Chapter Text
“Pound it!~”
The familiar catchphrase of every purified akuma. As the famous catbug duo handled each others business accordingly.
“Miraculous ladybug!” Ladybug, everyone’s favorite spotted heroine, returned everything back to it’s status quo while an innocent, formerly akumatized victim watches in awe. However he was not the only one accustomed to awe, as her Black cat suited partner can’t help but stare on too, instead of doing something productive like asking the victim what was wrong until his Lady went straight to work. Everyone is waiting on their phones for the “Okay” to continue on with normal life, for a glimpse of these magical insects.
After comforting the victim and giving encouragement, they had to get back to where they were supposed to be, and fast! Exchanging only a few words. “Good fight Chatton, gotta go! “ She said throwing her yoyo to the distance and waiting for just a moment.
“As always my lady!” He gave a small salute with two of his fingers before the both of them vaulted off into the distance.
“Akumatized victims are getting so common it’s becoming impossible for the school system to end classes early each time it happens. Students in the akumatized zone of paris can’t afford to be this delayed in their studies. It’s going to begin overlapping into holiday breaks, or even into weekends.” Ladybug hiding in an alleyway next to a Electronics store to detransformed quietly saw before she dipped in that new program circulating around paris. Much to her distaste.
“Spots off.” She said looking to her kwami as she opened her bag to rush her in so she could make a mad dash to school cookie in bag already. “No time to waste.” She murmured school is starting up once again and you can’t be late because they expect you to be there but for these superhero students things are getting too close for comfort.
‘This is close to home…’ Marinette thought. As she broke out running. ‘Past our shop…Don’t trip! down the road… across the street… up the stairs… Is adrien around? N-no time for that! Through one more door.’ the scenery flew by as classes were already starting up hoping she was still in the grace period. Out of breath and into her art class. “Did I make it…?” she looked at everyone who was still at school in their seats as if still in the lesson she was just interrupting.
The art teacher just sighed a bit. As she quietly went to sit in class. Pursing her lips.
The class seemed to go well and ended relatively reasonably the principle having to guide class times now according to a proper school schedule on these Akuma days.
“Miss Marinette. Can I speak to you?” The kind older art teacher spoke a firm yet respectable voice. As Marinette our ordinary everyday ladybug was singled out of everyone as they left for the day.
“Yes sir is there something I can help you with?” Grasping at the back of her head nervously. “I’m sorry I was late…”
“The Akuma had not come into the school area so I let the others continue with their art and my lesson. Now I can understand if you’re scared of akuma attacks and need to flee when they’re close but if you’re going to check your phone and run without giving me warning I’m going to have to report it to the school. “ He said with a concerned look on his face. Marinette tensed up and he noticed. “We have to know where you are to keep you safe. Where did you go?” He said urging her.
“I-I was just running home to my family. You know how bad akumas can get…! I was deathly terrified and would rather be with them.” She tried making excuses. The teacher pursed his lips a bit.
“We gave your parents a phone call and you were not with them.” Marinette's blood went cold a bit. Knowing what was about to happen next. The teacher having great concern painted in his eyes. “We do this f-” he was cut off by the two who had just rushed into the classroom.
“Where is our daughter?” “Marinette!” The oddly proportioned couple came running into the art room with concern and flour caked on their shirts.
“Mama. Papa!” Marinette called out to immediately thrown into her fathers gigantic arms. And mothers fierce concerned hug. “I’m here now I’m okay…” She knew she had some explaining to do. “Also can’t breathe…ow.” Needing some space of her own.
“Marinette where were you?” After being released from hugs came the concern. “You know you’ll get in danger if you run out what if you get caught up in these attacks and get hurt!” The worry from her mother was heart string pulling and Marinette knew it.
“When the school called and said you were making a dash home and you didn’t come we were… so…” Tom began to tear up a bit “We told you when these things happen you can’t just make a run home….” Marinettes’ eyes watered lightly at her parents knowing she can’t follow the rules they want her to follow .
“Did you get caught up in the akuma again…?” Sabine put her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. “You know you’re all we have… And we love you so… so much.”
“Honey we don’t want this to happen to you… So we have to ground you until you learn that unless a akuma is attacking the school not to run because you never make it home… Please sweetie. Every time this happens you’re not allowed on your phone or computer or Tv News programs on akuma days. “ Tom put his foot down on this one. That could be dangerous especially if hawkmoth attacks twice in one day. “This is for your own good.” Marinette felt her eyes twitch in sadness tears slipping down as she hugged the family who loved and cared for her so deeply. Knowing she can’t refuse them..
