Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Daylight rolled in, and Alya Cesaire pulled the blankets over her face with a groan. Seconds later her alarm went off and she growled, hearing a soft laugh as Trixx pulled the phone out from under her pillow.

“Time to get up, my girl.” Trixx said, not hiding the amusement in his voice.

“What’s the point?” Alya deadpaned, turning off the alarm and rolling her eyes at the Tyrant broadcast message alert from early this morning. Those stupid sirens no doubt woke up the entire city. Didn’t that dictator ever sleep?

She sat up and opened the message anyways with a yawn, her eyes nearly bugging out of her sockets when she saw the headline.

‘WANTED CRIMINALS - Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Adrien Agreste’

“No…” Alya whispered in horror. She threw the blankets off and ran to the living room, finding the rest of her family already gathered around the TV with the news report running.

“..sources say from inside the castle itself. The sirens that were heard across Paris right before midnight last night are tied to the capture and eventual escape of high school student Marinette Dupain-Cheng, a now suspected Miraculous Holder. Tyrant himself has labeled his son, the famous model Adrien Agreste, as a criminal for acting in the aid of her escape.”

Their pictures were displayed side by side, and Alya felt her stomach twist into a dense knot as panic threatened to overwhelm her.

She knew her best friend well enough to know that she would have tried to free Adrien from the castle. She just didn’t think she was crazy enough to do it alone.

Ladybug had to have given Marinette a Miraculous, and Alya had to admit that she was secretly proud of her clumsy friend. Not only did she successfully get inside the castle, but she managed to free Adrien too. She hoped Ladybug would enact her plan soon. Maybe this was the push they needed to stop Tyrant for good.

“The two escaped together last night,” Nadia continued, a frown on her face as she continued the report, “and are considered highly dangerous. If anyone has seen or heard from these two… criminals,” Nadia said the word as though it left a bad taste in her mouth. “It is to be reported to a Sentry immediately or disciplinary action will be taken against those who withhold any information that would have led to their capture.”

“Alya,” her mother said sadly, catching her attention. “Have you,”

“No.” She said quickly. “I haven’t heard from Marinette or Adrien.” She shook her head, trying to stay calm, “I have to get ready for school.”

Alya went back to her room, closing the door and putting her head back against it. “What are you thinking Ladybug? What are we supposed to do? How am I supposed to sit here and do nothing?”

Trixx flew over to her, reminding her gently, “With the Sentry out there able to lock onto Miraculous magic, you know you can’t. Ladybug has a plan.”

“I just have to wait for the signal. I know.” Alya covered her face in her hands, “But I’m sick of waiting.”

“Waiting is always the hardest part.” Trixx whispered, patting Alya’s cheek.

Alya nodded sadly, getting dressed in a daze before heading out to school. The Sentry at the door this morning wasn’t alone.

“Alya Cesaire, once holder of the Fox Miraculous, have you anything to report about the whereabouts of one Marinette Dupain-Cheng or Adrien Agreste?” The Sentry asked in its monotone voice.

“No.” She snapped, “I don’t know where they are or what they are doing. You and the rest of you idiot guards have my house surrounded, how the hell am I supposed to know anything about them?”

“Withholding information about the dangerous criminals will result in,”

“I said I don’t know!” Alya screamed, “Now let me go to school!”

She started to walk off, and was instantly boxed in by four Sentry’s. At this point, she wasn’t even surprised. Tyrant must be shaken by the fact that a holder went active AND managed to escape. The thought alone made her smirk.

Leave it to Marinette and Adrien to do something impossible.

Alya entered the school, the silence still as overwhelming as the first day. Once they were in the classroom, the whispering started. 

“Where could they be?” Kim asked no one in particular.

“Together, hopefully.” Nathaniel answered.

“Leave it to Marinette to cause a ripple.” Alix said proudly.

“Yeah, but now they are on the run. If they get caught, who knows what Tyrant will do to them.” Mylene reminded everyone.

“They won’t get caught.” Alya said firmly, knowing it was true.

