Chapter Text
Rena Rouge watched the hooded figure as she crept across the rooftop. Getting closer she could make out his suit, the familiar embroidery that dotted her own shined momentary under the dim street lights. Dark hexagon shoulder and elbow pads clung to him, morphing into the suit to form what looked like soft armor around his hips and forearms.
The padding seemed to continued down to his legs but Rena's eyes zeroed in on the shield strapped to his back, the pattern identical to Master Fu’s miraculous.
Rena Rouge bit back a scowl- no, It was Master Fu’s miraculous.
She crouched against the chimney, ensuring she stayed hidden in the shadows. There was no doubt now- this was the new turtle wielder. Six months of nothing and now he decided to show up.
Six months - Six damn months of enduring Master Fu's spontaneous decision to give up his miraculous without consulting the team. Marinette had gotten whiplash during their weekly tea sessions, doing a double take when Master Fu’s bare wrist came into view and Wayzz mysterious absence became apparent. The old man had smiled at their shocked expressions, sipping his tea and asking if anyone wanted more sugar.
It took them weeks to drop the subject collectively, the team biting their nails at the possibility of another miraculous being used against them. No one came forward, the whole situation becoming a web of unanswered questions and anxiety. Was it still dormant? Had the person given up and stuffed it into storage? Had they sold it? Did Hawkmoth have it already? Through the whole ordeal Master Fu hadn’t said a word, no indication or hints on who it was.
“Things take time.” was his only response when Alya called him out on his bullshit. Marinette had taken it better than she had, rather then pulling her hair out like Alya, she instructed the team to move forward; grumbling at the inconvenience every so often when the topic came up. Adrien had simply raised an eyebrow, while Chloe shrugged seeming unfazed by the ordeal in the end. Sabrina had scrunched up her nose, silently agreeing to help Alya track it down but their efforts were useless, without their identity or a public appearance finding it seemed impossible.
Seeing him here, in the dead of night, had been a complete fluke; she’d nearly mistaken him for a wannabe vigilante a few weeks back.
Rena eyed the man, her gaze unintentionally scanning his backside as he leaned over to watch something below.
Yup, that was definitely miraculous spantex.
Suddenly the wielder’s head shot up. Rena plastered herself against the wall, praying he hadn’t spotted her. She waited a few moments, slowly peeking from her hiding spot. The last time they met he bolted on sight- She couldn’t let that happen again.
He turned, twisting to peer down at something , the sound of heavy tires on concrete filling the air. He stilled, crouching further onto the roof as he watched-what Rena assumed- was a pick up truck or van skid into the alleyway.
She scooted closer, switching chimneys to get a better look.
Rena was right, a van rode through the abandoned street, its rear nearly scraping the ground as it passed. It drove slowly until it came to a halt behind a dumpster, the van coming to a jeking stop; its weight swaying.
She raised an eyebrow beneath her mask. Odd.
Turtle boy must have came to the same conclusion, suddenly leaping across the alleyway, not making a sound as he got closer; landing a few feet above the van.
Swiftly the car door swung open, a man decked out in black stepping out. Moments later, the trunk followed suit, two more figures emerging.
There was something in the back but it was hard to make out. She wished she could get closer but with Ninja Turtle parallel to her, an attempt could be obvious.
The three figures talked animated amongst themselves in hushed whispers. They seemed..happy, slapping each other on the back and clasping their hands together in some bro high five. They made their way to the front, looking like they were about to hull something out when Ninja Turtle made his move.
He jumped down from the roof, crouching as he landed behind the van. How he kept quiet was a mystery, the asphalt under his feet uncharacteristically silent as he grabbed something beneath the bumper. It was no bigger than a stone but before Rena could get a closer look he reattached it to the haul.
The men were still occupied in the front, one seemingly on their phone while the others looked on. Turtle boy slipped into the trunk, his upper body disappearing into the van. Rena Rouge looked frantically between the men and the supposed hero cleverly staying in the mirrors blind spots.