“B-but…” she looked quietly down at her purse where Tikki was in probably listening. She saw the look her parents were giving her. “O-Okay…” she agreed and was given another more gentle hug from both Tom and Sabine.
“Thank you for calling us.” holding her hand out, waiting for her daughters phone. “We’ll handle the rest from here… thank you again.” Sabine wrapped her fingers around the phone that was set in her hands by her reluctant daughter. Her teacher just nodded and let them leave for home.
There was a bit of quiet again. “Did you guys really close the bakery just to come get me…?” Mari’s weak question to fill the space in between her mother and fathers hands.
“Of course, we love you sweetie. We support you in many things and give you many freedoms but you get so squirrely around akuma attacks. We had to make this decision together.” Tom said rubbing his finger against the back of his daughter's hand gently as they all helled hands home as a family.
“Awwhh is Marinette needing to be walked home with her mommy and daddy?” Chloe teased as they walked down the steps of the school. Everyone just ignored her on their way home to open everything again.
Lila also watching thinking some devious thoughts on the inside while outwardly speaking. “So sweet. Just like the time my uncle who is famous walked me home too. He did…-” as her clique listened. Quietly seething at their love looking down and tapping on her phone. Landing on the ladyblog.
After all that Marinette went upstairs into her bedroom and just kind of flopped on her lounge chair not knowing how to absorb her new found grounding. Airing her frustrations into the chair. “Ahmmmmmmmmmfms..” as Tikki Escaped from her purse. Crumb on her cheek. “I’m sorry Marinette…. I really wish you could have a normal life along with being a superhero but you’re always doing such a good job!” She encouraged.
Marinette just kind of lifted her head up and to the side to glance at Tikki. “I know… but I just… Ughhh…the way they looked at me I wish they knew I was doing this for them… or just everyone.” she pouted quietly as Tikki hid behind her pillow quickly as the sound of footsteps came from below.
“Marinette. You better not be on the computer unless it’s for homework.” Sabine coo’d as she lifted the hatch up. Bringing her up an after school snack of soup and a chunk of bread. “I’m going to be checking on you until tomorrow so don’t close the hatch. “ her mother entered setting the soup down and put a gentle hand on her daughter's head. “We love you. Please try to have fun.” she watched as her mom glanced at her computer for a moment. “I’m going back to help your father come down if you want.” Watching as she left down the stairs.
“Why does everything have to be so difficult…?” Marinette called out to Tikki as she flipped onto her back.
“That’s just the way the cookie crumbles Marinette… that’s life.” Tikki said squishing cheek to cheek with Marinette.
‘Does Chat deal with this too…?’ Thinking to herself. Wishing she could relate with him in that way but it’s better to keep your identities secret. That’s what fu taught her. Sighing a great big sigh.
---
Lila seethed even further with the fact that Ladybug saved the day. The ladyblog had covered it all. Here there and gone. Short tiny videos, long dramatic videos, stupid fake videos that were flagged to be put on the “fanmade section”.
The ladyblog forum with the videos posted in case alya missed attack herself were popular with Ladybug and Chat Noirs fans wanting to document their favorite real life superheroes. After all everyone Adored Ladybug.
Laying on the floor at home in front of her family’s Tv, ignoring the news of the day. Ladybugs heroics being always the toast of the town.
“ Ladybug, everyone's favorite spotted hero…” she mocked the Ladyblog and news accordingly making hand gestures and distorting her face in disgust.
“NOT.” She tapped at her phone face wrinkled in upset. Quietly the deceit in her heart plotting her revenge on Ladybug.
“She is not miss perfect and I will find it.” Scrolling down forums after forums of videos saved for each different akuma and re-occurring akumas. Studying them one by one as if it were her own homework that she wasn’t doing, banking on one of the nobodys to do it for her, Doesn’t matter who does it.
After all today was sickening. Seeing both of her enemies succeed where she can’t. Ladybug out playing Hawkmoth and Marinette's parents actually being there for her… like LAST TIME. Marinette's parents at her side holding her shoulders as they denied her false accusations.
The lies to the people around her were not making her feel good, Not after a double whammy and building as well as she watched video after video about how people saw Ladybug here or there or caught on some blurry phone or the actual good action she was still succeeding and it burnt in her stomach. Either freaking out about how popular this shot is or how much they love her and like seeing her instead of being quiet like Alya.
“There had to be a weakness somewhere anywhere that would make that woman- No girl, Crack. Give an opportunity to show Paris. No. not just Paris the world that Ladybug was nothing but a pest.” She vented her frustrations vocally. Going over footage.
