Chapter Text
"Why are you here?" Someone spoke as she recorded the fight between Viperion, King Monkey versus Chat Noir. The cathedral was burning, people were screaming and running in different paths but the brunette stayed still with her phone at hand. "It's not safe being this close. You could die."
"I know but that won't stop me." Alya Cesairé didn't look at the female coming closer, too busy with her recorder. She knows what she's doing is dangerous, but if she doesn't do this.. People could get the wrong idea. The world needed hope. If she had never witnessed and filmed King Monkey and the police, no one would have believed the miraculous holder to be a confused hero. If Alya hadn't filmed the fight of Volpina and Chat Noir against two heroes, the media would have blamed Viperion and Pegasus on the destruction of Startrain. "The people need to know the truth and I'm going to give it to them."
Alya Cesairé always went with family to different areas of the world, taking care of her two younger sisters and tough older sister while her mother busied herself as one of the top chefs around Europe. Recently moving to Paris, Alya admits she misses her friends back home, but she didn't have a choice with how bad the economy is going. Not the type to give up, Alya decides to find a solution to all her problems.
Social media.
She started small, making accounts to keep in touch. Then she began writing summaries, pieces, essays, reports, stories and like for the heck of it. Being honest with herself, she was more of a writer than a chef. She loved recording videos, writing her findings but what she loved most was the field work of gathering data. It was an adventure, a gamble that requires luck and patience but it was all worth it. She knew what everyone wanted. Being able to reproduce the same thrill she experienced mentally or physically through her words, Alya gained a steady number of followers. Of course there would be doubters and haters but Alya didn't mind. She was fine with criticism, loved the challenge of requiring to prove her evidence.
"Even if the truth hurts?" The female was standing a feet away from her crouched form, the stranger blocked the pale light of the moon as Alya hid at the rooftop of a building. The stranger whispers, causing her to shiver at the dull tone. "Even if it is this lie that will save the world?"
"Yes-No. What?! (Alya stopped the record at the outrageous question.) There's gotta be another way...?!" That's when Alya stood up and turned to face the unknown female. Hazel eyes stared back at shimmering bluebell. Alya took a step back, staring at the crimson heroine with a tiny fox resting on her shoulder. The orange fox's purple eyes glowed, staring into her soul. Alya didn't care, staring from head to toe and back. "La-ladybug?"
"Maybe we should give her the miraculous?" Someone spoke. It was the fox, Alya believed, but her attention was too focused on the legendary Asian hero. Ladybug took a step forward, holding a peculiar hook-shaped necklace and was speaking to her. Her. A rookie reporter. Yet Alya wondered why she took a step back. One step off the edge of the building, right in front of Ladybug. Alya doesn't know why she moved away from the heroine, but something must have made her do it. She remembers a scream, Ladybug's scream, and darkness.
"GAH!" Alya Cesairé screamed, sitting up and covered in cold sweat. She was breathing through her mouth, trying to remember what happened afterwards. Nothing. It was the same ending. Her falling and Ladybug screaming. It was a terrible end of a dream. A dream or a nightmare, Alya doesn't know anymore. She knows this hasn't happened, especially when she woke up in her bed with no footage of Viperion and King Monkey fighting against Chat Noir as well as the burning Notre Dame. Alya rubbed her chest, trying to feel what's causing this numb empty feeling. 'It was just... a dream.'
Then she entered Collège Françoise Dupont and was surprised at the stereotypes and unique position each one had. There was Adrien Agreste is the son of Gabriel Agreste (well-known fashion designer) who's forced to model in a young age. This blonde is as dense as bricks, but he's definitely a ball of sunshine and totally hot. Chloé Bourgeois is the daughter of the current mayor of Paris and the queen of fashion. This blonde is the total opposite of Adrien and Alya's surprised this
bitchywoman obtained a Bee Miraculous.The rest aren't as huge as these two blondes, but they fit the classroom stereotype. There's Ivan Bruel, the guy who acts tough when he's actually a softie for a certain girl in class. There's her, Alya Césaire, who's always updated on gossip and the news because she's on her phone. There's Juleka Couffaine, goth girl with a musician family. Mylène Haprèle, actress with a sensitive heart. Max Kanté, nerd and gamer who is beaten down his throne on the honor list because of home-schooled sunshine. Alix Kubdel, the class' tomboy and competitive femme fatale
who decides to be a black sheep in her historian family. Nathaniel Kurtzberg, shy artist extraordinaire. Nino Lahiffe, DJ and director who she really gets along with since the class tends to not get hyped on the latest trends. Rose Lavillant, sweetest girl in class and friends with Juleka. *Cough!* Shipping them. *Cough!* Lê Chiến Kim, ex-prankster and jokester who could have ran for class representative if not for a certain amazing girl. Sabrina Raincomprix, on-and-off henchman of Chloé Bourgeois because of the blonde's attitude and Sabrina's role to protect her from enemies. Since Sabrina's dad is a cop so the girl must know some self-defense. There's Lila Rossi, who has too many titles for her to count. Her ex-bestie (because things happen), most amazing and busy class representative (her life is too perfect!) and fiancée of Adrien Agreste.Then there came the newbies: (1) Marc Anciel who's a complement of Nathaniel, (2) Jean Duparc who's friends with Mylène and is a fan of magic and her newest friend and maybe her BFF (3) Marinette Dupaine-Cheng, the daughter of one of best bakeries in Paris.
"You don't look so good..." Her new classmate and friend, Marinette, commented as Alya exited her apartment in the dress customized by Marinette herself.
"I'm fine. No biggie~" Alya fiddled with her shawl, giving Marinette a wide grin as she accepted the bluenette's hand on hers as they walked down the street. "Come on. Nino wants to meet us down the garden."
"You're excited, aren't you?" Marinette chuckled and Alya playfully pushed her friend's bare arm.