“Maybe they are with the bug and cat.” Nino tried.

“No one has seen the heroes in two months.” Max said, adjusting his glasses, “Those probabilities are extremely low.”

“Good morning class.” Miss Bustier said as she walked in, giving them an encouraging smile.

“Good morning.” Everyone trilled.

“Now I know given the news what everyone must be feeling, but if you have information or have heard from Marinette and Adrien, please come forward.”

No one moved or said a word, and Miss Bustier smiled a little brighter. “All right then. Let’s start the day.”

…

Adrien cuddles closer to the soft scent near him, letting out a happy sigh. He hugs the pillow a little tighter, and hears a sleepy voice that isn’t his.

“Kitty… my Kitty…”

Adrien forces his eyes open as he smiles, seeing her beautiful dark hair on his chest before noticing the smile on her face. He presses a kiss into her hair, more than glad to be her pillow if it meant waking up this way.

“Are they awake?” Adrien heard Plagg whisper.

“Not yet. How is it?” Tikki asked.

“They are all there, but each of the holders that were revealed were escorted by four of those guards as they came in.”

“I suspected as much.” Tikki sighed heavily before asking, “Are you really okay? It takes a lot of our own power to activate the miraculous to protect our holders like that.”

“Of course. Two months was a walk in the park. I barely feel a yawn coming on. Who do you take me for?” Plagg said offended, causing Adrien to laugh.

“Oh, you’re awake after all.” Tikki commented, flying over so that Adrien could see her better.

“Just for a minute or two.” He admitted. “You saw everyone come in Plagg?”

The destructive kwami nodded, hovering next to Tikki. “Everyone is here but the snake.”

“Luka will be ready when we need him.” Marinette said hushed as she cuddled closer to Adrien’s chest. “He’s just waiting for the signal.”

Marinette started to sit up and Adrien whined, “Can’t we just lay here for a little while longer?”

“The faster this gets done, the faster we can really start our lives.” Marinette promised, taking his hand. Adrien raised an eyebrow, ignoring the chuckling kwami’s.

“Who are you and what have you done with Marinette?” He asked seriously.

Marinette pushed his arm, “I’ll go back to hating mornings when I don’t have Sentry’s ready to pull me out of bed.”

Adrien frowned and she grabbed his hand, “I know that look. This isn’t your fault Adrien. It never was.”

“I know.” He smiled softly, squeezing her hand before standing and helping her up. “Ready to do this m’lady?”

“As I’ll ever be.” Marinette took a deep breath but never let go of Adrien’s hand. As soon as their kwami’s were hidden, they carefully made their way back upstairs into school. The commons area was already quiet, and Adrien asked her as he looked around, “Class doesn’t start for another ten minutes. Where is everyone?”

“Tyrant started school earlier so that it could end sooner,”

“Because of the curfew.” Adrien correctly guessed. Marinette nodded and noticed the look of determination blazing in his eyes. “We are going to stop him.”

“I have no doubt.” She said, equally as determined.

They stopped outside their homeroom door, Adrien letting out a deep breath before nodding that he was ready.

Marinette opened the door without knocking, immediately catching everyone’s attention.

“Marinette.” Miss Bustier called out to her first, taking a step in her direction as Marinette pulled Adrien into the room behind her.

“Adrien?” Everyone called all at once in various stages of shock and disbelief.

“ADRIEN!” Nino hopped over the desk and tackled his best friend who laughed, hugging him back.

“I’m okay Nino.” Adrien said as Nino pulled back.

Marinette beamed, seeing everyone on their feet and staring at her. “Hi everyone.”

Alya tackled her from out of nowhere, telling her angrily as tears rolled down her cheeks, “GIRL! Have you lost your mind?! What were you thinking?!”

Marinette touched Alya’s back, patting her a few times before answering her with a smile. “I was thinking, that I was tired of sitting around doing nothing.”