Stumbling on side videos repeats. Until she noticed one from her own fight. ‘Don’t give up Ladybug.’ Fan footage. Shaky. ‘Ugh. Amateurs.’ It was where she was dangling Adrien and the focus on Ladybug alone, Chat Noir only clipping in the poorly zoomed in camera shot from below.
She noticed how she reached to sacrifice her miraculous. Everything clicked. How perfect. When then said he was an illusion and not to do it. Why hadn’t she thought about this before!
“There will be no one to comfort you this time… Ladybug.” She stood to find what she was looking for a necklace in the shape of a tail, placing it around her neck and letting menacing thoughts take over.
Opening up a window and watched and waited, closing her eyes as a black butterfly fluttered onto her chain.
“Volpina. Pleased to see you again I sensed your intentions and they match mine. You know what I want. Their miraculous’ and I will give you power in exchange to humiliate Ladybug and Chat Noir.” He announced as a whisper no one else could hear into her ears.
“Of course and this time we’ll be ready! Also … I’m going to need another akuma in this plan. Not for me of course. I’m just going to let it go where it will.” Her eyes were sharpened under the black murk of the desire.
Leaping off the window and onto the buildings above, she had to make this perfect. She had to train . It had to be… just right.
“Hawkmoth… let’s take a look at what’s on the news… shall we? “
-----------
The bakery had scarce customers for a short while after they closed it to care for their daughter.
“Here is a follow up on the rise of hit and runs here in Paris. Ruthi Mccormick a foreigner to the country on business after the tragic accident that injured 4 people had to say “she was not used to the roads and forgot.” And other tragic tales from the runaway roadkil-.” the news woman spoke firmly on the subject as the Television was changed to more charming show of Alternative truth!
“There. If Marinette is grounded from the news we must also follow her grounding up with ourselves and make sure she can’t sneak watch it.” Tom placing his giant hands on his hips. “It’s for our daughter.” The customers probably also enjoying the show while browsing than hearing about the terror that has become normal. If not tradition in the city that Ladybug will always save the day!
---------
Upon the rooftops of paris. “Hawkmoth you see my illusions. They’re nice. Everything I could ever want. However… “ She brushed her hand upon the Car.
“They’re weak.” She hissed as the Car faded from her touch.
“So!~ Obviously we’re going to have to fix that! You have ties to Mayura. I want her to…”
She made 10 cars upon nearby roofs with an illusion.
…
“We’ll make the perfect puppets but we wait until tomorrow. My mother says she’s coming home today I won’t have any mistakes. Nothing sloppy! Today and tomorrow are mine!” Leaping across building tops. Only stopping to watch as the sunset completely, Before heading to her home she swung into the open window. Taking her time to look out the open window feeling the Paris winds in her hair.
Volpina stopped looking at the clock. ‘Soon.’ she thought quietly in her heart before the black butterfly fluttered out of her necklace prying it’s magic off of her body with her.
Time seemed to pass quickly. Expecting her mother soon… It was getting dark and she still wasn’t home.
Lila lied when she said today was her day when looking down at her phone and seeing another… excuse.
It left her to seethe even further through the night.
----------
Quietly a black butterfly returns as it being chosen for something more, As it was placed atop hawkmoths staff inside laying in wait.
“Perfect plan Volpina… Tomorrow surely their miraculous will be mine!” The window closed as the transformation fell from his body.
Gabriel Agrest fashion design, who had lost his wife. “You’re going to be well acquainted with my feelings tomorrow… the whole world will be.” he monologue as he was pulled back into his own home.
What that girls vague plan ran in his head. ‘Don’t worry, nothing we haven’t seen before. After all, I just have to make it look right. Just follow my lead.’
“Not sloppy, Perhaps messy just like a child's plan.” Undermining her yet still intrigued.
These thoughts lead him to believe he would not want Adrien to get involved… After all that girl has a way with illusions. He also is aware of his sons fond puppy love of his spotted enemy. After all Natalie’s connected tablet keeps filling with images of her. A never ending reminder of his failures.
‘Natalie. Change Adrien’s fencing training with His piano class with his instructor.” Tone cold as he addressed his secretary and friend coming out of his office.
“Yes sir.” Emotionlessly plugging the figures in the schedule around.
“Tomorrow begins your debut at your full potential. Mayura.” Gabriel gave her a glance with a devious smile on his face.
“Yes sir.” She stood up straight giving him a nod of confirmation. She would do anything for him.
Turning around back at his office, gazing upon his wife. Feeling excitement.. Or is this just bubbling worry about the girls words. ‘Will this work?’ as he reached a hand out onto his wife's painting.