"A little." Alya changed the topic, not wanting to talk about Lila's phone promise to let her interview the people in the Agreste Mansion earlier. She knows Marinette dislikes Lila because of reasons she can't understand. Not envy. Not anger. Not sorrow. Alya doesn't believe Lila is lying to her, but she also doesn't believe everything Lila said to Marinette. So what if Marinette keeps secrets? It's her life. Alya extends her fake fox shawl to Marinette's neck, asking. "Remind me again why you rejected the opera gloves again?"
"Because I don't have time to make one." Marinette leans close to her, sighing in content at the heat shared between them. Marinette was cold nor was she hot. She was the exact temperature or what science calls, Luke warm. Alya wished she recall the reason why Marinette wants to make all of her clothes. It's silly, but this is a part of the bluenette's character. Marinette suddenly pulled away, staring at a family making snowman. "Alya! We gotta make a snowman!"
"Ok! Whatever makes you happy." Alya couldn't stop smiling at her altruistic, kind-hearted and clumsy friend. Alya crouched down, helping her friend gather snow to make the lower base. Alya sees Marinette beaming, giggling all the while as if this is her first time combining three stacks of balls and sticking stones and twigs on snow.
Speaking of Marinette, she's the one who helped her get back on her feet after shutting down her Ladybugblog because of the flames, hate and well... Lila. It was because of Alya's blog not catching attention and the fact she accidentally helped Nino and his OTP (Adrienette = Adrien + Marinette) that her friendship with Lila got into a compromise. Same reason why Alya felt so tempted to giving the title BFF to Marinette. I mean come on! Marinette made a club to help Ladybugblog 2.0 or what is now known as Ladyblog.
Ladyblog is the go-to website to understand: [1] the effects of miracles caused by miraculouses; [2] the pros and cons of the miraculouses abilities; [3] the general deeds of miraculous heroes and villains (backed with livefeed, footage, stolen pictures and sometimes an exclusive interview); and [4] the general history of the Order and the United Council in contact with other miraculous users. Then there are special zones such as: [5] the conspiracy corner where Alya and Marinette filter submissions. One amazing output created is the thread of potential usage of miraculouses in history; [6] the comfort zone where, again under the supervision of Alya and Marinette, akumatized victims & victims of the akumatized victims can vent and confront misunderstandings, trauma and revelations. This part is tricky because Alya knows there are psychos and mercenaries trying to off the akumatized victims. She constantly has to be on guard with her phone and the wifi she's hooked on to keep her data private; [7] an emergency site to post thoughts and emotions which may be posted or kept private for Alya and team to respond to. This was suggested by Marinette because the govern is crap in their policies and countermeasures; and [8] a Freedom wall where anyone can post their appreciation, criticism and whatever they want the hero/villain/akumatized victim/victim to read. Of course, there will be filters which Marinette suggests that blocked or rejected comments/posts will be explained to the writer via e-mail/text. It's from here Alya read pretty good critics on what happens within the rehabilitation center, something she never thought was abnormal during her rehab moment after being de-akumarized as Lady Wifi. To cap it off, the Ladyblog has an official look to it due to the front page showing: [9] the constant video posts of live feed or videos of the latest fights and actions of any miraculous holder; [9] the updates of anything miraculous-related in the field of politics, education, health, science or anything; [10] safety measures and general guidelines upon browsing the website as well as [11] Alya's trusty team.
Now Alya would have never been able to juggle her impressive blog, school life and family without the Miracle club. The Club with Marinette as the Club President with her monthly recruitment riddles, superb organization and planning skills (better than anyone she's seen before) and unworldly multitasking ability. So the members of the Miracle club is: Alix, Alya and Marinette. Alya is the head of the blog, Alix manes the patrols and Marinette covers their activities from the gaze of majority. Adrien is supposed to be the one handling the translation of the blog to different languages, but it was cut short when Gabriel Agreste found out about their hero pretend. It was a couple of days before the Scarlet Moth event occurred that Marinette was notified by Principal Damocles about Adrien's removal. Unfortunately, they found out about the club's hero fundraising... And found the club dangerous and irrelevant. Marinette didn't speak up. She shouldn't. It could expose the club's true intent. Miraculous research was a topic only the government and all affiliations to it can work on. The rest are hunted, tortured and detained.
"Adrien my man!" Nino yelled and several adults stared at the DJ as grabbed Alya's arm to drag.
"Wait Nino-" Alya looked back to see Marinette slightly shaking. She knows her baby girl doesn't like being alone in a loud crowd with dazzling lights. Don't ask her why, but she knows. Reasons why Alya should consider Marinette as her BFF. It's like her stomach did a flip when she saw Marinette look at her direction while being manhandled by two famous singers. Alya looks back at Nino and hissed under her breath. "We can't just leave Marinette alone!"
"Don't worry about her. She's in good hands." Nino reassured but a voice is screaming at Alya to head back and pull Marinette out of the spotlight. Marinette doesn't like excessive attention. The bluenette isn't safe here. This place isn't safe. Thankfully, the voice stopped when they encountered their classmates. They were all here?
"I wonder why..." Alya scanned the area, searching for possible reasons until her eyes landed on Nathalie Sancoeur speaking to Caline Bustier. Gabriel Agreste's assistant speaking to their teacher. 'Knew it.'
"Oh Alya! And Nino!" Lila greeted, cutting Adrien short. Alya notices the smile drop back to a straight line. What relationship is this? Alya accepts and reciprocates Lila's greeting and tries to ignore the nagging feeling to find Marinette and get out of this party. Lila continued, smiling sweetly. "I'm so glad you two are here. I can finally let you meet Steven Basielberg and get that interview with Nightingale!"