Rena quickly jumped, landing where he'd just been, peering down at the van. She didn’t know what he was doing but whatever it was, he’d done it before. The tiles shifted under her feet but she ignored it, watching the miraculous wielder as he pulled a bag from the trunk, slinging it over his shoulder. She scooted closer, trying to see into the damn van when she heard a distant click.
A gunshot ricocheted off her right, shattering a roof tile. She cursed, her eyes landing on the man who first exited the van, now pointing a gun at her.
She barely registered her eyes moving back down to meet the golden lens of a mask before bullets rained down.
“It’s the damn fox!” The man in black bellowed, firing another round at her. The other two dived into the front, scavenging for something.
One emerged, a rifle in his hand.
Aw shit .
Rena Rouge dodged the other bullets, pulling out her flute to bat them away. The renegade shots hitting chimney tops, shingles and satellite dishes instead.
Before the rifle could join in on the action, the man was welcomed with a shield to the face. He was knocked out immediately, his nose miraculously still in tack. Turtle grabbed him mere millimeters before hitting the ground, only to let him lay there as he went after the other.
Rena leapt onto the roof of the van, still preoccupied with the madman with the gun. She was faintly aware of her miraculous companion pulling the other guy from the car below as she sidestepped bullets. The dude wasn’t even trying, his shots bouncing off in her general direction, most lounging in the brick roof behind her.
Maybe the adrenaline was throwing him off..Meh. She didn’t care.
As he reloaded she jumped down, grabbing the gun and twisting it out of his grasp. He grunted, throwing a punch but she sidestepped, sweeping at his legs and forcing him down. She pinned him to the ground, chest down as she tightened her hold on his arms. Dammit, if only she had-
As if reading her mind, a piece of rope fell beside her. She stared at it before look up at the figure. He sat on top of the van, squatting down as he regarded her, his head tilted.
She grabbed the rope making fast work of the guy, faintly registering the other two also tied down as she stood.
“Who the hell are you!?” She demanded, hands on her hips. With the light behind him she couldn’t make out his face. Only the glow of his goggles evading the shadows masking his features.
He didn’t say anything, slinking away. The bag still slung over his shoulder.
“Hey!”
He jumped down, disappearing behind the truck before coming up again, quickly emerging with the unknown trinket she’d seen before. Ready to repeat her question, her efforts were interrupted when he threw something at her. Rena immediately grabbing her flute, ready to fight when the object skidded to a stop in front of her. A phone laid there, emergency services already dialed.
He must have nabbed it from one of the brutes.
“Wha-”
By the time she looked up again. He was gone.
That sick son of a bitch.
***********
That bastard left her to clean up the mess. So what if she was being praised by city officials for stopping a robbery in motion, that slippery reptile had taken one of the bags- a bag that was apparently stuffed to the brim with more cash than hers, Sabrina's, and Marinette's bank accounts combined.
The turtle wielder was a crook, a two-timing thief that robbed robberies. Rena Rouge had kept her mouth shut, evading the press and officers when they bombarded her with questions. They didn’t need the city panicking with the realization that not only was there a lunatic moth-man on the loose possessing people but also a hard shelled super criminal running around robbing banks.
Alya was pissed, staring daggers into her tea as she retold the story to her teammates.
Marinette massaged her temples beside her. “And you’re sure it was him, Alya.”
“Yes!” She exclaimed, repeating herself for what felt like the hundredth time. “He had a shell and everything.”
Sabrina pursed her lips, bringing the tea to her mouth before letting out a sigh. “Maybe it was an akuma?”
Alya groaned. “Not you too Sab.” She smacked her cup down, the contents sloshing around violently. “We’ve been after this guy for months and now that I finally found him you’re doubting me.”
“Well it’s better than thinking the future guardian’s gone rogue.” Chloe resorted, pinkie out as she sipped her tea.
Adrien sent her an exasperated look as Alya huffed.
Chloe shrugged. “What? It’s true.”
“If they have-” Adrien interrupted, trying to get them back on track. “Do you think they’re working for Hawkmoth?”
Alya pushed her glasses up, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I don’t know. He didn’t talk or anything.” She said, “No glowing akuma mask but he could be an errand boy for Hawkmoth.”