-----------------
“Knit one. Pearl two.” Marinette watched as her next hat was coming together slowly. A beanie in cute pastel orange. A gift for Alya for always being there for her. It was calming as she listened to the smooth jams of jagged stone just feeling a bit of rock.
“Knit three…. Pearl four.” watching the progress on it. Trying hard to ignore some dropped bits she could just hide something over it. Perhaps a big flower decor piece.
“Marinette. You’re not going to patrol?” Tikki blinked watching as the comfy and cozy jammies of her chosen were on already.
“Yeah Chat had something to do tonight and so he cancelled on me so I just think I’m going to relax a bit. The night seems pretty peaceful no complaints.” She petted her small friend with a finger. Just booping her a few times.
“Are you sure?” Tilting her head a bit to her pets before getting a bit annoyed and distancing herself just a little. Anxious bug things.
“Yeah I went up two or three times during the day. It’s quiet. Do you want me to check one more time?” Marinette raised an eyebrow a slight smile tugging on the corner of her lips.
Knowing her little bug and her anxious nature sometimes. She already got up off her computer chair,
“Yeah maybe just check for sounds just for a moment….” Tikki floated around the stairs.
Stretching her arms up as her hands bump a certain thick paper ruffling noise through her ears.
Looking up she smiled a small bitter smile.
Pulling down the schedule of…She kind of felt a little uncomfortable. Kagami's boyfriend.
She closed her eyes a bit, Taking a basketball sticker off the laminated calendar, feeling the stickiness in her hands as she rubs off the dry erase marker with her thumb. Squinting as it didn’t come off.
“Marinette?” Tikki floated over. “What are you doing? Did Adrien have a schedule change?” She giggled.
“No, Tikki I think… I think… I just want to focus on myself for a while.” Glancing at the floor in a bit of her own shame cheeks flushed.
“What’s wrong Marinette? You would usually freak out if anyone looked at that. Now you’re freaking out!” Tikki just seemed a little shocked and it showed!
Marinette was quiet for a moment. “Well. Tikki I was thinking about Adrien.”
“And what is new?” Tikki teased giving a small giggle.
“W-What! Well… You’re… not wrong!” puffing her cheeks a bit before sitting back into her computer chair looking up at the schedule.
“I just… was thinking about how I love Adrien.”
“I think we know this.” a wide smile on Tikkis face as she landed on Marinette's arm.
“Tikki hear me out! “ Marinette blushed in frustration, breathing a sigh looking down at her friend.
“About how I love Adrien…like… now he has Kagami…but even so I’m hurt but I’m also… okay. Like it hurts it really does but also… It’s warm to see him so happy. “ Glancing back up to her grand knowledge of the boys day to day life. “Is that weird?”
“Oh Marinette! You really are growing up!” Tikki floated up to hug Marinette's cheek giving it a small nuzzle.
“Like I still like him but… But…. um…” Marinette closing her left eyelid to prevent Tikkis antenna poking her eyeball.
Tikki floated to face her close. “Marinette that is just what love is. You’re doing the right thing.” giving her a small smile.
“Yeah is it funny that I want to take it down now? I mean it does kind of feel like I lost you know?” She leaned in peeling off another basket ball sticker. Putting it on Tikkis forehead.
“News just in. A new comer to the basketball world. Small tiny cute! Master of good luck! It’s BB Ball Tikki! “ Marinette made small cheering sounds as she joked with her kwami as if she was a small child even if she was eons old.
“Wanna help me pull off some stickers? While I go get hot water and a rag to clean it off? “ Marinette offered.
“Yes! And then we will go to the roof.” Tikki squeaked proceeding to peel another basketball sticker and putting it on another spot as the laughed.
---
Tap tap tap tap tap.
Ring Ring Ring Ring!
The mixture of the two received a complaint from the previously sleeping gal. “Marinette!” Tikki her tiny bug companion tapped her tiny arms on her cheek. “That was your last alarm you’re going to be late!”
Sitting up slowly from her bed and turning off her alarm clock. Having the immunity to freshly baked bread, sugary sweets, and baked goods scent that rose up to her room from way below. Pulling her hair up into her signature staple twin tails and doing other bathroom business.
As her own lunch was packed by her sweet mother her phone right beside it because when you’re a daughter of a baker why pay for school provided lunch? Adjusting her purse to make Tikki more comfortable. Pouring a bowl of granola bran and a cup of yogurt from the fridge opening the tab and dumping it on the top of the flakes. Grabbing a spoon and tossing the empty cup and missing. She enjoyed breakfast while finally being able to browse on her phone catching up on all those text messages from her friends and the group chat room. Currently is Max talking about the fundamentals of what a robot should know, While Kim teases him about AI ending the whole world.