"G-great." Alya managed to answer, the same answer as her friend but Nino sounded more eager than her. Alya doesn't know why, but something wasn't right. Arrogant, manipulative, petty liar. Alya doesn't feel good as she continued listening to Lila's tales of various Hollywood actors and actresses. Brittle and cheap lies.
'Lies.' Alya took a step back, eyes a bit unfocused and she checks her surroundings for a quick getaway. Ever since she became Rene Rouge, something in her changed. The words uttered at her face or within her perimeter either stick in her memory or break to unveil something unwholesome. Remember the truth and break the lies to swallow the truth. Staring at the guests, Alya can see words jumbled above their heads. Lies. Hate. Disgust. Pity. Alya tries to ignore them all, unwilling to believe that her first usage with the fox miraculous could potentially draw her to insanity. She won't break. She can't break. Swallow everything, no matter how bitter. Alya struggles to find the reason why she's turned this way. That's when she remembers Ladybug's advice to her to being surrounded as a new recruit.
"When your perception goes wonky, know that there are more than seven miraculous holders nearby excluding me." Ladybug explained as the raven combed through her hair. Alya, as Rene Rouge, rested her head on Ladybug's lap as the elder heroine lulled her to sleep. Even though it's a cold night, Ladybug visited her every night to train her and memorize the layout of Paris. So far, only Carapace trusts her fully. The rest? Not so. Rene Rouge closed her eyes. she knows if she falls asleep, Ladybug will bring her back to bed. Ladybug was motherly that way. Ladybug sighed, twirling a lock of her hair. "This is because the fox miraculous is sensitive to secrets and magic. Since you're Trixx' chosen, you will experience the same so stay calm and breath. I'm sure you can work things out, Alya."
When Ladybug came to her during the Scarlet Moth invasion, Alya was surprised to hear that it was the fox miraculous that chose her. The kwami of illusion Trixx, who recently left their owner from Canada few months back, somehow persuaded Ladybug to take the kwami along to Paris. Usually, it would be the Guardian that get to decide who owns the miraculous or the government after begging/bribing/blackmailing the Order. She can't recall the reason why a Kwami can't choose their owner. That's how Ladybug was chosen and she was the ideal candidate to saving the world and Humanity in it. However, Marinette did explain to her that not all kwamis have an overall positive ability like the Ladybug miraculous. Alix theorize that's the reason why kwamis refuse to choose their owners unless they absolutely trust the designated Guardian. Also the reason why Guardians rarely get out of the Order because of the strict regime.
The stray Guardian in Paris managed to escape the Council and Order due to the Paris government and the prevalence of Hawkmoth. It wasn't enough though, considering the stray Guardian escaped just in time of an explosion in his safe house. Based on Adrien's last report before banishment (or that's what Marinette calls it), the stray guardian's name is Wang Fu but it's obvious the elderly changed his name for his own safety. Wang Fu is the same elder who taught the eleven-year-old Ladybug to embrace her kwami's guidance and Alya wished Ladybug would let her meet the man. No one but the chosen miraculous holders, guardians, new recruits and certain Council members can enter the Bases of the Order of the Guardians. Who knows what's in there?
Hanging out with her friends and adjusting to patrol, Alya is pushed to a test on whether or not she will handle the Fox Miraculous. Alya knows this isn't orthodox, reading the narratives of various miraculous holders and the first time they received their miraculous. This was special. To have Ladybug give her a miraculous and ask for her help and no one else type of special. She simply has to learn the truths and lies around her. Unravel the lies that Ladybug placed on the world to prove her skills and to test their budding friendship. Ladybug hates liars, after all. Ladybug knows she's a liar, but Alya knows it's for everyone's own good. Too bad the lies are eating Ladybug alive. Alya has to search for Ladybug's civilian form and unravel the mysteries. She wants to comfort the hero before she breaks down. She has to. Ladybug is counting on her. Chat Noir is not an option when he's on the bad side. Alya simply hopes she makes it. Ladybug chose Alya to save her. Ladybug wants Alya to save the person behind the mask from all the pain, loss, despair and end...
At the night of the Scarlet Moth, Alya accepted the task because she sees not the goddess everyone praised, but a girl who's lost everything.
'Focus.' Alya drills the word in her head as she returns to watch her group. She didn't think anyone noticed how ill she felt, but the arm of Nino stretched to hold her shoulder says otherwise. Nino knows and Alya isn't sure if Nino's doing this because they're friends or because his guardian instincts? Alya looked back to see Adrien watching her as well and she smiles, trying to reassure her ex-club member. 'Can't let anyone find out I'm a potential miraculous holder hahahaha!'
"Uh..." Alya knows Lila was expecting her to say something, but all of the stuff didn't stick to her memory. Alya remembers hearing names and places, but no action words. The side effects are too strong, but that can't be right. She can see the lies form above the other people's head but not Lila. Something was up, but Alya has no evidence. Alya opens her mouth, looking around hoping anyone would interrupt her before she spoke.
"Alya!" Marinette called out just in time. Alya looks at Marinette, thankful of her voice. Alya then noticed something odd. A lot of people are mumbling 'Familiar' or the phrase 'I've seen her before' as Marinette rushed towards them with her cutesy dress. Marinette went to different places. Alya turns halfway to meet her, feeling Nino's arm pull away.
"Glad you could make it." Juleka was the first to greet her fam, standing alone since Rose went to talk to Prince Ali. Alya noticed Marinette's eyes widen, surprised at the class get-together and even homeroom teacher.
"What did I do to deserve this?" Marinette whispered and Alya held her hand out for Marinette to grab on. She knows Marinette has a knack to cling to something to feel safe. Something Marinette wants to stop. It's not her fault, Alya reasoned, considering Marinette doesn't have friends until she came to their school. Alya looked at Marinette when she saw Marinette hesitate and even take a step back. The shock and fear in her friend's eyes puzzled her, making Alya feel even more convinced that her friend is really Ladybug.