“But why steal.” Marinette questioned, gesturing to open air. “Showing up at a random alley, stopping a robbery, taking a cut only to call the police in the end.” She frowned, meeting Alya’s gaze. “Did he try taking your miraculous?”
Alya shook her head. “Nope.”
“And he didn’t hurt anyone.”
“Everything done was for self-defense.” Alya replied, remembering how he’d stopped one of the robber’s skull from crashing into the asphalt. Hell, if she hadn’t showed up he probably would have snuck by without getting spotted
A snicker sounded somewhere behind the group, their kwami’s floating into the room with Master Fu close behind, tray in hand.
“I can’t believe Wayzz’s the delinquent this time.” Plagg chuckled, swerving over to Adrien with a piece of cheddar in his paws.“It’s been a while.”
Pollen dived into the sugar bowl Fu was carrying, Tikki close behind as Master Fu placed the tray on the table, sitting between Chloe and Adrien. The old man stirred his tea, looking annoyingly calm.
“It’s always fun when it’s Wayzz.” Trixx quipped, pulling Alya’s attention away from Master Fu. The fox kwami shimmied over, flopping down onto her head. “Things always get interesting.”
Sabrina blinked, a look of confusion flashing over her face. “And that means..?”
“Instead of being a psycho, he's just a massive jerk.” Pollen clarified, zipping out of the sugar and dusting herself off.
“It doesn’t happen much.” Tikki finished, nibbling a sugar cube. “Out of the 7, the turtle's the least likely to go astray, them and the ladybug.” She puffed up her tiny form, looking proud. Marinette fondly rolled her eyes at the statment, reaching out to pat the kwami’s head affectionately.
Sabrina raised an eyebrow, gaze moving to Master Fu. “Is it seriously that rare?”
“Historically speaking, yes.” He smiled into his cup, taking another sip. “Of course I can’t say anything's occurred in my life time but through studies and Wayzz’s own stories, it’s definitely rare.”
Chloe smirked. “Too slow to cause trouble, huh.”
Alya grumbled into her drink. “I wish, bastard’s fast enough.” Chloe quirked an eyebrow at her. “What.”
Chloe opened her mouth but Sabrina slapped her palm over it, no doubt sensing her girlfriend about to say something unneeded. Alya had lost count of the number of times Sabrina had kept Chloe from getting into full on fistfights with stuck up politicians or snobby hotel customers.
“So-” Sabrina went on, giving Chloe a weary look, her hand still in place. “You think he’s dangerous.”
Alya snorted. “If you consider throwing a frisbee lethal.” She winced, turning to Master Fu. “Uh- no offence.”
His eyes crinkled in amusement. “None taken.”
“It’s just-” She paused, her mind playing back her encounter and finding it hard to pick out the right words.“ he’s...well- the guy seems more interested in lurking then fighting.” She managed.
A sudden squeak came from Sabrina, her hand retracting from Chloe. “Ew did you just lick me?!”
Chloe stuck out her tongue, a smile forming on her lips. “You left me no choice honey.”
Sabrina pouted, taking the handkerchief Chloe offered and wiped her hand. “Was that really necessary.” She grumbled as Adrien snickered at them.
“No flirting during meetings.” Marinette chimed in as Chloe started making kissy faces, Sabrina trying to swat them away with the napkin.
“Oh please like you two are any better.” Chloe snarked, finally maneuvering around to sneak a kiss onto Sabrina’s cheek. “You guys have been holding hands this whole time.”
“That doesn’t count.” Marinette debunked, their laced fingers tightening as if to prove a point.
Adrien nodded enthusiastically beside her. “You tell em M’lady.” He laughed, challenging the other couple by kissing his own girlfriend's cheek.
Augh.
They were sickening.
Apparently the kwamis and Master Fu didn’t mind the love fest, Alya looking around desperately at them to try and stop this before it got out of hand. All pointedly avoiding her gaze- Fine, it was up to her to be the adult. Again
Alya cleared her throat. “Uh, guys. Mad turtle on the loose. Remember that.”
Marinette straightened up, sending Alya an apologetic look. “Right, so no immediate threat.”