Flipping to the latest news about the latest prank last night was 10 cars up on the rooftops last night in hilarious prank on residents. There yesterday and gone dead in the night.
“Weird..” Marinette mouth ready for food. As an ad for Adriens perfume came up on her screen as teen aged love struck girl continued.
With how long she was staring at it she would never finish breakfast until a hand pushed the spoon into her mouth. Giving an audible choking sound from her.
“Umhs. Maommmm!” Marinette dropped her spoon as she choked down the bite that was put in her mouth.
Her mother chuckled. “Honey close your mouth while you eat.” she couldn’t help but have that habit of doing small pranks.
After choking a bit. “M-Mom!” Marinette cried out in complaint. Still red from either Adrien or coughing, Perhaps both.
“Good morning sugar bun. Glad to see you out. Don’t be late for school.” her mother scolded as she put two cookies in a plastic bag and into her lunch bag as she opened her daughters school bag and put it on the top.
“One day you’re going to get whipped cream in dad's eye one day mom or worse!” venting at her mom's shenanigans. “Also I won’t be late for sure.” She shoved down her cereal really quickly and got some water.
“Oh and don’t be checking the news on your phone at school!” her mom tapped her phone in her free hand down a tad seeing brilliant golden child. Her mother snickered at her daughter. “Be good now I’m going to go help your father. I love you!~”
“Oh Good morin- I mean I’ll see you later mom!” Marinette placed her bag on her shoulder and headed out.
Heading downstairs locking the house from their other door. Knocking on the glass outside as she peeked in from the outside.
“Bye mom and dad I love you!” She called over to them before escaping knowing how long her fathers bear hugs last.
---
“Hey girl!” Alya looked down from the stairs in front of the school abandoning Ninos hand. “Girl you wouldn’t believe what footage I caught yesterday. Photography class is going to be in Awe as always. “ walking down the steps to greet her best friend.
“Alya!” Marinette met her half way up the stairs. Looking at her phone. “Yeah I tried to get there but then I got scared and tried to go home again you know?” she leaned close to her hovering over her phone used to seeing herself in costume. “I got grounded. Actually, I can’t have my phone if I run away during a akuma attack my parents said it’s too dangerous. Ugh I’m such a chicken!” Marinette flung her arms in the air in frustration before having them slump downward as her head rested on Alyas shoulder, hoping it was convincing.
“Girl you need courage.” She winked. “Just think of every akuma like Chloe, Oh wait most of them are her.” she laughed a bit and so did Marinette.
Nino waved in the background stepping after his girl. “Don’t worry about it Marinette. I bet even Ladybug gets scared of akuma’s sometimes, You just gotta face your fears.” He said nudging her a bit
“Yeah Marinette you’re strong and cool in your own ways.” A gentle voice from below from someone she’d already seen today, at least online.
“Bwahh!” she jerked back into Alya who just caught her at her shoulders. “Morning dude.” Nino gave him a fist bump.
“Good morning guys.” Adrien returning his friends gesture of affection.
“AhH um. Morning good Adrien! You’re strong and ool yourself.- Cool i mean. Ahahehehm.. “ Marinette stumbled over her words As Alya just kind of shook her head smiling, This was your everyday interactions with the everyday ladybug around her crush.
“Good morning Adrien.” A soft monotone yet feminine voice called from above the stairs.
“Ah morning Kagami.” Adrien quickly stepped up the stairs and took her hands and placed a gentle kiss on the edge of her knuckles, Looking up at her small sincere smile.
“How are you?”
“I’m fine. You seem well.”
“I am, the weather is nice isn’t it.”
Marinette looked onward at the couple, Smiling with a touch of bitterness in her eyes.
After she looked to her best friend to drown out the couple at least… to try to.
Nino gave a wave to his friend pointing at Alya with a wink and he received a small wave back as he walked with kagami into the building.
Both of her friends knew that she was still hurting slightly, It never quite sits well.
“Mari, are you-” Nino put a hand on his Gals best friend shoulder.
“They’re cute right?” she practically announced coughing and choking a bit her throat closing up lightly. She stopped to Breathe in a few times. “Yeah they’re such a nice couple.” Marinette continued holding a strong smile. “I’m really glad they’re happy!” Mari looked to both Alya and Nino at the back and forth between the both of them, As if trying to desperately convince them.