“But how?” Miss Bustier asked, shushing the class’s building excitement before the Sentry came to investigate the excess noise. It made Marinette’s heart jump and tighten all at once seeing the tears in her teacher’s face. “We all saw the broadcast this morning. You are wanted criminals. How did you manage to get away from the Sentry?”

“A Miraculous.” Marinette said simply, pulling off the necklace and watching as Mullo appeared.

“Marinette, are you okay?” Mullo asked right away, circling her once before stopping in front of her face.

“Wh-What is that?” Miss Bustier asked, wiping her eyes.

“I’m a kwami, ma’am.” Mullo answered softly.

“But how,” Alya started, shaking her head, “Did Ladybug… what did she tell you? Does she have a plan? Did she know you were going to get Adrien out?”

“Alya whoa, hey easy.” Marinette said quickly. She handed the necklace to Miss Bustier with a smile. “This is the Miraculous of the Mouse, Mullo will help keep you safe.”

“Marinette,” Alya started, “Ladybug gave you the Miraculous for a reason. It can keep YOU safe.”

The silver pendant turned to a beautiful circlet of luminescent pearl in Miss Bustier’s hand, “Marinette, Alya is right. I’d much rather my students stay safe.”

“The mouse is vital for Ladybug’s plan.” Marinette closed Miss Bustier’s hand around the pendant with a smile. “I have a different role to play, and to be honest, you’d be a perfect fit for it.”

“Marinette you can’t,” Alya pressed. “Ladybug needs you.”

“Well she’s not wrong.” Adrien chuckled, and Marinette smirked at him before looking back at Miss Bustier.

“Please Miss Bustier, keep it. I insist. Ladybug knows what she is doing, I promise. After all,” she looked towards her classmates with a smile.

“We are Miraculous.”

Everyone’s eyes nearly bugged out of their sockets as kwami’s began to appear from their various hiding places.

“Marinette, h-how did, where,” Alya stuttered.

“I trust every person in this room. I’ve always trusted you, and I always will. So please, trust me.”

Adrien bowed with a flourish. “Allow me, m’lady.”

Adrien looked up, making her grin at the glow in his eyes even as she rolled hers. “Do the honors, kitty.”

“Plagg, Claws Out!” Adrien called without a second’s hesitation.

Chat Noir stood in Adrien’s place, a perfect grin on his face. Alya and Nino looked like they were closer to tears than before, and Chat Noir shot Marinette a wink.

Marinette got the message just as Kim said it before anyone else, “No freaking way. You, you’re...” Kim pointed between them and the words left her easily.

“Tikki, Spots On!”

The familiar rush of miraculous magic circled her, and as it cleared, Chat Noir took her hand with a genuine smile.

Their class erupted into cheers seeing the duo together for the first time in two months. Ladybug shushes everyone, reminding them quickly, “The Sentry.”

Everyone went quiet, Chat Noir turning towards the door with his baton out. Ladybug put a hand on his arm, asking softly with the other hand already on her yoyo, “Hear anything?”

“Not yet.” He said stiffly, every nerve ending on high alert. It took a few minutes, but when they were finally sure that they weren’t going to be discovered, everyone relaxed again.

Miss Bustier broke the silence, “How can I help, Ladybug?”

Ladybug turned and smiled at her, watching her put the necklace on. She explained the plan in full, adding on the parts that Chat Noir had suggested in order to make everything hopefully run smoother. The mouse miraculous did in fact play a vital role, and there was no one adult that they all trusted more than Miss Bustier.

“Does that make sense?” Ladybug asked, seeing everyone nod now that they knew what parts they had to play. “Miss Bustier, if you would do the honors?”

Miss Bustier looked at Mullo who smiled encouragingly. “Mullo, get squeaky!”

A soft gray mist that sparkled with pink glitter wrapped around their teacher before revealing the hero they had always seen in her. Unlike the time Marinette wore the miraculous, Miss Bustier’s suit was mostly pink with grey accents. She had long black gloves and tall black boots, her braided tail twisted like a belt around her waist. Her hair had turned into two circular buns like ears, and the mask on her face had grey on top and pink on the bottom.