"Wow. I didn't know you invited everyone, dude." Nino pat Adrien's back, trying to keep the atmosphere warm Alya bets. However, the way Marinette looked noxious wasn't something Adrien liked to see. Based on experience as Nino's friend, Adrien tends to be a tad possessive on his friends. There's a reason why it took so long for Nino and her to finally realize there's a spark in their warm relationship during the Christmas party.
"It took a while but he relented." Adrien chuckled and Alya caught Nino's gaze. They both nodded. It's official. Marinette is definitely in Adrien's important friend list. Now all Alya has to do is excuse herself and pull Marinette to a warm room with very few people. Surely that's possible. Alya takes one step towards Marinette and her plan gets pushed back with a single word.
"You."
"Ryuu?" Marinette answers back to the voice and Alya follows her friend's gaze to see a short-haired bluenette (for a split second, Alya thought they were siblings). The female with the cold voice wore a modernized kimono with pants instead of the usual robe. The theme is red and black, just like Ladybug... Wait a second.
'Then why did Marinette called her Ryuu?' Alya pulled out her phone and immediately checked a miraculous wielder with the code name Ryuu. God! Nino glanced at her phone as Alya checked her Ladyblog at the identical appearance of this newcomer and Kagami Tsurugi. The holder of the dragon miraculous, Kagami Tsurugi is the first partner and friend of the young Ladybug. If there is anyone who knows Ladybug, it would be Kagami.
Surprisingly, Alya learned Marinette can speak in not only Chinese, but Japanese. Fluently. Another thing she realized is how someone as clumsy and sweet like Marinette somehow became acquainted to a strict and blunt talented swordsman and fencer as Kagami. Heck. Kagami's mother was happy to see Marinette. Marinette went to Japan four years ago? Why would a ten-year-old go to Japan?? Family??? Third, why did Kagami called Marinette Lady? Alya's head aches just thinking about it and she isn't the only one. Alya notices Nino stare at Marinette, realization must have also came to him because Nino suddenly winced and clutched his head. Alya looks back and listens to the conversation. She managed to catch the words cat, no, Agreste, Adrien's father, but, Adrien, Lila and then phrases such as: liking someone and don't let demons (Akuma as in butterflies maybe?) come here. She also sense no lies exchanged between them and did Marinette tease Kagami about a crush- Ooohhhh! Lila has competition and Nino might need to change his plan. Kagami is a stubborn and fierce woman.
Not like Marinette isn't stubborn and fierce, but Kagami is the type to literally burn you with her combat and academic skills. The only problem she has is social interaction like a certain sunshine which by itself, isn't a problem because that means those two have similar backgrounds. Sometimes she wonders why Adrien's a chick magnet. Alya looked at Lila to notice her somewhat frightened. She should be since Kagami isn't as forgiving as Marinette or as easily persuaded as Chloé. Kagami doesn't have clean hands, Lila.
When Kagami held Marinette's hand after hearing the arrangement between Adrien and Lila, something in her lit. Alya immediately pulls Marinette close and she feels her friend loosen up. Unfortunately, Alya used the wrong words and the two bluenettes entered into another argument about a cat and she's still confused how the conversation became about Ladybug and Chat Noir. Max's invention came a little too late for her taste since these two had said nothing but the truth. She looks to see the expression of the only one who could have possibly understood them: Adrien Agreste. Bingo. Adrien has that look of disbelief in his eyes, also curiosity but who isn't curious?! Kagami must have leaked about Ladybug's goals or identity or even something like her favorite color?! Alya has to find out. She has to identify the identity of Ladybug and help her before it's too late. That's the least she could do for someone that trusts her so much. Alya, out of habit, checks if anyone overheard the conversation.
Something tells her she's in enemy territory.No one. Good. Alya returns her gaze back to the closest person. Nino was smiling and it was the plotting weird smile. Not surprising when she saw the developing Love triangle retreating from the group. Poor Nino. He has to remember the fact that Adrien has: Chloé as his childhood friend, Kagami as the new fencing partner (it looks that way), Lila as his fiancée, and other fans or models along the way. This is a clear sign of a harem maker. Marinette deserves the best. Besides, her sweet baker is dastardly afraid of love so just imagine how torn her head is.
"Something up?" Alya asked, dancing with the DJ who's clearly out of his head. Her friend's seriously thinking about something. It must be a Guardian thing, but Alya wished she knew the reason of such thought? Kagami and her sudden appearance certainly brings the fear of the Order making a move. The Council isn't the type to follow the rules when it can be pointed to another entity. Nino could also be thinking about his ship with Adrien and Marinette, how difficult it will be with Lila between them. Lila is the least of his worries when Gabriel and co are breathing down Adrien's neck.
"You've been in Tom & Sabine Boulangerie Patisserie before, right?" Nino finally answered back, looking back at the puzzled female.
"Of course! I bought some sweets there as soon as my family moved in. That's also where Marinette lives." Alya explained, trying to sync with her pal's line of thought. Nino rarely brings out something that sounds completely normal. Is he also onto Marinette? Alya tries to act chill, not sure if she should coax the information or test the limit of this conversation. "Why? Thinking of having a sleepover at her place?"
"Nah." Nino answers, but he's distracted. Alya allows him to pull her away from the dancing pairs and closer to the food area. There is no evidence in Marinette's room. Nino spoke as soon as the coast is clear. "Just... I'm trying to remember if her parents mentioned her. Last year or the year before that."
"What do you mean?" Alya drops her hands, placing one hand on the table. She knows the jolly father who is secretly a dork and the calm mother who actually can kick ass. "Of course they care for Marinette. She's their kid."
"I know they care about her but..." Nino dropped his hands as well. "I don't remember hearing them talk about her. Is it a Chinese thing not to talk about their daughter shipped to China in the age of 9?"