Alya had her hand to her mouth and gently looked at Nino. He was looking just as clueless on what to do then decided just to change topics.
“Yeah girl. You’re also So strong you know?” Alya not wanting to deepen into this side of her friend. “Girl I saw you helping your family out the other day. That bag of flour you were holding was like the size of a man. How do you do it? Also later today I want to try the flavor of the day macaron your parents are making. Cherry blossom surprise Macarons sound amazing. “
“Yeah they do sound great.” Nino gave a slight chuckle and elbowed Marinette's arm again as they walked in between her.
“Really? I guess I secretly have my dad's arms!” Marinette jokes.
“No way!” her friends laughed knowing she was trying her hardest to cope.
“Hey guys speaking of cherry blossoms that kind of inspires me for an outfit concept. I’m going to go to class early this time and see if I can work on it before class starts!” she said trying to ignore any blond in her eye shot. Noticing perhaps four of them in the area, before rushing off to class.
“Good luck!” Alya called out as she looked to Nino.
“You… think she’s okay?” she pressed the back of her fist to her mouth… concerned.
“Has she… talked to you about them yet?” Nino asked looking over at the entrance to the gym area where Adrien and Kagami were talking. Chloe seething from the staircase. Only to have Sabrina show her phone for a moment and her reaction changed.
“No she’s been nothing but supportive of them, I mean I’m really proud of her but I’m worried she might be bottling it up? I really do hope it’s just her coping skills are really well!” Alya looking at her phone at the screen of herself, Marinette together while Nino is photobombing.
Time passed as people flooded into the classroom around Marinette often giving her a “hello” and an “how are you!” As she focused herself on her work.
She was getting a fairy like vibe from this cherry outfit she was drawing. Alya came in and hovered over her as she continued her conversation with Nino, Adrien joining in eventually.
Stopping her pencil movement for a moment.
Thinking to herself. Not hearing the room get quiet.
“Everything is normal… Everyone is happy.” she said smiling eyes softly closed as she tuned the world out for a moment. ‘At least he’s happy.’ Although focusing up a bit more, it was too quiet for a moment.
Opening her eyes to see a pair of green eyes chuckling and Nino grinning.
“?” confused she looked around. The teacher standing at the front waving at her.
Alya giving her a quick pat on the shoulder.
Her classmates giving her smiles. Except Chloe and Lila.
“Glad to hear your thoughts Marinette but We need to focus on our work today too. Let’s all do that and stay happy.” Ms bustier said to the whole class.
“Sorry!” She nervously smiled not realizing class began.
Her work and her art side by side as she could almost focus more while sketching hearing the teacher.
Class times passed and lunch began and everyone did their things as friends sat together and chit chat was shared along with each others laughter and small meaningless spats. Luka who was sitting next to her playing by having a game of poke wars as she drew. Just poke and return the poke. He stood and ruffled her hair a bit.
“Hey!” Marinette exclaimed looking up at him pouting.
“I’m going to check on my sister really quickly. I’ll be back. “ he jetted a thumb out in direction of her.
“Okay.” she smiled her eyes lowering back over the table. Alya gushing about Ladybug to Kagami who was sitting next to Adrien. As Nino tells warns her that she could literally talk all day about her.
“Hey!”
“What it’s true!”
“Ladybug is amazing though she totally saves our skin almost every day. “
“She is galent.”
“Yesss you see she understands Nino!”
“Kagami don’t get her started.”
“Hahaha!”
She listened as her friends talked and Adriens laugh~... and couldn’t help but giggle herself.
Returning her eyes to her drawing. Distracted she draws a Small tiny Tikki in the corner… can’t help but think she’d look amazing in this outfit if she made it for her.
‘She’d look like a cute cherry instead of a strawberry, She loved the thought.
Actually thinking about how she’s helping her so much now…Even the rest of the kwamiis assisting her too… she needs to learn so much.
Although things are different now that Adriens dating Kagami, and not quite sure of her feelings for Luka, and the weight of becoming the guardian being heavy and no longer having master Fu really has put a toll on her, but she’s trying her best for the sake of Paris.
To cope and not to show it. To become the best her!
‘After all I have to be strong.’
---
School ended. Nothing major happened, it really was a lovely day.
Although there was some gloomy clouds on the horizon she really wanted to go out and pick out some fabric to put action to her drawing and make Tikki a cute outfit.
After picking some soft silky fabrics she went to use her phone’s calculator as she wasn’t holding out on this fabric she needed just a foot of each. As Tikki is just the size of her hand.
After calculating it and noticing the news app had a notification.