“Miss Souris, at your service Ladybug.” The heroine said happily.

Ladybug nodded, hope filling her heart. “You know what to do.”

Miss Souris pulled the braided belt from around her waist and used it like a jump rope, “Multitude!”

A little army began to form, and Ladybug took Chat Noir’s hand before looking back at their friends.

Everyone nodded seriously. Knowing without a word what she meant.

It was time to take Tyrant down once and for all.

…

Chat Noir jumped from shadow to shadow, finally stopping on the upper beams of Notre Dame. He could hear the Sentry moving around the city, and silently made his way over to where Ladybug was waiting for him.

Her gaze was focused on Paris, and he hugged her from behind. “This is going to work.”

“I hope so.”

“I know so.” He pressed a kiss to the back of her head and felt her hands cover his.

“And… you are sure about this?” She asked softly, turning to look him in the eyes.

He rubbed the back of his neck, smiling sadly. “Honestly, I am. That probably sounds awful of me but… he needs to be stopped, no matter what it takes.”

“I’m sorry that of all people, he ended up being your father.” She cupped his cheek, but Chat Noir shook his head.

“No, don’t be. You suspected him a long time ago, and if it wasn’t for me being blinded by what I wanted to be true, that he wasn’t capable of,”

“You love him. He’s your father, Adrien.” Ladybug reminded him.

“And it’s because some part of me still loves him, even after everything he’s done, that’s why I know we have to do this. We are the only ones who can save him from himself.” He knew that she could hear his resolve. “We are the only ones who can make him see the truth.”

Ladybug nodded, pressing a gentle kiss on his lips before smiling. The sun began to rise behind them and his pounding heart kicked into overdrive.

“It’s time.” He whispered, seeing her nod.

They moved together, heading towards the place where they would make their stand. The Eiffel Tower.

As they landed on the upper beams out of sight, another figure landed behind them. They turned, smiling when they saw him. Chat Noir held out his fist, “Hey Viper.”

Viperion smiled, tapping his fist to the black cats, “You have no idea how good it is to see you both. I’m glad you are safe.”

“I take it Juleka explained everything?” Ladybug asked.

Viperion nodded once, “She did. The others are going to be flagged when the Sentry’s realize none of them are going to classes. The alerts are going to start in 3 minutes.”

Chat Noir blinked, “You already Second Chanced it?”

Viperion nodded, “I wanted to make sure of everything. It isn’t until the Sentry realizes Alya and Nino are both missing that the alarms start going off.”

“Alya and Nino are the ones closest to us, so it makes sense.” Chat Noir said before letting out a heavy sigh.

Viperion touched his shoulder, “I’m sorry, about all of this.”

Chat Noir shook his head, “No, don’t be. It was going to happen one way or another.”

The alarms around Paris began to signal the alert, and Ladybug smirked, “Right on time.”

Despite the Sentry moving around trying to locate the missing group of kids, an image appeared in the sky above Paris of Ladybug and Chat Noir.

“Rena does amazing work.” Viperion said impressed, as the trio stared up at the sky.

The image began to play like a pre-recorded video. “Tyrant, here is a broadcast just for you. You forced Chat Noir and I apart, you forced a generation who stood up to Hawkmoth under a microscope so that they wouldn’t challenge you. And we are here to tell you and all of Paris, it’s over. We aren’t going to let you go another day terrorizing this city.” The image-Ladybug said.

“You think you are stronger than us? That you can overpower us to take the Miraculous? Then prove it once and for all. Come and get them yourself, coward. We’ll be waiting. Your reign of terror is over.” The image-Chat Noir goaded before the faux screen disappeared all together.

Chat Noir smirked, “She was right on the nose, if I do say so myself.”

“Do you think he’ll show?” Viperion asked, his eyes wondering the skyline.