"Wow. Who told you Marinette's been shipped to China?" Alya doesn't remember anyone telling her about his, not even Marinette. And what was up with the specific age? Based on her talk with her friend's parents, they never once shipped their daughter to anywhere without their permission. "They love her. Mari must have gone on vacations with a relative or something?"
"Uh..." Nino paused. The way his eyes moved to the door where they last saw Kagami and Marinette entered made her realize he's struggling to find an excuse that won't implicate him. "Where else would she be?"
"And how did Marinette and Kagami become friends huh?" Alya raised her eyebrow, also glancing at the door. Adrien is guarding the area in his own subtle way, also avoiding Lila by asking several of the guests to talk to his engaged. "You don't become friends of that caliber in a matter of a month."
"Then that means Marinette's relatives are part of the government." Nino theorized, but he altered his statement. He covers his mouth with one hand and only Alya must hear this. "What if Marinette's relatives are part of the Order?"
"Oh." Alya never thought of that. She should because she researched about everything miraculous. The Order of the Miraculous has a base in that continent. It wasn't far-fetched. It wouldn't surprise her if China monopolized the Miraculous Research from the United Council. However, the more the theory fits into the puzzle known as Marinette, the more messed up her friend's history would be. Marinette doesn't like talking about her past. Alya pressed her lips, thinking of the words exchanged between the duo. "Fuck. What if Marinette is the agent?"
"They're coming out." Before Nino could answer, Alya interrupted him as she saw Kagami and Marinette come out of the door. "Let's test it out."
...
...
"aACK!" As soon as she and Kagami entered into a consensus and teasing her friend with her classmate, Marinette didn't think she'd mess things up. With Kagami right beside her, Marinette thought her clumsiness wouldn't get in the way. She was wrong. Three steps out of the door and Marinette, the girl who Kagami proved worthy as her partner, tripped on something. It's not air nor is it the dress. Something was there. Marinette is sure of it. A foot? Another cloth that was quickly removed from her foot? The bluenette didn't know. All for sure, she's falling and Marinette raised her arms to defend her face.
"?!" No pain. Marinette slowly opened her eyes and looked up in surprise. She had to fall into a model's arms. Not any model, but the blonde Kagami likes. Marinette blushed while Adrien's smile widen. Her heart skipped a beat and maybe the painful feeling was her heart's way of telling her of an incoming stroke? He slowly stood up, lifting her as well.
"Sorry about that." Adrien apologized. However, he didn't push her away. Adrien Agreste, taken male and wanted bachelor of all of Paris, pulled her close to the point her hands would instinctively grab the man's shoulder and straightened her arms to keep the distance between them. Adrien mouthed, but hopeful. 'Would you like to dance?'
"Later." She whispers back. Bluebell stares right at emeralds, the air between them had a spark in it. Marinette knows her friend knows something but she can't handle everything happening at the same time. Everyone's eyes are on them. Trixx can't keep the illusions with the enormous amount of miraculous holders in the same building. No one would ever want to dance with me. Marinette slowly moved her hands passed the shoulder, shortening the distance to whisper close to Adrien's ear. She breathes, eyes staring at the government officials talking with Kagami's mother. "Your bedroom."
"Midnight. Come alone." Adrien agreed, lips brushing her neck. He leisurely slipped his hands from her waist down to her hips before both pulled away with their hands as the last thing connecting them. Adrien sighs, albeit fondly(?)
"See you." Marinette gave a short nod as she took a step back. He just wants something from me. Tearing her gaze from the fashion icon, Marinette returned to her top priority and walked forward. She can hear Kagami talking to him, but his gaze are fixated at her back. Marinette keeps walking, ignoring the prickling attention. Adrien is still staring at her. Why isn't Trixx' magic not working? It should be working! The equivalent exchange has been paid. The magic must be foolproof unless... Marinette shook her head. "No way."
"Mari!" Alya caught Marinette before she hit a pillar. Marinette gives a smile, thankful on the save. She's expending beyond her usual mana expenditure. Too many people are finding out new things that are against her original plan. Trixx is having a field work tonight. She smiles at her friend, leaning her weight on the woman. "Cold."
"You mean hot 'coz Adrien can't stop staring at you, girl." Alya teased as she awkwardly brought her closer to the window. "Nino. Cover us. We gotta act natural. (Marinette giggled, glad not to have worn make-up to prevent ruining Alya's dress.) Mari's gotten the noodle legs syndrome."
"Ignoring Sunshine, what did Kagami do to you?" Alya's frisky tone turned businesslike. Marinette clings to her friend, closing her eyes and refusing to budge even when the trio (Nino's here too) sat on the chairs. "Did she force you to do something?"
"No. She's a friend.. A business friend." Marinette yawned, trying to sit up. "Scheduling meet-ups for training and paperwork, exchanging contact numbers and... learningshehasacrushonAdrien."
"You make me wonder why we don't have an Adrien fanclub in school." Alya joked while Nino acted as their watcher. Marinette laughed at the idea. Adrien wouldn't like that. Sitting on her friend's lap, Marinette rests her hand on Nino's shoulder. She ponders on what to say exactly. Kagami knows Ladybug's history, but her friend is equally clueless to her master-plan. If she doesn't say this now, Alya and Nino will believe she doesn't trust them. With the Government coming into the picture, I need to have their trust.
"Listen." Marinette whispers, leaning to her friends. Two of her handful of friends. "I never wanted to tell you... b-because I was afraid you guys will think different of me."
"That you're a guardian's daughter?" Alya continued and Marinette can see the faint trace of magic in the brunette's eyes. Trixx is delaying the inevitable. Soon. Soon all of it will unravel and boy Ladybug is thoroughly screwed on that day onward.