“...” Marinette remembered what happened between her parents and stopped to buy the fabric and placing it in her bag. She was Really feeling the weight of a superhero on her shoulders in this moment.
Picking up her phone. Seeing the latest news article.
Animals spotted on Avenue Jean Jaurès mysteriously appearing and escaping. Could this be the work of a akuma? Police investigate!
That’s really strange. That was where Adriens scenic walk through Paris was shot a few weeks ago… Could something have happened there?
“Tikki this doesn’t sound right!” she murmured to her open purse. Pointing her phone down to the pocket. So she could watch for strangers, because she didn’t want to have the whole “talking to a doll” Happen again.
Listening carefully. “Marinette you’re right it sounds like Hawkmoth!” honing in on her soft voice among the sounds of the road.
“Alright…” She went off running for the nearest dark place to transform away from cameras or people.
“Tikki! Transform me!” She called out as her Friend shot up into her ear rings shedding the clumsy nature of herself for the strong Ladybug.
First thing she had done was attempt to alert Chat but no answer he wasn’t aware of it yet but if her suspicions are correct and there was a akuma he would arrive soon. She trusted him.
Flinging her yoyo upwards and beginning the trek across Paris.
---
Hawkmoth standing in wait. As the first use of the fixed Peacock miraculous as he pinned it onto Natalie.
“This time, together we can’t lose.” Receiving a small smile from his secretary.
A purple mask appearing on his face. “Volpina. Let’s make this even more real.” He explained his plan to her as it began.
“Duusu. Transform me!” Feet stamped the floor as her glasses were sacrificed for a fan.. Blowing Feathers in the cold wind. Natalie gone, Mayura in her stead.
Plucking a feather from her fan. “My dear amok. Let’s turn these girls visions into something more physical, Now go.” She Blew as the feather took flight upon the winds.
---
“The scene is set Hawkmoth.. Mayura. Everything is in place… Just wait! If my name isn’t Réalisatrice!” She grinned deviously upon a roof above the action. Hidden from sight with her new found powers.
The feather landed upon Lilas flute connecting her to Mayura. The flute became alive as the end whistled a soft tune on it’s own connected to Lila's feelings of what she desires to have the illusions she creates into a real humanesque puppet illusion.
Humming into the flute she created replicas of people and Cars and the amok controlled them through her emotions, acting upon her will through a soft song.
She had set loose a fake monster like akuma illusion out that scared every real person off the road before Ladybug appeared. After she placed that hint to the news and her practice last night, She was ready. She was going to break ladybug!
Pressing the flute’s singing mouth to the monster she no longer needed it. The flutes mouth had sung a physical melody around it and unraveled as if it sucked the thing back a whirlpool.
---------------
Ladybug leaping off the road onto the streets Looking around as everything seemed…
Normal?
She looked around and Saw Adrien's Car pull up to the road as camera crew were set up along the road.
Her heart jumped a little also trying to ignore it looking for a sign something was wrong, She couldn’t help but watch though.
Watching him exit the car only stopping for a moment As he waved to his giant driver and began walking down to the set as they beckoned him to get on scene. A small smile appeared on the heroines face at the sight of how kind he was as his ride drove away down the road, Admiring him lightly from a distance.
Not listening to the tires screeching down the road loudly speeding as the road was emptied as best as the camera crew could for the shoot probably.
It all happened too quickly, It was too late when she noticed.
The car swerving out of control as it barreled onto the sidewalk.
Terror filling every inch of her body as she futilely. Leaped forward as the Car rammed… into..
“ADRIEN!” A cry of terror left her lips as his body laid under the Car after being stopped by the tree. As the camera crew ran to the scene In shock and people on their phones as the scene played out before her.
Her heart sinking into sorrow as she didn’t even feel herself move, Only fear for the one she loved.
Red, unlike her suit. She hated this color…A color she never liked to see under her fingers with her needles… surrounded by it this color… Blood red.
Her throat caught as she moved the man who was trying to get him from under the car. Passing the men who had the driver against the car not stopping the people as they gave him hell. Hearing nothing but her breath and heartbeat. As she ripped her yoyo out of her hand and around the car and slammed it to the side of the building… windows broken and structure damage was not a concern right now.
Politeness was something she couldn’t muster uncaring for the men who fell to the street after the car was ripped from their backs.
She looked at his bruised, damaged, torn body. She choked on nothing but her emotion, Her eyes spilling tears as it was a river. She fell to her knees. Pulling him onto her lap sitting him up to her.
“A-A-Adrien… please… don’t go... we’re… going to fix everything…” almost breathless.. As it left her mouth.