Ladybug took a deep breath, “I do. He doesn’t trust anyone but himself to come after us because he thinks he’ll have the upper hand. He thinks he’s had us trapped all this time, that there is no way to have gotten more than a few Miraculous out. He’ll never suspect a thing.”

“I hope you are right.” Viperion said, putting a hand on her arm. “I’m not letting either of you out of my sight. I promise.”

Ladybug smiled at him, giving him a nod. Viperion looked over at Chat Noir who nodded with his own smile before Viperion disappeared out of sight. It wouldn’t be too much longer, and if everything went well, they could avoid a fight completely.

Despite the resolve she knew he had, her kitten had the biggest heart, and she knew fighting his father would always weigh on him. Even if he was able to go through it with, it wasn’t something she wanted to plague his heart after it was done. Not if she could help it.

“Chat Noir,” a small voice suddenly said at his shoulder. Chat Noir lifted his hand, watching the little mouse version of their teacher jump on. “The gates at the castle just opened.”

Chat Noir froze for a single instant before he called out to her. “M’lady.”

Ladybug caught his intense stare, and knew.

“It’s time.”

…

Rena Rouge finished transforming for a second time and made her way over to where Carapace was waiting for her.

“You think he bought it?” Rena asked, keeping her voice low.

Carapace took her hand, his eyes ever watchful for any sign of the Sentry. “We know how Adrien’s dad is. There is a reason he’s been using the Sentry instead of coming out himself. The last time anyone actually saw him, it was when he was facing Ladybug the first time. It will take LB and her Chat to flush him out.”

“I hope everyone is okay.” Rena wondered out loud.

“I’m sure they are.” Carapace said, turning and giving her a reassuring smile.

“The gates at the castle are lowering. He’s walking out now, but is surrounded by Sentry.” The little mouse copy of their teacher said suddenly from her perch on Nino’s shoulder.

“We knew he would be.” Rena said. “Let’s go.” She put her arm around Carapace and jumped onto the rooftops. They took off running, knowing they had one job now.

Rena was faster, and caught sight of Tyrant first, entering a car just outside the castle gates. She scoffed. Even akumatized, Gabriel Agreste would never change. “Just as pretentious as ever.” She whispered.

The heroes stayed hidden as they followed the car to the Eiffel Tower. She knew he’d know the location from the illusion she had done. Now it was going to be all about timing, and kwamis she hoped that their two resident time holders were at their best.

“You ready?” Carapace asked.

Rena nodded. “Together.”

They jumped down from the rooftops, Carapace whistling loudly. “Hey tin can!”

The group of Sentry nearest to the car all turned, and Rena smirked as Carapace crossed his arms. “Looking for us?”

The Sentry locked onto them, heading straight for them all saying the same thing. “Holders, you will turn yourself over to Tyrant immediately.”

“As if!” Carapace called, using his shield to knock over the nearest Sentry.

Rena bashed another one, trying to get a clear path to the car as she saw the door open. Tyrant walked out in full regalia, his appearance hadn’t changed beyond the purple and black suit he was in. There was the slightest filigree design in gold along the bottom hem of the jacket, and on the cuffs and high collar. Rena found herself staring, almost too afraid to move as the deep purple of his eyes caught hers.

The sleek black cloak falling down his right side from his shoulder fluttered slightly in the breeze as he smirked at her. “Capture and bring them to me. Ladybug and Chat Noir will give up their Miraculous when they see that their friends are in danger.”

Rena clenched her fist as Tyrant turned away as though he couldn’t be bothered by them. A larger version of the gold filigree patterned the bottom of his cloak in an oddly familiar butterfly shape, glittering at her as he walked calmly towards the tower.

“Rena!”

She felt strong arms grab her around the middle, pulling her out of the way before a Sentry could grab her from behind. They rolled with the momentum, coming to a stop and immediately getting back on their feet. 

“Monkey.” Rena said surprised. “You were supposed to wait!” She scolded, jumping to avoid the Sentry’s arm that came towards her. King Monkey huffed, using his staff to catch a Sentry and send it flying away from them.