Alya nodded.”At the moment, yeah, but we can’t be sure…” she said, his goggles shining ominously in her mind's eye. “Who knows he may be a spy for Hawkmoth and creeping around’s part of the job.”
“Alright.” Marinette said, pursing her lips in thought. “Until he does something, I think we need to hang back.” She continued. “All of us chasing after him blindly won't do us any good and we still have the daily akuma to deal with.”
Adrien released their laced hands, bringing it up to squeeze Marinette's shoulders; already sensing tension building.
There never seemed to be enough time for anything. Looking closely she could see the dark circles under Marinette's eyes, Adrien's slouched shoulders, and Sabrina’s drooping eyes. Even Chloe’s unnaturally shiny hair was faltering, losing it's usually glimmer.
They were all tired, with classes, internships, work and superheroing finding time to breath was hard. Even with Sabrina’s help her hands were tied now, being a fully fledged officer and working her way up to detective.
“Think you two can keep an eye out for him?” Adrien said, directing the question towards Alya and Sabrina. “You seem to have a knack for finding him.”
Sabrina nodded, a smile forming on her lips while Alya crossed her arms, eyebrows raised in amusement. “Like you even need to ask.”
Marinette smiled, leaning in to say something when her phone went off. She dug it out of her purse, scoffing at the screen.
“I need to go.” She stood up, stretching. “Mrs. Mansoor needs me to look over some prints before finalizing them.”
“I’ll go with you.” Adrien said, following her to the door. Their kwami’s close behind. “Class starts in 30 for me anyways.”
Chloe sighed, giving Sabrina a quick kiss before slinging her purse over her shoulder. “I can give you two a ride. Jack’s still outside with the limo.”
Adrien smirked, opening the door for the two ladies. “Can’t seem to shake him, huh.”
Chloe waved the comment aside. “Please, if I wanted too I would.” She tutted, adjusting her hair as Pollen flew into her bag. “No point in wasting a free ride.”
“She’s got a point.” Marinette said, her attention switching back to the three still sitting. “Call us if you find anything and thank you for the tea Master Fu.”
“No problem dear.” the old man smiled, gathering the empty cups.“Team meetings are the highlight of my week.”
The three waved their goodbye, the parlor door clicking behind them and their voices soon faded down the hall.
Alya exhaled, bring the tea to her lips.“We’re all too busy.”
“Tell me about it.” Sabrina agreed, getting up and taking the tray from Master Fu. “I can take care these Captain.”
He gave her a small grin at the title, nodding his thanks as she walked over to the kitchen.
“You really think we can track him.” Alya wondered out loud.
“I think so.” The sound of running water and clanking cups muffling her voice momentarily. “Like you said, he’s a slippery guy but I can look through some case files over the last few months and see if anything pops up.”
Alya nodded, her voice tight, “Yeah, the way he was sneaking around them- He’s definitely done this before.”
“Not just that.” Sabrina continued. “The bag you said he took-it wasn’t reported missing.”
Alya’s eyes met Master Fu’s curious gaze, before she spoke up again.“What do you mean?”
Sabrina shut the water off, coming back into the room with a kitchen towel in her hands. “I mean exactly what I said-” She took a seat next to Alya, her glasses catching the light. “I was talking to a friend of mine on the case and they didn’t even press charges.” She placed the towel onto the table, folding it delicately. “They just took their money back and left.”
Alya’s eyes narrowed "The hell, why won't they press charges? They took millions.”
Trixx floated down from Alya’s head, apparently interested in their conversation. Master Fu looking intrigued by the whole situation.
Sabrina shrugged, but Alya could tell she had a theory. “The money came from some private bank, my guess is there’s some shady crap going on so-”
Alya's eyes widened.“Pressing charges would lead to an investigation.” the pieces aligning in her mind. “And the court could stumble upon something they don’t want found.” She finished, grinning.
“Exactly.” Sabrina’s own smile matching Alya’s. “ It turns out they’re already on the government's radar. This little heist just pushed them further into the light.”
“Incredible.” Trixx snickered. His tail swishing excitedly. “So Mr.Turtle took dirty money.”
