see Paris, there are better places to see the city and better times."

"Well why don't you show me around?" Miranda asked with a smile. "When are you free?"

Thomas blushed and Miranda resisted the urge to chuckle. Despite everything, she still had it.

"Well mademoiselle, I am free from my studies this Saturday," he said and Miranda smiled.

"Saturday would be wonderful. Shall we meet here at eleven in the morning?" she asked and Thomas nodded. "Then I will see you there."

"But of course. Ah, but forgive me, I know not your name."

"I'm Miranda," she said with a smile. "And thank you."

Climbing to the top of the stairs took less time than she expected and just as Thomas had described, there was a green door. She stepped out and allowed the air to caress her gently. She could smell the pollution, revel in the noise that sounded below and even enjoy the lights of the city. In the distance, the Eiffel Tower stood tall and proud as it watched over Paris. Yet another reminder that her old life and her old home were far away. For a moment, a wave of homesickness rolled over her.

"Don't be so weak," she hissed to herself. This was her home now, far from her past and her nightmares. With a shrug, she transformed into her spider-like form and leapt across the rooftops. Maybe this would help.