She hugged him gently. “I’ll fix everything… I.. swear.” Her vision was foggy as tears fell onto his hair…
Jolting when the man who was behind her slumped down and placed his hand around Adriens' wrist.
She watched him… Almost wanting him not to touch him at all. As his eyes widened and closed tight and shoot his head.
“NO. NO!” She didn’t believe it. She put her hand on his neck… and he was getting colder.
“NO. NO. NO!” She cried into his hair.
There was no pulse.
“Adrien you can’t! Adrien! I love you!” The man who check his pulse first put a hand on her shoulder.
“NO DON’T TOUCH ME! DON’T TOUCH HIM!” she screamed at him as her shoulder was gently pulled back as another sullen person joined him as they tried to pry her away as another came to move Adrien. Her adrien. Her friend. The one she loved. Onto the road.
“LET ME GO. I CAN FIX THIS I CAN FIX EVERYTHING!” she screamed crying and forcing herself out of their grasp as she stood on her legs… which might have just been stone.
Looking upon him on the road.
She held her yoyo to the air in what she only knew in futility.
“LUCKY CHARM” she screeched as the magic made a tool.
Disappointment pooled in her stomach… burning like acid.
As what fell into her hands was a telescope.
What flashed in her rippling sight… was it a rooftop and the sky.
“N-No…” she dropped her knees to the floor. She wasn’t going to look for him in the sky… her heart couldn’t handle it. She Slammed the Telescope onto the floor and it broke into several pieces… Glass, mirror, metal.. Her hand resting upon the red and black broken tool.
Looking to the sky as it seemed everything was fading away… sound couldn’t be heard.
Not even the fluttering of a butterfly that fell on the telescope.
There was silence.
Everything was still…
There were no sounds…
“I… loved.. You.” unloosing each of her hair ties running her hands through her hair in pain.
-------------
Gabriel and Natalie watched as Lila made the scene when the road was empty of people and cars.
She made people they were all too familiar with, so familiar that it was too convincing. People from the photo shoot set were made on the ground floor and their car from a distance with a fake version of his son inside and his bodyguard Simon he had hired to protect him.
Unease began to fill their stomachs as they watched her create an everyday scene… as if it were something they helped make themselves outside of costume.
“This girl…” Natalie spoke unknowing what her plan was.
Gabriel under his mask pulled up their communications.
“What are you doing? I’m not giving you power for a fashion show.” He uttered frustrated with the girl.
“Relax I’m hitting ladybug right where it will hurt her the most! Besides~ it’s not real! She has this crush on the model Adrien Agreste after all.” Nonchalantly looking upon the orb with a floating butterfly in it dangling off her wrist. “When we watched the news together I took inspiration from the news story.” Gabriel was confused on where this was going what her plan actually was.
“Besides if it works and she gets akumatized, Her everything as hero is yours, Right? And my goal is accomplished. One step closer to our goal!” Looking at her nails. As her minions carry any cars that were left on the road due to her shenanigans up to the sidewalk to look as normal as possible. Natalie had cold chill.
“Sir… I have a bad feeling.” Mayura glanced to Hawkmoth, Hiding her mouth in a tight frown by her hand fan.
“There she is I see her! Ready. Set. Action.” Lila spoke the last words she would say before they only tuned her out.
Hawkmoth and Mayura watched from her eyes from above, unenthused as she mocked ladybug looking at Adrien like a love sick bug.
Gabriel and Natalie felt uncomfortable with that revelation and Ladybugs actions only backing them up, with that love struck smile shimmering in her eyes. They both knew Gabriel son was attractive, along with the fact he as his father was watching right now.
As the car with the fake Simon faded to feathers in the distance being sucked into the whirlwind flute. Blowing wildly in the wind on another road that was messy. That Lila decided wasn’t worth straightening, As it was out of sight and out of Ladybugs mind.
Her eyes moved to follow the speeding car.
Their hearts dropped.
“She wouldn’t!” Natalie jerked.
“Adrien!” Gabriel seeing blond.
Natalie feeling terror throughout her as she felt her power that was in réalisatrice change the blond boy to something… of a person destined for the hospital.
Gabriel trembled knowing it was fake… but feeling it was all too real..
Radio silence… as Mayura grabbed Hawkmoth for comfort holding onto him.
“Manipulating her emotions or not…This girl… even if under his akuma and amok.”
Not noticing as she opened up the akuma entrusted to her.
“Is a monster.”
And then Gabriel felt thoughts that shivers down his spine.
“I... loved… you.”
The plan was complete… but at… what cost? He knew these emotions…they were the same as his own… Every moment of his life… without her.