“You have your part, I have mine. Keep you and the turtle safe.” He told her seriously.

“We can handle this.” She said grunting.

He huffed with a smirk, “Viper told me to grab you.”

She wanted to knock that smirk off his face, but knew that if Viper intervened then it was important. Her getting caught apparently wasn’t a good thing for anyone.

They managed to regroup with Carapace, who looked beyond relieved to see her safe. “They just keep coming. It’s like there is no end in sight.

“We just have to make it past them to get to the tower.” Rene reminded them.

A small head popped up behind King Monkey’s Miraculous, “The giant Sentry are making their way here. You have to move now or you’ll never be able to get free.”

Carapace asked quickly. “How long?”

“Only a minute or two, tops.” Miss Mouse said worriedly. “Viperion says you can make it but you have to go now.”

“Let’s move then.” King Monkey said, taking off at a run towards the tower without waiting for them. Rena grabbed at her face as Carapace chuckled, but they took off not a second later after him. Tyrant had already gone up the tower, and was standing on the upper beams with his hands behind his back without a care in the world.

“Where are they?” Carapace asked as they came to stop. All three of them scanned the tower, looking for the familiar red and black and seeing nothing.

“Come on guys, where are you?” Rena whispered.

Tyrant suddenly lifted his arms, staring down at them. “Where are your beloved heroes now? Nowhere to be seen! They wouldn’t dare to face me, not now that I know the truth they’ve been desperately hiding. Those so-called heroes are nothing but children, children who have no idea what they are doing. I know their fears, their weaknesses. They can’t face me because they know they will lose. This is the end!”

“Wanna bet!”

Rena looked back, multiple portals opening up as the rest of the holders dropped down in various places around the Eiffel Tower. Her face lit up with a smile, watching Tyrant scoff at the sight.

“Hell yeah.” King Monkey commented excitedly, spinning his staff.

“Now we are getting somewhere.” Carapace added, sounding a little more confident.

“So, she managed a little more than I expected. It makes no difference. Sentry!” Tyrant called out.

The Sentry closed in on the tower, the various holders fending them off as much as they could until Tyrant’s voice echoed with his power, “ENOUGH!”

Rena’s body tightened, the power of Tyrant holding her in place. “No, no no NO!” She couldn’t break free. She couldn’t get her body to respond at all.

“Damn it!” King Monkey said angrily as he struggled nearby.

“I can’t, move.” Carapace groaned out.

Rena looked around, Tigress, Pegasus, Roost, Vesperia, they were all just as trapped. What were they supposed to do now? How were they going to get out of this?

A portal opened underneath the tower, and a familiar figure walked out. “Bunnyx.” Rena had tears welling up in her eyes as her small friend smirked. 

“Yo Fox, you look a little stiff.”

Rena chuckled in her relief, “A little. Care to help us out?”

Bunnyx twirled her umbrella before holding it over shoulder. “Maybe just this once.” A large figure appeared through the portal, dressed in dark blue and black with horns. After him was a familiar figure dressed in pink with pig ears. A girl with dark hair appeared next, twirling a fan with a bright smile. The blonde guy at her side had Rena’s stomach in knots. She’d recognize that staff in his hand anywhere, despite the obvious difference between the soft purple and silver of his suit versus what Hawkmoth wore.

The small girl dressed in pink took off into the fight without waiting, pulling the focus of the Sentry to her instead of the holders still trapped in place.

“Manticore.” Bunnyx said lightly. 

The mountainous ox nodded once, slamming his fists together. “Rupture!” He slammed a glowing blue fist into the ground, sending out a blast of power. Rena’s body relaxed, as did the other holders.

“Feathers?” Bunnyx called next. The dark-haired girl nodded, opening her fan. The blonde at her side grabbed her hand, warning her instantly. “Slowly.”

Feathers nodded, her eyes closing. The Sentry began to shake and Rena looked up, watching the anger grow on Tyrant’s face. A dark blue feather appeared, and followed the motion of Feathers hand. When it landed in her palm, she clenched her fist around it.