"That I was assigned in a role that was a part of the government and the order." Marinette told the partial truth because she needs Alya to work hard and uncover the truth and Nino... Master Fu told her not to tell him so maybe Tikki is right that these two are the perfect pair? Now here is the best lie she has ever heard that came from Kagami's mouth. The same excuse that matched so well and Marinette actually wished this had happened on that day with her timeline. "Don't freak out but I'm..."
...
...
"...The ex-user of the Ladybug miraculous." Marinette ended. Alya couldn't believe that, but the facts match. When you're a government official, the government-licensed miraculous becomes a weapon that is handed from one adept individual to another. Marinette fits all the ideal attributes of Ladybug and she worked with the government. Kagami and Marinette are friends because they are miraculous holders. Marinette was a miraculous holder, but that still counts as something.
"How long?" Nino asked, equally curious as her but Alya's still gathering her thoughts on everything.
"Until I reached the age of 12." Marinette explained, resting her head on the wall. She's dead tired, but it must be because of Kagami's interrogation session. "Then they confined me for three months before giving the miraculous to another female. I was released on September and recuperated in China before returning to my parents."
"That's the same day Ladybug's power managed to bring people back to life." Alya was in awe. She watched the video over and over. The miracle that happened in Singapore. The same day Chat Noir killed the mayor of France and decimated the entire security force assigned in the city. The mayor was immediately replaced with André Bourgeois while France rounded their troops to protect the capital. Chloé's dad not only gets the unfinished term, but also won last year's election against D'Argencourt.
"Why did they take your miraculous?" Nino pushed, curious (Alya hypothesized) since Nino may not be up-to-date with the news.
"I don't know." Marinette bit her lower lip, thinking. "Government licensed Miraculous holders are given privileges, but not information."
"Life must suck there huh?" Alya tried to lighten the mood. She doesn't like seeing Marinette sad. It didn't soothe her. "Don't worry. You're here and with our help, we can get Kagami to beat two girls with one stone."
"You mean one kendo?" Nino snickered and Alya made a raspberry sound as Marinette laughed.
"She's going to try joining the Miraculous Five." Marinette supplied and her next words struck Alya like lighting. "The government believes Rene Rouge is holding Ladybug captive."
"What? No way! I-She wouldn't do such a thing." Alya cried out in alarm which was muted when Nino covered her mouth. Marinette stared at her curiously and Alya tore Nino's hands off. It's not her fault for blowing up. She's Rene Rouge! Why the hell would the police believe she's- The Scarlet Hawk Incident. Miraculous Mirage. What if that's the same skill Ladybug used to hide her... Alya looked at Marinette, not sure how to explain or seek solace. "What are they going to do to her?"
"I don't know." Marinette whispered back, equally concerned. The government is after her because Ladybug trusts her. Alya can't believe this. She has never done this before. She knows there was a test of loyalty, but she didn't think Ladybug would hound the entire government after her. What if she has to fight Ryuuko? What if someone found out about her identity? What if no one trusts her when the news leak out? What if she gets disowned by her parents? What if she has to quit schooling and never get married? What if- GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF, ALYA. Alya takes a deep breath, calming herself down as Nino and Marinette talked about Kagami. She knows what they're talking about, Kagami and her accomplishments. Alya looks back at Marinette. Somewhere deep down, Alya knows Marinette is the key to uncovering Ladybug's identity. I thought I had it. That's why she needs evidence to piece together the whole story. When she does that, Ladybug will come clean. Maybe she'll have to help Ladybug with her problems (because there must be the reason why Ladybug hid from her own superiors) and beat Hawkmoth's ass on the long run?
"Wouldn't that mean Ladybug and Ryuuko will get into an argument?" Nino pointed out, bringing Alya back to the conversation. "Don't get me wrong but Ladybug really likes hanging out with Rene Rouge. You should see Queen Bee when they're together."
"It's not her fault Rene Rouge is cool." Alya paused halfway, not sure if she should be saying Rene Rouge so casually. If Marinette isn't the agent then someone else is watching over them. Is nowhere safe? 'Why does movies and shows make hero identities so easy to hide?'
"I'm sure Ladybug will notify Rene Rouge." Marinette assured, sitting beside Alya and giving her a side hug. "And if there's one thing I know about Ladybug is that she's really protective over her bestie."
"You think Rene Rouge and Ladybug know each other?" Alya looked at Marinette because if she says YES then that only means Marinette IS Ladybug. Whoever is against her might as well fight her at this point. There is only one person with shoulder long blue hair and clear blue eyes.
"Definitely! They're like BFFs but miraculous BFFs!" Marinette beamed but Alya knows she's onto her. There will come the day when Marinette will slip up and when that happens, everything will line up perfectly. Alya listens to Marinette's description of a BFF date, recalling her race with Ladybug. The rush of adrenaline, gust of cold winds and exchange of childish laughter. She won't go down without a fight. Ladybug shows Rene Rouge a couple of yoyo tricks, Rene Rouge practices the flute beside Ladybug and both heroines talked about food. If the government believes she knows Ladybug's location then she might as well put up a fight. The two of them sitting in the Eiffel Tower, hiding from Chat Noir while sharing scary stories in the night. Marinette and Ladybug really has the same weird liking. Alya finds her eyes slowly closing, hoping Ladybug would be lenient if she didn't come to patrol today.
...
It was the month of January. Alya got the logistics and back-up plans in case anything happens to her and everyone related to her gets into a situation. Ladybug suggested it. They are constant text buddies because the Miraculous Five Group Chat lost so much of its former fun. Carapace with his chill messages and random bouts of having a short team bonding activity via text; Viperion and his love for poetic music rhymes; King Monkey's dumb but wacky video links; Pegasus posting educational documentaries and sometimes funny means of human technology; and Queen Bee's latest fashion trend and her own videos.