“Yup.” Sabrina slouched forward, tapping her fingers against the table.”And since it’s not from a federal bank, I can't screen for it.”
“Bastard.” Alya grumbled, Trixx crackling beside her.
“Amazing.” The kwami added, Alya shooting him a glare.
“Perhaps we should leave him be.” Master Fu said, looking between the two women in amusement. “He’ll come around.”
“With all due respect Master Fu.” Alya started, her patience thinning. “You’ve been saying that for nearly a year and now your protege’s a criminal.”
That fact didn’t seem to bother Master Fu. Trixx seemed to agree with him, scooting closer and grinning as Fu began scratching the kwami’s head.
“Since when are you so uptight sweets?” Trixx mewed, his eyes squinted from the petting. “So he’s breaking a couple of laws, you’ve done that before.”
Sabrina arched an eyebrow at Alya as she spluttered to her own defense. “Jaywalking and ignoring private property signs aren’t the same as robbery.”
“Tomato, potato.” Trixx smirked, Fu chuckling beside him.
Alya pouted, crossing her arms. “Either way, we need to catch this guy.” She turned to Sabrina, eager to change the subject. “Why didn't you tell the rest of the team about the report.”
Sabrina leaned back, crisscrossing. “I can’t track the cash so I’m wanted to look into the files more before I say anything.” She patted Alya’s arm affectionately. “But I wanted to let you know, since you did find him.”
Alya gave her a small smile. “Thanks girl.” She said, her smiling growing into a smirk. “Keep me updated on the files okay, I’ll try scoping him out on my end.”
“Don’t do anything rash Alya.” Master Fu injected, giving Trixx a scratch between the ears.
She straighten her posture, looking sincere as she met his gaze. “I won't.”
*****************
Alya did something rash.
Well-technically Rena Rouge did something rash.
A few days later, she did another check around the crime scene, looking for anything the police may have overlooked. Unfortunately, not only was the turtle fast but he was careful too.
Dammit all.
She kicked the dumpster, the sound rippling down the alley and masking her frustrations.
Quickly, she changed tactics, leaping from roof to roof; deciding to stay near the crime scene. She examined every shadowy corner and alleyway in the area-- That pesky turtle couldn’t hide in his shell forever.
Rena Rouge was an hour into her search when a whizzing sound caught her attention. She instinctively ducked, rolling out of the way as a shield- his damn shield- came slashing by. It boomeranged back, Rena having to dodge it again as it made its way to a rooftop a block away.
A figure stepped out from behind a ledge, grabbing the flying shield before strapping it to his back. He jumped forward, the dim light of the street below bouncing off his form as he came to land a a few feet in front of her.
Rena immediately got into a fighting stance, brandishing her flute. “Trying to pick a fight, Shell-head” She said, making sure her voice stayed even as her eyes begrudging roamed over his features.
He lazily put his hands up, surrendering as he stepped closer. “I knew I’d miss.” He crossed his arms, posture suspiciously relaxed. “Why are you following me?”
Rena arched an eyebrow at him, maintaining her stance.. “I could ask you the same thing.”
Their eyes locked as they studied each other, waiting for the other to make a move. No wonder Rena couldn’t make out his eyes earlier, the gold of his iris blending with his lens, intensifying them.
He looked away first, Rena winning the stare down.
“Bumping into each other twice, I can pass as a coincidence.” He answered, beginning to pace, kicking up tiles.“Three times is a bit suspicious.”
Rena’s eyes followed him as he walked, he seemed to be circling her, making an arch.
In what twisted world did the turtle stalk the fox.
Rena held her ground, glaring at him. “Do you work for Hawkmoth?” She tightened her grip on her weapon, the question sounding more like a challenge.
He stopped abruptly, looking at her with an almost comical expression. “What, no!” He backed up in disgust. “I don’t know what that guy’s deal is.”
She relaxed a bit, but the feeling quickly morphing into frustration. “Then explain why you’re here-” She gestured to their surrounds. “Rather than helping us get rid of him. It’s your job to help.”