“Thank you, you’ve done enough. Time to rest.” Feathers opened her hand, revealing the brilliant white feather. One by one the Sentry faded out of existence.

One obstacle down, one to go.

“I will not be defeated! None of you have the power to stop me!” Tyrant cried out when he realized his guards were gone, his voice laced with the power of his oppression.

The blonde smirked, not at all affected by Tyrant’s ability. “Go again, Manticore.”

Manticore slammed his fists together again, just as Rena felt her transformation falling away. “Rupture!”

Rena’s power stayed intact, and she fell to her knees trying to catch her breath. All that pressure of Tyrant’s power and the Rupture fighting it back was starting to take its toll even with a Miraculous. Her eyes wandered, seeing the other holders struggling to stand too.

“You okay Feathers?” The butterfly holder asked the dark-haired girl. She had her hands on her knees but nodded.

“Yeah, yeah I’m okay.” She assured him despite sounding out of breath, “Go Monarch.”

The blonde hero, Monarch, nodded, white butterflies surrounding him before he disappeared.

“Where,” Rena started to ask when Feathers stood tall and smiled at her, “Viper needed him.”

“How did you know?” Rena asked, looking up as a loud crash sounded above them.

Feathers lifted her hand to her shoulder and a little Miss Souris hopped on, waving at her. “Oh, Miss Souris. Wait, how did you get a copy? Do we know you?”

“You will.” Feathers said secretively as another loud crash echoed.

“We can’t explain right now but you’ll understand later.” Bunnyx explained, turning her attention to the famous monument. “Just know that they are important to stopping Tyrant.”

Feathers nodded, “Manticore freeing the holders and Monarch’s mere presence especially.”

A streak of purple flew past them, landing near the bridge as his cane tore unforgivingly into the stone. Tyrant had a look of pure hatred on his face, Viperion and Monarch landed side by side between the holders and Tyrant.

“I told you, it doesn’t matter what you do anymore. We’ve done this plenty of times already.” Viperion told him calmly. 

“You are going to lose, Tyrant. Give up. You are outnumbered.” Monarch ordered.

Tyrant huffed. “You think a bunch of children are really enough to stop me? Your precious heroes didn’t even show up to help you. They abandoned you, the way they abandoned Paris for months, and you know why? It’s because they are weak.” He took a step towards them, Viperion and Monarch taking a defensive stance.

“Both of them. Your precious Ladybug and Chat Noir are nothing but teenagers who don’t have a clue about what they are doing. They are flailing blindly, putting on this show that they are unstoppable.” He lifted his chin, his body vibrating with power they all knew he would have no problem unleashing. “Let me show you all what real power looks like.”

“Stop him!” Rena cried out, knowing a third absolute order would down all of them for good.

Viperion and Monarch were already moving, trying to close the short distance to Tyrant when a single word was whispered by the madly grinning man.

“Servitude.” A gust of power radiated out of him, passing over everyone within his line of sight.

Viperion and Monarch froze in place, their hands outstretched just inches from reaching their target.

Tyrant laughed as every person in sight went still. “Bow.”

Viperion and Monarch go down to their knees first, Rena fighting against the pull with a groan until her knee slammed into the pavement. Tears filled her eyes, her body completely unresponsive to her demands to move, to fight back.

“This is what you wanted. You challenged me, and you’ve lost. Now all of Paris knows the truth.” He lifted his hands into the air, grinning madly. “My rule is absolute!”

“The only thing that’s absolute here,” “is that you are absolutely going to lose.”

Tyrant turned at their voices, already swinging his cane when Chat Noir’s baton met him instantly to block the blow. “You won’t win.” Tyrant goaded, his eyes trained on Chat Noir.

The hero didn’t flinch, steadily holding back the push of Tyrant’s cane against his baton.

“I’m not trying to win.” Chat Noir smirked, “We already did.”