Yes. Chloé wants those views and Ladybug's recognition.Now all Alya receives from the group chat are messages of Carapace on sudden Akuma attacks.Not like Alya can do anything with her miraculous in Ladybug's possession.It must be because of the latest government update. Rene Rouge is a wanted Miraculous Holder. Ladybug told her to ignore the flames, hate and rants because the truth Alya is tasked to find in her test will destroy the secrets the government. Also the same reason why Ladybug confessed to running away. Cold, empty, mechanical job. The media doesn't know what to make out of it. If they label Rene Rouge a criminal then Ladybug's action of defending her against an akuma is contradictory. There's also the fact Alya gives Ladybug daily dosage of hugs because Ladybug deserves it.
Chat Noir is a green-eyed cat literally and in another sense.Trixx is teaching her the ropes to being a better illusionist than Volpina and... It seems like Carapace is the only guy in the hero team that trusts her whole-heartedly.Right now, Alya got a visit with Ladybug in the early morning. Twenty Akumas how?! The mayor has already announced suspension to all schools for all levels. Back to the discussion of danger, there are twenty akumas where: eight of them are GRADE A Danger, three are GRADE B, four are GRADE C, three GRADE D and two unknown DANGER LEVEL. The last part must be a sentimonster, the latest enemies of the world
How did the villains manage to obtain the butterfly and peahen or is it a peacock miraculous anyways?!It will also be her first time meeting Ryuuko, having to patrol with Ladybug in the night time. Their meeting was inevitable.
"S-stop it!" Rene Rouge screamed, clutching her throat. She thought they would have a sword fight. Alya honestly thought Kagami would be a noble fighter and not some sort of assassin.
"L-la..." Surrounded in a mist, Alya fell on her knees coughing. She's running out of oxygen and she's dropped the illusions she created for King Monkey and Pegasus to snatch the akumatized objects. Too much chaos going around and everyone doesn't trust her-!
"Tsk!" Alya activate her communicator screen and smashed it on the roof tiles. There was only one person who'd save her. One person who would give up and rush to her side. As much as Alya wants to not be selfish, she rather save herself than let Ladybug repair whatever gets damaged. It'll take a while for her to come here. 'She didn't come here to help us at all!'
'Damn it! Here goes nothing!' Alya threw herself down and rolled all the way out of the house, falling and landing on another house. Said house that has a triangular roof so she rolls out and falls to a concrete-flat surface.
*Thud!
'At least I'm alive.' Landing like a mannequin, Alya can see bruises in her future. The effects have lessened, but Ryuuko's training increased her area-of-effect skill. Alya struggles to crawl and fall off to another house. 'Get out of range, Alya!'
*Thunk!
'Not now!' Alya knows someone landed somewhere close. Her fox hearing didn't end with her oxygen-deprived brain. She secretly wished it was Chat Noir because she can always bribe him with Ladybug info.
"Well if it isn't the fake fox~"
'What a bitch.' Alya cursed as a flute stabbed her cape-tail thing. She certainly expected Volpina to stop showing up once Ladybug announced Rene Rouge, aka her, to be the real fox miraculous holder. Too bad Rene Rouge is labelled an 'anti-hero' which she shouldn't be complaining since it's better than being placed in the category of Hawkmoth. Rene Rouge struggled to have the clothing torn instead, still a bit paralyzed with whatever Kagami placed on herself. Paralysis smoke? No idea. "What do you want?"
"Your miraculous silly." Volpina flipped her on her back, leaving her flute pierced (Why didn't Trixx weaponize her flute?!) on her very sturdy damn cloth.
"Hell no!" Alya, with her vision a bit blurry, managed to place one hand on her necklace with the other hand slapping the vixen. She struggles to get the woman off her, cursing. "Get off me!"
"Stop struggling!" Volpina ordered, grabbing her outstretched hand and pinning it on the ground. Alya squirms some more, hearing the GRADE B Akuma Band-she (that's really her name) scream from a distance. Alya didn't think the woman would try to choke her. "Give me the miraculous, Rene Rouge!"
"N-never!" Alya coughed. She isn't going to give her miraculous to anyone even if it means getting killed.
"You shouldn't be afraid to die." Ladybug said with her lullaby voice, sitting on a bench with Rene Rouge by her side. It was the second day of January when Ladybug met up to tell her about Chat Noir's escapade to set up a picnic on the Eiffel tower.
Like a logical woman that she is, Ladybug sat a good distance away from Chat Noir and ate nothing. She didn't think she'd hear the cat talk about their hypothetical marriage and children.From Chat Noir to the topic of death, Ladybug reassured her foxy friend. "Or get injured. I'll heal it up no biggie.""Maybe that's the reason why Chat Noir confessed to you?" Rene Rouge joked and Ladybug bumped her shoulder. "He wants immortality or wants you to revive a deceased loved one or-"
"He's drunk. People say weird things when they're drunk." Ladybug leaned on her shoulder, sighing. Ladybug's always sighing, tired of patrolling and working on her secret project. Alya lets her friend/idol rest, staring up at the star-filled night. "If you really are the true candidate for Trixx (Ladybug mumbled), then Hawkmoth is screwed because..."
"Mirage!" Rene Rouge took the risk. Letting go of her necklace, Alya Césaire placed her gloved hand on the chest of Volpina. Placing an illusion in the owner's mind with no intent to cause insanity, strong emotions have diminished and the akuma and Hawkmoth's control weaken. Alya managed to pry the hand off and push the woman off her, turning her body to stare at the temporarily mental-blocked Volpina. Her eyes widen, unable to believe the sight before her. The one who tried to kill, the same one who keeps telling Ladybug false facts about her was her... "L-lila?"
...
"?!" As soon as she received an odd miscall from her yoyo-communicator, Ladybug took a detour and narrowly avoided Chat Noir's cataclysm attack. She lets an entire building crumble, all focus directed to where her friend was. In spite of Queen Bee's cry for help and taunts from a 'dangerous' akuma, Ladybug swung off.