His shoulders tensed, it was obvious he was trying to keep his expression in check- sending her a deadpan look. “I don’t have to explain myself to you.” He said, crossing his arms again. Rena's eyes following the motion. “I don’t even know who you are. Any of you.” He pointed to his wrist, Master Fu’s miraculous shining under the moonlight. “I didn’t ask for this.”
“Then give it back-.” Rena Rouge demanded, months of frustration building. The emotion quickly twisted in her gut, it's coils hissing out in anger. She stepped forward, arm out. “-Then we can give it to someone who's actually worthy and not some criminal.”
It was his turn to glare. His eyes hardening as he took a step back.
“Yeah.” She laughed, sarcastically. “I know what was in the bag.” She followed after him. “Hand over the miraculous or I’m contacting the authorities.”
Lie. Getting them involved would make things messy. But he didn’t know that.
He scoffed, placing a hand on his hip. His eyes never wavering from her own. “Really, right now?”
“Yes. right now.”
“What are you going to do, give them an address to some random roof.” He tapped the tiles with his foot. “Your only landmark is the Eiffel Tower and that’s miles away.” He jabbed a thumb behind him. “You don’t even know where you are.”
Rena narrowed her eyes at him. “I’ll GPS it dumbass.”
A smirk slowly tugged at the edge of his mouth, apparently he doubted the accuracy of google maps. “You have no clue.”
Irritation shot through her at the sight of his grin, immediately straightening her posture to scowl up at him. “Listen here-” She jabbed a finger at him, stomping closer. “I don’t care where we are. What I do care about is you stepping up and handing over your miraculous along with all the other stuff you’ve stolen. Then maybe- just maybe, if you play nice you can go back to being a decent human being and not rot in prison.”
He frowned, looking unimpressed. “Look- I don’t care about battling freaks or joining some exorcist club.” He said, throwing her words back at her.
Rena Rouge clenched her jaw. “You keep talking and I swear-”
“Totally grateful for what you guys are doing.” He interrupted, shurrging. “It’s just not my thing.”
“But using a miraculous for pick pocketing schemes is?!.” Rena argued, every step she took forward he took one back. A weird cycle forming between them.
He shrugged again, this time looking over his shoulder as he answered. “Maybe.” He skipped over a satellite wire. “Besides you guys are handling things just fine.” He turned back to face her.“No need for another.”
She was ready to smack him at this point. “Quit playing.” Rena growled, never in her life did Rena Rouge every think she’d be the one yelling at someone to be serious. “Give it up so we can both go home.” She exclaimed, having better things to do then chase after him in this little tag along game.
He stopped near the ledge, giving her a knowing smile. The bastard shrugging once again. “Who says I’m playing.” and just like that he stepped backwards over the edge, diving into the street below
“Hey!” She cried, lunging forward. Before Rena could jump down to attack he caught her eye, shot her a finger gun and sprinted off.
She was going to kill him.
Rena bolted after him, leaping into the alleyway and bouncing off the walls to catch up. There was no way in hell she was letting him get away.
He skidded around a corner, Rena hurtling after; catapulting over a dumpster. Their steps echoed against the concrete- she was so close, just a few more feet and she had him.
She faintly registered a flash, not taking it into consideration as she let a triumphant smile spread across her face. Rena screeched around the corner, veering her flute forward, ready to fight- only to come face to face with a deserted street corner.
“..What-” Rena swerved her head around, nothing but parked cars and a flickering lamp posts greeting her on a turtle-less avenue.
God dammit
She stomped her foot against the pavement, letting out a string of curses. Nope-No way was this happening. She did not just lose a race to a turtle- to him.
Refusing to accept defeat, she took to the sky. Rena jumped back onto the the rooftops, the shingles practically cracking under her boots- She’d double back around, he couldn’t have gotten that far.
Bounding ahead, she just missed the creak of a hidden shed door opening. A young man slipped out, looking around cautiously.
He grinned, seeing the coast was clear and quickly adjusted his red cap. A whiz of green flashed by, diving beneath it as the man straightened his jacket. He peered down the street, double checking his surroundings before jogging off, disappearing into an abandoned warehouse.