Tyrant jumped back knowing they were going to try something. He heard the zip of Ladybug’s yoyo, instinct forcing him to look towards the sound. He used his cane to block her attack, laughing unamused when it returned to her hand without hitting him. 

“You really thought that would be enough to stop me?!”

Ladybug shook her head, “Not at all. But this will.”

“Cataclysm.” Chat Noir whispered.

Tyrant turned in just enough time to see the familiar flower brooch touch the destructive force in the great black cat’s hand.

“NO!”

He fell to his knees as his connection with the akuma broke, the magic bubbling around him and returning him to normal. Ladybug caught the akuma quickly, relief in her voice as she called it.

“Miraculous Ladybug!”

The power of creation moved throughout all of Paris, freeing the heroes and returning everything back to normal.

“Nooroo,” Gabriel started, but Monarch was there, pulling the pendant off of him before the transformation could begin.

“Never again. You’re done abusing my Miraculous, Gabriel.” Monarch held the pendent firmly in his hand, glaring down at the fashion icon. Viperion moved at the same time Chat Noir did, seeing Gabriel’s intent. They each grabbed him by one of his arms, keeping him from getting anywhere near Monarch.

“If you think this is the end, you’re wrong! I will not be defeated! I will have the Miraculous!”

“Gabriel enough, it’s over.”

Chat Noir felt his father stop fighting at her voice, glancing at the worried look on Viperion’s face. He simply nodded, and the snake bearer let go. Gabriel stared wide-eyed at the woman being held up by Bunnyx.

“Em… Emilie.” Gabriel’s voice was tight with tears as he stared at the soft smile on her face.

“You were right LB, it worked like a charm.” Bunnyx said, helping Emilie take a step forward. Chat Noir rushed to her, letting her put an arm over his shoulder instead.

“Easy.” He whispered. Emilie held on tighter, “I’m okay Sunshine.”

“But, but how…” Gabriel barely asked when Ladybug answered easily. “Your son guessed that your wife was the reason you were doing all of this. With the help from our friends from the future, we were able to pinpoint how to wake her up.” Her voice stayed even, “We didn’t show up right away because we were taking care of her.”

Chat Noir huffed, “Not because we were scared to face you.”

“Pegasus.” Ladybug called, not having to wait long before he hurried over. “Take Mr and Mrs Agreste home please.”

Pegasus nodded, opening a portal. Chat Noir nearly growled as Gabriel approached, but his mother patted his chest. “Shh, it’s okay. We’ll talk when you get home.”

Chat Noir nodded, kissing the top of her head, “I love you Mom.”

Ladybug took Chat Noir’s hand as they disappeared into the portal, the other holders slowly gathering around them.

“Bug.” Monarch stepped up, holding out the Butterfly miraculous. Bunnyx stepped up next, holding the Peacock miraculous in her hand. Ladybug and Chat Noir each took one, looking at each other before looking out at their friends.

“It’s over. For good this time. We did it.” Ladybug told them before smiling and holding out her fist.

Chat Noir instantly joined her, the rest of the heroes quickly following suit. “POUND IT!”

“We wouldn’t have been able to pull this off without all of you. So thank you, really.” Chat Noir said sincerely, handing Ladybug the Peacock Miraculous so she could put it in her yoyo for safekeeping along with the Butterfly.

Carapace put a hand on Chat’s shoulder. “We would do anything to help you, my man.”

The others all nodded in agreement, Monarch frowning, “Just, don’t let your guard down. Hawkmoth may be defeated, but that doesn’t mean other threats aren’t lurking.”

Bunnyx smacked him on the back of the head with her umbrella, “That’s enough out of you. I’m going to get these ones home LB. You’ll be okay?”

Ladybug nodded, looking at Chat Noir who smiled back and answered easily. “Yeah. I think so. I think we’ll be okay.”

Ladybug squeezed his hand in assurance, watching the future holders disappear into the burrow. It wasn’t completely over, and things were far from settled, but for now they would bask in the glory of their victory. They had each other, and knew that was all they needed.