"Where you going, LB?" Chat Noir, ignoring his friendly conversations and pet names, is not her friend. Because the cat realized his feelings for her and decreased his death count for her sake, Ladybug has given Chat Noir the status of strangers but not friends. They will be friends when he stops killing and destroying property.
"My friend." Ladybug answered, noticing the thick mist right ahead. 'Ryuu.'
'What is wrong with her?' Ladybug honestly wished the dragon wasn't so element-oriented. She frees one hand and summons an object, staring at her right hand to see a cat doll. Oh god. Ladybug glanced back to see the Black cat travelling using an extendable staff. She has no choice. To save Rene Rouge, Ladybug asked her stranger. "Are you busy Chat Noir?!"
"Aside from trying to take your miraculous, not really!" Chat Noir grinned and Ladybug hopes she doesn't regret this. Before she opened her mouth, Chat Noir (having seen the cat doll) answered back. "Will do, m'lady."
"But I haven't-" Ladybug doesn't like the new tactic of this cat. She's already used to handling stalkers, kidnappers, rapists, robbers and murderers. Acting nice... flirting and being friendly wasn't part of her training. This was an obvious trap but Chat Noir has only wanted to bring her to dates. Suspicious indeed.
"Because you won't say NO if I want you to come with me to the movies." Chat Noir managed to spring up to her, giving a dorky smile as she stared at him in bewilderment. A movie? What movie? Is this a plan to revealing my identity? "If you want me to distract Ryuuko, you gotta say YES."
"Why couldn't you be satisfied with the right to create bad puns?" Ladybug couldn't say NO. Alya's life is at stake. They only managed to bring down ten and the sentimonsters have yet to be analyzed. She negotiated instead. "If you help me with Ryuu and the sentimonsters, I'll come to your movie night and sit beside you."
"I like your idea better." Chat Noir grabbed the black cat doll in her hand, placed a quick kiss on the back of her hand before letting go. It happened too fast that Ladybug's head caught up as soon as she landed on a rooftop.
'T-That cat!' Ladybug felt her cheeks heating up at the thought of it. Is she enabling him or is she so lonely and curious what movie night is that she said YES? Ladybug discarded the thought when she heard the Band-SHE scream. An akumatized fan of XY Generation. Ladybug has no idea why Queen Bee would like that type of music instead of Jagged Stone- She likes the music before learning Viperion and Chat Noir told her they loved the music so it's not her fault!
'What is wrong with me?' Ladybug ran and jumped down to assess the situation. She sees destroyed tiles and the flute. She picks it up, jumping down and avoiding the dragon and cat battle. She hopped down from building to building, following the mess and blood to spot her partner crawling to get off a roof. Rene Rouge isn't alone since Volpina is stepping on her. 'Oh no she doesn't-!'
"L-lADYbUbUG~!"
"André?" Ladybug answered back, looking to the voice and staring at a giant ice cream monster. Oh. Did the government give a wrong label? The ice cream maker may look like a sentimonster, but he speaks like a human. She watched the golem walk towards her. Glaciator has difficulty speaking. Ladybug frowned, unable to detect the akumatized object and get any hint to how the man became an ice cream golem. She sticks her tongue out, counting the amount of times she used Lucky Charm: Gigantitan, Dark Owl, Troublemaker, Malediktor, Miraculer and Ryuu. She uses Lucky Charm again and another Black cat doll pops out. "Really?"
*CRASH!
"*Beep! Beep-!* Now's not a great time-?"
"Sorry Chat." Ladybug never heard this side of Chat Noir before. He sounds so bitter and annoyed in life. She wonders who often calls him. Hawkmoth? Volpina? Mayura? Who? Ladybug lands on lamp post, steadying herself and staring back at the unstable ice cream man.
"Oh hi Bugaboo." And Chat Noir reverted back to his weird flirty friendly voice. Ladybug jumped down to the ground to avoid the raining ice picks her way. "Want to talk about the movie genre? I was hoping horror."
"No. I hate horror. Back to business, I need you to push Ryuu off the building." Ladybug confessed and she heard the cat laugh. True evil. Ladybug swung her yoyo towards a post, running to the other side of the road and holding onto the wall. She gritted her teeth, making sure the golem trips and immediately lets go to watch her friend fall down. Glaciator, in his panic at seeing a miraculous holder fall towards him, shot out another dose of icicles. As expected, Ryuuko shifted to fire mode and landed on the akumatized victim. That's her cue. Ladybug rushed towards the gunk of ice cream and grabbed hold of the unconscious man. She threw the heavy man on the wall and immediately broke the ice cream scooper to release the akuma and use her ability. She restores the area and avoided seeing the injuries inflicted by both hardcore close-range users as Ladybug swung her yoyo to higher ground.
"Rene!" Ladybug landed on the right place, rushing and confused why she's crying. Volpina isn't the one hurt here. It's Rene Rouge. Ladybug knelt down, ignoring the presence of Chat Noir How did Ryuu not hurt him?! and cupped her partner's cheeks. She wipes the tears with her thumb, asking. "Rene. It's me. (Ladybug decides to pull her friend into a hug.) Hang in there Rene. It's okay now."
"I-It's not! How can I be fine?!" Rene-Alya screamed and Ladybug doesn't know what to say as she hugged her friend. She lets her friend cry on her shoulder, yelling until she loses unconscious. She can hear the beeps of the necklace. Two minutes. Two minutes left. Ladybug looks up to see Chat Noir leaning on his propped staff, watching or listening? There was nothing new to Alya's trauma. Reveals were always the worst for miraculous holders- Ladybug paused when she saw a black butterfly approach them, the broken voice of Rene Rouge behind her head. "H-how could I... be friends with her? I let her hurt Mari."